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. Microsoft Ventures leads cohort of strategic investors including Airbus Ventures, Qualcomm Ventures, Rakuten, Sony, and Yuneec SANTA MONICA, California, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AirMap, the world's leading airspace management platform for drones, today announced a $26 million Series B funding round led by Microsoft Ventures, with additional participation from Airbus Ventures, Qualcomm Ventures (the investment arm of Qualcomm Incorporated), Rakuten, Sony, Yuneec, and existing investors General Catalyst and Lux Capital. The new investment brings AirMap's total funding to more than $43 million. The Series B funding round will bring AirMap's airspace management platform and Unmanned aircraft Traffic Management (UTM) solutions to new markets worldwide, as AirMap opens offices in Berlin, Germany and at the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California. "The strategic partners participating in our Series B financing reflect the diversity of the drone ecosystem and the potential of drones to benefit every sector of our economy," said AirMap CEO Ben Marcus, who also serves as the industry co-chair for the FAA/industry Unmanned Aircraft Safety Team. "Very soon, millions of drones will fly billions of flights. This is a future that depends on safe, autonomous drone operations at scale. AirMap's technology will make this future possible, allowing the drones of today, and the autonomous drones of tomorrow, to take flight." New Series B investors joining AirMap's network of partners include: Microsoft Ventures The investment in AirMap aligns with the company's ambition to power a safe drone ecosystem. The investment in AirMap aligns with the company's ambition to power a safe drone ecosystem. Airbus Ventures Airbus has long-term experience with air traffic management and is actively participating in the emerging drone ecosystem. Airbus Ventures and AirMap will collaborate to facilitate the safe integration of autonomous vehicles into the airspace, from delivery drones to flying taxis. Airbus has long-term experience with air traffic management and is actively participating in the emerging drone ecosystem. Airbus Ventures and AirMap will collaborate to facilitate the safe integration of autonomous vehicles into the airspace, from delivery drones to flying taxis. Qualcomm Ventures The drone of the future will have airspace services like AirMap's directly embedded into onboard computing systems, such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon Flight drone platform, a highly optimized platform targeted specifically for consumer drones and robotics applications. The advanced computing power will deliver robust data and services to support autonomous navigation, beyond visual line of sight. The drone of the future will have airspace services like AirMap's directly embedded into onboard computing systems, such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon Flight drone platform, a highly optimized platform targeted specifically for consumer drones and robotics applications. The advanced computing power will deliver robust data and services to support autonomous navigation, beyond visual line of sight. Rakuten Rakuten is the operator of Japan's leading online shopping mall and one of the world's leading internet services companies. Rakuten launched the Sora Raku Rakuten Drone service in April 2016 and has worked with local partners to carry out a number of groundbreaking drone delivery flights in Japan . Rakuten is the operator of leading online shopping mall and one of the world's leading internet services companies. Rakuten launched the Rakuten Drone service in and has worked with local partners to carry out a number of groundbreaking drone delivery flights in . Sony - Sony is a pioneer in the commercial drone business in Japan through its Sony group affiliate, Aerosense Inc. Sony seeks to expand its drone business globally by leveraging broad technology assets within the Sony group, as well as strong partnerships with innovative startups such as AirMap. Sony is making its investment in AirMap through its Sony Innovation Fund. Sony is a pioneer in the commercial drone business in through its Sony group affiliate, Aerosense Inc. Sony seeks to expand its drone business globally by leveraging broad technology assets within the Sony group, as well as strong partnerships with innovative startups such as AirMap. Sony is making its investment in AirMap through its Sony Innovation Fund. Yuneec - Yuneec is a leader in electric aviation with drones focused on hobby, consumer and commercial customers. Yuneec and AirMap are looking forward to working together to ensure a future in which drones are even safer and easier to fly. The AirMap platform powers the vast majority of the world's drones, providing the industry's most comprehensive, reliable, and real-time airspace information and services. Millions of drones and hundreds of drone manufacturers and developers rely on the platform to access and share the data they need to fly safely in low-altitude airspace. AirMap's data and services are embedded into drones, ground control stations, and flight apps by top drone makers, such as DJI, Intel, senseFly, 3DR, and Aeryon Labs expanding the reach of AirMap's technology and solutions throughout the entire drone ecosystem. AirMap has also emerged as a leader in worldwide efforts to build technologies for UTM, the regulatory and technological framework that will facilitate data exchange and air traffic control for drones, and eventually, flying cars. More than 125 airports use AirMap's airspace management dashboard to open surrounding airspace to drones, view past and current drone flights, accept digital flight notices, and communicate with drone operators. The AirMap platform also provides solutions for geofencing, remote identification of drones, and sophisticated in-flight deconfliction. "AirMap is a leader in low-altitude airspace management, and will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the drone industry," said Nagraj Kashyap, corporate vice president, Microsoft Ventures. "We're excited to support their growth and, by extension, the growth of commercial and recreational applications for both piloted and autonomous drones. We believe that by investing in companies like AirMap, Microsoft's resources, platforms and AI technologies can help fuel the future of the drone ecosystem." "At Airbus Ventures, we aim to accelerate and facilitate urban air mobility by making investments in related key technologies," said Thomas d'Halluin, CEO of Airbus Ventures. "Our goal is to help unlock the underlying technologies that will bring about rapid, widespread adoption and transform the whole system of urban travel. We are proud to collaborate with AirMap in helping build the essential safety infrastructure to introduce and secure traffic patterns for autonomous vehicles into the airspace." "Qualcomm is excited about the opportunity for UAVs to solve real problems and create value for consumers and enterprises," said Quinn Li, vice president and global head of Qualcomm Ventures. "We have funded a number of companies across the UAV technology stack and see the AirMap platform as a key enabler for widespread UAV adoption and deployment." "As drone-based commercial services become more common, there is a growing need for airspace management technologies to ensure the safe and smooth operation of these services in low-altitude airspace," commented Takashi Toraishi, president of the New Services Development Company of Rakuten, Inc. and responsible for the Sora Raku Rakuten Drone service. "AirMap's platform, UTM solutions and regulatory expertise have made it a leader in the airspace management industry, and we believe the company will make a significant contribution to the development of commercial drone ecosystems around the world." AirMap experienced significant growth in 2016, expanding its workforce to 50 employees, including the appointment of veteran tech executive Daniel Rubio as Chief Technology Officer and former NATS CEO Richard Deakin as Chairman of EMEA. Last year, AirMap launched the AirMap developer platform, which opens the company's library of APIs and SDKs to industry manufacturers and app developers, and the Digital Notice and Awareness System, an airspace management dashboard used by more than 125 airports. AirMap also significantly expanded its data for situational awareness, flight planning, and geofencing, adding real-time manned traffic alerts, live wildfire information, microscale weather, and more. Since the company was founded in 2015, AirMap has raised more than $43 million in investment capital. In April 2016, AirMap announced a $15 million Series A financing led by General Catalyst Partners. In July 2015, AirMap raised $2.6 million in seed funding, led by Lux Capital. About AirMap AirMap is the world's leading airspace management platform for drones, supporting more than 100,000 drone flights per day. Millions of drones, hundreds of drone manufacturers and developers, and hundreds of airspace managers and stakeholders rely on AirMap's airspace intelligence and services to fly safely and communicate with others in low-altitude airspace. With solutions for Unmanned Traffic Management, geofencing, remote identification, deconfliction, and more, AirMap is helping to create the next frontier of flight. Learn more about AirMap at www.airmap.com. Qualcomm, Snapdragon and Snapdragon Flight are trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. Qualcomm Snapdragon Flight is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. Contact: Brianna LaFleur Mighty for AirMap airmap@mightypr.com 1-916-672-7738 Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/288580/airmap_logo.jpg Related Links http://www.airmap.com SOURCE AirMap LONDON, February 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Hon. Gaston Browne announced that the Cabinet has approved a new policy on diplomatic representation and accreditation based in part on the Global Investor Immigration Council's (GIIC) regulatory recommendations. The GIIC made the regulatory recommendations to increase the transparency and accountability of diplomatic appointments' work with the country's Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP). The recommendations are part of the GIIC's collaboration with Professor Craig Barker, Dean of the School of International Law and Social Sciences, London South Bank University, and included proposals for more thorough due diligence, stricter appointment procedures and tighter controls. "In order to manage the risks associated with these appointments, the appointment shall be for a maximum of two years, subject to renewal upon satisfactory performance," shared the Hon. Gaston Browne. Further he shared, "To ensure appropriate representation by non-national ambassadors-at-large, special envoys and honorary consuls, thorough background and other due diligence checks shall be conducted on persons under consideration and prior to their appointment." Mykolas Rambus, Chairman of the GIIC shared, "For countries with citizenship by investment programs, diplomatic figures are of even greater importance. Conscious of preserving the integrity and standing of diplomatic and other passports of Antigua and Barbuda, the government has implemented even more rigorous appointment procedures including expanded due diligence and monitoring practices. Antigua and Barbuda have clearly taken steps to advance the reputation of the country and improve the performance of its citizenship by investment program." About the GIIC The Global Investor Immigration Council (GIIC) is the investor immigration industry's self-regulatory body, protecting integrity, ensuring transparency, and advancing advocacy for all constituents. The GIIC develops and maintains best industry practices, serves as a non-partisan, not-for-profit forum for all stakeholders to ensure dialogue, stability, and success. To learn more, please visit http://www.giic.uk. Contact: Mr. Mykolas Rambus, Chairman, Global Investor Immigration Council, mykolas.rambus@giic.uk, +44(0)20-3059-7956 SOURCE Global Investor Immigration Council (GIIC) FRANKFURT, Germany, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- BearingPoint and SAP combine leading technologies Abacus360 and SAP HANA on one integrated platform for Finance, Risk, and Reporting Management and technology consultancy BearingPoint, a leading provider of Risk and Regulatory Technology (RiskTech/RegTech), will offer its new software generation Abacus360 on SAP HANA and plans a seamless integration into the SAP Financial Data Base powered by SAP HANA. The aim is to map finance, risk and reporting information in an efficient and high-performing way. The new integrated platform is for 360 reporting, risk calculation, and controlling regulatory Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The platform is based on an innovative calculation engine that uses technologies like in-memory processing and grid architectures. Abacus360 facilitates a combination of regulatory data management with the Finance and Risk Data Platform of SAP, which is based on SAP HANA architecture. Stefan Schutt, Partner at BearingPoint, explains: "Extending the FRDP (Finance and Risk Data Platform) data model to data required for regulatory reporting transforms FRDP into a comprehensive overarching data warehouse for banks. By seamlessly integrating our RegTech solution on the SAP platform, SAP's FRDP becomes a leading, fully scalable Finance and Risk platform for regulatory reporting. Banks need new technological solutions capable of processing and analyzing big data in Finance, Risk, and Reporting on the fly." Dr. Nico Kohler, Global Head of Finance & Risk at SAP, comments: "The combination of SAP data management expertise through HANA technology and the regulatory processes based on BearingPoint's Abacus360 brings huge advantages for banks: less redundant data, rapid analysis of big data and easier implementation of future regulatory requirements, just to name a few. The SAP platform enables banks to use SAP modules and best-of-breed partner solutions such as Abacus360 on one integrated data platform." Key benefits of the combined Finance and Risk platform are a uniform, non-redundant data storage, fully scalable in-memory processing, and continuous maintenance. As the solution integrates reporting, risk and finance applications based on a uniform data model, it meets BCBS 239 principles for risk data aggregation and reporting. Furthermore, the solution meets the data lineage requirements through a Complete Audit Trail (CAT). The partnership between BearingPoint and SAP has been ongoing for many years. ABACUS/IIR has been integrated with SAP Bank Analyzer since 2011. With SAP Bank Analyzer 9.0, the product already runs on SAP HANA. The new generation of Abacus360 is a technological advancement of the Abacus platform, proven over more than 20 years, and offers standard reporting modules for many jurisdictions, modules for risk and valuation, simulations, and risk quantification. Moreover, Abacus360 provides comprehensive functional components for instance for regulatory analytics, which facilitate simulations, detailed ex-post analyses, and flexible evaluations across reporting due dates. A major innovation of Abacus360 is "reporting at the push of a button." With the new generation, regulatory processes become more transparent and efficient. About BearingPoint RegTech With its RegTech product line, BearingPoint is a leading international provider of innovative regulatory and risk technology solutions (RegTech and RiskTech) and services along the Regulatory Value Chain for Financial Services. Customers representing 5,000 firms worldwide, among them large international banks, a major part of the largest European banks, leading insurance companies as well as supervisory authorities and central banks, trust BearingPoint's RegTech products and services. We work closely with regulators and as a member of standardization bodies such as XBRL consortium, we actively contribute to the process of standard setting. We combine our regulatory expertise with our proven, reliable and future-oriented RegTech Solution Suite and expert consulting capabilities as well as training seminars and managed services. For more information about our products, please visit: http://www.bessgmbh.com/en/ About BearingPoint BearingPoint consultants understand that the world of business changes constantly and that the resulting complexities demand intelligent and adaptive solutions. Our clients, whether in commercial or financial industries or in government, experience real results when they work with us. We combine industry, operational and technology skills with relevant proprietary and other assets in order to tailor solutions for each client's individual challenges. This adaptive approach is at the heart of our culture and has led to long-standing relationships with many of the world's leading companies and organizations. Our global consulting network of more than 10,000 people serves clients in over 75 countries and engages with them for measurable results and long-lasting success. For more information, please visit: Homepage: http://www.bearingpoint.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bearingpoint Twitter: @BearingPoint Press contact Alexander Bock Manager Communications Tel.: +49-89-540338029 Email: alexander.bock@bearingpoint.com SOURCE BearingPoint GmBH The BLU LIFE MAX is now available exclusively at Amazon.co.uk, unlocked, with European 4G network support for 109.99 including a case, screen protector, and premium stereo headphones, free inside the box. However there is an incredible promotional offer for those wishing to purchase the BLU LIFE MAX on the day of its release paying only 89.99 saving a massive 20. This makes the BLU LIFE MAX one of the cheapest phones in the UK equipped with a fingerprint sensor. The pre-order promotion ends on Amazon.co.uk at midnight, March 6. Customers who wish to purchase the BLU LIFE MAX can visit the following link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MYX5HP9 Powered by a 64-Bit MediaTek MT6737 processor that is designed to provide blazing fast 4G-LTE speeds, high performance, and battery efficiency, coupled with a visually stunning 5.5-inch Curved Glass Display with a 267ppi, resulting in an extremely vivid and bright viewing experience. Power users rejoice, the BLU LIFE MAX has a monster 3700mAh battery, which makes sure you never run out of battery in a single workday. On the back, you will find an ultra-fast fingerprint sensor, which allows for seamless unlocking of the phone, improved security for files, and other fingerprint security features available. For photographers, Dual Cameras include an advanced 8 mega pixel autofocus main camera plus 5 megapixel front facing camera including face beautification software for any touch ups needed and built in front facing LED flash to light up any night time or low light selfies. The memory configuration includes 16GB built in storage plus 2GB RAM, with an expandable Micro SD Slot to 64GB in order ensure a seamless user experience. The BLU LIFE MAX is also Dual SIM capable, shipping with Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Learn more about the BLU LIFE MAX here: http://bluproducts.com/devices/life-max/ Full Specification Network: (GSM/GPRS/EDGE) 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, (4G HSPA+ 42Mbps) 900/1900/2100MHz, (4G LTE Cat 4 Up to 150 Mbps) FDD 1/3/7/20 Display: 5.5-inch 720 x 1280, 267 ppi Processor: 64-Bit MediaTek MT6737, 1.3 GHz Quad-Core with Mali -T720 graphics GPU -T720 graphics GPU OS: Android 6.0 Marshmallow Camera: Rear 8.0 megapixel with LED Flash, (1.12mm pixel size, 1/4 inch sensor, 2.8mm aperture) HD 1080p@30fps video recording Front 5.0 megapixel, LED Flash Connectivity: Wi-Fi b/g/n, GPS, Bluetooth v4.0, Hotspot, NextRadio Memory: 2GB RAM, 16GB Internal Memory, Micro SD Slot up to 64GB Dimensions: 154.5 x 77.1 x 8.7 mm Battery: Li-Polymer 3700 mAh Available Colours: Midnight Blue Learn More: www.bluproducts.com BLU Products Contact: Carmen Gonzalez, Sr. Marketing Manager cgonzalez@bluproducts.com +1 305 715 7171 David Chow, Low Carbon jargon dc@lowcarbonjargon.com +44 7973 888 888 Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/469866/BLU_Products___BLU_LIFE_MAX_2.jpg Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/469867/BLU_Products___BLU_LIFE_MAX_3.jpg Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/469868/BLU_Products___BLU_LIFE_MAX_5.jpg Related Links http://www.bluproducts.com SOURCE BLU Products BATH, England, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- China's leading telecom IT supplier puts 'Aria Inside' with AI-powered optimization inside SDN Controller In an industry first, China's leading telecom supplier of IT services has announced plans to incorporate artificial intelligence from pioneering AI specialist Aria Networks into its new SDN controller. Scheduled for release in 2Q 2017, BOCO's new SDN Controller is based on ONOS (Open Network Operating System) and uses YANG and RESTConf. However it will also now incorporate Aria Networks' AI-based predictive analytics and optimization software to create a more intelligent controller. The BOCO SDN controller will use Aria's machine learning engine to predict traffic patterns and autonomously optimize the selection of underlying resources. This will ensure not only that operations are more automated, but also continuously aligned with business goals - such as minimizing power consumption, license costs or profit margin. Steve Newton, CEO Aria Networks commented: "This is the first time that artificial intelligence has been embedded within a commercially available SDN controller." In a software-defined network, an SDN controller converts instructions from applications above into the virtualized switches and routers below. It also provides a means to gather information from those elements and present them back to higher-level applications or control layers. Real-world implementations of SDN are likely to feature multiple controllers, making the job of optimizing virtualized networks much more difficult. While SDN controllers rely on industry-standard protocols (such as OpenFlow, Yang or NetConf) to communicate, vendors can differentiate by making their controller more intelligent in how it supports overall business goals. Jay Perrett, Aria's CTO, explained: "The potential of virtualization and software-defined networks can only be realized by a step change in automation. SDN decouples control from data. NFV decouples function from hardware. AI is what enables processes to be decoupled from human intervention, enabling operation at scale." Mr Xuwen Tian, CEO of BOCO Inter-Telecom, said: "This represents a major milestone in BOCO Inter-Telecom's relationship with Aria Networks, coming just a few months since we announced our partnership. We believe this is a significant innovation that will accelerate the path towards autonomous, virtualized networks and the economic benefits they offer." Aria Networks will be on-site at Mobile World Congress at the UK Pavilion, Hall 7. NOTES FOR EDITORS: About Aria Networks Aria Networks is a pioneer in the application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to the optimization of large, complex communications networks. With the communications market growing and changing faster than ever, service providers need new, more intelligent and automatic ways to predict demand, design services, and adapt and optimize their networks to take best advantage of both existing and new technologies such as SDN and NFV. Aria's customers today include BT, Level3, and several of the world's best-known social networking and content companies. Based in the UK, the company is owned by private investors including Seraphim Capital. About BOCO Boco Co., Ltd. is the State Ministry of Science and the first batch of national key high-tech enterprises and the national innovative enterprises, mainly in telecommunications and broadcasting network management systems, enterprise IT operation support systems, information security, telecommunications and Internet value-added services, Intelligent transportation, highway electromechanical engineering and urban intelligent transportation, intelligent city and other aspects of industry application software development, solutions and technical services. In 2000 the company listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. SOURCE Aria Networks DUBLIN, Feb 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Brain Cancer Drugs Price Analysis and Strategies - 2016" report to their offering. The latest research Brain Cancer Drugs Price Analysis and Strategies - 2016, provides drug pricing data and benchmarks in the global Brain Cancer market. The research answers the following questions: What are the key drugs marketed for Brain Cancer and their clinical attributes? How are they positioned in the Global Brain Cancer market? and their clinical attributes? How are they positioned in the Global Brain Cancer market? What are the unit prices and annual treatment cost for Brain Cancer therapies in different countries? What are the drug pricing trends and how are they expected to change in the future? How are the drug pricing and reimbursement landscape different by countries? therapies in different countries? What are the drug pricing trends and how are they expected to change in the future? How are the drug pricing and reimbursement landscape different by countries? What are the unmet needs in the global Brain Cancer drugs market? What would be the ideal pricing strategy for a new pipeline therapy for Brain Cancer ? Research Scope: Brain Cancer Treatment Options - Identify key drugs marketed and prescribed for Brain Cancer in the US, Germany , France , Italy , Spain , UK, Japan including trade name, molecule name, and company in the US, , , , , UK, including trade name, molecule name, and company Brain Cancer Drugs Attributes - Find out the safety, efficacy, and risk benefit for key drugs marketed for Brain Cancer Market Positioning - Identify how drugs are clinically and commercially positioned in the global Brain Cancer market market Brain Cancer Drugs Price Analysis - Find out the annual therapy cost and unit price for key drugs marketed for Brain Cancer in the US, Germany , France , Italy , Spain , UK, Japan . Find out how the price advanced from 2012 and forecast to 2021 in the US, , , , , UK, . Find out how the price advanced from 2012 and forecast to 2021 Pricing & Reimbursement Landscape - Find out the pricing and reimbursement landscape in the US, Germany , France , Italy , Spain , UK, Japan , , , , UK, Brain Cancer New Drug Pricing - Identify the effective pricing strategy for a new drug launch in the US, Germany , France , Italy , Spain , UK, Japan This research will help executives Identify clinical attributes of your competitor drugs Find out how the marketed products for Brain Cancer are clinically and commercially positioned are clinically and commercially positioned Understand the price of your competitor drugs by countries Use Brain Cancer drugs price data for market sizing, drug sales forecast, budgeting, competitive intelligence, HEOR, and reimbursement drugs price data for market sizing, drug sales forecast, budgeting, competitive intelligence, HEOR, and reimbursement Find out the pricing and reimbursement landscape by countries Identify the unmet need in global Brain Cancer market market Identify the effective pricing for a new drug Key Topics Covered: 1. Brain Cancer Treatment Options 2. Brain Cancer Drugs Clinical Attributes 3. Brain Cancer Drugs Market Positioning 4. Brain Cancer Drugs Price Analysis 4.1. Brain Cancer Drugs Price Analysis - US 4.2. Brain Cancer Drugs Price Analysis - Germany 4.3. Brain Cancer Drugs Price Analysis - France 4.4. Brain Cancer Drugs Price Analysis - Italy 4.5. Brain Cancer Drugs Price Analysis - Spain 4.6. Brain Cancer Drugs Price Analysis - UK 4.7. Brain Cancer Drugs Price Analysis - Japan 5. Brain Cancer Drugs Price Benchmarks 6. Drug Pricing & Reimbursement Landscape 6.1. Drug Pricing & Reimbursement Landscape - US 6.2. Drug Pricing & Reimbursement Landscape - Germany 6.3. Drug Pricing & Reimbursement Landscape - France 6.4. Drug Pricing & Reimbursement Landscape - Italy 6.5. Drug Pricing & Reimbursement Landscape - Spain 6.6. Drug Pricing & Reimbursement Landscape - UK 6.7. Drug Pricing & Reimbursement Landscape - Japan 7. Brain Cancer Drugs Price Forecast 8. Brain Cancer Market Unmet Needs 9. Brain Cancer New Drug Pricing 10. Research Methodology Table 1: Brain Cancer Marketed Drugs, Global, 2016 Table 2: Brain Cancer Drugs Clinical Attribute Analysis, Global, 2016 Table 3: Brain Cancer Drugs Unit Price, Global, 2012 - 2016 Table 4: Brain Cancer Drugs Annual Treatment Cost, Global, 2012 - 2016 Table 5: Brain Cancer Drugs Unit Price, US, 2012 - 2016 Table 6: Brain Cancer Drugs Annual Treatment Cost, US, 2012 - 2016 Table 7: Brain Cancer Drugs Unit Price, Germany, 2012 - 2016 Table 8: Brain Cancer Drugs Annual Treatment Cost, Germany, 2012 - 2016 Table 9: Brain Cancer Drugs Unit Price, France, 2012 - 2016 Table 10: Brain Cancer Drugs Annual Treatment Cost, France, 2012 - 2016 Table 11: Brain Cancer Drugs Unit Price, Italy, 2012 - 2016 Table 12: Brain Cancer Drugs Annual Treatment Cost, Italy, 2012 - 2016 Table 13: Brain Cancer Drugs Unit Price, Spain, 2012 - 2016 Table 14: Brain Cancer Drugs Annual Treatment Cost, Spain, 2012 - 2016 Table 15: Brain Cancer Drugs Unit Price, UK, 2012 - 2016 Table 16: Brain Cancer Drugs Annual Treatment Cost, UK, 2012 - 2016 Table 17: Brain Cancer Drugs Unit Price, Japan, 2012 - 2016 Table 18: Brain Cancer Drugs Annual Treatment Cost, Japan, 2012 - 2016 Table 19: Brain Cancer Drugs Price Comparison Benchmarks, Global, 2016 Table 20. Drug Pricing Landscape by Countries, 2016 Table 21: Drug Reimbursement Landscape by Countries, 2016 Table 22: Brain Cancer Drugs Price Forecast, Global, 2016 - 2021 Table 23: Brain Cancer Drugs Price Forecast, US, 2016 - 2021 Table 24: Brain Cancer Drugs Price Forecast, Germany, 2016 - 2021 Table 25: Brain Cancer Drugs Price Forecast, France, 2016 - 2021 Table 26: Brain Cancer Drugs Price Forecast, Italy, 2016 - 2021 Table 27: Brain Cancer Drugs Price Forecast, Spain, 2016 - 2021 Table 28: Brain Cancer Drugs Price Forecast, UK, 2016 - 2021 Table 29: Brain Cancer Drugs Price Forecast, Japan, 2016 - 2021 Table 30: Brain Cancer Market Unmet Needs Table 31: Brain Cancer New Drugs Pricing, Global, 2016 - 2021 Figure 1: Brain Cancer Drugs Market Positioning, Global, 2016 Figure 2: Brain Cancer Drugs Unit Price, Global, 2012 - 2016 Figure 3: Brain Cancer Drugs Annual Treatment Cost, Global, 2012 - 2016 Figure 4: Brain Cancer Drugs Unit Price, US, 2012 - 2016 Figure 5: Brain Cancer Drugs Annual Treatment Cost, US, 2012 - 2016 Figure 6: Brain Cancer Drugs Unit Price, Germany, 2012 - 2016 Figure 7: Brain Cancer Drugs Annual Treatment Cost, Germany, 2012 - 2016 Figure 8: Brain Cancer Drugs Unit Price, France, 2012 - 2016 Figure 9: Brain Cancer Drugs Annual Treatment Cost, France, 2012 - 2016 Figure 10: Brain Cancer Drugs Unit Price, Italy, 2012 - 2016 Figure 11: Brain Cancer Drugs Annual Treatment Cost, Italy, 2012 - 2016 Figure 12: Brain Cancer Drugs Unit Price, Spain, 2012 - 2016 Figure 13: Brain Cancer Drugs Annual Treatment Cost, Spain, 2012 - 2016 Figure 14: Brain Cancer Drugs Unit Price, UK, 2012 - 2016 Figure 15: Brain Cancer Drugs Annual Treatment Cost, UK, 2012 - 2016 Figure 16: Brain Cancer Drugs Unit Price, Japan, 2012 - 2016 Figure 17: Brain Cancer Drugs Annual Treatment Cost, Japan, 2012 - 2016 Figure 18: Brain Cancer Drugs Price Comparison Benchmarks, Global, 2016 Figure 19: Brain Cancer Drugs Price Forecast, Global, 2016 - 2021 Figure 20: Brain Cancer Drugs Price Forecast, US, 2016 - 2021 Figure 21: Brain Cancer Drugs Price Forecast, Germany, 2016 - 2021 Figure 22: Brain Cancer Drugs Price Forecast, France, 2016 - 2021 Figure 23: Brain Cancer Drugs Price Forecast, Italy, 2016 - 2021 Figure 24: Brain Cancer Drugs Price Forecast, Spain, 2016 - 2021 Figure 25: Brain Cancer Drugs Price Forecast, UK, 2016 - 2021 Figure 26: Brain Cancer Drugs Price Forecast, Japan, 2016 - 2021 Figure 27: Brain Cancer New Drugs Pricing, Global, 2016 - 2021 For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/kkx8wk/brain_cancer About Research and Markets Research and Markets is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com SOURCE Research and Markets New name chosen to accurately describe breakthrough opportunity in cataract surgery with the first IOL that can be adjusted to the patient's optimal prescription vision post-operatively. Company also announces submission of Premarket Approval (PMA) application and addition of William Link, PhD to its Board of Directors. ALISO VIEJO, California, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Calhoun Vision, Inc., the global leader of adjustable intraocular lens technology, announced today that it has formally changed its name to RxSight. "The new corporate name," explained Eric Weinberg, Chief Commercial Officer, "expresses our mission to transform cataract surgery from the current predictive methods to a unique prescription process. This approach has been shown to deliver a degree of refractive precision that is approximately twice that of today's cataract surgery." Despite many improvements in modern-day cataract surgery technology, post-operative results rarely achieve the visual goals expressed by the patient. Residual refractive error, even after premium cataract surgery, is still common due to unpredictable wound healing as well as variations in post-operative lens position. RxSight's Light Adjustable Lens (RxLAL) addresses this by enabling physicians to make office-based refractive adjustments to the lens after the cataract is removed and the eye is stable. Importantly, the patient is also actively engaged in the process to realize their lifestyle vision expectations. RxSight also announced the filing of its initial PMA with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as the addition of veteran health care executive and entrepreneur William Link, PhD to its Board of Directors. About RxSight RxSight is the global leader in adjustable intraocular lens technology. Using a proprietary light treatment that produces precise modifications in lens curvature, RxSight's Light Adjustable Lens (RxLAL) enables doctors and patients to predictably optimize vision after cataract surgery through an office based IOL enhancement. Additional information about RxSight can be found at www.rxsight.com . Caution: In the United States, RxSight's Light Adjustable Lens is an investigational device and is limited by Federal (United States) law to investigational use. Related Links http://www.rxsight.com SOURCE RxSight NEW YORK, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrities tell UN to ban it for the bunnies Cruelty Free International has joined forces with celebrities including Joanna Lumley and Leona Lewis to call on the United Nations to adopt an international convention to end animal testing for cosmetics around the world. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150121/726834 ) (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/471158/Cruelty_Free_flash_mob.jpg ) (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/471159/Cruelty_Free_flash_mob_2.jpg ) (Video: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/471174/UN_Flash_Mob.mp4 ) The non-profit has today asked General Secretary of the UN Antonio Guterres to help establish one set of rules worldwide in the interests of animals, consumers and industry. A flash mob organised by Cruelty Free International took place outside the UN headquarters in New York this week to launch the global campaign. Joanna Lumley said, "If we work together we can end cruel cosmetics testing - every company, every person, for every animal. Let's ban it now and for always." Whilst the EU, Israel, India and New Zealand have set an example by banning cruel cosmetics tests, current rules are patchwork with different regulations in different places. Momentum is growing as countries increasingly support effective non-animal alternatives and move towards ending cosmetics animal testing, but the outdated practice still takes place in some countries. A global ban would end decades of animal suffering, create a level playing field for companies and prevent animal testing from moving between countries. Michelle Thew, Cruelty Free International CEO said, "It's time for clear global leadership. We're asking the UN to take decisive action and adopt an international convention that puts in place one set of harmonised rules which end outdated, cruel animal testing for cosmetics forever." Leona Lewis said, "The only way to make sure no animal suffers for cosmetics is a global ban that ends cruel testing everywhere. Let's unite for cruelty free cosmetics." For more information, please visit: http://www.crueltyfreeinternational.org/bunny Cruelty Free International is one of the world's longest standing and most respected animal protection organisations. It is widely regarded as an authority on animal testing issues and called upon by governments, media, corporations and official bodies for advice or expert opinion. It was the first major non-profit organisation to campaign against animal testing for cosmetics, dating back to the 1970s. Leading the 20-year campaign to ban cruel cosmetics in the EU, it has influenced bans in countries including New Zealand, India and South Korea. http://www.crueltyfreeinternational.org Cruelty Free International media office: media@crueltyfreeinternational.org Tel: +44(0)7923-294-382 SOURCE Cruelty Free International Global Pre-Bid Data Integration Enables Brands to Deliver Highest Ad Quality with Programmatic Buying NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- DoubleVerify (DV), the recognized leader in digital quality solutions, today announced an expanded relationship with AOL that integrates DV ad quality data into the ONE by AOL advertiser and publisher platforms. Brand advertisers will now have access to the complete suite of DV data solutions to authenticate the quality of their digital ads for brand safety, fraud, and viewability when making real-time bid decisions on the ONE by AOL platform. Advertisers can now use DV ad quality data to target the highest quality Authentic Impressions for their video and display media buys across ONE by AOL. The combination of DV proprietary targeting data together with AOL's access to quality digital inventory will further improve the performance and results of programmatic buying for brand advertisers and their agencies. "Integrating the DoubleVerify pre-bid segments is a natural step for AOL," said Tim Mahlman, President, Platforms at AOL. "We aim to be an agnostic platform that offers the best-in-breed technology partners for our clients to leverage as they build brands people love. DoubleVerify is a leader in the marketplace and we are thrilled to work with them further to drive trust and accountability." "We are proud to expand our relationship with AOL and to integrate our pre-bid ad quality data into ONE by AOL," said Wayne Gattinella, President and CEO at DoubleVerify. "DoubleVerify has the most robust pre-bid targeting solution in the marketplace and now this rich data is available to our many clients who leverage ONE by AOL as their programmatic platform." The integration of DV pre-bid targeting data with ONE by AOL is now available to all DV and AOL customers. For more information about DV and their complete suite of solutions, please visit: http://www.doubleverify.com. About DoubleVerify DoubleVerify (DV), is the marketing technology and services company that authenticates the quality and performance of marketing investments across digital and social platforms. For brands and publishers alike, the DV Authentic Impression delivers a precise and holistic view of value across media placements, consumer engagement and consumer profiles. Since 2008, DV has been focused on building a better industry and driving results for hundreds of Fortune 500 companies. Learn more at doubleverify.com. Related Links http://www.doubleverify.com SOURCE DoubleVerify DUBLIN, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- DPS, the Irish engineering and project management group, is expanding into the United Kingdom with the acquisition of Alban Technical Recruitment. Alban has offices in St. Albans and Macclesfield and provides contract engineering personnel for the pharmaceutical, medical device and microelectronics industries in the UK. The terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed. (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/471078/DPS_Alban.jpg ) Commenting on the UK acquisition, DPS CEO Frank Keogh said: "We have a substantial professional outsourcing business in Ireland, Mainland Europe and the United States and expanding into a large market like the UK is a logical step." He explained that the expansion of the professional outsourcing business in the UK will be followed by establishing an engineering and project management business in the UK, focusing on the pharmaceutical, life sciences and advanced technology sectors. "It has always been part of our long-term strategy to establish a presence in the UK." He elaborated by saying that DPS had been looking for the right opportunity to enter the market long before last year's Brexit vote and added: "We are delighted with the opportunity to have an established presence in the UK, before the conclusion of Brexit and the UK exit from the EU in 2019." "Alban is a very successful professional outsourcing company and some of its key people have been involved in engineering recruitment for more than 25 years. We look forward to working with Gary Smith and his team at DPS Alban Technical Ltd., in building up a more significant professional outsourcing operation in the UK in the years ahead." About DPS DPS is a leading engineering and construction firm with a focus on the life sciences and semiconductor sectors. DPS delivers services for clients across the complete engineering and construction value chain including feasibility studies, concepts, architecture, engineering, procurement, construction management, commissioning, qualification and validation. DPS applies its extensive Process Engineering expertise built over 40+years as well as significant Lean Construction experience to assist our clients in high-end process sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotech, medical devices and semiconductors deliver their manufacturing facilities speedily, safely and cost effectively. What sets us apart are the partnerships we build with our clients through a fundamental understanding of their businesses and our own agility, flexibility, original thinking and our high-calibre people. We have grown substantially in recent years and now employ over 1,200 people in our offices and on client sites in Ireland, Netherlands, Israel, Belgium, Singapore and United States. For more information, visit http://www.dpsgroupglobal.com. About DPS Alban Technical Ltd. We are specialists in the Technical and Engineering Recruitment market sector. Since its creation in 2010, Alban Technical has gone from strength to strength and as a result of our continued success, 2015 saw the addition of the Northern office near Macclesfield, Cheshire. As we join DPS in 2017, we are looking forward to further organic growth whilst continuing to deliver our bespoke brand of recruitment to the Technical and Engineering recruitment market place. Recruitment has changed dramatically over the years with the introduction of RPO and MSA arrangements driven by Procurement teams which, if not managed correctly, can take the "Personal Touch" out of the Recruitment process. Whilst we are happy to work with the RPO companies, we are proud to still hold relationships with key stakeholders with whom we have dealt with over the years, who, almost without exception, value the flexible, tailored approach that DPS Alban Technical can provide. Further information Annette O'Hara, Group Marketing Manager, DPS Group: Tel: +353-1-4661700 or +353-87-248-2573 Brendan McGrath, Media Relations Consultant: Tel: +353-87-937-0266 SOURCE DPS - Opportunity to Recognize Advocates Making a Difference for People with Mental Illness - GHENT, Belgium, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dr. Guislain Museum in Ghent, Belgium and Janssen Research & Development, LLC ("Janssen"), today announced that they are seeking nominations for the sixth annual Dr. Guislain "Breaking the Chains of Stigma" Award. The Award honors an individual, project or organization that has made a remarkable contribution to reduce stigma associated with mental illness. Nominations from people and organizations worldwide can be submitted at www.drguislainaward.org until 16 April, 2017. The Award recipient will receive a $50,000 prize to further efforts that reduce societal stigma associated with mental illness. "We know that people are often reluctant to seek help for mental illness due to the societal stigma," said Brother Rene Stockman, general director of the Dr. Guislain Museum. "The Dr. Guislain 'Breaking the Chains of Stigma' Award recognizes exceptional people whose work helps to reduce the stigma that exists about mental illness." An independent selection committee, comprised of international advocates and renowned authorities in the field of mental health, selects the Award winner. The Dr. Guislain "Breaking the Chains of Stigma" Award winner will be honored at a ceremony on World Mental Health Day, 10 October, 2017, in Ghent, Belgium. Chantharavady Choulamany, MD was selected as the 2016 Dr. Guislain "Breaking the Chains of Stigma" Award recipient for her impact on the quality of life for individuals living with mental illness in Lao People's Democratic Republic. As one of two qualified psychiatrists in a country that has more than 6 million people, Dr. Choulamany has dedicated her life to increasing access to mental health services and developing education programs to treat and improve understanding of mental illness. She works with all levels of government, advocating for better treatment services and more trained health professionals, as well as additional funding to support mental health programs. "At Janssen, we are deeply committed to advocating for people with mental illness," said Husseini K. Manji, MD, Global Therapeutic Area Head, Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. "We are working with the global mental health community to bring about change so that no one who suffers from a brain disorder is treated differently. This Award importantly recognizes people around the world who are making a difference to break down stigma." Janssen has an ongoing commitment to advancing neuroscience research, a legacy which dates back to the work of Dr. Paul Janssen (1926-2003). "Dr. Paul" is known as one of the 20th century's most gifted and passionate physicians and pharmaceutical researchers. To honor his legacy, Janssen supports the mental health community and various advocacy organizations and projects. In 2011, the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson launched Healthy Minds, a comprehensive initiative that aims to encourage collaboration among biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and public-sector partners to accelerate the discovery of new therapeutic solutions for diseases and disorders of the brain. About the Dr. Guislain "Breaking the Chains of Stigma" Award Individuals, organizations or projects from around the world that have made an exceptional contribution in dealing with, or promoting the awareness of, mental health care are eligible* to receive the Dr. Guislain "Breaking the Chains of Stigma" Award. The Award is given to an individual(s), organization or project that: has made an exceptional contribution to mental health care in the broadest sense on a cultural and/or social level; has provided a genuine contribution to decreasing stigma around mental health conditions; has promoted attention for mental health care; and, has done all this with passion, creativity and innovation. The Dr. Guislain "Breaking the Chains of Stigma" Award honors Dr. Joseph Guislain (1797-1860), a driven activist for patients with mental illness and the first Belgian psychiatrist to provide scientifically based treatment for these individuals. As a passionate advocate for those with mental illness, Dr. Guislain worked tirelessly to stand up for the rights of patients and to help improve their social position. The Dr. Guislain Museum and Janssen jointly sponsor the Award, with funding provided by Janssen. Both organizations have a rich heritage and long-standing involvement in the field of mental illness research, treatment and education. About The Dr. Guislain Museum The Dr. Guislain Museum was founded in 1986 in Ghent, Belgium, with both permanent exhibitions addressing the history of psychiatry and outsider art, and a series of changing thematic exhibitions. The Museum features an array of psychiatric photographs, two centuries of comprehensive archives and an extensive library chronicling the history of psychiatry. Comprehensively, the Museum seeks to educate the public and rectify the misunderstandings and prejudice associated with treatment for mental illness. The Dr. Guislain Museum attracts 72,000 visitors each year. *Employees and officers of Johnson & Johnson, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, and their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, The Dr. Guislain Museum, any promotional agencies and members of the immediate family or household of each, are not eligible to participate in the Dr. Guislain Award as nominators, Award candidates or judges. Immediate family member is defined as a parent, sibling or any person residing in the same household as employee. Contact: Patrick Allegaert Dr. Guislain Museum +32 9 216 35 95 allegaert.patrick@gmail.com Yoon Hee Lamot Dr. Guislain Museum +32 9 216 35 36 y.lamot@museumdrguislain.be Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/471351/Dr_Guislain_Award_Logo.jpg Related Links http://www.drguislainaward.org SOURCE Dr. Guislain Museum DUBLIN, Feb 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Endoscopy Market Analysis & Trends - Industry Forecast to 2025" report to their offering. The Global Endoscopy Market is poised to grow at a CAGR of around 6.9% over the next decade to reach approximately $47.6 billion by 2025. This industry report analyzes the market estimates and forecasts for all the given segments on global as well as regional levels presented in the research scope. The study provides historical market data for 2013, 2014 revenue estimations are presented for 2015 and forecasts from 2016 till 2025. The study focuses on market trends, leading players, supply chain trends, technological innovations, key developments, and future strategies. The report is a valuable asset for the existing players, new entrants and the future investors. Some of the prominent trends that the market is witnessing include increasing miniaturization in scope system design, shift to HD (High Definition) and 3D systems, micro endoscope is breakthrough in endoscopy market and new and innovative multiband photonic and spectroscopic imaging methods for endoscopes. Scope of the Report On the basis of product, market is segregated into Capsule Endoscopes, Flexible Endoscopes, Rigid Endoscopes, Robot Assisted Endoscopes, Endoscopic Accessories, Endoscopic Visualization System and Endoscopy Instruments. The Endoscopic Accessories segment is further divided into Cleaning Brushes, Fluid Flushing Devices , Biopsy Valves, Mouthpieces, Needle Forceps & Needle Holders, Light Cables, Surgical Dissectors and Other Accessories (Distal Attachments). The Endoscopic Visualization System segment is further segmented into Endoscopic Light Sources, Endoscopic Cameras, Camera Heads, Video Converters, Video Recorders, Video Processors, Carts, Transmitters & Receivers, Wireless Displays and Monitors and Other Visualization Devices. Endoscopy Instruments are segregated further as Electronic Endoscopy Equipment and Mechanical Endoscopy Equipment. Based on application, market is Angioscope, Choledochoscope, ENT Endoscopy, Chromoendoscopy, Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy, Laparoscopy, Laryngoscopy, Mediastinoscopy, Resectoscope, Otoscopy, Obstetrics/Gynecology Endoscopy, Urology Endoscopy (Cystoscopy), Vascolo Surgery Endoscopy and Video Capsule Endoscopy. Depending on the end user, the market is segmented by Ambulatory Surgical Centers/Clinics, Hospitals, Diagnostic Laboratories, Academic Research Laboratories and Other End Users. Report Highlights: The report provides a detailed analysis on current and future market trends to identify the investment opportunities Market forecasts till 2025, using estimated market values as the base numbers Key market trends across the business segments, Regions and Countries Key developments and strategies observed in the market Market Dynamics such as Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities and other trends In-depth company profiles of key players and upcoming prominent players Growth prospects among the emerging nations through 2025 Market opportunities and recommendations for new investments Key Topics Covered: 1 Market Outline 2 Executive Summary 3 Market Overview 3.1 Current Trends 3.1.1 Increasing miniaturization in scope system design 3.1.2 Shift to HD (High Definition) and 3D systems 3.1.3 Micro endoscope is breakthrough in endoscopy market 3.1.4 New and innovative multiband photonic and spectroscopic imaging methods for endoscopes 3.2 Drivers 3.3 Constraints 3.4 Industry Attractiveness 4 Endoscopy Market, By Product 4.1 Capsule Endoscopes 4.2 Flexible Endoscopes 4.3 Rigid Endoscopes 4.4 Robot Assisted Endoscopes 4.5 Endoscopic Accessories 4.5.1.1 Cleaning Brushes 4.5.1.2 Fluid Flushing Devices 4.5.1.3 Biopsy Valves 4.5.1.4 Mouthpieces 4.5.1.5 Needle Forceps & Needle Holders 4.5.1.6 Light Cables 4.5.1.7 Surgical Dissectors 4.5.1.8 Other Accessories (Distal Attachments) 4.6 Endoscopic Visualization System 4.6.1.1 Endoscopic Light Sources 4.6.1.2 Endoscopic Cameras 4.6.1.2.1.1 Single-Chip Cameras 4.6.1.2.1.2 3-Chip Cameras 4.6.1.2.1.3 3D Cameras 4.6.1.2.1.4 HD Cameras 4.6.1.3 Camera Heads 4.6.1.4 Video Converters 4.6.1.5 Video Recorders 4.6.1.6 Video Processors 4.6.1.7 Carts 4.6.1.8 Transmitters & Receivers 4.6.1.9 Wireless Displays and Monitors 4.6.1.10 Other Visualization Devices 4.7 Endoscopy Instruments 4.7.1.1 Electronic Endoscopy Equipment 4.7.1.1.1 Endoscopy Ultrasounds (EUS) 4.7.1.1.2 Endoscopy Fluid Management Systems 4.7.1.1.3 Insufflators 4.7.1.1.4 Other Electronic Endoscopy Equipment 4.7.1.2 Mechanical Endoscopy Equipment 4.7.1.2.1.1 Graspers 4.7.1.2.1.2 Snares 4.7.1.2.1.3 Biopsy Forceps 4.7.1.2.1.4 Endoscopic Implants 4.7.1.2.1.5 Trocars and Cannulae 4.7.1.2.1.6 Other Mechanical Endoscopic Instruments 5 Endoscopy Market, By Application 5.1 Angioscope 5.1.1.1 Arthroscopy 5.1.1.2 Cystoscope 5.1.1.3 Hysteroscope 5.2 Choledochoscope 5.2.1.1 Duodenoscope 5.2.1.2 Enteroscope 5.3 ENT Endoscopy 5.4 Chromoendoscopy 5.5 Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy 5.5.1.1 Colonoscope 5.5.1.2 Sigmoidoscope 5.6 Laparoscopy 5.7 Laryngoscopy 5.7.1.1 Bronchoscope 5.8 Mediastinoscopy 5.9 Resectoscope 5.9.1.1 Fetoscope 5.10 Otoscopy 5.11 Obstetrics/Gynecology Endoscopy 5.12 Urology Endoscopy (Cystoscopy) 5.13 Vascolo Surgery Endoscopy 5.14 Video Capsule Endoscopy 6 Endoscopy Market, By End User 6.1 Ambulatory Surgical Centers/Clinics 6.2 Hospitals 6.3 Diagnostic Laboratories 6.4 Academic Research Laboratories 6.5 Other End Users 6.5.1 Other End Users Market Forecast to 2025 (US$ MN) 7 Endoscopy Market, By Geography 8 Key Player Activities 8.1 Acquisitions & Mergers 8.2 Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures 8.3 Product Launch & Expansions 8.4 Other Activities 10 Leading Companies 10.1 Cook Medical Incorporated 10.2 Boston Scientific Corporation 10.3 CapsoVision Inc 10.4 Chongqing Jinshan Science & Technology Co 10.5 Stryker Corporation 10.6 Fujifilm Holding Corporation 10.7 Given Imaging Ltd 10.8 Karl Storz GmbH & Co.Kg 10.9 Olympus Corporation 10.10 IntroMedic Co. Ltd 10.11 RF System Lab 10.12 Medtronic PLC 10.13 Pentax Medical (Hoya Corporation) 10.14 Richard Wolf GmbH 10.15 Smith & Nephew PLC 10.16 Ethicon, Inc 10.17 Maxer Medizintechnik 10.18 B. Braun Melsungen 10.19 Ventura Business Solutions For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/dvstb8/global_endoscopy Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com SOURCE Research and Markets LONDON, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- HH Global, the world's fastest-growing and most innovative marketing execution partner, today announced financial results for the three months ended December 2016. Financial Highlights Revenue was 82.0 million in the third quarter, an increase of 42.7% compared with 57.5 million in the third quarter of FY 2016. Year-to-date revenue was 214.6 million, an increase of 40.5% compared with 152.8 million in the prior year period. Gross profit was 18.9 million, or 23.0% of gross revenue in the third quarter, a 63.3% increase compared to 11.6 million, or 20.1% of gross revenue, in the same period of last year. Year-to-date gross profit was 46.6 million, or 21.7% of gross revenue, an increase of 58.1% compared to the prior-year period. Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA was 4.3 million in the third quarter, reflecting 44.5% growth as compared to 2.9 million in the third quarter of FY 2016. Year-to-date non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA was 9.2 million, an increase of 48.8% compared to 6.2 million in the same period of 2016. Business Highlights HH Global experienced double digit growth in revenue across all of its operating regions in Q3, posting 42.8%, 41.4%, and 46.6% revenue growth in the EMEA, Americas, and Asia Pacific regions respectively. regions respectively. HH Global won new enterprise clients during the quarter with a collective total of over 35 million of annual gross revenue at full-run rate, including new relationships with a global biotechnology company and large retailer in the United States , a global FMCG company in India , and a global beverage company in the Americas. , a global FMCG company in , and a global beverage company in the Americas. In support of its expansion in Latin and South America , HH Global opened new entities in 4 countries, including Costa Rica , El Salvador , Guatemala and Honduras , HH Global opened new entities in 4 countries, including , , and HH Global introduced a new business analytics module to its leading HHub technology platform that provides clients visibility into in all work in process as well as savings realised. "We are pleased with our progress in all geographies in which we operate," said Robert MacMillan, Group Chief Executive Officer of HH Global. "It is clear that our strategy to drive 100 percent organic growth through the delivery of innovative and sustainable solutions with a sound technology underpinning, is paying off. I am thrilled by the acceleration of new client adoption of our solutions and the outlook for HH Global." "Our third quarter financial results are the best in the company's history, and demonstrate sales and operational improvements across the entirety of our business," said Edward Parsons, Group Chief Financial Officer of HH Global. "We expect this trend to continue into the future." About HH Global HH Global Ltd., founded in 1991, is a leading, independent marketing execution partner to prominent brands in over 34 countries. The company offers innovative and tailored solutions for the outsourced procurement of all types of printed marketing materials, packaging, and creative production services, that drive down cost, speed time to market, improve quality, and increase sustainability. Every HH Global solution utilises HHub, a best-in-class marketing execution application, an expansive list of suppliers, proprietary processes, and the deep expertise of over 800 employees. The company also operates HH Labs, the centre of its innovation program, that brings fresh, new ideas to clients. With more than $500M in spend under management, HH Global maintains a razor-sharp focus on cost and quality, combined with an industry-leading sustainability program, offering improvements that provide both fiscal and environmental value. For more information, visit www.hhglobal.com. Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/471140/hh_global_Logo.jpg Related Links http://www.hhglobal.com SOURCE HH Global Ltd. -Honeywell's Enacto energy management software and submetering to help Coop Denmark cut energy consumption by 20% in next three years -Software to also help Denmark achieve carbon reduction goals ATLANTA, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell (NYSE: HON) today announced a major energy management project with Coop Denmark, the country's largest retailer of consumer goods, to help reduce energy consumption by 20 percent by 2020 and achieve mandated carbon reduction goals. Coop Denmark is a member-owned cooperative with more than 1.7 million members and approximately 1,200 stores. Under the project, Honeywell will deploy its software-based energy management solution, Enacto, and up to 20,000 new wireless Enacto submeters throughout the network of stores to provide the retailer with a unified view of energy use across all of its locations. "Around the world, retailers are looking for ways to rein in costs and meet regulatory targets," said Jeff Tolnar, president of software solutions, Honeywell Home and Building Technologies. "Geographies may vary, but the business drivers for today's retailers are universal: reduce energy use and lower costs. Honeywell's software gives retailers the technology to better manage their energy use and reduce energy waste." Honeywell's connected solutions enable Coop Denmark to identify opportunities to reduce consumption, lower energy and operational costs, and track returns on energy-saving measures. It will also help the retailer contribute to Denmark's goal of having the world's first carbon-neutral capital by 2025. The project is expected to be completed by 2020. "Energy use comprises a significant portion of our total costs, so we're always looking for ways to ensure we're being smarter and more strategic with where and how we're consuming it," said Peter Kjrgaard Svendsen, energy manager of Coop Denmark. "Today, given the pressures of our industry, coupled with carbon-reduction goals, we're more mindful than ever of energy consumption. Honeywell's software and energy-saving expertise will help us keep our energy costs in check so we can stay focused on providing the best retail experience for our customers. All of this contributes to a more sustainable Coop and a cleaner environment." Honeywell will work on the project with local integrator Energidata, which will provide energy audit services to help Coop Denmark identify opportunities to save energy. Honeywell is a premier software-industrial company with more than half of its 23,000 engineers focused on software. Honeywell's strong industrial heritage gives it the unique ability to blend physical products with software to make our Internet of Things solutions more connected, efficient and productive. For more information on Honeywell Enacto energy management software, visit www.enac.to. For more details on Honeywell's software initiatives, visit https://www.honeywell.com/who-we-are/our-initiatives/software. For more information on Denmark's 2025 Climate Plan, visit https://stateofgreen.com/en/profiles/city-of-copenhagen/solutions/copenhagen-carbon-neutral-by-2025. About Honeywell Home and Building Technologies Honeywell Home and Building Technologies (HBT) is a global business with more than 44,000 employees worldwide. HBT creates products, software and technologies found in more than 150 million homes and 10 million buildings worldwide. We help homeowners stay connected and in control of their comfort, security and energy use. Commercial building owners and occupants use our technologies to ensure their facilities are safe, energy efficient, sustainable and productive. Our advanced metering hardware and software solutions help electricity, gas and water providers supply customers and communities more efficiently. 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. Related Links http://www.honeywell.com SOURCE Honeywell LONDON, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- PharmaBoardroom today releases its new 58-page Healthcare & Life Sciences Review Singapore 2017. This report offers companies, investors, policymakers, and stakeholders crucial insight into Singapore; a nation that has had to carve out its own niche as a global trade hub and gateway to the Asia-Pacific region to compete globally since declaring independence in 1965. In terms of healthcare and life sciences, the island now serves as a regional hub for myriad multinationals, stands at the forefront of cutting-edge scientific research and development, and is globally renowned in several important levels of the pharmaceutical supply chain. The report features in-depth exclusive interviews with leading figures from public institutions and private companies, comprehensive articles, and up-to-date facts and figures on Singapore's healthcare and pharma sectors. Features Featured topics include: Singapore's Economic Strategy and Development History Economic Strategy and Development History Medtech A New Model of Asian Healthcare R&D and Cutting-Edge Biotech Singapore's Leading Global Position in Healthcare Logistics Leading Global Position in Healthcare Logistics The Transformative Potential of Digitalization Interviews The report features in-depth interviews with: Weng Si Ho , EDB , EDB Fredrik Nyberg APACMed Giles Platford , Takeda , Takeda Bob White , Medtronic , Medtronic Sugantha Natarajan , DB Schenker , DB Schenker Christoper Snook , Novartis , Novartis Peter Meinshausen and Dr. Stefan Randl , Evonik and Dr. , Evonik Ong Wee Min , Marina Bay Sands , Elisabeth Staudinger , Siemens Healthineers Quotes "Singapore is the example of how efficiency can be improved when the government and the industry work together collaboratively" Ti Hwei How, SAPI "With roughly hald of the world's population here in Asia Pacific, we see an increase in unmet medical needs which will continue to grow with aging populations and the surge of chronic diseases" Gary Pruden, J&J "Singapore is an excellent engineering and microelectronics hub so the technology is of the best calibre here" Michael Tillmann, Vela Diagnostics "APAC is estimated at 25 percent of the global economy and within 10 years it is expected to grow to 35 percent." Martin Dewhurst, McKinsey & Company Click here to register and download the report. SOURCE PharmaBoardroom SANTA CLARA, California, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan's Manufacturing Leadership Council, the foremost global business network for senior industrial executives, announces the election of President and CEO of Proto Labs, Inc. Vicki M. Holt, to the Manufacturing Leadership Council's Board of Governors. In a unanimous vote, the Board, which steers the Manufacturing Leadership Council, approved the nomination late last month. With this appointment, the Board of Governors now includes 19 members from organizations representing the full ecosystem of the manufacturing industry, from large global manufacturers, to small and medium companies, as well as leading academic institutions. "We are delighted to welcome Vicki Holt to the Board of Governors," said Co-founder of the Manufacturing Leadership Council, David R. Brousell. "Vicki brings not only a wealth of manufacturing experience to the Board, but also a future-focused vision on what it is going to take for leaders to succeed in the digital age." Holt has more than 34 years of senior-level experience with world class manufacturing companies. She is now President and CEO of Proto Labs, a leading online and technology-enabled quick-turn manufacturer of custom parts for prototyping and short run production. Operating in the U.S., Europe, and Japan, Proto Labs provides "Real Parts, Really Fast" to product developers worldwide who are under increasing pressure to bring their finished products to market faster than their competition. An active member of the Manufacturing Leadership Council, Holt also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), Waste Management in Houston, TX, and Watlow Electric in St. Louis, MO. "I'm honored to join this esteemed Board and look forward to collaborating with leaders across the manufacturing ecosystem to help shape the future of our industry," added Holt. "The Manufacturing Leadership Council truly values the importance that embracing and advancing Manufacturing 4.0 has on manufacturing's growth and success." About the Manufacturing Leadership Council The Manufacturing Leadership Council's mission is to enable manufacturing executives to achieve transformational growth for themselves, their companies, and the industry at large through enlightened leadership. In support of this, the Council focuses on the intersection of advanced technologies and the business, identifying growth and improvement opportunities in the operation, organization and leadership of manufacturing enterprises along their journey to Manufacturing 4.0. The Council delivers thought leadership, networking, and services around a member-defined set of Critical Issues that are shaping the future of manufacturing, including an invitation-only executive organization of over 750 members; the annual Manufacturing Leadership Summit; the Manufacturing Leadership Awards; and the thought-leading Manufacturing Leadership Journal. The Manufacturing Leadership Board of Governors The Manufacturing Leadership Board of Governors comprises senior executives and industry experts at leading manufacturing, academic and research organizations around the world including Ford Motor Company, Lockheed Martin, Proter & Gamble, Cisco Systems, the Advanced Manufacturing Robotics Instutute, Germany's SmartFactory Technology Initiative, Lexmark International, Dell Computer, Premio Foods, Virtex Enterprises, S&S Hinge, Graphicast, MIT, UCLA, the University of Cincinatti, the University of Cambridge's Insitute for Manufacturing (IfM), and Frost & Sullivan. For more information, visit www.ManufacturingLeadershipCommunity.com/about-us About Frost & Sullivan Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Contact us: Start the discussion Contact: Jaylon Brinkley Corporate Communications North America P: (210) 247.2481 F: (210) 348.1003 E: jaylon.brinkley@frost.com http://www.frost.com/mlc Related Links http://www.ManufacturingLeadershipCommunity.com SOURCE Frost & Sullivan TORONTO, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- New LTE-M/NB-IoT SoC ideal for low-power embedded display IoT devices Today Think Silicon TM announced that Sequans Communications S.A., a 4G chipmaker and leading provider of single-mode LTE chipset solutions to wireless device manufacturers worldwide, has chosen NEMATM|p GPU and NEMATM|dc display controllers as a component of its newest LTE for IoT System-on-Chip (SoC), Monarch SX. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160712/813756 ) "Sequans chose Think Silicon because of their ultra low power GPU capabilities that support our ongoing delivery of industry-leading chipset solutions with superior price/performance," said Bertrand Debray, Sequans' COO. Our IoT customers will benefit from Think Silicon's state-of-the-art graphics and display controller technology now inside Monarch SX." "We're excited to deliver our exceptional ultra-low power GPU to Sequans customers," said George Sidiropoulos, CEO and co-founder of Think SiliconTM. "Our goal is to empower customers with high performance - low power graphics IP to create new markets and products for low-power mobile and embedded display IoT devices." Monarch SX is an LTE for IoT system-on chip that integrates Sequans' highly optimized LTE Cat M1/NB1 platform with a low power processor, ultra-low power GPU, display controller, media engine and sensor hub. It is an ideal solution for a wide variety of IoT devices, including wearables, trackers, sensors, and other integrated IoT devices. NEMATM|p (PICO) and NEMATM|dc are the world's smallest and most power efficient 2D/2.5D Graphics Processor Unit (GPU) and display controller. They have been specifically designed for area constrained wearable devices, embedded systems and IoT platforms where power consumption and battery life is crucial while still maintaining vibrant graphics and fluid smartphone performance-like user interface (UI) performance. About Sequans Communications Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS) is a leading provider of single-mode 4G LTE semiconductor solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT) and a wide range of broadband data devices. Founded in 2003, Sequans has developed and delivered seven generations of 4G technology and its chips are certified and shipping in 4G networks around the world. Today, Sequans offers two LTE product lines: StreamrichLTE, optimized for feature-rich mobile computing and home/portable router devices, and StreamliteLTE, optimized for M2M devices and other connected devices for the IoT. Sequans is based in Paris, France with additional offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Israel, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan, South Korea, and China. www.sequans.com About Think Silicon: Think Silicon S.A. (TSi) is a privately held Limited Company founded in 2007, located in Patras, Greece (HQ), Toronto, Canada (Business Development & Marketing office), and San Jose, CA, USA (Sales office). The Think Silicon team specializes in developing high performance graphics IP technology for ultra-low power and area-limited wearable, mobile, embedded and IoT applications. SOURCE Think Silicon S.A. Consumers want on-demand content and seamless accessibility, finds Frost & Sullivan's Digital Media team LONDON, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Growing preference for over-the-top (OTT) content is catalyzing demand for streaming media devices and smart TVs. The market, which slowed down during 2014-15 fiscal, is now ready to match consumer expectations by offering seamless accessibility to on-demand content through a new generation of competitively priced streaming devices. Major market contenders are embracing strategic collaboration to increase their footprint. For instance, smart TV manufacturers such as Samsung, TCL, LG, Sony and Panasonic are developing apps in collaboration with streaming media device manufacturing companies such as Roku, Apple and Amazon. "High-efficiency video coding (HEVC), 4000 pixels (4K) and high dynamic range (HDR) will drive sales and shorten upgrade cycles, but competition will continue to intensify," said Digital Media Research Analyst Avni Rambhia. "Their agility and ease of replacement continue to provide streaming devices a distinct competitive edge over smart TVs." Global Smart TV and Streaming Media Devices Markets, Forecast to 2021, a part of Frost & Sullivan's Digital Media Growth Partnership Service program, finds that the smart TV market, which stood at 190 million devices in 2016, will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.1 percent between 2016 and 2021, even as the price per unit steadily decreases. Google, with 33.1 percent share, will lead the streaming media devices market, followed by Apple with 31.7 percent and Roku with 15.2 percent. For complimentary access to more information on this analysis and to register for a Growth Strategy Dialogue, a free interactive briefing with Frost & Sullivan's thought leaders, please email Anna Zanchi, Corporate Communications: anna.zanchi@frost.com While the streaming media devices and smart TV market is meeting consumer expectations in terms of ease of viewership and usability, it has not yet been able to offer a unified and intuitive search facility. Further, frequent updates are required to make the user interface of consumer-facing devices seamlessly operable. As a result, consumers find it difficult to use the devices to their full potential, which, in turn, can dampen interest in these services. "The primary screen will continue to play a dominant role in content consumption, but content will increasingly be discovered and played back from devices other than the set-top box," observed Digital Media Research Analyst V Aravindh. "The key to capitalising on this demand is to refine user experience and content inventory on connected devices to be at par with the quality and consistency of a fully managed experience." About Frost & Sullivan Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Contact us: Start the discussion Contact: Anna Zanchi Corporate Communications Europe P: +39.02.4851 6133 E: anna.zanchi@frost.com http://ww2.frost.com Related Links http://www.frost.com SOURCE Frost & Sullivan CAMBRIDGE, England and DEERFIELD, Illinois, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502) and Cognition Kit Limited, a joint venture between Cambridge Cognition Holdings PLC and Ctrl Group Limited, announced a collaboration to pilot the use of a specially designed app on an Apple Watch wearable to monitor and assess cognitive function in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Depression (MDD) is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting an estimated 350 million people of all ages.1 Cognitive problems are common in major depression and may be under recognized by both patients and clinicians.2,3 Cognitive testing provides the opportunity to detect and understand the pattern of cognitive symptoms in patients with MDD. The Cognition Kit app is designed as a step forward in assessing those symptoms, advancing patient assessment and monitoring outside of the lab and into everyday life to help maximize patient engagement and potential treatment. The study will involve 30 participants, aged 18-65 with a clinical diagnosis of mild to moderate depression who have been prescribed an antidepressant for Major Depressive Disorder. The present study aims to evaluate feasibility, compliance and to understand how measures of mood and cognition on wearable technology compare to more traditional neuropsychological testing and patient reported assessments. The output of the study is expected in the first half of 2017. The collaboration is part of a shared commitment between Takeda and Cognition Kit to improve mental health worldwide through leading research and innovation. "By combining wearable technology with world leading neuroscience, we've created an app that collects real time passive and active high-frequency mental health data," said Jenny Barnett, PhD, Cognition Kit. "Being able to access data regularly from daily life can help clinical decision making. Healthcare professionals can obtain patient data and increase patient engagement in their treatment." "Takeda is committed to CNS and the mental health community," said Nicole Mowad-Nassar, Vice President, External Partnerships, at Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A. "This collaboration is part of our strategy to embrace new technology to better understand the patient experience and assist healthcare professionals in creating improved patient care pathways." This collaboration is the first contract signed by Cognition Kit Limited, the joint venture of Cambridge Cognition and London based Ctrl Group, since launching the wearable cognitive technology in 2016, with significant interest already gained from a number of commercial partners. For information about wearable cognitive assessment technology from Cognition Kit visit: www.cognitionkit.com 1World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs369/en/ [last accessed 13 June 2015] 2Conradi HJ, Ormel J, de Jonge P. Presence of individual (residual) symptoms during depressive episodes and periods of remission: a 3-year prospective study. Psychol Med 2011;41(6):1165-74. 3Enabling Discovery, Development, and Translation of Treatments for Cognitive Dysfunction in Depression: Workshop Summary. Editors Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders; Board on Health Sciences Policy; Institute of Medicine; The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2015 Oct. Notes to editors About Cognition Kit Limited Cognition Kit is a joint venture between Cambridge Cognition and Ctrl Group formed in 2016 to develop digital health tools on mobile and wearable devices. Cognition Kit software takes research out of the lab and into daily life, enabling doctors, scientists and the public to better understand and manage day-to-day brain health. www.cognitionkit.com @CognitionKit hello@cognitionkit.com About Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited is a global, R&D-driven pharmaceutical company committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients by translating science into life-changing medicines. Takeda focuses its research efforts on oncology, gastroenterology and central nervous system therapeutic areas. It also has specific development programs in specialty cardiovascular diseases as well as late-stage candidates for vaccines. Takeda conducts R&D both internally and with partners to stay at the leading edge of innovation. New innovative products, especially in oncology and gastroenterology, as well as its presence in emerging markets, fuel the growth of Takeda. More than 30,000 Takeda employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients, working with our partners in health care in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit http://www.takeda.com/news. Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. is located in Deerfield, Ill., and is the U.S. commercial organization of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Additional information about Takeda is available through its corporate website, www.takeda.com, and additional information about Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. is available through its website, www.takeda.us. About Cambridge Cognition Holdings PLC Cambridge Cognition is a neuroscience digital health company specialising in the precise measurement of clinical outcomes in neurological disorders. The Company develops and markets validated near patient assessment products using cognition as a biomarker to improve understanding, diagnosis and treatment in brain health worldwide. Partners include the world's leading drug development companies, academic institutions and public-private health organisations. www.cambridgecognition.com @CANTABconnect press@camcog.com About Ctrl Group Limited Ctrl Group believe that new technologies have the potential to transform healthcare and medical research by increasing efficiency and creating more personalised medicine. We are a team of designers, researchers, software developers and healthcare experts who work internationally with healthcare companies and providers who want to use new technology to improve people's health. www.ctrl-group.com @Ctrl_Group hello@ctrl-group.com Cognition Kit Limited ('Cognition Kit' or the 'Company') Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/471226/Takeda_Pharmaceuticals_Logo.jpg Related Links http://www.takeda.us SOURCE Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. SAN FRANCISCO, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The global talent management software market is expected to reach USD 24.03 billion by 2025 according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The talent management software industry is anticipated to undergo a series of changes owing to various factors such as decreasing employment rate, changing work environment, the rise of freelancing and contract work, and a globalized workforce. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150105/723757 ) The most pertinent of the factors is the advent of new software and technologies, such as big data analytics, social media, and the Internet. Mobile platforms are also revolutionizing some important talent management stages, such as recruitment and learning & training, thus driving competition in the market. Industry leaders have been providing the products in the market for quite some time now but trends such as transparency, customization, and employee engagement are expected to be at the forefront of the new and upcoming offerings to customers. The increasing use of analytics to map the performances and predict the future outcomes has also had a positive effect on the adaptation to the technology in demand. Solution integration and the availability of middleware from vendors are also an important step forward for the industry standardization. As the industry strides toward larger adoption and rapid developments in terms of capabilities, many new trends such as Massively Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and social media adherence, for either pre-hire assessment or employee feedback management, are gaining traction in the market. Browse full research report with TOC on "Talent Management Software Market Analysis By Solution, By Deployment (Cloud, On-premise), By Application (BFSI, Retail, IT and Telecom, Healthcare, Education, Others), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2015 - 2025" at: http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/talent-management-software-market Further key findings from the report suggest: The human resource departments are responsible for decisions concerning talent management systems and are witnessing a shift toward integrated solutions Organizations, they are in search of platforms to integrate the disconnected systems As the industry is moving toward digital management and cloud-based applications, there is a looming threat of data breaches and hacking incidents Key industry participants include IBM Corp., Oracle Corp., SAP SE, Peoplefluent Inc., CornerStone OnDemand Inc., Haufe Group, Lumesse AS, DelTek Inc., Saba Software Inc., and Halogen Software Inc., among others The industry may also witness a rise in the number of small companies and start-ups that address the niche markets and provide customized solutions while being susceptible to acquisitions and mergers of smaller firms as well as the entry of technology giants to capitalize on the market opportunities Browse related reports by Grand View Research: Transportation Systems And Analytics Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/transportation-systems-analytics-market Hadoop and Big Data Analytics Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/hadoop-and-big-data-analytics-market Touch Controller IC Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/touch-controller-ic-market Touch Screen Technology Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/touch-screen-technology-market Grand View Research has segmented the talent management software market on the basis of solution, deployment, application, and region: Talent management software solution outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) Recruiting Management Compensation Management Employee Lifecycle Management Learning and Training Management Performance Management Talent management software deployment outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) On-Premise Cloud Talent management software application outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) BFSI Retail IT & Telecom Healthcare Government Education Others Talent management software regional outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany UK Asia Pacific China India Japan Latin America Brazil Middle East & Africa (MEA) Read Our Blog: http://www.grandviewresearch.com/blogs/technology About Grand View Research Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare. Contact: Sherry James Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Grand View Research, Inc Phone: 1-415-349-0058 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com Web: http://www.grandviewresearch.com SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc. WASHINGTON, Feb 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- VersoVentures Oy, a Finnish private equity investor, today announced the acquisition of a significant minority interest in Ginolis Ltd. and a major investment in the company. The transaction makes VersoVentures the largest single shareholder in Ginolis and provides additional capital to accelerate the company's growth and international expansion. Headquartered in Oulu, Finland, Ginolis specializes in assembly automation and liquid handling solutions for the medical device and diagnostics industries. From standard products to customized systems, Ginolis offers an extensive range of solutions based on its modular automation platforms. Under the terms of the transaction, VersoVentures acquires a 22.4% minority stake in Ginolis through the purchase of shares previously owned by JOT Automation and other minority shareholders. In addition, VersoVentures and minority shareholder Innovestor Ventures have made a significant financial investment in Ginolis to help accelerate the company's growth and international expansion. "The medical device market is evolving rapidly and has a fundamental need for cost effective production of high quality products. We see a great opportunity for growth at Ginolis as the company's innovative automation solutions enable very high quality production within a small footprint, and use machine vision for quality assurance." says Anssi Kariola, Managing Partner at VersoVentures. "The successful launch of the Ginolis LFDA-3 is a testament to the increased market demand for flexible modular automation solutions with quality assurance ." Following the investment, Ginolis announced changes to the board of directors with VersoVenture's Anssi Kariola and Marko Jarvinen elected to the Board effective as of February 2nd, 2017. Further information: Teijo Fabritius, CEO Ginolis Ltd. Tel: +358 40 565 1782 E-mail: teijo.fabritius@ginolis.com Anssi Kariola, Managing Partner VersoVentures Tel: +358 50 589 0520 E-mail: anssi.kariola@versoventures.com About Ginolis Ginolis is a global systems supplier that specializes in assembly automation and high precision dispensing and printing solutions for the diagnostic and MedTech industries. The company is privately owned and headquartered in Oulu, Finland, with offices in Uppsala, Sweden, San Diego, USA and Suzhou, China. www.ginolis.com About VersoVentures VersoVentures is a private equity company that creates international growth companies by spinning off or investing in businesses that are not living up to their full potential under current ownership or in the current operational environment. Typical investments are carve-outs, non-core subsidiaries, joint ventures, non-core businesses acquired as part of M&A transactions, and accelerated growth financing. We are an active investor: we create value by helping define the right building blocks for success, help shape and support the team for success, and actively accelerate the international growth of the new company with our experience and networks. www.versoventures.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/ginolis/r/versoventures-becomes-largest-shareholder-in-ginolis-ltd,c2195820 The following files are available for download: Related Links http://www.ginolis.com SOURCE Ginolis NEUSS, Germany, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- European Supplier Award Given to 15 Top Suppliers Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI), the global leader in automotive interior solutions, yesterday recognized the outstanding achievements of its European suppliers with the Supplier Award. A total of 15 interiors suppliers were presented with awards at the Classic Remise in Dusseldorf. (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/471333/YFAI_European_Supplier_Award_Ceremony.jpg ) This year, companies providing plastics, resins, chemicals, foams, trim and metal components received the YFAI European Supplier Award in six different categories. Key criteria for the award were factors such as quality, cost, logistics, development, technology and service. Depending on total points earned, YFAI presented the suppliers with either a "Supplier of the Year," "Distinguished Supplier," or "Supplier Excellence" award in various categories. "Our suppliers are key to our global success. The Supplier Award is given in honor of the outstanding quality and continuous reliability of our partners," said James Bos, Vice President Global Procurement for YFAI. A total of three global enterprises received the "Supplier of the Year" award: BASF from Germany, Algontec S.L. from Spain, and HOEKO - Automotive s.r.o. from the Czech Republic. BASF is a leading supplier of basic components, systems and specialties made from polyurethane for the global market. In Europe, the company develops, produces and sells from the site Lemfoerde, Germany, numerous polyurethane systems used in several YFAI products. Hans Peter Beringer, Vice President Transportation Europe of the division Performance Materials at BASF, is pleased to win the award: "We have been collaborating with YFAI on developing innovation since 2015 - and with great success. Winning the Bronze Award last year makes being awarded 'Supplier of the Year' this year all the more special." The Distinguished Supplier Award went to five global companies from the supply sector: Total Research & Technology Feluy from Belgium, German manufacturers Lubke & Vogt GmbH & Co. KG and Dr. Schneider Kunststoffwerke GmbH, the Polish company IZOBLOK S.A., and TR Fastenings Ltd. from the Netherlands. Seven suppliers received the Supplier Excellence Award in the categories of Service, Customer Satisfaction, Quality and Technological Innovation. In the Service category, the winners were CIE Plasfil from Portugal, Halung GmbH & Co. KG from Germany, DSSI International LLC from Slovakia, and the Belgian supplier Surtechno n.v. German manufacturer Murdter Werkzeug- und Formenbau GmbH won the Supplier Excellence Award for Customer Satisfaction; SFS intec GmbH from Austria in the Quality category, and Beaulieu Fibres International from Belgium for Technological Innovation. About Yanfeng Automotive Interiors Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI) is the global leader in automotive interiors. YFAI is redefining how people relax, work and play in their vehicle interiors today and decades from now. Headquartered in Shanghai, the company has approximately 100 manufacturing plants and technical centers in 18 countries and more than 30,000 employees globally. They design, develop and manufacture interior components for all automakers. Established in 2015, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors is a joint venture between Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems Co., Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Huayu Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. (HASCO), the component group of SAIC Motor Corporation Limited (SAIC Motor), and Adient, the global leader in automotive seating. For more information, please visit http://www.YFAI.com . For more information please contact: Yanfeng Automotive Interiors Jagenbergstrae 1 41468 Neuss Germany Astrid Schafmeister Tel.: +49-2131-609-3028 E-Mail: astrid.schafmeister@yfai.com Internet: http://www.YFAI.com SOURCE Yanfeng Automotive Interiors "I was introduced to 7 Charming Sisters at an Emmy Award Show event," says Jamie Brewer. "When they approached me to become a brand ambassador, I was over the moon about working with the brand. What impressed me even more as a disability advocate is the fact that the company is dedicated to employing people with disabilities. I'm looking forward to this partnership and to sharing some of my favorite pieces from their collection." Jamie Brewer is best known for her breakthrough dimensional role as Adelaide 'Addie' Langdon in the award-winning FX anthology series American Horror Story. Jamie plans to work in this exciting industry for a very long time, while continuing to be an advocate and role model for people with disabilities in all aspects of her life. "We are absolutely thrilled and proud to announce Jamie as our newest celebrity brand ambassador," states Paula Welsh, President and CEO of 7 Charming Sisters. "She knows how to make an impact she was the first actress & model with Down Syndrome to ever walk to a New York Fashion Week show and we're excited to have her join the sisterhood." As Brand Ambassador, 7 Charming Sisters looks forward to Jaime helping the brand continue its mission to provide style to people in all walks of life. With all of her accomplishments and devotion in the Hollywood and disability advocate industries, Jamie Brewer could not be more of an ideal candidate for the online jewelry brand to take on board. In her Brand Ambassador role, Jamie will be curating her own signature 7 Charming Sister's capsule collection, guest bloggings participating in social media takeovers and other 7 Charming Sisters' marketing initatives. For more information on 7 Charming Sisters' and/or to view the brand's collections, please visit http://www.7charmingsisters.com/. For media inquiries and information on the brand ambassador program, email [email protected] or call 1.877.841.7244. About 7 Charming Sisters Established in 2015, 7 Charming Sisters is an online jewelry boutique headquartered in Dumfries, Virginia. The company offers seven distinctive collections of jewelry consisting of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. Founded on the principle of fun, diversity and girly-girl vibe, the company is also dedicated to employing people with disabilities, as well as providing customers with insights into daily life at 7 Charming Sisters. SOURCE 7 Charming Sisters Related Links http://www.7charmingsisters.com SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AirMap, the world's leading airspace management platform for drones, today announced a $26 million Series B funding round led by Microsoft Ventures, with additional participation from Airbus Ventures, Qualcomm Ventures (the investment arm of Qualcomm Incorporated), Rakuten, Sony, Yuneec, and existing investors General Catalyst and Lux Capital. The new investment brings AirMap's total funding to more than $43 million. The Series B funding round will bring AirMap's airspace management platform and Unmanned aircraft Traffic Management (UTM) solutions to new markets worldwide, as AirMap opens offices in Berlin, Germany and at the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California. "The strategic partners participating in our Series B financing reflect the diversity of the drone ecosystem and the potential of drones to benefit every sector of our economy," said AirMap CEO Ben Marcus, who also serves as the industry co-chair for the FAA/industry Unmanned Aircraft Safety Team. "Very soon, millions of drones will fly billions of flights. This is a future that depends on safe, autonomous drone operations at scale. AirMap's technology will make this future possible, allowing the drones of today, and the autonomous drones of tomorrow, to take flight." New Series B investors joining AirMap's network of partners include: Microsoft Ventures The investment in AirMap aligns with the company's ambition to power a safe drone ecosystem. The investment in AirMap aligns with the company's ambition to power a safe drone ecosystem. Airbus Ventures Airbus has long-term experience with air traffic management and is actively participating in the emerging drone ecosystem. Airbus Ventures and AirMap will collaborate to facilitate the safe integration of autonomous vehicles into the airspace, from delivery drones to flying taxis. Airbus has long-term experience with air traffic management and is actively participating in the emerging drone ecosystem. Airbus Ventures and AirMap will collaborate to facilitate the safe integration of autonomous vehicles into the airspace, from delivery drones to flying taxis. Qualcomm Ventures The drone of the future will have airspace services like AirMap's directly embedded into onboard computing systems, such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon Flight drone platform, a highly optimized platform targeted specifically for consumer drones and robotics applications. The advanced computing power will deliver robust data and services to support autonomous navigation, beyond visual line of sight. The drone of the future will have airspace services like AirMap's directly embedded into onboard computing systems, such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon Flight drone platform, a highly optimized platform targeted specifically for consumer drones and robotics applications. The advanced computing power will deliver robust data and services to support autonomous navigation, beyond visual line of sight. Rakuten Rakuten is the operator of Japan's leading online shopping mall and one of the world's leading internet services companies. Rakuten launched the Sora Raku Rakuten Drone service in April 2016 and has worked with local partners to carry out a number of groundbreaking drone delivery flights in Japan . Rakuten is the operator of leading online shopping mall and one of the world's leading internet services companies. Rakuten launched the Rakuten Drone service in and has worked with local partners to carry out a number of groundbreaking drone delivery flights in . Sony - Sony is a pioneer in the commercial drone business in Japan through its Sony group affiliate, Aerosense Inc. Sony seeks to expand its drone business globally by leveraging broad technology assets within the Sony group, as well as strong partnerships with innovative startups such as AirMap. Sony is making its investment in AirMap through its Sony Innovation Fund. Sony is a pioneer in the commercial drone business in through its Sony group affiliate, Aerosense Inc. Sony seeks to expand its drone business globally by leveraging broad technology assets within the Sony group, as well as strong partnerships with innovative startups such as AirMap. Sony is making its investment in AirMap through its Sony Innovation Fund. Yuneec - Yuneec is a leader in electric aviation with drones focused on hobby, consumer and commercial customers. Yuneec and AirMap are looking forward to working together to ensure a future in which drones are even safer and easier to fly. The AirMap platform powers the vast majority of the world's drones, providing the industry's most comprehensive, reliable, and real-time airspace information and services. Millions of drones and hundreds of drone manufacturers and developers rely on the platform to access and share the data they need to fly safely in low-altitude airspace. AirMap's data and services are embedded into drones, ground control stations, and flight apps by top drone makers, such as DJI, Intel, senseFly, 3DR, and Aeryon Labs expanding the reach of AirMap's technology and solutions throughout the entire drone ecosystem. AirMap has also emerged as a leader in worldwide efforts to build technologies for UTM, the regulatory and technological framework that will facilitate data exchange and air traffic control for drones, and eventually, flying cars. More than 125 airports use AirMap's airspace management dashboard to open surrounding airspace to drones, view past and current drone flights, accept digital flight notices, and communicate with drone operators. The AirMap platform also provides solutions for geofencing, remote identification of drones, and sophisticated in-flight deconfliction. "AirMap is a leader in low-altitude airspace management, and will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the drone industry," said Nagraj Kashyap, corporate vice president, Microsoft Ventures. "We're excited to support their growth and, by extension, the growth of commercial and recreational applications for both piloted and autonomous drones. We believe that by investing in companies like AirMap, Microsoft's resources, platforms and AI technologies can help fuel the future of the drone ecosystem." "At Airbus Ventures, we aim to accelerate and facilitate urban air mobility by making investments in related key technologies," said Thomas d'Halluin, CEO of Airbus Ventures. "Our goal is to help unlock the underlying technologies that will bring about rapid, widespread adoption and transform the whole system of urban travel. We are proud to collaborate with AirMap in helping build the essential safety infrastructure to introduce and secure traffic patterns for autonomous vehicles into the airspace." "Qualcomm is excited about the opportunity for UAVs to solve real problems and create value for consumers and enterprises," said Quinn Li, vice president and global head of Qualcomm Ventures. "We have funded a number of companies across the UAV technology stack and see the AirMap platform as a key enabler for widespread UAV adoption and deployment." "As drone-based commercial services become more common, there is a growing need for airspace management technologies to ensure the safe and smooth operation of these services in low-altitude airspace," commented Takashi Toraishi, president of the New Services Development Company of Rakuten, Inc. and responsible for the Sora Raku Rakuten Drone service. "AirMap's platform, UTM solutions and regulatory expertise have made it a leader in the airspace management industry, and we believe the company will make a significant contribution to the development of commercial drone ecosystems around the world." AirMap experienced significant growth in 2016, expanding its workforce to 50 employees, including the appointment of veteran tech executive Daniel Rubio as Chief Technology Officer and former NATS CEO Richard Deakin as Chairman of EMEA. Last year, AirMap launched the AirMap developer platform, which opens the company's library of APIs and SDKs to industry manufacturers and app developers, and the Digital Notice and Awareness System, an airspace management dashboard used by more than 125 airports. AirMap also significantly expanded its data for situational awareness, flight planning, and geofencing, adding real-time manned traffic alerts, live wildfire information, microscale weather, and more. Since the company was founded in 2015, AirMap has raised more than $43 million in investment capital. In April 2016, AirMap announced a $15 million Series A financing led by General Catalyst Partners. In July 2015, AirMap raised $2.6 million in seed funding, led by Lux Capital. About AirMap AirMap is the world's leading airspace management platform for drones, supporting more than 100,000 drone flights per day. Millions of drones, hundreds of drone manufacturers and developers, and hundreds of airspace managers and stakeholders rely on AirMap's airspace intelligence and services to fly safely and communicate with others in low-altitude airspace. With solutions for Unmanned Traffic Management, geofencing, remote identification, deconfliction, and more, AirMap is helping to create the next frontier of flight. Learn more about AirMap at www.airmap.com. Qualcomm, Snapdragon and Snapdragon Flight are trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. Qualcomm Snapdragon Flight is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. Contact: Brianna LaFleur Mighty for AirMap [email protected] 1-916-672-7738 SOURCE AirMap Related Links http://www.airmap.com BOISE, Idaho, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- More than half of the states in which Albertsons Companies operates have taken action to halt the rise in opioid-related deaths by passing legislation to allow pharmacies to dispense the opioid antagonist naloxone without a prescription. To best serve our communities, Albertsons Companies has specially trained nearly 3,000 pharmacists to administer the FDA-approved NARCAN Nasal Spray and counsel patients on the use of this medication. Albertsons Companies' pharmacies under the banners ACME, Albertsons, Albertsons Market, Carrs, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaw's, Tom Thumb and Vons can currently dispense NARCAN in Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 78 Americans die every day from opioid overdoses. Due to this growing epidemic across the nation, many states have approved the sale of naloxone without a prescription, removing a barrier for those who may need the drug for themselves or a loved one. NARCAN Nasal Spray, the treatment provided at Albertsons Companies' pharmacies, is the first and only FDA-approved naloxone nasal spray for the emergency treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose, including synthetic opioid painkiller-fentanyl-, carfentanil- and heroin-related overdose. According to Adapt Pharma, the manufacturer of NARCAN Nasal Spray, the drug is a concentrated naloxone nasal spray that "competes with opioids to bind with the same receptors in the brain. Usually, it reverses the effects of opioid overdose in two to three minutes. This buys the opioid-poisoned person time for emergency medical help to arrive." The naloxone dispensing procedures are specifically designed to not only help save lives in the event of an overdose, but to aid in the patient's recovery so he or she can then seek medical treatment or drug counseling. Administration of the medication includes a private consultation with the pharmacist to determine the patient's eligibility, with consultation on NARCAN expectations and explanation of the adverse event safety profile, and in some cases, notification to the patient's primary care provider. Said David C. Humes, a member of the board of directors for the national non-profit atTAcK addiction and volunteer with the national non-profit Shatterproof, "An accidental heroin overdose ended my son Greg Humes' time on earth on May 19, 2012, months shy of his 25th birthday. I can't reverse the events that took place to bring Greg back, but I can encourage others to arm themselves with tools that can save future lives. If you know anyone who is struggling with opioids like prescription pain killers or heroin, they may be susceptible to an overdose. Having the opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone around can be critical in saving the life of that loved one." The pharmacy teams at Albertsons Companies stores are committed to the health and wellness of their patients. By being at the forefront of the opioid epidemic, pharmacists can do their part in reducing opioid-related deaths, in addition to educating the public on medication and services available at the pharmacy. "The research on naloxone as an emergency treatment for opioid overdoses is proven. With our teams in place as a resource for this medication, we are keeping with our commitment to serve and improve the health and wellness of all our customers while also making our communities stronger," said Mark Panzer, Albertsons Companies Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Health and Wellness. About Albertsons Companies Albertsons Companies is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, with both a strong local presence and national scale. We operate stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 19 well-known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs. Albertsons Companies is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2016 alone, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the company gave nearly $300 million in food and financial support. These efforts helped millions of people in the areas of hunger relief, education, cancer research and treatment, programs for people with disabilities and veterans outreach. Contact: Jennifer Rapley [email protected] SOURCE Albertsons Companies BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bentall Kennedy (U.S.) Limited Partnership (Bentall Kennedy) announces the acquisition of Kedron Village II, a 157,185 square foot retail center in the Atlanta area on behalf of the MEPT Fund and its affiliated funds (the "Fund"). Kedron Village II is located 30 miles southwest of downtown Atlanta in Peachtree City and is adjacent to an existing Fund-owned asset, Kedron Village I, a 97,000 square foot, grocery-anchored retail center acquired in 2011. Peachtree City, the largest city in Fayette County, Georgia, has strong demographics with average and median household incomes within a 3-mile radius of the Property of $120,000 and $95,000, respectively. Built in 2006, Kedron Village II is 90 percent leased to a mix of national, regional, and local tenants. The center is anchored by Ross Dress for Less, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Petco. The weighted average remaining lease term for all tenants is nearly five years and 80 percent of the tenant base has been at the center for seven or more years. "The acquisition of Kedron Village II creates significant synergies with the Fund's existing center, Kedron Village I, and builds critical mass in a strong demographic trade area," stated David Nielson, Senior Vice President, Transactions at Bentall Kennedy. Additionally, the center is well-located at the southeast corner of Highway 74 and North Peachtree Parkway, which is the northern-most shopping center in Peachtree City and is positioned to attract customers entering the city from points north, including downtown Atlanta. "This acquisition aligns with the Fund's strategic goal of acquiring core retail properties in primary, knowledge-based markets throughout the U.S.," stated David Antonelli, Executive Vice President and MEPT Portfolio Manager at Bentall Kennedy. "Investing in necessity-based retail centers in areas surrounded by large, educated and affluent populations provide stable income for the Fund." About Bentall Kennedy Bentall Kennedy, a Sun Life Investment Management company, is one of the largest global real estate investment advisors and one of North America's foremost providers of real estate services. Bentall Kennedy serves the interests of more than 550 institutional clients with expertise in office, retail, industrial and multi-residential assets throughout Canada and the U.S. Bentall Kennedy's Investment Management group has approximately $34 billion (USD) of assets under management. We are one of the largest Real Estate Services providers in Canada, managing 58 million square feet on behalf of third-party and investment management clients (as of December 31, 2016). Bentall Kennedy is a member of UN PRI and a recognized Responsible Property Investing leader ranked among the top firms around the globe in the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) for the sixth consecutive year since GRESB was launched. Bentall Kennedy includes Bentall Kennedy (Canada) Limited Partnership, Bentall Kennedy (U.S.) Limited Partnership and the real estate and commercial mortgage investment groups of certain of their affiliates, all of which comprise a team of real estate professionals spanning multiple legal entities. The assets under management shown above include real estate equity and mortgage investments of the companies within Bentall Kennedy. All amounts cited are in U.S. dollars. For more information, visit www.bentallkennedy.com About MEPT MEPT and its affiliates are core, open-end private equity real estate funds and constitute $9.5 billion in gross assets. The funds are advised by Bentall Kennedy and invest in a diversified portfolio of institutional-quality real estate assets across more than 20 major U.S. metropolitan markets. Founded in 1982, MEPT has a stable income, research-driven strategy focused on U.S. primary markets. MEPT is recognized as an early-adopter and leader in Responsible Property Investing and has been consistently ranked in the top tier globally by GRESB. For more information on MEPT, visit www.mept.com. For more information, please contact: Jacqueline Gallant Head of Institutional Marketing and Communications (416) 204-3894 [email protected] SOURCE Bentall Kennedy Related Links http://www.bentallkennedy.com SAN DIEGO and SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ViaCyte, Inc., a privately-held regenerative medicine company, and Beyond Type 1, a not-for-profit advocacy and education group for those living with type 1 diabetes, today announced a grant from Beyond Type 1 to support ViaCyte's efforts to develop a functional cure for type 1 and other insulin-requiring diabetes. For more than a decade, ViaCyte has been developing innovative stem cell-derived cell replacement therapies with a focus on the treatment of insulin-requiring diabetes. The Company's pluripotent stem cell-derived islet cell replacement therapy, the PEC-Direct product candidate, has the potential to be a breakthrough treatment for high-risk type 1 diabetes. The PEC-Direct product candidate is expected to begin clinical trials this year and is likely to be the Company's first approved product. ViaCyte's PEC-Encap (also known as VC-01) product candidate delivers the same cell therapy as the PEC-Direct product candidate but in a delivery device designed to protect the cells from the patient's immune system, and therefore will not require immunosuppressant drugs commonly used for organ and tissue transplants. The PEC-Encap product candidate is being developed to treat all patients with diabetes who use insulin to control their disease. Preliminary clinical results with the PEC-Encap product candidate have provided early indications of the potential of the approach. "Beyond Type 1 views ViaCyte's products as potentially game-changing for those currently suffering with type 1 diabetes, and seeks to promote their continued safe and efficient development," said Sarah Lucas, Co-Founder and CEO of Beyond Type 1. "ViaCyte's mission to create a functional cure for type 1 diabetes is well-aligned with Beyond Type 1's goals, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to support them and facilitate the rapid development of their promising product candidates for type 1 diabetes." Beyond Type 1 seeks to make a better life for people living with type 1 diabetes. One hundred percent of operational costs for Beyond Type 1 are covered by Leadership and Founding Friends, so that all funds donated to Beyond Type 1 can be used to directly support the portfolio of partner organizations. "ViaCyte has a history of working with patient advocacy groups, such as JDRF and the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), and Beyond Type 1 represents a new and exciting platform to help connect patients to product development," said Paul Laikind, PhD, President and CEO of ViaCyte. "We are tremendously grateful for the financial and social support that Beyond Type 1 is providing to ViaCyte as we work to create a functional cure for people with type 1 diabetes." About Beyond Type 1 Founded in February 2015, Beyond Type 1 creates and funds a portfolio of programs, technologies, and innovations that those living with type 1 diabetes need to manage, live, and thrive. Because Beyond Type 1 Founders and Founding Friends pay all operational and fundraising expenses, 100% of every dollar raised through these programs directly supports the most promising global efforts working to educate, advocate, and eventually cure type 1 diabetes. By leveraging the power of social media and technology, Beyond Type 1 has been able to connect people living with type 1 diabetes on global scale changing what it means to live with this chronic disease. Beyond Type 1's Instagram campaign "Living Beyond," showcases the age, range, and variance of those living their best life with type 1 diabetes, with the website and additional social media platforms providing supplemental education and support. The goal is to highlight the brilliance of those fighting the disease every day while always working toward ensuring a cure is on its way. High profile campaigns, collaborations, and carefully curated special events help provide education and awareness, affording a greater capacity for continued strategic fundraising. For more information on Beyond Type 1, please visit www.beyondtype1.org and connect with Beyond Type 1 on Twitter and Instagram at @BeyondType1 , and on Facebook at Facebook.com/BeyondType1 . About ViaCyte ViaCyte is a privately-held regenerative medicine company developing novel cell replacement therapies as potential long-term diabetes treatments to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia and diabetes-related complications. ViaCyte's product candidates are based on the derivation of pancreatic progenitor cells, which are then implanted in a durable and retrievable encapsulation device. Once implanted and matured, these cells are designed to secrete insulin and other regulatory factors in response to blood glucose levels. ViaCyte has two products in development. The PEC-Direct product candidate delivers the pancreatic progenitor cells in a non-immunoprotective device and is being developed for type 1 diabetes patients that have severe hypoglycemic episodes, extreme glycemic lability, and/or impaired hypoglycemia awareness. The PEC-Encap (also known as VC-01) product candidate delivers pancreatic progenitor cells in an immunoprotective device designed to be administered without the need for chronic immunosuppression thus expanding the potential treatment to all patients that use insulin to control their disease. ViaCyte is headquartered in San Diego, California with additional operations in Athens, Georgia. The Company is funded in part by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) and JDRF. For more information on ViaCyte, please visit www.viacyte.com and connect with ViaCyte on Twitter and Facebook . SOURCE ViaCyte, Inc. Related Links http://www.viacyte.com PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackfynn and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) announced today that they have expanded their relationship. Under the expanded relationship, Blackfynn's Data Platform will be used by CHOP and the Children's Brain Tumor Tissue Consortium (CBTTC) to bring together complex non-identifiable patient data for collaboration and analysis, thereby accelerating translational discovery toward treatments for brain cancer in children. Blackfynn and CHOP began their relationship focused on pathology data one year ago. The expanded relationship will allow ongoing access to the Blackfynn Data Platform for CHOP and CBTTC members to conduct research across non-identifiable patient data, including pathology, imaging, genomics, EEG, clinical and other data. The ability to integrate and conduct analyses across all relevant data together is crucial to identifying meaningful patterns in treatment and disease. "We are thrilled to expand our relationship with CHOP, whose commitment to enabling translational research through collaboration and data access inspires us every day," said Amanda Christini, MD, President of Blackfynn. "We share their core belief that transformational discovery will only occur when experts can effectively use the vast amounts of disparate, complex data generated in research. Blackfynn's Data Platform will fundamentally enable this goal." "The Blackfynn Data Platform will accelerate research by linking experts and non-identifiable data, and will be seamlessly integrated into our CBTTC ecosystem," said Adam Resnick, PhD, CBTTC Scientific Chair. "Our extended relationship with Blackfynn will support the goals of the CBTTC and ultimately could lead to improved outcomes for children with brain tumors." About Blackfynn, Inc. Blackfynn is a privately held life sciences company focused on the development of a data platform to enable integration and analytics of complex, multimodal research and clinical data to enable better therapeutics and clinical care for patients with neurologic disease. To learn more, contact [email protected] or visit us at www.blackfynn.com. About the CBTTC The CBTTC is a collaborative research program dedicated to improving outcomes for children with brain tumors by supporting research on new prognostic biomarkers and therapies. The CBTTC is composed of thirteen member sites, including CHOP, Stanford, UCSF, Lurie Children's, Seattle Children's, University of Pittsburgh Children's Hospital, Rutgers, Cornell, Children's National, Hackensack Medical Center, CHOC Children's, Meyer Children's and UCSC. The CBTTC informatics infrastructure is supported by the Translational Informatics Unit at CHOP's Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics (DBHi). CONTACT: Erin Griffault, [email protected] SOURCE Blackfynn Related Links http://www.blackfynn.com MILWAUKEE, WI, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - BMO Harris Bank announced today its plans to build a new branch at 3637 W. Fond Du Lac Avenue, across the street from BMO Harris Bank's current 3536 W. Fond Du Lac location. "Today's announcement reinforces our commitment to the Sherman Park community," said Jud Snyder, Senior Executive, Milwaukee, BMO Harris Bank. "We are proud to be part of this neighborhood. We look forward to having a brand new branch, right in the heart of Sherman Park, to serve the financial needs of our customers." "I am deeply grateful for BMO Harris Bank's commitment to Milwaukee and the Sherman Park neighborhood," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. "I value the investment the people at BMO Harris Bank have made in making Milwaukee an even stronger city, and I applaud their community spirit." The new branch, which is targeted for completion in the fall, will feature BMO's new "Smart Branch" concept. "Our new Sherman Park branch will be our very first Smart Branch in Wisconsin," said Chris Michalski, Regional President, Southeast Region, BMO Harris Bank. "The Smart Branch brings customers the latest in branch banking technology while delivering an exceptional customer experience." Some of the features of this Smart Branch include: A team of branch bankers helping customers with all of their financial needs Smart ATMs that offer customers new options including Mobile Cash withdrawals without the use of a debit card Video conferencing, which provides customers with instant on-demand access to a wide variety of specialized bank professionals Free wifi to provide customers with access to their mobile devices "I'd like to thank our customers, who have been conducting their banking out of our temporary facility since September," added Michalski. "The support and good wishes which they shared with our employees were greatly appreciated." About BMO Harris Bank BMO Harris Bank provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through nearly 600 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Arizona and Florida. BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the U.S. For more information about BMO Harris Bank, go to the company fact sheet. Banking products and services are subject to bank and credit approval. BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender NMLS 401052 BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial organization with approximately 1,500 branches, and CDN $688 billion in assets (as of October 31, 2016). Media Contact: Patrick O'Herlihy, [email protected] (312) 576-7503 SOURCE BMO Harris Bank LOS ANGELES, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Broadvoice, an award-winning provider of hosted voice, unified communications (UC) and SIP trunking services for businesses, has expanded its service portfolio to meet the cyber security and manageability needs of its rapidly growing customer base. To keep customer networks and data safe from cyber crime, the company is introducing Managed Firewall and Cyber Security services. In addition, Broadvoice is debuting a virtual MPLS service for businesses with multiple locations. High-profile data breaches, increases in ransomware attacks and a national focus on hacking has put the need for better cyber security into the spotlight. But for many businesses, the lack of in-house expertise and the high overhead involved in managing up-to-the-second security monitoring is hampering their defense efforts. The new Broadvoice Managed Firewall service allows customer firewalls to be remotely managed by engineering experts for one low monthly fee. While managed firewalls help combat cyber attacks, an added layer of security can be necessary to prevent data breaches that cripple companies. The Broadvoice Cyber Security package uses advanced detection algorithms to counter attacks and prevent network intrusions, which lets organizations affordably address perimeter security without the need to deepen their internal resource investment. "Our customers can now create a robust security profile without having to hire dedicated IT staff to manage it," said Jim Murphy, CEO of Broadvoice. "Our advanced technology and in-house engineering experts are your armor against attacks on your network. If we see a new threat against one of our customers, all our customers become immediately protected against that attack in real time. We essentially become your security NOC for a very low monthly fee." In addition to security services, the new virtual MPLS service improves cost efficiency, redundancy and scalability for today's businesses. Multi-location businesses need to share files and network resources over encrypted connections as the number of sites expand over time. Virtual MPLS allows businesses to connect all of their locations securely, regardless of the type and speed of each internet connection, and without the complex deployment limitations of a traditional MPLS approach. "This is so easy to deploy, and offers a flat rate per site along with the ability to have redundancy with multiple internet connections across different carriers," said Ryan Delgrosso, Broadvoice CTO. "The new vMPLS service fits our company goal of helping our customers leverage next-gen technology to support their ever-increasing need for efficiency." Broadvoice offers a flexible, smart portfolio of IP-based voice and data offerings, backed by its enterprise-class, geo-redundant IP telephony platform. This includes a full UC suite and cloud PBX services, including unlimited voice calling plans for businesses, throughout the continental United States and Canada. For information on the Broadvoice Partner Program, please call 866-634-1394, or visit www.broadvoice.com/partners About Broadvoice Headquartered in Los Angeles, Broadvoice is a premier provider of cloud phone service, contact center solutions, collaboration and conferencing. Utilizing the latest cloud communications technology, Broadvoice helps businesses achieve higher call quality and faster internet speeds while reducing overall costs and improving efficiency. The company continuously delivers a full suite of secure, reliable, real-time communication solutions that help businesses connect with customers anywhere, any time and with any device. Broadvoice has been ranked in the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 and Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America. Visit Broadvoice.com to learn more. Media Contact Broadvoice Cheryl McRae 818-671-2953 [email protected] SOURCE Broadvoice Related Links http://www.broadvoice.com NAPA VALLEY, Calif., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wine RayZyn Company's CabernayZyns have been selected as a finalist for the prestigious 2017 NEXTY Awards. The NEXTY Awards are presented at Natural Products Expo West, which is the leading food trade show in the natural, organic and healthy products industry. Over 70,000 industry professionals and 3,000 exhibitors attend the show at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. CabernayZyns are one of six finalists in the "Best New Snack" category. The awards are judged on three criteria: innovation, inspiration, and integrity. According to the NEXTY Awards' website, "These are products that show truly creative thinking and execution; adhere to a mission with wide-reaching potential; or take a new approach to clean ingredients, sustainability, or transparency. The Wine RayZyn Company LLC According to Chris Cates, M.D., a cardiologist and the Founder and CEO of The Wine RayZyn Company, "We are honored and thrilled to be a NEXTY finalist. Our company has a culture of innovation, health, sustainability, and quality. All of our CabernayZyns are hand harvested in California and are made from antioxidant rich, specially dried premium Cabernet Sauvignon wine grapes. We take careful steps to provide only pure 'nature' to our consumers. CabernayZyns are all natural, naturally sweet, and contain no preservatives or artificial flavors. Our entire team is excited to participate in our first Expo West and to be a finalist among other excellent snack foods." About CabernayZyn CabernayZyns are a brand new superfood that combines the unique flavor of the Cabernet wine grape with the power-packed nutrients of wine grape seeds and skins. CabernayZyns are an innovative snack. Prior to the creation of Wine RayZyns, there was not a USDA food category for wine grapes. The Wine RayZyn Company caramelizes the wine grape seed inside the fruit using a special patented drying process, thereby creating the first palatable way for humans to eat wine grape seeds in their whole form as Nature intended, making CabernayZyns a whole food with bio available nutrients. Bio availability is important, as it signifies the rate and the degree at which nutrients are recognized and naturally absorbed into the body. To learn more about the amazing health benefits of red wine and Wine RayZyns, visit http://rayzyn.com/pages/health. Contact: Eleanor Cates [email protected] (404) 375-3700 This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com. SOURCE The Wine RayZyn BALTIMORE, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Have you ever wanted to taste-test food from more than 30 of the best Baltimore-area restaurants while supporting a great cause? Join Catholic Charities at the 26th annual A Taste of Maryland. A Taste of Maryland takes place on Saturday, March 4, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the B&O Railroad Museum, located at 901 W. Pratt St. in Baltimore. Free parking is available. Taste of Maryland 2017 logo Proceeds from the event will benefit Our Daily Bread Employment Center, a Catholic Charities of Baltimore program that provides people in need with meals, case management, job training and a host of other vital services. "A Taste of Maryland is a fantastic event that not only showcases some of the best food in the Baltimore area, but also raises crucial funds to support the work of Our Daily Bread Employment Center," said Bill McCarthy, executive director of Catholic Charities of Baltimore. "We are so grateful to the restaurants and the chefs who donate their time, energy and tremendous cuisine to make this evening very special, and through their efforts help to feed the 700 people who come through the doors of Our Daily Bread every single day." Tickets for A Taste of Maryland are $200, and are available online at cc-md.org/tasteofmd. $150 of the ticket price is tax-deductible. About Our Daily Bread Employment Center Our Daily Bread Employment Center provides daily hot meals to more than 700 individuals, as well as case management services, job training and employment counseling. Our Daily Bread first opened its doors on June 1, 1981 and has never missed a day of serving Baltimoreans in need. Participating Restaurants & Chefs: Aldo's Ristorante Italiano Amicci's b A Bolton Hill Bistro Cafe Gia Cafe Hon Chiapparelli's Christopher Place Employment Academy The Classic Catering People Clement's Pastry Shop Faidley's Seafood Gertrude's Golden West Cafe Gourmet Again Heavy Seas Alehouse La Scala Ristorante Italiano Linwoods Michael's Cafe The Nickel Taphouse Pierpoint Restaurant Prigel Family Creamery RavenBeer Salsa Grill Southern Blues Stone Mill Bakery Vaccaro's Italian Pastry Shop Whitney Willyums Home Crafted Fine Cuisine Woodberry Kitchen Zeke's Coffee About Catholic Charities of Baltimore Catholic Charities of Baltimore is Maryland's largest private provider of human services, offering assistance to children and families, people living in poverty, individuals with intellectual disabilities, immigrants and seniors without regard to religion, race or other circumstances. Inspired by the Gospel mandates to love, serve and teach, the more than 80 programs of Catholic Charities improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of Marylanders each year. Catholic Charities continues a legacy of charity and compassion that began with the establishment of the Catholic Church in Baltimore in 1789. For more information, please visit www.cc-md.org. Catholic Charities has experts available to discuss a wide variety of topics, including poverty, homelessness, mental health, intellectual disabilities, immigration and issues related to aging. Contact: Bob Keenan (667) 600-2008 or (202) 320-3632 SOURCE Catholic Charities of Baltimore Related Links http://www.catholiccharities-md.org DOVER, Del., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) ("Chesapeake Utilities") announced today that Sandpiper Energy ("Sandpiper" or "the Company"), a wholly-owned subsidiary, is now delivering natural gas to the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. The Company expects to make more than 250 conversions to natural gas for residents and business owners through the end of May, before the start of the tourism season. The upcoming Ocean City conversions are part of the Company's ongoing initiative to increase the energy options for residents. "Our team is excited to have made progress in its commitment to providing natural gas to residents and businesses in Ocean City and Worcester County, Maryland," said Michael P. McMasters, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation. "This extension of our service means more people will enjoy the numerous benefits of natural gas as we continue to provide excellent value to this region and service to our customers, community members and shareholders." The Sandpiper Energy team has converted more than 4,000 homes and businesses in Worcester County since the project was initiated in 2013. When the Ocean City system is fully converted to natural gas, the net effect will be a reduction in CO2 emissions by over 3,000 tons, the equivalent of taking over 500 cars off the road. With more than 3,500 accounts in Ocean City to convert and taking into consideration the tourism season, the process will take several years to complete. "We are excited to bring natural gas service to Ocean City, Maryland," said Jim Moore, Vice President, Chesapeake Utilities. "We have a long-standing history in meeting the energy needs of the Delmarva Peninsula and our employees look forward to serving the Worcester County community." About Sandpiper Energy Sandpiper Energy distributes natural gas and propane to approximately 11,000 residential commercial and industrial customers in Worcester County, Maryland. In the last two years, over 2,400 Berlin and West Ocean City customers have converted their homes and businesses to natural gas. About Chesapeake Utilities Corporation Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is a diversified energy company engaged in natural gas distribution, transmission, gathering and processing, and marketing; electricity generation and distribution; propane gas distribution; propane and crude oil wholesale marketing; steam generation; and other businesses. Information about Chesapeake Utilities Corporation's businesses is available at www.chpk.com. Please note that Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is not affiliated with Chesapeake Energy, an oil and natural gas exploration company headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Statements in this release that are not historical are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "expect," "likely," "outlook," "forecast," "would," "could," "should," "can," "will," "project," "intend," "plan," "goal," "target," "continue," "sustain," "believe," "seek," "estimate," "anticipate," "may," "possible," "assume," variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to vary materially from those indicated, including the factors described in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, each of which is incorporated herein by reference, and in other documents that we file or furnish with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Except to the extent required by law, the Company does not undertake, and expressly disclaims, any duty or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement after the date of this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise. For more information, contact: Mike Stock Senior Director, Corporate Communications Chesapeake Utilities Corporation 302.736.7808 [email protected] SOURCE Chesapeake Utilities Corporation Related Links http://www.chpk.com For years Mexico has been fighting a death battle that is ravaging the country. Between 2007 and 2014 more people died in this fight than in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars together. The cartels are fighting with each other and against the government in a business that marks the drug gateway to the United States. It's a war that comes from afar: after the fall of Pablo Escobar in Colombia, the Mexican capos decided to go from being the middle man to controlling the business at a world-wide level extending routes, exports, and the manufacturing a variety of drugs. Following the AMAZONAS CLANDESTINO unprecedented success, David Beriain returns to Discovery en Espanol with CLANDESTINO to dive into the core of the Sinaloa cartel, the most powerful criminal organization in the world previously led by the world-famous 'Chapo' Guzman. In order to reach the heart of the cartel, Beriain develops a unique connection with the top players in the organization through a strong trusting bond that result in first hand shocking human stories never seen before in television. "Making 'The Sinaloa Cartel' was a major challenge. We entered the cartel at the most complicated time, after the capture of 'Chapo' Guzman and in the middle of a power war to succeed him. It was a challenge to build trust in a time when they themselves looked at one another with absolute distrust," explains Beriain. CLANDESTINO also enters El Salvador, a country ravaged by the violence of the maras, to report stories of death and revenge that Beriain defines as the most impressive he has experienced throughout his professional life. With 6,000 confirmed homicides every year, El Salvador is the most violent and dangerous country in Latin America. The Maras 18 and Salvatrucha 13 gang members are mortal enemies who delimit their territory through graffiti and violent street fighting. But the journalist will focus on families and police who, in despair, take justice by their own hand. David Beriain will tour the country with them, participate in their operations and see firsthand the traces of a violence that is worse than what the country has experienced during its civil war years. For more about network programming, please follow us on facebook.com/discoveryenespanol, Twitter @DiscoveryenESP, Instagram @discoveryenespanol and YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/discoveryenespanol. About Discovery en Espanol Discovery en Espanol connects Spanish-speaking viewers in the U.S. to the world and all its wonder and possibilities. It provides quality programming focusing on bold storytelling across core genres including adventure, ingenuity, natural history, investigation and current affairs. Created by Discovery Communications, Discovery en Espanol is widely distributed on Hispanic tier packages throughout the country. For more information, please follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/discoveryenespanol, Twitter @DiscoveryenESP, Instagram @discoveryenespanol, and YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/discoveryenespanol. SOURCE Discovery en Espanol Speakers from academia, nonprofit organizations, government agencies and private industry will share best practices and advances in science, technology and policy that are helping to achieve greater food security with less pressure on scarce water resources. In addition to the rich variety of programming, the conference includes special networking events, including two evening receptions; a student poster competition; photography competition and exhibit and a Nebraska bar-be-que banquet. Topics include: Creating and expanding farmer-led irrigation solutions in sub-Saharan Africa Developing market-based approaches to drought management Enhancing high productivity irrigated agriculture, highlighting challenges and opportunities from the Great Plains to sub-Saharan Africa Improving water management and governance for food security in great river basins of the world Transforming water policy to develop sustainable and equitable water management practices in local, regional, and global contexts A View from the Field how farmers from different parts of the world are using technology and best practices to increase yields Engaging students, stakeholders and future leaders through science literacy and citizen science to examine the relationships between water, food and energy, as well as agriculture and public health. Featured speakers: Closing Keynote/Heuermann Lecture by A.G. Kawamura , former California Secretary of Agriculture, third generation fruit and vegetable grower from Orange County and co-chair of Solutions from the Land, an organization developing a roadmap for 21st century agricultural systems , former Secretary of Agriculture, third generation fruit and vegetable grower from and co-chair of Solutions from the Land, an organization developing a roadmap for 21st century agricultural systems Marlos De Souza , Secretary, Water Platform Land & Water Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) , Secretary, Water Platform Land & Water Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Chandra Madramootoo , James McGill Professor, Bioresource Engineering Department, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University ; Past President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage , James McGill Professor, Bioresource Engineering Department, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, ; Past President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage Sithembile Ndema Mwamakamba, Climate Smart Agriculture Programmes Manager, Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) Steven Schonberger , Practice Manager for Middle East and North Africa Region and Global Lead for Water in Agriculture, Water Global Practice, The World Bank Registration: Early registration runs through March 10 : $450 : Regular registration runs March 11 to April 1 : $550 Special registration discounts are available to all academic faculty, staff and students. The 2017 Water for Food Global Conference is a North American Regional Event for the 8th World Water Forum, the world's largest water-related forum organized by the World Water Council. Generous support for the 2017 conference is provided by the Robert. B. Daugherty Foundation, the University of Nebraska, Monsanto Co., Senninger Irrigation Inc., the Nebraska Corn Board and LI-COR Biosciences. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities may contact Molly Nance at [email protected] or (+1) 402.472.5512. About the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska SOURCE Water for Food Institute Related Links http://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/overview NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Opening Monday, February 27th, Coterie, the marquee women's focused apparel, accessories and footwear trade event will bring an new perspective to the industry by launching 'The Coterie Experience,' an interactive installation that weaves together the influence of luxury designer fashion brands and cutting-edge technology. The new visual component will be merchandised into creative atmospheres from minimalism to boho-chic trends allowing retailers to create a narrative around exhibiting brand collections. Content to be displayed will range from behind-the-scenes snapshots of New York Fashion Week runway shows to exclusive videos from designers discussing their inspiration for their FW'17 collections. To heighten the experience, attendees will be equipped with iPads to use throughout the atmosphere as a tool for discovery with visual content from over 100 brands including Alexis Bittar, Anna Sui, Cauliflower Issy Miyake, Jacquie Aiche, Grey Jason Wu and M Missoni and more. "We are very excited to debut 'The Coterie Experience,' a 4,000 square foot interactive installation that aims to inspire creativity and capture an element of interactivity between retailers and brands. Our goal is to create an unparalleled environment that ignites conversation for our attendees," states Danielle Licata, Vice President of Coterie. In addition, Coterie is proud to highlight three neighborhoods within the show: ACTIVE, a collection of alth-leisure brands geared towards fashion and fitness apparel and accessories, TMRW, advanced contemporary lines and emerging designers with a global perspective, and Disruptors, a new section dedicated to brands that are impacting their category in specific areas through sustainability, social awareness and presence. UBM Fashion and leading business intelligence firm, L2, will partner together for "Evolve by UBM Fashion", which will bring an informative series of seminars under the theme "Retail in the Digital Era Session with L2" covering key topics in the retail, digital and fashion industries. With an increased focus on educating attendees on relevant topics unfolding in the current retail environment, the partnership will offer insight and direction on the current climate of the digital landscape. The keynote address will be given by Founder and Chairman of L2, Scott Galloway, who will discuss business with digital dominance, their successes and loses in the digital age along with their impact on the industry as whole. This season the footwear marketplace grows with the introduction of Footwear @ Coterie and expansion of Sole Commerce. "The debut of Footwear @ Coterie and the enhancement of Sole Commerce during February in New York is designed as a vehicle for our vendors to close orders with retailers as well as serve up a greater assortment of key footwear brands to the eastern seaboard apparel and footwear retailers," Leslie Gallin, President of Footwear. The shows will be positioned in the center of each trade event, Coterie and the newly acquired apparel shows Edit/Stitch and Moda. Exhibiting footwear brands include Kennel & Schmenger, Res Ispa, Paraboot, Right Bank Shoe Co., and Inuikki. UBM Fashion's Premiere New York marketplace is comprised of seven unique shows: COTERIE | The marquee trade event that host elevated contemporary apparel, accessories and footwear for women. Coterie also hosts neighborhoods, TMRW, an up-and-coming international designer section and Footwear @ Coterie a platform dedicated to luxury footwear EDIT | A carefully edited section presenting recognized and emerging advanced contemporary women's brands Stitch | A showcase of refined ready-to-wear designers; a mix of contemporary sportswear, lifestyle and international talents Sole Commerce | An event dedicated to women's and junior's footwear presents for the first time during the February New York market week MODA | A platform that provides a concise mix of carefully juried modern contemporary ready-to-wear collections Accessories The Show | A vibrant collection of must-see accessories, previewing classic and trend-driven brands, and emerging high-end designers Fame | One-stop shopping destination to discover ready-to-wear young contemporary and trend-driven fashion for women The show opens Monday, February 27th and runs until Wednesday, March 1st at the Jacob Javits Center located at 655 W 34th St, New York, NY. @coterie_show About Coterie | Coterie is the premier global event within the New York marketplace that bridges women's apparel and accessories designers to the international 'Who's Who' of retailers that runs concurrently with Stitch, Sole Commerce, Fame, Moda, The Accessories Show and The Edit. Coterie builds exclusive shopping experiences from the ground up so that designers and buyers can create a synergy that fuels their businesses, continuing to be a platform for generating revenue and inspiring trends. About UBM Fashion | Uniting the most influential fashion retail decision makers and the world's top fashion brands, UBM Fashion serves the $1 trillion+ worldwide fashion industry through its comprehensive marketplaces in New York (NY Men's and Women's) and Las Vegas (MAGIC). UBM Fashion serves the industry by bringing together great brands and retailers in superbly merchandised shows while providing superior customer service and ultimately presenting end consumers with the best apparel, footwear, accessories, and fashion products. SOURCE UBM Fashion DALLAS, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cotton Patch Cafe is adding a spicy twist to one of its most popular Southern-fried dishes with the introduction of new Cajun Fried Catfish, available for a limited time. Starting Feb. 28, the Texas-based restaurant will offer its classic Crispy Fried Catfish prepared with Cajun spices and Tabasco sauce for $10.99 daily. Through May 28, Cotton Patch also will offer the dish during its All-YouCan-Eat Catfish Friday special, served with fries, two hushpuppies and choice of two traditional sides for $11.99. "We serve more than 150,000 pounds of catfish annually, so we wanted to give our guests a new way to enjoy a popular item," said Cotton Patch Cafe CEO Kathy Nelson. "Our new Cajun Fried Catfish is perfect for our guests who crave the spicier flavors that are trending right now." Also adding heat to the menu, beginning April 3 through May 28, are new crispy Three Cheese Bites, stuffed with mozzarella, pepper jack and cheddar cheeses mixed with chili seasonings and served with ranch dressing for $5.49. And back by popular demand, Mama's Special Butter Cake, a rich cake with a creamy cheesecake layer topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce for $3.99, is available through May 28. More information about the Cotton Patch menu, which varies by location, is available at www.cottonpatch.com. About Cotton Patch Cafe Founded in Nacogdoches, Texas, in 1989, Dallas-based Cotton Patch Cafe is a Texas-inspired, homestyle restaurant serving Southern classics in 49 locations across Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arkansas. Cotton Patch is deeply committed to being a community partner in each town it calls home and gives to many local organizations and charities in addition to being a major donor to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Recently, Cotton Patch was named among the industry's most significant brands as part of NRN's Top 200 Chains. For more information, visit cottonpatch.com or follow Cotton Patch on Facebook and Instagram. MEDIA CONTACT Sara Hundley Carson Cline 817-329-3257 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE Cotton Patch Cafe Related Links http://www.cottonpatch.com NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Next January 28th, Appy will be launching a crowdfunding campaign to disrupt the business software industry, giving lifetime access to a complete business software suite. The software is focused in startups and small businesses. According to the Appy team, "The Impact of the Appy start-up software will truly help save new businesses thousands of dollars. Entrepreneurs will no longer need to buy random, overlapping software from scratch to efficiently evolve their start-ups. Instead Appy provides one ready-made software system especially developed for new and small businesses. Appy is the sort of software package that comes along only once in a decade. What we want to do is cut software out of the equation when start-up companies are figuring out their budgets, giving the most innovative companies more leeway as they plan for their first year of business and beyond. If we do this right, millions of lives around the world could be improved as a result of the entrepreneurship we foster. Crowd funding will accelerate Appy's availability to all." Industry experts are saying that, "Appy is the next SAP for every micro and small business of the world." The application tracks all business activity, including inventory, sales orders, CRM, eCommerce, payments, quotes, overhead and much more. Appy software is easy to use, multi-language- and multiplatform-friendly. The Appy Crowdfunding campaign will help entrepreneurs face a unique set of challenges. The Appy CEO, Esteban Chaves knows that, "Locking in enough operating capital is critical. Businesses need funds to ramp up, and keep the doors open. The vast majority of start-ups never make it past their first year of business, which is bad news for everyone, from the investors to the customers who could have benefitted from whatever product the start-up was offering." Today businesses are global and Appy knows it. According to Esteban, "Appy is the result of the joint work of professionals from different parts of the world. We have worked with people from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Costa Rica, Australia, France, South Africa, Nigeria, India, Bangladesh and more." This campaign will fund the final development stages of its cost-effective, integrated organizational software for start-ups. Appy is reaching out to investors who believe in and support the initiative and spirit of businesses that want to bring products to market without the burden of having to buy expensive software. For more information, visit APPY and our campaign Video. Download APPY PRESSKIT Photos: https://www.prlog.org/12622047 Press release distributed by PRLog SOURCE Appy LLC Related Links https://appy.la The non-profit is asking the General Secretary of the UN Antonio Guterres to help establish one set of rules worldwide in the interests of animals, consumers and industry. To launch the global campaign, unsuspecting bystanders outside the UN's New York building were treated to a performance featuring dancers, acrobats and jugglers in full bunny costume, while demonstrators held placards urging decision-makers to unite for cruelty free cosmetics. Whilst the EU, Israel, India and New Zealand have set an example by banning cruel cosmetics tests, current rules are patchwork with different regulations in different places. Momentum is growing as countries increasingly support effective non-animal alternatives and move towards ending cosmetics animal testing, but the outdated practice still takes place in some countries. A global ban would end decades of animal suffering, create a level playing field for companies and prevent animal testing from moving between countries. Michelle Thew, Cruelty Free International CEO said, "It's time for clear global leadership. We're asking the UN to take decisive action and adopt an international convention that puts in place one set of harmonised rules which end outdated, cruel animal testing for cosmetics forever." For more information, please visit: www.crueltyfreeinternational.org/bunny NOTES Cruelty Free International is one of the world's longest standing and most respected animal protection organisations. It is widely regarded as an authority on animal testing issues and called upon by governments, media, corporations and official bodies for advice or expert opinion. It was the first major non-profit organisation to campaign against animal testing for cosmetics, dating back to the 1970s. Leading the 20-year campaign to ban cruel cosmetics in the EU, it has influenced bans in countries including New Zealand, India and South Korea. www.crueltyfreeinternational.org For further quotes or images please contact the Cruelty Free International Media Office: Tel: +44(0)7923-294-382 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Cruelty Free International Related Links http://www.crueltyfreeinternational.org/bunny NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dance.com announced its debut today as the first editorial website to cover all aspects of dance from viral videos to TV dance shows to ballet, Broadway and beyond. The Dance.com brand also features monthly video dance competitions and an online community for dancers. "This is a place for all dance fans," said Pia Catton, editor in chief of Dance.com. "Dance has become a huge cultural force, and we're bringing all genres together, regardless of notions about what's 'high' and 'low'." Dance.com is looking for whizzes at flying and spinning through the air for its Jumps and Turns Video Contest! The winner is awarded $500 and is named the 2017 Dance.com Jumps and Turns Champion. All genres, skill levels and ages are welcome. Special prizes of $100 Capezio gift certificates for under 9 years of age and under 17 years of age. Catton spent seven years at The Wall Street Journal, reporting on dance and the performing arts. "Dance deserves its own media brand," she said. "It plays an integral role in culture, in the same way music does." Its first week, Dance.com features interviews with Taye Diggs (film star and choreographer); Derek Hough (five time Dancing with the Stars champion) and Miles Brown (child star of black-ish and dancer). During its beta, Dance.com content has already found a viral audience, with a Facebook reach of more than 10 million people for its coverage of the Wisconsin High School dance team's fierce Beyonce tribute. The video for "Sorry Beyonce, This Formation Ballroom Dance Is Completely Mesmerizing" reached almost 2 million people. For its first monthly contest, "Show Us Your Best Jumps and Turns" Dance.com is inviting dancers of all genres and skill levels to enter videos of their most creative combinations. The prize is $500 and a TV appearance for the Dance.com "Jumps and Turns" Champion. Upcoming monthly contests include "Pet Dance Party!" and "Military Groove." Dance.com is owned by Capezio, the 130-year-old dancewear company, and is operated by Buzzr, a digital media, marketing and technology firm. "We've been watching as dance explodes on television, film, music videos, video games, and dance competitions," said Anthony Giacoio Jr., CEO of Capezio. "It was time for someone to bring it all together." In fact, 56 million people watch the top 10 dance-focused television series and specials; 61.5 million copies of the two best-selling dance video games have been sold; among the top 10 YouTube videos of all time, six feature dancing, with some 12 billion views. The Dance.com brand brings together Ed Sussman, former president of Inc.com and FastCompany.com, and Harold Bolling, the former publisher of Inc.com and FastCompany.com. "This is a much bigger potential audience and revenue opportunity than our previous collaboration," said Ed Sussman, Buzzr CEO. "The digital content market had a significant content hole and Dance.com is stepping in to fill it." Bolling noted that dance is an expression of celebration, and is therefore among the most joyous art forms. "An association with happiness creates an emotional bond between consumers and advertisers." For sales, contact Harold Bolling at [email protected] Media Contact: Shelley Clark [email protected] 646.489.8582 SOURCE Dance.com Related Links http://www.Dance.com DENVER, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- DaVita Inc. (NYSE: DVA), a leading independent medical group in America and leading provider of kidney care services, has selected Bryan Becker, M.D., MMM, FACP, CPE as chief medical officer of VillageHealth, a subsidiary of DaVita specializing in integrated kidney care and renal population health management. Dr. Becker will provide clinical leadership to the company's integrated kidney care programs, which coordinate care for patients with late-stage chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease. Care is coordinated before and during the transition to dialysis or transplant, then inside and outside of the dialysis center to achieve better clinical outcomes and improve patient quality of life. In addition to potential clinical benefits, integrated care may translate into significant cost savings for the greater health care systemincluding payors, providers, taxpayers and, ultimately, patients. Dr. Becker hopes to lead his team in striking the balance between delivering the fundamentals of exceptional care and innovation in order to build efficiencies in the right places to improve patient outcomes and drive down the overall cost of care. "It's imperative to make a clear case for the benefits of care coordination to patients and physicians as our health care system evolves," said Dr. Becker. "The VillageHealth team has been a leader in this effort, and I'm looking forward to continuing to partner with medical directors and operational leaders to offer programs that achieve those ends." Dr. Becker, formerly the vice president of integrated care and member of DaVita Kidney Care's Office of the Chief Medical Officer (OCMO), accepted this position as Dr. Stephen McMurray, M.D., FACP, fellow vice president of integrated care and member of OCMO, transitioned to a part-time role to free up time to pursue other interests. In Dr. McMurray's part-time role, he will continue to focus on both innovation in integrated care and supporting key customer relationships. "Dr. McMurray's immense contributions to our integrated kidney care programs resulted in significant improvements in patient outcomes and a much larger portfolio for integrated patient care," said Allen R. Nissenson, M.D., FACP, chief medical officer for DaVita Kidney Care. "Dr. Becker is the right person to build on this success and add focus and value from his rich experience in this area." Prior to working with DaVita, Dr. Becker led the nephrology group at the University of Wisconsin where he assisted in developing Wisconsin Dialysis, Inc. and was president of the University of Chicago Medicine Care Network, comprising over 1,000 physicians. He also held the position of vice president of clinical integration and associate dean for clinical affairs at the University of Chicago Medicine. To learn more about the DaVita physician leadership team, visit DaVita.com/physicians. To learn more about VillageHealth's integrated kidney care programs, visit VillageHealth.com. About DaVita Inc. DaVita Inc., a Fortune 500 company, is the parent company of DaVita Kidney Care and HealthCare Partners. DaVita Kidney Care is a leading provider of kidney care in the United States, delivering dialysis services to patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. As of December 31, 2016, DaVita Kidney Care operated or provided administrative services at 2,350 outpatient dialysis centers located in the United States serving approximately 188,000 patients. The company also operated 154 outpatient dialysis centers located in 11 countries outside the United States. HealthCare Partners, a DaVita Medical Group, manages and operates medical groups and affiliated physician networks in California, Nevada, New Mexico, Florida, Colorado and Washington in its pursuit to deliver excellent-quality health care in a dignified and compassionate manner. As of December 31, 2016, HealthCare Partners provided integrated care management for approximately 749,000 patients. For more information, please visit DaVita.com/about. Contact Information Media: Ashley Henson (303) 876-6626 [email protected] SOURCE DaVita Inc. Related Links https://www.davita.com HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- White-water boating enthusiasts once again will converge on Bucks County's Tohickon Creek Saturday and Sunday, March 18 and 19, when the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources releases water from Lake Nockamixon into Tohickon Creek. Releases are historically scheduled on a semi-annually basis, usually occurring the third weekend in March and the first weekend in November. White-water releases from Nockamixon State Park dam provide suitable boating conditions downstream through Ralph Stover State Park from 9 AM to 4 PM each day. Water releases begin at 4 AM. Several hours later, millions of gallons of water moving down the waterway creates white-water conditions at Ralph Stover State Park, according to park officials. Suggested hours for viewing the release and boating activity are from 8 AM to 5 PM at Ralph Stover. Water releases are eagerly awaited by white-water paddling enthusiasts, and they draw skilled kayakers, canoeists and occasional rafters from throughout the Northeastern United States. Most launch their craft at Ralph Stover State Park, near Pipersville, Bucks County, and travel some four miles along the Tohickon Creek to its junction with the Delaware River at Point Pleasant. DCNR officials remind boaters that this is technical whitewater with Class 3 and 4 rapids that require boating skills. Boaters should be aware of and abide by the safety code of the American Whitewater Affiliation. Boaters must wear appropriate personal flotation devices; take appropriate precautions to prevent hypothermia; and use only craft designed for this type of water. Hurricane Sandy damage at Ralph Stover State Park forced cancellation of the popular event in fall 2012. It was called off again in fall 2013 due to a mechanical failure at the dam control tower in Nockamixon State Park; and cancelled in spring and fall 2014, as well as spring 2015, because of bridge replacement work on Route 32 at Tohickon Creek in Point Pleasant. For more information, contact Nockamixon State Park at (215) 529-7300, or Delaware Canal State Park at (610) 982-5560. For more information about Pennsylvania's 121 state parks, call 1-888-PA-PARKS between 7 AM and 5 PM Monday through Saturday; or visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us. MEDIA CONTACT: Terry Brady, 717-705-2225; [email protected] SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Related Links http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us VALLEY COTTAGE, New York, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In spite of recording global sales of over 60,000 metric tonnes in 2016, Future Market Insights predicts that the global demand for carrageenan gum will witness a considerable decline. A latest research report published by Future Market Insights projects that by the end of 2024, the global consumption of carrageenan gum would have soared moderately at 4.3% CAGR and surpassed 88,000 metric tonnes. The report further reveals the real reason behind sluggish sales of carrageenan gum in the world. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161020/430874LOGO ) According to the report, titled "Carrageenan Gum Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2024," the common fallacy that renders carrageenan gum as harmful ingredient has been instrumenting the decelerated growth in its global sales. Misconceptions arising from ambiguous status of carrageenan gum as a viable food ingredient has restrained the market from attaining a steady growth. The global carrageenan gum market, which is presently valued over US$ 700 million, is hence anticipated to register a 4% CAGR and bring in close to US$ 1 billion by the end of 2024. Request a Sample Report with Table of Contents: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2995 Limited availability of raw carrageenan is also expected to keep curbing the production of carrageenan gum in the world. A majority of carrageenan gum produced across the globe gets consumed by food and beverage manufacturers. The report reveals how more than half of global carrageenan gum revenues are accounted by food & beverage industries. Presence of carrageenan gum is also gaining traction in production of personal care products & toiletries. In 2016, nearly ten thousand metric tonnes of carrageenan gum were consumed by this segment. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical manufacturers are expected to lower their participation in the global consumption of carrageenan gum, owing to the ingredient's speculative status and prolonging FDA approvals. Carrageenan gum will also be used in production of animal feed and pet food products, revenues from which are projected to surpass US$ 200 million by the end of 2024. Preview Analysis on Global Carrageenan Gum Market Segmentation By Application - Food and Beverages (Dairy Products, Meat Products, Confectionery & Bakery, Beverages, Salads and Dressings), Personal Care and Toiletries (Toothpaste, Air Fresheners and Cosmetics), Pharmaceuticals, Feed and Pet Food: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/carrageenan-gum-market A regional analysis of global carrageenan gum market projected higher demand for carrageenan gum in Europe. Apropos the report, Europe will contribute to more than 35% of global carrageenan gum revenues throughout the forecast period. Revenues emanating from Europe are also expected to rise at 4.4% CAGR, while the region's carrageenan gum consumption will register growth at 4.8% CAGR. Meanwhile, North America and Asia-Pacific will collectively account for almost 50% of global carrageenan gum revenues through 2024. Latin America's carrageenan gum market, on the other hand, will bring in nearly US$ 120 million in revenues. Middle East & Africa's carrageenan gum revenues, however, will be registering the slowest CAGR over the forecast period. Speak with Analysis for any Report Related Queries: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-2995 A majority of carrageenan gum manufacturers in the world are based in the US. Companies such as CP Kelco ApS, FMC Corporation, E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Co., Ingredient Solution Inc., and Cargill, Incorporated are prominent players in the global carrageenan gum market. The market is also witnessing higher participation from companies namely, Compania Espanola de Algas Marinas S.A. (CEAMSA), W. Hydrocolloids Inc., Altrafine Gum, Kerry Group, Extractos Naturales Gelymar S. A., and Marcel Trading Corporation. About Us Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights and an aerial view of the competitive framework and future market trends. Browse More Food and Beverages Market Insights Contact Us 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 T (UK): + 44 (0) 20 7692 8790 Sales: [email protected] Press Office: [email protected] Website: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com SOURCE Future Market Insights BANGKOK, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Feb. 21, 2017, at the APEC Business Advisory Council meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, Chinese ABAC representative and founder and CEO of DHgate, Diane Wang, announced the initiative of building the Global Digital Trade Index. The index will be built upon research and analysis of the development of ecommerce and digital trade by economy. The index aims to reveal developmental trends in global digital trade and promote healthy and efficient development in digital trade globally. Shaping Policy Initiatives The index will closely analyze the decisive factors influencing the development of digital trade, as well as the impact that digital trade has on the regional global economy. The index will provide insights to shape top initiatives and guidance regarding policy and actions for different governments to better leverage digital platforms to promote the increase of local trade. The index will be presented to APEC leaders at APEC Vietnam at the end of 2017. Digital Globalization is Taking Over Digital trade is taking over, according to McKinsey: Approximately 12 percent of the global goods trade is conducted via international e-commerce 50 percent of the worlds traded services are already digitalized DHgate, the leading B2B cross-border online trading platform will contribute the big data they have accumulated over the past 12 years from over 10 million buyers from 230 countries and regions to the project. International institutions the WTO, ITC, World SME Forum and the Chinese International Chamber of Commerce, will analyze the data by each section of digital trade, including: The scale of trade, The growth rate of trade, The penetration rate of internet, Supply chain services, The development of digital platforms, Levels of capacity building, and more. The organizations will then provide constructive policy recommendations for all major economies to better develop their local, regional, and global economies through digital trade. Advantage for Developing Countries and SMEs Over the past decades, international trade has been controlled by developed countries and large scale enterprises. However, the rapid development of cross-border e-commerce has onset disruptive breakthroughs that have resulted in an upgrade of the entire supply chain, which has opened up the opportunity of international trade to developing countries and small businesses. The main features of digital trade are: openness, sharing resources, and a transparent and tolerant environment. These features enable more SMEs and online merchants to participate in global value chains through digital platforms and enjoy the convenience of business opportunities brought by globalization. Digital trade creates a favorable situation for developing countries because it enables them to realize sustainable and rapid development in their local economies by upgrading their supply chain, restructuring their industrial structure, and promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. The theme of the Digital Trade Index echoes the core theme of APEC which is the integration of economy in the APEC region and will empower SMEs to make buying and selling globally a reality. About DHgate DHgate.com is the first to market and the biggest B2B transactional cross-border e-commerce marketplace in China, aiming to provide global buyers with quality products at competitive prices. Founded in 2004, DHgate.com has approximately 10 million global buyers from 230 countries and regions, with 1.4 million global sellers offering 40 million products. DHgate.com's business enables buyers to directly access global manufacturers of the world's top brands with rich product selections. DHgate.com is an all-in-one platform with integrated services for international logistics, cross-border payments, internet financing, etc. DHgate.com's US, UK, Spain, and UAE product distribution warehouses allow for 24 hour delivery and convenient product returns & refunds, bringing great convenience to buyers at http://www.dhgate.com SOURCE DHgate.com "The Dickey's Barbecue Pit family is thrilled to have Sanchez Smith join our team," says Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. "To enhance their passion for barbecue, we have each new Owner/Operator attend Barbecue University to learn how to perfectly smoke our meats ensuring all locations have the same authentic Dickey's Barbecue Pit flavor. I am sure that Smith's passion for barbecue and South Carolina roots will only heighten his Barbecue University experience." New to the restaurant industry, Smith was drawn to Dickey's not only for the pit-smoked barbecue, but the rich history that surrounds Dickey's and the support the Home Office offers its Owner/Operators. Smith will soon graduate from Barbecue University after learning how to perfect the art of great barbecue. Barbecue University is a four-week course hosted in Dallas that all new Owner/Operators are required to attend. Throughout the four weeks, Owner/Operators learn how to prepare and smoke all of Dickey's delicious meats; they also learn best Community Marketing practices and managerial training to ensure each Owner/Operator is successful in training their Pit Crew. "I am excited to become a part of the Dickey's Barbecue Pit family and look forward to learning alongside fellow Owner/Operators," says Smith. "My community is in need of a delicious barbecue option and I am happy to provide that to them with Dickey's slow-smoked barbecue." To learn more about franchising opportunities visit www.dickeys.com/franchise or call 866-340-6188. Find Dickey's Barbecue Pit on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. About Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., the nation's largest barbecue chain was founded in 1941 by Travis Dickey. Today, all meats are still slow smoked on-site in each restaurant. The Dallas-based family-run barbecue franchise offers eight signature meats, seven savory sides, tangy barbecue sauce and free kids' meals every Sunday. The fast-casual concept has expanded to nearly 600 locations in 44 states. In 2016, Dickey's won first place on Fast Casual's "Top 100 Movers and Shakers" list. Dickey's Barbecue Pit has also been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine, Franchise Times, and Nation's Restaurant News. For more information on Dickey's awards, visit www.dickeys.com Media Contact: Michelle George / Callie Head [email protected] / [email protected] SOURCE Dickey's Barbecue Related Links http://www.dickeys.com FREDERICIA, Denmark, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bankdata, one of Denmark's largest financial IT service providers, has selected Diebold Nixdorf (NYSE: DBD) to manage its entire multivendor self-service network of 500 automated teller machines (ATMs). As a result, Bankdata, which is owned by 11 Danish banks, will benefit from increased ATM availability which translates into more transactions and an improved experience for consumers. Diebold Nixdorf's self-service fleet management provides ATM monitoring services designed to prevent costly downtime incidents and deliver quick resolutions to any incidents which may occur. The company's service technicians monitor system status 24/7 and can analyze data in real time. As part of this offering, Diebold Nixdorf will provide Bankdata with detailed diagnostic and availability reports and dashboards, which show real-time ATM network status and provide additional functionalities through new software releases. "Transitioning the management of our self-service network to Diebold Nixdorf enables us to bring even more value to banks and their consumers," said Sren Becher Andressen, Head of ATM at Bankdata. "Our approach to cross-channel operations requires a partner like Diebold Nixdorf that can accelerate the further development of our innovative self-service offerings and align it with the needs of our customers." Diebold Nixdorf will continuously collaborate with Bankdata to further develop ATM software applications as well as create new services as one of the banks' key delivery channels in their evolving omnichannel strategy. "Our global, scalable ATM management services are another key component of our connected commerce strategy," said Olaf Heyden, Diebold Nixdorf senior vice president, services. "We offer financial institutions and IT service providers, like Bankdata, a unique opportunity to drive operational excellence and ensure standardized processes for maximum system availability through our comprehensive managed service portfolio." About Bankdata Bankdata was founded in 1966 and is centrally located in Denmark, with its headquarters in Fredericia. Bankdata is owned by 11 Danish banks, who are also customers. Bankdata provides complete IT solutions for the financial sector including the development of network and mobile banking, credit and advisory tools, support and security. For more information, visit www.bankdata.dk/en About Diebold Nixdorf Diebold Nixdorf is a world leader in enabling connected commerce for millions of consumers each day across the financial and retail industries. Its software-defined solutions bridge the physical and digital worlds of cash and consumer transactions conveniently, securely and efficiently. As an innovation partner for nearly all of the world's top 100 financial institutions and a majority of the top 25 global retailers, Diebold Nixdorf delivers unparalleled services and technology that are essential to evolve in an 'always on' and changing consumer landscape. Diebold Nixdorf has a presence in more than 130 countries with approximately 25,000 employees worldwide. The organization maintains corporate offices in North Canton, Ohio, USA and Paderborn, Germany. Shares are traded on the New York and Frankfurt Stock Exchanges under the symbol 'DBD'. Visit www.DieboldNixdorf.com for more information. SOURCE Diebold Nixdorf Related Links http://www.DieboldNixdorf.com HOUSTON, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- With the future of our nation's health care reform and the repeal and replacement of Obamacare still unclear, Dr. Edward F. Group III is reaching out to Health and Human Services Secretary, Tom Price, in an open letter encouraging him to assemble a Health and Wellness Advisory Committee to focus on the root cause of our nation's healthcare problems including prevention and the implementation of proven natural remedies. Price has the responsibility to advise the President on matters of health, welfare, and income security programs across America. The open letter urges Price to assemble a team of scientists, experts, and independent researchers who have no ties to the pharmaceutical, food, or chemical industries. Their job will be to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of all artificial ingredients, genetically modified foods, colors, dyes, fluoride, herbicides, pesticides, phthalates, refined sugars, preservatives, and other toxic compounds added to or used in food and beverage production. These have been linked to the cause of many degenerative diseases. "Our existing allopathic model treats the symptoms of disease, not the root cause. It does not encourage wellness or disease prevention," said Dr. Group, CEO of Global Healing Center. "The root cause of disease is the accumulation and exposure to toxins that pollute our air, food, and water. We know they damage our health, make us sick, and harm the earth." Dr. Group and his team of healthcare practitioners are willing to volunteer their time, effort, and expertise to begin this conversation and work towards healing America. America can't be great again until we make America healthy again. The open letter is online at http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/open-letter-to-secretary-tom-price/. If you would like to interview Dr. Group, CEO of Global Healing Center, please email Jeanette Webster at [email protected] or Cori Farris at [email protected] or call 713-476-0016. Dr. Edward F. Group III founded Global Healing Center in 1998 with the goal of providing the highest quality natural health information and products. He is world-renowned for his research on the root cause of disease. Under his leadership, Global Healing Center earned recognition as one of the largest natural and organic health resources in the world. Dr. Group is a veteran of the United States Army and has attended both Harvard and MIT business schools. He is a best-selling author and a frequent guest on radio and television programs, documentary films, and is quoted in major publications. SOURCE Global Healing Center NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- DoubleVerify (DV), the recognized leader in digital quality solutions, today announced an expanded relationship with AOL that integrates DV ad quality data into the ONE by AOL advertiser and publisher platforms. Brand advertisers will now have access to the complete suite of DV data solutions to authenticate the quality of their digital ads for brand safety, fraud, and viewability when making real-time bid decisions on the ONE by AOL platform. Advertisers can now use DV ad quality data to target the highest quality Authentic Impressions for their video and display media buys across ONE by AOL. The combination of DV proprietary targeting data together with AOL's access to quality digital inventory will further improve the performance and results of programmatic buying for brand advertisers and their agencies. "Integrating the DoubleVerify pre-bid segments is a natural step for AOL," said Tim Mahlman, President, Platforms at AOL. "We aim to be an agnostic platform that offers the best-in-breed technology partners for our clients to leverage as they build brands people love. DoubleVerify is a leader in the marketplace and we are thrilled to work with them further to drive trust and accountability." "We are proud to expand our relationship with AOL and to integrate our pre-bid ad quality data into ONE by AOL," said Wayne Gattinella, President and CEO at DoubleVerify. "DoubleVerify has the most robust pre-bid targeting solution in the marketplace and now this rich data is available to our many clients who leverage ONE by AOL as their programmatic platform." The integration of DV pre-bid targeting data with ONE by AOL is now available to all DV and AOL customers. For more information about DV and their complete suite of solutions, please visit: http://www.doubleverify.com. About DoubleVerify DoubleVerify (DV), is the marketing technology and services company that authenticates the quality and performance of marketing investments across digital and social platforms. For brands and publishers alike, the DV Authentic Impression delivers a precise and holistic view of value across media placements, consumer engagement and consumer profiles. Since 2008, DV has been focused on building a better industry and driving results for hundreds of Fortune 500 companies. Learn more at doubleverify.com. SOURCE DoubleVerify Related Links http://www.doubleverify.com GHENT, Belgium, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dr. Guislain Museum in Ghent, Belgium and Janssen Research & Development, LLC ("Janssen"), today announced that they are seeking nominations for the sixth annual Dr. Guislain "Breaking the Chains of Stigma" Award. The Award honors an individual, project or organization that has made a remarkable contribution to reduce stigma associated with mental illness. Nominations from people and organizations worldwide can be submitted at www.drguislainaward.org until 16 April, 2017. The Award recipient will receive a $50,000 prize to further efforts that reduce societal stigma associated with mental illness. "We know that people are often reluctant to seek help for mental illness due to the societal stigma," said Brother Rene Stockman, general director of the Dr. Guislain Museum. "The Dr. Guislain 'Breaking the Chains of Stigma' Award recognizes exceptional people whose work helps to reduce the stigma that exists about mental illness." An independent selection committee, comprised of international advocates and renowned authorities in the field of mental health, selects the Award winner. The Dr. Guislain "Breaking the Chains of Stigma" Award winner will be honored at a ceremony on World Mental Health Day, 10 October, 2017, in Ghent, Belgium. Chantharavady Choulamany, MD was selected as the 2016 Dr. Guislain "Breaking the Chains of Stigma" Award recipient for her impact on the quality of life for individuals living with mental illness in Lao People's Democratic Republic. As one of two qualified psychiatrists in a country that has more than 6 million people, Dr. Choulamany has dedicated her life to increasing access to mental health services and developing education programs to treat and improve understanding of mental illness. She works with all levels of government, advocating for better treatment services and more trained health professionals, as well as additional funding to support mental health programs. "At Janssen, we are deeply committed to advocating for people with mental illness," said Husseini K. Manji, MD, Global Therapeutic Area Head, Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. "We are working with the global mental health community to bring about change so that no one who suffers from a brain disorder is treated differently. This Award importantly recognizes people around the world who are making a difference to break down stigma." Janssen has an ongoing commitment to advancing neuroscience research, a legacy which dates back to the work of Dr. Paul Janssen (1926-2003). "Dr. Paul" is known as one of the 20th century's most gifted and passionate physicians and pharmaceutical researchers. To honor his legacy, Janssen supports the mental health community and various advocacy organizations and projects. In 2011, the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson launched Healthy Minds, a comprehensive initiative that aims to encourage collaboration among biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and public-sector partners to accelerate the discovery of new therapeutic solutions for diseases and disorders of the brain. About the Dr. Guislain "Breaking the Chains of Stigma" Award Individuals, organizations or projects from around the world that have made an exceptional contribution in dealing with, or promoting the awareness of, mental health care are eligible* to receive the Dr. Guislain "Breaking the Chains of Stigma" Award. The Award is given to an individual(s), organization or project that: has made an exceptional contribution to mental health care in the broadest sense on a cultural and/or social level; has provided a genuine contribution to decreasing stigma around mental health conditions; has promoted attention for mental health care; and, has done all this with passion, creativity and innovation. The Dr. Guislain "Breaking the Chains of Stigma" Award honors Dr. Joseph Guislain (1797-1860), a driven activist for patients with mental illness and the first Belgian psychiatrist to provide scientifically based treatment for these individuals. As a passionate advocate for those with mental illness, Dr. Guislain worked tirelessly to stand up for the rights of patients and to help improve their social position. The Dr. Guislain Museum and Janssen jointly sponsor the Award, with funding provided by Janssen. Both organizations have a rich heritage and long-standing involvement in the field of mental illness research, treatment and education. About The Dr. Guislain Museum The Dr. Guislain Museum was founded in 1986 in Ghent, Belgium, with both permanent exhibitions addressing the history of psychiatry and outsider art, and a series of changing thematic exhibitions. The Museum features an array of psychiatric photographs, two centuries of comprehensive archives and an extensive library chronicling the history of psychiatry. Comprehensively, the Museum seeks to educate the public and rectify the misunderstandings and prejudice associated with treatment for mental illness. The Dr. Guislain Museum attracts 72,000 visitors each year. *Employees and officers of Johnson & Johnson, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, and their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, The Dr. Guislain Museum, any promotional agencies and members of the immediate family or household of each, are not eligible to participate in the Dr. Guislain Award as nominators, Award candidates or judges. Immediate family member is defined as a parent, sibling or any person residing in the same household as employee. Contact: Patrick Allegaert Dr. Guislain Museum +32 9 216 35 95 [email protected] Yoon Hee Lamot Dr. Guislain Museum +32 9 216 35 36 [email protected] SOURCE Dr. Guislain Museum Related Links http://www.drguislainaward.org SAN FRANCISCO and SACRAMENTO, Calif. and BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Principal Brian Tanner, Senior Vice President Mary Grandy and Senior Vice President Tony Lorber have been recognized as 2017 Power Brokers by Risk & Insurance Magazine. A Power Broker is defined as an individual who stands out among their peers for the exceptional work they have delivered to their clients over the past year. The brokers awarded Power Broker recognition are judged based on their problem solving, customer service and industry knowledge. EPIC Principal Brian Tanner, based in Birmingham, Ala., was selected in the Traditional Energy category for his work in helping clients manage the dangers of the oil and gas industry. When a client had a serious, life-threating injury at a worksite, Tanner was instrumental in making sure that the situation, which could have escalated into a large problem, was handled smoothly, efficiently and successfully, due to his experience and knowledge, attention to detail and access to critical resources. Senior Vice President Mary Grandy, based in Sacramento, Calif., was selected in the Construction category for her ability to find solutions for intractable risk management and insurance problems and challenges. Grandy worked diligently with a client that bought a construction and real-state company to identify and manage insurance needs, keep the program out of state supervision and improve the safety record of the operator. Senior Vice President Tony Lorber, based in San Francisco, Calif., was selected in the Real Estate category for his unique approach, knowledge and skills, and dedication to providing the highest level of service to his clients. When a client wanted to purchase earthquake insurance on a large portfolio of properties, Lorber identified specific criteria where the client didn't need to buy coverage on all of its properties by leveraging the use of earthquake models and analytics as well as his deep knowledge of the market. "There is not much in the way of industry recognition that surpasses selection as a 'Power Broker,' and we're honored that three of our EPIC team members have been recognized by Risk & Insurance Magazine with this prestigious Award," said Peter Garvey, President of EPIC. "Brian, Mary and Tony personify our core 'people first' values, through their professionalism, dedication and leadership, all with the best interests of our clients at the forefront." About Risk & Insurance Power Broker Awards: A Risk & Insurance Power Broker is an individual who stands out among their peers for the exceptional client work they delivered over the past year. While brokers play many key roles in the insurance industry and risk profession, a Power Broker award recognizes problem solving, customer service and industry knowledge. Our goal is to broadly recognize and promote outstanding risk management and customer service among the brokerage community. Therefore, we don't select a single winner but instead recognize four to six winners in different industry categories. About EPIC: EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally. EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients. With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit www.epicbrokers.com. *PHOTO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0223s2p-epicpbs-300dpi.jpg *Caption (L-R): Brian Tanner, Mary Grandy and Tony Lorber. MEDIA CONTACTS: Dave Hock, of EPIC 650.295.4608 [email protected] Nicole Conley 408.295.4309 x104 [email protected] This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com SOURCE EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants Related Links http://www.epicbrokers.com Now open, the "Make Software: Change the World!" exhibition at the Computer History Museum explores how software, software developers and the businesses they have created have changed the world. Artist Monroy's Times Square image, printed on the SureColor P20000 with Epson DisplayTrans Backlight Film II, is 22 feet long and 4 feet high and comes to life on a massive backlit display. Created over four years, every element in the image was meticulously created pixel-by-pixel using Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator . More than 750,000 Photoshop layers were used, bringing to life the likenesses of Monroy's family, friends, dozens of digital imaging artists and pioneers, including Photoshop creators John and Thomas Knoll, as well as intensely detailed scenes and landmarks in and around Times Square. "Bert's artwork is truly amazing and is a perfect piece for this exhibition helping us to present new ways to think about software and encourage viewers to imagine a world where almost anything is possible because of software," said Kirsten Tashev, VP of Collections and Exhibitions, Computer History Museum. "The Epson print helps us bring Bert's image to life; showing it on a large scale so visitors can see the detail up close and in vibrant color." "Bert's Times Square image is an inspiring work of art, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in today's world of software and digital imaging," said Larry Kaufman, product manager, Epson Professional Imaging, Epson America. "The SureColor P20000 leverages superior printing technology to push its own boundaries giving creative professionals a tool to produce exceptional output that is worthy of hanging in a museum." More about the Epson SureColor P20000 The 64-inch Epson SureColor P20000 leverages an enhanced PrecisionCore MicroTFP print head, newly developed media feeding system, and reformulated Epson UltraChrome PRO nine-color pigment inks to provide unmatched print quality and unparalleled production for print-on-demand providers, fine art reproduction houses and indoor display graphics printers. Epson DisplayTrans Backlight Film II is an extremely high-resolution backlight film for professional backlight display applications. For additional information, contact your local dealer or visit www.proimaging.epson.com. About the Computer History Museum The Computer History Museum in Mountain View, Calif., is a nonprofit organization with a four-decade history as the world's leading institution exploring the history of computing and its ongoing impact on society. The Museum is dedicated to the preservation and celebration of computer history and is home to the largest international collection of computing artifacts in the world, encompassing computer hardware, software, documentation, ephemera, photographs, and moving images. For more information, visit www.computerhistory.org. About Epson Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to connecting people, things and information with its original efficient, compact and precision technologies. With a lineup that ranges from inkjet printers and digital printing systems to 3LCD projectors, smart glasses, sensing systems and industrial robots, the company is focused on driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in inkjet, visual communications, wearables and robotics. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 73,000 employees in 91 companies around the world, and is proud of its contributions to the communities in which it operates and its ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impacts. Epson America, Inc., based in Long Beach, Calif., is Epson's regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (facebook.com/Epson), Twitter (twitter.com/EpsonAmerica), YouTube (youtube.com/EpsonAmerica), and Instagram (instagram.com/EpsonAmerica). Note: EPSON, SureColor, PrecisionCore, MicroTFP, and UltraChrome are registered trademarks and Epson Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other product brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks. SOURCE Epson America, Inc. Related Links https://www.epson.com BRUSSELS, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Eurofins Digital Testing, a global leader in end-to-end quality assurance (QA) and testing services (formerly Testronic Labs Belgium), today announced it has signed a strategic relationship agreement with Nokia. Under the agreement, Nokia will resell Eurofins' suite of automated test tools and professional testing support services for TV and video services, and will leverage Eurofins' capabilities to staff and train onsite personnel to support the testing and QA needs of operators in North America, Europe, Asia, and other regions around the globe. In addition, Eurofins Digital Testing will promote Nokia as a systems integrator for its worldwide clients. Notably, in addition to Nokia's internal test capabilities and tools, Nokia will resell Eurofins' TestWizard test automation suite to help operators reduce the time spent on repetitive, manual tests by providing efficient and reliable automated tests cases that ensure stability and accelerate deployment of new services. TestWizard through its modular, cloud-based system will provide service validation, insights into the end-user experience, and monitor performance for operators' next-gen video services. As part of the wide-ranging agreement, the reseller relationship will also extend to Nokia affiliates and distributors. Eurofins Digital Testing and Nokia will help operators with a full range of end-to-end TV and video testing services, from strategy development through execution. "The move toward more software-intensive set-top boxes and IP video deployments requires operators to move at a much faster pace, while maintaining the highest quality experiences possible," said Paul Larbey, Head of Nokia's Video Business Division. "Eurofins Digital Testing is a recognized leader in QA services and testing, and we look forward to offering both their test automation products and expertise to our customers who are designing and deploying their next-gen video systems." "Nokia is recognized as one of the most innovative, and relied upon, global leaders for next-gen TV and video technology and services," said Johan Craeybeckx, CEO of Eurofins Digital Testing. "Across development and operations teams, operators need speed, efficiency and reliability to meet the rising expectations of TV viewers. We're incredibly pleased to have been selected by Nokia to meet the testing and QA needs of operators around the world." Eurofins Digital Testing helps TV operators worldwide reduce development, testing and deployment cycles to accelerate service delivery, and support a more continuous delivery environment. Through its suite of automated test tools, professional testing support services, staffing of onsite personnel, and training, Eurofins helps increase test coverage and consistency to provide service validation, insights into the end-user experience, and performance monitoring for quality assurance. Additional information about Eurofins Digital Testing is available at: http://www.eurofins-digitaltesting.com/. For more information about Nokia, visit: http://www.nokia.com/. About Eurofins Digital Testing: Eurofins Digital Testing is a leader in end-to-end Quality Assurance (QA), providing test tools, test services and training to validate digital media systems for operators around the globe. Eurofins Digital Testing was formed from the merger of Digital TV Labs and Testronic Labs Belgium, and is part of the Eurofins Group. Eurofins Digital Testing operates globally with test lab facilities in Belgium, UK, Hong Kong, Poland, Sweden, and other countries. The company serves operators around the world, including Freesat, Sky Deutschland, Vodafone Group, Liberty Global, Kabel Deutschland, Freeview, and others. For more information, visit: http://www.eurofins-digitaltesting.com/. About Nokia Nokia is a global leader innovating the technologies at the heart of our connected world. Powered by the research and innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we serve communications service providers, governments, large enterprises and consumers, with the industry's most complete, end-to-end portfolio of products, services and licensing. From the enabling infrastructure for 5G and the Internet of Things, to emerging applications in virtual reality and digital health, we are shaping the future of technology to transform the human experience. www.nokia.com SOURCE Eurofins Digital Testing Related Links http://www.eurofins-digitaltesting.com/ Financing leverages and strengthens Ontario's next-generation radiotherapeutics expertise, products TORONTO, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - The Fight Against Cancer Innovation Trust (FACIT) and the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) are pleased to report that Fusion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Fusion) has closed a US$25M Series A financing, with Johnson & Johnson Innovation JJDC, Inc. (JJDC) as the lead investor. Additional, new investors include venture groups HealthCap, TPG Biotechnology Partners, and Genesys Capital, as well as founding investor FACIT. Fusion's therapeutic approach leverages alpha particle-emitting technology combined with monoclonal antibodies to target cancer cells with great precision, reducing damage to normal tissues and thereby limiting side effects. Alpha-particle emitting medical isotopes attack cancer cells using multiple mechanisms, including causing the type of DNA damage that the cancer cell cannot easily repair, reducing the likelihood of developing drug resistance. At the same time, alpha particle-emitting agents offer improved safe-handling features and can be administered in conventional cancer treatment facilities unlike previous generations of radiotherapeutics. Fusion is a spin-out company from the Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization (CPDC), which received OICR funding support from its inception and has grown to be a global leader in the clinical development and manufacturing of radioimaging and radiotherapeutic products. As OICR's commercialization partner, FACIT provided corporate leadership (through its Executive-in-Residence program) as well as seed funding to launch Fusion and to attract the strategic partners, investors and the larger capital infusion necessary to grow the company, and continue its research around radiotherapeutics. "Fusion's platform is rooted in CPDC's expertise in radiolabelling technologies and provides new opportunities to impact patients with next generation radiotherapeutics," said Peter Goodhand, Interim President of the OICR. "Thanks to the translational research funding support that OICR receives from the Ontario Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science, we are able to support initiatives like CPDC; it's a terrific success story." "FACIT's initial investment in Fusion has created significant leverage with this Series A financing, and has also resulted in a stronger and deeper therapeutic pipeline, along with high-value, skilled jobs," said Jeff Courtney, President of FACIT. "The Province will also benefit from the presence of investors like JJDC, HealthCap and TPG Biotech that possess deep commercialization networks and specialized expertise in building successful companies. This financing showcases how public and private sector cooperation can create the innovations that benefit patients worldwide and importantly, Ontario's knowledge economy. " Proceeds from the Series A financing will support and accelerate the clinical development of Fusion's lead program FPX-01, which targets a specific resistance biomarker present on many types of refractory cancers. The financing will also enable Fusion to build its product pipeline through development of its newly acquired centryin-based targeting technology platform, which is in preclinical development. About the Fight Against Cancer Innovation Trust (FACIT) Established by the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) as a strategic partner to accelerate commercialization of oncology innovations, the Fight Against Cancer Innovation Trust (FACIT) helps bring these innovations from the lab to the marketplace to benefit patients, researchers, investors and the Ontario economy. For more information, please visit the website at facit.ca or email [email protected]. About the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research OICR is an innovative cancer research and development institute dedicated to prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The Institute is an independent, not-for-profit corporation, supported by the Government of Ontario. OICR's research supports more than 1,700 investigators, clinician scientists, research staff and trainees located at its headquarters and in research institutes and academia across the Province of Ontario. OICR has key research efforts underway in small molecules, biologics, stem cells, imaging, genomics, informatics and bio-computing. For more information, please visit the website at www.oicr.on.ca. About Fusion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Fusion Pharmaceuticals is a new pharmaceutical company located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada focused on becoming the leader in the targeted alpha therapy field. Fusion will exploit its unique expertise in linking medical isotopes to targeting molecules to create highly effective therapeutics. In addition to its lead program, FPX-01, Fusion is building a pipeline of products through a protein discovery platform that allows for the rapid screening of new targeting molecules to promote biomarker localization of alpha emitting medical isotopes. Fusion's technology development team also has proprietary methods for introducing alpha emitters into targeting molecules. (www.fusionpharma.com) SOURCE Fight Against Cancer Innovation Trust Related Links www.facit.ca TORONTO, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - IAMGOLD Corporation ("the Company") deeply regrets to report the death of an employee this morning at its Westwood Mine in Quebec. The deceased was discovered lying next to his parked equipment after the night shift. There were no indications of an accident or equipment failure. Westwood's emergency response team was immediately deployed and provided emergency assistance. Government authorities, including the provincial safety authorities CNESST, and the police were immediately notified and called to the site. The employee's family has been notified and government authorities are leading an investigation to determine the cause of death. Our thoughts are with the family, friends and co-workers of our colleague and we are offering support at this difficult time. Please note: This entire news release may be accessed via fax, e-mail, IAMGOLD's website at www.iamgold.com and through CNW Group's website at www.newswire.ca . All material information on IAMGOLD can be found at www.sedar.com or at www.sec.gov. Si vous desirez obtenir la version francaise de ce communique, veuillez consulter le http://www.iamgold.com/French/accueil/default.aspx. SOURCE IAMGOLD Corporation Related Links http://www.iamgold.com SAO PAULO, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Fibria Celulose S.A. (Bovespa: FIBR3| NYSE: FBR) informs that its 2016 Annual Report on Form 20-F was filed today with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Holders of the Company's equity securities can receive hard copies of the Annual Report, including its audited financial statements, without charge by request directed to: [email protected]. This document is also available on Fibria's website (www.fibria.com.br/ir). For further information, please contact our Investor Relations Department: Phone: (55 11) 2138-4565 E-mail: [email protected] SOURCE Fibria Celulose S.A. Related Links http://www.fibria.com.br/ir "Bringing art into the building is not only beautiful and decorative, but it creates a stimulating workplace for all of our employees," said Mark Douglas, president of Agricultural Solutions. "Art has a transformative power that can enable creativity to flourish and therefore provide an invaluable quality for people regardless of occupation or discipline." According to David R. Brigham, PAFA president and CEO, the partnership is PAFA's first ever of this scale. The FMC | PAFA Art Initiative is an opportunity "to encourage the promotion, expansion and application of opportunities for the art community," said Brigham. "I'm thrilled to see this vision come to life for our artists." Liza Samuel, PAFA student and art curator of the Way of Light exhibition, echoed David's comments when introducing the event: "This partnership allows me and other PAFA students to showcase our work in a different environment. I look forward to working with you all, and I hope that our work will have a lasting, positive impact." Throughout the year, the initiative will include opportunities to meet the artists, student scholarships, best-of-show selection events with employees, artwork purchase options, and similar programs and events. About the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is America's first school and museum of fine arts. A recipient of the 2005 National Medal of Arts, PAFA is a recognized leader in fine arts education with a world-class permanent collection of American art. About FMC For more than a century, FMC Corporation has served the global agricultural, industrial and consumer markets with innovative solutions, applications and quality products. Revenue totaled approximately $3.3 billion in 2016. FMC employs approximately 6,000 people throughout the world and operates its businesses in three segments: FMC Agricultural Solutions, FMC Health and Nutrition and FMC Lithium. For more information, visit www.FMC.com. SOURCE FMC Corporation Related Links http://www.fmc.com DUBAI, UAE, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- With over 500 successful franchise projects in the Middle East, Francorp Middle East, the US based franchise consulting leader is expanding its operations throughout MENA region. Francorp Middle East recreates history with its impressive portfolio of clients within the franchising industry since its incorporation in 2005. For the past 11 years, Francorp has been at the forefront of the franchising industry across the GCC and LEVANT markets providing its exceptional franchise program development services through its regional office in Dubai. However, with growing market demand and positive outlook for many regional franchises, the franchise specific consulting firm rolls out plans to expand its operations across the entire MENA region. In 2016 alone, Francorp has developed over 100 franchising projects across the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Lebanon and rapidly increase its clientele base. To support small businesses and local SMEs franchise growth plan, Francorp opened its second office in Kuwait and partnered with Index Holding Group to organize The Global Franchise Market last October with astounding success. Francorp will join Sunaidi Expo and Conferences to organize the next Saudi Franchise Expo and currently in the process of signing new agreements with Events organizer throughout GCC. The franchise consulting firm was also the mind behind the launch of the 'franchisesouq', the first franchise specific portal in the Middle East. Chairman and CEO, Mr. Imad Charafeddine states that, "Our goal is to position Middle East as the main hub for franchising. We strive to excel in providing world class franchise program development and consulting services backed by our proven track record for over 41 years. To better support our clients and new businesses franchise expansion goal, we are opening new offices in Qatar in next 6 months and Saudi Arabia within the year. We are also introducing our gold membership program to our existing clients for providing constant support and guidance as well as ascertaining they are taking the right measures at every step of the expansion process". "Franchising is a solid growth model for many small business owners and big players alike. When adopted ardently, franchising can work wonders for entrepreneurs who lacks the capital to open up company owned stores while big players can take advantage of its sound operation model and strong organizational aspects of the medium", concludes Mr. Charafeddine. Since opening its main office in Dubai in 2005, Francorp Middle East has consulted with diversified portfolio of clients, providing its comprehensive franchise consulting services across the different business segments: Restaurants Jones the Grocer, The Brass, Black Tap, Operation Falafel, Kcal, Taqado, Broccoli Pizza & Pasta and 800 Pizza; Coffee Shops Filli Cafe, Book Munch, French Bakery, Maison Maatouk and Circle; Oil and Gas Enoc, Emarat and Sasco; Beauty Salon & Spa Bedashing, NBAR, Beauty Connection Spa, 1847, Sisters and Hello Kitty Beauty Spa; Optical - Al Jaber and Grand Optics; Manufacturing FINE; Nursery Kids Academy and Kidz Venture; Home Furnishing Marina, Danube Home and Midas; Perfumes - Suhad Perfumes, Al Afasy; Jewellery Damas and Splendore; Cleaning & Maintenance Champion Cleaners, Geowash; Convenience Stores - Zoom, Aswaaq and Sasco Palm; Clinics Clinica by Joelle. With over 14000 clients worldwide from the franchising industry giants to small mom and pop shops that are creating a global phenomenon today, Francorp Middle East holds the largest market share in new franchise program development projects in the Middle East region ABOUT FRANCORP MIDDLE EAST: Francorp Middle East is the largest franchise consulting firm in the MENA region. Established in 1976 in Chicago, United States, Francorp provides comprehensive franchise consulting services including but not limited to Franchise Program Development, Strategic Formulation, Legal Services, Franchise Operations Manual, Franchise Marketing and Sales Training, through the seamless and coordinated efforts of an in-house team of expert Franchise Consultants. For further inquiries, please contact: Samah Elgohary VP - Marketing Francorp Middle East 706, Single Business Tower Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971-4-346-5000 Fax: +971-4-346-5005 Website: http://www.francorpme.com SOURCE Francorp Middle East IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A longstanding ally of auto dealerships in the Orange County area, Get My Auto has announced a new suite of marketing servicesservices tailored to meet the needs of car dealers. In a new statement to the press, Get My Auto explains what its comprehensive marketing services will include. "Our job is to help dealerships connect with consumers in their area, and to position themselves as car sellers of choice," says the Get My Auto press statement. "To achieve this, we are prepared to deploy a wide array of marketing tools and techniques, all of them designed with the needs of auto dealerships in mind." The new marketing services from Get My Auto encompass several different categories, including both general and local search engine optimization. "When consumers look for new cars, they often begin their search on the Web, via queries on Google and Bing," explains Get My Auto's statement. "We want to position dealerships to be there on the search engine results pages, especially for local customers." Get My Auto is also providing marketing services of other kinds. "We can lend our expertise in Facebook advertising as well as Craigslist advertising, both of which are effective ways for dealers to connect with consumers and to showcase their inventory," says Get My Auto. "Content marketing is also important, a tool for dealerships to build trust and convey authority." Crucially, all of these services are tailored to meet the needs of the dealership in question. "We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all mentality, and try to provide services that meet our clients' goals, budgetary stipulations, and more," says Get My Auto. "That's why the process always begins with a consultation." Get My Auto employs a team of marketing professionals with extensive history working in automotive marketing. More information, including details about scheduling a consultation, can be found at getmyauto.com. ABOUT GET MY AUTO Orange County based Get My Auto is an informational website about used vehicles. Its aim is to educate consumers about their pre-owned vehicle choices. Content on the site includes automotive reviews, cost data, and general tips about seeking out and purchasing used vehicles. More information can be found on the Web at www.getmyauto.com. Get My Auto is headquartered in Orange County, California. Additionally, Get My Auto can be contacted at: 17901 Von Karman, Suite 667, Irvine, CA 92614, or reach by phone at 949.408.3264. Related Links Get My Auto Videos Get My Auto on YP.com This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com. SOURCE Get My Auto Related Links https://getmyauto.com NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- About Medical Education In medical education, physical examination is an essential element of learning to provide students with a hands-on experience and enable them to learn accurate clinical diagnosis. However, medical education requires a high level of self-regulated learning. Owing to the extensive preclinical education involved, students find it challenging to memorize and retain knowledge pertaining to clinical study material. In addition, many of the universities also have limited teaching resources. Despite these challenges, medical educational institutions across the globe have been successfully delivering excellent workforce of physicians and medical professionals. Technavio's analysts forecast the global medical education market to grow at a CAGR of 16.74% during the period 2017-2021. Covered in this report The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global medical education market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated through the sales of digital courses and training programs. The market is divided into the following segments based on geography: - APAC - Europe - North America - ROW Technavioas report, Global Medical Education Market 2017-2021, 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 vendors - Harvard University - Oxford University - Standford University - University of California - Yale University - John Hopkins University Market driver - Rise in allied healthcare professionals - For a full, detailed list, view our report Market challenge - Lack of qualified teachers - For a full, detailed list, view our report Market trend - Innovative technologies promoting medical education - For a full, detailed list, view our report Key questions answered in this report - What will the market size be in 2021 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 analyst's time when you purchase this market report. Details are provided within the report. Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04706407-summary/view-report.html Methodology Research methodology is based on extensive primary and secondary research. Primary research includes in-depth interviews with industry experts, vendors, resellers and customers. Secondary research includes Technavio Platform, industry publications, company reports, news articles, analyst reports, trade associations and the data published by Government agencies. Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04706407-summary/view-report.html About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. http://www.reportlinker.com __________________________ Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker Related Links http://www.reportlinker.com SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Clustrix, provider of the first scale-out relational database designed for the elastic scaling requirements of high-transaction, high-value workloads of today's Web applications, recently commented on Google's beta launch of Cloud Spanner (read more at http://www.clustrix.com/bettersql/google-spanner-good-better). According to Clustrix CEO Mike Azevedo, "Google is clearly thinking about the same problem that we've been helping companies address: making a SQL database scale both writes and reads past a single server. This is perhaps one of the most important technical issues that companies must grapple with, as it's a key cause of site outages, and directly affects growth and bottom lines." The Challenge of Scaling Writes According to Clustrix, Google built Cloud Spanner to address an internal reality that many Clustrix customers also face: the unsustainability of sharding MySQL. Like Clustrix, Google Cloud Spanner leverages 2-Phase Locking, MVCC for transactional commit consistency and Paxos for consensus across database servers to provide the horizontal scale-out ability of NoSQL with the relational consistency of an RDBMS. The benefits of such a system are numerous, but as with any RDBMS, IT architects are asking what the tradeoffs with Spanner will be. In an article posted on the company's site, Clustrix's Dave Anselmi offered insight on a number of issues related to Cloud Spanner, and how Clustrix addresses them: Latency. Spanner provides cross-node transactions with ACID guarantees, but the more nodes you add, the more latency climbs (the slower your transactions get). ClustrixDB, as shown by a recent InfoWorld benchmark, scales out with linear latency, so you retain the same performance running on large clusters as you would on a single server. SQL compatibility. Where Spanner uses custom client libraries making it difficult, if not impossible, to migrate from existing SQL-based databases, ClustrixDB is completely MySQL compliant. Simply import your MySQL dumpfile, point your application endpoint at ClustrixDB, and it will handle your MySQL workload at scale. Untested territory. While it will be fascinating to see what companies are able to do with Spanner, ClustrixDB is not beta. It's a production-ready database powering hundreds of applications worldwide, including some of the world's largest social and e-commerce sites. Vendor lock-in. Cloud Spanner relies on Google's computing resources, meaning that if you want to use it, you must do it through Google Cloud Platform. On the other hand, you can run ClustrixDB on any cloud or your own data-center, avoiding vendor lock-in. About Clustrix Clustrix provides the leading scale-out relational database engineered for the cloud or data center. ClustrixDB is a drop-in replacement for MySQL and an ideal solution for high-transaction, high-value workloads typically found in businesses such as ad tech, e-commerce, gaming and large web and mobile businesses. Our customers use ClustrixDB for critical business applications that support massive transactional volume and real-time reporting of business performance metrics. ClustrixDB delivers more than twenty-five trillion transactions per month for customers including AOL, MakeMyTrip, Photobox, Rakuten and Symantec. Headquartered in San Francisco, visit www.clustrix.com to learn more. Clustrix is trademarked in the U.S. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. Other product or company names mentioned may be trademarks or trade names of their respective companies. Media contact: [email protected] or 415-989-9000 SOURCE Clustrix Related Links http://www.clustrix.com/ Introducing creativity to traditional folklore, the temple fair brought along new ideas which blossomed around the city. A great diversity of activities were presented, including art performances, exhibitions of intangible cultural heritage, folk culture performances, an animation and cartoon temple fair, a charity temple fair and a water temple fair. Decorating the trains of Gruangzhou subway Line 6 were symbols of local life such as the flower market, examples of Canton enamel and traditional buildings with arcades called "Qilou". These expressed a rich taste of Cantonese culture. Held at the Gongyuanqian Station was the "Subway Temple Fair" with fantastic performances such as Cantonese operas, cultural heritage exhibitions and Cantonese music shows staged for locals. To the north of Beijing Road in the city's old historic town lay two huge "silkworms" symbolizing the "Market of Creation", a new project set in the cultural heritage exhibition area of the temple fair. In the silkworm-shaped tents works of about 120 young artists were displayed. With a one-yuan ticket to support the artists, visitors could come into the market to buy artwork at various stands. The silkworm-shaped soft sculpture tents, with the length of 35 meters each, also hit a new Guinness World Record as the longest inflatable model, attracting nearly 40,000 visitors in the "belly". Across the street beyond the Chinese redbud trees adorned by red lanterns, the "Guangfu Chaoxu Market" outside Dongfang Wende Square proved to be a famous attraction for youngsters. At the "Chinese Art Hall", young students presented their works such as Canton enamel, Canton embroidery, egg decorating and copper seals, all of which are local traditional crafts that have been listed as cultural heritage works. The "Love Pavilion" brought to young people the sparks of tradition colliding with fashion as well as games that brought strangers together. The "Lantern Riddle Bus" of the Guangfu Temple fair carried with it an abundant display of Cantonese culture as it travelled across the old town of Zhongshan Road and the Chenghuang Temple to Zhujiang New Town. Passengers could scan QR codes that were added on the bus using WeChat to submit answers to trivia questions and win gifts. It has been seven years since the first Guangfu Temple Fair was held. Nowadays, with the happiness it brings to local neighborhoods, this cultural event has become the second most attractive temple fair in China. SOURCE Guangfu Temple Fair FRANKLIN, Tenn., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- February is Spay & Neuter Awareness Month and this year Mars Petcare and Pet Community Center are joining forces to provide humane care for nearly 2,500 local community cats. Community cats are outdoor, free-roaming cats that have lived near us for more than 10,000 years. They have strong bonds with one another and with their established outdoor homes. With support from community cat programs, they can live full, happy lives in our communities. Mars Petcare will fund Pet Community Center's Community Cat Program, which focuses on spay and neuter efforts of the community cat population as a critical way to lower the number of cats entering local shelters. The Community Cat Program uses proven tactics such as Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and Return-to-Field (RTF) programs, through which Pet Community Center vaccinates and spays or neuters community cats, returning cats to their home environment once complete. "Pet Community Center is deeply committed to strengthening the human-animal bond in Middle Tennessee. The Community Cat Program has been an important part of our strategy to lower pet homelessness and shelter euthanasia. We are thrilled to partner with Mars Petcare to expand this program, strengthen our partnership with Metro Nashville Animal Care and Control, support more cat caretakers, and positively impact more cats," said Pet Community Center's President and CEO, Natalie Corwin. The program was created based on best practices developed by national animal welfare organizations and in consultation with leaders in cities where community cat programs have been successfully implemented. Mars Petcare and its employees are getting involved through two of its signature volunteer programs Mars Volunteer Program, an ongoing initiative to encourage Associates to give back to their communities and the Mars Ambassador Program (MAP), which provides in-depth service opportunities for Mars Associates worldwide. This year, a group of Associates from Mars brands around the world will travel to Middle Tennessee to spend time on this project, learning how spay and neuter programs and housing colonies can improve the lives of community cats. Mars Petcare employees will also volunteer to help build 100 feeding stations and 100 housing shelters throughout the year, which will be distributed in the winter across a network of cat colony caretakers, providing community cats with shelter and relief from the elements. "Our team is committed to making Nashville a more pet-friendly city as part of our BETTER CITIES FOR PETS program," said Jam Stewart, director of corporate communications for Mars Petcare. "Caring for community cats is one more way we can do that." Since its inception in 2011, Pet Community Center has served nearly 10,000 community cats, reduced the number of stray cats entering Metro Animal Care and Control (MACC) by 44 percent since 2014 and contributed to the plummeting of euthanasia of cats from 85 percent in 2013 to 19 percent in 2016. In efforts to further the positive change in Nashville, Mayor Barry established an ad-hoc animal welfare advisory committee that has been working over the last year to develop a metro-wide strategy around animal welfare. Through the Mayor's Public Investment Plan in 2016, the community cat program, a partnership between Pet Community Center and MACC was allocated $100,000 of city funding. "Animal welfare is a quality of life issue, and one that's deeply important to Nashville residents," said Nashville Mayor Megan Barry. "By working together to care for and protect the most vulnerable animals, we're heading down a path that will allow us to better serve the healthy and adoptable pets and reduce animal overpopulation and euthanasia." For more information on these ongoing efforts, visit www.petcommunitycenter.org or https://www.facebook.com/ABetterWorldforPets. About Mars Petcare US Mars Petcare is the world's leading pet nutrition and health care business. A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS is the vision statement held by Mars Petcare as we believe that pets make our lives better and that pet ownership brings joy and benefits which should be accessible to everyone. In the United States, Mars Petcare food brands include PEDIGREE, IAMS, ROYAL CANIN, GREENIES, CESAR, NUTRO and SHEBA. Veterinary practices include BANFIELD and BLUE PEARL. Specialty brands include WISDOM PANEL Canine DNA Tests and WHISTLE GPS Pet Tracker. The company's WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition is a leading scientific authority on pet nutrition and wellbeing. Mars Petcare has more than 37,000 Associates worldwide. For more information about Mars Petcare's vision: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS, visit https://www.facebook.com/ABetterWorldforPets. About Pet Community Center Pet Community Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the human-animal bond through accessible veterinary care & support services. We offer low-cost and free spay and neuter services at our East Nashville clinic, as well as pet wellness services through our mobile clinic. Our programs are reaching the most at-risk pets in the Nashville area, improving the quality of life for underserved pets and people. Since October 2011 we have served more than 30,000 dogs and cats. Pet Community Center programs are strategically designed to decrease animal shelter intake as well as euthanasia rates in Middle Tennessee. SOURCE Mars Petcare US AUSTIN, Minn., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL) today reported results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2017. All comparisons are to the first quarter of fiscal year 2016. Results reflect the divestiture of the Diamond Crystal Brands business, the divestiture of the Farmer John business, and the acquisition of Justin's, LLC. The impact of these transactions are excluded in the presentation of the non-GAAP adjusted measures below. SUMMARY First Quarter Record diluted earnings per share of $0.44 , up 2 percent from 2016 EPS of $0.43 , up 2 percent from 2016 EPS of Net earnings of $235 million , flat compared to 2016 net earnings of $235 million , flat compared to 2016 net earnings of Sales of $2.3 billion , down 1 percent; Non-GAAP 1 adjusted sales 2 increased 3 percent , down 1 percent; Non-GAAP adjusted sales increased 3 percent Volume down 2 percent; Non-GAAP 1 adjusted volume 2 up 5 percent adjusted volume up 5 percent Refrigerated Foods operating profit up 4 percent; volume down 3 percent; Non-GAAP 1 adjusted volume 2 flat; sales down 3 percent; Non-GAAP 1 adjusted sales 2 down 1 percent adjusted volume flat; sales down 3 percent; Non-GAAP adjusted sales down 1 percent International & Other operating profit up 5 percent; volume down 1 percent; sales down 2 percent Grocery Products operating profit up 1 percent; volume up 4 percent; Non-GAAP 1 adjusted volume 2 up 2 percent; sales up 7 percent; Non-GAAP 1 adjusted sales 2 up 3 percent adjusted volume up 2 percent; sales up 7 percent; Non-GAAP adjusted sales up 3 percent Specialty Foods operating profit flat; volume down 30 percent; Non-GAAP 1 adjusted volume 2 up 12 percent; sales down 19 percent; Non-GAAP 1 adjusted sales 2 up 10 percent adjusted volume up 12 percent; sales down 19 percent; Non-GAAP adjusted sales up 10 percent Jennie-O Turkey Store operating profit down 25 percent; volume up 22 percent; sales up 13 percent COMMENTARY "I'm proud of our team's ability to drive earnings growth for the 15th consecutive quarter," said Jim Snee, president and chief executive officer. "Our adjusted sales and volume performance for the quarter was solid with sales up 3 percent and volume up 5 percent." "Earnings at Jennie-O Turkey Store declined compared to last year as turkey commodity prices were lower than we expected. However, demand for JENNIE-O branded products continues to be strong," Snee said. "Refrigerated Foods was able to grow earnings four percent on excellent value-added sales growth despite the divestiture of the Farmer John business. Our International segment also delivered earnings growth fueled by strong pork exports." SEGMENT OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS FIRST QUARTER Grocery Products (18% of Net Sales, 18% of Total Segment Operating Profit) Grocery Products sales increased 7 percent on the addition of JUSTIN'S specialty nut butters along with strong sales of WHOLLY GUACAMOLE dips, SKIPPY peanut butter products, and HERDEZ salsa. Non-GAAP1 adjusted sales2 increased 3 percent. Segment profit was up 1 percent. Grocery Products increased advertising to support key brands such as WHOLLY GUACAMOLE dips and HERDEZ salsa. Refrigerated Foods (49% of Net Sales, 48% of Total Segment Operating Profit) Refrigerated Foods segment profit increased 4 percent driven by solid value-added product growth in our foodservice and retail channels. Sales declined 3 percent, primarily related to the divestiture of the Farmer John business in January 2017. Non-GAAP1 adjusted sales2 decreased 1 percent. Foodservice products such as HORMEL pepperoni and HORMEL BACON 1TM fully cooked bacon, and retail products such as HORMEL GATHERINGS party trays and HORMEL NATURAL CHOICE meats had excellent sales growth this quarter. Jennie-O Turkey Store (19% of Net Sales, 19% of Total Segment Operating Profit) Jennie-O Turkey Store sales increased 13 percent and volume increased 22 percent while segment profit decreased 25 percent. Despite volume and sales increases of value-added products, segment profit declined primarily due to lower turkey commodity prices and increased operating expenses. Pricing pressure from competing proteins in the foodservice, deli and retail channels also affected the quarterly results. Specialty Foods (8% of Net Sales, 8% of Total Segment Operating Profit) Specialty Foods segment profit was flat and sales declined 19 percent, primarily due to the divestiture of Diamond Crystal Brands in May 2016. Non-GAAP1 adjusted sales2 increased 10 percent. International & Other (6% of Net Sales, 7% of Total Segment Operating Profit) International segment profit increased 5 percent while sales decreased 2 percent. Strong fresh pork exports offset declines in branded exports. High pork raw material costs continued to impact the profitability of our China meat business. OUTLOOK "We are tempering our full year outlook for the Jennie-O Turkey Store segment given the shortfalls in the first quarter and the expected continuation of pricing pressure due to low commodity turkey prices. Improvements in our other segments are expected to offset some of the earnings headwinds from Jennie-O Turkey Store," Snee said. The Company is lowering its fiscal 2017 guidance to $1.65 to $1.71 per share due to challenging market conditions in the turkey industry. "The balanced model we have intentionally built in our business will allow us to overcome the challenges at Jennie-O Turkey Store. I remain confident in our team's ability to deliver sales and earnings growth by supporting our brands, innovating, and making strategic investments," Snee said. DIVIDENDS Effective February 15, 2016, the company paid its 354th consecutive quarterly dividend at the annual rate of $0.68. 1 COMPARISON OF U.S. GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASUREMENTS The non-GAAP adjusted financial measurements are presented to provide investors additional information to facilitate the comparison of past and present operations. The company believes these non-GAAP adjusted financial measurements provide useful information to investors because they are the measurements used to evaluate performance on a comparable year-over-year basis. Non-GAAP measurements are not intended to be a substitute for U.S. GAAP measurements in analyzing financial performance. These non-GAAP measurements are not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies. 2 ADJUSTED FINANCIAL MEASURES Adjusted net sales and volume excludes the impact from the Justin's, LLC acquisition in May 2016, and the divestitures of the Diamond Crystal Brands business in May 2016, and the Farmer John business in January 2017. The tables below show the calculations to reconcile from the non-GAAP adjusted measures to the GAAP measures in first quarter of fiscal 2016 and the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Net Sales 2017 2016 2017 Justin's Farmer John Non-GAAP 2016 DCB Farmer John Non-GAAP Non-GAAP (in thousands) Net Sales Acquisition Divestiture Net Sales Net Sales Divestiture Divestiture Net Sales % Change Grocery Products $417,745 ($13,335) $404,410 $392,218 $392,218 3.1% Refrigerated Foods 1,123,039 ($100,231) 1,022,808 1,162,121 ($132,901) 1,029,220 (0.6%) Jennie-O Turkey Store 420,989 420,989 372,066 372,066 13.1% Specialty Foods 192,629 192,629 237,779 ($62,917) 174,862 10.2% International & Other 125,825 125,825 128,488 128,488 (2.1%) Total Net Sales $2,280,227 ($13,335) ($100,231) $2,166,661 $2,292,672 ($62,917) ($132,901) $2,096,854 3.3% Tonnage (lbs.) 2017 2016 2017 Justin's Farmer John Non-GAAP 2016 DCB Farmer John Non-GAAP Non-GAAP (in thousands) Tonnage Acquisition Divestiture Tonnage Tonnage Divestiture Divestiture Tonnage % Change Grocery Products 225,963 (2,296) 223,667 218,265 218,265 2.5% Refrigerated Foods 614,425 (80,454) 533,971 635,652 (100,774) 534,878 (0.2%) Jennie-O Turkey Store 216,643 216,643 178,275 178,275 21.5% Specialty Foods 112,829 112,829 161,445 (61,034) 100,411 12.4% International & Other 75,049 75,049 75,518 75,518 (0.6%) Total Tonnage 1,244,909 (2,296) (80,454) 1,162,159 1,269,155 (61,034) (100,774) 1,107,347 4.9% CONFERENCE CALL A conference call will be webcast at 8:00 a.m. CT on Thursday, February 23, 2017. Access is available at www.hormelfoods.com. The call will also be available via telephone by dialing 888-468-2440 and providing the access code 5626388. An audio replay is available by going to https://jsp.premiereglobal.com/webrsvp and entering the access code 5626388. The webcast replay will be available at 11:00 a.m. CT, Thursday, February 23, 2017, and will remain on the website for one year. About Hormel Foods Inspired People. Inspired Food. Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $9 billion in annual revenues across 75 countries worldwide. Its brands include SKIPPY, SPAM, Hormel Natural Choice, Applegate, Justin's, Wholly Guacamole, Hormel Black Label and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of "The 100 Best Corporate Citizens" by Corporate Responsibility Magazine for the eighth year in a row, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. In 2016, the company celebrated its 125th anniversary and announced its new vision for the future - Inspired People. Inspired Food. - focusing on its legacy of innovation. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com and http://2015csr.hormelfoods.com/. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains forward-looking information based on management's current views and assumptions. Actual events may differ materially. Please refer to the cautionary statement regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors which appear on pages 31 - 35 in the company's annual stockholders' report for the year ended October 30, 2016, which can be accessed at www.hormelfoods.com under "Investors-SEC Filings." Statements Follow HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION SEGMENT DATA (Unaudited) (In thousands) FIRST QUARTER 13 WEEKS ENDED NET SALES January 29, 2017 January 24, 2016 % Change Grocery Products $ 417,745 $ 392,218 6.5 Refrigerated Foods 1,123,039 1,162,121 (3.4) Jennie-O Turkey Store 420,989 372,066 13.1 Specialty Foods 192,629 237,779 (19.0) International & Other 125,825 128,488 (2.1) Total $ 2,280,227 $ 2,292,672 (0.5) OPERATING PROFIT Grocery Products $ 65,627 $ 65,273 0.5 Refrigerated Foods 173,808 166,908 4.1 Jennie-O Turkey Store 68,180 91,303 (25.3) Specialty Foods 26,749 26,793 (0.2) International & Other 25,463 24,287 4.8 Total segment operating profit 359,827 374,564 (3.9) Net interest and investment expense (income) 577 5,370 (89.3) General corporate expense 4,621 15,132 (69.5) Less: Noncontrolling interest 156 106 47.2 Earnings before income taxes $ 354,785 $ 354,168 0.2 HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (In thousands, except per share amounts) Thirteen Weeks Ended January 29, 2017 January 24, 2016 Net sales $ 2,280,227 $ 2,292,672 Cost of products sold 1,727,947 1,734,661 GROSS PROFIT 552,280 558,011 Selling, general and administrative 210,217 209,948 Equity in earnings of affiliates 13,299 11,475 OPERATING INCOME 355,362 359,538 Other income & expenses: Interest & investment income (expense) 2,449 (1,963) Interest expense (3,026) (3,407) EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES 354,785 354,168 Provision for income taxes 119,482 119,001 (effective tax rate) 33.68% 33.60% NET EARNINGS 235,303 235,167 Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest 156 106 NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION $ 235,147 $ 235,061 NET EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic $ 0.44 $ 0.44 Diluted $ 0.44 $ 0.43 WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING Basic 528,585 528,862 Diluted 540,064 542,737 DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE $ 0.170 $ 0.145 HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Unaudited) (In thousands) January 29, 2017 October 30, 2016 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 609,821 $ 415,143 Accounts receivable 530,851 591,310 Inventories 958,130 985,683 Income taxes receivable - 18,282 Prepaid expenses 15,356 13,775 Other current assets 5,428 5,719 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 2,119,586 2,029,912 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES - 6,223 INTANGIBLES 2,709,468 2,737,755 OTHER ASSETS 502,069 490,728 PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT, NET 1,035,275 1,105,449 TOTAL ASSETS $ 6,366,398 $ 6,370,067 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT CURRENT LIABILITIES $ 919,762 $ 1,053,196 LONG-TERM DEBT LESS CURRENT MATURITIES 250,000 250,000 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 6,236 - OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES 615,103 615,465 SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT 4,575,297 4,451,406 TOTAL LIAB. & SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT $ 6,366,398 $ 6,370,067 HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (In thousands) Thirteen Weeks Ended January 29, 2017 January 24, 2016 OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net earnings $ 235,303 $ 235,167 Depreciation and amortization of intangibles 31,319 31,804 (Increase) decrease in working capital (76,887) 30,795 Other (12,116) (19,075) NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 177,619 278,691 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from sale of business 135,944 - Net purchases of property/equipment (33,969) (32,069) Decrease in investments, equity in affiliates, and other assets 3,596 11,088 NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES 105,571 (20,981) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net payments on short-term debt - (185,000) Dividends paid on common stock (76,629) (66,137) Share repurchase (30,588) - Other 25,028 23,663 NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES (82,189) (227,474) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (6,323) (2,260) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 194,678 27,976 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 415,143 347,239 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF QUARTER $ 609,821 $ 375,215 INVESTOR CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT: Nathan Annis Wendy Watkins (507) 437- 5248 (507) 437-5345 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation Related Links http://www.hormel.com SHENZHEN, China, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Huntkey, a global smart home solution's provider, announces that it will attend the 2017 Appliance & Electronics World Expo (AWE), one of the world's three largest appliance & electronics fairs, from March 9 - 11, 2017, at E2 hall, Shanghai New International Exhibition Center. Huntkey's booth # is 3D37. At the fair, Huntkey will introduce its latest smart home products and technologies. The brand new multifunctional air purifier uses nano TiO2 photocatalysis technology and double filter technology, enabling it to not only filter out PM2.5 particles, but also purify toxic pollutants in the air. Of note, the double filter technology has been patented. This smart air purifier can also be controlled by an APP on mobile devices. Air Purifier Picture: http://en.huntkey.com/UserFiles/uploadfiles/images/20170223160144439.jpg The tea maker is an auto tea station that is dedicated to making tea that both tastes good and is packed with nutritious properties. Tea can be washed, cooked, brewed and poured automatically by the tea maker by one press. And, the brewing time and temperature can be set differently according to different types of teas such as green tea, black tea and dragon well tea. Once brewed, the tea can be kept at 80 degrees Celsius to keep the good taste. It can also be used for making coffee and heating up milk to the most appropriate temperature. Tea Maker Picture: http://en.huntkey.com/UserFiles/uploadfiles/images/20170223160324283.jpg Huntkey smart power strip will also be exhibited at the fair. The SST302 is equipped with three AC outlets and three powered USB ports, and it can be controlled remotely by a smartphone APP, allowing you to turn on/off devices when you are not present. SST302 Picture: http://en.huntkey.com/UserFiles/uploadfiles/images/20170223160440330.jpg Other products like the smartU charging station, the cube power strip and the automatic cooker will also be presented at the exhibition. For more product news, please visit the Huntkey booth at AWE. About Huntkey Huntkey Enterprise Group, founded in 1995 and headquartered in Shenzhen, is a member of The International Power Supply Manufacturer's Association (PSMA) and a member of The China Power Supply Society (CPSS). With branch companies in the USA, Japan and other areas, and cooperating factories in Brazil, Argentina, India and other countries, Huntkey has specialized in the development, design, and manufacturing of PC power supplies, industrial power supplies, surge protectors, adapters and chargers for many years. With its own technologies and manufacturing strength, Huntkey has served Lenovo, Huawei, Haier, DELL, ZTE, Bestbuy and many other large enterprises for years, and has received unanimous recognition and trust from most of the customers. For more information about Huntkey, please visit http://www.huntkey.com/. Contact: Ferris Liao +86-755-8960-6658 [email protected] SOURCE Huntkey Enterprise Group Related Links http://www.huntkeydiy.com (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 ) Browse 91 market data Tables and 33 Figures spread through 127 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Influenza Diagnostics Market" http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/influenza-diagnostic-market-222985562.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report. The report provides a detailed overview of the major drivers, restraints, opportunities, and threat impacting the Influenza Diagnostics Market along with the estimates and forecasts of the revenue and market share analysis. The increasing prevalence of influenza, growth in research funding for influenza diagnostics, and rising demand for faster diagnosis and control of influenza are the major factors that are expected to drive the growth of this market in the coming years. Also, advancements in technologies such as PCR and proteomics and significant growth prospects in developing countries are expected to offer growth opportunities for players in the Influenza Diagnostics Market. Inquiry Details: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=240573338 The Influenza Diagnostics Market is segmented on the basis of test type, end user, and region. On the basis of test type, the market is segmented into traditional diagnostic tests and molecular diagnostic tests. The traditional diagnostic tests segment is further divided into rapid influenza detection tests (RIDT), viral culture, direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) tests, and serological assays. The molecular diagnostic tests segment is divided into RT-PCR, nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) tests, loop-mediated isothermal amplification-based assays (LAMP), simple amplification-based assays (SAMBA), and other tests (microarray-based approaches and nucleic acid sequencing approaches). Among these, the traditional diagnostic tests segment is expected to account for the largest share of the global Influenza Diagnostics Market in 2016. On the basis of end user, the market is segmented into hospitals/clinical laboratories, reference laboratories, and other end users (point-of-care testing, local public health laboratories, home health agencies, and nursing homes). The hospitals/clinical laboratories segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market in 2016. The large share of this segment can be attributed to the fact that most influenza disease diagnostic tests are carried out in hospitals and clinical laboratories, as these tests are highly complex in nature and require the use of specialized instruments. Download PDF Brochure: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=240573338 On the basis of region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW. The European market is expected to account for the largest share of the global Influenza Diagnostics Market in 2016. The large share of this segment is due to the increased prevalence of influenza disease and technological advancements in this region. The prominent players in the Influenza Diagnostics Market are Thermo Fisher Scientific (U.S.), Roche Diagnostics (Switzerland), Alere Inc. (U.S.), Quidel Corporation (U.S.), Becton, Dickinson and Company (U.S.), DiaSorin (Italy), SA Scientific (U.S.), and Luminex Corporation (U.S.). Browse Related Reports: Molecular Diagnostics Market by Application (Infectious Disease (HIV, HBV, TB), Oncology, Genetics, Microbiology), Technology (PCR, Hybridization, DNA Sequencing), End User (Hospitals, Laboratory), Product & Service (Reagent, Software) - Forecast to 2021 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/molecular-diagnostic-market-833.html Respiratory Diagnostics Market by Product & Service (Instruments/Devices, Kits/Reagents), Test Type (Pulmonary Function Test, Imaging Test), Disease (TB, Lung Cancer, COPD), End User (Reference Laboratories, Physician Offices) - Global Forecast to 2021 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/respiratory-diagnostics-market-163390459.html About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets is the largest market research firm worldwide in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to a multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. M&M's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers. We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository. Contact: Mr. Rohan MarketsandMarkets 701 Pike Street Suite 2175, Seattle, WA 98101, United States 1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit MarketsandMarkets Blog @ http://mnmblog.org/market-research/healthcare/biotechnology Connect with us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets SOURCE MarketsandMarkets NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Growing inclination toward cost-efficient managed services is expected to drive the growth of the IoT managed services market The IoT managed services market size is expected to grow from USD 21.85 billion in 2016 to USD 79.60 billion by 2021, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 29.5% during the period 20162021. The major drivers for the upsurge in demand for the IoT managed services market include rise of managed cloud services and growing inclination towards cost effective managed services. The inability of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to cope up with IoT complexities and the lack of scalability and flexibility in their service offerings are the major restraints for the IoT managed services markets. Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04716215-summary/view-report.html Smart manufacturing is estimated to have the largest market share The smart manufacturing vertical is expected to have the largest market share during the forecast period. The manufacturers' need for operational efficiency has increased the utilization of sensors through enhanced automation and integrated connected technology solutions across the manufacturing process, which in turn, has increased the demand for IoT managed services for various manufacturing applications. Asia-Pacific (APAC) is expected to grow at a faster rate during the forecast period As per the geographic analysis, APAC is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The region is estimated to surpass Europe in terms of IoT adoption and deployment in the near future. This growth can be attributed to the growing number of connected devices, sensors, network connectivity, and cloud adoptions for business applications and also the increasing requirements of the enterprise IT security technologies. In the process of determining and verifying the market size for several segments and sub segments gathered through secondary research, extensive primary interviews were conducted with key industry personnel. The break-up profiles of primary discussion participants are given below: - By Company Type: Tier-1 (39%), Tier-2 (34%), and Tier-3 (27%) - By Designation: C-Level (68 %), Manager Level (21 %), and Others (11%) - By Region: Europe (36 %), APAC (24 %), North America (22 %), and the Rest of World (RoW) (18%) The various key IoT managed services vendors profiled in the report are as follows: 1. Cisco Systems, Inc. (California, U.S.) 2. Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (New Jersey, U.S.) 3. HCL Technologies Limited (Uttar Pradesh, India) 4. Harman International Industries, Inc. (Connecticut, U.S.) 5. Infosys Limited (Karnataka, India) 6. Virtusa Corporation (Massachusetts, U.S.) 7. Tieto Corporation (Helsinki, Finland) 8. Tata Consultancy Services Limited (Maharashtra, India) 9. Tech Mahindra Limited (Maharashtra, India) 10. Wipro Limited (Karnataka, India). Research Coverage The global IoT managed services market has been segmented on the basis of services type, vertical, and region. A detailed analysis of the regions has been done to provide insights into the potential future business opportunities in different regions. In addition to this, product portfolio analysis, value chain analysis, and strategic benchmarking are some of the other MarketsandMarkets analysis included in the report. Reasons to Buy the Report The report will help the market leaders/new entrants in this market in the following ways: 1. This report segments the IoT managed services market comprehensively and provides the closest approximations of the revenue numbers for the overall market and the sub segments, across different regions. 2. The report helps the stakeholders understand the pulse of the market and provides them information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. 3. This report will help the stakeholders to better understand the competitors and gain more insights to better their position in the business. The competitive landscape section includes competitor ecosystem, new product developments, partnerships, and mergers & acquisitions. Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04716215-summary/view-report.html About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. http://www.reportlinker.com __________________________ Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker Related Links http://www.reportlinker.com ATLANTA, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc. (NYSE: IVR) (the "Company") today announced it will hold its 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at 2:00 pm ET at the Company's headquarters, located at 1555 Peachtree Street NE, 18th Floor, Atlanta, Georgia 30309. Stockholders of record of the Company as of the close of business on March 6, 2017 are entitled to attend the Annual Meeting and vote their shares. About Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc. Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc. is a real estate investment trust that focuses on financing and managing residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities and mortgage loans. Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc. is externally managed and advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc., a subsidiary of Invesco Ltd., a leading independent global investment management firm. Additional information is available at www.invescomortgagecapital.com. SOURCE Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc. Related Links http://www.invescomortgagecapital.com Communications Service Providers (CSPs) realize in order to attract and retain customer segments who are accustomed to digital engagement provided by internet brands, they must do a better job of addressing the pain points of traditional processes for interacting with and acquiring services. Jawwy was created as a fully digital sub-brand to address pain points of millennials and to inform the main brand in its journey to become more digital. Cloud-based digital transformation solutions provider ItsOn has experience with supporting multiple global service providers. With consumer-centric, contextual offers it aims to share the benefits of digital, on-device engagement with customers. Key findings from the report below: Click here to access whole report http://bit.ly/SAJawwy CSPs need to focus on consumer experience and not try to reproduce the old experience into digital but think fresh about the customer journey and minimize friction, using an iterative process with customers. Shifting the process of interactions with customers through digital adds transparency and user control, setting the stage for more trust so users are willing to purchase new value added service from the CSP. Operators need to develop best ways not only to interact with the digital savvy but also with mainstream consumers who may be more reluctant to move into digital engagement in order to build their trust and educate them on the benefits of digital interactions. At MWC next week, digital transformation will be a big topic; digital customer engagement is a key to successful customer-centric transformation to drive revenue growth. Susan Welsh de Grimaldo, Director, Wireless Operator Strategies said, "Consumers expect more contextual, personal interaction from digital brands, as experiences today are shaped by Facebook, Google, Uber, Amazon, WeChat and other digital giants. Operators enabling the digital connections on devices; however, have not kept up with the level and ease of use of digital engagement offered by OTTs and internet era giants. As service provider brands seek to gain 'fans' not just subscribers, it is imperative to improve customer digital journeys." Phil Kendall, Executive Director, Wireless Operator Strategies added, "Operators need to be able to react quickly to the marketplace, to test value propositions and refine them, to make standard offers more contextual and relevant to their users and to build trust so that they can successfully layer value added services (VAS) on their offerings and become true Digital Service Providers (DSPs)." Strategy Analytics analysts will present our latest insights into CSP priorities, including 5G use cases and IoT, at MWC Barcelona. Register to join us. About Strategy Analytics Strategy Analytics, Inc. provides the competitive edge with advisory services, consulting and actionable market intelligence for emerging technology, mobile and wireless, digital consumer and automotive electronics companies. With offices in North America, Europe and Asia, Strategy Analytics delivers insights for enterprise success. www.StrategyAnalytics.com US Contact: Susan Welsh de Grimaldo, +1 617 614 0724, [email protected] European Contact: Phil Kendall, +44 1908 423620, [email protected] SOURCE Strategy Analytics Related Links http://www.strategyanalytics.com BEIJING, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- JFrog, the leading DevOps accelerator, is announcing its expansion into the Chinese market. With the expansion, JFrog is announcing Jiewa ("the magnificent frog" in Mandarin) Technology, which will also provide local technical support and DevOps services. JFrog's new office in China JFrog is on a mission to empower companies with the ability to release software faster through universal solutions for the management, distribution, and security scanning of binary software artifacts. With its new expansion, JFrog is continuing to solidify its status as a global solution for software development organizations, in multiple industry sectors throughout the world. A Chinese-language website will be launched to support the local community, jfrogchina.com, which will include JFrog's technical documentation and will also be hosting marketing events and webinars throughout China. The company has already begun working with some of China's top companies, including Huawei Technologies, China Merchants Bank, Tencent, and Didi Chuxing. China's leading 'High efficiency Operations' (GOPS) community Founder, and DevOpsDays China co-establisher Xiao Tian Guo said: "The timing is perfect for JFrog to enter the Chinese market. JFrog already has a significant number of important customers in China and this is just the beginning of JFrog's growth as local enterprises realize the value of fast software releases and automation. China's largest enterprises are embracing DevOps, and JFrog is the leading universal solution to accelerate this adoption." JFrog is the leading universal solution for software management and distribution for all DevOps needs. JFrog's four products, JFrog Artifactory, the Universal Artifact Repository, JFrog Bintray, the Universal Distribution Platform, JFrog Mission Control, for Universal Repository Management, and JFrog Xray, Universal Component Analyzer, are used around the world and available as open-source, on-premises and SaaS cloud solutions. Customers include some of the world's top brands, such as Amazon, Google, MasterCard, Netflix, Barclays, Cisco, Oracle, Adobe and VMware. "It was important for us to begin our Asian expansion in China, as it's one of the most advanced and competitive markets for software development," said Shlomi Ben-Haim, CEO of JFrog. "We already have some of China's top companies as enterprise clients who implemented Artifactory and Bintray, and we plan on continuing to provide a truly universal solution for the DevOps world. We're excited to announce our local leadership team in China, headed by George Hurn-Maloney. George brings an amazing combination of vast experience in the DevOps domain and the Chinese market. George will lead the local team that will build an access road connecting the local DevOps community in China with JFrog." The company received $50 Million in funding at the beginning of 2016, that is deployed into its hyper growth. JFrog is privately held and operated from Israel, California and France. More information can be found at jfrog.com. About JFrog: Founded in 2008 JFrog happily serves over 3,000 customers, and powers the open-source community with over 1.3 Billion downloads of binaries a month. JFrog was also recently ranked by Deloitte as one of the top 50 fastest growing technology companies for the second year in a row, and voted as one of Silicon Valley's fastest growing private companies. Contact: Chris Wegman-Tahan [email protected] SOURCE JFrog Related Links https://www.jfrog.com NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Council for Economic Education (CEE), a leading non-profit organization in the US that focuses on the economic and financial education of K-12 students has just added three new board members: Larry Kantor, Chet Ragavan and Phil Wharton. "We are excited to have Larry, Chet and Phil join CEE's board," said Nan J. Morrison, CEE's President and CEO. "These individuals bring a depth and range of experience in the financial arena that will serve our board and CEE's mission well. They are dedicated to our vision to see that all our children have the knowledge to make better decisions as savers, investors, borrowers, voters, and active participants in the global economy." Larry Kantor Larry Kantor, a 2016 Advanced Leadership Fellow at Harvard University, retired from Barclays in 2015 as Managing Director and Head of Global Research. Kantor was also a member of the Executive Committee that set the strategy for the Investment Bank. Prior to Barclays, he held positions at JP Morgan Chase, Normandy Asset Management, the Federal Reserve Board and Lehigh University. Kantor has made many appearances in the media, including on CNBC, Bloomberg TV and radio, The Nightly Business Report and CBS Evening News. Chet Ragavan Chet Ragavan serves as executive vice president and chief risk officer for Voya Financial. He is responsible for overseeing the enterprise-wide and business-level risk monitoring and management program for the organization. His responsibilities include managing the framework for measuring, controlling, hedging and pricing risk, as well as compliance with all global financial reporting standards for the company. Ragavan joined ING U.S. Investment Management (ING U.S. IM) in April 2008 as chief risk officer. Prior to joining the company, he served as managing director, co-head of the Portfolio Analytics Group for BlackRock Solutions following its merger with Merrill Lynch Investment Managers. He began his career at Merrill Lynch in 1980 and has held a number of senior investment and risk management positions within its various subsidiaries. Ragavan has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in management science from Madurai University, and a Master of Business Administration in finance from the University of Madras, both in India. He also earned a Master of Science degree in computer science from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Phil Wharton Phil Wharton serves as Executive Vice President for Residential Development at RXR Realty. Wharton joined RXR in December 2014 and oversees the residential development activities at RXR. Prior to joining RXR, he had worked at Brookfield Property Group as Senior Vice President for Development. In this role, Wharton oversaw all strategic initiatives pertaining to Brookfield's 10-million-square-foot U.S. development pipeline, including the Manhattan West project on Manhattan's West Side. Prior to that, Wharton worked at AvalonBay Communities, a $10 billion equity cap real estate investment trust specializing in luxury multifamily development projects across the US. Wharton was on the Board of Trustees of the Bronx Preparatory Charter School for ten years. Wharton holds a bachelor's degree from Harvard College and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business. About the Council for Economic Education The Council for Economic Education is the leading non-profit organization in the US that focuses on the economic and financial education of students from kindergarten through high school - and we have been doing so for 68 years. We carry out our mission by educating the educators: providing the curriculum tools, the pedagogical support, and the community of peers that instruct, inspire, and guide. All resources and programs are developed by educators, and delivered by our national network of affiliates. Our goal is to reach and teach every child. Each year CEE's programs reach more than 55,000 K-12 teachers and over 5 million students across the US. EconEdLink our free online site for educators attracts more than 1 million visitors annually. For more information, visit: www.councilforeconed.org. Contact: April Somboun, Director of Marketing Council for Economic Education [email protected] T: 212-730-6727 SOURCE Council for Economic Education Related Links http://www.councilforeconed.org SEATTLE, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A colorful event brightened a long-term care convention on January 14 at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel. Over 100 participants wore purple capes as "wizards" to help "kill the wicked witch of Alzheimer's," the mind-robbing disease that afflicts millions. Their company, ACSIA Partners, is one of America's largest long-term care insurance agencies. The gala gathering raised $15,220 for the Alzheimer's Association, which supports research and services to combat Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. This is the second year that ACSIA Partners has supported the Alzheimer's Association. They raised a similar amount last year at their conference in Austin, Texas. Why is the company so concerned with Alzheimer's? "It's one of the biggest reasons people need long-term care," says Denise Gott, CEO. "According to the Society of Actuaries, about 25% of LTC insurance claims are due to the disease. And one in nine Americans age 65 and older are afflicted, according to the Alzheimer's Association. And the rate jumps to one in three for those 85 and older. That's huge." This puts a big burden on American households. "Families must be prepared to care for those who, for mental reasons, can no longer care for themselves," Gott points out. "It's a serious national issue." "We're proud to contribute to the Alzheimer's Association," says Gott. "We're also glad we can make a difference directly, through our company's services." When the disease advances, a loved one may forget where they are or when to eat, or have trouble going to the bathroom, Gott points out. "Family members must care for them personally unless a long-term care financial solution is in place some way of paying for professional caregiving." A sound plan can ease the burden, which can include lifestyle stresses and diminished earning capacity. ACSIA Partners LLC http://www.acsiapartners.com is one of America's largest and most experienced long-term care insurance agencies serving all states. The company is also a co-founder and sponsor of the "3in4 Need More" campaign, which encourages Americans to form a long-term care plan. *Image for Media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0109-alz-wizard-300dpi.jpg *Image Caption: "Wizards of Alzheimer's" logo. This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com SOURCE ACSIA Partners LLC Related Links http://www.acsiapartners.com (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140416/681203 ) The report recommends that clients should "Favor service providers that have tools, templates and accelerators that can be leveraged to reduce time and cost to deploy, increase predictability and meet or exceed TCO requirements." "By providing highly-certified Salesforce professionals with expertise across Salesforce clouds, Magnet 360 has established itself as a strategic partner for Salesforce globally. To increase and support these efforts, Magnet 360 will leverage its recently opened Salesforce Center of Excellence in Munich, Germany, to align to the expansion of Salesforce in continental Europe," said Matt Meents, CEO, Magnet 360. "Magnet 360 is committed to providing customers with Salesforce consulting from innovation to implementation and support." "Throughout their history, Magnet 360 has been one of our strongest and most committed partners. Now as a part of Mindtree, they have the scale to really grow and continue to be a strategic and important partner," said Don Lynch, SVP Global Alliances from Salesforce. The report referenced in this release is Gartner, Market Guide for Salesforce Service Providers, 17 November 2016 Gartner Disclaimer Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. About Magnet 360 Magnet 360, a Mindtree company, has been a Salesforce partner since 2004, achieving Platinum status in 2015. We help forward-thinking companies engage their most important audiences to drive the growth, retention, and efficiencies that ensure meaningful business outcomes. By leveraging the Salesforce platform and an iterative delivery model, we help businesses work smarter and deliver value to their organizations quickly. Our innovative cross-cloud solutions have been delivered to customers in a variety of industries. Most notably, we have deep expertise in financial services, healthcare, CPG, retail, manufacturing, and media. About Mindtree Mindtree [NSE: MINDTREE] delivers digital transformation and technology services from ideationto execution, enabling Global 2000 clients to outperform the competition. 'Born digital,' Mindtree takes an agile, collaborative approach to creating customized solutions across the digital value chain. At the same time, our deep expertise in infrastructure and applications management helps optimize your IT into a strategic asset. Whether you need to differentiate your company, reinvent business functions or accelerate revenue growth, we can get you there. Visit http://www.mindtree.com to learn more. Media Contact: Media Contact: Courtney Algeo Magnet 360, a Mindtree company 612-230-2689 [email protected] SOURCE Mindtree LAS VEGAS, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The nation's leading medical flight charity, Miracle Flights, welcomed the New Year with 588 life-saving flights during January 2017. This marks the highest January flight count in the charity's three-decade historyA New Year's resolution worth celebrating! The nonprofit transports patients from all over the U.S, as well as all over the globe. In January 2017 alone, Miracle Flights serviced patients from 31 states and 8 countries, including Peru, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Highlights include 68 flights from California, 39 from Florida and 34 from Texas. To-date, the charity has celebrated 106,058 flights and covered over 59 million miles. Miracle Flights has helped patients with rare and life-threatening medical conditions gain access to distant medical care for over 30 yrs. Plane tickets are provided at no cost to the families and as many times as necessary. Mark E. Brown, CEO of Miracle Flights, said, "The New Year is about new beginnings. Whether it's a patient's 1st or 100th flight, Miracle Flights gives families hope for a healthier future. This year our New Year's resolution is to help even more families, so if you know anyone in need of medical care far from home, please refer them to us." About Miracle Flights Miracle Flights is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free medical air transportation via commercial airlines throughout the United States. With over three decades of service to families in need, Miracle Flights has coordinated more than 100,000 flights and counting. For more information about Miracle Flights, to request flight assistance, or to make a donation, call 800-359-1711 or visit miracleflights.org. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Press Contact Kylie Tray [email protected] (702) 261-0494 SOURCE Miracle Flights Related Links http://miracleflights.org DALLAS, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Missouri Supreme Court recently ruled that an out-of-state company reselling telecommunications services to Missouri customers did not meet the qualifications for the "in commerce" sales tax exemption pursuant to section 144.030.1.RSMo (TracFone Wireless, Inc. v. Director of Revenue, Missouri Supreme Court, No. SC95785, February 14, 2017). TracFone Wireless, Inc. ("TracFone") has no physical presence in Missouri via cell towers, warehouses, or any other facilities. TracFone explained that it operated a "virtual network" by contracting with several wireless providers to purchase access to its network. Then, it resells the access to end users consisting of a set number of minutes of usage or "unlimited" minutes for a set period of time. Tracfone refers to these packages as "airtime." The services can only be accessed via handsets sold to customers by TracFone. Additionally, customers are prohibited from using or reselling the handsets to access another provider's network. All orders are taken from and all payments are made to TracFone's Florida office. Likewise, handsets are sent to Missouri customers from locations outside the state. In May 2013, TracFone requested partial refunds of the sales tax it paid on wireless telecommunications services. TracFone argued that it did not make retail sales in Missouri. As such, TracFone argued that the sales of handsets and airtime from its Florida offices were subject to Missouri use tax and pursued the difference between the Missouri sales tax it paid and the Missouri use tax. In its initial arguments, TracFone contended that the sales took place "in commerce" between Missouri and Florida and met the exemption outlined in section 144.030.1.RSMo. The Court disagreed with the taxpayer's contention on the basis that the true object of these transactions was the sale of access to telecommunications service within Missouri and cited previous decisions setting precedent for the court's findings [Six Flags Theme Parks, Inc. v. Dir. of Revenue, 102 S.W.3d 526, 527-28 (Mo. banc 2003), Branson Scenic Ry. v. Dir. of Revenue, 3 S.W.3d 788, 789 (Mo. App. 1999), etc.]. Furthermore, the court found that the sales of handsets were merely incidental to the service. The Supreme Court ruled that the taxpayer did not meet its burden of proof to qualify for the "in commerce" exemption and confirmed the Administrative Hearing Commission's denial of the taxpayer's refund request. About Ryan Ryan is an award-winning global tax services firm, with the largest indirect and property tax practices in North America and the seventh largest corporate tax practice in the United States. With global headquarters in Dallas, Texas, the Firm provides a comprehensive range of state, local, federal, and international tax advisory and consulting services on a multi-jurisdictional basis, including audit defense, tax recovery, credits and incentives, tax process improvement and automation, tax appeals, tax compliance, and strategic planning. Ryan is a five-time recipient of the International Service Excellence Award from the Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA) for its commitment to world-class client service. Empowered by the dynamic myRyan work environment, which is widely recognized as the most innovative in the tax services industry, Ryan's multi-disciplinary team of more than 2,100 professionals and associates serves over 12,000 clients in more than 40 countries, including many of the world's most prominent Global 5000 companies. More information about Ryan can be found at ryan.com. TECHNICAL INFORMATION CONTACTS: Jim Kranjc Principal Ryan 630.515.0477 [email protected] Dustin Davis Principal Ryan 972.934.0022 [email protected] Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Jim Kranjc ProfNet - http://www.profnetconnect.com/jimkranjc SOURCE Ryan Related Links http://www.ryan.com SENIGALLIA, Italy, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Namirial announces today the release of LiveID & eSignAnyWhere, the first omnichannel WebRTC Customer Engagement solution designed to move any sales or CRM process to digital channels and to allow the execution of legally binding contracts into a chatbox system. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/470292/Namirial_Group_Logo.jpg ) The solution, easy to integrate in every legacy environment, includes text and video chat omnichannel engagement, video CRM, live video identification, electronic signature and electronic payments, all integrated into a chatbox. LiveID & eSignAnyWhere will enable companies in any industry to simplify the way business gets done by transforming slow, complex, costly, manual paper-based processes into frictionless and adaptable digital ones. The solution can be deployed on SaaS, private cloud or on-premises. Thanks to LiveID & eSignAnyWhere, Customer on-boarding and Know Your Customer processes can go fully digital, with the capability to verify live the user identity by video chat and to sign legally binding contracts online. "We are announcing a unique solution today," comments Antonio Taurisano, Namirial Director of Digital Transaction Management. "Based on our eSignAnyWhere platform and powered by Inventia technology, it allows customer engagement and contract execution using all types of eIDAS compliant electronic signatures, with a simple, intuitive and operator assisted user experience on all channels. We already have several customers interested in this solution all over Europe and we are now exploring the US market." "We are excited to provide our technology to Namirial," says Andrea Cinelli, Inventia CEO. "The solution makes the customer engagement and contract closing process so simple and effective, that we estimate a 10x reduction of sales acquisition cost, a 5x improvement in conversions and a 6x improvement in customer satisfaction." The product will be presented at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Feb 27th - March 2nd 2017 where Namirial and Inventia will be in Hall 1 Stand 1E5 About Namirial Namirial is a Software and Service Company and a Trust Service Provider, which offers Trust Services like e-signature, time stamping, registered e-mail, e-invoicing and digital archiving to more than 1,000,000 customers. Namirial has installed more than 400,000 seats of its handwritten biometric signature SW and process several millions of transactions every day. http://www.namirial.com/en About Inventia Founded in 2012 in Italy, Inventia is a leading B2B2C Independent Software Vendor providing the most complete Omnichannel Digital Sales Automation & Customer Engagement solution to manage End to End customer relationship blending Live Chat features (text/audio/video) with business process capabilities to deliver best in class Customer Experience. http://www.inventia.biz/ SOURCE Namirial Spa WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA is inviting media to attend a test of the Orion spacecraft's parachutes on Wednesday, March 8, at the U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. Orion is scheduled for its second airdrop test, in a series of eight, to qualify the parachute system for crewed flights. Media will have the opportunity to interview Orion engineers, see the model up close and view the test from the drop zone. To attend, media must contact Laura Rochon at [email protected] by 1 p.m. EDT on Thursday, March 2. During the test, an engineering model of the Orion spacecraft will be dropped from a C-17 aircraft flying at an altitude of 25,000 feet. This test will simulate a descent sequence astronauts might experience if they have to abort a mission after liftoff. The test sequence begins under simulated abort conditions when Orion is traveling at the relatively slow speed of about 130 mph, as compared to 310 mph for a normal end of mission Earth re-entry. The team will focus on two primary aspects of system performance in this scenario: deployment of Orion's two drogue parachutes at low speeds, and deployment of its three main parachutes in preparation for landing. Orion's parachutes are critical to the safe return of the spacecraft to Earth, whether during an abort sequence or at the end of a successful deep space mission. They help stabilize and slow the crew module to about 20 mph, enabling a safe splashdown in the ocean. Orion is built to take astronauts farther into the solar system than ever before. The spacecraft will carry astronauts to space, provide emergency abort capabilities, sustain the crew during their mission and provide safe re-entry through Earth's atmosphere. Find more information about Orion at: https://www.nasa.gov/orion SOURCE NASA Related Links http://www.nasa.gov This record-setting beyond line of sight (BLOS) mission was flown under the Nevada UAS Test Site's FAA Certificate of Authorization (COA) and led by the Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems, which manages the FAA-designated Nevada UAS Test Site on behalf of the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED). The Drone America Savant unmanned aircraft reached an altitude of 1,500 feet AGL and completed a one hour flight beyond line of sight for a total distance flown of over 39 miles on February 15, 2017. "Nevada's emerging UAV industry has made tremendous strides since first receiving the FAA UAS Test Site designation a few short years ago, and it is with incredible pride that the State can now declare that our drone effort has broken an industry record by successfully completing the longest ever beyond visual line of sight drone delivery," said Governor Brian Sandoval. "This achievement is a testament not only to the skill of the team at the Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems and Drone America, but also the support that has been shown by the entire State of Nevada to support this important initiative. Nevada is changing the future of transportation, and I congratulate all those Nevadans who share in this milestone - this is one for the record books." "Statewide support of the drone industry in Nevada has helped to usher in this historic UAV milestone," said Steve Hill, Director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development. "With each flight, NIAS makes history, but this most recent achievement is truly one for the ages, and something that we should all be incredibly proud of. I thank the teams at NIAS and Drone America for ensuring that Nevada continues to lead one of the most innovative transportation industries into the future." "Today we demonstrated an important milestone, one that can make a positive impact upon humanity. For many years Drone America's team has been focused upon building turnkey solutions that are both commercially viable yet also have a beneficial effect upon the world in which we live. Remote critical package delivery can include such items as medical equipment (AED) and supplies such as vaccines, EpiPens, anti-venom, even a Search and Rescue survival package. These achievements bring us closer to becoming a self-sustaining, Nevada-based, and American-made corporation that gives back," said Mike Richards, CEO and Founder of Drone America. The Drone America Savant UAS delivered the package to the Hawthorne Industrial Airport and the cargo consisted of emergency supplies in a simulated lost hiker scenario. The package was not dropped from the UAV but instead was meant to be recovered from the hold of the fixed-wing platform upon landing. The UAS operation incorporated multiple ground safety visual observers and an aerial safety observer in a Cessna 206 fixed-wing aircraft flown by AviSight. "We were thrilled to participate in this historic event. The ability to fly these systems BLOS will be critical to the commercialization of this technology for multiple industries," said Michael Frechette, CEO of AviSight. "The Nevada UAS Test Site is fortunate to have the City of Hawthorne and the Hawthorne Army Depot's support of our Nevada UAS Industry Growth. This is a great example of public-private partnership between the U.S. Army, Drone America, the City of Hawthorne, and NIAS," said Mark Barker, Director of Business Development and Marketing for NIAS. Following the historic package delivery BLOS flight, Drone America CEO, Mike Richards presented the package flown to the FAA-designated Nevada UAS Test Site Director, Dr. Chris Walach, overseeing the UAS operation. Walach received this package on behalf of the State of Nevada. "Today was a new long distance flight record in Nevada and in the National Airspace. From last year, Nevada holds the FAA record for the first package delivery to an actual customer in a residential neighborhood in Reno, NV and in the National Airspace and now we have demonstrated that commercial UAS technology is capable of flying long distance while safely integrating UAS into the National Airspace with manned aviation traffic. We are a major step closer to commercial package delivery on a large scale in Nevada and in the National Airspace," said Dr. Chris Walach. About the Governor's Office of Economic Development: Created during the 2011 session of the Nevada Legislature, the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) is the result of a collaborative effort between the Nevada Legislature and Governor Brian Sandoval to restructure economic development in the state. GOED's role is to promote a robust, diversified and prosperous economy in Nevada, to stimulate business expansion and retention, encourage entrepreneurial enterprise, attract new businesses and facilitate community development. More information on the Governor's Office of Economic Development can be viewed at www.diversifynevada.com. About the Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems (NIAS): The Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems (NIAS) and FAA-designated Nevada Unmanned Aviation Test Site leads the growth of the Nevada Unmanned Aviation Systems (UAS) Industry through business teaming relationships, collaborating with primary research institutions on UAS research and development, and enhancing the Nevada UAS Industry knowledge base to attract new and permanent business and create jobs in the State of Nevada. Learn more at www.nias-uas.com. About AviSight: AviSight is an aerospace and remote sensing services company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Our company employs Aerospace systems, Remote Sensing technology, Analytics, and Data Collection/Distribution systems for commercial and government clients. For more information about AviSight please visit www.avisight.com/. About Drone America: Drone America strives to be one of the World's Top Providers of Autonomous Unmanned Vehicles, high tech equipment and services. Our mission is to use UAS technologies as a means to survey, protect, and preserve human life and strategic resources around the Globe. For more information about Drone America please visit www.droneamerica.com/. SOURCE Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems (NIAS) Related Links http://www.nias-uas.com LONDON, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Noble Corporation plc (NYSE: NE) today announced that its report of drilling rig status and contract information has been updated as of February 23, 2017. The report, titled "Fleet Status Report," can be found on the Company's Website www.noblecorp.com, under the "Investor Relations" section of the Website. About Noble Corporation plc Noble is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. The Company owns and operates one of the most modern, versatile and technically advanced fleets in the offshore drilling industry. Noble performs, through its subsidiaries, contract drilling services with a fleet of 28 offshore drilling units, consisting of 14 drillships and semisubmersibles and 14 jackups, focused largely on ultra-deepwater and high-specification jackup drilling opportunities in both established and emerging regions worldwide. Noble is a public limited company registered in England and Wales with company number 08354954 and registered office at Devonshire House, 1 Mayfair Place, London, W1J 8AJ England. Additional information on Noble is available at www.noblecorp.com. SOURCE Noble Corporation Related Links http://www.noblecorp.com STOCKHOLM, Feb 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Nomination Committee of Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA proposes the re-election of board members Ewa Bjorling, Par Boman, Maija-Liisa Friman, Annemarie Gardshol, Magnus Groth, Bert Nordberg, Louise Svanberg, Johan Malmquist and Barbara Milian Thoralfsson. The Nomination Committee proposes that Lars Rebien Srensen be elected as a new Board member. In addition, the Nomination Committee proposes that Par Boman be re-elected as Chairman of the Board. Information about the Board members nominated for re-election is available on SCA's website. Lars Rebien Srensen , B.Sc. Forestry and B.Sc. Economics, Copenhagen Business School, served as President and CEO of Novo Nordisk from 2000 to 2016, and prior to that he served as Head of Health Care for Novo Nordisk, from 1994 to 2000. Mr. Srensen is currently Deputy Chairman of Carlsberg and a Board member of the Novo Nordisk Foundation and Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA. He has previously served as a Board member for Bertelsmann, Danmarks Nationalbank, Dong Energy and SAS, among others. The Nomination Committee's other proposals will be announced in the notice of SCA's Annual General Meeting. SCA's Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at 3 p.m. at the Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre, Nils Ericsons Plan 4, Stockholm, Sweden. The Nomination Committee's work ahead of a distribution of the hygiene business As communicated by SCA in August 2016, SCA's current Board members elected by the shareholders and the Company's CEO, Magnus Groth, have made up the Board of directors and CEO, respectively, of SCA Hygiene AB. Following a split, this company will be the parent company of the hygiene business. The intention is that the Board members elected by SCA's 2017 Annual General Meeting will make up the Board of directors of SCA Hygiene AB after a distribution. In addition to its ordinary duties, the Nomination Committee ahead of SCA's 2017 Annual General Meeting has also been requested by the Board to propose Board members for SCA's subsidiary SCA Forest Products AB, in which company the forest products business is conducted. This Board of directors of SCA Forest Products AB will be appointed by SCA shortly and is planned to make up the Board of directors of SCA after a distribution of SCA Hygiene AB. Accordingly, the Nomination Committee has proposed that SCA appoint the following persons as Board members of SCA Forest Products AB: Par Boman (Chairman of the Board), Charlotte Bengtsson, Lennart Evrell, Annemarie Gardshol, Ulf Larsson, Martin Lindqvist, Bert Nordberg, Barbara Milian Thoralfsson and Lotta Lyra. Information about Par Boman, Annemarie Gardshol, Bert Nordberg and Barbara Milian Thoralfsson is available on SCA's website. Charlotte Bengtsson (born 1971), M.Sc. Engineering, Lic. Engineering and Ph.D. Engineering in Steel and Wood Construction. She is Managing Director of the Skogsforsk research institute since 2015. Ms. Bengtsson served previously as department manager of Wood Engineering and Wood Construction at SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, and prior to that as a researcher/project leader in wood construction at SP. Charlotte Bengtsson is also an adjunct professor of Wood Building Technology at Linnaeus University. Lennart Evrell (born 1954), M.Sc. Engineering, Economics. He is President and CEO of Boliden since 2008 and has served in numerous executive positions since 1985, including as President and CEO of Sapa, President and CEO of Munters, and in various positions for ASEA, Atlas Copco and Sphinx Gustavsberg. Mr. Evrell is Chairman of the Board of Umea University and of Gruvornas Arbetsgivareforbund, and is a Board member of the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise. Ulf Larsson (born 1962), B.Sc. Forestry, President of SCA Forest Products AB since 2008. He has also served as an Executive Vice President of SCA since 2016, with experience from executive positions dating back to 1987 with Scaninge Timber, SCA Skog, SCA Timber and Domanverket. Mr. Larsson is a Board member of the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise and a former Board member of Mid Sweden University and Heinzel Holding GmbH. Martin Lindqvist (born 1962), B.Sc. Economics, President and CEO of SSAB since 2011. He has held numerous executive positions at SSAB since 1998, including as Business Area Manager, Divisional Manager, CFO and Financial Manager. He served previously as Chief Controller for NCC. Mr. Lindqvist is a Board member of Industriarbetsgivarna and BasEL. He is a former Board member of Indutrade AB. Lotta Lyra (born 1975), M.Sc. Econ., Stockholm School of Economics, President and CEO-elect of Clas Ohlson. Ms. Lyra has, since 2009, held executive positions within the Ikea Group, including as head of strategy as well as head of development. Prior to this she gained experience in the Swedish forest industry, among other things as head of development at Sodra Timber and sawmill manager at Sodra's Monsteras sawmill. Former employee of McKinsey & Company. SCA's Nomination Committee's members are Helena Stjernholm (AB Industrivarden), Petter Johnsen (Norges Bank Investment Management), Hakan Sandberg (Handelsbanken Pension Foundation and others), Hans Sterte (Skandia), and Par Boman (Chairman of the Board of SCA). Helena Stjernholm is Nomination Committee chair. NB: This information is such that SCA is obligated to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out below, at 18:30 CET on February 23, 2017. CONTACT: For further information, please contact: Karl Stoltz, Media Relations Manager, +46(0)8 -788-51-55 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/sca/r/nomination-committee-s-proposal-for-the-board-ahead-of-the-2017-annual-general-meeting-of-svenska-ce,c2198617 The following files are available for download: http://mb.cision.com/Main/600/2198617/634049.pdf Nomination Committeeas proposal for the Board ahead of the 2017 Annual General Meeting of Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA SOURCE SCA "Improved Infrastructure and Enhanced Economics" VANCOUVER, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Northern Vertex Mining Corp. (TSX.V:NEE) (OTC:NHVCF) (the "Company" or "Northern Vertex") is pleased to provide an update on its Mine Optimization Plan at the company's 100% owned Moss Mine gold-silver project ("Moss Mine"), located in the historic Oatman Mining district in North West Arizona. The Moss Mine, which is scheduled to commence commercial gold-silver production in Q4 2017, has a capital cost estimated at US$33 million, and is expected to generate an average annual production of 42,000 oz gold Eqv. with an all-in sustaining costs of US$662/oz gold and an after-tax IRR of 48% (based on US$1,250/oz gold and US$20/oz silver). Highlights of the Northern Vertex Optimization Plan: Powerline to Mine Site Sale and distribution of Aggregate Upgrade and maintain the Silver Creek and Moss Mine Access Road Reduction of fossil fuel emissions Job creation in Local Communities and the State of Arizona US$16M in savings in first 5yrs; significant impact to current 48% IRR Northern Vertex President and CEO, Kenneth Berry stated "We are very pleased to implement a detailed optimization plan that will significantly enhance the overall economics of the Moss Mine in addition to positively impacting the local community. The energy cost savings, road improvements and reduction of fossil fuels derived from the program further supports our mandate to adhere to the highest level of operational efficiency and social and environmental responsibility." Powerline to Mine Site The Moss Mine Feasibility Study and construction plans have factored in the use of diesel generators for the operation of the Mine Site. The installation of a powerline directly to site to deliver utility power will result in an estimated operational savings of US$16 million in the first 5 years of operation and will make a significant positive impact to the project's after-tax IRR that is currently estimated at 48%. The sale and distribution of Aggregate and Rip Rap within the Region The Moss Mine is a potential source of aggregate for numerous applications including road construction, rip rap, concrete and asphalt. Northern Vertex is currently negotiating with a local aggregate company for the sale and distribution of its barren rock as a source of aggregate and rip rap for the surrounding region. Upgrade and maintain the Silver Creek Road The negotiation of an Aggregate Agreement is contemplated to include the upgrade and maintenance of the Silver Creek Road and the tertiary County Mine Access Road, resulting in a safer road. Discussions of potential road upgrades include a crushed rock/gravel base and removal of numerous protruding cobbles and boulders, the direct benefits to Northern Vertex include a reduction in maintenance costs to operational vehicles and those of our suppliers and local community. Following initial discussions, both City and County officials and Engineering personnel have indicated their full support for the road "Improvement Plan". Reduction of fossil fuel emissions The Moss Mine Feasibility Study; Plan of Operations and Air Quality Permit state the electric power source proposed for all mine and process operations as on-site generators powered by Tier IV diesel engines (the most environmentally advanced engines available today). However, the installation of a direct powerline, would eliminate the need for the diesel gen-sets, resulting in improved air quality by decreasing emissions, and reducing operating costs significantly. Job creation in Local Communities and the State of Arizona The mining, processing and aggregate activities are expected to create 100+ direct jobs for the local region and the State of Arizona. In addition, ancillary benefits from processing the waste rock include the provision of a lower cost aggregate for both civic and private construction projects in the Bullhead City Region. Schedule In addition to the County's permission, the construction of the powerline requires the issuance of a Right of Way ("ROW") Permit from the Bureau of Land Management. Upgrading of the County's tertiary Mine Access Road to eliminate safety hazards will involve disturbance beyond the existing footprint of the road and will also require a ROW permit. Engineering design, an integral part of the ROW permit applications is underway. Fieldwork for the requisite Cultural and Biological Surveys were recently completed. Qualified Person: The foregoing technical information contained in this news release has also been reviewed and verified by Mr. Joseph Bardswich, P.Eng., General Manager - Moss Project, and a Qualified Person ("QP") for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101 (Disclosure Standards for Mineral Projects). About Northern Vertex Northern Vertex Mining Corp. is an exploration and mining company focused on the reactivation of its 100% owned Moss Mine Gold/Silver Project located in NW Arizona, USA. The Company's management comprises an experienced management team with a strong background in all aspects of acquisition, exploration, development, operations and financing of mining projects worldwide. The Company is focused on working effectively and respectfully with our stakeholders in the vicinity of the historical Moss Mine and enhancing the capacity of the local communities in the area. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF NORTHERN VERTEX "Kenneth Berry " President & CEO Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains statements about our future business and planned activities. These are "forward-looking" because we have used what we know and expect today to make a statement about the future. Forward-looking statements including but are not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work and analyses. Forward-looking statements usually include words such as may, intend, plan, expect, anticipate, believe or other similar words. We believe the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable. However, actual events and results could be substantially different because of the risks and uncertainties associated with our business or events that happen after the date of this news release. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. As a general policy, we do not update forward-looking statements except as required by securities laws and regulations. Cautionary Note to US Investors: This news release may contain information about adjacent properties on which we have no right to explore or mine. We advise U.S. investors that the SEC's mining guidelines strictly prohibit information of this type in documents filed with the SEC. U.S. investors are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on our properties. This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. This press release uses the terms "Measured", "Indicated", and "Inferred" resources. United States investors are advised that while such terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them. "Inferred Mineral Resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of Measured or Indicated Mineral Resources will ever be converted into Mineral Reserves. United States investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of a Mineral Resource is economically or legally mineable. SOURCE Northern Vertex Mining Corp. Related Links www.northernvertex.com AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) today commends Governor Daugaard and the South Dakota Legislature for enacting into law Senate Bill 61, which provides patients with full and direct access to nurse practitioners. By adopting the law, South Dakota becomes the 22nd state to authorize nurse practitioners to provide the full scope of services they're educated and clinically prepared to deliver, and it retires the Board of Medicine oversight of nursing practice. These changes will significantly enhance patient access to high-quality health care. "This is an important win for patients across the state. We are pleased that the state legislature and Governor Daugaard recognize the critical role of nurse practitioners in advancing the health of our citizens and the importance of attracting and retaining these high-quality providers in South Dakota," said AANP South Dakota Representative Robin Arends, DNP, CNP, FNP-BC. Signed into law today, the new South Dakota measure retires the requirement that nurse practitioners maintain career-long "collaborative agreements" with physicians as a condition of nurse practitioner practice and retires joint Board of Nursing and Board of Medicine oversight, mandates that had created obstacles and delayed patient care. In addition to improving access to care, these regulatory changes are estimated to save the state more than $71,000 annually in regulatory costs. "South Dakotans are poised to benefit from a 21st century health care delivery model that has been proven to increase access, improve outcomes and control costs," said Cindy Cooke, DNP, FNP-C, FAANP, President of AANP. "We are pleased that South Dakota has retired needless regulation and acted on national recommendations that prioritize the health care needs of patients." Leading policy groups like the Institute of Medicine have long recommended that states adopt such legislation to improve health care access and outcomes. They cite extensive data showing nurse practitioners, including those with full-practice authority, have safety and quality outcomes that are similar to those of physicians and also offer patients a much-needed approach that is highly focused on health promotion and disease prevention. Other states with Full Practice Authority legislation under consideration in state legislatures include Oklahoma, Massachusetts, Arkansas, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is the largest professional membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties. It represents the interests of more than 222,000 NPs, including more than 73,000 individual members and 200 organizations, providing a unified networking platform and advocating for their role as providers of high-quality, cost-effective, comprehensive, patient-centered and personalized health care. The organization provides legislative leadership at the local, state and national levels, advancing health policy; promoting excellence in practice, education and research; and establishing standards that best serve NP patients and other health care consumers. For more information, visit aanp.org . To locate a nurse practitioner in your area, visit npfinder.com . SOURCE American Association of Nurse Practitioners Related Links http://www.aanp.org CHICAGO, Feb. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA), one of Chicago's largest public accounting firms, is proud to welcome Victoria "Tory" L. Pitkin to its Quality Control Department; Jonathan Efrem Joseph, CPA, CGMA, JD, MBA to its Audit/Tax Department; and Kristin Harrigan and Jessica Wu to its Audit Department. Victoria "Tory" L. Pitkin brings more than 20 years of accounting and auditing experience to ORBA. She specializes in reviewing financial statements for compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS) and other professional standards, including those established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) and the AICPA's Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review (SSARS). Throughout her career, Tory has utilized her auditing expertise to develop and present training on new engagement standards, including risk assessment and clarity standards, as well as consult with her firm's engagement teams on efficiency techniques and develop appropriate audit responses to identified risks. Her experience has also led her to author works related to professional auditing standards and prepare responses to proposed accounting, auditing and ethics standards on behalf of the New York State Society of CPAs. Jonathan Efrem Joseph, CPA, CGMA, JD, MBA has experience in accounting and financial advising, joining ORBA's Audit/Tax Department. He specializes in corporate gift sales development; evaluating emerging corporate growth opportunities; and performing due diligence, data gathering and financial analysis for potential mergers, acquisitions, commercial arrangements and joint ventures. Kristin Harrigan has experience with assisting engagement teams with audit work papers and is adept at utilizing various accounting and bookkeeping software. Jessica Wu is a member of ORBA's Audit Department. She has experience with preparing federal and state tax returns, partnership and corporate tax forms; updating and maintaining general ledgers; and organizing tax returns, tax work papers and related documentation in online data management systems. Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA) is a full-service accounting, tax and business consulting firm located in downtown Chicago serving privately-held companies, individuals and not-for-profit organizations. ORBA's Certified Public Accountants have experience with accounting and assurance, business advisory services, financial and estate planning, fraud investigation, tax, litigation, and mergers and acquisitions. With some of the highest levels of direct client involvement in the industry, ORBA is where clients go to build long-standing, meaningful and successful relationships with resourceful, proactive business and tax advisors. For more information, visit www.orba.com. Subscribe to our blog www.orbablog.com or connect with us on LinkedIn. Contact: Carlo Calma 312.670.7444 [email protected] SOURCE Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA) Related Links http://www.orba.com "EVOLVD has no real competition in the cartridge category. They are defining craft cannabis in that realm," said Oregrown co-founder Aviv Hadar. "These delicious terpene-infused cartridges are made with beautiful, small batch oils that meticulously match the terpenes to the cannabinoids in the exact proportions found in the original strain. Oregrown couldn't be more excited to partner with EVOLVD as we bring these truly special cartridges to Central Oregon and to the wider adult-use market." Marley Bankoff, the founder and CEO of EVOLVD, grew up in a family of organic foods pioneers in Eugene, where he acquired a passion for holistic, artisanal production and processing. It's an approach he brings to the extracts and cartridges he creates for EVOLVD. "Standardized extraction processes strip away elements of the cannabis plant that are meant to interact synergistically," said Bankoff, who said he has spent countless hours innovating beyond the assembly-line method used by most processors. "At EVOLVD, we approach processing as an art form, not as a production model. We stay true to the plant." Bankoff said Oregrown is a natural fit for EVOLVD. "Oregrown has built a truly unique Oregon lifestyle brand that represents the finest tastemakers in the industry," Bankoff said. "Together, Oregrown and EVOLVD are creating a craft cannabis culture that is consistent with a healthy, active, modern lifestyle. We are beyond excited to enter the OLCC recreational market with this collaboration." EVOLVD Single Source Terpene-Infused Cartridges will hit the shelves this Saturday at Oregrown's newly expanded flagship store at 1199 NW Wall Street in downtown Bend. Oregrown is Oregon's premier farm-to-table cannabis company, offering an upscale retail experience with an amazing staff and high-end products including solventless extractions, one-of-a-kind cultivars, and innovative delivery methods and applications for medical and recreational marijuana customers. Download photo: EVOLVD Single Source Terpene-Infused Cartridge Cutline: "EVOLVD Single Source Terpene-Infused Cartridges 2017 EVOLVD Organics" Photo may be used in conjunction with this Oregrown media release. Download photo: EVOLVD cartridge close-up Cutline: "EVOLVD Single Source Terpene-Infused Cartridges 2017 EVOLVD Organics" Photo may be used in conjunction with this Oregrown media release. Contact: Karynn Fish, Oregrown Industries (971) 264-9067 [email protected] SOURCE Oregrown Industries Related Links http://oregrown.com BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Four Seasons Hotel is known for their fabulous service and luxurious rooms. During Red Carpet Award Season Hollywood Swag Bag shower nominees with Swag. Chariot Travelware rolling luggage will hold all the gifts. Tito's Vodka is one of the most loved vodka brands as well as spirits from Be Tini. Celebrities will be showered with jewelry from Zirconmania's Diamond Veneer Stud Earrings. Penguin Random House is gifting Mohsin Hamid's book Exit West and Mandy Ingber is offering her book YOGALOSOPHY. We have some amazing edibles for the nominees. Included are Seasnax in a few varieties as well as Snyder's of Hanover new Gluten Free Crackers in Smoked Gouda Flavor. Slap Ya Mama will also include a seasoning spice as well as a hot sauce. Project 7 is including delicious gourmet Champagne gummies. All the way from Australia we have such brands as The Australian Skin Institute as well as Enbacci Skincare. The Organic Lip Balm Company and Minxx Lipsticks, DE Millinery Leather Crowns for Kids, Aviation Hydration, ChakraDance and Elephant Trunks Men's Underwear. Bamboo Monkey Socks are also going to be a hit from Australia as well as SleepEnvie Pillows and Eye Masks. Apothederm is gifting Firming Serum and PRAI Beauty is gifting their AGELESS Throat & Decolletage Creme. Primed Labs is offering their energizing formulas to nominees. Stimuli VR goggles will be a hit among the younger crowd as well as Sangaria Ramune Marble Soda's in a variety of flavors. Schmovie is providing hilarious games to the nominees. While Gloss & Toss is providing tangle free brushes. Tea Forte is offering top placement with their amazing brand of teas. Rebel Green brand will ensure a green cleaning and laundry experience. Alabaster Mobile clinic is the Go-To Charity in our bags. We take our charitable aspect very seriously and hope viewers will as well. All celebrity acknowledgment of our bags will pay it forward. Hollywood Swag Bag is in no way affiliated with the official Academy Awards or the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. Press Inquiries may be directed towards [email protected] Media contact: Lisa Gal Hollywood Baskets 818-445-9243 http://www.hollywoodswagbag.com SOURCE Hollywood Swag Bag Related Links http://www.hollywoodswagbag.com BETHLEHEM, Pa., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Just Born Quality Confections, the makers of the iconic candy brand PEEPS, is debuting its newest and most indulgent product line at this year's South Beach Wine & Food Festival with the help of Food Network culinary personality, Katie Lee. To gain excitement for the new product line, PEEPS teamed up with Katie Lee to create unique recipes featuring the new PEEPS Delights to showcase and sample at the food festival. PEEPS Delights Coconut Flavored Marshmallow Dipped in Dark Chocolate PEEPS Delights is a new line of delicious flavored marshmallow Chicks dipped in chocolate or fudge, providing a decadent taste experience. Delights are launching just in time for Easter and come in a range of flavors including, Coconut and Blueberry, both dipped in dark chocolate. For the first time ever, fans can also enjoy PEEPS Filled Delights available only at Target in two flavors: Triple Chocolate and Vanilla Caramel Brownie. These unique and innovative Delights have a delicious ribbon of filling inside the Chick and are also decadently dipped in chocolate. "PEEPS Delights attract a slightly different audience than our core marshmallow product line as these more indulgent PEEPS are meant as a treat to enjoy, rather than an Easter basket essential or in a craft," said Caitlin Servian, Assistant Brand Manager for PEEPS. "South Beach Wine & Food Festival will be the perfect venue to debut the product line and allow us to engage with our fans directly." Katie Lee will serve up her delicious Delights recipes to patrons at the food festival, including Coconut Chocolate PEEPS Delights Seven-Layer Cookies. Fans will also get the chance to pose with the iconic PEEPS Chick Mascot on the step and repeat. For the past 20 years, PEEPS has been named the number one sugar candy at Easter. Thanks to the innovative and creative associates at Just Born Quality Confections, the brand is gaining popularity outside of the Easter season with new products and seasonal flavors. The Delights line will expand into other seasons as well, providing indulgent flavor pairings for fall and winter holidays. Fans who are unable to attend the food festival can check out Katie Lee's delicious recipes inspired by PEEPS Delights by visiting marshmallowpeeps.com. For more information and to join the conversation on social media, please visit @PeepsBrand on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Express your #PEEPSONALITY by sharing what your favorite PEEPS Delights flavor is! About Just Born Quality Confections: Just Born Quality Confections is a third-generation family-owned company that has grown into the 9th largest candy company in the U.S. Just Born is the maker of some of America's most beloved and iconic brands PEEPS, MIKE AND IKE, HOT TAMALES and GOLDENBERG'S PEANUT CHEWS. In 1923, the founder, Sam Born, opened a small candy-making and retail store in Brooklyn, New York, where he marketed the freshness of his daily-made candy with a sign that declared, "Just Born." Together with Born's brothers-in-law, Irv and Jack Shaffer, the company thrived in spite of the economic depression of the 1930s and, in 1932, moved its operations to Bethlehem, PA, which is still home to their iconic candy brands. All Just Born candies are proudly made in the U.S.A. For more information, please visit www.justborn.com and see the breadth of candy and high-quality branded items at www.peepsandcompany.com. Follow us: facebook.com/JustBornInc, twitter.com/JustBornInc. About the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival The Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival is a national, star-studded, five-day destination event showcasing the talents of the world's most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities. The Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival is produced by Florida International University and Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, with the support of the Miami Beach Visitors & Convention Authority and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. For more information about the Festival, visit sobefest.com or call 877-762-3933. For more information about Florida International University visit fiu.edu, for the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management visit hospitality.fiu.edu and for more information about Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits visit southernglazers.com. SOURCE Just Born Quality Confections Related Links http://www.justborn.com TEL AVIV, Israel, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- "Pepper" offers personalized content and insights that help customers manage their money better At the same time the mobile app "Pepper Pay" was launched earlier this week for domestic customers of Israeli banks, enabling users to send payments and payment requests in a quick and enjoyable way The Leumi Group (TASE: LUMI) announced today the official launch of "Pepper", a digital banking platform which allows customers to manage all of their banking activities entirely via mobile. Pepper is currently available in app stores in Hebrew 'by invite only', for those who pre-registered on the Pepper website. Pepper is entirely mobile, from on-boarding to performing banking transactions, and more. The account-opening process takes just minutes, after which customers obtain current account facilities and an active credit line directly to their phone. Pepper is a fully-mobile banking platform with no current account fees, and is based on a unique technology that helps customers better manage their finances. This technology allows Pepper to get to know its users, customize relevant content, and offer a personalized banking experience that differs from person to person. Pepper's user experience is similar to that of social media feeds, comprising of personal content, consumer insights, comparisons, summaries of expenses, live updates, and consumer tips, while allowing users to quickly and easily perform banking transactions. In keeping with the app's fresh design, Pepper's language is young, simple, friendly, and completely different from the traditional banking language we have come to know. Alongside Pepper's launch, the free mobile app "Pepper Pay" has been released to app stores. The payment app incurs no commissions and is intended for domestic customers of all Israeli banks. Pepper Pay's payment experience is quick, super-friendly and fun to use. Users simply enter the amount they wish to pay, select a beneficiary from their mobile contact list, even add a GIF (animation) from the app's tailor-made GIF library, and the payment is sent immediately. With Pepper Pay, there is no need to carry around cash: Need to pay the babysitter, pay a friend back for lunch, send the kids some pocket money from work? With Pepper Pay, you can do all of that in seconds. Rakefet Russak-Aminoach, Leumi President & CEO: "The world is changing rapidly. The banking industry needs to close the technology gap and offer an advanced and relevant solution that adapts to customers' needs. Pepper was created to offer an alternative to the traditional banking experience. This is not just an evolution of current banking. This is a revolution that marks a completely new mindset." About Leumi Group Bank Leumi, established in 1902, is one of the leading and largest corporations in Israel, providing comprehensive banking services and commanding an approximate 30% domestic market share. The Leumi Group operates some 250 branches throughout Israel, in addition to branches and offices located in key financial centers across the globe, including London, New York and Shanghai. Leumi is leading the way for Innovation in Israeli Banking. Today, 'Leumi Digital' spearheads the digital banking field in Israel, with a wide range of innovative online banking services based on cutting-edge technology. Leumi was the first financial organization in Israel, and one of few in the world, to implement cloud computing technology, in addition to establishing a designated Digital Banking Division. Leumi is the first Israeli bank to launch a standalone fully-mobile bank - 'Pepper'. For furthe r information: Lee Neumann, International Spokesperson, Bank Leumi Office: +972-76-885-6313 * [email protected] Daphna Golden, Head of Investor Relations, Bank Leumi Office: +972-76-885-8630 * [email protected] SOURCE The Leumi Group KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Provectus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCQB: PVCT) (www.provectusbio.com) ("Provectus" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage oncology and dermatology biopharmaceutical company, today announced that it has appointed Bruce Horowitz and Dominic Rodrigues as special advisers to the Company's Board of Directors. Mr. Horowitz and Mr. Rodrigues will advise the board on financial and corporate strategy. Provectus also announced that it had received an investment commitment of up to $2.5 million from Eric Wachter, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, as previously outlined in an 8-K filing on February 21, 2017. These funds will be used from time to time, as the Company requires, for its clinical development programs and corporate operations. The investment will be made as a loan that would convert into the Company's next equity financing. Alfred E. Smith IV, Chairman of the Board of Provectus, said, "The appointments of Bruce Horowitz and Dominic Rodrigues as special advisers to the Company's Board of Directors will aid the board in creating a financial and corporate environment conducive to carrying out our development of PV-10, our investigational oncology drug, and PH-10, our investigational dermatology drug. Both men have longstanding, independent relationships with Provectus and a deep understanding of the Company's work. I am very pleased that Provectus will be able to count on their expertise as we focus on principles of transparency and integrity in all matters, and effective stewardship of Company resources." Mr. Smith added, "The Board of Directors also wishes to publicly thank Dr. Wachter for his investment commitment of up to $2.5 million to help advance Provectus' important work. This action demonstrates his unwavering dedication to the Company's mission and strong support of its clinical programs." Mr. Horowitz has been an independent consultant for Provectus for more than a decade. As the Managing Director of Capital Strategists, LLC, he has focused on corporate strategic planning for and capital markets formation of domestic and international private and public companies. Earlier in his career Mr. Horowitz managed the equity trading department at Laidlaw Equities and private equity investments at Drake Capital Securities, where he was Senior Vice President. He was also a partner at Stanley Capital, a private equity buyout firm, and a charter member of the New York Futures Exchange. Mr. Horowitz holds a law degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City and a business and political science degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Mr. Horowitz said, "I am pleased to be working with the board of Provectus at this critical time in the Company's development, and to advise on the board's efforts to complete the research efforts for these important compounds." Mr. Rodrigues is an Adjunct Professor of Finance in the Lee Business School at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In that role, he draws upon his finance, corporate development, and leadership experiences at various companies including SAIC Venture Capital Corporation, where he was an observer or member of the board of directors of 11 different firms. Mr. Rodrigues currently serves as a member of the audit & finance committee of a large non-profit organization. He holds business, economics, and engineering degrees from The Wharton School, the London School of Economics, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of Toronto. Mr. Rodrigues also is a Chartered Financial Analyst. Mr. Rodrigues said, "I have closely followed Provectus for a decade and my due diligence on PV-10 shows that it has the potential to be a valuable weapon in the war on cancer when research trials are completed. We owe it to patients and physicians to finish the work, and I am pleased to be working with the Company's board members to advise them on financial and corporate strategy." About Provectus Provectus is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing new therapies for the treatment of solid tumor cancers and dermatologic diseases. Provectus' investigational oncology drug, PV-10, is an oncolytic immunotherapy currently enrolling patients in Phase 3 clinical trials for metastatic melanoma. The Company has received orphan drug designations from the FDA for its melanoma and hepatocellular carcinoma indications. PH-10, its topical investigational drug, has completed Phase 2 clinical trials as a treatment for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Information about these and the Company's other clinical trials can be found at the NIH registry, www.clinicaltrials.gov. For additional information about Provectus, please visit the Company's website at www.provectusbio.com or contact Allison + Partners. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined under U.S. federal securities laws. These statements reflect management's current knowledge, assumptions, beliefs, estimates, and expectations and express management's current views of future performance, results, and trends and may be identified by their use of terms such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "will," and other similar terms. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to materially differ from those described in the forward-looking statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Such statements are made as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update such statements after this date. Risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to materially differ from those described in forward-looking statements include those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including those described in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as supplemented by those described in Part II, Item 1A of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016) and the following: Provectus' potential receipt of sales from PV-10 and PH-10, transaction fees, licensing and royalty payments; payments in connection with the Company's liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or any sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of any intellectual property relating to PV-10 or PH-10. our ability to raise additional capital if we determine to commercialize PV-10 and/or PH-10 on our own; and whether our securities remain listed on the NYSE MKT. Contact: Allison + Partners Provectus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. Tom Smith, Managing Director Timothy C. Scott, President Investor Relations Phone: 866-594-5999 Phone: 646-428-0653 SOURCE Provectus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. Related Links http://www.provectusbio.com A public health professional with 20 years experience in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, Coates of Winchester, MA took the first steps to become a Dominican Sister of Peace on Sunday, February 19, when she began a candidacy program at the chapel of Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Connecticut. "The desire to serve God had a lot to do with the public health career I chose," Coates said. "I am becoming a sister because I want to know God better with other women who are living God's Word and trying to do the right thing in the world." Coates first met the Dominican Sisters of Peace at the Dominican Retreat in McLean, VA, at her mother's recommendation; both attended several of the silent retreats for women there. Then, in 2013, she spoke with Sr. Agnes Bernadette Gott, OP after she felt God was calling her to religious life. After that, the journey became more serious as she began to formally discern. "I could grow closer to God in private prayer," Coates said. "However, I would not get to know God better. I want to know why I am here in the world and to be an example to others. This means living not for yourself but for something bigger. The religious component was limited in my life and being an example of this dimension is more clearly saying I am not the most important thing here." As she discerns, Coates will continue to work as an independent consultant, completing her obligations with a World Health Organization (WHO) UNICEF polio outbreak response team that is supporting polio eradication efforts in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao). Coates has worked as consultant in India for WHO and with US-based nonprofits focusing on international child health. She holds a Master's Degree in Public Health from Boston University. Once that obligation has been fulfilled, however, she will seek employment in New Haven in order to focus more time on living with the sisters at the House of Welcome there and discerning God's call. SOURCE Dominican Sisters of Peace The acquisition will help fuel the growth of both companies in the fresh food space. Bonduelle will expand its fresh business, one of the fastest growing categories in vegetables, to the U.S., a market in which it has limited presence. The move will make the U.S. the largest country of operation for Bonduelle. Ready Pac Foods will benefit from a greater level of investment in its growth, innovation and global reach. In addition to shared business goals, the companies also share strong cultural ties including corporate social responsibility and key core values. "We were impressed with the strength of Ready Pac Foods operational excellence, commitment to innovation, and talented management team," said Bonduelle Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Christophe Bonduelle. "Our interest in Ready Pac Foods was not only because of its attractive product segment and rapid growth, but the value the company delivers to their customers and their committed workforce." Ready Pac Foods and Bonduelle share a common purpose to help people live healthier lives through innovative fresh food products. Ready Pac Foods' portfolio of products complements existing Bonduelle products throughout the world. Bonduelle's leadership and expertise in agro-industry, along with its global presence and knowledge, will help Ready Pac Foods grow to its full potential and beyond. "Ready Pac Foods has seen significant growth over the last several years and joining forces with Bonduelle validates our current business approach," said Ready Pac Foods Chief Executive Officer, Tony Sarsam. "This is a fantastic new chapter for our 3,500 Associates and a great step forward. We are thrilled with this investment in our company strategy, and know Ready Pac Foods is going to be right at home with the Bonduelle family of companies." Sarsam, who joined Ready Pac Foods in 2013, l ed the company to significant growth and profitability through his focus on expanding fresh prepared meals and driving operational excellence. Upon closing, Sarsam will continue to lead Ready Pac Foods, reporting directly to Christophe Bonduelle. There will be no changes to Ready Pac Foods leadership team. During its nearly 50-year history, Ready Pac Foods has earned the reputation as a pioneer and leader in the fresh food industry, introducing many firsts in innovation. These include bringing European lettuce blends to the U.S. market, developing the "pillow pack" to maintain peak freshness, and inventing the triple wash system which is the industry standard today. Ready Pac Foods introduced the first-ever single-serve, complete meal salad, the original Bistro Bowl, thereby creating the category, making the company the No. 1 market share leader today. Bonduelle, with more than $2 billion in revenue, is a well-respected, family-owned company, with seven generations of the Bonduelle family involved since its founding in 1853. The French company owns four brands of canned, frozen and fresh vegetables with presence in 100 countries around the world. About Ready Pac Foods Home of the original Bistro Bowl complete meal salad, Southern California-based Ready Pac Foods has been giving people the freedom to eat healthier for nearly 50 years as a premier producer of convenience fresh foods and fresh cut produce. With processing facilities throughout the United States, Ready Pac Foods manufactures a complete range of products featuring fresh produce and protein under the company's Bistro, Ready Snax, Cool Cuts and elevAte brands. Offerings include fresh-cut salads, fruits, vegetables, snacking and complete meals available where consumers buy groceries and in restaurant chains across North America. For more information, visit www.readypac.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. About Bonduelle BONDUELLE, a family business, was established in 1853. Its mission is to be the world reference in "well-living" through vegetable products. Prioritizing innovation and long-term vision, the group is diversifying its operations and geographical presence. Its vegetables, grown over 128,000 hectares all over the world, are sold in 100 countries under various brand names and through various distribution channels and technologies. An expert in agro-industry with 54 industrial sites or its own agricultural production, BONDUELLE produces quality products by selecting the best crop areas close to its customers. Visit http://www.bonduelle.com/en/. SOURCE Ready Pac Foods Related Links http://www.readypac.com WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- FRC Action released its annual Vote Scorecard for Members of Congress showing which Members demonstrated an unwavering commitment and consistent support of faith, family and freedom during the second session of the 114th Congress. U.S. Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), along with 138 other representatives, scored a perfect 100 percent on this year's scorecard. Votes in the U.S. House included: Defunding Planned Parenthood and Repealing Key Elements of Obamacare Authorizing School Choice in D.C. Preventing Veterans Administration Doctors from Recommending Marijuana as Medicine Eliminating Taxpayer Funding for Abortion in D.C. Voting against Special Privileges Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Hiring Preventing Federal Funds from Undermining Religious Freedom Protections Voting against Taxpayer Funding of Abortion for Federal Employee Benefits Voting against D.C. Autonomy to Fund Abortion and Recreational Marijuana Protecting Pro-life Organizations and Employers' Freedom in Hiring Prohibiting Women to be Required to Register for Selective Service Preventing Government Discrimination Against Pro-life Entities Family Research Council Action President Tony Perkins made the following comments: "We thank Representative King for consistently voting to uphold faith, family and freedom. Rep. King voted to repeal key parts of Obamacare, protect unborn children and their mothers, end the forced partnership between taxpayers and Planned Parenthood, allow students to attend the school of their choice, and protect pro-life organizations and employers from being forced to hire individuals who disagree with pro-life principles. "We can be encouraged by elected officials who are willing to be criticized as they stand for family values. Members like Rep. King deserve praise for their unwavering commitment to stand for life, family, marriage, and religious liberty. "Family Research Council Action and the hundreds of thousands of families and churches we represent are proud to recognize these men and women for their faithful work. Our hope is that in the next Congress, he will be joined by many more like him," Perkins concluded. To view a copy of the Vote Scorecard, visit https://www.frcaction.org/scorecard SOURCE Family Research Council Action WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- FRC Action released its annual Vote Scorecard for Members of Congress showing which Members demonstrated an unwavering commitment and consistent support of faith, family and freedom during the second session of the 114th Congress. U.S. Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), along with 138 other representatives, scored a perfect 100 percent on this year's scorecard. Votes in the U.S. House included: Defunding Planned Parenthood and Repealing Key Elements of Obamacare Authorizing School Choice in D.C. Preventing Veterans Administration Doctors from Recommending Marijuana as Medicine Eliminating Taxpayer Funding for Abortion in D.C. Voting against Special Privileges Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Hiring Preventing Federal Funds from Undermining Religious Freedom Protections Voting against Taxpayer Funding of Abortion for Federal Employee Benefits Voting against D.C. Autonomy to Fund Abortion and Recreational Marijuana Protecting Pro-life Organizations and Employers' Freedom in Hiring Prohibiting Women to be Required to Register for Selective Service Preventing Government Discrimination Against Pro-life Entities Family Research Council Action President Tony Perkins made the following comments: "We thank Representative Franks for consistently voting to uphold faith, family and freedom. Rep. Franks voted to repeal key parts of Obamacare, protect unborn children and their mothers, end the forced partnership between taxpayers and Planned Parenthood, allow students to attend the school of their choice, and protect pro-life organizations and employers from being forced to hire individuals who disagree with pro-life principles. "We can be encouraged by elected officials who are willing to be criticized as they stand for family values. Members like Rep. Franks deserve praise for their unwavering commitment to stand for life, family, marriage, and religious liberty. "Family Research Council Action and the hundreds of thousands of families and churches we represent are proud to recognize these men and women for their faithful work. Our hope is that in the next Congress, he will be joined by many more like him," Perkins concluded. To view a copy of the Vote Scorecard, visit https://www.frcaction.org/scorecard SOURCE Family Research Council Action Related Links https://www.frcaction.org/ "You can think of a pancreas tumor as a big raisin oatmeal cookie, with the raisins representing the cancer cells and oatmeal portion representing the dense stroma that makes up over 90% of the tumor," says David Tuveson, M.D., Ph.D., Director of Research for the Lustgarten Foundation and the Cancer Center at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Stroma in pancreatic cancer becomes what scientists call "desmoplastic." Its dense, fibrous texture presents a formidable barrier surrounding a tumor. It consists of connective tissue -- cells called fibroblasts which produce the main part of this connective tissue; and a plethora of immune cell types drawn to the tumor site as well as cells that form blood vessels, which bring nutrients to the tumor. Fibroblasts form part of the stroma and are typically non-cancerous, but contribute to the cancer's development by secreting, among other factors, structure-providing molecules to the stroma. But that is only one of their functions. Experiments led by Daniel Ohlund, M.D., Ph.D, and team in human- and mouse tumor-derived organoids (a technology now being used in pancreatic cancer developed by Tuveson and his team) demonstrated something not previously known: fibroblasts come in at least two varieties in the major form of pancreatic cancer, called pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, or PDA. This discovery of heterogeneity in the fibroblast portion of the stroma in pancreatic cancer opens up the field to a host of new possibilities. "Our findings underscore that stroma is not unitary but rather heterogeneous in PDA," Tuveson says, "and this, in turn, provides our team and others in the field an opportunity to develop therapeutic agents that target specific fibroblast populations." "The traditional view of the tumor stroma as a uniformly pro-tumorigenic niche needs reconsideration since certain fibroblasts subtypes might have pro-tumorigenic properties while others might have anti-tumorigenic properties. Therapeutic development must consider this possibility," Tuveson summarizes. The paper can be accessed at: http://jem.rupress.org/ About The Lustgarten Foundation The Lustgarten Foundation is America's largest private foundation dedicated to funding pancreatic cancer research. Based in Bethpage, N.Y., the Foundation supports research to find a cure for pancreatic cancer, facilitates dialogue within the medical and scientific community, and educates the public about the disease through awareness campaigns and fundraising events. Since its inception, the Lustgarten Foundation has directed $132 million to research and assembled the best scientific minds with the hope that one day, a cure can be found. Thanks to private funding, 100 percent of every dollar donated to the Foundation goes directly to pancreatic cancer research. For more information, please visit www.lustgarten.org. About Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Founded in 1890, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has shaped contemporary biomedical research and education with programs in cancer, neuroscience, plant biology and quantitative biology. Home to eight Nobel Prize winners, the private, not-for-profit Laboratory employs 1,100 people including 600 scientists, students and technicians. The Meetings & Courses Program hosts more than 12,000 scientists from around the world each year on its campuses in Long Island and in Suzhou, China. The Laboratory's education arm also includes an academic publishing house, a graduate school and programs for middle and high school students and teachers. For more information, visit www.cshl.edu SOURCE The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research Related Links http://www.lustgarten.org WOBURN, Mass., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Resolution Development Services Inc., a leading provider of product development services to the medical, life science and consumer markets, has announced a contribution of $1000.00 to the Lincoln Sudbury Regional High School Warrior Robotics team. Warrior Robotics is participating in FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics competitions. Under strict rules, with limited resources, and a 6-week time window, each team must raise funds, design a team brand, and build and program industrial sized robots for competition. Throughout the school year, Warrior Robots provides members with valuable practice in teamwork, leadership and engineering. Team members learn about specific topics in the field of engineering including electrical and mechanical, while also using the engineering design process and the skills they've learned to build a robot. Per the US Department of Education, only 16% of high school students are interested in a STEM career and have a proven proficiency in mathematics. A recent survey revealed that only 29 percent of Americans rated the country's K-12 education in STEM subjects as above average or the best in the world. The Warrior Robotics FIRST program offers many benefits to participants, including participation in STEM programs by both young men and women and outreach into the local community through Lego League Robot Programs for middle school. The program has had a measurable impact with more than 90% of graduating seniors plan to pursue STEM careers after college. "As a development partner to many companies in the life sciences and medical device industries, Resolution understands the importance of supporting young engineers, scientist and entrepreneurs in developing the next generation of technologies," said Leo Carayannopoulos, CEO of Resolution Development Services. "We are proud to support local programs the encourage young people to pursue technical careers." To learn more about Warrior Robotics, visit https://www.lsrhs.net/sitesdev/robotics/. About Resolution Development Services: With offices just outside of Boston, Resolution Development Services provides best in class hardware, software, mechanical, machine vision, and systems engineering outsourced services to clients in the United States, Canada, and Asia. Our regulatory compliant quality system makes Resolution the best choice for complex development programs. To learn more about Resolution Development Services offerings, our charitable giving, and other partnerships , visit www.resolutiondev.com. Contact: Leo Carayannopoulos [email protected] This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com SOURCE Resolution Development Services, Inc Related Links http://www.i-newswire.com "One of the biggest obstacles of being a small, independent retailer is that you have all of the challenges of big retailers, but none of the resources they have to tackle these challenges," said Nikki Baird, Managing Partner, RSR. "Omnichannelthe act of serving customers holistically across multiple touch pointsis no different. Consumers don't care if the retailer is big or small. They just want to shop how, when, and where they want, in an interaction with a retailer or brand that is seamless and consistent. In this new research, we identify the top hindrances for independent retailers and offer practical solutions that will empower them to make the most of the omnichannel selling environment." The new report tackles key issues facing independent retailers including: Inaccurate product availability: Small retailers struggle to "see" their inventory. Indeed, RSR found that only 8 percent of respondents with $250M or less of revenue can see inventory levels across their business, and can promise with confidence that they can sell an item to consumers across multiple selling channels. Small retailers struggle to "see" their inventory. Indeed, RSR found that only 8 percent of respondents with or less of revenue can see inventory levels across their business, and can promise with confidence that they can sell an item to consumers across multiple selling channels. Poor product information: According to RSR's 2016 benchmark on retailers' e-commerce strategies, smaller retailers are less worried about maintaining growth rates or uncertain consumer demand than their big company competitors. Independent retailers are instead struggling to find differentiation in a competitive market and keep up with evolving consumer shopping habits. According to RSR's 2016 benchmark on retailers' e-commerce strategies, smaller retailers are less worried about maintaining growth rates or uncertain consumer demand than their big company competitors. Independent retailers are instead struggling to find differentiation in a competitive market and keep up with evolving consumer shopping habits. Unexpected fulfillment costs: The biggest, most invisible cost in fulfilling customer orders is handling. For many small businesses where family members are often the labor, it's easy to forget that labor is a cost. But time, as they say, is money, and if an employee is wandering aisles in a warehouse looking for inventory or struggling to figure out how to pack something for safe shipment, that is time better spent doing other things that could potentially drive more value for the business. The research also revealed that data is both the greatest hope and the greatest obstacle for SMB retailers. According to RSR's research, 63% of SMB retailers rely on their operational systems to provide insights into their businesseither directly through reports, or by dumping their data in Excel to do manual analysis. While even more retailers know this data is critical, they struggle with getting the date from their systems and into the other systems or applications where they need it, let alone gleaning actionable insights from that data. This new RSR research concludes with advice on how to make the most of your operational systems and unlock this powerful data. "RSR is the preeminent analyst firm in the retail industry, and we are thrilled to bring their research and insights to small retailers," said Webgility founder and CEO Parag Mamnani. "We founded Webgility to make operations a competitive advantage rather than a headaches for SMBs. This new report will give our rapidly growing customer base--and the overall small retailers industry--actionable insights that will make their businesses better than ever." ABOUT UNIFY Webgility's Unify is the first e-commerce solution that connects and unifies all revenue streams and expenses so multi-channel businesses can have better perspective, make smarter decisions, and run all operations from a single view. Unify allows e-commerce retailers to conquer the challenges that come with being multi-channel and lets them run and scale their businesses exactly the way they wantby unifying their business data rather than forcing them to switch platforms. To learn more and start a free trial of Unify, visit http://www.webgility.com/multi-channel-selling. ABOUT WEBGILITY Webgility, Inc. is the leading provider of software for multi-channel e-commerce companies, managing millions of transactions for 10,000-plus online stores every month. Webgility's mission is to empower online retailers to focus on their passion by simplifying operations. Its Unify software connects all revenue streams, expenses, and business systems so businesses can have better perspective, make smarter decisions, lower costs, and streamline operations. Webgility is a certified partner of Intuit, QuickBooks, Xero, and NetSuite, and works with more than 85 e-commerce platforms and SaaS providers (including Amazon, eBay, BigCommerce, Shopify, and Magento), payment processors (PayPal, Stripe, Shopify Payments, Square), and hosting providers. Founded in 2007, the company is headquartered in San Francisco with an international branch in Indore, India. For more information about Webgility, visit http://www.webgility.com. For more information, please contact: Eileen Conway Zealot Communications for Webgility 650-245-9015 [email protected] SOURCE Webgility Related Links http://www.webgility.com SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the County of Santa Clara asked a federal court to block implementation of the Trump Administration's plan to strip the County of nearly $1.7 billion in funds used to deliver critical countywide services. The County filed a motion for a nationwide preliminary injunction as part of the County's lawsuit, County of Santa Clara v. Trump, No. 5:17-cv-00574 (N.D. Cal.), challenging President Donald J. Trump's January 25, 2017 Executive Order, which unconstitutionally threatens to defund state and local "sanctuary jurisdictions." What: Press briefing on the County's move to block federal defunding Who: Dave Cortese, President, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Jeffrey V. Smith, Santa Clara County Executive James R. Williams, Santa Clara County Counsel Dr. Sara H. Cody, Santa Clara County Public Health Officer Paul Lorenz, Chief Executive Officer of Santa Clara Valley Medical Center When: Thursday February 23, 2017 11:00 AM Where: Santa Clara County Valley Specialty Center 751 South Bascom Avenue-Basement Conference Room San Jose, CA 95128 SOURCE Office of the County Counsel, County of Santa Clara Related Links http://www.sccgov.org "This is an exciting and challenging time," said Scheifler. "There are great growth opportunities for brokers in the Senior Market since the entry of baby boomers. Individuals seeking health insurance also need brokers' assistance navigating the complex insurance landscape of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)." Scheifler will be responsible for day-to-day operations and will work closely with John A. Selby, Vice President, Consumer and Senior Markets, to develop and implement growth strategies for Savoy and its partners. Scheifler will also collaborate with carriers and Field Marketing Organizations (FMOs) to create new opportunities while providing best-in-class services to brokers and customers. Savoy provides brokers with resources, training and business tools to help them better serve their customers. Working with local and national carriers for Medicare Advantage, Part D, Medicare Supplement, Individual and Life Insurance in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland, Savoy is well positioned to support the growth of its partners. About SAVOY Savoy is an innovative benefits consulting firm and regional general agency. With over 30 years' experience, Savoy's strategic partnerships bring continued growth to brokers, carriers and vendors. Savoy tactically provides best-in-class products and services including comprehensive health and specialty benefits, compliance, HR services, technology solutions, research, education and other employer-related services. SOURCE Savoy Related Links http://www.savoyassociates.com SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- What: Sen. Edward J. Markey and representatives from five public interest groups will speak in opposition to Congressional plans to use the Congressional Review Act (CRA)to overturn privacy rules enacted last fall. Who: Sen. Edward J. Markey, (D-MA) Dallas Harris, Public Knowledge, Policy Fellow Gaurav Laroia, Free Press, Policy Counsel Anika Collier Navaroli, Color of Change, Senior Campaign Manager, Media & Economic Justice Neema Singh Guliani, ACLU, Legislative Counsel Katie McInnis, Consumers Union, Staff Attorney When: 12:30 pm ET (9:30 am PT), Monday, February 27, 2017 Instructions for call: Dial-in-number: 1-800-247-5110 Passcode: 9777 Congressional Republicans are working to overturn the recently enacted Federal Communications Commission's privacy rule protecting the personal information of broadband Internet service customers via the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The rule sets limits on what Internet service providers, like Comcast, Verizon and Frontier, may do with the highly sensitive data that they collect in the course of providing Internet service. If a measure is passed under the CRA, it would not only kill the new FCC rule, which gives consumers control of how data about them can be used and shared by the ISP, but also eliminate the possibility of enacting any new FCC rules covering ISP privacy protections. ISPs have unique insight into their users' online activity. Consumers must have the right to protect their data. Killing the FCC privacy rule with a CRA would open up an unregulated Wild West where consumers would have no defense against abusive invasions of their privacy by their Internet service provider. No new FCC privacy rule covering ISPs could be enacted. CONTACT: Center for Digital Democracy's Policy Director Katharina Kopp, 202-836-4621 Consumer Watchdog Advocate John M. Simpson, 310-292-1902 SOURCE Consumer Watchdog Related Links http://www.consumerwatchdog.org Today Think Silicon TM announced that Sequans Communications S.A., a 4G chipmaker and leading provider of single-mode LTE chipset solutions to wireless device manufacturers worldwide, has chosen NEMATM|p GPU and NEMATM|dc display controllers as a component of its newest LTE for IoT System-on-Chip (SoC), Monarch SX. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160712/813756 ) "Sequans chose Think Silicon because of their ultra low power GPU capabilities that support our ongoing delivery of industry-leading chipset solutions with superior price/performance," said Bertrand Debray, Sequans' COO. Our IoT customers will benefit from Think Silicon's state-of-the-art graphics and display controller technology now inside Monarch SX." "We're excited to deliver our exceptional ultra-low power GPU to Sequans customers," said George Sidiropoulos, CEO and co-founder of Think SiliconTM. "Our goal is to empower customers with high performance - low power graphics IP to create new markets and products for low-power mobile and embedded display IoT devices." Monarch SX is an LTE for IoT system-on chip that integrates Sequans' highly optimized LTE Cat M1/NB1 platform with a low power processor, ultra-low power GPU, display controller, media engine and sensor hub. It is an ideal solution for a wide variety of IoT devices, including wearables, trackers, sensors, and other integrated IoT devices. NEMATM|p (PICO) and NEMATM|dc are the world's smallest and most power efficient 2D/2.5D Graphics Processor Unit (GPU) and display controller. They have been specifically designed for area constrained wearable devices, embedded systems and IoT platforms where power consumption and battery life is crucial while still maintaining vibrant graphics and fluid smartphone performance-like user interface (UI) performance. About Sequans Communications Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS) is a leading provider of single-mode 4G LTE semiconductor solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT) and a wide range of broadband data devices. Founded in 2003, Sequans has developed and delivered seven generations of 4G technology and its chips are certified and shipping in 4G networks around the world. Today, Sequans offers two LTE product lines: StreamrichLTE, optimized for feature-rich mobile computing and home/portable router devices, and StreamliteLTE, optimized for M2M devices and other connected devices for the IoT. Sequans is based in Paris, France with additional offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Israel, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan, South Korea, and China. www.sequans.com About Think Silicon: Think Silicon S.A. (TSi) is a privately held Limited Company founded in 2007, located in Patras, Greece (HQ), Toronto, Canada (Business Development & Marketing office), and San Jose, CA, USA (Sales office). The Think Silicon team specializes in developing high performance graphics IP technology for ultra-low power and area-limited wearable, mobile, embedded and IoT applications. SOURCE Think Silicon S.A. TAIPEI, Taiwan, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sercomm Corporation (TWSE: 5388), a leading manufacturer of telecom and broadband equipment, today launches the world's 1st Enterprise Small Cell, which supports LTE-WLAN Aggregation (LWA). Adopted by Chunghwa Telecom, the largest integrated telecommunications services company in Taiwan, Sercomm's LWA Small Cell will enter its plan for commercial deployment. LWA has been standardized by the 3GPP as part of Release 13 in 2016. Sercomm's LWA Small Cell solution makes it possible to create efficient integrated LTE and WiFi Heterogeneous Networks (HetNets), allowing Telco operators to support the data transmission of 32 users simultaneously at download speeds of up to 400 Mbps. In addition, LWA Small Cell helps to reduce Internet traffic congestion by offloading cellular data traffic more efficiently and provides seamless user experiences. In response to the rapid development of pre-5G next-generation networks, high-bandwidth demanding applications, such as 4K HD videos and virtual reality (VR) gaming, have become more diverse and popular. To maximize the utilization of limited spectrum resources and to cope with the trend towards heterogeneous network (HetNet) convergence, LWA has become an alternative solution for carrier aggregation to bond licensed and unlicensed band. "Sercomm has devoted significant R&D resources in finding innovative solutions to enable fixed-mobile convergence. With Sercomm's LWA Small Cell, mobile operators can offer high-quality service through seamless integration of 4G LTE and WiFi," said James Wang, CEO of Sercomm. "We are honored to team up with Chunghwa Telecom for its upgraded mobile service in Taiwan. Together we open a new era for telecommunication service." Sercomm will demonstrate its new LWA Small Cell as well as full series of IoT (Internet-of-Things) solutions at the upcoming Mobile World Congress 2017 (MWC 2017) in Barcelona, Spain. The company's booth is in hall 2, 2G11. For more information about Sercomm's LWA Small Cell, please visit: http://www.sercomm.com/contpage.aspx?langid=1&type=news-detail&L1id=4&L2id=1&newsid=724&pageid=1 About Sercomm Corporation Sercomm Corporation is a worldwide leading manufacturer of telecom and broadband equipment. Founded in 1992, Sercomm has focused on developing embedded solutions to make networking simple and affordable. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, Sercomm's global operation network covers markets of North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region, and its customer base includes the world's top ODMs, telecommunication vendors and system integrators. For more information, please visit www.sercomm.com Media Contact Carol Lee MarCom Manager Phone: 886-2-2655-3988 ext. 2106 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Sercomm Corporation Related Links http://www.sercomm.com NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, reminds investors in Banc of California, Inc. ("Banc of California" or the "Company") (NYSE:BANC) of the March 24, 2017 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action lawsuit filed against the Company and certain officers. The lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on behalf of all those who purchased Banc of California securities between October 29, 2015 and January 20, 2017 (the "Class Period"). The case, Fernando X. Garcia v. Banc of California, Inc. et al, No. 8:17-cv-00118 was filed on January 23, 2017, and has been assigned to Judge Cormac J. Carney. The lawsuit focuses on whether the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose: (1) that the Company had extensive ties to Jason Galanis ("Galanis") and that given Galanis' history, the Company's ties to Galanis created significant regulatory risk; (2) that the revelation of Galanis' ties to the Company could cause a considerable decline in the market price of the Company's securities; (3) that the Company's communications to investors regarding the Seeking Alpha investigation was misleading; and (4) as a result, the Company's statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. Specifically, on October 18, 2016, a contributor on Seeking Alpha published an article entitled, "BANC: Extensive Ties To Notorious Fraudster Jason Galanis Make Shares Un-Investible." The article alleged, among other things, that the Company's senior-most officers and board members had ties to Galanis. According to the article, Galanis has a "long history of secretly gaining control of banks and public companies via front men, looting assets, and leaving unsuspecting investors and taxpayers with hundreds of millions in losses." On this news, Banc of California's share price fell from $15.87 on October 17, 2016 to a closing price of $11.26 on October 18, 2016 a $4.61 or a 29.05% drop. Then, on January 23, 2017, the Company announced its CEO had resigned and that the Securities and Exchange Commission had opened an investigation into whether the Company had misled investors. On this news, Banc of California's share price fell from $16.15 on January 20, 2017 to a closing price of $14.65 on January 23, 2017a $1.50 or a 9.29% drop. Request more information now by clicking here: www.faruqilaw.com/BANC . There is no cost or obligation to you. Take Action If you invested in Banc of California stock, options or bonds between October 29, 2015 and January 20, 2017 and would like to discuss your legal rights, visit www.faruqilaw.com/BANC. You can also contact us by calling Richard Gonnello toll free at 877-247-4292 or at 212-983-9330 or by sending an e-mail to [email protected] Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Banc of California's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others. The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class that is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff. Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner. FARUQI & FARUQI, LLP 685 Third Avenue, 26th Floor New York, NY 10017 Attn: Richard Gonnello, Esq. [email protected] Telephone: (877) 247-4292 or (212) 983-9330 SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Related Links http://www.faruqilaw.com STRATFORD, Conn., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) company and its affiliate PZL Mielec are finalizing an M28 short takeoff and landing airplane for its transatlantic flight from southeast Poland to Latin America and the Caribbean. Aircrew from PZL Mielec in Poland depart Feb. 24 in this M28 airplane for a transatlantic flight to Latin America and the Caribbean. The aircraft will demonstrate its short take-off and landing and multi-role capabilities from mid-March to mid-May 2017 to commercial operators and militaries in seven countries. Once in the region, the 7,500 kg (16,500 lb.) twin turboprop airplane will demonstrate to interested militaries and commercial transport its ability to move people and cargo into short, unpaved or underdeveloped airstrips. The tour begins in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago on March 17, 2017 before visiting 12 other cities through mid-May across Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama and Mexico. Engineers at PZL Mielec have given the newly built airplane serial number AJE00347 its final coat of paint, and the necessary equipment that will showcase the plane's quick conversion to passenger configuration, paratroop, cargo transport or casualty evacuation. PZL pilots and aircrew will fly the aircraft from Mielec, Poland, on February 24 to Denmark, then begin the maritime leg to Scotland and Iceland. The aircraft arrives in Kulusuk, Greenland on February 28 after 2,164 nm and approximately 10 hours of transatlantic flying. "The westward transatlantic crossing in mid-winter is just one example of extreme weather flying for this rugged and reliable M28 airplane," said Mariusz Kubryn, M28 chief designer. "By the end of the demonstration tour in Latin America this spring, the aircraft will have flown 14,500 km over mountain ranges and oceans, taken off and landed on jungle and island airstrips, and shown its ability to perform under hot and icing conditions." The M28 aircraft is certified by Brazil's ANAC, and by EASA and the FAA to perform in minus 50C to 50C temperatures. The airframe's ice protection system is certified for flight into known icing conditions. A high-lift wing, two 1,100 shp (820 kW) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6-65B turboprop engines, and thrust-reversing propellers give the airplane unique short takeoff and landing capabilities. With a maximum payload of 2,300 kg (5,000 lb), the M28 can take off and land on rough airstrips just 548 meters (1,800 ft.) long. "When you combine the maneuverability of the M28 with its large cabin and clamshell rear doors, this airplane has the power and payload to fly very different mission profiles," noted Adam Schierholz, Sikorsky's regional executive for Latin America. "Militaries and commercial airlines across Latin America and the Caribbean have expressed tremendous interest in the diverse and unique capabilities of this exceptional airplane." To learn more about the M28 aircraft and the Caribbean and Latin America tour, please link to www.m28aircraft.com. About Lockheed Martin Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 97,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. SOURCE Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Related Links http://www.sikorsky.com LOS ANGELES, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning, Los Angeles-based Architecture Firm, Newman Garrison + Partners received Silver Award Honors at the Nationals 2017 for Best in American Living (BALA) and Best Architectural Design of an Attached Community. The Nationals salutes and honors the best in the building industry for their determination, integrity, and creativity and endurance. "The Nationals are the most prestigious award of their kind, setting the benchmark for innovations in new home design, marketing and sales," said Meredith Oliver, spokesperson of the Nationals. "NAHB's commitment to recognizing originality, imagination and success has been exemplified by its award winners since the competition's inception." During a three-day judging process, a panel of seven industry professionals from across the country determined the award winners from a field of over 1,100 entries. Best in American Living (BALA) is an award based on overall exterior and interior architecture, design appeal, function and creative use of interior space and creative integration of plan design within site considerations. Newman Garrison + Partners received this prestigious award for their design of Runway at Playa Vista - a modern luxury community in Playa Vista, CA that features 203 residential apartments ranging from 588-1300 sq. ft. with an overall design inspired by the classic architecture of Venice Beach. They worked in partnership with Phoenix Property Company and Lincoln Property Company to transform Howard Hughes' former airport into a social core of Playa Vista. Best Architectural Design of an Attached Community was awarded to Newman Garrison + Partners for their architectural design of the multi-family community West Park at Civita in San Diego. This project developed in partnership with Sudberry properties features 612 units ranging from 546 to 1,355 sq. ft. and extensive recreational amenities in a park-like setting. The award was based on many elements of the project including exterior design/curb appeal, interior design/interior architecture, site plan, unit plans, amenities. Photos from event: https://www.flickr.com/photos/thenationals2017/page1 About Newman Garrison + Partners: Newman Garrison + Partners (NG+P) is an innovative award-winning, Los Angeles, CA. area-based, full-service architecture and interior design studio. Celebrating 30 years as renowned architects and designers, NG+P provides clients distinctive design services for planning, architecture and interior design, inspiration and collaboration. www.nggpartners.com SOURCE Newman Garrison + Partners Related Links http://www.nggpartners.com MONS, Belgium, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Acapela Group, the voice solutions expert, today introduces Aurora and Alessio, two new natural-sounding children's voices that will meet the needs of Italian children looking for a voice that reflects their age. For the first time ever, communication and speech impaired Italian children will have the possibility to express their thoughts, desires and needs with a voice that they like. For many children this will be a life-changing opportunity. A unique repertoire of 20 children's voices! For decades, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solutions have given a voice to children who cannot speak. Until recently, children with communication difficulties only had access to adult text to speech voices to relay their thoughts, needs and desires. In 2012, the company proudly unveiled AssistiveWare, the world's first genuine, natural-sounding children's voices, in British English, providing a voice to over 74,000 children and teens in England who cannot speak for themselves. The company then started to develop children's voices in other languages. Acapela Group is the only voice specialist worldwide to offer users a rich repertoire of 20 children's voices, which are truly lifelike. The Italian children's voices are joining a cheerful band of voices that already enable young users around the world to speak - in English (British, American, Australian), French, German, Norwegian, Swedish and bilingual American English/North American Spanish. Voices to ease communication, interactivity, autonomy and engagement AAC solutions combined with tablets have revolutionized the industry, allowing the development of innovative approaches to help people with specific needs achieve greater autonomy. The voice synthesis developed by Acapela gives users the means to better interact with the people around them. The Italian children's voices have been developed in collaboration with Helpicare, a company dedicated to meeting special needs and to providing AAC solutions for the Italian market and AssistiveWare, the leader in AAC apps for iOS. Helpicare has brought its knowledge and expertise of the Italian market and has been actively involved in casting, recordings and helping achieve very high quality voices for Aurora and Alessio. The company has been working with AssistiveWare since the genuine children's voices were introduced as a world first. The Italian voices will become available in Infovox iVox, Proloquo4Text and Pictello later this year. All children's voices have specific voice smileys that ensure a truly lifelike, spontaneous and lively audio result. Here are some samples of voice smileys used by Aurora and Alessio: Accidenti!, Buona giornata!, Che bello!, Davvero!, Esatto!, Favoloso!, Grazie!, Hai capito!, Imbecille!, Lascia perdere!, Mamma mia!, Oh mio Dio!, Perfetto!, Roba da matti!, Sbrigati!, Ti amo!, Vittoria!, There is also laughter, swallowing, specific sounds for a cat or a dog, a monkey, bee, horse, train, sirens, etc. More on http://www.acapela-group.com/voice-smileys Aurora and Alessio voice samples Aurora: http://www.acapela-group.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/aurora_childrenvoice_italian.mp3 Alessio : http://www.acapela-group.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/alessio_childrenvoice_italian.mp3 About Helpicare: http://www.helpicare.com About AssistiveWare: http://www.assistiveware.com About Acapela Group: http://www.acapela-group.com SOURCE Acapela Group WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The StreetShares Foundation announced today at Bunker Labs DC the winners of its monthly Veteran Small Business Awards. StreetShares Foundation is granting three winners awards of $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000, supported by JPMorgan Chase & Co. February Winners 1st Place: Brian Zimmerman, Marine Veteran and Founder of Income Designers (Castle Rock, Colorado) 2nd Place: Richard Sanders, Army Veteran and CEO of SHplates (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) 3rd Place: Jaime Velez, Army Veteran and Co-Founder of PingMomo (Chicago, Illinois) "We're thrilled with the enormous support we've received from veteran business owners, sponsors and supporters from across the country," said Mark L. Rockefeller, Director of the StreetShares Foundation. "This week is National Entrepreneurship Week, but every week is Veterans Entrepreneurship Week here. We encourage all veteran supporters to join us." About the Winners Brian Zimmerman spent nine years in the Marines. While working full time, he built side businesses to earn more income. After attending Purdue University's Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans, he realized he could build a business on his passion for teaching others how to build wealth. "Income Designers is not about getting rich quick," said Zimmerman. "It's about showing others who may be struggling financially, how they can create extra income." Richard Sanders, Army veteran, used ruck plates, usually used for military training, and turned it into a business. Sanders created decor from steel plates using his patented technology to engrave customized images with lasers. Plates are typically 1-inch thick, weighing up to 40 pounds. Sanders' mission is to continue to donate to dozens of charities, hire veterans and mentor youth. Jaime Velez, started a tech company called PingMomo. As a single parent, he found it challenging to transport his children before and after school. "As an Army combat engineer, when you see a problem, you have to solve it," Velez said. "PingMomo was created to solve the transportation problem for parents by leveraging social communities and bringing them together with technology." He met his partner, Jan Gorospe, at Bunker Labs, Chicago. The mobile app will launch on iOS soon. About StreetShares Foundation StreetShares Foundation, located outside of Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit affiliated with StreetShares, Inc. The mission of the StreetShares Foundation is to inspire, educate, and support veterans' business ownership. Awards are given monthly to veteran, current reserve, active duty members and military spouse business owners. Contact: Shauna Vo Pulayya 347-330-4104 [email protected] SOURCE StreetShares Related Links http://www.streetshares.com CHINO, Calif., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sundance Spas, the largest acrylic spa manufacturer in the world, announced their 2016 Dealer Award winners, presented to the recipients at the 2017 Sundance Spas Dealer Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Recipients included Dealer of the Year Award winner The Sundance Spa Store and 2016 Highest Sales Volume in the U.S. Award recipient Paradise Valley Spas. Dealer of the Year- The Sundance Spa Store The esteemed Dealer of the Year award was presented to The Sundance Spa Store, with four locations in the Greater Toronto Area and Niagara. Chosen through a nomination process, the Dealer of the Year recipient is selected based on outstanding customer service, promotions and publicity representing great ambassadorship for the brand, collaborative marketing efforts, exceptional sales growth, leadership in the market and more. This long-time Sundance Spas dealership has been honored with multiple awards across its last 14 years of business. 2016 Highest Sales Volume in the U.S. Paradise Valley Spas This year, Paradise Valley Spas earned the 2016 Highest Sales Volume in the U.S. award. The long-time Sundance Spas dealership has offered Sundance Spas around the San Francisco Bay area since 1992, with their ninth location opening this year. Based on volume of Sundance Spas brand sales in the United States, Paradise Valley Spas has been awarded the Highest Sales Volume in the U.S. honor 10 of the last 16 years. ABOUT SUNDANCE SPAS, INC. Since 1979, Sundance Spas has perfected the spa experience. Sundance Spas is devoted to improving health and lifestyles through its hydrotherapy benefits, including stress relief, health restoration and the creation of an environment for balanced living. Sundance Spas, Inc. manufactures portable and in-ground spas, including a complete line of accessories, available through specialty retail locations in more than 60 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit www.sundancespas.com. ABOUT THE SUNDANCE SPA STORE More than 14 years ago, The Sundance Spa Store opened in Burlington Ontario and has now expanded to four stores, including Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga and St. Catharines. With three hands-on owners to provide the best experience through unparalleled attention to customers, the Sundance Spa Store has been awarded multiple honors. To learn more about The Sundance Spa Store, visit www.thesundancespastore.com. ABOUT PARADISE VALLEY SPAS With eight locations serving the entire San Francisco Bay Area, Paradise Valley Spas offers Sundance spas. Established in 1985, this Northern California spa store focuses on giving every customer the best customer service experience and offering the best line of spas and spa products in the industry. To learn more about Paradise Valley Spas, please visit www.sfspas.com. SOURCE Sundance Spas, Inc. Related Links http://www.sundancespas.com AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- T3, one of the world's leading innovation agencies, is thrilled to welcome Michael Brandt as Vice President, Group Creative Director. Brandt will provide leadership that enhances T3's ability to deliver innovative, user-centered design solutions. Brandt will leverage design to articulate and extend customer experiences in new and engaging ways across the T3 portfolio. "Joining T3 balances my passion for going deep to solve complex design and user experience challenges while still engaging in what's next for the business," Brandt stated. Brandt joined T3 from Razorfish where he led multiple teams providing strategic, creative, and user experience direction for clients including Citi, Microsoft, State Farm, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. With a deep experience design background, he takes a customer-centric approach to deliver innovatively useful solutions for his clients. Earlier in his career, he founded and led mediumbold, a Boston-based design firm with clients that included PUMA, Keds, Harvard University, MIT, and Boston Children's Hospital. "Michael's approach to strategic design balances creative thinking, user experience, and strategy," said T3's president, Ben Gaddis. "His head-in-the-clouds, feet-on-the-ground mindset produces innovative products that delight users while delivering measurable business results." Brandt excels at establishing and nurturing client relationships, his ability to articulate and extend his clients' brands in new and engaging ways is driven by a user-centric approach to digital strategies. "Michael demands the highest level of creative excellence of himself and his team, yet ultimately measures success by real-world results and client satisfaction," noted Jay Suhr, T3's Chief Creative Officer. ABOUT T3 Ranked by Forrester as a top innovation agency, T3 helps clients build Useful Brands. Founded in 1989, it is one of the largest independent agencies in the country. T3 supports clients including Allstate, UPS, 7-Eleven, Capital One, Pizza Hut, and Staples from offices in Austin, New York, San Francisco, and Atlanta. Media Contact: Madison Hamilton Marketing Coordinator, T3 805.451.3554 [email protected] SOURCE T3 THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Taitien's selection of high-quality Quartz Monitor Crystals and oscillators is available worldwide through Digi-Key Electronics, a global electronic components distributor, as the result of a recent global distribution agreement. Taitien offers a broad portfolio of frequency control products with a focus on high precision OCXOs, TCXOs and VCXOs. "Taitien is very excited about this new global partnership with Digi-Key, as they will maintain an extensive inventory that includes a wide variety of part number options across the Taitien product portfolio," said Jordan Wohl, Distribution Manager North America at Taitien. "With Taitien's leading-edge, precision frequency control products and Digi-Key's unmatched web presence, we can reach more customers, with more products, than ever before. This means engineers will be able to access a broader range of our products for prototyping and allow purchasers to more quickly access our products in production quantities." Taitien's solutions are ideal for many demanding applications including Industrial, Automotive, Consumer, Cellular Infrastructure, Networking, PC, and Peripherals. "We are extremely pleased to partner with Taitien and leverage their strong presence in the frequency control market as we look to further our portfolio expansion," said Tom Busher, VP, Global I P & E at Digi-Key. "Our customers will benefit from Taitien's wide product portfolio from basic SMD crystals and oscillators to very precise products to cover today's vast range of demanding applications." For more information about Taitien and to see their entire product listing, please visit their Supplier Center page on the Digi-Key website. About Taitien Taitien is a leading global manufacturer of frequency control products and offers a wide range of quartz crystals, oscillators, VCXOs, TCXOs, OCXOs, precision crystals, and thickness monitor crystals. The company is ISO 9001 and TS 16949 certified, with design and application engineering resources in Taiwan, China, and the United States. Taitien was founded in 1976, as one of the original manufacturers of the tuning fork. In the early 1990s, Taitien became a primary VCXO supplier for major telecommunication companies. In the following years, Taitien invested significant resources into R&D, becoming one of the leading producers of surface mount oscillators with CMOS and LVPECL outputs. To this day, Taitien continues to operate as a top tier manufacturer in the FCP industry, offering leading edge solutions to its customers worldwide. About Digi-Key Electronics Digi-Key Electronics, headquartered in Thief River Falls, Minn., USA, is an authorized global, full-service distributor of electronic components, offering more than five million products, with over 1.3 million in stock and available for immediate shipment, from over 650 quality name-brand manufacturers. Digi-Key also offers a wide variety of online resources such as EDA and design tools, datasheets, reference designs, instructional articles and videos, multimedia libraries, and much more. Technical support is available 24/7 via email, phone and webchat. Additional information and access to Digi-Key's broad product offering can be found by visiting www.digikey.com. Editorial Contact for Digi-Key Electronics Kayla Krosschell Marketing Communications Specialist 1.800.338.4105 x1098 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE Digi-Key Electronics Related Links http://www.digikey.com SEATTLE, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ReTree, the 501(c)3 that is committed to preventing climate change, launched today to help "re-tree" the planet. For every dollar donated through the ReTree.com website, donors can select the location for a tree to be planted from a list of more than 30 countries. The non-profit has simultaneously built a software platform that enables e-commerce retailers to seamlessly and easily add a donation functionality to their existing infrastructure. To kickstart donations, ReTree is auctioning an extremely rare bottle of 1980 Old Fashioned Copper Bourbon Whiskey, a 37-year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Buffalo Trace Distillery. All proceeds help fund the planting of trees and bids are currently being accepted via the ReTree website. Founded by brothers Martin and David Tobias, ReTree helps prevent climate change and fights air pollution through donor-assisted reforestation. According to the International Energy Agency, air pollution continues to be a formidable public health crisis, leading to around 6.5 million deaths each year. Planting trees remains one of the simplest, cheapest, and most effective means of drawing excess CO2 from the atmosphere, a key component in mitigating air pollution and climate change. ReTree makes individual donating a little more personal through its interactive map, which allows donors to select from 30 countries they wish to help. In addition to supporting global reforestation, ReTree is providing its technology to e-commerce companies interested in adding a charitable initiative to their online properties. "Whether the goal is to increase sales, recover shopping cart abandons, or enhance marketing campaigns, any e-commerce platform can utilize the ReTree technology to enhance its online presence," said co-founder Martin Tobias. "Together, we can re-tree and plant roots for a better tomorrow." To accomplish its mission to plant one million trees in 2017, ReTree will match the number of trees donated throughout the year at its own cost. Funds support the execution of large planting projects in heavily deforested areas through the ReTree network of planting partners. ReTree also helps educate impoverished local communities by helping them choose the land, cultivate the soil, and nurture the seedlings to give them the best possible start. "While retailers like Starbucks and Eddie Bauer have been planting trees as a result of in-store purchases, these programs are complex to set up and often do not extend to e-commerce sites," said co-founder David Tobias. "With our technology, any e-commerce retailer can provide customers the ability to add a tree to their shopping cart with one click." To learn more, make a tax-deductible donation or give the gift of a tree, visit www.ReTree.com About ReTree ReTree is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that for every dollar donated, plants a tree in a country in need. Tax deductible donations and gifts can be made at ReTree.com, or contact the company at [email protected] to discuss how the ReTree technology can drive corporate responsibility and sales initiatives. ReTree is the simplest way to start making an impact and reverse climate change. To learn more, visit: www.ReTree.com SOURCE ReTree Related Links http://www.ReTree.com NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The following feature package is a roundup of feature stories dealing with Travel & Leisure and is appropriate for special sections and for general use. For each story included in this package, you will find the first paragraph of the feature release below, as well as its headline linked to the full text. This is the latest in a series of topical feature packages PRN will carry as part of its regular Feature News Service. Coming up in 2017 are features on: Package Name Slug Distribution Date Arts & Entertainment Arts March 2 Food & Beverage Food March 9 Education Education March 16 Personal Finance, Taxes Finance March 23 Springtime, Easter & Passover Spring March 30 Travel & Leisure Feature Package 1. Now Showing: Explore Louisiana On Travel Savvy TV NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Travel Savvy TV, dedicated to bringing destinations to life through interviews with in-the-know locals, just released three new episodes to their dedicated Travel Savvy TV channel, each featuring host Paula Keung as she travels and explores the southern region of Louisiana. "This amazing state is mind-blowingly beautiful, and offers so many opportunities to bird watch, fish, camp, hike, and eat locally," enthused host Paula. "Our latest videos gives viewers a glimpse of the hundreds of wildlife species we saw and caught on camera." If you would like a copy of the complete schedule, or if you would care to comment, please email [email protected]. We welcome suggestions. Copies of previous packages are available for the media. Feature packages and feature photos are also available on the PR Newswire Web site, http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/feature-news-latest-news. Photos that accompany releases are available via the PRN Multimedia Desk, 800-317-7677, or via the PR Newswire Photo Archive. Select photos are available via AP PhotoExpress and AP Images. SOURCE PR Newswire Association LLC Related Links http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/feature-news-latest-news/ MISGAV, Israel and SINGAPORE, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On 22 February 2017, The Trendlines Group Launched a New Incubator in Singapore to Invest in Innovative Singaporean Medical and Healthcare Technologies for the Global Market. Other Partners in the Incubator are B. Braun AG, one of the World's Leading Global Medical Device Companies, Singapore Investment Bank PrimePartners Corporate Finance Holdings, and SPRING Singapore, the Enterprise Development Agency of Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry. The Trendlines Group Ltd. ("Trendlines") (SGX: 42T, OTCQX: TRNLY), an Israeli company focused on developing innovation-based medical and agricultural companies, announced the official opening of Trendlines Medical Singapore. Trendlines Medical Singapore will invest in and provide intense support for Singaporean start-ups developing advanced medical devices and technologies. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/467300/The_Trendlines_Group_Logo.jpg ) Trendlines believes in the potential of the Southeast Asian market in general and Singapore, in particular. In November 2015, the Company completed an IPO on the Catalist of the SGX and was valued at SGD$100.2 million (US$70.6 million) at the close of trading on February 20. The new incubator, its first outside of Israel, deepens Trendlines' involvement in and impact on the local market. Trendlines Medical Singapore will operate according to the same model as Trendlines' leading incubator in Israel: After a strict vetting process, Trendlines Medical Singapore will make initial cash investment into selected companies. The companies will be located in the incubator facility where they receive intense hands-on guidance and support throughout the technology and business development processes. The structure of Trendlines Medical Singapore is also reminiscent of the Israel incubator model: Trendlines is the largest shareholder (holding approximately 76.4%). B. Braun AG holds approximately 20.0%. One of the world's largest advanced medical technology corporations, B. Braun was a cornerstone investor in the Trendlines IPO and is an investor in several of Trendlines' portfolio companies in Israel. Singapore investment bank PrimePartners Corporate Finance Holdings joined as the third partner, holding approximately 3.5% of the shares. Additionally, Trendlines Singapore Medical will receive a grant of up to SGD$2.2 million (~US$ 1.55 million) under the Incubator Development Program administered by SPRING Singapore, the enterprise development agency of the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry. "The combination of Trendlines' expertise in early-stage investments and management of a technology incubator, the worldwide experience of B. Braun in the medical industry, the network of connections that Prime Partners brings in Singapore and Southeast Asia, and the support of SPRING, provides an excellent foundation to build on and to progress from," said Eric Loh, CEO of Trendlines Medical Singapore. Chairman and CEO of The Trendlines Group, Steve Rhodes added: "This year, we celebrate a decade of activities of our Israeli operations, during which time we established no fewer than 75 medical and agtech start-ups, with the assistance of partners and the support of the Israel Innovation Authority (previously Israel's Office of the Chief Scientist). We carried out six exits, took two companies public, and won a number of prestigious awards. The technology incubator model we built has been proven - and continues to prove itself. Now is the right time for us to 'export' it. The Singapore market suits us very well because it is dynamic, growing, and innovation-focused, much like the Israeli market." About The Trendlines Group The Trendlines Group is an innovation commercialization company that invents, discovers, invests in, and incubates innovation-based medical and agricultural technologies to fulfill its mission to improve the human condition. As intensely hands-on investors, Trendlines is involved in all aspects of its portfolio companies from technology development to business building. The Trendlines Group is traded on the Singapore Exchange (SGX: 42T) and in the United States as an American Depositary Receipt (ADR) on the OTCQX International (OTCQX: TRNLY). Forward Looking Statement Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unknown factors that could cause the Company's actual operating results to be materially different from any historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to statements that explicitly describe these risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements that contain terms such as "believes," "belief," "expects," "expect," "intends," "intend," "anticipate," "anticipates," "plans," "plan," to be uncertain and forward looking. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investor Contact Information: Israel Judith Kleinman Director, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications [email protected] +972-72-260-7000 SOURCE The Trendlines Group Ltd. ATLANTA, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Triad Advisors, Inc., the hybrid advisor-focused independent broker-dealer, today announced that it has recruited Resources Investment Advisors onto its broker-dealer and custodial platforms. Resources Investment Advisors is a Super OSJ serving 11 independent financial advisory practices that collectively support approximately $5 billion in client assets. Based in Overland Park, Kansas, Resources Investment Advisors was established in 1987 as a small, local advisory firm focused on managing assets, and has grown into a regional financial services firm that provides independent financial advisors who support retail clients as well as company retirement plans on both a fee and commission based basis with a range of services including practice management, investment management, technology support and compliance. Nathan Stibbs, Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer at Triad Advisors, said, "We're delighted to welcome Resources Investment Advisors to Triad's broker-dealer and Hybrid RIA platform. This is a unique organization that has an impressive track record of growth and is one of the premier retirement planning providers in the industry. Their business model combined with Triad's focus on supporting elite Hybrid advisory firms makes this a very logical partnership." Vince Morris, President of Resources Investment Advisors, said, "At Resources Investment Advisors, our core purpose is helping people protect their quality of life. This applies to our clients and our advisors. When looking for a broker-dealer, we sought out a partner who truly valued independence, as defined by delivering to advisors the freedom to make the best decisions for themselves, their businesses and their clients. At the same time, we also wanted to forge a relationship with a partner who could not only seamlessly support broker-dealer and custodial functions, but also provide us with the flexibility we needed with respect to enabling a broader multi-custodial approach." Mr. Stibbs concluded, "At Triad, we see an accelerating trend of higher-end wealth management firms seeking a broker-dealer partner that can deliver a broad range of growth solutions while simultaneously providing a model that is highly entrepreneurial. As the regulatory environment evolves, we expect this migration to continue and we feel that Triad, along with Ladenburg Thalmann, offer the perfect balance of size and scale, without compromising independence or brand ownership." About Resources Investment Advisors Resources Investment Advisors is an SEC-registered investment adviser that offers compliance, practice and portfolio management, technology support, and business development assistance to its affiliated firms, which include: Bukaty Companies Financial Services (Overland Park, KS); Channel Financial (Golden Valley, MN); Chepenik Financial (Winter Park, FL); Oakeson Steiner Wealth and Retirement (Hastings, NE); SHA Retirement Group (Troy, MI); and SLW Retirement Plan Advisors (Lafayette, CA), as well as offices in Spokane, WA; Austin, TX; St. Louis, MO; Fort Lauderdale, FL. To learn more about the firm, visit www.bukatyfs.com. About Triad Advisors Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Triad Advisors, Inc. is a national, independent broker-dealer and multi-custodial SEC-Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) that is an early pioneer and continued leader in the Hybrid RIA marketplace. The company provides a comprehensive platform of products, trading and technology systems, as well as customized wealth management solutions. Recognized as one of the most successful and fastest-growing independent broker-dealers in the industry (including being named the leading broker-dealer for Hybrid RIAs seven years in a row by Investment Advisor magazine), Triad Advisors is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (NYSE MKT: LTS). For more information, please visit www.triad-advisors.com. Media Contact: Matthew Griffes / Joseph Kuo Haven Tower Group LLC 424 652 6520, ext. 103 / 424 652 6520, ext 101 [email protected] or [email protected] SOURCE Triad Advisors, Inc. Related Links http://www.triad-advisors.com Kar-Go Decal was located 15 miles away at 96 Louise Drive in Warminster. AMERCO, the parent company of U-Haul, acquired the 30.7-acre site on Durham Road near the Pennsylvania Turnpike in January 2016. The west side of the building will be occupied by BGP. The east side has been converted into U-Haul Moving & Storage of Bristol. The facility is part of the Bristol Shopping Center. Printing operations at BGP began on Feb. 14. BGP is budgeted to employ 60 Team Members, the same number employed at Kar-Go Decal. Numbers will increase during peak seasons. Visit jobs.uhaul.com to find career opportunities at BGP and other U-Haul-owned and -operated facilities. "After Pathmark grocery left in October 2010, this property sat vacant for years," said BGP president George Palovcak, formerly president of Kar-Go Decal. "We are happy to bring life back to the building, especially since we were outgrowing our last facility. Our U-Haul fleet has expanded tremendously, and we are turning around more trucks and trailers every year that require decals." BGP has more than twice the space of Kar-Go Decal, but the larger benefits come from new technology. Two Durst Superwide (16 feet printing width) roll-to-roll printers serve as the high-resolution showpieces of a computerized system that provides superior quality while expediting the process. There are automated plotters with added feed and take-off tables. The fully automated digital equipment increases efficiency and eliminates the need for outsourcing. "We had become restricted at the previous space," Palovcak said. "U-Haul imaging needs have grown exponentially. We need to be able to print to order so the field can get its personalized imaging requests filled as fast as possible. We're very excited to open this new plant and be part of the Bristol community." About U-Haul Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of more than 21,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to more than 139,000 trucks, 108,000 trailers and 38,000 towing devices. U-Haul offers more than 536,000 rooms and more than 47 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry and is the largest retailer of propane in the U.S. www.uhaul.com Contact: Andrea Batchelor Jeff Lockridge E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 602-263-6981 Website: uhaul.com SOURCE U-Haul United States has one of the largest automotive tire market, and also the second largest automobile market across the globe. A slow increase in the market was witnessed during 2012, which was neglected due to increment in the sales of automobiles during 2013-2015. Increasing automobile sales paired with increasing vehicle fleet are expected to drive the country's tire industry through 2021. Moreover, growth in the country's tire industry is backed by increasing sales volume of different vehicle segments, which is resulting in expansion of replacement automotive fleet in the US. The country's automobile sales, comprising passenger cars and commercial vehicles, grew from around 13 million in 2011 to about 17.47 million units in 2015. Additionally, gross national income of the country increased from US$50,450 in 2011 to US$54,960 in 2015, as per the data released by World Bank. The above drafted factors were identified to be few of the prominent reasons for the robust sales of vehicles in the country during 2011-2015, which consequently boosted demand for tires in the country over the last five years. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140117/663730 ) According to the TechSci Research report, "United States Tire Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2021', demand for tires in the United States is forecast to grow at a CAGR of over 5%, in volume terms, during 2016-2021. The vehicle fleet of the country is dominated by passenger car segment, followed by light commercial vehicles, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, off-the-Road (OTR) vehicles and two-wheeler segment. As a result, the passenger car tire segment held the largest volume share in the country's tire market in 2015, and its dominance is anticipated to continue during the forecast period as well. Leading global tire companies operating in the United States include Bridgestone, Goodyear, Michelin, Cooper, Continental, Sumitomo, Hankook, Yokohama, etc. The report also portrays huge potential of tire market in Southeast and Midwest regions of the country. The vast demand for tires from these regions can mainly be imputed to the large automobile fleet size, high population density coupled with the rapid urbanization in the area. "United States Tire Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2021'report elaborates following aspects of tire market in the United States: US Tire Market Size, Share & Forecast Segmental Analysis - By Vehicle Type (Passenger Car, Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles, Light Commercial Vehicles, Off-The-Road (OTR) & Two-Wheeler Tires); By Demand Category (OEM Vs Replacement) and By Online Vs Offline Sales Channel Policy & Regulatory Landscape Changing Market Trends and Emerging Opportunities Competitive Landscape and Strategic Recommendations Why You Should Buy This Report? To gain an in-depth understanding of US tire market To identify the on-going trends and anticipated growth in the next five years To help industry consultants, tire companies and other stakeholders align their market-centric strategies To obtain research based business decisions and add weight to presentations and marketing materials To gain competitive knowledge of leading market players To avail 10% customization in the report without any extra charges and get the research data or trends added in the report as per the buyer's specific needs Report Methodology: The information contained in this report is based upon both primary and secondary research. Primary research includes interviews with vehicle manufactures, tire companies, distributors and industry experts. Secondary research includes an exhaustive search of relevant publications like company annual reports, financial reports and proprietary databases. Table of Content: 1. Product Overview 2. Research Methodology 3. Analyst View 4. United States Tire Production Overview 5. United States Tire Market Outlook 1. Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 2. Market Share & Forecast 6. United States Passenger Car (PC) Tire Market Outlook 1. Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 2. Market Share & Forecast 3. United States Passenger Car Tire - Popular Sizes 7. United States Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) Tire Market Outlook 1. Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 2. Market Share & Forecast 3. United States LCV Tire - Popular Sizes 8. United States Medium & Heavy Commercial (M&HCV) Tire Market Outlook 1. Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 2. Market Share & Forecast 3. United States M&HCV Tire - Popular Sizes 9. United States Off-the Road (OTR) Tire Market Outlook 1. Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 2. Market Share & Forecast 10. United States Two-Wheeler (2W) Tire Market Outlook 1. Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 11. United States Tire Retreading Market Outlook 1. Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 2. Market Share & Forecast 3. United States Top Retreaders 12. Import-Export Analysis 13. Sales Channel Analysis 14. Market Dynamics 1. Drivers 2. Challenges 15. Market Trends & Developments 16. Policy & Regulatory Landscape 17. United States Economic Profile 18. Competitive Landscape 19. Strategic Recommendations About TechSci Research: TechSci Research is a leading global market research firm publishing premium market research reports. Serving 700 global clients with more than 600 premium market research studies, TechSci Research is serving clients across 11 different industrial verticals. TechSci Research specializes in research based consulting assignments in high growth and emerging markets, leading technologies and niche applications. Our workforce of more than 100 fulltime Analysts and Consultants employing innovative research solutions and tracking global and country specific high growth markets helps TechSci clients to lead rather than follow market trends. Contact: Mr. Ken Mathews 708 Third Avenue, Manhattan, NY, New York - 10017 Tel: +1-646-360-1656 Email: [email protected] Connect with us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/TechSciResearch Connect with us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/techsci-research SOURCE TechSci Research SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI), the leading provider of transportation technician training, announced today that the U.S. Department of Education has completed its review of UTI's 2016 audited financial statements and determined that the company will no longer be subjected to Heightened Cash Monitoring 1 restrictions under the Zone Alternative. The Department of Education imposed these restrictions on UTI in October 2016. "We are pleased that the Department of Education has confirmed our composite score exceeds financial responsibility standards," said Kim McWaters, President & CEO. "Being released from Zone Alternative requirements reflects our strengthened financial position and reduces administrative burden, which ultimately allows us to better support and serve our students." About Universal Technical Institute, Inc. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) is the leading provider of post-secondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. With more than 200,000 graduates in its 52-year history, UTI offers undergraduate degree and diploma programs at 12 campuses across the United States, as well as manufacturer-specific training programs at dedicated training centers. Through its campus-based school system, UTI provides specialized post-secondary education programs under the banner of several well-known brands, including Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) and NASCAR Technical Institute (NASCAR Tech). For more information visit www.uti.edu . Contact: Bryce Peterson Chief Financial Officer Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (623) 445-0993 SOURCE Universal Technical Institute, Inc. Related Links http://www.uti.edu ZACATECAS, Mexico, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Zacatecas, Mexico Governor Alejandro Tello Cristerna announced today an agreement with Kimo Sabe, the award winning Mezcal, to create sustainable, organic, varietal agave ecosystems in Zacatecas, which will be able to supply the necessary natural ingredients for Mezcal, the world's fastest growing spirit category. The collaborative partnership will create over 100 new agave farms, as well as work with existing agave growers to greatly expand their cultivation capabilities, generating over 1000 new jobs in the state. The replanting of wild agave on a grand scale, championed by the Governor and the experienced agri-business executives at Kimo Sabe, is the key to long term sustainability of a vibrant mezcal industry, providing a new generation of the spirit to global markets. The project announced today creates an historic opportunity to popularize mezcal among the abundant tequila fans worldwide, as championed by Kimo Sabe, which took top honors in 2016, as BEST of Class International Spirit by the American Distilling Institute (ADI), beating out all Mezcal's and Tequila's...the first time a Mezcal took top honors. The plan renews Zacatecas title as the original home of Mezcal, as well as the contemporary home of the New Face of Mezcal. The plan also is designed to build bridges between Mexico and a US company at an important point in history. A media campaign will help tell the New Face of Mezcal cultural and agricultural story, designed to bring increased ecotourism and global focus to the State of Zacatecas. The announcement was made at a press conference in Zacatecas, Mexico, by Governor Alejandro Tello and his team, along with Jim Walsh and Ashley Walsh Kvamme, Co-Founders of Kimo Sabe Mezcal, and their team which includes, Bruce Vaughn, Corporate Brand Steward and former COO of Disney Corporation, Oliver Luckett, CEO of Revilopark, Brad Turell CEO of Turell Media Strategies and Randall Stone, Senior Partner of Lippincott Design. Governor Alejandro Tello is committed to bringing sustainable investment and jobs to the state and this plan does just that. Kimo Sabe will provide plant materials to growers with a guarantee to purchase their agaves upon harvest, taking the risk out of the equation for growers and their families. This program by Kimo Sabe and Governor Alejandro Tello allows for generational gifting, continuity, and sustainability for agave growers and their families. In cooperation with the appropriate agencies, this program will be sustainable and organic with a diversity of agave varieties being planted and cultivated, including some considered 'wild' agave such as the potatorum variety (commonly known as tobala). The replanting of wild agave on a grand scale is the key to long term sustainability of a vibrant mezcal industry. Kimo Sabe has already made significant investments in Mexico, partnering with Zacatecan distilleries and growers with rich agave producing land. Kimo Sabe serves as a model and leader in using innovation, collaboration and blending in the production of Mezcal. Kimo Sabe in partnership with producers and growers, created a Mezcal that won the prestigious BEST of Class award as the Best Mezcal or Tequila in the United States from the American Distilling Institute in 2016. SAID GOVERNOR ALEJANDRO TELLO "Kimo Sabe means Trusted Friend and we believe that while others are advocating building walls, we are working hard with our Trusted Friends at Kimo Sabe to build bridges between ourselves and companies looking to make investments that will provide jobs and grow our state's economy," said the Governor. "Mezcal is a uniquely Mexican product and for us to inspire investment in this region, with the goal of greatly expanding the production and distribution of our indigenous spirit worldwide, will create sustainable jobs and income for decades to come. We thank Jim Walsh and Ashley Walsh Kvamme and the Kimo Sabe team, and look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with them." QUOTE JIM WALSH AND ASHLEY WALSH KVAMME "Our goals perfectly fit with Governor Alejandro Tello's vision for the organic expansion of Zacatecas economy through sustainable agriculture and manufacturing jobs creation in the state and was the driving force behind this deal," said Jim Walsh and Ashley Walsh Kvamme, Kimo Sabe's CEO and COO respectively. "Our goal is to introduce the New Face of Mezcal to global markets, building a financial bridge between Mexico and the rest of the world. Zacatecas' rich history as the original home of mezcal, coupled with the perfect climate and soil to grow varietal agave used to make Kimo Sabe, makes this the perfect place and partnership to grow our business, and to build bridges with the great people of Mexico." In addition to Kimo Sabe being named BEST of Class International Specialty Spirit by the American Distillery Institute in 2016, Ashley Walsh Kvamme was named one of the Top Women In Booze by Harper's Bazaar Magazine and one of California's top female entrepreneurs by Comerica Bank. Over the past decade, Mezcal has been the fastest growing spirt category in the United States, and this plan will help facilitate a rapid expansion of the Mezcal market in the US and internationally due to many strategic factors coming together in Mezcal's favor. In 2016, only 100,000 cases of Mezcal were imported into the United States, dwarfed by the 17 million cases of Tequila that were imported. With state of the art, sophisticated craft distilling methods now in place for Kimo Sabe Mezcal, production of the ancient and mystical Mexican spirit can retain its quality, originality and soul, while insuring uniformity of flavor from bottle to bottle, even with large increases in production. This will allow Kimo Sabe to greatly increase the output of the spirit, while maintaining its high quality and adhere to strict government regulations. The Kimo Sabe team's plan to increase demand for mezcal in the United States and around the world is already underway, led by its sophisticated marketing plans. Kimo Sabe is confident that when traditional tequila drinkers try their mezcal they will be converted into mezcal fans. Kimo Sabe has already begun a billboard campaign in Los Angeles and other cities utilizing the catch phrases WHY SETTLE FOR TEQUILA? And THE BEST TEQUILA IS A MEZCAL, which along with their other marketing techniques has led to rapid growth in case orders. Growth is the main driver of this deal which will insure that a steady supply of quality, varietal agaves from Zacatecas are available to meet the anticipated demand. Kimo Sabe Mezcal launched in 2015 and is now sold in California, Arizona, Nevada, New Jersey, Texas, Minnesota, Colorado and Tennessee with plans to expand to Illinois, Florida and New York this spring and Wisconsin and Georgia this summer. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Mtro. Hector Alberto Alvarado Gomez General Coordinator of Social Communication for the Government of the State of Zacatecas [email protected] Brad Turell [email protected] 818-269-3048 SOURCE Kimo Sabe Related Links http://www.kimosabemezcal.com DALLAS, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Supreme Court denied the request to review the apportionment decision in First Marblehead Corp. v. Massachusetts Commissioner of Revenue.1 In First Marblehead, the issue is whether Massachusetts could source student loans to Massachusetts under financial excise tax apportionment provisions when the taxpayer had its commercial domicile in Massachusetts, with no other physical location. In 2015, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court had ruled against the taxpayer,2 and after Supreme Court review of this decision, the case was remanded to Massachusetts to be reviewed under the decision rendered in Wynne.3 In Wynne, the Court examined the "internal consistency" test under the dormant commerce clause. Under Massachusetts law, if a loan is assigned by the taxpayer to a place outside the Commonwealth that is not a "regular place of business," the statute creates a presumption, rebuttable by the taxpayer, that the loan is properly assigned to the Commonwealth if, at the time the loan is made, the taxpayer's commercial domicile was in Massachusetts. The 2016 decision held that this provision did not violate the internal consistency test as defined by Wynne. First Marblehead had again petitioned the Court to examine the 2016 decision and answer the following: 1) whether the application of the Massachusetts apportionment formula passes the "external consistency" test as to a fair relationship to the activities undertaken in the taxing state, and 2) whether the Massachusetts statute fails the "internal consistency" test, as double taxation could exist if the taxpayer were to source property to other states in which it did not have a regular place of business. A review of this case would have given the Court the opportunity to determine if the Massachusetts court correctly interpreted and applied the Wynne decision. 1 First Marblehead Corp. v. Massachusetts Commissioner of Revenue, No. SJC-11609 (Mass. Jan. 28, 2015). 2 First Marblehead Corp. v. Commissioner of Revenue, 470 Mass. 497, 498 (2015). 3 Comptroller of the Treasury of Md. v. Wynne, 135 S. Ct. 1787 (2015). About Ryan Ryan is an award-winning global tax services firm, with the largest indirect and property tax practices in North America and the seventh largest corporate tax practice in the United States. With global headquarters in Dallas, Texas, the Firm provides a comprehensive range of state, local, federal, and international tax advisory and consulting services on a multi-jurisdictional basis, including audit defense, tax recovery, credits and incentives, tax process improvement and automation, tax appeals, tax compliance, and strategic planning. Ryan is a five-time recipient of the International Service Excellence Award from the Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA) for its commitment to world-class client service. Empowered by the dynamic myRyan work environment, which is widely recognized as the most innovative in the tax services industry, Ryan's multi-disciplinary team of more than 2,100 professionals and associates serves over 12,000 clients in more than 40 countries, including many of the world's most prominent Global 5000 companies. More information about Ryan can be found at ryan.com. TECHNICAL INFORMATION CONTACTS: Mark Nachbar Principal Ryan 630.515.0477 [email protected] Mary Bernard Director Ryan 401.272.3363 [email protected] SOURCE Ryan Related Links http://www.ryan.com LONDON, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Victor Dahdaleh Foundation - the charitable organisation of Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist Victor Dahdaleh - has signed a formal agreement to donate 5 million to the British Lung Foundation to fund mesothelioma research in the UK. The donation, which matches government funding announced last year, was made official at a signing ceremony in the House of Lords today. It is the largest ever made to the BLF. The funding will support the development of new treatments for the disease by a combined research team from the University of Leicester, Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Cambridge, and the government-funded National Mesothelioma Research Centre at Imperial College in London. Today's ceremony was attended by a number of eminent peers and academics, including the sociologist Lord Giddens; entrepreneur Lord Borwick; and Professor Stephen Spiro, formerly head of respiratory medicine at UCLH. Speaking at the ceremony, Victor Dahdaleh said the Foundation was confident that the team would be able to deliver tangible benefits for patients. "We are delighted to be working in coordination with the British Lung Foundation, the UK Department of Health, and the research team to support the quest for new treatments for this terrible disease. "The UK already has leading expertise in mesothelioma research, and we believe that by working together in this way we can do even more. The professionalism we have already seen from everyone involved has been second-to-none." In an additional move towards greater collaboration between research centres, the British Lung Foundation has formed a Mesothelioma Research Network, involving the programmes at Leicester, Papworth and Imperial together with other specialist mesothelioma centres across the UK. Mesothelioma, a type of cancer commonly affecting the chest or abdomen, is on the rise in the UK, with 2,500 people dying from it each year. The disease is most closely associated with asbestos exposure and often kills with alarming speed. Dr Penny Woods, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: "It is hugely exciting for all of us here to be officially marking the start of a new chapter in research into mesothelioma. Along with the government funding announced last year, this generous support from the Victor Dahdaleh Foundation will enable us to coordinate a network of highly skilled researchers and greatly increase the size and scope of clinical trials. "We are also confident that this donation will prompt further funding and allow us to continue to expand the programme. We will not rest until we find a cure." The Victor Dahdaleh Foundation has a long history of supporting health-related causes around the world. In 2015, the organisation funded the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health - a state-of-the-art research facility at York University in Toronto, Canada. Also in Canada, the Foundation last year financed neuroscientific research at McGill University in Montreal into diseases including multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's. In the UK, the Foundation is a long-standing supporter of research into cardiovascular disease, and has backed a range of studies carried out by teams at Imperial College and Royal Brompton Hospital. As well as healthcare, the Victor Dahdaleh Foundation promotes access to education by funding scholarships programmes that give young people from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to study at top universities around the world. Victor Dahdaleh is the owner and chairman of Dadco, a privately owned investment, manufacturing and trading group established in 1915. A lifelong champion of close ties between Canada and the UK, he served as president of the Canada-United Kingdom Chamber of Commerce from 2004 to 2009. For more information on the Victor Dahdaleh Foundation, visit victordahdalehfoundation.com. SOURCE The Victor Dahdaleh Foundation FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Viera BioScience Inc. announced today it will be presenting at the 2017 Academy of Regenerative Practices Conference at the Renaissance Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on February 25th at 3:25 PM. The talk, entitled, "Stimulation of Angiogenesis by Angiostem T Regulatory Cell", will be given by Thomas Ichim, Ph.D, President and CEO of Viera BioScience. In the presentation, preclinical efficacy and safety data of the AngioMune cord blood derived will be discussed, as well as outcomes in the first 5 patients treated. "The AngioMune product has substantial potential as a tool for regenerative medicine given the ease of manufacturing, universal applicability and potential for superior biodistribution due to the smaller size of T regulatory cells compared to conventional stem cells," said Amit Patel, MS, MD, Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Miami and Scientific Advisory Board member of Viera BioScience. AngioMune is a cord blood derived product that has demonstrated ability to induce new blood vessel formation in animal models, a process called "angiogenesis." The market potential for angiogenesis stimulating products is in the billions of dollars due to potential for treatment of peripheral artery disease and coronary artery disease. Peripheral artery disease is estimated to have a market size in the U.S. of approximately $3 billion annually(1), and coronary artery disease of $12.2 billion(2). "Having leveraged technology originating from the University of Utah, combined with our in-house advancements, we are proud to have advanced the AngioMune product from the bench to the bedside. I look forward to Dr. Ichim's presentation and announcement of our research, which has the potential to impact many patients who at present have no treatment options," said John Peck Jr., Chairman of Viera BioScience. Event: 2017 Academy of Regenerative Practices Conference Presenter: Thomas Ichim, PhD, President and CEO of Viera BioScience: Stimulation of Angiogenesis by Angiostem T Regulatory Cells Where: Renaissance Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida When: February 25th, 3:25 PM - 3:55 PM 1 http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20101214006406/en/SAGE-GROUP-Reports-2010-Approximately-2.8-Million 2 http://www.smithersapex.com/news/2015/february/coronary-artery-disease-to-drive-$22-5-billion-mar Contact Information Thomas Ichim, Ph.D President and CEO Viera BioScience 858 353 4303 [email protected] SOURCE Viera BioScience Inc. CHICAGO, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Findings from Technomic Inc.'s "Foodservice Prepared Sandwich Category" study show that sandwiches, burgers and other handheld items account for nearly one out of every four dollars spent in the foodservice channel in 2016, totaling just over $205 billion in sales. Out of those items, burgers continue to lead the category with 44% of total US handheld sales, while deli and submarine sandwiches follow at 13% and 11% of consumer spend, respectively. Rising consumer favorites include formats such as tacos, burritos, breakfast sandwiches and wraps. "Burgers and other traditional sandwiches remain the prominent choice for consumers who eat handhelds away from home today," says Dave Henkes, senior principal of Technomic's Advisory Group. "However, with Millennial and Gen-Z consumers growing in spending power and cultural influence, ethnic flavors and non-conventional formats are redefining what Americans typically identify as a standard sandwich. These unique formats and flavors will only grow as these younger populations continue to mature." While proteins and carriers are top of mind for sandwich consumers, other components such as toppings and sauces are convenient pathways by which operators can explore novel flavor profiles, such as spicy, sweet and Asian. Trending flavors include Sriracha and ghost pepper-spiked sauces, ginger, wasabi and chipotle. Additional key takeaways from the report include: While more than half (53%) of all handheld sales occur during the lunch or mid-afternoon daypart, consumers are expanding their sandwich consumption to the morning and other snacking occasions. Proteins and carriers are ranked as the two most important sandwich components by both operators and consumers, with cheeses, toppings and sauces getting much less attention. It follows that focusing on the quality and variety of meats and breads is critical for operators to stay relevant in the sandwich category. Although sandwiches have a natural affinity for on-the-go consumption, operators and consumers note numerous pain points around packaging and delivery, such as cost challenges, temperature control and green packaging to solidify off-premise quality. The complete quantitative study is available for purchase by contacting one of the individuals below. Act now to understand the size and growth of major sandwich and handheld categories, and leverage opportunities to drive incremental growth in this high-value foodservice category. Insights were collected from more than 800 foodservice operators and more than 1,000 consumers through comprehensive surveys, in-depth interviews and interactive discussion boards, with supplemental findings from Technomic's exclusive Digital Resource Library and MenuMonitor tools. Contacts: Purchasing Details: Patrick Noone, 312.506.3852 or [email protected] Press Inquiries: Dave Henkes, 312.506.3927 or [email protected] Report Details: Patrick Egan, 312.506.3923 or [email protected] About Technomic Only Technomic, a Winsight company, delivers a 360-degree view of the food industry. We impact growth and profitability for our clients by providing consumer-grounded vision and channel-relevant strategic insights. Our services range from major research studies and management consulting solutions to online databases and simple fact-finding assignments. Our clients include food manufacturers and distributors, restaurants and retailers, other foodservice organizations, and various institutions aligned with the food industry. Visit us at www.technomic.com. About Winsight, LLC Winsight, LLC is a business-to-business media and information services company specializing in the convenience-retailing, restaurant and noncommercial foodservice industries. Winsight has an extensive media portfolio including four publications, CSP, Restaurant Business, FoodService Director and Convenience Store Products, a suite of digital products including websites, e-newsletters (Restaurant Business Daily and CSP Daily News) and webinars, plus video products, mobile and tablet apps and custom marketing solutions. The Winsight Events group produces six exclusive, large-scale executive-level conferencesRestaurant Leadership Conference, FARE Conference, Outlook Leadership, Convenience Retailing University, FSTEC and MenuDirectionsin addition to more than 12 major EduNetworking conferences and advisory meetings. Winsight recently acquired Technomic Inc., a food industry provider of primary and secondary market information and advisory services. Winsight is a recognized leader in the markets it serves. For more information on Winsight and its brands, go to http://www.winsightmedia.com/. SOURCE Technomic Related Links http://www.technomic.com BALI, Indonesia, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- XL Catlin today announced the launch of a new $500,000 fund to support Early Career Scientists undertaking research into the changing ocean environment. The XL Catlin Ocean Risk Grants are the latest addition to XL Catlin's Ocean Risk programme. They will be awarded to scientists for final year BSc, Masters and PhD research. The announcement demonstrates XL Catlin's commitment to working with scientists to promote a better understanding of the threats to ocean health, as well as their consequences for society, economies and ecosystems around the world. Previously, XL Catlin has partnered with researchers on a series of expeditions which investigated changes in the ocean, including the Catlin Arctic Survey, XL Catlin Seaview Survey and the XL Catlin Deep Ocean Survey. XL Catlin's Chief Experience Officer, Paul Jardine will be further supporting this effort, attending The Economist's World Oceans Summit in Bali between the 22-24 February. Joining the panel on 'Assessing climate-change risk in the ocean', Mr. Jardine will speak on the need for greater understanding about ocean health from those within the risk management community. Speaking ahead of the event, Mr. Jardine said: "Oceans have not featured significantly in climate agreements, but they are driving many changes which have impacts around the world. As re/insurers we need to understand how the planet is changing, and we acknowledge the need to increase the scale of research into our marine environment. We recognise that ocean risks have a bearing on some of the most important challenges of the 21st century including food security, geopolitics, extreme weather and many other areas. They are real concerns for business and policymakers and they cannot be ignored. That is why it is critical that we participate in ensuring the viability and sustainability of investment in the ocean." Continuing, Mr. Jardine said: "By supporting research by the best young marine scientists we are investing in the future of ocean science. Our Ocean Risk Grants represent an exciting new way for us to fund primary research which can make a clear impact in science, policy and beyond." XL Catlin has a long history of investing in ocean science working with important partners such as the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS), the University of Queensland, University of Cambridge and University of Oxford. The research it funded has helped deepen understanding of the dramatic sea ice loss in the Arctic, ocean acidification, ocean warming, and ecosystem degradation. Extensive work on coral reefs has created the most complete digital record of coral health that is freely accessible at the XL Catlin Global Reef Record. A series of research papers continues to be published by the scientists involved in these expeditions. About XL Catlin XL Catlin is the global brand used by XL Group Ltd's (NYSE:XL) insurance and reinsurance companies which provide property, casualty, professional and specialty products to industrial, commercial and professional firms, insurance companies and other enterprises throughout the world. Clients look to XL Catlin for answers to their most complex risks and to help move their world forward. To learn more, visit xlcatlin.com. SOURCE XL Catlin Related Links http://xlcatlin.com SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Zerez Holdings Corporation (OTC PINK: ZRZH) announced today that its subsidiary Next Generation Farming Inc. has entered into a long-term, multi-million dollar sales agreement with Sierra Management Group LLC for Next Generation Farming's "SMART by Design" line of automated greenhouse systems. The initial order for 6 basic model, 30ft x 120ft, 'Quick Deploy System' greenhouses has been placed and paid for in advance. These quick-build models allow the Client to bring 21,600sf of production cannabis cultivation online within weeks. According to Zerez Holdings President John Taylor, "This commitment is about two things. First, this Client recognizes that we actually know what we're doing, and have a world-class product that they can build a business around. Second, it's about people. This Client has seen our Operation, met our people and they believe that our company will do what we say we will do. That's what cultivates long-term client relationships like this one, and we look forward to doing millions of dollars in business with the team at Sierra." Howard Helfant, President of Sierra Management Group LLC, stated, "Prior to being introduced to John Taylor and his team, we were headed down the wrong path, with hundreds of thousands of dollars at stake. We're thankful we were able to meet with John and his team at Zerez/Next Generation Farming. Consulting with them gave us the opportunity to reassess our needs and look at our long-term objectives from an aerial view. Their combined experience, knowledge and expertise helped us regroup and get back on track very quickly. We feel their guidance spared us from experiencing a huge infrastructure mistake other companies had been confident, that from afar, would meet our objectives. Once we did the due diligence on what John and his team were proposing, we were sold. We immediately cancelled the order we had made with a major agriculture company and committed to solely do business with Zerez and Next Generation Farming now, and into the future as we continue to grow our massive Operation." Helfant also added, "With this new plan, we will be up and running within weeks. Then, in late Spring, we'll complete the greenhouses with the Upgrade and Automation Packages designed for the field upgradeable "SMART by Design" series greenhouses." About Zerez Holdings: Zerez Holdings Corporation, (OTC PINK: ZRZH), is a public equity corporation focused on the advanced agriculture and cannabis industries with plans to grow through acquisition, strategic alliances, and proprietary intellectual property. The company's wholly owned subsidiary Next Generation Farming Inc. provides turnkey commercial greenhouse and automation systems that improve yields and decrease water consumption for cultivators of organic food and cannabis crops. The company's websites are www.zerezholdings.com and www.nextgen.farm. Disclaimer: The Company relies upon the Safe Harbor Laws of 1933, 1934 and 1995 for all public news releases. Statements, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The company, through its management, makes forward-looking public statements concerning its expected future operations, performance and other developments. Such forward-looking statements are estimates reflecting the company's best judgment based upon current information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that other factors will not affect the accuracy of such forward-looking statements. It is impossible to identify all such factors. Factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by the company include, but are not limited to, government regulation; managing and maintaining growth; the effect of adverse publicity; litigation; competition; and other factors which may be identified from time to time in the company's public announcements. Contact: Zerez Holdings Corporation Don Smith, Vice President (424) 732-7646 SOURCE Zerez Holdings Inc. Related Links http://www.zerezholdings.com If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Lahore, Feb 19 : At least five militants from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its breakaway faction Jamaat-ul Ahrar (JuA) were killed during a counter-terrorism operation in Punjab province of Pakistan. As many as 205 suspects, mostly Afghan nationals, were also arrested in the past 24 hours in the operation across the province, Dawn online reported. According to The News International, the terrorists killed in Layyah district were planning an attack in Multan. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) carried out a raid on the basis of a tip-off on Saturday, a Punjab Police spokesman said. He also said that those arrested were shifted to undisclosed locations for further interrogation. Two pistols, 78 bullets, one Kalashnikov and one rifle from them. The deployment of security personnel at all sensitive government installations was also increased, he said. The law enforcement agencies shut Bibian Pak Daman shrine following Thursday's bombing at the sufi shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan town of Sindh province. At least 88 persons were killed and over 200 injured in the Islamic State militant group claimed attack. The Daman shrine administrators said they did not know when it would be opened. New Delhi, Feb 20 : In a bid to bring awareness among the youth regarding the growing cyber attacks and cyberbullying, Delhi-based IT risk assessment and digital security services provider Lucideus on Monday launched a first-of-its-kind cyber security course. Titled Cyber Whiz Kids, the course will delve into topics like basics of computers, hardware and software, basics of networking and how computers communicate with each other, smartphones, basics of programming and the security of each one of them. Students from class 8 can enrol for the month-long course of 26 Hours (12 classes and a two-hour exam) that will teach them how to securely create and manage their email inboxes along with a dedicated module on social media security. The course, starting from the first week of April, is priced at Rs 15,000 per student and will include lab practice, classes, certificate and an e-toolkit. "The idea is not only to increase awareness but also show a career path to students who may want to join the information security industry in the future," Rahul Tyagi, Vice President (Training) at Lucideus, told IANS. "The course will increase digital literacy in the country and also significantly reduce case of cyber bullying, phishing, vishing and many such frauds which happen due to lack of awareness," Tyagi added. India unfortunately ranks highest among Asian countries in cases of cyber bullying. Over 53 per cent of the internet-using population in India fall in the age group of seven-20 and have been subjected to cyber bullying in some form or the other. This is in contrast to a sizeable 49 per cent children who face cyber bullying in Bangladesh, 33 per cent in Thailand and 25 per cent in Malaysia, according to a recent Norton Cyber security Insights Report by Symantec. Lucideus also plans to partner with some of the leading schools across the country to conduct smaller seminars and workshops at the school premises for a greater out reach, Tyagi said. Kochi, Feb 20 : The key accused in the abduction of a popular Malayalam actress has escaped, police sources said on Monday. After monitoring his mobile telephone, police found that Pulsar Sunil was in Alappuzha. But before the accused, a driver, could be intercepted, he reportedly gave the slip. Another accused also escaped minutes before the police reached their hideout. But a friend who came to meet Sunil was taken into custody, the sources said. The actress, who was kidnapped on Friday night and then left off, alleged that Sunil committed the crime at the behest of others. Sunil reportedly told her that he had been hired to kidnap her and if she resisted, he would have to use force. The actress was let off near a director-turned-actor's house, from where the police were informed and her driver Martin was arrested. Three days later, the police have arrested three of the seven persons allegedly involved in the crime. On Sunday night, the Malayalam film fraternity gathered here to express their support to the victim. On Monday, messages of support poured in from even Tamil and Hindi film industries. Islamabad, Feb 20 : Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday said that enhanced security arrangements along Pakistan-Afghanistan border were to fight common enemy -- "terrorists off all hue and colour". He was chairing a high-level security meeting at the Army General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. Pakistan and Afghanistan have fought against terrorism and shall continue this effort together, the Inter-Services Public Relation said in a statement. The army chief directed for more effective border coordination and cooperation with Afghan security forces to prevent cross-border movement of terrorists, including all types of illegal movement. Gen Bajwa also welcomed recent proposals from Afghan authorities to take forward the mutual coordination for results oriented efforts against terrorism. Kochi, Feb 20 : The prime accused and two others involved in the abduction of a popular film actress sought anticipatory bail in the Kerala High Court even as police continue to join the dots in the case. E.C. Poulose, counsel of prime accused Pulsar Sunil, told the media here that the bail application will be moved on Tuesday. A police team led by Inspector General P. Vijayan did not reveal details about the investigation but says they have been able to track down all the accused. They have made three arrests and are keeping a close tab on the prime accused and three others. The actress was abducted on Friday night while she was on her way from Thrissur to Kochi. She was dumped near a director-turned-actor's house, from where the police were informed and her driver Martin was arrested. The victim told the police that Pulsar Sunil committed the crime at the behest of others. Sunil reportedly told her that he had been hired to kidnap her and if she resisted, he would have to use force. Sunil has been a driver in the film industry for actors and others for some years. The actress lives in Kochi with her mother. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as well as former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy have told her that everything will be done to see the perpetrators are brought to justice. She has been receiving endless support from the Malayalam film fraternity. Members gathered here to express their thoughts. On Monday, messages of support poured in from even the Tamil and Hindi film industries. Actor Prithviraj Sukuraman said he was supposed to start work with the actress in a week. But the actress has told him she would not like to face the camera so soon and "so is pulling out of the film". "If it's affected her enough to make her stay away from what she loves the most, I can only imagine how harrowing it must have been," he said. Rome, Feb 20 : Taxi unions on Monday urged their members to end a five-day strike over proposed Italian legislation that drivers claim will favour Uber and other car-sharing services. The unions want drivers to suspend the strike at least until a meeting with transport minister Graziano Delrio on Tuesday. "I think this strike is pointless," the head of Italy's Radiotaxi Union, Loreno Bittarelli, told Adnkronos. "It is just creating problems for commuters and handing work to limousine services and to Uber," he said. "The strike should be suspended at least until after the meeting with the minister." The head of Italy's UIL trade union's transport chapter, Alessandro Atzeni, agreed. "We trust the strike will be halted - it is not in the interests of the sector," Atzeni said. Taxi drivers say the legislation, which suspends until the end of 2017 norms to control car-hire and car-share services, helps app-based Uber's "irregular" inroads into Italy's rigidly regulated taxi industry. But supporters of the decree say Italians want greater choice in ride-sharing options. Taxi services will meanwhile continue to be offered to and from hospitals and for the disabled. Washington, Feb 21 : Ivanka Trump, US President Donald Trump's oldest daughter and a Jewish convert, has issued a statement on Twitter calling for "religious tolerance" after a wave of threats against the community, a media report said. Her tweet on Monday was by far the most vocal foray into a public discussion and was made over an issue her allies said she feels personally, New York Times reported. "America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance. We must protect our houses of worship and religious centres. #JCC," the tweet said that was posted after she wrote, and then deleted, an earlier one moments beforehand. Ivanka Trump converted to Judaism before marrying her husband Jared Kushner, an Orthodox Jew, putting her in a position to be a prominent voice at a moment when several anti-Semitic episodes have taken place around the country. Her previous substantive effort in the White House involved convening a women's business council, an event she helped create, when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada visited the President. On Monday, 11 separate bomb scares were called into Jewish community centres around the country. They were the latest in a string of such threats since the beginning of the year. A spokesman for Trump did not respond to an email seeking comment about whether the President would condemn them as well. Trump, a prolific user of Twitter, had not weighed in by late Monday. But he was criticised in the past as slow to condemn anti-Semitic comments, and his candidacy was hailed by White nationalists and White supremacists throughout 2016. On Thursday, at his first lengthy news conference alone as President, Trump was asked by a reporter for a Jewish magazine how the government plans to respond to the increase in such anti-Semitic incidents. The President responded angrily, saying the question was "insulting" and that he was the "least anti-Semitic person in the world". Washington, Feb 21 : Jewish community centres (JCC) in many cities across the US received bomb threats, a media report said. The JCC Association of North America reported that 11 centres received the threats on Monday, The Hill magazine reported. "Our JCCs are strongly rooted in communities across the country," David Posner, Director of strategic performance at JCC Association of North America, said in a statement. Posner said the association is in "regular communication with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is investigating these threats." The White House responded to the latest wave of bomb threats, saying hatred has "no place in the country". "Hatred and hate-motivated violence of any kind have no place in a country founded on the promise of individual freedom," the White House said. "The President (Donald Trump) has made it abundantly clear that these actions are unacceptable." Donald Trump's daughter, Ivanka responded on Twitter by saying, "America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance. We must protect our houses of worship and religious centres." She and her husband, senior adviser Jared Kushner, are Jewish, the magazine reported. The JCC Association of North America reported that since the beginning of the year, there have been 69 incidents at 54 JCCs in 27 states and one Canadian province. However, all threats were determined to be hoaxes. Beijing, Feb 21 : Chinese warships have conducted a drill in the Indian Ocean. "Chinese Navy flotilla carries out high-seas training in east Indian Ocean," Xinhua news agency reported on Tuesday. It gave no further details. China has in the past said India should not consider the Indian Ocean as its own backyard. New Delhi, Feb 21 : The face-off between the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration and the agitating students continued on Tuesday, with the university expressing shock at the "misinformation" being spread by the students community. The university has implored the students, who are protesting its notification on an upper cap on the number of M.Phil. and Ph.D. students a faculty member can guide, to end their "siege" of the administrative block. "...The university's website and media reports have plenty of appeals and requests made by the administration to these students to refrain from unlawful and harmful methods... and come forward for peaceful discussion and dialogue," the premier university of the country said in a statement. It also accused the students of misleading the public by showing their "illogical demands as genuine concerns". It is the 12th day since a hundred-odd students started their occupation of the building, blocking all entries to it and throwing, as the administration alleged, "the entire bureaucratic apparatus out of gear". "The agitators do not care at all when thousand plus contractual labourers suffer because of their agitation, and yet shed crocodile tears by invoking 'social justice' arguments," the statement said. "Do they worry at all when the university has lost huge sums of money, that are actually the country's taxpayers' money, due to their occupation and blockade of the administrative building?" "Do they respect academics, when official papers of faculty and students related to their academic engagements in India and abroad are not processed due to their illegal siege of the office building?" the university said. It also reprimanded the JNU Teachers Association (JNUTA) for supporting the students and taking the matter out of campus instead of approaching the administration. "The JNUTA has not even once given a call for ending the siege of the administration building...," it said. "Some students have resorted to confining top JNU officials for above 20 hours, breaking open the doors and disrupting meetings, putting locks in various School Buildings to prevent classes,... All these incidents ironically are not considered law and order problems by JNUTA!" said the administration. The students decided to "occupy" the administrative block on February 9, following the adoption of a 2016 University Grants Commission (UGC) notification which recommended an upper cap on the number of M.Phil. and Ph.D. students a faculty member can guide. They alleged that the cap would mean a massive seat-cut in the admissions, although the university said it will not happen. Islamabad, Feb 21 : Within days of the Pakistan Army summoning Afghan diplomats to demand action against militants sheltering in Afghanistan and involved in attacks in Pakistan, Kabul has handed over a list of Afghan Taliban militants and 32 terrorist hideouts on Pakistani territory. According to a statement issued by the Afghan Foreign Ministry on Monday, the list was handed over to Pakistani authorities through Kabul's envoy to Pakistan Omar Zakhiwal, seeking action against militants operating on Pakistani soil. "The ministry gave a list of militants and 32 terrorist-training centres operating in Pakistan against Afghanistan, and asked for immediate action against them," said the statement. The statement warned that continued violence would push Kabul to seek international sanctions against "terrorist groups and their supporters". In a separate development, Zakhiwal on Monday said he had a "very positive" meeting with Pakistan Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz. Zakhiwal also said that he had a "constructive" talk with Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Bajwa and expected quick de-escalation of tension between the two neighbours. Talking to the media later, Aziz confirmed that a list was handed over to Bajwa by the Afghan envoy, adding that the overall security situation in the region and border issues were discussed during his meeting with Zakhiwal. The demand from Kabul comes after the Pakistani military targeted militant hideouts near the Afghan border, killing dozens of terrorists and destroying their hideouts, Dawn online reported. Bajwa on Monday also said that Pakistan and Afghanistan would jointly target their common enemy -- terrorists of all hue and colour. The comments clearly contrasted with the earlier tone which bordered on unilateralism. The Pakistan Army had, soon after the suicide attack at the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan town of Sindh province, closed border crossings with Afghanistan and the troops pounded "terrorist targets" across the border. Bajwa had told the US commander in Afghanistan that the Afghan government's inaction against terrorists was testing Pakistan's policy of cross-border restraint. Pakistan had also sent reinforcements to the border and deployed heavy armament. Islamabad, Feb 21 : Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will pay a three-day visit to Turkey starting February 22 for the fifth session of the Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) meeting in the capital Ankara. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that the meeting will be held on February 23 and a high-level delegation, comprising ministers and senior officials, will accompany Sharif during the visit. Sharif is expected to have wide-ranging consultations with the Turkish leadership on bilateral, regional and international issues, Xinhua reported. Together with his Turkish counterpart Binali Yildirim, Sharif would co-chair the HLSCC, a framework for consultations at the highest political level between the two sides with focus on trade, energy, banking and finance, communications and railways, education, culture and tourism. The bilateral HLSCC was established in 2009 and its last session was held in Islamabad in 2015. During the visit, Sharif also plans to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Kuala Lumpur, Feb 21 : Malaysian authorities are waiting for the son of self-exiled North Korean Kim Jong-nam to identify if the man murdered last week at the Kuala Lumpur airport was his father and the half-brother of Pyongyang leader Kim Jong-un, the media reported on Tuesday. Police Chief Abd Samah Mat did not confirm if Kim Han-sol has already reached Malaysia but said so far no family member has claimed the body, according to Channel News Asia. Mat added any family member who claims the body will be taken to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital to identify the remains and provide a DNA sample, and only after positive identification will the body be handed over and the North Korean Embassy will be informed. The police chief's statement comes after a convoy of four unregistered vehicles escorted by around 30 Special Task Force personnel was seen arriving early Tuesday at the hospital. alaysian authorities said autopsy results will be released on Wednesday. Earlier, North Korean Ambassador Kang Chol had said they do not trust the Malaysian probe and had called for a joint investigation into the incident, Efe news reported. He had also accused Malaysia of violating international norms by carrying out the tests without permission from the North Korean authorities. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak denied the allegations and defended the professional expertise of Malaysian police and forensic experts. On February 13, Kim Jong-nam, who was travelling on a diplomatic passport under the name of Kim Chol, was attacked by two women at the Kuala Lumpur airport. The two women, an Indonesian and a Vietnamese, have been arrested. They said they were hired by some "unknown" people to "play a prank" on the victim. The Malaysian police also arrested a Malaysian man and a North Korean chemist while a search and arrest warrant have been issued against four other North Korean nationals. They apparently left for Pyongyang shortly after the alleged murder. Kim Jong-nam was born on May 10, 1971, in Pyongyang, and was the son of the late North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il and actress Song Hye-rim. Kigali, Feb 21 : Vice President Hamid Ansari on Tuesday said India was Rwanda's strong development partner. "We in India see ourselves as a strong development partner to Rwanda. We are already cooperating in sectors such as solar electrification, food processing, skill development and hydropower projects," Vice President Hamid Ansari said in an address at the University of Rwanda here. "India's engagement with Africa has its own unique script, based on what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called 'strong emotional link' defined by our shared history of struggle against colonialism and our aspiration to bring prosperity to our people," Ansari said. Ansari is on a visit to Rwanda from February 19-21. Speaking on the outcome of the visit of the Rwandan President Paul Kagame to India, Ansari said: "During President Kagame's recent visit, an understanding has been reached for a new line of credit worth $80 million for a road project. We are also committed to continuing and enhancing the provision of scholarship for training of Rwanda civilians and defence personnel under various technical cooperation and cultural cooperation programmes." Kagame was on his maiden official visit to India from January 9-11. During his visit, both sides agreed to raise the level of bilateral cooperation to a strategic partnership and India extended a $120 million credit to bring over 41,190 hectares of cultivable land under irrigation in the African country. On the bilateral trade between the two nations, Ansari said: "Our bilateral trade has doubled over the last five years, but as $106 million, remains modest and much below its potential. Rwanda has a dynamic economy and ranks highly in the ease of doing business, providing many incentives for inventors." On Indian investments in the African agriculture sector and its market potential in India, he said: "The growing middle-class in urban India can become a dependable consumer for African food processing Industry." "India provides a long-term, stable and profitable market to the goods and services that Africa generates. For India, Africa has the potential to become a major contributor to our energy security and food security requirements. This is a 'win-win' situation." "The quantum of Indian investment in Africa has increased in recent years and is presently estimated to be about $35 billion, with a large part of it concentrated in Southern and Eastern Africa," he added. India has announced concessional credit of over $10 billion for Africa, over a period of next five years. New Delhi, Feb 21 : Delhi Lt. Governor Anil Baijal on Tuesday directed the concerned agencies to control road dust, coal dust and fly ash to contain air pollution in the city. LG also ordered greening of the pavements along the roads and the central verges to reduce air pollution. Baijal issued these directions in a meeting to review the condition of air pollution in the national capital where he advised the departments to work out a plan to secure a long term solution to the issue of deteriorating air quality in Delhi. "In the meeting, road dust was pointed out as major source of pollution and road owning agencies were asked to deploy mechanical sweeping equipments to control it," an official at the LG office told IANS. The officials also added that the civic bodies and the Public Works Department (PWD) promised to procure and deploy additional mechanical sweeping equipment by the end of April and July months, respectively. The meeting was attended by Delhi Environment and Forest Minister Imran Hussain, Director General, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) Sunita Narain. The officials of PWD, New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), the three municipal corporations, Delhi Police, traffic department, transport, industries and power departments were also present in the meeting. "In the meeting Lt. Governor said that pollution generated by loose soil especially by the side of road and central verge should be controlled by intensifying greening these areas," the official said. In the meeting it was directed that all construction industries should be asked to use fly ash and fly ash bricks compulsorily by way of building in contract conditions, as per relevant notification of the central government. Directions of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regarding pollution control including strict action against visibly polluting vehicles , prevent parking of vehicles in non-designated areas, prohibition of burning of leaves, garbage etc should be followed strictly. Baijal also asked Delhi Chief Secretary to look into the matter of rationalizing locations of bus depot for interstate buses in the city. He said that construction and demolition waste removal from site and its final disposal should be made a condition in the contract. Sydney, Feb 22 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived here on Wednesday amid controversy over his policies towards Palestine. The four-day official visit to Australia is the first by a sitting Prime Minister of Israel, EFE news reported. "We admire Australia, we embrace Australia and this visit will enable us to bring our countries even closer," Netanyahu told the media after arriving at the airport. Security has been tightened here in the face of planned demonstrations against his visit and Israeli policies. Netanyahu will discuss with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull issues such as the creation of two states as a solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. He is also expected to sign bilateral agreements on technology research and air services and explore further cooperation in areas such as cybersecurity, innovation and science. Israel considers Australia's conservative government an ally, as it has recently criticised the UN Security Council resolution condemning the country's settlements in the West Bank and in East Jerusalem. Turnbull has welcomed Netanyahu and reiterated his criticism of the UN for its recent resolution condemning Israel, while reaffirming that his government defends the creation of two states to resolve the Middle East conflict. In contrast, 60 prominent Australian personalities, including former Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers, signed a statement this week denouncing Israel's failure to comply with the UN demands to stop illegal settlements and its treatment of the Palestinian population. Netanyahu's visit comes after the Israeli parliament passed a law to legalise about 4,000 houses built on Palestinian land in West Bank settlements. It also comes as US President Donald Trump after meeting the Israeli Prime Minister said peace in the Middle East does not necessarily lead to the creation of a Palestinian state. Following these statements, the UN reiterated its stance supporting the creation of two states as a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a position also supported by Australia. Washington, Feb 22 : US President Donald Trump has denounced anti-Semitism after facing criticism for not coming out strongly enough against recent threats directed at US Jewish centres, the media reported. "The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community are horrible and are painful and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil," Trump said on Tuesday. The President's comments came after touring the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture here, ABC News reported. "This tour was a meaningful reminder of why we have to fight bigotry, intolerance and hatred in all of its very ugly forms," Trump said. Trump's Jewish daughter Ivanka Trump tweeted: "America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance. We must protect our houses of worship and religious centre." Many people however said Trump's statement was "too little, too late acknowledgement of anti-Semitism" and was "not enough". Panaji, Feb 22 : Overkill as well as rising temperatures in the western Indian Ocean is driving down the numbers of the world's most valuable fish, the tuna, suggests research conducted by an international team of scientists, including those from the Goa-based National Institute of Oceanography. A joint research paper on reduction in marine primary productivity driven by rapid warming over the tropical Indian Ocean also calls for monitoring of warming patterns of the Indian Ocean water in the future. "Available data show that the tuna catch rates in the Indian Ocean have declined by 50-90 per cent during the past five decades. Increased industrial fisheries is a major cause for such a huge decline," the recently published research paper says. "However, the reduced phytoplankton may add up as a potential stress factor in the recent decades, and exploiting a resource that may be in decline can tip it over to a point of no return," it adds. The annual catch of tuna in the Indian Ocean is the biggest as compared to other major oceans and is estimated at around Rs 3,000 crore. The tuna haul in the Indian Ocean accounts for nearly 20 per cent of the world tuna catch. The hauled fish, once processed is exported to Europe and Americas and is a popular canned food. The research paper, however, claims that decreasing volumes of marine phytoplankton -- a micro-algae consumed by small fishes and responsible for breaking down carbon dioxide in the sea water -- due to rising temperatures in the western Indian Ocean region is also taking a toll on the tuna catch. "Large-scale distribution of these dominant species of tunas are associated with the phytoplankton availability and abundance. The need to understand the long-term trends in phytoplankton blooms in response to the rising temperatures can hardly be overemphasised," says the paper. "However, the reduced phytoplankton may add up as a potential stress factor in the recent decades, and exploiting a resource that may be in decline can tip it over to a point of no return," it further adds. According to another study conducted by the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation, the catch of the popular yellowfin tuna hauled from the Indian ocean has shrunk by around 19 per cent from a record 5,30,000 metric tonnes in 2004. New Delhi, Feb 22 : The Delhi Congress on Wednesday attacked the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on the issue of regularising unauthorised colonies across the national capital, saying it has failed to regularlise even one in the past two years. Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee President Ajay Maken told media here that the AAP had promised to regularise all the unauthorised colonies within one year after coming to power, but two years have passed and it has not fulfilled its promise. "The regularisation and transformation of unauthorised colonies and giving ownership rights to the residents was on Agenda No.56 of the 70-point programme of the AAP," he said, adding that nothing has been done till now. Maken said the unauthorised colonies in Delhi are being meted out step-motherly treatment by both the AAP government and the BJP-ruled MCDs. The Congress leader also criticised Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not attending office for a long time. "Kejriwal's heart is not in Delhi," Maken added. He announced that the Delhi Congress will hold a day-long convention of 'pradhans' (chiefs) of unauthorised colonies at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium on February 26, in which all the issues affecting the unauthorised colonies would be discussed and an action plan chalked out. Paris, Feb 23 : Two aides of Marine Le Pen, far-right National Front candidate for the presidential election, were placed into custody over allegations of misusing European Parliament funds, media reports said. Le Pen's bodyguard Thierry Legier and her assistant Catherine Griset were detained on Wednesday and investigated over salaries they received from the European Parliament for their work as Le Pen's parliamentary assistants, Xinhua news agency reported. The custody came two days after police raided the headquarters Front National Party in relation with an inquiry into alleged misuse of European funds to pay party staff. The European Parliament has accused Le Pen of paying party staff working in France with European Union (EU) funds worth 340,000 euros ($357,000), after she claimed they were European parliamentary assistants. In December 2016, French prosecutor opened an investigation for breach of trust, fraud and forgery following the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) initial findings. Le Pen, whose presidential bid is gaining momentum, dismissed any wrongdoing and described the affair as "a political plot". Pollsters say the 49-year-old lawyer was likely to win the first round of voting on April 27. However, she would lose the run-off in May to whoever should be her opponent, although she narrowed the gap on her main rivals the conservative Francois Fillon and the centrist ex-economy minister Emmanuel Macron. Styling herself as "the candidate of people", Le Pen pledged to slash migration, send homes all illegal migrants and impose taxes on the job being done by foreigners. Geneva, Feb 23 : Russia has formally asked the Syrian government to temporarily halt military operations in areas of the country included in the ceasefire for the duration of the UN-backed peace negotiations, said the UN special envoy to Syria. Representatives from Syria's government and the armed opposition were due to meet at the UN's Geneva headquarters on Thursday to begin roundtable discussions mediated by UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura, Efe news reported. De Mistura acknowledged that he does not foresee immediate solutions from the meeting, but rather that it represented the beginning of a series of diplomatic negotiations aimed at restoring peace in the Arab nation. He said opposition leaders were also asking rebel fighters on the ground to halt military procedures in order to avoid provocations while the peace talks were ongoing. A fragile ceasefire put in place at the end of December 2016 involved President Bashar al-Assad's army and several large rebels groups. It excludes hardline Islamist factions such as the Islamic State terror organisation and the al-Qaida offshoot Nusra Front, which has changed its names several times and now flies the banner of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham. The Geneva talks are to follow on from similar discussions in the Kazakh capital Astana that were conducted under the auspices of Russia, Iran and Turkey who all have a hand in the conflict. Most international interlocuters on the Syrian subject have urged a political solution to the war, advising that a military one would only prolong the suffering and fuel the extremist group who benefit from the tumult. The Syrian Civil War was now entering its sixth year, having already claimed 400,000 lives according to UN estimates. Bangkok, Feb 23 : The North Korean Embassy in Malaysia called for the immediate release of the suspects detained in relation to the alleged murder in Kuala Lumpur of Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Malaysian police have not found any evidence implicating the three detained -- one Indonesian, one Malaysian and a North Korean -- in the nine days that have passed since the incident, Efe news cited a statement by the Embassy. "They (the police) should immediately release the innocent females from Vietnam and Indonesia as well as a DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Ri Jong-chol who was arrested unreasonably," the statement read. The Embassy argued that the police investigation was based on CCTV footage from the Kuala Lumpur airport in which one of the women appeared to apply poison on the victim's face with her hands, and questioned how it was possible for the suspects to still be alive after the incident. "This means that the liquid they daubed for a joke is not a poison and that there is another cause of death for the deceased," the statement added. According to Malaysian police, the two women at the airport knew they were dealing with a toxic product and they had earlier visited commercial centers in the city to practice how they would apply poison on the victim. On February 13, Kim Jong-nam, who was travelling on a diplomatic passport under the name of Kim Chol, was apparently attacked by two women at Kuala Lumpur airport, later dying on his way to the hospital. The South Korean government has maintained that Kim Jong-nam was assassinated by the communist regime in Pyongyang. The petition from the North Korean embassy comes on the same day that Malaysian police requested to interview two North Koreans, including an official at the embassy in Kuala Lumpur, in connection with the suspected murder. Malaysian authorities, who are yet to formally identify the victim, have not yet clarified the cause of death but are expected to release the autopsy results Wednesday. New Delhi : Johannesburg, Feb 22 (EFE) A South Africa court declared that the decision taken by the government to withdraw the country from the International Criminal Court (ICC) as unconstitutional and invalid, as it has not been debated or voted by parliament. The government of the African country on Wednesday notified the UN of its intention to leave ICC in October; a move that the High Court in Pretoria described as premature and irrational, Efe news reported. The court concluded that the government does not have the power to take this action without parliament's endorsement. The ruling was issued on Wednesday following an appeal by the opposition Democratic Alliance party, however the government can still file a counter appeal. South Africa had justified its decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute (the founding treaty of ICC) on the grounds that it was in conflict with its national law on diplomatic immunity and adversely affects its international relations. The now annulled decision of South African President Jacob Zuma is at the forefront of measures taken by other African countries to leave ICC, including Kenya, Burundi and Gambia. The leaders of these countries accuse ICC of pursuing African leaders exclusively and serving neocolonialist interests. The Pretoria government openly challenged ICC in 2015, when it refused to arrest Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who travelled to Johannesburg to attend an African Union summit. Budapest, Feb 23 : The Hungarian government announced a decision on a proposal to withdraw the candidacy from the 2024 Olympic Games in Budapest, addressed to both the Budapest City Hall and the National Olympic Committee, media reports said. "The Olympic Games are a national cause for Budapest and Hungary. According to our experience, unity is necessary to represent national causes. This unity between the leaders of the country and the parties was real at the time of the presentation of the bid, reflected in the decisions of the Budapest City Hall by a majority of 92 per cent, and of the Parliament by a majority of 80 per cent," Xinhua news agency quoted the resolution of the government as saying on Wednesday. According to the Hungarian government, this unity has been disintegrated in the last months, for which the opposition parties are to blame. The national cause of the Olympic Games became a political party affair, for which the opposition parties are liable, who turned their backs on the former decision, the government added. As the necessary unity in Budapest has been lost, the bid of Budapest lost all of its chances,the government said. "In such a context, the only responsible decision is that if the city of Budapest and the National Olympic Committee do not maintain their bid. That is why the government of Hungary proposes to withdraw the candidacy from the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic games in Budapest," the government said. Los Angeles, Feb 23 : Flooding in the California city of San Jose forced authorities to order the evacuation of 14,000 people due to the rising waters of Coyote Creek, media reports said. According to information provided on the San Jose City Hall Web site, the evacuation was ordered late Tuesday evening and is still in effect on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported. The National Weather Service said on Wednesday that the water level in Coyote Creek will continue to rise on Wednesday morning, but it is expected to begin subsiding in the afternoon. In remarks to the daily Los Angeles Times, NWS meteorologist Roger Gass emphasized the magnitude of the flooding by saying that estimates are that such an event occurs only once every century. Local media showed images of emergency services personnel using boats to rescue local residents endangered by flooding along streets in the area. After years of serious drought, California is experiencing a very wet winter with exceptionally heavy and continuous rainfall all over the state. Last Friday, a powerful storm lashed the state causing at least five deaths, authorities said. In addition, the historic rains caused damage to spillways at the Oroville Dam, located some 250 kmnortheast of San Francisco, leading authorities on February 12 to order the evacuation of some 200,000 people from the zone below the dam given the risk that it might overflow. Srinagar, Feb 23 : An army soldier and a woman were killed and six other armymen including two officers were injured when militants ambushed security forces in Kashmir's Shopian district on Thursday. "Militants ambushed and fired at the army in Chitargam village of Shopian district today morning," police said here. "The army was returning after carrying out a search operation in Kungoo village when they were ambushed by the militants," police added. One army Jawan and a woman were killed and in the attack, while six other army personnel including a lieutenant colonel and a major have been injured. The injured have been airlifted to Srinagar for treatment. Reinforcements were immediately rushed to surround the area and trace the militants. Mexico City, Feb 23 : US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson arrived in Mexico ahead of talks with President Enrique Pena Nieto in a bid to "soothe tensions" between the two nations, a media report said. Tillerson, accompanied by Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly arrived on Wednesday and are slated to will hold meetings on security, immigration, trade and the border with Pena Nieto and other officials, the bulk of which take place on Thursday. According to sources, Tillerson will attempt to smooth over tensions sparked by brash rhetoric, plans to build a border wall, and most recently the Department of Homeland Security's new immigration guidelines, NBC News reported. The plans unveiled on Tuesday would consider almost all undocumented immigrants subject to deportation, and includes sending those who enter the US illegally via the southern border back to Mexico, even if they were not from there. Mexico's lead negotiator with the Trump administration, Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray, said on Wednesday ahead of Tillerson's arrival that there was no way Mexico would accept the new rules. "I want to say clearly and emphatically that the government of Mexico and the Mexican people do not have to accept provisions that one government unilaterally wants to impose on the other," he told reporters at the foreign ministry. "We also have control of our borders and we will exercise it fully," he said. Roberto Campa, who heads the human rights department of the Interior Ministry, said the plan to deport non-Mexicans to Mexico was "hostile" and "unacceptable". However, White House press secretary Sean Spicer on Wednesday denied that Tillerson's trip to Mexico wwas an effort to repair any ill will created by the new president, reports NBC News. He described the relationship between the two countries as "phenomenal right now". "I would argue that we have a very healthy and robust relationship with the Mexican government and Mexican officials," Spicer told reporters during the daily press briefing. "And I think they would echo that same sentiment." Last month, a planned visit by Pena Nieto to the White House was cancelled in the wake of a fiery spat over which nation will pay for Trump's border wall. The pair later spoke by phone after the cancellation, calling the conversation "constructive and productive". Widespread anti-Trump protests were held in 18 cities across Mexico earlier this month. Cities in the US held a "Day Without Immigrants" protests to showcase the importance of immigrants. Washington, Feb 23 : US Vice President Mike Pence made a surprise visit to a historic Jewish cemetery in Missouri state to condemn a vandalism that took place there, a media report said. "From the heart, there is no place in America for hatred or acts of prejudice or violence or anti-Semitism," he said on Wednesday. Pence called Missouri's response to the incident "inspiring" while standing next to Eric Greitens, the state's first Jewish governor, The Hill magazine reported. Vandals toppled over 100 headstones on Monday at the Chesed Shel Emeth Society cemetery in University City, a suburb of St. Louis. Pence decried the vandalism as "a sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil". The vandalism occurred on the same day that 11 Jewish community centres across the country received phoned-in bomb threats, the magazine said. The calls, which have all turned out to be hoaxes, have targeted 54 community centres in 27 states so far this year. Federal investigators are looking into the threats. Washington, Feb 23 : The White House announced that it was is delaying the release of a revised executive order on travel and refugees until next week, an official said. The official did not provide any explanation for the delay, The Hill magazine reported. On Tuesday, White House policy adviser Stephen Miller told Fox News that the new order will largely resemble the old one, but that the changes will be "mostly minor technical differences". On Wednesday, Miller stressed that the revisions, though minor, will help the policy pass legal muster. He did not provide further details about what the changes will entail, but said they would result in "a new and different executive order". "The executive order will be fully responsive to the courts - though any changes are of course very technical and legal in nature, the significance of the changes will be quite substantial," he said in an email to The Hill. "Again: any judges reviewing the order will find it wholly and completely responsive." The original order issued on January 27 banned refugees and immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the US. It also halted refugee resettlement for 120 days and banned Syrian refugees indefinitely. The order sparked mass protests and confusion at airports, and US courts have temporarily blocked the ban. New Delhi, Feb 23 : India's largest telecom service provider Bharti Airtel on Thursday announced that it has inked a definitive agreement to acquire Telenor (India). The company said in a statement that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Telenor South Asia Investments Pvt Ltd to acquire Telenor (India) Communications Private Limited. The acquisition is subject to requisite regulatory approvals. The cost of the acquisition of the shares are yet to be finalised. As per the agreement, Airtel will acquire Telenor India's running operations in seven circles - Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh (East), Uttar Pradesh (West) and Assam, the telecom giant added. Kolkata, Feb 23 : Tabla player Abhiman Kaushal, who features in the Grammy Award winning eponymous album by Los Angeles-based band White Sun, says he "naturally gravitated" towards their music -- interpretations of yogic mantras. Exhilarated at the win, the Hyderabad-born Kaushal says the honour offers a platform to Indian musicians to go beyond boundaries and seek "meaningful collaborations" complementing the nation's heritage. "My collaboration with White Sun began a few years ago when Gurujas, who is the golden voice of White Sun, approached me to record with them. From the initial meeting, I knew instantly that this will indeed be a collaboration unlike any I have done in the past. "I naturally gravitated towards the music which culminated in something very special," the Los Angeles-based Kaushal told IANS via email. "As it is an inherent feeling for a performer that anything which touches him or her musically will deliver the same to the recipient, I felt every song is a winner and the Grammy reiterates it," he said. The band comprising Gurujas, Hari Jiwan Singh Khalsa and Adam Berry, clinched the Grammy for their sophomore album "White Sun II" featuring Kaushal, kora player Mamadou Diabate, and the Punch Brothers' violinist Gabe Witcher. Dubbing the collaborators as a "family", Kaushal went on: "This recognition does give a pedestal to musicians in India to go beyond their boundaries and seek meaningful ventures which complement the heritage while acknowledging the wide wings of collaboration." Kaushal represents the Farukkabad and Lucknow styles of tabla and says he was influenced by stalwarts such as Ustad Zakir Hussain, in addition to his gurus. "I first and foremost consider myself a tabla player of Hindustani music. I began at a young age under the tutelage of my father R.B. Kaushal who himself was a disciple of the legendary Ustad Amir Hussain Khan. Later, belonging to Hyderabad, I was blessed to be accepted by the highly revered Ustad Sheikh Dawood and his senior-most successor Pandit B. Nandkumar," he recounted. In fact, so strong was the pull for learning tabla, that he gave up formal education. "I began to think of tabla more seriously when I turned 14 and then it became an obsession with me which compelled me to stop education midway when I was 16 years old and pursue the path of tabla," he said. Kaushal recorded three albums with Pandit Ravi Shankar and toured extensively with the master throughout the US, Europe, and Asia. Besides his rich body of collaborative work, he has to his credit soundtracks for National Geographic's "Maneaters of North India" and the movie "Zoolander", among others. When he is not belting out traditional and progressive rhythmic compositions on stage, Kaushal loves to teach a large and diverse student body at UCLA's Ethnomusicology Department. "While sustaining an active performing career, I find the role of teaching tabla at university level highly invigorating as you get to share your art form with an international body of students. "Teaching made me more introspective about our culture and protocols surrounding tabla, helping me to shed appropriate light on the nuances of our art forms," said Kaushal, the Director of Tabla at the department. His students, he feels, if taught with passion, may "dwell deeper into tabla or become our future audiences for Indian classical music" in their respective countries of origin. Basking in the Grammy glory, Kaushal is looking forward to his solo album and some major concerts. A trip home is also on the cards. "I plan to return to India some time this year to work on various projects, some of which are classical-based and some of which are experimental," he revealed. He says tabla is taking a "more prominent global role" as it is incorporated into so many different genres, such as Jazz, Rock, Western Classical, Hip Hop, African, Chinese, Persian music and, of course, the ubiquitous Hollywood movies. Kaushal also batted for inclusion of music into school and college curriculums. "While I feel artists definitely get added attention when they win accolades on a world platform, I feel back home in India our music is thriving with many wonderful music festivals, concerts and government-supported events. "I am optimistic more concert platforms will open up to sustain the amazing gifts of numerous artistes in India. I do earnestly hope our rich music gets into the curriculum of schools and colleges to be imbibed by a wider body of practitioners who will carry it further," he added. (Sahana Ghosh can be contacted at sahana.g@ians.in) Tokyo, Feb 23 : A Japanese court on Thursday ordered the central government to pay over $260 million in compensation to residents living near a US airbase in Okinawa over aircraft noise. The Naha district court's Okinawa branch handed down the ruling, public broadcaster NHK reported. Some 22,000 residents from five municipalities around the US Kadena Air Base, the largest US base in Far East Asia, filed suit against the state in 2011. They demanded compensation for damages and the suspension of flights during the night and early morning. They said aircraft noise disrupted their sleep and caused health damages. The government argued that there was no concrete proof of noise causing health problems. Presiding Judge Tetsuya Fujikura acknowledged almost all the plaintiffs' claims of damages caused by aircraft noise. The judge said noise from the base has been an issue since around 1970. However, the government has failed to take major steps to deal with the problem, allowing unlawful noise pollution to continue. But the judge turned down the residents' request to ban flights. He said that under the Japan-US Security Treaty and other agreements, the government was not in a position to regulate US military aircraft operations. Lawyers for the residents say it is the largest amount the government has been ordered to pay in a lawsuit over noise from bases, the public broadcaster added. It exceeds the previous record, for a lawsuit over noise from the Atsugi airbase shared by US forces and Japan's Self-Defence Forces near Tokyo. Plaintiffs in that trial were awarded nearly $80 million in damages in December 2016. Lucknow, Feb 23 : Hundreds of thousands of people on Thursday voted across 53 constituencies in the fourth phase of assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, officials said. After a slow start, voting picked up in constituency after constituency, Election Commission officials said. An estimated one crore people are eligible to vote on Thursday. Average voting in the first four hours ranged from 23 per cent at Kaushambi to 35 in Allahabad. Other places which saw brisk or high voting included Mahoba, Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Lalitpur and Rae Bareli, the Lok Sabha seat of Congress President Sonia Gandhi. Officials also reported long queues of men and women voters in Fatehpur, the Lok Sabha constituency of union minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Jalaun and Hamirpur. Skirmishes erupted in Pratapgarh between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) activists and in Mahoba between workers of the ruling Samajwadi Party and the BSP. Prominent among those who voted early were West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, BJP state chief Keshav Prasad Maurya, union minister Niranjan Jyoti, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari and his daughter Aradhana Mishra, the Congress candidate from Rampur Khas in Pratapgarh. Samajwadi Party candidate Siddha Gopal Sahu's son was shot and seriously injured at Mahoba. In Bundelkhand region, people boycotted polling in some villages. The fourth phase is especially significant for the Congress as it won only six seats from among these constituencies in 2012. This time, the Congress has struck an alliance with the Samajwadi Party -- the two parties are contesting 298 and 105 seats each. Electronic Voting Machines developed snags in at least a dozen places, disrupting balloting. A total of 680 candidates are in the fray, including 61 women. But the main battle is between the BJP, the BSP and the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance. The seven-phase Uttar Pradesh election began n February 11 and will end on March 8. The results from the state as also Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur will be known on March 11. Ankara, Feb 23 : Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted a family dinner here in honour of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan and Begum Kalsoom Nawaz also joined the Wednesday dinner at the residence of the Turkish President, Geo TV reported on Thursday. Sharif, who arrived here on Wednesday on a three-day visit, will take part in the fifth meeting of the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) on Thursday. He will co-chair the meeting with his Turkish counterpart Binali Yildirim. A number of MoUs are expected to be signed. "(Sharif's) visit to Turkey ... would further deepen the time-tested, unparalleled and historic ties between the two brotherly countries and would impart a strong impetus to their flourishing cooperation in diverse fields," the Pakistan Foreign Office said. Sharif's delegation to Turkey includes Minister for Petroleum Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir and Sharif's Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi. Sharif will also hold talks with Erdogan on bilateral, regional and international issues and visit the Turkish Parliament. Washington, Feb 23 : Scientists are reworking plans for the arrival on Thursday of the SpaceX Dragon cargo craft after its docking with the International Space Station was aborted early Wednesday morning, NASA said. SpaceX on Sunday launched its 10th cargo mission to the space station from the historic Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) -- originally built for the Apollo/Saturn V missions -- at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Dragon cargo craft carrying about 2,500 kg of experimental equipment and supplies as part of the mission was scheduled to be docked at the space station on Wednesday morning. But the Dragon's computers received an incorrect navigational update, triggering an automatic wave off. "Dragon was sent on a 'racetrack' trajectory in front of, above and behind the station for a second rendezvous attempt Thursday," NASA said. Dragon is in excellent shape and neither the crew nor the station were in any danger, the US space agency assured. Expedition 50 commander Shane Kimbrough and Thomas Pesquet on Thursday will oversee the Dragon capture operations at around 6 a.m. EST (4:30 PM Thursday India time). New Delhi, Feb 23 : India has some of the most polluted cities in the world. It also needs to create jobs. So it is not rocket science to figure out that tackling pollution and shifting investment towards renewables will help India's economy. For this, the Indian government needs to provide a conducive legislative framework and its financial markets and outside investors need to step in, says United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Erik Solheim. "With Indian firms like Infosys and Tata getting on board, it's easy to see where the market is going," Solheim told IANS in an exclusive online interview from Bali, Indonesia, where he is attending a global environmental conference. "This is something that speaks for itself. This kind of engagement will also help unlock some of the challenges, particularly around financing," said Solheim, who believes corporate sourcing of renewable electricity can be a major driver of the transition to a robust, zero-emission economy. "We're looking at a $150 billion investment opportunity. To facilitate this, we need two things to happen: Firstly, the government needs to provide a conducive legislative framework -- at the very least a level-playing field. Secondly, India's financial markets and outside investors will need to step in," Solheim, a former Norwegian Environment Minister, said. About India's commitment to source 40 per cent of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, an optimistic Solheim said: "I was enormously encouraged to see India's rapid ratification of the Paris Agreement." "We have to remember that we're in the midst of a revolution here. Five or 10 years ago, the kind of commitments and changes we are seeing today in India would have been unimaginable." "But here we are today -- with bold targets, a clear commitment and what I'm convinced is sincere leadership. We're also seeing unprecedented engagement by India's private sector, not only locally but also regionally and internationally. I'd go as far to say that India could quite feasibly surpass its targets," the UNEP chief said. Solheim, who is inspired by the life and thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi, said prices of solar and wind renewables have already plummeted in recent years, so the technology is now far more accessible than ever before. "Solar pricing has come down roughly 80 percent in the past five years, so the market is already providing some answers. Again, we need to see a level-playing field for renewables and barriers removed. This will be crucial for India because off-grid renewable energy solutions are essential if we want to see universal access to electricity." For Solheim, who has spent his lifetime fighting for the environment, the energy landscape is transforming in China -- one of the world's fastest-growing economies. He is optimistic that China will achieve its targets within the set time frame. "For China, there are bold targets and huge challenges, but we're also seeing enormous progress. Like in India, there is the challenge of getting away from coal-fired power plants. But also like in India, there's a huge air quality problem in the big cities, and popular demand for change," he said. "A fundamental shift has taken place in Chinese thinking, much in the same way that a shift is taking place in India. China is concerned with not only economic growth but also the quality of that growth. In this respect I'm hugely excited to see the possibilities of both Chinese and Indian leadership." Solheim foresees that the cost of adapting to climate change in developing countries could rise to between $280 billion and $500 billion per year by 2050. "Climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation are the two issues here. Mitigation means reducing emissions and obviously here the big polluters need to take big steps to narrow the emissions gap." "On adaptation, it's the poorer nations that will be bearing the brunt of climate change and which will need support," he said. Advocating promoting onsite renewable technology, he said Kochi airport in Kerala is a terrific example in this regard. "There are great examples of grid-level solar and wind farms like the new 648 MW solar farm in Kamuthi (in Tamil Nadu) or local solutions that feed excess capacity back into the grid, as well as the multiple off-the-grid solutions." In terms of the technologies available, solar and wind are not the only players, he said. "In Kenya, we're seeing remarkable growth in geothermal (energy). Elsewhere we're seeing growth in biofuels." "So we have ultimate flexibility in solutions and their scalability and deployment -- from big cities to the smallest villages. The beauty is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution but rather a range of solutions that can fit any budget," he explained. Moreover, renewable resources create between three to six times more jobs than fossil fuels or nuclear energy for the same amount of electricity produced. In the US, for example, more people are employed in solar power sector than in coal, gas and oil electricity generation combined, he said. For Solheim the motive of companies shifting to clean energy is not important. "What's important is the action and the result. In fact, I'd go as far to say that I'm even more encouraged when I hear of a company making a shift to renewables because it sees bigger profits there. That reinforces our message that the green economy is not about sacrifices but about opportunities," he said. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in) Washington, Feb 23 : US officials plan to enter a closed camp site near the Dakota Access Pipeline on Thursday following the arrest of 10 people after a deadline to leave the area expired. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum said the remaining 25 to 50 or protestors holding out in the Oceti Sakowin camp site will be allowed to leave without being arrested so that contractors can continue cleaning up the protest site near the controversial 1,886-km-long pipeline, CNN reported. "You know that our big ask for tomorrow (Thursday) is anyone remaining in the camp, we want to make sure that they know they have an opportunity to voluntarily leave," Burgum said. "Take your belongings, remove anything that may be culturally significant and we'll help you get on your way if you need to do that." The 10 people who were arrested on the highway on Wednesday outside the camp near Cannon Ball, North Dakota, had refused commands to leave the area, the officials said. About 100 protestors voluntarily left before the 2 p.m. deadline which was issued by Burgum on February 15 to allow private contractors to remove waste from the Oceti Sakowin camp area, CNN said. The order said warm temperatures have accelerated snowmelt and increased the risk of flooding, and that those in the flood plain are at risk of personal danger. Oceti Sakowin was the main camp closest to where the pipeline will go underneath the Missouri River. At the peak of protests, the camp's population climbed to as many as 10,000 people. The $3.7 billion pipeline is slated to stretch through four states -- from North Dakota into South Dakota, winding through Iowa and ending in southern Illinois. It is expected to move 470,000 barrels of crude oil a day across the Midwest. The project is completed except for the contested portion under North Dakota's Lake Oahe, half a mile upstream from the Standing Rock Sioux tribe's reservation. The fact that Lake Oahe is located in Indian reserve land also prompted the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to object, saying the project threatens the tribe's "way of life, water, people and land". The pipeline moved forward last month after President Donald Trump signed executive actions advancing its approval. Taipei, Feb 23 : China is trying to block Taiwan from diversifying its foreign direct investments, including to India, because Beijing wants the East Asian island nation's investments to be restricted to mainland China, a Taiwanese minister has said. The self-ruled island nation is seeking to diversify its investments under a new foreign policy billed as "New Southbound Policy" that seeks to engage more closely with 18 Asia-Pacific countries, including India. "Beijing will try to block our New Southbound Policy only because they will like to see Taiwanese investments to go to mainland China and not to diversify our outgoing investments," Taiwan's First Deputy Minister for Mainland Affairs Council Cheng-yi Lin said in response to a question by IANS during an interaction with a group of journalists here on Wednesday. "Our relationship with mainland China and our New Southbound Policy are equally important for Taiwan and we are not competing with the PRC (People's Republic of China)," Lin stated. The 18 countries with which Taiwan seeks to have closer investment ties include India and five other South Asian nations, the 10 member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), and Australia and New Zealand. The policy was adopted after President Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) assumed power in 2016. According to the guidelines of the new policy, it "is a crucial part of Taiwan's economic and trade strategy". "As an important member of both Asia and the Asia-Pacific region, Taiwan must respond to changing global conditions and the trend toward regional integration by making appropriate adjustments," the guidelines state. "The New Southbound Policy has been adopted in order to identify a new direction and a new driving force for a new stage of Taiwan's economic development, and to create future value." "We can offer another dimension of the story to the Taiwan economic development, also Taiwan contributing to the region," Minister Lin said. The island nation is the world's 22nd-largest economy and was dubbed one of the four Asian tigers in the late 20th century, the others being Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea. Lin's comments come in the wake of a visit to India of a Taiwanese delegation that included three women parliamentarians earlier this month resulting in a sharp reaction from Beijing. During the course of the visit, China lodged a protest and asked India to honour its commitment to the "One China policy". Beijing also said that New Delhi should be cautious in dealing with Taiwan. New Delhi responded saying that no political meaning should be read into the Taiwanese delegation's visit. "Such (Taiwanese) informal groups have visited India in the past as well for business, religious and tourist purposes," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said following Beijing's remarks. "I understand that they do so to China as well. There is nothing new or unusual about such visits and political meanings should not be read into them." In his interaction with the media on Wednesday, Lin said that mainland China has been benefiting from Taiwan's investments since 1990. "Any other country in the region too should have the opportunity to have Taiwanese investments," he said. "For example, India." Lin said that compared to other countries in Southeast Asia like Vietnam, Malaysia or Indonesia, Taiwanese investments in India have been "very low". (Aroonim Bhuyan is visiting Taiwan at the invitation of the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He can be contacted at aroonim.b@ians.in) Mumbai, Feb 23 : The ruling Shiv Sena appeared all set to retain control over the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), India's biggest and richest civic body, but it seems that BJP has got along till their neckline, as results of the eager-election finally come out. The civic body has so far declared results for 225 of the 227 electoral wards of Mumbai. Of these, the Shiv Sena has a tally of 84 seats, followed closely by the BJP with 80 seats. Counting for two electoral wards is still underway. These are Kalbadevi in South Mumbai where BJPs Atul Shah is in close contest with the Senas Surendra Bagalkar, and Kandivali in the citys north where BJPs Surekha Patil is leading with Senas Anupama Ambekar in the second position. This is likely to lead to another bitter round of tussle between the two parties who will have to either join hands or aggressively compete with each other for tacit support from other parties and independents to win power. Either of the two parties will need 114 seats to stake claim to the Mayors post. BJP Mumbai chief Ashish Shelar said, We have the support of a few independents, and are confident of emerging as the party with the highest number of seats in the BMC. Among other parties, the Congress has won 31 seats, a far cry from the 52 seats that the party won in 2012. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has won in nine wards, the Samajwadi Party in six, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena in seven, and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in three. Besides, four seats have gone to independent candidates, while the Akhil Bharatiya Sena has clinched one. Stunned by the outcome, Mumbai Congress President Sanjay Nirupam offered to resign from the post. Buoyed by its imminent victory in Mumbai, Shiv Sena supporters celebrated across Mumbai. The BMC had an annual budget of Rs 37,000 crore in 2016-17. Canberra, Feb 23 : Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has accused Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu of "torpedoing" peace negotiations in the Middle East. The first Israeli PM to visit Australia, Netanyahu had earlier criticised Rudd and another former Labour Prime Minister Bob Hawke for saying that Australia should recognise a Palestinian state, the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported on Thursday. Netanyahu had dismissed the remarks by both leaders, saying: "What kind of state will it be that they are advocating? A state that calls for Israel's destruction?" Rudd took to Facebook on Wednesday to respond to Netanyahu, and said the Israeli leader sabotaged US peace talks "by changing the goalposts" often at "five minutes to midnight". "The boundaries, internal security, external security, public finance and governance of a Palestinian state have been elaborated in detail in multiple negotiations with the US under the Clinton, Bush and Obama administrations, most recently in the Kerry Plan. Netanyahu knows these formulations like the back of his hand," Rudd said. Rudd said he was a life-long supporter of Israel and had publicly campaigned against anti-Semitism. But he added that "to support the state of Israel does not mandate automatic support for each and every policy of Netanyahu". The Israeli leader is in the middle of a four-day visit to Australia, with current Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull as his host. Turnbull called Israel a "miraculous nation" in a warm meeting with Netanyahu on Wednesday. The Israeli leader thanked Australia for defending his nation against UN resolutions. Meanwhile, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop on Thursday rejected the suggestion that Australia follow over 130 countries that recognise Palestinian statehood, instead she urged direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians in order to reach a two-state solution with "internationally recognised boundaries", the Sydney Morning Herald said. Beijing, Feb 23 : China has announced some of its top universities will face inspections to ensure they are running in line with the ideology of the Communist Party of China, as part of a government campaign to reinforce its control over the academic sector. The new measure will cover 29 universities, including the prestigious Bijing University, Tsinghua University -- both located in the capital -- according to a statement published late Wednesday by the CPC's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. In the statement, the commission called for following the principles mentioned by President Xi Jinping during a speech in December, in which he asked the central universities to adhere to the party's leadership, which requires that higher education must be guided by the principles of Marxism, Efe news reported. The new measure aims to ensure the universities follow the CPC's leadership, with Xi as their core leader, and will also monitor possible cases of corruption in the universities, and other government and provincial organisations and institutions, added the statement. The commission, headed by Wang Qishan is among the principal organisations in Xi's anti-corruption campaign. Several experts consider the campaign -- launched by Xi immediately after he took office -- to be a tool to crack down on opposition and consolidating his power. All universities in China are under the control of the CPC, essentially the Chinese government, which strictly monitors the selection processes and ensures the education standards comply with the government guidelines. Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 23 : Kerala Governor P. Sathasivam on Thursday termed demonetisation by the Centre as one of the most devastating catastrophes in India's financial history. The Governor's comment came at the opening address in the first assembly session of the year. "On November 8, 2016, the Government of India came out with a wildly impulsive version of demonetisation that simply and selectively took Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes out of circulation," he said describing the last four months. Criticising the Centre for not putting in place a system to replace the scrapped currency, he called the measure "ostensibly" put and "bandied about as a means to flush out black money in circulation". Continuing his attack on the Narendra Modi government's move, Sathasivam called the curbs put on money withdrawals over Rs 24,000 per week from bank accounts as "draconian". He said the rights that were safeguarded by the Constitution were thrown to the winds through a mere executive fiat overnight. A former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Sathasivam also pointed out that 86 per cent of the money in circulation was sucked out in the process. "The Reserve Bank of India -- that has to function as our independent monetary authority -- was also compelled to be a silent partner acquiescing to this travesty," the Governor added. He slammed the Centre's move as a "ill-conceived decision". Sathasivam said that the Centre did not weigh its implication on the poor, the lower middle class, the salaried and the wage earners prior to its application. He said that the Centre did not even consider it worthy of any serious analysis. Credit and debit card holders with access to net banking managed to hold up through the crisis, however, the vast teeming majority of less fortunate Indians scrambled from pillar to post for the currency that they needed for their daily existence, he said. He added that heart-rending stories from various parts of the state continued to pour in. "The entire cooperative structure which is the major backbone of the agricultural economy of the state was immobilised overnight," Justice Sathasivam added. In Kerala, more than a third of the bank deposits are in the cooperative sector. "...There has never before been such a frontal attack on the cooperative sector... There has never been any single other instance of expropriation of the purchasing power of a population of this magnitude," the Governor added. The biggest question that Kerala has to address was how long it would take for the cooperative banking system to be back on the rails, Sathasivam said, pointing out that his government was determined to stand by the cooperatives. Imphal, Feb 23 : A tribal wowman and a suspected militant were killed and the latter's accomplice was wounded in a fierce gunfight in Manipur on Thursday, police sources said. The injured militant, suspected to be a member of a Nagaland-based outfit, was captured while combing operations were on in the area. The sources said 2/5 Gorkha Rifles men came under fire during a search operation at Khoupum in Noney district in the early hours of Thursday. In the ensuing gunfight lasting over 10 minutes between the security men and the militants, the woman and one militant were killed. Police said the woman was identified as Adingu Rongmei. Additional forces have been rushed to the spot. Mumbai, Feb 23 : Sharad Kelkar will be seen doing a cameo in the upcoming historical periodic drama "Sher-E-Punjab: Maharaja Ranjit Singh". The actor says the reason he said yes is because it delves into the Sikh community. The story of Maharaja Ranjit Singh on the Life OK show will begin with the introduction of Sharad's character in the very first episode. "I generally don't accept cameo roles and so I had initially rejected even this show. However, after hearing the narration of the sequence, I changed my mind and said yes. Reason being, this is the first time that a show is made on the Sikh community," Sharad said in a statement. The actor, who will also play antagonist in actor Sanjay Dutt's comeback film "Bhoomi", says he is obliged to play a Sikh man's role for the viewers, who love him as an actor. "As well as for the viewers of the Sikh community who will be proud of the show. If you ask me, despite not being from the Sikh community, it's a matter of pride for me to play the role of Banda Singh Bahadur and I am looking forward to it," he added. Asked if he would do cameos in the future, Sharad said: "No, this was an exception." Chandigarh, Feb 23 : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday made it clear that no water from Punjab will be allowed to flow to Haryana. Senior AAP leader and MP Bhagwant Mann, in a statement here, said the AAP, which he said is expected to form government in Punjab, would not allow any water to flow to Haryana because Punjab has no extra water. "The AAP is firm on its stand and would take all legal and political steps which would be required to resolve the river waters issue," Mann said. Cautioning the people of Punjab and Haryana against the "dangerous designs of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) who are blowing the issue of Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal out of proportion to create law and order problem for political motives", Mann said the INLD call for digging of the SYL canal was politically motivated. Mann questioned the INLD why they kept quiet on SYL canal issue for 10 years when the SAD was ruling Punjab. "The SAD is going out of power and the INLD suddenly decided to dig the SYL canal. The move is to create problems for the next government in Punjab," Mann pointed out. The INLD led a march on Thursday to the Punjab border to start the digging work of the SYL canal. Mann said the SAD and the Congress were mainly responsible for selling Punjab river waters to Haryana. He said Parkash Singh Badal who was Chief Minister in 1978 had allowed his Haryana counterpart Devi Lal to conduct survey for the SYL Canal. Assembly elections in Punjab were held on February 4 for 117 seats. The counting of votes will take place on March 11. Mumbai, Feb 23 : Automotive lighting solutions major Hella India Lighting (HILL) on Thursday informed that it has been bestowed with the 'Auto Component of the Year award by a leading automobile magazine. According to the company, the award was won at the Auto Components India's first-ever awards ceremony which was recently held in Mumbai. "This coveted award not only underlines our excellence in brining many first lighting solutions to the country but also in raising the standards of safety, reliability and styling for the industry at large," Ramashankar Pandey, Managing Director of Hella India, was quoted as saying in a statement. "The award shall also go a long way in strengthening our OEM partners' confidence and our suppliers too." The company is part of the global Hella Group which develops and manufactures lighting technology, electronic components and systems for the automotive industry. HILL produces state-of-the-art technology products which are manufactured at their Derabassi plant, near Chandigarh. New Delhi, Feb 23 : A discussion on the Corporate Social Responsibility policy in India will be on the agenda at this years India at 70: London School of Economics India Summit. 'India at 70: LSE India Summit', the annual flagship summit of London School of Economics' South Asia Centre, commemorates 70 years of India's independence this year, and will be held between March 29 -31 at Stein Auditorium in the India Habitat Centre here. The narrative of this session will follow a complex course, with questions of intent, ethics, and integrity, the organisers said. The session titled, "Does Forced Philanthropy Work -- CSR in India" will be moderated by Professor Harry Barkema, and will have Mukund Rajan (Chairman, Tata Council for Community Initiatives), Onkar S. Kanwar (Chairman and CEO, Apollo Tyres), Anu Aga (former Chairman, Thermax) and Rahul Bajaj (Chairman, Bajaj Group), who will debate whether compulsory government guidelines on socially beneficial initiatives is the best approach. 'India at 70' is part of the India-UK Year of Culture 2017, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then UK Prime Minister David Cameron in 2015. New Delhi, Feb 23 : INS Betwa was salvaged to its upright position using complex hydrodynamic calculations and rigging, the Indian Navy said on Thursday. The guided missile frigate slipped while undocking at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on December 5, 2016 and, according to an Indian Navy statement, the initial stabilitsation of the ship was achieved on December 29. After that, on January 16 a contract was signed with Resolve Marine to set the ship upright. "The Indian Navy is confident that with in-house expertise and sustained efforts, the ship will be made fully operational by her scheduled date of refit completion, which is by April 2018," the statement said. The process employed to get the ship on even keel involved "complex hydrodynamic calculations and rigging up of intricate measuring and monitoring systems", the statement said. As the ship was undergoing major refit and mid-life up-gradation since April 2016, majority of the equipment and machinery had already been removed for routine servicing and replacement with upgraded equipment. The vessel was undergoing a refit at the dry dock in the naval dockyard in Mumbai when it slipped during undocking, or the process of re-floating a ship back in water, on December 5, killing two naval personnel and injuring 14 others. The frigate slipped from her dock blocks and tilted. Officials initially said it appeared that the dock block mechanism had failed. A Board of Inquiry headed by Flag Officer, Offshore Defence Advisory Group, Rear Admiral Deepak Bali was ordered to look into the incident. INS Betwa -- inducted in the navy in July 2004 -- was part of Task Force 54, tasked to evacuate nationals of India as well as those from Sri Lanka, Nepal and Lebanon married to Indian nationals from the conflict zone during the 2006 Lebanon war, as part of Operation Sukoon. Kuala Lumpur, Feb 23 : Malaysia has asked Interpol to put out an alert for four missing North Korean suspects wanted in connection with the death of Kim Jong-nam, the police said on Thursday. Malaysian Inspector-General Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the police had also formally requested an interview with the North Korean embassy's Second Secretary Hyon Kwang-song, who is wanted for questioning in the case, CNN reported. Kim Jong-nam, the half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, died last week after a suspected poisoning while on his way to catch a flight to the Chinese territory of Macau from Kuala Lumpur Airport. North Korea furiously denied any involvement in Kim's death, according to a report in the country's state media KCNA. According to KCNA report, a spokesman for the Korean Jurists Committee said the responsibility for Kim's death lay with Malaysia, as he had died on their territory, and criticised the investigation. "If you look at Malaysian police's investigation from crime investigation perspective and legal perspective, everything is full of weak points and contradictions," KCNA quoted the spokesman as saying. Interpol notices were issued to the police in 190 different countries to help track fugitives and share information about wanted criminals, CNN report said. The Malaysian police previously said the four suspects who are the subject of the alert were believed to be back in Pyongyang. In addition to the four suspects, the Malaysian police named the North Korean embassy's second secretary and a state airline official, who they said were wanted for questioning over the killing of Kim Jong-nam. Both are believed to still be in Malaysia. Bakar said the North Korean embassy wouldn't be searched as they had diplomatic immunity. New Delhi, Feb 23 : Police said on Thursday that the incidents of violence at Ramjas College here will be investigated by the Crime Branch for "a fair probe". Special Commissioner of Police S.B.K. Singh made the announcement while addressing hundreds of students protesting outside the Delhi Police headquarters here. "I will not keep the investigation in the police station (Maurice Nagar). It will be probed by the Crime Branch for a fair probe," Singh said. His reference was to the Maurice Nagar police station which has jurisdiction over Delhi University. Singh told the protesters, many from the Left-leaning All India Students Association (AISA), that a desk would be set up to receive complaints and the video footage of Wednesday's incident. He urged the student community to cooperate with the police in the investigation. Largescale violence erupted at the Ramjas College in Delhi University campus when ABVP activists first foiled a seminar where a key speaker was a JNU student arrested last year for sedition and then attacked students and others taking out a protest. Many journalists were also injured. AISA supporters claimed that police stood mutely when the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) went on the aggression and, in some cases, ended up attacking those very students targeted by the ABVP. Singh said only one First Information Report (FIR) was filed after the incident as per law. "As both sides received injuries, we registered the FIR. But it was not filed against any individual. All evidence will be evaluated. Every aspect will be investigated before taking any action." The officer said police had conducted medical examination of 25 injured persons, including students from both the ABVP and AISA, as well as eight policemen. Singh, the senior most officer in charge of the area where the violence occurred, said he was not aware who ordered a lathi-charge on students and others at the campus. The officer regretted the attack on the media and promised to suspend the guilty police personnel. "I have asked some journalists to give me video footage of the lathi-charge. Our motive is to punish the guilty," he said. "The policemen found guilty will be suspended." Some Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University teachers also joined the protest outside the police headquarters, condemning what they said was police inaction vis-a-vis the ABVP. The two-day event at Ramjas College on Tuesday and Wednesday was cancelled after the ABVP forced the organisers to withdraw the invite to Ummar Khalid, dubbing him "anti-national". New Delhi, Feb 23 : To explore business opportunities for India, Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar will be on a three-day visit to Tunisia, an official said on Thursday. "During the visit, the Minister of State shall discuss a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues of shared common interest including the strengthening of cooperation in the fertiliser sector. India has very cordial bilateral relations with Tunisia," said a Ministry of External Affairs release. "The economic cooperation between the two countries is deepening with Indian investments in the fertiliser sector. The visit takes place in the context of further strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Tunisia," the release said. Akbar, during his stay, will be meeting Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi and the Foreign and Energy ministers. The Minister's visit to the north African country will be from February 26-28. He is expected to interact with the business community to identify potential areas of trade and investment. He will also deliver a keynote address on India's foreign policy at the Tunisian Institute of Strategic Studies. Last year, Vice President Hamid Ansari visited Tunisia from June 2-3. He was accompanied by Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Hansraj Gangaram Ahir and four Members of Parliament. Chennai, Feb 23 : Environmental activists and retired judges say that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Isha Foundation in Coimbatore to unveil the 112-foot face of Lord Shiva would legitimise illegal constructions by the organisation. Modi will unveil what is said to be the largest sculpture of the face of Lord Shiva on the planet, at 6 p.m. on Friday, the Mahashivaratri day. "Several cases are pending in Madras High Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) against Isha Foundation for carrying on unauthorised construction on a large scale," said M. Vetri Selvan, an advocate and a member of Poovulagin Nanbargal, an environmental NGO. The Isha Foundation was founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. "The state government authorities have even issued demolition notices for constructed buildings to Isha Foundation. The foundation did not secure building permission from the Hill Area Conservation Authority (HACA) for various constructions," Selvan added. He alleged that even the 112-foot face sculpture of Lord Shiva does not have necessary permission. Justice (retd) D. Hariparanthaman of the Madras High Court told the media on Wednesday that the Isha Foundation has illegal constructions measuring several lakhs of square feet and Modi's visit to that place may hinder justice. According to Hariparanthaman, the Town and Country Planning Department itself has told the Madras High Court in 2013 that 13 lakh sq.ft is the extent of illegal construction by Isha Foundation. A notice to stop work was issued to the foundation in December 2012. "The visit of the Prime Minister to Isha Foundation, which is mired in illegalities in the form of illegal buildings facing demolition notices issued by the government of Tamil Nadu, may amount to interfering with the administration of justice," Selvan added. Selvan said Poovulagin Nanbargal has written to Modi, requesting him not to participate in the Mahashivaratri celebrations at Isha Foundation on February 24, organised by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. The letter says he has illegally constructed buildings to the extent of about 1,25,000 sq.m. at the Velliangiri Hills in Coimbatore. According to Selvan, the various pending cases speak volumes about the illegalities committed by Isha Foundation at various levels. "The day-to-day activities of Isha Foundation, as admitted by the authorities of the State of Tamil Nadu in the writ petitions, are within the realm of violation of various statutes including the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, Environment (Protection) Act, and the Forest (Conservation) Act," Selvan said. When contacted by IANS, an official of Isha Foundation dismissed the allegations, saying that there is no illegality in the constructions. In its blog on February 18, 2017, Isha Foundation said: "The accusations laid down in the petitions filed against Isha Foundation in the Madras High Court are frivolous and a compilation of twisted allegations." "We have obtained the approval of the necessary authorities, including the District Collector, Coimbatore, the Forest Department and BSNL," the foundation said. The National Green Tribunal on February 17, 2017, admitted an application filed by Selvan for a permanent injunction restraining Isha Foundation from conducting the Mahashivratri festival and other cultural extravaganza within the buffer-zone of the adjacent forest. A structural stability certificate from a government certified engineer has also been obtained for the 112-ft sculpture. "A No Objection Certificate from the District Collector of Coimbatore for using wetlands for non-agricultural purposes has also been obtained. So the question of violation does not even arise," the blog by the foundation adds. The Tribunal has listed the hearing of the application for March 23, 2017. New Delhi, Feb 23 : Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley would leave on Friday morning for a five-day visit to Britain during which he will hold a businesses interaction with UK-India Business Council and deliver a lecture at London School of Economics, an official statement said. "Union Minister for Finance Arun Jaitley will leave early morning tomorrow on a five day official visit to London UK from February 24-28. On Saturday (February 25), the Finance Minister will deliver a talk at London School of Economics on 'Transforming India: Vision for the Next Decade'," said a Finance Ministry statement here on Thursday. "On February 26, Jaitley will attend a reception being organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci), British Council and Indian High Commission at UK," it said. On February 27, he will perform market opening ceremony at London Stock Exchange followed by a roundtable meeting with prospective issuers and leading investors and fintech leaders among others. Later in the day, he will have business interaction with over 100 senior business leaders from the UK-India Business Council (UKIBC). Later, the Finance Minster will meet British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. The Finance Minister will also attend a reception being hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in the evening on that day, it said. On February 28, Jaitley will also meet with his UK counterpart, the Chancellor of Exchequer. "Thereafter, the Finance Minister will meet with CEOs at a meeting being organised by the Confederation of British Industry before leaving back for home in the evening on the same day," it added. Jaitley will arrive in the national capital early morning on March 1. Kolkata, Feb 23 : Manufacturers of corrugated boxes used in packaging of FMCG products, on Thursday said the most of the units belonging to the MSME sector are facing challenges due to lack of demand arising out of demonetisation and steep increase in price of raw materials. "The demon of demonetisation had hit the industry hard due to fall in demand for corrugated board boxes on account of slow movement of FMCG and other consumer goods. "At a time when the industry was looking forward to a pick up in a demand, the situation has further worsened since January 2017 with the paper mills in rest of India, increasing the prices of the primary raw material - kraft paper by about Rs 3,000 per tonne," said Eastern India Corrugated Box Manufacturers' Association president Milan Kumar Dey. "The very survival of the industry is at stake owing to the north ward movement of the prices of Kraft Paper and other costs," Dey added. He also said the cost of human resources, freight, overheads and other inputs such as stitching wire, gum, printing ink, binding cloth, etc. have also witnessed an extensive increase in the last few years, leading to a direct impact on conversion costs by 50 to 60 percent. Manufacturers sought increase of prices of corrugated boxes and government's intervention to reduce or waive customs duty on imports and implement a scientific waste management system. New Delhi, Feb 23 : Congress President Sonia Gandhi, who has not campaigned for the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls this time due to ill health, on Thursday in a video message appealed to the people of Amethi and Rae Bareli to vote for the party. In her message, which came a day after she sent out an appeal to voters in a letter, Sonia Gandhi said: "Serving you all is a matter of pride for me and my family. Rae Bareli and Amethi are an integral part of life and existence. Your and I share a special relationship, which is the biggest treasure of my life." Five seats in Rae Bareli and two in Amethi went to the polls on Thursday, the fourth phase of the Uttar Pradesh elections. Rae Bareli and Amethi are represented by Sonia Gandhi and her son, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, in the Lok Sabha respectively. In her letter on Wednesday, Gandhi had addressed voters of the two constituencies and appealed to them to vote for the Congress candidates. In the video message Sonia sounded exhausted. This is the first time the Congress chief has skipped campaigning for the party that she has headed since 1998. Hitting out at the Narendra Modi government, she said: "Today the entire country is fed up of the Modi government's misgovernance. Farmers are facing heavy losses, youth are searching for employment and women are fed up with everyday price rise." "The shops of small traders are closing down, Dalits are living in an atmosphere of fear and hopelessness," she added. Urging the voters of the two constituencies to vote for Congress candidates, Sonia Gandhi said: "Once again the entire country is looking towards you (people). You all have always supported me. In this election too you have to vote for the Congress candidates and ensure their overwhelming victory. I urge you to vote for Congress and support my resolution and sentiment." She made no reference to the Congress alliance with Uttar Pradesh's ruling Samajwadi Party. Fifty-three constituencies are polling on Thursday in the fourth phase of staggered assembly elections in the state. Sonia Gandhi has not been seen much in public for the past few months due to ill health. In August last year, she was forced to call off her mega public rally in Varanasi on the first day itself after she collapsed and had to be hospitalised. Mumbai, Feb 23 : Amitabh Bachchan will not be able to attend the reception of UK-India Year of Culture, a "rare invitation" of which was sent to the megastar by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh. Amitabh was invited by the royals for a special reception to launch the UK-India Year of Culture later this month. His publicist said in a statement: "Yes, Mr Bachchan has been given a rare invitation by Queen Elizabeth and Buckingham Palace to grace the UK-India Year Of Culture reception, but unfortunately due to prior commitments, he will be unable to attend." Currently, the actor is gearing up for the launch of "Sarkar 3" trailer, scheduled for the first week of March. His upcoming projects include Ayan Mukerji's tentatively titled "Dragon", Kabir Khan's production, "Thugs Of Hindostan" and "Aankhen 2". Lucknow, Feb 23 : Voting ended on Thursday evening in the fourth phase of assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh covering 53 seats in 12 districts with a large turnout out of the one crore electorate. With Thursday's round, polling in 262 of the 403 constituencies spread across western and central Uttar Pradesh as well as Bundelkhand region has been held. Three more rounds of voting are due. After a slow start, balloting picked up rapidly everywhere, Election Commission officials said. A total of 680 candidates were in the fray, including 61 women. But the main battle was between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance. Huge polling was reported from districts in Bundelkhand region - Mahoba, Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Hamirpur, Banda, Jalaun and Lalitpur where people stood in serpentine queues to vote. But residents of some villages boycotted the polls to protest lack of development and basic amenities. Balloting in Rae Bareli, the Lok Sabha constituency of Congress President Sonia Gandhi, was brisk through the day. Prominent among those who voted in the fourth phase were West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, Union Minister Niranjan Jyoti, BJP state chief Keshav Prasad Maurya, Congress' Rajya Sabha member Pramod Tiwari and his daughter Aradhna Mishra, the party candidate from Rampur Khas in Pratapgarh. Officials reported long queues of men and women voters in Fatehpur, the Lok Sabha constituency of Niranjan Jyoti. Polling was by and large peaceful. Skirmishes erupted in Pratapgarh between BJP and BSP activists and in Mahoba between workers of the ruling Samajwadi Party and the BSP. Samajwadi Party candidate Siddha Gopal Sahu's son was shot and seriously injured at Mahoba. The Electronic Voting Machines developed snags in at least a dozen places, disrupting the election process. The fourth phase is especially significant for the Congress as it won only six seats from among these constituencies in 2012. This time, the Congress has struck an alliance with the Samajwadi Party -- the two parties are contesting 298 and 105 seats each. The seven-phase Uttar Pradesh election began on February 11 and will end on March 8. The results from the state as also Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur will be known on March 11. Chandigarh, Feb 23 : Scores of INLD leaders and supporters were on Thursday detained by the Punjab Police at the inter-state Shambhu barrier, 10 km from Ambala in Haryana, as their plan to start digging for the controversial SYL canal ended peacefully. Among those detained for violating orders prohibiting any gathering of five or more persons on Thursday evening were Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) Secretary General Abhay Chautala, state INLD President Ashok Arora, party legislators and several others. Some protesters, carrying hand-held agricultural implements, carried out symbolic digging at the Shambhu barrier itself and completed the party plan. The INLD activists originally planned to visit Kapoori village in Patiala district, 18 km from Shambhu, to dig at an SYL canal site. The INLD activists were not allowed to move through the barrier put up by the Punjab Police at Shambhu, which is the gateway to the state from Haryana in the area. "We had warned the protesters that if they violate the law, they would be detained," Patiala Range Deputy Inspector General of Police Ashish Chaudhary said. The administration had invoked Section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure and banned any assembly of five or more persons in the border belt of Patiala district. Heavy security was put in place by authorities in Ambala district of Haryana and Patiala district of Punjab. The border in both districts was sealed by security forces. "We wanted to hold our protest peacefully. Since the the Bharatiya Janata Party governments at the Centre and Haryana are not doing anything to bring river water through the Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal, we had to stand up for the rights of Haryana's people and launch this fight," Chautala said as he was detained. Hundreds of INLD activists earlier managed to go right up to the Shambhu barrier after breaking the barricades set up by the Haryana Police between Ambala city and the Punjab border. Riding tractor-trolleys, minitrucks and other vehicles, the supporters of the INLD, the opposition party in Haryana, headed towards the Shambhu border. INLD's Haryana unit President Ashok Arora drove one of the tractor-trolleys carrying Abhay Chautala, who gave the call for digging the Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal, a vital source of water and irrigation of farmlands in haryana The entire stretch of National Highway No.1 between Ambala in Haryana and Rajpura in Punjab was sealed by security forces in both the states since morning in the wake of the INLD protest. At the barrier, police personnel of both Punjab and Haryana and paramilitary forces remained on high alert to stop the INLD supporters from moving into Punjab. Security forces donned anti-riot gear and were equipped with riot-control vehicles and other equipment. Thousands of people, especially motorists, moving between the two states faced inconvenience on Thursday since the busy highway that links Delhi with Amritsar was sealed. Traffic was diverted via other routes, a Punjab Police officer said. The NH-1 is taken daily by thousands of motorists to commute between Punjab and Delhi through Haryana and vice versa. "I have already walked for three km to proceed to Ambala. I don't know if we will get any transport ahead," said Surjit Kaur, who works in Ambala and travels from her village near Rajpura town in Punjab. Border areas in Ambala and Patiala districts, in Haryana and Punjab respectively, were on high alert. "We had to travel from Karnal to Patiala for some important work. The 2-hour journey took us nearly five hours due to diversions on the NH-1. We had to go via Chandigarh and other places. Why should common people suffer over the politics of certain political parties?" angrily asked businessman Nakul Sharma. The situation along the border was also monitored from the air by a Punjab government helicopter and several drones. The INLD activists and leaders earlier gathered at the Subzi Mandi Ground in Ambala before moving towards Punjab. Following a Presidential Reference, the Supreme Court on November 10, 2016, held as "unconstitutional" the passage of the Punjab Termination of Water Agreements Bill, 2004, by the Punjab assembly. The legislation terminated all water-sharing agreements between Punjab and its neighbouring states, thereby jeopardising the construction of the SYL canal. The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked both states to maintain law and order due to INLD march to "dig" the canal. The apex court also asked Punjab to honour its earlier orders on the construction of the river water channel. Agartala, Feb 23 : Four policemen were injured as opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday organised a civil disobedience movement here to demand a probe by the CBI and ED into the activities of illegal NBFCs and chit fund organisations in Left-ruled Tripura. Over 6,000 TMC workers led by top party leaders, including West Bengal's Minister of State for Panchayat and Public Health Shyamal Santra and MLA (Salboni) Srikanto Mahato, participated in the agitation. A large number of security forces, led by Deputy Inspector General of Police Uttam Majumder and West Tripura district police chief Abhijit Saptarshi, were deployed to deal with the agitation. "Four policemen were injured in the scuffle with the agitators," Saptarshi told IANS. TMC's Tripura unit President Ashish Saha said over 14 lakh depositors were cheated by various Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and chit fund organisations, including Rose Valley. "Without the probe by CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) and ED (Enforcement Directorate) the actual irregularities and wrongdoing would not be unearthed," Saha told reporters at the agitation spot near Raj Bhavan. The opposition party held the civil disobedience movement in support of their 11 demands, including withdrawal of demonetisation of high-value notes, restoration of tribal sub-plan schemes by the Centre, an end to crime against women in Tripura and government jobs to unemployed youths in a transparent way. TMC legislator Sudip Roy Barman alleged that Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, his ministers and leaders of the ruling Left Front in Tripura are responsible for flourishing activities of these organisations. "Sarkar promoted the business of Rose Valley; his party colleagues, including two ministers, are either involved or promoted the business of NBFCs and chit fund organisations," Barman told reporters here. He said: "The CBI and the ED are taking action against TMC parliamentarians and leaders in West Bengal but both the agencies are not acting in Tripura." He claimed a tacit understanding between the CPI-M (Communist Party of India-Marxist) and the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government. He said they will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ask for CBI and ED probes. Denying the TMC charges, CPI-M state Secretary Bijan Dhar said Tripura was the first state to enact laws to curb unlawful activities of chit fund companies and NBFCs and had repeatedly asked the CBI to investigate. "The TMC leaders have no issue. They are playing an old record just to misguide the people," Dhar told reporters. The Communist Party of India-Marxist is a dominant partner in the Left Front that comprises four parties. The Tripura High Court last year asked the state government to set up a Special Investigation Team to probe illegal NBFCs and chit fund organisations. Meanwhile, SIT head and Tripura's Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) K.V. Sreejesh told the media that the SIT is now probing 78 cases involving 48 NBFCs and chit fund organisations and had arrested 112 persons. "We have seized bank accounts and attached properties of most of these organisations. We will soon complete our probe," the officer added. In 2013, the Tripura government referred 37 cases relating to chit fund companies and NBFCs to the CBI. The central probe agency, however, took up only five cases. Mumbai, Feb 23 : Actress Sushmita Sen who has been away from the big screen for quite some time now, says her comeback to films should make the audiences happy. At the launch of 145 All Day Cafe and Bar here, Sushmita said: "I have been saying this for quite a long time... When I will be back on big screen, the audiences should be happy. They should say, 'Now that's called a comeback and we really like her'. "So, fingers crossed. This year, we should make that happen." The former Miss Universe judged the Miss Universe pageant held in Manila earlier this year. Sharing her experience, she said: "It was a fantastic experience. After 23 years, it was feeling of going back to the roots. Being a judge of Miss Universe pageant was an exemplary experience and I am very proud of the fact that they had an Indian judge." Asked about her beauty secret, the 41-year-old Sushmita said: "I think people give too much importance to the age factor. Ageing isn't a new thing and everybody has to go through it at some point of time. I want to age gracefully and enjoy the process." Sushmita made her last big screen appearance in a Bengali film "Nirbaak". New Delhi, Feb 23 : Dangwimsai Pul, wife of late Arunachal Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, on Thursday withdrew her letter to Chief Justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar, saying the Supreme Court can't deal with it on the judicial side as it came within administrative sphere of the top court. Dangwimsai said the letter should have been dealt with on the administrative side as she had sought permission from the Chief Justice to lodge an "FIR on the basis of the allegations of corruption contained in the suicide diary of my late husband" Kalikho Pul who allegedly committed suicide on August 9, 2016. Her counsel told the apex court that she will approach Vice President Hamid Ansari since President Pranab Mukherjee too finds a mention in her husband's suicide note. Kalikho Pul, in his 60-page note, alleged corruption by politicians and a few higher judiciary functionaries. Senior counsel Dushyant Dave, appearing for Dangwimsai, told the bench of Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and Justice Uday Umesh Lalit that they should not hear the matter and if the bench insisted on hearing the matter she (Dangwimsai) will not participate. "If you insist on hearing the matter, we will not participate in it," Dave told the bench and said "we will like to know from the Registry how this matter is listed on the judicial side". "We want to know from the Registry if the CJI had directed it", Dave said, wondering "how has the Registry taken upon itself to list the matter on the judicial side". As Dave insisted on withdrawing the letter addressed to Chief Justice Khehar on February 17, Justice Lalit said: "You ignited the matter." Dave responded: "On the administrative side." Dave said the letter sought permission for the registration of an FIR. "This is an administrative requirement. We are surprised it has been listed on the judicial side." "It is something that calls for an extraordinary independent investigation. It is sending out a poor message," Dave told the bench adding that "we are worried and anxious" and "let no one have any doubt about the institution". As the bench objected to Dave referring to top court order to decline a probe into the Birla-Sahara papers naming some top politicians as alleged recipients of corporate money, Dave said: "The court should know what is troubling us." To buttress his argument that the request for permission for the registration of an FIR should have been dealt with on the administrative side alone, Dave referred to a Constitution Bench judgment in K. Veeraswami case on July 25, 1991. Withdrawing the petition, Dave said they will approach Vice-President Hamid Ansari to look into the matter as President Pranab Mukherjee's name had cropped up in her husband's suicide note. "We will now be approaching the Vice-President as there are allegations against the President", Dave told the bench. "We should not go into the content of the note," Dave said adding that it would not be healthy for Indian democracy. He questioned how the letter was listed for hearing in court number 13 and not court numbers 3, 4 or 5. "Why (court number) 13, why not (court number) 3,4,5,6,...?" Dave asked. Dave said while a seven-judge bench is hearing the case of Calcutta High Court's Justice C.S. Karnan, the instant case that names certain top judicial functionaries was listed before a two-judge bench. It is more serious than the issue involving the Calcutta High Court Justice Karnan and should have been heard by senior judges of the top court, he said. Kalikho Pul was found dead on August 9, 2016, at his official residence in Arunachal Pradesh capital Itanagar. He left behind a 60-page note in which he accused several top politicians and Supreme Court Judges of seeking bribe. Seeking probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation/National Investigation Agency, Dangwimsai's letter said that even though the then Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa "strongly recommended" fro a CBI probe, "unfortunately it appears that no FIR has been registered and no investigation has been conducted". Wahington, Feb 23 : US President Donald Trump's administration revoked landmark guidance to the country's schools letting transgender students use the bathrooms of their choice, reversing a signature initiative of former President Barack Obama. In a joint letter on Wednesday, the top civil rights officials from the Justice Department and the Education Department rejected the Obama administration's position that non-discrimination laws require schools to allow transgender students to use bathrooms corresponding with their gender identity, the New York Times reported. The two-page "Dear colleague" letter from the Trump administration, was sent to the nation's public schools and it did not offer any new guidance. Instead, it said that the earlier directive needed to be withdrawn because it lacked extensive legal analysis, did not go through a public vetting process, sowed confusion and drew legal challenges, the New York Times report said. The letter stated that the earlier directive was improperly and arbitrarily devised, "without due regard for the primary role of the states and local school districts in establishing educational policy". Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said: "We have a responsibility to protect every student in America and ensure that they have the freedom to learn and thrive in a safe and trusted environment." Attorney General Jeff Sessions said that his department "has a duty to enforce the law" and criticised the Obama administration's guidance as lacking sufficient legal basis, reported ABC News. Sessions wrote that the Department of Justice remains committed to the "proper interpretation" and and enforcement of the anti-discrimination law known as Title IX to its protections for all students, including LGBTQ students, from discrimination, bullying, and harassment." Gay rights supporters made their displeasure clear after the move. Outside the White House, several hundred people protested the decision, waving rainbow flags and chanting, "No hate, no fear, trans students are welcome here". Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin said: "Transgender young people face tragically high rates of discrimination and bullying, and they need a government that will stand up for them -- not attack them." American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) LGBT project director James Esseks said: "Revoking the guidance shows that the President's promise to protect LGBT rights was just empty rhetoric... School districts that recognise that should continue doing the right thing; for the rest, we'll see them in court." The new letter scrambled the calculus for a number of lawsuits working their way through the courts, particularly the case of Gavin Grimm, a transgender Virginia teenager who sued his school board for barring him from the boys' restroom. The case is scheduled for oral arguments before the US Supreme Court in March. Grimm said he was disheartened that the Trump administration is withdrawing Obama's guidance which was "incredibly empowering". New Delhi, Feb 23 : Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar on Thursday said that he has sought a report from the Delhi University over the violence at Ramjas College. "I have sought a report from the University," Javadekar told the media to queries over the incident. Earlier in the day, he had said the government will not intervene in the matter but assured necessary police action. Over a dozen people including teachers and journalists were injured when RSS-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activists clashed with members of the Left-leaning All India Students Union (AISA) on Wednesday at the college. The ABVP activists first foiled a seminar where a key speaker was a JNU student arrested last year for sedition and then allegedly attacked students and others. New Delhi, Feb 23 : The CPI-M has sought action against Delhi Police officers responsible for jailing two young Muslims for 12 long years after a terror attack here in 2005 killed 67 people. "The guilty police officials in this case must be charged and prosecuted," an editorial in the party journal "People's Democracy" said. "The State must provide adequate compensation and take steps for the rehabilitation of the two men who have been so unjustly treated," said the Communist Party of India-Marxist. It said "the sordid and shocking record of the targeting and prosecution of Muslim youth in terror related cases has once again been highlighted by the Delhi High Court's acquittal of all three accused in the 2005 serial blasts in Delhi". Mohammad Hussain Fazli and Mohd Rafiq Shah were acquitted of all charges while Tariq Ahmed Dar was also found to have no role in the blasts but he was convicted for being a member of a terrorist organisation. "It has taken 12 long years for Fazli and Rafiq Shah to gain freedom, years in which they suffered police torture and prolonged incarceration," said the editorial. "Behind this miscarriage of justice lies a trail of brutal police torture, concocted evidence and suppression of facts which establish the innocence of the accused." The CPI-M said the court judgement was an indictment of the Delhi Police Special Cell which fabricated the case. It said judicial verdicts have shown how there was a pattern of rounding up innocent Muslim youths and charging them whenever a terrorist blast took place. The CPI-M called for compensation and rehabilitation for innocent persons implicated in such cases, special courts with time-bound procedures to settle cases within a year, and action against those who cook up evidence. New Delhi, Feb 23 : Delhi Urban Development Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday asked the central government to clarify once and for all if it wanted to regularise unauthorised colonies across the national capital. Jain's remarks came a day after Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken attacked the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on the issue, saying it has failed to regularlise even one unauthorised colony in the past two years. Speaking to reporters here, Jain, who is also Delhi's Health Minister, said the Delhi government was ready to issue the "regularisation certificate" to some 1,640 unauthorised colonies "within 24 hours" if the Centre approved it. "In the meantime, work is going on a war footing to provide basic facilities in all these colonies till they are regularised," he said. Jain said he had written to the Centre in November 2015, asking for regularisation of these colonies. "In September last year, they sent us a large number of queries which will take years to answer even if we want to. "Even the Delhi High Court yesterday (Wednesday) took notice of that and asked the Centre to reply within four weeks if it wants to regularise these colonies at all," he said. Lucknow, Feb 23 : At least seven people were killed on Thursday when a vehicle rammed into an Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation bus in Hardoi, police said. The accident took place near Quaisya bridge on the Bilhaur highway. The bus was headed to Farrukhabad when the mishap took place. Only three of the victims could be identified based on the Aadhar cards found on their person. Police is trying to ascertain the identities of the other four. Two young girls were critically injured in the accident and they were admitted to a medical facility where they were battling for their lives, police said. Lahore, Feb 23 : At least 10 persons were killed and over 20 wounded on Thursday, when a massive blast rocked parts of Lahore in Pakistan, a day after the army announced a countrywide crackdown against terrorists. The powerful explosion targeted the Defence Housing Authority - a commercial area with scores of eateries, including restaurants serving Indian cuisine, police said. There were conflicting reports regarding the nature of the blast. Punjab government authorities initially claimed that the blast was the result of a "generator explosion", but multiple sources, including Nayab Haider, a spokesman for Punjab police, later said the explosion was caused by a bomb. "Ten people were killed as a result of the explosion in Lahore's Defence area today (Thursday)," Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique told the media, adding that forensic teams were working on the case. The impact of the blast shattered windows of nearby buildings and vehicles. According to bomb disposal squad, a bomb was planted inside an under-construction building and detonated through a timing device. As much as eight to 10 kg of explosive material was used. There were reports of a second blast in Lahore's Gulberg area. However, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah denied it. A day earlier, the military announced a massive urban counter-terrorism operation after a week of bombings in Punjab, Sindh, Fata, Khyber Pakhtunwa and Balochistan claimed at least 100 lives. The worst bombing took place at the Lal Shahbaz Qalandar shrine in Sindh's Sehwan town last week when a suicide bomber blew himself up inside the shrine, killing 90 people. In Lahore on February 13, at least 13 people, including top police officials, were killed and dozens injured in suicide attack near the Punjab Assembly. No militant group claimed the responsibility for Thursday's attack, but the series of bombing in the past week has been claimed by the Jamat-ul-Ahrar group - a splinter group of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Islamabad, Feb 23 : Pakistan on Thursday said the enemy was taking advantage of the turmoil in Afghanistan and using its soil to orchestrate terrorist attacks in the country. "Terrorism is a common enemy of both Pakistan and Afghanistan and both the countries would need to work together to combat terrorism," Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said. He said Pakistan remains committed to peace and stability in Afghanistan and emphasised the need for effective border management to stop cross-border movement of terrorists. Zakaria said the government was taking concrete steps to deal with terrorists. He said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has issued instructions to deal with the terrorists with absolute resolve, which the country's Armed Forces and other Law Enforcement Agencies' personnel were pursuing. The spokesman said Pakistan was the biggest victim of terrorism and has paid a heavy price in terms of lives and economic losses. On the Kashmir dispute, Zakaria noted that the people in the Kashmir Valley continue to suffer "atrocities at the hands of Indian forces". He said Indian troops have "killed 22 innocent Kashmiris" in the first two months of 2017, which was "condemnable". "The entire Pakistani nation supports Kashmiris' indigenous movement for self-determination and the government will continue to extend its moral, political, and diplomatic support to them till the resolution of Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UNSC Resolutions," the spokesman said. Lucknow, Feb 23 : Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Thursday hit back at BJP president Amit Shah calling him the "country's biggest Kasab" or a terrorist. A day after Shah coined the acronym "Kasab" to denote the Congress, the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party - comparing it with the name of the executed 26/11 attacker Ajmal Kasab, Mayawati said the remarks were reflective of the BJP's "filthy mindset". "The way Amit shah has dubbed the opposition as Kasab, not just is highly condemnable but also reflects their filthy mindset," Mayawati said while addressing a rally in Ambedkar Nagar of poll-bound Uttar Pradesh. "In the country today, there can be no bigger Kasab than Amit Shah, the biggest terrorist," added the former Chief Minister. Shah had said on Wednesday in Uttar Pradesh, "Until Uttar Pradesh gets rid of K-A-S-A-B, there will be no development in the state. Ka (in Hindi) is for Congress, Sa for Samajwadi Party and Ba for BSP." New Delhi, Feb 23 : Delhi Police on Thursday suspended three policemen on charges of assaulting some students and journalists when two student groups clashed at the Ramjas College here a day earlier. "We have suspended two Head Constables and a Constable for assualting students and media persons," Joint Commissioner Dependra Pathak told IANS. The suspension came after Special Commissioner of Police S.B.K. Singh addressed hundreds of students protesting outside the police headquarters here and promised action against his guilty colleagues. Singh, the senior most officer in charge of the area in North Campus of Delhi University where the violence occurred on Wednesday, said he was not aware who ordered baton charge at the campus during the clashes between activists of the Leftist All India Students Association (AISA) and the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The officer regretted the attack on journalists and students and promised a "fair probe" by the Crime Branch to "punish the guilty". "I have asked journalists to give me video footage of the lathi-charge," he said. Singh also said that a desk would be set up to receive complaints and the video footage of Wednesday's incident. After the officer spoke, students and teachers called off the protest outside the police headquarters which caused traffic snarls for hours in one of the busiest parts of the capital. But AISA said it was not satisfied with the police assurance. Its leader Kawalpreet Kaur regretted the delay in registering a case of violence against ABVP activists. "We met the Joint Commissioner who shamefully denied us our right to get the FIR filed (against ABVP) and told us to be satisfied with the police version," Kaur said. "We will not agree to the police narrative of the incident which calls the entire violence a riot between two groups of Left and Right." Another AISA leader, Rama Naga, told IANS that students would hand over evidences to police. "We have all the evidence including photographs, videos and medico-legal report of those injured." Union Minister for Human Resource Development Prakash Javadekar said he had sought a report from the Delhi University. But the minister refused to speak about the largescale violence at the Ramjas College when ABVP activists first foiled a seminar where a speaker was JNU student Umar Khalid, arrested last year for sedition, and then attacked students and others taking out a protest. Many journalists were also injured. AISA supporters claimed that police stood mutely when the ABVP went on the rampage. The Delhi Union of Journalists expressed anguish over the attacks on journalists "by protesters as well as police who did not wear nametags". Aam Aadmi Party leader Kumar Vishwas held Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh responsible for the violence and appealed to students to debate in a democratic way in case of divergence of views. The CPI-M condemned the violence by ABVP "goons" and denounced Delhi Police, describing the Ramjas incident a "shameful example of the violent intolerance backed by the state machinery of the RSS-BJP combine". Mumbai, Feb 23 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Bharatiya Janata Party team in Maharashtra after it notched spectacular victories, bagging eight of the 10 major civic bodies here on Thursday. "Through hard work, determination and work on the ground, BJP is now a strong force both in urban and rural Maharashtra. BJP is unwavering in the resolve to serve Maharashtra with unparalleled diligence, transparency and taking the state to even greater heights. Congrats to Karyakartas," Modi tweeted his delight over the outcome. He said it has been a great start to BJP in 2017, starting with the unprecedented support in Odisha and now the overwhelming blessings from the people of Maharashtra. BJP President Amit Shah lauded Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and BJP state President Raosaheb Danve for the party's "unprecedented success" in the BMC and other civic bodies elections. "I heartily congratulate the people of Maharashtra for supporting the BJP's policy of development and reposing faith in 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas' agenda," Shah tweeted. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Fadnavis to congratulate him on the BJP's "exceptional performance" and said the BJP activists have helped expand its base across the state. Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said the BJP victory in eight out of 10 civic bodies here reflects peoples' faith in the party leadership. "Thumping victory of BJP Reinforces peoples' and choice in PM Modi and CM Fadnavis," Naidu tweeted. Union Minister for Surface Transport Nitin Gadkari also applauded the party's spectacular victory in the state civic elections. Lucknow/New Delhi, Feb 23 : Over 61 per cent voters exercised their franchise on Thursday across 53 seats in the fourth phase elections to the Uttar Pradesh assembly. The voting percentage is likely to go up. "The voting percentage was 61 per cent till 5 pm. We hope it will go up to 63 per cent," Deputy Election Commissioner Vijay Dev told reporters in New Delhi. The seats that went to the polls were spread across the Bundelkhand region apart from districts of Allahabad, Koshambi, Pratapgarh and Rae Bareli. Vijay Dev said the seats had seen 59.9 per cent polling in the 2012 assembly polls and 57.1 per cent in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. He said the Election Commission had recovered Rs 13.49 crore in cash and liquor worth Rs 8.17 crore in the run up to the polling in the fourth phase. The voting was slow in the morning but picked up pace as the day progressed. Other places which saw brisk or high voting included Mahoba, Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Lalitpur and Rae Bareli, the Lok Sabha seat of Congress President Sonia Gandhi. Skirmishes had erupted in Pratapgarh between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) activists and in Mahoba between workers of the ruling Samajwadi Party and the BSP. Samajwadi Party candidate Siddha Gopal Sahu's son was shot and seriously injured at Mahoba. In Bundelkhand region, people boycotted polling in some villages. Electronic Voting Machines developed snags in at least a dozen places, disrupting balloting. Residents of some villages boycotted the polls to protest lack of development and basic amenities. Among those who cast their vote were West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, BJP state chief Keshav Prasad Maurya and Union Minister Niranjan Jyoti. The main contest was between the BSP, the BJP and Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance. While the Bahujan Samaj Party contested on all 53 seats, the BJP contested 48 seats and Rashtriya Lok Dal 39. The Samajwadi Party contested 33 and Congress 25. Samajwadi Party had done well in these constituencies in 2012 election, winning 24 of 53 seats. The Congress had won six seats in the last polls while the BSP had won 15, BJP five and Peace Party three. Over 1.84 crore voters were eligible to exercise their franchise in the election. As many as 680 candidates were in the fray including the maximum 26 from the Allahabad North constituency. There were 61 women candidates. Prominent candidates whose electoral fate was decided on Thursday included Utkarsha Mishra, son of former Leader of Opposition in the outgoing assembly Swamy Prasad Maurya; Independent Raghuraj Pratap Singh aka Raja Bhaiyya; Aradhna Mishra, daughter of Rajya Sabha member Pramod Tiwari; and Ujjwal Raman Singh, son of senior Samajwadi Party leader, Reoti Raman Singh. Sonia Gandhi, who has not campaigned for the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls this time due to ill health, on Thursday made an appeal to the people of Amethi and Rae Bareli through a video message to vote for the Congress. Her message came a day after she sent out an appeal to voters in a letter. Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a seven-phased election to 402 of 403 seats (election on one seat has been countermanded) which will conclude on March 8. New Delhi, Feb 23 : A day after fierce clashes broke out between two student groups in Delhi University, on Thursday the ABVP raised nationalism slogans and vowed that it would not allow "anti-nationals" into the varsity, while the NSUI held a peace march and condemned the violence in Ramjas College. The National Students' Union of India (NSUI) held a peace march from Arts Faculty to Maurice Nagar Police Station in an attempt to restore peace and safety in the campus. The peace march came in the wake of clashes between the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the left-wing All India Students' Association (AISA) outside Ramjas College on Wednesday, after the ABVP forced the suspension of an event to be addressed by JNU student Umar Khalid on February 21. Khalid was jailed last year for allegedly shouting anti-national slogans. "AISA and other parties have created turmoil in the campus. They have been raising slogans about the independence of Kashmir. Our country is already independent. What sort of a freedom are they demanding?" DUSU President Amit Tanwar of the ABVP questioned. "They crossed all limits by disparaging Bharat Mata in JNU last year. There have been slogans to divide the country into pieces. They've ruined the picture of JNU and are now targeting Delhi University. We will not let that happen," Tanwar told IANS. He justified the action of forcefully suspending the Ramjas College event, saying "anti-nationals cannot break into the university". "Sedition charges have been filed against Umar Khalid. We cannot let an anti-national enter the campus." "Next, we would ask the government to take action against the communist teachers in the university," he said. The Congress student wing NSUI, in its peace march, condemned the violence in Ramjas College. "We are saddened to see the unfortunate degradation of discourse in DU. What happened yesterday was shameful. Women were harassed during the clashes," NSUI's National President Amrita Dhawan told IANS. "We believe in one's right to dissent and peaceful protest, but we don't endorse the atmosphere of violence that the ABVP and Left organisations has turned the campus into," she said. "Since 2014 when BJP came into power, Delhi Police has always worked in their direction. Their student wing is endorsing fake nationalism even when their own party workers have been known to have had links with the ISI," Dhawan said. She added, "We will not allow ABVP's agenda in the campus." According to her party, ABVP has been "continuing thuggery with impunity" across universities in the country, curbing liberty of thoughts, ideas and discussions in academia ever since the Modi government came to power in 2014. Chandigarh, Feb 23 : Top INLD leaders were among scores of persons arrested on Thursday on the Haryana-Punjab border at Shambhu, 10 km from Ambala in Haryana, as they drove to the spot as part of their declared plan to dig the SYL canal. Among those held by the Punjab Police for violating orders prohibiting gathering of five or more persons on Thursday evening were Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) Secretary General Abhay Chautala, state INLD President Ashok Arora, two MPs, 15 legislators and many other leaders. Those arrested were later taken to Patiala jail, 60 km from here. Some protesters, carrying hand-held agricultural implements, carried out symbolic digging at the Shambhu barrier itself as a face-saver for the opposition party in Haryana. The INLD activists originally had planned to visit Kapoori village in Patiala district, 18 km from Shambhu, to dig at an SYL canal site. The INLD activists were not allowed to move through the Punjab Police's barriers. A large number of security forces were deployed at Shambhu, the gateway to the state from Haryana in the area. "We had warned the protesters that if they violate law, they would be detained," Patiala Range Deputy Inspector General of Police Ashish Chaudhary said. The administration had imposed Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code and banned any assembly of five or more persons in the border belt of Patiala district. Heavy security was put in place by authorities in Ambala district of Haryana and Patiala district of Punjab. The inter-state border in both districts was sealed by security forces. "We wanted to hold our protest peacefully. Since the the Bharatiya Janata Party governments at the Centre and Haryana are not doing anything to bring river water through the Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal, we had to stand up for the rights of Haryana's people and launch this fight," Chautala said as he was detained. Chautala said his party will not allow any Punjab leader opposed to SYL canal construction to move through Haryana. Hundreds of INLD activists earlier managed to go right up to the Shambhu barrier after breaking the barricades set up by the Haryana Police between Ambala city and the Punjab border. Riding tractor-trolleys, minitrucks and other vehicles, the INLD supporters headed towards the Shambhu border. INLD's Haryana unit President Ashok Arora drove one of the tractor-trolleys carrying Abhay Chautala, who gave the call for digging the Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal, a vital source of water for farmland in Haryana. The entire stretch of National Highway-1 between Ambala in Haryana and Rajpura in Punjab was sealed by security forces in both the states since morning. At the barrier, police personnel of both Punjab and Haryana and paramilitary forces remained on high alert to stop the INLD supporters from moving into Punjab. Security forces donned anti-riot gear and were equipped with riot-control vehicles and other equipment. Thousands of people, especially motorists, moving between the two states faced inconvenience on Thursday since the busy highway that links Delhi with Amritsar was sealed. Traffic was diverted via other routes, a Punjab Police officer said. The NH-1 is taken daily by thousands of motorists to commute between Punjab and Delhi through Haryana and vice versa. "I have already walked for three km to proceed to Ambala. I don't know if we will get any transport ahead," said Surjit Kaur, who works in Ambala and travels from her village near Rajpura town in Punjab. "We had to travel from Karnal to Patiala for some important work. The 2-hour journey took us nearly five hours due to diversions on the NH-1. We had to go via Chandigarh and other places. Why should common people suffer over the politics of certain political parties?" a visibly angry businessman Nakul Sharma said. The situation along the border was also monitored from the air by a Punjab government helicopter and several drones. The INLD activists and leaders earlier gathered at the Subzi Mandi Ground in Ambala before moving towards Punjab. Following a Presidential Reference, the Supreme Court on November 10, 2016, held as "unconstitutional" the passage of the Punjab Termination of Water Agreements Bill, 2004, by the Punjab assembly. The legislation terminated all water-sharing agreements between Punjab and its neighbouring states, thereby jeopardising the construction of the SYL canal. The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked both states to maintain law and order due to INLD march to "dig" the canal. The apex court also asked Punjab to honour its earlier orders on the construction of the river water channel. Islamabad, Feb 23 : Afghan Ambassador Omar Zakhilwal on Thursday called for reopening of the border that Pakistan closed a week ago due to a series of terrorist attacks that killed over 100 people in Pakistan. Pakistan said that it closed the border over "security concerns" as those who claimed last week attacks were "from the Afghan side of the border". However, Afghanistan denies the statements. "As part of the quick de-escalation of the prevailing tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as agreed in our talks with the relevant Pakistan authorities a couple of days ago, Torkharm, Spin Boldak and other crossing points should have reopened by now, but unfortunately still remain shut," Zakhilwal said in a statement. "In fact, formal trade and transit crossing points between our two countries, under no circumstances, should have been closed in the first place, both as per Afghanistan-Pakistan Trade and Transit Agreement and also Afghanistan's land-locked country transit right as per international rules," the Afghan envoy said in the statement which was posted on social media. Meanwhile, Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria has said that a decision regarding opening of Pakistan-Afghan border will be taken in due course of time. "Pakistan has continued to maintain and emphasize that effective border management is vital for preventing cross border movement of terrorists. Pakistan is ready to work with Afghanistan on those issues in a spirit of mutual respect, trust and cooperation," the spokesman said at his weekly briefing. The spokesman said issues between Pakistan and Afghanistan need to be addressed through constructive and positive engagements. Dhaka/New Delhi, Feb 23 : Indian Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar on Thursday called on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and discussed preparatory aspects of her proposed visit to India this year. Jaishankar, who arrived here from Beijing, is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh from February 23-24 on the invitation of his Bangladeshi counterpart Md. Shahidul Haque. Besides discussing her New Delhi visit, likely to take place in April, Jaishankar briefed Sheikh Hasina on recent developments in India-Bangladesh relations and the region, said a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs. The two Foreign Secretaries reviewed the areas of bilateral cooperation and noted with appreciation that there has been excellent implementation of decisions taken during the visit of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in June 2015. Both sides also took stock of decisions taken during the recent meetings of various bilateral mechanisms in the areas of Security & Border Management, Trade and Commerce, Power, Energy, Shipping, Railways etc. Both Foreign Secretaries also shared their perspectives on regional and international issues of mutual interest, the statement said. He is also likely to meet Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali before wrapping up his visit. He leaves Dhaka on Friday morning. Kigali, Feb 23 : The annual conference of the African Development Bank (AfDB) will be held in India's Ahmedabad in May, an Indian official said. "We (India) are a minority shareholder in African Development Bank and every bank has its annual conference..basically it is the shareholders meeting of the bank which will be held in Ahmedabad from May 19-24," said Amar Sinha, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Indian External Affairs Ministry at a media briefing during the visit of Vice President Hamid Ansari to Rwanda, said an official statement. "Along with it we are expecting 10 or 12 Heads of State and Heads of Government also visiting and our Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) will be inaugurating it," he added. On the sidelines of the event, India is expecting number of bilateral meets with the African leaders. On the Indian focus during the event, Sinha said: "There would be our own initiative of International Solar Alliance and we will be doing a presentation on that and the Solar Alliance document would be placed there for signature." "We now have got 25 signatures which is sufficient enough to get it implemented and get into force but since there were 121 co-sponsors in November, so all the countries that have completed their formalities for signature will have an opportunity to sign that in Ahmedabad," Sinha added. The first direct flight between Indian and Rwanda is expected to start service from Kigali to Mumbai from April 3. The bilateral air access agreement between the two countries was signed during Ansari's three-day visit to the East African country beginning February 19. The Department of Economic Affairs is the nodal ministry organising the annual meeting at Ahmedabad. Rome, Feb 23 : Thousands of people faced travel disruption on Thursday after troubled Italian airline Alitalia announced it was cancelling 60 percent of its flights due to a one-day stoppage by unions. Domestic and international flights were affected by the industrial action, Alitalia said in a statement. "Alitalia apologises to its customers for the inevitable delays caused by this strike," the company said. The carrier sought to minimise inconvenience with mailed, texted and phoned warnings and said it had re-booked "as many of the passengers affected by cancellations as possible on the first available flights". Passengers whose flights were scrapped could choose whether to get a refund or change their tickets for free by March 10, Alitalia stated. Pilots, cabin crew and ground staff all took part in the strike in protest against a major restructuring which is set to see Alitalia shed hundreds of jobs and slash salaries. Despite restructurings in 2008 and in 2014 during which the airline shed 9,000 jobs, Alitalia made a 460 million euro loss in 2016 and faces a similar shortfall this year. "The company is trying to make workers pay for the crisis created by its management," Carmelo Barbagallo, the leader of Uil, one of Italy's main trade unions, said on Thursday. "A management that has changed over time but never succeeds in turning the business around - and that is unacceptable," Barbagallo added. Trade unions would not accept "unilateral acts" by the company, he warned. "We are ready for talks but over an industrial plan that lays out prospects for Alitalia's development," he said. Australian CEO Cramer Ball, former head of Indian ally Jet Airways, is due unveil a new strategic plan for Alitalia in early April featuring salary cuts and further job losses as well as greater focus on long haul flights. Up to one-quarter of Alitalia's current workforce could be laid off under the plan according to media reports. Italian Transport Minister Graziano Delrio in February urged Alitalia to produce a clear strategic plan ahead of any discussion on redundancies. Alitalia has continued to struggle despite a 1.8 billion euro rescue deal designed to return the airline to profitability this year under which Etihad Airways took a controlling 49 percent stake in 2014 and agreed to inject 560 million euros. We value your privacy. Focus Taiwan (CNA) uses tracking technologies to provide better reading experiences, but it also respects readers' privacy. Click here to find out more about Focus Taiwan's privacy policy. When you close this window, it means you agree with this policy. Bengaluru, Feb 23 : Karnataka's Congress lawmaker K. Govindaraju on Thursday denied paying "crores of rupees" to the party high command or President Sonia Gandhi, Vice-President Rahul Gandhi and Treasurer Motilal Vohra, whose allegedly abbreviated names were found in a diary at his home here. "The diary, alleged to have been found when the Income Tax officials searched my house last year, does not belong to me. The entries in it were not made by me nor its my handwriting. Someone had left it in my house," Govindaraju told reporters here. A member of the Legislative Council and Parliamentary Secretary to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Govindaraju, however, admitted that the IT sleuths raided his house a year ago in connection with the filing of tax returns for the previous fiscal (2015-16) and earlier years. Terming the diary contents "explosive", former Chief Minister and state BJP chief B.S. Yeddyurappa told reporters here last week that initials 'SG' stood for Sonia Gandhi, 'RG' Rahul Gandh, 'MV' Motilal Vohra and 'DVGS' for Digvijay Singh, who is in-charge of the ruling party's affairs in the state. "Govindraju paid about Rs 1,000 crore to the Congress high command over the last couple of years at the behest of Siddaramaiah to ensure his continuation as the Chief Minister in the state," he alleged. However, Govindraju dismissed the charge. "I know nothing about the diary or its entries. You should ask the IT department and find out how Yeddyurappa came to know about its contents. I have not paid any money to the high command, or to the offices of SG, RG or MV as mentioned in the diary. "I have already told the IT officials that the diary did not belong to me and would have been planted in my house to trap me. It is a mystery how they (IT sleuths) found it in my house," he added. New Delhi, Feb 23 : Following its debacle in the elections to the 10 civic bodies of Maharashtra, the Congress on Thursday accepted defeat and vowed to rebuild the cadre in the state. "The Congress party graciously accepts the verdict in the BMC polls. We will work hard and rebuild our cadre and continue working for the people," Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said in a tweet. The Shiv Sena, with 84 of the 227 seats, finished on top of a hung BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation but the Bharatiya Janata Party, with 82, said it could take control of India's richest civic body with the backing of at least four independents. The Congress trailed at a distant third in Mumbai with 31 seats, forcing its city unit chief Sanjay Nirupam to accept moral responsibility for the poor results. The Congress earlier had 58 seats in BMC. It was a huge setback for the Congress which ruled the state for 15 long years till 2014 in alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party. Despite having strong party leaders, including former Chief Ministers like Prithviraj Chavan, Narayan Rane, Ashok Chavan and party General Secretary Gurudas Kamat and Sanjay Nirupam, the Congress fared poorly in the polls to all the civic bodies. The BJP gained hugely in nine other major civic bodies of Maharashtra also. New Delhi, Feb 24 : President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday inaugurated an international conference on "Bharat Bodh" (Idea of Bharat), organised by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and Bhartiya Shikshan Mandal. According to a Rashtriya Bhavan communique, he complimented IGNOU and the Mandal for organising the conference that brought together intellectuals, academicians and researchers to unravel various aspects of the "Bharat Bodh". Mukherjee also expressed happiness that these two collaborators have brought their respective areas of expertise and scholarship to this important three day conference. "The synergy and dynamism of these institutions should channelise the exploration of thousands of years of our journey as a civilisation and people," the communique quoted Mukherjee as saying. "Deep insights would be gained into the idea of statecraft, governance, individual-society relations, structures, purposes and methodology of education, organic relationships with nature, and correlation between spiritual and material life," he said. He added that Bharat has always been recognised "as the storehouse of knowledge and discovery - knowledge which liberates, and discovery which fathoms the deepest thoughts of humanity and co-existence. As the origin and repository of philosophical and spiritual values, rivers of wisdom flow through the collective consciousness of our great people". Quoting American author Mark Twain, the President said: "India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only." Calling the quote indeed true, Mukherjee said: "India is a land of great traditions, history and discoveries. Its people have lived in this great civilisation giving rise to a unique trait of oneness overcoming the apparent contradictions, thriving on a composite culture and yet alive to the identities of its sub-parts." Noting that India is a land of huge diversity, he said: "Yet all its people are living under one system, one flag and one Constitution. All of us are proud to be Indians and we celebrate this diversity." He hoped that the deliberations at the conference would enrich perceptions regarding the country. Mexico City, Feb 24 : Mexican President Enrique PeAa Nieto will only meet with the US Cabinet secretaries visiting Mexico, if the results of the visiting US officials' meetings with their Mexican counterparts warrant it. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly are in Mexico trying to smooth the bilateral relations between the two contries and address some of the differences that have emerged. "The reception at presidential residence will take place, if it takes place, in the context of the agreements that can be reached during the course of the day," Mexican Economy Secretary Ildefonso Guajardo said on Thursday, adding that the two parties "were setting the agenda yesterday (Wednesday)". "It all depends on the agreements that are reached and whether there are important and positive things, or very clear messages that can be sent through these emissaries," Efe news quoted Guajardo as saying. The condition for a meeting with PeAa Nieto is that there "are substantive elements" to discuss, the Economy Secretary said. Guajardo said he would be taking part in the meetings along with other members of PeAa Nieto's Cabinet. The US State Department, for its part, said Tillerson's official agenda included a closed-door meeting with the Mexican president at 1.00 p.m. Relations between Mexico City and Washington have been tense since Donald Trump moved into the White House on January 20. February 15, 2017: Roof Top Services of Central Florida, Inc. (PRWEB) February 22, 2017 -- Roof Top Services of Central Florida, Inc., of Winter Springs, Florida, has received the most prestigious award in roofing GAF has to offer: The GAF Presidents Club Award. This highly coveted award recognizes Roof Top Services of Central Florida Inc. as one of the elite of the elite residential roofing contractors in the United States. GAF is North Americas largest roofing manufacturer, and only GAF Master Elite Contractors can compete for its residential Presidents Club Award. To qualify for this award, a residential roofing contractor must demonstrate an exceptional level of excellence in their business, especially in the areas of Installation Excellence, Consumer Protection, and Installer Training. Roof Top Services of Central Florida has been a GAF Master Elite Contractor since 2002. To become a Master Elite Contractora status that less than 2% of roofing contractors nationwide have achieveda candidate must demonstrate proper licensing and adequate insurance, have a proven reputation and show commitment to ongoing professional training. In 2016, Roof Top Services of Central Florida surveyed its Orlando customers, asking their main considerations before hiring a roofing contractor. Customers were asked to visit the website and rate the company based on quality of products, overall reputation, punctuality, care for the property, and fair prices. Roof Top Services regularly meets all of these customer concerns. The company uses only the highest-quality roofing materials from GAF, professionally installed and carrying long-term warranties. Its reputation is evident from its A+ accreditation with the Better Business Bureau and the much positive feedback on Angies List, Yelp, and Google reviews. The staff is flexible and works to meet customers at the times most convenient for them. For clean-up, Roof Top Services utilizes a magnetic device, which sweeps across a yard to pick up all metallic debris. Finally, the company negotiates favorable bulk pricing with its vendors, allowing it to pass on those savings to end customers. When customers discover leaks or other roof problems, they may be concerned that a reroof is the only solution. Roof Top Services of Central Florida Inc. will inspect a roof to determine if its in a condition that requires replacement or whether a roof restoration is the more appropriate option. The companys years of experience help customers to learn if they can save money with a restoration, which can dramatically lengthen a roofs life span if done at the right time. Roof Top Services Central Florida Inc. restores and replaces asphalt, metal, tile, and slate residential roofs, as well as low-slope and commercial metal roofs for businesses in greater Orlando. Mindful of the extreme weather that can affect the Orlando area, Roof Top Services offers a 24-hour emergency roof repair service. The company can handle emergency tarp-overs when necessary; it also performs temporary repair services. It can fix or mitigate a variety of problems, including shingle cracking, broken flashing, leaking skylights, standing water, and water stains, and it works with customers to complete their insurance claims. Never using subcontractors, the team at Roof Top Services prides itself on its highly-rated testimonials and continually provides roofing advice to customers. Whether the customer is residential or commercial, the company treats everyone the same and customizes roof solutions that precisely fit the customers needs. Standing behind its products and workmanship, Roof Top Services works hard to gain the loyalty of repeat customers, ultimately making them customers for life. About Roof Top Services of Central Florida, Inc. For more than 26 years, Roof Top Services of Central Florida has been diligently serving residential and commercial roofing customers in the Orlando area. Family-owned and operated, the company has the simple philosophy of providing the best roofing products at competitive prices. Providing the peace of mind that accompanies services that surpass customer expectations, the company completes projects on time and within budget. With free estimates and roofing warranties that are second to none, Roof Top Services strives to serve its customers with the goal of assuring complete satisfaction. Roof Top Services of Central Florida, Inc. 1150 Belle Ave. Suite #1060 Winter Springs, FL 32708 (407) 696-7663 Our agents can easily make changes to their schedules even if they are not at work and every change they make helps optimize net staffing. WorkFlex Solutions LLC (WorkFlex), the industry leader in intelligent employee empowerment solutions for contact centers, today announced a product deployment expansion contract with Concentrix Corporation, a leading global business services company. WorkFlex provides contact center employees with industry-unique empowerment tools based on WorkFlexs patented Intelligent Intraday Automation technology that optimizes staffing agility for workforce administrators, team effectiveness for supervisors and work-life balance for contact center agents. The WorkFlex Manager Suite automates the monitoring, real-time analysis, optimal solution identification and implementation of intraday staffing and performance management processes to enable workforce administrators and supervisors to more proactively and effectively address staffing variances and performance adherence issues across all service queues. The WorkFlex Agent Suite empowers agents with the flexibility to preview and select pre-approved work-hour, work-activity, and schedule trades with instant confirmation anywhere/anytime through a native mobile app on their Apple or Android smartphones. Expanding the deployment of WorkFlex is consistent with our commitment to delivering superior service to our clients, said Chris Caldwell, President, Concentrix. Automation of key intraday staffing and performance management processes enables our workforce administrators and supervisors to more rapidly and effectively respond to our clients needs by proactively identifying and implementing staffing optimization actions in real-time. The WorkFlex Intelligent Mobile App has fundamentally transformed the agent experience by enabling them to manage their work-life balance, added Sanjeev Angadi, Senior Director of Workforce Optimization Worldwide at Concentrix. Our agents can easily make changes to their schedules even if they are not at work and every change they make helps optimize net staffing. This has effectively transformed our agents into active workforce management partners, enabling us to optimize staffing levels far beyond what can be achieved by company-initiated staffing processes alone. Concentrix, a company that values velocity, appreciates the strong and flexible support it has received from WorkFlex, said Mary Munoz, Concentrix, WFM Global Methodology Leader. We look forward to working with WorkFlex to quickly expand the deployment of WorkFlex in 2017. We are pleased to partner with Concentrix, said Larry Schwartz, CEO WorkFlex Solutions. This deployment expansion announcement reinforces our industry-unique value proposition for global business process outsourcers seeking to deliver superior customer service to their clients." About Concentrix Concentrix, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE: SNX), is a leading business services company. We focus on customer engagement and improving business outcomes for over 450 global clients across six continents. Our 100,000+ staff deliver technology-infused, omni-channel customer experience management, marketing optimization, digital, consulting, analytics, and back office solutions in 40+ languages from 125+ delivery centers. We serve automotive; banking and financial services; insurance; healthcare; technology; consumer electronics; media and communications; retail and e-commerce; travel and transportation; and energy and public sector clients. Visit http://www.concentrix.com to learn more. About WorkFlex Solutions WorkFlex Solutions LLC is the industry leader in intelligent empowerment solutions for contact centers. Our award-winning Intelligent Intraday Automation technology maximizes scheduling flexibility, optimizes intraday performance and reduces administrative overhead. Designed to integrate easily with Workforce Management (WFM) and Automated Call Distribution (ACD) systems, WorkFlex enables clients to leverage their existing enterprise investments, and quickly generate a positive ROI. WorkFlex SaaS deployments span multiple industry sectors including financial services, communications, healthcare, automotive, cable/sat and government. For more information or to schedule a demo, please visit us at http://www.workflexsolutions.com. The WorkFlex logo and "Intelligent Intraday Automation" are registered trademarks of WorkFlex Solutions LLC. Apple and Android are registered trademarks of Apple Corporation and Google Inc., respectively. -###- Jim Klingenberger, the Manager of Assets and Energy Reliability said, "We conducted an extensive search for a solution that would simplify our customer service intake processes. To succeed the system needed to help us allocate human resources and provide key built in metrics. TeamHeadquarters was the solution that fit all our requirements. We were then pleasantly surprised to discover that Entry Software is in London. Jim also says,Teamheadquarters has a simple interface and its easy to use". Of the companys recent success with the City of London, Entry Softwares CEO, Mark Donais said, Were delighted that the City of London is using TeamHeadquarters and supporting a local business to manage the facilities of the city. Our local customer base is increasing significantly as our product, TeamHeadquarters continues to evolve. Fundamental to the citys facilities management solution is TeamHeadquarters help desk ticketing system and Customer Self Service Web Portal. TeamHeadquarters has enabled the city to: Make it easy for facilities personnel to input and submit service requests Easily evaluate service requests and assign the them to facilities resources Understand workloads and trends using TeamHeadquarters built-in dashboards Communicate effectively with service employees and customers About the City of London ---------------------------------- London is a Canadian city in southwestern Ontario, with a population of 383,822 located just north of Lake Erie and the U.S. border. It's home to the University of Western Ontario. Among the city's range of museums are Museum London, a showcase for regional art and historical artifacts, and the interactive Children's Museum. The city centre features numerous parks and greenways along the Thames River. About Entry Software Corporation --------------------------------------------- Entry Software Corporation is a leader work management apps for various industries around the globe. Its core product, TeamHeadquarters, is a fully integrated web app with unique solutions for municipalities, education, manufacturing, healthcare and transportation. TeamHeadquarters simplifies service, reduces app complexity and improves customer and employee communications. Paribus Interactive "Fuzzy" Matching Results QGate, experts in delivering software solutions for Customer Relationship Management (CRM), today announced the launch of Paribus Interactive. The solution, a powerful ally in the prevention of duplicate data, is now generally available for all users of Microsoft Dynamics 365 / CRM. Dale Rolley, QGates Country Director for the Americas gives an every-day example of how this efficiency is achieved: Imagine you need to find a contact called Bob Dixon. You are sure that Bob is in the system, but the lookup comes out empty. Why? Because someone entered him as Robert Dixen and the standard find/look up function in CRM requires an exact match. Bob could be in the system several times already, with slight variations to his name or his account name. So, you have two choices; either spend another ten minutes looking for him in various ways, or give up and enter yet another duplicate. Paribus Interactives intelligent matching capability will surface these multiple records, saving you time and preventing another duplicate from being entered. Now, multiply this for every task of every CRM user and theres your gain in user efficiency and data accuracy. Solving the problem of duplicate data in CRM is not something new for QGate. The company first released Paribus Discovery almost 15 years ago. A solution that has been helping organizations worldwide to identify, report and remove duplicate records. With the launch of Paribus Interactive, QGate takes the war on data duplication to the next level by preventing it. According to Dale Rolley, this really is a game changer for organizations that rely on Microsoft Dynamics CRM, and the data within their system. If Paribus Discovery is the Cure for data duplication, Paribus Interactive is now the Prevention for the same disease. Weve made it as simple, intuitive and affordable as we possibly could, and the reason for that was to remove any possible adoption barrier. There simply is no reason why users shouldnt have it. How Paribus Interactive works Paribus Interactive is a subscription-based solution, embedded in Microsoft Dynamics 365 / CRM and powered by an intelligent, fuzzy matching engine. It is capable of finding both people and organizations across the Account, Contact and Lead areas in the same search. The same capability is applied to the Lookup function available in Opportunities and Cases. In addition, when a user is creating a new Account and/or Contact the solution checks for existing similar records. Results are immediately displayed, and users can navigate to those records on the spot, instead of creating a duplicate. Mark Cooper, QGates Director Product Development explains, whether youre associating a Case with a Contact, creating a new Lead, or simply looking for an Account address, if that data already exists, Paribus Interactive will find it. The Paribus Interactive matching engine is significantly more effective than the standard Dynamics 365 / CRM duplicate detection capabilities. It is also configurable, so companies can adapt it to their CRM system as required. Who can benefit from Paribus Interactive In this first release, the solution is available for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 and above, including Dynamics 365. Additional CRM systems will be supported in the future. Mark Cooper reveals that the product has an ambitious roadmap, and the ultimate goal of Paribus Interactive is to prevent every CRM user in the world from creating a duplicate of something that already exists in the system. Free Trial Paribus Interactive is a cloud-based solution that is priced per-user per-month. QGate offers a 14-day free trial with no commitment required. To request it, please visit the products web page: http://www.paribuscloud.com. Additional information / press contact Tel: +1 (517) 852-1214 x111 / E: info(at)paribuscloud(dot)com Web: http://www.paribuscloud.com About QGate QGate are a UK and US based Microsoft Partner with 20+ years experience in delivering and enhancing successful CRM projects in different industries across the globe. During this time, the company has developed CRM oriented solutions for Telephony Integration (intelli-CTi), and for solving the problem of duplicate records in CRM, with Paribus Discovery and Paribus Interactive. For additional information, please visit http://www.qgatesoftware.com Washington Kids Academy is opening on March 13, 2017 in Washington, Illinois. This new child care and early learning program is more than just a daycare. It is a Reggio-inspired school with a child-centered curriculum focusing on expanding the interests, strengths, and abilities of each child. Washington Kids Academy offers a high-quality early learning program, integrating the most up to date best practices in early childhood education. Its program encourages a love of learning, builds confidence, and prepares children for school and beyond. Registration begins February 28th. For enrollment information call 309-886-2273 or visit the website at washingtonkidsacademy.com/enrollment. Early Enrollment specials are offered until the first day of class. The 16,800 square foot facility has been designed by BLDD Architects, a leader in educational facility planning based in Bloomington, IL. Every detail of the building and site has been designed for the demands and needs of children with special consideration to child health and safety. Building features include high ceilings, large open areas with an abundance of natural light. Amenities include oversized outdoor grounds, interior gym, and activity rooms. Washington Kids Academy is located at the southeast corner of Route 8 and Summit Road, in the City of Washington, Illinois. It is situated within the boundaries of elementary school District 50, just one block from District 51. The City of Washington is located approximately 8 miles east of downtown Peoria, Illinois. More information on the project can be obtained on the company website at http://www.washingtonkidsacademy.com or by calling the Executive Director, Lindsey Jenkins at (309) - 886 - 2273. Spearheading the expansion is high performing business, operations management, and supply chain executive, Derek Baggerly, founder of ESIS Inc., a successful, full-service e-commerce outsourcing provider. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in supply chain operations, Baggerly has supported over 20,000 e-commerce partners and 200+ major manufacturers. The U.S. market is a key strategic opportunity for SupplyOn; we can leverage our strengths in supply chain processes with our global trading partner network. There is a big demand in U.S. manufacturing for the complete suite of capabilities we offer with the SupplyOn Collaboration Platform, stated Baggerly. SupplyOn is used globally in direct material procurement, with particular strengths in complex manufacturing industries such as Automotive, Railway and Aerospace. SupplyOn customers include companies such as Bosch, Airbus, Siemens, BorgWarner, BMW and Bombardier. With the nature of todays global supply chains, SupplyOn already has a large presence in the U.S., with dozens of manufacturers and thousands of suppliers already using the platform. Mr. Baggerly has a proven track record in developing supply chain solutions in the U.S. By adding him to SupplyOns seasoned team we believe the company will continue to accelerate and realize its potential as the leading supply chain collaboration platform globally, said SupplyOn CEO, Markus Quicken. About SupplyOn: SupplyOn is the supply chain collaboration platform for the manufacturing industry used to manage business processes with suppliers and service providers across continents in a structured, transparent and secure manner. SupplyOn begins where ERP systems leave off and extends internal business processes seamlessly beyond company borders. The solutions are provided as Software-as-a-Service and align to the process requirements of the manufacturing industry encompassing cross-company processes in supply chain management, supplier risk and performance management, strategic and operational procurement, and quality and transport management. SupplyOn has established a network of companies in the manufacturing industry with a focus on the automotive, aerospace, railway and engineering industries that connects some 30,000 businesses in 70 countries. SupplyOn generated $46M in revenue with 160 employees in 2016. http://www.supplyon.com/. SupplyOn contact: Derek Baggerly CEO, SupplyOn North America 760.248.0317 Mention is a great case study in the disruptive impact webhose.io's web data feeds can have on business growth. Media monitoring leader Mention is using Webhose.io data feeds as an integral part of its new Mention Enterprise offering. The Webhose.io service allows Mention to efficiently scale its comprehensive coverage of news, blogs, and online discussions while delivering highly granular and up-to-the-minute results on-demand. Integrating Webhose.ios highly granular data lets Mention aggregate reports and analyze conversations around any keyword. This empowers Mention customers to understand which countries and media sources are dominating the conversation as their stories break and go viral. Mentions new Insights dashboard ensures comprehensive coverage, up-to-the-minute latency, and highly granular filtering capabilities including source, social signals, activity levels, and much more all powered by Webhose.ios web data feeds. Mention enables enterprise customers to tap into historical data dating 30 days back using Boolean search parameters. The two companies collaborated on a recent study that shows the United States is the top country leading the discussion of the term big data, with 63% share followed by India with 7.6% and the United Kingdom with 6.2%. Most media coverage of big data comes from news media sources (55%) and followed by Twitter (28%) and blogs (15%). Mention Enterprise sets the bar high when it comes to data quality, said Matthieu Vaxelaire, CEO of Mention. Webhose.io has delivered unprecedented results, meeting every conceivable KPI including superior source coverage, up-to-the-minute live data latency, and incredible responsiveness to ongoing data integration requests. Mention supports more than 650,000 customers and is adding 10,000 new registrations per month. The companys enterprise edition was launched in May 2016 and has been recognized as the first business intelligence tool powered entirely by online data. Building on Mentions success with real-time media alerts, the companys enterprise offering is leading a new category of digital-first business intelligence solutions. We are proud to support Mention as it ramps up enterprise-class data consumption, said Ran Geva, CEO of Webhose.io. Mention is a great case study in the disruptive impact web data consumption can have to accelerate business growth. About Mention Headquartered in Paris since 2012, Mention was founded with a simple mission: To help people discover whos talking about them online and what theyre saying. Focused on providing tailored monitoring solutions to businesses worldwide, the service makes it easy to track social media, blogs, forums, and the web in real time - anytime and anywhere. Mention is funded by eFounders, Point9, and Alven Capital. About Webhose.io Webhose.io provides on-demand access to web data feeds anyone can consume. We empower you to build, launch, and scale data-driven operations as you grow -- whether youre an entrepreneur, a researcher, or an executive at a Fortune 500 company. Developers get free access to the same web data feeds that power our growing customer base of global media analytics and monitoring leaders. Every web data feed is optimized to deliver up-to-the-minute coverage of a specific content domain, such as news, blogs, online discussions, and more. Just define your filters so you can focus on what you do best. To receive more information and granular data contact: Ohad Flinker Director of Content & Data Insights ohad(at)webhose(dot)io Protective posture. Persistent alpha. As 2016 came to a close, the hedge fund industry had experienced four straight quarters of net investor withdrawals, constituting the longest period of capital outflows since the 2008 financial crisis. By April 2016, 85% of hedge funds were below their high water marks. Warren Buffet has long mocked the hedge fund industry, citing high fees and mediocre returns. The existing hedge fund business model appears broken. Two former U.S. naval officers think they know why and have devoted themselves to an entrepreneurial venture seeking to revolutionize investment management. The hedge fund industry is a crowded space and the barriers to entry are high. There are two paths to launching a fund the first is to work in the investment management industry, applying variations of traditional strategies, until one develops the long track record needed to raise capital; the second is to be staked by wealthy individuals in ones personal network. The former is unlikely to innovate; research shows that insiders tend not to disrupt their industries. The latter requires the perfect storm of brilliance, vision, and connections to money to bring a novel approach or product to fruition. This being the case, it should be no surprise that most startup hedge funds fail. The barriers described do not just prevent entry they prevent innovation. Matt Sandretto, a former aviator in the U.S. Navy and a Wharton MBA, recognized that artificial intelligence now has prediction capabilities that no team of humans can match. The technology excels in a whole host of tasks that depend on classification and prediction; artificial intelligence (AI) has enabled the development of autonomous vehicles, the prediction of which movies you might like, and the creation of computers that can beat humans in complex games. Using an AI architecture known as deep neural networks, he has created an equities prediction engine that classifies expected stock performance relative to the upcoming months median return. These classifications are then used to build a long-short portfolio of equities. The strategy substantially outperformed the S&P 500 in a 15-year out-of-sample backtest. Currently trading with partner capital, early results have been in alignment with these extensive research and development efforts. Mr. Sandretto will be joined by his business partner, Jeffrey Payne, in formally launching this strategy in September 2017 as Greyfeather Capital, LP (http://www.greyfeathercapital.com). Mr. Payne is a former U.S. Navy submarine officer with science degrees from the United States Naval Academy and MIT and an MBA from the Wharton School. Early-stage investment in Greyfeather Capital, LP will be limited to those individuals and institutions that have demonstrated a commitment to innovation. Greyfeather Capital will also launch a secondary line of business, licensing aspects of its prediction technology to investment management firms for risk management and portfolio construction. The addition of cutting-edge AI prediction technology to existing fundamental strategies can produce very exciting results for investment managers and investors alike. The performance gap between firms committed to harnessing AI and those who are not will likely grow in the years ahead. This is the first time Maine Pointe has taken part in the Seven Small Jewels awards and we are delighted that we have been selected as one to watch. Each February, Consulting magazine, the flagship magazine for the consulting profession, shines a light on smaller firms that are shaking up the profession from the bottom up. They are firms breaking new ground in terms of firm management, but they are also breaking new ground in terms of their financial performance. In addition to its Seven Small Jewels, the magazine recognizes Seven to Watch. These are up-and-coming firms with less than 250 billable consultants that have carved out a niche to help topple some of industrys giants. As you might imagine, Consulting magazine receives hundreds of nominations for just Seven Small Jewels. As a result, there are many, many very good firms left on the outside looking in. Several of these firms stood out in the eyes of our editorial selection committee ... we felt like these excellent firms needed to be on the radar too. Consulting magazine. This latest recognition builds on the considerable momentum Maine Pointe has gained within the industry. In late 2016, the company was picked by CIO Review magazine as one of the Top 20 Procurement Solution Providers. Maine Pointe was also recognized as instrumental in two award-winning projects which helped the field logistics team of a $50B energy company cut costs and reduce carbon emissions in its aviation, lodging and ground transportation divisions. This is the first time Maine Pointe has taken part in the Seven Small Jewels awards and we are delighted that we have been selected as one to watch, said Simon Knowles, Chief Marketing Officer. We are confident that our rapid, sustained growth, our unique Total Value Optimization approach and ability to deliver sustainable measurable results to our clients will continue to build our reputation for being sought-after in the industry. About Maine Pointe Maine Pointe is a global implementation-focused consulting firm trusted by many chief executives and private equity firms to drive compelling economic returns for their companies. We achieve this by delivering accelerated, sustainable, improvements in both EBITDA and cash across their supply chain and operations. Our hands-on implementation experts work with executives and their teams to rapidly break through functional silos and transform the buy-make-move-fulfill supply chain to deliver the greatest value to customers and investors at the lowest cost to business. We call this Total Value Optimization (TVO). Maine Pointes engagements are results-driven and deliver between 3.5:1-12:1 ROI. We are so confident in our work and our processes that we provide a unique 100% guarantee of engagement fees based on annualized savings. http://www.mainepointe.com About Consulting Magazine Consulting magazine is the flagship publication of the consulting profession featuring the latest information on consulting careers, thought leadership and corporate strategies. In addition to providing industry insights, Consulting hosts award dinners as part of our Achievement Awards series honoring Women Leaders in Consulting, The Top 25 Consultants, Social & Community Investment and Rising Stars of the Profession. About ALM ALM, an information and intelligence company, provides customers with critical news, data, analysis, marketing solutions and events to successfully manage the business of business. Customers use ALM solutions to discover new ideas and approaches for solving business challenges, connect to the right professionals and peers creating relationships that move business forward, and compete to win through access to data, analytics and insight. ALM serves a community of over 6 million business professionals seeking to discover, connect and compete in highly complex industries. For more information, visit http://www.alm.com. To arrange an interview, please contact our Marketing Communications Director Stephanie Kimball at +1 617-842-7992 or skimball(at)mainepointe(dot)com "Trump," published in 1985, was the first biography of the controversial real estate magnate elected president last year. Jerome Tuccille, author of more than 25 books, the first biographer of Donald Trump, and one of the early leaders of the U.S. libertarian movement, died at 79. For the past five years, Mr. Tuccille had been battling multiple myeloma, a bone-marrow cancer. He succumbed on February 16, 2017. Tuccille was the author of the libertarian satire, "It Usually Begins With Ayn Rand," and other best-selling, well-received books. His biographies include: "Hemingway and Gellhorn"; the award-winning "Gallo Be Thy Name"; "Trump"; "Rupert Murdoch; King of Media"; "Kingdom: The Story of the Hunts of Texas"; and "Alan Shrugged: The Life of Alan Greenspan." "Trump," published in 1985, was the first biography of the controversial real estate magnate elected president last year. "The Roughest Riders," the story of African-American soldiers at the battle of San Juan Hill, was published in 2015, and his last book, on the Depression-era Bonus Army, is forthcoming. Tuccille also authored or co-authored several novels: "Wall Street Blues," "The Werewolf of Wall Street," and "The Double: Churchill, Hitler, and the Duel Over Rudolf Hess." Two of his books, "Kingdom" and "Gallery of Fools," his memoir dealing with an art heist from a Manhattan art gallery, were optioned for feature films. In 1974, Tuccille ran for Governor of New York as the candidate of the Free Libertarian Party, and he was instrumental in breaking libertarians away from traditional conservatives in the late 1960s, primarily because of differences over the war in Vietnam. He was prominent in the early days of libertarianism along with his colleagues, economist Murray Rothbard, and former speechwriter for Barry Goldwater, Karl Hess. Tuccille taught a course on anarchism at the New School for Social Research in the early 1970s and went to work on Wall Street in 1975 as a stockbroker with Merrill Lynch. At the time of his death, Tuccille had retired as a vice president and senior financial writer at financial services firm T. Rowe Price in Baltimore. He was a member of both the Authors Guild and the American Society of Journalists and Authors. Surviving him are his wife of 52 years, Marie Winkler Tuccille of Severna Park, MD; his son Jerome D. Tuccille and daughter-in-law Wendy Katzenstein Tuccille of Cottonwood, AZ; his daughter Christine Tuccille Merry and son-in-law James Merry of Frederick, MD; his grandsons Jasper Tuccille Merry, Hugo Marius Merry, and Anthony James Tuccille; and his sister Carol Marie Tuccille of Somers, NY. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the International Myeloma Foundation. Users have high expectations for interacting on the web, and after an extensive UX study and thoughtfully elevated content and design, were confident this revolutionary new site will provide a fantastic user journey," said Selina Petosa, of Rational. Winshuttle is excited to announce the launch of its newly revamped global website, winshuttle.com. After extensive research and development in collaboration with Rational, a full-service digital, technical and consulting agency, Winshuttle has improved navigation and web functionality, revitalized the design, and created crisp new content, all with user experience top of mind. We are thrilled with the launch of our new global website, and the wealth of information it brings to customers, partners, media professionals, and potential employees, said John Pierson, CEO of Winshuttle. People turn to the web to learn, making it important that we deliver the same aha moment on our website that users experience with our tools and solutions. The website offers quick and easy access to essential information about Winshuttles core capabilities - data movement, workflow applications and data governance, as well as quick links to upgraded product pages and support. New sections like How we help empower users to quickly identify solutions by line of business, and benefits that directly relate to their function. Users can also leverage resources like the ROI calculator, customer success stories and business benefits to calculate savings and the potential impact of implementing solutions. The new careers page not only gives potential new hires a glimpse of what its like to work in each office, but also provides information on benefits and perks for each region. Everyone knows that data is challenging, but not everyone understands that their data challenges can be addressed with better tools and processes, said Mary Gary, Winshuttles Director of Global Marketing. The new website helps users clearly identify how to make their lives and their companys livelihood more successful. Winshuttle wanted to create a seamless digital experience for users, said Selina Petosa, Principal at Rational. Users have high expectations for interacting on the web, and after an extensive UX study and thoughtfully elevated content and design, were confident this revolutionary new site will provide a fantastic user journey. The Winshuttle team were true partners on this project, and we couldnt be more excited for them and this next chapter in the company! Visit http://www.winshuttle.com to experience the new website. The redesign will be rolled out to other language sites in French, Spanish and German over the course of 2017. About Winshuttle Winshuttle is a leading provider of enterprise applications for data management, offering the broadest vision for data management and governance needed to fuel business transformations that keep companies competitive. Its tools, platforms and solutions reduce the friction of implementing data intensive, mission-critical processes in SAP by automating data movement tasks and critical workflows, ensuring business processes are orchestrated, repeatable and scalable. Learn more about Winshuttles SAP data management solutions by visiting http://www.winshuttle.com There are currently no approved drugs that address the core symptoms of autism, said Dr. Joan Fallon, founder and CEO of Curemark. Curemark, LLC announced today that the Blum Study, a Phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CM-AT in children aged 3-8 with Autism, is now enrolling at three new sites. These new sites are in addition to the 30 clinical sites already enrolling children across the United States. There are currently no approved drugs that address the core symptoms of autism, said Dr. Joan Fallon, founder and CEO of Curemark. Making our clinical trial available to as many children across the United States as possible, is an important step toward seeking FDA approval of CM-AT. This 14-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study is being conducted to determine if CM-AT may help improve core and non-core symptoms of Autism. CM-AT, which has been granted Fast Track designation by FDA, is designed to enhance protein digestion thereby potentially restoring the pool of essential amino acids. Essential amino acids play a critical role in the expression of several genes important to neurological function and serve as precursors to key neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. The three new Blum trial sites are: Colorado IMMUNOe Research Centers (Thornton) Florida Segal Institute for Clinical Research (Miami) New Jersey Children's Specialized Hospital (Egg Harbor Township) For more information about the Blum Study or to find a Clinical Trial Site near you, visit: http://www.blumstudy.com. About Curemark, LLC Curemark, LLC is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for the treatment of neurological disorders. Curemarks pipeline includes preclinical and clinical-stage programs for the treatment of Autism, ADHD, addiction, Schizophrenia and Parkinsons disease. For additional information, please visit our website at http://www.curemark.com or follow @curemark on Twitter. About CM-AT & The Blum StudyTM CM-AT, Curemarks lead drug candidate, has been granted Fast Track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the investigation of Autism. The company is currently enrolling a Phase 3 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial (known as the Blum Study) to examine the effect of CM-AT in children ages 3-8 with Autism. The trial is enrolling at 33 sites across the United States. For additional information, please see: http://www.blumstudy.com. Safe Harbor This press release, as well as information about the Blum Study located at http://www.blumstudy.com, includes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding (i) the development of Curemark, LLCs lead drug candidate, CM-AT, for Autism, (ii) CM-ATs potential to serve medical needs, (iii) the anticipated completion of the Blum Study to evaluate CM-AT, (iv) the anticipated submission of a New Drug Application for CM-AT and (v) CM-ATs mechanism of action. In some cases, forward-look statements can be identified by words such as may, will, should, "anticipate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "estimate," predict, potential, the negative of such words, variations of such words and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: (i) uncertainties inherent in research and development; (ii) the ability to meet anticipated clinical trial commencement and completion dates and regulatory submission dates; (iii) the possibility of unfavorable clinical trial results, including unfavorable new clinical data and additional analyses of existing clinical data; (iv) whether and when any New Drug Applications may be filed with any jurisdiction for CM-AT; (v) whether and when any such applications may be approved by regulatory authorities, which will depend on the assessment by such regulatory authorities of the benefit-risk profile suggested by the totality of the efficacy and safety information submitted; (vi) decisions by regulatory authorities regarding labeling and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of CM-AT; and (vii) competitive developments. Readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Except as may be required by law, Curemark, LLC undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect any change in Curemark, LLCs expectations or any change in information, events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. # # # Ventura Recovery Center is offering a scholarship opportunity for the Fall 2017 Semester. Participants are invited to write a 500- 800 word essay about How addiction has affected you or your loved ones. The writer of the winning essay will be awarded $1000 to be used toward the college or university of their choice for tuition and/or books. Ventura Recovery Center is a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in southern California that has been committed to helping those with addiction disorders since 1989. They believe that if someone is given a chance and the tools to change their life for the better, wonderful things can happen. The scholarship is an extension of that concept; offering help to a student whose life has been affected by addiction. According to Carl Davenport, Intake Director and Head of Community Outreach, through education we can shine a light on the true causes of drug and alcohol addiction and allow healing to begin. We can bring recovery out from the shadows. There are very few requirements to apply for this scholarship: The student must be over 18 All undergraduate majors are welcome Applicant must be a legal resident of the United States The deadline for entry is March 31, 2017 Applicant must be accepted at or enrolled in the college chosen The committee at Ventura Recovery Center will review each essay. The essay must be relevant to the topic. It must be creative and original. Does it stir the emotions? Imagination and originality are keys to success. The submission form can be found at: https://venturarecoverycenter.com/ventura-recovery-center-scholarship-program/ Located in the Los Angeles area, Ventura Recovery Center gives active adults the tools to regain life from the grips of drug and alcohol addiction. A proven track record, JCAHO accreditation and a unique approach have earned Ventura Recovery Center a strong reputation in the recovery community. PowerTest 2017 is just days away. Electrical power systems professionals from across North America will gather February 27-March 3, 2017, at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California, to learn, train, and share ideas. The annual event, sponsored by NETA the InterNational Electrical Testing Association, is a five-day technical conference on electrical power systems commissioning, acceptance and maintenance testing, and safety, featuring more than 40 educational sessions. Registrations for the training sessions are still being accepted. Register online at http://www.powertest.org, call 888-300-6382, or register during the event on-site. Conference registration will available on-site. The premier electrical power systems conference offers more than 40 sessions on electrical power system acceptance and maintenance testing, including 27 unique electrical maintenance and safety presentations, four panel discussions, and 12 in-depth seminars. On Tuesday, February 28, 2017, the PowerTest Trade Show is open to all industry professionals. From noon to 5:30 PM, conference registrants and non-registrants alike will have access to the latest technologies and services available to those responsible for the maintenance and safety of electrical power systems. Over 1,000 participants will convene for PowerTest 2017, North Americas largest gathering of professionals involved in the specifying, maintenance, and testing of electrical power systems. For a full schedule of this five-day conference and registration discount opportunities, download the PowerTest 2017 conference brochure. ABOUT NETA NETA is an ANSI Accredited Standards Developing Organization that creates and maintains standards for electrical maintenance and acceptance testing for electrical power equipment and systems, as well as a standard that addresses the certification of electrical testing technicians. NETA is an association of leading electrical testing companies comprised of visionaries committed to advancing the industry standards for power system installation and maintenance to ensure the highest level of reliability and safety. Attorney Travis A. Schumer We are excited to have Mr. Schumer join our team. Berenji & Associates proudly welcomes its newest associate attorney, Mr. Travis A. Schumer. Attorney Schumer earned his law degree at prestigious University of Southern California School of Law (USC), and achieved a B.A. from the University of California - Davis. Mr. Schumer's extensive legal experience includes working at the Department of Justice, Los Angeles Public Defender's Office, and Alliance for Children's Rights. Mr. Schumer handles all family law matters including child custody and support, spousal support, property division, and more. For more information, please visit https://www.berenjifamilylaw.com. Berenji & Associates 9107 Wilshire Blvd Suite 750 Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (310) 271-6290 Our Discovery Paths tailor to the needs of time-strapped employees. Christian Smythe, Head of Content & Partner Strategy BlueBottleBiz, the first collaborative learning platform for business professionals, experienced a 100 percent increase in the amount of bite-sized learning modules, called Discovery Paths, hosted in the platforms business library in 2016. Discovery Paths grew from 300 in 2015 to 600 last year, as the bite-sized learning trend continues to gain momentum. In response to modern learners demands for lean learning opportunities, BlueBottleBiz created Discovery Paths as a way for professionals to catch up on specific business topics quickly. Discovery Paths take less than 90 minutes to complete in their entirety, and can be picked up where learners leave off at any time. Discovery Paths are accessed via desktop or through BlueBottleBiz mobile apps, making bite-sized learning more achievable for professionals on the go. A recent Deloitte survey tells us that on average, we dedicate 2.7 hours to professional development per week, said Christian Smythe, head of content and partner strategy. With so little time devoted to learning in professional settings, consuming longform texts and sitting through training courses are out of the question for most. Thats where customized, bite-sized learning comes into play. Our Discovery Paths tailor to the needs of time-strapped employees. Discovery Paths combine multiple content formats including lean articles, chapters and video into one navigable learning module. BlueBottleBiz currently hosts Discovery Paths covering a wide range of topics, including: Aside from providing professionals with bite-sized learning opportunities, Discovery Paths can be used to promote companies, brands and individual thought leaders. For companies and publishers alike, a unique feature with Discovery Paths is having the ability to pair an organization's own content with native content hosted in BlueBottleBiz. The overarching purpose of our Discovery Paths is to provide easy-to-consume content to help members expand their knowledge, said Heather MacNeill, head of marketing and communications. With Promotional Discovery Paths used for content marketing we work with organizations and publishers to create custom paths that promote a brand or initiative, while giving the content a learning twist. The key is to deliver a package that is useful to the recipient, but still gets the company message across. For more information on the various types of Discovery Paths, or how BlueBottleBiz is helping to reshape corporate learning by combining expert content with a professional network and collaborative tools, visit BlueBottleBiz.com. Click Free Access to begin learning. ### About BlueBottleBiz BlueBottleBiz, the first collaborative learning platform for business professionals, empowers its members to grow talent and share knowledge using the most expansive digital business content library and the most modern social and content marketing tools. The platform provides businesses, publishers and other members the ability to increase brand visibility, establish thought leadership, learn from industry experts and build global connections. Since its inception in 2012, BlueBottleBiz has earned the trust of 350 publishers, allowing the platform to feature 30,000 books, videos, journals and other resources. In a crowded marketplace, BlueBottleBiz offers the clear competitive advantage of applying the sharing economy principles to the knowledge space. To learn more about the platform or to sign up for a free trial, visit http://www.bluebottlebiz.com. We are passionate about transforming talent selection and development to help clients hire better candidates, increase efficiency, and drive profitability. OutMatch, a leader in helping organizations match the right people with the right jobs, today announced that the company achieved robust growth in products, customers, and assessments during 2016, driven by the introduction of its new brand, expansion of its novel solutions, and its emergence as an innovator in talent selection and development. Launched in January 2016 as the new name for merged HCM firms Assess Systems and Chequed.com, OutMatch realized growth fueled by a net client retention rate of 99 percent and the addition of nearly 70 new clients. They included recognized names in each of its key markets: Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Boston Market, Fogo de Chao, Red Lobster, and Ruby Tuesday (restaurant); 99 Cents Only and Adidas (retail); Cinemark and PCH Hotels & Resorts (hospitality); and Sunrise Senior Living (healthcare). In addition, powered by a unique combination of leading-edge technology, unrivaled services, and support, OutMatch delivered more than 10 million assessments in 2016 a significant increase of more than 50 percent from the previous year to fill opportunities at over 200,000 locations. In the process, the company assisted world-class clients such as American Airlines, Aspen Dental, Brinker International, Circle K, Esurance, Hyatt, and La Quinta. We are passionate about transforming talent selection and development to help clients hire better candidates, increase efficiency, and drive profitability, said Greg Moran, President and CEO of OutMatch. Last years strong performance is testament to the first-rate OutMatch team, and positions us to double down on our efforts in 2017. The introduction of new OutMatch solutions during 2016 added measurement, insight, and impact to talent selection and development. Expert Service Bundles use an industry-first SaaS+ model to combine innovative technology, world-class services, and support, and OutMatch Leadership Simulation enables companies to conduct virtual leadership simulations to make better, faster, and more cost-effective leadership selection decisions. In addition, several new case studies were released demonstrating improved hires and cost savings realized by OutMatch clients such as American Blue Ribbon Holdings, Chili's, GroupM and Linium. The full suite of products and solutions were on display at the companys first-ever customer conference, OutMatch Insights : Live!, which was held in October at The Highland Dallas and attracted nearly 100 clients and partners. The company also continued to build its top-notch executive team with the addition of industry veteran Brad Palmer as Vice President of Sales. The year saw OutMatch gain significant recognition as an industry leader in talent selection and development. The company received the Economic Winner Award in the Center for Economic Growths (Albany, NY) 2016 Technology Awards and was selected as one of the 2016 Best Places to Work by the Dallas Business Journal. OutMatch executives also delivered featured presentations at several conferences, including the inaugural Human Resource Executive Talent Acquisition Technology Conference in Austin, TX and the Golden Corral Annual Conference in Las Vegas. And, OutMatch greatly enhanced its profile through sustained news coverage in national media, including Fortune, Bloomberg BNA, and Diginomica; placements in key industry publications, such as Human Resource Executives Recruiting Trends, HR.coms Talent Acquisition Excellence Essentials, and ERE.com; and placements in key vertical industry publications, from FSR Magazine, Restaurant Hospitality, and Fast Casual to Total Retail and Retail Minded. ### About OutMatch Building a high-performing company requires matching the right people with the right roles. But, hiring is often subjective, lacks clarity, and doesnt help companies understand the impact of a new hire. OutMatch fixes these problems. Using industry-leading assessment technology and expertise, OutMatch delivers the predictive data thats missing from the hiring process. With clear, measurable insight into candidates and new hires, managers make better hiring decisions, and organizations are finally able to measure the impact of hiring on the company. For more information, visit http://www.outmatch.com or @OutMatchHCM. American Family Care (AFC), the nations leading provider of urgent care, occupational medicine, and accessible primary care, announced today that it has begun exploratory efforts to open additional medical centers in the greater Indianapolis area. Following an approach that has proven successful in Boston, Denver, Nashville, Philadelphia, and other major markets, AFC has begun engaging potential partners with intent to develop more than a dozen new medical centers across central Indiana. According to ProPublica an independent, non-profit that tracks important issues of public interest the average check-in to discharge time at some of the most well-known emergency rooms in metropolitan Indianapolis is nearly 3 hours. Our first two clinics have been extremely well-received by patients in Indianapolis, as well as the surrounding communities of Carmel, Fishers, Lawrence, and Zionsville. Given the duration of local ER turnaround times, coupled with a fragmented set of urgent care clinics of varying quality, we believe our patients-centric approach can help us to establish a leadership position in this market, says Randy Johansen, President of AFC. Ranked by Inc. Magazine as one of the 10 fastest growing health care companies in the U.S., AFC operates more than 170 corporate and franchise medical centers across 26 states. In several markets the company also operates joint ventures and other partnerships with local hospital systems to provide a high-quality continuum of care for its patients. Whether operating corporately owned clinics, supporting a local entrepreneur through our franchising model, or by partnering with a local hospital system, pursing our mission to provide the best health care possible is our primary focus, according to Scott Hoots, Vice President of Franchise Operations for AFC. Certainly all of those possibilities are on the table as we explore options for further leveraging our expertise in Indianapolis, Hoots adds. The companys analysis suggests that the Indianapolis market can support as many as 12 to 15 AFC clinics, given the current competitive landscape. Ultimately, we believe that the prospect of our increased presence has the potential to simultaneously bolster the quality and accessibility of health care in area, says AFCs Johansen. Whats more, despite the fact that some lesser quality and undercapitalized urgent care providers may not survive, we fully expect that our local presence will also result in the creation of incremental jobs for the local economy. So, we are eager to continue our exploratory efforts, concluded Johansen. About American Family Care: Founded by Dr. Bruce Irwin with a single location in 1982, American Family Care has pioneered the concept of non-emergency room urgent care. Today, AFC is the nations leading provider of urgent care, accessible primary care, and occupational medicine, with more than 160 clinics and 500 in-network physicians caring for more than 2 million patients a year. Ranked by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S., AFC continues to expand its reach of its network through organic growth and partnerships with some of the nations most respected hospital systems including Baptist Health, Bon Secours St. Francis, Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network, and others. For more information, visit http://www.AmericanFamilyCare.com. UserIQ, a Customer Growth Platform that empowers SaaS companies to foster growth beyond the funnel, announced today the company has appointed Rachel Orston to the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). With the change in management, founder Aaron Aycock will take on the role of Chief Product Officer to focus on product development and enhancements to UserIQs solution, while remaining actively involved with long-term strategy and customer evangelism. Aycock is confident Orston will further enhance the company's success and growth trajectory, and welcomes the opportunity to actively focus his attention on product development and future innovation. Along with the entire team, Im excited that Rachel has made this commitment to lead UserIQ into its next chapter, said Aaron Aycock, chief product officer and founder of UserIQ. Her experience transforming companies into successful, customer-focused organizations, along with UserIQs powerhouse technology are the perfect combination to continue our growth and secure a well-deserved position as a leading brand in our industry. Orston has spent more than two decades as a leader in the SaaS and IT technology industries driving customer success and achieving significant revenue growth for emerging companies. Most recently, Orston was worldwide executive leader over SaaS growth and customer success for IBM, covering Watson and all of IBMs SaaS businesses. Prior to that, she was vice president of global services and customer adoption at Silverpop, which IBM acquired in 2014, where she was responsible for onboarding, implementation and overall customer growth. During her tenure she championed transformation and customer success across the entire IBM SaaS portfolio, built a robust operations model for customer KPI management, and increased services and solution sales 80 percent in less than 36 months, generating more than $20M in new revenue. Rachel has played an integral role as a pioneer in developing a strong discipline and playbook around customer success, which is the very heart of UserIQs business, said Mark Buffington, co-founder and managing partner of BIP Capital and a UserIQ investor. She is a smart choice to lead UserIQ into the next stage of growth. Rachels extensive technology management expertise makes her the ideal executive to drive UserIQs performance moving forward. UserIQ is fast-becoming the Customer Growth Platform that empowers SaaS companies to go beyond customer success with tools to manage the post-sale stages. By combining user intelligence, targeted engagements and customer health, UserIQ helps deliver what each of your customers needs to be successful at every moment. The best companies are built one customer at a time and those customers grow by one user engagement at a time, said Rachel Orston, newly appointed CEO of UserIQ. Im proud to lead a company that takes this philosophy very seriously and understands the hard work that begins after the initial sale closes. The entire customer growth landscape is gaining unbelievable momentum and UserIQ is at the center of this movement. Im excited about whats ahead for our team and the incredible journey we are on with our growing customer base. Orston earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern University and an Executive Masters of Science in Management of Technology from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is a member of Georgia Tech Advanced Technology Development Center, StartupChicks, Women in Technology, Technology Association of Georgia and is a TiE charter member. About UserIQ Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, UserIQ was founded in 2014 to help SaaS companies transform the way they engage with their customers. From adoption and retention to expansion and advocacy, UserIQ combines user intelligence, targeted engagements and customer health to deliver what each customer needs to be successful at every moment. In 2016, the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) recognized UserIQ as a Top 10 Most Innovative Company. For more information on UserIQ, visit useriq.com and follow us on Twitter @UserIQ. It's an amazing experience to get to be part of a show I watched with a person who helped influence my musical upbringing- Guitarist Zac Garren Back in the late 90's/early 2000's, MTV's TRL (Total Request Live) was the popular way to find out about the latest music. Fans gathered around the TV to see what song would be voted number one, and Strawberry Girls guitarist Zac Garren was no exception. Zac shared, "I would rush home by 3:30 to watch religiously after my elementary school got out at 3. That's how I discovered heavier bands like Limp Bizkit and KoRn, as well as developed a diverse taste in rap, pop, and rock." When the TRL era came to an end, host Carson Daly would still be a staple for music discovery with his new show on NBC "Last Call with Carson Daly." Garren was an avid follower and learned of many new bands which would later be influences, as he started his musical career. Honored to be on the show, he said, "It's an amazing experience to get to be a part of a show I watched with a person who helped influence my musical upbringing." One of the songs featured on the episode is "Black Night, Golden Circus," which is the first song that Garren and Drummer Ben Rosett ever wrote together. The track was re-recorded for their latest album, "Italian Ghosts," which was just released on February 17th. Garren explains, "When Ben and I started jamming in his parents garage 6 years ago, I don't think either of us ever expected to get on TV with our music. Now, here we are 6 years later, about to play the first song we ever wrote on Last Call With Carson Daly." Strawberry Girls are extremely excited to be back on the show, as Garren explained, "We are forever grateful for the opportunity to expose our music to more people. We love what we do and hope others enjoy it as much as we do. We just released the re-recordings of Italian Ghosts [their 3rd release on the Warner/ADA distributed Tragic Hero Records] and It feels really cool to see everything coming full circle in so many ways. This is only the beginning." The appearance also featured "Simon Vandetta" off their 2015 release, 'American Graffiti.' The show aired on February 21st and the videos are streaming on Hulu as well as NBC.com. Watch Now: "Black Night, Golden Circus": http://www.nbc.com/last-call-with-carson-daly/video/strawberry-girls-black-night/3474111 "Simon Vandetta": http://www.nbc.com/last-call-with-carson-daly/video/strawberry-girls-simon-vandetta/3474112 Dialog Magazine - Preview Cover Dialog Magazine enables readers to gain understanding, increase empathy, and find greater happiness. Pink Pig Publishing LLC announces the launch of Dialog Magazine, an exciting, new, interactive publication where generations converge and explore the world from different perspectives. By providing a place for people of all ages to expand their worldview, Dialog Magazine enables readers to gain understanding, increase empathy, and find greater happiness. "Our approach to structuring content is to confront the big issues head-on," says publisher and editor-in-chief, Ambra Watkins. "In each issue, we address one timely, controversial question. The cover story puts that question into context by providing the background and facts, while the feature articles offer different perspectives on how the issue plays out in real life where we live, learn, work, and play." The magazine also offers advice and humor columns, quizzes and surveys, as well as vocabulary and reviews to give readers the tools they need to improve communication across generations. The content is completely interactive, allowing readers to participate and see live results, watch videos, attend webcasts and podcasts, and much more. The digital edition of the magazine features Advontemedia's VERTIQUL delivery model, which displays content so that theres no need for flipping, pinching, or zooming; and there is no need to install or download an app. The digital version is optimized for an easy read on any desktop, tablet, or smartphone device. Dialog Magazine is currently available on dialogmagazine.com. The first complete print and digital versions will be available on May 1, 2017. The magazine will be published every two months and distributed to newsstands across the country beginning with the May/June issue. Subscriptions can be purchased online at dialogmagazine.com/subscribe. Single issues sell for $6.95, digital subscriptions for $9.95, and subscriptions for both digital and print for $24.95 in the U.S. and $34.95 in Canada. International subscriptions are available only in the digital format. Companies eager to increase brand awareness across generations have a variety of advertising opportunities from which to choose, ranging from print to digital, social to editorial, as well as Dialog Magazines monthly e-newsletter, TheSpark. Email Mark Sells, Digital Director and Account Executive, for a customized marketing solution or call 720-955-0888. ======================================================================================= Ambra Watkins is an established author, speaker, trainer, and change expert with an MA and a PMP certification, providing the necessary tools for intergenerational dialogue that empower young people to triumph over anxiety and depression. Find out more about Ambra and her book Escape from Dark Places at ambrawatkins.org, or email her at ambra(at)ambrawatkins.org. Ambra Watkins is available for interviews. I suggest using Premium Silver Tequila for the Agave Wine and Cointreau for the Agavero when celebrating National Margarita Day. -Sunrise Springs Spa Resort Executive Chef Rocky Durham Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa and its sister property, Sunrise Springs Spa Resort, announce two new unusual margaritas made especially for National Margarita Day, which takes place annually on February 22. Ojo is featuring its Agave Wine Margarita plus new infusions of prickly pear, jalapeno, strawberry, mango and spicy ginger. Sunrise Springs Spa Resorts Executive Chef, Rocky Durham has created an edible cocktail especially for this event: The Sunrise Springs Shiso Yuzu Margarita. Like tequila, agave wine comes from the Webber blue agave plant, which takes up to ten years to mature before theyre harvested. The process of making agave wine starts the same way as tequilathe mature agave plants are cooked to release sugars and the aguimel is then extracted using molinas, or, crushers. The aguimel is fermented, and instead of distilling to make tequila, the aguimel is filtered and mixed with 100% de agave blanco tequila to fortify the wine to 24% ABV. Agave Wine Margarita Yield: 1 Gallons 3 Bottles Agave Wine Gallon Lime Juice 2 Bottles Triple Sec Sunrise Springs Spa Resorts Shisho Yuzu Margarita is filled with bright citrus and incorporates an Asian fruit growing in popularity in North America called Yuzu. Mainly cultivated in Japan, China and Korea (where its often combined with sugar and honey to make a marmalade-like syrup used in yujacha tea), Yuzu has a fragrant aroma and refreshing flavor thats less tart than its citrus counterparts. The spiky, dark Shisho leaves, another Asian inspired component, offers up an almost minty counterpoint to the citrus elements. Some might say Shisho is like basil or even cilantro. The result is supremely refreshing. Shisho Yuzu Margarita Serves 4 4 to 6 Shisho Leaves 3 T. Granulated Cane Sugar 2 Yuzus, Juiced and Zested 2 Limes Juiced 1 Lemon Juiced 6 oz. Agave Wine 3 oz. Agavero Ice cup Kosher Salt Yuzu slices and Shisho leaves for garnish 1. Zest Yuzus, mix with kosher salt and place on a small plate or saucer. 2. Thoroughly muddle sugar and shisho together until a green paste is achieved. 3. Combine with remaining ingredients, 1 cup of ice and shake very well. 4. Rub rim of glasses with Yuzu to moisten and place rim into yuzu-salt mixture. 5. Fill glasses with Ice and pour in margarita. 6. Garnish and serve Wed like to add that at home, Chef suggests using Premium Silver Tequila for the Agave Wine and Cointreau for the Agavero. FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES: Jennifer Hobson-Hinsley 505 603 8643 Jennifer(at)jlhmedia(dot)com ### ABOUT OJO CALIENTE MINERAL SPRINGS RESORT & SPA: Opened in 1868, and celebrating its 150th Anniversary in 2018, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs is one of the oldest natural health resorts in the United States, and the only hot springs in the world with a remarkable combination of four different sulfur-free mineral waters. Deemed sacred by the Native American tribes of Northern New Mexico, Ojos legendary waters have been soothing mind, body and spirit naturally for thousands of years. The 1,100-acre resort features enchanting suites and charming cottages, a historic hotel and private homes. The full-service spa offers a wide array of restorative therapies including nurturing massage and rejuvenating body treatments. In The Artesian Restaurant and Wine Bar, the chef incorporates Ojos farm-grown herbs, fruits and vegetables into his global cuisine. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs is located one hour north of Santa Fe and 45 minutes south of Taos, New Mexico. http://ojospa.com ABOUT SUNRISE SPRINGS SPA RESORT: The only destination spa in enchanting Santa Fe, N.M., Sunrise Springs Spa Resort is a tranquil natural springs sanctuary that has been a source of rejuvenation for centuries, weaving ancient wisdom and healing traditions with modern wellness. At the heart of the resorts 70 acres is a sacred Medicine Wheel surrounded by 20 spacious casitas and 32 guest rooms; the new Ojitos, open-air soaking experience; a spa; a greenhouse; yoga, fitness and expressive arts studios; puppy studio and chicken coop; and two restaurants serving nourishing farm-fresh cuisine. A passionate team of credentialed wellness professionals and Thrive Guides empower guests to discover their unique path to creating harmony amongst the four aspects of wellbeing: mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. All-inclusive packages range from rejuvenating day escapes to multi-day transformative experiences. Guests can also visit the nearby historic sister property, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa just north of Santa Fe. http://sunrisesprings.com LendIt has grown to be the premier event for the online lending industry. Im very excited to join the panel of securitization experts First Associates Loan Servicing, LLC, the leading loan servicer in the marketplace lending industry, announced today that CEO David Johnson will be speaking at the LendIt USA conference in New York on March 7th. LendIt is the largest conference series connecting the global online lending community. Johnson will be speaking on the What it Takes to Securitize: Securitization in Marketplace Lending panel on March 7th. Johnson will share his experience on the securitization process, generated from the many rated and unrated marketplace securitizations that First Associates has participated in involving many of the industrys top platforms and investment firms. Johnson has a well-earned reputation in the lending industry as a leader with a passion for innovation and cutting-edge approaches to technology and processes. His 30-year career includes broad experience in finance, technology, and energy. As CEO, Johnson has grown First Associates from a small service provider to a leading fintech servicer. LendIt has grown to be the premier event for the online lending industry, said David Johnson. Im very excited to join the panel of securitization experts. LendIt USA 2017 will be held March 6-7, 2017 at the Jacob Javitz Convention Center. About First Associates Loan Servicing, LLC With 30 years in the consumer finance business, First Associates is the countrys leading marketplace lending loan servicer. The company, based in San Diego, works with a wide range of asset classes, including marketplace lending, automotive, purchase finance, powersports and small business. The company also offers a variety of support solutions, including backup servicing and custodial functions. For more information, visit http://www.1stassociates.com. About LendIt LendIt is the world's largest event series dedicated to connecting the Fintech and lending community. Their conferences bring together the leading lending platforms, investors, and service providers in the industry for unparalleled educational, networking, and business development opportunities. LendIt hosts three conferences annually: their flagship conference LendIt USA as well as LendIt Europe in London and LendIt China in Shanghai. LendIt USA 2017 will be held in New York from March 6 - 7. Learn more at http://www.lendit.com/. Boy Scout Jarrett Styron, left, and Mobile Area Council Boy Scouts executive board member Ken Styron present an award to Columbia Southern University President Robert Mayes. The Mobile Area Council Boys Scouts of America honored Columbia Southern University President Robert Mayes at its South Baldwin County Boy Scouts Golden Eagle Dinner at Columbia Southern University on Tuesday, Feb. 21. The fundraising dinner featured approximately 130 guests and 16 Scouts who gathered to pay tribute to Mayes for his outstanding service to the community and youth of the area. Robert was chosen for this award for the impact he has made on Baldwin County and the impact he has made on the community, said Scouts Executive Director Michael Hartigan. He was the perfect person to be able to honor and say thank you for all he has done. Golden Eagle Dinner chairman and Mobile Area Council executive board member Ken Styron agreed. It was a great honor to recognize Robert Mayesa leader in our community who serves as a role model for our Scouting youth, said Styron. He sets an example of what you can achieve by never giving up on your dreams. Mayes gives a lot of credit for his community service efforts to his family. He explained that when times were tough for his family in the past, churches, neighbors and families helped them get by. We feel strongly that its our role and mission to give back and help very worthy causes and make a difference in the community. The whole family holds that conviction, he said. That conviction is evident as Columbia Southern University, a key employer in Baldwin County, has been a staunch supporter of area charities such as Toys for Tots, Feeding the Gulf Coast, back-to-school programs, Relay for Life and many others. During the dinner, guests were asked to pledge donations as the Scouts work to meet their $309,000 goal to aid the operating budget for all southern Alabama Scouting groups. Tuesdays dinner was the second of four dinners planned for 2017 and raised $14,075. About Columbia Southern University One of the nations pioneer online universities, Columbia Southern University was established in 1993 to provide an alternative to the traditional university experience. CSU offers online associate, bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees such as business administration, criminal justice, fire administration and occupational safety and health. Visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu or call (877) 347-6050 to learn more. We are excited about this milestone in our history and we invite you all to visit Middletown to enjoy our growing and thriving community, and celebrate with us. John Miller, Burgess Middletown, Maryland will celebrate its 250th Anniversary throughout 2017 with a series of Town Talks, each geared to a specific historical theme that has contributed to making Middletown all that it is today. On Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 2:00pm, the Town Talk will occur at Zion Lutheran Church at 107 West Main Street, Middletown, Maryland. The subject of the March 5th event will be the arts in Middletown, as well as celebrating with birthday cake. Middletown has been an incubator of artists for years and will celebrate this through showcasing the works of William Moran, the internationally recognized knife maker; Charles Walther, the modernist painter who was a professor at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and summered in Middletown, teaching classes known as The Snallygaster School; and Middletown native son, John Horman, a Carnegie Hall performer, teacher and writer of childrens music will perform. Locally made quilts and coverlets will be on display for visitors to view while enjoying a piece of birthday cake. According to The Early History of Middletown, Maryland, by George C. Rhoderick, Michael Jesserong was selling lots as early as March 3, 1767, thus Middletown credits its founding to the date, 1767 (even though we know settlers were living in the Middletown Valley much earlier). The Town created the 250th Steering Committee to develop a series of events that celebrate and commemorate the different themes of Middletowns history. Previous Town Talks in January discussed the role of Middletowns local style of government, being only one of five towns in Maryland that have a Burgess, and in February, the history of the local African-American community that was centered on Jefferson Street as early as 1829. Information about upcoming topics can be found at http://www.mainstreetmiddletown.org or http://www.middletown.md.us. Burgess John Miller said, We are excited about this milestone in our history and we invite you all to visit Middletown to enjoy our growing and thriving community, and celebrate with us. Please join in on March 5, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church at 107 West Main Street at 2:00pm for the third in the series of Middletown Town Talks commemorating our 250th Anniversary. Virid Logo We are happy to once again partner with Ron Herman to build and deliver an eCommerce website that complements their branding, as well as the feel of their boutique stores, said Steve Deller, CEO of Virid. Virid, a leading provider of eCommerce solutions for retail brands, announces the launch of a redesigned retail website for Ron Herman on the marketAgility Cloud platform. The marketAgility Cloud platform is powered by Microsoft Azure and provides flexibility, scalability, and reliable performance. The redesigned Ron Herman website is built for efficiency and for a streamlined shopping experience. It features a clean, fashion-forward design that appeals to the stylish shopper. Enhanced filtering on product category pages, as well as an updated navigation structure allows customers to easily find and complete a purchase, including the option for global shoppers to check out through International Checkout (IC). Since 2003, International Checkout (IC) has been providing US based retailers access to international consumers with its' global eCommerce solutions. More than 1,000 retailers rely on IC to provide a global online shopping experience that enables shoppers to easily checkout with their preferred payment method and currency. ICs solutions include a guarantee against payment fraud, multi-lingual customer service, shipping logistics, customs clearance, landed costs, and marketing. We are happy to once again partner with Ron Herman to build and deliver an eCommerce website that complements their branding, as well as the feel of their boutique stores, said Steve Deller, CEO of Virid. Ron Herman is a global brand with Southern California roots, and we are thrilled to provide them with a website that meets the needs of their global customers. We look forward to being a part of their continued success. About Virid: Virid is a leading provider of eCommerce solutions for growing retail brands. Since 1999, Virid has provided retailers with a trusted, stable eCommerce package including software, cloud-based hosting, integration support, and ongoing technology consulting. Virid prides itself on knowing retailers and their businesses and gives them the tools they need to competitively sell in the ever-changing digital space. For more information, please visit http://www.virid.com. About Ron Herman: Ron Herman is a leading retail brand that offers designer clothing for men and women, as well as accessories and gifts. In addition to retail locations in California, Ron Herman has a strong global presence, including several brick and mortar locations in Japan. For more information, please visit http://www.ronherman.com. The Franklin County Military Trail of History guide book is a starting point to exploring the contributions of African American veterans of Franklin County. Franklin County Visitors Bureau focuses on the service of the USCT (U.S. Colored Troops) and Buffalo soldiers as America commemorates Black History Month. In July 1862, when the United States Congress passed the Confiscation Act and the Militia Act, the law emancipated slaves of the Confederacy in Union-controlled territory and allowed persons of African descent to participate in the military and the navy. The Militia Act was a first step to removing the limitations on people of color to serve in times of conflict. Henry Watson, an African American barber in Chambersburg, served in the 29th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, Company E, as a private. His Chambersburg barber shop was less than a block west of the square on Route 30. Watson helped to organize the meeting of Frederick Douglass and John Brown on August 19, 1859, prior to Browns Raid on Harpers Ferry in October. Notably, Douglass was key in convincing Abraham Lincoln to allow people of color to serve and also recruited men to serve in the USCT. The 29th Connecticut mustered in March 8, 1864 and mustered out November 25, 1865. Watson died on May 20, 1898 and is buried in Mount Vernon/Mount Lebanon Cemetery in Chambersburg, which is the final resting place of twenty-six USCT. Wesley Krunkleton was a farmer, born in Welsh Run near Mercersburg in 1839. Krunkleton enlisted in May 1863 and became a member of 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company K. Krunkleton was significantly wounded above the knee during the Battle of Grimballs Landing in South Carolina in July 1863. He was discharged in August 1865 and received a pension for his disability. He died on October 31, 1902 and is buried in the Zion Union Cemetery in Mercersburg. Zion Union Cemetery contains thirty-six USCT veterans. With the Militia Act of 1862, the door to military service was opened for African American citizens, and Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1866, ensuring the same rights to male citizens regardless of race. This provided for peacetime enlistment of all races in the military. Franklin County native Emanuel Alonza Miller enlisted on April 29, 1899 and joined the 9th Cavalry, which was one of the original regiments of U.S. Army for African American men. Men of the 9th and 10th Cavalry are commonly called the Buffalo Soldiers. Emanuel Alonza Miller served during the Philippine Insurrection, in the Punitive Expeditionary Force against Mexican Insurgents, and in World War I. Miller was honorably discharged on July 21, 1925 with a rank of First Sergeant. His records note his character as excellent; his service as honest and faithful. He died at age 74 and is buried in Mount Lebanon Cemetery. The Franklin County Military Trail of History guide book is a starting point to exploring the contributions of African American veterans of Franklin County. Download the guidebook here and visit the gravesites of Franklin Countys USCT and Buffalo Soldiers. Or contact the Franklin County Visitors Bureau at 866.646.8060 to secure a copy. The Franklin County Visitors Bureau invites all to explore Franklin County, PA and enjoy the trails of history, arts and architecture, recreation, natural beauty, fresh foods and the warm hospitality of communities like Chambersburg, Greencastle, Mercersburg, Shippensburg, and Waynesboro. Franklin County, PA is located just north of the Mason Dixon Line and is an easy drive to Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. Plan a visit soon at ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com or by contacting 866.646.8060. Rosica Communications, a national PR agency specializing in thought leadership, media relations, content marketing, social media management, corporate communications, SEO and cause marketing, is opening an office in Burlington, Vermont. With several clients already in the state and in nearby New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Canada, Rosica will focus on expanding its footprint. According to agency President, Chris Rosica, Vermont is home to a plethora of authentic food, beverage, snack and spirits companies with great stories behind them. This aligns with our tradition of helping consumer products companies in this space achieve their communications goals. While well be spending a lot of time in the Burlington area, well also focus on the entire state of Vermont and nearby New Hampshire, New York State, Massachusetts and Canadas Quebec Provence, which have a growing base of smart entrepreneurial companies with distinct personas and unwavering missions to produce only the highest quality products. We are already working with companies in all of these areas and look to grow significantly. About Rosica Founded in 1980, Rosica serves a diverse consumer products, healthcare, B2B and corporate clientele. Its PR and communications capabilities include positioning and messaging, thought leadership, media relations, social media management, crisis communications, content marketing, corporate communications, tradeshow marketing, cause marketing, direct marketing, media training and blogger outreach. Rosicas social media services include strategy, management, branding, content development/optimization, follower acquisition and social sweepstakes. The PR firms online marketing team, based in New Windsor, NY specializes in SEO, online reputation management, online reviews management, online advertising (PPC and social ads) and website development. As a thinking partner focused on achieving its clients objectives, Rosica creates and executes thought leadership programs with clearly defined KPIs and measurement metrics. It crafts compelling, authentic stories and effectively disseminates client news, while supporting their sales efforts. Rob Forloney and Liz Shatto The Small Museum Association (SMA), a national organization that serves small cultural institutions, presented its highest honor to Elizabeth Scott Shatto at the 2017 SMA conference, held February 19-21 at the College Park Marriott. The prestigious Small Museum Association Award celebrates an individuals outstanding contributions to the advancement of the small museum community on a regional or state level. Shatto, the founding Executive Director of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area (HCWHA), was recognized for her tremendous impact on museums and historic sites in mid-Maryland over the past 25 years. Shatto, a Frederick native, began coordinating the Frederick Historic Sites Consortium through the Tourism Council of Frederick County in 1992. She became the full-time director of the Heart of the Civil War in 2014. Today, she leads 13 peer institutions as the co-Chair of the Coalition of Marylands Heritage Areas. Shattos colleagues lauded her contributions to the small museum field. Nicholas Redding, Executive Director of Preservation Maryland, said in the award nomination, Liz Shatto is a force for preservation and heritage in Maryland with few equals. She passionately cares about history and regularly goes the extra mile to help save, protect and enhance the places that make her region great. Fredericks heritage is unquestionably in a better state of preservation thanks to her tireless efforts. HCWHA is an independent 501c3 nonprofit organization encompassing parts of Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties. Its mission is to promote the stewardship of our historic, cultural, and natural Civil War resources; encourage superior visitor experiences; and stimulate tourism, economic prosperity, and educational development, thereby improving the quality of life in our community for the benefit of both residents and visitors. Hundreds of attendees enjoying the keynote speaker at CARE 2017 The CARE Conference is a unique opportunity for us to be able to work directly, in person, with our customers sharing our plans with them, listening to their input and future needs. Christopher Junker, CEO Complia Health held its annual user conference, CARE 2017, the week of February 6th. The highly successful conference was held in Clearwater Beach, FL, and was attended by hundreds of Complia Health customers, 28 business partners, and more than 30 Complia Health staff from the US and Canada. CARE 2017, which ran for five days at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Hotel, featured in-depth training on major new product releases for its Suncoast and ContinuLink customers, as well as on thought leadership topics that are of interest to its customers. The conference also featured more than 30 breakout product and industry-related sessions that included nationally-known homecare and hospice industry leaders speaking on key best practices for hospice and home health business. At the conference, Complia Health debuted two major product releases to its customers. Suncoast, the market leader in hospice software, showcased its Version 8 featuring an entirely revamped user experience, incorporating hundreds of changes that have been requested by its customers throughout the year. In addition, ContinuLink, the cloud-based, market-leading home care enterprise software, announced the release of its completely-redesigned Point of Care solution that provides an easy-to-use and customizable user interface for clinicians to utilize while in the process of providing care. The CARE Conference is a truly unique opportunity for us to be able to work directly, in person, with our customers sharing our plans with them, listening to their input and future needs as well as just connecting with them, said Christopher Junker, CEO of Complia Health. More importantly, it was a great opportunity to release our exciting new Suncoast Version 8 and Continulinks Point of Care Solution products to our customers in a way to get broad customer exposure and feedback on the products as well as assist the customers in planning and scheduling upgrade implementations. The CARE Conference allows us to reinforce our leadership position in the marketplace, directly explain our strategy to our customers and have that all-important face to face connection time with our clients. Were very pleased so many customers attended, and after speaking with many of them, it was evident that they found the event quite valuable. In addition to the educational breakout sessions and networking events, the kickoff of the general session of the conference featured Dr. Michael Burcham, a well-known healthcare expert and futurist, after a welcome from CEO, Christopher Junker. Dan Crippen, noted governmental healthcare expert and former executive director of the National Governors conference spoke on day two, and Michael Greenough, the Executive Chairman of Complia Health, a leading technology investor as well a thought leader on maximizing ROI from software investments, spoke on the final day of the event. Complia Health will be holding its CARE 2018 Conference from February 19th to the 23rd in 2018. Existing customers as well as interested prospects cant afford to miss this valuable conference. The level of in depth presentations on the products, training methods as well as the implementation process will really give detailed insights into the tremendous functionality and the difficult problems that Complia Healths portfolio of products solves for organizations in the home care, hospice and palliative care businesses. About Complia Health, formerly Procura Healthcare Software Complia Health is a leading global provider of technology and expertise for the post-acute and long-term care markets. Nearly 3,000 home health, hospice, palliative care, residential care and community care organizations count on Complia Health for the clinical, operational, and financial solutions required to profitability deliver quality care to its clients. Complia Healths innovative productsincluding Procura, ContinuLink, Suncoast, Igea, and Progresaare supported by a team of global health and technology experts located in the United States, Canada, and Australia. For more information, visit http://www.compliahealth.com. In Bukky Agboolas new book, I Made It Through ($15.49, paperback, 9781498472142; $7.99, eBook, 9781498472159) readers will be blessed and inspired by the triumph of faith in God through Jesus Christ. Journey with Bukky from Nigeria, to California. When Gods word is believed, trusted in, and obeyed, the human spirit can endure and come through a myriad of trials. Readers will learn faith principles that have turned many lives around in this moving account. Agboola says, The blessing of Gods amazing prophetic calling upon my life. Friendship with two of Gospel musics most legendary names, the late Pastor Andrae Crouch and his sister Sandra, and the very special privilege of being acknowledged by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Professor Yemi Osinbajo, all make my journey a very unique one. In 1993 I headlined a memorable Gospel Concert at the London City Temple with the Rev Bazil Meade and The London Community Gospel Choir, one of England's most successful gospel choirs. This choir's credits include Royal performances for her Majesty the Queen. Bukky Agboola has been blessed to be an ordained Minister of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ for over two decades, and released four gospel albums, two of which were sold out during her tours all over Nigeria and the United Kingdom. A graduate of one of Africa's top Universities, The University of Ife, now known as Obafemi Awolowo University, in Ile Ife, Oyo state, Nigeria and Award winner at the Coulsdon and Purley Music Festival in England. Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the worlds largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 12,000 titles published to date. Retailers may order I Made it Through through Ingram Book Company and/or Spring Arbor Book Distributors. The book is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com. Media Contact: Bukky Agboola Email: bukky(at)bukkymusic(dot)com Website: bukkymusic.com Norwegian 737-MAX Norwegian, the Worlds Best Low-Cost Long-Haul Airline and Europes Best Low-Cost Airline, announces that tickets for its Boeing 737-MAX transatlantic service are now on sale at an introductory fare of $65 one-way including taxes. The airline will launch 10 new routes from Stewart International Airport north of New York City, T.F. Green Airport in Providence, RI, and Bradley International Airport in Hartford, CT, to Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Scotland this summer. Norwegians new routes from Providence to Belfast, Cork, Dublin, Edinburgh and Shannon are the first-ever year-round European routes for Rhode Islands largest airport. From Stewart, New Yorks Hudson Valley airport, Norwegian will be the first carrier to provide European service with four routes to Belfast, Dublin, Edinburgh and Shannon. Norwegian will also operate one route from Bradley, New Englands second largest airport, to Edinburgh. In addition to launching service, Norwegian will open a base for its pilots and cabin crew and station two Boeing 737-MAX aircraft at both T.F. Green and Stewart airports. Norwegian already has more U.S.-based cabin crew than any other foreign airline, and these two new bases will create another 150 American jobs. We are pleased to announce our new highly-anticipated transatlantic routes. Our new, non-stop service will enable tens of thousands of new travelers to fly between the continents much more comfortably and affordably. Norwegians latest transatlantic offering is not only great news for the traveling public, but also for the local U.S. economies as we will bring more tourists that will increase spending, consequently creating thousands of new local jobs. We are excited to finally be able to launch service to Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland and we would like to express a big gratitude for the extensive support from consumer groups, government officials, airports, tourism organizations and the travel and tourism industry on both sides of the Atlantic in our quest to offer affordable transatlantic flights for all, said Bjrn Kjos, CEO and Founder of Norwegian. Tickets are on sale now at Norwegian.com/us, with fares from $65 one-way, including taxes. Passengers have the option to receiving additional savings by bundling a seat reservation, pre-ordering a meal service (including alcoholic beverages) and pre-paying for checked luggage. Norwegian does not charge customers for carry-on luggage. These new transatlantic routes will be operated by Norwegian Air International, Norwegians Irish subsidiary, and will predominantly use U.S.-based crew from the two new crew bases, as well as crew from the new Edinburgh base in the UK. Norwegian is the European launch customer of the Boeing 737-MAX, a state-of-the-art new aircraft, which offers a longer range and greater seat capacity. Todays announcement is more good news for Irish tourism from the United States, following a record year in 2016 when an estimated 1.4 million American travelers visited Ireland, and augurs well for prospects for tourism from the US to Ireland in 2017. These flights will certainly help boost tourism from the US and offer more choice for potential travelers living in the Northeast. As an island, the importance of convenient, non-stop flights cannot be overstated they are critical to achieving growth in inbound tourism. Tourism Ireland looks forward to working and partnering with Norwegian and Belfast, Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports through various initiatives to drive demand for the new flights, said Alison Metcalfe, Executive Vice President, USA & Canada, Tourism Ireland. Year-round service to Edinburgh from Stewart International Airport will operate daily beginning June 15 for the summer season, and thrice weekly during the winter season; from Providence, flights will operate four times a week starting June 16 and twice weekly during the winter season; from Hartford, flights will operate thrice weekly beginning June 17, and twice weekly during the winter season. Days of operations will change between the summer 2017 and the winter 2017/2018 winter season. Service to Belfast from Stewart International Airport will be thrice weekly during summer and twice weekly during winter as of July 1; twice weekly from Providence as of July 2 during summer. Days of operations will change between the summer 2017 and the winter 2017/2018 winter season. Service to Dublin from Stewart International Airport begins on July 1 with daily flights during the summer and thrice weekly during the winter seasons; and from Providence, flights will operate five weekly flights starting July 2 during the summer and thrice weekly during winter. Days of operations from Providence will change between the summer 2017 and the winter 2017/2018 winter season. Service to Shannon from Stewart International Airport will begin on July 2 with twice-weekly flights; and from Providence on July 3 with twice-weekly flights. Days of operations will change between the summer 2017 and the winter 2017/2018 winter season. Year-round service to Cork from Providence will start on July 1 with three weekly flights during summer and a twice-weekly service during winter season. Days of operations will change between the summer 2017 and the winter 2017/2018 winter season. Summer season ends on October 28, and winter season 2017/2018 commences October 29. With these new routes, Norwegian offers 55 routes from the U.S.; 48 to Europe and seven to the French Caribbean. Other upcoming 2017 launches from the U.S. include: Oakland/San Francisco to Copenhagen (March 28); Los Angeles to Barcelona (June 5); New York/Newark to Barcelona (June 6); Oakland/San Francisco to Barcelona (June 7); Orlando to Paris (July 31); and Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona (August 22). About Norwegian Norwegian is the worlds sixth largest low-cost airline and carried 30 million passengers in 2016. The airline operates 450 routes to 150 destinations in Europe, North Africa, Middle East, Thailand, Caribbean and the U.S. Norwegian has a fleet of more than 110 aircraft, with an average age of 3.6 years, making it one of the worlds youngest fleets. Norwegian was named the Most Fuel-Efficient Airline on Transatlantic Routes by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT). Norwegian was named the Worlds Best Low-Cost Long-Haul Airline by the renowned SkyTrax World Airline Awards in 2015 and 2016, and for the fourth consecutive year, named Europes Best Low-Cost Airline. Norwegian employs 5,500 people. The airline offers 48 nonstop routes from the U.S. to Barcelona, London, Paris, Edinburgh, Ireland, Scandinavia and the Caribbean. Follow @Fly_Norwegian on Twitter, join the discussion on Facebook and keep up with our adventures on Instagram. For more information on Norwegian and its network, visit norwegian.com. ### Media Contact Anders Lindstrom anders.lindstrom(at)norwegian(dot)com 954 648 2989 zSpace differentiates itself by providing students with high quality content and immersive VR zSpace, an all-in-one immersive Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) education solution, today announced a partnership with IlliniCloud, a non-profit technology cooperative of school districts. The partnership enables IlliniCloud school districts to deliver zSpaces AR/VR solution to their classrooms in a sustainable, scalable and cost effective manner. zSpace delivers the ultimate learning experience to inspire curiosity and accelerate understanding. zSpace Learning Labs, combines elements of VR and AR, on all-in-one computers, to create lifelike experiences that are immersive and interactive. Hundreds of thousands of students today in over 400 school districts, medical schools and universities are using zSpace Learning Labs across the globe. Unlike other virtual reality solutions, such as head-mounted displays, zSpace enables interaction and group collaboration. Best of all, zSpace empowers students to learn by doing in an environment where it is easy to undo mistakes, make changes, and not worry about material costs or clean up. Ron Rheinheimer, executive vice president, U.S. and international sales, zSpace, said, Our mission is to inspire curiosity. We are honored to be a solution for IlliniCloud districts and look forward to working with their members to integrate zSpace learning labs into learning and teaching. Jim Peterson, CEO at IlliniCloud commented that "zSpace differentiates itself by providing students with high quality content and immersive VR." About zSpace zSpace delivers the ultimate learning experience to inspire curiosity and accelerate understanding. Our product, zSpace, combines elements of VR and AR, on an all-in-one computer, to create lifelike experiences that are immersive and interactive. Among its numerous awards and accolades, zSpace was named Cool Vendor by Gartner, Inc., Best in Show at ISTE by Tech & Learning Magazine for three consecutive years and was ranked #143 on the 2016 Inc. 500 list. zSpace is a privately held, venture backed company located in Sunnyvale, California, and has been granted more than 25 patents for its innovative technologies. For more information, visit http://www.zspace.com, or follow on Twitter @zSpace. About IlliniCloud IlliniCloud is a non-profit tech cooperative of school districts across the country that provide schools with the means to operate smoothly, efficiently, and safely for the benefit of the teachers and students. IlliniCloud offers massive scalable computing resources, spread across multiple data centers and next-generation networking infrastructure. Software as a Service offered include lecture capturing, online meeting services and data integration services. For information about this and other services, please visit http://www.illinicloud.org or by emailing: info(at)illinicloud(dot)org. Beef Loving Texans Logo Texas Beef Council announces the top Semifinalists who will move on to compete in the Beef Loving Texans Best Butcher in Texas regional competition. The challenge, which pits butchers from across Texas against each other for the chance to win cash prizes and the esteemed title of Beef Loving Texans Best Butcher in Texas, has brought some of the states most talented butchers together representing an art form that has been important to Texas cultural heritage. Regional semifinal rounds will be held throughout the state in Houston on March 4, Dallas on March 18 and San Antonio on April 1. In each city, Semifinalists will partake in a three-part challenge, which tests competitors on cut identification, along with their skills to cut to order and cut beef for retail merchandising. Each competitor will be equipped with Victorinox Swiss Army boning knives, a breaking knife, a cut resistant glove, a steel and a knife roll, to ensure everyone starts on an even playing field. Competitors will receive top marks based on their technique, creativity, presentation and consumer interaction. With culinary influencer/personality Jess Pryles emceeing, top industry professionals and culinary experts will weigh in in each region to determine the top three competitors who will move on to the final round at the Austin Food + Wine Festival on April 29. Additionally, the beef cuts yielded from each round will be donated to local food banks and their partner agencies, to provide meals for those in need. Were anxious and excited to see how the competition unfolds over the next couple of months, and look forward to meeting many of the valued professionals working to bring back the art of this meaningful craft, said Linda Bebee, vice president, domestic marketing for Texas Beef Council. We wish all of our Semifinalists the best of luck as they move on to compete throughout our great state in the first Beef Loving Texans Best Butcher in Texas competition. Semifinalists are as follows: Eddie Behrends, Angelo State University Bryan Butler, Salt & Time Butcher Shop Vincent Cruz, Costco Wholesale Mark DeWitt, H-E-B Hunter Dieringer, H-E-B Eric Fuller, United Supermarkets Shawn Knowles, Old Town Market Jordan Kyle, H-E-BMichael Majkszak, Majkszak Meat Market Evelio Morales Jr., Casino Grocery & Market JoeNathan Muras, Lone Star Provisions Matt Peterson, Matador Meat & Wine Adam Stone, Local Yocal Farm-to-Market Hector White, Eastside Choice Meats In each regional semifinal city, Texas Beef Council has partnered with culinary schools to host the events, including The Art Institute of Houston, El Centro College in Dallas and St. Philips College in San Antonio. Additionally, the beef cuts yielded from each round will be donated to local food banks and their partner agencies, to provide meals for those in need. The three winners from each regional competition will come out on top as Finalists, return home with a $2,500 cash prize and a seat on the Beef Loving Texans Best Butcher Council. During the Austin Food + Wine Festival on April 29, Finalists will compete for the bragging rights of being crowned the rarest in all the land. The Best Butcher in Texas will receive an additional $5,000 grand prize, a knife set courtesy of Victorinox Swiss Army from their Fibrox Pro Cutlery line as well as inclusion in a one full-page co-branded ad in Texas Monthly. Created to celebrate Texans pride in tradition, Beef Loving Texans Best Butcher in Texas competition will allow the best of the best butchers to showcase their skills. In line with Beef Loving Texans value of tradition, the competition will also explore the different aspects of beef butchery that remain a key element in Texas cultural heritage. For more information, visit BeefLovingTexans.com/best-butcher-in-texas/. About Beef Loving Texans Beef Loving Texans is Texas Beef Councils consumer brand created to share unique recipes, stories, cooking and shopping tips and expert nutrition information. The Beef Loving Texans brand celebrates the pride and values deeply rooted in Texans through family, community and tradition. More information on the mission of Beef Loving Texans can be found at BeefLovingTexans.com. About Texas Beef Council The Texas Beef Council(TBC) conducts the $1 per head national checkoff program for Texas beef producers and is also the contractor for the Beef Promotion Research Council of Texas (BPRCT), which administers the $1 per head Texas state checkoff program. TBCs mission is to increase beef demand in the state through programs of beef promotion, research and education. TBC also helps fund national and international beef checkoff programs to increase marketing opportunities around the globe. The BPRCTs mission is to improve Texas producer profitability by strengthening and expanding beef demand. The TBC and the BPRCT are directed by a 20-member board of cattlemen and women representing the states beef producers. # # # To activate the text-to-speech service, please first agree to the privacy policy below. Taipei, Feb. 23 (CNA) A document dated March 2, 1947, requesting the dispatch of at least a regiment of troops to put down the 228 Incident, which was read and approved by late president Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975), is evidence that Chiang should be held personally responsible for the crackdown, a scholar said in Taipei on Thursday. Vendavo The conference session leaders are some of the best in the business and we look forward to the high energy environment. Successful businesses know intelligent pricing practices enhance profit margins, but how to achieve pricing excellence in the digital economy is part art and part science. To assist pricing practitioners, finance leaders and sales professionals learn new strategies and master new technologies, Vendavo, a leading provider of margin and profit optimization solutions, will host Profit Summit April 4-6 in Miami. Profit Summit is a unique opportunity for any professional contributing to the profitable growth of their organization to learn from renowned industry thought leaders and hear success stories from their peers, said Bruno Slosse, president and CEO of Vendavo. The conference session leaders are some of the best in the business and we look forward to the high energy environment. The event kicks off on April 4 with 3 elective, pre-conference workshops. Industry leader and Chief Value Officer, Thales, Stephan Liozu, Ph.D. will lead workshop 1, Change Agent in Pricing Certification. Combining the latest theoretical science on change management and leadership, participants are required to bring real-life pricing project information to build a proprietary change roadmap. Interactive pre-conference workshops 2 and 3 will be led by Vendavo experts on Fundamentals of Pricing Strategy and Value Based Pricing. On April 5 and 6, more than 40 breakout sessions will be held, in addition to group keynotes. Solution Sessions will feature high-level industry best practice topics that span all areas of pricing. Expert Sessions will focus on technical how-tos and product use-cases. Conference speakers include experts from PwC, Bain & Company, Deloitte and Simon Kucher & Partners as well as Vendavo and Vendavo customers. Available to all conference attendees is the Partner Lounge. Offering the chance for important networking, the hospitality area also features a technology showcase from Vendavo and the companys partners as well as 1:1 meeting rooms. Profit Summit will take place at Turnberry Isle Resort, located in between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The full conference agenda is available online. Registration is now open; the early bird discount ends February 28. ## About Vendavo Vendavo harnesses the power of Big Data to generate actionable insights that enable businesses to sell more profitably. Our margin and profit optimization solutions help global customers make better data-driven decisions for pricing and sales effectiveness. Using cutting-edge analytics and deep industry expertise, Vendavo boasts the largest number of implementations for B2B enterprises in the industry, having helped more than 300 company divisions dramatically increase revenue, improve profit margins and maximize shareholder value. Located across the globe, Vendavo is the solution of choice for Global 2000 companies in industries such as chemicals, industrial manufacturing, high-tech, and distribution. Digital Defense, Inc., a leading provider of Vulnerability Management as a Service (VMaaS), today announced that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Digital Defense to its 2017 Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Managed Security 100 category. This annual list recognizes North American solution providers with cutting-edge approaches to delivering managed services. Their offerings help companies navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of IT, improve operational efficiencies, and maximize their return on IT investments. In todays fast-paced business environments, MSPs play an important role in helping companies leverage new technologies without straining their budgets or losing focus on their core business. CRNs MSP 500 list shines a light on the most forward-thinking and innovative of these key organizations. The list is divided into three categories: the MSP Pioneer 250, recognizing companies with business models weighted toward managed services and largely focused on the SMB market; the MSP Elite 150, recognizing large, data center-focused MSPs with a strong mix of on-premise and off-premise services; and the Managed Security 100, recognizing MSPs focused primarily on off-premise, cloud-based security services. Digital Defense has long been viewed as a leader in providing vulnerability assessments using the MSP model. This solution continues to be lauded by IT managers who have limited bandwidth to chase after the constant barrage of potential security instances. After thorough market analysis, Digital Defense learned that organizations that kept these functions in house struggled with the complexity, despite continuous paid training, of off-the-shelf solutions. They now provide their own offering that is disrupting the market by removing that complexity while increasing accuracy without consuming IT hours. Digital Defense continues to build a great deal of momentum off of the success of our acclaimed vulnerability management, penetration testing and security awareness training solutions, said Larry Hurtado, CEO of Digital Defense, Inc. These tools, including a vulnerability scanning engine recently named Best Scan Engine by Frost & Sullivan, are giving our partners a considerable advantage in reducing threats while eliminating the false positives that typically bog down IT staff. Managed service providers play an increasingly important role in the day-to-day operations of businesses across North America, said Robert Faletra, CEO of The Channel Company. MSPs help organizations streamline their spending, effectively allocate limited resources, and benefit from advanced expertise in the latest technologies. We congratulate the service providers on CRNs 2017 MSP500 list, who have continually succeeded in meeting their customers changing needs and help them get the most out of their IT investments. The MSP500 list will be featured in the February 2017 issue of CRN and online at http://www.CRN.com/msp500. Follow The Channel Company: Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook Tweet This: @TheChannelCo names @Digital_Defense to @CRN 2017 MSP 500 list #CRNMSP500 http://www.crn.com/msp500 About Digital Defense Founded in 1999, Digital Defense, Inc. is a trusted provider of managed security risk assessment solutions, protecting billions of dollars in assets for clients around the globe. This includes highly regulated industries such as healthcare, financial, and retail, as well as those entrusted with sensitive data such as law firms and energy companies. DDIs unique Vulnerability Management as a Service (VMaaS) model delivers consistently accurate vulnerability scanning and penetration testing, while its security awareness training promotes employees security-minded behavior. Digital Defense security solutions are highly regarded by industry experts, as illustrated by the companys designation as Best Scan Engine by Frost & Sullivan, top 25 ranking (#21) in Cybersecurity Ventures list of the Worlds 500 Hottest Cybersecurity Companies, as well as inclusion in CSO Outlooks Top 10 Network Security Companies, and CIO Reviews 20 Most Promising Cyber Security Solutions. Contact Digital Defense at 888-273-1412; visit http://www.digitaldefense.com, our blog, LinkedIn, or follow @Digital_Defense on Twitter. Copyright 2017. The Channel Company, LLC. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. All rights reserved. eimagine "eimagine was founded here in Indianapolis in 1998, and we're still dedicated to keeping tech jobs and talent in Indiana" The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has named Indianapolis-based business and technology consulting company eimagine on their 2017 list of Best Places to Work in Indiana. Two hundred business across 25 industries spanning over 20 cities applied to the Indiana Chamber of Commerces program. This is eimagines third consecutive year to receive this honor, previously recognized in 2015 and 2016. Emily Lefebvre, Vice President of People Operations at eimagine, enthusiastically credits the companys employees for helping achieve this award. We are honored to be recognized as one of the Best Place to Work in Indiana for the third year in a row! We are so proud of all of our hard working, collaborative team members that make eimagine the dynamic organization that it is today! Companies that participated in the 2017 Best Places to Work program received an in-depth evaluation identifying strengths and weaknesses according to their employees. The top companies in the state were determined through employer reports and comprehensive employee surveys. The Best Companies Group, which independently handled the selection process, oversees similar programs in 29 other states. President of eimagine, Scott Crane, is passionate about eimagine's presence in the local Indiana technology scene: "Its humbling to be recognized alongside so many great companies and community leaders. eimagine was founded here in Indianapolis in 1998, and were still dedicated to keeping tech jobs and talent in Indiana. Best Places to Work in Indiana companies range in employee count from 15 to more than 1,700. eimagine was selected in the Small Companies category, which includes companies of between 15 and 74 employees. Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar stated, Best Places to Work in Indiana not only recognizes our states outstanding employers, but also sets a high standard for other Hoosier companies by encouraging them to realize the importance of evaluating their own workplaces. It is clear that a positive work environment makes employees more engaged in their job and in their company, which is a win for everyone. The actual rankings for the companies will be unveiled on May 2nd, 2017 at the Best Places to Work Awards Dinner, held at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. In addition to the Awards Dinner, winners will be recognized via a special section of the Indiana Chambers bimonthly BizVoice magazine and through Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick both of which reach statewide audiences. The 2017 Best Places to Work in Indiana awards dinner is open to the public. About eimagine: A business and technology consulting company, eimagine has a passion for helping clients refine, enhance and automate their business. eimagine is known for helping businesses streamline their operations and run more efficiently while generating increased profitabilityoften where others have failed. eimagines comprehensive approach is based on the companys Engagement Drives Outcomes mantrathe belief that solutions begin with understanding people and processes, then leveraging technology as a tool to overcome challenges in creative and innovative ways. Fjuri, a marketing and digital strategy firm founded by Microsoft veterans Thom Gruhler and Paulo Resende, launched today to help brands enhance marketing strategy by tapping into big data. Today customer experience is the new brand and winning requires data - the more the better. - Fjuri CEO Thom Gruhler Fjuri, a new marketing and digital strategy firm, launched today to help Fortune 500 brands transform their digital marketing and customer experience capability by tapping into the power of data and predictive analytics. Founded by Microsoft and industry veterans Thom Gruhler and Paulo Resende, Fjuri helps CMOs and brands to enhance their marketing strategy and execution, while harnessing the latest data intelligence and technology to optimize marketing performance. Improving the customer experience by tapping into data intelligence is a priority for every brand today, said Fjuri founder and CEO Thom Gruhler. And yet identifying the right data to model, predict, and improve the customer experience is a tough challenge for marketers. At Fjuri, we leverage big data and predictive analytics to help companies understand customers more deeply, and spot shifts that let them learn fast and act faster whether its attracting new customers or deliver hyper-relevant and personal content. Fjuri is already working with major brands across categories - leveraging the latest marketing cloud and automation platforms. One of the first strategic partnerships for Fjuri at launch is with Versium, a leading predictive analytics company, to provide marketing strategy consulting services to Versiums clients. Versium Predict, the companys automated predictive analytics solution, allows sales and marketing professionals to quickly build customized predictive models that score and prioritize leads so they can identify prospects with a higher propensity to purchase and, in turn, increase conversion rates. Versium Predict is fully integrated into Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Sales, empowering users to build customized predictive models directly from within the CRM. Were pleased to partner with Fjuri to provide deeper marketing strategy consulting to our clients, said Chris Matty, co-founder and CEO of Versium. With our predictive analytics technology and Fjuris consulting expertise and content strategy, this partnership offers our clients a holistic approach that will help them exceed their sales and marketing goals. Every brand today has a different set of challenges, protocols, and key metrics they need to achieve, said Gruhler. Our mission at Fjuri is to work with customers to tap into the right data to effectively achieve their goals across channels from CRM and customer acquisition to their broader marketing and sales strategy. Based in Seattle, Fjuri is a unique marketing strategy consultancy offering digital strategy, multichannel, development and managed solutions for its clients. Fjuri works with clients to enhance marketing strategy and execution harnessing the latest approaches, world-class technology, data science and the right analytics architecture to optimize marketing performance and increase ROI. For more information, please visit http://fjurigroup.com/ On Independence Day, LlamaRepublicaDominicana.com challenges Dominican expats to show how proud they are of being Dominicans. The challenge does not come alone, but with an offer: 27% OFF to call any number in the Dominican Republic, landlines or mobiles. The offer is valid on February 27, when customers will pay 1.6/min instead of 2.2/min, when calling landlines, and 5/min instead of 6.9/min, when calling mobiles. Besides the challenge, LlamaRepublicaDominicana.com invites all Dominican expats to join the Facebook contest hosted by LlamaRepublicaDominicana.coms Facebook page. The question to be addressed is What do you miss the most about the Dominican Republic? By sharing the thing or the people or the feeling they miss the most, Dominican expats automatically enter the raffle for $10 free Voice Credit, which they can use to make international calls to the Dominican Republic. The contest is open starting February 23 until February 27. The Voice Credit service offered by LlamaRepublicaDominicana.com is intuitive and easy to use, calls can be placed from: any phone, using the access numbers any computer, through the Web Call application or any smartphone, as LlamaRepublicaDominicana.com offers a free app, for both iOS and Android devices, called KeepCalling. In addition to the Voice Credit service, LlamaRepublicaDominicana.com also offers its customers the possibility to help their loved ones back home by refilling their mobiles. The process is fast and secure and the credit reaches its destination instantly. The operators available for top ups to the Dominican Republic are: Viva, Claro, Orange, Tricom, and Moun. The mission of LlamaRepublicaDominicana.com is to bring people together, no matter the distance, because no distance is too long if people stay connected. Thats why all the services the website offers are a great solution for keeping a close relationship with everyone living back home in the Dominican Republic. This is mainly due to: the customer-focused approach, based on safe and easy to use services the frequent special offers: bonuses on international top ups or discounts on international calls the great Customer Service available 24/7, both in English and Spanish. Customers who want to stay connected to the news and offers launched by LlamaRepublicaDominicana.com can follow its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LlamaRepublicaDominicana. About LlamaRepublicaDominicana.com LlamaRepublicaDominicana.com is an interactive website designed by KeepCalling, a global telecommunications company registered in 2002 in USA. Presently, KeepCalling provides its services to hundreds of thousands of consumers worldwide, with a focus on customer satisfaction. KeepCalling has been listed by Inc 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in the USA for 5 consecutive years. In 2015 the company registered a revenue increase of over 200% from 2011 to 2014. This years offerings include selections from the best wine producing regions of France truly some of the finest wines in the world, and we are thrilled to be able to present these for the benefit of such an important cause." - Eric Hemer The Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) the nations largest non-profit organization devoted exclusively to funding innovative lymphoma research and serving the lymphoma community through a comprehensive series of education programs, outreach initiatives and patient services will return to the La Gorce Country Club in Miami Beach to host its Swirl: Miami Wine Tasting Event on March 28, 2017. The Lymphoma Research Foundation has once again partnered with Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits to present attendees with a selection of fine wines, including a special collection from France for 2017. World renowned wine expert Eric Hemer, Certified Wine Educator, Master Sommelier, Master of Wine, Senior Vice President, and Corporate Director of Wine Education for Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits will return to the Swirl series to discuss and review this years wine selection, generously donated by Southern Glazers. Wine and Spirits. This years offerings include selections from the best wine producing regions of France truly some of the finest wines in the world, and we are thrilled to be able to present these for the benefit of such an important cause, said Hemer. Southern Glazers is proud of the continued growth of the Swirl series, both here in Miami Beach and across the country, and we look forward to continued partnership with the Lymphoma Research Foundation in support of their innovative research programs and mission. Each year, nearly 5,500 Floridians are diagnosed with lymphoma the most common form of blood cancer. Since its inception in 2013, Swirl: Miami has raised nearly $150,000 in support of the Lymphoma Research Foundations mission. Last years event saw over 150 members of South Floridas philanthropic community show their support for lymphoma research, with over $52,000 raised to benefit LRF in a single evening. As the Swirl series continues to expand across the United States, its wonderful to see the continued support for the Lymphoma Research Foundation from our partners and friends in Miami Beach, where it all began, said Leigh Olson, Event Co-Chair and Member, LRF Board of Directors. We thank Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits for their continued support, which enables us to levy all proceeds directly toward LRFs critical mission of eradicating lymphoma and serving those impacted by this blood cancer. Leigh & Cory Olson will serve as Co-Chairs of this years event and are joined by Host Committee members including Nina & Walter Andrews, Debbie & Kevin Fennessey, Barbara & Jerry Freundlich, Izidore Lossos, MD, Georgia & Stephen D. Nimer, MD, and Florence & Robert Werner. For more information or to RSVP online, visit lymphoma.org/SwirlMiami or contact Taylor Zitay Kahn at (646)465-9103 or tzitay(at)lymphoma(dot)org. About the Lymphoma Research Foundation The Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) is the nations largest non-profit organization devoted to funding innovative research and serving the lymphoma community through a comprehensive series of education programs, outreach initiatives and patient services. To date, LRF has awarded nearly $60 million in lymphoma-specific research. For additional information on LRFs research, education and services, visit lymphoma.org. ### VeriComply announced today the hiring of Roger Dickerson as President to lead the Companys expansion into the Marketplace Lending industry. VeriComply has developed a suite of products and services to verify the accuracy of loans being sold into the secondary market. The automated loan verification service validates the accuracy of loan data against the loan documents and creates an audit history that follows the loan. The Companys solutions enables the verification process to keep pace with the increase in asset velocity of Marketplace Loans. Prior to joining VeriComply, Mr. Dickerson was VP of Finance Operations at LendingClub where he oversaw investor operations. These operations included processes and technology for order fulfillment, reporting, custody, cash and asset documentation. During his 5-year tenure, Roger facilitated $23 approximately Billion of loans to institutional investors. Prior to joining LendingClub he was CFO and CCO at PageMill Partners, which provides M&A advisory services to the technology industry. Prior to PageMill, he was a Director of Corporate Development at Charles Schwab and a Director of Strategic Finance and Planning in the Schwab Technology Group. Mr. Dickerson has his B.S., Accounting from DePaul University and a MBA from the University of Chicago. Roger Dickerson brings deep expertise in implementing solutions for LendingClub to facilitate loan sales, financings and securitizations of marketplace loans. He can now leverage that unique skill set with the VeriComply technology and processes to help the entire Marketplace Lending industry build greater trust of institutional investors, commented Roger Cohen, CEO of VeriComply. After my career at LendingClub, I had many opportunities, but chose VeriComply as it has the technology, expertise and solution minded culture to help Marketplace Lending instill even greater investor trust in the loans, said Roger Dickerson. I am excited to be leading the effort to bring these solutions to the industry. About VeriComply. VeriComply automates the verification of marketplace loans for the secondary market. The Companys proprietary technology platform and process automatically recognizes loan files, extracts and validates loan data against the source documents and creates a complete audit history. The platform can be integrated with origination, servicing and data aggregation systems to keep accurate loan documents always accessible. http://www.vericomply.com AMSA Advocacy Day February 23, 2017 For more than 65 years, AMSA has fought for the rights of our patients and we have no intention of easing up anytime soon. Members of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) are a vital force of future physicians who believe that patients and health professionals are partners in the management of health care and that access to high-quality, equitable health care is a right and not a privilege. At AMSA, activism is a way of life and student idealism is transformed into meaningful public service, innovation and institutional change. AMSAs Advocacy Day is the start to our weekend-long Annual Convention and Exposition in Crystal City, Virginia. On this day, over 200 physicians-in-training will descend upon Capitol Hill for a full day of advocacy and activism. Students will convene in the morning for training about meeting with elected officials, to talk more about the issues they are passionately advocating on behalf of and to meet like-minded students. Following a morning of preparation, these future physicians will don their white coats and head to Upper Senate Park from 12:30pm to 2pm where they will rally for health care. They will hear from speakers representing organizations partnering for this day of events including: the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR), SNMA (Student National Medical Association), LMSA (Latino Medical Student Association), AACOM (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine) and PPFA (Planned Parenthood Federation of America) before heading to meet with their elected officials to discuss issues affecting our nations health. AMSAs Education and Advocacy Fellow, Dr. Matt Moy says that Some feel physicians have no space in politics, but are we not citizens? Are we not immigrants, students in debt, patients and minorities? We are constituents, and staying silent is not an option. We need to let our elected officials know who and what they represent and it starts here, today at AMSAs Advocacy Day. "As the next generation of physician leaders, AMSA members have a moral imperative to stand up to injustice and advocate for the health of their communities. Just like medicine, activism is not easy, but it is our responsibility to do the right thing by caring for the most vulnerable, said Baltimore City Health Commissioner and former AMSA President Dr. Leana Wen. Recognizing that everything is tied to health, I urge future physicians to ask difficult questions, call out the problems they see, and speak up for those who do not have the privilege or power to do so. Now is the time to act our patients lives depend on it. Together, we are standing in solidarity to ensure that our patients have access to the health care they need to live their lives to their fullest potential. We are health care providers. We are patients. We are citizens. We are exercising our rights today so that every person will have access to their human right of quality, affordable, equitable health care tomorrow. AMSAs National President, Dr. Kelly Thibert notes that Now, more than ever, we need to empower and be empowered to utilize our voices and to help raise the voices of others. For more than 65 years, AMSA has fought for the rights of our patients and we have no intention of easing up anytime soon. Our Advocacy Day is just one of the many times you can expect to hear from physicians-in-training moving forward. We are Americas physicians of tomorrow and we value access to quality, affordable health care. AMSA will continue to put patients over politics and will fight for the care and rights of our patients, always. ***** About the American Medical Student Association AMSA is the oldest and largest independent association of physicians-in-training in the United States. Founded in 1950, AMSA is a student-governed, non-profit organization committed to representing the concerns of physicians-in-training. To learn more about AMSA, our strategic priorities, or joining the organization, please visit us online at http://www.amsa.org/. Dr. Hamid Reza Hamlin Dental Group and Dr. Hamid Reza, dentist in North Hollywood, are pleased to announce that they are sponsoring a raffle. Throughout the month of February, patients who visit Hamlin Dental Group will receive a ticket for a weekly drawing. Winners will receive a gift card for a dinner for two at the Cheesecake Factory. Tickets are available for routine dental visits and other dental needs, and both current and new patients are eligible for entry. Some restrictions may apply. Available treatments include: Digital X-rays Dental extractions Routine exams and cleanings Smile makeovers Porcelain veneers Porcelain crowns Dental implants Teeth whitening Fillings Bridges Periodontal surgery Crown lengthening Sleep apnea treatment At Hamlin Dental Group, we always believe that your oral hygiene and your smile are a big part of your personality that can increase your self-confidence and raise your self-esteem, says Dr. Koshkerian, Dr. Rezas associate. We encourage you to visit us and ask us how to achieve these goals! Now is a great time for patients to schedule a checkup at Hamlin Dental Group. Not only can patients take advantage of this special offer, but they can also learn more about their various dental treatment options. Dr. Reza and his team provide personalized dental care that can be completely customized according to an individuals needs, so whether a person needs preventive, restorative, or cosmetic treatments, he or she can always be confident of getting the best possible care for his or her smile. About Hamlin Dental Group Hamlin Dental Group is a full-service dental office with a team of dental specialists who work together to provide patients of all ages with the comprehensive care they need. Drs. Garemani, Koshkerian, Yessaian, Woo, Wang, Vafadar, and Aminian work closely with Dr. Reza, the founder of Hamlin Dental Group, to provide general, routine and specialty dental services. The team is multilingual and speaks English, Farsi, Spanish, Arabic, Telugu, Armenian, Chinese, and German. Dr. Reza is a member of the California Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the San Fernando Dental Association. He is also an avid volunteer in the community. Compass Research and Greater Gift Initiative announce partnership The partnership between GGI and Compass Research is a natural fit. The Greater Gift Initiative, Inc, (GGI) a Winston-Salem, NC 501(c)3 non-profit, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Compass Research. GGI's mission is to advance global health and highlight the greater good of clinical trial participation by gifting a vaccine to a child in need in honor of each clinical trial volunteer. The vision of GGI is to serve as a philanthropic connector between clinical trial sites, individual investigators, CROs and sponsors by conveying a unified message to the clinical volunteer community that their participation does matter. Recognized as one of the premier research site organizations in the world, Compass Research operates three multi-therapeutic clinical research sites in Orlando, Melbourne, and The Villages, Florida. The partnership between Compass Research and GGI will increase the number of vaccines donated and expand the positive impact of the GGI program on health, in the US and worldwide. The decision to partner with The Greater Gift Initiative was simple and clear, said Sean Stanton, Sr. Vice President, Global Operations of Compass Research. Their mission aligns perfectly with that of Compass Research which is, To improve human health through clinical research. We are proud to support The Greater Gift Initiative and help it reach its goal of increasing vaccines administered to children by 20%-30% over 2016. Compass Research is a valued new partner, said Amanda Wright, Executive Director of GGI. From my first conversation with the leadership of Compass Research, it was apparent that the organization is driven by its mission to make a meaningful contribution to world health and promote the well-being of its patients. The partnership between GGI and Compass Research is a natural fit." Greater Gift Initiative is pleased that this partnership will allow more vaccines to be donated, and that each clinical trial volunteer will have an opportunity to know just how important they are in the development of new medicines and treatments through their participation in a clinical trial. About Greater Gift Initiative, Inc. The Greater Gift Initiative, Inc. honors the clinical trial volunteers who make the advancement of medicine possible by giving one vaccine to one child each time one volunteer makes the important decision to participate in a clinical trial. Visit us at http://www.GreaterGiftInitiative.org. About Compass Research Compass Research is a multi-therapeutic network of clinical research sites located in Orlando, The Villages, and Melbourne, Florida and is part of the Bioclinica Global Research Network. Since 2006, Compass Research has partnered with hundreds of pharmaceutical companies to improve the quality of life for people around the world for a broad range of health conditions. With an experienced team of board-certified physicians and support staff, Compass Research is renowned for its high-quality, study-related care and work in advancing medicine. Mary-Olga Lovett, Co-Regional Operating Shareholder of the Texas offices of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, is a sponsor and host committee member for Promoting Women as Lead Counsel: From the Courtroom to the Boardroom. Presented by the Center for Women in Law (CWIL), the half-day conference is set for noon to 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 23 at the 1910 Courthouse in Houston. The free event, according to the organizers, will take an in-depth look at the American Bar Association Commission on Women's groundbreaking report, First Chairs at Trial: More Women Need Seats at the Table, A Research Report on the Participation of Women Lawyers as Lead Counsel and Trial Counsel in Litigation. Judges, in-house counsel, and litigators will discuss their perspectives on advancing women to lead counsel roles in litigation. Panelists and speakers will then provide actionable steps each person can take to increase opportunities for women and lawyers of color. Hon. Keith Ellison of the Southern District of Texas will provide closing remarks. Admission is free, but registration is required and seating is limited. The event will include lunch and a networking reception will follow. Register through this link: https://law.utexas.edu/cwil/promoting-women-as-lead-counsel-registration/. We all have a role in advancing women to greater roles within litigation. This gathering will look at what we can do at the personal level on a daily basis. This is not a scattershot method for letting women take 'supporting-only' roles at trial, or focusing exclusively on research and briefing work, but rather a holistic approach to training talented women litigators in a way that encourages them to aspire to the full panoply of challenges of the on-your-feet, first-chair role. It takes commitment to elevate women to the lead counsel spot, said Lovett, a litigator. She is also Co-Managing Shareholder of the firms Houston office, and a member of Greenberg Traurigs Executive Committee. According to its website, CWIL, part of the University of Texas at Austin, is the premier educational institution devoted to the success of the entire spectrum of women in law. It is the only center of its kind in the United States. CWIL serves as a national resource to convene leaders, generate ideas, and lead change. About Greenberg Traurig, LLP Texas Greenberg Traurig has more than 100 attorneys in Texas, serving clients from offices in Austin, Dallas and Houston. About Greenberg Traurig, LLP Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GTLaw) has more than 2,000 attorneys in 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East and is celebrating its 50th anniversary. One firm worldwide, GTLaw has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, was named the second largest firm in the U.S. by Law360 in 2016, and among the Top 20 on the 2016 Am Law Global 100. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law. PDI Logo Medical assistants are a growing segment of the healthcare industry, and a new program from the Professional Development Institute of the University of North Texas has been created to give individuals a head start in this specialized career. PDIs Medical Assistant Certificate Program is scheduled to begin this March in both Fort Worth and Frisco. Live instruction, textbooks, a critical, hands-on externship in a medical office, and an opportunity to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant CCMA exam are included in tuition. Medical assistants work as part of a health care team. Duties include Conducting patient intake and recording patient history and personal information Logging vital statistics Assisting the doctor with patient exams Scheduling patient appointments Performing venipuncture and preparing blood samples Administering injections Entering information into electronic medical records The 12-week program, Tuesday evenings and Saturdays, gives participants the specialized skills needed to succeed in well-paying positions within hospitals, clinics, and physicians offices. The program requires a high school diploma or GED. Applicants should have no felony or drug-related conviction, and will need to provide a current vaccination record. Instructors for this program are M. Carol Cozart and Kissa Yarbough. M. Carol Cozart has more than 15 years of practical experience as a Medical Assistant/ Clinical Nurse. She has worked on both the administrative and clinical side of medical and cosmetic surgery practices. She has an Associates degree in Applied Science of Medical Assisting from STC Sanford. Kissa Yarbough, MA-P, NCMA, NCPT, NCPI, is an experienced instructor in the areas of medical assistant and phlebotomy. With more than 9 years of teaching experience, Kissa also functioned as an extern coordinator while also teaching in a medical assistant program. She is also a National Certified Medical Assistant and National Certified Phlebotomist. Kissa holds a Bachelors of Science in Healthcare Administration from Pima Medical Institute. FORT WORTH DETAILS March 28, 2017 through June 17, 2017 UNT Health Science Center 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd. Fort Worth, TX 76107 Tuition: $4,285. Inquire about early registration discount. Class meets Tuesdays evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., for 12 weeks. FRISCO DETAILS March 21, 2017 through June 10, 2017 UNT New College at Frisco 2811 Internet Blvd. Frisco, TX 75034 Tuition: $4,285. Inquire about early registration discount. Class meets Tuesdays evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., for 12 weeks. Visit the website for more information on this program, or email Program Director Tami Russell at trussell(at)pdi(dot)org, or contact her by phone at 866.374.0876. This new online SEO course is a must-attend for small business owners and marketers interested in digital marketing. Jason McDonald, a San Francisco Bay Area expert consultant in SEO and social media marketing at https://www.jasonmcdonald.org/, is proud to announce an exciting new online course in SEO or Search Engine Optimization to be taught via Stanford University Continuing Studies. The new online course in SEO begins on April 3, 2017, and is a five week in-depth course on Internet marketing. "The new online course on SEO brings together the technological firepower of Stanford University with my in-depth knowledge of search engine optimization for small business owners and marketers," explained Dr. McDonald, Director of the Jason McDonald SEO Consulting Agency. The online format will have video lectures, live ZOOM sessions, discussion fora and questions and answers. Stanford Continuing Studies is committed to creating the standard in online learning for adults online. Business 163W - Search Engine Optimization: Practical Marketing with Google, Bing, and Yahoo This online course demystifies SEO or search engine optimization, the art and science of propelling a company, product, service, or even an idea to the top of Google, Bing, and Yahoo search results. It begins with identifying keywords that are relevant to your business. After building a keyword worksheet, the course proceeds into On Page SEO, the use of HTML page tags, content, and a well-organized website to talk to search engines about what you have to offer. Next, it looks at Off Page SEO and the use of inbound links, social mentions, and other forms of external authority. It explains the differences between White Hat, Black Hat, and Gray Hat tactics. And, participants will see how reviews on sites like Google and Yelp can assist local businesses to the top of search. Participants will leave this course not only understanding what gets websites to the top of search engine results, but also how to make a step-by-step plan to get any website up there as well. Video: Watch a Video Introduction to this Online SEO Course Watch a video introduction Business 163W - Search Engine Optimization: Practical Marketing with Google, Bing, and Yahoo. To register for the course, or learn more, visit https://www.jasonmcdonald.org/training/internet-marketing/. About Jason McDonald Jason McDonald is director of The JM Internet Group, a leading online training company. He received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1992, and now both teaches and consults to San Francisco Bay Area businesses in SEO, Social Media Marketing, and AdWords. In addition to those services, he has been recognized as an expert witness in litigation on Internet marketing. He has several popular books on Amazon on the topic of Internet marketing. Media Relations, Tel. 800-298-4065 Parker House Assisted Living at Quincy Village is a Presbyterian Senior Living community. Parker House Assisted Living is intended to inspire interaction, resident autonomy and decrease social isolation while encouraging maximum function and self-confidence. Quincy Village, a Presbyterian Senior Living Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Waynesboro, Pa., announces it is now accepting applications for Parker House Assisted Living, a new small house living concept. The $10 million, two-year project features a cluster of three assisted living houses for 16 residents each. Parker House Assisted Living is intended to inspire interaction, resident autonomy and decrease social isolation while encouraging maximum function and self-confidence, said Hope Lambert, executive director of Quincy Village. Were excited to now accept applications from seniors seeking a unique model of supportive care and dignified living theres nothing else like it in this region. Parker House Assisted Living is designed for people to have their own private room and personal space, in addition to a community patio, front hall, living room, dining room, kitchen and den. The smaller home-like design also creates shorter walking distances from bedrooms and living areas to eliminate institutional-induced wheelchair use. Residential finishes, large dining tables for family-style dining, fireplaces, specialized age-appropriate lighting and accessible outdoor spaces are key to creating the homelike environment. Resident life will center on the preferences and needs of the individuals living at Parker House. Because of the intimate environment, team members of small house communities and the seniors who live there become a tight-knit, supportive family. Being with family and feeling at home has been proven to increase feelings of self-esteem, satisfaction and security. "Increased levels of staff and resident engagement at Parker House will create a positive working environment for staff, which will ultimately lead to greatly reduced staff turnover and higher resident satisfaction, Lambert added. The original small house concept was developed in the late 1920s when Ellen Parker conveyed her 91-acre property and farmhouse to Presbyterian Home of Central Pennsylvania. This launched what is now Presbyterian Senior Living. In 1928 the farmhouse became the Parker Home and housed nine women who cooked and cared for one another. The new Parker House Assisted Living at Quincy Village is named in the honor of Parkers contributions. A Dedication Ceremony of Parker House Assisted Living will be held on Thursday, March 9. Those interested in further details regarding tours and applications are invited to contact Stephanie Parson at 717-749-2308 or sparson(at)psl(dot)org. For more information about Parker House, please visit: http://info.presbyterianseniorliving.org/parker-house-assisted-living-quincy-village. About Presbyterian Senior Living Presbyterian Senior Living is a not-for-profit organization, fulfilling its charitable purpose and mission by providing high quality retirement choices, healthcare services and affordable residential living options for people 55 and older for more than 85 years. Headquartered in Dillsburg, Pa., Presbyterian Senior Living provides services to approximately 6,000 seniors in 30 locations in the mid-Atlantic region of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio and Delaware. For more information, please visit http://www.presbyterianseniorliving.org. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: News From Bulgaria Maros Sefcovic Gives Recognition to Bulgaria for Work Done on the IGB Gas Interconnector The IGB is expected to enable the delivery of as much as 1 bn cub. m of gas from Azerbaijan to Bulgaria after the start of the Caspian Shah Deniz II gas field in 2020 AUTHOR: publics.bg Bulgarian energy minister Nikolay Pavlov Bulgarian Ministry of Energy European Commission VP Maros Sefcovic has thanked Bulgaria for the work it had done for the construction of the Greece-Bulgaria gas interconnector (IGB), the Bulgarian Ministry of Energy said today in a press release. Bulgaria has also received recognition for the advance in the strategic project in the closing declaration of the participants in the third ministerial meeting of the council for the Southern Gas Corridor. "Our country is an inseparable part of the development of the Southern Gas Corridor, with its projects for gas interconnectors with Greece and Turkey. The two interconnectors, paired with those with Serbia and Romania, will secure the access of other countries in the region to the Southern Gas Corridor", Bulgarian interim energy minister Nikolay Pavlov said. The IGB is expected to enable the delivery of as much as 1 bn cub. m of gas from Azerbaijan to Bulgaria after the start of the Caspian Shah Deniz II gas field in 2020. The IGB is also a key link the plans of Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary to set a vertical gas corridor that would allow gas flows from south to the north. Here is a timeline of all our coverage of the controversy surrounding former Breitbart pundit Milo Yiannopoulos's book Dangerous, which was slated for publication by Simon & Schuster, until it was cancelled after video surfaced in which the author appeared to condone pedophilia. Click the headlines below to read the full stories. 12/30/17 Milo Yiannopolous Book Deal with S&S Generates Backlash: The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Milo Yiannopoulos, the editor of Breitbart Tech and a well-known "alt-right" pundit, had secured a $250,000 advance in a book deal with Simon & Schuster's conservative imprint, Threshold Editions. 1/1/17 Free Speech Groups Defend S&S Yiannopoulos Deal: Free speech organizations including the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) have begun to speak out in defense of Simon & Schuster after a book deal the publisher's Threshold Editions imprint made with controversial Breitbart Tech editor Milo Yiannopoulos spurred widespread backlash, including calls to boycott S&S and to not review S&S titles. 1/6/17 Milo Yiannopoulos Book May Not Be Coming To a Store Near You: One late addition to the Threshold Editions list, the conservative imprint of Simon & Schuster, is giving some indies pause. The imprint will be publishing Milo Yiannopouloss Dangerous on March 14. The editor at Breitbart and far-right pundit, who has been permanently banned from Twitter, received a $250,000 advance, according to the Hollywood Reporter. 1/12/17 S&S Children's Authors Protest Yiannopoulos Deal: More than 160 children's book authors and illustrators sign a letter to S&S CEO and president Carolyn Reidy protesting the deal. 1/24/16 Reidy Explains Decision Behind Yiannopoulos Deal: In a letter sent to employees and some authors, Simon & Schuster CEO Carolyn Reidy looked to assure those concerned about the signing of controversial author Milo Yiannopoulos by S&S imprint Threshold Editions that the company will not publish books that contain hate speech. 1/26/17 Roxane Gay, Citing Milo Deal, Pulls Book from S&S: On Wednesday, Roxane Gay became the latest author to protest conservative Simon & Schuster imprint Threshold Editions's controversial book deal with Breitbart Tech editor Milo Yiannopoulos, pulling her own book, How to Be Heard, from the publisher's TED Books imprint. 2/3/17 Why the Milo Yiannopoulos Book Deal Tarnishes the Publishing Industry: Joy Peskin, editorial director of FSG Books for Young Readers, pens a PW soapbox saying 'Dangerous' "Tarnishes the Publishing Industry." 2/4/17 Yiannopoulos Book Release Pushed Back: The release date for 'Dangerous' is pushed back from 3/14/17 to 6/13/17 so the author could include material about UC protests. 2/15/17 In Defense of Milo Yiannopoulos's Book: Ive been continually shocked by the willingness of many in the publishing industry to stifle Milos opinions. The right to speak freely, even if your opinions are unpopular, should be the bedrock of our industry. As Bill Maher said recently in response to the UC Berkeley riots, Free speech should be something we own. The AAP, ABA, Authors Guild, CBLDF, FTRF, Index on Censorship, NCAC, and NCTE all agree with me. Unfortunately, many in publishing did not heed their sound and sage words. 2/20/17 S&S Cancels Milo Yiannopoulos's Book: A brief statement released by the company read: After careful consideration, Simon & Schuster and its Threshold Editions imprint have cancelled publication of Dangerous by Milo Yiannopoulos. Although the recent U.S. Publishing Mission to Cubaheld February 10 to February 15 in conjunction with the Havana Book Fairdrew high praise from both its Cuban and American participants, the event was marred by a case of literary censorship that illustrated the reality of political and cultural life in Cuba. On the eve of a February 13 conference on U.S. and Cuban publishing, the Book Institute of Cuba, the government agency that oversees the Cuban publishing industry, confiscated copies of The German Girl, a recent novel by Armando Correa, a Cuban-born exile and novelist as well as editor in chief of People En Espanol, the Spanish-language version of People magazine. Copies of the book were seized and the Book Institute of Cuba delegation threatened to walk out of the conference if Correas name or the book were mentioned. I was in the middle of a nightmare, Correa said in an interview with PW after his return to New York City. Correa, who left Cuba in 1991 and went on to become an award-winning Spanish-language journalist in the U.S., returned to Cuba for the first time in 2016 as part of the first U.S. Publishing Mission to Cuba. During that visit he promoted his forthcoming debut novel, The German Girl, with no problems. The book was published in October 2016 by the Atria Publishing Group. Although a request to sign copies of The German Girl in the USA Pavillion at the Havana Book Fair was rejected ahead of the visit, Correa believed that the book would go on display and that it could be given away. About 100 copies of The German Girl were shipped along with nearly 400 copies of a variety of American titles that were to go on display at the Havana Book Fair. Although the shipment of American titles were delayed at Cuban customs, the books were eventually released, and put on display in the USA Pavillion. Only copies of The German Girl were confiscated. Asked why the signing and giveaway were not allowed, Juan Rodriquez Cabrera, president of the Book Institute of Cuba, replied by email that "the fair, organized by the Cuban state and its institutions, reserves the right to set forth a program which it considers to meet the objectives the country has proposed." The German Girl is based on the experience of the passenger ship The St. Louis, which set sail from Germany in 1939 for Cuba with 937 passengersmost of whom were Jewishfleeing the Nazis. However, the Cuban government of the time only allowed 28 passengers to disembark, refusing entry to the rest. Eventually the ship was forced to return to Germany. Many of the passengers subsequently perished in the Nazi concentration camps. Despite the conflict over his novel, Correa was able to appear at the Sephardic Hebrew Center in Havana the next day. In a ceremony at the center, he donated research materials collected while writing, The German Girl to the centers Holocaust collection. He was introduced by his publisher Judith Curr in a private ceremony attended by the ambassadors from Poland and Norway and media outlets. I donated some of the materials [photographs and documents] I have collected on the St. Louis. Cuba is part of the story of the Holocaust and of the St. Louis. I want to donate everything I have to the Cuba Hebrew Center, Correa said. Speculating on the reasons his book was suppressedhe said he was never told explicitly why the book was bannedhe said, Im a Cuban exile and my book is about fear of the otherbe it the fear of a different politics or fear of a different god. Thats the problem with the Cuban government. Im not an initiator of protest, Im not a political person, but I am independent, and theyre scared of me. Over the last two years the U.S. Publishing Mission to Cuba, organized by Publishers Weekly and the Combined Book Exhibit, has brought nearly 1,000 books to the Havana Book Fair without incident. American publishers have praised their Cuban counterparts and used these visits to exchange professional information and lay the groundwork for business relations, once the economic embargo between the countries is lifted. But there is another side to Cuban cultural life, Curr said. The trip was of course amazing. It is easy to forget that, on such a beautiful island full of gracious and kind people, the freedoms that we sometimes take for granted here are not an option for Cubans. Nowhere was this more in evidence than at the Havana Book Fair, she said The accessibility and affordability Americans have to a wide range of books and the free flow of information is not an everyday occurrence in Cuba, Curr continued. The confiscation of Cuban-born Armando Correas debut novel, The German Girl, was a stark reminder that there are indeed major differences in readers freedom of expression and access to literature. A good reminder for us never to take this enormous privilege for granted. NEW YORK (AP) Community banks that can be vital to many small businesses are hopeful about changes that the Trump administration and Congress have promised to legislation passed after the financial crisis that tightened supervision of Wall Street and the banking industry. The number of small, local banks has declined since the Great Recession, a change that advocates feel was intensified by the paperwork the increased oversight entails. That's disappointing to many small business owners, who find it easier to form relationships with community bank branch managers and bankers than with those at regional or international banks. A community banker can advise them and steer business their way, for example, connecting a company owner with a new accountant. "I need someone I can talk to who can understand the dynamics of a small business," says Ken Yager, who owns Newpoint Advisors, a Schaumburg-based consulting firm. "With a big bank, you just disappear into an account number." The U.S. had 5,521 community banks as of Sept. 30, down more than 25 percent from 7,442 at the end of 2008 when the banking crisis was still in its early days, according to the Independent Community Bankers Association. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. has reported nearly 500 bank failures since 2009, most of them small banks. Others merged to cut costs and stay in business, but many have struggled even as the economy has recovered. Industry groups blame increased regulation, including the Dodd-Frank bill passed by Congress in 2010. President Donald Trump has directed the Treasury secretary to review Dodd-Frank and its thousands of regulations. Changes in the law would have to be made by Congress. Dodd-Frank created additional procedures and paperwork for all banks, but community banks have a harder time meeting the requirements because they have smaller staffs than regional or national financial institutions, said Paul Merski, the ICBA's chief economist. "You can't say which provision it is that's causing you concern. It's more like death by a thousand cuts," says Tim Zimmerman, president of Standard Bank, a Pittsburgh-area community bank with nine branches. "It's exhausting management and staff of community banks around the country." The ICBA is advocating for several banking laws to be repealed or modified. Among them are rules that sharply increased the amount of data banks must report to the government on each home mortgage application and requirements on how much money community banks must hold in reserve to protect against losses from bad loans. The changes were intended to protect against failures like Lehman Brothers in 2008. Community banks don't pose a similar threat, the ICBA says. Community banks are likely to have several billions of dollars in assets each, according to the FDIC, while regional banks may have assets in the hundreds of billions of dollars and international banks such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo have assets into the trillions. "The overregulation has caused costs to go through the roof, many banks have been shut down and that has hit small businesses," says Javier Palomarez, president of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. On Tuesday, Silvis Democratic primary voters will find a ballot crowded with candidates for mayor, city clerk, and aldermen in Wards 2 and 3. For Mayor: Council veterans Matthew Carter and Robert Cervantes are competing to replace retiring Mayor Tom Conrad. Tuesdays winner will face independent Scott Culley on April 4. 1st Ward Ald. Cervantes, who has been on the council for 16 years, is a retired union worker who works at Kohls. 2nd Ward Ald. Carter has been on the council for 12 years. He is floor manager of Anchor Lumber. Both have led their city in a time of impressive growth and want to continue it. They differ, however, on who is best suited to lead city staff efforts to do so. As mayor, Ald. Cervantes says he would search for a better-educated candidate to replace city administrator Jim Grafton. Ald. Carter called Mr. Grafton the best administrator in the business. Its no secret that we, too, are high on the effective Mr. Grafton. You cant argue with success. Voters should decide for themselves who they want to face independent candidate Culley. But for us, Mr. Carters long view and aggressive approach to development give him the edge. For city clerk: With no independent on the April 4 ballot, primary voters will select their city clerk from two quality candidates: Incumbent Jim Nelson and his former deputy clerk Shannon Pirmann. Key qualifications for this administrative post are: experience, effectiveness and a commitment to open government. We urge voters not to let side issues muddy the debate over who is best qualified to be the keeper of the city records and the city collector. Ms. Pirmann, who holds a masters degree, has valuable experience working in the office and has received training from the Municipal Clerks of Illinois. She impressed us with her aggressive commitment to government transparency. We also like her idea of recording all committee and city council meetings and making them available to the public. Were she running against an inexperienced candidate without Mr. Nelsons effective track record, she would be an easy choice. In eight years in office, Mr. Nelson has been an innovative leader, including, converting the city from an antiquated DOS operating system to a Windows system he shopped hard to get the best deal for taxpayers. The switch saved countless staff hours, and thanks to electronic bill paying, resulted in collection of tens of thousands of dollars in overdue utility bills. He overhauled the citys website and created a Facebook and Twitter account. He is recommended. Ward 2: Bill Fox, former mayor and alderman steeped in city politics, competes against newcomer Ian Pavelonis in the 2nd Ward Democratic primary. The winner will face independents Michelle Bowser and Tony Holland in April. Mr. Pavelonis, 29, wants to bring new views and new ideas to the council. That could be a boon to a community seeking to retain and attract young families like his. The East Moline city employee is a strong supporter of Silvis city workers and would like to see the growing city add a new public works building to its new police and fire stations. Mr. Fox, 72, wants to use his ton of municipal experience to watch over a city he says does too much of business in the Committee of the Whole and then voting on it 10 minutes later in regular session. He would fight to keep the Silvis water supply under Silvis control, which we presume includes efforts to work with Moline to improve the citys water supply. Like Ald. Cervantes, Mr. Fox is eager to replace Mr. Grafton with someone who is better educated. Mr. Pavelonis strongly disagrees. Again, so do we. Rarely do voters get the opportunity to choose between two such vastly different candidates; one rooted deeply in the past and the other young, inexperienced and eager. As they decide who will advance to April 4, we hope voters choose the leader best suited to continuing the successes that have put the exclamation point on this City of Progress! Ward 3: Voters in the 3rd Ward will choose between newcomer Mary Sheldon and incumbent Ald. Richard Lohse, the son of former Mayor Lyle Lohse. With no independent in the race, voters who wish to pick their alderman must take a Democratic ballot Tuesday. Ms. Sheldon, a former nurse and nursing supervisor who owns an apartment complex, wants to help people and to fulfill her late fathers wishes. We applaud her decision to get involved. Among her priorities are: polishing 1st Avenue, equipping police with body cameras, rewarding longtime residents for their contributions and improving the citys tap water, which she says she will not drink. Ald. Lohse, who was appointed in June 2015, is in a position to impact the latter, as chair of the Public Works Committee. His background in engineering and project management has made him an excellent fit there, and as a member of the citys finance and parks, buildings and grounds committees. Voters who believe as we do, that he has been an effective and welcome addition to the council and that he is well-positioned to build on the citys successes, should vote for him on Tuesday. Those who believe, as Ms. Sheldon does, that its time for new blood and new eyes," should vote for Ms. Sheldon. The meaning of love spans generations and thousands of miles in the next New Ground Theatre play, the 2011 romantic comedy, "Handle With Care," by Jason Odell Williams. It tells the story of a young Israeli woman (played here by Joanna Mills) who reluctantly travels to America. Ayelet comes with her grandmother Softa (Tamara McConoughey) to find the American man Softa fell in love with before she married her late grandfather. The young woman, who has little command of English, meets a man who has little command of romance. "Is their inevitable love an accident or destiny generations in the making?" asks a promo teaser from New Ground. A 2013 New York Times review called the play "a hilarious and heartwarming romantic comedy about an inept package deliverer who loses an Israeli grandmothers corpse in a Virginia parking lot on a snowy Christmas Eve." The playwright "has achieved something special: He has written a Jewish Christmas story," the review said. Jewish Week described it as: "Miraculousthe story of the beauty in tragedy, the rekindling of faith and realizing that you're found in translationleaves the audience delighted." "It's a really neat piece. It's very funny," NGT director Christina Myatt said this week. "It's really great when you have two people with this language barrier. They're able to communicate with each other; they find ties. It's a really great piece." In the heartfelt, at times madcap story, Terrence (Jacob Kilburg) is a delivery man with a company called DHX who calls his childhood friend Josh (Jordan L. Smith) for help because a customer he's dealing with is talking Jewish. That customer, Ayelet, is speaking fast-paced Hebrew, stressed after the death of her grandmother -- whose coffin was on the way to the airport and was stolen. The play shows flashbacks when the grandmother was alive, and we learn that as she decided to come to America in search of this man, he had passed away three months before, Ms. Myatt said. Josh, who acts as an interpreter for his friend, ends up being the grandson of the man the grandmother was looking for, and he falls for Ayelet, the director said. "There are things we find out when we open ourselves to people who are different. It's sweet and wonderful," Ms. Myatt said of the 80-minute play, to be performed without an intermission. There are sections of dialogue in Hebrew, but it's not hard for the audience to understand, she said. "It's well written. There are ways they communicate with each other; they get across what they're trying to say." The flashbacks of Ayelet and her grandma are spoken in perfect English, Ms. Myatt noted. The setting on Christmas Eve is more coincidental than intentional. "You get two traditions coming together the interpreter who's a friend comes from home that's part Catholic, part Jewish. Every year, they have a celebration half Christmas and half Hanukkah and they call it 'Hanumas'." The play reflects the importance of family and tradition, " Ms. Myatt said. "It's really nicely written. It takes place at the holidays, but it's really more of a Valentine." The NGT production also is a unique collaboration with the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities (JFQC), a major sponsor. The federation has worked with NGT artistic director Chris Jansen before on the Holocaust-related play by Eva Schloss, "And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank." "It was very successful," JFQC executive director Allan Ross said. "After that happened, the Augustana College theater, over the years, has performed that a number of times for local schools. We really appreciate Chris bringing that play here." A NGT board member, Sheryl Hassell-Bennett (who's also on the federation board), suggested the Davenport theater stage "Handle With Care, Mr. Ross said. "It does have some Jewish content; we're working together on it," he said. "We do try to work with other organizations in the Quad-Cities. It magnifies the effort." Ms. Hassell-Bennett and Tony Hoeppner will give a special presentation of Israeli music as a pre-show this Sunday, featuring complimentary Israeli food and Israeli wine for sale. Jesus Jimenez-Gonzalez, 21, entered a negotiated plea to Class 1 felony manufacture/delivery of cannabis, and in addition to the prison term he will also have two years mandatory supervised release, court costs including a $2,000 drug assessment fee and a $300,000 street value fine. State police arrested Mr. Jiminez-Gonzalez and co-defendant Kevin Ponce on Interstate 80 near the Annawan exit last July 12. Mr. Jiminez-Gonzalez was the passenger and told authorities he recently bought the car in Phoenix and registered it in his mother's name in Colorado. A K-9 alerted on an air compressor in the bed of the pickup and a search yielded 101 pounds of cannabis packaged in such a way as to indicate the intention of delivery. DAVENPORT After 23 years of representing Stanley Liggins, attorney Kent Simmons found himself back in court Wednesday with the defendant not cross-examining a witness but being cross-examined himself. The defense team for Mr. Liggins, who is accused of killing 9-year-old Jennifer Lewis, of Rock Island, wants to have Mr. Simmons testify in the trial, which is scheduled to begin May 22. On the night of Sept. 17, 1990, Jennifers burning body was found on the outskirts of the playground of Jefferson Elementary School in Davenport. An autopsy found that she had been sexually assaulted, strangled, doused with gasoline and set on fire. One of the motions under consideration by Chief Judge Marlita A. Greve is whether Mr. Simmons should be allowed to testify in the upcoming trial. In order to determine the admissibility of his testimony, Mr. Simmons was cross-examined in Wednesdays hearing. And his testimony at times was explosive. Among other things, he accused a high-ranking Davenport police officer of taking money from a department slush fund to pay a witness after she testified against Mr. Liggins in his first two trials. Scott County Attorney Mike Walton said of Mr. Simmons assertion, There are no facts or evidence to support this. It is not based on any fact. Mr. Walton pointed to such statements as examples of Mr. Simmons propensity to provide conjecture and opinions rather than evidence. But Mr. Liggins attorney Derick Jones countered that he only wants Mr. Simmons to testify regarding facts of the case. He noted that it is a complex case with evidence stretching across more than a quarter of a century. Mr. Walton said having a defense attorney testify in this manner appears to be without precedence in Iowa. He objected to allowing such testimony, adding that Mr. Simmons is biased and an advocate. Mr. Simmons is no longer an attorney of record in the case. But he does confer with Liggins current defense team, he said. Mr. Simmons told the DispatchArgusQCOnline, during a brief interview, What makes this unique is that I have been involved in this case for 23 years. That in itself is unusual. Judge Greve has yet to rule whether Mr. Simmons will be allowed to testify in the upcoming trial. Wednesday was the final day of three-days of pretrial motions. Jennifers godmother, Mary Rockwell, observed each day of the hearings and said it was difficult to once again be in the same room as Mr. Liggins. She also had sat through Mr. Liggins first two trials and his post-conviction hearings. I think it will be a much harder time getting a guilty verdict. I think the prosecution has their job cut out for them as does the defense with the 20-plus-year lapse. However, I am very confident in Mike and Julie Walton and the entire prosecution team that they will keep this man where he belongs behind bars. Mr. Liggins was convicted of murder in 1993 by a Scott County jury. That conviction was overturned by the Iowa Supreme Court on the grounds that testimony regarding Mr. Liggins alleged involvement in the Quad-Cities illegal drug trade unduly prejudiced jurors against him. The high court also was concerned that pretrial news coverage may have made it difficult to find unbiased jurors in the Quad-Cities. In 1995, he was tried again and convicted by a Dubuque County, Iowa, jury after a change of venue was granted. In 2013, the Iowa Appellate Court ruled that Mr. Liggins was denied a fair trial because prosecutors didn't reveal that a key witness was a paid police informant in unrelated cases. The court also found that more than 70 police reports were not turned over to the defense. Incumbent Silvis City Clerk Jim Nelson is facing a challenge from city employee Shannon Pirmann in Tuesday's Democratic primary. Ms. Pirmann, 38, is a former deputy city clerk and currently is accountant's assistant and payroll clerk for the city. She has been critical of the city's transparency and has filed complaints. Mr. Nelson, 64, has been city clerk for eight years and defends the city's transparency and his record in improving city computer systems, city record-keeping and other aspects of the clerk's position. Recently the two candidates answered questions from the DispatchArgusQCOnline. What special knowledge or experience do you have that qualifies you for this office? If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us important initiatives you have led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board? Pirmann: I have experience working in or cross-training in the positions which the city clerk supervises. Through this hands-on knowledge I possess, I can provide a unique perspective to be able to identify problems and create checks and balances, to ensure that the office runs in an efficient and effective manner. I served as the deputy city clerk for two years. I had the opportunity to attend the Municipal Clerks of Illinois (MCI) Institute, where I gained valuable knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of a city clerk. Nelson: As the incumbent city clerk, I first joined the Municipal Clerks of Illinois to allow myself to network with other clerks throughout the State of Illinois. I attend annual training seminars for seven of the last eight years, and after joining the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, I had the title of Certified Municipal Clerk bestowed upon me in 2014. I have also mentored newly appointed and elected clerks over the last two years. I feel through my continuing education I am the most qualified for the position of Silvis City Clerk. When I was originally elected to the position, I was told the operating system for the city and its employees was archaic. I needed to update the operating software to allow for such simple things as direct deposit for our employees' payroll and to accept credit card payments from citizens at the City Clerk's Office. Through research, I found an operating system that is a perfect match, and it has saved Silvis taxpayers money and has helped make the city much more transparent. Over my last two terms, I have updated the city's website to make it more user friendly. I have added a Facebook page and a twitter account. Two of the last three employees I have hired are bilingual. What are the key reasons you decided to run for this office at this time? Pirmann: Rather than sitting back and merely hoping for change, I realize that to envision change, I have to be willing to be part of that change. If elected, I will honorably execute all duties as city clerk in regard to statutory regulations in compliance with the Open Meeting Act, the Freedom of Information Act, and the Silvis Code of Ordinances. I want to bring reasonable and authentic transparency through the records as it relates to the conduction of public business for the citizens we serve. Nelson: The key reason I decided to run at this time is because the city of Silvis has a plan in place to continue to grow the city of Silvis economically and residentially. I enjoy being a part of that and feel I have a lot to contribute. The city of Silvis is a great place to live and work. What do you believe are the top three priorities facing the city/village and how would you address them? Pirmann: This pertains to the city clerk, only, as they are not a legislator or a voting member of City Council. 1) Professionalism I believe treating everyone in a professional and courteous manner should be paramount, at all times. I will strive to ensure that citizens, employees and other professionals will be treated equally, fairly, and with dignity. 2) Authentic transparency I think all committee and City Council meetings should be audio-recorded and made accessible to the public for the convenience of our constituents to know the business that is conducted for them if they cant attend the meetings. I also believe that there should be more detail about the discussions of the issues at hand in our public minutes. The agenda is an important part of the process as it states the nature of the public business that will be conducted. Although the city can conduct closed sessions, in order to provide advanced notice to the public it serves, the agenda should include the subject matter to be discussed along with the citation to properly close the meeting, so the citizens can decide if they would like to attend the meeting. 3) Reconciliation of software vs. users I realize that the software we utilize has limitations and can produce unintended errors if the information entered is not accurate or the auditing process is inadequately performed. I will make sure that there is a formal checks and balances system in place to ensure that these discrepancies will not be passed on to the residents in error. Nelson: The three priorities facing the City of Silvis are to: 1) Maintain the excellence in our public works services. 2) Continue to attract quality businesses through our economic development efforts. 3) Maintain the excellent municipal services offered to our citizens without raising taxes How should the city/village balance its financial needs with requests from taxpayers to lower assessments? Pirmann: We need to take a more honest look at the TIF agreements we execute to ensure that we do not have to raise property taxes on ordinary citizens. There are costs associated with each new development as it relates to increasing demands on the city to provide sufficient public safety and public works services. Nelson: The city of Silvis can continue to balance our financial needs by being fiscally responsible and looking for ways to continue to utilize the services we already have in place. The city can continue to encourage economic development that will increase our sales tax base and to continue to offer incentives to builders that will encourage them to increase our property tax base. What is your vision for your community's downtown district and how would you suggest achieving it? Pirmann: The city clerk cannot effectuate change in the downtown district. As the role of the City Clerk is to keep all municipal records, general supervision over the finances of the municipality, and as the chief election official; to name a few of the primary duties. Nelson: My vision for the city of Silvis' downtown district is to continue to offer incentives to encourage developers to acquire properties and turn the downtown area into a retail/residential area. A place where citizens can live and shop. This area in Silvis has shown a tremendous turnaround over the last way though a cooperation between the city of Silvis, the developers and the residents of Silvis. What is your philosophy on whether city/village business should be conducted in public or private? Pirmann: I believe all business conducted for citizens should be conducted in public. Even the Open Meeting Act states that you MAY close a meeting, but it is not required. I also believe that there are rare exceptions in which a city would want to close a meeting. Nelson: All business of the city of Silvis should be conducted in an open public forum. The citizens of Silvis should always be aware of what is going on in the community and should have access to agendas, minutes and financials. One of the improvements I have made on the city of Silvis website is we have the current budget, the last three annual financial audits and the annual financial reports for the last three years through the State of Illinois Comptrollers warehouse. I am also working on a document-archiving program that will allow the residents of the city of Silvis to search minutes, agendas, ordinances, building permits and other public documents available to our citizens with a click of the mouse on our website. Why should residents vote for you and not your opponent? Pirmann: Personally I feel that I am more qualified with my work experience, my education and the professional and consistent manner in which I treat all citizens and employees. I will always take a united approach to fulfill the responsibilities set forth by my job description. Nelson: Residents of Silvis should vote for me because of my experience, my history of being open minded to listen to all options to allow what is best for the residents of the city of Silvis and my record of trying to keep the most modern technology available to my clerks and residents. Do you have any concerns regarding council methods/procedures/alliances? If so, what are they? Pirmann: A responsible city clerk is not a legislator or a voting member of city council. As the city clerk, the procedures and the meeting records should be accurate and readily available to our citizens. Nelson: I have no concerns regarding any methods/procedures/alliances. This Council has been open and honest; it seems like they are genuinely concerned about being fiscally responsible without worrying about hurting someone's feelings or upsetting someone. This Council has on several occasions had items returned to committee even if they knew it would not return to Council. Discuss briefly the City of Progress's progress in terms of construction and economic growth. Pirmann: This does not pertain to the role of the city clerk. The role of the city clerk is to keep all municipal records, general supervision over the finances of the municipality, and as the chief election official; to name a few of the primary duties. Nelson: In the eight years that I have been in office, the city of Silvis has grown. The Equalized Assessed Value rise of $9 million, or 7 percent, is in all of our non-TIF areas and is a direct reflection of the construction and economic growth. Due to this, the city of Silvis has lowered itsr tax levy this year What side of the Doc's Inn noise ordinance issue are you on, and why? Pirmann: This does not pertain to the role of the city clerk; as they are not a legislator or a voting member of city council. As a citizen, I believe in coming to a mutual and amicable compromise. Nelson: My feelings on the Doc's Inn issue is one of the need of co-existence. So there is no need for an ordinance. We need to provide our citizens peaceful neighborhoods to live in and we also do not want to interfere with the operation of our businesses. I think a business needs to have the freedom to operate the way they see fit, and if that crosses over to the point where it is disturbing to the residents and generating complaints to the Silvis Police, the police need to make an assessment, and if necessary they need to ask the business owner to cooperate and turn the down the source of the noise. The Doc's Inn is a great economic engine for nonprofits and the city of Silvis. They attract a lot of tax dollars to Silvis and should be allowed to continue to operate their business without interference of city council. What are the key talents and traits you would like to see in the next city administrator? Pirmann: This does not pertain to the role of the city clerk; as they are not a legislator or a voting member of city council. The position of city administrator is a mayoral appointment with the advice and consent of the city council. Currently the city administrator also serves as the public works director. As a citizen, I believe that our community can be more effectively served by separating the two positions, so that each person can put 100 percent of their efforts and talents to the responsibilities of each position. Nelson: The talents and traits I would like to see in the next city administrator should be fair, forward thinking and compassionate. The city administrator should be a citizen of Silvis, so he will make decisions that will affect him and his neighbors. The city administrator should be able to attract economic growth and developers that are concerned about the bottom line in the city. CHICAGO (AP) Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has convened legal and civil rights organizations in the wake of what she calls "troubling" executive orders issued by President Donald Trump. Groups attending Thursday's summit include Arab American Family Services, the Chicago Urban League and Lambda Legal. Group leaders say they fear escalating hate crimes. Madigan says orders dealing with immigration threaten America's "history of inclusion and diversity." She says that includes a temporary ban on travel from seven predominantly-Muslim countries. The four-term Democrat supported lawsuits against the ban. The ban was blocked in court, but Trump says he's revising it. On Thursday, Madigan condemned the Trump administration's rollback of public school bathroom requirements for transgender students. Madigan says she backs a proposal that will strengthen Illinois' hate crime laws. EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) An Illinois man who federal prosecutors say filed for bankruptcy 10 times in five years has pleaded guilty to fraud charges. Mark McFarland of Springfield pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court in East St. Louis. His sentencing is scheduled for June 6. According to court records, McFarland filed 10 bankruptcy cases in the Central District of Illinois between April 2009 and August 2013. McFarland was identified as president of Second Chance Inc., a rehabilitation program for juvenile and adult ex-offenders. After prosecutors determined Second Chance was located in Springfield, where the case belonged, McFarland filed an amended bankruptcy petition stating Second Chance has an Alton address. He produced a lease that had been fraudulently backdated to September 2014. U.S. Attorney Donald Boyce said Wednesday the 58-year-old McFarland faces up to five years in prison. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) The University of Illinois is kicking off a 15-month celebration of the institution's 150th birthday. The party will start next week with a Tuesday ceremony at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts in Urbana. Musicians from the university's School of Music will perform, and Chancellor Robert Jones will cut a cake the university describes as "crowd-sized." The University of Illinois was established in 1867 as a land grant institution. Other events are planned in coming months to mark the sesquicentennial. They include new musical compositions and performances, several new books and a groundbreaking for the new Siebel Center for Design. ___ CHICAGO (AP) Lawmakers in several states are considering requirements for doctors to inform women seeking medical abortions about an unproven procedure called "abortion reversal." Doctors' groups oppose the bills because of flawed science and ethical concerns. There is no evidence the procedure works and little information about its safety. The procedure involves shots of the hormone progesterone given if a woman changes her mind after the first step of a medical abortion. Since 2015, Arkansas and South Dakota have enacted laws requiring doctors to tell women about it. An Arizona law was challenged in court and later repealed. Bills are under consideration in Indiana, North Carolina and Utah. A Colorado proposal was killed in a committee in the Democratic-led House earlier this month. "It's really concerning that legislatures are passing laws interfering in the doctor-patient relationship and forcing them to tell women about an experimental therapy that is unproven," said Dr. Daniel Grossman, a professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at University of California, San Francisco. ___ WHAT IS MEDICAL ABORTION? About a third of women who seek abortions in early pregnancy choose medical abortions because they want a less invasive procedure than a surgical abortion. In the United States, medical abortion involves taking two drugs. The first mifepristone thins the lining of the uterus and loosens the connection between the embryo and the uterine lining. The second misoprostol softens and opens the cervix and causes contractions to push out the pregnancy. The second drug is taken at home hours to days after the first drug. Women rarely change their minds before completing the treatment. Doctors are required to report such information to the manufacturer of mifepristone. Between 2000 and 2012, less than 0.004 percent of women taking mifepristone changed their minds, Grossman said. "Women are very sure of their decision by the time they go to the abortion clinic," Grossman said. ___ WHAT ARE THE CLAIMS FOR 'REVERSAL'? Progesterone is legitimately used to prevent preterm birth in women who are at risk of early delivery. Some claim it can counteract the effects of an unfinished medical abortion. Dr. George Delgado in San Diego, California, is the chief advocate. He is medical director of Culture of Life Family Services, described as "the 'flip-side' to Planned Parenthood" on its website. The clinic "offers true reproductive health care and abortion alternatives to women," the website says. Delgado published a paper in 2012 about six women who had taken mifepristone, the first medication in the two-part medical abortion, then had a series of progesterone shots. Four of the six women had healthy babies. The other two aborted. Delgado says he has given progesterone to several hundred other women who also changed their minds after starting a medical abortion. He says he has a 60 to 70 percent success rate and hopes to publish the results in a peer-reviewed journal. "If there's a way to give them a second chance at choice, it will be a wonderful thing," Delgado said. ___ WHAT IS THE EVIDENCE? Delgado's study is not considered high-quality research because it is small and there was no comparison group. Researchers have questioned whether the women were given adequate information about the experimental nature of the procedure. For women who change their minds after taking mifepristone, doing nothing and waiting to see what happens may be just as effective as progesterone shots. That's because mifepristone alone doesn't work very well without the second drug. Thirty percent to 50 percent of women who take mifepristone alone will have continued pregnancies, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (Delgado disputes this and says the survival rate of embryos after mifepristone is much smaller.) Progesterone shots are generally safe but can cause swelling, irritation and other side effects. The cost of pushing an experimental procedure into widespread use also raises ethical questions, Grossman said. The injections and doctor visits involved can cost up to $1,000. ___ This story has been corrected to reflect that the bill is no longer being considered in Colorado. Police in western India have arrested nine people as they investigate the collapse of a newly repaired 143-year-old suspension bridge. The collapse Sunday evening in Gujarat state plunged hundreds of people into a river, killing at least 134. As families mourned the dead, attention turned to why the bridge, built during British colonialism, had collapsed and who might be responsible. Security video showed hundreds of people clinging to the broken structure and trying to make their way to safety. The pedestrian bridge had reopened just four days earlier after more than six months of repairs. Officials said it was overloaded with people drawn to the attraction during the Hindu festival season. Trumps diplomatic style is all about personal connections While much of the news -- real or fake -- out of Washington in recent days has focused on domestic issues, President Donald Trump has been methodically touching base with a long stream of foreign leaders, both by phone and in person. Its not unlike the approach of President George H.W. Bush, a one-time diplomat who constantly cultivated such personal relations, which enabled him ultimately to construct the broad international coalition that liberated Kuwait 26 years ago this week. Trump has also dispatched the secretaries of Defense and State around the world, establishing personal connections with their counterparts. And this past weekend he sent Vice President Mike Pence to Europe for more talks. Though overshadowed by media fixation on his loud news conference talk, Trumps brand of personal diplomacy may, in fact, be one of the quiet successes of this young administration. Hes already met with the king of Jordan and the prime ministers of Britain, Japan, Canada and Israel. The day with Israels Benjamin Netanyahu was the most revealing of Trumps extroverted style, one which hes employed constantly throughout his successful real estate deal-making career. The Trumps personally greeted the Netanyahus at the White House door. While the wives visited and toured separately, Trump met privately with the Israeli leader, then publicly for photos in the Oval Office, always coveted coverage for any visitor back home. In fact, Obama denied such PR opportunities to certain foreign leaders. Israel and the United States both need each other and Trump wouldnt mind peeling off some of the Democrats Jewish support, as he did with blue-collar workers in November. The Obama years were frosty ones for Netanyahu, who was cut out of the Iran nuclear deal, among other slights. Obama operatives actively worked against the prime ministers Likud party in the last Israeli elections, and the Chicagoan was caught on a live microphone complaining about often having to talk with Netanyahu. During the lengthy Iran negotiations, in which Iran achieved pretty much everything it wanted, I asked a close Netanyahu aide in Tel Aviv if Israels deep concerns were taken seriously by the Obama team. He paused, then shrugged sadly, not wanting to provide a quote. In the end, they werent, and Netanyahu defiantly spoke to Congress in opposition. Obama withheld a White House visit in retaliation. Although many think of Trump as a political rookie, he has long relations with many foreign leaders. He and Netanyahu became good friends in the mid-1980s when the future prime minister was ambassador to the United Nations. Trump has lambasted the Iran deal as one of the worst in history and twice warned the mullahs against tests of ballistic missiles capable of reaching Israel. In the White House, Trump and Netanyahu shared a meal and an almost-jolly news conference, where the American delivered a cleverly concealed political gift to Netanyahu. The issue of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank has been a thorny one. President George W. Bush wanted new housing contained within existing properties. Obama wanted all new building stopped as a gift to the Palestinians. Trump hasnt been firm either way. Netanyahus fragile political coalition relies on militant ultra-right parties, who want more. Here was Trumps seemingly unsolicited gift of political cover, turning toward the Israeli at the 10:12 mark of their joint news conference: As far as settlements, Id like to see you hold back on settlements for a little bit. Well work something out. Back home now, Netanyahu can say, Hey, our best friend would like us to wait. Bibi and I have known each other a long time, Trump added. A smart man, great negotiator. And I think were going to make a (peace) deal. It might be a bigger and better deal than people in this room even understand. A beaming Netanyahu replied: Lets try it. Thus far, Donald Trumps presidency has been a dreadfully and embarrassingly unprecedented disaster with his antics favoring a reality-like television show filled with lies and fake news, further dividing our country while playing to his mostly insular alt-right supporter base that does not represent a majority of Americans. Among all of the ongoing upsetting and dodgy chaos created so far by Donald Trump and his administration, United States officials have confirmed elements of the Russian dossier that targeted Trump, in addition to earlier findings of that countrys unethical and revolting tampering in the recent American presidential election, and its favoring of Trump. Why, then, does Mr. Trump continue to defend Russia and never criticize this countrys malevolent dictator and enemy of the United States? Trump has no problem in unfairly attacking and insulting American ally countries, like Sweden, and elected officials, primarily Americans. Mr. Trump only praises Putin, making excuses and defending him while knocking our country instead. This looks as if Trump is Putins scared puppet, along with Trump attempting to protect his own business and financial motives involving Russia, via his Trump family businesses. Since Mr. Trump persists in behaving like a dictator, while admiring and supporting Putin, perhaps he should move to Russia and become that countrys co-dictator. Americans deserve to know the truth as to what has transpired, and continues, between Mr. Trump and Putin on these critical matters for him to continue as our countrys commander-in-chief. Bring on an independent investigation now. Michael Thomas Masters, Bettendorf Mike Richman Bio Management Manufacturing and the Federal Budget What should taxpayers support? Rss Send Article (Must Login Author Archive The U.S. national debt currently stands at approximately $20 trillion. In the time it will take you to read this article, the debt will increase by a couple of million dollars more. Regardless of where one stands on the political spectrum, these facts are stark and shocking. Thus, its no surprise that the new, deeply conservative administration in Washington is seeking to take a cleaver to the federal budget. According to a recent article from The Hill, fiscal hawks in the capitol are taking a long look at A Blueprint for Balance, a suggested budget from The Heritage Foundation. The 2017 blueprint, published last year, targeted federal programs like the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) for elimination. In addition, the blueprint suggested the privatization of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Like what you're reading? Log in or create FREE account to continue Enter your Quality Digest username OR email address. Enter your Quality Digest password. By logging in you agree to receive communication from Quality Digest. Privacy Policy Remember me Create a FREE account Forgot My Password Quality Digest does not charge readers for its content. We believe that industry news is important for you to do your job, and Quality Digest supports businesses of all types. However, someone has to pay for this content. And thats where advertising comes in. Most people consider ads a nuisance, but they do serve a useful function besides allowing media companies to stay afloat. They keep you aware of new products and services relevant to your industry. All ads in Quality Digest apply directly to products and services that most of our readers need. You wont see automobile or health supplement ads. Our PROMISE: Quality Digest only displays static ads that never overlay or cover up content. They never get in your way. They are there for you to read, or not. So please consider turning off your ad blocker for our site. Thanks, Quality Digest Discuss About The Author Mike Richman Mike Richman is the principal at Richman Business Media Consulting. G'day! It's Murray here. I've put together a little quiz to test your musical knowledge. Think you can score top marks in Murray's Magic Music Quiz? Give it a go now! The preferred alignment is 12km long with 16 potential stations, linking Westmead to three campuses of Western Sydney University, Parramatta North, and Parramatta CBD, as well as the new Western Sydney Stadium. State minister for transport and infrastructure Mr Andrew Constance says services will operate from early morning to late at night, running at 7.5-minute intervals throughout the day. Therell also be extra services for special events and we are planning for the system as a whole to be capable of carrying 10,000 people an hour, he says. In December 2015 the NSW government allocated $A1bn ($US 770m) to the project from the Restart NSW and Rebuilding NSW funds. The government has always said this was an initial down payment for the line, with further funds to be secured from other sources, including value sharing, Constance says. Work is progressing on the final business case and a further round of community consultation will feed into the Environment Impact Statement (EIS), which is due for release later this year. Completion of Stage 1 of Parramatta Light Rail is scheduled for 2023. For detailed data on light rail projects around the world subscribe to IRJ Pro. The trains, which are being ordered as part of a plan to save Alstoms Belfort plant from closure, will be delivered in 2019-2020 for use on Paris - Bordeaux services, taking the TGV Oceane fleet to 40 sets. SNCF and Alstom are also in talks regarding the procurement of six TGVs for Paris - Milan services and SNCF Network is expected to approve an order within the next few weeks for 20 rescue locomotives, which will be built at Belfort. Notification of an order for 30 new trains for the so-called Balance of Territory (TET) network of loss-making inter-city services will be given by March 10, following the signing of an agreement between SNCF and the state on the provision of TET services. In addition, SNCF locomotive leasing subsidiary Akiem is planning to award Alstom a contract before March 15 to maintain 23 locomotives at the Belfort site. Since October 2016 Alstom has invested 1m in a new maintenance building at Belfort and the company signed a financing agreement with SNCF Network earlier this month for the electrification of the sites test track. The upgrading of the site is part of Alstoms plan to create a European locomotive maintenance centre in Belfort. Controlling "exactly what people think" is the job of the media, MSNBC's Mika Brzezinski boldly declared Wednesday morning. While discussing President Trump's entreaties to the American people to remain skeptical of the press, Bzezinski worried that if the economy turns south, Americans may end up trusting him over the media."And it could be that while unemployment and the economy worsens, he could have undermined the messaging so much that he can actually control exactly what people think," Brzezinski said. "And that, that is our job."SCARBOROUGH: "Exactly. That is exactly what I hear. What Yamiche said is what I hear from all the Trump supporters that I talk to who were Trump voters and are still Trump supporters. They go, 'Yeah you guys are going crazy. He's doing -- what are you so surprised about? He is doing exactly what he said he is going to do.'"BRZEZINSKI: "Well, I think that the dangerous, you know, edges here are that he is trying to undermine the media and trying to make up his own facts.."The comment failed to raise any eyebrows from her co-panelists. Instead, her co-host, Joe Scarborough, said that Trump's media antagonism puts him on par with Mussolini and Lenin.SCARBOROUGH: "Its the -- it's the ground noise that he is throwing out there also, whether he is questioning, Mark, the legitimacy of federal judges to do what they have done since Marbury v. Madison. It's when he says the media is the, quote --"BRZEZINSKI: "Enemy."SCARBOROUGH: "-- 'enemy of the people', where he sounds like Mussolini or Lenin which obviously causes concern that phrase right there makes him sound more like a dictator in training, when he sends Stephen Miller out and says, basically the president has absolute power, he shall not be questioned."Scarborough also accused Trump's base of having a "blind spot" on the issue of illegal immigration."We have an economy, lets face it, we have an economy that is built on illegal immigration," Scarborough said . "We have an economy that is built on that. That is why I say why dont you just legalize it? The 15.7km link from Lebak Bulus in south Jakarta to Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in the city centre is due to open in March 2019 and includes a 5.7km twin-bore tunnel between Senayan and Hotel Indonesia. Six of the lines 13 stations will be underground. Construction on the 1067mm-gauge line, which will be electrified at 1.5kV dc began in October 2013 and the first of four TBMs began tunnelling in September 2015. The line is forecast to carry 173,400 passengers per day and services will be operated by a fleet of 16 six-car trains, which are being supplied by Nippon Sharyo. Services will initially operate at five-minute headways with a journey time of 30 minutes between the terminus stations. Construction of the 13.5km second phase from Hotel Indonesia to Ancol Timur is due to begin in 2019 with opening scheduled for 2021. Recent developments in relations between Taiwan and China should bolster the confidence of Chinese leaders that Taiwan under President Tsai Ing-wen will eschew provocation in favor of pragmatism and accommodation with Beijing. Indeed, Tsai's handling of the December 2nd congratulatory call to then President-elect Donald Trump, her administration's reaction to Trump's questioning of the One-China policy, Tsai's end of year speech, and her administration's treatment of her U.S. transit all demonstrate that she seeks stability and predictability in cross-Strait relations. More significantly, these developments suggest that Tsai may even plan to keep Washington at arm's-length to avoid unnecessarily antagonizing Beijing. Tsai's phone call to Trump probably occurred because she thought Taiwan needed, as one recent article put it, symbolic gains to push back against Chinese pressure on the island. Nevertheless, the call was treated with the utmost care by Tsai's government, both in its execution and aftermath. According to the official Taiwanese readout of the meeting, the two leaders discussed domestic economic development and national defense as well as views on conditions in the Asian region. There was no discussion of Taiwan's status vis-a-vis China, which certainly would have alarmed leaders in Beijing. Tsai later informed visiting U.S. journalists that the call was not a policy shift of the United States in order to downplay the significance of the call. It is also important to note that Tsai astutely contacted Trump while he retained the status of President-elect, knowing full well that Chinese leaders would interpret a call to a sitting U.S. presidentwhich has never happenedas being far more provocative. And once Trump became president, Tsai was sure to keep her distance, opting to reestablish her Twitter account to offer a congratulatory tweet instead of making another call. The Tsai administration was especially cautious after Trump noted on December 11th, in a Fox News interview, that the One-China policy might be up for renegotiation. Declining to directly address Trump's comments, Tsai's spokesman, Alex Huang, stated that Taiwan only seeks enhanced freedom and international space throughout its relationship with the United States. Huang further stated that Taiwan seeks to maintain positive and stable cross-Strait relations. To be sure, Taiwanese public opinion polling has consistently shown that the vast majority of citizens prefer to maintain the status quo in cross-Strait relations. Tsai probably recognizes this sentiment and worries that Trump's comments might inadvertently provoke Beijing. Tsai's end-of-the-year speech came on the heels of two separate Chinese bomber flights that circumnavigated Taiwan as well as Beijing's decision to recognize the small West African nation of Sao Tome and Principe, which represented the second time in under a year that China broke the tacit moratorium on such behavior. These actions, coupled with Beijing's quiet policy of sabotaging Taiwan's economy by reducing the number of tourists it sends to the island, prompted Tsai to note that Beijing is going back to the old path of dividing, coercing, and even threatening and intimidating Taiwan. At the same time, however, Tsai continued to stress her desire for peace and stability: For the sake of safeguarding regional peace and prosperity, I want to once again reiterate that our commitments will not change, and our goodwill will not change. But we will not bow to pressure, and we will of course not revert to the old path of confrontation. By eschewing the old path of confrontation, Tsai signaled her desire not to repeat Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian's decision to push an independence agenda. In response to a Chinese-language Apple Daily report that Tsai was attempting to meet with Trump or one of his advisers in New York during her mid-January transit through the United States, the president's office quickly characterized the report as wild speculation. In doing so, Tsai sought to limit controversy during her stopover in the U.S., which is considered a routine activity for Taiwanese presidents. To further sideline the rumor, a few weeks later Tsai disclosed that the transit cities would be Houston and San Francisco, i.e., purposefully not New York City, to avoid speculation that she might show up at Trump Tower. Her administration assiduously kept to this agenda even though Trump, when asked whether he might meet with Tsai in person, said we'll see. Chinese leaders are curiously either overlooking Tsai's extraordinarily cautious handling of sensitive cross-Strait issues and Taipei's relationship with Washington, or they are intentionally disregarding it to serve their own domestic political interests. Indeed, since Tsai's election last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping has pressured her to agree to the so-called 1992 Consensusa tacit accord reached between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Tsai's predecessorthat acknowledges the existence of only one China but grants each its own interpretation. In his own end-of-year speech, Xi noted that the Chinese people will never allow anyone to get away with making a great fuss about it [territorial integrity and maritime rights]a message certainly aimed at both Trump and Tsai. Ten days later, the Chinese navy sailed its carrier, the Liaoning, through the Taiwan Strait to send yet another unambiguous signal of Chinese resolve. There are now rumors that Beijing is considering a modification to its Anti-Secession Law that might seek an explicit acknowledgment of the 1992 Consensus from Tsai in order to avoid invasion. China's strategy to deter Tsai from even contemplating independencea concern grounded in some reality, given her past rejection of the 1992 Consensus in 2012 and assistance to President Lee Teng-hui in crafting the state-to-state formulation for cross-Strait ties in the late 1990shas been quite successful in the short run. In particular, Beijing's relentless pressure on the 1992 consensus may be a contributing factor to Tsai's sinking approval rating, which recently reached its lowest point of 33.8 percentperhaps only half of the approval she benefited from upon taking office in May. Beijing's goal of delegitimizing Tsai and making her feel like she must walk on eggshells in conducting Taiwan's relationship with the mainland and the U.S. has proven successful. Nevertheless, Beijing's strategy is bound to fail in the long term. Younger generations already overwhelmingly identify themselves as Taiwanese and not Chinese. Chinese pressure tactics will only serve to stiffen resistance to China in the future. Beijing would be better served by acknowledging that, in spite of her political party's Taiwan-centric agenda, Tsai has repeatedly and earnestly expressed an interest in maintaining peace and stability in the Strait. A careful reading of her actions in the run-up to and aftermath of key moments in the U.S.-Taiwan and China-Taiwan relationship over the past few months reveal her intention to use this approach. And, if Beijing is not careful, Tsai could change her approach to something more provocative. Indeed, in early February, Tsai announced that she plans to unveil a new cross-Strait policy, perhaps in the latter half of 2017. This policy might not be as accommodative of Beijing's wishes. By not adjusting its calculus, Beijing runs the risk of alienating future generations of Taiwanese against it. Instead, Chinese leaders should seek to engage in good-faith discussions with Taiwanese counterparts, meaning that the cross-Strait status quo should be fully honored. Beijing should also recognize that Tsai's apparent tentativeness about the new U.S. administration would rapidly change if cross-Strait military tensions were to severely escalate. For their part, Taiwanese and U.S. policymakers should work to enhance the island's security, while avoiding needless provocations in the Strait. Tsai has certainly held up her end of the bargain, and only time will tell whether Washington plans to do the same. Trump's acknowledgement of the One-China policy in his February phone call with Xi is a good start. The main point: Chinese leaders should seek to engage in good-faith discussions with Taiwanese counterparts. Beijing should also recognize that Tsai's apparent tentativeness about the new U.S. administration would rapidly change if cross-Strait military tensions were to severely escalate. Derek Grossman is a senior defense analyst at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation. He formerly served at the Defense Intelligence Agency as the daily intelligence briefer to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs at the Pentagon. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, or the U.S. government. This commentary originally appeared in Global Taiwan Brief on February 22, 2017. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis. Hundreds of people took to the streets in Grand Rapids and Wyoming for the "Day Without Immigrants" march, joining individuals across the country who protested President Donald Trump's immigration policies. In our city, the peaceful procession emphasized the crucial role that immigrants play in the U.S. economy and called for the Trump administration to respect and protect our country's immigrants. On Thursday, Feb. 16, the city of Grand Rapids witnessed a united effort from immigrants across the United States to protest President Donald Trumps immigration policies. The message that spread throughout social media, classrooms, restaurants, shops, and elsewhere was one of peaceful protest in an effort to have the rest of the nation experience how their lives might change if all immigrants were no longer part of the fabric of this country. Trumps most controversial immigration policies, including the aggressive enforcement of immigration laws that could lead to a massive increase in deportations , and attempting to at least temporarily ban refugees from the U.S., have targeted the Latinx community and many predominantly Muslim countries in Africa and the Middle East. In response, the message was simple and clear. Do not show up for work. Do not show up for school. Do not open your business. Do not purchase anything. Grand Rapids was no exception to these efforts. Our city is home to immigrants from a great many nations, including: Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Peru, Brasil, Vietnam, Laos, India, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Somalia, to name just a few. Some left their countries to pursue the American Dream, while others fled to stay alive. Our city holds stories from all over the world, and the nationwide protests helped to retell those stories. We can trace the arrival of West Michigans most prominent immigrants to a time not so far in our countrys history. In the late 1800s, large groups emigrated from the Netherlands to what is now Holland, Michigan. At the time, the Dutch fled religious persecution and settled in West Michigan. Fast forward more than 150 years later, and we cannot think of West Michigan without also thinking of Dutch heritage. Although times change, some things certainly stay the same. Alongside fleeing religious persecution, immigrants now often also escape violence and destabilized economies. Lindo Mexico Restaurant, Tamales Mary Tacos El Cu Los Comales Restaurant, Sin Fronteras, El Globo, 34th Street Mall, El Milagro, El Pollo Loco, Taqueria San Jose, Cancun Restaurant , 7 Mares Restaurant, La Huasteca Restaurant, and Pupuseria El Salvador. Hundreds of people joined an evening march, which was mostly attended and promoted by the Latinx community. Organized by the Community Worker's Center of West Michigan, a project of The Micah Center ; local Spanish language media; and grassroots community members, the march inspired about 600 people to take to the streets, bringing their message of solidarity to South Division Avenue and 28th Street. I chose to join the protest for two reasons: I am a first generation immigrant to this country, and I wanted to cover the event for our publication. Now, order here is important, since I protested first as an immigrant and second as a member of the media to cover the event. The decision to protest was, surprisingly, a decision. I struggled with an overwhelming feeling of subservience. I was raised to always be respectful, follow the rules, keep your head down, and work hard. Something that most immigrant children can recall being told at an early age. Everything could be achieved if you just worked hard and were quiet. My family immigrated to the United States from Peru in the 1990s, and we were given permanent legal resident status. My mother naturalized, and it would be more than a decade before us children would find out that we could also naturalize as citizens as well. When we submitted all the forms and paid the fees we felt excited. It was one of the more eventful days of my life. A constant issue looming over my life had finally been resolved. Yes, it would save me some time with paperwork, since I no longer needed to add my legal resident alien identification number (a term that is still as weird to me now as it was when I learned it in high school), or I would no longer need to be retina and palm scanned every time I re-entered the country, but I did not truly feel any different. I was in my mid-twenties and I had never drank, smoked, pranked, or even skipped a day of school in fear that it would somehow affect my chance at citizenship. My mother always reminded us kids that we were blessed to have come to this country with full legal status, and that she did not know what could disqualify us from citizenship. It was best for us to become model citizens, and nothing was worth losing that opportunity. Fast forward to present day, and I find myself in a parking lot on South Division Avenue realizing that this event would not be a town hall style meeting on how we would protest; rather, it would be a marching protest. Within five minutes of arriving, the small parking lot was packed and the announcements were made, reminding everyone that we would be marching peacefully down the street. Reminders to not resist arrest and to respect police officers were given over the megaphone, and that is when I reached for my cellphone to give my mother a call. The call was short and to the point; I knew what she would say. I told her that I was covering a protest and that I would also be marching in solidarity for immigrant rights. She quickly replied in Spanish that I didnt need to do this, that I could get hurt and that there are bad people who want to hurt protesters. I told her I had to do this for myself and for our community. I would call her when I was done. Before I could let it sink in the crowd moved to the street. I walked alongside the crowd and joined as I tried to take in what I was doing. Young and old joined the march, and it seemed like we tripled in size after a few blocks. Drums banging and voices chanting, I tried joining along. I had not yet found my voice to yell loudly and proudly in the street, but I marched on. I walked alongside the edge near opposing traffic to be vigilant if anything were to happen, but nothing ever did. We were cheered on by honking horns and cellphone cameras. We soon reached 28th Street, and I became nervous; we were now going to be affecting a lot more people by stopping traffic, but we kept marching. As we came to the 131 overpass, I heard my first complaint come from the traffic crowd: We have places to go! I thought about how much this march was inconveniencing drivers. I started to feel impatient and wondered if we would impede traffic for much longer; we were now in Wyoming after all. I looked around at the crowd and saw whole families, teenagers and adult couples all smiling and chanting. A quote from Margaret Mead came into my head that states, Our march soon doubled back and found its way up South Division once again. Walking up the street with the sun setting into the horizon, I realized that what we all just did was exactly what many citizens had done in the past. We exercised our voice, and we stood up for what we believed in. What I thought would once ruin my chance at citizenship was the strongest expression of it all along. With every step I took back home, I finally felt the change I was hoping for all along. I finally felt like a citizen. Ken Miguel-Cipriano is Rapid Growths innovation and jobs editor. To reach Ken, you can email or follow him on Photos by Tommy Allen [email protected] or follow him on Twitter and Instagram Photos by Tommy Allen Across the nation, reports came in as students stayed at home or organized walkouts. Immigrant-owned businesses closed or ally-owned business shuttered in solidarity with immigrant workers. It was a mass effort to show the country the crucial role that immigrants play in the U.S. economy, as well as to call for the administration to respect and protect immigrants.In Grand Rapids, thousands of students , both immigrants and allies, joined the day of protest. Numerous local businesses also participated, including: The National Supermarket,nado (the Bridge, Burton, and Grandville locations),Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. Surely many of us were citizens, but some likely were not. Some were in the situation I was in before, permanent legal residents who are always careful not to hurt their opportunity for citizenship. Yet they were out here, marching to take a stand on what they believe to be an injustice to our country. BBC Worldwide and RecordTV are to premiere the Brazilian adaptation of Dancing with the Stars in what marks the first deal between BBCs commercial subsidiary and Rede Record, one of Brazils largest free-to-air (FTA) networks. The local version of the show, produced by RecordTV and Endemol Shine, which recently gained the rights to adapt a variety of BBC programmes in Brazil, will be hosted by Brazilian celebrity Xuxa Meneghel. The first season (13x90) will premiere in April.Our partnership with Rede Record to produce and broadcast a local version of one of BBCs most successful formats will allow us to take Dancing with the Stars throughout the country, said Anna Gordon, EVP, BBC Worldwide , Latin America/US Hispanic.We are happy to kick off our recently-signed agreement with the adaptation of Dancing with the Stars, through which we intend to satisfy the demand of British content among Brazilians, added Juliana Alganaraz, general manager, Endemol Shine , Brazil. After a lengthy process, Strasbourgs Human Rights court has warned the Spanish free-to-air (FTA) TV sector about breaching privacy rights through its celebrity gossip shows. The decision follows a case brought by Paulina Rubio after her complaints about celebrity shows in Spain were not heard by the Spanish court in 2007.The Court noted that in various television programmes, frivolous comments had been expressed about certain aspects of Ms Rubios private life. Those comments mainly concerned her sexual orientation and the allegedly stormy relationship with her partner, including the claim that she had humiliated him and encouraged him to take drugs, said the court According to the judges decision, these types of shows werent in the public interest.Even assuming that there had been a public interest, in parallel to the commercial interest of the television channels in broadcasting the programmes, the court found that those interests were trumped by a persons individual right to the effective protection of his or her privacy, said a statement from the court.The court has used the case to also warn Spains justice system, saying the national authorities did not carefully weigh Paulina Rubios rights and interests.They had not examined the criteria to be taken into account in order to make a fair assessment of the balance between the right to respect for freedom of expression and the right to respect for a persons private life, concluded the court.According to justice experts speaking in the Spanish newspaper eldiario.es , the decision from Strasbourg will only become a precedent in Spain if a national court takes the European sentence into account, which is difficult considering no specific individuals have been cited. In what it says is its biggest investment in the country in 20 years, reflecting the UK and the people it serves, the BBC will be introducing a new TV channel for Scotland. Broadcasting from 7pm every evening, BBC Scotland will begin life in autumn 2018 as part of the BBCs review of programming and services for the UK nations. It will address a concern of the corporation to do more to reflect Scotland on screen and to recognise the need to spend more of the licence fee raised in Scotland on Scottish content and services. Overall, the BBC is investing 19 million in the channel and in digital developments, plus another 1.2 million in the Gaelic service BBC Alba. Together with existing funding, the channel will have an initial budget of over 30 million.At the heart of the investment and the project will be programming with a particular focus on commissioning drama and factual programmes. The BBC claims that compared with the 2015/16 accounting period, it will be spending around 20 million extra per year over the three years to March 2019. This, it says, will support the delivery of its network production targets and put a greater emphasis on portraying the nation.BBC Scotland has the stated mission to provide a full mix of content to inform, educate and entertain including its own integrated hour-long news programme at 9pm on weekdays and 15 minutes at 7pm at the weekends. It will be edited and presented from Scotland, leading to the creation of around 80 new journalist posts.Commenting on the move, Tony Hall, BBC Director General, said: I said at the beginning of the year that the BBC needed to be more creative and distinctive. The BBC is Britain's broadcaster, but we also need to do more for each nation just as we are doing more for Britain globally. We know that viewers in Scotland love BBC television, but we also know that they want us to better reflect their lives and better reflect modern Scotland. It is vital that we get this right. The best way of achieving that is a dedicated channel for Scotland.The proposals will be subject to approval by the BBCs new unitary board, and as necessary, by Ofcom. The BBC will shortly be making announcements about what more it will do in Northern Ireland and for Britain globally. It may be called Cardboard, but Googles virtual reality headset brand is proving to be not so flimsy in competition with the likes of Samsung and Sony, says research from Strategy Analytics. The VR Headset Platform Market Share Year End 2016 report estimates that over 30 million virtual reality (VR) headsets have shipped, split between six major competing VR platforms in an increasingly fragmented landscape. Google Cardboard accounted for a whopping 69%, dwarfing Samsung Gear which had 17% and Sony PlayStation VR, with a mere 3%. SteamVR, served by the HTC Vive device, just about made it into a full percentage share, while Oculus Rift had less than 1%.Commenting on the survey , Cliff Raskind, senior director at Strategy Analytics, said: The successful push of VR hardware to consumers through direct sales, bundling and even giving devices away, is seeding the market and creating the audience required for successful ecosystems to grow. However, six competing ecosystems makes for a market which is crowded and fragmented. 2017 is sure to be an interesting year and we expect some shakedown as the competing ecosystems either cement their position or fall by the wayside. Hardware revenues or audience alone will not be enough to win, and we will continue to track the ecosystem evolution as new use cases, apps, and industries beyond gaming and media grow the market for VR and AR.At the high-end smartphone VR platform part of the market, Samsung Gear VR took top spot by revenues with a 35% revenue share. Sonys successful PS VR launch saw that platform take second place by revenues, and between them Sony and Samsung captured more than half of VR hardware revenues in 2016. The Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2017 is around the corner, and the companies across the globe have started prepping up in order to parade their innovations at the worlds most renowned mobile fair. The city of Barcelona in Spain will be hosting this years MWC, starting from February 26 onwards. Meizu, the Chinese smartphone company have started to send out invites for its press conference. As per the invite contents, the company is organizing its MWC-specific event on February 28 and plans to unveil a Faster Than Ever product. For whoever interested in knowing what Meizu is up to these days, the company has launched its latest flagship M5s, featuring a 5.2-inch 2.5D IPS HD display. Plus, the device is powered by MediaTek MT6573 chipset and comes with an Octa-Core Cortex A53 CPU. Meizu M5s is priced CNY 799, which is approximate $115. Via Hello, fellow moviegoers! The Great Wall is directed by Yimou Zhang, and it stars Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe, and Tian Jing. It tells the story of a couple Westerners who encounter a fortress along the Great Wall of China and discover the purpose of the Wall is to protect China from these mysterious beasts that frequently try to attack the country. One thing leads to another, and these two end up fighting alongside the Chinese to defend the Wall. The Great Wall wasnt nearly as great as the wall on which the movie is based. In fact, its a bit of a stretch to say that this movie is any good at all. It has its enjoyable moments, but overall the movie fails to become anything worthwhile. It feels about twenty minutes too long, which is really bad considering the movie is only an hour and forty-five minutes long, and most of all, though, this movie is extremely boring. The movie as a whole may be a little lackluster, but that is no fault of the first half-hour. The first thirty minutes of this movie has some minor flaws, but for the most part, was extremely entertaining. All the way until just after the films first action sequence, the Great Wall was actually a good movie. The action was impressive, it had a fast pace, an interesting plot, and a lot of potential. Unfortunately, that energy didnt last long. The Great Wall falls apart fast. Unlike the actual Great Wall of China which has amazed people for centuries, this film fails to keep its audiences attention for less than two hours. All of that fun and excitement from the beginning simply disappears after the first action sequence. Its almost as if it became a different movie. The film felt really slow and boring, and it became a chore to watch. A majority of the cast in this film seemed to only be there for a quick paycheck, though, specifically Matt Damon and Willem Dafoe who are both great actors. They really mailed in their performances in this movie. They werent awful, but they werent good either. The only two people in this movie that seemed to care were Pedro Pascal and Tian Jing, who played a military commander. The Great Wall was far less than great. It starts off on a really high note and then quickly falls off. It becomes a slow, boring mess that never succeeds in really capturing its audiences attention. Matt Damon and Willem Dafoe were both in this movie only for a quick paycheck, and it really shows. The movie had an interesting premise, but it never quite lives up to it. 3.5 out of 10 PODGORICA At less than 200,000 inhabitants, Montenegros biggest city does not have the feel of a capital. Its not only that its small -- bombed to bits by Allied powers during World War II, the city known for decades thereafter as Titograd seems to sleep. Lonesome markers of a lost past -- ivy-covered residential ruins, the call to prayer from a mosque in the Old Town -- sit amid platoons of Cold War Yugoslav hardscrabble. The train to Belgrade, the capital of neighboring Serbia, takes about half of an ordinary day. Sitting down to a meal at a restaurant tabbed for its mastery of the Montenegrin national cuisine, I notice that the people around me -- diplomats, EU functionaries? Wayward tourists? -- are speaking a smattering of Continental European languages. Only then am I reminded that this outpost is the nerve center of a 21st-century nation-state on the European peninsula. Its easy to forget. Sign up for RC newsletters Indeed, Montenegro itself is an oddity. NATOs latest incipient member, Montenegro is a country of 620,000 that juts peak by rugged peak from its stunning Adriatic coast toward Serbia and the heart of the South Slavic lands. Its modern independence was decided not in the Balkan violence of two decades ago, but finally in peacetime through a referendum in 2006 that saw the country split from a federation with Serbia. That vote was greeted as a footnote in recent European history, but it made this parcel of mountain and coast more accessible to enlargement-minded NATO and the EU -- and it left Serbia, the most important state in the Western Balkans, landlocked. With Europes capitals in disarray, and Moscow competing with Washington and Brussels for footholds in the Continental liminal, capitals like Podgorica face uncertain futures. The smallest fish, the biggest pond Montenegrins are a stubborn lot, with a history of fierce resistance to aggressive outsiders. But geopolitical realities are equally stubborn, and the countrys historical royal capital, the picturesque mountain town of Cetinje, is a model study of a small people seeking its place in a broader world -- its church and palace complexes are in-situ explorations of what its royals in the 18th and 19th centuries saw elsewhere in Europe, and the buildings that housed foreign embassies are still marked on the tourist trails, denoting the importance Cetinje gave to recognition by foreign powers. Montenegros recent split from Serbia, in a referendum in 2006, was about more than a half-pint of sovereignty. There was no great surge of nationalism, no Brexit-style movement to repatriate decision-making powers shared with Belgrade. In fact a strong proportion of Montenegrins are ethnic Serbians. The act of leaving the federation was controversial and left open the risk of a backlash. What Montenegro intended was to exploit a new geopolitical reality: After the devastation of Balkan war, Western tutelage had become the organizing principle for the region -- especially with Russia, a traditional power broker and patron, diminished and defanged. Thus the vote wasnt about ditching Serbia -- it was about ditching Serbias problems. Podgorica outside the federation would not be saddled with the Serbian imperative, etched in that countrys historical DNA, to oppose independence for Kosovo. Nor would it be associated with the figures sought for prosecution by the International Criminal Court in the Hague. Sovereignty in the region smoothed a hopefully prosperous bow to the outside world. It was clever stewardship by a prime minister, Milo Djukanovic, viewed at the time as being one of the Balkans shrewdest political operatives. Days of hope Montenegro as much as any state in the region has managed to keep problems with its neighbors to the realistic minimum, and that is in part thanks to such pragmatism. With Belgrades baggage now stopping at the border, accession to the European Union and NATO membership seemed a prize within reach. In 2002 Montenegro adopted the Euro, and in 2008 formally applied to join the EU. Accession will take a long time, however, and Montenegro maintains close relations with Russia as an insurance policy. In the process of formulating foreign policy, the new alignment helped create clarity of intent out of the muddle of the East-West balance. As described here by Edward P. Joseph and Janusz Bugajski: If your country is Serbia, the largest state in the former Yugoslavia, you claim neutrality, refusing to join the sanctions regime crafted by Brussels and Washington, despite the fact that you have a pending application for membership in the European Union. On the other hand, if you are the leader of tiny Montenegro, you stand with the West and agree to impose the sanctions in the face of withering criticism from Moscow. In 2015, the country was invited to join NATO. In 2016 it attended the military alliances summit in Warsaw to push forward its accession protocol. Montenegro, it would seem, has gained its foothold. Of course that July summit followed the June 23 Brexit vote. Montenegros chosen patron is not well, and the Balkans are again subject to low-level geopolitical competition. Geography rediscovered As has been pointed out by now exhaustively, including in these pages, Europe is awakening from what it had mistakenly thought an end to history. Europe is also rediscovering its political geography. From the border at Calais to the River Tweed, to the East of Ukraine and the Russian exclave in Kaliningrad, Europeans are social topographers again, changing political realities with their views and their votes. The old geography in the Western Balkans never did quite go away. It remains the map of former Yugoslavia, overlaid with a series of Greater idealized nations that stretch across state boundaries and have not lost their ability even in peacetime to hold back anything resembling a national interest. Attitudes have changed, and overt conflict for now seems unlikely. The problem is that not much else has changed. Meanwhile, Europes stewardship is failing through neglect and mistaken assumptions. In Croatia -- now an EU country -- the election campaign touches on themes redolent of its nasty World War II past. In Serbia, a country also working through the chapters of EU accession, a prime minister formerly associated with the wartime nationalist party and rebranded as a progressive holds a vice-grip on power. Djukanovic does the same in Montenegro, which has elections coming up on Oct. 16. One thing that could derail his leadership is a simmering border dispute with neighboring Kosovo. Djukanovic remains firmly The Wests Man, and Montenegro under his leadership remain stable, but deeply and chronically corrupt. This newest of NATO members-to-be has a long history of Russian ties and a reliance on Russian investment, and protests in Podgorica against NATO membership saw Serbian and Russian flags waving in the streets. Russia is not silent in the region as it was in the 90s, and its likely that Moscow views this rump of seafront in a way similar to how NATO sees slivers of land such as Transdniestria in Moldova or South Abkhazia in Georgia. The geography that matters to each side is visible to any casual visitor of Montenegros idyllic stretch of Adriatic coast. Take a skiff from the bay to the sea and you can swim through coves of Maldivian blue, but also sail past Austro-Hungarian fortresses and a Tito-era submarine tunnel. The boat ride embodies the feeling a traveler gets throughout the Western Balkans: It could not possibly be more peaceful. The Prairie Piecemakers Needlework Guild will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1544 E. Military Ave., in Fremont. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 with the business meeting to begin at 7. Members are reminded to bring their coffee cups, name tags and show and tell. Guests are welcome. The program, All About Wool, will be given by Robin Van Allen from Lenexa, Kan. She will focus on the basics of wool the history of wool as an American folk art, types of felting wool, the steps in wool applique, supplies needed for wool work, including types of threads. There also will be a trunk show of a variety of wool applique projects. Van Allen is a fiber artist, teacher and pattern designer. The greeters will be Janet Larsen and Elizabeth Stark. The hostesses will be Ann Paulsen, Janice Bond, Pat Young, Elizabeth Stark, Fran Steinert and Twila Sass. This months charity for the guild will be Jefferson House. Members are encouraged to donate socks and underwear for preteens and teens. In response to North Korea's latest missile test, and perhaps to the apparent assassination of Kim Jong Nam, the half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, China has declared it will cease coal imports from North Korea for the entirety of the year. Beijing's threat to North Korea could significantly impact Pyongyang's finances, already stretched as the North continually seeks ways around international sanctions. But it also shows the limits of Beijing's actions toward North Korea. Even as China takes a more assertive role internationally, in finance, politics and even militarily, it views its global role and potential responsibilities far differently than the United States or earlier European empires. The lens of China's latest actions on North Korea is a useful prism to understand how China throughout history has dealt with its periphery and beyond and how it is likely to do so in the future. For on a nearly daily basis, there are reports suggesting the decline of U.S. global power, and the attendant rise of China. This despite the slowing pace of Chinese economic growth, high levels of domestic bad loans and the massive undertaking of a shift from an export-led economic model to one based on domestic consumption, with the attendant structural shift in political and social patterns. China is seen as the next major global power, overshadowing the former Soviet Union and giving the United States a run for its money. This view of China contrasts with how the country has been viewed for much of the past century: as the passed-by Asian power, the country that was most upended from its former glory by European colonialism and imperial competition, a Middle Kingdom carved into spheres of influence, forced to capitulate to Western concepts of trade and access, and left vulnerable to Japanese aggression at the turn of the last century. China is now seen as awakening, as consolidating political power domestically, building a strong and outwardly focused military, and spreading its economic reach across the globe, most recently with the network of infrastructure and trading routes characterizing the One Belt, One Road initiative. In short, although China had some setbacks because of the fallout from the 2009 global financial crisis, it was perhaps affected less politically and socially compared with Europe and the United States, and this has presented the opportunity for the 4,000-year-old-plus country to take its turn at global leadership. And as I noted a few weeks ago, we may be seeing a shift in the willingness of the United States to play the role of global hegemon. From military expansion in the South China Sea to economic expansion with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), China is on the rise. Again. A Sole Challenger Emerges The rising China narrative is not new. A decade ago, the iconic May 17, 2007, Economist cover showed a panda atop the Empire State Building, a la King Kong. Nearly a decade earlier, in December 1998, U.S. Congressman Dana Rohrabacher was flown in a Philippine military aircraft over a Chinese installation on Mischief Reef, raising an early concern of Chinese military expansion in the South China Sea. While these are but two anecdotes, a decade apart, it would be easy to list hundreds of others. And it isn't difficult to understand why. With the end of the Cold War, aside from the multinational European Union, there was little potential for any nation alone to rise to power on such a scale as to challenge the United States as a peer power, much less as a single global hegemon. No country, that is, except perhaps China. China's population, its rapid rise into the central position of global supply chains, its economic expansion, its strategic location linking Eurasia to the Pacific, and its unitary government allowing centralized decision-making and long-term strategic planning all pointed to a country that could emerge as a real challenger. And China seemed at times interested in doing so. But there is a difference between the potential to, the capability to, or even the desire to. China certainly wants to have a greater say in the structure of the global system that is now emerging, a system that from China's perspective should be multilateral, without a single dominant global power. China's drive toward "big power" status is not the same as seeking the central role of a global system. The reality is that the cost to maintain a central global role is just too high. The British, the French, the Spanish and Portuguese, the Americans, even more regional powers like Japan, Germany and the various guises of Russia, all showed that maintaining central power over a vast empire is simply exhausting. A hegemony must respond to challenges, no matter how small, or risk losing its power and influence. China may be a big country, but it is far from ready to take on the role of global balancer. The Center of a Regional System Which is why it may be useful to look back into history to see how China has managed power in the past. For some 2,000 years, prior to European imperial advancements in the early 19th century, China sat at the center of a regional imperial system of its own, where China was clearly seen as first among unequals. Imperial China developed a system of maintaining influence while limiting the need for direct action. China, in many respects, retained passive influence rather than direct positive control. Power moved out in rings from the core. There was China proper, protected by an integrated shell of buffer states. For some of these, from Xinjiang to Tibet to Manchuria, China was not always dominant, but when outside powers swept across the buffers to change Chinese empires, they at times found themselves ultimately integrated into the Chinese system. Beyond that were tributary powers, kingdoms that nominally respected China's role at the center of a Sinacized region. These included areas such as Korea, the Shan state of Burma or even what is now Vietnam areas where China attempted to expand but reached the limits of its power. Beyond these were so-called barbarian powers, ones that required minimal contact and were generally regarded as inferior (and thus not needing integration). These not only included places like the Ryukyu Islands, parts of the Malay Peninsula and some of the Central Asian ethnic tribes, but also the more distant European civilizations at times. China could influence the behavior of its neighbors, but it did so as often as possible through passive means, demonstrating power but rarely using it. Instead, so long as the neighbors did not fundamentally counter China's core interests, they were largely left to their own devices. In this manner, China could remain central to a regional system while expending little in time, effort or resources to enforce its will particularly when imperial expansion proved unachievable. Neighbors including Korea and Vietnam paid tribute and adopted the written language, governing systems and social structures from the Middle Kingdom. This cultural and political influence reduced the need for military action by either side of the arrangement. In short, most countries, most of the time, largely accepted the arrangement, both for cultural reasons and because the cost of direct challenge was often too high. This did not prevent various challenges the Mongols and Manchu, for example, or Japan's attempted usurpation of the Chinese imperial throne in the late 16th century. But these invaders more often sought to insert themselves at the center of the Sinitic order, rather than completely overturn it. Even the failed invasion by Japan's Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the last decade of the 1500s, which devastated Korea but failed to reach China proper, was an attempt to move Hideyoshi to China, allowing him to place his young son on the throne in Japan, linking the two empires but leaving China the physical and political center. China's crisis with Western imperialism through the 1800s occurred at a time of dynastic and imperial weakness, and China was further weakened by Japanese occupation beginning in the 1930s and then by civil war from 1945 to 1949. The early Mao years were about reconstituting Chinese unity, but also showed the stirrings of Chinese foreign interest in a modern era. Although China under Mao played a role in the overall international Communist drive, providing money, manpower and materiel to various insurgencies, this was paired with a longer-term and more passive strategy. China made friends. Not necessarily with leaders, but with individuals who could ultimately prove influential, and perhaps nudge them to victory. In part in keeping with its historical management strategy, China retained influence through its backing of leaders, from the king of Cambodia to the Nepalese monarchy to the Kim family in North Korea. But China also acted by retaining relations with many alternatives in and out of governments. The idea was that, no matter who came to power, China would have at least some existing relationship to draw on. Where China was drawn into regional conflict with Vietnam and in Korea it saw a potential threat to its buffer, and acted out of self-interest. An Alternate Vision for the World As we move into the current era, China is seeking to re-establish itself at the center of the region, politically, economically and strategically. The One Belt, One Road initiative is a key component of China's foreign strategy, to link itself into the emerging economic patterns around the region, placing China in the center of an integrated regional trading system. It also reflects a broader ambition one where China takes hold of the so-called strategic pivot of the European landmass. China's establishment of the AIIB in late 2015 is part of a broader initiative intended to place China at the center of a regional financial system, one that breaks free from what Beijing sees as the economic hegemony of the Bretton Woods system that established the U.S. dollar as the global reserve. Politically, China is continuing to offer a counter to the United States, positioning itself as a country that does not try to assert a specific political system upon others, but that rather is willing to work with whatever government a country may have. Militarily, China has asserted itself as the central power in the Western Pacific and argues that Japan is an imperial threat because of history, and the United States is a foreign interloper. China can provide regional security for all, so long as all accept China's central role. At a time when Russia is working to reassert its influence around its periphery, when Europe is struggling to define its own future (greater integration, or disassociation into its constituent parts), and when the United States, at least temporarily, appears ready to step back from the role of global hegemon, the global system is in flux. What China is seeking on a global level is to fill an opening, to reshape the global system into one where spheres of influence among the dominant powers are recognized and respected. This is neither globalism nor hegemony. It is perhaps more akin to the period of European empires, though more regionally arranged. It is a world divided among great powers, each the relatively benign center of its own region. China's curtailment of coal imports from North Korea is thus a reminder to an increasingly defiant semi-ally that it must behave against the contours of regional power. It should not be seen as the ultimatum of a would-be global hegemon. Barring any unexpected turn of events, Montenegro looks set to become NATOs 29th member state. On Jan. 11, the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted to advance Montenegros membership bid to the Senate floor, where it is expected to pass. Montenegros bid looks all but guaranteed, but the Senate should not just rubber-stamp the Adriatic countrys application. It should take advantage of this last chance to block it. There is good reason for blocking Montenegros membership. The benchmarks laid out in NATOs founding documents dont hand out membership based on a countrys desire alone. Accession is conditioned on a plethora of very stringent criteria linked to protecting democratic norms and upholding the rule of law. Those conditions are the only reason NATO has managed to survive the fall of the Soviet Union and endure as the most successful military alliance in history. The criteria were enshrined in the Membership Action Plan (MAP), which NATO launched in 1999 to help guide countries that wished to join the alliance. The program set out the guidelines for the 2004 round of enlargement, when Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Romania were invited to join the alliance. The action plan specifies high standards for prospective members, including demonstrating a commitment to the rule of law and human rights; establishing democratic control of armed forces; and promoting stability and well-being through economic liberty, social justice and environmental responsibility. These criteria align closely with the Washington Treatys Article 10, which holds that any European state seeking membership must be in a position to further the principles of this Treaty and to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area. Revisiting these membership standards begs the question: Why is NATO ready to let them slide to allow the entry of an ill-prepared state such as Montenegro? A closer look at the state of governance in Montenegro shows that, at this point in the accession process, the country is starting from a much lower baseline than the ex-Soviet states did in 2004. It will require much more than the badge of NATO membership for the Balkan state to become a functioning democracy worthy of the honor. This year, for example, Freedom House ranked Montenegro only partly free, with a ranking of 3/7 for political rights and civil liberties. The year before, Montenegros status had declined from free to partly free, due to constraints on freedom of peaceful assembly, including clashes between police officers and opposition protesters and the repeated postponement of an LGBT pride parade. Freedom House also slammed the country for its poor record on fighting corruption, upholding judicial independence, and permitting freedom of expression. Those who hoped last Octobers parliamentary elections represented an opportunity for internal reform came away bitterly disappointed. Opposition parties had appeared set on forming a coalition to expel Milo Djukanovic, who had been in power as either president or prime minister for more than 25 years and has been accused of using the country as a personal fiefdom where corruption and organized crime flourish. However, the elections ended indecisively amid claims of violence at polling stations, intimidation of opposition members, and an attempted coup by allegedly Russian-backed Serbian agents. In the end, the ruling party declared victory; Djukanovic stepped aside and allowed ally Dusko Markovic to become prime minister. Despite the appearance of a transition, Djukanovic will probably remain the true power behind the throne -- which means the country will remain encumbered by corruption, instability, and a democratic deficit. Naturally, the opposition is refusing to recognize the legitimacy of the government. NATO, and the West more broadly, also need to acknowledge their own ironic culpability in promoting the relatively stable, yet corrupt, regime of Djukanovic instead of pushing for democratic reform. Djukanovic has long based his legitimacy on his purported support for European integration and NATO membership, while demonizing the opposition as Russian proxies. In reality, the vast gap between Djukanovics pro-Western rhetoric and his own corrupt record has only increased Montenegrins cynicism toward Western institutions. Its not surprising that recent polls found the country deeply apathetic toward NATO: 39.5 percent of Montenegrins favor membership, 39.7 percent oppose it, and 20.8 percent remain undecided. Given the lack of real progress, NATO cannot content itself with admitting the country for political reasons and hoping the positive effects of membership take hold at some unknown point in the future. At a time when the unity of NATO is threatened more than ever, particularly by a hostile U.S. administration, the alliance does not have the luxury of distracting itself with efforts to reform corrupt states. Admittedly, NATO did have geopolitical motivations in expanding membership in 2004. Lithuania, for instance, was a strategically significant addition because of its access to the Baltic Sea and to its proximity to Russia. While the Baltic states were by no means perfect democracies in 2004, they joined the alliance at a stage when their democracies were much more advanced than Montenegros. From there, NATO accession helped spur a virtuous cycle that sped up the process. Its key to remember, however, that NATO helped the Baltics progress along paths they had already started walking. The alliance did not create viable, democratic systems of governance where none existed -- nor could it have. Yet that seems to be exactly what NATO is attempting to do with Montenegro. NATO stands to gain nothing by admitting a country whose citizens are largely indifferent to membership and whose government remains deeply dysfunctional. It would be better for the internal stability of both NATO and Podgorica to wait this one out, push Montenegro to institute much-needed internal reforms, and then revisit expansion when the country is truly ready for it. Property details: Gansner Bar Placer Item Description Please Scroll To The Right Margin To See More Bigger Pictures, Thanks!! These are the kind of 6 ounce nuggets you can find on the North Fork Feather River. This particular nugget was found on a claim we sold near Belden Town about 12 years ago. He also found several 3/4 ounce nuggets and over a pound for that take. Please Take Note All Maintenance Fees Till September 1st, 2017 Have Been Paid! We do accept visa, mastercard, american express & discover cards for... 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Price: $ 1 Seller State of Residence: New Jersey State/Province: Nevada Type: Attractions Number of Bedrooms: 2 Number of Bathrooms: 2 Zip/Postal Code: 89103 Location: 891**, Las Vegas, Nevada You will be redirected to eBay Nearby 89103 Blac Chyna says she's lost 40 pounds since daughter Dream's birth. ADVERTISEMENT The 28-year-old reality star and mom-of-two showed off her weight loss Tuesday on Snapchat after reportedly splitting again from Dream's dad, Rob Kardashian "From 192 to 152.4 - Goal 130 - Summer 2017," she captioned a video of herself stepping on the scale. Blac Chyna, who also shares 4-year-old son King Cairo with ex-fiance Tyga, has been documenting her weight loss journey since welcoming Dream in November. She denied she had weight loss surgery Nov. 20 after showing off her slimmed-down figure. "The only reason [my belly] got that flat, you guys, is from breastfeeding and breast pumping and my body already being small before my pregnancy," the star explained. Blac Chyna gave birth to Dream on Nov. 10 after announcing her pregnancy in May. She and Kardashian recently ended their engagement again after a highly publicized split in December, according to People. "The wedding plans are off," a source told the magazine. "They are both trying to be mature about it. It was less dramatic this time." FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! "Chyna is super fed up with Rob and thinks he is way too emotional and depressed. She thinks he has terrible issues," the insider added. "He is always battling his own insecurities and is unstable. It's a major turn-off to her." Blac Chyna shared an adorable photo of Dream and King this month, writing, "Family." Kardashian himself posted his "favorite" picture of himself and Dream on Monday. , We're sorry, this article is not currently available If youre like most adults, it might be hard to remember the last time you played with chalk. Chalk drawings that washed away with February ra A hammer pounds away in the living room of a middle class home. A sanding machine smoothes the grain of the wood floor in the dining room. But this home Pastor Ada Valiente is showing off in Los Angeles, with its refurbished floors, is no ordinary home. "It would be three families we host here," Valiente says. By "host," she means provide refuge to people who may be sought by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE. The families staying here would be undocumented immigrants, fearing an ICE raid and possible deportation. The purchase of this home is part of a network formed by Los Angeles religious leaders across faiths in the wake of Donald Trump's election. The intent is to shelter hundreds, possibly thousands of undocumented people in safe houses across Southern California. The goal is to offer another sanctuary beyond religious buildings or schools, ones that require federal authorities to obtain warrants before entering the homes. "That's what we need to do as a community to keep families together," Valiente says. At another Los Angeles neighborhood miles away, a Jewish man shows off a sparsely decorated spare bedroom in his home. White sheets on the bed and the clean, adjacent full bathroom bear all the markers of an impending visit. The man, who asked not to be identified, pictures an undocumented woman and her children who may find refuge in his home someday. The man says he's never been in trouble before and has difficulty picturing that moment. But he's well educated and understands the Fourth Amendment, which gives people the right to be secure in their homes, against unreasonable searches and seizures. He's pictured the moment if ICE were to knock on his door. "I definitely won't let them in. That's our legal right," he says. "If they have a warrant, then they can come in. I can imagine that could be scary, but I feel the consequences of being passive in this moment is a little scary." The secret network The religious leaders have a name for their network: the Rapid Response Team. The idea is not necessarily a new one, according to Reverend Zach Hoover, executive director of the interfaith community organization LA Voice. Hoover, 37, wasn't an active member during the Sanctuary Movement of the 1980s when US congregations across faiths resisted federal law and provided shelter for Central Americans fleeing violence in their home countries. Many congregations offered direct sanctuary, housing the undocumented immigrants, while others offered food and legal assistance. The Rapid Response Team mirrors that structure, but goes one step further by also incorporating private homes, which offer a higher level of constitutional protection than houses of worship and an ability to make it harder for federal agents to find undocumented immigrants. Under federal law, locations like churches and synagogues are technically public spaces that authorities could enter to conduct law enforcement actions. In 2011, the Department of Homeland Security instituted a policy limiting ICE action at religious locations. The policy ordered ICE to not enter "sensitive locations" like schools and institutions of worship. Religious leaders in Los Angeles that spoke to CNN are skeptical whether that policy will stand under a Trump presidency. "There's a difference between someone knocking on your door at the church who's a federal agent and someone knocking on the door of your home, where, if they don't have a warrant, they shouldn't be entering," Hoover says. In the hours after Trump's initial executive order on immigration, calls between religious organizers picked up, and the network rapidly grew. Hoover estimates the underground network could hide 100 undocumented people today. Soon, he believes, they could hide thousands. Hoover points out that's a tiny fraction of the estimated one million undocumented immigrants in Los Angeles county. The network's focus would be on families fearing separation and working to keep them together by "moving into a place so that ICE can't find them," Hoover says. "So they can stay with their families. So they can be with their husbands," Hoover says. "So they can avoid being detained and deported. Everybody talks about how families are the bedrock of our country. We believe that. Our congregations believe that." God's law versus Trump's law The strong current carrying the Rapid Response Team is the divergence of federal laws and the moral teachings of their religions. Hoover points to the Bible's Matthew 25, which teaches the faithful should feed the hungry and fight for those in prison. "The God that I worship sent a person to earth in the name of Jesus who did not always get along with the authorities," Hoover explains. "I feel really convicted that I answer to God at the end of the day. That's who I'm going to see when I die." Pastor Valiente echoes that sentiment, saying US immigration laws are broken and her church's foundation are the families. "We're trusting in God, that he will help us and guide us to make the right decision, to have something better come out of this," Valiente says. Valiente says she's praying President Trump's heart will grow more compassionate to the plight of undocumented immigrants. "He needs to make immigration laws that work for our families," Valiente says. The Jewish man offering his home as a safe house says he draws upon his religion's history during WWII. As the Nazis rounded up Jews for detention and eventual extermination, Germans resisted their government, hiding their Jewish friends and neighbors in attics and basements. "It's hard as a Jew," he says, "not to think about both all the people who did open their doors and their homes and take risks to safeguard Jews in [a] moment when they were really vulnerable, as well as those who didn't. We'd like to be the people who did." He's not the only one in his community feeling this way. Volunteers are flooding in to offer to help with the network at Temple Israel of Hollywood, according to Heidi Segal, the temple's vice president of social action. Three weeks ago, Temple Israel of Hollywood began a phone bank to call lawmakers. On the day CNN visited the temple, the room was filled with volunteers. "Our immigration resistance effort," Segal says as she shows off the room. While the temple is not offering direct refuge at their temple for the undocumented, volunteers will escort immigrants for deportation interviews. They're also offering free legal advice and support, as well as stocking sanctuary houses with food and clothing. "We had a really strong response immediately and as people learn, the response is just growing," Segal says. An uneasy choice The growing energy of the network doesn't mean the members aren't also apprehensive or fearful about the consequences. The people forming the network are not a crowd with criminal records. While there's clarity in the sanctity of family and religious calling, there's also concern about how the new Department of Justice will operate under Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The Jewish man offering his home as a safe house says it's "certainly scary." While he's not clear on the consequences of what he's doing, or where he draws his limits, he is clear on one point. "I think I know what the moral consequences are for me if we don't act. This isn't a moment to be standing idly by," he says. "This is a moment to be engaged and involved and I think we're seeing that across America where people are saying this isn't okay. We're not going to tolerate this and we'll have our voices heard." Mark Krikorian, executive director of the conservative Center for Immigration Studies, says the law is clear about what these groups are intending to do. "They're committing a felony. Harboring is a felony," Krikorian says. "Regular folks hiding people in a basement face jail time because it is ultimately a smuggling conspiracy." Hoover, a self-professed good Midwestern-raised boy, says he's prepared for the federal consequences. Valiente says religious leaders opposing immigration crackdowns believe one simple thing: "We're doing what we think is right." Valiente says the last of the construction on her safe house is nearly complete. She'll house someone, she fears, as soon as next month. The PAC, headed by Congress lawmaker K V Thomas, is keen to find out the details of huge loans given by the banks to corporates including the basis on which such favours were extended. The Public Accounts Committee of Parliament has summoned top officials of Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Allahabad Bank and UCO Bank to discuss their major loan defaulters and find out what action is being taken to recover the tax payers money. According to sources, the PAC, headed by Congress lawmaker K V Thomas, is keen to find out the details of huge loans given by the banks to corporates including the basis on which such favours were extended. The panel will further probe if the loan amount has been diverted by the defaulters for projects other than what they told the banks. With banks not forthcoming in parting with information about the big defaulters, the PAC has decided to go beyond the national capital and meet the bank officials in Chennai and Kolkata. As Indian Bank and Indian Overseas Bank are headquartered in Chennai, the officials will appear before the PAC in the Tamil Nadu capital on February 27. Later, the representatives of the Allahabad Bank and the UCO Bank will appear before the panel in Kolkata on March 1. Local officials of the finance ministry will also be present at the two meetings to hold informal discussions with the panel members. Sources said the PAC, which usually reviews the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India presented to Parliament, has identified bad debts or NPAs of public sector banks as a major task before it. The Chennai and the Kolkata visits mark the beginning of a sustained effort by the panel to address the issue, said the sources. According to banking sector sources, any %age of bank NPA over 5% presents an alarming situation and all the four banks that have been summoned by the PAC show that the problem has grown significantly with them. According to data available as on December 31, 2016, the Indian Bank had gross NPA of 7.69% and net NPA of 4.76%, Indian Overseas Bank had gross NPA of 22.42% and net NPA of 14.32%, Allahabad Bank had gross NPA of 12.51% and net NPA of 8.65% and UCO Bank had gross NPA of 17.18% and net NPA of 8.99%. In the PAC meeting on February 10, members had expressed concern over the high%age of NPAs in public sector banks while pressing financial services secretary Anjuly Chhib Duggal to name the big defaulters. When some members pointed out that NPAs of the public sector banks had risen to 12%, the financial services secretary replied that this was due to bad debt getting properly defined and now showing in the books. TMC member Sukhendu Shekhar Roy had expressed concern that while non-performing assets of corporates seldom find mention in public, the debt of common man is disclosed easily. Duggal had said the government will try to address the issue. After the Economic Survey 2016-17 suggested the establishment of a "bad bank" to deal with the NPAs, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said it could be a possible solution to deal with the festering problem. Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com. The carmaker has managed to significantly improve its product mix in the past two-three years by successfully launching sedans, utility vehicles and premium hatchbacks. The India operations of Japanese automobile major Suzuki have, for the first time, emerged as a bigger entity to the groups home market, Japan, in revenue terms. The change comes on the back of a double-digit growth here while its sales back home is on a decline. In addition to growing volumes in India, there is another significant trigger driving revenues for Suzukis India subsidiary, Maruti. The carmaker has managed to significantly improve its product mix in the past two-three years by successfully launching sedans, utility vehicles and premium hatchbacks. These have also helped it in expanding market share. Based on the latest financial performance (for April-December 2016) announced by Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) early this month, India brought 708,479-million-yen revenue (1.59 yen = 1 rupee) for the companys automobile revenue, about a per cent higher than the Japan sales value of 698,980 million yen. The India contribution would have come even higher but an adverse exchange rate impacted the revenue in yen. Suzuki puts segments like motorcycles and marine products as individual segments, outside the automobile business. SMCs Indian subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki, already sells more vehicles than Japan and enjoys a greater market cap than its parent. SMC is faced with a declining market in Japan whereas its Indian subsidiary is seeing a capacity constraint, leading to waiting period of several months in some of its best-selling models like Baleno and Brezza. For instance, SMCs sales in Japan declined more than three per cent to 0.49 million vehicles (during April-December of 2016) while Marutis volume grew more than nine per cent to 1.06 million vehicles in spite of an impact of demonetisation in the third quarter. Riding on a series of premium launches (Ciaz in 2014, S Cross & Baleno in 2015 and Brezza in early 2016), the companys average realisation per vehicle is shooting up. In the April-December period of 2016, the average realisation per unit stood at about Rs 423,000 nine per cent higher to the corresponding period of 2015. The increasing realisation is a key reason to rising profitability and revenue for Suzukis Indian arm. This average realisation is set to inch up this quarter as a new product, Ignis, has been launched. The company has managed to consistently increase share in a growing Indian market in the past four-five years. The largest player currently commands a share of more than 47 per cent. As India is poised to grow to the third biggest car market by 2020, companies like Maruti Suzuki look well placed to achieve new milestones. Suzuki has already reinforced the importance of Indian market by deciding to invest in setting up its first car manufacturing unit in Gujarat, said an automobile analyst. The Gujarat plant will have an initial capacity of 250,000 units a year. Suzuki will sell cars to its Indian subsidiary at no-profit no-loss basis for retailing through Marutis showrooms. CPPIB is looking to partner with RMZ because the latter is aggressive on both new developments and acquisitions. The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) and other investors have held talks with Bengaluru-based property developer RMZ Corp to jointly invest in the greenfield developments and acquisition of commercial projects, said a source. The Canadian pension fund manager already has two separate joint ventures with the Shapoorji Pallonji Group for investing in rental yield assets, and one with the Ajay Piramal group to provide debt to developers. It recently picked up stake in Phoenix Mills Bengaluru subsidiary, which is expected to spearhead the mall developers all future acquisitions. CPPIB is looking to partner with RMZ because the latter is aggressive on both new developments and acquisitions. However, no agreement has been signed yet, said the source. When contacted, a CPPIB spokesperson said, We have no comment to provide on your story. When contacted, RMZ Corp chairman Raj Menda said many investors had held talks with the company, but it had not signed any exclusive agreement with them. Menda said the Qatar Investment Authority had proposed additional commitments for RMZs future acquisitions. CPPIB realty bet Total AUM globally is $300 billion, of which 13% is real estate In India, has ventures with Shapoorji Pallonji and Ajay Piramal group for buying rent yielding assets and provide debt to developers Set to do a $700 mn deal to buy into logistics company, Indospace Bought a stake in Bengaluru project of Phoenix Mills According to experts, the CPPIB has chosen not to compete with big boys such as Blackstone and GIC and take a different route to invest in Indian real estate by investing in logistics firm Indospace and Phoenix Mills arm. Currently, Blackstone is the biggest owner of office assets with a portfolio of 70 million sq ft. RMZ Corp plans to grow its office portfolio six times in the next five years through development, acquisition and aggregation of office properties, Menda told Business Standard early this year. RMZ owns 13 million sq ft office space in the country and wants to take it to 20 million sq ft by 2017 and 80 million sq ft by 2021. In the first phase, the company will develop and acquire properties and after that, it will also aggregate properties where it will offload stake in the holding company, Menda said. After 20 million sq ft we can list in Singapore or India, he said. RMZ Corp was looking to file prospectus for a real estate investment trust (REIT) by April, Menda had said earlier. RMZ, he said, was also planning to set up a new platform with QIA after their first platform, which bought commercial properties in Mumbai, NCR and Chennai. Under the first platform, we have invested 80 per cent of the corpus in income-producing assets and 20 per cent in under-construction projects. It fits perfectly to the REIT norms, he said. 'It's great that SpiceJet survived and people did not lose their jobs and everyone got paid and so many customers are flying on it.' IMAGE: SpiceJet CEO Ajay Singh: 'If the market is growing 25 per cent a year, we still have only two to three per cent of our population which is flying.' 'The underlying demand is there. We need to create good infrastructure if growth has to continue.' Photograph: Shailesh Andrade/Reuters Ajay Singh, who originally founded SpiceJet and left, only to return as chairman and chief executive, tells Raghu Krishnan and Apurva Venkat about the challenges the airline faces. Everyone is talking about air fares going up due to rising fuel prices. If the input price goes up, air fares will go up. But they are still in an affordable range. The sector is growing about 25 per cent a year; underlying demand is very, very, strong. For many destinations, air fares are now cheaper than many AC train fares. For shorter stops, also cheaper than taxi fares. When fuel prices come down, fares also come down. Of course, when oil prices harden, it becomes tougher, fares go up and demand falls a little. But we feel as long as (crude) oil remains in the $50 to $60 (a barrel) bracket, it should be fine. This is because the underlying demand is very strong. When the price goes above $70, then fares go up to a level where demand gets impacted. Did you see any impact of demonetisation? Yes, there was a slackening of demand, especially international travel. Some of that is discretionary travel, which people put off. Now, things are normalising. In another month or two, things should be completely normal. Your competitor, IndiGo, has a huge fleet. How are you competing on that front? We are doing the best we can. We started from a completely different place. The airline was almost shut down in 2014. Since then, we have tried to improve our operations and reduce our cost, trying to increase our revenues, differentiate our products in various ways. We have been reasonably successful. We have now had 22 months growth of PLF (passenger load factor); it is now in excess of 92 per cent. We have had eight quarters of profit. Those guys (IndiGo) are, of course, large and so on, but we are doing work as efficiently as we can. We are also trying to create a differentiated product by giving premium economy seats, the Spice Max product, 30 seats with much more legroom, priority check-in, etc. We now have a loyalty programme. You will see many products over this year which will serve to distinguish our product from others. Wouldn't all these affect the cost? These are all products paid for by consumers who want to try (them). In fact, they are additional sources of income. How much would that contribute to revenue? Two years before, that number was a little under six per cent. It is now 16 per cent. We hope to take it beyond 20 per cent over the next 12 months. You have ordered Boeing planes. Once these come, will you be expanding your routes? We have already been taking planes on lease and expanding our routes. We have nearly doubled our network in two years and will continue to do that, but in a profitable manner. We are not running behind market share, but are trying to ensure whatever we fly, we fly profitably. The biggest challenge this year? Fuel prices. We have to see how that behaves. Also, if there is a huge amount of capacity addition, that will be a issue. Third, airport infrastructure. Some of the key airports (like) Mumbai are completely choked. There is no alternative; this is something we all need to work on. If the market is growing 25 per cent a year, we still have only two to three per cent of our population which is flying. The underlying demand is there. We need to create good infrastructure if growth has to continue. Mumbai is the worst, but even in other metros there is a challenge -- Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi. IMAGE: SpiceJet CEO Ajay Singh. Photograph: Kind courtesy @ajay_sharma19/Twitter In recent years, airlines come up in one political regime and then shut down in another -- East-West, Kingfisher, Air Deccan. People say you are close to the BJP and that is one reason you are thriving. Ultimately, an airline swims or sinks based on their business models. You have to make money on your own and make sure that customers are flying. Is a customer going to fly on an airline because we are affiliated to a political party? Obviously not. People will fly if there is a good product and airlines will survive if they make money. What really can any government do? SpiceJet was (earlier) going down, there was a lot of moral support because they did not want to see another Kingfisher happen. But were they able to do anything specifically? Absolutely not. In fact, had I not taken over SpiceJet, we would be another Kingfisher -- all the money that had to be paid to the banks and all would never have been paid. Today, we have paid everyone -- all the airports, all the oil companies, the banks have been paid, all taxes owed to the government have been paid. I think it was great that the company survived and people did not lose their jobs and everyone got paid and so many customers are flying on it. Even before Murthys reappointment to the board, the decision to let each of the founders have a go at the CEO role was an antithesis of the meritocracy that Infosys had established as its corporate culture, says Hetal Dalal. Infosys signified corporate governance in India for the longest time. Its founder has been instrumental in developing and strengthening the corporate governance framework in India [Narayana Murthy Committee Report on Corporate Governance (2003)]. And while India was still trying to figure out what imbibing good corporate governance practices entailed, Infosys had steamed ahead by benchmarking itself to global players. Corporate India has changed radically since then, and one may argue that it has caught up with Infosys. Infosys governance standards have deteriorated by its own measure. Take Infosys Corporate Governance Philosophy, (box) for example. The first two of its tenets say that the company will satisfy the spirit of the law and not just follow the letter of the law, and that it will go beyond the law in upholding corporate governance standards. Infosys Corporate Governance Philosophy Satisfying the spirit of the law and not just the letter of the law Going beyond the law in upholding corporate governance standards Maintaining transparency and a high degree of disclosure levels Making a clear distinction between personal convenience and corporate resources Communicating externally in a truthful manner about how the company is run internally Complying with the laws in all the countries in which the company operates Having a simple and transparent corporate structure driven solely by business needs Embracing a trusteeship model in which the management is the trustee of the shareholders capital and not the owner Driving the business on the basis of the belief, when in doubt, disclose Source: Company website Yet, the companys earlier auditors, BSR & Co LLP were its auditors for over 15 years. It is only in January 2017 that Infosys has rotated its auditors and appointed Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP. Regulations require auditor rotation once every 10 years, provided companies get a three-year window to make the switch. If Infosys indeed wanted to follow the spirit of the law - and mandatory auditor rotation being on the anvil was known as early as 2012, when the Companies Bill came out - it should have considered rotating auditors much sooner. Another case in point is the March 2016 reappointment of professor Jeffrey Lehman as an independent director for a period of two years. Professor Lehman had completed his tenure of 10 years, and while regulations allow him to stay on, the spirit of the regulations demand rotation. In response to Institutional Investor Advisory Services recommendation to vote against professor Lehmans reappointment, Infosys cited that it was legally compliant. While that was indeed so, Infosys was in violation of its own Corporate Governance Philosophy. That investors, too, did not like this stance is evidenced in the voting pattern - the resolution was carried but by only an 85 per cent majority - albeit higher than the 75 per cent passing threshold. The recent controversy over severance pay being paid to senior officials is not one for which the chairperson needs to resign. But it needs to be explained - especially given the simmering discontent with a few investors. The nature and terms of the severance pay of its last CFO, Rajiv Bansal, should have been disclosed in the companys 2016 annual report. Infosys should have articulated the number and nature of roles that are eligible to have severance pay embedded in their contracts. Its remuneration policy should articulate which segment of employees will be eligible for severance pay. In not maintaining transparency and a high degree of disclosure levels expected from it, Infosys has fed more controversy to the market than was necessary. But the lines were blurred when Narayana Murthy was reappointed to the Infosys board in 2013. The sequence of events and press releases from Infosys seems to suggest that Murthys appointment was shoehorned into the AGMs, with the required paperwork conveniently falling into place. In a June 1, 2013 release, Infosys announced that the board had appointed Murthy as an additional director and that it would organise an EGM to appoint him as an executive director. On June 6, 2013, Infosys released another statement saying that on May 31, 2013, it had received a notice from a shareholder proposing Murthys candidature for the election to the office of a director at the ensuing AGM, which was to be held on June 15, 2013. The shareholders notice seemed to be conveniently timed just so that Murthys reappointment could be placed before shareholders at the AGM - on May 31, 2013 shareholders were given a 15-day prior notice to vote him in at the AGM. Coincidence or planned action? Even before Murthys reappointment to the board, the decision to let each of the founders have a go at the CEO role was an antithesis of the meritocracy that Infosys had established as its corporate culture. While Infosys founders repeatedly maintained that their family members would not join the company, Rohan Murthys appointment - even if it was coterminous with that of Murthy and at a nominal pay - was a violation of their own principles. Despite the slippages from its Corporate Governance Philosophy, Infosys remains one of the more transparent companies in India. Its disclosures, the structure and nature of its policies, and its ability to be ahead of the market on some governance practices remain undisputed. For example, Infosys is one of the few companies that has an articulated dividend policy with a target payout ratio (though we may disagree with this and believe the company must pay out more to shareholders) well before regulations required it to do so. It publishes consolidated financial statements (including the balance sheet) on a quarterly basis, which is more than what is required by regulations. Its investor discussions are easily accessible and the webcast of its AGM is available on the companys website. These are just some areas that set Infosys governance practices apart from the rest of corporate India. But what has changed is that while 10 years ago Infosys stood tall as a beacon of good governance, a few others have caught up and, in some aspects, have even moved ahead. This should irk. While the management and board might be focused on reinventing the business model, its stock will not perform if they take their eyes off the governance agenda. Hetal Dalal is chief operating officer, Institutional Investor Advisory Services. Photograph: Abhishek Chinnappa/Reuters Terrorists of pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen ambushed an army convoy, killing three personnel and wounding five others, including two officers, in South Kashmirs Shopian district on Thursday. A civilian caught in crossfire was also killed. The incident happened around 2 am when the army personnel were returning after cordon and search operations at remote Kungnu village of Shopian district, about 60 km from Srinagar, official sources said. The sources said when the army convoy was returning to its base, it was ambushed by terrorists in Molu locality near Chitargam. In the gunbattle that ensued, three soldiers -- Lance Naik Ghulam Mohiuddin Rather, hailing from Bijbehara in South Kashmir, Sapper Sreejith M J, a resident of Palakkad in Kerala and Sepoy Vikas Singh Gurjar of Rajasthan -- were killed besides a woman, who was caught in the crossfire. Two officers -- Lt Colonel Mukesh Jha and Major Amardeep Singh -- are among the five injured army personnel. The condition of the Major and a soldier was stated to be critical. The woman killed in the encounter has been identified as Jana Begum. Terror group Hizbul Mujahideen claimed responsibility for the ambush. A caller, who introduced himself as spokesman for the outfit, told a local news agency that its operatives carried out the attack. Army has and lost nine personnel to militancy in a fortnight, including those killed in Thursdays action. While two army jawans were killed on February five during an operation which left four Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists dead, February 14 saw an army Major being killed in an encounter at Kupwara of North Kashmir. The same day, three army personnel were killed when they came under heavy fire from terrorists hiding in house in Parrey Mohalla in Bandipora in North Kashmir. Representative image. The Gujarat assembly witnessed unprecedented scenes on Thursday, as both Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress members hurled verbal abuses at each other leading to a scuffle in which two MLAs including a woman minister were injured. Later, two Congress MLAs were suspended from the House till the end of the budget session for allegedly attacking ministers and BJP MLAs, while Opposition Congress walked out in protest. Separately, around 20 Congress MLAs were evicted from the Gujarat assembly after the speaker suspended them for a day for staging protests inside the House over the issue of alleged use of police force during a farmers rally in Sanand near Ahmedabad on February 14. Assembly Speaker Ramanlal Vora suspended Congress MLAs Paresh Dhanani and Baldevji Thakor on the charges of trying to attack BJP MLAs and two ministers -- Vallabh Kakadiya and Nirmala Wadhwani. An altercation broke out between the legislators of both the parties during Question Hour on Thursday when Dhanani, who represents Amreli seat, sought to know the number of farmers who had committed suicide during last two years in Junagadh and Amreli district. In his reply, Agriculture Minister Chiman Sapariya stated that no such incidents had taken place during that period. Not satisfied with the answer, Dhanani rushed near to the ministers seat and alleged that he is lying, as data from state Home Department suggests that more than 400 farmers has ended their lives during that period in those districts. When Sapariya was confronting Dhanani, Congress MLA from Kalol seat, Baldevji Thakor also rushed near the minister and tried to snatch papers from his hand, prompting sergeants to cordon them. Such aggression from Congress members attracted sharp reaction from BJP MLAs, who raised strong objection and entered into verbal spats and abuses with the Opposition in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Leader of Opposition Shankersinh Vaghela. When the House did not fall in order after his repeated appeals, Speaker Vora adjourned it for an indefinite period and left the floor. Soon after his exit, the chaos reached its peak after Congress members accused BJP MLAs Kanti Amrutiya and Praful Pansheriya of saying obscene things to them. Angered with BJP members, several Congress MLAs tried to break free from the clutches of sergeants and challenged both the BJP legislators to face them. The matter took an ugly turn when Thakor, who was being escorted outside the House, suddenly rushed towards treasury benches from behind the speakers chair and allegedly tried to attack Pansheriya and Amrutiya. State Transport Minister Vallabh Kakadiya who tried to stop him and others fell on the floor as he was allegedly pushed by running Thakor. Women and Child Development minister Nirmala Wadhawani has her seat besides Kakadiya. Sergeants again managed to catch Thakor by then. After being escorted out, Thakor took first aid on his leg and claimed that he was attacked by BJP members. IMAGE: Injured BJP minister Nirmala Wadhwani after BJP and Congress MLAs traded blows in the Gujarat assembly in Gandhinagar on Thursday. Photograph: PTI Photo Nearly a week after the molestation incident involving a popular Malayalam actress, Kerala Police on Thursday arrested the prime accused Pulsar Suni and his accomplice V P Vigeesh as they entered a court complex to surrender in a local court in Kochi. The court premises witnessed high drama as the police forcefully took the duo into custody from the court complex. We have taken them into custody. We had deployed our men in the city. They managed to get them, Inspector General of Ernakulam Range, P Vijayan said. The actress, who has also starred in Tamil and Telugu films, was abducted and allegedly molested inside her car for two hours by the accused, who had forced their way into the vehicle on the night of February 17 and later escaped in a busy area in Kochi. Visuals aired by news channels showed the duo being forcefully taken into custody by police as they entered the Ernakulam Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate court located in the court complex to surrender at around 1.10 pm at lunch break. The duo managed to give a slip to the police and entered the court complex wearing helmets. Suni, who reached near the court premises along with Vigeesh allegedly on a pulsar bike, entered the court complex dressed as a lawyer. When the advocates who recognised them alerted the police the duo allegedly entered into the court hall. Their lawyers charged the police with forcefully taking their clients into custody from the court room itself. The lawyers also made a vain bid to prevent police from taking them into custody. The duo was later taken to Aluva police club for questioning. Charging the police with forcefully taking their clients into custody from the court room itself during lunch break, the lawyers, later, petitioned the additional chief judicial magistrate. The court rejected the petition seeking to produce the accused back to the ACJM court itself, observing that no such crime is pending before the Court. Since no crime is pending against them before this court a direction to produce back them is unnecessary, the Court ruled and directed the Sub-Inspector, Central Police station, Kochi, to hand over the accused to investigating officer probing the case. The ACJM court also ordered to produce them before the court having jurisdiction. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan praised the police for taking into custody the prime accused. Vijayan, whose government had been facing flak over the delay in nabbing the accused, said, I congratulate the police. It is a commendable achievement. Leader of Opposition in Kerala assembly Ramesh Chennithala criticised the manner in which the accused were taken into custody from the courtroom. There has been lapse on the part of police and this should not happen in further investigation of the case, the Congress leader, who was home minister in the previous Oommen Chandy government, said. Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad launched to fight terrorism across country, reports Ajai Shukla. Even those sceptical of Pakistan's insistence that it is cracking down on jihadists of every hue are now admitting that something has clearly changed from the days when only token action would be taken against 'India-focussed' groups. On Wednesday evening, the Pakistan army announced it had launched Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad across the country. This includes counter-terrorism operations, aimed at 'indiscriminately eliminating residual/latent threat of terrorism.' Earlier on Wednesday, Lashkar-e-Tayiba chief Muhammad Saeed, who has been railing at his government for detaining him at 'Indias behest', challenged his January 30 detention in the Lahore high court. In the past, courts had supinely ordered Saeed's release as also that of his terrorist assistant, Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi who masterminded the 26/11 Mumbai strike. This time, however, with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's federal government, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif's Punjab government and the army under General Qamar Bajwa clearly coordinating closely, the high court in Lahore could well display a stiffer backbone when it hears Saeed's appeal. The army, particularly, has been unequivocal in backing Saeed's arrest. The day after it happened, Pakistan's militarys spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor stated: 'This (Saeed's arrest) is a policy decision that the state took in (the) national interest.' On Sunday, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif termed Saeed a 'serious threat to (Pakistani) society' and said he had been arrested in Pakistan's 'larger interest.' Numerous theories are being advanced for Pakistan's new resolve. These include pressure from Beijing; and Islamabad's worry of being punished by US President Donald Trump's administration. In fact, the primary driver of the drive against Pakistan's terrorist proxies is the new army chief, General Bajwa. As I first reported, General Bajwa believes Pakistan's national security interests lie in ending the spiral of hostility with India. For that, he is ready to curb the LeT and JeM, long coddled as 'strategic assets' for proxy strikes against targets in India. Consequently, not just does Saeed find himself in custody, his 'humanitarian' fronts -- Jamaat-ud-Dawa and Falaha-e-Insaaniyat -- too have been officially proscribed under the 2nd schedule of the anti-terrorism act of 1997. This week, the Pakistani government cancelled 44 weapons licences that had been granted to Saeed and his group members. Earlier, Saeed and 37 members of the JuD and FIF were placed on an exit control list, requiring them to obtain special government permission to travel out of Pakistan. Tightening the squeeze, the army is facilitating sweeps by the Punjab police's counter-terrorism wing and the paramilitary Rangers across southern Punjab to kill or arrest terrorists, especially from these groups. These are termed 'intelligence-based operations'. According to Pakistan army sources, an 'intelligence-based operation' is typically based on specific information about jihadis from the Inter-Services Intelligence or the police's counter-terrorism wing. It involves cordoning and searching a village or locality by mixed task forces, with the Pakistan army sometimes assisting in cordoning off the area while the Punjab police actually apprehends the terrorists. The 'intelligence-based operations' are achieving notable results. Last Friday, a day after a suicide bomber killed 72 worshippers and injured 150 at the popular Sufi shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (of Dama Dam Mast Qalandar fame) in the Sind town of Sehwan Sharif, the army retaliated by killing over a hundred terrorists in 'intelligence-based operations'. Now the paramilitary Rangers will be joining this crackdown. On Wednesday, the federal government approved the request from Punjab Chief Minister Shabaz Sharif, made on Sunday, for 2,000 Rangers to beef up 'intelligence-based operations' in Southern Punjab. Going back on its traditional reluctance to grant police powers to a paramilitary organisation, the Punjab government has granted the Rangers powers of search, seizure and arrest. The Pakistan Rangers are more potent than the police, since they are officered by the Pakistan army. Responsible (like India's Border Security Force) for manning the Indo-Pakistan border, Indians know the Rangers as the troops who perform the coordinated flag ceremony at the Wagah-Atari border near Amritsar. Pakistan seeks to tackle terrorism under the umbrella of a national action plan, which was approved at an all-party meeting after the terror strike in December 2014, when seven Tehrik-e-Taliban terrorists killed 141 people at the army public school, Peshawar, including 132 schoolchildren. Under the NAP, former army chief General Raheel Sharif had selectively targeted 'anti-Pakistan' groups like the TTP, while protecting 'strategic assets' like the LeT and JeM, the Haqqani network and the Afghan Taliban. General Bajwa's unusual conviction on the need to stay out of politics also manifested in Nawaz Sharif's selection of Tehmina Janjua as foreign secretary, sidelining the army's choice, the current High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit. Janjua is the junior-most of the Pakistan foreign ministry's 13 apex rank (Grade 22) officers, and has no experience in New Delhi. Yet, General Bajwa quietly accepted Nawaz's choice. IMAGE: Pakistan army chief General Qamar Bajwa with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. MUST READ features in the RELATED LINKS below... The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday scored a resounding victory in Maharashtra civil polls emerging as the largest party in eight of the 10 municipal corporations while finishing a close second to bellicose ally Shiv Sena in the latters Mumbai bastion. The BJP was the number one party in Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur. Shiv Sena led the tally in Mumbai and adjoining Thane. Making giant strides in the Shiv Sena citadel of Mumbai, BJP won 82 seats in the fiercely fought BMC polls, just two less than the estranged saffron ally, but both were well short of the magic figure of 114 needed to control the civic body. IMAGE: Shiv Sena activists celebrate over the results of BMC Election results in front of party headquarters, Sena Bhavan, in Dadar in central Mumbai. Photograph: Santosh Hirlekar/PTI Photo The hung verdict will reset the political calculations as no party is in the position to rule the countrys richest civic body on its own and alliance seems inevitable. However, it is not yet clear whether the saffron allies, who share power both in Maharashtra and at the Centre, will get back together or new combinations will emerge. In the counting of votes held on Thursday, the Congress was relegated to the third position with 31 seats, whereas the Nationalist Congress Party and Raj Thackerays Maharashtra Navnirman Sena were reduced to 9 and 7 seats, respectively. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, which had made its maiden entry into the Maharashtra assembly with two seats in the last polls, won three seats on debut in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, Samajwadi Party six, Akhil Bhartiya Sena one and Independents four. IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar, Maharashtra BJP president Raosaheb Danve and BJP MP Kirit Somaiya felicitated at party's office in Dadar . Photograph: Sahil Salvi For the 25 zilla parishads, BJP led the tally, winning 397 of the 1,509 seats for which polls were held. It was followed by NCP 336, Congress 293 and Shiv Sena 259. The MNS got one and others 147. Results of 76 seats were awaited till late night. For the 2,990 Panchayat Samiti seats, the BJP got the lions share, winning 803, while NCP got 630, Congress 555 and Sena 538. The MNS pocketed just two and others 281 seats. Results of the 181 seats were awaited till late night. IMAGE: Shelar and Somaiya celebrate the party victory. Photograph: Sahil Salvi Thanking the voters, an elated Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, Our victory is the result of peoples acceptance of our agenda of transparency, and indicated that his partys core committee would explore the options before it. Asked about the future course of action, Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray said, What is the hurry? Wait for some time. We have not yet decided if an alliance has to be made or not. We will do so soon. With BMC polls throwing no clear winner, a senior Maharashtra BJP leader said both the parties should join hands in Mumbai. Enough of bitterness. Now, its time to come together again, Chandrakant Patil, minister in the Devendra Fadnavis ministry said, indicating that the bickering allies in the state government could come together after Thursday's fractured verdict. IMAGE: An illuminated Sena Bhavan. Photograph: Sahil Salvi Is there any option other than the two parties coming together, given the number of seats each one has bagged? Will they (Shiv Sena) take support of the Congress? Patil, known to have excellent rapport with the central BJP leadership, said. In January, the BJP had emerged the number one party in polls for 212 municipal bodies, winning 1,207 seats followed by the Congress (919), the NCP (788) and the Shiv Sena (616). IMAGE: Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray addresses a press conference. Uddhav's wife Rashmi is also seen. Photograph: Sahil Salvi The Shiv Sena, which has ruled the Thane Municipal Corporation for the last 25 years, retained its hold on the civic body by winning 67 seats out of 131 followed by the NCP, 34. The BJP won 23 seats, while the Congress could manage to win only four. Four independents were also elected. Image: A Shiv Sena supporter holds an image of Sena supremo Bal Thackeray outside Sena Bhavan, in Dadar, central Mumbai. Photograph: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com The BJP breached NCPs bastion Pune by winning 98 out of the 162 seats. It came to power in the city for the first time. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP won 40 seats in PMC, followed by the Congress, 11, the Shiv Sena, 10, the MNS, two and on Independent. The BJP also wrested control of the municipal corporation of the twin industrial towns of Pimpri and Chinchwad near Pune from the ruling NCP, winning 78 out of the 128 seats. The NCP won 35, the Shiv Sena nine, independents five, while the MNS had to remain content with just one. The Congress did not win a single seat. Image: A Shiv Sena supporter celebrates the party racing ahead in the BMC polls outside Sena Bhavan in Dadar. Photograph: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com In Nagpur Municipal Corporation, out of 155 seats, BJP won 101, Congress 28, independents 10, Shiv Sena three and NCP just one. The results of 12 seats are awaited. In the 122-member Nashik Municipal Corporation which was controlled by Raj Thackerays MNS, BJP won 67, Shiv Sena 34, Congress and NCP six each, while MNS won merely five. Independents clinched four seats. The BJP clinched 32 seats in the 78-member Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation, the Shiv Sena 25, independents 16, the NCP four and Congress just one. IMAGE: BJP workers celebrate party's win. Photograph: Sahil Salvi In Solapur Municipal Corporation, out of 102 seats, the BJP won 47, the Shiv Sena 20, independents 17, the Congress 14 and the NCP four. Of the 80 seats in Akola Municipal Corporation, the BJP pocketed 48, the Congress 13, the Shiv Sena eight, independent six and the NCP five. In Amravati civic body, out of 87 seats, the BJP won 45, independents 20, the Congress 15 and Shiv Sena seven. Elated over the mandate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the people of Maharashtra for reposing their faith in the politics of development and good governance and praised BJP workers, particularly Fadnavis and state party president Raosaheb Danve Patil. BJP chief Amit Shah said the party would celebrate its impressive show in the Odisha and Maharashtra civic polls as vijay utsav (victory celebration) on February 25 across all its district offices in the country. In Buldhana Zilla Parishad, the BJP won 24 out of 60 seats. The party is set to come to power in Wardha (31 out of 52), Chandrapur (33 out of 52) and Latur (37 out of 58). It is short of one seat in Jalgaon as it won 33 out of 67 seats. It has scored well in Sangli (23 out of 60) Gadchiroli (20 out of 51) and Osmanabad (22 out of 56). In many districts, the BJP had opened its account for the first time. As many as 11,989 candidates were in the fray for 2,567 seats across 14 zilla parishads and 165 panchayat samitis which went to polls in first phase on February 16. In the second phase held on February 21, a total of 9,208 candidates were in the fray for 1,268 seats of the ten municipal corporations. In 11 zilla parishads, 2,956 contestants were in the contest for 654 seats, and 5,167 nominees for 1,288 seats in 118 panchayat samitis. In the Nagar Parishad and Municipal Council polls held in November last year, the BJP had notched up the highest number of seats (851 as against 396 in the previous, 2011 polls). Of the 147 municipal councils that went to the polls on November 27, the BJP won 47 at a time when the fallout of the demonetisation decision was still unfolding. 'At Ramjas too, slogans for Kashmir's azaadi were heard. We won't let DU become JNU.' IMAGE: Police detain an ABVP member after the clash with All India Students Association members at Ramjas College in New Delhi. Photograph: PTI photo All the stones and glass bottles hurled as projectiles amidst jingoistic chants of Bharat Mata ki Jai remain mute reminders of the havoc unleashed by a handful of activists, suspected to be members of the Bharatiya Janata Party-affiliated students body Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, in the Ramjas College campus over its invitation to JNU students Umar Khalid, who is facing sedition charges, and Shehla Rashid to address a seminar on 'Culture of Protests'. This despite the fact that the college authorities had only 48 hours ago withdrawn the invites and cancelled the event, giving into the ABVP's demand. Alleged ABVP activists seemed hell-bent on playing out a second season of patriot games over the seminar invites, a reminder of the protests that rocked the Jawaharlal Nehru University last year. Satinder Awana, former DUSU president and ABVP member, told the Hindustan Times, "At Ramjas too, slogans for Kashmir's azaadi were heard. We won't let DU become JNU." At the receiving end of the ABVP's ire were hapless teachers and students. A student, Burhan Qureshi, was hit on the head by a flying glass bottle. Rudrashish Chakraborty, a member of the Democratic Teachers Front, alleged that ABVP members threw chairs at two teachers -- Suvitra from Deshbandhu College and Mousumi Bose of Ramjas College. Ramjas's English professor Prashanto Chakrabarty, who had to be taken to the university health centre and then to the Hindu Rao Hospital for treatment after being attacked from behind, was pushed to the ground, kicked and beaten up by suspected ABVP activists. IMAGE: Prof Prashant Chakraborty of the English department being helped to his feet by students after he was attacked. Photograph: @jimmy9_girl/Twitter "Around 15 people beat me up when I went to join the students. They picked me and tried to strangulate me with my muffler. All the while the police stood as mute spectators, watching me get thrashed," Prashanto told media-persons later. In a Facebook post on Thursday, the English professor said, "I am deeply anxious about my colleagues and students in this rapidly unfolding scenario. My physical health condition apart, it is obvious to everyone that it is a far better idea to organise systematically, rather than being martyrs, against a powerfully organised force which also enjoys full State support." AISA members Kawalpreet Kaur told the Hindustan Times that several female students had complained that they were touched inappropriately during the clashes. Shehla Rashid, former JNUSU vice-president, too was injured, and was left with a bleeding ankle. "What happened today (Wednesday) was fascism in action. I thought I would be killed when ABVP members dragged me in full view of the Delhi police. This is an attack on the idea of a university by the ABVP. We were attacked, the police did nothing. Our students were bleeding. They hurled bricks at us, they pulled our hair and used derogatory language against women. The ABVP is saying that they protested because anti-national students from JNU were coming to spoil Delhi University. I can safely say that, barring a handful, all students who had gathered for the march were from DU," she told The Hindu. Khalid, who couldn't make it for the event, said, "The protest by the ABVP had nothing to do with me being invited to Delhi University. The problem they had was with the freedom of expression and the dissenting voices that would speak at the literary event." ******* The clashes took place around 1pm on Wednesday and the police could only bring the situation under control five hours later. A group of students were also locked up allegedly by ABVP activists for four hours in the college campus. IMAGE: An MPhil scholar at the Delhi School of Economics was among those hit with a stone by suspected ABVP activists. Photograph: @jimmy9_girl/Twitter A section of students and teachers had planned a march to Maurice Nagar police station, demanding action against those involved in the "vandalism" in the college campus the day before. On their part, the ABVP members did not allow the march to proceed and allegedly locked up the students and teachers inside the college campus. At this point, some Left-affiliated All India Students Union members tried to barge inside the college to "rescue the captives", resulting in the clashes. Later, The Hindu reported, the students led by the AISA managed to head towards the Maurice Nagar police station with the police forming a human chain around them. This, however, failed to act as a deterrent as the students were attacked again. This time, it was outside SRCC when ABVP members cut across the Arts Faculty and intercepted the march. The tense situation continued till the two groups reached the police station. Both groups alleged they were assaulted by the other. The police detained around 80 students. Reacting to the violence, Amnesty International India's executive director Aakar Patel said in a statement, "Universities are supposed to be safe spaces for debate and discussion. But the events at Ramjas College are a shameful reminder of how intimidation and threats continue to restrict free speech on university campuses. Authorities need to protect academic freedom, which is crucial to the right to education." Many Ramjas students who had organised the event said they were afraid. "Our own classmates singled us out in front of ABVP men and threatened us with dire consequences. We are wary of going back to college," Rudra Bhushan, a third-year student, told the Times of India. ******* The ABVP though denies inciting any violence. IMAGE: Detained ABVP students stand on top of the Delhi police bus after they were detained at Ramjas college in New Delhi. Photograph: @jimmy9_girl/Twitter "We do not resort to stone pelting. These anti-nationals have learnt stone pelting from Kashmir. We don't do such things," ABVP member and and ex-JNUSU joint secretary Saurabh Sharma told media-persons when asked about allegations of violence by ABVP cadres. On Wednesday evening, the ABVP issued a statement blaming AISA students for the violence. It said: "It is a shame that the communists once again resorted to their cheap tactics based on creating media spectacle. These shameless creatures pelted stones at innocent audience in Ramjas college yesterday. They followed up by repeated acts of violence today. "People like Umar Khalid are spearheading such mob violence which must be met with seriously by the police. Those involved in encouraging such violence should be booked immediately." Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu assembly M K Stalin on Thursday requested President Pranab Mukherjee to annul the vote of confidence and direct the governor to order for a fresh floor test through secret ballot. Speaking to reporters after meeting the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam working president Stalin said unprecedented violence took place in the TN assembly on Saturday, the day trust vote was held. After throwing all 89 DMK MLAs out, a confidence vote was held. We have apprised the President about it and the way in which assembly speaker conducted the proceedings in favour of the ruling party, said Stalin. He added, We have asked the President to nullify the Confidence Vote and direct the Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao to hold a fresh floor test through secret ballot. Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand have set an example in holding secret ballots. Commenting on unruly behaviour of his MLAs in the assembly, Stalin said the DMK has never encouraged violence. It is the DMK MLAs who have been attacked in the incident, he said. Stalins meeting with the President comes days after he had urged Tamil Nadu Governor Rao to nullify the confidence vote, which was won by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami after forcible en masse eviction of the DMK legislators from the state assembly on February 18. Palaniswami had won the trust vote by a huge margin of 122-11, on Saturday. IMAGE: DMK working president M K Stalin along with party leaders addressing the media at President House in New Delhi on Thursday after a meeting President Pranab Mukherjee. Photograph: Subhav Shukla/PTI Photo IMAGE: BSP chief Mayawati on campaign trail in Uttar Pradesh. Photograph: PTI Photo Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati on Thursday hit back strongly at Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah for calling opposition parties KASAB. Describing the BJP chief as a terrorist, she said there cannot be a bigger Kasab than him. Shah in a rally on Wednesday had used the acronym for the Congress, the Samajwadi Party and the BSP. The BJP chief had said the name of the 26/11 terrorist, when deconstructed, meant Congress, Samajwadi Party and Mayawatis BSP. "Until Uttar Pradesh gets rid of KA-SA-B, there will be no development in the state. Ka (in Hindi) is for the Congress, Sa for the Samajwadi Party and Ba for the BSP," Shah had said in Chauri Chaura, a historic town in Uttar Pradesh. Addressing an election meeting at Ambedkarnagar, Mayawati said such talks reflected bad mindset of the BJP leader. "Aaj apney desh mein Amit Shah se bada yehan koi aur bhi Kasab nahin ho sakta hai, arthaat aatanki nahi ho sakta hai (There cannot be a bigger Kasab, meaning a terrorist, than Amit Shah in our country now)," she said. Kasab, the only terrorist caught after the 2008 Mumbai terror attack by Pakistani attackers, was hanged in 2012. "Until Kasab is laid to rest, development and prosperity will continue to elude UP," Shah had said. Mayawati earlier took on Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he used another acronym to describe the three parties. SCAM is Samajwadi, Congress, Akhilesh and Mayawati, he had said at his first rally in Uttar Pradesh. This week, Modi had described the BSP as Behenji Sampatti (property) Party. In her riposte, Mayawati called the BJP Bharatiya Jumla (rhetoric) Party and used PM Modis initials to call him Mr Negative Dalit Man. Mayawati appealed to voters to observe fast on the polling day and break the fast only after exercising their franchise. "Once the BSP forms the government, it will generate employment and streamline the recruitment process," she said. She said the current quality of mid-day meal served in primary schools is quite bad and would be replaced with more nutritious items such as milk, biscuits, cakes and fruits. Besides, rule of law would be established, she said. Addressing another election rally in Bahraich, the BSP supremo claimed that her election rally was much larger than that of PM Modi and exuded confidence that the BSP is going to form the next government in the state. "Because of wrong policies of the BJP (at the Centre) and the Samajwadi Party (at state level), there is resentment among the people of the state," she said. She alleged that the SP changed the names of the schemes started by the BSP government. The BSP chief also took a dig at SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav, saying he seems to have been affected by putra-moh (blind love for son), and has even insulted brother Shivpal. Mayawati urged the Muslim voters to vote for the party, saying her party has given tickets to 99 candidates from the community. "The RSS and the BJP want to end the reservation system in the country. If the BJP forms the government in the state, it would either end the quota system or make it ineffective," the BSP chief said. She also alleged that the BJP did not do anything when it was in power, and now it is indulging in politics of cremation ground and graveyard. IMAGE: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi talks to senior leader Sanjay Singh during an election rally in support of party candidate Amita Singh, left, in Amethi on Thursday. Photograph: PTI Photo Meanwhile in Amethi, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi accused the PM of resorting to politics of hatred in face of SP-Congress combine challenges to the BJP. "Modi ji pehle khush the, magar gathbandhan ke bad unka chehra utar gaya hai aur ab we nafrat failane ki rajniti karne lage hain. (Prime Minister Modi was happy and confident earlier, but following the Congress-SP alliance, he has begun playing politics of hatred)," said Rahul. "The smile is missing from Modiji's face and he going about with a long face...his mood has changed...now he is back to his old ways of dividing people," said Rahul in a series of election campaign rallies at his home turf here in Amethi, Gauriganj, Munshiganj and Jagdishpur. "Modiji is trying to spread hate and anger among people. He goes to Bihar and spreads hatred there and does the same here in UP," Rahul said. "I want to tell Modiji...na Hindu banega na Musalman banega, insaan ki aulad hai insaan banega (a child here will become neither a Hindu, nor Muslim; the child of a human will grow to be only a human being), said Rahul. He added he thinks Modi had nothing to tell the country as the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh have not given the country either Mahatma Gandhi or Sardar Patel or Bhagat Singh. Reiterating that no amount of personal attacks by the BJP would deter him, he said stalling the development projects initiated by the previous United Progressive Alliance government has pained him. Rahul promised once his party returns to power at the Centre, all the scrapped projects would be back. "Food park... national paper mill... all will be brought back which will develop this area and give employment here," said Rahul. Spelling out the vision of development for the state, he stressed that the local industry and farm sector will be developed in a big way with help of bank loans and it will ameliorate the problems of the youth of the state. The Trump administration has revoked the Obama-era regulations that extended certain protections to transgender students, allowing them to use bathrooms and locker rooms matching their gender identities. The roll-back announced on Wednesday by the Department of Justice and Education Department resulted in a furious reaction from the opposition Democratic party leaders. The Trump administration cited too many lawsuits and legal loopholes in the Obama-era regulation, which required public schools to allow students to use the bathrooms corresponding to their gender identities, as one of the reasons for its roll back. It informed the Supreme Court that they are revoking guidance from the Departments of Education and Justice that clarified that transgender students are protected from sex discrimination by Title IX, the federal law that bars gender discrimination. The guidance, which was issued last May by the Obama administration, reiterated the rights of transgender students to use restrooms and facilities consistent with their gender identity. The guidance issued by the previous administration has given rise to several legal questions. As a result, a federal court in August 2016 issued a nationwide injunction barring the department from enforcing a portion of its application, said US Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. Since that time, the Department has not enforced that part of the guidance, thus there is no immediate impact to students by rescinding this guidance. This is an issue best solved at the state and local level. Schools, communities, and families can find -- and in many cases have found -- solutions that protect all students, DeVos said. The US Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the prior guidance documents did not contain sufficient legal analysis or explain how the interpretation was consistent with the language of Title IX. The Department of Education and the Department of Justice therefore have withdrawn the guidance, he said. Congress, state legislatures, and local governments are in a position to adopt appropriate policies or laws addressing this issue. The Department of Justice remains committed to the proper interpretation and enforcement of Title IX and to its protections for all students, including LGBTQ students, from discrimination, bullying, and harassment, Sessions said. -- FULL COVERAGE: LIFE AFTER TRUMP A furious Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said withdrawing the historic guidance from the Obama administration to protect transgender students is a cruel blow to an already vulnerable group of young people. This move shows that President Trump cannot be trusted to defend the rights of LGBT Americans. This is not a state issue. This is an issue of equality for all. The administrations wanton disregard of protecting the civil rights of the LGBT community is harmful to our communities and our schools, she said. Senator Ben Cardin wished that the Trump administration would have considered the mental and physical wellbeing of the transgender students being targeted by this action rather than appeasing his political base. Todays withdrawal of civil rights protections afforded to transgender students under Title IX by the Departments of Education and Justice is a tragic step backward for these children. It is alarming that the primary enforcers of federal civil rights protections for students have chosen to turn their back on some of the most vulnerable children in our classrooms, he said. Regardless of a students zip code, they deserve a safe learning environment where they are able to reach their full academic potential, Cardin said in a statement. American Civil Liberties Union LGBT Project director James Esseks said revoking the guidance shows that Trumps promise to protect LGBT rights was just empty rhetoric. ACLU said it would challenge the revocation in court. ACLU Senior Staff Attorney Joshua Block, who is lead counsel for Gavin Grimm at the Supreme Court in March in the case Gloucester County School Board v. GG, said while its disappointing to see the Trump administration revoke the guidance, the administration cannot change what Title IX means. When it decided to hear Gavin Grimms case, the Supreme Court said it would decide which interpretation of Title IX is correct, without taking any administrations guidance into consideration. Were confident that that the law is on Gavins side and he will prevail just as he did in the Fourth Circuit, Block said. Image: Gender neutral signs on public restrooms in North Carolina. Photograph: Sara D Davis/Getty Images Monica Sindhwani, whose family has lived in Myanmar for generations, left Rangoon for India at 20. Married to a retired Indian Army officer, she relives her memories of the pagodas, the greenery and the home she left nearly 40 years ago, with Rediff.com's Archana Masih, on the eve of the release of Vishal Bhardwaj's epic film, which is set in Rangoon of the 1940s. IMAGE: Monica Sindhwani in the Burmese traditional longyi in the late 1960s in Burma. Photograph: Kind courtesy Monica Sindhwani I lived the first 20 years of my life in Burma and have such pleasant memories. Burma was a cosmopolitan place and the Burmese were very nice people. When you have good surroundings and good people, life itself becomes good. This was how it was for us in Burma. There were very good schools and I went to a convent. I had Telugu, Chinese, Bengali, Muslim and Burmese friends. Sometimes we had better relations with Burmese friends than our Indian friends. Our neighbours were both Indian and Burmese. I spoke and wrote Burmese. I still speak it, but read only a little. IMAGE: Her brother as a boy outside their home in Rangoon. Her father, Dr Dhir, lived in the same house till 1997. Photograph: Kind courtesy Monica Sindhwani I was born in Moulmein. My father was a jail doctor there. Later we moved to Rangoon. My father had studied medicine in India and returned to Burma to practice. He was also conscripted as an army doctor during the war, but he mostly worked as a private practitioner in Rangoon. My grandfather and his father lived in Burma even before British India. My family is originally from Nakodar, Punjab. My parents crossed over to Imphal on foot during the Japanese invasion. They stayed in Amritsar for a couple of years and returned to Burma after the war. IMAGE: Burmese troops confront protesters in Rangoon, August 9, 1988. Photograph: Richard Rothhaas/Reuters During the harsh military regime (1962 to 2011), many Indians left Burma. The junta wanted the students to only study in Burmese. The convents were shut. The military rulers would have been happy if you married Burmese, so the Indians felt they should return to India for their children's future. My cousins didn't leave and stayed on. They married Indians and continue living there. In my case, my brother first came to India to study engineering. Then I came for further studies after my BA, but my grandparents found a good match and got me married. My family did not face any discrimination or problems in Burma. My father moved to India in 1997. He didn't want to come, but because he was all alone after my mother's passing and his three children were in India, we wanted him to come to us. We had to force him to come here. IMAGE: Actress Nirupa Roy during a trip to Burma. Photograph: Kind courtesy Monica Sindhwani Contrary to what is said, there are more than 2 per cent Indians in Burma. There are a lot of mandirs there and we have more functions in the mandirs there than we do in India. As members of the students society, I remember we used to have functions on 26th January and 15th August on a grand scale. More than I think I have ever done in India. During Durga Puja, we would spend most of the time in the pandal. We went to the gurdwara every Sunday and do seva. My cousin still goes to the gurdwara and temple every Sunday. The marriages take place over 3 or 4 days like they do in India. IMAGE: A night market in Rangoon. Photograph: Kind courtesy Monica Sindhwani My relatives haven't faced any hostility or indifference from the locals. They have a business in auto parts. My other family, where my grandfather was born, had a flour mill and ran steamers. The flour mill is still there. My cousins visit India. Many come for medical treatment and surgeries. Like us, the Burmese are culturally very rich. The Burmese people are such that even if they have little food and have a guest, they will feed the guest. At that time, the houses used to be mostly wooden. We stayed in a flat with a wooden floor. It has been demolished and an apartment has come up. My father lived in that house till 1997. We had such lovely neighbours. I am still in touch with friends in Burma. IMAGE: The family's last trip to Burma was in 1987 during the military rule. Photograph: Kind courtesy Monica Sindhwani My husband has only been to Burma once. Since he was an Indian Army officer he could not leave Rangoon and travel elsewhere in the country because Burma was under military rule. The government has changed and things are coming back to normal like the good olden days before military rule. People are coming out of their fear of military rule, but things are extremely expensive. They say one egg costs 12 kyat, and one kilo of sugar costs 300 to 400 kyat. The cost of living is very high because the military couldn't handle the economy. I last went to Burma in 1987. We are planning a trip. Visas are no longer a problem and I can stay for as long as I want. During the military rule, they used to give a tourist visa for 7 days only. IMAGE: Monica Sindhwani with her collection of Burmese lacquerware in her Dehradun home. Photograph: Kind courtesy Monica Sindhwani Burmese lacquerware and pictures are all over my home in Dehradun. I love cooking Burmese food. When I visit my children, they also want me to cook Burmese food. Look, how popular Khao Suey is in India! I make Lethok -- a nourishing salad which has 26 ingredients, mostly raw. It's called Lethok because you mix it with your hands. Coconut rice and chicken curry and a tasty sweet dish made with suji, called Sanwin Makin -- all these are favourites. Anything Burmese is a favourite! IMAGE: The Shwedagon pagoda in Rangoon with two monks in the foreground. It is Burma's foremost Buddhist temple. The pagoda near Mumbai is a smaller version of it. Photograph: Three Lions/Getty Images Pagodas are Burma's beauty. The three things I like best about Burma are the pagodas, greenery, the hospitality and genuineness of the people. You can't say there is a barren place in Rangoon. Our house was on an avenue with lots of trees. I believe they have maintained it. Of course, Burma can't be spoken of without Aung San Suu Kyi. What an amazing lady! She has done so much for Burma and is doing a lot for her country. Like her, the Burmese women wear longyis. The gents wear the paso. They still wear their local dress. My cousins in Burma also wear it. Some wear saris, some wear longyis. I used to wear it too and still wear it at home. Vipassana originated from Burma. S N Goenkaji started it in Burma. We were family friends. Goenkaji's son Girdhari was my class fellow and he passed away recently. There is a big vipassana centre in Igatpuri. They have made a very big pagoda in Bhayandar near Mumbai. We had been invited for the inauguration. Goenkaji had come for it along with many people from Burma. It is a small version of the 2,500-year-old Shwedagon pagoda which is very famous in Burma. There are many Burmese Indians in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Calcutta, Punjab, and Delhi. I will, of course, be watching Rangoon, but I don't think they have shot it in Rangoon. DON'T MISS the Rangoon features in the RELATED LINKS below... Syria negotiations may not yield breakthrough, but momentum needs to be maintained UN envoy Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 22 February 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Syria negotiations may not yield breakthrough, but momentum needs to be maintained UN envoy, 22 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58aee18d4.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 day before negotiations on the crisis in Syria kick off in Geneva, the United Nations Special Envoy for the war-torn country acknowledged that while he is "not expecting a breakthrough," the proactive momentum needs to be sustained, and the top United Nations relief official told the Security Council that the country's humanitarian needs would remain critical for a long time. "As has been stated so many times already, there is no humanitarian or military solution to this conflict," the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Stephen O'Brien, told the Security Council today. "A genuine political commitment to peace will be needed if 2017 is to offer any different prospect than the death and destruction of the past six years," he added, emphasizing the need for fighting to stop. The conflict, now into its sixth year, has left hundreds of thousands of women, men and children dead and millions more dependent on aid both within the country and beyond Syria's borders. However, humanitarian actors continue face myriad challenges in reaching those most in need. In particular, Mr. O'Brien voiced serious concerns over continued attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, which have further limited humanitarian access to those areas, as well as leading to further displacements that in turn add to the humanitarian needs. He also underlined that the conflict has taken its worst toll on children: thousands have been killed and maimed or have lost their parents to the violence. Many more have suffered physical and psychological trauma, forced into early marriages and lag years behind in school. The formal education system has lost about 150,000 education personnel and one in three schools in the country have been damaged, destroyed or rendered inaccessible, and 5.82 million children and youth from pre-school to secondary school-age are in need of education assistance inside Syria. Concluding his briefing, the UN relief chief urged: "The eyes of all of Syria, and the eyes of the world, are looking to Geneva [where intra-Syrian negotiations will be held]." "Millions of battered and beleaguered women, men and children depend on meaningful action and the constructive engagement by the Syrian parties and their allies [] to assure Syrians that an end to the conflict may finally be within reach." I am not expecting a breakthrough, but I am determined to keep the momentum - UN envoy Also today, speaking to the press in Geneva, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, said is critical that the momentum provided by the negotiations "outpace" those that wished to see the negotiations come to nothing. "There are spoilers, we have seen it all the time during the last talks and perhaps they may even be attempting or tempted to [do] something before or during the talks to provoke one side or the other to walk out," he warned. "I am not expecting a breakthrough, but I am expecting and determined for keeping a very proactive momentum," said Mr. de Mistura, highlighted the need to "outpace" those wished to "spoil" the negotiations and see that it come to nothing. "There is a rush between us and the spoilers [] we have to outpace those few but clear spoilers with momentum on the political track," he added. On the eve of the UN-facilitated negotiations between the parties to the conflict in Syria, Mr. de Mistura said he would be continuing to push for a resolution to the conflict based on Security Council Resolution 2254 that endorsed a road map for peace process in war-battered Middle East nation, including non-sectarian governance, a new constitution and free and fair elections. Also, the UN envoy said that while the ceasefire remained fragile, it was largely holding and noted that "we would not have been able to have these talks if there was a breakdown of the cease-fire." Mr. de Mistura added that the bottom line remains that it is "delicate moment" and that there are fragile incidents but these need to be controlled and need to be taken care of. In conclusion, he noted that one should not focus too much on the rhetoric and even dismissive statements but instead to "look for the substance, for what would happen during the talks and at the end of the talks," he said. Central African Republic: Four UN peacekeepers wounded in ambush by armed group Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 22 February 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Central African Republic: Four UN peacekeepers wounded in ambush by armed group, 22 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58aee1d24.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 United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic has reported that its troops on patrol were ambushed yesterday outside of Ippy in Ouaka prefecture. During the exchange of fire with the FPRC's (Front Populaire pour la Renaissance de Centrafrique) coalition, four peacekeepers were wounded, including one severely, according to the Office of Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, which added that the attackers fled the scene after the incident. 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. In a news release issued earlier this month, the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA) had stressed that two factions of the ex-Seleka armed group, namely the FPRC coalition and UPC Mouvement pour l'Unite et la Paix en Centrafrique, represent a threat for civilian populations and that UN peacekeepers will respond in case of violence. The spokesperson's office said that peacekeepers prevented a hostile crowd - including members of the FPRC - from entering a camp for internally displaced persons in Ippy, which is some 70 miles from the city of Bambari, earlier yesterday. Some people in the crowd fired at peacekeepers, who returned fire, killing two FPRC members. MINUSCA reiterated its resolve to use force to protect civilians in accordance with its mandate and calls on all armed groups to immediately cease hostilities and to resolve any dispute through dialogue within the framework of the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation, the office added. Meanwhile, the UPC leader, Ali Darassa, left Bambari yesterday following the Mission's calls for him to leave the town, the office said. The Mission has reinforced its police presence in Bambari. Philippines: Impending Arrest of Senator Politically Motivated Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 23 February 2017 Reference ASA 35/5772/2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Philippines: Impending Arrest of Senator Politically Motivated, 23 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58aee2994.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 condemns the impending arrest of prominent human rights defender Senator Leila de Lima as politically motivated and is calling for all charges against her to be dropped immediately. The arrest of de Lima is a blatant attempt by the Philippine government to silence criticism of President Duterte and divert attention away from serious human rights violations in the "war on drugs." On 23 February, the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court in Metro Manila issued a warrant for the arrest of Senator Leila de Lima. De Lima faces three criminal charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act which penalises the "sale, trading, administration, delivery, distribution and transportation of illegal drugs." The charges are based, in part, on accusations by inmates of New Bilibid Prison. However, an inquiry found that Department of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre authorized the provision of material benefits to the inmates - including televisions, cell phones, internet access and air conditioning units - after they provided testimony against de Lima. If found guilty, de Lima faces a sentence of 12 years to life in prison. De Lima denies all the charges against her, and has maintained that she is a victim of political persecution. Over the past eight months, the President and his allies have intensified their attacks against de Lima, who has emerged as one of the most ardent critics of President Duterte's administration. The Senator has been particularly outspoken against the violent anti-drug campaign waged by the authorities which has resulted in over 7000 drug-related killings. As a result of her advocacy, de Lima has faced intimidation, ridicule and threats from the President and pro-Duterte officials in the Philippines, often on a daily or weekly basis. In August 2016, as de Lima prepared to lead a Senate inquiry into extrajudicial killings linked to the government's anti-drug campaign, the President accused her of benefiting from providing protection to high profile drug offenders in New Bilibid Prison. The Senate subsequently initiated an investigation into the allegations against de Lima and revoked her Chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Senators said that the ouster was a "collective decision" by members of the majority who were concerned with her "continued effort to destroy" President Duterte. The President and lawmakers publicly disparaged de Lima for having a relationship with her former driver, a married man. They went as far as proposing to show an alleged sex video of de Lima, a move that was opposed by female senators as "illegal [and] misogynistic". Prior to the inauguration of President Duterte, he and Senator de Lima had previously clashed over Duterte's alleged involvement in human rights violations. In 2012, de Lima, then Chair of the Philippines' Commission on Human Rights, opened an inquiry into Duterte's involvement in extrajudicial executions while he was the mayor of Davao City. The consistent harassment of Senator de Lima by the authorities is a blatant attempt to silence one of most important critics of the violent "war on drugs" and bar her from participating in public life. At a number of times in Philippine history, criminal proceedings against human rights defenders and political figures have been based on spurious accusations rather than evidence gathered in the course of impartial inquiries by professional investigative authorities. The government has a duty to investigate criminal activity and bring to justice those responsible through an independent and impartial process that conforms to international law and standards. However, the government must not use its authority to target peaceful human rights defenders or government critics. Once the Senator is in detention, Amnesty International will consider de Lima a prisoner of conscience, deprived of liberty solely for her political beliefs and for peacefully defending human rights. Amnesty International is calling for the charges against de Lima to be dropped. The organisation also calls for special protection for the Senator once in detention, who, given recent high profile killings in police custody, Amnesty International believes is at risk of physical harm. Finally, Amnesty International calls on the Philippine government to end the harassment of those who criticise the government's anti-drug campaign, and to conduct an immediate, independent and effective investigation into all drugrelated killings, particularly those that happened in formal or covert police operations. Background On 31 January 2017, Amnesty International released a report "If you are poor, you are killed" Extrajudicial executions in the Philippines' "War on Drugs", describing serious human rights violations in the Philippine government's antidrug campaign. The report, based on interviews with more than 100 people from areas across the Philippines and examination relevant documents including police reports, concluded that the vast majority of killings associated with the anti-drug campaign appear to have been extrajudicial executions, in clear violation of the non-derogable right to life. Over three weeks since Amnesty International released its report, there has been no indication from the Philippine government that investigations into such violations is taking place, despite concerns that the continued killing of alleged drug offenders may amount to crimes against humanity. Given the magnitude and severity of abuses associated with the "war on drugs," human rights defenders have a critical role to play in highlighting human rights violations. In late November, after his violent anti-drug campaign had come under repeated criticism, President Duterte openly threatened to kill human rights defenders. Even before that, human rights defenders, including Senator Leila de Lima faced regular harassment, intimidation and cyberbullying. Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International Title South Sudan: Renewing the Mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan and Addressing the Need for Accountability for Past and on-going Crimes Under International Law and Human Rights Violations Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 23 February 2017 Country South Sudan Cite as Amnesty International, South Sudan: Renewing the Mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan and Addressing the Need for Accountability for Past and on-going Crimes Under International Law and Human Rights Violations, 23 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58aee51a4.html [accessed 6 November 2022] Kazakhstan: Rights Groups Harassed Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 21 February 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Kazakhstan: Rights Groups Harassed, 21 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58aee8a14.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. Kazakhstan's authorities have been abusing tax issues to harass human rights groups, Human Rights Watch said today. Two prominent human rights organizations, the International Legal Initiative Foundation and Liberty, have had tax audits, and the tax authorities appear to be targeting both because of their work protecting human rights. A tax audit of another organization, Kadyr Kasiyet, was suspended but is set to resume. "Kazakhstan's authorities shouldn't be using bogus tax audits to prevent rights groups from operating normally in the country", said Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "Targeting nongovernmental groups because of their work on human rights is unacceptable". On August 1, 2016, the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan ordered tax audits of the three prominent groups upon the request of an unidentified person, who accused the groups in a local media outlet of involvement in terrorism and of providing no information about how they spend international grant money. A representative of Liberty, which is based in Almaty and works on freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, told Human Rights Watch that tax inspectors had gone beyond inspecting the group's finances. The representative said the auditors had gathered information on people involved in the group's activities and asked questions about the content of the group's research and training. Tax inspections of the International Legal Initiative Foundation and Liberty ended on December 30. Liberty was notified about the results on January 5, 2017, and the International Legal Initiative Foundation on January 9. The tax authorities charged both organizations with not declaring their full taxable income and other obligatory payments. Liberty was ordered to pay 3 million tenge (US$9,000) in commercial income tax and fines. The International Legal Initiative Foundation was ordered to pay 1 million 300 tenge (US$4,000). Tax authorities deemed financial contributions from several donors as profit in the form of "assets received free of charge" because these donors are not included in a 2009 government list covering "international and national organizations, foreign and Kazakhstani non-governmental organizations and funds that provide grants." The tax authorities' decisions appear to contradict Art. 134 (2) of the Tax Code of Kazakhstan, which exempts non-profit organizations from taxes. The law stipulates that "income of a non-for-profit organization under an agreement for the performance of the governmental social order, in the form of interests on deposits, grants, admission and membership fees, contributions of participants of a condominium, charity and sponsorship assistance, assets received free of charge, donations and charity on a charge-free basis shall not be subject to taxation." In the case of the International Legal Initiative Foundation, which is based in Almaty and works on rule of law issues, tax authorities determined that grants from several international bodies, such as the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), Freedom House, Norwegian Helsinki Committee, and the US and Canadian embassies were "assets received free of charge" and subsequently categorized these as taxable incomes. Authorities came to the same conclusion about Liberty and did not recognize grants provided by the European Commission and Norwegian Helsinki Committee. All these international bodies, apart from the European Commission, are not in the 2009 list. However, the government has signed official agreements with these bodies allowing them to provide grants to local groups. The outdated list is being used to restrict the work of organizations, said Galym Ageleuov, the Liberty president. The International Legal Initiative Foundation challenged the decision of the tax authorities in a local economic court on February 14, and Liberty submitted a complaint to the head of State Revenue Committee on January 30. The tax audit of Kadyr Kasiyet, an Astana-based group that monitors the security of human rights activists, has been suspended but will continue later in February, said the head of the organisation. On January 27, a nongovernmental group organized a public meeting for donors, representatives of foreign embassies, and local authorities. Afterward, 76 local and international groups issued a joint statement of concern about the pressure on the three groups. Aina Shormanbaeva, head of the International Legal Initiative Foundation, told Human Rights Watch that, "The tax audit is a deliberate instrument to pressure and retaliate against our work on land rallies that took place on May 21, 2016. We did not allow authorities to intimidate protesters left without help in police stations [after the rallies] and defended their rights to peaceful assembly and freedom from arbitrary detention." Human Rights Watch documented that authorities in several cities aggressively detained and harassed hundreds of people involved in the peaceful land rights protests on that day. The International Legal Initiative Foundation and Liberty were among the groups that actively monitored the events and provided free legal aid to those who were detained in Almaty. Kazakhstan has, since 2015, introduced various laws restricting the activities of nongovernmental groups, including imposing burdensome reporting obligations and state regulation of funding through a government-appointed body. In 2016, parliament adopted amendments with new financial reporting obligations for individuals and legal entities, such as nongovernmental groups, for foreign funds receipt and expenditure. "The actions of authorities send a worrying signal to Kazakhstan's international partners," Williamson said. "A free civil society is vital for Kazakhstan's advancement and its work should be encouraged, not hindered". Copyright notice: Copyright, Human Rights Watch Uzbekistan: Political Prisoner Free After 19 Years Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 22 February 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Uzbekistan: Political Prisoner Free After 19 Years, 22 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58aee9064.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. Rustam Usmanov, a peaceful political activist imprisoned arbitrarily in Uzbekistan for 19 years and brutally tortured, was finally freed on February 13, 2017, at the end of his prison term, Human Rights Watch said today. Usmanov, 69, a founder of Uzbekistan's first private bank and a vocal government critic, had been imprisoned since 1998. In 2012, days before his original 14-year sentence was due to end, he was convicted for "violations of prison rules" and sentenced to five more years in prison. Usmanov was repeatedly and brutally tortured while in prison. "Rustam Usmanov and his family have suffered terribly for 19 years," said Steve Swerdlow, Central Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch. "This is President Mirziyoyev's chance to keep his campaign promises by seeing to it that those who are alleged to have tortured Usmanov and arbitrarily extended his prison sentence are promptly investigated and brought to justice." Usmanov was the third political prisoner allowed to leave prison at the end of an extended prison term since Shavkat Mirziyoyev became acting president following the death in August 2016 of the long-time authoritarian leader Islam Karimov. Mirziyoyev became president in December 2016. A fourth prisoner, Muhammad Bekjanov, a journalist in jail on politically motivated charges since 1999, was released on February 22 at the end of an extended prison term. During his campaign he promised increased accountability to citizens and acknowledged the lack of reform in key aspects of Uzbekistan's society, including the economy and the criminal justice system. But he has taken no meaningful steps to free prisoners held on politically motivated charges. President Mirziyoyev should direct the relevant authorities to thoroughly and meaningfully investigate credible allegations that Usmanov was tortured, that his sentence was arbitrarily extended, which was approved by judges in hearings that violated fair trial principles, and that he was denied appropriate medical care in prison, Human Rights Watch said. Authorities should allow him to resume his peaceful political activism. The Uzbek government should also immediately and unconditionally release the numerous other peaceful activists and human rights defenders who remain in prison following politically motivated and unfair trials. In November 2013, the United Nations Committee Against Torture a body of 10 independent experts that monitors governments' implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment found that Usmanov and numerous other peaceful activists and human rights defenders were arbitrarily imprisoned in retaliation for their work and criticism of the government. The committee expressed concern that many wrongfully held activists have been subjected to torture or other forms of ill-treatment. Usmanov is an economist and businessman who founded Uzbekistan's first private bank, Rustambank, in 1992. In the early 1990s he announced his support for the opposition Erk (Freedom) party and openly criticized police and security service abuses. In 1994, he ran for parliament. His son says that Usmanov's name was removed from the ballot after he refused to pay a large bribe to an official in charge of registering candidates. In 1995, security service officers detained him in Kyrgyzstan and forcibly returned him to Uzbekistan and held him for several days. At that time, the authorities detained Usmanov's son for nearly two weeks, apparently to punish Usmanov for his support for the democratic opposition. After continued pressure by authorities, Usmanov left Uzbekistan and took up residence in Jalalabad, Kyrgyzstan, where he founded an economic research institute. In 1998, while Usmanov was visiting his wife and three children in Tashkent, police arrested him on trumped-up charges of extortion, unlawful transactions of foreign currency, abuse of authority, and forgery. The Andijan Regional Court sentenced him to 14 years in prison. Evidence indicates that authorities brought the case in retaliation for his political ambitions. In 2012, days before his sentence was to end, he was convicted for "violations of prison rules" and sentenced to five more years in prison. Authorities informed Usmanov's relatives and his lawyer about the allegations and extension only after he was convicted. Usmanov told his relatives that he was tortured in prison. In January 2009, he announced a hunger strike to protest his imprisonment and was beaten severely as a result. In March 2009, authorities transferred him from Karshi prison to Jaslyk prison, where his health and treatment by prison authorities worsened. On one occasion, authorities placed him in solitary confinement in a cell where guards handcuffed him in a crucifixion position for four days in a row. Later that year he announced another hunger strike, but prison guards pushed a feeding tube down his throat and plugged his nostrils until he began to suffocate, ending his strike. In late 2009, he said that he had been called in for a meeting with prison officials, who demanded US$100,000, saying that if they weren't paid, his sons would be harmed. When he refused to pay, he was beaten savagely. Copyright notice: Copyright, Human Rights Watch In Warsaw, RSF urges Polish government to stop gagging media Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 22 February 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, In Warsaw, RSF urges Polish government to stop gagging media, 22 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58aee9794.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) was in Warsaw yesterday to tell the Polish government about its recommendations with regard to media freedom and to urge the European Union to sanction Poland if it continues on its current anti-democratic path. "We have come to offer our support to Polish journalists who try to keep working despite all the harassment and to remind everyone of our constant fight for the free, honest and impartial media that the public needs," RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire told a gathering of Polish media representatives in downtown Warsaw. Deloire went on to spell out what must be done to end the many media freedom violations perpetrated by the government led by the ultra-conservative Law and Justice party (PiS) since taking office in October 2015. Laws adopted by the PiS government have curtailed media independence and have undermined the values on which the European Union is based - including freedom, democracy, the rule of law and pluralism. After turning the state media into propaganda tools, the government set about strangling newspapers opposed to its reforms. Some of these newspapers, such as the opposition daily Gazeta Wyborcza, are now in financial straits after being deprived of advertising by state agencies. Gazeta Wyborcza had to lay off about 20% of its employees at the end of 2016 because of a fall in revenue. Poland's journalists are also concerned about plans to "re-Polishize" the country's media. Many of Poland's media outlets and media groups are largely owned by foreign capital and some of Law and Justice's leaders think they don't do enough to defend "Polish values." RSF's visit to Warsaw comes two months after Brussels submitted recommendations to the Polish government for preserving the rule of law. As the government rejected these recommendations outright on 20 February, RSF urges the EU to use the legal tools at its disposal to sanction Poland. "Today in Warsaw, Reporters Without Borders calls on the European Commission not to betray its own values and to continue the fight by adopting sanctions," Deloire added. "We want to be a thorn in the side of the Polish authorities, constantly pressing them to respect media freedom." In October 2016, RSF became one of the first NGOs to call for the use of Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union, under which the European Council can suspend some of the rights of an EU member state that commits grave and repeated violations of fundamental EU values. Poland is ranked 47th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index, 29 places lower than in the 2015 Index. As a result of the measures adopted in the past year, it is likely to fall even further in the 2017 Index, scheduled for release in April. Azerbaijani authorities continue to hound independent journalists Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 22 February 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Azerbaijani authorities continue to hound independent journalists, 22 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58aee9e84.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is dismayed to learn that local news website editor Elchin Ismayilli has joined the long list of journalists held on trumped-up charges in Azerbaijan. At least 12 journalists, bloggers and media workers are now detained in this Caucasian republic. Transferred to Baku following his arrest on 17 February in the central region of Ismayilli, the editor has been placed in pre-trial detention for an initial period of 24 days on charges of "extorting money" and "aggravated abuse of a position of influence." The prosecutor's office accuses him of blackmailing a local official. Ismayilli insists that the charges were fabricated with the aim of silencing his local news coverage. A former reporter for various independent media including the newspaper Azadlig and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Azerbaijani service, Ismayilli is the founder and editor of Kend.info, a website that covers local corruption and human rights violations. He has often been the target of harassment by the local authorities in the past, including physical violence, arrests and defamation suits. "Baku's international partners cannot continue to stand by while journalists are being packed into Azerbaijan's prisons," said Johann Bihr, the head of RSF's Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk. "The contempt shown by the Azerbaijani authorities for their human rights obligations needs an urgent response from the international community. A firm stand is all the more necessary because several of the detained journalists have serious health problems that are being exacerbated by imprisonment." No let-up in persecution Eight employees of Azadlig, Azerbaijan's sole remaining opposition daily, were questioned by the prosecutor's office from 17 to 20 February in the continuing investigation into the newspaper's financial director, Faiq Amirov. Many people have been summoned for questioning ever since Amirov's arrest last August. A request for Amirov to be released from prison and placed under house arrest pending the outcome of the investigation was rejected yet again by a Baku appeal court on 16 February, despite his serious health problems. His imprisonment has paralysed much of Azadlig's operations and no print version has been produced since September. The free speech group English PEN meanwhile reported on 17 February that the health of Rashad Ramazanov, a blogger held since May 2013, had worsened as a result of 15 days in solitary confinement. His family says he has lost weight and is not getting the medical care he needs for various ailments including tuberculosis. A critic of the government on online social networks, Ramazanov was sentenced to nine years in prison in November 2013 on a trumped-up drug trafficking charge. On 16 February, the supreme court upheld journalist Khadija Ismayilova's conviction on a charge of "illegal entrepreneurship." Well known for her investigative coverage of high-level government corruption, Ismayilova spent 18 months in prison, from December 2014 to May 2016, until her jail sentence was suspended. Finally acquitted on three of the five spurious charges brought against her, Ismayilova continues to dispute the other two. Azerbaijan is ranked 163rd out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. In September 2016, a referendum reinforced the already considerable powers of President Ilham Aliyev, who is on RSF's list of "press freedom predators." Yesterday he appointed his wife as first vice-president, elevating her to the position of the country's second-most senior official. Uzbekistan: Newspaper editor freed after being held for 18 years Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 23 February 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Uzbekistan: Newspaper editor freed after being held for 18 years, 23 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58aeea634.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 Association for Human Rights in Central Asia (AHRCA), Civil Rights Defenders (CRD), Freedom House, International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR), the Norwegian Helsinki Committee (NHC), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Uzbek-German Forum for Human Rights (UGF) are extremely relieved to learn that Uzbek journalist Muhammad Bekjanov, the winner of RSF's Press Freedom Prize in 2013, was released today after 18 years in prison. The onetime editor of what was Uzbekistan's leading opposition newspaper, Bekjanov was one of the world's longest imprisoned journalists. Now aged 62, he was repeatedly tortured following his arrest in 1999 and his sentence was extended just before he was due to be released in 2012. According to initial information, he will not be allowed to leave the country for one year, which means he would not be able to join his US-based family during this period. "We are delighted and relieved that Muhammad Bekjanov has been freed," said the signatories. "It is tragic and deeply unjust that he spent so much time in prison just for doing his job. His release will not be complete until he is allowed to join his family in the United States." "We reiterate our call for the immediate release of all other journalists and human rights activists who are unjustly imprisoned in Uzbekistan. Many of them have serious health problems. We are especially concerned about Yusuf Ruzimuradov, a colleague arrested at the same time as Bekjanov, as we have had no news of him for a long time." As the editor of Erk (Freedom) in the early 1990s, Bekjanov tried to initiate a debate on such taboo subjects as the state of the economy, the use of forced labor in the cotton harvest and the Aral Sea environmental disaster. His brother, the well-known poet and government opponent Muhammad Salikh, was the only person to run against President Karimov in the December 1991 election. Karimov took advantage of a series of bombings in Tashkent in 1999 to silence outspoken critics by prosecuting them as accomplices to the attacks. Like many pro-democracy activists, Bekjanov was tried in this way and sentenced to 15 years in prison. He was arbitrarily given an additional sentence of four years and eight months in prison in February 2012, just a few days before he was due to be released. Bekjanov has lost many teeth and much of his hearing as a result of mistreatment in prison and a serious case of tuberculosis that was left untreated for a long time. In recent years, he has suffered from intermittent acute pain as well as permanent discomfort from an inguinal hernia that developed when he was assigned to prison work making bricks. Uzbekistan is ranked 166th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. A few political prisoners including human rights defender Bobomurod Razzakov and politician Samandar Kukanov have been freed since Karimov's death in August 2016. But many other journalists, human rights defenders, opposition politicians and civil society representatives continue to languish in prison. Honduras: local TV news anchor targeted by flawed trial, smear campaign Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 22 February 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Honduras: local TV news anchor targeted by flawed trial, smear campaign, 22 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58aeea9e4.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is very worried about Jairo Lopez, a journalist in the southern city of Choluteca targeted by both a flawed criminal defamation trial and an intimidating smear campaign, and calls on the Honduran authorities to urgently give him protection and ensure the trial is fair. The presenter of "El Informador," a news programme on the Choluteca-based Canal 21 TV channel, Lopez is being prosecuted as a result of a complaint by Alcides Alejandro Aguilar Corrales, the owner of Canal 39 TV and an open supporter of the government. The lawsuit was brought in September 2015 in response to Lopez's revelations about various cases of alleged corruption, in particular, the alleged diversion of public water supplies by Alcides Alejandro Aguilar Corrales and several politicians and government officials including the speaker of the National Congress. During the first hearing on 1 February, the judges said they had mislaid the evidence submitted by Lopez's lawyer. They also expelled representatives sent by Peace Brigades International and local observers from ASOPODEHU and other Honduran human right groups on the grounds that they might "defame the plaintiff." Despite these grave irregularities, the trial is continuing. "Jairo Lopez's trial cannot continue under these conditions," said Emmanuel Colombie, the head of RSF's Latin America bureau. "The Choluteca court must suspend the hearings until the evidence submitted by the defence is located. "The authorities must also guarantee Lopez's safety using the emergency measures envisaged by the National Mechanism for the Protection of Journalists, and must finally decriminalize defamation, because defamation charges are too often used by the Honduran state to censor critical journalists." The judicial irregularities have been accompanied by a major smear campaign against Lopez, one of the Choluteca region's few outspoken journalists. Lopez has often denounced cases of abuse of authority, including influence-trafficking, misappropriation of medical supplies and bogus jobs. Like other media outlets, Lopez screened a video during his "El Informador" programme on 5 February that showed angry protesters throwing stones at National Congress speaker Mauricio Oliva and the heavy-handed response of his bodyguards, one of whom pointed his gun at the demonstrators. Lopez says it was the screening of the video that prompted the ensuing campaign against him, which has included threats, the strange presence of motorcyclists outside his home, and videos on online social networks portraying him as a criminal gang leader and accusing him of money-laundering and links to local traffickers. In view of this threatening climate, Lopez has requested protection under the National Mechanism for the Protection of Journalists but no protective measures has so far been put in place. RSF thinks he urgently needs such measures for the sake of his own and his family's safety. Honduras is ranked 137th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Press freedom violations recounted in real time January 2017 Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 23 February 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Press freedom violations recounted in real time January 2017, 23 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58aeeb3f4.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. 22.02.2017 - Ahmad Montazeri returned to prison Reporters Without Borders (RSF) firmly condemns progressive cleric Ahmad Montazeri's arrest yesterday. The editor of the website of his late father, Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri, he was returned to prison after being summoned before a special court for clerics. Tried behind closed doors and without a defence lawyer on 20 October, Montazeri was sentenced on 27 November to ten years in prison for endangering state security, ten years for publishing a "classified audio recording" and another year for anti-government "propaganda." He was prosecuted for posting an old recording on the website on 9 August 2016 in which his father could be heard criticizing the wave of executions of political prisoners in the 1980s. For more information: Ahmad Montazeri gets 21-year jail term as part of bid to suppress history ---------- 17.02.2017 - Editor freed on completing jail term Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has learned that Ehssan Mazndarani - the editor of the newspaper Farhikhteghan and one of the victims of a wave of arrests in November 2015 - was released on 9 February. He had been given a seven-year jail sentence that was reduced to two years on appeal, His lawyer said he was freed as a result of a decision that he had completed his sentence. While in prison, he was hospitalized several times with heart and chest problems after a three-week hunger strike. ---------- 10.01.2017 - Website reporter flogged for getting facts wrong Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is appalled to learn that Hossien Movahedi, a local news website reporter, was flogged last week in Najafabad, a city 450 km south of Tehran, for getting one of his facts wrong in a story about the confiscation of mopeds from female students at a technological secondary school in the city. Movahedi reported on the Najafabad News website on 14 June 2016 that the police seized 35 mopeds when, according to the police, it was only eight. Although he apologized for his mistake and although the police were allowed to publish their version on the website, the police pressed charges against him and a Najafabad court sentenced him to 40 lashes for "publishing false information." This inhuman and medieval sentence was carried out on 4 January. Iran has yet to ratify the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment. ---------- 06.01.2016 - Woman journalist freed on completing one-year jail term Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has learned that Rihaneh Tabatabai, a journalist who has worked for several reformist newspapers, was released yesterday on completing a one-year jail term on charges of endangering national security and anti-government publicity. She was arrested on 12 January 2016 to begin serving the sentence, which was originally imposed in November 2014 and was confirmed by a Tehran appeal court a year later. The sentence also includes two-year ban on political and journalistic activity in the media and online following her release. In all, Tabatabai has been jailed four times since 2010 in connection with her journalistic activities. ---------- Press freedom violations recounted in real time (January -December 2016) -------------------- Press freedom violations recounted in real time (January -December 2015) ------------------- Press freedom violations recounted in real time ( January-December 2014) ---------------------- Press freedom violations recounted in real time ( January-December 2013) ---------------- Press freedom violations recounted in real time (January-December 2012) ---------- Press freedom violations recounted in real time (January-December 2011) ----- Press freedom violations recounted in real time (July-December 2010) -------- Press freedom violations recounted in real time (January-July 2010) --------- Press freedom violations recounted in real time (June-December 2009) Thailand: Somyot Phrueksakasemsuk's sentence reduced, injustice continues Publisher International Federation for Human Rights Publication Date 23 February 2017 Cite as International Federation for Human Rights, Thailand: Somyot Phrueksakasemsuk's sentence reduced, injustice continues, 23 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58aeeba14.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. Today's decision by Thailand's Supreme Court to reduce the prison sentence of human rights defender Somyot Phrueksakasemsuk does little to mitigate the prolonged injustice Somyot and his family have endured, the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (an FIDH-OMCT partnership) said. The Observatory reiterates its call for Somyot's immediate and unconditional release. Today, the Supreme Court reduced the sentence of activist Somyot from 10 to six years. Somyot has been in jail since April 30, 2011, and was convicted in January 2013 on charges of lese-majeste under Article 112 of Thailand's Criminal Code [1] for allowing the publication of two satirical articles in the now-defunct magazine Voice of Taksin, of which he was the editor. The articles were authored by a third party and deemed by Thai authorities to have insulted the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. " The Supreme Court's decision to reduce Somyot's jail sentence is too little, too late. Despite displaying a facade of compassion, the court should have made a just decision and acquitted Somyot of a crime he did not commit," said FIDH President Dimitris Christopoulos. Somyot, 55, is currently the longest-serving lese-majeste detainee. He remains incarcerated in the Bangkok Remand Prison, and will now have to serve the remaining two months and five days of his sentence, in addition to one more year, which stemmed from an earlier sentence for defamation in another case. The court justified the sentence reduction in consideration of Somyot's age, the fact that he did not write the articles with lese-majeste content, and the lengthy amount of time he had already spent in prison. "We deplore today's harsh sentence of Somyot, who should have never spent a day in jail under a draconian law that curtails freedom of opinion and expression. He should be released immediately and unconditionally," said OMCT Secretary General Gerald Staberock. Background information: A former labour rights activist and magazine editor, Somyot Phrueksakasemsuk was arrested on April 30, 2011, five days after he launched a petition campaign to collect 10,000 signatures required for a parliamentary review of Article 112 of the Criminal Code. Several United Nations (UN) human rights monitoring bodies have voiced concern over Somyot's deprivation of liberty. In an opinion issued on August 30, 2012, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) affirmed that Somyot's detention was arbitrary, and called on Thai authorities to release Somyot and award him adequate compensation. On January 23, 2013, the Bangkok Criminal Court sentenced him to 10 years in prison on two counts of lese-majeste. On September 19, 2014, the Court of Appeals upheld the Bangkok Criminal Court's lese-majeste conviction of Somyot. The Court of Appeals failed to notify Somyot, his lawyer, and his family that the hearing would take place on that day. On November 19, 2014, Somyot filed an appeal to the Supreme Court against his conviction. Somyot unsuccessfully petitioned for bail 16 times - the last time being in November 2014. Somyot's conviction and detention do not comply with Thailand's international legal obligations. Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Thailand is a State party, states that everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right includes "freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds." In its General Comment on Article 19, the UN Human Rights Committee (CCPR), the body that monitors state parties' compliance with the provisions of the ICCPR, affirmed that, "all public figures, including those exercising the highest political authority such as heads of state and government, are legitimately subject to criticism and political opposition." The CCPR specifically expressed concern regarding lese-majeste laws and stated that "imprisonment is never an appropriate penalty" for defamation. The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (the Observatory) was created in 1997 by the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and FIDH. The objective of this programme is to intervene to prevent or remedy situations of repression against human rights defenders. OMCT and FIDH are both members of ProtectDefenders.eu, the European Union Human Rights Defenders Mechanism implemented by international civil society. For more information, please contact: FIDH: Audrey Couprie: +33143551412 OMCT: Delphine Reculeau: +41228094939 Footnotes [1] Article 112 of the Criminal Code states that "whoever defames, insults or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir to the throne or the Regent shall be punished with imprisonment of three to 15 years." 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. Search Refworld and / or country All countries Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Cote d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China) Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau (Special Administrative Region of China) Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Saint Helena Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syrian Arab Republic Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste (East Timor) Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkiye Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu U.S. Virgin Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland United States of America Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Territory Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe After displacement by Boko Haram, life remains a challenge Publisher UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Author Hanson Ghandi Tamfu Publication Date 23 February 2017 Cite as UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), After displacement by Boko Haram, life remains a challenge, 23 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58aef4a74.html [accessed 6 November 2022] The Boko Haram insurgency recently came to the humble home of Bintu in north-east Nigeria and turned her already hard life upside down. "My husband was slaughtered by the insurgents at our farm in Ngorodole," the 30-year-old recalled recently in a camp for displaced persons in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state. She quickly decided to leave her village near the Cameroonian border and head to safety in Maiduguri with her four children. "I feel secure here, but would rather be at home," she confided. Many others like her long for the security situation to improve throughout the north-east so that they can return home. Some 950,000 internally displaced people (IDP) have returned to their home areas of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states since August 2015, and tens of thousands of Nigerians, including refugees, are estimated to have returned from neighbouring Cameroon, Chad and Niger. Many displaced Nigerians wish to return home when conditions improve, but the security situation remains precarious in many areas of origin, despite major gains by the military last year that have improved access to some areas. A major international conference tomorrow in Oslo on displacement in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Region will discuss the situation and possibilities for return. Participants will also discuss ways to strengthen the protection and solutions environment for the affected communities. Donor nations are expected to pledge fresh funds. UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi will address the meeting. Sustainable and durable return will depend on a number of factors. For example, there is a desperate need to rebuild core infrastructure, ensure access to basic services and revive local economies and food production as well as rebuild trust and foster reconciliation among affected people. Many of those who have sought to return home have found themselves in situations of secondary displacement, highlighting the continuing risks that the Boko Haram insurgency poses. Urgent action is needed to create a solutions environment, as well as to assist those, like Bintu, who remain in displacement. A large number of those staying in camps in north-eastern Nigeria are women and children. The government, supported by the UN, is stepping up efforts to reunite families who may have been separated during the conflict. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has also intensified training of aid workers, local government officials and community leaders to help in response and rebuilding, especially in Borno state, where the crisis is most severe and the insurgency threat most potent. "The importance of ensuring voluntary and sustainable returns in conditions of safety and dignity, and to avoid secondary displacement as returnees search for basic needs, including food, shelter and medical care, cannot be overemphasized," said Brigitte Mukanga Eno, UNHCR's acting representative in Nigeria. She added that premature returns, undertaken before conditions are in place, can give rise to serious protection risks and can undermine longer term peace and recovery efforts. Title "When Will I Get to Go Home?" - Abuses and Discrimination against Children in Institutions and Lack of Access to Quality Inclusive Education in Armenia Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 22 February 2017 Country Armenia Reference ISBN: 978-1-6231-34440 Other Languages / Attachments Armenian Cite as Human Rights Watch, "When Will I Get to Go Home?" - Abuses and Discrimination against Children in Institutions and Lack of Access to Quality Inclusive Education in Armenia, 22 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58af06794.html [accessed 6 November 2022] Protests broke out Wednesday night in Anaheim, California, after an off-duty Los Angeles police officer fired his gun during a confrontation with a teenager. No one was struck when the officer fired his weapon. But video of the Tuesday altercation angered protesters who marched in a Southern California neighborhood near Disneyland, demanding that charges be filed against the unidentified officer. "Don't shoot the kids!" they chanted. "Whose streets? Our streets." Some participants smashed windows of the officer's house, damaged cars and sprayed graffiti on a neighbor's house, according to CNN affiliate KTLA-TV. Twenty-four people were arrested on misdemeanor charges as officers ordered protesters to disperse, according to the Anaheim police. Video footage posted on social media The situation escalated Tuesday afternoon outside the off-duty officer's house over the issue of youths walking across his property, Anaheim police said in a statement. A 13-year-old boy allegedly threatened to shoot the officer, police said. The officer detained the teen, leading to a physical confrontation with other juveniles, police said. The officer then discharged his firearm once. Parts of the encounter were recorded and posted on social media. In video footage, an adult wearing sunglasses and a teenager shout and scuffle as a crowd of youths gather around to watch. "Let go of me," the teen yells as the adult holds onto his sweatshirt. "I'm only like freakin' 13!" In the video, the adult says that the teenager threatened to shoot him, but the youngster denies it, saying the man misheard him when he said he'd "sue him." Then a young bystander intervenes, charging at the adult and knocking him over a row of bushes. Another teen races in and tries to punch the adult. As more teenagers gather around, the adult pulls out a gun and fires a shot. The crowd quickly scatters. Anaheim police arrested two of the teenagers, one for making criminal threats and battery, and the other for assault and battery. The department said it was not arresting the off-duty officer but that a complete investigation would be forwarded to the Orange County district attorney's office for review. The Los Angeles Police Department said the unidentified officer has been placed on administrative leave. Its detectives from the Force Investigation Division will conduct an investigation to "determine whether the use of deadly force complied with LAPD's policies and procedures," the department said in a statement. 'There is no justification for him to pull a gun out' The decision not to arrest the officer led to an outcry, with protesters questioning why the officer didn't try to de-escalate the situation. "At the end of the day there is no justification for him to pull a gun out, and he pulled it out around a crowd of children," one female protester told KTLA. "If he is a police officer, he should know better." The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California called on the Anaheim police to explain why the teenagers were arrested, while the officer was not. "The LAPD officer's actions on the video are grossly irresponsible," the ACLU said in a statement. Anaheim police responded to the criticism in a statement Wednesday: "Calling and sending emails to APD voicing your displeasure will NOT impact the outcome. A decision whether or not to file charges rests with the District Attorney's office and is based on facts and evidence." KTLA spoke with the 13-year-old teenager involved in the altercation and his mother, not identifying them by name. The eight-grader said the conflict started when the students were walking home from school and a female student stepped on the officer's lawn. The officer cursed at the girl, and that's when he spoke up. The teenager said the officer then "came at me" and then "shot the gun near me." Anaheim police Chief Raul Quezada has scheduled a news conference at 1 p.m. PT (10 a.m. ET) Thursday regarding the investigation. CNN's Cheri Mossburg and Chuck Johnston contributed to this report. A look back on all of our reporting of the Delphi murders since 2017 China's highest court has ordered courts at all levels to record video footage of all trials, but lawyers say they fear the video could be used to target them for defending their clients in court. The Supreme People's Court issued new rules that come into effect on March 1 in a bid to "improve transparency in court proceedings," the state-run Xinhua news agency reported. "The whole process of all trials should be recorded via both audio and video, and voice recognition used in court text records," it quoted a court document as saying. "Courts nationwide should upload in-court audio and video recordings on online platforms devoted to judicial information disclosure for involved parties and lawyers to consult," it said. Anhui-based activist and former state prosecutor Shen Liangqing said the new rules are a step forward, but still leave the judicial process open to widespread abuse, especially where political trials and prisoners of conscience are concerned. "I think a more important issue is that where stability maintenance is concerned, they have surveillance video on file, but when you ask to see it, they tell you that it isn't working," Shen said. "So I don't see this rule as any more than a cosmetic measure to try to guarantee the impartiality of the courts [in the eyes of the public]," he said. State secrets The new rules provide special guidelines for cases involving "state secrets," a classification which is increasingly used to target critics of the ruling Chinese Communist Party. Content involving commercial secrets and that touches on personal privacy will also be treated in a specified manner. The classification of cases as "state security" matters already means that detainees can be held in an unknown location and denied permission to meet with their lawyers for six months. There are also signs that the recordings could be used against defense lawyers. "If the litigants and observers violate the provisions of the court discipline or the relevant laws and regulations and endanger the security of the court, or disturb court order, the People's Court may ... use the recordings as evidence of legal liability in any subsequent investigation," the rules state. Rights lawyer Cai Ying, who was among hundreds of lawyers and rights activists detained and questioned during nationwide operation that started on July 9, 2015, said the taping of trials won't do much to ensure that human rights are protected in China's judicial system. "It may be helpful in run-of-the-mill cases, but it's a fake measure where the bigger cases are concerned," Cai told RFA. "It's important for the interrogation process to be recorded as well, [to avoid] cases of forced confession," he said. "But that didn't happen during the July 9 crackdown." "This rule isn't going to be of much help from a human rights perspective," he said. "It all sounds very good, but it's not about what the rules say, it's about what actually happens in practice." 'A weapon to be used' Pan Renqiang, a retired judge in the central province of Hubei, agreed. "What is the law but a weapon to be used [by the government] when it is useful to them and to be dropped by them when it isn't?" Pan said. "They will only make public that which benefits the government, so where's the point in that?" he said. "They should allow an independent media to cover it instead," he said. Rights lawyer Ma Lianshun said the rules will soon be ignored in cases where the government is in the wrong, and could be used to target lawyers trying to defend clients. "They'll record it when a defense attorney is protesting or if they are saying anything they think is inappropriate." "They'll record that, to use as evidence," Ma said. "One of the pieces of evidence used against [Beijing rights lawyer] Wang Yu was of her losing her temper in court," he said. Physical attacks Hundreds of lawyers and rights activists have reported an increase in physical attacks on lawyers by court officials in recent years. In 2015, Beijing-based lawyer Cui Hui said she was attacked by judges and bailiffs at the Tongzhou District People's Court on the outskirts of Beijing on April 2 after she went to file a complaint over its inaction in a case that should have been resolved two years earlier. Last October, Guangxi-based lawyer Wu Liangshu and fellow attorneys Li Jing, Zhao Hexu and Dong Qianyong accused "courts throughout the country" of continuing to violate the personal rights of lawyers going about their jobs, including violent assaults by court security staff. Around 1,000 lawyers signed a statement in June 2016 condemning an attack on Wu, whose trousers were ripped off by police officers at a district court in Nanning after he refused to hand over his cell phone for inspection. "If a judge rips off a lawyer's trousers in court, then it's just a small punishment, but if a lawyer ripped off a judge's trousers, they'd probably get a heavy jail sentence," Cai said. Sun Dongsheng, a petitioner from the northeastern province of Heilongjiang who has been frequently targeted by the authorities for trying to complain about them, said said he doesn't see how the rules could guarantee his rights in court. "I think it's just another excuse to collect data and information about ordinary people," Sun said. "If you do something that they don't like, they will turn your just actions into injustice." "Then they make the data fit with this view to oppress you." Reported by Ding Wenqi for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Wong Lok-to for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. The Yalu River Railway Bridge, seen from the Chinese border town of Dandong, Feb. 8, 2016. The number of North Koreans crossing the border into China dropped sharply this month following the murder in Malaysia of national leader Kim Jong Uns estranged half-brother Kim Jong Nam, suggesting efforts by Pyongyang to keep news of the killing from reaching North Korean residents, sources say. Kim Jong Nam, a purported advocate for political reforms in North Korea and open critic of the regime, died on Feb. 13 on his way to a hospital after being attacked with a chemical spray as he prepared to board a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Macau, in China. Malaysian police have arrested four suspects, including a North Korean national, as suspects in the crime, and have said that four other North Koreans wanted in connection with the case fled the country on the day Kim died. Now, restrictions appear to have been imposed on the movements of North Korean traders hoping to travel into China on business or to return to North Korea, sources on the border say. A Chinese customs office in Dandong, just across the Yalu River from North Korea, has reported fewer than 10 North Korean residents crossing the border each day since Feb. 20, a local source told RFAs Korean Service. This is a very small number compared to the numbers that crossed at this same time last year, RFAs source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. This seems to be an after effect of Kim Jong Nams assassination. Concerns over television news South Korean television programs are filled each day with news of the murder, and can be easily seen in China, the source said. North Korean authorities are certainly aware of this, and are not going to allow North Korean residents to visit China, he said. Another source in China told RFA that authorities are similarly blocking North Korean traders already in China from returning home to speak by telephone with their head offices in Pyongyang. North Korean traders are not getting authorities permission to go to Sinuiju, across the border, for business talks, the source said. These restrictions, too, appear to be aimed at preventing stories of Kim Jong Nams death from reaching North Koreans, he said. These measures will probably continue until the controversies over the assassination die down, he said. Reported by Joonho Kim. Translated by Soo Min Jo. Written in English by Richard Finney. Chinese authorities in the restive northwestern region of Xinjiang have banned all Christian activities not linked to state-approved churches, launching a regionwide crackdown on unofficial worship in the name of "anti-terrorism" measures, RFA has learned. Underground Catholic churches and Protestant house churches have been warned to halt all activity throughout the region, a religious affairs official confirmed on Thursday. "Yes, that's right," said the official, who answered the phone at the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region government's religious and ethnic minority affairs bureau. "They all have to worship in [an officially approved] church," the official said, indicating that both Catholics and Protestants are affected by the new measures. China is home to an estimated 68 million Protestants, of whom 23 million worship in state-affiliated churches, and some nine million Catholics, 5.7 million of whom belong to state-sponsored organizations. But the ruling Chinese Communist Party, which embraces atheism, has stepped up controls over any form of religious practice among its citizens in recent years, putting increasing pressure on faith groups to join the Protestant Three Self Patriotic Association or the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, which has no ties with the Vatican. The administration of President Xi Jinping regards Christianity as a dangerous foreign import, with officials warning last year against the "infiltration of Western hostile forces" in the form of religion. Rules already in force Meanwhile, the new rules have already begun to be implemented in some areas of Xinjiang. A resident of Aksu (in Chinese, Akesu) prefecture's Shayar (Shaya) county said that churches in the cities of Aksu and Korla had stopped meeting altogether, and that local people had been warned not to meet privately for worship. "They warned us that we can't do that, and that we'll be charged with illegal assembly if we get caught, and be locked up in the detention center," the resident said. "It is now banned right across our whole region, including Korla and Aksu," the resident said. "If we meet we have to do it in secret." Authorities at the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps 31st agricultural regiment, part of a regional military-backed organization known as the bingtuan, on Feb. 19 ordered two house churches to close, local sources told RFA. Both churches were raided by local police and by dozens of officials from the local religious affairs bureau, with 21 members taken to the police station for questioning, they said. A member of a Protestant house church in the Ili (Yili) Kazakh prefecture told RFA on Thursday that local police had already handed down short-term administrative jail sentences to church members in the prefecture. "We don't dare gather for worship now," the church member said. "The police are saying it's part of terrorism prevention in Xinjiang, and that they won't allow gatherings of even a few people." "I heard that several churches in [Xinjiang's capital] Urumqi have been targeted. They are also going after people regarded as participating in evil cults," the church member said. "The police want our church to join the Three-Self Patriotic Association." Many of those detained are followers of the Fangcheng Fellowship, one of China's largest house church networks, the church member said, adding that some, but not all, have since been released. Administrative detention Chen Xiangyan, a house church member from Xinjiang's Wusu city, said she was recently held under administrative detention during a raid on her church group last month. "At about five o'clock in the afternoon of Friday Jan. 20, 10 of us had gathered at our home for worship," Chen said. "While we were in the middle of prayer, some police officers from Bashisihu came to our house, as well as the state security police, and took us down to the Bashisihu police station," she said, adding: "They held us until 2:00 a.m." Chen said police released four sick and elderly church members, but held six on 15-day administrative sentences, which can be handed down to perceived "troublemakers" without the need for a trial. "They interrogated us about the sources of funding for the church, and wanted to know who was organizing it and who was doing the preaching," she said. "They confiscated our ID cards, and interrogated us again on Jan. 24 ... After we had served our 15-day sentences, we had to pay a fine, and I haven't yet had a receipt for that fine," Chen said. Chen was accused of providing a venue and equipment, as well as organizing Protestant religious activity for church members Hu Qingyun, Zhang Mingfang, Wang Ying, Hu Hualing, Zhu Xiaohu, and others. The six were fined 1,000 yuan each and the group's new Bibles confiscated, she said. "They confiscated the lot, even though they were legitimate ones published by the Nanjing Publishing House," Chen said. Zhu Xiaohu told RFA that the church hadn't broken any laws. "They want us to join the Three-Self association, but we told them we couldn't because we don't understand their services," Zhu said. "We just got together by ourselves for prayer, preaching, and discussion. There was nobody else." "But they said we were breaking the law, and wouldn't allow it," she said. Tip-offs rewarded The crackdown on Christians comes as the Xinjiang authorities offered 100 million yuan (U.S.$14.5 million) in rewards for anti-terror tips, state media reported. The rewards are offered for verifiable "operational inside information" on plans for attacks in crowded areas or at government and Communist Party departments, the state-run Hotan Daily said on Tuesday. Local officials in Hotan confirmed the report to RFA on Thursday. "That's right, there will be rewards offered as part of anti-terrorism measures," an employee who answered the phone at the Hotan police department said. Reported by Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Lam Kwok-lap for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Three Uyghurs shot dead last week by authorities in China's troubled northwestern region of Xinjiang after they killed five Chinese passersby on the spot and wounded five others with knives appear to have been motivated by anger at threats by local officials to punish them for praying with their family, RFAs Uyghur Service has learned. Authorities shot dead brothers Omer Abdurahman, 25, and Memtimin Abdurahman, 21, as well as their friend Ehmet Eli, 21, in a residential area of Guma (in Chinese, Pishan) county in the Silk Road region of Hotan (Hetian) on Feb. 14. The Hotan government said in a brief statement on its official news website the day after the incident that thugs had killed five passersby and injured five others among crowds in a residential area around 2:30 p.m. RFA interviews with local authorities and others familiar with the incident indicate that a stability working group of officials barged into the Abdurahman home in Gumas Yengibazar village the day before the attacks and discovered that Omers and Memtimins father Abdurahman Rehmetulla had led an illegal family prayer service. The groups, which consist of cadres and security officials from the regional capital Urumqi and village-level officials visit Uyghur farmers homes every day as part of an effort to maintain social order in the restive region. China has officially outlawed group prayer services in the Uyghur region, even in ones own home with family members, as a way to curb Muslim religious practices. Uyghurs who hold such group prayer sessions face severe punishment. After the members of the working group called police to report the illegal religious activity, officers arrived immediately and took all eight people in the house to the police station for questioning, but later released them. On Feb. 14, police summoned Omer and Memtimin to the station again along with their friend Ehmet Eli. Before the attack About three hours before the attack, Omer and Memtimin went to township chief Ablikim Tureks office requesting irrigation water for their greenhouse, Abliz Mamut, a Chinese Communist Party member and former village party secretary, told RFA. It was there that they were informed that local police wanted them to provide more details about the illegal prayer service their family had held a day earlier, he said. When Omer Abdurahman came to my office asking for water, I granted his request and told him that his turn would be at 2 p.m., said Ablikim Turek, head of the No. 3 township of Yengibazar. And I also informed him that the police wanted to see them again. But he did not show up to take his turn at 2 p.m., he said, adding that local officials took necessary measures to insure social stability in the area by assigning cadres responsible for overseeing groups of 40 people each. [Previously] we had collected signatures, assigned two families to be responsible for each other, and banned praying in private by stressing that it is illegal, he said. Yet, we had this incident happen. Around 5:30 p.m., the two brothers and Eli went by motorcycle to the Nilofer residential district in Gumas town center, about 500-600 meters (547-656 yards) from the Abdurahman familys home, where they brandished knives and carried out the attack, Mamut said. The Uyghur onlookers did not intervene, Mamut said. We didnt know if they did so out of fear or to support them. Even though two Chinese resisted with a spade, they were overpowered by them. Of the five injured Chinese taken to the prefectures hospital, one died two days later, sources said. Among the others killed was an official from the township taxation office and Xiang Xiaoping, wife of the head of the County Commission for Discipline Inspection. The names of the others who were killed have not yet been released. Uyghur men pray inside a mosque in Hotan in China's northwestern Xinjiang region, April 16, 2015. Credit: AFP Sudden reaction to policing It appears as though the attack was not premeditated, but rather a sudden reaction to heavy-handed policing by Chinese authorities and the working group who invaded the Abdurahman home and harassed and intimidated the family for holding a family prayer service, sources said. It is clear that the attack was not premeditated at all and was carried out instantaneously, Ababekri Jamal, security chief of the Yengibazar village, said. The attackers carried out this attack to protest our countrys religious policy and take revenge against the restrictions on illegal prayers, he said. They know that they are no match for our armed forces, so they attacked Chinese people in the town. Mamut said that it is possible that the Abdurahman brothers were fed up with the endless home visits by the working group cadres or displeased by the police call for performing the Namaz Muslim prayer ritual in their home with their parents and other siblings. During a Chinese flag-raising ceremony held every morning in the village, an announcement is made to remind Uyghur residents that it is illegal for them to pray in private homes, he said. Instead, Uyghurs must pray in mosques that have a government-appointed imam. Perhaps they might have been scared of being prosecuted for performing Namaz in their own home, because they were aware that some people in adjacent villages had been sentenced for 10 to 12 years in prison in such cases, Mamut said. The brothers believed that they had been summoned to the police station a second time for reportedly arguing with police when they hauled in their family members were hauled in for questioning on Feb. 13, he said. When Omer, Memtimin, and Eli arrived in the center of Guma, they stabbed to death a Chinese man who was entering the taxation office, Mamut said. The trio attacked nine other Chinese in front of the Nilofer residential district, killing four instantly and wounding five. Though rumors circulated that cadres who had visited the Abdurahman household were among the dead, officials did not mention this during a meeting they held about the attack, Mamut said. Mysterious involvement of third attacker The involvement of the third attacker, Ehmet Eli, is somewhat mysterious, Mamut said, because he had gotten a marriage certificate the day before the attack and was to be married that weekend. On Feb. 13, Eli was ill and having his fluids checked in a hospital when he received a phone call from Omer about an hour before the attack, Mamut said. Afterwards, he asked the nurses to remove needles from his arm, saying that he had something important to attend to. When a nurse did not comply with his request, he pulled out the needles himself and left the hospital. Eli did not have any record of suspicious activity, said Abdurahman Abdurishit, Yengibazars security chairman. A year ago, however, he was rejected when he tried to enlist in the village militia. It is clear that they carried that attack abruptly out of contempt for our governments policies or out of fear of being punished, he said. We do not know if they had some secret plan before. Right now this aspect is under investigation. All three attackers, including the Abdurahmans parents, did not have very deep religious understanding and had not received religious training in other places, he said. But he added that the attackers families originally hailed from Arakum village in Guma countrys Kokterek township, where people are a bit dangerous. After the Feb. 14 attack, authorities detained all members of the Abdurahman family and questioned about 100 people, including their neighbors, at the village office, Mamut said. Between 50 and 60 of them were released after three days, and 20 to 30 others are still under investigation. Reported by Shohret Hoshur for RFAs Uyghur Service. Translated by Mamatjan Juma. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. With few jobs available at home, more than a million Tajiks have gone to Russia to work as laborers. Most of them are men who have left their families behind in Tajikistan. But there are concerns about the negative social impact of this mass migration. The Tajik Ministry of Education has warned that daughters of migrant workers are more likely to drop out of school after grade nine. So sociologists are encouraging these distant dads to use Skype and cellphones to stay connected with their kids. (RFE/RL's Tajik Service) KABUL -- Thousands of activists rallied in downtown Kabul on February 23, protesting Pakistan's cross-border rocket shelling last week. The protesters gathered around the Eidgah Mosque in the Afghan capital, chanting slogans condemning Pakistan as "an enemy of Afghanistan." During antiterrorist operations on February 17, Pakistan's military and law enforcement agencies fired missiles, some of which landed on Afghan territory. On February 18, Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry summoned Pakistani Ambassador Abrar Hussain to protest the shelling. The ministry also expressed concerns over the recent arrests of more than 100 Afghan refugees in Pakistan and Islamabad's decision to shut down the border between the two nations "to prevent terrorists' cross-border activities." Afghanistan's government also demanded that Pakistan hand over terrorists operating on its soil and close tens of training camps for suspected terrorists. The Taliban spring offensive is well under way in northern Afghanistan. Barely three years ago, northern Afghanistan was a relatively peaceful part of the country. It was a welcome situation for the governments of the Central Asian states, who fear Afghanistan's problems could create instability among its neighbors. This year there is fighting in all eight of the Afghan provinces that border Central Asia. It's been close to two decades since there was such widespread violence along Central Asia's southern border. RFE/RL's Turkmen Service, known locally as Azatlyk, spoke with officials in Faryab Province, one the Afghan provinces bordering Turkmenistan, to try to get a picture of the situation there. Colonel Reza Rezai is the spokesman for the Afghan National Army's 209th Brigade, which is stationed in northern Afghanistan. "As of June 1, there is heavy fighting in the Gormach district, several militants were killed and security forces had casualties also," Rezai said. "The districts of Qaysar, Dowlatebad, and Khoja Sebiz Posh came under attack and traffic on the Ankhoi-Maymana highway is suspended." The Gormach and Dowlatebad districts border Turkmenistan. Ankhoi is where the planned Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan railway is supposed to enter Afghanistan from Turkmenistan. Rezai said that "the security post in Khoja Sebiz Posh has been overrun by militants," as have two villages in the district. "Eighteen villages in Qaysar district are currently under the control of militants, and the Taliban also has an overwhelming presence in the Pashtun Kot district." The chief of the Faryab provincial council, Tahir Rahmani, echoed Rezai's assessment. Rahmani said there was "fierce fighting" going on in Pashtun Kot district and also that militants were getting closer to the provincial capital, Maymana. Jawid Bedar, the spokesman for the Faryab governor, said fighting was nearing Maymana and that without reinforcements the city could fall. Bedar said the militants had blocked the highway leading east from Maymana to Sheberghan, capital of Jowzjan Province. Local officials told Azatlyk that most of the militants in Faryab are from Central Asia -- Turkmen, Uzbeks, and some Tajiks. These officials also said the militants had control of some areas adjacent to the Turkmen border. The security problems in northwest Afghanistan continue despite several trips to the region by Afghan Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum, a former general who comes from the region. Dostum has led at last four offensives against militants in northwest Afghanistan since the summer of 2015. His forces have chased the militants from many regions, but when Dostum departs the militants return. Azatlyk director Muhammad Tahir contributed to this report The more Finland and Sweden cooperate with NATO, the more the security equation in the Baltic region changes. Specifically, the more Finland and Sweden cooperate with NATO, the more defensible the Baltic states become in the face of potential Russian aggression. And since Russia's annexation of Crimea and invasion of the Donbas put the the West on high alert three years ago, Finland and Sweden have been cooperating with NATO at unprecedented levels. And this, of course, hasn't escaped the Kremlin's notice. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov sent a not-so-subtle message this week, saying that the nonaligned status of Finland and Sweden was vital to the "stability of the Baltic region and Europe in general." Well, I guess that would depend on what your definition of stability is. And, as usual, a bit of translation is required to understand exactly what Lavrov means here. Because in Moscow-speak, the "stability of the Baltic region" means the insecurity of the Baltic states. In Moscow-speak, the "stability of the Baltic region" means the Baltic states remaining vulnerable and easily isolated from their NATO allies. In Moscow-speak, the "stability of the Baltic region" means Russia's continued ability to harass and threaten Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. But for the Estonians, the Latvians, and the Lithuanians, of course, stability means something else entirely. It means that their security and their sovereignty are protected. So from the vantage points of Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius, the stability of the Baltic region -- and that of Europe in general -- is only enhanced by Sweden and Finland cooperating as closely as possible with NATO. Keep telling me what you think on The Power Vertical's Twitter feed and on our Facebook page. A plane carrying a third group of at least 18 Afghan asylum-seekers rejected by Germany left for Kabul late on February 22. Police said around 250 people gathered at the airport to protest the deportations, which German opposition parties and rights groups have criticized, arguing that most of Afghanistan is not safe for return. "There are no secure areas in Afghanistan," said Nadine Kriebel of the Bavarian Refugees' Council, which organized the rally. "We want to lodge a protest against these indiscriminate deportations." In the past, the majority of Afghans whose asylum bids were declined were allowed to remain in Germany due to the security threat in their country. But Berlin, which participates in NATO forces in Afghanistan, decided last year to designate parts of the country safe for return. The government said the group deportations are supposed to send a signal to Afghans that Germany only accepts a small number of asylum bids from their country. Peter Altmaier, German Chancellor Angela Merkel's chief of staff, defended the deportations on Deutschlandfunk radio. "Those who have no claim to asylum from any conceivable point of view -- where the courts have determined that they do not face the threat of persecution -- must expect to be repatriated," he said. Based on reporting by AFP and dpa Residents of the Russian region of Ingushetia are commemorating the victims of the Soviet Union's 1944 deportation of Ingush and Chechens from the North Caucasus. The head of Ingushetia, Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, in an address to the Ingush people on February 23 called the deportation "one of the most tragic pages in the history of the Ingush people." On February 22, Ingush lawmakers adopted in its first reading a bill banning the glorification of the Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, on whose orders the deportation was carried out. From February 23 to March 9, 1944, the Soviet authorities forcibly deported almost all Ingush and Chechens -- an estimated 650,000 people -- to Central Asia, after accusing them of collaborating with Nazi Germany. As many as half of the deportees died either on the journey or because of the harsh conditions in which they were forced to live. In 1957, the survivors were allowed to return to the North Caucasus. In Chechnya, Moscow-backed leader Ramzan Kadyrov in 2012 moved the Day of Grief and Remembrance from February 23 to May 10, the anniversary of the burial of his father, Akhmad Kadyrov, who was killed in a bomb attack in 2004. A Republican member of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee said she's open to using a subpoena to investigate President Donald Trump's tax returns for possible connections to Russia. In an interview with Maine Public Radio on February 22, Susan Collins also said that many members of the committee, which is leading Congress's investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, will formally request that ousted national security adviser Michael Flynn testify before the panel. Collins was asked if the committee would subpoena Trump's tax records, which he has refused to release, prompting her to break ranks with the Republican president. She responded that she hopes for "voluntary cooperation" but is open to using a subpoena if necessary. If its necessary to get to the answers, then I suspect we would, she said. All of us are determined to get the answers... This is a counterintelligence operation in many ways. That's what our committee specializes in... We are used to probing in depth in this area." Collins noted in the interview that Republicans hold only a one-seat majority on the committee. Her vote on the subpoena matter could prove crucial, as Democrats have been calling on Trump for months to release his tax records. Break With Tradition Trump's refusal to disclose his tax returns is a break with longstanding tradition among U.S. presidents. He has said he would be happy to release them after the completion of an Internal Revenue Service audit. Using a subpoena to get access to the tax returns would be a more aggressive move than Republicans in Congress have been willing to take thus far in their investigations of alleged Russian meddling in the election. House and Senate GOP leaders have not yet shown any interest in taking such a step. Last week, House Republicans blocked an attempt by Democrats to use an obscure law to obtain the tax returns from the U.S. Treasury. Democrats on the House Ways and Means Committee had framed the issue as a matter of national security, questioning whether Trump has any investments in Russia. In saying that the intelligence committee will seek Flynn's testimony, Collins did not indicate whether his appearance before the committee would be public or behind closed doors. Flynn was ousted last week following reports that he misled Vice President Mike Pence about phone conversations he had before taking office discussing Russian sanctions with Russian Ambassador to the United States Sergei Kislyak. Collins said the committee is in the midst of a "broad investigation" about Russia's alleged influence in the election and it's too early to speculate about the results. FBI Director James Comey on February 17 gave the committee a two-hour briefing on the agency's investigation of alleged Russian meddling, which reportedly started before the November election. Collins touted the "bipartisan" nature of the committee's probe and pledged: "We will get to the bottom of this." With reporting by AP, Washington Post, and Roll Call BISHKEK -- The first secretary of the Russian Embassy in Bishkek, who was involved in a fatal traffic crash in Bishkek, has left Kyrgyzstan for Russia. Russian Embassy spokeswoman Darya Pakhomova said on February 22 that Viktor Pukhov had been sent to Russia, but did not say when. On February 16, a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado registered with the Russian Embassy sped through a red light in Bishkek and smashed at high speed into a van driven by Bishkek resident Aleksei Leksin. Leksin died on the way to the hospital. WATCH: Fatal Traffic Collision In Bishkek Pakhomova said the next day that Pukhov, who was hospitalized with a dislocated pelvis, was driving the embassy car. Kyrgyzstan's Foreign Ministry on February 17 summoned Russian Charge d'Affaires Aleksei Mzareulov to discuss the crash. On February 23, the Bishkek police department officially asked the Russian Embassy to assist in the investigation. Bishkek police said earlier that the deputy director of Russian oil giant Rosneft's branch in Kyrgyzstan, Igor Ryasny, was also in the embassy car at the time. BRUSSELS -- The Netherlands' lower house of parliament has voted for the ratification of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, leaving a vote in the upper house -- the Dutch Senate -- as a final hurdle before the deal, which was signed in March 2014, finally can enter into force. It has been expected that the House of Representatives would vote in favor of the deal, as the governing coalition enjoys a majority there. The Senate vote is expected to take place only after the next month's parliamentary elections in the Netherlands on March 15, despite the fact that the composition of the Senate isn't affected by the general election. The Netherlands is the only EU country that still hasn't ratified the Association Agreement with Ukraine after 61 percent voted against it in a citizen-driven referendum in the country in April 2016. Although the result was consultative, the Dutch government decided to negotiate a legally binding supplement to the Association Agreement with the other 27 EU member states. The supplement, which does not change the text of the actual agreement, was adopted at an EU summit in Brussels in December 2016 and outlined, among other things, that the EU-Ukraine deal doesn't give Kyiv the right to EU membership or guarantees of military support from the EU. In Pakistan, a country where journalists are often the targets of threats and deadly attacks and have little protection from authorities, many reporters are left to fend for themselves. Now, Pakistani journalists are banding together and establishing so-called "safety hubs" where reporters can formally document cases of intimidation and physical abuse. The hubs, located in press clubs in all four provincial capitals, will then take up the cases with authorities. The initiative is part of an effort to highlight attacks on the media in a bid to spur authorities to protect Pakistan's estimated 18,000 journalists, many of whom face threats and violence from militant groups, criminal gangs, and even the country's own military and intelligence agencies. Gohar Ali, the head of the safety hub project in the volatile northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and adjoining lawless tribal areas on the border with Afghanistan, says they have reported more than a dozen cases of threats since the project was rolled out in January. 'Fear More Trouble' A large banner is plastered on the Peshawar Press Club, a two-story brick building opposite the railway station in the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The sign urges journalists facing threats and violence to come forward. But Ali says many journalists are still afraid to report threats and violence, fearing a backlash from militants, criminals, and intelligence agents in the region. "The major problem is that many journalists do not mention the threat because they fear more trouble," Ali said. "This is especially the case with journalists from the tribal areas who are facing many threats." Ali says there have been many cases where journalists have shared their concerns, but have refrained from formally documenting their complaints. Dilawar Wazir, a BBC reporter in Peshawar, moved with his family from the Waziristan region in the tribal areas due to persistent threats. The region, many parts of which are off-limits to reporters, is a hotbed for militant groups and the scene of sporadic military operations. "The majority of journalists have moved with their families from Waziristan because of threats and fear," says Wazir. "The homes of many journalists have been attacked in the past. They were physically attacked or their family members were threatened." Apart from recording cases, the safety hubs also offer legal advice for journalists facing prosecution for their reporting and even provide financial assistance to the families of reporters who have been killed in the line of duty. The project is managed by International Media Support, a development organization that works with local media in conflict areas. The project comes a year after journalists formed a group called Editors For Safety, vowing to report on and highlight attacks on the press in an attempt to spur the authorities and their own employers into action. Culture Of Impunity Pakistan has long been among the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists, with 102 reporters and media workers having lost their lives since 2005, according to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). The organization adds that, since 2010, 73 journalists and media workers in Pakistan have been killed: almost one journalist killed every month. Most of those killed were local journalists reporting on war, politics, corruption, and human rights. In a 2016 report on Pakistan, which ranks 147th out of 179 countries on Reporters Without Borders' World Press Freedom Index, the IFJ said that an "atmosphere of lawlessness" in the country, aided by "widespread impunity," has "not only contributed to more attacks on journalists but also forced the journalists to self-censor." "In many of the cases, there were reports suspecting Pakistan's intelligence services' involvement but the government has failed to investigate these cases and punish the murderers. With only three verdicts and one case in the court in more than 100 killings since 2005, impunity in Pakistan is at its worst." In August, DawnNews cameraman Mahmood Khan and Aaj TV cameraman Shehzad Ahmed died at Quetta Civil Hospital when a bomb killed at least 70 people -- many of them lawyers -- among a crowd that was grieving the assassination of the head of Balochistan's Bar Association. There have been dozens of high-profile cases of journalists targeted in Pakistan in the past decade, including U.S. journalist Daniel Pearl, who was slain after his abduction in the port city of Karachi in 2002; Salem Shahzad, who was found dead in the capital Islamabad in 2011 after reporting on the infiltration of militant groups in the army; and Hamid Mir, one of Pakistan's most prominent reporters, who survived an attack on his life in Karachi in 2014. Written by Frud Bezhan, based on reporting by RFE/RL Radio Mashaal correspondent Zaland Yousufzai A bomb explosion in the Pakistani city of Lahore has left at least eight people dead and about 20 injured, officials say. The February 23 blast struck an upscale shopping district, a spokesman for the Punjab provincial police said. Police said the area had been sealed off and the cause of the explosion, which appeared to target a popular restaurant, was under investigation. There were reports of a second explosion, but police said that turned out to be a false alarm. The explosion came one day after authorities announced a national antiterrorism alert after the country was rocked by a spate of attacks that left more than 130 people dead. On February 16, a militant detonated explosives at a Sufi shrine in Sindh province, killing 90 people. The Islamic State terrorist group claimed responsibility for that attack. On February 13, a Taliban suicide-bomb attack in Lahore killed 13 people. Based on reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP KYIV -- An elusive Ukrainian associate of Paul Manafort says he briefed the former campaign chairman for U.S. President Donald Trump on Ukraine during last year's presidential race. The comments by Konstantin Kilimnik, in an exclusive interview with RFE/RL, add to the swirl of intrigue surrounding Manafort, a shadowy political operative who helped bring Viktor Yanukovych to the Ukrainian presidency and who is now under FBI investigation for allegedly communicating with Russian intelligence officials during the 2016 U.S. campaign. Kilimnik, a dual Russian-Ukrainian citizen, himself studied at the Russian military's main university for languages, which has led to speculation that he has ties to Russian military intelligence. In the February 22 interview, Kilimnik denied any ties to Russian intelligence. But he said that he and Manafort spoke during the 2016 election "every couple months." "I was briefing him on Ukraine," he said. Manafort was fired by the Trump campaign in August after news reports documented payments to him from Yanukovychs pro-Russian political party. Last month, The New York Times and other media reported that U.S. authorities were investigating Manafort and other Trump aides for allegedly communicating with Russian intelligence during the campaign. Manafort did not respond to e-mails and a voicemail seeking comment from RFE/RL after the interview concluded. But shortly after those inquiries, Kilimnik called RFE/RL back and said he had been contacted directly by Manafort. Kilimnik said that while he was speaking to Manafort "every couple months" about Ukraine, he wanted to clarify that he had not been formally advising him during the U.S. election campaign. Since leaving the Trump campaign, Manafort has remained largely out of sight. Kilimnik said the last time he spoke to Manafort was in recent weeks. Meeting Manafort A short, camera-shy 46-year-old from Kriviy Rih with an affinity for metaphors, Kilimnik studied at Russias Military University for Foreign Languages, known today as the Military University of the Ministry of Defense. In the interview at an Italian restaurant in Kyiv, Kilimnik explained how he came to work for Manafort and gave a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the political operatives role in the most pivotal events in history of contemporary Ukraine. In the early 2000s, Kilimnik worked in Moscow for the International Republican Institute, a Washington-based nongovernmental group that promotes democracy with funding from the U.S. State Department, as well as from European foundations and the United Nations. In 2005, he began working for Manafort, following the 2004 Orange Revolution -- an earlier series of mass protests that resulted in Yanukovych losing the Ukrainian presidency. "Manafort is a guy who can merge strategy and messages into something that will work for victory," Kilimnik said. "He is very skillful." Yanukovych recovered from his loss and went on to win the presidency in 2010, a victory many observers credited to Manaforts counsel. After Yanukovych's election, Kilimnik said he spent 90 percent of his time inside the presidential administration, where he assisted Manafort. In November 2013, the Yanukovych government became the focus of a tug-of-war between the European Union and Russia over a trade deal that would have pulled Ukraine away from Moscows orbit. Kilimnik said Manafort told Yanukovych in his presence: "You have to trust the Europeans. Then down the road you will fix relations with Russia and youll be fine." Yanukovych spurned the EU deal, triggering months of street protests in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities that turned violent and ultimately prompted him to flee the country. "Everyone was telling [Yanukovych], 'you should sign the deal. Just sign the f****** deal,'" Kilimnik said. "Yanukovych did not listen to [Manafort], which is why he got f*****." Russia later carried out a covert military operation to take control of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, which it subsequently annexed, and backed the armed separatists fighting Kyiv's forces in the east. In July of last year, while Manafort was still working with Trump, the Trump campaign altered the Republican Party's official endorsement of providing Ukraine with lethal weapons, The Washington Post reported. Ukraine had been asking Washington to provide such weapons to bolster its fight against well-armed separatists. The following month, amid the uproar that emerged after The New York Times detailed the alleged off-the-books payments from Yanukovych's former party to Manafort, the Trump campaign cut ties with Manafort. Despite briefing Manafort during the U.S. election campaign, Kilimnik said he has not been on Manafort's payroll since 2014. He now says he advises members of the political party that used to be led by Yanukovych until his ouster. The last time Manafort visited Ukraine was in autumn 2015, according to Kilimnik. Manafort's former office near Kyiv's Independence Square is closed. Nobody answered there when RFE/RL knocked on the door of the office on February 22. 'He Will Be Back' Kilimnik insists that the media has misread Manafort, and he claimed Manafort did not receive any of the funds he was alleged to have received from Yanukovychs former party. Kilimnik also argued that Manafort has no ties to Russia and claimed Manafort has not spoken with a Russian aside from Kilimnik "since Deripaska." hat's a reference to Oleg Deripaska, a Russian billionaire who is considered a Kremlin insider and who has been barred from receiving a U.S. visa for years due to persistent allegations of organized crime links. Deripaska has been locked in a legal battle with Manafort over investments in a private equity fund. Kilimnik could not say when the last contact between Manafort and Deripaska occurred. Manafort told The Wall Street Journal last month, "I have never had any relationship with the Russian [government] or any Russian officials." Kilimnik also said that he had drafted a plan to bring peace to Ukraine in the nearly three-year-old conflict with Russia. He referred to it as a "Mariupol plan," a reference to the southeastern port city that abuts the current line of conflict between government forces and Russia-backed separatist fighters. It would bring Yanukovych back to Ukraine as a regional leader in the Donetsk and Luhansk provinces, where fighting has raged on and off for nearly three years, or possibly involve others such as the current separatist leaders there. That plan, which Kilimnik said Manafort was not involved with, would face almost certain opposition in Kyiv since it calls for Yanukovych returning to Ukraine from Russia, where he fled in February 2014. Meanwhile, The New York Times reported February 19 that a peace plan drafted by a little-known Ukrainian lawmaker to end the conflict had made it into the hands of top White House officials. That news sparked an angry uproar in Kyiv. Kilimnik suggested Ukraine may not have seen the last of Manafort. "If there's a serious project that is pro-Ukrainian and can bring peace to this country, then he will be back," he said. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said he was satisfied he has established a dialogue with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration despite concerns in Kyiv that Trump might sacrifice ties with Ukraine in favor of a closer relationship with Russia. Poroshenko told a meeting of Ukraine's top brass on February 22. that his conversations with Trump, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and Vice President Mike Pence have left him optimistic. "At the moment, I am happy how we are building bridges, and how our dialogue is working out for the best with the U.S. administration," he said. Poroshenko's reassurance over ties to Washington came as one of Kyiv's key European allies expressed concern over the failure of yet another attempt to halt the fighting in the east. A new cease-fire agreement was supposed to go into effect on February 20, with Ukraine and Russia-backed separatists obliged to pull heavy weapons back from the front line. "The truth is as follows: the cease-fire is not holding," German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said, adding that is "alarming." "Those who say something on Saturday [February 18] and several days later don't keep their word are responsible for the failure of the negotiation process," Gabriel said. Based on reporting by AFP and Interfax Turkmenistan's Council of Elders just met in the capital, Ashgabat. It has long been the custom for the council to laud the alleged achievements of the president, and this latest meeting was no exception. The Council of Elders bestowed another award on President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov and the president honored the equally well-established tradition of lauding the country's supposed achievements, this time ahead of the 20th anniversary of the United Nations recognizing Turkmenistan as a neutral country. I have long had questions about these elders: how they receive their positions and what they do. And fortunately for me, RFE/RL's Turkmen Service, known locally as Azatlyk, recently interviewed a man who is now a former elder. Jora Aga has an amazing tale to tell, although he told it only reluctantly to our Azatlyk correspondent. It started with a question about why Jora had shaved his "beautiful beard." "I'm a pensioner, and when I became a pensioner suddenly I was invited to sit in places of honor at weddings and events with other elders, many of whom had beards. I had a grandson, so I decided one day I should grow a beard," he said. But he continued, "If I had known I would face so many difficulties, I never would have grown it." Jora's beard grew long. "It covered my entire chest," he explained. His beard came to the attention of the village chief, who invited Jora for a conversation one day. "He said, 'You are a confident speaker in front of people, you also have a beautiful beard. It suits you. We need people like you to greet the masses. So what would you think if we invited you to celebrations and mass events?'" It sounded like a great honor as well as potentially being a bit of fun, so Jora accepted. "I said yes," Jora recalled, "after two or three days the village chief came to my home." The chief told Jora elders who participate in public events needed the proper attire and offered, for 340 manats, to purchase such clothing for Jora. "He brought me a hat" -- the large white fur hat of the Turkmen -- "and a gown," Jora said. "The ordeal started from there." "They started to take me to events in the village, then around the district. They asked me to speak and I spoke. Then they started taking me to provincial events, and two or three times they asked me to come to the capital for national events," Jora said. On His Own Dime While officials were pleased to have Jora attend these events, they did not offer him free transportation. That money came from Jora's pocket. Jora said he regularly attended 10 or 15 events a month, sometimes even as many as 20 public gatherings. "If there was a wedding,' Jora please come.'" "If there was a commemoration banquet, 'Jora come.'" "If they were planting grain or cotton, 'Jora come.'" "If they were harvesting grain or cotton, 'Jora come.'" Jora said he was often away from his home and that it became a problem. "My wife started nagging, saying, 'It is either these events or us, or make them pay you something for your time.'" He went on: "I told her you cannot get snow from officials in winter, let alone receive a salary [for attending public events]." Our correspondent mentioned there were reports that the elders received gifts when they attended high-level events. "People might talk about this," Jora responded, "but in reality, no such thing exists." So why didn't Jora simply resign from his position as a venerated elder? "I tried. I went to the village chief and told him I wanted to stop participating in mass events. He said no, because my name was already written down on the official list of invitees," Jora said. "I went to the district chief's office and requested my name be taken off the [official] list," Jora continued. "They said, 'We don't invite all old men to events. If we want, there are many people who could be invited, but some have problems growing beards and others have problems in the background checks that go back seven generations.'" Such generation checks were instituted several years ago and are mandatory for people seeking posts in the government. Anyone who had an ancestor who committed a crime, even more than 100 years ago, is barred from receiving state posts; and, more generally, it complicates the lives and aspirations of those living in Turkmenistan today if they had such an ancestor. "I realized I couldn't escape," Jora said, "So I decided to play a trick. I told them one of my relatives in the seven-generation list had a criminal record, but they didn't pay any attention." Desperate times call for desperate measures, as they say, so Jora resorted to...the barber. "I went straight to the barber shop and told him to shave off my beard," Jora said. "I was relieved, as if a great weight had been taken off my shoulders." It was the end of Jora's days of attending public events. "These days I shave every day, or at least every other day. Thank God, I can spend time with my grandsons, I don't leave home, and my wife has stopped nagging." Based on reporting by RFE/RL's Turkmen Service 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. In comments that are sure to exacerbate ever-growing fears of militancy in Central Asia, Russia's deputy defense minister has warned that militants from the Islamic State (IS) group in Afghanistan pose a threat to Tajikistan. Anatoly Antonov reminded reporters in Moscow on March 5 that the IS group already had a presence in Afghanistan. Antonov said that the IS militant group posed a threat to Russia's partners in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), an intergovernmental military alliance comprising Russia and five other post-Soviet states, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. "We have noticed that in this region the first factions of the Islamic State group have emerged. We see how they are starting to push toward the southern borders of our allies, first of all those in the CSTO," Antonov said. The main threat posed by the militants is to Tajikistan, Antonov explained. Reports that the IS group has gained a toehold in Afghanistan emerged earlier this year. Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Siddiq Siddiqi told RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan on February 10 that "Islamic State or those people who call themselves Islamic State are active in some areas and our intelligence reports confirm it." Also in February, the Pentagon acknowledged the spread of the IS group to Afghanistan in February, with Pentagon spokesman Major Bradlee Avots saying that the expansion of the extremist group into the region was "of great concern." Other Pentagon officials played down the IS presence in Afghanistan, calling it "nascent at best." Russia and Central Asian states reported concerns about the IS expansion into Afghanistan late in 2014, however. In December Russian President Vladimir Putin told a CSTO summit that IS militias were threatening to "include some provinces of Afghanistan in the so-called Islamic caliphate," the name given by IS militants to the areas under their control. Putin also warned that unspecified "terrorist groups" were trying to extend their activities to Central Asia. Though there are legitimate concerns about the threat of the IS group to Central Asia, Russia has used the threat to push for a strengthening of the CSTO in order to take "preventative measures" against the IS group. In his March 5 comments, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Antonov again pointed to the threat to CSTO members. Antonov's comments come amid ever-growing fears in Central Asia of the threat of radicalization and militancy, in particular by the IS group. Central Asian states are also concerned about the rise of the group in Afghanistan, and the participation by nationals from Central Asian states in militant groups in that country. The Russian deputy defense minister's remarks also come in the wake of reports by Afghan officials that Russian-speaking Central Asians were among dozens of militants killed in southern Afghanistan on March 4. Many of those killed, including a female militant, were reportedly Kyrgyz. Police officials in Zabul Province, however, said that most of the militants killed were Kazakh. -- Joanna Paraszczuk The founder of Russia's Against Slavery nongovernmental organization has been detained on suspicion of organizing illegal immigration. Oleg Melnikov told the Mediazona news portal that he and another activist, as well as four migrant workers from former Soviet republics, were detained in the town of Krasnogorsk near Moscow, on February 22. The migrant workers from Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan were temporarily living in a facility in Krasnogorsk that the activists had helped to turn into makeshift housing. According to Melnikov, the four were living there while their papers were being taken care of by the activists. The Russian Criminal Code stipulates punishment of up to five years in jail for facilitating illegal immigration. Melnikov formerly headed another antislavery group called Alernativa, which made headlines in 2012 when it helped release 11 people from de facto slavery. With reporting by zona.media A lead organizer of an upcoming march to commemorate slain Kremlin critic and former Deputy Prime Minister Boris Nemtsov has been "warned" by Moscow prosecutors of possible consequences in the event of violations of public order or the law on public gatherings. Vladimir Milov, a leader of the opposition Democratic Choice party, wrote on LiveJournal on February 23 that a district police officer handed to him a two-page warning from the prosecutor at his residence late the previous evening. The march to commemorate Nemtsov is scheduled to be held in the center of Moscow on February 26 and has been authorized by municipal authorities. Two previous marches to honor Nemtsov were held without any incidents. Milov posted a scan of the official warning on the website as well. The written "warning" openly says that Milov might face administrative or criminal charges if the march produces public disorder or inciting social enmity. Earlier, agents of the Federal Security Service in the southern city of Stavropol reportedly threatened the organizer of a Nemtsov memorial to be held there with criminal prosecution. Nemtsov was an outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin and was shot dead near the Kremlin on February 27, 2015. Russia is open to dialogue with the United States on creating safe zones in Syria, but believes that any such plan needs to be coordinated with the Syrian government, Moscow's top diplomat said. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a news conference in Moscow on February 22 that he briefly discussed safe zones with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson when they met in Germany last week, but Tillerson told him the concept was still being worked out. U.S. President Donald Trump said last month that he wants to set up safe zones where Syrians escaping the war can safely live rather than flee the country to become refugees in the United States and Europe. Trump instructed the U.S. Defense and State Departments to work out details of the plan. Lavrov said Russia will wait for the United States to spell out its proposal. "We believe that any such initiatives concerning the territory of Syria need to be coordinated with the Syrian government; otherwise it would be hard to implement them," he said. "Having described our understanding of what we can talk about, we are waiting for clarifications from Washington," Lavrov said. "We are also ready to discuss other proposals concerning our cooperation in Syria." Lavrov appeared to be backing the line taken by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who has said that any move by outside parties to set up safe zones would be a violation of Syria's sovereignty unless it is coordinated with his government. One of the principal concerns critics of Syrian safe zones have raised is the possibility that any enforcement of such zones by Western forces could lead to clashes with Russian and Syrian forces operating nearby. But Trump and the Kremlin have been holding out the possibility of greater cooperation in Syria, not only on creating safe zones but particularly on battling the Islamic State group. Putin's foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, said on February 22 that Putin and Trump discussed possible cooperation on fighting terrorism, along with economic issues, in a January 28 phone call. He called the conversation "quite substantive," but provided no details. With reporting by AP, Reuters, Interfax, and TASS Residents of the Russian city of Yekaterinburg have protested plans to build a Russian Orthodox church in the middle of a large pond. At least 100 people joined hands and walked around Verkhne-Isetsky pond on February 23 to protest the planned construction of the St. Catherine Church. On February 21, construction workers placed poles in the ice on the pond to mark the site where the church is to be built. Protesters say the church will make the picturesque pond less attractive and contend that it is not needed. A police officer prevented the protesters from gathering in the middle of the pond and asked them not to chant any slogans. The Russian Orthodox Church has experienced a major revival since the communist Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, and many churches have been restored or newly built. Church construction plans have sometimes faced opposition from Russians who want to preserve open spaces in their cities. More than two-thirds of Russia's people identify themselves as Orthodox Christians, but only a small fraction regularly go to church. Based on reporting by skoronovosti.ru and politsovet.ru Russia has asked Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime to halt bombings during peace talks this week in Geneva, UN envoy Staffan de Mistura has said, adding that a peace breakthrough seems unlikely. "Russia announced to everyone that they have formally asked the Syrian government to silence their own skies during the talks," de Mistura told reporters on February 22 at a meeting of the UN-backed cease-fire task force, on the eve of new negotiations in Geneva aimed at ending the six-year conflict. The talks will be the first UN-mediated negotiations on Syria in almost a year, during which time the military and geopolitical context has changed massively. Assad's army, with military backing from Russia, has recaptured the rebel bastion of eastern Aleppo, and the rebels are in a significantly weaker position. De Mistura indicated that only limited progress was likely, and "momentum" towards a deal was probably the most that could be hoped for when delegations for Assad and the opposition resume talks on February 23. "Am I expecting a breakthrough? No, I am not expecting a breakthrough," de Mistura said, but added that he hoped this round could lead to further talks on a political solution. Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP Tajik opposition Group 24 movement has elected its new leadership after its founding leader Umarali Quvatov was shot dead in Istanbul, Turkey last week. Quvatov's cousin and business associate, 29-year-old Sharofiddin Gadoev, who has been living in self-imposed exile in Spain since 2013, told RFE/RL that the leading council of the Group 24 held its gathering on March 12 and elected him the movement's new leader. A Tajik businessman, Sobir Valiev, 26, was elected Gadoev's deputy. Gadoev declined to say where exactly the gathering was held. The majority of the movement's members are living outside Tajikistan. Gadoev also said that the Group 24 will continue its political activities opposing Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. Tajik authorities banned Group 24 branding it extremist after the group called on Tajik citizens for anti-government protests in Dushanbe in October. Two alleged members of the group are currently on trial. Last week, one activist was sentenced to 17 1/2 years in jail for being a member of Group 24. DUSHANBE -- Tajik President Emomali Rahmon has signed a bill on the creation of a central communications hub in the former Soviet republic, a move critics say is meant to tighten government control over the Internet and cellular communications. The law endorsed by Rahmon on January 25 will require all mobile operators and Internet providers to provide their services to clients only via the Single Communication Nexus, which is to be established by the state Telecom Company. Officials have said the hub is needed to improve "national and information security." Some industry representatives and government critics are opposed to the law. They say it will give the state, which has repeatedly taken steps to mute criticism or silence calls on the Internet for street protests, more power to rein in free speech. The chairwoman of the Tajik Internet Providers Association, Parvina Ibodova, said the communications hub would make it easier for the government to shut down websites. She also said it that creating a single hub for all Internet traffic could weaken security, not strengthen it. "If there is a hacker attack on one network, the whole country will be affected," Ibodova said. Industry representatives also expressed concern that monopolizing communications services could worsen their quality. Rahmon signed the bill two months after lawmakers passed legislation allowing the authorities to block the Internet and telephone system during "counterterrorism operations" in the Central Asian state. Access to a number of social-networking and news sites -- including Facebook, Twitter, and RFE/RL's Tajik-language and Russian-language websites -- has been disrupted several times since 2013. Many Internet users believe the government was behind the outages, though it has denied involvement and blamed technical problems. Restricted access to the Internet resources was reported on days when opposition groups planned rallies or when security forces were involved in operations against alleged terrorists. U.S. and EU officials have raised concerns both over restrictions of access to the Internet as a whole and blockage of the Internet and over blockage of access to individual sites. With reporting by RFE/RL's Current Time Asia Tajik prosecutors say 23 top officials of the banned Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (HNIT) have been arrested, many on suspicion of leading a deadly mutiny by a serving deputy defense minister in early September. The Tajik Prosecutor-General's Office said on October 6 that criminal probes are under way against the party officials who face charges including terrorism, inciting religious and racial hatred, and attempting to seize power by force. Many also face forgery, fraud, and other economic crime charges. The arrested officials include deputy heads of the HNIT, while party leader Muhiddin Kabiri remains in a self-imposed exile outside Tajikistan. On September 29, the Supreme Court ruled that the HNIT was an "extremist and terrorist organization" and banned it. The decision came after the government blamed the party for organizing the September 4 attacks on a police station and an arsenal near Dushanbe that killed 26 people. Authorities say the attacks were carried out by an armed group led by Abduhalim Nazarzoda, a deputy defense minister who was later killed. HNIT officials have rejected connections to Nazarzoda or the insurrection and have called arrests of party officials to be politically motivated. Human rights groups have condemned the crackdown as politically motivated. "This will have a disastrous effect on the overall climate of freedom of expression in Tajikistan," said Steve Swerdlow, a Central Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch. Swerdlow urged Tajikistan's foreign partners, including Western governments, to press the country over the crackdown, saying, "Not doing so opens up Tajikistan to far greater risk of instability and radicalization." The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on October 2 slammed the Tajik government for its crackdown on the HNIT and accused it of risking to commit "human rights violations." Media outlets in the Central Asian former Soviet republics of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have expressed concern over the rise of the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria and Iraq. They have also expressed disquiet about possible threats posed by the group in the region. One outlet in the increasingly pro-Moscow Kyrgyzstan has even suggested that the United States intends to use IS to destabilize Central Asia, so that it can re-enter the region via NATO. Fears that Islamic State is gaining influence in Central Asia have been growing for months. There have been numerous reports that Central Asian citizens are fighting in Syria, mostly for IS. In Tajikistan in August, there were reports that a Tajik national had been appointed the emir (leader) of the IS-controlled Raqqa province. Earlier this month, it was reported that the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) had decided to support IS. These fears, coupled with concerns of U.S. intervention in the region, are reflected in media reports. Analyst Ikhom Kuliyev, writing in centralasia.ru on October 21, said that over 200 Tajik nationals were reported to be fighting in Syria. In December, Tajikistan's Supreme Court sentenced three Tajik students to prison terms after they were found guilty of fighting with the "armed opposition" in Syria. It is not clear which group the men were fighting with, but it was likely to be IS. Kuliyev warned that the threat from IS to Tajikistan and to other Central Asian countries was very real. "Today, such a threat has turned from something hypothetical into reality. Central Asian states are at the center of an 'arc of instability' through which an attack of 'global jihad' is being launched on modern civilization, and is in direct contact with several terrorist hotbeds (Afghanistan, Xinjiang, Kashmir, North Waziristan). The situation shows that an underground infrastructure has developed in the Ferghana Valley that enables local extremists to collaborate with jihadists in Russia, the Middle East and Africa," he wrote. Outlets in Kyrgyzstan, where intelligence services have warned that hundreds of nationals have joined extremist organizations, used the IS debate to adopt an anti-American stance, similar to that taken by Russia -- and a sign of the former Soviet Republic's drawing closer to Moscow. Kyrgyzstan's Russian-language Vesti news outlet, which is noted for featuring local analysts who express opinions on controversial topics, cited "international affairs expert" Mars Sariyev as saying that Washington could use instability caused by IS in Central Asia as a reason to bring NATO forces into the region. "It is no accident that the emir of one of the towns captured by IS is a Tajik native. Therefore IS can be used by the Americans in our region for the start of so-called "hybrid wars." Then riots and destabilization of the political situation will startWhen the conflicts move into a more serious stage, the Americans surely intend to come to "help" in the form of NATO at strategic sites in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan," he added. Vesti even goes on to cite a "religion expert," Kadyr Malikov, who also blames the West for IS and links IS tactics -- "a humanitarian catastrophe, controlled chaos" -- with those seen in Ukraine. Kyrgyzstan's NewDayNews outlet offered a more optimistic view, citing local analyst Sergei Masaulov as saying that Kyrgyzstan is less at risk from IS than other Central Asian countries. Masaulov was asked whether the closure of the U.S. Air Force base, the Manat Transit Center, earlier this year (a move that reflected Kyrgyzstan's desire for closer ties with Moscow) would have an impact on the threat of IS in the country. The expert said that the base had never been intended for Kyrgyzstan's security. As regards IS and Islamic extremists in the country, Masaulov said that, while groups like the Pakistani Islamic missionary group Tablighi Jamaat had established a strong presence in Central Asia, it did not mean that IS had taken a foothold in Kyrgyzstan. "Citizens of the republic see them [Tablighi Jamaat] and get scared and think IS is already in Kyrgyzstanwe have them [extremists] but in Kyrgyzstan we are less susceptible than other countries. After all, we do not have a direct border with AfghanistanWe have to work with the law enforcement agencies and with analysts, which is already happening. We will succeed and beat the enemy, and then everything will be fine," he concluded. -- Joanna Paraszczuk President Emomali Rahmon has said Tajikistan was "extremely concerned" about the situation along the Tajik-Afghan border. During a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on October 6, Rahmon said the situation in Afghanistan was "getting worse by the day." "Practically, fighting is going on along more than 60 percent of the Tajik border with Afghanistan," he added. For his part, Putin said, We need to talk about both bilateral relations and the situation in the region, which we are certainly worried about." The comments come after the Taliban last week briefly captured the northern Afghan city of Kunduz, just 70 kilometers from the Tajik border. The Tajik government has been receiving help from Russia and other countries to better defend its 1,200-kilometer-long border with Afghanistan. With reporting by Interfax DUSHANBE -- Tajikistan's presidential press service says President Emomali Rahmon called his Uzbek counterpart, Islam Karimov, on October 29 to mark the 20th anniversary of Tajik-Uzbek diplomatic ties. The leaders exchanged congratulations by telephone, expressing hopes "to bring the bilateral ties on a higher level." The call is noteworthy since the two presidents barely communicate with each other. Dushanbe-Tashkent relations remain strained due to disputes over water and energy resources and transit routes. Uzbekistan openly opposes Tajikistan's project to complete the Roghun hydropower plant, saying that the project will leave Uzbekistan without water. Tashkent has been cutting electricity and natural gas supplies and closing road and railway connections between the two countries. RFE/RL's Tajik Service RFE/RLs Tajik Service is a trusted source of local news, attracting audiences with compelling reporting on issues not otherwise covered by Tajikistans state-run media. webteam@rferl.org Subscribe via RSS ON MY MIND After propping up the regime of Bashar al-Assad and prolonging Syria's civil war, after destroying Aleppo with airstrikes that caused massive civilian casualties, after violating ceasefire after ceasefire, Russia is now asking world powers to pony up billions of dollars for Syria's reconstruction. As the Financial Times reports in a piece featured below, European and Gulf states are balking at the idea, saying any aid must be tied to a political transition. In other words, Assad must go. We're entering the phase where Russia's big push into the Middle East gets tricky for Moscow. They've upended Western policy in Syria and against the odds they've kept their client regime in power. Now comes the hard part. You break it, you own it. The Kremlin's attempt to get others to pay for a mess it created or exacerbated is, of course, par for the course. For years, Moscow has been unsuccessfully trying to pass off the costs of its war in the Donbas on to Ukraine. IN THE NEWS Russia is open to dialogue with the United States on creating safe zones in Syria, but believes that any such plan needs to be coordinated with the Syrian government, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says. Russia has asked Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime to halt bombings during peace talks this week in Geneva, UN envoy Staffan de Mistura has said, adding that a peace breakthrough seems unlikely. The Financial Times reports that Russia is pressing world powers to provide billions of dollars in reconstruction aid to Syria. A plane carrying the body of Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin has arrived in Moscow from New York. Residents of the Russian region of Ingushetia are commemorating the victims of the Soviet Union's 1944 deportation of Ingush and Chechens from the North Caucasus. Lawmakers in Russia's North Caucasus region of Ingushetia have approved in the first reading of a bill that bans honoring the legacy of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin. The first secretary of the Russian Embassy in Bishkek, who was involved in a fatal traffic crash in in the Kyrgyz capital, has left Kyrgyzstan for Russia. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said he was satisfied he has established a dialogue with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration despite concerns in Kyiv that Trump might sacrifice ties with Ukraine in favor of a closer relationship with Russia. Two U.S. lawmakers say the time has come for the United States to supply Ukraine with lethal weapons to better defend itself against Moscow-backed separatists, saying that a "confrontational" Russian President Vladimir Putin shows no sign of easing the pressure on Kyiv. Susan Collins, a Republican member of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee, said she's open to using a subpoena to investigate Trump's tax returns for possible connections to Russia. Konstantin Kilimnik, an elusive Ukrainian associate of Paul Manafort, says he briefed the former chairman of Trump's campaign on Ukraine during last year's presidential race. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a measure that imposes fines on Internet providers that refuse to restrict access to online information banned by the authorities. Putin will visit Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan on February 27-28, a presidential aide has said. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has expressed satisfaction with Moscow's military campaign in Syria and says it has been a good test of new weapons and special-forces units. Shoigu also says a replica of the German Reichstag will be built at a military-theme park outside Moscow so that young cadets can emulate their Red Army forebears who seized the iconic building in the 1945 Soviet offensive on Nazi Berlin. LATEST POWER VERTICAL BLOG In my latest Power Vertical blog post, I look at the Russian Foreign Ministry's much-maligned website debunking "fake news" about Russia in the Western media. While it is easy to make fun of what looks like a lame effort, that misses the point of what the Kremlin is trying to do -- and succeeding. WHAT I'M READING The Siloviki Of 1917 As Russia prepares to mark the centennial of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, and its short-lived liberal predecessor, the February Revolution, there is no shortage of material in the media. In Republic.ru, historian Boris Kolonitsky, a professor at the European University in St. Petersburg, looks at the role of the army and security services in the 1917 revolution. His conclusion: If a revolution is gaining momentum, it's a bad bet to rely on your siloviki to stop it. Mainstreaming The Extremists Anton Shekhovtsov, author of the forthcoming book Russia And The Western Far Right, has a piece in Raam Op Rusland on how Putin's Russia has helped Europe's fringe parties become mainstream. The Troubled Union State Sergei Kozlovsky has a piece in Global Voices unpacking how the Russian-Belarusian relationship went sour. Faking Fake News The Russian Foreign Ministry has unveiled a new "fake news" debunking page and it has gotten a lot of attention from Western media, with Newsweek and The New York Times weighing in on it. Meanwhile, Emily Tomkin at Foreign Policy notes that "the phrase 'fake news' has now lost so much of its meaning that the term, to use the Russian Foreign Ministrys parlance, no longer corresponds to reality." (As I wrote on The Power Vertical blog, that is exactly the point.) And at Mashable, Gianluca Mezzofiore notes the snarky reactions to the site on social media. Onward Information Soldiers Mark Galeotti, a senior research fellow at the Institute of International Relations in Prague, has a piece up on his blog looking at the Russian military's new "information warfare" troops. Developments In Nemtsov Case Various Russian media have reports on developments in the investigation into Boris Nemtsov's February 2015 assassination. Kommersant reports that a cellphone has been found in the apartment of one of the alleged perpetrators that provides information about the purported mastermind. Both Kommersant and Moskovsky Komsomolets are also reporting that police have found a weapon allegedly belonging to Ruslan Geremeyev, the former deputy commander of the Sever Battalion in Chechnya, whom Nemtsov's associates believe was behind the assassination. 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 KYIV -- It seems that peace plans for Ukraine are everywhere these days. Amid a recent surge in violence in eastern Ukraine and yet another failed cease-fire in the nearly 3-year-old conflict are a wave of new proposals to bring peace to the crisis-stricken nation -- and from some unexpected places. The Ukrainian Army has battled against Russia-backed separatists in the eastern Donbas region since 2014, with more than 9,750 people killed and more than 1.8 million displaced in that time, according to the United Nations. More than 40 Ukrainian soldiers, separatists, and civilians have been killed in an uptick in fighting just since January. The hostilities have continued despite an official peace deal known collectively as the Minsk agreements, the first of which was agreed in September 2014, followed by the second -- a reaffirmation -- in February 2015 by Ukraine, Russia, as well as the Moscow-backed separatists. But the Minsk agreements have become unpopular and seem impervious to being implemented, leading to frustration and perhaps a reason for the flurry of new peace proposals. Each new plan -- made by a mix of known politicians and shadowy operatives -- has sparked fierce debate in Kyiv political circles and among the Ukrainian public. And the suspected motivations behind the peace offerings run the gamut, from personal ambition to a Kremlin plot to destroy Ukraine. Balazs Jarabik, a nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told RFE/RL that he thinks the main reason for the peace plans seems to be to weaken Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who remains in limbo between the increasingly disparaged Minsk agreements and "victory." "Minsk is unpopular, peace is not. People are fed up with the war and the corruption [among government officials]," Jarabik said. Some of the peace plans share similarities, while ideas in others seem to come from left field. Many of the news ones are far-fetched or wholly unacceptable to either Kyiv or Moscow. In brief and collectively, they include: -- Ukraine leasing the Russian-annexed Crimea to Moscow long-term, followed by a referendum to decide the Black Sea peninsulas fate once and for all; -- Temporarily setting aside the dispute over Crimea and Kyivs continued integration with the European Union and flirtation with NATO membership to focus on stopping the conflict in the east; -- Reinstating elected officials from 2010 -- the last time nationwide elections included areas under the control of separatists -- and bringing in UN peacekeepers; -- Allowing separatist leaders from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions to be included in Minsk negotiations with Ukrainian officials and reserving the option to hold a referendum on the status of the Donbas if Kyiv doesnt fulfill its part of the Minsk deal; -- Bringing back Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraines ousted ex-president living in self-imposed exile in Russia since 2014, to head a pro-Russian eastern region with more autonomy. Here's a closer look at each of the plans: The Minsk Agreements The Minsk agreements offer a detailed, 13-point road map for settling the conflict. It begins with a cease-fire and the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the front line, which is currently monitored by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). After that is an all-for-all prisoner exchange, followed by local elections and an amnesty for fighters who havent committed heinous crimes. The sides are then to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and work toward the socioeconomic reintegration into Ukraine of the separatist-held territories. Ukraine must also change its constitution to allow for the "decentralization" of its regions. In exchange, all "foreign-armed formations" -- for Ukraine, this means the Russian Army -- should leave and relinquish control of the border to Kyiv. But these agreements were hashed out while Ukraines military was on its heels, forcing Kyiv to make several concessions. The Minsk agreements have also become unpopular because they have so far failed to bring a lasting peace. The Kilimnik Plan The most recent of the new peace plans came from Ukrainian-Russian political operative Konstantin Kilimnik, the one-time assistant in Kyiv to U.S. President Donald Trumps former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort. Calling his plan the Mariupol Plan after the southeastern Ukrainian city that is the largest in the Donetsk region controlled by the government and which sits smack against the front line -- Kilimnik envisages it replacing the current Minsk agreements and Normandy format talks between Ukraine, Russia, Germany, and France. Despite his connection to Manafort, who lived in Ukraine and worked as an adviser to Yanukovych for years, Kilimnik emphasized that the American strategist has had no part in this plan, which he says remains fluid. The plan, he said, was raised by "many people who are willing to start [a] dialogue" between eastern Ukraine and the rest of the country "and this should be one of the roles of the Opposition Bloc and other opposition parties, which understand the necessity of bringing Donbas back into Ukraine." The Opposition Bloc is the revamped, pro-Moscow political faction once called the Party of Regions and led by Yanukovych. Right now, there is no dialogue between Ukraine and the leaders of the separatist-held areas, Aleksandr Zakharchenko and Ihor Plotnitsky. Kyiv considers them "terrorists" and Kilimnik said they "have blood on their hands, [so] it will be very difficult for Poroshenko and others to negotiate with them." However, "in theory, a figure representing Donbas, such as Yanukovych or someone else who has at least not killed people and can stop the war and fix the local economy, might be an option," Kilimnik explained. Many Ukrainians, though, believe the former presidents hands are dripping with blood as they hold him responsible for the deaths of more than 100 protesters shot by riot police during the Euromaidan protests in Kyiv in 2014. Ukraine has charged Yanukovych with treason -- an allegation he denies. Peace in Ukraine "is up for Ukrainians to figure out, and the only way to proceed is a national consensus and dialogue," Kilimnik said. The Yanukovych Plan Yanukovych, in an interview with a group of Western reporters on February 21, shared his own 10-page proposal, which he said he has sent to Trump and the leaders of Russia, Germany, France, and Poland, according to The Wall Street Journal and Der Spiegel. Der Spiegel said the plan has six points leading to a resolution of the conflict. "Four relate to the 'investigation into the crimes committed on the Maidan in February 2014,' for which he proposes a special commission to be established by the Council of Europe," the German news outlet reported. Yanukovych also called for the separatist leaders in Donetsk and Luhansk to be included in negotiations with Ukrainian officials. The sixth point outlines a plan for a referendum to be held on the status of the Donbas if Kyiv doesnt fulfill its part of the Minsk deal. The Artemenko Plan Another peace plan has caused a scandal in Washington and Kyiv. This one, proposed by Ukrainian lawmaker Andriy Artemenko, is the most detailed and is believed to have landed on the desk of Michael Flynn, who resigned as U.S. national security adviser on February 13 after alleged misleading statements about conversations with the Russian ambassador in Washington in December. The New York Times, which broke the story about the plan, cited Artemenko as saying it had been approved by top aides of Putin -- but the Kremlin on February 20 quickly denied any such tacit approval. The plan calls for a "compromise," such as holding a national referendum on leasing Crimea to Russia. Artemenko told The New York Times the lease should be for a period of 50 to 100 years, but he told the Strana.com news site the plan suggests a lease for 30 to 50 years. "At the expiration of this period, in Crimea, a referendum will then be held and monitored by international bodies, on which finally the question of the peninsula may be solved," Artemenko told Strana. Artemnkos plan calls for the return of territories controlled by Russia-backed separatists to Ukraine and an amnesty to all involved on the separatist side "except those who have committed the most serious crimes." He said control of the Ukrainian side of the border with Russia must be returned to Kyiv, but not before a safe corridor is provided for 72 hours for those who would prefer to live in Russia. After that, Artemenko said, the plan calls for a nationwide referendum on whether to grant the eastern regions a special autonomous status. If approved, the next step would be to begin revitalizing the regions with funds from the lease agreement with Russia. Once all of that is done, he said, then sanctions against Russia could be lifted. Both Ukraine and Russia rejected the conditions in this deal and Crimean prosecutors even opened a "treason" case against Artemenko over the issue. Since the revelation and the inquiry, Artemenko has denied ever passing such a plan to Trump officials and threatened to sue The New York Times in New York for libel. The Taruta Plan Serhiy Taruta, the Ukrainian billionaire industrialist and former governor of Donetsk, proposed at the end of January his "three principles" plan to restore legitimacy, security, and trust. It calls for reinstating the last legitimately elected Donbas officials from 2010 and appealing to the international community to recognize them. A UN peacekeeping contingent would keep the region secure while those officials work to reintegrate it with greater Ukraine. The plan has largely been ignored by the greater Ukrainian public, but Taruta continued to push it during the Munich Security Conference last week. The Pinchuk Plan Billionaire oligarch Viktor Pinchuk caused a stir in Kyiv when he proposed a plan in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal in late December. The article was headlined: Ukraine Must Make Painful Compromises For Peace With Russia, and the plan laid out in the paper suggested that Kyiv set aside the issue of Crimea and hopes of European Union and perhaps even NATO membership in exchange for peace in the Donbas. "We should also make clear that we are ready to accept an incremental rollback of sanctions on Russia as we move toward a solution for a free, united, peaceful, and secure Ukraine," Pinchuk wrote. "The Ukrainian lives that will be saved are worth the painful compromises I have proposed." Mustafa Nayyem, a lawmaker and vocal critic of the proposal, said in doing this that "we will not save thousands of lives, but with our support and recognition, doom millions of people to legalized slavery." Kyivs Stance Ukrainian President Poroshenko and top officials have thus far been resistant to or else have condemned each of the proposed plans, saying the Minsk agreements are the only pathway to peace for the country. Western leaders have thus far agreed. Against this backdrop of confusion, analyst Jarabik suggested, Ukraine risks becoming even more unstable. "All these internal struggles will weaken Ukrainian unity and may lead to [early] elections, but the fault lines will not go away," he said. Pakistan's military launched a nationwide antiterrorist operation on February 22 after a series of extremist attacks killed more than 100 people across the country. Pakistan has been on high alert since last week's wave of attacks, including an Islamic State suicide bombing at a famed Sufi shrine that killed at least 90. The devastating assault on the shrine in Sindh came after a Taliban suicide bombing in Lahore on February 13, which killed 13 people, and a series of other attacks. A resurgence of the Taliban and IS would be a major blow to Pakistan, where optimism about a recent decline in violence had been growing after a decade-long war on militancy. Prior to last week's attacks, Pakistan's antiterrorist operations had focused mainly on the country's troubled northwestern tribal region and militants there linked to the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Islamabad has broadened its crackdown since last week, with Pakistani forces claiming to have killed dozens of "terrorists" in strikes on militant hideouts along the Afghanistan border. The latest campaign includes the most populous province of Punjab, a stronghold of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who gave the go-ahead to deploy Ranger Forces there. Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and Radio Mashaal Uzbekistan's interim president, Shavkat Mirziyaev, has ruled out military alliances, following the same course as late strongman Islam Karimov. A Foreign Ministry statement quoted Mirziyaev as making the comments on September 9 at a joint session of the upper and lower parliament houses. "The firm position of our country, as before, is nonmembership in all military-political alliances and not allowing other states' military bases and facilities on the territory of Uzbekistan," Mirziyaev said. "No one should doubt that any attempt by internal and external forces to encroach on the sovereignty and independence of our country will be severely suppressed," he added. The comments come a day after Uzbek lawmakers appointed Mirziyaev as interim president, setting the long-serving government chief up as the clear favorite to win a five-year term in an early presidential election scheduled for December 4. Central Election Commission head Mirza-Ulugbek Abdusalomov made the announcement on September 9. According to Uzbekistan's constitution, the chairman of the upper chamber, the Senate, assumes presidential authority for a period of three months if the president dies or is unable to perform duties. But Senate Chairman Nigmatulla Yuldashev asked lawmakers to appoint Mirziyaev instead, citing "his many years of experience," and lawmakers supported the proposal, the government said. The government announced on August 28 that Karimov, 78, had been hospitalized with an undisclosed ailment, which it later said had been a stroke. It announced his death on September 2. Based on reporting by AFP, Interfax, and Reuters Uzbek President Islam Karimov has been hospitalized and is receiving "necessary medical treatment" in Tashkent, according to the country's Cabinet of Ministers. In a statement published on August 28 in the official state newspaper, Gazeta, the cabinet said Karimovs stay in the hospital would "require a certain amount of time for medical assessment and treatment." The statement did not elaborate on Karimov's medical condition or provide a reason for his hospitalization. Karimov, 78, is the oldest of the Central Asian presidents. He has been ruling the former Soviet republic with an iron fist for more than 25 years. He is known to have health issues -- including previous reports of a heart condition and respiratory ailments. But the government has never previously issued a statement about his health. RFE/RL's Uzbek Service began receiving unconfirmed reports on August 27 that Karimov had been seriously ill for several days. Reports about Karimovs ill health are difficult to verify, since information in the country is very tightly controlled. The president was last seen on state television on August 17 meeting South Korea's interior minister. No Obvious Successor He had been scheduled to make a public appearance in Tashkent on September 1 at celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of Uzbekistans independence from the Soviet Union. Karimov has no obvious successor, raising questions about the long-term stability of the landlocked country that has never held an election judged free and fair by international monitors. Uzbekistan -- which borders each of the other Central Asian states, as well as Afghanistan -- is the most populous country in Central Asia with some 30 million people. Karimov rose to power in 1989 when he was elected first secretary of the Communist Party of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic. He declared Uzbekistan an independent nation in August 1991, as the Soviet Union headed toward collapse, and subsequently won the countrys first presidential election. He was reelected three times with around 90 percent of the votes, according to official results. Karimov has used referendums to extend his term in office, while neutralizing the secular political opposition and eliminating all opposition media from the country. Based on reporting by RFE/RLs Bruce Pannier, RFE/RL's Uzbek Service, and Gazeta.uz Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. Employees who worked at Ellwood Thompsons Local Market in Richmond and a sister store in Maryland last year are dealing with compromised personal information, including the disclosure of Social Security numbers. Customer information appears to be safe. Ellwood Thompsons recently fell victim to a phishing scam that resulted in the inadvertent disclosure of internal personnel information, according to a statement from the grocer. We have no reason to believe any customer information has been breached, the statement said. The company isnt saying how many people were affected. However, a letter from the company mailed to former employees dated Feb. 10 says the breach involved the W-2 forms of about 360 former and current employees of Ellwood Thompsons and its Dawsons Market store in Rockville, Md. The letter was obtained Thursday by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Wage and tax statements contain names, addresses, Social Security numbers in addition to income information. The letter explains that an Ellwood Thompsons representative received a phony email on Feb. 3 purportedly from Richard Hood, the companys owner and CEO, requesting that W-2 forms be sent to him. The representative complied with the request. On Feb. 9, the representative received another email supposedly from Hood, but questioned its legitimacy and forwarded it to other managers in the organization. It was determined then that the emails were fraudulent and the W-2 forms had been disclosed Feb. 3 to perpetrators of the scam. Scammers are actively using email schemes to defraud financial institutions, businesses and consumers out of billions of dollars, according to the U.S. Department of Treasurys Financial Crime Enforcement Network. Since 2013, about 22,000 U.S. and international victims have reported email fraud involving losses of $3.1 billion. Ellwood Thompsons said it immediately notified its lawyers and federal law enforcement about the email scam, according to the letter. As a small, locally owned and independently operated business, we are committed to our employees and our customers, the grocer said in its statement to media. The moment we became aware of this issue, we immediately notified affected employees and legal counsel, and began working with all parties to respond to this incident. We immediately notified the proper authorities, and are holding storewide meetings to inform our staff and address questions regarding the incident. Ellwood Thompsons is taking every appropriate action to resolve this incident as quickly as possible. In addition, we are providing free credit monitoring and identity theft protection for one year to all current and former employees affected by this breach. Bart Yablonsky, director of operations for Ellwood Thompsons, said the company is working with credit reporting service Experian to provide identity theft protection. Four young Hampton men will be in their 50s the next time they see freedom after receiving decadeslong federal sentences Tuesday for a string of drugstore robberies in Virginia and North Carolina. Dallas Cogdell III, 24; Dikembwe Akil Jones, 24; Tyquan Demario MacCutcheon, 23; and Armand Devon Mullen, 26, each pleaded guilty last November to one count of robbery and the use of a firearm during a crime of violence stemming from the May 12, 2016, robbery of the Walgreens pharmacy in the 4800 block of S. Laburnum Ave. U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck imposed the sentences suggested in plea agreements: 30 years for Cogdell, who was involved in more robberies, and 27 years for the others. The string of over twenty armed robberies that Cogdell and his crew committed more than justifies the harsh sentence that the parties have agreed is appropriate here, wrote prosecutors in a sentencing memorandum to the judge in Richmonds federal courthouse. The U.S. attorneys office added, It hardly bears mentioning that repeatedly robbing commercial establishments for money (and sometimes prescription drugs) with overt threats to kill employees at gunpoint is reprehensible and intolerable. The robberies of the 24-hour drugstores occurred during early morning hours and were committed by two to four armed masked men. Walgreens stores in the city of Williamsburg; the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and Prince William; and in Durham, N.C., were victimized. At MacCutcheons hearing, the last of the four to be sentenced, Steven E. Anthony, an assistant U.S. attorney, told the judge the crimes required a very serious sentence. However, he said the deal also benefited the defendants who might be hit with even more prison time if tried separately in different jurisdictions. Given a chance to speak before the sentence was imposed, MacCutcheon said, I want to apologize to everybody that Ive hurt. ... Im sorry. All four were caught May 16 after robbing a Walgreens in Durham. Cogdell, MacCutcheon and Mullen entered the store wearing masks and latex gloves and demanded employees open cash registers. They also demanded drugs and were given a bottle of Oxycodone and four bottles of Vicodin. They fled with more than $4,800 worth of cash and drugs. An employee the robbers had not noticed in the store called police. A car with Virginia license plates driven by Jones and occupied by the others was spotted and stopped by police as it was leaving the area of the robbery. A search of the car found the stolen money, drugs and two handguns. Richmond City Councilwoman Reva Trammell says shes withdrawing a long-languishing proposal to rename City Hall for former governor and Richmond mayor L. Douglas Wilder. He had no interest in City Hall being named after him, Trammell said Wednesday. Trammell introduced an ordinance to rename the building two years ago this month. Since then, it has appeared 20 different times on City Council agendas, only to be continued without discussion during meetings. City Clerk Jean Capel said the legislation, which is still on the agenda for Mondays council meeting, is currently the longest pending legislation before the body. Capel confirmed Trammell had submitted paperwork to finally withdraw the proposal. Wilder, who was the first elected black governor in the country and served as mayor between 2005 and 2009, did not respond to a phone call seeking comment. Trammell said Wilder told her, Ive got plenty of things named after me. She said Wilder also told her the cost of affixing his name to the building would be a waste of taxpayer money. I think Governor Wilder is right, Trammell said. Use the money for schools, for police, and for fire. Over the years, Wilder has racked up quite a few buildings in his honor, including Henrico Countys L. Douglas Wilder Middle School, Virginia Union Universitys L. Douglas Wilder Library & Learning Resource Center, Norfolk State Universitys L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center, and Hampton Universitys Wilder Hall. The school of government and public affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University also bears his name. Trammell, who represents the citys 8th District in South Richmond, said she has long realized it was unlikely her colleagues would support the measure, but she hung on to the legislation in an effort to needle former Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones. Civil rights activist Jesse Jackson called the current political climate a dark period for America during a visit with the Richmond Times-Dispatch editorial board Wednesday. Jackson, who was in Richmond to speak at a conference of African-American faith leaders, called voter suppression the biggest factor in President Donald Trumps victory over Hillary Clinton and accused Republicans of hacking the black vote. The same forces that denied us the right to vote never gave up on discounting our vote, never gave up on hacking it in some way, he said, citing barriers to voting in North Carolina in particular. Jackson recalled early encounters with Trump in New York City and said he considered him a liberal Democrat at the time. He said he would consider meeting with Trump as president at a later date, but said he didnt want the meeting to be merely a photo opportunity. Addressing the controversy over the Robert E. Lee statue that the Charlottesville City Council recently voted to remove, he said statues to Confederates require additional context. They should be put in a museum or write up the true story of what they represent, he said. In addition to speaking at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Jackson said he planned to meet with Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who has been the subject of recent speculation over a potential 2020 run for president. A Richmond-area bail bondsman accused of soliciting sexual favors from clients in return for springing them from jail or keeping them free pleaded no contest on Wednesday to three misdemeanor charges in the case. Vladimir Tarabay, 61, of Richmond entered the pleas to two counts of soliciting prostitution and to a third charge of having carnal knowledge of a pretrial offender while working as a bail bondsman. He made the pleas during a bench trial before Circuit Court Judge Gary A. Hicks. Prosecutors dropped the most serious charges that had been levied against Tarabay. The dismissed charges were felonies that included an abduction charge and a forcible sodomy charge, which involved a homeless woman whom prosecutors are having trouble locating. A charge of attempted forcible sodomy also was dropped. Tarabay, who was released on bond, is facing a maximum sentence of three years in prison for all the misdemeanor charges he pleaded to on Wednesday. Hes expected to be sentenced on May 10. Court records show that he is facing similar charges in the Prince George County Circuit Court and that a hearing there is set for May 4. Tarabay, who had been the owner of Fast Bail Bonding, no longer has his license to be a bondsman. Were happy to shut the (bail bonding) business down and bring these girls some justice, Michael Feinmel, a deputy commonwealths attorney, said outside the courtroom. Tarabay was arrested in July after allegations surfaced that he was propositioning clients to perform sex acts in lieu of payment. The bail bonding companys Facebook page dubbed Tarabay Mr. Fast. In court, two women who testified for the prosecution Wednesday referred to Tarabay as Mr. Fast or Fast Bonding. One woman testified that Tarabay took her to a McDonalds and asked her to give him oral sex after he bonded her out of the Henrico County Jail in January last year, but she refused. The woman said she eventually called Tarabay a couple of weeks later. She said she met him in downtown Richmond and that she performed oral sex on him while he drove around. A second woman said she performed oral sex on Tarabay after he bonded her out of the Henrico jail in 2014 and he took her to her friends house. The woman said Tarabay kept calling her after that initial encounter. The woman said she tried to ignore him, worried that Tarabay, who was still her bondsman, could have her sent back to jail. The prosecution played recorded conversations in court where Tarabay spoke with both women. In one call, Tarabay could be heard repeatedly telling the first woman who testified, I miss you, baby. The second woman to take the stand told Tarabay during a phone call that she was a stripper, and she asked if he wanted a dance. I dont value that stuff so much, Tarabay said on the call. Craig Cooley, a defense attorney for Tarabay, zeroed in on that exchange, noting that Tarabay spurned the womans offer of a lap dance. Cooley asked witnesses about their criminal records and asked whether they expected favorable treatment from prosecutors in return for their testimony. The third woman called to the stand said that after Tarabay bonded her out of the jail last year, he took her to his car in a parking lot outside the Henrico jail where he had parked between two vans. The woman said he pulled his pants down and demanded oral sex but that she refused. Claire G. Cardwell, another defense attorney, tried to cast doubt on the third womans testimony, saying that her version of events didnt match previous testimony she had given at a preliminary hearing. Its daylight in the middle of a public parking lot, Cardwell said, incredulously, about the allegation that Tarabay pulled his pants down while he was in the lot. Prior to Tarabays plea that ended the trial, Feinmel said prosecutors had been planning to play a series of telephone conversations between the bondsman and another woman who did not testify. During those conversations, the woman pleads with Tarabay to get her out of jail, the deputy commonwealths attorney said. Feinmel said the conversations detailed various responsibilities the woman had to fulfill for Tarabay. Those responsibilities were dubbed paperwork during the telephone calls, which was coded language referring to sex, the deputy commonwealths attorney said. A Henrico County woman is facing charges after she attacked a professor with a box cutter Thursday in his office at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community Colleges Parham Road campus, according to state police. Brittany L. Burfield, 24, of Glen Allen was charged with one count of malicious wounding. She is being held without bail at Henrico County Jail-West. The professor, whose identity was not released, was taken to VCU Medical Center with injuries that were not life-threatening. The attack occurred about 12:30 p.m. in Burnett Hall, according to police. Burfield was taken into custody by Reynolds Community College police without incident as she was attempting to leave the building. A college student involved in the straw purchase of a semiautomatic rifle from an area store last year pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday. Nehemyah H. Penn, 21, of Richmond faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced May 24 by U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck, though federal sentencing guidelines will likely call for a lesser term. Penn and his alleged accomplice, Vanessa C. Stringfield, 23, also of Richmond were named in a four-count indictment arising from the purchases of two AR-15 rifles: One on Sept. 12 from Green Top Sporting Goods and the other on Dec. 16 from Southern Gun World. Penn pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting in the making of a false statement. In exchange, the government agreed to drop the other three charges when he is sentenced. Court papers show that prior to his arrest, Penn was employed at the Amazon Distribution Center in Chester and was a student at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. In a signed statement of facts Thursday, Penn admitted that he helped arrange the straw purchase and that the rifle was really intended for someone else. Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were inside Green Top when Stringfield made the purchase. She was observed texting on her cellphone at the register. She then filled out the requisite form stating she was the actual buyer. The statement of facts said she was seen meeting Penn at the store exit. The two then drove off in a car that followed another vehicle. The two vehicles stopped in the parking lot of a nearby Goodwill store, where the agents saw a man who was in the lead vehicle exit his car, chat with Penn, take the rifle from the back seat of the car Penn and Stringfield occupied and then place it in his car. The man, according to the statement of facts, was apprehended and the rifle recovered. Prior to that, the man had texted a description of the weapon he wanted to Penn. The man who wound up with the rifle was identified by name in the statement and was said to have been charged in Hanover County Circuit Court for his involvement. However, no record of anyone with that name or even surname could be found on the Virginia Judicial Systems case management system for Hanover circuit or general district courts. In court papers filed earlier in the case, Penns lawyer said the man was charged as being a felon in the possession of a firearm. Stringfield is set to be tried on April 20 for her alleged role in the Green Top purchase. She was not charged for the alleged Dec. 16 purchase. If you work in the Virginia General Assembly Building, youve been talking for years about asbestos and how the germ-filled building seems to make people sick. The elevators are overloaded, the plumbing shaky and the temperature never right. A new building is on the way, and its hard to find someone who will actually miss this charmless place actually four structures connected thats scheduled for demolition. The lawmakers and their staffs will move into the nearby Pocahontas Building for the next four General Assembly sessions while a new building is constructed. On Wednesday, on one of its final days as a working legislative building, the GAB, as the General Assembly Building is known, no longer displayed much of the photos and artwork along its walls near legislative offices. Many lawmakers have boxed up their stuff and moved it to their cars or their statues and awards and plaques are snug in bubble wrap waiting for departure. The large crowds of school groups and gun activists are long gone as this years 46-day session nears its end, which could be Friday, or Saturday at the latest. But on this Wednesday in its final week, the old GAB, a building no one seems overly sad to leave, took on a spirited feel. *** William J. Howell, the esteemed speaker of the House of Delegates, already announced his retirement this week. At 7 a.m. Howell hosted his last speakers Bible study caucus, a group that started meeting in the early 1990s. Lawmakers of both parties joined lobbyists and pages listening to Howell read from the Bible, then guide a Q&A. Howell asked if someone could read Psalm 21. David Skiles, a lobbyist, volunteered. In a discussion about leadership and following God to find ones true abilities, Howell said, People will remind you from time to time that youre not doing things perfectly. He prayed that those in Richmond will return safely to their families when the General Assembly session ends. In his office afterward, two pages Jacob Boykin of Powhatan and Logan Kellum of the Northern Neck gave Howell a preview of a prayer that was to be read at a page ceremony, and got photos with him. Howell said hes taking some of his offices contents to the Pocahontas Building because he remains speaker until January. But a lot of it needs to go, he said. *** Two floors up at the office of Del. Daun Sessoms Hester, D-Norfolk, Morgan Jameson and Ann Fitzgibbon made waffles. Fitzgibbon is an assistant to Hester and Jameson an assistant to Del. Jennifer B. Boysko, D-Fairfax. His apron read, What the and then showed a picture of a fork. We might run out of mix, Jameson said. An intern was drafted into getting more. They later clarified that he volunteered to go to Kroger for more mix. Word of Waffle Wednesday spread. Kevin Groh, a session assistant to Del. Eileen Filler-Corn, D-Fairfax, raved about the Costco maple syrup. Del. C. Matthew Fariss, R-Campbell, enjoyed a plate. Perhaps inspired by the knowledge that the GAB will be demolished, Fariss did some interior decorating on the eighth floor. One of the more entertaining sequences of the legislative session was debate over a bill from Howell, which ultimately failed, that would have created fines for people whose hunting dogs roam onto others property. Fariss, who opposed the bill, told an entertaining story on the House floor of a fantasy rabbit hunt at Capitol Square. With a black marker on Wednesday, he wrote on a wall in the GAB: HUNTING WITH DogS WELCOME, realizing too late that his capitalization was not consistent throughout the message. People coming off the eighth floor elevator marveled. A reporter later tweeted a photo of the area showing that the message had been removed, the wall restored to pure white. Meanwhile, rumor spread of a Bloody Mary bar available at one lawmakers office. *** Lest the public think their legislators and staffers are goofing off, thats not the case. The part-time lawmakers spend long hours during the session in a frenzied pace of school groups, visitors, lobbying and lawmaking. Sleep is minimal for most in the capital city for the session. The upcoming end of the General Assembly Buildings last session, however, created a mood akin to the last day of school. Pages held a mock yard sale, selling old coffee mugs, shirts and wall art from legislative offices to raise money for a food bank. *** Some young visitors to the building Wednesday were serious. Men of Faith, an organization of African-American men in Virginia Beach, visited the General Assembly Building and the Capitol. Del. Luke E. Torian, D-Prince William, a pastor, was among lawmakers who spoke with them. The majority of members of the General Assembly are people of faith, he said, explaining how he reconciled his religious beliefs with the law. Sen. Lionell D. Spruill Sr., D-Chesapeake, told them stories about growing up in a public housing community and his lifelong struggle to overcome speech problems. Joshua Mack could hardly believe he was encountering a man of color who like him had struggled with speech problems. The 18-year-old from Virginia Beach said he is still overcoming stuttering but that when he was a child, speaking was so much harder, and he was bullied for it. He said he found Spruill to be an inspiration. Members of the group then crowded onto an elevator for their next stop. Some had to wait behind for the next lift down. *** The General Assembly Buildings meeting schedule, until recently packed with caucuses and hearings, is now virtually empty. The elevators will run for just a bit longer before those in the building eagerly leave town with a less-than-elevated view of the old GAB. Noting that opioid overdose deaths are likely to have topped 1,000 in 2016, Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed four bills into law Thursday that are meant to address the states ongoing epidemic. The bills put into action syringe-services programs; initiatives to increase access to the overdose-reversal drug naloxone; changes to opioid prescription policies; and processes for providing services to infants exposed to opioids in utero. They were sponsored by Republican and Democratic lawmakers. We are now seeing spikes in deaths from heroin and fentanyl, illegal forms of opiates, McAuliffe told onlookers before he signed the bills in the Patrick Henry Building. We do not have the final numbers yet, but we believe that last year we will have had more than 1,000 people die from a fatal opioid overdose. That would mark a 33 percent increase over 2015, he added. In 2012, 572 people died of overdoses of opioids a class of drugs that includes prescription painkillers and illicit drugs such as heroin and fentanyl. But in the first nine months of last year, 822 overdose deaths occurred in Virginia, up from 811 in all of 2015. Dr. Marissa Levine, the states health commissioner, declared a public health emergency in November because of the opioid epidemic. One of the bills signed into law Thursday, sponsored by Del. John M. OBannon, III, R-Henrico, legalizes syringe-services programs also known as needle-exchange programs in an effort to curb rising rates of hepatitis C and HIV in some parts of the state. Both deadly infections are spread easily through injection drug use. The programs will provide users with clean equipment such as needles and syringes and will be run only in counties where cases of hepatitis C and HIV are most prevalent, to prevent the diseases from spreading. Weve already done a lot of groundwork looking at what other states have done and looking at some of the key issues around implementation, Levine said. As soon as we finalize the criteria, well begin to identify those areas in Virginia which will be the highest risk, where well likely start. The law will take effect July 1, and until then the Department of Health will work with each countys law enforcement agency and their local health departments to determine the risk in the community and the readiness to implement the programs. The issue we see is that, from a prescription drug point of view, clearly Southwest Virginia is highest risk, but with the heroin addiction, the large metropolitan areas are the highest risk, Levine said. Its possible that many of them will be high-risk areas. It is not clear yet if a program will be set up in Richmond. The citys rate of hepatitis C jumped from 160.7 cases per 100,000 people in 2014 to 214.8 in 2015, the most recent year for which the figures were available. A total of about 9,000 cases of hepatitis C are expected to be counted in the state for 2016, Department of Health officials have said. That compares with 2,800 in 2010. Because hepatitis C travels faster than HIV, the rate of Virginians with HIV has not yet experienced a similar jump, though it could soon. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report in 2016 identifying the counties most likely to see an HIV outbreak based on their current rates of hepatitis C. Eight of the counties are in Virginia: Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, Lee, Tazewell, Patrick, Wythe and Wise. In a prepared statement, Chuck Slemp, commonwealths attorney for Wise County and the city of Norton, praised McAuliffe for signing the bills. Communities throughout our commonwealth, and particularly in Southwest Virginia, are in a state of public health and public safety crisis because of substance abuse and over-prescription of drugs, Slemp said. Another public health bill signed Thursday, sponsored by Del. Christopher P. Stolle, R-Virginia Beach, initiates a plan of care and family assessment with social services in cases when a child has been exposed to substances in utero. The number of children exposed to drugs in utero increased 21 percent in 2016 to 1,334, according to the Department of Social Services. More babies are developing neonatal abstinence syndrome, in which they are born in withdrawal from drugs. Folks, these are not just statistics, McAuliffe said Thursday. Theyre mothers, theyre fathers, theyre sons and daughters. This epidemic has destroyed families and is destroying entire communities. Virginia State University will offer a 10-week certificate program in urban agriculture. The College of Agriculture program will include classroom work and hands-on lab and field work at VSUs Randolph Farm, 4415 River Road near Petersburg. Classes will be held Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from March 11 to May 13. Students also must complete 80 hours of volunteer work at an approved urban farm by the end of July to receive full certification. Cost is $190 and covers registration, instructional materials and lunch. Scholarships are available. Registration is limited and closes March 3. To apply for a scholarship or to register, visit www.ext.vsu.edu/urban-agriculture-certificate-program. If an ideologue is someone who starts with a conclusion and then looks around for reasons to support it, then Gov. Terry McAuliffe fits the bill at least regarding weapons. McAuliffe recently vetoed a bill extending eligibility to apply for a concealed-carry permit to active-duty members of the military and those who have been honorably discharged. Real hooligan types, in other words. The governor says an individual who has completed basic training but who subsequently was disqualified (for medical or other reasons) from having access to weapons could nevertheless apply for a concealed handgun permit. Unless a permit overrides a statutory prohibition on firearm access, then the objection is a non-issue and a poor reason to deny eligibility to the vast majority of service members the objection doesnt apply to. The governor concludes by saying the bill would do nothing to protect the safety of our citizens. That is debatable; it might protect the safety of those with permits, for instance, and data show that permit holders are even more law-abiding than police officers themselves. But the point is irrelevant because the object of the bill lies in expanding a privilege. The First Amendment does nothing to protect citizen safety either, but that is no reason to restrict its scope. McAuliffe also vetoed a measure to legalize the concealed carry of switchblades for lawful professional or recreational activity, along with the selling and trading of them. Once again, his reasons are specious. Virginia Code does not define lawful profession or recreational activity, the governor objects. Perhaps we can help: If theres no law against it, then its lawful. So it seems doubtful, as McAuliffe contends, that the bill would create a burden on law enforcement to determine whether a person is engaged in a lawful profession or recreational activity. Even supposing it did, however, that is hardly a decisive argument. Citizens enjoy many rights and privileges that create a burden on law enforcement. Governments objective is to safeguard them, not to avoid burdening public servants. McAuliffe makes three other points: There is no compelling need to add to the list of weapons that can be lawfully concealed from public view and easily traded. Legalizing the concealed carry of switchblade knives would needlessly endanger the lives of Virginians. Furthermore, the laws of the United States prohibit the manufacture, transportation or distribution of switchblade knives. Well. The first point puts the burden on the wrong side: People should be able to do as they please absent a compelling reason to stop them. Second, there is no evidence that legalizing switchblades would endanger lives and no evidence that their prohibition has saved any. Indeed, many switchblade bans were enacted in the late 1950s (e.g., Maines) or early 1960s (e.g., Colorados), likely because of now-quaint depictions of youth gangs in Hollywood movies. Those Sharks and Jets in West Side Story must have seemed pretty fierce. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. RICHMOND As opioid overdose deaths are likely to have topped 1,000 in 2016, Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed four bills into law Thursday that are meant to address the states ongoing opioid epidemic. The new laws put into action: syringe services programs; initiatives to increase access to the overdose-reversal drug naloxone; changes to opioid prescription policies; and processes for providing services to infants exposed to opioids in utero. They were sponsored by Republican and Democratic lawmakers. We are now seeing spikes in deaths from heroin and fentanyl, illegal forms of opiates, McAuliffe told onlookers before he signed the bills in the Patrick Henry Building. We do not have the final numbers yet, but we believe that last year we will have had more than 1,000 people die from a fatal opioid overdose. That would mark a 33 percent increase over 2015, he added. In 2012, 572 people died due to opioid overdoses which includes prescription painkillers and illicit drugs like heroin and fentanyl. But in the first nine months of last year, 822 overdose deaths occurred in Virginia, up from 811 in all of 2015. Dr. Marissa Levine, the states health commissioner, declared a public health emergency in November because of the opioid epidemic. One of the bills signed into law Thursday, sponsored by Del. John OBannon, R-Henrico, legalizes syringe services also known as needle exchange programs in an effort to curb rising rates of hepatitis C and HIV in some parts of the state. Both deadly infections are easily spread through injection drug use. The programs will provide users with clean equipment such as needles and syringes and will be run only in counties where cases of hepatitis C and HIV are most prevalent to prevent the diseases from spreading. Weve already done a lot of groundwork looking at what other states have done and looking at some of the key issues around implementation, Levine said. As soon as we finalize the criteria, well begin to identify those areas in Virginia which will be the highest risk, where well likely start. The law will become effective in July, and between now and then the Department of Health will work with each countys law enforcement and their local health departments to determine the risk in the community and the readiness to implement the programs. The issue we see is that, from a prescription drug point of view, clearly Southwest Virginia is highest risk, but with the heroin addiction, the large metropolitan areas are the highest risk, Levine said. Its possible that many of them will be high-risk areas. It is unclear yet if a program will be set up in Richmond. The citys rate of hepatitis C jumped from 160.7 per 100,000 people in 2014 to 214.8 per 100,000 in 2015, the most recent year the figures were available. A total of about 9,000 cases of hepatitis C are expected to be counted in the state for 2016, Department of Health officials have said, compared with 2,800 in 2010. Because hepatitis C travels faster than HIV, the rate of Virginians with HIV has not yet experienced a similar jump, though it could soon. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report in 2016 identifying the counties most likely to see an HIV outbreak based on their current rates of hepatitis C. Eight of the counties are in Virginia: Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, Lee, Tazewell, Patrick, Wythe and Wise. In a prepared statement, Chuck Slemp, commonwealths attorney for Wise County and the city of Norton, praised McAuliffe for signing the bills. Communities throughout our commonwealth, and particularly in Southwest Virginia, are in a state of public health and public safety crisis because of substance abuse and over-prescription of drugs, Slemp stated. Another public health bill signed Thursday, sponsored by Del. Chris Stolle, R-Virginia Beach, initiates a plan of care and family assessment with social services in cases when a child has been exposed to substances in utero. The number of children exposed to drugs in utero increased by 21 percent in 2016 to 1,334, according to the Department of Social Services. More babies are developing neonatal abstinence syndrome, in which they are born in withdrawal from drugs. Folks, these are not just statistics, McAuliffe said Thursday. Theyre mothers, theyre fathers, theyre sons and daughters. This epidemic has destroyed families, and is destroying entire communities. RICHMOND Legislation that allows certain electric utility substations and other facilities to sidestep local planning and zoning approval has cleared the House of Delegates and the Senate, though with a patch of Northern Virginia where the bill triggered an eruption of opposition exempted from its provisions. House Bill 1766 by Del. Greg Habeeb, R-Salem, applies only to 138 kilovolt transmission lines that are almost exclusively used by Appalachian Power in their Southwestern Virginia service area. The bill passed both chambers with an amendment by Sen. Richard Stuart, R-Stafford, that carved out Planning District 8. That district includes Prince William County, where some residents are dead set against a planned 230-kilovolt Dominion transmission line and associated infrastructure that will run through Haymarket. The Coalition to Protect Prince William County, a group formed to oppose the project, which will supply power to an Amazon data center, has called Habeebs legislation and a companion bill, Senate Bill 1110 by Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin, a Trojan horse aimed at stopping local elected officials and regulatory bodies from exercising their duties. Its clear to me that many Virginia legislators are starting to realize what the coalition and others have known for a long time, that no piece of legislation which exempts regulated utilities with deep pockets from reasonable regulation can be regarded neutrally, the executive director, Elena Schlossberger, said in a statement. Thats not being cynical. Its common sense. Stuart said last week that in his nearly 10 years in the Senate he couldnt recall a bill that had generated as much anxiety from his constituents. Dominion has insisted it had nothing to do with the legislation. The House was scheduled to take up Stanleys version Wednesday, when some delegates were also looking to carve their districts out of the legislation, but was sent back to committee, where it is expected to remain. Last week, Stanley mocked opposition to the bill on the Senate floor. A bunch of people from Prince William County think its some evil bill thats going to come to their area and cause massive problems. And let me remind the members of the body that it wont, he said. The bills purpose, he added, is to help get power connected to new industrial parks more quickly. This is a bill for Southern Virginia, not Dominion. Brian Coy, a spokesman for Gov. Terry McAuliffe, said the governor will review that bill when it gets here. If you work in the Virginia General Assembly Building, youve been talking for years about asbestos and how the germ-filled building seems to make people sick. The elevators are overloaded, the plumbing shaky and the temperature never right. A new building is on the way, and its hard to find someone who will actually miss this charmless place actually four structures connected thats scheduled for demolition. The lawmakers and their staffs will move into the nearby Pocahontas Building for the next four General Assembly sessions while a new building is constructed. On Wednesday, on one of its final days as a working legislative building, the GAB, as the General Assembly Building is known, no longer displayed much of the photos and artwork along its walls near legislative offices. Many lawmakers have boxed up their stuff . The large crowds of school groups and gun activists are long gone as this years 46-day session nears its end, which could be Friday, or Saturday at the latest. But on this Wednesday in its final week, the old GAB took on a spirited feel. n n n Bill Howell, R-Stafford, the esteemed speaker of the House of Delegates, already announced his retirement this week. At 7 a.m. Howell hosted his last speakers Bible study caucus, a group that started meeting in the early 1990s. Lawmakers of both parties joined lobbyists and pages listening to Howell read from the Bible, then guide a Q&A. Howell asked if someone could read Psalm 21. David Skiles, a lobbyist, volunteered. In a discussion about leadership and following God to find ones true abilities, Howell said, People will remind you from time to time that youre not doing things perfectly. He prayed that those in Richmond will return safely to their families when the General Assembly session ends. Howell said hes taking some of his offices contents to the Pocahontas Building because he remains speaker until January. But a lot of it needs to go, he said. n n n Two floors up at the office of Del. Daun Hester, D-Norfolk, Morgan Jameson and Ann Fitzgibbon made waffles. Fitzgibbon is an assistant to Hester and Jameson an assistant to Del. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax. We might run out of mix, Jameson said. Word of Waffle Wednesday spread. Kevin Groh, a session assistant to Del. Eileen Filler-Corn, D-Fairfax, raved about the Costco maple syrup. Del. Matthew Fariss, R-Campbell, enjoyed a plate. Perhaps inspired by the knowledge that the GAB will be demolished, Fariss did some interior decorating on the eighth floor. One of the more entertaining sequences of the legislative session was debate over a bill from Howell, which ultimately failed, that would have created fines for people whose hunting dogs roam onto others property. Fariss, who opposed the bill, told an entertaining story on the House floor of a fantasy rabbit hunt at Capitol Square. With a black marker on Wednesday, he wrote on a wall in the GAB: HUNTING WITH Dogs WELCOME. A reporter later tweeted a photo showing that the message had been removed, the wall restored to pure white. n n n The part-time lawmakers spend long hours during the session in a frenzied pace of school groups, visitors, lobbying and lawmaking. The upcoming end of the General Assembly Buildings last session, however, created a mood akin to the last day of school. Pages held a mock yard sale, selling old coffee mugs, shirts and wall art to raise money for a food bank. n n n Some young visitors to the building Wednesday were serious. Men of Faith, an organization of African-American men in Virginia Beach, visited the General Assembly Building and the Capitol. Del. Luke Torian, D-Prince William, a pastor, was among lawmakers who spoke with them. The majority of members of the General Assembly are people of faith, he said, . Sen. Lionell Spruill , D-Chesapeake, told them stories about growing up in a public housing community and his lifelong struggle to overcome speech problems. Joshua Mack could hardly believe he was encountering a man of color who like him had struggled with speech problems. The 18-year-old from Virginia Beach said he is still overcoming stuttering but that when he was a child, speaking was so much harder, and he was bullied for it. He said he found Spruill to be an inspiration. n n n The General Assembly Buildings meeting schedule, until recently packed with caucuses and hearings, is now virtually empty. The elevators will run for just a bit longer before those in the building eagerly leave town with a less-than-elevated view of the old GAB. RICHMOND The GOP majority in the Virginia House of Delegates voted Wednesday to officially select current House Majority Leader Kirk Cox of Colonial Heights as the presumptive successor to retiring House Speaker Bill Howell. A former high-school government teacher, Cox, 59, will be the first House speaker representing part of Chesterfield County since the mid-1800s, and the first from the Richmond region since 1916. The vote sets Cox up to become the Houses top-ranking member in 2018, giving him control over committee appointments and the House policy agenda as well as putting him in charge of perpetuating the GOP majority by raising money and helping Republican candidates. Before he can take the speakers gavel, Cox and those of the 99 other House members who are seeking re-election have to go home this weekend and start running. Coxs election was announced after a closed-door caucus meeting Wednesday afternoon punctuated by bursts of applause audible in a Capitol hallway. Del. Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, had explored a run for speaker, but bowed out well before Wednesdays meeting. The GOP caucus said the vote for Cox was unanimous. We want to send a signal that we know who our leaders are. That were unified and coming together, Cox said. And that we plan on being very aggressive in getting across the Republican message in this upcoming cycle. Cox said his differences with Howell are more stylistic than substantive, saying he and his predecessor are very close philosophically. The caucus voted to promote Del. Todd Gilbert, a Shenandoah County Republican who currently serves as deputy majority leader, to replace Cox as majority leader next year. Caucus Chairman Tim Hugo, R-Fairfax, and GOP Whip Jackson Miller, R-Manassas, were re-elected unanimously. Howell, 73, announced Monday that he will retire after 15 years as speaker. The news that Howell wont seek re-election came as lawmakers entered the final week of the 2017 legislative session and was designed to ensure an orderly transition even if the formal election of a new speaker wont occur until next January. House Minority Leader David Toscano, D-Charlottesville, said Republicans wanted to settle the issue quickly so it doesnt fester all summer. Its probably a smart move, Toscano said. In a written statement, Howell said he has full confidence in the revamped leadership team. Our Republican majority will continue to govern and lead our commonwealth, offering positive ideas and a clear vision based on conservative principles, Howell said. Cox has represented the Houses 66th District since 1990. Hes served as majority leader since 2010. His district covers Colonial Heights and southern and western portions of Chesterfield County. Cox has a Democratic challenger, Katie Sponsler, but his district is reliably Republican. In last years presidential race, Republican Donald Trump won the district with nearly 60 percent of the vote, according to data compiled by the Virginia Public Access Project. RICHMOND Senate Majority Leader Thomas Norment , R-James City, prides himself on being a schemer. One of the most powerful men in Virginias government, he cast a mischievous vote on Wednesday to engineer a tie that forced what Republicans hoped would be a controversial vote for Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam on a volatile issue immigration. Norment initially voted with Democrats on a Republican bill a measure from Del. Charles Poindexter, R-Franklin , meant to bar localities from adopting so-called sanctuary policies in order to create the 20-20 tie. Northam who presides over the Senate needed to break it. He did so, siding with his fellow Democrats to kill the bill. Norment immediately moved to reconsider the vote, then voted with fellow Republicans to pass the bill 21-19 the standard party-line vote in the Senate. Within minutes, the communications director for Republican Ed Gillespies gubernatorial campaign sent reporters a news release attacking Northam, a candidate for governor on the Democratic side, for his vote. How did the Gillespie campaign react so quickly? By colluding with the Senate Republicans to play games, according to Northams team. This is the sixth time Republicans pulled off this stunt in this General Assembly session, read a Northam news release sent later . The other times, Ed Gillespie didnt have the gall [to] send a prewritten press release out moments after Lieutenant Governor Northams tie-breaking vote. The vote in question came on Poindexters House Bill 2000. The bill is whats known as a brochure bill it would certainly be vetoed by Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe but it generates emotion over an issue that lawmakers can then campaign on for the fall election. All 100 House seats are up for election , as are the offices of governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. The one-sentence bill says: No locality shall adopt any ordinance, procedure, or policy that restricts the enforcement of federal immigration laws. Its not clear if any Virginia locality has adopted an ordinance or policy to stop U.S. officials from enforcing federal law, but the senators debated immigration for about 40 minutes before the vote. Following federal controversies over President Donald Trumps attempted travel ban and restrictions on refugees, the debate in Virginia will certainly become part of the fall election. The news release from Gillespie arrived about 15 minutes after the two votes were taken: Lieutenant Governor Northam voted for sanctuary cities in the commonwealth. Ralph Northam is out-of-step with Virginians who believe that enforcing our nations long-standing immigration laws is common sense. We shouldnt have sanctuary cities in Virginia. Local governments should not be able to ignore federal immigration laws. As governor, I would support and sign Delegate Poindexters HB 2000 because it is a reasonable measure to keep Virginians safe and enforce the law. Norment declined to comment, and later grinned as a reporter tried to coax out whether the Senate majority leader was colluding with the Gillespie campaign . Northam was quoted in his statement saying Norment and his Republican colleagues were elected to do a job, not play games: Donald Trump, Ed Gillespie and Richmond Republicans march in lockstep in wanting to cruelly tear families apart. Ed Gillespie is proud to support Donald Trump and his extreme policies on immigration. The fact is, Ed Gillespie and Richmond Republicans know there are no sanctuary cities in Virginia. They want to demonize immigrants for political gain. Thats wrong. I will stand up to Donald Trump and Ed Gillespie trying to scapegoat immigrants. Instead, I will work to give local law enforcement all the tools they need to keep our communities safe without Richmond Republicans or Donald Trump tying their hands. Gillespie spokesman Matt Moran, who sent the news release, later denied that the campaign was in communication with Norment on the vote. At the end of the day, this was about Ralph Northams vote, not about anything else, Moran said. We did not ask them to do it. We did not know it was going to happen. Northam is in a primary race with former U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello. Gillespie is the front-runner in a four-man GOP primary that includes state Sen. Frank Wagner of Virginia Beach, Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart and distillery owner Denver Riggleman. The primary election is June 13. Earlier Wednesday, the ACLU of Virginia and several other advocates called on McAuliffe to veto Poindexters bill, along with two others . These bills just incite fear and a sense of unwelcomeness to the immigrant communities, driving many to leave entirely or to move further into the shadows, said Tram Nguyen, co-director of the New Virginia Majority. RICHMOND Teachers, college faculty and the Virginia Capitol Police would get pay raises under a budget deal negotiators for the House of Delegates and Senate reached Wednesday. The agreement would give a 2 percent raise to teachers and college and university faculty. The deal provides the states share of an additional 1 percent raise for faculty at eight higher education institutions that did not give raises or bonuses last year after a revenue shortfall forced the cancellation of a scheduled 3 percent raise for state employees and faculty last summer. The others could give the additional raise with their own funds. The budget compromise also would include $1.75 million to raise salaries for the Division of Capitol Police to make them competitive with other law enforcement agencies. The pay increases for teachers, faculty and Capitol police would come on top of the 3 percent raise that the House and Senate had restored for state employees in their versions of the budget, which also would provide a nearly $7,000 increase in starting salary for state police and an equal pay hike for current troopers. Our number one goal was to evaluate and redirect funds to provide the pay raise that was promised last year to our state employees and faculty, state-supported local employees and teachers, House Appropriations Chairman Chris Jones, R-Suffolk, said . The House and Senate could vote on the proposed budget deal as early as Friday night. Legislative rules require that lawmakers get at least 48 hours to review the decisions by the conference committee that has been working for two weeks to reconcile the two budgets. Budget negotiators have completed their work ahead of schedule for the third consecutive year, said Senate Majority Leader Thomas Norment, R-James City, who also is co-chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. Under the proposed compromise, the House moved closer to the Senates position on a teacher pay raise, while adding about $34 million in state lottery funds that would be freed to send to local school divisions without requiring them to match the state money or with restrictions on how they spend it. The proposal would send about 35 percent of lottery revenues to school divisions with no strings up from 29 percent while the rest would be allocated to programs for K-12 education. The deal includes $32 million for the states share of a 2 percent raise for teachers effective Feb. 15, 2018, for the last four and a half months of the fiscal year. However, school divisions would be able to receive their share of that money as early as July for pay hikes that most of them gave last year anyway. The budget also would include $7.3 million in additional funding for small school divisions, such as those in far Southwest Virginias coalfields, that have been losing enrollment and the state per-pupil funding that goes with it. The allocation would be based on a five-year look-back on division enrollment in small school divisions. The proposed deal also would restore about $17 million of the $76 million in funding for higher education institutions that Gov. Terry McAuliffe had cut to address the revenue shortfall in the fiscal year that will begin on July 1. Under the plan, no institution would lose more than 1.5 percent of its education and general funding. Both budgets already included money for a 2 percent raise for state-supported local employees, such as sheriffs deputies. The House prevailed in restoring more than $3 million of the nearly $4 million that the governor had proposed and the Senate had eliminated to improve the states balky voter registration system and replace federal election funds that are set to disappear. The budget deal includes $5 million for supportive housing for people with serious mental illness, as well as $100,000 to enable the state board of corrections to investigate suspicious deaths in regional and local jails. The compromise also would include an additional $1.5 million proposed by the House for helping victims of domestic violence. The money would allow the state to receive an additional $6 million in federal funds for the initiative. In economic development, the budget negotiators restored all of the $4 million that the governor cut from the Inova Global Geonomics and Bioinformatics Research Institute in Northern Virginia. They kept to their plan to restore half of the $15 million that McAuliffe had cut from the GO Virginia economic development initiative. They also did not back down from restoring $5 million the governor had cut from the $10.2 million appropriation for the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundations 2019 commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of the first legislative body in the New World, as well as the arrival of women and Africans to the Jamestown colony. The deal did not relieve the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control from having to provide more than $20 million in additional revenue to support spending in the two-year budget. Nor did it allow the agency to move ahead with a $104.7 million proposal to build a new warehouse and headquarters. WASHINGTON Attorneys for a transgender teen who sued his school board for barring him from the boys bathroom said Thursday that they plan to continue to press his case before the U.S. Supreme Court, despite the Trump administrations decision to withdraw guidance on transgender students that had buoyed his lawsuit. Lawyers with the American Civil Liberties Union, which is representing 17-year-old Gavin Grimm, said they believe federal laws barring discrimination on the basis of sex apply to transgender people regardless of the administrations position on the matter. They argue that in light of the fresh directive from President Donald Trumps Cabinet which on Wednesday revoked guidance instructing schools to let transgender students use the bathrooms of their choice it is imperative that the high court rule on the merits of Grimms case. If anything, the confusion caused by this recent action by the Department of Justice and the Department of Education only underscore the need for the Supreme Court to bring some clarity here, ACLU attorney Joshua Block said in a teleconference with reporters Thursday morning. Grimms case is scheduled for oral arguments in Washington on March 28. The remarks came as fallout continued from the Trump administrations decision to roll back guidance from the last two years of Barack Obamas presidency, policies that aimed to explain that transgender students have specific protections under Title IX, a federal law that bars gender discrimination in the nations schools. The Obama administrations interpretation of that law required schools to allow transgender students to use the bathroom of their choice, regardless of the sex listed on their birth certificates. In a letter to public school administrators Wednesday, officials with the Justice and Education departments withdrew that guidance, writing that they want to further and more completely consider the legal issues involved, particularly the role of states and individual school districts in setting education policy. Some religious conservatives, privacy advocates and officials in red states immediately praised the Trump administration for taking steps that they hope will restore power to the states and help protect the safety and privacy of non-transgender students. The school board in Gloucester County, Virginia, where Grimm attends high school, also praised the decision, which they suggested could bolster their argument that their policy requiring Grimm to use a separate, single-stall restroom is appropriate. The Gloucester County School Board is pleased that the federal government has withdrawn the opinion letter at issue in its case, Board Chair Charles Records said in a statement. We look forward to explaining to the Supreme Court why this development underscores that the Boards commonsense restroom and locker room policy is legal under federal law. A federal judge in Texas had temporarily blocked the Obama guidelines in response to a lawsuit from 13 states that accused the Obama administration of federal overreach that usurped state power. Many school districts continued to follow the guidelines because of uncertainty about how to accommodate transgender children and out of a concern that they could be vulnerable to lawsuits or federal penalties. The Trump administrations decision drew immediate rebukes, not just from advocacy organizations but also from groups such as the American Federation of Teachers, and corporations such as Apple and Microsoft. In the past several years, businesses have been at the forefront of efforts to thwart state legislation viewed as anti-gay or anti-transgender. Apple believes everyone deserves a chance to thrive in an environment free from stigma and discrimination. We support efforts toward greater acceptance, not less, and we strongly believe that transgender students should be treated as equals, the company said in a statement. We disagree with any effort to limit or rescind their rights and protections. Several Democratic members of Congress, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, N.Y., also expressed their displeasure at the Trump administrations decision. Equal rights and equal protection under the law are not issues that should be left up to the states, they ought to be guaranteed for every American, including all students, Schumer said in a statement. The federal government has an obligation to protect the rights of every citizen, and shirking that responsibility allows states to step in and discriminate. This decision by the Trump administration to roll back protections for transgender students is just plain wrong and cuts directly across the American drive and yearning for equality. Many liberal-leaning states as well as school officials in some of the nations largest districts such as New York, Los Angeles and Philadelphia moved quickly to reassure their communities that transgender-friendly policies in those jurisdictions would not change. Superintendent Michelle King said in a statement Wednesday night that the Los Angeles Unified School District embraces all students and remains committed to affirming a safe, productive learning environment for everyone. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said in a statement that the Trump Administrations decision to reverse the federal governments position on important protections for transgender students will subject vulnerable young people to harassment and intimidation, but said the state already has legal protections in place for transgender people. We remain committed to ensuring that transgender students and families are treated with fairness and dignity, Healey said. Fifteen states have explicit protections for transgender students, according to the Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights group; lawmakers in several other states are working to restrict bathroom access for transgender students. The American Civil Liberties Union, which tracks the legislation, said legislators in 14 states filed 20 bills that could lead to restroom restrictions for transgender people, with some proposing that states penalize schools that violate those restrictions. So far, five of those bills have failed. The change in policy will affect a number of pending court cases, but none is being watched more closely than Grimms. Grimm sued the Gloucester County School Board two years ago after it barred him from using the boys bathroom. Even though he recently has his birth certificate amended to describe him as male, his school still requires him to use a separate single-stall restroom, which he has argued unfairly stigmatizes him. Obamas guidance was issued a month after Grimm won a victory at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, which deferred to the Obama administrations position on transgender student rights, citing case law that gives deference to the executive branchs interpretation and application of federal rules. The court noted that future administrations could interpret such rules differently. The Supreme Court could decide to return the case to the lower court, or it could decide to rule more broadly on whether Title IX protects the right of transgender students to use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity. Both Gloucester County and Grimm have asked the court to rule on that broader question. The administrations letter was the source of some disagreement between the two issuing departments, with Attorney General Jeff Sessions eager to rescind the Obama administrations guidance as court proceedings in related cases approached, and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos keen to leave it in place. Unlike Arne Duncan, Obamas education secretary for seven years, DeVos does not have a close personal relationship with the president she serves; she also lacks the experience and political capital Sessions garnered as a Republican senator. Sessions is widely known to oppose expanding gay and transgender rights, and DeVoss friends say she personally supports those rights. The new letter is sure to ignite another firestorm for DeVos, who is fresh off her contentious nomination fight and has drawn protests from parents and teachers who believe she is unqualified for the job. --- The Washington Posts Emma Brown and Moriah Balingit contributed to this report. A plane carrying a third group of at least 18 Afghan asylum-seekers rejected by Germany left for Kabul late on February 22. Police said around 250 people gathered at the airport to protest the deportations, which German opposition parties and rights groups have criticized, arguing that most of Afghanistan is not safe for return. "There are no secure areas in Afghanistan," said Nadine Kriebel of the Bavarian Refugees' Council, which organized the rally. "We want to lodge a protest against these indiscriminate deportations." In the past, the majority of Afghans whose asylum bids were declined were allowed to remain in Germany due to the security threat in their country. But Berlin, which participates in NATO forces in Afghanistan, decided last year to designate parts of the country safe for return. The government said the group deportations are supposed to send a signal to Afghans that Germany only accepts a small number of asylum bids from their country. Peter Altmaier, German Chancellor Angela Merkel's chief of staff, defended the deportations on Deutschlandfunk radio. "Those who have no claim to asylum from any conceivable point of view - where the courts have determined that they do not face the threat of persecution - must expect to be repatriated," he said. Based on reporting by AFP and dpa STEPHENS W. Graham March 31, 1928 February 19, 2017 Dr. W. Graham "Grammy" Stephens, 88, of Troutville, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 19, 2017 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Graham was born in Detroit, Mich. March 31, 1928. He was the son of the late Wallace T. and Nan Watkins Howison Stephens. In addition to his parents, Graham was preceded in death by brother, John Bruce Stephens. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Thelma Lenz Stephens of Troutville; his sons, Graham and wife, Trina of Roanoke and Bruce of Troutville; daughter, Mary S. DePuy and husband, Craig of Winston-Salem, N.C.; along with grandsons, Luis DePuy and John DePuy; and nephew, Jeff Stephens and wife, Julie and their daughter, Paige. Graham graduated from Luray High School in 1945 and Hampden-Sydney College, magna cum laude, in 1949, followed by University of Tennessee School of Medicine, Memphis, Tenn. Graham met Thelma in chemistry class while they were students at the UT medical units in Memphis. He gallantly volunteered to give blood for a series of tests which Thelma, a student Medical Technologist, would draw. Pretty good pick up line! Graham liked to say he received his MD and his MRS when he graduated and married Thelma in 1953. From there the couple went to an internship at MCV in Richmond, and then to a surgical residency in Knoxville, Tenn. at St. Mary's Memorial Hospital. The USAF interrupted that and in January they were on to Kinross AFB in Sault St. Marie, Mich. Graham served as Captain USAF General Medical Officer from 1955-1957. After his military service, Graham joined a family practice in Boones Mill, Va. followed by a family practice in Troutville from 1958-1968. "Doc Grammy" was well known for his compassionate and caring medical care, which included many house calls over the years. Graham's medical career changed course in 1968 as he joined, with four other doctors, to found the emergency room group at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He remained with the group for over 35 years. His passion for, and expertise in, emergency medical care grew as he became, in 1981, one of only eight Virginia physicians to be boarded in Emergency Medicine, and the first doctor to achieve this status in Southwest Virginia. He proudly held this Emergency Medicine certification through 2011. In addition to medicine, Graham had a passion for Scouting. His enthusiasm for the outdoors was developed at an early age. Throughout his youth, Graham had many outdoor adventures while his Shenandoah National Park Ranger father was stationed in the Luray area. He became a Boy Scout in 1940 in Luray, Va. In 1968 Graham rejoined the Scouting movement when his sons, Graham and Bruce, joined Troop 157, sponsored by Troutville Church of the Brethren. Dr. Stephens then served as Scoutmaster or Committee Chair for the next 25 years. Graham loved Philmont National Scout Camp so much he attended twice on the trails with his sons. More recently Graham returned with Thelma, Mary, Craig, and his grandsons, Luis and John to share the Philmont experience with another family generation. As an enthusiastic Scout, Graham has volunteered at many levels of scouting over the years. Dr. Stephens was the Blue Ridge Scout Reservation Physician for 15 years and successfully orchestrated fund raising within the medical community for the new Camp Powhatan Health Lodge. He was very involved in Woodbadge as Area 8 coordinator and served on staff for many Woodbadge courses. He held multiple positions in the Blue Ridge Mountains Council as well as serving on the Scouting Regional Board in a variety of capacities. Graham attended seven National Jamborees and two World Jamborees. He received many Scouting accolades over the years, including Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Vigil Honor Order of the Arrow, and the Protestant Religious Award. After retirement, Dr. Stephens continued to work actively with a medical mission group, International Medical Assistance Corporation. He made multiple trips to Honduras over the years, sharing both his love of medicine and Christ. He was a founder and board member of Casa Latina. Graham was a member of Troutville Church of the Brethren, where he served on the Stewards Commission as well having been Scoutmaster for many years. A celebration of Graham's life will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 25 at Troutville Church of the Brethren, 5133 Lee Highway, Troutville with Pastor Terry Johnson and Pastor Daniel D'Oleo officiating. Graham's family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2017 at Rader Funeral Home, 630 Roanoke Road, Daleville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Troutville Church of the Brethren, P.O. Box 156, Troutville, VA 24175, or to Scout Reach in Blue Ridge Mountains Council, Boy Scouts of America, P. O. Box 7606. Roanoke, VA 24019. Online condolences may be made to Graham's family at www.rader-funeralhome.com. Rader Funeral Home, 540-992-1212 With plenty of corn and beans on hand and big South American crops expected, prices likely will stay under pressure. Worries about trade with Mexico put one more weight on the market. Joe Lardy, research director at CHS Hedging, St. Paul, Minn., said the market should be reacting more to the tension with Mexico, which has sent representatives to Brazil to look into trade relationships there. If youre a Mexican company, and you are looking to the U.S. for your product, you might start seriously thinking about alternative sources, he said. Stronger-than-expected total U.S. corn exports have helped corn prices stay as high as they are, noted Phil Abbott, an ag economist at Purdue University. Take that away, and prices come back down, he said. Mexico accounted for about 28 percent of U.S. corn exports in 2016, and its September-December imports from the U.S. rose 16 percent from a year earlier, according to the U.S. Grains Council. Mexicos buying power also has declined. With all this negative talk about Mexico and implications for the Mexican economy, the Mexican peso has depreciated substantially, Abbott said. That makes things like corn more expensive to Mexicans. In another major market, worries about how bird flu in China will affect demand is a concern, said Dave Kurzawski, broker at INTL FCStone, Chicago. Still, he sees prospects for a corn futures rally. Going into planting, youll have the typical battle for acres, Kurzawski said. Between the acreage battle and worries about weather, corn futures will likely get over $4 at some point. Lardy at CHS Hedging said Brazil could have a good corn crop, but there could be some risk premium for corn. Planting progress is slow for Brazils safrinha (second) corn crop. But Brazils soybean crop is much further along in development. Analysts estimates are centering on a Brazilian soybean crop of about 105 MMT. In the next two to three weeks, Brazils harvest likely will be about done, Lardy said. Argentinas soybean areas are in a season equal to August in the U.S. If the South American soybean crop encounters no major weather events, it really should be pressuring the soybean market, Lardy said. Rotherham United commercial director Steve Coakley (left) with Peter Marples, co-owner of 3aaa. ROTHERHAM United have netted a sponsorship boost. They have extended their "platinum partnership" with apprenticeships provider 3aaa for a further two years. The deal will see the 3aaa branding once again displayed on the back of the away shirt for the next two seasons. The agreement, which also includes other commercial opportunities with the club, ensures the national business, with their UK head office in Derby, remains an ongoing key partner to the Millers. 3aaa specialise in the delivery of apprenticeships in IT, digital and social media and accountancy and have over 40 Academies across the UK, the closest in Sheffield, and have jobs immediately waiting for young people aged 16-24 wanting to start their careers and earn whilst they learn. Millers commercial director Steve Coakley said: "We have been very proud of our partnership with 3aaa which has thrived over the past four years. "They are now firmly part of our commercial wing at Rotherham United and their branding, whether on the back of the away shirt or the naming rights to the 3aaa Boardroom at the stadium, has become synonymous with the club. "I am thrilled that we have agreed a two-year extension and we are looking forward to again working with Peter Marples and his colleagues at 3aaa on continued projects." Peter Marples, co-owner of 3aaa, added: "It is beneficial for us in business but equally this is a very friendly club to work with. The introduction of the apprenticeship levy on April 1 presents a huge opportunity for business in the South Yorkshire area." Swarovski, which ventured into the lab-grown diamond business last May, is going to cut a wide swath this coming Sunday at the Academy Awards ceremony showing off synthetic diamond jewelry created by its subsidiary, Atelier Swarovski specially for the occasion. The move will be underpinned by Suzy Camerons Red Carpet Green Dress initiative featuring eco-friendly gowns for the Oscars red carpet. In the words of Nadja Swarovski, who is a member of the company's Executive Board, the fine jewelry collection of created diamonds and crystals offered for this red-carpet season reflects the companys 120-year heritage, and the innovation, craftsmanship and sustainability embedded in its DNA. Swarovski joined the lab-made diamond market by launching its exclusive DIAMA Brand last May saying it embodied the companys fascination and respect for the environment and Earth's organic treasures and that its jewels were made exclusively with Swarovski Created Diamonds, socially conscious and conflict-free. Swarovskis intention to display lab-made diamonds at the Academy Awards appears to coincide with the launch of the Real is Rare. Real is a Diamond campaign by the Diamond Producers Association at the same event. In a recent presentation at the Israel Diamond Exchange, DPA CEO Jean-Marc Lieberherr said that the ad featuring the television premiere of "Runaways," will be presented in a 15-second format on the ABC TV network, which will air the award ceremony. Theodor Lisovoy, Rough&Polished, Moscow DES MOINES | Iowans could register to vote at age 17, six months younger than current law allows, under a law moved forward by a House State Government subcommittee. HF 167 also would allow a voter not yet 18 to vote in a primary election if the voter will be 18 by the time of the respective general election. IMPAIRED DRIVING: A bill to make it a Class C felony if a driver strikes and kills someone while using a cellphone advanced in the Iowa House Wednesday, but lawmakers said they are still considering changes to improve the bill. By a 17-3 vote, the House Judiciary Committee moved the bill to the House floor. However, floor manager Rep Zach Nunn, R-Bondurant, said he received at least 18 proposed amendments Rep. Mary Wolfe, D-Clinton, supported the intent of HSB 109, but because it is a complicated piece of legislation and because she hasnt seen the amendments, voted against it. Hopefully, the amendments will make this an even better bill, she said. In addition to increasing the penalty for using a handheld communication device while driving, the bill creates a 24/7 monitoring program for people convicted of OWI that would require them to be tested twice a day for alcohol use and requires some people convicted of drunk driving to blow into an ignition interlock device before starting their vehicle. Similar measures in South Dakota have dramatically reduced repeat offenses, Nunn said. FARM NUISANCE SUITS: A House Agriculture subcommittee has advanced HSB 134, despite suggestions that the legislation is unconstitutional. The bill creates an affirmative defense for livestock producers to raise if someone sues them claiming the operation is a nuisance that interferes with the plaintiffs comfortable use and enjoyment of life or property. William Wimmer of the Association for Justice and others raised the constitutional issue. He also opposed the non-reciprocal loser pays provisions of the bill. If plaintiffs prevail, he said, they should be able to recover attorneys fees just as producers could if they prevail. Eldon McAfee, an attorney representing the Iowa Pork Producers and Cattlemens associations, said the bill tries encourages responsible livestock production by requiring that producers use reasonable practices in order to use the affirmative defense. Jeff Boeyink of Coalition to Protect the Rural Economy pointed out that livestock production a big business in Iowa. It accounts $38 billion a year business, with $10 billion of labor income from 160,000 jobs. It has benefited from a stable regulatory environment, but nuisance lawsuits are creating instability and making it hard for producers to afford insurance coverage. What were trying to do here is thread the needle on constitutionality by limited protections to those who are good actors, he said. Rep. Dennis Cohoon D-Burlington, did not sign off on the bill because of concerns raised by constituents. Reps. Chip Baltimore, R-Boone, and Ross Paustian, R-Walcott, signed the bill to send it to the full committee. LIGHTS OUT: More than two dozen bike riders told a House Transportation subcommittee they support a bicycle safety bill, but not a provision that would require daytime lights. Were solid behind the rest of the bill, Roger White of Cedar Valley Cyclists after the hearing on HSB 130. We encourage you to amend that out. Its a really, really good bill without that provisions. Using a front light during the day would drain their batteries leaving bicyclists literally in the dark when the sun sets, several speakers said. Also, they said theres no evidence a front, white light during daylight hours enhances safety. The riders like provisions in the law requiring motorists to change lanes to pass bicyclists. That doesnt apply of the bike is operating on the shoulder or in a designated bike lane. Subcommittee Chairman John Wills, R-Spirit Lake, said he wants to continue the discussion, but was unsure of its future. FETUS TISSUE CHANGE: The Senate Human Resources Committee approved a bill Wednesday making it a state crime to acquire, provide, receive or otherwise traffic in fetal body parts outside some limited research purposes. Violation of the provisions of Senate File 52 would constitute a class C felony punishable by a prison term of up to 10 years and a fine of at least $1,000 but not more than $10,000. Before passing the bill with one opposing vote, senators approved an amendment that grandfathered in all existing cell lines held by research universities prior to Jan. 1 and made other limited provisions for tissue donations and research activities. Sen. Jake Chapman, R-Adel, called the bill a good balance of recognizing the research aspects while making sure no one in Iowa will be profiteering from the sale of aborted babies. Sen. Joe Bolkcom, D-Iowa City, the lone no vote, said the legislation was unnecessary because federal law already prohibits the sale of fetal tissue. The bill now moves to the Senate debate calendar for future action. RIGHT TO TRY TREATMENT: Senators are taking another shot a passing right-to-try legislation that would make it easier for terminally ill patients to get access to experimental drugs. Senate Study Bill 1115 would permit manufacturers of investigative drugs, biological produces or devices to make them available to eligible patients with terminal illnesses for use as a treatment as long as they provided written informed consent. This is something that is probably overdue, said Sen. Rick Bertrand, R-Sioux City. Under the bill, an eligible patients physician must acknowledge that the patients illness is terminal and recommend the patient try an investigative drug, biological product or device. The bill previously passed the Senate but stalled in the House over concerns the bill could have become a vehicle for medical marijuana or right to die amendments, Bertrand said. E-VERIFY MANDATE: Thousands of Iowa businesses with more than 25 employees would be required to submit employment documents to the federal government for verification under a bill that cleared a Senate Judiciary subcommittee Wednesday. Sen. Julian Garrett, R-Indianola, said Senate File 172 is needed to aid employers following the law while competitors unfairly are employing undocumented aliens at substandard wages and no benefits. Critics of the bill said it appears to be an unwelcoming, anti-immigrant measure on its face that would push people into a shadow economy and they questioned what problem it sought to fix. John Stineman of the Iowa Chamber Alliance said businesses would prefer to have the issue resolved at the federal level rather than having a patchwork of state regulations that are especially problematic for companies doing business in multiple states. Two employers who use the e-verify testified that the voluntary federal system is easy to use and effective and Garrett said the legislation was intended to get more of Iowas nearly 81,000 employers to use the system beyond the 2,649 that currently do. He said the measure was not extended to businesses with fewer than 25 workers because some senators had reservations over that approach. GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTEES: The Senate Education Committee, without dissent Wednesday, approved three of Gov. Terry Branstads appointees for individual confirmation votes by the full Senate before the April 15 deadline. Moving to the Senate calendar for confirmation votes were Michael Richards to the state Board of Regents, Ann Lebo as executive director for the state Board of Educational Examiners and Katherine Schmidt as a member of that same examining board. Gubernatorial nominees must require at least 34 affirmative votes to meet two-thirds threshold for confirmation. FIREWORKS FEES APPROVED: A three-member Senate Ways and Means subcommittee gave its stamp of approval Wednesday to a system of fees and other revenue associated with the proposed startup of legalized consumer fireworks sales in Iowa. Senate File 236 would allow licensed retailers in permanent structures or community groups to sell consumer fireworks in permanent structures between June 1 and July 8 and between Dec. 10 and Jan. 3. A similar provision would apply to conforming temporary structures, such as tents, from June 13 through July 8 each year. The measure includes a fee structure for various licensure levels, allows counties or cities that do not want to legalize the expanded sale and use of fireworks to opt out of the new law, and bars the sale or purchase involving anyone under the age of 18 and make a violation punishable by a fine of at least $250. Annual license and wholesaler registration fees would range from $400 up to $1,000 and overall two subcommittee members said it appeared the fee structure would cover the roughly $150,000 cost for two extra full-time workers in the State Fire Marshals Office to conduct inspections and other oversight. Sen. Janet Petersen, D-Des Moines, opposed the fee structure as inadequate, saying it appeared to her that the state would be spending money to sell fireworks in Iowa. The measure now returns to the Senate debate calendar for further consideration. QUOTE OF THE DAY: It seems to me like more useless bureaucratic paperwork. Sen. Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames, in discussing a Senate GOP priority that passed 50-0 Wednesday to require that every administrative rule proposed by a state agency or department be accompanied by a jobs impact statement. Connecticut Department of Transportation The Connecticut State Bond Commission approved an additional $50 million in funding for the New-Haven-Hartford-Springfield (NHHS) Rail Program. The funds, approved at the Feb. 1, 2017 meeting, will support the design and environmental permitting for new CTrail Hartford Line stations in North Haven, Newington, West Hartford, Windsor, Windsor Locks and Enfield as well as 7.5 miles of double track from Windsor to Enfield. Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) also says the funding will support the construction of approximately four miles of double track between Hartford and Windsor, which is currently underway. CTDOT Commissioner James P. Redeker said, The funding approved by the State Bond Commission reinforces our States continued commitment to providing new regional passenger rail service on the Hartford Line, which will become the newest component of a robust and vibrant multi-modal regional transportation system. Scheduled to launch in 2018, the CTrail Hartford Line will offer more frequent, convenient and faster passenger rail service between New Haven, Hartford and Springfield by increasing the number of round trip trains from six daily Amtrak intercity and regional trains to a total of 17 round trip trains a day to Hartford, and 12 trains per day to Springfield. The majority of the existing rail stations will be replaced and several new stations will be built. The expanded service and new stations are expected to increase ridership, improve the high speed and passenger rail system serving the northeast, expand intermodal transportation options, encourage economic development and create more livable and sustainable communities. KISS offered up a rare makeup-free performance during a recent fundraiser for a military charity. The appearance came earlier this week at the "All-Star Salute To The Oregon Military" which helped raise money for a $20 million new Oregon Military Museum. The band also made recent headlines when Gene Simmons opened up about his complex relationship with band mate Paul Stanley. Speaking with Goldmine magazine, Simmons said that they've had ups and downs but their relationship is currently stronger than ever. "You have to figure out that the person next to you isn't you," Gene explained. "So sometimes you don't understand why I might have a different appetite than him. I make no excuses for having a record company and now a film company." For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Entertainment News Australian airline Qantas Airways Ltd. (QAN.AX,QUBSF.PK) reported that its underlying profit before tax for the six months ended 31 December 2016 was A$852 million, down 7.5 per cent from thee prior corresponding period. Statutory profit before tax dropped 27 percent to A$715 million from the prior year. The fall in statutory profit compared with the first half of financial year 2016 largely reflects the inclusion in last year's result of a A$201 million gain from the sale of Qantas' Sydney Airport terminal. Revenue for the period declined 3.3 percent to A$8.18 billion from the previous year. The Qantas Board has declared an interim dividend of 7 cents per share, 50 per cent franked, to be paid on 10 April 2017. This is in addition to completing the remaining A$91 million of the A$366 million on-market share buy-back announced in August 2016. In the second half of financial year 2017, Group capacity is planned to increase by approximately 1 -2 per cent compared with the second half of financial year 2016. Group Domestic capacity is expected to decrease by approximately 2 per cent in the second half. Unit revenue in the second half is expected to increase despite continued softness in resource . Resource sector revenue in the second half is expected to be down by approximately A$30 million. Underlying fuel cost for the full year is expected to be no more than A$3.2 billion, or A$3.13 billion at current forward Australian dollar prices. The Group met all the objectives of its financial framework, reporting a rolling 12-month return on invested capital of 21.7 per cent. A further A$212 million of transformation benefits were unlocked in the half, taking total benefits since 2014 to A$1.9 billion. The Group remains on track to reach its goal of A$2.1 billion by June 2017. Qantas International CEO Gareth Evans and EL AL President and CEO David Maimon signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen the relationship between the two carriers witnessed by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The MoU signing followed the Prime Ministers' signing of a new Air Services Agreement between Australia and Israel. Under the MoU signed today, Qantas plans to add its QF code to EL AL operated flights to three Qantas destinations - Hong Kong, Bangkok and Johannesburg - and Tel Aviv. EL AL plans to add its code to Qantas services that operate between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Hong Kong; between Sydney and Bangkok; and between Sydney and Johannesburg. The code-share flights will go on sale during the second half of the calendar year. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Private equity firm Sycamore Partners has won the bankruptcy auction for the e-commerce and intellectual property of U.S. women's apparel retailer The Limited with a bid of $26.8 million, Reuters reported, citing people familiar with the matter. A U.S. bankruptcy court judge must now approve the sale to Sycamore Partners. In the auction, Sycamore Partners outbid clothing firm Sunrise Brands LLC, the report noted. Hurt by weak traffic and debt, The Limited closed its all 250 stores and its website earlier this year and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month. Sycamore put in a $25.75 million stalking horse bid for The Limited's intellectual property, including its trademarks, website address and social media accounts. Meanwhile, Sunrise Brands submitted an offer for The Limited last week. It was in 1963 that The Limited opened its first store in Ohio. L Brands Inc., the parent company for intimates chain Victoria's Secret and toiletry retailer Bath & Body Works, owned The Limited until 2007. Buyout firm Sun Capital Partners Inc then took a majority share in The Limited. Sycamore Partners owns retail portfolio including department store chain Belk, footwear and accessories line Nine West and online-only women's apparel company Coldwater Creek. Sycamore reportedly acquired Coldwater Creek's intellectual property through bankruptcy proceedings in 2014. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Former House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, has suggested Congressional Republicans can make fixes to Obamacare but downplayed talk of a full repeal of the healthcare reform law. According to Politico, Boehner told a healthcare conference in Orlando the idea that a repeal-and-replace plan would blitz through Congress is just "happy talk." "[Congressional Republicans are] going to fix Obamacare - I shouldn't call it repeal-and-replace, because it's not going to happen," Boehner said. The former speaker, who retired in 2015, predicted that most of the framework of Obamacare would remain in place. Last week, current House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said Republicans plan to introduce legislation to repeal and replace Obamacare following this week's recess. "After the House returns following President's Day, we intend to introduce legislation to repeal and replace Obamacare," Ryan told reporters at his weekly press conference last Thursday. "It has become increasingly clear that this law is collapsing. People's premiums are getting higher and higher," he added. "Their deductibles are soaring. And their choices are dwindling to the point that so many families have no choice left at all." Ryan pointed to insurer Humana's (HUM) recent decision to pull out of the Obamacare exchanges as proof of the law's failure. The speaker did not provide specifics on the GOP's plan to replace Obamacare but claimed it would be a true patient-centered system. A recent Politico/Morning Consult poll found 27 percent of voters favor repealing parts of Obamacare, while 24 percent think the law should be repealed completely. Meanwhile, 26 percent of voters said Obamacare should be expanded and another 12 percent said the law should be kept as is. A vast majority of Republicans support completely or partially repealing Obamacare. Almost half of Democrats want to see the law expanded. The Politico/Morning Consult survey of 2,013 registered voters was conducted February 16th through 19th and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News DES MOINES | Rep. Matt Windschitl wants to protect Iowans at all costs by enacting sweeping changes to the states gun laws. However, the majority of speakers at a hearing Thursday said it likely would endanger Iowans, especially Iowans of color. Windschitl chaired a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on House Study Bill 133 includes stand-your-ground provisions as well as remove the renewal requirement for permits to carry firearms and allow minors of any age to handle a handgun in the presence of a parent or guardian. Laural Clinton of Des Moines was one of several African Americans to speak against the bill out of fear theyll become target practice if the stand-your-ground provisions become law. As the mother of three sons one who she described as that black kid in a hoodie that everybody fears. Clinton, who has a permit to carry, said the bill scares her. Renaldo Johnson of Clive, another gun owner, found aspects of the law concerning to me as a black person. His concern is in allowing the use of deadly force if a person perceives their life is threatened. Describing himself as a large, black male, Johnson said hes afraid that if someone feels threatened by his presence Im on the ground with a bullet in my chest. Several speakers pointed out that in states with stand-your-ground laws the number of people killed has increased. I have no problem with Second Amendment, Johnson said, adding that if HSB 133 is approved black people should be highly educated in regard to this and armed. Lawmakers heard from supporters of the proposed legislation, too. Barry Snell of the Iowa Firearms Coalition called it a dramatic and historical step forward toward abolishing the Second Amendment as second-class right in the state of Iowa. Sport shooters Natalie and Meredith Gibson encouraged adoption of the provision that allows children younger than 14 to handle guns under the direct visual and verbal contact with a parent or guardian. Were not trying to form a toddler militia," Meredith said in reference to the name opponents have used to describe that section of the bill. The subcommittee also heard from representatives of colleges, hospitals and cities that oppose the state preemption of their rules against weapons in their facilities. Robert Palmer of the League of Cities said many acts have no-weapons clauses in their contracts. Law enforcement and prosecutors raised several concerns, but kept coming back to the stand-your-ground language. David Walker, a retired Drake law school dean, said Iowas so-called Castle Doctrine already allows Iowans to use deadly force if they reasonably believe their life is endangered. Adopting HSB 133 would not enhance Iowa law or public safety, he said. It would, however, add a psychological element. It will be seen as an encouragement and make people more trigger-happy. Subcommittee member Rep. Mary Wolfe, D-Clinton, a criminal defense attorney, said Iowas Castle Doctrine is for all intents and purposes a stand-you-ground law that does not require Iowans to retreat unless they can do so without endangering themselves or others. You can stand your ground in Iowa, she said. Regardless of what current law does or doesnt allow, Mark Maxwell of ABATE of Iowa said his group welcomes passage of HSB 133 because we dont fear good people with guns. MASON CITY | A Mason City woman has been sentenced to up to 15 years in prison Tuesday for forgery as an habitual offender. Tiffany A. Davison, 39, formerly known as Tiffany A. Glaser, cashed a $400.90 check known to be stolen or forged at Check & Go on Oct. 30, according to the criminal complaint from the Mason City Police Department. She pleaded guilty in November. Thee additional counts of felony forgery filed against her earlier in October for allegedly using fake $20 bills at two Mason City gas stations have been dismissed. -- Mary Pieper MASON CITY | A Mason City man has been indicted in federal court on one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Mark Monroe Hoffman, 56, was arrested by a Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's deputy Nov. 21, 2016, at a rural Mason City residence. The deputy found Hoffman possessed more than five grams of meth, a digital scale and small plastic bags. Mason City man faces meth, probation violations MASON CITY Additional charges have been filed against a Mason City man accused of multiple District court charges of possession of meth with intent to deliver and possession of a controlled substance (third or subsequent offense) were dismissed when Hoffman was indicted federally last month. Hoffman's arraignment date in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa has not been set. Hoffman will be sentenced in Cerro Gordo County District Court April 3 on one felony count of violating the conditions of the Iowa Sex Offender Registry. He allegedly failed to present himself for verification at the sheriff's office in August 2016, according to court documents. Hoffman has been on that registry since a 1995 conviction of aiding and abetting third-degree sexual abuse. Hoffman and another man, Kenneth R. Sharp, were accused of kidnapping a woman from outside a Mason City bar and sexually assaulting her. They were both charged with first-degree kidnapping. Hoffman pleaded guilty to the lesser charge and a jury convicted Sharp, who is now serving a life sentence in prison. Hoffman also is facing revocation of his probation on 2014 felony convictions of meth delivery and failure to meet sex offender registry requirements. 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 ... By SA Commercial Prop News Government will spend over R50 billion to fund national and provincial economic infrastructure requirements, according to the National Budget 2017. Government will spend over R50 billion to fund national and provincial economic infrastructure requirements, according to the National Budget 2017 announced on Wednesday by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan. In his 2017 budget estimate of national expenditure, Minister Gordhan, allocated the following to prioritise both national and provincial economic infrastructure: The Provincial Road Maintenance Grant is allocated R10.8 billion in 2017/18, taking into account the increase in road traffic volumes. ALSO READ: Highlights of South Africa's Budget Speech 2017 SANRAL receives R15.4 billion over the period ahead for strengthening and maintenance of the national road network, which now stands at 21 946 kilometers. The Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services receives R1.9 billion over the medium term to invest in high-speed internet connections in public buildings and schools in eight NHI pilot districts. ALSO READ: Budget 2017: No Transfer Duty on Property less than R900 000 The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa continues to implement its modernization and rolling stock renewal programme. Over the medium term, R16.7 billion is allocated for 70 new train-sets for Metrorail. The development and operation of integrated public transport network, funded through the Public Transport Network Grant receives R6.2 billion in 2017/18. ALSO READ: SA Property Sector survives 2016 rollercoaster To support higher density housing, subsidies for social housing have been rationalized and R600 million over the medium term is reprioritized to Social Housing Regulatory Authority for investment in rental housing units. MASON CITY | A Mason City man who had a first-degree burglary conviction reduced to second-degree burglary was re-sentenced Wednesday. However, the 25-year prison sentence Ethan Aron Miller is serving after being convicted by a jury of first-degree burglary and first-degree arson in connection with a 2014 fire at a Mason City Subway restaurant remains the same. During his original sentencing in 2015, Miller received a prison term of up to 25 years each for burglary and arson, as well as a five-year sentence for second-degree theft. However, all the sentences were ordered to be served concurrently. Miller, 25, a Subway employee, was accused of committing arson at the Mason City restaurant at a strip mall in the 400 block of South Illinois Avenue at 3:30 a.m. Dec. 29, 2014, to cover up his theft from the business. Mason City man sentenced to 25 years in prison Subway arson MASON CITY | A Mason City man was sentenced to up to 25 years in prison Tuesday for setting The restaurant was heavily damaged in the fire and was closed six months for repairs. In November 2016 the Iowa Court of Appeals upheld Miller's arson conviction and reversed the first-degree burglary conviction, ordering the district court to judge him guilty of second-degree burglary instead. Mason City man's arson appeal denied MASON CITY A Mason City man sentenced to up to 25 years in prison last year for setting a The appeals court ruled Miller's conduct did not constitute first-degree burglary because there was no evidence of anyone else being inside the Subway at the time. Salina working to make its parks fully accessible As Salina looks to update and improve its parks, it's doing so with ADA in mind as it seeks to make the parks and recreation system more accessible. CLEAR LAKE Marilyn Hazel Larson, 93 of Clear Lake, died Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, 2017, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, with Pastor Steve Bang officiating. Inurnment will be in Clear Lake Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Family suggests memorial contributions to Salem Lutheran Church Music in Lake Mills or Zion Lutheran Church Music in Clear Lake. Marilyn was born on Feb. 16, 1924, the daughter of Edward and Anna (Johnson) Bolstad in Lake Mills. She was baptized and confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills. Marilyn graduated from Lake Mills High School where she was a member of a trio that was awarded the first place prize at a national music contest. The trio consisted of Marilyn, Virginia (Field) Thomas and Lois (Thompson) Herwig. Following high school she attended Waldorf College and later received her nursing degree from NIACC. Her first job was with the COOP Service in Lake Mills as a bookkeeper. She later worked as a nurse for Oakwood Care Center and Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa. Marilyn was united in marriage to Norman Larson on Oct. 14, 1951, in Webster City. He preceded her in death on Oct. 16, 2003. They lived in Lake Mills, where she was very involved with her church and their music program. She and Norman eventually moved to Clear Lake and became members of Zion Lutheran Church, remaining active in music with their church choir. Marilyn is survived by a sister, Ruth Flugum; a sister-in-law, Maynis Aamodt; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; twin sisters, Alvira and Esther; and two brothers, Carroll and Russell. Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake. 641-357-2193. ColonialChapels.com. Here is the good news. Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi instructed Attorney General, Lemalu Hermann Retzlaff, to proceed with the necessary groundwork to set up a Sex Offenders Register. In doing so, the government is finally moving on something that should have been done a long time ago. We say this because over the years weve been extremely concerned about repeated sex offenders and sexual predators roaming the streets including sex offenders sent back to Samoa from overseas. Now according to Lemalu, the Sex Offenders Register is one of many steps being taken to address that. Wrote Lemalu: I can confirm that this office is now working with the Ministry of Police with reference to the work of the Returnees Trust to finalise a Legislation as to a Sexual Offenders Register for Samoa. The work and report of the Samoa Law Reform office has reached this office and that is the overall basis of this task. On the instructions of the Hon P.M. we are aiming to table a Bill for consideration of the Cabinet with a view for it to be tabled as soon as is practicable before Parliament. The Legislation will create mandatory requirements for those with previous convictions of sexual offending to be registered and therefore monitored as to their current whereabouts in order to attempt to ensure public safety while not being unmindful of the need to promote rehabilitation where at all possible. The Act will have a retrospective element to cover past offenders already in the community when it is enacted. It will be new to Samoa so we in government enforcement will need to work together to work through how best to implement it. We will be committed to making this work for our community at large. Lemalu and his team deserve our support. You see folks, the question of whether Samoa should set up a Sex Offenders Register is not new. It has been raised and discussed years before but up until now, nothing has eventuated. Which means that sex offenders and paedophiles continue to enjoy the freedom to roam and break the law as they like in Samoa, bringing much suffering and heartaches to victims all across the country. But the idea that the government is revisiting the issue with a degree of urgency is a step in the right direction. The number of cases before the Court involving repeated sex offenders are truly alarming. We cannot just sit back and do nothing. Many years ago, the man who made the initial call for Samoa to establish a Sex Offenders Register was Justice Vui Clarence Nelson. He became increasingly concerned about the number of cases where repeated sex offenders had surfaced. Justice Vui wouldnt be silenced about the issue. Not so long ago, he revived the discussion when he jailed a father found guilty of 13 counts of rape of his biological daughter. The Court heard that the man was convicted and imprisoned in New Zealand in 2009 for indecently assaulting a female between the age of 12 and 16 years. Back in Samoa after he was sent back, the Court was told that the defendant treated his daughter like his wife. He apparently imprisoned her in her own home and his behavior was rightly described by Justice Vui as sick. I find it astounding how a convicted sex offender deported from an overseas jurisdiction because of his offending, considered dangerous enough to warrant being accompanied to Samoa not by one but two police officers, can then be permitted to live freely and anonymously in our community with no restriction whatsoever, Justice Vui said. With nothing in place to prevent possible reoffending. This case once again highlights the need for a Sex Offenders Register for registration of serious sex offenders. So that such offenders can be supervised and monitored post-release from prison. Irrespective of whether they are convicted and imprisoned in Samoa or elsewhere. It seems to be a normal practice now that sex offenders convicted in overseas jurisdictions are being returned to Samoa upon expiry of their sentences. Then (they) are released back into an unsuspecting community which is blissfully ignorant of the criminal past of these people who walk and live among them. This is the proverbial insertion of the wolf into the sheeps den. Justice Vui could not have worded it better. Weve said this before and we will say it again. We acknowledge that protecting the human rights of an offender is obviously an important consideration. But we believe that must come second to the need to protect potential and innocent victims. Besides, the sexual predators we are talking about are seasoned offenders. Some of them are extremely sick. Dont get us wrong, the Register will not solve all our problems right away. But this is the real world and we know from countless studies carried out around the globe that perpetrators of child sexual abuse rarely change their ways without treatment and therapy by trained professionals, and supported by some degree of monitoring in local communities. In other words because there is none of that available in Samoa, it is absolutely futile to hope and pray that these people will somehow change their ways. Which is why we believe the call by Justice Vui to establish a Sex Offenders Register is vital. It is also why we find the latest development as announced by the Attorney General Lemalu a step in the right direction. Its encouraging and we wish him well with establishing it. We have had enough of seeing our young girls being destroyed by these ruthless animals. We dont want them to hang around our sisters, mothers or daughters anymore. The sooner the government gets this register up the better. Have a safe Friday Samoa, God bless! Dear Editor, Re: Siumu stops foreign owned shops Im starting to get worried now that foreign countries might turn around and start banning all scholarship students from my dear village Siumu from studying in foreign lands. Im so, so worried now that the foreign countries might start deporting all people from Siumu and Salelologa in a tit-for-tat hindsight reactions that the two villages are really really racist like Kitler and Donald Trump. The future of the well educated Siumuans are obviously bleak now and I blame no one but todays irresponsible decision makers. The government might also put a ban to stop people from Salelologa and Siumu from using shops in Apia and Salelologa town centre. A ban might also be in place to stop people from the two villages and or districts from stepping out of their own area because the rest of Samoa belongs to the country named Samoa. The government might also like to consider a ban on students from Siumu for scholarships because of this despicable irresponsible decision. Tofaeono Hollywood Former Congressman and a friend of Samoa, Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, has passed away. American Samoas longest serving non-voting delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives, passed away at his home in Provo, Utah, yesterday. A family member who was speaking on behalf of Faleomavaegas widow, Hinanui Hunkin, confirmed his death. He passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family and a few close friends, Theresa Hunkin, Faleomavaegas sister-in-law told Samoa News. Faleomavaega, a Democrat, was unseated in the 2014 congressional race by Congresswoman Aumua Amata, a Republican. In the U.S. House, Faleomavaega was a member of the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Committee on Natural Resources. As a member of the foreign affairs committee, he had traveled to foreign countries as a congressional representative and was well known as an ambassador for the Pacific. However, at home he received criticism for travel abroad instead of concentrating on issues pertaining to American Samoa. The World Bank is to significantly increase its support for Samoa over the next few years. The assistance will come from the International Development Association funds available to the Pacific region, which covers Samoa. The Fund is to increase from US$360million to US$900 million. How much of that money will be given to Samoa is not clear. But the Banks Vice President of East Asia and Pacific, Victoria Kwakwa, who is in the country assured Samoa stands to benefit a great deal. The World Bank has been a long-term partner of Samoa, and our team is proud of what we have already achieved together, including supporting the reconstruction of key roads, and the reinvigoration of the Samoan agriculture sector, said Ms. Kwakwa. This significant increase in support to Samoa, through the International Development Association, ensures we will be able to build on these successes to ensure the Samoan governments development priorities can become a reality over the coming years. The Vice President met with Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and Minister of Finance, Sili Epa Tuioti yesterday. Were very proud of what weve achieved together, she said. I think were at a moment in time where we can do even better. At this time we have the opportunity to provide more financial support to the country. The support that the World Bank brings to Samoa is provided under the international Development Association or (I.D.A.), which is a branch of the World Bank that provides resources to the neediest countries including the Small states, such as Samoa. We just completed a replenishment in which the resources in I.D.A., for the next three years have been boosted significantly through donor contributions but also through a new mechanism or approach such as going to the market and raising resources. For every dollar that a donor country like New Zealand gives, I.D.A. provides an additional three. Weve really grown the volume for resources and it positions us in a much stronger place to support our countries particularly, Samoa. Ms. Kwakwa also met the Governor of the Central Bank Samoa. Maiava Atalina Enari and non government organization representatives. We need to do better and think strategically about where the governments priorities would be for using a significant scale up of resources of I.D.A. Samoa would benefit considerably from the resources that were able to bring to the table and it will increase by three fold. This is a fantastic opportunity but we have to approach it with a very strategic orientation, with our feet on the ground and to know what our comparative advantage is and what were able to do or cannot do. We also have to listen to the government in what its interested in seeing us do. We hope that doing this, we can end up with a programme of work that is really transformational and brings a delta if I should say to our proceedings. Pacific Possible Report which looks at several opportunities for progress in the Pacific in terms of growth in the economy and growth of incomes and growth of government revenues and had that conversation with Non government stakeholders. Prime Minister Tuilaepa welcomed Ms. Kwakwas visit. It is a pleasure to have the Vice President here for her first visit to Samoa, he said. We are appreciative of the long-standing, strong relationship we share with the World Bank, and I look forward to deeper engagement as we decide where the announced increase in available support could have substantial benefits and effective outcomes for the people of Samoa. Yesterday, Ms. Kwakwa spent time visiting projects that the World Bank helped to fund. These include the construction of the Leone Bridge that the World Bank supported through their Enhanced Road Access Project. She will also join the government and representatives from the Australian government, Asian Development Bank and other partners for a ceremony to mark the start of construction on the Savaii component of the Tui-Samoa submarine cable, the World Bank-funded project to help Samoa meet its growing demand for high-speed, reliable internet. A registry to increase access to credit by Samoa is to be launched next week. Samoas Personal Property Security Register will be launched by the Minster of Commerce, Industry and Labour, Lautafi Fio Purcell, at the Taumeasina Island Resort on Monday. The Registry will increase access to credit in Samoa by making it easy for lenders to secure their claim on movable assets. These include assets such as vehicles, accounts receivable, or even cropsthat borrowers have pledged as collateral. The Registry has been created with support from the Asian Development Banks Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (P.S.D.I). The event will be attended by key government and private sector officials as well as officials from New Zealand and Australia. Aaron Levine, International Business Law Reform Expert with P.S.D.I, will give a demonstration of how the registry works. The Land Transport Authority (L.T.A) will install a pedestrian crossing on a part of Beach Road that has been described as a ticking time bomb. This was confirmed by the L.T.A in an email to the Samoa Observer. The section in question is the road between the S.N.P.F Plaza and the former Agriculture Store building. "The L.T.A will be constructing a pedestrian crossing with signals (similar to the crossing between the N.P.F building and Chan Mow), the email said. At the moment, L.T.A said that they are in negotiations with the overseas consultant who has been engaged for the design. The crossing will be linked to the nearby traffic signals in front of the flea market. Two weeks ago, the crossing was referred to as a disaster waiting to happen. Although there is a big sign telling members of the public that it is not a pedestrian crossing, nobody cares. Everyone uses it as a pedestrian crossing, creating much confusion and chaos for motorists and road workers alike. Police spokesperson, Sua Muliaga Tiumalu, admits that the area is problematic. He also shares fears about someone being killed if they are not careful. Speaking to the Samoa Observer, he said all they could do right now is to ensure the safety of the public by sending out Police officers every day to monitor the area. And when the Police officers are present, members of the public obey. Many people then proceed to use the traffic lights to cross. But it is when there are no Police officers, or Land Transport Authority Traffic Officers when the crossing becomes an issue again. Tori Unoi said the issue should be addressed urgently to avoid someone being hurt. He said he witnesses the situation every day and becomes especially dangerous when mothers drag their babies and children in front of speeding vehicles, zooming back and forth. There is a large no crossing sign and now theres a barrier to try and cut people from crossing, he said. In a letter to the Samoa Observer, Petelo Suaniu supported the idea to set up a proper pedestrian crossing. I favour a pedestrian bridge connecting S.N.P.F. Plaza with the other side. The pedestrian bridge can be covered with a sail canopy to protect people from the elements and so that it is in keeping with the design of the plaza. The bridge can also have advertising on it so that it pays for itself over time, he said. You need a pedestrian bridge there because it is a natural crossing point for people given that is where a lot of the foot traffic naturally comes to from the plaza and the market and bus station across the road. The surrounding retail and transport places are the major causes of pedestrians being there in the first place. The design of the area invites all these people to that very point with people walking from the plaza and the bus station and market yet a simple pedestrian crossing at the traffic lights seems a bit basic given the large numbers of people crossing there. Given the waterfront development plan in place, there is going to be a big open market and public open space or square at Savalalo in the near to medium term future so it is going to be a place which draws even more people to the area. The pedestrian infrastructure needs to match the plans for the area. "In my opinion, given the busy road traffic, I suggest a pedestrian foot bridge to link what appears to be the busiest points of Apia. Especially if the plan aims to draw more people to the waterfront. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at the First Presbyterian Church in Greene with refreshments to follow in the church fellowship hall. HONOLULU (AP) Hawaii lawmakers are considering a proposal with the potential to cripple the state's commercial fishing industry after an Associated Press investigation found foreign fishermen confined to boats and living in subpar conditions. A 2016 AP investigation found that some fishermen earned less than $1 an hour and worked without most basic labor protections while catching premium seafood. The boats often have crews of fishermen from Southeast Asia and Pacific Island nations, and the men are restricted to their vessels when docked in Honolulu because they lack proper documentation to enter the U.S. A bill in the Hawaii Legislature aims to change rules for how fishing licenses are issued to foreign crew members that make up the majority of the state's commercial fleet. Now, boat owners or captains bring foreign crew members' passports and customs documents to a state agency to get their licenses without the fishermen present. A federal legal loophole allows foreign fishermen to work off the coast of Hawaii, but they are technically not allowed to enter the country. The bill would require anyone seeking a commercial fishing license in Hawaii to appear in person. State Sen. Karl Rhoads says he wants to change the law so people who are not permitted to enter the U.S. cannot get a license to fish on American-flagged boats sailing from Honolulu. "They just feel like the underdogs to me, and I don't like to see people taken advantage of," he said. Despite the federal loophole, state laws require anyone applying for a fishing license to be "lawfully admitted" to the country. U.S. Customs and Border Protection says these men are banned, raising questions about whether the state has been violating its own law for years by allowing the foreign workers to catch and sell seafood in Hawaii. "As the state, we don't have a lot of jurisdiction over it, and this is a way to legitimately insert ourselves into the process, because we do require a license," Rhoads said. The Hawaii Longline Association opposed the bill, saying the industry is already regulated and additional requirements are unnecessary. "It could lead to the use of no foreign crew in the fishery, which would be very devastating," said Jim Cook, a member of the association's board of directors. "It would be similar to having no immigrant people in agriculture in Hawaii or any other part of the United States." Two Hawaii Senate committees discussed the proposal Wednesday. A religious group that works with foreign fishermen opposed the bill saying the fishermen rely on the money they earn in the U.S. But Kathryn Xian who works with trafficking victims said some fishermen are treated better than others, and the industry cannot be relied upon to self-regulate. The committee postponed making a decision until next week. Typically, when commercial fishing boats arrive in Honolulu, they are met by federal customs agents who ban foreign workers from entering the country by stamping "refused" on their landing permits. But a written opinion by Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin said the state Department of Land and Natural Resources provides the landing permits as proof the fishermen are "lawfully admitted." Rhoads says the form allows someone to land but does not allow lawful entry as required for a license. "Right now, it just feels like lots of gray area," Rhoads said. "I think when there are gray areas, it's easier to take advantage of people." Cook, of the fishing industry group, suggested that the fishermen who are refused entry could be granted "parole" to go to the office to apply for their licenses. Federal customs officials referred AP to federal immigration law that says parole can be given on a case-by-case basis for "urgent humanitarian reasons" or "significant public benefit." Foreign fishermen usually get parole only when they have a medical emergency or they are being escorted to the airport to leave the country. But Cook said he believes there is also a parole category for ship business. Federal officials responding to a request for clarification on that possibility said crew members may be paroled for reasons such as medical appointments or to visit consular offices for legal purposes, but they did not mention "ship business" as a possibility. The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled in favor of Life Technologies in a lawsuit brought by rival Promega that alleged patent infringement. The Thermo Fisher Scientific subsidiary prevailed 7-0 in the lawsuit. Life Technologies had been accused of violating a provision of the Patent Act by exporting a product on which Promega held a patent license. Life Technologies used the product, an enzyme that copies DNA, as part of a genetic test kit assembled in the United Kingdom. Life Technologies was an independent biotech company based in Carlsbad when the case began. Thermo Fisher, based in Waltham, Massachusetts, inherited the lawsuit when it bought Life Technologies for $13.6 billion in February 2014. Advertisement Life Technologies victory in the lengthy and complicated legal battle wasnt a surprise, according to two intellectual property attorneys in San Diego who werent involved with the case. But the narrowly drawn decision, which can be viewed at j.mp/lifepromega, leaves room for future litigation in similar conflicts. Promega said Life Technologies violated the Patent Acts prohibition of exports from the United States of all or a substantial portion of the components of a patented invention for completion elsewhere. The test kit in question had five components, and the enzyme was one component. The Supreme Court ruled that export of one component didnt amount to a substantial portion of the kit. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, writing for the court, said the law has a quantitative, not a qualitative, meaning and was not meant to ban a single component supplied from the United States. Robert Ramos and Victor Felix, attorneys at the San Diego business law firm Procopio, said the ruling was appropriate. Its logical and makes complete sense, Ramos said. I think it was expected, Felix said. Most commentators said this was the right decision, this is what should have happened. I believe that the United States patent office was actually arguing for the decision the way it came out. The Supreme Court justices interpreted the meaning of substantial by looking at how the word was used in the statute and the surrounding language, Felix said. It indicated to them it was talking about the quantitative measure of substantial, and not the qualitative measure, Felix said. Or to put it another way, substantial is a measure of how many exported components were used in the combined assembled product, not the importance of those components. But the justices didnt define the exact number or proportion of exported components, Ramos and Felix said. Experts expect similar cases in which more than one component is involved will have to be decided on their own merits. Promega originally sub-licensed the enzymes patent to Life Technologies. But in 2010, Promega decided that exporting the enzyme to assemble the test violated the agreement. Promega won that case, which was heard in federal court in Madison, Wisconsin. In 2012, Life Technologies took a $56 million charge against earnings because of the loss, but a judge set aside the jury verdict. In 2014, the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, a specialized patent court in Washington, again ruled in favor of Promega. The court said the enzyme, while constituting just one part of the kit, represented a substantial portion because the kit would be useless without it. News wire services contributed to this story. Science Playlist On Now In a first, scientists rid human embryos of a potentially fatal gene mutation by editing their DNA On Now Space station flyovers visible from San Diego this week 0:55 On Now UCSD's 'ghost drivers' begin testing people's reaction seemingly empty cars 1:29 On Now 10 interesting facts about Mars On Now Kids can add years to your life On Now LA 90: SpaceX launches recycled rocket On Now Big passions, big giving: Malin Burnham 2:30 On Now Big passions, big giving: Darlene Shiley 2:40 On Now Big passions, big giving: Joan and Irwin Jacobs 2:45 On Now Ocean temperatures warming at rapid rate, study finds bradley.fikes@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1020 With one year left on Comic-Cons San Diego contract, tourism executives have launched negotiations to keep the citys prized convention through 2021. While Comic-Con International has been advocating for years for an expanded convention center to house its mammoth gathering, its chief concern is not about the center but on keeping a lid on escalating hotel room rates. The major condition for a new deal, as it was for previous contracts, is securing a cap on room rates, said San Diego Tourism Authority CEO Joe Terzi. Comic-Con, he said, has agreed in principle to negotiating a three-year deal. The current contract, which ends after next years show, covered two years. Advertisement Terzis hope is to complete negotiations before the start of this years four-day convention, which is set to start on July 20, marking the 48th year of the show. The Tourism Authority, which oversees bookings for major conventions, is awaiting a formal term sheet from Comic-Con but says organizers are hoping to cap room rate increases at 4 percent over a three-year period. Individual agreements would be sought from the roughly 60 downtown and Mission Valley hotels that participate in a Comic-Con convention room block. In order to consummate the existing contract, hotel operators had to agree to not increase their rates over 2016 levels. Comic-Cons major concern, as it has been for the last several years, is having their attendees be able to afford this, so they want to know, what are the rates and what space will you allocate to me, Terzi said. In the major downtown hotels, theyll try to get 90 percent of the inventory guaranteed and minimal rate increases per year. Comic-Con spokesman David Glanzer did not respond to requests for comment Thursday. While the major convention hotels Marriott Marquis, Manchester Grand Hyatt, Omni and the bayfront Hilton will typically cap rates on 90 percent of their rooms, the balance of the downtown hotels generally agree to set aside anywhere from 60 percent to 90 percent of their inventory for the Comic-Con block, Terzi said. Scott Hermes, general manager of the Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, said he was pleased to learn that Comic-Con was willing to consider a three-year extension. The rates we put out for Comic-Con have to make sense for the individuals coming here or theyll choose to stay somewhere else, Hermes said. So it makes sense for the hotels to price the property fairly but also get a price point that the individuals coming in will select; otherwise everyone loses. Comic-Con, which is San Diegos single-largest convention, floods the city with more than 130,000 attendees, generating an estimated economic impact of $140 million. It also attracts worldwide attention because of its high-profile celebrity panels and appearances by Hollywood studios, major toy companies and top video game producers. Although well-heeled stars and executives can afford high-priced rooms, Comic-Con attendees regularly grouse about costly room rates, which typically reach their highest levels of the year when the pop culture show is in town. Nightly rates at downtown hotels during last years Con ranged from the high $200s to the low $300s during the convention. So important is Comic-Con to San Diegos tourism economy that Mayor Kevin Faulconer has been enlisted in previous years to lean on both Comic-Con organizers and hoteliers to cut a deal. Comic-Con long ago outgrew the bayfront convention center, but longstanding plans to enlarge the space have been on hold ever since a judge ruled that the financing scheme for the project was unconstitutional. Comic-Con organizers, though, have made do by increasingly relying on meeting space within the waterfront convention hotels to supplement the center. The Marriot Marquis, for example, offered up at no cost the lower level of new convention space it added for Comic-Con registration, freeing up space within the convention center. In years past, rival convention cities such as Los Angeles and Anaheim courted Comic-Con in hopes of persuading the convention to relocate. Terzi said there is less of that wooing going on these days. Some of our major competitors have decided it doesnt make sense to convince them to move, Terzi said. They recognize this is Comic-Cons home and, if we can accommodate them, theyll be here for the long-term. But we have to do our job and not take them for granted. Business lori.weisberg@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-2251 Twitter: @loriweisberg It appears the rumors of the imminent demise of the federal ethanol mandate were exaggerated. The future of the biofuel, which is derided by critics as a taxpayer-funded boondoggle and lauded by backers as crucial to the nations energy mix, was thought to be in jeopardy after some appointments to the Donald Trump administration. But the new president himself sent a message to the ethanol industry, meeting in San Diego this week for its annual convention, that delighted its members. Advertisement I have something to read, Bob Dinneen, chief executive of the Renewable Fuels Association, said Tuesday to the crowd at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, before he recited a letter from Trump. Rest assured that your president and this administration value the importance of renewable fuels to Americas economy and to our energy independence, Trumps letter said. As I emphasized throughout my campaign, renewable fuels are essential to Americas energy strategy. Trump went on to call ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) important to rural economies and said his administration was looking to reform regulations that impede growth, increase consumer costs and eliminate good-paying jobs. It was welcome news for ethanol producers but a setback for critics of the RFS, the federal program that requires billions of gallons of biofuels be mixed into the fuel tanks of American drivers. I thought if anyone would be the one to do it, it would be a Republican in power and now it appears, no, said Robert Bryce, senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a free-market think-tank. Unfortunately, Trump has decided hes going to continue along one of the longest-running ripoffs of the American taxpayers in this countrys history. Created in 2005 with the stated goal of helping to move the country toward less carbon-intensive fuels, the RFS is administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This year the EPA will require oil refineries to blend 19.28 billion gallons of corn-based ethanol, as well as other biofuels, into the nations gasoline and diesel fuel supply. Refiners have long complained about the mandate, saying, among other things, the RFS has created a complicated system of credits and credit-trading they say is rife for abuse. Oil companies say the mandate is not needed, especially since domestic crude production has dramatically increased in recent years. Some green groups such as the Environmental Working Group and the Natural Resource Defense Council have also turned against corn ethanol, saying the millions of acres used to grow corn for ethanol creates more global warming pollution than the oil its supposed to replace. Ethanols backers say the biofuel helps gasoline burn more cleanly and efficiently while reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Dinneen on Tuesday said 200 ethanol plants in 28 states produced a record 15.3 billion gallons of the biofuel last year and exported more than 1 billion gallons, reducing the trade deficit by more than $4 billion. The industry has robust backing in Congress from members in Farm Belt states where corn is grown in large amounts. When Trump named Scott Pruitt of Oklahoma as EPA administrator and Rick Perry of Texas his designee to run the U.S. Department of Energy, ethanol critics anticipated the RFS might get rolled back or even eliminated. Pruitt in particular has criticized the biofuel program in the past. But Dinneen expressed confidence Tuesday that Pruitt and Perry would not dismantle the RFS. They will now represent the nation, not the parochial interests of their home states, Dinneen said in his state of the industry speech Tuesday, and each is acutely aware that the boss (Trump) is solidly in support of American energy, including homegrown, renewable ethanol. Trumps letter may initiate a give and take between the new president and one of his advisers to reduce government regulations, Carl Icahn. The billionaire investor owns an 82 percent stake in CVR Energy, a major petroleum refinery, and has been an outspoken critic of the credit-trading market for Renewable Identification Numbers that Icahn claims has created a $15 billion market full of manipulation, speculation and fraud. Speaking of refiners, the ethanol conference featured a panel discussion that invited speakers from the oil and refining industries, despite the two groups long-running complaints about the RFS. I feel a little like Roger Goodell going into Gillette Stadium, joked Chet Thompson, CEO of the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers. We believe the fuel should be free-market, Thompson said after the panel discussion. Consumers should have the right to decide what fuels theyre going to use. Thompsons group came out in support last year of a congressional bill that would have capped the amount of ethanol blended in the fuel supply at 9.7 percent, down from 10.1 percent. In other words, weve supported measures that have stopped short of a full repeal, Thompson said. Dinneen said he invited Thompson and an oil representative because, Theyre our customers. At the end of the day, weve got to be working with them. But at the same time, Dineen not only staunchly defended the RFS, but also called to grow it and provide certainty for both ethanol producers and refiners. Dinneen also said hes convinced that Trumps support will not waver. He understands what homegrown ethanol or homegrown biodiesel means for rural communities, Dinneen said. I dont see that evaporating just because hes got somebody whispering in his ear, Hey we really want more oil, Mr. President. For uber-RFS opponents such as Bryce, the mandate needs to be eliminated. Why are we required to buy this fuel? Bryce said in a telephone interview from his home in Austin, Texas. If its so great, why are required to buy it? Why cant they make a profit off it right now? Business rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1251 Twitter: @robnikolewski ALSO California biodiesel companies hunker down California biodiesel industry anxious about tax credit extension The Escondido City Council this week appointed City Attorney Jeff Epp as interim city manager, effective March 9. City Manager Graham Mitchell announced his resignation in October after having only held the job for a year. He said his decision was made for personal reasons, but agreed to stay on until the end of 2016. Twice the council has asked to Mitchell remain in the position until they can find a permanent replacement. Mitchell has told them his last day will be March 8 at the conclusion of that nights council meeting. Advertisement Mayor Sam Abed said last week more than 70 candidates have applied for the permanent job. Epp, who has been city attorney since 1996 and an Escondido employee since 1985, said he expects a hire will be made in May or June. The search process is going well but we want to make sure we get the right person for the job, Epp said. Mitchell said he has accepted another job but is not at liberty to say where just yet. Assistant City Attorney Michael McGuinness will serve as interim city attorney during the transition. Mitchell, 46, was initially hired to replace Charles Grimm, who retired in early 2015 as second in command at Escondido City Hall. Several months later Mitchell was named as the replacement for longtime Escondido City Manager Clay Phillips, who also retired. Mitchell was Lemon Groves city manager for almost 13 years and was earning $181,824.50, plus an annual $6,000 put into a deferred-compensation plan, when he left that post. His starting salary in Escondido was $203,000, and that was boosted to $236,000 when he took over as city manager. jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones CARLSBAD Applications open to Student Leader Academy Advertisement Applications are open for the spring session of the Carlsbad Student Leader Academy, a free leadership development program run by the city of Carlsbad, The YouSchool and the Servant Leadership Institute. The academy addresses issues affecting youths in Carlsbad and develops youth leaders through civic education and service projects. Carlsbad residents in grades 9-12 attending any high school may apply online. Applications are due by March 6. The 10-week program runs one night a week from April 17 through June 19. Visit carlsbadstudentleaderacademy.com for application and guidelines. Contact Courtney Pene at (760) 434-2812 or courtney.pene@carlsbadca.gov. Free heart screening for ages 12-25 set Sage Creek High School will host a free heart screening for anyone age 12-25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The screening checks for sudden cardiac arrest, which can happen without symptoms or warning. Its a leading cause of death in the U.S. for those younger than 25, and the No. 1 killer of student athletes. SCA is an abnormality in the hearts electrical system that can be detected with a simple electrocadiogram (EKG). Provided by the Eric Paredes Save A Life Foundation, the screening takes about 30 minutes. Parents are notified of the results for followup with their family doctors. Register at EPSaveaLife.org. ESCONDIDO District superintendent to give state address Escondido Union School District Superintendent Luis Rankins-Ibarra will present the Escondido Union State of the District address at 9 a.m. Monday in the Center Theater of the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. The program will highlight district initiatives and how the district is helping every student to learn. The event is free to the public. Call (760) 432-2400. Deadline nears for EAA Art Scholarship entries All Escondido high school seniors who will graduate this year are invited to compete in the Escondido Art Associations 2017 Art Scholarship Program. A $1,000 scholarship is available sponsored by Design Moe Kitchen & Bath, Escondido. Prize money will be $500 for first place, $300 for second and $200 for third. Students are judged on three pieces of art (at least one original), an essay, and a letter of recommendation. Entries must be submitted from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 4 to the Artists Gallery at 121 W. Grand Ave. or 4 to 6 p.m. March 6. Guidelines are available from scholarship coordinators in the schools, at escondidoartist.weebly.com, or by calling Rosemarie Woldin at (760) 743-6634 or Carol Crisci at (760) 745-3585. NORTH COUNTY Local students achieve fall semester deans list These area students made the fall deans list at Baylor University in Waco, Texas: Taylor Jacqueline Ryan of Carlsbad, Robert J. Stucky of Del Mar, Kayla Elizabeth Weisenberger of Encinitas, Katherine Elizabeth Graeff, Ethan Wayne Gwaltney and Jack Andrew Olmstead of Escondido, Landreigh A. Knapp, Micah Timothy Marroquin and Leila Katariina Rohde of Fallbrook, Kathryn Grace West of Oceanside, Anthony Ben Chassen, Kathryn Charlotte Fox and Madison Lin Murray of Poway, Chloe A. Sells of Ramona, Jessica Lynn Nelson of Solana Beach, and Haley Amanda Hardan of Valley Center. Karisa Rae Hughen of Vista made the fall deans list at Fairfield University, Fairfield, Conn. Landee Schmaltz of Carlsbad, Austin Clarke of Escondido, and Mackenzie Herr of San Marcos made the fall deans list at George Fox University, Newberg, Ore. Ellie Holtaway of Carlsbad and Bryce Fitzner of Del Mar made the deans list at Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan. POWAY Community College Night set for Monday All Poway Unified School District high school students are invited to Community College Night at 6 p.m. Monday in the Westview High School theater. Palomar, Miracosta, Grossmont and Miramar community colleges will make presentations, and students can learn more about certificates vs. associate vs. bachelors degrees, transfer agreement programs, and financial aid. Poway students enjoy snow at camp More than 400 students from Poway Unified School Districts Oak Valley Middle School in 4S Ranch recently enjoyed a rare snowfall at 6th-Grade Camp at Cuyamaca Outdoor School. Half the students had never seen snow before. The school team organized time for snow play with campers, including sledding. To help more children attend 6th-Grade Camp, donate to the San Diego Outdoor Education Foundation at sixthgradecamp.org. RANCHO BERNARDO Broncos 5K Run/Walk rescheduled to Sunday Join the Rancho Bernardo High School Friends of the Library for their fourth annual Bookin It For the Broncos 5K Run/Walk and Wellness Expo, rescheduled to Sunday because of previous bad weather. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. at Rancho Bernardo Community Park. The 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. The Wellness Expo, open to all, will feature health screenings, vendors and more. Register at bookinitforthebroncos5k.com. Cost is $35 for adults and $25 for students. Proceeds go to buy learning materials for the library. SAN MARCOS College Is For Me conference Saturday California State University San Marcos hosts College Is For Me, a conference for all high school students and parents, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in the student union ballroom. The conference is designed to demystify college for those who have never considered higher education because of lower income or other disadvantages, and to encourage them to consider it. Topics include What College Can Do For You, How to Get Into College, How to Pay For College, and Connections to Make in College. Free breakfast and free parking. Register at collegeisforme2017.bpt.me. Give Kids a Smile offers free dental help Free dental sealants and fluoride varnish will be offered from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday for children up to 18 years with no dental resources. Kindergartners can get a free oral health assessment for school. Parent or guardian must be present. Dental sealants and fluoride varnish are a safe, painless way to protect teeth and help prevent cavities. Clinics are scheduled at North County Health Services in Oceanside, Vista Community Clinic at Vale Terrace Drive, Neighborhood Healthcare in Escondido, and Fallbrook Family Health Center. Call (619) 692-8858 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome, but those with appointments will have priority. VALLEY CENTER Positive Parenting seminars offered in English, Spanish The Power of Positive Parenting, Raising Confident, Competent Children and Raising Resilient Children are the topics for each of three Positive Parenting seminars offered from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays starting March 1 at the Valley Center Elementary School Learning Center. The seminars are free and available in English and Spanish. Reserve to Melissa Velasquez at (760) 749-0464. Please send notices to laura.groch@sduniontribune.com at least 10 days before events. laura.groch@sduniontribune.com Escondido is doing great in attracting new businesses and boosting sales-tax revenue, Mayor Sam Abed told a record crowd of 450 people during his annual State of the City Address on Wednesday. Today, Escondido is leading in economic growth, he said. The private sector confidence to invest in our city is stronger than ever. Last year, 560 net new businesses moved to Escondido. Abed said the citys sales tax revenue has increased from $22 million in 2010 to a record $36 million today. Advertisement We turned a $16 million deficit into a $10 million surplus, Abed said. We built a $17 million reserve fund and created $.5 million pension liability reserve to stabilize our long term unfunded liability. Still, Abed said, the city faces a number of challenges. Escondidos poverty rate, which he said is similar to San Diego County, has steadily increased from 12 percent in 2007 to 16 percent in 2015. Homelessness is also a growing problem that the city is focusing on, he said, and the pension obligation continues to skyrocket. Between pension, health care, salaries and benefits, our cost of doing business will increase by $20 million in the next four years, Abed said. The state needs to change laws to ease the problem and he said he is willing and ready to lead a class action lawsuit against California to protect taxpayers. Abed said the City Council still envisions a new business park near the intersection of Interstate 15 and state Route 78 where the citys public works yard is now located. I will continue to honor your trust and lead our city with pride, thoughtfulness and passion, he said. I am deeply committed to providing the American Dream for us and our families. Prior to Abeds speech, eight Escondido residents were honored by by the City Council for their contributions to the community. Dan Forster and Heather Moe, owners of Design Moe Kitchen and Bath on Grand Avenue, were presented the councils business award. Forester has served at the president of the Escondido Downtown Business Association for several years where he has tirelessly and respectfully advocated for downtown merchants, Councilwoman Olga Diaz said. Both Forster and Moe are well regarded in the area for their design services which include the interior of the Grand Tea Room. Robert Barrientos president and property manager of the Lansing Circle Neighborhood Group since its formation in 2008 has played a large part in improving life on that street, just north of the old Palomar Hospital. At one time local pizza delivery services refused to go to Lansing Circle out of fear, Councilman Ed Gallo said, but because of Barrientos management and a commitment by the owners of the 16 apartment complexes on the block, crime has been greatly reduced and those who live there consider it a strong community. Keith Roynon, winner of the youth award, owns and operates an Escondido museum filled with items he has collected over a lifetime.Thousands of children have visited the Roynon Museum of Earth Science and Paleontology, which for years was located in his large converted garage but in 2015 moved to a much larger building on Grand Avenue. Roynon, who turns 80 this year, continues to teach classes six days a week, Diaz said. Thousands of children, many of whom are now grown adults, have benefited from Mr. Roynons instruction. His passion for educating youth, and his tireless energy, is an inspiration to the entire community, she said. Don Piller, winner of the education award, has been a volunteer with the OASIS program since 1997. He instructs computer classes and teaches senior citizens vital computer skills that range from basic to advanced. Pillar also donates his time to the Forest Fire Lookout Association, where he staffs lookout towers on Palomar Mountain weekly during fire season. Margie Ballard received the compassion award. A volunteer with the Palomar Health Group, Ballard has committed over 13,000 hours of service to the community in the past 29 years. Escondido Firefighter Dominic Polito was honored for his coordination of the citys Oktoberfest celebration. And Barbara Preston was presented the councils arts award for her 25 years of service to the local arts community. She has been involved with the Escondido Arts Partnership for many years and, among other things, assisted with the creation of 2nd Saturday, a program that has been active for decades. The Mayors Leadership Award was presented to the Escondido Charitable Foundation, which in its 10-year history has awarded roughly $1.8 million in grants to local nonprofits, and has raised nearly $1 million for an endowment that will help support future giving. jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones The Fairmont Grand Del Mar is once again among the worlds most prestigious resorts, regaining its Forbes triple five-star rating after it was missing from the 2016 list. The 2017 ranking, announced by the Forbes Travel Guide Wednesday, awarded five stars to the hotels at the Grand Del Mar in Carmel Valley, Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad and Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in Rancho Santa Fe. The Grand Del Mar also scored five stars for its fine-dining restaurant, Addison, and its spa, putting it among only 10 other elite properties in the United States to earn the highest rating across the board. Advertisement The expression that good things come in threes certainly rings true for us today, Christof Luedi, the resorts general manager, said in a statement. Luedi also noted the Grand Del Mars recent AAA Five Diamond designation and the rating of Top Luxury Hotel in the U.S. in the 2017 TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. After a string of Forbes triple five-star honors for the Grand Del Mar, the resorts hotel was noticeably absent from the annual list last year, following the propertys sale to Fairmont. On Wednesday, Amanda Frasier, senior vice president for ratings with Forbes Travel Guide, said through a spokeswoman: We have a long-standing policy that does not allow for a Rating to be adopted when there is a brand change. We do this to guarantee a verified rating. The hotel did not lose the rating due to a change in service levels. Rather, we withdrew the rating and then made plans after a period of settlement to re-inspect the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in its own right. Grand Del Mar spokesman Claire Kunzman said resort staff was thrilled to have its five-star ranking again. This year we are delighted to be among only 11 properties to receive the Forbes triple five-star rating for our resort, spa and Addison restaurant. The 2017 awards marked the fourth consecutive year the Rancho Valencia hotel earned five stars; it was the third year in a row for the Park Hyatt Aviara. We never take these five stars lightly, said Jeff Jacobs, co-owner of Rancho Valencia. Forbes consistently raises industry standards and this ranking is truly a testament to the impeccable service provided by our dedicated team members, top-tier amenities and vibrant wellness program that continues to evolve. The two luxury resorts were recognized for their amenities as well. Both of their spas were awarded four stars, as did Rancho Valencias restaurant, Veladora. Vivace, at Aviara, was named a Forbes Recommended Restaurant. These honorable accolades speak volumes to the hard work and dedication of our entire staff to ensure the highest level of excellence is carried throughout the resort, Ulrich Samietz, the general manager for Park Hyatt Aviara, said in a release. The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla also got across-the-board recognition, garnering four stars for its hotel, restaurant (A.R. Valentien) and its spa. Other hotels achieving Forbes four-star rating were The US Grant in downtown San Diego and Viejas Casino & Resort in Alpine. Viejas is the only San Diego County casino hotel to make the list. The Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa in La Jolla got a Recommended Rating Award for its hotel. Considered one of the more prestigious and selective rankings, the Forbes star awards are highly coveted in the hospitality industry. The 2017 list includes properties rated in 42 countries, the most in Forbes history, with international destinations ranging from Monte Carlo to Manila. Business Twitter: @sdeditgirl michele.parente@sduniontribune.com Though they may seem ancient, static or remote to viewers today, Russian icons deeply resonated with at least one major artist of the early 20th century. Henri Matisse traveled to Russia in 1911 to study them. He found reassurance that his artistic innovations were in sync with something ancient, writing in 1947: You surrender yourself that much better when you see your efforts confirmed by such an ancient tradition. The Timken Museum of Art has reorganized its collection of Russian icons, updating their display for the first time in decades. The collection, permanently on display at the free museum in Balboa Park, spans five centuries and shows a range of production methods, styles, uses and points of origin. Now grouped in clusters some portraying the Mother of God, others focusing on protection, feast days or other subjects the new setup allows for an easier exploration of what icons have in common and how they differ from one another, said Wendy Salmond, an expert on Russian icons who helped the Timken with the project. As she was working there a few weeks ago, Salmond overheard some museum-goers inspecting the golden-hued, sacred images with a mixture of curiosity and bafflement. Advertisement They were obviously really interested, but they would say, Boy, theyre so flat, theyre so bland, theyre so generic, said Salmond, a professor of art history at Chapman University in Orange County. To which, she thought, if only she could tell them that, to an open-minded, thoughtful viewer, icons are anything but generic. Its a highly sophisticated, visual language, she said. In the Christian orthodox rite, icons, derived from the Greek word for image, are meant to be not just representations of saints, but actual embodiments of divinity, she said. Looking realistic and human is exactly what theyre not supposed to do. The stylized features of the saints convey an otherworldly aura, and they help the figures be instantly recognizable. Certain objects, hairstyles or clothing patterns, repeated across thousands of icons, are codes for who is in the image. The flatness of backgrounds isnt because icon painters didnt know how to do linear perspective, which has a focal point on the horizon inside or behind the image, and which prevails in post-Renaissance art, she said. Instead, they use reverse perspective, where the focal point is in front of the image where the viewer is. The physical world is flipped inside-out, Salmond said. A large and elaborate work from the first half of the 16th century, St. Basil, whose place of origin is not precisely known, has qualities that make icons both works of art and devotional pieces, Salmond said. Because of its size, it probably would have hung in a church. In the central image, the black-and-white pattern on the robe shows that hes a bishop. His body is elongated, and he faces the viewer, making him look perhaps more spiritual, or almost like a flame, she said. One way the Timkens collection is unique is that it shows what American icon collectors were interested in from pieces belonging to refugee Russian aristocrats fleeing the Bolshevik Revolution to ones acquired in the 1980s, when a new generation of collectors wanted only the oldest and grandest icons, Salmond said. Theres not another collection in the country that I know of thats such a wonderful microcosm of Americas developing interest in icons in the 20th century, Salmond said. Theres something about icons that is both immediate and eternal, she added. Because theyre trying to be outside fashion and human history, theyre actually very present. Popescu is a freelance writer. Russian Icon Gallery Grand Reopening When: Now open Where: Timken Museum of Art, 1500 El Prado, Balboa Park Tickets: Free Phone: (619) 239-5548 Online: timkenmuseum.org Juan Jose Garcia-Lopez, also known as Francisco Angel Olalde, is to be on supervised release for two years after his prison term is over, according to documents from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa. A North County nonprofit that houses homeless families says it will walk away from roughly $95,000 in federal funding rather than comply with new regulations that forbid it from requiring residents to stay away from drugs. Solutions for Change is one of several homeless agencies in the region working to respond to a new federal policy called Housing First that focuses on getting people into permanent homes with no strings attached. The philosophy is a monumental shift in fighting homelessness that suggests its cheaper and more effective to first get people off the streets, rather than first attack the problems that landed them there. Many social services organizations are embracing the change; others, like Solutions, are balking. Advertisement That is the most insane policy that I and my colleagues have ever heard of for homeless families, said Chris Megison, the founder and executive director of Vista-based Solutions, which houses roughly 133 families in apartments spread throughout several North County communities. Supporters of the new approach tested through pilot programs over the past several years say its already showing great success. They say it saves taxpayer money by cutting down on costly emergency room visits, and makes more sense than asking someone struggling to find shelter to first kick drugs or alcohol. Voluntary treatment programs and other services would be available after the person is housed. When you look at the practices and lessons learned, you understand why this change is necessary, said San Diego City Councilman Todd Gloria. You understand it better when you see communities across the country declaring an end to homelessness because it is so effective. The new federal policy is rooted in the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act, and funding is prioritized for programs that embrace the Housing First philosophy. It has been adopted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, a primary provider of funding to house the homeless. A North County nonprofit that houses homeless families says it will walk away from roughly $95,000 in federal funding rather than comply with new regulations that forbid it from requiring residents to stay away from drugs. 2016. HUD acknowledges that there has been tension with service providers, but says the ultimate goal is to end homelessness. Todd Henderson, who heads up the countys Housing and Community Development department, said he has certainly heard from (organizations) who have expressed concern about the program regulations. Change can be difficult for some organizations, and philosophies dont always match, Henderson said. There is nobody forcing any nonprofits to be a part of the program. Henderson is one of the board members of the Regional Continuum of Care Council, and a primary function of the council is to apply for HUD money roughly $16 million a year to dole out in the region. Over the last three years, the council has gradually implemented HUDs Housing First model. Megison said the change undermines successful programs like his groups Solutions University, which provides housing to families who participate in mandatory job training, life-skills classes and other requirements designed to help them permanently escape homelessness. The families also must stay sober; repeated drug use can lead to eviction from the program. Roughly two-thirds of Solutions residents struggled with drug or alcohol abuse that contributed to their homelessness, Megison said. The Vista-based nonprofit has a $3.1 million annual budget; the HUD money would cover the annual cost of six apartments, Megison said. If it accepts the cash, however, Solutions wouldnt be allowed to screen the six families placed in those units and those families wouldnt be subject to the same rules that apply to others in the program. That disparity could poison the rest of the people who are trying to get better, Solutions board member Randy Reznicek said. Thats a valid concern, said Jared Hillaire, a 27-year-old former Marine and single father who is more than halfway through Solutions University. Hillaire lives with his two young daughters in a small Vista apartment that Solutions provides. Once a heavy drinker, Hillaire said there is security and stability in living in a place where sobriety is demanded. Without that, the community would start falling apart, Hillaire said. The program would fall apart. There was a time when sobriety was pretty tough for me, Hilliare said. The stress (of homelessness) made it harder to remain sober. But he did it, he said, because Solutions forced him. You do it because you have to, Hillaire said. Then you do it because you ought to. Then you do it because you want to. Councilman Gloria, who heads up the regions Continuum of Care Council, said he understands concerns about the new federal policy, but he supports the shift. Housing First, he said, ultimately saves money, and allow communities to invest those dollars in the the next person we need to get off the street. The problem (of homelessness) is not getting better, Gloria said. It warrants changes, and we need to take a better approach. He also said that housing homeless families is best for the children. If a parents inability to get clean and sober required their children to live on the street, that is not acceptable, Gloria said. Gloria said many organizations have shifted to fit the new policy not just for the funding, but they too have seen what so many have seen: this is the way to get people off the streets. Father Joes Villages, the regions best-known organization combating homelessness, has already adapted to the changes and believes Housing First is the right approach, said Bill Bolstad, the organizations chief development officer. We at Father Joes see Housing First as a critical piece for the solution across the county, Bolstad said. Its much more effective, and we find the results are better. Still, he said, addressing homelessness requires a diversity of interventions. To that end, Father Joes also provides help that requires sobriety from participants the organization just doesnt use Housing First funds to pay for it. Bolstad said about two-thirds of Father Joes budget comes from private donors. Megisons group has already been working to become less reliant on government money. When the Housing First philosophy began to emerge five years ago, federal funding made up 36 percent of Solutions annual budget. That number is now about 12 percent, only a small portion of which is affected by the HUD changes. Solutions board member Duncan Wallace said he would stop writing checks to the nonprofit if it accepted Housing First funding. He said the groups accountability model must be applied to everyone it houses. If part of the population has accountability and the other doesnt, I know where the cancer is, Wallace said. Megison said his program wont change to chase the HUD money. We run a drug free housing program, that is what we do, Megison said. Our families love it that way. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com The case of a 45-year-old Mexican citizen whom authorities said committed suicide less than an hour after being deported from the U.S. to Tijuana is drawing attention on both sides of the border at a time of heightened sensitivities about Americas immigration policies. Guadalupe Olivas Valencia jumped from a bridge near the U.S.-Mexico border and died shortly afterward at a hospital, authorities said. Tijuana police found Olivas a native of Los Mochis in the Mexican state of Sinaloa shortly after 9 a.m. Tuesday, after responding to a call that a man was preparing to jump off a bridge into the dry channel, they said in a report. The officers arrived just as he was falling, the report stated. Advertisement Olivas lay critically injured in the concrete channel. By his side were a plastic bag with his possessions and a Mexican immigration form documenting that he had been repatriated to Mexico about 40 minutes earlier, authorities wrote. An hour after he was found, Olivas was pronounced dead at Tijuana General Hospital. Olivas had been deported from the United States at least six times, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He also had served time for a number of felony convictions, including re-entry after deportation. The day before his death, Olivas presented himself at the San Ysidro Port of Entry and asked U.S. Customs and Border Protection to enter the country. He had no legal documents to enter the United States and was found to be inadmissible, according to a statement Wednesday from Homeland Security. He was repatriated to Mexico on Feb. 21, 2017 and turned over to Mexican officials. Authorities with the Baja California Attorney Generals Office said Wednesday that they were investigating Olivas death as a suicide, but had not made a final determination. At the Baja California Medical Examiners Office on Wednesday, Olivas mother, Cristina Valencia, told reporters that her son had petitioned U.S. authorities for asylum but was turned away. She said her last contact with him was on Sunday. I am not sure of the reasons (for his death), but he was not doing well. I cannot say more, Valencia said. The family had moved from Sinaloa to Tijuana more than 30 years ago, she said, and she was able to find work across the border. I give thanks to the United States because I worked there for years, and for that reason we have a house. Olivas, a widowed father of three, died on the third anniversary of his wifes death, Valencia said. Documents from federal court in Arizona show this wasnt the first time Olivas had come to the attention of U.S. border law-enforcement officials. Olivas was twice convicted of illegal re-entry after deportation which is classified as a felony in 2005 and again in 2015, when a U.S. Border Patrol agent apprehended him near the Mexican border in Casa Grande, Arizona. He received a 16-month sentence in the latter case and was deported to Mexico on Oct. 4 of last year, Homeland Security said. According to a sentencing document dated Feb. 9, 2016, Olivas told authorities that he decided to return to the United States to find work to support his family. But while crossing the desert, he was abandoned by his guide and companions because he couldnt keep up. He was able to make it to the freeway, where he flagged down a police officer, who then called the Border Patrol. Olivas also had served time in U.S. prison on other charges. One involved a 2001 conviction for marijuana possession after he was caught at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry with 128 pounds of marijuana concealed in his gas tank. In 2005, he was stopped in Arizona for driving a stolen vehicle in tandem with another vehicle toward Mexico, according to a court document. A search revealed $8,750 beneath the passenger seat, the document said. sandra.dibble@sduniontribune.com @sandradibble UPDATES: This story has been updated to include additional information from federal court documents and statements from an interview conducted by members of the Tijuana media with Olivas mother. Santa Clara County asked a federal judge Thursday to block President Trumps executive order threatening the loss of federal funds to local governments that do not assist immigration authorities. The motion, filed in federal district court, asks that a nationwide hold be placed on the order targeting sanctuary cities and counties. We are defending Santa Clara Countys core values and the values of so many cities and counties across the nation, Dave Cortese, president of the Board of Supervisors, said in a statement. There is no justification for withholding nearly $1.7 billion in funds used to deliver essential county services. Advertisement The county filed a suit against Trump on Feb. 3, one of many claiming the order overstated the power of the executive branch. City officials in San Francisco also filed a similar lawsuit last month. Santa Clara Countys general counsel, James R. Williams, said the motion was the first filed in the country aimed at blocking the sanctuary city directive. A hearing has been tentatively scheduled before Judge William H. Orrick in San Francisco on April 5, he said. We are spending millions of dollars each week from our general funds in anticipation of getting federal reimbursement, he said. So we need immediate relief. In the Jan. 25 order, Trump threatened to revoke federal funding from the approximately 400 sanctuary cities in the country, referring to municipalities that have time and again refused to comply with detention requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or take part in other immigration enforcement actions. While there is no legal definition of a sanctuary city, leaders in many of Californias largest municipalities, including Los Angeles and Oakland, have repeatedly said they will not allow their local law enforcement officers to act as de facto immigration agents. The issue is a sore spot for many police executives, who have vowed not to honor ICE requests to detain suspected undocumented immigrants arrested for minor crimes, or question the immigration status of those who report crimes. Doing so, some law enforcement leaders have argued, could serve to cripple trust between police officers and minority communities, a bond that already has been tested by increased scrutiny regarding police shootings around the country. In Santa Clara, officials honored ICE requests until 2011, when requests for the reimbursement of detention costs were denied by the federal government, according to the lawsuit. Santa Clara claimed federal funding is critical for it to operate the countys main hospital and public health department. Santa Clara Valley Medical Center receives nearly 70% of its annual operating budget from the federal government, while the countys public health department relies on nearly $40 million in federal funding each year. The suit contends that Trumps threat to revoke federal funding is unconstitutional because it infringes on local government control and calls for a unilateral change to the terms of long-standing funding agreements. Congress cannot impose a condition that is so coercive that it amounts to a gun to the head, leaving the state or local government with no real choice but to buckle to a federal demand, the lawsuit reads. Two cities in Massachusetts, Chelsea and Lawrence, also have sued Trump over the order. San Francisco City Atty. Dennis Herrera said he is also considering a similar motion for immediate injunctive relief. We are reviewing the motion for a preliminary injunction as we consider our next course of action. We share many of Santa Clara Countys concerns about the unlawfulness of this executive order and its harmful impacts on our city and residents, including seniors, children and low-income families, he said. Trying to punish communities for a widely embraced policy that has been shown to reduce crime and improve living standards makes no sense. Times staff writer Dolan reported from San Francisco and Queally from Los Angeles. maura.dolan@latimes.com Twitter: @mauradolan james.queally@latimes.com Twitter: @jamesqueallyLAT UPDATES: 2:25 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from the countys general counsel. This article was originally published at 1:50 p.m. Former Los Angeles City Atty. Carmen Trutanich could face disbarment, suspension and other sanctions, depending on what the State Bar Court recommends. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) The State Bar of California is seeking to discipline former Los Angeles City Atty. Carmen Trutanich, claiming that as a county prosecutor he suppressed important evidence and allowed a witness to give false testimony during a 1985 murder case. Trutanich could face disbarment, suspension and other sanctions, depending on what the State Bar Court recommends. Advertisement The move toward disciplinary action comes less than a year after a federal judge threw out the 1985 cases murder conviction and death sentence, ruling that Trutanichs deeply troubling behavior during that case had deprived Barry Williams, a South L.A. gang member, of a fair trial. Trutanich, then a member of the hardcore gang unit of the L.A. County district attorneys office, successfully sought the death penalty against Williams, who was accused of shooting and killing Jerome Dunn in 1982. Trutanich often used the case in describing his record on crime as he campaigned for elected office. But the disciplinary notice claims that during the trial, Trutanich knowingly or negligently failed to provide defense attorneys with the contact information and identity of a second eyewitness to the crime. An eyewitness, Patricia Lewis, had testified that she saw Williams commit the murder from the passenger seat of a station wagon driven by a second eyewitness she named as Jean Rivers. The true identity of Jean Rivers was actually Arlean McKay. Lewis lied about her name because McKay was her friend and didnt want to be involved. But Trutanichs handwritten notes about the case had both names listed for the second eyewitness and in one place, the two names were next to each other in quotation marks, according to the federal judges ruling. Trutanich also did not try to correct the name during Lewis testimony. Trutanich knew, or was grossly negligent in not knowing, that `Jean Rivers true name was Arlene McKay, the State Bar wrote in the disciplinary notice, adding that his actions demonstrated moral turpitude, dishonesty or corruption. Trutanich has repeatedly denied that he misled the jury or suppressed evidence during the case. During a 2015 hearing, he told the federal judge that he never knew the second eyewitness real name and claimed he had turned over both names to defense attorneys. Im sure as hell not going to my grave and meeting my maker having hid information in a death penalty case, Trutanich told The Times last year. Never happened. Never happened. No. Not me. Calls and emails to his office were not returned Wednesday evening. Williams is still in state prison serving a sentence of 34 years to life for a separate murder conviction. Trutanich also prosecuted that case. A State Bar Court hearing is scheduled for March 13 in Los Angeles. The California Supreme Court will review the State Bar Courts recommendations for Trutanichs punishment and must give ultimate approval. Trutanich also may appeal the State Bars recommendations to a review panel. frank.shyong@latimes.com Twitter: @frankshyong Even those who had prepared for flooding in San Jose were outmatched by rising floodwaters no one expected. The worst flooding in 100 years forced the evacuations of at least 14,000 residents in the center of the city as the Coyote Creek overflowed its banks. The surge in water came after weeks of pounding rain that pushed the Anderson Dam beyond its limit. Rob Souza, 49, had thought he was prepared for a flood. He knew exactly where the floodwaters had come up before on his property on William Street just west of Coyote Creek. He spent eight hours Monday painstakingly building 3-foot-tall walls of sandbags protecting both a newly renovated cottage about 50 yards away from the creek and his two-story home farther up a hillside. If the floodwaters came up to the level they did in 1997, he would be fine. Advertisement But by Tuesday morning, rising creek waters burst through the first sandbag wall. The cottage was gone, Souza thought, so he scrambled to move the sandbags to buttress the barrier protecting the ground floor of his home. Souza watched as the sandbags seemed to work, but creek water kept on rising, finally two feet above the windowsill. It was like I was looking at an aquarium, Souza said. Then a window broke. Then, it was all over, Souza said. Eventually, the flood waters brought a 50-year-old oak tree crashing down onto the cottage, punching through the roof and exposing the yellow insulation to the sky. Like the mayor said, it passed the 100-year flood plan, Souza said. Obviously, no one expected that to happen. I just cant believe it, said Souzas wife, Renee, as she looked at the damage. Gone were the beautiful grassy field and landscaped patio in Souzas backyard. Still hanging on in the floodwaters was an orange tree and an apple tree, still collecting debris. But swept away was the persimmon tree. The situation was precarious late Tuesday evening, after a giant eucalyptus tree on the east side of the property came crashing down on the Williams Street bridge to the east, completely blocking that exit path. To the west, deep floodwaters hemmed Souza and his family inside. We couldnt get out, either way, said Souza, who feared remaining eucalyptus trees could fall on his home. Louis Silva, 48, said his possessions were swallowed up in the flood. Silva said the warnings did not indicate the magnitude of the flooding that actually happened. They didnt say it was going to go up as high as it did, Silva said, adding the city shouldve done more to warn people ahead of time about the scale of the disaster, such as a cellphone text alert or knocking on doors. They shouldve put the footwork in to show the urgency of the situation as it came, Silva said. It hurt everyone.... When Mother Nature shows up, she shows up. To think they can throw up balloons in the air and see whats going on with the atmosphere and the clouds and everything and at the same time, we werent able to predict this situation, Silva said. Its unfortunate for a lot of people. Dawn Rogers, 47, said she was in the mandatory evacuation zone but decided to hunker down instead of leave. She watched as Williams Street turned into an extension of Coyote Creek, as firefighters took a boat down the street to rescue residents in homes that were flooded. By 1 p.m. Tuesday, residents were rushing to fill up their cars with valuables. It was crazy. We have never seen anything like it, said Rogers. Being in a drought for all these years, you dont ever think youre ever in danger of a flood. It was scary, Rogers said. Rogers home was not flooded but waters did come close to her home, which is several blocks away from the creek. Rogers was also upset about the lack of warning about the magnitude of the disaster. The dam clearly was overflowing, Rogers said. What are we paying taxes to San Jose for? These are peoples lives, their pets, their kids, their homes. Kevin Rodriguez, 9, watched in shock as floodwaters came up Williams Street, flooding plants closest to the street and creeping up to the doorstep. We saw it coming up, Rodriguez said. It came quickly. ALSO Levee system battered by record rainfall from atmospheric river Oroville hoping to turn dam crisis into a tourism opportunity Once-in-a-lifetime flooding prompts hundreds of rescues in San Jose The widow and two daughters of Alfred Olango, the unarmed black man fatally shot by an El Cajon police officer, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Police Department alleging the officer gravely mishandled the incident and used excessive force. The lawsuit, filed in San Diego federal court Tuesday by wife Taina Rozier, joins similar suits filed by Olangos father and sister in connection with the death. Olango, a 38-year-old Ugandan refugee, was shot on Sept. 27 by Officer Richard Gonsalves, who is also named in the lawsuit. Advertisement Olangos sister told authorities that he had shown up at her El Cajon home appearing disoriented and paranoid and then he left after a while, according to an investigation by the District Attorneys Office. She found him wandering in traffic. She called 911 three times over the course of the morning, reporting her brother was having a mental breakdown, before officers arrived. Gonsalves found Olango in the parking lot of the Broadway Village shopping center, pacing around, according to authorities. Olango refused to comply with Gonsalves orders to remove his hand from his pocket, police said. Olango then took what authorities described as a shooting stance and quickly pulled a cylindrical object from his pocket and pointed it at the officer, police said. Gonsalves fired four shots, while another officer fired his Taser. The object turned out to be a vaping device. The lawsuit claims Olango was simply walking around and did not pose a threat to anyone, and adds that it should have been apparent to Gonsalves that he was dealing with an emotionally disturbed man. The suit also alleges that Olango made no aggressive movements, no furtive gestures, and no physical movements which would suggest to a reasonable police officer that he was armed with any kind of weapon, or had the will, or the ability to inflict substantial bodily harm against any individual. The complaint faults Gonsalves for not using proper police tactics in the situation, such as waiting for backup. The Police Department has said it does not discuss pending litigation. District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis has concluded that Gonsalves was justified in the shooting because the investigation showed he reasonably feared for his life. The lawsuit asks for damages to be awarded at trial. kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @kristinadavis New memos issued this week by Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly brought President Trumps promised crackdown on illegal immigration one step closer to reality. Kelly lifted nearly all restrictions on targeting the 11-million people in the U.S. illegally for deportation. Heres a breakdown of what happened: Who is affected? Immigration officers were directed to focus first on deporting convicted criminals or those charged with crimes. But Kelly also freed them to conduct more raids in immigrant communities and detain people who dont have criminal convictions. Advertisement In addition to deporting those convicted of crimes, immigration officials will also target: people in the country illegally who have been charged with crimes not yet adjudicated. those who have not been charged but are believed to have committed acts that constitute a chargeable criminal offense. That would include the 6 million people believed to have entered without passing through an official border crossing. those who receive an improper welfare benefit. those who committed minor infractions such as driving without a license. When does this start? Immigration officials can act on their new priorities immediately. Among their first targets could be the more than 940,000 people who already have a final order of removal from an immigration judge and have either refused to leave or were allowed to stay temporarily, often because of the hardship their deportation would cause to family in the U.S. Has the Trump administration already increased deportations? Its not clear yet. Although advocates have warned that recent raids appear to be a ramping up of immigration enforcement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials insist that they were long planned. Deportation totals from Trumps first few weeks in office wont be known for months. How many people were deported under the Obama administration? Under President Obama, immigration officials increased deportations to an annual peak of about 400,000 people in 2012. Following widespread outcry from immigration advocates, Homeland Security backed down on deportations, ordering agents to focus on expelling criminals, repeat immigration violators and recent arrivals. As a result, deportation totals fell to about 240,000 last year. How will deportations increase? Immigration officers were ordered to conduct more raids to find people charged with crimes or already ordered deported by a judge. Relatives, friends and others found during those raids who are in the country illegally could also be sent into deportation proceedings, even if they dont have criminal records. The Trump administration will also expand who is eligible for so-called expedited removals. Under these types of deportations, someone in the U.S. illegally can be removed without appearing before an immigration judge. The Obama administration limited them to people caught within 100 miles of the border within two weeks of entering the country. The Trump administration is drafting a notice to be published in the Federal Register to greatly expand their use. Expedited removals will apply to people caught anywhere in the country within two years of arriving illegally. How can that many people be deported that quickly? Even without hiring more deportation officers, Trump could boost deportations by more than 75% during his first year in office just by returning to the level of deportations reached at the end of Obamas first term, when about 400,000 people were deported in 2012. And in the longer term? Trumps original executive order called for hiring 10,000 more immigration enforcement officers and 5,000 Border Patrol agents, as did Kellys memos. Kelly also restarted a program called Secure Communities that notifies immigration agents when people in the country illegally are booked into local jails. In addition, the Homeland Security Department will expand a program in which local police help capture those violating immigration laws. Those programs were dialed back under President Obama over concerns they were used to racially profile suspects and sowed distrust between the immigrant community and police. What happens to people who arent deported right away? Kelly instructed immigration officials to expand the number and size of detention facilities to hold people awaiting hearings in immigration court as well as asylum seekers. More than 1,100 detention beds have been added since Trump was sworn in last month. Cases for people held in detention can move more quickly, and they can be deported faster than those released and told to appear in court. Advocates for immigrants are concerned about the poor conditions in detention facilities, many of which are also local jails and have a track record of substandard medical care. Also, immigrants in detention facilities have a much harder time getting lawyers. How do the rights of people in the U.S. illegally compare with those of citizens? As with everything in immigration policy, its complicated. Courts have upheld that everyone in the U.S. has a right to equal protection and due process before the law. For example, immigration officers cant enter the home of immigrants in the country illegally without a warrant. But once an immigration court has ruled a person can be removed, officers can lawfully detain and deport him or her. Close to the border, agents have more leeway to remove people without going through the immigration courts when they apprehend those who recently crossed into the country illegally. Also, courts have ruled that children have a right to free public education, regardless of their immigration status. I heard some people might be sent back to countries they only passed through. Thats possible. The Trump administration is interpreting immigration law as allowing U.S. officials to arrest people who came into the U.S. illegally and send them back to the country they entered from while they await deportation proceedings Mexico, in cases of illegal southern border crossings. If implemented, that would leave people who are from other countries in limbo in Mexico, likely unable to find work or pay for shelter, while they wait for their court cases to play out. But Mexico is unlikely to agree to receive people who arent Mexican citizens. Homeland Security officials said they were working with the Mexican government and the State Department to determine how to implement the guidance. What about countries that refuse to accept deportees? To clear the way for removals, Kelly and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson have been instructed to punish countries that refuse to accept people being deported, including by withholding visas from citizens and issuing formal diplomatic complaints, according to the Department of Homeland Security. About 23 countries currently dont accept deportations from the U.S., including Afghanistan, Algeria, China, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia and Zimbabwe. Mexico is not among them. Courts have ruled that people from those countries cant be held to await deportation indefinitely, even if they have a violent criminal conviction. As a result, more than 8,000 immigrants with criminal records have been released in the past three years. What about the border wall? Kellys memos, echoing Trumps immigration order, called for the immediate planning and building of a wall along the southern border, one of Trumps major campaign promises. The Border Patrol has already identified places for building new walls and fencing near El Paso, Tucson and El Centro, Calif., and is studying additional locations. Kelly has told lawmakers that Homeland Security will fill in gaps with ground sensors, surveillance blimps and other technologies that help detect illegal border crossings. Border agents, he said, prefer barriers they can see through rather than a solid wall. About a third of the border, or 650 miles, already has fencing. Whos paying for all of this? Though Trump has vowed over and again that Mexico would pay for the wall, its government has just as firmly refused to do so. Building a wall and hiring additional deportation officers would require funds from Congress, and it is unclear whether Republican lawmakers will sign off on them. The White House is expected to ask Congress for the money as part of a larger funding request next month. What about Dreamers? Kelly did not specify how the Trump administration plans to deal with 750,000 so-called Dreamers, migrants brought to the country illegally as children and granted work permits under an initiative by President Obama Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Two-year work permits are still being granted to people who qualify and submit to a background check. Trump has publicly wavered on whether to deport the Dreamers, and the White House has identified ways to remove them from the U.S. without Trumps fingerprints. And immigration officers now can charge parents who pay smugglers to bring their children into the country illegally with immigration violations. Anything else? Yes, a few things. Top officials at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are encouraging federal prosecutors to lower the threshold for bringing criminal charges on immigration offenses. This would speed up deportations in the future if people already convicted of immigration violations are caught in the country again. ICE also plans to create a new office, the National Lead Development Center, to refer immigration fraud and benefit fraud cases to prosecutors. Homeland Security will also establish an office to assist victims of crimes committed by those in the country illegally. Crime victims will be able to contact the new office to learn about the alleged offenders immigration status and whether immigration officers have deported the person in the past. During the campaign, Trump met with family members of people killed by immigrants in the country illegally and invited them on stage with him at rallies. brian.bennett@latimes.com Twitter: @ByBrianBennett amy.fiscus@latimes.com Twitter: @amyfiscus A 30-year-old woman from Arizona vanished over the weekend after presumably going to Sunset Cliffs to photograph a sunrise, family and San Diego police said. Amanda Cruses vehicle was traced to the area Tuesday, brother-in-law Tait Elkie said. Some of her belongings were found inside, and there was no evidence of foul play, he said. Cruse, also known as Mandy, drove alone from Scottsdale, Ariz., to San Diego Saturday. She planned to stay until Monday, Elkie said. Advertisement She was last seen on surveillance footage leaving her Point Loma hotel about 4:30 a.m. Sunday. No one has heard from her since. Her cellphone was tracked down using an iPhone app, which led police to her parked vehicle on Monaco Street near Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. Also inside the vehicle were her purse and backpack, found concealed under clothing. With only her high-quality digital camera missing, and considering the time she left her hotel, its likely Cruse went to Sunset Cliffs to snap photos of the sunrise, family and police said. Her family fears she may have slipped off a bluff and drowned in the ocean, but they arent ruling out other possibilities. We just dont know for sure, Elkie said. Were looking for any help. Her family said Cruse, who was born and raised in Canada, enjoyed traveling on her own. It was her first visit to San Diego. She was described as 5 feet 3 inches tall and 115 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. She left her hotel wearing a gray sweatshirt, blue jeans, and black and white Converse shoes. Police asked anyone with information about Cruses whereabouts to call the department at (619) 531-2000 or a detective at (619) 531-2277. Breaking News Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com Phone: (619) 293-1876 Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez UPDATES: 10:05 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details from a family member. This article was originally published at 7:15 p.m. All schools that receive public money should be democratically governed and held to the highest standards. This shouldnt be a controversial position, yet it is perceived by some as a direct attack on the free-market ideology that is at the heart of corporate school reform in America and has no greater proponent than the new secretary of education, Betsy DeVos. DeVos has committed her personal life, abundant wealth and political connections in the pursuit of dismantling and destabilizing public education in Michigan. She has now set her sights on all of Americas public schools. DeVos has advocated for diverting public money to voucher programs and profit-driven charter management organizations that operate with little or no regulatory oversight while draining desperately needed resources from local schools and communities. Related: Charter schools: Having a choice in education benefits all Advertisement For too long California charters schools and their proponents, including DeVos and the heirs to the Walmart fortune, have resisted common-sense accountability, and, as a result, our local neighborhood schools and charter school students have paid the price. The lack of accountability and transparency has allowed for waste, fraud and abuse here in San Diego and across the nation. The San Diego Educators Association (SDEA) is not opposed to all charter schools. What our members, and many of our public school parents are against, is a profit-driven industry that undermines our local schools and further segregates our communities. SDEA represents charter educators, some of our members send their children to charter schools, and dont forget that the original vision for charter schools came from the teachers union. That original vision was one of schools freed from top-down central office bureaucracy where teachers and parents had a greater say in decision-making. The idea was never that one had to strip teachers of their rights, eliminate democratic governance or replace public accountability with profit-driven management in order to test different ideas or to better meet the needs of the local community. In the years since that original vision was articulated, charter schools have become something entirely different and there are far too many examples of how an unregulated system leads to fraud, waste and abuse. You have to look no further than the recent pages of the Union-Tribune to discover what happens when charter management organizations (CMOs) and unaccountable charter administrators are left unchecked. The lack of accountability and transparency are a real problem, but so is the disinvestment in local neighborhood schools. Charter schools are costing neighborhood schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) $500 million a year. The lost funding in San Diego Unified is likely close to $100 million or more. This money is being stripped from an already-underfunded system. In addition to the lost funding, our charters in San Diego push out too many students with high needs, who return to their local public schools needing even greater support. If charter schools want to be true public schools, then they should be held to the same standards. In the absence of these standards, our schools and too many students suffer. If you want to learn more about why charter schools are in desperate need of common-sense regulation and accountability, you should speak to unionized charter educators who have fought hard to win contracts that give them a voice to advocate for their students without fear of retaliation. Ask them how a union contract attempts to return basic accountability to their schools and how due process for their teachers improves that quality of education for their students. These educators are working hard to return charter schools to that original vision and to challenge the direction advocated by the California Charter Schools Association. The association has billions of dollars supporting its agenda, and now a very loud voice in the White House. Public education should be about kids, not profits. Instead of subsidizing corporate charter schools, we should be using the money to strengthen our local neighborhood public schools for all California children. Burningham is president of the San Diego Education Association. MASON CITY | The storm system expected to dump around a foot of snow across North Iowa will arrive in the area Thursday in the form of rain. Although the rain could change to snow as early as 6 p.m. Thursday, it's more likely to change over between 7-10 p.m., said National Weather Service meteorologist Ken Podrazik. It will be accompanied by strong winds, which will cause several hours of blizzard. Snowfall is expected to be strong from the start, though the most intense will likely be Friday morning through Friday afternoon, Podrazik said. "Once it starts snowing, it's going to be coming down," he said. The forecast calls for: * Thursday night: 2-4 inches. * Friday daytime: 5-9 inches. * Friday night: 2-4 inches. Podrazik said snow will taper off after 10 p.m. Friday. Check back at globegazette.com for updates on this developing story. WEATHER: Kristin Chenoweth concert postponed due to blizzard 11:15 a.m. Update MASON CITY | Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth's concert in Mason City has been postponed for two days due to an anticipated blizzard. Chenoweth will perform at 4 p.m. Sunday in the North Iowa Community Auditorium at North Iowa Area Community College. She had been scheduled to perform on Friday night. Heavy winds and up to 17 inches of snow are expected to create blizzard conditions on Friday. Officials at NIACC say ticket holders will have their seating assignments retained for the new performance time. If a ticket holder is unable to attend the re-scheduled time, the tickets will need to be returned to the NIACC Box Office within five business days to receive a refund. For additional information or questions, contact the college's box office at 641-422-4188. Check back at globegazette.com for updates on this developing story. WEATHER: Blizzard threat forces postponement of Clear Lake legislative forum 9:30 a.m. UPDATE CLEAR LAKE | A legislative forum set for Friday in Clear Lake has been postponed due to an impending snowstorm. Originally planned for Friday, the forum was to feature Iowa Rep. Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake and Sen. Amanda Ragan, D-Mason City. It has been rescheduled for 10 a.m., March 24 at Clear Lake Bank & Trust in Clear Lake. The current National Weather Service forecast for Mason City calls for 9-17 inches of snow from Thursday night through Friday night. The storm will be accompanied by 20-30 mph winds, gusts up to 40 mph. Clear Lake and Mason City are under a blizzard warning. Check back at globegazette.com for updates on this developing story. Forecast takes another turn for North Iowa: expect a foot Our previous story: MASON CITY | The latest forecasting models predict 12 or more inches of snow through Saturday morning in portions of North Iowa. Blizzard warnings were issued for several counties. Winnebago, Hancock and Kossuth get an early start at 6 p.m. Thursday; Cerro Gordo, Worth and Wright join at 6 a.m. Friday. Both run through Saturday morning. Other advisories were issued for Floyd, Mitchell, Franklin and Butler counties. Snow accumulations in Mason City and Clear Lake are expected to total 12 to 16 inches. Other areas under the blizzard warnings range from 10 to 18 inches. Winds between 20 and 30 mph - with gusts to 40 mph - will reduce visibility to one-half mile. Travel, officials say, will become "very dangerous to near impossible" Friday through Saturday morning. Rain will precede the snow Thursday. Forecasters earlier this week expected this storm to impact the Midwest, but early indications predicted the bulk of the snow to fall to the west and north of North Iowa. The storm, expected to impact states from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Lakes, had already closed 200 miles of Interstate 80 Thursday morning in Wyoming. Check back for more on this story. The public and private conversations over the education of our children have always been emotional for parents and school professionals. The confirmation of Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos this month will, among other things, shine a brighter light on the already-controversial charter public school world. It all began with a vision to transform and improve the traditional public school system, a vision that started in 1991 with the Charter School Act in Minnesota and quickly spread to California only a year later. The goal was to re-examine the successes and failures of public education, and seek out new ways to help students learn to critically think and problem solve, communicate effectively, and achieve academically, socially and professionally. Related: Charter schools: Lack of standards hurts students Advertisement The California charter public school movement has flourished, and innovative approaches and new learning models have joined the public school landscape. As a result, parents now enjoy school choice. The movement as a whole has had the political and personal favor of U.S. presidents spanning from Bill Clinton and Barack Obama to Donald Trump. The seed that was planted has taken root and tens of thousands of students are enrolled in charter public schools. Yet despite growing pressure to open charter public schools in their community, not every school district is welcoming, and not every charter school has a successful operation or student outcome. Just as with traditional school programs, we must sift through the best practices in order to improve all education. So what will our new secretary of education, Betsy DeVos, add to this ongoing dialogue? I believe her 30-plus years promoting programs and organizations that provide choice for parents will greatly benefit all students whether they are enrolled in traditional, charter or private schools. She knows that not every student learns or retains information the same way and understands that part of the greatness of America is promoting innovation and opportunity for all, especially in school choice. Alternatives in public education serve the greater good. DeVos has become a champion for these parents who desire options in schooling their children. In DeVos, President Trump selected a parent advocate and leader whose experience comes from a place of valuing education, listening to and working with parents. He chose someone who promotes action for the sake of improving educational opportunities. Hearing that she will be examining, auditing and reviewing all of the programs of the Education Department in an effort to define a core mission is a step in the right direction. Because really, when it comes down to it, education and the provision of education are really a state and local responsibility to a large extent, DeVos said last week. Reading that the San Diego Unified School Board of Trustees rescinded an invitation for DeVos to visit San Diego due to union member pushback reminded me that at the heart of education should be a willingness to learn from one another. If we expect our students to think critically, accept differences and grow through debate and dialogue, then the adults in this situation failed to lead by example. The SDUSD board should have respectfully welcomed DeVos, been willing to have an open dialogue, and looked forward to showing her the many and great successes of SDU schools. DeVos is not an enemy of traditional public schools merely someone with a different opinion and a valuable voice. I am hopeful in the coming months that DeVos will expound on the benefits of accountability, the role that it plays in schools and the importance of closing programs that do not connect to quality and success of student learning. We cannot have choice for choices sake, but rather in the hope of having public schools for every type of learner. If opponents fail to have healthy discussions, we stifle growth and intellectual understanding of one another. I have high hopes for Secretary DeVos success. For me, her success is grounded in decisions that return power to the local communities. Improving Americas schools will only benefit our students and return us to a standing as a world leader when it comes to providing superior public education. It is most beneficial to students, parents and communities to avoid attacking one public school system over another. The ancient African proverb, When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers is a perfect analogy. Curry is executive director of The Classical Academies, an organization of charter schools in north San Diego County. In a high-profile visit to Mexico just days after the Trump administration announced an aggressive approach to deportation, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly were told Thursday that Mexico would not accept non-Mexicans deported from the U.S. under the new push to expand and enforce anti-immigration laws. Mexican foreign minister Luis Videgaray delivered that firm message as Tillerson and Kellys first visit to Mexico got underway and as some Mexican citizens continued to suggest the American president had insulted them and the Mexican president had betrayed them by looking weak over the thorny issue of a border wall and who would pay for it. Advertisement So what are people saying in Mexico? Read on for a number of comments about the trip from Spanish speakers, which weve translated for you. Related: How deportation orders under Trump differ from Obamas In a tweet, Mexican journalist Enrique Alcazar quoted Videgarays public remarks as he met with Tillerson and Kelly, saying that the encounter between representatives of both countries has a complex context given the irritation and anger from Mexicans. Este encuentro se da en un contexto complejo de irritacion y enojo de los mexicanos: Videgaray frente a los secretarios de Trump. EnriquenVivo (@EnriqueEnVivo) February 23, 2017 U.S. aid to Mexico, Trumps immigration policies and a proposal to make Mexico pay for a wall to be built along the U.S. border are expected to part of the discussions, the New York Times reported. But the visit also comes after a long series of biting remarks Trump has made about Mexico that most recently resulted in the cancellation of a visit to the White House by Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto. The visit put Mexico and its president in the political spotlight. One law professor in Mexico said in a tweet that Mexicos president, Enrique Pena Nieto, humiliates all of Mexico by placing himself as a rug and at the same level of Kelly and Tillerson, employees of Trump. Hoy @EPN humilla todo Mexico colocandose como tapete y al nivel de #Kelly #Tillerson, empleados de @realDonaldTrump. Ya somos estado #51 USA pic.twitter.com/TEZFKPH3Us John M. Ackerman (@JohnMAckerman) February 23, 2017 Mexican politician Miguel Barbosa said Tillerson and Kelly are not welcomed. Ante ambiente de amenazas de EU a Mexico, Kelly y Tillerson no son bienvenidos: Barbosa https://t.co/YZVopJ3F6k pic.twitter.com/VtBmXs6ntE Aristegui Noticias (@AristeguiOnline) February 23, 2017 A senator from one of Mexicos three political parties echoed that sentiment in a statement spelling out six reasons why Tillerson and Kelly are not welcomed. Among his objections are the Trump administrations hostility toward Mexico, its deportation policies and threats to take away resources, to send U.S. troops into Mexico and to world peace. One person said, The message from secretary of state Tillerson was very brief, didnt say anything new other than to express affection toward Mexico. I have my doubts. Another person wrote, Because Trump cant govern, then he brings out his clowns to do some marketing; and in Mexico they find a timid government. Damn! Como Trump no puede gobernar, entonces saca a sus payasos a hacer marketing; y encuentra en Mexico un gobierno timorato. joder! Cesar Calderon (@elGourmandMX) February 23, 2017 Mexican journalist Leon Krauze summed up the anxiety felt in the country not just with Trump but with the Mexican government, which has been seen as too weak to negotiate with the U.S. In his tweet, Krauze wrote, I disagree with those who say the government shouldnt have welcomed Tillerson. The time for gestures has passed. Now is the time for firmness in negotiation. En desacuerdo con quien dice que gobierno no debio recibir a Tillerson.El tiempo para esos gestos paso. Es hora de firmeza en la negociacion Leon Krauze (@LeonKrauze) February 22, 2017 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 Support the San Diego Humane Societys efforts to help 30,000 animals each year by participating in the annual Walk for Animals this Saturday. The walk formerly Paws in the Park will start with on-site registration, a complimentary pancake breakfast, vendor village and dog activities at 7 a.m. in Kit Carson Park, 3333 Bear Valley Parkway in Escondido. At 8:30 a.m. there will be a blessing of the animals by the Rev. Frank Placone-Willey, followed by warm up exercises led by Aaron Harris Fitness at 8:45 a.m. The walk will start at 9 a.m. with 1-mile and 2-mile route options. More activities and the vendor village will continue from 10:15 a.m. to noon. Entry fees are $40 for adults, $20 for youths (ages 17 and under) and $10 for cat nappers those who are raising funds for the humane society but not participating in the walk. All registered participants, including the cat nappers, will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash at all times, organizers said. Online registration closes at 5 p.m. Friday at SDWalkForAnimals.org. On-site registration begins on Saturday at 7 a.m. in the park. For questions, call 619-243-3469 or go to walk@sdhumane.org. Participants will have until March 26 to reach their individual fundraising goals and earn prizes that start at the $100 level. According to organizers, hundreds of dogs and people dressed in costumes are expected at the event that supports homeless pets. Participants will be helping the San Diego Humane Society provide food, shelter and a second chance to more than 30,000 homeless animals expected to come into its care this year. Its efforts include providing animals with a temporary home where they can heal, pet adoption and animal rescue from emergency situations. Its efforts recently gained attention when humane society staffers rescued 123 Yorkie and Yorkie-mix dogs from a hoarding situation in Poway. Officials said all money raised through this walk and a similar one set for May 6 at the NTC Park in San Diegos Liberty Station will help the private, non-profit organization investigate animal cruelty, save animals from disasters, treat puppies stricken with canine parvovirus, care for neonatal kittens, provide specialized veterinary care, rescue and rehabilitate native wildlife, provide essential services to keep pets in their homes and out of shelters, and so much more. Its other services beyond sheltering and adopting out animals include providing positive reinforcement training classes, investigating animal cruelty and neglect and presenting education programs to youths and adults. The San Diego Humane Society has been serving San Diego County since 1880 and has campuses in San Diego, Escondido and Oceanside. email: rbnews@pomeradonews.com Money is motivation behind legalizing pot Re: Commissioners oppose pot ban I must be old-fashioned. I can not conceive of a single good reason to legalize marijuana and allow for its open public sale on our streets. If this drug has any scientifically proven medicinal benefits, it should be prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a licensed drug store like any other drug. The true motivation behind legalizing marijuana (and many other illicit drugs that soon will follow) is, unfortunately, money. Businesses that push these drugs on our neighborhoods will certainly profit. Governments look to a windfall from new taxes on these products. Politicians look to fatten their campaign contributions from the marijuana lobby. Count the real costs to our society: an increase in drug dependencies, an increase in crime to support a very expensive drug habit, more drug-impaired driving, and the numerous bright futures of our young people that will be destroyed by the scourge of demotivating drugs made even more easily accessible. Familiar with any children or families destroyed by drugs? Our society shall regret the extensive damage caused by this poison and those who value money more than the well-being of the next generation. Adults (and especially our political leaders) should lead by example and demonstrate moral integrity that both inspires and ensures that the younger generation reaches its full potential. Commissioner Brian Woods has said yes to drugs. Supervisor Dianne Jacob has said no to drugs. It is clear to me who values our Ramona community and children. George Eastwood Ramona Where do you draw the line on the law? I have read numerous articles in recent weeks and heard numerous reports from the media decrying our duly elected presidents efforts to stop the flow of ILLEGAL drugs and ILLEGAL immigrants from crossing our southern border. Make no mistake, some of my family immigrated LEGALLY to the United States through Canada. I am not opposed to LEGAL immigration 99% of those reading this has family that immigrated to this country. What part of ILLEGAL do you NOT understand? Did you sleep through class when the teacher taught us about being law-abiding citizens? Do you ignore the lessons your parents taught you about being good law-abiding citizens? If not, then why is it that when someone, anyone, tries to enforce our laws they are accused of being racist, sexist or whatever ist is the word of the day? Who among you, who oppose these efforts, would choose to ignore the law when your wife or daughter is raped? Who among you, who oppose these efforts, would chose to ignore the law when one of your loved ones is murdered? Who among you, who oppose these efforts, would chose to ignore any law you dont like? Where do YOU draw the line? Where? This country was founded on a belief that no one is above the law of the land. We have the best Constitution on the face of the planet! If you dont think so, I invite you to move to North Korea. Im sure they would love to have you. When we choose to ignore the laws put in place by our duly elected representatives, each and every one of us will eventually suffer in some way. We will suffer either directly as a first person victim, or as someone closely associated with a victim. Or, just as bad, we will suffer from a fear of crime. Who among you wants to live in fear? So, I ask you will you support the laws of our great country, or do you chose lawlessness? Jerry Berman U.S. Navy veteran Ramona We the people are not stupid Before the November election, a lot of pundits on both sides of the aisle labeled the American electorate stupid. I never bought into that idea. Sometimes were naive, overly optimistic, in awe of authority but not stupid. So why does the far left, such as Mr. Quercia, continue to insult us? He tells us that Trump has caused the Middle East to become less stable. Seriously? Has he been doing a Rip Van Winkle number for the last eight years? I guess hes one of the ones who think were stupid. Mr. Quercia tells us that Trumps executive orders are being overturned in U.S. courts. Wow! Sounds like he is referring to all of them! So far there are 22 executive orders. How many have been overturned, and by whom? Most notably, the so-called travel ban, overturned by the most liberal court in the nation and whose rulings are themselves overturned some 70 to 80% of the time. He must think were stupid. And then theres Mexico. So Trump deports felons that are here illegally, Mexico promises judicial gridlock, and this is Trumps fault? Mr. Quercia, you must think the American electorate is really stupid. If that wasnt enough, Mr. Quercia again refers to the womens march where Ashley Judd and Lady Gaga spewed their venomous rhetoric as something of which we should all, especially women, be proud. And then he follows that with an insult to women by saying that President Trump has millions of groupies; women are infatuated with him. They see him as an Adonis figure. Is there even one woman in America not insulted and infuriated by such condescending tripe? News flash! The American electorate may be many things, but stupid isnt one of them. They proved that in November. Tom McKelvey Ramona Not fit to represent his constituents If Duncan Hunter is too frightened to have a town hall meeting to discuss important matters, he is simply not fit to represent his constituents. I think that makes a very clear statement about who and what Duncan Hunter really represents. I would hope that everyone will remember that in the voting booth. Liza Roocroft Ramona No reply yet on town hall meeting Since the Presidential Inauguration, there has been so much confusion, alternative facts, scandal after scandal (National Security Council memberships, Flynn, Russia), an Executive Order being ruled unconstitutional. It is imperative that our Congressman, Duncan Hunter, demonstrate his commitment to serve by scheduling a Town Hall meeting to take questions directly from his constituents. Two weeks ago I telephoned my request to his office, but have not received a reply. Sandra Smith Ramona Other requests for town hall meeting Congressman Duncan Hunters chief of staff has termed locals who are requesting that the congressman hold a town hall meeting agitators. No one who knows me and many of you do would ever call me an agitator. What I am is a constituent and I would like to request, once again, and as politely as possible, that Congressman Hunter agree to meet with his constituents at a public forum. Thank you. Katie Reid Ramona As a constituent of Californias 50th District, I am writing to request that my Congressional representative, Duncan Hunter, schedule a town hall meeting ASAP to address the concerns of voters in his district. After calling his D.C. office to learn that a meeting is planned, however no date has been set, I am respectfully requesting that Mr. Hunter take immediate action to meet with his constituents. Tori Barlow Ramona Thank you very much for the excellent article on Indivisible Ramona. Our next meeting will be Sunday, Feb. 26, at noon in the Ramona Community Library. Also very newsworthy is the ongoing request to have our representative, Duncan Hunter, appear at a town hall meeting to answer our questions and concerns. This has been an ongoing request from many citizens. On Tuesday (Feb. 14) I attended a rally at Hunters El Cajon office to request the town hall. He has dismissed us as agitators. On Tuesday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m., (there was) another rally to request the meeting. These are peaceful everyday people that want their concerns addressed. Janice Reich Ramona As a concerned constituent of the 50th Congressional District, my hope is that Representative Duncan Hunter answers the call for a town hall meeting in Ramona. Im of the opinion that such a meeting could be extremely constructive if all parties approached it with open minds, listened to all thoughts expressed, regardless of personal beliefs, and behaved appropriately throughout. Our future is at stake, Ramona. Annemarie Frisch Ramona I am writing on behalf of my concerned citizens in Ramona and this great country of ours. We would like our representative, Mr Hunter to hold a town hall meeting to address some of our concerns. Many have seen some of the disruptive gatherings in other parts of the country and would like go on record as being a group of citizens that are civil and orderly as well as get some answers. Please address this and bring it to the attention of Mr. Hunter. Freedom of speech through meetings and the press are being attacked and Im sure we dont want to see that happen. Jeffrey R. Crimmel Ramona Duncan Hunter needs to have a Town Hall meeting. He works for us. He deserves to hear what his constituents are concerned about. Diana Levin Ramona Id like to request that you hold a town hall meeting in Ramona. Ramona is conveniently located between your offices in El Cajon and Temecula, and your constituents here would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about both local and national issues. County Supervisor Dianne Jacob holds town hall meetings in Ramona regularly, but I dont recall ever meeting you. Please make time to come to Ramona to speak with us in person. Gwen Nowrick> Ramona LOS ANGELES (AP) Seven priceless Mayan artifacts looted decades ago from Guatemala are returning to the land of their creation after a representative for an antiquities collector grew suspicious of their origin and contacted the FBI. Experts called in by the agency quickly determined the limestone pieces, all more than a thousand years old, were removed illegally from two specific regions of Guatemala and sold to a California collector in the 1970s. Four larger limestone pieces date to 400 to 600 A.D., said FBI special agent Elizabeth Rivas, whose specialty is art crimes investigation. Experts believe they are symbolic of the Earth Monster connecting the Earth to the underworld. Advertisement Three smaller pieces covered in hieroglyphics likely once made up a calendar outside an ancient temple in Guatemalas Petexbatun region, Rivas said. They are believed to be 1,400 to 1,100 years old. All seven were placed on display at Los Angeles FBI headquarters Friday for a news conference attended by U.S. and Guatemalan officials. The consul general to Guatemalas Los Angeles consulate called them priceless. They are part of our culture. Part of our people. Part of our earth. Every piece that is returned to Guatemala for us is very important, said Roberto Archila, who thanked the FBI and U.S. government. He said Guatemala plans to ship them to a museum dedicated to Mayan artifacts and eventually put them on display. Rivas said the FBI became aware of the artifacts existence in the 1970s when authorities charged an antiquities dealer with illegally selling other pieces stolen from Guatemala. Because we could not determine where in Guatemala they came from or when they came to the U.S. we could not prove they were stolen, she said of the seven pieces. Had the agency had the capability to determine their provenance then, Rivas added, the dealer likely would have faced additional charges. She said officials believe the buyer didnt know they were stolen. An innocent buyer who is a collector purchased the items inside the US and he had them for many, many years, she said. After that person died an individual handling the estate discovered the pieces had no papers showing their provenance, or chain of ownership, which would also show if they left Guatemala legally. Thats when the FBI and its experts were called in. Rivas declined to identify the collector or the third party other than to say they were from California. She said the person who contacted the FBI was happy to learn the pieces are going back to Guatemala. Since 1970 the United States has cooperated with countries around the world in efforts to return looted artifacts. The FBI formed an art crime team in 2004 to help in that effort, and since then officials say it has recovered more than 14,850 items valued at more than $165 billion. Were really happy to be part of this, said Deirdre Fike, assistant director of the FBIs Los Angeles office. This is a good news story. NORA SPRINGS | Air Force veteran Jerry Iverson, of Nora Springs, is low-key about the years he served during the Vietnam War. "I had an assignment and I performed the assignment and I felt I done my duty and that's about it," said Iverson, who was based at Ramstein, Germany. Even though he isn't one to make a fuss, the community honored Iverson and five other veterans on Wednesday at the Nora Springs Care Center in Nora Springs. Each veteran received a quilt from Quilt of Honor, a nonprofit group that distributes free quilts to military service members and veterans. The group gave quilts to Iverson, Delbert Brierly, Kenneth Lien, Roger Sweet, Dale Witt and Donna Conneley. Brierly and Lien served in the Army during World War II. Whitt was in the Navy on the USS New Jersey battleship during the Korean War. Sweet, who was in the Army, served from 1964 to 1966 during the Vietnam War. Conneley, of Floyd, is a care center staff member who served in the Army from 1972 to 1974. Nora Springs Care Center Activity Director LeAnn Weaver said the agency hosted the program because it values the contributions made by its veterans. It's especially important to honor the veterans because so many are an advanced age and are dying, she said. "Since Veterans Day, we have probably lost three veterans," Weaver said. Sandy Thorson, of Howard County Ladies Quilts of Valor, said the quilts were an award to the veterans for their many sacrifices. "The original goal was to cover those currently coming home that are wounded, but we find that there are many many more people out here, those who served, that deserve a quilt, too," she said. Iverson, who served from 1961 to 1964, said his years of service gave him a unique perspective on the world and the mission of the military. "I've seen a lot of how other people suffer under domination and a lot of poverty," he said. "I wish everybody could experience that, because then they would know what we're really trying to preserve and to bless other countries with." Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of 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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Statehouse inertia is replaced by mindless obstructionism of local efforts.Almost lost in the debate over the Iowa Legislature's efforts to block cities and counties from increasing the minimum wage within their borders is a parallel effort intended to limit local civil rights protections. The House bill now under consideration would ensure that Iowa has a single statewide minimum wage, which is a worthwhile goal, but it would do so by eliminating the ability of cities and counties to pass a minimum wage that's higher than what is established by state law. Right now, the state minimum wage is $7.25, but in the past year, Polk, Johnson, Linn and Wapello counties have approved gradual increases in the minimum wage that will top out somewhere between $10.10 to $10.75. They did so because the statewide minimum wage has been locked in at $7.25 for eight years, and Iowa is now surrounded by states that pay more. The bill now being considered would re-establish $7.25 as the minimum wage in every corner of Iowa unless, of course, the Legislature agrees to raise that amount, and no one is holding their breath waiting for that to happen. Then there are the less-noticed provisions of the bill, including one that strips employment-related civil rights protections from Iowans who live in cities or counties that provide greater job protection than what is afforded under federal or state law. As things stand now, Davenport and Iowa City residents can't be fired or denied employment due to their marital status or familial status but under the state law, that's not prohibited. While the state law protects against age discrimination for everyone over the age of 40, Cedar Rapids' civil rights ordinance is more expansive and covers everyone 18 or older. Some cities and counties provide additional protections against discrimination in housing, education and public accommodations, but the bill being considered in the House doesn't speak to those protections, which is telling. The bill is specific to employment discrimination indicating the effort to curtail local civil rights ordinances is driven entirely by business and industry. Another indicator: A separate provision of the bill actually prohibits cities and counties from passing local ordinances that impose new standards on "containers used for consuming, carrying or transporting merchandise." That provision is in direct response to city councils and boards of supervisors that have considered ordinances banning grocers from using plastic bags or requiring retailers to at least offer paper, biodegradable or reusable cloth bags for customers' purchases. Grocery bags have nothing at all to do with the minimum wage or with civil rights. But the House bill is simply a vehicle through which the Legislature hopes to block locally elected officials from doing anything at all that causes business and industry any amount of discomfort. "This is a very far-reaching and very scary bill that the people of Iowa should be appalled by," Johnson County Supervisor Janelle Rettig told the Cedar Rapids Gazette. "It was either poorly written, or it was written by a genius who knows exactly what it would do: It would gut local government." The irony here is that local governments have taken it upon themselves to address these issues only because the Iowa Legislature has refused to act. Now, state lawmakers have taken it upon themselves to prohibit local officials from filling that vacuum and doing the work for them. It's enough to make one nostalgic for the days of "do-nothing" legislative sessions that were marked by political paralysis. As discouraging as inertia in state government can be, it's preferable to the sort of willful obstructionism that prevents even our local leaders from getting things done. This editorial appeared in the Feb. 15 edition of the Des Moines Register. Gussie Lee Abel Gussie Lee Abel passed away peacefully in Ventura, California on January 4, 2017, after 97 wonderful years. Gussie was born on November 30, 1919 in Boda, Missouri. Her early years were spent both in Missouri and in California where she eventually settled for the rest of her life. Gussie grew up in a large family. Her six sisters and brother remained close their entire lives, providing their children many great memories. She loved her high school years and was proud that she graduated with honors. Her search for knowledge led her to love of mind challenging games and years of playing bridge. In 1939, Gussie met her future husband, Clell Abel in Santa Paula. Their union would last 71 years until his passing in 2012. Most of Gussies life was spent as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Daughters, Dena Michael and Susan Elder and her husband Bill survive her. She is also survived by her grandchildren Lisa Noronha (Joe), Brianne Elder, David Abel, Owen Michael and great-grandchildren Rylee, Carly, Olivia, Marlowe, Adrian, Jackson and Caileigh. Clell and Gussie lived life to the fullest. They enjoyed travel and camping with family and friends. Her claim to fame was her world-class pies. She was blessed with a magnetic personality. Her charm, wit and kindness made her special. Gussie lived a rich, blessed life. The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Aegis of Ventura. Their love and compassion for our Mother enriched her final years. A special thanks as well, to Assisted Hospice for the excellent care she received. A celebration of Gussies life will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Santa Paula on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Santa Paula First United Methodist Church or Assisted Hospice Care. By Peggy Kelly Santa Paula News Santa Paula Police are looking for a local man who is believed to be dangerous after he disappeared following a pursuit Tuesday afternoon, although his juvenile companion was captured. According to SPPD Sgt. Cody Madison, the incident occurred February 14 at approximately 4:04 p.m. when officers were dispatched for a report of narcotics activity at an apartment complex in the 500 block of Acacia Road. Upon officers arrival they observed two subjects run to a white sedan and attempted to leave the area, and although Madison said the SPPD Officer Ordered the subjects to stop, however they fled the area. The officer ran back to his vehicle and took off after them, attempting a traffic stop. The suspects vehicle refused to pull over and a pursuit was initiated. As the pursuit began approaching Santa Paula High School on East Santa Paula Street, Madison said The decision was made to stop the pursuit in fear that a student could be injured. The pursuit was terminated, however, instead of passing the high school the vehicle abruptly turned southbound on Palm Avenue. Madison said officers followed the vehicle, driving normally without lights and siren, and found the vehicle had collided with a pole on Main Street and Staben Court, just west of Palm Avenue. At that point officers saw two suspects flee from the vehicle and officers gave chase. The passenger, an unidentified male juvenile, 17, of Santa Paula, was taken into custody after a lengthy foot pursuit. And, noted Madison, When taken into custody he was found to be in possession of a sawed off rifle. The driver was able to escape officers however through investigation he was identified as Nick Wilson, 33, of Santa Paula. Police said Madison haD made contact with Wilson for years. The male juvenile was arrested and transported to Santa Paula Police Department and booked for suspicion of possession of a short barrel rifle, possession of a concealed weapon in a vehicle, minor in possession of a concealed weapon, and obstructing a police officer. Gaffes, for any president, seem to be inevitable. Below is a list of the eight most regrettable utterances from the highest office. Weekly Newsletter The best of The Saturday Evening Post in your inbox! Join Today, everything an American president says is dissected and analyzed. For anyone under such scrutiny, gaffes are inevitable, and every thoughtless, off-hand comment or tasteless remark is captured and broadcast even before the president realizes what he just said. But all such gaffes are not equally horrid. Here is a list of the eight most regrettable utterances from the highest office. Subscribe and get unlimited access to our online magazine archive. Subscribe Today 1. No Crooks Here Asked in an interview if there were any situation in which the president, in the best interest of America, could commit an illegal act, Richard Nixon replied, Well, when the president does it, that means that it is not illegal. In hindsight, he was a little off on that one. 2. What Cold War? Debating Jimmy Carter in 1976, Gerald Ford declared, There is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe. Asked if he truly meant that the nations held behind the USSRs Iron Curtain werent dominated by Soviets, he repeated himself, asserting that Poland, Romania, and Yugoslavia were free of Soviet interference. It destroyed all of Fords credibility in foreign affairs. 3. Unsound Check Prior to a 1984 radio broadcast, Ronald Reagan was asked to speak into the microphone for a sound check. Joking, he said, My fellow Americans, Im pleased to tell you today that Ive signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes. A recording of his statement was leaked, and Soviet forces were briefly put on alert. 4. Language Tango In 1998 testimony before a grand jury, Bill Clinton was questioned about his improper relationship with White House aide Monica Lewinsky. In defending as truthful his statement that theres nothing going on between us, he responded, It depends on what the meaning of the word is is. If the if he if is means is and never has been, that is not that is one thing. If it means there is none, that was a completely true statement. Now, if someone had asked me on that day, are you having any kind of sexual relations with Ms. Lewinsky, that is, asked me a question in the present tense, I would have said no. And it would have been completely true. His attempt at hair-splitting did not prevent his later impeachment by the House of Representatives. 5. Whose Finger Is on the Button? Harry Truman, who liked to express himself in terse, direct statements, was asked whether the U.S. would consider using atomic weapons against the Chinese in Korea. He replied, The military commander in the field will have charge of the use of weapons, as he always has. Unfortunately, the commander was the impulsive, headstrong General Douglas MacArthur. Many Americans feared the General would start the next world war through the use of atomic bombs. The administration quickly issued a correction, but it didnt erase the worries. 6. Bad Lip Reading At the 1988 Republican Convention, candidate George H.W. Bush pledged to resist Congressional pressure to raise taxes. Theyll push, and Ill say no, and theyll push again, and Ill say, to them, Read my lips: no new taxes. Two years later, those lips had to eat those words as Bush raised taxes, helping to drop his approval rating from 79% to 56%. 7. Youre on Candid Camera A reporter once asked Dwight Eisenhower what important decisions his vice president, Richard Nixon, had helped him make. Eisenhower, with uncharacteristic candor, replied, If you give me a week I might think of one. It was such a revealing remark that the Democrats replayed it in campaign ads against Nixon in 1960. 8. Gutter Ball On The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Barack Obama was asked about a recent bowling event. I bowled a 129, he replied. Leno replied sarcastically, Thats very good, Mr. President. And the president added, Its like the Special Olympics or something. Even before the taped show could be aired, the White House recognized the insult to participants in the Special Olympics, and campaign of apologies began. Featured image: Rcihard Nixon (Photo by Ollie Atkins, National Archives) Austin, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/23/2017 -- Stephen Hopkins was from Hampshire, England. He married his first wife, Mary, and resided in the parish of Hursley, Hampshire. They had three (3) children: Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles; all baptized there. It has long been claimed that the Hopkins family was from Wortley, Gloucester, but this was disproven in 1998 with the discovery of his true origins in Hursley. http://mayflowerhistory.com/hopkins-stephen/ Stephen Hopkins went with the ship Sea Venture on a voyage to Jamestown, Virginia in 1609 as a minister's clerk, but the ship wrecked in the "Isle of Devils" (Bermuda). Stranded on an island for ten months, the passengers and crew survived on turtles, birds, and wild pigs. Six months into the castaway, Stephen Hopkins and several others organized a mutiny against the current governor. The mutiny was discovered and Stephen was sentenced to death. However, he pleaded with sorrow and tears. "So penitent he was, and made so much moan, alleging the ruin of his wife and children in this his trespass, as it wrought in the hearts of all the better sorts of the company." He managed to get his sentence commuted. Eventually the castaways built a small ship and sailed themselves to Jamestown. How long Stephen remained in Jamestown is not known. However, while he was gone, his wife Mary died. She was buried in Hursley on 9 May 1613, and left behind a probate estate which mentions her children Elizabeth, Constance and Giles. Stephen was back in England by 1617, when he married Elizabeth Fisher, but apparently had every intention of bringing his family back to Virginia. Their first child, Damaris, was born about 1618. In 1620, Stephen Hopkins brought his wife and children Constance, Giles, and Damaris on the Mayflower (child Elizabeth apparently had died). Stephen was a fairly active member of the Pilgrim group shortly after arrival, perhaps a result of his being one of the few individuals who had been to Virginia previously. He was a part of all the early exploring missions, and was used as an "expert" on Native Americans for the first few contacts. While out exploring, Stephen recognized and identified an Indian deer trap. And when Samoset walked into Plymouth and welcomed the English, he was housed in Stephen Hopkins' house for the night. Stephen was also sent on several of the ambassadorial missions to meet with the various Indian groups in the region. Stephen was an assistant to the governor through 1636, and volunteered for the Pequot War of 1637 but was never called to serve. By the late 1630s, however, Stephen began to occasionally run afoul of the Plymouth authorities, as he apparently opened up a shop and served alcohol. In 1636 he got into a fight with John Tisdale and seriously wounded him. In 1637, he was fined for allowing drinking and shuffleboard playing on Sunday. Early the next year he was fined for allowing people to drink excessively in his house: guest William Reynolds was fined, but the others were acquitted. In 1638 he was twice fined for selling beer at twice the actual value, and in 1639 he was fined for selling a looking glass for twice what it would cost if bought in the Bay Colony. Also in 1638, Stephen Hopkins' maidservant got pregnant from Arthur Peach, who was subsequently executed for murdering an Indian. The Plymouth Court ruled he was financially responsible for her and her child for the next two years (the amount remaining on her term of service). Stephen, in contempt of court, threw Dorothy out of his household and refused to provide for her, so the court committed him to custody. John Holmes stepped in and purchased Dorothy's remaining two years of service from him: agreeing to support her and child. Stephen died in 1644, and made out a will, asking to be buried near his wife, and naming his surviving children. BAPTISM: 30 April 1581 at Upper Clatford, Hampshire, England, son of John and Elizabeth (Williams) Hopkins. FIRST MARRIAGE: Mary, possibly the daughter of Robert and Joan (Machell) Kent of Hursley, co. Hampshire, prior to 1604. SECOND MARRIAGE: Elizabeth Fisher on 19 February 1617/8 at St. Mary Matfellon, Whitechapel, co. Middlesex, England. CHILDREN (by Mary): Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles. CHILDREN (by Elizabeth): Damaris, Oceanus, Caleb, Deborah, Damaris, Ruth, and Elizabeth. DNA HAPLOGROUP: R1b-M269 Contact Adam Green! c: 801-809-7766 e: g3president@comcast.net Master Christopher Jones and several business partners purchased the ship Mayflower about 1607. Its origins prior to that remain uncertain. Its first documented voyage of record was to Trondheim, Norway, in 1609. Andrew Pawling hired the ship to take a cargo of London goods to Norway, sell them off, and buy Norway goods (lumber, tar, and fish) to return back to England. Unfortunately on the return voyage, the Mayflower encountered a severe North Sea storm and the master and crew were forced to toss most of Pawlings goods overboard to lighten the ship. The home of Master Christopher Jones: Harwich, co. Essex, England. http://mayflowerhistory.com/ Following that, Christopher Jones seems to have stuck with safer trading routes. The Mayflower made numerous trips primarily to Bordeaux, France, returning to London with cargoes of French wine, Cognac, vinegar, and salt. The Mayflower could freight about 180 tons of cargo. The Mayflower also made occasional voyages to other ports, including once to Malaga, Spain, and twice to Hamburg, Germany. Upon returning from a voyage to Bordeaux, France, in May 1620, the Mayflower and master Christopher Jones were hired to take the Pilgrims to Northern Virginia. This was the first recorded trans-Atlantic voyage for both ship and master, though Christopher Jones had several crewmembers, including pilot and master's mates John Clarke and Robert Coppin, who had been to the New World before. The Mayflower was supposed to accompany another ship, the Speedwell, to America, but the Speedwell proved too leaky for the voyage so the Mayflower proceeded alone. Departing on 6 September 1620, the ship was at sea for 66 days, arriving November 9. The ship and crew overwintered with the Pilgrims and departed back for England on 5 April 1621, arriving back to England on May 6. Christopher Jones took the ship out for a few more trading runs, but he died a couple of years later in March 1621/2. The ship was appraised for probate purposes in May 1624, and was referred to as being "in ruins." It was only valued at 128 pounds sterling, and was almost certainly broken up and sold off as scrap. The Mayflower was hired in London, and sailed from London to Southampton in July 1620 to begin loading food and supplies for the voyage--much of which was purchased at Southampton. The Pilgrims were mostly still living in the city of Leiden, in the Netherlands. They hired a ship called the Speedwell to take them from Delfshaven, the Netherlands, to Southampton, England, to meet up with the Mayflower. The two ships planned to sail together to Northern Virginia. The Speedwell departed Delfthaven on July 22, and arrived at Southampton, where they found the Mayflower waiting for them. The Speedwell had been leaking on her voyage from the Netherlands to England, though, so they spent the next week patching her up. On August 5, the two ships finally set sail for America. But the Speedwell began leaking again, so they pulled into the town of Dartmouth for repairs, arriving there about August 12. The Speedwell was patched up again, and the two ships again set sail for America about August 21. After the two ships had sailed about 300 miles out to sea, the Speedwell again began to leak. Frustrated with the enormous amount of time lost, and their inability to fix the Speedwell so that it could be sea-worthy, they returned to Plymouth, England, and made the decision to leave the Speedwell behind. The Mayflower would go to America alone. The cargo on the Speedwell was transferred over to the Mayflower; some of the passengers were so tired and disappointed with all the problems that they quit and went home. Others crammed themselves onto the already very crowded Mayflower. Finally, on September 6, the Mayflower departed from Plymouth, England, and headed for America. By the time the Pilgrims had left England, they had already been living onboard the ships for nearly a month and a half. The voyage itself across the Atlantic Ocean took 66 days, from their departure on September 6, until Cape Cod was sighted on 9 November 1620. The first half of the voyage went fairly smoothly, the only major problem was sea-sickness. But by October, they began encountering a number of Atlantic storms that made the voyage treacherous. Several times, the wind was so strong they had to just drift where the weather took them; it was not safe to use the ship's sails. The Pilgrims intended to land in Northern Virginia, which at the time included the region as far north as the Hudson River in the modern State of New York. The Hudson River, in fact, was their originally intended destination. They had received good reports on this region while in the Netherlands. All things considered, the Mayflower was almost right on target, missing the Hudson River by just a few degrees. As the Mayflower approached land, the crew spotted Cape Cod just as the sun rose on November 9. The Pilgrims decided to head south, to the mouth of the Hudson River in New York, where they intended to make their plantation. However, as the Mayflower headed south, it encountered some very rough seas, and nearly shipwrecked. The Pilgrims then decided, rather than risk another attempt to go south they would just stay and explore Cape Cod. They turned back north, rounded the tip, and anchored in what is now Provincetown Harbor. The Pilgrims would spend the next month and a half exploring Cape Cod, trying to decide where they would build their plantation. On December 25, 1620, they had finally decided upon Plymouth, and began construction of their first buildings. Austin, TX General Society of Mayflower Descendant, Adam Paul Green (Ancestor Stephen Hopkins / Gen.No. 86,723) Reveals New Geneology Resource Website for Local Enthusiasts www.g3-development.co/Women of Early Plymouth: Governor William Bradford reported that the Pilgrims were worried that the "weak bodies of women" would not be able to withstand the rigors of a trans-Atlantic voyage and the construction of a colony. Prior to the Mayflower, very few English women had made the voyage across the ocean. Sir Walter Raleigh's Roanoke colony arrived in Virginia in 1587, and amongst those 120 colonists there were 17 women: a baby girl, Virginia Dare, was born after arrival. When re-supply ships came from England, they could not relocate the people. The colony had mysteriously disappeared, and was never seen again. The Jamestown Colony was founded in 1607, but relatively few women had yet made the voyage and taken up residence there. The Pilgrim husband, as head of the household, had an important and difficult decision to make. Building a colony would be hard on a woman's "weaker body." It might be safer and healthier to leave her behind, and have her come later once the houses were built, and the general safety and successfulness of the colony were better established. But that could be several years. Could he live several years without his wife? How strong was his wife anyway, could she really handle it? Was it right to put your wife's life in danger in this manner? As the Mayflower left England for America, there were 18 adult women on-board. Three of them, Elizabeth Hopkins, Susanna White, and Mary Allerton, were actually in their last trimester of a pregnancy. All the adult women on the Mayflower were married; there were no single women--although there were a few teenage girls nearing marriageable age. While no women would die during the Mayflower's voyage, life after arrival proved extremely difficult. In fact, 78% of the women would die the first winter, a far higher percentage than for men or children. Dorothy Bradford was the first woman to die, and the only woman who died in the month of December. While many of the men, including her husband, were out exploring on Cape Cod, she accidentally fell off the Mayflower into the bitter cold waters of Provincetown Harbor. Most of the women's death dates were not recorded, but we do know that Rose Standish died on January 29, Mary Allerton died on February 25, and Elizabeth Winslow died on March 24. Most of the women died in February and March. The extremely high mortality rate among women is probably explainable by the fact the men were out in the fresh air, felling trees, building structures and drinking fresh New England water; while the women were confined to the damp, filthy and crowded quarters offered by the Mayflower, where disease would have spread much more quickly. The two-month voyage was long enough; the women, however, remained living on the ship for an additional four months while the men built storehouses and living quarters on shore. Many of the sick were no doubt cared for on-board the ship by the women, increasing their exposure to colds and pneumonias. William Mullins died on February 21, apparently on-board the Mayflower since his will was witnessed by the ship's captain and ship's surgeon. His wife Alice and son Joseph had not yet died, but it wasn't too long before they did, orphaning their teenage daughter Priscilla in the New World. Only five women survived the first winter. One of the five survivors, Mrs. Katherine Carver, died in May of a "broken heart," her husband John having died of sunstroke a month earlier. Weak bodies or not, by the time of the famous "Thanksgiving," there were only four women left to care for the Colony's fifty surviving men and children. The four women were Eleanor Billington, Elizabeth Hopkins, Mary Brewster, and Susanna (White) Winslow. http://mayflowerhistory.com/women Adam Paul Green was born to a multi-talented beauty queen Mother and a Father who, in addition to being a US Army Spy and a Counter-Intelligence Special Agent, was also a highly accomplished entrepreneur. Adam was taught at a young age that, in both life and business, loyalty is a requirement for success. He's had the honor of working directly with his father in several of the family businesses. In fact, this is where he learned crucial entrepreneurial skills and honed his talents with international business strategies and venture capitalism. http://www.AdamPaulGreen.com, http://www.ImAdamGreen.com Adam earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in International Business and Marketing from the University of Utah. He was hand-picked by the President of the University's renowned School of Business to compete with dozens of other ambitious nationwide-graduates for the opportunity to secure a lucrative job within a prestigious Fortune 100 company. http://www.Twitter.com/AdamPaulGreen http://www.ImAdamGreen.com Adam's hard work and creativity helped him land this job of a lifetime. He obtained incredible business experience there and spent years innovating, improving processes and setting sales records. Although this dream job in Traditional Corporate America was a fun challenge for him, and something he truly enjoyed mastering, Adam's natural entrepreneurial spirit kept nudging him to do something more significant with his time and talents. http://www.MyChocolatePod.com, http://www.Facebook.com/AdamPaulGreen Since 2001, Adam has been involved in the Health and Wellness Industry as a successful Entrepreneur, Broker, Product Developer and Manufacturer of Cosmeceutical products. During his career, he has worked with some of the most recognizable Fortune 500 businesses along with many top international Network Marketing companies. Adam has consistently proven his unique ability to help his clients achieve their goals through creative Distribution-Channel Placement, innovative Product Development and custom Manufacturing. Adam currently owns three profitable businesses. http://www.ImAdamGreen.com Admittedly, Adam was not initially a fan of Network Marketing. He did not understand the business model because it was new to him. However, once he learned that the REAL focus of Direct Sales is to help average people get a taste of entrepreneurialism --- with minimal risk and at a low cost --- Adam was absolutely convinced of the potential with Multi-Level Marketing. http://www.ImAdamGreen.com About MayflowerHistory.com MayflowerHistory.com, the Internet's most complete and accurate website dealing with the Mayflower passengers and the history of the Pilgrims and early Plymouth Colony. The website was first created back in 1994 (when the web was still mostly text!) as a simple, but complete, passenger list of the Mayflower. It has grown over the past twenty years as the author, historian Caleb Johnson, has researched and compiled material. http://mayflowerhistory.com Baton Rouge, LA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/23/2017 -- Stephen Hopkins was from Hampshire, England. He married his first wife, Mary, and resided in the parish of Hursley, Hampshire. They had three (3) children: Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles; all baptized there. It has long been claimed that the Hopkins family was from Wortley, Gloucester, but this was disproven in 1998 with the discovery of his true origins in Hursley. http://mayflowerhistory.com/hopkins-stephen/ Stephen Hopkins went with the ship Sea Venture on a voyage to Jamestown, Virginia in 1609 as a minister's clerk, but the ship wrecked in the "Isle of Devils" (Bermuda). Stranded on an island for ten months, the passengers and crew survived on turtles, birds, and wild pigs. Six months into the castaway, Stephen Hopkins and several others organized a mutiny against the current governor. The mutiny was discovered and Stephen was sentenced to death. However, he pleaded with sorrow and tears. "So penitent he was, and made so much moan, alleging the ruin of his wife and children in this his trespass, as it wrought in the hearts of all the better sorts of the company." He managed to get his sentence commuted. Eventually the castaways built a small ship and sailed themselves to Jamestown. How long Stephen remained in Jamestown is not known. However, while he was gone, his wife Mary died. She was buried in Hursley on 9 May 1613, and left behind a probate estate which mentions her children Elizabeth, Constance and Giles. Stephen was back in England by 1617, when he married Elizabeth Fisher, but apparently had every intention of bringing his family back to Virginia. Their first child, Damaris, was born about 1618. In 1620, Stephen Hopkins brought his wife and children Constance, Giles, and Damaris on the Mayflower (child Elizabeth apparently had died). Stephen was a fairly active member of the Pilgrim group shortly after arrival, perhaps a result of his being one of the few individuals who had been to Virginia previously. He was a part of all the early exploring missions, and was used as an "expert" on Native Americans for the first few contacts. While out exploring, Stephen recognized and identified an Indian deer trap. And when Samoset walked into Plymouth and welcomed the English, he was housed in Stephen Hopkins' house for the night. Stephen was also sent on several of the ambassadorial missions to meet with the various Indian groups in the region. Stephen was an assistant to the governor through 1636, and volunteered for the Pequot War of 1637 but was never called to serve. By the late 1630s, however, Stephen began to occasionally run afoul of the Plymouth authorities, as he apparently opened up a shop and served alcohol. In 1636 he got into a fight with John Tisdale and seriously wounded him. In 1637, he was fined for allowing drinking and shuffleboard playing on Sunday. Early the next year he was fined for allowing people to drink excessively in his house: guest William Reynolds was fined, but the others were acquitted. In 1638 he was twice fined for selling beer at twice the actual value, and in 1639 he was fined for selling a looking glass for twice what it would cost if bought in the Bay Colony. Also in 1638, Stephen Hopkins' maidservant got pregnant from Arthur Peach, who was subsequently executed for murdering an Indian. The Plymouth Court ruled he was financially responsible for her and her child for the next two years (the amount remaining on her term of service). Stephen, in contempt of court, threw Dorothy out of his household and refused to provide for her, so the court committed him to custody. John Holmes stepped in and purchased Dorothy's remaining two years of service from him: agreeing to support her and child. Stephen died in 1644, and made out a will, asking to be buried near his wife, and naming his surviving children. BAPTISM: 30 April 1581 at Upper Clatford, Hampshire, England, son of John and Elizabeth (Williams) Hopkins. FIRST MARRIAGE: Mary, possibly the daughter of Robert and Joan (Machell) Kent of Hursley, co. Hampshire, prior to 1604. SECOND MARRIAGE: Elizabeth Fisher on 19 February 1617/8 at St. Mary Matfellon, Whitechapel, co. Middlesex, England. CHILDREN (by Mary): Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles. CHILDREN (by Elizabeth): Damaris, Oceanus, Caleb, Deborah, Damaris, Ruth, and Elizabeth. DNA HAPLOGROUP: R1b-M269 Contact Adam Green! c: 801-809-7766 e: g3president@comcast.net Baton Rouge Louisiana General Society of Mayflower Descendant, Adam Paul Green (Ancestor Stephen Hopkins / Gen.No. 86,723) Declares New Geneology Resource Website for Local Enthusiasts http://www.g3-development.co/ Women of Early Plymouth: Governor William Bradford reported that the Pilgrims were worried that the "weak bodies of women" would not be able to withstand the rigors of a trans-Atlantic voyage and the construction of a colony. Prior to the Mayflower, very few English women had made the voyage across the ocean. Sir Walter Raleigh's Roanoke colony arrived in Virginia in 1587, and amongst those 120 colonists there were 17 women: a baby girl, Virginia Dare, was born after arrival. When re-supply ships came from England, they could not relocate the people. The colony had mysteriously disappeared, and was never seen again. The Jamestown Colony was founded in 1607, but relatively few women had yet made the voyage and taken up residence there. The Pilgrim husband, as head of the household, had an important and difficult decision to make. Building a colony would be hard on a woman's "weaker body." It might be safer and healthier to leave her behind, and have her come later once the houses were built, and the general safety and successfulness of the colony were better established. But that could be several years. Could he live several years without his wife? How strong was his wife anyway, could she really handle it? Was it right to put your wife's life in danger in this manner? As the Mayflower left England for America, there were 18 adult women on-board. Three of them, Elizabeth Hopkins, Susanna White, and Mary Allerton, were actually in their last trimester of a pregnancy. All the adult women on the Mayflower were married; there were no single women--although there were a few teenage girls nearing marriageable age. While no women would die during the Mayflower's voyage, life after arrival proved extremely difficult. In fact, 78% of the women would die the first winter, a far higher percentage than for men or children. Dorothy Bradford was the first woman to die, and the only woman who died in the month of December. While many of the men, including her husband, were out exploring on Cape Cod, she accidentally fell off the Mayflower into the bitter cold waters of Provincetown Harbor. Most of the women's death dates were not recorded, but we do know that Rose Standish died on January 29, Mary Allerton died on February 25, and Elizabeth Winslow died on March 24. Most of the women died in February and March. The extremely high mortality rate among women is probably explainable by the fact the men were out in the fresh air, felling trees, building structures and drinking fresh New England water; while the women were confined to the damp, filthy and crowded quarters offered by the Mayflower, where disease would have spread much more quickly. The two-month voyage was long enough; the women, however, remained living on the ship for an additional four months while the men built storehouses and living quarters on shore. Many of the sick were no doubt cared for on-board the ship by the women, increasing their exposure to colds and pneumonias. William Mullins died on February 21, apparently on-board the Mayflower since his will was witnessed by the ship's captain and ship's surgeon. His wife Alice and son Joseph had not yet died, but it wasn't too long before they did, orphaning their teenage daughter Priscilla in the New World. Only five women survived the first winter. One of the five survivors, Mrs. Katherine Carver, died in May of a "broken heart," her husband John having died of sunstroke a month earlier. Weak bodies or not, by the time of the famous "Thanksgiving," there were only four women left to care for the Colony's fifty surviving men and children. The four women were Eleanor Billington, Elizabeth Hopkins, Mary Brewster, and Susanna (White) Winslow. http://mayflowerhistory.com/women The Pilgrims did not leave behind any lists of the items they brought with them on the Mayflower, but historians have used a provision list put together by Captain John Smith (of Pocahontas fame) to take an educated guess. However, in 2012, Caleb Johnson, Simon Neal, and Jeremy Bangs started transcribing and studying a rare manuscript (a page of which is here illustrated) in the possession of the Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants, that was written by one of the investors in the Pilgrims' joint-stock company. This manuscript actually contains several lists of suggested provisions the colonists should bring with them. It is the closest thing we can get to a list of what the Pilgrims would have actually brought. A summary of some of the key items on the provision lists: http://mayflowerhistory.com/pilgrim-history/ -Food and Drink: Biscuit, beer, salt, (dried) beef, salt pork, oats, peas, wheat, butter, sweet oil, mustard seed, ling or cod fish, "good cheese", vinegar, aqua-vitae, rice, bacon, cider. -Clothing: Monmouth cap, falling bands, shirts, waistcoat, suit of canvas, suit of cloth, Irish stockings, 4 pairs of shoes, garters. Slippers, plain shoes, little shoes, French soles, sewing needles. -Bedding: Canvas sheets, bolster "filled with good straw", rug and blankets. -Arms: Light armor (complete), fowling piece, snaphance, sword, belt, bandoleer, powder horn, 20 pounds of powder, 60 pounds of shot. -Household: Iron pot, kettle, frying pan, gridiron, two skillets, spit, platters, dishes, spoons of wood, napkins, towels, soap, hand mill, mortar and pestle. -Tools: Broad hoes, narrow hoes, broad axe, felling axe, steel handsaw, whipsaw, hammers, shovels, spades, augers, chisels, gimlets, hatchets, grinding stone, nails, locks for doors. Adam Paul Green was born to a multi-talented beauty queen Mother and a Father who, in addition to being a US Army Spy and a Counter-Intelligence Special Agent, was also a highly accomplished entrepreneur. Adam was taught at a young age that, in both life and business, loyalty is a requirement for success. He's had the honor of working directly with his father in several of the family businesses. In fact, this is where he learned crucial entrepreneurial skills and honed his talents with international business strategies and venture capitalism. http://www.AdamPaulGreen.com, http://www.ImAdamGreen.com Adam earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in International Business and Marketing from the University of Utah. He was hand-picked by the President of the University's renowned School of Business to compete with dozens of other ambitious nationwide-graduates for the opportunity to secure a lucrative job within a prestigious Fortune 100 company. http://www.Twitter.com/AdamPaulGreen http://www.ImAdamGreen.com Adam's hard work and creativity helped him land this job of a lifetime. He obtained incredible business experience there and spent years innovating, improving processes and setting sales records. Although this dream job in Traditional Corporate America was a fun challenge for him, and something he truly enjoyed mastering, Adam's natural entrepreneurial spirit kept nudging him to do something more significant with his time and talents. http://www.MyChocolatePod.com, http://www.Facebook.com/AdamPaulGreen Since 2001, Adam has been involved in the Health and Wellness Industry as a successful Entrepreneur, Broker, Product Developer and Manufacturer of Cosmeceutical products. During his career, he has worked with some of the most recognizable Fortune 500 businesses along with many top international Network Marketing companies. Adam has consistently proven his unique ability to help his clients achieve their goals through creative Distribution-Channel Placement, innovative Product Development and custom Manufacturing. Adam currently owns three profitable businesses. http://www.ImAdamGreen.com Admittedly, Adam was not initially a fan of Network Marketing. He did not understand the business model because it was new to him. However, once he learned that the REAL focus of Direct Sales is to help average people get a taste of entrepreneurialism --- with minimal risk and at a low cost --- Adam was absolutely convinced of the potential with Multi-Level Marketing. http://www.ImAdamGreen.com About MayflowerHistory.com MayflowerHistory.com, the Internet's most complete and accurate website dealing with the Mayflower passengers and the history of the Pilgrims and early Plymouth Colony. The website was first created back in 1994 (when the web was still mostly text!) as a simple, but complete, passenger list of the Mayflower. It has grown over the past twenty years as the author, historian Caleb Johnson, has researched and compiled material. http://mayflowerhistory.com The Apollo 11 space module is famous for being the first carrier of men to the moon in 1969. Placed at the Smithsonian Institution for the last 46 years, this historical spacecraft will embark on a Pan- America road trip very soon. According to USA Today, the Apollo 11 will go on a two-year-long national tour dubbed "Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission" to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the historic voyage. The tour will be run by the Smithsonian Institution Travelling Exhibition Service. The head of the service, Myriam Springuel says that it is a privilege on their part to take the spacecraft across the country and to share the legacy of the historical piece with the people of America. Before this, the capsule had left on a nation-wide tour in the early 1970's. It's been on display for the most part of the last 40 years at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC. The capsule was the main living area for the first men to go to the moon and back, astronauts Micheal Collins, Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong. It is the only part of the spacecraft that came back to Earth. According to National Public Radio, during the upcoming tour, the Apollo 11 is scheduled to travel to the Space Centre Houston (October 14, 2017 - March 18, 2018), St. Louis Science Center, Missouri (April 14 - Sept 3, 2018), Senator John Heinz History Center, Pittsburg (Sept 29, 2018 - Feb 18, 2019) and The Museum of Flight, Seattle (March 16 - Sept 2, 2019). These museums were picked on the basis of a number of a number of criteria, including their ability to place and display such a large and heavy object. All the selected venues had to submit engineering documentation in order to make sure that their floor load could support not just the Apollo 11 but also the peripheral traveling exhibits. A very special artifact, the command module weighs more than 13600 lbs on its traveling ring. To see the Apollo 11 outside Washington is considered as a once in a lifetime opportunity. Once it returns to the Smithsonian, it will be adorned as a centerpiece of a new "Destination Moon" exhibit scheduled to open in 2021, which will be depicting the story of lunar adventures till date. Layered rocks of Colorado revealed the evidence of Chaotic Solar System for the first time in history. Scientists confirmed the theory while Plumbing up a 90 million-year-old layer cake of sedimentary rock in Colorado. This theory explains how planets behave in their orbits around the sun. Scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Northwestern University started working on the theory that was first proposed in 1989. The theory represents, small variations in the Solar system produce big changes in planet's climate that could be reflected in the rocks of Earth. Scientists published about their theories in the journal of Nature. This experiment was led by Stephen Meyers, UW-Madison Professor of Geoscience and Brad Sageman, Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences from Northwestern University. Their team discovered 87 million-year-old signature of a "resonance transition" between Mars and Earth by Using evidence from alternating layers of limestone. Lead researcher Stephen Meyers said in a statement,The impact of astronomical cycles on climate can be quite large. Astronomical theory permits a very detailed evaluation of past climate events that may provide an analog for future climate. ScienceDaily reported that the phenomenon occurs when two orbiting planetary bodies pull each other. These small but regular strokes in a planets orbit apply huge changes on the orientation and the location of a planet. Prof. Meyers, Prof. Sageman and graduate student of UW-Madison, Chao Ma looked into the geologic record aka the Niobrara Formation in Colorado to find out the signature of resonance transition. The formation was laid down layer by layer as sediment on the bottom of the Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway for tens of millions of years. By using the radioisotopic dating process Ma, Meyers, and Sageman found the Mars-Earth resonance transition. This method is often used by Geoscientists to find absolute ages of rocks by monitoring radioactive decay of elements in the rocks. Later the studies were supported by grants from the National Science Foundation.This discovery not only offers a better understanding of the mechanics of the solar system but also helps to understand the link between orbital variations and climate change over geologic time scales. One of Saturn's moons, Enceladus, is potentially habitable. Recent observations on the giant ringed planet's satellite have revealed more features beyond its icy surface. Fox News reported that NASA's Cassini spacecraft captured images of Saturn's moon, Enceladus, on Nov. 27, 2016. Taken by the spacecraft's narrow-angle camera using its green filter, the stunning photo displays the partially lit moon's Saturn-facing hemisphere and its wrinkly surface. According to NASA, the spacecraft was more than 80,000 miles (12,8748 kilometers) above Enceladus by the time the photo was taken. Scientists observing the planet and its moons have collected significant data of the satellite, which may have pushed them further on their study on the moon's habitability. "Over the course of the Cassini mission, observations have shown that Enceladus (313 miles across) not only has watery jets sending icy grains into space; under its icy crust it also has a global ocean, and may have hydrothermal activity as well," NASA officials captioned the image. "Since scientists believe liquid water is a key ingredient for life, the implications for future missions searching for life elsewhere in our solar system could be significant." Cassini was launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida in 1997. After four years of traveling to the Solar System's sixth planet, the mission has been retrieving brilliant data from Saturn and its moons. After 20 years, the mission will come to its victorious end by taking a plunge into Saturn's atmosphere. On April 22, Cassini will begin its Grand Finale as it passes through the gaps of Saturn and its innermost ring. The final plunge into the planet's uncharted region is scheduled on Sep. 15. Cassini is under the management of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology as a collaborative project of NASA, ESA (European Space Agency) and the Italian Space Agency. After NASA announced the discovery of the seven Earth-like planets orbiting around the TRAPPIST-1 star, the whole world went abuzz discussing the possibility of existence of life on these planets. However, Google went immediately into action and designed an awesome animated Google Doodle that reflects the discovery. The much anticipated NASA press conference and publication of a new report in the Nature journal was completed yesterday. NASA announced the discovery of seven more Earth-like exoplanets orbiting around the TRAPPIST-1 star, which is slightly bigger than Jupiter in size. The newfound solar system is only 39 lightyears away from Earth. This provides immense opportunities for the scientists to study it and find out whether or not these planets are inhabited with aliens, The Huffington Post reported. As of now, though NASA has not confirmed the existence of alien life forms on these exoplanets or anywhere else for that matter, it has given highly optimistic remarks about the possibility of finding them soon. NASA scientists will be further studying the atmospheric composition of these exoplanets to find out whether they are capable of hosting live organisms. Google celebrates this discovery in its own unique way. Google is known for its amazing Google Doodles that are usually published to mark special occasions like Valentine's Day, Independence Day or anniversaries. It usually planned months ahead, which makes today's Google Doodle so much special. It seems that the animated Google Doodle published today was prepared within a few hours, CNet reported. The effort put in by Google is highly appreciable. Google Doodles may look like they are just a piece of animated video, but in reality, they are much more than that. The Google Doodle today will help in transmitting the new groundbreaking findings to common people across the world, including those who may not be aware of it. The "Black History Month" celebrated in the month of February in Canada has once again stirred the discussion of the real time impacts of racism on the mental status and physical well-being of the black Canadians. It is obvious that racial remarks and behaviors impose a negative impact on the self-esteem and crushes the confidence of the victim from the inside. Also, according to the results of recent studies and surveys, racial discrimination is also responsible for deterioration of physical health. According to Dr. Onye Nnorom from the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, the black Canadians are subject to racial discrimination that worsens their socioeconomic status and impacts their health as well. While the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends the consideration of income, education, culture and physical environment as key factors that determine the health status of people, there is no mention of racial discrimination. National Household Survey conducted in 2011 also indicated that the black Canadians have an average annual income of $24,000, which was considerably low than that of other minority groups ($31,000) residing in Canada. Furthermore, the unemployment rates in black Canadians is also higher than others. After considering all these factors, the United Nations Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent recommended that most black Canadians are victims of racial discrimination and are even denied of fair chances of employment. This is why they are living in poverty and cannot afford to take care of their health, The Star reported. In an effort to change the living status of the black Canadians, experts are suggesting that the "Black History Month" should be used as an opportunity to teach young children about racial discrimination and prepare them for any such encounters in the future, CBC News reported. Though it is hard to believe, the results of these nationwide studies have proven that most black Canadians face physical ailments that they are unable to treat due to financial constraints. It was also found that about 40 percent of children present in Toronto Children's Aid society are black, which is shocking, since only 8 percent of the total children population is from the black families. SPARTANBURG, S.C. Governor Henry McMaster presented the Charles A. Bundy Award to ArtFields on Wednesday during the annual South Carolina Governors Conference on Tourism and Travel in Spartanburg. ArtFields was given the award for outstanding efforts to boost tourism in a rural community, according to an announcement from the conference. In only its fifth year, the festival has transformed the town of Lake City into a popular destination for art. For nine days every spring, the festival showcases about 400 works of art in iconic venues throughout the town, inviting people to view and engage with art and with artists from more than 12 Southeastern states. Surpassing its attendance goal of 20,000 every year, the festival fills hotels, shops and restaurants in Lake City, and merchants regularly report record sales days. Perhaps the greatest example of its local economic impact is a new position at the Greater Lake City Community Development Office corporate director of conventions and tourism to manage this emerging potential, the announcement said. With an estimated impact of $5.4 million, ArtFields has become a vehicle for economic revitalization, artistic expression and community pride in Lake City. Carla Angus, ArtFields education and community outreach coordinator, said the art festival was nominated for the Charles A. Bundy Award. We were extremely excited and proud, Angus said. We couldnt have it without the support of the community. Big things come out of small communities. ArtFields Director Taronda Barnes said the staff is excited about the award. We feel like this is going to bring even more visitors and tourism in Lake City which will impact our town in a positive way, Barnes said. Angus thanks all ArtFields volunteers for their help because the winning the award wouldnt have been possible without them, she said. The Governors Conference on Tourism & Travel is held every winter in South Carolina as an opportunity for industry leaders to network, collaborate and leverage opportunities to grow tourism. For more information, contact Dawn Dawson-House at ddawson@scprt.com or 803-734-1779. FLORENCE, S.C. Spring is coming early this year and there's nothing much anybody can do about that. "Strawberries will be here earlier than I've seen them in my entire life," said Florence County Clemson Extension Agent Tony Melton. So will peaches, some varieties of which have fully flowered and others are at least partly flowered, he said. And blueberries, Melton continued. Melton said he's already had a few strawberries and growers should be picking them within the next two weeks. The biggest question out there for peaches is whether the winter was cold enough and long enough for the trees, which need the cold to produce peaches in higher numbers, Melton said. One other issue growers are going to face with the early onset of spring will be finding the labor force necessary to harvest the crop, Melton said. While warm weather is forecast for at least the next seven days with the exception of Saturday night and Sunday which are forecast to be seasonable there is no truly cold weather in the forecast, said National Weather Service meteorologist Terry Lebo. Lebo said the forecast through March 4 looked warm and "add another week to that and it gets hard to get a freeze." "I won't say it won't happen," he said. The area has had snow as late as April, Lebo said. There are steps, though, that people can take to mitigate damage their flowering plants, shrubs, trees and grass could suffer should there be one, or two, frosts left in winter. Tim King of Forest Lake Greenhouses and Melton both cautioned against fertilizing grass before mid-May. Even if there isn't another frost left in winter, King said, the cold nights still affect grass and mid-May is the best time to ensure that lawns are ready for fertilizer. Don't jump the gun on planting, King said. Folks should be able to safely plant perennials, trees and shrubs now but delicate annuals shouldn't go into the ground yet. Melton said he was in McBee on Tuesday and McLeod Farms had two wind machines delivered in case there was the threat of frost. He said many blueberry and strawberry growers were prepared to either cover their crops or water them to protect against freezes and frost. King said residents who want to protect their flowering shrubs should be prepared to cover them with a sheet in the event of a frost and that sheet shouldn't be plastic. Putting flowering annuals into containers and baskets would make it easy to move them into the house, King said. KINGSTREE, S.C. Williamsburg County Supervisor Stanley Pasley introduced the countys new finance director, Stephen O. Edwards, during Tuesday's council meeting. Edwards replaces Walt Ackerman, who joined the Georgetown County administration in the fall of 2016. Edwards has more than 25 years experience as a leadership professional and most recently worked with Patrick Henry Family Services, a nonprofit, interdenominational Christian ministry serving children and families. Steve started Feb. 1, Pasley said, adding, We are very pleased to have him aboard. He hit the ground running and has been engaged in several meetings We look forward to his support and expertise, and contributions to the Williamsburg County team. Also at the meeting, after Council Member Franklin Fulmore recognized members of the Williamsburg County Ministerial Alliance attending the council meeting, the Rev. Don Muncie announced a prayer walk in the city of Kingstree. County officials and the public are invited to participate, he said. The March 11 prayer walk will take participants around the city to various spots for prayers. Beginning at 10 a.m. at Kingstree Town Hall at 401 Longstreet St., the prayer walk will be for the county, community, elected officials, fire and safety and more, Muncie said. In other business, following executive session to further discuss the matter, council members approved an engagement agreement with attorney Will Johnson, with Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, to assist the county auditor, Sally Mouzon, and Edwards in calculating the countys GASB77 funding. The money comes from agreements with business and industries in the form of fees in lieu of taxes and special source credits. The money often amounts to millions of dollars, County Attorney Billy Jenkinson said, explaining the need for the engagement agreement. According to Jenkinson, the move is necessary for the county staff to ensure they are making calculations correctly. Council member Eddie Woods asked if the agreement was a one-time thing or continual. Jenkinson and Pasley said Johnson would bill the county monthly, as he is asked for consultations. The council approved unanimously third reading of an ordinance to finance not more than $240,000 for an equipment lease agreement; received first reading of an ordinance to amend the agreement for development of a joint county industrial park with Berkeley County; and passed a resolution to authorize the sale of a $1.5 million bond to cover expenses incurred during the response to and recovery from the flood of October 2015 and Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Pasley said reimbursements are coming from FEMA, through the State EMD office, but the bond bridges the gap while paying for flood and hurricane recovery. We will be reimbursed, he said, We have to be. The council approved the recommendations made by the Finance Committee to approve sending up to $5,300 for temporary part-time work in the coming months in the preparation of the budget and the spending of $2,900 by District 3 Council member Jonathan Miller from his discretionary fund. English Swedish The Swedish National Debt Office (SNDO) is today presenting the framework for the Minimum Requirement for Own Funds and Eligible Liabilities (MREL) for banks and some other financial institutions. The framework makes it clear that the costs of a crisis will be borne by the bank's shareholders and certain types of lenders, and not by the taxpayer. Banks that are important for stability in the financial system now need to replace a portion of their existing bond holdings with subordinated bonds. - In order for the SNDO to provide for effective crisis management for banks, we require them to have sufficient capital and eligible liabilities in their balance-sheets. Eligible liabilities used for the minimum requirement must also be of high enough quality to be used to effect a reorganisation of the bank. We have therefore decided that the minimum requirement may only be met with capital and subordinated liabilities, says SNDO Director Hans Lindblad. Bail-in is the principal tool in the regulations on bank recovery and resolution that have been in force in Sweden since February 2016. Bail in means that liabilities in a bank can be written down to cover losses or converted into equity to restore a bank's own funds in a crisis, in addition to ensuring that the bank's critical functions can continue. Therefore any costs will be borne by the bank's lenders and shareholders, rather than the taxpayer. Liabilities used to meet the SNDO's minimum requirement The SNDO has now finalized the model for calculation of the Minimum Requirement for Own Funds and Eligible Liabilities (MREL), which determines how much own funds and eligible liabilities each bank has to have, what proportion should be debt and what type of liabilities may be used to meet the requirement. Amongst other consequences, this means that systemically important banks need to replace a portion of their existing bond holdings with subordinated bonds, i.e. liabilities that cover losses ahead of normal non-preferred debt such as deposits from large companies and bank bonds. Going forward it will primarily be investors in subordinated liabilities together with shareholders that will bear the costs of resolution. Banks that are not systemically important will always meet the SNDO's minimum requirement provided that they comply with existing capital requirements. In a crisis, these banks will be declared bankrupt or placed in liquidation rather than resolution. SNDO's minimum requirement phased in over five years The minimum requirement will take effect from 1 January 2018 onwards. Banks must progressively build up the volume of subordinated liabilities required to meet the minimum requirement by 2022. During the transitional period, the SNDO will monitor that volumes are being built up at a reasonable rate. The SNDO estimates that the four major banks will need to issue subordinated bonds to an amount of SEK 500 over the next five years in order to comply with the minimum requirement. This is deemed to be possible without banks needing to increase their level of debt. Resolution - new regime for bank crises management Since 1 February 2016, Sweden has had new rules for handling crises in banks, other credit institutions and investment firms (collectively 'firms'), which largely replace the bank support legislation from 2008. Under the new rules, the SNDO is the 'resolution authority' responsible for both crisis preparations and managing firms in crisis. Resolution is a special procedure whereby the SNDO takes control of a failing firm in order to restructure it or wind it up in an orderly manner. During the process, all or part of the firm is kept open so depositors and other customers have access to their accounts and other services, thus safeguarding financial stability. The costs of resolution are borne by shareholders and creditors, not by the taxpayers. The SNDO has been tasked with ensuring that banks and some other financial firms always have a certain amount of own funds and liabilities that can be written down in order to cover losses and reinstate the own funds (MREL). Contact Robert Sennerdal, Press Secretary, +46 (0)8 613 46 94 Spanish French English Italian German PRESS RELEASE SYZ Asset Management awarded "Best Group over 3 years - Overall Small Company" by Lipper Fund Awards Switzerland 2017 Geneva, 23 February 2017 - SYZ Asset Management, the institutional management arm of the SYZ Group, has won the award for "Best Group over 3 years - Overall Small Company" during the 2017 Thomson Reuters Lipper Fund Awards Switzerland. The prize rewards the excellent performance across its product range. Additionally, OYSTER Continental Europe Selection R GBP was awarded best fund in the category "Equity Europe ex UK" over three years. The Lipper Fund Awards Switzerland took place in Zurich on 31 January. The awards honour fund management firms and individual mutual funds that excel in delivering consistently strong risk-adjusted performance, relative to their peers. Commenting on the occasion, Ms Katia Coudray, CEO of SYZ Asset Management said, "This award is welcome recognition of investment performance and process excellence across our business, as we continue to develop active management strategies that generate significant alpha for our clients". Since her appointment as CEO of SYZ Asset Management in 2015, Katia Coudray has boosted the development of existing and new strategies, notably in high-conviction equities, active fixed income and multi-asset solutions. Additionally, the OYSTER Continental European Selection fund was awarded best fund in the category "Equity Europe ex UK" over 3 years. The fund is managed by Michael Clements, Head of European Equities based in London. This is a high-conviction strategy with a long-term contrarian approach to investing in European equities. The active bottom-up selection, based on in-house fundamental research, paired with a relentless focus on downside risk, leads to contrarian positions in high quality companies suffering from short-term pressures. For any further information, please contact: Moreno Volpi Tel.: +41 (0)58 799 16 98 E-mail: moreno.volpi@syzgroup.com Administrative information OYSTER Continental European Selection Available share classes ISIN Mgmt Fee Perf. fee C EUR LU0995827663 1.75% None I EUR LU0995828042 0.80% None I GBP LU0995827747 0.65% None R EUR LU0995827580 1.00% None R GBP LU0995827317 1.00% None * The percentage indicated for the performance fee applies to net annual outperformance relative to the following benchmark: MSCI Europe Ex UK NR GBP Risk profile: Lower risk Higher risk Potentially lower risk Potentially higher risk 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 The Funds' current Prospectus and Key Investor Information Document, by - laws and the Annual and Half Yearly Reports can be obtained on the website, www.syzassetmanagement.com or from the OYSTER offices at 11-13 Boulevard de la Foire, L- 1528 Luxembourg or from the Agents and Representatives listed on the website for the specific jurisdictions where the Funds are registered. The availability of share classes to invest in may differ from country to country depending on where the OYSTER Continental European Selection Fund is registered. Note to the Editor About SYZ Group SYZ is a fast growing Swiss banking group founded in 1996 with a global footprint. SYZ offers private and institutional investors comprehensive portfolio management, with an active investment style and a focus on risk reduction, clearly committed to providing absolute performance through alpha generation. SYZ has approximately CHF 39 billion in assets under management (EUR 36 billion, USD 39 billion), a solid capital base and benefits from being privately held and independent. www.syzgroup.com About SYZ Asset Management* SYZ Asset Management, the institutional asset management entity of the SYZ Group, provides investment solutions to institutional investors and financial intermediaries. Based on a strong conviction approach, SYZ Asset Management strategies are designed to fulfil the portfolio and risk management requirements of demanding investors. The company offers managed accounts and several ranges of investment funds, among which OYSTER Funds, a UCITS Luxembourg SICAV, offering a diversified range of recognized products covering a variety of asset classes and investment styles entrusted to internal and external fund managers. SYZ Asset Management has been awarded "Best Group over 3 years - Overall Small Company" at Thomson Reuters Lipper Fund Awards 2017 for Switzerland. www.syzassetmanagement.com *Any reference to SYZ Asset Management (SYZ AM) in this document, should be construed as being a reference to any one or more of the legal entities, listed below, dependent on the particular jurisdiction in which the document is published, subject to the investment products and services referred to herein being available to potential investors or categories of investors in such jurisdictions. SYZ Asset Management (Luxembourg) SA, SYZ Asset Management (Suisse) SA, SYZ Asset Management (Asia) Limited, SYZ Asset Management (Europe) Limited, SYZ (France) SAS Disclaimer This document has been issued by OYSTER Sicav (herein referred to as "OYSTER FundS" or "OYSTER" or "Fund") in conjunction with SYZ Asset Management (Europe ) Limited. Oyster is an open-ended umbrella investment company established and regulated in Luxembourg. OYSTER is not open to citizens or residents of the USA or to any other party deemed to be a US person. OYSTER's current Prospectus and Key Investor Information Document, by -laws and the Annual and Half Yearly Reports of the Fund can be obtained on the website, www.syzassetmanagement.com or from the OYSTER offices at 11-13 Boulevard de la Foire, L- 1528 Luxembourg or from the Agents and Representatives listed on the website for the specific jurisdictions where the OYSTER Funds are registered. SYZ Asset Management (Europe) Limited has either established a Branch or has a license to provide investment services to Professional Investors in certain EEA jurisdictions. Details of such EEA jurisdictions are available upon request, and SYZ Asset Management (Europe ) Limited, as authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, with reference number 666766, is responsible for the approval and issuance of promotional material in both the UK and those other EEA jurisdictions in accordance with the relevant regulatory requirements Furthermore, it is primarily intended for Professional Clients acting for their own account in countries where the OYSTER Funds are registered. It is not to be distributed in any way to non-professional clients. The information or data contained herein does not in any way constitute an offer or a recommendation to buy or sell shares in the Fund's units. For Switzerland: Details of Representative and Paying Agent. Swiss Representative: SYZ Asset Management (Suisse) SA, 30 rue du Rhone, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland. Swiss Paying agent: Banque SYZ SA, 30 rue du Rhone, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland. Attachments: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/06fe1710-325f-4792-abd9-191abbb2584a Attachments: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5006c8f4-a7dc-4e90-beee-038178d42a3f Press Release - For Immediate Release Slovenian government approves Tutus' secure smartphone, Farist Mobile, for the protection of classified government information Stockholm, February 23, 2017 - Tutus Data today announced that Farist Mobile has been approved by Slovenia's Office for the Protection of Classified Information (UVTP) for use with the most sensitive government data. The Farist Mobile is a secure smartphone based on the Android operating system, with integrated strong encryption to protect against information theft and intrusion. This phone has various innovative security features designed to enable organisations and companies to utilise the full range of smartphone functions, with high security and without the risk of information leakage. What sets Farist Mobile apart from other products on the market is that the security is built into the Farist Mobile operating system, making it a complete, secure mobile platform. The Farist Mobile is the first open and transparent smartphone based on Android approved for use at the RESTRICTED level. Slovenia is the fourth EU Member State to approve the Farist Mobile after Spain, Sweden and Portugal. The product is ideal for organizations and companies that require a high level of secure communication with officially evaluated and approved solutions. Tutus Data started out developing security solutions capable of meeting the stringent requirements of the Swedish Armed Forces. Today, it delivers affordable and flexible security solutions for clients from both the private and public sector throughout Europe. "Across the region, we're seeing a huge increase in interest in secure mobile solutions and demand for approved mobile devices that offer all the functionalities a smartphone can offer - not just voice and messaging," says Tommy Hallberg, VP Sales and Marketing at Tutus Data. "This latest approval confirms that our security solutions can be trusted to protect even the most sensitive data." Tutus Data AB Founded in 1992, Tutus delivers high-quality encrypted network solutions for use in military, government and corporate IT applications that require the highest levels of secure communication. Tutus is the main supplier of government-approved and certified IT security products in Sweden, and is making steady progress towards its goal of becoming the leading provider of approved IT security products within the EU. Contacts: Tommy Hallberg, VP Sales and Marketing, Tutus Data AB, +46 76 772 01 64 www.tutus.se Attachments: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4ae16251-a250-4d10-b7be-9095ca246fb2 Attachments: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a01a27ca-eb69-44e8-a17b-b94b274d653c EAGAN, Minn., Feb. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Biothera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced that dosing has been initiated in a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating Biotheras Imprime PGG in combination with the Merck (known as MSD outside the United States and Canada) anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), in patients with either advanced melanoma who have progressed on treatment with a checkpoint inhibitor therapy, or with TNBC whose disease has progressed following treatment with one or more lines of therapy for metastatic disease. The multi-center, open-label study is anticipated to enroll up to 71 patients. Imprime PGG is an investigational PAMP (Pathogen Associated Molecular Pattern) drug that acts therapeutically as an immunological ignition switch to activate multiple innate immune functions that drive a coordinated anti-cancer immune attack in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The ability of Imprime PGG to enhance antigen presentation to T cells and shift the immune microenvironment of the tumor from suppressive to permissive may substantially improve patient responses to checkpoint inhibitor therapy, said Bruno Osterwalder, M.D., Biothera Pharmaceuticals Chief Medical Advisor. The primary endpoint of the Phase 2 study is overall response rate (ORR). The secondary endpoints include overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and safety. The study will also evaluate pharmacodynamic markers that can further elucidate the anti-cancer immune activity associated with Imprime PGG. Patients will be selected for the trial using a mechanism-based, predictive biomarker (IgG anti--glucan antibody, or ABA), and the data from the trial will help refine the use of the biomarker for future combination studies. Biothera Pharmaceuticals will conduct the Phase 2 study, under a previously announced collaboration with Merck. About Biothera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Biothera Pharmaceuticals is a privately held biotechnology company developing Imprime PGG, a mid-clinical stage cancer immunotherapy that orchestrates an integrated anti-cancer immune response in combination with checkpoint inhibitors, as well as tumor-targeting or anti-angiogenesis monoclonal antibodies. Imprime PGG has been well-tolerated in trials in over 400 subjects and has established proof of concept in multiple clinical studies, including single-arm and randomized phase 2 studies in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal cancer, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In addition to the current trial in advanced melanoma and TNBC, Biothera and Merck are collaborating on a Phase 2 study combining Imprime PGG and KEYTRUDA in head and neck cancer. The two Companies are also collaborating with the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium, which is recruiting patients for a Phase 1b/2 study investigating the same therapeutic combination in NSCLC. KEYTRUDA is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. SAN MATEO, Calif., Feb. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alluxio (formerly Tachyon), developers of the worlds first system that unifies data at memory speed, and Kyligence, a leading intelligent big data analytics company formed by the core members of Apache Kylin jointly announce a strategic partnership. The two companies collaborated to integrate the Alluxio memory-speed virtual distributed storage system with Apache Kylin's ultra-large-scale data analysis technology (OLAP on Hadoop) to further unlock the value of big data for enterprises. With the exponential growth of data, how to efficiently access, analyze, and manage data is a significant challenge for enterprises wishing to extract value from its data. Traditional data warehouse and business intelligence (BI) systems cannot meet enterprise demands in todays big data environment. In a modern enterprise environment, many companies use multiple storage solutions simultaneously, deployed on premise, in public or private cloud environments. Alluxio provides a unified namespace for complex enterprise storage environments and allows any big data computation framework and application to access massive amounts of data stored in disparate storage systems at memory speed. In 2016, Alluxio, Inc. launched Alluxio Community Edition and Alluxio Enterprise Edition to meet enterprise customers requirements for features, service, and support in production environments. Alluxio runs critical workloads in Global 2000 companies such as Baidu, Barclays, CERN, ESRI, Intel, Huawei, and Juniper Networks. Apache Kylin, as the world's leading OLAP on Hadoop technology for large-scale data sets provides sub-second interactive SQL analysis capabilities, and can be integrated with existing BI tools, while supporting massive concurrency. Kyligence introduced the enterprise product Kyligence Analytics Platform (KAP) powered by Apache Kylin, which provides enterprise customers with a new generation of enterprise data warehouse and business intelligence platform based on Hadoop, delivering higher performance, greater manageability, and enhanced security. Apache Kylin and KAP are leveraged by many companies such as China Mobile, China Telecom, Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, China CITIC Bank, Guotai Junan Securities, Huatai Securities, OPPO, Lenovo. To further leverage hardware resources to enhance the system's access to the underlying storage capacity and management capabilities, Alluxio and Kyligence have joined forces to integrate Alluxio memory-centric virtual distributed storage system into KAP. Alluxio reduces the bottleneck of underlying storage systems to enhance the overall system maintainability and performance, such that big data systems can serve concurrent SQL queries at Internet-scale. At the same time, Alluxio enables KAP to run on any storage system, such as Amazon S3, Google Cloud Storage, Alibaba OSS, cloud storage services. Alluxio founder and CEO, Haoyuan Li, said, The partnership between Alluxio and Kyligence will allow enterprises to gain deeper insights from data as well as enable faster innovation in big data management and analytics. Kyligence co-founder and CEO Luke (Qing) Han said, "Kyligence and Alluxio collaboration will provide enterprise customers a variety of data analysis capabilities, flexibility with regards to storage and a unified access layer. This will further data analysis efficiency and support the rapid development of businesses. About Alluxio Alluxio, formerly Tachyon, is the world's first system that unifies data at memory speed. By allowing applications to access data stored in disparate storage systems at memory speed, Alluxio enables enterprises to manage data efficiently, accelerate business analytics, and ease the adoption of hybrid cloud. Venture-backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Alluxio, Inc. was founded by the creators of the Alluxio open source project. For more information, contact info@alluxio.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook. About Kyligence Kyligence is an innovative big data technology company formed by the core team of Apache Kylin (the first open source project from China's Apache Software Foundation) to focus on big data analytics. The company is committed to further promote the Apache Kylin open source project, expand the global user community, provide Apache Kylin based next generation enterprise data warehousing and business intelligence big data analysis platform and solutions, from private to cloud computing platform. Thereby, enabling users to gain insight from big data, unlock data value and drive business growth. For more information, contact info@Kyligence.io or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook. Apache, Apache Kylin, Apache Hadoop are trademarks of the Apache Software Foundation. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mobetize Corp. (OTCQB:MPAY), a provider of mobile financial services (MFS) technology for the multi-billion dollar business to business (B2B) segment of the Fintech as a Service (FAAS) sector reported that revenues realized in the three month period ending December 31, 2016, doubled over the comparable period ended December 31, 2015, and over the nine month period ended December 31, 2016, increased 349% over the comparable period ended December 31, 2015. The acceleration of revenue in the past year is a demonstration of the growing FAAS market acceptance of Mobetize products. The attribution of revenue growth in the three month period ending December 31, 2016 is also consistent with the current blend of revenue streams. Revenue Model and Ongoing Business Mobetize revenue is generated from licensing, consulting and transactional processing of financial services through the Mobetize Global B2B Fintech as a Service Supermarket (Hub) to telecom operators and financial institutions (FIs). Telecoms and FIs are choosing the Mobetize Hub as the core on which to build their own mobile money enablement platforms. Mobetize assists its clients to build a digitized culture based on consumer needs and innovation. Mobetize expects to continue to grow transactional revenue as it increases the number and depth of these relationships. In September 2016, Mobetize entered into a partnership agreement with G&F Financial Group (G&F), one of the ten largest credit unions in British Columbia; to jointly develop and market Mobetize smartLoan, a digitized lending platform. The smartLoan modules automate Know Your Customer verification and lending adjudication with full Customer Relationship Management and data analytics. The Mobetize smartLoan platform is on schedule to be delivered to G & F for implementation in the first quarter of 2017. Testing and roll out of the live production smartLoan platform is also expected to commence on schedule in the first quarter of 2017. We anticipate our product offerings with G&F to grow as other Mobetize products and services come online. Mobetize is currently in discussions with other FIs in Canada and the United States focused on expanding the smartLoan platform to more prospective users. In January 2017, Mobetize and Tata Communications (America), Inc. (Tata) entered into a Software License, Customization Development and Service Level Agreement to govern the global deployment of products and services for its customers through our Hub. Mobetize has delivered its data top up module to Tata and expects to realize transactional revenues that stem from this relationship beginning in the second quarter of 2017. Mobetize is in talks to significantly expand its data top-up geographical corridors and expects these relationships to be integrated to the Hub in the first two quarters of 2017. An expansion in the number of countries in which our products and services can be deployed is expected to further increase transactional revenues. Ajay Hans, the CEO of Mobetize has stated that we remain focused on creating FAAS products to increase efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, that will increase our revenues through innovation to meet the growing demand for mobile money solutions from our clients." About Mobetize Corp. Mobetize Corp. (OTCQB:MPAY) has developed a global B2B Fintech as a Service (FAAS) Supermarket. Mobetize digitizes bricks and mortar financial services to deliver mobile money services to leading telecommunications companies and financial institutions. Mobetize ensures end-to-end integration for services such as prepaid air-time top ups, data gifting, mobile lending, international money transfers, P2P transfers, Visa/MasterCard programs and mobile bill payments. Mobetize seamlessly integrates and white labels its secure mobile money platform services for customers who then offer the services to millions of users. Mobetize experts to help telecom and banking providers discover new revenues, new customer relationships and navigate the emerging Fintech ecosystem. For more information, visit http://www.mobetize.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release includes statements that are not historical in nature and may be characterized as "forward-looking statements," including those related to future financial and operating results, benefits, and synergies of the combined companies, statements concerning Mobetize's outlook, pricing trends, and forces within the industry, the completion dates of capital projects, expected sales growth, cost reduction strategies, and their results, long-term goals of Mobetize and other statements of expectations, beliefs, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends, and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. All predictions as to future results contain a measure of uncertainty and, accordingly, actual results could differ materially. Among the factors which could cause a difference are: changes in the general economy; changes in demand for Mobetize's products or in the supplier costs; the actions of its competitors; the success of our customers; technological change; changes in employee relations; government regulations; litigation, including its inherent uncertainty; difficulties in plant operations and materials; transportation, environmental matters; and other unforeseen circumstances. A number of these factors are discussed in Mobetize's previous filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Mobetize disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release. For the past three weeks, Sea Shepherd has been secretly patrolling the waters of the Republic of Liberia in West Africa in a covert operation to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Working in partnership with the Liberian Ministry of National Defense under the coordination of the Honorable Minister Brownie Samukai, the MY Bob Barkeris patrolling Liberias coastline with 20 crew under the command of Captain Fraser Hall, ten Liberian Coast Guard sailors with the authority to board, inspect and arrest ships violating Liberian law, and two Israeli maritime advisors and conservationists providing training assistance. Named Operation Sola Stella, the campaign has already resulted in the arrest of three IUU fishing vessels in the first three weeks. They are currently being held in detention at the Liberian Coast Guard base in Monrovia. The 300,000-dwt tanker was sold to Malta-based Natalia Shipping Co, after its listing on Taobao attracted 33,000 viewers online and received 19 offers from six bidders, according to reports from Xinhua. The ship, previously owned by Singapore-based Varada One, has been berthed in Chinas Pearl River estuary following an admiralty dispute, the report said. The Guangzhou Maritime Court of Guangdong province ordered the ship to be put up on Taobao for auction. Chinese courts are increasingly auctioning seized assets online, according to the Xinhua. In Guangdong province alone, more than 120 courts have registered on Taobaos judicial sales platform, with online auction sales by the judicial sector surging from RMB100m in 2014 to RMB10bn in 2016. This week, Chinas bankrupt Wenzhou Shipping also sold five ships, including three bulk carriers, via Taobao at a total price of RMB156.93m. In January, bankrupt Nantong Mingde Heavy Industry was bought over by conglomerate Xiamen Xiangyu Group Corporation in a RMB576m deal carried out over Taobao. Another distressed Chinese yard Sainty Marine also auctioned its assets online but failed to buyers. Following a four-day trial the three senior executives from the former subsidiary of state-owned Vietnam Shipbuilding Industry Group (Vinashin) were found guilty of having embezzled more than VND260bn ($11.5m) according to local reports. Former Vinashinlies sales manager Giang Kim Dat, 40, and former director general Tran Van Liem, 62 were both sentenced to death for embezzling at least VND255bn. Meanwhile former chief accountant Tran Van Khuong, 67, was jailed for life for embezzling $110,000. According to the indictment between July 2006 to March 2007 Liem signed contracts to buy three foreign ships, Vinashin Summer from Panama, Vinashin Island from Croatia and Vinashin Phoenix from Greece. He authorised Dat to negotiate with the foreign partners. Dat gained nearly VND11.5bn of commission during negotiations to buy the vessels. The three were said also to have earned VND250bn illegally from charter revenues from nine shipowners between May 2006 and June 2008. The sentences for corruption are latest involving former Vinashin executives. In 2012 former Vinashin chairman Pham Thanh Binh was jailed for 20 years, and eight other former senior executives were also given prison sentences. A week earlier Capt. Peter Hall (main photo) had retired as chief executive of the association, and was presented with a gift of appreciation at the dinner by IBIA chairman Robin Meech. Hall had more than doubled IBIA membership from 427 members to 890 during his three-year tenure. He is succeeded by Justin Murphy (inset), a former ceo of Brightoil Shipping, Singapore, who took the opportunity of the dinner to address IBIA members or the first time. He said he was proud to take up the chief executive position, in an industry that should itself be proud of the role it plays in driving global trade and helping bring prosperity to communities around the world. Earlier Meech had described IBIA as embarking on a new era, with growing membership, a new strategy and new management. Bolstered by incorporation of the Institute of Bunker Buyers & Consumers, IBIA now enjoyed a stronger and more active presence at the IMO, he said, making valuable contributions on subjects such as implementation of the 0.5% global sulphur limit in 2020, he said. Looking ahead, Meech anticipated that a key IBIA activity this year would be the drafting of a guide to good practice for bunker suppliers, as requested by the IMO. This will draw from the existing IBIA Port Charter, he said, an initiative which brings together key ports, including Singapore, Rotterdam and Gibraltar, to take a lead in promoting best practices for bunkering. The IBIA chairman further stressed the importance of training and the use of modern technology like mass flow metering systems to increase professionalisms and raise standards in the industry. Several projects were presented to a delegation of eight British companies, Ahmed M Darwish, chairman, general authority for Suez Canal Economic Zone, was quoted as saying by Zawya Projects. The eight UK-based companies were Weston + Williamson & Partners, Mott MacDonald, Carillion, Bridjes, Kadmos Consultants, Sarks UK, LF Fast house and Maximus. The projects comprise a ceramics plant, a steel plant, an oil refinery, a paper manufacturing complex, a logistics service centre and an aluminium complex on an area of five million square metres. The report comes as new figures revealed revenues at Suez Canal declined by 4% in January, compared to the same period in 2016. Total revenues registered $395.2m in January against $411.8m in the same month in 2016. In a bid to increase traffic and revenues, the Suez Canal Authority recently extended its initiative to hand out rebates to containerships coming from ports of the East Coast of America heading to South and South East Asian ports. The authority grants all containerships coming from ports north of the Port of Norfolk on the US East Coast and heading to Port Klang and ports eastwards a 45% rebate on canal tolls. For ports south of Norfolk vessels departing and calling Port Klang and eastwards will continue to be granted a 65% rebate in tolls, while those calling Colombo and eastwards will be given a 55% rebate. ST. LOUIS, Feb. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stereotaxis, Inc. (OTCQX:STXS), a global leader in innovative robotic technologies for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, today announced that Takatsuki General Hospital, a leading acute care institution near Osaka, has completed 250 ablation procedures using the Companys Niobe ES remote magnetic navigation system. Takatsuki was the first hospital to order and install the Niobe system after the technology was released in Japan in 2013. After being introduced to the Niobe system, I made it a personal goal to be the first physician to bring the next generation of cardiac ablation therapy to the people of Japan, said Kohei Yamashiro, MD, Heart Rhythm Center Director, Takatsuki General Hospital. I am pleased and proud that we have completed 250 procedures using the Niobe system, safely and effectively, with even the most complex arrhythmias and those that have failed to respond to other ablation treatments. Dr. Yamashiro shared the example of a patient who had suffered from atrial tachycardia for 10 years, which could not be corrected with repeated manual ablation approaches. With the Niobe system, we were able to completely cure the patient in a single procedure, he said. This technology has given us the unique ability to navigate an ablation catheter inside the heart with extreme precision for more exact lesion creation, and with significantly reduced radiation exposure to our patients and staff. Our heart rhythm management services have been greatly enhanced by the important benefits of remote magnetic navigation technology, which has been well received across the region. We are delighted to deliver such an exciting innovation, continued Dr. Yamashiro. Takatsuki General Hospital underwent a complete renovation in 2015 to support the latest medical advances, such as the Niobe system, and provide higher quality, more integrated patient services. The first procedures with the Niobe system were performed in July of that year. About Stereotaxis Stereotaxis is the global leader in innovative robotic technologies designed to enhance the treatment of arrhythmias and perform endovascular procedures. Its mission is the discovery, development and delivery of robotic systems, instruments, and information solutions for the interventional laboratory. These innovations help physicians provide unsurpassed patient care with robotic precision and safety, improved lab efficiency and productivity, and enhanced integration of procedural information. Over 100 issued patents support the Stereotaxis platform. The core components of Stereotaxis systems have received regulatory clearance in the United States, European Union, Japan, Canada, China, and elsewhere. For more information, please visit www.stereotaxis.com. This press release includes statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements, usually containing the words "believe, "estimate, "project, "expect" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to raise additional capital on a timely basis and on terms that are acceptable, its ability to continue to manage expenses and cash burn rate at sustainable levels, its ability to continue to work with lenders to extend, repay or refinance indebtedness, or to obtain additional financing, in either case on acceptable terms, continued acceptance of the Company's products in the marketplace, the effect of global economic conditions on the ability and willingness of customers to purchase its systems and the timing of such purchases, competitive factors, changes resulting from healthcare reform in the United States, including changes in government reimbursement procedures, dependence upon third-party vendors, timing of regulatory approvals, and other risks discussed in the Company's periodic and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. By making these forward-looking statements, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release. There can be no assurance that the Company will recognize revenue related to its purchase orders and other commitments in any particular period or at all because some of these purchase orders and other commitments are subject to contingencies that are outside of the Company's control. In addition, these orders and commitments may be revised, modified, delayed or canceled, either by their express terms, as a result of negotiations, or by overall project changes or delays. NAPLES, Fla., Feb. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Regular eye exams are important for early detection before symptoms of glaucoma emerge. Glaucoma is a serious eye condition with the potential of leading to vision loss and blindness. Vision patients, particularly those who are at high risk, need to be aware of the condition and the current treatment options available. Patients with a family history of glaucoma need to schedule regular eye exams and pay special attention to eye health. The experienced and friendly staff at Naples Eye Physicians look to help vision patients detect and treat glaucoma at its earliest stages. Early detection and treatment of glaucoma improves outcomes and may slow progress. Glaucoma is known to be the second leading cause of blindness. Over 3 million people in the U.S. have the condition. Glaucoma affects the functioning of the optic nerve and interferes with the transmission of visual information from the retina to the brain. Early stages of the disease have no symptoms. High-risk populations include individuals over 60, African Americans and Hispanics over 40, and others with a family history of glaucoma. When glaucoma progresses, blind spots appear in the side view and blurred vision, mild headaches, halos, and eye pain may result. There is a risk of serious damage to the optic nerve even when there are no obvious symptoms. Glaucoma is typically symptomless to patients; however, permanent, irreversible vision loss can already be taking place, said Andrew G. Iwach, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Early detection is paramount to avoiding blindness and managing this disease. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that all people over the age of 40 receive a comprehensive eye exam to check for damage to the optic nerve or other vision issues. Regular eye exams are an important way for vision patients to assess and maintain their eye health. Glaucoma is a serious condition with few if any signs in its early stages, said Paul M. Rougraff, M.D. This makes regular eye exams and a comprehensive eye exam at 40 so important for early detection. Vision patients should not wait until they experience halos, blurred vision, or eye pain. Early treatment can slow the progress of the condition and help patients achieve better treatment outcomes. We invite patients and high-risk individuals concerned about their eye health to schedule an eye exam today. Paul M. Rougraff, M.D. and Lynn Kepple Byerly, M.D. at Naples Eye Physicians serve residents of Naples, FL. and the surrounding areas. The ophthalmologists and staff provide high-quality vision care and vision services for the entire family. Services include general eye exams, cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery and laser treatment, and macular degeneration. Call (239) 262-5434 to learn more about early glaucoma detection and treatment options or to schedule an eye exam. Visit http://www.napleseyephysicians.com/ for more details. Committee Welcomes New Member Jerome Solomon FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2017-53 The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced the agenda for the March 9 meeting of its Investor Advisory Committee. The meeting will commence at 9:30 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room at SEC headquarters at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. and is open to the public. The meeting will be webcast live and archived on the committees website for later viewing. The committee will hold two panel discussions, one on research into investor behavior and financial capability and another on unequal voting rights of common shares. The committee welcomes new member Jerome H. Solomon, a fixed-income portfolio manager at Capital Group. Members of the committee represent a wide variety of investor interests, including those of individual and institutional investors, senior citizens, and state securities commissions. For a full list of committee members, see the committees webpage. The Investor Advisory Committee was established under Section 911 of the Dodd-Frank Act to advise the SEC on regulatory priorities, the regulation of securities products, trading strategies, fee structures, the effectiveness of disclosure, and on initiatives to protect investor interests and to promote investor confidence and the integrity of the securities marketplace. The Dodd-Frank Act authorizes the committee to submit findings and recommendations to the Commission. Bam: Have the PNP become hired guns of foreign syndicates? Have the Philippine National Police (PNP) become guns for hire of foreign organized crime? Sen. Bam wonders about this after Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre revealed links of a foreign mafia to the kidnapping and murder of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo. "Kung totoo po iyan, kailangan i-explore. Pero in this case ni Jee Ick Joo, ginamit nila iyong pulis natin. It's not the case na mga Koreano iyong pumatay sa Koreano kundi mga pulis natin," said Sen. Bam during the Senate committee on public order hearing on the kidnap/murder case. "Dalawa o tatlong pulis at isang civilian, according to his (SPO4 Roy Villegas) story na sumasang-ayong ang PNP, pinatay ang isang South Korean businessman sa kalagitnaan ng PNP," he added. Sen. Bam made the pronouncement after Aguirre claimed that he has received information that the businessman was kidnapped twice by the said mafia before being killed inside Camp Crame. Senior Supt. Albert Ferro, director of the PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG), supported Aguirre's statement, saying only a transnational syndicate can recruit personnel from the PNP and NBI for their illegal operations. During the hearing, Sen. Bam admonished Villegas for doing nothing while the South Korean was allegedly being strangled by SPO3 Ricky Sta. Isabel inside a parked car in Camp Crame. Villegas, for his part, admitted that he did not do anything to prevent the murder as he was earlier threatened by Sta. Isabel that something will happen to him. Sen. Bam also advised policemen who will be in the same situation as SPO4 Villegas to honor their oath to protect the citizentry. "Our police should honor their oath. When they are asked to murder, they should stop it, not allow it," said Sen. Bam. Statement of Liberal Party Senators on pending arrest of Sen. De Lima The Liberal Party reiterates that it condemns the political persecution of brave administration critic Sen. Leila De Lima. We repeat: The Sandiganbayan, not the RTC, has jurisdiction over the case as the alleged wrongdoings were supposedly committed when she was Justice Secretary. Ang balita namin, kararating lang ng Macau nitong judge. Ang alam namin makapal ang motion to quash na finile sa kanyang korte. Basahin naman niya ang motion. The haste is deplorable. We fear for Sen. Leila's life and security given what happened to Albuera Mayor Espinosa and Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo, who were both killed inside police-controlled facilities. This arrest is purely political vendetta and has no place in justice system that upholds the rule of law. This is condemnable. We reiterate that an arrest based on trumped-up charges is illegal. We assert that the Ombudsman has primary jurisdiction over cases against public officers cognizable by the Sandiganbayan. Violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act, which is the DOJ's case against Sen. De Lima, falls under "other offenses committed by public officials" listed in the Sandiganbayan Law. We maintain that if this warrant of arrest is served, it would be a clear violation of legal proceedings and is therefore a violation of her Constitutional right to due process. Press Release February 23, 2017 Cayetano urges Committee on Rules to study referral of Lascanas probe Senator Alan Peter Cayetano asserts that the Committee on Rules needs to further study the proposed reopening of the investigations on the Davao Death Squad to look into the new statements of retired policeman Arthur Lascanas. During the plenary deliberations, the Senator manifested that the proper procedure is to give it back to the Committee on Justice and Human Rights since it handled the original investigation. Cayetano stressed this, noting that the substance and topic of the investigation are the same. Senator Panfilo Lacson agreed with the observation of Cayetano. "I'm not making a decision now but throwing it to the Committee," Cayetano said. "What I meant is that it seems obvious to me and I thought it was obvious to everyone that it's the same. But we have to defer to each other and decide collectively... Let's give it to the Committee on Rules to decide," he added. Cayetano cited that the accusations of Lascanas involve the alleged existence of the DDS, an issue that was already probed by the Justice Committee. Cayetano backed Justice Committee Chair Sen. Richard Gordon's refusal to reopen investigations into the testimonies of Lascanas. Gordon delivered a privilege speech questioning why the Senate should still give the witness a second chance when he already testified under oath during the previous hearing but is now retracting his statements. Cayetano lamented that the current situation is an insult to the committee system of the Senate, a disregard of the Rules of the Senate, and a disrespect to the institution's current tradition. "Alam natin na kapag sinabing reopen, ang committee na may original jurisdiction, 'yun ang magre-reopen. That has been the Senate tradition. Never nating ginagawa sa Senado na alisin ang jurisdiction sa committee. And never natin pinagbobotohan 'yun. Do we have to throw the rule book to the wastebasket?" Cayetano noted. Press Release February 23, 2017 De Lima hopes to meet UN Rapporteur on EJK Sen. Leila de Lima hopes to meet United Nations Special Rapporteur on Summary Executions Dr. Agnes Callamard if she would be allowed to attend the 15th International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland on March 18. De Lima, who faces possible arrest for trumped-up drug charges by the government, is invited to the international event dedicated to cinema and human rights at the sideline of the Annual Session of the UN Human Rights Council. "Your tireless advocacy of the respect of fundamental rights in your country has earned you the unanimous respect and admiration of the human rights community around the world," General Director Isabelle Gattiker said. "We could not think of a most qualified and distinguished person to participate in this event in Geneva, the human rights capital," she added in a letter of invitation sent to De Lima last Nov. 8. De Lima, Callamard and Rosemari Trajano of the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates will participate in a panel about human rights violations in the Philippines entitled "Philippines: A License to Kill" which is co-presented by the World Organisation Against Torture and the Delegation Geneve Ville Solidaire. The three invited guests are also expected to share their insights on a 20-minute film entitled "Philippines: Tirs a veu sur les dealers" by renown French journalist Chloe Remond who recently visited the Philippines. The international film festival and forum on human rights is organized in collaboration with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. It is also being convened by international organizations, such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and Doctors without Borders, The Cinematheque Suisse, the University of Geneva and other international media organizations. De Lima, who has been vocal against the rash of extrajudicial killings in the country, will also have a chance to meet with Hon. Ruth Dreifuss, former president of the Swiss Confederation and chair of the Global Commission on Drug Policy. She will also have a meeting with Swiss Senior Senator Liliane Maury Pasquier, who is co-president of the Parliamentary Intergroup on Global Health and co-president of the Parliamentary Intergroup on Addiction Policy, Prevention and Youth Protection. It may be recalled that De Lima filed proposed Senate Resolution No. 153 urging the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to invite Dr. Callamard to look into the spate of extrajudicial killings and summary executions amid the campaign against illegal drugs. The former justice secretary also noted that multilateral organizations, such as the United Nations and the European Union, have also expressed grave concerns over the drug-related killings in the country, urging the government to put a stop to these killings. Other personalities who had attended the international event include Nobel Prizes Shirin Ebadi and Joseph Stiglitz, activists Julian Assange and Edward Snowden, High Commissioners Sergio Vieira de Mello, Nav I Pullay and Zeid Ra'ad al Hussein, among others. English Finnish Comptel Corporation, Stock Exchange Release February 23, 2017 at 6 PM EET NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, JAPAN, AUSTRALIA, SOUTH AFRICA OR HONG KONG OR IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE TENDER OFFER WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW. Nokia Corporation (Nokia) and Comptel Corporation (Comptel of the Company) have announced on February 9, 2017 that Nokia through its wholly owned indirect subsidiary Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy (the Offeror), makes a voluntary public cash tender offer to purchase all of the issued and outstanding shares and option rights in Comptel that are not owned by Comptel or any of its subsidiaries (the Tender Offer). Nokia and Comptel have on February 8, 2017 entered into a transaction agreement setting out, among others, the terms and conditions pursuant to which the Tender Offer shall be made by Nokia through the Offeror. Pursuant to the release published by Nokia today, the Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority has today approved the tender offer document relating to the Tender Offer. According to Nokias release, the offer period for the Tender Offer will commence on February 27, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. (Finnish time) and expire on March 29, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. (Finnish time). The Offeror reserves the right to extend the Offer Period in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer. Nokias release referred to above, including also the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer, is attached in its entirety to this stock exchange release. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF COMPTEL Further information: Comptel Tom Jansson Chief Financial Officer tel. +358 40 700 1849 tom.jansson@comptel.com APPENDIX: Nokia Corporations release and Terms and Conditions of the Tender Offer ABOUT COMPTEL Life is digital moments. Comptel perfects these by transforming how you serve, meet and respond to the needs of Generation Cloud customers. Our solutions allow you to innovate rich communications services instantly, master the orchestration of service and order flows, capture data-in-motion and refine your decision-making. We apply intelligence to reduce friction in your business. 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Press Release February 23, 2017 Speech of Senator Loren Legarda Press Conference on The Spectre of Comparison Philippine Participation at the 57th Venice Art Biennale 23 February 2017 | NCCA Building, Manila It is with pride and honor that I stand here today to announce that the Philippines will be part of the Venice Biennale for the third year in a row--2015 was our comeback participation after 51 years of absence, 2016 was the first time we had a pavilion for the Architecture Biennale--and this year, the Philippine Pavilion will be mounted in the Arsenale, one of the main exhibition spaces of the Venice Biennale. Allow me to narrate the history of our participation in the world's oldest and prestigious international contemporary art platform. In 1964, the Philippines first participated in the Venice Art Biennale through the efforts of the Art Association of the Philippines (AAP), featuring the works of Jose Joya, painter and multimedia artist, and Napoleon Veloso Abueva, sculptor, both of whom are now National Artists. Then followed a long hiatus, 51 years to be exact, even as we have a wealth of very talented artists. It only had to take one simple question to start the journey towards our long overdue return, "Why is the Philippines not in the Venice Biennale?" It was a question I raised during the 2013 Senate hearing on the budget of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the cultural agencies of government. The answer was not due to lack of knowledge about the event, but more of how do we start, who will support and where will the resources come from. The first challenge was funding. It was difficult because this was the time after Yolanda and the government had to be scrupulous with the use of funding. But investing in art is important. It is an investment in our people, our humanity, our spirit. Eventually, we gained funding support from the government through the DFA. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the DFA and my office created the Philippine Arts in Venice Biennale (PAVB) Coordinating Committee to carry out preparations for the Philippine participation. To cut the story short, we were able to mount the Philippine Pavilion in the 2015 Venice Art Biennale with the exhibit Tie A String Around The World curated by Dr. Patrick Flores and featuring the film Genghis Khan by the late national artists Manuel Conde and Carlos Francisco, multi-channel video A Dashed State by Manny Montelibano, and Shoal by Jose Tence Ruiz. In 2016, the Philippine Pavilion presented Muhon: Traces of an Adolescent City in its inaugural participation in the Venice Architecture Biennale. It was curated by Leandro Locsin, Jr., Sudarshan Khadka, Jr., and Juan Paolo dela Cruz of the Leandro V. Locsin Partners (LVLP). Both the 2015 and 2016 pavilions were mounted in the 18th century building, the Palazzo Mora. As art is continuously evolving and we want to further promote Philippine art, we aimed to have a place among the other national pavilions. This year, as we feature the works of Lani Maestro and Manuel Ocampo through The Spectre of Comparison curated by Joselina Cruz, the Philippine Pavilion will be located in Arsenale, the historic exhibition space of the Venice Biennale art platform. Truly, we are gradually improving our place and we are able to better engage the world through our artists and the Philippine art. But our greater vision is for our government to continuously support the development of Philippine arts and culture. We must no longer put arts and culture, as well as heritage preservation, on the hindquarters of our nation building, because in truth, we are ready to let the world hear our truths and our visions. Moreover, to enable art to flourish, we must look back on our past, our heritage. In our previous two pavilions, the curators both looked back--on the history of world-making in Tie A String Around The World, and on our built heritage in Muhon--and juxtaposed the past with the present, giving us lessons and allowing us to rethink of how we want our future. In The Spectre of Comparison, we are once again brought back to the past through Jose Rizal. The exhibition looks at the two artists as emblematic of the experience of Rizal's spectre of comparisons. Through this exhibition, we hope to respond to the call of Christine Macel, the curator of the 57th International Art Exhibition, titled VIVA ARTE VIVA, which she said is "an exclamation, a passionate outcry for art and the state of the artist. The role, the voice and the responsibility of the artist are more crucial than ever before within the framework of contemporary debates." In closing, I wish to thank the NCCA and the DFA for helping me realize my vision for Philippine art. I also thank the Department of Tourism for always lending its support to our participation in the Venice Biennale. I have always envisioned the Philippines to engage in the global art conversation. Filipinos are talented and we have a rich history that has produced a very layered storyline for our country. Our successful return to the Venice Biennale even after a long absence is proof that we always had our place in the world, we never lost it; we only have to be brave enough to seize it. Thank you. Press Release February 23, 2017 TRANSCRIPT OF SEN PANGILINAN'S INTERVIEW FOR ANC HEADSTART, 21 FEBRUARY 2017 Interview with ANC's Karmina Constantino Q: Senator, how is the party doing in light of the recent events? Well, of course we are, we've been meeting and it's a serious cause for concern for us considering that we feel the filing of the charges before the Regional Trial Court is contrary to law because it's not the Regional Trial Court that has jurisdiction over the cases of Senator De Lima but the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan. Plus of course the quality of the evidence taken from convicted drug traffickers and apparently that they may not be sued. There is a recommendation of the dropping of charges against them in this particular case. Maraming mga bagay na hindi tama at hindi tumutugma. The other consideration of course is the evidence itself. You have to have probable cause before you file charges. Based on the initial review of the information, there was no--they didn't show proof of the--well, where is the shabu, where are the drugs? It was alleged. So allegations are not proof so these are serious and disturbing developments with respect to this case. Q: Well we had Atty. Alex Padilla in the show last night and that s exactly what he is saying. He says there is no corpus delicti here. There's no evidence here that really link Sen Leila De Lima to the illegal drug trade. And the fact that in the criminal information it says there that it was to prop up her senatorial campaign when she was getting funds allegedly from the illegal drug trade. That makes it sort of questionable why they even had to put that. He says it's all political. What can you say about that? I agree. We have to make decisions on the basis of proof. We have to file charges on the basis of the evidence that is available. Not mere allegations without the actual, as mentioned earlier, the actual material, the shabu itself. Where is it? Apart from that, the testimonies before the House of Representatives, and in exchange, there is immunity from the filing of charges, these are all disturbing. Ito na lang ba? Is this all they have? Is this the best they can do? And that's why we are opposing it and of course we will have to respect our court processes at iyon naman ang ginagawa ni Senator De Lima. She has questioned the investigation being undertaken or was undertaken by the DOJ before the court of appeals. Q: Well Senator, the liberal party senators came out with a statement yesterday calling the filing of charges patently illegal. The question is, why call it such when on the other side, they are saying the focus should not be on the person who allegedly committed the crime but the crime itself and this is a drug crime. And for that alone, it should remain under the jurisdiction of the RTC. Your thoughts on that. Well we are expected to defend that, but the law says cases of this nature involving members of the cabinet, exclusive jurisdiction is with the Sandiganbayan. This is precisely why we believe that this is being tailor-fitted to be filed and justified to be filed before the Regional Trial Court because they have full access to and full influence over the prosecutors there, meaning the Department of Justice, and it's not the case with the Ombudsman. Q: You said a while ago that the party has been meeting with regard to the cases involving Senator De Lima. What conclusion have you arrived at in to far as to the answer why is this happening to one of your own. Have you come up with a conclusion? Is it really just Senator De Lima's probe into the Davao Death Squad when she was head of the CHR, Senator Francis? Well that's precisely what the President said when this issue first came out. He said that Secretary De Lima, then chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights, humiliated him, embarrassed him and that he would do everything to destroy her. This was precisely the initial statement. All Presidents are human, they make mistakes. They get angry, they get upset. But I think it is a mistake for the President to use his office to get even or settle a score many years ago. I think this is wrong and therefore we stand up against this and oppose this. Q: So now that we're waiting for the courts to determine if there is probable cause in all of the three cases against the Senator. What have you been meeting about? What's gonna happen next if or when arrest warrants are issued against Senator De Lima? Well we will cross the bridge when we get there in terms of answering your question. It hasn't been issued yet. We wouldn't want to think that by going to the discussions of if she is arrested--we're still opposing that, we're fighting that and hopefully the warrants of arrest precisely will not be issued because we believe the jurisdiction is not with the Regional Trial Court. Q: Now, obviously this is happening against Senator Leila De Lima but what do you think would be the effect on the institution? The Senate as an institution. Of course there would bearing in that sense and that is why we have to oppose it and make our stand known. But the Senate as an institution will survive this. I believe that we need to have a strong Senate, an independent Senate which is necessary for a strong democracy. Democracy should not be undermined and therefore that is why we are making this stand. Q: Well, another thing happened in the Senate yesterday. As you were waiting for this press conference of Senator Leila De Lima. There was another one that went ahead. This time involving Arthur Lascanas, a former police officer who earlier said the Davao Death Squad does not exist. And now he is saying it does exist and he had all these allegations against President Rodrigo Duterte. Senator Richard Gordon is not about to re-open the probe into the EJKs, what's gonna happen next? Are you going to forward this to another committee so that this committee could possibly look into the new statements of Arthur Lascanas? Well the Senate did act on Lascanas' latest allegations last night before the Senate adjourned. The matter was referred to the Senate Committee on Public Order and I believe the Senate Committee on Public Order chaired by Senator Lacson will be hearing this case. The reason why it is referred to the Public Order Committee, the Public Order Committee has jurisdiction over police matters and all these acts, alleged, by Lascanas happened when he was an active member of the Philippine National Police. So it was referred last night and we disagree that this is a waste of time for the Senate. If we were lied to, we'd like to know. If we're interested in the truth it's not enough to say that he said one thing today and then he is saying another thing tomorrow, and therefore we shouldn't touch him. In fact I think it's the obligation and duty of the Senate to look into this and figure out and find out if we're being lied to, the Senate is interested to know the truth. If we're being lied to, we should not just accept it and say the guy is lying and therefore that's that. I beg to disagree. It is in the best interest of the Senate that we get to the truth and of course the country especially because the charges are serious. These are murder charges against the highest official of the land. For us to look at it in any other way, I think would be a dereliction of our duties as a check and balance of the other branches of government. Q: Senator, what do you make of the resurfacing of Arthur Lascanas yesterday and the retraction of his earlier statements. Some people have the opinion that any retraction is not good and this really cast a doubt on his credibility. Well and that's why we want to hear him to be able to test his credibility to be able to throw questions at him and figure out whether he is credible or not. Kaya natin gagawin ito. Dahil 'yan ang gusto nating malaman, ano ba talaga ang totoo. And that's why we're doing this. I think if he is cross-examined, if these questions are thrown at him and he proves--he wilts under pressure and again shows inconsistencies then we will know. But I think we should know, we ought to know. We are all interested in the truth. Q: Did you know that he was gonna to resurface yesterday by way of the press conference? No, I did not. There was information going around but I didn't expect it to be yesterday. Q: Many were quick to dismiss Lascanas' resurfacing a sort of a diversionary tactic to get attention away from Senator Leila De Lima. But the lawyers who were with him yesterday, these lawyers are already considered institutions in the field of the defense of human rights. We have Arno Sanidad, Alex Padilla, Chel Diokno. So what can you say about those who were just quick to dismiss this as a diversionary tactic? Do you think these lawyers would put their name on the line for someone like Arthur Lascanas? Well you know, I was a collaborating lawyer with Attys. Diokno, Sanidad and Padilla. Of course, they wouldn't like this but, they've been around for the longest time. That's giving away their age. They have been at the forefront of lost causes, so to speak. So, no, this is not a diversion. This is a serious matter that we have to look into because the charges are very serious. Q: Earlier, I asked you about how the Liberal Party is doing. I'm gonna ask you now, you have a good relationship with Senator Leila De Lima, how is she doing? She's been in the middle of this storm for so many months now. How is she? Well, she's only human but she's tough. And we're doing the best we can to provide her the necessary support and advice. It's not easy to be in her situation for sure. And so we try to give her an objective assessment of what's going so that we can guide her. But she's tough. I don't think this case will be enough to break this tough lady/woman. And you can see that. She's a fighter. She said she's not going down without a fight. That in itself is a testament to her grit and to her courage. Q: The reason why you're there in the Rockwell Studio because you wanted to be near the location where the Senator is going to hold her press conference today. What is that press conference going to be about and why is it so important for you to be with Senator De Lima at this point? She was supposed to have a press conference yesterday and that got rescheduled. And I committed to lending my support precisely because we believe that these charges should not have been filed... we're not saying that she should not be charged in that sense. If there are charges, it should be in the proper forum. We should not shortcut the process and in doing so undermine our court processes. We're not saying that these charges should be dismissed altogether. We're already here. There are serious allegations but let's do it legally and file it before the proper courts and in this case, it should be the Sandiganbayan. This is our main issue here. We believe that the evidence is weak as well and the cases should be dismissed but these cases should be filed in the proper venue which is the Sandiganbayan and not the regional trial courts. STATEMENT OF LIBERAL PARTY SENATORS ON PENDING ARREST OF SEN. DE LIMA The Liberal Party reiterates that it condemns the political persecution of brave administration critic Sen. Leila De Lima. We repeat: The Sandiganbayan, not the RTC, has jurisdiction over the case as the alleged wrongdoings were supposedly committed when she was Justice Secretary. Ang balita namin, kararating lang ng Macau nitong judge. Ang alam namin makapal ang motion to quash na finile sa kanyang korte. Basahin naman niya ang motion. The haste is deplorable. We fear for Sen. Leila's life and security given what happened to Albuera Mayor Espinosa and Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo, who were both killed inside police-controlled facilities. This arrest is purely political vendetta and has no place in justice system that upholds the rule of law. This is condemnable. We reiterate that an arrest based on trumped-up charges is illegal. We assert that the Ombudsman has primary jurisdiction over cases against public officers cognizable by the Sandiganbayan. Violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act, which is the DOJ's case against Sen. De Lima, falls under "other offenses committed by public officials" listed in the Sandiganbayan Law. We maintain that if this warrant of arrest is served, it would be a clear violation of legal proceedings and is therefore a violation of her Constitutional right to due process. Press Release February 23, 2017 POE: DEEPER PROBE TO PIN DOWN SUSPECTS IN KOREAN KIDNAP-SLAY Sen. Grace Poe today urged authorities to probe further the seeming "pattern" of destroying evidence by suspects and "persons of interest" involved in the kidnap-slay of a South Korean trader to exculpate themselves from possible past criminal liabilities. Poe, vice chairperson of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police should sift through, in particular, the records of Gream Funeral Homes to determine if the bodies being brought there match with death certificates. The funeral home is located in Brgy. 165-Bagbaguin, Caloocan City owned by former cop-turned village chief Gerardo Gregorio Santiago where the slain Jee Ick-Joo's ashes were flushed down the toilet. "Whoever was in charge [of the investigation] would have been more proactive about this because this is how they are hiding or destroying evidence, through this funeral parlor," Poe said, referring to the actions of Santiago and the staff of the funeral home in flushing down the toilet the ashes of Korean trader Jee Ick-Joo last Jan. 16, three months after his remains were cremated in a different facility and just a few days after Santiago flew to Canada. Jee was abducted from his home in Angeles City, Pampanga, on Oct. 18, 2016, and was killed inside Camp Crame on the same day. It was reported that the South Korean national was cremated at the St. Nathaniel Crematory in La Loma, Quezon City as Jose Ruamar Salvador, a Filipino, of Champaca St., Sta. Quiteria, Caloocan City, with a staff of Gream Funeral identifying herself as representative of Jee's family and making a reservation for cremation. Jee's ashes were later brought to Santiago's funeral home. Pressed by Poe, Santiago refused to answer whether he was the one who ordered his staff at his funeral home to dispose of Jee's ashes and instead invoked his right against self-incrimination. Epephay Gotera, employee of Gream Funeral Homes, however, told in her affidavit that it was Santiago who ordered the funeral staff to flush Jee's ashes, NBI assistant director Medardo Delemos told Senate probers. "Invoking your right against self-incrimination ay mas napapalinaw ang kasagutan dito kasi kung talagang wala ka naman ginawang ganun ay mabilis dapat ang sagot doon at sabihing hindi nangyari yun," Poe said. "Kung wala naman po talaga kayo kinalaman sa isang bagay, natural lang sa isang tao na sabihin, 'wala akong kinalaman diyan' imbes na dumaan pa sa teknikal na pamamaraan." Santiago, village chief of Barangay 165-Bagbaguin in Caloocan City, fled to Canada on Jan. 11, a few days after the kidnap-slay of Jee was reported in the media. He took a leave of absence from his duties as chairman from Jan. 10 to Feb. 10. He used to be the deputy chief of the Caloocan City Police with the rank of Senior Police Officer 4 before he took optional retirement in 2004. "I think we should be strict about this considering this might be a pattern. I think we should look into this. Perhaps in the meantime put them on probation. Maybe suspend operations while you are conducting or reconciling the paperwork with other past cremated bodies," Poe added. NBI director Dante Gierran also pointed out a clear violation of Santiago's funeral parlor which deliberately failed to notify them about the death of the Korean businessman so that the NBI could have conducted an autopsy. "Dapat ang funeral tatawag sa NBI para mag-conduct ng autopsy, especially if the death was questionable," Gierran said, adding that Gream Funeral was an NBI-accredited funeral home. Delemos said they will look into the culpability of persons of interest and will forward their recommendations to the "appropriate agency." Endeavour extends Karma mine life to +10 years as North Kao infill drilling adds 262koz of reserves View News Release in PDF Format North Kao Highlights: North Kao infill drilling confirms the continuity of the previous inferred resource and improves the grade profile 314koz of resources amenable to heap leach processing converted to indicated status Indicated resource grade up 53% over the previous inferred grade to 1.22 g/t Au 262koz were subsequently converted to reserves, extending Karma's mine life to beyond 10 years The North Kao mineralized structure remains open to the north and the potential exists for additional sub-parallel zones Following the success at North Kao, the 2017 exploration campaign will focus on other near-mill targets, such as Rambo West and Yabonsgo Abidjan, February 23, 2017 - Endeavour Mining Corporation (TSX:EDV)(OTCQX:EDVMF) is pleased to announce that the infill drill program at its North Kao deposit, located at its Karma Gold Mine in Burkina Faso, has confirmed the continuity of the previous inferred resource, resulting in a maiden indicated resource of 314,000 ounces amenable to heap leaching and a subsequent conversion of 262,000 ounces to reserves. Sebastien de Montessus, President & CEO, stated: "When we acquired Karma last year we were confident in its exploration potential and our ability to quickly extend its mine life. Following the conversion of resources at North Kao to reserves, Karma now meets our strategic portfolio criteria of having a minimum life of 10 years and ability to produce at an AISC below $850/oz. Looking ahead, our 2017 program will focus on the Rambo West and Yabonsgo near-mill targets, which we believe could further improve the mine's outlook." The North Kao deposit is located within 10 kilometers of the current processing plant. Its main mineralized zone stretches over 1.4 kilometers along strike and remains open to the north. The evolution of its reserves and resources amenable to heap leaching (comprised of oxide and transition material), is summarized in the table below. Table 1: North Kao Reserve and Resource (Heap Leaching) On a 100% basis Resources shown inclusive of reserves (only oxide and transition material shown) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2016 Tonnage (Mt) Grade (Au g/t) Content (Au koz) Tonnage (Mt) Grade (Au g/t) Content (Au koz) Probable Reserves - - - 7.1 1.16 262 Indicated Resources (including reserves) - - - 8.0 1.22 314 Inferred Resources 16.4 0.80 423 0.1 1.10 5 Notes provided in Section "About the Mineral Reserves and Resources" of this Press Release. Infill Drilling Program An infill drilling program was completed in 2016 with the objective of upgrading the existing inferred resources to the indicated category. The program comprised 68 core holes (7,571 meters) and 488 reverse circulation holes (39,554 meters). The sections were spaced by 50 meters, with 35 meters between holes. As shown in Figure 1 below, the main mineralized zone at North Kao can be followed for up to 1.4 kilometers along strike, located structurally above the mineralized zone of Kao Main, whereas multiple (up to 7 subparallel) zones were crossed in the narrow portion of the intrusion to the north. The mineralized structure remains open to the north within the sediments with potential for additional subparallel zones within the Kao intrusion. Figure 1: North Kao Infill Drilling Program (Showing Mineralization is Open to the North) Most of the mineralization occurs in the Kao Intrusion, a 2.5 kilometer long by 1.6 kilometer wide pluton of felsic composition with local porphyritic facies and centimetric aplitic veins. A minor portion occurs within clastic sediments (siltstones and argillites with andalousite porphyroblasts) close to the contact of the intrusion as it becomes narrower to the north. The mineralization is associated with northwest-trending, shallow to moderately east-dipping, anastomosed deformation and alteration zones. Alteration in the fresh rock consists of diffuse albite-carbonate-sericite-pyrite and more focused quartz-albite-carbonate veining with sericitic arsenopyrite-rich seams. As shown in Figure 2 below, the infill drill holes targeted the base of the transition and/or the top of the bedrock, which ranges from approximately 60 meters below surface in the southern part of the grid to approximately 110 meters in the northern part. Figure 2: North Kao Cross-Section Upcoming Exploration Program: More Near-mill Targets In 2017, a $4 million exploration program totaling approximately 30,000 meters has been planned to drill near-mill targets such as Rambo West and Yabonsgo, as shown in the map below. Figure 3: Karma Near-mill Exploration Targets About the Mineral Reserves and Resources The mineral reserve and resource estimate for the North Kao deposit is reported in accordance with the National Instrument 43-101 and has been estimated using the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) "Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines". The mineral resource estimate is classified as "indicated" and "inferred" as defined by the CIM. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves did not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral reserve may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. The effective date of this mineral reserve and resource estimate is December 31st, 2016, with a comparison over the previous estimate provided in the Table below. Table 2: North Kao Reserve Evolution On a 100% basis As at December 31, 2015 As at December 31, 2016 Tonnage (Mt) Grade (Au g/t) Content (Au koz) Tonnage (Mt) Grade (Au g/t) Content (Au koz) Oxide - - - 6.7 1.14 246 Transitional 0.4 1.38 16 Sulphide - - - - - - Total - - - 7.1 1.16 262 Table 3: North Kao Resource Evolution On a 100% basis. Resources shown inclusive of reserves As at December 31, 2015 As at December 31, 2016 Tonnage (Mt) Grade (Au g/t) Content (Au koz) Tonnage (Mt) Grade (Au g/t) Content (Au koz) Oxide Indicated Resources - - - 7.4 1.21 286 Inferred Resources 14.2 0.79 360 0.1 1.05 5 Transitional Indicated Resources 0.6 1.37 28 Inferred Resources 2.2 0.89 63 0.0 1.92 1 Sulphide Indicated Resources - - - 3.3 1.34 143 Inferred Resources 31.4 1.23 1,239 1.8 1.51 88 Total Indicated Resources - - - 11.3 1.26 456 Inferred Resources 47.8 1.08 1,662 2.0 1.48 93 Notes for the December 31, 2016 Reserve and Resource estimates provided in Section "About the Mineral Reserves and Resources" of this Press Release. Mineral Reserve estimates follow the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") definitions standards for mineral resources and reserves and have been completed in accordance with the Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Reported tonnage and grade figures have been rounded from raw estimates to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. Minor variations may occur during the addition of rounded numbers. The December 31, 2015 Reserve and Resource estimates have been sourced from latest NI 43-101 TR titled Updated feasibility study (GGI, GGII, Kao, Rambo & Nami deposits) and a Preliminary Economic Assessment (North Kao Deposit) for The Karma Gold Project Burkina Faso, West Africa, available on Sedar. The disclosure of a mineral reserve and resource statement for the North Kao deposit is not deemed material to Endeavour as a whole. Therefore, the Company will not be filing a technical report in respect of this mineral resource estimate. North Kao Resource Modeling The statistical analysis, geological modelling and resource estimation were prepared by Kevin Harris, CPG. Mr. Harris is Endeavour Mining's Group Resource Manager and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. The North Kao resource model was developed in the Geovia Surpac 3Dmodeling software using all the available geology information from 123 diamond drill holes totaling 18,445 meters, and 589 reverse circulation drill holes totalling 53,784 meters completed between 2007 and 2016. The geological model and assay data guided the mineralisation model. A total of 34 mineralized domains were interpreted and modeled into 3D wireframes within Geovia Surpac modeling software. The mineralized zones have an average strike of 345o azimuth dipping 30oNE. The drill holes gold assays were composited to 1.0 meter intervals within the mineralized wireframes and capped at 10 g/t Au. Spatial analysis of the gold mineralization using variograms indicated a good continuity of the grades along strike and down dip of the mineralised zones. Gold grades were interpolated using inverse distance squared estimation methodology constrained by the mineralized domains. Density values of the oxidized material vary from 1.4 to 2.7 based on weathering material type while the fresh rocks density values vary from 1.6 to 2.9 based on rocktypes. The mineral resource was modelled using a 3D block model built in Geovia Surpac. Measures were conducted to validate the accuracy of the estimate, including swath plots comparison and visual review on sections. In order to establish the reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction, the Mineral Resources were constrained within a Whittle-optimized $1,500 pit shell, as is reported at a 0.20 g/t gold cutoff grade. A large portion of the previously reported Sulphide inferred resource has been declassified as the Mineral Resources were constrained within a Whittle-optimized $1,500 pit shell in addition to the low confidence due to the wide drill spacing. No additional infill drilling is planned on the sulphide material as it is not considered economical with the current processing facility. North Kao Reserve Estimation The quantifying of modifying factors, Whittle optimization and pit design preparation was done by/under direct supervision of Michael Alyoshin, MEng, MAusIMM CP (Min), MIMMM, CEng, EUR ING. Mr. Alyoshin is Endeavour Mining's Corporate Chief Mining Eng., Strategic Projects and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. This estimation is of Pre-Feasibility Study level of accuracy and, therefore, satisfies CIM requirements to mineral reserve reporting. The majority of the costs parameters used in Whittle optimization are based on actual, geotechnical/ recovery information used in optimization and subsequent mine design mostly sourced from latest NI 43-101 Technical Report titled "Updated feasibility study (GGI, GGII, Kao, Rambo & Nami deposits) and a Preliminary Economic Assessment (North Kao Deposit) for The Karma Gold Project Burkina Faso, West Africa" and operational experience. Mining dilution of 22% at 0g/t was estimated using 1 meter grade shells. The parameters used for the Reserve and Resource estimation are described below: Table 4: North Kao Reserve and Resource parameters Reserves Resources Gold price $1,250/oz $1,500/oz Cut-off grade Oxide: 0.56g/t ; Transition: 0.68g/t ; Sulfide: 0.50g/t 0.20 g/t Recovery rate Oxide: 90%; Transition: 75% Qualified Persons This press release has been reviewed and approved by Adriaan "Attie" Roux, Pr.Sci.Nat, Endeavour's Chief Operating Officer, a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. About Endeavour Mining Corporation Endeavour Mining is a TSX-listed intermediate gold producer, focused on developing a portfolio of high quality mines in the prolific West-African region, where it has established a solid operational and construction track record. Endeavour is ideally positioned as the major pure West-African multi-operation gold mining company, operating 5 mines in Cote d'Ivoire (Agbaou and Ity), Burkina Faso (Karma), Mali (Tabakoto), and Ghana (Nzema). In 2016, it expects to produce between 600koz and 640koz at an AISC of US$860 to US$905/oz. Endeavour is currently building its Hounde project in Burkina Faso, which is expected to commence production in Q4-2017 and to become its flagship low-cost mine with an average annual production of 190koz at an AISC of US$709/oz over an initial 10-year mine life based on reserves. The development of the Hounde project is expected to lift Endeavour's group production +900kozpa and decrease its average AISC to circa $800/oz by 2018, while exploration aims to extend all mine lives to +10 years. Contact Information Martino De Ciccio VP - Strategy & Investor Relations +33 (0)1 70 38 36 95 mdeciccio@endeavourmining.com DFH Public Affairs in Toronto John Vincic (416) 206-0118 x.224 jvincic@dfhpublicaffairs.com Brunswick Group LLP in London Carole Cable, Partner +44 7974 982 458 ccable@brunswickgroup.com Endeavour Mining | Executive Office | Bureau 76, 7 Boulevard des Moulins, Monaco 98000 This news release contains "forward-looking statements" including but not limited to, statements with respect to Endeavour's plans and operating performance, the mineral resource and reserve estimate, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of future production, future capital expenditures, and the success of exploration activities. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "expected", "budgeted", "forecasts", and "anticipates". Forward-looking statements, while based on management's best estimates and assumptions, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Please refer to Endeavour's most recent Annual Information Form filed under its profile at www.sedar.com for further information respecting the risks affecting Endeavour and its business. Jacom Stephens/Getty Images The victim of Haywards first homicide of the year has been identified, police said Wednesday. Hok Yiu Wong, 32, who resided in Fremont and Milpitas in recent years, was stabbed to death earlier this month, officials said. Hayward police and the Alameda County Coroners Bureau have been unsuccessful in locating Wongs family to alert them of the death. UPDATE: The Alameda County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday that Deputy Mike Foley died from his injuries. Original Story: An Alameda County sheriffs deputy was in touch and go condition Wednesday after an inmate transport bus struck him at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, officials said. Deputy Mike Foley, who is about 60, was struck by a bus driven by another sheriffs deputy in the jail parking lot at about 6 a.m., said Alameda County Sheriff Gregory Ahern. The driver of the bus was going about 15 mph and didnt see Foley, who was wearing dark clothes, in the morning darkness until it was too late, Ahern said. This is just an accident, Ahern said, adding that the California Highway Patrol is investigating the incident. The deputy was in extremely serious condition at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, said Sgt. Ray Kelly, spokesman for the sheriffs office. Foley was initially taken to the closest hospital to the jail, Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley, but was moved to John Muir because of the severity of his injuries. His son, who attends college in Southern California, was flying to the Bay Area on Wednesday afternoon to be at his fathers side, Ahern said. Foley underwent surgery Wednesday to relieve swelling on his brain caused by extensive head trauma, Ahern said. Foley joined the Alameda County Sheriffs Office in 2007, after serving for 30 years as an officer with the Concord Police Department. He was a member of the sheriffs office transportation unit, which handles inmate transit. No inmates were aboard the bus that hit Foley, Ahern said. The driver and another deputy were leaving the jail to pick up lunches for inmates when the incident occurred. As part of protocol, the driver, whose name was not released, was placed on paid administrative leave. Ahern said that while Foley is the oldest member of the transportation unit, he is the hardest working. As usual, Foley showed up an hour early Wednesday, intending to begin an overtime shift at 7 a.m. Dozens of officers from all over, including the Contra Costa County Sheriffs Office, the Concord Police Department, the Walnut Creek Police Department and the California Highway Patrol, converged at the hospital to show support for Foley. Michael Bodley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mbodley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @michael_bodley French English Press Release Paris, February 23, 2017 Ingenico Group (Euronext: FR0000125346-ING) today announced the creation of two global customer-centric Business Units that address the distinct needs of physical and online retailers as well as banks & acquirers. It also announces a new appointment in its North America leadership. With these organizational changes1, Ingenico Group is well equipped to expand its omnichannel capabilities globally. Business Management: structure and Executive Committee members The global Retail Business Unit will help large retailers and e-merchants follow consumers across sales channels, expand their cross-border sales and increase their conversion rate. It is uniquely positioned to provide a unified customer experience across channels with a combination of payment terminals, in-store and online payments services and omnichannel payment solutions. The Retail Business Unit holds global end-to-end responsibility for designing, building, selling and operating its in-store, online and omnichannel payment solutions. It will expand its global sales through its regional commercial teams. Pierre-Antoine Vacheron is named EVP, Retail Business Unit. A seasoned executive, he previously was leading the ePayments business and has been instrumental in creating rapid growth in this area. Jacques Behr is named EVP, Deputy for the Retail Business Unit. In particular, Jacques will focus on developing a global go-to-market strategy across the SBU's product lines. Jacques has a strong track record of expanding Ingenico's terminals and in-store gateways' commercial footprint. Chloe Mayenobe is named SVP, In-store EMEA, in charge of all commercial operations for physical retailers in the region. The global Banks & Acquirers Business Unit will address banks & acquirers' needs to reduce the total cost of ownership and the complexity of managing payments, as well as the need to differentiate their offer to their merchants. It will do so by leveraging the capabilities of Ingenico and Landi - the Group's Chinese subsidiary - to offer a streamlined range of terminals, and by delivering terminal solutions that add value for merchants. The Banks & Acquirers Business Unit will cover a complete scope of activities, from offer design to after-sales services. Patrice Le Marre is appointed EVP, Banks & Acquirers Business Unit. He will return from Singapore where he has spent the last 5 years leading and tremendously growing the APAC & China region. Jose Luis Arias, EVP Latin America, John Tait, SVP APAC, and Luciano Cavazzana, SVP EMEA, will lead the commercial operations in their respective regions. Jennifer Miles will join Ingenico as EVP, North America during the 2nd half of July 2017 once she has honored her contractual obligations to her former employer. With over 20 years of experience in the payment and financial services industry, Jennifer is one of the most renowned executives in the payment space. She started her career with Wachovia Bank, and spent the last 16 years with Verifone in a number of global business lines and regional leadership and executive capacities. With a nearly 5-fold growth of revenues in the USA over the past 5 years and over 80% market share in terminals in Canada, Ingenico has demonstrated that it is uniquely positioned to serve North American bankcard and retail customers, leveraging both Business Units' products as well as ROAM, its Boston-based mobile payment solution. Jennifer's unmatched knowledge of the complex US market will be of tremendous value as Ingenico pursues its expansion in this region. As Oscar Bello leaves the company, we want to thank him for his numerous achievements during his 9-year tenure with Ingenico, essentially spent leading and growing our Latin America business. Corporate Functions: structure and Executive Committee members Acquisitions Integration Management: acquisitions form an integral part of Ingenico's growth agenda. Ensuring their fast and efficient integration into the company is essential to the realization of their contribution to Ingenico's strategic and long term objectives. Jacques Guerin is appointed EVP, Acquisitions Integration Management. This role will be effective in July, as Jacques will initially focus on leading North America until Jennifer Miles joins the Group. All other Corporate Functions are unchanged. Michel Leger, as EVP Innovation, Nathalie Lomon, as EVP Finance & Legal, and Martine Birot, as EVP Human Resources & Communications, complete the Executive Committee membership. "I am tremendously proud of our ability to develop leaders from within and attract highly talented executives from the industry who want be to part of our strategic growth agenda", commented Philippe Lazare, Ingenico Group Chairman & CEO. "This new operating model supports perfectly our ambitions to become the indisputable global leader in omnichannel payment acceptance. Customer-centric BUs that integrate offer management, delivery and sales will help us deliver the most relevant, innovative and cost effective products & solutions to our customers in a timely fashion, whilst securing our profitability." 1 Pending completion of the regulatory process with the Works Council About Ingenico Group Ingenico Group (Euronext: FR0000125346 - ING) is the global leader in seamless payment, providing smart, trusted and secure solutions to empower commerce across all channels, in-store, online and mobile. With the world's largest payment acceptance network, we deliver secure payment solutions with a local, national and international scope. We are the trusted world-class partner for financial institutions and retailers, from small merchants to several of the world's best known global brands. Our solutions enable merchants to simplify payment and deliver their brand promise. www.ingenico.com twitter.com/ingenico Contacts The Google buses are here to stay. In a poignant coda to San Franciscos long-running saga about corporate shuttle buses, the Municipal Transportation Agency voted unanimously Tuesday to finalize the current shuttle plan. From now on, corporate campuses will be able to rely on a plan that allows their shuttles to use a maximum of 125 bus stops, some of which are shared with Muni, in exchange for a $7.31 fee per stop. The plan also restricts the large buses to wider streets. Its a fine compromise for a program that has caused no end of angst about the street-hogging buses and what they mean for a city in the midst of an identity change. It was always reasonable for Muni to insist on some limits for the buses so they werent driving all over the citys residential districts, crowding narrow streets and interfering with Muni routes. But it was also always reasonable for corporate campuses to provide an amenity for their employees that also eases highway traffic thereby improving quality of life for everyone in the Bay Area. As for those who believe the corporate buses are symbolic of the end of San Francisco culture? Theyll have to find another battle. This one has ended in a solution that works. The Trump administrations move to halt funding for Caltrain electrification is an illustration of partisan politics at its worst. That it was prodded by Californias congressional Republicans, employing factually suspect arguments, is especially shameful. The delay in $647 million in federal funding ordered by newly minted Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao threatens a modernization project that was many years in the making and within a month of launching. If this project falls apart as a result of this political gamesmanship, the cost will be continued noise and air pollution from the diesel locomotives, a lost opportunity for faster and more frequent train service, more traffic on the already heavily congested Highway 101 and Interstate 280, and nearly 10,000 jobs in California as well as Utah, Florida and Texas. It was plain disingenuous that the Republican lawmakers cited their concerns about the states big high-speed rail project as reason to hold off on Caltrain electrification. Yes, that system could eventually share the upgraded tracks. But the electrification of the 52-mile corridor between San Jose and San Francisco stands on its own merits, even if high-speed rail is never built. That route already bulges at a capacity of 65,000 riders a day double the load of 2005 and demand is growing. The project has cleared environmental review and secured $1.3 billion in local, regional and state funding. The federal funding was the last missing piece. It is projected to increase the systems capacity to 100,000 weekday riders by 2040. In their letter to Chao, the California Republicans mistakenly claimed that the grant request came from the California High Speed Rail Authority. It was from Caltrain itself, which has had electrification in its strategic plan since 1999; state voters did not approve high-speed rail between San Francisco and the Los Angeles area until 2008. The GOP lawmakers were demanding a delay for further study of the overall high-speed rail project, raising concern about its cost and efficacy. It is outrageous that elected representatives would sabotage a critical infrastructure project in their own state as collateral damage in their zeal to stop the bullet train. Frustrated local leaders are holding out hope that President Trump, who has cited infrastructure as one area where Republicans and Democrats can find common ground in a polarized Washington, might resurrect the federal grant for Caltrain in his fiscal 2018 budget. He should, as a matter of creating jobs, cleaning the air and keeping people moving in one of the most vibrant and productive corners of the American economy. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate One of the most delightful men in San Francisco, skilled trauma surgeon Dr. Andre Campbell, is a faithful attendee of the annual Heroes & Hearts luncheon the 12th edition of which raised $1.85 million for the foundation to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. And were always happy to see him at this event, versus in the corridors of his office. But that office is much, much nicer now: In May, the ribbon was cut and patients moved into the new state-of-the-art Level 1 trauma center and hospital that also features an extensive S.F. Arts Commission-sourced art collection. Its been a productive year for this medical center: In June, voters approved a bond to renovate its former acute-care hospital building that will allow for primary, medical and surgery speciality care. And just days before this Feb. 16 luncheon at AT&T Ballpark, city leaders celebrated a planned $200 million San Francisco General-UCSF research facility to open on its campus in 2019. Last year as ZSFG incoming CEO, Heroes & Hearts was my first introduction to this great community: appreciative, supportive and very welcoming, said Dr. Susan Ehrlich to the sold-out crowd of 1,200. So welcoming, in fact, Mayor Ed Lee mentioned me last year in his remarks and the Beach Blanket Babylon cast member included me in her song. I was overcome! Organized by lunch co-chairs Lisa Hauswirth and John Noonan, the fete was set in a clear tent on the ballparks verdant field and featured a snappy decor updo by designer Stanlee Gatti; a new Beach Blanket Babylon signature song; and an auction of exquisite San Francisco-themed heartworks created by 33 local artists There were revelations, too: Following an entertaining pledge plea by former Mayor Art Agnos, many thought this devoted public servant should consider a second career as a stand-up comedian. There were also standing Os, and a few tears, as guests honored the compassionate, life-saving work of the hospitals local heroes: Anais Amaya (health advocates program manager); Jia Min Cheng (S.F. medical legal aid director to the hospitals Children Health Center); Dr. Dean Schillinger (director for health communications for vulnerable populations program) and Dr. Margaret Knudson (trauma surgeon). Knudson was recognized for her skillful surgery that saved the life of 6-year-old Zachery Vines. Yet she shared her kudos with her colleagues: Trauma is a team sport: Every single person who touched Zachery during his prolonged hospital course contributed to his recovery, she said. Including the nurses, the physicians, the therapists and even the cook of our cafeteria who came in, on his day off, to make Zachery chicken McNuggets. Supporters of this event are like a team, too, attracting a wide swatch of civic poobahs, including: former Mayors Frank Jordan and Willie Brown; as well as Hearts in S.F. founders Ellen Magnin Newman and Nancy Hellman Bechtle; UCSF Chancellor Dr. Sam Hawgood; San Francisco General Board Chair Judy Guggenhime and her husband, Richard; San Francisco General Board President Connie Shanahan and her husband, Kevin; Hearts lunch co-founder Pam Baer; San Francisco General Foundation CEO Amanda Heier; S.F. Chronicle Publisher Jeff Johnson and Editor-in-Chief Audrey Cooper; Protocol Chief Charlotte Shultz; and SFFD Chief Joanne Hayes-White. 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. Like these artworks, which represent what it means to be a part of this great city, ZSFG exemplifies what it means to be a sanctuary city, noted Mayor Lee. And Zuckerberg S.F. General is a sanctuary for everyone. For more than 150 years, ZSFG has operated as a safety net hospital under the citys Department of Public Health and serves a population that includes about 80 percent poor, elderly, uninsured and immigrant patients. But Ehrlich noted that, today, our nations health care environment is changing rapidly. These changes have the potential to hit our patients the hardest. But our mission at Zuckerberg San Francisco General is to provide our patients and our community health care with compassion and respect, she said. Regardless of income, insurance, immigration status, sexual orientation, religion or national origin. Catherine Bigelow is The San Francisco Chronicles society correspondent. Email: missbigelow@sfgate.com Instagram: @missbigelow MESA, Ariz. - Rajai Davis, who was last spotted rounding the bases after a dramatic game-tying homer in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the World Series last fall, made a little noise in his first intrasquad game with Oakland since 2010. Davis, who signed with the As as a free agent this offseason, tripled his first time up, off As No. 2 starter Kendall Graveman, and catcher Stephen Vogt immediately drove Davis in with a single up the middle. He can fly, said Josh Phegley, who was catching Graveman. Its a lot of fun to watch, Vogt said. I was joking with Rajai this morning, Hey, youve got the best protection in the league. That was cool, leadoff triple. I know its just an intrasquad game, but that was something we lacked sometimes last year, a guy at the top of the order to get us going. Sonny Gray started for the home team on Field 4 at Fitch Park and allowed two hits, a single by Alejandro De Aza (who then stole second) and an RBI double by Mark Canha, and he also walked Phegley. Canha hits a pitch down thats moving all over the place to right-center field, marveled manager Bob Melvin, who ran down a long list of players who had good at-bats Thursday. Sonnys stuff was great ,but Canha got a pitch down right where he likes it. Gray allowed just the one run in his inning of work. I was a little anxious, moving a little too fast at times, rushing a little, but I felt good, Gray said. Vogt said Grays curveball and sliders looked good, especially for so early in the spring, and Gray agreed. If you can throw good breaking stuff here in Arizona, its crazy the difference during the regular season how much sharper it is, Gray said. Graveman allowed four hits and two runs in his brief time on the mound; he was limited to 15 pitches because he is starting Sundays home game against the Angels. New As third baseman Trevor Plouffe drove in the second run against him. Typical spring-training Kendall - the ball was moving everywhere, jumping out of his hand, Phegley said. I know he looked frustrated, but Im not worried about him, hell be fine. Guys just came out swinging the bats, they werent waiting around, but he threw some good pitches. Hes right on track. The two-inning game ended in a 2-2 tie; Jaff Decker rapped an RBI single off Cesar Valdez to even things up in the top of the second and Paul Blackburn, in the mix for the fifth starters spot, pitched a scoreless inning for the away team, allowing two hits. His curveball is pretty solid, he got some quick outs, Phegley said. On Field 1, the As had other big-league pitchers working against teams of mostly non-roster invitees and minor-league hopefuls. Yairo Munoz smoked a homer to straightaway center field off lefty Daniel Coulombe, but No. 3 starter Sean Manaea, minor-leaguer Daniel Gossett and starter/reliever Zach Neal all threw scoreless innings. Canha missed most of last season after hip surgery, but Melvin said he looks healthy and strong. Its good to see him get a good swing right away, too, Melvin said, adding that Canha will be in the starting lineup in Cactus League opener against the Cubs on Saturday. Susan Slusser is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sslusser@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @susanslusser Rallies, protests and town hall events are a part of political life in the Bay Area. Heres a roundup of whats happening in the next few weeks. Friday Rally: Held outside a ticketed event featuring Sen. Dianne Feinstein calling for her to meet with constituents. The rally is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. outside the Public Policy Institute of California, 500 Washington St., San Francisco. Health care town hall: Hosted by Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St, Helena. Starts at 9 a.m. at Piner High School, 1700 Fulton Road, Santa Rosa. Saturday Town hall: A Conversation About America hosted by Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Hillsborough, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Cabrillo Unified School District, 530 Kelly Ave. in Half Moon Bay. Environmental protest: Meeting in front of the Environmental Protection Agencys regional offices in San Francisco to protest the new head of EPA and fight for environmental justice, from 1 to 3 p.m., 75 Hawthorne St. Sunday Empty chair town hall: Hosted by anti-Trump groups in the Bay Area to discuss concerns with Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who will not be attending. Statements will be sent to Feinsteins office. The town hall is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Elmhurst Community Prep, 1800 98th Ave., Oakland. Tickets are available online. New women activist brunch: Meet and greet for women and members of womens organizations working to elect progressive, pro-abortion-rights women to office. Hosted by Democratic Activists for Women Now, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 2302 Zanker Road, San Jose. Anti-Trump planning meeting: Activists organizing to resist the Trump administration will hold a general meeting from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Finnish Hall, 1970 Chestnut St., Berkeley. Tuesday San Francisco Board of Supervisors meeting: Residents are planning to attend the meeting to speak out against a Muslim registry and calling for the board to pass an ordinance divesting city funds from the Dakota Access Pipeline. The meeting is from 2 to 4 p.m. at San Francisco City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B Goodlett Place. Wednesday Action meeting: Hosted by San Francisco Berniecrats, featuring a guest speech by Supervisor Jane Kim, to discuss how the grassroots organization can fight for issues they care about. The event is from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. at the San Francisco Public Library Park Branch, 1833 Page St. March 5 Volunteer workshop: Hosted by Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, on how to shape the 2018 election, from 2 to 4 p.m. Crowne Plaza Cabana, 4290 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. RSVP (650) 328-3700. March 8 Day Without Women strike: The organizers behind the Womens March on Washington are calling for a general strike to show what a day without women would look like. March 10 Standing Rock march: A march and rally calling for President Trump to meet with tribal leaders before continuing work on the Dakota Access Pipeline. The event is from 5 to 9 p.m. outside the San Francisco Federal Building, 90 Seventh St. To list an event, email Sarah Ravani at sravani@sfchronicle.com. For immediate release FLOW TRADERS RELEASES JANUARY 2017 ETP MARKET VOLUMES Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 23 January 2017 - Flow Traders N.V. ("Flow Traders") (Euronext: FLOW), today releases the monthly ETP (Exchange Traded Products) Market data for the month of January 2017. This refers to general market data only. Global ETP Value Traded in January 2017 shows a decline versus December 2016 as markets witnessed a quiet start of 2017. Global ETP Assets under Management continued to grow to a new high. The average VIX for the month of January reached 11.61 (versus 12.47 in December), with a low of 10.58 and a high of 12.85 (Source: Bloomberg). For a complete historical overview of the market data, please visit our website http://www.flowtraders.com/investors Contact details Flow Traders N.V. Serge Enneman / Investor Relations Officer Phone: +31 20 7996799 Email: Investor.relations@flowtraders.com DISCLAIMER This publication is prepared by Flow Traders N.V. and is for information purposes only. It is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and you must not rely on the content of this document when making any investment decisions. The information in this publication does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice and is not to be regarded as investor marketing or marketing of any security or financial instrument, or as an offer to buy or sell, or as a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell, securities or financial instruments. The information and materials contained in this publication are provided 'as is' and Flow Traders N.V. or any of its affiliates ("Flow Traders") do not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the information and materials and expressly disclaim liability for any errors or omissions. This publication is not intended to be, and shall not constitute in any way a binding or legal agreement, or impose any legal obligation on Flow Traders. All intellectual property rights, including trademarks, are those of their respective owners. All rights reserved. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Flow Traders. No part of it may be redistributed or reproduced without the prior written permission of Flow Traders. Flow Traders expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, review or revise any statements contained in this publication to reflect any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which such statements are based. Unless the source is otherwise stated, the market, economic and industry data in this publication constitute the estimates of our management, using underlying data from independent third parties. We have obtained market data and certain industry forecasts used in this publication from internal surveys, reports and studies, where appropriate, as well as market research, publicly available information and industry publications. The third party sources we have used generally state that the information they contain has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable but that the accuracy and completeness of such information is not guaranteed and that the projections they contain are based on a number of assumptions. By accepting this publication you agree to the terms set out above. If you do not agree with the terms set out above please notify legal.amsterdam@nl.flowtraders.com immediately and delete or destroy this publication. After a few wet winter months, scientists said Thursday that California is 83 percent drought-free compared with just 6 percent a year ago the lowest drought levels have been since 2011. The U.S. Drought Monitor reported that Northern California is completely in the clear and this is the first time in four years that no part of the state is under an extreme drought designation. The only counties in the state showing lingering drought indicators are in the Southern California area, primarily in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Imperial counties. Despite the rainy weather that has caused streams and creeks to swell and an abundance of water to overflow reservoirs in California, Richard Heim, the author of the report and a meteorologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said California should still err on the side of caution when it comes to water use. California has been in a wet pattern. Youve been experiencing rain for months, Heim said. Still, dont waste water. Some wells, particularly in Southern California, are still producing low groundwater, resulting in the severe drought designations for the area. Reservoirs in that region are also producing little runoff, Heim added. Still, the rainfall in Southern California over the past week has made some impact in refilling the depleted water. There was more than 8 inches of rain in Santa Barbara and about 13 inches in Ventura County, which helped streams refill reservoirs in the areas, according to the study. The NOAA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln release weekly studies that examine the states precipitation levels, the Sierra snowpack, water levels in reservoirs, groundwater conditions and river flows. State officials are expected to re-examine Gov. Jerry Browns declared drought emergency in the spring. Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani Larry Coryell, a virtuoso guitarist who in the 1960s was among the first musicians to bring a rock sound and sensibility to jazz, and who continued to blur the lines between genres throughout his career, died Sunday in Manhattan. He was 73. The cause was heart failure, a spokesman, John Lappen, said. Mr. Coryell, who lived in Orlando, Fla., had been in New York to perform at the Iridium on Friday and Saturday and died in his hotel room. Most established jazz musicians regarded rock with suspicion if not hostility when Mr. Coryell arrived in New York from Washington state in 1965. But a younger cohort, steeped in the Beatles as well as bebop, was beginning to explore an approach that bridged the stylistic gap. Mr. Coryell, who had grown up listening to a wide range of music, became one of the leaders of that cohort. He initially attracted international attention in 1967 with vibraphonist Gary Burtons quartet, which some music historians call the first jazz-rock band. But he had been experimenting with what would soon come to be called fusion even before then. In 1966 he recorded an album with the Free Spirits, a short-lived rock band that mixed radio-friendly melodies with adventurous stretches of instrumental improvisation. Most of the groups members including drummer Bob Moses, who would also join the Burton quartet, and saxophonist Jim Pepper had jazz backgrounds. Mr. Coryell counted Chuck Berry and country guitarist Chet Atkins among his early inspirations. He also came under the spell of jazz at a young age, teaching himself to play along with records by Wes Montgomery, Barney Kessel and other masters. His round, ringing tone and his propensity for bending notes placed him outside the jazz guitar mainstream, but he was never all that concerned with labels. If music has something to say to you, whether its jazz, country-and-western, Indian music or Asian folk music, go ahead and use it, Mr. Coryell told an interviewer in 1968. Such a sentiment may seem commonplace today, but it was rare in the mid-1960s, before Miles Davis and other older jazz musicians embraced a similarly eclectic philosophy, as Mr. Coryell himself did throughout his career. Over the years he worked with rock musicians like Jack Bruce and jazz musicians like Charles Mingus and Sonny Rollins (he also recorded with Davis, although the material from that session remains officially unreleased), as well as with musicians from India, Brazil and elsewhere. Mr. Coryell began performing and recording as a leader in 1968, with a clear idea of what he wanted in a band. One side of my personality likes the soft stuff, the jazz, he told the New York Times in 1968. The other side likes to play hard things, rock, with big amps. I have to get musicians who can go both ways. On his album Spaces (1970), considered a high-water mark of the fusion movement, he was accompanied by leading exemplars of the genre, most notably fellow guitarist John McLaughlin, with whom he would work off and on throughout his career. The loud side of Mr. Coryells personality took center stage in 1972 when he formed the Eleventh House, a seminal fusion band that emphasized complex, thunderous compositions and flashy, rapid-fire solos. (The bands powerhouse drummer, Alphonse Mouzon, went on to become a star in his own right. He died in December.) After the Eleventh House disbanded in 1975, Mr. Coryell turned off the amps for a while to focus on acoustic guitar. By the 1980s he was again playing an electric instrument, but this time in a straight-ahead jazz context. Reviewing a 1985 performance for the Times, Jon Pareles noted that Mr. Coryell had moved from the machine-gun scales and riffs of his early years to the subtler pleasures of jazz. The slower Larry Coryell plays his guitar, Pareles wrote, the better he gets. Mr. Coryell toggled between jazz and jazz-rock, electric and acoustic for the rest of his career; he had been scheduled to go on tour with a new version of the Eleventh House in June. Larry Coryell was born Lorenz Albert Van DeLinder III in Galveston, Texas, on April 2, 1943. He never knew his biological father, a musician; he was raised by his mother, Cora, who encouraged him to learn piano when he was 4, and his stepfather, Gene Coryell, a chemical engineer. He grew up in the Seattle area, played guitar in local bands as a teenager and, after briefly studying journalism at the University of Washington, moved to New York to pursue a career in music. He is survived by his wife, the former Tracey Piergross; two daughters, Allegra Coryell and Annie White; two sons, Murali and Julian; and six grandchildren. His previous two marriages ended in divorce. Mr. Coryell never stopped looking to expand his musical horizons. In recent years, Lappen said, he had completed two operas based on works by Tolstoy, and had been working on another, inspired by James Joyces Ulysses, at his death. Peter Keepnews is a writer for the New York Times. A 56-year-old man apparently attacked with a glass bottle on Market Street in San Francisco more than eight months ago died from his injuries Tuesday night, prompting police to open a homicide investigation, officials said Wednesday. The man was identified as William Evans, the San Francisco medical examiners office said Wednesday. A San Francisco dog survived a brush with danger Wednesday after it tumbled down a cliffside at Fort Funston in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and had to be rescued by firefighters, officials said. After falling down the cliff while exploring the area off leash, the pooch got stuck on a ledge, said to Lt. Jonathan Baxter, a spokesman for the San Francisco Fire Department. Firefighters dropped ropes down the cliffside and lowered a firefighter, who then secured the dog in a harness and retrieved him, Baxter said. Dogs have gotten stranded on the cliffs near Fort Funston in the past, prompting similar rescues. That area is a leashless area. However, we recommend people remember that animals need to be within range for verbal commands, and people need to be responsible and keep their animals away from the cliffside, said Baxter. San Francisco Fire Department He added that the dogs caretaker did the right thing by refraining from trying to rescue the dog himself. A lot of times we will have an animal-person rescue and thats because the companion will go down to attempt to rescue and get stuck, themselves, he said. The dog was not injured, and his adventure could have had a much more tragic end, said Baxter likely a relief for the caretaker, who was dog-sitting when the accident occurred. Filipa A. Ioannou is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: fioannou@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @obioannoukenobi Santa Clara County officials asked a federal judge Thursday to impose a nationwide preliminary injunction against President Trumps executive order threatening to withhold federal funds from sanctuary jurisdictions, calling the move extortion by the White House. The motion was filed in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco as part of the countys Feb. 3 suit challenging the constitutionality of Trumps Jan. 25 order. In the order, the president calls for federal defunding of sanctuary jurisdictions that willfully violate Federal law in an attempt to shield aliens from removal from the United States. The request for a nationwide injunction went a step further than a federal lawsuit filed by San Francisco on Jan. 31. San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera alleged the executive order targeting sanctuary cities violated the 10th Amendment, which limits the reach of the federal government in state matters. The executive order sought to withhold funds except as mandated by law. But Santa Clara County officials argued that nearly $1.7 billion in annual health, safety and social services were at stake, even though Medicaid and Medicare are currently mandatory spending programs under the law. The number amounts to about 35 percent of county revenue, officials said. County officials gathered in the basement of the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center on Thursday for a news conference denouncing the order as coercive, an overreach of Congress power over the federal purse strings, and the catalyst for a possible massive and untenable public health crisis in the county. Officials estimate that from 20,000 to 50,000 immigrants are living illegally in Santa Clara County, which identifies itself as a sanctuary jurisdiction. San Jose, the countys largest city and the 10th most populous in the nation, follows sanctuary city practices. If we do not take a stand now against this unlawful power grab by President Trump, theres no telling what he might do next, said Dave Cortese, president of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. In our opinion, extortion is extortion and coercion is coercion and thats exactly what that kind of behavior is. And we wont be bullied, we wont be forced to abandon our core values. We wont participate in politics of fear. Thats what this lawsuit is all about. The order, which appears to prioritize deportation of criminal offenders, adds that we cannot faithfully execute the immigration laws of the United States if we exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement. In that view, it also aims to target those who have abused public benefit programs or were judged a security threat at the discretion of an immigration officer. Were going to strip federal grant money from the sanctuary states and cities that harbor illegal immigrants. The American people are no longer going to have to be forced to subsidize this disregard for our laws, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said on the day Trump signed the order. The order includes a provision to produce a weekly list of criminal actions committed by aliens to emphasize the belief that sanctuary city policies in which law enforcement officials do not release people to federal immigration agents for deportation enable such behavior. Trump has often mentioned crimes committed by immigrants living in the U.S. illegally as justification for his policies, particularly the July 2015 killing of Kathryn Steinle on San Franciscos Embarcadero. She allegedly was shot by a Mexican immigrant freed from County Jail despite federal government attempts to deport him for a sixth time. James Williams, Santa Clara County counsel, said the government will probably respond to the injunction motion in the coming weeks. A hearing on the motion is set for April 5. The order is a patently unconstitutional attempt to coerce the county and other state and local governments to participate in the Trump administrations expanded immigration enforcement and deportation efforts, Williams said. This isnt a liberal or conservative issue. This isnt even mainly about immigration. This lawsuit is about preserving local control for every town, city and county in the United States. Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate With President Trumps recent executive orders hanging overhead like last weekends storm clouds, worried but resolute San Franciscans packed the 250-person Koret Auditorium on Wednesday night to figure out their next move against the Trump administrations push to deport immigrants living in the country without proper documentation. Immigration rights advocates, attorneys, teachers and immigrants filled every seat at the community forum at the San Francisco Main Library hosted by the public defenders office, united in a spirit of resistance. What we do at this moment will characterize what we can or should be, said actor and activist Danny Glover, one of six panelists at the forum. This is a civil rights, human rights issue of the 21st century, right here in this country. The administration released two memos Tuesday spelling out how it will go about implementing Trumps executive orders, which widened the parameters on those prioritized for deportation. Rather than focusing on immigrants convicted of a serious crime, as practiced under the Obama administration, the memos prioritize deportation for those who have engaged in fraud or willful misrepresentation in connection with any official matter before a governmental agency a common practice among immigrants living in the country without documentation, who often use a fake Social Security number to obtain work and those who have committed acts which constitute a chargeable criminal offense, which can include any immigration-related crime such as illegal entry. This is a battle for the soul of America, said attorney and panelist Jim Brosnahan. Much of the discussion centered on Public Defender Jeff Adachis push to get more funding for his office to represent immigrants in immigration court. Though Mayor Ed Lee has indicated that he believes Adachi should work within his budget, Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer has spearheaded legislation to fund this endeavor. Fewer was a panelist at Wednesdays forum, and she teared up as she spoke about the example San Francisco must set for the rest of the country. They start off thinking were crazy, but then they follow because were right, she said. It is what we do as San Franciscans. We have a legacy here. ... We care about people. Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo I once bought a shirt at the Gap ... The Mall of America is looking for a few good words. The huge Minnesota shopping center will celebrate its 25th anniversary by hiring a writer in residence for five days, anyway. The contests winner will receive an honorarium, as well as a four-night hotel stay and a $400 gift card to buy food and drinks. In a Web posting, the mall says the contest is open to everyone from all writing backgrounds and levels of experience, from seasoned journalists to aspiring poets. Please, oh please, let the winner be someone who writes limericks. Number of the day $3.3 billion Thats how much Aetna will spend to buy back more than 20 million shares of its stock. The nations third-largest insurer said Wednesday that it entered into buyback agreements with two dealers for about 10.4 million shares from each. Aetna will pay each dealer $1.65 billion and is using available cash to fund the deals. Gentlemen, start your dial-up modems Urban Outfitters is offering a cool T-shirt from a hot startup at least if youre from the 1990s. CNN reports that shoppers can spend $45 for a shirt with the old logo of AOL. Altru Apparel, which makes the shirt, even has a tongue-in-cheek commercial that features AOLs old dial-up service. If thats not nostalgic enough for you, Altru also has T-shirts with a logo from Polaroid. Compiled from San Francisco Chronicle staff and news services. More items and links at www.sfgate.com. Twitter: @techchronicle White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said that states should expect to see greater enforcement of federal laws against marijuana use under the Trump administrations Justice Department. Addressing reporters at a press conference Thursday, Spicer suggested that the administration and Attorney General Jeff Sessions would be taking a particularly hard look at states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Those include California, where sales of marijuana for recreational use are set to start next year. On the campaign trail, Trump said that he supported marijuana for medical use, but on Thursday, Spicer said there was a big difference between the use of the drug for medicinal versus recreational purposes. Spicer went on to reference the opioid addiction crisis gripping much of the nation, saying that the last thing we should be doing is encouraging people. There is still a federal law we need to abide by in terms of when it comes to recreational marijuana, Spicer said, according to a Forbes report on the press conference. What we know: Sessions has been a staunch opponent of marijuana legalization in the past, prompting concern from cannabis advocates over how the administration would treat the growing number of states who have moved toward legalization or decriminalization in recent years. California voted to legalize marijuana in 2016. The vast majority of Americans agree that the federal government has no business interfering in state marijuana laws, said Mason Tvert, the communications director for the Marijuana Policy Project, in a statement following the press conference on Thursday. This administration is claiming that it values states rights, so we hope they will respect the rights of states to determine their own marijuana policies. Mr. Spicer says there is a difference between medical and recreational marijuana, but the benefits of and need for regulation apply equally to both, Tvert said. Marijuana is still illegal under federal law. The Obama administration took a hands-off approach to states efforts to legalize the drug. The Justice Department is still prohibited from using federal funds to interfere with states ability to implement medical marijuana laws. What we dont know: We dont know what the promised enforcement will look like. Congress could change the prohibition on using federal funds for marijuana enforcement when it passes the next federal budget. States could fight efforts to weaken their marijuana laws in court. Dominic Fracassa is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dfracassa@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dominicfracassa French English Full Year 2016 Results Revenues up at 236 million and a net margin ratio of over 50% 2016 key figures Revenues up 4% to 235.6 million Net margin of 50.8% Proposed dividend of 2.66 per share Highlights 5 new orders booked in 2016, including the first LNGC equipped with Mark V technology 27 deliveries, including the first floating liquefied natural gas production and storage facility (FLNG) and the first multi-gas carrier New representative office opened in Shanghai Outlook Revenue target for 2017 of 225-240 million Net margin target for 2017 above 50% Dividend target for 2017: amount at least equivalent to 2015 and 2016 Paris, 23 February 2017 - GTT (Gaztransport & Technigaz), world leader in the design of membrane containment systems for the maritime transportation and storage of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), announces its results for the full-year 2016. 2016 summary income statement (in thousands of euros, except for EPS) 2015 2016 Change Revenues from operating activities 226,458 235,552 +4.0% Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation (EBITDA) 142,160 144,237 +1.5% EBITDA margin (on revenues, %) 62.8% 61.2% -1.6pt Operating income (EBIT) 139.275 140,921 +1.2% EBIT margin (on revenues, %) 61.5% 59.8% -1.7pt Net income 117,257 119,745 +2.1% Net margin (on revenues, %) 51.8% 50.8% -1.0 pt Net earnings per share (euros) 3.16 3.23 +2.2% Philippe Berterottiere, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GTT, commented: "2016 was marked by wait-and-see behaviour on the part of charterers and operators, limiting the number of orders for LNGCs. Towards the end of the financial year, in a market environment that remains difficult for the transport of LNG, we observed an improvement in some market indicators such as the vessel charter rates. We will continue to be attentive to these indicators in the months ahead. This being said, growth in demand for LNG, especially in Asia, and orders for FRSUs received in early 2017, show that the LNG market continues to see growth. In view of this, GTT has continued its R&D work and has successfully marketed its very latest Mark V membrane technology. Regarding the outlook for the current year, we estimate that 2017 revenues should be in the range of 225-240 million, and are forecasting a net margin ratio above 50%, and the same level of dividend in 2017 as in previous year." Activity summary Sustained industrial activity In 2016, construction was completed on 27 new vessels, including 25 LNGCs and ethane carriers, at shipyards under GTT license, including: Reliance Industries' October inauguration at the Samsung Heavy Industries Goeje shipyard of two new Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLECs) equipped with GTT technology. One of these ethane carriers was delivered by SHI in late 2016. The delivery in May of the first Floating Liquefied Natural Gas storage facility by the DSME shipyard to the Petronas group of Malaysia. The facility, named Satu, went into production in December 2016. To date, GTT technology has been chosen to equip all of the three FLNG facilities ordered so far worldwide. The delivery of its tenth LNGC equipped with GTT technology by Chinese shipyard Hudong-Zonghua, confirming a long-term partnership with GTT. Five new orders in 2016, including the first commercialisation of Mark V membrane technology GTT booked five new orders for LNGCs from South Korean shipyards Hyundai Heavy Industries (2 orders), Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (2 orders), and Samsung Heavy Industries (1 order). This latest order, received in October 2016, involves equipping an LNGC with the new Mark V membrane technology on behalf of shipowner GasLog. Resumption of orders for new FSRUs in 2017 Since the start of 2017, four orders have been announced by GTT to equip FSRUs being built by GTT's three main South Korean shipyard partners with its membrane technologies. Initiatives to deploy GTT technology on growth markets Several partnerships have been signed to accelerate the development of LNG as a fuel: GTT has signed license and technical assistance agreements with two new outfitters, AG&P in the Philippines and Endel in France. A strategic LNG cooperation agreement was signed in December 2016 with China Merchant Heavy Industries, Gabadi, and Aojiheng. GTT has participated in several cooperation agreements with shipbuilders, shipowners, LNG companies and classification societies to promote its technologies and LNG as a marine fuel. A license agreement was signed with Matrix PDM Engineering to equip onshore LNG storage tanks with GTT technology. A GTT representative office was opened in Shanghai in 2016. Marketing of new services GTT Training Ltd has received its first orders to supply its G-Sim Liquid Gas Handling Simulator. GTT Training and GTT North America will train teams at TOTE, the owner of the LNG bunker barge currently under construction in the United States. Order book Since January 1, 2016, GTT's order book, which then numbered 118 units, has evolved, with: 5 new orders for LNGCs 27 deliveries: 25 LNGCs and ethane carriers, 1 FSRU and 1 FLNG As at December 31, 2016, the order book comprised 96 units, including: 84 LNGCs and ethane carriers 7 FSRUs 2 FLNGs 2 onshore storage tanks 1 LNG bunker barge 2016 revenues (in thousands of euros) 2015 2016 Change Revenues 226,458 235,552 +4.0% From royalties 209,323 223,865 +6.9% From services 17,135 11,686 -31.8% Revenues came in at 235.6 million in 2016, compared with 226.5 million in 2015, an increase of 4.0% over the year. Revenues from royalties totalled 223.9 million in 2016, up 6.9% compared with 2015. Royalties from LNGC/ethane carriers rose 10.9% to 200.1 million, while royalties from FSRUs grew by 9.4% to 21.0 million. Other royalties amounting to 2.8 million were derived from FLNGs, onshore storage facilities, and the bunker barge. The 31.8% drop in service revenues was largely due to a drop in studies activity compared with a particularly dynamic activity in 2015. Income statement analysis Earnings Before Income, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) reached 144.2 million in 2016, up 1.5% compared to 2015. The margin of EBITDA to revenues decreased slightly from 62.8% in 2015 to 61.2% in 2016. This is largely a result of the end of provision writebacks for "Vessel" risk representing income of 4.5 million in 2015, and by various provisions for contingencies and losses, while personnel costs fell 2.5% over the period and now account for 17.6% of revenues, compared with 18.8% in 2015. Operating income stood at 140.9 million in 2016, against 139.3 million in 2015 - an increase of 1.2%. Financial income amounted to 2.6 million, compared with 0.7 million in the previous year, largely due to dividends received from subsidiaries amounting to 1.3 million. Net income rose from 117.3 million in 2015 to 119.7 million in 2016, while the net margin ratio declined slightly from 51.8% to 50.8%. Other financial data (in thousands of euros) 2015 2016 Change Capital expenditure (acquisition of fixed assets) (6,543) (3,151) -51.8% Dividend paid (91,165) (99,654) +9.3% Cash and cash equivalent 73,444 74,355 +1.2% As at 31 December 2016, the Company had cash and cash equivalent of 74.4 million. To this amount may be added 12.5 million of cash investments classified as financial assets. Dividend for 2016 Meeting on February 23, 2017, the Board of Directors, after closing the 2016 financial statements, agreed to propose an all-cash dividend of 2.66 per share for 2016 subject to approval by the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 18, 2017. An interim dividend amounting to 1.33 per share having already been paid on September 30, 2016 pursuant to the decision of the Board of Directors meeting on July 21, 2016, the balance of the dividend, amounting to 1.33 per share, will be paid in cash on May 31, 2017 (with an ex-dividend on May 29, 2017). The proposed dividend corresponds to a payout ratio of 84% of net income available for distribution (French GAAP). Furthermore, in accordance with the guidance given by the Company at the time of its listing, an interim dividend for 2017 should be paid in September 2017. Outlook The Company has visibility as regards its turnover from royalties out to 2020 based on its order book at the end of 2016. This corresponds to revenues of 426 million for 2017-2020 (216 million in 2017, 160 million in 2018, 46 million in 2019 and 4 million in 2020). On the basis of these factors, and subject to any significant order delays or cancellations, the Company: announces a revenue target for 2017 of 225-240 million, forecasts a net margin ratio above 50% in 2017 , aims to distribute for 2017 a dividend amount at least equivalent to that paid in 2015 and 2016 and, in the following two years, a payout ratio of at least 80% of net income available for distribution. Financial agenda Release of Q1 2017 revenues: April 11, 2017 (after market close) Annual General Meeting of Shareholders: May 18, 2017 Payment of balance dividend (1.33 per share) for 2016: May 31, 2017 Release of H1 2017 results: July 20, 2017 (after market close) Contact information-financiere@gtt.fr / +33 1 30 23 20 87 About GTT GTT (Gaztransport & Technigaz) is an engineering company expert in containment systems with cryogenic membranes used to transport and store liquefied gas, in particular LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). For over 50 years, GTT has been maintaining reliable relationships with all stakeholders of the gas industry (shipyards, shipowners, gas companies, terminal operators, classification societies). The Company designs and provides technologies which combine operational efficiency and safety, to equip LNG carriers, floating terminals, and multi-gas carriers. GTT also develops solutions dedicated to land storage and to the use of LNG as fuel for the vessel propulsion, as well as a full range of services. GTT is listed on Euronext Paris, Compartment A (ISIN FR0011726835 Euronext Paris: GTT) and is notably included in SBF 120 and MSCI Small Cap indices. Pour plus d'information, consulter le site www.gtt.fr. NOTE GTT's full-year IFRS financial statements have been audited, and the auditor's report will be issued before the company's registration document is filed with the AMF (scheduled for end-March 2017). Important notice The French language version of this press release shall prevail. The figures presented here are those customarily used and communicated to the markets by GTT. This message includes forward-looking information and statements. Such statements include financial projections and estimates, the assumptions on which they are based, as well as statements about projects, objectives and expectations regarding future operations, profits, or services, or future performance. Although GTT management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors and GTT shareholders should be aware that such forward-looking information and statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties that are generally difficult to predict and beyond the control of GTT, and may cause results and developments to differ significantly from those expressed, implied or predicted in the forward-looking statements or information. Such risks include those explained or identified in the public documents filed by GTT with the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF), including those listed in the "Risk Factors" section of the GTT base document (in French) registered with the AMF on April 27, 2016 under number R.16-028, and the half-yearly financial report released on July 21, 2016. Investors and GTT shareholders should note that if some or all of these risks are realised they may have a significant unfavourable impact on GTT. Appendices (IFRS financial statements) Appendix 1: Balance sheet In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2016 Intangible assets 763 610 Property, plant and equipment 17,789 17,575 Non-current financial assets 15,445 7,937 Deferred tax assets 282 739 Non-current assets 34,279 26,863 Customers 83,254 81,530 Other current assets 31,024 30,357 Financial current assets 12,688 7,669 Cash and cash equivalents 73,444 74,355 Current assets 200,410 193,911 TOTAL ASSETS 234,690 220,774 In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2016 Share capital 371 371 Share premium 2,932 2,932 Reserves (21,520) (1,714) Net income 117,257 119,745 Other items of comprehensive income 1,675 (1 130) Total Equity 100,714 120,204 Non-current provision 3,198 4,044 Financial liabilities - non-current part 1,091 626 Other non-current financial liabilities 91 582 Non-current liabilities 4,381 5,252 Current provisions Suppliers - 11,187 1,864 9,320 Current liabilities 561 488 Other current liabilities 117,847 83,647 Current liabilities 129,594 95,318 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 234,690 220,774 Appendix 2: Income statement In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2016 Revenues from operating activities 226,458 235,552 Costs of sales (2,263) (1,982) External charges (42,764) (45,700) Personnel expenses (42,539) (41,497) Taxes (4,150) (4,321) Depreciations, amortisations and provisions (913) (8,315) Other operating income and expenses 5,445 7,184 Current operating income 139,275 140,921 Operating profit 139,275 140,921 Financial income 654 2,617 Profit before tax 139,929 143,538 Income tax (22,672) (23,793) Net income 117,257 119,745 Basic earnings per share (in euros) 3.16 3.23 Diluted earnings per share (in euros) 3.15 3.22 In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2016 Net income 117,257 119,745 Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss: Actuarial Gains and Losses Gross amount 384 (271) Deferred tax (58) 41 Total amount, net of tax 326 (230) Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: Fair value changes on equity investments Gross amount 1,381 (916) Deferred tax (32) 16 Total amount, net of tax 1,349 (900) Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax 1,675 (1,130) Total comprehensive income 118,932 118,615 Basic comprehensive income per share (in euros) 3.21 3.20 Diluted comprehensive income per share (in euros) 3.19 3.19 Appendix 3 : Cash flow statement In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2016 Company profit for the year 117,257 119,745 Cancellation of income and expenses with no effect on cash-flow: Allocation (Reversal) of amortisation, depreciation, provisions and impairment (240) 6,027 Proceeds on disposal of assets - 200 Tax expense (income) for the financial year 22,672 23,793 Free shares 2,267 885 Other income and expenses 48 (41) Cash-flow 142,004 150,608 Tax paid out in the financial year (22,928) (24,135) Change in working capital requirement: - Trade and other receivables (8,051) 1,724 - Trade and other payables (3,557) (1,867) - Other operational assets and liabilities 13,049 (33,533) Net cash-flow generated by the business (Total I) 120,516 92,796 Investment operations Acquisition of non-current assets (6,543) (3,151) Disposal of non-current assets 650 - Financial investments (10,045) (775) Disposal of financial assets 1,491 12,648 Treasury shares (5,281) (414) Change in other fixed financial assets (264) - Net cash-flow from investment operations (Total II) (19,991) 8,308 Financing operations Dividends paid to shareholders (91,165) (99,654) Capital increase - - Change in FSH advances (621) (539) Interest paid - - Change in bank lending - - Net cash-flow from finance operations (Total III) (91,786) (100,193) Change in cash (I+II+III) 8,739 911 Opening cash 64,705 73,444 Closing cash 73,444 74,355 Effect of changes in currency prices - - Cash change 8,739 911 Appendix 4 : Revenues breakdown In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2016 Revenues from operating activities 226,458 235,552 Royalties 209,323 223,865 LNG carriers/VLEC 180,327 200,070 FSRU 19,226 21,024 FLNG 8,244 2,105 Onshore storage 1,084 267 Barges 442 399 Services 17,135 11,686 Appendix 5 : 10 year order estimates In units Order estimates (1) LNGC Carriers/VLEC 235-255 FSRU 30-40 FLNG 5-10 Onshore storage 5-10 (1) Over 2017-2026. The Company points out that the number of new orders may see large-scale variations from one quarter to another and even one year to another without the fundamentals on which its business model is based being called into question. La Cocina, the San Francisco restaurant incubator program that has helped 20 of small businesses get started in the Bay Area, is holding its first La Cocina Restaurant Week March 6-12. The week, held in honor of International Women's Day, March 8, will bring La Cocina participants and alumni together with well-known local chefs to throw a series of fundraising dinners. For example, on March 8, El Pipila chef Guadalupe Guerrero is joining the cooks at A16 in San Francisco for Shelly Lindgren's annual Festa Della Donna (Feast of the Woman), which has long benefited the organization. Nyum Bai, Nite Yun's brand-new Cambodian noodle stand at the Emeryville Public Market, will collaborate on a dinner with Sophina Uong (Pican, Mestiza Taqueria) on March 12. Isabel Caudillo of El Buen Comer will host a dinner with Delfina Pizzeria chef Madison Montoto of Pizzeria Delfina on March. "We believe that these are some of the best chefs and entrepreneurs in the country," says La Cocina executive director Caleb Zigas. And yet many in the Bay Area food scene, he continues, tend to talk about graduates of the incubator program as people who have merely overcome obstacles. The goal of the chef-pairing dinners is to help the public see people like Guerrero and Yun as as chefs in their own right. The family-style meals, which will have three to five courses, will be held in San Francisco, Larkspur, Berkeley, Walnut Creek and Emeryville and feature a host of cuisines and culinary juxtapositions. Most cost $85 a person, which includes beverage pairings and gratuity. You can find more information about the individual dinners, and links to tickets, at www.lacocinarestaurantweek.com. The San Francisco Giants may have ended the 2016 season with heartbreak against the Cubs, but they made up for it by filling their offseason with a ton of happy weddings. No fewer than four Giants got married over the offseason, and a few more got engaged. Among those joining the ranks of newlyweds were Denard Span, Joe Panik, Derek Law and, of course, Hunter Pence, whose relationship with wife Alexis, a celebrity in her own right in the gaming community, is well-documented on social media. You can see wedding photos from each of those couples in the gallery above. Ah, the Bay Area and its "come as you are" mentality. Some locals take this credo to heart and openly flaunt their birthday suits in communal spaces. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Associated Press Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Associated Press Show More Show Less 3 of 3 The starvation of the Ukrainian people by Stalins Soviet government in the 1930s resulted in the deaths of between 7 million and 10 million people. Known as the Holomodor, it is one of the great atrocities of the 20th century and yet one of the least known. It deserves a better movie than Bitter Harvest. This dramatic feature is simply an inferior product in every possible way. The insistent, sentimental soundtrack is something out of a TV movie from 30 years ago. With the exception of Terence Stamp, who plays an old warrior, the acting is uniformly amateurish both exaggerated and uninvested, as though the actors were left by the director to fend for themselves. As for Stamp, a veteran, he survives by being restrained and looking annoyed. 1 Prison riot fallout: More than two dozen medical workers at a Delaware prison have quit in the aftermath of an inmate uprising and hostage taking in which a prison guard was killed. Connections Community Support Programs, the medical contractor at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in Newcastle County, has reported 29 resignations since the Feb. 1 uprising, Department of Correction officials said Wednesday. The resignations include 19 nurses, three nurse practitioners and a health services administrator. Two clinicians, two medical assistants, a dental assistant and a psychiatric technician also have quit. Eight correctional officers resigned this month, and eight others have submitted retirement paperwork. 2 Hate-crime sentences: Two Kansas men have been punished for their roles in a hate crime attack on three Somali men. A federal judge on Wednesday sentenced Omar Cantero Martinez to 26 months. Armando Sotelo was given a time-served sentence for the 20 months he has already been in jail. Prosecutors say the two yelled racial and anti-Somali slurs at the men, who were sitting on a bench outside an African grocery store in Dodge City. They then attacked them. Martinez used a broken glass bottle to stab one man and slash another man. A third injured man escaped to get help. The men were tried last year on hate crimes charges but the trial ended in a hung jury. They later pleaded guilty. PRINCETON JUNCTION, N.J., Feb. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Payments Forum and its leadership are making significant impacts in advancing the progress of payments technologies that protect the security of, and enhance opportunities for, payment transactions within the U.S. To propel the organization and its mission forward, the U.S. Payments Forum announced today its 2017-2018 Steering Committee and officers. The newly-elected Steering Committee officers for 2017-2018 are: Chair: Kristy Cook, Target Vice Chair: Jesse Lee, Wells Fargo Treasurer: Sarah Hartman, TSYS Secretary: Karen Czack, American Express The full U.S. Payments Forum Steering Committee is: Steve Cole, Vantiv Simon Hurry, Visa Inc. Kristy Cook, Target Jesse Lee, Wells Fargo Karen Czack, American Express Oliver Manahan, Infineon Technologies John Drechny, Walmart Manish Nathwani, SHAZAM Allen Friedman, Ingenico Group Jesse Pamperin, McDonalds Melanie Gluck, Mastercard Nick Pisarev, Giesecke & Devrient Barry Hanen, Walgreens Tom Pouliot, Unionpay Scott Haney, Woodforest National Bank JC Raynon, PayPal Kathy Hanna, Kroger Ellie Smith, Discover Financial Services Art Harper, PSCU Jamie Topolski, Fiserv Sarah Hartman, TSYS Bob Woodbury, FIS/NYCE Linda Horwath, JCB The Steering Committee manages the Forum and guides the priorities and plans of the organization and its working committees ATM; Card-Not-Present Fraud; Communication and Education; Mobile and Contactless Payments; Petroleum; and Testing and Certification. Some of the key working committee activities that the Steering Committee oversees include identifying and providing guidance on issues, developing best practices for implementation of payments technologies, providing market education, and creating deliverables such as white papers and webinars for industry stakeholders. Part of what makes the U.S. Payments Forum such a successful organization is the constant and active participation from our members representing all segments of the industry issuers, merchants, acquirers, processors, domestic debit networks, industry suppliers and global payment networks, said Randy Vanderhoof, director of the U.S. Payments Forum. The Forums leadership is integral in guiding the success of the organization, and its diverse cross-industry makeup helps to give the Forum a balanced voice and allows us to better address the needs of the entire payments ecosystem. For more information about the Steering Committee and its members, visit http://www.uspaymentsforum.org/about/forum-management/. New U.S. Payments Forum Website Launch Another new development for the U.S. Payments Forum is the launch of its new website, www.uspaymentsforum.org. The website provides information and resources for members, non-members and those interested in joining the Forum, including: Implementation guidance, best practices, white papers, briefs, infographics, webinars, communications resources and more U.S. Payments Forum news Event details for Forum workshops, member-only meetings and industry events Information about the U.S. Payments Forum, its working committees, members and leadership Faster EMV Q&A Published American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa separately announced optimized online-only EMV transaction processing solutions to enable faster EMV transactions. These solutions retain the security features of EMV, while removing dependencies which can negatively impact the cardholder perception of transaction time. With the introduction of these solutions, there have been questions about the impact on certain aspects of implementation, processing, routing, verification and more. To answer these questions, the Forum has revised its white paper, Optimizing Transaction Speed at the POS, to include an appendix with a Q&A specific to these solutions. To download the revised white paper, visit http://www.uspaymentsforum.org/optimizing-transaction-speed-at-the-point-of-sale/. U.S. Payments Forum Meeting in Orlando The U.S. Payments Forums next in-person members-only meeting will be held March 27-28, 2017 in Orlando, FL at the Renaissance Orlando at Sea World. Additional information, agenda and registration are available at http://www.cvent.com/events/u-s-payments-forum-meeting-orlando-mar-17/event-summary-6cc4522a0d9642efa7f74251cde58993.aspx. Attending members are also encouraged to attend the Smart Card Alliances 10th Annual Payments Summit, being held at the same location on March 28-30, 2017. Separate registration is required. For more information or to register for the Payments Summit, visit www.scapayments.com. About the U.S. Payments Forum The U.S. Payments Forum is a cross-industry body focused on supporting the introduction and implementation of new and emerging technologies that protect the security of, and enhance opportunities for, payment transactions within the U.S. The Forum is the only non-profit organization whose membership includes the whole payments ecosystem, ensuring that all stakeholders have the opportunity to coordinate, cooperate on, and have a voice in the future of the U.S. payments industry. Congress did not meet this week, with many politicians leaving Washington for their home states in what the Senate refers to as a "State Work Period." Several members of Congress instead took this time to meet with their constituents in town halls. A town hall in Virginia on Tuesday, for instance, held by Rep. David A. Brat, R, "featured an America that's peaceful but pleading to be heard, that promises not to relent," as The Post reported. A few theaters and auditoriums were tenser than others. In places like Springdale High School auditorium, in the Arkansas Ozarks, that unrelenting America erupted like a white-hot Yellowstone geyser. There, on Wednesday, Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, R, fielded questions from concerned citizens. Although the anecdotal nature of town halls made it impossible to determine if the anger on display was artificially inflated or not, a few spoke with clear passion. One woman told Cotton that, were it not for the Affordable Care Act, three members of her family would be dead. "I am an angry constituent," the woman said. "You work for us." She implored the senator to meet with her family to hear her story. If there was a citizen in the Springdale crowd who received more applause, it was the last person to hold the microphone. Toby Smith - age 7 "but almost 8 - told Sen. Cotton that he found President Donald Trump's comments about Mexico concerning. "Donald Trump makes Mexicans not important to people who are in Arkansas who like Mexicans," Toby said, pointing out that those Arkansans include himself and his grandma. Crucially for Toby, too, Trump's proposed border with Mexico wall posed a threat to PBS Kids and the national parks. "He is deleting all the parks and PBS Kids just to make a wall," Toby said, "and he shouldn't do that. He shouldn't do all that stuff just for the wall." Under a possible Trump administration plan to shrink federal spending, reported in January, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting would be privatized. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting allocates funds to nonprofit television and radio stations through NPR and the Public Broadcasting Service; this includes PBS Kids, which boasts long-running shows like "Arthur" and the newer "Dinosaur Train." The National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities, according to the reported plan, would be eliminated completely. There was also concern that a federal hiring freeze would hit the National Park Service particularly hard, as the parks rely on finding seasonal help during the summer. On Monday the Park Service learned that the summer hires would be exempt. Cotton thanked Toby for coming and said, "We are a melting pot. We are all one people." "We want Mexico to be a healthy, strong partner," said the senator, adding he wanted to see the U.S. help Mexico with its crime and drug cartel problems. "But we also have to protect our own citizens, and that's where the wall comes in." The proposed wall along the Mexico border was recently estimated to cost $21.6 billion over more than three years. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting received $445 million in federal funding in 2016, or about 0.02 percent of the federal budget. Were that budget applied to the proposed wall, those funds would cover 2 percent of the nearly 2,000-mile-long wall. --- (c) 2017, The Washington Post SACRAMENTO Californias poorest families left an estimated $2 billion on the table last year in unclaimed state and federal tax credits designed to give bigger cash refunds to low-income workers. Nearly 400,000 California households filed for the states Earned Income Tax Credit last year, two-thirds of the 600,000 households who were eligible for it, state officials said Wednesday. That meant the state paid out just $200 million in cash refunds roughly half of what it set aside for the program. Nearly 3 million California households claimed the federal tax break last year, also less than the number eligible. Together, unclaimed dollars from both the federal and state programs amounts to $2 billion, according to the governors office. Now state officials are trying to let more eligible people know about money they might qualify for this tax season. The federal tax credit will pay up to $6,242 per household this year, while the state tax credit will pay up to $2,653. The cash refunds benefit Californias economy by giving the working poor added financial security and more money to spend at local businesses, state officials said. To apply for Californias tax credit, a single person had to make less than $6,717 last year, while a family with two or more children had to have made less than $14,161. The federal tax credit has a higher threshold for income, with a single filer having to make less than $14,880 and a family with three or more children earning less than $53,505. Taxpayers can have the tax break paid out as a refund even if they dont owe any taxes. We have too many people who are unaware of this tax credit, said Sen. Jim Beall, D-San Jose. I would love to have that money in the California economy; by the way, it would really help everybody in California if that money can come back to the state of California. California created its own Earned Income Tax Credit in 2015, alongside the federal tax break. This important policy only works if people know about it and apply for it, said Nancy McFadden, executive secretary to Gov. Jerry Brown. We want to do everything we can to make sure that hardworking Californians who have earned this tax credit get it. Browns office hosted a media call Wednesday to call attention to the tax credit, and the governor issued a proclamation declaring this week Feb. 19-25 as California Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Week. So far this tax season, state Controller Betty Yee said $65 million in state earned income tax credits have been issued in cash refunds. This years tax filing deadline is April 18. Those interested in learning more about the tax credit and its eligibility requirements can visit caleitc4me.org or text the word cash to (760) 970-8396. People who made less than $54,000 can have their basic income tax returns prepared for free through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. United Ways of California has a website www.myfreetaxes.org that directs filers to places that offer free tax assistance. This is about people in California who are under a constant state of economic stress and anxiety, who are constantly worrying how they are going to pay their bills and provide three meals a day for their kids, said Joe Sanberg, chairman of CalEITC4Me, an awareness campaign. Many of the recipients of the EITC are literally using this money to provide a third meal a day for their kids. Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez TAMPA BAY, Fla., Feb. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Two Tampa Bay Wave technology startups are in line for more than $1.5 million total investment from financial supporters who share their vision that Tampa Bay will be a center for technological breakthroughs that create sustainable jobs. Miraj Patel and Andrew Scarborough, founders of Harness, learned they will bank $1.2 million from lead investor and new board member Santosh Govindaraju, who is CEO of Convergent Capital Partners, a real estate investment firm. Harness has developed technology that allows purchases by charitable donors with linked credit or debit cards to be rounded up to the next dollar and the change automatically donated back to their charity. Steve Lazaridis, CEO and Founder of Phonism, got the good news that his firm will receive a $350,000 investment from a group formed by Tampa attorney Rich McIntyre that includes Dave Henderson, Suren Ajjarapu, and Greg Ross-Munroe of Sourcetoad Ventures. Phonism helps VoIP service providers reduce their support and on-boarding costs by taking that often-tedious process from hours to minutes. Both startups have benefited from their work with Tampa Bay Wave, which helps entrepreneurs develop relationships with potential investors while they build, launch and grow breakout tech businesses in Tampa Bay. Allen Clary, Entrepreneur in Residence at Wave, explained that the funding for Harness and Phonism is notable because it is being provided by investors who dont normally back technology ventures. Expanding its outreach to generate interest from a broader range of investors is a major objective of Tampa Bay Wave this year, Clary said. ABOUT TAMPA BAY WAVE Founded in 2008, Tampa Bay Wave, Inc. is a nonprofit helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses by providing realistic professional and technical guidance along with investor relationship development. Tampa Bay Wave supports more than 150 tech startups as they work to build sustainable, profitable breakout businesses. Tampa Bay Wave, along with a network of universities, local businesses, nonprofits and public sector partners, has been successful in connecting high-growth startups with mentorship, early stage capital and other critical resources to support a long-term, innovation-driven economy for the region. Media Contact: Andrew Bowen, APR ab@clearviewcom.com 404-822-3309 French English BONDUELLE A French SCA (Partnership Limited by Shares) with a capital of 56,000,000 Euros Head Office: La Woestyne 59173 Renescure, France Registred under number: 447 250 044 (Dunkerque Commercial and Companies Register) Villeneuve d'Ascq, France, 23rd of February 2017 - Information Release Bonduelle to acquire Ready Pac Foods, the US leader of single-serve salads bowls Bonduelle, the world leader of ready-to-eat vegetables, present in canned, frozen, fresh cut and delicatessen has executed an agreement to acquire Ready Pac Foods, the U.S. market leader in single serve salad bowls. Based in California, Ready Pac Foods is the #1 producer of single-serve salad bowls in the U.S. through its Bistro Bowl suite of products and its legacy of innovation and culinary expertise. Ready Pac Foods is also a producer of fresh-cut produce, offering packaged salads, fresh-cut fruits, and mixed vegetables to its retail and foodservice customers. With 4 production facilities located in Irwindale (CA), Jackson (GA), Florence and Swedesboro (NJ), and employs about 3,500 full-time employees. Ready Pac Foods generates approximately $800m of revenues, with a national presence in the U.S. and a wide customer base. This milestone transaction is a key step in Bonduelle's strategic ambition VegeGo! 2025 of being "the world reference in "well living" through vegetable products". This acquisition will strengthen Bonduelle's international footprint and dramatically change its profile, making the U.S. the largest country of operations, continuing a longstanding track record of successful acquisitions in North America, in particular Aliments Carriere, Canada, in 2007 and Allens, USA in 2012, and the fresh category, its first business segment. This transaction will also offer new opportunities to Ready Pac Foods business partners and deliver significant value to Bonduelle's shareholders. This acquisition, which is fully compatible with Bonduelle's strong financial profile, perfectly fits with its strategic plan and will strengthen its leadership positions in its core business lines: development of Bonduelle's business in the consumer convenience and healthy food segments, increasing presence in the fast growing segment of fresh prepared vegetables, reinforcement of footprint in North America, of a size, post transaction, equivalent to the European Union in Bonduelle's geographical portfolio. Ready Pac Foods will become Bonduelle 5th's business unit, dedicated to the Fresh business in the Americas, along with Bonduelle Long Life Europe (BELL), Bonduelle Fresh Europe (BFE), Bonduelle Eurasia Markets (BEAM) and Bonduelle Americas (BAM), the latter being devoted to canned and frozen vegetables in Americas, from North to South. Christophe Bonduelle, Bonduelle's Chairman and CEO, said: "We welcome all of the Ready Pac Foods employees into the Bonduelle family. We look forward to working with the highly skilled and successful Ready Pac Foods management team in bringing together two great companies in the vegetal food industry. This acquisition shows Bonduelle's ambition to further develop as a global leader in its markets and strengthen its positions in the consumer convenience and health segments to meet consumers' needs." "We are thrilled to partner with market leader Bonduelle in our next Chapter of growth and feel we will be right at home within the Bonduelle family of companies," said Ready Pac Foods CEO, Tony Sarsam. "Beyond common business goals, both companies share a common purpose - to help people live healthier lives through innovative fresh food products. I am enthusiastic about Bonduelle's investment in our growth strategy and for the great success we will achieve together." Credit Agricole CIB and Willkie Farr & Gallagher acted as financial and legal advisors to Bonduelle in connection with the transaction. Harris Williams & Co. and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom acted as financial and legal advisors to Ready Pac Foods. Further information on the transaction will be communicated with half-year results, on March 2, 2017. IR Contacts: BONDUELLE - finance@bonduelle.com Press Contacts / Public relations agency: Benjamin ZEHNDER - RP carrees - Tel: +33.(0)6.76.41.18.19 Email: benjamin.zehnder@rp-carrees.com Vanessa VAZZAZ - RP carrees - Tel: +33.(0)3.28.52.07.42 / M : +33.(0)6.34.32.24.23 Email: vanessa.vazzaz@rp-carrees.com GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Feb. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Family Christian is announcing today it will close its doors after 85 years in business. Changing consumer behavior and declining sales led the worlds largest retailer of Christian themed merchandise to make the difficult decision to close. Family Christian is a not-for-profit business that employs more than 3,000 people and operates over 240 retail locations in 36 states, nationwide. Family Christian Ministries has provided humanitarian aid for more than 14 million orphans, widows and oppressed people across the globe. We had two very difficult years post-bankruptcy, said Chuck Bengochea, company President. Despite improvements in product assortment and the store experience, sales continued to decline. In addition, we were not able to get the pricing and terms we needed from our vendors to successfully compete in the market. We have prayerfully looked at all possible options, trusting Gods plan for our organization, and the difficult decision to liquidate is our only recourse. At its core, Family Christian is an organization with a heart for service. We are grateful for all of the millions of lives that have been impacted thanks to our guests' and employees' heart for bringing the light of Jesus to the darkest corners of our world. Through their efforts there is no question we have transformed lives now and for eternity, said Steve Biondo, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Development. Family Christian has left a powerful legacy of helping people find, grow, share and celebrate their faith in Jesus Christ. Today and always, we are grateful to God for the privilege of serving Him and look forward to finishing strong for His names sake, added Bengochea. San Ramon, CA, Feb. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX), one of the world's leading energy companies, will hold its security analyst meeting on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in New York City from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. ET (5:30 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. PT). To access the live webcast, visit http://www.chevron.com/investors. The webcast archive will also be available on the company website under the "Investors" section. About Chevron Chevron Corporation is one of the world's leading integrated energy companies. Through its subsidiaries that conduct business worldwide, the company is involved in virtually every facet of the energy industry. Chevron explores for, produces and transports crude oil and natural gas; refines, markets and distributes transportation fuels and lubricants; manufactures and sells petrochemicals and additives; generates power; and develops and deploys technologies that enhance business value in every aspect of the company's operations. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com. French English NOT FOR PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, SOUTH AFRICA OR JAPAN This press release does not constitute a solicitation to purchase or an offer of the Bonds (as defined below) or the shares of VINCI (together, the "Securities") in the United States of America or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended). The Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States of America or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. Persons unless they are registered or exempt from registration under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended. VINCI does not intend to register all or any portion of the offering in the United States of America or to conduct a public offering of the Securities in the United States of America. Rueil Malmaison, February 23rd, 2017 VINCI - Determination of the share reference price of VINCI's shares and of the initial conversion price of the US$450 million cash-settled synthetic convertible bonds due February 2022 In connection with the placement of US$450 millions non-dilutive cash-settled convertible bonds with a maturity of 5 years due February 2022 (the "Bonds"), VINCI hereby notifies the holders of the Bonds of the following determinations and calculations: The share reference price of VINCI's shares is 68.7759; The resulting initial conversion price is 84.2505 (including the conversion premium of 22.5%); The reference FX rate is 1 = US$1.05947; The initial conversion ratio is 2,240.6158 VINCI's shares per Bond; and The exercise price is 188,773 The settlement and delivery of the Bonds was on February 16th, 2017. About VINCI VINCI is a global player in concessions and construction, employing more than 185,000 people in some 100 countries. We design, finance, build and operate infrastructure and facilities that help improve daily life and mobility for all. Because we believe in all-round performance, above and beyond economic and financial results, we are committed to operating in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. And because our projects are in the public interest, we consider that reaching out to all our stakeholders and engaging in dialogue with them is essential in the conduct of our business activities. www.vinci.com DISCLAIMER Available information The issue of the Bonds was not subject to a prospectus approved by the French Financial Market Authority (Autorite des marches financiers) (the "AMF"). Detailed information on VINCI (the "Company"), including its Shares, business, results, prospects and related risk factors are described in the Company's registration document, the French version of which was filed with the AMF on February 26, 2016 under number D.16-0086 which is available together with all the press releases and other regulated information about the Company, in particular the press release relating to the 2016 annual results of VINCI dated 7 February 2017, on VINCI's website (https://www.vinci.com). Important information This press release may not be published, distributed or released directly or indirectly in the United States of America, Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan. The distribution of this press release may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein comes, should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No communication or information relating to the offering may be transmitted to the public in a country where there is a registration obligation or where an approval is required. No action has been or will be taken in any country in which such registration or approval would be required. The issuance or the subscription of the Bonds may be subject to legal and regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions; none of the Company and BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Natixis and Societe Generale Corporate & Investment Banking (the "Managers") assumes any liability in connection with the breach by any person of such restrictions. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to, and no reliance should be placed upon, the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information or contained in this press release. The information presented in this press release is subject to change by the Company without notice. This press release is an advertisement and not a prospectus within the meaning of Directive 2003/71/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of November 4, 2003 as amended (the "Prospectus Directive"). The Bonds have been offered only by way of a private placement in France to persons referred to in Article L.411-2-II of the French monetary and financial code (Code monetaire et financier) and outside France (excluding the United States of America, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Japan), and there will be no public offering in any country (including France). This press release does not constitute a recommendation concerning the issue of the Bonds. The value of the Bonds and the Shares can decrease as well as increase. Potential investors should consult a professional adviser as to the suitability of the Bonds for the person concerned. European Economic Area With respect to the Member States of the European Economic Area which have implemented the Prospectus Directive (the "Relevant Member States"), no action has been undertaken or will be undertaken to make an offer to the public of the Bonds requiring a publication of a prospectus in any Relevant Member State. As a result, the Bonds may only be offered in Relevant Member States: to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive; or in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive. For the purposes of this paragraph, the expression "offer to the public of Bonds" in any Relevant Member State, means any communication, to individuals or legal entities, in any form and by any means, of sufficient information on the terms and conditions of the offering and on the Bonds to be offered, thereby enabling an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the Bonds, as the same may be varied in that Relevant Member State. These selling restrictions with respect to Relevant Member States apply in addition to any other selling restrictions which may be applicable in the Relevant Member States who have implemented the Prospectus Directive. France The Bonds have not been and will not be offered or sold or cause to be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, to the public in France. Any offer or sale of the Bonds and distribution of any offering material relating to the Bonds have been and will be made in France only to (a) persons providing investment services relating to portfolio management for the account of third parties (personnes fournissant le service d'investissement de gestion de portefeuille pour compte de tiers), and/or (b) qualified investors (investisseurs qualifies) acting for their own account, as defined in, and in accordance with, Articles L.411-1, L.411-2 and D. 411-1 of the French monetary and financial Code (Code monetaire et financier). United Kingdom This press release is addressed and directed only (i) to persons located outside the United Kingdom, (ii) to investment professionals as defined in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order"), (iii) to people designated by Article 49(2) (a) to (d) of the Order or (iv) to any other person to whom this press release could be addressed pursuant to applicable law (the persons mentioned in paragraphs (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) all deemed relevant persons ("Relevant Persons")). The Bonds are intended only for Relevant Persons and any invitation, offer of contract related to the subscription, tender, or acquisition of the Bonds may be addressed and/or concluded only with Relevant Persons. All persons other than Relevant Persons must abstain from using or relying on this document and all information contained therein. This press release is not a prospectus which has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority or any other United Kingdom regulatory authority for the purposes of Section 85 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. United States of America This press release may not be published, distributed or transmitted in the United States of America (including its territories and dependencies, any State of the United States of America and the District of Columbia). This press release does not constitute or form a part of any offer or solicitation to purchase for securities in the United States of America or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The securities mentioned herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act, the law of any state of the United States of America and may not be offered or sold in the United States of America or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. Persons, except pursuant to an exemption from, or a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act or the law of the above states. The Bonds will be offered or sold only to non-U.S. persons in offshore transactions outside of the United States of America, in accordance with Regulation S of the Securities Act. The Company does not intend to register any portion of the proposed offering in the United States of America and no public offering will be made in the United States of America. Australia, Canada, South Africa and Japan The Bonds may not and will not be offered, sold or purchased in Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan. The information contained in this press release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan. The distribution of this press release in certain countries may constitute a breach of applicable law. The Managers are acting exclusively on behalf of the Company and no-one else in connection with the issue of the Bonds. They will not regard any other person as their respective client in relation to the offering and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the same protections as to any of their clients or to provide advice in connection with the offering, the Bonds, the contents of this press release or any other transaction, arrangement or other matter described in this press release. In connection with the issue of the Bonds, the Managers and any of their respective affiliates, may take up a portion of the Bonds as a principal position and in that capacity may subscribe for, acquire, retain, purchase, sell, offer, offer to sell or negotiate for their own account such Bonds and other securities of Company or related investments in connection with the issue of the Bonds, the Company or otherwise. Accordingly, references to securities issued, offered, subscribed, acquired, placed or dealt should be read as including any issue, offer, subscription, acquisition, placement, dealing or negotiation made by the Managers and any of their affiliates acting as investors for their own account. The Managers do not intend to disclose the extent of any such above mentioned investments or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any applicable legal or regulatory requirements. None of the Managers and none of their respective directors, employee, advisors or agent accept any responsibility whatsoever which could result from any representation and warranty expressed or implied regarding the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information contained in this press release (or if any information has been omitted in this press release) or any other information regarding the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates whether written, oral or electronic, whatever the means by which it may be transmitted or made available, or for any loss resulting from the reliance on this press release, the information it contains or otherwise in connection with this press release. Vancouver, B.C., Feb. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gungnir Resources Inc. (GUG: TSX-V, ASWRF: OTCBB) (Gungnir or the Company) has updated its corporate presentation, which may be accessed directly with this link Gungnir Presentation Q1 2017. Updates include photos of drill core from the Companys recently acquired Knaften gold property extension in Sweden and future exploration plans. About Gungnir Resources Gungnir Resources Inc. is a Canadian-based TSX-V listed mineral exploration company (GUG: TSX-V) with gold and base metal permits in northern Sweden within a region hosting 12 million ounces of gold delineated in existing and mined resources plus several past-producing and producing base metal mines. The Companys key gold project, Knaften, is situated at the southern extension of the Gold Line which hosts a number of gold deposits including Faboliden and Svartliden (Dragon Mining), and Barsele (Agnico Eagle and Barsele Minerals). The Company additionally holds a $5,000,000 royalty stream with five annual advance cash payments of $1,000,000 expected to commence on or before May 1, 2017. Further information about the Company and its properties may be found at www.gungnirresources.com or at www.sedar.com. On behalf of the Board, Jari Paakki, CEO and Director Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements made herein may contain forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved", or the negative of these words or comparable terminology. By their very nature forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual performance of the Company to be materially different from any anticipated performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements or information include, but are not limited to, statements or information with respect to Gungnir Resources plan for future funding, and exploration and development of its properties. Forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of estimates and assumptions and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or information. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying estimates and assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. For example, there is no certainty, that any economically viable mineral deposit will be located on the properties, or that the Company will receive or be able to raise sufficient capital to complete all of its exploration programs. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements or information. Gungnir does not expect to update forward-looking statements or information continually as conditions change, except as may be required by securities law. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Six years ago, Henry Ma moved to the Bay Area with his wife from New York City. They settled in San Rafael the perfect location between both of their jobs. When they had two girls, he started to notice something about where he lived in Marin County. Our daughter was the only Asian in the school of 72 kids, Ma said. It made him wonder: The Bay Area is one of the most diverse places in the country. Within the Bay Area, why is Marin County the least diverse? Looking at the Numbers The data back up Henrys experience. According to the most recent U.S. Census data, a huge majority as in 72 percent of people who live in Marin County identify their race as white. And that doesnt include Hispanic/Latino folks who also identify as white. For comparison, Alameda County is 33 percent white and 29 percent Asian. Asians make up just 6 percent of people in Marin County. But look back at Marin Countys history and youll find that it wasnt always that way. In fact, its demographic history is not too far off from the rest of the Bay Areas. Archives at the Anne T. Kent California Room show that what is now Marin County was once almost completely occupied by tribes of the Coast Miwok Indians. In 1817, the Spanish established Mission San Rafael Arcangel in what is now the city of San Rafael. Between 1834-1846, significant portions of Marin were owned by people of Spanish and Mexican descent. Finally, there was a huge influx of African-Americans who came to work in the shipyards during World War II, though it wasnt enough to change the demographics significantly. So what explains the countys demographics as they look today? A common guess is that it has to do with the lack of public transportation options in Marin County. BART, for example, doesnt reach the North Bay. Low-income residents who live in San Rafael home to the highest percentage of Latinos in Marin County have reported that they live there because of the public transportation options. San Rafael has the most used transit service in the county, and some residents say that better transit throughout the county would allow them to move. But theres a lot more to it. How Conservation Efforts Took Up Space There were a few huge moments in Marin County history that played a role in changing the demographics of the county. The first came in 1896, when a couple of business-minded conservationists built the Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railway. The railway was an 8-mile long, open-air ride up the side of Mount Tamalpais. At the peak of the mountain was a spectacular view of the San Francisco Bay Area. There was a resort, a grand restaurant, bar and tavern where visitors could stay the night. People from the East Coast and even Europe would travel to Marin County to ride the railway in long dresses and three-piece suits. But the main purpose of the railway was to showcase the natural beauty of Marin so that people would want to preserve it. Seeing those things inspired people to want to create the national parks they have now, said Fred Runner, a historian who wrote a book on the historic railway. Their whole thing was to show off the lovely scenery and to try to promote wilderness conservation. Everybody who worked on the railroad believed in that. The railway was just the start of fruitful conservation efforts in Marin County efforts that today leave around 80 percent of the county undeveloped because of long-standing commitments to land preservation. Marin County has the most land set aside for preservation of any Bay Area county. One of the battles that raged early on was to try and stop building homes, said Runner. There were a number of legal battles around that just by the skin of their teeth being able to stop housing developments and create preserved wilderness. A combination of limited land, zoning laws and Marin Countys proximity to San Francisco created a scenario in which the demand for housing far outweighed supply. The homes that were built were very expensive. Who doesnt want to live next to a giant park, right? Today, the median household income is nearly $94,000 a year, according to census data. This, over time, began to limit who was able to move into Marin County. Fights Over Affordable Housing Marins skewed demographics caught the attention of the Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2011, and it conducted an audit on the county. It sought to answer: Was the county working hard enough to include people of color in its housing plans? HUD identified Marin as a county of interest because Marin County is primarily white, said Jessica Tankersley Sparks, who co-wrote a report called the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice for Marin County. In comparison to surrounding counties, those demographics are strikingly different from the demographics in Marin County. The countys demographics looked a lot like Westchester County in New York, which became the site of a famous fair housing lawsuit related to patterns of residential segregation. Officials suspected the same thing might be happening in Marin County. When you talk about Marin County, you really have to look at the history of segregation, said Caroline Peattie, executive director of Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California and another co-author of the audit. In some ways its not atypical. It just played out in slightly different ways. The audit found that the county had failed to comply with fair housing and civil rights laws, agreeing that it had built only a fraction of the low-income housing mandated by the Association of Bay Area Governments. By failing to comply with these laws, the audit found, Marin County had failed to take active steps to welcome the people those laws sought to protect including people of color. What we saw by and large was that the effective opposition to affordable housing had a corollary effect of creating impediments to housing choice to people in protected classes, said Sparks. [That includes] people of color, people with children, people with disabilities. Marin County isnt the only place with some history of opposition to affordable housing. But other factors namely, all of the land set aside for conservation made it that much more difficult to find suitable places to build affordable housing. Marin is very wealthy and the houses here cost quite a bit, said Peattie. Its hard to own property here [and its] easy to say, Oh, its just a question about money, its not about race at all. But its not that simple. The Role of Reputation While the lack of affordable housing answers why low-income people of color might not move into Marin, why arent high-income people of color moving there? A report from the Center for Responsible Lending found that people of color in California who can afford to move into expensive neighborhoods typically choose not to. Instead, they mostly still choose to live in low-income, majority-minority neighborhoods. People are quick to turn to a self-segregation argument, says professor Maria Krysan, head of the sociology department at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She thinks that argument doesnt hold up. The desire to avoid those settings is not driven by an affinity to live with their own kind, but a desire to avoid negative treatment by their neighbors, says Krysan. Certainly a perception or reputation of a community, and its openness to people of your own race and ethnicity, is something that comes up more often for African-Americans and Latinos than it does for whites. This anticipation for hostility, she says, has historical precedence. [It] comes from a history of discrimination and discriminatory treatment. It comes from a long history of that for African-Americans moving into white neighborhoods, she said. People trying to move into these communities were met with a great deal of hostility and violence, and I think that the memory of that and the repeat performance of that over time, creates a dynamic of anticipated discrimination that can make it an unpleasant prospect to move into an all-white neighborhood especially if that neighborhood has been making the news or has reinforced that reputation of not being welcoming. Fighting Perception I met a guy named John Young, who was born and raised in Marin City. Hes African-American and he says he knows people of color who have floated around this idea of Marin as a place just for white people. Thats why a lot of people of color stay away, he said. But Young hoped to change that. He became executive director of a group called Marin Grassroots, which was all about empowering people of color in local politics in Marin a task he says was a challenging one. There was no baseline for social justice anywhere there, he said. Even the language of social justice, social equity there was none of that present in Marin. Young admits that he had his fair share of encounters with cops because of driving while black. But he also says he loves Marin. We didnt really have whites on this side, blacks on [that side], he said. I didnt walk outside saying, Oh, this is a racist place where I live at.' John lives in Vallejo now because he couldnt afford to stay. But if he could move back, he would. He says there are people in Marin County who recognize the lack of diversity, and who are working to change it including white people. A Setting That Represents Society Marin has made some changes that some say are steps in the right direction. County supervisors are trying to get landlords to rent to more Section 8 voucher holders, for example. Theyve also taken some measures to begin making up for their shortage of affordable housing. When I asked Henry Ma why he asked us this question, it was personal especially when it came to his kids. We dont want them to think that they are such a rare occurrence that being Asian is such a rare situation, said Ma. We dont know how its going to shape their view. And thats important to him. We just think that when they get out to society that the representation is not going to be like this, he said. We want to expose them to a setting that represents society. Thats all that we want to ask for. This article originally appeared on KQED.org NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On January 30, 2017, ES Bancshares (OTC:ESBS) released the following statement. Dear Fellow Shareholder: We are pleased to provide you this update to managements strategic plan to enhance shareholder value through the effective delivery of financial products and services to the Banks retail and commercial customers. Effective January 12, 2017, Empire State Bank entered into a Purchase and Assumption Agreement to sell its New Paltz branch to Salisbury Bank and Trust Company. The decision was made keeping in mind our three most important stakeholders- shareholders, employees and customers. We believe we have achieved success in managing the concerns of all three. The sale of the New Paltz branch will have a net financial benefit to the Bank and enhance operating efficiencies so that we can reallocate capital and resources to support the solid growth trends experienced in the last two years. We are confident the investor community will respond positively to the decision. In our shareholder letter dated March 30, 2016 (enclosed in the 2015 Annual Report), we highlighted our focus on core earnings and balance sheet growth as a means to deliver shareholder value. Our 2016 financial performance has been consistent with these primary initiatives. During fiscal 2016, the loan portfolio grew by over $40 million, or approximately 24%. This was funded by deposit growth in excess of $48 million, or approximately 30%. As part of our strategic planning process, we continually evaluate our operations and focus to ensure we are utilizing our capital in the most effective and efficient manner. We also consider whether all aspects of our operations are consistent with our long term strategic plan and financial performance goals. And, of course, we consider whether our current operations maximize our ability to increase shareholder value. We feel this is an exciting time full of opportunity for Empire State Bank and we hope you share our enthusiasm. And of course we thank you for your continued support and look forward to providing our Annual Report for 2016 in the coming quarter. Sincerely, David Freer Jr., Chairman Philip Guarnieri Chief Executive Officer Thomas Sperzel President & Chief Operating Officer Financial Highlights Last year was an extraordinary year for our company. We delivered record results and exceeded our major financial commitments. Our company increased loan balances by 24.4% and deposit balances by 30.4%. We continue to invest for the future and provide more to our clients and communities. Our financial results reflected strong underlying performance across our business. Investor Services Financial information about ES Bancshares, Inc. can be accessed by visiting the Investor Relations website at www.esbna.com/investor-relations LAFAYETTE, Ind., Feb. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wabash National Corporation (Wabash or the Company) (NYSE:WNC) today announced that its board of directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.06 per share of the Companys common stock, payable April 27, 2017 to stockholders of record on April 6, 2017. About Wabash National Corporation Headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana, Wabash National Corporation (NYSE:WNC) is a diversified industrial manufacturer and North Americas leading producer of semi-trailers and liquid transportation systems. Established in 1985, the Company manufactures a diverse range of products including: dry freight and refrigerated trailers, platform trailers, bulk tank trailers, dry and refrigerated truck bodies, truck-mounted tanks, intermodal equipment, aircraft refueling equipment, structural composite panels and products, trailer aerodynamic solutions, and specialty food grade and pharmaceutical equipment. Its innovative products are sold under the following brand names: Wabash National, Beall, Benson, Brenner Tank, Bulk Tank International, DuraPlate, Extract Technology, Garsite, Progress Tank, Transcraft, Walker Engineered Products, and Walker Transport. Visit www.wabashnational.com to learn more. HERSHEY, Pa., Feb. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) today announced the new executive leadership team that incoming President and CEO Michele Buck has chosen to lead the organization into the next phase of its growth and success. The new team balances continuity in key positions through exceptional leaders from within the company and world-class talent from outside of Hershey. Hershey is an innovative snacking leader with its number one market share in U.S. confection and increasing breadth across U.S. snacking, said Buck. Im extremely confident in the individuals who will lead our organization as we delight our customers and consumers with innovation and news in the marketplace and strive to deliver leading sales growth and margins across the food industry. This is a great team, with a range of experiences, expertise and backgrounds to accelerate our innovation, execute with excellence, instill a commercial mindset in all we do, and inspire our remarkable employees to achieve our goals. The following eight leaders will comprise Hersheys new executive leadership team, effective March 1, unless otherwise noted: Todd Tillemans, President, U.S. Tillemans will join Hershey on April 3 to lead the company's flagship U.S. business including core confection, its expanding portfolio across snacking, and its sales and go-to-market teams. Tillemans joins the company from Unilever, where he worked for more than 23 years. He has held multiple leadership positions, including leading Unilevers skin care business in Europe and Russia, its personal care business in the United States, and most recently serving as President, Customer Development U.S. Steven Schiller, President, International Schiller, currently President, China & Asia is named President, International. He will continue to oversee the China and Asia markets and will assume responsibility for the Americas region, India and Europe, Middle-East, and Africa. Terry ODay, Senior Vice President, Chief Product Supply and Technology Officer ODay, currently Chief Supply Chain Officer, will continue to oversee the company's supply chain organization and will assume responsibility for Hersheys productivity, information technology and enterprise connectivity initiatives. In connection with these announcements, Chief Knowledge and Technology Officer Waheed Zaman will retire from the company effective March 31. The Hershey Company has undertaken a search for a Chief Growth Officer who will lead Hersheys Insights and Analytics, Strategy, marketing excellence functions, Innovation, Research and Development, Mergers and Acquisitions and The Hershey Experience. The company has identified an external candidate who is expected to join the team this spring. Continuing in their roles are: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Patricia Little Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Leslie Turner Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Kevin Walling Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Mike Wege These appointments reaffirm our commitment to creating opportunities for remarkable people to grow within the company and to attracting world-class talent from outside of Hershey. On behalf of the Board of Directors and management, I would like to thank Waheed Zaman for his work over the past four years to advance our technology, data and analytics capabilities, Buck said. An infographic accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d13f3f7a-b61d-481e-85c9-1f90e7063f2b Safe Harbor Statement This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Many of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "intend," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "should," "planned," "projected," "estimated," and "potential," among others. These statements are made based upon current expectations that are subject to risk and uncertainty. Because actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements when deciding whether to buy, sell or hold the company's securities. Factors that could cause results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: issues or concerns related to the quality and safety of our products, ingredients or packaging; changes in raw material and other costs, along with the availability of adequate supplies of raw materials; selling price increases, including volume declines associated with pricing elasticity; market demand for our new and existing products; increased marketplace competition; disruption to our manufacturing operations or supply chain; failure to successfully execute and integrate acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures; changes in governmental laws and regulations, including taxes; political, economic, and/or financial market conditions; risks and uncertainties related to our international operations; disruptions, failures or security breaches of our information technology infrastructure; our ability to hire, engage and retain a talented global workforce; our ability to realize expected cost savings and operating efficiencies associated with strategic initiatives or restructuring programs; and such other matters as discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. All information in this press release is as of February 23, 2017. The company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the company's expectations. About The Hershey Company The Hershey Company, headquartered in Hershey, Pa., is a global confectionery leader known for bringing goodness to the world through its chocolate, sweets, mints and other great-tasting snacks. Hershey has approximately 18,000 employees around the world who work every day to deliver delicious, quality products. The company has more than 80 brands around the world that drive more than $7.4 billion in annual revenues, including such iconic brand names as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers and Brookside. Building on its core business, Hershey is expanding its portfolio to include a broader range of delicious snacks. The company remains focused on growing its presence in key international markets while continuing to extend its competitive advantage in North America. At Hershey, goodness has always been about more than delicious products. For more than 120 years, Hershey has been committed to operating fairly, ethically and sustainably. Hershey founder, Milton Hershey, created the Milton Hershey School in 1909 and since then the company has focused on giving underserved children the skills and support they need to be successful. Today, the company continues this social purpose through 'Nourishing Minds,' a global initiative that provides basic nutrition to help children learn and grow. From neighborhoods across the United States to the streets of Shanghai and Mumbai and villages of West Africa, our goal is to nourish one million minds by 2020. To learn more - Visit: www.thehersheycompany.com Follow: http://www.twitter.com/hersheycompany https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hershey-company?trk=top_nav_home http://www.facebook.com/hersheycompany http://www.youtube.com/hersheycompany http://www.instagram.com/hersheycompany The photo is also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress. ________________________ Best in the State Washington Post's The Fix, 2011, 2009 Best in Pittsburgh Region PoliticsPA, 2011 "[W]idely cited as one of the oldest and most-read political blogs in the city" Pittsburgh City Paper, 2007 ________________________ VERO BEACH, Fla., Feb. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orchid Island Capital, Inc. (the Company) (NYSE:ORC) announced today that it has filed a prospectus supplement under which it may from time to time sell up to $125 million of shares of its common stock through an at-the-market program. The shares of common stock may be offered through Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., a subsidiary of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (NYSE:LTS), and MUFG Securities Americas Inc., as sales agents. Sales are anticipated to be made primarily in transactions that are deemed to be at-the-market offerings, including sales made directly on the New York Stock Exchange or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange. Sales also may be made in negotiated transactions. The Company intends to add the net proceeds from sales of the shares of common stock under the program to its general corporate funds, which it may use for new investments in accordance with its investment policy in place at the time of such sales, to repay indebtedness or other general corporate purposes. The shares of common stock sold under the program will be offered under the Companys existing shelf registration statement on Form S-3, which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The offering of these shares under the program will be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus, which will be filed with the SEC. Copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus related to this offering may be obtained by contacting Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., 570 Lexington Ave., 11th Floor, New York, NY 10022, or by email at prospectus@ladenburg.com, or MUFG Securities Americas Inc., 1221 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10020-1001, or by email at prospectus@us.sc.mufg.jp. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the offered shares of common stock or any other securities, nor shall there be any sale of such shares or any other securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. About Orchid Island Capital, Inc. Orchid Island Capital, Inc. is a specialty finance company that invests in Agency RMBS that are either traditional pass-through Agency RMBS or structured Agency RMBS. Orchid Island Capital, Inc. has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes. Forward Looking Statements Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including with regard to the Companys potential sales of common stock under the at-the-market program described above and the intended use of proceeds from such sales. Forward-looking statements typically are identified by use of the terms such as believe, expect, anticipate, estimate, plan, continue, intend, should, may or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future performance, taking into account all information currently available to us. No assurance can be given that any or all of the common stock offered under the program will be sold. Sales of the common stock under the program will be subject to numerous possible events, factors and conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company and not all of which are known to it. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. New risks and uncertainties arise over time, and it is not possible to predict those events or how they may affect us. Except as required by law, we are not obligated to, and do not intend to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. KELOWNA, British Columbia, Feb. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diamcor Mining Inc. (TSX-V:DMI) (OTCQX:DMIFF), (Diamcor) The Company has determined to extend the expiry date of 1,073,929 share purchase warrants (Warrants) which are exercisable to purchase up to 1,073,929 common shares in the authorized share capital of the Company at an exercise price of $1.80 per share, from March 11, 2017 to March 11, 2018. The Company has also determined to extend the expiry date of 169,350 share purchase warrants which are exercisable to purchase up to 169,350 common shares in the authorized share capital of the Company at an exercise price of $1.80 per share, from March 21, 2017 to March 21, 2018. All other terms of the Warrants will remain unchanged. The extension of the expiry date of the aforementioned Warrants by one year is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. About Diamcor Mining Inc. Diamcor Mining Inc. is a fully reporting publically traded junior diamond mining company which is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol V.DMI, and on the OTC QX International under the symbol DMIFF. The Company has a well-established operational and production history in South Africa and extensive prior experience supplying rough diamonds to the world market. About the Tiffany & Co. Alliance The Company has established a long-term strategic alliance and first right of refusal with Tiffany & Co. Canada, a subsidiary of world famous New York based Tiffany & Co., to purchase up to 100% of the future production of rough diamonds from the Krone-Endora at Venetia Project at then current prices to be determined by the parties on an ongoing basis. In conjunction with this first right of refusal, Tiffany & Co. Canada also provided the Company with financing to advance the Project. Tiffany & Co. is a publically traded company which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TIF. For additional information on Tiffany & Co., please visit their website at www.tiffany.com. About Krone-Endora at Venetia In February 2011, Diamcor acquired the Krone-Endora at Venetia Project from De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited, consisting of the prospecting rights over the farms Krone 104 and Endora 66, which represent a combined surface area of approximately 5,888 hectares directly adjacent to De Beers flagship Venetia Diamond Mine in South Africa. On September 11, 2014, the Company announced that the South African Department of Mineral Resources had granted a Mining Right for the Krone-Endora at Venetia Project encompassing 657.71 hectares of the Projects total area of 5,888 hectares. The Company has also submitted an application for a mining right over the remaining areas of the Project. The deposits which occur on the properties of Krone and Endora have been identified as a higher-grade Alluvial basal deposit which is covered by a lower-grade upper Eluvial deposit. The deposits are proposed to be the result of the direct-shift (in respect to the Eluvial deposit) and erosion (in respect to the Alluvial deposit) of material from the higher grounds of the adjacent Venetia Kimberlite areas. The deposits on Krone-Endora occur in two layers with a maximum total depth of approximately 15.0 metres from surface to bedrock, allowing for a very low-cost mining operation to be employed with the potential for near-term diamond production from a known high-quality source. Krone-Endora also benefits from the significant development of infrastructure and services already in place due to its location directly adjacent to the Venetia Mine. Qualified Person Statement: Mr. James P. Hawkins (B.Sc., P.Geo.), is Manager of Exploration & Special Projects for Diamcor Mining Inc., and the Qualified Person in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 responsible for overseeing the execution of Diamcors exploration programmes and a Member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA). Mr. Hawkins has reviewed this press release and approved of its contents. On behalf of the Board of Directors Mr. Dean H. Taylor President & CEO Diamcor Mining Inc. DTaylor@diamcormining.com Tel (250) 864-3326 www.diamcormining.com This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. While these forward-looking statements represent our best current judgement, they are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that are beyond the Companys ability to control or predict and which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Further, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. BROOKFIELD NEWS, Feb. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brookfield Canada Office Properties (TSX:BOX.UN) (NYSE:BOXC) today announced that the special committee of the Board of Trustees of Brookfield Canada Office Properties (the special committee) comprised of four independent Trustees has appointed Greenhill & Co. Canada Ltd. (Greenhill) to act as its financial advisor in connection with the previously announced proposal by Brookfield Property Partners L.P. to acquire all of Brookfield Canada Office Properties units that it or its affiliates do not own (the proposal). The special committee has also appointed Goodmans LLP to act as its Canadian legal advisor and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP to act as its U.S. legal advisor in connection with the proposal. The special committee is in the process of reviewing the proposal and Brookfield Canada Office Properties expects to provide an update within the next six weeks. In addition, in accordance with Canadian securities laws, the special committee will supervise the preparation by Greenhill of a formal valuation of the units of Brookfield Canada Office Properties. Unitholders of Brookfield Canada Office Properties are reminded that there can be no assurance that any agreement or favorable recommendation will result from the proposal or that any formal offer will be made by Brookfield Property Partners. Unitholders do not need to take any action with respect to the proposal at this time. About Brookfield Canada Office Properties Brookfield Canada Office Properties is Canadas preeminent Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). Our portfolio is comprised of 26 premier office properties totaling 20 million square feet in the downtown cores of Toronto, Calgary, and Ottawa, in addition to a development site in Calgary. Our landmark assets include Brookfield Place and First Canadian Place in Toronto, and Bankers Hall in Calgary. Further information is available at www.brookfieldcanadareit.com. Important information may be disseminated exclusively via the website; investors should consult the site to access this information. Brookfield Canada Office Properties is the flagship Canadian REIT of Brookfield Asset Management, a leading global alternative asset manager with approximately $250 billion in assets under management. For more information, go to www.brookfield.com. FORT COLLINS, Colo., Feb. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Colorado Association Services, an Associa company, is proud to announce Kristy Burd as the director of community management for the Fort Collins, Colorado office. In her role, Burd will be leading a team of community managers, assistant community managers, and other support staff providing services to clients throughout northern Colorado and Wyoming. "Kristy's talents, skills, and deep roots in the community will help provide the team and clients we serve with the support and leadership they deserve. I know her attention to detail, business acumen, and client service skills will be well respected and well received," says Colorado Association Services President Ann Williams. "Kristy's wealth of management experience has already made her a key addition to Colorado Association Services and we look forward to her many contributions," adds Colorado Association Services Vice President Matt Williams. Burd joins the Associa Colorado team after having worked in several management roles for the past eight years. Her experience includes financial/accounting, marketing, and recently general manager for a large community in Fort Collins. Her background includes volunteer work with Friends of the Library and as the Rental Housing Association Board legislative chair. She is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado. Delivering unsurpassed association management services to communities since 1979, Associa leads the industry operating more than 180 branch offices across North America and employing 10,000 team members dedicated to serving nearly five million residents who are part of the Associa family. With unrivaled industry expertise, safeguarded finances and trailblazing innovation, Associa provides solutions designed to help communities achieve their vision. To learn more go to www.associaonline.com. Stay Connected: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/associa Twitter: https://twitter.com/associa LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/associa YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/associamarketing Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Associaonline/ A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=42221 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Tampa event organizers didn't expect Senator Marco Rubio to attend Wednesday's constituent town hall, so they came prepared with a life-sized cutout of him. The Tampa Bay Times reports that more than 500 constituents gathered at the town hall to share their concerns with Rubio. The event was organized by citizens, not by Rubio himself, who "rarely makes his way to Tampa." In lieu of the senator, protestors brought the cardboard cutout, posters and 'Where's Waldo'-themed Marco Rubio signs. "Why won't Rubio come to town, or at least address us?," event organizer Melissa Gallagher told the Tampa Bay Times. "It's really disconcerting, especially since he ran a presidential campaign and promised Floridians to protect us and look out for our best interests." Gallagher said she visited Rubio's office three weeks ago to inquire about any upcoming town halls with the senator and was told none were scheduled. She decided to organize her own with hopes Rubio might attend. Attendees expressed concerns about repealing the Affordable Care Act, the travel ban and President Donald Trump's connections to Russia. A spokesperson for Rubio told the Times "dozens of these liberal activists" had met with his staff, and that Rubio's staff remained "fully accessible and responsive" to all citizens. The spokesman also told Orlando Weekly that Rubio would not attend the event because "the organizers are deceiving people by falsely advertising this event, which is not connected to us in any way." MORE: Rubio blasts Trump's defense of Putin: 'We are not the same' Orlando Weekly reports that Rubio has yet to host a town hall in Tampa, Miami or Orlando. "I have to think that Rubio is listening to us and will be responsive," Gallagher told the Times. "I would like to keep my faith in him." Rubio, who has been in Europe this week, returned to Miami Thursday to an activist demanding to know why he won't hold a town hall. Bette Kroening, whose Bettes Oceanview Diner in Berkeley has long exerted a quiet but significant influence on the Bay Area restaurant world, has died at age 71. Born Bette Caminez in New York City in 1945, Ms. Kroening moved to the Bay Area in 1971 after obtaining her bachelors degree in English at the University of Pennsylvania and a masters degree in social work at the University of Southern California. She met future husband Manfred Kroening in 1976, and the couple spent time in his native Germany before returning to the East Bay in 1978. While a social worker, Ms. Kroening had taken cooking classes at Joyce Goldsteins San Francisco school. After her return to the United States, she transitioned into cooking, first under Narsai David, and then for Paul Bertolli as the lunchtime kitchen manager at the Fourth Street Grill in Berkeley. At the time, West Berkeley was an industrial zone being taken over by artists and craftspeople. In the early 1980s, Denny Abrams, who was developing a retail complex on the Fourth Street commercial strip, told the Kroenings hed like to fill a space opposite Fourth Street Grill with an affordably priced restaurant. Ms. Kroening and her husband, along with a Fourth Street Grill co-worker named Sue Conley, partnered up to open Bettes Oceanview Diner on April 5, 1982. While shying from kitschy Americana, the partners decorated the restaurant with pink and maroon tiles reminiscent of the 1950s, a linoleum counter and the requisite jukebox, appealing to young fans of new wave music as well as nostalgic old-timers. Bettes opened at 6:30 a.m. every day, and Conley said its breakfasts attracted builders and Golden Gate Fields jockeys, as well as artists and moneyed food-lovers. At the same time, Ms. Kroening and Conley, who ran the kitchen together, wanted to rethink what a diner could be. We looked back to older recipes, using fresh and local ingredients, Conley said: dishes like corned beef hash, scrapple with grilled tomatoes, chicken salad bound with homemade mayonnaise, and coleslaw with an old-fashioned boiled dressing. Under Ms. Kroenings direction, the cooking was so methodical, and so focused on quality, that customers learned they would have to wait and wait for their food. The restaurants window originally read Good Food. Fast, Friendly Service. Ms. Kroening insisted they scrape off the word fast. Bettes Oceanview Diner opened just as a renaissance of diners and traditional American comfort food was taking hold. By the time The Chronicle discovered the restaurant in 1984, it was already serving 300 meals on weekdays. San Franciscos Fog City Diner opened several years later, and Bettes former employees went on to open Rick and Anns in Berkeley and Haleys in Petaluma. More significantly, Bettes was one of the first restaurants to prove that California cuisine wasnt limited to higher-end bistros like Chez Panisse and the Fourth Street Grill. Ms. Kroening showed the Bay Area that cooks could make Reubens and milkshakes with the same devotion to good ingredients that others did risotto and daubes de boeuf. O'Hara, John/SFC In its 34 years in business, Bettes Oceanview Diner has spawned a bakery, Bettes to Go; a pancake cookbook, still in print; and a line of pancake and scone mixes, recently discontinued. In 1993, Sue Conley left Bettes to start Cowgirl Creamery, a cheese company as iconic as the restaurant she departed. The Kroenings gave birth to daughter Lucie in 1985, who says her parents always joked that the diner was her older sibling. She had this really great smile and warmth, and loved having people around, Lucie Kroening said. We dont have a big family, so the customers and staff were really her family. Even after she stopped cooking on the line, Ms. Kroening would take frequent breaks from the office above the dining room to greet old friends and chat with the staff. That concern for others extended, especially, to employees. She had that social work background, so she was very much a student of human behavior and how to make work better, to make it really a profession as opposed to a job, said Conley. Early on, the restaurant instituted profit-sharing for its employees and abandoned the strict, almost militaristic hierarchy of most professional kitchens. She thought it was stupid that the dishwasher would be paid less than a cook, because if you didnt have a dishwasher, the kitchen wouldnt function, Lucie Kroening said. That respect, demonstrated both professionally and financially, has kept many of the diners staff around for decades. Ms. Kroening was also a vocal proponent of the minimum wage ordinance that Berkeley passed in 2013, which will slowly raise the base wage to $15. Ms. Kroenings presence in the restaurant faded over the past few months as cancer left her increasingly ill. She died Feb. 16 and is survived by her husband, Manfred, who continues to run Bettes; her daughter, Lucie; and her family of workers, customers and friends. The family is planning a memorial service in the spring, and will post details on the restaurants Facebook page and website, www.bettesdiner.com. Jonathan Kauffman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jkauffman@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jonkauffman Instead of spending your days killing time by the water cooler between meetings, you could be exploring the waterways of Venice or the ruins of Rome. Travel company Busabout is seeking two individuals a brand ambassador and video producer to travel Europe for six months, all expenses paid. The job involves "idyllic strolls along the Seine, visiting ancient castles in the Czech Republic and claiming the top of Europe in the Swiss Alps." All you need is the availability to "travel continuously between late April and late September 2017" and the ability to produce "regular travel-themed vlogs" as well as social media posts. The company will cover everything, from flights and accommodation to excursions and food. You even get an unspecified fee for completing the project successfully. So how does one secure this bonafide dream gig? Job seekers must fill out an application and craft a short YouTube video (the rest of the requirements can be found Busabout's recruitment page.) These jobs might sound like a six-month vacation, but you'll still be expected to "deliver briefed content within stipulated deadlines" and must "report regularly to the marketing department." Somehow meeting deadlines while tanning on the Riviera doesn't sound so bad. The application closes on March 5. Apply here. Read Michelle Robertsons latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com. MEXICO CITY Two top Trump administration officials are heading to Mexico for talks with President Enrique Pena Nieto and his Cabinet primarily aimed at cooling tensions that threaten to derail trade and other agreements on counterterrorism efforts, drug trafficking and immigration. The visit by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly comes a month after a heated volley of tweets between President Trump and Pena Nieto over who should pay for a wall on the U.S. border prompted the Mexican leader to cancel a visit to the White House. The Twitter fight sparked concerns of a trade war between the two countries after a Trump administration official implied that a 20 percent tax on goods from Mexico would be one way to force the country to pay for the wall. Since then, the Mexican government has been analyzing potential bargaining points on renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement, which Trump has called the worst trade deal in history. Against that backdrop, plus an executive order signed by Trump this week that will dramatically expand the pool of undocumented immigrants in the United States targeted for deportation, the two sides plan to discuss Thursday how to move forward in day-to-day relations, which include $1.5 billion in daily commerce. Theres a lot at stake in the day-to-day cooperation between these two countries on security, migration and, above all, economics, said Andrew Selee, director of the Mexico Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington. Tillerson and Kelly are going to want to see how they can preserve a good day-to-day relationship with Mexico even if things get rocky politically. The likelihood of political tensions remains high with the Trump administration insisting that Mexico will somehow pay for a border wall. Trumps latest executive order on the eve of the talks has only heightened resentment among Mexicans still rankled by his announcement of moving forward with a border wall made a day before Pena Nieto was scheduled to visit the White House in January. Antonio Olivo is a Washington Post writer. Vector, the Auckland-based electricity and gas distributor, posted a 7 percent gain in first-half profit, driven by stronger sales, lower finance costs and a one-time gain after a Court of Appeal ruling on a tax claim. Profit rose to $107 million in the six months ended Dec. 31 from $100 million year earlier, Vector said in a statement. Sales rose to $626 million from $591 million. Vector's earnings included a $15 million gain as a result of a Court of Appeal judgment in its favour in a dispute with the Inland Revenue Department over the tax treatment of payments from Transpower for access to parts of Vector's Auckland electricity network including a tunnel and a series of land rights. First-half profit from continuing operations jumped 65% excluding the contribution from Vector Gas, which was sold for $952.5 million with proceeds used to repay $610 million of debt. Chairman Michael Stiassny affirmed that full-year adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation would be broadly in line with the 2016 result of $473 million, at the top end of its guidance last August of $460 million to $475 million. Adjusted ebitda in the first half was $257 million. Vector breaks down its results to its regulated and unregulated businesses. Adjusted ebitda for its continuing regulated networks business fell 0.4 percent to $195.7 million, which it said reflected a 19 percent increase in new electricity and gas connections, offset by the impact of warmer weather and "the continuing decline in household power consumption." Adjusted ebitda for its unregulated businesses rose 2.3 percent to $84 million, with growth in its New Zealand metering business and a one-time insurance gain, offsetting costs associated to expand metering in Australia, the commercialisation of new technology and ongoing low hydrocarbon prices. The company will pay a first-half dividend of 8 cents a share, up from 7.75 cents a year earlier. Vector shares last traded at $3.25 and have gained1.6 percent in the past 12 months, lagging behind the S&P/NZX 50 Index's 15 percent gain. BusinessDesk.co.nz Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: SKC - ADDITIONAL US PRIVATE PLACEMENT FUNDING SECURED Spark New Zealand Limited's Annual Meeting Results 2022 Fonterra Australia settles class action proceedings PFI - Q3 Dividend, Development and Divestment Update November 4th Morning Report FPH to announce half year results on 29 November 2022 ATM - FDA approval to supply infant milk formula to United States Steel & Tube - Adopts ESG World Platform BGP - 3rd Quarter Sales to 30 October 2022 GEO - Quarterly Operating Update (Recasts to reflect CEO comments, updates shares) Port of Tauranga chief executive Mark Cairns says he's relieved to see revenue growth as cargo volumes grow at New Zealand's biggest port, after the completion of a five-year, $350 million capital spending programme that included preparing for bigger ships. Revenue rose 2.8 percent to $125 million in the six months ended Dec. 31 as export volumes climbed 9 percent to 7.1 million tonnes and imports rose 7 percent to 3.9 million tonnes, the port company said today. Growth in exports included a rebound in log volumes, up 21 percent to almost 3 million tonnes, while dairy exports rose 4 percent to 1.1 million tonnes and kiwifruit shipments increased 16 percent to more than 477,000 tonnes. "We're relieved after having made significant expenditure for a company of our size that we're now getting revenue to match," Cairns told BusinessDesk. In the first half, the company invested $43.9 million on infrastructure including the final payments on its two new straddle cranes, 13 new straddle carriers and property developments at its container terminal. Such investment will abate going forward, reflecting the end of the major capex programme as the company "gets back to a period of 'stay in business' capital", Cairns said. Harbour dredging has allowed the port to attract larger ships, such as Maersk's 9,500 TEU Aotea Maersk, which has visited the port since October in its only New Zealand stop. In January, Hamburg Sud said it would make Tauranga its only New Zealand port of call with the start in March of a weekly peak-season service with a large vessel. Container volumes rose 8 percent to 510,074 TEUs in the first half, putting the company on track to handle more than one million TEUs for the first time in the full year, it said. The numbers of containers transferred by rail between Tauranga and the company's MetroPort facility in Auckland rose 20 percent in the first half. "With bigger ships calling at Tauranga, we are handling significantly larger volumes of cargo per shipment," Cairns said. Port of Tauranga shares rose 0.5 percent to $4.40. The shares have surged about 18 percent since Oct. 17, when the company conducted a one-for-five share split to bolster liquidity and ensure it remained in the S&P/NZX 50 Index. First-half revenue missed the $132 million forecast from brokerage Forsyth Barr, although profit of $41.9 million beat its estimate of $40.6 million. The company will pay an interim ordinary dividend of 5 cents a share. It declared a special dividend of 25 cents a share with its 2016 full-year results last August, the first step in a plan to return $140 million over four years. Any decision on the next part of the capital return would be made with the full-year results, it said today. The first-half results gave the company confidence to lift its guidance, saying full-year earnings would be at the upper end of its forecast range of $79 million to $83 million, an increase on the $77.3 million reported for 2016. BusinessDesk.co.nz Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: SKC - ADDITIONAL US PRIVATE PLACEMENT FUNDING SECURED Spark New Zealand Limited's Annual Meeting Results 2022 Fonterra Australia settles class action proceedings PFI - Q3 Dividend, Development and Divestment Update November 4th Morning Report FPH to announce half year results on 29 November 2022 ATM - FDA approval to supply infant milk formula to United States Steel & Tube - Adopts ESG World Platform BGP - 3rd Quarter Sales to 30 October 2022 GEO - Quarterly Operating Update Please use another Browser It looks like you are using a browser that is not fully supported. Please note that there might be constraints on site display and usability. For the best experience we suggest that you download the newest version of a supported browser: Internet Explorer, Chrome Browser, Firefox Browser, Safari Browser Continue with the current browser NEW DELHI: In a move towards developing the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem in India, IT industry's representative organisation Nasscom on Wednesday signed an MoU with the IoT Acceleration Consortium (ITAC)-Japan. Under the MoU, Nasscom and ITAC-Japan will collaborate to address digital technology shifts and accelerate IoT adoption at a global level across the industry. "It is imperative that there is global effort towards accelerating IoT in every sector, this partnership will be another key milestone in building this robust ecosystem of collaboration and open new avenues," said K.S. Viswanathan, Vice President (Industry Initiatives), Nasscom. Both Nasscom and ITAC-Japan will share information on the ecosystem, new practices and technological developments. The IoT market in India is expected to reach $15 billion by 2020 accounting for nearly five pct of the total global market and the worldwide IoT market is poised to be a $328 billion market by 2020. Read Also: Willing To Accommodate More Indian IT Professionals: EU Modi To U.S.: Develop A Farsighted Perspective On Movement Of Professionals Page Content Minister of VSA met with WICLU to discuss a number of issues related to the field of Labor, including Labor day celebrations, representation on SZV, International Labor Conference, changes to the civil code, improved compliance and concerns with a couple of businesses that are encountering financial difficulties. Based on the outcomes of the meeting, the Ministry of VSA and WICLU have agreed upon key areas within labor that will require collaboration or attention in 2017; beginning with the Labor Day celebrations. In the past the Department of Labor has been the lead organization in coordination Labor Day, however last year Minister Lee empowered WICLU to take on the role of coordinating the Labor Day celebrations in order for the event/activities to resonate with the working population. In 2016, due to budget constraints, it was decided not to attend the International Labor Conference, however WICLU has expressed interest in a delegation attending in 2017. It was agreed that while the Ministry would prefer to host an event locally with support from ILO Caribbean, the Ministry would see if budget was available to support a delegation in 2017. In addition, one of the critical legislative changes that the Ministry is committed to finalizing is the changes to the civil code, addressing the abuse of the 6 months contracts. The amendments which have been fully supported by the labor tripartite has been submitted to Parliament. However, due to elections and changes in government, it has not yet returned on the agenda of Parliament. Furthermore, two staff members from the Labor Department left to take up positions in different Ministers Cabinets leaving the department short staffed. Minister expects to be in Parliament in March 2017 to renew discussions with Parliament regarding proposed changes to the Civil code and the consensus document on labor reform. The union representatives also expressed interest in strengthening union representation on the board of SZV. Minister Lee commented, based on the impact that SZV has on the health and wellbeing of the groups that they represent, I could certainly understand their desire and will incorporate their desires in the selection of replacement board members for SZV. Final discussion point, was the concerns about a couple of businesses that were experiencing financial difficulties and possible impact to the employees. Minister Lee assured the representatives that based on their concerns, the Department of Labor would check on the mentioned concerns. In an invited comment Minister Lee stated, I am very pleased with the positive and constructive relationship and dialogue that we have with the Unions. Over the past year, we have built a great relationship based on open communication, trust and respect. Page Content Subcontractor for the Sewage line connection project on Arrowroot Road, DMYRA General Maintenance and Construction, recruited a group of young men to carry out emergency work last weekend to ensure that the project stays on schedule. In the week to come the sewage line connection project on the Arrowroot Road will be entering the next phase where homes are connected to the sewage mainline. DMYRA is in the process of recruiting young men from the area of South Reward for the continuation of the project. These young men will not only be helping with the construction, but also educated on the processes, intricacies of the work and materials used, which they can utilize in the future if looking for work in the construction field. The connection of the homes is expected to take approximately 3 weeks. The Honorable Minister of VROMI, Minister C. Emmanuel, was also present operating the excavator and giving a helping hand in the emergency work. Minister Emmanuel is pleased with how the work has been progressing and thanks the affected residents in the area for their patience during the construction process. By clicking Agree, you consent to Slates Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and the use of technologies such as cookies by Slate and our partners to deliver relevant advertising on our iOS app to personalize content and perform site analytics. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information about our use of data, your rights, and how to withdraw consent. Agree "My sincere advice to any citizen considering moving to the United States and crossing our boundaries in irregular migration, my best advice is to not do it," he said. "It's an extremely dangerous journey and the very, very considerable amount of money you have to pay the 'coyotes' will be lost because we are beefing up, that is to say reinforcing our turn-back efforts on the border." It could never happen here. A Danish man who posed a video of himself setting fire to the Quran on Facebook has been charged with blasphemy in the first such prosecution for 46 years. The 42-year-old suspect put the clip, entitled "Consider your neighbour: it stinks when it burns" to a group called "YES TO FREEDOM - NO TO ISLAM" in December 2015. Jan Reckendorff, from the public prosecutor's office in Viborg, said: "It is the prosecution's view that circumstances involving the burning of holy books such as the Bible and the Quran can in some cases be a violation of the blasphemy clause, which covers public scorn or mockery of religion. "It is our opinion that the circumstances of this case mean it should be prosecuted so the courts now have an opportunity to take a position on the matter." 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ANU Drill Hall Gallery. Until April 9. Elisabeth Cummings is a veteran Sydney-based painter aged in her early 80s, who is the subject of a survey exhibition curated by Sioux Garside, which is commencing its NSW tour at the ANU Drill Hall Gallery. Granite country, 2015, by Elisabeth Cummings in Interior landscapes at ANU Drill Hall Gallery. Although in recent years, Cummings has been lionised by some in the Sydney art establishment, she is less well known nationally and hence a thumbnail biography is in order. She was born in Brisbane in 1934, the daughter of an architect and a teacher. At the age of 19, Cummings moved to Sydney and studied at the East Sydney Tech, which was the leading art school north of the Murray River. On being awarded the NSW Travelling Art Scholarship, she spent the next decade in Europe, based mainly in Florence, but with extended visits to France and a spell at the School of Vision in Salzburg with Oskar Kokoschka. Make light of it. By Suzanne Moss. Nancy Sever Gallery, 4/6 Kennedy Street, Kingston Until March 5. The wonderful Canadian-American artist Agnes Martin once perceptively observed, "When I think of art I think of beauty. Beauty is the mystery of life. It is not in the eye it is in the mind. In our minds there is awareness of perfection." Looks Like Love by Suzanne Moss in Make light of it at Nancy Sever Gallery. Martin, who died a little over a decade ago, painted marvellous, non-figurative and very subtle paintings, frequently in pastel tones that related to a grid or faint stripes. As you stood in front of one of her larger canvases, you were drawn into it as into some sort of transcendental experience. Although the questions that she set herself may have appeared quite concrete in her mind, she left us with relatively few clues, visual or verbal, and the exploration of the work became our personal experience, as her paintings were not about that which is seen, but that which is known in the mind and the link for the outsider is tenuous. This becomes apparent in her attitude to grids. She writes, "When I first made a grid I happened to be thinking of the innocence of trees and then this grid came into my mind and I thought it represented innocence, and I still do, and so I painted it and then I was satisfied. I thought, this is my vision." Suzanne Moss, who grew up on a farming property in south-western NSW, since 2001 has had a long and distinguished association with the School of Art in Canberra. Aged in her 50s, Moss is showing a selection of her paintings from 2012 to 2016, where the heritage of Martin shines through. It is quite a large, well-presented exhibition, of rather small, subtle meditative paintings executed in a subdued pastel palette. There is a "sameness" for much of the work, which is more a case of consistency than repetition. They are lyrical and contemplative pieces, mainly in acrylic on colour pencil on Belgian linen where, despite the minimal austerity of the forms, the paintings are distinguished by an inner luminosity it is not so much a study of light or shadow, but of light that exists and glows within shadow. Mick Dainer never owned a Mustang until last September but the retired former highway patrolman and long-serving Australian Federal Police officer may have booked a few over the years. Now the proud owner of a lightly modified 2016 Mustang GT Fastback, the Jerrabomberra resident said he was "living the dream" since taking delivery of his car. Canberra Mustang club members, from left, Mick Dainer, Sue Vilardi and Dominic Vilardi, with their cars. Credit:David Ellery He will be joining other Canberra district Mustang Club of Australia members, including Dominic and Sue Vilardi, and Mustang owners from at least three states, at this Sunday's Mustang Car Show on the West Lawns at Old Parliament House. The Melba residents are the proud owners of a cherry red 1967 Mustang convertible. Three more Victoria Crosses have gone on display at the Australian War Memorial as part of First World War centenary commemorations. The British Empire's highest military honour was awarded to Private Robert Matthew Beatham, Private Patrick Joseph Bugden and Major Blair Anderson Wark. Private Robert Beatham from Geelong was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously for bravery at Amiens in 1918. Beatham and Budgen fought and died in France and Belgium respectively, while Anderson also fought in France during both world wars. There are now 81 Victoria Crosses on display in the memorial's hall of valour. ''I am yesterday's man now.'' Ahmed Fahour. Credit:Stefan Postles While cutting costs and saving jobs, Australia Post has also given $4 billion back to taxpayers (as long as you count company tax) to support schools, education and police. It had also saved the country from a $6.7 billion bailout, he said. Mr Fahour repeatedly referred to Australia Post as a global parcels and e-commerce delivery giant competing against multibillion-dollar logistics firms. ''I don't know how relevant I am any more.'' Credit:Stefan Postles He criticised the media for failing to recognise how successful Australia Post's parcel's business is today. "We, humble old Australia Post, is now the parcels e-commerce company of Australia. And the taxpayer now has a business that is worth more than $5 billion competing commercially out there in the marketplace." Watch out, because I will be back in 2018! Ahmed Fahour This top-down view of the company explains why Mr Fahour was never able to understand the outrage about his salary. He compares himself to the chief executives of Japan Post and DHL and other billion-dollar international companies. He should not be compared to the chief of just a letters business like the US Postal Service, which by the way loses $20 billion a year, he pointed out. It was plain to see that Mr Fahour does not care about rising complaints about slow delivery and lost letters. He doesn't see Australia Post as responsible for providing any kind of social function for the country. Birthday invitations, condolence letters, Christmas cards and other letters make up just 3 per cent of Australia Post's mail volumes. And it doesn't make any money. He pointed to numbers showing delivery performance is now running at 98.5 per cent when the company is required to deliver only 94 per cent of letters on time. Towards the end, Mr Fahour even downplayed the importance of money. "I don't really care that much about my own livelihood. Because, you see, three years ago I foregoed [sic] my incentives. Two years ago, when we lost money, I took no bonuses at all." "The thing that was most clear in my mind is not the compensation. The thing that is most clear in my mind is to save this company". When asked about his wealth, Mr Fahour tried to deflect with humour. Will it be a relief not to have to drive his Maserati over the speed bumps at Australia Post's car park? Well, he has heard about that rumour, but it couldn't be him because he does not own a Maserati. "But secondly, If I did [own a Maserati], I definitely would object to that speed bump". When asked what he thought of chairman John Stanhope describing Mr Fahour's salary as an inherited problem, he said: "The chairman was referring to the fact that he couldn't convert me to a Geelong supporter. And so he just had to cop it that I am a tragic Carlton supporter and there is nothing he can do about it". But under repeated questioning about whether his salary was too high, Mr Fahour eventually took the theoretical route out, saying wages are just like any other investment. "At the end of the day, the issue around pay is not one around absolutes. The issue around pay is about: what do you pay, and what do you get?" "All corporates around the world, all CEOs around the world, there is always this question of relativity and so forth," he said. "You make your own judgment on whether the return on investment was good enough or not." Mr Fahour will leave in July, which means he receives a full year's salary. However, this year the annual report will provide full details of executive remuneration, Mr Stanhope promised. And both men are still due to appear at Senate estimates on Tuesday. "I don't know how relevant I am any more," Mr Fahour said when asked if he will still appear at estimates. "I am yesterday's man now. I always love seeing the senators and I am sure it will be good fun, but I am not sure what we are going to talk about now. I am not going to really be around into the future." Loading Mr Fahour said he was looking forward to reacquainting himself with his family later this year, then hinted he will soon return to corporate life. Broadband speed and performance claims, misbehaving health insurance providers and consumer guarantees, such as those provided by the airline industry, are in the sights of the competition and consumer watchdog this year. Launching its Compliance and Enforcement policy for 2017, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has committed to targeting misleading and deceptive practices, anti-competitive conduct and unfair contract terms. "When the ACCC takes action, it sends a message. Our enforcement record against anti competitive or anti-consumer behaviour lets businesses know that we are serious about bringing them to account," ACCC chairman Rod Sims will say in a speech to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia event in Sydney on Friday. "We see companies breaching the Act, or coming very close to it ... We believe the current low civil penalties contribute to this. We are seeking to change this, and we are seeing encouraging signs from the courts to assist us." A Federal Court judge says Clive Palmer's nephew might be better off coming home to Australia, as he battles clinical depression and anxiety. Federal Court Justice John Dowsett has been told about liquidators' problems obtaining documents relating to Queensland Nickel, which failed last year with debts of $300 million, and the loss of 800 Townsville refinery jobs. Mr Palmer's nephew, Clive Mensink, was the sole registered director of Queensland Nickel before it collapsed, but he's been overseas for nine months and has failed to comply with two court orders to return home for a court grilling by liquidators. Liquidators will on Thursday seek an arrest warrant for Mr Mensink. Former Treasury chief and National Australia Bank chairman Ken Henry is far from a zealot on cutting company tax rates. Ahead of his call to arms about economic reform delivered to the Committee for the Economic Development of Australia in Canberra on Thursday, notes delivered to journalists said he would call for "a much lower company tax rate, achieved much more quickly than is presently under consideration by our Parliament". Ken Henry has never been single-minded in pursuit of a lower company tax rate. Credit:Glen McCurtayne But the speech he actually delivered added a qualification. He wanted a much lower company tax rate "or some other mechanism that reduces substantially the cost to Australian businesses of equity capital sourced from abroad". Asked afterwards why he had included the qualification, Dr Henry said he had never been single-minded in pursuit of a lower company tax rate. Saturday rates in the fast food, hospitality, restaurant and retail sectors will not change and were found to be fair. Sunday rates for retail, fast food and some hospitality industries will be reduced by 25 to 50 percentage points. The Fair Work Commission said Sunday rates should generally be more than Saturday rates, but not as high as they were in the past. Who will gain the most from the changes? Business groups have welcomed the cuts saying they will help keep businesses open on Sundays and help employ more staff. Big retailers including JB Hi-Fi and Myer will be among those to benefit most from the changes. The Federal Government will be under less pressure from industry groups to intervene. Unions, the ALP and Greens, on the other hand, will now push for cuts to penalty rates to be overruled by legislation. The controversial decision to cut has angered Australia's union movement, which has invested heavily in a massive campaign to safeguard weekend penalty rates across the country. Emmanuelle-Rose Everett works on a casual basis for Gregory's Bread bakery at the fish markets and would prefer to have a full time position rather than the penalty rates that a casual position attracts. Credit:Wolter Peeters "This is a bad day for working Australians," said Australian Council of Trade Unions president Ged Kearney. Struggling workers "won't be able to survive on a 25 or 30 per cent pay cut". "We are on the way to seeing a whole class of working poor in this country," she said. "We are talking about people who do not earn a fortune. The retail industry made a very healthy operating profit last year. They can afford to pay people decently." Ms Kearney said the cuts to penalty rates "have to be stopped" and urged all political parties to "step up and say they will protect workers' take home pay today". She said more than a million workers will face a pay cut of more than 20 per cent, or $6000 per year. "Imagine what that means to someone when they have to pay car registration, they have to pay rent, when they are trying like crazy to get a mortgage" she said. With rising inflation, falling wage growth and unaffordable house prices, Victorian Trades Hall Council secretary Luke Hilakari warned the decision would push working families into severe hardship. "There will be thousands and thousands of families sitting around the dinner table tonight, working out how to make ends meet. Are they going to have to take a second job, or a third job? Are they going to have to do extra shifts?" he said. "This is going to be the greatest cut to working people's wages since the Great Depression." Jo-anne Schofield, the national secretary for the union representing hospitality workers, said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull could have intervened to prevent cuts to the country's lowest paid workers. "Let's be clear that this has happened because the big business lobby has made an application to cut the pay of the lowest paid workers in the country. It didn't happen by accident," she said. Dr Stephen Clibborn from the University of Sydney business school said underpayment of wages and penalty rates is prevalent in retail and hospitality jobs. "Without effective enforcement of award pay and conditions, today's decision must be viewed to some extent in a bubble, separate from the reality of our labour market," he said. Adjusting to the 24/7 economy In the lead-up to the decision, union leaders have argued that Sunday loadings of up to 200 per cent were crucial compensation for low-paid employees who sacrifice weekends and work unsociable hours. Employer groups have been pushing for years for a reduction to penalty rates on Sundays, which they say are too high, no longer reflect community standards and are forcing businesses to close their doors on weekends and public holidays. They claim a higher wage for Sunday staff is no longer justified in a 24/7 economy, where workers see no difference in working Sundays compared to Saturdays. Handing down the decision on Thursday morning, Fair Work Commission president Iain Ross said the existing weekend and public holiday penalty rates did "not achieve the modern awards objective, as they do not provide a fair and relevant minimum safety net". He said the Fair Work Commission had decided against employers' requests to drop Sunday rates to the same level as Saturdays though because working on Sundays still came at a higher level of inconvenience for employees than on Saturdays, even if it wasn't as pronounced as in the past. The umpire has spent almost two years weighing evidence from more than 140 witnesses and 6000 written submissions. The Australian Industry Group welcomed the decision as better aligning penalty rates in the fast food industry to the needs of 21st century workplaces. Its chief executive Innes Willox said a high proportion of employees in the fast food industry were young people who had study commitments during normal business hours. "The Commission accepted AI Group's evidence that young people often prefer to work in the evenings and on weekends, and that many prefer to work on Sundays rather than Saturdays," he said. "In the fast food industry, weekends and evenings are peak times. The Commission has recognised that existing Sunday penalty rates in the fast food industry are not fair for employers and no longer relevant." 'Body blow to hundreds of thousands' Pressure for a reduction to penalty rates had increased since Australia's Productivity Commission in 2015 recommended cutting Sunday rates in line with Saturdays. Although Mr Turnbull has previously referred to Sunday penalty rates as an outdated concept, the federal government has left reform on the issue to the independent umpire, the Fair Work Commission. Labor leader Bill Shorten said the decision was what the Coalition had wanted for years. "Turnbull and his MPs have been pushing to cut penalty rates for years - and now it's happened," he tweeted. Earlier this week, he has flagged his party would "never support a decision that sees workers worse off". "With wages growth at record lows and underemployment at record highs, there could not be a worse time to cut penalty rates," he said then, warning the ruling could set a precedent that could eventually cut weekend penalty rates for other occupations, too, such as nurses or paramedics. Greens workplace relations spokesman Adam Bandt promised to introduce legislation to protect penalty rates for retail, fast food, hospital and pharmacy workers. "This is a body blow to the hundreds of thousands of people who depend on penalty rates to make ends meet," he said. Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said the opposition's scare campaign about an end to Sunday penalty rates had already begun. "When it comes to the issue of penalty rates, Bill Shorten has a glass jaw," she said. ""He is the person solely responsible for the fact that the Fair Work Commission was reviewing penalty rates, and he needs to once and for all take responsibility for this decision. "He can say what he likes today about the decision, but he does need acknowledge is his role in it and the fact that it is either an independent commission or it is not." 'Penalty on jobs' Conservative Liberal backbencher Eric Abetz said the decision was a welcome step. "The Fair Work Commission has clearly been mugged by the realities that their previous determination has cost jobs and investment in the hospitality, retail and tourism sectors," he said in a statement. "Today's decision will be of benefit to the tens of thousands of young Australians who want to work on weekends who have increasingly found that businesses haven't been able to afford opening their doors on Sundays." "It is somewhat disappointing that the Commission has taken more than three years to consider this matter and I will be seeking to establish why it took such an unusual amount of time." Aaron Lane, a fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs, reckons the umpire's move will make weekend work more secure. "Penalty rates are a penalty on jobs. The higher the penalty, the higher the barriers are into employment - putting the job market further out of reach for the most disadvantaged Australians," he said. "There are businesses right around the country that have stopped trading on Sundays because penalty rates are prohibitively high. Case after case, we hear of family-owned small businesses that run on skeleton staff on a Sunday because they are unable to afford the extra penalty rates. Creating more jobs? James Pearson, chief executive officer of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, argued along the same lines, saying penalty rates had to be cut to make it easier for employers to take on new staff at a time when 725,000 people were out of work, including 259,000 young people. "Reducing penalty rates for businesses in retail and hospitality will give them greater capacity to open their doors longer, take on more staff and give them more hours. The Restaurant and Catering Association found it could create 40,000 jobs," he said. However, some employers in the hospitality industry who gave evidence at the Fair Work Commission hearings admitted it was unlikely they would put on more staff if penalty rates were reduced. Citigroup late last year conducted financial analysis which found big retailers including Myer and JB Hi-Fi were likely to deliver any savings from penalty rate cuts to shareholders. Former ACTU Assistant Secretary Tim Lyons, who is a research fellow at the think tank Per Capita, said the Citigroup report revealed that reductions in penalty rates would not save or create more jobs. He said a lack of dollars in workers pockets was the problem, not a solution to housing affordability, sub-trend economic growth and tax revenue shortfalls. "This is a very poor decision where the unrelenting attacks on penalty rates and the commission from government and employer groups seems to have played a role," he said. "In reality, there is no evidence that this will result in more jobs or more hours for existing workers. It's just a pay cut for people that can't afford it." Victorian Trades Hall Council's Mr Hilakari had even starker words to reject the business groups' claims the cuts would create jobs. Loading "They don't hire extra people out of goodwill," he said. "This money is just going to be pocketed." "If the business doesn't grow, how are we going to employ more people?" Mohammad Bhuiya is among restaurant owners disappointed the Fair Work Commission's decision to cut Sunday penalty rates for hundreds of thousands of retail and hospitality workers does not extend to restaurants. "For me, it was not a balanced and fair decision," he said. Mr Bhuiya, called "Boby" by his friends, is the principal business administrator for Sicilian Restaurant, which has served up woodfire pizzas and Italian cuisine for about a decade in Church Street, Parramatta. Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Australia this week is a sign of desperation. Never before has a sitting Israeli prime minister come to this country. There is growing global sympathy crucially, from ordinary people rather than governments for the Palestinians and mounting criticism of the fundamental structures of apartheid Israel. It's a sense of isolation that has prompted Netanyahu to cross the planet to this mediocre middle power. Israel was established in 1948 on the basis of driving 700,000 Palestinians from their homes. That Israeli land grab, begun much earlier by Zionist colonists, has continued ever since. Palestinian citizens of Israel have a second-class status, with inferior civil rights, education, social security and access to jobs. Palestinians on the West Bank are under Israeli military control, as their land is whittled away by Israeli colonists. The Gaza Strip is an appalling prison, blockaded by Israel, where about 1.9 million Palestinians live on only 365 square kilometres. Outgoing Australia Post chief Ahmed Fahour says he sent off his resignation letter in May 2014, but couldnt officially announce his departure until the letter was received by the board, which occurred this afternoon. A spokesperson for the Australia Post board of directors said they suspected a resignation may have been imminent in August of 2015, when they received a sorry we missed you card in the letter box. Ahmed Fahour. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui But by the time they were able to get to the nominated post office, the letter had been returned to sender. Mr Fahour claims he never received the returned mail. A second sorry we miss you card was received late last year. London: A defiant Julie Bishop has hit back at suggestions she was disloyal to former prime minister Tony Abbott, saying she was elected deputy leader by the Liberals' party room and her loyalty is to her colleagues and not the leader. Mr Abbott on Wednesday night laughed when his conservative ally commentator Andrew Bolt put to him in an interview that cabinet minister Peter Dutton describes himself as "conservative, plain-speaking and loyal", adding, "and Julie Bishop is none of those three". Notably Mr Abbott did not defend Ms Bishop. Privately he is scathing of her character and believes she behaved disloyally during the 2015 leadership coup when it was revealed her chief of staff attended a meeting of the plotters on the night before he was replaced. When Fairfax Media put to her Mr Abbott's failure to defend her against Bolt's criticism and his obvious agreement with Bolt, Ms Bishop hit back. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says he will not be distracted by Tony Abbott's "latest outburst" and most direct attack on the government to date, defending his record of achievement and portraying the backbencher as a hypocrite who was unable to govern effectively when he was leader. Mr Turnbull has joined cabinet colleagues Finance Minister Mathias Cormann and Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne in rounding on an emboldened Mr Abbott following his "deliberately destructive" speech and interview on Thursday calling for a shift to the right to avoid defeat at the next election. Mr Turnbull said every Coalition MP should ask if they are contributing to the government's success and said Mr Abbott "knows exactly what he's doing and so do his colleagues". "I'm not going to be provoked," Mr Turnbull told Melbourne radio station 3AW when asked if he would punish Mr Abbott. A collection of federal Labor MPs has urged Australian recognition of a Palestinian state, echoing the high-profile interventions of party elders ahead of Opposition Leader Bill Shorten's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The call for Palestinian statehood goes further than official party policy, which backs a two-state solution but only commits a Labor government to discussion of "joining like-minded nations" and "announcing the conditions and timelines" for Australian recognition, should the peace process falter. On Friday, Mr Netanyahu will meet with Mr Shorten and opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong in Sydney, where they are expected to discuss Israel's settlement construction in occupied territory. This follows Mr Netanyahu's meetings and appearances with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull as he works through a four-day Australian trip, the first official visit of an Israeli prime minister. Victorian MP Maria Vamvakinou, co-convenor of the Parliamentary Friends of Palestine group, said recognising a Palestinian state is "about saving the two-state solution," arguing that settlement activity is diminishing the viability of such a resolution. He was supposed to be the human face of the thousands of weekend workers affected by the cut in Sunday penalty rates. "My name is Trent Hunter. I am a retail worker," the young man standing beside Bill Shorten told media at the Opposition Leader's Sydney press conference on Thursday afternoon. "I rely on Sunday penalty rates. I am rostered on every single Sunday. I will now lose $109 a week." Except he won't lose a cent, according to his employer. We rely on your support to make local news available to all Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2022. Donate today The Fair Work Commission's review of penalty rates was three years in the making but it was clear within minutes of its announcement that lowering Sunday pay was a major new political battleground. Both sides of politics launched aggressive bids to blame their opponents for the decision to cut up to $5000 a year from the annual pay of some retail workers by lowering Sunday loadings. Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said Opposition Leader Bill Shorten could not "escape responsibility for the outcome" because he instigated the review as workplace relations minister in the Gillard government. "Any suggestion by Bill Shorten and the Labor Party that they do not accept this decision is highly hypocritical," she said. Peter Dutton has backed down on controversial comments suggesting a quid pro quo with the Trump administration over refugee resettlement plans, after being corrected by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop from Washington on Thursday. Defending himself on Thursday morning, the Immigration Minister said he was a "frank speaker" who was "not going to get bogged down in nuance and discussion" over the arrangement with the US. Mr Dutton sparked the confusion on Tuesday during an interview with conservative commentator Andrew Bolt, when he said for the first time that the Turnbull government's deal with the Obama administration to resettle asylum seekers being held on Manus Island and Nauru was linked to Australia's plan to resettle Central American refugees. He also insisted that transfers to Australia would only take place if US President Donald Trump held up his end of the bargain. Opponents of the controversial resettlement deal jumped on the comments, which directly contradicted statements made by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and senior ministers in recent months. The RSL's largest state district representing nearly 5000 members has pleaded with NSW Veterans' Affairs Minister David Elliott to step in and dissolve the state council in the most substantial grassroots revolt yet over the financial scandals plaguing the leadership. The far western metropolitan district council voted on Monday night to call on Mr Elliott to intervene out of frustration with the league's own processes after revelations in Fairfax Media of serious financial questions that have prompted several investigations. NSW Veterans' Affairs Minister David Elliott. Credit:Ben Rushton "It is with deep sorrow and disgust that we write to you to request action be taken to restore the good name of the greatest grass roots organisation in our state, the NSW RSL," the letter stated. "We beseech you to dissolve the current state council." "Suck it up, Stephanie," the letter finished. And that was one of the more polite offerings which came with the writer's name, address and employer details. The author offered a familiar and hostile rant on the theme that people who cannot afford to have childcare without government assistance should not have children. It came in response to a piece I wrote about the high cost of childcare. After laying a decades-long siege to the labour fortress of Sunday penalty rates, employers have finally loosened a few bricks, allowing some to clamber over the wall. The Fair Work Commission has partially validated their claims that exorbitant Sunday rates had been a handbrake on investment, jobs, growth, and on choice for consumers. The decision is a victory for capital's revised tactical demand for incremental reductions. Even so, the micro-economic benefits remain contested, the individual effect of the cuts harsh, and the politics therefore, dangerous. How much? For Malcolm Turnbull, think WorkChoices-dangerous. Back pain is the leading cause of disability globally, and it may shorten your life. A new study by researchers from the University of Sydney has found that those with back pain have a 13 per cent higher chance of dying prematurely. Back pain: there are big costs. Credit: Ivan Ivanov In the study, published in the European Journal of Pain, researchers looked at the prevalence of back pain (generic lower back pain or "acute" back pain) among 4390 Danish twins aged between 70 and 102. They then compared these statistics with the death registry. "Older people reporting spinal pain have a 13 per cent increased risk of mortality per year lived but the connection is not causal," the paper's authors concluded. "In fact, it has placed us workers in greater danger because prospective purchasers and buyers are refusing to use online screening processes or identify themselves in any way." In the past, clients wanting to engage sex workers would apply online and sex workers would leave a network of reviews. But those screening processes are now gone because those conversations leave a trail, making it possible to prosecute. Instead, says Lee, clients call from blocked numbers and there is no way of tracking who those clients really are, or how safe they are. "We have lost a number of our really good clients because they are afraid of being caught and we are left with the dross," Lee says. But another outcome of the new laws is that it is also illegal for sex workers to work together in safety and that makes the job of sex work critically dangerous, Lee says. "Would-be attackers know that and they target us on this basis. These are not sex buyers. They are attackers who know we are possibly carrying large amounts of cash," she says. The Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card (CSHC) is of great value to us self-funded retirees. We have more than $1.6 million each in superannuation and are concerned that we will lose the grandfathering provisions when we are required to adjust our arrangements on June 30. Can you throw any light on this matter? A Treasury spokesperson assures me that existing CSHC holders with current retirement income balances in an account based pension of more than $1.6 million should not lose their grandfathered eligibility for the CSHC. Eligibility for the CSHC is retained as long as the grandfathered product is retained. However, if an individual fully commuted the grandfathered income stream (thereby ceasing the product), eligibility for the CHSC may be lost. This is a matter of some complexity and anybody who feels they may be affected should seek expert advice. My wife and I are self-funded retirees. We own our home and an investment property which has been rented out for the last 20 years since purchase. In the near future, we intend to move into the investment property after renovation to make it our principal residence. If we bequeath both our pre-1983 present home and the new residence to our non-dependent children on our demise, will they have to pay capital gains tax (CGT) on selling them? If CGT is applicable is there a CGT-free period for them to sell these properties? Is there a qualifying period for us to live in the new residence after which the property can be sold CGT-free by us? Julia Hartman of Bantacs explains that if your heirs sell both properties within two years of your date of death no CGT will be payable. If they take longer than two years CGT will only be payable on the difference between the selling price and the cost base. The cost base for both properties is the market value at your date of death, plus selling costs and anything else associated with the property, since your death, that they have not claimed a tax deduction for. A 16-year-old girl with autism who has been living in Australia for eight years could be deported within weeks because she failed immigration medical assessments and the Assistant Immigration Minister has refused to intervene. Blacktown schoolgirl Sumaya Bhuiyan has autism spectrum disorder. Her family's application for permanent residency was rejected in 2013 after immigration health checks found Sumaya had a "moderate developmental delay" that would result in significant cost to Australian taxpayers, her mother Nasrin Haque said. Last month, Dr Haque was told that Assistant Immigration Minister Alex Hawke had decided it was "not in the public interest" to intervene, and that Sumaya must leave the country. Dr Haque, a GP working in two medical practices in western Sydney, has until Friday, February 24, to book flights. Comments in support of the petition included two women who said they had been diagnosed with cervical cancer at 16 and 23. "I had stage one cervical cancer, which was found in my pap smear and the fact that we are leaving it even longer petrifies me," one of the woman wrote. "I had no symptoms. I was 23." Michael Gannon, president of the Australian Medical Association and head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at St John of God Subiaco, issued a formal response, to what he said was a well-intentioned petition. He said he wanted to "sink some of the myths around changes to National Cervical Screening Program". "The new guidelines are evidence-based, and a fabulous good news story for girls and women across Australia," Dr Gannon wrote, adding that they had been developed over years by a panel of gynaecologists, pathologists, clinicians, and scientists. He said they reflected the changes from having a population of young adults who should nearly all be vaccinated against the HPV infection, and that there had been advancements in knowledge about cervical cancer. "These changes will mean that millions of women can perfectly safely reduce the number of times they face the nuisance, expense, and discomfort of having pap smears," he wrote. "Perhaps the only down side of the change is the health promotion opportunities that have accrued from women visiting their GP on a two-yearly basis. Camobodian's Pheun Ra, Seoung Sokhom, Khorn Khorn and Chan Sokhoeurn are victims of a land grab funded by the ANZ bank. Credit:Penny Stephens The farming families represented by Ra and another farmer, 61 year old grandmother Khorn Khorn, are calling on ANZ to forfeit the few million dollars of likely profit it made from financing the PPS project to compensate those adversely impacted. ANZ's response to the farmers' complaints has been to attribute responsibility and liability to PPS and highlight Cambodian media reports from 2016 that detail the sugar company's compensation scheme, in which up to 120 families have accepted packages of around $500. Camobodian Khorn Khorn another victim of the Cambodian land grab. Credit:Penny Stephens "We acknowledge concerns expressed by NGOs regarding our former customer, Phnom Penh Sugar (PPS), and have maintained dialogue with all relevant stakeholders in Cambodia and Australia," a bank spokesman told Fairfax Media. But other media reports have raised serious questions about the compensation scheme, while respected advocacy group Human Rights Watch has attacked the process as coercive and made under the shadow of threats and duress. Seoung Sokhom also lost his land. Credit:Penny Stephens ANZ cut financial ties with PPS in 2014, after Fairfax Media first revealed the plantation project had been tainted by child labour, military-backed land grabs, forced evictions and food shortages. But it was too late for the farmers forced from their homes in 2010. Khorn also breaks down while telling her story to Fairfax Media. She was visiting her husband in hospital when private military officers came to take control of her land. Khorn returned home from hospital to find her house a smoking ruin. Her husband died a short time later. In a cruel twist, the loss of her small subsistence farming operation forced Khorn to remove two of her grandchildren from school and send them to work for PPS. "It makes me angry and resentful but I have no choice," she explains. Khorn and other farmers are essentially appealing to the bank's conscience and issuing a plea to its shareholders. ANZ faces no legal obligation to pay compensation and Fairfax Media understands that a recent draft report completed by a federal government official in response to the OECD complaint assigns little culpability to ANZ. Underlining the Australian bank's original decision to finance the refinery is the argument that it is better to have Western finance and scrutiny in developing nations then none at all. But it is fair to question whether ANZ should have ever got into bed with PPS, or indeed entered the world of Cambodian banking, given the obvious risks of operating in a business environment bedevilled by crony capitalism. ANZ's decision in 2005 to set up a joint-venture banking operation in Cambodia with controversial millionaire businessman Kith Meng was heavily criticised in a confidential risk assessment completed by consultants for ANZ, who warned that Meng was a ruthless businessman of questionable integrity. The ANZ executive who launched the banking joint venture was Elmer Funke Kupper (who recently faced intense scrutiny over dealings Tabcorp had in Cambodia while he was CEO of the gaming company). Mr Funke Kupper had departed ANZ by the time the bank decided to help finance the PPS operation owned by Meng's associate, Senator Ly Yong Phat, a political powerbroker and one of Cambodia's richest men. A 2007 US diplomatic cable released by WikiLeaks describes how Phat was accused of using his "influence to send armed military police forces to grab land from villagers and to clear their lands by burning down their crops and trees". It was no surprise to many Cambodia watchers when similar allegations emerged at the Kampong Speu plantation project. ANZ ordered at least two audits of the project - in 2010 and 2013 - to ensure that its dealings with PPS were in line with the Equator Principles, a voluntary code that commits financial institutions to funding projects with "sound social and environmental standards". Two people have had a lucky escape after a light plane crashed in Traralgon on Thursday afternoon. The plane came down in a paddock next to the Princes Highway and the Latrobe Regional Airport about 1.25pm. Paramedics assessed a man and woman who weren't injured, but were shaken by the crash. A spokesman for the Australian Transport Safety Bureau said staff were informed of the crash about 2pm. Emergency workers at the scene of the light plane crash near Traralgon. Credit:Bryce Eishold/Latrobe Valley Express "It was a forced landing in a paddock about one kilometre short of the aerodrome at Traralgon," he said. The crash comes two days after five people were killed when a light Beechcraft King Air plane crashed in Melbourne. There are fewer people sleeping rough in Sydney than last year's record high, but there are still significantly more homeless people than any other year since at least 2010. Lord mayor Clover Moore is calling for a multi-agency taskforce to tackle homelessness after the City of Sydney tallied 433 rough sleepers in its summer street count on Monday night, down from 486 in February last year. Fi, who was homeless for 10 years, now lives in an apartment in Sydney. Credit:Janie Barrett There were also 489 people in crisis and temporary accommodation beds, which were at 91 per cent capacity, and 26 people without a fixed address in hospital beds. Cr Moore said the figures demonstrated the need for another "Common Ground" style housing development, where the long-term homeless can be accommodated with tailored support services. A Sydney conwoman who swindled more than $2 million from lonely men she met through online dating services has been jailed for at least 18 months. After the sentence was delivered, Sanaa Derbas, 42, looked from the dock at her family, broke into tears and cried, "My kids please ... please." Sanaa Derbas appearing in court earlier this month. Credit:Daniel Munoz Inconsolable, she yelled out, "I love you", repeatedly to agitated and tearful family members before she was led away by Correctional Services officers. The mother-of-four adopted multiple aliases and fabricated stories about being too poor to eat, her children dying and medical emergencies to drain the bank accounts of the men. The parts of Sydney boasting 30-minute trips to work on trains or buses might not be where you think they are. An analysis of data from the state's Opal ticketing system has revealed that the time commuters spend on public transport to get to many so-called employment centres in the western suburbs during peak hours is significantly less than those in other parts of Australia's largest city such as North Sydney, Randwick and the central business district. The best performer of the 15 employment clusters surveyed is Blacktown. Three-quarters of people spent 30 minutes or less taking public transport to reach it. Only 7 per cent of commuters took longer than an hour to travel to the suburb in Sydney's west. It was ferries to the rescue after a yacht caught fire at Kangaroo Point on Thursday morning. A Brisbane CityCat was first on scene when smoke began billowing about 9.40am from the yacht moored directly opposite the Riverside Ferry terminal. The ferry operator handed the crew a large fire extinguisher according to witness Peter Strempel, and then moved around to spray water on the yacht with its water cannon before docking. A fire crew arrived about 10am on a CityFerry, but thanks to the first vessel and two nearby boaties the fire had been extinguished by the time they arrived. Real-time political donations for state government candidates and political parties will be online next month - but there is a catch. From March 1 every donation of $1000 or more will need to be declared and it will be available to search by party, electorate, donor, election or date. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk with Peter Wellington in 2015, when the Speaker urged a commitment to transparency and accountability in government. Credit:Dan Peled But rather than being instantly uploaded, the donations will need to be reported within seven business days. The website is hosted on the Electoral Commission of Queensland website. Four children at the centre of family abuse allegations will remain in foster care after an Ipswich magistrate's decision to return them home was successfully appealed. The children, aged between six and 11, were placed in foster care on November 11, 2016, after reports their father had whipped them with cords, ordered them to hold bricks above their head for hours, slapped them and hit them with wire. The four children will remain in state custody after Director of Child Protection Litigation won appeal against Ipswich magistrate's decision. Credit:AFR The claims came after their father had already pleaded guilty to assault in March last year after one of the children presented at hospital with bruising and whip marks. He received 12 months' probation in June. The children claim they were told by their mother and father not to tell anyone about what was happening. Victorians suspected to have been struck by the Ross River virus has jumped by another 231 people in the past week. The number of notifications since January 1, which includes confirmed and suspected cases pending the outcome of tests, has increased from 1012 last week to 1243, the Health Department has reported. The new figures show increases in reports of the mosquito-borne virus in all Victorian regions and corners of Melbourne. Most infections are believed to have been acquired in regional Victoria. A safe injecting room for heroin users should be trialled in Richmond to help curb drug deaths, the departing head of the Police Association has said. Ron Iddles, who retired from his post as Police Association secretary on Thursday, said coroner Jacqui Hawkins' recommendation of a trial should be supported. His position puts him at odds with Premier Daniel Andrews, who says his government has no plans for a safe injecting room. "In relation to heroin, where there have been so many deaths, I support a trial," Mr Iddles said. "It is a trial, so why shouldn't we support it?" New York's rental housing is in rough shape. In 2015, the city issued housing code violations at a rate of 231 per 1,000 apartments. Around 50 violations per 1,000 apartments were considered serious, meaning they pose a threat to health and safety, such as exposed lead paint and ceilings in danger of collapse. The problem is more pronounced in buildings owned by the worst landlords: the 584 buildings owned by the 100 landlords named on the Public Advocate's Office's annual watch list last year had more than 53,000 violations, or more than 90 per building. And that's just using the arbitrary cutoff of 100 landlords. A 2015 list of buildings with three or more serious violations or structural violations per unit, or for small buildings, two or more, included 6,081 buildings. Tenants seeking relief from perilous conditions have a number of options. They can call 311 and file a complaint, which may prompt a visit from a housing inspector. Violations can result in fines that, if unpaid, hinder the owner's ability to get construction permits, or prompt a lawsuit by the city. Withholding rent can force the issue into court, where a judge can order the building owner to make repairs. But stakes are high for tenants who withhold: going to court puts them on the tenant blacklist, and they risk eviction. If they have the resources to hire a lawyer, or qualify for help from one of the city's legal services organizations, theres also the option to sue. In rare instances, the city will take over a troubled building and put a nonprofit manager temporarily in charge of collecting rents and overseeing maintenance (Getting a judge to agree to this is not easy: Tenants made homeless in 2015 when their landlord built an illegal building directly outside their windows and the city vacated their apartments are still in court trying to make this happen.) Rarer still, in a handful of cases over the past few decades, prosecutors have brought criminal charges against landlords for such egregious behavior as cutting giant holes in rent-stabilized tenants' floors to drive them out. Still, it's not unusual to see open violations that date back a decade, and some of the same names have appeared on worst offender lists for longer. There's one thing that the city pointedly doesn't do to address this: prevent problem owners from continuing to rent apartments. The answer to tenants' woes lies here, some housing activists argue, in licensing landlords. Building a massive, sun-blotting illegal building directly behind a legal rental property, forcing the latter to be vacated wasn't enough to convince the city to strip the owner of control. (Nathan Tempey/Gothamist) In December, the city of Toronto passed a law requiring property owners to register with the city and pay a per-apartment fee that will go towards covering regular proactive inspections of every last apartment building in the city limits. The law will also require landlords to post restaurant-style letter grades in building lobbies, and create a system of charging fees for further audits that is supposed to ensure that recurring problems get stopped once and for all. "If youre a good landlord it costs you nothing," said Yale Fox, a transplanted New Yorker from Toronto and founder of the startup RentLogic, which complies public data to grade apartment buildings. Fox supported the legislation. The bill stopped short of licensing landlords, which local activists had backed, but the inspection system it has created is more sweeping in scope than New York's, which is primarily complaint-based. "This is not a license anymore, this is what we would call a tenant protection bylaw," said Councillor Josh Matlow, the Toronto legislator who spearheaded the bill. "I dont care what its called so long as you achieve that goal" of protecting tenants and compelling landlords to fix up their buildings promptly. He explained that city staffers convinced him that licensing would create an additional bureaucratic process that "would actually make things more complicated and slow things down." The beauty of the new program, he said, is that it will be largely self-funded, and the more owners fix up buildings, the fewer inspectors will be needed. "I look forward to a day we have very few audits and have to hire very few people to do them," he said. The law passed despite heavy lobbying by real estate interests, including flyers on apartment doors saying the registration fees would be passed on to tenants. Most rental housing in the Canadian province of Ontario is rent-stabilized, and though landlords can apply for above-guideline rent increases, the provincial authorities said that the board deciding rent increases would be unlikely to approve an application for an increase based on the new fees. The city is now petitioning the province to codify that as a policy, and is working out other details, such as how often buildings will be inspected and their grades updated. Matlow and his allies in the Federation of Metro Tenants Associations and the surviving Canadian ACORN are looking forward to what's to come. "I dont think it would be fully honest to say weve solved everyones problems," Matlow said. "There will always be landlords who want to ignore peoples reasonable demands to keep their buildings in repair. We have a huge city with tens of thousands of buildings with a wide geography, and we need all the support we can get. For many years its been like a game of Whac-A-Mole." Toronto is not alone in looking at licensing landlords. Several small and medium-sized cities around the United States require some form of license to rent properties, as do Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. An illegal partition in an apartment that, until recently, the city was paying above-market rate to rent as part of the city's cluster site homeless shelter program. (Nathan Tempey/Gothamist) We talked to housing officials in Minneapolis, which has had some form of landlord licensing in place since 1991. Like Toronto, Minneapolis uses per-unit fees from landlords to fund a proactive inspection regime. Unlike Toronto's housing administrators, those in the Midwestern city reserve the right to pull a building owner's license for five years at a time, not just at one property, but across his or her entire portfolio. It takes a lot to get to that point, but Mike Rumppe, deputy director of Minneapolis Housing Inspection Services, estimated that the city revokes around 30-50 licenses a year. "Revoking a rental license means you cannot do business in the city," Rumppe explained. "We cannot take a property, but we can revoke a license and say you cant do business in the city. The common thing [for owners in this situation] is to sell the property." In an extreme case, the city of Minneapolis is fighting to strip a real estate mogul of 62 licenses that administrators say he obtained while hiding the corporate interest of another real estate bigwig who had already been stripped of his licenses. The city does not seem to have done an overarching review of how effective the licensing system has been in improving housing conditions. Data we obtained shows that as Minneapolis's rental housing stock grew from 2001 to 2016, the number of violations per building hovered around 1.6, then spiked from 2009 to 2011 during the economic crisis, peaking at 2.4 per building in 2011. Last year, the violations per building rate was down to 1.3, the lowest in the whole 16-year period. Rumppe offered that the local real estate establishment is happy with the current setup, and indeed they are. "We generally argue against any additional regulations placed on property owners as a general rule, [however] we feel that Minneapolis has the regulatory tools to ensure a rental market that meets the needs of both owners and tenants," wrote Marty McDonough, director of government affairs for the Minnesota Multi-Housing Association, in an email. He singled out for praise the recently implemented tiered system, in which owners of well-maintained buildings pay less and go through inspections less often: "Our members were active in the creation of the new system, and it seems to be working well." "The people were going after, theyre not happy, obviously," Rumppe also noted. So how would landlord licensing look in New York City? The city already requires owners of multifamily buildings to register them annually, at a rate of $13 per building (failure to register means a fine of $250-$500), plus, if there are rent-stabilized apartments, $10 per unit. The money goes into the city's general fund, as opposed to being earmarked for building inspections. At HPD, inspections are funded by federal block grants and city taxes, according to an agency spokeswoman. Harvey Epstein, director of the Community Development Project at the Urban Justice Center, said that housing advocates have been pushing for landlord licensing in New York "for years," but that city officials have said that such a system would require state authorization. Not that there has been a serious campaign by elected officials to obtain such authorization. The Mayor's Office deferred an inquiry to HPD, and the office of Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito did not respond to comment requests. HPD declined to make someone available to discuss its inspection systems. "We have worked with the city on creating proactive inspections and looking at sales data to earmark where future displacement might occur, but would love the licensing requirement to move forward," Epstein said. The city has taken some limited steps towards broadening its enforcement from responding to 311 calls and other complaints. In 2011, HPD started a program to identify buildings in need of rehabilitation regardless of whether tenants had complained. In the middle of 2015, 1,000 buildings had been put on the list and nearly half had subsequently been taken off after improvements. And in 2008, the agency created an Alternative Enforcement Program, aiming to identify the 200-250 buildings in the city with the most violations and, if the landlord fails to make the necessary repairs, hire outside workers to do them and charge the owner. As of last year, 1,128 buildings containing 14,728 apartments had cycled through the program. Frank Ricci, spokesman for the rent-regulated landlord lobbying group the Rent Stabilization Association, said that that members "support" the current system, although the housing maintenance code is "outdated" in some ways. He also criticized some inspections as politicized, saying that pressure from elected officials and activist groups can cause HPD to send inspectors to "go there and load it up with [lower-level] A and B violations, which paints a picture that the building owner is very bad." Any further steps such as letter grades and rental licenses would not make sense, in part because, he claimed, tenants are to blame for a large portion of violations that landlords incur. "So many violations are tenant-caused that I think that would be misleading and not paint a proper picture of the building," he said. He did not provide evidence for this claim and RSA did not respond to a request for data backing it up. On the whole, Ricci said, "I think the complaint-based system we have now is a much better use of resources." And, regarding the premise of landlord licensing, "I just dont buy it. I dont think its true. The reality is most tenants in the city are happy with the housing accommodations that they have, and if theyre not, they have multiple vehicles to do something about it." One impediment to the current system changing landlord behavior is that fines of a few hundred or few thousand dollars have little impact on owners' pocketbooks relative to the profits to be made by getting regulated tenants out, argued Emily Goldstein, senior organizer at the Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development. It's common practice, when the city or tenants do take an owner to housing court, for the fines to be reduced, eliminated, or never collected, she said. And when they are collected, "None of that is enough of a counterweight against the market here." She explained, "The reality is there are neglectful landlords, there are your run-of-the-mill incompetent landlords, but a lot of the worst cases that we see across the city are a part of an actual strategy to harass out tenants. Either a building was over-leveraged and irresponsible loans were taken out on the assumption that they were going to be able to raise the rent in spite of regulation, or theyre stuck without enough money to make the repairs, because the money is going to the mortgage, which is higher than it ought to have been." She continued, "Rents are so high and there are so much profits to be made by getting a building out of regulation in more and more neighborhoods, tenant harassment is a widespread strategy. None of the sort of basic inspection or penalty systems that we have in place are sufficient to counteract that." So could a more robust regulatory apparatus take the place of the one we have now? New York is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the world, and as a result, an extremely sophisticated and influential landlord lobby. Since the 1990s, real estate interests have poked a series of holes in the rent stabilization law, allowing apartments to be deregulated under a variety of conditions and creating incentives to find inventive ways to drive out longtime tenants. Members of the Real Estate Board of New York donated $21.7 million to candidates in the 2014 election cycle, more than a tenth of all donations made, including huge amounts into obscure upstate legislative seats crucial to the preservation of lucrative real estate tax breaks; and shady real estate deals and contributions are at the center of criminal investigations and prosecutions of people connected to the de Blasio and Cuomo administrations, not to mention the last Assembly speaker and Senate leader. In short, for renters losing sleep over construction dust, rat urine, and retired cops posing as building inspectors: I hear Minneapolis is nice this time of year? Many Richmond families are up in arms after discovering they will be zoned out of the prestigious Melbourne Girls College, which is located in their suburb. To rub salt in their wounds, families living in some parts of Kew, Hawthorn and Toorak will still be included in the state school's enrolment boundary. The changes were made in response to a new $43 million co-ed Richmond High School, which will open its doors to year 7 students next year. The intake zone for the popular girls school will dramatically shrink in 2020, excluding most residences west of Burnley Street. It will still include Richmond homes east of Burnley Street and many families will be zoned to both schools. A Supreme Court judge says he is "appalled" that a teenager kept in the adult Barwon Prison was bashed so badly that his spine was fractured. The youth, to whom the judge temporarily granted bail, is still recovering from his injuries after three other inmates allegedly attacked him in the Grevillea unit of the prison on January 30, the court heard. Justice Lex Lasry also made strong comments about the youth justice system on Thursday, saying that sending more children to custody was not "breaking the cycle" of reoffending. "The idea that a 16-year-old-child could be accommodated in a high security adult prison, where he could be attacked in the way that he was, appalls me,"Justice Lasry said. Taxpayers will act as the guarantor on new social housing projects under a $1 billion Andrews government policy aimed at boosting affordable homes for vulnerable people. Housing associations have often struggled to get loans from banks to build housing projects because of the risk of default, but from next financial year the Victorian government will act as guarantor for up to $1 billion worth of projects. Housing Minister Martin Foley said this would lower the risk for banks and help improve the cost of loans for housing organisations to build. Victoria has the lowest percentage of social housing in the country. Growing demand has put pressure on the sector to build more houses and renovate existing stock to better cater for needs. One and two-bedroom homes are most in demand. Mary is a Perth bar worker, and works 35 hours a week- with 10 hours on a Saturday and 10 hours on a Sunday. She said the decision was especially frustrating for Perth students. "I'm trying to do the right thing by working while I'm studying. I can't work nine-to-five weekdays as I need to study in order to improve my circumstances," she said. "I don't claim benefits- I am not relying on the government- a government which is now choosing to punish me, students and the poorest of the poor. My only choice is to work late nights and weekends. "By all means, scrap penalty rates. But you better be the ones who start tipping me when you've changed your mind about what drink you want for the third time, or when I've returned your meal to the chef because you didn't read the menu properly or be polite when I've refused to serve you because you've thrown up outside- which I'll also be cleaning later. A man has been extradited from Queensland and charged with with one count of Breach of Bail after an eleven year investigation into the alleged kidnapping of a then 23-year-old woman in Chittering. In the early hours of October 30 in 2006, WA Police were called to help a woman on the Great Northern Highway who was found by a member of the public and appeared to be extremely distressed. Police It is understood she was attempting to get away from a man who was with her and known to her. The member of the public made the decision to drive her to safety and provided emergency first aid. The woman was later treated at Swan Districts Hospital for injuries to her head, severe gravel rash and missing teeth. The Wild Fig Cafe is close to the construction works. "What we're really after is a support package to help us get through because I am aware of about half a dozen business down there that are on a razor's edge of shutting the doors," he said. "Premier Colin Barnett was in the media the other day saying we'll be the big beneficiaries once it's finished, but if I was to put it to you, how would you go if from tomorrow you're not going to get paid for your job for the next 20 months, you can't change jobs and if you do you're going to lose your home and everything, and at the end of that 20 months - if you get there - you might see a 30 per cent pay rise, would it sound good to you? "I've got four kids... private school fees and everything else to pay, it's brutal, it really is." The Metropolitan Development Authority is managing the $100 million redevelopment. In response to concern from local businesses, its chief executive Kieran Kinsella said businesses that felt they were entitled to make a compensation claim, could do so. "Where businesses feel that they have a claim for compensation, they must provide evidence of loss in the first instance, including audited accounts ," he said. "The evidence will then be subject to review and the MRA will consider each case on a case-by-case basis." He said the MRA and builder Georgiou Group had ensured construction would be completed in the shortest possible timeframe. "Whilst all efforts will be made to minimise impacts on local businesses this must be balanced against the community benefits of the revitalisation project," he said. "A significant awareness campaign was run last year to support local businesses and ensure the broader community and visitors were aware Scarborough remained open for business." Businesses at the Barrack Street Jetty in Perth suffered similar drops in revenue due to the development of Elizabeth Quay in the four years to 2016. Those outlets, however, were granted rental relief from the government, which owned the buildings. The buildings along The Esplanade in Scarborough are privately owned. Lawyer John Holland, who is assisting some of the struggling Scarborough business owners, said the law needed to be changed so the burden of uncontrollable drops in revenue was shared between businesses and landlords. Mr Burke and others have been in discussions with their landlords to seek rental relief. "We've reached out to the landlord, we're trying to negotiate with them, but the thing with dealing with the landlord is they have no obligation to do anything," he said. "As far as the government is concerned, the government has nothing to do with the lease itself but we've been chasing the MRA... trying to get something done. "The government seems to get quite hung up on the term compensation but realistically what we're after is support." Shadow small business minister Kate Doust labelled the management of the outlets in the areas by the state government as "appalling" and called for more to be done to ensure shops can survive the construction period. "I think the way this has been managed by the MRA and the government is just appalling, the fact that parking and access has been removed and that nothing has been put in place for remediation to enable their customers to get to them," she said. "They hadn't taken into account the impact on these businesses. "They need to make sure these businesses can survive until this project is completed." From February 20, traffic flow into the area was further restricted by the closure of a part of the West Coast Highway to allow for construction works. Loading For many people flying from Singapore to Sydney, the flight can take as little as seven hours or so. But not if you are Benjamin Netanyahu. In the Israeli prime minister's case, it can take more than 11 hours. As you can see in the map below, created using data from FlightAware, the Israeli leader took an unusual detour when travelling from Singapore to Australia overnight. The Guardian newspaper also confirmed this unusual route with Netanyahu's delegation. This detour added several hours to his journey. Netanyahu's plane wasn't taking the scenic route by choice. Instead, the carrier - El Al, Israel's national airline - was deliberately avoiding the airspace of Indonesia. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser PHILIPSBURG:--- Attorney at Law Brenda Brooks was arrested by four detectives on Wednesday morning at her home in Saunders. SMN News understands that Attorney Brooks was taken to the Philipsburg Police Station where she is being questioned in the presence of lawyers. SMN News contacted the spokesman for the Prosecutors Office for information on the arrest and he said that he was in court and was unable to provide any information. SMN News learned that Attorney Brooks is allegedly deeply involved in the Ostrich Investigation that involves at least three immigration officers that have been arrested for bribery and human smuggling. Based on the information SMN News received it is alleged that Attorney Brooks is one of the persons that bribed immigration officers. Another suspect detained in Ostrich-investigation On Wednesday morning, February 22nd, 2017 the suspect B.B. (..) has been arrested in the Ostrich-investigation. She is suspected of bribing one or more immigration officials and human smuggling. The arrest is part of a lengthy investigation that has been ongoing since April 2016, code-named Ostrich., It concerns an investigation carried out by the Unit Human Trafficking and Human Smuggling of the St. Maarten Police Force, KPSM into illegal admittance of amongst others Jamaicans, Haitian's and Guyanese. On January 17, 2017, two employees of the immigration service, K.L.M.B. and A.A.D. were already arrested in the same investigation. Before that another employee of the immigration service, J.M. was arrested on November 14, 2016. They are suspected of human smuggling, bribery, and abuse of their post. All three employees of the immigration service are still detained. Prosecutor's Office Press Release PHILIPSBURG:--- Today, two months after the new Council of Ministers was sworn in, we still do not have a Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT). The blame for this has been placed on the vetting or screening process. However, in truth and in fact, the blame lies squarely on the shoulders of our parliament. Now, the USP will have to present another candidate minister and the screening process will start all over again. We trust that it does not take another two months. Who is to tell, though, if this candidate will pass the screening, which is shrouded in a cloak of mystery! With the exception of the Governor and the Prime Minister, no one else seems to know, for sure, what exactly the criteria are for the screening of candidate ministers. We expect the Prime Minister to be transparent about this issue and to enlighten the candidate ministers, the political parties and the general public about the screening criteria, the procedures and how the final decision is made to pass or fail a candidate minister. SMCP believes that the screening criteria should be clearly established up front and that political parties should be aware of these before submitting the name(s) of their candidate minister(s) to the Formateur. The obscurity, as well as the insecurity, surrounding the whole screening process, could have been avoided if parliament had taken the bull by the horns and dealt with the law pertaining to the screening some years ago. Take Curacao for example. Shortly after 10-10-10, the Parliament of Curacao annulled their original screening ordinance and passed a revised one, in 2012. Nearly seven years after 10-10-10, Sint Maarten is still using the original 10-10-10 screening ordinance which is apparently outdated and full of flaws. St. Maarten has a very short history, as far as vetting or screening of candidate ministers is concerned. It is unfortunate that the first three governments of Country Sint Maarten never underwent any serious screening. In its Integrity Report of 2014, the Bob Wit Committee clearly pointed out that the screening was a mess and even stated that the then Prime Minister as well as the Ministers were in violation of the law and could be sentenced to a maximum of three years imprisonment. Seeing that governments were forming and falling so frequently, the Kingdom Government felt that they should step in to ensure, the much needed integrity in the government of Sint Maarten. Consequently, prior to the formation of the fourth government in 2014, the Kingdom Government issued a directive, instructing the Governor, to ensure that the screening of candidate ministers be done in a thorough manner. I believe that, if the Sint Maarten Government and Parliament had taken the screening process seriously from the beginning, there would have been absolutely no reason for the Kingdom Government to step in. Almost seven years after 10-10-10, Sint Maartens parliamentarians are still complaining about the screening, when all the while it was up to them to do something about it. Finally, after five years, a draft of the screening law, entitled Ordinance Regulating the Integrity of (candidate) Ministers, was officially submitted to Parliament, on January 20th 2016, by then Member of Parliament, Dr. Van Hugh Cornelius de Weever. If parliamentarians were really concerned or dissatisfied with the screening, they would have been more zealous in seeing this law move from the Ad Hoc Committee of Integrity to the Central Committee and finally to the Public meeting where it would have been approved. It is good to note that when this ordinance was submitted, the members of the Ad Hoc Integrity Committee were: Sarah Wescott-Williams, George Pantophlet, Cornelius de Weever, Leona Marlin-Romeo, Frans Richardson, Maurice Lake, Franklyn Myers and Silvio Matser, who did not attend any of the three meetings that the Committee held. Regrettably, neither the Committee members nor the other parliamentarians did anything with the draft ordinance. They just sat on it and allowed it to accumulate dust. SMCP calls on parliament to handle this draft ordinance as soon as possible and ensure that it is transparent and fair to all concerned. The next ordinance that Parliament should deal with immediately is the Ordinance Regulating the Integrity of Parliamentarians. The Bob Wit Integrity Committee also seriously questioned the integrity of our parliamentarians and made very pointed recommendations such as: establishing a code of ethics, making public all paid and unpaid side jobs, setting up a public registry to record all gifts accepted by parliamentarians, determining whether side jobs are permissible and if so reducing the salaries accordingly. The report also calls for parliamentarians to declare their assets, before and after taking office, as well as for the establishment of an Integrity Committee. If parliament had followed up on the recommendations in Bob Wits Integrity Report, the screening of candidate Ministers would not be a big issue today and the integrity level within parliament would have been higher. SMCP is expecting parliament to work on these two ordinances as soon as possible. Wycliffe Smith Leader of the Sint Maarten Christian Party PHILIPSBURG:--- Conditions at St. Maartens Point Blanche prison facility continues to be a source of grave concerns. So says the Law Enforcement Council, following completion of a report presented on the 13th of January, last. As of Friday, 24th of February the report will be publicly available. Prior to launching the latest inspection, the Council had already expressed its concerns regarding several aspects related to safety, security and general conditions at the facility. Incidents such as the escape of an inmate and the murder of another inmate were clear indications that the situations encountered were not the reason for optimism. In September of 2016, the Law Enforcement Council announced three inspections of the detention facility, based upon a joint request made by the respective justice ministers within the Dutch Kingdom (JVO) to monitor the recommendations made by the CPT (the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and inhumane or degrading treatment). The first inspection was conducted in October 2016, followed by its report that was presented to the Minister of Justice in January. In this latest report, the Council inspected the legal status of prisoners, based on nine national and international criteria. In general, the Council concludes that the legal status of prisoners is not, or is not sufficiently, guaranteed in the Pointe Blanche prison and remand center. The Council stresses that, in the short term, the focus should be on the various topics that need to be addressed to meet the minimal requirements of acceptable standards. The Council concludes, with the necessary regret, that the situation has only become worse since the findings of its report completed in 2014. The Council additionally inspected key aspects related to prison personnel and of the organization itself. The shortage of personnel, lack of training, lack of communication, an integrity policy which is still in draft form, the lack of a clear direction of the prison and the role of the employees overall, all have an adverse effect on the functioning of the organization and a negative effect on the quality of the primary process of detention. Basic necessities that are essential for the closed setting of a prison are missing. These include a functional wall around the prison area, functional locks as well as safety equipment to be used while working. The Council, basically, found various shortcomings of conditions and resources that a prison organization requires to ensure a healthy living and working environment, for inmates and personnel respectively. In its report, the Law Enforcement Council also incorporated the 13 recommendations made by the CPT in 2015, for the explicit purpose of contributing to compliance with international standards and much-needed improvements. The Council concludes that the country of Sint Maarten has virtually not acted on any of the CPTs recommendations. It should be obvious that the non-compliance with minimal national and international standards and regulations, and all difficulties which the prison is facing, go far beyond the reach of that organization and perhaps even the country itself. Beyond this, the Council stresses that the serious consequences of these issues do not only imply the responsibilities of the country of St. Maarten but those of the Dutch Kingdom as well. Following its most recent endeavors, the Council has made 18 recommendations, including one to follow-up on the CPTs recommendations, earlier mentioned. The Council has had constructive meetings with the minister of Justice regarding the precarious situation at the Point Blanche detention facility. While the attention needed by government, has often been sporadic and not led to decisive action, the Council encourages that the prison is currently one of the top priorities of the minister of Justice. With its reports and recommendations as well as with ongoing dialogue about the prison, the Council strives to contribute to a proper functioning of the institution and encourages all actions and measures taken towards (further) structural improvement. The Council will, in this regard, continue to monitor initiatives spearheaded by the minister of Justice. The Council expects to produce the final 2 reports (Internal /external safety and security; Rehabilitation and Treatment) of the threefold inspection by April upcoming. This first report, as well as all other reports of inspections conducted by the Council, can be found on the Councils official website in the St. Maarten section on www.raadrechtshandhaving.com Pond Island:---- The European Union funded COSME Programme, hosted two very successful three-day workshops focusing on 21st Century Entrepreneurship in cooperation with the University of St. Martin (USM). A total of 34 participants received their certificates with much appreciation. The facilitators Mr. Prakaash Rostam and Mr. Erwin Wolthuis were thanked for their contributions and praised for their original and innovative approach. Mr. Prakaash Rostam, Key Expert SME & Private Sector Development Specialist, stated that entrepreneurs throughout the 12 Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) shout for direct assistance and support in starting their businesses; as well as for further developing their companies; as the global economic challenges put them in challenging positions. Awareness, skills development, knowledge transfer and sharing information in the most extensive form, has been identified as some of the key success factors for Small Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs), especially in the Caribbean OCTs. The reactions of the participants are clear. Everonique Levenstone, owner of the Proactive Group of Companies stated: I am thankful for this great opportunity on building ourselves for a bigger and brighter future. I really appreciated this presentation because it was not only about 6 C's to apply to your business, but everything taught goes hand in hand in our daily lives as well. Loic Bryan, CEO of Artistic Drive, added that indeed the course was great and that he would love to see more follow-up courses. Mr. Rostam concluded with saying that he was very pleased with the success of this first series and that possible follow-up will be announced through the press in due course. DIAGNOS Announces a Contract in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with AlKanhoor medical Co. BROSSARD, QUEBEC (Marketwired) 02/22/17 Diagnos Inc. (DIAGNOS or the Corporation) (TSX VENTURE: ADK), a leader in healthcare Artificial Intelligence services announces today the signature of a new partnership agreement with AlKanhoor Medical Co. in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This contract with AlKanhoor will focus on selling services from the DIAGNOS Artificial Intelligence technology platform to the 542 hospitals in the KSA. This agreement will make the KSA the 14th country in the world to have DIAGNOS installations. As per the latest International diabetes federation statistics, the KSA ranks seventh (7th) in the world with a 17.65% prevalence of diabetes in adults. The total population of Saudi Arabia is approximately 32 million people; this includes close to 6 million diabetics to be monitored for eye related diseases. Diabetes in the KSA is growing at an alarming rate. The impact on the peoples vision is becoming a threat to our society. AlKanhoor and DIAGNOS solution come at the right time to establish a novel approach to screening of the diabetic population. By rapidly identifying early signs of illness, the patient can be directed to the appropriate level of hospital or clinic care. The response from our marketing analysis of the hospitals and clinics with respect to the DIAGNOS application was overwhelming and we believe that by executing the first installation successfully, we will be exposed to a major opportunity in the near future of a national campaign to screen diabetic residents of the KSA. Rashid AlMugait, President of AlKanhoor Medical Co We are very excited to have executed this agreement with AlKanhoor Medical as our partner in Saudi Arabia. We have been working in the region for 2 years and believe that AlKanhoor is ideally suited for us. DIAGNOS successful Wellness Program (CARA) empowers the diabetic communities by enabling the physical analysis of patients retina using our proprietary Artificial Intelligence platform. CARA allows doctors to better monitor the vison disorders which afflict most diabetic patients. This powerful tool simplifies and streamlines the process by allowing referral to specialists of only the most at risk patients. This leads to massive savings to the healthcare system. stated Andre Larente, DIAGNOS President. About CARA CARA is a tele-ophthalmology platform that integrates with existing equipment (hardware and software) and processes at the point of care (POC) and comprises: image upload, image enhancement automated pre- screening, grading by a specialist, and referral to a specialist. CARAs Artificial Intelligence image enhancement algorithms make standard retinal images sharper, clearer, and easier to read. CARA is accessible securely over the internet, and is compatible with all recognized image formats and brands of fundus cameras, and is EMR compatible. CARA is a cost-effective tool for screening large numbers of patients, in real-time and has been approved by regulatory authorities including Health Canada, US Food and Drug Administration, the European Union and others. About DIAGNOS Founded in 1998, DIAGNOS is a publicly traded Canadian corporation with a mission to commercialize technologies combining contextual imaging and traditional data mining thereby improving decision making processes. DIAGNOS offers products, services, and solutions to clients in a variety of fields including healthcare and natural resources. Forward-looking information This document contains forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in these statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For further information, please visit our website at , or visit the SEDAR website at . Contacts: Mr. Andre Larente President 450 678-8882, ext. 224 Dick Weisberg Appointed Regional Vice President for TierPoint Posted by Publisher Hardware SEATTLE, WA (Marketwired) 02/22/17 TierPoint LLC, a leading national provider of hybrid IT solutions, announced today that Dick Weisberg has been named Regional Vice President, Sales for the companys Pacific Northwest region. Based in the Seattle area, where he has lived for nearly 25 years, Weisberg leads the regional teams efforts to identify how organizations can benefit from TierPoints comprehensive portfolio of solutions, including private, multi-tenant, hyperscale and hybrid cloud; colocation, disaster recovery, security and other managed IT services. My team and I are extremely excited about this opportunity, said Weisberg. This region includes many dynamic and innovative companies in diverse industries that require state-of-the-art IT infrastructure services. TierPoint is well positioned to be the provider of choice for these companies, with 40 world-class data centers in 20 markets, eight multi-tenant cloud pods, and a range of hybrid IT solutions that are, frankly, second to none. Were very fortunate to have Dick join us as a regional sales leader, said John Holland, TierPoint Senior Vice President, Sales. Hes a proven, top-performing manager who knows the region and its business community. And most importantly, his approach to business fits perfectly with the TierPoint culture, where we place a premium on superior, unrivaled customer care. Weisberg has a distinguished career, spanning more than 25 years of technology sales and business management experience. Before TierPoint, he held positions with several major technology companies, including CenturyLink Business Technology Solutions, Savvis, ADIC, and Attachmate Corporation. He earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Texas at Austin. TierPoint is a leading national provider of hybrid IT solutions that help organizations drive performance and manage risk. No other U.S. provider comes even close to matching TierPoints unique combination of clients, facilities, solutions, and service. The company has one of the largest customer bases in the industry, with over 5,000 clients of all shapes and sizes trusting it with mission-critical IT operations. TierPoint has one of the largest and most geographically diversified footprints in the nation, with 40 data centers in 20 markets and 8 multi-tenant cloud pods, connected by a coast-to-coast network. The company offers one of the most comprehensive solution portfolios of private, multitenant, hyperscale, and hybrid cloud; colocation, disaster recovery, security, and other managed IT services. Led by a proven management team, TierPoints network of hundreds of experienced IT professionals offer local, white-glove customer service in the companys data center markets and beyond, customizing agile solutions to each clients unique needs. Importantly, TierPoint can integrate and seamlessly manage all of these services for its clients, helping them get more from their IT infrastructure than they can get anywhere else. Image Available: Patrick Baczenas 314-720-3136 Four Ingram Micro Executives Honored as CRN Channel Chiefs Posted by Publisher Internet IRVINE, CA (Marketwired) 02/22/17 . today announced CRN, a brand of , named four of its company executives 2017 Channel Chiefs. The annual CRN listing represents top leaders in the IT channel and formally recognizes those individuals responsible for driving growth and revenue in their organizations through channel partners. This years Ingram Micro honorees include: , senior vice president, Advanced Solutions , executive vice president and group president of the Americas , executive vice president, Global Cloud , senior vice president, Commercial Markets and Global Sales Ingram Micro is an indispensable business partner with a relentless focus on delivering exceptional service and unrivaled results, said Paul Bay, executive vice president and group president of the Americas, Ingram Micro Inc. Its an honor to be recognized by CRN for our leadership, accomplishments and continued commitment to channel enablement and service excellence. Under the leadership of its Channel Chiefs, Ingram Micro earned a number of high-profile industry honors in 2016, and was recently awarded the title of key global distribution partner for Dell EMC. Ingram Micro also made a number of investments in 2016, including expanding its expertise in several advanced solutions and services including cloud, cybersecurity, data center, devices, PCs, networking, professional services, storage, training and unified communication and collaboration. Ingram Micros partner communities, Cloud Marketplace and Professional Services and Training continue to lead the industry. The executives on our 2017 Channel Chiefs list have distinguished themselves by building strong partner programs, developing and executing effective business strategy and helping to advance the channel as a whole, said Bob Faletra, CEO of The Channel Company. They represent an extraordinary group of individuals who lead by example and serve as both invaluable advocates and innovators of the IT channel. We applaud their achievements and look forward to their successes in the coming year. The 2017 CRN Channel Chiefs list is featured in the February 2017 issue of CRN and online at . CRNs editorial staff selected the Channel Chiefs based on their professional achievements, standing in the industry, dedication to the channel partner community and strategies for driving future growth and innovation. Each of the 2017 Channel Chiefs demonstrated loyalty and ongoing support for the IT channel by consistently promoting, defending and executing outstanding channel partner programs. More information about Ingram Micro is available at . Ingram Micro helps businesses Realize the Promise of Technology. It delivers a full spectrum of global technology and supply chain services to businesses around the world. Deep expertise in technology solutions, mobility, cloud, and supply chain solutions enables its business partners to operate efficiently and successfully in the markets they serve. Unrivaled agility, deep market insights and the trust and dependability that come from decades of proven relationships, set Ingram Micro apart and ahead. More at . The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequalled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. Copyright 2017. The Channel Company, LLC. CRN and The Channel Company logo are registered trademarks of The Channel Company, LLC. All rights reserved. Image Available: Marie Rourke +1 (714) 292-2199 WhiteFox Marketing United Communications Partners Shareholders Newsletter: 1Q 2017 Posted by Publisher Hardware NEW YORK, NY (Marketwired) 02/22/17 United Communications Partners (OTC PINK: UCPA) We welcome our shareholders to the 1st Quarter issue of the UCP Newsletter. In it you will find current information as reported by the management of the various companies that fall under our holding company umbrella. 2017 is starting out on high note, with intense activity at all of our companies. Given these indications and the elevated demands of our clients, we look forward to a strong year ahead. As always, I personally thank you for your steadfast support of UCP..Ken A letter from the CEO of Tre Kronor Stockholm: Dear shareholders: We can summarize a great 2016 with an ATH (all time high) in media investment level, reaching +700 MSEK in bought media for our clients. It equals +35 % vs 2015. Also, our agency revenue and profitability will reach ATH levels which is of course very satisfying for me, the team and the shareholders. The positive development is a result of hard work, focus on cost control, working even closer to our most important clients and having a strong team on board for the future. 2017 will be an exciting year. Our biggest clients Synsam and Unibet Group will continue to increase their investments that will benefit us as well. We have also closed agreements with 5 new clients to start off the year in a good way. These are: KvD-selling used cars, Fredells-building trade business, Weber-premium barbecues, Skogskompaniet-forest industry and Prima Pet-premium dog food. In 2017, we will further invest in digital competence and are recruiting both for SEM, digital strategy, programmatic and technology. Our insight & research department will double in size when Erika Linden will join us in March, coming from Bauer Media. We will also launch a TKM dashboard solution before the summer to be even more competitive within this area. The trends for media investments are shown in the media barometer, presented below. The decrease in November is explained by that November 16 had 1 less invoicing day than November 15. The projection for full year 2016 is an increase of between 4-7% vs. 2015 with Search, Digital/online and OOH being the big winners. We are going into 2017 with a prosperous business and we all look forward to an exciting 2017 with a lot of possibilities to explore and to develop. We will continue to invest for future growth in both key talents, in our premises, system, tools and technology. Wishing you all a fantastic 2017. Best regards Hakan Jerner, CEO Tre Kronor Media 2016 has been a great and groundbreaking year for TreKronor Denmark. We are showing a positive result according to the business plan. This is due to new big client wins such as Synsam, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare Nordic, Nespresso Business Solutions plus maintenance of current clients. As it looks Q1 will be a good quarter since most our clients are active and the market in Denmark is booming and most medias are sold out. With regards to personnel, we are on the lookout for new talent to come in within Q1. Our setup with 4 people employed and 4 people handling our digital from a sister agency perspective works great! HowCom is currently pursuing new business leads and will have an update in the next newsletter. We have recently decided to merge our two companies, In Sight AS and In Sight LAB, to get more focus on our customer offering. This will make our offering more coordinated towards customers and potential new customers, as well as in certain pitches where we participate. In Sight AS will be the merged company name. We have also won Betit Group recently, which is into online gambling, operating from Malta/Spain and aiming for the Nordic market. In addition, we have also won Weber, a world leader within Grill equipment. When it comes to staff issues, we went lean in the autumn, laying off 5 people. This is because we need to repopulate In Sight to become more savvy in the digital space. This also means that we will be looking for more tech competence soon. In fact, just last week, we hired combined research/analytics and project manager, Kristine Torgersen. She has thorough experience working in SPSS analytics, which is important to make use of our new consumer behavior study called PULSE. For Q1/17, we are expecting a result of NOK 2,5 million. This will of course depend on our customers ability to fulfill their plans. In sum, we are very optimistic. United Communications Partners Ken Rosenthal 516-640-7297 Seattle Central College and Coding Dojo Launch Programming Classes for Beginners SEATTLE, WA (Marketwired) 02/22/17 , a pioneer in the coding bootcamp space, and , one of the three colleges that make up the Seattle Colleges District, today announced a program to deliver courses covering in-demand programming languages and technologies. These classes will be hosted by the Continuing Education department at Seattle Central College, and Coding Dojo will provide the curriculum, instructors and access to its online platform. The Seattle Central College program is part of Coding Dojos , which ensures higher education institutions have a quick and cost-effective way to roll out a cutting-edge programming curriculum. This non-credit program is designed for the working professional. The program does not require any previous coding experience or a student to take a coding aptitude test to attend. Students may register directly with Seattle Centrals Continuing Education department and are not required to complete the colleges formal application process to enroll in the program. At Coding Dojo, we strongly believe that anyone can learn to code if they have the drive and are given the appropriate resources, said Kevin Saito, Vice President of Marketing and Product Management at Coding Dojo. Were excited to partner with such a progressive college that walks the walk when it comes to ensuring all ethnicities and genders have equal access to the appropriate education to transform their careers and lives. Seattle Central has been called one of the nations most diverse colleges. It can accept third party tuition payments from employers and the Coding Dojo programming classes will take place on Tuesday and Thursday nights, as well as Saturdays to accommodate working professionals. The inaugural Coding Dojo-Seattle Central courses will teach the LAMP and Python coding languages, and will run April 1 to June 29. It will include three modules for each coding language. 1) Web Fundamentals and Introduction to the LAMP Stack (April 1 to 27) 2) Introduction to PHP (April 29 to May 25) 3) Advanced PHP Concepts (June 3 to 29) 1) Web Fundamentals and Introduction to Python (April 1 to 27) 2) Introduction to Python and Object Oriented Programming (April 29 to May 25) 3) Advanced Python Concepts (June 3 to 29) Each module will cost $1,299, while all three combined will cost $3,500 Students will receive 9.9 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and a certificate of completion. For more details and to sign up for the inaugural Coding Dojo-Seattle Central classes, go to Coding Dojo is one of the in the industry, and the only coding bootcamp in the world to teach three full technology stacks in a single 14-week program. Since 2012, Coding Dojo has helped individuals from a variety of backgrounds and skill levels transform into professional developers who go on to be hired by start-ups and world-class like Expedia, Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, DocuSign and Skytap. Coding Dojo has campuses in Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, Silicon Valley, Chicago and Washington D.C. and will expand to Berkeley and Orange County in early 2017. The company is one of the fastest growing startups with recognition in rankings like the GeekWire 200. Go to to learn more. Chosen by nearly 16,000 students each year, Seattle Central College offers a comprehensive range of educational programs and opportunities in academic transfer, career preparation, basic studies and continuing education in an urban environment. For 50 years, Seattle Central has been committed to providing accessible, socially responsible higher and continuing education to the diverse community of Seattle and the surrounding areas. Our breadth of effective programs held in real world facilities and taught by nationally recognized faculty and industry professionals prepare students for a diverse range of pursuits. To learn more go to . Image Available: Melissa Cafiero Coding Dojo 972-977-9985 Kat Oak Seattle Central College 206-934-4381 fluidOps Prepares Companies for Take Off to the Hybrid Cloud 23 February 2017, Walldorf fluid Operations AG (fluidOps), a leader in semantic technologies, has launched the latest release of its product portfolio. This new version aligns with the vendors hybrid cloud strategy to enable fast, agile, individual implementations of private, public and hybrid cloud models. eDataCenterAnalyzer, the app for data center transparency, offers new and improved functionality. eHybridCloudAnalyzer, a new module that builds on eDataCenterAnalyzer, is an app for transparency in the hybrid cloud. All apps are based on Information Workbench, the Smart Data platform, which now has a completely redesigned user interface. The menu is dynamic and extensible. The modern tile design with vast filter options fulfills the highest demands on information. Powerful functions with easy-to-use structures enable intuitive handling. The formulation of queries is now very easy with the visual query editor. New in eDataCenterAnalyzer eDataCenterAnalyzer allows to keep track of all Data Center activities and delivers cost and resource transparency. The app now offers consumption and Data Center dashboards with the following capabilities: Filters to select providers, regions, Data Centers and time periods Information to maximize utilization of every Data Center and each cloud model Overview of virtual machines with the number of VMs, vCPUs, vCores, VRAM, vDisk, storage and power state Detailed information on each resource (e.g. a VMs usage of vCores, vRAM, vDisk and storage) Current and historical development of CPU count, CPU usage, core count, core usage, RAM amount, RAM usage and storage High-level view on resource usage and available capacities Cockpit with drill-down functions for in-depth information New module eHybridCloudAnalyzer eHybridCloudAnalyzer creates an overview of all cloud resources both in the Data Center and public cloud. With the help of wizards, users link up different public cloud offerings for fast, easy operations. The app supports Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Tested with Microsoft Cloud Germany, eHybridCloudAnalyzer, offers the following capabilities through its hybrid cloud and cost dashboards: Current and historical development of costs, capacities and service usage in the hybrid cloud Filters to show the status of providers, regions, Data Centers and time periods Aggregated cost development and total costs for each Data Center and cloud model Aggregated cost trend Cost overview per provider Top 5 lists to quickly identify cost drivers New in eCloudManager eCloudManager enables users to build and operate large and complex cloud scenarios. The app delivers any service, any time, fully automated. eCloudManager now supports: User authorization and administration across several organizations By providing a fast, secure way to manage external employees or support personnel and their granted permissions, multiple user names are obsolete Increased user comfort, optimized overall maintenance and higher security of the cloud environment Redesigned end-user portal with single sign on to give users intuitive, efficient access to cloud services Easily customizable end-user portal to fulfill individual corporate identity requirements End-user portal is highly scalable and designed for millions of users News, analysis, and archives on the grassroots in Haiti. Nouvel, analiz, ak achiv sou baz yo an AYITI. Noticias, analisis y archivos sobre el pueblo de Haiti. 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That didnt happen, but photographers around the world consistently have recorded images that reveal... Noie: That's what it all should look like in Notre Dame Stadium First-year head coach Marcus Freeman kept insisting it was going to happen if Notre Dame kept working. On Saturday, it finally happened for the Irish Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Welcome to SwanseaOnline - your home for the best news, sports and what's on coverage of the city. Never miss a Swansea story with our daily newsletter Sign up to comment on our stories here Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Swansea City news | Ospreys news | InYourArea Fifty-five years ago this month (Feb. 20, 1962), John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth. At that time, there was a space race starting up between the United States and the Soviet Union, with the Soviet Union racking up several firsts in a short time. This included the first satellite (Sputnik, 1957) and the first person to not only go into space, but orbit the Earth (Yuri Gagarin, 1961). The United States had already sent two astronauts into space before Glenn, but Alan Shepard and Gus Grissom's 1961 launches were suborbital flights, meaning that the spacecraft flew up and then splashed down without going around the Earth. Glenn's achievement three orbits in space caught attention worldwide and made him famous overnight. Here are some highlights about Glenn's flight, which was recently featured in the movie "Hidden Figures." Glenn died in late 2016 at age 95. Marine Astronaut No. 1 (Image credit: NASA) John Herschel Glenn (standing at far right) was one of NASA's first seven astronauts, dubbed the Mercury 7 after the Mercury program, NASA's first human space program. The astronauts were selected in 1959 from a group of military pilots. Glenn was the only one selected from the Marines. Prior to joining NASA, Glenn served in the Second World War and the Korean War, did test flights at the prestigious U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in Maryland, and performed the first supersonic transcontinental flight. RELATED: Fellow Astronaut Recalls Privilege of Going to Space With John Glenn Before Glenn's flight, two others of the Mercury 7 flew in space: Al Shepard (seated, second from left) and Gus Grissom (seated, at left). Shepard and Grissom each flew suborbital flights on a Redstone rocket. For orbital flight, Glenn required another kind of rocket called the Atlas; he was the first human to use it. Learning About the Human Body (Image credit: NASA) When Glenn climbed into his tiny spacecraft ("Friendship 7"), the United States had about 30 minutes of spaceflight experience. The effects on the human body were very poorly understood at that time, so some of the main science experiments aimed to figure out what would happen if a human was in space for hours at a time. (Today, we are still trying to answer that question, but dealing with a matter of months or years.) "Eyes were one thing that I was to check," Glenn said in a 1997 oral interview with NASA. "Whether I felt any imbalance or vertigo was another thing to be checked. They didn't know whether you could swallow properly or not. I wasn't going to be up long enough that I really had to have a meal or two meals or anything, but they wanted me to take material along to swallow, which I did. They wanted to know if there was any change of feel, fingers or anything like that, any tendency toward any sickness, whether it was induced from the inner ear or wherever." Heat Shield Warning (Image credit: NASA) Glenn flew into space on Feb. 20, 1962 after several delays relating to weather and equipment problems. Besides the science experiments, Glenn was tasked to fly the spacecraft manually as a test to see if he could maintain altitude, but as it turned out the automatic-control system failed and Glenn instead flew in manual mode because he had no choice. RELATED: John Glenn, American Hero and NASA Astronaut, Has Died Glenn's time in space lasted nearly five hours. Late in his flight, data from the spacecraft indicated the heat shield was loose, meaning that his spacecraft was at risk of being destroyed during re-entry due to the heat caused by the friction of the spacecraft against the atmosphere. Glenn was instructed to keep his retrorocket pack attached as a precaution. Later analysis determined the heat-shield indicator was false. Tracking Eye Problems (Image credit: NASA) One of the questions doctors wanted to learn was how the eye changes in space, whether its shape would change and affect vision. While there was no large change when Glenn was in microgravity for a few hours, in recent years NASA and other entities have identified eye problems with astronauts staying in orbit for long periods of time (months). Research into how to address the problem is still ongoing. "At the top of the instrument panel is a little Snellen chart like the eye chart they use in doctors' offices, miniaturized for the distance from my eyes to the panel," Glenn said in a 1997 interview with NASA. "I was to read the smallest line I could read every twenty minutes all during flight and report what that was, so if my eyes were changing shape or vision was changing, I would be able to report this." Fame and Statements on Female Astronauts (Image credit: NASA) Glenn returned to worldwide fame, receiving the attention of President John F. Kennedy (right of picture) and Kennedy's wife Jackie. Kennedy gave Glenn the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and over time Glenn became a friend of the president and his family. Glenn also received a ticker-tape parade in New York City and spoke before the House Committee on Science and Astronautics in 1962. At the time, Glenn said that he favored selecting astronauts from military pilots a career that was just about 100 percent male. RELATED: How John Glenn Drew the First Orbital Flight "The men go off and fight the wars and fly the airplanes and come back and help design and build and test them. The fact that women are not in this field is a fact of our social order," Glenn said in 1962, echoing the sexism of his era, according to Smithsonian Magazine. His position softened in a few years, however, when he advocated for having women in NASA's scientist-astronaut program that selected astronauts in the late 1960s. Sally Ride the first American woman to fly in space flew two decades after Glenn, in 1983. Return to Space (Image credit: NASA) After the flight, Glenn was reportedly grounded from further space excursions because he was deemed too valuable an astronaut to lose.He resigned from NASA shortly after his flight, and subsequently ran for the U.S. Senate. After a few failed attempts, he was elected for the state of Ohio in 1974 and was a member for a quarter-century, until 1999. But it turns out his time in space wasn't over yet. In 1998, Glenn flew on the space shuttle Discovery for an eight-day mission at age 77, making him the oldest person to fly in space. Among the experiments he participated in were several related to aging, and how an older human body adapts to space. Glenn remained an active public speaker for years, even making an appearance at the Apollo 11 30th anniversary celebration in Washington, D.C. in 2009 (at age 88). He died in December 2016 at age 95, the last surviving member of the Mercury 7. Originally published on Seeker. Grand Mesa and Senator Beck Basin in Colorado, two sites where scientists with NASA's SnowEx are analyzing snow to unravel its unique role as a global water resource. No resource on Earth is more precious than water; all life on the planet depends on it to survive. However, only a fraction of Earth's water, a mere 3 percent, is freshwater, and about 70 percent of that freshwater is inaccessible, locked up in glaciers, ice and permanent snow cover. In fact, both seasonal and year-round snowpack are vital parts of Earth's water cycle and its freshwater reserves. Recognizing this, NASA recently launched a new initiative to investigate the planet's snow and the relationship of this snow to readily available liquid water. SnowEx, a multiyear airborne research campaign led by NASA scientists, seeks to improve methods used to measure snow depth and volume. By testing equipment and techniques for calculating the amount of water contained in snow cover, scientists hope to improve their understanding of how fluctuations in snow accumulation affect water accessibility worldwide for agriculture, power and drinking, NASA said. [Monitoring Snow Changes: NASA Scientist Dalia Kirschbaum Explains | Video] NASA experts will collaborate with dozens of scientists from across the U.S., Canada and Europe, said Edward Kim, a SnowEx researcher, in a statement. Kim is also a remote sensing scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. "Our goal is to find and refine the best snow-measuring techniques and [determine] how they could work together," Kim said. "This is the most comprehensive campaign we have ever done on snow." Grand Mesa and Senator Beck Basin in Colorado, two sites where scientists with NASA's SnowEx are analyzing snow to unravel its unique role as a global water resource. (Image credit: SnowEx/NASA) Because snowpack is typically 40 to 95 percent air, water content is calculated by either measuring the snowpack's mass or establishing its depth and density, according to a NASA report. A multisensor approach Satellites have monitored seasonal snow cover from space for decades, but they can't accurately measure the amount of water trapped in snow across different types of snow-covered landscapes, according to NASA. Accurately measuring forest areas is particularly challenging, and prior evaluations are thought to have underestimated water storage in snow by as much as 50 percent, agency officials said. Other surveys using remote-scanning technologies also painted an incomplete picture of water storage in snow. Microwave frequencies become "blind" to snow when it's partly melted, and lidar, a scanning method that uses lasers, is unable to penetrate clouds, limiting its usefulness to track snowstorm accumulations. To overcome these technical limitations, SnowEx will gather its data with multiple sensors, incorporating emerging technologies such as those that use altitude and gravity sensing with more established methods like spectroscopy, radar and radio sensing. A total of five aircraft deploying 10 different sensors will allow scientists to adjust scanning options in response to different terrains and different types of snow, NASA representatives said in a statement. Scientists will also work on the ground at two Colorado sites: Grand Mesa and Senator Beck Basin. Data collected during fieldwork will serve to verify the findings of remote-sensing aircraft, and the results will help to determine SnowEx goals in the coming years perhaps even informing the future development of satellites capable of detecting snow volume from space, NASA officials said. Original article on Live Science. TRAPPIST-1: A system full of possibility NASA/JPL-Caltech Astronomers have discovered the first known system to host seven Earth-size planets around one star, and it lies just 39 light-years away from our own solar system. Using data from the TRAPPIST telescope in Chile and other ground-based telescopes, as well as NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, the researchers identified the sizes, orbits and masses of most of the planets suggesting that they all may be rocky, like Earth, and that three of them are in the habitable zone, where liquid water might linger and life as we know it could find a foothold. Come along for a tour of the remarkable TRAPPIST-1 system. [Images: The 7 Earth-Size Worlds of TRAPPIST-1] FIRST STOP: The star TRAPPIST-1 ESO TRAPPIST-1 is a dim, cool star just a little bit bigger than Jupiter. It's about 8 percent as massive as the sun and shines just 0.05 percent as brightly as Earth's star. The planets researchers have spotted huddle up close, in very tight orbits that are all closer than Mercury's around the sun. Most of the light TRAPPIST-1 releases is in infrared wavelengths, invisible to the human eye, which is why the Spitzer telescope, which measures in infrared, was the ideal tool to scope out more details about its orbiting planets. Ultracool dwarfs like TRAPPIST-1 are extremely long-lived because of their coolness; it could potentially keep burning for another 5 trillion years, long after the sun has run out of fuel. (The sun is about halfway through its project 10-billion-year lifespan.) Dwarf stars make up about 75 percent of the Milky Way galaxy's stellar population. Planets in their habitable zones would appear to be too close, and in danger of blasts of radiation from these stars but models suggest that some planets could withstand the punishing conditions to have conditions amenable to life, if their atmospheres and magnetic fields are strong enough. Because dwarf-star systems are so long-lived, they could also provide plenty of time for life to develop. NEXT STOP: The innermost planet TRAPPIST-1b NASA The innermost of the seven planets, TRAPPIST-1b, whips around the star once every 1.51 days, according to the most recent measurements (making that the equivalent of the planet's "year"). It orbits just 0.011 astronomical units (AU) away from the star, which is 1.02 million miles, or 1.64 million kilometers 4.27 times the average distance from Earth to the moon. (1 AU is the average distance from Earth to the sun about 93 million miles, or 150 million km.) TRAPPIST-1b is about 1.09 times Earth's radius, and 0.85 times its mass, according to preliminary calculations measurements that suggest it's likely rocky. Because of its closeness, 1b (and its sister planets) are likely tidally locked with their star, like the moon is to Earth, which means they orbit with the same sides facing it at all times. Despite the star's coolness, 1b is close enough to it that any water on the world would probably boil or sublimate off as steam. NEXT STOP: Another warm world TRAPPIST-1c NASA Like 1b, TRAPPIST-1c orbits close enough that liquid water likely doesn't exist on the planet's surface. It's 1.06 times Earth's radius and 1.38 times its mass, and it orbits around the star every 2.42 days. The planet orbits at a distance of 0.015 AU that's 5.83 times the average Earth-moon distance. Like TRAPPIST-1b, 1c was discovered orbiting TRAPPIST-1 last year, based on observations of the star's dimming as the planets passed by. It orbits five times for every eight orbits of the innermost planet a "resonance" that suggests those planets could have moved inward from farther away at some point, researchers said. NEXT STOP: The lightweight TRAPPIST-1d NASA TRAPPIST-1d measures in at just 0.41 times the mass of Earth, making it the lightest planet with a known mass in the system (researchers aren't clear on the precise mass and radius of the farthest-out planet, 1h). The little planet has a radius 0.77 times the size of Earth's, and it orbits the star every 4.05 days at a distance of 0.021 AU (8.16 times the average Earth-moon distance). Like its closer-in neighbors, the surface of 1d is likely too warm to sustain liquid water, astronomers said. It orbits three times for every eight orbits of the innermost planet. NEXT STOP: Welcome to the zone TRAPPIST-1e NASA TRAPPIST-1e is the innermost of the seven planets to fall in the star's habitable zone an orbit where liquid water could potentially exist on its surface, making it more amenable to life, given the right atmosphere. Even though 1e is likely tidally locked, like all the planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system, researchers said that it could still be potentially habitable if it has an atmosphere to even out the heat on the planet's surface. It receives about as much light from its star as Earth does from the sun, researchers said, suggesting that 1e could have similar temperatures. 1e orbits the star every 6.10 days, at a distance of 0.028 AU (10.8 times the average Earth-moon distance). It has a radius 0.92 times Earth's and is 0.62 times Earth's mass. NASA has mocked up an "Exoplanet Travel Bureau" poster for 1e, highlighting the planet's surface with its six glowing neighbors in the sky. For every eight orbits of 1b, 1e orbits twice. The planets' resonant orbits many of which have integer ratios with one another may suggest that the planets traveled inward from farther out in the system. Farther out, there would be more ice present; thus, the configuration could mean the planets are more likely to have water readily available. NEXT STOP: Stunning views TRAPPIST-1f NASA From the surface of TRAPPIST-1f, an intrepid space traveler would see a beautiful array of neighboring planets if skies were clear. 1f is also in the star's habitable zone. The nearby 1e would appear about the size of the moon from Earth, according to NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the dim star would appear about three times larger than the sun in Earth's sky. (Many neighboring planets should be visible from each planet's surface, atmosphere permitting.) 1f orbits the star every 9.21 days positively leisurely compared to the inner planets, although still much more quickly than the solar system planet with the shortest year: Mercury orbits the sun every 87.97 days. The planet's orbit is 0.037 AU, which is 13.3 times the average Earth-moon distance; it's 1.04 times Earth's radius and 0.62 times Earth's mass. It orbits 1.33 times for every eight orbits of 1b. 1f is potentially water-rich, researchers said, and receives about the same amount of starlight as Mars gets from the sun. NEXT STOP: Getting chilly TRAPPIST-1g NASA TRAPPIST-1g is right on the outermost edge of what researchers think is the habitable zone around the star getting chilly, but likely not too cold for liquid water to exist on the surface. 1g orbits the star every 12.35 days at a distance of 0.045 AU (17.4 times the average Earth-moon distance). The planet is 1.13 times Earth's radius the largest of the measured planets and is 1.34 times its mass. 1g receives about the same amount of starlight as somewhere in our solar system between Mars and the asteroid belt. It's worth stressing here that the habitable zone for any planetary system is hardly set in stone. The contours of the zone depend on a planet's atmospheric composition, for example. And the gravitational tug the TRAPPIST-1 planets exert on each other could potentially warm them from within, changing the habitable zone around the star by making planets farther out able to sustain liquid water. The radiation from the star could also affect where liquid water can persist, researchers said. NEXT STOP: The wild card TRAPPIST-1h NASA TRAPPIST-1h is the farthest out and least-known of the planets researchers think it has an orbit lasting about 20 days at about 0.06 AU from the star (23.3 times the average Earth-moon distance), but the Spitzer telescope spotted it passing by the star only once, so its stats are much less certain than its neighbors. It appears to be 0.76 times Earth's radius, and its mass is unknown. It should be outside the habitable zone, with an icy rather than watery surface. Many researchers are turning telescopes toward the TRAPPIST-1 system, whose known planets all fit easily within Mercury's orbit around the sun, so we will soon learn much more about them (including, with the help of NASA's $8.8 billion James Webb Space Telescope, which is set to launch late next year, potentially their atmospheres) and even if they have any neighbors farther out, orbiting in the dim twilight beyond the cool star's view. Email Sarah Lewin at slewin@space.com or follow her @SarahExplains. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. The ultracool star TRAPPIST-1, located about 40 light-years from Earth, hosts at least seven exoplanets, most likely rocky worlds the size of Earth and smaller. The star boasts not only the largest number of Earth-like worlds in a single system known to date, but also the most planets that could host liquid water on their surfaces. Main Story: Major Discovery! 7 Earth-Size Alien Planets Circle Nearby Star Images: The 7 Earth-Sized Planets of TRAPPIST-1 in Pictures Full coverage: Videos: Of the seven planets in TRAPPIST-1, three lie within the habitable zone, the region around a star where liquid water could form on a planet's surface, making them excellent contenders for the evolution of life. One world lies farther out, and is likely icy, while the three closest to the star are heated by its temperatures. Diagram of the orbits of the TRAPPIST-1 worlds, compared to those of Jupiter's Galilean moons, Mercury, Venus and Earth. (Image credit: ESO/O. Furtak) Earth's seven sisters In 2010, Michael Gillon, an astronomer at the University of Liege in Belgium, and his colleagues began monitoring the sun's smallest neighbors using the Transiting Planets and Planetesimals Small Telescope (TRAPPIST) in Chile. They looked for so-called transits when the light from the star is dimmed by a planet passing between it and Earth. Because low-mass stars are dimmer than their sun-like siblings, it's easier for astronomers to spot planets around them. When Gillon and his colleagues turned their telescope to the star now known as TRAPPIST-1, they found that it faded at regular intervals. In 2016, the team announced the presence of three Earth-like worlds around the star. These planets orbited their star every 1.5, 2.4 and four Earth-days, respectively, making them between 20 and 100 times closer to their star than Earth is to the sun. Although the star produces nearly a thousand times less radiation than the sun, the worlds are most likely still too hot to hold a significant amount of liquid water at the surface, although some could be present, the researchers said. The finding encouraged Gillon and his team to keep investigating. They continued to study the intriguing star with the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) ground-based TRAPPIST and the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile, as well as NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and other instruments. In February 2017, the team announced the discovery of four more planets. The worlds are currently known as TRAPPIST-1b, c, d, e, f, g and h, moving in order outward from the star. The observations, published in the journal Nature (opens in new tab), revealed that all seven are terrestrial planets. "This is an amazing planetary system not only because we have found so many planets, but because they are all surprisingly similar in size to the Earth," Gillon said in a statement. Characteristics of the seven TRAPPIST-1 worlds, compared to the rocky planets in our solar system. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech) Potential habitability TRAPPIST-1 is about 40 light-years from Earth. It lies in the constellation Aquarius, but it is too dim to be seen by the naked eye or even visually with large amateur telescopes, according to the ESO. It is only about 8 percent the size of the sun, and it's much cooler, redder and dimmer. All seven worlds have orbits that would fit inside of Mercury's, but they experience much cooler temperatures. TRAPPIST-1c, d and f receive approximately the same amount of energy as Venus, Earth and Mars, respectively. Each of these three rocky worlds could potentially harbor liquid water on its surface a key ingredient for life as we know it. "Looking for life elsewhere, this system is probably our best bet as of today," said Brice-Olivier Demory, a researcher at the University of Bern in Switzerland and an author on the most recent paper. In the coming years, telescopes such as NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, scheduled to launch in 2018, have the potential to detect the atmospheres and temperatures of these recently discovered worlds, thus helping scientists better understand how welcoming they might be for life. With a star roughly 80 times as large as Jupiter, the TRAPPIST-1 system bears a strong resemblance to the massive gas giant and its four Galilean moons Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto. The moons take between 1.7 and 17 days to orbit Jupiter. Both systems have an orbital configuration in which the orbits of the planets are connected; when TRAPPIST-1b travels around its sun eight times, the next three orbit five, three and two times. "This resemblance suggests that the TRAPPIST-1 planets and the Galilean moons formed and evolved in a similar way," Ignas Snellen (opens in new tab), a professor of astronomy at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands, wrote in an article in the journal Nature. That could have intriguing implications for the seventh satellite, TRAPPIST-1h, which is too far away to keep water in liquid form by relying only on its sun. The gravitational pull of Jupiter and the other moons is thought to be responsible for maintaining a liquid ocean on Europa, despite the lack of solar heating. Io, Ganymede and Callisto are also suspected of hiding water beneath their crusts by the same means. The TRAPPIST-1 system could hold four potentially habitable planets instead of three. [Gallery: The 7 Earth-Size Planets of TRAPPIST-1 in Pictures] Just the beginning TRAPPIST-1 also has strong implications for the abundance of Earth-like planets in the universe. The transit method used by the team only works if the planets and the sun line up. According to Snellen, that means anywhere from 20 to 100 times as many planets remain unseen, hidden because they don't cross between the two stars. "Finding seven transiting Earth-size planets in such a small sample suggests that the solar system, with its four sub-Earth-size planets, might be nothing out of the ordinary," Snellen said. Gillon and his team will widen their search with the Search for Habitable Planets Eclipsing Ultracool Stars project, which will use four ground-based telescopes to study 10 times as many faint stars. And in March 2018, NASA plans to launch the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, which will spend two years hunting for planets around some of the brightest stars in the sky, though none as dim as TRAPPIST-1. Ultimately, scientists say these seven newly identified Earth-size worlds offer the best bet yet for finding life outside our solar system. "Why are we trying to detect Earth-like planets around the smallest and coolest stars in the solar neighborhood? The reason is simple: Systems around these tiny stars are the only places where we can detect life on an Earth-size exoplanet with our current technology," Gillon said in 2016. "So if we want to find life elsewhere in the universe, this is where we should start to look." Additional resources A SpaceX Dragon space capsule is seen just after being captured by astronauts using a robotic arm at the International Space Station on Feb. 23, 2017. The SpaceX capsule is carrying 5,500 lbs. of supplies for the station's six-person crew. A SpaceX Dragon cargo ship filled with more than 2 tons of NASA supplies has arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) after a one-day delay due to a navigation software glitch. The Dragon space capsule was captured today (Feb. 23) by the station's robotic arm at 5:44 a.m. EST (0944 GMT) by astronauts Shane Kimbrough of NASA and Thomas Pesquet of the European Space Agency. "With that capture, a Dragon has now officially arrived to ISS," Pesquet radioed to NASA's Mission Control center in Houston after the successful rendezvous. "We're very happy indeed to have it on board and very much looking forward to putting to good use the two-and a half tons of science it carries." [Watch SpaceX Launch Dragon Into Space] Thursday's orbital arrival comes 24 hours after Dragon aborted its first approach to the station. The spacecraft's onboard computers detected an incorrect value in the global positioning system data that pinpoints the Dragon's location in space relative to the station, NASA officials said. It was an easily corrected glitch, but did require Dragon to orbit Earth one extra day before another rendezvous attempt. "Great job with Dragon capture and sorry about the delay," astronaut Mike Hopkins of NASA radioed to the crew from Mission Control. "Now the real work starts." With Dragon captured, flight controllers in Mission Control will remotely use the station's robotic arm to park the spacecraft at an Earth-facing port on the orbiting lab's Harmony module. You can watch that Dragon berthing live here, courtesy of NASA TV, beginning at 8 a.m. EST (1300 GMT). Dragon is delivering about 5,500 lbs. (2,500 kilograms) of supplies for the station's six-person crew. That haul includes science gear for more than 250 experiments on the station, NASA officials have said. It is SpaceX's tenth delivery mission for NASA under a commercial cargo contract. SpaceX launched the space capsule into orbit Sunday (Feb. 19) using a Falcon 9 rocket that lifted off from NASA's historic Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center marking the first private rocket flight from the pad. It's a busy traffic week at the International Space Station. In addition to Dragon, the Russian Progress 66 cargo ship is headed to the space station to deliver nearly 3 tons of more supplies to the orbiting launch. Russia's space agency Roscosmos launched the resupply ship on Wednesday. Progress 66 is scheduled to dock itself at the International Space Station Friday (Feb. 24) at 3:34 a.m. EST (2034 GMT). A NASA TV webcast of the arrival will begin at 2:45 a.m. EST (0745 GMT). Editor's note: This story was updated at 9:15 a.m. ET to correct the docking date for Russia's Progress 66. It is Friday, Feb. 24, not Feb. 23. Email Tariq Malik at tmalik@space.com or follow him @tariqjmalik and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. Google celebrated the discovery of seven Earth-size exoplanets around the star TRAPPIST-1 with an adorable Google Doodle on Feb. 22-23, 2017 Scientists aren't the only ones excited about the discovery of seven Earth-size exoplanets around the star TRAPPIST-1. It turns out, the folks at Google are fans, too, and they celebrated with an adorable Google Doodle. The doodle shows an animation of Earth and the moon peering through a telescope only to find seven exoplanets waving right back. The moon, as you see here, is positively thrilled. The animated doodle is the creation of artist Nate Swinehart, according to a Google description. See more "This just in! Turns out it wasn't just dust on the telescope lens: NASA just announced the discovery of seven earth-size planets orbiting the same star only 235 trillion miles away," Google representatives wrote on the company's Google Doodle blog. "In space terms, that practically makes us next-door neighbors!" The exoplanets of the TRAPPIST-1 system are 39 light-years away from Earth. Their discovery was announced Wednesday (Feb. 22) in a NASA press conference and the research is detailed in this week's edition of the journal Nature. Not only are there at least seven Earth-size planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system, three of those worlds are in what scientists call the "habitable zone" - a region around their star where the conditions are just right for liquid water to exist on a planetary surface. On Earth, liquid water is essential to life, so finding similar conditions for liquid water on other worlds is a major plus in the search for life on other potentially habitable worlds, NASA scientists have said. In case you're wondering, the TRAPPIST-1 planets do not have their own unique names yet (and likely won't for awhile). For now, they're called TRAPPIST-1b, TRAPPIST-1c, TRAPPIST-1d, TRAPPIST-1e, TRAPPIST-1f, TRAPPIST-1g and TRAPPIST-1h. Email Tariq Malik at tmalik@space.com or follow him @tariqjmalik and Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. Columbia, the Apollo 11 command module, is seen at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center's restoration hangar in Virginia. The spacecraft will depart on a national tour from October 2017 to September 2019 celebrating the moon landing's 50th anniversary. For Houston, it will be a homecoming; for St. Louis, a product of its past. In Pittsburgh, it will be seen as a symbol of innovation; and in Seattle, an arrival worthy of a celebration. Columbia, the Apollo 11 command module that carried the first astronauts to walk on the moon, will embark on a two-year tour to the four U.S. cities as part the National Air and Space Museum's biggest, most ambitious traveling exhibit to date. "Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission" will premiere at Space Center Houston in Texas this fall. It will then ship by way of FedEx transport to the Saint Louis Science Center in Missouri and the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pennsylvania. Finally, Columbia and 20 other objects from the first moon landing will arrive at The Museum of Flight in Washington in 2019, in time to go on display for the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. [How the Apollo 11 Moon Landing Worked (Infographic)] The four sites were selected by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), in part for their ability to care for the spacecraft while it is on display. But beyond the curatorial logistics, the locations will also add their own influences to the exhibition of Columbia, drawing from their geographically-diverse audiences and differing focuses. Houston, Columbia has landed Space Center Houston may not have landed "Destination Moon" for the Apollo 11 50th anniversary in July 2019, but debuting Columbia on Oct. 14 will still mark a milestone. "We're going to be opening the exhibit two days before our actual 25th anniversary date," said William Harris, CEO of Space Center Houston. "For us it's the perfect item to have to celebrate our jubilee year." "It will be a wonderful way to commemorate what we're all about," he said. The only NASA visitor center among the museums that the command module will visit, Space Center Houston has told the history of the space agency's past achievements since 1992. Columbia's display, through March 18, 2018, will cap that legacy, as the center looks toward to its next 25 years. "Bringing Apollo 11 here is so significant. In some ways, it is an end cap to our pivot," Harris told collectSPACE. "Our organization has been very history-oriented looking at the U.S. space program. But now, as we achieve our 25th year in service to the public, we're now really pivoting to what to what is going on now and where are we going in space." Occupying the exhibit space at the center of Space Center Houston's main hall, "Destination Moon" will be bordered by the present a permanent exhibit about the International Space Station; the future a new interactive exhibit about NASA's exploration of Mars; and the past. "What's so exciting for us is that where we're going to have Apollo 11, we have nearby the podium that Kennedy stood at to challenge the nation to choose to moon and we have the Apollo 17 command module that took the last humans to the moon in the Apollo era," said Harris. "We have a lot of Apollo-era artifacts already on exhibit, so our venue will be different than any other, just because of the nature of who we are and what we have," he said. The Apollo 17 command module, America, is already on display at Space Center Houston in Texas. (Image credit: Space Center Houston) Gateway to the moon "Destination Moon" is scheduled to open at the Saint Louis Science Center on April 14, 2018, and continue on display until Sept. 3 of that year. As such, Columbia will spend the 49th anniversary of its Apollo 11 mission in Missouri. "Personally, my 49th birthday was as special as my 50th. So, if that is anything to go on, we will make it something special," said Bert Vescolani, the president and CEO of the Saint Louis Science Center. Columbia will go on exhibit in the Science Center's Boeing Hall, named for the aerospace giant that today owns the company that built the Apollo 11 command module, North American Aviation. Boeing also acquired St. Louis-based McDonnell Douglas, which was NASA's contractor for the Mercury and Gemini spacecraft. "Mercury and Gemini played a big role in the development, shape and formation of what later became Apollo," said Vescolani. "We're so prideful that St. Louis played a part in that history at that time it was McDonnell, now Boeing and how important that role was for our region." The Science Center plans to present "Destination Moon" to that it highlights the contributions of the community. "I think that it is important for us to tell the story within a St. Louis context, or even a midwest context, and talk about the importance of this region," Vescolani said. "The history here is so amazing and it is still a living history. We have a rich tradition in this community." The rare chance to see Columbia outside the Smithsonian is expected to draw visitors to the center, Vescolani said. "Because it is only in four locations and because it is such a historical artifact and has a story that is so ingrained in popular culture and pride, I do believe we'll get a broader midwest representation," he said. "There are a lot of space enthusiasts out there who may not be able to make it to D.C. to see it, or haven't been able to over the years, and this may be their only opportunity." The first production-line Apollo command module, CM-007A, will be swapped out for Columbia, the Apollo 11 spacecraft, when the "Destination Moon" exhibit arrives at The Museum of Flight in Seattle. (Image credit: The Museum of Flight) Steely-eyed moon men The next stop on the "Destination Moon" tour will take the Apollo 11 spacecraft to Pittsburgh and the largest history museum in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. "[We are] the only history museum in the tour line-up. The others are science museums or museums of flight," Andy Masich, the CEO of the Senator John Heinz History Center said in an interview with collectSPACE. Like in St. Louis, the Heinz History Center also intends to use Columbia's display, from Sept. 29, 2018 through Feb. 18, 2019, as a means to showcase the area's connection to the Apollo program. "We are going to be talking about the industry, the hard work behind the space race that came from Pittsburgh," Masich said. "North American Rockwell created the Apollo 11 command module Columbia; Alcoa aluminum was used extensively in the lunar lander and just about every part of the Apollo mission equipment. Westinghouse Electric was responsible for making possible the images that Armstrong and Aldrin sent back to Earth." "We will also even talk about some of the specialty steels that went into some of the equipment," he said. The first venue to host Columbia during the Apollo 11 50th anniversary year, the History Center intends to emphasize the local tradition of innovation and the role that science, technology and engineering made to mission success. "The thing that Pittsburgh is famous for is that kind of 'we can do it' spirit that characterized the entire mission," said Masich. "The idea of putting a man on the moon within a decade that President Kennedy challenged the nation with is just the kind of challenge that Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh industry was ready to roll up its sleeves and take on." Masich said he was also taking on the challenge to learn if ketchup flew on Apollo 11, in a nod to the History Center's namesake and another of center's exhibits devoted to the food processing company. "Destination Moon" will be displayed in the Heinz Center's McGuinn Gallery, its largest gallery for traveling exhibits. [Space Food Evolution: How Astronaut Chow Has Changed (Photos)] Half-centennial in 'Jet City' "We're incredibly excited to have this exhibit coming to the museum and we're especially excited about the fact that it will be at The Museum of Flight for the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing," said Geoff Nunn, adjunct curator for space history at the Seattle museum. "It's an honor and an absolute thrill, and we can't wait to be able to share these historic artifacts on the West Coast." "Destination Moon" will be displayed at its final venue from March 16 to Sept. 2, 2019, after which Columbia will return to the National Air and Space Museum. Unlike the other three locations, where dedicated traveling exhibit halls will host the Apollo 11 artifacts, Columbia will be moving into The Museum of Flight's T.A. Wilson Great Gallery, where "Apollo" is currently under construction. "We will be opening our own 'Apollo' exhibit on May 20 of this year, and then we want to have events and possibly some other small exhibits that we're still planning, leading up to arrival of 'Destination Moon' in 2019, to create this continuum celebrating the 50th anniversary," said Nunn. That continuity, however, will require some tradeoffs once the Smithsonian exhibition arrives. "I believe the plan right now is that Columbia will take the place of our command module, CM-007A, for the duration of the 'Destination Moon' visit," Nunn told collectSPACE. "We are still working out which other items we are going to swap with items in our permanent collection and which we are going to be displayed alongside." The Museum of Flight intends to highlight both the area's connections to Apollo history and Seattle's current role as the "burgeoning hub of 'New Space' activity." "It is a nice blend of past and present, which is something we are very excited about," Nunn said. "I think we are just getting rolling, wrapping our heads around exactly how we are going to maximize the impact of having the Apollo 11 artifacts here. Read more about the "Destination Moon" traveling exhibit at collectSPACE: Smithsonian to launch Apollo 11 Columbia spacecraft on national tour. Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2017 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved. Seven Terrestrial Exoplanets Around a Nearby Star Bern, Switzerland (SPX) Feb 22, 2017 TRAPPIST-1 is the name of the small, ultracool star that is the new hot topic in astronomy and the search for life outside our solar system. Observing the star with telescopes from the ground and space during an extensive campaign, an international team found that there are at least seven terrestrial planets around TRAPPIST-1. Their temperatures are low enough to make possible liquid water on the surfaces, as the researchers report in the journal Nature. 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Privacy Statement Chahid El Hafed (Sahrawi refugee camps), February 22, 2017 (SPS) - Secretary General of Polisario Front expressed his concern about United Nations Security Councils inertia in the face of the violation by Rabat of the international law, calling on the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to continue the decolonisation process in Western Sahara. In a communique issued at the end of the 4th meeting of the Polisario Front Secretariat General held Monday, under the chairmanship of Brahim Ghali, Sahrawi President and Polisario Fronts Secretary General, the Polisario Front expressed its concern about the Security Councils inertia in the face of the repeated Moroccan violations of the international law. It cited, in this regard, the hindrances to the process of the organization of a referendum on self-determination, interruption of negotiation process, the rejection of human rights monitoring and the expulsion of the political and administrative staff of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), in addition to the ceasefire violations in the region of El Guergarate. The Secretariat General of the Polisario Front attributed to Morocco the responsibility of this situation and its effects, launching an urgent call to the UN Secretary General to continue the decolonisation process in Western Sahara. It also called on Spain to fully play its role in the completion of the decolonization process as part of the international law, with regard to its legal, historic and moral responsibility vis-a-vis the Sahrawi people. The National Secretariat called on France to contribute positively to a fair and definitive settlement instead of hindering UNs efforts and encouraging Morocco in its intransigence. The Polisario Front expressed the Sahrawi sides willingness to continue the cooperation and its actions with UN and the international community to preserve the possible peaceful opportunities on the basis of justice and law, underlining SADRs willingness to negotiate with its neighbour as members of the African Union to establish peace while respecting their territorial integrity and turning the page of the war for the progress of the peoples of the region, continent and preservation of international security and peace. SPS 125/090/700 New York (U.S.A) February 23, 2017 (SPS) - The Security Council, which gathered Wednesday, expressed its concern about the deadlock in Western Sahara peace process and the security risk in El Guergarat buffer zone. Several members of the Security Council, including permanent members, expressed their preoccupation concerning the lack of negotiations between the two parties to the conflict, the Polisario Front representative to the United Nations (UN) Ahmed Boukahri told APS at the need of this meeting held in camera. The Council, also concerned by the non-return of the Minurso to full functionality, broached the resumption of activities of this mission, which was the subject of restorations imposed by Morocco in 2016. Uruguay insisted, specifically, on the reasons that prevent this UN mission in charge of organizing a self-determination referendum of the Sahrawi people, to reach its full functionality. Boukhari said that the POLISARIO is grateful to the role played by Uruguay. This country has always alerted the Security Council on the risk and the gravity that result from the prolongation of the political impasse. The Sahrawi issue is raised permanently at the level of the Security Council thanks to the initiative of countries friends of justice such as Uruguay, Angola, Venezuela, and New Zealand, he said. The Frente POLISARIO representative said that after this information meeting, the Council should engage effectively to preserve the credibility of the United Nations and avoid dangerous developments with the persistence of the Moroccan deadlock. SPS 125/090/700 Jayme Stone has been called the Yo Yo Ma of the banjo." And his Lomax Project album was hailed as one of the most compelling and rich roots music recordings of recent years. One reviewer called him a musical evangelist ... using fresh approaches to get people hooked on wider musical traditions. At 7:30 p.m., Friday (Feb.24), you can lean back and enjoy the musical magic, when he and his Lomax Project musicians return to the Myrna Loy Center to share their fresh takes on roots folk songs. Theyll also perform a whole new set of songs from Stones seventh CD, Jayme Stones Folklife, which is set for release in April. The Lomax Project is a labor of love for Juno-winning banjoist Stone and a collaborative group of musicians who are dedicated to blowing the dust off of old songs that acclaimed folklorist Alan Lomax field recorded for decades, starting in the 1930s. Stone and his fellow musicians set out to remake them for modern ears. On this album, weve opened the aperture a little wider, said Stone in a phone interview from Monmouth, Oregon, where he and a trio of musicians were performing. Most of the songs come from the Lomax Archive. We just looked further afield. We revived old folk songs collected by other folklorists as well. The title is a tip of the hat to the Library of Congress Archive of American Folklife that houses the Lomax collection of recordings and those of many other field-recording pioneers. All the songs are grounded in traditional songs and tunes but are reimagined with different arrangements, structure, style and harmonies, Stone said. Joining him on stage Friday night are guitarist and accordion player Rachel Ries, fiddler Sumaia Jackson and Andrew Ryan on bass. All do vocals. They will be performing songs from both CDs and likely more. We do all our singing around an old-fashioned microphone. Singing is the core of the concert these days. We do a lot of a cappella with body percussion, a lot of four-part harmony. And the material is just really far-reaching. People will hear everything from Creole calypso from the Caribbean, to spirituals from the Georgia sea islands and South Carolina sea islands and theres old Appalachian ballads. Theres a kind of a rockabilly tune and everything in between. Theres a lot of stirring, more emotional songs in this new collection. ... Its a beautiful concert. Jayme Stone is always reinventing music that feels perpetually universal and true, said Krys Holmes, director of the Myrna Loy. No matter how ancient the song hes playing, he can transport you to a place you feel youve never been. Its really that experience a moment greater than the song itself that Jayme Stone is so good at. Stone has been playing banjo for 22 years and describes himself as a very enthusiastic listener. I really got serious about music when I was 16 and started playing banjo, Stone recounted. Ive always loved a really wide spectrum of music. Even then. I listened to music from all over the world. I listened to traditional music, but also loved contemporary sounds. I love the openness and connectivity of jazz. And I love the warmth and down-to-earthness of folk music. I love to wake up my ear with different sounds from around the world. And I love the attention to detail and dynamics in classical music. Im interested in the core values of music rather than the veneer of style. I think when you dig deeply into different kinds of music you find a lot of different recipes for working with just the basic elements of emotions and sounds. Tickets to Jayme Stones Lomax Project are $23 and are available at the Myrna Loy Center, 15 N Ewing, 443-0287 or online at www.myrnaloycenter.com. You can also visit this story at helenair.com to listen to some video clips. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Pillows made from goose down and the wool of Tibetan camel hair, Egyptian cotton towels and fine silk sheets adorn the plush interior of the new Togas House of Textiles store in downtown Greenwich. The number of fabrics surpasses what industry expert Paula Davitch said she knew existed before joining the brand as its Greenwich boutique manager. The century-old company chose Greenwich for its first storefront in the United States, and the luxury brand is now open for business since its soft opening in January with a formal launch planned. The family-owned company began after the end of World War I with Ilias Togas in southern Greece, according to the companys history on its website. Its founder first made a name for himself by crafting high-quality uniforms and frock coats for Greek army officers. His marriage to the daughter of an Austrian textile manufacturer in 1942 solidified the birth of Togas House of Textiles. The company has since grown to 120 boutiques around the world, including in Armenia, Greece, Kazakhstan, Russia and the United Arab Emirates. The Greenwich store, at 51 E. Putnam Ave., fills the spot formerly occupied by another store with rich family roots, Fontana Bridal Salon, which closed in 2015. The space has been overhauled to outfit Togas breakout appearance in America, and the newly opened stores team includes Davitch, a Greenwich resident, who was drawn to the brand because of its familial atmosphere and quality products, she said. It also includes Julia Jarray, manager of international business development, who has guided the brand through openings in several countries, and Victoria Ivanova, a designer. Welcome home, the Togas tagline, underlies the companys strategy from how it designs and crafts textiles to how it interacts with clients and designs its stores, Ivanova said during a store tour. The front of the store boasts several bedding displays surrounded with floor-to-ceiling built-in racks showing off its range of towels, table linens, bedding, bathrobes and curtains. The fabrics span muted tones to vibrant colors with loud designs. The variety is meant to appeal to a lot of sensibilities while being able to coordinate with each other, Jarray said. The back half of the store features walls of textile samples for custom ordering and a place for clients to work with the companys design team, which offers the gauntlet of services, according to Davitch. Togas offers products and services for essentially any textile-related home furnishing, but a big focal point throughout its look books and the store are its luxurious curtains. Windows are like the eyes of the home, Ivanova said, and curtains act like makeup to help make them beautiful. The natural fabrics are sent from Italy and hand-designed by Togas design team, Davitch said. According to the companys website, Hand-drawn designs are one of the hallmarks at Togas. Every pattern put to paper is inspired by the current fashion and interior design trends, nature, art and culture, always composed with originality in creating something new, it says. Each bespoke item crafted either in our studios or in our leading worldwide factories is an exceptional masterpiece, balanced, harmonized and worked to the last detail. For more information, visit Togas website at www.togas.com. MBennett@greenwichtime.com, 203-625-4411; Twitter @Macaela_ This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate STAMFORD The uncle of the three girls killed in the 2011 Christmas Day fire will be the new administrator in their lawsuit against the city. S. Campbell Badger of Portland, Maine, will replace his brother the girls father, Matthew Badger, who died Feb. 9. A probate judge in Stamford appointed Campbell Badger to act as a replacement administrator for the girls estates, and a judge in state Superior Court in Hartford is expected to install him as the new plaintiff by Monday, when the city is expected to argue a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. Matthew Badger filed the suit on behalf of his daughters, Lily, 9, and twin sisters Sarah and Grace, 7, who died in their Shippan Avenue home along with their grandparents, Lomer and Pauline Johnson. Matthew Badger alleged that the city, Director of Operations Ernie Orgera and Chief Building Official Robert DeMarco improperly inspected a renovation job at the house, which could have contributed to the fire. The city, Orgera and DeMarco then had the house torn down the morning after the fire to hinder an investigation, Badger alleged. They then arranged for the debris, which Badger said contained potential evidence, to be hauled to a landfill where it could not be retrieved. The house was owned by Madonna Badger, Matthews ex-wife, who was not told it would be destroyed. Madonna Badger filed a similar lawsuit against the city, Orgera and DeMarco. City attorneys are set to argue for dismissal of the case on the grounds that state law allows municipal governments immunity from lawsuits. City attorneys also plan to ask the judge to drop the allegations against Orgera and DeMarco because Badger has not proven they acted with malicious intent when they had the house torn down. Mondays motion will be the citys final attempt to have the case dismissed before it goes to trial. Jury selection is scheduled for April 25, according to the website for the state judicial branch. Matthew Badger has harshly criticized the citys investigation, completed within hours of the fire, followed by a 10-minute inspection of the electrical panels early the next morning, just before the demolition. The fire marshals office concluded that ashes swept from the hearth and placed in a bag in the mudroom caused the blaze. Madonna Badger, who escaped from the burning house and climbed a scaffold in an attempt to save her daughters, told a fire marshal about the ashes from her hospital room shortly after the tragedy. The suit alleges that, about the time the fire chief was holding a news conference on Christmas Day, saying the department needed a number of days to determine a cause, Orgera and DeMarco were making plans to have the house demolished the following morning. angela.carella@scni.com; 203-964-2296; stamfordadvocate.com/angelacarella. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate STAMFORD Thousands of students at the citys three high schools participated in a coordinated walkout on Thursday to protest Betsy DeVos, the controversial new U.S. education secretary who has been criticized for her lack of public schooling. Betsy DeVos has never worked in a public school, never attended a public school and never sent a child through the public school system, said Samantha Hamilton, who organized the rally at Westhill High School. DeVos, the Michigan billionaire and Republican donor who spent years advocating for charter schools and voucher programs, faced fierce opposition from educators who fear that she would seek to defund traditional public schools . At Westhill, the citys largest high school, the protest was peaceful and organized as students assembled on the field, where several teens gave passionate speeches. This is not political, junior Marcos Pinto-Leite told the crowd. This is not a matter of left or right, Democrat or Republican, Trump or Hillary. This is about institutions that made us who we are today... Despite what Betsy DeVos thinks, our public education system is not a dead end. A similar rally at Stamford High was mostly peaceful one student holding pro-President Donald Trump signs had them ripped down by classmates. Another student wearing a red Make America Great Again hat said DeVos, who started the job on Feb. 7, deserves a chance to prove herself. Trying to get more kids into private schools, giving all kids a chance to get into private school - and better schools - is a good thing, said William Carello. At AITE, a magnet school focused on information technology and engineering, students gathered in the cafeteria for a teach-in session with speeches and a presentation. The rallies took place during the schools so-called connection time, a 24-minute period reserved for discussions between students and teachers, which Westhill Principal Camille Figluizzi said helped keep disruption to a minimum. Its great that they want to stand up for what they believe, she said. Its certainly their right to speak out. Im happy that they organized it. Dead end Hamilton, a 16-year-old junior who runs Westhills feminist club, said DeVos belief that school choice will push public institutions to perform better should worry everyone in the community. She believes the system weve learned so much from is useless and unfixable, Hamilton said. We can agree that the school system has flaws, but its not a dead end in any way. DeVos in 2015 called the public school system in its current structure a dead end. We love our public school, said another junior, Grace Savage. Were a diverse community here at Westhill and we should stand up for that, and we shouldnt let education become something only for the elite. The outcry has been so widespread that the U.S. Marshals Service this month began providing security for DeVos, an unusual move for the Education Department, which usually has civil servants protecting the secretary, according to the Washington Post . The protest comes a day after the Trump administration announced a rollback of public school bathroom requirements for transgender students. DeVos, who co-signed the new guidance, said the issue is best left for states to decide. Schools, communities and families can find and in many cases have found solutions that protect all students, DeVos said in a statement. I consider protecting all students, including LGBTQ students, not only a key priority for the Department, but for every school in America. Stamford Superintendent of Schools Earl Kim released a brief a statement about the demonstrations. This optional expression of free speech was a student-led initiative that our administrators helped facilitate to ensure the safety of our students, allow the opinion of all students to be expressed and minimize any potential disruption to the school day, he said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. noliveira@stamfordadvocate.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate HARTFORD They came by the busload from all parts of Connecticut to tell lawmakers they want no part of the budget Gov. Dannel P. Malloy would thrust upon them. This ... budget wreaks havoc on our ability to remain fiscally responsible, said Charlene Reid, operator of Stamford Charter School for Excellence. Malloys proposal would prevent the fledgling K-2 school from adding the third grade as planned. The result would be devastating, Wilton Schools Superintendent Kevin Smith said of a budget that would eliminate funding for his 4,700 students. Wilton simply has no more to give. Cuts already made have ruined a generation's introduction to public school, Bridgeport parent Joe Sokolovic warned on Tuesday during a public-hearing segment of the Legislatures Appropriations K-12 subcommittee. Prospects of a 2017-18 budget with no extra funding and $11.4 million worth of additional expenses would deepen the suffering, he said, adding, I ask the Legislature to please consider rejecting and rewriting this misleading budget that gives with one hand, yet takes away with another. He and nearly 200 other speakers were assured by members of the subcommittee that a budget that pits Peter against Paul was not something they endorsed. You are speaking to the choir, said state Rep. Chris Rosario, D-Bridgeport. Committee co-Chairwoman Toni E. Walker, D-New Haven, called the budget a work in progress. But how the Legislature will close a projected $1.7 billion budget gap in a way that satisfies anyone remains to be seen. Large crowd The public hearing drew a big enough crowd that speakers and the committee were split into two rooms. Testimony in both went on for more than five hours, with school officials, parents and community leaders getting three minutes each. Commissioner of Education Dianna Wentzell and Ben Barnes, the states budget director were grilled about the governors plan to revamp the school funding formula in a way that would leave nearly two dozen districts without aid and reduce per pupil-spending by about $2,500 for all. That the new calculation separates out about 22 percent for special education funding didnt seem to satisfy lawmakers. Barnes told the committee his office backed into the per-pupil number and the total is in line with what the state has historically spent. According to Malloys plan, Stamford Public Schools would receive about $5.8 million more in education cost-sharing funding and nearly $6.4 million in special education aid. The city would also get about $8.3 million in property taxes from Stamford Hospital, but that would be offset by the new burden of having to pay a third, or $14.2 million, of pension costs for teachers, resulting in a net increase of about $6 million. Debate warranted Stamford Superintendent of Schools Earl Kim said legislators need more time to thoroughly discuss all of the proposals. A new budget has to be approved by the end of June. I recognize that the governor was in a hard spot, Kim said. He had to make many difficult decisions... (But) he raised a number of policy options within his budget proposal that are going to warrant debate. Kim takes issue with a major change the governor has proposed. The new education funding formula looks to the number of students who qualify for Husky, the states medical insurance assistance program, instead of basing need on the number of school children qualifying for school lunch subsidies. The Stamford schools chief, who did not attend Tuesdays hearing, said the formula could be problematic because many eligible families dont apply for the program, especially permanent residents and undocumented immigrants. Kim said a solution is to factor the number of English learners into the formula. Theres a fix for everything, he said. Unfortunately, it will be a really hard fight for the governor. Indeed, Danbury Schools Superintendent Sal Pascarella, who gave testimony on Tuesday, also spoke out against basing aid on Husky recipients alone. No single indicator suffices, he said. Staff writer Nelson Oliveira contributed to this report. lclambeck@ctpost.com; @lclambeck For all the marches and protests the left has generated since Election Day, the debate over who will lead the Democratic Party in the early stages of Donald Trump's presidency is underscoring the divisions still lingering within its ranks. Eight candidates to become the next Democratic National Committee chair -- led by former Labor Secretary Tom Perez and Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison -- struggled during a debate sponsored by CNN Wednesday to define a vision of how they would effectively counter Trump's administration and break through in clear opposition to his message. Perez and Ellison, recently spotted dining together, said they didn't cut any deals ahead of the 447 DNC members' vote for chair Saturday in Atlanta and pledged to confront Trump with a unified party. But the debate showed the party hasn't settled questions over just how vigorously to oppose Trump, or how to settle division within its own ranks. Ellison said Trump's actions so far "legitimately raise the question of impeachment." He said Trump has already violated the Constitution and called for an investigation to "make sure that nobody can monetize the presidency and make profit off it for our own gain." "We have seen from the get-go that this person wants to turn the clock back, and the Democratic Party needs to take the fight to Donald Trump," Perez said. "When we lead with our values, when we lead with our conviction, that's how we succeeds." But another candidate cautioned against focusing too much energy on Trump. Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, called Trump a "computer virus in the American political system." "Yes, we've got to take the fight to him. But we can't let him dominate our imagination, because it's our values and our candidates that matter," he said. Central challenge Another central challenge for Democrats is to recover from the bitter split of the 2016 presidential primary. The wounds of that race were ripped open at the debate over a question about whether the race between Sanders and Hillary Clinton was "rigged." After Perez sought to avoid directly answering the question -- saying the party had lost trust in its voters and created a "crisis of relevance" -- long-shot candidate Sam Ronan, an Air Force veteran from Ohio, jumped in to call the contest rigged and say Sanders' supporters felt excluded at the Democratic convention in Philadelphia. Buttigieg said Democrats don't want to make the mistake of reliving the 2016 race. "We can't allow this to devolve into factional struggle," he said. The candidates also broke over future primary contests. Jaime Harrison, the South Carolina Democrat chairman, issued a stern call on party members not to launch primary challenges against the 10 Democratic senators in states that Trump won in 2016. He said Democrats would find themselves in a "permanent minority" because the GOP needs just seven more Senate seats for a filibuster-proof majority there, and just one more statehouse to call and control a constitutional convention. "We don't have the time, the energy -- and all the people we are fighting for each and every day don't have time for these purity tests. We have to fight back against the Republicans; we can't fight against each other," Harrison said. His comments come after a liberal group called "We Will Replace You" was launched, threatening primary challenges to Democrats who don't oppose Trump at every stop. Other contenders, meanwhile, said the DNC shouldn't stand in the way of primary challenges. Perez said that "the role of the DNC chair is to let the process run its course." Ellison said that while he'd make private calls, "the role of the DNC is to be neutral and fair to all primary contestants." At the forefront Perez and Ellison are at the forefront of an eight-candidate field. Perez is picking up the endorsements of the heads of the Democratic National Committee's caucuses for women, Hispanics, Asian-Americans and rural Americans. Ellison is picking up the mantle of the insurgency that fueled Sanders' presidential run. Buttigieg, meanwhile, got the backing of former DNC chairman Howard Dean. Aides and vote-counters for several candidates say they believe Perez -- who says he has commitments of support from 180 of the DNC's 447 voting members -- has a narrow lead over Ellison. But both sides admit they don't yet have the votes necessary to clinch the job. It could turn other contenders -- especially Harrison, Buttigieg and Idaho Democratic Party executive director Sally Boynton Brown -- into kingmakers. Television analyist Jehmu Greene and Wisconsin lawyer Peter Peckarsky are also in the running. Perez rolled out his latest endorsements Wednesday from leaders of four DNC groups in a statement first obtained by CNN. "Tom is committed to ensuring the DNC not only listens to diverse voices from all states and territories but will include the diverse members of the DNC in rebuilding the organization and elect Democrats everywhere," said Bel Leong-Hong, chair of the DNC's Asian American and Pacific Islanders Caucus. "He knows that in order to fight back against Trump and Republicans, we must unite as Democrats. He knows that we can't just organize at a church every fourth October, we must organize 12 months a year," said Iris Martinez, the chair of the DNC's Hispanic Caucus. DNC Women's Caucus chair Lottie Shackelford and DNC Rural Council chair Betty Richie are also supporting Perez. "We need a DNC chair who is committed to listening to voters and communicating our message to both urban and rural areas, and Tom is committed to doing that," Richie said. Outsider gaining steam Buttigieg picked up an endorsement Wednesday morning from Dean, the former Vermont governor and DNC chair whose famed "50-state strategy" is the model each of the candidates in the current race say they believe the party needs. Buttigieg has positioned himself as a break from the Sanders vs. Clinton proxy battle -- with Ellison backed by Sanders and Perez supported by many Clinton allies -- that the DNC race has become. Ellison got a surprising endorsement of his political acumen on Wednesday morning in the form of a tweet from the President. "One thing I will say about Rep. Keith Ellison, in his fight to lead the DNC, is that he was the one who predicted early that I would win!" Trump tweeted. Ellison had already gained a key supporter over the weekend when New Hampshire Democratic chairman Ray Buckley dropped out and urged his supporters to back the Minnesota congressman. It was "a real momentum-builder" in Ellison's favor, said Michael Kapp, a DNC member from California who backs Ellison. "Ray has been on the DNC for a long time, and more than anyone else, has a deep knowledge base of how the DNC has operated in the past and what needs to be changed," Kapp said. CNN's Greg Krieg contributed to this report This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate STAMFORD A naked woman was high on marijuana laced with a type of chemical when she broken into a Waterside church this week, police said. Cellina Kelly, 31, of Stamford, was charged with second-degree burglary, criminal mischief and possession of burglars tools. Rev. Carlos Rodrigues, of Saint Clement of Rome church, said he heard a loud crashing sound in the church chapel and basement of the rectory about 5 p.m. Wednesday. He said he saw Kelly naked and swinging a fire extinguisher, damaging walls, pictures and other fixtures. Two women alerted Officer Robert Bulman who was on patrol nearby and he saw Kelly kicking the door in the basement of the rectory, Patrol Lt. Diedrich Hohn said. Bulman placed Kelly under arrest without incident. Kelly admitted to smoking marijuana laced with a chemical shortly before going on her rampage, Hohn said. Police said Kelly might be homeless. A woman, who has allowed Kelly to stay at her home near the church, told police she appeared unexpectedly Wednesday at her house, according to the report. The woman told police Kelly came with about 20 bags full of her possessions that she left on the porch, the report said. Kelly was taken to Stamford Hospital for treatment and is being held in lieu of a $20,000 court appearance bond. Kelly is out on bond from three pending criminal cases involving drugs, burglary, larceny and criminal mischief. Hohn said Bulmans timely patrol of the church kept Kelly from causing more damage. Damage caused by the incident included a shattered ceramic angel on the chapels tabernacle, a broken door leading to the rectory, broken picture frames inside the rectory basement and damaged drywall from the fire extinguisher, police said. Rodrigues, who has been at the church for a year, said the woman broke through a closed window to get into the chapel, which isnt locked during the day. The chapel has always been open for people who want to come in and pray during the day, he said. The woman may have thought the door was locked and why she broke in, he said. This is the last thing I ever expected on my one-year anniversary of coming to this church, Rodrigues said. This is crazy. jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com; B arclays figures today are, like Lloyds yesterday, a breath of fresh air after a fetid decade of scandal and financial pain. Jes Staley and chairman John McFarlane have stabilised the bank, readied it for the new, ring-fenced world and made it a real contender on Wall Street thanks to a revived investment banking arm. How much it has contracted is stark: at its Bob Diamond, alpha-male peak in 2008, Barclays had 2.1 trillion of assets and was lending 56 times what it held in shareholders funds. Today, those powderkeg figures stand at 1.2 trillion and 21 times. McFarlane is now even talking about a rise in the dividend being in sight. His turnaround work is almost done, and he can happily retire by next years AGM. Also still on the horizon, though, are huge potential fines and sanctions over Barclays behaviour in the past. The Serious Fraud Office is weeks away from deciding whether to charge the bank over the way it raised funds in Qatar during the financial crisis. That is out of Barclays control. Another issue isnt: the multi-billion-dollar fine it is unwisely fighting in the US over its sales of rubbish mortgage securities (my word rubbish is mild Barclays own bankers called them craptacular and sh*t). Other banks selling this junk settled long ago but Barclays prefers to fight it out. It shouldnt. Staley regularly talks of how Barclays is Britains sole champion on an investment-banking stage dominated by Wall Street giants. The quicker it sheds its scandals, the quicker we can be proud of it. Middlemens mint Doubtless many of the 116 London Barclays bankers whove just taken home 1 million or more ply their trade flogging bonds. After years in the doldrums, fixed-income has been booming since the US elections. Barclays finance director Tushar Mozaria, himself no slouch in the pay stakes, says morale has never been so high in its investment bank. Thats not surprising. When times were last this good, Diamond Bob used to keep an outsized slug of the bonus pool for himself, causing resentment all round. But while we obsess about bankers bonuses returning, another species of London trader quietly coins it year in, year out. They are the commodities traders of Vitol, Glencore and BP. Today, Glencores middlemen have reported the biggest profit since the company floated in 2011. And that despite the continued weak oil price. Profit from its trading arm leaped 10% to $3 billion (2.4 billion). For a go-between business that puts practically no capital at risk, you have to wonder how such vast profits can be justified. I sabel Baert, the UK managing director of Rigby & Peller, explains how she came to work at the luxury lingerie business. What do you do? Since July last year, Ive been the managing director of Rigby & Peller UK, the luxury lingerie brand which has been corsetiere to the Queen since 1960. We want to help women look and feel the best version of themselves, and its my job to ensure everyone in the business plays their part in doing that. My role is multi-faceted and touches all disciplines from buying to marketing and finance. My day usually starts at 7.30am when I head into the London office to run our morning trade meetings. Everything is discussed, ranging from the pieces we sell, through to deciding if we need to increase our boutiques in Britain we have nine. After that, its out and about, visiting our stores and catching up with store managers. I travel to Belgium once a fortnight to meet with peers from different markets, and report to our parent company Van de Velde which designs, manufacturers and invests in developing lingerie. What do you enjoy about it? Im really proud to work for a brand that represents quality and service. Getting a bra that fits properly and suits your shape and lifestyle can make a world of difference to a woman. Lingerie is an intimate business, where personal relationships are very important. So Im always delighted when I see a client who leaves happy, then returns and advocates us. What dont you like? While there is never a possibility of getting bored, the unpredictability of retail can be a nightmare. You can only plan so far in advance because you cant be sure of external factors that can bite at any time. As retailers, we always hate the weather. For instance, rain may mean some customers choose to stay at home rather than shop. Then there are currency swings, which can affect international trade. Biggest break? This one. Ive worked for Van de Velde for four years in various roles, including global head of buying and regional manager in the US. But when I applied for my current role, I expected them to say I needed more experience. However, they gave me a shot and Im really honoured. Before that I think my first job working for Hugo Boss as brand manager in Germany, after Id studied fashion merchandising management at Polimoda in Florence, was a big break. Biggest setback? My biggest setback turned out to be one of my biggest lessons. Sometimes in business, there are just certain people you clash with. As a student working in restaurants and bars, I wasted a lot of time and energy trying to establish a better relationship with one of my bosses but it just didnt happen. There was no nastiness just very different opinions, nothing in common, and as such the days were very long. In the end, I cut my losses as it became all-consuming, but I wish I had done so sooner. How do manage your work/life balance? The answer is not very easily. I do regularly take work home with me after a long day, but then again Im relatively new to the role, so still getting up to speed. Ive recently moved to Notting Hill and made a new rule that so far I am sticking to: going for a run three times a week, and having a meal out with friends. I am enjoying sampling all of Londons great curry house. Any tips? For retail bosses, I would say dont lose sight of the shop floors. That is where reputations can be boosted or ruined, so make sure you visit stores frequently. T he Governments Defence Infrastructure Organisation is, as we report today, preparing legislation to allow for the sale of Hyde Park Barracks a sale that could raise half a billion pounds and generate an extraordinary boost to property prices at this rarefied part of the market. The proposed sale of the flats has not pleased some local residents, and it is not clear where the Household Cavalry would go from its present home in Hyde Park, but the sale would undoubtedly revitalise the central London luxury residential market. For most Londoners this is a different world from the one they inhabit, in which homes are ever less affordable, but undeniably the sale which would require legislation would prove that London remains the most attractive place in the world in which to live and that the property market remains dynamic. Another indicator that, post-Brexit, London will remain prosperous and outward-looking is in our interview today with Jes Staley, the chief executive of Barclays, who declares that London will be one of two great global financial centres, together with New York. I dont believe that the financial centre of Europe will leave the City of London. The bulk of what we do will continue to occur in London. And when it comes to the Brexit negotiations the Government must do what it takes to retain the Citys competitive edge. Post-Brexit, London must be more open to the world than ever before, its horizons global rather than just European. Being hospitable to talent from every quarter will mean that London retains its position as the most dynamic capital in the world. New Met chief Cressida Dicks appointment as Met Commissioner comes at a time when maintaining law and order in London is more challenging than ever. Anxiety over knife and gun crime and gang-related violence is growing and brings with it difficult questions about whether to extend the use of Tasers by frontline officers. Meanwhile, the threat from would-be terrorists remains very real. In addition to keeping London safe, Ms Dick also has to keep to a shrinking budget. Her predecessor, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, recently warned against any attempts to impose further efficiency savings and Ms Dick will have to work hard to ensure officer numbers are maintained at a level that will allow for a visible police presence on the streets. She must also get to grips with the political scrutiny her new role entails. All in all, the new Commissioner has a formidable task ahead of her. We wish her well. S elf-styled Islamic State (IS) claims Mondays suicide attack in Iraq was carried out by a British-born jihadist, Ronald Fiddler, aka Jamal Al-Harith, and former Guantanamo Bay detainee. For IS and other enemies of the UK, democracy and human rights around the world, this is a propaganda coup. Sadly, some in our own media and political life now think the appropriate response is to denounce human-rights laws and values in general. In particular, they now blame the long-standing campaign for the closure of Guantanamo Bay, which I and many parliamentarians and newspapers of both the Left and Right have long supported. They could not be more wrong. We never claimed the guilt or innocence of individuals interned. We were rarely in the position to do so, the detention being based on secret suspicion and intelligence rather than charges, evidence and proof. Instead, it remains our belief that lengthy detention without charge or trial and interrogation techniques involving torture are not just unjust in principle but devastatingly counter-productive to the cause of fighting terrorism and hate. They allow our enemies to label us as hypocrites and oppressors and sap the moral authority that belongs to the democratic way. Whether first in Northern Ireland or later in Guantanamo, I believe that far from preventing terrorism, policies of internment have been its unwitting recruiting sergeant. Imagine that you are a young idealist, radical or hothead of whatever persuasion. You may or may not believe in violent struggle in support of your deeply held cause. But then you are taken prisoner on or off the street or battlefield. You are incarcerated, interrogated and tortured, possibly over a period of years. If you werent angry before this experience, you are highly likely to be embittered and inflamed afterwards. And the longer the ordeal, the worse it is likely to be. And what about your family, community or others of your faith or politics? Even if they are not actively radicalised at the sight of your treatment, are they likely to be active friends and supporters of our much needed police and security agencies as a result? Contrast this experience with the process of lawful arrest, interview, charges and criminal trial the due process of law on which great democracies such as the United Kingdom and the United States are built. No one is happy about being arrested but with access to lawyers, decent conditions and an understanding of the case against us, we have the hope of proving our innocence. And if instead we are found guilty, how much harder for terrorists to make hay. Call me a bleeding-heart, liberal leftie. I am certainly no stranger to that charge. But this time it isnt even George Bush but Donald Trump in the White House who wants to reintroduce the practice of torture. If Britons across the democratic spectrum dont stand up for fundamental rights, freedoms and sensible counter-terror strategy, who is left? Baroness Chakrabarti is shadow attorney-general for England and Wales and the former head of Liberty A cosy winter wardrobe of shearling dresses, supersized mittens and sumptuous overcoats perfectly suited to shielding from storm Doris form the basis of Max Mara's new collection, unveiled in Milan this morning. Citing Scandinavian architecture, the Max Mara design team channelled the Swedish concept of Slojdforeningen and the idea that beauty in design requires a pared back approach as the inspiration for this collection. For those who looked on enviously as models took to the catwalk swaddled in soft mohair, alpaca and shearling it was the Danish idea of hygge that seemed most familiar. Of course, this is Milan - the city where sex sells - accordingly Max Maras chosen look for next season is hygge recast in high glamour form with flannel pencil skirts and sheer roll neck sweaters among the most sophisticated inclusions to the showcase. Harking back to the Slojdforeningen idea of purity, the house unveiled a lesson in creating the perfect winter warmer with coats serving as the heart and soul of this collection. AP Max Maras greatest strength is its camel coat offering and the brand made no apologies for that today, expanding its remit even further to include teddy bear styles trimmed with cable knit sleeves which were showcased alongside its most popular classic style. The house also seemed keen to emphasise its role as a failsafe brand for working women with supremely cut trouser suits serving as a demonstration of its skill as a tailoring outfitter. A host of more playful options including a gold brocade suit and a black flannel boiler suit worn teamed with white kitten heeled court shoes were presented as options for the more adventurous dresser. When it came to accessories, the brand turned up the heat with shearling mittens and large foldover tote bags cut from the same fabric among the most covetable - and cuddly -pieces on display. The result was a solid collection from a brand that is at peace with the idea of sticking to doing what it does best. But it wasnt all business as usual. Marking a first for the house, Max Mara called upon the services of hijab-wearing model Halima Aden to unveil its latest collection. Aden, who was recently selected by Kanye West to model in his show in New York earlier this month took to the catwalk alongside Gigi Hadid. Aden, 19, made her Milan Fashion Week debut last night when she modelled for Alberta Feretti. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy A shley Banjo, Ola Jordan and Stacey Soloman along with a host of other celebrities and their families attended Disney On Ices Mouse Bounce party in London on Wednesday. The party had guests showing off their best Mickey Mouse style moves. With Sophie Ellis-Bextor and her husband Richard Jones DJing, the party was in full swing - even Mickey and Minnie decided to join in! The Mouse Bounce will feature in the Fit to Dance pre-show of Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic tour which is coming to London this spring. Disney fans will have the chance to learn the routine and get involved in the Mouse Bounce themselves. You never know, it could become the next new dance craze! Disney on Ice 100 Years of Magic will be in London at the SSE Arena, Wembley from 29 March - 2 April. Book your tickets here. A handful of names are consistently bandied about as being the great future hopes of British theatre directing. One of these is Ellen McDougall and, waiting in a meeting room at the Globe for her to arrive after a days rehearsal, I wonder what this future might be like. If McDougall, soon to take over from Christopher Haydon as artistic director of Notting Hills Gate Theatre, is anything to go by, it will be thoughtful, softly spoken and wonderfully curious about everything. It will also, it appears, to have a witty distrust of the process of interviews. The bare fact of having to write down a series of sentences that sum up who that person is is just mental, says McDougall with a smile, wryly talking of the dreaded Europe as she speaks warmly of a production she has seen recently in Berlin. Despite these misgivings shes eloquent company, with much of interest to say, first on Othello, with which she is about to make her Shakespeares Globe debut at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. What was the first thought that came to her at the mention of the word Othello? I thought about the experience of prejudice and how that affects your relationship with the world and your sense of who you are, says McDougall, 33, firmly. I was shocked by the experience of the women in the story as well. The prejudice doesnt just affect Othello. With each new production, I say, I long for Desdemona to shout, Im not guilty! Even if she does she wont be heard, says McDougall. The play makes that incredibly clear. Emilia speaks up and gets killed for it. Shes looking forward to working in the bijou space of the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. You can do a production that has that intimacy and closeness to the psychology of those characters and the emotional experience. Its about getting inside worlds, rather than looking objectively at the world from a distance, as we might imagine doing in a proscenium arch, she says, always a director to try and see things a little differently. Another benefit of working at the Globe has been the opportunity to observe at close hand the supportive working methods of artistic director Emma Rice (who, let us not forget, will be leaving there at the end of this season due to the boards bewildering lack of faith in her bold vision). A mere four days after Othello opens, McDougall lays aside her burgeoning freelance career, which includes a recent stripped-down take on The Glass Menagerie for Headlong, to start as the boss of that experimental powerhouse, the Gate Theatre. Her predecessors at the venue are a high-achieving bunch that includes Stephen Daldry, RSC deputy artistic director Erica Whyman and Carrie Cracknell, one of the brightest lights in contemporary directing. Yet the doomy question and McDougall will soon get tired of having to answer this must be asked: why are there still too few female artistic directors? She laughs, sighs and sticks her nose deep in her teacup. I think there are default ways of thinking about what power looks like, that are hardwired, that means you just have to work harder to appoint someone who doesnt look like the typical [person for that job]. She pauses. Its not just the women who have to talk about it, as its a problem for everybody. It means the culture we live in gives us very specific gender roles and no ones winning. She burrows in her rucksack to get out the book shes reading at the moment, The Descent of Man by Grayson Perry, which has lots to say on this very subject. As theatre-makers its important that we are really conscious of the perspective we have, isnt it? The male gaze is a very specific way of looking at the world and as a woman you go, Its normal for me that the dead womans body in the detective story is totally fetishised and I dont question it, thats just how these stories work. And then you have a moment of going, Hang on. Why should that be? What does it mean to her to run a building? Its that brilliant thing of being able to give artists you believe in a space to make work. Thats the thing Im most enjoying at the moment, she says enthusiastically. Shes unswervingly clear about the appeal of the Gate. I fell in love with that space when I first came back to London after doing my degree and I went to see these bonkers shows in there. Bonkers is such a s**t word, please dont quote that! Adventurous shows! Shows that were unlike anything I saw anywhere else and were also unlike each other. Each time I came into that space I didnt recognise it to be the same theatre and I loved that. [The Gate is] A magic kaleidoscope at the top of that little dusty staircase behind a bus stop! Its a beautiful, not to mention accurate, description. McDougalls association with the Gate stretches back; it was there that she gained her first creative footing in theatre, as a script reader, and she also previously served as the venues associate director (when she spent several Sundays repainting the foyer, she notes). Her programming, she says, will continue in the Gates trailblazing mode. I am drawn to plays that in some way respond to a question about Why do this now? She pauses to reflect. The international focus of that theatre is one of the things I love about it and I want to push that further. I want it to feel like a place that is truly diverse, in terms of voices from all different parts of the world and backgrounds, crossing paths and making work together. A fertile place where youre not just talking to yourself or people like you, youre always negotiating and celebrating different perspectives. Erica Whyman, for one, is convinced that her old stamping ground has picked well. Ellen is a thrilling choice. She is bold, principled and her fellow theatre-makers respect how she works. The Gate is a precious space that needs love, vision and integrity all of which Ellen has in spades. McDougall grew up in north London, with a mother who was a midwife and a father who worked in finance. She became interested in theatre through acting at school and started directing at university in Edinburgh. Her choice of plays there shows that she has always been one for a challenge; she picked Cymbeline because I had no idea how to do it. Its got stage directions like, Jupiter descends on a cloud and throws a thunderbolt and youre like, Thanks, Shakespeare. Well do that! A post-graduation admin job at Chickenshed Theatre in Southgate made her creatively wistful, which led to an evening course on directing at the Young Vic. The rest has been a career of acclaim for her bold, often formally experimental choices. So what matters to her? The things that matter are the things that keep you awake at night, she says. Which are? The world. Everything right now. With that, she smiles and scoots off to join the anti-Trump protests at Downing Street. The future of British theatre is clearly in safe hands. Othello is at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, SE1 from February 23 to April 16; shakespearesglobe.com R ussia in Revolution: An Empire in Crisis, 1890-1928 by S A Smith 17, Amazon, Buy it now Lenin the Dictator: An Intimate Portrait by Victor Sebestyen 17, Amazon, Buy it now The Last of the Tsars: Nicholas II and the Russian Revolution by Robert Service 17, Amazon, Buy it now Lost Splendour and the Death of Rasputin by Prince Felix Yusopov 12.99, Amazon, Buy it now Just over a century ago, on February 22, 1917 (using the Russian Julian calendar which was 13 days behind the West), began the civil protests and strikes in Petrograd that would topple Tsar Nicholas II and mark the start of the Russian Revolution. It would culminate, eight months later, with the Bolshevik coup and Lenins assumption of power. Ever since, apart from a brief devils pact to defeat Hitler during the Second World War, the Wests relationship with Russia has been marked by hostility and mutual suspicion. Might things have been different? Yes, says S A Smith in his fluently written and convincingly argued Russia in Revolution. There was, he writes, nothing preordained about the collapse of tsarist autocracy or even of the democratic government that briefly succeeded him. Contrary to popular belief, the tsarist regime was not blind to change and had, from the 1860s onwards, introduced a series of social and political reforms, culminating in the October Manifesto of 1905, which could have provided a framework for further modernisation. That it did not was thanks to the myopia of Nicholas II, the last tsar, who would not countenance any diminution of his authority as an autocrat. Even then, argues Smith, revolution was not inevitable. Despite political stasis, Russia was stabilising as industrial output picked up and the armed forces were strengthened. What doomed the regime was the outbreak of the First World War. The conflict placed huge demands on a backward economy that could only be met at the expense of the living standards of the civilian population. Eventually even high-ranking generals and politicians agreed that Nicholas had to go. The provisional government that replaced him was faced with a number of acute problems, not least the popular classes expectation of real economic power and a heavily socialised conception of democracy. The gap might have been bridged if the government had withdrawn from the war. It did not do so, and the door was thus opened to the Bolsheviks and their leader Lenin, who displayed brilliant political instincts by insisting on implacable opposition to the imperialist war and to the new government of capitalists and landowners. The Bolsheviks had high hopes for a socialist society rooted in soviet power, workers control, abolition of the standing army and far-reaching democratic rights. They were never realised, partly because the legacy of the First World War the desperate struggles to win the civil war, to feed the towns, to deal with the ravages of famine and disease constrained their scope for action; and partly because of the personalities of Lenin and his successor Stalin, men united in the belief that the Communist Party should enjoy a monopoly of power, socialist opponents should be crushed and civil and political freedoms curtailed. Lenin, writes Smith, must bear considerable responsibility for the institutions and culture that allowed Stalin to come to power. Smith describes Lenin as a man of broad intellect and tremendous industry, of iron will and self-discipline, self-confident and intolerant of opponents. In his excellent new biography, Lenin the Dictator, Victor Sebestyen does not disagree. Lenin, particularly after the revolution, was ruthless, brutal and dictatorial, executing enemies and stifling opposition. What Sebestyen adds, however, is the human side of Lenin: his liking for chess, bicycles and Harriet Beecher Stowes anti-slavery book Uncle Toms Cabin; the fact that he was born a member of Russias minor nobility and only turned to revolutionary politics after the execution of his terrorist brother in 1887; and, most revealingly, Lenins love of women, particularly his mother, wife Nadya Krupskaya and mistress Inessa Armand (living in a happy menage-a-trois with the latter pair for a number of years). Sebestyen explodes the myth that Lenin was a talented orator. Instead, the secret to his success was his brilliance at presenting simple solutions to complex problems in direct, straightforward language that anyone could understand. Its a useful talent in a politician, and one manifestly lacking in the subject of Robert Services brilliant, original and compelling study, The Last of the Tsars. Nicholas II is often portrayed as a weak, misguided but essentially well-meaning ruler. Service, a distinguished historian of 20th-century Russia, paints a much darker portrait of a nationalist extremist, a deluded nostalgist and a virulent anti-Semite. The Tsar was, moreover, a duplicitous and stubborn man whose longevity in power had given him an unwarranted confidence in his own judgment. When advisers refused to toe the line, he simply got rid of them. More book reviews 1 /24 More book reviews Recovery by Russell Brand Will Russells brand of self-help prove quite so addictive? By Nicholas Lezard. Read review A Life in Questions by Jeremy Paxman Paxo refuses to answer all the really good questions, says David Sexton. Read review Politics: Between: The Extremes by Nick Clegg The basis of this book makes it impossible not to warm to Clegg, says Melanie McDonagh. Read review Serious Sweet by A L Kennedy Thank heavens for London in this tale of self-obsessed lovers. Read review The Last Royal Rebel: The Life and Death of James, Duke of Monmouth by Anna Keay Born a kings b****** and destined for a traitors death. Read review Man Up: Boys, Men and Breaking the Male Rules by Rebecca Asher Getting to the bottom of why boys will be boys. Read review The Course of Love by Alain de Botton A philosophical novel that does run smooth, says Johanna Thomas-Corr. Read review The Tree Climbers Guide: Adventures in the Urban Canopy by Jack Cooke How I gave this book a proper test and ended up with a broken ankle. Read review Reader, I Married Him: Stories Inspired by Jane Eyre Brontes classic tale in the imaginations of other writers, says Claire Harman. Read review Moranifesto by Caitlin Moran Caitlin comes clean about politics the world according to our funniest feminist. By Rosamund Urwin. Read review Spark Joy An Illustrated Guide to the Japanese Art of Tidying by Marie Kondo Theres no messing wih Marie, says Katie Law. Read review Cockfosters Stories by Helen Simpson After 50, a womans life gets better not worse. By Katie Law. Read review Stalins Englishman: The Lives of Guy Burgess by Andrew Lownie Joker in the spying pack. By Richard Bassett. Read review Even Dogs in the Wild by Ian Rankin The darkness that lies at the heart of the novel is offset by a lightness of touch, says Mark Sanderson. Read review Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink by Elvis Costello Elvis proves not quite so lyrical on the page, says Nick Curtis. Read review The Importance of Elsewhere: Philip Larkins Photographs by Richard Bradford His poetry paints better pictures than any camera, says David Sexton. Read review Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith Morality wins out over macabre murders, says Melanie McDonagh. Read review The Grownup by Gillian Flynn Calling all Flynnies: the con girl whos like gone girl. Read review Service has examined the Tsars diaries, recorded conversations and reading habits from his abdication in March 1917 to his murder (and that of his family) 16 months later. He expected to find evidence of remorse and self-awareness, that the Tsars attitude to politics, rulership, war, international relations and his own personal responsibility for Russias predicament had altered. There was no sign of this. In captivity, writes Service, he had the time to recognise any of his mistakes and rectify his basic analysis. In fact he did nothing of the kind. Although he belatedly allowed that if his son, Alexei, had been able to succeed him, a constitutional monarchy of some sort could have been attempted, he never expressed regret that he himself had set his face against any such outcome while he held power. The Russian Revolution may not have been inevitable but it was certainly popular with ordinary Russians, who resented the wealth and influence of a privileged few. No man better exemplifies the excess and moral bankruptcy of pre-war high society than Prince Felix Yusopov, husband of the Tsars niece and co-murderer of the Tsarinas favourite, Gregor Rasputin. In Lost Splendour and the Death of Rasputin (first published in 1953), Yusopov tells the story of his originally Muslim family from its rise to prominence in the 14th century to its demise at the revolution. It is a vain, frivolous and boastful book, lacking in judgment and self-knowledge but useful, nonetheless, as a vivid record of a doomed elite. L ondon Cru, our citys only winery, occupies the shell of a former gin distillery by old Earls Court. Unfortunately, says Gavin Monery, its landmark smokestack went the same way as the Exhibition Centre down. The wiry Australian winemaker designed and oversaw the installation of each pipe, tank, barrel and indeed the Italian press, supported by director Will Tomlinson and Cliff Roberson of indie wine merchant Roberson. We finished the cooling system just three days before [the] first grapes arrived, recalls Monery of the 2013 launch. Then, grapes came from continental Europe, whereas today, with increasing plaudits for English wine, Monery has added Kentish and East Anglian Bacchus, a variety with hedgerow, gooseberry and elderflower scents perfectly capturing the English countryside. On uncertainty over the customs union, Monery notes, if all else fails, well go entirely English. Whether hand-plucked from home or afar, whole, undamaged grapes arrive a maximum 36 hours after picking. If you wouldnt put it in your mouth, why put it in the wine? asks Monery beside the gleaming sorting table. And Im always looking for volunteers to help in this process, he adds. Great camaraderie! Because grapes are imported, the Food Standards Agency prevents varieties appearing on labels, although Monery hints at them with street names. Charlotte St is a lean, flinty Chardonnay from grapes tended by a former engineer in the chalky Pyrenean foothills of France, while Barbican bottles 90-year-old Italian Barbera from a 20-house hamlet in Alba. Brambly, with capsicum and toffee, it dovetails beef tartare and white truffle from the growers cattle farm and forest. Readers are welcome to suggest a street for the forthcoming Pinot Noir. Order wines (11.99-20) at londoncru.co.uk or drink at The Gilbert Scott, Savoy Grill, and Dinner by Blumenthal. Blend-your-own bottle Saturdays, at 125pp, include lunch at The Atlas pub opposite. A wards season reaches its couture- gowned crescendo this Sunday with the Oscars though the face-off between Casey, Ryan, Viggo et al doesnt start until midnight GMT. That means if youre going to make it through the night youll need the fortification of a bottle. After all, there are drinking games to be played (shot for each Trump mention, two shots for political rambles that last more than five minutes, down the bottle if someone accidentally conflates Hidden Figures and Fences). And you might as well do it with the same booze the celebs are sipping in Hollywood. Piper-Heidsieck has been the official Oscar champagne since 2014, and has been signed up to pop the corks on nominees bottles for another three years. Its global executive director, Benoit Collard, insists his champagne provides a classic dash of seduction unlike any other, and as the first champagne label to appear on screen, in Laurel and Hardys 1933 Sons of the Desert, it has a long history with the seventh art. Madonna and Quentin Tarantino, Academy Awards party, 1995 / BEI/BEI/Shutterstock You can pick up a bottle for less than 30, but it wont be the stuff Emma and Natalie will be sipping as they pretend not to death-stare each other across the Dolby Theatre. Collard and co will be pouring from limited-edition red magnums of their brut cuvee dressed for the carpet, as Collard puts it. During the awards themselves, itll be behind the scenes or the bar, as one Oscar regular reveals. There are commercial breaks every 15 minutes, and thats when everyone makes a dash for the bar. With nothing but popcorn to nibble on during the three-hour ceremony though, and the Governors Ball afterwards, celebs need to pace themselves. The post-awards dinner for 2,000 people, catered by Wolfgang Puck, sees corks popped on another 1,500 Piper-Heidsieck bottles (above). Then theres the proper exclusive stuff. In the Oscar winners engraving room, staff will be serving one of the brands rarest vintages, a 1988 cuvee. Octavia Spencer and Meryl Streep, Governors Ball, 2012 (Credit: Capital Pictures) / Supplied by Capital Pictures If champagne isnt your celebratory tipple of choice (Ryan Gosling apparently prefers Old Fashioneds to bubbles) there are Oscars-inspired cocktails being shaken across London. At 45 Park Lane, theres the LaLaLand89, a blend of aged rum, red vermouth, Italian bitters and cherry liqueur, topped with an elderflower foam cloud and adorned with gold leaf. K Bar is mixing up the Moonlight Martinez, a blend of gin, vermouth, Violette, Maraschino and orange bitters. Granted, the link between the vermouth classic and the intense drama might seem tenuous, but then Hollywood is all about the suspension of disbelief. And if youre trying to keep a clear head and stay awake until La La Land is inevitably declared Best Picture, copy Elton John. His Aids Foundation viewing party this year is sponsored by Neuro: a vegan, gluten-free, green tea drink that claims to de-stress, energise and rehydrate you, thus preventing any drunk whingeing about Hollywood egotism if La La Land does take the statuette. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: @EsMagOfficial N o 1 Poultry, the office and retail building designed by James Stirling opposite the Bank of England, celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. With its striped facade of pink and yellow limestone and cylindrical clock tower, it bears a whimsical resemblance to a toy ship. Some have lambasted it as vulgar, but others prize its powerful geometry and consider it one of the finest examples of postmodern architecture. No 1 Poultry was not the first building conceived for this location. Its developer, Lord Peter Palumbo, had originally approached Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a pioneer of modernist architecture and one of the most eminent figures of his time. Mies first visit to the project site made the front page of the Evening Standard. His scheme, called Mansion House Square, involved a 19-storey block in amber glass and steel on a handsome public square a place of respite in the midst of crowded low-rise blocks. It would have been his only project in Britain. More than a decade of delays and a profound shift in public opinion blocked Mansion House Square from coming to fruition. In an incendiary speech to the Royal Institute of British Architects, Prince Charles rallied against another giant glass stump. The government rejected Mies plan for being past its time and neglectful of its place. The project archive, sealed for three decades, will finally be revealed next month in a tome titled Mies in London, by architect and writer Jack Self. Bringing to light more than 150 original documents, almost none of which has ever been published, it tells the story of the intriguing cast of characters who devised, supported and opposed it. Concurrently, Riba has planned a major exhibition, Mies van der Rohe & James Stirling: Circling the Square, designed by Carmody Groarke architects. Opening on 8 March, it will evoke comparisons between the pairs architectural plans, and explore similarities in their purposes and approaches. Meanwhile, No 1 Poultry is being revamped (without altering the architecture) by developer Jacob Loftus. A series of art and design installations and exhibitions are planned over the coming year. Watch that space. The person Jonathan Anderson is a man of many talents. Following on memorable AW17 fashion collections for JW Anderson and Loewe, he is now working with The Hepworth Wakefield and 6a architects on an exhibition, Disobedient Bodies, opening 18 March. Anderson will pair works of art and fashion according to their representations of the human form such as a reclining figure by Henry Moore with a conical-bust dress by Jean Paul Gaultier. It promises to be a spectacular show, worthy of the David Chipperfield-designed museum space. (hepworthwakefield.org) Nintendo The tech The Nintendo Switch, available from 3 March, is set to revolutionise console gaming. In an unusual move, the Japanese electronics titan tasked Switchs design to a younger generation of staff, bypassing the companys old guard. Its key innovation is a pair of detachable controllers, which can be snapped on to a small screen to form a handheld gaming device, attached to a dock for a traditional gaming controller or used individually by two players. It heralds a new age in which games can be played on every device, anywhere. (store.nintendo.co.uk) The object The Zanzibar is a travel robe by Robe de Voyage, a young London-based company that works with a collective of weavers in Bihar, India. Handcrafted from lightweight cotton, it is equally suited to wear at home as on overseas adventures. Its artful white squiggles and rich blue hue are based on founder Jessica Linklaters impressions of Zanzibars shimmering waters, and reminiscent of waves in a David Hockney painting. It comes as no surprise, then, that the robe is available at the Tate Britain gift shop during its Hockney retrospective. (robedevoyage.com; tate.org.uk) The experience Dutch director Ivo van Hove who worked with David Bowie on his last work, Lazarus returns to the Barbican Theatre from 17-19 March with stage production Roman Tragedies. This six-hour mash-up of Shakespeares Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra and Coriolanus shines through an inventive set design by Van Hoves partner and long-term collaborator, Jan Versweyveld, featuring a conference-centre layout with multiple screens for close-ups. The audience can wander around the theatre and live-tweet the show, adding to the multitude of perspectives. (barbican.org.uk) I f Europes ski season has been disappointing this year, perhaps its time to look beyond the Alps. One of North Americas top resorts and co-host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler, in British Columbias rugged Coast Mountains, is a powder-hunters paradise. Two side-by-side peaks offer a vertical mile of terrain above a picturesque village alive with apres hotspots and Canadian hospitality Where to stay A Gold Room at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler offers up luxurious lodgings just steps from the ski lifts. Head up from the hotels soaring lobby to the quiet eighth-floor concierge where you can check in to your room with its own cosy gas fireplace and a super-powered jet soaker bath. One of the perks of the property is the private Gold Lounge, a relaxed wood-panelled club room where you can fuel up on those all-essential carbs before hitting the slopes for the day. Need more kit? Downstairs at the Chateau a fully stocked rental shop will supply what you need with minimal fuss, and you can check in your skis with the slopeside ski valet after your last run. Fairmont Gold rooms from 260 per night, including breakfast (fairmont.com) The Fairmont Chateau Whistlers penthouse suite Where to unwind Whistlers snowy village (below) is enchanting. Here youll find dozens of dining options from cosy coffee houses to the upscale Araxi restaurant and oyster bar. The hottest apres action is found around the gondola bases, where drinks and DJs carry on long after the lifts close. For casual suppers, the local favourite is Earls, with its vaulted ceilings, antler chandeliers and globally inspired menu. On the edge of town the Scandinave Spa (above) offers a break from the village buzz. The woodland complex, with its thermal waterfalls, steam rooms, icy plunge pools and no-chatting policy, offers a one-of-a-kind Nordic-style calming experience. From 40 (scandinave.com) Where to ski and play The awe-inspiring Whistler-Blackcomb is North Americas largest ski resort with more than 8,000 acres of terrain, and was home to the 2010 Olympic alpine events. Take in the spectacular glacier views from the resorts Peak-2-Peak Gondola, the highest and longest in the world, connecting the two mountains. The best way to discover the 200-plus pistes (and secret powder stashes) is on one of the guided tours led by long-time locals, which set off from both mountaintop restaurants (whistler-blackcomb.com). Family fun slides into the evenings at the Coca-Cola Tube Park: think extreme sledging with seven different lanes for all ages. Other Games legacies include the Whistler Sliding Centre, where you can hit the ice track and experience the thrill of a bobsleigh run first-hand, and the Olympic cross-country ski trails in the serene Callaghan Valley nearby. (whistlersportlegacies.com) Whistler checklist 1. Drink the spicy Caesar cocktail at the Longhorn Saloon (and then stay on to party). 2. Eat Canadian staple poutine the deliciously indulgent chips, gravy and cheese combo at Zogs Dogs. 3. See the Audain Museum for the gallerys sleek architecture as much as the art. 4. Shop Roots for quality clothing and leather goods from the iconic Canadian brand. 5. Visit Squamish Lilwat Cultural Centre for an introduction to the Whistler regions native peoples. (slcc.ca) A 26-year-old man has been arrested at Heathrow Airport on suspicion of Syria-related terrorism offences, police have said. The man is in custody and was detained after arriving on a flight from Turkey. Police say there was no threat to flight or airport safety. The arrest by the West Midlands counter-terrorism unit was pre-planned and intelligence-led. S cotland Yards newly appointed Commissioner Cressida Dick is to face immediate calls for more officers to be armed with Taser to protect against violent attacks. Rank and file officers are demanding an increase in the number of frontline officers equipped with the stun gun amid a rise in the number of assaults on police and the threat of a terror attack. Ken Marsh, the chairman of the Met Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, said he would seek an urgent meeting with the new Commissioner to ask for more officers to be armed with Taser. He said: It is a matter of protection for our officers. We are in a more dangerous society today than we have ever been. New role: Cresside Dick will lead the Met Police (Charlotte Ball/PA ) / Charlotte Ball/PA There is a misunderstanding that everyone uses Tasers willy-nilly and that we are gun happy, but officers rarely discharge Taser. They are a huge deterrent and a success in preventing violence. His comments came after a recent Met Police Federation survey of 11,000 London officers found that three quarters believe Tasers should be issued as a matter of routine. Today Ms Dick issued a call to rally the troops saying she planned to visit as many police stations and officers as she could in the coming weeks. In an internal message to the Mets 31,000 officers and 13,000 civil staff she declared: I know that we will achieve great things together. Her appointment to the 270,000 a year position by the Home Secretary yesterday has been widely welcomed within the Met. Ms Dick, 56, a former Met chief of counter terrorism, currently holds a senior Foreign Office position and will have to be re-sworn in as a police officer when she takes up her post in the coming weeks. The first ever woman to lead the Met since the force was created in 1829, she is also the first Commissioner in the modern era to get the job without holding the position of chief constable. Insiders say she is expected to give higher priority to Londons community groups, with her immediate attention being focused on the anti-terror threat and stabilising the ship in the face of expected 400 million budget cuts. She spoke yesterday of her delight in winning the race to the most senior job in British policing saying her appointment was beyond my wildest dreams. She said: I look forward to serving the people of London and protecting the people of London. T wo men have been charged with murder after a young man was stabbed to death in north London. Omar Raza, 23, was set upon after parking his silver BMW convertible in a cul-de-sac in Wood Green. Police said he was stabbed in the chest and was stripped of his phone and watch as he lay dying in the street near Turnpike Lane station. Paramedics battled for 40 minutes to resuscitate him but he was pronounced dead at the scene at 3pm last Wednesday. Met police have now charged Akol Garang, 18, from north London, and a 17-year-old man with murder. They were also charged with conspiracy to rob. Both will be appearing at Willesden Youth Court in custody on 24 February. A 19-year-old man also arrested on suspicion of murder was bailed to a later date. A bill that could pump more than $2 million annually into the fight against noxious weeds in wildlife habitat drew unanimous support from weed managers, wildlife managers and conservation and livestock groups Tuesday. House Bill 434, known as the Montana Wildlife Habitat Improvement Act and brought by Rep. Kelly Flynn, R-Townsend, creates a new grant program and advisory council administered by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Under the act, the Legislature could appropriate up to $2 million to weed control from funding the state receives through the 1937 Pittman-Robertson Act, a federal excise tax on the sale of firearms and ammunition. What we see is a stealth problem really infringing on wildlife habitat, Flynn, who has been outspoken about noxious weeds in his four terms as a legislator, told the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee. After researching weed proliferation through federal and state agencies, he learned the problem is expensive and increasing. While figures vary, millions of acres are already infested, with a conservative estimate that another 400,000 acres become infested by weeds each year with spraying costs running $70 per acre or more, he said. Grants may fund not only chemical spraying but also hand pulling, prescribed burning or grazing, mechanical or biological controls, prevention and revegetation. The 11-member advisory council mirrors a similar weed council administered through the Montana Department of Agriculture, Flynn said, adding that the program grants about $1.6 million each year. The council under HB434 is weighed toward sportsmen and conservation interests with the potential for $2.2 million on the ground, as grants require a 25 percent match. The ties to wildlife management are critical to meet federal requirements for use of Pittman-Robertson dollars, Flynn and others said. The council would be required to rank projects, with priority for projects including public access, multiple partners and addressing infested areas likely to spread to other wildlife habitat. Our budgets are limited and we try to do the best we can with the funds we have, said Amber Burch, president of the Montana Weed Control Association, adding that HB434 will open up new opportunities. Rosebud County weed coordinator Amy Adler testified that federal agencies are limited in resources to address noxious weeds. She called the task impossible for landowners to carry all of the burden. FWP Director Martha Williams said the bill takes the proper steps to ensure the funding satisfies federal requirements with a clear purpose of benefiting wildlife. While not an indication of the future, FWP has struggled in recent years to find funding matches for all Pittman-Robertson dollars and HB434 provides a new tool in the toolbox to fight weeds. Jay Bodner with the Montana Stockgrowers Association noted the overall impact of weeds to livestock and wildlife. The bill has important safeguards, such as a monitoring program, requiring matching funding and emphasizing weed control at the top of watersheds. Ben Lamb with the Montana Wildlife Federation agreed that the funding match acts as a multiplier to leverage additional funding for on-the-ground weed control. This is a uniquely Montana solution to a problem that absolutely has an impact on wildlife, he said. The Montana Farm Bureau Federation, Montana Audubon, the Montana Sportsmens Alliance, Montana Woolgrowers and several other weed managers also testified in support. Speakers did express some concerns over the ability of an 11-member advisory council to reach decisions, and Flynn said he would be open to other ideas and amendments. Flynn closed on the bill saying he hoped the grants could fund some larger weed infestations with some lasting impacts. The committee took no immediate action on HB434. T hree London schoolchildren, including a 13-year-old girl, were taken to hospital after a playground attack in which a noxious substance was allegedly thrown in their faces. Three schoolboys were arrested after the alleged attack, in which five other pupils also had the corrosive substance squirted into their faces in the shocking incident at Sydney Russell School in Dagenham. In total three people, believed to be two girls and a boy, were taken to an east London hospital for treatment, police said. They have all since been discharged. It was alleged a group of girls were playing together when they were targeted by fellow pupils armed with a bottle containing an unknown substance. Police and paramedics rushed to the Ofsted-rated outstanding school academy school after the liquid was sprayed in their faces, with officers arresting three male pupils, aged 12, 13, and 15, on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. They were today being questioned by detectives at an East London police station. Principal Janis Davies said today the three boys involved would be expelled. She said: At lunchtime three boys were involved in stupid behaviour, spraying harmful fluid - and we are not sure what that fluid is at the moment. Staff were on the scene straight away. Three pupils were taken to hospital but were all back home later yesterday. There was no long-term effects. The boys are not allowed in school until a full investigation has taken place, and with the facts we have at the moment, they will not be returning to this school. A mother whose daughter is friends with the most badly-injured girl told the Standard the incident occurred during breaktime. She said: The girls were playing a game where you toss a pound in the air and whoever grabs it first keeps it. A boy sprayed their faces to distract them. Apparently it was thrown in their face and eyes. Everyone is just shocked by what happened. Another parent said: "They taped off the school and told the kids to go home. There were several police cars and ambulances that came to deal with it. What the hell is this world coming to? A 21-year-old former pupil, whose little sister attends the school, said: There were six injured with three of them needing medical attention. One girl was hurt more. She was sent to the medical services inside the school and waited with her face wrapped in bandages until the police and ambulance arrived. A source at the school said the incident had caused chaos. The source added: Weve been spending all day trying to reassure parents about everything, its just been crazy. A Met Police spokesman confirmed they had launched an investigation after three teenagers were injured at an east London school. He said officers were called following a disturbance involving youths where a noxious substance had been used just after 2pm yesterday. Three males, aged 12, 13 and 15, were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. They were taken to an east London police station where they remain in custody. All involved were pupils at the school. Enquiries into the circumstances continue. Sydney Russell School was granted academy status in 2015 and has almost 2,000 pupils aged 11 to 18. A spokesman for Barking & Dagenham Council said: The safety of our pupils is always our top priority. This is a one-off isolated incident within the school and staff were on the scene immediately. We are working with the school, the police and parents to get to the bottom of this. A full investigation is under way and we are unable to comment further at this stage. A man and woman have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a City worker was repeatedly stabbed. Qingqing Rao, 29, was left fighting for life after being knifed and left lying in the street with head injuries in Dagenham. She remains in a critical condition in hospital. A 26-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman were arrested on Thursday afternoon on suspicion of attempted murder and robbery. They have taken into custody at an east London police station, Scotland Yard said. The business analyst was attacked in Castle Green Park as she made her way home from her City job last Monday. Having travelled from Liverpool Street, the last part of her journey saw her board a bus at Rippleside Cemetery, Barking, at 9.37pm, getting off three minutes later at Castle Green park by the A13. She was walking across the park, heading for home, when she was attacked. Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly before 10am to reports of an unconscious and injured woman in to Kithira Road. Police said her parents and husband are keeping a constant vigil at her bedside in hospital. Detectives are still appealing for two women who helped paramedics to contact them, as well as anyone else who has information about what happened. Anyone who can help is asked to call incident room on 020 8345 1570, contact police via 101 or by tweeting @MetCC. To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org. T wo thirds of London big businesses have concerns about attracting skilled staff when Britain leaves the European Union, according to a poll. The YouGov study marks the launch of a scheme at the Capital City College Group to encourage young people into apprenticeships needed to fill the capitals growing talent gap. The college, formed from the merger of Westminster Kingsway and City and Islington colleges last year, hosts its first event today at its Victoria campus. CCCG boss Andy Wilson said: The YouGov findings show that post-Brexit Britain is a worrying time for British businesses, with a significant percentage believing changes to our position within the EU will have a detrimental impact on staffing and training. Its crucial that businesses meet this challenge head-on and invest in the UK workforce by recruiting motivated apprentices to make up the skills shortfall that is widely expected to arise after Britain leaves the EU. Thats why we believe the training we provide to nearly 27,000 students in Capital City College Groups campuses will play a vital role. The poll of 1,117 businesses was carried out in the first week of February. T he average cost of paupers funerals in London has nearly doubled in just three years, the Standard can reveal. Figures show the average bill for each funeral has risen from 673 to 1,230. The number of these funerals has more than doubled to 2,153 in the three years from 2013 almost two a day compared with 1,000 between 2007 and 2010. Paupers funerals, or public health funerals, are carried out for people who die alone or without relatives able to pay, with local authorities footing the bill. Most people who receive a public health funeral are cremated or buried in an unmarked grave. Analysis of data released under the Freedom of Information Act from 28 of the 32 borough councils reveals the cost is up by almost 85 per cent, with boroughs spending more than 1.5 million since 2013. Experts put this down to rising costs, and also the efficiency, or otherwise, of boroughs being able to recover the cost from the deceaseds estate. The increase in paupers funerals was being blamed on a reduction in disposable income, the fact that more people are living longer and alone, and traditional funerals becoming more expensive. Families who cannot afford a funeral can receive a 700 Social Fund payment covering the expense of a coffin, hearse, director and flowers and a separate payment to cover grave, burial or crematorium fees. This amount has been capped for 16 years, while the average cost of a normal funeral has risen to 3,700. In 2010 the Standard revealed children and babies were being buried together in paupers graves. This led to an outcry and the formation of our Dispossessed Fund, which has raised millions for Londons poorest. It emerged 1,000 people had been buried in paupers graves since 2007, 70 per cent of them children, infants or stillborn babies. Today the figure has soared. In total, London spent 1,501,468 on paupers funerals between April 2013 and April last year. Izzi Seccombe, chair of the Local Government Associations community wellbeing board, said: These tragic figures speak for themselves. People, mostly elderly, are dying around us with no family or friends nearby to care for them. Genealogy service Finders International has set up a charitable trust to help pay for public health funerals. Councils can apply for a subsidy in cases where there are no next of kin. Finders International managing director Daniel Curran said its funeral fund can help local authorities significantly with finance, while also confirming whether or not there are next of kin free of charge. A lorry driver has died after crashing into a lamppost on a busy south-east London road. The vehicle was left precariously balanced after the collision on Lewisham Way in New Cross at around 2.30pm on Thursday. Emergency services propped the lorry up with two metal poles to prevent strong winds from Storm Doris blowing it over. Police said it is under investigation whether the severe winds, which ripped out trees and caused transport chaos across London, played a part in the crash. Emergency services at the scene on Lewisham Way / Joshua Spencer However, it is not believed that another vehicle was involved. The driver, aged in his 50s, was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene. His next of kin have been informed. Road closures were put in place on Lewisham Way while emergency services dealt with the crash scene, near the junction with Amersham Road. Pictures posted to social media showed firefighters, police officers and paramedics gathered around the lorry. Detectives from the Serious Collision Investigation unit continue to investigate. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to police on 0208 285 1574 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. P lans to turn the Household Cavalrys historic barracks in Hyde Park into a record-breaking 2 billion super-elite neighbourhood have taken a major step forward. Defence chiefs are progressing legislation paving the way for the sale of the home of the mounted regiment charged with guarding The Queen, the Standard has learned. Senior property figures told the Standard that the development of Britains most valuable military brownfield site would blow out of the water the Candy brothers groundbreaking One Hyde Park apartment scheme just a few hundred yards away. One leading developer who is interested in acquiring the 3.5 acre barracks site told the Standard: It ticks all the boxes, the location is just amazing and there is the potential to do three or four high rise One Hyde Parks because there is a tower already there that sets a precedent. The site is the home of the mounted regiment charged with guarding The Queen In another sign of the accelerating pace of progress officials are holding high level talks with the property industry next week and hope to formally launch the sale - codenamed Project Rose - by the end of the year. The site bordering Kensington and Knightsbridge includes a 450ft frontage onto Kensington Road and is estimated to be worth around 500 million. It includes a 94 metre high tower designed by Basil Spence that was turned down for listing in 2015. Discussions between the Governments Defence Infrastructure Organisation - which is handling the sale - and developers originally started in 2012. But they have foundered until now on the MoDs insistence that the buyers of the site have to provide a replacement barracks for the the 300 troops from the Life Guards and Blues & Royals housed by the austere 1970s blocks. One requirement is that the new barracks have to be within 30 minutes ride of Horse Guards Parade. The MoD appointed consultancy Bilfinger GVA last September to help identify potential sites and unblock the log-jam. Developers are also concerned that the Government may have missed the boat following the rapid slow down in the ultra-prime market following a series of stamp duty increases. Some are now looking at an alternative option of a huge luxury hotel and serviced apartments. However, agents said the potential for the scheme was so great that it could single handedly revitalise the central London luxury residential market. James Hyman, head of residential agency at Cluttons, said: If the developers maximise the opportunity to the full they will be able to ask whatever price they wanted, within reason. Not dissimilar to when Candy & Candy launched One Hyde Park. Due to the marketability and rarity, this is likely to generate a lot of interest around the world regardless of how the London market is performing and could kick start an international spending spree across the capital at every level of the market. Bringing much needed renewed confidence back into the London residential market. Tim Shaw, head of London development at property agent Carter Jonas, said: When One Hyde Park came to market, it broke records and achieved 6,000 per sq ft. Some developments in Mayfair have since broken 7,000 per sq ft, but you would expect a finished scheme on the Hyde Park Barracks site to blow any previous records out of the water. It could mean that this enclave of Knightsbridge becomes the most expensive and sought after neighbourhood in London, perhaps even the world. However, a large-scale residential development may also be opposed by local residents determined to protect the areas character. The Knightsbridge Neighbourhood Forum has laid down a series of criteria in its neighbourhood plan which are being opposed by the DIO. They include the preference to keep the barracks in Hyde Park, or return the site to parkland if the troops do move move, and a test of tranquility to guide the type of developments. Simon Birkett, chairman of the Knightsbridge Neighbourhood Forum, said: The Household Cavalry is as iconic to Knightsbridge as Harrods and the Royal Albert Hall. We are keen to protect and enhance the Hyde Park Barracks site not see HM Treasury flog it off for another One Hyde Park type development. Local residents also stressed an Act of Parliament would be needed to sell the barracks due to legislation dating back to at least 1879. The DIO has confirmed that it is progressing the primary legislation that is required to enable the development of the site. Talks are understood to be ongoing at the Minstry of Defence and DIO over the legislation though work is not yet believed to have started on drafting a bill. The forums neighbourhood plan insists that any development should not increase the height, bulk or footprint of the barracks, excluding the tower. It has received legal advice from a leading QC to support its interpretation of neighbourhood planning rules. Westminster City Councils planning masterplan identifies the site for residential development, including full on-site provision of affordable housing and the full range of housing sizes. A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said: Hyde Park Barracks has not been sold. We are currently undertaking a detailed review on the feasibility of the barracks, and will report on progress in our update to Parliament next year. Westminster City Council Cabinet member for planning and public realm Daniel Astaire said: Hyde Park Barracks is one of several sites across Westminster to be identified in the councils City Plan as a potential location for future housing development. Should the Ministry of Defence decide to sell the site and a developer comes forward with a proposal for residential development the planning application would be assessed against the councils policies. We have received no applications to date. At the industry engagement day on Tuesday potential bidders will be invited to test/challenge and validate the options presented and be given the opportunity to propose innovative alternatives either through open forum or confidentially. A new divide between north and south of the Thames opened up today over the 10 million annual bill for running the 26-mile-long Lee Valley Park. Boroughs south of the river are protesting that they are forced to fund a park relatively few of their residents visit. Now an MP has launched a bid to abolish a 1966 Act of Parliament that requires all 32 London boroughs, plus Essex and Hertfordshire county councils, to pay a share of the parks costs. James Berry, the Tory MP for Kingston and Surbiton, said council-tax payers in his constituency paid the equivalent of 35 for each of the 5,000 residents who visited Lee Valley last year. In straitened economic times when many London borough councils are reducing their own parks budgets, it is no longer justifiable that a borough like Kingston should be forced to pay over 160,000 a year to maintain a park 20 miles away that is little used by Kingston residents, he said. I enjoy using my local parks most weekends and I want to see the Lee Valley Regional Park succeed. But the regional parks 50-year-old funding model has to change. Mr Berry has introduced a Ten Minute Rule Bill in the Commons which is backed by Londons Conservative council leaders, Tory members of the London Assembly and some MPs. Lee Valley Regional Park covers 10,000 acres through Stratford, Clapton, Tottenham, Enfield, Walthamstow, Cheshunt, Broxbourne and beyond. It is Greater Londons largest park, four times the size of Richmond Park, and includes nature reserves, green spaces and sites of the 2012 Olympics. According to figures prepared by the Conservatives, residents of Sutton in south London pay the most compared with their usage, equivalent to 46.92 for each of the 4,000 visits. By contrast, the charge to Waltham Forest is equivalent to 32p per visit by a local resident. The levy bears no relation to the number of visits, said Mr Berry. He told the Commons the park costs twice as much as the Lake District authority budget and should raise money by exploiting the Olympic facilities that were funded by London taxpayers. Walthamstow Labour MP Stella Creasy hit back at Mr Berry. He is fundamentally misguided, she said. He misses the point that regional parks benefit all Londoners. The park, which straddles her constituency, is known locally as Londons Lung, she said, adding: The value of our green spaces is paramount when we are facing such a crisis in air quality. A spokesman for Lee Valley Regional Park Authority said it had slashed the levy for seven years running to 88p per Londoner, while increasing income from other sources. The 10,000-acre park is a regional, not local, asset, he said. A man has been rushed to hospital with critical head injuries after Storm Doris gales blew debris off a building onto the street in Victoria. The pedestrian was left with life-threatening injuries after the incident on Victoria Street next to Victoria Underground station. Some eyewitnesses are reporting that he was hit by a part of the roof that was blown off a newly-built section of the station. Pictures show the roads closed off as gales continue to batter police and emergency crews at the scene. One witness commented: "Firemen use cement bags to hold bits of roof. They just opened this b***** entance and it's already falling apart." And other said there were "pieces of metal and shards of glass" being blown around the area. Police cordon: The road has been closed off / Barney Davis A Met Police spokesman said officers were called just after 3pm to reports of debris that had fallen from a building. He said paramedics took a pedestrian, believed to be male, to hospital with head injuries. A LAS spokeswoman said: "We were called at 2.59pm to reports of incident on Victoria Street. "We sent an ambulance crew, a single responder in a car, an incident response officer and an advanced paramedic to the scene. Our hazardous area response team was also dispatched. We treated a man at the scene for a head injury and took him as a priority to hospital." P amela Anderson, the pneumatic blonde with a heart as big as her chest, has been a fervent campaigner for animal rights and environmental issues for much of her career. But now the bombshell has a surprising new cause helping men accused of rape. Yesterday Anderson, speaking to the Russia Today network, criticised Swedens treatment on sex crime accusations. The country, she said, has these very progressive laws against sexual crimes, whatever you want to call it its almost too progressive, its almost paralysing.During the interview, with the Going Underground programme hosted by Afshin Rattansi, Anderson said: Im going to actually start campaigning for men who have been victims of being accused of rape when they havent actually done anything. Anderson said in 2014 that she had been molested and raped as a child, and a teenager. Her sympathy for men accused of rape may have come about in Knightsbridge recently. The former Baywatch star has made regular visits to Julian Assange, taking the WikiLeaks founder and Ecuadorian Embassys writer-in-residence Pret lunches on several occasions over the past few months. Assange is holed up in the Knightsbridge townhouse to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he is accused of sexual assault. He has been there for almost five years, in which time all but one of the accusations have passed beyond the statute of limitations. The final case will stand until 2020. Pamela has never confirmed she is the girlfriend of Assange, who used to have his own show on the state-funded Russia Today network, but does seem to have become his advocate. ----- A nice little top-up of Boris Johnsons bank balance, all the way from Hungary. The register of MPs financial interests has been updated and shows that the Foreign Secretary has just got a bit of a bonus: last month he received 8,544.36 for the Hungarian sub-rights and US royalties of an already written book, presumably his Winston Churchill biography. Now that hes Foreign Secretary, surely he will be donating his earnings to charity. Bannon feels the heat of revolution Revolutionaries stormed Notting Hills Tabernacle last night for Victor Sebestyens book Lenin the Dictator almost exactly 100 years after the first 1917 Revolution. Ex-Standard writer Sebestyen feels change is in the air. For an Eastern European Jew, Im actually normally quite cheerful, he said. But now theres lots to be down about. Sebestyen singled out Trumps inner circle for concern. Steve Bannon said in 2013 that Lenin wanted to destroy the state and thats my goal too. And Sebestyens response? When you think the Chief Strategist for the White House claims proudly that he is a Leninist you know that the world is turning upside down. Ill send Steve Bannon a special copy. From one Leninist to another. Quote of the day If David Bowie could be here tonight, he probably wouldnt be here tonight Michael C Hall, star of David Bowie musical Lazarus, reminds us that the late legend would have been too cool to accept his Brit Awards last night Ed bares his chest and Katy tips the wink (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) / Getty Images To Universal's post-Brits bash at 180 The Strand last night, hosted by Soho House, where Mayor Sadiq Khan told us of his disappointment at the gongless Stormzy and Skepta before we congratulated Katy Perry on her Trump and May skeletons at the ceremony. Oh, is that what that was? she replied with a smile and a wink. At Freemasons Hall, at the Warner party with Ciroc Vodka, guests winced at the dancer who tumbled off the stage mid-routine. I feel their pain, Eric Underwood of the Royal Ballet told us. I was on tour with the Royal Ballet in Mexico and my trousers fell to my ankles. I stood there, in my dance belt, completely exposed. ----- NOT everyone, or everywoman, turned up on time for the Brits last night. Jess Phillips MP, who had been invited, was holding her own party in the State Rooms of The Speakers House in the Palace of Westminster to launch her Everywoman book. An unusual venue for a book to appeal to the people, The Londoner observed. I just asked the Speaker, said Phillips. Books were selling fast, and Phillips was signing fast. Ive got to go to the Brits I look a right mess. Millers tale aint over WATCH out, Theresa May: Gina Miller is back. The Article 50 campaigner told us she thinks the Prime Minister was despicable for sitting in on Mondays Brexit debate in the House of Lords. She reminds me of Roald Dahls horrible headmistress in Matilda, Miller told The Londoner. Miss Trunchbull. Miller, pictured, brought an Article 50 notification to a parliamentary vote through a legal challenge and now has a fresh crusade: she has started Campaign2018.org to build a movement to demand politicians a full vote on Brexit negotiations. Campaign2018s strapline is A good deal for Britain, and urges that the Brexit Bill be amended to allow Parliament a full vote on the outcome of the negotiations rather than a simple yes or no. The site has 2,500 supporters since Monday. Miller urges bodies unto the breach. In the face of no opposition, whoever feels the need to be the voice of reason needs to speak up now, she tells us. Currently MPs are too weak to do that so we must do it for them. If it doesnt work, then we will try again with the Great Repeal Bill or try and get emergency legislation. Tweet of the Day: Its By-Election Day and a vicious storm is sweeping the nation. Because we needed more metaphors. BuzzFeed editor-in-chief Janine Gibson considers the fusion of the battles in Stoke Central and Copeland and Storm Doris Celebs were more fun in the old days Crispin Hughes The Foundling Museum in Bloomsbury hosted the launch of Jake Arnotts novel The Fatal Tree last night, about Georgian-era celebrity gossip. Arnott, pictured above left with actors Frances Barber and Mark Strong, said: 18th-century celebrities were more interesting than todays subjects. Dont tell the famous guests. For all of today's Diary click here. Follow The Londoner on Twitter and Facebook here M inisters were today urged by MPs to step up action aimed at helping hundreds of unaccompanied child refugees in Italy and Greece. Tory Heidi Allen led calls for the Government to shift the focus of the so-called Dubs amendment from France to southern Europe. She also requested ministers at least treble to about 1,000 the number of vulnerable children to be given a safe haven in Britain under the scheme, with a longer-term aim of up to 3,000. We need to focus Dubs on Italy and Greece to protect thousands of children from falling into the hands of traffickers, she told the Standard. There are local authorities up and down the UK that can take more. Migrants stand behind a fence at the Hellinikon camp in Athens. / Louisa Gouliamaki/AFP Ms Allen is among MPs who secured a backbench Commons debate today calling on the Government to continue monitoring local authority capacity for further transfers of vulnerable unaccompanied children under the scheme named after the peer and former child refugee Lord Dubs, who proposed the amendment to a Bill clamping down on illegal immigration. Hampstead and Kilburn Labour MP Tulip Siddiq said: These children are innocent victims of conflict and we should not close our doors to them. Ministers have effectively restricted the Dubs amendment, which offers a safe haven to children with no relatives here, to 350 youngsters. The Government insists this is due to the capacity town halls have said they can take. However, some London boroughs are willing to offer homes to more youngsters who have made it to Europe but have lost their parents on the journey or are alone for other reasons. Hammersmith and Fulham leader Stephen Cowan said that his council had offered to take 15 children under the Dubs programme but had so far only been asked to find places for 13. He added: If the Government agrees to provide the full costs, we could take significantly more refugee children. Lewisham has also offered to take up to 22 more refugee children but has received one through Dubs. London Councils chairwoman Claire Kober said: Local authorities have taken responsibility in this humanitarian crisis. The Government must not now turn its back on the situation. A Government spokesman said: We are committed to supporting vulnerable children caught up in conflict and danger. Thanks to the goodwill of the British public and local authorities in the last year alone, we have provided refuge or other forms of leave to more than 8,000 children. He added that the Government has significantly increased funding to local authorities who look after unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. Remember when unfettered industry polluted the Big Sky? Will similar events return if Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt becomes Environmental Protection Agency administrator? Since being elected attorney general in 2010, Pruitt has sued the EPA 14 times to diminish its role several of those cases ending in failure. Recently, even though Oklahomas Department of Environmental Quality said the state could meet the EPAs 2015 rule reducing ozone from 75 parts per billion to 70 ppb by the 2020 to 2037 deadlines, Pruitt joined four other states suing to block the rule. That case is pending. Automobiles, power plants and industrial facilities are the biggest cause of ozone. It benefits humans high in the atmosphere. However, when it accumulates at ground level (as sunlight heats nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds), it can worsening asthma and cause premature death. The American Lung Association labels it one of the most dangerous U.S. pollutants. Thus, his litigation record does not show that Pruitt used transparent, smart regulations to protect our air and water without stifling development of Americas abundant natural resources. Yet thats what National Association for Manufacturers advertisements claimed when urging his confirmation. Pruitt led legal challenges against America's Clean Power Plan, claiming it would be too expensive. No so. NorthWestern Energy just signed a contract for $0.03763/kWh wind electricity produced near Reed Point, Montana. Thats far below the $0.058/kWh or higher cost of coal-fired electrons generated at Colstrip. Pruitts creating expensive electricity again wont make America greater. During confirmation hearings, Pruitt verified donations to his campaigns from several energy companies and groups that support fossil fuel energy production. He also acknowledged that a letter he sent opposing EPA efforts to limit the wasteful leaking of $300 million annually in publicly owned methane gas from drilling sites was mostly written by natural gas lobbyists. Upon hearing all this, Democrats on the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee walked out pending receipt of information on potential conflicts of interest that might be revealed in 52 outstanding Open Records Act requests to Pruitts office. One January 2015, Center for Media and Democracy request seeks over 3,000 emails between the nominee or his staff and Koch Industries and others regulated by EPA. Republicans were keen to get Hillary Clintons emails. Pruitts, not so much. Without waiting for the additional facts, Senate Republicans suspended the rule that at least one Democrat had to be present for a committee vote and sent Pruitts nomination to the full Senate. It did not matter or maybe it did that budget documents confirm the funding for "environmental law" in the Oklahoma attorney general's office fell from $463,000 in 2010 before Pruitt arrived to zero in 2014. Pruitt will review environmental rules that Trump just froze. Trump also stopped all outbound communication from the EPA and suspended all federal environmental grants and contracts, stalling billions headed to pollution monitoring and environmental research. So, will Trumps policies and Pruitt enhance our country? Or will they just make Americas air and water dirty again? Russ Doty is a retired Montana legislator, consumer energy attorney and contract administrative law judge who writes frequently on environmental and energy issues from Greeley, Colorado. His website is www.MTCARES.org. M ichael Gove has said that he does not believe the clearly narcissistic Donald Trump will make a second term in the White House. The former justice secretary said he believed Mr Trump would continue as President until 2020 but would lose out to another candidate in the next US election. Mr Gove, who interviewed the President shortly before his inauguration, told the Christian Today website that Mr Trump is "clearly narcissistic or egotistical enough to want to be seen as a success". "I suspect that his ego will mean he will both want to see what he can do in office and he will believe that he can prevail against whoever the Democrat opponent is." Donald Trump: Mr Gove said he thinks the President won't last past 2020 / Getty Images In the same interview, Mr Gove refused to comment on claims that News Corp executive chairman Rupert Murdoch was in the room during his interview with the President published in The Times. Asked if Mr Murdoch was in the room, Mr Gove said: "I think it's probably better for me not to go into how the interview arose or how it came about, but I think it's entirely fair for people to make a set of conclusions or assumptions about that. "I won't comment on them if you don't mind. I haven't said anything about it at this stage." Mr Gove also discussed his own decision to run as Conservative party leader following David Camerons dramatic resignation. Leadership battle: Mr Gove said he thinks it was a mistake to go against Boris Johnson / Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty He has previously admitted to "mistakes" in the way he dramatically ditched Boris Johnson to run himself, but in the interview he said: "With the benefit of hindsight, I should have not been so quick to say that I was going to support Boris in the first place and probably should never have run myself." He said he stood because he believed the new leader must be a Brexit supporter, but did not think that Mr Johnson "was the right person to be prime minister at that time". Mr Gove added he now accepts victory for Theresa May was "the right result", saying the PM had "handled events over the course of the last eight months better, I think, than I would have done". N et annual migration into Britain has fallen sharply to 273,000 in the first official statistics covering the months following the EU referendum. The figures, published by the Office for National Statistics, show the decline, 49,000 down on the previous 12 months, is partly due to a drop of 22,000 in the net influx from Eastern European countries such as Poland. But the biggest fall was in net migration from countries outside Europe, including those in Africa, the Americas and Australasia, which showed a 28,000 fall. The figures, for the 12 months to the end of September 2016, include the first three months after the Brexit vote. Loading.... They also show that there is still an overall net inflow of EU citizens into Britain with 165,000 more Europeans arriving than departing over the year. The number of Romanians and Bulgarians coming here has also reached a record high with 74,000 people from the two countries coming to Britain during the year up 19,000 on the previous 12 months. Immigration minister Robert Goodwill said the fall in net migration which has been at well over 300,000 in previous official statistics was encouraging and pledged to continue the Governments efforts to bring the total down to the tens of thousands. He added: We will continue reforming routes to the UK from outside Europe and will use the opportunity to take control of immigration from within the EU as we begin Brexit negotiations in the coming weeks. The UK will always welcome those who contribute and benefit our country, but there is no consent for uncontrolled immigration. Nicola White, the Office for National Statistics head of migration statistics, said the overall decline in net migration was not statistically significant. But she said the fall in the figures for East Europeans and non-EU citizens was significant. She added that there had also been a significant decrease in non-EU long-term students immigrating to the UK but emphasised that it was too early to draw conclusions about the impact of the Brexit vote. This is the first release to contain long-term international migration estimates including three months of data following the EU referendum. Although we have seen a fall in net migration of EU8 [eastern European] citizens there have been continued increases in immigration from Romania and Bulgaria, so it is too early to say what effect the referendum result has had on long-term international migration, she said. Todays figures show that the 273,000 net migration figure is comprised of 165,000 more arrivals from the EU than departures and an almost identical net inflow of 164,000 people from outside Europe. At the same time, 56,000 more Britons left the country than returned from abroad. Immigration totalled 596,000 down 23,000 over the year with 268,000 people moving here from EU countries and 257,000 coming from outside Europe. A total of 71,000 Britons returned. Loading.... Emigration, which was up by 26,000, totalled 323,000. The figure included the departure of 103,000 Europeans, 93,000 non-EU citizens and 128,000 Britons. T heresa May was today urged to tell the public whether any of the 1 million compensation given to British suicide bomber al-Harith is funding Islamic State. Former home secretary David Blunkett said the Prime Minister needed to address the question of whether al-Hariths payout given for his incarceration in Guantanamo Bay had evaded money laundering controls and been used to finance terror operations in Syria. Mr Blunkett said he was surprised that the Government had not clarified this already and that a logical, rational response was needed from ministers to allay public concerns. He added that Mrs May should also consider restoring control order powers, which were removed by the former coalition government over civil liberties concerns, and clarify whether al-Harith was being monitored when he disappeared overseas to join IS. Al-Harith died this week carrying out a suicide car-bombing for IS in Mosul. Former terror watchdog Lord Carlile has said that he should not have received a penny from taxpayers after a court case brought by him and other Guantanamo detainees was settled in 2010 because he was plainly a terrorist. Mr Blunkett, who was home secretary when al-Harith was freed from Guantanamo, said he had been correct to assure members of the public at the time that they were safe because he knew all those released were being monitored by police and MI5. He said that there were questions about the level of scrutiny applied to al-Harith since then, however, that the Government should answer. Two things should have happened and I am surprised the Government havent clarified this already, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. Firstly the money itself needed to be monitored under the money laundering requirements and, secondly, if you had any doubt whatsoever about the individuals behaviour you would have them flagged, they would be on the list, and therefore their movements in and out of the country in particular would be flagged. We need to examine whether the money laundering requirements in these cases have been robust enough, not because we know that any of this money has been transferred out of the country, but because we need to reassure people. It is understood that al-Harith, 50, was not being monitored by MI5 or police when he left Britain to join IS in 2014 because he was not deemed to be a major security threat at the time. The Mancunian, born Ronald Fiddler, had been taken to Guantanamo after being found in a Taliban prison in 2001, but was released to return to the UK along with other British detainees in 2004. I raqi troops backed by British and US special forces stormed Mosul airport on Thursday as they fought to free the city from Islamic State. They also attacked a large military base held by the extremists close to the airport. Our forces started a major operation early this morning to storm the airport of Mosul and the Ghozlani base to dislodge Daesh (Islamic State) terrorists, said Sabah al-Numan, a spokesman for the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service troops. We can confirm that the Mosul airport militarily has fallen and its a matter of short time to fully control it. The airport and military complex, which includes barracks and training grounds and sprawls across an area close to the Baghdad-Mosul highway, was captured by Islamic State fighters when they overran the northern city in June 2014. Iraqi forces have already seized back control of the east of the city and are now targeting the west. The campaign, backed up by RAF and other Allied air strikes, involves a 100,000-strong force of Iraqi troops, Kurdish fighters and Shia militias. The battle for western Mosul, the extremist groups last major urban bastion in Iraq, is expected to be more difficult than driving them out of the east. The streets are older and narrower in this section of the city, stretching west from the Tigris River that divides Mosul into the eastern and western half. Iraqi troops are likely to have to carry out house-by-house fighting, with extremists have booby-trapped buildings and planted other improvised explosive devices. Hundreds of thousands of citizens are also trapped in neighbourhoods controlled by IS. However, IS fighters may flee Mosul, which once had a population of two million, when it becomes clear that they are facing defeat. Meanwhile, Turkish army chiefs said 56 IS militants were killed by Turkey-backed forces around the Syrian town of al-Bab and by US-led coalition air strikes in the latest operations yesterday. British jihadists in Syria and Iraq are continuing to be targeted by Allied forces and RAF drones. Five teenagers were arrested in London earlier this week on suspicion of planning to travel to Syria or Iraq to join a proscribed organistion. A n intruder has attempted snatch the body of the murdered half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to reports. Kim Jong Nam was attacked at the busy Kuala Lumpur International Airport last week when trying to board a plane to Macau. Two women one of them Indonesian, the other Vietnamese are suspected of fatally poisoning him by smearing toxic chemicals across his face, Malaysian police have said. A heavily armed special police force has reportedly been deployed at the morgue holding Mr Kims body after police said there had been an attempt to gain access to the facility. According to The Times North Korea is thought to be behind the break-in. CCTV footage: The clip allegedly shows the moment a woman wipes poison on Kim Jong-nam's face / ABC news Police inspector general Khalid Abu Bakar said: We knew there were attempts by someone to break into the hospital mortuary. We know who they are. There is no need for me to tell you. Malaysian police have not directly blamed the North Korean state on the murder, but have said North Koreans were clearly behind it. They are seeking several North Koreans in connection with his death, including a senior official at the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur as well as an employee of the state airline, Air Koryo. Four other North Koreans named earlier in the case are thought to have left Malaysia already, while another North Korean is in detention. S adiq Khan donned a black tie to attend the Brit Awards after-party hosted by Soho House at 180 The Strand with his wife Saadiya. The Mayor of London turned up at the bash after the ceremony, looking smart in a black evening jacket with a simple white pocket square. Khan was joined by the likes of Nick Grimshaw, Katy Perry and Ellie Goulding, who were also cutting loose at the party hosted by Universal Music. The awards ceremony took place at The O2 in London, recognising the best of Britains music scene. Brit Awards 2017 After Parties - In pictures 1 /54 Brit Awards 2017 After Parties - In pictures Ellie Goulding, Katy Perry and Nick Grimshaw attend the Universal Music BRIT Awards After-Party 2017 hosted by Soho House and BACARDI Rum at 180 The Strand Dave Benett Ellie Goulding, Katy Perry and Nick Grimshaw attend the Universal Music BRIT Awards After-Party 2017 hosted by Soho House and BACARDI Rum at 180 The Strand Dave Benett Ellie Goulding, Katy Perry and Nick Grimshaw attend the Universal Music BRIT Awards After-Party 2017 Dave Benett Ellie Goulding, Katy Perry and Nick Grimshaw attend the Universal Music BRIT Awards After-Party 2017 Dave Benett Ellie Goulding, Katy Perry and Nick Grimshaw attend the Universal Music BRIT Awards After-Party 2017 Dave Benett Ellie Goulding and Katy Perry attend the Universal Music BRIT Awards After-Party 2017 Dave Benett for Universal, Soho Katy Perry and Nick Grimshaw attend the Universal Music BRIT Awards After-Party 2017 Dave Benett Abbey Clancy and Peter Crouch jumpo into a cab follwing the Warner Music Brit Awards After Party Rex Features Abbey Clancy at the Warner Music Brit Awards, After Party Rex Features Abbey Clancy at the Warner Music Brit Awards, After Party Rex Features Dermot OLeary attends The Warner Music & Ciroc Brit Awards After Party Dave Benett Brooklyn Beckham attends The Warner Music & Ciroc Brit Awards After Party Dave Benett Ed Sheeran attends The Warner Music & Ciroc Brit Awards After Party Dave Benett Stormzy attends The Warner Music & Ciroc Brit Awards After Party Dave Benett Sara Cox and Nick Grimshaw attend the Universal Music BRIT Awards After-Party 2017 Dave Benett Mollie King attend the Universal Music BRIT Awards After-Party 2017 Dave Benett James Arthur and Nicole Scherzinger attend the Universal Music BRIT Awards After-Party 2017 Dave Benett Saadiya Khan and Sadiq Khan attend the Universal Music BRIT Awards After-Party Dave Benett Jamie Cullum and Sophie Dahl attend the Universal Music BRIT Awards After-Party 2017 Dave Benett Clara Amfo attends the Universal Music BRIT Awards After-Party 2017 Dave Benett Amber Le Bon, James Blunt and guest attend The Warner Music & Ciroc Brit Awards After Party Dave Benett Naughty Boy and Nicole Scherzinger attend the Universal Music BRIT Awards After-Party 2017 Dave Benett Jordan Williams and Ellie Goulding attend the Universal Music BRIT Awards After-Party 2017 Dave Benett Nicole Scherzinger attends the Universal Music BRIT Awards After-Party 2017 Dave Benett Guest, Abbey Clancy and Emma Bunton attend The Warner Music & Ciroc Brit Awards After Party Dave Benett Sofia Wellesley and James Blunt attend The Warner Music & Ciroc Brit Awards After Party Dave Benett Poppy Jamie attends The Warner Music & Ciroc Brit Awards After Party Dave Benett Frank Lampard and Christine Bleakley attend The Warner Music & Ciroc Brit Awards After Party Dave Benett Holly Willoughby and Caroline Flack attend The Warner Music & Ciroc Brit Awards After Party Dave Benett Charli XCX attends The Warner Music & Ciroc Brit Awards After Party Dave Benett Christine Bleakley and Holly Willoughby attend The Warner Music & Ciroc Brit Awards After Party Dave Benett Pixie Lott attends The Warner Music & Ciroc Brit Awards After Party Dave Benett Zara Martin and Amber Le Bon attend The Warner Music & Ciroc Brit Awards After Party Dave Benett Wiley attends The Warner Music & Ciroc Brit Awards After Party Dave Benett Holly Willoughby attends The Warner Music & Ciroc Brit Awards After Party Dave Benett Maisie Williams attends The Warner Music & Ciroc Brit Awards After Party Dave Benett Emma Bunton attends The Warner Music & Ciroc Brit Awards After Party Dave Benett Nick Grimshaw attends The Warner Music & Ciroc Brit Awards After Party Dave Benett Sara MacDonald and Noel Gallagher Craig David attend the Sony Music Brit Awards 2017 after party at Aqua Shard Tom Dymond/Splash News Lauren Silverman and Simon Cowell attend the Sony Music Brit Awards 2017 after party at Aqua Shard Richard Young/Rex Craig David attends the Sony Music Brit Awards 2017 after party at Aqua Shard Dave Benett The show included performances from Little Mix and Robbie Williams, while Stormzy made an unexpected appearance during Ed Sheerans rendition of his new single Shape of You. Katy Perry's performance of her song Chained to the Rhythm featured a political dig at Theresa May and Donald Trump. The staging feature giant skeleton puppets which were dressed in the same outfits the Prime Minister and President wore when they first met at the White House in January. There was also a technical hitch, as one of Perrys backing dancers dressed as a house fell off the stage and into the crowd. Katy Perry backing dancer falls off stage at Brit Awards The awards saw Little Mix pick up their first ever BRIT, winning Best Single for Shout Out to My Ex. We honestly didnt know where to go, we didn't think wed win it, said Jade Thirlwall. We were just sitting there chin-wagging. This is for all our exes. Brit Awards 2017 Show and Winners - In pictures 1 /46 Brit Awards 2017 Show and Winners - In pictures Little Mix perform on stage at The BRIT Awards 2017 at The O2 Arena Dave Benett Puppets as Katy Perry performs on stage at the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena PA Adele is seen on a screen as she accepts the award for Global Success at the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena in London, Britain, February 22, 2017. REUTERS/Toby Melville EDITORIAL USE ONLY. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS Toby Melville/Reuters Chris Martin of Coldplay performs on stage at The BRIT Awards 2017 at The O2 Arena Dave Benett Rag 'n' Bone Man aka Rory Graham with the Critic's Choice and Best British Breakthrough Artist Award's in the press room during the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena Ian West/PA Ed Sheeran and Stormzy perform on stage at The BRIT Awards 2017 at The O2 Arena Dave Benett Emeli Sande with her award for Best British Female Solo Artist in the press room during the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena, London PA Robbie Williams performs on stage at The BRIT Awards 2017 at The O2 Arena Dave Benett Duncan Jones accepts an award on behalf of his dad David Bowie on stage at the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena Dominic Lipinski/PA Little Mix's Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall collect their award on stage at the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena, London Dominic Lipinski/PA Michael C. Hall collects an award on behalf of David Bowie on stage at the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena Dominic Lipinski/PA Katy Perry performs on stage at The BRIT Awards 2017 at The O2 Arena Dave Benett Katy Perry and Skip Marley perform on stage at The BRIT Awards 2017 at The O2 Arena Dave Benett Helen "Pepsi" DeMacque, Andrew Ridgeley and Shirlie Holliman pay tribute to George Michael on stage at The Brit Awards 2017 Dave Benett Coldplay's Chris Martin performs a tribute to George Michael on stage at the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena Dominic Lipinski/PA Bruno Mars performing on stage at the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena, London Dominic Lipinski/PA Ed Sheeran performing on stage at the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena Dominic Lipinski/PA Robbie Williams performs on stage at the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena Dominic Lipinski/PA Holly Willoughby and Fearne Cotton on stage at The BRIT Awards 2017 at The O2 Arena Dave Benett Little Mix's Jade Thirlwall attending the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena, London Ian West/PA Little Mix's Perrie Edwards (L - R), Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jesy Nelson and Jade Thirlwall with the award for Best Single in the press room during the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena Ian West/PA Little Mix's Perrie Edwards Leigh-Anne Pinnock with the award for Best Single in the press room during the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena Ian West/PA The 1975's Adam Hann (L - R), George Daniel, Ross MacDonald and Matthew Healy with the Best British Group Award in the press room during the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena Ian West/PA Rag'n'Bone Man accepts his award on stage at The BRIT Awards 2017 at The O2 Arena Dave Benett Emeli Sande performs on stage at The BRIT Awards 2017 at The O2 Arena Dave Benett Nicole Scherzinger and Simon Cowell look on as Liam Payne collects his award for One Direction on stage at the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena Dominic Lipinski/PA Skepta performs on stage at The BRIT Awards 2017 at The O2 Arena Dave Benett Presenters Emma Willis and Dermot O'Leary on stage at the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena Dominic Lipinski/PA The 1975 with their award on stage at The BRIT Awards 2017 at The O2 Arena Dave Benett The 1975's Matthew Healy, Adam Hann, George Daniel and Ross MacDonald performing on stage at the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena Dominic Lipinski/PA Little Mix's Perrie Edwards (L - R), Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jesy Nelson and Jade Thirlwall with the award for Best Single in the press room during the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena PA Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora on stage at The BRIT Awards 2017 at The O2 Arena Dave Benett Ed Sheeran and Stormzy perform at the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena Toby Melville/Reuters Fearne Cotton arrives in a Audi at the 2017 BRIT Awards at the O2 Arena Dave Benett Ed Sheeran arrives in style for the red carpet Dave Benett David Bowie was given two posthumous awards Best British Solo Male Artist and Best Album for Blackstar. Round up of the Brit Awards 2017 Bowies son Duncan Jones accepted the award, telling the crowd: I lost my dad last year but I also became a dad. Speaking about his father, he said: Hes always been there supporting people who are a little bit weird, a little bit strange, a little bit different. This award is for all the kooks, and the people who make the kooks." S hia LaBeoufs anti-Donald Trump live-stream has been taken down again after shots were allegedly fired. The 30-year-old actor launched the art installation at the Museum of the Moving Image in New York on the day of Donald Trumps inauguration to protest his Presidency, but it was later shut down and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico after it became a flashpoint for violence. LaBeaouf confirmed that the live-stream has been stopped for a second time, over fears for the publics safety. He tweeted: We have taken the stream down after shots were reported in the area. Actor Shia LaBeouf arrested at his anti-Trump art exhibit in New York City The safety of everybody participating in our project is paramount. The actor and political activist set up the project alongside Jaden Smith and artists Nastja Sade Ronkko and Luke Turner as a show of resistance or insistence, opposition or optimism and called on the public to visit and say the words He will not divide us. It was intended to run throughout Mr Trumps presidency but was shut down after it deteriorated markedly. In a statement the Museum of the Moving Image said: 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. For now, medical aid in dying remains legal by the Montana Supreme Court decision. Unfortunately, Rep. Brad Tschida recently introduced HB536 that would outlaw medical aid in dying in Montana and impose harsh penalties on doctors who participate. Why, I ask? Just what is it he hopes to accomplish? Oregon has had a "Death with Dignity" law since 1997 that was passed by initiative. The law works well, has had no documented abuses, and has held up against numerous challenges. In fact, when Oregon legislators (like Rep. Tschida) asked voters to repeal their Death With Dignity law, Oregonians overwhelmingly voted to keep it by a margin of 60 percent to 40 percent! From my perspective as a 73 year old, Montana's law offers hope for those of us who may someday have to deal with a painful lingering terminal illness. It means no one will be "legally required" to suffer the kind of needless pain and anguish I have seen close friends and relatives endure. In fact, near the end of his life, my father-in-law said to me: "I wish we were in Oregon." I knew exactly what he meant, and the hopelessness in his voice and in his eyes just broke my heart. So here is my suggestion to Montana legislators. Oregon's "Death With Dignity" law has worked well for 20 years. There have been no documented abuses. What are you worried about? Let's just adopt the same language that is in Oregon's law and move on. Those interested in voicing their opinions on the bill may wish to attend a hearing of the House Judiciary Committee that is scheduled for Friday at 8:00. Bob Balhiser Helena Aspen Many Hides recalled being in tears as she stood in line five years ago waiting to receive her high school diploma in Polson. Her mother was frantically trying to remove the beads she had sewn into her cap as a sign of accomplishment and to show her pride in her Native American heritage. Just minutes before the procession was to begin marching, Many Hides was told the beads, particularly those spelling out her family name, violated school policy and had to be removed if she wanted to march. "I'm very proud of where I came from and my name," she said, explaining why she was in tears that day. "As Native people, it's important we have an opportunity to represent ourselves with regalia. For many Native Americans, graduation from high school is huge because of so many challenges in life." Over the years, controversies have erupted not only across Montana, but in other parts of the country as students of color seek to blend the regalia of their cultural heritage with the pomp of high school graduation. Earlier this week, a legislative committee in Montana tabled a proposal that would allow Native American students to wear regalia, such as embroidered beads and eagle feathers, along with their caps and gowns. But supporters used a special rule to force the bill out of committee and onto the Senate floor for further consideration Friday. School officials in El Reno, Oklahoma, last year took away a hand-beaded graduation cap from a Native American student just before graduation, saying it violated policy although school officials said they do allow Native students to wear eagle feathers. In California, the ACLU intervened on behalf two years ago for a student who was later allowed to wear an eagle feather as part of his tassel. "In this day and age, this is still a surprise. Part of it is the lack of understanding about how important these items are," said Matthew Campbell, a staff attorney with the Colorado-based Native American Rights Fund. It's not just an issue among Native Americans, but restrictions also affect other ethnic and religious groups who wear non-Western garb from hijabs to kente cloths. In Elk Grove, California, a black student said deputies removed him from his high school graduation ceremony last May for wearing a special fabric that expressed his African heritage. Tia Welzenbach, who graduates in May from Sidney High School in Montana, sought approval from her principal before classes last fall if she could bead her cap. The principal turned down her request. So her mother took it up with the superintendent, who then took it up with the school board. In the end, the school board decided to allow the senior to march with a beaded mortar board. Principal Sue Anderson said it was the first such request she had ever gotten. Welzenbach and her mother were told that students weren't allowed to make changes to graduation attire. "It wasn't any kind of prejudice. It was about keeping on tradition. This issue had never come up before until this year. This was new to everyone," Andersen said. The assistant administrator of a county in Florida will replace Eric Bryson as chief administrative officer for Lewis and Clark County. After being selected from a pool of 30 applicants and seven finalists, Roger Baltz accepted the position last week and is slated to start April 3, said county commission Chair Susan Good-Geise. His starting salary will be $119,641 per year. He is certainly very familiar with county government, said Good-Geise, adding that she was particularly impressed by Baltzs integrity. As chief administrative officer, Baltz will oversee county departments and serve as a liaison among department heads, the county commissioners and other elected officials, Good-Geise said. We thought he had an excellent grasp of county responsibilities and working among elected officials, and we think hes going to do a fine job, she said. Selecting the chief administrative officer is probably going to be the biggest decision I make as a commissioner, Good-Geise added. That particular position has an enormous amount of responsibility, and helps to advise, negotiate and execute the policies that the commission sets forth, she said. Its just impossible to be overstated. It is a very, very important position, and being able to operate in an atmosphere of trust and integrity is absolutely key. The county commission received applications from some internal candidates, Good-Geise said, but none of them met the minimum qualifications. Our job is to get the very best candidate, she said. We always hope to get a guy close to home, but at the end of the day we have to get the very best candidate, and thats what we did. Baltz said Montana "sure left a great impression on me" during his travels to the state in the past. And he found a "unique and positive culture and community" when he came to Helena to interview for the job, he said. "I'm excited about the idea of coming in and becoming a part of what is already a very capable local government operation and well-functioning operation, and hopefully get up there and add my contribution to that team that's already working well together," he said. While he may not have all of the background information on major issues facing the county, such as overcrowding at the Lewis and Clark County Detention Center, Baltz said "I'm going to get it just as soon as I can." Sometimes coming from the outside can be a good thing, he said, as he has no preconceived notions and can look at the issues in a different way. "I'm looking forward to learning about Lewis and Clark County and just excited about the opportunity to come serve," he said. "I feel very honored to be selected." Baltz has been the assistant county administrator in Martin County, Florida (population 156,283) since April 2011, his resume says. He worked for Charlotte County, Florida (population 173,115) from 2003-2010, where he started as assistant administrator and was promoted to administrator in 2008 after his predecessor was dismissed, the Herald-Tribune reported at that time. Baltz agreed to resign from his position in Charlotte County in 2010 when it became apparent that the majority of the commissioners would vote to fire him, the newspaper reported. Citing communication breakdowns, lack of leadership and poor public relations within the county administration, three of the five commissioners said the problems demanded change at the top. The commission accepted Baltz's resignation on a 3-2 vote. On Thursday Baltz said he was proud of his accomplishments in Charlotte County but "it was time for a change and it was time for me to move on." This was the only time in his career that he experienced something like that, he said. Baltz also worked as town manager in Pahrump, Nevada (population 36,441) from 1993-1996, director of parks and recreation in Lodi, California (population 62,134) from 2001-2003, and city manager in Crystal River, Florida (population 3,108) from 1996-1998. He earned a master of public administration degree from the University of Wyoming, a master of education degree from the University of Arkansas and a bachelors degree in education from the University of Central Arkansas. Former Chief Administrative Officer Bryson stepped down earlier this year to take a position with the Montana Association of Counties. Nancy Everson, the countys finance director, will continue to serve as interim chief administrative officer until Baltz arrives. Montanas governor on Thursday vetoed two gun bills -- one to let people carry concealed weapons without a permit and another to allow weapons on federal property. While saying he will fiercely defend the Second Amendment rights of our citizens, Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock wrote in his veto: I cannot support an absurd concept that threatens the safety of our communities by not providing for the basic fundamentals of guns safety or mental health screening. The bills were House Bill 262, carried by Rep. Bill Harris, R-Winnett, and House Bill 246, carried by Rep. Randy Brodehl, R-Kalispell. HB262 passed the House on a 60-39 vote and the Senate on a 31-18 vote, and HB246 passed the House by the same margin and the Senate 32-17. Harris bill would have allowed for concealed carry without a permit in cities and towns. It has been legal to carry a concealed weapon without a permit outside those areas in Montana for more than 25 years. At a bill hearing in January, Harris said the bill makes laws uniform and is "vital" to safety. Bullock vetoed similar bills in 2013 and 2015. In Montana, sheriffs grant concealed weapons permits and may require basic firearms training or deny permits to those with mental illness. Denials are uncommon, Bullock said. Law enforcement from around the state was among the opposition to the bill. Bullock wrote in his veto that if the same logic were applied to other situations, there would be no need for a person to be licensed before driving on our highways, and he said the same goes for pilot licenses, building permits, hunting licenses and all other permits. Harris on Thursday said he was "very disappointed" in the governor's veto and he doesn't believe Bullock understands "the reality of the dangers Montanans face." "Many of the people of Montana are pro-Second Amendment," Harris said. "They know that self defense is an important part of their life." Harris referenced the state's rural nature and said law enforcement presence can be sparse in some regions. He also said the 600-plus mile border with Canada can pose a risk. "Montana citizens are his own personal line of defense," he said. In his veto of Brodehls bill, Bullock said his primary objection is that it violates the U.S. Constitution. We would not propose to tell the United States Air Force how to run Malmstrom Air Force Base, or for that matter a private store owners who posts a No firearms allowed in their storefront, and the same logic applies here, Bullock wrote. Law enforcement takes an oath to uphold all federal, state and local laws, and HB 246 would put them in the impossible position of violating state law to enforce federal law, or vice versa, the governor wrote. Brodehl said the bill would have let people carry permitted guns when they go to the post office to get their mail. Many Montanans keep guns in their vehicles, he said, and that presents a problem when on post office property. Brodehl took objection with Bullocks explanation, saying he drafted the bill to avoid a conflict with federal law. We crafted it narrow enough to give him the opportunity to sign a good gun bill, Brodehl said. Im disappointed the governor put his personal views ahead of what's right for Montanans. Speaker of the House Austin Knudsen, R-Culbertson, released the following statement Thursday: Its disappointing that following a campaign in which Governor Bullock ran on his support for the Second Amendment that he would turn his back on Montanans so quickly by taking his veto stamp to these bills that protect our fundamental rights." A legislative committee has unanimously endorsed a bill meant to close a loophole in Montana law that allows 16- and 17-year-olds to be charged with incest involving a parent. The measure approved by the House Judiciary Committee on a 19-0 vote Wednesday clarifies that a person who is younger than 18 cannot be charged with incest if the other person involved is at least four years older. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jenny Eck, D-Helena, next goes to the House floor. The Montana Supreme Court suggested addressing the loophole in July while upholding an Anaconda-Deer Lodge County man's conviction and life sentence for plying his 17-year-old daughter with methamphetamine and having sex with her in 2013. The Associated Press is not identifying the man to avoid identifying his daughter. He argued his conviction should be overturned because jurors were not cautioned about trusting the girl's testimony because she could have been charged as an accessory. The court found that the girl actually could have been charged with incest because she said she was a willing participant and was over the legal age of consent, which is 16. The prosecutor did not charge her. Justice Beth Baker's concurring opinion suggested lawmakers revisit the law, saying it really can't be interpreted any other way. "Applied to consenting adults or to siblings, the statute properly treats both actors in an incestuous relationship as responsible for the offense," Baker wrote. "And the statute rightly makes a stepson's or stepdaughter's consent ineffective if the child is under 18. "But when, as here, a father has sexual intercourse with his underage natural daughter, her consent to the act makes her his partner in crime," Baker wrote. Robin Turner with the Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence testified Wednesday that the current law makes it more difficult for victims to come forward. Turner read from a letter written by Ellen Donohue, who prosecuted the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County case. Donohue's letter said the girl went through the ordeal of testifying about her most private, embarrassing and shameful moments, and after her father was found guilty, he filed an appeal and tried to blame her. Donohue assured the girl she would not be charged, but that did not ease her fear that she would be arrested, Turner told committee members. Assistant Attorney General Ole Olson testified in support of the bill, saying because it's technically possible to charge a 16- or 17-year-old it creates avenues for appeal. He noted a 1997 case in which a Lincoln County man argued that because he was charged and his adopted daughter wasn't, his constitutional rights were violated. The Supreme Court denied his appeal, Olson said. Mike McGrath, the chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court, listened in on some of Wednesday's testimony. This page is archived. Data published after 5 April 2022 can be found on the renewed website. Go to the new statistics page Published: 23 February 2017 Government R&D funding decreases further in the budget for 2017 Appropriations for research and development decrease in the budget for 2017 by around EUR 48 million from the year before. In total, government R&D funding will be approximately EUR 1,797.5 million in the budget for 2017. The share of public research funding in gross domestic product is estimated to fall to 0.82 per cent. Government R&D funding according to social policy objective category in 2016 to 2017 According to the social policy objective, the majority of R&D funding is directed to universities research funding and general advancement of science, which mainly consists of funding by the Academy of Finland. Around EUR 70 million less R&D funding is allocated to industrial production than one year earlier. In contrast, more than before is invested in research funding in health care, as research and development funding directed to health care research grows by around EUR 60 million from the budgetary appropriations of the previous year. . The R&D funding under the Ministry of Education and Culture is EUR 1,123.3 million in the budget for 2017, which grew by around EUR 11 million from the appropriations in the year before. The R&D funding under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment falls to EUR 429.1 million in the budget for 2017. The funding of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment decreases by around EUR 60 million mainly due to the decrease in research funding by Tekes, the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation. The R&D funding under the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, in turn, grows by EUR 5.5 million from the year before to a total of EUR 75.4 million. Government budget appropriations or outlays for R&D (GBAORD) in 2017 R&D funding million Share of R&D funding, % Change from 2016, million Real change from 2016, % R&D funding total 1 797,5 100,0 -47,9 -2,5 Main administrative branches (ministries) Ministry of Education and Culture 1 123,3 62,5 11,0 1,1 Ministry of Employment and the Economy 429,1 23,9 -59,7 -12,1 Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry 70,0 3,9 -2,3 -3,2 Ministry of Social Affairs and Health 75,4 4,2 5,5 8,0 Funding organisations Universities 587,1 32,7 1,6 0,4 Tekes the Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation 322,2 17,9 -58,9 -15,4 Academy of Finland 449,5 25,0 10,5 2,5 Government research institutes 195,2 10,9 -1,9 -0,9 Other R&D funding 228,5 12,7 0,8 0,4 University central hospitals 15,0 0,8 0,0 0,1 Source: Government R&D funding in the state budget 2017, Statistics Finland Inquiries: Heidi Pirkola 029 551 3246, Ari Leppalahti 029 551 3237, tiede.teknologia@stat.fi Director in charge: Mari Yla-Jarkko Publication in pdf-format (173.7 kB) Updated 23.2.2017 Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Government R&D funding in the state budget [e-publication]. ISSN=2489-3250. 2017. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 6.11.2022]. Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/tkker/2017/tkker_2017_2017-02-23_tie_001_en.html Blog Archive Apr 2010 (22) May 2010 (25) Jun 2010 (8) Jul 2010 (12) Aug 2010 (18) Sep 2010 (19) Oct 2010 (29) Nov 2010 (30) Dec 2010 (18) Jan 2011 (13) Feb 2011 (21) Mar 2011 (23) Apr 2011 (19) May 2011 (31) Jun 2011 (36) Jul 2011 (46) Aug 2011 (26) Sep 2011 (12) Oct 2011 (15) Nov 2011 (17) Dec 2011 (7) Jan 2012 (18) Feb 2012 (4) Mar 2012 (12) Apr 2012 (18) May 2012 (10) Jun 2012 (21) Jul 2012 (8) Aug 2012 (15) Sep 2012 (7) Oct 2012 (17) Nov 2012 (20) Dec 2012 (10) Jan 2013 (58) Feb 2013 (59) Mar 2013 (60) Apr 2013 (98) May 2013 (134) Jun 2013 (204) Jul 2013 (293) Aug 2013 (351) Sep 2013 (363) Oct 2013 (347) Nov 2013 (374) Dec 2013 (440) Jan 2014 (544) Feb 2014 (475) Mar 2014 (525) Apr 2014 (527) May 2014 (470) Jun 2014 (408) Jul 2014 (472) Aug 2014 (522) Sep 2014 (441) Oct 2014 (471) Nov 2014 (496) Dec 2014 (535) Jan 2015 (535) Feb 2015 (520) Mar 2015 (579) Apr 2015 (657) May 2015 (679) Jun 2015 (673) Jul 2015 (728) Aug 2015 (803) Sep 2015 (923) Oct 2015 (921) Nov 2015 (801) Dec 2015 (791) Jan 2016 (782) Feb 2016 (835) Mar 2016 (929) Apr 2016 (864) May 2016 (946) Jun 2016 (1044) Jul 2016 (882) Aug 2016 (1035) Sep 2016 (966) Oct 2016 (918) Nov 2016 (854) Dec 2016 (885) Jan 2017 (879) Feb 2017 (777) Mar 2017 (896) Apr 2017 (872) May 2017 (850) Jun 2017 (851) Jul 2017 (971) Aug 2017 (1040) Sep 2017 (998) Oct 2017 (1144) Nov 2017 (1046) Dec 2017 (838) Jan 2018 (873) Feb 2018 (769) Mar 2018 (885) Apr 2018 (808) May 2018 (827) Jun 2018 (820) Jul 2018 (840) Aug 2018 (854) Sep 2018 (844) Oct 2018 (851) Nov 2018 (870) Dec 2018 (912) Jan 2019 (919) Feb 2019 (827) Mar 2019 (957) Apr 2019 (913) May 2019 (1007) Jun 2019 (934) Jul 2019 (949) Aug 2019 (936) Sep 2019 (910) Oct 2019 (920) Nov 2019 (874) Dec 2019 (908) Jan 2020 (941) Feb 2020 (848) Mar 2020 (898) Apr 2020 (848) May 2020 (822) Jun 2020 (787) Jul 2020 (819) Aug 2020 (858) Sep 2020 (841) Oct 2020 (873) Nov 2020 (811) Dec 2020 (780) Jan 2021 (765) Feb 2021 (716) Mar 2021 (819) Apr 2021 (805) May 2021 (815) Jun 2021 (824) Jul 2021 (830) Aug 2021 (832) Sep 2021 (791) Oct 2021 (754) Nov 2021 (683) Dec 2021 (693) Jan 2022 (694) Feb 2022 (654) Mar 2022 (740) Apr 2022 (745) May 2022 (748) Jun 2022 (701) Jul 2022 (704) Aug 2022 (702) Sep 2022 (699) Oct 2022 (737) Nov 2022 (134) A bill that would have ended the use of solitary confinement for those with mental illness in the state prison died in a legislative committee Thursday morning after emotional testimony from family members of those who were confined. Senate Bill 257 was carried by Sen. Roger Webb, R-Billings. It would have phased out the use of solitary confinement for the mentally ill by next year. It would have also allowed for the use of solitary confinement under emergency circumstances with a 10-day cap. In addition, it would require the Department of Corrections to report on the use of solitary confinement with juveniles and develop recommendations to eliminate the use of confinement with those under 18. The bill died on a 5-6 vote of the Senate Judiciary Committee. John Nolte told the committee his stepson has been held in isolation at the state prison in Deer Lodge and it has caused his mental condition to decline and his stepson became delusional. Hes the perfect example of the damage and harm caused by solitary, Nolte said. Beth Brenneman, who is an attorney for Disability Rights Montana, told the committee Nolte's stepson had ripped his wrists open with his teeth while in isolation. Dale Brandemihl, whose son died when he was held in solitary confinement at the state prison in 2014, also gave emotional testimony, telling the committee his son's mental health declined severely. The only opposition to the bill came from the Department of Corrections, which told the committee that while would like to reduce its use of isolation cells, it does not have the resources. The department understands and appreciates the concerns expressed, but this bill is not the solution, Adrianne Slaughter, government relations director with the department, said. Slaughter said the bill would prohibit the ability of the prison to put people into solitary confinement when its for their own protection or they require close observation. She said staff works to house prisoners in the least restrictive manner and that prisoners earn their way into locked housing through behavior and can earn their way out. The Department of Corrections is empowered by the Legislature to protect the citizens of Montana, Slaughter said. You ask us to isolate individuals from their communities and there are times when that segregation must proceed behind bars to protect a secondary community. The department would have had to add staff at the state prison in Deer Lodge, the womens prison in Billings and two youth facilities, as well as make structural changes to some facilities, Slaughter said, if the bill had passed. It came to the committee without a fiscal note. More than 400 of the jails 1,468 residents are on medication for mental health conditions, Slaughter said. Most are housed in the general population. Sen. Margie MacDonald, D-Billings, who voted against the bill, said she supported the concept but couldnt move it forward without money behind the proposal. She called solitary confinement a terrible injustice but said it wasn't fair to ask the department to change its approach without giving it money to do so. We should be prepared to bring forward additional funds to do what we all know is right in the light of human rights and our humanity, MacDonald said. How can we ask the department to step up to the plate when we dont step up to the plate with a checkbook? Chief prosecutor of the National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) Laura Codruta Kovesi said DNA in 2016 set liens worth 667 million euros, a surge by 72-percent from the year before. "Recovering the proceeds of crime was an important component of our activity on 2016. Liens were set worth 667 million euros, which is a notable surge by 72 percent y-o-y. Oftentimes, DNA cases regard people deriving huge profits, acquiring goods in other countries or opening bank accounts in other jurisdictions. No criminal offender should feel safe, no matter where he or she may hide their proceeds of crime," Kovesi told a DNA 2016 activity report meeting on Thursday. She added that DNA sent 80 international letters rogatory for evidence administration and identification of assets. "This way, we managed to impound two properties in France worth in excess of 3.5 million euros, while in Spain we set a lien on two buildings worth more than 500,000 euros. We asked for the freezing of bank accounts in Cyprus, Switzerland and Germany," said Kovesi. She added that in 2016, judges ordered under final and binding rulings in DNA cases the confiscation and recovery of proceeds of crime worth more than 226 million euro, which have to be paid into the national budget. agerpres. MISSOULA -- Gov. Steve Bullock's preschool proposal has made it to the Legislature. The Democratic governor made a $12 million ask for public preschool in his budget proposal last fall. Montana is one of six states without state-funded public preschool. Bullock's request is now in House Bill 563, introduced Thursday by Rep. Kathy Kelker, D-Billings. It has been referred to the House Education Committee. Bullock and other Democrats have long called for preschool. He asked in the last legislative session for $37 million in preschool funding; Republicans shot it down. He renewed his request in his budget proposal this session, though for a lesser amount. It appears as if this session's ask could face a similar fate, however, as there's strong opposition from the GOP-majority House and Senate. Republicans say the state should focus on current K-12 students, and not introduce new education proposals particularly those with a fiscal note in an already tight budget. Superintendent Elsie Arntzen, a Republican, has said she does not see preschool as a priority, pointing to other issues she says should come first, such as school infrastructure. According to the bill, the superintendent would join four others on a board to administer the program, housed under the Office of Public Instruction. The board would also include the Department of Public Health and Human Services director, as well as three at-large members, appointed by the governor, who are involved in early childhood education. Under Kelker's proposal, the board would award an annual grant of $3,000 per preschooler to eligible programs that apply. Montana is in the third year of a four-year $40 million federal grant to help fund free preschool and Head Start at certain locations across the state. In 2015 Arntzen, then a legislator, joined her Republican colleagues in opposing the funding. Some school districts around the state have started their own preschool programs, scraping together funding since there is no state support. BUTTE -- Officials of the newly dubbed Clarion Inn Copper King Hotel & Convention Center say that, should everything go according to plan, the hotel will be ready to open May 1 with more than 90 rooms available and 17,000 square feet of meeting space. Matt Nistler, along with Ben and Rex Leipheimer, bought the 4655 Harrison Ave. building across from Bert Mooney Airport in 2015 and have been revamping the property ever since. The Copper King has been vacant since January 2014, when the hotels last owner closed the business. Butte residents familiar with the old Copper King will find a much altered interior in the Mining City mainstay. The new design theme is mountain modern and boasts a sleek, industrial feel, replete with a dwell space for lobby-goers and a water feature. On Monday, Nistler gave The Montana Standard a tour of the construction progress, and also introduced new members of the Copper King's management team. One of those new members is Amanda Leese, director of sales and marketing. Leese has 20 years of sales management experience, including in the realms of hotels, private clubs, event-planning and dining. Shes a graduate of the University of North Carolina and attended Baltimore International College, a school that specialized in hospitality and culinary-arts degrees. Although Leese wont be doing the cooking, she expressed excitement about the Copper Kings new restaurant: Montanas Rib & Chop House. Operated by a Montana company, the Butte location will be the fourth restaurant in Montana with the Rib & Chop House name. Nistler and Leese said they believe the restaurant will be a draw not only for people visiting the Mining City but also for Butte residents, some of whom, Nistler said, travel to Livingston just to go to the local chains first location. Boasting 4,400 square feet, the Rib & Chop House at the Copper King will have space for 250 people and a 40-seat bar with lots of local beers on tap, said Nistler. I cant wait to eat here, said Jordan Breshears of 406 Concrete as he and other workers put the final touches on the restaurant's bar top. Another Montana company that will partner with the Copper King is the Flawless Salon and Medical Spa, which offers spa service at the new hotel in addition to the services the company already provides at its Park Street location in Uptown Butte. But what really seemed to be Nistlers pride and joy is the revamped ballroom. Nistler said the ballroom will include a 75-foot by 24-foot environmental display for still or moving pictures, a 16-foot by 9-foot LED screen and a state-of-the-art lighting system capable of projecting more than 300 colors. This is going to be the most high-tech room in the region said Leese. Nistler agreed. This thing is just wired to the gills with technology, said Nistler. Its got state-of-the-art sound, state-of-the-art video. Its got state-of-the-art lighting. When asked why the Copper King decided to go for a Cadillac suite of meeting-space technology, Nistler said he and the Leipheimers want to make the hotel a competitive location for events and conferences. Its very expensive to hire a contractor to come in and set up all these (audio-visual) pieces, said Nistler. (But) this is going to be here with a push of a button. Also new to the Copper King team is General Manager Tom Hagreen. Hagreen, who has managed multiple full-service hotel and convention centers throughout the country and has 35 years of experience, said the Copper King is hiring for management positions. As for Nistler, he said he wants to keep the Copper Kings history in the Mining City alive as long as possible. This conference space has always been the heartbeat of this community as far as the ability to program large conferences said Nistler of the Copper King ballroom. We just wanted to make sure that we continued that legacy. St. Anthonys Medical Center is reassuring employees that theyll have a job for at least one year as Mercy is set to take over operations. St. Anthonys announced this week that it is affiliating with the third-largest medical provider in the region, ending its long reign as one of the last remaining independent hospitals in the region. In a letter sent to employees on Monday and obtained by the Post-Dispatch, CEO David Sindelar explained that the organization needed to position St. Anthonys to serve our community and mission for the next 100 years. A separate memo acknowledged the industry pressures that persuaded St. Anthonys to join one of the nations largest Catholic health care systems. By working with Mercy, the south St. Louis County hospital can achieve its mission, which is not possible as a stand-alone health care organization, Sindelar wrote. Sindelar outlined key aspects of the deal including Mercys commitment to invest $300 million in St. Anthonys facilities over the next seven years and a promise to keep the medical centers name for at least five years. Its unclear if Sindelar will remain at the helm of the organization, which has seen numerous changes in the executive office in recent years. The separate memo lists frequently asked questions about that deal, and one addresses leadership changes at the very top of the organization. After closing, the hospital will be led by a CEO appointed by Mercy. No other immediate changes in leadership are anticipated, the memo says. Despite hospital officials repeated use of the term affiliation to describe the deal, officials told the Post-Dispatch its basically an acquisition. Its not a typical sale transaction, the memo says. Chesterfield-based Mercy will become the sole corporate member of St. Anthonys and its sponsor. The Archdiocese is currently St. Anthonys sponsor, hospital officials told the Post-Dispatch. Catholic hospitals need a sponsor, historically led by nuns of a religious order. Sponsors act on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church, ensuring that the hospitals conform to Catholic ethical and religious directives. If the deal closes as expected this spring, St. Anthonys employees will then become Mercy employees. Mercy has contractually committed to maintaining current employee levels for one year and wants our team to become part of the Mercy family, according to the memo. And wage agreements for physicians will continue for a period of time. Employed physicians will be compensated under their current agreements for two years, the memo said. Over the years, St. Anthonys Medical Center executives have fiercely defended the idea of remaining an independent hospital despite the pressures to join a larger system. Independent hospitals have struggled to weather some of the industry changes that aim to curb costs and improve quality. As part of a larger system, hospitals can enjoy larger economies of scale and have better leverage when negotiating insurance contracts. For smaller hospitals, merging with larger systems can offer new opportunities for capital, access to physicians, management expertise and greater resources to combat financial distress, according to a Moodys Investor Services report on the industry from January. Moodys expects acquisitions in 2017 to continue at a brisk pace. Financial losses and turnover in management have plagued St. Anthonys over the last half decade. In 2010 and 2012 the hospital reported negative operating margins, meaning the hospital had more expenses than revenue, according to figures compiled by the St. Louis Area Business Health Coalition. For the year ended May 30, 2015 the most recent fiscal year for which data are available St. Anthonys reported revenue of $461 million and expenses of about $454 million, leaving about $7 million in excess. The start of 2012 marked the beginning of a tumultuous time at St. Anthonys in terms of leadership changes and reductions in staffing. At the beginning of 2012, 85 St. Anthonys employees were laid off. Later in the year, CEO Thomas Rockers resigned and his successor, Jim Gardner, cut another 185 employees. Soon after Gardners arrival, he tasked hospital employees with finding $22 million in cost savings. Thirteen months later, Gardner abruptly resigned. Michael Rindler was then tapped to lead the hospital and made significant changes to the executive suite. He instituted an office of the president in which administrators and physicians worked as equals. But a year later, in 2014, Rindler resigned. David Sindelar, who was board chair, became chief executive in 2015. CLAYTON A St. Louis County jury Thursday acquitted a Jennings landlord of shooting at a man who was rummaging through scrap metal at the defendants apartment complex in 2014. Robert Keith Bennett, 59, stood trial on charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action. Jurors found him not guilty on both. He was accused of shooting at Reginald Tucker, 49, of Florissant, on Feb. 28, 2014, at the Rolling Hills Apartments in Jennings. Tucker testified that Bennett deliberately shot at him while Tucker was collecting scrap metal from behind an apartment building in the 8800 block of Maya Lane. Tucker told jurors he is a disabled Army veteran, a part-time roofer and has been junker for years who collects and sells scrap metal to make ends meet. He said he was not stealing. Bennett, the owner and operator of the 128-unit apartment complex, testified that he shot at Tuckers pickup in self-defense because he was scared Tucker was coming toward him and might be armed. Bennett said he initially thought Tucker was illegally dumping but realized he was taking scrap metal. Bennetts lawyer, Scott Rosenblum, said, I think the jury took its time looking at the issues. Mr. Bennett is thrilled and ready to get back to his life. MARYLAND HEIGHTS An Overland man spit at a Maryland Heights jail officer through a "spit sock," exposing the officer to the hepatitis C virus, charges filed Thursday say. Joseph M. Hardy, 26, of the 9500 block of Mirian Avenue, was charged with endangering a corrections employee, a felony. Maryland Heights police picked up Hardy on Thursday morning at the St. Ann police station on a "failure to appear" warrant on a speeding ticket, police say. He told Maryland Heights officers he takes medication for hepatitis C, prompting police to take him to DePaul Health Center in Bridgeton to determine if he was healthy enough to be jailed. On the way back to the Maryland Heights police station, Hardy spit on the plexiglass barrier in the squad car, prompting police to put a "spit sock" a mesh-like head covering designed to block someone's spit over his head as they brought him into the station. As police restrained Hardy, he managed to spit through the sock, splashing Maryland Heights Officer Greg Johnston on the cheek and eye, charges say. Bail for Hardy was set at $20,000. His previous convictions in St. Louis and St. Charles counties includes misdemeanor assault and violating a protection order. ST. LOUIS Backed by business leaders, created by college presidents and affirmed by community members, a recently released report highlights a plan to push St. Louis to the top 10 most-educated metropolitan regions. The report outlines two big goals: bolster the number of adults in the region with bachelors degrees to 40 percent, a 75,000-person increase; and similarly, increase the number of adults with associate degrees by 10 percent, an 18,000-person increase all by 2025. The report pairs these goals with dozens of action items focused on five segments of the regions population: current students, recent college graduates, working adults, veterans and unemployed or underemployed. If achieved, these goals would make the St. Louis area one of the 10 most-educated regions nationwide. Education attainment needs to be a community issue, Greg Laposa, vice president of education strategies at the St. Louis Regional Chamber, said. Its not entirely a business and workforce issue, though those voices are important, he said. Its important to identify the positive social benefits of having a well-educated population, such as reduced inequality and better public health outcomes. This is an issue the region, and nation, has grappled with for years. The action items vary in approach. The report calls for backing current organizations in the area including Forward Through Ferguson and East Side Aligned. It also encourages businesses to provide tuition assistance and child care for employees who want to go back to school. Theyre lofty goals, and Laposa and others involved know it. The Regional Higher Education Council, made up of leaders from public and private two- and four-year schools, compiled the report, which is considered a rolling draft. The challenge and opportunity are the same, Webster University president Beth Stroble, who co-chairs the council, said about the effort. How do you pull together public, private, four-year, two-year, Missouri and Illinois institutions and find common ground? Everyone agrees on wanting more opportunity for people from all walks of life, she said. One section focuses on boosting college degrees among minorities and low-income students, though that effort is a theme laced throughout the report. The East-West Gateway Council of Governments was the latest to add a stamp of approval at a meeting Wednesday morning. The council joins a growing list of groups and people throwing their weight behind the effort, including the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Ameren chief executive officer Warner Baxter and groups such as St. Louis Graduates. SULLIVAN Audrey Crocker is only 28 years old, but she knows about the 1970s. Her mom was a child during the era and passed on the culture to her daughter. I grew up with the Bee Gees playing in the car, she said. She was a roller skating disco queen. I grew up with that kind of music around and the culture. Crocker will be using her knowledge as a cast member of Little Theatre-On the Square's spring show 8-Track: The Sounds of the 70's. The show will be on stage March 3 through 12. Tickets are $25. The cast will have a reception after the Saturday, March 4, show at the Sullivan VFW, 1132 Illinois Route 32. Tickets are $10. Participants will celebrate the 70s with a live band, snacks, cash bar and costume and dance contests. The show is broken up into categories addressing various subjects important to the decade, including War and Peace, Love, Parties and Road Trips. According to Little Theatre executive director John Stephens, the music is from the Top 40 rock songs of the decade. From the Bee Gees, Queen, Elton John, Sonny and Cher, he said. Also 'One Toke Over the Line' and 'Afternoon Delight' and 'Brickhouse'. We have about 47 songs in the show. Vignettes are used to tell true stories and trivia of the time through specific songs. For example, the War and Peace songs of the show tell of the turmoil during the country's history. Songs like 'War' and 'Tie a Yellow Ribbon,' those numbers tell a story, choreographer Jordan Cyphert said. Before preparing for the Little Theatre show, Crocker thought the show would focus on disco and dance. Preparing for her role, she was reminded of the political events throughout the era. The show is a beautiful journey through all of things you think about as the 70s, she said. We take a look at the entire decade, not just the fun, easy things. Many movements and events helped form the generation and the decade. The changes are reflected in the music of 8-Track. Naturally an audience member will make a connection with many events happening now, Crocker said. Stephens has been surprised by the attention the show has received so far. The theater has received calls requesting bulk tickets for class reunions. For a lot of our patrons, this is when they graduated high school, he said. Cyphert enjoyed researching the culture, especially the dances of the era. He views the dance styles as free expressions of movement. He said he believes the audience will recognize many of the dances, including the YMCA , the Hustle and the Bus Stop. I'm sure people will be dancing in their seats, he said. It is such a fun genre of dance. Little Theatre's summer season, which marks its 60th anniversary, is Beauty and the Beast on June 7. Past performers will be returning to honor the popular stage. Among those set to return is Anna McNeely, who earned her Actors' Equity Association union card during the 1970s while performing on the Little Theatre stage. Originally from Tower Hill, McNeely went on to perform on Broadway in Cats, Little Johnny Jones, Gypsy and as Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast, a part she will reprise during Little Theatre's summer show. This season's Little Theatre shows include Beauty and Beast, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Mamma Mia!, and Steel Magnolias. The mother of a former Hazelwood Central High student is alleging her daughter was sexually assaulted during school by another student, then was forced to continue attending school with him. In a lawsuit filed Tuesday, the mother, identified as T.S., alleged that administrators knew about the assault but only suspended the male student for three days, then allowed him to return to school with her daughter. T.S. also alleges that administrators did not report the sexual assault to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, as required. Hazelwood Superintendent Nettie Collins-Hart, former interim Superintendent Ingrid Clark-Jackson, former Hazelwood Central High Principal Audrey Lee and six other Hazelwood administrators and employees were named as defendants in the lawsuit. The district could not be immediately reached for comment. T.S. said her daughter, identified in the suit as Jane Doe, was walking back to class from the bathroom one day in December 2015 at Hazelwood Central. A male student harassed her, grabbed her, then pulled her into a stairwell and sexually assaulted her, T.S. alleges. Consumed with fear from the incident, Jane didn't report the assault to school administration until March 2016, the lawsuit states. After she did, the lawsuit claims administrators conducted an investigation and confirmed the assault. They suspended the student but let him return to school after three days, according to the lawsuit. Because Jane was forced to see and interact with her alleged attacker at school, the lawsuit says administrators failed to ensure equal access to education and protect their student. The lawsuit alleges Jane has suffered from fear, anxiety and trauma as a result of the assault and the continued exposure to her attacker. "The actions and conduct set forth herein was outrageous and showed evil motive, reckless indifference, and/or conscious disregard," the lawsuit states. JEFFERSON CITY Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens wants to use the proceeds from a recent lawsuit to reduce cuts he was planning to make in next years budget. In a statement issued Thursday, the Republican chief executive said a recent Missouri Supreme Court decision that will mean an estimated $50 million in additional revenue will be used to stave off planned reductions to a program serving 15,000 elderly and disabled people who receive in-home care. He also will use some of the proceeds to restore money for school busing costs that he had planned to cut. This money makes our budget situation a bit better. It helps; it doesnt make us whole, Greitens said in a prepared statement. The political newcomer could have used the money to restore cuts he and former Gov. Jay Nixon made in the current state budget. Instead, Greitens is putting the money toward the budget that begins on July 1. In our original budget, because of the shortfall, one of the tough choices we made was to change eligibility standards for the home and community-based services program. Making that change helped us protect the most vulnerable people in Missouri, the governor said. The source of the cash is the apparent end of a long-running lawsuit involving the state and the 1998 settlement with major tobacco companies. Although Missouri typically receives about $130 million annually, a special panel decided the state in 2003 didnt properly enforce part of the settlement requiring smaller tobacco companies that didnt sign the 1998 agreement to pay into an escrow account. The high courts 4-0 decision allows Missouri to recoup the estimated $50 million that was withheld from its 2003 payment. Minutes before Greitens' announcement, Senate budget chair Dan Brown, R-Rolla, cautioned lawmakers from acting too quickly on money from the recent settlements. "The governor may have a way he wants to go, we may have some ways we want to look at it," Brown told reporters on Thursday. "The tobacco money, we still run the risk of a federal district judge tying that money up. So I would be slow to book that money until we know for sure we're going to get it." He also warned against using all the money on areas of the budget that require continual funding - suggesting spending half of it on one-time projects and half on higher education, which took the brunt of the cuts under Greitens' $27.6 billion spending proposal. "If revenues don't pick up, and we don't have that money next year, we're right back in the same spot," Brown said. The chairman of the House budget committee, Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick, R-Shell Knob, agreed. "It is one-time money. If we put it back, we're going to be faced with the same problem next year," Fitzpatrick said. JEFFERSON CITY Employees within the Missouri Department of Corrections on Thursday detailed plummeting morale, burnout among workers and apathy from leaders unqualified to deal with the problems legislators are now tasked with investigating. Those problems include a rapidly growing number of sexual assault, harassment and retaliation cases brought against its workers lawsuits that have cost the state millions in court, as first revealed by a report in Pitch.com. The legal bill dating to 2012 is more than $7 million. Lt. Jason Horn, who works at the corrections center in Farmington, Mo., told a House corrections committee that a broken chain of command had led to a lack of oversight. He described a good old boys system where people are promoted to supervisory roles because of friendship or nepotism. Theres a whole lot of passing the buck, Horn said. Travis Case, an officer at the corrections facility in Bowling Green, echoed those concerns. If youre in the clique, you can move on up, Case said. He shared a story of a three-person interview panel who spent two days and more than ten hours vetting candidates for an open position as a secretary only for the warden to intervene and handpick someone else he had a personal relationship with. We know what that kind of a system breeds, Case said. This isnt an isolated incident. A cycle of undeserving people rising through the ranks and owing favors to the those who promoted them is one reason why so many incidents of racism, violence and sexual assault have slipped through the cracks, they testified. Horn also explained that harassment cases are often submitted to Human Resources and sent right back to the prison system, citing supervisory issues. If we can have somebody with an unbiased opinion come in, he said. Case chalked the problem up to a vague harassment policy that gives leadership too much discretion over firing bad employees. "If you don't want to, you also don't have to," he said. "And that's where the favoritism comes in." Case said even for officers who are devoted to their work, "it's like you're walking into hell." Other stories involved wardens cursing out lower-level officers, employees forced to work multiple 16-hour shifts and 19-year-olds being hired to work in dangerous environments to help fill the shortage. Thats not a good idea, folks, Horn said. The only thing they had to worry about last week was whats for lunch in the cafeteria and who is dating who. One problem that seems unlikely to be addressed this year is state worker pay Missouris state employees are the lowest paid in the nation, but Gov. Eric Greitens is grappling with a budget hole that exceeds $500 million. Lawmakers on the panel said they have been encouraged by the departments newly appointed director, Anne Precythe, and her pledge to clean up the embattled prison system she inherited. But in the meantime, the department remains unable to keep up with the turnover. Eight workers resigned just in the last two weeks at Horns facility in Farmington, he said. This takes time I understand the director's just getting her feet wet, he said. But we would like to see the ball rolling at our level. JEFFERSON CITY After years of fruitless debate, the Legislature this week took its first tentative step toward creating a statewide prescription drug database but critics wondered whether the proposal would serve to block more effective measures. The Missouri Senate gave initial approval Wednesday evening to a proposal offered by the very lawmaker most responsible for keeping the state the last one in the nation without such a database. It wasnt the measure many expected to pass, and opponents say it would impose limits on physicians not found in the other 49 states. Under the plan from Sen. Rob Schaaf, R-St. Joseph, the states roughly 30,000 medical professionals wouldnt have direct access to patient records. Instead, they would submit a patients name to the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, which would grant access only if it determined the patient was a potential abuser. All other states put the information at doctors fingertips as long as they have an authorized username and password. A group of Missouri counties, including St. Louis, St. Charles, Jackson and Ste. Genevieve, plan to launch a similar program in April. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention prescribe even more openness, recommending doctors allow physician assistants and nurse practitioners access to the list. But where doctors and medical experts see an essential tool in combating opioid addiction by making it harder to doctor shop when addicts visit multiple doctors seeking similar prescriptions Schaaf sees an invasion of privacy. Thats why he has spent the last five regular legislative sessions thwarting attempts by Sen. Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, and Rep. Holly Rehder, R-Sikeston, to give medical professionals comprehensive access. He has warned of hacks like the one in Virginia, which exposed 35 million records. He has offered studies showing the rise of heroin overdoses in other states with databases, though research published in the New England Journal of Medicine rejects the connection. He once even said people who overdose on drugs were removing themselves from the gene pool. Then on Wednesday, he said he sensed time, term limits and counties were working against him. He bemoaned the governors announcement making passage a priority in a Facebook Q&A last week. And in a move he compared to euthanizing a beloved pet, he urged colleagues to support his more limited plan while privacy-minded senators remained a force in the chamber. Im going to vote for this bill ... and Im going to say to myself, What did I just do? he said. But I think this is the lesser of two evils because if you dont pass something, were going to end up with something worse. At a Thursday news conference, he said his proposal would balance privacy and public health. We perfected a version of (a prescription drug monitoring database) that protects the liberty and privacy of Missouri citizens, he said. If (Schatz and Rehder) care about what they say they care about saving lives this is PDMP that can do that. Opponents werent buying it. This makes things worse and not better, said St. Louis County Councilman Sam Page, a physician who pushed for the countys database initiative. This system is cumbersome, unprecedented and makes it more difficult for doctors to treat patients with complex and dangerous problems. I have no idea what Robs trying to do other than put as many hoops between doctors and this information as possible. The Missouri Medical Association panned the result, calling Schaafs effort a fake PDMP. Rehder stressed that Schaafs measure ignored the will of the states largest counties, which contain nearly half its population. This is about local control, she said. Its not for me to tell people how to keep their citizens safe sitting here in the state Capitol. The Senate perfected the measure Wednesday night by a solid vote of 20 to 13, with 8 Republicans and 5 Democrats dissenting. In the days before the vote, Schaaf seemed to extend debate on other legislation far beyond serious discussion, prompting speculation he was doing so to force a favorable vote on his bill. Politics is like playing chess, Schaaf said. If youre good, you advance your legislation. Im using the tools available to me to achieve my goal which is to protect the privacy of the people of Missouri. Regardless, Rehder, whose own legislation has twice commanded majorities in the House, confirmed Thursday she would remain ardently opposed to Schaafs bill. I appreciate his willingness to try and compromise, Rehder said Thursday morning, but this to me is a medical tool and its important for doctors to be able to see their patients history without an additional barrier to helping people who are sick. Without that taken care of, I cant support his bill. Schatz isnt giving up either. He read aloud a long list of his bills supporters Wednesday night, including doctors, law enforcement associations and pharmaceutical companies such as Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, which makes the highly abused painkiller oxycodone. His bill is scheduled for debate in upcoming weeks and he said the Senate can pass both bills and the let House or governor decide. But the St. Joseph senator has no intention of letting that happen. I fully intend to filibuster if they dont want to compromise with me, he said. Id just as soon not have a PDMP. Would they rather have a database that protects privacy or no database at all? Updated at 11 a.m. Thursday to report that investigators still going through surveillance video in the area, but no other progress. UNIVERSITY CITY Standing on the flatbed of a truck parked at the Jewish cemetery here where more than 150 headstones were knocked over and damaged, Vice President Mike Pence strongly condemned the act on Wednesday but praised the community for coming together to support cleanup efforts. There is no place in America for hatred or acts of prejudice or violence or anti-Semitism, Pence said. Relaying words of gratitude from President Donald Trump, Pence also told volunteers who turned out to help clean up the site that they showed the heart of the state and the nation. I must tell you, people of Missouri are inspiring the nation by your love and care for this place, he said. You make us all proud. Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens joined Pence at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in University City and denounced the vile act of desecration he said was painful for many families. We come together today to let those families know that were going to make sure that we preserve the blessed memories of their parents, grandparents and their great grandparents, he said. Greitens told the crowd of volunteers that, in a phone call, Trump had lauded the residents of Missouri for their response to the vandalism at the cemetery. He asked me, on his behalf, to personally thank all of you. Thank you for standing up in the fight against anti-Semitism, Greitens said. And he said thank you for showing the people of the world that what happened here the other night is not who America is. Its not who Missouri is. This is who Missouri is, he said, gesturing to the crowd of hundreds who also had come out to help with the cemetery cleanup. Trump has been criticized for an initially muted response to a spate of recent threats against Jewish community centers and other Jewish institutions around the country. That came after controversy over a White House statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day last month that failed to mention the Jewish people, the primary victims of the Holocaust. The Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect issued a brutal statement against the administration on both issues Tuesday. Trump ultimately issued a stronger condemnation of the recent threats. Some critics alleged it was too little too late. At the cemetery, a total of 154 headstones were found toppled on Monday. About nine were damaged, and a few of the oldest marble headstones were beyond repair. University City police Detective Sgt. Michael Davis said Thursday that there isn't anything new in the investigation. He said investigators were still going over hours of surveillance video to try to find the people who knocked over the gravestones. Detective Lt. Fredrick Lemons II said Tuesday that "there was nothing to determine it was any type of hate crime." Cemetery President Alan Simon said he hoped the thousands of dollars raised by various religious and lay groups would help replace those headstones. Hillel and Chabad at Washington University are joining other donors, including Muslim groups and the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, in raising money to help the cemetery. Pences unannounced visit to the cemetery came after a visit to Fabick Cat in Fenton, where he gave a speech primarily on the administrations economic agenda. After starting by talking at length about the University City cemetery and the fight against anti-Semitism, he gave a more boilerplate economic speech, hitting familiar themes the need for lower taxes, fewer regulations and repeal of the health law known as Obamacare while touting Trump as a friend to business. Speaking to the small businesses in particular, Pence said: President Trump is your biggest fan. He touted Fabick Cat as a true American success story and a prime example of the kind of business that will be aided by the Trump administrations policies. The 1,100-employee company, which sells and services Caterpillar equipment, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. In their visit to the cemetery, Pence and Greitens received resounding applause at many points. But one volunteer said she was disappointed the vice president was there. To bring Mr. Pence here was a horrible insult, said Overland resident Jeanine Molloff, who said she had many family members buried at the cemetery. I will not let the Trump administration flip the script, she added, saying she believed Trump placated to Nazis during his candidacy and presidency. While hundreds of people with rakes, rags, plastic bags and cleaning solution showed up to help out at the cemetery, others, such as University City native Sandy Kaplan, were at the cemetery to check on family plots. Kaplan stood elated near the undamaged headstone of her late uncle. Another uncle and two sets of grandparents are also buried at the cemetery. In addition to marveling at discovering her familys resting places unharmed, Kaplan celebrated the number of people coming to show support of the Jewish community. At one point a line stretched from the cemetery entrance to the corner of Olive Boulevard and Hanley Road. Its really special. Its community. Thats what we have to hold on to, Kaplan said, adding she hoped younger generations would revere their ancestors as older people have. Threats to Jewish communities and Muslims resonated in talks many at the cemetery expressed. Though hateful rhetoric persists, some said they felt that the outpouring of support demonstrated being unified not by race or religion but by being American. I think as Americans who are united by the constitution of the United States, we should stand against any hate, any act of vandalism because hate has no religion, no color, no age, no gender, nothing, said Imam Djilali Kacem. Its just something that we should just be against, and it shows that we are Americans more than anything else. Thats why were here today, Dozens of Muslims from area mosques aided in cleanup efforts. One carried sign that read Palestinian Muslim here to help. At one point Greitens embraced Imam Mufti Asif Umar, and the two exchanged words briefly. The religious leader said he assured the governor that the St. Louis Muslim community stood in solidarity with the Jewish community. He said Greitens thanked him for his support. University City councilman Rod Jennings said he began drafting a hate crime proposal in November spurred by national events. He said he planned to present his resolution, which would set up a hate crime offenders registry, at a council meeting Monday. Activist Marc Daniels thanked Pence personally for paying respects to Jews at the former concentration camp in Dachau, Germany, earlier this week, saying he hoped the administration would help weed out hate in the country. Daniels, of Springfield and the creator of Weed Out Hate, gave Pence a kippah, or yarmulke, with Trumps and Pences names on top and a prayer inside: Grassroots prayer Muslims, Christians and Jews weeding out hate together. DECATUR Cody Drew was intrigued to learn Wednesday that a popular ride sharing service had launched just hours earlier in Decatur. As Drew, 22, skateboarded across the Millikin University campus, he said Uber could be useful as he tries to get to his job at the Blue Spoon restaurant and other places throughout town. It can be a burden to continually ask friends for a ride, Drew said. It's the cool, trendy, alternative thing to do, Drew said of Uber. I've always wanted to experience it. I'm excited to use it. Uber, which was started in 2009, is making its debut in Decatur with residents and visitors to town able to request a ride through the company's smartphone app. Uber is offering all new riders their first two rides free, up to $10, by using the promotional code DECATUR when they sign up. Free rides are available through midnight Saturday. Decatur is the seventh city in Illinois to welcome the ridesharing service, according to Uber officials. Ubers launch brings ridesharing to thousands of Decatur residents, who now have access to a smarter and more affordable way to get around town, said Marco McCottry, general manager of Uber in Illinois and Indiana. In cities around the world ridesharing has helped reduce drunk driving and expand flexible working opportunities. Were thrilled to be in Decatur and look forward to the benefits ridesharing can bring to the community. The company was recruiting new drivers earlier this week with meetings at the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel. For already established drivers such as Garald Wilson of Mount Zion, the local launch is welcome addition. Wilson has been working as an Uber driver since May to accommodate his schedule of also working in Chicago as a background actor. It gives me the time to do what I need to do, Wilson said, citing the sporadic nature of the acting biz. It also puts a few extra bucks in his pocket. Until Wednesday, his primary service area was Champaign. He got an email Tuesday announcing the introduction of the service in Decatur and made his first run shortly after 9 a.m. Wednesday. I'm surprised it took this long, Wilson said of the service, which uses a pool of people willing to use their own vehicles on their own schedule to help those in need of transportation. Wilson expects to be on call a lot more now that he serves the community where he lives. Since its launch in San Francisco, the company has expanded to more than 500 cities worldwide. But it has also faced its share of problems, coming under fire this week after a former engineer published a blog post Sunday claiming she experienced sexual harassment while at the company. Uber CEO Travis Kalanick has said an investigation would be launched into those claims and broader issues of inclusion at the company. Despite some questions raised about the safety and image of the company, Uber has long been an object of interest for Decatur residents. Assistant City Manager Billy Tyus said the city regularly receives calls requesting the service be added. Andy Garrett of the computer technology company Garrett Discovery in Decatur regularly uses Uber when traveling for business, sometimes up to 10 times a month. Uber is part of a concept he thinks can work in Decatur as it adds accountability with the ability to rate drivers, who in turn will offer clean, friendly service. I have never had a bad experience, Garrett said. You know who will be pulling up and can watch for the car. You don't have to wait outside for it in bad weather. Prescott Paulin has been working to make the connections to bring Uber to Decatur and has hopes of soon being able to add another ride share service to the area as well. He thinks it can be useful to enhance Decatur's nightlife and provide access to timely transportation for medical appointments. Paulin has used Uber in other cities and signed up to be a driver, which he is looking forward to doing closer to home. I wanted to be one of the first drivers here, Paulin said. They want to see where more people are opening the app and where to put drivers. It's an opportunity to get where we need to be. For drivers, Paulin sees an opportunity to earn income on a flexible schedule. Riders can get places particularly on the outskirts of town such as Richland Community College in an efficient, cost-effective manner, he said. The cost is the same no matter how many passengers can safely fit in a vehicle, so Paulin said it's an easy way to split costs among a group. Adding the service provides a fantastic new mobility option available to all community residents, said Nicole Bateman, the community marketing manager for the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County. It is a recognition that Decatur is a global community, she said. It's another attraction tool for younger residents who want these types of services, Bateman said. This is what they're looking for when they want to be in a community. Bateman said the service will be useful for residents enjoying the nightlife in the revamped downtown Decatur and during events such as Decatur Celebration. It opens up the community to be much more mobile, Bateman said. Now people need to use it and take advantage of a great service. It provides opportunities we didn't have here before. The Associated Press contributed to this story. Gov. Eric Greitens complains that hes not getting enough media coverage while at the same time dodging reporters, refusing to answer questions and failing to respond to open records requests for details on topics he says the media ignored. The governor is an intelligent man, but as a newcomer to political office, he may not realize that he is engaging in a risky strategy of keeping the public in the dark. Taxpayers have a right to know about important topics such as the state budget, higher education funding, cuts in state spending for the elderly, Cabinet appointments and campaign donations. Greitens answered pre-selected questions from the public in a 15-minute session on Facebook, but Capitol reporters say he has not held an open-question news conference since taking office Jan. 9. He even had a lock installed on his spokesmans office to limit reporter access. For a former Navy SEAL commander, Greitens oddly seems to be running from something. Or he believes hes above accountability. Some reporters say they have been rebuffed or ignored even when they sought him out for favorable stories. During his campaign for governor, Greitens was interviewed by the Post-Dispatch editorial board. Asked about his support for controversial stop-and-frisk policies for police officers, he grabbed his forehead and said the questions were making my head hurt. Inquiries about campaign finance reform and looming state budget problems? He dismissed such questions as topics voters didnt care about. What are the right questions? For President Donald Trump, they are softball questions about what First Lady Melania Trump does for the country. Maybe Greitens, an unabashed presidential aspirant, is drawing from Trumps playbook. His duck-and-dodge routine has reporters running after him, shouting questions and trying to grab responses as he steps onto elevators. Greitens evades them while crossing paths in the Capitol. Dignified it is not. Cowards behave this way, not governors. Early this month, KTVIs Elliott Davis tried to get Greitens to talk about his plans for the state airplane, whose frequent use by former Gov. Jay Nixon cost taxpayers $368,432 last year. After not getting a response to questions submitted in writing, Davis tried to approach Greitens at an event but was blocked twice by aides and ignored by the governor. On television, it looked a little pathetic. The result of this cartoonish interplay is that Greitens leaves far too many questions unanswered. Well keep a running list, and reporters should begin listing their own in their stories. For starters: Who gave you a nearly $2 million campaign donation in a way that shields their identity? Why keep donor identities secret? How much money did you receive for your inaugural celebration and who gave it to you? Can we see your tax returns? Why wont you talk to the news media? MONTICELLO -- A Monticello student has been treated and released from a hospital after a Tuesday morning crash in Monticello that involved a school bus. The accident occurred at 7:40 a.m. in the 1700 block of North Market Street in Monticello when a pickup truck heading south on Market hit a stopped bus in the back end. The school bus, which was waiting for a car to turn into a private driveway, was transporting 29 students. One student was transported to Kirby Hospital where they were treated and released. The driver of the truck, 17-year-old Bement resident Jaylen Dillon, was cited for failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident. LINCOLN An effort to raise $60,000 is now under way to restore and relocate an iconic Route 66 landmark, close to its original location in Lincoln. The Tropics Dining Room sign, a 28-foot-long, 4,200-pound neon sign served as a greeting for Route 66 travelers but was taken down and stored after the restaurant permanently closed in 2014. Now, plans are in progress to place the sign at 1007 Hickox Road, near the location of the former restaurant and of a new Lincoln McDonalds, which is to be built this year. The former Tropics Restaurant is scheduled for demolition this spring. It opened in 1950 by Vince Shwenoha, who served during World War II in California and Hawaii and was inspired by the native palm trees to give his restaurant a tropical theme. Bill Hoagland, director of the Logan County Tourism Bureau, said the Tropics was an iconic restaurant and its history and what it meant to Route 66 and the City of Lincoln, should be honored. Hoagland said his earliest memories of Lincoln include eating at the Tropics. It was a time when people enjoyed themselves, he told the Lincoln City Council last week. We cant forget that. This is one way to do it. Not only because its on Route 66 and that is an icon in itself. Its in the Hall of Fame for Route 66. Lew and Bev Johnson purchased the restaurant in 1953, and owned it until 1997. The Johnsons are helping a committee with the restoration project. Members of The Tropics Sign Committee hope to have the sign restored and then mounted on metal posts just a few hundred yards from its former location. The committee has already received permission from McDonalds and Jack Milan, owner of the proposed restaurant, said Logan County Economic Development Partnership director Bill Thomas, who is also a member of the committee. The goal is to have the sign completely restored and back in the ground by the spring of 2018, with a plaque describing its history. The next step is raising the funds, Thomas said. That will include private fundraising efforts and applying for some grants. The Lincoln City Council will vote on approving $17,000 for the project at Tuesday nights meeting. The Ministry of Interior on Wednesday issued a notification to remove model Ayyan Alis name from the Exit Control List (ECL), paving the way for the model to leave the country. On Tuesday the Supreme Court of Pakistan had issued orders to remove Ali's name from the ECL. The apex court had earlier rejected the interior ministry's appeal to keep Ali's name on the ECL and had upheld Sindh High Court's verdict to remove her name. According to the notification, her name was being removed from the list in compliance of SC orders. The interior ministry, on a court directive had removed her name from the ECL, but it was again included in the list after a few hours. The model later filed a contempt of court application against the federal government for not allowing her to travel abroad despite the court's directive to strike her name off ECL. The model had approached the court initially in Dec 2015 requesting the removal of her name from the exit control list. Her counsel had maintained that having her name on the ECL was illegal as authorities had returned her passport. During a hearing of her case last year, the model said she was required to travel abroad for professional assignments and medical treatment, and since she had been released from jail on bail, her name should be struck off the ECL. She said the authorities decision to disallow her from travelling abroad was a violation of her fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 18 of the Constitution. A customs court in Nov 2015 indicted Ayyan for attempting to smuggle more than half a million dollars in cash out of the country, to which she has pleaded not guilty. The model was arrested on March 14, 2015, on charges of money laundering after customs officials recovered $506,000 from her luggage at Islamabads Benazir Bhutto International Airport before she could reportedly board a flight to Dubai. She was granted bail in July last year after spending around four months in Rawalpindis Adiala Jail and after her judicial remand was extended at least 16 times. The case against the model took a political turn when the airport entry pass of the personal assistant to a former president was cancelled for allegedly trying to facilitate Ayyans suspected attempt to smuggle money. Later in June 2015, a customs official who was allegedly investigating the money laundering case involving the model was shot dead. The Supreme Court (SC) completed hearing the Panama Leaks case and has reserved the verdict, which will be announced at a later date. A five-member larger bench of the Supreme Court led by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa resumed hearing the Panama Leaks case on Thursday. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan and leader Jehangir Tareen are present in the court. Also in attendance are Jamat-e-Islami (JI) chief Siraj-ul-Haq and Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed. All eyes are on the proceedings today as the verdict is expected to be announced. The courtroom where the proceedings are underway is packed with people, both politicians and lawyers. Meanwhile, additional police contingents have been called in view of the security situation. Documents submitted by parties cannot be verified PTI counsel Naeem Bukhari is replying to arguments raised in the court. "Yesterday the issue of pending payments of the Gulf Steel Mills were raised," Bukhari said. Bukhari asked as to how Hussain and Hassan Nawaz received funds for investment. "The Qatar investments look like profits from a bank." Justice Azmat Saeed asked him not to repeat the same arguments. The bench maintained that documents produced by both parties cannot to be traced to verifiable sources. Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said that documents submitted by both parties will be viewed in the same light. Justice Ejaz Afzal said that Supreme Court is not a trial court that it verifies documents. "How can we accept documents without verification?" he said. Former lawmaker Nabeel Gabol on Wednesday announced to rejoin Pakistan Peoples Party after meeting Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPP-P) chief Asif Ali Zardari in Karachi. Gabol expressed his complete trust in Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, saying he was willing to work as a party worker. In March 2013, disgruntled Gabol had parted ways with PPP, with whom his association had spanned 25 years, to join Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM). Giving reasons for his disassociation, Gabol had held PPP policies responsible for his frustration. He had alleged that PPP had "neglected and destroyed" Lyari. Showing his distrust, he had stated, "This is no more the party of Benazir. According to his prior statements, his differences with the PPP started when a former home minister began "patronising criminal gangs in his constituency." In the first quarter of 2015, Gabol disassociated himself from MQM and resigned from the National Assembly, saying, I have submitted my resignation as a member of the National Assembly as I was a misfit in the MQM. Later, in March 2015, he claimed that a plan had been hatched to assassinate him and the task to take him out had been assigned to a target killer named Patni'. Gabol was reportedly attempting to rejoin PPP since last year. The development is apparently emerged as a win-win situation for both himself and PPP, as Gabol was looking for a political platform whereas PPP was looking for a strong political face in Lyari, considered as its stronghold before emergence of gangwar groups in the name of Peoples Peace Committee. The Armenian government today approved a draft decree proposed by Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan whereby cigarettes and matches will not be included in the food provisions to contractual military personnel during peacetime as of July1. This concerns contractual servicemen only, as soldiers have received money instead of cigarettes for years now, they werent getting cigarettes in any case, says Sargsyan, referring to the heated debates regarding yesterdays media coverage of the issue. The draft decree has been intensively discussed in Armenias social media since yesterday. The draft decree claims to adhere to the requirements of the World Health Organizations (WHO) Anti-Tobacco Campaign Convention ratified by the Armenians National Assembly back in 2004. Also noted as a basis for the drafts approval is that it will augment the comprehensive campaign, Healthy Soldier Without Smoking, already being implemented. Ministry of Defense Press Secretary Artsrun Hovhannisyan, in his Facebook page writes: To clarify the issue of giving or not giving cigarettes to the soldiers, lets state that since 2008 cigarettes have not been provided to the soldiers, who get monetary compensation and sweets at their posts instead. The new decree suggested by Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan refers to the contractual servicemen. They will be offered monetary compensation for 20 cigarettes a day and matches. First, the aim is to encourage a healthy lifestyle. If they do decide to smoke, they can smoke their preferred cigarettes. Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy has come under criticism for repeating an old wives tale about women and children being burnt to death in a church during the New Zealand Wars. She made the comments in an opinion piece published earlier this month. In the article, she referred to students from Otorohanga College asking about events during the New Zealand Wars of the 1860s, particularly in the Waikato village of Rangiaowhia. She goes on to say the students were shocked to find out civilians were killed by Crown soldiers. They were horrified to hear that women and children who sought shelter in a local church were locked inside and the church burnt to the ground. Tauranga resident Chris Lee, who happens to have an interest in the wars and is familiar with the historiography, took issue with the remark. He made a complaint to the Human Rights Commission, arguing Dame Susans repetition of false information about the wars might, ironically, cause racial disharmony. He included evidence from the April 6, 1864 edition of the New Zealand Herald, which describes both churches at Rangiaowhia still standing mere weeks after the attack on the village. He hoped Dame Susan, in light of this written evidence, would retract her statement and set the record straight. However, the HRC, in their official reply, informed Chris the commissioner would not be retracting her statement. History is often contentious and debatable. There are many historical sources, including accounts from Waikato-Tainui and the NZ History website, which give different accounts from your sources as to what happened in Rangiaowhia in 1864. Chris has been given the opportunity to lodge a complaint with the Human Rights Review Tribunal, but since they can award costs, he doesnt think its worth the risk. Mostly, hes frustrated one version of history, with virtually no substantial supporting evidence, is being favoured by a government body over sources such as newspaper reports and diary entries. Certainly I think Dame Susan has an agenda which almost seems like shes become a protagonist for the Maori side, says Chris. Stuart Strang also contacted SunLive about Dame Susans comments. Like Chris, he has read extensively on the history of the New Zealand Wars, and knows the written evidence contradicts the sensational story of the church burning. A race relations commissioner should have a look at all the facts before she goes to print, says Stuart. SunLive contacted Dame Susan for a comment, pointing out that while a whare containing about seven armed Maori was certainly burnt down with the occupants inside, such an incident is far removed from the story of a church full of women and children being set alight. She says she has recently been told the women and children were not burned to death in a church at Rangiaowhia, but in another kind of building. I was told by several people that they were burned to death in a place of worship and this is what I have reflected upon recently in my opinion piece. If this was wrong then I will acknowledge and amend my opinion piece in due course: happy to do so. Admitting when we get things wrong isnt a bad thing. But it doesnt change the fact that women and children were burned to death, murdered by Crown soldiers in an atrocity that in 2017 would be investigated as a war crime. We owe those young people who launched the petition a debt for helping to highlight our history." I applaud SunLives debate about our countrys history its good to talk more about our past. I dont agree that my korero worsens race relations, far from it. The more we talk about and reflect about what happened in the past the better we are for it. "The more New Zealanders know about what went on at places like Rangiaowhia and Gate Pa, the better. The Invasion of Rangiaowhia: A Brief Summary During the Waikato War of 1863-64, Kingite (Maori) forces were steadily driven south by Crown troops under the command of Lieutenant-General Duncan Cameron. In November 1863 Kingite forces suffered a defeat at Rangiriri which resulted in around 220 of their troops being captured or killed. The loss severely affected their ability to wage war, and they lost large swathes of land in the subsequent two months, including the Maori Kings capital at Ngaruawahia. By late January of the following year, the Kingites had regrouped and constructed a line of fortified pa near Te Awamutu, dubbed the Paterangi Line. The fortifications defended the prosperous community of Rangiaowhia, which supplied food to the Kingite army and was an essential asset to the economy of the King Movement. Cameron, however, did not attack the Paterangi Line; rather, he outflanked it, and on the morning of February 21 the village of Rangiaowhia was attacked. Occupied chiefly by non-combatants, there were still armed Kingites in the vicinity, several of which took shelter in a whare. Several Crown soldiers were shot outside the entrance to whare, including the mortally-wounded Colonel Nixon. In response, the whare was likely set alight deliberately to snuff the occupants out (although reports at the time claim this was caused accidentally by shots fired into the whare by soldiers). Some of the occupants tried to surrender, and were shot as they tried to leave. The rest died in the fire. A total of seven Maori bodies were found amongst the ruins of that particular whare. Some Maori did take shelter in one of the churches; but Crown troops were ordered to leave them alone. It is easy to see, however, how these two separate aspects of the Rangiaowhia attack the burning of the whare and the non-combatants sheltering the church could have been conflated over the years, and transformed into the sensational, but false, story of the church burning. A man who had a close scrape with death on a central North Island river says the only reason hes alive today is due to the quick actions of his friend. Rotorua man Ryan Lucaswas knocked unconscious and submerged underwater following an accident while paddling over the 25m high Tauranga-Taupo River falls in the Kaimanawa Forest Park on Monday. Ryan was knocked unconscious following a bad landing after going over the falls. His friend, who was at the bottom looking out for him, immediately pulled him out and performed CPR on the riverside, successfully reviving him and saving his life. Im only here in the first instance because of my fellow friend and kayaker whose quick actions in pulling me out of the water while I was unconscious and then performing CPR, means Im still here today, says Ryan. Im feeling very grateful and lucky to be alive. The pair had originally planned to paddle a section of the river and were dropped off at the end of Kiko Road in the forest park at 3.30pm. They did not take a cell phone or personal locator beacons with them. After Ryans friend pulled him out of the water and revived him, the kayakers continued paddling downstream but on the way down, missed an exit point and couldnt turn back. With the onset of darkness, the two stopped and lit a fire for warmth. His friend then walked about 5km down a forestry road until he found cell phone reception, and just before midnight he was able to call Police and St John ambulance. A search and rescue operation was initiated just after midnight involving Police, St John Ambulance and LandSAR Turangi volunteers. NZ Forest Managers personnel were also deployed, while the Taupo-based Greenlea Rescue Helicopter searched from above. His friend was spotted on a forestry road at about 2am, and Ryan was found on the edge of the river by ground teams by 3am. In addition I would like to thank everyone else involved in my rescue, Greenlea Rescue Helicopter, NZ Police, Search and Rescue and the medical people involved. My recovery is going well. Thanks again to all concerned. Ryan says on the day of the accident the two kayakers had scouted the waterfall and made a safety plan prior to running it. He blames the accident on a technical error he made which clearly had serious consequences. I have run this waterfall previously and many others in my nine years of kayaking both in New Zealand and overseas. BP (NYSE: BP) has had every right to be one of the more pessimistic voices in the oil and gas industry over the past several years. Its lower return rates and the immense amount of uncertainty around the Deepwater Horizon spill meant that the company had to be very conservative in how it spent its money and how to get more from its existing portfolio. Today, though, the company is in better shape thanks to some shrewd cost-cutting and shedding billions of dollars' worth of assets. As a result, BP's management has gone from pinching pennies to seeing a chance to spend money and grow. Here are several quotes from BP's most recent conference call that highlight why management has changed its tone and what that means for investors. Outlook for 2017 and beyond A couple of years ago, CEO Bob Dudley was one of the first oil executives to talk about how he saw oil prices staying lower for longer. This was in contrast to several other executives and analysts that were foreseeing a rather rapid return to high oil and gas prices. It turned out that Dudley was right. Now, with 2017 in the company's sights, it appears that Dudley has some muted optimism for the coming year: As we stand today, Brent oil prices have risen by around $10 per barrel since the OPEC deal was announced. We still expect oil demand growth to be strong this year at 1.3 million barrels per day, with modest growth in non-OPEC supply, which means the timing and extent of market rebalancing depends heavily on OPEC behavior. The physical market has begun to tighten, with inventories falling a little faster than seasonal norms. However, OECD inventories at the end of 2016 were still close to 3 billion barrels, significantly higher than their recent historic average. We expect much of the historical inventory overhang to be eroded by the end of 2017 if OPEC and non-OPEC producers deliver on their promised production cuts. Any shortfall could delay this process, and thus still pose some downside risk to prices in the near term. So while we remain optimistic about the market continuing to rebalance in 2017, we recognize that this could take some time. In short, the road to a more balanced position still has uncertainties. This outlook is shared by many other executives. As OPEC production cuts start to erode the high levels of crude oil inventroy, we should see a decent uptick in oil prices in the coming year. It should be mentioned, though, that almost every company is planning for this kind of change in the coming year, and that in and of itself could change the trajectory of oil prices. Turning to the Middle East It wasn't that long ago that integrated majors were trying to shed themselves of production-sharing contracts or operating contracts in the Middle East. The thinking was with oil at $100 or more, why take such a small cut on these operations when there are bigger opportunities elsewhere? Much of that thinking has changed, though, as integrated majors are turning back to the Middle East for steady cash flow investments that have long shelf lives. BP recently signed such a deal in Abu Dhabi, and Dudley went out of his way multiple times to talk about it. For example: More recently, we were awarded a 10% interest in Abu Dhabi's ADCO concession, which provides us with material long-term onshore oil reserves, low cost oil production and cash flows. These are resources that we already understand well, which will add resilience and production to our upstream portfolio out to 2055. Again, BP isn't the only one doing this. French oil giant Total (NYSE: TOT) has made a big push into the Middle East lately with contracts in the same project as BP, as well as Qatar and Iran. Not only are these contracts more attractive because of the low-cost, long-shelf-life resources they provide, but the terms of these contracts are becoming much more attractive as companies like BP and Total can take larger working interest in the fields. Don't be surprised if these companies announce more big contract agreements with Middle Eastern partners in the future. Winding down Deepwater Horizon In late 2015, BP took a big step forward in resolving the Deepwater Horizon aftermath by agreeing to a $18.7 billion settlement with states in the U.S. Gulf Coast. With a clear payment plan in place and an exit on the horizon, CFO Brian Gilvary walked investors through the remaining payment schedule: [W]e estimate Deepwater Horizon cash payments to be lower than last year, also in the range of $4.5 billion to $5.5 billion. As already noted, we expect the remaining business economic loss claims to be substantially paid this year. We therefore, expect the total Deepwater Horizon cash payments to fall sharply to around $2 billion in 2018, and to then step down to a little over $1 billion per annum from 2019 onwards. It should be noted that the "onwards" in that statement refers to 10 to 15 years before all of this is settled. That is by no means an insignificant amount of cash, but it is certainly one that is manageable and shouldn't hamper the business too much in the coming decade or so. Getting a little too optimistic? Remember how Bob Dudley was one of the more pessimistic voices about oil prices just a couple years ago? Well, that position seems to be changing a bit. Here's how he sees the company balancing the cash coming in the door from operations versus outlays for capital spending and dividends: [T]he group is moving steadily toward rebalancing our financial framework organically by the end of 2017 at around $60-per-barrel oil prices, which includes the operational impacts of our many recent portfolio announcements. A $60 oil price target by the end of the fiscal year is by no means a pie-in-the-sky kind of projection. After all, the consensus seems to be that inventories will clear and prices will rise as we head into the second half of the year. What is surprising about this, though, is that this $60-per-barrel balancing price is one of the highest among the integrated majors. Total, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Royal Dutch Shell have all touted on recent conference calls that their largest development projects have a cash breakeven target of $40 per barrel, which should make their cash flow and spending levels break even closer to $50 a barrel. When it comes to integrated majors, management teams have to make investment decisions based on where oil prices might be two, five, or even 10 years into the future. Having a slightly higher oil price breakeven target may open up some more new opportunities for growth, but they are more susceptible to being unprofitable ventures if prices crash. BP seems to be looking to be more ambitious than others today, so investors should watch how that bet plays out. The sustainability of cost cuts Also, one of the reasons why BP can be a little more optimistic about its possibilities is that the company has done an incredible job at lowering its cost base. Since 2014, annual operating costs have declined by more than $7 billion. Not all of it is completely attributable to BP, though. When asked how those cost savings broke down, here's what Dudley said: Two-thirds of that is roughly from self-help, driving cost reduction simplification in. One-third of that is from deflation of costs. That cost deflation point is an important one. Those are the costs associated with contracts for oil services such as drilling services, leasing rigs, etc. During the downturn, the cost for these services declined precipitously to the benefit of producers. As some oil services executives have mentioned on their own conference calls, though, those cost deflation gains may come to an end. Most of the large oil services companies made huge pricing concessions just to keep crews and assets working during this downturn. Today, though, they are much more focused on generating a return from those assets. For BP, this could mean that all of that $7 billion in cost savings may not be 100% sustainable. As contract rates for equipment as services in the oil patch, it could lead to higher per-barrel operational costs and raise break-even prices. BP is already at the higher end of that spectrum, so this is an important development to watch through the rest of 2017. 10 stocks we like better than BP When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and BP wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. Click here to learn about these picks! *Stock Advisor returns as of February 6, 2017 Tyler Crowe owns shares of ExxonMobil and Total. The Motley Fool owns shares of ExxonMobil. The Motley Fool recommends Chevron and Total. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. A couple from Florida flew into Mountain Empire Airport in Groseclose recently to pick up a pair of Australian shepherds from a local breeder. They are part of the Pilots N Paws nonprofit organization whose members are involved in rescuing, sheltering and adopting animals with volunteer pilots and airplane owners willing to assist with animal transportation. The couple was complimentary of the airport, said Mike Edwards, vice-chairman of the Smyth-Wythe Airport Commission, and they said they would come back to Marion to visit the Lincoln Theatre and attend a Song of the Mountains concert taping. Assisting Pilots N Paws is one of the many services of Mountain Empire Airport. A runway rehab is expected to take place this spring. Here are this week's restaurant inspections: Unsatisfactory inspections Operating acceptably Violations corrected Last week's inspection reports Unsatisfactory inspections Great Wall Chinese Restaurant 22 W. Main St., Marcellus Inspected on Feb. 8 Several bottles containing supplements and over-the-counter medications noted stored on counter in kitchen (corrected - removed). Pre-cooked eggrolls at 63.1 degrees noted stored on counter and not under refrigeration as required. Container of cooked rice at 102.2 degrees noted cooling improperly on counter. Container of cooked chicken pieces at 102.9 degrees noted cooling improperly on counter. Container of cooked chicken pieces at 107.5 degrees noted cooling improperly on lower shelf. (Corrected - all containers moved to walk-in cooler. Potentially hazardous food items must cool rapidly by approved method and be placed in cooler, in a shallow container, uncovered). Squeeze bottle containing water noted not labeled on cart near cook line. Cook line noted not clean. Exterior front of walk-in cooler noted not clean. Hand sink obstructed at time of inspection (corrected). (Hand sink must be accessible at all times to promote frequent hand washing). Front door and screen door both propped open at time of inspection (corrected). Some floor tiles noted cracked or in poor repair. Personal food items and beverages noted stored on counters with food intended for public consumption (corrected - moved to designated shelf). Kentucky Fried Chicken 3520 W. Genesee St., Syracuse Inspected on Feb. 10 Mashed potatoes noted held at improper temperatures between 95.1 degrees-128 degrees. Small reach-in cooler storing coleslaw lacked thermometer at time of inspection (corrected). Covered trash receptacle not provided in female restroom. Rear kitchen floor, walk-in cooler floor, floor under front counter, and floor in office all noted not clean. Management and staff did not have knowledge of existing New York State waiver and could not produce proper documents at the time of inspection. La Cuisine at the Civic Center 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse Inspected on Feb. 9 Employee at snack bar noted scooping ice lacks gloves, no bare hand contact noted. Canned fuel stored above cases of lemonade and slushie flavorings in kitchen, corrected moved the fuel. Sliced tomatoes stored at cook line noted at 52 degrees less than 2 hours, placed in cooler. Pans of potato salad stored on cold holding at service counter noted at 64 degrees made without prechilling ingredients, corrected placed in freezer to bring down to 45 degrees or below before serving. Bottle of water at grill and spray bottle of water in kitchen not properly labeled. Container of croutons stored at salad counter not stored protected. One refrigerator in snack bar lacks thermometer. Shelving in dish area noted lined with foil, not smooth and easily cleanable. Several wire shelving units in dish area noted rusty. Ice machine slide, some interior of drawers at front counter and interior of pizza hot box at front counter all not clean. Lower shelving under front service counter, exterior of all cooking equipment and exterior of all coolers not clean. Receptacle in ladies' employee toilet room full. Mouse droppings noted in room off front service counter, traps noted. Floors throughout kitchen, front service area, walk in cooler and under dish wash area all not clean. Floor in ladies' toilet room not clean. Ceiling tile missing above ovens in kitchen. Drawer in kitchen storing clean linen not clean. Little Caesars 709 N. Main St., North Syracuse Inspected on Feb. 8 Container of cooked chicken wings noted in front counter hot hold at 124 degrees for less than two hours (corrected-product voluntarily discarded). Front counter hot holding unit not operating properly in order to maintain cooked potentially hazardous foods at 140 degrees or above (corrected-unit will not be used for hazardous foods-pizza hot hold to be used). Case of paper napkins stored on the floor near front counter. Walk in cooler door gaskets and prep top cooler door gaskets noted in poor repair. Wire racks holding clean pans and utensils in rear storage area and employee's toilet room door-both not clean. No single service towels at hand wash sink. Floors throughout not clean-primarily along floor edges and under equipment and racks. Fan guards in walk in cooler not clean. Vent hood, filters, and louvers above roller oven not clean. McDonalds Restaurant 3207 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse Inspected on Feb. 7 Spray bottle of chemical noted hanging on wire rack next to food items. Cases of single service items stored on floor in storage area. Holder storing ice cream cones not clean. Exterior of cooler at drive thru not clean. One faucet on three bay sink noted not working, able to use spray hose to fill sink. Mop sink noted with debris, not clean. Hand sink not clean. All floors, including under and around shelving and equipment noted with heavy build up and debris. Some wall areas noted not clean. Mingold Kitchen 4713 Onondaga Blvd, Syracuse Inspected on Feb. 7 Bowl of chicken stored in container of dumplings lack hard covers. Colander of noodles stored under faucet at three bay sink not stored protected. Food stored in walk in cooler not stored protected. Single service containers stored on floor in back kitchen, single service containers used in bulk food containers lack handles, reused. Takeout containers not stored inverted at cook line. Top to plastic jug used to dispense food, discarded. Wiping cloths not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Large food cart, small food cart at cook line, interior of all reach in coolers, top cold holding unit at cook line, and shelving in walk in cooler all not clean. Exterior of ice machine, table storing rice cooker, exterior of soda machine, exterior of all reach in coolers and cook line equipment all not clean. Fruit flies noted in rear kitchen. Floor throughout kitchen and under cooking equipment not clean. Filters in hood not clean. Pizza Hut 3709 W. Genesee St., Syracuse Inspected on Feb. 10 Bottle of oil noted not labeled. Cases of pizza boxes noted stored on the floor in the basement. Fan guard in walk-in cooler and bulk can opener noted not clean. Plumbing leaks noted in several (3) places in basement and sewage discharge noted along a rear wall, some floor areas, and collecting in a plastic bin that is reportedly emptied daily (referred to plumbing control for further inspection). Floors underneath and behind equipment, below storage racks in walk-in cooler, and basement floors throughout all noted not clean. Debris noted on the floor of the walk-in freezer in the basement. Personal beverage noted stored on preparation table near food items. Evidence of smoking in basement bathroom; cigarette ashes in sink basin and cigarette butts on basement floor. Sabastino's 3056 Burnet Ave., Syracuse Inspected on Feb. 10 Veggie pizza, and Steak rolls noted on the counter for sale at 92 degrees and 91 degrees respectively. Sausage pizza in hot holding unit noted at 102 degrees. All foods for less than two hours. No time monitoring of potentially hazardous foods at time of inspection (corrected-time monitoring initiated with discard times of 2:00 p.m. and 1:45 p.m.). Hot holding unit on front counter not maintaining potentially hazardous foods at 140 degrees or above. (corrected-thermostat adjusted). Clean, sanitized knives stored between pipe and wall-not a sanitary surface. All prep cooler door gaskets noted in poor repair. Upper interior of microwave and meat slicer blade guard not clean. Pizza roller noted on pizza prep counter not clean (corrected). Mop sink obstructed with clothing, floor mats, and empty boxes-inaccessible. No soap and single service towels at hand wash sink (corrected). Swansea China House 166 Swansea Drive, Syracuse Inspected on Feb. 8 Spray bottle of detergent solution noted on the cook line and not properly labeled (corrected). Cooked chicken and pork dumplings noted at 94 degrees on tray rack in kitchen for less than two hours. (corrected-place in walk in cooler). Container of cooked chicken noted on the cook line at 54 degrees-60 degrees for less than one hour-room temperature storage (corrected-return to cooler). Food stored in chest freezer and upright freezer not stored covered/protected. Frozen food stored in plastic bags-bags not of food grade material. Pans and rice cooker stored on shelving in employee toilet room. Shelving in beverage cooler lined with cardboard-surface not smooth and easily cleanable. Exterior of flour container on shelf not clean. One light shield in rear kitchen in poor repair. Tony's Family Restaurant 3004 Burnet Ave., Syracuse Inspected on Feb. 8 Cooked turkey noted at 67 degrees for less than two hours and covered while cooling in rear reach in cooler (corrected -covering removed). Cooked potatoes stored in a pan at 58 degrees for less than two hours and covered with plastic wrap in a reach in cooler (corrected-covering removed). Container of food stored on top of cherry tomatoes in reach in salad cooler and food double stacked in rear kitchen cooler-both lack hard covers. Ice scoop stored on top of ice machine-not a sanitary surface. In use knives stuck under toaster on the cook line. Drink noted stored on food and dish storage shelving. Cook lacks proper hair restraint. Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizer between uses. Bulk food can opener and prep cooler door gaskets on the cook line- both not clean. Control panels of cook line equipment, top of double door oven on cook line, black wire shelving in front kitchen, and fan guards in walk in cooler-all not clean. No hot water at hand wash sink. Ceiling above cook line noted with dust accumulation. Floor under cook line equipment not clean. Operating acceptably AFC Sushi @ Onondaga Community College 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike, Onondaga Anaren Microwave Cafeteria 6635 Kirkville Road, DeWitt Asil's Pub 220 Chapel Drive, Camillus Burger King Restaurant 3332 W. Genesee St., Geddes Cantina Laredo Syracuse 306 Hiawatha Blvd W, Syracuse Chipotle Mexican Grill 3600 W. Genesee St., Geddes Commons Cafe Commissary 310 E. Genesee St., Manlius Dragon China 6320 S. Salina St., Onondaga Eat More Sweets 14 W. Main St., Marcellus ECHO Meals on Wheels 4600 W. Genesee St., Camillus Food Consultants @ OCC Gordon Student Center 4584 W. Seneca Turnpike, Onondaga Four Season Golf & Ski Center 8012 E. Genesee St., Manlius Freedom of Espresso 115 Solar St., Syracuse Friends of Marcellus Park Commissary 18 W. Main St., Marcellus Golden City 4457 E. Geneses St., DeWitt Good Buddy's Pub 4002 W. Genesee St., Camillus Good News Cafe 3508 W. Genesee St., Camillus Greg's Pizzeria 2201 Milton Ave., Geddes Hoosey's 106 Williams St., Syracuse Jamesville Fire Department 6661 E. Seneca Turnpike, DeWitt Lee's Garden Restaurant 2601 James St., Syracuse Liverpool Fire Department 1110 Oswego St., Salina Mo's Pit Barbecue & Cowboy Cuisine 103 Bennett Road, Camillus The New Century 518 Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse Niki's Quick Cup Diner 1513 W. Genesee St., Syracuse Northside Baptist Church 7965 Oswego Road, Clay Notch 8 Cafe & Bar 6523 E. Seneca Turnpike, DeWitt Paladino's Pizza 231 Northern Lights Plaza, Salina Paparazzi Day Spa Salon & Boutique 4971 Bear Road, Clay Pappa Chubb @ The Silverbrook Cafe 103 Bennett Road, Camillus Pfohl's 4604 S. Salina St., Syracuse Pitcher Hill Community Church 605 Bailey Road, Salina Seniora Pizzeria and Deli 6325 Thompson Road, DeWitt St. Leo's Catholic Church Hall 10 Onondaga St., Tully Subway Sandwiches 1100 Route 5 East, Elbridge Tasty China 6 Elm St., Tully Twin Trees Too 1029 Milton Ave., Syracuse United Church of Fayetteville 310 E. Genesee St., Manlius Violations corrected Chicken Now 9763 Carousel Center Drive, Syracuse China Max 9763 Carousel Center Drive, Syracuse New China One Chen Chinese Restaurant 315 N. Main St., #2, Clay Oompa Loompyas 600 Burnet Ave., Syracuse Sake Bomb Japanese Steakhouse 8081 Brewerton Road, Cicero San Remo Pizza 7575 Buckley Road, Clay Dakota L Bertges.jpg State Police charged Dakota L. Bertges, 19, from Mexico, with first-degree rape, a felony. (Provided photo) OSWEGO, N.Y. --A 19-year-old Oswego County man was charged with first-degree rape for having sexual intercourse with a victim under 13 years old, according to New York State Police. Dakota L. Bertges, of 44 State Route 104B, Mexico, was charged Wednesday after troopers and investigators with the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Hastings were called to a sexual abuse complaint in Parish, police said. Bertges was arraigned in Parish Town Court and remanded to the Oswego County Justice Center in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond. He is scheduled to return to court on Tuesday, police said. SKANEATELES, N.Y. -- A man accused of raping a woman after breaking into her Pennsylvania home was found in Skaneateles. Jason O. Stevens was arrested around 9 a.m. Wednesday at 702 Stump Road, said the New York State Police. The 43-year-old man was caught after an anonymous caller contacted troopers. Stevens is wanted on a warrant accusing him of rape in Washington County, Pennsylvania, troopers said. The incident happened on Valentine's Day in Monongahela, a city about 30 miles south of Pittsburgh. According to the Monongahela Police Department, Stevens was carrying a knife when he climbed through the window of a woman's home around 2:30 a.m. on Feb. 14, reported the Observer-Reporter. The woman told police Stevens was in her home for about three hours. The woman told police she and a child were sleeping in bed when Stevens entered her bedroom, said the Observer-Reporter. Police said Stevens then ordered the woman into her living room, where he raped her, according to the newspaper. After the rape, police said Stevens told the woman he would kill her and the children in her home if she sought help, reported CBS Pittsburgh. Just over a week later, a caller asked state police to come to 702 Stump Road in Skaneateles, New York. When state police responded, a man walked outside, troopers said. The man identified himself as Jason Stevens and told state police he was wanted in Pennsylvania, troopers said. After the Monongahela Police Department confirmed he was wanted for felony rape and other charges, troopers arrested Stevens. Monongahela police suspected Stevens would flee to New York, where his family lives, said CBS Pittsburgh. Stevens is being held in the Onondaga County Justice Center without bail pending extradition to Pennsylvania, troopers said. He is scheduled to appear today (Thursday) in Onondaga County Court, jail records show. State police did not take a mugshot of Stevens because he is not facing charges in New York, a spokesman said. hayes.jpg Jennifer Hayes at criminal sentencing in County Court. Her lawyer (left) is Ed Klein. (Douglass Dowty | ddowty@syracuse.com) Skaneateles, NY -- The ex-girlfriend of a Skaneateles businessman stole more than $900,000 from his farm equipment stores, more than six times what was previously known, a lawsuit alleges. The money stolen from William Carroll's business paid for everything from a non-employee's family health insurance to clothing at Victoria's Secret to passes to the North Carolina Zoo, the lawsuit states. Carroll has a store in Weedsport (Carroll Equipment) and one in Skaneateles (Southern Body Parts). Jennifer Hayes admitted last year that she stole $140,000 from her former employer and ex-boyfriend. She spent 90 days in jail and was ordered to pay back all the money. But that was simply the amount that prosecutor Michael Kasmarek could prove she stole beyond a reasonable doubt: He could trace that money going into her bank accounts. Carroll has long believed that Hayes stole much more. And his lawsuit accuses Hayes of stealing from him in a number of ways from 2008 to 2011. As the scheme collapsed, Hayes skipped town in 2011. She was "my girlfriend for 13 years , my bookkeeper for 11 years," Carroll told Syracuse.com in an email last year. "She left in the middle of the night when I went out of town back in June of 2011." In one case, Hayes allegedly recorded $800,000 in payments to an equipment auctioneer for services. But Hayes never sent the checks to the auctioneer. It's not clear from the lawsuit what happened to that money. In fact, the lawsuit only provides a small snapshot of how some of the money was allegedly spent: 1) $38 for two adult passes and one child's pass to the North Carolina Zoo. 2) $6,224 in Victoria's Secret purchases for a friend of Hayes' who had left the area. 3) $1,000 to her friend's travel agency 4) $9,000 a month in health care benefits for the friend The lawsuit accuses Hayes of writing checks to herself and stealing cash (that's what she was convicted of doing); authorizing weekly payments to her friend; paying for children's clothing, toys and other goods; using Carroll's credit card without his knowledge; and unlawfully writing money orders from company accounts. Since Hayes' conviction, she has moved to Georgia. She could not immediately be reached for comment. Her lawyer in the criminal case declined comment. Teensolitary.jpg Walta Williams, holding microphone, speaks about her teenage son's experience in solitary confinement at the Onondaga County Justice Center when a class-action against the jail was announced in September. (Yu Hua | Syracuse.com) SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A federal judge on Wednesday ordered the Onondaga County Justice Center to immediately, temporarily stop placing 16- and 17-year-old inmates there in 23-hour solitary detention. Judge David Hurd's 51-page opinion on a request for a temporary halt is a result of a September class-action lawsuit filed by the New York Civil Liberties Union and Legal Services of Central New York. The lawsuit says the practice of placing teens in detention for 23 hours a day is harmful to developing minds, deprives them of an education and violates their Constitutional rights. In December, the plaintiffs asked for a temporary restraining order to immediately halt the practice as the lawsuit plays out in federal court. The lawsuit names the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, which operates the jail, and the Syracuse City School District, which educates incarcerated teens. Hurd's opinion also denies the Syracuse City School District's attempt to remove itself as a defendant and orders it to immediately "afford all eligible juveniles the educational instruction to which they are entitled under New York State Law." The district had argued the sheriff's office was responsible for any inadequate education the teens might have received. A sheriff's office spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment on what actions it might be taking in response to the order. Court documents, filed as part of the lawsuit from the New York Civil Liberties Union and Legal Services of Central New York, claim that of 131 teens admitted to the jail between Oct. 29, 2015, and Oct. 19, 2016, 79 of them spent time in solitary confinement. Inmates spend 23 hours a day in their "barren" cells that are 7 feet by 9 feet, according to the lawsuit. Corrections officers place inmates, including teens housed there charged as adults, into its "segregation housing unit" after they allegedly commit infractions and for other reasons. The lawsuit claims officers arbitrarily punish teens with segregation. The lawsuit also names the Syracuse City School District and says it has failed to adequately educate kids who are confined in the segregation unit. Earlier court documents included a packet of educational materials that teens receive while housed there. On average, the teens spent 26 days in solitary, according to a news release announcing the new legal action. In an email provided with earlier court documents, Esteban Gonzalez, the chief deputy of the custody department, said the jail staff, mental health and other health-care workers make regular rounds through the unit. He also said the inmates get an hour of exercise each day and have access to other jail services. The teens' lawyers have identified teen solitary confinement as a byproduct of New York's failure to "Raise the age" at which criminal suspects can be charged as adults. State lawmakers are considering allowing teenagers accused of most crimes to be adjudicated in family court. New York and North Carolina are the only states in the country that immediately charge 16- and 17-year-olds accused of crimes as adults. Hurd Order by PatLohmann on Scribd Reporter Patrick Lohmann covers New York state government and other topics. He can be reached any time: Email | Twitter | (315)766-6670 Kevin C. Caraccioli is the town attorney for Scriba, host to all three nuclear power plants in Oswego County, and a member of Upstate Energy Jobs coalition. By Kevin C. Caraccioli | Special to syracuse.com Grover Norquist's commentary on Gov. Andrew Cuomo's Clean Energy Standard (CES), the bold initiative to save the economy of Upstate New York, and preserve the environment for all New Yorkers, underscores his ignorance and arrogance, as he goes about attempting to recruit local followers to his cause. Ignorant because Norquist overlooks the direct economic impact to a region of the country that falls at the bottom of just about every economic indicator - from job growth to unemployment - and dubiously leads the country with some of the highest tax rates in the nation. And that's with four nuclear power plants in our backyard! Direct and secondary employment reaching nearly 25,000; an annual gross domestic product of $3.16 billion; and yearly tax revenues for cash-strapped local municipalities totaling approximately $145 million are just some of the benefits that Norquist conveniently casts aside in favor of his inflammatory rhetoric. While Norquist and his ilk sort out whether climate change is real or just more fake news, consider what the Brattle Group found in its December 2015 report: that Ginna, FitzPatrick, and Nine Mile Point Units 1 and 2 avoid 16 million tons of carbon and other emissions, which represents a further savings of $700 million. Arrogant because Norquist fails to consider a world without nuclear power, not just for Upstate New York, but for all New Yorkers and, indeed, the country. Taking nuclear reactors off line and reducing them to an eternity of mothballs will result in an increase to the cost of replacing the efficient, continuous, and clean form of electricity that nuclear power generates. Just ask the folks in Vermont, who are experiencing a 3 percent rise in carbon emissions since Vermont Yankee was closed. Windmills and solar panels are nice, but anyone believing that the electrical supply will be magically replenished by these renewable energy sources is simply delusional. The staggering costs associated with shuttering nuclear power plants is lost on Norquist and others who are critical of the CES. The partnering of Americans for Tax Reform and the Alliance for a Green Economy, strange bedfellows indeed, to criticize a model policy that should be implemented across the country, underscores the bold strokes taken by the Public Service Commission. In the final analysis, the CES boils down to three important challenges facing us all: the survival and prosperity of our state and local economy, while maintaining a reliable supply of clean electricity until a day when renewable energy can help take over the work load shouldered by the nuclear industry, and preserving the environment for generations that follow us. Every ratepayer and business concerned about the CES should educate themselves, instead of relying on the scare tactics and fear-mongering for which these special interest groups are noted. Once one gets a clear understanding of the CES and its benefits, it's not hard to realize that it is an important and worthwhile policy. Green energy is on the rise, but fossil fuels are far from obsolete just yet. In this clip from Industry Focus: Energy, Motley Fool analyst Taylor Muckerman makes his case for why long-term investors might want to consider General Electric (NYSE: GE) to get diversified exposure to renewables and fossil fuels. Also, he talks about what GE's upcoming merger with Baker Hughes (NYSE: BHI) will mean for the company. A full transcript follows the video. 10 stocks we like better than General Electric When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and General Electric wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. Click here to learn about these picks! *Stock Advisor returns as of February 6, 2017 This podcast was recorded on Feb. 9, 2017. Taylor Muckerman: For investors looking to get into the energy space, and industrials, I guess, GE. You might have heard of that one. Sean O'Reilly: Did Thomas Edison start that? Muckerman: It's somewhat boring, maybe. It's not a new company like 8point3. O'Reilly: Founded in 2015. Muckerman: But it's making a lot of money and it's diversified. And when I'm thinking about energy as we move forward in the world, we're not done with fossil fuels yet, but it's not far off. So I'm hedging my bets. I'm going to profit from fossil fuels now and renewables later. Even a little bit now. So when you look at GE, I think the big story with them right now is the combination of GE Oil & Gas with Baker Hughes, probably going to finalize itself here in 2017. What you're basically looking at is GE owning 62.5% of the joint venture, and Baker Hughes owning 37.5% of the joint venture. GE already is making over $15 billion in the oil and gas space. That was in their 2015 revenues. Up slightly in 2016. Very well diversified across five different business units within oil and gas. Carved out a niche in turbo machinery and the digital solutions space that you're looking at with this company. Turbo Machinery, actually the biggest of its five oil and gas divisions, also lends itself nicely to wind power generation. Looking at this company, it's going to have some cost synergies, it's going to be the second largest equipment and services company in the world when it comes to oil and gas, right behind Schlumberger, ahead of Halliburton, a company that I have owned for several years -- Halliburton, I mean. So, that's what I'm looking at with GE in the moment. But we're long-term investors here at the Fool, so I'm looking at it kind of where Sean's investment thesis came from with 8point3, we're talking about renewable energy. GE offers you exposure to wind, hydro, and solar. Right now, they had a record onshore wind year in 2016, booked 7 gigawatts globally, which was up almost 20% from 2015. Total installed base globally now stands at 57 gigawatts. They're working with countries all around the world, Japan, India, Germany, Greece, Saudi Arabia. Basically, their stated mission is to make clear that renewable energy is an unstoppable force. So I agree. You look at solar in the United States creating more jobs last year, in terms of percentage growth, than any other industry in the United States, that's basically my pitch. It has great exposure to oil and gas now, and it's building a very impressive portfolio of renewable energy for the future. Gaby Lapera has no position in any stocks mentioned. Sean O'Reilly has no position in any stocks mentioned. Taylor Muckerman owns shares of HAL. The Motley Fool owns shares of General Electric and HAL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Blog_2009-12-28-db-Snow3.JPG One of the East Syracuse village snow plows cleaning off West Manlius Street, East Syracuse. Guest columnist Mitchell Patterson argues the Consensus Commission missed its chance to make a grand statement by remaking local government at the village, town, city and county levels. (Dick Blume / The Post-Standard) Editor's note: Guest columnists Stephen Kimatian and Mitchell Patterson take opposing views of a proposal to create a metropolitan government. Below is Patterson's view. Read Kimatian's view here. Mitchell Patterson is a regular guest columnist for The Post-Standard and Syracuse.com. He is a former venture capitalist and current entrepreneur. He is a Central New York native and lives in Clay. By now you've heard about the Consensus Commission's recommendation for consolidating the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County governments. Consolidation is an idea that I have at times supported to realize a more efficient government structure. Consensus took a courageous step in looking at modernizing our government and saving taxpayers money. Sadly, the result fails to accomplish that. Upstate New York is one of the highest taxed regions in the country. Among the reasons for this: duplicative government services, and suburban sprawl that puts the burden of paying for these services on a declining population. However, the Consensus report ignored the towns and villages and focused almost exclusively on eliminating city government. Why focus on only one of 21 municipalities? The commission ducked the opportunity to combat the issues of sprawl and duplicative services. With the current system of government entities, people are paying many times over for the same service. Why does a village resident need a local service that is already being provided by the state, county and town? Examples are the local police force, tax collectors, clerks, transportation directors and their staffs. Instead of paying 21 separate staffs to provide overlapping services, the region could instead be consolidated and duplicative services shared, vastly reducing the number of individuals overseeing boards and offices. That doesn't even account for the fact that some of these services could or should be replaced by technology. The report also overlooks many opportunities that would be created by a mass consolidation of services. One of these opportunities is purchasing power. Instead of each town representing a small population, you would have the purchasing power of the region to drive harder bargains. The bid process would change and everything from daily purchases to construction projects would become consolidated and more efficient, meaning savings for taxpayers. Not only would we pay lower taxes, we would get more for our money. I had hoped Consensus would make a grand statement, offering new ideas that could create a more efficient government. I had hoped the focus would be on cutting taxes for the benefit of the Central New York region, instead of worrying about legacy budget debts. Suburban sprawl has left us with a great city that is no longer able to maintain itself while town and village governments can survive by taxing a wealthier population. This system is broken and is being kept alive by the taxpayer. Creating a larger metropolitan government for the purpose of asking for more public funding (which, I might add, the taxpayers pay into as well) is a failed idea from the start. While these opportunities should be pursued once a true "metro" is created, the real benefit (and effort expended) should be cost savings, not more tax dollars to cover up for an inefficient system. Meanwhile, town residents who see the city as blighted and not worthy of taxpayer support are shortsighted. Without a strong urban core, there are no suburbs. The largest employers in the region are all located in the city, yet sadly most are nonprofits and thus the city gets no tax revenue from them. But the employees who work in the city and choose to live in the suburbs are benefiting from this inequitable system. The Consensus final report seems to be designed not to anger anyone (except the mayor). It timidly suggests that duplicated services in towns and villages are not the issue. And it doesn't even touch upon the concept of school district consolidations and school budgets. True consolidation will require more than respecting the past; it will require a renewed view of the future. The report stated that the total savings was a maximum of 2 percent (depending on the math you use) of the total budget of the county and city, a much lower percentage when looking at the town and village budgets, as well. What is being consolidated? And for what purpose and benefit to Central New York? To quote a campaign strategist James Carville, "It's the economy, stupid." This proposal isn't bold enough to change the economy. We must build a more efficient government that allows for private wealth to grow. Government must stop using citizens to keep an old-line governing approach alive for a few more years. Consensus should adopt a more radical approach that attacks the real problems - duplication and sprawl -- to create a truly consolidated region, one that sees its future in the economics we can offer. A renewed look at the comments from the community, as well as forging collaborative idea generation, would help Consensus actually reach consensus. If this is the best we can do, my vote is a simple "no." Vintage open for business sign Guest columnist Stephen Kimatian argues that a plan to streamline local government tells the world Syracuse and Onondaga County are "open for business." (APitch) Editor's note: Guest columnists Stephen Kimatian and Mitchell Patterson take opposing views of a proposal to create a metropolitan government. Below is Kimatian's view. Read Patterson's view here. Stephen Kimatian, of Syracuse, is a former television executive and previously was a candidate for mayor. He is a regular guest columnist for syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. The final report of the Consensus Commission is chock full of charts and graphs analyzing the savings and efficiencies from merging the operations of the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County. Media coverage has been mainly about savings. Community discussions too. But Consensus is more about building a strong, globally competitive economy than about savings. The overarching concept is to streamline the thicket of municipal governments so we can clearly see the way to build a prosperous economic future. The cost analysis charts a path to eliminating the municipal clutter. To quote the report: "In sum, these recommendations are not intended to generate material savings. They are not about savings at all, in fact. What they are about is the economic future of our community." The health of our economy has been deteriorating for decades and is now in critical condition. As the report states: "Were the fixes easy, we would not be the 294th in economic performance. Or 1st in extreme poverty concentration. Or more than half of our region losing population. Or with an average wage level 20 percent lower than that of the nation. Or with fewer jobs today in both our city and suburbs than 25 years ago. "Moreover, the challenges are exclusive to neither the city nor the suburbs." For over two centuries Syracuse was one of the most successful cities in the world. We produced an amazing diversity of products. We were, at first, the "Salt City," exporting a critical mineral for the nation's health, then a manufacturing mecca churning out typewriters, television sets, high-grade steel, Franklin automobiles, gears and transmissions, furniture and fine china. It was during these times of prosperity that our municipal infrastructures grew into the labyrinth of agencies and departments that we have now. It was sustainable then. It is not now. We no longer have that strong economy. Not only is the infrastructure unsustainable, but it's an obstacle to success in the digital economy. Decisions need to be made faster. Success depends more on alliances with the immediacy to communicate directly and react immediately. Economic strategies need to be cohesive and collaborative. This is where the structure of our current municipalities creates a roadblock. The need to work through myriad agencies and levels of authority and permissions for the simplest of decisions, only to satisfy the internal workings of government, is a waste of time and money. Consensus recommendations address these issues directly. They are a guide as to how our city and county governments can become strategically more efficient. They would clear the barriers to cumbersome land and zoning use, streamline the many police, fire and judicial districts, making them more efficient. Instead of battling inward against each other, we would look outward to the rest of the world. Instead of our towns trying to outdo each other, they would all work together for the common good. Instead of government agencies duplicating services, they would be united in their efforts. While there are certainly conclusions in the Consensus report that can be reconsidered, rejecting the basic recommendations is rejecting the opportunity for a successful economic future for our region. Charting a new direction and leaving behind what is comfortable can be intimidating, but when a region is faced with the disastrous metrics of its current economy, not taking action is a worse fate. The county legislature offers no economic vision, proclaiming the city-county merger "dead on arrival." The mayor has only negative comments. What has been proposed is not novel and has been accomplished successfully in many regions. There are at least 40 merged city-county municipalities in the United States. The city of Louisville and Jefferson County merged in 2003 to create the government of Louisville Metro, headed by a mayor. In Jacksonville, Florida, in 1968, Duval County-Jacksonville consolidation eliminated any kind of separate county positions and supplanted them with the mayor of Jacksonville. Denver is a consolidated city-county jurisdiction which also has a consolidated city-county government led by a mayor. Adopting the Consensus recommendations would be a win for the city and county. Syracuse's legacy debt would still have revenue allocated toward it. The merged entity would be in a stronger position to service debt, with better cash flow and better bond ratings. Plus, there are projected to be over $20 million in savings, from which Syracuse could negotiate a fair share. If Syracuse were defined this way, it would be a city ranked 45th largest in the United States. On the population lists, on the wealth lists, on world lists, on the innumerable lists of cities compared, the new Syracuse would rise to a higher rank. Moreover, clearing out the internal obstacles of municipal clutter sets the stage for being able to internally work much more effectively within our borders and to create the kind of regional expertise that will be recognized globally. Tenney-Ryan.JPG U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-New Hartford, takes the ceremonial oath of office Jan. 3, 2017 with House Speaker Paul Ryan at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. She was accompanied by friends and family members, including her son, Trey, who held the Bible. (Mark Weiner | mweiner@syracuse.com) WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney has reversed her decision against holding an in-person town hall meeting after mounting protests this week from constituents who want a public meeting. Tenney, R-New Hartford, has not yet decided when and where to hold the meeting in the 22nd Congressional District, her spokeswoman said today. "We want it to be productive, constructive and for citizens to feel like they are directly interacting with Claudia," said Hannah Andrews, speaking for Tenney. She said the goal is to hold up to two meetings in March, likely in Utica and Binghamton. The eight-county district covers parts of Central New York, the Mohawk Valley and Southern Tier, where Tenney has faced a series of protests from groups who want a public meeting. The latest protest occurred Wednesday outside of Tenney's office in New Hartford while Tenney is on a week-long congressional delegation trip to Iraq and Afghanistan. The first-term House member earlier this month told Binghamton's NewsChannel 34 that she would probably hold only telephone town halls after her office received threatening phone calls that were reported to Capitol police. Tenney said she preferred the mass conference calls because an in-person meeting would be disrupted by "paid protesters" or those who "have no interest in dialogue" and simply want a shouting match. Republican House members in New York and across the nation have faced protests at town hall meetings and outside of their offices this week during a congressional recess. The protesters have voiced opposition to President Donald Trump's agenda, including repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Tenney supported Trump in the presidential election. Nearly 200 people protested in Syracuse on Wednesday outside the Syracuse office of U.S. Rep. John Katko, R-Camillus, who is among House members who have declined to hold an in-person town hall meeting. Katko has said he won't let protesters "hijack" a town hall meeting, and that some of those who have demanded a meeting are more interested in "theatrics" that would make it difficult to have a substantive conversation. Contact Mark Weiner anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 SRC-SilentArcher.jpg SRC Inc. of Cicero has developed several counter-drone systems, including Silent Archer shown in this artist's rendering. The system uses radar, cameras and jamming technology to detect, track and defeat small, low-flying drones. The U.S. Army awarded a $65 million contract to SRC to provide a new counter-drone system that includes similar concepts. (Provided photo) WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Long before remotely-piloted aircraft became a key weapon in the U.S. arsenal, and a decade before small drones became a hot consumer electronics item, military officials began to worry. What would happen if terrorists, enemy nations or a lone wolf used drones as a weapon against U.S. forces? In 2002, the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency began hosting Black Dart, an annual exercise conducted in secret until 2014 to test technologies that would detect, track and defeat enemy drones. Defense contractors from across the nation demonstrated their ideas each year at the prestigious, invitation-only event. The toughest challenge: Detecting small, slow and low-flying drones that can evade radar, and that anyone can buy off the shelf for under $100. In 2014 at a military test range in Point Mogu, Calif., one idea stood out at the Black Dart exercise. SRC Inc., a research and development firm based in Central New York, demonstrated a system that could detect, track and defeat small drones - even providing the location of the hostile operator. This month, that work paid off for SRC with a $65 million contract from the U.S. Army to supply a new, military version of the technology it developed and refined through the Black Dart testing. The contract is one of the l0 largest in the history of SRC Inc. of Cicero, a not-for-profit that was spun off from Syracuse University in the 1970s. The counter-drone contract is such a big deal that SRC plans to celebrate later this year with a "special surprise" for employees to mark the success along with two other recent contracts, a company spokeswoman said. SRC employees spread across five buildings in Syracuse's northern suburbs will design, engineer and manufacture up to 15 sets of counter-drone systems to help defend American soldiers from an emerging threat around the world. The Army says it's an urgent need. With a record 3 million small drones expected to be sold in the U.S. this year, the threat of an attack on the military or U.S. interests by something as simple as a 2-pound recreational drone has never been greater. The Islamic State has already deployed small drones for surveillance and to drop explosives in its ongoing battle against the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq and Syria. The Washington Post reported in a front-page article Wednesday about "a rapidly accelerating campaign of armed drone strikes by the Islamic State in northern Iraq" that concerns Pentagon officials. Back home, a rogue drone evaded radar and crashed into a tree on the White House lawn in 2015, and a college student plotted to attack U.S. targets by attaching C-4 plastic explosives to drones in 2012. In this Friday, Jan. 27, 2017 photo, an Iraqi officer inspects drones belonging to Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. Islamic State is hacking store-bought drone technology, using rigorous testing and tactics that mimic those used by U.S. unmanned aircraft to adapt to diminishing numbers of fighters and a battlefield that is increasingly difficult to navigate on the ground. (AP Photo/ Khalid Mohammed) At the same time, SRC carved out a reputation as a company solving the small-drone threat. The company secretly deployed earlier versions of its counter-drone systems to protect crowds at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, and world leaders at the G8 and G20 summits. SRC President and CEO Paul Tremont said in an interview that he still can't talk about those earlier systems used for the Olympics and summits because of security restrictions in contracts with its customers. But Tremont said those developments, including the new Army contract, place SRC in position to dominate a segment of a growing market. For SRC, the new Army contract means an immediate boost in employment with 50 new engineering jobs at its Cicero headquarters, where the company employs about 700 of its 1,100 employees nationwide. The open jobs pay $60,000 per year and up, depending on experience. SRC also plans to hire an additional 100 engineers per year nationwide over the next three years, Tremont said. SRC, which is considered a small, niche company among American defense contractors, is competing with almost every large and small contractor around the world on counter-drone solutions. Some of the ideas rely on new technology and others on creativity. The French military, for example, has trained golden eagles to intercept and snatch drones out of the sky in mid-flight. Lockheed Martin, the world's largest defense contractor, developed the ICARUS system to identify and intercept small drones. The system uses cyber electromagnetic activity to disable the drone, or allow the operator to take control and move the drone to a safe area. Lockheed's Mike Panczenko said the urgency to counter the threat is real. "The defense community has already recognized cyber as the fifth domain of war, and our adversaries are turning to robots and unmanned systems as potential weapons as their technology gets more sophisticated," Panczenko said. Separately, Lockheed's plant at Electronics Park in Salina has enhanced its workhorse Q-53 radar system -- normally used to detect and track enemy indirect fire -- to identify small drones. Tremont, of SRC, said its solution focuses on the company and battalion level of the battlefield. He said SRC will continue to try to make the technology more mobile to easily move with soldiers at war. SRC's success has the potential to reap bigger rewards for Central New York as the region establishes itself as an international hub for drone research and development, said Larry Brinker, director of the Syracuse-based NUAIR Alliance. NUAIR formed a team of more than 70 partners from public, private and academic institutions and businesses in New York, Massachusetts and Michigan to lead research into drone technology. The partners include SRC, Lockheed Martin and Saab Defense. Brinker said the SRC contract with the Army will help build a reputation for the region. "It underscores the argument we have been making around the world, and that is that we are the center of drone development," Brinker said of Central New York. "That's what we are trying to do - to have this catalytic event that attracts this new technology to the region." NUAIR operates one of seven national test sites authorized by the federal government to integrate drones into the national airspace, and SRC and its wholly owned subsidiary, Gryphon Sensors, are among the partners. The alliance is establishing a 50-mile unmanned aircraft traffic management corridor from Syracuse to Griffiss International Airport in Rome. New York state chipped in $30 million through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative to develop the corridor, nurture the industry and attract related businesses to the region. While SRC's new contract with the Army has no direct link to NUAIR, Brinker said the alliance will play an important role in the eventual transfer of some of the company's technology from the military once it is no longer kept under wraps. "The technology that was originally developed for the military is what in many respects is being commercialized today," Brinker said, adding that some of the strongest growth in the industry revolves around counter-drone technologies. A local example of the technology transfer from the military is Gryphon Sensors, a company that SRC established to commercialize non-military radar equipment to detect small drones. "This whole counter-drone technology that SRC developed for the military is one of the hottest markets in the civil drone industry," Brinker said. "Jails, stadiums, power plants, prisons - they're all concerned about protecting their infrastructure." NUAIR has already worked with the FBI and Federal Aviation Administration to test counter-drone systems at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, and the Port Authority of New York. Brinker said the demand for counter-drone systems continues to grow each month, particularly from non-military government agencies. "Every sheriff that has a prison in New York wants some sort of anti-drone system," Brinker said. Contact Mark Weiner anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 Transgender Bathroom A sign marks the entrance to a gender neutral restroom at the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vt., Thursday, Aug. 23, 2007. (Toby Talbot | AP Photo) ALBANY, N.Y. -- New York state officials are "vehemently" objecting to the Trump administration's reversal of federal guidelines that allow transgender students to use the bathroom of their choosing. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman each took turns blasting the reversal today. In a joint statement, Elia and Schneiderman called the decision to rescind the guidance "dangerous." The reaction stems from an ongoing national debate over which bathrooms transgender students should use. The debate took center stage last year when North Carolina passed a law, called HB2, that requires transgender people to use public restrooms corresponding with the sex on their birth certificate. Months after the law was passed, the Obama administration issued guidance to schools and universities directing them to allow transgender students to use the bathroom of their choosing. Wednesday, President Donald Trump rolled back that guidance, leaving the issue to states and local school districts to decide. New York officials said Thursday that state and local laws already require school districts to protect transgender students, including from including from discrimination. They argue that schools cannot deny students access to facilities or programming based on gender identity. Officials cited the state's Dignity for All Students Act. They also referenced guidance issued by the education department in 2015, prior to Obama's directive. Cuomo said New York state would fight for protections for the LGBTQ community. "The misguided action taken by the federal government last night runs contrary to the New York Promise of individual freedoms," Cuomo said in a statement. "With the stroke of a pen, they seek to move this country backwards. Education Commissioner Elia said educators have a "sacred duty" to protect all students, and raised concerns about the vulnerability of the transgender community. "Transgender youth are valued members of our schools and communities across New York State, yet statistics show that more than half of them will attempt suicide at least once by their 20th birthday," Elia said in a statement. "So we must do everything in our power to create learning environments that are safe and welcoming for all." Reporter Julie McMahon covers education. She can be reached anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1992 SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- New York State would "match" the amount of taxpayer money saved by counties and towns if they find a way to share services or cut costs, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his surrogates said in speeches across the state Thursday. The governor's office did not immediately detail how such a match program would work except to say that the state would pay local governments the amount of savings achieved in their first year of adopting a new plan to streamline services. "I will match those savings, and I will double the savings to the taxpayer," Cuomo said in a news conference Thursday in Rockland County. That promise was repeated Thursday afternoon in Syracuse, where Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew Driscoll and Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney spoke to increase support for the proposal. The news conference was also the first time Mahoney had publicly supported the governor's effort. Driscoll is also a former Syracuse mayor. Cuomo's spokesman Richard Azzopardi said the matching dollars could come from unspent funds in government consolidation competitions held in recent years. He also said the idea came from a state legislator recently. The governor did not initially offer the matching program as part of his announcement outlining the budget proposal. The governor's proposal, if passed by state legislators, would require local governments to meet and produce a plan to share services or consolidate. That plan would be placed on the ballot for voter consideration this November. Cuomo is pitching the effort as a way for local governments to reduce property taxes. The governor faced criticism when it became apparent that his budget tied $715 million in state funds to municipalities to his proposal that forces a referendum on shared services. Critics -- including Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) and Syracuse city attorney Joe Fahey -- said tying such an important funding stream to his proposal was an unnecessarily large "stick" to threaten state legislators with. New York Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew Driscoll speaks Thursday to an audience at Onondaga Community College. He and Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney spoke to bolster support for Gov. Andrew Cuomo's budget proposal that would give voters a chance to vote on local-government shared services and consolidation. The promise to pay counties or towns the amount in savings would offer a new incentive for local officials to try to achieve savings instead of shirking the opportunity. Earlier this month, the Consensus commission on local government modernization released its plan that would create a metropolitan government in Onondaga County and, in doing so, potentially save taxpayers between $9 million and $33 million over five years. Plans like Consensus' and others like it are what local residents would have a chance to vote on if the governor's proposal is approved. Stirpe, the assemblyman, has also offered his own version of an incentive to consolidate: A bill that would transfer nearly $100 million in Medicaid costs from Onondaga County to the state. -- Reporter Patrick Lohmann covers New York state government and other topics. He can be reached any time: Email | Twitter | (315)766-6670 This page no longer exists or may have been moved.If you believe this is a mistake please email It also has a Fingerprint Scanner at the back for quickly unlocking the interface with but a touch of a finger. Sweet! I mean, being a Moto Z (with Mods) owner, I can tell you that this Lenovo-owned company hasn't forgotten how to craft well-designed smartphones that give good value for money. TechPinas Smartphone Technical Specs Table (TSTST) Lenovo-ownedhas just made it even harder for Filipino mobile consumers to choose a midrange Android smartphone to bet their money on by releasing yet another powerhouse device in the said price bracket.Donning an SRP of, the all-new Moto M goes head to head with some of the best-selling handsets in our country this year, including OPPO F1s, Vivo V5, and Asus ZenFone 3.And I'm sure you're wondering,Well, my quick answer to that is 'Yes'.For one, it has stellar aesthetics. Its body is crafted from anodized aluminum, which should make it look and feel elegant and durable. The rounded corners and edges should make it a joy to have in the hand as well.Inside, it runs Android Marshmallow OS with a 64-Bit Octa Core MediaTek P15 processor, has 4GB of RAM for multitasking, and comes with 32GB of expandable storage; A set of innards that's certainly not bad for a device in this price echelon.One of the coolest things about this release is that its shell has a nano-coating that protects it against accidental spills and splashes of water. The device doesn't really have any IP certification -- but one can't deny that this is certainly a treat on a smartphone with a fairly affordable price tag.Personally, though, what I love most about this the Moto is its above average imaging capabilities. The main cam is a 16 MegaPixel PDAF shooter with f/2.0 aperture and 1 m pixel size, which should give it great low-light performance. The front cam on the other hand is an 8MP snapper with Beauty Mode that's capable of delivering clear and crisp selfies that are instantly ready for sharing on Facebook and Instagram.Can't wait to give this model a test run!Moto MSlate Form Factor (Full Touchscreen)Midrange151.4 x 75.4 x 7.9 mm163 gramsGold, Silver, GreyAndroid 6.0 Marshmallow5.5 inches (~73.1% screen-to-body ratio), 1080 x 1920 pixels (~401 ppi pixel density), IPS, capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors64-Bit Octa Core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 chipset, Mali-T860MP2, MediaTek Helio P154GB RAM32GB ROM, expandable via hybrid secondary nanoSIM slotBack: 16 MegaPixels, f/2.0, phase detection autofocus, LED flash, 1 m pixel sizeFront: 8 MP, 1/4" sensor size, 1.12 m pixel sizeFull HD 1080p 30 frames per second for main camera, Full HD for front camera (TBC)MP3, WAV, eAAC+, FLAC, MP4, H.264USB Type C, 3.5 mm audio jackWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth v4.1 with A2DP, EDR, 3G HSPA+; LTE Cat6A-GPS, GLONASS, BDSYesAccelerometer, Digital Compass, Proximity, Fingerprint Scanner2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 and SIM 2,3G HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100,4G LTE band 1(2100), 3(1800), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 20(800), 28(700), 38(2600), 39(1900), 40(2300), 41(2500)Dual = nanoSIM + nanoSIMNon-removable Li-Po 3050 mAh battery15 Hours of Talk Time, 7 Hours of Web BrowsingPremium Design, Metal Body, Fingerprint Scanner, Good Imaging Capabilities, Splash-proof BuildPhilippines: February 23, 2017February 2017Php 14,999 Following a successful trial run in Israel and San Francisco, Google is expanding Waze's ride sharing program to several U.S. and Latin American cities over the next few months. The service competes with Uber's UberPool and Lyft's Line services, but with some key differences in the business model. While the aforementioned Uber and Lyft services are basically swapouts for taxis that let you split the cost of your trip with another rider headed in the same direction, Google said it intends to have the Waze app match drivers and riders who are already looking to move in the same direction. In that regard the service is closer to something like BlaBlaCar, but whereas the latter is aimed at longer trips, Waze's ride sharing program seems more oriented --- but not necessarily limited to --- getting around within your area. The driver is only reimbursed for mileage driven at a maximum of 54 cents per mile --- Google says it doesn't believe drivers need to report any payment as income because it is considered gas money. A ride from downtown Oakland to downtown San Francisco, for example, would cost a mere $4.50, whereas the same trip using either UberPool or Lyft Line is around $10 to $13. The downside to the approach is that since drivers won't be using Waze ride sharing as their main source of income, the service is expected to have a less consistent base of drivers, and users will need to book riders further in advance compared to booking it on-demand with Lyft or Uber. "Can we get the average person on his way to work to pick someone up and drop them off once in a while? That's the biggest challenge," Waze CEO Noah Bardim said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. Waze has not yet announced which cities will be getting access to the feature and when. Even if an app promises anonymity, using them to make violent threats is never a good idea. Just ask Garrett Grimsley of Cary, North Carolina, who is now facing up to five years in prison for a public Whisper post that sounded very alarming. According to a federal criminal complaint, Grimsley (who is white) on February 19 wrote: "Salam, some of you are alright, don't go to Cary tomorrow." When an unnamed user asked for more information, the pair started a private chat, in which Grimsley said: "Aslam Alaikum brother. For too long the kuffar have spit in our faces and trampled our rights. This cannot continue. I cannot speak of anything. Say your dua, sleep, and watch the news tomorrow." It's assumed the person Grimsley was talking to informed the authorities, who then ordered Whisper to hand over the IP addresses associated with the account. The company says it doesn't retain information such as real names and addresses, but will keep IP addresses for a limited time and comply with law enforcement requests for user data. Once they had contacted Grimsley's ISP - Time Warner - for his address, the FBI raided his apartment, where they found an AK47 and 340 rounds of ammunition. Whether the weapon was legally owned is unclear. When the feds arrived, Grimsley was attempting to encrypt his computer's hard drive, which was only 63 percent done. He was also engaged in a private conversation, likely using his phone, with a Facebook user named "Tim Tam." The pair were discussing the Whisper posts and the possibility of Grimsley being raided. After noticing the surveillance vehicle, he wrote ""holy f**k I'm actually going to get raided." Investigators found other messages on Grimsley's Facebook account, many of which may suggest his threats weren't serious - despite the weapon and ammo. "I yell about jihad and shooting all the people all the time, too much CSGO [Counter Strike Global Offensive] and nasheeds [Islamic videos containing speeches and music]," states one message. Another reads: "The FBI will understand I was only reading Dabiq [An online magazine published by ISIS] for the pictures, right?" Whatever his intentions were, Grimsley is being charged with one count of "transmitting a threat in interstate commerce to injure the person of another," a crime that carries a sentence of up to five years in prison. Qualcomm has announced a new VR development kit for its Snapdragon 835 platform in partnership with hand tracking company Leap Motion. The kit is a self-contained headset reference design that's powered by the aforementioned chip, and uses cameras inside and outside to enable both eye tracking, as well as six degrees of positional tracking so you can move around in VR without any additional hardware. The deal with Leap Motion also means Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 platform will work with Leap Motion hand tracking, allowing people to interact with the virtual world with their bare hands. "Technology works best when technology disappears," Leap Motion CTO David Holz said in a statement. "Untethered, mobile VR headsets with intuitive, hand-based interaction and position tracking bring a level of quality, immersion, and accessibility to VR unlike anything that's been seen before." Other hardware specifications include a 2560 x 1440 screen, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of flash memory, a range of sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetic compass), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB-C. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 VR dev kit will be available to developers from Q2 2017. The company isn't planning on selling this reference design to consumers, but rather working with third parties interested in building their own standalone VR products around the platform. Qualcomm noted that though the project is initially intended for VR headset manufacturers, it's also looking at the AR space. The security of a country's leader is of the utmost importance. However, in this day and age of digital media, the same level of security is granted to smartphones and tablets belonging to those leaders. However, recent reports suggest that the U.S. President himself could be using an insecure phone bought from the shelves of a store. Two Democratic senators namely Claire McCaskill and Tom Carper, working in the country's security committee has reportedly questioned President Trump whether he is using a secured smartphone. Reports mention that the President has been provided a secured device for personal use, but he may still be using an unsecured connection which could pose serious national threat. Both Democratic senators have now brought the issue to the attention of the Secretary of Defense, Jim Mattis through a letter. I look forward to hearing from @DeptofDefense about the protective measures being taken for President Trumps use of a personal smartphone pic.twitter.com/47cZeSn1bw Senator Tom Carper (@SenatorCarper) 13 February 2017 Content Of The Letter Several public reports initially suggested that the President got a secured and encrypted smartphone, approved by the U.S. secret service and had started using the same prior to joining office. Later reports, however, indicate that the President may still be using his personal smartphone, an alleged Samsung device, which is quite unsecure. Trump may be posting tweets through the same device, which is susceptible to hackers. Moreover, the senators added that if the Presidential records, such as the tweets are made through a personal device then it would be difficult to properly record them. McCaskill and Carper also stated that these reports were quite disturbing, as hackers have got several means of targeting an unsecured phone. Even though users feel assured that their device is safe, hackers tend to find pathways to exploit vulnerable and sensitive data. As evidenced by the reports, the letter highlighted that this was an issue related to national security and so an unsecured handset should not be used by the President. The letter also goes on to explain that security measures should be imposed on the President's phone to ensure that the Presidential records are preserved. More Security Issues In January, the senators delivered a letter to Donald McGahn, the White House Counsel, questioning the security issues related to the Trump's staff's social activities. They enquired whether the members of Trump's administration were using personal e-mail accounts for official business, which is restricted by federal law. Secretary Mattis has not responded to the letter yet but, a response is expected soon which may clear up this matter once and for all. Photo:Gage Skidmore | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Betsy DeVos has again entered the headlines but for the wrong reasons. Internet trolls blamed President Donald Trump's controversial education secretary for a typo on the department's Twitter feed. A tweet misspelled the name of the prominent African-American sociologist and historian W.E.B Du Bois. US Education Department: Error After Error The Department of Education tweeted a quote highlighting the importance of education from the late W.E.B Du Bois. In an effort to highlight the famous words from the revered civil rights activist, things backfired as the tweet misspelled Du Bois as "DeBois." The mistake immediately caught the attention of followers, and hundreds of responses came out mocking the misspelling. The education department by midday tweeted the correct spelling along with an apology. But even that apology earned flak from critics because the subsequent post also included another error, this time a grammatical one. The typo was later fixed. Amid hundreds of negative comments and posts, the department under DeVos' leadership also received some support albeit from fewer followers. Later, a spokesman for the education department stated the misspellings were made by a long-time department employee, and ensured the public a new review process would be in place to prevent such errors. The Journey Of Betsy DeVos So Far A wealthy political donor, DeVos was confirmed only last week as Trump's pick for the post of education secretary, while the latter was fighting for the travel ban. DeVos' faced several hurdles in the Senate confirmation process, largely for her support of voucher programs and other alternatives to public education, and to a large extent for purportedly never having taught in a public school. On her third full day on the job, DeVos was temporarily blocked from entering a District of Columbia public school by protestors. Despite the firestorm of complaints about the nomination, the Senate narrowly confirmed the billionaire philanthropist. DeVos had a tough confirmation hearing as she seemed to be unfamiliar with many important education issues, such as the Federal Individual with Disabilities Act. Her critics see the support for vouchers and other public education alternatives as a means to undermine public education. With citizens concerned about the current socio-political atmosphere as well as the current administration's seeming indifference toward science, the latest incident has not won any favor from the public for the new education secretary. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Gene editing can complement traditional breeding in enhancing food sustainability and animal health and welfare, according to a renowned animal geneticist. Examining the potential benefits of the biotechnology tool at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), University of California, Davis professor and biotechnology expert Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam said genome editing can enable animal breeds to bring about beneficial genetic changes without unwanted, potentially harmful ones. Breeding Hornless Cows The animal scientist discovered the potential of splicing the hornless gene from the Aberdeen Angus cow into the prevalent black-and-white Holstein dairy cows for the purpose of eliminating their protrusions. Horned cattle are deemed potentially risky for their handlers, other stock, and the public. Without such horns, cows are considered easier to pack into their pens as well as in trucks, something estimated to save the livestock industry in the United Kingdom millions of pounds every year. Few breeds including the Angus and Hereford are born without horns. Most dairy cows then undergo a painful dehorning process while they are still calves. Potential Benefits For Food Animals Van Eenennaam looked to the dairy industry to emphasize the potential value of gene editing in livestock production. A glass of milk these days, she said, is linked to a mere one-third of greenhouse gas emissions needed to produce the same in the 1940s, thanks to headways in traditional breeding practices. Through conventional selective breeding, dairy cows productivity are believed to have improved despite the number of U.S. dairy cows dropping from 25.6 million in 1944 to around 9 million at present. The country experiences a 1.6-fold climb in total milk production, argued the scientist. "A number of breeding methods, including artificial insemination, embryo transfer, crossbreeding and, more recently, genomic selection, have been used to achieve these improvements," said Van Eenennaam in a statement, adding that gene editing could complement such techniques by introducing desirable traits into the breeding initiatives. Gene editing is already being used for disease prevention in livestock, such as making pigs immune to porcine reproductive and respiratory virus. In the future, it is also deemed possible for farm animals to produce offspring of only a specific gender, including hens for their eggs. Regulatory Issues One, however, shouldnt count on genetically designed hornless cows anytime soon, as regulators have not approved genetically engineered animals entry into the food chain. The possibility of applying these genome-editing methods, according to Van Eenennaam, still rests on future regulatory decisions. She clarified that gene editing wont transfer novel DNA into the animals, but instead can perform tweaks within their genes. The resulting DNA sequence may be identical to the natural existing DNA sequences. Gene Editing: Recent Developments In China, researchers recently claimed that they have successfully genetically modified cows to be resistant to bovine tuberculosis. Also recently, the battle over the patent to gene-editing breakthrough CRISPR came to an end as Cambridge-based Broad Institute retained lucrative rights to the technology. CRISPR has garnered such massive attention with its precision in editing letters in an organisms DNA, much like a pair of molecular scissors. It could lead the way to new treatments and disease cures but has also received ethical questions such as in the matter of altering the human embryo. Some experts believe we should go slow on this gene editing technique, as it could make permanent changes in the human genome that might be passed on to a persons offspring. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A rival of SiriusXM star morning host Howard Stern broke into the shock jock's restricted office compound in the building where they both work, and live streamed footage of the area on his YouTube channel. The culprit, rival DJ Gregg "Opie" Hughes is a longstanding rival of Stern, and may be fired as a result of the incident. Howard Stern vs. Opie Feud Dates Back Hughes and Stern have been at odds for years, ever since Opie was one half of the "Opie and Anthony" radio show which aired on terrestrial New York radio station WNEW, owned by the Infinity broadcasting group, who also owned WXRK, Stern's station at the time. Stern was incensed that "Opie and Anthony," who he regarded as inferior copycats, were constantly baiting him and his show, in order to get attention, and demanded successfully that Infinity not allow them to mention his name on the air. The animosity remained when "Opie and Anthony" moved to SiriusXM alongside Howard, but was not allowed to broadcast on mornings in competition with Stern, who is the unrivaled star of the platform and earns a reported $90 million per year and has two full channels on the slate. Opie Breaks Into Howard Stern Offices Opie now has his own SiriusXM show (Anthony was fired in 2014), and he decided to take fans and two of his on-air contributors comedians Sherrod Small and Vic Henley on a tour of the Manhattan building from which SiriusXM broadcasts. Livestreaming on YouTube as he made his way through, Hughes reached the limits of the locked down Howard Stern area of the building. Rather than turning back, he instead convinced a cleaning lady to allow him entrance after telling her he had forgotten something in the off-limits Stern area. After entering the compound and making their way partially through, the trio was then apprehended by security and removed. The next day, Opie admitted on air that he had been given a torrid scolding by Scott Greenstein SiriusXM's president & chief content officer. "I knew it was wrong! I said that to [Greenstein]," Hughes admitted. "I know it was wrong, I know" ... this might be a bad one. I didn't sleep last night, I knew......we went too far."' Many observers also criticized Hughes for potentially getting the cleaning lady fired, but he insisted that he was assured she was not being blamed for the incident he was. "I'll be the one fired before they fire a cleaning lady, trust me," he said, explaining that the situation was under review by the SiriusXM legal department. "They're talking about breaking and entering ... I might be fired, I might be fired," he lamented, but also said he felt the ultimate decision would be in the hands of rival Stern. "We'll see if the old man has a sense of humor, cause I think it comes down to him," Hughes admitted. "The old man just has to go like that and it's over, it's over for everybody." Stern of course is the most powerful on air figure at SiriusXM, and has been credited with helping turn the once struggling satellite radio company's fortunes around after Sirius and XM Radio joined forces. Stern renewed his contract with the company for five more years in December 2015. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Samsung has published a detailed release schedule for its Galaxy devices, indicating the release date for the software update for all Galaxy smartphones and tablets through the end of 2017. In addition to the imminent upgrades for the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge and Note 5 and S6 edge+, the timeline indicates a release date for the older Galaxy A and J series along with several Galaxy Tabs. Samsung Galaxy Android 7.0 Nougat Upgrade We recently brought you the news that the vice president of Samsung electronics in Turkey, Tansu Yegen, had published a timeline for release of the Android 7.0 Nougat update on his Twitter account. The schedule included expected upgrade dates for numerous Samsung Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S6 and its variants as well as the Galaxy Note 5 and latest A series. The tweet was deleted shortly thereafter, indicating that the company may not have approved of the specific release date schedule being tweeted out to all the world. Now, however, it seems as if Samsung's Turkish division is in fact free to announce such news, as it has now provided a detailed timeline of all Samsung devices expected to be upgraded to Android 7.0 Nougat through the rest of 2017. New Upgrade List Includes Additional Galaxy Devices The list also includes numerous handsets that were not previously announced as scheduled to receive an Android 7.0 Nougat update. The initial list of devices set to be updated included the Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy S7 Active, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge and S6 edge+, Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy Tab A with S Pen, Galaxy Tab S2 (LTE unlock), Galaxy A3, and Galaxy A8. Now the upgrade list also includes the Galaxy A5, Galaxy A7, Galaxy J5, Galaxy J7 from both 2016 and 2015, as well as the Galaxy On7 and Galaxy J7 Prime. The schedule also gives specific dates for each rollout, with some minor delays from the previous timeline. The Galaxy S6 and S6 edge Android 7.0 Nougat upgrade is now expected to be released on Feb. 27, the Note 5 on March 6, and the Galaxy S6 edge+ on March 13. The 2016 Galaxy A series is then set to roll out in April and May, while the older A3, A5, and A7 will be upgraded at the end of July. The Galaxy J series is then expected to be released on various dates from July through November. Both Galaxy Tab S2 variants will get Android 7.0 Nougat in May, with the Tab A versions receiving it in July. While, of course, the exact dates mentioned are specific to Turkey, besides giving an excellent idea of Samsung's overall release timeframe, they also confirm the additional devices on the worldwide Android 7.0 Nougat upgrade list. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. New technologies to bolster the Mars mission with a specific focus on transport vehicles and habitats are in sight after NASA approved proposals of multi-disciplinary, university research institutes to create technologies for a sustained human presence on the Red Planet. Carbon Nanotube Material The new technologies aim to make stronger Mars habitats and lighter vehicles using carbon nanotube as the main material. Accordingly, the Space Technology Research Institutes (STRIs), which got NASA's nod, must harness the talent of researchers from various organizations in developing cutting-edge technologies in areas like bio-manufacturing and space infrastructure. The priority will be the creation of self-sustaining exploration mission capabilities with Earth-independent features. "NASA is establishing STRIs to research and exploit cutting-edge advances in technology with the potential for revolutionary impact on future aerospace capabilities," said Steve Jurczyk, associate administrator for NASA's in Washington-based Space Technology Mission Directorate. NASA Shifts Focus The preference for STRI mission aligns well with NASA's strategic focus shifting to deep space missions by departing from the low-Earth orbit concentration. The space agency wants technologies that sustain long-drawn missions of crews and help them manufacture products in situ than waiting for resupply missions from Earth. The STRIs selected institutes include Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES) and The Institute for Ultra-Strong Composites by Computational Design (US-COMP). These multi-disciplinary research programs aim to augment synthesis of science and engineering to attain desired outcomes within five years. Funded by NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate these pioneering technologies will play a vital role in the success of different NASA missions. These institutes will also broad base the U.S. talent base by taking the new applications beyond the realm of aerospace. Each STRI will be granted $15 million for their technology missions. The mandate of CUBES institute will be to expand research into integrated, multi-organism bio-manufacturing system for producing food, fuel, materials, and pharmaceuticals. Research goals of the CUBES institute will have to support deep-space planetary explorations and also be useful in Earth-based applications. The CUBES team led by Adam Arkin, principal investigator at the University of California has partners in Utah State University, Stanford University, and industrial partners like Autodesk. Affordable technologies for deep space exploration with transformative materials will be the plank of US-COMP. It will help in developing next-generation transit vehicles, habitats, power systems, and exploration systems. Carbon nanotube-based, lightweight yet high strength aerospace structural material will be a top priority for US-COMP. Its team will be led by Gregory Odegard as the main investigator at the Michigan Technological University with Florida State University, the University of Utah among others as partners. Martian Soil For Making Habitats Meanwhile, the University of Central Florida (UCF) is associating with NASA in extracting metals from the Martian soil. Professor Sudipta Seal, the interim chair of UCF's Materials Science and Engineering program has proposed feeding these metals into a 3-D printer to make the components of a human habitat, electronics, and ship parts. "It's essentially using additive-manufacturing techniques to make constructible blocks. UCF is collaborating with NASA to understand the science behind it," said Seal. Molten Regolith Electrolysis According to the plan with NASA, more research will be conducted on molten regolith electrolysis to know the patterns by which metal ores are refined. Martian soil called as regolith will be fed into a chamber. Heating the chamber to nearly 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit will lead to an electrolysis that will yield oxygen and molten metals crucial for the human space exploration. Seal's expertise will help to determine the form those metals assume in the commercial 3-D printers. NASA intern Kevin Grossman is also participating in the project funded by NASA. Organizations like NASA, SpaceX, Mars One, that are aiming human missions to Mars have a consensus that Mars exploration will need more resources within Mars compared to costly transportation from Earth. That perspective makes this research very important. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Drones have a wide range of useful applications, such as delivering packages and helping revive dwindling bee populations, but unfortunately, the unmanned aerial vehicles can also be used for harmful purposes. Terrorists have been modifying drones to transform them into spying devices and weapons, raising security issues. To combat this, the military of France decided to go with a natural but very efficient solution. French Military Training Drone-Hunting Eagles Last year, under the supervision of the French military, four golden eagle chicks hatched on top of drones. The eagles were named d'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, drawn from the classic novel "The Three Musketeers," and their mission from the very start was to hunt and destroy drones. The eagles grew up with drones, chasing the devices across grass and being allowed to peck at their composite bodies. The eagles were rewarded with meat for doing so, and they ate their prizes off the back of the drones they catch. Earlier this month, the drone-hunting eagles of France were deemed ready. In a demonstration, d'Artagnan swooped in from a military control tower, covering 200 meters in 20 seconds, to catch a drone and take it down to the ground. "The eagles are making good progress," said a commander of the French air force tasked with modernizing the ancient art of falconry to address a growing threat in the digital age. "These eagles can spot the drones several thousand meters (yards) away and neutralize them," said French air force general Jean-Christophe Zimmerman in a November 2016 report regarding the eagles. Why Train Eagles For The Job? France has been concerned with the threats presented by drones used by terrorists since early 2015, when drones were flown over the country's presidential palace and a restricted military facility. There were no injuries from those incidents, but terrorist attacks, including the Paris massacre, pushed the military to take action. The French military, inspired by a similar initiative launched by Dutch police wherein they used a trained eagle to knock off a DJI Phantom Drone from the air, decided to train eagles instead of creating weapons that can be shot at drones due to the possibility of civilians being caught in the crossfire. Weapons can lead to disastrous situations if a drone ventures into a crowded spot, but a trained eagle will be able to destroy the drone without risk to people. Eagles are also sneakier to be deployed in sensitive sites such as airports and military bases. Eagles have been trained for centuries to carry out hunting missions, though previously, those were for other animals. With their speed and powerful talons, they have proven themselves of taking down their targets, and this time, those targets are drones. While the military has already launched an order for a second batch of trained eagles, there are concerns that the birds might be harmed in their missions. The government, however, said that protection for d'Artagnan and his siblings is being designed, in the form of mittens made out of Kevlar and leather to shield their talons from being damaged by drones. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Uber had a company meeting to address concerns about sexism and employees say it was "honest, raw, and emotional," with Uber CEO Travis Kalanick taking the issue very seriously. For those unfamiliar with the matter, Uber recently went under fire over allegations of sexism after a former engineer, Susan Fowler, said she faced harassment and discrimination while working there. Fowler detailed sexist abuse in the workplace and prompted the Uber CEO to take action against such practices. Kalanick apologized for the mishaps that allowed for such a culture to develop where a former engineer had to face repeated setbacks in her attempt to report sexual harassment. Fowler had argued that Uber repeatedly ignored and bypassed attempted reports of sexual harassment. Kalanick promised an investigation would take place, led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. Uber Meeting Over Sexism In a meeting at Uber's headquarters in San Francisco, employees witnessed an emotional and honest discussion over the matter, as Kalanick apologized for the situation and promised to take steps to avoid such issues in the future. Uber employees said they were impressed by the CEO's response to Fowler's allegations. Shortly after Fowler detailed the sexist Uber work culture in a heartfelt blog post over the weekend, Kalanick said the experience Fowler detailed was "abhorrent" and trumped everything that Uber believes in and stands for. At the meeting, Kalanick continued the conversation and eventually turned it into a Q&A with the company's employees. Kalanick Invested In Uber Sexism Investigation According to Uber employees, it's a rare sight to see the CEO so involved and emotional at a meeting with staff members. Bloomberg even notes that Kalanick seemed to be tearing up during the company meeting. After the meeting, employees felt that Kalanick was truly invested in this sexism probe. As previously mentioned, Kalanick tapped Holder to conduct an independent review of the sexist and abusive practices Fowler reported and the investigation is ongoing. Holder will collaborate with other lawyers, Uber board members and the company's chief of human resources, Liane Hornsey. Silicon Valley Sexism For Silicon Valley, matters of sexism and inappropriate work cultures are not all that surprising, but Fowler's explosive outcry drew more attention to such issues and stirred a wide backlash. Fowler's allegations struck a chord not only because it's truly disheartening to have such blatant practices in this day and age, but also because she put real effort into documenting everything and detail her experience in a powerful yet personal manner. "If the world, and Uber specifically, takes one thing away from this, it should be that this is not an isolated incident," Uber software engineer Aimee Lucido wrote in a personal blog post, referring to Fowler's experience and allegations. "I think this is disgusting and appalling and horrifying and yet I am not surprised at all. In fact, I'm most surprised at how surprised everyone else seems to be." It remains to be seen how the investigation will progress and what changes Uber will implement to improve its workplace environment and culture, but the matter is on everyone's radar now. From employees, to customers, investors and everything in between, everyone is closely monitoring the investigation. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. 5G might be inching closer to commercial reality, as Verizon said on Wednesday, Feb. 22, that it will begin offering its high-speed 5G network to pilot customers in 11 U.S. cities in mid-2017. Verizon Kicks Off 5G Trial Plans The Big Red had already confirmed last July that it laid out plans to facilitate 5G trials of its network for this year. Its 5G connectivity will offer wireless fiber-level speeds, positioned as at least 10 or maybe even up to 100 times faster than current 4G networks, potentially able to connect 100 billion devices with 10 Gbps download speeds. Preparing for the imminent launch, the company is reportedly building its cell sites at present, as per a report by ZDNet. "5G technology innovation is rapidly evolving," said Adam Koeppe, Verizon's network planning VP. "Network density is increasing to meet the demands of customers, and following the FCC's aggressive action on 5G spectrum, the time is right to deliver the next generation of broadband services with 5G." Cities Part Of Verizon's 5G Trial Service The company will commence pilot testing of 5G pre-commercial trials in these cities: Ann Arbor, Michigan Atlanta, Georgia Bernardsville, New Jersey Brockton, Massachusetts Dallas, Texas Denver, Colorado Houston, Texas Miami, Florida Sacramento, California Seattle, Washington Washington, D.C. The 5G trial will use fixed wireless equipment for home broadband instead of mobile networks for roving devices. For future high-speed mobile broadband, however, carriers say that they will need the early use of millimeter-wave frequencies. Verizon isn't the lone player in the 5G fame. AT&T, which already kicked off its 5G trial services at an Intel facility in Austin, also has plans to conduct wireless 5G connectivity trials for homes in Austin and Indianapolis later this year. As part of those trials, the company is also expected to stream DirecTV for the participants. If 5G comes into full fruition, that means increased internet connectivity for smartphones, of course, but that's not the sole benefit its most important implementation will be for self-driving cars, internet of things devices, and more. 5G connectivity promises extremely low latency, which allows for nearly 1:1 inter-device communication. Autonomous cars, for instance, can leverage this to change driving conditions more quickly than humans, thereby spelling increased road safety. At this year's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, carriers are expected to announce more forthcoming 5G trial services on top of discussions about chipsets. Verizon says that chipsets from Qualcomm, Intel, and Samsung are also being made, presumably to integrate 5G technology. These companies, along with Ericsson, are part of the Verizon 5G Technology Forum. "Ericsson's partnership with Verizon in rolling out 5G customer trials is accelerating the global 5G ecosystem," said Rima Qureshi, Ericsson's Head of Region, North America. "These end-to-end solutions are a key step for preparing Verizon's network for commercial deployment with different 5G scenarios and use cases." What do you think? Could 5G connectivity finally be upon us? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below! 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Lawmakers on the Assembly Committee on Jobs and the Economy hear testimony from University of Wisconsin engineers Peter Rafferty and David Noyce on autonomous vehicles. Huawei is the next company attempting to break into the virtual reality space. The company has now officially unveiled its Honor VR Camera, a 360-degree shooter that clips on smartphones, created in concert with Insta360. Huawei Honor VR Camera In addition to 3K photography, the Honor VR camera supports a livestreaming functionality. Users may also save and share 360-degree videos via an app developed by Insta360. "We're thrilled to partner with Huawei to grow the global community of 360-degree and VR creators," said JK Liu, Insta360's founder and CEO. "Like us, Huawei is committed to reinventing photography, and they believe in our products as the best way to introduce users to the future of the camera." Details about the new 360-degree camera are thin at present, although Huawei seems to be pushing to release it internationally. It's also unclear what the camera's resolution is, although for a device geared for smartphone usage, one shouldn't expect anything grand. Pricing And Availability Additionally, there are questions about the camera's compatibility: will it work with non-Huawei smartphones, or will Huawei tighten them exclusively with its proprietary handsets? The latter possibility, although potentially disappointing, makes sense. Also, it still isn't known just how much the camera will cost, although as per Digital Trends's forecast, it might be priced less than $350, and going above that price point would be surprising, since the Samsung Gear 360 costs similarly. By contrast, however, Insta360 is presently selling a consumer camera add-on called the Insta360 Nano, which is available for the iPhone 6 and 7 for $195, able to take 360-degree videos at up to 3,040 x 1,520 resolution at 30 fps. The company also recently unveiled another product, the Insta360 Pro, which is more geared for professional photographers. It takes 8K 360-degree videos with its six lenses and supports livestreaming on top of 3D video. The Insta360 Pro will be released later in 2017, but at a ferociously steep price of $2,999. At any rate, Huawei is expected to offer more word about the Honor VR Camera at this year's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. The Rise Of 360-Degree Video And Livestreaming Huawei is the latest company to venture into 360-degree video and virtual reality. Samsung has already carved space in the 360-degree video field with its own 360-degree camera, although it isn't as portable as the Honor VR camera. It's possible that the commercialization of these devices will help usher the plight of 360-degree content to the mainstream, which at present is already beginning to take off. The fact that Huawei's Honor VR Camera supports livestreaming is also pretty impressive and logical too, considering the popularity of livestreaming platforms of late, such as Facebook Live, which are now being used by common folk, apart from publishers, outlets, and such. Facebook has also been pushing 360-degree content, which the Honor VR camera could perfectly fit into. Thoughts about Huawei's Honor VR Camera? Anything in mind you would use it for? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below! 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NASA scientists revealed on Wednesday, Feb. 22, the discovery of seven Earth-sized planets that orbit a nearby dwarf star in tight, fast ellipses. The location and characteristics of the exoplanets draw astronomers closer to finding worlds that can support life. Newly Discovered Planets Likely Have Water On Their Surface Finding exoplanets is not new. Earlier this month, for instance, scientists who were observing 1,600 stars using the W.M. Keck Observatory reported the discovery of 60 new planets, including one super-Earth, outside of the solar system. The discovery of the seven new extraterrestrial worlds outside of the solar system, however, has caused much excitement to the scientific community NASA even called for a press conference. The discovery is rare because the newly found planets are not just similar in size to Earth. Just like our home planet, the newly discovered planets are also temperate, which means they likely have water on their surface and may have potentials to support life. The Goldilocks Zone Another thing about some of the newly discovered exoplanets that is of particular interest to astronomers is where they orbit relative to their host, the dwarf star TRAPPIST-1. Astronomers have long been interested in the so-called Goldilocks zone, the area around a star where the surface temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold to make possible for liquid water that can support life to exist. Three of the planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system are in this habitable zone. Researchers said that the star system now has the record for most rocky planets lying in the habitable zone. Inviting Target For Finding Signs Of Alien Life Researchers said that the potential habitability and location of the planets make TRAPPIST-1 an inviting target to search for extraterrestrial life. The newly found world could well be included in the lists of places where scientists look for signs of life. To date, scientists are already launching missions to find signs of life on planet Mars, Jupiter moon Europa, and Saturn moon Enceladus. "This discovery could be a significant piece in the puzzle of finding habitable environments, places that are conducive to life," said Thomas Zurbuchen, from NASA's Science Mission Directorate. "Answering the question 'are we alone' is a top science priority and finding so many planets like these for the first time in the habitable zone is a remarkable step forward toward that goal." Hunting For Signatures Of Life To find possible signatures of life such as methane and oxygen in this star system, astronomers may take advantage of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which is set for launch late next year. The $8.8 billion telescope may shed more light on the atmospheres of the TRAPPIST-1 planets by the early 2020s. Finding both methane and oxygen in the atmosphere could indicate the presence of life. The two gases destroy each other, explained Shawn Domagal-Goldman, from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. "If they're both there together, you know someone is bringing the methane in an atmosphere rich in oxygen, so that's what you're looking for," Domagal-Goldman said. "The most likely explanation is, it's life that's bringing the methane and oxygen to the party." 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Several popular OEMs such as Samsung, Sony, HTC, LG, and Huawei have already scheduled their press events and are expected to introduce their new smartphones during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) this month. However, this is not the case with the China-based company Xiaomi, as it will not be a part of this year's MWC as suggested by reports. Fans who were awaiting the launch of the Mi 5's successor the Xiaomi Mi 6 were undoubtedly disappointed by this news. While the smartphone may not be debuting at the MWC, tech buffs will be pleased to learn that new images of the Xiaomi Mi 6 have now surfaced online, offering a peek into the impending handset. What Do The Images Show? The leaked images have been shared on Weibo and reveal that the smartphone may not feature curved edges. The design choice apparent in the leaked images is that the Mi 6 may feature a high screen-to-body ratio. It will also apparently have minimum bezels just like the company's earlier release, the Mi Mix. The Xiaomi Mi 6 is likely to ditch the physical home button as indicated by the renders, suggesting that the smartphone may feature touch sensitive control with onscreen buttons, similar to those rumored to be present on the impending Samsung Galaxy S8. What Else Is Known About The Xiaomi Mi 6? The company may launch two variants of Xiaomi Mi 6: Youth and Standard. Both models are likely to feature different configurations. The former edition is expected to be equipped with a MediaTek Helio X30 processor, while the latter is likely to pack the much superior Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC. Both the variants may differ slightly in design. The cheaper Youth edition is likely to sport a 5.2-inch display. On the other hand, the Standard edition may boast a larger 5.5-inch display. However, reports suggest that both the models will feature flat displays. Xiaomi Mi 6: Coming To The United States Although previous rumors suggested that the smartphone will hit the market in March 2017 following its launch at MWC, the lack of Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 835 chipset has reportedly forced Xiaomi to reschedule the Mi 6's launch. The device may now debut sometime in July after the Galaxy S8 launches with the Snapdragon 835 SoC on board. However, the trial production for the Xiaomi Mi 6 is likely to start in March. For those wondering about the U.S. release, since the Xiaomi Mi 5 did not make its way to the country, the Mi 6 may hit the shelves. Xiaomi executives have hinted that they may release some smartphones in the United States, considering the demand and anticipation among American fans. The next-gen Mi 6 could well be one of the possible smartphones being hinted at. It remains to be seen whether the Xiaomi Mi 6 will hit the U.S. shelves on launch and give competition to top-end Android offerings from Samsung, LG and more. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Samsung has officially taken the wraps off its new premium application processor (AP), the Exynos 9 Series 8895. The company unveiled the Exynos 9 Series 8895 SoC on Feb. 23 and it takes advantage of 10-nanometer (nm) FinFET technology. "With industry leading technologies like VPU, the Exynos 8895 will drive the innovation of next generation smartphones, VR headsets, and automotive infotainment system," noted Ben Hur, the VP of System LSI marketing at Samsung Electronics. The processor is currently in mass production and it is presumed that the chipset may power the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ smartphones. Exynos 9 Series 8895: Features The processor takes advantage of the innovative 10nm FinFET technology, which improves efficiency and reduces power consumption by 27 percent and 40 percent, respectively, when compared to the previous 14nm technology. It is also the first ever Exynos processor to house an LTE modem, which can support high speed data of maximum 1 Gbps (Cat.16) downlink with 5CA and 150 Mbps (Cat.13) with uplink 2CA. The Exynos 9 Series 8895 also boasts an octa-core processor which includes Samsung's custom designed CPU cores, as well as Cortex-A53 cores. Graphical capability wise, the new SoC comes with ARM's latest Mali-G71 GPU which ensures smooth 4K UHD VR and gaming experience. The chipset will also allow for 4K video recording and playback at 120fps. This is a marked improvement from previous iterations and will surely be lauded by fans and critics alike. When it comes to security regarding mobile payments, the Exynos 9 Series 8895 comes with a separate processing unit for taking care of this functionality. The company is calling it the Vision Processing Unit (VPU), which ensures security apart from the standard fingerprint and iris scanners. Exynos 9 Series 8895 To Power Galaxy S8 And Galaxy S8+? It is not known for certain whether the Exynos 9 Series 8895 would be housed in the international version of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8+, but all the evidence points that way. The predecessor to the upcoming smartphones from Samsung, the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 edge had two variants, where each of the devices had a domestic version and an international one. While the U.S. version of the devices housed a Snapdragon SoC, whereas the international version shipped with an Exynos processor on board. The U.S. variant of the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8+ are expected to boast the Snapdragon 835 processor, while the international variant may house the latest Exynos 9 Series 8895 SoC. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. For the first time in nearly half a century, the prized Apollo 11 command module Columbia will leave the National Air and Space Museum and go on a four-city tour. For the next two years, it will be the star of the exhibition called Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission. As the only piece of the spaceship that completed the first mission to bring humankind to the moon and return him safely to Earth, Columbia has a rich story to tell eager audiences in Houston on Oct. 14 and St. Louis, Pittsburgh, and Seattle afterward. Historic Lunar Mission It did things that up until then were hardly imaginable, and it stoked tremendous excitement about the possibilities of technology in the future, said Smithsonian secretary David J. Skorton of Apollo 11, which landed astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins to the moonshot mission. Columbia, now charred and shaken by time and the great forces of atmospheric re-entry, had been displayed at the National Air and Space Museum from its opening in 1976 until last December, when it was transferred to the conservation laboratory at the museums Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Scientists will keep studying and conserving the historic vessel for nine months before its tour kick-starts at the Space Center Houston. Columbia In Focus Here are 11 facts and pieces of information on the Columbia and the space research-defining mission it embarked on. 1. Columbia served as the living quarters of the three astronauts during their lunar landing mission in July 1969. The mission launched from Cape Kennedy on top of a Saturn V rocket. 2. This command module, with no. 107, was manufactured by North American Rockwell and among the three parts of the complete spacecraft. The two others were the service module (containing the main spacecraft propulsion system and consumables) and the lunar module, the two-person craft nicknamed Eagle and used by Armstrong and Aldrin for descending to the lunar surface. 3. It was primarily made up of aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and titanium. 4. Heres Columbia by the numbers: it measures 10 feet and 7 inches in height, weighs 13,000 pounds, and has a maximum diameter of 12 feet 10 inches. 5. Columbia housed Collins while Armstrong and Aldrin descended to the moon in Eagle. Collins was the communications link and photographer of the moons surface for 28 hours. 6. Columbia afterward reclaimed the two astronauts from the ascent stage of the lunar module. 7. Its interior space is nearly as roomy as a large automobile. 8. Apollo 11 astronauts carried tools to make minor repairs to their spacecraft, a kit that was aboard the command module during the lunar mission. 9. The hatch from the Apollo 11 command module could be opened outward in five seconds through pumping the handle for activating a pressurized nitrogen cylinder. Prior to the tragic fire in January 1967 that killed three astronauts, there were two hatches on the Apollo command module requiring 90 seconds to open. 10. Before it entered the Smithsonians collections, Columbia traveled to all 50 state capitals as part of a NASA-sponsored tour in 1970 and 1971. 11. Columbia will travel 8,000 miles in its four-museum tour, with a concluding trip to mark the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing to be held at the Museum of Flight in Seattle from March 16 to Sept. 2 in 2019. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A therapeutic vaccine strategy tested by researchers in Barcelona has been found to be effective in controlling the level of HIV among several patients, a new study revealed. Although results are yet to be tested in a large-scale clinical trial, scientists say the therapeutic vaccine may be a "functional cure" that allows patients to control the virus without having to take antiretroviral drugs. Functional Cure For HIV Patients The search for an AIDS vaccine has generated massive investments and intensive efforts, but so far, not one vaccine has come to market. In the past, experts like Tomas Hanke of the University of Oxford have tried out therapeutic vaccines that attempt to keep the virus at bay for months or years without drugs. Now, in a new study, Beatriz Mothe and her colleagues from the Spanish AIDS institute IrsiCaixa tried the same strategy and used Hanke's HIV vaccine on 13 patients. All participants had taken antiretroviral drugs on average for at least three years and began their treatments six months after being infected. This helped keep the levels of HIV in their blood undetectable in standard tests. Researchers speculated that this had limited the virus's integration into the patients' chromosomes, leaving them with traces of infected cells. This should make it easier to contain the virus if the drugs are stopped, especially with the help of a vaccine, they said. In the trial, participants received three shots of the therapeutic vaccine and stopped taking the antiretroviral drugs. In a span of four weeks, eight of the patients saw the virus rebound. On the other hand, the other five patients have gone six to 28 weeks without having to restart the treatment. For these five patients, the virus became temporarily undetectable, but it has never gone above 2,000 copies per milliliter, which is the criterion to restart treatment. "It looks like a battle between the virus and their immune systems," Mothe told MedPage Today. Hope For AIDS Vaccine? Steven Deeks, a clinician from the University of California, San Francisco, said he is cautiously optimistic that the study will inspire other researchers to try the same strategy. He said out of 50 trials on the therapeutic vaccine so far, the Barcelona study is the first one to bolster the immune system in a "meaningful way." Mothe said that past treatment interruption trials - especially those among patients who started taking antiretroviral drugs after six months of being infected - have found only 10 percent control for their infections for more than four weeks. In the Barcelona study, the rate is 38 percent. Deeks agreed that the study passed a milestone. "Should the current trends persist, it is hard to argue that the vaccine strategy did not do something, but controlled studies are needed," added Deeks. The findings of the small-scale study were presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Seattle. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. RootMetrics published its latest report on the state of mobile performance in the United States and, according to its stats, Verizon is still the most reliable network. The study is based on millions of wireless coverage and network reliability tests at the city, state and national levels, and Verizon ranked top in the United States in the second half of 2016. Verizon, 'Undisputed Leader' "Based on our testing, Verizon is the undisputed leader in terms of coverage and network reliability," says RootMetrics. "Indeed, Verizon's network reliability results were the strongest among all carriers at the metro, state, and national levels in the second half of 2016." RootMetrics highlights that Verizon's LTE-Advanced service launched back in the summer of 2016 played a big role in its achievements, as it increased the network's download speeds and boosted the overall performance. Verizon vs Rival Carriers Verizon scored 93.9 out of 100 on RootMetrics' national ranking chart, trailed by AT&T with a 90.5 score. Sprint ranked third with a score of 84.7, followed by T-Mobile with an 81.2 score. According to the report, Verizon rules in virtually every category, ranking top in terms of reliability, data, speed, call, and text. AT&T seized the second position in nearly most of these categories, albeit Sprint trumped AT&T in the call ranking. T-Mobile Call Rating Ranks Low Speaking of call ranking, T-Mobile ranked worst in this category. Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T scored 90.1, 86.4, and 84.6, respectively, while T-Mobile managed to score only 67.2 in the call ranking category. Overall, RootMetrics' report reveals that Verizon is still the top carrier in the United States, followed by AT&T as a close second, then Sprint and T-Mobile in the third and fourth spots. Nevertheless, the new report from RootMetrics brings some interesting stats compared to other recent reports. Just earlier this month, a Nielsen report revealed that T-Mobile was the most appreciated carrier, while AT&T and Verizon had more unhappy customers. Even so, Verizon won for the second consecutive testing period in all six of RootMetrics' testing category nationally. RootMetrics conducted nearly 3.7 million tests, drove nearly 250,000 miles and tested U.S. networks in more than 4,000 indoor locations to obtain its results. Verizon 5G Separately, Verizon also announced on Wednesday, Feb. 22 that it plans to deliver 5G wireless service to select customers in 11 cities by mid-2017 as part of its 5G pilot program. Those cities include Denver, Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, Houston, Washington, and Seattle. Overall, it looks like the mobile performance in the United States is on the rise and increased competition between the top carriers should lead to further advancements, perks, and improvements at the network level, as well as the customer offerings. RootMetrics' test results are organized by national standings, but also by state rankings and most populated metro areas. Verizon ranked top or tied for overall performance in 116 cities out of 125, while AT&T ranked top or tied in 55 cities. T-Mobile finished first in 25 cities, while Sprint ranked top only in 9. Do you agree with these findings? Drop by our comment section below and tell us what U.S. carrier you prefer and why. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The main focus of digital transformation is the digitalisation of the companys value proposal, redesigning processes and, above all, their business models. It also implies thinking about the product or service in terms of the user, the digital perimeter we build, while seeking user loyalty in every interaction. This is a transformation that involves new models of power and a change that requires, above all, the evolution of the culture of organizations and people. The digital technologies we work on may either be driving new business directly related to the new skills they bring, or they may generate transformations in poorly digital value proposals, but that have the potential to scale or diversify. In other cases, efficiency in value creation processes (transformations, integrations, etc.) is improved while generating efficacy through the analysis of data. Value extraction from the data is another of the goals behind this transformation, generating proprietary value proposals power models (defensive) and external ones (disintermediation). Lastly, the challenge of resilience and trust in digital infrastructures must be highlighted, reducing the risk in transformation processes that generate long-term dependencies on digital technologies. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close 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 Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less. Heads up to prevent injury from falls Morning walks in my neighborhood are one of the most enjoyable parts of my day. I love the coolness of daybreak and the special sightings of the stag and two does that frequent our open space. I also enjoy my walk because each day at... Signs that point to the best time for retirement Ive been thinking a lot about retirement lately. One of our amazing staff members, who has been with Senior Concerns for the last 13 years, retired last month. It just doesnt seem real. I always thought of Dana as young. Certainly not the person to... Rethinking the mandatory retirement age How old is too old for working at a job? Last week a news story hit my inbox and it really got me to thinking about age and retirement. The article noted that Target Corp. abandoned its mandatory retirement age of 65 for its CEO,... Tips to promoting a healthy nights sleep for children Question: Help, please. My daughter is almost 2 years old and has been an easy child to put into her own bed. Yet in the past few weeks she is purposefully stretching out the bedtime routine longer and longer. She wants more: more stories, more... Former East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Kip Holden said Wednesday that current Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome should have the ability to choose her own police chief, but that Chief Carl Dabadie will be remembered as one of Baton Rouge's best chiefs. Holden's statements were on the Jim Engster Show, and he spoke on the radio show Wednesday afternoon on a variety of topics, including his time in office, his thoughts on Broome's administration and Baton Rouge's racial divisions. Broome has taken heat for her choice to replace Dabadie as police chief, though people who serve in top government positions frequently serve at the pleasure of the mayor. When asked about it, Holden looked back on his choices of Dabadie and Jeff LeDuff both of whom he praised and Dewayne White, whom he fired. "I picked my police chiefs," Holden said. "I can't say no in her case and yes in my case." But Holden also questioned why there would be a desire to replace Dabadie, using the adage of not fixing something that is not broken. Furthermore, Holden said, racial divisions in Baton Rouge have been overplayed. He insisted his own election showed the ability of people in Baton Rouge to look past race, as both white and black voters supported him. "Is racism dead? No," Holden said. "But on the other hand, we are far better off than many places in this country." He also weighed in on the allegation that state District Court Judge Mike Erwin used a racial slur toward a black woman at Sammy's Grill on Feb. 3, as Erwin has now been banned from the restaurant. Holden said he has known Erwin for many years and never heard him use racial slurs, but he also could not say whether the incident happened. Looking back on his time as mayor-president, Holden touted his creation of the Greenlight Plan to alleviate traffic and the downtown revitalization during his tenure. "We had infrastructure that was horrible and thank God for the people of Baton Rouge, that (program) has become a signature program throughout the whole country," Holden said. Congress has ordered a review of FEMA's manufactured housing unit program after a Baton Rouge man was found dead inside a unit with an allegedly faulty heating and air unit. "He was baked to death in a FEMA trailer," said Cathy Landry, friend and caregiver to the blind, 84-year-old Everett Wilson. On Thursday, Congressman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, ordered FEMA to turn over records relating to flood recovery. He cited numerous problems with FEMA's manufactured housing program: trailers that cost more than new houses, units languishing unused on a staging lot, and Wilson's death. Landry found Wilson unresponsive in bed on Oct. 25 in his trailer at 4250 Blount Road, where he was living after his home off O'Neal Lane flooded. Landry said she called authorities five times over 25 days to fix the heating and air in his trailer, noting the heat got so bad the day he died that unlit candles inside had melted. When they entered the home, authorities found the thermostat reporting the temperature at only 50 degrees Fahrenheit, even as the ambient temperature climbed into the triple digits. "Attempts to turn off the unit would not stop hot air from blowing out of the vents," Chaffetz's letter states. Even after an hour and a half in a cooling unit at the morgue, Wilson's body temperature registered at 110 degrees Fahrenheit, said parish coroner Dr. Beau Clark. Brain damage can begin once body temperatures reach around 107 to 109 degrees, he said. Clark ruled the death accidental hyperthermia overheating. The temperature inside the mobile home registered 124.4 degrees, and air coming out of vents measured as high as 137.9 degrees, the coroner said. Wilson lost his sight about 17 years ago when a tumor damaged his optic nerve, Landry said. She noted that the blinds over one of his windows were askew when she found him; she believes Wilson tried to escape out the window before succumbing to the heat. Clark noted that Wilson had some health issues related to his advanced age, but none are believed to have contributed to his death. Landry said she met Wilson decades ago, and he had been friends with her father. Over the years, he became part of her family, since his relationships with his own family were strained. She said he was a U.S. Air Force veteran who had worked on machinery and put a high value on education. When Landry's daughter was in first grade, Wilson made her promise to get good grades. When she graduated high school near the top of her class years later, her "paw paw," as she knew Wilson, bought her a car. "I just want FEMA to stand up and admit they killed that sweet man," Landry said. Thursday, residents at Leo's Park, the site on Blount where Wilson died, said they had moved into the park since the incident and did not know it occurred. Wilson's unit is still there, the locks and knobs taped shut. A sign on the door reads "Do not enter or move this unit without notifying FEMA security." Everett's death has raised questions about the safety of all trailers. Local Republican Congressman Garret Graves said his office received a call from an anonymous tipster who said he was involved in manufactured housing deployment and alleged the agency destroyed 60 to 80 faulty units following Everett's death. Graves said his office has yet to determine whether that's true, but if it is "that would have been an extraordinary waste." In a prepared response, a FEMA spokesman wrote that they were notified of a death in a Louisiana manufactured housing unit in October but "have not identified any systemic issues within the manufactured housing units. Out of an abundance of caution, at that time, FEMA decided to replace the thermostats of the occupied MHUs manufactured before 2016 as a part of our regularly scheduled maintenance checks that occur about once a month." The agency did not respond specifically to Wilson's death. The circumstances leading to the overheating death demonstrate "a major screw-up," Graves said. Moreover, a review of FEMA's response to the August flood has found "so many flaws that really impeded the recovery" and "fleeced" taxpayers, he continued. Can't see video below? Click here. Congressional staff first visited Louisiana to inspect the FEMA response in August, after the flood. They followed up on Feb. 15 and 16 when they collected information that was included in the recent records request. Wilson's death is one of several concerns that's prompted the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to demand FEMA officials turn their records over. Chaffetz, as chairman, has asked for documents listing deaths and injuries inside manufactured housing units, repair records and other data. He's also requested analysis of the program compared to other temporary housing programs like Shelter at Home, plus costs and policies associated with that program. Graves said the committee will use documents provided by FEMA to look at ways disaster response can operate more smoothly. Chaffetz raised concerns about the length of time it took to deliver mobile homes to flood survivors, specifically noting that three weeks after the disaster, just one person was living in a unit while others sat unused. The committee is also investigating the efficacy of the Shelter at Home program, which Graves said he loves in theory. It would be great to allow people to move back into partially restored homes rather than using manufactured housing units, the congressman said. However, Graves pointed to a story in The Advocate that demonstrated that many of the people who were offered the program did not feel the work was sufficient and chose not to move back home. If the program is to continue, it needs to become smarter and less wasteful, he said. "We have additional questions about the implementation of the Shelter at Home program, including the efficiency of the program, both in its execution and high administrative overhead costs," Chaffetz's letter states. "Reports of shoddy repairs performed at costs beyond value are an indication of a serious problem." A subsidiary of Associated Grocers, which distributes products to grocers in Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi, has purchased the former Martin Brower food distribution center in Port Allen for nearly $2 million. Apple Core Properties LLC, which has the same mailing address as Associated Grocers, bought the distribution center at 1585 Commercial Drive in a deal that closed last week. Martin Brower, the largest distributor of products to McDonalds restaurants, moved its local operations to Walker in late 2016. Food distribution center moving from Port Allen to Walker Martin Brower, the largest distributor of products to McDonalds restaurants, said it will m A spokeswoman for Associated Grocers said the company has no plans at this time for the Port Allen facility. The 53,800-square-foot building features a mix of office, storage, cooler and freezer space, along with loading docks. Martin Brower, which supplies every item found in more 14,000 McDonalds restaurants worldwide including hamburger patties, soft-drink cups, french fries and napkins operated the Port Allen distribution complex since 1979. But the company ran out of space at the site, which had limited rail access. Associated Grocers, which has its offices and distribution center on Anselmo Lane, has annual sales of more than $700 million and more than 650 employees. Among the stores it supplies are Robert Fresh Market, Dorignacs and Breaux Mart in New Orleans and Calandros, Mathernes and Hi Nabor in Baton Rouge. +3 Changes at the top at Associated Grocers Emile R. Breaux will take over Monday as president and CEO of Associated Grocers, the fourth The company offers a range of services for more than 200 independent grocery stores stretching from east Texas to south Mississippi and up through central Louisiana. AG supplies food and products to stores, including customized software for supermarkets. It sells everything from refrigeration equipment to shelves. The company does payroll and accounting for stores, providing marketing and advertising support with sophisticated business analytics. In recent years, the company has put an emphasis on its Table Fresh subsidiary, which distributes prepared foods such as entrees and side dishes to AG stores and delis. In a 2015 interview with The Advocate, Emile Breaux, AG president and chief executive officer, said that was where "retail shopping was going" because of busy lifestyles. We went from a mom buying sugar, flour and eggs to make a cake to picking up box cake mixes to buying a cake thats already made, Breaux said. Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission Amid sharp divisions, a panel named by Gov. John Bel Edwards recommended Thursday that Louisiana's plan to overhaul public schools be delayed for five months. The move differs with state Superintendent of Education John White's bid to submit the proposal to the U.S. Department of Education by April 3. White said that would allow the changes to be in place for the start of the 2017-18 school year, and limit disruptions. Panel members said there are too many issues remaining, including major differences on possible test reductions, to finalize a proposal in roughly 30 days. Debra Schum, executive director of the Louisiana Association of Principals, noted that the state's top school board is set to debate, and possibly approve, White's plan at a special meeting on March 29. "Why are we in such a push without a complete vetting?" Schum asked the committee. "It is much too rushed to be done in a month's time." The recommendation for a delay won approval on a voice vote without dissent. At stake is a wide range of school changes sparked by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, or ESSA, including changes in how public school letter grades are calculated. New arguments erupt over Louisiana public schools overhaul More fault lines surfaced Thursday in the rancorous debate on how to overhaul Louisiana's pu Schum and others are members of the Governor's ESSA Advisory Council. Officials of the governor's office and White have been in discussions for weeks on how to reconcile the superintendent's proposal with changes recommended by Edwards' task force. In just one key difference, White wants to continue annual, standardized testing in grades three through eight for English, math, science and social studies. Just how many times should students be tested? Top leaders trying to reach an accord State education leaders, allies of Gov. John Bel Edwards and even teachers are embroiled in The task force favors state science tests only in grades five and eight and an end to the annual standardized exams in social studies. Scott Richard, executive director of the Louisiana School Boards Association, said the changes need more work amid "a lot of dissension, a lot of disagreement." Richard said it would be irresponsible to implement such a disputed plan on students and teachers. White has said that the April submission will allow the changes to be in place for the start of the school year, not midway through the academic calendar. He has also noted that state officials have held public hearings statewide, and reached out to a wide range of groups, for more than a year. Richard said that, if the proposal is submitted in September, it can be put in classrooms for the 2018-19 school year. Disrupting classes in the middle of the year "is not the intention of anybody," he said. The differences point up the longtime split on public school policies between White and the governor's education allies. Consider dropping public school letter grades, group named by Gov. John Bel Edwards says The state should consider scrapping the annual issuance of letter grades for public schools, The task force includes officials of Louisiana's two teacher unions and others who have clashed with the superintendent for years, and opposed many of the sweeping changes in public schools since 2012. Donald Songy, the governor's education policy advisor, has said talks with White and others on school changes have been productive. Group recommends teacher-evaluation overhaul, other major changes in public schools A panel named by Gov. John Bel Edwards recommended major changes in public school policies T Stephen Parker, an official of the National Governors' Association, told the task force that Edwards has 30 days to review White's plan, starting Feb. 20. Parker said the governor has the option of signing the outline and, in response to a question, said there is nothing to keep Edwards from attaching a rebuttal or addendum to the state plan. He said that, with or without the governor's signature, the proposal can be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education by education officials. The federal agency then has 120 days to review the measure, with considerable back and forth expected during those four months. The proposed test reductions in science and social studies have sparked pushback from some educators, who say the move would devalue those subjects. Not so, said Debbie Meaux, president of the Louisiana Association of Educators and a member of the advisory panel. 'We have gotten into the mindset that if it isn't tested it doesn't count," Meaux said. Tammie McDaniel, a member of the council and a former member of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, said the volume of exams needs scrutiny. "The amount of money we spend on tests is outrageous," McDaniel said. The governor made reduced testing one of his campaign themes in 2015. Trimming science and other tests would likely require a change in state law. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. In this June 21, 2016, photo, Paul Carpenter, an artist participating in the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, paints a donkey sculpture. They were placed throughout the city for the 2016 Democratic National Convention. A public hearing on Louisiana's high rate of locking people up did not lack for suggestions to change our status as No. 1 in incarceration. The "town hall" by the Justice Reinvestment Task Force drew 200 folks, from experts and lawyers to former prisoners who have turned around their lives and are now contributing to society. Some of the latter called for empathy among the public, as much as specific policy changes. Its not just a bucket of water that you just pour out. Every drop is not the same, said Kerry Myers, who served 27 years in Angola and was released in December. You have to remember that these people were your neighbors, sons, sisters. The task force is one of the big undertakings by the state, but not necessarily because of the policy challenges: Many states, including Texas, have made significant changes in how they prosecute offenders, seeking to imprison fewer people and rehabilitate more. The tough issues might well be considered political, or at least related to risks vs. rewards. The political advertisement of decades ago about Willie Horton, an inmate released to commit another crime, has made that criminal a byword for mistakes by the system; among politicians of all stripes, it is a cautionary tale about how to gauge the risks of these decisions. We like many of the ideas advanced, at least for discussion. The fact is that Louisiana's prison system is costly, state and local. And while some inmates return to society better-educated and fully rehabilitated, many do not and are high risks for arrest for other crimes. Louisianas incarceration rate is the highest in the United States and double the national average. If Louisiana could match the statistics of the second highest, Oklahoma, then the state could save nearly $90 million a year, said state Supreme Court Deputy General Counsel Alanah Hebert, who moderated the event in Baton Rouge. Groups from across the state have good ideas, including significant changes for how juveniles are treated in the system. But ideas are one thing, and legislation that will pass the Willie Horton test in a political body is something else. The task force, formed by Gov. John Bel Edwards and legislative leaders, is going to report to the regular session of the Legislature that begins in April. Because of the political risks, we hope to see recommendations that represent a consensus among reformers, prosecutors and law enforcement, liberals and conservatives. We think there is a consensus that over-incarceration is a problem, and that's a start. But to pass bills, there will have to be a way to bridge the differing viewpoints of the people who work in different parts of the criminal justice system. Pulling that together is vital to passage of a comprehensive package of prison reform measures. We would also caution the task force members against promising too much in the way of cost savings up front. If an offender isn't in jail, he or she might well require a much more effective level of parole or probation oversight than we have now; treating drug offenders for their addictions is also costly. There are savings down the road, but in the meantime we have to ensure that changes to the system work effectively. That is not a pure reduction in the budget. A feared Central City gang leader who was sentenced last year to 100 years in prison now claims prosecutors let a pivotal witness lie at his t Louisiana men accused of using stolen New Orleans U-Haul to steal motorcycles in Biloxi Actor and comedian Mike Epps was arrested along with another man for allegedly attacking a tourist at Harrahs Casino early Saturday, New Orleans police said. Caboolture hospitality worker Selina Young has been left wondering how she will pay her bills from July, after the Fair Work Commission decided on Thursday to slash her weekend and public holiday penalty rates. The FWC announced Sunday penalty rates for full- and part-time workers in the retail, fast food, hospitality and pharmacy industries would be slashed, in some cases, from double time to time-and-a-half. Ms Young, who worked at the Caboolture RSL, faced a reduction in her Sunday penalty rates from 175 per cent to 150 per cent, with the pay decrease to come into effect from July. She said while she was not surprised by the FWC's decision, that did not make it any easier for her to swallow. Murray Goulburn Co-Operative is pining its hopes on a more competitive price it will pay for milk purchased from dairy farmers at the mid-year start of the new season as it seeks to recover from a disastrous 2016 as low prices prompted farmers to slash supplies to the troubled group last year. Farmers have shunned the milk processor, the country's largest, shifting the supply of around 250 million litres to other processors in the December half, since rival groups are offering a better price for their milk. Murray Goulburn has disclosed a heavy loss for the December half. Credit:Craig Sillitoe In the December half, its milk supplies fell a heavy 20.6 per cent, it said, which bit directly into revenues which fell to $1.17 billion from $1.38 billion. In the December half, it lost $31.9 million, a sharp reversal from the $9.3 million profit of a year ago.The half loss followed the booking of heavy impairment charges for a pricing support package provided to troubled dairy farmers last year. The time you spend working on a Sunday is still worth more than it is on a Saturday, but not as much as it was in the past, according to the Fair Work umpire. In deciding to reduce Sunday penalty rates for retail and hospitality industries, it found working on Sunday was more adverse to workers than Saturday work, but "much less than in times gone past". After trawling through 5900 submissions and hearing evidence from 143 witnesses, the Fair Work Commission decided to reduce Sunday penalty rates in varying amounts for workers in retail and hospitality with the exception of restaurants. The restaurant industry failed to make a strong enough argument to convince the Commission. But the door is open for restaurants to ramp up their case, and the industry group that represents them says it will now make another submission later this year. While employer groups and economic rationalists are already celebrating Thursday's decision by the Fair Work Commission to take an axe to Sunday penalty rates, it is unlikely hundreds of thousands of Australia's most poorly remunerated workers will be flocking to any parties. Retail, fast food, hospitality and pharmacy workers will be more focused on how they are going to absorb a significant pay cut at a time already remarkable for historically low levels of wages growth. While defenders of the cuts claim there will be a pay-off in terms of employment growth and extra shifts for existing employees these "trickle down" claims have elicited considerable scepticism. Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released on Wednesday indicated the national wage price index had only risen 1.9 per cent in the 12 months to the December quarter; one of the weakest results on record. Did Anne Prendergast read this article? If she did, she should be deeply ashamed of her own letter, and of her seeming lack of compassion. From the comfort and security of one of Canberra's better suburbs, she exhibits a frightful lack of insight and empathy. Peter Dark, Queanbeyan Selective approach Netanyahu could be seen as a pioneer of "Alt-Darwinism" and its interpretation of "natural selection", in that he is "naturally selective" over what constitutes an outrageous crime against humanity depending on who is at the receiving end of it. When he wonders what kind of state we advocate for Palestine, may I suggest one that is not being obliterated by Israel with a conscious and deliberate use of disproportionate force targeting all civilian infrastructure with the only purpose of favouring unilateral expansion and annexation? If Israel was subjected to the same measures it enforces on Palestine, we would likely witness this new take on "natural selection" on a truly global scale. Luca Biason, Latham Almost all of the countries in our region are among the 137 nations that recognise Palestine. Neither the United States nor the United Kingdom are on the list. Whilst we choose to slavishly follow the USA on Middle Eastern and other issues ("Malcolm Turnbull affirms Israel support", canberratimes.com.au, February 22) rather than take notice of the opinions of our near neighbours we will continue to be regarded as a colonial outpost rather than a part of Asia. Mike Reddy, Curtin When are the Israeli-influenced politicians, the likes of our Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister Bishop, a confirmed "Friend of Israel", going to reflect the thinking of by far the greatest majority of Australians and promote both the Two State Solution for Palestine and support the United Nations resolutions? Rex Williams, Ainslie Wise words "The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding." This statement was made by Louis Brandeis, a Justice of the US Supreme Court (1916-1939), who was known in his major judicial opinions for mistrusting the unlimited exercise of governmental power in the name of the people. Many generations later, in the context of President Trump's attempts to govern through the use of untrammelled executive orders, his strident criticism of American judges and his even more aggressive criticism of the US media, Louis Brandeis' statement has as much applicability now as then. Don Sephton, Greenway Not only has Sweden not suffered any terrorist attacks since taking in lots of Muslim refugees, what terrorist-related crime wave was Trump referring to? There are some reports that car burnings and white collar crime is up in Sweden. Typical terrorist activities, those. The great leader can never be wrong. Sweden's reported lack of immigrant and refugee related crimes must be "fake-non-news". It's obviously a global conspiracy: The World against Donald Trump. R. Neville, Fraser Paul McGeough's latest, as usual, penetrating analysis of Trumpery ("US allies wary of Trump double speak", February 22, p. 12) quotes the President's UN ambassador, Nikki Haley as saying "(Trump) had been merely) thinking out of the box (and) we absolutely support a two-state solution". What contortions of diplomacy will finally convince his apologists to cram (and lock) this ignorant "Jack-out-of-the-box" back into whatever milieu, from which he ought never to have been allowed to emerge? I wonder. Hugh Gibbon, Pearce Headmaster fails Mr Sidorko should be applauded and encouraged in whatever effectual attempts he and his staff apply to 'phoenix' Marist College Canberra's reputation from the 'ashes' that are the findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. It is the most notorious Catholic school in Australia for child sexual abuse claims. However, your Assembly Reporter, Katie Burgess, quotes from the principal's response letter to parents ("City college worst for abuse claims", February 22, p.6), 'I do not understand how a school with Marist's values and ethos could not protect the victims'. This statement is either grossly disingenuous, or an indication of intellectual vacuity. Reports must be familiar to everyone with a passing interest in the atrocities, detailing the propensities of the institutions to move heaven & earth (and indeed the perpetrators, to far-off, alternative posts) to suppress exposure of this criminal activity. (This was) occasionally with the connivance of authorities such as the police and even, unbelievably, the victims' parents. Potential and actual offenders must surely have been tempted by such reassuring examples of the chances of impunity, to risk satisfying their rebarbative appetites and were hardly likely to have top-of-mind any pious platitudes advanced as Marist's values. (How) could Mr Sidorko possibly not understand the school's failure to protect its victims? Hugh Gibbon, Pearce Safe schools dumb ACT The decision to write a local 'safe schools' program is deplorable ("Localised 'Safe Schools' program", February 20, p.8). The Federal Government did not think the program was age-appropriate for primary schools, and thought the controversial nature of the program warranted parental agreement. The ACT Government thinks it knows better. But it cannot also claim to respect parents as the prime educators, nor to uphold a school's duty of care for all students. Outsourcing development of material to Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT guarantees an extreme sexuality and gender mindset will be pushed on our children. Arthur Connor, Weston SHOUT it out loud With regards to the CT Letters to the Editor ("Shout", February 23), The Sleep Apnoea Association Inc is one of many affiliate members of SHOUT (Self Help Organisations United Together). We depend upon SHOUT to be our public first point of phone contact for general enquiries. SHOUT then passes client information on to us for possible support and assistance to persons seeking information and advice about Obstructive Sleep Apnoea(OSA), its causes and treatment. SHOUT provided us and many organisations with a valuable shared administrative service that is almost impossible to manage individually. If SHOUT loses its future ACT Government funding and is forced to close down then many directly supported and affiliated organisations will have a bleak future also. The short-sightedness of not continuing government funding to SHOUT will make us all the poorer and again place our local politicians in that unenviable space that is uncaring and out of touch with the community. Angelo Barich, Sleep Apnoea Association Inc, Kambah Organised chaos Re "Open space stems crash risk", February 22, p.5). You quoted the Canberra Aero Club Director suggesting Canberra airport is pretty safe in terms of build-up around the airport saying "there is heaps of space to put down in a fairly organised fashion". I am no aviation expert but in the case of Essendon and many other crashes near airports, it is my understanding that pilots tragically have no chance "to put down in a fairly organised fashion". The graphic showed the flight path of the plane at Essendon veering to the left before crashing. Having buildings at the side of strips such as Ikea and Costco is no guarantee of harm. The ABC interviewed the chair of the Australian Pilots' Association who cited Canberra as an airport that was once greenfield but now allowing significant development around the strips. Surely in the interests of public safety there should be no further development around Canberra airport. Rod Holesgrove, O'Connor Whilst I agree with your report ("Open space stems crash risk", February 22, p.5) that Canberra airport is not Essendon, it is incontrovertible that it is not as safe now as it was before the building developments. Any light twin taking off on the short runway towards Duntroon that has problems with the right-hand engine after refusal speed is highly likely to visit Costco or Ikea with dire consequences. The southern threshold of the main runway is subject to turbulence whenever a strong and gusty westerly wind blows due to the proximity of large buildings. Whilst competent pilots should be able to cope with both situations they will also require luck, and luck should never be part of the planned safety equation. John Trinder, Karabar, NSW Bucks before beauty It was a sad day for us when our politicians and developers sacrificed all sense of beauty for profits and dollars. What is more beautiful: a median strip of magnificent eucalypts in a mass of cream blossom when they flower or 12 lanes of traffic leading in and out of Canberra with nine storey concrete buildings either side? Or driving along King Edward Terrace beside the National Library under a canopy of magnificent trees providing cool and shade while Northbourne Avenue becomes hot and the ugliest entry into any major city in Australia? Or what would the public prefer? Sitting by the Kingston Foreshore enjoying dinner by the water and staring into ugly blocks of units? Or sitting by the water and looking across the lake to trees and hills in the distance? All hope of the latter is gone. Penelope Upward, O'Connor TO THE POINT WRONG MESSAGE A spokesman for ACT police referred to the ACT's Vision Zero safety philosophy, which aims to achieve zero deaths on ACT roads ("Drivers still too close, say cyclists", February 21, p.2). Is it necessary then to have the sign on Yamba Drive that states, "People die on ACT roads", seemingly implying that there is something wrong if they don't? John Milne, Chapman A SAD SIGN In another era it would have been earth-shaking to even consider bank staff being other than "ethical" ("Bank staff urged to be 'ethical"', February 21, p.30). The present epoch of fake news, alternative facts and Trump's election, rationalises banks wallowing in oceans of tainted proceeds from unethical behaviour. Albert M. White, Queanbeyan, NSW HAM-FISTED While watching the report on the changes to the NSW year 12 curriculum I was amazed to see the number of students who have obviously not been taught to hold a pen or pencil correctly. It must be very hard to write when the implement appears to be clutched in one's fist rather than using the thumb and index finger. Maggie Watts, Calwell NO NEWS? Giving Bec Cody and Sherrill Nixon the print space that you did, makes me think you all need to have a nice cup of tea, a Bex, and good lie down. Alex Wallensky, Broulee, NSW MISSING LINK When you published my letter responding to Don Sephton (Letters, February 23) you printed "In 2006 the federal government issued $6000 (for NSW students studying in the ACT). You neglected to print "per child". V. Harris, Yass PALESTINIAN QUESTION If Bill Shorten misses the opportunity to fall in step with previous Labor leaders who have spoken up for the Palestinians then I am afraid the man lacks the moral courage to lead this country. D. J. Fraser, Currumbin, Qld SILENT MAJORITY Everyone wants retail and hospitality workers to be paid fairly and they are. But in an age where church attendance has bottomed out to barely 15 per cent, fairness does not require paying workers a 200 per cent premium often more than $36 an hour simply for coming to work on a Sunday. As stated by the Productivity Commission, penalty rates "frustrate the ambitions of the unemployed" while handicapping businesses eager to capitalise on changing consumer preferences. According to University of Canberra economist Phil Lewis, Sunday penalty rates are estimated to have reduced demand for labour by between a staggering 75 and 100 per cent. Likewise, a study by Restaurants and Catering Australia has found reducing Sunday loadings to Saturday levels would create as many as 40,000 jobs. But perhaps the clearest evidence that penalty rates cost jobs are the series of enterprise agreements negotiated between the SDA and supermarkets and fast food chains that cut weekend and overtime rates in favour of a slightly higher base wage. The recently struck down Coles agreement was estimated to save the supermarket giant a whopping $70 million a year. It is wilful ignorance to believe that a return to the award nearly doubling the Sunday wage bill would have no impact to employment or hours worked. I saw this play out as a 15-year-old supermarket deli hand when on Sundays my humble rate of $8.45 grew to $12.67. The other casuals in their 20s receiving the full adult wage then $17 an hour would regularly bemoan that the manager refused them lucrative Sunday work on the grounds that he needed to "manage his budgets''. Go figure. While no doubt well-intentioned, the union movement's claim that Fair Work's decision will take a wrecking ball to the living standards of thousands of beleaguered working families is wrongheaded. With or without penalty rates, Australian retail workers enjoy generous wages and conditions. According to Morgan Stanley, Australian retailers pay 27 per cent more in wages than the United States and 29 per cent above Britain. Similarly, Citigroup analysis has found that Australian wages, as a proportion of gross turnover was markedly higher than the international benchmark. The Fair Work Commission's decision to reduce Sunday penalty rates in retail and hospitality awards is a sensible and reasonable compromise. It not only seeks to balance the needs of employers, workers and consumers, but reflects the fundamental social and economic evolution of our nation. Indeed, we believe the commission should have removed the differential between Sunday and Saturday penalty rates, rather than merely narrowing it, for, as we have argued previously, there is no longer any significant distinction between the two days. In response to community demand, Australia has long had a seven-day commercial week. Saturday is our biggest shopping day, and retail trading on a Sunday outstrips some weekdays. Thus, a primary element of the commission's rationale for reducing Sunday penalty rates is to remove the deterrent effect that was part of the original design of those rates. They were supposed to deter employment and trading on Sundays (and, to a lesser extent, on Saturdays), clearly an anachronistic notion in the 24/7 world in which we live and which has brought much benefit and flexibility to the community. The commission, in rejecting calls by employers and the Productivity Commission, a publicly funded public policy research organisation, to lower the Sunday rates to those of Saturday, is seeking to maintain the other core motivation behind weekend penalty rates compensation for time away from family and social activities, which are still concentrated on weekends. Credit:James Davies Also pivotal to the commission's decision which came after a lengthy process in which all parties had their say is its assessment that lower business costs will stimulate employment and provide consumers with better and longer service. This remains to be seen, and The Age will be among those keeping a vigilant watch on employers. Should they seek to unscrupulously profit, we will relentlessly call them out as we have denounced employers for underpaying workers in the franchise sector. Among those who stand to gain are the many young people who seek work in retailing and hospitality industries with flexible hours to fund their tertiary studies and other vocational training. Arguably the greatest form of social justice is a job, and the greatest generator of employment is private businesses. To be sure, though, we understand the consternation of those who face reduced wages or longer hours to maintain their take-home pay. These workers are far from the highest paid in our community. But the degree of the penalty rates double the normal hourly level had become not only unreflective of modern life, but financially unsustainable. And unjust; Australia has three-quarters of a million unemployed citizens, and a lot these people, among our most needy, are being denied work because of penalty rates. The Fair Work Commission is Australia's independent industrial relations arbiter. No one knows this better than Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, a former union official, who vowed before the last election to respect the umpire's pending decision. He has cynically trashed that commitment. He is merely undermining his credibility by aping the Greens' undertaking to fight the decision in Parliament and the courts. John Mills, South Yarra Within the rules, but not the standards Of the many parliamentary rorts over the past few months, that the Speaker of the Victorian Parliament has been charging taxpayers nearly $40,000 annually in second residence costs to travel from his home in Queenscliff to attend parliament takes the cake. This from the very officer who has the responsibility to uphold the rules and standards. It might be within the rules, but it demeaned the position. No wonder politicians are viewed with such contempt. Steve Griffin, West Coburg It's time for a clean sweep The Telmo Languiller scandal is so surprising because it's not surprising. It's quite clear that many members of parliament seek public office, not to serve the community, but to wallow in the fat salary, travel allowances, chauffeured limos, housing allowances and prestige. The current parliament should be dissolved and another elected in which the major parties can prove to the electorate that their candidates demonstrated a commitment to public service, prior to pre-selection. Brian Sanaghan, West Preston Masters of the double dip "How much more can we take?" (23/3) asks Josh Gordon. How much more must we? Would these people pay back if they were not found out? So Telmo Languiller is yet another MP who "made a mistake". He says he will pay the money back. Thank you so much! Mothers on maternity leave are in trouble for "double dipping". Our politicians are dab hands at it. Anne Flanagan, Box Hill North Dual penalty The so-called Fair Work Commission's decision to cut Sunday penalty rates is terrible on two grounds. First, at a time of increasing inequality, for highly paid people who typically don't work on weekends to slash the incomes of some of the lowest-paid workers who have no choice but to do so is grossly unfair. Second, to do so within hours of the Reserve Bank Governor identifying slow wages growth as a problem for the economy illustrates the economic lunacy of the wage debate. Those same business owners who resent paying a living wage don't seem to realise why their sales aren't growing and their margins are under pressure. Decades ago Henry Ford doubled the wages of his assembly line workers, in part because with higher wages they could afford to buy the cars they built. Oh, for a leader with similar vision today! David Francis, Ivanhoe Widening the gap Forget the specious references to the needs of the 24/7 economy and 21st century workplaces, these ideals are meaningless to anyone struggling to make ends meet when they already have to battle with the insecure and unpredictable environment of casual labour. It's not as if these workers are out buying their next investment property on the booty of penalty rates. This will only serve to aggravate the increasing inequity of wealth distribution in this high-cost country. Paul Miller, Box Hill South Doing their bit So Australia needs simultaneous wages growth for those who don't work on Sunday and a wages cut for those who do. I suppose it's only fair that everyone does their bit for economic growth and budget repair. Brendan Harrison, Bacchus Marsh Haves and have nots Pollies' second home allowance of $37,000 and age pensioners, the unemployed and disadvantaged have to try and survive on much less, talk about a fair and just society. Nola Cormick, South Melbourne Legal, not fair There is a difference between legal and moral, a distinction that politicians seem to confuse always to the benefit of themselves and the detriment of the taxpayer. Marie Nash, Balwyn Word to the wise For his obsequious grovelling to Benjamin Netanyahu, Malcolm Turnbull gets a word of praise. It must feel really good. He doesn't get that many. Enjoy it while it lasts. John Laurie, Newport History reimagined On the state visit of the Israeli PM Netanyahu to our shores both he and our own PM waxed lyrical, invoking the Anzac spirit in demonstrating the close ties between the two nations. According to both men this kindred relationship originated 100 years ago with the liberation of the town of Beersheeba. This event could indeed represent the "closeness" between Israel and Australia were it not for a couple of inconvenient facts. Whilst the now city of Beersheeba is in Israel the actual state of Israel only came into existence in 1948, 50 years after the liberation alluded to by the two PMs. I doubt whether there were many Jewish people living in Beersheeba in 1917. Records only refer to local Arabs as the ones being released from the oppressive Ottoman Empire by the actions of the Allied troops. It appears that the Donald is not the only purveyor of alternative facts. Jim Barnden, Richmond Remember when ... Bravo Benjamin Netanyahu for severely rebutting those two publicity-seeking ALP hasbeens, Hawke and Rudd. In the past Hawke was eager to use his support for Israel for self-advertisement. Now in his long post parliament dotage he wallows in a politically correct opinion. Frank Carleton, Longwarry A matter of trust Four-year fixed-terms for federal MPs? No way: we don't trust them that much. Fixed three-year terms would improve democracy and save money. Brewis Atkinson, Tyabb Getting their fix Politicians should have foreseen problems with supplying reliable electricity to the nation. Instead they have been criticising the opposition and preparing for the next election. Countries around the world are opting for four- or five-year terms. Stability and certainty are essential for good government. Lesley Harbick, Albury, NSW Not so pie in the sky As an alternative to Essendon Airport, I'd like to propose the extension of Webb Dock into Port Phillip Bay the length of a runway. Unlike Essendon, with two runways that cross at right angles, the new airport could be two parallel runways. It would be half the distance from the CBD, surrounded by low population densities, close to storage containers and arterials out of the city. The development could be funded by the sale of Essendon Airport land. Christopher Kelly, South Yarra Coal hard facts The lump of coal that Scott Morrison proudly showed off in Parliament was formed during the Earth's Carboniferous Period, which was 300 million years ago during the late Paleozoic Era. It would appear that the Liberal party's ideology on energy is from the same era. Peter Thomas, Pascoe Vale Time for a buy back Peter Martin tells us that electricity prices are going to go up regardless of the rhetoric of Prime Minister Turnbull, Treasurer Morrison and Energy Minister Frydenberg ("Forget what you heard about coal", 23/02). The responsibility to the nation to supply the requisite electric power appears to be secondary to the urge to make as much money as can be squeezed from electricity users. Here's a "mad" idea. How about governments accepting the responsibility for the security of electricity. Start by not selling off any more publicly owned power stations and transmission lines. Then buy back those generators and grids that have been sold to "balance" budgets and then invest in renewable energy generators. "Private" is not always better. The "market" has failed us too often. Ken Rivett, Ferntree Gully No place for bigotry Kevin Donnelly should know better than to confuse multiculturalism with cultural relativism ("Multiculturalism is no recipe for success", 23/2) . The benefits of the former are all around us. We are a nation to which successive generations of immigrants from many cultures have contributed to build this wonderful nation. This does not mean, as the cultural relativists would have us believe, that such evil practices as female genital mutilation are acceptable because the cultures that host them are off limits in terms of criticism. On the contrary, the values of multiculturalism assert that all cultures, while deserving of mutual respect, are open to criticism. Bigotry and prejudice are not values of multiculturalism. Elizabeth Kleinhenz, Blackburn Closer to home Kevin Donnelly appears to have overlooked that some cultural practices common to Western liberal democracies, including Australia, not only have been but continue to be unacceptable to a significant proportion of their own populations: the oppressive and/or genocidal assimilation policies inflicted by European colonists and their descendants on Aboriginal populations; the denial or restriction of safe contraceptive methods to women; the forced separation, and often also adoption, of babies born to single mothers; the denial of marriage laws to non-heterosexual couples; the victimisation of refugees; and the protection of paedophile clergy by their churches, to name a few. Penny Mackieson, Richmond It will be our loss An Australian-born widow, I've shared my house for the past year with a young Iranian engineer with a BA and MA in mechanical and electrical engineering. He's worked in temporary positions well below his abilities and qualifications, delivered pizzas and flowers, and in several of these jobs was underpaid, exploited and been treated appallingly. I'm ashamed that this intelligent, enthusiastic and confident person should have been treated so badly. He won awards for innovation from his university in Malaysia and has a passion to work in alternative energy. His work skills visa expires soon and then Australia will lose this fine young man. All he needs is a chance and a decent, caring employer to give him a go and sponsor him. It will be Australia's loss if he has to leave. Jo Connolly, East Malvern Bitter indeed The movie Bitter Harvest may be rubbish, but it is of no dispute that Ukrainians were starved to death on purpose in their millions. For reviewer Jake Wilson (23/2) to suggest this may be "unhinged propaganda" and "favouring a point of view" is akin to Holocaust denial. It's a shame that the propaganda constructed by the Soviets and continued by the Russian state today, is still echoing down through the decades. Kim Lester, Werribee A bit of a balls up If the AFL is contemplating stopping the umpire bouncing the ball then it should consider changing the shape of the ball to a sphere. And then it could stop players touching the ball with a hand, use a rectangular goal net and allow players to kiss each other when a score is achieved. Adrian Tabor, Point Lonsdale AND ANOTHER THING ... Mr Speaker To misquote Shakespeare, "There is something rotten in the state of Victoria" when the speaker is paid about $40,000 for "second residence" costs (23/2). Dennis Fitzgerald, Box Hill Do pollies ever consider when they claim some absurd entitlement that this could mean fewer teachers, nurses, services and so on? Tarn Kruger, Ballarat Clean coal We were all well and truly sucked in by "cool wool". Why wouldn't we fall for "clean coal"? Graeme Rose, Waldara If the Liberals can give us Clean Coal, then surely they can trumpet the glories of Healthy Tobacco. Rod Oaten, North Carlton Scott Morrison, give back that lump of coal NSW needs it. Andy Indrans, Taradale Q&A If politicians of whatever stripe appear on Q&A and behave like prats, they cop what they deserve. Mike Puleston, Brunswick I know which silk I would wish to brief and it wouldn't be mumbles Brandis QC. Peter McNamara, Canterbury And also How many people agitating for "safe" injection rooms , would like one placed in their neighbourhood? Trish Young, Hampton So NASA has discovered seven Earth-like planets? Unless they can confirm the absence of Trump-like or Dutton-like life there, I vote we stay put. Ramesh Rajan, Camberwell I wonder if anyone at the Fair Work Commission regularly works Sundays. Steve Melzer, Hughesdale In my last column, I pondered on how to bring love and money together in a way that works. But one in three Australian marriages end in divorce, even if the average length of the marriage is 12 years. Research by AMP and NATSEM last year showed that men and women take about five years to stabilise their finances after a divorce. So, everyone goes backwards, but women suffer most financially in the first four years post-separation. So how do you make the most of a dissolving marriage, or at least guard yourself against the worst? Early bird Self-managed super funds with assets of less than $2 million "are not viable retirement savings vehicles", says Stephen Anthony, the chief economist at Industry Super Australia (ISA). In an analysis of ATO figures on DIY super funds and APRA figures by Anthony and colleague financial analyst Gary Lu, over the seven years to mid-2015, the latest available, the typical industry fund produced an average annual return of 5.9 per cent. DIY versus large super funds - industry funds hit back. Credit: Karl Hilzinger The typical retail fund, those run by the banks and insurers, returned 4.72 per cent. DIY funds with between $100,000 and $200,000 had a typical average annual return of minus 1.71 per cent. DIY funds with less than $100,000 had even worse returns. Australia's most senior Catholic leaders delivered a scathing assessment of their church's past approach to victims of child sexual abuse, telling a royal commission it was "criminal negligence" and "a catastrophic failure". Five metropolitan archbishops appeared before a packed hearing room at the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which is examining Catholic church authorities in a three-week inquiry. Sydney archbishop Anthony Fisher described the church's response to victims as "criminal negligence". "There were people who were just like rabbits in the headlights, they had no idea what to do and their performance was appalling," he said. Friends and family have given tribute to a teenager who died after falling from a tree at a swimming hole south of Sydney on Wednesday afternoon. Amir Ammari, 16, suffered critical head injuries when he fell more than 10 metres at Kellys Falls, near Helensburgh, shortly before 1.30pm on Wednesday. Amir Ammari (left) has been remembered as 'brave' by his brother Firas (right). Credit:Facebook He was airlifted to hospital but succumbed to his injuries about 8pm. His fall was witnessed by three friends who pulled him from the water and tried in vain to save him as paramedics made their way to the remote waterhole. San Francisco: Explosive charges at Uber are shining a bright light on what has for years been an unsettling reality in Silicon Valley: Women here say they routinely confront sexism and harassment on the job. Earlier this week former Uber engineer Susan Fowler claimed her prospects at the company crumbled after she complained about her supervisor's sexual advances, sending shock waves through Silicon Valley and Uber, which at $US68 billion is the world's most richly valued private technology company. Diversity consultant Joelle Emerson says the allegations sounded a wake-up call. For the last several days she has been advising tech executives on "engaging in specific actions to make sure their companies can learn from what happened here." "Companies that are committed to building an inclusive culture are not burying their heads in the sand on this. They're taking it very seriously," said Emerson, founder and CEO of Paradigm, a strategy firm that consults with tech companies on diversity and inclusion. "If you're a CEO in Silicon Valley, and you haven't yet emailed your whole company, or at least your leadership team, about this, you're behind." A senior policeman with the ethical standards department created fake profiles on an adult website of his then girlfriend, in which he posted sexually explicit photographs and a slew of offensive and demeaning remarks about her. Lily Fetter knocked Tim Armstrong's laptop one night in May 2012 and unintentionally found a profile he created - without her consent - on a match-making site, Melbourne Magistrates Court heard. The profile featured photographs of her in lingerie and explicit images of other women, which the profile purported were of her. Former officer Tim Armstrong pleaded guilty to using a carriage service to menace, which carries a maximum penalty of three years in jail. Credit:Penny Stephens Later, when Ms Fetter contacted the website, she learnt Armstrong created other profiles of her, including one in 2010 made six weeks after their first child was born, prosecutor Kathryn Hamill told the court on Thursday. Before quitting in 2015, Armstrong, 46, was a police officer of 26 years, including time as a senior sergeant in the ethical standards department and a stint as a prosecutor. A marijuana deal that turned into a robbery ended in the arrest of two people near the UW-Madison campus Wednesday, but not before the two were in a foot chase that included a leap onto a garbage truck. Jabari Lee, 17, of Madison, was tentatively charged with second-degree reckless endangerment and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, and Stephen Steele, 20, of Madison, was tentatively charged with party to the crime of strong arm robbery and battery, Madison police said. The incident happened at about 1:30 p.m. on North Lake Street near Langdon Street. Lee allegedly drove to a rendezvous with two supposed pot buyers, one being Steele, getting into his car. "They were to buy marijuana but instead battered the driver and stole his pot," said police spokesman Joel DeSpain. The two ran from the car, but Lee allegedly pulled out a knife and started chasing after one of the robbers. People outside on winter's warmest day watched as the chase went by the Red Gym and the Memorial Union, turning onto Mendota Court. "The robbery suspect (Steele) tried to hitch a ride on a garbage truck by leaping onto the driver's side door while yelling "Go, go, he's got a knife!' to the driver," DeSpain said. Steele allegedly tried to climb into the cab of the truck as Lee came running up to the truck, knife in hand. "The driver told an officer he almost ran him over," DeSpain said. "Lee also jumped onto the truck." The driver protected his turf and ordered both to get off, and they complied, with the foot chase resuming, heading toward the Pyle Center on campus. Passersby saw what was going on and corralled the two, holding both to the ground until police arrived. The second suspect who ran from the car was not found by police. Closing the Essendon Airport would be a knee-jerk reaction and make the site a magnet for overzealous property developers, locals say. For 24 years, Greg Bell has run a pilot and aviation supplies shop at the English Street location. The Gee Bee's Aerospace Shop faces one of Essendon's two runaways, from where the Beechcraft King Air light plane took off on Tuesday. The plane had been in the air for only a short time before it crashed into the Essendon DFO, killing the five people on board. Lahore: A bomb blast in an upscale shopping centre in Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore has killed at least 10 people, a provincial government spokesman says, the latest attack in a surge of violence that has shaken the country. Malik Mohammad Khan, following Thursday's explosion. Bangkok: North Koreans had been planning the very public assassination of Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un, for months, possibly years. Thirty-three-year-old Hong Song Hac, the first of four men accused of overseeing the final stages of the attack, arrived in Malaysia on January 31 five days before 46-year-old Mr Kim flew into Kuala Lumpur airport. Three other suspects, aged between 34 and 57, arrived over the next week. Mr Kim infrequently visited Malaysia, a visa-free country for North Koreans, but it appears those plotting the assassination had learnt of his travel plans. Seoul: North Korea said on Thursday Malaysia was to blame for the death of its citizen there last week and accused the Malaysian government of demonstrating "unfriendly attitude" under a scenario drawn up by South Korea. Malaysia had initially informed the North that the person bearing a diplomatic passport had died of a heart attack at Kuala Lumpur airport on February 13, the North's KCNA news agency said. Kim Jong-nam, left, and his half-brother, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. Credit:AP North Korea denies the person who died of apparent poisoning by two women was Kim Jong-nam, estranged half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Mr Kim, 46, who was about to fly to Macau, became unwell after two women appeared to wipe a cloth on his face. He died on the way to hospital. LEARN MORE: This new event is in direct competition with the Mid-America Trucking Show which began in 1972 and is the largest annual heavy-duty trucking industry event in the world. Held each year at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY. The show attracts 70,000 attendees and 1,000+ exhibitors from throughout the United States and abroad. ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 22, 2017; Today, American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear said the trucking group has agreed to be a supporter of the North American Commercial Vehicle Show, a new biennial truck show to be held for the first time in Atlanta later this year. "As the nation's foremost trucking industry association, it only made sense for ATA to support our supplier community, many of whom have committed to this endeavor," Spear said. "The North American Commercial Vehicle Show promises to be an excellent event and we are pleased to be a part of it." The NACVS, a joint venture between Hannover Fairs USA and Newcom Media USA, will be held every two years, starting this year with the first show scheduled for September 25-29 in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center. "ATA is a well-known and respected name in the trucking industry, and we are excited to have their support as we launch this new show," said Joe Glionna, president of Newcom. "We look forward to their participation in what promises to be a first-class event this September." "Commercial vehicle manufacturers and suppliers have eagerly embraced the North American Commercial Vehicle Show, which has almost sold out of exhibitor space for 2017," said Larry Turner, president and CEO of Hannover Fairs USA. "We are proud of the progress we've made since announcing the show last year and appreciate ATA's support." For more information on the North American Commercial Vehicle Show, visit http://nacvshow.com/. The North American Commercial Vehicle Show (NACV Show 2017) www.nacvshow.com is a brand new concept in the commercial vehicle industry trade show category focused on fleet decision makers and influencers. Leading truck & trailer manufacturers and commercial vehicle parts & components suppliers will demonstrate their latest product offerings on the show floor. NACV Show 2017 takes place at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The show opens on September 25 to attendees who have received an invitation from one of the show's exhibitors and is open to all attendees from September 26 to September 28. NACV Show 2017 is organized and produced jointly by Hannover Fairs USA (HFUSA) and Newcom Media USA (Newcom). For more information about NACV Show 2017, contact Bill Fox, Senior Director, Industrial Events Hannover Fairs USA, Inc. at BFox@HFUSA.com or (773) 796-4250 ext. 248. American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook. Trucking Moves America Forward Hiroto Saikawa Replaces Ghosn As Nissan Chief Executive Officer - Learn More Bonus: History Of Nissan Management Carlos Ghosn to continue to serve as Chairman of Nissans Board of Directors YOKOHAMA, Japan February 23, 2017; At the recommendation of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn, the Nissan Board of Directors has decided that as of April 1, 2017, Hiroto Saikawa will assume the position of Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Ghosn will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors, and he will seek a renewal of his mandate at the company's general shareholders meeting in June 2017. This planned management evolution follows Mr. Ghosn's leadership of the recent expansion of the Renault-Nissan Alliance to include Mitsubishi Motors, which positions the Alliance among the top automotive groups in terms of scale. As Chairman of all three Alliance companies, and as Chief Executive Officer of the Renault Group, Mr. Ghosn wishes to focus more of his attention on the expansion and stewardship of the Alliance, as its Chairman and CEO. In this role, he will ensure that the opportunities available to Alliance members are fully harnessed. Mr. Ghosn stated, "I am confident that the management team I have developed at Nissan over the past 18 years has the talent and experience to meet the company's operational and strategic goals. Having recently taken on new responsibilities at Mitsubishi Motors, and taking into consideration the upcoming Nissan general shareholders meeting, I have decided that the time is right for Hiroto Saikawa to succeed me as Nissan's CEO." He continued, "As Nissan's Chairman, I will continue to supervise and guide the company, both independently and within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. This planned change will also allow me to devote more time and energy to managing the strategic and operational evolution and expansion of the Alliance and ensuring that all its members benefit from the competitive advantages that its scale will deliver. I am committed to supporting the Alliance as it evolves and expands, and will continue to serve each member of the Alliance wherever and whenever necessary." Mr. Saikawa currently serves as Nissan's co-CEO and a representative director. Between April 2013 and October 2016, he was Nissan's Chief Competitive Officer. Mr. Saikawa joined Nissan in 1977, and since 1999 he has served in a variety of senior management positions, including Chairman of the Management Committees of the Americas and Europe, as well as the Executive Vice President of Purchasing. In addition to his responsibilities at Nissan, Mr. Saikawa is the current Chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). He previously served as a member of the board of directors of Renault between 2006 and 2016. Mr. Saikawa stated, "I would like to thank Mr. Ghosn and the Nissan board for entrusting me with this new responsibility. Under Mr. Ghosn's chairmanship and with the support of the excellent leadership team that has been built at Nissan, my focus will be delivering our company's continued performance and development and on continuing Nissan's contribution to the success of the Alliance." About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. In fiscal year 2015, the company sold more than 5.4 million vehicles globally, generating revenue of 12.2 trillion yen. Nissan engineers, manufactures and markets the world's best-selling all-electric vehicle in history, the Nissan LEAF. Nissan's global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan manages operations in six regions: ASEAN & Oceania; Africa, Middle East & India; China; Europe; Latin America and North America. Nissan has been partnered with French manufacturer Renault since 1999 and Mitsubishi Motors since 2016 under the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Nissan Legends: The History of Nissan Motor Monday 05 September, 2016 Reliable information reaching Biafra writers desk has it that the life of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indi... A company with nationwide experience disposing of the assets of shuttered factories confirmed Wednesday it is a serious contender for the possible purchase of Madisons Oscar Mayer facilities. Its believed to be the first solid lead on a potential buyer for the Oscar Mayer meat processing plant and former headquarters offices at 910 Mayer Ave. Reich Brothers Holdings, with offices in cities that include New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, is taking a close look at the East Side site, co-CEO Adam Reich said. He said Reich Brothers is under contract with Oscar Mayers parent company, Kraft Heinz, for a chance to consider buying the 72-acre property and is in the very early stage of conducting due diligence. We buy and sell turn-key manufacturing facilities, Reich told the Wisconsin State Journal. We have a special, core niche in processing, particularly food processing. He said Reich Brothers has a prior relationship with Heinz and Kraft but would not say which plants the company has worked with. Mayor Paul Soglin said he is encouraged by the companys interest. The Reich company has a reputation of being very selective in acquiring properties, and so their interest in the Oscar Mayer plant is promising for our community, Soglin said. He said it is the first potential buyer he knows of. This is the most significant, realistic consideration Ive seen, Soglin said. Kraft Heinz spokesman Michael Mullen also confirmed Reich Brothers interest. We are working with a potential buyer on the sale of our Madison facility, Mullen said in a statement. For now, the process remains ongoing and nothing is final. Once a decision has been reached, our employees will be the first to know. Were committed to keeping the community informed of our progress. Kraft Oscar Mayers parent company merged with Heinz in 2015 and announced in November 2015 that the Madison Oscar Mayer operations would close. Production is expected to cease by the end of March. Oscar Mayer has been manufacturing hot dogs and processed meats in Madison since 1919 and has long been one of the citys most prominent and philanthropic employers. At its peak, in the 1970s, the company had more than 4,000 employees here. Reich said he knows the plant holds great significance to the community. Im well aware of how much this particular facility is on the local radar, he said. We are trying to be extremely respectful of the process, extremely respectful of the local landscape and to take that into account when conducting our due diligence. Reich would not say how quickly his company will make a decision on the possible acquisition. Paul Jadin, president of the Madison Region Economic Partnership, or MadREP, said he has talked to representatives of the Reich Brothers firm, adding, I know that they have reached out to various contractors and developers in the area. Several prominent local developers the State Journal tried to reach Wednesday did not immediately reply to phone messages. Jadin said it would be premature to discuss what might be done with the Oscar Mayer site, which includes 1.7 million square feet of warehouse and production space. An awful lot of planning would have to take place before anything substantive is unveiled there, Jadin said. Soglin has said he wants to see the area redeveloped in a way that will create good jobs, rather than adding housing. We have been very clear in discussions with Reich and with Kraft Heinz that our highest priority is utilization for sustainable jobs. That theyve heard that message and continue to be interested in acquisition makes me optimistic, Soglin said. Jadin said Reich Brothers has a track record for taking over vacant manufacturing buildings and repurposing them but he has few details about the outcome. I want to get a better feel for what sort of success theyve had, Jadin said. According to the Reich Brothers website, the company dismantles and removes industrial equipment that is no longer used and develops a marketing strategy for the assets. It also teams with experts in environmental cleanup when that is needed. Among the properties that have been listed for sale on the website are industrial facilities in Illinois and a food processing factory in Waumandee, about 200 miles northwest of Madison near Eau Claire, believed to be the former Foremost Farms USA cheddar cheese plant. In December 2016, Reich Brothers bought the closed Joy Global Surface Mining facilities in Milwaukee for $4.38 million, according to the Milwaukee Business Journal. Adam Reich said hes been coming to Wisconsin and doing business in the area for many years, and has visited the Madison Oscar Mayer site numerous times. He also has another reason for coming to Madison: his son is a senior at UW-Madison, majoring in finance and real estate. His son enjoys the Madison campus, Reich said. He is the happiest boy you could ever see, he said. MadREPs Jadin cautions, though, that even if Reich Brothers buys the Oscar Mayer property, theres a long road ahead before it can be redeveloped into some new use or uses. If youre looking at an immediate solution, thats probably not the case, said Jadin. But the quality of this company bodes well for the long term, he added. City of Columbias Pet of the Week Meleas is a five-month-old pit bull puppy who is looking for a home to call her own. Meleas is happy to hang around with her humans, sunbath, snooze on a... For Dogs, its Trick and Treat Its almost Halloween, a great time to teach your dog a trick and give him a treat. Most trainers are fans of trick training. Its not as silly as it... In its 53 years, Gennas Cocktail Lounge has never sold food, so it was with some trepidation that the owners would feed hungry customers at their new Ohio Tavern. Yet, its working out remarkably well. Kristi Genna and Jack Williams took over the old dive bar on Ohio Avenue, off Atwood, with a third partner, Josh Swentzel, who has worked at Gennas and a number of other well-known bars. They opened the new Ohio in October after a major remodeling effort, making it much more inviting. They may expand into a space next door that has Atwood Avenue frontage, but have run into some setbacks. If it happens, it happens. If it doesnt, it doesnt. Were working with the city to see what we can do, Swentzel said. Its in no way a priority. The name Ohio isnt visible from the outside and never has been. Instead, the Blatz beer sign still glows. In honor of the longstanding advertisement, my friend ordered a bottle of the light-tasting, Milwaukee lager ($2.50), and it wasnt half bad. TACO Lounge is spelled out attractively on the wall between the restrooms, and the menu is limited to tacos, tamales, Mexican street corn and soup. During a recent weeknight, the soup was pork wonton ($5) with ginger, scallions and spicy kimchi. It was incredibly good and surprisingly complex for bar food. The bowl was so big and the soup so packed with wontons and cabbage, it could have been a meal in itself. I would come back here just for this, a friend said. While there are few food categories, the menu offers lots of choices. The nine specialty tacos ($4 each, or three for $11) are on the gourmet spectrum, but served in plastic, paper-lined deli baskets. Customers can also build their own from a solid list of ingredients. All the tacos Ive tried have been worthwhile, some spectacular, and the friendly prep cook, Margaret Zimmerman, who brought out our food, also dropped off five bottles of homemade hot sauce. All were excellent: Pineapple habanero, three pepper, plantain poblano, mango reaper and honey Thai chili. They offered a range of heat, mild to hot. They are so good, in fact, it looks like the bar has had trouble with people making off with them. Quoting from the menu: Ask about our house made hot sauces, yo. Please dont steal them though. Seriously, thats annoying. Swentzel said the hot sauces were disappearing at a rate of one or two a day, but its less of a problem now. The kitchen is run by Tim Williams, no relation to Jack Williams, and his girlfriend, Melissa Mejia. Williams makes the sauces, which the Ohios owners hope to sell eventually at the bar and in stores. Tim Williams is head prep cook at Lucille, while Mejia is the pastry chef at Merchant. The sauces were particularly helpful on the El Baja taco with shredded chicken, cabbage, pico de gallo, baja sauce and queso fresco. Despite all the ingredients, it was bland on its own. The Scorcher, another taco with chicken, didnt need any hot sauce, since it featured picante slaw, jalapenos and habanero cream. It brought the right amount of heat without overdoing it. The first taco on the list, the house classic, with a generous amount of pickled jalapeno, turned out to be the fiery one. There are two lamb barbacoa tacos, and the Santa Barbara, with carrot and fennel slaw, arugula and avocado, featured well-marinated meat that imparted just enough lamb flavor without coming on too strong. Best was the Hanso made with flavorful carnitas and all kinds of great extras, including a sweet chili crema. Another pork taco, the Islander, had pineapple and crunchy bacon, which also made it a favorite. All the tacos came in double white corn tortillas. Four dollars (or $3.50 for a two-topping build-your-own) seemed like a lot per taco, but these were big, and special enough to warrant the price tag. The three types of street corn ($4) are also pretty elaborate, with roasted corn off the cob and ingredients like queso fresco and cilantro. Both the house version and Diablo come with bacon, and you can add more meat for $1 (or other ingredients for 25 cents). The Diablo, with chipotle crema, and the Kona, with roasted pineapple salsa, were superb and provide a great side for tacos or tamales. Both tamales ($4), chicken and vegan lentil, are worth checking out. They are big, supple, well-stuffed, and come covered with a mild salsa verde. The chicken one is also topped with queso fresco. Experimenting with the hot sauces here is a must. The tamales provide one more example of how the Ohio has succeeded in offering delicious, creative food. Just dont walk off with any hot sauce. On January 31, the White House released a statement claiming that President Donald Trump is respectful and supportive of LGBTQ rights. Apparently the T was silent. This evening, after days of speculationsparked by a Monday evening Washington Blade report and further fueled by a Tuesday statement from Press Secretary Sean Spicer that the president considers the ongoing bathroom debate to be a states rights issuethe Departments of Education and Justice issued a joint letter rescinding the Obama administrations 2016 guidance on transgender students. The letter concludes that in this context, there must be due regard for the primary role of the States and local school districts in establishing educational policy. The Obama administrations previous guidance, sent to schools by the Departments of Education and Justice last May as a Dear Colleague letter, made it clear that the federal government considered restrictions on transgender students access to restrooms and locker rooms to be in violation of Title IXs 1972 ban on sex discrimination in public education. With that guidance now officially rescinded, Title IX is still the law of the land but President Trump, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos have now signaled their divergence from the interpretation held by the Obama administrationand relied on by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appealsthat it clearly prohibits discrimination against transgender students. (The new joint letter claims that the Obama administrations guidance did not contain extensive legal analysis or explain how the position is consistent with the express language of Title IX, nor did they undergo any formal public process.) What this means concretely is that individual states and schools could still find themselves on the receiving end of Title IX lawsuits. But the new Trump administration letter sends the message that states and schools can require transgender students to use bathrooms corresponding to their birth-assigned gender without necessarily being penalized by the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division or immediately risking the loss of federal funding. In other words, the federal government has effectively declared open season on transgender kidsand the many states that sued the Obama administration over the 2016 guidance could follow suit. On the bright side, [Trump] can now just shut up about being supportive of LGBT people, an incensed Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, told The Daily Beast. He is going after our kids. It doesnt get any clearer than that. What could possibly motivate a blind and cruel attack on young children like this? asked Human Rights Campaign president Chad Griffin in a statement. Transgender students are a uniquely precarious subset of the LGBT population. The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey found that over half of respondents who were out asor perceived astransgender during their K-12 years reported being verbally harassed, nearly a quarter said they were physically attacked, and 13 percent said they had been sexually assaulted. That same year, LGBT youth advocacy group GLSEN found in their National School Climate Survey that 60 percent of transgender students had been required to use a bathroom that did not correspond with their gender identity. The Trump administrations new letter maintains that schools must ensure that transgender students, like all students, are able to learn in a safe environment and claims that this withdrawal does not leave students without protections from discrimination, bullying, or harassment. It also claims that both federal departments are committed to the application of Title IX and other federal laws to protect transgender students from such discrimination. But requiring transgender students to use bathrooms that do not match their genderas some states and school districts may now feel more empowered to dowould still single them out. Forcing transgender students to use facilities for their birth-assigned gender can also have adverse effects on their physical and mental health. The U.S. Transgender Survey found that almost a third of transgender people had limited the amount they ate and drank to avoid using the restroom in the past year. Eight percent said they had developed a urinary tract infection or a kidney-related health problem due to restroom avoidance. And one 2016 study of transgender people who had attended collegepublished last year in the Journal of Homosexualityfound that denial of access to [bathrooms and campus housing] had a significant relationship to suicidality, even after controlling for interpersonal victimization. Transgender youth already think about and attempt suicide at astronomically high rates, although individual risk tellingly tends to decrease with social support. Recognizing these and other potential consequences of anti-transgender discrimination in U.S. schools, multiple medical associationsincluding the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatryhave formally opposed legislation that restricts restroom access based on birth-assigned gender in the past. But the Trump administration has now opened the door that much wider for states and school districts to discriminate in precisely this fashion. Its absolutely horrifying and distressing to think that this administration would take such a despicably cruel step as to target the most vulnerable members of our community, transgender children, for this kind of attack, Ilona Turner, legal director for the Oakland-based Transgender Law Center, told The Daily Beast. The rescinding of Obamas guidance comes at a critical moment in the broader battle for transgender rights. On March 28th, the Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments in the case of Gavin Grimm, a Virginia transgender boy who cannot use the boys restroom in his high school because the Gloucester County school board requires him to use an alternative bathroom instead. The Supreme Court could rule that transgender students are indeed protected by Title IXalthough the courts current lack of a ninth justice increases the chances of a 4-4 tie, which would uphold the Fourth Circuits decision in Grimms favor without cementing an important precedent. And in a separate but related case, the Justice Department was scheduled to challenge a federal judges August 2016 injunction on the Obama administrations guidance. As the New York Times reported, however, the Justice Department promptly withdrew that challenge two days after Jeff Sessions was confirmed as Attorney Generala move that foreshadowed todays letter. For parents of transgender children like Amber Briggle, who is raising her son in Texas, following the federal governments position on this issue has been a rollercoaster. Last May, when the Department of Justice came out swinging on behalf of transgender students, Briggle was thrilled. For us, when the DOJ had this letter, it came out of the clear blue sky, said Briggle, one of hundreds of parents who signed a Human Rights Campaign letter to the Trump administration last week urging the president to keep the Obama guidelines in place. I cried, Briggle continued. I thought, Oh my God, the Department of Justice and the presidentthey see my child. They see him and they recognize him and they know that he deserves equality and protection. I was floored. I was elated. The fact that Trump reversed course so quickly did not shock her. Honestly Im not surprised that the Trump administration is going to drop those guidelines,Briggle said, calling the move unfortunately predictable. According to a Wednesday morning New York Times article, however, the scene inside the White House was reportedly quite erratic. Three Republican operatives who were privy to internal White House conversations around this issue indicated that DeVos did not want to rescind Obamas 2016 guidance butunder pressure from Sessions and Trumpultimately had to decide between resigning and signing off on the letter. She chose the latter. In a further statement Wednesday evening, which can be read in full here, DeVos said, I have dedicated my career to advocating for and fighting on behalf of students, and as Secretary of Education, I consider protecting all students, including LGBTQ students, not only a key priority for the Department, but for every school in America." DeVos reiterated the statement in a series of tweets, which received immediate and angry criticism from those questioning how DeVos could claim to be an LGBTQ advocate while sanctioning discrimination against trans students. (Spicer claimed during Wednesdays press briefing that there was no daylight between the members of the Trump administration on this issue, that DeVos was 100 percent on board, and that media reports of internal disagreement were about timing and wording.) Trump himself has long been clear that he intended to make this move if elected. Early in his candidacy, he invited Caitlyn Jenner to use the ladies room in Trump Tower and even criticized North Carolinas anti-transgender law HB 2, which restricts public bathroom use by birth certificate. Some commentators saw those comments as evidence of a more laissez-faire stance on the bathroom debate. But by late April of last year, the unpredictable candidate had shifted his position, telling Sean Hannity, I think that local communities and states should make the decisions. And I feel very strongly about that. The federal government should not be involved. A month before the election, too, Mike Pence confirmed to evangelical leader James Dobson that the Trump administration was planning to send the transgender bathroom debate to the state level, saying, Washington has no business intruding on the operation of our local schools. But looking forward, transgender advocates say that Title IX is indeed Washingtons business. Enforcing federal civil rights law is not a states rights issue, said Keisling. It is a federal government duty. It is not a state-by-state optional exercise. And the Transgender Law Center has vowed to pursue legal action, if necessary, to challenge Trumps interpretation of Title IX. Were going to fight, Turner told The Daily Beast. Were going to do absolutely whatever it takes to protect these kids because thats what were here for and were not going to stop. American award shows dont have a monopoly on politics. Meryl Streep called out Donald Trump at the Golden Globes, A Tribe Called Quest denounced the presidents Muslim ban at the Grammys. Who knows what might happen at this Sundays Oscars? But on Wednesday night in London, it was Katy Perrys turn. During a performance of her new single Chained to the Rhythm alongside Skip Marley (grandson of Bob), Perry was joined on stage by two enormous dancing skeletons. As viewers at home soon began to realize, they were dressed exactly like President Trump and British Prime Minister Theresa May were when they met at the White House late last month. At one point, the skeletons even appeared to hold hands, something Trump and May caught some flak for doing during their visit. But as the Sunday Times reported later, Downing Street officials claimed the presidents phobia of stairs and slopes led him to grab the prime ministers hand as they walked down a ramp at the White House. Among the songs lyrics are these that appear to reference a common narrative about the presidential election: So comfortable, we live in a bubble, a bubble / So comfortable, we cant see the trouble, the trouble. Perry, who was a loyal surrogate to Hillary Clinton during the 2016 campaign, injected some subtler political messaging into her performance at the Grammy Awards earlier this month. Appearing in front of the U.S. Constitution, she wore a white pantsuit that echoed Clintons Democratic National Convention speech outfit as well as an armband that read persist, a nod to Elizabeth Warren. NATIONAL HARBOR, MarylandAt the 2017 Conservative Political Action Conference, Stephen K. Bannon took the stage as a victorious revolutionary. He was greeted by an adoring audience, sprinkled with #MAGA hats, as a hero who helped reconquer the White House and completely humiliate the left. I want to thank you for finally inviting me to CPAC, Bannon said on-stage. Oh, and his sidekick and alleged pal Reince was there, too. On Thursday afternoon, American Conservative Union chairman Matt Schlapp hosted a conversation on the mainstage of CPAC with Steve Bannon, Trumps White House chief strategist, and Reince Priebus, the White House chief of staff. The two men shook hands and patted each others shoulders center-stage to (once again!) affirm that they were practically the best of friends, and were definitely, absolutely, 100-percent not backbiting and leaking on each other. We share an office suite together, Priebus told the crowd, after pushing back against all the media speculation and reporting that the pair is at odds in President Trumps inner circle. The rest of the CPAC chat focused on how great, and supposedly chaos-free, a job Donald Trump and his administration has been doing in its first month in power. The duo, in particular Trumps chief strategist, indulged in what is also Trumps preferred hobby: bashing The Media. Between the two, Bannon received the loudest and warmest applause and woops. Is that the opposition party? Bannon asked somewhat jokingly, smirking at the journalists gathered in the media center at the back of the ballroom. [We] saw them all crying and weeping that [election] night, Bannon said, to enthusiastic applause. And the reason was President Trump. Bannon continued his casual victory lap, while continuing to knock the corporatist, globalist media that along with the Democratic Party stood in opposition to Trumps (and his) vision of nationalism. [Trump] is maniacally focused on keeping his campaign promises, Bannon alleged, praising the presidents immediate withdrawal from TPP as one of the pivotal moments in modern U.S. history. All of these promises are going to be implemented, he added. Trump, himself, will be at CPAC on Friday morning to state his own case and to sing his own praisesto discuss, as Bannon described it, the new political order being formed. Bannon, who now sits on the National Security Council and serves as one of the most powerful people in the Trump administration, has come a long way at CPAC. In years past, the former Breitbart honcho and Hollywood filmmaker hosted his Uninvited event as CPAC counterprogramming, which included right-wing voices and activists who hadnt made the official cut for the high-profile conservative conference. Sadly for Bannon, a lot of CPAC and the ACU wish he were still uninvited. Shortly before Bannon took to the mainstage, the ACUs Dan Schneider delivered a speech titled The Alt-Right Aint Right at All. In it, Schneider condemned the alt-right as a fascist and dangerous collective (nevermind that Breitbarts logo was stamped on banners to his right and left as official sponsors of the event). Not long after he wrapped his speech, alt-right and white-nationalist leader Richard Spencer was thrown out of CPAC after holding court with reporters outside the ballroom for roughly 45 minutes. Bannon, for his part, has called his former Breitbart website the platform for the racist American alt-right, and shares many of the same hardline nationalist attitudes and politics of the movement. Just last week, CPAC nearly went full alt-right, with a much-publicized invitation extended by Schlapp to Breitbart editor and professional alt-right troll Milo Yiannopoulos for a prominent speaking slot. Over the weekend, the ACU board and others revolted against the decision, and Yiannopoulos was ultimately disinvited. To many on the ACU board of directors, unfortunately, the damage was already done. When the board held a meeting on Wednesday at a conference room at the hotel in National Harbor where the four-day conference is held, members grilled Schlapp about the alt-rights infiltration into more mainstream conservatism. According to two sources with knowledge of the meeting, multiple board members called out the ACU chairman not only for inviting, then ditching, Yiannopoulos, but for inviting Bannon himself. Many board members told The Daily Beast that attendees left the meeting continuing to grumble and vent about the fascist and Jew-hating and white nationalist elements that have infected the Republican Party, and how the conservative movement had a long way to go to purge them. To them, Bannon is indeed a prominent representative of that insurgent, racist threat. The revolution is here, and its bloody, man, one ACU board member told The Daily Beast on Wednesday. The craziest elements of the [party] have managed to get every single thing they wanted over the past yearThis is the shape our movement is in today. Bannon, and his partner-in-crime Priebus, say that this is fine. In fact, probably better. [Trump is going to be] one of the greatest presidents that will ever serve this country! Priebus told the cheering crowd. The chief of staff compared his boss to Ronald Reagan, saying both Republican presidents sought lasting peace through strength. Bannon, on the other hand, reminded the audience that despite recent electoral victories, they should all gear up for the coming war. If you think theyre going to give you your country back without a fight, you are sadly mistaken, Bannon warned, again attacking the globalist media. "Every day is going to be a fight, he added. On tour, playing keyboard in a band in the mid-80s, Brother Cleve had what he calls a cocktail revelation. Soon the Boston native and lounge musician became obsessed with mixology, building an incredible home bar and collection of cocktail books and starting a parallel career as a bartender. Cleve went on to help set up cocktail programs at spots all over town and trained some of Bostons best-known bartenders, including Misty Kalkofen and John Gertsen, both formerly of Drink, and Jackson Cannon, bar director at Eastern Standard. Today, Brother Cleve is considered the godfather of the Boston cocktail scene and serves as national brand ambassador for Macchu Pisco. He still plays keyboard and has DJ gigs across the globe but when hes at home in Beantown, here are his current favorite drinks. Belafonte at The Hawthorne After making his name at Boston institution Eastern Standard, Jackson Cannon opened the neighboring Hawthorne in 2011 with the aim of creating a world-class cocktail destination. He has definitely succeeded and the bar has garnered three James Beard Award semifinalist nods. Theres a rotating menu of tasty cocktails on which the Belafonte is a frequent presence. And Cleve likes it for both its rich, luxurious flavor and its retro-styled name, conjuring both the sound of calypso as well as images of Italy. The drink combines Plantation Rum from the Caribbean with Carpano Vermouth and artichoke-flavored amaro Cynar from Italy as well as a house-made coffee liqueur. Adams Green at The Townshend Named for the Townshend Acts, a series of import duties passed by the British that helped spur the American Revolution, this all-American tavern serves all sorts of hearty dishes and a long list of craft cocktails, beers and wines. Cleve says the vodka-based Adams Green has been a crowd favorite since the place opened in 2015 and calls it a most refreshing Sour that plays well in all four seasons. The secret to the concoction is a cucumber-lemon-tarragon syrup that tastes good year-round. Aztecs Nightcap at Tavern Road Tavern Road takes inspiration from street-food hawkers from around the globe and offers a menu of small plates ranging from Thai papaya salad to Peruvian-style chicken to Italian risotto with lobster. Its cocktail list also incorporates similarly exotic flavors. Cleve loves the strong-and-stirred digestif cocktail, the Aztecs Nightcap, that combines smoky mezcal, a spiced Mexican chocolate bitters, herbal Jagermeister and a chrysanthemum-infused agave nectar. With a nightcap like this, he says, I hope the night never ends! Check out our complete Three Drinks travel guide to cocktails. Almost 13 years ago today, Jamal al-Harith was freed from Guantanamo Bay and returned to the U.K. But he wont be celebrating the anniversary this year. Instead, he has blown himself up in Mosul on behalf of the so-called Islamic State. What makes this suicide bombing unique was that Harith had been paid handsomely by the British government and the British press. In March 2004, Harith was among the first batch of Guantanamo Brits to be released. Journalists clamored to get the exclusive tell-all stories. If youre not offering money, forget it was what the detainees lawyers were telling journalists. That was seemingly not a problem for the Daily Mirror, whose interview with Harith subsequently ran under the sober headlines TERROR OF TORTURE IN CUBA CAMP and BRITS TORTURE IN THE HELL CAMP. Next to give Harith a big payday was David Cameron. Eight British citizens or residents formerly detained at Guantanamo sued the British government for complicity in their detention, rendition, and alleged torture. The government denied the claims. In March 2010, a Foreign Office spokesperson stated that [t]he UK did not render, transfer, detain, mistreat or torture any of these individuals. Nor, as alleged, did we enter into some sort of conspiracy or joint enterprise either with the US or with any other state to do so. However, with around 250,000 files to go through and a case for the defense that would take about five years to prepare, Cameron complained that our [security] services are paralysed by paperwork as they try to defend themselves in lengthy court cases with uncertain rules. The government eventually decided to settle but not admit any liability. Harith was one of 16 British citizens and residents paid approximately a million pounds each in the subsequent out-of-court settlement. It should, then, come as no surprise that Harith had the funds to be able to travel to Syria and join ISIS. Hariths actions will, one hopes, prompt newspapers like the Mirror to spend some time reflecting on their past promotion of Britains latest suicide bomber. Consider how he was treated in his March 2004 interview. The Mirror reported that Harith, a convert to Islam in the late 1980s, flew to Pakistan just after the 9/11 attacks because he decided that was the right time to start learning about Muslim culture and studying the holy book. He then, claimed the Mirror, accidentally strayed into Afghanistan (it has happened to the best of us) and was captured in the back of a truck. He was initially detained by the Taliban, who thought he was a British spy, before the Americans eventually discovered him in a Kandahar jail. He ended up being transferred to Guantanamo. During the interview, Harith alleged that U.S. guards told him he and his family would be murdered, he was constantly assaulted, and the U.S. tried to give him a mystery injection. The interviewer never challenged these allegations, and the Mirrors accompanying editorial accepted them at face value. It claimed that Jamal al-Harith has exposed the disgrace of what has gone on at Camp Delta His story should make the international community insist that the Americans stop their shameful behaviour. His treatment was called barbaric. There is no proof that any of Hariths allegations of abuse were true. There is far more proof that the U.S. had valid reasons to detain Harith. In July 2003, the Joint Task Force at Guantanamo assessed that he was affiliated with al Qaeda and likely to have been involved in a terrorist attack on U.S. targets (PDF). A polygraph test he took indicated that he was not telling the truth when he denied heading to Afghanistan to fight jihad or having connections to extremist groups. Yet for some in the press, the truth is rarely as interesting as making salacious allegations against the state. Consider another case: that of Mahmoud Abu Rideh. When he was being kept under a control order in the U.K. due to the threat he posed to national security, The Guardian and Independent couldnt publish enough stories complaining about what a disgrace it was that this innocent, mentally incompetent, saintly chap was being treated with such suspicion. Yet when Rideh was released from his control order and killed in an airstrike on an al Qaeda convoy in Afghanistan shortly after, the same publications did not even cover the story. A trend has developed. Terror suspects claims of abuse are treated with utter credulity while denials from intelligence agencies and the military are treated with utter skepticism. Terror suspects are elevated and their views brought into the mainstream; security agencies are slandered and trust in them undermined. Perhaps eventually there will be enough Jamal al-Hariths to break this cycle. Until then, the least we can expect from the press is to treat such men with even a fraction of the skepticism with which they heaped on those safeguarding our security. The Heritage Foundations Margaret Thatcher fellow, Robin Simcox specializes in national security and terrorism issues at the Washington, D.C.-based think tank. Democrats suffered losses up and down the ballot on Nov. 8, bolstering Republican dominance of both national and state governments. A presidential campaign launched with high hopes wound up adding to the partys demoralizing string of defeats in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Outside of a candidate named Barack Obama, Democrats have not had much success on election days since 2008. The party needs to change, but how? Media attention has focused on the race between competing factions to take over the Democratic National Committee. The press will obsessively cover the dramatic picking of a party chair in Atlanta this weekend, where 447 voters will choose the new superhero to return the party to power. Its the wrong battle, though, because the DNC cannot be the instrument for the partys revival. Thanks to the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2001, the national parties have lost power to the growing role of outside money. Formal party structures have become empty vessels overshadowed by external ideological networks of wealthy individuals and organizations on the right and left. For Democrats the real power resides in a growing progressive network lavishly funded by a handful of super-rich individuals, mostly in New York and California. If Democrats really want to get back on a winning track, they will have to rebuild state operations and reclaim their party from the liberal donor classespecially the Democracy Alliance (DA) that has built ideological silos of interest groups that silence the dialogue elected officials need to engage in. Like its Republican counterpart, the DNC gives almost no money to candidates anymore, yet it sucks up a massive amount of cash to sustain itself and prepare for the next presidential campaign in 2020. The DNC does not do policy work outside of crafting the party platform that no voter in America pays attention to and no candidate defines himself or herself on the basis of. The DNC is now basically a fundraising committee that throws one hell of a party it calls a nominating convention every four years. With fewer voters associating themselves with either party, traditional party structures are collapsing and the donor class on both the left and right is usurping their role. Voters in November made it clear they are not seeking answers from inside the Beltway, so why are Democrats so focused on an archaic Washington institution like the DNC? Since 2001, national party committees have outsourced their traditional functions: building voter rolls, running ads, and all other activities people think the DNC still performs. Parties cannot and will never have control over the policy debate, because of the change in election law. It has no ability to pick winners or losers for elections, despite outrage from Bernie Sanders supporters. If you want evidence of the death of national political parties, ask yourself, did anybody at the Republican National Committee want Donald Trump to be the nominee in 2016? They would have stopped him if they could. What the party committees used to focus on was winning. Party leaders accepted the fact that Elizabeth Warren could not win a race in Alabama, nor could Pete Sessions be elected to the Senate in Massachusetts. The DNC and RNC worked to have the infrastructure in place to help in the general election after local voters chose candidates in primaries. This process worked. It allowed candidates to reflect the ideals and concerns of a region in an organic waya way that candidates reflected the needs of those voting for them and not the needs of a few wealthy elites or the Washington, D.C., establishment. The handing over of party functions to the donor class has ended that process and led to the litany of ideological purity tests the far right and far left demand. Say a Democratic candidate in North Dakota represents the booming energy sector that has led to well-paying jobs and economic growth across the state. These jobs building pipelines and driving big trucks in and out of the state are solid middle-class opportunities for the working class. But a Democrat running in North Dakota is handcuffed in their ability to embrace the good coming from the economic boom, as they will be seen as not pure on clean energy, as the DA donor class demands. This lack of dialogue is exactly what the voters on Nov. 8 rejected. Forget the battle for the best party planner this weekend. Democrats need to focus on loosening the donor classs control of the party infrastructure and rebuild via new candidates and stronger state parties. Allow local elected Democrats to return our party to success, give them the tools and resources to do that, but dont rely on a hamstrung national party or a handful of well-funded liberal coastal elites demanding one-size-fits-all-Democrats identity politics. The focus this weekend in Atlanta at the DNC meeting should not be about the next party chair but about the DNC, big donors, grassroots, and others directly funding state parties and allowing them to find ways to win outside of control from Washington, D.C. Funding the Wisconsin Democratic Party is a better bet than funding the DNC, and funding the Democratic Party of Alabama is a better bet than funding Black Lives Matter. Lindsay Mark Lewis, executive director of the Progressive Policy Institute, is a former finance director of the DNC. MAIDUGURI, NigeriaIts minutes past 4:00 p.m. local time, and Sarah, as well call her, has just returned to her tent in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at the outskirts Maiduguri, the capital of Nigerias war-torn Borno state. She had spent much of her day in the heart of town meeting with a woman whos promising to take her to Italy and find her a job. The young girl, who said she was 17, hasnt been told where shell be working once she arrives at her destination. Yet she isnt bothered. All she wants is to get to Europe. Sarah is not naive. She knows that many of the girls who are taken from Nigeria to Italy end up as sex workers. She even suspects that will be the job shell be asked to do once she arrives in Europe, given the way her would-be benefactor has been communicating with her. She always tells me you are a fine girl, whenever we are discussing, she told The Daily Beast at the camp where she has been for about a year now. She says it wouldnt be difficult for a girl like me to find a job. Living a life of abuse is what Sarah has faced since 2015, the year Boko Haram militants invaded her compound in Bama, about 50 miles southeast of this city, and dragged her from her home. She says she was taken to the terrorists hideout in the Sambisa Forest where a number of jihadists took turns raping her. Weeks after her abduction, she escaped from her captors in the middle of the night when those guarding the camp had fallen asleep. She walked for long hours before reaching a settlement from which she was able to make her way to Maiduguri. But the difficult life in many IDP camps here, where food is hardly enough for everyone, forced Sarah to turn to prostitution to survive. I was looking for money to feed myself and to buy medicine as I kept falling ill, she said. Men dont give money without first sleeping with you. Reports of female IDPs in Maiduguri prostituting for money and food have been on the rise for months. A survey taken last September by NOI Polls, a Nigerian research group, indicated that almost 90 percent of people displaced by Boko Haram in the northeast of the country do not have enough to eat. The survey discovered that many women are trading sex for food and the freedom to move in and out of IDP camps. State officials have been accused of stealing food rations, and also of raping and sexually exploiting women and girls living in the IDP camps in Maiduguri. NOI Polls reported in the survey that 66 percent of 400 displaced people in the northeast said that camp officials sexually abuse the displaced women and girls. Human Rights Watch in a report it released last October, that in July 2016 it documented sexual abuse, including rape and other exploitation of 43 women and girls living in IDP camps in Maiduguri. Sarah is one of the many young girls who say they have suffered sexual abuse by men giving out aid in the camp. The first time she had sex after arriving in Maiduguri was with a member of the citys vigilante group who sometimes distributed food to displaced persons. I had to [agree to the mans advances] because I thought he will stop giving me food if I didnt. She said. He kept putting pressure on me to go to bed with him. After that first incident, Sarah continued to offer sex to those she thought had the money to pay, moving deep into the heart of Maiduguri to look for clients. It was in one of her outings that she met the woman who is promising to take her to Italy. She saw me enter a small restaurant to buy food and then came after me, Sarah said. She said she had been seeing me in the area for some time and was monitoring me. While Sarah is excited about traveling to Italy, she is anxious to find out what exact role shell be playing once she gets to Europe, and what those helping her achieve expect to gain in return. The teenager is likely to be deceived in the same way thousands of vulnerable girls like her have been tricked in the past. Usually, Nigerian women are fooled into believing theyll be given good jobs once they get to Europe. Often, traffickers take them to traditional shrines where they are forced to undergo a juju oath-swearing ritual that commits them to repay the money they owe to their smugglers on pain of death or insanity, and not to denounce them to the police. Once in Europe, the women are told by their benefactors that they must work as prostitutes until they pay off debts ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, according to a number of girls who returned recently to Nigeria after working for years as prostitutes in Italy. Should Sarah make it to Italy, shell be adding to the over 11,000 women who have crossed the Mediterranean within the last 13 months, of whom 80 percent go on to live a life of forced prostitution, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). They journey isnt easy. The nearly 3,000-mile trip across the Sahel in pick-up trucks, in minivans and on motorcycles that will take Sarah to Libyas Mediterranean coast usually takes months to complete, and migrants on this route face possible beatings, rape, and forced labor by criminal networks in North Africa (PDF). At the end of it, not everyone seeking to reach Europe is successful. Recently, over a hundred female migrants voluntarily returned to Nigeria after being detained for several months in Libya by border authorities as they tried to get to Italy. Some of the returnees said they were abused by Libyan immigration officials while in detention. It took the intervention of the IOM for them to be freed returned home. Most of the young ladies in detention camp were raped by Libyan officials, Bridget Akeama, who returned from Libya four months pregnant, reportedly told the News Agency of Nigeria. If you refused their advances, it will be hell for you. Nearly all the women who arrived at the Lagos airport come from southern Nigeria, a predominantly Christian region that has for years been a hub for smugglers taking advantage of girls desperately in need of lucrative jobs. Figures show that 80 percent of women trafficked to Italy come from Benin City, Edo State, in the same region. But Sarahs impending move to Italy is an indication that traffickers have created a solid base in the northeast region where an eight-year-old insurgency has created a huge refugee crisis and made thousands of women vulnerable. Stories of trafficking of women displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency began to circulate more than two years ago when the jihadists seized a part of northeast Nigeria about the size of Belgium, forcing hundreds of thousands people to flee to overcrowded IDP camps in relatively calm cities. The vulnerability of these women and poor structuring of these camps created an opening for traffickers to explore. A report by Nigerias Abuja-based International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) published in 2015 alleged that hundreds of young girls have been trafficked from IDP camps, although most victims were from unregistered, makeshift camps established when official camps could no longer cope. The report quoted an unnamed nurse as saying many children were brought to her hospital after being raped in the IDP camps, and it also alleged that refugees were being sold as unpaid domestic workers, raped repeatedly, and in some cases burned and wounded with knives. One of the patients admitted to the hospital was a 15-year-old girl who said some government officials came to the camp she stayed in and took many young girls away and later sold them as slaves. She ended up in the house of a man whose brother repeatedly raped her. As IDP camps offer little protection to inhabitants, they is growing concern that more young girls like Sarah will be exploited, a major concern for aid organizations and for the United Nations, which is offering extensive help in the region. Many [camps] are in fact the settings for violence, exploitation and abuse of the most vulnerable, Chaloka Beyani, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons, said in a statement at the end of his visit to Nigeria last year. The situation of women and girls in IDP camps and conflict affected areas is of particular concern and requires urgent action. Doctrinaire liberals tended to underestimate Alan Colmes, who co-hosted Fox News Channels Hannity & Colmes for a dozen years and was frequently derided as Sean Hannitys foil. He was, they claimed, a weak debater, insufficiently aggressive in fighting right-wing nonsense. Former Saturday Night Live performer and Air America radio jock Al Franken, now a Democratic U.S. senator from Minnesota, couldnt resist mocking Colmes as a moderate milquetoast and liberal on-air punching bag in Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them, his best-selling takedown of Fox News and other conservative-leaning outlets. Colmes, who died of cancer Thursday morning at the untimely age of 66, was even a juicy target for Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, comedian Robert Smigels alter-ago, who verbally assaulted Hannitys so-called sidekick at the 2004 Democratic Convention. Hes Hannitys bitch. Let him in! the cigar-chomping sock-puppet shouted as Colmes waited amid a crush of locked-out delegates to be allowed into Bostons Fleet Center. When convention officials finally relented and Colmes slipped through, Triumph yelped: Thank God they just let the doormat through the door! Get in there and get your butt kicked by Sean Hannity! Ellis Henican, who has often substituted as host on Colmess nightly Fox Radio Network show, especially as the latter succumbed to illness in recent weeks, said such critiquesand they were numerousreflected a misunderstanding of Colmess role in the political cosmos, especially from mid-1996 to January 2009, when Colmes co-starred as the progressive voice on the eponymous prime-time cable program. Being a liberal commentator on Fox is like being the visiting team; the audience, by and large, doesnt agree with you, your co-host doesnt agree with you, most of the guests dont agree with you, so you live with the daily challenge of needing to perform in front of an audience that is not inclined to like you, Henican told The Daily Beast. You cant just shout. I would tell the people who felt he was not sufficiently bombastic to go see how well they would do if their technique in front of an audience like that is just to be a bigger asshole than the other guy. Henican said Colmes was aided immeasurably by his pre-Fox News training as a standup comica line of work in which he was able to make a good living in the 70s and early 80s before he went into radio, and then television, full-time. You have to use other techniquesyou have to use humor, you have to use charm, Henican said. You have to learn to twist a question in some unexpected way. If you dont, youre gonna get run over like a freight train. That was both Alans talent and his challenge. Author, essayist, and occasional Daily Beast contributor Tracy Quan, who used her previous career as a high-priced call girl as fodder for a series of novels, said she thought of Colmes as her mentor, a good friend who was always generous with advice about television and radio appearances, or as a sounding board about her personal life, over lunches, teas, or when she was a guest on his various radio gigs over the years. (She never saw the rail-thin Colmes take an alcoholic drink.) His heart was in ithe really believed in certain things, he wasnt just a hack, Quan said. I dont think that is necessarily true of some people who do political commentary. Henican, for his part, explained: He lived in a world where, politically, he was in a very distinct minority, and the challenge was not about having the perfectly crafted argument or shouting louder. The challenge was, Can I reach these people who dont want to hear from me and maybe make them listen for a minute. As a measure of Colmess success at that goaland his apparently universal reputation as a decent guy who was unfailingly generous to coworker and competitorshis Fox News colleagues reacted to Thursdays awful news with an outpouring of raw grief. I have a hole in my heart today, said a clearly devastated Hannity, who phoned in to Americas Newsroom, the Fox News morning show. Everybody loved Alan. Everybody liked himThe world is a little darker place today because a really great human being left us. Hannity added: He was just a guy with a great sense of humor, a guy who had a human level of decency and love and kindnessHe was one of the funniest guys I ever metHe had a passion for the microphone. Hannity, whose office at Fox Newss Manhattan headquarters is next door to the one Colmes used, recounted that shortly after he received his shattering diagnosis, Colmes dropped by to tell him. We had a long, really deep, personal chat. We talked about our deep friendshiphow blessed we were to be good friendsHe said, What Im most worried about is Jocelynhis wife. I know shes gonna take this harder than me. He was facing a very difficult uphill battleHe wasnt thinking about himself, he was thinking about his wife, his familyI just want people to know that this was a good man with a great big heart. It turns out that Colmess wife, Jocelyn, is the sister of his once-frequent debating adversary, conservative talking head Monica Crowley, who faced off against her brother-in-law nearly every Friday on The OReilly Factor and was preparing to join Donald Trumps White House staff until she was waylaid in early January by a plagiarism flap. I am heartbroken at the loss of my sweet brother-in-law Alan Colmes, Crowley wrote on her Facebook page. Alan was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He took his beliefs and work seriously and at the same time lived his life full of joy, laughter and commitment. He loved what he did for a living, and he loved those around himwithout condition. During the most heated political debates, his infectious sense of humor would come through, and before you knew it, even his staunchest political opponents were smiling. Tributes, meanwhile, abounded on social media. Megyn Kelly wrote on Twitter: Heartbroken my friend Alan Colmes has died. He lit up the FNC halls w/his kindness & humor. Incredibly positive force. Prayers 4 his family. Glenn Beck tweeted: RIP . Shock. While is [sic] disagreed with him on many things he was a good and decent man. Indeed, all that matters in the end. Brit Hume tweeted: So sad to hear of the death of Fox News colleague Alan Colmes. He and I agreed on little, but I liked him immensely. Good guy. R.I.P. Ann Coulter tweeted: WHAT? passed away????? Noooooooooooo! Very sad. He was a good guy. Always surprised people that way. Colmes, a native New Yorker, grew up in a Jewish family, the grandson of Ukrainian immigrants, and gravitated to the campus radio station at Long Islands Hofstra University. After becoming a standup and achieving moderate success in the comedy clubs, he exchanged that career for talk radio, toiling at a variety of stations, big and small, until then-Fox News chief executive Roger Ailes hired him for Hannity & Colmes in 1996 for the launch of the cable channel. Although Colmes repeatedly insisted that leaving the popular prime-time debate show was his choice, many believe it was Ailes who decided to remove him as Fox News, in 2009 the top-rated cable outlet, positioned itself as the most vociferous media critic of the incoming president, Barack Obama. Colmes never complained, never explained. Roger ran Fox, his friend Henican said. Alan had been in this business long enough to know that we all should be grateful for the opportunities that we get, and the way to win is to keep going and do well with whatever the opportunities are. I didnt detect any bitterness in him about it. Henican is scheduled to host a tribute show 6 to 9 p.m. ET tonight, Thursday, on the Fox Radio Network. The family of Tony Robinson, who sued the city of Madison after he was killed by Officer Matt Kenny in 2015, has settled a federal civil rights lawsuit with the citys insurer for $3.35 million. Robinsons grandmother, Sharon Irwin, called the settlement bittersweet. But city and police union leaders decried the settlement, which they said was a business decision made by the citys insurance company, which will pay the claim. The settlement was made over Kennys strong objections, said Jim Palmer, executive director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association and one of Kennys attorneys. Matt was prepared to go to trial and have a forum in which he could confront the wild accusations the Robinson family has been making for quite some time, Palmer said. Nothing about this agreement, which includes no admission of wrongdoing, changes the fact that he has been fully and repeatedly exonerated. The settlement is the largest in state history for a police shooting, surpassing the previous record of $2.3 million the city agreed to pay the family of Paul Heenan in 2015 to settle a civil rights lawsuit against the city and the former police officer who shot and killed him. I understand there was tremendous pressure on the remaining parties to the lawsuit to settle the case rather than have this matter continue with no end in sight, Madison Mayor Paul Soglin said in a statement, adding that the city which had been dismissed as a defendant in the case last week was not involved in the settlement and had no ability to influence the court or the parties in approving it. Unfortunately, the way the case was concluded leaves the public and all local governments still struggling to understand how police officers are to proceed in dangerous situations when confronted by individuals who are impaired by substance abuse or mental health issues, Soglins statement said. The mayor and City Attorney Michael May did not make themselves available for interviews. Kenny shot the unarmed Robinson after the teen, who had taken hallucinogenic mushrooms, punched Kenny in the head and knocked him into a wall during an altercation in the narrow stairway of a Williamson Street apartment home on the night of March 6, 2015. Police had been called to the area after reports that the 19-year-old Robinson had been running in traffic and battering people. In May of that year, Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne determined the shooting was a lawful use of deadly force and declined to bring criminal charges. A state review and an internal investigation also found Kenny acted appropriately. Both sides had motive to settle Irwin and family attorneys David Owens and Anand Swaminathan said the citys insurer, Wisconsin Municipal Mutual Insurance Co., settled because it knew Kennys story wouldnt hold up in court. Their attorneys came to us Monday night with an offer, said Andrea Irwin, Robinsons mother. Efforts to reach WMMIC for comment Thursday were unsuccessful. Irwin and Robinsons father, Tony Robinson Sr., said they agreed to settle because they wanted to spare the family from having to go through a trial. And my son deserves some sort of peace, Irwin said. Owens said police opposition to the settlement is misplaced, contending that forensic experts hired by the family would have disputed Kennys claim to investigators that all of the seven shots were fired in close range while Robinson was aggressing toward him. If they had known what happened that day, they would not want Kenny in their department, Owens said. The family also had been prepared to dispute Kennys description of the altercation in the stairwell and that he suffered a concussion after Robinson punched him in the head, Owens said. He said the only head injury suffered by Kenny was a minor cut and that it wasnt caused by a punch. He also maintained there was no objective evidence that Kenny suffered a concussion, although Palmer produced medical documents that showed a diagnosis of a concussion on two return visits to doctors after the incident. Impact on taxpayers unclear The lawsuit, brought by the family against the city on Aug. 12, 2015, was due to go to trial on Feb. 27. The city was removed as a defendant by U.S. District Judge James Peterson last week after he found no evidence to suggest that city practices or procedures led to Robinsons death. The citys insurance company remained involved, however, because Kenny, who was also named in the lawsuit, is insured under the citys policy with WMMIC, May said in an email responding to a series of questions by reporters. The insurance company has the authority to make settlements under its policy with the city, May said, adding that the city does not need to approve any settlements and cannot tell WMMIC not to settle. The city pays a retention fee, similar to a deductible, of $350,000 a year, which was used up long ago in this case, May said. It was unclear how the settlement would affect the citys premiums, which have ranged from $364,000 to $436,000 a year over the last seven years. Attorneys for the Robinson family sharply disputed Soglins assertion that the city had no involvement in reaching the settlement. Under state law, the city is responsible for paying any verdict or judgment against Officer Kenny, they said in a statement late Thursday. The city had to approve the settlement; and the city had to contribute financially to the settlement. The attorneys said they will continue to push the city to fire Kenny, who was placed on paid leave while the shooting was being investigated and has since been assigned to the departments training section and mounted patrol. Police: Kenny was thrown under bus The family has also asked federal authorities to investigate how Madison police investigated the shooting. U.S. Attorney John Vaudreuil confirmed Thursday that his office and the U.S. Department of Justices Civil Rights Division have been reviewing the case since it obtained investigators files more than a year ago. Swaminathan, who grew up in Madison, said he hopes, at a minimum, that Madison police will reopen its investigation. Soglin should demand the internal investigation that was never done, Swaminathan said. Police Chief Mike Koval said the settlement helps neither side. No amount of money is ever going to equate with or compensate adequately the loss, the pain and the grief the Robinson family has to contend with, Koval said. But similarly, this is an officer who has basically had his career marooned and placed on a desert island for the past two years, subject to the court of public opinion. The Madison police union also expressed opposition to the settlement. The settlement is tantamount to throwing him under the bus, said Dan Frei, president of the Madison Professional Police Officers Association. Frankly, given how the plaintiffs in this case (the Robinson family) have publicly demanded justice, Im actually shocked they would settle it short of having their day in court. State Journal reporters Molly Beck and Bill Novak contributed to this report. Despite what you might be hearing from incompetent Texas hunters and the president of the United States these days, theres hardly an immigration crime wave in this country right now, Seth Meyers told viewers Wednesday nightciting a series of studies over many years. With a net loss of 140,000 Mexicans between 2009 and 2014, the Late Night host said, Thats right, America has turned into a bad movie and people are walking out. But Trump disputes that fact, suggesting that nobody knows how many undocumented immigrants there are in the country. We do know what the number is, Meyers said. Just because you dont know, doesnt mean no one knows. During his campaign, Trump promised Americans a beautiful wall on the southern border, demonstrating with his hands that there would be sensors above and below ground. Trump thinks we need a hand gesture to explain what below means, Meyers said, shaking his head. He may be a terrible president, but hed be great at a game of douchebag charades. So Trump wants to spend as much as $20 billion on a wall that even some Republicans think wont work, but dont worry, Trump adviser Stephen Miller said theres no need to worry about who will pay for the wall, Meyers added, showing a clip of Miller claiming the wall will pay for itself many, many, many times over. I know what youre thinking, Meyers said, I thought Mexico was going to pay for the wall. In addition to the wall, Trump is using executive orders to try to increase deportations and even reduce legal immigration. Look, these immigration policies are cruel, unnecessary and ineffective, Meyers said. Even many Republicans think so. Those Republicans and Democrats should stand up to Trump. Just a few years ago, Maria Butina owned a furniture store in Siberia. Now shes wheeling and dealing with D.C. think-tankers, Republican strategists, and a Russian bank chief with alleged mob connections. Depending on the audience, Butina has presented herself as a Russian central bank staffer, a leading gun rights advocate, a representative of the Russian Federation, a Washington, D.C., graduate student, a journalist, and a connection between Team Trump and Russia. She used each role to help her gain more high-level contacts in the nations capital. Its another chapter in whats becoming a familiar story in Washington: Kremlin-connected operators building bridges to the GOP. Ever since U.S. intelligence services concluded that Russia was meddling in the American presidential elections, Team Trumps ties to Russia have been highly scrutinized. The presidents national security adviser, Michael Flynn, resigned because he misled his bosses about his contacts with the Russian government; and his former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, also resigned due to questions about his relationship with Russia. Butinas relationships, formed with Washingtons conservative society through her fierce advocacy for firearmsone conference described her as the public face of gun rights in the Russian Federationprovide a previously unreported link between the Russian government and the Republican Party. Two of Butinas friendships in particular have raised eyebrows. She started a business with Paul Erickson, a decades-long Republican Party activist. And she served as a special assistant to the deputy governor of Russias central bank, Alexander Torshin, a former Russian senator belonging to Vladimir Putins political party with alleged ties to the Russian mob world. On Nov. 12, 2016, shortly after the election of President Donald Trump, Butina held a birthday party at Cafe Deluxe near American University, where she attends graduate school classes. The event was a costume party attended by Trump campaign aides and Erickson, who told guests that he was on the Trump presidential transition team. She dressed as Russian Empress Alexandra while Erickson was dressed as Rasputin. As chilled vodka flowed through an ice sculpturea bottle imprinted with the Soviet hammer and sickleshe took some time to brag. She brazenly claimed that she had been part of the Trump campaigns communications with Russia, two individuals who were present said. On other occasions, in one of her graduate classes, she repeated this claim. She said so in my class. And she said so several times in the last semester, Svetlana Savranskaya, Butinas former American University professor and a staffer at the National Security Archive, told The Daily Beast. She is a former journalist, so she keeps up her connections in Russia. And she also works and [claims to] keep connections with a member of the Russian Duma. Erickson and Butina have been seen in public frequently, at the invitation-only Freedom Ball after Trumps inauguration; and holding court at Russia House, a Russian-themed bar in Washington, D.C.s Dupont Circle. At one such gathering in the fall of 2016 Erickson bragged that he was advising the Trump transition team, according to two sources who were present; he is also said to have told a story about introducing Mikhail Kalashnikov, inventor of the AK-47, to former NRA president David Keene. (Kalashnikov allegedly inspired the creation of The Right to Bear Arms, Butinas gun rights group.) The two appear to have gotten close: Erickson formed a limited liability corporation with Butina in February 2016, according to the South Dakota secretary of state. It is unclear what this organization, Bridges, LLC, actually does. (Despite living in Washington, D.C., Butina has a cellphone number with a South Dakota area code.) As a former board member of the American Conservative Unionan influential conservative group that puts on the annual Conservative Political Action ConferenceErickson has a formidable network of contacts on the right. For example, he served on the American Conservative Union board with Becky Norton Dunlop, a senior Trump transition team official. The White House did not comment on whether Erickson served on or advised the Trump transition team. Erickson has been active within Republican and conservatives circles for decades, first appearing on the national stage as treasurer of the College Republicans in 1984. A 1992 Los Angeles Times report identifies him as the national political director for Pat Buchanans presidential campaign, while a more recent report gives him a more senior title. Erickson had participated in every GOP presidential primary campaign since 1980 and was Pat Buchanans presidential campaign manager in 1992, an article in Forbes in December 2016 reads. He is a sort of secret master of the political universe known almost exclusively to the cognoscenti. Erickson was an adviser to the Mitt Romney campaign, a former board member of the ACU, a 2012 Mitt Romney delegate, and an attendee at the Trump inaugural address. Hes also identified in a USA Today obituary as a friend and ally of the late Breitbart News founder Andrew Breitbart. During this time, Butina was building a reputation as a gun rights champion in Russia. She helped create The Right to Bear Arms," her group advocating for Russian gun owners, in 2011. We protect gun rights in Russia, and people who are gun owners and in a situation of self-defense, Butina told Townhall, a conservative news site, in May 2014, after she attended the annual NRA Womens Leadership Luncheon in Indianapolis. That fall, Butinas group hosted Erickson at its Moscow headquarters. The event advertised Erickson as a veteran of six presidential campaigns who had worked in the Reagan White House. But Erickson isnt Butinas only well-connected friend. She is also close with Torshin, a former Russian lawmaker. Torshin was the deputy speaker of Russias parliament for more than a decade, and spent time on Russias powerful National Anti-Terrorism Committee, a state body that includes the director of the FSB and the ministers of defense, interior, and foreign affairs. When Torshin was a deputy governor of Russias central bank, Butina served as his aide, according to an archived version of her personal website, which went offline around the time she moved to Washington, D.C., in the fall of 2016. The former Russian senator has tweeted about her frequently, posting photos of her on the social media network. Torshin and Butina are both passionate defenders of gun owners rights. Both are lifetime members of the NRA (the only two Russians he knew to be lifetime members, Torshin once tweeted). The two attended the NRAs annual meeting in 2014 as a special guests of then-NRA president David Keene. We are a young organization. We are three years old. And we invited David Keene. He made a speech at our annual meeting. And so its like an answer from one side, Butina told Townhall. The next side is the life member of our organization. He is our Russian senator. His name is Senator Alexander Torshin. He is a life member of NRA too, and hes usually a participant of such events, and every annual meeting of NRA. But now the situation between (our) two countries is very difficult. And we have to go here together with Senator Torshin. He is a great gun lover, he supports our organization and hes a friend of the NRA. As Butina mentioned, 2014 was a difficult time for U.S.-Russian relations. After the takeover of Crimea and the invasion of eastern Ukraine, the Obama administration slapped sanctions on Russian banks and Putins inner circle. It was also a period of recovery for Torshin. The year before, in 2013, Spanish authorities completed a three-year probe into Russian mob activity in their country. In their confidential report they alleged that Torshin helped a Russian mob syndicate in Moscow launder money through banks and properties in Spain. This accusation is based in part on recordings of phone conversations Torshin had with an alleged Russian mobster in 2012 and 2013. Bloomberg News broke news of this confidential report in 2016, although Torshin denied the allegations. Torshin did not respond to a list of questions from The Daily Beast. Torshins assets have skyrocketed over the last few years, according to Transparency International, a watchdog organization that tracks the net worth of Russian officials. One of Torshins superiors at the bank between 1995 and 1998, former First Deputy Governor Sergey Aleksashenko, said Torshin may have returned to his old post at the behest of the Federal Security Service, or FSB, with which he appears to have longstanding ties, Bloomberg reported. Aleksashenko, a former head of Merrill Lynch in Moscow, is now a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington. Despite his ties to Russia, Torshin is still welcome in conservative circles. In May 2016, he returned to the NRAs annual convention and shared a dinner table with Donald Trump Jr., according to the same Bloomberg report. Neither Erickson nor Butina responded to multiple Daily Beast requests for comment through emails, texts, and phone calls. Neither responded to a list of detailed questions regarding this article. But ultimately, the Torshin-Butina-Erickson link serves as another set of relationships between influential Russian figures and Washington power playersjust as the FBI and several Senate committees examine Moscows impact on the American political scene. Just this week, The New York Times reported on a back-channel proposal that described a way to lift sanctions against Russia while ending the conflict in Ukraine, delivered to the White House through Trumps lawyer Michael Cohen. One thing thats clear: Trump himself is beginning to back away, at least in public, from any perceived connections to Russia. On July 11, 2015more than a year before she began her studies at American UniversityButina was in Las Vegas at an early rally for Trumps embryonic presidential campaign. During a question-and-answer session, she asked Trump about Russian sanctions. Im from Russia. My question will be about foreign politics, Butina said, glancing at prepared notes. If you will be elected as president, what will be your foreign politics especially in the relationships with my country? Do you want to continue the policy of sanctions that are damaging [to] both economies? Or [do you] have any other ideas? I know Putin, and Ill tell you what, well get along with Putin, Trump said in his response to Butina. I would get along very nicely with Putin, I mean, where we have the strength. I dont think youd need the sanctions. I think we would get along very, very well. These days, with revelations about Russias interference in the American presidential elections mounting, Trump gives a very different answer. I dont know Putin, he tweeted earlier this month. I have nothing to do with Russia, Trump added in a Feb. 16 press conference. Havent made a phone call to Russia in years. Dont speak to people from Russia. Not that I wouldnt. I just have nobody to speak to. A bizarre story appeared in the British press this week, announcing that Princess Beatrice, the elder daughter of Prince Andrew and Fergie, had landed a deal with a sexy tech start-up seeking to float on the New York stock exchange via her new business consultancy. Fun-loving Princess Beatrice, the report in the Telegraph rather breathlessly announced, was following in the footsteps of her father the Duke of York by setting herself up as a business matchmaker and winning her first high-profile client in the shape of would-be stock market debutant Afiniti. For cheerleaders of Princess Beatrices somewhat uneven career as a wannabe businesswoman, any news is good news, but further details as to exactly what Princess Beatrice is up to in her professional life remain hard to fathom. One courtier told the Daily Beast they had no idea who Beatrice worked for, or in what role her business consultancy was partnering with Afiniti, an artificial intelligence company which makes software for call centers, counts Vodafone and Virgin among its customers, and is said to be exploring a $US2 billion listing in New York. The Duke of Yorks office refused to clarify the issue any further to the Daily Beast other than to repeat an absurd stock response that Beatrice is continuing to work in business. Afiniti issued a response to the Daily Beast declining to comment on the validity of reports stating the Princesss connection with the company. All that is known for certain is that Beatrice, an excellent networker with fabulous name-recognition, accompanied Afinitis founder, Zia Chishti, and his entourage to meetings and parties at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year. It seems reasonable to speculate, in the absence of any information to the contrary, that Beatrice is acting as a brand ambassador for the company, representing it to investors. What else could a business matchmaker be? Beatrice reportedly set up her consultancy after leaving the New York investment firm Sandbridge Capital in June. According to reports her consultancy operates under the auspices of Sandbridge Capital, but, again, no-one is willing to provide any clarity, or even the name of the business, on the record. Such shadowy, secretive behavior is exactly not what a member of the royal family needs to make a success of a career in trade. One might have thought that Beatrice would have learned this lesson from her father, Prince Andrew, with whom comparisons to Beatrice are unhelpfully apparent. Andrews suspicious property deal with a Kazakh billionaire to buy his former marital home for 3m over the 12m asking price was widely reported. Andrew was a regular visitor to Kazakhstan at the time as part of his role as UK Special Representative for Trade and Investment. He even went goose-hunting with then-President Nazarbayev, who just so happened to be the father in law of Timur Kulibayev, the buyer of his house. The palace has always insisted that the deal was legitimate and that Andrew was merely fortunate to get such a good price for the house. However, the lack of transparency has encouraged speculation that Andrew exploited his position for financial gain. Beatrices mother, the Duchess of York, could be fairly said to have had a disastrous business career, which has seen her of late conducting business meetings in a five star London hotel bar rather than paying for her own office. At one stage she was so desperate for money that she agreed to corruptly sell access to her husband unfortunately for her the meeting, at which she sought $700,000 was being recorded by a British tabloid newspaper. However, Beatrice has been wise to follow the example of her mother in one respect at least trying to make a go of it overseas, in America (Fergie made millions as the American face of Weight Watchers), a wise move which at least insulates her from daily scrutiny by the British press. In comparison to her parents exploitation of their royal name for financial gain, it should be said that friends of Beatrice tell the Daily Beast she is hardworking and keen to make a success of her life in her own right. But fundamentally, anyone with an HRH title will find it hard to be taken seriously in business. There will always be tension between their public and private roles, and questions as to whether it is the title or the person who is being bought by any partner or employer. In that respect, the shrewdest of the royal business people is perhaps Princess Anne, who gave up the rights of her children Peter and Zara to their HRH status, with both now enjoying lives of prosperity in relative obscurity. If Beatrice really wants to stand on her own two feet, she should officially drop her title once and for all. Such a move would win her enormous respect, and forever take the wind out of the sails of those who allege that, like her parents have done, she is seeking to make a quick buck and cash in on her royal status. ISLAMABADDonald Trumps new national security advisor, Gen. H. R. McMaster, will be seeing some familiar names and some familiar problems coming across his desk in the next few days, and months, and very likely years. And theyre not good news. Afghanistan and Pakistan are coming back into view as centers of terror and unrest potentially every bit as dangerous to the United States as the so-called Islamic State that operates in Iraq and Syria. And Afghanistans a part of the world where McMaster discovered his hard charging left him with limp results. In 2010 his mission was to curb corruption in the U.S.-backed Afghan governmentgraft, bribery, and theft that undermined everything Washington thought it was trying to do. But some of the people that the United States sent out to build the Afghan nation turned out to be just as corrupt as the locals. And McMaster, even though he worked to understand the Afghan culture, sometimes lost patience. Asked at a teleconference what he thought Afghans saw as an acceptable level of corruption, McMaster shut down the questioner, acting as if the inquiry made no sense at all and was, indeed, completely unacceptable. Of course, the problem continued. And what we see now confirms what Af/Pak hands have known all along: the corruption is not just about money, its about the whole record of the Afghanistan and Pakistan conflict. You cant trust the governments you support, not when they are talking about money, and much less when they talk about peace or about victory. What we have seen in the last few days is a bloody reassertion of killing power by various factions of the Pakistani Taliban, known as the TTPthe same group that came very close to blowing up an SUV full of explosives in Times Square in May 2010. Within the space of a few days, and after almost two years of relative calm, Pakistan has been hit by five suicide bombings and other attacks: On Feb. 13, the target was a protest rally in Lahore, in the rich province of Punjab that used to be considered the peaceful heart of Pakistan. Thirteen people were killed, including two senior police officers. One of those, Mueben Ahamd, was an intelligence officer known for his extensive operations against militants. The Taliban splinter group Al Ahrar claimed the attack. On Feb. 14, as police tried to defuse a bomb in Quetta it went off, killing two people and wounding 11 . On the 15th, a suicide bomber on a motorcycle rammed a government van carrying senior judges in Peshawar, and other bombers hit a government compound in Mohmand. On Feb. 16 the attack was on a Sufi shrine in Sehwan in the south of the country, and 88 people died. An offshoot of ISIS claimed responsibility for that atrocity, but in the complicated web of jihadist factions, there are links between ISIS and the Taliban on both sides of the Af/Pak border. Pakistani authorities promised a merciless crackdown. Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, the chief of the Pakistani army, promised that each drop of [the] nations blood shall be avenged, and avenged immediately. He vowed there would be no more restraint for anyone. And roundups of suspected terrorists began immediately. But on Tuesday, at least five people died when suicide bombers tried to storm a courthouse in northwest Pakistan. All this comes after the Pakistani military has conducted several massive military operations against the TTP and other jihadist groups, repeatedly proclaiming that the back of the organization is broken. What the latest attacks prove is that the organization may be wounded, but it is far from dead. Which is, of course, the point the Taliban on both sides of the border want to make. Muhamamd Khorasni, a spokesman for the TTP militants, sent an email last week announcing that all the fractured Taliban groups are coming together and have appointed a new deputy head of the organization, uniting what had been separate factions. Another TTP source told The Daily Beast that the organization was dispersed after government offensives that began in 2014, but their ideology and commitment remained and they were able to rebuild. Your Western media forecasted that the Taliban regime in Afghanistan collapse, but the Taliban regrouped and reorganized. That is exactly what the TTP has been doing since the Pakistan army operations. It bounced back , reorganized, and will take revenge. TTP leaders had a meeting on Jan. 20 near the Af/Pak border, this source claimed. All the groups agreed in principle to combine attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan. At the same meeting, according to this source, some leaders suggested a general amnesty for those ex-TTP Taliban who had switched their allegiance to ISIS. We hope they will come back, he said. The feeling is that ISIS has no future in the Af/Pak wars, according to several TTP sources. An Afghan Taliban source told The Daily Beast there have been no clashes between Afghan Taliban and the Afghan chapter of ISIS for a long time, and the Afghan Taliban want ISIS to merge with them. The chances of that apparently have improved after U.S. drone strike took out Afghan-ISIS leader Hafiz Saeed Khan last summer. According to this source, he has been replaced by Abu Haseb, who is Afghan, but who used to be a commander in the Pakistani Kashmiri organization Lashkar-e-Taiba. None of this bodes well for the United States. As a former TTP commander told The Daily Beast, We are very clear about our Jihad to install an Islamic regime in Afghanistan and Pakistan, but of course the United States are our lifetime and definite Enemy Number One. The ongoing blame game between the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan, each blaming the other for allowing if not indeed encouraging the rebels fighting their neighbor, has given the Taliban on both sides of the frontier a chance to resume their activities and regain strength. A well-placed European diplomat notes that the terrorists in Afghanistan and Pakistan are now deeply interconnected, and unless the governments of those two countries find a way to pursue the same anti-Taliban agenda, terrorists will remain at large in the worlds most dangerous region, Pakistan and Afghanistan. For all these reasons, Gen. McMaster probably would agree with one of his former subordinates who said Af/Pak has been a sucking chest wound for the United States for the last 15 years. Now as U.S. national security advisor, McMaster has the chance as he never has before to try to stop the bleeding. But if he is as smart as many of his colleagues say he is, he probably knows that is just about impossible. Sami Yousafzai reported from Islamabad, Christopher Dickey from New York 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. WASHINGTON Fitchburg-based Promega Corp. was handed a defeat Wednesday by the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of a California firm in a patent infringement case that limits the international reach of U.S. patent laws. The justices ruled unanimously that a shipment by Life Technologies Corp. of a single part of a patented invention for assembly in another country did not violate patent laws. Life Technologies supplied an enzyme used in DNA analysis kits to a plant in London and combined it with several other components to make kits sold worldwide. Promega sued, arguing that the kits infringed a U.S. patent. A jury awarded $52 million in damages to Promega, but U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb set aside the verdict, saying the law did not cover export of a single component. The federal appeals panel specializing in patent cases reversed and reinstated the verdict, though not the damages. Instead, it ordered a new trial. Crabb stayed the case while the Supreme Court decided whether it would take the matter. We are pleased to have additional clarity around this area of the law. We respect the process and appreciate the effort that goes into making these decisions, Daniel Ghoca, Promega general counsel, said in an email. The parties will now turn back to the lower court to determine the revised scope of Life Technologies patent infringement and damages due to Promega. Patent laws are designed to prevent U.S. companies from mostly copying a competitors invention and simply completing the final phase overseas to skirt the law. A violation occurs when all or a substantial portion of the components of a patent invention are supplied from the United States to a foreign location. Writing for the high court, Justice Sonia Sotomayor said the law addresses only the quantity of components, not the quality. That means the law does not cover the supply of a single component of a multicomponent invention, Sotomayor said. Only seven justices took part in the ruling. Chief Justice John Roberts heard arguments in the case, but later withdrew after discovering he owned shares in the parent company of Life Technologies. Ron OBrien, spokesman for Thermo Fisher Scientific, parent company of Life Technologies, declined to comment on the decision. Iowa County Emergency Management said the former bar and restaurant Barn 23, 3656 Highway 23, was on fire. The blaze temporarily shut down traffic on the northbound side of the highway for two hours from about 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., the state Department of Transportation said. Ombra Di Pantera Prosecco launched in UK Ombra Di Pantera, a super-premium DOCG Prosecco, has launched in the UK. The release will be available in high-end London bars and retail outlets. The 1.5 million UK launch will be supported with a marketing campaign including PR, social media, experiential and trade marketing activity, encouraging consumers to Step out of the Shadow of inferior Prosecco experiences. Ombra Di Pantera is made with the Glera grapes from a vineyard in Conegliano, Treviso. Ombra Di Pantera, Prosecco Superiore Brut Millesimato DOCG is available in London establishments including Sexy Fish, Caviar House & Prunier and Jaks, retailing for 24.99 per bottle online, at: www.ombradipantera.com and has been featured at events from Huntsman on Savile Row to Mister Es breakthrough show at Art Basel in Miami. Against the grain of many brands in the category, Ombra Di Pantera intends to appeal to a growing male audience of drinkers concerned with quality and provenance. As such, It has featured in the consumer lifestyle titles of GQ Style, Gentleman's Journal and Gentleman's Life. Francesco Vanoli, director of Ombra Di Pantera, comments: We consume 38 million bottles a year in the UK, but only now are we becoming aware of the different qualities of Prosecco. Prosecco is adored year-round and sometimes its far too easy to pick up the first bottle off the shelf without giving any thought to the quality. We have set out to create a Prosecco of exceptional quality, for genuine connoisseurs of Italian wine. Ombra Di Panteras expression of Prosecco is delivered from a history which stretches back to Roman wines of antiquity. In ancient times, traders who served wine in Venices Piazza San Marco would follow the shadow of the Campanile to prevent their wine from getting warm, and the Venetian expression, Ombra de Vin, meaning Wines Shadow, can still be heard when Prosecco is ordered in its original heartland. Francesco continues: Were here to ask the UK to Step Out of the Shadow, and out of their comfort zones. Its our passion to inspire and educate curious drinkers on the genuine craft, provenance and heritage behind each bottle of Ombra Di Pantera. Success for us isn't about selling millions of bottles but rather more tapping into a mindset and curiosity of a public that have largely been starved of the best quality Prosecco there is. Its our passion to ensure that we educate consumers to enjoy the best Prosecco around. 23 February 2017 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, news editor Another member of the team, oceanographer Patricia Yager, told the National Geographic that the reef contains some of the most amazing animals she has ever seen on an expedition. Ultra-deep water drilling in marine biodiversity hotspot All of BP and Total's blocks are in ultra-deep water, with the first two drilling sites in depths of 1,900m and 2,400m - far exceeding the 1,500m that Deepwater Horizon was drilling in at the time of the disaster. The discovery of the reef has raised concerns that oil exploration in the area poses a threat to a vast ecosystem that isn't yet understood. In a paper published in Science the scientists who made the discovery said: "The environmental baseline compiled by the companies and the Brazilian government is still incipient and largely based on sparse museum specimens." "Such large-scale industrial activities present a major environmental challenge, and companies should catalyze a more complete social-ecological assessment of the system before impacts become extensive and conflicts among the stakeholders escalate." The region is also home to species that don't exist anywhere else on earth, such as the Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) and Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis). Both species are categorised as 'vulnerable' by the IUCN, which means there is a high risk of extinction in the wild. According to Total and BP's environmental assessment, endemic species such as these "are particularly vulnerable to extinction if their habitat is impacted". Several endangered species are also present in the area, including the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle. Drill, baby, drill! The news comes soon after Energydesk revealed details of a leaked BP report, outlining how a litany of failures in the way BP manages critical engineering information may be increasing the risk of major accidents at the oil giant's plants across the world. A spokesperson for BP told Energydesk: "The reef system you refer to has been known since the 1970s; the recent 2016 study contains more detail about the system. The environmental impact assessment for the block, which was submitted in 2015, acknowledged the presence of the reef system c. 35km away from the block in water depths up to 120m - far shallower than any point in the block (2400-3400m water depth)." Contrary to BP's claims though, the reef was not known about in the 1970s - scientists suspected there was a reef in the region for decades, but coral was only discovered in 2014 and announced last year. A spokesperson for Total said: "We are well aware that there is a coral reef system located close to the Amazon mouth and fully understand the need to preserve it, as it is a unique ecosystem. "Before the scientific publication you refer to, Total had already performed an extensive environmental characterization in the area where the blocks are located. Total has complemented the initial study after Mouras scientific paper - although Total had identified the reef system beforehand, during the Environmental Impact Studies." Oil companies to carry on regardless Total is the lead partner and operator in its five blocks, with a 40% stake - BP and the Brazilian state-owned oil major Petrobras each own a 30% share. BP is also the operator of another block each in the area, together with Petrobras. The British oil major says it plans to begin exploration in late 2017 or early 2018. Total has identified nine potential sites for the initial round of exploratory drilling in its five blocks. BP also owns another block in the basin and says it plans to begin exploration towards the end of 2017 or early 2018. London-listed mining firm, BHP Billiton, owns two deepwater blocks in the Foz do Amazonas, while Petrobras owns two blocks that appear to directly overlap the reef. Although the environmental studies were submitted before the discovery of the coral reef was announced, BP and Total have ruled out conducting fuller assessments of the impact that exploration activities or an oil spill could have on it. IBAMA, which is expected to approve the studies in the coming weeks, failed to respond to a request for comment. Lawrence Carter is Senior Investigative Reporter at Greenpeace Energydesk. He tweets @lawrencecarter1 This article was originally published by Greenpeace Energydesk. Dean Emeritus John DiPippa of UA - Little Rock Law will take over as Interim Dean after Dean Michael Hunter Schwartz departs this summer. The law school will conduct a full search next year for a permanent replacement. The UW-Madison School of Business is getting closer to naming a new dean. The school's search committee recommended three finalists for the position to Chancellor Rebecca Blank and Provost Sarah Mangelsdorf on Wednesday, with all three coming from out of state. The new dean will replace Francois Ortalo-Magne, dean of the School of Business since 2011. Ortalo-Magne is leaving this summer to become dean of the London Business School. The candidates are: Gene Anderson, former dean and current professor of marketing at the University of Miami School of Business Administration. Anderson received bachelor's and master's degrees from Illinois and a doctorate in marketing and statistics from the University of Chicago. Raj Echambadi, professor and senior associate dean for strategic innovation at Illinois. Echambadi received bachelor's and master's degrees from Anna University in India and a doctorate in business administration from the University of Houston. Anne Massey, dean's research professor and professor of information systems at the Kelly School of Business at Indiana. Massey received a bachelor's degree in management, a master's degree in industrial engineering and a doctorate in decision sciences and engineering systems, all from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. Public presentations by the three candidates will be made in Grainger Hall, home of the School of Business, with Echambadi on Feb. 28 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Anderson on March 2 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Massey on March 6, also from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. 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 ... As state officials near the end of nearly a year of discussion about new ways to slow a deadly disease spreading through Wisconsins deer herd, a state representative has introduced a bill to limit one regulation currently being used to control the illness. The bill introduced this month by Rep. Adam Jarchow, R-Balsam Lake, would place time limits of two to three years on deer feeding bans. Under current state law there are permanent feeding bans around each place where the disease has been detected. Most of the states 72 counties are affected. An advisory committee composed of hunters groups, veterinarians and others has been divided on whether the ban should be extended statewide in a new effort to control the disease. The protein that causes chronic wasting disease is most likely to spread when deer come in contact with each other. The bans are intended to reduce contact around feed piles put out by people who want to shoot or watch the animals. The indestructible CWD protein can be spread through bodily fluids or excrement. It remains in the soil indefinitely, scientists told the committee that began meeting in October to advise state Department of Natural Resources on possible revisions to state policy. A 2016 DNR staff review cited budget constraints and social/political factors as contributing to shortcomings in meeting goals established in 2010 to control CWD including a failure to ban feeding statewide. After the disease was first detected in Wisconsin in 2002, the state spent millions trying to reduce the herd in the main infection area near Mount Horeb. But hunters and landowners resisted the eradication strategy, saying it was impractical and a waste of deer. By 2010, the state adopted a 15-year plan focused mostly on monitoring the disease. Dozens of recommendations created by the committee have been reviewed by county deer advisory councils across the state. DNR staff planned to discuss the recommendations with the departments policy board, the Natural Resources Board, when it meets Wednesday. DNR big game management section chief Bob Nack said the department would receive guidance from the board on next steps to be taken in revising the departments CWD response plan. Jarchow said in an email Thursday that he wasnt concerned about his bill short-circuiting the study and discussion by DNR staff, the NRB, the committee and the county advisory councils. He and another northern Wisconsin legislator, Sen. Tom Tiffany, R-Hazelhurst, have taken an aggressive stance toward the DNR. In January they issued a statement saying they will keep trying to roll back regulations because they believe its a way to create jobs in their districts. When Jarchow introduced the 2015 version of the bill, just 35 counties had feeding bans. As the disease has been detected in new places, the number has grown to 43. At that time, Jarchow said it could be a fluke if just a single case is confirmed in a new area. But scientists told the DNR citizens committee that because the states efforts to test deer carcasses have dwindled, the infection has probably spread more extensively than confirmed cases indicate. This years Assembly Bill 61, and its Senate counterpart, SB 68, include the same provisions as the 2015 proposal: limit bans to three years in counties where the disease has been detected, and two years in counties considered affected because they are within 10 miles of a confirmed case. In a fiscal estimate released Wednesday, the DNR said enactment of the bill could affect where the department focuses efforts to test carcasses. Jarchow is the representative who said in December he would introduce a bill this year to scatter DNR programs among two new state departments and three existing ones because the agency is just not working in its current form. State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald recently said there isnt support for breaking up the DNR. Republicans preferred in Iowas 4 congressional races Republicans hold an advantage in all four of Iowas congressional districts ahead of Election Day, according to a new Iowa Poll. A Democratic lawmaker from Green Bay is considering drafting legislation that would make it illegal for competing candidates to offer deals providing state jobs in exchange for dropping out of races. The idea from Rep. Eric Genrich, D-Green Bay, comes a week after former state superintendent candidate John Humphries released a document outlining a proposal from opponent Lowell Holtz suggesting one of the two candidates drop out of the race on the condition the other give him a taxpayer-funded $150,000 job at the Department of Public Instruction upon winning the state superintendent race. Holtz and Humphries challenged incumbent Tony Evers in Tuesdays primary, in which Holtz and Evers advanced. I think the average person looks at what happened here and sees corruption and I think theyre right, Genrich said. He said he will work with the Legislative Council next week to start drafting legislation. Liberal advocacy group One Wisconsin Now filed a complaint with the state Elections Commission alleging election bribery, but former Government Accountability Board director Kevin Kennedy has said the alleged deal is not covered by current state law, and is likely not illegal. But Holtz on Thursday said, in response to Genrichs proposal, that the Democratic lawmaker is simply using his position to play politics. Holtz is running to the right of Evers. As I have said ad nauseam, this was a false accusation, Holtz said in a statement. This race is about the future and well-being of Wisconsins students, and it is unfortunate that Representative Genrich is using his position to politicize a non-event. Holtz has said the content of the document came from an unnamed businessman and that it was simply some ideas that never went anywhere. He said Humphries also attempted to bribe Holtz to get out of the race by offering to negotiate a consulting contract with DPI after Humphries was elected. Humphries disputed that during the primary race, saying Holtz was proposing one of the two drop out of the race in exchange for a job. Genrich said his plans came after he heard concerns from residents in Green Bay where one of five school districts that would have been subject to takeover under the alleged deal is located. Local accountability is so crucial to maintaining good, strong public schools and to see a couple of these guys working with some unnamed businessman to sort of divvy up the state of Wisconsin and its school districts, I think that was really offensive to a lot of people, Genrich said. Holtz has said he has no plans to diminish local control of school districts if elected, and instead wishes to empower local school boards to improve academic achievement. In response to Genrichs proposal, a campaign spokeswoman for Evers said Wisconsin residents are tired of these backroom deals. College is all about learning -- except for those hours when students aren't in the classroom or cramming for exams. Which, if we're being honest, is often a lot of the time. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NORWALK The City of Norwalk is prepping for a legal battle with Firetree Ltd. over the nonprofits attempt to open a Community Reentry Center on Quintard Avenue. Obviously this is going to be a legal issue and the city is going to be vigorously defending our position that its a nonconforming use, but we really cant go much more into that because itll be played out in the courts, said Mayor Harry Rilling. Multiple attempts to contact representatives of Firetree were not returned. Firetree was well on its way to opening the facility, having completely renovated the property over the summer, when neighbors and community members began protesting its use as a rehabilitation center for federal prisoners. The facility was slated to welcome its first resident Sept. 1, 2016, but remains empty as the legal battle is set to play out. Firetrees website still lists the Norwalk Pavilion Residential Reentry Center with a September opening. According to the website, the facility will be open to all eligible referrals will be males and females age 18 and older who have an association with the criminal justice system. Referrals into the program are directed through Federal Bureau of Prisons. If it opens, the Reentry Center will offer life skills classes, individualized assessment and comprehensive medical screening, a client monitoring system, case management, a goal oriented program plan and home plan assistance, personalized Continuum of Care plan, community based support services, chemical dependency education resources, internal and external recreation programs, community service and direct payment of court costs, fines and restitution, the website states. The listed phone number for the facility is not connected. In an email dated Sept. 2, the organization expressed optimism that the issues can be resolved. Firetree Ltd. is working with the city of Norwalk to amicably settle the issues surrounding 17 Quintard Ave., wrote Amy Ertel, Firetree vice president and spokeswoman. We are optimistic that we will be reach a solution that is satisfactory for the parties involved. In July, Firetree bought the property from Pivot Ministries, a Bridgeport-based nonprofit organization that provided drug- and alcohol-rehabilitation services at the address since 1976. The new owner undertook renovations and informed the Planning and Zoning office, in writing on July 21, that it intended to provide rehabilitation, education and supervisory programs and services for up to 19 residents who are in the process of transitioning from an institutional setting back to their communities. In opening this facility, it is Firetree Ltd.s hope to bring its mission to the residents of Norwalk in a continuation of the work Pivot House has long provided the community, wrote Firetree President William C. Brown. Quintard Avenue residents mobilized against the plan after learning the facility would operate under the federal Bureau of Prisons. The residents held two rallies in the fall urging the city to reject the proposal. At the second rally, Rilling told neighbors the plan did not comply with Norwalks zoning regulations. Halfway houses are allowed by special permit in C Residence zones provided they have no more than 12 persons with no less than 250 square feet of living area per person. They are not permitted if they are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections. Connecticut has a Department of Corrections, but the federal entity involved in the halfway house is the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. In September, residents opposed to the halfway house formed a Quintard Avenue Neighborhood Association and collected nearly 500 petition signatures opposing the plan put forward by Firetree. Reporter Robert Koch contributed to this report. kkrasselt@scni.com; 203-354-1021; @kaitlynkrasselt President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress have been greeted by thousands upon thousands of protesters in recent weeks, but for Gov. Scott Walker it's like deja vu all over again. Walker compared the recent protests to those he faced in 2011 in response to his proposal to effectively eliminate public sector bargaining in a speech Thursday in Washington at the Conservative Political Action Conference. Walker opened by holding up what he called his favorite bumper sticker from 2011. It read: "1 Walker beats 14 runners," referring to the 14 Democratic state senators who fled to Illinois six years ago in a failed attempt to block a vote on the proposal, which became known as Act 10. After weeks of impasse and negotiation, Republicans were able to pass the measure without the Democratic votes. Walker also said he called new Education Secretary Betsy DeVos after protesters blocked her from entering a public school to share a story about someone gluing the locks at a Milwaukee school in late August 2011 the night before Walker was to visit the school. "As I hear these stories I think, 'Been there, seen that,'" Walker said. "It was a vivid reminder about what we learned in Wisconsin. Do what you said you were going to do. Go big, and go bold and follow through on the promises you made in a campaign." Walker went on to describe his 2017-19 budget proposal and how his initiatives have generated a "reform dividend." He highlighted nearly $600 million in tax cuts as his top priority. He also touted proposals to reduce tuition at the University of Wisconsin, measure campus performance and codify academic freedom saying it would foster "actual free speech for everyone, including conservative students, faculty and speakers at all of our university campuses." Walker, who recently became chairman of the Republican Governors Association, later joined a panel alongside governors from Kansas, Kentucky and Arizona (Walker joked it was the NCAA basketball Final Four show). He was asked what areas the federal government should no longer be involved. "I think the better question to that is what part should they not get out of," Walker said. "To me other than the military and maybe preserving things like social security and Medicare, I think just about everything else is done better by the states." The appearance was Walker's third consecutive speech at the conference and fifth overall. He finished second in the event's presidential straw poll in 2015 on his way to launching an ultimately short-lived presidential campaign. WESTPORTResidents are looking to quell the rise in coyote sightings by proposing to allow the trapping and removal of coyotes and coyote/wolf hybrids in town. Signed by 30 electors and petitioned by resident Arthur Buckman, the initiative is in response to growing concerns about pet and child safety in the wake of a recent incident where a coyote killed a 40-lb dog on Charcoal Hill Road. There have been other close encounters, Buckman said. Because of those instances, and we have kids on our streets, it seems to be getting worse and we learned that Westport is the only town in Connecticut that doesnt allow trapping of wild animals, he said. Although a part of life in Westport for years, Buckman, who lives on North Ridge Road, said the number of coyotes have reached a breaking point for him and his neighbors. Coyotes have been in our neighborhood (near Coleytown Middle School) in Westport for years and it hasnt been an issue until recently. The number of sightings, the frequency of the sightings have been increasing in the last couple of years, but dramatically increasing in the last eight months, Buckman said. Buckmans neighbor, Barry Raifaisen, has been living on the street since 1995 and never had an issue with coyotes until last summer when his 35-lb Wheaten Terrier was attacked in his backyard by one. After he let the dog out, Raifaisen heard screams and ran out where he found his dog had suffered 18 puncture wounds and was bleeding. He took the dog to the veterinarian in Norwalk and it survived, but Raifaisen said he is very concerned about the safety of children and pets until trapping is allowed. The change would permit hunting, but only for a licensed trapper to trap and remove the coyotes. Its not hunting. I dont not want to see people using guns for hunting. But I would like to have the opportunity for people who are having serious coyote problems to be able to trap, Buckman said. The Humane Society of the United States maintains that trapping is inhumane, as the most common devices used to trap coyotes are leghold traps, and neck snares, both of which can cause severe pain and injuries. The traps could also capture pets and other unitended targets. At a Feb. 13 information session on coyotes, Laura Simon, a wildlife ecologist who spent years working for the U.S. Humane Society said that every year, nationwide, there are less than 10 coyote bites of humans, compared to 4.7 million dog bites. Despite not posing a huge threat to humans, Buckman said that the coyotes and coyote/wolf hybrids in his neighborhood are the size of a German Shepherd dog and are much larger than the average 25-35-pound coyote. Others believe measures should be taken before allowing the trapping of coyotes. Speaking as a private citizen, Third Selectwoman Helen Garten said, I believe we should keep our ordinance intact. I think were on our way to figuring out how to deal with our coyote problems. Weve learned a lot of information on how to resolve these conflicts at the Feb. 13 information session and I think we think we should try that first. Hazing, a recommended method to get coyotes out of an area, hasnt worked, Buckman said. According to the Humane Society, hazing uses deterrents to move an animal out of an area or discourages an undesirable behavior or activity. Examples of hazing consist of: yelling and waving ones arms, using noisemakers like whistles or bells, using projectiles like sticks and rocks and other repellents like hoses and water guns. Making oneself loud and large is crucial to deterring a coyote. Our kids are nervous about the coyotes and even adults walking their dogs are nervous, Buckman said. God forbid something happens to a child. Why wait until that? The item will be added to a future RTM meeting agenda. @chrismmarquette; cmarquette@bcnnew.com Special Events Saturday, Feb. 25 Where in the World, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 26, 1-5 p.m. The Wilton EDC and Wilton Library are celebrating Wilton's diversity by inviting families to mark their countries of ancestry on a wall map that will be on display in the gallery on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 1-5 p.m. Children are invited to decorate paper squares in images reflecting their cultural heritage, which will then be constructed into a paper quilt that will be displayed in the Children's Library. Through this project, Wilton's growing diversity will be creatively illustrated through the eyes of its children. No registration required; just drop by. Sunday, Feb. 26 WLA/WHS Scholarly Series Finding Our Place: Evolving American Identity Amy Trout, 4-5:30 p.m. at Wilton Library. Museum Curator Amy Trout will present Connecticut and the Federal Art Project: Idealism and Identity during the 1930s. By examining the artwork created by Connecticut artists for the Federal Art Project (1935-1941), Ms. Trout will discuss Connecticut's identity during the decade of the Depression. Amy Trout has been the Curator of the Connecticut River Museum in Essex, Connecticut since 2008. See registration link for more speaker details and dates. Reception following the talk. No charge, but donations are always welcomed. Program sponsored by Lila and Buck Griswold. The moderator is Steve Hudspeth. Registration required. Please register for each lecture individually. Register online or call 203-762-6334. Thursday, March 2 Finance Fundamentals for Freelancers and Entrepreneurs, 8-10 a.m. This is the first session of a three-part series aimed at the freelancers and entrepreneurs in the business community featuring independent personal finance expert Galia Gichon. This workshop is geared towards people with variable income, work for themselves or own their own businesses. Attendees will learn business models that turn ideas into revenue, scale current resources, learn how to project realistic assumptions and which ratios or key numbers to regularly track. Galia Gichon is an independent personal financial expert with more than 20 years in financial services. See librarys registration link for more details. The program is part of Wilton Librarys Business Outreach initiative. Co-sponsored by the Wilton Chamber of Commerce, Wilton Library, and Catamount Wealth Management. No charge. Registration highly recommended. Register online or call 203-762-6334. See website for additional dates. Thursday, March 2 Managing Joint Pain, 7-8:30 p.m. This is the next program in the Get Well, Stay Well health literacy series presented by Western Connecticut Health Network and Wilton Library. Orthopaedic Surgeons Dr. Mark J. Fletcher and Dr. Nicholas V. Polifroni will discuss the prevention of joint pain as well as causes and symptoms. In addition to providing tips on managing joint pain, they will discuss various treatment options which are determined by the cause of the pain. Both orthopaedic surgeons are associated with the Comprehensive Joint Replacement Center at Norwalk Hospital, and Dr. Polifroni is the co-director of the Center. The program will be moderated by Wilton Library Trustee Saras Nair, MD who was previously Chairman of the Pathology Department at Norwalk Hospital. No charge for the program. Registration recommended. See the registration link for more details. Register online or call 203-762-6334. Calendar More Information 137 Old Ridgefield Road 203-762-3950 www.wiltonlibrary.org See More Collapse Saturday, Feb. 25 Tales to Tails, 11 a.m. to noon. ROAR's (Ridgefield Operation Animal Rescue) Therapy Dog Program will be bringing a therapy dog to be read to by children. The use of trained therapy dogs in reading programs can result in children who feel comfortable reading out loud, read more often, attempt more difficult books, and actually look forward to reading. As they improve their literacy skills, theyre not just learning how to read, theyre learning to love to read! Children must read independently to participate in this program. No program charge, registration is required. Call for details 203-762-6336. Monday, Feb. 27, March 6, 13, 20 Sign, Say and Play, 11 - 11:45 a.m. The Baby Signs Program teaches caregivers and children from 6 months of age to the toddler stage signs for everyday activities so they can communicate before the child can speak fluently. There are 4 remaining workshops (no session on Feb. 20). Please register for each session separately. Registration required; no fee. Register online or call 203-762-6336. Tuesday, Feb. 28 Senior Center Book Discussion: Alexander Hamilton, 11 a.m. to noon. Carol Kaelin will lead a discussion of Alexander Hamilton by award-winning historian Ron Chernow. Alexander Hamilton fills a major gap in our understanding of the founding of the United States and of the founders themselves. Hamilton had as much, and perhaps more, of an impact on the early history of the United States than some if his better-known founding brethren. This group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month through May. Call the Senior Center for details and to register at 203-834-6240. Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road, Wilton. Thursday, March 2 Cursive Writing, 4-5 p.m. Here's your chance to have some fun practicing your cursive handwriting! You'll read, write and create a cool craft all using your newly improved cursive skills! Ages 9+. Registration required. Register online or call 203-762-6336. Thursday, March 2 Read Across America, 4-4:45 p.m. Come and celebrate Read Across America Day as well as the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss! There will be stories and a craft and an interactive scavenger hunt about famous children's authors from state to state! Registration required. For Pre-K and up. Register online or call 203-762-6336. Classes in Innovation Station this week Sunday, Feb. 26: Make Fun Buttons, 2-3:30 p.m.; Monday, Feb. 27: New Life for Old Videos, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Monday, Feb. 27: Stitch Time for Knitters and Crocheters, 1-2:30 p.m.; Thursday, Feb. 28: Experience 3-D Printing, 6-7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, March 1: Embroider or Monogram It!, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Friday, March 3: New Life for Old Videos, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ongoing childrens programs this week Saturday, Feb. 25: Minecraft Club, 10 a.m. to noon; Monday, Feb. 27, March 6 & 13: Ready Readers, 4:15-5 p.m.; Tuesday, Feb. 28: Terrific Tales for Twos and Threes, 10:15-10:45 a.m.; Wednesday, March 1: Books for Babies, 10:15-10:45 a.m.; Wednesday, March 1: Wonderful Ones and Twos, 11-11:30 a.m.; Wednesday, March 1 & 8: Build-a-Story, 2-2:30 p.m.; Friday, March 3: Pre-K Zumba, 11-11:45 a.m.; Friday, March 3: Cupcake Club, 4-4:45 p.m. Only with a conservatism anchored in the presumptions and principles of the Founders, in their understanding of constitutionalism and in the proper functions of each of the branches, are we prepared to do battle with the children of the Enlightenment The most notable change in the American Republic over the last forty years has been the alarmingly precipitous decline in the degree to which the people are allowed to make decisions over public matters and concerns that directly affect their daily lives and the character of communities in which they live. My concern in this respect is only symptomatic of a profounder and more general problem; namely, the Philadelphia Constitutionoften referred to during its bicentennial as the oldest living constitutionis now close to death.[1] To be sure, the institutions it created are still there, and we still do what is necessary (e.g., voting, paying our taxes) to support their operation. But the character of the regime it established has been so thoroughly transformed that the Constitution is increasingly irrelevant for understanding the distribution of power or even how and by whom we are governed. Our Constitution has come to resemble those old Soviet Constitutions which told us next to nothing about the distribution of authority. The difference, of course, is that the Soviet Constitutions were purposely framed to deceive and ours was not. It should come as no surprise, then, to find that we are at the initial stages of a crisis of legitimacy, the character of which I will spell out in what follows. When post-World War II conservative movement came to fruition in the middle 1950s, few conservatives conveyed a sense of impending doom regarding the survival of our constitutional order. Even fewer perceived its demise or declared that, if trends continued, the Constitution might be dead letter within two or three decades. After World War II, other mattersthe most notable being both the internal and external threat of the Soviet Unionwere clearly paramount. There were, of course, concerns about the intellectual and moral degeneration of the West and America in particulara concern common to every generation of conservative thought. But to the extent that there was concern over the Constitution or constitutional issues, it centered on the growth of presidential powers, particularly with regard to the presidents capacity to declare war either illegally through unilateral actions or legally through the wide-ranging treaty commitments under the auspices of the United Nations. The conservative wing of the Republican party during the early 1950s included libertarians and the remnants of the America First, most of whom were keenly aware of Franklin D. Roosevelts clandestine and successful maneuvering that resulted in our entry into the World War. The furor over the Bricker Amendment, now long forgotten, was a measure of the degree to which conservatives were caught up with this aspect of presidential powers. To be sure, other constitutional developments and trends, particularly the increasing powers of the national government vis-a-vis the states and the growth of the welfare state during the New Deal, were also key concerns. Yet, the feeling seemed to persist that these issues could be resolved through the political process established by the Constitution; that remedies could be had once the people put matters into their proper constitutional perspective; that whatever ailed us, even in matters touching upon our traditional constitutional principles such as separation of powers and federalism, could be resolved once the people were sufficiently aroused. A belief that restoration of the constitutional order was possible through political means, that is, through the electoral processes, is certainly a central message conveyed in Barry Goldwaters Conscience of A Conservative published in 1960. In fact, and very much to my point here, James Burnham in his classic, Congress and the American Tradition, completed in 1959, wrote to the point that Congress had lost power relative to the presidency over the decades, but he held out the prospect that our constitutional equilibrium could be substantially restored if Congress could just bring itself to say no to the president more often. In retrospect, it may well be that the conservatives of this era were too optimistic; that they had not yet come to realize fully the transformed nature of our regime. The Courts expansion of the commerce power and its subsequent decisions that removed virtually any restrictions on the national power may well have had the effect of disarming conservatives, lulling them into the belief that the worst had happened. Congress did, indeed, begin to use the commerce power as a means of expanding federal control over matters traditionally regarded as well within the province of the states reserved powers.[2] To make matters worse, by the 1950s the Supreme Court had long since given Congress a green light to work its will in this area, placing no limits on the reach of the commerce power. Nevertheless, conservatives by the late 1950s realized that the uses to which the commerce power could be put rested with Congress and, thus, ultimately the people. In other words, while nationalists view of the commerce power prevailed, the matter of how far and to what concerns this commerce power would be extended still remained very much a political matter, one that could be worked out under the constitutional forms and processes. The use of the commerce power is still within the realm of popular control, even though its scope exceeds anything contemplated by the Founding Fathers. We must turn to another development whose full import has only been realized in the last forty years to see the debasement of popular government over concerns that are probably of more importance to the maintenance of decent and orderly government than any congressional abuse of the commerce power. II A different but more ominous path to the centralization of power and the diminution of popular control has been the Supreme Courts use of the fourteenth amendment, particularly its interpretation of the due process and equal protection clauses. Just how constitutionally earthshaking this has proved to be is difficult to overstate. Writing in 1926, shortly after the Courts decision in Gitlow v. New York (1925)the case generally recognized as having started the process of nationalizing the Bill of Rights by applying its provisions to the statesthe celebrated constitutional historian Charles Warren noted that The recent very general acceptance of the view that the constitutionality of the Tennessee Anti-Evolution-Teaching Law would eventually be tested in the United States Supreme Court is a striking commentary upon the progress we have made away from the principles of government believed in by the framers of the Constitution. He went on to note, correctly in my view, that the framers of 1787 believed that they should impose few limitations upon the authority of the State Legislatures, except such as were necessary from a National standpoint. Certainly, he added, if anything has no need of National protection, it is the relation between a State and its own pupils. Yet, he remarks, with the constantly expanding interpretation which the Court has given to the language of that Clause [due process], the general public has now acquired the habit of assuming that practically every new State statute is to be submitted to final test before that Court.[3] Warren could see the logical consequences of the Gitlow decision, a decision which, on its face, seemed harmless enough. If the Court could fit freedom of speech and press into the liberty protected by the fourteenth amendment, which it did in this decision, the logical and inevitable conclusion is that every one of the rights contained in the Bill of Rights ought to be and must be protected. In this connection, and by way of bolstering his contention, he also points to a fact that is most interesting in light of the prevailing understanding of our political tradition today; namely, thatcontrary to the assertion in Gitlowfreedom of speech as a matter of fact and history, and as a matter of lawwas not in any degree as fundamental as most of the other rights recited in the Bill of Rights. It is a singular and little known fact, he continues, that the right of free speech was not included as one of a persons fundamental and inalienable rights in any Bill of Rights adopted by any of the States prior to the Federal Constitution.[4] Warrens predictions, after considerable backing and filling by the Court over the decades, have come to pass. A major part of the so-called revolution presided over by Chief Justice Earl Warren was the accelerated incorporation of rights in the Bill of Rights into the liberty protected by the fourteenth amendment, a task continued by the Berger Court. Today, with a few exceptions scarcely worth noting, the Bill of Rights has been nationalized. But as even the most casual observer of the Supreme Court knows, the Court has gone well beyond anything envisioned by Charles Warren. To begin with, it has found a process by which to find rights that are not even specified in the Bill of Rights, i.e., rights, such as the right of privacy, that reside within the penumbras, formed by emanations of other rights and guarantees in the Bill of Rights. There are legal authorities and justices who point to an even more plentiful source of unspecified rights, the ninth amendment. Aside from practicing substantive due process, recent Courts have also hamstrung the states through the use of substantive equal protection that involves heightened scrutiny of suspect categories with the end of protecting specified minorities from the tyranny of majorities, either legislative or popular. Since Gitlow the Court has used the fourteenth amendment to subordinate the states with regard to a host of important matters such as public security and order, aid to religious schools, control of pornography, obscenity, and nudity, prayer in the public schools, legislative apportionment, abortion, racial integration of the schools, busing to achieve racial balance, police procedures, and virtually all processes in criminal trials. As Lino Graglia puts it, In the years since Brown [1954], nearly every fundamental change in domestic social policy has been brought about not by the decentralized democratic (or, more accurately, republican) process contemplated by the Constitution, but simply by the Courts decree.[5] This clearly represents an exercise of constitutional power which, unlike that associated with the expansion of the national commerce power, is more or less permanent and beyond the control of the electorate through normal political processes. What is perhaps most noteworthy about this shift is that it occurred without fundamental questions ever being asked, much less debated. The questions Warren asked in 1926, at what we now can see were the incipient stages of this development, are even more relevant today: In the change of conditions from the year 1868, he inquired, is the liberty of the citizen to be freed from State restraint, by National interposition, of greater or less importance than the liberty of the State to control its own affairs and to regulate its own welfare and good order, under its own State Constitution as construed by its own State Courts? Was it a good thing, he went on to inquire, that state legislation drafted to meet local conditions and to regulate local relations should be standardized, by being forced to comply to a new definition of liberty applied to every State by the judicial branch of the National Government?[6] III The Supreme Court has answered these questions for us by usurping powers that the drafters and ratifiers of the fourteenth amendment never intended it to have.[7] Nevertheless, most critics of the Court feel that it is far too late to turn back the clock[8] and return to the state of affairs prior to the Gitlow decision. This consideration, however, does not touch upon a basic concern held by traditionalists. They would point out that, beyond any question, the Framers strove to incorporate a rule of law version of separation of powers into the Constitution. The deliberations at the Constitutional Convention at numerous points reveal as much, not the least of these being the various proposals for electing a president in a manner so that he would not be a mere lackey of the Congress. Now, according to this version of the separation of powers, the union of any two of the three powerslegislative, executive, judicialconstitutes tyranny because it can lead to arbitrary and capricious government. In Federalist essay 47, for example, by way of explaining why the separation of powers is necessary, we find Publius quoting from Montesquieu: Were the power of judging joined with the legislative, the life and liberty of the subject would be exposed to arbitrary control, for the judge would then be the legislator. Nor is this all. Just as the Court unilaterally assumed powers in Marbury v. Madison (1803) and by expanding its jurisdiction under the fourteenth amendment, it has more recently elevated itself to the status of first among equals. In Cooper v. Aaron (1957) the Court declared that the Constitution means what it, the court, says it means and that all other public officials and branches of government, national and state, shall respect this Courts statements of what the Constitutions means, no matter what other interpretation may seem to them to be clearly implied by the words of that document.[9] This was a new assertion of judicial power, one that had never been advanced previously in the course of our history and for good reason: The Supreme Court is a creature of the Constitution, enjoying in this respect no higher or lower status than that of the Congress or the presidency. Moreover, each branch, given this equality of birth, is entitled to judge of its own constitutional responsibilities. Such Publius assumed to be the case when he maintained that the efficacy of the Courts decisions that might endanger the liberty of the people would rely on the compliance of the other branches that possessed the powers of the purse and sword. Put otherwise, the Courts assertion of supremacy runs counter to the theoretical foundations and principles of the Constitution; these are the very principles, it should be noted, that provide the support for the traditional and very narrow form of judicial review asserted in the Marbury case. Some contend that this enormous expansion of judicial authority renders our system a kritarchy, rule by judges.[10] This is a neutral description of our present system at the level of theory. In principle, it is difficult to see any limits to this judicial activism, if we accept the assumptions upon which it is predicated. Put another way, there would scarcely seem to be any area of concern in which judicial authority would not reign supreme, short of outright (and, in the Courts view, unconstitutional) disobedience on the part of the executive arm of government. What restrains the Court from the exercise of total power would seem to be little more than public opinion: what the Court can get away with and still remain an effective ruling body. Originalists, unhappy with the predominant role the Court has assumed in recent decades, can be seen as trying to restore the proper constitutional distribution of powers. This they do by focusing on the Courts departure from the traditional rules of decision-making, the restoration of which would deprive the Court of its policy making authority, while simultaneously allowing it to guard the Constitution against constitutional encroachments by Congress or the president. But the full implications of the Courts newly found powers are best realized by viewing the matter from the broader perspective of the separation of powers. With the Court having taken legislative authority onto itself and also having declared its decisions to be constitutionally binding on all the branches, what we have today is judicial tyranny. In reality, we have an oppressive concentration of powers which could scarcely be imagined by an individual reading the Constitution with an innocent eye. IV Our present situation gives rise to critical questions. Perhaps the most obvious relate to how it has come to pass that the Court could assume these powers and why the traditional view of the Courts proper place in the constitutional order seems to have been eclipsed, particularly among the citizenry. Here the answers are varied, some relatively concrete in nature, while others involve theories related to the influence of the academy, the media, and other bastions of liberalism. Let us examine, very briefly, the more concrete. First, I think it must be acknowledged that the Supreme Court, as an institution, enjoys a high place in the hearts and minds of the American people. It may render highly unpopular decisions, but its revered status, its prestige, is more than enough to enable it to endure this intense criticism, in part because any given decision usually affects only a small portion of the population. Second, the vast majority of the American people have consistently displayed at least in modern timesan abysmal ignorance of our fundamental constitutional principles. This point scarcely needs documentation. But more certainly, when it comes to the finer points of the Framers thinking about the Court, the ignorance can be quite telling. For example, as Federalist 78 makes clear, the Courts power to nullify legislation extends only to measures that are clearly, beyond question, contrary to the Constitution. This obviously is no mandate for the Court to use its equity powers to correct whatever injustice it may perceive in the society; nor is it a mandate for the Court to legislate and then administer its remedies, often over a recalcitrant population. On the contrary, there has to be, as Publius puts it, an irreconcilable variance between the statute and the Constitution before the Court is justified in nullifying the statute. James Wilson articulated this position from another perspective when, at the Philadelphia Convention (21 July), he pointed out that laws might be unjust, unwise, even destructive and dangerous, but notso unconstitutional as to justify the Judges in refusing to give them effect. But our prevailing morality is markedly different today. Laws that seem unjust for whatever reason are fair game for judicial challenge under our present constitutional morality. Indeed, if asked by some polling organization, the odds are that the American people would look upon the Court as the institution designed by the Framers to perform this very function. A teleological view of the Constitution, as establishing a system designed to secure given endse.g., equality, justice, individual rightshas taken firm hold in the public imagination. The activist philosophy has gained support because it embraces this teleological view that exalts rights. Finally, even when there is a great public outcry against a Court decision, overturning it through the political processes is extremely difficult, if not impossible, even when the majorities seeking to do so are persistent. The reasons for this are not hard to see. As countless commentators have noted, our constitutional system renders it difficult to secure working majorities in the political processes. Only part of this difficulty can be attributed to institutional structures and processes. As Publius makes clear in Federalist essays 10 and 51, the multiplicity and diversity of interest within our extended republicperhaps greater in diversity and number than ever beforemake it difficult for majorities to find their common ground and then to exert their strength in common to fulfill their will. But once they have, the task of undoing what they have accomplished is extremely difficult. In a seldom cited passage from Federalist 63, Publius speaks to this point. While remarking that the extended republic will exempt the people of American from some of the dangers incident to lesser republics, it also exposes them to the inconveniency of remaining for a longer time, under the influence of those misrepresentations which the combined industry of interested men may succeed in distributing among them. The Courts policy decisions, of course, bypass the political processes that help to insure that such inconveniences will be rare. Beyond this, these judicial policies are frequently set forth as prescribed by the Constitution, which means that they cannot be overturned by ordinary legislation but only by the super-majorities needed to amend the Constitution. If we take into account other obstacles to overturning Court decisionsnot the least of which is the popular support it enjoys as an institution, particularly when it comes under sustained attackwe begin to see why the prospects of reversing the decline of self-government are slim. Any realistic assessment of the American political landscape clearly reveals that the Court has enormous discretion, free from control by the political branches. Still another question is, simply, what motivates the Court? It would not seem to be power for its own sake, for no one who reads the cutting edge decisions of the Court in modern times can avoid noting their ideological assumptions and overtones. The Court, to put the matter bluntly, since assuming its new plateau of constitutional power has consistently decided major issues in a manner consonant with the doctrines and the principles of the hard Enlightenment ideology against which Burke inveighed and which are foreign to our political tradition. This is to say, a majority of the fifty justices have acted as if they were the true sons of the Enlightenment, not guardians of the Constitution. The Courts record on major issues speaks for itself it has acted to promote a consolidated or unitary government through its interpretation of the fourteenth amendment, and it has all but given the Congress a blank check to proceed in its use of the commerce powers, as if the Founders had really instituted a unitary system. Taken as a whole, its decisions under the establishment and free exercise clauses of the first amendment demonstrate a hostility towards religion, its doctrine of the separation of church and state resting upon a gross fabrication of the historical record. It has championed the causes of egalitarianism. In conjunction with the bureaucracy it has approved the use of racial quotas as part of affirmative action; it has seen fit, with scarcely any constitutional sanction, to embrace elements of the extreme feminist agenda. It has adopted a standard of one man, one vote for purposes of state representation, a standard nowhere to be found in our constitutional history. Comfortable with the relativism that characterizes modern secular humanism, it has consistently advanced the cause of individual rights that have not only erased the distinction between license and liberty, but have also resulted in the invention of a constitutionally protected right to kill the unborn. This list could be considerably expanded with detailed particulars. But enough has been said to show that the Court reflects and acts uponto an extent far beyond that of any other of our constitutional institutionsthe fashionably enlightened and progressive values, outlook, and orientation of our elite law schools. Operating against the backdrop of a divided, apathetic, and constitutionally illiterate population, a new version of the Constitution has been sold to the American people; a version that features the judiciary as an arm of justice and fairness, striving to remove the inequities in American society. V Certain general conclusions, relevant to broader problems in conservative theory, seem warranted on the basis of our modern experience with the judiciary. First, the theory behind written constitutions would seem to dictate that the successive generations should rule as nearly as possible in keeping with the original understanding of the constitutional terms. The chief difficulty with this understanding is not, as the judicial activists contend, in discovering original intentions. Rather, the chief problem involves obfuscation of original intent (e.g., working with the fringes in order to create uncertainty where none existed, a technique used by the Court in interpreting the intentions of the drafters of the fourteenth amendment) or the more subtle process of transmutation (e.g., where policy preferences are simply read back into the document as embodying original intent, the technique originally used by the Court to come up with the doctrine of separation of church and state). What we can see is that both techniques will be used and legitimated so long as they serve the ends of the validating classes of society. This is precisely the situation we find ourselves in today. Without going into detail it would appear that the dominance of progressivism, given the breadth of its ideological sweep, has created a unique, unanticipated state of affairs and that we will continue to see a shrinkage in the domain of popular control over public policy so long as progressivism retains this dominance. There may be retreats, strategic and otherwise, but over the long haul, well into the next century, progressivism will find the judiciary to be its most reliable ally. Finally, in the broader picture, we come to see from our experience that each culture necessarily embodies a different kind of conservatism, each of which, in turn, incorporates different principles. Only with a conservatism anchored in the presumptions and principles of the Founders, in their understanding of constitutionalism and in the proper functions of each of the branches, are we prepared to do battle with the children of the Enlightenment. This means, among other things, that generic conservative principles, or at least some of them, may be of dubious value. For instance, there can be no gainsaying that generic conservative teachings contain antidemocratic overtones; that the giants of the past who railed against the excesses of democracy are, partly for this very reason, now situated in the pantheon of conservative heroes. The American strain of conservatism, however, emphasizes popular government, taking care to provide for the rule of law, as well as to mark out the realms in which majorities can rule. It also provides yardsticks we can use to determine when it is that the prerogatives of the majority have been trampled upon by unaccountable judges. American conservatives, who take their bearings from our political tradition, are not at all reluctant in urging the American people to take back their heritage through the political processes available to them, even if this means being called populists. Nor are they afraid to denounce judicial tyranny as illegitimate, which it most surely is. Likewise, they do not see stacking the Supreme Court with judges who will make the right decisions as any answer to our present plight. In sum, the test for American conservatives in the years to come, oddly enough, will be the extent to which they are successful in restoring popular self-government. Odder still, this task promises to be an uphill battle with success far from guaranteed. Republished with the gracious permission from Modern Age (Winter 1998). The Imaginative Conservative applies the principle of appreciation to the discussion of culture and politicswe approach dialogue with magnanimity rather than with mere civility. Will you help us remain a refreshing oasis in the increasingly contentious arena of modern discourse? Please consider donating now. Notes: 1. I say close to death, but others might well pronounce it dead. As Forrest McDonald put it to Wabash undergraduates a few years ago: I shall mention only in passing the constitutional order that the Framers bequeathed to us, inasmuch as, to the most part, that order has long been defunct. I Have Seen the Past and It Works, in Edward B. McLean, ed., Derailing the Constitution (Bryn Mawr, 1995), 37. 2. The recent Lopez decision (1994) struck down the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990, the first time in sixty years that the Court invalidated legislation based on the commerce power. Congress has repassed this law with a finding that relates the regulation to commerce so that in all likelihood it will pass muster next time around. The case, however, points up the absurd lengths to which Congress must often go in showing a relationship between its regulations and commerce. For this reason, the extension of power rests upon foundations that will always be vulnerable to attack. 3. Charles Warren, The New Liberty under the Fourteenth Amendment, Harvard Law Review 39 (1926), 431. 4. Warren, 460-61, 458-59. 5. Lino Graglia, How the Constitution Disappeared, Human Life Review 12 (Spring 1986), 71. 6. Warren, 464-65. 7. The most thorough work in this regard is Raoul Berger, Government by Judiciary: The Transformation of the Fourteenth Amendment (Liberty Fund Press, 1997). 8. I cannot help noting Richard Weavers comment in Ideas Have Consequences that few things are easier than turning back a clock. 9. Charles S. Hyneman, The Supreme Court on Trial (New York, 1963), 78. 10. For an excellent development of power in interpreting the Civil Rights Act of 1964 see Paul Craig Roberts and Larry M. Stratton, The New Color Line (Washington, D.C., 1995). The state superintendent race pits two former school district superintendents and longtime educators against each other a proponent of expanding school choices and an opponent of the state expansion of taxpayer-funded school vouchers. On the April 4 ballot will be two-term incumbent Tony Evers, a public school advocate backed mostly by liberals and teachers unions who has been at odds with Republicans for years over his adoption of the Common Core State Standards and his opposition to the expansion of private school vouchers in the state. He took about seven of every 10 votes in the primary. His challenger, Lowell Holtz, is backed mostly by conservatives and school voucher supporters. He is making his second run for the position and opposes the Common Core State Standards and favors expansion of educational options including taxpayer-funded vouchers other than public schools. Holtz got 23 percent of the vote Tuesday, and was dogged by allegations he sought to get out of the race in exchange for a guaranteed, taxpayer-funded $150,000 job that would let him oversee the states largest school districts, including Madison. Evers is seeking a third term in the wake of massive membership losses for the states largest teachers union a strong campaign contributor for Evers in the past setting the stage for the potential of third-party groups spending on behalf of Holtz to ensure the election of a voucher supporter. Evers says he expects such spending, but its unclear if it will materialize. We have absolutely no control over whether that comes in or not, Holtz said about outside spending. Its illegal for me to work with them. Im supposed to run my own race. If they do get involved, I have no control over it. A spokesman for Wisconsins arm of the pro-voucher group American Federation for Children did not respond to a request for comment. Evers said he expects Holtz will receive outside help, particularly from groups like AFC, which was headed by U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos until she secured a spot in the Trump administration. If its all in, itll be very difficult to compete with that amount of money. Theres just not that much in the state thats available, Evers said. And were talking about Amway money and the money from the family that owns Walmart and I dont know any of those people. Holtz said he has not sought any money from outside groups. No Supreme Court race Republican lobbyist and former state party official Brandon Scholz said the donors to outside groups that typically spend on behalf of conservative candidates in spring races are not necessarily going to spend in a state superintendent race, even if the candidate is aligned with their ideology. This isnt necessarily their issue, Scholz said. He said Holtz also has a lot of ground to make up in terms of matching Evers fundraising and getting supporters to vote. The voters in the spring elections tend to be older and more conservative ... the question is whether or not Holtz has the horsepower to reach them, Scholz said. Holtz is the latest conservative candidate for state superintendent to try to defeat an incumbent backed by Democrats and teachers. But the teachers union has been severely weakened in recent years, and Holtz said he has potential for support from teachers. I think theres enough teachers that are upset about all the extra requirements that have been put on them over the last eight years, Holtz said. Ive had strong union support (as superintendent). I think theres potential there. Recruited to run Holtz was recruited to run by a former Republican lawmaker. He was one of more than a dozen candidates interviewed by a nonprofit group headed by former Rep. Don Pridemore of Hartford called Wisconsin Needs Necessary Education Reform, or WINNER. An email released Wednesday by the liberal advocacy group One Wisconsin Now written by Holtz when he was superintendent of Whitnall School District shows Holtz in January 2016 expected the group to do organizing and fundraising for him. The emails also show Holtz communicated with Pridemore about setting up a meeting using a school district email account. Holtz said Wednesday that he hasnt worked with the group in months after he organized his own campaign. Pridemore, who unsuccessfully challenged Evers in 2013, confirmed the group interviewed Holtz and talked to him about a campaign and didnt fundraise for Holtz. Between now and the April 4 general election the group will seek to educate voters about the race. If we want any education reform, the only way to get it is through the DPI superintendent and (Evers) shows no sign of reforming anything, Pridemore said. One Wisconsin Now has filed a complaint with the state Election Commission, alleging a deal between Holtz and former candidate John Humphries in which one of the two would drop out of the race in exchange for a $150,000-per-year job at the DPI should one beat Evers amounted to election bribery. So far, hes shown us an abysmal lack of ethics and commitment to public service in pursuit of his personal political ambitions and enrichment, OWN research director Jenni Dye said. Now we find out he never even intended to do work on his own campaign, claiming that outside groups were going to do the organizing and fundraising for him. Evers spokeswoman Amanda Brink said the email doesnt surprise her. The last two weeks of this race have shown us that Lowell Holtz cant be trusted to look out for anyone other than himself, Brink said. Voters interested The Holtz-Humprhries controversy in the last week of the race, contested school board races in Madison and a burst of political interest following the election of Donald Trump as president may have contributed to a larger turnout than usual in spring primaries. And unusually warm February weather might have helped get people to the polls, too, observers say. Heather DuBois Bourenane, executive director for the public schools advocacy group Wisconsin Public Education Network, said school advocates were motivated. These are the same voters who passed a record number of referenda last year, raising taxes on themselves to make sure their schools can provide a world-class education to their kids, she said. 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. United Airlines will be doubling its flights from Madison to the New York City area with a second daily non-stop to Newark Liberty International Airport beginning in May. The new flight was announced by Dane County Regional Airport officials on Thursday. "This additional flight is a testament to the high quality and excellent service of our airport," said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. "Continued expansion of service is great for local residents and business travelers and is a critical part of our efforts to maintain a strong local economy." The flight, No. 4414, will begin on May 5, leaving Madison at 6:20 p.m. and arriving in Newark at 9:27 p.m. The airline currently has a 12:09 p.m. flight, arriving at 3:24 p.m. The new flight will use a 50-seat Embraer 145 aircraft, same as the flight earlier in the day. The plane is from ExpressJet and will be a United Express flight. United is one of two airlines serving the New York metropolitan area from Madison. Delta also has daily flights into LaGuardia Airport in New York. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A Madison County grand jury has indicted a New Douglas couple on charges of involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment. The manslaughter charge relates to the death, on Jan. 31, of their 2-month-old son, Matthew. The indictment was handed down Thursday at the Madison County Criminal Justice Center in Edwardsville. Timothy W. Elkins and Amy M. Elkins, both 35, were each charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter and 11 counts of child endangerment. When emergency personnel arrived at the couples home at 406 N. Main St. in New Douglas, Matthew was not breathing. CPR was administered and the infant was rushed to Staunton Memorial Hospital , where he died. Investigators described the house as being in deplorable condition with all nine of their children ranging in age from 4 to 15 sleeping in the same room. Each of the bedrooms was piled high with trash. Investigators determined that the extreme living conditions and environment that Matthew was living in contributed to his death, according to the Madison County Sheriffs Department. The children are now under the protective custody of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The couple was being held Thursday at the Madison County Jail on $125,000 bond. Both parents had preliminary hearings Thursday at the CJC. Amy Elkins attorney, Steve Griffin, asked Associate Judge Neil Schroeder to reduce her bond, arguing that, among other things, she has been a long-time resident of Madison County, and this has been her first serious brush with law enforcement. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is prepared to offer Defendant a service plan in an effort to correct the conditions which may have contributed to the circumstances . . . as well as to assist her in parenting her other children, Griffin wrote in a Motion for Bail Modification filed with the court. Amy Elkins should also be allowed supervised visitation with her other children, according to rules and regulations promulgated by DCFS, he argued. It is not in the best interest of the minor children that they be transported to the Madison County Jail in order to visit with defendant, Griffin said. Griffin has been appointed as a special public defender in the case. Amy does not have the resources to post a high bond, he wrote, though her family and friends may be able to raise some funds to post as bail. The bail in this case should only be high enough to assure Amys appearance for her court hearings and possible trial, he wrote, rather than to keep her in jail. For the seventh consecutive year, Lewis and Clark Community College has been named to the Military Friendly Schools list. The 2017 Military Friendly Schools list honors colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America's military saervice members, veterans and spouses as students and to ensure their success on campus. Institutions completed a survey of more than one hundred questions that judged 10 categories, including military support on campus, graduation and employment outcomes, and military spouse policies. L&C offers a variety of services and benefits to veterans and their families. L&C's Veteran Services office serves more than 260 military and veteran students, their spouses and their dependents each academic year. These groups receive assistance with a variety of State of Illinois and VA education benefits such as the Montgomery GI Bill, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment and Dependents' Educational Assistance as well as information on employment, physical and mental health, campus events, community agencies offering services, etc. The Veterans Club on campus also serves military and veteran students as well as any student interested in the club and its activities. The club sponsors blood drives, collects shoes and eyeglasses for re-use, conducts fundraisers and donates to campus and community activities such as area veteran memorials, Wreaths Across America, VA hospitals, honor flights, etc. A Veterans Resource Center has been established on the third floor of Baldwin Hall on L&C's Godfrey campus. The center provides computers, a TV and resource materials in a relaxed atmosphere where veterans can study or talk with peers. Madison County Veterans Assistance Commission, Illinois Department of Employment Security, Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and VA Vet Center veteran representatives also utilize the center for meeting with students. We are very proud to be recognized for our commitment to helping military and veteran students achieve their education goals, said Terry Lane, director of Career and Veteran Services at L&C and a veteran himself. Their representation in the student body is significant, and we continue to explore ways to address and anticipate their needs. College and Foundation Board Member Dwight Werts and his wife Cheryl Werts have made significant contributions to establish and maintain a Veteran Emergency Loan Fund for L&C military and veteran students. The Werts family donation to establish the fund was matched by the L&C Foundations Presidents Circle. Their support has continued in subsequent years which has allowed the fund to stay available to veterans in need. The Veteran Emergency Loan Fund has time and time again made a huge difference for veteran students and their families. Lane said. Without this fund many veterans would not be able to get their books, buy gas or food, pay rent, etc. For some veterans, the fund literally means the difference between going to school and not being able to attend. The Military Friendly Schools media and website, www.militaryfriendlyschools.com, features the list of schools, interactive tools and search functionality to help military and veteran students/spouses find the best school to suit their unique needs and preferences. The colleges, universities and trade schools on this year's list exhibit leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience. Post-secondary institutions earning the 2017 Military Friendly School award have exceptionally strong programs for transitioning service members and spouses, said Daniel Nichols, Chief Product Officer of Victory Media and Navy Reserve veteran. Our Military Friendly Schools are truly aligning their military programs and services with employers to help students translate military experience, skills and training into successful careers after graduation. The 2017 list of Military Friendly Schools was compiled through extensive research and a data-driven survey of VA-approved schools nationwide. Ernst and Young LLP independently verified the survey tabulation process, methodology and weightings that comprise the 2017 list. Each year schools completing the survey are held to a higher standard than the previous year via improved methodology, criteria and weightings developed with the assistance of an independent Advisory Board consisting of higher education and recruiting professionals from across the country. A full story and detailed list of 2017 Military Friendly Schools is available at www.militaryfriendly.com. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Vincent Lingga (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23, 2017 "PT Freeport Indonesia [FI] reserves of all its rights [...] including the right to commence arbitration to enforce all provisions of the contract, Freeport-McMoRans CEO Richard C. Adkerson asserted on Monday, referring to a protracted dispute with the Indonesian government. That threat is quite similar to those made by many other multinational companies (MNCs), which fear decreases in their huge profits following reforms by their host governments. Until around eight years ago international arbitration within the investor-state-dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanism had become a powerful weapon exploited by MNCs to circumvent national regulations and bully governments, notably in developing countries, to postpone or annul any reform or to silence environmental NGOs. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Rizqy Anandhika (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23, 2017 Globalization is facing a major test of sustainability in the west with trade protectionism and populism mushrooming, but the trend is unlikely to spread to East Asia, nor hamper the regions steady trajectory toward deeper integration. The protectionist sentiment taking over in major economies hit Britain firmly in June 2016, when the country voted to exit the European Union. Brexit campaigning in the run-up to the referendum played to some voters feelings of economic and social marginalization by focusing on a perceived crowding out of the job market by immigrants. In the United States, Donald Trumps populist America first rhetoric propelled him to election victory. He focused on widening inequality and stagnant or deteriorating middle-class income and stressed his intention to bring industry back to the US, threatening trade wars with China and Mexico. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Inforial (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta, Indonesia Fri, February 24, 2017 From Feb. 12 to 16, the Dutch Education, Culture and Science Minister Dr. Jet Bussemaker visited Indonesia to further strengthen ties in the fields of education and research between the two countries. Central themes during the intensive bilateral discussions were student mobility and the connection between education and the labor market. The Jakarta Post spoke to two prominent members of the delegation: Wim Boomkamp (President of Saxion University of Applied Sciences and Board Member of the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences) and Freddy Weima (Director General of EP-Nuffic) to discuss the outcomes of the visit and the way forward. Results Important results from the visit were the outcome of a Joint Working Group on Higher Education and Science and the signing of the roadmap "Horizon 2022". Agreements were signed in the area of vocational education and training. The overall goal of these partnerships is to improve student mobility and strengthen the education and research ties between Indonesia and the Netherlands by sharing knowledge and expertise. Another highlight was the opening of the Erasmus Training Centre in Jakarta. It aims to support student mobility and serve as a platform for training of Indonesian professionals. I hope the new Erasmus Training Centre can serve as an enabler for more people-to-people contact between Indonesia and the Netherlands and for the further internationalization of both Indonesian and Dutch education, minister Bussemaker said. Attractive destination The Netherlands is an attractive destination for Indonesians with about 1,500 Indonesians studying there annually, partly due to the scholarships offered by both governments. At Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Indonesians make up the third largest population of foreign students, right after German and Chinese students. Saxions President Boomkamp explained, "our country offers quality education and what makes it even more attractive are the strong international links and the connections to professional practice in the curriculum and in our research. Furthermore, contrary to popular misconceptions, our Bachelors and Masters degrees are provided in English." "Upon graduation, most of the students go back to Indonesia, but some of them, and this number is increasing, stay for one to four years to get work experience. With the combination of international study and work experience, they add value to the Indonesian labor market, Weima said. Study in Indonesia Facilitating student mobility from the Netherlands to Indonesia was another point of discussion. According to the EP-Nuffic, the Netherlands organization for internationalization in education, 24 percent of all students in the Netherlands are getting international experience by studying abroad. A few hundred of these students go to Indonesia each year for studies or an internship. To encourage more Dutch students to come to Indonesia and to support Indonesian universities to further internationalize, EP-Nuffics Netherlands Education Support Office in Jakarta (Nuffic Neso Indonesia) is currently in the process of setting up a study in Indonesia desk that will be launched in April. "By providing better information, we hope to generate more interest among Dutch students to study in Indonesia." said Weima. He also shared that international experience is a must for Dutch students nowadays, "graduates are considered more interesting candidates by employers if they have been abroad during their studies. The international experience will help in seeing things from a different perspective and creates a flexible attitude that is highly valued in the labor market. Boomkamp added, for our partnerships with Indonesian universities, it is important that our students go to Indonesia as well. There is so much we can learn from each other and reciprocal student mobility makes that possible. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23, 2017 09:42 2082 a291276806121264c0bd211cde1585bb 4 Science & Tech 3D-printer,3D-printing,additive-manufacturing Free At a glimpse, the objects on the display tables look like those cheap plastic wares that come in plain primary colors. But a closer look shows how fine their surface texture is with no factory residue clinging to it at all, as is commonly found in those low-priced toy assembly kits. These devices can produce a clean, solid mold of anything one can think of. Toy robots, smartphone cases and stands with a charger, a miniature castle with tall conical turrets, ceramic figurines, a bust of Abraham Lincoln, a decorative cup to serve candy or to keep those easily missing small things and even a tube roller someone can wind to squeeze out the last ounce of their toothpaste tube. One feature these objects share in common is that they were made using desktop 3D printing machines exhibited at the 3D Printing Festival 2017 at the hall of @america Pacific Place, South Jakarta, on Feb. 18. Jointly organized by software maker Autodesk and Makernesia, the Indonesian community of the globally burgeoning Do-It-Yourself Maker Movement, the festival aimed at familiarizing the public with the technology and how to utilize it for either industrial purposes or personal consumption. Read also: Bill Gates suggests robot tax to compensate for human job losses The technology itself has existed since the early 1980s, but due to patent clauses it has only been widely used since 2009 through open source and entered Indonesia a couple of years ago, said Makernesia CTO Zerfani Yulias, the founder of Indonesia Arduino Community. Not many Indonesians are familiar with the technology although several creative businesses and hobbyists have applied it. Some of them have even printed the parts to build 3D printing machines. Makernesia CEO Adiatmo Rahardi added many universities and high schools already have the printing machines but they are yet to be utilized to their optimum function and economy value. Its sad to see that the printing machines are left dusty in the lab. Starting this year, Makernesia is taking an active role to familiarize students with the technology, he added. Do-it-yourself Students can also enjoy a free software subscription from Autodesk, said Togar Sianipar, the companys major account manager for Indonesia. Currently, he said, the company offered a cloud-based platform named Autodesk Fusion 360 to help designers creating 3D images for print. A one-year subscription will cost US$300 with a free trial period that lasts in 30 days, but verified students can use the platform for free. Its available on Windows and Mac OS, even on a smartphone. It works in real time, so any changes made by the designers would be immediately received by the machine operator. Read also: The Zuckerberg manifesto: How he plans to debug the world There were two general types of printing machines exhibited ones with no casing and the shiny, windowed machines. The size of the machines is about that of a coffee maker and they can handle a variety of materials, such as plastic, ceramics, sandstone and metal. Printer 3D Indonesia, among the first distributors in Indonesia, brought the different types of UP BOX. The windowed variety has a new safety feature that reduces airborne particulates, providing a safe printing environment for students and teachers in the classroom. Colorful treat: The robots, figurines and trinkets are exhibited at the festival in Jakarta. Additive manufacturing produces prototypes for industry and is also widely used by small-scale industries.(JP/Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak) But hobbyists prefer the non-casing one because they can follow the printing process, said Gunadi, a technician of Data Print. The company offered the assembly kits of two types of 3D printing machines which prices starting from Rp 5 million ($375). Online store Eliketronics brought Optimus family of 3D printers Mars, Neptune and Venus each with particular specification and price tags, all with accurate calibration as well as the handheld 3D Pen which prices ranges from Rp 550,000 to Rp 750,000. The reason the technology is not yet popular in Indonesia is because not many people have the knowledge nor the skill to create 3D models, said Eliketronics CEO Brilly Nurhalim, a speaker in a talk show about the utilization of 3D printing technology held during the festival. Education is key and we have started to introduce 3D Pen to elementary school students so they can experience seeing their imagination pop up before their eyes. Industrial revolution In industrial parlance, the 3D printing technology is not only a revolution for industry as it also has the ability to change lives. SugaCube founder Harry Liong said he used 75 cameras to capture one object at the same second to create its 3D image using 3D Artec scanner and print it to precision. Currently, the service his company offered mainly used to create figurines for wedding cake tops and 3D images for furniture store. Customers would like to see how the furniture fit the room before buying, said Harry. SugaCube is also working together with Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital to produce prosthetic ears for microtia patients. Down to the last detail: A staff member at the booth of Data Print explains about the company's Tarantula and Trinus printers. The portable, self-assembled, printers can produce a lion toy with a frisky mane.(JP/Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak) We have tried using varied materials and now starting to improve the design using silicon material for flexibility, said Harry. He acknowledged the technology had opened up limitless possibilities for customization. I can imagine that in five years every household will have a printer in their house or at least the skill to make a 3D model. So if a temple of your eyeglasses is broken, you can make the 3D model and print it or email the specs to the 3D print shops, he says. Its practical and it works well with how people nowadays want everything customized and personalized. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Rumy Doo (The Korea Herald/Asia News Network) South Korea Thu, February 23, 2017 In one of his most acclaimed performances, Lee Byung-hun plays a gang member ordered to spy on his bosss wife in director Kim Jee-woons 2005 noir A Bittersweet Life. The character starts out as a ruthless perfectionist trusted to unquestioningly execute orders. But struggling with his dreams and real life, he begins to act on his own impulses. While playing his recent role in the upcoming psychological drama A Single Rider, Lee was strongly reminded of that tortured gang member he had portrayed over a decade ago. (In terms of) the way you follow the characters emotional development, the two seemed to oddly overlap, he said at an interview Monday at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Seoul. Read also: Gong Yoos popularity soars The film is the debut feature of former commercial film director Lee Zoo-young. Lee plays Jae-hoon, a successful fund manager who loses everything after investing in a risky bond. Deep in depression, he travels to Australia, where his wife, played by Gong Hyo-jin, and son have relocated. From afar, the once shrewd Jae-hoon watches helplessly as his wife has an affair with her next door neighbor, smoking pot with the Australian day-laborer. The story had struck a chord within him, he said. It was among the top five best scripts I had ever read, personally. It was a story that I had to tell. It was a like a really good novel. The films characters rarely speak. Jae-hoon spends most of his time wallowing in the consequences of his life, only interacting occasionally with a young backpacker in Australia on working holiday, played by the K-pop idol-turned-actress Ahn So-hee. She too has been hurt, but through brute physical violence. Most of Jae-hoons thoughts and emotions are delivered via facial expressions, rather than dialogue, which Lee found intriguing. Read also: Twice tops charts with Knock Knock Since his debut in 1991, Lee has had a distinguished career. Long before venturing out to Hollywood as Storm Shadow in the 2009 G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, or as the knife-wielding gunslinger in last years The Magnificent Seven, Lee earned praise for his diverse performances. His fame began to rise after the 2001 melodrama Bungee Jumping of Their Own, in which he portrayed a shy student of literature. A string of more charismatic, often frenzied roles followed: Lee turned into a villain in the 2008 The Good, the Bad, the Weird, Kim Jee-woons acclaimed eccentric spaghetti Western, and as a widower whose wife was killed by a psychopath in the 2010 I Saw the Devil. In recent years, Lee has played a gangster with political ties in Inside Men and a ruthless mogul in Master. But what really draws the veteran performer to characters is the subtle and often layered emotions he finds in them, the 46-year-old actor said. Theres a scene where Jae-hoon sits in front of the computer, calculating his assets and his debts, drinking, he said. He might think he wants to just die. But hes not in a normal state. Hes drunk and emotionally agitated and depressed. I believe thats not his truthful wish. Its impulsive. After 26 years in his craft, Lee says there are still times when he feels a sense of euphoria. There are scenes where I act what I read on the script, but the emotion thats conveyed is something completely unexpected. And unintentional, he said. Those moments are few, but euphoric. The film opened in theaters Wednesday. This article appeared on The Korea Herald newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Sebastian Partogi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23, 2017 13:11 2082 a291276806121264c0bd211cde1650f5 4 Art & Culture goenawan-mohamad,essay,sketches,exhibition,Tempo Free Many people know Goenawan Mohamad as a highly productive writer who has distilled global affairs and contemporary issues into his phenomenal weekly column Catatan Pinggir (Sidelines) in Tempo newsmagazine since 1977. He is also popular for his poems, scripts and librettos for various stage plays and operas. However, the 75-year-old man seems to have added another talent to the list: drawing sketches. I cant remember [when I started to draw sketches]. Since elementary school, I was considered gifted at drawing. Since then, I have always been scrawling various objects on sheets of paper, Goenawan said. However, the man had doubts about his drawing skills. I didnt do it very seriously back then and I threw away sketches that I didnt consider good enough, he told The Jakarta Post. The creator: Goenawan Mohammad (left) stands next to his sketches.(Komunitas Salihara/Witjak Widhi Cahya) After hearing people praise his work, he became more confident. With the boost, he initiated several exhibitions for his sketches after featuring them occasionally as illustrations for his books or selling them at an art shop inside the Salihara cultural center in South Jakarta. He said he was encouraged to exhibit his sketches in Indonesia after somebody invited him to display some of his artwork at the This World, Out Here exhibition at the Maybank Art Hall in Malaysia from July 28 to Aug. 28 last year. The person was intrigued after seeing Goenawans sketches that illustrated the latters 2011 collection of Don Quixote verses, inspired by the fictional character created by Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes. The experience in Malaysia made me think if I can showcase the sketches there, what about doing it in Indonesia as well? he mused. Goenawans most recent sketch exhibition is called Kata, Gambar (Words, Pictures). Running from Feb. 11 to March 5, the exhibition features more than 70 of Goenawans sketches at the dia.lo.gue artspace in Kemang, South Jakarta. Sharing a laugh: Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati (center) points to one of Goenawan Mohammad's sketches, while the creator (right) and visitors look on.(Komunitas Salihara/Witjak Widhi Cahya) The exhibition was opened on Feb. 10 by Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, a close friend of Goenawans. Curated by graphic designer and dia. lo.gue founder Hermawan Tanzil, this exhibition is a follow-up to a previous one called PE.TIK.AN (Quotes) held in the Djoko Pekik art hall in Yogyakarta on Nov. 11 last year. Read also: Against all political and religious odds The exhibition divides Goenawans sketches into three main categories: grotesque, poetry and human face. According to Hermawan, these three are the recurring themes he found while curating around 200 of the poets sketches. I first saw his sketches in 2011 while photographing his office in Salihara. I was astonished by them back then and was even more impressed to see the progress in his technique and sensitivity to visual details. The progress happened within just four years or so, Hermawan said. Goenawan draws his sketches with pen or pencil and uses water color and charcoal to add more nuance to some of his work. He said, however, he did not like to use too much color in his work. A look inside: A glass case displays Goenawan Mohammad's sketches, which were spontaneously created in the poet and senior journalist's notebooks and on sheets of paper.(Komunitas Salihara/Witjak Widhi Cahya) In the grotesque category, we are able to see disfigured beings laden with visual references to ghouls and giants from Indonesias folktales and legends. The poetry section showcases sketches that reference literary work by musician Bob Dylan, American novelist Sherwood Anderson and writer Elridge Cleaver. The human face part, meanwhile, showcases familiar figures like writer Ayu Utami and composer and musician Tony Prabowo. Their faces are drawn with astonishing real-life details that make these pictures come to life, very unlike the polished human faces we often see in photographs. In the program book, Goenawan informs visitors of the inspirations behind these three themes. He said he was inspired by Indonesias rich myths for his sketches in the grotesque section. For the human face section, Goenawan decided to display people he likes and admires. For the poetry category, Goenawan said he was inspired by the imagery used by various writers in their literary work. Read also: Five newly released books you should not overlook According to Hermawan, Goenawans sketches are distinctive as they represent the artists unique perspective on the world around him. His work strongly embodies his unfettered freedom of thought and expression. His wide-ranging interests add a rich dimension to his work, Hermawan said. He said Goenawans distinctive uniqueness was what made his drawings important at a time when technology tended to encourage creators to express themselves in monotonous ways. This is why the personal uniqueness of an artists work is what sets him or her apart, he explained. As an artist, Hermawan believes, Goenawan excels in both technique and concept. His many decades of passionate practice have apparently paid dividends. He follows what [the late Indonesian painter] Tino Sidin said: the most important thing [to do to excel in visual art] is to love drawing and practice it continuously, Hermawan said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Masajeng Rahmiasri (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23, 2017 13:01 2082 a291276806121264c0bd211cde164d7f 1 Parents traditional-game,traditional-toys,exhibition,#exhibition,childrens-game,games,#games,children,#children Free A traditional children's game fair is currently being held at the Bentara Budaya Jakarta (BBJ) cultural institute in Palmerah, West Jakarta, and will run until Feb. 28. Titled "Menyelami Kegairahan Masa Kecil (Delving into Childhood Passion), the event that is presented by BBJ in collaboration with Gudang Dolanan Indonesia traditional games community invites visitors to try to play various traditional toys and games, such as gasing (tops spinning), pletokan (a small, gun-type toy made of bamboo), engsreng (a game where participants push bicycle wheels using stick) and sundah manda (hopscotch). This event aims to recall the values in traditional Indonesian children's games, which include the spirit of togetherness, excitement of finding a new way to play, courage to socialize and sportsmanship, said BBJ manager Paulina Dinartisti. Read also: A return to visual beauty Nowadays, it has become harder to feel the joy of playing together, especially in the urban area, said Gudang Dolanan Indonesia founder and event curator Endi Aras, adding that traditional games were becoming unpopular in this digital era, which threatened the development of childrens creativity. Aside from playing games, visitors are also expected to discover the creativity of the fun, culturally rich games from various areas in Indonesia. The fair is also scheduled to host a discussion featuring senior journalist and cultural observer Arswendo Atmowiloto and artist Shahnaz Haque on Feb. 25. (kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23 2017 Also called additive manufacturing, in industrial parlance, 3D printing technology has not only been a revolution for industry, but also has the ability to change lives. At a glimpse, the objects on the display tables look like those cheap plastic wares that come in plain primary colors. But a closer look shows how fine their surface texture is with no factory residue clinging to it at all, as is commonly found in those low-priced toy assembly kits. These devices can produce a clean, solid mold of anything one can think of. Toy robots, smartphone cases and stands with a charger, a miniature castle with tall conical turrets, ceramic figurines, a bust of Abraham Lincoln, a decorative cup to serve candy or to keep those easily missing small things and even a tube roller someone can wind to squeeze out the last ounce of their toothpaste tube. One feature these objects share in common is that they were made using desktop 3D printing machines exhibited at the 3D Printing Festival 2017 at the hall of @america Pacific Place, South Jakarta, on Feb. 18. Jointly organized by software maker Autodesk and Makernesia, the Indonesian community of the globally burgeoning Do-It-Yourself Maker Movement, the festival aimed at familiarizing the public with the technology and how to utilize it for either industrial purposes or personal consumption. The technology itself has existed since the early 1980s, but due to patent clauses it has only been widely used since 2009 through open source and entered Indonesia a couple of years ago, said Makernesia CTO Zerfani Yulias, the founder of Indonesia Arduino Community. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Bekasi, West Java Thu, February 23, 2017 West Java Governor Ahmad Heryawan said Thursday the idea of building a reservoir in the upstream area of Bekasi, West Java, to mitigate flooding was not necessary in the near future. Ahmad said that Bekasi's residents only needed to implement various simple activities, including conservation in downstream areas and increasing water absorption zones, to tackle flooding. You dont need to build a large reservoir in the upstream area. Simple activities will be useful [to handle floods] if they are done optimally, he said, as quoted by antaranews.co.id. He said downstream conservation would absorb water flowing to downstream areas. (Read also: Floods hit Jakarta, Bekasi, forcing hundreds to seek shelter on higher ground) Besides, high intensity local rain, overflowing rivers that were tributaries from Bogor, West Java, caused floods in Bekasi. The Bekasi River, Cikeas River, Cileungsi River and Cakung River, which connect to Sentul in Bogor, were the major reason for flooding. (idb/dan) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Amika Wardana (The Jakarta Post) Yogyakarta Thu, February 23 2017 The question of whether Islam is compatible with democracy has been discussed for decades. As shown in the Arab Spring movement across the Middle East, which started five years ago, Muslim populations in Asia and Africa have embraced democracy to fight discrimination, promote equality and social justice, as well as bargain for strategic political and economic positions. Democratization has triggered more Islamic-inspired political rights and participation efforts manifested in voter mobilization during elections, aspiration for Islamic-inspired legislation and rallies demanding accommodation for other Islamic socio-religious matters especially in countries where aspirations of political Islam had been suppressed, such as Indonesia during the New Order. However, to make democracy work, to keep it sustainable for the benefit of the whole nation, we need more than just political participation representing private and/or group/primordial interests. We need liberalism! to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Damar Harsanto (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23, 2017 The planned additional overpass on the side of Jl. Gatot Subroto, as a part of the development of the Semanggi traffic cloverleaf in Central Jakarta, is set to be finished within a month, a contractor has said. "The overpass to the Jakarta police headquarters has been under construction since yesterday. We estimate that it will be finished within a month," deputy general manager of the Semanggi interchange Dani Widiatmoko was quoted by tribunnews.com on Wednesday. Dani said that the project was hampered by traffic congestion around the area that meant the contractor was only able to work at night. "We only have six hours to lift the segment box girder. We can only lift one segment box girder at a time in a day," he said. The segment box girders, which is 80 meters long, will be lifted with a special lever while to connect the flyovers, the contractor will use the crane, Dani said. He added that the elevated road would be decorated with special light to give it the appearance of a cloverleaf or semanggi. The flyover gate will also be designed with a cloverleaf picture while the front side would be decorated with the city's icon, Gigi Balong. The construction of the Semanggi interchange, which will pass Plaza Semanggi, the Jakarta Police headquarters, Sultan Hotel and Wisma Mulia, is expected to be finished in August this year. (cal/dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani and Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23, 2017 During the New Order regime, Indonesia enjoyed robust economic growth, which many believe came largely at the expense of civil liberties. President Joko Jokowi Widodo now finds himself under pressure to prove that he is not inspired by that type of order. Jokowi made it clear on Wednesday that he was irked by a series of large sectarian rallies over the past few months, which he insinuated was the reason behind the countrys slowing economy. These four to five months, our energy was wasted [due to the rallies], and we forgot about matters related to economic growth. It is important for me to convey this point. Lets not jeopardize growth by failing to concentrate [on economic development], Jokowi said during the inauguration of new members of the Hanura Partys leadership board in Bogor, West Java. Some economic indicators have indeed missed their targets. Tax revenue reached Rp 1.1 quadrillion in 2016, only 81.5 percent of the targeted Rp 1.35 quadrillion. As a result, the economy grew by 5.02 percent in 2016, slower than the 5.2 percent initially expected. Investors have also expressed concern about political stability following the series of demonstrations. Many people asked me whether our democracy had gone too far. I answered yes, it has gone too far, said Jokowi. Political freedom has opened the door for extreme politics, such as liberalism, fundamentalism, sectarianism, radicalism, terrorism and other ideologies that contradict Pancasila, he added. Jokowi also said rampant hate speech and the spread of hoaxes were the result of deviant practices of democracy, which should be immediately stopped, because they could divide our nation. Human rights activists, meanwhile, expressed concern that Jokowis statements were open to interpretation and could be used to put pressure on freedom of expression. On Dec. 2, the day a large demonstration by conservative Muslim groups hit Jakartas streets to demand the prosecution of Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, a Chinese-Indonesian of Christian faith, for alleged blasphemy, police arrested several antigovernment activists for alleged treason and violations of the draconian 2016 Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law. Some were later released due to a lack of evidence. Hendardi of human rights watchdog Setara Institute echoed Jokowis statement with regard to improving law enforcement. Jokowi actually has an easy way to handle this situation: Enforce the law against those conducting acts of intolerance or terrorism, but not by restricting the freedom of expression, he said. According to him, it is the poor performance of law enforcement authorities that worries Jokowi, not democratic practices per se. Human rights campaigner Al Araf from Imparsial said democracy should not be blamed for political actors exploiting ethnic or religious sentiment to reach certain political goals. But Al Araf agreed that anyone spreading sectarian or racial hate should be held accountable. Intolerant actions, if unchecked, could give rise to radicalism and terrorism, he said. However, he reminded the government to be careful in enforcing the law, because it could instead suppress freedom of speech. Many cases of hate speech are instead left uninvestigated, Al Araf said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23, 2017 House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Fahri Hamzah has slammed President Joko Jokowi Widodo over the latters recent statement that Indonesias democracy had gone too far. He said terminologically, the Presidents statement was imprecise. Its not the democracy that has gone too far. Its the countrys freedom or the law [that has gone too far], Fahri said on Thursday. The lawmaker was referring to Jokowis strong statement during a speech at a Hanura Party event in Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday. Jokowi said Indonesian democracy had gone too far and had opened the door to extreme political practices, such as liberalism, sectarianism, fundamentalism, radicalism and terrorism. He said the situation was real and was proven by a series of events related to religious and ethnic issues and the spread of hate speech and fake news. Theoretically, Fahri said, there were two sides of the coin in terms of democracy, namely freedom and the law. If it was Indonesias law that had gone too far, it could be concluded that the country was overregulated. It is a situation where the country locks up the freedom and creativity of its people, taking it back to the authoritarian era, the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician said. He said having freedom that had gone too far was better than having such a situation in the countrys law. If freedom has gone too far, it may lead to anarchy; but its still better than having a country in an authoritarian situation, Fahri said. Freedom can always correct itself although it has gone too far and that's what makes a country more mature. But an authoritarian situation is clearly way more dangerous. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23 2017 Indonesia has invited Australian airlines to open direct flights from Darwin to Saumlaki in Maluku, while the Indonesian government is developing the area as a tourism destination. We want a direct flight from Darwin to Saumlaki, the airline could be Garuda Indonesia, Lion or an [Australian] airline, [like] Jetstar, Tourism Minister Arief Yahya told The Jakarta Post after an evaluation meeting on the Maluku strategic project at the State Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday. The Mathilda Batlayeri airport, which opened in 2014, is large enough to accommodate ATR-72 planes. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Sebastian Partogi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23 2017 Poet and essayist Goenawan Mohamad takes new creative leaps with his sketch exhibition Many people know Goenawan Mohamad as a highly productive writer who has distilled global affairs and contemporary issues into his phenomenal weekly column Catatan Pinggir (Sidelines) in Tempo newsmagazine since 1977. He is also popular for his poems, scripts and librettos for various stage plays and operas. However, the 75-year-old man seems to have added another talent to the list: drawing sketches. I cant remember [when I started to draw sketches]. Since elementary school, I was considered gifted at drawing. Since then, I have always been scrawling various objects on sheets of paper, Goenawan said. However, the man had doubts about his drawing skills. I didnt do it very seriously back then and I threw away sketches that I didnt consider good enough, he told The Jakarta Post. After hearing people praise his work, he became more confident. With the boost, he initiated several exhibitions for his sketches after featuring them occasionally as illustrations for his books or selling them at an art shop inside the Salihara cultural center in South Jakarta. He said he was encouraged to exhibit his sketches in Indonesia after somebody invited him to display some of his artwork at the This World, Out Here exhibition at the Maybank Art Hall in Malaysia from July 28 to Aug. 28 last year. The person was intrigued after seeing Goenawans sketches that illustrated the latters 2011 collection of Don Quixote verses, inspired by the fictional character created by Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes. The experience in Malaysia made me think if I can showcase the sketches there, what about doing it in Indonesia as well? he mused. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23, 2017 The government kicked off the distribution of non-cash food subsidies in the form of cards on Thursday in Cibubur, East Jakarta. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo symbolically handed over cards to 1,879 housewives from Jakarta, Depok and Bogor, warning them not to use the cards to buy less urgent things. "Do not use the card to up your phone balance or give it to your husband to buy cigarettes. If we hear of that, we will revoke the card," he said. The so-called Prosperous Family Card (KKS) functions as a form of e-money. The cards are supplied by Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) and Bank Mandiri. (Read also: Government to distribute rice, sugar through cards) Selected households receive a Rp 110,000 food subsidy per month through the card. They can use the card to buy rice and sugar from agents or from the Social Affairs Ministry's appointed stores called e-warungs. In total, there are 15,878 agents ready to distribute the subsidy. Meanwhile, the households that are included in the Social Affairs Ministry's Family Hope Program (PKH) will receive Rp 1,890,000 each year. This money can be withdrawn four times a year and the welfare program has also been integrated into the KKS. This year, the government aims to distribute the cards to 1.29 million families across 44 cities. The total value of the subsidy will reach an estimated Rp 1.7 trillion. For 2018, the government plans to expand to subsidy to 10 million families. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Farida Susanty (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23 2017 The government has pledged continuous support for private sector participation in the countrys infrastructure development as it wrapped up on Wednesday various major contracts related to the development of major toll road projects worth trillions of rupiah. The contracts consist of Rp 27 trillion (US$2.02 billion) worth of concessions for three toll roads, namely Serang-Panimbang in Banten, Cileunyi-Sumedang-Dawuan (Cisumdawu) in West Java and Kuala Tanjung-Tebing Tinggi-Parapat in North Sumatra, and guarantee agreements for four toll road projects Serang-Panimbang, Cisumdawu and Krian-Legundi-Bunder-Manyar in East Java and Cikampek II Elevated in Jakarta worth a total of Rp 37 trillion. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23 2017 An exhibition aiming to showcase Istiqlal Mosque is being held at the mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia, from Feb. 22 to 27. On Wednesday the cultural heritage icon commemorated its 39th anniversary. Speaking before the opening of the exhibition, the Culture and Education Ministrys culture director-general, Hilmar Farid, said many parties were engaged in the event including the National Gallery and the National Archives of Indonesia. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fedina S. Sundaryani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23, 2017 The House of Representatives will establish a working group to investigate the basis of the establishment of a deputy president director position at state-owned energy firm Pertamina, following the recent firing of its president director and deputy due to alleged infighting. The decision was made after Commission VI overseeing trade, industry and investment met with a senior official from the State-Owned Enterprises Ministry, Pertamina and its subsidiary PT Pertamina Gas (Pertagas). A working group [on Pertamina] will be formed and we will discuss it further during an internal meeting, Commission VI deputy chairman Inas Nasrullah Zubir said at the conclusion of the meeting on Thursday. (Read also: Rivalry that divided Pertamina put to end) Earlier this month, Pertamina president director Dwi Soetjipto and deputy president director Ahmad Bambang were fired from their positions due to leadership issues and a lack of communication between the two men, which the board of commissioners thought to be the cause of several lags in Pertaminas performance. Dwi was appointed president director in late 2014, while Ahmad Bambang was elected deputy, a position that had not existed prior to his appointment, late last year. The new position was established following advice from consulting firm Accenture, according to the commissioners. However, during the meeting at the House on Thursday, several members of the Commission VI questioned the legal basis for the establishment of the position. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Nusa Dua, Bali Thu, February 23, 2017 Indonesia will seek for Saudi Arabias support to develop local tourism during the visit of the Middle Eastern countrys leader, King Salman, slated on Mar. 1 to 9. Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) chief Thomas Tom Lembong said the issue would become a major discussion topic brought by President Joko Jokowi Widodo when he met King Salman. One of the main bilateral agenda between President Jokowi and King Salman will be [a discussion] in tourism sector, he said in a press briefing on the sideline of the Regional Investment Forum in Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center on Wednesday. (Read also: Jokowi to welcome Saudi Arabias King Salman, investment) Tom said among the potential tourism opportunities for Saudi Arabian investors were those located in West Sumatra and Bangka Belitung Islands, as the Middle East is much closer to the provinces instead of to the resort island of Bali. It will save up to two-hour flight [by visiting West Sumatra and Belitung instead of Bali], he said. Boosting investment in the tourism industry has been one of BKPMs priority agendas this year apart from seeking overseas support for local manufacturing and infrastructure sector. The 2017 Regional Investment Forum is focused on luring investors worldwide to build public infrastructure to improve underdeveloped tourism potential sites across the archipelago in an effort to achieve the governments target to attract 20 million foreign tourists by 2019. During the second day of forum on Thursday, Tourism Minister Arief Yahya emphasized the importance of private investors support to help develop public infrastructure, such as airport and wastewater treatment facility. (hwa) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Hans Nicholas Jong (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23, 2017 Indonesia is stepping up its efforts to gain recognition from the European Union for a palm oil product certification amid an intense anti-palm oil campaign in Europe on the back of sustainability concerns. The government planned to develop a palm oil legality scheme, similar to its domestic timber legality system (SVLK) implemented in 2013, which has gained recognition as the worlds only timber legality scheme acknowledged by the EU. The legality scheme for palm oil is expected to improve the reputation of the countrys palm oil industry, Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar said. Because the palm oil industry is constantly protested internationally for allegedly creating problems, we have to find instruments that are internationally accepted, she said on Wednesday. The government has issued its own national sustainability standards for palm oil, called Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO), which certifies legal compliance. However, five years into its implementation, it has failed to gain access to premium EU markets. ISPO has not been accepted internationally yet. Thats what we have to improve, Siti said, adding that her ministry, under the Coordinating Economic Ministry, had started the discussion. Deputy for food and agricultural coordination at the Office of the Coordinating Economic Minister Musdhalifah Machmud said the first step toward positive international recognition for palm oil included cooperating with the EU through the Working Group on Environment and Climate Change (WGECC), which was set up by both parties during a meeting in Brussels in November 2016. Through the working group, Indonesia aimed to repeat the success of SVLK, which was approved by all 28 EU members for complying with the EUs Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT), a set of regulations that guarantee that timber has been harvested, processed and exported in accordance with certain laws, she said. The working group may consider expanding similar legality schemes on other commodities, palm oil in particular, Musdhalifah said. (Read also: ANALYSIS: Maintaining CPOs competitive advantages) She regretted that European countries were using environmental issues as non-tariff barriers for incoming palm oil products in order to protect their rapeseed oil producers. It is questionable, she said, as the European rapeseed producers had no obligation to obtain sustainability certifications, but the EU continued to raise concerns about Indonesias palm oil products. The working group held its first meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday in the Environment and Forestry Ministry Office where participants discussed various issues where the EU and Indonesia had common interests, such as climate change, biodiversity and circular economy. European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella welcomed the cooperation of Indonesia to develop a legal scheme for palm oil products. He added that Indonesia and the EU had a lot of common ground to work toward a blue and green economy. We are very interested to see whats happening not only in Indonesia but everywhere. Indonesia is a major player in palm oil. The EU working group is the right forum where this could be discussed, Vella said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23, 2017 Two Indonesians detained in Saudi Arabia after joking about being in possession of explosive materials inside a plane have returned home following a month-long investigation. The two women, 56-year-old Umi Widayani Djaswati and 50-year-old Triningsih Kamsi Wasih, both apologized to the Saudi king and to the Indonesian public for having caused a disturbance. Umi and Triningsih reiterated the apology during a press conference at the Foreign Ministry in Jakarta, adding that they had not realized the consequences of their actions. They also thanked the Indonesian government for facilitating their case and their return to Indonesia. Top officials noted that intensive communication between Indonesian representatives in Jeddah and local authorities had resulted in the conclusion of the case at the investigative stage, without having it brought to court. The investigation, Dicky said, had not found a bomb or hazardous materials in either person's bag. "If it had been brought to court, the penalty could include five-year imprisonment for giving false information," the consular head of the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah, Dicky Yunus, told reporters. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir cautioned against inappropriate speech and behavior related to security matters, especially concerning the public at large, which could have legal and lengthy implications. "When on the plane, they joked that the suitcase contained a bomb and this had an extended impact, because remarks like this, although delivered in jest, at airports, and in a plane in particular, will always be taken seriously by security personnel," Arrmanatha said. (evi) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jambi Thu, February 23 2017 The Jambi Police have foiled an alleged drug trafficking attempt of nearly 2 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and hundreds of ecstasy pills by an international drug syndicate, arresting five suspects. Police personnel on Tuesday seized 1.8 kg of crystal meth worth Rp 3 billion (US$224,534) and 933 ecstasy pills worth Rp 300 million as evidence, Jambi Police chief Brig. Gen. Yazid Fanani said. The police believed the five suspects, whose identity was not revealed, were part of an international drug syndicate. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23, 2017 Property developer Jasamarga Properti, a subsidiary of state-run toll road operator Jasa Marga, plans to develop three new projects this year: an office building and two housing complexes. First, the company will build an office building in Pesanggarahan, West Jakarta. The building will be called Office One and the groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Thursday. Its location is close to the Ciledug toll road exit. The Office One project will be built on a 1,433 square meter plot of land, with total office space of 4,000 square meters. The six-story office building will be equipped with a commercial area. (Read also: Jasa Marga increasing non-toll road revenue, eyeing property) Four floors will be sold and two will be rented, Denny Abdurachman, technical director of Jasamarga Properti, said on Wednesday as quoted by kontan.co.id. The company will also develop 453 houses at the Green View Residence in Sidoarjo, East Java, and 345 houses at Royal Pandaan Residence in Pandaan, also in East Java. Both projects will be launched in the middle of this year. The firm will allocate Rp 72.4 billion (US$5.43 million) for these three projects. More specifically, it will allocate Rp 25.9 billion for Office One, Rp 18.4 billion for Green View Residence and Rp 28.1 billion for Royal Pandaan Residence. Jasamarga Properti is optimistic it can contribute Rp 323 billion in revenues this year to its parent company, an increase of 38.8 percent from the Rp 232.68 billion contributed last year. (win/bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23, 2017 President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said he would take action if prolonged negotiations with US mining giant Freeport McMoran faced difficulties. "I want a win-win solution because this is a business matter. Currently, Im leaving the negotiations to the ministers. However, if they [Freeport] are difficult, then I will take action," he said after launching the non-cash food subsidy card in Cibubur, East Jakarta, on Thursday. The company has refused to accept the demand from the government that it convert its contract of work (CoW) into a special mining license (IUPK). The company argues that this would effectively annul its CoW signed in 1991. Freeport does not want to give up the rights listed in its present CoW, including the protections to its long-term investments. Under the governments new regulation, Freeport is required to divest up to 51 percent of its shares gradually and to develop smelters. "We cannot just give up our rights that have been given to the CoW, Freeport McMoRan president and CEO Richard C. Adkerson said in a press statement received by The Jakarta Post on Monday. (Read also: Freeport seeks settlement) Adkerson said Indonesian law had to reflect legal principles that could be accepted internationally. He said a contract constituted the law for the parties in the contract and this law could not be changed or arbitrarily terminated by one party. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23, 2017 08:47 2082 a291276806121264c0bd211cde156213 4 City Jokowi,Joko-Widodo,MRT-Jakarta,MRT,Mass-Rapid-Transit,Shinzo-Abe,Japan Free President Joko Jokowi Widodo is scheduled to inspect the completion of the first phase of the Jakarta MRT North-South Line tunnel, a project of cooperation between the Indonesian and Japanese governments, on Thursday. Jokowis visit will be made following the official visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Indonesia on Feb. 15-16, during which both leaders welcomed the steady progress of the project. The President is going to review the recently laid underground railway tracks through Setiabudi Station on Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Central Jakarta, as well as take a closer look at two of the four tunnel boring machines used to drill the tunnel, Mustika Bumi II and Antareja II. The Jakarta MRT is one of the major projects the two governments are currently working on, according to Kozo Honsei, the Japanese deputy chief of mission, during his visit to The Jakarta Post on Wednesday. This is a symbolic project to us, in terms of our bilateral cooperation and for the Jakarta people, Honsei said, citing other projects between the two countries, including Patimban Port in Subang, West Java, and the Masela gas block. (Read also: Jakarta raises tax for properties near MRT project) Congestion is known to be a serious problem in Jakarta, and Japanese technology can help modernize the transportation system in order to ease the congestion, he said. We know that many Jakartans cant wait to see the project finished. Japan is also behind MRT projects in other major cities in Asia, such as New Delhi, Manila, Bangkok, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Japanese and Indonesian technicians have been working together on the MRT construction as part of the knowledge transfer from Japan to Indonesia, he said. Honsei also discussed the commercial aspects of the MRT stations once the line is operational. We have prepared some space in Fatmawati and Hotel Indonesia stations to be used as commercial areas, he said. The first-phase, stretching 15.7 kilometers from Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta, to the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta, is part of the Jakarta MRT North-South Line from Lebak Bulus to Kampung Bandan in North Jakarta with a total length of 23.8 kilometers. (Read also: Phase I MRT stations to sport distinctive themes) The construction and engineering of the first stage is estimated to cost over 123 billion (US$1.08 billion), of which 54.70 percent is sourced locally. The North-South Line is expected to accommodate 433,000 passengers per day. The MRT was initially scheduled to be in operation by 2018 but has been delayed to March 2019. The project has been delayed mainly by land-acquisition issues with an outstanding 26 land plots in South Jakarta needed for the elevated line. Currently, the project is more than 62.2 percent complete. PT MRT Jakarta has plans to integrate five of its 13 commuter train stations with the bus stops of city-owned company Transjakarta. The MRT stations will be located at Lebak Bulus, Blok A, Sisingamangaraja and Dukuh Atas in South Jakarta, as well as at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta. Honsei said his government had also discussed a proposal to expand the MRT lines with the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), in accordance with Japans intention to extend the bilateral cooperation utilizing Japanese technology. Aside from the North-South Line, the project has also blueprinted an East-West Line, stretching 31.7 kilometers between Kalideres, West Jakarta, and Cakung, East Jakarta. Honsei said the engineering process was underway on the East-West Line with the first stage to connect Kalideres to Cempaka Baru. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23, 2017 President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is set for his first state visit to Australia on Feb. 25 to 26, with an emphasis on strengthening trade and maritime cooperation. The neighboring countries aim to strengthen bilateral relations that are "mutually beneficial and respectful", the Indonesian Foreign Ministry says. Ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir told a press briefing on Thursday that Jokowi's visit was "special", saying that unlike usual state visits, the two heads of states were set to have a private dinner. Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull and wife Lucy Turnbull would host a dinner for Jokowi and First Lady Iriana Widodo. "This shows a closeness between the two leaders," Arrmanatha said. The visit is set to focus on boosting economic relations between the two countries, especially to push the ongoing negotiations on the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) that Jakarta expects to conclude this year. Indonesia also aimed to expand market access on sustainable products, Arrmanatha said, noting the example of export of Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT)-licensed timber, which guaranteed that the timber had been harvested, processed and exported in accordance with national laws. Three memorandum of understandings (MoUs) were also currently in the final stages of discussion, namely in maritime cooperation, maritime security and the creative industry, he added. Other areas of focus between the two countries would include cyber security training, investment, tourism, as well as Indonesian language education. The President is set to inaugurate a language center during his visit. (evi) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23, 2017 The Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU) has promised to improve the quality and capacity of polling station officers (KPPS) for the runoff election slated for April 19, following widespread public dissatisfaction over the work performance of the officials during the Feb. 15 election. Various violations were reported to have marred the first round of the gubernatorial election. KPU Jakarta commissioner M. Sidik admitted many officers did not yet understand election rules; therefore, a comprehensive technical guidance (bimtek) course would be conducted so they could better serve voters. We will optimize the technical guidance course for KPPS. We will also invite election supervisors and witnesses, Sidik said at the KPU office in Paseban, Central Jakarta on Wednesday. He said the commission would straighten out misunderstandings about election rules among officers that had disadvantaged voters. One reported shortcoming was officers knowledge about the proper procedures for unregistered voters who wanted to cast their vote by showing their electronic identity cards (e-KTP) or recommendation letters issued by the Jakarta Civil Registry and Demography Agency (Disdukcapil). Many unregistered voters complained that on Feb. 15 they could not cast ballots despite showing the required documents to polling station officers. There were also misunderstandings about polling hours. Many officers were reportedly unaware of the opening hours of polling stations on the day, which were set as 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Based on the regulation, polling officers should have closed voting registration at 1 p.m., however, many of them blocked people from voting after 1 p.m. Many voters claimed they were prohibited from casting their ballots after 1 p.m. although they had registered at polling stations. Officers should let residents who have registered before 1 p.m. vote, Sidik said. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23, 2017 The Agency for the Placement and Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (BNP2TKI) head, Nusron Wahid, has called on those wishing to work abroad to use legal avenues to do so. Speaking to journalists at an event at the agencys office in Jakarta on Thursday, Nusron emphasized the importance of migrant workers registering. He said that using legal avenues to work abroad offered better protect against exploitation. Please use legal avenues so that the government, the BNP2TKI, the Foreign Ministry and Indonesian embassies can monitor the workers closely and comprehensively so they can move quickly to provide protection if something happens, Nusron said. Nusron said that Siti Aisyah, an Indonesian citizen detained by the Royal Malaysian Police in Kuala Lumpur in connection to the killing of the North Korean leaders half-brother, was not registered with the agency as an Indonesian migrant worker. Still, she is an Indonesian citizen who works abroad. Legal or illegal, the Indonesian government has a responsibility to protect its citizens, he said. Arrested on Feb. 13, Siti, 25, was accused of being involved in the death of Kim Jong-nam. Nusron said that basically anyone working abroad was a migrant worker, but they needed to be listed on the BNP2TKI information system. So the government knows what their jobs are, where they work, what theyre doing, when they went abroad and with whom. The information system is important for Indonesian embassies to be able to monitor them. (dis/ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Farida Susanty (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23, 2017 The Transportation Ministry has revised up its non-tax state revenue (PNBP) target this year to a figure 20 percent higher than the initial target of Rp 10.6 trillion. "I think I tend to see that it will increase because there are a lot of activities from which we can collect non-tax state revenue," Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said on Wednesday evening. Activities that contribute to non-tax state revenue include reclamation for port projects. "We haven't charged anything from the activities so far," he said. (Read also: Transportation minister prepares additional airport safety measures) The ministry will focus on the growth of sea transportation to support President Joko "Jokowi" Widodos maritime vision. Previously, transportation business players, including those from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) and Indonesian Logistics Association (ALI), called for a revision of the tariffs imposed on non-tax state revenue. They called on the government to include the revision in the next economic package to increase logistics efficiency and competitiveness. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Viriya P. Singgih (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23 2017 In a game where the stakes are too high, compromise might be the only way for the opponents to secure the best possible outcome for themselves. Under such a scenario, the Indonesian government and United States-based mining giant Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) may not be brave enough to take further risks in their dispute regarding the future operations of the companys Indonesian subsidiary PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI), which operates the Grasberg mine in Papua, the worlds biggest gold mine and second-largest copper mine. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23, 2017 The progress of the construction of additional elevated roads in Semanggi, South Jakarta, has reached 40 percent and is expected to be completed in the middle of 2017. During a site visit on Thursday, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said he expected the overpass to be finished in July. If delayed, the latest possible deadline for the project is Aug. 17, the nations independence day. "I set the target in July, if it goes a bit slower than expected, it will be on August 17," he said. (Read also: New Semanggi flyover set to be complete in October 2017) The overpass construction began in Apr. 8 last year by state-owned construction company PT Wijaya Karya (Persero). (Wika) and Japanese Mori Group under its local subsidiary PT Mitra Panca Persada. Construction costs reached Rp 360 billion (US$26.96 million), financed by the DKI Jakarta regional budget. "The Rp 360 billion price tag is relatively cheap, I give the thumbs up for Wika," Jokowi said. The circular overpass is expected to reduce traffic congestion at the Semanggi junction by 40 percent. "It is not a total solution only 30 to 40 percent, but at least we can reduce the congestion," he said. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23 2017 Indonesia is set to hold its first ASEAN University Network-Quality Assessment (AUN-QA) Tier-1 training for universities across the country in a move to raise higher education standards equal to those of their regional counterparts. To reach the standards, representatives from 30 universities will attend the training session at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta conducted by the AUN from Feb. 28 to March 3. In an age where there is a shifting teaching paradigm from content-based curriculum to a competency-based curriculum, it is now more important than ever to prepare students for a future where abundant information is already available, and where creative thinking, critical thinking, communication and collaboration are crucial, AUN Indonesian council member Titi Savitri Prihatiningsih told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin I Wayan Juniarta (The Jakarta Post) Nusa Dua, Bali Thu, February 23, 2017 The opening panel of the World Ocean Summit on Thursday morning saw three ministers and a senior-ranking European Commission official acknowledge that harnessing the potential of the ocean and protecting it for the future generations are tasks too big and complex for any single country to deal with. The panel, titled The ocean economyA whale of an opportunity?, featured Indonesias Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan, Bangladeshs Minister of Environment and Forests Anwar Hossain Manju, Portugals Minister of Sea Ana Paula Vitorino, and European Commissions Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella with The Economists Asia columnist, Dominic Ziegler, moderating. Luhut used plastic debris as an example of the complexities of the ocean problem and the necessity to mount a concerted, global response. He pointed out during his visit to the western part of Indonesia he encountered plastic debris originating from Singapore. I believe that some of the plastic debris from Indonesia have washed ashore in Australia. So we have to deal with this problem together, he said. Read also: Government orders another study into Benoa Bay reclamation project: Vella summed the shared sentiment among the speakers when he said that the way forward now is cooperating globally. "We are not talking about [a] European environment, Chinese environment, we have one global environment with the global solution and you have to take [] global action, he said. The speakers also called all stakeholders to allocate greater resources to educate and promote environmental-friendly entrepreneurship among the younger generation. (yan) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Thu, February 23 2017 Malaysias uncompromising refusal to accede to North Koreas demand for the immediate return of the body of Kim Jong-nam, or Kim Chol according to his passport, is absolutely justifiable. This is not simply because his murder on Feb. 13 occurred on Malaysian territory, but also because of the damage the crime has done to the credibility of security at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. All members of ASEAN have an obligation to defend Malaysia and help it accelerate the investigation into the murder of the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. On the sidelines of the annual ASEAN Foreign Ministerial Meeting (AMM) in the Philippines on Monday, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi held talks with her Malaysian counterpart Anifah Aman and Vietnams Panh Binh Minh in relation to the case. Indonesian Siti Aisyah and Vietnamese Doan Thi Huon have reportedly been implicated in the crime. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dandy Koswaraputra (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, February 24 2017 The plan to introduce bar codes for media companies, an initiative launched by the Indonesian Press Council announced on National Press Day in Ambon on Feb. 9, goes beyond simply fighting the proliferation of fake news. It is intended to help to build the nations media and internet literacy. It also shields media companies from unfair business practices in the increasingly fierce competition for lucrative digital ads. The bar-code system, contrary to what critics say, is a self-regulated policy designed to protect media companies reputations. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, February 24 2017 Actress Michelle Ziudith could not stand the cold weather in Switzerland during the filming of her latest film, London Love Story 2. The 22-year-old said she suffered from a fever upon her arrival in the country. I had a fever when I arrived in Switzerland from London. London was still a bit warm, but the temperature in Switzerland was minus 8 degrees Celsius, she said, as quoted by kompas.com during the premier of the film in Theater XXI in Plaza Senayan on Wednesday. She said she had a sore throat and an unstable body temperature. However, she still managed to complete her scenes. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fedina S. Sundaryani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, February 24 2017 The government hopes the establishment of an oil and gas state-owned enterprise (SOE) holding company will encourage gas infrastructure development and lower gas prices to boost growth in the industrial sector. Indonesias poor gas infrastructure has been a major stumbling block both for business players and the government as it causes high prices of domestic pipe gas and makes the country dependent on liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports despite being fossil-fuel rich. The SOE Ministrys deputy of energy, logistics, estates and tourism, Edwin Hidayat Abdullah, said gas infrastructure development, currently in the hands of state-owned firms Pertamina and PGN, would improve under the supervision of one holding company. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, February 24 2017 The House of Representatives will decide whether or not to launch an inquiry into the governments decision not to suspend incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama even though he has been indicted for blasphemy. A House plenary meeting on Thursday, which concluded the current sitting session, heard the official proposal for the inquiry by the petitioners on Thursday. The House, however, decided that a decision on whether to approve the proposal would be conducted in the next sitting period, which would begin on March 15. We dont have enough time to execute the plan as we will be in recess starting from tomorrow, House Deputy Speaker Fadli Zon said to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Farida Susanty (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, February 24 2017 Players in the property business should explore opportunities from the anticipated surge of demand for unconventional work spaces to cater to the needs of the millennial generation. Millennials, known to be fond of flexibility and collaboration, might prefer to work at a shared office that charges tenants on a daily basis or at a small office/home office (SOHO) with flexible hours. The local unit of United Kingdom-based international property consultancy firm Savills forecast that there would be demand for up to 1 million square meters (sqm) of such unconventional work space by 2020 in Indonesia on the back of the emergence of start-up businesses, which mostly employ young people. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Tama Salim and Margareth S. Aritonang (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 23, 2017 08:38 2082 a291276806121264c0bd211cde155569 4 SE Asia Kim-Jongnam-murder,kim-jong-un,North-Korea,siti-aisyah Free While officials have not strictly ruled out the possibility that an Indonesian may be involved in the murder of Kim Jong-nam, Indonesia has taken a step back to allow Malaysia to conclude its investigation. We respect the legal process that is currently underway in Malaysia and well continue to wait until they grant us consular access [to Siti Aisyah]. That will be our focus, said Lalu Muhammad Iqbal, the Foreign Ministrys director for the protection of Indonesian nationals and entities abroad. According to Malaysian law, the authorities reserve the right to deny consular access to a person involved in a legal case until the investigation has concluded. Iqbal insisted, however, that it was too early to jump to any conclusions, noting the Malaysian investigators decision to extend Sitis remand for another seven days due to a lack of evidence. (Read also: Who is Siti Aisyah? Foreign agent or gullible migrant worker?) It is too soon to make any legal inferences from the case, he said in a statement to The Jakarta Post on Wednesday. Separately, National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian told reporters that the police were also in contact with the Royal Malaysian Police. Tito said he would leave it up to the Malaysian authorities to determine whether there was enough evidence to make a case against Siti and other persons of interest. We will look into it, but whether or not their testimonies are false will be completely up to [Malaysian authorities], Tito told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting at the House of Representatives on Wednesday. If the [suspect] turns out to be innocent, then we cannot put our teeth into it. But if she is clearly proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt, then she ought to be processed in accordance with the prevailing legal system [in Malaysia]. Malaysias handling of the outlandish murder of Kim Chol, which local authorities claim was the alias of the estranged half-brother of North Korean ruler Kim Jong-un, has raised just as many questions in Jakarta as it has in Kuala Lumpur. (Read also: TV footage appears to show deliberate attack on North Korean) Two female suspects, Indonesian Siti Aisyah and Vietnamese Doan Thi Huon, were detained last week based on CCTV footage of the incident. Another two men have been detained and Malaysian authorities were in pursuit of four North Korean nationals also believed to be involved. Meanwhile, Reuters reported on Wednesday that Malaysian police had named a North Korean diplomat along with a state airline official as wanted for questioning over the murder of Kim Jong-nam. South Korean and United States officials believed the killing of the elder half-brother of Kim Jong-un was an assassination carried out by agents of the North. Kim Jong-nam had spoken out publicly against his familys dynastic control of the isolated, nuclear-armed state. Giving an update on an investigation that has already angered North Korea, Malaysias police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said the diplomat wanted for questioning was 44-year-old Hyon Kwang-song, a second secretary at the embassy. Police also wanted to interview Kim Uk-il, 37, an employee of the North Korean state-owned airline Air Koryo. Khalid said both were in Malaysia but could not confirm they were in the embassy. Theyve been called in for assistance. We hope the embassy will cooperate with us and allow us to interview them quickly or else we will compel them to come to us, Khalid told reporters. We cant confirm that they are hiding in the embassy, he told Reuters. So far, police have identified a total of eight North Koreans suspected of being linked to the murder. One, Ri Jong-chol, has been in custody since last week, and another, Ri Ji-u, remains at large. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yeo Jun-suk (The Korea Herald/ANN) Seoul Thu, February 23, 2017 North Korea on Thursday dismissed the Malaysian investigation into the mysterious death of the half brother of the Norths leader Kim Jong-un, accusing the Southeast Asian country of conspiring with South Korea to sabotage the regime. In its first official reports since the death of Kim Jong-nam, the state-run KCNA news agency claimed Malaysia had initially told them that the victim died of a supposed heart stroke, but changed its position after false reports surfaced in South Korea that he had been poisoned to death in an apparent assassination. South Korea, in response, pledged to seek tougher measures against North Korea -- such as a plan to demand the US put Pyongyang back on a list for state sponsors of terrorism -- and warned the regime would attempt military provocation as a distraction. What merits more serious attention is the fact that the unjust acts of the Malaysian side are timed to coincide with the anti-DPRK conspiratorial racket launched by the South Korean authorities, the KCNA said, citing a spokesman at the reclusive regimes jurists committee. The biggest responsibility rests with the government of Malaysia as a citizen of the DPRK died in its land, the report added, referring to the victim only as a citizen of the DPRK, using North Koreas official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea and not mentioning the persons name. Read also: No access yet to Siti; junior North Korean diplomat wanted Seouls Vice Foreign Minister Lim Sung-nam on Thursday told lawmakers that the government would negotiate with Washington over a plan to add Pyongyang to the list as a terrorism state. Washington took the regime off the list in 2008 as a goodwill gesture on efforts being made for the North to resolve its nuclear issues. In the wake of Pyongyangs latest ballistic missile test last month, however, calls are emerging in the US Congress to add the regime to the terrorism list. Rep. Ted Poe introduced a bill calling for the measure in January and the legislation was referred to congressional subcommittees last week. We will negotiate with Washington and, if necessary, play our parts to designate the North as a state sponsor of terrorism, Lim told the lawmakers, saying the murder of Kim would offer impetus to the effort. During the same meeting with lawmakers, Unification Minister Hong Yong-pyo repeated the governments claim that North Korea would plot terrorism attacks against South Korea to distract attention away from what Seoul viewed as assassination of a member of Pyongyangs ruling family. A day earlier, acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn also alerted cabinet members of Pyongyangs terrorism attacks against South Korea and North Korean defectors in Seoul. The National Intelligence Service has reportedly beefed up security for high-profile defectors. Kim Jong-nam, 46, died last week after being attacked by two women who coated their hands with toxic liquid then rubbed it on Kims face, according to the Malaysian police. The two women were arrested days after Kims death and told the police they thought the attack was a part of a comedy prank. So far, the police have identified a total of eight North Koreans suspected of being linked to the killing. Having taken one into custody, they are searching for the seven others, although four are believed to have fled Kuala Lumpur shortly after the attack and are now believed to be back in Pyongyang. Among the remaining three are a senior diplomat at the North Korean Embassy and an employee of North Korean state-owned airline Air Koryo, according to the Malaysian police. Both officials were in Malaysia, but they could not confirm if they were at the North Korean Embassy, the police said. The death of Kim Jong-nam has escalated into a diplomatic row between North Korea and Malaysia, with the Southeast Asian country recalling its ambassador from Pyongyang after the regimes ambassador in Kula Lumpur questioned the impartiality of the investigation into Kim. (Read also: North Korea says women suspects should be freed) Earlier in the day, an unidentified official at the North Korean Embassy told reporters they would reject the Malaysian polices investigation results, saying that it was all lies and slander. They were scheduled to hold a press conference on the same day, but canceled at the last minute. Describing Kim Jong-nam as a citizen of the DPRK who was travelling on a diplomatic passport, the KCNA criticized the Malaysian government for conducting a postmortem without its permission, saying it was a wanton human rights abuse and an act contrary to human ethics and morality. The regime also denounced Malaysias refusal to hand the body back to North Korean officials, saying the decision proves that the Malaysian side is going to politicize the transfer of the body in utter disregard of international law and morality and therefore serve a sinister purpose. This article appeared on The Korea Herald newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post The New York City Parks Department and the Japanese clothing company, UNIQLO, announced a new public art program today. They awarded grants to 10 artists to create installations in city parks this coming summer. Seward Park on the Lower East Side is one of the beneficiaries of the project. Cheryl Wing-Zi Wong proposed, Constellation, an architectural sculpture, performance and panel series that will activate the underused plaza in front of the Seward Park Library. It will be made up of, interlocked wooden modules that will be re-arranged and transformed seasonally in three different configurations over the course of the exhibition. The program is part of a larger city initiative to bring public arts to parks that have, according to a press release, historically lacked cultural programming. $200,000 has been made available during the next couple of years to 20 artists. They each receive $10,000. The first wave of artists were chosen through an open application process by a committee of arts professionals, along with city and UNIQLO representatives. An application period for the second round will begin later this year. Installation of the piece will begin in June. The F Train tunnel will need to be shut down for Hurricane Sandy-related repairs. That has residents in the Two Bridges area especially worried, since four massive residential buildings in-the-works will place a heavy burden on Lower East Side public transit. [DNA Info] History lesson: From slum to SPURA to Essex Crossing. [Curbed] New Yorks police commissioner says his department will not be cooperating with Donald Trumps deportation orders. [Daily News] COLORS, a new dining spot set to open on Stanton Street in late March, is at the center of the sanctuary restaurant movement. [Bedford & Bowery] Ost Cafe on Avenue A is closing. A Facebook message read, The East Village (the commoditized version of it that is controlled by the Real Estate industry) is moving on up, and they seem to have forgotten to set any place at the table for small businesses. The City of New York is complicit in this change, cheering from the sidelines for more, bigger, taller, and pocketing the tax revenue. Osts Lower East Side location on Grand Street is still going strong, the owners report. [EV Grieve] Public, the well-regarded Elizabeth Street restaurant, is closing. [New York Times] The patriarch of Xian Famous Foods has a habit of opening restaurants without telling anyone, including his son. [Eater] State Sen. Daniel Squadron reveals his favorite Chinatown dumpling spots. [Tasting Table] As the Trump administration hobbles and flails in the vague direction of Day 100 96 down, just 1,364 to go as of this writing its easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day incompetence and surreal ineptitude of The Donald and his Legion of Doom: e.g. Sean Spicer on Hitler; e.g. Jeff Sessions on Hawaii, e.g. the taxpayer tab for all those weekend jaunts to Mar-a-Lago; e.g. Trumps historically low approval ratings; e.g. Trumps oratory prowess and display of patriotism during the recent Easter Egg Roll. But focusing on things like our Commander-in-Chief reviewing policy briefs in the Oval Office with Kid Rock and Ted Wang Dang Sweet Poontang Nugent, would be to lose sight of what Donald Trumps presidency has really been: a full-scale assault on Americas most threatened populations. From his bumbling attempt to strip 24 millions Americans of their health insurance to rescinding protections for transgender students to proposing a budget that cuts vital services for lower-income Americans to refusing to monitor troubled police agencies, President Trump has demonstrated a disregard if not outright animosity for our most vulnerable communities. However, that disregard and animosity is certainly nothing new or unique to the Trump Administration. In his latest book, Nobody: Casualties of Americas War on the Vulnerable, from Ferguson to Flint and Beyond, Marc Lamont Hill describes a growing group of citizens made vulnerable, exploitable, and disposable in contemporary America. In telling the stories of those regarded by the powerful and privileged as Nobody people like the citizens of Flint, Mich., black men and women like Michael Brown and Freddie Gray and Trayvon Martin, like Sandra Bland and Walter Scott Hill places our current moment in historical context while offering an examination of race, class, and capitalism in 21st-century America. Hill a distinguished professor of African American studies at Morehouse College, host of BET News and VH1 Live, and a political contributor for CNN spoke with The Millions by phone about police brutality, American Empire in decline, the importance of black bookstores, and the power of everyday people to change the world. The Millions: Nobody was published while Barack Obama was president. The paperback comes out with a very different man in the Oval Office. Obviously, Donald Trump isnt good for the vulnerable people youre writing about in Nobodybut how exactly does he alter your thinking? Does he change the way we need to approach fighting the oppression of people marked as poor, black, brown, immigrant, queer, or trans? Marc Lamont Hill: Im not sure that he does. I think thats whats interesting. What I get at in the book is that we cant reduce the condition of our nation or the plight of the vulnerable to a set of dispositions, a set of attitudes, or a small group of people with a particular point of view. Theres a deeper structural problem here. Theres a deeper institutional challenge that we faceI dont ever think that a particular kind of tide turn or election outcome will alter the fundamental structural challenges that we face. If anything, it just reminds me that we have serious work to do, no matter whos in office. I do think, though, that Donald Trump represents a different moment. Part of the problem is that weve cried wolf so many times when a Republican runs for office. We say Oh, this is the worst thing thats ever happened in the history of America, and if we elect so-and-so the skys going to fall. TM: Meanwhile, Mitt Romney sounds wonderful right about now. MLH: Exactly. And then you get a Donald Trump. And its like, oh wait, maybe the sky actually is falling this time. Even Republicans are saying, Hey, this is not what were used to, what we imagined. The Donald Trump moment represents something different in that it may feel more urgent, and some of the battles that we fought in the 1930s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s are now forced to be re-fought and some of the legal victories that we achieved are now going to have to be relitigated. The Donald Trump moment may represent a greater urgency and a kind of re-tracking of previous momentsDespite the darkness of the moment, we can still change. The thing that gives me hope is the fact that since August 9, 2014, we have seen a sustained and protracted movement of activists, of students, of clergy, who are changing the game. Were watching social media become different in terms of its usage. Were watching digital technology. Were watching all of this stuff become something else. Its an extraordinary moment with extraordinary possibilities. They say only in the darkness can you see the stars. The Trump moment is darker, but to me that just spotlights whats possible even more. TM: There are a lot of people who think the deaths of Michael Brown or Eric Garner are part of a recent trend, a spike in police violence. But the truth is that the killing of black men and women by police is nothing new. Whats differentand you point this out in the bookis that now people have cellphones and they can take video and upload it to the Internet. Im interested in your take on technologys changing role as a tool in the struggle against oppression. MLH: The fact that the technology exists in some ways underscores a deeper problem, which is around the ability of black people to narrate their own experience with credibility. Black witness doesnt matter. The fact that black folks have been saying Hey, were getting killed, forever doesnt matter. We talk about police brutality, police terrorism. Every experience youve seen on these videos are experiences that are articulated by black people. And people say, Oh, youre exaggerating. I mean Rodney King. People in South Central L.A. werent shocked by that. They were just shocked that the police didnt see the camera. While some people are really excited about this moment, and there is reason to be, its also a reminder that black witness in and of it itself means nothing. That its only with the augmentation of the cellphone, smartphone technology, digital video streaming, that people believe us. And essentially, theyre not believing us; theyre believing their own eyes. The problem is that when you live in a nation-state that is undergirded by white supremacy, by anti-black racism, and by really irrational narratives about black people, the video still proves insufficient. How many times did we watch Walter Scott run away? He gets shot in the back and it didnt matter. We watched Sandra Bland get harassed, it didnt matter. We saw Eric Garner with his hands up, it didnt matter. So, this technology is helpful in a certain way. It certainly helped, it was a mobilizing tool and an organizing tool, and it certainly gives us a better chance at quote-unquote justice than we would have without it. But I never want to overstate or fetishize technology because that suggests that the system is functional in the interest of justice, and all we needed was just a little more proof and wed be in there, and thats just not the case. TM: In a previous interview in this series, Pankaj Mishra talked about the unfulfilled promise of neoliberal capitalism and democracy and how it fuels both terrorism and populist rage. In Nobody you talk about the role of neoliberal capitalismthat valuing of unrestrained profit for the few over the public good, which obviously leads to more citizens that are vulnerable and disposable. What are the historical processes that led us to this point where were devaluing everything except increased profits at all costs? MLH: Weve always valued democratic citizenship, and democracy is almost an obsession of America. Whats contested is what democracy looks like, how its constituted, and how we arrived there. And over the last few decadesnot just here, but in Britain and other places around the worldthe liberalization of the market, that is to say the unfettering of market forces, has led us to not just worship the market and to believe in the capacity of the market to yield all positive outcomes, but its also led us to equate unfettered capitalism with full-fledged democracy. And therefore, citizenship becomes consumership. And so, over the decadesyou find an increased sense that to be a citizen is to be a consumer. The more access you have to goods and consumption, the more rich and full your citizenship is, the more fully realized your democratic project is. The problem is as people dont have access to capital, as they dont have access to individual success and prosperitywhich becomes the measure of progress; its no longer a collective vision, its no longer a valuing of the welfare state or a collective investment in the good of everyone, but rather individual success and meritwhat you begin to see is the collapse of peoples faith in the system when theyre not accessing those notions of prosperity. If I look up 20 years later and I cant work at the assembly line in Flint anymore and I cant get a living-wage job anymore, Im now thinking somethings wrong. Im now thinking somethings wrong with the country. Im thinking the countrys moving in the wrong direction. And its very easy under those regimes and under those moments to not blame the system itself because its easier to imagine the end of the world itself than it is to imagine the end of capitalism. You then blame all the people who werent there before, all the forces that werent there before, all the leadership structures that werent there before. You blame the black president, you blame the Mexicans, you blame the Arabs for taking the jobs. You dont question the actual mechanisms of capital. You dont question the oligarchies. You dont question the one percent because you still aspire to be the one percent, even if its against all empirical evidence to the contrary If you normalize the idea that individual prosperity is the measure of who were supposed to be as citizens and that collective consumership is the marker of an effective democracy, then you end up in a space where 99 percent of uscertainly 90 percent of usare going to be profoundly frustrated at all times with the condition of our democracy. But again, youre not looking at the machinery of capital, youre looking at all these other factors, which are really symptoms and not the problem itself, not the illness itself. And thats how you end up with a Trump in office: because youve got a bunch of poor, disenfranchised people who decide to choose a billionaire to lead them out of the economic disasterwhen Trumps economic power and value itself hinges upon the accumulation of mass amounts of wealth at the expense of most people; when his market logic demands a small group of people having a whole bunch of stuff, when efficiencies demand that the job that was once in Flint is now in East Asia, that the job that was in Ferguson, Missouri, is now in the Far East. When that happens, youre signing up for more of the same problem, but it makes you feel better. Its like when your eye itches and you keep scratching it. Its like this isnt working, but nothing else is, so let me just keep scratching it, because this is supposed to be working. And thats whats happening right now. TM: In the book, you say the perfect complement to the current neoliberal economic moment is a turning away from communitypeople are more isolated, theyre more fragmented; you dont have to leave your house, everything is online and everything is delivered. How does that shift exacerbate the war on the vulnerable and how can community help the fightback? MLH: We are always at our best when were organized. Were always at our best when were connected and were working together and building together. The problem is the forces of neoliberalismat the discursive and cultural level, they value the individual so much morewe live in the age of the selfie. Everyones the star of his own show. Everybodys the big attraction of their timeline. Everyones going live. Everyones doing all the stuff that pulls people away, because were only thinking about the self. But then the material conditions of community are also dismantled. So, the community bookstore cant exist anymore. The public experience we previously imaginedand however flawed and romanticized it was, overly nostalgic it wasthere once was a cafe, there once was a salon, there once was a Masonic Lodge, there once was even a street cornerwhere we would stand on 125th Street or 52nd Street in Philly or whereverand we would talk and we would engage and we would build with one another. I spent my childhood in black book stores engaging ideas. The problem is theres no black bookstore anymore, because Amazon comes, and Amazon comes because its cheaper, its more efficient. Big-box retailers break down the mom-and-pop stores. They break down the local places. Even the local corner store that would exist, you know? And wed hang out in front and talk shit, right? But theres no corner store anymore because theres a Target up the street where I can get a flat-screen TV and a pack of steaks and my prescription filled all at the same place. The way community is engaged is now much more routinized, its much more mechanical, its much more technocratic where these big-box retailers all are online. And so much of the physical interaction and connection that we had has now been replaced into the digital sphere. Im not saying the digital sphere cant yield its own kind of rewards. But were still figuring that out. Were figuring out what it means to form community in a hashtag group. Were figuring out what it means to organize digitally. Were figuring out what it means to have even a reading group on Facebook. A book club on Facebook. All of it is different now because of technology, but the market exigencies may push that to happen. So, were dealing on multiple levels with the way that neoliberalism kind of shifts and shapes our realities. TM: Given that so much of Nobody is about police violence against black people, you probably spend a lot of time talking about race and probably a lot of that time like this interview is spent talking to white people. Do you find that fatiguing, or are you hopeful about the willingness or ability of white people to examine their privilege and work towards dismantling white supremacy? MLH: Hopeful might be overstating it. Im not pessimistic, though. I believe ultimately in the power of everyday people to change the world. I dont mean that as just some kind of liberal cliche. I legitimately believe in the people and I legitimately believe that with the right organizing, the right political education, we can do anything. Getting white people to abandon whiteness isthat might be quixotic, you know? I mean, its incredibly difficult to get anyone in power to yield their power and privilege and control. I mean, getting men to dismantle patriarchy. Getting straight people to dismantle homophobia. It takes more than a notion. I think thats the challengethat its counterintuitive for people to do that. So, what do we do to get them there? We need some level of interest conversion. We need to convince people that ultimately, the center cant hold; that ultimately, capitalism will dismantle or will break down; that ultimately, the environment will suffer. Ultimately the jobs will leave. That ultimately, none of us can succeed like this. That white supremacy cant hold itself. That ultimately, these white people who are looking forwho are using white skin privilege as a kind of property and as a kind of capital ultimately are going to be disenfranchised, like the white worker who votes for Trump. We have to convince them through political organization, through political education, through activism, through teaching, and through a kind of revolutionary patience that it is possible to change all of this and to make a world thats better for everybody, but that they have to think long term and not short term. I believe that its all possible. Its just a hell of a job. So, Im not optimistic. I dont believe that its just going to happen, but I am full with hope. Thats probably the best way to put it. Im not optimistic about it, but I am full of hope. Thats all we have. TM: If we look the state of Americawith Trumps racist travel bans, the ICE raids, Jeff Sessions, the budget Trump put out, the gutting of the EPA, the spike in hate crimes, the rise of the Alt Right, its hard to see a happy ending. Where do you think were headed? Is there a tipping point that were traveling toward MLH: Well, you could argue that America is an empire in decline. TM: For sure. MLH: Where that ends, is up to us. I believe we can dictate where we go. Were headed in a very dangerous direction, but the ship can be rerouted. It always can be rerouted. Where were going right now is a dark morgue, but I think, again, we need a sense of history. If we think that we were moving in the right direction and then November 8, 2016 happens, then were fundamentally wrongheaded about that. That makes us think that if we could have just elected a Hillary Clinton, if we could have just put in a Bernie Sanders, the world would be totally different. And thats simply not true. We need a bigger view of the world, a bigger analysis, a thicker analysis. If we do that, we can turn these things around. But to your question, yes, right now, at this moment, given where were headed economically, socially, culturally, politically, morally, we are moving in the wrong direction and its not going to end anywhere good for any of us. This is indisputably an empire in decline, but it doesnt mean that end has to be as dire as it would be if we dont do the work. TM: What do Americans need to do to survive Donald Trump? MLH: We need to resist. We need to resist. At all times, in all ways, Americans must resist. We must resist the idea that we respect the office. We dont have to. We have to respect his humanity. But we have to say this office, as it stands, is not worthy of respect and its an imperial throne, and we have to resist it. We have to resist through the electoral process. We cant wait until the next presidential cycle to resist. We have to resist at the local level and the national level. We have to build coalitions that resist. Politicians dont have feelings; they have interests. And we have to make it so their interests converge with ours, so that its safe for members of Congress to vote down a bill, that we make it safe for them to filibuster, that we make it safe for them to make Donald Trumps life a living hell. Not at a personal level, but at the political level. And not winning will automatically be a personal hell for him. We have to resist on the streets. As our Syrian or Somali or Sudanese brothers and sisters get turned away, we have to fight to bring them back in. As weve seen the assault on civil liberties, we have to push back. We have to fight at every turn. We have to resist through our classroom teaching. We have to resist through the books we write. We have to resist through everything from what we name our children to who we hang out with to the kind of art we make. We have to resist at all times. My Palestinian brothers and sisters have a word called sumudand sumud is steadfastness. We have to be steadfast. You know, steadfast means that resistance doesnt happen just at a march or a rally. Its not just a momentary blip on the screen. Its a lifelong commitment to resisting. If we can remain steadfast, then I think we win. Cant get enough Surviving Trump? Check out previous installments in the series, featuring Lewis Lapham, Masha Gessen, and Pankaj Mishra. The first London Fashion Week of 2017 has come to a close, but we are still very much obsessed over what went down during the clothing trade show. Just as London Fashion Week marks down all the big and established names in the industry, the Oxford Fashion Studio show marks a potentially career-establishing opportunity for the up-and-coming, the experimental, and the yet-to-be-discovered independant designers to shine and showcase their work. Starting off as a single city showcase, the studio now represents 60 collections from across the world. By invitation only, Oxford Fashion Studio is dedicated to showcasing the very best of independent designers, currating them into the most original and diverse catwalk show it is surely possible to experience, and giving them opporutnity to showcase at London, Paris and New York. In London this year, OFS made its fourth season of international events, hosting three independent runaway shows in one night. On Saturday 18th February, guests saw collections from 24 extraordinary designers across the whole evening. Upon arrival, fashionistas were welcomed by a stylish drinks reception while waiting for the big kick off. The show kicked off with Franco Arazzis multibags collection. The models took ownership of the catwalk, strutting their stuff in all denim everything, so as to draw emphasis on the incredible bags from the Czech Republic designer. As the show continued, the audience enjoyed a variety of looks: jewellery, nightgowns, smart wear, menswear, the show was an astonishing combination of both stylish and extravagant designs. However, velvet, satin and sequence seemed to be the dominant styles of the night. The 7pm show included eight independent designers and four of them included velvet detail. A particularly gorgeous example is pictured below: Some of the designs were classic favourites, some screamed extraordinary. Antonia Naes, Freedom, was expressed artistically. The UK designer staked on dark colours and dramatic make up. The models represented, indeed, freedom, looking like beautiful ravens coming out from the dark. Next up was another UK designer, who impressed the audience with a beautiful mixture of bright blue and yellow night dresses. The luxury brand was defined by a fusion of sophisticated styling and subtle ethnic prints. However, most hypnotising was Yllka Bradas YOU collection. E very single look was exquisite. T he collection could have been designed for royalty, with red and black being the main colours and cloaks making a huge presence. There were some amazing pieces, but one dress in particular really did stand out. This amazing, white-mesh piece was so simple but so effective at the same time. There is quite a lot of detail to it but it just shouts sophistication. A post shared by Sophia Christo (@sophiachristo) on Feb 18, 2017 at 1:31pm PST The show concluded with one final run from the Mardi Price collection, and a round of applause for all the independent designers and those responsible for this incredible production. Backstage, DFMA makeup artists Siobhan Aldred and Chloe Gottlieb-Hunt told us: Its been really exciting to work with so many people. We cant wait to come back next year, weve all worked well as a team and weve all really enjoyed it. Its been nice meeting different people from different modelling background. Some of the models are new, some have been doing this for years but everyones been really lovely. Oxford Fashion Studio director Carl Anglim added: The designers have been absolutely extraordinary, but today in particular with the two shows that weve seen so far, every collection has brought something different to fashion, style and design. Across the three productions in New York, London and Paris, there are 60 collection in total. Whats wonderful about fashion its not necessarily strict forward at one designer being better than the other. Its more of a case of having people find something in the designs that they like." How would Anglim describe the event in three words? Daring, original, independent. Transgender students have lost the US government protection that allowed them to use school toilets and locker rooms matching their gender identities. Its after Donald Trumps administration came down on the side of states rights, and lifted the Barack Obama-era national guidelines. Heres everything you need to know. What does this mean for transgender kids? (Evan Vucci/AP) Without the Obama directive, it will be up to states and school districts to interpret anti-discrimination law and determine whether students should have access to toilets in accordance with their expressed gender identity and not just their biological sex. The reversal is a setback for transgender rights groups, which had been urging Trump to keep the guidelines in place. What was the Obama directive exactly? (Andrew Harnik/AP) The Obama administrations guidance was based on its determination that Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in education, also applies to gender identity. But the guidance did not sufficiently explain its interpretation of that law, attorney general Jeff Sessions said in a statement. What has the Government said regarding the decision? (Evan Vucci/AP) Education secretary Betsy DeVos said: This is an issue best solved at the state and local level. Schools, communities and families can find, and in many cases have found, solutions that protect all students. In a letter to the nations schools, the justice and education departments said the earlier guidance has given rise to significant litigation regarding school restrooms and locker rooms. The agencies withdrew the guidance in order to further and more completely consider the legal issues involved. White House spokesman Sean Spicer denied media reports that DeVos, who has been criticised for her stance on LGBT issues, had opposed the change but was overruled by Sessions. Any disagreement was merely over wording and timing, Spicer said. What happens now? (Andrew Harnik/AP) Legal experts said the change in position could impact pending court cases involving the federal sex discrimination law, including a case to be heard by the Supreme Court in March involving Gavin Grimm, a transgender teenager who was denied bathroom access in Virginia. The justices could decide not to hear the case and direct lower courts to decide that issue. Grimm said of the Trump action: Its not positive. It has the possibility of hurting transgender students and transgender people. Were going to keep fighting like we have been and keep fighting for the right thing. How have people reacted? This is what democracy looks like: hundreds outside of the White House to tell transgender students we've got your back. #protecttranskids pic.twitter.com/KYIeBwvlBO ACLU National (@ACLU) February 22, 2017 Advocates say federal law will still ban discrimination against students based on their gender or sexual orientation, but lifting the Obama directive still puts children in harms way. Reversing this guidance tells trans kids that its OK with the Trump administration and the Department of Education for them to be abused and harassed at school for being trans, said American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten. The Internet is standing up for transgender students, with many using the hashtag #ProtectTransKids. No one should live in fear for being themselves. You are valid and no one can take that from you. #ProtectTransKids Lucas Dell (@lucasdell) February 23, 2017 You are loved and cared for. You are beautifully magnificent just as you are. Don't let ANYONE tell you different. #ProtectTransKids Kayce Brewer (@KayceBrewer) February 23, 2017 everyone is important & we all deserve the world #ProtectTransKids madeline (@ayexmadeline) February 23, 2017 Don't give up. You matter. I (and a whole lot of other people) stand with you. #protecttranskids Corey Fogelmanis (@coreyfogelmanis) February 23, 2017 We need to protect trans youth and stand up against this cruelty that hurts our kids. Support @Translifeline Ellen Page (@EllenPage) February 22, 2017 And what about people who support Trumps decision? Conservatives hailed the change, saying the Obama directives were illegal and violated the rights of fixed-gender students, especially girls who did not feel safe changing clothes or using toilets next to anatomical males. Our daughters should never be forced to share private, intimate spaces with male classmates, even if those young men are struggling with these issues, said Vicki Wilson, a member of Students and Parents for Privacy. It violates their right to privacy and harms their dignity. This particularly feelgood campaign managed to smash its target of $20,000 (16,000) in just three hours. But what was it raising money for? Well, the campaign is called Muslims unite to repair Jewish cemetery. And it plans to do just that. Over the weekend vandals damaged over 170 headstones at the Chesed Shel Emeth Society cemetery in University City, Missouri, and any money raised will go towards repairs. @chrislhayes In addition to bomb threats today, Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in St. Louis was vandalized. Over 100 tombstones toppled. pic.twitter.com/IxlRF72FnT Kimberly B (@Emmaline8266) February 20, 2017 On Monday the White House denounced a string of threats against Jewish community centres, so a campaign like this showing unity and acceptance couldnt have come at a better time. Some photos of Chesed Shel Emeth, a Jewish cemetery in University City: pic.twitter.com/FQRVpBCvFi Jason Rosenbaum (@jrosenbaum) February 21, 2017 The campaign says: Muslim Americans stand in solidarity with the Jewish-American community to condemn this horrific act of desecration against the Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery. We also extend our deepest condolences to all those who have been affected and to the Jewish community at large. Organsied by Linda Sarsour and Tarek El-Messidi, the campaign wants to raise funds to help rebuild the sacred space, and any remaining funds when the cemetery is restored will be given to help other vandalised Jewish centres. And it looks like there will be a fair amount of money left over, judging by how well it did. In just three hours it reached its goal of $20,000, and at the time of writing it was at an impressive $56,222 (over 45,000). Donald Trump recently denounced the rise in anti-Semitism in America, after increasing calls for him to speak up against it. JCC threats, cemetery desecration & online attacks are so troubling & they need to be stopped. Everyone must speak out, starting w/ @POTUS. Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 21, 2017 Governor of Missouri Eric Greitens is Jewish and condemned the attack, and called for volunteers to help clean it up. He wrote on Facebook: One measure of a communitys strength is what we do in moments like this. We can choose to cower, or we can choose productive action and shared service. We can turn a vile act into a moment for resolve and a demonstration of our states faith. And the clean-up operation is already in action. Rosenbloom Monument crews continuing to repair vandalized headstones at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in U-City1/2 pic.twitter.com/VhOWxbYbHv Chris Regnier (@chrisregniertv) February 21, 2017 Scene at Chesed Shel Emeth Jewish Cemetery in U-City. Crews starting to make repairs to vandalized headstones. pic.twitter.com/JX0SmpIvVm Chris Regnier (@chrisregniertv) February 21, 2017 Campaigns like this are a heart warming show of unity and acceptance, something which is sorely needed. The campaign has a wider purpose than just the cemetery, but says: We hope to send a united message from the Jewish and Muslim communities that there is no place for this type of hate, desecration, and violence in America. We pray that this restores a sense of security and peace to the Jewish-American community who has undoubtedly been shaken by this event. The UK government will crack down on students buying essays from 'essay mill' websites, it has announced. Telegraph This comes after therevealed last month that more than 20,000 students are paying between 15 and 6,750 (in the case of a PhD dissertation) online for someone else to write their essay for them. Universities Minister Jo Johnson said that "tough action" was needed on this practice, which "threatens to undermine the high quality reputation of a UK degree". The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education will consult with the government and universities over the best way to stamp out the difficult-to-detect form of cheating. New punishments may include fines, academic blacklists or even criminal records. Lord Storey, who is leading the effort to criminalise essay mill websites, said that "rich students" are "paying their way" to a top degree. The criminalisation of essay mill websites seemed to work in New Zealand, as the country reported a subsequent drop in cheating. The new measures will be implemented at the start of the new academic year in September. Unfortunately, The Content Is Not Here You have arrived at this page because the page or post you were looking for no longer exists. 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Another Republican proposal is far more satisfying: It would reduce the income tax to zero in about five years. Thats the one I like. Oh, sure, it would blow a $9 billion annual hole in the state budget, but thats not my problem. Besides, were just balancing the tax ledger six years after Gov. Rick Snyder and Republicans eliminated the Michigan Business Tax effectively giving a $1.8 billion annual tax break to Michigan businesses. Oh wait, that hole was quickly filled by getting rid of the $600-per-child tax credit, reducing homestead property and earned income tax credits and subjecting more pensions to the state income tax. Yet, that just makes this latest plan to eliminate the income tax all the sweeter: After getting the short end of the stick for six years, individuals may finally be able to enjoy the same friendly handling that businesses have enjoyed. Of course, the little secret is that while businesses no longer pay the Michigan Business Tax, they do pay the 4.25 percent income tax. Which means eliminating our state income tax would give businesses yet another tax break. But who cares? Sure, Gov. Snyder says he cares. According to published reports, his spokesperson said the governor wont endorse any plan unless there is adequate revenue from other sources to close the hole in the budget. And dont forget: A state commission says we need about $4 billion a year to fix our states infrastructure. Do the math, and thats a $13 billion problem. But its not my problem. Finally, if you remember, Snyder told us in his State of the State Address that he wanted to grow our state population. What better way than to offer a no income tax incentive to moving here? So there you have it: A Republican plan that finally treats individuals almost as well as business and has the added benefit of being an attractive marketing strategy. Who needs Pure Michigan? And while Im deadly serious about supporting any plan to ease the tax burden on ordinary folks like us, the idea does have a downside. According to MSU economic Charles Ballard, Michigans obsession with tax cuts already has hurt our states infrastructure and quality of life, according to published reports. In fact, Ballard said a federal analysis of taxes shows that state and local taxes as a percentage of income have dropped from 13 percent in 1972 to 9.6 percent in 2011. That was a long time, but it works out to a net revenue loss of about $10 billion in todays money. We have sacrificed a great deal of our quality of life on the altar of tax cuts, Ballard was quoted as saying. And one of the cornerstones of that quality of life in Michigan is the education of our children. Setting aside the argument about choice and charters and all the other shiny objects debated today, the fact is that if we dont prepare our children for a successful life after graduation, nothing else matters. Cutting taxes for a new generation that isnt prepared for the workforce will be irrelevant. Cutting taxes for homeowners who cant buy a home will be irrelevant. Cutting taxes for families who cant send their kids to college because theyre not ready will be irrelevant. Cutting taxes to lure businesses that cant find a qualified workforce will be irrelevant. That doesnt mean Im opposed to cutting the income tax; Im opposed to short-term thinking that doesnt address our long-term problems. Because these competing income tax plans, in the end, are merely fodder for the 2018 elections. A position that surely will be popular with the voting public a year and a half from now who will once again be distracted by shiny things. While the real news will be the further erosion of our states ability to deliver basic services. Like a good education for our children and our grandchildren. So the next time you hear reports about the progress being made on rolling back the state income tax, look behind the curtain. Youll see knobs being turned, cords being pulled and balls of fire exploding on a stage. Youll see the machinations of politics, but little in the form of responsible policy. Which means the logical next step for Lansing is to do a tax overhaul that balances the needs of the state and especially its people with the need to find fairness in the calculations. Remember, businesses only create jobs in response to customer demand. So if customers dont have money to spend, jobs dry up. The right and the Republicans have been selling supply-side economics for generations. Its a failed model. For demand-side economics driven by the consumer is the true driver of our capitalistic system. Which means putting money back in the hands of the individual. And then spending that money on helping those individuals get a solid education for their children. NEXT: What our traditional schools need to survive, thrive and deliver an excellent education to our children. Craig Farrand is a former managing editor of The News-Herald Newspapers. He can be reached at c_farrand@yahoo.com. Home >Miscellaneous Issues > Miscellaneous > Study: Automobile Restrictions Did Nothing To Improve Air Quality Amnesty brings 1,000 illegal Phuket hotels into the fold PHUKET: Phuket Governor Chockchai Dejamornthan yesterday (Feb 22) revealed that the amnesty for businesses that had previously been illegally offering tourist property rentals for periods of less than 30 days has encouraged more than 1,000 such venues to register their intention to become legal hotels. tourismproperty By Tanyaluk Sakoot Thursday 23 February 2017, 04:43PM The amnesty brought more than 1,000 illegal Phuket hotels into the fold, said Governor Chockchai. photo: PR Dept The amnesty, which ended on Jan 31, was part of a government drive to clean up the illegal tourist property rental market. In March last year the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket office marked only 376 registered hotels on the island, while Agoda boasted more than 2,400 short-term holiday property listings leaving an estimated 84% of holiday rental properties on the island as openly trading illegally. (See story here.) In January, Governor Chockchai said provincial authorities had identified 860 properties that were illegally operating as hotels. Yesterday, he said, The time to register is up, and I will not extended the deadline anymore. A total of 1,007 venues have registered to become legal hotels. A further 200 venues said they would no longer offer rentals for periods of less than 30 days. If any operators still want to register to become legal hotels, they must apply individually and their application will be considered case by case, he added. Gov Chockchai also clarified to the press previously any inaccurate figures concerning the number of illegal hotels that registered with provincial authorities under the amnesty. The number of hotels that have registered to become legal is more than 1,000, Gov Chockchai told the press at Provincial Hall yesterday. I believe I said earlier that I said only 400 accommodation venues had registered. That number is incorrect and for that I apologise, he said. Although Gov Chockchai did not explain the reason the clarification, his comments come just one week after he denied allegations that provincial officials were taking bribes to allow illegal hotels to continue trading illegally. (See story here.) Gov Chockchai yesterday also reiterated that allowing currently illegal hotels to become legal will take time. All venues that have applied to become legal must be checked. This will take time to check many documents and other supporting evidence for the application. There are several categories of hotels and the process involves many offices, he said. Of note, the Ministry of Interior on August 19 last year issued a new regulation to make it easier for more property owners especially condo owners to obtain a hotel license. The regulation called the Ministerial Regulation Prescribing Descriptions of Other Types of Building Used for a Hotel Business Operation 2016 under the Building Control Act (1979) will remain in effect for five years. However, it applies only to buildings that existed before it came into force and whose owners desire to use the property as Hotel as defined by the Hotel Act. (See story here.) To further encourage short-term rental operators to register their properties as hotels, Governor Chockchai said his office had laid down four policies to be strictly upheld. First, official conferences now must be held at legally registered hotels only; and second, officials must now stay at legal hotels only, he said. Third, illegal hotels will not receive any support or any form of promotion through government activities; and fourth, for any applications involving the property, such as applications for building permits to carry out renovations or extensions, the operators must present their hotel registration license before officials can accept the application. Last week officials in Pattaya shut down 30 hotels for operating illegally. Bang Lamung District Chief Naris Niramaiwong said there were more than 1,000 hotels in Pattaya, but only 239 operated legally in line with the Hotel Act of 2004. (See story here.) Drunk driving Phang Nga policeman fined B25,000, given 2 year suspended sentence PHUKET: The chief of the Phang Nga City Police has confirmed today that the police officer charged with drunk driving in September last year was fined B25,000 and given a two-year suspended sentence. crimeaccidentscorruptionpolicetransport By Yutthawat Lekmak Thursday 23 February 2017, 01:04PM More than 30 residents gathered at Phang Nga Muang District Police Station on the night of Sept 9, calling for police to test the officer for alcohol. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub An off-duty police officer reeking of alcohol left six people injured after his pickup truck crossed Phetkasem Rd and crashed into them before the officer fled the scene on Sept 9 outraging local residents in Phang Nga Town. More than 30 residents gathered at Phang Nga Muang District Police Station on the night of Sept 9, calling for police to test the officer for alcohol and ensure justice was served in conducting their investigation. (See story here.) On Sept 29, Lt Dusit Phongphan, an inspector with the Phang Nga Muang District Police, told The Phuket News that the station had finally received the BAC test results from Phang Nga Hospital after waiting for more than two weeks, and they confirmed that the officers alcohol level was more than 50mg at the time of the incident. The officer was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. (See story here.) Speaking to The Phuket News today (Feb 23), Phang Nga City Police Chief Col Suwat Kaewprom said, Sub Lt Thanom Haesathit was found guilty of drunk driving by Phang Nga Provincial Court and fined B25,000. He was also given a two-year suspended sentence. Sub Lt Thanom also paid compensation to all of the six people injured in the incident, Col Suwat said. Col Suwat also confirmed that Sub Lt Thanom was still in full police employment, however he has yet to be disciplined as per police disciplinary procedures. Phi Phi park chief seeks transfer after protest PHUKET: The chief of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park has requested a transfer to another position after a protest by passenger boat operators against the high entry fee levied on foreign tourists. violencetourism By Bangkok Post Thursday 23 February 2017, 04:05PM Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park chief Sarayut Tantien. Photo: Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park Facebook Sarayut Tantien has sent a letter to the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conversation Department citing health reasons for his desire to move to another post. The request comes after boat operators blocked the entrance to the pier for Phi Phi park sites on Tuesday (Feb 21) and yesterday (Feb 22), demanding fees for foreign adults to be slashed by half, from B400 to B200. The department yesterday stood firm on the fees at the park. Under the system of double-tier pricing, Thais are charged B40 and their children B20. Mr Sarayut, who has run the park since June 2015, said his health is deteriorating and he needs to make frequent visits to doctors. Boat operators complained business is falling because many foreign visitors now consider the difference in entry fees is excessive. The current two-tier charges have been in place since 2007. Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a marine scientist at Kasetsart University who helped Mr Sarayut develop the park in Krabi, east of Phuket, questioned the stated motive for the rally. He claimed more tourists are visiting Noppharat Thara Beach and the Phi Phi islands, and the park has increasingly cashed in on entrance fees. If the problem is about park fees, it would have occurred years ago. Not now, he wrote on his Facebook account. Read original story here. Phuket corruption probe underway PHUKET: The Phuket office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has confirmed that investigations into Phuket officials for corruption are underway. corruptioncrimepolicetourism By Tanyaluk Sakoot Thursday 23 February 2017, 09:11AM Preechanun Pumlek, Director of Phuket Provincial NACC Office. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot NACC Phuket officials are now collecting evidence from private businesses and individuals who claim to have been extorted by officials, Preechanun Pumlek, Director of Phuket Provincial NACC Office, told The Phuket News today (Feb 22). The investigations follow NACC Secretary-General Sansern Poljeak in Bangkok ordering the Phuket Office to launch investigations into Phuket officials. You do not have to wait to receive complaints from people to launch investigations. This is your job, Mr Sansern said on Saturday (Feb 18). (See story here.) Mr Sansern was invoking the NACC Phuket to take action after Phuket Governor Chockchai Dejamornthan last Tuesday (Feb 14) called an emergency meeting of top police, law enforcement officials and department heads on the island to order them to investigate a slew of corruption allegations against their own officials, including branches of the Royal Thai Police. At the meeting he identified eight key areas to be investigated for corruption, as alleged by the National Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand. (See story here.) Gov Chockchai ordered the island agency chiefs to report to him any findings of graft within their own offices and to report to him by Friday (Feb 17). Those reports have yet to be made public. Asked whether he thought corruption was present among Phuket officials, NACC Phuket chief Mr Preechanun today said, It is true. We have begun our investigations, but cooperation with private businesses and individuals is not good enough, Mr Preechanun noted. We can only charge corrupt officials when we have strong enough evidence, but these people dont want to fully cooperate by having police or the army join in the investigations. They are scared of the consequences if they have problems with any of these officials, he said. However, we will still contact private businesses to talk with them this week, he added. Mr Preechanun said no deadline had been set for the NACC Phuket office to conclude its corruption investigations. I cannot estimate how long this will take. We must collect evidence, which takes time. After that we must send our evidence to the NACC in Bangkok, and they they will consider whether any further action will be taken, he explained. Phuket readies to celebrate Heroines Festival PHUKET: The two-week Thao Thepkassatri and Thao Srisoonthon Festival will return from March 4-18, celebrating the defeat of Burmese marauders attempting to take Phuket in 1785. tourismculture By The Phuket News Thursday 23 February 2017, 03:03PM Among the events will be the traditional re-enactment of key events leading up the decisive battle which was fought and won in near Thalang Town. Photo: The Phuket News / file The annual event will feature many activities, including a seminar on the history of Thalang, historical sporting competitions, a ceremony honouring Phukets famed heroines Thao Thepkrasattri and Thao Srisoonthorn, who led the defense of Phuket, and much more. Phuket Vice Governor Snith Srivihok explained, The objective of the festival which is held every year, is to honour the history of Thao Thepkrasattri and Thao Srisoonthorn so the younger generations can be thankful and pay respect to them and to those who sacrificed their lives for the land on which we live today. Among the events will be the traditional re-enactment of key events leading up the decisive battle which was fought and won in near Thalang Town. We wants local residents to join the festival. This year I will not be in the he historical play, said Vice Governor Snith. Key events during the festival March 4 Mass blessings by monks for the two heroines at Wat Thepwanaram March 5 Mini Marathon along a historical trail at Phuket Historical Park. March 12 - Worship of ancestors and Thalang warriors at Wat Muang Komaraphat, starting at 9am March 13 Wreath-laying ceremony and praising of the two heroines at the Heroines Monument, starting at 9:09am March 13-15 Light and sound show and the historical play at the Phuket Historical Park from 6:30pm to 11pm. Local food stalls and OTOP products fair from 5pm to midnight. Benyada Soongyai Additional reporting by Tanyaluk Sakoot Phuket sea gypsies stave off court-approved demolitions PHUKET: More than 200 sea gypsies massed in front of a task force of about 50 officials, including police and civil defense volunteers, today (Feb 23) to prevent the Supreme Court-approved demolition of two ramshackle homes made of tin. landpropertyconstructioncultureeconomicsenvironmentmilitarypolice By Suthicha Sirirat Thursday 23 February 2017, 05:42PM Satuern Mookdee, another younger brother of Mr Suthep and also the head of the Rawai Cultural Council, spoke loudly of his brothers rights to the land. Photo: Suthicha Sirirat The 50-strong task force was led by Chanothai Sukphen and Theerasak Eeadchoothong, both legal experts from the Legal Execution Department Phuket office. Photo: Suthicha Sirirat Suthep Mookdee, 71, a retired Sgt Maj First Class of the Royal Thai Army, holds up his Chanote title deed to the land, as supported by the Supreme Court of Thailand. Photo: Suthicha Sirirat A tearful sea gypsy woman explains that more than 10 people live in each of the tin-shack homes to be demolished. Photo: Suthicha Sirirat The 50-strong task force arrived at at 10:30am, led by Chanothai Sukphen and Theerasak Eeadchoothong, both legal experts from the Legal Execution Department Phuket office. Also present were Lt Col Parinya Tanthasuwan of Chalong Police Station as well as district provincial and officials Their mission: to demolish the tin-shack homes of Mahren and Arnan Bangjak, as ordered by the Supreme Court on Oct 21, 2016. The Bangjak brothers did not present themselves during the stand-off. However, the sea gypsy community stepped in to prevent the demolitions on their behalf. Suthep Mookdee, 71, a retired Sgt Maj First Class of the Royal Thai Army, explained that he and his younger brother, Thawee Mookdee, allowed Mr Mahren and Mr Arnan to rent the land to live on. Mr Suthep owns land the registered under Chanote land title deed No 92823. Mr Thawee, a former Sub-Lieutenant in the Army, owns land the registered under Chanote deed No 92822. The Supreme Court has upheld both mens claims. The rental contract was renewed year by year until 2009, when I wanted to use the land. I asked Mr Mahren and Mr Arnan to move out from the area, but they stayed on on the land, Mr Suthep said. We fought in court for seven years, until the Supreme Court ruled against them in March 2016. The court ordered them to remove the two houses from the two plots by Oct 21, 2016. At that time the nation was still in the 100 days of mourning, so the demolition was postponed until today, he said. The title dead that I hold is legal. I inherited it from my parents. If this demolition order is ignored or obstructed, we will follow the law. If the law cannot take any action, the title deed is useless, Mr Suthep added. Satuern Mookdee, another younger brother of Mr Suthep and also the head of the Rawai Cultural Council, spoke loudly of his brothers rights to the land. If the demolition is not completed today, I will keep going by use of the law. I will report to police all sea gypsies who are on my brothers land to face charges of trespass and I will report this to the Prime Minister and to the court, he threatened. The sea gypsies who stopped the officials from carrying out the demolition are not relatives of the owners of the two houses, so their actions have offended my brothers legitimate rights to the land, he added. My brothers spoke with those two rentals while the issue was in court as we were pleased to pay them if they vacated the land, but they are still here. If things stay like this, what will our society become. We need to follow the rules, Mr Satuern said. However, despite his younger brothers ire, Mr Suthep called officials to survey the number of sea gypsies living in the village and to build apartments for them to rent. One tearful sea gypsy woman, who did not give her name but claimed to live in one of the houses slated to be razed, said, I will not move out from the house because I have lived here for a long time and I have no other place to live. Worse, the demolition of the homes would not result in the eviction of just Mr Mahren and Mr Arnan, she added, but of at least 20 people. We will be in trouble. More than 10 people live in each house, she said. Seven Earth-size planets orbit a star; is there life? UNITED STATES: For the first time, astronomers have discovered seven Earth-size planets orbiting a single nearby star and these new worlds could hold life. environment By The Phuket News Thursday 23 February 2017, 09:08AM An undated handout image shows the seven planets that orbit the star named Trappist-1, in order of their distance from the star, compared with Earth's solar system. Graphic: Nasa This cluster of planets is less than 40 light-years away in the constellation Aquarius, according to NASA and the Belgian-led research team who announced the discovery early Thursday (Thai time). The planets circle tightly around a dim dwarf star called Trappist-1, barely the size of Jupiter. Three are in the so-called habitable zone, the area around a star where water and, possibly life, might exist. The others are right on the doorstep. Scientists said they need to study the atmospheres before determining whether these rocky, terrestrial planets could support some sort of life. But it already shows just how many Earth-size planets could be out there especially in a stars sweet spot, ripe for extraterrestrial life. The more planets like this, the greater the potential of finding one thats truly habitable. Until now, only two or three Earth-size planets had been spotted around a star. Weve made a crucial step toward finding if there is life out there, said the University of Cambridges Amaury Triaud, one of the researchers. The potential for more Earth-size planets in our Milky Way galaxy is mind-boggling. The history of planet-searching shows when theres one, theres more, said Massachusetts Institute of Technology astrophysicist Sara Seager. With this amazing system, we know that there must be many more potentially life-bearing worlds out there just waiting to be found, she said. NASAs Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for the science mission, said the discovery gives us a hint that finding a second Earth is not just a matter of if, but when, and addresses the age-old question of Are we alone out there? Were making a step forward with this, a leap forward in fact, toward answering that question, Zurbuchen said at a news conference. Last spring, the University of Lieges Michael Gillon and his team reported finding three planets around Trappist-1. Now the count is up to seven, and Gillon said there could be more. Their latest findings appear in the journal Nature. This crowded yet compact solar system 235 trillion miles away is reminiscent of Jupiter and its Galilean moons, according to the researchers. Picture this: If Trappist-1 were our sun, all seven planets would be inside Mercurys orbit. Mercury is the innermost planet of our own solar system. The ultra-cool star at the heart of this system would shine 200 times dimmer than our sun, a perpetual twilight as we know it. And the star would glow red maybe salmon-coloured, the researchers speculate. The spectacle would be beautiful because every now and then, you would see another planet, maybe about as big as twice the moon in the sky, depending on which planet youre on and which planet you look at, Triaud said on Tuesday (Feb 21) in a teleconference with reporters. Years are exceedingly short in this star system the planets take just 1 { to 20 days to orbit Trappist-1. The Leiden Observatorys Ignas Snellen, who was not involved in the study, is excited by the prospect of learning more about what he calls the seven sisters of planet Earth. In a companion article in Nature, he said Gillons team could have been lucky in nabbing so many terrestrial planets in one stellar swoop. But finding seven transiting Earth-sized planets in such a small sample suggests that the solar system with its four (sub-) Earth-sized planets might be nothing out of the ordinary, Snellen wrote. Altogether, astronomers have confirmed close to 3,600 planets outside our solar system since the 1990s, but barely four dozen are in the potential habitable zone of their stars, and of those, just 18 are approximately the size of Earth. Gillon and his team used both ground and space telescopes to identify and track the seven Trappist-1 planets, which they label simply by lower-case letters, b through h. As is typical in these cases, the letter A in upper case is reserved for the star. Planets cast shadows on their star as they pass in front of it; thats how the scientists spotted them. Tiny, cold stars like Trappist-1 were long shunned by exoplanet-hunters (exoplanets are those outside our solar system). But the Belgian astronomers decided to seek them out, building a telescope in Chile to observe 60 of the closest ultra-cool dwarf stars. Their Trappist telescope lent its name to this star. While faint, the Trappist-1 star is close by cosmic standards, allowing astronomers to study the atmospheres of its seven temperate planets. All seven look to be solid like Earth mostly rocky and possibly icy, too. They all appear to be tidally locked, which means the same side continually faces the star, just like the same side of our moon always faces us. Life could still exist at these places, the researchers explained. Here, if life managed to thrive and releases gases similar to that that we have on Earth, then we will know, Triaud said. Chemical analyses should indicate life with perhaps 99% confidence, Gillon noted. But he added: We will never be completely sure without going there. Read original story here. Tensions rise ahead of new temple raid PATHUM THANI: Tensions have intensified after a joint force of 4,000 security officers were deployed for a new raid after yesterdays (Feb 22) negotiations between the authorities and followers of Wat Phra Dhammakayas failed. crimecorruptionmilitarypolicereligion By Bangkok Post Thursday 23 February 2017, 09:34AM Officials stop a monk at an entrance to Wat Phra Dhammakaya to search his belongings. Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul In response, at least seven monks of the temple launched a hunger strike demanding the authorities revoke the Section 44 order, which declares Wat Phra Dhammakaya a restricted zone. The group was led by Phra Isaraphab Ajarasampanno, who said he and six other monks come from Mae Hong Son province and they are monks under the Wat Phra Dhammakaya network. Speaking to the media, Phra Isaraphab said when he learned officials would raid Wat Phra Dhammakaya, he decided to travel from Mae Hong Son to stage a hunger strike against the authorities plan. He said he is ready to sacrifice his life over this challenge. The move also came after a meeting yesterday between the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) officials and Phra Thattacheewo, deputy abbot of the temple who is now in charge of the temples operation, failed to reach an agreement to allow officials to search the compound covering Zones A and B. The five-hour meeting at the temples public relation room was also attended by Phra Thep Rattanasuthee, abbot of Wat Khian Khet, in his capacity as Pathum Thani chief monk, as well as representatives from the Office of National Buddhism (NOB). Officials began searching the temple last Thursday (Feb 16) following the order, but have failed to locate former abbot Phra Dhammajayo, wanted in connection with the multi-billion-baht Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative embezzlement scandal. Maj Suriya Singhakamol, the DSI deputy director-general, said after the negotiations that Phra Thattacheewo, who commands the highest authority over temple affairs, refused to cooperate with the officials in the search. This came despite the DSI officials and senior monks making every effort to negotiate with Phra Thattacheewo and trying to boost understanding, Maj Suriya said, adding even he had been refused a meeting with the deputy abbot. The negotiations have failed, which means this process has come to end, he said. Maj Suriya said officials will now pursue further steps in line with the law. Those who want to come out of the temple have to gather at Gate 7, where officials will take them out of the temple and send them back to their home towns, said Maj Suriya. DSI deputy spokesman Woranan Srilam said Maj Suriya had reported to DSI Director-General Paisit Wongmuang that the negotiations were unsuccessful and there would be no further talks. He said the DSI chief then ordered officials to follow through with its operation plan in full force. The operation involves more than 4,000 police, army and DSI officials who have been deployed to surround the temple. Maj Woranan said the force would move into the temples compound, trying to avoid violence, noting the operation would start with light and proceed to tougher measures. If officials face resistance, talks will be given priority, but if this measure fails, those who impede officials will be taken out and face prosecution, he said. Authorities also have a plan to deal with possible injuries, said Maj Woranan. The steps of the search cannot be revealed and we cannot say when it will end, said Maj Woranan. In the afternoon, Maj Suriya monitored around 600 temple followers chanting prayers at Klong Luang market opposite the temples Gate 5. The disciples expressed dissatisfaction at being observed, which prompted military officers to intervene to maintain order. Maj Suriya said it was reported that outsiders had also joined the gathering of temple followers and an investigation will be carried out regarding the issue. Lt Gen Chanthep Sesawej, Chief of Provincial Police Region 1, said officials placed containers at Wat Phra Dhammakayas Gate 8 and 9 to block temple followers from entering the compound. Officials also set up screening checkpoints at Gates 7 and 8, where temple followers would be allowed to leave the compound. At 5pm, an unidentified drone was hovering over Gate 7, leading DSI officials to cut its signal and bring it to the ground. Officials were examining it to determine who it belongs to. Temple followers released a statement condemning the DSI for abusing its power by trying to seize the temple. They said the DSI officials carried out a three-day search from last Thursday and concluded they could not find Phra Dhammajayo. They claimed the officials already knew that the former abbot had left the temple. Read original story here. Unidentified male dead after motorbike crash in Phuket PHUKET: A man, who police have yet been unable to formally identify, died yesterday night following a motorbike accident Koh Siray. accidentsdeathpolicetransport By Eakkapop Thongtub Thursday 23 February 2017, 10:40AM Rescue workers remove the body from the scene of the accident. Photo: Tan Promedic Phuket At 23:05pm yesterday (Feb 22), Phuket City Police were informed of an incident in Soi Mali Kaew, Koh Siray. Capt Akkaradet Phongphrom arrived at the scene with Kusoldharm rescue workers to find a Yamaha motorbike lying in the road. Nearby was an unconscious man aged between 25-35 years old who had sustained severe head injuries and multiple broken bones. We didnt find any identification card on the man, Capt Akkaradet said. The man was taken to Vachira Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. We believe that the man was driving the motorbike at high speed and that when he arrived at the scene of the accident, which was poorly lit, he lost control of his motorbike and hit an electricity pylon with high impact, Capt Akkaradet added. What county auditors want voters to know ahead of the midterm election Forty-one South Dakota county auditors spoke with the Argus Leader about the sanctity of elections in the state. The Banaras Hindu University is set to host the International French Language Symposium on the theme of "Travel in French and Francophone literature". The event, to be held from February 23 to February 25, will be supported by the French Embassy and Institut Francais India. "French Embassy gives prime importance to strengthening cultural relations between India and France through the promotion of French culture and French language here," according to a statement released by Institut Francais on Wednesday. "The link between travel and literature is as old as history and literature, but the two are far from being of the same nature. Although this relationship between travel and literature exists since the origins of literature, it gained even more significance during the 20th Century," it said. The event will address various questions like: "What could this passion be attributed to? What does one look for in these initiatory peregrinations and in these ritualised shifts?" It will address problematics like discovery in oneself and the representations of the "other" that emerges out of it. The conference will also touch on the clarity that travel stories bring out regarding the questions of alterity and cultural identity with the rise of globalisation and pluralism. In what may lead to another controversy surrounding the Sahitya Akademi, an evening that was expected to be a celebration of outstanding literary works at the presentation of the Sahitya Akademi Awards on Wednesday turned out to be a sermon of sorts as the Akademi President, in his about half-an-hour long speech, not only quoted several slokas from religious texts but also went on to remind the fraternity to practice what they preach. Mumbai-based author Jerry Pinto, Tamil writer Vannadhasan and Hindi writer Nasira Sharma were among 24 persons who were conferred the Sahitya Akademi awards. Sharma's Hindi novel "Paarijat," Pinto's "Em and the Big Hoom" and Vannadhasan's "Oru Sru Isai" won them the literary honour. The awards were presented during the Akademi's ongoing annual Festival of Letters. Akademi President Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari presented the winners with a casket containing a cheque of Rs.1 lakh, a shawl and an engraved copper plaque. Noted physicist and Marathi Writer Jayant V Narlikar, who was earlier awarded the literary honour in 2014 for his autobiography in Marathi, was the chief guest. The evening, however, began on a rather unusual note as Tiwari, in his address, seemed to be presenting some sort of a sermon to the writing fraternity. Examining the behavior of the writers "critically", he said that the solution to the problem of some writers is that they should practise what they preach. "Writers should always remember that he is being seen and judged by thousands of people when he writes a book or speaks from a stage. They should know what to say," Tiwari said. He also reminded the audience that he was not giving advice to the writers but merely using "logic".A "Whatever you preach to your readers and expect them to change, why don't you apply the same preachings to you and change yourself also," he said. Tiwari said that the 21st century began with an attack on the arts and reminded the audience of an incident in March 2001 when a statue of Buddha was blasted in Afghanistan. Many in the audience were surprised that while the Akademi president found it relevant to relate an almost two decades old incident of another country, he had nothing to say on the death of writers like Govind Pansare and Narendra Dhabolkar or the increasing threats of banning books and artists in India. "As the president of the Sahitya Akademi, he would have done much better by expressing his solidarity with writers who were attacked or those whose books were banned. His speech was more of a RSS sermon than a Sahitya Akademi president," said Jahana (21), a student of Political Science from DU. Noted poet Ashok Vajpeyi, who had returned his award in 2015, had recently criticised the Akademi for its "mediocrity". He had said that the body is dominated the mediocre, academics of low distinction and lacking in courage. In an apparent reference to Vajpeyi, Tiwari said that the Akademi aims to reach to the farthest village of the country and therefore it is difficult to run it only with "talented souls" as they are so few in number. Consistency and practice are as important as talent, he said. Tiwari quoted several slokas from religious texts to establish that science and literature has been prevailing in India since ancient times. Among the winners are eight books of poetry, seven books of short stories, five novels, two on criticism, one of essays and one play. The books were chosen on the basis of recommendations made by a jury of three in the languages concerned and approved by its executive board, the Akademi said. The awards have been given to books first published between January 2010 and December 2014. As Firaq Gorakhpuris death anniversary approaches (he died on 3 March, 1982), there are few signs that it will attract much attention. The same thing happened when Shabbir Husain Khan Josh Malihabadi's anniversary fell on 2 February. The two died within a month of each other. It is believed that one of the reasons for Firaq's sudden demise was the loss of his great friend. He is said to have remarked, "Yeh dard tau mit jaiga/Lekin jo dard dil mei hai uska kya hoga?" That's when the doctor said he would inject a tranquilliser to relieve his pain. Soon after he collapsed. He had just been discharged from AIIMS after a cataract operation and moved to the house of his friend, a Supreme Court lawyer, R K Garg in New Delhi. His body was later taken to Allahabad for the funeral. One's personal memories of Raghupati Sahai alias Firaq are based on two meetings: One, when he came to take one's MA Literature viva voce, along with Prof V V John, and asked a question on William Wordsworth but cut the answer short saying, "Had your father been here I would have discussed the poet with him, but you are too young to comprehend the worth of Wordsworth, though you might wax eloquent on the likes of T S Eliot, without understanding what Omar Khayyam meant when he observed: And a muezzin from the tower cries, 'Fools your reward is neither here nor there'." One now thinks that had the IS been around then it would have executed Omar as a heretic. Firaq Sahib went on to add, "Kya likhta hai yaar, kya likhta hai, hosh-o-hawas uda deta hai (What he writes, friend, stuns the senses)." This was the same man who, while taking an English Literature class in Allahabad University, paused suddenly and went home to complete the last line in a couplet, which had been eluding him, that said, "Ai Hijr ki raat katne walon/Kya karoge gar subhah na hui tau? (Oh, you, passing the Mecca-Medina like Hijri era night of acute anxiety, what would you do if morning did not come?)". The other meeting took place earlier, when he came to St John's College, Agra, for a mushaira, along with Maikash Akbarabadi. Students trooped in to see the great shair, tipsy and stumbling on his way to the rest-room. His pyjama string was dangling loose when a student pointed towards it. Firaq Sahib glared at him and remarked, "Udhar kya dekhta hai/Yeh nazr tau kisi mehboob ki hone chaihya thi. (What are you looking there for, this glance should have been some beloved's)?" Everybody was stunned, though some were aware that Firaq could very well talk like that when drunk. Even the tongawallahs of Allahabad were aware of this and when the horse gave trouble, they would shout, "Firaq ko bulaun? (Should I call Firaq)?" Like Josh he too was quick-tempered but actually a good person at heart. His nephew, Ajai Mansingh has in a biography, The Poet of Pain and Ecstasy (Roli books) thrown much light on Firaq Sahib's personal life in which the shair is presented warts and all. Belonging to a family, which had been gifted five villages 400 years ago by the rulers of Awadh, his ancestors came to be known as the "Panchgaon Kayastha". His father, Gorakh Prasad Sahai ("Chacha" to him and siblings), was a well-known lawyer and poet, who wrote under the pseudonym of Ibrat Gorakhpuri. It was from him that Firaq acquired his love for Urdu. Ibrat Sahib died in his 50s, leaving Firaq as the head of the family. But the poet's sour relations with his wife Kishori Devi was a sore point throughout his life of 86. Firaq found love in young Ramesh Dwivedi who, in course of time, began to exercise complete control over him. He once remarked that the beloved in Urdu and Persian poetry was always a boy and not a girl, and so also the Saqi, or cup-bearer, even of the gods. So what was the taint attached to his relationship? It continued even after Ramesh got married and fathered two children. In his Hindi book on Firaq, "Mian Ramesh" gives an insight into Firaq's daily life; He was never fond of bathing with the result that he suffered from skin ailments. But every day he would wear a fresh set of clothes ~ acchkan, kurta and pyjamas before going to the university. He ate good non-vegetarian food, having kababs even at breakfast, and drank heavily. As a matter of fact, when he was lying ill in Delhi, the Maharani of Patiala and A B Vajpayee came to see him with a bottle each, which however, his nephew whisked away. Among his close friends were Jawaharlal Nehru, Josh, Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru, K N Katju, the Kunzroos, Harivanshrai Bachchan, Majaz Lucknavi and A N Jha, who later became Lt-Governor of Delhi. But he had an aversion to his neighbour, the puritanical historian Pandit Ishwari Prasad, telling the vegetable vendor in 8/4 Bank Street, Allahabad, "Sell potatoes cheap to the Pandit or he'll howl that they were 2 paise a seer in Napoleon's time." Firaq's love for Mir Taqi Mir was so great that when he couldn't sleep at AIIMS he told his caretakers, "Kalam-e-Mir sunaoo/Badi udhas hai raat. (The night is very sad, recite Mir's poetry). He didn't think much of Allama Iqbal, but Josh Malihabadi occupied the place next to Mir in his heart. Naturally, Firaq could not survive him for long. One was Josh's neighbour for over two months in the winter of 1967-68 at Azad Hind Hotel in the Jama Masjid area. Josh came from Lahore with his wife to Delhi, where his brother from the ancestral town of Malihabad joined him. Every evening local shairs came to recite their verses in front of him as he sat on a chair in the hotel courtyard with the seven wives of the proprietor (also a poet) peeping from the top storey windows and screens to enjoy the shairs of the evening. Among the poets Gulzar Dehlvi was prominent, a short-statured fair man wearing a sherwani and tight pyjamas, like most Kashmiri Pandits. Josh called it a day at 8 pm, when his khana was sent by the owner of Moti Mahal hotel in Daryaganj, along with three pegs of Scotch whisky. After the drink and Mughlai food, he retired for the night and got up at 4.30 am when, after a cup of tea, he sat down to write poetry amid puffs from the hookah, which he shared with his brother, Khan Sahib, while his wife kept a stern eye on the two from an adjoining room. Josh was a great friend of Jawaharlal Nehru but when he came to Delhi, Nehru was dead and India Gandhi had become Prime Minister. One remembers that soon after his arrival he went to see her and came back praising "Nehru's daughter" as an affectionate person, just like her father, who regretted that Josh had migrated to Pakistan despite Nehru's advice to the contrary. Josh, it seems, had left India at the insistance of his begum, but both were deeply disappointed with the reception they got there. And Josh frankly admitted that he had committed a blunder because the Punjabi milieu of Lahore hardly suited him, though poets like Faiz Ahmed Faiz were all grace and courtesy. When some mullahs of Pakistan criticised Josh for drinking, he wrote a verse in defiance: "Tor kar tauba nadamat tau hoti hai mujhe ai Josh/Kya karun niyat badal jati hai saghar dekh kar. (I do repent breaking my promise not to drink, but what to do when seeing the wine-cup I can't resist the temptation.)" Such was Josh and such was Firaq, both being slowly forgotten by the new generation. Vice President Hamid Ansari on Thursday left for home after concluding his five-day visit of Rwanda and Uganda during which India signed three major bilateral agreements in Kigali and decided to boost cooperation with the two East African countries. The Vice President left the Ugandan capital on Thursday night at the end of his three-day visit of the country. Ansari held bilateral talks with the top leadership here, including President Yoweri Museveni, Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi. India and Uganda have decided to expand cooperation in the field of energy sector and training of personnel for space programme and peaceful use of atomic energy, even as the resource-rich East African country pitched for Indian companies to manufacture automobiles locally to discourage import of cars. On the last day of his Uganda leg of the two-nation visit, the Vice President also paid floral tribute to the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Jinja, a town about 80 km from here, which is also the source of River Nile. Ansari had arrived in Kampala on February 21, after winding up his three-day Rwanda visit during which he held bilateral talks with President Paul Kagame, President of the Senate Bernard Makuza and attended India-Rwanda Business Forum. At the forum, India and Rwanda signed three MoUs to boost bilateral cooperation in areas of innovation, aviation and visa regime, which includes setting up of an entrepreneurship development centre in that country and starting of a direct flight to Mumbai. In Kigali, Ansari also paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 massacre at the Kigali Genocide Museum and hailed the "resilience and courage" demonstrated by Rwandans in putting behind the hatred and moving ahead on the path of "reconciliation and inclusion". This was the first high-level bilateral visit to Uganda from India since 1997 and first high-level visit to Rwanda. The Vice President along with wife Salma was traveling with Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Vijay Sampla, four MPs Kanimozhi, Ranvijay Singh Judev, Ranee Narah and P K Biju, and senior officials. The Vice President had said that this visit was part of a "conscious effort" by the Indian government to "intensify interactions" with Africa. Soon your e-wallet transaction will be protected against any leak of consumer information and loss of money. To safeguard consumer interest, the government is drafting rules for e-wallet transactions. The move comes in the wake of a surge in phone electronic payments following the demonetisation of high value currency by the government in November 2016. "The IT Ministry is working on a legal framework that will define the liabilities and obligations of payment companies," a highly placed source in the ministry told The Statesman, adding the draft is in the final stage. "This will establish the rights and liabilities of the customers as well as the e-wallet companies," he said. As of now, there are no prescribed security standards under the existing law which puts customers' financial data at risk. The liabilities for loss are also missing. This could serve to prevent incidents of security breach like Hitachi in which personal data of over 32 lakh consumers was compromised. The new rules for e-wallets will be implemented by the Electronics, Information and Technology Ministry. "It will be ready in a month and will then be put up for public consultation," sources in the ministry said. The onus of providing security to e-transactions will lie with e-wallet services companies like Paytm, Freecharge and Mobikwik. The companies will have to provide graded levels of security in the proposed framework which will be different from the system currently being used by them, sources in the IT Ministry said. The companies and their vendors will have to get their security apparatus audited on an annual basis, sources said. In case of any lapse, the security auditor will also be held responsible along with others. Though the wallet companies assure their customers of the highest standards in their terms and conditions, in the absence of proper laws, there is no way to verify their claims. The IT Act allows private contracts to set the standards. The Act provides for three years of imprisonment for offenders in the cases of hacking where personal information of the customer gets leaked. The government is also thinking of making the current provisions more stringent. This will, however, require amendment in the IT Act, said a senior official in the ministry. The existing penalties date back to year 2000. But much has changed in terms of technological advancements and popularity of cashless instruments since when the IT rules were framed in 2000, point out experts. According to the government officials involved in the drafting of the rules, "The idea behind framing new rules for e-wallets is that companies should be able to detect the attack. So that they can take action, minimize the damage and continue operations other than taking penal action against the perpetrators. But you can't prevent incidents like Hitachi." Telecom giant Bharti Airtel's purchase of smaller rival Telenor helped local stocks bypass weak overseas cues on Thursday. New Delhi-based Bharti led the Nifty to a fresh 5-month high as the index clocked its sixth session of gains. Bharti surged 4.7 per cent to 377.85 rupees, its highest level since August 2015. Bharti's purchase of Telenor will fetch an additional 43 MHz of crucial 4G spectrum which is critical in its fight to take on the new entrant Reliance JiO, owned by India's most profitable private company, Reliance Industries. Over the past 7 months Reliance JiO has unleashed a price war in the booming telecom market as it tries to attract high paying customers from rivals such as Bharti, Idea Cellular and Vodafone Plc. Several brokerages have informed investors that JiO's competitive pricing may dent the customer base of rivals and force them to offer services at lower price points. As a consequence, Reliance Industries, which fully owns Reliance JiO, had surged more than 10 per cent on Wednesday. Meawhile, here are the major events of the trading day: * The Nifty added 33 points to quote at 8,960 points on the NSE. The index is up for the sixth day in a row and trades near its highest level since September 9. * Idea Cellular, which is merging with larger rival Vodafone, was the top gainer, up 6.4 per cent. Bharti, TCS, HDFC Bank and HCL Tech gained 1.1-6.1 and were among 22 shares advancing on the Nifty. * Power Grid, NTPC, Axis Bank, Grasim and ICICI Bank fell 1.1-1.4 per cent and were among 29 shares to lose ground on the Nifty. * Telecom stocks dominated traders and investors' buy lists Bharti Airtel was the top traded stock with Rs 766 crore worth of shares changing hands on the NSE alone. Reliance Industries slipped a bit after Wednesday's sharp rally. Idea Cellular, HDFC Bank and TCS were traded heavily as well. * Suzlon, Reliance Communications and Bharti Airtel were also on the list of most actively traded stocks tracked by volume. * The Sensex gained 100 points to quote at 28,964 points on the Bombay Stock Exchange. Bharti Airtel was the top gainer while Reliance Industries shed the most on the Sensex. ICICI Bank was the top traded counter on the Sensex. * The broader markets inched up in trade as well with the Nifty 100, 200 and 500 indices adding 0.4 per cent each. * Gains on the sectoral indices were on the higher side with the Nifty IT index posting the highest gain of 1.5 per cent. All four banking benchmarks edged higher. * The bulls controlled sentiment on Dalal Street with 915 shares rising compared to 651 that fell. Delhi Police on Wednesday registered an FIR under sections of rioting and assault on public servant against unknown persons, in connection with violent clashes that broke out between two student groups outside Ramjas College here. "During the clashes between members of RSS-backed ABVP and Left-backed AISA student wings, eight police personnel including Aarti Sharma, SHO of Maurice Nagar Police station and two journalists were injured," Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Esha Pandey said. The FIR was registered on the complaint of Sharma, when she and other policemen were injured while trying to prevent many unidentified persons from rioting outside the college. The DCP-rank officer will conduct an inquiry into the matter, Pandey said. The police also received over a dozen complaints by both students' wings for rioting and assault at Maurice Nagar police station. The clash was triggered between both the student wings over an invite to JNU student Umar Khalid, who is facing sedition charges and Shela Rashid to address a seminar on 'Culture of Protests', which was withdrawn by the college management after being opposed by ABVP. At least a dozen students and a teachers were also wounded after a group demonstrated against the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) the RSS student wing that dominates the Students Union in Delhi University. Some students were locked inside the college as All India Students Association (AISA) activists alleged ABVP members surrounded them and didn't allow the march. TV Series: Big Little Lies Cast: Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley, Alexander Skarsgard, Laura Dern Genre: Drama-Comedy Director: Jean- Marc Valle Taking on Liane Moriartys best-selling book, the mini- series TV adaptation boasts a cast that needs no further validation. With an idyllic setting in a town called Monterrey all is not well as it seems, after all nothing is as it seems. Somebody is dead. Yes, at the very onset someone is murdered and then the whole episode flashes back and forth to the incident. As the story flashes backwards, Madeline Mackenzie (Reese Witherspoon) is driving with her younger daughter to her first grade orientation. One thing leads to another and Madeline meets Jane no middlename Chapman (Shailene Woodley), a young-shy single mother who has just moved into the town with her six year-old son. The duo is joined in by Celeste (Nicole Kidman), Madelines best friend and a former lawyer. As the leading ladies bond over kids and PTAs, the plot gets interesting as a young girl is hurt and upon asking the finger is pointed at Janes son.Battlelines are drawn and the jury is out. But Madeline doesnt give up so easily. She loves to fight for justice after all. The rest of the episode is basically a build up to the rest of the series as the story shows the struggles of the three moms who are fighting their inner demons in their seemingly perfect upper middle class lives. Celeste comes across as someone with a lot of mystery surrounding her and an unexplained sadness to her character. Married to a younger Perry (Alexander Skarsgard), she seems to be struggling about something, which is not yet explained to the viewers. Jane Chapmans character is also enveloped into a dark mystery. Her real motive of moving to the upscale Monterey is still unknown. Most probably she is running from something or is it someone? Busybee Madeline is all set and sure in her life. At least that is what she thinks. Life throws enough puzzles her way to leave her confused and incompetent at times. Struggling with her teen aged daughter she feels as if her children are slipping away from her. A couple of present-day murder investigation scenes are thrown in with the flash back sequences as the parents and other members from the Monterey community are interviewed. As the bits and pieces of mystery are dropped into the story and the intrigue is built into the story as no one knows who is killed and the impending homicide right at the beginning has surely set the tone. Nuanced performances, high-end production and a glossy look, Big Little Lies ticks off all the right boxes to be one of the most talked about TV dramas today. Will it be able to live up to the expectations built with such a star cast? Only time will tell. Debates on the determinative attribute of a lawyer and locating lawyers role in a justice-oriented society has a long history. We are reminded of a famous film Three Days of the Condor (1975), where freelance assassin Joubert (played by Max Von Sydow) eulogizes his preferred profession to an idealistic young CIA agent (played by Robert Redford): Well, the fact is, what I do is not a bad occupation. Someone is always willing to pay. [I]ts really quite restful. It's almost peaceful. No need to believe in either side or any side. There is no cause. There's only yourself. The belief is in your own precision. Could Jouberts description if applied to lawyering accomplish the constitutional ideals practiced by the legally trained freedom fighters of India who later took significant positions to shape the destiny of this democracy? Going beyond Jouberts definition poses fundamental problem of identifying the genuine role of lawyering. How does one determine what fits within the constitutional rubric? A review of the literature reveals a wide array of lawyering viz. cause lawyering, social justice lawyering, public interest lawyering, activist lawyering, lawyering for social change, progressive lawyering, transformative lawyering, critical lawyering, social conscious lawyering etc. required for a constitutional democracy. Cause Lawyering World history stands testimony to the fundamental role of lawyers in laying the foundation of the rule of law in the largest democracy India and the biggest economy the United States. The father of our nation was a lawyer. Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India was a lawyer. Amongst others the great President of the United States, Abraham Linclon was also a lawyer. Incidentally, they all share a strong virtue of lawyers. All of them had a vision for their nation. Notably, they were not merely legal practitioners; instead, they practiced law for the betterment of a society. Mahatma Gandhi used his legal knowledge and deftness for cause-based advocacy. So did Nehru and many other stalwarts of the freedom struggle. India has a strong legacy of cause lawyering, inherited from the framers of our democratic republic. Societies have grown tremendously over last couple of centuries. Political, economic and cultural value system has witnessed an overhaul. Resultantly, the role of a lawyer has undergone several forms of re-negotiation with new approaches and needs of Indian polity essentially. It no longer confines to the spirit of cause lawyering the way it was envisioned by our forefathers. footprints of Gandhi, Nehru, Patel and Ambedkar as sentinels of social justice and cause lawyering have become blurred. Almost every law student in India gets influenced by the thought-provoking deliberations recorded in the Constitution Assembly Debates. Most of the gentlemen who contended for fundamental rights, the directive principles of state policy and limitations on the States power in several other ways, were all lawyers. It is never easy to ignore such vibrant legal arguments when we study the Constitution of India. Flimsy Culture The Constitution makes a preambular promise to all its citizens justice, liberty, and fraternity. When justice is the first promise of the Constitution, it is the bounden duty of the Court, lawyers and all other stake holders to bridge the gap between justice and society. Charles Epp in his book The Rights Revolution makes a comparative analysis of the growth of civil rights in United States, Britain, Canada, and India within their specific Constitutional and cultural contexts. His central argument is around how the rights revolution developed and reached its greatest height and strength through an interaction between supportive Judges and the support structure for right-advocacy litigations. Epps narration is a true import of the struggle for civil rights globally. Most often, recognition of individual rights in democratic societies could be achieved due to the constant efforts of several pressure groups at the local level. The political leaders at the top had least to contribute. Judicial attention to uphold individual rights then formed part of larger civil rights movement. Rights advocates have always been the flag- bearers of such deliberate and strategic movements globally. The support structure in the form of rights advocacy organisations, rights-advocacy lawyers, and sources of financing, particularly government-supported financing had remained crucial in ensuring the continuance of cause lawyering. Epp aptly identifies that in the Indian condition it could not sustain long due to weak and inadvertent presence of support structures. The Supreme Court of India has remained the ultimate hope. Numerous judgments upholding the constitutional rights of deprived and disadvantaged social groups have, nonetheless, ensured life to cause lawyering in India. However, much more is yet to be achieved. There is a heavy onus on the future generation of lawyers to carry this legacy and restore the equilibrium of cause lawyering championed by our forefathers. Challenges Those who practice cause lawyering are fundamentally swimming upstream, that is against the general tide of advocates as neutral navigators. Unless one is serious about his direction and the choices he makes, he will likely grow tired and start floating along with the general tide. We all get drained at some point in our struggle and lose our direction. The goal must be to remain committed to our agenda. Even when we lose, we must constantly strive to reorient ourselves and start all over again. It is a cultural transition for social justice lawyers to digress from the tradition practice of law at the Bar. Such a lawyer can no longer remain neutral in character as originally trained. In most cases, cause lawyering is a path for a loner. It demands high sense of ethical integrity for a social agenda. It calls for imbibing constitutional values and leading a life with example. Often, it forces a lawyer to establish a balance between social needs, rights of the deprived classes, constitutional goals and the traditional legal practice. Choice of cause lawyering could be easy but the journey isnt. India at 70 The Indian legal profession has grown over a short period of less than 70 years to possibly become the worlds largest and most influential in the governance of the country. India has close to 1.2 million lawyers whose professional conduct is regulated by the Bar Council of India (BCI) and State Bar Councils. But there is widespread acknowledgement of unpleasant failure of Bar Council of India in this regard. The Supreme Court in V. Sudeer v. Bar Council of India also acknowledged the sinking values of the legal profession and the crying need for improving standards of legal education and the need for entrants to be equipped with adequate professional skill, expertise and a pledge to carry constitutional values. Situation is so ugly that even President Pranab Mukherjee had to express his serious concerns. He asked law schools to focus on research as future lawyers must be equipped with necessary knowledge and skill to make them socially and globally pertinent. The cause lawyering concept however, raises a host of peripheral questions. What kind of political goals must be served to qualify? What kind of practices or activities count? How much must the traditional concept of lawyering be involved? How much commitment is required to rule of law? What will be the reward for cause lawyering? Will government support it? Unless some of these questions are resolved in a planned manner, a rights revolution in our country will remain a distant dream. The Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India prepared a draft of Legal Practitioners (Regulations and Maintenance of Standards in Professions, Protecting the Interest of Clients and Promoting the Rule of Law) Act, 2010 and invited public opinion. Modelled on the Legal Services Board in the United Kingdom, the draft bill aimed to accomplish diverse objectives i.e. the establishment of the Legal Services Board and its functions; to make provision for and in connection with, the regulation of persons who carry out the activities of legal practitioners; to make provisions for the establishment of an ombudsman for complaints against the professionals and for a scheme to consider and determine complaints against the legal practitioners; to make provision in respect of providing legal services free of charge and for connected purposes. The Bill disappeared from debate and lawyers continue to behave in a disorderly manner. Lawyers have a critical role to play in a developing society. All the more so in a constitutional democracy such as India which is a living epitome of the rule of law and follows core value of a welfare state. Essential socio-economic changes for steering in that ideal have to be brought about by due process of law. Rising investments, multiple contracts, and increase in employment will bring in their wake work place disputes, violations of service laws and abuse of natural resources. India cannot ignore such rising concerns. We are also home to thousands of refugees of war, natural disaster and terrorism. Under such complex circumstances of ensuring harmonious integration of both social welfare and capitalist policies, it is young Indian lawyers who will have to lead the nation. The enhanced and sophisticated quality and character of legal profession in India will not only determine the quality of the judicial process but will also condition, forecast and determine the future of the country. The writers are, respectively, Deputy Registrar (Research) and Assistant Registrar (Research), Supreme Court of India. News Story not available This story has been published on: 2022-11-06. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. This story is no longer available on our site. The Ravi Shankar Centre, Chanakyapuri, also known as RIMPA, reverberated with music in its entirety with vocal, instrumental and dance performances from 16-19 February in celebration of the 97th Birth Anniversary of its founder Pt Ravi Shankar. The four-day festival of classical music and dance was dedicated to his disciple George Harrison for his 74th birthday. In fact this is RIMPA's annual festival, which Pandit Ravi Shankar had started himself in the memory of his disciple and a dear friend. The festival concluded with the melodious Sitar recital by his senior disciple Arun Bharat Ram, who said, "This is a moment of us to reflect on our Guruji, and what better way would be for us students, than to honour him with the annual festival he had started? It is an opportunity for established and young artists to present their art." The screening of an incredible film on the legendary musician was the added attraction of the festival, that overwhelmed the audience each and every evening, before the performances. The festival opened with the Sitar recital by Supriya Shah, who was joined by Sanjeev Shankar on the Shehnai, after rendering her main raga Yaman. The duet of Sitar and Shehnai offered the dessert in Thumri Manjh Khamaj, a raga created by Pt Ravishankar. The other attraction of the inaugural evening was the light classical vocal recital by Malini Awasthi. A tabla solo by Bickram Ghosh and a Hindustani classical vocal recital by Indrani Mukherjee were the other vocal and instrumental performances. The dance segment comprised talented dancers like Arushi Mudgal for Odissi, Dakshina Vaidyanathan in Bharatanatyam, and Sujata Banerjee and company for Kathak. The delicate grace of Arushi pervaded throughout her performance right from Vasant, the opening number based on the opening Shloka of Kalidasa's Ritusamhar "Drumah sapushpah, salilam sapadmam", describing the advent of the spring season when the trees are laden with flowers, the ponds are abloom with the lotus, the breeze is heavily scented, the nights are as delightful as the days. The thoughtfully-composed music by Pt Madhup Mudgal, based on ragas like Bhathiyar, Sohini, Vasant, Bahar and the combination of both in Vatant-Bahar, had captivating choreography by Madhavi Mudgal. Then came the Nritta piece "Aahlad", the joyous abandon of melody and rhythm. This raga Shahana-based composition of Pt Madhup Mudgal was choreographed by Arushi herself. She chose the Odia song "Prano-sangini re" for her emotive Abhinaya next with the immortal choreography of Guru Kelu Charan Mahapatra. A very special feature of her Odissi repertoire was the innovative way each and every item was titled, like Aahlad or Moort-Amoort (form and formless), that opened with a verse from the Mundakopanishad, describing the Purusha as the ultimate being ~ he who is formless, free from the cycle of birth and death, the creator of all creation and all-pervading. This invocation of the formless coexists with the worship of the many exquisite forms of gods and goddesses like the Shiva as Ardhanareeshwara, Ram and Krishna. The crux or the ultimate reality is one, that resides in all, whether with form or formless. Arushi concluded with a celebration of the union of the form with the formless. Music for this was composed by Pt Madhup Mudgal with the rhythmic inputs from Guru Dhaneswar Swain and Budhanath Swain. The admirable aspect of Arushi's performance was that she tried to be innovative but adhering strongly to the tradition she belongs to. Dakshina Vaidyanathan was also innovative in her repertoire, even though sticking to traditional "Margam". Her dazzling dance opened with the Ganapati Stavana, an invocation to Ganesha, in his typical gait. The opening Veda Mantras and the sound of conch-shell created the perfect ambience for this invocatory item. She proceeded with "Pannagendra-shayana Shri Padmanabha," a composition of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, and gave it the detailed treatment like a Varnam, studded with Swarajathi and the intricate rhythmic patterns interspersed with Abhinaya of a Nayika pining for her beloved Lord Vishnu. The eight statements of Shringara-Bhakti were woven into ragamalika according to her varied emotional states. The electrifying Jathis of Karaikudi Shiv Kumar were reproduced in Nritta by the energetic dancer. Dakshina also presented a Hindi Pada of Swathi Thirunal "Main toh nahi jaun Jamuna teer", depicting the child Krishna refusing to go to the banks of river Yamuna and mother Yashoda argues why not! The pada takes a poignant turn when Dakshina enacts the Virahini Gopi, who doesn't want to go to the those banks of Yamuna, where she had the love alliance with her beloved Krishna, who has left her and gone far away. Dakshina concluded her Bharatanatyam recital with a Tillana in raga Amritavarshini. Guru Rama Vaidyanathan had choreographed all the numbers presented by her gifted disciple Dakshina. However weak the right may be, the validity of the law of shuffa or pre-emption in every jointly owned and undivided property has a pragmatic approach for the better environment of society and hence the right of pre-emption is undoubtedly a special and valuable right. It is unlawful for a partner to sell his share without the permission of his partner. If the latter likes, he would buy or would let go of it. If one partner sells with his partners permission, the latter is more entitled to it Hedaya Historical background It was in the sixth century AD; widely known as the pre-Islamic dark age in the history of Arab countries. There was a lack of norms in society. Anyone could enter anybody elses residence without permission. Women were repeatedly persecuted and afflicted by the male-dominated society. At this juncture, Prophet Mohammed, the founder of Islam organised a movement by applying Quranic Principles for the establishment of peace and harmony in society. The genesis of the right of shuffa or pre-emption, comes out of the above-quoted saying of the Prophet. During his time the Prophet had firmly decided the validity of pre-emption in every jointly owned and undivided property. The reason behind such a decision was to avoid inconvenience and disruption owing to introduction of a stranger as purchaser and, consequently, the co-owner or other partner obtained the legal right by purchasing the share of the jointly owned or undivided property for the advantage of his family members. As a result, a harmonious relationship amongst the co-sharers or co-owners grew up in society. Literal and legal meaning The Arabic term shuffa literally means conjunction and the legal meaning of shuffa according to the grand principle as prescribed in the Hedaya is the conjunction of property i.e., as adjacent to another property. It is a right to stop a stranger from entering into ones neighbourhood. Hence shuffa, according to Mohammedan jurisprudence, is the right possessed by the owner of certain immovable properties to acquire by compulsory purchase certain other immovable properties in preference to a third person. So the right of shuffa or pre-emption is vested in partners, coparceners and neighbours with respect to immovable property. The object of this rule is to prevent discomfort and commotion which would arise by conjunction of stranger. In a word, as observed by Justice Mahmood in Gobind Dayal vs Inayatullah [ILR (1885) 7 All 775] it is the right which the adjacent owner of an immovable property possesses to acquire another immovable property which has been sold to a stranger and this right of pre-emption arises when the seller declares his intention to sell his property. Hence the actual legal position is that the law of pre-emption introduces a limitation upon the ownership of a property to the extent it restricts the owners untrammelled right of sale and compels him to sell the property to his co-sharer or neighbour. Religious and social aspects Muslim law originates from the holy Quran and the sayings of the Prophet. The law and religion in Islam are so intimately related to each other that they are inseparable. Since the days of the Prophet, the Muslim community began to follow this valuable doctrine of shuffa as their personal law. It is perfectly clear from the above saying of the Prophet that the very concept of pre-emption comes out of the existence of the right before the sale. In fact, sale is not the real cause of pre-emption. The real cause is the situation of properties in question although the right comes into being after the sale. Although the law of pre-emption was purely a personal law of the Muslim community; other communities of India felt the necessity for such a law and, consequently, this personal law of pre-emption became a customary law amongst other communities in various places of the country. It affects all lands situated in that place irrespective of the religion or nationality or domicile of the owners of the properties. In India, the law of pre-emption was evidently unknown before the Mughal empire. During the period of Mughal emperors this law was administered as a rule of common law of the land in those parts of the country which came under the strong influence of Muslim rulers and it was applied not only to Mohammedans but also Christians, Hindus and many other communities. Thereafter, when the British rulers came to India, the Mohammedan law ceased to be the general law of the land. On the contrary, the courts in British India implemented the Mohammedan law of pre-emption as between Mohammedans entirely on the grounds of justice, equity and good conscience. Regarding the applicability of the law of pre-emption during British rule I quote here a nice observation of Sir Ameer Ali: The rights of pre-emption in some provinces like Punjab, Agra and Oudh have been embodied in statutes passed by the Indian Legislature and where the law has been thus codified, it undoubtedly becomes the territorial law of the place and is applicable to persons other than Mohammedan by reason of their property being situated therein. In other parts of India its operation depends upon custom and when the law is customary, the right in enforceable irrespective of the religious persuasion of the parties concerned. When the law is neither territorial nor customary, the right is applicable only between Mohammedans as part of their personal law. This was the actual position of the law of pre-emption during the British rule in India. Regarding Constitutional validity of the law of pre-emption in India the most important question that comes out for real test is what is the nature of the right of pre-emption claimed and whether the law which gives such a right is affected by the provisions of Article 13 read with Article 19(1)(f) of the Constitution of India. However, Article 13 of the Constitution is prospective in operation and hence it cannot affect any right that had already accrued. Moreover, under Article 13 the constitutionality of law is limited to the future exercise of the fundamental rights. From the practical point of view the right of pre-emption, in effect, restricts the power of acquiring, holding and disposing of the property in derogation of the fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution under Article 19(1)(f). It is pertinent to mention here that this right of pre-emption is a special right which supersedes ordinary legal rights and prescribes certain restriction upon normal rights of conveyance for the sake of social need and public interest. Hence it is not correct to say that the free right to dispose of property has been taken away by the old-age custom or newly framed statute which violates the fundamental rights of a citizen. On the contrary, by this custom or statutory provisions certain persons have been given advantageous right to purchase the adjoining property from the owner thereof which is very much reasonable and Constitutional. Thus the liability of a property to be pre-empted is a burden attaching to that property. This burden is not in any way taken away by Article 19(1)(f) of the Constitution. Utility of pre-emption Although pre-emption is a creature of Muslim law and the origin of this doctrine is embedded in the precepts of the Prophet; in India, the right of pre-emption is now not a personal right of the Muslim community. It is an incident annexed to the property and hence it might be claimed even against a Hindu or any other non-Muslim purchaser in as much as the primary object of this rule is to prevent vexation and disruption which may occur to families and communities from the introduction of an obnoxious stranger into the land. Moreover, this valuable right arises not only out of a private sale, but also out of a sale by the court or a receiver appointed by the court. Only, in order to enforce this right the pre-emptor shall be bound to prove the existence of the right by observing all the requirements of law relating to pre-emption i.e., the right existed at the date of sale, at the date of institution of the suit and at the date of original decree. Long back in the year 1885 describing the utility of the right of pre-emption in India, Justice Mahmood aptly remarked: this right, no doubt, operates as a restriction to the free sale of property, but its utility outweighs its drawbacks. In a country like Germany a similar right was enforceable. This right must not be lightly death within a country like India where difference of caste, religion etc. presents quite the opposite state of things. The writer is a freelance writer and Advocate, Kolkata High Court. The decks were cleared on Thursday for the much-anticipated visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India in April during which she will have substantive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on bilateral issues as well as the situation in the region. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar met Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka this evening and renewed Modis invitation to her to visit India at an early date. According to the MEA, Jaishshankar discussed with Sheikh Hasina and her aides the preparatory aspects of her visit. Sheikh Hasinaa Deputy Press Secretary M Nazrul Islam told the media in Dhaka that the twice-postponed visit would take place in the first half of April. Jaishankar arrived in the Bangladesh capital this morning from Beijing on a two-day tour to finalise the details of Sheikh Hasinas visit and brief her about the preparations. Bangladesh is keen to ink the Teesta water sharing accord during Sheikh Hasinas visit. However, New Delhi is not sure if the deal would fructify at this point of time, given the current hostility between the Modi government at the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal. India has already made it clear to Bangladesh that the accord would be signed only after New Delhi had succeeded in building domestic consensus on it. The MEA said Jaishankar briefed Sheikh Hasina on the recent developments in India-Bangladesh relations and the region. He also had separate meetings with senior officials of Bangladesh to take stock of decisions taken during the meetings of various bilateral mechanisms in the areas of security and border management, trade and commerce, power, energy, shipping and railways. Terrorist outfit Hizbul-Mujahideen is suspected to be involved in the Shopian ambush that left three soldiers, including two officers, killed and at least five others injured early on Thursday. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has expressed concern over the rising incidents of fatal attacks on army personnel. He expressed sympathy with the bereaved families. The Army convoy was attacked while returning from Kungnoo, at Mulu Chitragam, at about 2 am. Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar on Thursday called on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and discussed preparatory aspects of her proposed visit to India this year. Jaishankar, who arrived here from Beijing, is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh from February 23-24 on the invitation of his Bangladeshi counterpart Md Shahidul Haque. Besides discussing her New Delhi visit, likely to take place in April, Jaishankar briefed Sheikh Hasina on recent developments in India-Bangladesh relations and the region, said a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs. The two Foreign Secretaries reviewed the areas of bilateral cooperation and noted with appreciation that there has been excellent implementation of decisions taken during the visit of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in June 2015. Both sides also took stock of decisions taken during the recent meetings of various bilateral mechanisms in the areas of Security & Border Management, Trade and Commerce, Power, Energy, Shipping, Railways etc. Both Foreign Secretaries also shared their perspectives on regional and international issues of mutual interest, the statement said. He is also likely to meet Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali before wrapping up his visit. He leaves Dhaka on Friday morning. The Indian Navy's frigate, INS Betwa (F39), which had keeled over on her side during undocking on December 5 last year while undergoing major repairs at the Mumbai dockyard was set right on Thursday morning. The initial stabilisation of the frigate was done within three weeks of its keeling over by 29 December last year. In a one-of-its-kind accident, the INS Betwa had tipped over and crashed while it was being undocked. Navigators and naval personnel had expressed shock over the incident with the captain describing it as the "rarest of rare" incidents. Two sailors had died as a result and 14 were injured. According to the Navy, the ship will be ready to sail by April 2018. The frigate was commissioned in July 2004. The 3850-tonne ship has been designed and developed indigenously. The accident had cracked the sonar system of the frigate, leading to faulty readings and an ingress of saltwater into sensitive equipment. Betwa, a P-16A Class frigate has been made upright by the efforts of the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai and the American salvage firm Resolve Marine, specially contracted for the operation. The salvage operations were conducted on a war footing. The complete salvage operation involving complex hydrodynamic calculations and rigging up of intricate measuring and monitoring systems was completed in less than two months. As the ship was undergoing major refit and mid-life upgradation since April 2016, majority of the equipment and machinery had already been removed for routine servicing and replacement with upgraded equipment. DMK working president MK Stalin on Thursday left for New Delhi to meet President Pranab Mukherjee to apprise him of the incidents that unfolded during the February 18 trust vote, won by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami. Accompanied by senior leaders including Durai Murugan, Stalin left for Delhi to meet the President this evening. His scheduled meeting with the President comes days after he had urged Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao to "nullify" the confidence vote, which was won by Palaniswami after forcible en-masse eviction of DMK legislators from the State Assembly on February 18. Palaniswami had won the trust vote by a huge margin of 122-11, on Saturday. To a query by reporters at the Airport here, Stalin claimed that his party's state-wide hunger strike yesterday was "so successful that the AIADMK is claiming that we are trying to topple their government." He also indicated that the ruling party may not fare well in the forthcoming local body elections. Here comes the festival of religious fervour and devotionMaha Shivaratri. The festival is celebrated every year, and there are many interesting facts about the festival. So what actually took place on this day? What are the things people do on Shivaratri? Lord Shiva married Maa Shakti for the second time on this legendary day. On this day, people worship lord Shiva who has purifying powers and is considered the destroyer in the Hindu concept of Trimurti Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh. Owing to massive popularity of the festival, rush of devotees can be seen in smaller as well as bigger Shiva temples, chanting the mantraOm Namah Shivaya. In the Hindu mythology, people worship Shiva and Parvati in different ways on the auspicious night with the belief that they will liberate them of all their sins and bless them with Moksha. The traditional ritual includes the bathing of Shivalinga with water and milk and offering of bel leaves, fruits, flowers, sandalwood paste and ghee lamps. To feel the essence of Satyam Shivam Sundaram denoting truth, goodness and beauty of Lord Shiva, many devotees perform Rudra Abhishek besides observing fast. Rudra is another name of the god that signifies his favourite ornament Rudraksh. Lord Shiva wears it on almost every body part like arms, wrists, neck, waist and hair. Rudra Abhishek is a ritual to please the Lord in a special way. It is a process in which Shivalinga is bathed with a continuous pouring of one of the following items. Each item has its own significance of fulfilling some particular purpose. Holy or normal water To attain salvation Cow milk All round happiness Cow yogurt Health Cow ghee Financial prosperity Mustard oil To conquer enemies Sugarcane juice For financial stability Honey To achieve success Mango juice Destruction of long ailment Sandalwood water Sons prosperity Bhasm Destruction of great sins Tender coconut water Sarv sampadaa vriddhi Rice Rajya prapti There can be more items as suggested by the pandits. The process takes place along with non-stop chanting of vedic mantra called the Rudra Sukhta. Rudra Abhishek is an ancient practice followed in India since time immemorial to eradicate the evil effects of Doshas which take place due to unfavourable planetary positions in the birth horoscope or in current scenario. Bring home peace, prosperity and happiness along with family get-together this Shivaratri. Also, some of the best places in India to witness Maha Shivaratri are: Lokanath Temple in Puri: It is believed that Lord Rama himself set up a Shivalinga here. It is kept submerged in a vat of water. The water is removed only on Pankodhar Ekadashi before Shivaratri for the darshan by thousands of devotees. Bhootnath Temple at Mandi in Himachal Pradesh: Famous for the Shobha Yatra inaugurated by the chief minister and a week-long international Mandi Shivaratri Fair is organised that is worth visiting. Haridwar in Uttarakhand: It is famous for spiritual baths at the Ghats of sacred river Ganges. Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh: Famous for holy dips in Sagar Tank in Khajuraho and a traditional fair, including an array of handicrafts besides folk theatre, magic show and circus. Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh: Famous for wedding procession of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati with band baja baraat. David Bowie was posthumously awarded two of the biggest prizes at the 37th Brit Awards British Album of the Year and British Male Solo Artist for his mournful swansong, 'Blackstar'. The singing great, who died of cancer in January 2016, beat 1975, Michael Kiwanuka, Kano and Skepta to win British Album of the Year award at the ceremony, which is UK's biggest music awards show. Noel Gallagher announced the winner and presented the award to David's son, director Duncan Jones. "I lost my dad last year but I also became a dad. And I was trying to work out what I would want my son to know about his grandad. He's always been there supporting people who think they are a little bit strange or different so this award is for all the kooks and all those who make the kooks. Thanks BRITs," Duncan said. David won the British Male Solo Artist award, beating Craig David, Skepta, Kano and Michael Kiwanuka and Michael C Hall accepted the gong on his behalf from presenter Zane Lowe. Speaking about the icon, Michael who starred in 'Bowie's "Lazarus" musical quipped that he wouldn't have attended the BRITs even if he was alive. "If David Bowie could be here tonight, he probably wouldn't be here tonight. But I am here tonight on behalf of his family to accept this testament to a man beholden to nothing but his own imagination," he said. One Direction won the British Video award, and Liam Payne accepted on behalf of the group, who are currently on hiatus. "This is amazing, thank you so much. We cannot believe we are still winning things like this. We are taking some time out to do our solo stuff but One Direction is who we are and who we always will be. This one is for you," Payne said. Meanwhile, Little Mix dedicated their British Single of the Year award at the BRITs to their exes. The girlband comprised of Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall won for "Shout Out To My Ex" and thanked their own past loves in their acceptance speech. Jade said, "Thank you so much. We honestly didn't think we were gonna get it, we were just sat there chinwagging. We'd like to thank our label Sony, Syco, Simon (Cowell), our amazing A&R, our management, and us girls, because if it wasn't for our friendship, we wouldn't still be going. "And lastly cheers to our exes for helping us to do an amazing song, this one's for you lads." . The query would trigger considerable concern among those committed to ensuring national security, unfortunately political factors will thwart an honest and comprehensive answer. Will the government muster the moral courage to spell out the extent to which defence-related civil works were impacted by the shortage of labour in the wake of demonetisation? There are disturbing reports that when the cash crunch caused a large section of the labour force to return to their villages for mere survival, major projects like construction of roads in border areas, runways at airports, and accommodation complexes got derailed. Such slow-downs have affected projects being executed by the Border Roads Organisation, Military Engineering Services and allied agencies that depend heavily on the general labour pool. It would be in larger national interest if a comprehensive survey was conducted so that now, when the negatives of the note ban are said to be waning, a special effort is made to accelerate construction activity. Although, strictly speaking, in such matters time lost can never be made up. Given the reality that Indias infrastructure along the northern frontier has consistently lagged behind developments on the other side of the LAC, a four to six months dislocation cannot be taken lightly. Reports from the ground point to a large number of migrant labourers having returned to their rural homes in UP, Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha because they found it impossible to carry on their daily lives when the cash dried up. Many of them were deployed in remote areas where no banks function and talk of plastic or internet-activated wallets would arouse much amazement. It would, however, require the government to abandon its political bombast to have a professional assessment undertaken. When the Prime Minister, finance minister and other ministers refuse to recognise the horror stories told by those who spent hours in queues at banks and ATMs in urban areas, the distress suffered elsewhere is not going to register. And with officials, all down the line, now opting to toe the line dictated by their political masters, there could be a concerted attempt at covering up what those in political authority do not wish to see. It is so easy to talk security in terms of acquiring sophisticated weaponry, and making gung-ho statements about gallant soldiers allowing themselves to be martyred in defence of the nation: at times an all-weather motorable road is as powerful as a tank or howitzer in thwarting the evil designs of the adversary. Yet members of the labour force that toil when constructing roads in difficult border areas are seldom seen as critical elements in the defence effort. Not for them any medals, or marching down Rajpath on Republic Day. Flooding in the California city of San Jose forced authorities to order the evacuation of 14,000 people due to the rising waters of Coyote Creek, media reports said. According to information provided on the San Jose City Hall Web site, the evacuation was ordered late Tuesday evening and is still in effect on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported. The National Weather Service said on Wednesday that the water level in Coyote Creek will continue to rise on Wednesday morning, but it is expected to begin subsiding in the afternoon. In remarks to the daily Los Angeles Times, NWS meteorologist Roger Gass emphasized the magnitude of the flooding by saying that estimates are that such an event occurs only once every century. Local media showed images of emergency services personnel using boats to rescue local residents endangered by flooding along streets in the area. After years of serious drought, California is experiencing a very wet winter with exceptionally heavy and continuous rainfall all over the state. Last Friday, a powerful storm lashed the state causing at least five deaths, authorities said. In addition, the historic rains caused damage to spillways at the Oroville Dam, located some 250 kmnortheast of San Francisco, leading authorities on February 12 to order the evacuation of some 200,000 people from the zone below the dam given the risk that it might overflow. Air India is planning to revive some international routes in Africa which became defunct in 2006-2007. Increase in the number of Indians living in Kenya and Tanzania is one of the main reasons why Air India feels it could be commercially viable to revive these routes. In the recent past, Air India has launched operations in Vienna and is also planning to launch operations in Washington and Copenhagen. A lot has changed since 2006. There are Indians now living in Kenya and Tanzania. I know of many Indian teachers who are living in Kenya and Tanzania. Commercial viability of an international route depends on the passenger load factor, said Lally Matthews, Secretary of Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO). Although India has bilateral agreements with several African countries like Kenya, Zambia, Seychelles and Yemen, most of them are not being utilised. Air India is operating its flights only to South Africa at the moment. According to the tourism industry, many expatriates mainly from Gujarat living in Kenya and Tanzania who would like to visit India. Air India officials said government support from Kenya and Tanzania is also a criterion for launching the operations. The government must agree on the number of passengers that is to be carried from Kenya and Tanzania. A separate agreement is signed for that, said K R Krishnan, Senior V-P of travel consultancy firm, Nivalink. In order to promote its business interests, Air China operates to Kenya and Tanzania. Likewise, India also needs to increase the business opportunities for Indians by launching direct flights to Kenya and Tanzania, he said. If Air India operates to Kenya and Tanzania, business is also expected to grow as India can export a number of commodities to these two countries, said Krishnan. Only a few airlines like Emirates and Etihad operate to Kenya and Tanzania. Today all the flights which go to Kenya and Tanzania are through Dubai. One has to wait for almost six to eight hours in Dubai before embarking on a flight to Kenya and Tanzania. So a direct flight to Kenya and Tanzania will certainly help, said Sanjeev Joshi, director, Tourism India Management. Air India has sent a survey team of officials to Kenya and Tanzania and has received reports regarding the potential of launching such an operation. We dont hire a hotel at market rates and therefore we have to see which hotels are there in Kenya and Tanzania, said an Air India official. Outbound tourism is also growing to Kenya and Tanzania as the wildlife safaris in these countries are a major tourist attractions. Passenger load factor and cost of operations are two of the main factors in deciding if the airline will launch operations on a certain route. Also Air India will have to see which aircraft are supported by the airports in Kenya and Tanzania, said an Air India official. Britain's exit from the European Union is likely to positively impact the economic bloc's long-drawn negotiations over a free trade agreement with India, according to a leaked document drawn up by the members of the EU parliament. The document drawn up by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in the EU's influential trade committee points to British Prime Minister Theresa May's stringent visa policy towards Indian professionals as a major stumbling block to the FTA, which has been in the works since 1997. India's high import tariffs on Scotch whisky from Scotland is seen as another hurdle, which would also no longer be a factor post-Brexit, The Guardian reported. "Scotland has a major interest in an FTA with India: India has the world's largest market for whisky, which is highly protected by prohibitive tariffs. Lowering tariffs for Scottish whisky could present an important market opportunity," the MEPs note. "In case the UK (including Scotland) would leave the EU, this could possibly facilitate FTA negotiations [for the EU] as tariffs on wines and spirits constitute an obstacle. This as well as financial services, would then become a bit less of an offensive interest of the EU," they add. The European parliamentarians also suggest that despite the much-hyped India-UK ties, Britain is likely to struggle to clinch a new trade deal. "Given the important Indian diaspora living in the UK and the common past, the UK tends to attach particular importance to its economic relations to India, however, trading ties are more important with other EU member states," say the MEPs. They point out that as a trading partner of India, Germany is the top EU country (ranked 6th), whereby the UK figures only rank 18 between Kuwait and Iran as a trading partner for India. While the UK makes up 3.4 per cent of India's overall exports, it accounts only for less than 2 per cent of India's exports. In addition, currently the UK has by far the largest trade deficit in goods with India of any EU member states accounting for 2,611 million euros, while Belgium and Germany have a large trade surplus with India. The document adds that the visas India has been seeking for its skilled workers is a "political problem" for the UK if it wants a deal: "India has a major interest in mode IV access for its service suppliers to the UK, which would also prove politically difficult (as most of the Indian service providers would certainly like to enter the UK for delivering temporary services)." The MEPs' document, leaked to the newspaper, does however see a threat to the EU's other trade talks in Britain's withdrawal. In particular, there are concerns that the negotiations with Australia and New Zealand due to start in mid-2017 could be scuppered. China is trying to block Taiwan from diversifying its foreign direct investments, including to India, because Beijing wants the East Asian island nation's investments to be restricted to mainland China, a Taiwanese minister has said. The self-ruled island nation is seeking to diversify its investments under a new foreign policy billed as "New Southbound Policy" that seeks to engage more closely with 18 Asia-Pacific countries, including India. "Beijing will try to block our New Southbound Policy only because they will like to see Taiwanese investments to go to mainland China and not to diversify our outgoing investments," Taiwan's First Deputy Minister for Mainland Affairs Council Cheng-yi Lin said in response to a question during an interaction with a group of journalists here on Wednesday. "Our relationship with mainland China and our New Southbound Policy are equally important for Taiwan and we are not competing with the PRC (People's Republic of China)," Lin stated. The 18 countries with which Taiwan seeks to have closer investment ties include India and five other South Asian nations, the 10 member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), and Australia and New Zealand. The policy was adopted after President Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) assumed power in 2016. According to the guidelines of the new policy, it "is a crucial part of Taiwan's economic and trade strategy". "As an important member of both Asia and the Asia-Pacific region, Taiwan must respond to changing global conditions and the trend toward regional integration by making appropriate adjustments," the guidelines state. "The New Southbound Policy has been adopted in order to identify a new direction and a new driving force for a new stage of Taiwan's economic development, and to create future value." "We can offer another dimension of the story to the Taiwan economic development, also Taiwan contributing to the region," Minister Lin said. The island nation is the world's 22nd-largest economy and was dubbed one of the four Asian tigers in the late 20th century, the others being Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea. Lin's comments come in the wake of a visit to India of a Taiwanese delegation that included three women parliamentarians earlier this month resulting in a sharp reaction from Beijing. During the course of the visit, China lodged a protest and asked India to honour its commitment to the "One China policy". Beijing also said that New Delhi should be cautious in dealing with Taiwan. New Delhi responded saying that no political meaning should be read into the Taiwanese delegation's visit. "Such (Taiwanese) informal groups have visited India in the past as well for business, religious and tourist purposes," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said following Beijing's remarks. "I understand that they do so to China as well. There is nothing new or unusual about such visits and political meanings should not be read into them." In his interaction with the media on Wednesday, Lin said that mainland China has been benefiting from Taiwan's investments since 1990. "Any other country in the region too should have the opportunity to have Taiwanese investments," he said. "For example, India." Lin said that compared to other countries in Southeast Asia like Vietnam, Malaysia or Indonesia, Taiwanese investments in India have been "very low". IMF chief Christine Lagarde has said that she had been reassured by her first meetings with members of the new administration of US President Donald Trump, whose economic programme has caused global jitters. Lagarde singled out "some very positive discussions" with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. "I have had several meetings with officials of his administration in the economic and financial domains and the meetings I had are quite reassuring and comforting," the International Monetary Fund head yesterday told German television ARD during a visit to Berlin. She said Mnuchin "clearly has indicated his desire to work with the IMF, on a multilateral basis. He's expecting a candid assessment of the situation and clearly he has an interest in financial stability going forward." On Tuesday, Mnuchin called on the IMF to provide "candid analysis" of exchange-rate policies in member countries. The IMF monitors currencies and other economic policies in the 189 member countries, and its rules dictate that members must avoid manipulating exchange rates to gain an unfair competitive advantage. However, in practice the fund can only exert real pressure to change policies on those countries that have IMF loan programmes in place. Trump, who has repeatedly accused countries like China, an IMF member, of using trade and currency policies to cheat its trading partners. Lagarde's comments came a month into Trump's presidency, after he had campaigned on the slogan "America First". In recent weeks, he has sent senior representatives to Europe to convince allies that his putting America first does not mean they will be left behind. But he has also brandished the threat of hiking customs duties for Mexican-made products entering the United States. Earlier this month, Trump also took the first step to undoing key reforms enacted after the 2008 financial crisis, aiming to scale back toughened regulations on the banking industry. He has also accused countries including China, Germany and Japan of manipulating their currencies to boost trade. Last month the International Monetary Fund raised its estimates for US growth on expected stimulus spending by the Trump administration, but kept the forecast for global growth unchanged. The IMF warned then that executing protectionist policies could backfire on the US economy and create ripple effects abroad. Malaysia has asked Interpol to put out an alert for four missing North Korean suspects wanted in connection with the death of Kim Jong-nam, the police said on Thursday. Malaysian Inspector-General Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the police had also formally requested an interview with the North Korean embassy's Second Secretary Hyon Kwang-song, who is wanted for questioning in the case, CNN reported. Kim Jong-nam, the half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, died last week after a suspected poisoning while on his way to catch a flight to the Chinese territory of Macau from Kuala Lumpur Airport. North Korea furiously denied any involvement in Kim's death, according to a report in the country's state media KCNA. According to KCNA report, a spokesman for the Korean Jurists Committee said the responsibility for Kim's death lay with Malaysia, as he had died on their territory, and criticised the investigation. "If you look at Malaysian police's investigation from crime investigation perspective and legal perspective, everything is full of weak points and contradictions," KCNA quoted the spokesman as saying. Interpol notices were issued to the police in 190 different countries to help track fugitives and share information about wanted criminals, CNN report said. The Malaysian police previously said the four suspects who are the subject of the alert were believed to be back in Pyongyang. In addition to the four suspects, the Malaysian police named the North Korean embassy's second secretary and a state airline official, who they said were wanted for questioning over the killing of Kim Jong-nam. Both are believed to still be in Malaysia. Bakar said the North Korean embassy wouldn't be searched as they had diplomatic immunity. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. FILE - In this Saturday, May 7, 2016 file photo, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu salutes to his soldiers as he is driven along Red Square during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia. Speaking to parliament Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017 Shoigu said the military is receiving an array of new missiles, planes and tanks and also announced the creation of a dedicated information warfare troops. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, file) Why go to St Lucia now? As if the of Pitons and the sunshine were not enough, if you need just one good reason to visit St Lucia its this: this island is launching its first SOLEIL Festival this year (2017) to entice more Brits. The festival comprises a series of festivities that take place from May to October which means the island will be alive with music: jazz, soul, and blues carnival, art and culture and food festivals all summer long. Prime Minister, Hon. Allen Chastanet, told dignitaries gathered for the launch was that the idea was to create an excuse for tourists to come at any time and stay all summer long. Not a bad idea, given that its a nine-hour flight out from London and eight-hours coming back. What else is on offer? This upmarket Caribbean destination offers secluded, romantic places to stay. Hotels offer appealing rustic facilities such as outdoor showers, private plunge pools, and hammocks strung across balconies. Rodney Bay Village near the capital, Castries, in the North, is designed for families. It is less bustling, far more tranquil South and this is where youll find its Pitons those dramatically tapered and iconic twin mountains. The beaches there are not as white as the north; in places quite dark and volcanic, in fact. But inland its quite lush and green with trails in the interior rainforest leading to waterfalls and youll hardly go a day without seeing a wedding taking place somewhere. Otherwise, its friendly and the people are mainly affable and eager to please. Whats the weather like? The new festivals begin in May when the peak season traditionally ends, which means accommodation costs are usually significantly lower, although the weather at this time, wetter and more sticky, is less welcoming. Its worth noting that St Lucia generally gets more rain than other less mountainous islands nearby, such as Antigua or Barbados. Beware the hurricanes But be warned, the hurricane season begins in June so its probably wise to be one of the first out in May. Theres traditionally a lot of Brits round then anyway for just that reason. That, and an event that has been around for quite a few years already the annual jazz festival. Getting there Both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly direct to Saint Lucia from London Gatwick. Thomas Cook airline fly direct to Saint Lucia from Manchester. You may also like to read our review of Capella Marigot Bay Resort and Marina, St Lucia Job Title: Volunteer Communications Specialist Organization: International Justice Mission (IJM) Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda Reports to: National Media and Communications Manager About Us: The International Justice Mission is a global organization that protects the poor from violence throughout the developing world. International Justice Mission partners with local authorities to rescue victims of violence, bring criminals to justice, restore survivors, and strengthen justice systems. The International Justice Mission (IJM) Uganda is working to eliminate property grabbing in Uganda by bringing rescue and restoration to individual victims, accountability to their perpetrators, and transformation to the public justice system as a whole. Job Summary: The Volunteer Communications Specialist will support the Casework and System Reform team as a Volunteer Communications Specialist, working to bring substantive relief to widows and orphans. Responsibilities: Key Duties andResponsibilities: Office Support: The incumbent will receive calls and respond to all telephone inquiries Track and maintain a caller Data base Casework Support: Conduct case intake and client screening based on established criteria. Message Development: Support the Communications Specialist to coordinate the IJM Kampalas overall mass media and communications strategy. Adapt messaging for radio, newspaper and other forms of media publication in liaison with supervisor. Translate and contextualize messaging for audiences of various educational levels. Draft, design, translate and edit printed materials for training, education, and awareness raising. Support and Development: Provide miscellaneous graphic and written resources to members of the IJM team. Cooperate with members of the Casework team in developing stories about IJM cases. Take part in IJM programs to develop professionalism and Christian formation. Assist in hosting guests, visitors, and volunteers. Perform other tasks as assigned Experience: Qualifications, Skills andExperience: The applicant should preferably hold a Bachelors degree in Law, Mass communication, Human Rights or related field One year of experience in media relations or related field. Computer literate with proficiency in MS Word, Outlook and Excel. Experience with Adobe Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) or similar program Mature Christian faith as defined by the Apostles Creed. Passionate commitment to IJMs mission and values. Professional in demeanor, appearance, writing and oral communication. Works well under stress with a sustained positive attitude. Exceptionally high level of honesty and integrity. Intelligent, organized, creative and proactive problem solver. Ability to cooperate effectively in a multi-cultural environment. Fluency in English and Luganda, with excellent writing and speaking in both. How to Apply: All applicants are encouraged to send their applications, updated CVs and Statement of Faith via E-mail (preferred method) to: ugandarecruiting@ijm.org OR by mail: International Justice Mission Attn: Human Resources P.O. Box 502 Ntinda, Kampala, UGANDA By Hand: International Justice Mission Attn: Human Resources Plot 15 Suuna Road, Ntinda Kampala, Uganda NB: A statement of faith should describe your Christian faith and how you see it as relevant to your involvement with IJM. The statement can either be incorporated into the cover letter or submitted as a separate document and should include, at a minimum, a description of your spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, etc.) and your current fellowship or place of worship. st March 2017 Deadline: 31March2017 But the tribe has a long way to go Bharti Airtel has acquired Telenor's India operations, which earlier used to function under the brand name Uninor. As part of the agreement, Airtel will acquire Telenor Indias running operations in seven circles -- Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, UP (East), UP (West) and Assam. These circles represent a high population concentration and therefore, offer a high potential for growth. The proposed acquisition will include transfer of all of Telenor Indias assets and customers, further augmenting Airtels overall customer base and network. It will also enable Airtel to further bolster its strong spectrum foot-print in these seven circles, with the addition of 43.4 MHz spectrum in the 1800-MHz band. The acquisition of additional spectrum through this transaction, makes for attractive business proposition for Bharti Airtel, and will significantly enhance its already solid spectrum portfolio. Telenor is Norway's largest telecom company and was earlier in a joint venture with Unitech. The company has been considering shutting down its India operations for a long time because of slow growth in customer numbers. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is back in the news, this time for denying an Indian theatrical release for Lipstick Under My Burkha. The Hindi language film is written and directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, and produced by her uncle, Prakash Jha. In a letter justifying why the film has been denied a certification, the CBFC listed out reasons: The story is lady-oriented, their fantasy above life. There are continuous sexual scenes, abusive words, audio pornography and a bit sensitive touch about one particular section of society, hence film refused under guidelines. CBFC says Prakash Jha's Lipstick Under My Burkha can't release because it is, among other things, "lady-oriended". pic.twitter.com/IQN1uWbpdm Deepanjana (@dpanjana) February 23, 2017 Prakash Jha, whose earlier film, Jai Gangaajal, also got tied up with the CBFC, has said that the audience deserves to watch films that challenge the status quo. He added that the freedom of expression to tell uncomfortable stories is being quelled by CBFC. CBFC now refuses to clear a film dealing w/ female sexuality 'cos ladkiyon ko sex ke baare mein nahi sochna chahiye. https://t.co/SHVnx9Xfba (@varungrover) February 23, 2017 Lipstick Under My Burkha stars Konkona Sen Sharma, Aahana Kumar, Ratna Pathak Shah and Plabita Borthakur. It is about the secret lives of four women who are out looking for freedom from the shackles of their mundane lives. While on tour at film festivals across the world, it won the Spirit of Asia Prize at Tokyo International Film Festival. It was also screened at the last Mumbai Film Festival, where it won the Oxfam Award for Best Film on Gender Equality. It will be shown at the Glasgow Film Festival this Friday. Shrivastava said that since it is a feminist film with a strong female voice, the CBFC won't certify it. As a filmmaker, I stand by the story and will fight for it till the end, she said. Shrivastava and Jha will next appeal with the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT). This is the third time you are messing with my job dear censor board. What freedom of speech do you go on about? https://t.co/jpgMg8AaKw Shashank Arora (@ShashankSArora) February 23, 2017 Shashank Arora, known for his roles in Brahman Naman and Titli, tweeted that this was the third time the censor board was messing with my job. Farhan Akhtar tweeted a photo of the letter and said, Keep your barf bag ready... The news has enraged fans, who are calling out the hypocrisy and the curb on freedom of expression. Gujarat police on Thursday foiled a bid by Gujarat Khastriya Thakor Sena leader Alpesh Thakor to lock down TATA Nano plant, about 17 kilometers away from Ahmedabad. He, along with about 500 of his supporters, was detained near a toll booth near the plant. They were later released. Thakor had on Wednesday threatened to lock down the Nano Plant, demanding 85 per cent jobs for the local youths in industries in Gujarat. He had claimed that there were more than 60 lakh unemployed youth in the state, of which around 14 lakh were educated. He alleged that the Gujarat government had been giving benefits running into crores of rupees to the industries but was not compelling them to give jobs to local youths. Police had denied permission for Thakor's rally and arranged tight bandobast in and around the Nano plant. The Nano Plant was shifted from Singur, West Bengal to Gujarat during Narendra Modi's tenure as Gujarat chief minister. Finance Minister Arun Jaitely said on Thursday that the electorate, which had denied the Congress the position of being a ruling party, was now on its way to deny them the role of principal opposition. If the current representative of the dynasty lacks the ability to lead the party or the country, the party suffers. It becomes a crowd around a fading dynasty. This now seems obvious in the case of the Congress, said Jaitely. In a signed piece titled The squeezing out of the Congress Party, Jaitely gloated over the electoral successes that the BJP has had since May 2014 Many in the Samajwadi Party are wondering if it was worth leaving 103 seats for the Congress in Uttar Pradesh he said, before commenting that the Congress had not bothered to introspect on it. According to Jaitely, the decline of the Congress was because once out of the power, the Congress refused to accept the reality. Its disruptive role in Parliament has projected it more as a fringe rather than a mainstream political party. It has failed to behave like a natural party of governance. It is seen as anti-reformist, anti-growth. Scandals of the 2004-2014 continue to tumble out." The finance minister maintained that the Congress partys stand on the scrapping of high value currency notes was costing it dearly. He went on to justify the demonetisation, saying Tax evasion enables a small percentage of the population to unjustly enrich itself at the cost of the exchequer. Public resources get reduced and hence the expenditure on the vast section of population is reduced." He claimed that the poor had overwhelmingly supported the demonetisation. Jaitely said the Congress had lost its traditional constituency of the poor electorate to the BJP. In any case, a party which has governed India for more than half a century cannot afford to take a stand which supports excessive use of cash and ridicules the new tools of technology which will enable digital transactions to be a substitute for cash. The Congress has lost its image as a responsible political organisation. From a natural party of governance, it has moved to the fringe. Its policies have alienated its constituency of the poor aam aadmi, the BJP leader said. According to him, parties which adopt dynastic succession as an alternative to merit-based leadership creation, suffer from a natural disadvantage. Tall leaders do not grow in such parties. The strength of the party overlaps with the charisma of the current generation of the dynasty. The Mangaluru police on Thursday issued notices to 44 persons under section 107 of the CrPC, after pro-Hindu groups called for a hartal on February 25 to oppose Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's scheduled visit to Mangaluru and his proposed speech on communal harmony at "Karavali Souharda rally organised by the CPM's district unit. Police commissioner Chandra Sekhar said that no one had the right to call for a bandh. We have issued notices to 44 persons under section 107 of CrPC and sought clarification on the type of bandh in the city. The Supreme Court has banned people agitating on the streets or giving a bandh call. We will provide adequate security for the rally, said Sekhar. While the police warn against holding a bandh, the saffron brigade, which is busy mobilising support from various trade associations and unions, insists it is a hartal. Pro-Hindu groups including Sri Rama Sene, Bajrang Dal, Hindu Jagarana Vedike and Vishwa Hindu Parishad say it is an irony that Vijayan has been invited to speak on communal harmony. The Communist Party in Kerala is guilty of killing hundreds of innocent people. Vijayan's speech will disrupt peace and harmony in coastal Karnataka. Even the Dharmadom constituency from where Vijayan won the 2016 elections has witnessed a large number of political murders. At least eight Hindu activists have been killed ever since Vijayan took over as the CM, says M.B. Puranik, working president of VHP's state unit. Raising questions over Vijayan's secular credentials, leaders of the saffron brigade alleged that more than 200 Hindus had been killed in Kerala since 1999 due to Communist violence. Meanwhile, a group of citizens under the banner of Abhimata Bengaluru met the DGP in Bengaluru and urged him to take the Sangh Parivar leaders into preventive custody. Though the Unity rally has been organised by the CPM, it has the support of human rights activists and intellectuals to oppose the Hindu terror activities in Coastal Karnataka. The resistance to Vijayan is due to the desperation of Sangh Parivar for not being able to spread terror in Kerala under Pinarayi's rule. This bandh is undemocratic, said the memorandum submitted to the DGP office. Interestingly, the secular activists chose to play the caste card to defend the rally. Vijayan belonging to Ezhava caste has a natural connect with Karavali. The Sangh Parivar is misleading the youths from the backward classes and using them for communal clashes and for moral policing. These youths and many Muslim families have been victimised by these forces, yet the police have failed to ban these outfits. Under these circumstances, Pinarayi's speech is an urgent need in the region," added the memorandum. The saffron brigade has planned a protest on Friday ahead of the Saturday's rally. "If Pramod Mutalik was banned from making speeches in Dakshina Kannada alleging it would incite violence, why should Vijayan's speech be allowed, as we suspect it would incite communal tension, ask protesters. The Kerala government will launch a registry of sex offenders, the first of its kind in the country, Governor Justice (Retd) P Sathasivam said here today. The registry will contain all identification details of sex offenders and would be kept in public domain, he said while detailing plans to check atrocities against women in the state. "It will be the first in the country," he said. Addressing the opening day of the fourth session of the 14th Legislative Assembly, Sathasivam also said that the CPI(M)-led LDF government government will set up a comprehensive relief fund for victims of sex crimes. The announcements come days after an actress was abducted and sexually assaulted in a moving car while returning from a shooting site in Kochi. "Though the Nirbhaya Cell under the Department of Social Justice has been functioning commendably in the state, Kerala lacked a comprehensive victim relief fund. "Although some of the victims get some amount of money, the relief due to them for the damages they suffer are delayed due to this shortcoming," Sathasivam said. "Government will set up a comprehensive victim relief fund to provide interim relief for victims of sex crimes, both children and adults," he said. Sathasivam also said the increasing impunity of sexual offences due to lack of social deterrence is a growing concern all over the country. To address the issues of women, the LDF government has decided to create a separate department for women, which is in the final stage of operationalisation, and will set up all women police stations at the taluk levels, he said. The government also plans to make the visit of a lady police officer to every panchayat mandatory on a per-announced date and time, he said. "The government has already started the first women's battalion this year and is committed to increase the women's share in the force by 15 per cent and believe that it should be at least 50 per cent," Sathasivam added. Congress-led UDF members came to the floor with banners that read 'no safety for women in the state', in the backdrop of the the recent sexual assault of the actress. They protested when the Governor said all necessary measures would be taken for the safety of women. However, the Governor continued the address and said, "My government will brook no travesty to their dignity and shall not pardon any action from anyone that is calculated to be an affront to women." Among the slew of measures announced for the social welfare front, Sathasivam said the LDF government intends to undertake a 'vulnerability mapping' exercise through a detailed survey to identify children living in difficult circumstances. Another significant measure would be to declare Kerala a 'child begging free state' within the next one year, he said. In a solace to the transgender community, he said a skill and employment programme would be launched for them. The Kerala State Women's Development Corporation plans to launch a helpline for women to ensure their safety and promote gender sensitisation, he added. On the tribal welfare front, he said the LDF government's policy is 'Live with Freedom'. "So that they are left free of outsider influence to choose the path of development they desire," the Governor added. The final leg of the battle for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, which witnessed a pitched battle between estranged ruling saffron allies Shiv Sena and the BJP,has ended with Shiv Sena emerging as the single largest party and BJP winning in around 78 seats. Will the old partners-turned-rivals bury the hatchet and form an alliance to rule the civic body? >>LIVE UPDATES 4.30 pm: BJP's Mumbai unit chief Ashish Shelar declares party's win on 81 seats and claims support of 4 other corporators. (ANI) 4.15 pm: Senior BJP leader and Maharashtra minister Pankaja Munde has announced her decision to submit her resignation after a humiliating electoral defeat of BJP in her constituency, Parli, in Beed district. 4.00 pm: Latest positions: Shiv Sena 84, BJP 80, Congress 31, MNS 7, NCP 9, MIM 1,others 6 2.35 pm: Shiv Sena leads in 93 wards, BJP in 80 wards and Congress in 29 wards 1.30 pm: After the party logs poor performance in the BMC polls, Sanjay Nirupam offers resignation from the post of Mumbai regional Congress committee chairman post 1.15 pm: Shiv Sena leads in 90 seats, BJP in 54 1.00 pm: BJP MP Kirit Somaiya's son Neil wins from ward number 108 12.40 pm: Shiv Sena leading in 85 wards, BJP in 52 wards, Congress in 16 wards 12.20 pm: Ex-Shiv Sena Mayor Shraddha Jadhav wins consecutively for the 6th time from ward no. 202 12.05 pm: Shiv Sena leads in 75 wards, BJP in 40 wards, Congress in 11 wards 11.50 am: BMC polls Shiv Sena leading in 57 wards, BJP in 34 wards, Congress in 8 wards, MNS in 5 wards, NCP in 4 wards and others in 1 ward 11.25 am: Counting of votes for 151 wards in Nagpur underway; BJP leading in 16 wards and Congress in 4 wards. In Thane Municipal Corporation, Shiv Sena leads in 10 wards, NCP in 1 and MNS in 1 11.40 am: Shiv Sena leads in 49 seats, BJP close behind with 32 in the BMC polls 11.06 am: As the counting proceeds, Shiv Sena leads in 36 wards, BJP in 24 wards, Congress in 6 wards, MNS in 4 wards and NCP in 2 wards 10.50 am: BJP leads in 9 wards and Congress in 1 ward in Nagpur 10.30 am: As counting commences in Mumbai, Shiv Sena takes early lead on ward no 200 and 202, while BJP leads on ward no 218. (All pictures from ANI Twitter) (Data from ANI Twitter) Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said that the next mayor of Mumbai will belong to Shiv Sena as his party had emerged at number one position in the municipal elections. In a brief interaction with media, Thackeray said that there was no need to rush into speculations of possible alliance with the BJP. "I thank the people of Mumbai for making our party number one in the fifth consecutive elections in Mumbai. It is now clear that not just Maharashtrians but other communities too have voted for Shiv Sena. I am still eating sweets distributed after our victory. I suggest you also eat it . I do not want to rush into making any statements," said Thackeray with a smile on his face. He also felt that the BJP had won in big numbers by using immense resources at its disposal as it was in power in the Centre and in state. "We have won because of sheer efforts of Shiv Sainiks and love of people. There was no wave in our favour and still we have won. On the other hand, they had everything at their disposal. That is why this victory is even more precious," said Uddhav. He also said that there were a number of seats where Shiv Sena had lost with less than 25 votes and said that his party was carefully studying the results in these wards. "There are seats where we have lost by 15 or 10 odd votes. In one ward the fate has been decided by 'Ishwari Chitthi'. This clearly indicates that the fight was neck to neck and we have won that," he said. He also expressed confidence that not just next mayor but next chief minister of Maharashtra will also belong to Shiv Sena. The 'Ishwari Chitthi' that Uddhav Thackeray referred to was an interesting development in which , a chit hand picked by a young boy, termed as 'Ishwari Chitthi' (Chit picked by the hand of God) led to BJP's victory in ward no 220 in Mumbai. Ward no 220 in South Mumbai saw a neck to neck fight between formal BJP legislator Atul Shah and Shiv Sena's sitting corporator Surendra Bagalkar. At the end of the counting the officials realised that both candidates had polled 5946 votes each. This led to recounting of votes two times again as demanded by both candidates. The word had spread all over Mumbai and senior leaders of Shiv Sena and BJP including a few ministers from both parties reached the venue of the counting. As the decision could not be reached, BMC commissioner Ajoy Mehta too rushed to the spot. After consultation with all concerned it was decided that a young boy should be asked to pick one among two chits which had names of both candidates written on it. The chit picked by the boy had name of Atul Shah on it. That was how BJP emerged victorious in ward no 220 and took its tally still closer to Shiv Sena. BJP now has 82 seats against Shiv Sena's 84. Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Maharashtra minister Pankaja Munde has announced her decision to submit her resignation after a humiliating electoral defeat of the party in her constituency, Parli, in Beed district. Pankaja Munde is the daughter of late BJP stalwart Gopinath Munde and niece of another party giant late Pramod Mahajan. After the death of Gopinath Munde in 2014, Pankaja headed the party operations in Beed district. She won the Parli seat for second time in 2014 assembly polls and became minister in Devendra Fadnavis government. However, in the recently held Zilla Parishad elections in Beed district, BJP has done badly. To make things worse for Pankaja, the party lost all of six ZP seats in Pankaja's constituency of Parli. Pankaja said she would submit her resignation to the chief minister upon her return to Mumbai. It remains to be seen whether Fadnavis will accept her resignation. Businessman Vijay Mallya, who is wanted in India for Rs 9,000 crore loan default, was on Wednesday seen at an event in UK promoting a new Formula One car launched by his team Sahara Force India. A relaxed Mallya, looking dapper in a suit, was seen with his two drivers Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon in a photograph uploaded by official Formula One website. Mallya said that he was safe in Britain until proven otherwise and would rather be safe than sorry. He also blasted the Indian media for constantly maligning him. "Very proud to launch the 2017 Sahara Force India challenger.It is my job and duty as Team Principal. Very sad to see Indian media comments" "Very unfortunate that Indian media do not share pride that an Indian entry into Formula 1 is so successful. Only focussed on blasting me." Very unfortunate that Indian media do not share pride that an Indian entry into Formula 1 is so successful. Only focussed on blasting me. Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) February 23, 2017 Fugitive Mallya has been on the radar of the Indian agencies for a long time now and the government has been in talks with the UK government for his extradition over charges of multi-crore loan default by a consortium of Indian banks. (With inputs from PTI) The BJP has delivered a knock out blow in Pune, even as the party appears to be heading towards winning a majority on its own in Pune Municipal Corporation. In the 162 member municipal body, BJP, so far, is comfortably ahead in 74 seats, leaving NCP far behind, and is just eight seats away from majority mark of 82. This is a big blow for Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit Pawar. Pune city and district have always been seen as home turf of Pawars. The BJP delivered its first blow in the Assembly elections when it won all eight Assembly seats in Pune city in 2014 polls. Since then, NCP had been working hard to stop BJP's onslaught but the efforts seem to failed. Interestingly, ward no 15 in Pune city where Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had to cancel his campaign rally for want of audience, not only saw highest turnout but has also tilted towards the saffron party. NCP and Congress had made fun of the chief minister when he had to cancel his rally in ward no 15 at the last minute as hardly anyone turned up to attend. At the time of filing this report, BJP is comfortably placed at 74 seats, while NCP is at number two with 36 seats, followed by Congress, Shiv Sena, and MNS with 16, 10 and 6 seats respectively. The credit of this performance goes to chief minister Fadnavis and two senior BJP leaders minister Girish Bapat and party MP in Rajya Sabha Sanjay Kakde. The trio, brushing aside all the opposition, had distributed tickets purely on electoral merit, which meant that a number of party loyalists were sidelined in the process. The Shiv Sena is set to emerge as the largest party in Mumbai, while the BJP is ahead in other cities across Maharashtra in civic polls as trends today showed the Congress and the NCP trailing far behind them. The Sena is leading in 93 seats and the BJP in over 70 as trends of counting of votes for the 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, where the saffron allies are locked in a battle, poured in. The stakes are high for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, who led their parties from the front and were involved in a high decibel and no-holds-barred campaign. Apart from Mumbai, the municipal corporations which went to the polls were Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur. (With inputs from PTI) Shiv Sena is on its way to become single largest party in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) as it is so far leading in 84 of the 227 seats in the municipal body. The BJP too has emerged very strong with 80 seats in its kitty so far. The two parties, which broke their three decade old alliance in the municipal body, appear to have decimated Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Together, the two saffron parties have pocketed 145 of the 227 electoral wards in BMC. Breaking the alliance seems to have turned out to be a very good move for Shiv Sena and the BJP. Both parties bettered their performance when compared with the 2012 BMC elections. In 2012, Shiv Sena had 75 seats while BJP had 35. This time around, Shiv Sena has moved ahead of 90 seats, a gain of more than 15 seats, while BJP is moved up 55 mark, a gain of more than 20 seats. As Shiv Sena's victory became clear, the first head to roll was that of Mumbai congress president Sanjay Nirupam. Nirupam accepted the responsibility for the defeat and tendered his resignation. He, however, used the opportunity to complain that his rivals within the party spoiled the chance for Congress. This victory is yet another feather in the cap of Shiv Sena party president Uddhav Thackeray as he faced a huge challenge of retaining his party's citadels of Mumbai and Thane. While Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was campaigning all across Maharshtra, Uddhav had more or less focussed his entire attention on Mumbai and Thane. His efforts have certainly paid rich dividends as Shiv Sena is slowly on its way to become single largest party in Thane Municipal Corporation as well. What remains to be seen now is whether Shiv Sena will win majority on its own and cross the magic figure of 114. As of now it is 24 seats away from the mark. If it is unable to reach 114 on its own, then it will have to seek support of its estranged partner, the BJP. The BJP has already indicated that its doors are open but Shiv Sena will have to make the first move as it is the single largest party. The BMC result has slightly dampened the spirity of the BJP as it was hoping to restrict Shiv Sena to around 80 odd seats. Privately, BJP leaders were hoping that the gap between Shiv Sena and the BJP will be just about 5-7 seats, but that does not seem to be happening as the difference, at the time of filing this report, stands at 30 seats. Another blow for BJP is the defeat of Vinod Shelar, brother of Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar. Shiv Sainiks had taken a challenge of sorts that they will humble Shelar's brother as Ashish Shelar was seen as one of the main culprits as he was extremely critical of Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray. [PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] Zaka, the first emergency organization in Israel to rely on two-wheeled motorized vehicles for an immediate response, is now working to upgrade its fleet. Six scooters were dedicated in a ceremony in Jerusalem along with emergency medical equipment. The organizations media statement explains that 16 years after is two-wheeled response unit was established, it is working to replace old units with new ones, holding the ceremony at its international office near the Jerusalem Central Bus Station. The responders who received the new units thanked donors for enabling them to respond to life-threatening situations. Volunteer Shimon Grossman explains that just last Shabbos his scooter permitted him to respond to a call involving an unconscious person and his quick arrival led reviving the victim BH. The American donors actually felt uncomfortable, explaining It is we that have to thank you for the 24/7 response you maintain. The equipment included with each scooter contains an automated defibrillator. Zaka adds its innovative idea 16 years ago served a model for other emergency response organizations, which today rely on scooters for quick response in emergency situations. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photos: Media Resource Group) [PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] Israel Police in conjunction with a number of government agencies are continuing their battle against illegal cooking gas operators towards preventing catastrophe. On Wednesday morning 26 Shevat police raided an illegal gas operation in Dir el-Assad. Inspectors of the Ministry of National Infrastructure accompanied police. Inspections of three facilities revealed 50 illegal LP gas canisters as well as a gas filling station in a residence. A number of arrests were made. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Police spokesman unit) The Lebanese media reports the Israel Air Force attacked Hizbullah targets close to Damascus. According to one report, a weapons shipment heading to Hizbullah was targeted. Lebanons Al-Jadeed stated the attack took place during the early morning hours, at 3:00AM. It stated a post used by Syrias 155th Battalion was struck as well. As always, there was no official comment from Israeli officials regarding the reported IAF attack. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotevely on Wednesday, 26 Shevat, called on President Reuven Rivlin to pardon IDF soldier Sgt. Elor Azariya. The young soldier, who was found guilty of manslaughter, was sentenced to 18-month imprisonment by a military court on Tuesday. He begins serving his sentence on 7 Adar 5777. http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/israel-news/528575/azariya-begins-serving-manslaughter-sentence-in-march.html Hotevely referred back to the 300 Bus affair set a precedent and the uniqueness of the Azariya affair compels presidential intervention towards preserving national unity and to safeguard the nations trust in the IDF. Other MKs are also calling for pardoning the soldier, with some explaining the family has been through hell and it has affected the health of the parents. Interior Minister Aryeh Deri stated the soldier erred in judgement but should not be failed calling for an immediate pardon. He feels the ten months he was compelled remain on base was sufficient punishment for him. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Along with a steady flow of new missiles, planes and tanks, Russias defense minister said Wednesday his nation also has built up its muscle by forming a new branch of the military information warfare troops. Sergei Shoigus statement which came amid Western allegations of Russian hacking marked the first official acknowledgement of the existence of such forces. Speaking to parliament, Shoigu said that the military received a sweeping array of new weapons last year, including 41 intercontinental ballistic missiles. He added that the wide-ranging military modernization will continue this year, with the air force set to receive 170 new aircraft. The army will receive 905 tanks and other armored vehicles, and the navy will receive 17 new ships. Also this year, three regiments of Russias strategic nuclear forces will receive new intercontinental ballistic missiles, Shoigu said. Each regiment has up to 10 launchers. The rising number of new weapons has raised demands for new personnel. Shoigu said the military currently needs 1,300 more pilots and will recruit them by 2018. Declaring the formation of the dedicated information warfare troops, Shoigu noted that propaganda needs to be clever, smart and efficient. He wouldnt describe the troops mission. Retired Gen. Vladimir Shamanov, the head of defense affairs committee in the lower house of parliament, was equally vague, saying that the information warfare troops task is to protect the national defense interests and engage in information warfare, according to the Interfax news agency. He added that part of their mission is to fend off enemy cyberattacks. Viktor Ozerov, the head of the upper houses defense and security committee, also told Interfax that the information troops will protect Russias data systems from enemy attacks, not wage any hacking attacks abroad. U.S. intelligence agencies have accused Russia of hacking Democratic emails to meddle in the U.S. election, a claim Moscow has denied. Some EU officials also voiced concern that the Kremlin could seek to influence this years elections in the Netherlands, France and Germany. Retired Col. Gen. Leonid Ivashov, the former head of the Defense Ministrys international cooperation department, said that Russia should rely on information warfare troops to fight back against what he described as Western propaganda. We must stop offering excuses and force the West into the defensive by conducting operations to expose its lies, Ivashov said in remarks carried by RIA Novosti news agency. A severe money crunch after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union left the military in tatters, with most of its planes grounded and ships left rusting at harbor for lack of funds. As part of President Vladimir Putins military reforms, the armed forces have received new weapons and now engage in regular large-scale drills. Russia has used its revived military capability in Syria, where it has launched an air campaign in support of Syrian President Bashar Assad and used the conflict to test its new weapons for the first time in combat. The weapons modernization effort has seen the 1-million strong Russian military narrow the technological gap in areas where Russia had fallen behind the West, such as long-range conventional weapons, communications and drone technologies. Shoigu said the military now has 2,000 drones compared to just 180 in 2011. He also noted that Russia has now deployed new long-range early warning radars to survey the airspace along the entire length of its borders. Shoigu also said the military will complete the formation of three new divisions in the nations west and southwest, and also deploy a new division on the Pacific Islands, which have been claimed by Japan. The dispute over the Kuril Islands just north of Japan, which the former Soviet Union seized in the closing days of World War II, has prevented the two countries from signing a peace treaty. Russia previously has deployed new long-range anti-ship missiles on the Kurils to protect the coast. The deployment of a full-fledged Russian army division there appears intended to stake Moscows claim to the islands, which have strategic importance and are surrounded by fertile fishing grounds. (AP) On the eve of the deadline for Dakota Access pipeline protesters to vacate camps in North Dakota, the company in charge of construction said in a court filing on Tuesday that oil could start flowing in as little as two weeks sooner than previous estimates. Texas-based developer Energy Transfer Partners, the builder of the pipeline whose construction has sparked protests since last August over its location, said in the filing to the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., that the company estimates and targets that the pipeline will be complete and ready to flow oil anywhere between the week of March 6, 2017, and April 1, 2017. The court filing was required as part of an ongoing legal battle that is challenging the construction at the site by Lake Oahe. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum last week called for the Oceti Sakowin protest camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation to be evacuated by Wednesday, Feb. 22, claiming ecological damage at the camp and rising post-winter floodwaters. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, which is part of the Great Sioux Nation, has joined the Standing Rock Sioux Tribes lawsuit against the pipeline, filing a motion at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Feb. 9 seeking a temporary restraining order to halt construction and drilling under and on either side of the land surrounding the lake. The tribe argued that the pipeline will desecrate the waters upon which Cheyenne River Sioux tribal members rely for their most important religious practices and therefore substantially burden the free exercise of their religion, according to a court document obtained by ABC News. Last week, the court denied that motion seeking a temporary restraining order. On Tuesday, the pipeline company said that the Cheyenne River Sioux legal claim under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act has no chance of success on the merits. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe filed a separate motion seeking a preliminary injunction directing the Army Corps to withdraw the easement issued to the pipeline company on Feb. 8. The tribe alleges that the easement granted is entirely unlawful, according to court documents. A further hearing on the Cheyenne River Siouxs motion for a preliminary injunction against the pipeline is set for Feb. 27 in Washington, D.C. After receiving the easement to build the pipeline across land on both sides of Lake Oahe, Energy Transfer Partners announced it would resume construction immediately, and work has resumed. The Dakota Access pipeline will connect oil production areas in North Dakota to an existing crude oil terminal near Patoka, Illinois. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has been at the forefront of massive and prolonged protests over the four-state crude oil pipeline. The demonstrations have drawn thousands of Native Americans, environmental activists and their allies to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe reservation. Kelcy Warren, the CEO of Energy Transfer Partners, has said that concerns about the pipelines impact on local water supply are unfounded and multiple archaeological studies conducted with state historic preservation offices found no sacred items along the route. In the final days of Barack Obamas administration, Jo-Ellen Darcy, the assistant secretary of the Army for civil works, announced on Dec. 4 that an easement would not be granted for the pipeline to cross under the large reservoir on the Missouri River. The move to deny the easement was hailed by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and other pipeline opponents as a major victory. But on his second weekday in office, President Trump signed a memorandum aimed at advancing the Dakota Access pipeline, as well as one directed at the Keystone XL pipeline. (Via: ABC News) For many people flying from Singapore to Sydney, the flight can take as little as seven hours or so. But not if you are Benjamin Netanyahu. In the Israeli prime ministers case, it can take more than 11 hours. As you can see in the map below, created using data from FlightAware, the Israeli leader took an unusual detour when traveling from Singapore to Australia overnight. The Guardian newspaper also confirmed this unusual route with Netanyahus delegation. This detour added several hours to his journey. Netanyahus plane wasnt taking the scenic route by choice. Instead, the carrier El Al, Israels national airline was deliberately avoiding the airspace of Indonesia. Indonesia has the worlds largest Muslim population. Like other Muslim-majority nations, the country has no formal diplomatic relations with Israel because of the latters conflict with Palestinians. Some implications of this are well known Israeli passport holders are refused entry to a number of Muslim-majority nations, except in special circumstances, though Israeli citizens are permitted access to Indonesia on tourist visas. However, the strange route of Netanyahus plane shows another effect of Israels diplomatic situation. Indonesia doesnt grant El Al access to its national airspace, necessitating a circuitous route around it. And Indonesia isnt the only country to restrict access. A quick look at Netanyahus earlier flight from Tel Aviv to Singapore also shows how the Israeli prime minister took an unusual route, which may have been designed to avoid the airspace of Saudi Arabia or another nation. Representatives of El Al didnt respond to clarify what airspaces they were prohibited from flying over. Netanyahus awkward journey around Indonesia comes at a time when the Israeli leader is hoping for a closer relationship with Jakarta. The two countries were reported to be informally upgrading their relations in 2012, with Indonesia opening a consulate in the West Bank city of Ramallah that would include a diplomat who would unofficially serve as ambassador to Israel. However, when Netanyahu called upon Indonesia to normalize diplomatic relations last year, the Indonesian government said it would do so only when the Palestinians are granted an independent state. (c) 2017, The Washington Post Adam Taylor Vice President Mike Pence made an unannounced trip to the Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in University City Wednesday. Nearly 200 gravestones were damaged at the historic Jewish cemetery over the weekend. Police said they do not have evidence to indicate the vandalism was a hate crime, but said they are continuing their investigation. No arrests have been made. People in St. Louis are inspiring the nation, said Vice President Mike Pence You are showing the world what America is all about. Vice President Mike Pence is in Fenton to tour a plant and talk about job growth. He commented on the act of vandalism in St. Louis. Monday morning America discovered that nearly 200 tombstones were toppled in a nearby Jewish cemetery. Speaking just yesterday President Trump called this, a horrible and painful act. And so it was. That, along with other recent threats to Jewish Community Centers around the country. He declared it all a sad reminder of hate, prejudice and evil. We condemn this vile act of vandalism and the people who perpetrated it in the strongest possible terms. It has been inspiring to people all across this country to see the people of Missouri rally around the Jewish community with compassion. You have inspired this nation with your kindness and your generosity. Three days ago my wife and daughter and I were overseas. We saw first hand what happens when hatred runs rampant in a society. We were near Munich Germany where we visited where the first Nazi concentration camps were constructed. We were accompanied by a survivor of Dachau. A 93-year-old man who said he arrived there as a 17-year-old boy. He told us of his hellish life as we walked through that memorial. He toiled as a slave while others around him were taken away one by one to never return. By the grace of God he survived. .@mike_Pence at vandalized Jewish cemetery in St. Louis: "There is no place in America foracts of prejudice or violence or anti-Semitism" pic.twitter.com/WyIG0NZnWr ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) February 22, 2017 Before he left, he spoke words that touched my heart, and Ill always carry with me throughout my life. They resonate with me today. He spoke of his hellish existence in the waning days of the war. He looked up at me with a smile and said, Then the Americans came. He spoke of the kindness of the American soldiers that liberated that camp. He pointed a finger at me and said, When you go back you thank every one of those soldiers for what they did. Will you join me in applause for every man and woman who has worn the uniform of the United States of America. DEVELOPING STORY The big airlines have jumped into the basic economy market, competing with the super-cheap airlines that cater to the most frugal passengers. Within hours of each other, American and United announced that they had begun selling basic economy fares that push down the price of a ticket. The lower price can come with caveats, however, including having to pay extra for space in the overhead bin, boarding last and not having the option to pre-select seats when booking the tickets. Analysts said the big airlines are going after the low-priced market more aggressively after watching the upstarts become so successful. The Spirits and Frontiers have gotten so much bigger, said Kris Kelley, an analyst at Janus Capital Group. Now they are formidable competition that the big three carriers (American, United Continental, Delta) have to somehow deal with in their markets. Low-priced Spirit, Allegiant and Frontier airlines have corralled a big chunk of the low-cost travelers by emphasizing prices that historically are less than what the cheapest major airlines can offer. The low-cost competitors have thrived by reducing frills to a minimum, packing in more seats, reducing time at the gate and keeping the planes in the air longer than their larger counterparts. American, United and Delta now realize theres a big percentage of the population that just wants to get there cheaply and safely, and they are no longer willing to watch all that business go to airlines like Spirit, said Seth Kaplan, editor of Airline Weekly, which follows the industry. American and United are following Delta, which had previously said it would enter the basic economy game. American announced early Tuesday that super-cheap fares would begin on 10 routes from its hub airports in Dallas, Miami, Philadelphia and Charlotte, according to The Associated Press. United is selling reduced fares on certain flights from Minneapolis to seven hub cities, including New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, starting in April. Lower fuel costs are part of the reason. Cheaper fuel has allowed the major carriers to reduce some fares to the level of the economy airlines with enough of a margin to still make money. Spirit has always sold price. They led with price, Kaplan said. But airlines like American smell blood. If American can say to people, you can get the Spirit fare on American and still get certain extras, that puts even more pressure on Spirit. Its like putting a virtual curtain in front of the last few rows, Kaplan said. Its not too desirable, but if you just want to see Grandma as inexpensively as possible, then we have a fare for that. The Associated Press reports that two random early-March itineraries for American flights between Dallas and Baltimore priced economy tickets on Americans website at $249 and $309. The basic economy fares for those flights were $209 and $269. Airline consultant Robert Mann said technology advances in recent years have allowed the big airlines to go after the low-cost market. The big airlines had previously stayed away from such ultra-low pricing because of the fear that it would cannibalize its higher fares. The airlines set up such fare rules as mandating Saturday night stays to discourage customers from picking the cheapest seats. What changed? Technology, Mann said. There was a breakthrough. The big airlines developed a method of structuring a separate, lower-fare family. Mann said the airlines also figured out how to roll out the new pricing so customers understand it and the limitations. In the case of American and United, they will not allow you to use the overhead bin, he said. Thats one way which they have further fenced off customers from diluting their customer base. The airline industry, with the exception of longtime Wall Street darling Southwest Airlines, has cruised into an investor renaissance after years of being in the dregs. Southwest, once a low-cost upstart, is now considered one of the four major U.S. airlines, along with American, United Continental and Delta. Billionaire investor Warren Buffett, who famously bemoaned his one-time investment in US Airways, calling it one of the biggest mistakes of his career, is getting in on the act with investments in all four. For years, Buffett avoided airline investments, saying that their relentless competition and massive capital investment requirements violated some of his basic tenets of investing. Buffett called the airline industry a death trap for investors at his Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting in 2013. He told Londons the Telegraph in a 2002 interview: If a capitalist had been present at Kitty Hawk back in the early 1900s, he should have shot Orville Wright. He would have saved his progeny money. (c) 2017, The Washington Post Thomas Heath By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times The election of President Trump, and the presence of a Shomer Shabbos daughter and son-in-law, has sparked new interest in the blessing that is recited upon kings. Indeed, the issue even made it into the Annual Five Towns Brachos contest. Does we recite a blessing over President Trump? Is it just kings who have life or death in their hands, or is it even U.S. presidents? The Shulchan Aruch (OC 324:8) rules that on Jewish kings one recites the blessing, Boruch atta Hashem, elokainu melech haolam shchalak mikvodo lirayav. On kings of the nations of the world one recites the blessing, boruch shnasan mikvodo lbasar vadam. This is based upon a passage in Brachos 58a. The blessing, it seems, is recited with Shaim uMalchus mentioning the Name of G-d as well as mentioning His Kingship over the wolrd. HOW OFTEN But how often is this blessing recited? What if you happen to be Jared and Ivanka? Do you say it every day? It would seem that the blessing is only made once in every thirty days, according to a quote of the Raavad found in the Orchos Chaim. It is also interesting to note that in the Sefer Chasidim (#950) there is a limitation placed on this Mitzvah. It seems that if one never saw the king (or president) then one should try to go see him. If, however, he had already seen him, the Sefer Chassidim writes, then he should not be mevatel from his Torah studies. IF IVANKA RUNS.. What happens if, in the future, Ivanka Kushner, the presidents popular daughter, chooses to run and wins? Which version of the blessing would be recited the first version for Jewish kings or the second version for kings of the nations? The Shoel vnishal (OC Vol. I #73) rules that if that person were to follow the ways of the Torah than the first version is recited. Otherwise it would be the second version. PRESIDENT TRUMP IN PLAIN CLOTHES What would be the halacha if the president were to forgo high-end clothing and were to try and go incognito such as in overalls? The Kaf haChaim 324:33 cites numerous Poskim who state that the blessing was only enacted when the physical manifestations of that Kavod are present. The Halacha Brurah (Vol. XI p. 305), Rav Ovadiah Yosefs son, rules that one does not recite the blessing in such a situation with Shaim uMalchus but just the words themselves. Ashkenazic Poskim do not cite this caveat. One should check with ones own Rav or Posaik. DOES HE HAVE TO SEE HIM? The Debreciner Rav rules that if one saw the president on television the blessing is not said. Indeed, one does not even say it without shaim uMalchus. Rav Dovid Yosef write that one does not actually have to witness the president or king. Even if one was just able to see his entourage and knew that he was there, that would be sufficient. It is for this reason that even a blind person may recite this blessing when he feels that the president is present. If he does not actually feel it, but is merely told that the president is here, then he does not recite the blessing (p. 308). ARE PRESIDENTS LIKE KINGS? Rav Ovadia Yosef ztl ruled (Yechave Daas 2:28) that the blessing is recited as long as the person in charge can either execute or pardon someone from exection. He cites the Radvaz (Vol. I #296) as well as the Orchos Chaim (Hilchos Brachos Siman 49) to this effect. Rav Dovid Yosef Shlita in his Halacha Brurah (Vol. XI page 306) writes that one recites the blessing with Shaim UMalchus even on a democratically elected leader of a limited term. This is true only as long as his pardoning cannot be overruled. What about a President who doesnt wear royal clothing? Rav Ovadia Yosef ztl in his Yabia Omer 8:22:25) writes that when the President Richard Nixon flew to Israel the blessing was recited without Shaim uMalchus. It seems, however, that this concept has evolved a bit, taking into account that in Western countries, kings and leaders just dont wear royal clothing anymore. Thus, Rav Dovid Yosef rules that even if the king is not wearing specialized clothing but is wearing respectable clothing and is surrounded by other significant people, then a blessing is made with Shaim uMalchus. Rav Vosner is Shaivet haLevi I #35 rules that shaim uMalcus is recited on the president. The Debreciner Rav ruled (Beer Moshe Vol. II #9) that shaim uMalchus is not recited. Rav Moshe Shternbuch (Teshuvos Vhanhagos Vol. II #139 rules that the temporary nature of the presidency is what would disqualify it from the shaim uMalchus aspect of the blessing. THE REASONS The Gemorah explains that one should actually make an effort to see kings in order to be able to distinguish between Jewish and non-Jewish kings. Rashi explains that the reference is to Melech haMashiach, when he arrives. Seemingly, the reason is so that we can better appreciate Moshiach when he finally arrives, and the Chessed that hashem has done for us. The Rambam seems to imply a different reason. The Gemorah (Megillah 15b) tells us that Esther was punished when she went to see Achashveirosh and she reached the outer hall. The Shechina was no longer with her and she noticed the deficit and recited the verse in Tehillim (22), Hashem, Hashem, why have You abandoned me? One of the questions of self-examination that she asked herself was that perhaps she had incorrectly referred to Achashveirosh disparagingly. She then immediately corrected herself. The Rambam explains in his commentary to Esther (5:1) that Hashem had given of His Kavod to flesh and blood and it was wrong of her to speak of him in a pejorative manner. It seems from this Rambam, the reason for the bracha is to take note of the honor which Hashem endowed a human being. TO AMALEK It is interesting to note that when Kaiser Wilhelm came to Yerushalayim on a Shabbos, the 13th of Cheshvan in 5659, they told Rav Yoseph Chaim Sonnenfeld ztl of his imminent arrival. He was to arrive at 3:00 PM. Yet the Rav did not wish to greet him. They inquired as to why not. He responded that he had a tradition from the Vilna Gaon that the German people were safaik Amalek and that it is forbidden to recite the blessing of, boruch shenasan mikvodo lbasar vadam. One of my Rebbeim, a holocaust survivor, had related this incident to me some thirty five years ago and wondered, In light of the holocaust, it may no longer be a safaik. The author can be reached at [email protected] The authors books can be purchased at Amazon.com In its ongoing campaign to curtail violent crime in Israel, Israel Police continues efforts to locate and confiscate illegal weapons including in the Israeli Arab sector. The following weapons were confiscated in the Israeli Arab sector in the past two weeks. Tuba pipe bomb, LAW rocket and a pistol Majdal Shams two fragmentation grenades. Dir el-Assad a stun grenade Kfar Kana 2 9mm pistols and a stun grenade Uawyana Nejudas 9mm pistol Rama a makeshift explosive device Tamra Uzi machinegun and Kalashnikov assault rifle Mishad two Walter P pistols Afula Illit a 7.65mm pistol Tzfat a gas grenade Tishan a stun grenade Total confiscated since the beginning of 2017: 16 assorted guns 25 pistols 14 grenades 3 bombs 1 LAW rocket 8 fireworks 100s of various caliber bullets (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photos Credit: Police spokesman unit) A few days after senior Kiryat Yovel Community Council official Yechiel Levy spoke to Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) about ousting chareidim from his community, Mr. Levy has stepped down, resigning his senior post. Levy told Galei Tzahal his policy was to choke the chareidim and deprive them of services to the point they will opt to leave the area. His words led to an outcry with chareidi MKs and ministers calling to oust him from his post. He came under criticism from President Reuven Rivlin and Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat called to oust him. Levy submitted his letter of resignation to the head of his council, using it to apologize again. He explained his remarks do not truly represent who he is but his apology following the incident did nothing to calm the calls to oust him. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Dozens of people, including children, were arrested early Thursday after clashing with Southern California police outside a home where a Los Angeles policeman fired a single round during an off-duty tussle with a 13-year-old boy. Hundreds of people had gathered hours earlier after videos surfaced showing the incident between the officer, whose identity has not been released, and a group of youths. The incident occurred Tuesday over ongoing issues with children walking across the officers property in Anaheim, a police spokesman told The Orange County Register. The 13-year-old believed the officer had cursed a teenage girl who had walked on his lawn on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Times reported. The little kid said, Im going to sue you, and then the guy thought he said, Im going to shoot you. Thats when he started grabbing the little kid, Gregory Perez, 16, told The Orange County Register. One video posted on YouTube shows the officer struggling with the boy, who repeatedly denies he threatened to shoot and at one point says Let me go. Im only 13. A taller youth steps in and tries to break the officers grip. Another youth rushes the officer, who stumbles back through a small hedge, still holding the 13-year-old. The taller boy then takes a swing at the officer. Other teens approach and the officer still gripping the 13-year-old with one hand pulls a gun from his waistband, crouches, and a shot is fired. Witnesses said the officer did not discharge the gun toward anyone, Anaheim Sgt. Daron Wyatt told KNX-AM radio. After police arrive, the off-duty officer puts his hands up and is walked away to be interviewed while the teenager eventually is handcuffed. The 13-year-old boy was booked at Orange County Juvenile Hall on suspicion of making criminal threat and battery, while a 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assault and battery and later released, Anaheim police said. Their names were not released because they are minors. The American Civil Liberties Union said in a statement Wednesday that the video was deeply disturbing, and said investigators need to explain why the boys were arrested, but not the officer who fired the shot. Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait said in a statement Wednesday that he was concerned with what he saw in the video, and the city is committed to a full and impartial investigation. Anaheim and Los Angeles police were investigating the incident and the officer was cooperating, Wyatt said. The Anaheim Police Department said it was aware of numerous videos posted on YouTube. The department said its Homicide Detail is investigating and when the case is completed, it will be submitted to the Orange County district attorneys office. That office will decide whether any criminal charges should be filed. The LAPDs Force Investigation Division is also looking into the altercation and the officer has been placed on administrative leave, the LAPD told the Register. The calm gathering of protesters was disrupted Wednesday night as some began vandalizing the officers and neighboring homes and throwing objects at Anaheim police officers observing the demonstration across the street, the Register reported. Protesters then took to Euclid Street, blocking traffic before confronting Anaheim police officers in riot gear who had established a skirmish line. Police created a second skirmish line around the officers home. Early Thursday, police said in a statement that 24 people were arrested: 10 men, eight women, three boys and three girls. All are misdemeanor charges for variations of failure to disperse, resisting arrest, and battery on a peace officer. (AP) Boss troubles: Lloyds director of corporate affairs, Matt Young Lloyds bank's newly-published annual results reveals its director of corporate affairs, Matt Young, has amassed a shareholding in the bank worth 2.2million. Not bad for a humble PR chief. Of course, after the hurly-burly over Antonio Horta-Osorio's alleged Far Eastern canoodling, Young may well feel he's earned every penny. Economist Vicky Pryce, jailed for accepting speeding points on behalf of her adulterous ex-husband Chris Huhne, was invited to speak at this week's National Manufacturing Conference. Elsewhere, she's welcomed onto the airwaves as a respected pundit. As for the dreaded Huhne, 62, he stands accused of wasting millions while energy minister on hopeless green subsidies. Isn't it funny how this modern political tragi-drama has played out? Visitors to British American Tobacco's offices in London's Temple are greeted with posters pasted throughout the building foyer, bearing the ominous slogan: 'Smoking Kills'. BAT employees must have a spring in their step and a song in their hearts when they arrive at their desks each morning. Chirpy ex-chancellor Alistair Darling, now on the board at Morgan Stanley, spoke at the Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF) dinner in Park Lane this week. He paid a brief tribute to gloomy crooner Leonard Cohen, who passed away last year. Reminiscing on the 2008 financial crisis, former Home Secretary Alan Johnson once joked: 'Alistair became the first person ever to go to a Leonard Cohen concert to cheer himself up.' Barclays' smoothychops finance director Tushar Morzaria explains the bank's decision to accelerate the closure of its 'bad bank' division: 'It was desynergistic to have a separate, walled-off, non-core group operating by itself.' Clears that up nicely. Social Media Needs A Travel Mode News reports tell us that Customs and Border Patrol has become more aggressive about checking social media accounts at the border. In doing this, the United States joins a growing list of countries that recognized the value of these accounts, and the unique data mining opportunity that a border crossing provides. These searches don't just involve agents skimming through your contact lists or photosthe border police can use software to rapidly dump the contents of your phone, and download your full history from every social media site you use. The Fourth Amendment normally protects people in the United States from this kind of indiscriminate search, but at the borders, courts so far have ruled that Fourth Amendment protections dont apply. In the eyes of the law, there is no difference between your phone and your suitcase. Both are open for inspection. If you're a citizen, you can try to refuse such a request, but may find yourself detained for several hours or more, or subjected to stressful questioning. Your devices might also be confiscated. If youre a non-citizen, you could be denied entry, or detained indefinitely. Saying no to the US border patrol is risky. And its not just at the border where your social media history is at the mercy of strangers. Any enterprising piece of malware living in an airport charger, hotel business center or shared USB stick that gets access to your Gmail or Facebook credentials can siphon down your life story. Given these threats, why havent social media sites given us a way to limit our exposure when we travel? All I care about when Im on vacation is posting devastating beach photos that will make my friends jealous. So why do I need to carry the complete list of people I went to high school with, or an archive of messages I exchanged with a chance acquaintance ten years ago? We dont take our other valuables with us when we travelwe leave the important stuff at home, or in a safe place. But Facebook and Google dont give us similar control over our valuable data. With these online services, its all or nothing. We need a trip mode' for social media sites that reduces our contact list and history to a minimal subset of what the site normally offers. Not only would such a feature protect people forced to give their passwords at the border, but it would mitigate the many additional threats to privacy they face when they use their social media accounts away from home. Both Facebook and Google make lofty claims about user safety, but theyve done little to show they take the darkening political climate around the world seriously. A trip mode would be a chance for them to demonstrate their commitment to user safety beyond press releases and anodyne letters of support. Whats required is a small amount of engineering, a good marketing effort, and the conviction that any company that makes its fortune hoarding user data has a moral responsibility to protect its users. To work effectively, a trip mode feature would need to be easy to turn on, configurable (so you can choose how long you want the protection turned on for) and irrevocable for an amount of time chosen by the user once its set. Theres no sense in having a trip mode if the person demanding your password can simply switch it off, or coerce you into switching it off. A trip mode should also strike a balance between privacy and usability. You want enough of your contact list and message history on the site for it to still be useful, but not enough to hurt people if youre forced to surrender your password, or if someone gains access to your device through other means. Most importantly, such a mode should not put people in the position of attempting to talk their way past border guards. Border interviews are tense situations where its easy to put yourself in dangerlying to a Federal agent is a felonyor be pressured into making bad decisions. The only people who can offer reliable protection against invasive data searches at national borders are the billion-dollar companies who control the servers. They have the technology, the expertise, and the legal muscle to protect their users. All thats missing is the will. Facebook has already done something similar with messaging. By baking state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption into WhatsApp, used by a billion people, they scored a major victory against dragnet surveillance. (Of course, being Facebook, they werent able to resist mining the metadata to feed their advertising platform.) Google, for its part, has long promised its users end-to-end encryption, but never followed through. Protecting people when they travel gives both companies a chance to show their moxie. Almost anything would be better than the status quo, which requires users to choose from one of the following bad options: They can comply with lawful requests and expose all their friends, family and contacts to government or other hacker scrutiny. They can delete their social media accounts entirely. But this requires a heroic level of self-abnegation, as well as plenty of planning. Facebook, for example, takes sixty days to actually erase your account after you turn it off. Many other social sites leave deleted accounts in an indefinite state of suspended animation, where they can be turned back on as soon as you log back in. They can travel with special laptops and phones used for travel only, without social media apps or browser history. But such feints are easy to circumvent, particularly at the US border, where your identity is known to the border patrol hours before you land. Border agents can find your profile online and make you log in on their own machine. Some online guides have suggested creating decoy Gmail and Facebook accounts just for travel. Not only is this advice extremely dangerous (putting you in a position where youre lying at the border), but it doesnt work. Federal agents know how to use social media better than you do. They will find your real profile and have many, many questions for you about why youre hiding it. Finally, they can try to purge your social media history and contacts of as much old material as possible. But good luck with that. The entire business model of sites like Facebook and Google is to hoover up this information and store it forever. They want your full history even more than thieves, hackers, or intelligence agencies do. Implementing a travel mode would involve security tradeoffs and careful decisions about user experience. But these are the kinds of things billion-dollar Internet companies are supposed to be good at. And they would find their employees are eager to make travel safer for their colleagues, families, neighbors and friends. There are many threats to privacy that we don't see coming. Invasive social media checks at the US and other borders are not one of them. We know that dragnet surveillance of social media accounts is about to become widespread; the only question is what well do to fight it. Tech workers at Facebook and Google must decide to apply collective pressure against their feckless CEOs, whose instinct is to lay low and hope the problem goes away. Companies that have maneuvered billions of people into storing their most personal information on their servers, and worked aggressively to insert themselves into every facet of social and family life, owe it to their users to fight, and fight hard, for their safety. If you want to put an always-on microphone in my home, then protect me at the border. Fears surrounding the impending impact of Brexit on trade deals is doing little to stall car manufacturing in the UK with production at British factories increasing by 7.5 per cent in January on the back of growing export demand. According to new figured released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders on Thursday, 147,922 vehicles were built in the UK last month - the biggest output in the first month of the year since January 2008. But while more foreign drivers are seeking UK-built cars, Britons continue to shop for models assembled further afield - earlier this month, the SMMT said 174,546 new cars were registered in January, meaning just 17 per cent of those are vehicles made in British vehicle plants. Car building boom: Vehicle plants based in the UK made 7.5% more cars in January this year than it did in the same month in 2016, but the increased number is driven by export demands and not customer orders from Britons Just 30,006 of the 147,992 vehicles built at UK manufacturing locations last month were to be delivered to UK consumers - that's a 3.6 per cent decline on January figures last year, despite the total increase of 7.5 per cent. For some time, the overwhelming majority of cars made in the UK are completed and instantly transported to foreign shores - four in five of all vehicles, in fact. Though that gap between exports and UK-orders is gradually extending - last year 77.4 per cent of cars built during January were sent overseas; that figure has now stretched to 79.7 per cent. The widening void is a combination of fewer UK orders for British-made cars and the growing numbers of deliveries overseas, with exports increasing by 10.8 per cent year-on-year. Export demand was up 10.8% year-on-year, though home orders dropped by 3.6% in the same period Production output in January 2017 was the highest it has been since the same month in 2008 This gap might begin to shrink part way into the year if higher charges are enforced to move vehicles to and from the UK as part of trade negotiations ironed out during Brexit talks. Future growth will depend upon maintaining our competitiveness, not least in terms of securing a future trade deal with the EU that allows us tariff-free access to our biggest market... The SMMT said it was imperative for the UK to secure tariff-free access to the single market to guarantee the extending growth in the number of exported cars, though there are no promises that this will be the case. If additional fees were to be applied, it could put a greater financial emphasis on UK residents purchasing cars built in this country, with Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan, Mini, Toyota, Honda and Vauxhall being the major mainstream manufacturers making vehicles in Britain. However, not all these manufacturers have committed to a manufacturing continuation in the UK if higher tariffs were to be applied to vehicles leaving and entering the country. The future of Vauxhall's British manufacturing hub in Ellesmere Port - where the current Astra is built - has already been cast into doubt this month by talks of the PSA Group taking control of the marque and sister brand Opel as part of a deal with current owners, General Motors. Fears have grown about the future of the Vauxhall plant in Ellesmere Port following reports of General Motors negotiating a deal to sell the brand to the PSA Group The MINI plant in Oxford built more than 210,000 cars last year WHO ARE THE BIGGEST UK-BASED CARMAKERS AND HOW MANY VEHICLES TO THE BUILD? Manufacturer Factory locations Cars built in 2016 Jaguar Land Rover Castle Bromwich, Halewood, Solihull 544,401 Nissan Sunderland 507,444 MINI Oxford 210,973 Toyota Burnaston - Derby 180,425 Honda Swindon 134,146 Vauxhall Ellesmere Port 118,182 Others 27,127 Source: SMMT Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, 'UK car manufacturing made a very positive start to the year, carrying on the strong performance from 2016. 'These latest results highlight, once again, the export-led nature of our industry and the global appeal of our products. 'Future growth will depend upon maintaining our competitiveness, not least in terms of securing a future trade deal with the EU that allows us tariff-free access to our biggest market and the ability to move goods freely, unimpeded by any bureaucratic restrictions.' More than 1.72 million vehicles were built in Britain during 2016, according to official figures released the the motor industry representative up 8.5 per cent on the previous year and the highest figure since 1999. Of those, a record all time high of 1.35 million were shipped worldwide for export by 15 manufacturers an increase of 10.3 per cent over 12 months. 17.30 (close): London's top-flight index swung into the red as investors took a dim view of Barclays despite the banking giant posting a significant surge in profits. The FTSE 100 Index was down 30.88 points to 7,271.37, as the lender saw group pre-tax profits soar to 3.2billion, up from 1.1billion a year earlier, thanks to a boost from its investment banking arm. However, Barclays reversed early gains as shareholders baulked at warnings from chairman John McFarlane that 'significant challenges remain' as the bank fights US authorities over allegations surrounding its part in a mortgage bond mis-selling scandal. Shares closed down more than two per cent, or 6.1p to 229.1p. Jasper Lawler, senior market analyst at London Capital Group, said: 'A near tripling of profits in 2016 and the early closure of its so-called 'bad bank' which housed its worst assets were the main reasons for the initially positive reception to Barclays results. 'The profit surge was thanks in part to lower PPI payout costs but with uncertainty over the fine it will pay the US Department of Justice, past discretions continue to be a future liability.' Across Europe, the Cac 40 in France was marginally down and Germany's Dax dropped 0.4 per cent. On the currency markets, the pound pushed higher after the CBI's latest quarterly Distributive Trades Survey cooled predictions of a slump in consumer demand. Some 40 per cent of retailers said that sales volumes were up in February on a year ago, while 31 per cent said they were down, giving a balance of positive nine per cent, up from a fall in the previous survey of negative eight per cent. The poll, which included 64 retailers, found retail sales volumes are expected to rise again in the year to March, albeit at a slightly slower pace. Sterling was up 0.7 per cent against the US dollar at 1.254 and was 0.5 per cent higher versus the euro at 1.185. The price of oil jumped 1.1 per cent after data from the United States showed inventories had taken a surprise tumble. Brent crude rose 63 cents to 56.47 US dollars a barrel as investors were encouraged that the end maybe in sight for the global oil supply glut. In UK stocks, British Gas owner Centrica slumped after revenues for 2016 dropped three per cent to 27.1billion. However, annual group operating profits at Centrica jumped four per cent to 1.5billion, helped in part by a two per cent rise in operating profits at its energy and services arm covering the UK and Ireland to 906million. Shares were down 8.6p to 225.1p. Away from the top tier, National Express rose 8.2p to 350p after notching up a 10 [er cent rise in profits last year thanks to ongoing strike action blighting rival Southern Rail. Full-year profits rose to 120million from 109.1million a year earlier, with the firm's coach arm carrying an additional 25,000 customers on affected Southern routes during recent strike action. The biggest risers on the FTSE 100 Index were Intu properties up 18.6p to 294p, RSA Insurance up 28p to 605p, Mondi up 51p to 1,888p, Randgold Resources up 160p to 7,595p. The biggest fallers on the FTSE 100 Index were easyJet down 59.5p to 914.5p, Rio Tinto down 190p to 3,418p, HSBC Holdings down 26.9p to 652.8p, Centrica down 8.6p to 225.1p. New Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has been giving a round of interviews in which he says he wants 'very significant tax reforms' 15:30: The Footsie remained flat in late afternoon trading, refusing to be moved by a spate of corporate earnings. With not much time on the clock the FTSE 100 index was down just one point at 7300.7. On Wall Street the Dow Jones was up 0.19 per cent at 20,815.09, the S&P rose 0.21 per cent to 2,367.76, and the Nasdaq was up 0.04 per cent at 5,862.93. The gains come as new Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has been giving a round of interviews in which he says he wants 'very significant tax reforms'. He also said the US remains committed to its 3 per cent GDP target for 2018. US equities have been on the tear over the past two weeks after Trump said his administration would make a major tax announcement in the coming weeks. But many in the market have become impatient and want to see evidence that tax reforms will be put in place. Drew Forman, at Macro Risk Advisors, said: 'There is an incremental buy on the market everyday. 'However, people are getting complacent ... and we're going to need to see some results from the President and the government on some of these policies before we see a huge breakout.' US markets were also boosted by an oil price surge after data showed a surprise decline in US inventories, suggesting a global oversupply maybe be ending. Brent crude rose 2 per cent to $56.95 a barrel and was on track for its biggest one-day rise since January 26. Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate rose 2 per cent to $54.66 a barrel, for its biggest one day gain since the start of the month. As a result shares of Exxon Mobil, Chesapeake Energy, Transocean and Marathon Oil all gained. Elsewhere Tesla Motors reported a bigger than expected loss of $0.69c a share for its fourth quarter, despite revenues beating expectations. The company, run by Elon Musk, saw its shares fall by 5 per cent on the Nasdaq. The electric car maker has continued to burn through cash, losing $448million from operating activities over the quarter. Tesla's guidance was lukewarm and ambiguous, saying it would deliver between 47,000 and 50,000 Model X vehicles in the first half of the year. It didn't give guidance for the full year. Musk said Tesla would deliver between 47,000 and 50,000 Model X vehicles in the first half of the year 12:30: The Footsie was struggling for momentum, in a session swamped by earnings. By the half way point the FTSE 100 index was off 6 points at 7,295.6. The index was being led by by Intu Properties, 6.6 per cent higher after the shopping centre landlord hiked its dividend for the first time in five years. Plenty of earnings for traders to digest this session, but the FTSE has barely moved all day RSA Insurance was also a riser, up 5 per cent after posting a 25 per cent rise in 2016 profits. BAE Systems' full year results have gone down well, with the shares up 2.3 per cent. Sterling's weakness has boosted revenues by 1billion, but there is plenty of reasons beyond sterling's weakness for investors to be cheerful. New order intake looks particularly strong and with Donald Trump hinting he could well increase the US defence budget. EasyJet was the biggest faller, down 5.5 per cent as the budget airline went ex-dividend. Joining it at the bottom of the index was Centrica down 3.9 per cent as investors reacted with disappointment that a return to profit growth was not matched by a rise in the dividend. Meanwhile Barclays had undone its good work this morning, after announcing a tripling of its profits last year from 1.1billion to 3.2billion as provision for past wrongdoing began to retreat - falling from 4.4billion to 1.4billion. That was primarily due to the decline in compensation paid to customers mis-sold PPI, although the increase in profits fell short of analysts' expectations. Shares in the bank had initially jumped, but were off 1 per cent by lunch. Senior Hargreaves Lansdown analyst Laith Khalaf said: 'Lower PPI costs and currency tailwinds have helped boost profits at Barclays, while good progress has been made in winding down the bad bank that has been holding the group back. 'The performance of Barclays' core UK and international divisions was somewhat underwhelming though, with underlying profits actually falling back slightly.' On the FTSE 250, Morgan Advanced Materials was the biggest riser, up 8.2 per cent after an 8.5 per cent rise in 2016 revenues. Among 'small cap' stocks, Morgan Sindall jumped 7.2 per cent after reporting a 32 per cent jump in 2016 profits. Hansard Global fell to the bottom of the index, down 9.9 per cent after the investment group reported a drop in profits and said it planned to halve its dividend next year. 09:30: The Footsie is flat in a session dominated by corporate earnings. In early deals the FTSE 100 was little changed at 7,300.6 - having closed at 7302.25 yesterday as Lloyds reported its highest annual profit in a decade and Unilever promised a far-reaching review. This session shares in Intu, RSA and Barclays were among the top risers on the back of strong results, but British Gas owner Centrica dropped 3 per cent. Annual profits at the group rose 4 per cent, but its British Gas domestic business saw profits fall 11 per cent. BAE Systems also rose 1.6 per cent after the company reported annual operating profits of 1.74billion for 2016, up from 1.5billion. Barclays was among the top risers this morning in a session dominated by earnings Chief executive Ian King said: 'With an improved outlook for defence budgets in a number of our markets, we are well placed to continue to generate attractive returns for shareholders.' Meanwhile Glencore, the miner and commodity trader, has announced a return to profitability on the back of higher raw material prices and cost cutting. Its shares were up over 1 per cent. British American Tobacco, the brand behind Lucky Strike and Dunhill cigarettes, reported rising revenues and profits last year as it sealed a deal to create the world's largest tobacco company by sales last month. Its shares were unchanged. But the biggest riser was FTSE 100 shopping centres group Intu pushed up rents from retailers in 2016 despite clouds gathering over the broader retail market. Its shares were up 6 per cent. On the FTSE 250 National Express reported a 10 per cent rise in pre-tax profits and raised its dividend. Its shares gained 2 per cent. But pre-tax profits at Rathbone Brothers fell by 14.5 per cent for 2016, dropping to 50.1million as the FTSE 250 was hit by acquisition and head office relocation costs. Its shares were unchanged. COMPANY NEWS: BARCLAYS - The bank reported a near tripling in pretax profit. LLOYDS - The Government said it has further reduced its stake in the bank, a day after the bank posted its highest profit since before the 2007-2009 global financial crisis. GLENCORE - The miner reported an 18 per cent increase in core profits and said the company had never been so well positioned BAE - The engineer said it expected increased defence budgets to boost its earnings by 5-10 per cent this year after it met market expectations with a 7 per cent rise in 2016. BAT - The second-largest international tobacco company, reported a slight increase in full-year cigarette and tobacco sales volumes. RELX - The European information and analytics provider Relx raised its dividend by a more-than-expected 21 per cent after meeting 2016 results forecasts. CENTRICA - Britain's largest energy supplier reported a 4 per cent rise in annual adjusted profit, slightly ahead of analyst estimates, and said debt levels could be low enough this year to allow an increase in its dividend. RSA - The insurer posted a 25 per cent rise in 2016 operating profit to an above due to strong performance in most of its core businesses. INTU PROPERTIES - The British shopping centre landlord Properties posted an unchanged full-year NAV from last year, as values and demand for Britain's top malls stabilised against a weakening broader market following the country's vote to leave the EU. MONDI - The South African paper and packaging company underlying profit rose, helped by good performance in all its businesses despite pricing pressure in a number of key paper grades. RATHBONE - The British wealth manager said funds under management rose 17.1 per cent in 2016 to 34.2billion, boosted by gains in the British stock market in the second half of the year. HOWDEN JOINERY - The modular kitchen maker Howden reported a slower full-year revenue growth for its UK depots, dragged down by weaker consumer confidence following Britain's vote to leave the European Union. PLAYTECH - The gambling technology company said full-year revenue rose 12.5 per cent, aided by strong performance in its gaming division. PURPLEBRICKS - The online real estate agent said it intended to raise funds through a share issue to expand into the United States. AO WORLD - The online electricals retailer said its founder John Roberts had stepped down as chief executive but would remain on the board in a new executive role. EX-DIVS - Carnival, Diageo, Easyjet GlaxoSmithKline , Rio Tinto and Lancashire to go ex-dividend. Bruce has been one of the largest supporters of the ACLU Reproductive Rights Project for over 20 years. He has been a major supporter of Planned Parenthood both locally and nationally for a similar time, such that Cecile Richards told her local staff in Illinois earlier this year, "if I hear anything negative about Bruce Rauner my head will explode." Bruce has been unequivocal in his support for reproductive rights throughout a contentious Republican primary and publicly stated his support for reproductive rights in primary debates. He won the primary despite his pro-choice stance, in part by convincing pro-lifers to put aside their views on this issue in favor of economic ones. Bruce has been in conversation with Personal PAC for over two years. Theirs was the only questionnaire that he has completed in this race, and the only question he got "wrong" was on parental notification. Bruce supports it-- I don't, but 75-80% of the population does, including a majority of people who consider themselves pro-choice. Terry Cosgrove's decision to attack Bruce is driven by politics, not the issues, and it sickens me because I believe that it is ultimately destructive to our cause. By attacking a pro-choice Republican candidate, he virtually assures we will never see another. Instead of promoting bipartisan support for choice-- a great victory!-- he has chosen to use innuendo and misinformation to smear Bruce's views and record. What Terry neglects to mention is that he is a paid appointee of the Quinn administration with a salary and pension. I appreciate that you might not agree with Bruce on everything and might not like some of his decisions. But please don't fall victim to this kind of fear mongering, and please appreciate exactly where Bruce stands on this important issue. BY NONDUMISO MTSETFWA AND BONGIWE DLAMINI EZULWINI After missing an opportunity of participating in the Miss World Beauty Pageant, Miss Swaziland Linda Hutchinson will once again miss another opportunity of participating in another world class pageant. Hutchinson, who is a student at the University of Swaziland (Kwaluseni Campus), has since been withdrawn from taking part in the Miss Legacy Intentional Beauty Pageant. The countrys beauty queen was expected to be part of the girls who would compete during the pageants scheduled for May this year in Jamaica. However, the dates for the pageant clash with the beauty queens examinations schedule. At the time when the pageant is held, Hutchinson will be busy with her examinations. This means the country will be represented by Miss Swazilands second Princess Baby Mthimkhulu. The decision to replace Hutchinson was taken after Pageant Swaziland (SD) discovered that the countrys beauty queen would not be available. Since we all know that Miss Swaziland is a student, education comes first. Miss Legacy International is in May and by then the queen will be writing her exams. There was no way she could take part and it is for this reason that we had to find a replacement and the rightful candidate is her first princess, said Pageant SDs Chairperson Catrien Potgieter. She said they have tried to find an alternative pageant for Miss Swaziland which will take place in June. She will now attend the Miss Africa Beauty Pageant which will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Preparations have already started and we are hoping that by the time she leaves the country, everything will be ready and she will represent us well, she said. MBABANE Businessman Walter Bennett is embroiled in a court battle with the executor of the estate of the late owner or major shareholder of Tonkwane. This comes after the executor allegedly sold some of the immovable properties to Dups Holdings (PTY) Limited for a sum of E28 million. Bennett has since filed an application seeking an order interdicting the Registrar of Deeds from transferring the properties to Dups Holdings. The executor of the estate, Alexander Macgregor, who is the son-in-law of the deceased owner, resides in South Africa and has been cited as the first respondent. In his application Bennett stated that the matter at hand related to a bequest made to him by the late Solveig Crabtree at one per cent of her assets either movable or immovable. He mentioned that according to the Will, there were eleven beneficiaries including him. Bennett informed the court that all the other beneficiaries were resident outside Swaziland, some in South Africa and others overseas. I have not joined the other beneficiaries because they have no direct and substantial interest in the prayers I seek, save for Sonia McGregor whom I have joined because she is a registered one per cent shareholder in two of the companies (T1 Property and T2 Property), he stated. These are allegations contained in court papers whose veracity is still to be tested in court. Bennett contended that the interest of the others would not be affected because he only wanted what had been allocated to him, which was clearly determined in percentages. According to Bennett, the deceased (Solveig Crabtree) had 99 per cent shares while Sonia owned one per cent share in the two companies. WASHINGTON DC - Rogue congressional staffers took $100,000 from an Iraqi politician while they had administrator-level access to the House of Representatives computer network, according to court documents examined by The Daily Caller News Foundations Investigative Group. The money was a loan from Dr. Ali al-Attar, an Iraqi political figure, and was funneled through a company with impossible-to-decipher financial transactions that the congressional information technology (IT) staffers controlled. The three Pakistani brothers are reported to be under investigation by the U.S. Capitol Police and two have ties to Congress members from Illinois. via Twitter SPRINGFIELD - The nation's defense could be at stake if the state lowers physical education requirement from daily to three days a week, retired military leaders said in Springfield Wednesday. PE is essential to our public education system, and is part of the states duty to our nation, Illinois National Guard Major General (Ret) William Enyart said in a press conference held at the Capitol. The Armed Forces are now dealing with the consequences of the childhood obesity epidemic, Major General (Ret.) Randal Thomas said. Statistics show that 71% of young people in Illinois are ineligible for military service with obesity as the leading medical reason, reported Mission: Readiness Council for a Strong America, a group of retired admirals and generals focused on "strengthening national security by ensuring kids stay in school, stay fit, and stay out of trouble" said. The proposed requirement change for public schools and universities appears in a bill introduced by Senate Minority Leader Chris Radogno (R-Lemont) - SB 13. The changes appear on pages 69 and 70 of a 78-page bill with the main focus of freezing property tax hikes for two years. The proposal allows school boards to lower physical education requirements from daily to a minimum of three days a week: Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Tammy Scileppi A good cup of coffee shouldnt taste bitter, especially when its poured from a fancy silver carafe and served in fine English china. By the time famed scientist Sir Claud Amory utters his final words, The coffee has a bitter taste, his secret formula for a revolutionary new explosive is already missing, and an urgent call to legendary detective Hercule Poirot has come too late. For when the moustached Belgian sleuth arrives at Sir Clauds sprawling country estate, the patriarchs soul had already left his body, and he is found sitting in his library, slumped over in a chair. Now, the entire household is under a cloud of suspicion. Agatha Christie wouldve been proud. The Parkside Players gave a smashing debut performance Saturday evening, and will keep serving up their own rich blend of Christies Black Coffee, now on stage weekends through March 4 at Grace Lutheran Church in Forest Hills. The original 1930 stage play was Christies first attempt at playwriting, and Parksides talented cast does a bang-up job bringing her crime mystery to life through colorful, authentic characters. Clever Hercule Poirot is played to perfection by Parksides Jim Haines accent, arrogant attitude, and all and proves that the detective is an expert at getting people to talk, and eventually confess. Poirot and longtime sidekick Captain Arthur Hastings are suddenly faced with two mysteries they must solve: finding the missing formula, and catching Sir Clauds poisoner. Follow Poirots astute deductions as he tries to discover which of the mansions occupants may have tampered with the scientists after-dinner coffee. Was it a family member, the maid, or perhaps the enigmatic Dr. Carelli, the suspicious foreigner who seems to appear out of nowhere? The real mystery is why Agatha Christies Black Coffee isnt more well known. said director Mark Dunn. Featuring her most beloved sleuth, Hercule Poirot, Black Coffee features a cast list full of standout performances. This show will keep your little grey cells working overtime as you try to navigate the clues, laughs, and twists to figure out whodunit. Dunn, who also delivers a nuanced performance as Dr. Carelli, previously directed Parksides You Cant Take It With You (2016) and The Man Who Came to Dinner (2012). He last appeared onstage in 2012s Done to Death. Poirot immediately smells a dirty rat, so, he uses his trusty gut instinct and exercises his little grey cells, to solve Sir Clauds murder, as he does many other cases. Haines showcases how that famous clue-based and logical deduction process through order and method, is done. Indeed, theres more here than meets the detectives trained eye. Twists and turns of the plot keep you intrigued, even during intermission. Untangling a web of lies, deceit, and greed is what Poirot does best. Could the killer be daughter-in-law Lucia Amory, the tortured lovely? Or is it her husband Richard, Sir Clauds only son, who was the one who brought his fathers cup of joe to his study? At first blush, Lucia seems like the main suspect. Played skillfully by Kimberly Simek, her character always seems on the verge of despair or falling ill, or both perhaps to deflect suspicion with pity. And aside from both being Italian and sharing vague backgrounds, what is Lucias connection to Dr. Carelli? Is it true that they were old flames back in the day? Youll also find out who witnessed Lucias odd behavior after the hot black coffee was poured, and right before Sir Claud had that lethal sip and why she hides that poisoned cup after his death, when she thinks shes alone. Simek said shes excited to return to the Parkside stage after previously appearing in Cabaret (Helga), You Cant Take It With You (Hessie), The Pajama Game (Gladys), and others. Bringing a refreshing joie de vivre to a cast of mostly solemn Christie characters, Tiffany McCues vivaciousness lights up the stage in her role as the outspoken and slightly man-crazy Barbara Amory (niece of Sir Claud and his spinster sister Caroline), who rebels against her aunts stuffy Victorian ways. Last seen on the Parkside stage as Gay Wellington in You Cant Take It With You, Lori Ann Santopetro serves up a delightfully British performance as the uptight Caroline, who is constantly shocked by her nieces unbecoming behavior and lack of morals. Its easy to lose yourself as you become engrossed in the labyrinth of intricate plotting, as Christie does so well. And police-procedural buffs will get an interesting lesson in old-school detective work and vintage medications and poisons. When a murder mystery draws to a close, Poirot usually reveals his description of the sequence of events and his deductions to a room of suspects, typically ending with the culprits apprehension, for in the long run, says Poirot, either through a lie, or through truth, people were bound to give themselves away Nearly 100 years since his creation, Christies beloved sleuth Hercule Poirot is still considered one of the greatest fictional detectives of all time. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Bill Parry Dozens of immigrant vendors and advocates gathered for a candlelight vigil in Corona Tuesday to remember one of their leaders on the one-year anniversary of her death. Claudia Lopez was an iconic figure in the neighborhood, a churro vendor by the entrance to the Junction Boulevard No. 7 subway station for more than 22 years, before succumbing to cancer at the age of 45. She loved to work a lot so she was here every day and I think she had a positive impact on this community, said Cesar Boc, an organizer with the Street Vendor Project. Lopez was a member of Make the Road New York, the Jackson Heights-based non-profit that aims to build up working class Latino communities as well as the Street Vendor Project, which represents more than 2,200 vendors in New York City. She was a beloved member of the community always involved in rallies and meetings and events, Boc said. She also invited other people in the community to help out with the cause as well. Lopez immigrated to the United States in the late 1980s in search of an opportunity to financially support her family as they struggled to make ends meet in Mexico. She began selling churro from a vending cart in front of 96-07 Roosevelt Ave., the very spot where the vendors, friends and advocates gathered to remember her and carry on her campaign for economic and social justice. They also rallied for the cause Lopez most fiecely advocated for, lifting the arbitrary cap on New York City street vendor permits. Due to the limits on New York City street vendor permits, she was forced to work as an unpermitted vendor. Lopez became a staunch advocate for street vendor reform, working with the #LiftTheCaps campaign in its efforts to expand access to economic opportunities for more than 20,000 street vendors who are mostly immigrants, people of color and U.S. military veterans. As a community organizer with the Street Vendor Project she helped lead the campaign to lift the caps so the city will give out more permits, Boc said. That campaign was launched in 2014 to increase the number of available permits for street food vendors in New York City. Due to the cap placed on permits in 1983, there are currently only 3,100 food permits available, an artificially low number that has created an underground black market in vending permits and a waiting list of up to 20 years. Although the license fee is $200 for two years, permits that are leased on the black market can cost upwards of $20,000 for the same two-year period. Advocates say it is unfair for a person to pay for a license and then lease it to a poor person at an extraordinary mark-up. It is a system that is completely broken and not serving anyone well, 82nd Street Partnership Executive Director Leslie Ramos said. Its not good for the vendors who are being exploited by the black market, its not good for the small businesses because the street vendors are competing directly with them, and it isnt working for the community because the streets get so congested. Legislation to gradually increase the number of permits, Intro. 1303, was introduced in the City Council in October. At a hearing on the bill that month, the de Blasio administration claimed it would complete its vendor study by the end of 2016. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Bill Parry It took several weeks, but President Donald Trump finally spoke out Tuesday about a spike in bomb threats against Jewish community centers across the United States and the desecration a Jewish cemetery in Missouri. There have been 69 threats in 27 states in the last month, according to the JCC Association on North America, with most coming last weekend. The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community at community centers are horrible and are painful and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil, Trump said. U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) called the wave of threats against the Jewish community chilling and put the blame squarely on the president. Anti-Semitic crimes have been steadily increasing throughout the last year and have spiked since the beginning of 2017, Crowley said. Its not hard to see a connection between the rhetoric used by the white nationalists given a platform by President Donald Trumps campaign and the increase in threats against the Jewish people. On Wednesday, Crowley urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies to immediately investigate the recent threats in a letter signed by 155 members of Congress. There are few crimes more vile than threatening children, and these anti-Semitic threats against Jewish community centers are terrifying for our fellow Americans, Crowley said. The Trump administration (and law enforcement) must immediately announce their plans to investigate and stop these threats. These crimes are designed to strike fear in the Jewish community. This is unacceptable and the Trump administration must show its willingness to take on these types of crimes. Crowley, the House Democratic Caucus chairman, also addressed the rise of hate crimes in New York City. Fifty-six hate crimes were reported from Jan. 1 to Feb. 12, with 28 of the incidents targeting Jews, according to the NYPD. During the same time period last year, the total number of hate crimes totaled 31, with 13 targeting Jews. This report has me deeply concerned, Crowley said before once again calling out Trump. It is hard not to see the connection between the hateful language used by President Trump since his inauguration and during his campaign and the rise of hate crimes in the U.S., he said. When our leaders allow the darkest aspects of our society to flourish for political gains, the door opens for hate-filled attacks on individuals based solely on who these people are or what they believe. This is not what makes America great. Meanwhile, the citys Commission on Human Rights reported a significant increase in discrimination inquiries last year, receiving 8,330 reports in 2016 compared to 5,296 reports in 2015, a nearly 60 percent rise. Discrimination inquiries include calls to the Commissions Infoline, emails, website submissions, letters, in-person reports and referrals from other agencies, elected officials and advocates. In our current climate of fear and xenophobia, New York City is committed to protecting our most vulnerable communities from discrimination in every form, Mayor Bill de Blasio said. No matter where you come from, how you worship, or who you love, New York City will protect your rights. As a city we are stronger because of our diversity, and that is something well always fight to protect. Disability discrimination claims made up the largest percentage of filings in 2016, composing nearly 20 percent of all claims. Racial discrimination claims made up 14 percent of all filings, followed by gender discrimination claims at nearly 12 percent. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Patrick Donachie The founder of an animal sanctuary in New Jersey attempted to rescue a bull that escaped from a Jamaica slaughterhouse Tuesday morning, only to learn that the animal had died while being transported to an animal care facility. Im sorry it went that way, said Mike Stura, the founder of Skylands Animal sanctuary and Rescue in Wantage, N.J. I was looking forward to giving him a good home. At about 10:20 a.m. Tuesday morning, police in Jamaica responded to what has become an increasingly common 911 call: A bull was loose on the streets of southeast Queens. The bull broke free from Aziz Slaughterhouse, located at 151 Beaver Road, according to the NYPD, and he was first spotted at the corner of Archer Avenue and Sutphin Boulevard. At about 11:05 a.m. the bull had been contained in a backyard of a residence located at 117-53 Marsden St., a number of blocks above the northern edge of Rochdale Village. He then broke loose again, police said. By 12:20 p.m. police contained the brazen bovine in a different yard at 115-43 158th St., about a 10-minute walk from the Marsden Street location. Pictures of the bull showed numerous tranquilizer darts sticking out of his side as he was pursued by a cadre of police vehicles. Police began transporting the bull to an Animal Care Center located in Brooklyn, but he died during the journey, a spokesman for the ACC said. Police said he was taken to a crematorium after he was pronounced dead. This was not the first instance of a runaway animal making a break for it on the streets of Jamaica. In April 2016, another bull from Aziz Slaughterhouse led police on a chase through downtown Jamaica, right onto the campus at York College before it was captured. The bull had an unlikely guardian angel in the form of former Daily Show host Jon Stewart and his wife, animal advocate Tracey Stewart. The two helped transport the bull from an Animal Care Center to an upstate sanctuary. In January 2016, a cow fought for its freedom by breaking out of a slaughterhouse in southeastern Queens. The cow, who was later named Freddie, ended up at Skylands under Sturas care. Stura said he started getting numerous text messages and phone calls at about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, saying a bull had broken loose and was running through the streets of southeast Queens. He hooked up his trailer and started off for Jamaica, calling police and animal control to see if he would be able to bring the bull to his sanctuary once it was captured. Stura arrived in Queens and went to the place where he was originally told the bull was located. The original location I had been given, he was gone, running for his life, Stura said. They got him in the trailer and I got word he was going to the ACC. I was on my way there when they called to tell me he had passed away. A candlelight vigil was scheduled for Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. outside Aziz Slaughterhouse to mark the death of the bull and to urge the NYPD to train for these types of situations. Vegans of New York sponsored the vigil, saying that if the city was issuing permits to slaughterhouses, then the city should take responsibility for the inevitable attempts that animals will make to escape pain and death. Stura said he was remorseful that the bull died before he could rescue him, saying he had already made space for the bull and scheduled several tests to check its health. There was good news, however. Freddie, Stura said, was doing fine, in a herd of nine other cows. Stura said he was growing like a weed, and was almost twice the weight he was when he arrived at Skylands. Hes a pretty relaxed character, Stura said. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Ruth Brown The Kosciuszko Bridge is going out with a bang! The state will blow up parts of the old span sometime this summer, Gov. Andrew Cuomo told CBS2 Tuesday. Once traffic is up and running on the brand-new incarnation of the bridge scheduled to open in April crews will haul the center portion away and make the remainder of the 77-year-old antique go boom. Removing the 2,400-ton center span will take two barges and 48 hours and will take place sometime in April or May, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Sending the rest of the bridge up in smoke instead of dismantling the entire thing will save between seven and nine months of work, Cuomo claimed. A spokesman for the Newtown Creek Alliance, a community organization that monitors environmental activity on both the Queens and Brooklyn sides of the waterway, said it wasnt aware of the explosion plans. He said the group isnt too worried about debris ending up in the river because the state has paid a lot of attention to keeping workers and the waterway safe so far during construction. Workers started building the first of two new eye-catching Kosciuszkos in 2013 and are scheduled to kick off construction on the second slated to be ready in 2020 once the original bridge is reduced to rubble. The first of the new bridges will sport five lanes and ultimately serve Queens-bound traffic, while the second will welcome travelers to Kings County with four car lanes and a bike and pedestrian path. An Israeli court has ordered a senior Hamas member to complete his life sentence after he was freed in a 2011 swap of hundreds of inmates for an Israeli soldier held by the militant Islamic group, a Palestinian activist said Thursday. At the time of the exchange, Nael Barghouti had served 33 years for participating in the kidnapping and killing of an Israeli soldier, making him one of the longest-held Palestinians. Israel has since rearrested scores of Palestinians for allegedly resuming anti-Israel activities. One roundup came after three Israeli teenagers were killed by a Hamas cell in 2014. Barghouti, arrested in that sweep, subsequently served 30 months for Hamas membership. He completed the sentence but was never released. Prisoner rights campaigner Qadoura Fares said that a military court reinstated Barghouti\s original sentence on appeal, life plus 18 years. The Israeli military said he was sentenced "for a series of security offenses, including murder." It said that "after his release, Barghouti renewed his involvement in terrorist activity, violating the terms of his release" and the prosecution asked that his sentence be served in full. Meanwhile, the military said a jet "intercepted" a drone deployed by Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, after it took off from the territory. The military said that it prevented the drone from infiltrating Israeli airspace. There was no comment on the incident in Gaza. SOURCE: Associated Press Fifteen soldiers were killed and 19 wounded in a attack by "terrorist elements" in western Niger, authorities said Thursday. "A Niger army patrol was attacked by terrorist elements at 1500 GMT north of Tilwa (on Wednesday). We have 15 dead and 19 wounded in our ranks," said Colonel Toure Seydou Albdoula Aziz, the army spokesman. "Clean-up operations have been launched in the sector to neutralise the fleeing terrorists," he said, without divulging the number of attackers or their affiliation. Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou extended his sincere condolences to the families of victims in a tweet. The Nigeria-based Boko Haram Islamist group has waged a seven-year uprising that has claimed more than 20,000 lives, with the insurgency spilling over the West African nation\s borders into neighbouring states, including Niger. The violence has left around 2.6 million people homeless, sparking a dire humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations warning the affected region faces the "largest crisis in Africa". Three Niger soldiers were killed and seven wounded on the night of New Year\s Eve when Boko Haram fighters attacked their position at Baroua, in Niger\s Diffa region, near the border with Nigeria. SOURCE: AFP 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. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Oprah Winfrey will be the Skidmore College graduation speaker for the Class of 2017, the college announced. Skidmore will give Winfrey an Honorary Doctorate of Letters in the Arts. Philanthropist Ann Tisch and author Wes Moore also will be honored during the College's 106th commencement exercises on May 20. Mark Youndt, professor of management and business, is the 2017 faculty commencement speaker. Skidmore said it will recognize Winfrey's career in television and media and her commitment to education through the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. In addition to accepting an honorary degree, Winfrey will address the class in support of one of her leadership academy graduates, who will receive a Skidmore degree. Christel MacLean, the owner of the Crown Grill in Saratoga Springs, told the Times Union in October 2013 that Winfrey had eaten at the restaurant while she was in town for a surprise visit to Skidmore. Winfrey taped a television segment featuring two graduates from her Leadership Academy who were students at the college at the time. Winfrey and the young women dined in a private room, MacLean said. Tisch, founder and president of the Young Women's Leadership Network, will be honored for providing access to an all-girls' public education for underserved girls since 1996. She also established the CollegeBound Initiative college-access program that places full-time college counselors in public schools. Moore is a combat veteran, youth advocate, entrepreneur, best-selling author and founder of the BridgeEdU first-year college program. In 2013, Skidmore's incoming first-year students were assigned a reading of Moore's book "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates." Also at commencement, Madison Plummer, president of the graduating class, will address her classmates and congratulatory remarks will be offered by W. Scott McGraw, chairman of the board, and Skidmore President Philip Glotzbach. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Albany Two pipeline opponents were arrested during a protest at the TD Bank on State Street Thursday. A city police officer's finger was fractured as he answered the response. Police said at 12:40 p.m., officials at the 125 State St. bank called their neighborhood beat officer requesting him to respond to the protest against the bank's financial interest in the Dakota Access Pipeline in South Dakota. About 25 protesters were refusing to leave the bank, whereupon the officer told them they had to take the protest outside. All but three complied. Despite several warnings, Rebecca Rothstein, 26, of Troy "became erratic and would not comply," police said. As the officer tried to place Rothstein into custody, Craig Evans, 26, of Arlington, Vt., interfered, causing the officer's finger to be fractured, police said. Rothstein also allegedly poured paint on a bank counter. The officer, who was not named, was taken to Albany Medical Center Hospital for an evaluation. Rothstein and Evans were taken into custody and charged with second-degree assault, resisting arrest and trespass. They are scheduled for arraignment Friday morning in Albany City Court. More than a dozen banks are financing the $3.8 billion, 1,100-mile project to bring oil from the Bakken oil fields of North Dakota to southern Illinois. Protesters were also at the Albany TD Bank branch in December and have been at several branches in Maine. Albany A midlevel appeals court Thursday unanimously reversed the first-degree robbery conviction of a multiple felon found guilty of robbing a man at gunpoint on Madison Avenue in 2013. Steven James, 42, will now receive a new trial before state Supreme Court Justice Thomas Breslin. Breslin sentenced James to 23 years in prison for the robbery which, on top of James' unrelated felony assault conviction for stabbing an Ontario Street store clerk in 2012, had him serving 33 years at maximum-security Clinton Correctional Facility. On Thursday, the Appellate Division of state Supreme Court reversed the conviction for robbery and possessing a weapon because it determined Breslin should have fully instructed the jury about circumstantial evidence, as James requested. An Albany County jury found James robbed the victim on April 14, 2013 on the 100 block of Madison Avenue, demanding "Give it up!" Jurors convicted James on evidence that included his DNA being matched to blood drops found on the driver's side door handle of the victim's car. "As the (prosecution's) proof relative to the identity of the perpetrator here was entirely circumstantial, Supreme Court should have granted defendant's request to charge the jury accordingly," Appellate Justice John Egan wrote in the decision. "Moreover, as the proof against defendant was less than overwhelming, we cannot deem the court's failure to grant the requested charge to be harmless error." Justices Elizabeth Garry, Eugene "Gus" Devine, Christine Clark and Sharon Aarons concurred. "To be sure," the decision said, "Supreme Court did give a hybrid or modified circumstantial evidence charge to the jury and, therefore, this is not a case where the trial court simply outright refused to grant any circumstantial evidence charge at all. That said, we reject the (prosecution's) assertion that the circumstantial evidence charge actually given by Supreme Court here was sufficient." Albany State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman wrote to Democratic members of Congress on Wednesday that there was not a single substantiated claim of voter fraud in New York last year. Schneiderman sent a letter to three House Democrats stating that while New York's voting system is rife with challenges, the state Board of Elections has not referred any cases of voter fraud during the 2016 elections to his office, nor did two allegations of voter fraud brought directly to his office last year pan out. "The lack of such complaints made directly to my office, as well as the absence of referrals from other agencies, leads me to conclude that voter fraud the act of an ineligible individual casting a vote in an election is a non-issue, at least in New York State," Schneiderman wrote to Rep. Elijah Cummings, ranking member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee; Rep. Robert Brady, ranking member of the House Administration Committee; and Rep. James Clyburn, assistant House Democratic leader. Schneiderman's letter was in response to an inquiry from the three Democrats last month, seeking information on confirmed incidents of voter fraud during the November federal election. That letter also was sent to top Board of Elections officials. A Board of Elections spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding potential on-going BOE investigations. Letters were sent to officials in 49 other states as well. "President (Donald) Trump wants a major investigation of voter fraud well now he has one," Cummings said in a statement when the letters were first sent. "He continues to be obsessed with false numbers and statistics, but these are not 'alternative facts,' and there is no evidence to support these claims." Trump has continually asserted that voter fraud took place in some states, though he hasn't specifically identified New York as a state where alleged illegal voting took place. Though Wednesday's letter was not a direct condemnation of Trump's claims, Schneiderman found another way to continue his needling of the commander in chief, issuing a statement decrying recent deportation orders issued by the federal Department of Homeland Security. "President Trump does not have the legal authority to unilaterally transform state and local police officers into federal immigration enforcement agents," Schneiderman said. "As the legal guidance issued by my office in January makes clear, state and local law enforcement agencies cannot be forced to participate in President Trump's destructive and ill-advised deportation policies. ... As we have learned from local law enforcement agencies across the country including NYPD, which polices the safest big city in the country effective policing depends on building and maintaining trust with the individuals and communities these officers serve. That trust is undercut by draconian deportation policies that place divisive political agendas and flashy rhetoric over proven law enforcement strategies." mhamilton@timesunion.com 518-454-5449 @matt_hamilton10 The full Wednesday letter from Schneiderman is below. The initial inquiry from the three House Democrats is below that: Schneiderman Voter Fraud Letter 022217 by Matthew Hamilton on Scribd 2017-01-25.EEC Brady Clyburn to New York Officials Re.voter Fraud by Matthew Hamilton on Scribd This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Schenectady Elizabeth Araiza nearly started crying as she refuted claims by a city police spokesman that she and her longtime boyfriend Dmitri Houff made plans for a threesome with a woman they met at the casino and a fight broke out when one of them supposedly wanted to make it a foursome. "I've never been with a woman and I've never had a threesome," said Araiza Wednesday outside a Schenectady courtroom at Police Headquarters Wednesday with Houff by her side gently rubbing her back to console her. Looking in Houff's direction, Araiza said he has been her only partner for almost 18 years. "Our reputations are in the mud right now, it's terrible," said the mother of 8 and grandmother of 15, who celebrated her 50th birthday last week. "I'm totally the opposite person. I have a big heart. I'm kind and everyone that knows me knows this is a lie." Her emotional remarks came after she and Houff, both of North Adams, Mass., appeared separately before City Court Judge Mark Caruso on a charge of obstruction of governmental administration, a misdemeanor. She is also charged with disorderly conduct, a violation stemming from the physical altercation with a 21-year-old woman from Troy, who the Times Union is not naming because she is only charged with a violation. "I know that the people were trying to look into both of these matters," said Caruso of the two charges against Araiza, who in the future will be represented by a lawyer form the conflict defender's office. She has no criminal history and the judge agreed to allow her to remain free on the $300 bail she posted after her initial arraignment. Houff retained attorney John Della Ratta, who told Caruso that he had a brief conversation with the District Attorney's office about the case. "I believe they want to investigate the matter further," he added. Caruso also mentioned that Houff has no criminal record in New York and works for Raytheon. Outside court, Della Ratta said the whole thing is a "big mistake" and wondered out loud where the accusations about group sex originated. "It didn't come from my client, and didn't come from his wife, and that's why he doesn't know anything about it," said Della Ratta, adding he hopes to have the charge against his client dismissed. Houff, 62, later declined to speak to reporters on Della Ratta's advice. But in a phone interview Monday with Times Union columnist Chris Churchill, Houff, 62, also denied he told police the fight was sparked by a dispute over changes in plans for he and his girlfriend to have group sex. A criminal complaint alleges Araiza continued fighting after police arrived and refused to get up from the ground while handcuffed. Houff, meanwhile, allegedly "interfered with officers by refusing to comply with verbal commands to leave the area and standing in their way." There are cameras throughout the casino and Araiza, who acknowledged outside court Wednesday to having a few drinks at the casino that night, said she hopes to see any footage of the alleged incident that might be on video. She said she was only defending herself after being "ambushed." The couple are scheduled to return to court March 10. On Tuesday, the Troy woman admitted to disorderly conduct under a plea deal where she didn't have to admit to any acts and maintains her innocence. She too has denied being part of any plan for group sex, saying it was a lie. pnelson@timesunion.com 518-454-5347 @apaulnelson In less than two weeks, Clifton Park native Will Boyajian has given away upward of $2,000 to the homeless in New York City. But it's not his money. Instead, Boyajian, a 2008 graduate of Shenendehowa High School, gives away money tossed in his guitar case by passers-by as he performs in the busy Times Square-42nd Street/Port Authority subway station. Accompanying himself on guitar, he sings old rock 'n' roll, country and bluegrass tunes behind a sign that invites the homeless or others in desperate circumstances to take as much as they need. Some help themselves to $40, $80 or even everything in the case at the time. The average withdrawal, says Boyajian, chatting Wednesday on his cellphone from the subway station during the morning commute, is only $10. "I tell them they can take as much as they need, but nine out of 10 times they tell me they want to leave some so it will be there for others," he says. "That makes me feel a little better about the state of the world." He's promoting the campaign on social media with the hashtag #HopefulCases. Traditional media have taken notice, too, with stories so far by the New York Post, New York City TV and radio stations and smaller outlets. He envisions a movement of committed fellow musicians spread out across the city's vast subway network, but for now it's a solo effort. (A second busker signed up but quickly quit, preferring to keep the cash.) "The best days are when I never touch a bill," says Boyajian. "It goes into the case and gets taken. That's the thing it's not my money, and it's never been my money. I'm just a conduit between New Yorkers." If he has anything left after a three- or four-hour session, he buys and distributes single-ride subway passes. Boyajian's current campaign grew from a New Year's resolution a couple of years ago, when he committed to giving a dollar bill or two to anyone who asked. "I made it to about mid-February when I realized it wasn't doable financially," he says. But the impulse stayed with him, seeking an outlet. A week and a half ago, on Feb. 12, feeling glum about contemporary American and his contributions to it, Boyajian scrawled a sign on cardboard and set up in a nook in the 42nd Street station. In less than four hours, almost $400 was donated and withdrawn. After earning a degree in musical theater from Ithaca College, Boyajian, now 26, moved to New York City to pursue an acting career. He's worked off-Broadway and in small films, and he recently returned from eight months on a cruise ship performing the role of Johnny Cash in the jukebox musical "Million Dollar Quartet." The son of Rhonda and Donald Boyajian of Clifton Park the latter is a prominent Albany attorney Will Boyajian is returning to the Capital Region in March for a monthlong school tour of "They Built America: The Workers of the Erie Canal," a production of Capital Repertory Theatre's education wing. Though Boyajian says friends and others who hear about #HopefulCases sometimes express incredulity that a struggling actor trying to afford to live in Manhattan is essentially giving up hundreds of dollars a day, Boyajian doesn't see it that way. "I live very cheaply, so I really don't need it," he says. "If I had that, I'd just be spending it on candy, hamburgers and Netflix." On a more serious note, he says the dire need of those who take from his case adjusts his perspective. "There's a woman I see every day. She lives in the (subway) tunnels, I think, and she comes by to talk," he says. "I see her every day, but she doesn't take every day. This is a woman who truly has nothing, but she only takes something when she needs it." sbarnes@timesunion.com 518-454-5489 @Tablehopping http://facebook.com/SteveBarnesFoodCritic This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Troy Officer Joshua Comitale received the Congressional Badge of Bravery from U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer Thursday for his actions in a fatal 2015 gun battle with a carjacking suspect in Lansingburgh. Comitale became the first police officer in New York state to be honored with the federal award. Previously, Comitale has declined to talk about the night of Aug. 22, 2015 when he and Officer Chad Klein were severely wounded in a shootout with Thaddeus Faison, 39, of Albany who died after he was shot five times. But he spoke briefly Thursday afternoon. Comitale said the Congressional Badge of Bravery means a lot to his family, who had to endure what he suffered through as he recovered. The night of the incident, the officers responded to a call about a carjacking. Comitale was on foot, while Klein was in a police SUV when he was shot from behind in the shoulder by Faison on 112th Street between Fifth Avenue and the 112th Street Park. After Comitale saw Faison shoot Klein, he opened fire and was shot in both legs during the shootout in which 25 rounds were fired. Although he was downed and his gun jammed, he reloaded as Faison fired at him. He then applied tourniquets to his legs to stop the bleeding. Schumer, D- New York, said Comitale "deserved special recognition" for going above and beyond his duty in protecting the community. Schumer also spoke to Klein thanking him for "your bravery and your service." Before the 100 people at the ceremony, Schumer said, "We will continue to fight in Washington for the programs that protect and defend our police departments." A Rensselaer County grand jury investigated the case and issued a true no bill, meaning they found no evidence of Comitale committing a crime when he shot Faison. Toxicology tests found marijuana and PCP in Faison's system. The officers are still recuperating from their wounds and have not yet returned to duty. Klein said he's hopeful that he'll be back on the job in the near future. The citation recounts the actions Comitale and Klein took in responding to a call for an attempted carjacking and the events that followed. "Officer Comitale, having witnessed the suspect firing on Officer Klein, he returned fire at the suspect, striking him and causing him to fall," Chief John Tedesco said in reading the citation describing the events that summer night. "The actions of Officer Comitale demonstrate extraordinary bravery and a willingness to save the lives of others, without regard to his own personal safety," Tedesco continued. The ceremony was held at the Bulmer Telecommunications Center Auditorium at Hudson Valley Community College. The Congressional Badge of Bravery, created in 2008, recognizes "exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty by federal, state, and local law enforcement officers," according to the U.S. Department of Justice. It is awarded annually by the U.S. Attorney General. Nominees must have been injured in the line of duty and their actions must be described as brave by the head of their law enforcement agency. Comitale and Klein have previously been recognized by the Troy Police Department, the Troy Police Benevolent Association, the state Association of Chiefs of Police and Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office. The two officers have shown the surveillance video of the shootout and discussed it with other police officers and agencies. kcrowe@timesunion.com 518-454-5084 @KennethCrowe Albany Gov. Andrew Cuomo's former state budget director will serve as president of the SUNY Polytechnic Institute's two nonprofit development arms. Whether he'll pursue a merger of the entities is still to be determined. Bob Megna's appointment was approved at board meetings of Fuller Road Management Corp. and Fort Schuyler Management Corp. Wednesday. Megna will oversee day-to-day operations of the real estate entities that were at the center of the school's bid-rigging allegations scandal involving SUNY Poly founder Alain Kaloyeros, who resigned in October, and other high-profile players close to the governor, including former top Cuomo aide Joe Percoco and lobbyist Todd Howe. In December, Megna took a leave of absence from his role as finance chief of Stony Brook University to oversee the two corporations. He'll earn $100,000 for his part-time job overseeing the entities. Megna on Wednesday said he hasn't taken a stance on a proposed merger of the two boards that has been suggested by good government groups and state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. The merger proponents say it would end some of the organizations' most opaque operations and streamline the university's procurement and other operations, but appears to have hit road bumps since the scandal. "I don't know that after one day in the position we're ready to talk about combining the boards," Megna said. "We're still trying to get the boards up and running with the idea of keeping this place going. ... If issues about the structure of the boards are important to that in the future, then we'll discuss it. But as for now we're just trying to make the basics work." Megna did not have details about SUNY Poly's chunk of the $207 million allocated in Cuomo's budget for high-tech economic development projects across the state. He deferred to the state Budget Division for specifics on how that money will be divided, but said he'd "love to take all $207 (million)." It would certainly help: Even before bid-rigging case broke, SUNY Poly faced $475 million in debts owed to banks and bondholders for projects over the last decade. Despite receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in state funding as Kaloyeros built the university into a national leader of semiconductor research, SUNY Poly had increasingly turned to private coffers to fund construction costs. By 2015, Fuller Road was out of compliance with its lenders on its debt service coverage ratio, which measures the ability to repay loans. Other high-profile partnerships between SUNY Poly and private companies have quietly winded down in recent months, including a $4.8 billion consortium that GlobalFoundries and a Taiwanese Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. said they were leaving. Megna did not rule out the possibility of refinancing some loans. "We're going to do everything we can to reduce costs," he said. "So if refinancing makes sense, we're going to be looking at doing refinancing." The boards also passed resolutions dealing with whistleblower protections and transparency laws that were pushed by Empire State Development Corp. officials who've advised the entities in recent months. After the late-September unveiling of state and federal criminal complaints, Cuomo handed oversight of the entities to Empire State Development, which he controls. The resolutions, Empire State Development President and CEO Howard Zemsky said, align with what he repeated verbatim to the boards twice on Wednesday: "We want to be impactful. We want to be ethical. We want to be successful." RDownen@timesunion.com - 518-454-5018 - Follow @RobertDownenTU The state Department of Health has asked five companies that previously sought medical marijuana licenses to submit updated application materials by March 1 in order to be considered for entrance to the tightly regulated state-run program. The DOH said Thursday it expects to issue five additional licenses before July. DOH's outreach, though not a shock given the department's public comments that it would seek further program expansion, is a concrete move toward expanding the program's footprint. Currently, five "registered organizations" grow and produce non-smokeable marijuana products for sale at 20 dispensaries statewide. Should five more companies enter the program under the same rules, the number of dispensaries would eventually double to 40. The new timeline also gives a better sense of how quickly the department wants to license more companies after it has swiftly implemented other program expansions aimed at improving patient access. DOH has confirmed on its website that it has contacted companies that finished sixth through 10th at the end of the initial application process in 2015. They are New York Canna, Inc.; Fiorello Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Valley Agriceuticals, LLC; Citiva Medical LLC; and PalliaTech NY, LLC. No other companies (43 total applied initially) are under consideration, according to DOH. On its website, the department states it is taking "a phased-in approach to ensure their smooth integration into the industry," which includes verifying the companies' financial stability and ensuring they still are suitable to participate in the program. DOH is seeking updated ownership and operating materials, including financial statements, according to a spokeswoman. "Ensuring patients are able to get the relief they need is our top priority," DOH spokeswoman Jill Montag said in a statement. Currently licensed companies, DOH and patient advocates are in general agreement that the program needs to be expanded to reach more patients. There are just over 14,000 patients registered to buy. But there are sharply differing opinions on the best methods to go about it. The state has moved to allow more medical professionals (nurse practitioners and physician assistants) to certify patients to take part in the program and to expand the short list of ailments medical marijuana products can be used to treat to include chronic pain. Home delivery of products is now an option as well. But while those steps have been seen as positives, the current crop of registered organizations have been fiercely opposed to allowing new businesses to enter the marketplace. Those companies have initially struggled to flourish since the program went live in January 2016. In response, some have instituted discount programs in an attempt to attract repeat buyers. Data shows that only roughly half of the patient base returns to buy more products. PharmaCann General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer Jeremy Unruh told the Times Union Thursday that his company has an acre of empty greenhouse space after scaling back its grow operation. The company has a metric ton of cannabis locked up in a vault that has not yet been processed into state-sanctioned finished products, he said. Another company, Bloomfield Industries, has languished more than others and has been acquired by a California firm, Politico New York reported last month. "While perhaps well-intentioned, the state's plan to double manufacturing capacity when significant excess capacity exists will do nothing to address the true patient access barriers like the extraordinarily low numbers of physicians registered with the medical marijuana program," Vireo Health of New York CEO Ari Hoffnung said in a statement. "It doesn't matter how many new licenses the States issues so long that qualifying New Yorkers can't find a doctor to recommend medical marijuana, patient access to New York's program will be minimal and we will continue to lag behind other states," Hoffnung said. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. At a joint legislative budget hearing last week, state Sen. Diane Savino, a champion of the Compassionate Care Act that established the program in 2014, similarly cautioned state Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker against expanding the number of registered organizations. "Right now we have five registered organizations who are struggling financially because the entire burden is upon them, and we would not want to see them go under," the Staten Island Democrat said. "The reality is they have excess product; we don't have excess patients." Savino suggested the creation of limited licenses that would allow for only dispensary expansion. Unruh said it would be "a great step forward" if more registered organizations were licensed to open dispensaries only. He pointed to the medical marijuana program in Illinois where PharmaCann also operates that allows cultivators to sell wholesale to unaffiliated retailers. Still, for companies next up on the list, an opportunity to jump into the marketplace with the same capabilities as the first five registered organizations is tantalizing. "Notwithstanding the assertions of the current medical cannabis licensees, the New York market currently is far from saturated," Valley Agriceuticals Director of Patient Services Eileen Konieczny wrote in the Poughkeepsie Journal last week. "In fact, the ratio of medical cannabis dispensaries to New York residents is about one per million. DOH has it right: the way to strengthen care and lower costs for New Yorkers is to expand access to helpful medicines and medicine providers, not to limit access from a small number of providers." A Valley Agriceuticals spokesman declined additional comment Thursday. mhamilton@timesunion.com 518-454-5449 @matt_hamilton10 Tributes are being paid to the late author and broadcaster Frank Delaney, a native of Thomastown in west Tipperary. President Michael D Higgins led tributes to the late best selling author who has died in the United States, age 74. The former Man Booker Prize Judge interviewed more than 3,500 authors in a career spanning nearly five decades. It is with great sadness that I have heard of the passing of Frank Delaney, acclaimed novelist, broadcaster and journalist. RTE had the benefit of his considerable talent and skills and he was widely appreciated as the BBC correspondent in Dublin, said President Higgins. Frank Delaney went on to create a space to discuss arts and literature, winning both critical acclaim and substantial audiences for his broadcasts as well as his writing. He was recognised as an important scholar on the work of James Joyce and an influential Irish voice in the UK and further afield. Sabina and I want to express our condolences to his wife Diane, his sons Francis, Bryan and Owen, their extended family, his colleagues and his wide circle of friends. Mr Delaney died at his home in Connecticut, after a career spanning nearly half a century. Born and raised in Tipperary, Delaney later moved to the UK, where he covered the Northern Ireland Troubles. He made acclaimed TV documentaries on a number of subjects, including Joyce, Shaw, Oscar Wilde the evolution of the English language, and the growth of Celtic culture. He later moved to the US in 2002, where US broadcaster NPR once described him as the most eloquent man in the world. In 2004 he published his bestseller, Ireland, a Novel, and on Bloomsday 2010 he launched Re:Joyce, a series of short weekly podcasts which have been downloaded more than 2 million times. Mr Delaney is survived by his wife Diane, and sons Francis, Bryan and Owen. The battle has begun to save Cistercian College Roscrea but any solution will have to be self financing as there is no more funding available from the monks, a packed meeting in the County Arms Hotel in Birr heard last night. The challenge of finding a viable and sustainable solution that could keep the College open was the gauntlet thrown down to the packed meeting. The Save CCR campaign meeting heard that the College had a running cost shortfall of 200,000 per annum, which would be worse next year. The principal factors at play in the decision to close the college were its financial viability and the broader issues of the changing nature of Irish society and education. It is also taking place against the backdrop of the consistent and sustained pattern of boarding school closures around the country, with only five now left in existence. The number of first years enrolled at the College for next year is nine, whereas typically it would be 20. The College had capacity number for many years up to 2010. In 2009-10 the trustees of the school the monks of Mount St. Joseph Abbey had started to subsidise the financial shortfall at the college. They sold a farm and put the cash back into the school. The present day cost of running the College, excluding capital expenditure and investment, is 2.4m per annum. A number of initiatives such as marketing campaigns, information evenings and website and prospectus revamps did not arrest the decline. The expectation that numbers might increase as the country came out of recession did not materialise. The meeting was told that any solution would have to be self financing, as there was no more funding available from the monks. Significant funding would be required to meet shortfalls over the next few years. At a meeting between Abbot Dom Richard Purcell and the Parents Association on Tuesday, the Abbot undertook to give consideration to any proposal that was viable and would sustain the school. Ronnie Culliton, a past pupil who has sons in the school, challenged the attendance as to what kind of money would be available to any new project for the school. What you would be willing to contribute. Lets see what we can commit to, he said. He also asked who had the capacity and willingness to get involved in the battle to save the school. He also asked the attendance to maximise the sales force and provide live market information. Try and get one potential for the school. We are not looking at a radical increase in numbers here. [February 23, 2017] A.M. Best Places Credit Ratings of Western Life Assurance Company Under Review With Developing Implications A.M. Best has placed under review with developing implications the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a-" of the Western Life Assurance Company (Western Life) (High River, AB, Canada). This rating action follows The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company's (Wawanesa Mutual) announcement that its subsidiary, Trimont Financial Ltd., has agreed to purchase Western Financial Group and Western Life from Desjardins Financial Corporation, a Desjardins Group subsidiary, for a total transaction value of approximately $775 million. The transaction includes Western's primary business units: its brokerage network, Western Financial Group Insurance Solutions, Coast Capital Insurance Services and Western Life. This acquisition is subject to standard closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2017. The acquisition is expected to strengthen Wawanesa Mutual's insurance broker channel in Canada by ensuring that the Western Financial Group remains a trusted, familiar local broker in communities across western Canada. It is expected that Western Financial will continue to operate under th Western Financial Group name and all of the companies will continue their respective regular operations. Western Life's ratings will remain under review until the close of the transaction and until A.M. Best completes its discussions with the companies' management teams concerning the company's strategic path going forward. 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/20170223006013/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] International Signs and LED Exhibition (ISLE) 2017 Gathers Top Names to Bring Innovational Ideas on Board GUANGZHOU, China, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- International Signs and LED Exhibition (ISLE) 2017 concluded on February 18, introducing latest technologies and providing business opportunities for industry players to share innovative ideas. More than 208 thousand professionals, including purchase missions from more than 100 countries like the U.S., India, Germany, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Thailand, Malaysia and more, gathered in Guangzhou. Malek Alwazzan, Kuwait's Consul-General in Guangzhou was impressed about the exhibition and he noted that China's LED products are now used in Kuaiti for some megaprojects. "This exhibition gave me the chance to find out fine pitch LED displays, curved screens, transparent screens as well as brand-new solar LED lighting technology." One of the highlights of this year's ISLE, fine pitch display has shown game-changing innovation as P2.5 indoor LED displays (pixel spacing below 2.5mm) have become conventional products at the show. Global players like Leyard, Abson and Ledman brought P1.81, P1.5 LED display products on site while some other companies revealed that P1.5 and P0.6 micro-spacing products are expected to be available in the near future. In addition to groundbreaking technologies, this year's ISLE set up a wide range of forums and lectures to enable counterparts to share marketing insights with leaders from LED and advertising equipment industry. At the industry summit forum held by efi, world leading product and service provider of transforming analog to digital imaging, Dr. Wang Bing, managing director at efi Greater China, shared the latest logo production method and introduced the latest inkjet industry trends at the forum. Mr. Lee Yingjie, director of ISLE, said this year's ISLE has embraced more technological achievements. "We'll be keeping integrating resources to encourage industrial members to innovate for sustainable development." About ISLE The 2018 International Signs and LED Exhibition (ISLE) will be held by Canton Fair Advertising Co., Ltd. and China Foreign Trade Guangzhou Exhibition General Corp (CFTE) from March 3 to 6. It is dedicated to building a fully integrated LED industry chain solution platform of professional, charismatic and intelligent advertising signs. For more information, please visit: http://www.isle.org.cn/en/ CONTACT: Linda Chen +86-20-8926-8256 [email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20170223/0861701486 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] Syngenta Establishes Digital Innovation Lab at University of Illinois Syngenta today announced it has established a Digital Innovation Lab at the University of Illinois Research Park where it will employ four full-time employees as well as University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign student talent to help solve agricultural challenges. Projects at the Digital Innovation Lab will employ "outside the box" thinking with access to tools, technologies, partnerships and resources that enable the research, investigation and delivery of new and novel solutions for seeds product development using data analytics. "Innovation in agriculture is the lifeblood of the work we do at Syngenta. Our goal is to bring new talent to solve difficult challenges, with a focus on seed innovation at the Research Park," said Bill Danker, Syngenta Domain Head, Seeds Research and Breeding. The center will focus on digital data innovation and strategy, providing Syngenta with agile capabilities to enable the company to accelerate the pace of its digital journey. It will foster new ways to gain insights and make decisions from the company's data assets. The center will develop capabilities in breeding engineering, digital agriculture, information technology, application development and big data. In conjuction with the opening of the new office, Syngenta has an industry partnership with the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign. This partnership enables Syngenta to leverage the NCSA's unique expertise in high-performance modeling, simulation and big data to gain a competitive edge. "The opening of the Syngenta Innovation Center at Research Park is a welcome new addition that continues to strengthen the relationship between Syngenta and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign," said Chancellor Robert J. Jones. "The opportunity for our students to be active participants in finding the solutions to increasingly complex societal challenges brought about by an expanding global population adds enormous value to their educational experience. The new center really capitalizes on the internationallyrecognized expertise in High Performance Computing (HPC), data sciences, and agriculture science at Illinois in ways to enhance Syngenta's drive for innovation." The new Research Park operation is located on campus to better connect industry with researchers and students. The center will start with a full-time site director, recruit professional staff, and employ students, who will work on developing projects using technologies such as smart farming, mobile applications, cloud services, and big data. "Digital innovation and integrating our data for greater insight is becoming a critical part of how we invent and bring new products to market, and support them in the market. This new capability will add creativity to the way we approach digital innovation," said John Ormrod, Syngenta Head IS Global R&D. Student hiring is underway with the goal to be fully operational by the summer. About Syngenta Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. Through world class science and innovative crop solutions, our 28,000 people in over 90 countries are working to transform how crops are grown. We are committed to rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities. To learn more visit www.syngenta.com and www.goodgrowthplan.com. Follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) at www.twitter.com/Syngenta. About the University of Illinois The University of Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching and discovery. Distinguished by the breadth of its programs, broad academic excellence, and internationally renowned faculty, the University of Illinois has a commitment of excellence in teaching, research, public service and economic development. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign serves the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. About the Research Park at the University of Illinois The Research Park at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a technology hub for startup companies and corporate research and development operations. Within the Research Park there are more than 100 companies employing students and full-time technology professionals. More information at researchpark.illinois.edu. About the National Center for Supercomputing Applications The National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) provides computing, data, networking, and visualization resources and expertise that help scientists and engineers across the country better understand and improve our world. NCSA is an interdisciplinary hub and is engaged in research and education collaborations with colleagues and students across the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. For more information, see www.ncsa.illinois.edu. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223005282/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] Telos Corporation's Col. Kim M. Montfoort Receives AFCEA Women's Appreciation Award Col. Kim M. Montfoort, retired Air Force officer and technical solutions lead for Telos Corporation, has been awarded the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association's (AFCEA) Women's Appreciation Award. The award is given to honor "AFCEA members who have gone above and beyond to further the careers of women." She was recognized at an awards ceremony held at the AFCEA West Conference on February 22, in San Diego, Calif. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223005303/en/ Kim M. Montfoort, AFCEA Women's Appreciation Award recipient (Photo: Business Wire) With 33 years of military service and six years of industry experience, Montfoort was selected for recognition specifically for her work mentoring young business and government professionals, and supporting and promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) scholarships and careers for female students in her local community's high schools and colleges. "Kim is aways available to mentor, lend a helping hand and guide others to reach their full potential," said Maj. Gen. Paul Capasso, USAF (Ret.), vice president of strategic programs at Telos. "Her passion for making a difference in the lives of young professionals in the workforce is contagious. This is a tremendous recognition for Kim and her tireless dedication to advancing the STEM careers of women, while strengthening the security of our nation." In her role at Telos, a leading provider of continuous security solutions and services for the world's most security-conscious agencies and organizations, Montfoort develops and designs cyber security solutions for federal civilian agencies, the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. A resident of Kathleen, Ga., Montfoort also serves as the small business liaison for the Middle Georgia AFCEA chapter. Her volunteer work includes building up small business interest in and support of her AFCEA chapter with the goal of building monetary support for its scholarship program. She has also established a quarterly luncheon mentoring series at nearby Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Ga. During Montfoort's tenure in the Air Force, she achieved distinguished leadership positions, such as the commander and CIO for 844 Communications Group, which provides IT support to the Secretary of Defense and the Air Force chief of staff. She also served as director of communications and chief information officer at the Air Force Reserve Command headquarters. AFCEA provides a forum for military, government and industry communities to collaborate so that technology and strategy align with the needs of those who serve. It is a non-profit international organization with over 31,000 individual members, 150 chapters and 1,500 corporate members. The organization has helped members advance information technology, communications and electronics capabilities since 1946. About Telos Corporation Telos Corporation empowers and protects the world's most security-conscious organizations with solutions and services for continuous security assurance of individuals, systems and information. Telos' offerings include cybersecurity solutions and services for IT risk management and information security; secure mobility to protect globally connected organizations; and identity management to establish trust in personnel and continuously monitor for insider threats. The company serves military, intelligence and civilian agencies of the federal government, allied nations and commercial organizations around the world. For more information, visit http://www.telos.com/ and follow on Twitter (News - Alert): @TelosNews. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223005303/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 22, 2017] Bell announces offering of MTN Debentures This news release contains forward-looking statements. For a description of the related risk factors and assumptions, please see the section entitled "Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements" later in this release. MONTREAL, Feb. 22, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell Canada (Bell) today announced the public offering of Cdn $1.5 billion of MTN Debentures in two series pursuant to its medium term notes (MTN) program. The $1 billion 2.70% MTN Debentures, Series M-44, will be dated February 27, 2017, will mature on February 27, 2024, and will be issued at a price of $99.886 per $100 principal amount. The $500 million 4.45% MTN Debentures, Series M-45, will be dated February 27, 2017, will mature on February 27, 2047, and will be issued at a price of $99.475 per $100 principal amount. The MTN Debentures will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by BCE Inc. The net proceeds of the offering are intended to be used principally to partially fund the acquisition by BCE of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. and to repay short-term debt. The MTN Debentures are being publicly offered in all provinces of Canada through a syndicate of agents. The MTN Debentures offering is expected to close on February 27, 2017. There shall be no offer, solicitation or sale of securities of Bell in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The MTN Debentures have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell securities in the United States. The MTN Debentures are beingissued pursuant to a Short Form Base Shelf Prospectus dated September 20, 2016 and a Prospectus Supplement dated September 30, 2016. Bell will file a pricing supplement relating to this issue with the securities regulatory authorities in all provinces of Canada. Caution concerning forward-looking statements Certain statements made in this news release are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements relating to the expected timing and completion of the proposed sale of MTN Debentures, the intended use of the net proceeds of such sale and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements, by their very nature, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on several assumptions, both general and specific, which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. As a result, we cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize and we caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release describe our expectations at the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as may be required by Canadian securities laws, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are provided herein for the purpose of giving information about the proposed offering referred to above. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The timing and completion of the above-mentioned proposed sale of the MTN Debentures is subject to customary closing terms and other risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the proposed sale of the MTN Debentures will occur, or that it will occur at the expected time indicated in this news release. About Bell Canada's largest communications company, Bell provides consumer, business and government customers with a comprehensive and innovative suite of broadband wireless, TV, Internet and business communication services from Bell Canada and Bell Aliant. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio, out of home and digital media. Founded in Montreal in 1880, Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. To learn more, please visit BCE.ca or Bell.ca. The Bell Let's Talk initiative promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let's Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research, and workplace initiatives. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk. Media inquiries: Jean Charles Robillard (514) 870-4739 [email protected] Investor inquiries: Thane Fotopoulos (514) 870-4619 [email protected] SOURCE Bell Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 22, 2017] Bristol-Myers Squibb Prices $1.5 Billion of Senior Notes Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) today announced that it has agreed to sell $1.5 billion of senior unsecured notes: $750 million in aggregate principal amount of 1.600% notes due 2019 and $750 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.250% notes due 2027, in an underwritten public offering. Goldman, Sachs & Co., Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering. Bristol-Myers Squibb intends to use the proceeds from the offering to fund its share repurchase program and for general corporate purposes. The final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, when available, may be accessed through the SEC's (News - Alert) website at https://www.sec.gov/. Alternatively, the issuer, the underwriters or any dealer participating in the offering will arrange to send you the prospectus and prospectus supplement if you request it by calling Goldman, Sachs & Co. at 1-866-471-2526, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC at 1-866-718-1649 or Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated at 1-800-294-1322. These securities are offered pursuant to a registration statement that has become effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These securities are only offered by mean of the prospectus supplement and prospectus relating to the offering. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any offer or sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction, where the offer, solicitation or sale of these securities would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. About Bristol-Myers Squibb Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol-Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. Bristol-Myers Squibb Forward-Looking Statement This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the research, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including factors that could delay, divert or change any of them, and could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from current expectations. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect Bristol-Myers Squibb's business, particularly those identified in the cautionary factors discussion in Bristol-Myers Squibb's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Current Reports on Form 8-K. Bristol-Myers Squibb undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170222006673/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 22, 2017] NHI Announces $16.1 Million Purchase of Two Assisted Living/Memory Care Facilities in North Carolina National Health Investors, Inc. (NYSE:NHI) announced today it has purchased two assisted living/memory care facilities totaling 86 units in Hendersonville, North Carolina. The adjacent facilities, known as Spring Arbor, will be leased to affiliates of Ravn Senior Solutions for a lease term of 15 years at an annual lease rate of 7.35% plus annual fixed escalators. The acquisition was funded with borrowings from NHI's revolving credit facility. The first facility, opened in 1999, includes 26 assisted living units and 13 memory care units. The second facility, opened in 2002, is comprised of 47 assisted living units. With this purchase, NHI was granted a purchase option on a third building in the Raleigh/Durham market. Ravn Senior Solutions is headed by Steve Morton, Ted Turner, Patti Jones, and Arick Morton, who have a combined eighty-five years of senior living management experience. More information about Ravn Senior Solutions is available at http://www.ravnsl.com. NHI's President and CEO, Eric Mendelsohn, stated, "We are excited to enter into a new relationship with Ravn Senior Solutions, which is a growth-oriented company with an experienced management team. These facilities will be an excellent addition to NHI's portfolio." About NHI Incorporated in 1991, National Health Investors, Inc. (NYSE: NHI) is a real estate investment trust specializing in sale-leaseback, joint-venture, mortgage and mezzanine financing of need-driven and discretionary senior housing and medical investments. NHI's portfolio consists of independent, assisted and memory care communities, entrance-fee retirement communities, skilled nursing facilities, medical office buildings and specialty hospitals. For more information, visit www.nhireit.com. This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, an Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements regarding the Company's, tenants', operators', borrowers' or managers' expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, funds from operations, dividend and dividend plans, financing opportunities and plans, capital market transactions, business strategy, budgets, projected costs, operating metrics, capital expenditures, competitive positions, acquisitions, investment opportunities, dispositions, acquisition integration, growth opportunities, expected lease income, continued qualification as a real estate investment trust ("REIT"), plans and objectives of management for future operations, continued performance improvements, ability to service and refinance our debt obligations, ability to finance growth opportunities, and similar statements including, without limitation, those containing words such as "may", "will", "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "estimates", "plans", and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results in future periods to differ materially from those projected or contemplated in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among other things; the operating success of our tenants and borrowers for collection of our lease and interest income; the success of property development and construction activities, which may fail to achieve the operating results we expect; the risk that our tenants and borrowers may become subject to bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings; risks related to governmental regulations and payors, principally Medicare and Medicaid, and the effect that lower reimbursement rates would have on our tenants' and borrowers' business; the risk that the cash flows of our tenants and borrowers would be adversely affected by increased liability claims and liability insurance costs; risks related to environmental laws and the costs associated with liabilities related to hazardous substances; the risk that we may not be fully indemnified by our lessees and borrowers against future litigation; the success of our future acquisitions and investments; our ability to reinvest cash in real estate investments in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; the potential need to incur more debt in the future, which may not be available on terms acceptable to us; our ability to meet covenants related to our indebtedness which impose certain operational; the risk that the illiquidity of real estate investments could impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of our properties; risks associated with our investments in unconsolidated entities, including our lack of sole decision-making authority and our reliance on the financial condition of other interests; our dependence on revenues derived mainly from fixed rate investments in real estate assets, while a portion of our debt bears interest at variable rates; the risk that our assets may be subject to impairment charges; and our dependence on the ability to continue to qualify for taxation as a real estate investment trust. Many of these factors are beyond the control of the Company and its management. The Company assumes no obligation to update any of the foregoing or any other forward looking statements, except as required by law, and these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Investors are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by NHI in its periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors and other information disclosed in NHI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year. Copies of these filings are available at no cost on the SEC's (News - Alert) web site at http://www.sec.gov or on NHI's web site at http://www.nhireit.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170222006707/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 22, 2017] Seabury Global Markets and BYFX Launch Spotex Suite of Electronic Foreign Exchange Products Seabury Global Markets LLC ("SGM"), a subsidiary of Seabury Capital LLC and a provider of FX liquidity management and trade execution solutions, announced today that it has initiated a new collaboration between SGM, Spotex, and SBI FX Co., Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japan's leading online securities firm SBI Holdings. SGM has been selected by BYFX, the trading name of SBI FX Co., Limited, which recently launched a new leveraged foreign exchange business in Hong Kong, to be the end-to-end technology partner supplying a full suite of tools and functionality that covers ECN and peer-to-peer liquidity, back office systems, margin and credit modules along with other crucial components such as white label trading front end and MT4 bridging technology. Andre Monza, Seabury Global Markets Managing Director and Head of Asia, commented: "This is a phenomenal opportunity for Seabury Global Markets and Spotex to collaborate with a world-class organization like SBI Holdings and BYFX in the Asian region. The strong interest between our companies to apply cutting-edge technology, decades of combined experience in FX and precious metals and BYFX's plan to rapidly extend innovation into the Asian marketplace offer us a chance to help reshape the current landscape and create a lasting impact in the region." "We're very excited to be working with SBI Holdings and BYFX to deliver an end-to-end FX trading and white label solution combined with an execution capability that spans the globe," added Spotex Chief Executive Officer Ritesh Agrawal. "Our companies' offering will benefit buy and sell side clients and retail brokers looking for better liquidity and a sophisticated white label product." BYFX is the first SBI Holdings overseas business unit to directly target clients outside Japan under the SBI Holdings brand with a primary market ocus on Greater China. The company is dedicated to provide a comprehensive FX liquidity solution and trading technology consultation which includes trade monitoring, price aggregation, trade matching, back end and reporting systems. "We are very excited to partner with Seabury Global Markets who can deliver an end-to-end trading solution to us without losing the high degree of customizable flexibility that is paramount to our strategy. Seabury Global Markets and Spotex have reciprocated our commitment that is necessary to establish a robust long-term relationship," concluded BYFX Chief Executive Officer Zhu Min. About SBI FX Co., Limited SBI FX Co., Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SBI Holdings in Japan, provides leveraged FX services under its trading name BYFX. The company was found on 22 May 2015 and is headquartered in Hong Kong. SBI Holdings is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (stock code 8473), which is one of the largest online securities groups in Japan. It has created a success story from its extensive coverage of business including venture capital, brokerages, investment banking and the pharmaceutical industry. The group owns 219 companies worldwide with more than 20 million clients, according to SBI Holdings, Inc. third quarter FY2016 financial results (Fiscal Year Ending March 2017). SBI FX Co., Limited's CE number is BHK360. www.BYFX.com About Seabury Global Markets Seabury Global Markets LLC ("SGM") is the investment and marketing vehicle of Seabury Capital LLC to deploy and market financial, technical and human resources into the financial technology space. Spotex is an innovative FX ECN focused on improving Foreign Exchange trading for both institutions and retail brokers. Spotex has developed intelligent exchange technologies that build and apply quantitative metrics to participants based on their trading behavior. www.spotex.com Seabury Capital LLC ("SeaCap"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Seabury Group LLC, owns and operates a number of specialty finance companies providing innovative cross-border financing for equipment and trade receivables as well as insurance-backed auto service and financial obligations. SeaCap recently launched a merchant banking business to take minority equity positions in, and to provide debt financing to, middle-market companies. SeaCap also owns software companies providing enterprise solutions to airlines, aerospace companies and institutional foreign exchange and precious metals traders. www.seaburygroup.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170222006710/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 22, 2017] Sloan, Hatcher, Perry, Runge, Robertson & Smith Law Firm Returns for Fourth Consecutive Year as Major Sponsor of Houston Creole Heritage Festival Set for Saturday, Feb. 25 Sloan, Hatcher, Perry, Runge, Robertson & Smith Law Firm is returning for the fourth consecutive year as a major sponsor of Houston Creole Heritage Festival. The festival, which was established in 2014, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Discovery Green Park in downtown Houston. Houston Creole Heritage Festival is a family-oriented jamboree focused on preserving and celebrating Creole customs and lineage. Creole represents the fusion of African, French, Native American and Spanish cultures. For details about Houston Creole Heritage Festival, please visit www.houstoncreolefestival.com. "The Sloan Firm is pleased to be a major supporter and underwriter of Houston Creole Heritage Festival for four years now. We are especially proud to have been approached to become a charter sponsor for the festival, which stemmed from a long-standing positive relationship I have had with the festival founder -- Reverend Michael Bill. Michael and I have known each other since high school in Henderson, Texas, and we share the same goal of making a positive, meaningful impact on the lives of everyday people," commented John Sloan, founding partner of The Sloan Firm. John Sloan is based in Longview, Texas, and Santa Fe, N.M. The Sloan Firm has an impressive track record of effective negotiations and litigation in its prmary practice area of personal injury law. The Sloan Firm has successfully litigated on behalf of its clients' cases involving product defects, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, work injuries, medical malpractice, drunk driving accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, highway defects, burn injuries, premises defect, sexual abuse, sexual harassment and wrongful death. Houston Creole Heritage Festival is becoming increasingly popular and more successful each year. Likewise, The Sloan Firm's participation each year has been well-received both by festival organizers and festival goers. In past years, Sloan Firm staff and volunteers donated and custom-fit hundreds of bicycle safety helmets for children attending the festival as part of the Heads In Helmets public safety program that promotes awareness and prevention of traumatic brain injury in children (www.headsinhelmets.com). "The Sloan Firm has been demonstrating our commitment to community, charitable, educational, and professional organizations in the greater Houston area since we opened our Houston office in 2010. Our legal team enjoys being associated with festivals and events such as this not only because we want to become better known in the marketplace, but more so because we genuinely care about serving and protecting people of all ages and at all stages of their life. Almost everyone is likely to need legal counsel at some point in his or her future, and we are well-equipped to address serious personal injury matters and other legal issues if or when they arise," said Joe Jones, lead attorney for The Sloan Firm's Houston office. The firm's headquarters is located at 101 East Whaley Street in Longview, Texas 75601. The phone number for the Longview office is 903-206-4575. John Sloan can be contacted there by phone or by email [email protected]. The Houston office of The Sloan Firm is located at 3000 Smith Street, Suite 4, Houston, Texas 77006. The Houston office phone number is 713-520-8833. Jones can be contacted there by phone or by email [email protected]. For more information on The Sloan Firm, please visit www.SloanFirm.com or call toll free at 800-730-0099. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170222006712/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 22, 2017] Able Device and EMnify Launch SIMbae Key Exchange Manager to Provide Enhanced IoT Security for Enterprises Able Device (News - Alert), a pioneer in SIM-based IoT and M2M application technology, and EMnify, the Berlin-based global cellular IoT and M2M connectivity platform provider, today announced the commercial availability of SIMbae Key Exchange Manager (S-KEM), that resides on EMnify SIMs (Subscriber Identity Modules) to securely transfer IoT app security keys to devices. "EMnify and Able Device are together offering this new innovative solution to the market to improve IoT security and to address the issues enterprises face when establishing identities on devices during initial large scale deployments, as well as updating them throughout the lifetime of individual devices," said Martin Giess, CTO of EMnify. "Able Device's patented technology behind S-KEM in combination with EMnify SIMs and services are a 3GPP standards based, convenient, and secure way to use the mobile network and SIM authentication method to transfer IoT app security over public networks." The joint demonstration of S-KEM at Mobile World Congress (News - Alert) showcases an EMnify SIM enhanced as a secure element using Able Device's licensed SIM applet, SIMbae. EMnify's Key Exchange Server will over-the-air (OTA) transmit an x.509 certificate to the SIM which will make the certificate available to an IoT application running on a Raspberry Pi based IoT device. The device will then connect to an AWS resident application utilizing the updated x.509 certificate. According to Roger Dewey (News - Alert), CEO and Founder of Able Device, "S-KEM provides a valuable enhanced IoT security solution as it enables end-to-end encrypted updates, allowing a secure 'back chanel' key exchange enhancing IoT SIM deployments." He continued by adding, "SIMs have multiple layers of encryption keys that work in conjunction with the authentication center in the mobile network. Individual encryption keys on each SIM for network authentication and the individual application interacting with the OTA server are required to install or modify any application embedded on a SIM. This makes applications embedded on SIMs very secure and virtually un-hackable, establishing it as the perfect vehicle for transmitting updated application keys via a public network." Visit EMnify at Hall 7 Stand 7L51 to see the demonstration and to learn more about S-KEM and how it can enhance your IoT security. About Able Device Able Device is a provider of technology for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and IoT service providers. Its flagship product SIMbae (short for "SIM based application engine") enables hosting of IoT device controls and applications on standard SIMs. In this new architecture, the SIM is transformed to an intelligent independent processor. As SIMbae utilizes established and common 3GPP SIM standards, IoT controls and applications implemented this way become device and carrier agnostic - with benefits including shorter time to market, reduced development cost, lower operating cost, and improved security. Based in Raleigh, NC, Able Device serves mobile network operators globally. For more information, visit www.abledevice.com. About EMnify EMnify is a Berlin-based company which provides an innovative, secure and scalable global cellular connectivity management platform for companies of any size who need a simple to use, but highly flexible and powerful solution to connect their IoT and M2M devices and manage their connectivity. Founded in 2014, the company was born out of the belief that the impact of IoT will revolutionize commerce worldwide and improve our lives with intelligent devices. EMnify's unique cloud infrastructure in addition to enabling software-defined networking, regional data traffic handling, increased security compared to hardware-based solutions, offers features to power even the most demanding applications. For more information, visit www.emnify.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170222006723/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 22, 2017] Nerium International Announces Successful Business Platform in Colombia After just one month of being open in Colombia, Nerium International has solidified its position as a strong leader in the anti-aging and direct sales space. Nerium specializes in anti-aging skincare products, and has already surpassed USD $1 million in sales throughout Colombia in its first month. "Colombia has shown an interesting dynamic in the collaborative economy, and we see great possibilities for continued growth in the future. In only one month of operation, thousands joined the Nerium International Colombia family. This shows us once more that the Colombian culture is looking for other business opportunities in order to move forward. Our people look to leverage their objectives with a business platform with which they can generate additional incomes," states Adriana Sarmiento, General Director of Nerium Colombia. The company ha carried out six events in the main cities of the country in order to make public its business model, to which around 6,000 people have attended. "We are so pleased to welcome Colombia to the Nerium family. We have a dynamic corporate team leading the way, as well as solid leadership in the field to ensure that we have an amazing opportunity for the people of Colombia," says Nerium International CEO Jeff Olson (News - Alert). Nerium's goal in 2017 is to grow its market share both in the anti-aging skincare space as well as in the direct sales space. Colombia is a key market for Nerium International as a part of its expansion into South America. More information can be found on our website. About Nerium International Based in Addison, TX, Nerium International is a global relationship marketing company with Age-Defying products crafted from cutting-edge research and science. Founded in 2011, Nerium International has shattered industry sales records while developing a strong customer base in North American, Latin American and Asia-Pacific markets. This unprecedented success has allowed Nerium International to generate $1 billion in cumulative sales after just four years. Nerium International was recognized for its historic growth by ranking No. 1 on the 2015 Inc. 500 List of fastest-growing private U.S. companies in consumer products and services and No. 12 in overall, as well as No. 38 on the 2016 Direct Selling News' Global 100 List. Led by an executive leadership team with vast domestic and international experience, Nerium International is committed to providing an excellent product line based in real science and providing its Independent Brand Partners with a life-changing and outstanding business opportunity through relationship marketing. For more information, please visit: www.nerium.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170222006744/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 22, 2017] Samsung Launches Premium Exynos 9 Series Processor Built on the World's First 10nm FinFET Process Technology Samsung (News - Alert) Electronics Co., Ltd., a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, today announced the launch of its latest premium application processor (AP), the Exynos 9 Series 8895. This is Samsung's first processor chipset to take advantage of the most advanced and industry leading 10-nanometer (nm) FinFET process technology with improved 3D transistor structure, which allows up to 27% higher performance while consuming 40% less power when compared to 14nm technology. The new Exynos 9 Series 8895 is the first processor of its kind to embed a gigabit LTE (News - Alert) modem that supports five carrier aggregation, or 5CA. It delivers fast and stable data throughput at max.1Gbps (Cat.16) downlink with 5CA and 150Mbps (Cat.13) uplink with 2CA. The Exynos 8895 is an octa-core processor, comprising of four of Samsung's 2nd generation custom designed CPU cores for improved performance and power efficiency in addition to four Cortex-A53 cores. With Samsung Coherent Interconnect (SCI) technology, the latest processor integrates a heterogeneous system architecture that allows faster computing for a wide range of applications such as artificial intelligence, and deep learning. The Exynos 8895 also delivers unsurpassed multimedia experience with its powerful GPU and multi-format codec (MFC) as well as next level 3D graphic performance that minimizes latency for 4K UHD VR and gaming experience with ARM (News - Alert)'s latest Mali-G71 GPU. In addition, with its advanced MC, the processor supports video recording and playback at a maximum resolution of 4K UHD at 120fps. It also comes with video processing technology that enables a higher quality experience by enhancing the image quality; for example, for VR (Virtual Reality) applications, the Exynos 8895 delivers a realistic and immersive VR video experience at 4K resolution. The Exynos 8895 has a separate processing unit for enhanced security solutions required for mobile payments that use iris or fingerprint recognition as well as an embedded Vision Processing Unit (VPU) that can recognize and analyze items or movements for improved video tracking, panoramic image processing, and machine vision technology. "In addition to being built on the most advanced 10nm FinFET process technology, the new Exynos 9 Series 8895 incorporates Samsung's cutting-edge technologies including a 2nd generation custom CPU, gigabit LTE modem, and more," said Ben Hur, Vice President of System LSI marketing at Samsung Electronics. "With industry leading technologies like VPU, the Exynos 8895 will drive the innovation of next generation smartphones, VR headsets, and automotive infotainment system." The Exynos 9 Series 8895 is currently in mass production. For more information about Samsung's Exynos products, please visit www.samsung.com/exynos About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, cameras, digital appliances, medical equipment, network systems, and semiconductor and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170222006754/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] Eurofins Digital Testing Signs Strategic Agreement with Nokia BRUSSELS, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Eurofins Digital Testing, a global leader in end-to-end quality assurance (QA) and testing services (formerly Testronic Labs Belgium), today announced it has signed a strategic relationship agreement with Nokia. Under the agreement, Nokia will resell Eurofins' suite of automated test tools and professional testing support services for TV and video services, and will leverage Eurofins' capabilities to staff and train onsite personnel to support the testing and QA needs of operators in North America, Europe, Asia, and other regions around the globe. In addition, Eurofins Digital Testing will promote Nokia as a systems integrator for its worldwide clients. Notably, in addition to Nokia's internal test capabilities and tools, Nokia will resell Eurofins' TestWizard test automation suite to help operators reduce the time spent on repetitive, manual tests by providing efficient and reliable automated tests cases that ensure stability and accelerate deployment of new services. TestWizard through its modular, cloud-based system will provide service validation, insights into the end-user experience, and monitor performance for operators' next-gen video services. As part of the wide-ranging agreement, the reseller relationship will also extend to Nokia affiliates and distributors. Eurofins Digital Testing and Nokia will help operators with a full range of end-to-end TV and video testing services, from strategy development through execution. "The move toward more software-intensive set-top boxes and IP video deployment requires operators to move at a much faster pace, while maintaining the highest quality experiences possible," said Paul Larbey, Head of Nokia's Video Business Division. "Eurofins Digital Testing is a recognized leader in QA services and testing, and we look forward to offering both their test automation products and expertise to our customers who are designing and deploying their next-gen video systems." "Nokia is recognized as one of the most innovative, and relied upon, global leaders for next-gen TV and video technology and services," said Johan Craeybeckx, CEO of Eurofins Digital Testing. "Across development and operations teams, operators need speed, efficiency and reliability to meet the rising expectations of TV viewers. We're incredibly pleased to have been selected by Nokia to meet the testing and QA needs of operators around the world." Eurofins Digital Testing helps TV operators worldwide reduce development, testing and deployment cycles to accelerate service delivery, and support a more continuous delivery environment. Through its suite of automated test tools, professional testing support services, staffing of onsite personnel, and training, Eurofins helps increase test coverage and consistency to provide service validation, insights into the end-user experience, and performance monitoring for quality assurance. Additional information about Eurofins Digital Testing is available at: http://www.eurofins-digitaltesting.com/. For more information about Nokia, visit: http://www.nokia.com/. About Eurofins Digital Testing: Eurofins Digital Testing is a leader in end-to-end Quality Assurance (QA), providing test tools, test services and training to validate digital media systems for operators around the globe. Eurofins Digital Testing was formed from the merger of Digital TV Labs and Testronic Labs Belgium, and is part of the Eurofins Group. Eurofins Digital Testing operates globally with test lab facilities in Belgium, UK, Hong Kong, Poland, Sweden, and other countries. The company serves operators around the world, including Freesat, Sky Deutschland, Vodafone Group, Liberty Global, Kabel Deutschland, Freeview, and others. For more information, visit: http://www.eurofins-digitaltesting.com/. About Nokia Nokia is a global leader innovating the technologies at the heart of our connected world. Powered by the research and innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we serve communications service providers, governments, large enterprises and consumers, with the industry's most complete, end-to-end portfolio of products, services and licensing. From the enabling infrastructure for 5G and the Internet of Things, to emerging applications in virtual reality and digital health, we are shaping the future of technology to transform the human experience. www.nokia.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eurofins-digital-testing-signs-strategic-agreement-with-nokia-300412217.html SOURCE Eurofins Digital Testing [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] Shinezone Completes RMB 400 Million Series B Financing and Initiates A-Share Listing Plan in China SHANGHAI, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Shinezone, a China-based pioneer in the export of online games, recently announced that the company has completed a Series B financing round, securing RMB 400 million from a group of investors including China Fortune Securities, Bank of Ningbo, Shanshan Venture Capital, Jiuyou Fund, Nord Engine Capital and HTVC. At the same time, the company has also announced the initiation of a plan to gain an A-share listing in China. Shinezone plans to use the funds from the Series B round to expand its global distribution network, create a complete industry chain by acquiring upstream anddownstream gaming companies and platforms in overseas markets and increase its investment in incubator technology and talent. The company's strategic objective is to build the most influential game export platform in China. Headquartered in Pudong, Shanghai, Shinezone was established by the Li Hualiang family and Sina in 2011. The company specializes in the in-house development and publication of web and mobile games for global markets. The company has released more than 23 products in 18 countries and regions, with hundreds of millions of users in addition to having established strategic partnerships with international social and gaming platforms including Facebook, the App Store, Google Play, ArmorGames and Sina. At the same time, Shinezone has confirmed that the company will participate in GDC 2017 which will be held in San Francisco soon. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shinezone-completes-rmb-400-million-series-b-financing-and-initiates-a-share-listing-plan-in-china-300412318.html SOURCE ShineZone [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] Geoswift Awarded ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Certification for Information Security HONG KONG, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Geoswift, a leading provider of cross-border payment solutions between China and the rest of the world, announced today that the company has been awarded the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification ISO/IEC 27001:2013. The ISO27001 certificate is a globally recognised international standard for Information Security management system (ISMS). Geoswift presently partners with major global banks, financial service providers, payment solutions providers and merchants. Attaining ISO/IEC 27001:2013 enables Geoswift to continually enhance the organization's data security management system and build a risk-based framework for process and secure cross-border payments with international markets. Geoswift received the certification following an extensive external audit, conducted by the BSI group. The certification further seals an international certification of reassurance for Geoswift's partners on data security and protection. Raymond Qu, Founder and CEO of Geoswift said, "We believe data security and quality control is essential for any business. At Geoswift, we have always taken a proactive approach to safeguard the information integrity and security of our partners." "As we expand our global footprint, data security of assets such as financial information, intellectual property and third-party data from partners must be guarded with highest diligence and respect. The ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification was certainly an intensiv auditing process but a step in the right direction. Our partners welcome the move and it's definitely a business investment as we continue to expand our business and deepen relationships with partners this year." "In the global payment market, security and reliability are non-negotiable. It is of utmost importance for technology organizations to improve their standards of security and reliability. The success of Geoswift in achieving the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification, the latest standard of information security management system, demonstrates the strategic long-term development as well as rigorous and serious work attitude of the organization in protecting their users' information. Also, it indicates their determination to incorporate international best practices of data protection to meet the increasing expectation of its business customers in the large, rapidly expanding marketplace," said Emmanuel Herve, Managing Director, BSI ASEAN. The ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification signals Geoswift's commitment to strengthen the integrity and security of its information security management system. Geoswift is headquartered in Hong Kong with operating offices in Shanghai, London, Vancouver, Seattle and San Francisco for strategic and regulatory functions. About Geoswift Geoswift is an innovative payment technology company connecting China and the rest of the world. The company comprises the world's leading payment technology experts that have a deep understanding of the industry, technology, and global and China monetary policy. Geoswift provides clients with customised one-stop cross-border payment solutions to and from China. Geoswift is relied upon by the world's leading e-commerce companies, most prestigious universities and the largest brands in the travel industry to grow their businesses. Geoswift is an acquirer of UnionPay International in North America and a long-term partner of many other leading financial institutions. It also maintains 19 currency exchange outlets throughout China. Geoswift is headquartered in Hong Kong with operating offices in Shanghai, London, Vancouver, Seattle and San Francisco for strategic and regulatory functions. For more information visit, please visit www.geoswift.com or send in your queries to [email protected]. CONTACT: Cognito, Prisita Menon / Liz Asri, +65-6221-7310, [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] MDxHealth Reports Financial Year 2016 Results NEWS RELEASE REGULATED INFORMATION INSIDE INFORMATION Record revenue of $30 million, up 70% from 2015 Total test volume up 57% over 2015 Conference call for analysts and investors today at 15:00 CET / 09:00 EST, details below IRVINE, CA, and HERSTAL, BELGIUM - 7:00 AM, February 23, 2017 - MDxHealth SA (Euronext: MDXH.BR), or the "Company", today announced its financial results for the financial year ended December 31, 2016. KEY HIGHLIGHTS Financial Total revenue of $30.0 million up 70% from $17.6 million in 2015 driven by strong growth of ConfirmMDx and successful launch of SelectMDx(TM) and successful launch of SelectMDx(TM) US revenue was $24.4 million, up 60% from $15.2 million in 2015. Non-US revenue was $5.6 million, up 133% or $2.4 million compared to 2015 EBITDA of $(11.1) million improved by $2.5 million from 2015 Cash and cash equivalents of $30.9 million, at December 31, 2016 following successful capital raise of 20.4 million ($21.7 million) Nearly 24,000 patients tested worldwide across all MDxHealth products in 2016, with SelectMDx representing approximately 17% of the total Corporate Strong growth of ConfirmMDx driven by wide market adoption and continued expansion of reimbursement coverage ConfirmMDx included in the US National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Guidelines 19 new payor agreements added and 28 payor issued positive medical policies on ConfirmMDx in US Obtained unique Category I MAAA Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code effective January 2018 Successful US commercial launch of SelectMDx including coverage from 11 US payors and 7 distribution agreements in Europe, Asia, Latin America and Israel Continued strong body of evidence demonstrating the clinical significance of MDxHealth tests with 10 clinical papers and abstracts published, including 7 for ConfirmMDx, 2 for SelectMDx and 1 for AssureMDx(TM) (for bladder cancer) ISO Certification granted for MDxHealth's laboratory in The Netherlands, an important step in the Company's in vitro diagnostic commercial strategy in Europe and other international markets Post-Period End US Government Services Administration (GSA) contract awarded for ConfirmMDx Positive coverage policy on ConfirmMDx for Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey Non-exclusive distribution agreement with Istituto Diagnostico Varelli to offer SelectMDx throughout central and southern Italy Dr. Jan Groen, Chief Executive Officer of MDxHealth commented: "The strong progress made in 2016 with the accelerated adoption of ConfirmMDx and the successful launch of our first liquid biopsy test, SelectMDx, demonstrates the significant potential of MDxHealth's world leading urological oncology franchise." "With the ongoing roll out of SelectMDx, together with the planned launch of our second liquid biopsy test AssureMDx for Bladder Cancer this year, the Company continues to make rapid and meaningful progress in the expansion of its portfolio of products that address unmet medical needs for cancer patients, while leveraging the commercial infrastructure we have built over the last several years. We are pleased with our progress in 2016 and believe MDxHealth is well positioned to build strong, sustainable growth in 2017 and beyond." BUSINESS AND STRATEGIC REVIEW Strong growth of ConfirmMDx driven by wide market adoption and continued expansion of reimbursement coverage NCCN Guideline inclusion and increasing adoption has enabled MDxHealth to secure 19 reimbursement contracts, while 28 payors issued positive medical coverage policies. The test is now also covered under the California Medical Assistance Program (Medi-Cal), the single largest state-run public health program in the US with nearly 12 million enrollees. This positive trend will continue in 2017 with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield recently issuing positive policy coverage for more than 3.8 million members. The recently obtained unique ConfirmMDx CPT code, effective January 2018, is expected to further streamline the Company's reimbursement efforts and significantly reduce collection periods. Further to the period end, MDxHealth was awarded a US Government Services Administration (GSA) contract. This contract is critical to making ConfirmMDx widely accessible to authorized government customers. The Company's continued investments in demonstrating clinical utility and improved patient care from use of ConfirmMDx has resulted in publication in 10 clinical scientific publications and presentations, including in the journal The Prostate. Scientific data were also presented at several urology conferences across the US, including the Annual Meeting of the American Urology Association (AUA) in San Diego, and the Symposium of the American Society of Clinical Oncology Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (ASCO GU) in San Francisco. Successful global commercial launch of first liquid biopsy test SelectMDx. Second liquid biopsy test AssureMDx for Bladder Cancer set for 2017 full commercial launch Following the European launch in late 2015, the Company's proprietary liquid biopsy test SelectMDx was commercially launched in the US in March 2016. This non-invasive urine-based test identifies men at risk for clinically significant prostate cancer who may benefit from an initial prostate biopsy or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The validation study published in European Urology confirms the superior performance compared to other commonly used biomarker tests and risk calculators. The enrollment of the prospective 4M clinical study on 600 subjects evaluating the synergy of MRI and SelectMDx is complete and results are expected to be published in the course of 2017. In the US, SelectMDx is marketed as a Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) through MDxHealth's sales force. Outside the US, the Company pursues a direct sales strategy in the Benelux, Germany and Italy, complemented by European and global distributors and commercial lab partners. The Company concluded several agreements for the distribution of SelectMDx, covering various countries in Europe, Central and Latin America, Israel and most recently Hong Kong and Macao China. Outside the US, the test is currently performed at the Company's ISO 13485:2016 certified lab in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Volumes for SelectMDx since its US launch in 2016 were nearly 3.5 times higher compared to the first year for ConfirmMDx, representing 17% of the total test volume for 2016. The fast uptake of this test by urologists and their patients has already resulted in 11 payor contracts in the first year. In the last quarter of 2016, the Company beta launched its second liquid biopsy test, AssureMDx for Bladder Cancer. The launch followed the publication of two clinical validation studies underscoring the test's clinical validity. AssureMDx has a very high negative predictive value of 99% and may significantly reduce unnecessary invasive and costly cystoscopy procedures. With 700,000 cystoscopy procedures performed in the US every year, AssureMDx addresses a potential $300 million market in the US, and is scheduled for commercial launch in the US as an LDT by the end of the first half of 2017. Leveraging our cutting-edge technology for licensing opportunities MDxHealth has built a robust portfolio of proprietary biomarkers for molecular assays for areas such as colorectal, lung and brain cancers. In addition to its proprietary offering in uro-oncology, the Company leverages this non-core portfolio of biomarkers and technologies through various licensing agreements. In 2016, MDxHealth granted a non-exclusive worldwide license for its methylation-specific PSR (MSP) technology to QIAGEN for use in its diagnostic cervical cancer assay, QIAsure. FINANIAL REVIEW Key unaudited consolidated figures for the financial year ended December 31, 2016 (thousands of US dollars, except number of shares and per share data): As of or for the year ended December 31 2016 2015 Change Change as a % Revenues 29,970 17,640 12,330 69.9% Gross Profit 19,867 10,735 9,132 85.1% Operating expenses 32,713 25,117 7,596 30.2% EBITDA (Loss) (11,126) (13,634) 2,508 (18.4)% Operating profit (EBIT) (12,846) (14,382) 1,536 (10.7)% Net Income (Loss) (13,174) (14,473) 1,299 (9.0)% Earnings per share, basic ($) (0.26) (0.32) 0.06 (18.7)% Revenue and Gross Profit Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016 amounted to $30 million, an increase of 70% compared to total revenues of $17.6 million a year earlier and included $25 million of product and service income. The strong growth in the US contributed $24.4 million or 82% of total revenue. Non-US revenues included initial sales of SelectMDx, milestone payments and royalties from license deals, and came in at $5.5 million, up 133% or $2.4 million compared to 2015. Total net billings for 2016 amounted to $49.3 million. However, the Company only recognizes revenue when there is reasonable evidence that the test will effectively be reimbursed. As a result, a significant portion of the revenue is only recognized when the payment is collected, leaving a significant portion of invoiced amounts unrecognized in 2016. The deferral of part of the revenue gradually decreases as the Company concludes firm agreements for reimbursement with a growing number of payors. Cost of goods sold for 2016 came in at $10.1 million, compared to $6.9 million in 2015. Increased revenues resulted in a gross profit of $19.9 million, while a sustained focus on operational efficiencies yielded an improvement of the gross profit margin from 60.9% in 2015 to 66.3% in 2016. Operating Expenses Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 amounted to $32.7 million, an increase of $7.6 million or 30.2%. The year-on-year increase is mainly attributable to the acquisition of NovioGendix (renamed to MDxHealth BV), which was only included for one quarter in 2015. Furthermore, MDxHealth invested in the build-out of the organisation to support the global commercial launch of SelectMDx. MDxHealth adopts a direct sales strategy for SelectMDx in Benelux, Germany and Italy, supported by European and global distributors and commercial lab partners. The Company appointed a global commercial team to cover business development and direct sales. Finally, the Company continued to validate the clinical utility of its expanded offering through clinical trials and publications. R&D spending remained level with last year despite the increased pace of newly developed product launches. EBITDA for the year improved by $2.5 million as the loss was reduced from $13.6 million in 2015 to $11.1 million. This improvement was partly offset by increased amortization charges, bringing the Company's net loss for 2016 to $13.2 million, $1.3 million better than in 2015. The increased amortization resulted from scheduled amortization of intangible assets associated with the acquisition of NovioGendix in 2015. Cash Position Cash and cash equivalents stood at $30.8 million at the end of 2016 after having successfully raised $21.7 million (20.4 million) in a private placement of 4,526,962 new shares at 4.50 ($4.99) per share. The number of outstanding shares at December 31 was 49,796,595. Increased private payor adoption and a sustained focus on reimbursement has helped to improve working capital throughout 2016. Cash used by operations amounted to $16.6 million, compared to $14.4 million in 2015, and included cash collections of $19.7 million, a 61% increase year-on-year. The award of a unique CPT code by the AMA, which will become effective January 1, 2018, is expected to significantly shorten collection periods from both Medicare and private payors. OUTLOOK MDxHealth is committed to maintaining its focus on its strategic priorities during 2017. These include: Growth between 55% to 75% on product and service income, excluding royalties and milestone payments, with the high-end of the range being driven by sustained growth of SelectMDx in the US and Europe and early commercial success of AssureMDx in the US Increasing utilization of its products in and outside the US, contributing to a continuing reduction in operating losses Increasing private payor adoption and securing favourable reimbursement rates for ConfirmMDx and SelectMDx in the US, which is expected to improve collectability and to reduce working capital requirements Continue to expand its product and services offering and leverage its established commercial presence through the launch of AssureMDx for Bladder Cancer Continuing to demonstrate the clinical utility of its product portfolio through peer-review articles, including: Publishing a prospective clinical study for SelectMDx Publishing SelectMDx health economic data Launch of the SelectMDx CE-marked in vitro diagnostic (IVD) kit WEBCAST AND PRESENTATION MDxHealth will host a conference call today at 15:00 CET / 14:00 GMT / 09:00 EST / 06:00 PT to discuss its Financial Year 2016 results. To access the conference call, please dial one of the appropriate numbers below quoting the conference ID 69886101. Belgium: +32 (0)81 70 00 61 The Netherlands +31 (0)8000 235 091 UK: +44 (0)1452 55 55 66 US: +1 (866) 966-9439 The call will be conducted in English and a replay will be available for 30 days. The presentation will be made available on the investors section of the MDxHealth website shortly before the call and can be accessed at: http://mdxhealth.com/investors. 2017 REPORTING CALENDAR Q1 results: May 8, 2017 H1 results: August 31, 2017 Q3 results: November 2, 2017 Preliminary update of top line 2017 FY results: January 5, 2018 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND AUDITOR REVIEW The Company's statutory auditor, BDO Bedrijfsrevisoren Burg. Ven. CBVA, has confirmed that its audit procedures with respect to the Company's consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted in the European Union, have been substantially completed, that these procedures have not revealed any material adjustments that would have to be made to the accounting information derived from the Company's consolidated financial information that is included in this press release, and that it intends to issue an unqualified opinion. The condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income may be found on the Company's website at www.mdxhealth.com. The full Annual Report is expected to be made available to the public via the Company's website in April 2017. About MDxHealth MDxHealth is a multinational healthcare company that provides actionable molecular diagnostic information to personalize the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The Company's tests are based on proprietary genetic, epigenetic (methylation) and other molecular technologies and assist physicians with the diagnosis of urologic cancers, prognosis of recurrence risk, and prediction of response to a specific therapy. MDxHealth's European headquarters are in Herstal, Belgium, with laboratory operations in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, and US headquarters and laboratory operations based in Irvine, California. For more information visit mdxhealth.com and follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/mdxhealth. For more information: Dr. Jan Groen, CEO MDxHealth US: +1 949 812 6979 BE: +32 4 364 20 70 [email protected] Jean-Marc Roelandt, CFO MDxHealth US: +1 949 812 6979 BE: +32 4 364 20 70 [email protected] Consilium Strategic Communications (IR & PR) Amber Fennell, Chris Welsh & Hendrik Thys UK: +44 20 3709 5701 US: +1 917 322 2571 (Rx Communications Group LLC) [email protected] This press release contains forward-looking statements and estimates with respect to the anticipated future performance of MDxHealth and the market in which it operates. Such statements and estimates are based on assumptions and assessments of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which were deemed reasonable but may not prove to be correct. Actual events are difficult to predict, may depend upon factors that are beyond the company's control, and may turn out to be materially different. MDxHealth expressly disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements in this release to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based unless required by law or regulation. This press release does not constitute an offer or invitation for the sale or purchase of securities or assets of MDxHealth in any jurisdiction. No securities of MDxHealth may be offered or sold within the United States without registration under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or in compliance with an exemption therefrom, and in accordance with any applicable US securities laws. NOTE: The MDxHealth logo, MDxHealth, ConfirmMDx, SelectMDx, AssureMDx and PredictMDx are trademarks or registered trademarks of MDxHealth SA. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Attachments: //www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a68a4df1-411d-4b3f-b0ed-f4727401eacd [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] Nokia delivers 'anyhaul' end-to-end mobile transport portfolio for the 5G era #MWC17 Press Release Nokia delivers 'anyhaul' end-to-end mobile transport portfolio for the 5G era #MWC17 Nokia brings together mobile transport technology across microwave, IP, optical, mobile and fixed access to offer industry's most comprehensive 'anyhaul' mobile transport portfolio End-to-end solution is specifically designed and optimized to address the critical requirements of the 5G era Employs carrier SDN across portfolio for programmability and service assurance 23 February 2017 Espoo, Finland - Nokia has expanded its industry-leading mobile transport portfolio with new products and innovations specifically designed to address the critical requirements of the 5G era. This expansion aims to satisfy the increasingly complex and diverse challenges of today's evolving mobile infrastructure with the industry's most comprehensive range of 'anyhaul' mobile transport options. The programmable, end-to-end networking solutions build upon Nokia's deep pedigree in mobile, microwave, IP, optical, and fixed access technologies. Ultra-broadband, IoT and the Cloud are driving a growing portfolio of services, use cases and business models. To satisfy the combined requirements for increased coverage, capacity and reduced latency, radio access and core networks are evolving, including redistributing mobile functions and using cloud-compute technologies. This significantly impacts the underlying transport layer whose role of aggregating and interconnecting traffic must also evolve and stay ahead of changes to the mobile layer. As a result, 5G era transport networks must massively scale, provide flawless connectivity with low latency, and employ programmability to provision services as quickly and dynamically as the cloud-based applications and mobile elements it connects. Nokia has developed a broad portfolio of next generation 'anyhaul' transport solutions with new additions in microwave, IP, optical, and fixed access solutions, all being launched at MWC 2017. In addition, new innovations will be demonstrated including the ability to use 5G wireless spectrum as a transport mechanism for 5G services. All capabilities leverage Nokia's early investments in SDN and virtualization to deliver the programmable IP interconnectivity needed to assure the heightened service requirements, and with an evolutionary path to support past, present and future mobile technologies on a common infrastructure. Nokia's entire portfolio has been enhanced for latency-sensitive Ethernet 'fronthaul'. These new capabilities in microwave, IP, packet optical and fixed access products complement Nokia's existing optical WDM-based CPRI fronthaul solution. The Nokia portfolio has also been optimized for 10Gbps cell site connections, up from the previous 1Gbps interface which has dominated 2G/3G and LTE backhaul deployments for nearly a decade. With these capacities comes greater need for high availability and each product offers enhanced capabilies, including timing, synchronization and OAM, optimized to their specific technologies. The 5G era will leverage cloud technologies, creating a more dynamic application environment that will strain the more static transport networks built in the past. To alleviate this, the enhanced Nokia transport solution is programmable, allowing mobile operators to rapidly address changing market requirements and deliver premium broadband and IoT services when and where needed, in the most efficient way. To share insight on future innovations, Nokia will demonstrate at MWC 2017 a 5G wireless mmWave-based small cell deployment with self-backhauling capabilities. Using an innovative cloud-based mesh topology manager, it creates an in-band meshed network with self-organizing, self-healing and load-balancing capabilities. Nokia is also announcing the following mobile transport product innovations: The Nokia Wavence Microwave Portfolio introduces a new family of ultra-broadband transceivers. The ultra-broadband transceiver twin, a 'dual carrier in a box' radio, and the ultra-broadband transceiver 80, a compact E-band radio, support carrier aggregation and carrier SDN to deliver multi-gigabit, low latency and programmable microwave transport. Nokia Wavence is the evolution and the new brand of the Nokia 9500 Mcrowave Packet Radio family. The Nokia 7250 Interconnect Router R6 (IXR-R6) is a new IP/MPLS router with terabit-scale, low latency, improved port densities and support for next-generation interfaces, such as Ethernet fronthaul, that expands and complements Nokia's IP/MPLS mobile transport solutions including the 7705 SAR, 7210 SAS and 7750 SR product families. The Nokia 1830 family introduces new functionality to further enhance its optical anyhaul mobile transport solutions. New Integrated Packet Transport cards for the Nokia 1830 Photonic Service Switch address Ethernet anyhaul applications by combining the scalability of 100G packet aggregation and coherent DWDM with ultra-low latency and industry leading time synchronization. Additionally, the Nokia 1830 Versatile WDM Module (VWM) adds optical protection switching, assuring high availability of WDM fronthaul traffic. The Nokia 7360 ISAM FX access node and 7368 ISAM ONT optical network termination devices extend the performance of Passive Optical Networks (PON) and are designed to cost effectively introduce more bandwidth with 10Gbps for PON and Point-to-Point technologies. Including network synchronization support, the new capabilities enable operators to easily leverage existing fiber-to-the-home deployments for 'anyhaul' applications. Key facts: Nokia has developed a broad portfolio of transport solutions to support the diverse requirements of ubiquitous ultra-broadband and its evolution, including latency-sensitive transport and synchronization Nokia's flexible, end-to-end networking solutions build upon the company's deep pedigree in microwave, IP, optical and fixed access technologies Nokia's scalable 'anyhaul' solutions are available in an extensive range of capacities and housed in purpose-built platforms designed for indoor/outdoor deployments, macro/small cell environments, and urban/rural locations Nokia's programmable solutions build upon early aggressive investments in SDN and virtualization to provide automated provisioning, resource optimization and service assurance Nokia's comprehensive and multi-layer 5G Acceleration Services leverage a use case-driven design approach to help operators turn 5G visions into real business success John Byrne, Service Director, Global Telecom Technology and Software, GlobalData, said: "With the advent of 5G just around the corner, mobile operators are looking forward to a new era of denser radio networks, new spectrum, dramatically higher bandwidth and ultra-low latency. But for all its promise, 5G will make transport networks infinitely more complex, requiring extreme flexibility across the entire network spanning fronthaul, backhaul and core. A programmable, end-to-end transport network that can accommodate a variety of 5G use cases such as SmartGrid and the Internet of Things as well as 2G/3G and LTE will be a crucial part of any operator's solution." Barry French, CMO for Nokia, said: "Mobile transport is often the unsung hero in making the mobile experience a reality. With the proliferation of 4.5G Pro, 4.9G and 5G, the demand for wireless capacity is increasing. The diversity of today's evolving mobile infrastructure requires an extensive range of transport solutions which only a company like Nokia can provide. Nokia is in an enviable position to pull together elements from wireless, microwave, IP, optical, and fixed access, along with the local experts worldwide, to ensure our customers have the most comprehensive transport network portfolio to take them into the 5G era." All products and innovations will be in the Nokia booth at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, Feb 27-Mar 2, Hall 3 Stand 3A10. Key Resources: Connect with Nokia Subscribe to receive information on specific areas of interest Website (or networks.nokia.com for BG campaign templates) Blog LinkedIn (if BG campaign, then showcase page https://www.linkedin.com/company/nokia-for-service-providers?trk=biz-companies-cym ) Twitter (or twitter.com/nokianetworks if BG, or twitter.com/BellLabs if BellLabs etc.) Facebook Instagram Periscope YouTube Glassdoor About Nokia Nokia is a global leader in creating the technologies at the heart of our connected world. Powered by the research and innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we serve communications service providers, governments, large enterprises and consumers, with the industry's most complete, end-to-end portfolio of products, services and licensing. From the enabling infrastructure for 5G and the Internet of Things, to emerging applications in virtual reality and digital health, we are shaping the future of technology to transform the human experience. www.nokia.com Media Enquiries: Sarah Miller 613-720-9716 [email protected] @sarahjmiller2 Communications Phone: +358 10 448 4900 E-mail: [email protected] [February 23, 2017] Entersekt Appoints Global Kinetic as App Development Partner Entersekt, a leader in next-generation digital banking security, today announced an original equipment manufacturing agreement with Global Kinetic, a specialist in transaction processing software. Global Kinetic secures its custom-built solutions and product line with Entersekt's mobile app security and push-based authentication. Already securing billions of digital transactions a year, this proven, regulatory-compliant technology helps service providers protect their customers' money and data while freeing their product development teams to focus on their core responsibility - product innovation. Financial institutions across the world build Entersekt's technology into their mobile apps by means of a software development kit. To do so, they may elect to use in-house developers or contract a third-party like Global Kinetic for up-to-the-minute technical expertise and a faster time to market. A one-stop enterprise software developer, Global Kinetic designs, engineers, and supports cloud, on-premise, and hybrid solutions that meet the financial services industry's exacting requirements for high scalability, high availability, and security. Its fully integrated suite of services extends to user experience design and creative support. Global Kinetic and Entersekt collaborated on several customer-specific projects in the United States and South Africa prior to formalizing their partnership. Global Kinetic has also licensed Entersekt's technoogy for use in its own products, including FutureBank Platform, a feature-rich, easily customized mobile banking or payments starter pack for regional banks, credit unions, and fintech startups in the United States. "Entersekt's superb security solution is a natural fit for the fintech software that Global Kinetic builds," said Martin Dippenaar, CEO of Global Kinetic. Emphasizing the strategic importance of the partnership, he added: "Licensed as an OEM service within our FutureBank Platform, we are confident that our product is secured by the best enterprise-grade solution available with the most natural and convenient user experience. Strategically, our partnership with Entersekt spearheads our expansion into international markets, and we are proud to have them as global partners." "Partnering with best-of-breed companies like Global Kinetic is crucial to making the most of the opportunities we see in the global market," said Dewald Nolte, SVP partnerships and alliances at Entersekt. "There are incredibly exciting synergies in working with vendors as passionate as we are about the mobile and online channels." That Nolte, an Entersekt co-founder, leads its partner program signals the value the company places on it. "By aligning ourselves with organizations that share our vision but have their own competencies, we can focus on what Entersekt does best: engineering the future of banking-grade digital security," he said. About Entersekt Entersekt is an innovator in push-based authentication and app security. The company's one-of-a-kind approach harnesses the power of digital certificate technology with the convenience of mobile phones to provide financial services companies and their customers with full protection from online fraud. Built on open technologies for high availability, scalability, and simple integration, Entersekt's patented security products protect millions of devices and transactions daily, while complying with the world's most stringent regulatory guidelines. Enterprises across the globe look to Entersekt to strengthen the bond of trust they share with their customers, and to build on those relationships by introducing compelling, user-friendly new mobile and online services. For more information on Entersekt, visit www.entersekt.com. About Global Kinetic Global Kinetic is a privately-owned software engineering company with offices in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Palo Alto (News - Alert). It has a proven track record of delivering outsourced software projects on time across multiple industries, with extensive experience in banking, financial services, and security. The company's core skill set lies in developing highly scalable, high-performance enterprise and mobile systems. It provides solutions across the application stack, predominantly using .NET (News - Alert) or Java deployed to Azure, AWS or physical infrastructure on the enterprise side, and native or hybrid technologies on the mobile side for Apple, Android (News - Alert), and Windows Phone. As an evangelist of agile development methodologies, Global Kinetic implements SCRUM on all customer projects and provides professional services around the delivery, including but not limited to quality assurance, test automation, requirements gathering, analysis, UX/UI design, and architecture. For more information, visit www.globalkinetic.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223005048/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] MyKronoz Introduces ZeTime Ahead of Mobile World Congress (News - Alert) 2017, Swiss wearable brand MyKronoz today announced ZeTime, the world's first hybrid smartwatch combining mechanical hands over a full round color touchscreen. Using groundbreaking technology to enable a hole to be cut in the center of a round TFT color display allowing watch hands to pass through, ZeTime blends the classic design of a traditional timepiece with the most advanced features of a smartwatch. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223005533/en/ MyKronoz Introduces ZeTime: world's first hybrid smartwatch with traditional hands over a full round color touchscreen, available with customizable and interchangeable watch faces and straps from early September 2017 (Photo: Business Wire) Designed to be worn all day, every day, ZeTime allows users to see the time even when the smartwatch screen is powered off, thanks to 'Smart Movement' technology that enables the mechanical hands to function for up to 30 days with a single charge. "When I started in early 2013, people thought that I was mad - why would I start a smartwatch company in Switzerland and enter such a challenging market? It turns out that my vision and passion have paid off as our company has sold nearly two million smartwatches since then," said Boris Brault, CEO and founder of MyKronoz. "This disruptive mentality goes beyond the company's mission to provide 'smartwatches for everyone' by striving to become an industry leader on price point, wide range, and fashionable design." "My inspiration has been to combine the best of our Swiss heritage in traditional watchmaking, with the key features of a smartwatch to persuade the majority of consumers to adopt our wearable technology. This has been accomplished with ZeTime, the perfect hybrid smartwatch. It combines the best of both worlds: watch hands of an elegant traditional timepiece with a full color touchscreen that instantly shows incoming calls, smartphone notifications, real-time fitness activity, upcoming calendar events, daily reminders and much more, right from your wrist." A classic take on wearable technology, ZeTime has a sleek stainless steel watch case inspired by the finest Swiss design, along with a variety of interchangeable digital watch faces and straps created to fit every style. ZeTime is set for action with a 3-axis accelerometer and an optical heart-rate sensor to track activity and sleep. With waterproof performance of ATM3 (up to 30 meters' depth), ZeTime provides the quality and versatility expected from traditional high-end timepieces, at a much lower price. ZeTime will be available by early September 2017 from $199.90. ZeTime: Breaking Tech Barriers to be an Elegant Daily Companion Always-on: with its traditional mechanical watch hands, powered by a smart movement, ZeTime will automatically update the time according to the location and will work up to 30 days on a single charge with its traditional mechanical watch hands, powered by a smart movement, ZeTime will automatically update the time according to the location and will work up to 30 days on a single charge Stylish & practical: the 44mm stainless steel watch case and chrome mechanical hands have customizable and interchangeable watch faces and straps available in different styles including silicon, genuine leather, carbon-fiber and more. ZeTime is also waterproof to 30m (ATM3) the 44mm stainless steel watch case and chrome mechanical hands have customizable and interchangeable watch faces and straps available in different styles including silicon, genuine leather, carbon-fiber and more. ZeTime is also waterproof to 30m (ATM3) Activity & sleep tracker: equipped with a 3-axis accelerometer and optical heart-rate sensor, ZeTime can track activity by monitoring heart-rate, steps, distance, calories, active minutes and sleep. ZeTime will also alert users to extended periods of inactivity to encourage them to be more active equipped with a 3-axis accelerometer and optical heart-rate sensor, ZeTime can track activity by monitoring heart-rate, steps, distance, calories, active minutes and sleep. ZeTime will also alert users to extended periods of inactivity to encourage them to be more active User-friendly: ZeTime can be controlled both by touching the full round high resolution display or by using the physical smart crown to navigate between different functions easily ZeTime can be controlled both by touching the full round high resolution display or by using the physical smart crown to navigate between different functions easily Never miss a thing: users can view incoming calls, read social networking notifications, check weather forecasts and get calendar reminders at a glance on the full round high resolution color display users can view incoming calls, read social networking notifications, check weather forecasts and get calendar reminders at a glance on the full round high resolution color display Keep control: ZeTime allows users to control their phone's functions right from their wrist, such as playing music, take a photo or make their phone ring to easily find it MyKronoz at MWC 2017 MyKronoz will be demonstrating prototypes of ZeTime at its booth at MWC (CS130 - Hall Congress Square) MyKronoz will attend MobileFocus Global, the international media event, on February 27, 2017 ZeTime Product Specifications Bluetooth BLE 4.1 Dimensions (diameter/thickness) 44mm x 12.3mm Material & Colors Stainless steel watch case available in Silver, Black and Pink Gold Watch band width and finishings 22mm; Silicon, leather, carbon fiber and more in multiple colors Battery type Li-iOn 200mAh Display size and resolution 1.22'; 240*240 pixels Display type TFT(Color touchscreen with hole) Sensors 3-axis accelerometer & optical HR sensor Charging system Contact charging Water resistance 3ATM OS compatibility requirements Android (News - Alert) 4.3 or iOS 8 above, supports Bluetooth 4.1 BLE About MyKronoz Founded in January 2013, MyKronoz LLC is a Swiss company based out of Geneva that designs and develops wearable devices intended to improve increasingly mobile, connected and digital lifestyles. MyKronoz strives to expand and facilitate the mobile-user experience with stylish, intuitive and functional techcessories. Now present in 40 countries, carried by major retailers and partners worldwide: Orange, Auchan, Carrefour, Best Buy (News - Alert), Walmart, Yodobashi, HMV, MyKronoz offers a full range of connected devices spanning across 4 product categories: activity trackers, smartwatches, analog smartwatches and watch phones. With a unique DNA mixing mobile tech and fashion, MyKronoz's goal is to cater to the needs and tastes of the world's most various user types thanks to a full iOS, Android and Windows Phone (News - Alert) compatibility at an affordable price. For more information, visit www.mykronoz.com or follow @mykronoz on Twitter (News - Alert). View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223005533/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Comptel's FastermindTM, Artificial Intelligence Applications for Digital Telcos, Rapidly Gains Traction Comptel Corporation (OMX Helsinki: CTL1V) announced today that it's Fastermind has gained significant momentum since its launch at Nexterday North in November 2016. Fastermind provides artificial intelligence capabilities to digital service providers, enabling them to recommend, predict and automate real-time decisions, particularly supporting customer engagement automation. According to new research conducted by Comptel, today's mobile customers want to be treated as individuals by their service provider. Surveying 2,000 mobile data users in the US and the UK, the research found that while more than half of mobile data customers (55 percent) are eager to receive more proactive, personalised messages and services, fewer than one in seven (13 percent) have ever actually received this kind of communication from their carrier. Operators can respond to this demand for personalisation by using Fastermind to reach their customers at the right time, with the right messages, through automated marketing offers and service notifications. Business users can easily configure new actions independently, which allows them to react more quickly to changing conditions. For an end customer, personal engagement will make them feel less like a nameless customer and more valued by their provider throughout the customer journey. Since its launch, Fastermind has gained traction with forward-looking operators globally, demonstrating its ability to increase revenue with automated upsell and cross-sell offers, marketing promotions and notifications. For example, just three months after its deployment of Fastermind, a tier one operator in the Middle East reported an eight percent increase in ARPU. As a result of its business benefits, Fastermind has also received notable industry acknowledgement, including being featured in a recent report by leading analyst firm 451 Research. "It's not about bundling a digital 'service' like Dropbox (News - Alert) or Netflix or simply offering a few new mobile data plan options," said Rich Karpinski, Principl Analyst - Mobile Operator Strategies, 451 Research. "Rather, it's a rethinking of how mobile operators interact with their customers, understanding their real-time needs and wants and having the analytics, decision-making and network execution capabilities to hit them with the right offer at the right time." Additionally, combined with Comptel's Monetizer suite, Fastermind supports the company's recently launched "My Digital Moments" blueprint which will be showcased at Mobile World Congress 2017. My Digital Moments includes a self-service mobile application that provides insight, engagement and control over how customers consume digital services, while giving operators a direct line to offer customised and relevant digital offerings. Fastermind also underpins Comptel's "Best Next Engagement" solution, also being introduced during Mobile World Congress 2017. Developed jointly with Salesforce, the solution will help communications service providers recommend, predict and automate real-time decisions for best next action in a customer's journey. Resources About Comptel Corporation (News - Alert) Life is digital moments. Comptel perfects these by transforming how you serve, meet and respond to the needs of "Generation Cloud" customers. Our solutions allow you to innovate rich communications services instantly, master the orchestration of service and order flows, capture data-in-motion and refine your decision-making. We apply intelligence to reduce friction in your business. Comptel has enabled the delivery of digital and communications services to more than 2 billion people. Every day, we care for more than 20% of all mobile usage data. Nearly 300 service providers across 90 countries have trusted us to perfect customers' digital moments. For more information, visit www.comptel.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223005268/en/ [February 23, 2017] UMC Enters Mass Production for 14nm Customer ICs United Microelectronics Corporation (NYSE:UMC;TWSE: 2303) ("UMC"), a leading global semiconductor foundry, today announced that it has entered mass production for customer ICs based on the company's self-developed 14nm FinFET technology. The foundry is shipping 14nm wafers to its lead customers and has achieved industry-competitive yields for the highly advanced process, which is being utilized for pioneering new consumer electronic applications. Po-Wen Yen, CEO of UMC said, "This 14nm volume production milestone is the culmination of UMC's close collaboration with its customers, demonstrating the success of our collaborative approach to bringing leading-edge technologies to market. We will continue to refine this process and are working with other customers to bring the full performance, power and gate density benefits of 14nm FinFET to enable next generation silicon in areas such as networking, AI and various consumer products." UMC's 14nm FinFET technology performance is competitive with the semiconductor industry's leading standards, featuring 55% higher speed and twice the gate density over 28nm process technology. The leading-edge 14nm process also consumes approximately 50% less power than 28nm. UMC is producing the 14nm customer ICs at the company's Fab 12A in Tainan, Taiwan and expects to steadily ramp its 14nm manufactuing capacity according to customer demand. About UMC UMC (NYSE: UMC, TWSE: 2303) is a leading global semiconductor foundry that provides advanced IC production for applications spanning every major sector of the electronics industry. UMC's robust foundry solutions enable chip designers to leverage the company's sophisticated technology and manufacturing, which include high volume production 28nm gate-last High-K/Metal Gate technology, ultra-low power platform processes specifically engineered for Internet of Things (IoT) applications and the automotive industry's highest-rated AEC-Q100 Grade-0 manufacturing capabilities for production of ICs found in cars. UMC's 11 wafer fabs are strategically located throughout Asia and are able to produce over 500,000 wafers per month. The company employs nearly 19,000 people worldwide, with offices in Taiwan, China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and the United States. UMC can be found on the web at http://www.umc.com. Note from UMC Concerning Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements in the foregoing announcement are forward looking within the meaning of the U.S. Federal Securities laws, including statements about future outsourcing, wafer capacity, technologies, business relationships and market conditions. Investors are cautioned that actual events and results could differ materially from these statements as a result of a variety of factors, including conditions in the overall semiconductor market and economy; acceptance and demand for products from UMC; and technological and development risks. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in UMC's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its registration statements and reports on Forms F-1, F-3, F-6 and 20-F and 6-K, in each case as amended. UMC does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223005554/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] comScore Announces UK Launch of Video Metrix Multi-Platform to Measure Video Audiences Across Smartphones, Tablets and Desktops Launch Includes Mobile Video Reporting for YouTube and Its Partner Channels to Bolster Measurement of Distributed Content LONDON, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- comScore, Inc. today announced the UK launch of Video Metrix Multi-Platform providing a single, unduplicated measure of digital video consumption across smartphone, tablet and desktop devices to give clients a deeper understanding of how, when and where video content is consumed. This launch also includes the introduction of enhanced mobile video reporting for YouTube and its Partner channels, helping content producers that participate in the YouTube Partner program improve the monetisation of their cross-platform audiences across distribution channels. "Today, we see nearly two-thirds of UK internet users accessing digital content on more than one device as the multi-platform majority continues to climb. Content producers and advertisers need a consistent, trusted way to evaluate audiences and transact in a platform-agnostic world," said Mike Shaw, UK Vice President comScore. "The introduction of Video Metrix Multi-Platform marks another important milestone in cross-platform measurement." This evolution of comScore's digital video measurement product Video Metrix, which was launched in 2008 in the UK, now enables clients to: Quantify total, incremental and unduplicated viewership across smartphone, tablet and desktop Evaluate age and gender demographic across screens Understand how engagement differs across platforms to more efficiently monetise and plan "comScore knows the importance of providing impartial and comparable measurement," said Sameer Modha, partner and customer data strategy, Mindshare. "With the launch of Video Metrix Multi-Platform that's exactly what we have - consistent, comparable video measurement across PC and mobile screens. I look forward to understanding who really watches what, where and for how long, especially in app." "Mobiledevices are reshaping how consumers watch video, which makes understanding unduplicated and incremental audiences across all digital devices increasingly important for media buyers and sellers alike," said Ian Dowds, CEO at UKOM. "UKOM looks forward to the introduction of Video Metrix Multi-Platform to the market and the potential it has to help the industry better understand consumers' total viewing habits." Video Metrix Multi-Platform is currently available in the UK and US and will launch in additional markets as comScore continues to expand its cross-platform measurement capabilities globally. For additional insights relating to the multi-platform video market, please check out this infographic. Video Metrix Multi-Platform relies on the comScore Unified Digital Measurement (UDM) framework, a hybrid measurement approach that utilises panels alongside direct measurement from video publishers via census tags. Video content publishers interested in participating in multi-platform digital video measurement can ensure comprehensive coverage of their viewing behaviour by implementing census tags and deploying comScore's mobile SDK. To learn more about tagging, please contact your comScore account representative. For more information on comScore Video Metrix Multi-Platform, please visit: www.comscore.com/VideoMetrixMP or contact us. About comScore comScore, Inc. is a leading cross-platform measurement company that precisely measures audiences, brands and consumer behaviour everywhere. comScore completed its merger with Rentrak Corporation in January 2016, to create the new model for a dynamic, cross-platform world. Built on precision and innovation, our unmatched data footprint combines proprietary digital, TV and movie intelligence with vast demographic details to quantify consumers' multiscreen behaviour at massive scale. This approach helps media companies monetise their complete audiences and allows marketers to reach these audiences more effectively. With more than 3,200 clients and global footprint in more than 75 countries, comScore is delivering the future of measurement. Shares of comScore stock are currently traded on the OTC Market (OTC:SCOR). For more information on comScore, please visit comscore.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including, but not limited to, expectations regarding the impact and benefits to comScore from the MMX family of products, financial or otherwise. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited to: the features and characteristics of the products, the rate of development of the digital marketing intelligence, Internet advertising and e-Commerce markets; the growth of the Internet as a medium for commerce, content, advertising and communications; and the acceptance of new products and methodologies by the industry, including existing and prospective clients. For a detailed discussion of these and other risk factors, please refer to comScore's most recent respective Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Annual Reports on Form 10-K and from time to time other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which are available on the SEC's Web site (http://www.sec.gov). Stockholders of comScore are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date such statements are made. comScore does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or new information after the date of this press release, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/327730/comScore_Logo.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] Announcing RemTECH, the First Awards to bring Innovation on Remittances Forward MIAMI, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Remittance Innovation Awards (RemTECH Awards) were developed by the remittance expert Hugo Cuevas-Mohr in partnership with Mohr World Consulting, IMTC Conferences and an alliance of patrons and sponsors. The aim of the Awards is to showcase the most innovative and outstanding models and projects designed to improve remittance services worldwide. The awardees will be companies, groups, collectives or individuals who come up with ground-breaking solutions that benefit the market ecosystem, improving transparency, speed, cost and reliability for both companies and end-users that send and receive remittances every day. The competition is open to contestants from all over the world. Entries will receive votes from the public and will be judged by an independent judging panel who will ultimately select the winners. The nominees are welcome to come to the IMTC USA 2017 in San Francisco on June 13, and to the formal RemTECH Awards Ceremony on June 15 at the GFRID2017 organized by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the World Bank and the United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) in New York City. The International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) will be celebrated on June 16 in the context of the GFRID, at the United Nations headquarters. Independent judges include Luis Buenaventura, writer and bitcoin entrpreneur, Greta Geankoplis, blockchain and security expert, Faisal Khan & Leon Isaacs, industry consultants as well as Juan Llanos, Sofia Freyder, Francois Briod, Yakov Kofner and other forward looking individuals will be added in the following weeks to the 11 person Judging Panel. Award categories include: (i) End User Experience, (ii) Social Impact, (iii) Marketing-Advertising, (iv) Innovative Agent Solution, (v) Back-Office Solution, (vi) RegTech/ Compliance, (vii) Social Impact, (viii) Business Service and (ix) an open category for out-of-the-box- ideas. All entries will compete for the People's Choice award and other unique awards such as Most Creative, Most Innovative Technology, Most Innovative Product, Most Innovative Service, Most Ready for Success, Most Marketable, The Leap-Forward Award, and Regional Best (Africa's, South Asia's, etc). The judges will be also allowed to create other awards denomination to highlight ideas and initiatives. The Spark Group in New York City has been retained as Awards Advisors. Hugo Cuevas-Mohr, Director of the RemTECH Awards, stated: "Fintech is impacting financial services and the remittance industry is no exception. We want to be ignited by ideas coming from individuals, groups or companies scattered all over the world. We need to do more to maximize the beneficial impact of remittances in the developing world and we are happy to be part of the GFRID and the celebration of the IDFR." LINKS: RemTECH Awards: http://remtech.org/ ; IMTC USA 2017: http://imtconferences.com/imtc-usa-2017/ ; Global Remittance Forum: http://www.remittancesgateway.org/ ; International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD): http://www.ifad.org ; International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR): http://www.un.org/en/events/family-remittances-day/ ; The Spark Group: https://thesparkgroup.com/ More Information Claudia Avila ([email protected]) +1 3057420759 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/announcing-remtech-the-first-awards-to-bring-innovation-on-remittances-forward-300412160.html SOURCE IMTC [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] Smart TV and Streaming Media Device Manufacturers Look to Collaborate as Competition Intensifies LONDON, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Growing preference for over-the-top (OTT) content is catalyzing demand for streaming media devices and smart TVs. The market, which slowed down during 2014-15 fiscal, is now ready to match consumer expectations by offering seamless accessibility to on-demand content through a new generation of competitively priced streaming devices. Major market contenders are embracing strategic collaboration to increase their footprint. For instance, smart TV manufacturers such as Samsung, TCL, LG, Sony and Panasonic are developing apps in collaboration with streaming media device manufacturing companies such as Roku, Apple and Amazon. "High-efficiency video coding (HEVC), 4000 pixels (4K) and high dynamic range (HDR) will drive sales and shorten upgrade cycles, but competition will continue to intensify," said Digital Media Research Analyst Avni Rambhia. "Their agility and ease of replacement continue to provide streaming devices a distinct competitive edge over smart TVs." Global Smart TV and Streaming Media Devices Markets, Forecast to 2021, a part of Frost & Sullivan's Digital Media Growth Partnership Service program, finds that the smart TV market, which stood at 190 million devices in 2016, will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.1 percent between 2016 and 2021, even as the price per unit steadily decreases. Google, with 33.1 percent share, will lead the streaming media devices market, followed by Apple with 31.7 percent and Roku with 15.2 percent. For complimentary access to more information on this analysis and to register for a Growth Strategy Dialogue, a free interactive briefing with Frost & Sullivan's thought leaders, please email Anna Zanchi, Corporate Communications: [email protected] While the streaming media devices and smart TV market is meeting consumer expectations in terms of ease of viewership and usability, it has not yet been able to offer a unified and intuitive search facility. Further, frequent updates are required to make the user interface of consumer-facing devices seamlessly operable. As a result, consumers find it difficult to use the devices to their full potential, which, in turn, can dampen interest in these services. "The primary screen will continue to play a dominant role in content consumption, but content will increasingly be discovered and played back from devices other than the set-top box," observed Digital Media Research Analyst V Aravindh. "The key to capitalising on this demand is to refine user experience and content inventory on connected devices to be at par with the quality and consistency of a fully managed experience." About Frost & Sullivan Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Contact us: Start the discussion Contact: Anna Zanchi Corporate Communications Europe P: +39.02.4851 6133 E: [email protected] http://ww2.frost.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/smart-tv-and-streaming-media-device-manufacturers-look-to-collaborate-as-competition-intensifies-300412385.html SOURCE Frost & Sullivan [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] MEDIA ALERT: Ezekiel Emanuel Slated As Keynote Speaker at Pepperdine Graziadio 3rd Annual Future of Healthcare Symposium Pepperdine Graziadio School of Business and Management will host its 3rd Annual Future of Healthcare Symposium on March 23, 2017 at the Marina del Rey Marriott. Ezekiel Emanuel, a key architect of the Affordable Care Act, will serve as the keynote speaker. The Future of Healthcare Symposium: Delivering Value-Based Healthcare, will explore the healthcare industry's transition from legacy fee-for-service and volume-based reimbursement models to value-based payments. The Pepperdine Graziadio event will bring together healthcare experts and professionals to share their personal insights, experiences and ideas in order to inspire larger conversations about the future of healthcare as a business. What: The 3rd Annual Future of Healthcare Symposium explores how rapid changes to healthcare reimbursements are impacting healthcare providers, consumers and insurance plans. Attendees will also enjoy opportunities to network and share best practices while discussing potential collaborations. Register and view the full agenda here. When: Thursday, March 23rd, 2017 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Where: Marina del Rey Marriott 4100 Admiralty Way Marina del Rey, CA (News - Alert) 90292 Who: Pepperdine Graziadio School of Business and Management will host a daylong symposium featuring an impressive line-up of speakers addressing a broad range of issues related to value-based care. Speakers are affiliated with Harvard Medical School, Mayo Clinic, Cedars-Sinai Health System and other leading healthcare organizations. Speakers include: Ezekiel Emanuel, Joint Appointment: Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania; School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. Founding Chair, Clinical Center of the National Institutes of Health. Former Special Advisor on Health Policy, Office of Management and Budget. Ezekiel Emanuel is one of the leading practitioners shaping the future of healthcare, with a long record of experience at the top levels of policy. Trained both as an oncologist (MD, Harvard Medical School) and a political scientist, Dr. Emanuel offers a uniquely thoughtful perspective on the most difficult issues in medicine today. From 2009 to 2011, he served as a special advisor for health policy t the White House Office of Management and Budget. As one of the most prominent voices advising the White House about healthcare, he had a significant impact on federal healthcare budgets and the Affordable Care Act. Samir Malik, Senior Vice President, General Manager, Genoa Telepsychiatry, part of Genoa, a QoL Healthcare company Samir Malik is the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Genoa Telepsychiatry, part of Genoa, a QoL Healthcare company. Mr. Malik came into this role through the acquisition of his company, 1DocWay, a New York City-based telepsychiatry company, which he founded and served as CEO. The company expands access to mental healthcare in rural America. Mr. Malik and his team have built the technology-enabled services company from scratch, treating 50,000 patients across the country. Thomas M. Priselac, President and CEO, Cedars-Sinai Health System Thomas M. Priselac is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cedars-Sinai Health System and has held the position since January 1994. From 1988 to 1993, he served as Executive Vice President. An author and invited speaker on health policy issues, Mr. Priselac has served the healthcare field in various roles. He is past Chair of the American Hospital Association Board of Trustees and past Chair of the Association of American Medical Colleges. Barbara McNeil, Professor of Radiology and Former Acting Dean, Harvard Medical School Barbara J. McNeil, MD, PhD, is the Ridley Watts Professor and founding head of the Department of Health Care Policy at Harvard Medical School. She is also a professor of radiology at Harvard Medical School and at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dr. McNeil's research focuses on several areas, most notably technology assessment and quality of care, as well as the effects of alternative payment arrangements and organizational characteristics on quality and costs of care. Wyatt W. Decker, Vice President, Mayo Clinic; Chief Executive Officer, Mayo Clinic, Arizona Wyatt W. Decker, MD, is Mayo Clinic Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Mayo Clinic in Arizona. As a vice president of the largest not-for-profit integrated multi-specialty group practice in the nation, Dr. Decker helps direct Mayo Clinic's research, education and clinical operations in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota. Dr. Decker is directly responsible for Mayo Clinic operations in Arizona. Lou Silverman, CEO, Advanced ICU Care, Harvard Medical School Lou Silverman has a 15-year track record of success as CEO in healthcare information technology and healthcare services companies, translating a passion for the transformative benefits of innovative healthcare solutions into successful clinical and commercial organizations. In addition to his leadership role at Advanced ICU Care, Mr. Silverman serves on the board of directors for a variety of healthcare-related companies, both public and private. Hill Ferguson, CEO, Doctor On Demand Hill Ferguson is Chief Executive Officer at Doctor On Demand. With nearly two decades of experience in mobile technology, Mr. Ferguson has led companies at all stages of growth, from being a founder to serving as a senior executive at PayPal (News - Alert), a high-growth public company. He holds deep commitment to putting customers first by delivering the best possible products, a value that resonates with Doctor On Demand's commitment to its industry-leading clinical quality and best-in-class customer experience. About the Pepperdine Graziadio School of Business and Management A leader in cultivating entrepreneurship and digital innovation, the Pepperdine Graziadio School of Business and Management focuses on the real-world application of MBA-level business concepts. The Graziadio School provides student-focused, globally-oriented education through part-time, full-time, and executive MBA programs at our five Southern California locations, Silicon Valley and Santa Barbara campuses, as well as through online and hybrid formats. In addition, the Graziadio School offers a variety of master of science programs, a bachelor of science in management degree-completion program, and the Presidents and Key Executives MBA, as well as executive education certificate programs. Follow the Graziadio School on Facebook, Twitter at @GraziadioSchool, Instagram, and LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223005478/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] Mobetize Revenue Growth and Business Update VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mobetize Corp. (OTCQB:MPAY), a provider of mobile financial services (MFS) technology for the multi-billion dollar business to business (B2B) segment of the Fintech as a Service (FAAS) sector reported that revenues realized in the three month period ending December 31, 2016, doubled over the comparable period ended December 31, 2015, and over the nine month period ended December 31, 2016, increased 349% over the comparable period ended December 31, 2015. The acceleration of revenue in the past year is a demonstration of the growing FAAS market acceptance of Mobetize products. The attribution of revenue growth in the three month period ending December 31, 2016 is also consistent with the current blend of revenue streams. Revenue Model and Ongoing Business Mobetize revenue is generated from licensing, consulting and transactional processing of financial services through the Mobetize Global B2B Fintech as a Service Supermarket (Hub) to telecom operators and financial institutions (FIs). Telecoms and FIs are choosing the Mobetize Hub as the core on which to build their own mobile money enablement platforms. Mobetize assists its clients to build a digitized culture based on consumer needs and innovation. Mobetize expects to continue to grow transactional revenue as it increases the number and depth of these relationships. In September 2016, Mobetize entered into a partnership agreement with G&F Financial Group (G&F), one of the ten largest credit unions in British Columbia; to jointly develop and market Mobetize smartLoan, a digitized lending platform. The smartLoan modules automate Know Your Customer verification and lending adjudication with full Customer Relationship Management and data analytics. The Mobetize smartLoan platform is on schedule to be delivered to G & F for implementation in the first quarter of 2017. Testing and roll out of te live production smartLoan platform is also expected to commence on schedule in the first quarter of 2017. We anticipate our product offerings with G&F to grow as other Mobetize products and services come online. Mobetize is currently in discussions with other FIs in Canada and the United States focused on expanding the smartLoan platform to more prospective users. In January 2017, Mobetize and Tata Communications (America), Inc. (Tata) entered into a Software License, Customization Development and Service Level Agreement to govern the global deployment of products and services for its customers through our Hub. Mobetize has delivered its data top up module to Tata and expects to realize transactional revenues that stem from this relationship beginning in the second quarter of 2017. Mobetize is in talks to significantly expand its data top-up geographical corridors and expects these relationships to be integrated to the Hub in the first two quarters of 2017. An expansion in the number of countries in which our products and services can be deployed is expected to further increase transactional revenues. Ajay Hans, the CEO of Mobetize has stated that we remain focused on creating FAAS products to increase efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, that will increase our revenues through innovation to meet the growing demand for mobile money solutions from our clients." About Mobetize Corp. Mobetize Corp. (OTCQB:MPAY) has developed a global B2B Fintech as a Service (FAAS) Supermarket. Mobetize digitizes bricks and mortar financial services to deliver mobile money services to leading telecommunications companies and financial institutions. Mobetize ensures end-to-end integration for services such as prepaid air-time top ups, data gifting, mobile lending, international money transfers, P2P transfers, Visa/MasterCard programs and mobile bill payments. Mobetize seamlessly integrates and white labels its secure mobile money platform services for customers who then offer the services to millions of users. Mobetize experts to help telecom and banking providers discover new revenues, new customer relationships and navigate the emerging Fintech ecosystem. For more information, visit http://www.mobetize.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release includes statements that are not historical in nature and may be characterized as "forward-looking statements," including those related to future financial and operating results, benefits, and synergies of the combined companies, statements concerning Mobetize's outlook, pricing trends, and forces within the industry, the completion dates of capital projects, expected sales growth, cost reduction strategies, and their results, long-term goals of Mobetize and other statements of expectations, beliefs, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends, and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. All predictions as to future results contain a measure of uncertainty and, accordingly, actual results could differ materially. Among the factors which could cause a difference are: changes in the general economy; changes in demand for Mobetize's products or in the supplier costs; the actions of its competitors; the success of our customers; technological change; changes in employee relations; government regulations; litigation, including its inherent uncertainty; difficulties in plant operations and materials; transportation, environmental matters; and other unforeseen circumstances. A number of these factors are discussed in Mobetize's previous filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Mobetize disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release. Mobetize Corp. Shareholder Relations 778-588-5563 X 209 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] Saint Jean Carbon Announces Graphene Battery Preliminary Results OAKVILLE, Ontario, Feb. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Saint Jean Carbon Inc. (Saint Jean or the Company) (TSX-V:SJL) (OTCQB:TORVF), a carbon science company engaged in the design and build of green energy storage, green energy creation and green re-creation through the use of carbon materials. The Company is pleased to announce that it has set the preliminary numbers for the graphene battery project announced on January 18th, 2017. The preliminary performance markers will be used to judge performance for and against the three prototype graphene batteries in production. Graphene based batteries have a number of very strong possibilities to outperform any other known energy storage device. The key lies in the difference in how the lithium intercalates with the anode material, basically the rate of absorption. In contrast to graphite; graphene, the unique two-dimensional atom-thick honey-comb structured carbon, has revealed various novel properties. Graphene has the highest intrinsic mechanical strength (1060 Gpa) and thermal conductivity (3000Wm-1k-1), in addition to a high surface area (2630 m2g-1) and electronic mobility (10000 cm2V-1s). Due to this the carbon material is transformed from graphite to graphene with a capacity that is expected to increase up to 5001100 mAhg-1. It has been proposed that lithium ions can be adsorbed on both sides of the graphene sheets which are arranged like a house of cards in hard carbons, leading to two layers of lithium for each graphene sheet, with a theoretical capacity of 744 mAhg-1 through the formation of Li2C6. Recently, large reversible Li storage (540 mAhg-1 in the first cycle) in graphene Nano-sheets has been reported. Paul Ogilvie, CEO, commented: As the world of engineering, studies and works to perfect the lithium-ion battery, new and wonderful materials like graphene will get their shot at making game changing contribution. With the final lab prototype batteries, our goal is to achieve; the fastest recharge, highest density and greatest capacity within a very small size. If we achieve this, we will have set a new high watermark for performance. The Company hopes to have the final batteries results ready within three weeks. The Company is continuing with the recycled battery project. Further, the final spherical carbon coated graphite specifications and performance results are expected very shortly. About Saint Jean Carbon Saint Jean is a publicly traded carbon science company, with specific interests in energy storage and green energy creation and green re-creation, with holdings in graphite mining and lithium claims in the province of Quebec in Canada. For the latest information on Saint Jeans properties and news please refer to the website: http://www.saintjeancarbon.com/ On behalf of the Board of Directors Saint Jean Carbon Inc. Paul Ogilvie, CEO and Director Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, concerning Saint Jeans business and affairs. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects or does not expect, intends budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances that may cause actual results to differ materially. The forward-looking statements in this news release assume, inter alia, that the conditions for completion of the Transaction, including regulatory and shareholder approvals, if necessary, will be met. Although Saint Jean believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct. Statements of past performance should not be construed as an indication of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors, including those discussed above, could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Any such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this press release, and Saint Jean assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Information Contact : Email: [email protected] Tel: (905) 844-1200 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] The Canadian Securities Administrators Launches a Regulatory Sandbox Initiative MONTREAL, Feb. 23, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA or we) today launched a regulatory sandbox, an initiative that supports businesses seeking to offer innovative products, services and applications. "The objective of this initiative is to facilitate the ability of those businesses to use innovative products, services and applications all across Canada, while ensuring appropriate investor protection," said Louis Morisset, CSA Chair and President and CEO of the Autorite des marches financiers. "We will consider applications, including for time-limited registrations, on a coordinated and flexible basis to provide a harmonized approach throughout Canada for business models, whether they are start-ups or incumbents. Our ability to regroup and coordinate our involvement and expertise in this busy environment is another example that demonstrates the agility and proactivity of the CSA," concludes Louis Morisset. The CSA regulatory sandbox is open to business models that are truly innovative from a Canadian market perspective. The CSA will assess the merits of each business model, on a case-by-case basis, and businesses that register or receive relief could be permitted to test their products and services throughout the Canadian market. Examples of potential business models eligible to the CSA regulatory sandbox are: online platforms, including crowdfunding portals, online lenders, angel investor networks or other technological innovations for securities trading and advising; business models using artificial intelligence for trades or recommendations; cryptocurrency or distributed ledger technology based ventures; and technology service providers to the securities industry, such as non-client facing risk and compliance support services (also known as regulatory technology or regtech). To apply to the CSA regulatory sandbox, businesses should contact their local securities regulator, which will consider its eligibility and refer it to the CSA regulatory sandbox if it provides genuine technological innovation in the securities industry. As part of the application process, CSA Staff may request live environment testing, a business plan and demonstration of potential investor benefits (as well as how investor risks are minimized). Local securities regulators can also provide early stage guidance on the application of current securities regulatory obligations, as well as information and support. The CSA, the council of the securities regulators of Canada's provinces and territories, co-ordinates and harmonizes regulation for the Canadian capital markets. Business inquiries: Province Contact Information British Columbia The BCSC Tech Team, at [email protected] Alberta Mark Franko at [email protected] or Denise Weeres at [email protected] Saskatchewan Dean Murrison at [email protected] or Liz Kutarna at [email protected] Manitoba Chris Besko at [email protected] Ontario The OSC LaunchPad team at [email protected] Quebec The Fintech Support Team at [email protected] New Brunswick [email protected] Nova Scotia Bill Slattery at [email protected] Media inquiries: Sylvain Theberge Janice Callbeck Autorite des marches financiers Office of the Superintendent of Securities, 514-940-2176 P.E.I. 902-368-6288 Kristen Rose Ontario Securities Commission John O'Brien 416-593-2336 Office of the Superintendent of Securities, Newfoundland and Labrador Nicole Tuncay 709-729-4909 Alberta Securities Commission 403-297-4008 Rhonda Horte Office of the Yukon Superintendent of Alison Walker Securities British Columbia Securities Commission 867-667-5466 604-899-6713 Jeff Mason Jason (Jay) Booth Nunavut Securities Office Manitoba Securities Commission 867-975-6591 204-945-1660 Tom Hall Andrew Nicholson Office of the Superintendent of Securities, Financial and Consumer Services Northwest Territories Commission, New Brunswick 867-767-9305 506-658-3021 Shannon McMillan David Harrison Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Nova Scotia Securities Commission Saskatchewan 902-424-8586 306-798-4160 SOURCE Autorite des marches financiers [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] Bats Welcomes Four New PowerShares Funds to the Bats ETF Marketplace Bats Global Markets, Inc. (Bats: BATS), the #1 U.S. market for exchange-traded fund (ETF) trading, today welcomed a suite of four new PowerShares ETFs to the Bats ETF Marketplace. The products, which comprise a range of multi-asset allocation portfolios, include: The PowerShares Conservative Multi-Asset Allocation Portfolio (Bats: PSMC) which seeks total return consistent with a lower level of risk relative to the broad stock market. The PowerShares Moderately Conservative Multi-Asset Allocation Portfolio (Bats: PSMM) which seeks to provide current income and some capital appreciation. The PowerShares Balanced Multi-Asset Allocation Portfolio (Bats: PSMB) which seeks to provide current income and capital appreciation. The PowerShares Growth Multi-Asset Allocation Portfolio (Bats: PSMG) which seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation. Additional information is available here. In January, Bats welcomed 13 ETFs to its U.S. market. In the fourth quarter of 2016, Bats welcomed a total 34 ETFs from 13 providers. Bats remained the largest exchange operator for U.S. ETF trading over 2016 and won 30% of all new U.S. ETF listings vs only 9% for 2015. Including transfers from competitor venues, Bats welcomed 85 ETF listings to its U.S. market, an increase of 145% over 2015. During the year, Bats won 17% of ETF switches. There are now 155 ETFs listed on Bats ETF Marketplace, from 27 diffeent issuers. Additional information regarding listing and trading on the Bats ETF Marketplace is available on ETFMarketplace.com. ETF issuers interested in joining the many firms listing on Bats may email [email protected]. About Bats Global Markets Bats Global Markets, Inc. (Bats: BATS) is a leading global operator of exchanges and services for financial markets, dedicated to Making Markets Better. Bats is the second-largest stock exchange operator in the U.S., operates the largest stock exchange and trade reporting facility in Europe, and the #1 market globally for ETF trading. We also operate growing ETF listings venues in the U.S. and Europe, two U.S. options exchanges and Bats Hotspot, our global foreign exchange market. Also, ETF.com, a leading provider of ETF news, data and analysis, is a wholly owned subsidiary. The company is headquartered in Kansas City with offices in New York, London, Chicago, San Francisco, Singapore and Quito. Visit bats.com and @BatsGlobal for more information. About PowerShares PowerShares by Invesco is leading the Intelligent ETF Revolution (News - Alert) through its family of more than 140 domestic and international PowerShares exchange-traded funds (ETFs). PowerShares ETFs seek to outperform traditional benchmark indexes while providing advisors and investors access to an innovative array of focused investment opportunities. PowerShares has US franchise assets exceeding $110 billion as of December 30, 2016. For more information, please visit us at powershares.com or follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) @PowerShares. Disclaimer Bats and its affiliates do not recommend or make any representation as to possible benefits from any securities or investments, or third-party products or services. Investors should undertake their own due diligence regarding their securities and investment practices. You cannot invest directly in an index. This press release speaks only as of this date. Bats disclaims any duty to update the information herein. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223006089/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] MyRealGames.com Declares March Parkour Games Month LONDON, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The popular games website, MyRealGames.com has announced its latest drop of new titles for the weeks ahead and declared March to be Parkour games month. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/471499/MyRealGames_Logo.jpg ) Parkour is the name given to free running, the extreme sport that calls on competitors to make their way around urban obstacles by jumping or climbing around, under or over them. The cult challenge has spawned a number of video games and MyRealGames.com, the number one free games download destination on the net, has the best of the best for players to enjoy this spring. Set to motivating music to get gamers in the mood for rolling, jumping and climbing, the all new Parkour GO calls on players to grab their head for heights, head on to the roof of gravity-defying skyscraers and make crazy jumps to complete the course. Bigger climbs mean more adrenaline in the cool 3D environment. MyRealGames.com's Nikolai Veselov said, "We're really excited to bring the cult urban adventure that is the extreme sport of free running to MyRealGames.com this month with our new Parkour games. Capturing all of the adrenalin of the best urban assault courses, the skyscrapers and ever harder daredevil jumps literally take March to exhilarating new heights! As always, there's a great selection of other fresh new titles to enjoy too." Also new to MyRealGames.com for the month of March is a host of new titles within the ever popular hidden object games free selection. Consistently one of the most popular genres on the site, the hidden object titles promise a refreshing change of pace for free runners looking to slow it down and exercise their sleuthing powers. One of the new crop of hidden object games is Taken Souls: Blood Ritual, a hidden object and puzzle brain teaser free to download to PC. Set in a dark and moody London, Taken Souls: Blood Ritual calls on gamers to help solve a serious of dastardly murders as detective James Voodoo faces a mystical phenomenon. With the crimes linked to a global conspiracy, players are taken to over 50 destinations around the globe as the fight against crime goes international. Also new this month is the hidden object, PC downloadable Apothecarium World. With more than 60 beautiful destinations to explore, Apothecarium World is set in Renaissance Italy. Once a beautiful hub of culture, it has been hit by the dreaded plague, causing fear to run through the streets. Rumors are that a hidden city holds the cure, but does it exist? This is the challenge inquisitive players will face as they search Italy and solve puzzles to find all the missing pieces. To find out more about MyRealGames and to play any of these games visit http://myrealgames.com/ SOURCE MyRealGames.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] CAGW Names Rep. Nancy Pelosi February 2017 Porker of the Month Today, Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) named House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) its February 2017 Porker of the Month for her long history of misinformation and hyperbole regarding Obamacare. During a CNN town hall on January 31, 2017, Leader Pelosi made a startling claim about the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare): "It's three purposes were to increase coverage, expand those who got healthcare; to improve benefits, and to lower costs, and it has succeeded in every way." This whopper is in desperate need of a fact-check. A January 2017 Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projection found that Obamacare covers less than half of the original estimate of 30 million. While 14 million Americans have enrolled since the law was fully implemented, 11.8 million, or 84 percent, are covered under Medicaid, not private insurance. Like all Medicaid recipients, the new enrollees' access to quality care is sparse. A 2014 Merritt Hawkins study found that 55 percent of doctors reject Medicaid beneficiaries, which is a 10 percent jump since 2009. Many Obamacare enrollees who did receive new private health insurance are finding that their high-deductible plans leave them just as vulnerable when they become ll. David Reines, a 60 year-old former hardware salesman from Jefferson Township, New Jersey with chronic knee pain, told The New York Times on November 14, 2015, that, "The deductible, $3,000 a year, makes it impossible to actually go to the doctor. We have insurance, but can't afford to use it." The skyrocketing cost of Obamacare has caused insurers to either drastically increase premiums or withdraw from the marketplaces altogether as Humana and Aetna announced within the last year. In 2017, insurers plan to triple the premium prices in 38 states, and 70 percent of U.S. counties only offer one or two health insurance choices. Leader Pelosi, who famously quipped that Congress would have to pass the healthcare bill so that Americans could see what was in it, is clearly wrong when she says the law "has succeeded in every way." She parroted former President Obama's patently false claim in 2009 that if Americans liked their healthcare plan and doctor that they would be able to keep them. She described Obamacare as "Affordable, affordable, affordable, affordable," in 2014. She outrageously said that attempts to reform the broken law were acts of "cowardice," and fear-mongered that Obamacare repeal would lead to "grandma living in the guest room." CAGW President Tom Schatz said: "Leader Pelosi is perhaps the most vocal and hyperbolic proponent of the broken Obamacare system. Her utter and complete disregard for facts and the efforts of healthcare reformers to rescue the millions of Americans who are victimized by this law is shameful. Leader Pelosi should renounce her past false statements defending Obamacare, and pledge to help build a healthcare system that truly offers more choice and greater access at a lower cost to both consumers and taxpayers." For repeatedly peddling false claims to the American people about Obamacare, CAGW names House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi its February 2017 Porker of the Month. Citizens Against Government Waste is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government. Porker of the Month is a dubious honor given to lawmakers, government officials, and political candidates who have shown a blatant disregard for the interests of taxpayers. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223006259/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] Real Estate Crowdfunding Platform, Sharestates, Nominated for Top LendIt Award GREAT NECK, N.Y., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sharestates, an online real estate investment marketplace, has been nominated as a LendIt Conference Industry Award finalist for Emerging Real Estate Platforman award presented to a young and developing company that has demonstrated significant potential to impact the future of real estate investing. The winner will be announced on March 7th at the Edison Ballroom in New York City. "We would like to thank the committee for acknowledging us as a candidate for this prestigious award. Our ability to deliver on our mission is a product of the comradery displayed by our peers working together to introduce crowdfunding's ability to participate in the global financial marketplace, more specifically in real estate," said Allen Shayanfekr, co-founder and CEO of Sharestates. "This level of recognition validates the hard work that we are putting into growing our brand in this exciting new space. We are confident in our ability to provide investors with solid risk-adjusted returns while giving borrowers financing with precision, speed and ideal pricing." "The first annual LendIt Awards is a community celebration designed to recognize and bring awareness to the exceptional companies in our industry," said Peter Renton, Chairman and co-founder of the LendIt Conference. "Recognizing young platorms like Sharestates, that have stepped into the fintech space and made a big impact so early on, is part of the LendIt mission. We wish Sharestates and all the nominees the best of luck." With over 2,400 companies, 100 media partners and 5,000 attendees representing more than 40 countries, the LendIt Conference is the world's biggest show in lending and fintech. Sharestates will be exhibiting at LendIt, offering insights into their online investment platform, real estate investment opportunities, and attractive year-over-year return to investors. As of December 31, 2016, Sharestates has funded over $275 million in loan volume while returning more than $151 million to investors, with zero loss of principal. Sharestates recently launched a multi-million dollar Series A round with SeedInvest, a leading equity crowdfunding platform for venture capitalists, angel investors and accredited investors. About Sharestates Sharestates is a real estate investment marketplace that allows individual and institutional investors to participate in rigorously vetted debt offerings. All of the offerings on Sharestates' platform have passed through a 34-point underwriting process. Founded by Allen Shayanfekr and real estate veterans, Radni Davoodi and Raymond Y. Davoodi of the Atlantis Organization, Sharestates has combined proprietary technology with a proven track record of business development expertise to become the fastest growing real estate crowdfunding marketplace, doubling every year since its 2015 launch. For more information, please visit https://www.sharestates.com . About LendIt LendIt is the world's largest event series dedicated to connecting the Fintech and lending community. Our conferences bring together the leading lending platforms, investors, and service providers in our industry for unparalleled educational, networking, and business development opportunities. LendIt hosts three conferences annually: our flagship conference LendIt USA as well as LendIt Europe in London and LendIt China in Shanghai. LendIt USA 2017 will be held in New York from March 6 - 7. Learn more at http://www.lendit.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/real-estate-crowdfunding-platform-sharestates-nominated-for-top-lendit-award-300412681.html SOURCE Sharestates [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] TripleMint Announces $4.5 Million In Series A Funding NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- TripleMint today announced that it has closed a $4.5 million Series A round of funding. The round was led by DN Capital, with participation from new investors across the real estate and technology sectors, including Summit Action Fund and b-to-v ventures. The Series A brings TripleMint's total funding to over $7 million. Launched in 2013 by David Walker and Philip Lang, TripleMint was founded on the conviction that people deserve a better real estate experience. TripleMint empowers buyers and sellers with more data, an expert agent matched just for them, and the tools and resources needed to make the best decision about their home. TripleMint shifts the experience from stressful and opaque to an inclusive, transparent and frictionless process during one of the most important decisions of someone's life. Driven by data and grounded in personal care, TripleMint's innovative approach has provided tens of thousands of people with better information and unparalleled support, every step of the way. Led by a team of real estate experts and powered by its proprietary algorithm, TripleMint is creating a network of qualified buyers, sellers, and renters. Cutting-edge predictive analytics allow members to anticipate and capitalize on future market activity, and to match prospective buyers and sellers, while next-generation technology ensures an intuitive user experienceall with efficiency and ease. As an extension of its "client first" philosophy, the TripleMint model rewards agents with client satisfaction-based bonuses, as well as commissions to incentivize great service and eliminate sales pressure. "TripleMint is taking on one of the oldest off-line industries and using technology to finally create new and exciting value for buyers and sellers. We're overjoyed to join their mission to make buying and selling a home smarter by combining a high-end personal service with proprietary data and tools. We believe TripleMint will become the standard in the industry" said Nenad Marovac, founding partner of DN Capital and lead investor in TripleMint's Series A round. "Closing our Series A is a testament to the work of our whole team, the quality of our customer service and our innovative product. Our business has grown immensely over the past year; the capital raised will allow us to serve even more consumers frustrated by the real estate market today" said David Walker, co-founder & CEO of TripleMint. "We are redesigning the real estate process around the end consumer." About TripleMint TripleMint combines proprietary data and unparalleled end-to-end service to provide a smarter, more successful consumer real estate experience. Founded in 2013 by Yale classmates David Walker and Philip Lang and formerly called Suitey, TripleMint is based in New York City. TripleMint plans to expand into other metropolitan markets and has raised over $7 million in capital to date. For more information, visit www.TripleMint.com. About DN Capital DN Capital is a leading early stage venture capital firm which focuses on Seed, Series A and select series B investments in fintech, SaaS, digital media, e-commerce, marketplaces, mobile applications and software companies. The firm was founded in 2000 and has operations in London, Berlin and Silicon Valley. DN Capital has led investments in companies such as Auto1, Shazam, Hometogo and PurpleBricks, the UK-based online real estate agent that had a successful IPO in 2015. For more information, visit www.DNCapital.com. CONTACT: Jesse Kent TripleMint Real Estate (212) 235- 1123 [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/triplemint-announces-45-million-in-series-a-funding-300412686.html SOURCE TripleMint [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] Innovative Samsung Tech Institute Expands to Western Canada with Vancouver Community College Partnership Educational initiative will provide unique certification from Samsung Canada to make a difference in the careers of graduates VANCOUVER, Feb. 23, 2017 /CNW/ - In partnership with Vancouver Community College (VCC), Samsung Electronics Canada Inc. today officially announced it is expanding the presence of the Samsung Tech Institute in Canada, to bring the innovative education initiative to Western Canada. Following the successful opening in 2015 and ongoing success of the Samsung Tech Institute at Toronto's Centennial College, this partnership between Samsung and VCC will provide students with practical hands-on training on how to operate, diagnose and service select Samsung digital home appliances including refrigerators, gas and electric stovetops, microwaves and washer-dryers. Graduates will be certified Samsung Home Appliance Technicians upon completion of the program, and will also receive an Award of Achievement from VCC, providing a distinct differentiation as they enter the workforce. "It's an exciting time for Samsung, VCC and students as we launch the next Samsung Tech Institute," said Mark Childs, Chief Brand Officer, Samsung Canada. "We're proud to help support the learning of this next generation of passionate Samsung repair technicians, trained here at VCC, to reach their full potential and confirm our steadfast Samsung commitment to education and exemplary customer service in Canada." With increased demand expected in trades, transportation and related occupations in British Columbia with approximately 123,000 job openings expected over the next ten years*, VCC's Samsung Tech Institute aims to provide students with the skills to be first in line for these opportunitiesparticularly relevant as Samsung holds the position of #1 bran in Canadian Major Domestic Appliances for 2016**. "At VCC, we're always looking for innovative ways to meet the needs of industry, and this partnership presented the perfect opportunity," said Dr. Peter Nunoda, President and CEO, Vancouver Community College. "The exclusive framework of knowledge students will receive and first-hand exposure to the Samsung brand and technology will directly impact the careers of our graduates."*** Two pathway programs will be available to students a part-time professional pathway for those already in the appliance repair industry and a full-time entry pathway for those who are interested in a career in the appliance repair industry. As part of the partnership, Samsung has created a Branded Digital Services Lab at VCC, complete with the latest Samsung home appliances to allow innovative, hands-on training, and has also established three $1,000 entrance scholarships for students who demonstrate a commitment to innovation, dedication and hard work. The Samsung Tech Institute at Centennial College has reached maximum enrolment nearly every semester, with continued positive student and instructor feedback. VCC builds on that momentum with initial projections of full enrolment for the April 2017 semester. About Samsung Electronics Canada, Inc. Samsung Electronics Canada inspires Canadians to reach their full potential through a transformative ecosystem of products and services that deliver innovation and distinct design to every aspect of their connected lives. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, virtual reality and wearable devices, tablets and digital appliances. In 2016, Samsung was ranked in the top 10 most reputable brands in Canada, based on a study by Leger. Dedicated to helping make a difference in the lives of Canadians, Samsung's award-winning Hope for Children corporate giving initiatives supports public education, sustainability and health-related issues in communities across the country. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com. About Vancouver Community College VCC celebrates more than 50 years of inspiring students to reach their career and educational goals, offering post-secondary training in 125 programs including bachelor's degrees, diplomas, certificates and apprenticeships. With three campuses located on Broadway, Downtown and on Annacis Island, students can choose from hands-on instruction in culinary arts, business, design, health sciences, hospitality, transportation trades and music. * "British Columbia 2025: Labour Market Outlook" https://www.workbc.ca/getmedia/00de3b15-0551-4f70-9e6b-23ffb6c9cb86/LabourMarketOutlook.aspx **Samsung is Canada's No. 1 Home Appliance Brand for the 12 months ending December 2016. Reference to Home Appliances means major appliances (full-size refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, ovens, cook-tops, washing machines and clothes dryers) and is based on dollar sales between 2015-2016 in Canada as measured by The NPD Group, Retail Tracking Service in its retail tracking reports. *** Post-graduation employment or higher earnings not guaranteed SOURCE Samsung Electronics Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] Founders FCU Sees Improved Wait Times Through Implementation of Source Technologies' 6-Series Kiosks Throughout Branch Network Source Technologies, a leading provider of integrated solutions for managing financial transactions and other secure business processes, announced that Lancaster, S.C.-based Founders Federal Credit Union ($1.9 billion in assets), has successfully implemented its 6-Series kiosk within 27 branch locations, resulting in efficiencies for both members and staff through a streamlined branch experience. Earlier this year, while experiencing a surge in growth, Founders Federal Credit Union began a rigorous selection process for self-service branch automation technology that could help better manage the flow of traffic within its branches at peak times and enhance the member experience. Ultimately, the credit union selected Source (News - Alert) Technologies' 6-Series kiosk, which is designed to adapt to support any number of applications, noting its user-friendly interface and proven ability to function within the branch. After selection, Founders FCU piloted the kiosk at three of its branch locations. Each kiosk was paired with LobbyCentral customer check-in software. This coupling of the two allowed the credit union to better track wait times, visit types and transactions. Results stemming from the pilotwere immediate and the credit union reported that its branch managers were able to more actively monitor branch activity based on member-waiting times and their transaction needs. In turn, branch managers leveraged this information to prioritize their staff based on the needs of members, creating a more efficient branch environment for members and staff alike. Based on the success of the pilot, Founders FCU is now implementing the 6-Series kiosk across its branch network. "Implementation of the 6- Series kiosk has had a tremendous positive impact our branch experience," said Bruce Brumfield, President and CEO at Founders Federal Credit Union. "The improvements we've realized have exceeded our initial expectations. Our branch managers find the self-service kiosks to be most beneficial in monitoring member service in real-time, helping them support staffing needs. Our members find the kiosk reassuring as a way we are listening their feedback and implementing solutions to best serve their needs." "Self-service automation, when done right, delivers solid results for financial institutions," said Keith Hamilton, CEO of Source Technologies. "The results Founders FCU realized by implementing the 6-Series kiosk speaks to the role self-service technology plays in the ongoing evolution of the branch banking experience, and to our commitment as a company in meeting the strategic needs of our customers." About Founders Federal Credit Union The credit union, one of the largest and most innovative in the nation, was founded in 1950 in Fort Mill, South Carolina to provide financial services to the employees of Springs Industries, Inc. Founders now serves over 200,000 members with 25 offices and three service centers in North and South Carolina. The credit union has over $1.9 billion in assets. Founders Federal Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA. www.foundersfcu.com About Source Technologies Founded in 1986, Charlotte, NC-based Source Technologies is redefining the branch channel by helping banks transform their branches with automation, innovative technology and superior engineering. The company's print solutions empower businesses to automate the secure printing of sensitive information and negotiable documents, and its ground-breaking transactional and interactive kiosks for self-service and retail applications enhance the self-service experience. Customers include 6 of the Top 10 US banks, 69 of the Fortune 100, and thousands of small and mid-sized companies. For more information, visit www.sourcetech.com, or follow them on Twitter (News - Alert) @source_tech and LinkedIn (News - Alert) at www.linkedin.com/company/source-technologies. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223006447/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] Midtronics CELLGUARD-GEN-3 TELCO Offers a 24/7/365 Battery Monitoring Solution to Telecommunications Providers An innovative and cost effective solution for critical backup power reliability is now available to telecommunications providers with the release of Midtronics Stationary Power's CELLGUARD-GEN-3 TELCO Battery Monitoring System. This customer-driven product assures reliable 24/7/365 monitoring of VLA and VRLA batteries. "The CELLGUARD-GEN-3 TELCO Battery Monitoring System is an innovative solution to continuously monitor state of health of batteries in a cost effective way," said Todd Stukenberg, Vice President and General Manager of Midtronics Stationary Power Division. "It directly addresses a need with several of our customer markets, including the telecom market that now faces requirements on infrastructure performance in a simple and cost-effective package." CELLGUARD-GEN-3 TELCO uses patented wireless technology to perform diagnostics and to collect test resuts from sensors, which are connected to batteries. The collected data is sent to a server, running Midtronics CELLTRAQ Software, from which user can view the data for trend analysis and review battery warnings and alarms. Wireless communication eliminates the need for long communication wires required by other battery monitoring systems. This makes installation and maintenance very clean and easy. Product Features and Benefits include: Accurate and reliable indication of battery state of health through monitoring and analysis of battery voltage, temperature, and conductance Provides automatic visual alarms, email and dry alarm contacts Securely provides detailed battery health status reports Lowers total cost of system ownership Provides analog and binary Input alarms to integrate with existing infrastructure Midtronics was founded in 1984 and has divisions focused on transportation and stationary battery solutions. It counts among its customers most global vehicle manufacturers, battery manufacturers, telecommunications, and power generating companies. The company's worldwide employees - nearly a third of which are engineers -- work out of headquarters facilities in the U.S. (Willowbrook, IL), Netherlands (Houten), and China (Shenzen). View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223006466/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] HanesBrands' Continuing Education Program for Employees is Transforming Lives in Central America and the Caribbean When Felipa Benitez joined HanesBrands' Honduras operations seven years ago, she could not read or write. Today, the 34-year-old mother of two is one of the latest HanesBrands employees to hold a new high school diploma after participating in the company-sponsored continuing education program. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223006540/en/ Felipa Benitez could not read or write when she joined HanesBrands in Honduras in 2009. By participating in the company's continuing education program, Felipa recently earned her high school diploma - and has received a scholarship to attend college. (Photo: Business Wire) Felipa, a facilities assistant at Hanes' corporate office in Villanueva, Honduras, joined 150 of her colleagues last month to don robes and celebrate all the pomp and circumstance of the country's seventh and latest graduation ceremony. Felipa is now continuing on to college. "I am grateful for the support I received through the company's education program," said Benitez, who received a college scholarship during the graduation ceremony. "My life has completely changed." Since its inception in 2009, more than 2,000 HanesBrands employees in Honduras, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic have earned high school diplomas, more than 10 have earned college degrees, and another 1,500 are currently participating in high school, technical, college and even post-graduate college programs. Many of these employees have secured promotions or moved to higher-level roles within the company. "Hanes has provided more than 250,000 hours of education to develop the talent of its employees, support families and enrich the communities where we operate in Central America and the Caribbean," said Maria Elena Sikaffy, vice president of human resources, Hanes Central America and the Caribbean. "And the entrepreneurial spirit we recognize in our employees has motivated us to continuing to invest in extending our education programs." Benitez began her employee educational journey at a first-grade level andstudied for seven years to earn her high-school degree. "From the moment I began the program, I decided to do my best so I could set a good example for my daughter," Benitez said. "I also wanted make everyone who encouraged me - my family and coworkers - feel proud." The region's employees also have access to technical training designed to enhance their skills in textile manufacturing. Hanes opened the first technical school of its kind in the region within its large El Salvador Textiles fabric plant in 2014. In 2015, similar programs were launched in two of the company's plants in Honduras, and last year, Hanes opened the first bleach-and-dye training center in the Dominican Republic. Hanes is also supporting employees who have even greater aspirations by developing higher-education programs in partnership with local universities in El Salvador, Honduras and the Dominican Republic. "Offering life-changing educational opportunities benefits both our employees and our company," said Eduardo Valerio, manager of organizational development, Hanes Central America and the Caribbean, who noted that Hanes offers employee discounts on college tuition and scholarships to outstanding students. For manager-level employees, the company introduced an International Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in El Salvador, Honduras and the Dominican Republic, which focuses on supply-chain management. It was launched in partnership with the prestigious EUNCET Business School, a center for higher education associated with the Polytechnic University of Catalonia in Spain. "This ambitious program, which includes classes in operational subjects such as supply chain strategy, organizational vision and leadership development, is a key part of the company's competitive strategy," Valerio said. "Hanes is focused on remaining a highly competitive company in the future, and that requires developing the next generation of leaders today." The first class of MBA students graduated last July in El Salvador, followed the next month by a graduating class in Honduras. About 80 managers have completed the program, and 40 are currently enrolled. Hanes has been operating in Central America and the Caribbean for more than 40 years, and currently has 30,000 employees in the region. The company's corporate social responsibility programs have been recognized by the Honduran Foundation for Corporate Social Responsibility (FUNDAHRSE), the Salvadoran Rotary Club, and the Mexican Center for Philanthropy (CEMEFI). In 2015, The Great Place to Work Institute named Hanes the third best multinational company to work for in Central America and the Caribbean, the first apparel company to garner such an honor. HanesBrands HanesBrands, based in Winston-Salem, N.C., is a socially responsible leading marketer of everyday basic innerwear and activewear apparel in the Americas, Europe, Australia and Asia/Pacific under some of the world's strongest apparel brands, including Hanes, Champion, Playtex, DIM, Bali, Maidenform, Bonds, JMS/Just My Size, Leggs, Wonderbra, Nur Die/Nur Der, Lovable, Berlei, and Gear for Sports. The company sells T-shirts, bras, panties, shapewear, underwear, socks, hosiery, and activewear produced in the company's low-cost global supply chain. A member of the S&P 500 stock index, Hanes has approximately 70,000 employees in more than 40 countries and is ranked No. 448 on the Fortune 500 list of America's largest companies by sales. Hanes takes pride in its strong reputation for ethical business practices. The company is the only apparel producer to ever be honored by the Great Place to Work Institute for its workplace practices in Central America and the Caribbean, and is ranked No. 167 on the Forbes magazine list of America's Best Employers. For seven consecutive years, Hanes has won the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star sustained excellence/partner of the year award - the only apparel company to earn sustained excellence honors. The company ranks No. 172 on Newsweek magazine's green list of 500 largest U.S. companies for environmental achievement. For more information about the company and its corporate social responsibility initiatives, including environmental, social compliance and community improvement achievements go to www.Hanes.com/corporate, and connect on Facebook (News - Alert) (www.facebook.com/hanesbrandsinc) and Twitter (News - Alert) (@hanesbrands). View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223006540/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] AutoReturn Continues Rapid Growth as Its Municipal Towing Management System Increases Towing Efficiency in Las Vegas, Denver and Austin AutoReturn, the nation's leading municipal towing logistics company, continues to expand across the country following a year of explosive growth that saw the rollout of innovative new auto towing, retrieval and impound systems in Las Vegas, Austin, and Denver. The three cities joined a growing number of communities that have taken advantage of AutoReturn's expertise in expediting and simplifying automobile towing following accidents, breakdowns or impounds. To date, over 1.2 million municipal tows have been performed using the AutoReturn digitized platform, representing over 200,000 tows per year. "2016 marked the first time in our company's history that we added on three major metropolitan areas in the same year," said AutoReturn CEO John Wicker. "We're proud of our achievements in making the towing experience simpler and easier for everyone." Las Vegas, Denver and Austin became the latest communities to become part of the "Smart City" movement, which aims to improve quality of life by using technology to make municipal services more efficient. AutoReturn has successfully addressed the common set of problems that have historically plagued municipal towing - long towing wait times, vehicle damage, property loss, accounting issues, lost city revenue, little or no transparency, and poor customer service. "We believe our solution fundamentally transforms the way cities and residents think about municipal services," said Wicker. "AutoReturn brings state-of-the-art logistics capabilities to police departments, making the process a lot easier for everyone." Prior to AutoReturn's partnership, cities like Las Vegas dispatched tow requests to various tow operators using different programs, meaning data collection was difficult. Wih AutoReturn's digitized management of the towing and impound process, police departments now have a transparent way to accurately document tow volume, response times and customer service levels. In Denver, AutoReturn's solution platform is being used to optimize the city's impound operation at the Vehicle Impound Facility (VIF), making the impounding process more efficient and seamless. Using its unique management and logistics program, AutoReturn has also significantly decreased officer and citizen wait times in Austin and Las Vegas by using smartphones and GPS to make intelligent dispatch decisions. In Austin, for instance, the average response time for towing following a crash dropped from 30 minutes to below eight minutes using AutoReturn's digitized platform. Getting disabled cars off the roads more quickly helps decrease traffic congestion and reduces secondary accidents. Streamlining the towing dispatch system also allows police to get back on the streets faster and focus on public safety. In addition, AutoReturn takes the hassle out of towing by making it easier for citizens to find their cars after they've been towed. AutoReturn's system allows car owners to find their vehicles through a user-friendly web search or an automated phone system, backed by a 24-hour service center. Damage complaints are also greatly reduced, because tow drivers are required to document a vehicle before its towed. And the data collected through the AutoReturn dispatch and impound apps can be used by the local police department to improve driver safety -- by determining which intersections are the most vulnerable to an accident, for instance. Municipalities that sign on with AutoReturn see a significant reduction in towing and related management costs, many by as much as 30 percent or more. "Our solution changes the way cities think about municipal services," said Wicker. "AutoReturn brings state-of-the-art logistics capabilities to police and transit departments, making the process a lot easier for everyone." Besides Austin, Denver and Las Vegas, AutoReturn's platform is used in Baltimore County (MD), Concord (CA (News - Alert)), Indianapolis, Kansas City, San Diego, and San Francisco. The company expects to roll out its automated systems in a number of other cities in the weeks and months ahead, and believes 2017 will bring even more rapid growth. "We are proud of the positive impacts that our program has had on towing services across the country and are excited about the opportunities that await in 2017," Wicker said. About AutoReturn AutoReturn is the nation's leading municipal towing logistics company through its world-class technology, 24x365 dispatch command center and system integration capabilities. AutoReturn collaborates with municipalities and existing local tow operators to help achieve efficiency, superior service, and decreased costs. The company was formed to revolutionize the municipal towing industry and is an innovator and investor in technology, repeatable processes, training programs and other infrastructure. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223006667/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] Draper Teams Up With ASU to Provide "Semester in Silicon Valley" Draper University in San Mateo, the enterprise founded by premier venture capitalist Tim Draper (Draper Associates, DFJ, Draper Venture Network) to train entrepreneurs, today announced that it is creating a four-month program for entrepreneurs in partnership with Arizona State University. "We are thrilled to be working with the talented faculty at ASU," said Tim Draper. "This is a program where you are going to learn, fail, and grow. You'll leave transformed and better for it." In the program, students will ideate, challenge, design, plan and present a startup company. Learning will be both individual and team-based. Students will gain an understanding of new methods in finance (Bitcoin), design (graphic), coding (webflow), marketing (viral, growth hacking), manufacturing (IoT, 3-D Printing) and direct sales. The program combines Draper University's signature hero training with the top entrepreneurship course of study from ASU. "We're excited to continue to evolve ASU's creative entrepreneurship teaching and learning environments, and our relationshp with Draper allows us to take them to the next level," said Michael M. Crow, president of Arizona State University. Students will get tours of major Silicon Valley companies, a five day survival training course with Navy Seals, Special Forces and Army Rangers, and visits to tech conferences in the Bay Area. Students will hear from a variety of expert speakers, past speakers include Elon Musk, Tony Hsieh, Bill Hambrecht, Scott Cook, Tom Proulx, and others; will be trained through projects; and will participate in a hack-a-thon. The last half of the course involves actually planning and starting a business. As they build their businesses, students will accelerate their businesses and will become aware of new ways of streamlining startups through platforms like AngelList, Crowdfunder, Docusign, LawTrades, and eShares. By the end of the four months, students should be emotionally, physically, intellectually and spiritually prepared to embark on a startup. Draper has taught more than 700 students from 62 countries. Graduates have started 300+ companies that have received over $50 million in funding. Arizona State University, which for two years has been designated by U.S. News and World Report as the most innovative university in the country, has a world class Entrepreneurship and Innovation program embedded in the university. To learn more visit: http://www.draperuniversity.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223006705/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 23, 2017] Photon Control Recognized by PROFIT 500 for Third Consecutive Year Recaps Four Steller Awards and Thanks Employees BURNABY, BC, Feb. 23, 2017 /CNW/ - Photon Control Inc. ("Photon Control" or the "Company") (TSX-V: PHO), a leading developer of optical measurement technologies, is proud to announce its fourth consecutive performance recognition. PROFIT 500: Canadian Business and PROFIT ranked Photon Control Inc. part of its annual PROFIT 500, the definitive ranking of Canada's Fastest-Growing Companies. Published in the October issue of Canadian Business and at PROFITguide.com, the PROFIT 500 ranks Canadian businesses by their five-year revenue growth. Photon Control made the 2016 PROFIT 500 for the third consecutive year with five-year revenue growth of 106%. TOP 100 FASTEST GROWING COMPANIES IN B.C.: Business in Vancouver ranked Photon Control in the "Top 100 Fastest-Growing Companies in B.C." and "Top 100 Public Companies in B.C." This is the sixth consecutive year that Photon Control achieved the Top 100, achieving the 38th spot, as well as achieving B.C.'s Top 100 Public Companies ranking. Business in Vancouver's list of B.C.'s 100 Fastest Growing and 100 Top Public Companies is one of the newspaper's signature annual features, and is ranked by percentage growth in revenue between the years 2011 and 2015, and 2015 net income respectively. Since 1994, the list has provided an overview of the economy's key growth sectors. It also provides readers with insights about what it takes to build a business in good times and bad. BIGGEST MANUFACTURERS: Business in Vancouver ranked Photon Control in the "Biggest Manufacturers in Metro Vancouver 2017" report. Photon Control was listed for the 1st time and ranked in the top 100 employers. Business in Vancouver's list of the top 100 manufacturers in the Lower Mainland is one of the newspaper's signature annual features, and is ranked by the total number of staff a company hs in the province of BC. For several years, the list has provided an overview of the growth of the manufacturing sector in the greater Vancouver area. BC EXPORT AWARD: The Province of BC nominated Photon Control as a 2016 BC Export Awards Finalist in the category of "Advancing Technology & Innovation". The BC Export Awards are the province's most prestigious awards paying tribute to the success and innovation of BC companies. The awards are a celebration of the contributions exporters have made to both the provincial and national economy. Conceived in 1982, the program has recognized over 300 companies since its inception, reflecting the growth and diversity of BC's economy over the past 30 years. "Companies become a part of the PROFIT 500 through innovative thinking, smart strategy and sheer grit," says James Cowan, Editor-in-chief of PROFIT and Canadian Business. "These companies demonstrate what Canadian entrepreneurs can achieve, both at home and across the globe." "I couldn't be more proud and grateful," said Michael Goldstein, Director and Acting CEO of Photon Control. "These prestigious recognitions remind our employees that their hard work and personal sacrifices for the benefit of our customers and shareholders make a difference and are recognized." About PROFIT and PROFITguide.com PROFIT: Your Guide to Business Success is Canada's preeminent media brand dedicated to the management issues and opportunities facing small and mid-sized businesses. For 34 years, Canadian entrepreneurs across a vast array of economic sectors have remained loyal to PROFIT because it's a timely and reliable source of actionable information that helps them achieve business success and get the recognition they deserve for generating positive economic and social change. Visit PROFIT online at PROFITguide.com. About Canadian Business Founded in 1928, Canadian Business is the longest-serving, best-selling and most-trusted business publication in the country. With a total brand readership of more than 1.1 million, it is the country's premier media brand for executives and senior business leaders. It fuels the success of Canada's business elite with a focus on the things that matter most: leadership, innovation, business strategy and management tactics. We provide concrete examples of business achievement, thought-provoking analysis and compelling storytelling, all in an elegant package with bold graphics and great photography. Canadian Businesswhat leadership looks like. About Photon Control Inc. Photon Control Inc. designs, manufactures and distributes a wide range of optical sensors & instruments to measure temperature, pressure, position, and flow. These products are used by original equipment manufacturers (OEM) as well as end-users in the Semiconductor, Oil and Gas, Power, Life Science, and Manufacturing industries. Photon Control's products provide high accuracy and reliability in extreme conditions and are supported by a team of experts that offer onsite installation, training, and support. Photon Control Inc. also provides engineering services for customized optical measurement systems. Headquartered in an ISO 9001:2008 manufacturing facility in Burnaby, BC, Photon Control Inc. is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, trading under the symbol ''PHO". For additional information about the company, please visit www.photon-control.com/investorrelations.html. 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 Photon Control Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Council approves rules to limit self-storage growth Future self-storage facilities in the city of Thousand Oaks will be excluded from prime commercial areas, according to a new ordinance adopted by the City Council this month. In a... Dealership does Distinguished thing SPECIAL TRIPChildren from Boys & Girls clubs in Camarillo, Simi Valley and Moorpark, and Oxnard and Port Hueneme attended Misty Copelands Oct. 18 appearance in the Distinguished Speaker Series at... Stagecoach Inn honors veterans The Stagecoach Inn Museum is honoring those who served with a Veterans Day exhibit featuring museum volunteers who have served in the military as well as family members who have... The Samsung Galaxy S8 is a very good value because of its captivating infinity display, strong performance and long battery life for under $500. Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test . The Galaxy S8 has been around for a couple of years, but it's still a strong choice for those looking for flagship-level design and solid performance for under $500. The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ boast 5.8- and 6.2-inch infinity displays, which go from edge to edge, and these handsets feature Qualcomms relatively zippy Snapdragon 835 processor for speedy performance. Were still not fans of the fingerprint sensors location. But when you add in excellent battery life and improvements to a camera that was already very good, you have two winning handsets with the Galaxy S8 and S8+. See our best phones list for all of our top picks. Galaxy S8 price and release date The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ were released in April of 2017. You can now get the Galaxy S8 starting at $499 with 64GB of storage. The larger Galaxy S8+ isn't as readily available, but it retails for about $589. However, we've seen this phone for as low as $364 on Amazon (opens in new tab). You may want to keep an eye out for Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday deals to see if these phones get discounted during the holiday season. Design: It feels like the future The Galaxy S8 exemplifies a nearly bezel-free phone done right. Samsung didnt just take away the bezels on this phone; it crafted a space-age work of art with a new infinity display that stretches from edge to edge. The Galaxy S8 not only has a slightly bigger screen-to-body ratio than LGs phone but also looks sleeker because of the way the Gorilla Glass curves toward the edges on the front and back. Other Android phones look like blah, flat slabs by comparison. The S8 is also thinner and narrower than the G6. The screen on the S8 is 5.8 inches, versus 6.2 inches on the S8+. But other than the difference in display size, the S8 and S8+ have the same design. Overall, we prefer the bigger screen on the S8+, but if you have small hands, youll likely find yourself repositioning the phone in your hand to reach certain buttons, including the home button, which is now a virtual button instead of a physical key. The button worked well in our testing, providing solid haptic feedback. Its flanked by the Recent Apps and Back buttons. Whats remarkable about the Galaxy S8 is how much more screen real estate it gives you compared with the S7, while still offering a compact and lightweight design. The S8s 5.8-inch screen is housed in a 5.5-ounce, 2.7-inch-wide chassis, whereas the 5.1-inch S7 weighed 5.4 ounces and had the same width. The S8 is taller, but its still easy to use with one hand. With its 6.2-inch screen, the 6.1-ounce S8+ is heftier than the 5.5-ounce, 5.5-inch S7 Edge. But the S8+ makes the iPhone 8 Plus (6.2 x 3.1 x 0.29 inches, 7.13 ounces) look positively bloated. Plus, unlike the latest iPhones, the S8 and S8+ have headphone jacks. No matter which size you choose, it wont be long before you see fingerprint smudges on the back of the phone. The smudges were especially prominent on the midnight black version of the S8 and S8+, but you can also choose the lighter orchid gray or arctic silver, which dont show smudges as easily. Galaxy S8 Galaxy S8+ Price From $499 From $589 Display (Pixels) 5.8 inches (2960 x 1440) Super AMOLED 6.2 inches (2960 x 1440) Super AMOLED Camera (Back) 12 MP, f /1.7 aperture 12 MP, f /1.7 aperture Camera (Front) 8 MP, f/ 1.7 aperture 8 MP, f/1.7 aperture Biometric Scanning Facial recognition, iris scanner, fingerprint reader Facial recognition, iris scanner, fingerprint reader CPU Snapdragon 835 Snapdragon 835 RAM 4GB 4GB Storage 64GB 64GB microSD up to 256GB up to 256GB Battery 3,000 mAh 3,500 mAh Battery Life (4G) 10:39 11:04 Size 5.9 x 2.7 x 0.3 inches 6.3 x 2.9 x 0.3 inches Weight 5.5 ounces 6.1 ounces Colors Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver Android Version 7.0 Nougat 7.0 Nougat Charging USB Type-C USB Type-C Wireless Charging WPC and PMA WPC and PMA About that fingerprint sensor We were worried that the fingerprint sensors placement right next to the camera on the back of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ might be a problem. And it was, initially. Because the sensor is fairly narrow, its difficult to target it without looking. We got used to it after a couple of days, but we still wish it were below the lens. If you dont want to reach around the S8 to unlock your phone, you can choose from a couple of other biometric options that Samsung gives you. Theres facial recognition, as well as iris scanning. Iris scanning unlocks your phone faster and even works in the dark, but it doesnt work in direct sunlight; your eyes need to be fully open, so squinting isnt an option. The facial recognition is not only slower but also had trouble in direct sunlight and doesnt work in the dark. Our advice? Use the iris scanning everywhere except in the sun, and when there is bright light, just use the fingerprint scanner. Display: The perfect screen is here Apple is bringing an OLED screen to the iPhone X, but you have to pay a grand for the privilege. Sporting a resolution of 2960 x 1440 pixels, both the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8+ turned in nearly perfect scores on our tests, offering a very bright picture, amazingly vivid colors and near-perfect color accuracy. The extra-wide 18.5:9 aspect ratio doesnt work well with some apps, but overall, we like how immersive the experience is when watching video and playing games. When watching the new Star Wars: The Last Jedi trailer, we could make out every wrinkle in Reys hands as she seemed to levitate the rocks around her with the Force, as well as every rising ring of smoke around Kylo Rens smoldering mask. As the camera panned around to the island where Luke was training Rey, it was hard not to be impressed by the golden sunshine that reflected off the water, as well as the lush, green foliage dotting the mountains. The S8 backed up our experience by reproducing a superb 183 percent of the sRGB color gamut. That blows away the LG G6s 134 percent, but the AMOLED screen on the Google Pixel scored an even higher 191 percent. (However, when you turn on Adaptive Display mode on the Galaxy S8, it can reach as high as 255 percent.) If youre looking for accurate color, the S8 can deliver that, too. In its AMOLED photo mode, the display notched a Delta-E score of 0.28 (0 is perfect). The LG G6 was closest, at 1.01, but the Pixel XL was way behind, with 5.88. Like the LG G6, the Galaxy S8s screen is HDR certified, which means you can enjoy a wider range of colors and better contrast on videos that support the standard. Amazon, Netflix and YouTube offer a growing variety of HDR-ready movies and shows. The 18.5:9 aspect ratio doesnt work well with every app. For instance, in Super Mario Run, we noticed unsightly bars above and below the game. But Samsungs own apps are optimized, and you can fill the screen by pushing a button while watching YouTube and Netflix, even if the video looks a bit stretched out. Since our initial review, some users complained about a red tint appearing on their S8 screens, but Samsung has released a fix. Audio: Poppin For a small speaker, the Galaxy S8 pumps out pretty sweet sound. When we listened to Justin Timberlakes Cant Stop the Feeling, on this phone, the lyrics were clearer, and the volume was louder, than the same track on the LG G6. The latter handset sounded slightly muffled by comparison. However, you dont get stereo sound from the Galaxy S8 as you do from the HTC U Ultra. The S8's Snapdragon 835 muscle blitzes every other Android phone on the market. Performance: A handheld powerhouse The Galaxy S8 goes boldly forward into a new era of speed, thanks to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 system on a chip (at least in the U.S.; in other regions, the S8 will have Samsung's Exynos 8895 chip). The S8 also comes with a healthy 4GB of memory, 64GB of storage (twice the amount you get from base models of the LG G6 and the Google Pixel) and microSD card expansion for people who need even more space. When you put it all together, the S8's muscle blitzes every other Android phone on the market, but it falls short of the iPhone 8's A11 Bionic chip. The S8 almost always feels exceedingly snappy, no matter if you're vaulting over Goombas in Super Mario Run or mowing down aliens in N.O.V.A. Legacy. We didnt experience any lag when using multiwindow mode for chatting with friends while streaming video on YouTube. If you pay close attention, you may notice that some of the transitions when switching between apps aren't 100 percent smooth, but that seems mostly cosmetic. In terms of benchmark performance, the Galaxy S8s multicore score of 6,295 in the Geekbench 4 overall performance test was more than 50 percent higher than that of its closest Android competitor, the Snapdragon 821-powered Google Pixel XL (4,146). However, the iPhone 8 scored above 10,000 on this test. The Galaxy S8's graphics power was also quite impressive, as it hit 36,508 on 3DMark's Ice Storm Unlimited test. Other Android adversaries, like the LG G6 (29,611) and the Google Pixel XL (28,182), were farther behind. But the iPhone 8 scored a much higher 64,532. New for the S8 is Samsung's Device Management tab, which is best accessed by swiping in from the Edge tab. It offers a quick look at the status of your device, including battery status, power mode (optimized, performance, game or entertainment), available storage and your current memory usage. There's even an optimization button that cleans up any lingering apps and clears your cache, which is a handy tool for people who go weeks or months without actually turning off their devices. Cameras: Better on both the front and back When we first found out that the S8's 12-megapixel rear camera is ostensibly the same as the one on last year's S7, we were a bit disappointed. But that rush of emotion was a bit premature, because under the hood, Samsung made some important software enhancements. And then you toss in a new, higher-resolution, 8-MP front cam, and you get a phone that produces noticeably better pictures no matter which shooter you're using. The most important tweak comes in the form of Samsung's new multi-image photo processing, which mimics the operation of the Google Pixel's HDR+ mode by taking multiple pictures when you press the shutter, selecting the best one, and enhancing that image with extra details and info from the remaining two pics. When we took both the S8+ and a Pixel XL out for some side-by-side testing, it was clear that Samsung's adjustments have had a pretty positive effect. At a nearby farmer's market, the S8 captured a crate full of apples with better contrast, richer colors and better details than the Pixel XL. And when I continued down the street, the S8+ topped the Pixel XL again when I snapped a pic of some flowers, this time offering better white balance than Google's phone, as evidenced by the greenish hue on the white flower's petals. But it wasn't a clean sweep for the S8+. When I really tried to push both cameras to the limit by shooting a backlit scene pointing straight at the sun, the Pixel XL stunned us with a shot featuring big, bold colors and sharp details, even though there was some serious lens flare going on. Inside, in pretty much ideal conditions, the S8+ and the Pixel XL were again neck and neck. The one difference is that the Pixel's cool color tone brought out the green in the pistachio macaroon, while the pic from the S8 sported a more neutral white balance, which led to a more pleasing overall photo. Finally, at a local bar with even less light to work with, both the Pixel XL and the Galaxy S8 impressed us with photos that were brighter than the scenes in real life. Small differences included less blown-out highlights in the S8's pic, which was countered by more detail in the darker areas of the scene in the Pixel's photo. When it comes to tweaking your photos or changing modes, Samsung has added new Snapchat-like filters that let you decorate faces with various animal masks, hats and other silly emojis. But if that doesn't strike your fancy, the camera also comes with modes for shooting panoramas, food, slow-mo and more. And as with all good camera apps, there's also a Pro mode that lets you adjust settings manually. As for selfies, the S8 and S8+ sport new 8-MP cams with a wide-angle lens, which makes it easy to snap you and all your besties at once. However, compared with the Pixel XL's 8-MP camera, the S8's selfies can sometimes be a little lacking. We compared photos shot by the S8 and the Pixel XL outside on a sunny day. The Pixel XL's photo had an extra level of sharpness and detail we didn't get from the S8+. Our face looked a little too smooth and perfect on the Samsung, to the point where we were wondering whether Beauty Mode was kicking in even when we had it set to 0. The Galaxy S8s camera can shoot 4K video at 30 frames per second and slow-mo video at up to 240 frames per second at 720p. (In comparison, the LG G6 shoots at just 60 fps in slow-mo.) To test the Galaxy S8s video quality, we shot some footage of a pond with fish swimming about in 4K. The S8s footage looked crisper and more vibrant than what the iPhone 7 Plus captured, even if the colors looked a bit oversaturated. However, when we put both phones on a mount to test image stabilization, the iPhone 7s video looked smoother; we saw a bit of stuttering in the S8s footage as we walked up a grassy hill. For a hallmark feature on a flagship phone, Bixby feels pretty half-baked right now. Bixby: Still a work in progress The Galaxy S8 introduces a new personal assistant, Bixby, to take on the likes of Apple's Siri and Microsoft's Cortana. And for a hallmark feature on Samsung's flagship phone, Bixby feels pretty half-baked right now, even after Samsung has rolled out voice controls to its virtual assistant. The main difference between Bixby and other digital assistants is that it lets you use voice commands to control your phone in lieu of tapping the screen, which can save you time and energy. You can also use Bixby to tell you the weather or look up the definition of quixotic, but its real purpose is giving you a whole new way to control your phone. For instance, you can ask Bixby to show you emails from a specific person by name, and it will slickly pull up all your conversations in just a couple seconds. That's way faster than tapping to open the email app, hitting search and then typing in that person's name. Bixby can also understand complex commands with contextual language, so you can do things like ask Bixby to post the last photo you took to Instagram and add a caption, all with one command. You can also change almost any setting on the S8 using your voice, which is often much faster than trying to dig through a modern phone's increasingly complex array of menus and tabs. Or at least, that's how things should work. The big problem is that Bixby's voice-command functionality, while now available, was pretty erratic when we tested it. Sometimes Bixby will fail to understand your language at all, while other times, Bixby will get confused and try to open the wrong app or adjust incorrect settings. But every once in a while Bixby will get everything right and you won't even be able to tell that its voice commands are still a work in progress. Currently, simple commands have the best success rate. MORE: 11 Coolest Things Bixby Voice Can Do on the Galaxy S8 As of August 22, Samsung announced that the Bixby voice command feature is now available in more than 200 countries and territories, though you'll still need to use either English or Korean to make it work. Support for additional languages, as well as more third party apps, is in the works. Then there's Bixby Vision, which leverages the S8's camera along with object recognition to identify items in the world. We found this worked pretty well when we pointed the S8 at various household items, such as shampoos, snacks and aluminum foil. It also works for books. After pointing the Galaxy S8's camera at any object, we could check prices online on Amazon. Say you're at the liquor store and want to know the rating of that wine or what food to pair it with. Bixby has also partnered with Vivino to identify that bottle and spit back information. However, at a wine store in New York, the feature was more miss than hit, as it seemed to have trouble with the bright lights. At home, however, Bixby identified three wines correctly, though we were greeted with a home server error. Bixby's other talents include the ability to set reminders and a Bixby Home tool with a card-based interface that shows you your schedule, what's trending on Facebook, the weather, news and other info. All told, Bixby is a frustrating mix of success and failures, though there is a lot of potential should Samsung work out all the kinks. Thankfully, though, you can turn to the Google Assistant, which also comes preloaded on the S8. Software: Feature-rich but accessible Running Android 7.0 Nougat, the Galaxy S8 still has a skin on top of Android, but its fairly intuitive, and Samsungs minimalist, line-drawn icons are easy to understand. We like that you dont have to tap a button to see all of your apps from the home screen; just swipe down from the middle of the screen, and then swipe left to see more apps. If you swipe down from the very top of the screen from wherever you are, youll see your notifications and Samsungs quick-settings shortcuts. Finally, swiping in from the left provides access to Edge screen shortcuts, such as a customizable list of apps, a device maintenance screen (for battery, choosing performance mode, etc.) and a Smart Select tool for selecting an area of the screen and sharing it or pinning it to the top of your display. Youll also find a ton of advanced features. The ones at the top of our list include a one-handed mode that you can activate by tapping the home button three times to shrink the screen, as well as the ability to quickly launch the camera by pressing the power key twice. At least on the T-Mobile S8 we tested, there was minimal bloatware. T-Mobile included just five of its own apps: Device Unlock, T-Mobile, T-Mobile Name ID, T-Mobile TV and Visual Voicemail. Accessories: Way beyond Gear VR The Galaxy S8 works with the new Gear VR for those who want to experience virtual-reality games and content, but thats not the only interesting accessory. The new DeX ($149) is a dock that lets you use the S8 and S8+ as a mini PC. The dock can connect to a full-size monitor via its HDMI port, as well as a keyboard and mouse via Bluetooth. It also has an Ethernet jack and a USB port. Out of the box, the Samsung Connect app will let you access and control various Samsung-branded smart home gear. For instance, you can start your Samsung robot vacuum ($549) or peek inside your Samsung Family Hub fridge (about $2,900) to see what you need from the store while youre out. But youll get a lot more possibilities if you buy Samsung's $169 Samsung Connect Home a combination mesh Wi-Fi router and SmartThings hub that will let you control other items, such as Philips Hue lights and Netgears Arlo security camera. Samsung offers a slew of other accessories, including an LED View cover for always having the time in view, a wireless charging stand and more. Check out our roundup of the Best Galaxy S8 accessories and Galaxy S8 cases. Battery Life One concern about a phone with this much screen is how that extra real estate might impact battery life. The Galaxy S8+ has a slightly smaller battery than last years S7 Edge (3,500 mAh versus 3,600 mAh), and yet the S8+ improved almost 1 hour, to 11 hours and 4 minutes, on the Tom's Guide Battery Test (continuous web surfing on 4G LTE using T-Mobile's network). The standard Galaxy S8s 3,000-mAh battery endured for 10:39 on the same test, improving on the Galaxy S7's (8:47) time by nearly 2 hours. We obtained these results with the phones resolutions set to their max 2960 x 1440 pixels. They come with the less demanding 2220 x 1080 setting on by default. MORE: Smartphones with the Longest Battery Life Compared to the Galaxy S8+, the Pixel XL's battery life was just a bit longer, at 11:11. The iPhone 8 Plus hit 11:16, while the smaller iPhone 8 lasted 9:54. LG G6 finished way behind, with a time of just 8:39. On top of that, the S8 has battery smarts that let it learn about your usage patterns to help extend its longevity even further. And when you need to juice the phone back up, you can take advantage of the S8s fast-charging capabilities via its included USB Type-C cable or use one of Samsung's slick wireless chargers (available separately). Bottom Line Its clear that, with the Galaxy S8 and S8+, Samsung set out to create more than a phone. Its trying to build a more Apple-like ecosystem, with devices ranging from the Gear VR and the DeX dock to the new Samsung Connect app for controlling smart home gear and the Bixby assistant. Its also evident that Samsung hasnt yet reached that goal, as Bixbys voice features can be hit or miss. But even with that shortcoming, the Galaxy S8 still beats the Android competition while surpassing the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in terms of design, display quality and features. The iPhones are better, though, when it comes to sheer speed and their cameras. Some shoppers will prefer a newer Android phone in the same price range, like the $479 Pixel 3a XL, but overall the Galaxy S8 and S8+ remain good values for those who prefer Samsung handsets. Credit: Jeremy Lips/Tom's Guide; Comparisons: Samuel Rutherford/Tom's Guide. Google disclosed a Windows vulnerability that could allow someone to collect sensitive information via Internet Explorer and other software. The bug was originally shared with Microsoft in November, and it's been publicly revealed now because Google's discloses threats 90 days after they were reported. Here's the heart of the problem, as told in Google's report: The proof-of-concept file attached here consists of a single EMR_SETDIBITSTODEVICE record (excluding the header/EOF records), which originally contained a 1x1 bitmap. The dimensions of the DIB were then manually altered to 16x16, without adding any more actual image data. As a consequence, the 16x16/24bpp bitmap is now described by just 4 bytes, which is good for only a single pixel. The remaining 255 pixels are drawn based on junk heap data, which may include sensitive information, such as private user data or information about the virtual address space. I have confirmed that the vulnerability reproduces both locally in Internet Explorer, and remotely in Office Online, via a .docx document containing the specially crafted EMF file. This wouldn't be the first time Google's disclosed vulnerabilities before Microsoft fixed them. Something similar happened in 2014 when Microsoft waited two days to address a security issue Google revealed to the public. That delay was caused by Microsoft's previously unfailing commitment to "Patch Tuesday." The company usually releases patches on the same weekday even if waiting makes Windows users vulnerable to public security flaws. Yet the company suddenly announced earlier this month (opens in new tab) that all of its security patches would be delayed until the Patch Tuesday scheduled for March. Now another member of Project Zero, the vulnerability disclosure platform on which this problem was revealed, wondered if this bug might have been fixed in February if Microsoft hadn't delayed that month's security patches until March. Here's what we wrote about Microsoft's security patch delay: The issue here is not that one of Microsoft's patches was broken and it had to delay it. That is quite understandable and it likely happens every single month. The difference this time is that Microsoft has to delay an entire batch of security fixes because a single one is apparently broken. We contacted Microsoft asking further questions about this, but the company refused to offer additional comments on the issue, referring us back to the official statement. Now we know at least one vulnerability has been publicly disclosed without a security patch ready to address the problem. We don't know if the issue would have been resolved in one of the February patches--Microsoft doesn't exactly share its security plans with the world--or if it would have remained a problem either way. But now more than ever, Microsoft's insistence on bundling patches (and delaying that bundle) seems like an imperfect setup. "Our top priority is to provide the best possible experience for customers in maintaining and protecting their systems," a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement to Tom's Hardware. "We discovered a last minute issue that could impact some customers and was not resolved in time for our planned February security updates. We will deliver the updates as part of the next Update Tuesday on March 14." Microsoft, it seems, will be staying mum. Who'd have thunk? Shortly after delaying February's security patches, Microsoft released a fix to address critical vulnerabilities in Adobe's Flash Player. The patch is available for Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows Server 2016. Microsoft said the vulnerabilities affect Internet Explorer 10, Internet Explorer 11, and Edge (the browser that's supposed to give IE the boot once and for all). Anyone who uses these operating systems and browsers and hasn't disabled the Flash Player should install the security update as soon they can. Microsoft explained how the vulnerabilities could be exploited in its security bulletin (opens in new tab): In a web-based attack scenario where the user is using Internet Explorer for the desktop, an attacker could host a specially crafted website that is designed to exploit any of these vulnerabilities through Internet Explorer and then convince a user to view the website. An attacker could also embed an ActiveX control marked 'safe for initialization' in an application or Microsoft Office document that hosts the IE rendering engine. The attacker could also take advantage of compromised websites and websites that accept or host user-provided content or advertisements. These websites could contain specially crafted content that could exploit any of these vulnerabilities. In all cases, however, an attacker would have no way to force users to view the attacker-controlled content. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to take action, typically by clicking a link in an email message or in an Instant Messenger message that takes users to the attacker's website, or by opening an attachment sent through email. It's a little trickier to exploit the vulnerabilities in the Windows 8-style user interface--Microsoft said attackers would first have to compromise sites on the Compatibility View list. Anyone else can use a variety of workarounds, from disabling the Flash Player in their browsers and Microsoft Office to restricting ActiveX controls in the same apps, to protect themselves from the security flaws. Microsoft provided instructions for all the workarounds on its website. This patch comes as a bit of a surprise. Microsoft announced earlier this month that all of February's security patches would be released in March, instead. The company didn't offer a lot of information about the delay; it said only that it discovered "a last minute issue that could impact some customers and was not resolved in time for our planned updates today." Instead of just waiting on that one update, it decided to push off all of them. Yet now it's released a patch for this critical vulnerability, even as Google revealed security flaws in other aspects of Windows via its Project Zero platform. It's not clear what's happening at Microsoft. The company delayed a bunch of updates, then allowed a vulnerability to go unaddressed for more than 90 days, then released a surprise patch for a problem with Flash. Regardless, the patch can be downloaded via Windows Update, which will automatically download security fixes if it's enabled, or from the Microsoft Update Catalog (opens in new tab). Remember those horrid budget cuts to Radio National last November which axed all but one music program? And were made without ABC members or artists knowledge? Well, theres a protest against them happening outside of the ABC today. ABC senior management has failed to acknowledge the devastating blow they have delivered to Australias music culture and diversity as a result of these cuts, made without industry or artist consultation, said Ruth Hazelton, spokesperson for community group Hands Off RN Music. Musicians including Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, Archie Roach, philanthropist and patron of the arts in Australia Janet Holmes a Court, Music Australia and APRA AMCOS are included among 23,000 petition signatures collected by the Save RN Music group. Hands Off RN Music, members of the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) and ABC Friends believe ABC is failing to meet its charter obligations and that senior management is not listening to staff or the stations audience. Managing Director of the ABC, Michelle Guthrie did not brief board members before announcing in November that ABC would ditch the magazine-style science program Catalyst, along with all but one of Radio Nationals music programs and end shortwave transmission in the NT. Last November, ABC radio broadcaster Robyn Williams famously called ABC management morally and spiritually bankrupt. Senior Management has failed to acknowledge the impact this decision has had on rural and regional audiences with its premature reliance on digital formats, said Hazelton in a statement released today. We believe management is using the digital strategy as a smokescreen for crude cost-cutting. It has drastically underestimated community outrage. Todays protest outside ABC in Ultimo is expected to get underway shortly after midday. It will call on the ABC Board to ensure Radio National is managed by people who are genuinely committed to public broadcasting. Protesters will also call for the ABC Board to not sign off on Guthries restructure plans, which were set to be announced this month. According to The Guardian, an early version of the restructure noted the demotion for the heads of news (Gaven Morris), radio (Michael Mason) and television (Richard Finlayson). CPSUs ABC Section Secretary Sinddy Ealy said, Hardworking ABC staff have raised concerns with their bosses about the impact of cuts and illogical changes, but they seem to have fallen on deaf ears. The ABC Executive needs to start listening to staff and the community about whats needed for the ABC. The protesters have said they will lobby the cuts until the ABC Executive starts listening to the people they are there to serve. In early December, Texan post-hardcore icons At The Drive In unleashed their first taste of new music in 16 years. The searing Governed by Contagions was the bands first offering since their 2000 LP Relationship of Command. Today, weve been treated to official details of what will be their first album in 17 years and the follow-up single, Incurably Innocent. The tracks lyrics, penned by frontman Cedric Bixler-Zavala, include: He keeps hiding your photograph / of the moment that you needed to emasculate his. In an official statement, Bixler-Zavala said its a song about sexual abuse and being able to finally speak out. Both Incurably Innocent and Governed by Contagions will feature on the 11-track, 41-minute in ter a li a (Latin for Among other things), which is out May 5 on Rise Records/Cooking Vinyl Australia. in ter a li a was produced by guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and Rich Costey (Muse, Foo Fighters, The Mars Volta) at Hollywoods Sound Factory. The album may be the first long-player weve had from At The Drive In 17 years, but its been expected for some time. The band got together for a reunion tour last March, but it got off to a rocky start with guitarist Jim Ward (Sparta) announcing his departure from the band just a few days before. The current lineup of Cedric Bixler-Zavala, Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, Paul Hinojos, Tony Hajjar and Keeley Davis kick off their next North American tour on March 17 in New Orleans. A full list of dates is available at their official site. in ter a li a TRACKLISTING: 01. No Wolf Like The Present 02. Continuum 03. Tilting At The Univendor 04. Governed By Contagions 05. Pendulum In A Peasant Dress 06. Incurably Innocent 07. Call Broken Arrow 08. Holtzclaw 09. Torrentially Cutshaw 10. Ghost-Tape No.9 11. Hostage Stamps Running Touch was one of the most exciting electronic breakouts of 2016, dropping a string of immense singles and playing just about every festival in the country as a result. Now, the elusive producer has dropped his latest creation Lovely, and announced his debut EP A Body Slow, which will emerge on March 31st. Something I wanted to work on in my music that is a significant weak point for me is meaning, he says of his new works. Not that my songs lack meaning, but its more about trying to be more objective rather than subjective and vague for the sake of pretty words. Lovely is a compilation of stories fed from three friends and myself its the first time Ive sourced a story and I love it because theyre friends, I love the stories so it was a lot easier for me to try channel what I feel they think, or what atmosphere they would imagine for this particular song. In some cases weve actually been together in these stories so its a special feeling to immortalise that. He released a self-produced mini-doco several weeks back featuring parts of the track, and delving into his methods and philosophies, but its only now that the full version has been released. The super-polished mini-doco shows off a huge creative drive The upcoming EP will cap off a pretty huge few months for Running Touch, as he finished up a festival-heavy year with appearances at Beyond The Valley and Southbound, and cracked the triple j Hottest 200 with his single Aubrey. Not only that, but his work with Melbourne post-hardcore outfit Ocean Grove didnt go unrecognised either, as the bands awesome genre-shattering debut album hit #5 on the ARIA chart when it dropped last month. Lovely is available to listen to below, while his debut EP A Body Slow can be preordered now ahead of its March 31 release. He also plays Melbournes For The Love festival this weekend, before heading to the U.S. for an appearance at the massive industry showcase SXSW, and a return to Australia for a national tour (dates below). With exciting times ahead, we asked Running Touch a few select questions about whats happened so far, and whats still to come. Lovely is out today, heard here with a live-edit video clip Chatting with Running Touch Youve seen pretty fantastic support from triple j so far, from reviews to high rotation airplay. How important do you personally feel the station is for emerging local acts, and what are some of the other avenues that they can look to for promotion? They have been an unbelievable driving force behind a lot of what this project has achieved. Its a rarity that radio is held in the same esteem as promotional veins like YouTube channels (Majestic Casual etc.) and Facebook nowadays. Its incredible. If you were to look at an ideal indie-electronic roll out triple j would probably item number one. That being said, the internet is teeming with its promotional abilities and stories of others artists strategies I think industry support through other acts is an overlooked one. In your live shows and also your imagery, you make an effort to remove your personal identity from the equation as much as possible. Whats the message there, and is it something you can see slipping away from as your profile grows? It was a decision representative of myself at the time. We wanted it to be more of if you want to know who I am, come and meet me. Now weve used it as a useful tool in ways I didnt initially imagine. My anonymity feels like another limb to me now. As for pulling away from it, Ill do whatever necessary for the project and if that means scrapping it, sure but not anytime soon. Youve cut your teeth on a sold-out tour last September and countless festival slots how has the live show developed over the last year, and what are your hopes for the upcoming set at SXSW? And whats been the festival highlight so far? Im endlessly grateful for the opportunities that Ive passed through so far. Ive had some insane experiences. The live show is currently undergoing its largest piece of maintenance to date. Lots of dancing, a lot of more elaborate instrumentation and not just having lots of random gear on stage like I used to because I saw other artists use it. Youve been working extensively with Ocean Grove. What brought you to that project did you need an outlet in a different genre? Its actually the reverse. I started playing music with Jimmy in 2008, which eventuated to finding other members and forming OG. I was always an appreciator of different genres. I love the thought of trying to pursue as many genres and mediums as I can, and try to find my threshold creatively. Approaching the music career aspect differently was something i was always trying to work around. Ocean Grove has been incomprehensibly valuable to me artistically. What its taught me lyrically and creatively is incredible. Not to mention, you can never have enough experience with labels and management from different corners. Whos next on the list of acts youd like to work with, either to collab or to support/have support you? Hayden James, RUFUS That would be an experience. Ive had Vera Blue, Jesse James Solomon and Sachi on my mind for a while also! As for supports, there is too much choice to narrow that down. Running Touch tour dates Sat 25th Feb , For The Love Festival, Melbourne 13th-20th Mar SXSW, Austin Tx Sat 01 Apr Miami Horror Block Party, Melbourne Sun 02 Apr Miami Horror Block Party, Sydney Sat 08 Apr Hot Dub Wine Machine Festival, Swan Valley Fri 21 Apr Uno Dance Club, Geelong* Sat 22 Apr Corner Hotel, Melbourne* Fri 28 Apr Hudson Ballroom, Sydney* Sat 29 Apr Groovin The Moo, Maitland* Fri 05 May Cats, Rocket Bar, Adelaide* Sat 06 May Hooch, The Brighton, Mandurah* Sun 07 May Aviary Rooftop Sessions, Perth* Sat 13 May Impala, Auckland NZ* Fri 19 May Elsewhere, Gold Coast* Sat 20 May The Foundry, Brisbane* * = A Body Slow National Tour (Tickets on sale Feb 26) Suspect in Olathe shooting allegedly told bartender he killed two Middle Eastern men Members of the Indian community in Johnson County have reached out to the family of Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani, two of the victims in last nights shooting at an Olathe bar, according to an official with the Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of Kansas City. Kuchibhotla died at a hospital of his injuries. Madasani and another man, identified as Ian Grillot, are recovering from their injuries. Thanks to our blog community calling out mainstream media on the topic of unmentioned racial slurs . . . Local news sources finally showed the courage to write this headline. . .But as usual, that's only half the story . . .Here's coverage that's a bit better from KCUR:Meanwhile, the investigation continues . . .Developing . . . How many countries are there in the world? It seems like a simple question, but the answer is far more complicated than you might think. The UN, for example, lists 193 member states, but this completely excludes not only Taiwan and Kosovo, but also Vatican City. Other means of measurement are just as difficult. Were you to count only places that issue their own passports, youd have to say Scotland and Wales are not countries, but the Knights of Malta (who own literally no territory) are. Does that make sense to you? As a result, no one can say for certainty what really defines a country. Which means there are plenty of places out there that claim to be nation states, but are completely unrecognized by the world. Some of these secret countries, like Kosovo, you might have heard of. Others are so obscure that even their immediate neighbors might not know of them. Looking for somewhere completely unique for your next vacation? Try one of these hidden nations 10. Somaliland In 1991, Somalia collapsed into a brutal, ongoing, civil war. As the countrys institutions crumbled and all hell broke loose, the northwestern part of the nation hastily declared independence. Somaliland set up its own army, its own flag, its own government and its own currency. 26 years later, theyre still going strong. Yet, to date, not a single state on planet Earth has recognized the wannabe nation. This is all sorts of surprising. While Somalia is an ungovernable basket case where half a million have died over the last quarter century, Somaliland is semi-democratic, stable, and, most-impressively of all, peaceful. The war doesnt matter here. Terrorist atrocities are rare. Visiting Westerners can walk around on their own, even at night, and expect no more hassle than they would get in most other African Horn countries. Travel guide publisher Lonely Planet even has a section advising hopeful visitors. Thats not to say everything is cool in Somaliland. Youth unemployment is estimated at a staggering 75%, and terrorists from Somalia proper keep trying to attack the territory. Still, finding this oasis of peace in Somalia is almost as amazing as finding a safe part of Iraq. Speaking of which 9. Iraqi Kurdistan Iraq has been a byword for unmitigated chaos for well over a decade now, as a bloody civil war gave way to ISIS rampaging across the desert. But theres another part of Iraq that rarely makes headlines. Iraqi Kurdistan has functioned as an autonomous state within Iraq since 1970. Following the collapse of Baghdads control and the rise of ISIS, it has essentially become an independent country that keeps adding to its territory all the time. This is a huge improvement on the situation under Saddam. In the 1980s, Iraqi aircraft dropped sarin on Iraqi Kurdistan, killing up to 5,000 civilians. Things got so bad after Saddams fall that the Kurds nearly declared unilateral independence, possibly starting a war. Then ISIS exploded onto the scene. As the Iraqi army crumbled, the Kurds took up weapons. Today, theyre the most effective army fighting ISIS in the whole of the Middle East. Despite this historical horror, Iraqi Kurdistan (away from the frontlines) is stable. How stable? So stable that the unrecognized state has its own tourism industry which actively welcomes Westerners. Throw in a national anthem, passports, an army, borders, and an elected government, and you start wondering why we dont just call it a country already. 8. Transnistria Have you ever wanted to experience life in Eastern Europe at the height of the Cold War? Book yourself a flight to Transnistria right now. A tiny sliver of land along the eastern edge of Moldova (a nation few enough people have heard of already), Transnistria declared independence from Chisinau in 1990. Since then, it has existed in a time-trapped bubble of USSR nostalgia, with its own currency, passports, democratic government and security forces, but recognized by absolutely no-one. To most visitors, it can feel as if the country hasnt changed at all since the day it declared independence. Hammer and sickle flags still flutter over statues of Lenin, Soviet architecture is still the national style, and the state police are still modelled on the KGB. Perhaps not surprisingly, one of the few countries to give Transnistria even limited recognition is Russia, which stations 1,000 troops there, just in case Moldova sends in the tanks to reclaim the land. Unlike some on our list, visiting Transnistria is a breeze. Just catch a flight to Moldova and take a bus over the border. There arent even immigration checkpoints, which is more than you can say for flying to Texas. 7. Western Sahara (SADR) One of the most recognized hidden countries, the Saharan Arab Democratic Republic (SADR, AKA Western Sahara) has support most nations on this list could only dream of. It is a member of the African Union. India, Mexico, South Africa and Vietnam have all backed its claims for independence. The EU gives huge export tax breaks to Western Saharan goods. So how come were calling it a hidden country? We can answer that with a single word: Morocco. When Morocco was granted independence in 1957, it laid claim to the Western Sahara region. At the time, the area was under Spanish colonial control, but when Spain pulled out, they didnt grant the territory to the indigenous Saharawi people. Instead, they let Morocco and Mauritania duke it out for ownership. Morocco won and has claimed Western Sahara as part of its territory ever since. Despite this, Western Saharan independence is a movement thats popular across the globe. Although only 500,000 people live there, their cause has more adherents than perhaps any other except Tibet. 6. Abkhazia Youre gonna be hearing a lot about war in this article. This section on Abkhazia is no exception. A medieval kingdom that was united with Georgia in 1008 AD, Abkhazia elected to return to its 11th century boundaries after the collapse of the Soviet Union. As you can imagine, this didnt sit well with the government of Georgia, who sent tanks in to keep their new nation together. What followed was a campaign of ethnic cleansing that killed thousands and left Abkhazia beyond Tibilsis control. Independence wasnt formally declared until 1999, but Abkhazia has essentially been separate since 1993. It has its own military, government, national bank, passports, boundaries, and the recognition of four UN member states. However, that independence has come at a price: total reliance on Russia. Since 99, Abkhazia has been pulled ever-closer into Moscows orbit, essentially becoming a Russian exclave. Citizens can acquire Russian passports, crossing the border is a piece of cake, and jobs are reliant on Russian industry. Interestingly, Abkhazia isnt the only hidden country within Georgias tiny 70,000 square kilometers (slightly smaller than Scotland). The Rhode Island-sized enclave of South Ossetia in the north also claims independence. 5. Seborga Italy is already home to two internationally-recognized micronations: the 61 square kilometer city state of San Marino, and Vatican City, a nation so small it could fit inside the Pentagon five times over. According to some legal experts, there might be another. Seborga is a tiny hilltop town that covers an area the size of Central Park in NYC. It has only 400 residents, yet maintains consuls in several nations. Oh, and it may just be one of the oldest nation states in Europe. Seborga was founded in 954 AD as a principality in the colossal Holy Roman Empire. When the Empire collapsed in 1806, nearly all of the 300 or so states that comprised it were dismantled or absorbed into bigger neighbors. Same deal with Seborga, which became part of Sardinia, and later a unified Italy. Or did it? When the Italian Unification treaty was signed in the 19th century, Seborgas name was accidentally left off the document. Legally, it may therefore still be an independent state (albeit accidentally). No one has ever actually brought this claim to court, so the matter is unsettled. Nonetheless, Seborgas residents continue to claim independence from Italy. 4. Puntland Remember Somaliland way, way back at #10? The unrecognized nation wasnt the only one to break away from Somalia when everything went south. The small, ocean-facing region of Puntland declared independence, too (small here is relative. At 212,500 square kilometers, Puntland is nearly the size of the UK). Only, while Somaliland hummed towards something like stability, Puntland took a completely different direction. One involving land wars, terrorism, and an economy mostly based on piracy. While Puntland resisted the total descent into chaos Somalia experienced, its venture into nationhood wasnt exactly a success. A disinterested central government allowed warlords to flourish on the coast, on the basis that they were better off attacking foreign ships than Puntland officials. ISIS have since taken root in the autonomous state, meaning its about as safe to visit as sticking your private parts into a whirring fan. Interestingly, Puntland has only declared independence so long as the Somali civil war continues. If peace is finally declared, the autonomous region wants to join back together with the larger Somali state. 3. Freetown Christiania Freetown Christiania is unique on our list. Not only is it a self-proclaimed nation, it is the only one half-recognized by the state it seceded from. A sprawling anarchist commune set up in some abandoned army barracks in Copenhagen, Christiania declared independence in 1971. For a while, Denmark gamely tried to evict the squatters. Then, at some point in the late 70s, the government essentially said ah, nuts to this, and declared the area a social experiment beyond government control. The rest, as they say, is dope-addled history. Christiania today is very different from the rest of Denmark. There are no cars allowed, no guns, and no private property. Buying and selling hash is completely legal (its illegal in Denmark), and the main street is today home to the biggest pot market on the planet. About the only concession to normal life is a no hard drugs rule, brought in after a heroin epidemic nearly devastated the commune. So why does the Danish government put up with all this? Part of it may be to do with tourist dollars. Despite wanting to cut ties with Denmark, Christiania is today Copenhagens 2nd biggest tourist attraction, bringing the city over a million visitors annually. 2. Nagorno-Karabakh Republic In April 2016, fighting flared up again on the edges of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in Azerbaijan. Artillery fire, helicopter gunships and snipers killed around 50 people in four days, as a long-dormant war threatened to reignite. Although Moscow managed to secure a ceasefire, the sudden escalation showed a gloomy truth about this unrecognized micronation. If things stay as they are, the region will never, ever be at peace. Nagorno-Karabakh was an Armenian enclave in Azerbaijan when the Soviet Union collapsed. Nagorno-Karabakh had long ago voted to secede, so the regions leaders took their chance. Azerbaijan disagreed and sent in the tanks. The shocking violence that followed saw 30,000 killed, a campaign of ethnic cleaning, and hundreds of thousands turned into refugees. By the time the dust settled, Baku was no longer in control of the region, and a new republic of barely over 4,000 square kilometers had been born. Today, Nagorno-Karabakh is home to around 150,000, all crammed into a tiny area of inhospitable mountain not much bigger than Cornwall. Not a single other nation recognizes the republic, not even Armenia. 1. Sovereign Military Order of Malta And so we come to the Knights of Malta. The Knights are unlike any other hidden nation, for a number of reasons. The first is that theyre actually not that unrecognized. About 100 countries have diplomatic relations with them, only a fraction less than recognize Kosovo (and about 80 more than currently recognize Taiwan). The second is that they dont have any territory to call their own. After being kicked out of Malta by Napoleon in 1798, the Knights have simply rented an apartment block and a Villa in Rome. Despite lacking a homeland, the Knights have never lost their official recognition as an independent country. They have their own passports, operate under their own laws, and claim over 13,500 citizens. The only person theyre really answerable to is the Pope, who recently flexed his muscles for the first time in decades by demanding the resignation of the Knights leader over condom distribution charity work (its a long story). The reason for this deference is that the Knights are a Catholic order who, back when they genuinely held territory, swore eternal obedience to Gods representative on Earth. Today, the country functions as little more than a vessel for Catholic charity work, albeit one with as much recognition as any number of genuine states. Other Articles you Might Like The future of Cyprus talks remains uncertain, after the Turkish Cypriot side refused to attend planned negotiations on Thursday The future of Cyprus talks remains uncertain, after the Turkish Cypriot side refused to attend planned negotiations on Thursday, Radio Proto reported. On Wednesday, President Nicos Anastasiades was informed by UN Special Adviser on Cyprus Elizabeth Spehar that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci refused to attend the meeting. Following the cancellation of the meeting government spokesperson Nikos Christodoulides said that the Greek Cypriot side was not happy about the development to stall talks, adding that a vote in parliament to refer to a 1950 Enosis referendum in schools was not the real reason talks were cancelled. The recent stall in talks also incited the response of the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, who expressed hope that the obstacles in the Cyprus talks will be overcome and the procedure would soon move forward, according to CNA. Guterres received the credentials of the new Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the United Nations, Ambassador Kornelios Korneliou. CNA learnt that the Cypriot ambassador informed the Secretary General that the meeting between President Anastasiades and Akinci that was scheduled for Thursday will not take place, following the Turkish Cypriot leaders decision not to attend the meeting and the conditions put forward by the Turkish side. Personal interest The Secretary General reiterated his personal interest and his support for the procedure aiming to reunify the island under a federal roof, noting the key role of the two sides and the guarantor powers. During the meeting the Permanent Representative briefed the Secretary General about the positions of the Cypriot government over the latest developments in the Cyprus talks, a press release of the Permanent Representation of Cyprus in New York, said. The Secretary General assured the Permanent Representative that he will continue his efforts to reach a lasting and mutually acceptable solution to the Cyprus problem and stressed that he looks forward to a continuous close cooperation with Cyprus, as a UN member state, the press release said. A UN spokesperson also told CNA that new dates for a leaders meeting will be announced in due course. The spokesperson added that UN Secretary General Special Adviser Espen Barth Eide is continuing to work with both leaders, who both stated their commitment to the process. On Wednesday, reactions from Turkey and the occupied areas demanded the Greek Cypriot side change the parliaments decision in order to move forward with negotiations. 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 Chinese citizens exploited more than everyone else a Greek Golden Visa program, offering residency permits when investing more than 250,000 euro in real estate Chinese citizens exploited more than everyone else a Greek Golden Visa program, offering residency permits to third country citizens and their families when investing more than 250,000 euros on real estate properties or any other investment activity in Greece. At a meeting at the Economy ministry between ministry officials, real estate market executives and representatives of law firms, a report was presented showing that by January 31, 2017, a total of 1,573 residency permits have been offered to real estate investors, of which 664 from China, 348 from Russia, 77 from Egypt, 73 from Lebanon and 67 from Ukraine. Total permits, including residency permits offered to investors families was 3,809 of which 1,580 from China, 787 from Russia, 211 from Iraq, 203 from Lebanon and 179 from Egypt. The meeting focused on discussing additional actions to strengthen the program and to improve its efficiency. Ministry officials and representatives from Enterprise Greece asked market officials to submit proposals on the improvement of the Greek Gold Visa program. 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 US President Donald Trumps remarks on the situation in Sweden regarding the dire impact of uncontrolled immigration in that country during a speech in Florida caused a backlash and furore of criticism by many media outlets and the response by Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven who cautioned the US President to use facts. But it seems the harsh criticism and mocking by the media against Trump was not entirely justified. Official Swedish statistics show that rape and violent crimes in Sweden have gone up exponentially since 2006 and spiked from 2012 to 2016. And while the Swedish authorities have stopped recording the nationality of the perpetrators to avoid discrimination and charges of racism, it is apparent that there is a correlation between the rise of crime and immigration in the country. The extent of the violence in some cities in Sweden, where immigrate make up the majority of the residents, can be observed by the concerns of some immigrants themselves who, although migrated to the Scandinavian country fleeing violence in the homelands are now actually considering going back to their country of origin due to security concerns. In a recent interview to Norwegian State broadcaster NRK, Somali Mohamed Dame is one of those who are fleeing Sweden after having been subjected to threats by criminal gangs in Gothenburg. Now he is thinking of escaping back to his more peaceful homeland again. Its like a war zone, he says about the Swedish suburbs to Norwegian NRK. Revealing that other migrants have fled parts of Sweden in fear of their lives, Mohammed Dame said he believes that Sweden is no longer a safe place. NRK has in several reports described how Swedish society completely lost control over its so-called external districts, which instead [have been] taken over by criminal immigrants. Like a war zone Among others [the newspaper] interviewed Mohamed Dame, who immigrated to Sweden from the Somali State of Hargeisa in the present Somaliland when he was six years old. 20 years later, he is on the run, but this time in Sweden, writes the Norwegian tv company. Its like a war zone. You dont know who gets shot. Shots can hit you anywhere. Now there are more weapons than ever. There are more drugs than ever. There is more insecurity. Everyone is scared. I dare say the truth, there are not many who venture there, says Dame. He worked as a civilian employee with the police [department], and after a group of [Muslim] criminals got caught [they] blamed Mohamed for [snitching on] them. After being threatened with murder and surrounded by gun-toting youths he is now at a secret location along with his children. The situation escalates further because the police refuse to be hard against criminals, according to Mohamed. Many others have been forced to flee the suburb but there are few who dare speak out, he said. Many have fled with their children. They are afraid that their children or they themselves should be killed. Unless society reclaims control of Sweden Mohamed is considering to escape home to Somaliland, which he now perceives as more secure. I may have to move back. I do not know. But I dont want to move around in Sweden [to another location]. I want to feel secure. 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 Some of the leading banks and financial institutions are supporting the 6th GCC Financial Forum to be held in Bahrain next week as charter sponsors. Al Salam Bank, Arcapita, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK), BNP Paribas, GFH, National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) and Rante Corporation will sponsor the high-profile event scheduled to take place on February 27 and 28, said Euromoney Conferences, the worlds leading organiser of conferences for cross-border investment and capital markets. The event is organised by Euromoney Conferences and co-hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB). Reyadh Yousif Sater, chief executive of BBK, said: At BBK, we are looking forward to contributing to the success of the forum for the fifth year running. Over the years, the conference has been an important strategic venue to highlight the economic developments of Bahrain and the GCC to a local and international audience. The forum has grown considerably since its first iteration in 2012. This years event will bring together over 600 senior-level financiers, economists and business leaders from the regional and international financial communities. Atif Abdulmalik, chief executive officer of Arcapita Bank, said: We are very pleased to be part of this high-profile annual conference. This years forum comes at a time of fiscal challenges and the forum provides an excellent opportunity to discuss the important issues facing the GCC economies. The first day of the conference will focus on defining the financing challenge that the GCC faces, while discussions on day two will concentrate on highlighting how new and innovative approaches to financial intermediation can provide solutions to these challenges. Jacques Michel, chief executive officer of BNP Paribas MEA, said: BNP Paribas have a longstanding commitment to the Kingdom of Bahrain and we are delighted to sponsor the 2017 GCC Financial Forum. We see this conference as an excellent opportunity to take part in the discussion, debate and exchange of ideas on how best to deal with the challenges and opportunities presented by the ever evolving GCC financial markets. To tackle these important questions, this years forum will feature an exciting and diverse line-up of speakers and panellists from both the public and private sector. Keynote speakers include Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance of Bahrain, and Zayed Rashed Al Zayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Bahrain. Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain, will once again participate in an open town hall session at the conference. Khalid Al Rumaihi, chief executive of the BDB will open the event with a keynote interview. The forum audience will also hear from high-profile international speakers such as Francis Fukuyama, world renowned political commentator, futurist and author, and Lord Adair Turner, chairman of the Institute for New Economic Thinking, as well as Jean Lemierre, chairman of BNP Paribas. Jean Christophe Durand, chief executive officer of NBB, said: We look forward to participating in the 2017 event and to hearing from the speakers on what the future holds for the GCC. NBB has always been at the forefront in promoting Bahrain as a regional financial hub on the international scene and we will continue to work on this objective in the years to come. More information about the forum is available at www.euromoneyconferences.com/gcc. TradeArabia News Service Russias oil giant Rosneft and the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq have signed an agreement in the fields of upstream, infrastructure, logistics and trading, a report said. The parties also signed a pre-financed Crude Oil Purchase and Sale Contract of Kurdistan Region Crude oil over the period 2017-2019, reported Iraq Business News. The purchaser of crude will be Rosnefts trading arm Rosneft Trading SA. Rosneft chief executive officer Igor Sechin said: We are delighted to be embarking on new activity together in the Kurdistan Region and look forward to developing new markets worldwide for Kurdish crude oil. The off-take and supply of Kurdish crude oil into Rosnefts expanding worldwide refining system will further contribute to the increase in its effectiveness. Hotels in the Middle East reported declines across the three key performance indicators in January, while hotels in Africa recorded positive results for the same period, a report has revealed. According to January 2017 data from STR, a hotel data benchmarking firm, the Middle East reported a 2.7 per cent decrease in occupancy to 68.4 per cent, resulting in an 8.4 per cent drop in average daily rate (ADR) to $177.81. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) showed the steepest fall, slipping 11.0 per cent to $121.62. On the other hand, Africa experienced a 4.5 per cent increase in occupany to 50.6 per cent, pushing average daily rate up 12 per cent to $118.16. RevPAR also climbed significantly, moving up 17.5 per cent to to $59.76. Performance of featured countries and local markets for 2016 The UAE hospitality sector posted a slight increase in occupancy rates (+0.5 per cent to 81.1 per cent) in January, but saw declines in ADR (down 8.0 per cent to Dh711.80/$193.7) and RevPAR (down 7.5 per cent to Dh577.09/$157) While supply (up 5.3 per cent) in the UAE grew at a rapid pace, demand (up 5.8 per cent) grew at a stronger rate each month since November 2016, leading to moderate occupancy growth. Most of the occupancy growth for January occurred in smaller markets like Fujairah (up 7.2 per cent), Ras al-Khaimah (up 10.1 per cent) and Sharjah (up 5.5 per cent). Abu Dhabi reported a 1.5 per cent decline, and Dubai posted nearly flat performance. Jumeirah Palm & Beaches, a submarket within Dubai, posted the highest occupancy growth (up 5.8 per cent), although ADR declined marginally (down 0.2 per cent). As a result of strong supply growth, especially in the midscale segment, ADR declined across most Emirates markets in January. Egypts also reported positive occupancy rates (up 24.3 per cent to 47.5 per cent), with ADR (up 92.9 per cent to EGP1,276.25/$80.6) and RevPAR (up 139.8 per cent to EGP606.79/38.3) also climbing significantly. While Egypts performance represented significant improvement in local currency, STR analysts note that the devaluation of the Egyptian pound has significantly inflated ADR figures. When reported in U.S. dollars, ADR decreased 19.1 per cent. January did, however, result in an improvement in occupancy from the very low levels of the last 15 months. STR analysts believe that year-over-year results show some recovery from the air crash in the Sinai Peninsula in late 2015, but ongoing security concerns are still weighing on actual performance levels. Demand for the country increased 24.8 per cent during the month, which is noteworthy considering demand was down 15.3 per cent for total-year 2016. At the market level, Cairo hotels posted a 20.6 per cent increase in occupancy to 68.6 per cent for the month, while Sharm El Sheikhs occupancy rose 26.2 per cent to 29.9 per cent. The occupancy rate in Mauritius moved up 4.1 per cent to 83.8 per cent, pushing ADR up 8.1 per cent to MUR9,225.28 ($249.5) and RevPAR up 12.5 per cent to MUR7,726.48 ($208.9). The country has recorded year-over-year increases in occupancy for four Januarys in a row, and the 83.8 per cent actual level marked the highest for the month since 2007. Additionally, even in comparison with a strong first month of 2016, Mauritius still posted impressive ADR growth. On both New Years Day and Chinese New Year (January 28), Mauritius occupancy levels exceeded 90.0 per cent. STR analysts note that the country is a major destination for Chinese tourists. - TradeArabia News Service Flynas, Saudi Arabia's leading low-cost carrier, recently marked its 10 year anniversary of its first flight in Saudi Arabia, with celebrations staged at the King Khaled International Airport, Riyadh. Passengers at the event took part in folk dances, and received free travel vouchers, distributed amongst passengers' bags. The celebrations took place on the evening of February 16 with the slogan "Nas is Ten", at terminal 5 for domestic flights at King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh, where a large number of citizens and residents travelling on domestic flights participated in the celebrations. During the celebrations, which marked 10 years since the start of operations, several promotional offers were announced - the first of which being the blanket sale of all domestic flights at SR100 ($26.6) for a limited 48-hour period, for all travel dates between March 1 and May 31, 2017. Bandar Al-Muhanna, Nas Holdings chief executive officer, said: "Firstly, let us praise Allah for the success we have achieved in only 10 years since the first flynas flight - a very short period for any airline to achieve the success which we have with a fleet of 30 aircraft, completing 1,100 flights weekly across 34 routes, both domestic and international. None of this would have been possible without the blessings of Allah, and the professional and efficient staff which have allowed flynas to reach its prominent position in the region, and to achieve the success and win the accolades which we have so far. That said, we still consider ourselves to be at the start of our journey, as we strive to become the regions' leading airline, providing the best customer service, and flying to the most exclusive destinations with the best prices possible." - TradeArabia News Service Qatar Airways today confirmed the start of its new services to Yanbu and Tabuk in Saudi Arabia with three-weekly flights beginning May 9 for Yanbu and June 19 for Tabuk. The additional destinations take Qatar Airways total network connectivity within the kingdom to 10 destinations, connecting travellers from Saudi Arabia to more than 150 worldwide destinations through the five-star rated Hamad International Airport in Doha. Qatar Airways group chief executive Akbar Al Baker said: We have been steadily growing our presence and services to Saudi Arabia for the past 20 years; both Yanbu and Tabuk as our ninth and 10th new destinations in the kingdom will bring additional flight options for passengers connecting from Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. Passengers from Yanbu and Tabuk will now be able to travel seamlessly through our state-of-the-art Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, to popular cities in our expanding network such as Auckland, Boston and Skopje. The launch of the new destinations also provides passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia from international markets the convenience of additional gateways within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The airline will fly the A320 aircraft direct to and from Yanbu and Tabuk on a three-weekly schedule, featuring a two-class cabin configuration with 12 seats in First Class and 132 Economy Class seats. Qatar Airways began operations to Saudi Arabia in 1997 with non-stop flights to Jeddah. The airline has added Riyadh, Dammam, Madinah, Gassim, Taif, Al Hofuf and Abha to its portfolio of destinations, all non-stop to and from Doha, with connections to Qatar Airways destinations worldwide. Qatar Airways currently operates 158 weekly flights to eight key cities in Saudi Arabia. The addition of Yanbu and Tabuk will increase the number of Qatar Airways weekly flights to Saudi Arabia to 164 non-stop flights. Now in its 20th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 193 aircraft flying to key business and leisure destinations across six continents. - TradeArabia News Service "Prison Break" Season 5 is now one of the most anticipated TV series to this day and story is now about to enter another chapter after the anti-climatic back in 2009. The series was assumed to be finished until the actors, Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell went to Fox and proposed another season. As we all know, Miller's character will be back from the dead. However, the show's creator Paul Scheuring teases on Twitter that the angel of death will still be busy in the upcoming season. Fans have been informed in the previous trailers and visual that the escape expert Michael is still alive but incarcerated in a Yemeni prison called Ogyia as reported by Korea Portal. He is now portrayed as a notorious terrorist named Kaniel Outis who is known for his close ties with the terrorist group ISIL. Upon knowing his whereabouts, his brother Lincoln, assembled a team to go to a war-torn Yemen and bring him back home. Breaking him out of Ogyia is one thing, but getting him out of the country will be a different level for Lincoln and the gang. Show maker, Scheuring teases curious fans on Twitter saying that they've got a whole lot of things to worry about. He confirmed that there will be deaths within the new season however, he didn't provide any clues on who specifically will meet his or her final moments. In Scheuring's other post, he replied to a fan saying "...but what if Linc DOES die?" which is entirely no impossible considering the herculean task that he is aiming to accomplish. In earlier reports, he mentioned that "Prison Break" Season 5 will be "Odyssey" inspired. In the story, Odysseus came back home alone where all of his crew died in the long journey after the Trojan War which means that there will be lots of deaths in the upcoming season. In other reports, Reggie Lee who played the villain Bill Kim in Season 2 is rumored to be coming back in Season 5. In an interview with Express, the Filipino-American actor clarified that he will not be reprising his role no matter how much he loved to come back. He said the rumors are not true and Bill Kim is dead somewhere at the bottom of a lake. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Haiti is a beautiful Caribbean country full of history and rich in culture. Although heavily devastated by a deadly earthquake a few years ago, the country is now slowly rebuilding itself back to its charming vibe and rich culture. Thinking of a new country to explore? Why not put Haiti on your list? Here are some of the reasons why Haiti is a fantastic place to visit: Its unspoiled natural sceneries. Some of Haiti's most beautiful natural attractions are still less-traveled, so you can expect them to be more pristine and wonderful. Just be sure to respect these places and leave it the way it is for the next tourists to enjoy as well. Have you heard of Bassin Bleu? Its waters are out of this world. The Sans-Souci Palace. This historical palace belonged to the late King Henri and the members of the Royal Family of Haiti. Although now in ruins, the historical significance of this palace seems to pulsate with the every second you spend exploring its walls. Don't forget to take a picture! The people. Although the country is littered with widespread poverty, the people there still know how to smile and be hospitable. It's rare to meet a hostile Haitian, they are always eager to help out tourist and they sometimes even provide some great local tips! Encountering new people is always magical, and the people of Haiti are regal in their way. The Citadelle Laferriere. If you want to explore and hike the mountains of Haiti, try picking The Citadelle Laferriere as your destination. This massive mountaintop fortress was made by the locals to commemorate their independence, and the view up there is fantastic. The food. Combine French, Spanish, and African flavors and you've got yourself a Haiti cuisine. The flavors of their food will mostl likely be unlike anything you've ever tasted! Haiti's culinary world is something you simply have to try! See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 A 2-day workshop entitled Tourism Programme in Rajasthan, India began today at Hotel Lalit in Jaipur. It was inaugurated by Additional Chief Secretary, Forest and Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Mr. NC Goel. (TRAVPR.COM) INDIA - February 23rd, 2017 - On the occasion Mr. Goel said that the workshop will give the participants an opportunity to learn about the Singapores best practices in the tourism sector. They will get to imbibe how Singapore has emerged as one of the top tourist destination in the world, he said. Mr. Goel further elaborated that the workshop will be fruitful for it will give insight into tourism research and data collection, tourism planning, product development pertaining to hotels, shopping, nature based attractions, among others. An interesting feature will be sessions on marketing and branding as well as training and service standards adopted by Singapore. The workshop is being conducted by Mr. Christopher Khoo of the Master Consult Services, Singapore. In an elaborate presentation Mr. Khoo threw light on the status of global tourism, Indian tourism as well as the role the tourism sector plays in the world economy. He highlighted the potential of tourism in Rajasthan which, he said, was blessed with magnificent tourism assets and potential. The workshop discussion will focus on what stage is tourism in Rajasthan and what are the challenges faced by the State. The presentation also highlighted the Singapores successful tourism story in terms of hotels, shopping, nature based attractions, Sentosa as well as heritage zones. The destination essentials, he said, include hard infrastructure, places of interest, accommodations, festival and events, memorable experiences, among others. Chairman, Rajasthan Heritage Protection and Promotion Authority, Mr. Onkar Singh Lakhawat; First Secretary (Political), High Commission of Singapore, Mr. Kester Tay; Sr. Manager, Singapore Cooperation Enterprises, Ms. Charlyn NG; Senior Lecturer, Hospitality & Tourism Management, Mr. Revi Nair and Secretary General, Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan, Mr. Gyan Prakash also spoke on the occasion. Director Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Dr. Rajesh Sharma was also present on the occasion. It may be recalled that this workshop is being organized under an agreement signed between Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan and Singapore Cooperation Enterprises (Temasek Foundation) on 6 October, 2016 at Udaipur in the presence of HE Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr. Lee Hsien Loong and the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ms. Vasundhara Raje. ### UNLEASHING THE WORLD OF OCEANIC VOYAGES (TRAVPR.COM) INDIA - February 23rd, 2017 - INDIA CRUISE SHOW, 2018: UNLEASHING THE WORLD OF OCEANIC VOYAGES 27TH-28TH MARCH, 2018 at EXHIBITION CENTER, NEW DELHI. PRESS RELEASE India cruise is organising The India cruise show, 2018, which is going to take place in New Delhi on 27th and 28th March, 2018. This CRUISE Show will be a perfect amalgamation of exhibitors presenting anything and everything an eager spectator needs to know about cruise travels. This ultimate live sales and marketing platform for exhibitors will let them meet, engage and more importantly, do business with thousands of discerning consumers. Those who are going to Visit the CRUISE Show would most definitely, see this event as the perfect way to research, discover, plan and book their cruising adventures. The participants/Exhibitors of this event include - Standard Cruises; Luxury Cruises, River/Canal Cruises; Destination/Expedition Cruises; Day Cruises; Contemporary Cruises; and many more who will be presenting to unveil all that the Indian audiences are yet to explore about cruises and take back home bags full of positive responses from a market that has till present been uninformed of the bewildering experiences awaiting for them in this mode of luxurious expulsion. Visitors are coming from the sectors of tour operators of destination cruises, expedition cruises, private cruises, family cruises, river cruises. India being a major producer of celebrities and millionaires has in store a great market for cruise liners to expand their business and a great section of visitors. To top it off we will be having amongst us HNI individuals, bankers, politicians, investors, industrialist, film/art collectors, corporate leaders etc. The exhibitors will also put forth their presentations in front of luxury travel agents and, wedding planners, travel decision makers, potential investors in the field of hospitality and others from the leisure and travel industry. The most enticing feature of this event will be audio visual presentations by cruise liners about their features and facilities on board for the 2 billion Indians who are on a continuous search for that perfect getaway, which is a great target audience for the cruise liners wanting more sales and customers. For further Details, contact: EMAIL: indiacruiseshow@gmail.com Ph. 9873622215 Or log on to: TWITTER: https://twitter.com/2018_ics FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/India-cruise-show-2018-386348841729167/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/india_cruise_show_2018/ ### Amsterdam (TRAVPR.COM) AMSTERDAM - February 23rd, 2017 - Noisy hotels are one of the biggest complaints guests have about hotels. What is the cause of this global problem? There are no global guidelines for sound insulation in hotels! Quiet Room label, the first and only worldwide objective standard for the level of noise insulation in hotel rooms.Hotels which dont meet the criteria can have their rooms sound proofed using the Quiet Room Design & Build Total Concept, a turnkey package containing all the necessary expertise and sound proofing measures and including certification for the QR label.More than 140 hotels in Europe have already acquired the label and the American market is showing great interest. But many hotels are still reluctant to make the necessary soundproofing investments. However, if architects and project developers ensure that the requirements of the QR label are met at the design and construction stage, great savings can be realized and hotel buildings will become more valuable. In order to support architects and developers, the Quietroom Foundation, which oversees the Quiet Room label, has published the Quiet Room Guide for architects and developers. With the help of this guide, construction professionals can gain an understanding of the QR label, the certification requirements and the latest methods for acoustic insulation of hotel rooms. By following the guidelines of this practical manual, they can make sure that new hotel buildings are fitted with the necessary soundproofing and acquire the Quiet Room certification before they open their doors to the public. In this way a lot of time and money can be saved and hotels can achieve a stronger market position. In addition, the label's popularity and the huge interest of travelers in quiet hotel rooms will ensure a rapid return on investment.For the international consultancies which do acoustic calculations of the hotels we have a professional procedures manual. The Quiet Room Guide for architects and developers is available from: info@quiethotelroom.org Quietroom Foundation ### Apple has issued a press release in time for Steve Jobs birthday on the 24th of February, launching their new headquarters as if it was a new product. I am an Apple fan from my MacBook Pro to my Apple Watch, and love their products. But I am not buying into this one. Here are excerpts from the press release and my translation following: Apple today announced that Apple Park, the companys new 175-acre campus, will be ready for employees to begin occupying in April. The process of moving more than 12,000 people will take over six months, and construction of the buildings and parklands is scheduled to continue through the summer. Envisioned by Steve Jobs as a center for creativity and collaboration, Apple Park is transforming miles of asphalt sprawl into a haven of green space in the heart of the Santa Clara Valley. Apple Park is a walled private green space that will be pretty much inaccessible to the public, but who might be able to see it from the new Apple store on site. It has built miles of asphalt underground and in parking structures big enough to house 10,500 cars, a ridiculously high parking ratio of one space for every 1.142 employees, a number of cars that will need miles of asphalt road to service. Steves vision for Apple stretched far beyond his time with us. He intended Apple Park to be the home of innovation for generations to come, said Tim Cook, Apples CEO. The workspaces and parklands are designed to inspire our team as well as benefit the environment. Weve achieved one of the most energy-efficient buildings in the world and the campus will run entirely on renewable energy. In an earlier post we took information about the average commute time in the area and the average passenger miles per gallon and estimated that it would take 6,300 gallons of gasoline to get those Apple engineers to and from work. But no doubt it will not be that bad now; While Norman Fosters renderings showed the garage full of Audis, many will likely be Teslas. But still, location matters. It's not what you build, it's where you build it. Apple Steve invested so much of his energy creating and supporting vital, creative environments. We have approached the design, engineering and making of our new campus with the same enthusiasm and design principles that characterize our products, said Jony Ive, Apples chief design officer. This is where you really have to read between the lines, because a building is not a phone. Julia Love wrote in Reuters recently about the obsessiveness: Tolerances, the distance materials may deviate from desired measurements, were a particular focus. On many projects, the standard is 1/8 of an inch at best; Apple often demanded far less, even for hidden surfaces. The company's keen design sense enhanced the project, but its expectations sometimes clashed with construction realities, a former architect said. "With phones, you can build to very, very minute tolerances," he said. "You would never design to that level of tolerance on a building. Your doors would jam." Norman Foster may have been the architect, but if you read Julia Love in Reuters, Apple is driving the detail. Apple's novel approach to the building took many forms. Architect German de la Torre, who worked on the project, found many of the proportions - such as the curve of a rounded corner - came from Apple's products. The elevator buttons struck some workers as resembling the iPhone's home button; one former manager even likened the toilet's sleek design to the device. But de la Torre ultimately saw that Apple executives were not trying to evoke the iPhone per se, but rather following something akin to the Platonic ideal of form and dimension. They have arrived at design principles somehow through many years of experimentation, and they are faithful to those principles," de la Torre said. In my first post on this building in 2011 I wrote: Albert Camus said "All great deeds and all great thoughts have a ridiculous beginning. Great works are often born on a street corner or in a restaurant's revolving door". So what is one to say about Apple's proposed new headquarters, a building with no corners and no streets? That is it anti-urban, anti-social, anti-environmental and probably anti-Apple. And, that it could signal the end of Apple as a creative juggernaut. A lot of people do feel that Apple has lost its creative mojo; in the Atlantic, Ian Bogost is scathing about this building and current apple products. He has a point; there is nothing in the new Apple macbooks that make me really want to run out and replace my 2012 macbook pro. It has all become incremental rather than revolutionary. Apple But now that the building is finished, I am going to stop complaining about it. There is lots to love in the last paragraph of the press release [though I still have to add snark] Designed in collaboration with Foster + Partners, Apple Park replaces 5 million-square-feet of asphalt and concrete with [roughly 5,250,000 square feet of asphalt and concrete topped with] grassy fields and over 9,000 native and drought-resistant trees, and is powered by 100 percent renewable energy. With 17 megawatts of rooftop solar, Apple Park will run one of the largest on-site solar energy installations in the world. [thats up from 8 megawatts originally planned] It is also the site of the worlds largest naturally ventilated building, projected to require no heating or air conditioning for nine months of the year. Norman Foster is one of the worlds great architects and he has designed a masterpiece here. Lets leave it at that. Girja Shankar Kaura Tribune News Service New Delhi, February 23 Countrys largest telecom operator Airtel today announced the acquisition of Telenor India by taking over its spectrum liability and tower contracts as the competition unleashed by a formidable newcomer, Reliance Jio, is forcing telecom companies to rethink their strategy and look for mergers and acquisitions. However, the telecom giant stopped short of taking over Telenor Indias debt of around Rs 1,500 crore on its books. The acquisition is subject to requisite regulatory approvals. The proposed deal would provide an exit route to the Norwegian telecom firms Indian arm and strengthen Airtel in the face of stiff competition and help it consolidate its domestic standing moving forward. The acquisition of Telenor by Bharti is expected to bolster Airtels already strong footprint with additional spectrum in 1,800 MHz band. This is the second such announcement in the sector after Vodafone and Idea Cellular confirmed their discussions for a proposed merger late last month following the aggressive strategy launched by Jio. Entry of Reliance Jio in September 2016 and its free promotional offers has forced the industry to work towards consolidation. As part of the agreement, Airtel will acquire Telenor Indias running operations in seven circles Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, UP (East), UP (West) and Assam. According to latest data, Telenor had a market share of 3.9% as of December 2016 with 38 million subscribers as of December-end. Airtel, on the other hand, is the market leader with 26.1% market share and a subscriber base of 258 million (25.8 crore). The acquisition of additional spectrum through this transaction, which made an attractive business proposition, has further enhanced our already solid spectrum portfolio, said Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and CEO (India and South Asia), Bharti Airtel. Airtel has said it will offer the existing customers of Telenor India added benefits of its innovative product portfolio, access to superior voice and data services, mobile banking, domestic and international roaming facilities. Sigve Brekke, CEO, Telenor Group, said: Finding a long-term solution to our India business has been a priority for us, and we are pleased with our agreement with Airtel. After thorough consideration, it is our view that the significant investments needed to secure Telenor Indias future business on a standalone basis will not give an acceptable level of return. Rohtak Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) is investing another Rs 1,900 crore till March 2019 on enhancing the R&D centre here for cutting time of new product development and to expand infrastructure for evaluating vehicles safety. The company has already invested around Rs 1,900 crore on the first phase of development at the R&D centre. PTI New Delhi Renault unveils Kwid variant at Rs 3.54 lakh Automaker Renault India on Thursday launched a new variant of hatchback Kwid, with prices starting at Rs 3.54 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The new variant Kwid RXL 1.0L SCe (Smart Control efficiency) comes with both manual and automated manual transmission (AMT). The manual version is priced at Rs 3.54 lakh, while the AMT edition is tagged at Rs 3.84 lakh. PTI New York Verizon, Ericsson to trial 5G tech across US US wireless communications service provider Verizon and Swedish communication technology firm Ericsson are set to put 5G network on trial in multiple cities across the US. The pre-commercial customer pilots are scheduled to begin in the first half this year. Ericsson has been field testing various applications across the 5G network to evaluate the application behaviour. IANS Jaipur Business conclave in Jaipur from Feb 27 To strengthen Indias economic cooperation with Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, a two-day business conclave will begin here from February 27. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman will inaugurate the conclave, while Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce, Cambodia; Dr Than Myint, Union Minister, Minister of Commerce, Myanmar; Cao Quoc Hung; Vice Minister of Industry and Trade, Vietnam, will address the events. TNS Chandigarh DelhiWood 2017 to begin from March 1 More than 450 exhibitors from over 30 countries will showcase modern technologies, machinery, tools, fittings, accessories, raw materials and products for furniture production and wood-based manufacturing in the fifth edition of the woodworking industrys biennial event, DelhiWood 2017. The fair will be held from March 1 to 4 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida. TNS Mumbai Jet, Hong Kong Airlines in codeshare pact Jet Airways on Thursday announced a reciprocal codeshare partnership with Hong Kong Airlines, which will enable Indian fliers to travel seamlessly to New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand. PTI New Delhi Chandra elected chairman of Indian Hotels Tata Group hospitality arm Indian Hotels Company Ltd on Thursday said N Chandrasekaran has been elected as the Chairman of its Board of Directors. He was initially appointed as a Member of the Board on January 27, it added. PTI Tribune News Service Chandigarh, February 23 The police today procured the CCTV footage of the three accused escaping from the busy Burail market after shooting at a financier last night. One of the accused is seen running away with a rifle. The financier, Karan, a resident of Sector 46, was shot at thrice at the Burail market. He was rushed to the PGI where his condition is stated to be stable. The police today procured the footage of CCTV cameras installed outside hotels and shops in Burail. The accused are seen escaping from the spot around 9.30 pm after shooting at the victim. Two assailants were wearing hoods to hide their face while another one had his face covered. The CCTV footage shows the accused escaping from the busy market with many people around. A few people are seen running from the market to save their lives. The accused were caught in a CCTV camera installed outside a hotel. The police suspect the vehicle in which the accused had arrived was parked outside the market. A case of attempt to murder has been registered against unknown persons at the Sector 34 police station. Inspector Paramjit Kaur, SHO of the Sector 34 police station, said they were investigating the matter and no arrests had been made so far. Police sources said the victims statement was recorded. Family members of the victim denied having any enmity with anyone. Dispute with womans family behind crime? The police suspect the vicitms dispute with a Haryana-based family was the reason behind the incident. Police sources said the victim had some dispute with a woman, wife of a constable, whose family resided in Haryana. We are verifying the role of the womans family, the sources said, adding that police teams had gone to Haryana to investigate the matter. Tribune News Service Chandigarh, February 23 I thought someone had burnt a cracker, soon I saw a man who was shot at running towards my shop, chased by three assailants brandishing guns said Mahavir Sharma, an eyewitness, who is a tailor and has a shop at Burail. Sharma said the accused was shot at twice in front of his shop after which he got scared and hid behind the counter to save himself. I didnt know what to do so I hid myself as the accused had fired two gunshots at the victim, he said. The victim was also assaulted by the accused. In a bid to save himself, the victim entered the tailors shop after which the accused who had their faces covered fled from the spot. Sources said since the accused were brandishing guns, nobody dared to stop them, so they managed to flee from the spot. The police have recorded the statements of the victim. Another eyewitness said everyone panicked as everything happened in a fraction of a second. Tribune News Service Chandigarh, February 22 A local court today further extended the police remand of Harmehtab Singh, alias Farid, co-accused in the Akansh murder case, by two days. The police sought extension of the remand to trace the prime accused in the case, Balraj Singh Randhawa, who is still at large. The police claimed that Farid had revealed that Balraj was hiding in Amritsar following which they needed to interrogate him further. Akansh Sen (28), nephew of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, was run over by a BMW car in Sector 9 on February 9. According to the police, the accused, Balraj Singh Randhawa, a resident of Sector 77, Sohana, Mohali, was allegedly driving the BMW car while Farid, a resident of Radewala Farm, Landran, Mohali, was sitting next to him when the incident took place. The police told the court that Farid was not co-operating with them and was changing his statements. The police had sought extension of his remand by three days. However, the court extended it by two days. The court directed the police that in case Farid was taken to Ambala, they would have to get his medical examination conducted at a government hospital in Amritsar. The court also asked the police that they would also have to get a DDR registered at the police station concerned in Amritsar regarding their visit to Amritsar along with the accused. The court also told the police that in case Farid changed his statement on the way to Amritsar or at Amritsar, then the police would have to get his statements recorded with the magistrate. Tribune News Service Chandigarh, February 22 A financier was shot at thrice, leaving him seriously injured, at the busy market of Burail in Sector 45 late tonight. Sources said the victim, Karan, a resident of Sector 46 who has his office in Burail, was standing outside his office when three assailants arrived. Local residents said the accused, who had their faces covered, were brandishing pistols and a rifle. The victim started running towards the local market when the accused reportedly opened fire on him, hitting the victim near the shoulder and twice on the legs. The incident took place outside a tailors shop. The tailor was present in the shop. The accused then fled from the spot. The incident led to panic among local residents.Police teams, including those of the operation cell and the crime branch, rushed to the spot. UT SSP Eish Singhal and other senior officers also reached the spot. The victim, who was seriously injured, was rushed to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, from where he was referred to the PGI. The sources said the victims condition was stated to be serious. Eyewitnesses said people ran for cover after hearing the gunshots. The police have recorded the statement of the tailor, Mahavir Sharma, who was one of the eyewitnesses. A heavy police force was deployed in the area following the incident. An investigation has been initiated at the Sector 34 police station. Aarti Kapur Tribune News Service Chandigarh, February 22 The PEC University of Technology has received a grant of Rs 10 crore from the Railway Ministry to set up Kalpana Chawla Chair on Geospatial Technology on the campus. PEC will set up a laboratory and give expert consultancy to the Railway Ministry for its projects, including designing of bridges, tunnels and material testing. In the 2016 Railway Budget, the Chair was announced to promote research in geospatial technology. The PEC Director, Dr Manoj Arora, said the university received funds from the ministry last week to set up the Chair. He said in the coming week, a meeting of the core committee would be held in which a decision would be taken regarding the railway project on which the Chair would commence its work. He said the institute would also have to give its share to make the Chair operational. He said PEC would provide consultancy in case the Railways required it for making the Chandigarh station world class. The objective of the Chair is to encourage research activities in geospatial technology and to strengthen the Railways, especially railway projects where the use of remote sensing data, the global positioning system (GPS) and the geographical information system (GIS) is predominant. This will help the Railways find in-house solutions to problems which are often outsourced to western countries. The Chair will be headed by VK Gupta, Member, Engineering, while Manoj Arora, Director, PEC University of Technology, will be the co-chairman. The Chair will function through a Chair Core Committee having members from the Railways and PEC. Tribune News Service Chandigarh, February 22 Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir today said a policy would soon be framed at the national level to minimise the cashless transaction burden on people. Ahir was speaking to the media after reviewing various centrally sponsored schemes and plans for the promotion of cashless transactions and digital payments at a meeting in Chandigarh. On extra charges being levied by banks on cashless transactions, the minister said The government is aware about it and a policy will be framed to minimise the burden on the people. Appreciating the steps taken by the UT for proper implementation of the cashless scheme by involving students, women, employees and banks, the minister said more efforts should be made for better outcome of the Mudra scheme. He expressed satisfaction over the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes in Chandigarh. The government is constantly watching the modus operandi being adopted by medical stores to enhance the prices of some medicines whose rates had been slashed by the government. He said more Jan Aushadhi stores would be opened in Chandigarh. Parimal Rai, Adviser to the UT Administrator, said after demonetisation, 6 lakh more accounts had been opened by banks. He said the UT Administration had promoted the cashless scheme in Chandigarh through the UPI, the USSD, the AEPS, bank cards and internet banking. Presentations were given on different aspects of cashless transaction and digital payment promoted by the UT Administration and banks. Ahir also reviewed the budget of Chandigarh and assured that more funds would be released for the UT. Earlier, the minister called on VP Singh Badnore, Punjab Governor-cum-UT Administrator. Anurag Aggarwal, Home Secretary, TPS Luthra, UT DGP, and Ajit Balaji Joshi, Deputy Commissioner, and other senior officials attended the meeting. Tribune News Service Chandigarh, February 23 The UT police, who had thrice sought extension of the police remand of Harmehtab Singh, alias Farid, co-accused in the Akansh murder case, in a surprise move, today presented him in a local court even before his police remand ended, a day after the court reminded the police to follow guidelines. The police had yesterday sought extension of Farids remand by three days from the court. However, the court had extended the remand by two days. His remand was to end on Friday, but the police presented him in the court today to send him to judicial custody. The court of Civil Judge Nisha sent him to 14-day remand. Poonam Dilawari, SHO of the Sector 3 police station, told Chandigarh Tribune that the accused was changing his statements time and again and thus they had sent him to judicial custody. However, the police appeared to be wary of the directions issued by the court yesterday. Duty Magistrate Karanvir Singh Maju had yesterday asked the police that in case Farid was taken to Amristar, they would have to get his medical examination conducted and a DDR registered at the police station concerned in Amritsar. Akansh Sen (28), nephew of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, was run over by a BMW car in Sector 9 on February 9. According to the police, the accused, Balraj Singh Randhawa, a resident of Sector 77, Sohana, Mohali, was allegedly driving the BMW car while Farid, a resident of Radewala Farm, Landran, Mohali, was sitting next to him when the incident took place. Maj Gen JS Kataria (retd) The eruption of militancy in the Kashmir valley in 1989 and the subsequent terrorism has been long seen as an internal political issue, exploited by the ISI in cahoots with the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (AHPC) in an attempt to dismember J&K from India. The recent intensification of mob violence, stone pelting episodes and even attempts to interfere in the Armys operations have thrown open the question whether it continues to remain a purely political problem? There is evidence of ideological changes, which need to be identified, their impact studied and a way ahead found. Jammu and Kashmir has been the cradle of Sufi saints, often referred to as the Muslim rishis. It is through the preaching of these Sufi saints that Islam gained ground in the Valley. Some like Syed Sharaf Uddin Rahman (Bulbul Shah), Mir Muhammad Hamdan, Noor ud-din Noorani (Nand Rishi), and Hazrat Baba Payamudin (Baba Rishi) left an indelible imprint on the lives of the people of J&K. It grew as a mature society, inclusive of all religions. Where does it stand today? The arrival of militancy and the consequential terrorism in Kashmir has led to wanton destruction of schools, factories and infrastructure. The law and order machinery in the state has been paralysed, the youth subverted and encouraged to take up arms, and Kashmiri Pundits forced to flee. It has been a breakdown of the age-old culture and tradition of peaceful co-existence. The worst was the burning of Charar-e-Sharief, a bastion of Kashmiriyat, by terrorists from Pakistan. People of the Valley remained mute spectators to this unsavoury assault. Amidst intense anti-terrorist operations of the 1990s, the Army launched operations to win hearts and minds of people that had gone astray. It was formalised as Op Sadbhavana in late 1997. Its five-pronged approach was to revitalise education, health care, community development, improvement of infrastructure and youth development. By 2010, over Rs 400 crore allocated by the Centre had been spent on various schemes under Op Sadbhavana. Government schools were restored and Army Goodwill Schools (AGSs) established. Intense counter-terrorist operations coupled with Op Sadbhavana yielded positive results. The casualty rate in 2006 came down to 1,116, against 5,204 in 2000. The number of tourists in the Valley jumped to 7 lakh from less than 1 lakh. The economy of the state started growing by 5-7 per cent from 2006 to 2010. The state has a large number of Waqf Board schools and madarsas run by Deobandi organisations. Against 30 AGSs, the madarsas are more than double, many of which have affiliations with terrorist organisations in Pakistan. It is these madarsas, coupled with mosques supported by the APHC, that are responsible for subverting minds of the youth to make them pro-Pakistan and anti-Indian establishment. This continuous assault on Kashmiriyat is instrumental in the change of ideology. Since 2010, separatist leaders have managed to re-group. The cases of Pakistan/ISIS flags being waved, stone-pelting mobs, attacks on police station, looting of banks, burning of schools and youth development centres have witnessed an abrupt rise. The few who initiated violence and escaped without retribution were elevated to exalted positions and became influential. This encouraged bystanders to join as active participants. The violence reached a crescendo in 2016 in the aftermath of the killing of Burhan Wani, who was a Hizbul Muzahideen terrorist. Troops operating in the Valley In the early 1990s also faced mob violence. Though the Army operated with restraint, those responsible for acts of violence were given a clear message to stop or face the music. By 1996, when the first elections were held, mob violence had stemmed and the situation continued to improve till its resurgence in 2010. The occurrence of recent mob assault on the troops deployed in Handwara is a repetition of the past. General Rawats warning to the supporters of terrorists/separatists that hereafter they would be treated as anti-nationals is the need of the hour. There is an ideological change taking place in the Valley a clear departure from Sufism to violent Islam. It needs to be countered their funding needs to be choked. A number of people from the Valley have moved to other tourist centres in India and set up businesses. A case in point is Jew Town in Cochin, which has nearly 40 per cent stores run by Kashmiris, including some hardliners. Cochin is an important naval base. The presence of ISI moles in various parts of India is a well-known fact. There is a need to keep tabs on the hardliners funding. It is estimated that terror funds to the tune of thousands of crores annually flow into the Valley. Demonetisation was one attempt to block this funding, but the recent discovery of fake currency has put a question mark on its efficacy. There has to be multiplicity of effort on this front. Peace could return to the Valley if the lost culture of Kashmiriyat/Sufism is restored and the gun culture curtailed. It is the people of the state who have to realise this, and do it themselves. Followers of a moderate Islam have to find their voice for the sake of their future generations. The government has been talking to all stakeholders, including the separatists/AHPC, for a long time. It may be time to leave them in a limbo to generate space for the moderate voices if the country has to find a solution to the Kashmir imbroglio. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) no more wears its peculiar brand of nationalism merely on the sleeve. It believes in spilling it on the streets, and if there is a bit of "anti-national" blood along with it, so be it. The RSS-affiliated student organisation's provocative attitude that was seen in Jawaharlal Nehru University, Hyderabad University, IIT-Chennai, and other institutions of academic repute, is turning into an offensive that does not even care to have a pretence of righteousness. Violence and tension that have rocked the Delhi University campus for three days running, by all reasonable independent accounts, was a one-sided affair of unhindered assault by ABVP goons. The pattern of ABVP activity does not suggest that it is simply the doing of a group of young people with a heightened sense of nationalism. From JNU to DU, on all occasions the police have extended a helping hand in facilitating, if not abetting, the subversion of free speech by the ABVP on campuses. Prima facie evidence is that the students who were aggressively pursued by the Delhi Police in JNU have not faced any meaningful prosecution thereafter. Yet the students' "conduct" was used to put university administrations on a leash by the government. The manner in which the police allowed an event to be disrupted at Ramjas College and the subsequent violence was complete capitulation of authority by a force meant to at least ensure law and order, if not uphold fundamental rights. That it reports directly to the Union Home Minister, and it is the National Capital we are talking about, makes the government complicit. A democracy by definition will at all times be a cauldron of ideas, kept boiling by divergence of thought. The BJP has brought to it a thought distinctly different from the rest of major political parties. However, it seems to be giving up on winning over minds through debate, and is using the full weight of its majority government and muscle power to silence any counter narrative. It must not forget 1.25 billion is too large a number to wrestle into submission. The immediate challenge before the governments in Punjab and Haryana is to maintain law and order in view of the INLD's call for a march to the Punjab border to dig the controversial SYL link canal. The Supreme Court has asserted that the canal cannot be delayed further. The INLD posturing is political, aimed at preserving its shrinking political base with the Chautala father-son duo in jail. The Punjab Police has wisely averted a possible showdown by not letting All-India Sikh Student Federation activists reach the site of the INLD protest. Though the Haryana government has allowed Chautala men to gather and stage their political drama, it cannot afford to let them cross the line for a peaceful democratic protest. The more difficult challenge is for Punjab to implement the stern Supreme Court directive: build the canal whether or not there is water to carry. There is almost a political consensus in the state as was reflected in the Assembly resolution and the Congress resignations that Punjab has not a drop of additional river water to spare for Haryana. Over the years all the ruling political parties have failed to put up a convincing case for the state either in court or outside. A politically acceptable and saleable solution was possible with the BJP in power at the Centre, in Haryana and in a coalition with the Akali Dal but electorally milking the water issue seemed more important than finding a lasting solution. The past aggressive political posturing on the SYL would make the new government in Punjab less flexible and possibly pit it against the apex court. Already the Centre has taken a pro-Haryana stance in the Supreme Court and it is expected to be less cooperative if Punjab gets a non-Akali Dal government. Punjab will have to rebuild and reposition its case, based on sound legal facts rather than adopt the path of confrontation or cry victimhood. Courts or tribunals rule on the issue at hand on the basis of legal arguments backed by evidence. In the long run the larger issue for both states is how to cut waste and manage efficiently the existing water resources. Nitish Sharma Tribune news Service Ambala, February 23 The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) has made it clear that it will not end its struggle and will get the state its share in Punjab river water at any cost. It also announced that after the SYL canal, it will struggle for the states right over Chandigarh. The INLD had organised a Jal Yudh Sammelan at the local vegetable market before taking out a march towards Punjab to dig the SYL canal. Thousands of workers had reached here to participate in the march. The numbers were, however, well short of the claims made by the INLD. With spades in their hands, they had reached here on tractor-trailers. Addressing the gathering, INLD leader Abhay Chautala criticised the state units of Congress and BJP for not supporting his party on the issue. He said, Devi Lal had struggled for the SYL but no other political party ever helped him. We should have got our share of water years ago but it became a political issue. The Congress did nothing to get the water during its regime. The Supreme Court has repeatedly given its verdict in the favour of Haryana and we will take our right. BJP leaders say we are playing gimmicks, but they are not making any effort on their part to get the state its share of water. The BJP has tried to harm the brotherhood in Haryana. The government has been looting farmers. They have been looting this state in the name of golden jubilee celebrations, Gita and Saraswati, he alleged. Directing the party workers, Abhay said, Teach a good lesson to the leaders of Punjab who have said that they will not give a single drop of water to us. When leaders from Punjab enter Haryana, deflate the tyres of their vehicles and tell them that you have ignored us, now you suffer too. Abhay said, We dont want to disturb the law and order situation. Our fight is for water and we know how to go about it. Our fight for rights will not end here. After the SYL canal, we will struggle for the states right over its capital Chandigarh. State INLD chief Ashok Arora said they were not seeking alms as SYL water was their right. He held Capt Amarinder Singh, the Congress and the BJP responsible for the situation. He said, Amarinder Singh should apologise to the people of Haryana for stopping the water from flowing into Haryana. Naveen S Garewal Tribune News Service Shambhu Barrier (Ambala), February 23 A posse of policemen guide vehicles carrying mediapersons towards vegetable market and divert regular commuters on the NH1 from Chandigarh-Ambala road. It is 12 noon and hardy 500 people have assembled in the vegetable market where Leader of Opposition Abhay Singh Chautala is to address a rally before marching towards Shambhu Barrier on the way to Ghaggar Sarai village for digging of the SYL canal. Towards the Shambhu barrier, the first line of defence set up by the Haryana Police just outside the meeting venue is weak. Only a dozen odd lathi-wielding policemen stand with duty magistrate, with no confidence. In fact, when asked, one of them says, If they stop, good. But if the INLD workers are adamant to march on what can we do. The second line of defence built up just ahead of the Shambhu toll barrier is stronger, reinforced by iron barricades and a sizeable number of male and female police personnel deployed under the duty magistrate in Gagandeep, Additional Commissioner of Ambala Municipal Corporation. Asked if they will stop INLD workers from marching towards Punjab, Ambala Additional Deputy Commissioner RK Singh replies that they will tell the protesters that the Supreme Court has ordered status quo and maintenance of law and order on the issue. Haryanas final defence is the third security ring just before the Ghaggar bridge after crossing the Shambhu toll barrier. This place withstood the pressure of the 10,000-strong INLD supporters the longest some 20 minutes. But for the strong Punjab Police presence, there would be nothing stopping the INLD to get to the defunct SYL several kilometres inside Punjab. Punjab Police gentle handling of the situation let the event pass off peacefully with no reported violence at Shambhu or Kapoori and several other villages identified as hotspots on the border. After over six hours of sequence of events, about 75 workers of the INLD, including Abhay Chautala and two MPs and about ten women workers, courted a smooth arrest. They were booked for violation of the Sections 144 and 188 of the CrPC. Though the day passed off peacefully, commuters on the Delhi-Jalandhar route had a harrowing time. They had to take circuitous routes to reach their destinations or wait for hours. Many commuters between Punjab and Haryana villages had to cross the Ghaggar bridge by foot and walk some kilometres to get a mode of transportation. The cops showed their humanitarian side when they allowed some persons from Punjab villages heading for a hospital in Ambala, which was nearer, for treatment to cross the police barricades. The Punjab Police had deployed over 5,000 men and women at the border apart from ten companies of the paramilitary forces, which mainly included the BSF from Ganganagar . The police was ready with full anti-riot gadgetry to prevent the INLD workers from breaching the police security. Police personnel, drawn from neighbouring districts, 10 companies of paramilitary forces, riot police and a mounted battalion were deployed along the Shambhu barrier, about 30 km from here. Tribune News Service Chandigarh, February 23 Rapping the Haryana Police for its failure to understand the significance of its directions in the drugs menace case, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has summoned the Inspector-General of Police (Crime). Rejecting a status report filed by a Joint Director in the matter, the Bench has also summoned the Principal-Secretary, Social Justice and Empowerment Department. As the case came up for resumed hearing, the Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Sudip Ahluwalia asserted the State Government was categorically directed to submit a status reports on two aspects confidential information taken through the victims to identify the illicit drug manufacturers and suppliers; and also to identify such sources in the cases where FIRs under the NDPS Act have been registered. The Bench added despite the clear-cut direction, a status report signed by a Joint Director was sought to be filed. Turning down the plea, the Bench asserted: The Principal Secretary, Social Justice and Empowerment Department, is directed to remain present in the court on the next date of hearing and explain the reasons of non-compliance. Referring to another affidavit filed by the Inspector-General of Police (Crime), the Bench added it suggested that the Police Department, too, had not understood the import and magnitude of the directions issued earlier. The Inspector-General of Police (Crime), is also directed to remain present in the court on the date fixed. The Bench, on the previous date of hearing, had observed that Haryana, too, was not free from the menace of drugs and was equally affected. Let an officer not below the rank of Inspector-General of Police from Haryana file a status report with regard to the efforts made by the police during the last three years to identify the manufacturers or suppliers of illicit drugs and the preventive steps taken by state agencies in that regard, the Bench had observed in its order dated December 7 last year. The pending court on its own motion case has its origin in a plea filed by Tarlochan Singh through counsel Navkiran Singh. A Mohali resident, he was lodged at Ropar district jail at the time of filing the petition. The inmate was seeking an inquiry not into the sale of intoxicants in Ropar Jail in connivance with the jail officials but also their highhandedness towards prisoners reporting against illegal activities. The High Court had made it clear that it wanted the investigating agencies to go into the source of drugs. The Bench had also called for details of the drug source and the record of FIRs registered during the past year. Tribune News Service Kurukshetra, February 23 Kurukshetra MP Raj Kumar Saini today condemned the move to grant government jobs to the kin of those killed in police action during the Jat stir last year. At a press conference here today, Saini said it would set a wrong precedent as rioters and riot victims could not be equated. It is unfortunate the state government first granted financial compensation to kin of those who died in quota violence. The move to give government jobs to such families is not wise, he said. He said there was a need to evolve a system to grant reservation benefits in jobs and admissions at educational institutes, adding those who were economically backward should be given preference, but caste alone should not be the criteria. He said dharnas in support of reservation should be ended at the earliest as they instilled fear among people. Saini accused Jat leader Yashpal Malik of trying to hold the government to ransom by threatening to hold widespread protests. He demanded that the state government should release caste wise population data along with the information on their economic condition. Parveen Arora Tribune News Service Murthal (Sonepat), February 23 Hailing from Delhi, Krishan Kumar Wadhwa, director of Jurassic Park, one of the attractions on the national highway in Murthal, will never forget the ill-fated nights of February 19 and 20 last year, when hundreds of agitators vandalised and set ablaze his park in front of his eyes. Memories of the ordeal he had to go through still haunt him. The two nights were a nightmare for me as my dream project was not only vandalised, but also reduced to ashes and looted at will by a mob, said Wadhwa in a choked voice. I had purchased this land for my ambitious project of setting up an amusement park on GT Road in 2007. The project was started on June 29, 2012, he said, turning emotional while recalling the incident. The destruction had forced me to think about Partition, which my elders told me, he said, recalling the nightmarish incident with a heavy heart. Besides bearing a loss of around Rs 25 crore due to vandalism and arson, I had to bear a loss of between Rs 7 crore and Rs 8 crore in tickets, which could not be sold last summer as my park was not ready, he said. Thousands of people from various parts of the state and the NCR throng Jurassic Park every year, but it has still not revived its lost glory. Several parts are still charred and need repairs. Even after one year, a lot needs to be done as the park has not retained its original shape. We have repaired some rides in the water parks, which help us maintain operational cost. Huts, hotels, banquets, bar and other major infrastructure need to be repaired for use, said Virender Pardhan, another director. We have received only Rs 11.5 crore from the government as compensation in two instalments. Half of it was paid to me three months ago and the rest a week back. The insurance company has added to our woes as it is not cooperating with us, he added. Apart from Jurassic Park, there are several other establishments on GT Road which witnessed vandalism and arson, including Haldirams and IITM College. A burnt car and cycle on the premises of the college narrate the story of mayhem on the night of February 21 last year. Not only buses, even the administrative block, laboratories and several other parts of the college were set ablaze and ransacked by the mob, said Dr Harvir Singh, Director-cum-Principal of the college. When the mob attacked the college, around 70 students were in the hostel, but the administration somehow saved them, he added. No compensation has been given for the loss of around Rs 6 crore which we suffered, said the Principal. A setback due to this incident was the decline in number of students enrolling in the new session, he added. The incident of loot and vandalism is still fresh in the memory of Varun Bharti, unit manager of Haldirams, who saved himself by scaling the rear wall. Between 500 and 600 persons attacked the food court. They not only looted it, but even vandalised it, resulting in a loss of around Rs 2.5 crore. I was inside and somehow managed to escape from the food court, but will never forgot the nightmare, he stated. Tribune News Service Shimla, February 23 Even as Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh remains firm on his decision of not fulfilling the election manifesto commitment of providing unemployment allowance to jobless youth, the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) has decided to seek the opinion of all state office bearers, district and block presidents on the crucial issue. The HPCC will convene a meeting of all the PCC office-bearers, district and block chiefs here on February 27 to deliberate on the issue of unemployment allowance, which was the highlight of the Congress manifesto in the 2012 Assembly polls. With the state heading for Assembly polls later this year in November, many leaders, including ministers, are of the opinion that since the promise had been made in the Congress election manifesto before 2012 the promise must be fulfilled. Since the election manifesto of the Congress has been adopted as a policy document, the promise must be fulfilled irrespective of who is the Chief Minister, said Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, HPCC president. He said the opinion of all the leaders will be sought on the issue so that the government acts accordingly. As such the February 27 meeting of the HPCC is being considered crucial. Even though other issues like effect of demonetization and chalking out the election strategy are likely to be discussed at the meeting it is the issue of grant of unemployment figure which could become contentious. Transport Minister GS Bali has openly demanded that the Congress regime must honour the commitment it made to the youth of the state while seeking their votes during the 2012 Assembly polls. With the budget session of the Assembly commencing on March 1, there is a possibility that the Chief Minister might make some announcement in this regard. Though, in the past Virbhadra made it amply clear that the financial position of the state did not permit grant of unemployment allowance to youth and providing them a Skill Development Allowance was a better option to make them employable, a majority of the ministers and senior Congress leaders strongly feel that such a hard stand will only damage the partys poll prospects. The stand adopted by the HPCC on the issue of unemployment allowance could further widen the rift between Virbhadra and Sukhu. The Chief Minister during the last one week has hit out at Sukhu by stating that many of the office-bearers of the Congress were not even known in their neighbourhood leave aside in the state, district or block. Rachna Khaira Tribune News Service Kapurthala/Jalandhar, February 23 The fear of a mishap like the Malta boat tragedy or missing youths case of Panama prevails amongst the families who have recently sent their kin through illegal means to the USA. Speaking to The Tribune on Thursday, many families feel that US President Donald Trumps recent order to weed out illegal immigrants from the USA has put the lives of hundreds of boys in danger who are presently enroute to that country. With the mass deportation of illegal immigrants ordered by the Trump government, it may not be possible for unscrupulous travel agents to return money to all clients and they may weed out some enroute to avoid any financial burden back home, said Manjot Singh (name changed) from Begowal village in Kapurthala. Its been six months that his son has undertaken the dreadful journey to the USA and is somewhere stuck near Dominican Republic for the last one month. Earlier he used to call us once every week, but we have not heard from him since the Trump government announced crackdown on illegal immigrants, said Singh. He said along with his son, nine more boys from nearby villages have undertaken the dangerous journey to the USA. Another family residing in Bhadasan village is also worried over the fate of their son enroute to the USA. We have spent over Rs 45 lakh by selling our 2 acres to the commission agent itself. He left for the USA and was stuck somewhere near Guatemala for long. Now with the recent crackdown in illegal immigrants announced in the USA, the agents have now asked our son to return, said Ajit Kaur, a widow. She along with her daughter is now making her both ends meet by working as a daily wager in village fields. What will he do after coming back? We do not even have land. My son knows the situation back home and along with many others has refused to return. I am worried about his fate, said the wailing mother. A majority of the youths who are travelling to the USA are those seeking political asylum. While allowing political asylum, the government issues them temporary work permit so that they can work while their case is decided by the federal court. However, the crackdown has also sparked fear amongst those who were given temporary work permit and are soon going to expire. According to Swaran Kaur, a resident of Khassan village whose grandson Manpreet Singh stayed at a detention camp in the USA for eight months, despite making repeated appeals, the federal court in the USA had closed his case and did not allow him to reside in that country. Until now, he was working underground, but was asked to leave with immediate effect, said the old woman. While wiping off tears from her eyes, Swaran Kaur said that as Manpreets father suffered a paralytic attack recently, he was unable to do any work and she was forced to do menial jobs at their relatives fields. I dig out potatoes from the fields, peel off peas, and even sell milk to make both ends meet. While I was earlier getting Rs 25 a day, my daily wage has recently increased to Rs 200 a day, said Kaur. She said she was finding it difficult to run the house as her daughter-in-law has to be at home to look after her paralytic husband and she is unable to do hard work due to her age. The Union Government must take up the matter with the US Government to plan the rehabilitation of our children in that country, said Kaur. Satnam Singh Chahal, executive director of the US-based North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), calling it a grave situation, said presently the situation did not seem to be worrisome, but might aggravate after the first plane of illegal immigrants landed in India. The mass deportation of over lakhs of illegal immigrants to a state like Punjab may hit its economy. They are neither educated nor have enough funds to resettle at home. Its time that the Indian Government welcomed them back home by announcing a rehabilitation package in advance so that they can be absorbed here easily, said Chahal. He added that the announcement of such a package was necessary to boost the morale of the illegal immigrants stuck in the USA and also of their families back home. He said the government could absorb them in some skill development programme or grant them interest-free loans for a stipulated period to help them begin some business. Arun Joshi Tribune News Service Wednesday mornings ambush of the Army patrol, which claimed lives of three soldiers and injured five others, including two officers, has yet again put the spotlight on the increasing dangers for the Army. It is a siege-like situation for the Army, where its operations, movements and camps are increasingly coming under terror attacks. More worrying is the intensity and frequency of such attacks and the mounting public support for the militants who have been inflicting casualties on soldiers. Shopian incident is to be read as the peaking of such attacks on the Army. These worries deepen when militants get away with such audacious attacks with the help of the support of their overground sympathisers who cordon off the encounter site. The way Indian soldiers are losing their lives in ambushes and encounters with militants is simply inexplicable. Something is definitely wrong somewhere, which the Army has not been able to correct despite the vow of Army Chief General Bipin Rawat that ruthless measures would be taken against the terrorists and their sympathisers who have deadly and disruptive intentions. There has been no tangible improvement in the situation. In fact, it has stirred more anger and deepened feelings to take revenge on the forces by the crowds, apparently the risk-taking supporters of the militants. The militants have come to rest in the core of the psyche of sections of people who thrive on anti-India sentiment. They want to shield militants at huge costs. The risks in such situations are very high but they also are aware that the security forces cannot fire at them with guns because that would embarrass India at the international fora. That has emboldened them. Already the global human rights watch groups have accused the security forces of using excessive force against the stone-throwing protesters. The frequency with which the militants have appeared to have gained an upper hand as far the casualty ratio is concerned is a highly disturbing scenario. It is disturbing because it sends an alarming message that the militants are invincible and the Army is vulnerable in Kashmir. In the same line, it is also read that militants enjoy this advantage because of the public support that has been demonstrated when the stone-throwing crowds have not only disrupted the anti-terror operations but have also forced the Army to abandon their operations. Equally dismaying is the point that people have turned visibly hostile to the Army and are unafraid of taking on the soldiers. This speaks of their love for militants and hatred for India, for they believe that India has sent its occupational forces to rule the state. This narrative is at the heart of the whole trouble in which the Army is increasingly becoming a target. Majid Jahangir Tribune News Service Srinagar, February 23 After the news of killing of Lance Naik Ghulam Mohiuddin Rather in the Shopian ambush reached his village, relatives and neighbours started converging at Punchpora, Anantnag. Outside Lance Naik Rathers house, a group of women were inconsolable. Some offered water to the wife of the slain soldier, others tried to cuddle his minor son. Small groups of men assembled en route Lance Naik Rathers home. Lance Naik Rather was among the three soldiers of 44 Rashtriya Rifles who were killed in the militant ambush at Mulu Chitragam village in Shopian district of south Kashmir. An old woman was also killed in crossfire. Five other soldiers, including two officers, were injured in the incident. Lance Naik Rathers family members came to know about his death around 9 am through social media. Hours later they were formally informed by the Army about his martyrdom. A pall of gloom descended on the family which was readying to marry his sister next month. His sister was getting married next month and the family was gearing up for it. We wonder what will happen now, said a family member of the soldier over phone from the village. He was the only bread-winner in the family, he said. The residents of the area said Mohiuddin used to visit his home as he was posted in nearby Shopian. He would send medicines for his ailing parents whenever he could not come home, said a neighbour. The Army said Lance Naik Rathers mortal remains would be sent to his village for the last rites on Friday after a wreath-laying ceremony at 15 Corps Headquarters. Womans killing sparks protests in Shopian Seventy-year-old Jana Begum, who was killed in Shopian, was hit by a stray bullet inside her house. She was probably trying to figure out what was going on outside when the bullet hit her, a police officer said. The woman was found dead by her family soon after. She is survived by husband and five children. Jana was known in the locality as a pious woman. Her killing sparked protests and large number of people attended her funeral. TNS Mumbai, Feb 23 (IBNS): The Indian market closed higher on Thursday with BSE Sensex up 28.26 points at 28892.97 and NSE Nifty up 12.60 points at 8939.50, supported by technology and telecom stocks, media reported. However, the market could not retain its day's high owing to selling pressure in bank stocks and Reliance Industries as well the with the Febraury F&O ending. Market breadth remained negative, with 1518 shares declining against 1233 advancing on the BSE. On Thursday, India's largest telecom Bharti Airtel informed the regulator that it will acquire Telenor India assets, according to media reports. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals. The news sent Bharti shares up 10 per cent intraday. Vibha Sharma Tribune News Service Amethi, February 23 Two ranis (queens) of a maharaja (king) pitted against a controversial rape-accused candidate, Samajwadi Partys Gayatri Prasad Prajapati voters of the Amethi Assembly are witnessing political dramatics as never before. The divorced rani, Garima Singh of the BJP, is seeking justice from the voters for all the wrongs done by her husband their maharaj Sanjay Singh. Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) His present wife Amita Singh is the Congress candidate who is vying for almost the same votes as Prajapati. Their parties are otherwise contesting in the state as coalition partners. Needless to say Sanjay Singhs entire energies are devoted to ensure that Amita, who represents the party that sent him to the Rajya Sabha, wins Amethi. In Garima Singh, the BJP seems to have managed quite a trump card or so believes its local cadres Vishuv Mishra, Abhishek Mishra and Gyanendra Bhargava. A strong man like Sanjay Singh has been contained in Amethi, otherwise he could have been campaigning for the Congress across the region, they said. Sanjay Singh, while devising booth management techniques to counter SP, has another issue to deal with that is to blunt the sentimental support for his wronged former wife Garima. As a teary-eyed, Garima, seeks nyay (justice) from people for all the injustice meted out to her by Sanjay Singh, the emotional cord she strikes with her listeners is hard to miss . In contrast is the super confident Amita, who mostly reminds voters of atrocities of sitting Samajwadi MLA Gayatri Prajapati, the outsider BSP candidate and the clueless BJP nominee but without naming her. Amita says she has chosen to ignore the silly and frivolous nonsense being spread by her BJP rival. I have been married (to Sanjay Singh) for the past 22 years. I am not responsible for his divorce (to Garima Singh). She (Garima Singh) had many opportunities to approach the court if she felt she had been wronged. It is an embarrassing, ugly, underhand situation created by the BJP whose aim is to win the seat at any cost. But the people here know everything what I have done for them. I dont even refer to her by name in any of my speeches, she said. For that matter Garima Singh also does not mention Amita. But as she campaigns with her daughters and daughter-in-law, she manages to strike the right cord with both women and men. Men and women at the Bheemi village, where she spoke today, nod their head in sympathy to allegations that Sanjay Singh got the divorce decree by misleading the court and producing someone else as her. Amita Singh is a former badminton player who once faced charges for conspiring with Sanjay of killing her first husband badminton player Syed Modi. They were absolved of the charges but when the BJP supporters talk of pavitra Sita-like Garima who does not have a single daag on her anchal, their reference to the point is hard to miss. Shiv Kumar Tribune News Service Mumbai, February 23 Elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) have thrown up a hung House with allies-turned-foes Shiv Sena and the BJP running neck and neck even as other cities in Maharashtra continue to be under Prime Minister Narendra Modis spell. Of the 227 seats, the Shiv Sena bagged 84, BJP 82 and the Congress 31. Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena could barely register its presence with seven seats, while Sharad Pawars NCP eked out just nine seats. After trailing behind the Shiv Sena through the day, a late afternoon surge saw the tide turn in favour of the BJP. Some smaller parties are already extending support to the BJP, aides of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Celebrations in the Sena camp went subdued as soon as it became evident that the party would not be able to govern Mumbai without its allies. Party chief Uddhav Thackeray had broken alliance with the BJP ahead of the civic poll, besides putting the state government on notice. Elsewhere in Maharashtra, the BJP continued its stellar performance. It is all set to take control of Nagpur, Pune, Nashik, Ulhasnagar, Akola, Nagpur and Amravati of the 10 corporations where elections were held. The Shiv Sena is set to retain Thane, while the NCP was giving a tough fight to the BJP in Pimpri-Chinchwad. The results have caused tremors in the Congress after its tally in the BMC dipped to 31 seats from 52 in 2012. Sanjay Nirupam tendered his resignation as Mumbai Congress Committee chief and said the party would not support the Sena or the BJP. Yet to decide on alliance: Fadnavis Whether or not to go for an alliance will be decided when I, (Maharashtra BJP president) Raosaheb Danve, (Mumbai BJP chief) Ashish Shelar sit and look at the prevailing situation. Devendra Fadnavis, Mrashtra CM BJP a pan-India party now: Jaitley The first message of these elections is that BJP has become a pan-India party which is now fast spreading its roots even in eastern and southern states. Karnataka poll will reassert this. Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister Bahraich, February 23 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hit out at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav saying that the Congress was sinking and also taking the SP along. Addressing an election rally at Bahraich rally, the PM said: Alliance with the Congress was Akhileshs compulsion. Modi said: Akhilesh was afraid of donkeys of Gujarat. Donkeys are loyal to their masters. Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Can understand if Akhilesh attacked me or the BJP, but he has attacked donkeys even though they are thousand of kms away, said Modi Akhilesh should know when the Congress was in power as part of the UPA, it came out with postal stamps on donkeys of Gujarat. Those who go about chanting Gayatri Prajapati "mantra" have no right to come to power, said Modi, referring to tainted UP minister booked in a rape case. At a rally, Akhilesh Yadav had a piece of advice for megastar Amitabh Bachchan, "don't advertise for the donkeys of Gujarat". Without taking any name, he referred to the advertisement in which Bachchan, the brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism, is seen inviting tourists to visit the Wild Ass Sanctuary located in Little Rann of Kutch in the state. "Ek gadhe ka vigyapan aata hai. Main iss sadi ke sabse bade mahanayak se kahunga ke ab aap Gujarat ke gadhon ka prachar mat kariye (There's an ad on TV which shows donkeys. I appeal to century's biggest star, please stop endorsing the donkeys of Gujarat)," Akhilesh said, giving an interesting twist to the no-holds-barred election campaign. "What will happen if the donkeys also start getting advertised?," the UP CM had asked the audience. Washington, February 23 Senior Congress leader Manish Tewari has termed as an "eye wash" the detention of Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan and asked it to hand over the JuD chief to India. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) "It (Pakistan's action) is a mere eye wash. If Pakistanis are really serious, they need to hand Hafiz Saeed to India," Tewari told a group of reporters at the Atlantic Council yesterday. Responding to a question, he said there are enough strong evidence against Saeed both in public domain and those provided by India to Pakistan through official channels. "It is essentially an eye wash," he said citing similar experiences of the previous UPA government with other terrorists based in Pakistan who were temporarily detained, but were released later on. Tewari said that the US needs to pressurise Pakistan in order to solve the problem of terrorism. "Either the US comes down heavily on Pakistan for not taking action against terrorist groups or being selective in its approach, or the democratic dispensation in Pakistan reigning in ISI and its elements." he said. "The third way is that India starts playing the Pakistani game (proxy war). But for any democratic country like India, the moral question is whether responsible and mature democracies should use non-state actors each to meet its national security objectives," he added. According to him, the successive Indian governments have given a thought about it but concluded that "responsible government should not use non-state actors to serve its national goals". On US President Donald Trump's comments that America would be willing to help India and Pakistan resolve its disputes, he said "It is a no go area". The Congress leader also termed this as a "red line", which no Indian government will ever contemplate. Maintaining that it is too early to comment on the Indo-US relationship under the Trump administration, Tewari said the seriousness of the White House on having strong ties would be evident through five indicators. "First being the US position on Afghanistan. Second what is their attitude on Pakistan," he said adding the optimal outcome from India's standpoint would be Trump Administration getting hard on Pakistan to dismantle terror camps there. The other three indicators are the US policies towards China, engagement in the Asia Pacific region and the attitude towards global trading regimes, he added. "Policy makers in Delhi would be looking at these four-five things," Tewari said, adding that developments on these fronts are being carefully watched in New Delhi. He believed that there is a "fundamental incompatibility" between Modi's Make in India, and Trump's America First policy. PTI Shahira Naim Tribune News Service Lucknow, February 23 The fourth phase of the 7-phase polling in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday saw a decimal point increase in polling average. While todays average was 60.37 per cent, 2012 saw 60.20 per cent average polling in this phase. Talking to reporters, chief electoral officer T Venkatesh said the highest polling was recorded in Lalitpur at 71.44 per cent. However, it was still below the 2012 average of 72.67 per cent in the same district. Similarly, Allahabad recorded the lowest average at 54.48 per cent, lower than the 2012 average of 55.08 per cent. The polling averages went down or remained almost on a par with the 2012 average in the districts of Chitrakoot, Fatehpur, Jalaun, Kaushambi and even Rae Bareli. It increased only marginally in the remaining districts of Banda, Hamirpur, Jhansi, Mahoba and Pratapgarh. However, the final tallies may increase the percentage a bit. Venkatesh said that in three booths of Mahoba, voters had boycotted polling in protest against lack of development. The EVMs also developed snags in at least a dozen places disrupting polling but were soon replaced. The fourth phase polling was held for 53 assembly seats spread across 12 districts in which 680 candidates were in fray. The constituencies where polling was held today included those in the backward Bundelkhand region and the Nehru-Gandhi pocket borough of Rae Bareli, represented in the Lok Sabha by Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Backward and parched Bundelkhand region also figured in this phase. No bigger KASAB than Amit Shah Aaj apney desh mein Amit Shah se bada yehan koi aur Kasab nahin ho sakta hai, arthaat aatanki nahi ho sakta hai (There cannot be a bigger Kasab, meaning a terrorist, than Amit Shah in our country now). Mayawati, BSP Chief KA stands for BJP kabutars We used to study that it was KA se kabutar but these people are teaching something else. This time round, people are going to set your kabutar (pigeons) freeBJP people have lost the battle on the ground and so their language has changed. Akhilesh Yadav, UP Chief Minister Majid Jahangir Tribune News Service Srinagar, February 23 Three Army men were killed and five others, including two officers, wounded in a militant attack in south Kashmirs Shopian district last night. A woman was also killed in the exchange of gunfire. The attack prompted Army Chief General Bipin Rawat to rush to Srinagar to assess the situation. In less than two weeks, nine Army men, including an officer, have been killed and 15 injured. The high casualty level in the Army is being seen with concern by the security establishment. In the latest attack, personnel of 44 Rashtriya Rifles were ambushed at Mulu Chitragam, 60 km from here, while they were returning after a search operation at Kungnoo village. Incidents of militants laying a night ambush are rare. This incident clearly indicates that the militants are now adopting offensive strategies to counter anti-insurgency operations by the Army and other security agencies. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Sources said the militants suddenly appeared from narrow alleys and targeted Army vehicles with automatic weapons. An Army vehicle came to a halt after a bullet hit its driver. The militants then fired volleys of bullets on the vehicle, injuring eight soldiers, including a Lt Colonel and a Major. Three soldiers, including one from south Kashmir, succumbed to their injuries at the Armys 92 base hospital in Badamibagh, Srinagar. The troops travelling in other vehicles fired at the militants, but they managed to escape taking advantage of darkness. The condition of the injured Major is stated to be critical, an official said. A woman was also killed in the crossfire. She was hit by a stray bullet inside her house, he said. Hizbul Mujahideen has claimed responsibility for the attack. A police officer said they were trying to ascertain whether the forces were given false information about militants presence at Kungnoo. Satya Prakash Tribune News Service New Delhi, February 23 The Supreme Court has upheld the dismissal of two senior Navy officers facing criminal charges in the sensational Navy War Room leak case. We do not find it a fit case to intervene, said a bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra, noting that the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) arrived at the conclusion against them after perusing the files summoned from the Navy for the purpose. Commander VK Jha and Commander Virendra Rana were dismissed from service in October 2005 after Navys board of enquiry indicted them for involvement in the alleged leak of over 7,000 pages of sensitive defence information from the Naval war room. Intelligence reports corroborated the allegations of their involvement. The bench refused to interfere with the 2013 AFT order rejecting the duos contention that the department could not have discharged them without a show cause notice and a proper opportunity to present their case They are already facing trial after the matter was handed over to the CBI for probe. The CBI had arrested seven persons, including Jha and Rana. A chargesheet was filed against them under the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and Official Secrets Act for allegedly leaking information affecting national security. They had contended before the AFT that they should have been tried through court martial proceedings. They had also accused the authorities of not conducting appropriate proceedings. But the AFT rejected their plea holding that the matter was extremely sensitive and did not warrant issuance of a show cause notice. The decision not to serve a chargesheet on them too was held correct. Naveen S Garewal & Jupinderjit Singh Tribune News Service Chandigarh, February 23 The Indian National Lok Dals (INLD) attempt to dig the defunct Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal ended in the arrest of two party MPs, 18 MLAs and 73 workers as they tried to cross over into Punjab via the Shambhu barrier today. The Jal Yudh Sammelan, planned for over a month, ended without any violence with half-a-dozen INLD workers performing symbolic digging at the Punjab-Haryana border (instead of the canal), after the Punjab Police effectively sealed all routes to the canal. Edit: Avoid confrontation Following a Supreme Court directive to both states to maintain law and order, the security agencies in Haryana repeatedly announced on loudspeakers asking INLD workers not to breach the law and return. Unwilling to relent, the INLD workers broke three cordons, manned by a handful of personnel, of the Haryana Police. They were, however, stopped in their tracks by the Punjab Police before they could cross the barricading. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) To prevent any untoward incident, the Punjab Police told Haryana Leader of the Opposition Abhay Chautala, INLD chief Ashok Arora and other leaders to cooperate. The police told the INLD rank and file that unless they vacated the area within 10 minutes, they would be arrested as failure to leave the area would amount to violation of Section 144 (prohibiting assembly of five or more at one place) of the Criminal Procedure Code. All through it was apparent the Shiromani Akali Dal-led coalition government in Punjab had instructed the state police not to use force. The Punjab Police personnel offered bottled drinking water to the protesters even as they minded them not to get close to the sharp iron barricading. The INLD first held a rally at the Sabzi Mandi in Ambala and then marched towards the Shambhu barrier, 2 km east of the rally site. On the way, the Haryana Police had set up three lines of defence. Each was easily breached by the protesters, though warnings were issued by the civil administration of Ambala. The protesters stopped only when they reached Punjabs first line of defence. Punjab Police asked the protesters to leave the area within 10 minutes or face arrest. Chautala, while addressing supporters in front of the barricading, asked them to turn away after symbolic digging with spades. He soon made a U-turn and requested the Punjab Police to let them march into the neighbouring territory peacefully. He asked his party workers to climb down from the barricading. While some workers turned around, Chautala persisted with his request for allowing senior party leaders to enter Punjab peacefully. The police then arrested 93 protesters two party MPs, 18 MLAs and 73 workers and made arrangements for early resumption of traffic on the Ludhiana-Ambala highway. Traffic remained suspended on the highway for around 12 hours. While traffic was diverted, many stranded commuters were seen walking across the Ghaggar bridge carrying their luggage. Those arrested were taken away in two private buses and produced in the court of Rajpura Sub-Divisional Magistrate, who remanded them in judicial custody till February 27. All those arrested have been sent to the Patiala Central Jail. The Punjab Police monitored the situation using modern equipment, including drones fitted with cameras. Aerial surveillance was conducted every few minutes. Besides, 10 companies of paramilitary forces and nearly 5,000 policemen were deployed. The dispute between Punjab and Haryana is currently pending adjudication in the Supreme Court, which has directed both states and the Government of India to ensure peace. Punjab has been maintaining it has no water to spare. Traffic hit for 12 hrs Traffic remained suspended on the Ludhiana-Ambala stretch of the national highway for around 12 hours. The movement of traffic was restored around 9 pm after remaining suspended since 9 am. While traffic was diverted to alternative routes, many commuters were seen walking across the Ghaggar bridge, carrying their luggage over to the other side Vibha Sharma Tribune News Service Sultanpur, February 23 Booked for murdering a woman who had charged him with rape in 2013, Samajwadi Partys sitting MLA from Sultanpur Sadar Arun Kumar Verma is currently under rough weather in this seat of Uttar Pradesh. Arun Verma is crying foul but his main rivals--BJP and BSP--are using to the maximum the charges to dislodge him from the seat that always sends to Lucknow a representative whose party forms the government in the state. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) This is the kind of lore that surrounds Sadar--one of the five seats in the missing-in-action BJP MP Varun Gandhis Lok Sabha constituency Sultanpur. Though he has hardly been in the constituency since he won from here, a thankful BJP would rather have it this way in Sadar, says a senior party leader. Knowing its importance, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav launched his election campaign from here. As per BSP leader DS Mishra, it was to use the totka that Sadar is one lucky seat which since 1969 has always returned the candidate whose party formed the government in Lucknow. In these elections, Mishra claims his party candidate Raj Prasad Upadhyay is in a 100 per cent winning position much ahead of his closest rivals BJPs Sitaram Verma and beleaguered SP candidate Arun Verma. Similar assertions are being made by BJP supporters like Deepankar Sharma. We are winning Sadar, he claims. Sitaram Verma (BJPs import from BSP) fits the caste-based equations here perfectly, he adds. This apart, the curious coincidences surrounding the seat do make it an interesting reference point for political observers. From the Congress in 1969 to SP in 2012, all parties elected in the state had won the Sadar seat, called Jaisinghpur before the delimitation exercise in 2009. Many thought that the lucky charm would wear off once it was renamed but it stayed on and in 2012 when Arun Verma won, his party, SP, formed the government. The lucky streak, says Mishra, began in 1969 when Congresss Shiv Kumar Pandey won the seat and his party went on to form the government in the state. Pandey retained the seat in 1974 and his party returned to power in Lucknow. Then during the Janata Party phase in 1977, Jaisinghpur elected Maqbool Husain Khan and the Congress was dislodged in Lucknow, says Mishra. However, the state was back with the Congress when Devendra Pandey won the seat in 1980 and in 1985. In 1989 Jaisinghpur elected a Janata Dal candidate and the party formed the government. The year 1991 saw the BJP winning the seat for the first time and the party forming its first government in UP. After the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992 and the bypolls that followed, Jaisinghpur elected SP candidate Rais Ahamd and his party formed the government with the help of the BSP. BSP candidate Ram Ratan Yadav won it in the 1996 polls that saw a mixed bag. Six months later, Mayawati and the BJP came together to form a coalition government. Mayawati retained the seat in 2002 with OP Singh and again formed the government with the BJP. The constituency and the state went to the BSP in 2007 and to the SP in 2012. Jupinderjit Singh Tribune News Service Shambu (Patiala), Feb 23 The manual and technical expertise of the Punjab Police was on full display at the Punjab-Haryana border today to prevent INLD activists from reaching the SYL canal. In contrast, the Haryana Police had far less men. They also fared poorly on the modern equipment front. The Punjab Police deployment was supervised by a DGP-rank officer, while a DSP-level officer was the in-charge on the Haryana side. INLD activists easily breached the Haryana security rings, but could not cross the Punjab Police barricades. The specially trained anti-riot police equipped with body suits that guard against fire, acid and stone missiles; head gear; pellet bullets; and chilli spray was prepared for any eventuality. Multi-barrel launchers mounted on Vajra vehicles, drones and a helicopter were used to ensure peace and foil any attempt to breach the barricades. The helicopter and drones caught the fancy of the media and residents alike as these were used for the first time. The Punjab Police had drawn flak in the past for not having proper weaponry, modern equipment and permission to use the chopper in several pressing circumstances. Most of the modern equipment was bought after the police faced challenges such as the terror attack at Dinanagar and Pathankot Air Force station. Learning from the past, the government provided its helicopter to the police for the third day consecutive today. Senior officials used it to survey the border. On several occasions, the drones were flown over the Ghaggar bridge, from where INLD activists marched towards Punjab. Besides drones, CCTV cameras installed at key points recorded the INLDs march and police arrangements. The anti-riot contingent was the first line of defence. It was earlier deployed in Bargari village, where clashes took place over sacrilege incidents. These men have been undergone a minimum 45-day training to handle a riotous mob. They are the wall of the police defence. More than 5,000 men and women drawn from six police districts, besides 10 battalions of the paramilitary force and personnel of reserve battalions were deployed along the border, specially at the Shambu bridge and entry points to Sarala and Kapoori villages. Under the command of DGP (Law and Order) HS Dhillon, eight commandants of reserve battalions, five SSPs and two IGs remained on their toes the entire day. Punjab DGP Suresh Arora supervised the entire operation from the headquarters. In Sirhind, traffic on NH-1 diverted Fatehgarh Sahib: In view of the protest by the INLD on the Punjab-Haryana border, the police on Thursday diverted the traffic near Madhopur chowk in Sirhind. All vehicles were restrained from travelling towards Rajpura on the NH-1. All light vehicles going from Ludhiana, Khanna and Patiala to Haryana and Delhi were diverted via Sirhind-Fatehgarh Sahib-Landran chowk-Banur or Mohali airport road to Zirakpur-Dera Bassi-Lalru-Ambala. TNS Brar takes on Amarinder, Badal Muktsar: State TMC president Jagmeet Singh Brar on Thursday alleged the government failed to perform under Capt Amarinder Singh and Parkash Singh Badal. They were busy targeting vote bank and consolidating personality cult. PM Narendra Modis announcement in Bathinda to get Punjab more waters was a hoax, he said, adding the TMC had called a meeting on February 28 in Chandigarh. TNS Be wary of SAD, INLD designs, says Mann Chandigarh: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday said people of Punjab and Haryana should stay cautious as the SAD and the INLD were blowing the SYL issue out of proportion to create law and order problem. AAP MP Bhagwant Mann said AAP would not allow water to flow to Haryana because Punjab has no extra water. He said AAP was firm on its stand and would take all legal and political steps that would be required to solve the river waters issue. TNS Chautalas playing dirty politics: BJP Chandigarh: Lambasting the Chautalas for trying to vitiate the atmosphere by playing dirty politics over SYL, BJP secretary Tarun Chugh on Thursday said the party would not allow Chautala and company to take mileage for the revival of INLD. Chugh claimed that by arresting Abhay Chautala, 19 INLD MLAs and other leaders before they could proceed to dig the SYL in Punjab, the police protected the interests of the state. TNS Mumbai, Feb 23 (IBNS): Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a leading global IT services, consulting and business solutions organization, has on Thursday announced that Community Savings Bank Association (CSBA) has selected TCS BaNCS on the Cloud as the core banking solution for its member banks across the entire United Kingdom. The vision of CSBA is to have a local network of customer owned, regional banks that create and support wealth creation in local communities. James M. Moore, Chairman of the Community Savings Bank Association, said CSBA will introduce a UK-wide network of customer-owned, regional banks in each of the 19 defined regions to serve the everyday financial needs of ordinary people, local community groups, and also support small and medium sized companies. A secure, robust and flexible IT infrastructure is crucial for our operations and TCS BaNCS emerged as the most compelling choice. S. Sambamurthy, Head UK & Europe, TCS Financial Solutions, said, The vision of Community Savings Bank Association is customer-centric wealth creation and a cloud deployment will allow local banks to be nimble in offering tailored products to their customers. TCS BaNCS will enable CSBA to drive both client centricity and implement state of the art digital solutions. TCS BaNCS on the Cloud is a digital banking solution designed to meet the market requirements in the UK. The solution is a fully integrated, Omni-channel platform providing banking, cards and payments functions. With the solution CSBAs member banks will be able to offer full service banking for loans, deposits, mortgages and current accounts. All services are delivered through TCS BaNCS digital channels, branch network and smart kiosks. Sarbjit Dhaliwal & Jupinderjit Singh Tribune News Service Kapoori/Shambhu, February 22 Amid Indian National Lok Dals planned march from Ambala to dig up the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal across the border on Thursday, civil and police officials of Punjab and Haryana met on the intervention of the Central Government this afternoon and coordinated steps to maintain law and order. The Punjab Police have stepped up security at three hot spots Kapoori, Shambhu and Sarhala villages where confrontation is likely since these can possibly be used by protesters to enter Punjab. No one will be allowed to disturb law and order, said Punjab DGP (Law and Order) HS Dhillon. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Police force drawn from six districts and 10 paramilitary battalions, including riot police and a mounted battalion, has been deployed along the border. The police have set up a multi-ring security cover at key points along the border to tackle protesters from both sides. This includes deployment in battle formation to prevent INLD supporters from entering the state. An outer ring has been formed to block supporters of the Lok Insaaf Party, led by the Bains Brothers, from reaching the canal from within Punjab. Apart from concertina wire, the police have erected steel barricading and installed CCTV cameras. An aerial survey of the area was conducted today. Punjab DGP Suresh Arora said aerial surveillance would continue on Thursday. The Shambhu bridge on the National Highway, which may be used by the INLD supporters led by the Chautalas to enter Punjab, has been fortified. The protesters are likely to hold a rally at a grain market near the bridge. Haryana too has deployed police in large numbers at the bridge over the Ghaggar. There was, however, no visible police deployment by Haryana at Kapoori and Sarhala, where the SYL enters Haryana. In Chandigarh, Joint Secretary (Home) Dilip Kumar, representing the Centre, Punjab Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal, DGP Arora along with intelligence officials met Haryanas top civil and police officials to formulate a joint strategy. They discussed coordination between police of both states at the ground level. GS Paul Tribune News Service Amritsar, February 23 In his heyday, Gurcharan Singh of Amritsar fought for the Punjabi Suba. He spent seven months in the Sangrur jail in 1961 for the sake of Punjabiyat. Today, 71-year-old Gurcharan is a broken man. He blames official apathy for this. His contribution has long been forgotten, he feels. He received a cheque for Rs 3,872 for his contribution to the Punjabi Suba Movement on December 5, 2016, from the office of the SDM (I), Amritsar. Two days later, he received a message that the cheque needed to be returned as it was issued under a wrong head. I told an officer of the department that I had already deposited the cheque. He then asked me to pay back the amount, assuring me of issuing a new cheque later. I did as asked, not realising that a new cheque would not be issued, he said. On the 50th anniversary of the movement, the state government had, in November last year, commemorated those, who fought for the Punjabi Suba, and families of persons, who died during the movement, at a function here. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had honoured them with certificates. Subsequently, an honorarium amount through cheques was given depending on the contribution of activists. The amount varied between Rs 3,800 and Rs 7,000. As it turned out, cheques were never encashed. Its been nearly two months and I havent got a new cheque, Gurcharan says. And his is not lone case. There are 37 similar stories. Bhupinder Singh, whose father Ram Singh spent four months in jail during the movement, says, My father is no more. A cheque for Rs 3,872 was given to me. Believing officials, I retuned the cheque on the assurance that a new cheque will be issued. To date, I am waiting for the assurance to materialise. Deputy Commissioner Basant Garg assured them to intervene in the matter. I will help them out when they approach me, he said. Syed Ali Ahmed Tribune News Service New Delhi, February 23 Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has been conspicuous by his absence from campaigning for the February 26 DSGMC elections. An official in his office here said Sukhbir was presently in Delhi, but he was not scheduled to take part in campaigning, which ends tomorrow. Party sources said he would only meet some influential Sikhs. When contacted, DSGMC chief Manjit Singh GK said, The Aam Aadmi Party has created a hurdle for us by contending that any party contesting the gurdwara elections must be registered as a religious party, which the SAD isnt. We got the election symbol only after the courts intervention. This is why our political leaders are not involved in campaigning. Religious leaders such as SGPC president Kirpal Singh Badungar are doing the job for the party. In the 2013 elections, Sukhbir was involved in campaigning. The party manifesto had been released at his residence on the Safdarjung Road. Meanwhile, sources said the SAD was split into two groups one led by GK and the other by DSGMC general secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa. Sirsa, who is contesting from Punjabi Bagh against SAD (Delhi) president Paramjit Singh Sarna, and Kuldip Singh Bhogal are the only SAD leaders who have used the Badals photos in their election posters. The remaining 44 SAD candidates have not done so. The Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Saudas support to the SAD and the incidents of sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib in Punjab are among the key issues being highlighted by the SADs rivals. Tribune News Service Shambhu/Kapuri, Ambala, February 23 The Punjab Police on Thursday arrested two MPs, 18 MLAs and 73 workers of INLD, Haryanas opposition party, for violating Section 144 of the CrPC as they tried to cross over to the Punjab side after symbolic digging of the SYL canal. Senior Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leaders Abhay Chautala, Ashok Arora and Ram Pal Majra besides Rajya Sabha Ramkumar Kashyap were among those arrested. They have been sent to Patiala Central Jail till February 27. Earlier, in view of the partys call for a march to Punjab to dig the SYL canal, INLD workers entered the Punjab portion of the Ghaggar bridge on the Punjab-Haryana border near Shambhu barrier. They dug up the ground on the road as a symbolic gesture. Abhay Chautala addressed the workers and asked them to go back after making the symbolic gesture of digging. Soon, making a U-turn, he requested Punjab Police to let them march into the Punjab side peacefully. He assured Punjab Police that INLD will maintain peace and asked his party workers to climb down from the barricades. While some INLD workers returned, Chautala persisted with his request for an entry into Punjab. Punjab Police asked INLD workers to disperse and vacate the area in 10 minutes or else they will be arrested. Read: SYL has to be built, ensure peace, says SC INLD workers were jubilant at the prospect of being arrested for a cause, even as police asked the protesters to come one by one and not to push each other. While the arrested leaders were seen giving bites to media and posing for photos, many INLD workers demanded that they be arrested by Punjab Police. After arresting the INLD leaders, Punjab Police started making arrangements for the resumption of traffic. The barricades were completely removed by the evening and traffic was restored on the National Highway. Earlier, the INLD workers broke the barricade chain and entered Patiala district. Punjab Police had warned the INLD not to move further as Section 144 is in force. A huge posse of personnel was deployed and barricades were put up at the main entry points from Haryana from where the INLD workers entered Punjab. Police personnel were deployed in large numbers at the Shambhu toll barrier and Sarala headworks at the border with Haryana. Abhay Chautala leads march The barricading at Shambhu toll barrier was just 2 km from the new vegetable market in Ambala where the INLD held Jal Yudh Sammelan before their senior leader Abhay Singh Chautala led a march towards Kapuri in Patiala to dig the SYL canal. Arrangements were made to divert traffic at many places in view of the march. Ten companies of paramilitary forces and nearly 5,000 policemen were deployed by Punjab near villages along the border with Haryana, officials said. With the police of the two states worked in tandem to tackle the situation, the roads were barricaded and walls raised at the Shambhu barrier. Section 144 of the CrPC, prohibiting the assembly of five or more persons, was imposed and five duty magistrates were stationed in the area. Aerial surveillance was also conducted to keep an eye on the situation. Meanwhile, Punjab Police did not allow the workers of All-India Sikh Students Federation, which announced to stop INLD workers from entering Punjab, to reach Kapuri or the Shambhu border. Punjab DGP (Law and Order) HS Dhillon said no one would be allowed to disturb the peace and take the law into their hands. Police personnel, drawn from neighbouring districts, 10 companies of paramilitary, riot police and a mounted battalion, were deployed along the Shambhu border, about 30 km from Chandigarh. Haryana DGP KP Singh, ADGP RC Mishra and senior administration and police officers visited the Punjab-Haryana border to take stock of the situation. Mishra said nearly 1,000 personnel of the state police are monitoring situation in Ambala City and on the NH-1. Punjab DGP Suresh Arora had earlier visited Shambhu village and had assessed the situation ahead of the INLDs march. All possible measures have been taken. Forces are ready to tackle any situation, the DGP said. At the Ambala rally, the INLD held Capt Amarinder Singh, the Congress and BJP responsible for the situation. The party wanted Capt Amarinder Singh to apologise to Haryanvis for stopping their water from flowing into Haryana. Party leader Ashok Arora said they were not seeking alms as water was their right. Singer Karaveer Fauji sang a song especially composed for the march. (Inputs by Naveen S Garewal, Jupinderjit Singh, Aman Sood, Nitish Sharma & PTI) Aman Sood Tribune News Service Kapoori, February 23 After three days of high-voltage preparation to confront INLD workers at Kapoori village, where the foundation stone of the SYL canal was laid, the state police finally retreated this evening. Though relieved for now, villagers fear that the protest by the INLD will only increase the growing tension between the two neighbouring states, especially in villages alongside the SYL canal. Since Thursday morning a heavy police force was deployed at the lone approaching road that linked Kapoori with Ismailpur village in Haryana. Interestingly, no policeman was present on the Haryana side and the personnel manning this entry point were from the Punjab Police. A visit to Ismailpur road that leads to Punjab saw vehicles moving in a routine manner, although none entered Punjab. I stopped to have tea here as shopkeepers told me not to use this route today due to a call given by a political outfit in Haryana. I had to pick my relatives from Ghanaur and I use this route every time I come from Rajasthan, said Sanjeev Kumar. I will wait till the evening before moving further, he said. Haryana residents, many of whom work in Punjab, claim that there is a flare-up in tension on both sides thanks to politics. Such a situation is not good for people on both sides of the border, said octogenarian Sohan Lal, a resident of Nanoya village in Haryana. Meanwhile, Kapoori residents rue that they lost their land to SYL almost three decades ago. Instead of honouring our sacrifice, politicians have made a mockery of the issue. First, the Punjab Government returned us the land, then the court ordered status quo and now the Haryana politicians want to dig the canal. We do not know about the fate of our land yet. For the last two days, men in khaki patrolled the canal area as if this was the India-Pakistan border, said Karnail Singh, a local resident. We lived in fear as if it is a war-like situation. We didnt even send our children to school fearing law and order problem, he added. ON the occasion of his recent visit to Amritsar, the Hon'ble Mr. J.C. Godley, Director of Public Instruction, Punjab, is reported to have urged the need of having Temperance Societies in schools. That is a step in the right direction. The Punjab Education Department was the first to take steps in the direction of prohibiting cigarette and tobacco smoking within the premises of schools and boarding houses, and temperance workers have been encouraged to hold meetings in schools to address the boys on the evils of intemperance and smoking. Mr. Godley also made enquiries as to the extent of smoking indulged in by little boys and found that though there was some check on the school boys, there was no such check in the case of the large class of boys who did not attend school. Tribune News Service Dehradun, February 23 Ajay Bhatt, Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, today accused Chief Minister Harish Rawat of pressuring the Haridwar administration to register a false case of violation of the model code of conduct relating to Prime Minister Narendra Modis rally in Haridwar recently. He demanded withdrawal of the case. Bhatt, while addressing mediapersons here today, said Harish Rawat was indulging in lowly politics. The way he pressured the Haridwar returning officer to register a false case of model code of conduct violation reveals the true face of the Congress, he added. Bhatt said the case had been registered against BJP leaders on the pretext that they had not taken permission for Prime Minister Narendra Modis rally at the Rishikul ground in Haridwar recently. Bhatt showed documentary proof and said permission for the rally at the Rishikul ground was taken from Rishikul Vidyapeeth and fees was also paid in this regard. He said permission was also taken for the use of the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) helipad to facilitate the landing of Prime Ministers chopper. The Haridwar administration was also informed about every activity linked to the preparations for the Prime Ministers rally. He termed Haridwar returning officers action as vendetta particularly when Congress national vice-president Rahul Gandhis roadshow in Haridwar continued till past midnight and was a clear case of violation of the model code of conduct. Bhatt said a case of violation of the model code of conduct had been registered against Congress leaders and now they were forcibly trying to frame BJP leaders in retaliation. Bhatt added that the BJP had already informed state Chief Electoral Officer Radha Raturi and, if necessary, we would bring it to the notice of the Election Commission of India. Lahore, February 23 At least 10 persons were killed and 30 others injured on Thursday when a powerful bomb blast apparently targeted two eateries here, including one serving Indian cuisine, in the second bombing in the city this month as Pakistan witnesses a surge in terror attacks. Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique told reporters that eight people were killed and 30 other injured in the blast at the Z Block market of the Defence Housing Society (DHA). However, two bodies were later recovered from the debris of an under-construction building where the explosive device was planted. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) He said the condition of four injured is stated to be very critical and doctors are trying their best to save their lives. Bombay Chowpati and Alfarno Cafe restaurants were apparently the target of terrorists. The device was planted in an under-construction building near Bombay Chowpati, a senior police officer told PTI. He said these restaurants were frequented by young couples. Deputy Inspector General Lahore Police Dr Haider Ashraf said, Apparently an explosive material was planted in an under-construction building in Z block market. We are also investigating the other aspects like that of gas leakage. Punjab Police spokesman Niyab Haider, however, confirmed that it was a planted device that caused the explosion. It appears to be a planted device. However we are investigating from all aspects, he said. An eyewitness, Salman Iqbal, said he was busy in his work at a bank in Z block when the powerful blast took place. I was struck against my desk because of the impact of the blast sound and fell semi-unconscious. When I regained consciousness after a while all my colleagues were saying there is a blast outside the bank, he said. Iqbal said when he went outside, he saw many people lying injured on the road and crying for help. He said some of his colleagues suffered minor injuries. Several vehicles were also damaged in the blast. Rescue officials shifted the injured to different city hospitals. Army and Rangers personnel along with the police reached the spot and cordoned off the area. DHA is under the control of the army. All educational institutions and trade centres in the DHA have been closed. Besides, all major trade centres and markets in Lahore have also been closed. Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said the blast seemed to be aimed at sabotaging Pakistan Super League (PSL) final in Lahore. PTI Nam Dinh, February 23 The Vietnamese suspect in the killing of Kim Jong-nam, half-brother of Kim Jong-Un, was renowned for her fashion, funky hairstyles and foreign boyfriends, said family members shocked at the link between their poor rice-farming village and a crime that has gripped the world. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Doan Thi Huong gained notoriety last week after Malaysian police shared CCTV images of the 28-year-old at a Kuala Lumpur airport -- wearing a top emblazoned with "LOL" -- shortly after the February 13 assassination of Kim Jong-Nam. She was arrested alongside an Indonesian woman, both accused of carrying out a fatal poison attack on the unsuspecting Kim ahead of his flight home to Macau. The unlikely connection between a country girl from a poor rural backwater 150 kilometres (90 miles) outside Hanoi to a high-profile assassination, has added another layer of intrigue to a crime that has captivated with its echoes of Cold War-era conspiracy and spycraft. Houng's arrest has caused fevered interest inside Vietnam, despite attempts by security officials in the communist nation to control the information flow. Her family recall a girl who broke the conservative coventions of Quan Phuong village with her dyed hair, edgy clothes and foreign boyfriends since she left aged 18 apparently to study. "At first we doubted it was her when we saw the picture with the 'LOL' shirt," stepmother Nguyen Thi Vy told AFP. "But when someone bought a clearer picture here, we knew it was our Huong," she said. "If she committed the crime, she has to suffer, we can't do anything... but I think she must have been set up by someone." Malaysia's police chief has scotched suggestions Huong and the other female suspect were duped. On Wednesday he said CCTV footage showed they were "very aware" the substance they wiped on Kim's face was toxic, adding the pair had practised. But when she returned home during the Tet lunar new year festival in late January she gave no hint of being mixed up in serious criminality, locals said. Neighbour Maria Nguyen described Huong as someone who stood out in the small village of dozens of homes encircled by paddy fields. "She has always been very fashionable, with colorful hair," she said. "Every Tet she would come back home with some different (foreign) man," she added. Vietnamese social media has filled gaps in Huong's history with conjecture and rumours. Unsubstantiated photographs are doing the rounds of a woman who looks similar to Huong auditioning for a television talent show. AFP Ashis Ray in London The present Khan of Kalat, Mir Suleman Khan Ahmedzai, whose ancestors once ruled much of Balochistan, is expected to tell a seminar in London on Thursday that Balochistans accession to Pakistan in 1948 was an occupation of Balochistan. He has informed organisers of the event that he will produce documents to substantiate his claim. The seminar, entitled Balochistan Re-visited, will be held in a committee room of Britains House of Lords. It will reflect views of a spectrum of people from academics to Baloch nationalists. Hyrbyair Marri, a Baloch nationalist and a former education minister in the Balochistan government, will emphasise Britain did not honour its treaties with Balochistan and that Pakistan attacked Balochistan. Haider Baloch, a human rights activist, will deal with human rights violations in Balochistan. He believes it is now at a critical juncture in the regions history. Professor Sabir Badal Khan of Naples University is slated to speak on Britains arbitrary role in the merger of Balochistan with Pakistan. His opinion is that Britain took the Baloch part of the territory on lease from the government of Balochistan in Kalat and that they were supposed to return it back to Balochistan before they left the region. In the months following the announcement on June 3, 1947, of Indias Partition Plan, the Kalat government made a series of moves, including holding talks with representatives of the Viceroy of India Lord Mountbatten and the future government of Pakistan in Delhi. These talks led to certain preparatory steps towards a formal re-affirmation of the suzerainty of the Khan of Kalat over the Balochistan. One such meeting was held on August 4, 1947, in Delhi. It was chaired by Mountbatten and attended by his legal adviser Lord Ismay. Kalat State was represented by Khan of Kalat Ahmed Yar Khan and Prime Minister Sultan Ahmed. Mohammed Ali Jinnah and Liaquat Ali Khan represented Pakistan. It resulted in the signing of a three-point agreement. Jinnah and Liaquat Ali signed for Pakistan and Ahmed for Kalat. The agreement stated: 1. Government of Pakistan recognises the independent and sovereign status of the state of Kalat, which has treaty relations with the British Government and whose status and position is different from the other princely states of India. 2. Legal opinion will be obtained to decide whether Pakistan can be the successor to those treaties and to the ones on leased areas. 3. After obtaining the legal opinion, there will be further talks between the representatives of Pakistan and Kalat. In the interim period, there shall be a standstill agreement between Pakistan and Kalat in relation to the areas under lease to the British Government. On August 12, 1947, Khan of Kalat formally proclaimed the independence of Kalat effective from August 15, 1947. On March 27, 1948, Khan of Kalat acceded to Pakistan under duress and in gross violation of the will of the people of Kalat-Balochistan as expressed unanimously by members of both Houses of Kalat parliament. Mountain View, Feb 23 (IBNS): Tech giant Google on Thursday dedicated a doodle to celebrate NASA's latest discovery, where the agency found out about seven Earth-like exoplanets. The planets are orbiting a star named TRAPPIST-1. Speaking about the discovery, Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters told media, "The discovery gives us a hint that finding a second Earth is not just a matter of if, but when." He also termed it as 'very promising for the search for life beyond our solar system'. "Earth to #TRAPPIST1...we read you loud and clear. Thanks @NASA for this cosmic discovery! #GoogleDoodle," a tweet from the Google Doodle account read. NASA Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech Istanbul/Beirut: Turkey-backed rebels seized the centre of the town of al-Bab from Islamic State, Turkish state media said on Thursday, marking a likely breakthrough in Ankara's drive to wipe out the militant group in northern Syria. Turkey launched its Syrian operation, dubbed Operation Euphrates Shield, in August, in effort to push IS from its border and stop the advance of a Syrian Kurdish militia. Backed by Turkish warplanes and forces, the Free Syrian Army first cleared Islamic State from Turkey's border before launching an assault on al-Bab in December. Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency said a total of 1,900 sq km in northern Syria has now been cleared of militant groups. Reuters London, February 22 Britains top court backed a government attempt to limit immigration by ruling on Wednesday that an income test for those who want to bring their non-European spouses to the UK is acceptable and does not infringe human rights. The Supreme Court said the minimum income requirement of 18,600 pounds a year had caused significant hardship to many, but ruled that in principle it was not inconsistent with the European Convention on Human Rights. "The fact that a rule causes hardship to many, including some who are in no way to blame for the situation in which they now find themselves, does not mean that it is incompatible with the Convention rights or otherwise unlawful at common law," the court said. The income threshold, it added, was "part of an overall strategy aimed at reducing net migration," with aims that were "no doubt entirely legitimate." The court also said the current rules did not adequately account for the protection of children or the possibility that alternative sources of funding be allowed other than the income of the Briton. Currently, the income of the non-European spouse does not count towards the income requirement. Reuters New Delhi, Feb 23 (IBNS) Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER), jointly with the Department of Business Administration, Tezpur University and North Eastern Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFi), is coming up with a Business Idea Challenge to encourage entrepreneurship in the North-East Region (NER). The annual industry-academia interface event Sampark, which will see the DoNER Ministrys involvement for the first time, brings the spirit of entrepreneurship in the region. The event will take place on Mar 3, 2017 and will be the 17th edition in the series. To encourage the students towards entrepreneurship, a Pioneering Business Idea Challenge 2017 is being organized as a part of the event. The contest is open to any student of North Eastern Region, having a business idea. The winners will not only receive prizes but also get a chance to present the ideas before the funding agencies for probable financing. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners will receive Rs.20,000, Rs.15,000 and Rs.10,000 respectively. The contest is open till Feb 26, 2017 and the details are available at Tezpur University website and at dare2compete.com. Addressing a curtain raiser press conference at the University campus recently, Professor Subhrangshu Sekhar Sarkar, faculty coordinator, Sampark 2017 appreciated the efforts of DoNER Ministry, Government of India and said that the Ministry is very serious about promoting entrepreneurship in the NER and the event is expected to create a platform towards awareness and initiation for entrepreneurship development based on natural resources of this region. Sampark 2017 will have different sessions to motivate the students to be addressed by established entrepreneurs, prominent start-ups. A session on Act East Policy (One of Indias foreign policy effort to cultivate extensive economic and strategic relations with the nations of Southeast Asia) will also feature in the event. There will be an exclusive interaction where the funding agencies represented by respective heads of the NER will clarify various queries of the prospective entrepreneurs and start-ups. Srinagar, Feb 23 (IBNS): At least three army soldiers and an elderly woman were killed and three other army jawans were wounded after militants ambushed a patrol party in south Kashmir's Shopian district on Thursday. Reports said that a search operation was carried out at Kungnoo Shopian by 44 RR and police, while returning from Kungnoo, the party was attacked by unknown militants at Mulu Chitragam at about 2 am. During fierce gunfight six army personnel including two officers were injured, of whom three succumbed to their injuries. One lady, Taja, who was hit by a stray bullet inside her house during the cross fire also succumbed to her injuries. (Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri) (By Tsem Rinpoche and Admin) Wealth. Many seek it, covet it and live it. But what is wealth really? By common definition, wealth is an abundance of valuable possessions, resources or money and is sought after for many reasons. Some chase wealth to lead a comfortable life, some as a status symbol and to others, amassing wealth is akin to a game. Some believe that happiness can only be achieved by having a lot of money and living the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Whatever the reasons may be, one cannot deny that wealth is an important part of life. In many parts of the world, wealth is very much sought after and Malaysia is no different. As such, it was especially auspicious that the wealth-increasing Yangdup Puja was held on 11 February 2017, which was the last day of the Lunar New Year celebrations. This magnetizing puja began at 9am and lasted till 5pm, with a lunch break in between. So, why is the Yangdup Puja performed? How does wealth play a role in Buddhism? Isnt Buddhism about letting go of ones worldly attachments? From a Buddhist perspective, there are two types of wealth: In a nutshell, in order to gain inner wealth, one usually needs sufficient outer wealth to progress on ones spiritual path without distractions. For instance, on the most basic level, how can we even think about spiritual practice if we do not have food to eat? Here is another example to illustrate the need for wealth to learn about Buddhism and its practices, we would naturally seek out temples or Dharma centers. Without adequate resources and funds, temples/Dharma centers cannot be built. In Tibetan Buddhism, there are proven methods to increase inner and outer wealth. One of the most effective methods is the creation of a Wealth Box. Wealth boxes help monasteries and Dharma centers attract the necessary resources and people to preserve and spread the Dharma while sponsors and spiritual practitioners will attain material and spiritual abundance. Hence, in mid-2015, a Wealth Box, representing the abode of Gyenze, was constructed in Kechara Forest Retreat. This wealth box not only attracts resources and funds for Kechara to grow, but also energizes Kechara Forest Retreat with an abundance of positive energy so that all Dharma work and activities carried out here will manifest quicker and successfully. This translates to faster healing, swifter spiritual assistance, and quicker achievements of realisations and attainments. In accordance with Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Wealth Boxes are sealed for most part of the year and are only opened once each year to replenish and replace the offerings within. The items that are replaced are the perishable offerings including sensory offerings, commitment offerings, tormas, herbs, medicines and more. Auspicious symbols of wealth are also added to the existing contents of the Wealth Box to signify growing abundance. This annual event culminates in a grand ceremony the Yangdup Puja to reenergise the Wealth Box and seal the energies of abundance within. (Click here to view the full list of items in the Wealth Box) The powerful ritual that is the Yangdup Puja was first performed in Kechara Forest Retreat by His Eminence the 7th Panglung Kuten in June 2015. All who are involved in the Yangdup puja, whether they are sponsors, volunteers, participants or guests (seen and unseen), will reap a multitude of benefits and a steady flow of merits. Those who contributed in cash or in kind for the replenishment of the items in the Wealth Box as well as for the offerings in the Yangdup puja will enjoy a multitude of benefits: Those who participated in the Yangdup puja as guests, volunteers or organizers also enjoy a multitude of benefits: The following four sections comprise a pictorial explanation of the puja as well as what goes on behind the scenes, a detailed explanation of the Yangdup Puja procedure, descriptions of the items used during the Yangdup puja and lastly an elaboration on the increasing form of Dorje Shugden, Gyenze. Yangdup: Through the Lens Enjoy this collection of behind-the-scenes and event day photos and videos with detailed descriptions that bring to life the spirit of this powerful wealth puja. Videos The Yangdup Wealth Puja 2017 (Highlights) Or view the video on the server at: https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/The-Yangdup-Wealth-Puja-2017.mp4 Yangdup Wealth Puja 2017 Part 1 (Full) Or view the video on the server at: https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/Yangdup-Wealth-Puja-2017-Session-1-Prayer.mp4 Yangdup Wealth Puja 2017 Part 2 (Full) Or view the video on the server at: https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/Yangdup-Wealth-Puja-2017-Session-2-Prayer.mp4 Preparatory Work The Offerings and Ritual Implements Yangdup Puja Procedure >> Back to Tabs Yangdup Wealth Puja: The Procedure On 11 February 2017, Kecharians and monks performed a traditional Yangdup puja based on Gyenzes tradition in Wisdom Hall, Kechara Forest Retreat. It was performed to reenergise Kecharas Wealth Box (or Yangkham), after it was opened to replenish the perishable offering substances, and to seal the energies of abundance and increase within. In addition to replacing the perishable offerings with fresh ones, more precious items such as monetary tokens, auspicious animals and other symbols of wealth were offered to the Wealth Box to create the causes for growing abundance. Yangdup, which is in essence a prosperity and abundance generating puja, is conducted yearly in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries to attract funds, sponsors and resources for the Buddhadharma to flourish. This powerful ritual is also a means to bless the monasteries with sustenance as monks are forbidden to hold jobs outside the monastery. Thus, the Yangdup puja invites the blessings of prosperity from all the Buddhas and Dharma Protectors to energise the respective monasterys Wealth Box. The word Yangdup consists of two parts i.e. Yang which means prosperity and dup which means accumulation. Performed for the accumulation of prosperity on behalf of the monastery, it is also a way to repay the kindness of sponsors whose continuous support helps sustain the monastery thus allowing the precious teachings of the Buddha to grow. Performed according to the Gelug lineages scriptures, the Gyenze Yangdup puja in Kechara Forest Retreat began with the preliminary prayers and Lama Tsongkhapas Gaden Lhagyama, followed by the highly meritorious Lama Chopa or Guru Puja. The Lama Chopa text was composed by His Holiness the 4th Panchen Lama Losang Chokyi Gyaltsen and is very auspicious as the whole puja is dedicated to ones lama or guru. According to the 50 Verses of Guru Devotion, the merits from making offerings to ones Guru is the same as making offerings to all the Buddhas. Hence, this puja is extremely powerful and can generate vast merits. Upon completion of the Lama Chopa, the monks began the long life prayer of H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche and recitation of Rinpoches long life mantra. This was followed by the invocation and prayers of Solitary Hero Yamantaka (Tibetan: Jigje Pawo Jigpa) and the blessing of the offerings. Thereafter, the Yangdup Puja proper commenced. It began with the ritual master reciting auspicious prayers while turning the Wealth Arrow, with its head facing downwards, in slow circles. The circling of the arrow is symbolic of attracting wealth from all directions. The puja assistant then received the bumpa (ritual vase) from the ritual master and sprinkled blessed water around the gompa and especially in the Wealth Box and on the Wealth Vases to be reenergized for purification and blessings. He also blessed all who were present in the hall. Next up was the torma offering to the obstructors, or gegs. During this gegtor offering, the ritual master chanted OM SUMBHANI SUMBHANI HUM GRIHANA GRIHANA HUM GRIHANA PAYA GRIHANA PAYA HUM ANA YAHO BHAGAWANA BIDYA RADZA HUM PHET while turning the torma clockwise three times, symbolizing the binding of all obstructers. He then turned the torma anti-clockwise three times to signify that he was ushering the obstructers out of the hall. In this manner, the ritual master requested the obstructers in the spirit realm to not create any mischief or obstructions that can disrupt the puja proceedings, failing which they would have to answer to the all-powerful Yamantaka and Dorje Shugden. The puja assistant then carried the Gegtor out of the prayer hall. The monks then began reciting the visualization and invocation prayers of Gyenze, the increasing form of Dorje Shugden, complete with ritual music and traditional chanting techniques. Having called Gyenze forth and requested him to become one with the actual image (statue), extensive offerings were made to accumulate merits. The seven-limbed prayer and confessional prayers (shakpa and kangwa) were also recited. It is important to engage in confessional prayers to confess our misdeeds, purify negative karma and to stop the accumulation of further negative karma. Then it was time for the recitation of Gyenzes mantra, as well as the mantra of Gyenzes entourage. At this point, the puja assistant passed one end of the 5-colored string (sungtak dorje), which had been affixed to all the wealth vases, to the ritual master. Placing the 5-colored string at his heart, the ritual master then began the recitation of Gyenzes mantra, while visualizing the energies of Gyenze flowing down the string to bless and energize all the wealth vases and symbols of wealth. The other end of the string had a dorje affixed to it and was placed inside the Wealth Box, symbolizing protection and prevention of disturbances penetrating the Wealth Box. As extensive recitation of Gyenzes mantra continued, three monks in full ceremonial regalia, complete with ceremonial hat (tsoksha), walked around the prayer hall blowing on conch shells to invite the presence of all Buddhas and Protectors, and holding up the wealth arrow to attract wealth and abundance from Gyenze and all enlightened beings. Chemar, an offering of food comprising of tsampa mixed with the three white and three sweet substances, and incense was also carried during this procession. The procession then continued all around Kechara Forest Retreat to bring the blessings of increase and abundance to the whole area. When the monks returned to the prayer hall, tormas were offered to Gyenze and his entourage, followed by the recitation of verses of praise. Then came the extensive Yangdup (accumulation of wealth) prayers accompanied by offerings of chemar, milk, tea and alcohol to the Buddhas and all beings. During this time, the ritual master continued turning the arrows slowly, inviting wealth from all directions. Thereafter, the chemar was mixed with incense and burned while the milk, tea and alcohol were scattered around Kechara Forest Retreat. At this point, the monks took a break for lunch and a short rest. When the puja resumed, guests were served Tibetan butter tea and auspicious rice in celebration of this auspicious event while the three monks performed the second and last procession around the prayer hall. As is done in the monastery, the ritual master led the congregation in reciting offering prayers of tea and rice before drinking and eating. Next came the Yangkug (wealth bag) section of the puja. First, Gyenzes six implements (long life vase, wish-fulfilling jewels, mongoose, vajra axe, victory banner and wealth arrow) were offered up. Thereafter, each implement was carried around Wisdom Hall for those present to touch, thus blessing them with the qualities that each implement represents. Thereafter, the tsog offering ritual was performed, with traditional guru tormas being offered to H.E. Tsem Rinpoche, H.H. Zong Rinpoche, H.E. Panglung Kuten and the ritual master. All attendees also had the chance to partake of the tsog substances watered down alcohol, cheese (representing meat) and biscuits. The uneaten portions were then collected on a tray before being offered to the land deities and spirits, accompanied by an unlit stick of incense. During the distribution of tsog, the long life prayers of our lineage master H.H. Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche and H.E. Tsem Rinpoche were also recited. It was then time to feed the Yangkug (wealth bag). The ritual master placed each monetary token offered by the puja attendees into the Yangkug while reciting the mantra of Gyenzes entourage. The Yangkug was then sealed with prayers and, together with the wealth arrow, was escorted with billowing incense into the Wealth Box in what is known as the Blessing of the Wealth Box. Finally enthronement prayers were recited before the Wealth Box was sealed and locked until the following year. The Shidak torma (local deity torma) together with the Gosum torma (Four Guardians torma) were then placed in front of the Wealth Box, representing protection from obstacles arising from all directions. For more auspiciousness, the Eight Auspicious Substances were then offered up, after the Wealth Box was sealed. Each auspicious substance was also brought around Wisdom Hall for puja attendees to touch for blessings of auspiciousness. The puja concluded with Thanksgiving offerings and praises (Tangrak), prayers to Yamantaka and lastly, dedication prayers to seal the merits from the Yangdup puja. Rituals & Substances >> Back to Tabs Rituals and Substances A plethora of ritual items, exotic substances and unusual offerings were used as part of the Yangdup wealth puja. This section aims to provide more insight into the significance and symbolism of the various offerings, rituals and substances. Ritual Music The Yangdup Puja, complete with throat chanting and divine melodies, was accompanied by traditional ritual music. The monks played a variety of Tibetan muscial instruments including the dungkar (white conch shell), nga chem (ritual drum), rolmo (cymbals), drilbu (bell) and damaru. Dungkar: White conch shells were blown by monks in ceremonial regalia to invite the Buddhas of the ten directions to come and bless the land and all present with abundance, for material and spiritual progress and growth. Rolmo: Possibly the most important instrument in ceremonial Tibetan music, they are played by the chantmaster to keep the tempo of the ritual melodies and prayers, leading the rest of the musical instruments. Nga Chem: These large drums with double heads are coloured in rich hues of blue or green. When struck, they resonate with a rich sound, helping the chantmaster set the tempo. Damaru: This hand-held drum is a tantric instrument played by the ritual master as an invocation to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Once made from the skulls of a man and a woman each, this instrument is shaped like an hourglass to mean the conjoining of the male element or the method (on the path to Enlightenment) and the female element of wisdom. The Wealth Arrow Wealth arrows symbolize attracting wealth and prosperity from all directions and from every corner of the world. Three wealth arrows are used in the Yangdup puja, and each has a Tibetan mirror attached to it. The mirror symbolizes the presence of Buddha Shakyamuni, who brings blessings to all beings, seen and unseen. During the puja, one by one in turn, the arrows are held facing downwards by the ritual master, and slowly turned in circles. Wealth Arrow with white khata and written mantras symbolizes attracting wealth and resources from Dorje Shugdens increase form, Gyenze, and the Nine Mothers. symbolizes attracting wealth and resources from Dorje Shugdens increase form, Gyenze, and the Nine Mothers. Wealth Arrow with plain white khata symbolizes attracting wealth by petitioning all the wealth Buddhas and Protectors such as Dzambala and Namtose. symbolizes attracting wealth by petitioning all the wealth Buddhas and Protectors such as Dzambala and Namtose. Wealth Arrow with yellow khata symbolizes the offering of food to all beings, after being first offered to the enlightened ones. Sungtak Dorje This is the 5-colored string (white, yellow, red, green and blue) that is affixed to all Wealth Vases and Wealth Pills (Yang Dzay Rilbu) to be energized during the Yangdup puja. The head of the string is tied to a vajra (dorje) and placed on the main wealth vase in the Wealth Box, while the other end is held by the ritual master. The vajra symbolizes powerful protection, thus no harmful interferences can penetrate the Wealth Box, safeguarding our wealth from external forces. During the puja, while holding the Sungtak Dorje at his heart level, the ritual master performs intensive mantra recitation, thus blessing and energizing all wealth vases along the string with the energies of Gyenze and entourage. Gyenzes Six Implements Gyenzes six implements are the Long Life Vase (tsebum), Wish Fulfilling Jewels, Mongoose, Vajra Axe, Victory Banner and Wealth Arrow. When these implements are touched by the puja attendees, they are blessed with the qualities that each implement represents. For example, touching the Long Life Vase blesses one with longevity, touching the mongoose brings money and luck and touching the Wish Fulfilling Jewels will grant us our wishes. The Eight Auspicious Substances The Eight Auspicious Substances are regarded as bringers of good fortune. These represent the offerings that were presented to Buddha Shakyamuni as symbols of the Eightfold Path. The significance of each substance is as follows: Mirror : The offering that Ochangma, Goddess of Light, presented to Buddha Shakyamuni, which represents both the clarity of his realizations and the flawless karmic vision of all his previous lives. It also represents Right Thought, as it shows all things as they are without bias. : The offering that Ochangma, Goddess of Light, presented to Buddha Shakyamuni, which represents both the clarity of his realizations and the flawless karmic vision of all his previous lives. It also represents Right Thought, as it shows all things as they are without bias. Precious Medicine : Derived from the glands of an elephant, this represents the great guardian elephant, Norkyong, who protected the meadows of Bodhgaya where the Buddha attained Enlightenment. It also represents Right Mindfulness, as it cures the greatest disease ignorance which is the root of all suffering. : Derived from the glands of an elephant, this represents the great guardian elephant, Norkyong, who protected the meadows of Bodhgaya where the Buddha attained Enlightenment. It also represents Right Mindfulness, as it cures the greatest disease ignorance which is the root of all suffering. Yogurt : This is symbolic of the milk rice offered by the farmers daughter, Lekshe (Sujata), to the Buddha when he was meditating under the Bodhi tree. It also represents Right Livelihood, as it is pure and its production does not harm any being : This is symbolic of the milk rice offered by the farmers daughter, Lekshe (Sujata), to the Buddha when he was meditating under the Bodhi tree. It also represents Right Livelihood, as it is pure and its production does not harm any being Durva Grass (long life grass) represents the eight bundles of grass that the grass cutter, Tashi, offered to the Buddha and from which the Buddha made the seat on which he meditated when he gained full awakening. It also represents Right Effort, akin to the Buddhas tenacity in striving to achieve Enlightenment. (long life grass) represents the eight bundles of grass that the grass cutter, Tashi, offered to the Buddha and from which the Buddha made the seat on which he meditated when he gained full awakening. It also represents Right Effort, akin to the Buddhas tenacity in striving to achieve Enlightenment. Bilwa Fruit : This was Brahmas gift to the Buddha. It also represents Right Action, which is the cause for virtuous deeds to fruition. : This was Brahmas gift to the Buddha. It also represents Right Action, which is the cause for virtuous deeds to fruition. Right Turning Conch : This represents Indras gift to the Buddha, requesting him to turn the wheel of Dharma. It also represents Right Speech, which is the sound of the pure Buddhadharma. : This represents Indras gift to the Buddha, requesting him to turn the wheel of Dharma. It also represents Right Speech, which is the sound of the pure Buddhadharma. Vermillion powder or tilaka (sacred mark of red cinnabar) was applied to the Buddhas forehead by Kargyel, a Brahmin astrologer. It represents Right Contemplation or meditative equipoise. or tilaka (sacred mark of red cinnabar) was applied to the Buddhas forehead by Kargyel, a Brahmin astrologer. It represents Right Contemplation or meditative equipoise. White Mustard Seeds : This was Vajrapanis offering to Buddha Shakyamuni and represents Right View, i.e. the ability to destroy all wrong views. The mirror, medicine and yogurt signify pacifying activities while the durva grass, bilwa fruit and conch shell represent the activities of increase. The vermillion powder represents the activity of control and the white mustard seeds symbolize wrathful activity. The Eight Auspicious Signs The Eight Auspicious Signs are: Precious Umbrella : Represents the activities that save us from lifes obstacles (e.g. sickness, contagious diseases, spirit possessions, interferers). : Represents the activities that save us from lifes obstacles (e.g. sickness, contagious diseases, spirit possessions, interferers). Golden Fish : Represents the state of fearlessness and happiness. : Represents the state of fearlessness and happiness. Lotus : Represents purity and renunciation. : Represents purity and renunciation. Treasure Vase : Represents longevity, wealth and prosperity. : Represents longevity, wealth and prosperity. Right Turning Conch : Represents the beautiful, far reaching sound of Dharma, the spread of Buddhas doctrine. : Represents the beautiful, far reaching sound of Dharma, the spread of Buddhas doctrine. Mystical Knot : Represents the union of wisdom and method. It also symbolizes the Buddhas infinite wisdom. : Represents the union of wisdom and method. It also symbolizes the Buddhas infinite wisdom. Victory Banner : Represents the Buddhas victory over the four maras (demons). : Represents the Buddhas victory over the four maras (demons). Dharma Wheel : Represents the preciousness of the turning of the Wheel of Dharma in any realm. The Seven Royal Emblems The Seven Royal Emblems are: Precious Wheel : Represents the turning of the Dharma Wheel or the teaching of Buddhas doctrine. : Represents the turning of the Dharma Wheel or the teaching of Buddhas doctrine. Precious Jewel : Represents the fulfillment of all wishes. : Represents the fulfillment of all wishes. Precious Queen : Her beauty and love for her husband represents the radiating joy of Buddhas Enlightenment. : Her beauty and love for her husband represents the radiating joy of Buddhas Enlightenment. Precious Minister : Represents the support of the laity that helps sustain the monastic community. : Represents the support of the laity that helps sustain the monastic community. Precious Elephant : Represents strength, specifically of the mind. : Represents strength, specifically of the mind. Precious Horse : Represents Buddhas renunciation, as it is able to travel among the clouds. : Represents Buddhas renunciation, as it is able to travel among the clouds. Precious General : Represents the wrathful power to overcome enemies. Gegtor Gegtor, also known as the torma for the obstructers, are offerings to unseen beings to bind and send them far away so that they do not create any mischief that can obstruct the puja. The ritual master will recite the mantra OM SUMBHANI SUMBHANI HUM GRIHANA GRIHANA HUM to inform the obstructors of Yamantakas and Dorje Shugdens power, and that they should comply with his reqeusts. Holding up the gegtor, he first turns it clockwise thrice to symbolize binding the beings then anti-clockwise thrice to indicate that they should leave the puja area. Then, the puja assistant takes the gegtor outside, ushering the beings out of the prayer hall. Tibetan Auspicious Rice and Butter Tea Symbolizing auspiciousness, Tibetan Auspicious Rice or dresil, is usually served during special occasions and celebrations. It is made with rice, droma (a Tibetan root), butter, dried fruits, nuts and sugar. Typically, offering verses will be recited and some rice is thrown into the air before it is consumed. Tibetan Butter Tea or bo ja has a unique taste as it is not sweet like the usual milk tea. Traditionally made from pu-erh tea bricks, yak butter, yak milk, water and salt, it is consumed several times a day by Tibetans as it is believed to have health benefits, especially for those residing at high altitudes. Who is Gyenze? >> Back to Tabs OKLAHOMA CITY Lawmakers should put all options on the table as they struggle to find solutions to the states budget problems, the chairman of the Tulsa Regional Chamber said Wednesday during a visit to the Capitol. We met with Gov. Fallin, Phil Albert said. She made a tremendous presentation regarding the magnitude of the cuts to state agencies, and we absolutely agree it is a revenue issue. Between 225 and 250 members of the chambers OneVoice coalition met with policymakers to discuss the organizations agenda and the issues facing the state. OneVoice is a state and federal lobbying effort spearheaded by the Tulsa Regional Chamber. The meeting came a day after state officials declared a revenue failure for the current fiscal year and announced that the hole in next years budget increased to $878 million from $868 million. Fallin has proposed applying the state sales tax to services, increasing the gasoline and diesel tax and hiking the tax on a pack of cigarettes by $1.50. We do not have a board policy on most of those things, said Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber. The group heard from Fallin, legislative leaders and agency personnel. We applaud the governors leadership and willingness to step out in front of this critical issue, Albert said. He said he believes there is an intent among members of the House and Senate to cooperate and find a solution to the states budget problems. Jeff Dunn, past chairman of the Tulsa-area group, agreed. There is a true sense of bipartisan cooperation, he said. Wes Mitchell, Tulsa Regional Chamber vice chair of education and work force, said education is the organizations top issue again this year. The state needs to invest in teachers and the secondary and post-secondary education system, he said, adding that the investment is critical to build a work force and attract businesses. Several teacher pay raise plans have been filed in the Legislature, but lawmakers have yet to strike a deal on how to pay for the increases. Dan Sullivan, vice chairman of government affairs for the Tulsa Regional Chamber, said education, supporting cities and supporting businesses are at the top of the agenda. On the city side of it, we put a great amount of emphasis on making sure cities have some stable forms of income and the tax base remains steady, said Sullivan, a former member of the Oklahoma House. On the supporting businesses, we look at economic incentives that are working and producing real investment in the state. Neal said another critical issue is criminal justice reform. If the state does not make changes, it will have $1.9 billion in new corrections spending in the next 10 years, Neal said. And we simply cannot afford that, he said. Finally, the state needs to do something in the area of health care, because it cannot afford to lose rural hospitals or have major institutions under-funded, Neal said. We have got to be able to come up with a solution to addressing long-term health-care needs, he said. A Suits spinoff series is in development in the US, to centre on Jessica Pearson, played by Gina Torres. The untitled project comes after her exit from Suits midway through season six, with Torres keen to return to Los Angeles (Suits shoots in Toronto). But according to the Hollywood Reporter sources caution it is extremely early in the development process and USA Network has not yet been pitched the project. Now in its sixth season, Suits currently ranks as USAs longest-running show. Stars Sarah Rafferty and Rick Hoffman visited Australia earlier this month for the Universal channel. Ahmedabad, Feb 23 (IBNS) : Four legislators, including a woman BJP minister, were injured when a clash broke out inside the Gujarat Assembly between opposition Congress and the ruling party members during the budget session proceedings on Thursday, reports said. Speaker Ramanlal Vora adjourned the House amid a free-for-all scene. All hell broke loose when amid a heated exchange between two sides over farmers' suicide in the state, the legislators reportedly dislodged microphones and damaged other interiors of the House. Members of the Treasury bench and the Opposition accused each other of being abusive. The ruling BJP accused Congress MLA Baldev Thakor of hitting minister of state for women and child welfare Nirmala Wadhwani, | By Mary T. Phelan As a University of Maryland School of Medicine student shadowing doctors in the pediatric unit at the University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus, Deepanjali Jain knows firsthand that oftentimes patients suffering from chronic illnesses such as asthma and diabetes need more than just medical attention. "Youll be looking at somebodys chart and theyll have ER [emergency room] admissions for their chronic asthma exacerbations three times over the past two years. Those are preventable things, Jain told State Delegate Charles E. Sydnor III, JD, a 2000 graduate of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, as she and School of Nursing student Elizabeth Beeson and Heather Congdon, PharmD, BCPS, CDE, assistant dean for the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy at the Universities at Shady Grove and co-director of the UMB Center for Interprofessional Education, sat in the lawmakers office. If there are social factors going on, thats where youre going to need to pull in social work, law, or nursing, Jain explained. From left, Heather Congdon, Elizabeth Beeson, Del. Charles E. Sydnor III, and Deepanjali Jain. Jain and Beeson were among a group of 16 students representing the University of Maryland, Baltimores (UMB) schools of Medicine, Nursing, Social Work, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Law. They joined UMB President Jay A. Perman, MD, and other faculty members for Interprofessional Education (IPE) Advocacy Day in Annapolis Feb. 21. (View a photo gallery.) Other attendees included School of Medicine students Daniel Imas and Kaylie Miller; School of Nursing students Keisha Bates, Khondaker Rifat Bhaskar, and Niya Ross; School of Social Work students Elizabeth Hoey, Sara Rudolph, and Constance Scott; School of Pharmacy students Bahareh Ghorashi, Eli Inscoe, Pamela Younes, and Alexander Joachim; Carey School of Law student Yelitza Conover; and School of Dentistry dental hygiene student Daniel Kwon. They were assisted by Kevin Kelly, JD, chief government affairs officer and associate vice president at UMB, and Melanie Moore, program administrative specialist. In past years, representatives from each of UMBs schools traveled to Annapolis on school-specific advocacy days. Each school operated in its own silo, said Perman, rather than promoting a multidisciplinary team-based approach to health care. We were sending the wrong message, he told students before they were divided into teams and dispatched to legislative offices. Del. Antonio Hayes, who represents Baltimore, also provided welcoming remarks. We have in these United States, a growing population with chronic diseases, continued Perman, who conducts his own interprofessional education clinic on a weekly basis. We have an increasing number of seniors, who have by definition with the aging process, multiple issues. And we have a lot of unfortunate people in this country, some right outside the doors of the campus, he said. They dont need simply a diagnosis and the proper prescription. If you think that because you prescribed the proper therapy youre done, youre not done, if you really care about making the patient well. You want to get the job done, you need each other. When meeting with legislators, the students and Perman proposed creating a pilot program that may be introduced in the 2018 General Assembly session that would bring team-based health care to an underserved region such as Prince Georges County or Western Maryland, to aid patients suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes and asthma. People with chronic diseases are the heaviest users of health care, and when their diseases are not managed well, are the heaviest users of the most expensive health care: emergency and inpatient treatment. Evidence shows that patients with chronic illnesses receiving team-based care make fewer emergency department visits than those receiving traditional care and are hospitalized less frequently. I think its a great idea, and any way we can help, I will help, Sen. Ronald Young, representing Washington and Frederick counties, told the students who visited his office, offering his support for a team-based care pilot program. Your work is very important, Sen. Craig Zucker of Montgomery County told another team of students. I always say you dont need to be in elected office to be in public service. Trying to manage a patients medical condition while ignoring social services issues the patient may be experiencing is putting a Band-Aid on a bullet wound, said School of Medicine student Imas. There is only so much you can do in an office visit. Often in her clinics, law student Conover said she would see a client who needs help with a legal issue, but also needs additional assistance in other matters. Ill find out that they have a medical issue, too, or a social issue and Ill need the help of students at the other schools, like the School of Social Work. she said. Ive been seeing that every day and coming here today I see that were all here to work together as a team. Mumbai, Feb 23 (IBNS) : In a tough battle, the Shiv Sena remained a clear leader capturing 92 seats of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), ahead of the main rival BJP, but was still 20 short of the halfway mark of 114 required to rule the civic body with the result of only 20 seats remaining to be announced. The BJP has so far bagged 75 BMC seats, far surpassing its previous record of 31, while it was a disaster for Congress which is in a distant third position. The BJP is also doing well in other municipalities in the state. It has wrested Pune from Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party and is ahead in Solapur, Amravati, Nashik and Nagpur as counting for nine other Maharashtra civic bodies are also underway. According to media reports, the Sena, which ruled the BMC, country's riches civic body for 20 years, has said it will not take the support of the BJP, its estranged partner. This leaves speculations open for a post-electoral tie-up between the Sena and its breakaway faction Maharashtra Nirman Sena (MSN), led by Raj Thackeray. The BMC has 227 seats. The average voting in the Maharashtra municipal polls held on Tuesday was 56.40 per cent, against 48.59 per cent for the same in 2012. A crowd gathers at a camp for internally displaced people in Maiduguri, Nigeria, during a visit by UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi in December 2016. UNHCR/Simi Vijay MAIDUGURI, Nigeria The Boko Haram insurgency recently came to the humble home of Bintu in north-east Nigeria and turned her already hard life upside down. My husband was slaughtered by the insurgents at our farm in Ngorodole, the 30-year-old recalled recently in a camp for displaced persons in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state. She quickly decided to leave her village near the Cameroonian border and head to safety in Maiduguri with her four children. I feel secure here, but would rather be at home, she confided. Many others like her long for the security situation to improve throughout the north-east so that they can return home. I feel secure here, but would rather be at home. Some 950,000 internally displaced people (IDP) have returned to their home areas of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states since August 2015, and tens of thousands of Nigerians, including refugees, are estimated to have returned from neighbouring Cameroon, Chad and Niger. Many displaced Nigerians wish to return home when conditions improve, but the security situation remains precarious in many areas of origin, despite major gains by the military last year that have improved access to some areas. A major international conference tomorrow in Oslo on displacement in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Region will discuss the situation and possibilities for return. Participants will also discuss ways to strengthen the protection and solutions environment for the affected communities. Donor nations are expected to pledge fresh funds. UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi will address the meeting. Sustainable and durable return will depend on a number of factors. For example, there is a desperate need to rebuild core infrastructure, ensure access to basic services and revive local economies and food production as well as rebuild trust and foster reconciliation among affected people. Many of those who have sought to return home have found themselves in situations of secondary displacement, highlighting the continuing risks that the Boko Haram insurgency poses. The importance of ensuring voluntary and sustainable returns in safety and dignity cannot be overemphasized." Urgent action is needed to create a solutions environment, as well as to assist those, like Bintu, who remain in displacement. A large number of those staying in camps in north-eastern Nigeria are women and children. The government, supported by the UN, is stepping up efforts to reunite families who may have been separated during the conflict. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has also intensified training of aid workers, local government officials and community leaders to help in response and rebuilding, especially in Borno state, where the crisis is most severe and the insurgency threat most potent. The importance of ensuring voluntary and sustainable returns in conditions of safety and dignity, and to avoid secondary displacement as returnees search for basic needs, including food, shelter and medical care, cannot be overemphasized, said Brigitte Mukanga Eno, UNHCRs acting representative in Nigeria. She added that premature returns, undertaken before conditions are in place, can give rise to serious protection risks and can undermine longer term peace and recovery efforts. Kolkata, Feb 23 (IBNS): Metro rail service in Kolkata was disrupted for nearly 15 minutes on Thursday morning as a 750 MW power station of Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC) went out of order, reports said. According to reports, three power units of CESC's Budge Budge power station, which supplies power to Kolkata mostly, had suddenly stopped working at around 9:53 am. Due to the power-snap, supply of electricity was disrupted as several locations in north, south and central part of the city. Power supply was also affected at a few hospitals in Kolkata due to the power glitch. "Following a network disturbance, all the three power units of the 750 MW Budge Budge power station of CESC tripped this morning at 9:53 am," a senior CESC official said. Later, CESC took power from West Bengal State Electricity Board and brought the situation under control soon. "Restoration of emergency supply began immediately and key supplies were restored in stages in most places within 15 minutes. All supplies were restored by about 10:30 am," the official added. Meanwhile, Kolkata Metro service was disrupted due to the power cut and thousands of passengers were stranded underground during peak office hour as metro rakes got stuck inside the tunnel and at several stations, according to reports. CPRO of Kolkata Metro, Indrani Banerjee, told IBNS: "As power supply was stopped due to CESC's power cut, metro service was disrupted from 9:53 am. to 10:08 am." "The incident was very unfortunate for Kolkata metro and CESC as well. We, however, run extra trains to normalize the metro service," Indrani Banerjee said. However, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called for a high-level meeting at the state secretariat at Nabanna to discuss the matter. (Reporting by Deepayan Sinha, Image: Facebook) New Delhi, Feb 23 (IBNS): The Government of India and the State of Sikkim signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under the Scheme Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) on Thursday, for operational improvement of the Stateas Power Distribution Department. With the signing of MoU, the total number of States covered under UDAY has reached twenty-two. Sikkim would derive an Overall Net Benefit of approximately Rs. 356 crores through UDAY by way of cheaper funds, reduction in AT&C and transmission losses, interventions in energy efficiency, etc. during the period of turnaround. The MoU paves way for improving operational efficiency of the Power Distribution department of the State. AT&C losses and transmission losses would be brought down through compulsory distribution transformer metering, consumer indexing & GIS mapping of losses, upgrade/change transformers, meters etc., smart metering of high-end consumers, feeder audit etc., besides eliminating the gap between cost of supply of power and realisation. The reduction in AT&C losses and transmission losses to 15% and 3.50% respectively is likely to bring additional revenue of around Rs. 328 crores. Demand Side interventions in UDAY such as usage of energy-efficient LED bulbs, agricultural pumps, fans & air-conditioners and efficient industrial equipment through PAT (Perform, Achieve, Trade) would help in reducing peak load, flatten load curve and thus help in reducing energy consumption in the State of Sikkim. The gain is expected to be around Rs.25 crores. While efforts will be made by the Power Distribution Department of the State to improve their operational efficiency, and thereby reduce the cost of supply of power, the Central government would also provide incentives to the State Government for improving Power infrastructure in the State and for further lowering the cost of power. "The Central schemes such as DDUGJY, IPDS, Power Sector Development Fund (PSDF) or such other schemes of Ministry of Power and Ministry of New & Renewable Energy are already providing funds for improving Power Infrastructure in the State and additional/priority funding would be considered under these schemes, if the State/DISCOMs meet the operational milestones outlined in the scheme. Further, with improved efficiency, the State Power department would be in a better position to borrow funds at cheaper rates for Power infrastructure development/improvement in the State," reaad a government statement. The ultimate benefit of signing the MOU would go to the people of Sikkim. Reduced levels of transmission and AT&C losses would mean lesser cost per unit of electricity to consumers. Further, financially and operationally healthy State Power Distribution department would be in a position to supply more power. Higher demand for power would mean higher PLF of generating units and therefore, lesser cost per unit of electricity which would again mean lesser cost per unit of electricity to the consumers. The scheme would also allow speedy availability of cheaper power to households in the State that are still without electricity. "Availability of 24*7 power to hitherto unconnected villages/households etc. would boost the economy, provide more employment opportunities for the people of the State and thereby, improve the standard of living of the people of the State," read a statement. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College helps low income students afford college with their new grant program.The said program will be providing eligible students up to $1,000 to cover the costs of tuition and $1,000 for the books. The grant is intended for graduates of Cincinnati Public Schools who are full time and degree-seeking students at Cincinnati State, Cincinnati.com reported. The students who will be eligible for the grant are the ones who are qualified for a federal Pell Grant. The program is entitled "Be Great High School Grants" program, and the Cincinnati State Foundation is the one that is funding it. It will start in the academic year 2017-2018. It was last Tuesday when Cincinnati State and public school district officials hosted a press conference to announce the new program. About 75 percent of high school students who are enrolled in CPS are economically disadvantaged, according to 700 WLW, and this report is based on the data from the Ohio Department of Education. This new program is going to be such a big help to the low income students who aspire to attend higher education and earn a degree. Monica Posey, the president of the Cincinnati State said that the program will be beneficial to a lot of CPS students who might have a difficulty pursuing a degree. She also said that it is about building the future of their region because they will be able to help provide students with opportunities to develop the skills that will be required of them in the future by their employers. The students who will be eligible for the grant and will be able to complete a two-year degree at Cincinnati State can have the chance to transfer to the University of Cincinnati. This can be made possible through the Cincinnati Pride Grant Program. The University of Kansas is extending its hand to a few community colleges in the area. Butler Community College in particular is taking this step to pave the way for its college students to earn dual degrees. Butler Community College initially does not offer such options. With the help of University of Kansas School of Nursing, Butler and three other Kansas community colleges are set to launch a new program that allows students to earn dual degrees simultaneously. Butler Community College primarily offers associate degree level courses only. Aside from its links with University of Kansas, the institution is also partnering with Ottawa University on a business degree initiative that is launching this fall, as reported by The Wichita Business Journal. Butler's students can receive an associate's degree in business administration and at the same time take additional courses from Ottawa University to earn a bachelor's degree in business administration. The degree also concentrates in marketing. Butler and three other Kansas community colleges are taking this route in order to provide opportunities for their students to obtain much more advanced degrees. With the University of Kansas School of Nursing partnership, these colleges are also enabling students to grab the opportunity to address shortages in nursing employment and medical degrees. University of Kansas is making its mark in the educational field, as well. Aside from partnering with local community colleges, University of Kansas is also making strides abroad. A group of University of Kansas researchers are examining how female Vietnamese leaders are represented in the Vietnamese media, as reported by the University of Kansas. Stereotypes are found in such media coverages. The study looks into the subject of gender bias. Because the University of Kansas is considered to be a major comprehensive research and teaching university, the study finds that the media influences public perceptions of gender bias. Watch the video below of Prof. Mary Meyer, KU Nursing as she talks about what students learn in the nursing program: Getting a divorce in Mississippi is considered to be tougher than most states. Mississippi is only one of the two states in the United States that does not have a true "no-fault divorce" law. In this case, a spouse who does not want a divorce can delay the procedure for a longer period. In some cases, divorce proceedings can take more than a decade. Which is why reports indicate that there are those making an effort in the Legislature to make small reforms to Mississippi's divorce law. One spouse expressed that Saudi Arabia can provide a divorce if one wants it but, in Mississippi, she is in the mercy of the other spouse, as reported by the Ledger-Enquirer. Another spouse notes that she has to get her husband's permission to get a divorce and she fears for her safety. Which is why Deborah Bell, the dean of University of Mississippi Law School, who is considered to be an expert of the Mississippi divorce law, recommends that the spouse should adopt a middle ground between short-term, no-fault divorce and the current fault-based system. She explains that this new ground can be based on long-term separation. This is another route in the divorce process. Under the Mississippi divorce law, a spouse who condones or forgives marital faults such as domestic violence can not get a divorce unless the act happens again. This means the act of cruelty should have clear and convincing proof that it is a habitual act. Regardless of Bell's recommendation, women from Mississippi still find it quite difficult to get a divorce and they hope that the legislative process gets revisions soon. It does not only take time but also resources - which is particularly expensive. According to the Sun Herald, the process traps spouses and children in abusive and dangerous environments. Want to know more about the University of Mississippi Law School? Check out the official university promo video of the Robert C Khayat Law Center: Investigators from the Department of Education's Civil Rights will be paying Cornell University a visit next week. The announcement comes in the midst of the school's sixth open Title IX violation investigation. USA Today College reported that Cornell University has the most Title IX violation investigations that any other higher education institution in the nation. Cornell's Title IX coordinator Sarah Affel admitted that the U.S. Education Department's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is reviewing the university's compliance with Title IX. Affel said in an email that representatives from OCR will be going to the school on Feb. 28 and Mar. 1. They will be reviewing the compliance of the school by conducting focus groups and holding private office hours. Moreover, students are encouraged to provide OCR with direct feedback. Within this week, students on the Ithaca campus will be receiving an email with additional details on the meeting times and locations. According to a Title IX project consisting of archived public records by The Chronicle of Higher Education, Cornell University has six open Title IX violation investigations. The latest case was opened last Jan. 25, 2017. The Cornell Daily Sun noted that investigations against the university include claims that the school ignored key evidence and failed to respond promptly and fairly. Cornell was also alleged to have discriminated against a student based on race, color or ethnicity. Cornell overtook Indiana University of Bloomington which has five open cases. It was clarified that investigations do not automatically meant that a school has violated Title IX. It only meant that the OCR has found the need to gather more evidence and investigate. A complaint, which was filed on behalf of a Cornell student last Aug. 2016, claimed that the university discriminated against the student. It stated that, during the investigation, the judicial administrator disregarded polygraph results and asked inappropriate questions, among others. Cornell was also said to have failed to review evidence of inconsistencies in a student's account of the incident. Mnipur encounter: Tribal woman, Naga militant killed Following a tip off, 2/5 Gorkha Rifles men conducted search operation at Khoupum Chingthak area in Noney district on Thursday morning. When the troops reached the remote area, suspected militants who hid at the area fired at them. The army personnel then retaliated. During the encounter, a militant and a tribal woman were killed. Manipur police said that, the tribal woman was identified as 50-year old Adingu Rongmei. Two days back, a security personnel was injured when suspected NSCN (IM) militants fired at a police party deployed for the visit of Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam in the newly created district. The militants also attacked on the Gaikhangam's cavalcade, but the Manipur Deputy CM escaped unhurt. Manipur is going to assembly polls on March 4 and 8 in two phases. The north eastern Indian state witnessed several problems including scarcity of essential commodities, petroleum products, drugs following the ongoing economic blockade imposed by the United Naga Council (UNC) since November 1 last. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) Two more sexual assaults at the University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign have been reported to the police over the Presidents Day weekend. However, the school has not issued safety alerts to its campus community even after several attacks earlier this month. According to the Chicago Tribune, the sexual assaults were said to have taken place last Friday and Saturday. A woman reported that she was attacked by a man at the Kappa Alpha Theta house around 9 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday, a student reported about being sexually assaulted at a campus residence hall. The University of Illinois police crime log and blotter revealed that the attack happened about 6:45 p.m. There were at least three other sexual assault reports that the campus police received this month. UIPD spokesperson Patrick Wade did not discuss the status of the investigations. He did, however, say that a lot of factors influenced the decision to notify the campus community about sexual assaults. Wade noted that the threat to public safety is lessened when the police department is able to identify, interview and arrest an offender. There are some survivors, though, who request that they do not contact anyone or not go through an investigation. It is during these times that they issue warnings since the assailant is still a public safety concern. Earlier this month, NBC Chicago reported that the University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign police department issued a letter about sexual assaults after three cases were reported within about a week. The campus police used mass emails to send out the public safety notices on Feb. 6, Feb. 9 and Feb. 12. The letter stated how sexual assault reports are handled by campus officials and also addressed concerns about what the University of Illinois is doing to prevent such attacks. It also shared what types of services and support are available for students. The disappearance of Surface Pro 3 from Microsoft online store has intensified the speculation that Surface Pro 5 is just around the corner. Did Microsoft discontinued the third-gen 2-in-1 tablet and left traces of its release date? Read more! Microsoft Reportedly Killed Off Surface Pro 3 Last two days, the refurbished Surface Pro 3 is widely available for sale in Amazon with major price cut. On the same day, Tech Radar reported the disappearance of the third-gen 2-in-1 tablet from Microsoft online store that further leads to the speculation about the alleged product discontinuation. The reported disappearance of Surface Pro 3 has been spotted first from the Microsoft online stores in Australia, US and UK. The report claims that although the buy links are available through Google's search result, they automatically redirect to Microsoft's pages leaving no traces of the device. However, since Surface Pro 3 can already be considered as obsolete hardware-wise, the discontinuation could make sense for Microsoft's part. But since the Windows-maker company releases a firmware update for its respectable tablet last Jan. 30, silently killing It off has made the fans wondered. Microsoft Has Reportedly Started Surface Pro 5 Production Proofs of Surface Pro 5 existence have surfacing the internet but the most substantial one is taken from the LinkedIn profile of Microsoft's product designer Toby Fitch. According to Droid Report, there's a part of Fitch's profile that says he is working for a Microsoft project but it has been taken down immediately. Netizens have been quick enough and immediately suspect that Surface Pro 5 is indeed on its way. Aside from the fact that Fitch has accidentally revealed about the new device, Fitch has been working with Microsoft since June and his team is said to be focusing on the design for the product models. As of now, it has become difficult to confirm the exact launching date of Surface Pro because Microsoft has launched its predecessors in May, June, September and October of different year. However, October is the most probable month for the launching if it's going to be based from last year's major event. February 23 2017 Photography by Cadzow/Pelosi Roberston Construction have handed over an 8.8m primary school on North Uist to Comhairle nan Eilean Siarl, the seventh to be opened by the local authority in the past six years.Sgoil Uibhist a Tuath was designed by 3DReid Architects, in the logistically challenging environment of the Western Isles, to deliver childcare, early years and primary education in addition to a base for community activities.The school was procured through procured through Scape Groups National Major Works framework, a public sector built environment specialist.In a statement the architects said: The form of the building takes the appearance of a rectangular A with the central facilities on the middle crosspiece facing both the entrance court and sheltering wall and the internal court, the library at the topmost crosspiece facing into the internal court, the classrooms facing outward and the corridors inward to the court on either leg connecting the crosspieces and the ancillary accommodation and nursery on the projecting arms either side of the entrance court.Within this model intervisibility was provided across the internal court between the central facilities, the library and linking corridors which were themselves provided with glazed screens into the classrooms and activity spaces. The greater ceiling height requirement of the gym was extended over the central facilities to create a distinct box of different character and providing honorific status or civic presence to the building. Guwahati, Feb 23 (IBNS): Security forces apprehended a NSCN (K) militant and three Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam on Thursday. According to the reports, security forces on Thursday apprehended a NSCN (K) militant from Arunachal Pradeshs Wakka area. Kohima based Defence PRO Colonel Chiranjeet Konwer said that, following tip-off the Khonsa Battalion under the aegis of DAO division conducted an operation at Wakka village about presence of cadre trying to terrorize and carryout extortion in the area and apprehended the Naga militant. The militant was identified as Pansai Pansa and security personnel recovered a pistol and live ammunition. Security forces has been carrying out aggressive operations in the South Arunachal Pradesh and this apprehension has struck a blow to the extortion activities being carried out by the underground cadres of the group in the area. On the other hand, security personnel apprehended three militants of Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) from Assams Kokrajhar district. Based on intelligence input, police and army launched an operation at Devdevi village near Fakiragram and nabbed the militants identified as Hujendra Barman, Bijoy Baruah and Hiteswari Baruah. Security forces recovered a 12 bore rifle and ammunition in possession from them. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) Published: February 23, 2017 Author to Discuss Networking and Relationship Building at UT March 14 Author and media personality Kelly Hoey will discuss networking and relationship building in the digital age during a presentation at The University of Tampa on Tuesday, March 14. Hoey will offer a new approach to networking as more than just schmoozing and LinkedIn. The presentation will provide innovative insights into strategies to help form genuine relationships and how to use your network to accomplish any goal. The presentation will be held from 4:306:30 p.m. in the Vaughn Center Crescent Club. Hoeys talk is part of the series Todays Entrepreneurial Women: A Series Exploring the Power of Women in Business, which is sponsored by UTs John P. Lowth Entrepreneurship Center in the Sykes College of Business. Hoey, author of Build Your Dream Network (TarcherPerigee, 2017), has been featured in Forbes (1 of 5 Women Changing the World of VC/Entrepreneurship) and Fast Company (25 Smartest Women on Twitter). Shes also appeared on CNBCs Power Pitch, is an Inc.com columnist and tweets frequently (@jkhoey). Hoeys career started in corporate law before transitioning to the management side of Big Law. After that, she co-founded a startup accelerator, took on the CMO role with an emerging tech company and went on to become an author, influencer, investor and professional speaker. In addition to her portfolio of angel investments (Levo League, Hullabalu, Smigin, CloudPeeps, flowthings.io), she is a limited partner in two funds (Laconia Capital Group and Lattice Ventures) and an advisor to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. In addition to these professional pursuits, Hoey is the chief tech ambassador for the New York City YWCA Girls Geek Club. Reservations are requested due to limited seating. RSVPs are due March 7, 2017. To register, go to https://TodaysENTWomen2017.eventbrite.com. Any questions can be emailed to ecenter@ut.edu. The event is free to UT students and $25 for community guests (includes a copy of Hoeys book). Corporate sponsorships are $250 (includes four event tickets and company logo on event materials). Mumbai, Feb 23 (IBNS): In its best ever performance in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has managed to bag the second position with just two seats behind its estranged ally Shiv Sena in Mumbai. The BJP has secured 82 seats while the Shiv Sena bagged 84. Soon after the brilliant performance in the state, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis tweeted: "Congratulations & Thank You to people of #Mumbai & Maharashtra for showing faith in #BJP led State & Central Govt. #ParivartanHonarach." Acknowledging BJP's win in several new places, Fadnavis tweeted: "This is a historical win in true sense. Our success in ZP elections is also remarkable. And BJP won seats for the first time at many places." He congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the win. "This is victory is of Hon PM @narendramodi ji's vision & BJP's agenda of transparency. I dedicate this victory to the people of Maharashtra," he posted. "The number of seats we (BJP) alone won in Maharashtra's Municipal Corporations is equal to sum of all seats of all parties," he wrote. "Congratulations to all karyakartas who worked day in day out to make this victory possible, State President, MPs, MLAs & my colleagues," he tweeted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also thanked the people of Maharashtra for the historic performance of BJP. "BJP is unwavering in the resolve to serve Maharashtra with unparalleled diligence, transparency & taking the state to even greater heights," he tweeted. "Extremely thankful to the sisters & brothers of Maharashtra for reposing their faith in BJP & in politics of development & good governance," he posted. Congratulating Fadnavis, he wrote: "I congratulate the entire team of @BJP4Maharashtra, CM @Dev_Fadnavis & @raosahebdanve for working tirelessly among the people." "It has been a great start to 2017! First the unprecedented support in Odisha & now the overwhelming blessings from people of Maharashtra," he said. Though Sena is two seats ahead in Mumbai, the BJP emerged as a winner across the state. Shiv Sena will fall short of majority at 114 seats in the 227-seat BMC. The Congress and the NCP bagged 31 and 6 seats respectively, in the 227-member BMC, latest reports said. Seen as a mini Assembly polls, the results are a big relief for Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who led the campaign and had said that he would take responsibility for any defeat and give credit for victory to the entire BJP team. Shiv Sena captured 84 seats of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), ahead of the main rival BJP which is only two seats behind. The halfway mark of 114 is required to rule the civic body. The BJP did well in other municipalities in the state. It has wrested Pune from Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party and is ahead in Solapur, Amravati, Nashik and Nagpur as counting for nine other Maharashtra civic bodies are also underway. According to media reports, the Sena, which ruled the BMC, country's richest civic body for 20 years, has said it will not take the support of the BJP, its estranged partner. The average voting in the Maharashtra municipal polls held on Tuesday was 56.40 per cent, against 48.59 per cent for the same in 2012. Taking moral responsibility for Congress' poor performance in the BMC polls, the party's Mumbai unit chief Sanjay Nirupam on Thursday offered to resign from his post. In 2012 the Congress had won 52 wards of the corporation. Media reports said while talking to reporters, Nirupam criticised the party leaders in the city who, he said, wished that the Congress lose the elections. "In their aim to defeat me, they caused immense harm to the party," he said. New York, Feb 23 (Just Earth News): Sounding the alarm on behalf of more than 20 million people in South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, and north-east Nigeria facing devastating levels of food insecurity, Secretary-General AntAnio Guterres joined other top United Nations officials on Wednesday calling for astrong and urgenta action from the international community to help the already-fragile countries avert catastrophe. Famine is already a reality in parts of South Sudan. Unless we act now, it is only a matter of time until it affects other areas and other countries. We are already facing a tragedy; we must avoid it becoming a catastrophe, said the Secretary-General, stressing: This is preventable if the international community takes decisive action. Briefing the press at UN Headquarters in New York alongside the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O'Brien, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator, Helen Clark, and by video conference, the Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Ertharin Cousin, Guterres said the UN needs at least $4.4 billion by the end of March to avert a catastrophe. Despite some generous pledges, just $90 million has actually been received so far around two cents for every dollar needed. We are at the beginning of the year, but these numbers are very worrying, he said: The lives of millions of people depend on our collective ability to act. In our world of plenty, there is no excuse for inaction or indifference. In South Sudan, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners aim to assist 5.8 million people this year; in Somalia, 5.5 million people and in Yemen 8.3 million. In north-east Nigeria, humanitarians are reaching more than two million people with food assistance. These four crises are very different, but are all preventable. They all stem from conflict, which we must do much more to prevent and resolve, he said, urging all members of the international community to step up and do whatever is in their power, whether that is mobilizing support, exerting political pressure on parties to conflict, or funding humanitarian operations. Saving lives is the first priority, but we are also looking to build longer-term resilience to shocks, Guterres said, noting that UNDP Administrator and the Emergency Relief Coordinator will set up a steering committee to link the UN Development Group and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee for humanitarian assistance to ensure a coordinated long-term approach. Speaking next, OBrien, who is also the UN Under-Secretary-General for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, reemphasized the ongoing effort to ensure that development and humanitarian partners will work together to tackle these crises. We want to help people survive, he said, but we also want to help them build more durable solutions so they will not be left in vulnerable situations. He went on to stress that almost 1.4 million children are at imminent risk of death from severe acute malnutrition this year, as famine looms in the four countries, an issue spotlighted yesterday by UNICEF. He said that catastrophe can be averted if action is taken now. The funding noted by the Secretary-General must be made available by the end of March to make a difference. We are ready to scale up [] with brave and committed aid workers already in place. Miss Clark noted that the way forward on the four crises would very much reflect the new way of working among relief and development agencies agreed by the 2016 UN World Humanitarian Summit, which stressed that the priority is saving lives and part of saving lives is building resilience for the future. For her part, Cousin said that in each of these four countries, the plans are in place and the people are prepared to perform the work that is necessary. What we need is the resources and the access. Acting now, before we reach the height of the lean season in these countries will ensure our ability to provide the support that is necessary to avoid what we all see on the horizon, which is a famine in each one of these countries if we fail to act, she stated. Carla Mucavi, the Director of UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Liaison Office in New York, and Justin Forsyth, the Deputy Executive Director of the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF), also attended the briefing. Photo: UNICEF/Rich Source: www.justearthnews.com New York, Feb 23 (Just Earth News): Multilateral cooperation is the only way to achieve peace, security and stability, and there is no alternative to it, Austriaas Foreign Minister told the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, underscoring the work of his country in its role as the Chair of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). As you can imagine, chairing OSCE is not an easy task, said Sebastian Kurz, Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs of Austria, citing the difficulty in finding consensus among the regional bodys 57 States. Austria has taken over the OSCE chairmanship at a critical moment. Everywhere we look, there are grave threats to peace and security, he added. He said that the Austrian chairmanship will seek to contribute to defusing existing conflicts, create a platform to assists States in their efforts to combat radicalization and violent extremism, and help rebuild trust between the OSCE States. On the crisis in and around Ukraine, he said the OSCE has demonstrated its crucial role in brokering a ceasefire and its special monitoring mission has helped prevent a worsening of the situation. However, support is need to increase the number of monitors on the ground, improve the technical equipment for monitoring and extend the operating hours along the contact line between Government and non-Government armed forces, he said. Austria will also support all efforts to achieve progress on other conflict situations, including those in Transnistria, Georgia and Nagorno-Karabakh. Turning to radicalization and terrorism, he said more than 10,000 people from the OSCE area have joined the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Daesh). The most vulnerable group to be radicalized is youth, Kurz said, adding that he has appointed Peter Neumann, an expert on terrorism, as his special representative on radicalisation. The Austrian chairmanship will also try to resume discussions on conventional arms control in Europe, and seek to launch a structured dialogue on current and future challenges and risks to security in the OSCE area. Cyber security and social and economic cooperation two issues discussed in Vienna recently - are areas where everybody stands to gain from more cooperation, and success in these areas will lead to more trust, he stressed. The same is true for human rights, the rule of law and democracy. Together we can strengthen the cohesiveness and resilience of our societies to better counter threats to our security, he said. In closing, he welcomed the establishment of a UN liaison office in Vienna that would enable even stronger cooperation between the OSCE and the UN. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe Source: www.justearthnews.com Group portrait of the original officers and men of the 11th Battalion, 3rd Brigade AIF (Australian Infantry Division). The group of over 685 soldiers are spread over the side of the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) near Mena camp (taken January 10, 1915) (Image: Australian War Memorial). It is one of the most memorable Anzac photos of World War I, depicting about 700 soldiers of Western Australias 11 Battalion on the Cheops Pyramid at Giza, in Egypt in January 1915.Captain Charles A Barnes, one of the officers in the photograph, made a note in his diary of the event, which is quoted by the Australian War Memorial.After Church this morning the whole Battalion was marched up to the Pyramid (Old Cheops) and we had a photo took or at least several of them, he wrote.Amidst the training undertaken by the men, there was time on Sundays, days off and evenings when leave was granted to visit local sites of interest such as the pyramids, the Citadel and the many mosques in Cairo. The trams struggled to keep up with the demand and local transport such as carriages were heavily used. One of the companys latest innovations, the Absorb stent for the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD), has earned the company accolades from credential organisations and brought a better life to patients in Vietnam and around the globe. Abbotts innovative devices which received many innovation awards is AbsorbTM stent - the world's first fully dissolving heart stent Crucial healthcare innovations Innovation is todays business engine. Companies keep coming out with new solutions. Organisations weigh these solutions and give out titles and awards recognising the companies for their impact on the life of the community. However, companies that have withstood the test of time have been innovating since forever. For more than 125 years of history, Abbott has cemented its identity and growth in advancing technology and scientific innovation, pioneering medical and healthcare practices, empowering people all over the world not only to live longer, but better. In many years, the company has remained a significant force of innovation, discovering and developing new healthcare products and technologies. Its innovations have been the constant companions for many generations around the world. Abbott has been named among the most innovative companies by Fast Company, and has been voted into the Top 100 Global Innovators for the fourth consecutive year by Clarivate. Most recently, Popular Science named Abbotts Absorb disappearing stent and FreeStyle Libre* glucose monitoring systemthe one that saves you a routine probe of a fingeras two of its "Best of What's New" innovations in 2016. Abbott has long been in the business of life, creating more possibilities for an ever-increasing number of people through the power of health. However, this business is not about reflecting on past achievements. It is about relentlessly pursuing new ones. As the company expands its global presence to emerging markets, including Vietnam, it has brought innovative solutions and commits to increase the quality of healthcare to meet the increasing demand in the region. Absorb, a leap in CAD treatment Vietnam is particularly vulnerable to heart disease with currently over 25 per cent of the population aged 25 years old and above having hypertension, according to 2014 data by the World Health Organisation. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death for men and women around the world, in developed and third world countries alike, and CAD is the most common type of heart disease. Heart diseases are on the rise in Vietnam, already impacting nearly 10 per cent of the population. An additional 20 per cent is expected to suffer from heart diseases by 2017, according to an October 2014 publication by the World Cardiovascular Association. One of the treatment methods of CAD is placing a stent to open a blocked artery in the heart, restoring the blood flow and providing relief from symptoms. In the past, doctors often used a metallic stent, which has been proven effective. However, it has a disadvantage in as much as it brings an external object into the body. The patient has to take medicine to prevent blood clotting at the stent, and the stent permanently restricts vessel movement and limits future treatment options. Absorb functions like a permanent metallic stent, with the important difference that it is made of polylactide, a naturally dissolvable material that is commonly used in medical implants, such as dissolving sutures that leave behind a restored vessel in its natural state, free of a permanent implants after two or three years, save two pairs of tiny metallic markers that remain in the artery to enable a physician to see where the device was placed. Absorb is fully dissolved after three years of implantation to patients, leaving nothing behind but a restored vessel Absorb bestowes unique benefits to patients which would not be possible with metallic stents, including increasing the vessels ability to restore to its natural state over time, returning natural vessel motion, the ability to have future interventions at the site, and the natural vessel curvature. Absorb was introduced to Vietnam in December 2012. The first of its kind introduced to Vietnam, Absorb has seen an upward adoption curve with more than 400 implantations on patients as of 2015. Abbotts Absorb offers timely treatment that gives Vietnamese people access to the worlds latest advanced technologies without going abroad for treatment, said Dr Krishna Sudhir, consulting professor of Medicine at the Center for Cardiovascular Technology at Stanford University and vice president of Medical Affairs at Abbott Vascular. Vietnam in focus According to Sudhir, Vietnam is one of Abbotts priority markets. The company is investing in a range of developmental programmes to improve the leadership capabilities of 3,400 employees working in Abbott Vietnams four divisions, namely Nutrition, Pharmaceuticals, Diagnostics, and Medical Devices. Moreover, Abbotts business in Vietnam leverages its global research and development investments, but is specially targeted at addressing the needs of Vietnamese communities. Improving the socioeconomic situation in the country is also among Abbotts core focuses. Each year on average, 26,400 physicians were trained at Abbotts forums, seminars, and in-hospital events, where they gained important insight into science, knowledge of international guidelines and norms, and knowledge about diseases that were previously uncommon in Vietnam but are now more prevalent. Vietnam faces clear healthcare challenges, along with many of its neighbouring countries. Access to and quality of care vary widely across the nation, and healthcare professionals often look to companies like Abbott and other partners for education and training with regards to new and emerging treatments and medications, said Sudhir. As a result, we will also be focusing on medical training for physicians and doctors to supply sufficient medical staff for meeting primary healthcare needs. The early introduction of Absorb to Vietnam has demonstrated Abbotts commitment in helping Vietnamese people have better health and better life. In the near future, we will continue to bring more innovative healthcare solutions that empower Vietnamese people to live a fuller life, he said. The goal is to set up policy conditions that will be able to enable more equitable trade and growth across the region. According to organisers, over the next 10 days, officials, guided by APEC 2017 Chair Vietnam, will develop new actions to create economic opportunities and better position people and businesses to take advantage in a world of increasing automation, competition and market change, which range from shifts in consumption patterns to evolving skills and labour force needs. The proceedings will culminate with the first meeting of APEC Senior Officials in 2017 on March 2-3, 2017 to decide the next steps for building inclusive economies; regional economic integration and connectivity; small business participation in trade; and food security and sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change. They will consider recommendations from the years first APEC Business Advisory Council meeting underway concurrently this week in Bangkok. All of us recognise that the benefits of globalisation and trade are not evenly distributed and that more must be done to support those frustrated by this disparity and hungry for realignment, said APEC Secretariat Executive Director Alan Bollard. We would like to keep the favourable aspects of greater interconnectivity and ensure that more people are better off because of it. For emerging economies such as Vietnam, the reduction of poverty that has moved hundreds of millions of people into the middle class is at stake. For developed economies on both sides of the Pacific, greater opportunities to sell their goods and services to these markets, as well as job-creating investment inflows, hang in the balance. Officials will seek common ground in addressing rising anti-globalisation, protectionism and trade restrictive measures, bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, and other mechanisms for achieving fairer trade and growth. Boosting labour and social protection, startup growth, job creating services sector development and trade opportunities for farmers is a particular focus. Improving access and use of the internet and digital innovation to help small businesses tap into cross-border production and supply chains is another. Progress in facilitating digital trade has made it possible for small firms around the region to better manage their operations and seek out clients - whether youre talking about a family-owned car tire business in Ha Noi, alpaca product producers in the Peruvian Andes or auto parts suppliers in Michigan and Ohio that employ thousands of local workers, Bollard noted. The door can still be widened for groups who have been left behind by globalization in the past, he said. We are actively working to sustain this momentum in APEC, realising that a reversal could risk slamming the door shut for all of us in the region and beyond. New York, Feb 23 (Just Earth News): The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic has reported that its troops on patrol were ambushed yesterday outside of Ippy in Ouaka prefecture. During the exchange of fire with the FPRCs (Front Populaire pour la Renaissance de Centrafrique) coalition, four peacekeepers were wounded, including one severely, according to the Office of Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, which added that the attackers fled the scene after the incident. 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. In a news release issued earlier this month, the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA) had stressed that two factions of the ex-Seleka armed group, namely the FPRC coalition and UPC Mouvement pour lUnite et la Paix en Centrafrique, represent a threat for civilian populations and that UN peacekeepers will respond in case of violence. The spokesperson's office said that peacekeepers prevented a hostile crowd including members of the FPRC from entering a camp for internally displaced persons in Ippy, which is some 70 miles from the city of Bambari, earlier yesterday. Some people in the crowd fired at peacekeepers, who returned fire, killing two FPRC members. MINUSCA reiterated its resolve to use force to protect civilians in accordance with its mandate and calls on all armed groups to immediately cease hostilities and to resolve any dispute through dialogue within the framework of the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation, the office added. Meanwhile, the UPC leader, Ali Darassa, left Bambari yesterday following the Missions calls for him to leave the town, the office said. The Mission has reinforced its police presence in Bambari UN Photo/Catianne Tijerina Source: www.justearthnews.com HCM City produces around 7,600 tonnes of solid waste daily, which is dumped untreated, harming the environment.-VNA/VNS Photo Hung Thinh The US$520 million plant would use plasma arc technology provided by a Canada firm, he said. Instead of burning or burying rubbish in the traditional manner, a plasma arc system heat the waste at 3,000-7,000 degrees Celsius, converting it into a gas that can be used to produce electricity. The waste is fed into a chamber and the intense heat of the plasma breaks down organic molecules into their elemental atoms. The harmless remnants can be used as construction materials. The plant will be built on a 13ha site at the Phuoc Hiep Waste Treatment Zone in the outlying district of Cu Chi. It can treat 1,000 tonnes of solid domestic wastes a day and 2,000 tonnes of hazardous wastes. The electricity generated will be sold to the Viet Nam Electricity at US10.05 cents per kWh. Construction of the plant is scheduled to take 33 months. The city will pay around $20.63 per tonne of household waste, while for industrial, hazardous and medical wastes, the rate will be negotiated with the company. The city produces around 7,600 tonnes of solid waste daily, which is dumped untreated. The objectives of the workshop is to discuss opportunities and challenges, and share practical experience, on the adoption and implementation of Base Erosion Profit Shifting (BEPS) measures for Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members, regarding BEPS actions from 2016 - 2017 onwards, and concentrating on the BEPS four minimum standards/the Inclusive Framework (IF), and the Multilateral Instrument (MLI). All APEC members are aware of the significance of base erosion and profit shifting phenomina and its implications to fairness and effectiveness of the international tax systems and governments around the globe. This workshop has pointed out the main challenges faced by APEC members and possible BEPS solutions that could be used to address these issues. The Inclusive Framework and the Multilateral Instrument were the two main pillars of this workshop. For the Inclusive Framework, according to statistics, 76 per cent of APEC economies are members of the framework. It is clear that membership of the Inclusive Framework provides opportunities for non-OECD or G20 members to take part in a very significant international effort to counter cross-border tax avoidance. However, participation in the IF is very resource intensive and it depends on each members policy objectives and readiness of domestic legislations. The Multilateral Instrument has been designed to facilitate the swift modification of the network of existing bilateral tax agreements to implement the tax treaty related measures developed by BEPS initiative. It has been shown that 40 per cent of total double tax avoidance agreements (DTAs) are accounted for by APEC members DTAs and 19 per cent of APEC economies have been confirmed for MLI signing ceremony in June 2017. This is encouraging information and a positive foundation for the implementation of BEPS in 2017 APEC Action Plan. The result of this workshop is that all members agree to a co-ordination approach in implementing BEPS. A 2017 work plan to work further together with specific measures/activities have been agreed and included in the report to APEC Finance and Central Bank Deputies meeting on 23rd Feb and in the APEC Finance Ministers Meeting in October 2017. Deputy PM Trinh Dinh Dung said it was necessary to call for domestic investment Under the overall capital city development plan by 2030 with the vision until 2050, Hanois urban railway network will consist of eight routes with the total length of 318 kilometers. Currently, Hanoi is building two of them the Cat Linh Ha Dong and Nhon Hanoi Station. It will require huge resources to develop the citys urban rail system. The eight routes as planned are estimated to cost VND890 trillion, or $40 billion, if considering the average cost VND2.2-3 trillion per kilometer. At a working session with the citys departments leaders on February 4, 2017, Deputy PM Trinh Dinh Dung, when mentioning the solutions to accelerate the implementation of the two projects on Cat Linh Ha Dong and Nhon Hanoi Station routes, said it was necessary to call for domestic investment for the projects. Three Vietnamese large construction and real estate conglomerates - Vingroup, Xuan Thanh and Lung Lo Groups - have expressed their willingness to invest in the metro system in Hanoi. With experience from implementation of the two urban railway projects, Dung wants agencies to work on a mechanism to enhance the mobilization of domestic and foreign resources instead of ODA (official development assistance) capital for other projects. He emphasized that it is necessary to create most favorable conditions for Vietnamese conglomerates to contribute to the projects implementation in order to increase localization, reduce construction costs and promote Vietnamese enterprises capacity. Tri Thuc Tre quoted Hanois Mayor Nguyen Duc Chung as saying that the municipal authorities have received the proposal from three Vietnamese corporations to join the subway projects. Hanoi will report the case to the government to consult on the issue, Chung said. Deputy PM Dung applauded Hanois idea of mobilizing domestic resources for the other six urban railway routes, saying that it is not easy to seek foreign capital for infrastructure development. Dung said that it will be less costly to implement the projects with the contribution of Vietnamese corporations. Vietnam needs to buy carriages and equipment from other countries, but it is quite able to build tunnels, set up rails, pillars, foundations and stations. The implementation of both the Cat Linh Ha Dong and Nhon Hanoi Station routes is being carried out by foreign contractors, from South Korea and China. However, both of them are running more slowly than expected, while the required capital has increased from the initially planned rate. The Cat Linh Ha Dong subway project kicked off in October 2011 and is expected to become operational in 2016. However, in the latest news, it will only be put for commercial exploitation by early 2018. The Nhon Hanoi Station would become operational by 2021, four years later than initially expected. As Vietnam's largest private airline nears its landmark initial public offering, foreign investors contemplate buying the remaining 25 per cent of the 49 per cent foreign ownership limit. As previously reported by VIR, only 24.39 per cent of foreign ownership has been reached as of January 12. The IPO will be a test on how much foreign capital Vietjet can rally by promising continued expansions and rising profit, banking on the past few years of impressive growth that turned Vietjet from a start-up to a major carrier that is expected to soon own the biggest market share in Vietnam. At the VND90,000 ($3.9) price, which values Vietjet at $1.2 billion, the airline will join the ranks of Vietnam's biggest publicly-traded companies by market capitalisation. With only a few days before the listing, Vietjet's shares in over-the-counter markets reportedly reached even VND110,000 ($4.81) at times. The airline originally planned an overseas listing in Hong Kong or Singapore to attract more capital at higher share prices but eventually decided to gauge investors' appetite in the local market first. Vietjet founder and CEO Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao told Reuters news agency that the airline will definitely consider listing overseas, without citing a timeline. For now, foreign investors' interest seems strong. In December, Vietjet completed an offering of 44.8 million shares to institutional investors, an executive from VietCapital Securities told Nhip Cau Dau Tu newspaper. (VietCapital was one of the coordinators of that share offering.) The executive was pleased with the 30 international investors subscribing to Vietjet's offerring, including Singaporean sovereign fund GIC, US bank Morgan Stanley, and major asset managers, such as Mirae Asset, Dragon Capital, and VinaCapital. The shares were oversubscribed by 1.8 times and were worth $265 million at the biddings. Vietjet did not disclose the final price of the share sale, but Reuters news agency had reported that it could have been VND84,400 ($3.69) per share, estimating that the airline could have raised $170 million from investors. In comparison, $170 million is more than the proceeds from last years biggest IPO in Vietnam, when the Vietnam Engine and Agricultural Machinery Corporation raised VND2.136 trillion ($93.5 million), according to Vietstock, a website that tracks the Vietnamese financial market. Vietjet only started to sell its stakes to foreign investors in mere months ahead of its long-awaited IPO. In a short time foreign ownership in the firm has increased from almost zero to 24.39 per cent, a sign that shows foreign investors are keen on partaking in the airline's promising future. After the IPO, CEO Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao will also become the first female billionaire in Vietnam, according to Bloomberg. Vietjet lifted the veil on its highly anticipated initial public offering in a January 12 listing prospectus, revealing a business that is growing by many measures but also has other considerations for investors. Just five years after its first take-off in December 2011, Vietjet ended 2016 with a net profit almost double that of 2015. Over the 2014-2016 period, Vietjet's after-tax profit grew six-fold to VND2.29 trillion ($100.2 million) as the airline expanded its network, offered flights at a discount, and convinced many passengers who had never been on an airplane that flights were indeed affordable. Low gas prices in recent years as well as favourable corporate tax policies for startups were also cited as contributing to Vietjet's profits. The budget airline entered the year with 37 domestic and 23 international routes, based out of five Vietnamese cities, mostly within 1-3 hour flight distance to nearby destinations. The total number of passengers increased by 51 per cent on-year to 14.05 million in 2016. The average seat occupancy in 2016 also stood at a successful 88 per cent. Gaining more and more ground on the domestic market every year to get to the current 41 per cent, Vietjet is neck and neck with 60-year-old national carrier Vietnam Airlines (42 per cent). If current trends continue, Vietjet is poised to dethrone its rival to become the top airline in Vietnam, according to data in its prospectus. Not to mention Vietjet is also expanding its fleet of 41 airplanes by placing an order of 100 Boeing 737 jets and 20 Airbus A321 planes, worth a total of $13.7 billion. All these advances are taking place in the context of excellent external conditions. The Vietnamese airline market in 2016 was among the five fastest-growers in the world, according to the International Air Transport Association. There were 18 million international and 45 million domestic passengers in 2015, which is expected to reach 122 million in total by 2020, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam. However, Vietjet made it clear in the prospectus that there will be challenges in maintaining steady profit growth. Its income growth forecasts declined from 64 per cent in 2017 to 30 per cent and then 12 per cent in 2018 and 2019. Among the risks, competition might intensify after the ASEAN Open Skies policy, also known as the ASEAN Single Aviation Market, came into effect in 2015. If implemented completely, airlines from ASEAN member states might fly freely throughout the region in a unified air transport market. It will also be more difficult to gain market share now that Vietjet has reached 41 per cent through several years of continuous expansion. Alternatively, oil prices, one of Vietjet's key inputs, might increase as the world's oil producers agreed in November to cut output for six months, with a possible extension. Foreign currency fluctuations, the expiry of tax subsidies in 2019 as well as dependency on many third-parties are other risks cited in Vietjet's prospectus. A scene in Truyen Kieu (The Tale of Kieu) drama which is adapted Peoples Artist/director Anh Tu shared that he would promote the drama stage to young audience via the modern version of Truyen Kieu. Previously, the drama had been performed in some highschools in Hanoi in late 2016. After the show, many students showed their interest in the music and lyrics of the songs in the drama. A representative from Vietnam Drama Theater, the organizer of the show, said that this is a good signal to see young audience showing their interest to traditional theater. And the application of contemporary music into a classic drama piece still shows good harmony. The stage will be set up in a simple way with the theme decoration of lotus flower. The flower will be used during the show to symbolize for different stages of a human beings life. Apart from new experiments, the drama will be arranged in the original content of Nguyen Dus work. Truyen Kieu is not only a story about women in the feudal society but also a forecast about revolutions and resistance in the society. The masterpiece still has its values preserved in contemporary society. Injustice and fighting against bad things are happening in daily life, said director Anh Tu. The show will feature popular comedian Xuan Bac in the role of Ho Ton Hien, artists Diem Huong (Thuy Kieu), Quynh Hoa (Thuy Van), To Dung (Kim Trong), Minh Hieu (So Khanh), and Phuong Nga (Hoan Thu). The drama will be organized in ten shows from March 1 to 10 at the Vietnam Drama Theater at 1 Trang Tien Street, Hanoi. As many as 246 projects worth US$5.19 billion invested by Japanese firms are operating in the southern province of Binh Duong, accounting for nearly 20 per cent of foreign direct investment (FDI) poured into the locality so far.-Photo VNA The information was revealed by Vice Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Tran Thanh Liem during his reception on Tuesday for a delegation of businesspeople from Japans Shizuoka prefecture, who visited Binh Duong to seek investment opportunities. According to Liem, Japan ranks second and third in the total foreign investment and the number of projects in Binh Duong, respectively. Binh Duong has lured 2,878 foreign-invested projects from 59 countries and territories worldwide, with a total investment of over $26.737 billion, becoming one of the five leading localities in FDI attraction in the nation, he said. The province is home to 28 industrial parks (IP) and ten industrial clusters with a total area of 10,560 ha. The occupancy rate of IPs reached about 70 per cent. Under a master plan approved by the Prime Minister, the locality will have 33 IPs covering an area of 14,790 ha by 2020, Liem said, adding that the province has been building a plan to develop hi-tech IPs, commercial and service centres, and new urban areas. Representatives from the delegation spoke highly of efforts made by the local authorities to draw investment, and Binh Duongs modern technical infrastructure facilities, which help the locality to attract more and more investment projects. Japanese guests said they will pay more attention to hunting for investment opportunities in the province in the coming time. More than two dozen people are injured when a Taiwanese man attempts suicide with a pipe bomb on a train in July, 2016 AFP/STR Lin Ying-chang, 56, was convicted on charges of attempted murder and making an explosive without a permit over the July 2016 blast, which the Taipei district court said was a botched suicide attempt. The explosion injured 24 people when it tore through the train as it pulled into a station. "The defendant detonated the explosive device with the goal of committing suicide, as well as taking his revenge on society by means of killing innocent people. His motive was malicious," a court statement said. Lin, who has the right to appeal the ruling, was also injured in the blast. He told the court he had struggled to find a job after being diagnosed with cancer and had ended up living in his car. He said he had also become estranged from his family. But Lin believed that "society should be responsible for him", the court statement said. The last major attack on Taipei's public transit was when a college student killed four people in a stabbing spree in 2014 on the metro, shocking the island and prompting a security overhaul. illustration photo Representative offices of foreign enterprises operating in Viet Nam, business households and cooperative groups may apply the corporate accounting system to open accounting books for monitoring, recording and determining the tax liability. Foreign contractors having permanent establishment or residence in Viet Nam and not qualified as independent units may choose to apply all or some requirements of the Vietnamese corporate accounting system and notify the same to tax authorities. In case the foreign contractors choose to apply the Vietnamese corporate accounting system in full, they need to apply it consistently for one accounting period. The Decree takes effect on January 1, 2017, and replaces the Governments decrees No 128/2004/ND-CP (May 31, 2004) and No 129/2004/ND-CP (May 31, 2004). Governmental guarantee Government Decree No 04/2017/ND-CP (January 16, 2017) on governmental guarantee provision and management. Rate of the Governmental guarantee, by original value of loan or issued bond amount, must not exceed 70 per cent of total investment capital of an investment programme or project. In particular, the guarantee rate for the project approved by the National Assembly or Government, or project subject to urgent implementation must not exceed 70 per cent of total investment capital; for a project grouped A with its total investment capital of more than VND2.3 trillion and approved by the Prime Minister, the rate must not exceed 60 per cent of total investment capital; for other projects, the rate must not exceed 50 per cent of total investment capital. The decree takes effect on March 1, 2017, and replaces the Governments Decree No 15/2011/ND-CP (February 16, 2011). EPC contracts Ministry of Construction Circular No 30/2016/TT-BXD (December 30, 2016) guiding engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts. EPC contracts apply to projects, construction packages having a term which should be shortened or which have high technical requirements. EPC contractor must have eligible experience, financial, professional and operational capacity to perform the entire scope of work of the EPC contract. The EPC contractor must not assign more than 60 per cent of EPC contract workload to subcontractors. The circular takes effect on February 20, 2017. Land management Government Decree No 01/2017/ND-CP (January 6, 2017) amending and supplementing a number of decrees detailing the implementation of the Land Law. The decree provides that land users who do not comply with obligation of payment of land use fees, land rent and were forced to pay but still did not do so, must be subjected to land retrieval measures. An investor may continue to use land for 24 months after the investment project is terminated, and in case of not assigning the land use right or selling the property attached to land after the said 24 months, the investor is subject to land retrieval measures. Land lease contracts and land use right mortgage contracts will be terminated when the State retrieves the leased land and mortgaged land due to national defence, security, national and public benefits or violations related to land regulations. Additionally, in case the State retrieves land for other persons use, the person receiving land must reimburse the person whose land is retrieved for the remaining value of the property attached to the land. The decree takes effect on March 3, 2017. Tran Vinh Du, deputy director in charge of M&A counselling at EY Vietnam, talked to VIRs Anh Hoa about what, in this context, would attract foreign investors to buy into the state-owned enterprises bound to be equitised this year. Foreign investors are not voracious at the moment, due to Brexit and the US withdrawal from the TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement). Does this affect the Vietnamese M&A market? The Vietnamese M&A market is in an active period. Investors have high expectations. In comparison with other ASEAN economies, Vietnam is amongst the most attractive ones to foreign investors. From the sellers point of view, there are three factors we need to consider. First of all, there is a huge wave of governmental divestment from many big state-owned enterprises and they became attractive targets for strategic foreign investors. Secondly, private sector firms are also seeking investments for their expansion. Finally, it is a time of divestment for investors who joined this market in the previous phase before and after 2010 (crisis and low purchase price period), to realise their profits. Vietnam needs a boost to call for investment into the offered state-owned enterprises and to promote its M&A market to grow beyond $5 billion. So what do you think would prove a sufficient boost here? I think that we are in a favourable period for the development of the M&A market, however, there are a lot to do in the area of promotion. The most important things is transparency in the process and loosening criteria, so that international investors can join. To sell at a good price, all we should do is to attract many investors and give them enough time to consider and make decisions. Many big international firms cannot decide in a few weeks or months. If we are too strict on procedures, most of them may give up early. This does not benefit the governments target of selling at a high price. M&A depends on private enterprises. This is clear to the firms who are used to dealing with strategic partners, nevertheless, newcomers need to understand the differences between the languages of M&A and of administration. To have an appropriate partner and seamless negotiations, they need a stage of preparation, including restructuring many things: the ownership structure, industry structure, organization-report structure, and finance-accounting structure. Unfortunately, many Vietnamese enterprises do not see this necessary. Many firms often do the opposite: they call for investment first, then they and their investors discuss adjustment and restructuring. This logic is not common in the capital market and it often fails. With such an unpredictable market like this years, do enterprises need flexibility in their M&A strategy? I believe that now is a golden period for M&A that Vietnamese enterprises should capitalise on to enhance their financial capacity. The fluctuation of the financial market has a clear cycle and when this golden period passes, we will have to wait from five to seven years for the next one. Thus, Vietnamese companies should not hesitate and should not be greedy, either. Logo of Vietnam's state-owned shipbuilder Vinashin is pictured at its headquarters in Hanoi, in 2010. (AFP/File - Hoang Dinh Nam) The executives, Giang Kim Dat and Tran Van Liem, were the former business manager and director-general of the troubled shipbuilder Vinashinlines. The firm is a subsidiary of Vinashin, a shipping behemoth that nearly folded in 2010 under billions of dollars of debt in a scandal that rocked the communist country's political elite and sparked government vows to clean up graft in its sprawling state-run sector. On Wednesday a Hanoi court deemed the pair guilty of pocketing 260 billion dong (US$11.3 million) in shipping deals made between 2006 and 2008, state-run Tuoi Tre newspaper reported. The firm's former accountant, Tran Van Khuong, was also given life imprisonment for assisting with the embezzlement, while Dat's father Giang Van Hien was handed 12 years in prison for money laundering. "All the defendants are convicted of serious crimes, causing damage to the state with more than 260 billion dong, so they should face a strict punishment," the verdict said, according to Tuoi Tre newspaper. Death sentences are common in authoritarian Vietnam but the government does not disclose the number of executions actually carried out. Before it toppled under vast debts, Vinashin had expanded into areas from real estate to electricity and was seen as a model state-owned enterprise that would lead Vietnam's efforts to compete on a global stage. But the company's near-bankruptcy -- as well as scandals at other firms -- sparked public anger over rampant official corruption and raised investor fears of wider problems in the vast state-run sector. The government ordered all state-owned enterprises to divest from non-core investments after Vinashin's downfall, though many have still not complied. Nine former executives linked to the firm were handed lengthy jail terms in 2012 and a string of high-profile graft prosecutions of wealthy businessmen and executives from other state-run firms have followed. However analysts often view such cases as the result of political infighting rather than a genuine commitment to reform. Mosul, Feb 23 (IBNS): In an attempt to retake Mosul from so-called Islamic State militants, Iraqi forces have attacked the airport in the city, media reports said on Friday. "Iraqi security forces have launched an attack on Mosul airport in their bid to retake the city from so-called Islamic State (IS) militants," BBC reported. A nearby military camp has been attacked by the forces, reports said. Image: Wikimedia Commons After years away from home, Hung left behind a successful career at Binh Duong province for a position in VSIP Quang Ngai, where a prosperous life and a promising job are no longer just dreams. This is one of the stories that we see happening every day at Vietnam Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIPs). In just a single day, we hear so much about the meaningful connection between VSIP and its employees. We also met other employees who came to see Binh Duong their hometown, who told us about simpler days in the past and their decade-long journey with VSIP. By seeking job opportunities at VSIP Binh Duong, many employees also excitedly volunteered to return and work for new VSIP projects in their hometowns. Although they have all started their careers differently, their stories end with the same sense of pride for contributing to the success of a model for IPs in Vietnam. According to the 2015 National Internal Migration Study, the Vietnamese workforce has undergone a significant transition from rural to urban areas which caused difficulties for remote areas to recruiting labourers. It also led to a marked gap in the economic development and social environment throughout the country as labourers seeking higher-paying job opportunities relocate to bigger cities. In this context, VSIP has a unique business approach to develop a network of integrated townships and industrial parks that offer comprehensive solutions to work, live, and play to attract better investment to Vietnam. Therefore, people from smaller provinces benefit by living in their hometowns with stable incomes and are further equipped to contribute to local economic development. This strategy was set out following VSIPs industrial development experience, in resonance with the Singaporean partner's future-forward vision in urban planning. The joint venture aims to help an entire generation of workers like Hung from different provinces to grow and guides them to contribute to the economic development of their home provinces. VSIP is playing a role in directing and leading workforce migration in the country, with a long-term vision to benefit all provinces. During its more than 20-year journey in Vietnam, VSIP has remained steadfast in its commitment to pioneering the industrial park model in line with international quality standards and has helped to unlock the economic potential, while contributing to the overall development of the provinces where its parks operateBinh Duong, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, Hai Duong, Nghe An and Quang Ngai. A model for the ages With seven parks in Binh Duong, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, Quang Ngai, Hai Duong, and Nghe An, totaling a gross area of 6,660 hectares, VSIP has thus far attracted investments from 658 companies. The operations of these companies have brought in $9.1 billion in investment capital, with the combined strength of more than 179,000 workers. Through enabling further business growth in the areas of operation, VSIP has also seen the wider impact of its operations and have been heartened to see local SMEs take root in the surrounding communities. As a result of its operations, VSIP has seen greater development and infrastructure growth as well as employment for local residents in the provinces. Nguyen Van Hung, co-chairman of VSIP Group, shared, VSIP sees improving the life of local communities and contributing to the comprehensive development of Vietnam as part of our mission. We also leverage the experience that Singaporean partners bring to develop sustainable business models which not only create economic value but also have long-term benefits for the community. To ensure staying ahead of the competition, VSIP constantly looks for differentiators and value-added services for our customers. VSIP is managed completely as a commercial entity, with strong systems and processes that include a corporate governance structure and enterprise risk management capabilities. Exploring innovation hubs in Vietnam is a key focus for VSIPs next chapter of development, with the belief that Vietnam can embrace the greater sophistication expected of world-standard factories. There is less emphasis on low wages, with the growing importance of advanced infrastructure and developing workers skills. VSIP has proved the long-term value of its strategy for both businesses and Vietnamese labourers. Zach Murphy, of NH Demolition, walks the perimeter of the First Baptist Church site as his co-worker Jay Nixon demolishes the building's remains in Lebanon, N.H., Tuesday, February 21, 2017. The majority of the structure was taken down in under two hours, but contractors said it could take up to a month to clear the site of debris. (Valley News - James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com. Valley News James M. Patterson First Baptist Church Board of Trustees Chair Dave Rataj, of White River Junction, left, a man who only identified himself as Jim, middle, and church trustee Lenny Bolduc, of Canaan, right, gather to watch contractors demolish the remains of the church in Lebanon, N.H., Tuesday, February 21, 2017. The church was destroyed by fire on Dec. 28, 2016. (Valley News - James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com. Valley News photographs James M. Patterson Brenda Walker, of Grafton, watches as the bell tower of the First Baptist Church in Lebanon, N.H. is pulled down by an excavator Tuesday, February 21, 2017. The church was destroyed by fire on Dec. 28, 2016. "We feel very sad about the whole situation," said Walker who stopped to watch the demolition. (Valley News - James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com. Related stories Lebanon With a few yanks from an excavator, the entire front wall of the First Baptist Church of Lebanon came down in a single piece on Tuesday morning, falling to the ground with a crash. The operator running the excavator then turned his attention to the remaining structure, which was largely gutted by a late December fire that police say was deliberately set. Over the course of 90 minutes, construction crews made short work of downing the walls, roof and steeple of the Gothic Revival building, which dated to1870. There wasnt a whole lot left, said David Rataj, chairman of the churchs board of trustees. Rataj was among a small group of congregants present to supervise the churchs demolition, which began around 10 a.m. on Tuesday. To him, it wasnt a sad day, but one that was necessary to move forward. Its been two months (the church) has been gone, he said. This is just a cleanup. The church was fenced off for safety reasons shortly after a three-alarm fire swept through the building on Dec. 28. Days later, crews removed the church steeple and bell, which fire officials worried posed a safety hazard. Police later charged Anthony K. Boisvert, 27, with seven felonies, including three counts of arson, in connection to the blaze and the stabbings of two people a few days after the fire. Boisvert is being held on $500,000 cash bail at Grafton County jail. Crews finished knocking down the building and began hauling away the debris from the lot on School Street, which is also Route 120, according to Eric Johnson, vice president of GC3, a general contracting company that specializes in reconstructing buildings after disasters. We have some asbestos to remove in the basement floor, and a fuel tank to get out, and then well start designing a new building, Johnson said. Its a typical construction project. Theres traffic, theres lots of hazards, he said. (Were) trying to keep debris out of the street. Several neighbors watched as the church was demolished, lining the nearby sidewalk and holding cameras and phones to record the event. Were sad to see it being taken down, said Frank Mastro, who watched the demolition with his wife, Mary Ann. I used to go to the Christmas bazaars there every year, Mary Ann Mastro said. They were very active ... its just a shame. Karen Dennis, who lives in West Lebanon, left Shear Styling across the street in time to see the building come down. She said it reminded her of the 1992 fire that destroyed the nearby United Methodist Church, which has since been rebuilt. It pulled that whole congregation together and I hope (the fire) could do the same for this group of people, Dennis said. As she watched the building come down, Dennis spotted a stack of hymnals destroyed in the blaze. And I was thinking, You know, theres always hope, she said. Dee Ward, who owns Shear Styling, also compared the aftermath of the First Baptist blaze to that of the United Methodist Church. The day after the 1992 fire, she said, the pastor came over to share a cup of coffee. He said, Were going to make lemonade out of our lemons, Ward said. So its been pretty devastating, but theres a lot of good people out there, a lot of good people that are going to make some lemonade. City historian Ed Ashey also watched the demolition and took photos for the city website. Ashey has heard a time capsule was once buried beneath the First Baptist Church building and hopes the demolition will allow church officials the opportunity to search for it. After the First Baptist Church fire, congregants began meeting in the Masonic Lodge on Green Street. Theyre now renting space in the Lebanon Middle School every Sunday. I think (the congregation) is very strong and theyre mindful of the fact that the church isnt the building. Its the people, said Stephen Girwood, a Lebanon attorney who also attends church services. Church moderator Keith Davio said on Tuesday the church plans to spend the next few weeks brainstorming its vision for ministry in Lebanon. The churchs building committee then will begin an architectural design process for a future building. He said the church doesnt have a set date to complete those phases, however. Tim Camerato can be reached at tcamerato@vnews.com or 603-727-3223. Amnesty International says Southeast Asia faces ongoing human rights challenges with activists and civil society targeted by governments amid ongoing failures of accountability by security forces. In its latest annual report, covering 159 countries, Amnesty warns of a "shrinking civic space" across Asia and the Pacific, as authorities invoke a range of repressive laws to criminalize peaceful expression. Champa Patel, Amnesty Internationals director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, said governments in targeting activists are "choking dissent." "Across Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, people have been relentlessly threatened, arrested and prosecuted for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression and assembly," Patel said. The report said globally divisive politics has also been marked by governments turning on refugees and migrants. Backing the Amnesty report, Sam Zafiri, a representative from the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), said for Southeast Asia there has been "an erosion of respect for rights especially in areas of civil society and political rights." Zafiri pointed to a global trend toward "authoritarianism and fear mongering," and growing concerns over government responses to terrorism threats. He also pointed to the decline in U.S. influence over the past decade. Myanmar Amnesty International said Myanmar faced reversals in human rights despite the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi coming to power in early 2016. Patel said the reversals include the harassment of rights activists and military operations in western Rakhine State against Muslim Rohingya. Myanmar security forces mounted a major sweep through the region after an attack in October on guards at a checkpoint by suspected Rohingya attackers. "In Myanmar, tens of thousands from the systematically discriminated against Rohingya community were yet again forced to flee their homes after enduring human rights violations that may amount to crimes against humanity," Patel said. Former Myanmar political prisoner Bo Kyi said the Myanmar government, while facing several challenges, believes the rights picture is more mixed. "Some areas are improving but many areas are still not improving because of [conflict] in the country in Kachin State and Shan State and [illegal] land grabbing cases are still happening," Bo Kyi told VOA. The Suu Kyi led government released dozens of political prisoners early last year. But Bo Kyi, a member of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), said 86 prisoners of conscience remain in jail, with 200 others facing charges. Cambodia In Cambodia, Amnesty warned of a crackdown on the rights of freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly had intensified in the lead up to elections in 2017 and 2018. These have included tighter laws governing elections and harassment of those in civil society. Amnesty accused Cambodian authorities of misusing the justice system and the punishing of civil society and the silencing of critics. In July Kem Ley, a political analyst, was shot in broad daylight amid charges of government links to the murder. International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) secretary general Debbie Stothard said respect for human rights in South East Asia has been under challenge over the past year. The outlook, she said, is very grim. "Not only are people being prosecuted and persecuted through very, very unjustified charges, there are also people being threatened with death and being beaten up and being tortured for speaking out," Stothard said. "These repressive governments are doing this so that civil society and people standing up for human rights and freedom of expression will be intimidated into silence," she told VOA. ICJs Zafiri agreed. "Several countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, weve seen a really disappointing decline in respect for rights," he said. Malaysia and Thailand In Malaysia, rights activists raised concerns after a court this week convicted an activist, Lena Hendry, for her role in a private screening of a documentary on the conflict in Sri Lanka a decade ago, "without Malaysian censorship board approval." Hendry faces a possible fine and jail term. The Amnesty report said Malaysia had also witnessed an ongoing crackdown on rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. The report said the military authorities in Thailand had further restricted human rights, marked by the banning of peaceful political dissent, whether through speech or protests. Amy Smith, a director with rights organization, Fortify Rights, said rights defenders themselves have been targeted by authorities. "In Thailand were seeing human rights defenders and community based activists that continue to be targeted by the government just for their involvement in legitimate activities," Smith said. "So anyone who speaks out, theyre being summoned by the military for attitude adjustment by the military. This is the climate of impunity in the region that is pervasive," she said. Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia In Vietnam, the Amnesty report pointed to ongoing restrictions on rights to freedom of expression of association and of peaceful assembly. "Prisoners of conscience were tortured and otherwise ill-treated, and subjected to unfair trails." Public demonstrations were also repressed with participants and organizers arrested and allegedly tortured. The report said the Philippines has been marked by the war on drugs under the government of President Rodrigo Duterte that has left 7,000 people killed by authorities and vigilantes. In Indonesia, Amnesty said despite a commitment to resolve past cases of human rights violations, there continued to be "reports of rights violations by security forces, including unlawful killings and the use of excessive or unnecessary force." ICJs Zafiri says while he remains "optimistic" of long term improvements, the regions immediate outlook remained challenging. "What worries me now is that were actually seeing governments just even challenging the relevance of human rights to improving their societies," he said. "And thats certainly something that suggests a weakening of this global legal framework that we worked so hard to create and establish." A new Hollywood production directed by actress Angelina Jolie about the Khmer Rouge regime premiered in Cambodia this week to critical acclaim. The Khmer-language film, First They Killed My Father, premiered on Saturday at the Terrace of the Elephants inside Cambodias famed Angkor Archaeological Park. It follows the life of a young Cambodian girl growing up under the brutal totalitarian regime under which some 1.7 million Cambodians are thought to have died. Speaking to reporters on Saturday in Siem Reap, Jolie explained that she wanted the film, which is based on an account from her friend, Cambodian-American author Loung Ung, to portray the lives and struggles of the victims of war as well as the love and care people felt for each other. I wanted to tell this story through the eyes of a child and I wanted to walk through this story with a different point of view and I wanted to focus not just on the war, but on the love of the family and the beauty of the country, she said. And in fact, I wanted to understand what my son's birth parents had gone through and I wanted to know him better. And, I wanted to know this country better. And, I hope to honor those who survived and I hope to do honor to my dear friends story and her family. The film, which had a cast and crew of some 3,500 Cambodians, was produced for Netflix and was filmed in Cambodia last year. Jolie co-produced it with acclaimed Cambodian filmmaker Rithy Panh. Ung told reporters before the premiere that she was proud of the results. I am very very proud of the film and I see it and view it as the story of all of us, that the narrative in there, it is driven [by] the plot for my family, but everybody involved, it becomes part of our story, part of their story, she said. From the make up person, who really worked so hard to make us look so authentic, to the lighting, to the actors, to bong Rithy Panh and his decades of work to get the story out there. The film also had premiere screenings in Phnom Penh and Battambang. Panh said that making a film was much like writing a book or composing a piece of music. And, we are very lucky because here, in Cambodia, we use art a lot in the process for healing. You know we're very artistic, in fact. So making a film, singing a song, everything that you could express yourself is good. This story must be told and it belongs to everybody, we need that. John Swain, a Briton who reported from Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge period between 1975 and 1979, said he hoped that the film would become part of Cambodias healing process. You know that terrible thing that happened under the Khmer Rouge, there were victims and perpetrators and sometimes they are the same people. And, culturally, it's difficult to talk about this and discuss this and write about this. There have been a few very brave Cambodians who have done that. Elizabeth Becker, an author who also reported from Cambodia in the 1970s, said the brilliantly told story could help Cambodians come to terms with their dark past. [T]hrough arts, the more you tell the story, the more you understand your own country history. This is very important, and it acknowledges what the average Cambodians went through, that is very important, and you cannot tell that story very often, this is just the third major feature film on Cambodian genocide, therefore it is very important. And, I think, it will resonate with all kinds of Cambodians. Jonathan Friedland, head of communications for Netflix, said the it was also important for people to see the film internationally because we live in the world where too often people make decisions in ways which have terrible impact on children and families. And anytime you can remind people of the true human causes of war and bad political decisions is good to do so, because it is horrible for people to suffer like this, he said. The Khmer Rouge regime, officially known as Democratic Kampuchea, ruled the country from 1975 to 1979, during which at least 1.7 million Cambodians are believed to have died. Many died of starvation, torture, overwork, diseases, and killings. Only two surviving Khmer Rouge leaders are currently on trial by the Khmer Rouge tribunal, formally known as the ECCC. The two aging former leaders are Nuon Chea or Brother Number Two, and Khieu Samphan, the head of state of the regime. The commander of the United States Africa Command, which oversees U.S. military operations across the continent, tells VOA the only route to peace in Libya is to bring together rival governments. General Thomas Waldhauser made the remarks at the Munich Security Conference, ahead of Operation Flintlock, a joint military exercise about to get underway in seven African host nations. Henry Ridgwell reports from Munich. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. U.S. lawmakers, back in their home districts during this week's congressional recess, are hearing from angry constituents at local town hall meetings. The White House has dismissed the protests as a misrepresentation of the larger population. VOA's Jesusemen Oni reports. Tens of thousands of police staged a rally on Wednesday evening in Hong Kong. The protest followed a judge's decision to jail seven police officers for beating a protester during the 2014 Umbrella Movement. Many turned up in white as a sign of solidarity. Organizers claimed more than 33,000 people attended the rally. Xenophobic violence has returned to South Africa, with recent attacks on foreign-owned shops in the capital, Pretoria. But as VOAs Anita Powell learned when she visited the destroyed businesses, the roots of this anger are deep and complex, and the consequences of the violence affect more than just foreigners. Activists are urging Unilever, a major investor in Myanmar, to speak out against the countrys treatment of its Rohingya minority, which the U.N. has said may be called crimes against humanity. More than 10,000 people have joined the Facebook group for the campaign, known by the #WeAreAllRohingyaNow, and hundreds have signed on. A letter sent this week to Unilever CEO Paul Polman asked the company to clarify its stance on the Rohingya. Silence in the face of genocide, whilst doing business, is simply not an option, said Britain-based campaign organizer Jamila Hanan. Multinational corporations must start to speak out. They must be obliged to use their power and influence to help bring about a more just society in the regions in which they operate. Unilever did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Citizenship rights Rights groups accuse the Myanmar army of burning homes, mass killings and rape in their sweeping counterinsurgency campaign in Rakhine state, where most of the estimated 1 million Rohingya live. The Muslim Rohingya have long faced systematic discrimination in Myanmar, a majority-Buddhist country. Most do not have citizenship and are considered illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, even when theyve lived in Myanmar for generations. The #WeAreAllRohingyaNow group is seeking a restoration of citizenship rights denied to the Rohingya by a military government in 1982. Hanan says the group chose to target Unilever because it has been responsive to activists in the past. Advocate for social responsibility Unilever, with some $55 billion in revenue last year, is one of the worlds largest consumer goods companies. Billions across the world buy Unilever-made Dove soap, Lipton tea, and Hellmanns mayonnaise. The companys first factory in Myanmar opened in 2013. It now manufactures food and shampoo near Yangon. Polman is a major advocate for corporate social responsibility and has won dozens of awards in eight years at Unilevers helm. He recently signed an open letter to the U.N. citing concerns about Myanmars military offensives in Rakhine State, but not on behalf of Unilever, which has kept silent on the countrys politics. Former U.S. President Barack Obama advised his successor before leaving office to push for greater Chinese support to rein in North Korea's nuclear ambitions, according to a senior Obama administration official familiar with the subject. During a private meeting near the end of his tenure, Obama stressed the need to address North Korea's nuclear and missile threats as an early priority, and encouraged then President-elect Donald Trump to carry on a strategy of ratcheting up pressure both on North Korea and its ally China, Jon Wolfsthal told VOA Tuesday. Wolfsthal served until recently as Obama's special assistant and senior director at the National Security Council for arms control and nonproliferation. Making it clear to China that their continued protection of North Korea was beginning to undermine American security interests and that we would increasingly have to take steps to protect our interests in a way that might undermine China's own security was a strategy that we believed was going to bear fruit, said Wolfsthal who is now affiliated with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. According to Wolfsthal, the Obama team presented two options to Trump for dealing with the North Korean threat: seek a freeze on North Korea's nuclear and missile programs through direct engagement, and increase pressure on North Korea through China. VOA has asked the National Security Council for a summary of the new administration's position on North Korea, but has not yet received a reply. Keeping up pressure The Obama administration advised against the first option, trying to freeze Pyongyang's weapons program, because that would leave North Korea with the nuclear warheads it already possesses. And de-facto acceptance of North Korea as a nuclear weapons state likely would prompt neighboring countries to seek their own nuclear weapons. Instead, Obama's team suggested the Trump administration step up pressure on Beijing to curb Pyongyang's nuclear and missile development. The United States might decide to put much greater pressure on North Korea to interdict an increasing number of ships, to put more pressure on China, to try and get Russia to apply more pressure, Wolfsthal said. That's again something that we have worked through and tried to do over the last several years. Whether the Trump administration will take its predecessors' advice and keep intact the policy it inherited remains unclear. Citing a U.S. official, Reuters reported earlier this month that Trump's team is exploring a full range of options, including ramping up pressure on China, in a response to the North's missile test. China cuts North Korean coal imports In a public notice issued on Saturday, China's Ministry of Commerce said it has decided to cut off imports of North Korean coal for the remainder of 2017 as part of implementation of a U.N. Security Council resolution that was adopted last November. North Korea's coal exports, mostly to China, generate over $1 billion in revenue for the country annually and account for about a third of all export income, the U.S. government estimated last September. China's move was seen by some experts as a response to U.S. pressure. The coal ban was an indirect message to the U.S., according to Bruce Bennett, a senior defense analysts at the Rand Corporation in Santa Monica, California. He paraphrased for VOA what he thought the Chinese meant: "Don't implement secondary sanctions against our companies. We are taking this action to punish North Korea. Don't punish Chinese companies in the process, because cutting off coal is going to hurt Chinese companies. Stephan Haggard, a visiting fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington said China's coal ban, when fully implemented, could easily bring on a full-blown balance of payments crisis in North Korea. China's declining influence Christine Wormuth, the Pentagon's top policy official in the Obama administration, called for a policy of engagement and pressure, saying pressuring China alone has its limits, given Beijing's waning influence on Pyongyang. The ties between the two allies became strained after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un took power in 2011. I think, though, that those two options may not be mutually exclusive," Wormuth said during an interview with VOA. The former undersecretary for policy at the U.S. Defense Department added: Perhaps it would be fruitful to look at trying to pursue more of a dual-track kind of approach. In an apparent consolatory gesture, the Obama administration extended humanitarian assistance worth $1 million to the reclusive North Korean regime, through UNICEF, on the day before President Trump took over the White House last month. It was the first direct U.S. aid to the North in six years. Wolfsthal said the aid was intended not only to respond to genuine humanitarian needs, but also to ease tensions with the communist state during the transition of governments in the United States. The hope was that by providing aid to the North, we could increase the leverage, or the very least the opportunity for the new team to try and pursue an effective policy with the North, should they choose to do so," Wolfsthal said. North Korea remains defiant North Korea test-fired what it said was a new type of solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missile last week, its first missile test since Trump took office on January 20. Earlier this year, the North boasted that it was capable of launching a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile a rocket powerful enough to reach the United States at any time, from any location, but that claim was greeted with great skepticism across the Pacific. In an interview with VOA, retired U.S. Navy Admiral William Fallon warned of Pyongyang's unpredictable provocations. The only thing that's certain, to my mind, is that there will be more surprises, because that seems to be the playbook. That's the way Kim Jong Un is following his father and the first leader (his grandfather), said Fallon, who commanded U.S. forces in the Pacific from 2005 to 2007. So I expect the new administration will be tested with some continuing events. Baik Sungwon of VOA's Korean Service contributed to this report. Australia's highest-paid public servant announced his resignation on Thursday, two weeks after a revelation that he made 5.6 million Australian ($4.3 million) last year sparked a public furor and created a political headache for the government. Australia Post managing director Ahmed Fahour said he was quitting the national mail service on the same day the government-owned corporation posted a profit of AU$131 million for the six months through December. The figure was a big jump from the AU$16 million profit the corporation made in the same half a year earlier. The Lebanese-born former banker, 50, said he was leaving because Australia Post had transformed from a traditional mail service to a parcel and e-commerce business during his seven years at the helm. His resignation was not caused by the widespread public outrage at his high salary, he said. Clearly, this has been a very difficult and emotional decision for me and my family. But I've come to the conclusion that the timing is right. As the half-year results show, the transformation has worked, Fahour said. Fahour said he would leave Australia Post in July following the announcement of his successor. The government later announced that an independent tribunal that decides the salaries of lawmakers, judges and government department bosses will be given power to rule on how much Fahour's replacement is worth. While the Australia Post board of directors will continue to decide the managing director's salary package, it will now have to persuade the Remuneration Tribunal that the pay is consistent with what other senior public servants are paid. Earlier this month, a Senate committee revealed Fahour's pay despite objections from Australia Post that making it public could damage the corporation's brand. His AU$4.4 million salary plus an AU$1.2 million bonus in the last fiscal year was more than 10 times the prime minister's salary of AU$507,000. By contrast, U.S. Postal Service Chief Executive and Postmaster General Megan Brennan's salary was $286,137 last year. Fahour said that Australia Post should not be compared to the loss-making U.S. Postal Service. They are a letters company and, by the way, they lose $20 billion a year and have done so now for a number of years, Fahour said. That's not the right comparison. We need to be compared to other parcels logistics companies, e-commerce companies - and those companies are global, he said. When Fahour's pay was made public, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, a former merchant banker with a personal fortune estimated at exceeding AU$200 million, said he told Australia Post Chairman John Stanhope that the salary was too high. As someone who spent most of his life in the business world before I came into politics, I think that is a very big salary for that job, Turnbull told reporters. The highest paid Australian public servant after Fahour was Bill Morrow, chief executive of Australia's government-owned NBN Co., who was paid AU$3.6 million last year, including an AU$1.2 million bonus. NBN is rolling out Australia's national broadband network. China's Defense Ministry on Thursday dismissed reports Chinese military vehicles were patrolling inside Afghanistan, saying the two countries were only carrying out counter-terrorism operations along their common border. This month, the Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst think tank said in a report on its website that Chinese troops were on Afghan soil conducting joint patrols with their Afghan counterparts. That followed a similar report in an Indian media outlet in November. Defense Ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said Chinese public security departments had counter-terrorism cooperation along the China-Afghanistan border. "This is law enforcement bodies from China and Afghanistan, in accordance with a bilateral agreement on strengthening border law enforcement, conducting cooperation along the border so as to jointly carry out counter-terrorism and to fight against cross-border crime," Ren told a monthly news briefing. "Reports in foreign media of Chinese military vehicles patrolling inside Afghanistan do not accord with the facts," he added, largely repeating a similar ministry statement from November. China and Afghanistan share a 76-km (50 mile) stretch of border in a remote, mountainous corner of central Asia. China has long been concerned that instability in Afghanistan could spill over into the violence-prone Xinjiang region in china's far west, home to the Muslim Uighur people, where hundreds of people have died in recent years in unrest blamed by China on Islamist militants. China has also worked with Pakistan and the United States to broker peace talks to end Afghanistan's Taliban insurgency that has raged there for 15 years. Following the airport assassination of Kim Jong Nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the question being asked by much of the world is, Why? And with China often regarded as a nation that might be able to exert pressure over Pyongyangs actions, however, what impact could Jong Nams death have on China-North Korean relations? The events surrounding Kims demise continue to evolve. Malaysian authorities state VX nerve agent was used to kill Kim. Police have also expanded their suspect list to include Hyon Kwang Song, the second secretary at the North Korean embassy in Malaysia, and two other North Koreans. Authorities also have asked Interpol to apprehend four North Koreans who left the country following the assault. North Koreas Central News Agency blamed Malaysia for the death and accused the country of an unfriendly attitude. Malaysias Defense Minister called similar remarks by the Norths Ambassador rude. Malaysian police say they have been very fair in their investigation. While this event took place in Malaysia and involves a North Korean of the Kim leadership lineage, Kim Jong Nam lived in China following his 2001 failed attempt to enter Japan to visit Disneyland. No definitive links have been made between the death of Kim and North Korea, but officials from the United States and South Korean believe that Pyongyang was behind the attack. If proven true, what could be the effect on China-North Korean relations, since China is North Koreas largest trading partner and ally? Bilateral relations with North Korea have been difficult at best, so China doesnt like what its doing, but its been unwilling to implement pressure or implement the U.N. sanctions on North Korea, said Bruce Klingner, Senior Research Fellow on Northeast Asia at the Heritage Foundation. Bonnie Glaser, Senior Advisor for Asia at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, observes, I think you can add this alleged assassination of Kim Jong Nam to a long list of issues that are causing friction in the China-North Korean relationship. She references recent events like ballistic missile and nuclear tests. What to watch Another factor that could be contributing to the friction between Pyongyang and Beijing is that Beijing is looking for issues on which it can cooperate with the Trump Administration, said Glaser. The key thing to look for, says Rodger Baker, Stratfor Vice President of Strategic Analysis, is whether or not China feels North Koreas actions are starting to undermine Beijings interests. The Chinese have long accepted many of the things North Korea does, primarily because, in the end, they dont ultimately create a sense of risk for China itself. This has even gone to their nuclear program, noted Baker. Perhaps the assassination of Kim Jong Nam goes beyond their anger at North Korea for the various missile and nuclear tests. Weve seen China announce it would halt its coal imports from North Korea, but before they did that they had expedited a lot of shipments. Perhaps they had already reached the 2017 quota, added Klingner. With the Kim Jong Nam assassination conducted openly, Baker says that if North Korea once again finds itself listed on terrorism watch lists, China may be asked to treat Pyongyang accordingly. Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis planned to open this years State of the City speech by thanking Caterpillar Inc. for its longtime commitment to the central Illinois town, declaring We wouldnt be Peoria without Caterpillar. Its been that way for decades in Peoria and in other company towns across the United States. A major employer provided generations of locals with jobs and gave the cities a central identity, while executives helped keep cultural institutions, Rotary clubs and higher-end housing markets healthy. Now many of those midsize communities are looking for a new identity as more companies trade their longtime hometowns for major cities with easier access to global markets and to the lifestyle talented young workers want, with public transit, nightlife and trendy restaurants. Caterpillars recent decision to move 300 top headquarters jobs to the Chicago area made Peoria the latest city with a vacuum to fill. In 2014, Decatur, Illinois, lost Archer Daniels Midland to Chicago after 40 years in the town. ConAgra Foods moved 1,000 jobs last year from Omaha to Chicago. Jobs follow the people Some companies also are leaving suburban areas for downtowns, though the suburbs are still a popular choice. General Electric is moving its executives from a suburban campus in Fairfield, Connecticut, to downtown Boston, and McDonalds said last year it will relocate to downtown Chicago from a sprawling headquarters in suburban Oak Brook. A study by the virtual think tank CityObservatory.org found the number of jobs located within three miles of the city center grew by nearly 2 percent between 2011 and 2014, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Center city jobs grew slightly faster than those in the periphery in one recent seven-year period, a reversal from much of the past several decades. I dont know that Id call it a trend yet but it certainly is becoming one, said Tom Murphy, a former Pittsburgh mayor and senior resident fellow at the Urban Land Institute. Maybe for the first time in history, rather than having people follow where jobs are ... were beginning to see jobs following people instead. By a 2-to-1 margin, young college graduates are now choosing a place to live first, then finding a job, said Joe Cortright, director of CityObservatory.org. For companies recruiting top talent, the biggest competitive advantage is to be in the city, Cortright said. Urban-rural divide grows The change is adding to the divide between urban and smaller communities in the U.S., especially in the Midwest, which is beset with sagging manufacturing industries. We joke about that theres the great state of Chicago, and then theres the rest of Illinois, said Bishop Harold Dawson Jr., a lifelong Peoria resident and pastor of New Life Christian Church. Like many locals, Dawson can rattle off a list of relatives whose livelihoods in Peoria have depended on Caterpillar. The company, known as CAT for short, established its first plant in Peoria in 1909 and employs more than 12,000 workers in the area, even after several layoffs. The city of about 110,000 has been trying to breathe more life into its downtown and a scenic stretch along the Illinois River. But while new restaurants, coffee shops and apartments are opening, Ardis acknowledged few people would call the area dynamic. And parts of the citys core are seeing growing poverty. The headquarters move has been a blow to the citys collective morale. There is emotion around the decision, said Jeff Griffin, president of the Peoria Area Chamber. Peoria is not unique in that tragedy across the country. Shift to small businesses Griffin said he and his counterpart in Omaha talked recently about the importance of diversifying the local economy, relying on small business rather than large corporations. Part of the big challenge is leadership needs to recognize the rules have changed, Murphy said. They need to think about how they build their cities and the amenities they offer, and be really clear about what their competitive advantages are today, not what they were 100 years ago. A city should perhaps think about spending on public transit rather than highways, he said. Improving the atmosphere of downtown seems to be helping some midsize cities recoup from the loss of major businesses, urban experts say. Finding a new identity In Greenville, South Carolina, where the decline of the textile industry left a huge gap in the economy, leadership arranged to remove a four-lane bridge that obstructed the view of a scenic waterfall, and added trees and cafes and sidewalks. A downtown that was once dead is now beautiful and hugely successful, Murphy said. In addition to drawing tourists, the city has a booming advanced manufacturing industry, anchored by companies such as BMW. But other places, such as Decatur, are struggling to find a new identity. The city has the second-highest unemployment rate in Illinois, and Moodys Analytics warns the lack of jobs could push the city back into recession. Across the Midwest and Northeast in particular, a number of midsize cities are facing big challenges, Cortright said. What do we do with the Peorias? he added. I dont think we know what the answer to that is. Peoria has a growing health care industry and is home to other companies such as Maui Jim sunglasses and Bump Box, a monthly delivery of skincare and other products for pregnant women. Ardis said the city just has to find more. Were not just going to roll over and play dead, he said. All but a few dozen of the last holdouts from a months-long mass protest against a proposed oil pipeline in North Dakota peacefully vacated their riverside camp as an eviction deadline passed on Wednesday. "We've very firm that the camp is now closed," Governor Doug Burgum, a Republican, told an evening news conference. Following Wednesday's exodus, Burgum estimated there were 25 to 50 protesters left. He said they were still free to leave voluntarily so long as they did not interfere with cleanup crews scheduled to enter the site at 9 a.m. (1500 GMT) on Thursday. The encampment has stood since August on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property at the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation near Cannon Ball, North Dakota, about 40 miles south of Bismarck, the state capital. Protesters calling themselves "water protectors" have rallied there against plans to route the Dakota Access Pipeline beneath a lake near the reservation, saying the project poses a threat to water resources and sacred tribal sites. Dubbed the Oceti Sakowin camp, the site became a focal point for U.S. environmental activists and Native Americans expressing indigenous rights, drawing some 5,000 to 10,000 protesters at the height of the movement in early December. Most have drifted since away, as tribal leaders urged people to leave due to harsh winter weather, while pressing their opposition to the pipeline in court. Roughly 300 demonstrators had remained until this week. Protesters and police have clashed multiple times since August, with more than 700 arrests tallied. On Wednesday authorities appeared intent on avoiding clashes, though 10 arrests were made as protesters confronted police in riot gear on a highway outside the camp entrance before the officers retreated around nightfall. President Donald Trump has pushed for completion of the pipeline since he took office last month, signing an executive order that reversed an Obama administration decision and cleared the way for the $3.8 billion project to proceed. Two tribes earlier this month lost a legal bid to halt construction. The pipeline is due to be complete and ready for oil by April 1, according to court documents filed Tuesday. Deadline on the river Burgum and the Army Corps of Engineers had set Wednesday's deadline for protesters to leave, citing hazards posed by impending spring floods along the Cannonball River. The governor said the handful of demonstrators who remained needed to make way for crews set to expand a cleanup that began weeks ago to remove mounds of garbage, debris, human waste and dozens of abandoned vehicles. At least three dozen protesters could be seen gathering near the camp entrance as the afternoon eviction deadline passed, and a few dozen others were believed lingering elsewhere at the site. Some vowed to stay put. "I feel as though now is the time to stand our ground," said Alethea Phillips, 17, a demonstrator from Michigan who had spent three months at the camp. Chase Iron Eyes, a Standing Rock Sioux member, said closing the camp would not dampen his determination. "You can't arrest a movement. You can't arrest a spiritual revolution," he said. Activists set off fireworks on Wednesday morning, and as freezing rain and snow fell, some demonstrators ceremonially burned tents and other structures at the camp. State officials said protesters had set about 20 fires, and that two youngsters - a 7-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl - were taken to a Bismarck hospital for burns after two explosions occurred, the governor said. Authorities have set up an assistance center to provide departing protesters with food, water and medical check-ups, as well as a voucher for one night's hotel stay and a bus ride home. A few dozen demonstrators opposed to the Dakota Access pipeline defied a Wednesday deadline to leave a protest camp they have occupied for months to demand an end to construction of the project, saying they were prepared to be arrested. Police begin arresting the protesters around 5 p.m. local time for failing to meet deadline to leave North Dakota camp. President Donald Trump has pushed for the completion of the multibillion-dollar pipeline since he took office last month, despite objections from Native Americans and environmental activists who say it threatens the water resources and sacred land of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Republican Governor Doug Burgum and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had set a 2 p.m. CST (2000 GMT) deadline for protesters to leave the Oceti Sakowin camp, located on Army Corps land in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. As freezing rain and snow fell, some demonstrators ceremonially burned tents and other structures at the camp in what they said was a tradition before leaving a dwelling place. But others said they were going nowhere. Around three dozen protesters gathered near the camp entrance as the deadline passed. About 20 police vehicles waited up the road and a few dozen protesters remained in other parts of the camp, a Reuters witness said. "I feel as though now is the time to stand our ground," said Alethea Phillips, 17, a demonstrator from Michigan who has spent three months at the camp. Chase Iron Eyes, a Standing Rock Sioux member, said the detention of protesters would not dampen their determination. "There are a lot of grandmothers, there are a lot of women(at the camp). ... There are people who have shown up to stand in solidarity with them," he said in a video broadcast. "You can't arrest a movement. You can't arrest a spiritual revolution." Protesters and law enforcement have clashed multiple times and hundreds of people have been arrested since demonstrations began in August. The Standing Rock Sioux asked protesters to leave the area in December as they challenged the pipeline plans in court, but some 300 demonstrators had remained. Ed Higgins, a 39-year-old military veteran from Lowell, Massachusetts, said he planned on getting arrested peacefully, but was unsure how many other fellow protesters would be taken into custody. "We will not know until it happens," he said. Law enforcement officials urged people to leave the camp ahead of the deadline, saying they could be at risk from spring floods, as well as to remove anything that could be damaged during cleanup efforts. The officials have agreed to a request by camp leaders that only Native American cleanup crews be used. One activist, HolyElk Lafferty, said she had asked that government-contracted crews not begin their work until after the camp is cleared. "It would raise the alarm and panic and not promote a peaceful process today," Lafferty said. "I want people to be safe on both sides." State officials have set up a travel assistance center to provide departing protesters with food, water and health check-ups, as well as a voucher for one night's accommodation at a Bismarck hotel and a bus ticket home. "We're making sure that we're taking care of people that may not have means," said a spokesman for the state highway patrol, Lieutenant Tom Iverson. Trump, a Republican, signed an executive order clearing the way for the $3.8 billion pipeline to proceed. A judge denied a request earlier this month by two tribes seeking to halt construction. The tribes are seeking an injunction to order the Army Corps to withdraw the easement. The pipeline will be complete and ready for oil between March 6 and April 1, according to court documents filed Tuesday. In refugee camps everywhere, there is no shortage of curious young minds: more than half of the world's displaced population are children. But the barriers to receiving a quality early education are huge. "There are 250 million children whose developmental potential is at risk around the world," said Sarah Smith, Director of Education at the International Rescue Committee (IRC), in an interview with VOA. "The global displacement crisis is bigger than ever before, and there are about 12 million children under eight who are displaced from their homes and in need of support." In response to the growing Syrian refugee crisis, the IRC, together with Sesame Workshop the nonprofit behind the children's program Sesame Street have teamed up in a new initiative to provide quality education to young children displaced by conflict and persecution. The pilot program, which is still in development, focuses primarily on refugees and other young children affected by conflict in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and northern Iraq. Along with seven other semifinalists, they are in the running for a $100 million grant by the MacArthur Foundation's "100&Change" global competition, an award that would help facilitate their early education efforts in destination countries like Lebanon and Jordan, where hundreds of thousands of refugee children are displaced. "When we looked at the refugee issue and the fact that some 65 million people are displaced, half of whom are children, we knew this was an issue where we had to step up," said Sherrie Westin, Executive Vice-President of Global Impact and Philanthropy at Sesame Workshop. Westin told VOA that part of what makes their education model a success is their ability to address specific needs of children, using relatable characters that speak a child's language and understand their needs. "To be in that environment, to have a furry little muppet like Elmo, or our Jordanian Muppet Tonton, and see those children light up to see them laughing and playing and engaging that gives you hope. And we would reach those children with that kind of joy of learning, but with proven educational content, that honestly can change their lives." Model with proven results Sesame Workshop and the IRC's early education model including social emotional skills is supported by neuroscience research, which finds an inextricable link between a child's cognitive stimulation and brain development. "The area where we can have the greatest impact is reaching children in those first five years of life in terms of brain development, in terms of helping them mitigate some of the negative impacts of trauma, or what is often called toxic stress," Westin said. "If we reach these children who are in very challenging circumstances with quality early education, with strategies for their parents and caregivers for engagement, we have a chance of giving them a much greater shot at succeeding in life." The IRC says its education-minded approach and existing infrastructure, combined with Sesame Workshop's engaging content, makes for a complementary partnership. Smith notes that a bulk of their outreach is directed to adult parents children's first line of support. "The centerpiece of any early childhood development program for us will focus on parents: supporting parents, meeting them where they are, knowing that they have to work long hours, that they might face medical challenges, and often times are struggling themselves," Smith said. "To provide them support and services so that they can be great parents for their children is essential." Whether their lesson is in classrooms or via smartphones in tents, the IRC and Sesame's message to families everywhere remains unchanged: inclusion, acceptance and understanding help children in more ways than one. "When we say our mission is to help all children grow smarter, stronger and kinder, we really mean it," Westin said. "I think there's a benefit to all of us if all children have an opportunity to be all three." When a summer thunderstorm knocked out power to Scott Pruitt's home three years ago, the then-attorney general of Oklahoma reached out to a lobbyist for American Electric Power. Pruitt's executive assistant emailed Howard Bud Ground, saying General Pruitt wanted to know when his lights would be back on. The utility lobbyist asked for Pruitt's address and a work crew soon arrived at the Republican official's sprawling, 5,500-square-foot Tulsa home. The 2013 email exchange is one of dozens reviewed by The Associated Press that underscore the cozy ties between the new head of the Environmental Protection Agency and those that profit from burning fossil fuels. AEP generates about 60 percent of its electricity from coal, creating planet-warming carbon emissions that Pruitt is now charged with regulating. More than 7,500 pages were released under court order this week after an Oklahoma judge ruled that Pruitt had been illegally withholding his correspondence, which is public record under state law, for the last two years. The Republican-dominated Senate voted on Friday to confirm President Donald Trump's pick to lead EPA. Democrats had sought to delay the vote on Pruitt's confirmation until the requested emails were released, but Republican leaders used their slim majority to push Pruitt through. The emails show Pruitt and his staff coordinating their legal strategy with oil and gas industry executives and conservative advocacy groups funded by those profiting from fossil fuels, including the billionaire brothers David and Charles Koch. While serving as Oklahoma's elected state lawyer for the last six years, Pruitt sued federal agencies more than a dozen times to challenge stricter environmental regulations. Among the emails is a series of 2013 exchanges between Pruitt's staff and Richard Moskowitz, general counsel for the Washington-based American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers. The lawyer detailed the industry's plan to seek waivers from the federal rules boosting the use of renewable fuels and asked Pruitt to make a specific legal argument under air pollution regulations known as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The email was copied to Thomas Bates, then Pruitt's first assistant attorney general. We think it would be most effective for Oklahoma to file a separate waiver petition that emphasizes severe environmental harm, as this argument is more credible coming from a state with primary responsibility for achieving and maintaining attainment with the NAAQS, Moskowitz wrote. Moskowitz's email was then forwarded to Pruitt's deputy solicitor general, P. Clayton Eubanks, who replied that he knew little about the federal Renewable Fuel Standard and asked for further instructions about what the trade group wanted them to do. I think it is safe to say that AG Pruitt has an interest in the issue, Eubanks wrote. Hopefully I haven't missed the boat too much on these questions, but I want to make sure I fully understand what Oklahoma's role will be. Pruitt did not respond Wednesday to emails requesting comment. Environmentalists cited Pruitt's close ties to the fossil fuel industry in opposing his nomination. Like Trump, Pruitt has questioned the validity of scientific studies showing the Earth is warming and that carbon emissions from human activity are the primary cause. As attorney general, Pruitt's office joined a GOP-led multistate lawsuit seeking to overturn President Barack Obama's plan to limit emissions from coal-fired power plants. During his confirmation hearing last month, Senate Democrats pressed Pruitt on political donations he had raised from energy companies such as Exxon Mobil and Devon Energy, including dark money funneled to groups not required to disclose their donors. Pruitt's staff was also in close contact with the American Legislative Exchange Council and Americans for Prosperity to coordinate opposition to new EPA regulations. Oil industry giant Exxon Mobil is a major donor to ALEC, while AFP is closely linked to Koch Industries, which owns petroleum pipelines. In another exchange of emails from 2013, executives from Devon, an Oklahoma City-based oil and gas company, asked Pruitt to send an official state response to new regulations on hydraulic fracturing proposed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The company provided a draft letter for Pruitt's signature, addressed to the White House office that reviews regulations. Our goal is to have input to (the office) with a goal of its directing BLM to completely do away with the present thrust, wrote William Whitsitt, an executive vice president at Devon. Brent Rockwood, another Devon executive, chimed in with suggested edits and additions for Pruitt's filing. Thank you for your guidance and assistance in getting this letter out, Eubanks, the deputy solicitor general, later emailed Rockwood. Melissa McLawhorn Houston, Pruitt's chief of staff, emailed a Devon executive in November 2013 asking whether it would be possible for her to take her sons to a posh restaurant at the top of the company's 50-story headquarters building. She wrote that they were dressed like tourists and had no plans to eat. Allen Wright, Devon's vice president for government affairs, quickly responded by having his assistant arrange a personal escort for Houston, who later followed up by inviting the executive out to lunch. You are so sweet! Houston responded to Wright. Thank you again so much for your help on this! Very sweet and you'll be making 2 little boys very happy! In an interview Wednesday, Houston insisted she wasn't asking for a favor, but rather was just emailing a longtime acquaintance out of concern her family might not be appropriately dressed. She said they ended up not going and that her sons have still not made it to the top of Devon Tower. Asked about a separate email confirming an appointment for her at the building a few days later, Houston said she had no specific recollection of what that visit was about. I've been to Devon several times, Houston said, adding that she likes the gelato sold in the lobby. The Trump White House has ordered a review of U.S. policy toward North Korea, looking at all the options Washington has for its future dealings with Pyongyang and the Kim Jong Un regime, well-informed diplomatic sources told VOA this week. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson addressed the threat posed by North Korea as recently as Tuesday in his conversation with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi. Tillerson did not answer a question posed by VOA on the status of the policy review on Wednesday during his meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop. A nuclear-armed North Korea presents President Donald Trump's administration with one of its most urgent and potentially explosive problems, many experts argue. "As the new president has heard directly from [former] President [Barack] Obama and in intelligence briefings, North Korea has nuclear weapons and missile delivery systems that already threaten South Korea and Japan, as well as U.S. bases in those countries and in the western Pacific," said Evans Revere, a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution's Center for East Asia Policy Studies in Washington. Some contend it is time for Washington to take a different approach in its dealings with Pyongyang, such as directly engaging with the reclusive and unpredictable regime. Others are calling for a harder line against Pyongyang's militaristic gestures, such as its ballistic-missile launch this month, timed to coincide with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's talks in the U.S. with Trump. "The Trump administration needs to engage the North Koreans to determine how the two sides can avoid a possible confrontation that is in no one's interest," Asia-Pacific expert Donald Zagoria told VOA Wednesday. Call for broader contacts Zagoria, of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, is prominent among those who feel that broader contacts with North Korea are the best way to resolve differences. He is senior vice president and director of a forum on Asia-Pacific security at NCAFP, which is based in New York. Founded more than 40 years ago, the nonprofit policy organization aims to resolve conflicts that threaten U.S. interests. "The new administration needs to appoint a special representative who has the authority to deal with this issue and to coordinate policy across the bureaucracy," Zagoria said. The NCAFP is trying to organize talks between North Korean representatives and former American officials in the hope that such talks, the so-called "Track 1.5" diplomacy, can contribute to the resolution of problems that governments are unwilling or unable to address officially. No details of preparation Zagoria, who was a consultant to the National Security Council and the State Department under former President Jimmy Carter, declined to comment on details of the preparations for such talks. One potential stumbling block, however, already looms. The State Department has not yet approved visas for North Korean officials to travel to New York for such talks. A spokesperson for the State Department's East Asia and Pacific Bureau, Anna Richey-Allen, told VOA, "An individual's eligibility for specific categories of visas is based on a number of factors, including the activities that he or she intends to undertake in the United States." In contrast to the views of Zagoria and others who hope for greater engagement with North Korea under Trump, other experts argue that Washington "must apply immediate and unprecedented pressure" on the North Korean regime to compel Pyongyang to change its provocative behavior. The United States should enhance "extended deterrence and measures to physically demonstrate U.S. determination to fulfill its commitments," Revere said at a recent discussion organized by NCAFP. Increased military exercises Revere added that the United States could "increase scope and frequency of military exercises to include participation by other members of the United Nations Command," including Britain and Australia. If the planned Track 1.5 talks do take place, they would be the first such meetings in years. "The substance will determine the significance," said Bonnie Glaser, director of the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "It would provide an opportunity to hear if North Korea has anything new to say," Glaser said, adding, "other than its familiar demands that Washington must recognize Pyongyang as a nuclear weapons state." Another factor could figure in U.S. diplomacy and the Trump administration's expected review of policy toward North Korea in the coming weeks, said former presidential adviser Dennis Wilder, who worked for former President George W. Bush and currently is a senior fellow at Georgetown University's U.S.-China Initiative. "The policy review may not be completed quickly," Wilder said, "given the abrupt change of leadership at the National Security Council [after Michael Flynn's departure] and the absence of new, middle-level political appointees for East Asia and Pacific affairs at the departments of State and Defense." Germany has sent home another batch of Afghan asylum-seekers denied haven as a plane carrying about 50 people left the city of Munich on Wednesday. It was the third such flight since late last year, drawing protests from Amnesty International and left-wing opposition parties. Germany deported a record 80,000 migrants denied asylum last year and officials have said that figure will rise in 2017, as Chancellor Angela Merkel seeks to win back conservative voters before elections in September. The European Union's largest economy has taken in more than 1 million migrants in the past 18 months, most of them fleeing war in Syria. But it has argued that it can safely repatriate people to Kabul and other parts of Afghanistan, where German troops are part of NATO forces seeking to create stability. Merkel, who is running for re-election in September, is facing fallout from those opposed to her decision in 2015 to open German borders to refugees. Her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party has been pushing to deport more migrants whose applications have failed or foreigners who have committed crimes, as a way to placate the opposition. More than 30,000 current and former police officers in Hong Kong took to the streets late Wednesday night, in a show of support for colleagues who were recently convicted of assaulting an activist during the 2014 Occupy protests. The mass demonstrations were described as the largest gathering of police officers the city has seen in half a century. While the police have every right to exercise their freedom of speech and assembly, many supporters acts and harsh comments toward the judge may have constituted contempt of court and posed a challenge to the citys rule of law, analysts say. Discontent Joe Chan, chairman of the Junior Police Officers Association one of the organizers, told the rally that his association and three other police staff groups would soon write to the citys chief executive, urging legislation that bans insults against public officers on duty including the police, the South China Morning Post reported. The police groups had previously vowed to raise funds to help file an appeal for the seven convicted police officers, each of who received a prison term of two years last Friday after being found guilty of beating pro-democracy activist Ken Tsang. The convicted officers had denied any wrongdoing although their brutality was caught on tape and later aired on local TV news. According to a participating officer, Wednesdays rally was meant to be neither a protest against the courts or Hong Kongs judicial system, nor an attempt to undermine the rule of law. It is a deep and heartfelt expression of genuine support for our colleagues and their families, who we feel have been unfairly treated and whose actions came out of a time of highly charged political emotion and stress, the officer told the Post. Contempt of court Prior to Wednesdays mass protests, small-scale street parades had been put on by the polices supporters, some of whom got carried away and called Judge David Dufton a bullying dog a provocation analysts believe had gone too far. All these [harsh comments] could be considered to be contempt of court and could be prosecuted. So all these things as if it would mean to the question of what would be the bottom line of maintaining the rule of law and also the freedom of expression and assembly here in Hong Kong, said Patrick Poon, China Researcher at Amnesty International. Other observers, however, regretted that rally participants have chosen the wrong side of the justice. Dixon Sing, an associate professor of social science at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, said that he found the pro-police demonstrations hard to justify although he disagreed their protests will pose a challenge to the citys deep-rooted judicial system. This act [protest] would not shake up the general publics belief in the rule of law. Rather, it would unsettle and erode the publics trust and respect for the policemen because what the seven have done is glaringly wrong, the professor said. Rally participants lack a fair assessment of the situation, he said, adding that the citys top leader should have taken up a bigger political responsibility in having ordered the police to use tear gas and water cannon against supporters of the Umbrella movement. Harsh reaction from Chinese nationalists The police rally, however, has sparked an outpouring of nationalist comments from Chinese netizens. On Sina Weibo, Chinas Twitter-like microblogging platform, the majority of thousands of users pointed fingers at Dufton, the British judge. A foreigner judge has found Chinese cops guilty, but those pro-independent Occupy activists innocent. Is Hong Kong still a special administrative region under China? Why does Hong Kong continue to appoint foreigner judges, a Weibo user complained. Another angry user named Jimy-89 added, Kick those British slaves out! Professor Sing, however, found these netizens negative comments unsurprising as there is a huge discrepancy between the level of tolerance for police brutality in Hong Kong and China. In Hong Kong, policemen are expected to exercise professionalism and forbidden from abusing their power while their counterparts in China sever those in power in their pursuit for political stability, he said. [In China,] there has also been a lot of tradition of stressing the importance of political stability and the police forces are framed as a major pillar to bolster the stability, Sing said. Also, Beijings deliberate policy of framing pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong as unruly gangsters gave the general public in China the wrong impression, which reinforces their sympathy for law enforcers in Hong Kong. Yet, a few netizens in China still threw support behind the judicial independence in Hong Kong. A Weibo user called Chinese nationalists reaction pathetic, arguing that those seven police officers shouldnt have taken the law into their own hands. Immigration tops the list of problems Americans think are most important for President Donald Trump and Congress to address, according to a new CBS News poll. Fifteen percent of the American's queried responded that immigration is the most important problem the president and Congress needed to tackle this year. The economy and jobs are the second most important issue, according to 13 percent of respondents. Health care is the third most important issue, according to 11 percent of those surveyed. The poll finds that most Americans think the government should do more to ensure that foreigners who enter the U.S. do not pose a risk to the country's security. Three out of four Republicans polled believe not enough is not being to address the issue. Despite concerns over potential security risks, six in 10 Americans still support a program for undocumented immigrants already in the U.S. to obtain citizenship. Thirteen percent believe undocumented immigrants should be allowed to remain in the U.S. and need not apply for citizenship. Twenty three percent would require them to leave the U.S. Forty-three percent of Republicans favor requiring undocumented immigrants to leave, while 79 percent of Democrats feel illegal immigrants should be granted a path toward citizenship. Twenty percent of respondents believe undocumented immigrants are more likely than U.S. citizens to commit crimes. Thirty eight percent of Republicans feel this way, compared to nine percent of Democrats. As U.S. administration officials meet with top Mexican officials in Mexico City, Trump's proposal to build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico will be a topic of discussion. The poll finds that 58 percent of Americans oppose a wall, while 39 percent support it. Republicans are the most ardent supporters, with 77 percent in favor. Only 11 percent of Democrats support a wall. Most of the survey was conducted before the Trump administration released memos to address illegal immigration and deportation. Iran has held its first conference in six years supporting Palestinian uprisings, a forum that it says drew hundreds of delegates from 80 countries, reflecting the countrys resurgent clout on the world stage. The two-day Sixth International Conference in Support of the Palestinian Intifada ended Wednesday in the Iranian capital, Tehran, with Irans president pledging more aid for Palestinians fighting against Israel. Tehran has long provided monetary and military assistance to Palestinian militants. Iranian state media quoted President Hassan Rouhani as saying his people have paid a high cost for supporting the Palestinians and opposing the Zionist regime of Israels actions, but they will continue their support with determination. State media said Rouhani made the comments while meeting Palestinian National Council chairman Salim al-Zanoun on the forums sidelines. Speaking to conference delegates, Rouhani also called Israel a fake regime that should be replaced by a Palestinian state for Muslims, Christians and Jews. A day earlier, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei opened the conference by calling Israel a cancerous tumor and urging the Palestinians to wage a thunderous intifada until what he called the complete liberation of Palestine a reference to the historic British-controlled territory of Palestine that pre-dated Israels creation in 1948. Palestinian intifadahs Palestinians engaged in two violent revolts, or intifadas, against Israels occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, territories they claim for a state, from 1987 to 1993 and from 2000 to 2005. In recent years, Palestinian militants also have carried out waves of stabbing, vehicular and shooting attacks against Israelis, and have used Gaza as a base for 2014 war with Israel. Iran honored those revolts by staging this weeks conference just more than one year after receiving relief from international sanctions as part of a nuclear deal with world powers, a deal that took effect in January 2016. Tehran held its previous pro-Palestinian Intifada conferences in 2011, 2009, 2006, 2001 and 1991. There has been no official Israeli reaction to the latest forum. Anti-Israel rhetoric Emanuele Ottolenghi, an Iran analyst at the Washington-based research group Foundation for Defense of Democracies, sees the anti-Israel rhetoric of Khamenei and Rouhani as more of the same. They were vitriolic in their rhetoric against Israel before and after the nuclear deal (was signed in 2015) under the Obama administration, and now that Donald Trump is U.S. president, Ottolenghi told the VOA Persian Service. This regime remains wedded to the idea that Israel must be destroyed. But Ottolenghi said the ability of Iran to organize another conference in support of Palestinian militancy after a break of six years is noteworthy. We know the regime is paying full expenses for people from all over the world to come, using Iranian taxpayer money, he said. Iran is using money it obtained from the economic windfall of the nuclear deal to advance its incendiary rhetoric. The Central Bank of Iran has said the country posted economic growth of 7.4 percent in March to September 2016 compared with the same period in the previous year. Irans Financial Tribune newspaper said most of the growth came from increased oil exports allowed by the nuclear deal. Delegates from countries, militant factions Delegates to this weeks Tehran conference included members of Palestinian militant factions Hamas and Islamic Jihad and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah all designated by the United States as terrorist organizations. The forum also drew parliamentary delegations from about 20 countries, with at least seven sending their heads of parliament: Algeria, Lebanon, Mali, North Korea, Syria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The Iranian government also hosted Islamic scholars from Afghanistan and Pakistan and a group of ultra-orthodox anti-Zionist Jews. In a VOA Persian interview, terrorism researcher Lee Smith of Washingtons Hudson Institute said Iran feels empowered not just by the nuclear deal but also by the spread of its proxy forces in the region. The Iranians boast about controlling four Arab governments, in Beirut, Damascus, Baghdad and Sanaa, Smith said. That is why they are testing the Trump administration (by holding the conference). President Trumps administration, which took office last month, has vowed to be more supportive of Israel than its predecessor. Smith said Shiite-majority Iran also is using the Palestinian issue to try to gain a public relations advantage over its regional Sunni Arab rivals who traditionally have supported the predominantly Sunni Palestinians. Sunni powers like Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia recently have become closer to Israel, some of them more openly than others, because of Iran, Smith said. So the Iranians are holding onto the Palestinian file, saying (to the Arab public) we represent or support the real resistance (against Israel). Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit issued a statement last week re-iterating support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, after Trump said he was open to other ideas besides a two-state solution to the long-running Israel-Palestinian conflict. Hooman Bakhtiar of VOAs Persian Service and Mehdi Jedinia of VOAs Extremist Watch Desk contributed to this report. Iraq military officials say their U.S.-backed forces have retaken the airport in Mosul that had been controlled by the extremist Islamic State group since 2014. In a flash on its screen, state television declared, The Rapid Response Forces and federal police are fully in control of the airport of Mosul. Officials said Friday the military has also now retaken a sprawling military base next to the airport, and have entered a Mosul neighborhood for the first time in months. Iraqi forces launched a new bid to retake the western areas of Iraqs second-largest city on Sunday after saying in late January they had liberated eastern parts of the city. Iraqi Lieutenant General Raid Shakir Jaudat said Baghdad's forces, backed by drones and heavy artillery, had advanced on the airport from several positions. At first, accounts of the airport takeover said there was little Islamic State resistance, but later there were reports of Iraqi firefights with militants encamped in airport buildings. One Iraqi special forces officer reported IS fighters had targeted Baghdad's fighters with a suicide car bomb and dozens of bombs dropped from drones. The officer said there were at least a dozen casualties, although many were light injuries. "Daesh [IS] resistance is not inconsiderable, but they are trying to save their strength for inside the city," First Lieutenant Ahmed al-Ghalabi of the Rapid Response Forces said outside the airport's main entrance. An Iraqi takeover of the airport would give its troops access to the city from the southwest and for the first time control of an area along the west bank of the Tigris River. Another commander, Hisham Abdul Kadhem, said, "Right now, thank God, we're inside Mosul airport and in front of its terminal. Our troops are liberating it." Little was left inside the airport, and what was once a runway was littered with dirt and debris. IS forces had leveled other buildings in the airport complex. The Iraqi forces also seized an IS weapons storage warehouse, as well its onetime headquarters and barracks. But the advance to retake the remainder of western Mosul may take some time. It took three months for Iraqi forces to seize control of the eastern part of the city. International relations professor Houchang Hassan-Yari of the Royal Military College of Canada told VOA's Persian service that the concentration of civilians in western Mosul would make it harder for Iraqi government forces and their coalition allies to retake that part of the city. "Comparing this situation to the recent battle for the Syrian city of Aleppo, Syrian government forces and their Russian allies directly attacked civilians [as they retook the city last November and December]," said Hassan-Yari on VOA Persian's NewsHour program. "In Mosul, Iraqi government forces and their U.S.-led coalition partners have significantly restricted themselves in terms of the firepower they are using, in order to save the lives of civilians." Damascus and Moscow have denied targeting civilians in Aleppo. U.S. on front lines U.S. forces have played a key role in the advance of Baghdad's troops, launching airstrikes and providing advisers on the ground. On Thursday, U.S. forces were seen on the front lines of the attack. The American forces are not supposed to be engaged in the fighting under Washington's terms of the U.S. involvement in Iraq. But a coalition spokesman, Air Force Colonel John Dorrian, said Wednesday that in recent weeks they have gotten so close to the front that they have come under attack near Mosul and returned fire. Thousands of Iraqi forces have been involved in the advance on Mosul, while U.S. officials say they think that only about 2,000 jihadists remain in the city. But the fight for control of densely populated western Mosul is likely to be fierce. It includes the Old City and its narrow streets, which are impassable for some military vehicles. Residents of western Mosul report that food supplies are dwindling, but residents on the liberated eastern side of the city are expressing their support. In Photos: On Wednesday, an army plane dropped thousands of letters from residents of the retaken eastern side into the western area. One letter said, "Be patient and help each other ... the end of injustice is near." It was signed "People from the east side." Earlier this week, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis visited Iraq and vowed that the U.S. would support Iraq in its fight against IS jihadists. When asked whether the United States would stay in Iraq after the battle for Mosul had ended, he said, "I imagine we'll be in this fight for a while and we'll stand by each other." There are an estimated 750,000 civilians in western Mosul, essentially under siege by Iraqi forces, along with IS fighters. Many of those civilians in western Mosul were forced out of the eastern part of the city during heavy fighting there last month. Meanwhile, aid agencies are worried and preparing for the possibility that up to 250,000 people might flee Mosul in the coming days or weeks. The U.N. refugee agency has said it is focusing its efforts on building new camps to house the displaced. The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees has completed eight camps and says it is planning to start work at another site south of Mosul. Parisa Farhadi and Sara Dehghan of the VOA Persian service contributed to this report. Former U.S. Sen. Frank Murkowski in 2001 gave a speech urging colleagues to approve oil drilling in America's largest wildlife refuge. The Alaska Republican held up a blank sheet of paper to illustrate his point. The field of white, he said, was all you could see each winter on the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, implying that such a barren landscape would not be harmed by oil rigs. Sixteen years later, Murkowski's daughter is trying again. U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski is sponsoring legislation to open the refuge that takes up Alaska's northeast corner and is larger than West Virginia and Connecticut combined. With a Republican Congress and president, she's hopeful that the timing is right. "If you ask me," she told The Associated Press by phone from Washington, D.C., "it's always been a good time to open it." The coastal plain is not the apex of Alaska scenery, but it's a nursery for polar bears, muskoxen and the vast Porcupine Caribou Herd. Migratory birds from all 50 states nest there. Few people visit, but the coastal plain is part of a refuge that's the very definition of wilderness: no roads, no campgrounds, not even any established trails. Environmental groups are planning strategies to keep drill rigs out. "There are some places that are just too sacred to drill," said Alli Harvey, a Sierra Club campaigner in Anchorage. Legislation signed by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1960 created the Arctic National Wildlife "Range." Congress in 1980 changed the name, expanded the refuge to 30,136 square miles and declared much of it wilderness. However, recognizing the potential for oil, Congress also declared that 2,300 square miles of Beaufort Sea coastal plain were to be studied for natural resources. Another act of Congress can open it to drilling. About the debate The Arctic refuge has since been one of Alaska's great development-versus-environment issues, causing a stalemate that has lasted more than 36 years. Congress approved drilling in 1995, but President Bill Clinton vetoed it. Drilling has been a non-issue for the past eight years. President Barack Obama instead urged Congress to formally designate the coastal plain as wilderness. Members of the Gwich'in Steering Committee, an Alaska Native organization tied to U.S. and Canadian villages south and east of the refuge, were grateful. They say their subsistence lifestyle, and identity, are closely tied to a healthy Porcupine Caribou Herd, which uses the coastal plain for calving. "This place is so special," said Bernadette Demientieff, executive director. "We have to keep some places as is. We don't need to be tearing into everything." Most Alaskans feel otherwise. Politicians of all stripes jeopardize their re-election chances if they don't endorse "opening ANWR." The prospect is just 60 miles from the trans-Alaska pipeline, which has plenty of space for moving more oil toward refineries. The pipeline currently operates at around one-quarter capacity because production from Alaska's major oil fields has declined since the late 1980s. Alaska state government, which runs on oil revenue, is blowing through savings, hit hard by the double-whammy of lower production and low oil prices. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates the coastal plain of the refuge holds 10.4 billion barrels of oil, and possibly as much as 16 billion barrels. It's North America's greatest prospect for conventional oil production, according to Sen. Lisa Murkowski. About the bill The bill sponsored by Murkowski and other Alaska congressional delegates would limit infrastructure drilling pads, roads and pipelines to 2,000 acres. Drilling advocates say restrictions already in place will protect caribou. No infrastructure would be allowed in areas crucial to caribou survival, such as the ice fields and uplands where caribou retreat to escape blood-sucking insects. Alaska already has demonstrated at other North Slope oil fields that development and caribou can co-exist, Murkowski said. Extended-reach drilling, reaching oil from a pad nearly 8 miles away, is now possible. "Think about how far the technologies that we have put in place have taken us, from the early days of Prudhoe and how we operated," she said. "What is coming about now on the North Slope in terms of how we access the resource it's a world apart." But environmentalists say the 2,000-acre figure is misleading. It's akin to assessing the amount of space in a room affected by a table by measuring only the area where the legs touch the floor, said Kristen Miller, conservation director for the Alaska Wilderness League. Gravel mining, seismic testing and air pollution will take a toll, she said. Oil is spread across the entire coastal plain, she said, and infrastructure will be too. "You will have a spider web of pipelines, roads and everything else it takes to support these intensive activities," Miller said. Tuareg rebels and Malian government officials meet today in Algiers to try to agree on the terms for a lasting peace in northern Mali. Talks will focus on security and politics, including the question of how to govern the huge territory. This week armed groups from northern Mali and government representatives return to the Algerian capital where they will engage in talks aimed at finding a solution to the countrys nearly three-year-old crisis. In July, the parties signed a roadmap that would pave the way for talks on a wide range of political and security issues. Independence for the north is no longer on the table as Tuareg rebel groups seek autonomy, rather than a breakaway state. However, it is unclear what the autonomy would mean, both in terms of Bamakos role and how communities that are split along ethnic and tribal lines would govern the vast and sparsely populated territory. Rebels see decentralization, such as an outsourcing of government functions to local representatives under Bamakos watch, as a solution that has been tried and failed. At this point, it was absolutely essential to reach an agreement, said David Gressly, the humanitarian coordinator with MINUSMA, the United Nations mission to Mali. Without it there will be no stabilization. There will probably be a deterioration of the security situation and that is not in the interest of any of the parties that are at these talks, he said. Mali has been unstable since Tuareg fighters launched a new insurgency at the start of 2012 -- an event that triggered a coup in Bamako, a takeover of the north by Islamist militants, and the intervention of French and African forces in early 2013. Armed groups, some of them with links to drug trafficking and terrorism, still fight for territory in the north, threatening not only Mali but also neighboring Algeria and Niger. Hundreds of thousands of Malian refugees remain in camps in Mauritania and Burkina Faso. In addition, Malians are becoming increasingly fed up with Frances military operation "Barkhane," a region-wide counterterrorism campaign. Gressly says both the government and the rebels may be ready to work out their issues. Hopefully well make a definitive difference because that is what everyone says they wants, a definitive agreement for the north of Mali," he said. An agreement, if reached and implemented, would end 50 years of armed conflict between the Bamako government and various Tuareg separatist movements. Voters in Mauritania head to the polls Saturday to vote in presidential elections, widely expected to return President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz to office. But the opposition remains hopeful. Mauritanians have a choice of five presidential candidates, including incumbent President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz. His two main challengers are a prominent anti-slavery activist and the country's second-ever female presidential candidate, both running as independents. Boydiel Ould Houmied, a member of a loyalist-backed party of former president Maawiya Ould Taya, and Ibrahim Moctar Sarr, a Black African who won five percent of the vote in the 2009 election, are also contenders. The country's leading opposition coalition is boycotting the poll, claiming a lack of transparency and vote-rigging. Aziz, a former army general who took power during a 2008 military coup, was officially elected in 2009. He is running on the platform that Mauritania is a better place today than it was before he took office. He said the country was more safe today than five years ago, there were no more terrorist cells and there are no political prisoners, "so this means that we have democracy." Aziz is considered by many Western countries to be a key ally in the fight against al-Qaida-linked terrorists in the region. He has also claimed responsibility for the country's recent economic growth. But one of Aziz's top rivals, Biram Ould Dah Ould Abeid, said that it is time for a change, particularly when it comes to addressing Mauritania's ongoing problem of modern-day slavery. As a self-proscribed "defender of human rights," Abeid has promised to protect and promote the poor and the marginalized. He said the election was a battle between two ideologies: between that of human rights, equality and freedom, and that of the real Islam. "We are fighting against those ideologies that have bullied people into a lifestyle of slavery and against those who make a fortune on human exploitation," he said Mauritania has repeatedly tried to abolish slavery, most recently banning it in 2007. However, as many as 600,000 people, mostly of Black African descent, are still estimated to be enslaved by the lighter skinned Arab Moors. The sole female candidate, Lalla Maryem Mint Moulaye Idriss, is promising to make women and children a priority while improving the country's agriculture and fishing sectors. She has become a favorite with many female voters. Aissatou Salam, a resident of Nouakchott, says she believes Mauritania could use a female leader. She says women represent 52 percent of the population and it is time for them to take power. Some voters, such as Ahmed Beik Ould Maouloud, said they were only interested in positive change and wanted the winning candidate to take note. He said, "we expect to be able to find jobs and see a big improvement in our economy." If no one candidate wins 50 percent of the vote on Saturday, runoff elections are scheduled to take place on July 5. (Mohamed Beddy Horma contributed to this report from Nouakchott.) Mexico reacted with anger Wednesday to what one official called "hostile" new U.S. immigration guidelines as senior Trump administration envoys began arriving in Mexico City for talks on the volatile issue. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security unveiled plans Tuesday to consider almost all illegal immigrants subject to deportation, and will seek to send many of them to Mexico if they entered the United States from there, regardless of nationality. The tension over the timing of the rules mirrors an outcry when President Donald Trump tweeted that Mexico should pay for his planned border wall shortly before Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto was due at a Washington summit in January. Trump, who took office last month, campaigned on a pledge to get tougher on the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States, playing on fears of violent crime while promising to build the wall and stop potential terrorists from entering the country. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson landed in Mexico City on Wednesday afternoon. He was due to be joined by Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly later for talks the White House said would "walk through" the implementation of Trump's immigration orders. Kelly signed the guidelines issued by his department Monday. Mexico's lead negotiator with the Trump administration, Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray, said there was no way Mexico would accept the new rules, which among other things seek to deport non-Mexicans to Mexico. "I want to say clearly and emphatically that the government of Mexico and the Mexican people do not have to accept provisions that one government unilaterally wants to impose on the other," he told reporters at the Foreign Ministry. He said the issue would dominate the talks, taking place Wednesday and Thursday. Mexico will insist that the United States proves the nationality of any person it wants to deport to Mexico, he said. "We also have control of our borders and we will exercise it fully," he said. Roberto Campa, who heads the human rights department of the Interior Ministry, said the plan to deport non-Mexicans to Mexico was "hostile" and "unacceptable." 'Phenomenal' relationship White House spokesman Sean Spicer described U.S.-Mexico ties as healthy and robust and said he expected a "great discussion." "I think the relationship with Mexico is phenomenal right now," Spicer told reporters. Homeland Security's guidance to immigration agents is part of a broader border security and immigration enforcement plan in executive orders that the Republican president signed on Jan. 25. In Guatemala on Wednesday, Kelly told Guatemalans the immigration crackdown ordered by Trump meant undocumented immigrants would be caught and sent back quickly, advising them to stay at home. He denied the administration was embarking on mass deportations. Mexico's agenda at the talks on Thursday includes border infrastructure, deportation strategies, Central American migration, narcotics, arms trafficking and terrorism, and the North American Free Trade Agreement, a senior official with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Nearly 90 percent of Americans say they constantly or often check their email, texts and social media accounts leading to increased stress, according to a report from the American Psychological Association (APA). Those who said they checked constantly showed, on average, higher stress levels than those who checked less often. Using a 10-point scale, where one is little or no stress and 10 is a great deal of stress, constant checkers reported a 5.3 stress level compared to 4.4 for those who were less glued to their smartphones. Working Americans who check their work email on days off reported a stress level of 6. The emergence of mobile devices and social networks over the last decade has certainly changed the way Americans live and communicate on a daily basis, said Lynn Bufka, PhD, APAs associate executive director for practice research and policy. Today, almost all American adults own at least one electronic device, with many being constantly connected to them. What these individuals dont consider is that while technology helps us in many ways, being constantly connected can have a negative impact on both their physical and mental health. The study found parents realized the stressful effects of constant checking on their children, with 94 percent of parents saying they try to manage their childs usage and 58 percent reporting feeling as if their child is attached to their device. Moreover, 45 percent of parents said technology is making them feel disconnected from their families, 58 percent reported being worried about the influence of social media on their childs physical and mental health. Constant checkers are also more negatively impacted by social media, the study found, citing 42 percent of constant checkers said discussing politics on social media caused them stress. That was compared with 33 percent in the non constant checking category. Perhaps one of the most telling findings was that 65 percent of Americans somewhat or strongly agree that unplugging at times or taking a digital detox is important for mental health. Only 28 percent said they actually did take breaks from technology. Taking a digital detox is one of the most helpful ways to manage stress related to technology use, Bufka said. Constant checkers could benefit from limiting their use of technology and presence on social media. Adults, and particularly parents, should strive to set a good example for children when it comes to a healthy relationship with technology. The survey was conducted online between Aug. 5 and 31, 2016, among 3,511 adults 18 or older living in the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of the American Psychological Association. Nigerian protesters vandalized the head office of South African mobile phone giant MTN in Abuja on Thursday in apparent retaliation for anti-Nigerian violence in South Africa, a witness and an MTN spokesman said. The attack came after a Nigerian youth body threatened to shut down South African businesses after shops believed to be owned by immigrants in the capital Pretoria were looted. Nigeria and South Africa, the continent's two largest economies and pre-eminent diplomatic and military powers, have a volatile relationship. Protesters stormed the regional head office of MTN - the biggest South African company active in Nigeria - and stole customers' phones, vandalized equipment and attacked customers, a spokesman for MTN said. A Reuters reporter arriving at the scene after the storming could see no obvious damage at the building in the center of Nigeria's capital Abuja. Security officers had cordoned off the entrance. "They forcefully entered the MTN office. Security men were around but unable to curtail the protesters, who forced the gates open and entered the office," a witness said. "Some protesters were touts. Some were students. In the midst were some criminals that took away some customers' phones and other things," he added, asking not to be named. A South African government source described the attack as serious. "This wasn't just some people on the street throwing stones. They broke into the building and stole things and broke things," the source said. The incident coincided with a visit by MTN chairman Phuthuma Nhleko to the Nigerian capital to see Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who has been in charge for the last month for President Muhammadu Buhari, who is absent on sick leave. This week, at least 20 shops believed to belong to immigrants were looted in South Africa's capital. Police refused to say if the attackers were specifically targeting foreigners. Responding to those attacks, Nigeria's foreign ministry said it would summon South Africa's envoy to raise its concerns over "xenophobic attacks" on Nigerians, other Africans and Pakistanis. South Africa's home affairs minister on Thursday spoke out against renewed anti-foreigner violence. Anti-immigrant violence has flared sporadically in South Africa against a background of near-record unemployment, with foreigners being accused of taking jobs from locals and getting involved in crime. "Currently, in 2017, there are renewed incidents of violence against foreign national in Rosettenville and Pretoria West," Gigaba told a media briefing. "Unfortunately, xenophobic violence is not new in South Africa," he said, recounting similar incidents in the past. The minister said some residents in Pretoria have planned a march on Friday against immigrants, citing competition for jobs and allegations of criminal activity, such as prostitution and drug dealing in the poor township west of Pretoria. The head of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe warned this week that if the parties to the Ukraine conflict do not clearly commit to implementing the Minsk agreement, the situation in eastern Ukraine could quickly escalate. OSCE Secretary-General Lamberto Zannier told VOA in an interview that there is mistrust between the Ukrainian forces who have been fighting the Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine for nearly three years. "We might see another spike of violence as we saw at the beginning of the month. All in all, we are rather concerned about the situation," Zannier said. In early February, thousands of civilians in the eastern city of Avdiivka were left without water, electricity and heat in subzero temperatures when fighting flared, worsening an already difficult humanitarian situation. Adding to concerns about renewed and fierce fighting, the region remains far from a full and sustainable cease-fire. "The cease-fire that has been agreed upon at the Normandy meeting in Munich a few days ago, it is not really respected. We see quite a number of violations still," Zannier said, adding that the withdrawal of heavy weapons has also been unsatisfactory. Further complicating the situation, he says, is the recent Russian move to recognize passports and other travel documents issued by the separatist authorities. "The issue is not so much the recognition of the documents itself, but it is the implicit recognition of the authorities which issue the documents," Zannier said. That could stiffen the resolve of the rebels and make talks to fulfill obligations to the 2015 agreement even more difficult, he added, stressing that Minsk is "the only game in town" and progress is needed on its implementation. He noted that Moscow's decision to recognize the passports came at a notable moment. "I think it is interesting this announcement came at a time when Vice President [Mike] Pence in Munich was reaffirming a strong U.S. commitment to NATO, and was reaffirming a firm condemnation of the actions of the Russian Federation in Ukraine," he said. The OSCE has a contingent of about 600 unarmed international civilian monitors in eastern Ukraine as part of its effort to monitor the security and humanitarian situation. The special monitoring mission, as it is called, has faced numerous obstacles carrying out its mandate, including restrictions on its movement. This has led to the mission relying more on technology to be its eyes and ears but that, too, has not gone smoothly. The mission has employed fixed cameras and unmanned aerial drones to gather data. Zannier reports at least eight large drones have been shot down, mainly in separatist-controlled areas. "They are very costly equipment and we suspended the operation of those very expensive ones," he said. Now the mission is opting for short- and medium-range drones that are much less expensive, so they can absorb the cost if more are lost. Pakistans civilian government is pursuing a high-risk strategy in authorizing its army to conduct cross-border strikes against terrorists. A flurry of terror attacks in the country is forcing its leaders to try to quell public anger by taking a more aggressive approach in fighting the problem, which has killed more than 125 people and shattered a relatively quiet period that has been fostered by a major military campaign. The attacks have been linked to Islamic State and its allies, with Pakistan saying they have been instigated from Afghanistans side of the border. Afghanistan has blamed attacks in its territory on groups operating from Pakistan. Pakistan also wants to be seen as an active ally in the U.S.-led war on terrorism at a critical time, with new President Donald Trumps administration currently developing its foreign policy including aid in the region. The army has just been tasked with carrying out a nationwide initiative aimed at rooting out Islamic extremists, even in areas like Punjab province that previously were considered off-limits. Pakistans military, which has long played a strong role in the country, is believed to have ties with some extremist groups. Relations with Afghanistan The decision to authorize the military to carry out missions unilaterally outside Pakistans territory has rankled Afghanistan at a time that both are suffering from Islamic States attacks, which are disruptive to both countries leadership. This is a clear-cut decision of the government, and the military is authorized to take action within the country or across the country, that where there is terrorism, they will have to take action, said Pakistan Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. Instead of cooperating to fight terror groups, as both sides agree they must do, the two governments are allowing the gap between them to expand. Both countries are faced with terrorism and both need to work together; neither can do it on its own, said Ishaq Khan, a Pakistani security expert and retired army brigadier. Territorial issue There also are questions whether Pakistans government is going too far. Terrorism needs a joint approach by both the countries, Pakistan Sen. Shahi Syed told Voice of Americas Deewa service. Pakistan should take care of terrorists on its soil first and then go somewhere else. But Michael Kugalman, Asia Program deputy director and senior associate for South Asia at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, said it isnt quite that simple. He said extremist groups are plotting attacks from Afghanistan, But their enablers and suicide bombers are still people in Pakistan. Pakistan has an extremist environment where schools, religious leaders and some journalists promote the extremist ideologies. It provides the environment to induce suicide attackers and terrorists." Rahmatullah Nabil, former chief of Afghanistans National Directorate for Security, said Pakistan is trying to play both sides by going after groups in Afghanistan. They intend to show to the new U.S. administration that Pakistan is a victim rather than exporter of terrorism, he said. U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan visited the U.S.-Mexico border for the first time Wednesday as the Trump administration steps up immigration enforcement and prepares to ask Congress to pay for a wall. Ryan was accompanied by a small group of fellow Republicans on the trip, including Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, who chairs the Homeland Security Committee in the House. They were met by protesters in McAllen, Texas. Ryan said he would work with the administration to secure the border, but did not mention specifics after seeing for himself some of the challenges of building a wall along the 2,000-mile border. "When you see with your own eyes the many challenges facing our law enforcement professionals along the border, it gives you even greater respect for the work that they do day-in and day-out. But more tools and more support are needed for them to do their jobs effectively,'' Ryan said in a statement after the visit. Ryan toured the area on horseback with Border Patrol agents and also viewed the Rio Grande, the river that forms part of the U.S.-Mexico border, and the surrounding areas by air and by boat. President Donald Trump has not yet asked Congress to pay for the wall, one of his signature campaign promises. It's expected to cost $15 billion or more. Trump has promised that Mexico will pay for the wall, but Mexico has repeatedly refused. The Philippine foreign minister on Thursday said he would tell a United Nations rights body that the killings in President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs were not state-sponsored. More than 7,700 people have been killed since Duterte unleashed the drugs war in June, about 2,500 in what police say are shootouts during raids and sting operations. Most of the rest are under investigation and activists believe many were extrajudicial killings. Police blame the killings on vigilante groups over which they have no control. Perfecto Yasay said he would address the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council, comprised of 47 nations, during a session set to run from Monday until March 24. "Our justice system does not tolerate violations of human rights, does not tolerate any state-sponsored extrajudicial killings," Yasay told reporters. "That's the truth." Last month, Duterte dismantled police anti-drug units after a South Korean businessman was killed inside the national police headquarters, but vowed to forge ahead with his war on drugs until the last day of his term. "Divisive fear-mongering" has become a dangerous force in the world, the secretary general of rights group Amnesty International, Salil Shetty, said in a statement this week. He described leaders like Duterte, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan as "wielding a toxic agenda that hounds, scapegoats and dehumanizes entire groups of people. Rank-and-file Republicans are more concerned about leaks to the media of conversations between Trump advisers and the Russian government than they are about the conversations themselves, according to a Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll released Wednesday. The poll, conducted February 16-20, shows how President Donald Trump has shifted opinions within the party of Ronald Reagan, where national security has been a top issue since the Cold War, said Larry Sabato, director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. "Republicans have now put a higher priority on their partisan identification and support for their current leader than principles they have had for many decades," Sabato said. "We live in such a polarized era." Trump asked his national security adviser, Michael Flynn, to resign this month after news organizations reported he had discussed U.S. sanctions with a Russian diplomat while Barack Obama was still president. Yet, while the media focused on the contacts with Russia, Trump blamed Flynn's departure on "criminal" leaks. He said Flynn was treated unfairly and that news reports of the conversations were "fake news." "The real story here is why are there so many illegal leaks coming out of Washington?" Trump said in a tweet. Credibility measure The Reuters/Ipsos poll attempted to measure which narrative was more credible for Americans. It asked people to pick one of two statements that was "the most concerning to you." The first statement cited "reports that Trump advisers were in repeated contact with the Russian government during the 2016 presidential election." The second cited "U.S. intelligence agents leaking details of conversations between Trump advisers and the Russian government to reporters." Overall, 43 percent of Americans said they were most concerned about reports of the contacts with Russia. Thirty-nine percent said they were concerned about the leaks, and the rest said they didn't know. However, people who identified with the Republican Party appeared to be much more troubled by the leaks. Fifty-seven percent said the leaks were the bigger concern, while 23 percent said it was the Russian contacts and 20 percent didn't know. Poll respondent Gary Crosen, 65, a retiree from Millersville, Maryland, said he did not think it was a big deal that Flynn had spoken with Russia. "I consider Russia one of our friends," Crosen said. "And we don't need to publicize it the way the news media has. "A lot goes on behind the scenes that we don't see, and I don't think you need to bring it all out in the open." The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online in English in all 50 states. It surveyed 1,562 American adults, including 578 who identified as Republicans. It has a credibility interval, a measure of accuracy, of 3 percentage points for the entire sample and 5 percentage points for Republicans only. The furor in Europe over U.S. President Donald Trumps travel ban on citizens from seven majority Muslim states has overshadowed what the London policy institute Chatham House calls a "reservoir of public support" on the continent for such measures, based on the findings of its latest poll. The survey of 10,000 people found that support for ending Muslim immigration averaged 55 percent across 10 European countries, ranging from 71 percent in Poland to 41 percent in Spain. In Germany, just more than half supported curbs on Muslim immigration. More than 1.1 million asylum seekers entered Germany in 2015, about 40 percent from Syria, according to German authorities. Among them was Syrian national Bilal Al Nasir, who was 17 years old when he fled Damascus after his home was bombed. His face is scarred from the explosion; shrapnel is still embedded in his head. Speaking to VOA at his refugee shelter on the outskirts of Dresden in eastern Germany, Al Nasir said he he has seen a doctor and needs to undergo surgery for the wound in his head. After that I will go to school to learn German, " he said. "Now I am here, it is safe and there is no war. But I worry about my mother and father still in Syria. Integrating migrants While he waits for the operation, Al Nasir is receiving help in trying to find a job from a charitable network called KS24. Founder Ronny Frenzel says employment is vital if Germany is to successfully integrate the migrants. The federal and state governments have put in place programs to look at how Germany can benefit from the refugees, Frenzel said. "They're serving the primary needs: language classes, a roof over their heads, and food on the table. Now they need to enable engagement with the local society. On the surface, Al Nasirs new hometown of Dresden doesnt appear to welcome such engagement. It is the birthplace of the PEGIDA movement, the Patriotic Europeans Against Islamization of the West. Every Monday supporters march through the city. The guest speaker this week was Renate Sandvoss of Journalist Watch, which claims German media is covering up immigration problems. 'Muslim culture', and I say it in quote marks because to me it is not culture, is totally different than the German culture and simply does not fit in here, she told VOA after the rally. Election impact When the PEGIDA movement was born more than two years ago in Dresden, the organizers hoped that it would spread across Germany and beyond to the rest of Europe. But that hasnt materialized, and theres a reason why, says Dresden Universitys Professor Werner Patzelt. To put it quite clearly, PEGIDA is more successful than it has ever been, only under a different label. Because AfD is PEGIDA. AfD is PEGIDA as a political party, he said. AfD, Alternative for Germany, could become the third-largest party in elections scheduled for September. It has previously denied links with the PEGIDA movement, but Patzelt says it is one of several far right parties in Europe feeding off concerns over immigration. We wont be able to stop immigration, we wont be able to make sure that there is something like a fair distribution of migrants throughout Europe, Patzelt said. "So this is really a problem at the heart of the European integration process. But the latest polls show support for the AfD party is falling. Global uncertainty will likely lead German voters to put economic stability ahead of immigration, analysts say, and Germanys challenge will be to make the migrants part of that economic future. Republican Congressman Steve Womack got an earful from constituents in his Arkansas district Tuesday when he downplayed the need for a special committee to investigate any ties President Donald Trump may have to Russia. You guys wasted a lot of money on Benghazi, one man at the town hall meeting shouted, referring to years of congressional investigations into former secretary of state Hillary Clintons handling of the 2012 attack in Libya that left four Americans dead. Waste a little on Trump! In Iowa, Afghan refugee Zalmay Naizi pleaded with Republican Senator Chuck Grassley for assurances that he will be safe in the United States now that Trump is president. I am a person from a Muslim country and I am a Muslim, Naizi said in a crowded room where Grassley was fielding questions. Who is going to save me here? Whos going to stand behind me? In Ohio, scores of demonstrators surrounded the historic home of former president Warren Harding, where Republican Congressman Jim Jordan made a President's Day visit on Monday. Town hall now! Town hall now! the crowd chanted in unison. Jordan emerged, took a microphone, and defended his partys efforts to dismantle former President Barack Obamas signature domestic achievement, the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. I was pretty clear with the voters where I stood on the ACA during the last election, Jordan said after his efforts to explain the merits of repealing the law were interrupted with jeers and boos. Give us our insurance! Give us our insurance! the crowd chanted in response. Applying pressure Similar scenes have played out at political gatherings across the nation. Normally sedate and sparsely attended, town halls hosted by Republicans have been overwhelmed by outspoken and, at times, raucous dissenters. One of the biggest things we want to do is to continue to apply pressure for our beliefs, said Paul Smith, who showed up at an event hosted by California Republican Congressman Tom McClintock. And it is as much about resisting Trumps policies and the Trump agenda as it is showing the world what we believe in. They [protesters] are angry constituents letting their elected officials know about that anger, said political analyst John Hudak at the Washington-based Brookings Institution. This is likely to be a force to be reckoned with in large part because these are not sit-ins in public squares; these are individual voters voicing their specific concerns face-to-face with their elected officials, and thats oftentimes very difficult for an elected official to turn their back on. The grassroots activism has not gone unnoticed. The so-called angry crowds in home districts of some Republicans are actually, in numerous cases, planned out by liberal activists. Sad! President Trump wrote on Twitter. The response from Republican lawmakers themselves has varied. Michigan Congressman Justin Amash responded to Trumps tweet with one of his own.They [protesters] are our fellow Americans with legitimate concerns. We [Republicans] need to stop acting so fragile. I'm proud to defend liberty and the Constitution. Certainly its disappointing when people get out of hand and dont act like adults, said Representative Buddy Carter of Georgia. But at the same time, we all respect our First Amendment rights [to free speech]. Many voicing dissent at town halls have expressed left-of-center viewpoints; but, it would be a mistake to dismiss them as Democratic or progressive operatives, according to Hudak. Im sure there are plenty of liberals and Democrats in these protests, he said. But I dont think you have to be particularly liberal to not want to lose your health care. I dont think you have to be particularly liberal to be offended by some of the presidents rhetoric. Some Republicans have canceled public events or limited them to forums where they can exercise a degree of control over who attends. In response, demonstrators have staged mock town halls with cardboard cut-outs of lawmakers on display. Oh Darrell, where are you? Weve been waiting here so long, sang a crowd to a life-sized photo of Congressman Darrell Issa of California, who later held an outdoor event that descended into chaos when liberal and conservative attendees began shoving each other and attempted to shout each other down. Deja vue Todays demonstrations mirror those mounted against Democrats in 2009, when the party controlled the White House and both houses of Congress just as Republicans do today. Senator Mark Warner of Virginia was one of many Democrats who ran into vocal opposition at town hall meetings over then-President Obamas plans to reform Americas health care system. Warner elicited a hail of boos from a testy crowd when explaining a central plank of Obamacare: compelling people to purchase private health care insurance. Just as we require you to buy car insurance, I believe you should be buying a minimum [health care] insurance plan, Warner told constituents in Fredericksburg in September, 2009. Moments later, a man in the crowd responded that Obamacare would bankrupt the nation and bring about the rationing of health care. Fierce opposition to the Affordable Care Act became a focal point of demonstrations that marked the beginning of the Tea Party movement and a resurgence of Republican political power. At the time, many Democrats suggested the protests were manufactured rather than organic. This is clearly being orchestrated, said Democratic Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois in August 2009. And these folks have instructions. When these people come in just to disrupt the meetings, no, that isnt right. Democrats largely ignored it, said analyst Hudak. And the next year, Democrats were very quickly marched out of office. In 2010, Republicans took control of the House of Representatives and significantly reduced the Democratic majority in the Senate. Republicans would do well to learn from that history, according to Hudak. I think any Republican who fails to take this [todays demonstrations] seriously is a Republican whose time in elected office is counting down, he said. Whether protests in 2017 foreshadow a political tidal wave in the 2018 midterm elections remains to be seen; but, the issues and factors driving todays demonstrations are unlikely to subside, according to Hudak. The White House is definitely going to continue to stoke the flames here, he said. The presidents inability to control himself on Twitter or in interviews and press conferences is something that will constantly feed the enthusiasm of this movement. But its more than just the president. I think there are going to be serious expectations from the right about Congress acting ways that supports the presidents agenda and supports what conservatives have wanted for some time. And I think those policy decisions, like a repeal and replace of Obamacare, like tax reform, will also help feed this movement, he added. The sighting of rare jungle cats in northern Thailand has buoyed environmentalists and conservationists concerned that habitat loss and animal poaching are contributing to the species' decline. The jungle cats (Felis chaus) are found across a diverse region of the globe -- from Egypt, West and Central Asia, South Asia, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia -- and are considered a key indicator of wildlife conservation. But conservationists say the jungle cat faces growing pressure across the world as its habitat is reduced by human intervention. Two cats were caught on "camera-trap" in early January on the Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary in northern Thailand's Chiang Mai province. Thanya Nethithamkul, director general of Thailand's National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, told local media it may have been up to four decades since jungle cats were last seen in the wild in Thailand. "We thought jungle cats were lost to our forests. Locals have claimed to have seen them, but there was no evidence proving their existence. But this time we have pictures to show their presence," Thanya said. Photographer Parinya Paduntin was working with a team of research assistants from the Doi Chiang Dao Wildlife Research Station. Parinya told VOA a sensor triggered camera was mounted in the park for two weeks in early January. The images of the rare cats sparked great excitement, he said. "I felt great. We all thought [the jungle cat] was already extinct. You cannot describe it we were speechless. It's a great success," Parinya said. "If we could scream out we would have. It was so exciting. There was a chaos moment wanting to report the news to all my friends to say what had happened." Edwin Weik, founder of the Wildlife Friends Foundation of Thailand, said while not extinct in Thailand, the jungle cat remains on the list of critically endangered species in Thailand. Anak Pattanavibool, director of Thailand's Wildlife Conservation Society, said the sighting was "very important". "The record of jungle cats these days, they are very rare and in Thailand a lot of good people believe it may have gone already," Anak told VOA. "But this time, the person who used this high quality camera trapping system, got very good quality photos of the cat; very clear, very beautiful. It's very, very important to confirm," he said. Jungle cats and other similar species are facing ongoing challenges in the region, where in many parts of Asia their populations have been in decline due to trapping, snaring and poisoning. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has the jungle cat listed as "least concern" on the IUCN's "red list of threatened species". Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) jungle cats are listed under Appendix II meaning while not necessarily threatened with extinction, trade needs to be controlled to avoid threats to their survival. The IUCN says a scarcity of jungle cats in mainland Southeast Asia "is likely the result of high levels of hunting in open and accessible" forest areas. In Cambodia, in particular, the IUCN says all the protected areas "are insufficiently managed and threatened by habitat loss, degradation and hunting." Anak says the sighting of the jungle cats comes as their habitat more generally is disappearing. "Most of the jungle cats have gone because of habitat disruption the loss of grass, the open woodland habitat," Anak said. "This is the habitat that is still remaining in very, very small pockets in northern Thailand so it's very important we have to try to save this habitat." Thailand, pressed by the international community and CITES conventions, has taken steps to curb its role as a wildlife trafficking hub, especially in areas such as ivory shipped illegally from Africa and bound for markets in China and Vietnam. Thai wildlife and customs officials have succeeded in uncovering operations trafficking pangolins, turtles, and tiger parts and bones for markets, especially in China. Kraisak Choonhavan, chairman of the non-government Freeland Foundation, monitoring wildlife trafficking, said the discovery of the jungle cats is set against the dangers and challenges of curbing trafficking and poaching. Kraisak said in recent years some 30 Thai wildlife rangers have been killed by poaching gangs who often have travelled from nearby countries. "In areas where we call animal sanctuaries along the border with Burma [Myanmar] and with Laos this is where we considered as the richest area for bio-diversification of fauna and flora," he told VOA. But the region is highly vulnerable to poaching gangs. "People do come in illegally to kill wild animals here. We have even found that companies in China would hire Cambodians, armed militias to come into Thailand and hunt animals and cut the [protected] wood redwood and other perfumed woods that sets high values in China itself," Kraisak said. Thai National Park director general Thanya refused to reveal where exactly the two rare jungle cats were sighted. But he added the presence of the cats pointed to a healthy forest in the Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary. The website of Russias Foreign Ministry has a new section one devoted to refuting items about Russia in the Western press that it claims are false. The new section, titled Examples of publications printing false information about Russia, provides links to the allegedly false articles. In addition to a link, each item includes a brief Russian-language description of the article, along with a superimposed red stamp reading FAKE and the claim that the article contains information that is untrue. Thus far, the ministry has cited five articles, published by the websites of NBC News, Britains Telegraph newspaper, The New York Times, Bloomberg and the Santa Monica Observer, a California newspaper. Among them: The NBC News item, posted on February 11,reported that Russia is considering returning to the U.S. former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden, who stole large quantities of classified information and is now living in Moscow, to curry favor with the Trump administration. The Santa Monica Observer article, published on Monday, concerned the death in New York on Monday of Russias U.N. ambassador, and was headlined: Vitaly Churkin is 5th Suspicious Death of Russian Diplomat in 3 months. The ministrys item on the Santa Monica Observer article is slugged On insinuations about the causes of death of Russian diplomats Russia's Foreign Ministry provides no information to back up its allegations the stories are false. This article contains material from VOAs Russian Service. Somalia's new president has picked an oil executive and former aid agency director to be the country's next prime minister. Hassan Ali Khaire will face the task of strengthening Somalia's shaky central government and stabilizing a country struggling with severe drought and Islamist militancy. President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo announced Khaire's nomination Thursday via Twitter. Khaire spent the past two-and-a-half years as Africa director for the British energy company Soma Oil & Gas. From 2011 to 2014, he was the Horn of Africa director for the Norwegian Refugee Council. In 2013, Soma was contracted by the Somali government to conduct oil and gas exploration off the coast of Somalia. Britain's Serious Fraud Office investigated the company after U.N. monitors accused it of bribery, but the fraud office cleared Soma, citing insufficient evidence. New to politics Khaire is said to be in his 40s and is new to Somali politics. But Farmajo said Thursday that he is well qualified for the position. "He is someone who deserves the post, who has the experience and knowledge and most importantly, he is someone that I can work with," the president said. Several previous Somali governments have collapsed because of power struggles between presidents and prime ministers. Khaire will have to be approved by the parliament before he can form a Cabinet. Traditional South African beer, brewed for centuries by peoples such as the Xhosa, is in danger of disappearing, according to Slow Food International, an organization trying to revive local food cultures. Slow Food International says growing numbers of South Africans are abandoning the brew made from ingredients such as corn malt in favor of mass-produced lager. Nomsa Khiwa lives in a village in South Africa's Eastern Cape region and has been making the beer, called umqombothi, for almost half a century. First, she crushes corn with a large, round rock. Later she'll add sorghum, yeast and water to the maize, cook the mixture in a pot on the fire and ferment it. Khiwa worries, though, that her days as a brewer are numbered. "This is the worst year of business ever for me," she said. "The young men do not drink traditional beer anymore. They want the fancy beer in bottles. There's no money anymore in umqombothi." Elderly men gulp umqombothi from plastic containers in Khiwa's tavern. They clearly enjoy the tan-colored, sour, thick, gritty beer. Khiwa, however, plans to sell commercial beer from now on, and to stop brewing umqombothi. "This is a dying art," she said. "People are just not interested in their history anymore and their [traditional] food. We are losing the culture of food." Melissa de Billot leads Slow Food South Africa's Ark of Taste project, which aims to "rediscover and revive" traditional foods and drinks, including umqombothi. Younger crowd At a bar in Johannesburg, youngsters clutch bottles of lager. Most scoff at the mention of umqombothi. A few say they've never tasted it. De Billot is not surprised. "Kids not wanting to sit down with granny and grandpa and learn the trade of making umqombothi the traditional way," she said. "We have become so detached from nature and our roots; we've become this highly urbanized animal." She says the desire for "fast beer" isn't confined to the cities. Even in the rural areas, more people see factory beers as status symbols and reject umqombothi as "unsophisticated." "That is what the trend is and that's what people want and that's what they believe to be, or they've been told, is the good life," she said. But, as de Billot says, this so-called "good life" is sometimes just the opposite. More money, more problems In her rowdy tavern, Thembeka Mbuso says that since she stopped brewing umqombothi two years ago to sell more expensive commercial beer, she makes more money. However, she also has more "problems." The mass-produced beverages are higher in alcohol than traditional beer. "My customers fight," Mbuso said. "Then my husband has to try to stop them. It is dangerous for him because sometimes they use knives and broken bottles. When people were drinking the old-style beer, such things did not happen so much." But Slow Food and assorted partners, including black backyard brewers and white middle-class housewives, have started what de Billot calls a "push back" to save traditional beer. "Suddenly the like-minded people find each other," she said. "People are just starting to talk and communicate and social media's now amplifying that and it's just suddenly exploding." In the huge township of Soweto, some young farmers have banded together in the name of umqombothi, raising hopes that perhaps there is a place for both modern beer and traditional brew in South Africa after all. A group of 10 Southeast Asian nations will try again this year to sign documentation for a code of conduct aimed at preventing mishaps in the fractious South China Sea, as many have formed new bonds with Beijing despite its extensive, controversial maritime activities. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will make the framework for a code of conduct a "top priority" this year under Philippine leadership, the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said. China and ASEAN have set a 2017 goal of approving the framework, the department's undersecretary told Philippine media in January. Later approval of a full-blown code would spell out how claimant governments can avoid mishaps as their naval ships, coast guards and fishing boats work the same contested 3.5 million-square-kilometer ocean, stretching from Taiwan southwest to Singapore. China is expected to support a code framework this year after half a decade of resisting it. Beijing's approval would cast itself as a cooperative neighbor, analysts say. The world's No. 2 economy and No. 3 military power has sidestepped the code over the past decade because it prefers to avoid talks with groups of countries that can reduce its bargaining weight. It may also have feared the code would erode actual Chinese claims in the sea. One-on-one negotiations But since a world arbitration court ruled in July against Beijing's historical basis for claims to 95 percent of the sea, it has sought one-on-one negotiations with other claimant countries to ease the dispute without giving up holdings such as groups of islets off its southern coast. "This is one way for the Chinese to show that they want peace in the South China Sea," said Termsak Chalermpalanupap, a fellow with the ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. "They are happy to be part of the negotiations between 10 governments in ASEAN and the Chinese government. China is an active part of the [code of conduct] implementation." China has tapped its two major maritime adversaries, ASEAN members Vietnam and the Philippines, for bilateral talks covering the maritime dispute. The Philippines filed the court case against Beijing to push Chinese vessels away from its west coast, and in 2014 Vietnamese boats rammed Chinese counterparts near the Gulf of Tonkin over Beijing's approval for an oil rig. Since Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte visited Beijing in October after just three months in office, officials from the two countries have begun discussing investment and development aid as well. As a favor to China, Duterte will most likely not make the maritime sovereignty part of discussions this year on a code of conduct framework, analysts expect. China may see a chance now to shine in Asia, compared with the United States under President Donald Trump, experts say. The United States sent its USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to the disputed sea region Saturday for what Washington called routine operations, about a month after U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson advocated blocking China from islets that it has landfilled. "Each country is, in a way, adjusting to the new situation," said Jay Batongbacal, director of the Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea at the University of the Philippines. "They've seen the upsets in the past year, especially with the U.S. They've been touting this framework for a year or so now, so to actually sign something and produce a slightly different piece of paper now, all parties could say it's indicative of progress because something was actually agreed upon and signed," he said. Code of conduct The code of conduct idea began in 2002 when Beijing and the Southeast Asian bloc signed a Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. The declaration formed a basis for negotiations on a formal code of conduct. But as ASEAN worked toward a code in 2011, China slowly dropped out, according to a study by the Kyoto Review of Southeast Asia. China had started around then to let its vessels enter waters inside the exclusive economic zones of other countries. It has reclaimed an estimated 1,300 hectares (3,200 acres) of land in the sea's disputed Spratly Island chain and militarized some of the Paracel Islands, which Vietnam also calls its own. China cites historical usage records as a basis for its claims. China and the Southeast Asian countries prize the sea for its fisheries, possible undersea fossil fuels and marine shipping lanes. Washington does not have a claim but insists on freedom of navigation. "Where the worry comes in is we have the Chinese navy fleet running around the South China Sea and running into the U.S. Seventh Fleet, and accidents, when they happen, that could potentially lead to some escalation of risk in and around the region," said Song Seng Wun, an economist with CIMB Private Bank in Singapore. Some analysts still worry that this year's framework talks will fall short as just a list of topics for future talks, with a full code taking years more to draft. The Southeast Asian countries are negotiating one on one with China at the same time to see what happens, Batongbacal said. The iron gate with the grim slogan "Work Will Set You Free" has been returned to the Dachau Nazi concentration camp in Germany, where it was stolen more than two years ago. The gate was found hidden in a parking lot north of Bergen, Norway, in December. German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned its theft as an "appalling" crime. Others called it a desecration to the memories of the more than 200,000 Holocaust victims imprisoned and murdered there. The investigation into the gate's theft continues. Officials replaced it with a replica after it was stolen. The original will now be put inside a museum and hooked up to an alarm. Dachau was the first concentration camp the Nazis set up after Adolf Hitler took power in 1933. Its victims included Jews and those who opposed the Nazis. More than 41,000 people were murdered in Dachau before U.S. troops liberated the camp in the closing days of World War II. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence visited Dachau during his trip to Europe earlier this week. Another iron gate with the "Work Will Set You Free" slogan was stolen in 2009 from the site of the notorious Auschwitz death camp. It was later recovered after having been cut into pieces. A Swedish neo-Nazi was arrested and jailed in connection with that theft. Amid worries about a wall and deportations, Mexican officials expressed their concerns to two visiting U.S. Cabinet secretaries on Thursday. We do not agree on the different measures that recently were stated by the government of the United States that affect Mexico, Interior Secretary Miguel Angel Osorio Chong said. There exists among Mexicans worry and irritation about what are perceived to be policies that could be harmful for the national interest and for Mexicans here and abroad, Luis Videgaray Caso, the secretary of foreign affairs, said. The comments were made amid their meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly. Tillerson and Kelly appeared with their two Mexican counterparts before the media at the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs, but took no questions from reporters. US comments Tillerson, in his statement, said the U.S. and Mexico are two strong foreign countries that, from time to time, will have differences, but that his talks were productive and forward-looking. Kelly emphasized there will be no mass deportations and no use of military force to round up undocumented migrants under President Donald Trumps enhanced crackdown on those illegally in the United States. Kellys statement contradicted a remark earlier in the day at the White House by Trump who termed his plan a military operation. WATCH: Spicer on Trump's Use of Term 'Military Operation' and Deportations After Kellys emphatic statement, White House spokesman Sean Spicer subsequently attempted to clarify, telling reporters during his daily briefing the president used that phrase in that it meant precision, he meant it to be used as an adjective. After Tillerson and Kelly arrived in the Mexican capital, Trump predicted it would be a tough trip for his two Cabinet members and added, we are going to have a good relationship with Mexico and if we dont, we dont. WATCH: Trump Foresaw 'Tough Trip' for Cabinet Members The American emissaries also met with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto before heading back home. The State Department released no details about what was discussed with Pena Nieto. A statement from the office of the Mexican president said that Pena Nieto reiterated that for his country the protection of Mexicans in the United States and respect for their rights is one of their governments highest priorities. At the conclusion of the meeting, the president, according to the official statement, said that the presence of both secretaries in Mexico, at this early stage of the Trump administration, demonstrates U.S. interest for building a positive relationship that provides better security, development and prosperity for both countries. Low point in relations The trip came at what is seen as a low point in relations between the two countries, which have enjoyed peace along their 3,100-kilometer common border since the Mexican-American War of the late 1840s. Trump has repeatedly insisted that Mexico, one way or another, must pay for a border wall, which lawmakers in Washington estimate would cost at least $12 billion. And just this week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security outlined policies that could result in the deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants. Trump said Thursday, Were getting gang members out. Were getting drug lords out. Were getting really bad dudes out of this country. Thursdays talks came weeks after Trump and the Mexican president spoke by phone January 27, following the U.S. presidents inauguration. The call did not go well, according to officials in both countries who spoke on condition they not be named. Media reports say Trump chided his Mexican counterpart for failing to control drug trafficking and suggesting the United States might even deploy troops to defeat narcotics cartels on Mexican territory. Pena Nieto then canceled a planned trip to Washington. It has not been rescheduled. This is a low point in U.S.-Mexico relations, and an abrupt break from the last 30-plus years of cooperation, Shannon ONeil, senior fellow for Latin America studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, told VOA. Officials here say there were no substantive discussions on trade another sensitive issue that will certainly be on the agenda for future talks. Trump wants to modify the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement encompassing the United States, Mexico and Canada. VOA's Pete Heinlein contributed to this report. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly met Thursday with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and members of his cabinet, in what is expected to be the first in a series of high-level meetings focusing on drug trafficking, trade and immigration. The two key members of President Donald Trumps Cabinet were hoping to soothe concern and anger about the new U.S. administration's policies toward Mexico. "We are going to have a good relationship with Mexico and if we don't, we don't," Trump said at the White House Thursday, a day after his press secretary Sean Spicer referred to bilateral ties as "healthy and robust." WATCH: Spicer on US-Mexico relationship Low point in relations The trip comes at what is seen as a low point in relations between the two countries, which have enjoyed peace along their 3,100 kilometer-long common border since the Mexican-American War of the late 1840s. Trump has repeatedly insisted that Mexico, one way or another, must pay for a border wall, which lawmakers in Washington estimate would cost at least $12 billion. And just this week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security outlined policies that could result in the deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants. "We're getting gang members out. We're getting drug lords out. We're getting really bad dudes out of this country," Trump said Thursday about his administration's immigration policies. WATCH: Trump on Mexico On Wednesday, Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray said his country will not accept new "unilateral" U.S. immigration proposals and will not hesitate in taking the matter to the United Nations. This is a low point in U.S.-Mexico relations, and an abrupt break from the last 30-plus years of cooperation, said Shannon O'Neil, senior fellow for Latin America studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. DHS Secretary Kelly, a retired Marine Corps general, has long-standing relations with Mexican leaders from his previous job as head of the U.S. Southern Command. Before heading to Mexico, he went to Guatemala to meet with President Jimmy Morales and observed the arrival of a DHS repatriation flight at a government facility in Guatemala City. U.S. officials said Secretary of State Tillerson, who is a former an oil and gas corporation chief executive, and Kelly will discuss border security, law enforcement cooperation and trade, among other issues. Aside from President Nieto, the two are also scheduled to meet the Mexican ministers of interior, foreign relations, finance, national defense and the navy. Call did not go well The talks come weeks after Trump and Nieto spoke by phone on January 27, following the U.S. presidents inauguration. The call did not go well, according to officials in both countries who spoke on condition they not be named. Media reports say Trump chided his Mexican counterpart for failing to control drug trafficking and suggesting the United States might even deploy troops to defeat narcotics cartels on Mexican territory. President Nieto then canceled a planned trip to Washington. Mexican officials have rejected calls by Trump to pay for a border wall. Mexico wants to build bridges, not walls, Mexican foreign minister Videgaray said last week. Thursdays meetings in Mexico City will focus on how we can build a constructive relationship, according to a senior U.S. administration official. Its forward looking. The wall is just one part of a broader relationship that we have. Despite the serious differences on a number of fronts the official added, I think well achieve a lot of success," the senior U.S. administration official said. That may prove to be too optimistic of a prediction, according to some regional specialists. While the visit will go some way to smoothing bilateral discussions, there is a hard-earned trust that has been broken, and that can't be repaired with a high level visit, O'Neil told VOA. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump referred to Mexican immigrants in the United States as rapists and criminals. Another U.S. official said it is important to view this with a very long lens and not focus on any particular contentious aspect of the relationship. Both presidents are keen to set a positive tone, a constructive tone moving forward," the official added. Immigration, deportation While the two Cabinet members look to smooth relations, they will also be explaining the latest orders issued by Trump regarding immigration and deportations. Rice University Latin American analyst Mark Jones said with those moves, Tillerson's trip is "mission impossible." "The goal of Tillersons trip was to improve and soften and try to smooth over the friction thats occurred previously in U.S.-Mexico relations, but just before he goes the Trump administration releases this new memorandum thats seen as an affront to Mexican dignity," he said. New policies being enacted at DHS will lead to hiring thousands more enforcement agents, expanding the number of immigrants targeted for deportation, prioritizing removal hearings for them and obtaining the help of local police to make arrests. The actions have generated alarm in other countries, none more so than Mexico -- the origin of an estimated six million undocumented people in the United States. Such actions are prompting calls from prominent Mexicans for pushback. The Trump administration's hostile beginning has also shifted Mexico's domestic politics, ONeil said. Rising nationalism there will make compromises with the United States all the harder as Mexico looks toward its own 2018 presidential race. Mexicos richest businessman, Carlos Slim, who some want to see run for president next year, during a recent rare news conference called for people in his country to buy domestic products and not surrender to Trumps demands. Jones also pointed to 2018, saying that since Trump was elected in November, a radical populist left-wing candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has seen his popularity rise. "He's gone from being roughly third in the polls to first in the polls," Jones said. President Donald Trump has taken a firm hold on the U.S. conservative political movement and is pushing it in his own direction, one of his top advisers said Thursday. Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), the largest annual gathering of American conservatives, Kellyanne Conway said Trump had tapped into something that swung conservatives behind him even though he hasn't always aligned with their beliefs. "He went right to the grass roots and brought you along," she said. "He made a lot of people feel like they were a part of the movement." Conway said Trump earned the Republican party's presidential nomination in a "bottom up instead of top down" way, unlike a lot of politicians who have years of experience and name recognition. WATCH: Conway on Trump's achievements Trump was able to gain support from conservatives because they "felt like they had a seat at the table from the beginning," Conway said. "The idea that hes there because he wants to be there, because he believes in this country, he believes in its people, he believes in its promise, is very liberating, and you see that when youre with him," she said. Trump's influence Trump's speech Friday will be the highlight of this year's conference, energized by Republican control of the White House and Congress for the first time in 10 years. This year's gathering of thousands of conservatives is taking place at a Maryland hotel, just outside Washington, and it was controversial even before the gathering started. Watch: Top White House Officials Praise Trump at CPAC CPAC leader Matt Schlapp told VOA he saw "a little more of a populist strain" running through the event this year, with Trump serving as the driving force. "I will agree that there is a little more of a populist strain to conservatives these days. I don't know if it's a change in philosophy, but I do know this, it's because they are so discouraged about what's been happening in Washington, D.C., over all these years," he said. Vice President Mike Pence is scheduled to address the conference Thursday night. White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and chief strategist Steve Bannon will also participate in a panel discussion. Not all have endorsed Trump's brand of conservatism, and his past appearances at CPAC have drawn mixed reactions. Many of his stated and past positions on issues put him at odds with conservative orthodoxy. 3 kinds of conservatives But CPAC leader Schlapp told VOA that there was an "alive and vibrant" coalition made up of three kinds of conservatives: those who care about the culture, those who simply want less government and lower taxes, and others who say the country needs a strong defense. Schlapp said all were discouraged about what has been happening in Washington in recent years. "They just feel like no matter how many elections they win, they lose ground, and government grows and taxes increase," he said. Democrats Conference While conservative Republicans gather in Maryland, opposition Democrats will meet in Atlanta to choose a new leader of the Democratic National Committee. Former Obama Labor Secretary Tom Perez and U.S. Representative Keith Ellison of Minnesota are the front-runners to lead the party, which is trying to pick up the pieces after November's election losses. The moderate-voiced Perez has the backing of more mainstream Democrats, while the outspoken Ellison is supported by the more liberal elements of the party. But all sides say the Democrats need a leader who can harness the anger and energy coming out of anti-Trump protests and put the party back in control of Congress in next year's midterm elections. The BJP has accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of speaking to minister Satyender Jain and conman Suresh Chandrashekhar, both of whom are currently lodged in Tihar jail. The BJP has demanded Kejriwal's call records be examined to establish his link with the conman. Union minister Meenakshi Lekhi said Suresh Chandrashekhar was asked to form a team of 30 people, who would help arrange Rs 500 crore and help in Aam Aadmi Party's expansion in southern India. The U.S. State Department is calling for China to alter its approach toward the South China Sea, a strategically important and resource-rich waterway that has long been claimed by several countries. State Department spokeswoman Anna Richey-Allen said, "We call on China, as well as other claimants, to refrain from taking any steps towards the construction of new facilities, militarization of disputed features, and further land reclamation in the South China Sea, and to commit to resolving disputes peacefully with other claimants." The statement comes as China nears completion of the construction of military structures on a group of islands in the South China Sea, Reuters reports. Unnamed U.S. officials told the news service construction is almost complete on nearly two dozen structures with retractable roofs designed to house long-range surface-to-air missiles on the Spratly Island chain. "Militarization of outposts raises tensions, and these recent reports have generated concern among countries in the region," Richey-Allen said. Test for Trump administration The development could be considered a military escalation by China, several experts told VOA, and could serve as an early test for President Donald Trump, who took a hard line against China throughout his campaign. This is part of their effort to eventually control that first island chain in the (South China Sea) and assert their claim, even though they have been completely repudiated by the International Court of Appeals, The Hague, based on the Law of the Sea Treaty, of which they are a member, Robert Manning, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council told VOA. Brad Glosserman, executive director of the Hawaii-based security think tank Pacific Forum, told VOA this was another step in Chinas recent attempts to further militarize the islands. Clearly they are intending to build facilities that allow them to permanently store or deploy equipment of a military nature to these islands, he said. A report released by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) in December shows China has been building airstrips and anti-aircraft systems on the islands since at least June. China's Defense Ministry issued a statement at the time, saying the construction was "mainly for civilian use." U.S. President Donald Trump met Thursday with chief executives of some of the country's biggest manufacturers, praising their efforts to add jobs in the U.S. and vowing to bring back jobs that corporate America has moved to other countries in search of cheaper labor. "My administrations policies and regulatory reform, tax reform, trade policies, will return significant manufacturing jobs to our country," Trump said at the White House meeting. "Everythings going to be based on bringing our jobs back, the good jobs, the real jobs," he said. "Theyve left, and theyre coming back. They have to come back. More than 12 million U.S. workers hold manufacturing jobs, but the country has lost five million such jobs since 2000, sometimes to automation, but also to other countries as corporate executives look to cut their employment costs by moving jobs to places where workers are paid less than they are in the United States. Corporate conference Trump went around a conference table as 24 corporate chieftains introduced themselves, telling Marillyn Hewson, the chairman and chief executive of aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, that he appreciated the company's agreement to cut the cost of building the country's new F-35 stealth fighter jets. "She's tough, but it worked out well I think for everybody," Trump said. "And I think I have to say this, Marillyn, you've gotten a lot of credit because what you did was the right thing. So we appreciate it. She cut her price over $700 million, right? By over $700 million." Then, recalling his victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton in last November's presidential election, Trump said, "Do you think Hillary would have asked for $700 million? Oh, boy. I hope you I assume you wanted her to win." As the manufacturing executives laughed at his remark, Trump told Hewson, "But you know what? You're going to do great. And you're going to make more planes. It's going to work out the same or better." When chief executive Denise Morrison of the Campbell Soup Company introduced herself, Trump gave his pithy assessment of her company's products, "Good soup." Corporate leaders from defense contractor General Dynamics, U.S. Steel, General Electric, carmaker Ford Motor, appliance manufacturer Whirlpool, pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson and others were among those meeting with Trump, now in his second month in office. U.N. sponsored talks on reunifying Cyprus have suffered a blow after Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci backed out of Thursday's meeting. The Turkish Cypriots are angered over a bill passed by the Greek Cypriot parliament ordering schools to celebrate a 1950 referendum calling Cyprus part of Greece. The vote had no legal standing at that time. Akinci says the bill must be rescinded if the talks are to continue. Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades says he regrets Thursday's session has been canceled and said on Twitter he is ready to resume talks at any time. He says it was a mistake for lawmakers to pass the bill at such a sensitive time, but also said it is a shame the peace talks have been put in jeopardy over what he calls a minor issue. Cyprus has been split between a Greek Cypriot south and Turkish Cypriot north since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded the island after a military coup intended to unify the island with Greece. Only Turkey recognizes a separate Turkish Cypriot governor. The international community recognizes the Republic of Cyprus and the entire island, while divided, enjoys European Union membership. The most recent talks to reunify the island have been under way for more than two years. The issue of whether Turkish forces can remain on Cyprus after the island is whole again has been the major hold-up of a final settlement. Two Kansas men have been punished for their roles in a hate crime attack on three Somali men. A federal judge on Wednesday sentenced Omar Cantero Martinez to 26 months. Armando Sotelo was given a time served sentence for the 20 months he has already been in jail. Prosecutors say the two yelled racial and anti-Somali slurs at the men, who were sitting on a bench outside an African grocery store in Dodge City. They then attacked them. Martinez used a broken glass bottle to stab one man and slash another man. A third injured man escaped to get help. The men were tried last year on hate crimes charges, but the trial ended in a hung jury. They later pleaded guilty Sotelo to one hate crime count and Martinez to one perjury count. Two U.S. lawmakers say the time has come for the United States to supply Ukraine with lethal weapons to better defend itself against Moscow-backed separatists, saying that a "confrontational" Russian President Vladimir Putin shows no sign of easing the pressure on Kyiv. In an interview in Kyiv on Wednesday, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat from the Midwestern state of Illinois, told RFE/RL that the conflict in eastern Ukraine, where government forces have been fighting the separatists for nearly three years, has "reached a point now where we have to be honest." "What [the Russians] continue to do in eastern Ukraine, in Donetsk, gives no indication they're backing off," Durbin said. "We have to give to Ukraine the tools and weapons they need to protect their own people." Durbin -- who is the second-most-senior Democrat in the Senate and sits on the Senate Judiciary, Appropriations and Rules committees -- noted the reluctance of former President Barack Obama's administration to provide Kyiv with lethal aid for fear of escalating the conflict. 'Look at the reality' The United States has provided nonlethal assistance, including military training. But now, Durbin said, "We have to look at the reality." "Putin continues to be confrontational," he added. Among other things, Durbin cited Putin's recent order formally accepting "passports" and identity documents issued by the separatists who control parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine. "That says to me he has no plans of leaving [Ukraine] soon," he said. Russia denies involvement in the war in eastern Ukraine, despite what Kyiv and Western countries say is overwhelming evidence that Moscow whipped up separatist sentiment in 2014 and has sent substantial numbers of troops and weapons across the border to support separatist forces. U.S. Representative Mike Quigley, also a Democrat from Illinois, who spoke to RFE/RL along with Durbin, said that lethal arms were necessary "because it is a new world and there's new technology out there, and [the Ukrainians] are competing against an advanced force." Durbin and Quigley, each of whom stopped in Ukraine while on separate tours through Eastern Europe and the Baltics to voice support for the regions, said they were not satisfied with President Donald Trump's position on Ukraine. Quigley described Trump's stance on Ukraine as "somewhat schizophrenic," adding that the president's position "depends who you are listening to and what you are watching." Statements of support Senior U.S. officials including Vice President Mike Pence and Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, have both recently delivered strong statements of support for Ukraine and called out Russia for its aggression here. Trump has spoken admiringly of Putin and said he hopes badly strained relations with Moscow will improve, and suggested during the campaign that he would consider lifting sanctions Obama imposed on Russia over its interference in Ukraine. Since his inauguration on January 20, he has said little about Ukraine beyond a tweet saying: "Crimea was TAKEN by Russia during the Obama Administration. Was Obama too soft on Russia?" Durbin said Trump's administration was delivering "two different messages." "We have the tweets of the president in conflict with statements made by the secretary of defense, the vice president, the secretary of state, the ambassador to the United Nations," he said. He added, "We have to have consistency of message so the world knows our values and what we're prepared to stand up for." Western aid On Tuesday, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko called for Western states to toughen sanctions against Russia in response to Putin's order recognizing separatist-issued documents, which the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv said was "incompatible" with the goals of the tenuous peace deal known as the Minsk agreements. Durbin and Quigley said they would appeal to Congress, where they said there was bipartisan support for helping Ukraine, to do so. Durbin praised Ukraine's fighting forces for their "extraordinary courage on the lines resisting this Russian invasion" and lauded the government in Kyiv, which he said was making progress on crucial reforms. "There is still much work to be done," he said. "We hope they have equal commitments to stop the Russians in the east and to stop corruption in the rest of their nation." A federal court has charged a Beverly Hills, California, auctioneer with trafficking in endangered rhinoceros horn. Jacob Chait was indicted last week in a federal court in New York City, the U.S. Attorney's office said Wednesday. "Rhinoceros have no known predators other than humans, and yet, driven by the illegal trade in their horns, literally worth more than their weight in gold on the black market, rhinoceros are on their way to extinction," U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said. Prosecutors say that between 2009 and 2012, Chait and his co-conspirators allegedly bought rhino horns and tried to sell them to foreign buyers in eight separate deals worth about $2.4 million. They say he personally smuggled two black rhino horns into China. If found guilty, Chait could face as much as five years in prison. International treaties heavily restrict the global trade in rhino horn and elephant ivory. The World Health Organization hopes to inoculate 5 million children in Yemen against polio this year, while in the United States a movement opposed to the use of vaccines in the very young is gaining momentum, prompting warnings from many doctors that this trend could result in dangerous outbreaks of diseases once under control. Dr. Peter J. Hotez, an expert in infectious diseases and pediatric care, is among those physicians arguing strenuously against those who oppose vaccines, based on their beliefs that American vaccination practices are putting their children at risk. Pitted against Hotez are groups such as Texans for Vaccine Choice, whose members generally believe that vaccines administered to children may be linked to the developmental disorder autism. The scientific establishment has repeatedly discredited such theories, but parents who oppose vaccines say they should be able to disregard their governments advice and choose for themselves whether to vaccinate their children. Vaccine opponents speak out Texans for Vaccine Choice is a very effective organization, Hotez said. Another group called Revolution for Truth plans a march on Washington in late March. On Facebook the group says its purpose is to protest the ... medias biased coverage and demonization of anyone who advocates for safer vaccines or defends the legal right to make informed, voluntary vaccine choices. The vaccine skeptics beliefs fly in the face of voluminous statistical evidence compiled by the U.S. governments health agencies, WHO and many other groups. This year, however, their movement has been energized by some anti-vaccine comments President Donald Trump made years ago, and by his perceived opposition to vaccines during the political campaign that put him in the White House. Vaccinations against childhood diseases such as measles, mumps and rubella are compulsory in most of the U.S., but Texas is one of the states that will hear appeals from parents who oppose the practice, and, in many cases, will exempt their children from vaccination requirements. Emboldened by their successes in the appeals process an estimated 50,000 Texas schoolchildren are no longer being inoculated vaccine choice groups are now shifting their operations into politics, social media and other arenas to appeal to a broader sector of the public. The Texas Health Services department reports that measles vaccination coverage in certain counties is close to dropping below 95 percent, the rate necessary to ensure widespread immunity and prevent measles outbreaks. Measles scares of 1960s could return Hotez says he is greatly concerned by the implications of what is happening in Texas. He is a professor of pediatrics, molecular virology and microbiology at Baylor University in Texas, among other appointments, and also directs a center for vaccine development at Texas Childrens Hospital, in Houston. This gives him a broad overview of many issues involving the growth and development in young children. In a Skype interview with VOA this week, Hotez said the increase in parental opposition to childrens vaccinations could lead to a deadly resurgence of measles in Texas and other parts of the country. Measles epidemics that were a public-health problem in the United States in the mid-20th century have largely disappeared, thanks to vaccinations, Hofez and his allies say, or because of better sanitation and child-rearing practices, according to the skeptics. In the 1970s, before children were widely vaccinated, measles was the leading cause of death of children worldwide. Measles is a bad actor, Hofez said. Even if it doesnt kill, it can cause neurologic devastation, he added, contrasting the potential of a full-scale outbreak with the popular notion that measles generally is a less-threatening disease a rash, accompanied by fever, that goes away after a week or two. Vaccines save 2.5 million lives annually Public health experts estimate that vaccines prevent the deaths of about 2.5 million children throughout the world every year, but they say measles and whooping cough still circulate easily in populations where enough people are unvaccinated. The World Health Organization credits vaccination practices worldwide with a 79 percent reduction in measles deaths, but the medical community also says the highly contagious nature of the measles virus makes the disease a continuing danger. Hotez said he is concerned that the anti-vaccine movement in Texas and several other parts of the U.S. could become a political contagion nationwide. Enter presidential candidate Donald Trump, who has linked vaccines to autism in public comments dating back to at least 2012. During a Republican candidates debate months before last years presidential election, Trump recounted a tale of one of his employees with a 2-year-old child who went to have the vaccine and came back and a week later got a tremendous fever, got very, very sick, now is autistic. Personal connection to autism Hotez is in a unique position to refute this, as both a vaccine scientist and the father of an adult daughter who has autism. He says there is absolutely no connection between the two. He said the neurologic development in the brain that leads to autism takes place in the first trimester of pregnancy, before any vaccines have been given. Before the U.S. election, Trump met with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a member of a prominent family associated with the Democratic Party; Kennedy, who has no medical background, supports a controversial theory that vaccines are linked to autism, a developmental disorder that has been diagnosed with increasing frequency in recent decades. Kennedy said he was invited to discuss vaccine safety with Trump before his inauguration, and that the president-elect asked him to head a commission on vaccine safety and scientific integrity. No formal announcement of such a commission has yet been issued. Vaccine opponents date their movement to 1998, when British physician Anthony Wakefield published a study that proposed a link between vaccines, particularly those containing the preservative thimerasol, and autism (thimerasol is no long used by any vaccine makers). Opposition rooted in fraud A subsequent investigation showed that Wakefields research study was too small to produce any worthwhile conclusions, and that in fact it was conducted fraudulently. Wakefield lost his medical license, and the British medical journal Lancet formally retracted his article after discovering that Wakefield received financial support from people who were engaged in lawsuits against vaccine makers. Scientists the world over have almost unanimously repudiated the vaccines-produce-autism theory as unsubstantiated, misleading and dangerous misinformation. Wakefield, who still calls himself a doctor despite the loss of his license to practice medicine, has since moved to Texas where he is active in the anti-vaccine movement. Hotez wants to warn the public about the dangers of refusing vaccines. He told VOA that scientists, especially those in public health, have to get the message out that vaccines work, and that they have no harmful side effects. In a previous report on the anti-vaccine movement, Dr. Anthony Fauci, an infectious disease expert at the National Institutes of Health, told VOA: If you had to pick out one intervention, if you balance the investment that you make in the research and the implementation and the health benefits, vaccines have to be at either the top of the list or very much on the short list. Some fear government conspiracies Hotez is concerned about pseudoscience and the anti-vaccination movements frequent claims of government conspiracies. If the influence of those who oppose vaccinations spreads further, he said, the health of large numbers of children could be threatened. Were playing with fire here, the scientist said. These are deadly diseases. These are ones that weve been able to eliminate mostly in the United States, and Im concerned that were going to return to a situation that we faced before 1963, when 50,000 children required hospitalization from measles every year and about 500 children died of measles. ... We could face that kind of situation in Texas if this trend continues. Hotez is also worried that the anti-vaccine movement could have global repercussions: The U.S. is very good at exporting its culture. We export our Hollywood movies; we export our rock stars. Were going to export what Im calling vaccine hesitancy. We could start seeing this trend happening in some of the big middle-income countries, such as India and Nigeria, Brazil, China, Hotez continued. And this could even lead to a reversal of all the great gains that weve made. Im quite worried that we could see a turnaround for the worst. It could mean that countries around the world will have to continue spending money on vaccines for diseases that could be wiped out, such as polio and measles, because citizens in the richest part of the world decided not to inoculate their children, and that children the world over will die and suffer permanent disability because parents did not have them vaccinated. What is a leak? A leak is generally a voluntary disclosure of classified information. The information is usually provided by an unidentified source whose objective is to make the information public. When someone discloses information to the media, the Open School of Journalism describes the event as a news leak. The information can be leaked by various sources, including those associated with a government or a business. People have a variety of reasons for revealing information that they don't have the authority to give out, including concern about the public's right to know, to get a monetary reward or to embarrass someone or some group, the school says. Government workers occasionally leak information to warn of an impending event, or to test the waters or to manipulate coverage of an event. Government or business leakers sometimes disclose information to reveal things happening they consider wrong or not in the public interest. What's the difference between leakers and whistleblowers? It is lawful for a whistleblower-leaker to disclose information confidentially or anonymously to any audience, including the media, if the information is not classified and/or its disclosure is not specifically prohibited by statute such as the Uniform Trade Secrets Act, according to the Government Accountability Project (GAP). If the information is classified, it must go through secure designated channels. Under those circumstances, there is no difference between leaker and whistleblower. The difference comes when a leaker makes a disclosure that is illegal under federal statute or is disclosing classified information to the media. Also, the inconsistency comes when a leaker discloses information deemed as political gossip or for political reasons, and is not evidence of government wrongdoing. Instead of going through secure channels within the federal agency, "Some leakers are not lawfully disclosing their evidence of misconduct and sending classified information to the media and that is not included in legal definition under the [Whistleblower Protection Act of 2012], GAP legislative director Tom Devine told VOA. According to Timothy Garton Ash, author of Free Speech: Ten Principles for a Connected World, a whistleblower is someone who, seeing something that he or she regards as wrong happening inside an organization, pass on that information to others in the hope of exposing the wrongdoing. By contrast, leakers are generally viewed either neutrally or more negatively, according to Ash. The means used by leakers are indistinguishable from those of the anonymous whistleblower, but the intentions are often found to be less high-minded. Whether the leak is from a part of government, a political party or a company, the leakers are as likely as not doing it to promote either the organizations interests or those of a faction within it, said Ash. Although leaking is ubiquitous in early-twenty-first-century politics and business, and many journalists would be lost without it, few impute noble motives to the leakers, Ash continues. And sometimes leaking is the hallmark of outright villainy." The difference between a leaker and a whistleblower is important, according to Matthew Miller, former director of Public Affairs at the Department of Justice. Miller says leaks of secret information can endanger American soldiers and intelligence officers. Whistleblowers, he says, expose violations of law, abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific threat to public health or safety. What laws protect federal employees who leak classified information? U.S. federal laws encourage federal workers and employees of federal contractors to disclose misconduct and other wrongful acts. The laws also protect whistleblowers from retribution. The Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012 directs Inspectors General (OIG) how to manage acts of whistleblowing, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). OPM cautions, however, that OIG staff are prohibited from acting as legal representative, agent, or advocate for whistleblowers, and cannot provide legal advice or counsel. Those who are aware of wrongdoing should report it to the OPM OIG Hotline at 877-499-7295. The Act includes further protection of whistleblowers by prohibiting federal agencies from issuing or enforcing nondisclosure agreements, policies or forms that do not contain the following statement: "These provisions are consistent with and do not supersede, conflict with, or otherwise alter the employee obligations, rights, or liabilities created by existing statute or Executive order relating to (1) classified information, (2) communications to Congress, (3) the reporting to an Inspector General of a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, or mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, or (4) any other whistleblower protection. The definitions, requirements, obligations, rights, sanctions, and liabilities created by controlling Executive orders and statutory provisions are incorporated into this agreement and are controlling." Presidential Policy Directive 19 prohibits whistleblower retaliation in a way that impacts an employees eligibility for access to classified information. The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) investigates and prosecutes allegations of banned personnel practices with a focus on protecting federal whistleblowers. Information on how the OSC may help resolve whistleblower retaliation complaints can be found on their website. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces the provisions of more than 20 whistleblower laws that protect employees who report workplace violations pertaining, but not limited to, safety and health activities, work-related injuries and illness or fatality. Details are available on the OSHAs whistleblower website. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2013 offers whistleblower protection to employees of federal contractors. Complaints can be submitted through the OIG Hotline or by calling 877-499-7295. The Uniform Trade Secrets Act (USTA) provides a legal framework to better protect trade secrets for U.S. companies operating in multiple states. USTA had been enacted by 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as of May 2013. Congressmen Ted W. Lieu and Don Beyer recently published a resource guide for federal workers who want to break the Administrations communications blackout on federal agencies. A link to the guide can be found here. When can a whistleblower or leaker be held responsible? Whistleblowers proceed at their own risk if they make unprotected disclosures of information, i.e., without a reasonable belief that theyre evidencing illegality, gross waste, gross mismanagement, abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, said Devine. Under those circumstances, federal agency disclosure restraints or secrecy rules could be enforced to punish them. Devine says even if whistleblowers have a reasonable belief, they proceed at their own risk when they lawfully disclose classified information or information whose disclosure is specifically barred statute. The risk is mitigated when whistleblowers make disclosures to an employee designated by the agency chief, the relevant Office of Inspector General, or the U.S. Office of Special Counsel. Are federal inspectors general independent? Inspectors General are independent, says the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency. While they are under the general supervision of the agencys leadership, leadership cannot prevent or prohibit an IG from conducting an audit or investigation. Details are available on the Councils website, including a directory of Inspectors General. During the Nairobi launch of Amnesty Internationals annual global report, Muthoni Wanyeki, the groups regional director for East Africa, the Horn, and the Great Lakes, said there has been a backtracking in global human rights, giving examples from some of the 11 countries she monitored. Obviously, none of us would deny that were seeing a growing or higher-than-usual intolerance of dissent, whether were talking about the hardening of positions in Burundi, Eritrea, Ethiopia, under the state of emergency, Kenya even in terms of sort of the more informal attacks on human rights defenders, South Sudan, the mass detentions there, Sudan, and Tanzania, said Wanyeki. Growing authoritarianism, conflict, increased crackdowns on free protests, political tensions and repression, and xenophobia are just some of the threats to human rights in Africa, according to Amnesty. Wanyeki says the fragility of some African states is especially worrisome, as some leaders try to hold on to power. Not too long ago, we were celebrating the end of many conflicts within Africa. Were now at the 10-year period, the transition period, so the two constitutional terms of five years, and what are we seeing? No transition. Were seeing attempts to change things, etcetera, and is 10 years really enough to deal with all the grievances, all the feelings of exclusion, that brought that conflict about? Steve Cockburn, Amnesty Internationals deputy regional director for West and Central Africa, said that in every country where his team conducted research, there were banned protests, demonstrators who had been arrested, and even eight or nine who were killed. So I think were seeing a growing crackdown on free protests, said Cockburn. And I think the other kind of major trend we have is in the spread of conflict across the region. So civilians have been killed in countries around Lake Chad, regions around Boko Haram, around the Sahel, in Central African Republic, but also in areas we didnt used to see. With respect to South Africa, Wanyeki argued the country should be leading the way in human rights, but has fallen short. The political tensions, the xenophobia toward migrant workers, toward asylum seekers is of great concern because basically it is losing its moral authority to provide leadership on the continent, said Wanyeki. Activist Boniface Mwangi attended the Nairobi launch, paying special attention to the Kenyan report, which discussed the extrajudicial killings of a lawyer, his client and their driver in June, and violations by security agencies during counterterrorism operations, among other issues. But I think we need to go beyond reporting, thats my call, said Mwangi. We need to do more than this. Amnestys doing a fantastic job, but what can we do to ensure that people dont just die and become a statistic for next years report? Amnesty says there are some success stories from the continent. Chads former president and the former DRC vice president were convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity, South Africas Supreme Court criticized the government for allowing Sudans president, who has a warrant out for his arrest, to leave the country after a 2015 visit, and Kenyas high court struck down the governments decision to close the Dadaab refugee camp. Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe will hold a big bash on Saturday, expected to cost more than US$1 million, in celebration of his birthday. He turned 93 on Tuesday. Thousands of Zanu-PF dignitaries and party supporters are expected to attend the bash at Rhodes Estate Preparatory School in Matobo district, Matabeleland South province. In a pre-recorded interview that was broadcast on the state-run ZBC-TV on his birthday, Tuesday, President Mugabe reiterated his intention to stay in office, saying that he will continue to serve his party, including contesting in the 2018 presidential election, because his party has asked him to. "They (Zanu-PF) want me to stand for elections, President Mugabe said. If I feel that I can't do it any more, I will say so to my party so that they relieve me. But for now, I think I can't say so. In his farewell speech before the African Union after ending his chairmanship in 2015, Mr. Mugabe said he would only leave office when God says come. While many of Mr. Mugabes supporters endorse his candidacy and celebrate his long life, many Zimbabweans harbor feelings of unease at his continued leadership, given the deteriorating state of the economy. In various interviews sourced by AFPTV, several residents expressed outrage at Mr. Mugabes continued leadership. One woman who did not give her name, said she does not believe the President is effectively running the country. "He is not fit to rule this country, so we cannot say President Mugabe is the one ruling this country, the woman said. He is no longer the one ruling this country." Another Harare resident, who also did not want to be named, said there is little progress in the country during President Mugabe 36-year rule. "Mugabe has been ruling for the past years but he has delivered nothing to his citizens, the unnamed man said. Up until today Zimbabweans are suffering." Political analyst and chair of the regional think tank, Southern African Political Economy Series (SAPES) Trust, Ibbo Mandaza, said based on President Mugabes recent interview, he has concluded that Mr. Mugabe wants to die in office, and is therefore not planning to retire. But Mandaza said public support for the president is waning and could spark unrest. "People are angry and people could be looking for an opportunity to vent out their anger and its very easy to see how that can develop very easily," Mandaza said. (Interviews conducted by AFPTV) U.S. President Donald Trump is dismissing protests that have broken out against his plan to dismantle national health care reforms that marked former President Barack Obama's signature legislative achievement. Trump, in a comment on his Twitter account late Tuesday, said, "The so-called angry crowds in home districts of some Republicans are actually, in numerous cases, planned out by liberal activists. Sad!" The White House said Wednesday that Trump would propose a new health care plan to replace the Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare, in the "next couple weeks." During the current week-long congressional recess, numerous Republican lawmakers facing voters at town hall gatherings in their home state districts have been greeted with vocal protests against their years-long effort to scuttle the law. Watch: White House Responds to Voter Outrage at Town Halls Across US Some, as Trump said, have organized efforts against Republican lawmakers looking to repeal the law, while others at the town halls appear to be individual voters who are saying that they will lose their insurance, leaving them unable to pay their medical bills while facing severe health problems, if Congress doesn't approve a similar replacement measure. Many say they want Obamacare kept much the same as it is now, with national polls showing the law is now more popular than it was when its existence was not seriously threatened in recent years. White House spokesman Sean Spicer acknowledged that some of the protesters "are upset" at the possible loss of their health insurance, but that others are part of "manufactured protests" and said they do not reflect broad-based support in the lawmakers' congressional districts for Obamacare. WATCH: Spicer on Town Hall fury Repeal and replace With a Republican in the White House who often called the law a "disaster" during his presidential campaign, a big majority of Republican lawmakers had felt they would have a clear path to repealing the law. They have assailed it since its 2010 approval by a Democratic-controlled Congress without a single Republican vote. Republicans have repeatedly attacked one of the law's key provisions, what many conservatives have long considered an intrusive requirement that all Americans buy health care insurance, or pay a penalty to the government if they don't. Obama vetoed one repeal measure when he was in office, while Democratic lawmakers blocked dozens of other Republican repeal attempts from even reaching his White House desk for his necessary signature. The law has allowed 20 million previously uninsured people to buy policies to help pay their medical bills, bars insurance companies from refusing to insure patients with pre-existing medical problems and allows young people to stay on their parents' insurance policies until they turn 26. Critics say the insurance policies that have been offered under the law have proven too costly for many to buy, still leaving millions of Americans uninsured. About half of Americans get their health insurance through their employer and often would not be directly impacted by the fate of Obamacare. About a third of Americans are senior citizens and impoverished people covered by government health care programs; but, the remainder are either uninsured or have bought individual policies for themselves and their families through Obamacare and could be significantly affected if the law is repealed without an adequate replacement. Now, even as Republican lawmakers have in Trump a like-minded opponent of Obamacare ready to sign repeal legislation, they have struggled to reach agreement on a replacement measure. Republican revisions Republicans uniformly want to get rid of the penalty tax provision while keeping popular parts of Obamacare, such as the provision on pre-existing medical conditions; but, Republicans and Trump have yet to figure out how to pay for a new national health care law if they eliminate the revenue-producing tax. During his presidential campaign, Trump vowed that he would get rid of Obamacare on his first day in office. Now he says it could take into 2018 to repeal and replace it. Congressional Republicans say they plan to act on a repeal within weeks but the legislative outcome remains uncertain, with minority Democrats vocally opposed to overturning the law. Zanu PF youths marched in Bulawayo on Thursday in honour of President Robert Mugabe ahead of his birthday celebrations in Matobo district on Saturday. The youth chanted slogans to show solidarity for Zimbabwe's 93 year-old leader, who has been in power for almost 37 years. They urged President Mugabe to continue ruling and prepare for the 2018 presidential election in which he will be fielded as the ruling partys candidate at the age of 94. Succession battles have ravaged Zanu PF with two factions allegedly led by First Lady Grace Mugabe and Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa fighting to be on the driving seat of the ruling party. Mrs. Mugabe and Mnangagwa have dismissed suggestions that they are linked to factions as wishful thinking. The president said this week there is nobody in the party at the moment who is capable of succeeding him. MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW We accept many different kinds of announcements. Just click on the button below and submit a form. Go to forms Since the beginning of the negotiations in Astana, Turkey has been trying to save the jihadists in Syria. And so we witness the dissolution of the groups composed of foreign mercenaries [and their incorporation] into a new structure, Hayat Tahrir al-Cham (the Assembly for the Liberation of the Levant). While controlled by Al-Qaeda, this new group differs from its predecessors in that the person in command is a Syrian: Abou Jaber Hashem Al-Cheikh (see photo). In 2005, this war-chief appears had been sentenced in Syria for his membership of the Muslim Brotherhood. Then, at the end of 2011, he had been released by virtue of a presidential amnesty and under the control of the Observation Mission of the Arab League. In the photo above, you see a banner that was being brandished for several days in the demonstrations taking place on territory occupied by the jihadists. Side by side, Abou Jaber Hashem Al-Cheikh and Mohammad Allouche (the chief of the delegation opposing the negotiations at Astana) are depicted. In their turn, the Katiba al-Imam Bukhari (formerly, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan), the Islamic Party of Turkestan and the Katiba al-Tawhid wal Jihad (jihadists that came from Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan) have subscribed to this the new flag. In a video declaring their unity, these jihadists declare that their primary objective is to topple the butcher (President Bashar el-Assad being understood). If this is the case, then they are testifying as to what lies at their essence: the mercenary the real Mc Coy: up till now, these groups that have come from Fergana Valley (East Uzbekistan, South Kirghizstan and North Tajikistan) declared that they were fighting both for the independence of their community in Central Asia and for their unification to Turkey. Bossano Attends Parliaments of the Mediterranean Conference Minister Joe Bossano MP, accompanied by Albert Poggio, is currently attending the 11th Annual Conference of Assembly of Parliaments of the Mediterranean in the city of Porto, in Northern Portugal. The Assembly represents Parliaments from both shores of the Mediterranean, covering the European countries of the North shore and the North Africa Parliaments of the south shore. A total of 21 Parliamentary jurisdictions, as well as parallel organisations from other regions and representatives from United Nations Organisation, are attending. Following this the Minister will fly to London to participate in a conference on Friday organised by the parties of European Socialist from the European Parliament jointly sponsored with the British Labour Party. On Saturday there will be a Labour Party conference held at the venue of the International Transport Workers Federation Building. Okay, but we are still missing Bartok the bat. The wistful Russian dreams of 90s kids will soon be alive again, as a new musical inspired by 1997s Anastasia comes to Broadway this spring. The new Anastasia is a more grown-up affair than the film. Rasputin and Bartok the talking albino bat are gone, and the show, which played in Hartford before moving to New York, focuses more intently on the Russian Revolution. Plus, the musical simply has more music. Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, who contributed the music for the animated film, added a slew of new songs to this production and reworked the plot with Ragtimes Terrence McNally. The musical doesnt begin previews until March 23, and it opens on April 24, but to hold you over, Vulture has an early look at some of the numbers added to the show. First up: In My Dreams, performed by the shows Anastasia, Christy Altomare (Mamma Mia!). Its a classic I Want song, though of course Anya as shes known before shes discovered to be a (potential) lost Romanov heir is suffering from some heavy amnesia. In Anastasia the film, Dmitry didnt get a sound. The musical rightfully changes that. Derek Klena (Dogfight) plays the scoundrel, who falls for Anya even as hes using her to run a long con on the Romanovs. In My Petersburg, he sings about his beloved Saint Petersburg, and not for nothing, rocks some floppy hair, truly crucial to the character. Contributing to Anastasias greater focus on the Russian Revolution, Ramin Karimloo (Les Miserables) plays a new character, a devoted communist named Gleb whos torn between his duty to his country and his burgeoning feelings for Anya, both of which are captured in the dark and stormy Still. In the last of the new numbers previewed, Well Go From There, Anya, Dmitry, and Vlad (A Christmas Storys John Bolton, filling the role played by Kelsey Grammer in the film) sing about their journey out of Russia to Paris, where theyll try to pass her off as a real Romanov. You wont be getting a look at the full-scope production just yet, but Anastasia is coming to Broadway under Tony-winning A Gentlemans Guide to Love and Murder director Darko Tresnjak. Mary Beth Peil and Caroline OConnor fill out the cast as the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna and her confidante Lily, who both reside in Paris. Those longing for the songs from the 1997 film can rest assured that the musical will tackle those too. To send us off, heres Altomare performing the Oscar-nominated Journey to the Past. Suits. Photo: USA Network Gina Torress Jessica Pearson and her pristine collection of polished businesswear are the best parts of Suits, which is why it was a massive bummer when Gina Torres left Suits last year. But what was an unwelcome exit may turn out to have been a characteristically brilliant strategic move by the cool-headed shark, as TV Line reports that USA is working on a Jessica Pearson spinoff. Torres left the show after its fifth season, with Jessica walking away from the New York City law firm she founded to pursue a life in Chicago. At the time, Torres explained her decision as stemming from the distance between the shows shooting location in Toronto and her family in L.A., and the talk of a spinoff seems to confirm that. Theres no clear conceit for the show, but Deadline reports Suits creator Aaron Korsh would likely take on script duties, so expect plenty of clipped shouting and thinly veiled contempt. The long arm of the law strikes again, this time like a big, warm hug. Photo: Sony Pictures Classics Last week, when Joe Carnahan announced that hes working on a reimagining of the Indonesian action film The Raid, he promised an imminent interview with Collider in which all your fears will be allayed. He vowed that the project, which he will produce alongside Raid director Gareth Evans, would not defile the sacred text of the original, and emphasized that his intention was not at all a remake but a reinterpretation of the source material. That raises the question: Will this movie be The Raid at all? Based on that Collider interview, the answer veers toward no. Carnahan and actor Frank Grillo passionately laid out their plans for a new take on film, which ends up sounding like a great action movie idea they had while watching another great action movie. Grillo even says, I think we could remake The Raid with a little bit more story and the same amount of action, and it would be a different movie, with Carnahan sharing this helpful piece of advice he was given about the project, Do not constrain yourself based on what this was. Make it something that its not. So, here are some substantial ways in which this Raid reimagining will blaze its own trail, according to two of the guys making it. The Fighting Style Carnahan: If our movie felt like the knife fight between Adam Goldberg and the German in Saving Private Ryan the entirety of the movie, then weve done exactly what we needed to do something that is that grueling and tough. So the aspect of it that feels choreographed, that feels like dancing is gone. Its Eastern Promises. Its Saving Private Ryan. The Location Carnahan envisions his movie taking place in Caracas, Venezuala, because, Caracas is a madhouse. Its almost like a safe house for bad guys, like they built this bloc in Caracas because this is where you come do business and no one will fuck with you, because it is such a dangerous place that no one wants to go in there. The Protagonist Carnahan wants to veer away from the un-killable type that typically dominates action movies like John Wick or even Iko Uwaiss character in the original The Raid and instead focus on a more realistic wounded-warrior type. Youre catching a guy who is compelled to go after his brother after he just got his ass kicked in a completely different operation, says Carnahan. Youre getting a guy whos like the walking wounded very mortal, very human. More people have an affinity for or an understanding of that situation than being this physically fit monster that doesnt feel pain. The Central Relationship Carnahan and Grillo both talked about building out the story of the two brothers in the new movie, and making their relationship with their father central to each mans motivation. In the original, the hero, Rama, is encouraged by his father to take the raid mission in order to retrieve his brother, Andi, who has taken to a life of crime. Both men explain that they were inspired to do a new version of The Raid in part because the original was not so widely seen in the United States, with Grillo saying, We want to do this because there is something that we see that we can show American audiences and audiences globally. They want to honor the first film, while essentially making everything more gonzo. Carnahan says the aim is to take the framework of the original and pump everything full of steroids, and give it a tone more similar to his films The Grey and Narc. But when you use a handful of movies that arent The Raid to describe your reimagining of that film, when does your project go from based on to the more loosely defined inspired by? To be clear, Grillo and Carnahan sound like theyre scheming on a really fresh, entertaining idea for an action film, and they are taking the leap of having no funding upfront and banking on the back end. They believe in this project. But when you characterize your approach as, Where The Raid zigs, well zag, maybe its best to just zag your way into a different title all together. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 22 (PTI) Two persons have been arrested with three kilogrammes of heroin worth Rs 12 crore here, police said today. Acting on a tip off, the police arrested the duo identified as Nitin Gupta and Hefajuddin from a hotel in Mahipalpur. They told the police that the heroin had been brought from Myanmar and was to be supplied to different parts of India. advertisement It has been found that they are members of a big international narcotic drug cartel being run by Shahyar alias Haidi, a Manipur-based drug supplier, said Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, DCP (Special Cell). "Hefajuddin had brought heroin to Delhi from Manipur by air yesterday. The drugs were wrapped in thick layers of carbon papers to avoid detection by scanners," said the officer. The elite Special Cell has been working on drug peddlers operating in the states of Manipur, UP, Delhi and Punjab. After two months of collecting information, the members of the group were identified. "Yesterday, specific information was received about an important member of the drug cartel who had arrived in Delhi and was staying in a hotel in Mahipalpur. It was also found that he would deliver a large consignment of heroin to one of their Delhi based conduits near Hotel Smart Stay, Mahipalpur," the officer said. The duo was interrogated following which they disclosed that they were members of an international narcotic drug cartel being run by the main kingpin Shahyar from Manipur, he said. Hefajuddin has been working as carrier for Shahyar for the last five years. Shahyar supplies heroin to drug dealers based in Delhi, NCR, UP, Punjab in India and also in Nepal, the officer added. PTI SLB MRJ --- ENDS --- Photo: TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images A few days after relocating his anti-Donald Trump art installation, HE WILL NOT DIVIDE US, from New York City to Albuquerque due to the original museum bowing to political pressure, Shia LaBeouf has once again been forced to shut down the installations livestream, but this time by his own volition. We have taken the stream down after shots were reported in the area, LaBeouf wrote in a tweet. The safety of everybody participating in our project is paramount. The Albuquerque police department have yet to comment on the reported gunfire, and its also not clear how close to the installation site it occurred. However, this isnt the first time LaBeoufs four-year interactive project has faced problems in the city on Tuesday, the site was vandalized with spray paint that read: Reject False Idols. Do It! And previously, while still in New York, LaBeouf was arrested for allegedly assaulting someone at the exhibition site. Hes due back in court for that in April. Jean Smart. One of the great rises to fame in recent television history has been that of Jean Smart. The veteran actress has accumulated an impressive number of film, TV, and theater credits in her four-decade career, developing a reputation for playing strong-willed and dignified women, but it wasnt until 2015 that she gained widespread critical admiration for her role on the second season of FXs Fargo. Smart played Floyd Gerhardt, the nigh-sociopathic matriarch of the Gerhardt crime family, and earned an Emmy nomination for her performance. Now, shes reunited with both FX and Fargo auteur Noah Hawley. On Legion, a Hawley-helmed series loosely inspired by the X-Men comics, she plays a very different matriarch: Melanie Bird, the leader of a group of superpowered mutants who are being hunted down by the government. Vulture caught up with Smart on the Legion set for a conversation about the high standards she sets for herself, baking cupcakes for her castmates, and how little she knew about Legion before she stepped in front of the camera. Legion is a little off the beaten path. How did Noah pitch you on it? He said, Im doing a new show that I want to talk to you about. Basically I just said, well, whatevers in there. I didnt really even know what it was about. Thats a first. Ive never had that before. I had such an incredible experience on Fargo, and I was so impressed with him, as a writer. What impressed you about him? Actors like me, who come from the theater, are used to having really good words to say. When you start doing film and television, there seems to be, all of a sudden, a dramatic change in the kind of material you have. Its not necessarily that its not as good, but its different. Theater is much more about the words, so to have someone like Noah giving you words to say was kind of like an oasis in the desert. When he told you about the show, what did he say it was? Well, he didnt, really. Thats one way to do things, I suppose. I just kind of went on faith, you know. So he literally just said, Im doing a show. Yes. And you said, Lets do it. Yes. I didnt even know right away that the show was based on an X-Men character. Did Noah at least tell you about your character? Did he tell you anything before you shot the pilot? No. [Laughs.] Its been kind of a learning process. But in the pilot, I just come in literally in the last 30 seconds. So that wasnt really a problem. He sort of described her as a rescuer, which appealed to me very much. Whys that? I dont know. I think its cause Im a Virgo or something. I like taking care of people. Taking in stray cats and things. Have you become something of a caretaker of the cast? Well, I dont know if Im a caretaker, but I sort of think of myself as the house mother. Being one of the senior members of the cast, its sort of like house mother at the co-ed sorority/fraternity. I brought in cookies the other day. You didnt! Some cupcakes, the other day. Did you bake them? Yes, of course I did. Sorry, shouldnt have doubted. I put Xs on the cupcakes. Little Xs. How do you build a character if you know so little about her? Well, at first it was scary and difficult because I felt like I didnt have a lot of road maps. Shes not a character that is really in the X-Men world. And as far as I know, I have no special powers besides making cookies. So I just gave myself over to the notion that it would just evolve. Which in a way can be a good thing when youre doing a series, because if you marry yourself to certain things at the beginning that then arent supported by the script, youre in trouble. You want to be specific, you dont wanna be vague, but at the same time, you have to be careful what you solidify at the beginning. That might not serve you so well toward the end. Were you nervous about slipping into the superhero genre? No, I thought it would be fun. And also, again, knowing the auspices under which it was going to be done, I knew it would be classy, like Fargo. Youve been shooting out here in the rainy and cold Pacific Northwest. Does that environment provide any challenges or advantages? Im from Seattle, so this feels normal. Ive always felt part Canadian. My grandfather was actually Canadian. Born and raised on Prince Edward Island. So now, I figured that some Americans are thinking of moving to Canada for reasons we wont name I figured I might have a leg up on that movement. As a stage actor, how do you adjust to green-screen work? Well, first of all youre looking at nothing, so you have to pretend a lot. Theres a scene where I literally walked through a wall. So they had all this green fabric, and I sort of stuck my hand in. Youve been in the hustle for a while. Does the TV industry that you work in now, the TV that you do now, resemble at all the TV you did decades ago? Not a lot, no. The evolution of it has been remarkable, and so quick. Really good television now is better, by far, than most movies. Its interesting, too, because it used to be very big networks and pretty much that was it. We had HBO and Showtime. Now, whats nice is that you can work steadily and still be kind of anonymous. It used to be if you were on a series, that was it. That was how the world saw you. You know what I mean? Now, people are running hit shows that Ive never heard of. Thats kind of wonderful. Most people assume that actors want to be famous, but I dont think thats what most actors want. Was that ever true for you? When you were younger, did you want to be a movie star? No, but I was definitely the ham of the family. I liked making people laugh. No, I didnt think of it that way because I did theater. No one becomes famous through theater. The younger actors Ive interviewed all say they adore you and have learned from you. What have you learned from them? Oh, good God. Mr. Riesman, that makes you feel old. Sorry. Im thinking, Really, Im that category now? Oh, dear God. Shoot me now. Just take me out and shoot me. Cause I remember feeling that way about certain actors. Now, I oh, God. I admire all of them. I think theyre all gonna be hugely successful after this. Some of them already are, but, oh my God. Theyre all so talented. I dont think theres anything Dan cant do. He certainly nails the American accent. Oh my goodness, yes. Some Brits cant do that. He had trouble with one word after his family came to visit. It was rapport. For a few days after, he slipped back on this one word. He kept saying ra-pore. We go, No, no. Do you miss your Fargo character? I do actually. I do. I had a great time playing Floyd. Ten episodes wasnt quite enough. That was a great experience. I would have been addicted to the show, whether I was in it or not. It was absolutely flawless from top to bottom. I was particularly fond of Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunst. Werent they magic together? They broke my heart. It was like watching somebody driving toward a cliff. You just knew it was not gonna end well. Jesse, he just looked like a big 9-year-old to me. I really wanted to just hug him. And I wanted to be able to kill off Kirsten. But no. Donald Trump. Photo: Pool/Getty Images A woman with tickets to see the Budapest Festival Orchestra at Lincoln Center was denied entry for wearing a jacket adorned with an antiDonald Trump sign. The sign read, NO! In the name of humanity we refuse to accept a fascist America. The New York Times describes the woman in question, Jenny Heinz, as a longtime Met and New York Philharmonic subscriber whose jacket had been affixed with the sign since Heinz attended a protest at Trump Tower in November. Heinz says Lincoln Center gave her a refund for the ticket, but insisted that signs of any kind are not permitted on the Lincoln Center premises. The policy seems to be specific to signage, somewhat arbitrarily so, as the Times suggests that Heinzs sentiments would have been allowed had they been expressed on a T-shirt or a pin. The incident is the latest to raise questions about the political role of the theater, as a divide endures between those who view it as an insulated versus an activist space. Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images Netflix has signed on to bankroll Martin Scorseses next collaboration with Robert De Niro, but that doesnt mean the director has totally bought into the streaming experience. Now you can see a film on an iPad, Scorsese said at a BFI event in London. You might be able to push it closer to your [face] in your bedroom, just lock the door and look at it if you can, but I do find just glimpsing stuff here or there, even watching a film at home on a big-screen TV, there is still stuff around the room. Theres a phone that rings. People go by. It is not the best way. Netflix hasnt detailed how it will release The Irishman simultaneously in theaters and online like Ava DuVernays 13th? but the legendary cinephile prescribes a theater for the ultimate moviegoing experience: The problem now is that it is everything around the frame that is distracting, Scorsese said. More than slamming the streaming site, Scorseses comments remind what a big get The Irishman is for Netflix: Even the biggest proponent of movie theaters appreciates the streamings novelty and, of course, cash. My Life As a Zucchini. Photo: Rita Productions Though its more frequently used to realize otherwise impossible visual delights, animation can be an ingenious way to handle a story that might otherwise be too tragic onscreen. Isao Takahatas Grave of the Fireflies is a timeless example; its hard to imagine the story of two young children slowly starving in the war-torn Japanese countryside told through the human bodies of young actors. My Life As a Zucchini, a Swiss-French adaptation of a novel by Gilles Paris, similarly portrays children at the receiving end of horrific tragedy, here rendered in colorfully forlorn stop-motion and clay animation. In his feature debut, director Claude Barras uses the medium to bridge the storys darker elements, the better to illuminate its smaller moments of joy and tenderness. The story, which will blindside anyone expecting a French VeggieTales, is about Icare, nicknamed Zucchini by his alcoholic mother. When she dies, Zucchini is left parentless. Hes taken under the wing of a kindhearted policeman named Raymond (voiced by Nick Offerman in the English dub; the film will also be released subtitled in its original French at select theaters) who sends him to live in an orphanage outside of town. There he meets a band of similarly misfit toys, all with backstories as matter-of-factly tragic as Zucchinis. (One kids mother was deported, one was neglected by his addict parents, one witnessed the murder of her mother by her father.) The rest plays out as a semi-episodic coming-of-age narrative Zucchini falls in love, makes enemies who turn into friends, and finds a second family among his fellow orphans and the teachers and supervisors who look after them. The Oscar-nominated Zucchini is barely over an hour long, but its told with undiluted emotional drama thats both subtle and economic. Part of this is due to the animation direction of Kim Keukeleire, who worked on Wes Andersons Fantastic Mr. Fox and will be a lead animator on the directors upcoming Isle of Dogs. Keukeleire imbues the people in Zucchinis orbit with a world weariness that belies their whimsically big-headed figures. With their dark-circled eyes and red noses, the design of the children suggests a lifetime of tears, even when theyre goofing off after lights out or having a dance party during a field trip. Barras often lets the camera drift away for scenes of abuse and other hard-to-watch themes, but otherwise the story is told as straightforwardly as a child would experience it. Pariss book has yet to be translated into English, but its commonly described as being written in Zucchinis naive voice, hinging frequently on misunderstandings of adult discussions. (In the book and the film, Zucchini believes his absent father has run off with a hen, after hearing his mother rail about some chick.) Thankfully, the script by Girlhood director Celine Sciamma is not so literal or cute. The children talk about each others trials with very little sentimentality or euphemism; theyre voraciously curious about sex, especially sex between two loving, consenting adults. Sciammas script, which has been translated to English with typical elegance by North American distribution house GKIDS, is clear-eyed about all of this. Because its told so intimately from Zucchinis perspective, the movies also not equipped to be an indictment of child welfare services, foster systems, or any of the other flawed bureaucracies that its young protagonists depend on. Issues of immigration and racial profiling exist in its margins several of the children have a deep distrust of police, which makes Raymond a begrudging target for pranks every time he drops by the orphanage to visit Zucchini. But these notes end up functioning like a more socially aware version of the pop-culture references in Pixar films something for the adults in the room to chew on alongside the heartaches. Perhaps those adults will also get something out of the voices of Offerman, Ellen Page, Amy Sedaris, and Will Forte on the dub soundtrack all of whom (Offerman particularly) do fine, sensitive work but take a backseat to the unpolished, lively chorus of child actors. Their names, as is often the case with these things, primarily serve as endorsements, and in this case its an earned one. My Life As a Zucchini is a deft work of empathy, and unlike a few of its fellow animation Oscar contenders, it works on a more intimate scale, without a big message or master thesis to carry it to its conclusion. All it has to do is put us in different shoes for an hour even if those shoes belong to a zucchini. Paul Abdul. Photo: Adam Bettcher/Getty Images for WE Paula Abdul is set to disappear into the role of Paula Abdul for an NBC comedy. Per The Hollywood Reporter, the inspired casting choice is for a single-camera comedy by the Fresh Off the Boat creative team of Kourtney Kang and Nahnatchka Khan. The show takes inspiration from Kangs childhood and centers around the only girl (Isabella Russo) in the only mixed-race family in a Philadelphia suburb; she dreams of becoming a Laker Girl like her role model, Paula Abdul. Abdul would have a regular gig playing herself on the series. Though its not clear exactly how shell figure in, assuming a fantasy element, Abduls MC Skat Kat days more than prove that she knows her way around a flight of fancy. Sinead OConnor. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images Sinead OConnor is apologizing after accusing Arsenio Hall of giving Prince drugs. OConnors initial claims, in which she also alleged that Hall once drugged her at the home of Eddie Murphy, prompted a defamation suit by Hall. At the time, OConnor seemed unperturbed by the lawsuit, telling him to suck my dick. Now, in a statement to TMZ, she says: I apologize for my Facebook posts about Arsenio to the extent that anyone thought I was accusing him of acting as Princes drug dealer and supplying him with illegal hard drugs, or insinuating that Arsenio had something to do with Princes death. I sincerely apologize because those statements would be false, and I retract them unequivocally. Hall has seemingly accepted the apology, as he is dropping the lawsuit. And so alls well that settles out of court. Following the commercial success of his political actioner Kodi, Dhanush is joining hands with director Durai Senthilkumar once again for a Tamil outing. By India Today Web Desk: Following the commercial success of his political actioner Kodi, Dhanush is joining hands with director Durai Senthilkumar once again for a Tamil outing. Announcing the news on Twitter, Dhanush said, "Yes. After blockbuster 'Kodi', Durai Senthil Kumar is writing his next for me. Too early to disclose further details. Thank you." Yes .. after #blockbuster #kodi @durairsk is writing his next for me. Too early to disclose further details. Thank you :) Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) February 21, 2017 advertisement In Kodi, Dhanush played dual roles for the first time, and the film opened to great response from fans. However, there isn't any confirmation regarding the cast and crew. Dhanush, who is currently wrapping up his maiden directorial Tamil venture Power Paandi, has a bundle of projects lined up this year. He's simultaneously shooting for Velai Illa Pattathari 2, a sequel to the blockbuster Tamil film of the same name. He awaits the release of the romantic thriller Enai Noki Paayum Thota, which is directed by Gautham Menon. Dhanush, who is teaming up with Vetri Maaran for the much-awaited gangster trilogy Vada Chennai, has completed half the portion of the film. While the aforementioned films is expected to release this year, the Kadhal Kondein actor will begin his debut Hollywood project The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir shortly. Dhanush has also signed a project with director Karthik Subbaraj. With back-to-back projects, Dhanush's next with Durai Senthilkumar is likely to go on the floors next year. ALSO READ: 15 tweets that prove Kamal Haasan is the 'Nammavar' of Tamil cinema ALSO READ: Shruti resumes Katamarayudu after holidaying with boyfriend Michael Corsale --- ENDS --- The final credits have rolled on Wacos first film festival, and organizers already are talking sequel. The Deep in the Heart Film Festival finished its four-day run Sunday at the Waco Hippodrome theater, drawing some 900 people to a slate of six feature films and some 70 shorts. The festival also attracted 47 filmmakers, including one from France, many of whom talked with audiences after screenings about their work. We spoke to several Waco transplants folks whove lived in California, Austin, Houston and they were all so pleased that we brought a quality film festival to Waco, said Waco filmmaker/video producer Louis Hunter, who with colleague Samuel Thomas led the festivals planning. Again and again, people told us that they could not believe this was a first-year festival. We are humbled by this high praise. Carla Pendergraft, marketing director for the Waco Convention Center and Visitors Bureau, lauded the fests organization as a key part of its success, in addition to quality films and sponsored events. Films and personalities may bring the headlines to film festivals, but a smoothly run schedule and operation go as far in shaping favorable perceptions, she said. Kudos to those who put it on, she said. If something is poorly organized, people get frustrated and angry and they wont come back. Attendance More than 150 people attended the Feb. 16 screening of the Waco-made feature Blur Circle that launched the festivals evening screenings, but the largest crowd came Saturday morning when about 200 showed up for the Family Friendly short film block. The festival not only offered feature and short films, but workshops and the announcement of news that might pay off in future Waco film projects. Texas Film Commission marketing coordinator Taylor Hertsenberg recognized Waco as a Film Friendly city, while Creative Waco executive director Fiona Bond announced that the festival would receive the first grant, for $10,000, from the newly created Arts Match Project. Waco-made films Waco-made films took home several of the 30 awards given at the festival. The Chris Hansen-directed Blur Circle, the story of a mother working through trauma, guilt and forgiveness in the disappearance of her son, won best feature film and the audience award for best feature, with its actress Cora Vander Broek winning best actress honors. The KWTX-TV documentary on Central Texans who fought in the Vietnam War, We Cant Forget Vietnam, won a special jury award, as did Chris Scott IIIs look at the 1953 Waco tornado, What About Waco: A Mighty Wind. Hunter said next years festival is open for submissions, but after four days with shortened sleep, he first wanted a good, solid nap. By Press Trust of India: From Kunal Dutt Kamapala, Feb 23 (PTI) Vice President Hamid Ansari today left for home after concluding his five-day visit of Rwanda and Uganda during which India signed three major bilateral agreements in Kigali and decided to boost cooperation with the two East African countries. The Vice President left the Ugandan capital tonight at the end of his three-day visit of the country. Ansari held bilateral talks with the top leadership here, including President Yoweri Museveni, Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi. advertisement India and Uganda have decided to expand cooperation in the field of energy sector and training of personnel for space programme and peaceful use of atomic energy, even as the resource-rich East African country pitched for Indian companies to manufacture automobiles locally to discourage import of cars. On the last day of his Uganda leg of the two-nation visit, the Vice President also paid floral tribute to the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Jinja, a town about 80 km from here, which is also the source of River Nile. Ansari had arrived in Kampala on February 21, after winding up his three-day Rwanda visit during which he held bilateral talks with President Paul Kagame, President of the Senate Bernard Makuza and attended India-Rwanda Business Forum. At the forum, India and Rwanda signed three MoUs to boost bilateral cooperation in areas of innovation, aviation and visa regime, which includes setting up of an entrepreneurship development centre in that country and starting of a direct flight to Mumbai. In Kigali, Ansari also paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 massacre at the Kigali Genocide Museum and hailed the "resilience and courage" demonstrated by Rwandans in putting behind the hatred and moving ahead on the path of "reconciliation and inclusion". This was the first high-level bilateral visit to Uganda from India since 1997 and first high-level visit to Rwanda. The Vice President along with wife Salma was traveling with Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Vijay Sampla, four MPs -- Kanimozhi, Ranvijay Singh Judev, Ranee Narah and P K Biju, and senior officials. The Vice President had said that this visit was part of a "conscious effort" by the Indian government to "intensify interactions" with Africa. PTI KND UZM --- ENDS --- Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will make a state visit to India in the first half of April. By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will make a state visit to India in April. The schedule of her visit was disclosed after India's Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met her at her parliament office earlier today. Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka today on a two-day visit, directly from Beijing. "The prime minister will visit India in the first half of April," Deputy Press Secretary M Nazrul Islam told reporters at a press briefing after the meeting. advertisement Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Sheikh Hasina during his visit to Dhaka in 2015. Hasina's India tour had been scheduled for December 2016, but postponed due to a timeframe mismatch. During Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar's Dhaka visit in December 2016, officials from the Prime Minister's Office hinted that the visit might take place in February this year. The visiting minister said that the government and the people of India were eagerly looking forward to welcoming Hasina in New Delhi. In October 2016, Shiekh Hasina and Modi held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Meeting in Goa, but that wasn't an official tour. ALSO READ: Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar arrives in Dhaka on a two-day official visit WATCH VIDEO: Dhaka attack: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina pays tribute to the victims --- ENDS --- Reddit Hudson, co-founder of the National Coalition of Law Enforcement Officers for Justice, will be the featured speaker at the Waco NAACPs 2017 Scholarship Banquet set for 7 p.m. Saturday at the John Knox Texas Rangers Memorial Center. A former St. Louis, Missouri, police officer, Hudson left the police force in 1999 to focus on addressing systemic problems in the criminal justice system and improving the police-community relationship. Hudson serves as regional field organizer for Region IV of the NAACP. Tickets cost $40. Tables of eight cost $320. Tickets can be purchased via PayPal using the email address waconaacp@gmail.com. For more information, call 733-5261. Free HIV testing The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District, 225 W. Waco Drive, is providing free rapid HIV tests from 9 a.m. to noon Friday. Gift cards will be given to people who test. For more information, call 750-5499. SA volunteer thanks The Salvation Army will have a Christmas Volunteer Appreciation Reception from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Salvation Army Corps Community Center, 1225 S. Jack Kultgen Expressway. The free event is open to all of 2016s Red Kettle fundraising volunteers and those who supplied children with gifts through the Angel Tree, Salvation Kids or Toys for Tots Christmas programs. For a reservation, call Lisa Warren at 756-7271. Carry a Jerry 10K, 5K Students Improving Global Health Together are sponsoring a Carry a Jerry 10K and 5K starting at 8 a.m. Saturday at Indian Spring Park. Registration is at 7 a.m. Participants will have the option of carrying a jerry can filled with water to show the difficulty in obtaining clean water in many parts of the world. Entry fee is $40 for the 10K and $30 for the 5K. Proceeds will benefit Parental Care Ministries. Medals will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each age group for the chip-timed race. To register, visit www.baylorsight.com. Baylor faculty recital Baylor University assistant professor of bassoon Ann Shoemaker will present a faculty recital at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Meadows Recital Hall in Baylors Glennis McCrary Music Building. Shoemaker will be joined onstage by pianist Cameron Hofmann, flutist Charlotte Daniel and oboist Doris DeLoach. For more information, visit www.baylor.edu/music or call 710-3991. Building consensus I voted for President Trump, but I will not be like the people who voted for Obama. Trump made promises, and we need to hold his feet to the fire. If we just let him do things we think are wrong, then thats on us. We cant be like the Obama voters. Everything Obama did and the lies he told were completely overlooked and never reported by most news media. As far as the press was concerned, he never lied but only misspoke. If we Trump voters want to be different from them, we must hold our new president accountable. One of the problems in our government is that no one can compromise anymore. Working together is the only way this country can become great again. It looks like it is going to be the same old story, though. I can already see the media looking for something scandalous every day. Jerry Willett, Lorena Stolen votes Predident Trump is correct about voter fraud. In Texas there were tens of thousands of peoples votes that were given to another candidate. My vote was stolen. I voted for a Democratic president, but my vote went to a Republican. In fact, anyone who voted for the Democrat for president in Texas had his or her vote stolen and given to the Republicans.This idea was created back in the day when there were no telephones, computers or other communication ways except by horseback or wagon. So, people mostly wealthy ranchers, business people were chosen in the states to determine who would be the presidential winner, and the message was carried to Washington, often by horse. All other offices were chosen by majority vote. Its time to move into the 21st century and allow every persons vote to be for the candidate they chose not someone elses choice. Jim Denton, Gatesville Crying towels Build a wall and make Mexico pay for it? No need. Just make the libs pay for it by attaching a 20 percent tax on the crying towels they are buying. That should pay for two walls. Or Canada says it will take all the immigrants we want to turn back. Just let them in and put them on a Canada-bound bus. And those Hollywood libs! They say Trump is horrible for wanting to build a wall. Do you notice they all have walls and security gates around their homes? I love them hypocrites! William Bregan, Crawford Blow, constituent I just called U.S. Sen. Ted Cruzs office to find out why he stayed silent on the Muslim ban. The answer I got: Maam, we cannot comment on that. Unacceptable response. For whom do you work, senator? Linda Reichenbach, Waco The vacant but stately Guaranty Bank building at South 13th Street and Austin Avenue has become the property of developer Shane Turner, who will transform it into his company headquarters while making two of its three floors available for professional offices, Turner has confirmed. Dedicated in 1959, the three-story structure with impressive columns served for decades as home to First Federal Savings. It later became a branch of now-defunct Guaranty Bank and went vacant in 2006, when Guaranty relocated to a banking center in Woodway. An almost identical former Guaranty Bank building at Lake Air and Valley Mills drives was demolished by Bank of America, which placed there a 4,446-square-foot branch about four years ago. Brothers Shane and Cody Turner have been heavily involved in the downtown renaissance, spearheading projects valued at more than $50 million to bring town houses, loft apartments, retail and restaurants to the inner city and beyond, and have others in the works. Among their projects has been the $2.6 million renovation of the historic Waco Hippodrome Theater, which reopened in 2014 after a four-year hiatus due to financial problems. Shane Turner said he bought the former Guaranty Bank building about two months ago from Waco businessman Gordon Robinson, who had owned the building for about 10 years. Turner will consolidate three offices on the top floor, including those of his Lucra Real Estate and Kunkel Construction, as well as the Hippodrome staff. Thats a total of about 40 employees, Turner said. Turner said Sterling Thompson Architects is preparing design plans for a remodeling of the building, and interior demolition has begun. I am working with the Texas Historical Commission in an effort to preserve as much of its appearance and flavor as possible, he said. Turner said he could not yet estimate how much he will spend on converting the historic structure into executive offices. He said a 6,000-square-foot building next to the bank could prove suitable for retail development. Imagine Waco plan Thats a significant building, and I love the movement of development activity in that direction, said Megan Henderson, executive director of City Center Waco, which advocates for downtown improvements. Henderson said the Imagine Waco plan urges the creation of office space using existing historic buildings, and this project fits that description. This is a great addition to not only our menu of use options but for people who want to be downtown, she added. People get fired up about new restaurants, as I do, but having professional people come downtown day in and day out has kept it going even during the lean times. Henderson said making the long-vacant structure at 13th Street and Austin Avenue the centerpiece of a retail-and-office development could indicate critical mass is expanding beyond existing hotbeds of activity. People want to be where the action is, she said. They get fired up to do a better job when the environment is innovative, energetic and creative. Downtown is that way and becoming more so year after year. The Turners are plugged into the vision of where downtown is going, and this project sounds exciting. More Turner ventures Another venture the Turners have launched downtown includes placing 21 luxury lofts in the 99-year-old warehouse at 216 S. Sixth St. that most recently served as home to Gradel Printing. They also built Tinsley Place apartments and have gutted aging buildings between Seventh and Eight streets on Franklin Avenue for a mixed-use development called Franklin Place that will have loft apartments, retail and restaurant space. The Turners also for several years have been acquiring and demolishing old structures near South 11th Street and Interstate 35, where they plan a development that will include two hotels, restaurants and shops. When Noel Jaimes Sr. came to Texas from South Mexico by himself at the age of 19, he had a dream. Friends, family members, coworkers and later even his own wife would shake their head at his dream, but he promised them all he would achieve his goal. The goal was simple: to open up a hamburger stand and bring joy to customers through his delicious food. Although Jaimes never did open that hamburger stand, he did better by opening up a Mexican restaurant after years of hard work. Upon arriving in Texas in 1975, Jaimes began building fences in Ingram for $5 a day. To me, that wage was really something, Jaimes said. It would take three days of work in Mexico to earn that $5, so I was very happy to be working in America. Soon after, he moved to Austin and began working at El Chico as a busboy. Jaimes was a hard worker and quickly moved up the ranks to dishwasher, chip maker, line cook and later, assistant kitchen manager. He transferred to El Chicos Waco location in the 80s where he met his wife, Jacinta. The couple worked in restaurants for 24 years, saving every spare penny, which wasnt easy to do with seven children. Finally, in 1999, they opened Tapatio in downtown Waco. The knowledge gained from years working at places such as El Chico, Panchos and Lolitas helped the Jaimeses create their own menu and establish Tapatio as a local favorite. In 2012, they opened Abuelitas in Meridian, which was an instant hit. When the lease was up on the Tapatio location, Jaimes began looking for a spot to open a second Abuelitas in Waco. He was thrilled when a location became available on Valley Mills Drive, and the restaurant doors were opened in December 2016. Waco is where I really learned how to cook, and where I found my wife, Jaimes said. I feel lucky to be able to have my own restaurant here. When asked where the restaurants name came from, Jaimes explained that abuelita means grandmother in Spanish. The restaurant was named for his grandmother, his wifes grandmother, and even his wife as she is now a grandmother. Family Endeavor Abuelitas is truly a family affair. Jacinta mainly manages the Meridian location, while Noel runs the Waco restaurant Tuesday through Saturday and helps out in Meridian on the remaining days. All seven children come to help when needed, but Jaimes thinks theyre a little tired of the restaurant business. I made them all work when they were little instead of going out to play, he joked, so now none of them want to run their own restaurant. They still work hard, but they have their own dreams. On any given day, Jaimes can be seen greeting customers at the front entrance, bringing drinks to the tables, and even helping out in the kitchen when needed. He first discovered a love for cooking as a child helping his mother make tortillas, and that love is transferred into each dish he creates. I have a favorite dish from every section, but mostly when I eat here I eat the enchiladas. I spent a long time trying different things to make them perfect and I love them! I was a skinny boy in Mexico, but now you can tell I make good food just by looking at me, he joked, pointing to his stomach. Favorite Dishes The enchilada dinner comes with rice and beans for $8.79, and customers have their choice of cheese, beef or chicken enchiladas topped with chile con carne. By request, they can be smothered with chile con queso instead. Thursdays are a favorite because the enchiladas are on special for $5.39 all day long. Another customer favorite is the Campeche steak dinner. A sizzling 10-ounce strip steak is served in a hot skillet and topped with mushrooms, onions, bell peppers and cheese. A side of rice, charro beans, guacamole and pico de gallo is included all for $12.99. Jaimes considers the food at Abuelitas to be Tex-Mex but with more Mexican flavor from all the different spices he uses. The menus in Waco and Meridian are the same, but the Waco menu also includes the Baylor burrito. Stuffed full of beef, the burrito is topped with half chile con carne and half chile con queso for the best of both worlds. Other specialties include Tex-Mex staples such as fajitas, giant tacos, and flautas, along with a few dishes you dont see on the average menu such as ninos enbueltos bacon-wrapped shrimp served on a bed of rice and topped with a special cream sauce. Everything at Abuelitas is made fresh daily, including the beans, chile con carne, chile con queso, and everyones favorite the salsa. The restaurant also offers a full bar. The restaurant does take reservations, especially on the weekends during dinner, which is the busiest time. Catering is also available, and the staff works hard to accommodate customer requests and give them the best experience possible, he said. Friendly Atmosphere Jaimes warm personality and hard work make him a good friend and even better boss. Loyal customers come to Waco from Meridian to visit with him and to support the new restaurant, and one longtime server from Tapatio, Isabel Jimenez, returned to work for Jaimes when she heard he was opening a second Abuelitas location. The freshly prepared food, the brightly decorated walls complete with banners and sombreros, and the welcoming family atmosphere all come together to create a space Jaimes is proud to call his. I promised everyone I would achieve my dream of someday owning my own restaurant, and I did it, he said. I continue to dream that Abuelitas will grow to even more locations someday, but right now I am so happy to have these two restaurants. My wife and I worked hard, and our dream has come true. Abuelita's Mexican Restaurant 1623 N. Valley Mills Drive 254-399-6371 Mon-Thu, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fri-Sat, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sun, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also: 502 W. Morgan St. in Meridian 254-435-2801 Both locations are on Facebook Hapless parents want to know why the police are hesitating to take action against the principal when several children were allegedly sexually molested. By Nolan Pinto: It has been six days since the child sexual molestation case was filed and today the Marathahalli police finally remembered to conduct the Mahazar of the accused's room which is located in the nursery school premises itself in Bellandur. Led by Inspector Sadiq Pasha, HAL police station, the team searched the room thoroughly and seized 6 CDs, one 4GB pen drive and one motor vehicle RC book. The parents of the first victim who were present when the Mahazar was being conducted signed on the document towards the end only when the police got the name of the nursery school right. advertisement As of today, a total of 7 FIRs have been registered against the molester and the school administration under various sections of the IPC and POCSO Act. While the alleged serial child molester is cooling his heels behind bars in the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail, the school principal is out on bail. Parents want to know the reason why the police are still taking time to arrest her under various sections of the POCSO Act that have been registered against her in the past 24 hours. The Whitefield DCP M Narayana this morning met some of the parents who had gone to collect their FIR hard copies from the Marathahalli police station. He assured them that the law has now been set in motion and that the police will do a proper investigation. The DCP also said that the Special Juvenile Police Unit will be looking into these cases from today itself. ANOTHER PARENT RECOUNTS WHAT HER CHILD WENT THROUGH Standing outside the nursery school was yet another panicked mother who had come to find out what was happening in the case. After this incident came to light on Friday, she remembered what had happened to her two-year-and-four-month-old son a few months ago. She tells India Today that one day her little son came home with pain in his private parts and they thought it was an injury he had sustained while playing since he is naughty. They took him to a doctor who did not want to talk about the cause of the injury because it could have been anything. "My son later kept saying uncle uncle so we decided to question the school authorities," this worried mother tells us. The school coordinator assured them that the 'uncle' (the accused molester) was absolutely safe and they trusted him. The young mother tells us they were convinced after the coordinator spoke to them. But sometime later the mother found it strange that her young son's clean clothes were being changed every day for no reason. "I asked the coordinator why they are doing that and the coordinator said she was not sure about this and will check," the mother added saying it never happened, ever again. advertisement She further adds that she put her trust in this nursery school and feels horrible now. "I did not listen to the pleas of my young son and now I do not want to give any benefit of doubt to anyone here," she said on wanting to register an FIR against the accused school supervisor and management. MANY MORE PARENTS WAITING TO FILE FIRs An activist Harish Bhuvan, belonging to Faith Foundation, who fights against child sex abuse, tells India Today that many parents have spoken to him and are waiting to see how the police treat these cases. According to him, there are nearly, "30 sets of parents, that makes 30 children apart from the 7 cases already registered," from the same nursery school. Many of them are allegedly scared of being harassed by the police and that is one of the primary reasons they are waiting. YELL, RUN AND TELL Odette, a resident of Bellandur, has worked with the Gurgaon Police on framing the child and women safety guidelines. She says the nursery school has flouted most of the norms such as establishing a committee on child safety, and the principal avoiding taking responsibility to file an FIR when she was informed by the victim's parents of the sexual molestation. "The school supervisor should have been immediately suspended and as I understand, the school was functioning on Monday and if he was not arrested, he too would have still been working there as if nothing happened," she says. advertisement She further adds that parents and children should be taught the Yell, Run and Tell method immediately. "Children should be told to yell so it will alert passersby and might get them help and also makes the predator understand you are not going to keep quiet. Run gives the child maximum distance from the predator and Tell exposes the predator," she explains. According to Odette, the ironic part is when something happens to a child who has never been briefed on these aspects earlier, they sense something wrong but believe they are in the wrong and do not tell anyone. "Parents need to talk to their children and encourage them to talk to them when they feel something is wrong," she added. Also read: Bengaluru play school horror: Spate of FIRs reveal many other kids sexually assaulted by same man advertisement Bengaluru play school horror: More children break silence, allege sexual assault by supervisor --- ENDS --- LINCOLN The Lower Platte South Natural Resource District is once again offering seedlings for those wanting to plant windbreaks on their property. The sales go until March 24, and approximately 30 different species are available. Other than offering protection from wind gusts, windbreaks also provide other benefits, said Justin Evertson with the Nebraska Forest Service. They provide habitat for wildlife, visual interest, natural beauty, farm animal protection and can even offer reduced energy and utility consumption. Evertson offered advice on the best places to plant windbreak seedlings. Generally windbreaks are planted on the north and west sides of places where winter wind protection is desired, homes, acreages, farm fields, pastures, etc., he said. Windbreaks are usually not planted in low-wet areas as the wind is not as severe there. Any structure that is exposed at a higher elevation would benefit from a windbreak. Farmers and ranchers like windbreaks to help with winter wind protection for cattle and quite a bit of research shows that windbreaks help prevent soil erosion on farm fields. The NRD recommends planting the seedlings shortly after they arrive in early April. The seedlings range from about 24 inches to 36 inches long and about 100 can be packaged in a single box for easy transportation. The seedlings cost 85 cents per plant for quantities fewer than 75 and 80 cents per plant for orders of more than 100. The NRD estimated that it sells around 30,000 seedlings per year since it started selling the plants about 15 years ago. Evertson said native species are the best choices. Natives should be emphasized including bur oak, red oak, black cherry, redbud, hackberry, walnut, pecan, etc. for deciduous species, and red cedar, white pine, white spruce, concolor fir, Ponderosa pine, for evergreens, he said. One recent trend is to use fewer evergreens and include more deciduous species that hold their leaves through the winter such as shingle oak, black oak and white oak. This is because we are seeing more and more problems with evergreen species as the climate warms. Seedling orders can be placed at www.lpsnrd.org. WAHOO A new phone scam recently crept into the area, only needing the word yes from victims. If you get a call from a stranger asking, Can you hear me? hang up the phone. Thats what the Better Business Bureau is advising consumers who might become victims of the latest scam it says is circulating the country. As a general rule, youre going to answer that question. But dont volunteer anything, said Saunders County Sheriff Kevin Stukenholtz. Jim Hegarty, president of the BBB serving Nebraska, South Dakota, the Kansas Plains and southwest Iowa, said the region has already received hundreds of reports about the scam. Stukenholtz said hes received reports of the scam in Saunders County as well. The con aims to get victims to say the word yes so scammers can record it. The affirmative response is then used to authorize unwanted charges whether its to a credit card, a cable or phone account or subscriptions. Many times, as with other phone scams, the perpetrators try and get local phone numbers to increase the likelihood of someone answering, Stukenholtz said. Theyre coming up with something all the time, he said. Stukenholtz said he would advise people not to answer the phone at all if the number calling is not recognized. But its difficult to avoid. Heres how it works: You might receive a call from someone recent reports say the scammers are claiming theyre from a home security agency, a cruise line or associated with Social Security. After the introduction, the recording will ask if you can hear the caller clearly. If you answer yes, theres a possibility the scam artist has recorded you and will use the response to sign you up for a product or service and then demand payment. If you refuse to pay, the caller may use your recorded yes to confirm your purchase agreement. In many cases, the scammers already have the persons phone number, which can be used to authorize third-party charges; or they may have a victims credit card number or cable bill as the result of a data breach. When the victim disputes any charges to an account, the scammer can counter that they have your consent on a recorded line. Stukenholtz said the scam can be avoided if ones guard is up. He said he recently received a call with a Denver, Co. area code that asked if he was Kevin Stukenholtz. He said he responded with who is this? The innocuous conversation started off on the wrong foot, but Stukenholtz said a good strategy is to make the people on the other end of the phone commit to something. Other tips: If you receive a call that sounds similar or asks questions seeking affirmation, avoid responding with yes, sure or OK. If you are asked a similar question on the phone or are asked to press a button to be placed on the Do Not Call registry, just hang up. Saying anything may help the scam artist identify that you have an active phone number. No government agency will ever solicit for the Do Not Call registry. Write down the phone number of callers with this behavior and file a scam report with the BBB Scam Tracker at bbb.org/scamtracker/us or by calling 800-649-6814. Check your credit card, phone and cable statements carefully for any unfamiliar charges. If you suspect you have been victimized, call the billing company and dispute anything you did not authorize. The earlier you identify the unauthorized charges on your account, the easier it will be to recover any lost money. Stukenholtz said the scammers can come across as nice people, but theyre not stupid and will work to manipulate the conversation. Law enforcement efforts can be difficult, but if caught, they turn them into the attorney generals office, Stukenholtz said. Theyve made some arrests, but many times the calls originate from out of the country. It takes quite a bit to make that happen, Stukenholtz said. (Paige Yowell with the BH News Service contributed to this article.) WAHOO The Saunders County Democrats will host a county-wide meeting Feb. 25 at the Wahoo Public Library. The 11 a.m. meeting will discuss programs of the state party, summer parades and receive nominations for the groups vice-chair. According to Saunders County Democrats Chairperson Mikel-Jon Divis, the group has long existed, but is currently undergoing a rebuilding phase. My goal is to be more visible as a group, Divis said. That will include a county-wide meeting once every three months during a non-election year at different locations throughout the county, Divis added. He said the group represents the countys approximately 4,000 registered democrats. Were a voice for those roughly 4,000, he said. Registered democrats or independents may attend meetings, but only registered democrats are able to vote. Saunders County Democrats Communications Coordinator Emily Koehler said despite not being a major election year, the party remains active with future goals. This year the Democratic Party lost over 1,000 seats nationwide, so its pretty important to get county party involvement back up, so that way we can get democrats back in office, Koehler said. Rebuilding the county party is not just a goal in Saunders County, Divis said. Since Jane Kleeb was elected the Nebraska Democratic Party chair in December 2016, the state party has become more involved in providing assistance to build county democratic parties, he added. The county parties fall in line and adopt the state partys same initiatives, as voted on by representatives from each countys party, Divis said. According to the state partys website, some sectors of interest include economic development, public education, government, human services and natural resources. Koehler said rebuilding support at the county level is vital. Over the last years we have lost a lot of participation and involvement in the rural areas specifically, she said. Its important to have at least a two-party political system to avoid tyranny of the majority. Divis added that political engagement from both major parties is important. We can still work with anyone in the county to promote a strong democracy, he said. For more information, visit the groups Facebook page or website at www.saundersconedemocrats.com. Questions or requests for the groups periodical newsletter can be directed to Koehler at saunders.ne.democrat@gmail.com. WAVERLY A Lancaster County Sheriffs deputy recently got the upper hand on a brush with disaster near Waverly. Deputy Jason Schneider, a Davey native and Raymond Central graduate, received a call at about 1:40 a.m. Feb. 12. Capt. Tom Brookhouser said dispatched inform Schneider that a pickup truck was sitting in the middle of Raymond Road near 141st Street. Somebody called in concerned that there was a vehicle parked in the middle of the road and wanted us to check on it, Brookhouser said. Schneider reported to the scene at 1:55 a.m. and made contact with the driver. Dustin Miller, 37, of Pacific Junction, Iowa appeared to be passed out inside his Ford F250. The trucks engine was still running, and Millers foot was on the brake while the car remained in drive. Schneider woke Miller, had him put the truck in park and asked him to step out of the vehicle, Brookhouser said. Miller consented to a search of his person, and while he was out of the truck, Schneider observed what he believed to be narcotics contraband on the floor of the car. Brookhouser said it was at this time that Schneider heard and saw a car heading toward him from the south. Its not a well-traveled road, Brookhouser said. Schneider shined his flashlight toward the approaching vehicle in attempt to alert the driver, but it did not appear to have that effect. He did not believe the vehicle was slowing down, Brookhouser said. He hastily directed Mr. Miller around the backside of his pickup. That got a little quicker as the car got closer. The sheriffs captain said thanks to Schneiders quick actions, both he and Miller avoided what could have been a tragedy. The vehicle just missed him by a mere foot, Brookhouser said. Were pretty proud that Deputy Schneider was able to get himself and Mr. Miller out of the path of this vehicle. After the narrow miss, the oncoming car collided with Schneiders cruiser and rolled over one time, Brookhouser said. The deputy reported the incident to dispatch and checked on the driver, Douglas Viek of Waverly. Viek was alone in the vehicle. He had no complaints of injuries, but did have blood on his head. Schneider called in more deputies as well as Waverly Fire and Rescue. The Nebraska State Patrol investigated the accident and cited Viek for driving under the influence of alcohol. Viek is on the staff at Yutan High School. Doug is still our activities director, said Yutan Superintendent Stan Hendricks Friday afternoon. We are aware of the incident, and we have started our own investigation into the matter. Miller was lodged for possession of a controlled substance. Brookhouser said Schneiders actions reflect the training and mission of the sheriffs office. I dont know that we could train on every possible situation, he said. We try to keep the deputies welfare and the general publics welfare first and foremost. Schneiders actions received recognition from the department. The fact that he had the forethought to move himself and Mr. Miller around the backside of the truck instead of just taking a chance, Brookhouser said. That was a great decision made, and he made it relatively quickly. We try to put deputies through scenario-based training as much as we can. Certainly this is one of those situations where it paid off. As for the cruiser, the department hasnt gotten any estimates on repairs, but the cost is irrelevant. We would give up 100 cruisers before we would want to give up anyones life, Brookhouser said. (Staff Reporter Sam Farmer contributed to this report.) Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi today created a flutter when she backed her son and deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav to become the Chief Minister of Bihar. By Rohit Kumar Singh: Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi today created a flutter when she backed her son and deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav to become the Chief Minister of Bihar. Rabri's comments came in the backdrop of several Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) legislators speaking in favour of the idea. Speaking to journalists in Patna on the sidelines of a meeting of 'Grand Alliance' legislators, Rabri said that the people of Bihar now wanted Tejaswi to be the CM. She was responding to questions about her view on RJD legislators like Surendra Yadav, Ramanuj, and Chandra Shekhar - who's also a Minister in the Nitish Kumar government and is batting for Tejaswi to be CM. advertisement "Ye janta ka maang hai aur janta jo chahegi wohi hoga na (This is what the people want, and whatever the people want, that will happen right?)", said Rabri Devi, before the meeting began. Interestingly, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar advised the legislators at the meeting to refrain from saying anything that causes discomfort to the Grand Alliance government. RJD chief Lalu Prasad, too, had said on 14th Feb that his son Tejaswi would become the Chief Minister in the future. Lalu later tried to downplay the controversy within the Grand Alliance, saying there was no immediate vacancy for the top post. "I and Mulayam Singh Yadav have now become old. Akhilesh and Tejaswi are the future chief ministers. However, there is no immediate vacancy for Chief Minister now" said Lalu Prasad. ALSO READ: Bihar: Clamour grows within RJD for Tejaswi as CM, Lalu says he is the future ALSO WATCH: Bihar Congress leader Brajesh Pandey resigns over charges of sexually exploiting minor --- ENDS --- The provincial government of Punjab tweeted saying it was a generator blast and teams from Punjab Forensic Science Laboratory have reached the spot to collect evidence. By India Today Web Desk: Pakistan was once again rocked by blasts today in which eight persons were killed and more than 35 injured in Lahore. A generator blast was reported from a market in Lahore's Defence area killing eight and injuring over 15 people but the nature of the blast was not immediately clear. Pakistani media reported that a second explosion was also heard from Lahore's Gulberg. Casualties are feared and over 20 were reported to be left injured in the incident on a main boulevard lined with shopping plazas and restaurants. advertisement The provincial government of Punjab tweeted saying the first one was a generator blast and teams from Punjab Forensic Science Laboratory have reached the spot to collect evidence. The province has ordered an investigation into the blast and a report has been sought from the Inspector General of Police. "The area has been encircled. Nothing can be said about the nature of blast yet," Law Minister Punjab Rana Sanaullah said. A witness who works at a bank in the market told Reuters that his workplace was shaken by a "frightening" explosion. "We left the building and saw that the motor-bikes parked outside were on fire and all the windows in the surrounding buildings were shattered," the witness, Mohammad Khurram, said. Pakistan has been struck by a wave of terrorist attacks in recent weeks, killing at least 130 people across the country and leaving hundreds wounded. The worst of the attacks was at a Sufi shrine in southern Sindh province that killed 90 people this month. Also read | Pakistan: 6 killed, several injured in multiple blasts outside court in Charsadda Also read | Pakistan report claims website of terrorists behind Lahore blast is being operated from India Also read | Sehwan shrine attack effect: Pakistan moving heavy artillery to Afghanistan border? --- ENDS --- Australia Post chief executive Ahmed Fahour - who was criticised by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for his $5.6 million salary - has resigned from the job after seven years. Mr Fahour, who began the job in 2010, tendered his resignation to the Australia Post board on Wednesday. Speaking at the company's half-year results at a press conference in Melbourne, Mr Fahour said: "With the business now poised to start a new transformation, I believe that it is appropriate and time to hand over the reins as the head of Australia Post. "This has been a difficult and emotional decision for me and my family, but I have come to the conclusion that the timing is right." Mr Fahour said: "I have been in this job for seven and a half years; it's time. The Victorian government is demanding the operator of Australia's main electricity grid explain how the state came close to losing electricity during the recent extreme heatwave to ensure NSW avoided power outages, adding to calls for a wider inquiry. As reported by Fairfax Media, Victoria was told to prepare for outages in western Victoria including large regional centres on February 10 even as the state was busy exporting surplus power to NSW and enduring heatwave conditions north of the Great Divide. Lily D'Ambrosio, Victoria's Energy Minister, said the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) told her that afternoon "they were going to risk interrupting electricity supply in western Victoria (Bendigo and Ballarat) to make sure NSW could keep the lights on". "I made it very clear that our government would not tolerate AEMO prioritising NSW over Victorian customers," Ms D'Ambrosio said in a statement on Thursday. Ramsay Health Care has announced that Chris Rex plans to retire this year after nine years as managing director and chief executive as it delivered a 13.8 per cent rise in interim net profit to $255.9 million. The company said it had a "comprehensive" CEO succession process under way. Mr Rex would continue to lead the company in the meantime. Ramsay CEO Chris Rex has flagged his retirement. Credit:Daniel Munoz Ramsay chairman Michael Siddle paid tribute to Mr Rex, saying he had been instrumental to the company's success. "During his time as CEO, Ramsay has become one of the largest health care companies in the world, operating 220 hospitals and facilities across six countries, and is a market leader in France as well as Australia," he said in a statement to the ASX on Thursday morning. There's a new rule emerging for observers of American politics trying to understand a confusing new outburst or claim from President Donald Trump go and check what's happened on Fox News in the past 24 hours. It was key to understanding his otherwise confounding comments about Sweden at a rally last weekend, when he told a fired-up crowd: "You look at what's happening last night in Sweden. Sweden, who would believe this?" Sweden's leaders were dumbfounded there had been no terror attack or major incident. But only if you'd watched the conservative pundit Tucker Carlson's show on Fox the night before, would you have any idea what the commander-in-chief was talking about an incendiary segment linking immigration to crime in the Scandinavian country. This was not a first. In fact, a huge number of Trump's outbursts and falsehoods can be linked to something he saw on television or on one of his preferred websites. London: A split has opened up between Britain and Australia on the future of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop rejecting British Prime Minister Theresa May's demands for Assad to go, saying the rest of the world has moved on from that position. Mrs May on Thursday local time spoke with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull by phone. The pair discussed a range of topics including Brexit, the Middle East and the two countries' contributions to fighting Islamic State. Iraqi forces are making significant advances in Mosul, Islamic State's last stronghold in Iraq. A 10 Downing Street spokeswoman said the leaders agreed on the need to create conditions for the stability of Iraq once Mosul falls. Critically, Mrs May underlined the need for a transition in neighbouring Syria away from President Bashar al-Assad. George Christensen's regular squabbles with the Turnbull government are well-known. He has threatened to quit over the backpacker tax, same-sex marriage and the direction of the Coalition. But the issue which has brought the maverick MP closest to cutting the cord - and blowing up the Parliament - is one that has received scant attention outside of Queensland. For three years, sugarcane growers in that state's Burdekin region, south of Townsville, have been sucked into a looming crisis over their contracts to supply sugarcane. The Singapore-owned conglomerate Wilmar, which bought CSR Sugar's mills six years ago, is seeking control over marketing as well as milling. But growers want the choice to use their old single-desk collective, Queensland Sugar Limited, which has been able to garner a better price for farmers than Wilmar in recent years. BJP state spokesperson Atul Shah won Ward number 220 of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, after three recounts and a lottery. By Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: Ward number 220 of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has perhaps turned out to be the most keenly contested seat between BJP and Shiv Sena anywhere in Maharashtra in the just-concluded civic elections. Atul Shah, the BJP candidate, was a former MLA contesting against Shiv Sena's Surendra Bagalkar. So it came as a shock that the MLA had lost the municipal corporation election. advertisement After the counting was over, the Sena's Bagalkar was declared the winner. But that was not to be. Atul Shah challenged the result. He demanded recounting of votes. Recounting was done not once but for three times. And in all the three rounds, there was a tie between Shah and Bagalkar. They had garnered equal number of votes. Finally, it was decided that the winner should be decided by lottery. Chits were drawn. Lo and behold! Luck favoured BJP's Shah and he was declared winner. Shah was one of the biggest names contesting from BJP. He is also the state spokesperson of BJP. With Shah's win, BJPs final tally reached 82. It is now behind Shiv Sena by just two seats. Shiv Sena has bagged 84 of the total 227 seats. BJP's spectacular performance is being credited to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Ward number 220 helped him close the gap with rival Shiv Sena. WATCH VIDEO: BMC polls: Fadnavis thanks people of Maharashtra, says win is unprecedented READ ALSO: How BM Election 2017 results match India Today exit poll predictions BMC election: BJP lauds PM Modi, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis for impressive performance Why Congress became irrelevant as Mumbai voted for Shiv Sena, rest of Maharashtra largely for BJP --- ENDS --- Some of the advice is worrying to nutritional scientist Dr Joanna McMillan, who disagrees with goop's endorsement of detoxing. "The idea of detoxing is really nonsense. Your liver and kidneys have the job of detoxing your body the whole time and they do it well, unless you have liver or kidney disease. There is no evidence whatsoever that eliminating a list of foods like this does any kind of detoxing to your body," she told Fairfax Media. "It may also contribute to the poor relationship many women already have with food and their bodies. Nothing you do for 10 days is going to have any impact on your long-term health or beauty for that matter. "I can see the rationale for generally giving up white rice, added sugar and processed fats and oils. But why just for 10 days? The other foods I cannot understand the rationale at all. Particularly I worry that by listing these foods it suggests they are not healthy. Will this mean her followers will think they are best to give them up completely? "Why no beef or pork, but other meats allowed? Shellfish are pretty amazing sustainable sources of iron, zinc, selenium, iodine and of course protein terrific for women who are often low in these nutrients. Why cut them out?" The morning I left my husband, I packed an overnight bag and took a taxi to a friend's house. When I'd called her at 6am, she'd immediately said: "Come over." She lived nearby in Brooklyn and a moment later, I was sitting on her bed, dazed. When she left the room, I caught a glimpse of myself in her mirror. Intuitively, I took out my camera, set it on timer, and took a picture. When I look at that photo now, more than two years later, it haunts me. The woman in the picture is exhausted, face pale, body hunched, and eyes swollen. Her hair is Einstein-like and she looks a little crazed, her gaze unfocused. She can think of nothing else but to sit and be still. She's heartbroken. I like to think that the instinct to take the photo was rooted in hope. I like to think that the instinct to take the photo was rooted in hope that I sensed this was the beginning of something. A transformation to be captured. In my relationship, my husband and I had changed so drastically that we'd become strangers. Maybe it was New York we'd moved to to the city as newlyweds and now, just a few months later, I no longer recognised myself in the mirror. Even in my desperation, I recognised the chance for recovery, and so every day, I continued to take the photos. That first week I collected more of my things and moved into my friend's apartment. It was temporary, while I weighed up returning to home to Sydney. My friend lived with another girl and her cat, Spoon. She was a tuxedo cat, black and white, and followed me everywhere. Spoon was clingy and I loved her for it. In these photos I'm wearing big woollen sweaters, Spoon nestled on my lap, or in my suitcase. It was December and the heating wasn't working; I look devastated, but mainly, just freezing. An Albany man has been fined $4,600 for a severe case of animal cruelty after RSPCA WA inspectors found his two dogs emaciated to the point where their ribs and hips were exposed. Alice, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross, and Rosie, a Mastiff cross, were seized by inspectors following an inspection on the Mira Mar property. The wound were too graphic to show. Credit:RSPCA An RSPCA WA spokesperson said the dogs were found malnourished and riddled with fleas. "Alice's condition [was] so bad she had a large, infected skin wound which resembled a burn across her entire rump," they said. Documents revealed under the Freedom of Information Act say an early concept Roe 9 tunnel through Perth's southern suburbs, announced in January as costing $903 million, was originally forecast to cost cost as much as $8.5 billion. The WA government in January announced that a tunnel from Stock Road to East Fremantle would be the design for stage 2 of the controversial Perth Freight Link project. Labor's North Metropolitan candidate Alannah MacTiernan has fought a court process for the past three years to have the business case and other planning documents revealed, and the federal government finally surrendered them last week. The documents, handed to WAtoday on Tuesday, show the negotiations between Main Roads WA and the federal government after it confirmed it would fund the bulk of the PFL project, including several options for the second stage. Washington: It's pretty clear what US President Donald Trump is doing by going after the media. He sees someone who is tough on him, with a lower approval rating, and he sets up a contrast. It's like making yourself look taller by standing next to a short person. "You have a lower approval rate than Congress," he needled reporters at last week's news conference, making clear he had done the math. Except maybe it's not really working. A new poll from Quinnipiac University suggests that while people may be broadly unhappy with the mainstream media, they still think it's more credible than Trump. The President regularly accuses the press of "fake news", but people see more "fake news" coming out of his own mouth. Winning over 80 seats in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the BJP has improved its 2012 tally by around three times. By Kumar Shakti Shekhar: Even though BJP has failed to win Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election, it remains the overall winner, largely sweeping the Maharashtra civic polls. Of the 10 municipal corporations that went to polls, BJP was the frontrunner in eight. Its friend-turned-foe Shiv Sena led in its strongholds of BMC and Thane. However, despite losing BMC, BJP's performance has brought smiles on the party leaders. It has come a close second to Shiv Sena, pushing the others such as Congress, Sharad Pawar's NCP and Raj Thackeray's MNS far behind. Moreover, it upped its 2012 tally of 31 by about three times. advertisement Get live updates of the results oft he BMC election 2017 here BJP leader co-in charge of Maharashtra, Rakesh Singh, told India Today that the party has reasons to rejoice over its performance throughout Maharashtra, including BMC. "We don't consider it BJP's failure in BMC. On the contrary, it is our victory. We have won 82 seats as against 31 last time. It is an impressive performance," he said. The BJP thinks three factors worked wonders for them. 1. NARENDRA MODI GOVERNMENT'S POLICIES The BJP is giving credit for spectacular performance in Maharashtra civic polls to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's image and his government's policies. Rakesh Singh said, "The PM's schemes for the poor, women, farmers, youth and all other sections of the society has been lapped up by all. His fight against corruption has also been lauded by all. This has been the most important factor behind BJP's win." 2. MAHARASHTRA CM DEVENDRA FADNAVIS'S PERFORMANCE Fadnavis also gets the credit for the impressive performance. He gets applause for "effectively implementing" the Centre's schemes. "Fadnavis has honestly and sincerely implemented the Narendra Modi government's schemes for all sections of the society. He himself enjoys a clean image. His governance is praiseworthy," Singh said. 3. BJP'S ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE The party gets acknowledgement for erecting its structure in a short span of time. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray announced snapping of ties with BJP for the civic elections on Republic Day. With the elections not even a month away, time was a constraint for BJP. However, the party pulled up its socks and utilised its structure and cadre to reach this stage. Sources said Shiv Sena had not even allowed BJP to carry out a proper membership drive. As a result, BJP was not very sure of its strength. However, it trusted whatever structure it had and pulled it off in the civic elections. Also read: Why Congress became irrelevant as Mumbai voted for Shiv Sena, rest of Maharashtra largely for BJP Also watch: BMC election 2017: Is it victory or defeat for BJP with party losing Mumbai? --- ENDS --- advertisement By Santosh Chaubey: The Shiv Sena-BJP alliance has ruled India's richest civic body Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for the last 20 years but both parties were contesting these Maharashtra civic polls separately. Their electoral rivalry saw both parties placing bitter allegations and using choices of words to paint each other in a negative light. But in the end, the BJP has emerged as the clear winner, not only in the BMC where it is neck to neck with Shiv Sena in the final tally but in the overall tally of the Maharashtra civic polls. The BJP has won 471 seats in all 10 municipal corporations where polls were held, gaining majority in 8 out of 10. It is over two fold jump from BJP's tally of 205 in 2012 Maharashtra civic polls. advertisement And it is stellar in the BMC, from 31 in 2012 to 82 in 2017. As per the information available so far as the counting is still on in some places, while Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) are the biggest losers, crashing down from 529 seats in 2012 from 207 seats in 2012, Shiv Sena, too, has been given a rough treatment by the voters. The party had got 227 seats in the 2012 Maharashtra civic polls which stands at 215 now. And though it has claimed that the BJP has not gone up in the BMC at Shiv Sena's expense, its marginal rise, from 75 seats in 2012 to 84 in 2017, is certainly not a consolation when seen in the context of the huge gains made by the BJP. Now, if the Shiv Sena has to continue with its run in the BMC, it will have to go with the BJP, who claims support of four independents, to cross the majority mark of 114 in 227 members strong BMC. And it will certainly be on BJP's terms now. But the Shiv Sena setback story had begun much before. THE 2014 SCRIPT REPEATED The BJP-Shiv Sena alliance for the Maharashtra civic polls got the same fate, in the same manner, as it had happened before the 2014 assembly polls. Based on its performance in the Lok Sabha and assembly polls in Maharashtra, the BJP was demanding 114 seats to contest out of BMC's 227 seats and was not ready to go down below 105 seats. The Shiv Sena, citing 2012 BMC results, when the Shiv Sena had won 75 seats, contesting on 135 seats, more than double of the BJP's score of 31 wins, refused to compromise. The BJP then had contested on 63 seats. The Shiv Sena didn't accept the BJP's demand and instead chose to split the alliance that was in place since 1997. THE 2014 FIASCO 2014 saw the Shiv Sena splitting its decades old alliance with the BJP to save its 'big brother' status and then rejoining the BJP in a humiliating setback. Out of NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena, the biggest setback went to Shiv Sena. It was the biggest loser in spite of registering growth, in seats and in vote share. For just 5 seats, the Shiv Sena lost the 'big brother' or senior ally tag in Maharashtra, and that too, by a huge margin. Though it was the second largest party in Maharashtra assembly, their 63 seats were nowhere near to the BJP's 122 seats, given the fact that the BJP had been the junior partner of the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra and was ready to compromise even during the last assembly polls in October 2014, agreeing to contest on lesser number of seats than the Shiv Sena in the failed seat-sharing talks. The BJP, with 15 assembly constituencies, had won more seats even in Mumbai than the Shiv Sena's 14 seats. advertisement The BJP had performed exceedingly well in the Lok Sabha elections cornering maximum number of Lok Sabha seats from Maharashtra that sends 48 members to the parliament and therefore its demand didn't seem misplaced. In 2014 the LS polls, the BJP had won 23 seats with 27 per cent vote share while the Shiv Sena had 18 seats with 21 per cent vote share. It was a considerable improvement for both. The BJP had taken up its tally from 9 LS seats and 19 per cent vote share in 2009 to 23 seats in 2014. The Shiv Sena also did very well taking up its tally from 10 seats to 18 seats with 17 per cent vote share in 2009. advertisement But the Shiv Sena's performance was not at par with its junior ally of the past, when seen in comparison with the BJP's rising graph in the state. Even in the perceived citadel of the Shiv Sena, in Mumbai, the BJP, with 15 assembly constituencies, won more seats that the Shiv Sena's 14 in the 2014 assembly polls. In 2009 assembly polls, the junior partner of the alliance had won two seats more (46) than the Shiv Sena's 44 seats. And when it simply outperformed everyone in the Lok Sabha polls registering 8 per cent increase in vote share and over 150 per cent increase in seats, it was right to expect for more. The BJP had a symbolic edge over the Shiv Sena with 2009 assembly election results but the 2014 LS polls outcome placed it much ahead of all others, including the Shiv Sena. The Shiv Sena had to realize it and should have appreciated when the BJP didn't ask for sky-high price for its electoral edge. But alleging the BJP of the 'big brother' attitude, the Shiv Sena refused to budge and the seat-sharing talks and thus the alliance collapsed. advertisement THE HUMILIATING RETURN The BJP went on to form the government in Maharashtra in 2014, even if it was 23 seats short of the majority mark in the 288-member strong Maharashtra assembly. The NCP offer of unconditional outside support had taken whatever sheen the Shiv Sena was left with in a post-election scenario of the hung assembly. In the 2014 assembly polls, the BJP won more than what the Shiv Sena was offering, 119 seats. Had it been in the alliance, even if with 5 more seats, BJP would not have been able to win so many seats. What BJP was demanding was modest. What Shiv Sena's refusal gave it was grand. And what Shiv Sena lost was grander, costing it the 'senior alliance partner' position, and the leverage in the national politics. So much so, that in order to remain relevant in Maharashtra politics, the Shiv Sena had to compromise and join the Devendra Fadnavis government in December 2014. But the political flow since then shows their hearts could never meet. Even if it rejoined the alliance, the Shiv Sena always acted like a squabbling partner, always sparring in public with its pet line that 'the BJP should not take the Shiv Sena's support for granted' and its ministers in the alliance government were always ready to submit their resignations. It shows the Shiv Sena could never make itself comfortable with the fact that it is now the BJP that will dictate the terms. Even today, a day that proved the meteoric rise of the BJP in Maharashtra politics, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray went on to claim that not just the next Mumbai mayor but even the next Maharashtra chief minister will be from the Shiv Sena. ALSO READ:Maharashtra civic elections in nutshell: BJP second best to Shiv Sena in Mumbai but top across state AlSO READ: BMC election result 2017: Shiv Sena should align with us again, says BJP Modi congratulates Devendra Fadnavis after BJP hits new high in Maharashtra civic elections --- ENDS --- With the total BMC seats being 227, the magic figure is 114. While Shiv Sena has won 84 seats, BJP has won 82. Hence, Shiv Sena and BJP are short of 30 and 33 seats respectively to reach the majority mark. By Kumar Shakti Shekhar: As neither Shiv Sena nor BJP got majority in the BMC election, the focus now shifts on the possibility - or the lack of it - of an alliance between the two parties which had turned foes from friends for the just concluded Maharashtra polls. With the total BMC seats being 227, the magic figure is 114. While Shiv Sena has won 84 seats, BJP has won 82. Hence, Shiv Sena and BJP are short of 30 and 33 seats respectively to reach the majority mark. advertisement Only Congress, with 31 seats, can help either of the parties. But will Shiv Sena or BJP align with Congress? There is hardly any room for any speculation. In such a situation, the two largest parties are likely to come together again to govern Mumbai. They are already in alliance in Maharashtra and at the Centre. They were alliance partners for BMC elections for 20 years since 1997. Hence, it is likely that Shiv Sena would seek BJP's support to run the Maharashtra capital. BJP's national general secretary in charge of Maharashtra Saroj Pandey said Shiv Sena should align with its traditional partner as the people have voted for this arrangement. Buoyed with her party's spectacular performance not only in BMC but also in other nine municipal corporations, Pandey said, "BJP is just three seats behind Shiv Sena in BMC. Except Thane, BJP will have its Mayor in all the remaining eight corporations. BJP is in the strongest position. The people have voted in support of BJP. Shiv Sena should consider this aspect." The BJP has reasons to be upbeat over the final results. It has emerged as the numero uno party in eight out of ten municipal corporations that went to polls. It has toppled Sharad Pawar's NCP in Pune to emerge as the single largest party. Even in BMC, it improved its 2012 election's tally from 31 to 82. On the other hand, Shiv Sena has emerged as the single-largest party only in BMC and Thane. It even failed to open an account in BJP's stronghold of Nagpur. In such a scenario, BJP feels the mandate is certainly in its favour. Saroj Pandey said Shiv Sena should brood over this and join hands with BJP again to govern not just BMC but all other places which have thrown hung corporations. ALSO READ:BMC Election Results 2017: BJP gains big, Shiv Sena holds ground as Congress loses most ALSO READ: BMC election: BJP lauds PM Modi, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis for impressive performance --- ENDS --- Besides fighting rivals, the party fought its own demons to finally launch a resurgent Sena ahead of the BMC election. Today's victory will place Uddhav Thackeray as the man to watch out for in 2019. By India Today Web Desk: The Shiv Sena today won one of its toughest battles till date. As Mumbaikars turned out in record numbers to vote in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena can safely assume that, with or without the BJP, it can hold its fort in the city. After the demise of founder Balasaheb Thackeray, it was a challenge for his son Uddhav to keep the flock together and ensure Sena continues to be a party to reckon with in the Maharashtra politics. advertisement Besides fighting rivals, the party fought its own demons to finally launch a resurgent Sena ahead of the BMC election. FIGHTING THE BJP Following a convincing victory in the Maharashtra Assembly election in 2014, BJP was not ready to play the second fiddle to 'big brother' Shiv Sena in the BMC. The BJP demanded 114 seats of the total 227 seats the alliance would contest in the BMC election. The bickering for seats led to a split in the 25-year-old alliance between the two parties just a month ahead of the election to the richest civic body in the country . While Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP government's credibility was at stake, for the Shiv Sena it was a do-or-die situation. With exit polls predicting a neck and neck competition between the two parties with, Sena had reasons to worry. The results today validated Sena's decision to go it alone in the election. Further, it gives heft to Uddhav Thackeray's political standing, giving Sena more room to manoeuvre with the BJP in the Maharashtra government. ALSO READ: BMC Election Results: Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamana continues to slam BJP even on counting day FIGHTING WITHOUT BALASAHEB Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray died in November 2012 and since then it has been a huge challenge for Uddhav Thackeray to ensure the party remains relevant in the state. During the 2012 election, the elder Thackeray was absent from the campaigns but his mere presence helped. Questions were also raised if Uddhav would be able to fill in his father's shoes. An aggressive Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), floated by cousin Raj Thakeray, boasted of a strong performance in the 2012 BMC election, and threatened to push Sena to the background. Over a course of more than four years, Uddhav Thackeray has gradually firmed his grip on the party while the MNS is now fighting to stay relevant. FIGHTING FOR THE NEXT ELECTION Following a win in the BMC election which is often dubbed as the "mini Assembly election", the Shiv Sena can now position itself as a firm contender for the next Assembly election in Maharashtra. advertisement The BJP, which is running the government in alliance with the Shiv Sena, can expect its ally to turn the tables by 2019. The Shiv Sena has already announced Hardik Patel, the posterboy of Patidar agitation, as its face for the upcoming Assembly elections in Gujarat. Uddhav Thackeray, while snapping ties with the BJP ahead of the BMC election, vowed never to ally with the BJP. Going by the current flow of events, the next assembly election in Maharashtra can present a non-BJP, non-Congress face as the next leader. ALSO READ: Smita Thackeray slams BMC for corruption, leaves Shiv Sena embarrassed BMC election 2017: All you need to know about the bitter battle between Shiv Sena, BJP BJP-Shiv Sena split: Did Uddhav snap 25-year-old alliance for Raj Thackeray? ALSO WATCH --- ENDS --- The ruling MNS in Nashik, Congress and NCP were leading on 2 seats each. By Press Trust of India: The Shiv Sena is maintaining its hold on Mumbai, leading on 72 seats followed by BJP on 40 seats as trends of counting of votes in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, where the saffron allies are locked in a battle, poured in. The Congress and the NCP are far behind the Sena and the BJP, leading on 14 and 4 seats, respectively, in the 227-member BMC. advertisement NASHIK As per trends coming in from the other city corporations, zilla parishads and panchayat samitis, the BJP is ahead of its rivals on 18 seats and Shiv Sena on 7 seats in the Nashik civic body. The ruling MNS in Nashik, Congress and NCP were leading on 2 seats each. The civic polls, especially in the country's financial hub Mumbai, have generated much political heat on account of the fierce fight between the BJP and the Sena, despite being partners in governments in the state and at the Centre. The battle of the estranged allies has put a question mark on the stability of the BJP-led ministry in the state as Sena had been tenacious in its attack on the senior partner and the Centre's demonetisation policy. The results will determine the fate of 21,620 candidates for 5,777 seats up for grabs in the 10 municipal corporations, 25 zilla parishads and 283 panchayat samitis for which the elections were held in two phases. The stakes are high for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, who led their respective parties from the front and were involved in a high decibel and no-holds-barred campaign, relegating the opposition Congress, NCP and other players like the MNS and the AIMIM to the background. Apart from Mumbai, the municipal corporations which went to the polls were Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur. SPOTLIGHT ON BMC The big poll focus is on the BMC, retaining control of which is vital for Shiv Sena as the city has remained its prime political space ever since the party's formation in 1966. The Sena has been in power in BMC for over two decades. In municipal corporations excluding Mumbai, there are multi-member wards where the electorate cast their votes for each of the category in the panel. Each panel has more than two wards. The districts where elections to 283 panchayat samitis were held are - Ahmednagar, Aurangabad, Beed, Buldhana, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Hingoli, Jalgaon, Jalna, Latur, Nanded, Osmanabad, Parbhani, Wardha, Yavatmal, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Pune, Solapur, Nashik, Amravati and Gadchiroli. Also read | BMC polls beyond BJP-Shiv Sena spat: 5 parties you did not hear about advertisement Also read: Who will rule Mumbai? BJP catches up with Shiv Sena on BMC turf, says exit poll --- ENDS --- In a series of tweets after the results to the civic elections in ten municipal corporations, including BMC, were announced, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mentioned BJP's performance in Odisha panchayat elections. By India Today Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked the people of Maharashtra for BJP's impressive performance in the just-concluded civic elections in the state. He also congratulated Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and BJP's state president Raosaheb Patil Danve for their relentless work among the people. In a series of tweets after the results to the civic elections in ten municipal corporations, including BMC, were announced, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mentioned BJP's performance in Odisha panchayat elections. The results in Odisha were announced on Wednesday. Of the total 849 seats, BJP increased its tally from 36 in 2012 to 306, an increase by 8.5 times. Extremely thankful to the sisters & brothers of Maharashtra for reposing their faith in BJP & in politics of development & good governance. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2017 Through hardwork, determination & work on the ground, BJP is now a strong force both in urban & rural Maharashtra. Congrats to Karyakartas. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2017 I congratulate the entire team of @BJP4Maharashtra, CM @Dev_Fadnavis & @raosahebdanve for working tirelessly among the people. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2017 BJP is unwavering in the resolve to serve Maharashtra with unparalleled diligence, transparency & taking the state to even greater heights. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2017 It has been a great start to 2017! First the unprecedented support in Odisha & now the overwhelming blessings from people of Maharashtra. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2017 I thank each & every Indian for continuously placing their faith in BJP. We are working determinately to create a strong & inclusive India. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2017 advertisement The PM tweeted: "Extremely thankful to the sisters and brothers of Maharashtra for reposing their faith in BJP and in politics of development and good governance? Through hard work, determination and work on the ground, BJP is now a strong force both in urban and rural Maharashtra. Congrats to karyakartas." In a special mention of the Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP's state president, he said, "I congratulate the entire team of @BJP4Maharashtra, CM @Dev_Fadnavis & @raosahebdanve for working tirelessly among the people." He said BJP is unwavering in the resolve to serve Maharashtra with unparalleled diligence, transparency and taking the state to even greater heights. Coming to Odisha, he said, "It has been a great start to 2017! First the unprecedented support in Odisha and now the overwhelming blessings from people of Maharashtra." Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked each and every Indian for "continuously placing their faith in BJP". He said, "We are working determinately to create a strong and inclusive India." --- ENDS --- Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. By West Kentucky Star Staff Feb. 23, 2017 | 09:01 AM | BENTON, KY The Marshall County Health Department is reporting four flu-related deaths this week in elderly adults, and is advising the public to take steps to prevent the virus while the state is still experiencing widespread activity. These deaths underscore the seriousness of flu, particularly for the elderly, children, and others who would be considered at high risk or having a compromised immune system, according to the Marshall County Health Department.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu vaccination for the general population, especially the elderly, children, and pregnant women. Individuals with COPD, asthma, and diabetes may be particularly susceptible to the flu.An annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect you and your family from the flu. Ideally, people should be vaccinated before flu activity begins, but there is still time to be vaccinated and develop immunity from flu strains circulating in Kentucky this year. The local health department recommends people get vaccinated as soon as possible. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against flu virus infection.The department says flu can be very dangerous for children. Each year about 20,000 children younger than 5 years old are hospitalized from flu complications, like pneumonia. Most children who die from flu have not been vaccinated.Marshall County Health Department Public Information Officer Jennifer Brown urges anyone who has not been vaccinated this year to do so as soon as possible."The flu is still widespread. Not just in our county, but in the whole state, as well as other parts of the country," Brown said. "It is not too late to get a flu shot if you have not gotten one up to this point."Brown says if you are sick, it's a good idea to stay away from crowds and family members, and anyone who may have a compromised immune system. She says washing hands often with hot soapy water and covering your mouth when sneezing are also effective tools to prevent the spread of sickness. For those already infected who want to lessen symptoms and shorten the duration of the flu, antivirals such as Tamiflu can also be useful according to Brown.The Marshall County Health Department is offering the flu vaccine for $25.00. Brown says most insurance companies cover the cost of the flu vaccine. By West Kentucky Star Staff Feb. 22, 2017 | 09:58 PM | GRAVES COUNTY, KY A burglary complaint led to two arrests and a large drug seizure Wednesday in Graves County. According to Graves County Sheriff Dewayne Redmon, deputies responded to the 400 block of State Route 1748 East for a burglary in progress. Two men were seen running from the back of a home, carrying what looked to be long guns. The two men reportedly left in a black car. After several minutes of searching, deputies arrived at a home in the 300 block of State Route 1748 East. While gathering evidence of the burglary, deputies found marijuana inside the home. A search warrant was obtained and a search of the home was conducted. Police found 3.79 pounds of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, $150 cash, two handguns and a rifle. Redmon said arrests are pending in this investigation. Acting on a tip, deputies then responded to a home on Cardinal Drive, where they found the two burglary suspects. Both were apprehended without incident. Twenty-year-old Brandon Ivie and 18-year-old Tristen Shearer were arrested and charged with 1st-degree burglary. Police said more arrests are pending from the burglary. Deputies located several guns, including two shotguns believed to have been stolen from the home on 1748 East. Astros take World Series title over Phillies in six games Advertisement By Richard Nelson, Commonwealth Policy Center Feb. 22, 2017 | CADIZ, KY By Richard Nelson, Commonwealth Policy Center Feb. 22, 2017 | 01:01 PM | CADIZ, KY News Media Continues to Lose Credibility - By Richard Nelson Kentuckians' trust in institutional media may be at an all-time low. According to Secretary of State Alison Grime's Kentucky Civic Health Index released in January, less than half of Kentuckians trust the media. Even more surprising is an Emerson College Poll that found more Americans believe the Trump administration is more trustworthy than the news media by 49-39 percent. So why the mistrust? I had the chance to explore this last week when I participated in a panel discussion on The Cure for Fake News Disease: Truth and Fairness (and balance?). Joe Gerth of the Louisville Courier-Journal, John Stamper of the Lexington Herald-Leader, Katherine Urch of UK's School of Journalism and yours truly were panelists at the forum hosted by Al Cross on the UK campus. The event was, shall I say, interesting. The event kicked off by reviewing Gov. Bevin's Facebook Live presentation where he charged Attorney General Andy Beshear with not defending the newly enacted Ultrasound Bill. As much as Joe Gerth disagreed with Gov. Bevin's assertion, it became clear to me that the definition of "defending" was as precarious as former President Bill Clinton's definition of the word "is." Is there a real defense taking place when other indicators reveal that a true defense isn't happening? In either case, one might have disagreed with Gov. Bevin, but his Facebook Live presentation was not fake news. For too long, the established news media have disregarded and/or misrepresented stories important to conservatives. Consider last year's headline in the New York Times: Hundreds Brave Snow at March for Life in Washington. The actual estimate was more than 40,000 marchers. Established news media have caricatured entire conservative communities by interviewing outliers as authoritative spokespeople. (See stories regarding Westboro Baptist protesters). And they've missed important stories like the recent ceremonial pro-life bill signing in the Capitol. Media elite, disconnected from average Americans in so many ways, not only miss stories but are unaware of their own inconsistencies. A strong politically left bias is revealed when reporters use leading adjectives like "conservative" before a particular group but fail to use the adjective "liberal" for groups on the left. The same bias is evident when reporters say anti-abortion rather than pro-life. These may seem to be minor subtleties, but enough subtleties peppered throughout a story can move a news piece over the line of reporting and squarely into the camp of advocacy journalism. When journalism becomes advocacy, it is vulnerable to becoming a tool of a partisan agenda. Political agendas and partisan worldviews shouldn't drive issue-related story lines. Nor should news media neglect stories simply because they don't fit into their particular political narrative. It's clear that when a reporter questions and attacks politicians for their ideas and policy proposalsin the news sectionthen the news media becomes unfair and unreliable. Chip Hutcheson, Publisher of the Princeton Times-Leader and former President of the National Newspaper Association said in a recent interview with my organization that national media elites are "disconnected" from people and have no "accountability" to the general public. "The liberal agenda always has it's say, I don't think the conservative agenda does," Hutcheson said. He also shared that the faith community's viewpoint is often hidden and when it makes the news, it's often in an "unflattering light." Perhaps such marginalization helped birth Fox News 21 years ago. Fox News was the most watched cable channel in 2016. And in 2015, they were considered the most trusted national news channel in America. According to a 2015 Quinnipiac Poll, 29 percent of Americans trusted reporting by Fox News. Only seven percent trusted news reports by MSNBC, eight percent trusted ABC and 10 percent each trusted CBS and NBC. A total of 22 percent trusted CNN. One of the most interesting things in the panel discussion was that the news media professionals didn't seem to take a whole lot of responsibility for the demise of credibility in their field. It would have been good to hear a journalist on the political left (and they were all seated to the left of me) say that partisan tones from the political left finding their way into news stories eventually lead to a credibility deficit. Owning up to this reality and separating opinion from news reports is the first step for news media to reconcile with average citizens, that is, if they're serious about regaining trust. Richard Nelson is the executive director of the Commonwealth Policy Center, a nonprofit Kentucky organization. He resides in Cadiz with his wife and children. A generalised view of the Mahashtra civic polls presents a picture where Shiv Sena retains its hold over Mumbai and Thane while the BJP emerges as the leader of rest of the state. But, it is the Congress that fails to inspire the voters. By India Today Web Desk: Mumbai saw Tuesday the highest voter turnout in the last 25 years in the BMC polls. The record voting by the Mumbai voters worked for Shiv Sena, which is all set to lead the richest municipal body of the country for fifth consecutive time. If Shiv Sena stamped its authority as the king of Mumbai, the BJP emerged as the leader of rest of Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena is also leading in Thane. the BJP is likely to have Pune, Nasik and Nagpur municipal corporations in its kitty. advertisement The NCP and MNS fared almost on expected lines. The NCP is at second place in Pimpri-Chinchwara Municipal Corporation, where BJP came back strongly after trailing in initial rounds. But, these civic polls have made Congress more irrelevant than before. Mumbai Congress president Sanjay Nirupam has resigned following the crushing defeat of the party in the civic polls. WHY CONGRESS LOST MAHARASHTRA CIVIC POLLS: 10 REASONS Factionalism in Congress has demonralised the party workers in Maharashtra. It affected the Congress' poll campaign very badly. The Congress put out its poll campaign posters after all other major and small parties were already going aggressive with electioneering. Sanjay Nirupam was made Mumbai Congress president following the debacle of the party in the Assembly polls in 2014. Sanjay Nirupam was made the Mumbai Congress chief to strike a balance in the faction-ridden state unit. Sanjay Nirupam was accused by the party members of deepening the already existing fault line and also by creating new ones. Nirupam appointed his supporters as block unit chiefs much to the resentment of many veterans. The ticket distribution for the BMC polls was also marred in controversy as Sanjay Nirupam was accused of fielding his favourites and ignoring the recommendations of senior party leaders. Sanjay Nirupam was publicly criticised by local leaders for his working style. They branded Nirupam as an outsider lashing out at his roots outside Maharashtra and also in Shiv Sena as the former editor of Saamna. Senior Congress leader from Mumbai Gurudas Kamat refused to work for the party during election campaign. He is said to have the strongest bunch of supporters in Mumbai Congress and stronghold in the suburbs. Kamat publicly announced that he had withdrawn from election process accusing Sanjay Nirupam of high-handedness. He asked the ticket aspirants not to get in touch with him. Even senior Congress leaders Narayan Rane, Milind Deora and Priya Dutt were not as involved. They all were reportedly sulking at being left by both the central leadership and the state unit chief. Factionalism in the Congress and a consolidation on part of the BJP and Shiv Sena separately pushed the party into the margins of Maharashtra politics. The Congress leadership was wary of the consolidation on part of the saffron allies, who fought elections separately. The experience of Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation was haunting the party. In November 2015, the BJP and Shiv Sena fought the KDMC polls separately and the Congress was wiped out as a result. Later, the two parties formed a coalition. A similar possibility is being talked about in the BMC. Mumbai Congress put out posters much after all other parties had launched their campaign. --- ENDS --- Loading... With its determination to find humour in race, religion and the bleakest of situations, Fiddler on the Roof often feels more akin to a Croft and Lloyd sitcom than the turn-of-the-century Russian literature on which it is based. Artistic director Gemma Bodinetz's new production - the first with the Liverpool Everyman's new 14-strong repertory company and based on the long-running Broadway show - is certainly funny. With a bare set and minimal props the cast find plenty of humour and there are some pleasing grace notes that appear to have emerged from rehearsals. The odd look askance, an occasional double-take. It suggests a cast as ease with itself as it embarks on the Everyman's intriguing five-production company run. Patrick Brennan as Tevye, the central role forever associated with Topol, is central to the story and to the success of this new production. He plays both comedy and pathos lightly and has a winning take with the musical numbers. As a result there are no jarring gearchanges and it's easy to see why the folk in the Ukrainian shtetl of Anatevka respect this affable man so. Philip Roth reportedly described Fiddler On The Roof as shtetl kitsch' and there's something in that. There's a dissonance to a musical set during anti-semitic pogroms, then again it's not rare to see the suffering of Jews in popular culture - their forbearance and stoicism seems to have been harnessed as an artform. It's only ever a few moments away from a Bart-ish musical number or a lovely spot of choreography - Tevye's dream and the bottle dance are memorable scenes - but there's still an ambivalence in Fiddler On The Roof, an acknowledgement of the ongoing tension between tradition and change. A final scene showing the family - shorn of three of Tevye's five daughters and pushing their belongings to the United States on a cart - surrounded by modern passers-by - feels rather unnecessary. Given Fiddler On The Roof's themes of religious persecution, forced emigration and diaspora, the play hardly needs one of these just-in-case-you-didn't-notice epilogues that now seem mandatory. Still, seeing the ragged Russian Jews bowed but not broken, in search of another home, leaves the viewer with the lasting impression that the more things change the more they stay the same. Fiddler on the Roof runs at the Liverpool Everyman until 11 March 2017. The Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party were locked in a close contest in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, exactly as predicted by Axis-My India exit poll conducted for India Today TV. By India Today Web Desk: The Shiv Sena and its estranged ally the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were locked in a close contest in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, exactly as predicted by Axis-My India exit poll conducted for India Today TV. The Sena won 84 seats while the BJP bagged 82. The Congress - which won 31 wards - has lost massive grounds, while the MNS has won seven, the NCP 9, and the MIM 3. advertisement The tally is almost just as the Axis-My India exit poll had forecasted: 86-92 seats for the Sena, 80-88 to the BJP, and the Congres 30-34. Both the Shiv Sena and the BJP were supposed to share 32 per cent of the votes in the exit poll. The Shiv Sena had fielded candidates on all the 227 BMC wards. The Congress had fought 221 and the BJP 211. Besides, the MNS contested 201, the NCP 171, the BSP 109, the Samajwadi Party 76 and the Hyderabad-based AIMIM 56. The BMC civic polls were dubbed as a 'mini Assembly' election and was seen as a referendum on Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis. WATCH VIDEO: BMC exit polls: Shiv Sena marginally ahead of BJP ALSO READ: Axis-My India exit poll on BMC election says Shiv Sena has the edge over estranged ally BJP --- ENDS --- Police have charged three people, including a 17-year-old, with murder for a slaying last month they say is connected to the MS-13 street gang. Two women, ages 18 and 19, faces lesser charges of conspiracy to commit a felony in connection with the slaying. Prince William County police said the three males, ranging in age from 17 to 24, were arrested Thursday morning in Newton, Pennsylvania. The two women were arrested near Baltimore Feb. 12. The victim, 21-year-old Christian Alexander Sosa Rivas of Fairfax, was found last month on the banks of the Potomac River near Dumfries. Police have said that Sosa Rivas' death is connected to the slaying of 15-year-old Damaris Reyes Rivas of Gaithersburg, Maryland. Fairfax County Police have charged 10 people in connection with her death. Wyoming, Illinois, is a small town with a population of about 1,400. It's safe to say that almost everyone knows everyone there, and that's exactly the kind of tight-knit community where 21-year-old Shelby Ann Carter wanted to have a family. She and her fiance lived with her mother. Shelby worked as a beautician and had started studying to become a pharmacy technician.Then, in January 2017, she gave birth to her daughter Keana Davis. Shelby was overjoyed and it looked like all was going well for the young mother and her family. But unfortunately, her happiness was about to come to tragic end.said the town's mayor. But on January 30 only one day after her 21st birthday tragedy struck. Shelby was at home with her daughter when a fire broke out. She called 911 for help and told them that she was having trouble breathing. She hadn't said anything about her child which led to some confusion when firefighters finally reached the scene.Emergency respondents found Shelby on the second floor of the house, but it was too late she had died of carbon monoxide poisoning. But when they finally put out the flames and surveyed the scene, they found something truly astonishing: Shelby's 12-day-old daughter! What had happened?Although the house was engulfed in flames, Shelby didn't let that stop her from doing all she could for her child. Finding herself and her daughter trapped on the second floor, she quickly came up with an ingenious idea and rescued Keana Davis by strapping her into a car seat and dropping her out of the window. Shelby had obviously used her last ounce of strength to make sure that her child survived.explained the chief of the local volunteer fire department.Keana Davis was rushed to the hospital where it was determined that she was completely unharmed. She was released to the custody of her relatives. Her mother was gone, but she still had a family.After the accident, the community banded together and started a fundraising campaign to help the family rebuild their house and their lives. In only one week they were able to raise the target amount of $40,000.Keana Davis will never have the chance to know her mother, but at least she can be proud of her. Shelby is a true hero and will be dearly remembered by her community for many years to come. What a wonderful response that their neighbors banded together to help them rebuild their lives as they come to terms with their loss. In a scathing editorial on Wednesday, Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamna continues its BJP-slamming spree and accused the BJP of "misusing power," among other things. By Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: Shiv Sena daily Saamana has been unrelenting in its criticism of the Bhartiya Janata Party in the run-up to BMC Election results, and has chosen to not play coy even on counting day. In a scathing editorial on Wednesday, Saamna declared Shiv Sena the winner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections held on Tuesday and accused the BJP of "misusing power," among other things. advertisement Here are some highlights of the piece The editorial questions BJP's contribution to the freedom movement as compared to Congress party. "Only movement was that of Ram Temple led by LK Advani, but now they have even sent lord Ram to exile," it said. "Congress faced allegations for rising prices, but instead of bringing them down, the BJP too did the same," it said. The editorial claimed there was no difference between BJP and Congress today. "The BJP has overtaken the Congress in exerting pressure tactics by misusing power," it said. "Today BJP leaders are shamelessly doubting wives of armymen and the chief minister is silent on the issue," it said. The editorial also question those demandind a ban on Saamna. "It may be true that the Congress is a monolithic, dictatorial party, but how different are today's rulers from that? Will the ones demanding a ban on Saamana bother to answer?" it said. The editorial said Shiv Sena "does not live on anyone's favors." "We cannot pawn our self respect. Had we known that we would have conquered several thrones." The editorial signed off with the claim that Shiv Sena will win "and not get carried away." Read | Ban Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamana during poll days, demands BJP --- ENDS --- The prime focus is on the cash-rich 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation with the ruling BJP and Shiv Sena at the forefront of this battle of might. By Press Trust of India: Counting was underway today for polls to 10 civic bodies, including cash-rich BMC, and 25 zilla parishads and 283 panchayat samitis across Maharashtra, the results of which are likely to have a bearing on relations between BJP and Shiv Sena. The Congress and NCP are also in fray in the polls, dubbed as the 'mini-general elections'. advertisement The prime focus is on the cash-rich 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation with the ruling BJP and Shiv Sena at the forefront of this battle of might. The results after the counting, which began at 10 AM today, will determine the fate of 21,620 candidates for 5,777 seats up for grabs in the 10 municipal corporations, 25 zilla parishads and 283 panchayat samitis for which the elections were held in two phases. VOTER TURNOUT Nearly 56 per cent voters had exercised their right to franchise during the elections to the 10 municipal corporations held on Tuesday. The Mumbai civic body BMC recorded about 55 per cent turnout. Besides, 69 per cent of the electorate cast their votes in the zilla parishads and panchayat samitis. STAKES HIGH The stakes are high for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, who led their respective parties from the front and were involved in a high decibel and no-holds-barred campaign, relegating the opposition Congress, NCP and other players like the MNS and the AIMIM to the background. Apart from Mumbai, the municipal corporations which went to the polls were Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur. In Mumbai, the country's financial capital, there are 2,275 candidates. FOCUS ON BMC The big poll focus is on the BMC, retaining control of which is vital for Shiv Sena as the city has remained its prime political space ever since the party's formation in 1966. The Sena has been in power in BMC for over two decades. In municipal corporations excluding Mumbai, there are multi-member wards where the electorate cast their votes for each of the category in the panel. Each panel has more than two wards. The districts where elections to 283 panchayat samitis were held are - Ahmednagar, Aurangabad, Beed, Buldhana, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Hingoli, Jalgaon, Jalna, Latur, Nanded, Osmanabad, Parbhani, Wardha, Yavatmal, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Pune, Solapur, Nashik, Amravati and Gadchiroli. Also read: Who will rule Mumbai? BJP catches up with Shiv Sena on BMC turf, says exit poll Also read | BMC polls beyond BJP-Shiv Sena spat: 5 parties you did not hear about --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: From K J M Varma Beijing, Feb 22 (PTI) The 9th BRICS Summits first Sherpas Meeting will be held in Nanjing, the capital of east Chinas Jiangsu Province, from tomorrow. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing today that Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi will attend the opening ceremony of the meeting and deliver a speech. advertisement The two-day meeting will attract more than 100 participants, including coordinators from all sides, foreign diplomats, and representatives from the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), Geng said. He said the Sherpas Meeting will discuss priority areas for BRICS cooperation this year, especially in the areas of political affairs, economy and culture, under the theme BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future. The Sherpas Meeting, as a major channel to push forward BRICS cooperation, aims at political preparation for the leaders meeting. It is also routine for the BRICS chairmanship to hold several Sherpas Meetings before the summit. "We believe the first Sherpas Meeting will be a good start for Chinas chairmanship this year," Geng said. China officially took over the chairmanship of the grouping on January 1. The 9th BRICS Summit will be held in Xiamen in southeast Chinas Fujian Province. PTI KJV ASK AKJ ASK --- ENDS --- State media and strategic experts in Beijing, however, cautioned that China's stand still differed from India's over key issues such as terrorism and trade. By Ananth Krishnan: China said on Thursday this week's first upgraded strategic dialogue with India in Beijing helped both sides reduce disagreements over recent irritants and "reached expected goals". State media and strategic experts in Beijing, however, cautioned that China's stand still differed from India's over key issues such as terrorism and India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), as well as trade. advertisement Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said in Beijing on Thursday, "The two sides [in Wednesday's dialogue] reached extensive consensus and shared the view that with similar national conditions and stages of development, China and India have extensive converging interests and huge potential for cooperation." 'REACHED GOALS AS EXPECTED' "The dialogue reached the goals as expected and is of positive significance for bilateral relations," Geng said, adding that both sides agreed "to maintain the momentum of bilateral relations in the spirit of agreement of two leaders, work out a good programme for 2017 at various levels, advance practical cooperation, and strengthen coordination and cooperation on regional and international issues." Besides Wednesday's Strategic Dialogue between Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and executive vice foreign minister Zhang Yesui, several consultations were held on the sidelines by joint secretary-level officials on matters such as Afghanistan, terrorism and nuclear issues. "The overall impression is this dialogue was held in a friendly atmosphere," said Geng. "The two sides had an in-depth and comprehensive exchange of views and reached extensive agreement." WHERE THE GAP REMAINS But experts in Beijing cautioned that gaps remained on issues such as China blocking attempts to sanction the Pakistani terrorist Masood Azhar and India's bid to become an NSG member. "India blames China for blocking it from the NSG, but aside from China, many NSG members including Brazil, Austria, New Zealand, Ireland and Turkey are also opposed to India's bid citing the fact that India has not signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)," the Party-run Global Times said on Thursday. Lin Minwang, a strategic affairs expert at Fudan University, was quoted as saying by the newspaper that "apart from the NSG dispute, China and India still clash in other fields, including the understanding on counter-terrorism and free trade." "India always wants to portray Pakistan as a 'supporter of terrorism' in the international community, which makes it easier for the country to link counter-terrorism issue to Sino-Pakistani relationship and blame China's support to Pakistan for some issues," Lin said. On Masood Azhar's listing, foreign secretary S Jaishankar said in Beijing on Wednesday that there was, in fact, overwhelming support for the move, and it was just China that was holding up what was a clear global consensus. The US, UK and France have backed the current application to list Azhar and deemed evidence more than sufficient to sanction the terrorist. advertisement Providing a clue into China's thinking, Chinese Consul General in Kolkata Ma Zhenwu told a meeting on Wednesday that Beijing's opposition was because of the application linking Azhar to elements in Pakistan's government and military, which created a "strong reservation" for China. "If you remove that kind of saying, that sentence," he said, "then we have no problem." ALSO READ | India to China on Masood Azhar: Terrorist's actions well documented, burden of proof not on New Delhi India's space success 'limited' but offers lessons: Chinese media --- ENDS --- The Finance Minister said since May, 2014 India has seen many state and local elections. The BJP has increased its vote in each of these elections. It has done exceedingly well in states like Maharashtra, Haryana and Assam where it traditionally played a second fiddle to regional parties, he said. He further said the results of the local elections in Odisha and Maharashtra have shown that the BJP is capable of winning major states on its own. The first message of these elections is that BJP has become a pan-India party which is now fast spreading its roots even in the eastern and southern states. The forthcoming election for the Karnataka Assembly will reassert this, he said. "But what about the Congress? In Odisha, it got squeezed out of the contest. In Maharashtra, it got pushed to third or fourth place in most cities. It is not even a major contestant in states like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh," he said. Jaitley said the Congress is struggling to survive by becoming the tail-ender in an alliance in these states. Many in the Samajwadi Party are wondering if it was worth leaving 103 seats for the Congress in Uttar Pradesh, he said. "Is the Congress willing for introspection as to why this is happening? Having denied to the Congress the position of being the ruling party, the electorate is now well on its way to deny it a role even as a principal opposition," he said. The Minister noted that once out of the power, the Congress refused to accept the reality. Its disruptive role in Parliament has projected it more as a fringe rather than a mainstream political party. It has failed to behave like a natural party of governance. It is seen as anti-reformist, anti-growth. Scandals of the 2004-2014 continue to tumble out, he said. Jaitley was of the view that the Congress party's stand on demonetisation of high value currency is costing it dearly. Tax evasion enables a small percentage of the population to unjustly enrich itself at the cost of the exchequer. Public resources get reduced and hence the expenditure on the vast section of population is reduced, he said. He felt that the poor have overwhelmingly supported the demonetisation initiative. "The Congress party has lost its traditional constituency of the poor electorate to the BJP. In any case, a party which has governed India for more than half a century cannot afford to take a stand which supports excessive use of cash and ridicules the new tools of technology which will enable digital transactions to be a substitute for cash," he said. Jaitley reiterated that the Congress has lost its image as a responsible political organisation. "From a natural party of governance, it has moved to the fringe. Its policies have alienated its constituency of the poor 'aam aadmi'," he said. The Finance Minister maintained that parties which adopt dynastic succession as an alternative to merit-based leadership creation suffer from a natural disadvantage. Tall leaders do not grow in such parties. The strength of the party overlaps with the charisma of the current generation of the dynasty, he said. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 23/02/2017 (2082 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Its shaping up to be an exciting year for Manitobas retail sector, as supermarket heavyweights battle it out for market share, more quick-serve restaurants open, and Winnipeg welcomes its first premium fashion outlet mall, industry officials say. Ken Yee, senior vice-president in the Winnipeg office of Cushman and Wakefield, said the May opening of the Outlet Collection Winnipeg premium fashion outlet mall in the southwest area of the city will be a game-changer for the fashion segment of the local retail market. I think the opening of the Outlets stores is going to make it really interesting because its 350,000 to 360,000 square feet of new retail, and any time that much retail opens, its pretty exciting, Yee said. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS While some new retail businesses are entering the Winnipeg market, others, such as the Sears Home Store at 1450 Ellice Ave., are disappearing. The store is scheduled to close March 12. He said the outlet mall, with its factory-discount prices, is bound to steal some business from regular fashion stores in the city. The only question is how much. Its not going to kill off that business, he said. Its just going to impact (it). I guess cannibalization is the word. Theres going to be some cannibalization of that consumer dollar. On the groceries side, Yee noted B.C.-based Save-On-Foods, which entered Winnipegs retail grocery war last November with the opening of three new supermarkets, plans to open 12 stores in the city over the next few years. That, combined with ongoing issues arising from the merger several years ago of the Sobeys and Safeway chains and Red River Co-ops emergence as major player, should also make for interesting times in that segment of the market, Yee said. I think theres going to be a little bit of a shakeup on the groceries side of things, and that should unfold this year, he said. Yee was commenting after Statistics Canada released the 2016 year-end retail sales figures for Manitoba. They showed last year was a good year for the provinces retailers, with sales up 4.5 per cent to $19.1 billion from $18.3 billion in 2015. Thats nearly a full percentage point higher than the national average increase of 3.7 per cent. Lanny McInnes, the Retail Council of Canadas senior official in Manitoba, said theres no reason Manitoba cant have a repeat performance in 2017. I think the expectation and outlook is for Manitoba retail to have another strong year. I think there is a certain level of optimism running through the retail sector here, he said. McInnes also cited the new fashion outlet mall and the planned opening of new Marshalls, Home Sense and H&M stores in Kildonan Place Shopping Centre as evidence retailers see Winnipeg as a good market for expansion. Yee noted quick-serve restaurants was one of the fastest-growing segments of the market last year, and that trend is expected to continue in 2017. He said Tim Hortons and KFC are looking to open more outlets here. So, too, are some new fast-fired pizza outlets that specialize in producing a freshly baked pizza within five minutes. We also understand Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is coming, he said. Im not sure how quickly they will get built out, but their franchise rights (for Winnipeg) have been acquired, and they will be coming, Yee said. While new some new players will be entering the market and some existing ones will be expanding their operations here, others will be disappearing from the local landscape. HMV Canada announced late last month it will be closing all 102 of its record/video stores. Discount shoe retailer Payless Inc. also announced this month it will be closing about 1,000 of its more than 4,400 stores as it wrestles with an unsustainable debt load. And the Sears Home Store on Ellice Avenue is also slated to close March 12. In the case of the Ellice Avenue store, we have full-line stores including Polo Park, where we already carry a full assortment of major appliances and furniture where we will invite Sears Home customers to shop, a company spokesman said Wednesday. The productivity of the stand-alone Home store was not where we needed it to be to continue operating as a separate entity. McInnes and Yee said the pending store closures are part of the ongoing fallout from the continued growth in online sales at the expense of bricks-and-mortar stores. That is part of the dynamic of the sector, and that does happen from time to time, McInnes added. murray.mcneill@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 23/02/2017 (2082 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. CROWLEY, Texas In a parking lot on Main Street in this nondescript town of 14,000, Walmart is testing out what it hopes could be its next small thing a genuine convenience store. Walk into the 2,500-square-foot store and the surroundings feel familiar. Theres the multi-colored ICEE machine, hot dogs sizzling on a roller and beer stacked in a walk-in refrigerator. Its one of two convenience stores Walmart opened last month. The other is in Rogers, Ark., near Walmarts Bentonville headquarters. Both stores are in the parking lots of Walmart Supercenters. Walmart continues to test small store formats even though it abandoned its 12,000-square-foot Walmart Express stores last year. Ashley Landis / Dallas Morning News Cashier Monica Betts helps a customer inside a new Walmart convenience store on Feb. 8 in Crowley, Texas. Crowley was picked for being located on the outskirts of Dallas-Fort Worth, a very important market to us, said Walmart spokeswoman Anne Hatfield. Walmarts strategy seems to be not reinventing the convenience store concept but rather tweaking it. The stores hot food section sells pizza, whole and by the slice, and on another bank of hot rollers are the tornadoes, a knockoff of 7-Elevens taquitos. Community coffee brand is sold from six taps, regular, decaf and flavoured. Theres a healthy selection with fruit cups, yogurt and Market Side branded salads and wraps, but no calorie counts on the labels. The rectangle-shaped building sits in front of a row of 16 gasoline pumps, all under cover. The convenience store concepts are tests, Hatfield said. Were eager for feedback from customers. We want to know whats working, she said in an interview. The convenience store business is not huge for a company Walmarts size, but as a major seller of gasoline, its 100-sq.-ft. and 200-sq.-ft. payment kiosks may not offer enough for many of its customers. Dallas Morning News By Press Trust of India: Kolkata, Feb 23 (PTI) Taking a serious note of the raging controversy in the social media involving party MP Ritabrata Banerjee, the CPI-M today cautioned Banerjee and decided to come up with guidelines on the use of social media by party workers on issues relating to the party. Addressing a press conference here, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury said that the party would soon come up with guidelines on the use of social media both at the state level and national level on matters relating to the party. advertisement As per new rules, while party members can propagate decision taken by the party on social media, they should not make comments on issues that the party is yet to decide on. On the issue of lodging complaint or airing grievances by party members against any other comrade, Yechury said that such complaints should be made in the party forum and not on the social media. ?For some months now we have been discussing this in the central committee. Social media does not provide licence to any party member to violate party disciplinary principles or to violate the party?s principles of democratic centralism. This is not allowed,? Yechury said. Pointing out that social media is a public forum, Yechury said that airing grievances there is not ?the party norm?. "Anyone has the right in the party to make complaint against anyone upto general secretary. Such complaint should be made within the party and all such complaints will be dealt with in a time-bound manner as per our constitution," he added. After a party member raised questions on Banerjees using costly gadgets like an Apple watch and Mont Blanc pen, the MP allegedly wrote to his employer complaining against him. On Wednesday Banerjee made his stand clear before the State Committee of the party. Asked whether the controversy was more because of public display of costly gadgets by a CPI-M member, Yechury said that the display of wealth in public was a matter of "personal convictions and personal consciousness of a comrade". ?We had communists who came from big landlord families who led a very spartan life,? Yechury said giving references to CP(IM) stalwarts P Sundaraiah and EMS Namboodiripad. However, Yechury pointed out that every MP got a grant to have electronic devices aimed at reducing use of paper in Parliament. PTI PNT MD --- ENDS --- Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 22/02/2017 (2083 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The U.S. National Weather Service says there is more than an 80 per cent chance of major flooding along the Red River near the Manitoba border in the coming months. The projection is based on 60 years of weather data. Our outlook has moderate-to-major flooding through the northern part of the Red River Valley, from basically Grand Forks north to Pembina (just south of the Manitoba border), said Greg Gust, warning co-ordination meteorologist with the NWS in Grand Forks. ERIC HYLDEN / GRAND FORKS HERALD Greg Gust, Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Grand Forks. But the flood risk rises as the river flows northward, Gust said on Wednesday. U.S. officials regard the threshold for a major flood at Pembina to be 49 feet. They estimate theres an 83 per cent chance of that occurring. At that point, thats where its beginning to impact some of the roadways Gust said, although not Interstate 29, which begins at the border. However, theres a 50 per cent chance of waters reaching 51.5 feet at Pembina a level comparable to the 2006 and 1996 Red River floods. At that point, the U.S. border town would likely take measures to seal the dike that protects it. And theres a 25 per cent chance of waters climbing to 52.6 feet at Pembina, which is closer to levels reached in 2009 one of the largest floods in recent times on both sides of the border. Unseasonably mild temperatures in recent days have accelerated the spring melt in parts of North Dakota. The Red River in Fargo is expected to crest at 21.7 feet on Friday. A level of 18 feet is considered minor flood stage, in which the very lowest portions of the river bank are breached. At 22 feet, one of the citys bridges is closed. In Grand Forks, a minor crest of 31 feet is expected Saturday afternoon, although residents in that city are far from threatened. Several years ago, Grand Forks built protection to withstand a flood of 60 feet. Most fields in the Fargo area are bare after a recent run of mild temperatures that hit double digits Celsius there this past weekend. There is still some snow cover from Grand Forks to the Canadian border. While the unusually early melt cleared fields in the southern part of the Red River Valley, the resumption of normal temperatures this week will slow the movement from ditches and tributaries to the Red itself, Gust said. We could hit the minor flood stage toward Pembina sometime at the weeks end or early next week. But that waters going to stall, he said. The major crest will come later when melting resumes in earnest perhaps exacerbated by more precipitation. Were going to see water move up there (towards Pembina and Manitoba) and raise the (river) ice. And then were going to have to wait now for the whole rest of the melt process. It could be the end of March, it could be the middle of April before that finishes up, Gust said. Manitoba will issue its first formal flood forecast on Monday. In a media briefing late last month, provincial officials said several rivers, including the Red and lower Assiniboine, were at risk of major flooding if unfavourable weather conditions persisted. High soil moisture levels before freeze-up and above-normal snowfall so far this winter had created the potential for modest to major overland flooding in most areas of the province, the government said. Snowfall amounts in the Red River basin in the United States and the Winnipeg River basin in Ontario were also above normal, officials said. Manitoba flood forecasters are likely to point out as Gust did Wednesday that there are still a lot of variables to take into account in predicting the size of this years flood, including the timing and amount of future precipitation and the rapidity of the future melts. Its still February so we expect theres still going to be some winter left to go, and we expect it will throw a couple of more layers of interesting on top of what we have now, Gust said. Meanwhile, the province announced Wednesday it has begun its annual ice-breaking operations on more than 25 kilometres of Red River ice north of Selkirk. The work is done to prevent ice jams during the spring melt. Darrell Kupchik, director of operations, North Red Waterway Maintenance Inc., said ice-cutters are beginning their work at about the same time as they did last year. When our mission here is completed (in) mid-March, we would expect to have anywhere from 27 to 28 kilometres of broken ice, he said Wednesday. The river ice is from 60 cm to 75 cm deep, Kupchik said. Provincial officials warn ice fishers and snowmobilers to observe warning signs and stay clear of ice-cutting equipment. Safety notices have been posted in areas where the ice-breaking machines will be working. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 23/02/2017 (2082 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The Winnipeg School Division board has a habit of picking fights with education ministers now its Manitoba Education Minister Ian Wisharts turn. Wishart was not impressed that when he directed school boards to look internally to hold down costs, the WSD board picked some of its most popular and valuable programs and services to chop first. Trustees said they can hold property taxes to a three per cent increase if they remove nursery from half their elementary schools, reduce library staff, stop funding police officers who serve as school resource officers and slash all 66 adult crossing guards. He expects school boards to make a serious attempt to cut costs, starting with their administration, Wishart said in an interview. Were a little disappointed that they didnt do a little more due diligence. Theres an element of transparency not in play with WSD, a strategy by trustees that should be readily apparent to division ratepayers, he said. WSD defended its proposed cuts. Were looking for every nickel between the cushions to keep Winnipeg School Division operating at effective levels. The nursery reductions include reducing the number of schools offering nursery by half, WSD finance chairman Chris Broughton said Wednesday. The administration is identifying schools with the greatest socioeconomic need. The division would cut all 66 of its adult crossing guards, but hopes it would lose police officers in only three schools thats if the province and city continue current funding even if the division pulls out. Ideally, the province and city would make up the difference and no police officers would be lost, Broughton said. Should education dollars be put into school resource officers? The reality is, its a community policing initiative, he said. Its one of three options trustees have presented. The others offer fewer cuts but tax increases of 3.9 and 4.5 per cent. WSD has one of only three nursery programs in Manitoba, and its the only one funded entirely by school property taxes Frontier and the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine are the others. During the Filmon governments austerity years in the 90s, WSD trustees reduced nursery to eight months a year, not restoring it to the full school year until the NDP was in power. Wishart has repeatedly told school boards to control spending and to stay within their mandates, but rarely does a WSD board meeting go by in which trustees are not approving one or more motions for new programs and services, most involving new spending and requiring provincial financial support. The board has advocated extensive new autism support services, provincial youth bail and probation officers stationed in high schools, division-wide equity and arts studies, studies on solar panels on schools and electric school buses, water survival training for students and even the design and construction of a tiny school bus for promotional purposes. At its next meeting on March 6, the board will debate proposals to establish indigenous artists in residence, a division-wide ride-sharing program and a division-wide food issues council. Those are all great ideas, Wishart said, but they all cost money Ive told them, concentrate on your mandate. Two years ago, the former NDP government assigned respected educator John Wiens to investigate the WSD board. Wiens concluded the trustees were an out-of-control board guilty of shameful and reckless dysfunction and recommended the minister fire them. Trustees were given several extensions of time to clean up their act and WSD trustees have come a long way, Wishart said this week, but the Wiens report is still on his desk. We havent signed off on that, the minister said. nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 23/02/2017 (2082 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. With the recent spike in the number of asylum seekers crossing the U.S. border into Manitoba, Immigration Partnership Winnipeg is calling for help to ensure refugee claimants get the support they need. Representatives from a range of groups have been invited to meet today to help draft a comprehensive plan on how best to respond to the influx of migrants. The groups include Canada Border Services Agency, RCMP, federal immigration officials, Manitoba government, City of Winnipeg, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and Muslim and Christian faith organizations. Phil Hossack / Winnipeg Free Press files Abdikheir Ahmed Due to time constraints, organizers said, the meeting isnt public. Hundreds of people have illegally crossed into Canada from the United States in recent months, with more than 100 making the trek across the unmanned border near the town of Emerson. What if 500 people showed up, what do we have in place? What if 100 people show up in one day, what do we have in place? Abdikheir Ahmed, director of Immigration Partnership Winnipeg, said Wednesday. We have few resources, supports in place, haphazardly here and there. The first thing is to put everybody on the same page about this issue. To talk about a preliminary, co-ordinated structure: how best (can we) provide support to these people? The most critical needs, Ahmed said, are housing, transportation from the border, food and help with casework in terms of processing migrants claims to Canadas immigration department. It may not be easy to come to a consensus, but first is to provide information, then to talk about the most critical things: who can provide what and how do we do it? Immigration Partnership Winnipeg is a non-governmental organization seeking to create a welcoming environment for newcomers. On Monday, it put out a call on its Facebook page asking for donations of supplies, including winter clothes, to be used at the border. While the number of people who may yet make the sometimes perilous trek into Manitoba is unknown, Ahmed said, one thing we anticipate: if there are 20 people showing up at -20 C, then you have to expect more people when the weather is better. Things that we hear from the other side of the border is lots of people are scared and they want to get to a place where they are safe, Ahmed said, addressing the mood that is fuelling the recent surge in border-jumpers who originally left strife-torn nations such as Somalia. Because of the language that is coming from the American administration, they are worried about being deported back home where they may be persecuted. scott.emmerson@freepress.mb.ca Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 22/02/2017 (2083 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Usually, its only when something goes critically wrong, that hospitals make headlines. But there is something else thats important, a cultural shift, thats good news for everyone involved. It was suggested in Saturdays column in which the husband of a wife who died in the St. Boniface Hospital intensive care unit wrote about how his Dearly Beloved in fact the whole family had been treated during those life-and-death last days for Susan White. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Dr. Gregg Eschun, the medical director for the St. Boniface Hospital intensive care unit, and Wendy Rudnick, the chief nursing officer of St Boniface Hospital are piloting a movement to involve families with the care of patients of intensive care units. A story that needs telling, was the subject line of Greg Whites email. His letter went on to describe how, just two years ago, the hospitals intensive care medicine/surgery unit, or ICMS, began an innovative approach to caring that focused on treating not only the patients in the beds, but caring for and communicating with the family as well. To the point where the health care team wants the family to be with them on daily medical rounds in the 10-bed, second-floor unit. They explain to family exactly what is going on and why, Greg wrote. They will spend as much time as possible fully answering any questions whatsoever. They constantly check on the familys condition and will do whatever is needed for them, while working long hours in a very stressful environment. To a person, each member of the team is loving and compassionate to everyone involved. I know, because I was there from noon Monday until Thursday afternoon. Not only that, but Greg and his family felt embraced by the doctors and nurses who showed the same kind of compassion for them as they did for Susan. He called what he wittnessed a small miracle. Which is why I wanted to know more about a hospital practice that, at least anecdotally, seems so different from the norm. So this week I met with Dr. Gregg Eschun, the medical director for the St. Boniface Hospital intensive care unit, and Wendy Rudnick, the chief nursing officer. Eschun called family presence a major cultural change. When we first started discussions around this, he said, it was such a culture shock to the health care team that there was some natural fear and trepidation. Rudnick could identify with that in a personal way, but a different time. She recalled being a critical care nurse at Health Sciences Centre in the late 1980s and her first troubling experience during a time when hospitals kept families from going behind the curtain with doctors and nurses. I felt just absolutely terrible because we kept a family out, because we had to tend to all the medical procedures. That was time spent with the health care team, and not with the family to say goodbye. Rudnick also remembers her first glimpse at the future, maybe as long ago as 2000, when she was troubled again, but for a different reason. That moment involved Dr. Luis Oppenheimer, and his compassion for the family of a young woman who was close to death. He had the husband and the young family there, and we were doing a resuscitation. And he was just comfortable with having the family present, Rudnick explained. She said Oppenheimer calmly explained to the family what was happening, what was going to happen and what was likely to be the result. It was unusual, Rudnick said. It was more than that. It was a bit unnerving, she acknowledged. She meant for herself and the rest of the health care team attending with Oppenheimer. People were somewhat excited about the opportunity to have family present, Rudnick said. But they were also very nervous about whats this going to look like. It was just unknown. It was: do we know what their emotions are going to be? How were they going to respond and react? Yet, as far as St. Boniface Hospital has come in the last two years with its progressive, family present model it still hasnt come as far as Oppenheimer took the team that day so many years ago. Were not quite there yet, Eschun said. But Victoria General, the other hospital Eschun credits with spearheading the family present movement in Winnipeg, does include families of adult patients during resuscitation. As does Childrens Hospital and St. Boniface Hospital neonatal intensive care. Without the foresight of Dr. Kim Wiebe, though, we might not have come this far. Wiebe was working as an assistant professor at the University of Calgarys department of critical care when she witnessed families being involved in ICU care, and brought the idea back on her return to Winnipeg six years ago as medical director of St. Bonifaces intensive care unit. It would be Eschun, Wiebes successor, who would implement it. Greg Whites email to me about how he and his family felt about being included and embraced during his wifes final days represents the kind of thank-you St. Boniface Hospital receives for its family-inclusive efforts in its intensive care unit, where unlike other general wards theres a nurse for every bed. But praise isnt the only kind of feedback the medical team has received from families. And involving family sometimes has benefits that go beyond what doctors and nurses expect. More than once in my personal experience Eschun said of family being present, theyve offered life-saving information that we didnt know about: about past history, about allergies. That whole history is gold. Near the end of our conversation, I wondered if this kind of specialized care and caring would ever reach the rest of the hospital, where staffing levels and workloads are so different. Eschuns response was heartening, if not not convincing. I think society is going to demand it eventually. gordon.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 23/02/2017 (2082 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A month ago, the parents were fighting back tears, afraid they may never see their two young children again. Last week, they cried tears of joy after an Immigration and Refugee Board member ruled they were entitled to Canadas protection, and so are their children. I cant wait to see them to give them hugs I cannot wait, their mother said through an interpreter. We have no words to explain how we feel, their father said in Amharic. SUPPLIED The mom keeps this picture close to her it is a two-year-old photo of their two little boys taken before the couple came to Canada for vacation in March 2015. After the positive decision, the couple from Ethiopia looked 10 years younger as though a giant weight has been lifted from their shoulders. They havent been able to see their two little boys since March 2015, when they left them at home with their grandmother to attend an anniversary and a graduation in Canada. After they left, their world turned upside down. The Ethiopian government seized the well-to-do couples assets. Their family members went into hiding. They learned the father was wanted by authorities in Ethiopia and it wasnt safe for them to go back. The couple has asked not to be identified because they fear media exposure could lead to government retribution for their relatives in Ethiopia. He had been a major funder and supporter of the opposition Unity for Democracy and Justice Party, and had run-ins with the Ethiopian government in the past. The successful businessman was regularly threatened and squeezed for money. At election time, hed be jailed. In 2013, he was taken from one of his businesses to a place where he was held for several days and beaten. It was the cost of doing business and the price he willingly paid for hanging on to his political beliefs in the hope of a better Ethiopia for his kids. When that hope disappeared in 2015, the couple filed a refugee claim to stay in Canada. If granted protection, they could bring their children to safety. At their Immigration and Refugee Board hearing in November 2015, board member Douglas Cryer didnt ask them about their documents, but in his written decision issued weeks later, he said he doubted their legitimacy. In January 2016, Cryer ruled against them, saying their application for protection in Canada was manifestly unfounded. They were to be removed from Canada on Feb. 16, 2016. They were panicking. Two days before their removal date, their lawyer was able to get a stay of the removal order. Bashir Khan applied to Federal Court for a judicial review, arguing Cryers decision was wrong and made without regard to the facts. The Federal Court ordered a new hearing with a new adjudicator. It was held by teleconference Feb. 14 with board member Richard Jackson in Vancouver. After grilling the husband about his political activities in Ethiopia and subsequent torture, he granted the couple Canadas protection. Khan said once they have the decision in writing they can apply for permanent resident status and once its approved which often takes several months they can bring their two little boys to Canada. The parents have been able to work in Winnipeg and have received help from a prominent local Ethiopian businessman to support themselves. They said theyre eager to get their children here and optimistic about their future. The outcome of their case inspires faith in Canadas immigration system after their first hearing was flawed and the Federal Court ordered a new one, Khan said. Justice was served in round two, the lawyer sais. Canada signed on to the Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees in 1969. That means it has a legal obligation not to refoule (send back) a person who has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion. The Geneva Convention was written for people like my clients, Khan said. carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 23/02/2017 (2082 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Asylum seekers might not be the only thing flooding across the U.S. border into Manitoba local residents and community leaders in Emerson may soon be dealing with rising water levels at the same time. The U.S. National Weather Service said Wednesday there is more than an 80 per cent chance of major flooding along the Red River near the Manitoba border in the coming weeks. On the same morning, another seven refugee claimants (six adults and one child) walked into Emerson and surrendered to local authorities. That brings the total of asylum seekers at Emerson to 111 since Jan. 1. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES As officials prepare for more migrants crossing from the U.S. into Manitoba this spring, flood forecasters warn there is a huge risk of flooding on the Red River near Emerson. This could make migrant crossings more dangerous. So the latest flood forecast was yet another cause for concern for Greg Janzen, reeve of the Emerson-Franklin municipality. Really? That high, eh? Janzen said. Wow, that sure changed in a hurry. Although dikes in both Emerson and nearby Dominion City have been built two to three feet above 1997 flood levels, Janzen said rising water levels could become an issue for asylum seekers and authorities tasked with protecting the border. Whats going to happen here if we get a flood and these people are still coming in? the reeve said. Theyre going to have to be coming in even farther away from Emerson and thats more open field. With all the people coming across, it could widen the search for the RCMP and the border patrol. Janzen and local MP, Conservative Ted Falk, met with RCMP Friday to reiterate concerns of local residents to bolster the number of officers. Since that meeting, another 42 refugee claimants have crossed the international border into Emerson eight on Friday, followed by 22 early Sunday, five early Monday and seven Wednesday. Falk said he stressed that staff and resources should be added to both RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at the Emerson border but not at the expense of other residents of the riding. I made it clear to them that residents of Emerson cannot shoulder this responsibility themselves, nor should they be expected to, Falk said Wednesday. I have been assured that resources are being reallocated to the Emerson area to deal with this situation. This is good news, but those reallocated resources should not come at the expense of services in other areas of Provencher. The last thing we want to see is an emergency in another area of rural Manitoba that cannot be responded to in a timely fashion because the majority of resources are focused on illegal migrants in the Emerson area. Taxpayers must have the services they pay for available to them when they need it. Any flooding in the coming months will only exacerbate the current problem. Meanwhile, the reeve said the crossings on Monday and Wednesday mark a departure from recent weeks when border crossings have largely been confined to weekends. Theyre changing their routine, he said. And thats where its going to get tough to watch the border with fewer people. When they were coming on the weekend you kind of knew it and could have more resources here just for a couple of days. Now that theyre starting to come in the middle of the week that takes a lot more resources. The arrivals on Wednesday showed up at the Emerson Inn at about 6:30 a.m. They were welcomed in and fed eggs and coffee by the restaurant owner, said hotel manager Wayne Pfiel. The claimants were in good condition, despite a four-hour walk, Pfiel said. They were all wearing winter clothing. They surrendered to RCMP and were taken to border officials for screening before being transported to Winnipeg. Emerson isnt the only border-crossing hot spot thats dealing with a spike in asylum seekers and requesting assistance. On Monday, the RCMP confirmed they had bolstered their presence at the Quebec border and that border authorities had created a temporary refugee centre to process a growing number of asylum seekers crossing from the United States near Hemmingford, Que. The CBSA said the number of people making refugee claims at Quebec-U.S. border crossings more than doubled from 2015 to 2016. Last month, 452 people made claims in Quebec compared with 137 in January 2016, the agency said. In response to a request to RCMP headquarters in Winnipeg about increasing staff at Emerson, a spokesman replied in an email: The RCMP is continually assessing and enhancing resources at the border to ensure we can detect and arrest individuals illegally crossing into Manitoba. This includes adding both human and technological resources at the border. Meanwhile, Manitoba will issue its first formal flood forecast on Monday. Im hoping were not going to have to worry about the asylum seekers that much, Janzen said, because Im hoping were going to have all the resources here when that time comes that will be one less thing we have to deal with that we get all this stuff in order before the flood. randy.turner@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @randyturner15 Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 23/02/2017 (2082 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The Manitoba government is providing more assistance to refugee claimants as it continues to press the federal government to step up its response to the steady stream of asylum seekers pouring into Canada from the United States at Emerson. At a news conference Thursday at Welcome Place, Premier Brian Pallister pledged $110,000 in additional funding to the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council to provide support services to refugee claimants including paralegal services and safe transportation to Winnipeg from the U.S. border. The province will also provide $70,000 to the Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations to hire a refugee response co-ordinator for a 12-month period. And, it will immediately supply 14 new emergency housing units to meet the growing need for temporary shelter for asylum seekers. As of Wednesday, 111 refugee claimants had entered Canada illegally near Emerson since Jan. 1. In a room packed with refugee-service providers, asylum seekers, government officials and journalists some from as far away as Japan Pallister emphasized that Manitoba would continue to offer a warm welcome to the newcomers, but said Ottawa could be doing more to help. This is a national issue, not solely one that we are facing here in Manitoba, he said. We must remember also that there is a need for a national and co-ordinated approach. Pressed for specifics, the premier said the province is seeking improved information sharing from the federal government and assurances that services are effectively managed. He suggested there must also be an acknowledgement from Ottawa that action is needed to address a situation that some would fear is getting somewhat out of hand. I would encourage the federal government to move beyond the talking points of us having a worse problem 15 years ago and recognize there is a challenge today. We need to face the challenges of today together, the premier said. Pallister sent a letter Tuesday to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outlining his concerns. His staff would not divulge the contents of the letter, although Manitoba is said to be concerned about the length of time in which refugee claimants are the financial responsibility of the province four months before federal funding kicks in. Once it does arrive, federal settlement funding for refugee claimants lasts for only one year. The province announced the modest new measures as it tackles a billion-dollar deficit and faces increasing costs on several fronts from health care and education to a potentially expensive major spring flood. Pallister has also been facing pressure for assistance from municipalities in dealing with asylum seekers. One prime concern is the stress put on local fire and paramedic services when refugee claimants cross the boundary on foot after spending hours in bone-chilling temperatures. Greg Janzen, reeve of Emerson Franklin Municipality, said local volunteer firefighters, some of whom have first-responder training, have been answering numerous calls for help to assist the border-jumpers. When we do get medical calls our first-responders are there before the ambulances, Janzen said Thursday. There is also concern that the Southern Health authoritys paramedic resources are being stretched by calls at the border. If there is a traffic accident out at Plum Coulee and all the ambulances are sitting at the border, somebody is not getting service, Janzen said. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Premier Brian Pallister spoke at Welcome Place Thursday morning, where he pledged emergency funding for refugee applicants. The reeve, who attended Thursdays news conference, said he was really happy that the premier indicated he would work with the Paramedic Association of Manitoba to station primary-care paramedics at Emerson on a temporary basis. Eric Glass, administrative director with PAM, said his organization is interested in working with the province and Southern Health to place a paramedic in the border community to assess asylum seekers and provide any initial care required. He said such a move would not necessarily require the presence of an ambulance. We want to make this happen because we think its something that the community will benefit from, Glass said. Along with announcing new supports for agencies that provide services to refugee claimants, the province announced Thursday that it would introduce new programs to assist newcomers to find employment as soon as they are able to work legally in Canada. Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart said the province will spend $1.1 million in the coming year on four pilot projects with training centres such as Red River College and the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology to provide job skills in such areas as construction, manufacturing and the hospitality industry. Meanwhile, the recipients of the new funding announced Thursday were thankful for the support. We are absolutely delighted that the premier and the government of Manitoba have made this announcement, said Rita Chahal, executive director of the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council. We dont have a lot of the details yet, but we look forward to working with them to ensure that this money is used effectively in the service delivery (for) refugee claimants. Asked whether the $110,000 in extra funding would be sufficient given the likelihood of many more asylum seekers entering the province in the future, she said: Its too early to speculate, but we will monitor it (the situation). larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 22/02/2017 (2083 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Seven asylum seekers crossed the U.S. border into Emerson early Wednesday morning, bringing the total since Jan. 1 to 111. The seven arrived at the Emerson Inn at about 6:30 a.m., hotel manager Wayne Pfiel said. RCMP had not confirmed the numbers Wednesday. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES At least 22 refugee claimants crossed the border near Emerson overnight Saturday, Feb. 19, reeve Greg Janzen said. Pfiel said the migrants were all in good condition after a four-hour trek through the snow, noting they were all wearing winter clothing. The owners of the restaurant/hotel fed the asylum seekers coffee and eggs before they were taken for processing by local RCMP, he said. Pfiel said the refugee claimants said they were dropped off at the border by a taxi driver from Grand Forks and made their way to Emerson on foot. Emerson-Franklin Reeve Greg Janzen said the arrivals during the weekday represent a departure from recent weeks, when dozens have crossed over on Friday or Saturday night, including more than 70 in the last month alone. Theyre breaking routine, Janzen said. And thats where its going to get tougher to watch the border with fewer people. When they were coming on the weekend, you kind of knew it and you could have more resources here for just a couple of days. In January and February 2016, the Canada Border Services Agency reports there were no claimants crossing in Manitoba. There have been more than 500 since April 1 almost a 50 per cent increase over 2015-16, with still more than a month before the end of the fiscal year. In Quebec, RCMP reported 452 people crossed the border to make a refugee claim in January, an increase of 230 per cent from a year earlier. randy.turner@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @randyturner15 Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 23/02/2017 (2082 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Juno, a 15-month-old female polar bear from the Toronto Zoo, is coming to Winnipegs Assiniboine Park Zoo on March 1. Juno will be coming to Winnipeg to socialize with other polar bears closer to her age and size. Junos arrival in Winnipeg will be like a visit from family; Juno is the younger sister of Hudson and Humphrey, who both lived in Assiniboine Park Zoos Journey to Churchill exhibit before moving back to the Toronto Zoo last October. Both Hudson and Humphrey were born at the Toronto Zoo. FACEBOOK / THE TORONTO ZOO Juno the polar bear, as seen at the Toronto Zoo. Juno was born at the Toronto Zoo on Nov. 11, 2015. She was the only survivor in a litter of two but was raised by zoo staff when her mother couldnt produce milk. Juno will be quarantined in Winnipeg for the standard 30 days and then live in the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre. She will eventually be introduced to Nanuq and Siku, two polar bear cubs already living there. Were excited because with the facility we have and the bears we have, we have the opportunity to provide Juno with some socialization with some bears her own age and similar size, said Johanna Soto, the Assiniboine Park Zoos curator of animal care and behavioural husbandry. Because she was the only surviving cub in a litter of two, she was closely monitored and cared for by the Toronto staff in the early stages of her life and so didnt have that sibling. Being with our bears will help her learn how to communicate with bears, in body language and vocal signals. Soto said interacting with other polar bears is important to their well-being to help give them the best possible life in captivity. What we have found with the bears we have now, and weve introduced different bears to each other, they really do appear to enjoy each others company. We find that after the initial introduction, they give other signals while theyre introducing themselves to each other, usually we find between 24 and 48 hours later, theyre playing together. Jeff Young, the supervisor of wildlife care Americas at the Toronto Zoo, said Winnipeg was the perfect place for Juno because of Nanuq and Siku. Were just not in a position right now where we have a bear of comparable size to introduce her to and they (Assiniboine Park Zoo staff) have done numerous introductions with the bears theyve received, Young said. Were partners with them and we think its a wonderful opportunity for Juno and Assiniboine (Zoo). At the Toronto Zoo, Juno can see other bears but is protected from them by a wire mesh barrier. Young said its called the Howdy program, where she can be around the other bears but not with them. In Winnipeg, Nanuq and Siku will model bear behaviour for her and include her. Young said Juno weighs about 120 kilograms. The other Toronto Zoo polar bears are older, bigger and stronger, raising safety concerns. By comparison, Junos parents Aurora and Inukshuk, who live at the Toronto Zoo, weigh about 544 kg and 362 kg, respectively. Its an honour for us to look after polar bears. They are ambassadors. Imagine trying to tell someone about the plight of polar bears and not be able to see a living animal, to appreciate the beauty, how intuitive they are, the using of their sense of smell, the interactiveness with the public, Young said. You become engaged in trying to save polar bears, because theyre not going to save themselves, and youre trying to help improve the environment. In Winnipeg, there are seven other polar bears living in the Journey to Churchill exhibit Storm, Aurora, Kaska, Blizzard, Star, York and Eli. All nine bears at the Assiniboine Park Zoo were rescued following various circumstances that would have prevented them from continuing to live in the wild. There is no breeding program. Soto said the seven polar bears in Journey to Churchill are living in two social groups. The female bears Aurora, Kaska and Star along with Storm, a neutered male, live together in one part of the polar bear habitat. Living in another area are the young males York, Eli and Blizzard. Blizzard was introduced to York and Eli in November and within 48 hours, the three of them were sleeping together, exploring together so they do create these social groups when theyre comfortable with each other and they will do things together, Soto said. It is really great to watch because it does provide them with enrichment and the ability to just be a bear. Young said there is no timeline set for how long Juno will be in Winnipeg once she is introduced to Nanuq and Siku. There will be regular communication between the Toronto Zoo and Assiniboine Park Zoo to monitor Junos progress. With their names announced last month from results of the zoos online poll, Nanuqs name is the Inuit word for polar bear and Siku is the Inuit word for ice. Juno, named in honour of Juno Beach, a historic Canadian landing spot on D-Day in the Second World War, was adopted by the Canadian Forces. She was born on Remembrance Day in 2015. Hudson, the first polar bear to live in Journey to Churchill exhibit, came to Winnipeg from Toronto in January 2013. Humphrey, Hudsons younger brother from another litter, came to Winnipeg from Toronto in March 2015. ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 23/02/2017 (2082 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. WE escaped to the American Southwest, the traditional territory of the Apache, for the snowless beauty of the desert and the sky island mountains this winter, where we encountered more than a few Americans traumatized by the unexpected election of U.S. President Donald Trump. Considering Trumps current approval ratings, thousands may now suffer from voters regret. Welcome to TrumpWorld where his first few weeks on the job have not inspired confidence. MIKE MCCLEARY / THE BISMARCK TRIBUNE FILES More than 500 clergy march on N.D. Highway 1806 near Cannon Ball, N. D., from the Oceti Sakowin Camp to the Cantapeta Creek bridge, to show solidarity for the Dakota Access Pipeline protesters. Consider his Twitter account, where he constantly defends his paper-thin skin, the infamous wall, the ban on Muslim travellers. Consider the judicial reversals of his ill-timed executive orders, the chaos in his inner circle of advisers. Consider his nominations of swamp-filling Wall Street billionaires and climate-change deniers to his cabinet, or his foreign policy blunders. Consider his habitual scorn of judges, his invention of alternative facts, walk-backs and re-explanations. The progress of his presidency has been a cascade of ineptitude. It has made his nomination campaign look almost like a model of respect, decency and restraint. But bear with us, for it is only going to get worse. There are four ominous and potentially dangerous executive orders that will continue to generate massive protests and resistance. The first of these is the executive order repealing the Dodd-Frank financial regulations. Congress enacted them following the 2008 financial meltdown to curtail the avarice and reckless speculation of the Wall Street bankers who almost gifted us with a new, greater Depression. The second is the Trump- and male-led defunding of the Planned Parenthood Federation, an organization at the vanguard of womens health and reproductive rights in America. The Washington, D.C., Womens March proved that millions of women were not impressed. The third is his chaotic mishandling of the travel ban. However, the executive order that will likely produce the most profound consequences is the decision to proceed with the construction of Energy Transfer Partners Dakota Access Pipeline through the ancestral lands of the Standing Rock Sioux Nation. This reverses the December 2016 decision by then-president Barack Obama to halt the pipeline over proof of a demonstrable threat to the water supply of the Sioux Nation and the destruction of sacred sites. Despite two treaties, Sioux land has been expropriated by the manifest-destiny approach of former U.S. administrations not a surprise in a country that has broken or ignored more than 300 such treaties. Galvanized by the courage of the Standing Rock Sioux Nation and elder LaDonna Brave Bull Allard, who established the first resistance camp in the proposed pipeline route, thousands of indigenous people from across North America have travelled to the beleaguered but unbowed Sioux Nation since early 2016. They are the frontline of a growing resistance to the pipeline. The encampment has been harassed, bullied and intimidated by private and public security, attack dogs, water cannons and arrests. Despite this, the movement has won worldwide support. This has included both indigenous and non-indigenous American veterans willing again to lay down their lives, this time for a different nation. What is most ominous is not Trumps previous partial ownership of Energy Transfer Partners or the continuing addiction to fossil fuels. It is the extent to which the president and pipeline proponents, their financial backers and over-eager politicians have gravely underestimated the Siouxs spiritual and cultural attachment to the land. The coming confrontation promises a collision of two worldviews. One values material progress at all costs, while the other holds such progress must not come through the destruction of the natural environment. If Trump and the corporate powers that be miscalculate the Siouxs determination to protect Mother Earth, that folly may very well lead to blood on the land. Beverly Sabourin retired as the vice-provost of Aboriginal Initiatives at Lakehead University and is a member of the Caribou Clan of the Pic Mobert Ojibwe. Peter Globensky is a former senior policy adviser on Aboriginal Affairs in the Prime Ministers Office and former CEO of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. The Aam Aadmi Party government of Delhi has moved the Supreme Court for setting up of a Constitution Bench to hear its appeal against Delhi High Court ruling that L-G is the head of Delhi. By India Today Web Desk: The Arvind Kejriwal government of Delhi has sought setting up of a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court to hear its appeal against the Delhi High Court verdict on who heads the GNCT (Government of National Capital Territory) of Delhi. The AAP government approached the Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court's ruling that the Lieutenant Governor is the administrative head of the GNCT. advertisement The AAP government has sought to set up a 5-judge Constitution Bench to decide the appeal on the High Court verdict pronounced last year. KEJRIWAL VERSUS DELHI L-G: THINGS TO KNOW In August last year, the Delhi High Court upheld the administrative powers of the Lieutenant Governor in matters of public order, land, police and services including the powers to appoint civil servants. The High Court had validated the notification of the Centre. The High Court Bench of Chief Justice G Rohini said, "Directions under the notification granting independence in decision making to the Lt Governor are neither illegal nor unconstitutional. The High Court asserted that Delhi is a Union Territory and the administrative powers of the Delhi L-G continue to be supreme. The High Court had held inquiry by the AAP government into various cases without the consent of the L-G as illegal. Delhi government's notification for the inquiry was struck down by the High Court. The matter had reached the Delhi High Court after the Union Home Ministry issued a notification on May 21 last year replacing a 1998 notification on the separation of powers of the LG and the elected government of Delhi. The older notification stated that the Delhi L-G would consult the Chief Minister in the matters of public order, police and services. It also said that in the event of having no consultation, the reasons should be recorded by the L-G. The May-2016 notification stated that the L-G could take independent decisions in the matters of police and services matters. The AAP had challenged the MHA notification in the Delhi High Court. After Delhi government approached it today, the Supreme Court said it would look into the plea for early setting up of a Constitution Bench to hear AAP government's appeals against the Delhi High Court verdict. The matter was mentioned by the Delhi government before a bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar who said, "We will see whether it will come up before or after the summer vacations." --- ENDS --- Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 23/02/2017 (2082 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Regrettably, the remarkably important relations between the United States and Cuba, currently under review, will not escape the disruptive gaze of the Donald Trump White House. Sooner than we think, the Trumpistas will move to upend the enormous progress made by former U.S. president Barack Obama to rebuild a respectful and constructive bilateral relationship. After having dinner last week with Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida who is a staunch critic of Raul Castros Cuba President Trump indicated the two are in sync on U.S. policy toward Cuba. That obviously spells bad news for any hope of a deepening rapprochement between the two erstwhile Cold War foes. While initially approving of a U.S.-Cuba normalization under Obama, Trump changed his mind in September 2016. Reading the political tea leaves, he started talking about halting the warming of bilateral relations and even reinstating Washingtons decades-long Cold War stance toward Havana. RAMON ESPINOSA / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES A child flies a kite with vote against the embargo in Spanish on it during an activity to request the end of the U.S. embargo against Cuba, in Havana last week. It is worth mentioning that Trump garnered 54 per cent of the Cuban-American vote in Florida (compared with Hillary Clintons 41 per cent) in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Interestingly, Obama won 53 per cent of Cuban-American voters in the 2012 presidential campaign (to Republican candidate Mitt Romneys 47 per cent). Many pundits had predicted the increase in the Latino vote in Florida especially among Puerto Ricans and younger Cuban-Americans in the Orlando area would tip the battleground state into Clintons win column. But it is entirely possible that undecided Cuban-American voters, who generally dislike any notion of a U.S.-Cuba thaw in bilateral relations, voted for Trump because of their disapproval of Obamas December 2014 diplomatic opening to Cuba. Trump even gained the endorsement last October of the hardline association representing the veterans of the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion, a first for a Republican presidential nominee. He went on to pledge taking a tougher line toward Cuba unless the Castro government altered its political system and guaranteed religious and political freedom for the Cuban people and the freeing of political prisoners. All of this, of course, is a political non-starter for the Cubans. I suspect the heretofore productive U.S. negotiations with the Cubans will now come to a screeching halt. And all the heavy diplomatic lifting that has been done to this point will be for naught. Trump will also likely move to rescind many, if not all, of Obamas executive orders on unwinding the U.S. governments five decades of Cold War-like policies toward Cuba. In addition, he will do precious little to remove the ineffectual U.S. economic blockade against the tiny Caribbean country. The one area, though, where the Trump administration might be wary of tinkering is the Obama measure to expand people-to-people contacts through increased travel to the country. Tens of thousands of Americans, aboard numerous daily U.S. flights to various parts of Cuba, have already grown accustomed to visiting the forbidden island destination. Turning back this travel clock, then, would not be without risk. Moreover, U.S. businesspeople are presently positioning themselves and scouting out viable commercial opportunities in Cuba not the least of which are U.S. cruise line companies located in Miami. Trump may well be aware of the political backlash that would come from rolling back the travel opening, though he could substantially reduce the number of categories that currently permit such visits to the island. By doing so, it would mark the beginning of a return to a failed U.S. policy of isolation, hostility and punishment. And it would leave the U.S. alone among a community of states that long ago normalized relations with Havana. Accordingly, a Trump administration will undermine gradually improving U.S. relations with the rest of the Americas. Indeed, by reversing Obamas embrace of Cuba, Trump will create diplomatic tensions with countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, squander a tremendous amount of hemispheric goodwill and open up greater political and economic opportunities for its Russian, Chinese and Iranian competitors. Clearly, this is one enemy Trump does not need to resurrect. For purposes of hemispheric stability and comity, he would be well advised to leave the Cuba file as is for a few years. But if his first chaotic month in office is any indication, we all know the value of the advice he is being given these days. So get ready for a return to a U.S.-Cuba relationship trapped in a Cold War time warp. Peter McKenna is professor and chair of political science at the University of Prince Edward Island in Charlottetown. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 23/02/2017 (2082 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The name of Louis Riel still raises blood pressure and speeds up pulse rates in Manitoba, 130 years after he died on the gallows in Regina. The effect is seen every year about this time when the Festival du Voyageur celebrates the traditions of the Metis people and when Manitoba enjoys the same mid-winter holiday as the rest of Canada and calls it Louis Riel Day. The man is still both adored as a martyr and reviled as a traitor. At this point, there are many who wish to reify Louis Riel, but like other Canadian historical figures before him, he may also fall into disrepute in his turn, particularly if historians dig too deeply. Mr. Riel is subject to skepticism for his history of mental illness, his belief in his own messianic destiny. He inspired intense loyalty from his Metis followers at the time of the 1869-70 Red River Rebellion. CANSTAR COMMUNITY NEWS Louis Riel burial site at St. Boniface Cathedral He was sometimes patient and statesmanlike in consulting widely with the people of Red River about annexation to Canada. But once opinions crystallized, he proved ruthless and cruel in seizing power and imprisoning his opponents. His decision to have Thomas Scott executed in 1870 riled Protestant supporters in Ontario and some suggest it cost Mr. Riel his moral high ground in the Red River resistance. As attempts are made by local MP Robert-Falcon Ouellette to rename the Langevin Block after Mr. Riel, caution should be exercised. Before we casually pull down one statue and replace it with another, we should check to see how well the martyrs crown or the saints halo fits on the new candidate. The higher the statue is elevated, the easier it will be for a future generation to plaster it with mud. A former government reserved a prominent place in Ottawa for a monument to the victims of communism. That project did not survive the change of government. These grand public monuments should not be used as a way for one party to bash another party. They should be used to honour those few people who are held in high esteem by the country in general. Mr. Riel made a huge contribution to the shape of Canada. He and his followers forced Central Canada to recognize the distinctive culture of the western plains. On that account he is worth remembering and studying. But he should be remembered as life size, warts and all, not inflated or airbrushed or repainted according to a political agenda. Our February holiday bears Riels name because of the political muscle put forward by the Manitoba Metis Federation in the years when the New Democratic Party was in power and Gary Doer was premier. His name was attached to the holiday just 10 years ago and already it seems like a relic of a bygone era. Manitoba has yet to find the way of remembering Mr. Riel a way that sees him whole and does not make more or less of him than he really was. The latest winter snowstorm came, left, and came again Friday in the Winona region, bringing several slushy inches of snow and precipitation. By late Friday, with snow again beginning to fall and more predicted overnight, between 1 and 3 inches was reported across Winona, with similar totals across much of southeast Minnesota, though totals always vary widely depending on location, wind and other factors. An additional 1 to 3 inches of snowfall was predicted to come throughout the evening and overnight into Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. A blizzard warning, later downgraded to an advisory, was issued across much of the state Thursday and led area schools and businesses to close, change events and alter plans for Friday and into the weekend. It still isnt clear how much more is headed to the area, given that the forecasts through Saturday have still ranged wildly from lots of rain, to several inches of snow, potentially combined with heavy winds that may cause near whiteout conditions in rural areas. The latest forecasts Friday, however, concluded that the snow apocalypse once predicted for the area will never materialize. Forecasts call for sun, clear skies, and highs in the mid-30s by later this weekend. Daytime highs are expected to jump back into the unseasonable mid-40s by the middle of next week. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has continued to advise travelers to stay home or plan ahead. For updated information on road conditions, drivers can visit 511mn.org or call 511. James Wesley Stovall, 82, died this morning after a long illness from Brights disease. While he never married and had no kith or kin of his own to look after in his later life, he has nevertheless been given kind attention for several years past since the misfortune of blindness overtook him by Mrs. V. H. Shelton, who has been particularly good to him for the past six months when his advancing infirmities have kept him confined to his bed most of the time. Mr. Stovall was a colored man who in his active years was well known and highly respected in Winona. Born in Slavery Peter Stovall, a rich English plantation owner, was the father and master of James W. Stovall. His father had come to America from England. Mr. Stovall said that his father-master was a big-hearted man and treated his slaves considerately. He frequently saw slaves on a neighboring plantation lashed with a blacksnake whip. The mother of Mr. Stovall was a colored woman, the house mistress of the father. He does not know the date of his birth, but the year was 1837. He had one brother, John B. Stovall, who lived in Winona at one time. When a small boy and until 16 years old, James was weak physically. He lived in the same home with his colored mother and white father and was taught to look after his fathers wants. His mother taught him to shave his father and cut his hair; she taught him how to weave, and also how to cook. Ho was subject to serious attacks of illness and at one time he was fitted and the shroud for his burial was made. He recovered, however, and wore the shroud in his daily duties. The sheep were sheared and the cotton put through, the gin, after which the cloth was spun and woven. All the clothing was made in the home, stockings and trousers etc. Works in Cotton Field At the age of 16, James was sent into the fields of cotton and corn to work with the other able-bodied slaves. He learned to swing an axe and delighted in working in the timber. He did not like the work in the fields, and not until he was held to that kind of labor did he desire to join the Army. He had been sent with other slaves under their young masters to work on the breastwork fortifications at Decatur and toiled diligently. While engaged in the cotton field one day, he became discouraged, and the following Sunday he went to his mistress, who was in reality his half-sister, and secured permission to attend the colored church a short distance from the plantation. It was Aug. 3, 1862, and James did not return to his duties on the plantation, but volunteered with the Union forces, serving as cook. Sees Great Battles As the cook in his company, Mr. Stovall witnessed the bloody battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga. The Union army was defeated at the former place and fell back to Chattanooga. At Chickamauga, James was detailed to carry dinner to the soldiers on the firing line, the battle having started at noon. Soon the captain told him to get back under cover and while lying flat in a muddy ditch behind an earthen bank, he decided he had had enough of warfare. A cannon ball struck not far from him, In fact so near that mud splashed upon him. Under cover in Chattanooga, he witnessed one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Along Mission Ridge, which towered above the city, there was a blaze of fire from the cannon and guns of the rebels, who were strongly entrenched. The little Yankees crept up the mountain side beneath the fire of the guns, and as the rebels turned to run, their own cannon were turned and fired upon them by the victorious Yankees. Comes to Chicago Not being enlisted, Mr. Stovall left the army there and came north to Chicago. He had not realized the purpose of the war until he found himself free to work for whom he pleased and at compensation of $2.50 a week and board. He said he didnt know what he would do with all the money at first. He remained in Chicago through both the fires, from 1864 until 1877 and served under two restaurant men, one for six mouths and one for six years. The balance of the time he spent in business for himself. In 1877, he came to Winona where his brother had preceded him. He rented the building at 76 W. Second St. and started a restaurant with three tables, charging 25 cents for meals. His competitors informed him that he would starve in a short time, but he succeeded and never charged to exceed 25 cents for a meal. At the end of his first seven years in business he bought the adjoining property on which he erected a building. Later he saved and also purchased the building which he had been renting. He erected a $1,000 monument on his lot in Woodlawn cemetery and gave to the cemetery association $500 with which to flower his future grave. Educated Through Newspapers Mr. Stovall could not read when he came to Winona and acquired what ability he had in figures and letters, through diligent and patient reading of the newspapers. That was his only education. Mr. Stovall made donations to nearly all of the churches, the Christian associations and various organizations for civic betterment and the good of the better element In the city. He was interested in the church and its work. Mr. Stovall attended every Republican inauguration since that of President Grant and even took his needle and thread when he went on such trips. He attended various worlds fairs and had a large collection of badges which he was given. One winter he spent at the Hot Springs, Ark. OPM. Other people's money. After inheriting a fortune, Donald Trump used OPM to build a huge real estate empire. And now he wants to run the country that way. Unless Republicans stop him. He wants to increase the national debt by at least $9 trillion over the next four years. The entire annual budget is $4 trillion. He is about to send Congress a proposed budget that will call for a trillion dollars in infrastructure spending, billions more on the military, cutting taxes, hiring 15,000 more immigration and border agents, and raising the cost of consumer goods by imposing tariffs. And let's not forget Trump's wall, now estimated to cost $22 billion. As for repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act? We have no idea what will happen or what the cost will be. Oh yeah. As a sop to conservatives, the administration wants to eliminate such goodies as public broadcasting, AmeriCorps, the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities, the Legal Services Corporation, and possibly drug control grants. It also wants to axe efforts to promote American exports, develop Appalachia and clean up urban squalor. Such cuts would be symbolic; they don't even total 1 percent of federal spending. Republicans applaud axing those programs but are growing nervous about the huge amount of new spending Trump proposes to finance with new debt. We have no firm idea what Trump's business debts total or to whom they are owed because he won't release his tax records. From court filings and bankruptcy proceedings, we know his debts are most likely in the range of hundreds of millions of dollars. We do know that he sometimes has no problem not paying what he owes to contractors, employees and students at his now-defunct university. Not so easy for a country to do. The under-staffed administration, which still has about 94 percent of key personnel slots unfilled, has talked little about the budget or the process or even the traditional goal of balancing the budget. Trump did tell Fox News in January: "A balanced budget is fine. But sometimes you have to fuel the well in order to really get the economy going. ... I want a balanced budget. Eventually. But I want to have a strong military." Well, OK. But military spending has too often gone toward expensive weapons legislators want built in their home districts but that the Pentagon never asked for. There have been outlays for planes that crashed and missiles that fizzled. Now there's talk of sending troops to Syria, an immensely costly possibility. As for the wall? Past efforts to construct barriers on our southern border have resulted in the loss to taxpayers of hundreds of millions of dollars. "No more wasted money," promised Trump the other day at the White House. How many times have we been assured that waste, fraud and abuse of federal funds absolutely, positively will no longer be tolerated? Trump also said, "The finances of our country are a mess, but we're going to clean them up." He went on to say that already, "We have saved billions and billions of dollars." What? He has said that the 30-year-old Air Force One fleet of two planes will not be replaced for the president who succeeds him. Hardly billions. He has imposed a hiring freeze. Hardly billions. We do know that in his first four weeks in office, we paid $10 million for him and his entourage to fly three times to his Florida estate. (Despite Trump's taunts that former President Obama was always on vacation, taxpayers paid an average of $12 million a year for Obama's personal trips.) Trump says the "absolutely out of control" federal budget will soon "reflect the priorities of the American people." But there is no way he can make up for spending increases and tax cuts without cutting popular entitlement programs for the elderly, the disabled, and the poor, or by trimming the military or health and construction grants to states. Don't worry, he says. "Everybody will be very impressed." It's been an exhausting month, filled with distractions and outrages. But we must not forget this precept: Follow the money. If it gets too bad? NASA says there's water and life on other planets. Kevin O'Connell ("Hacksaw Ridge") and Andy Nelson ("La La Land"), each with 21 nominations for sound mixing, were tied for the most nominations in the category since nominations began going to individuals in 1961. The mandatory stamping of hand baggage if flying from seven airports, namely Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Kolkata and Ahmedabad, is now history. By Anindya Banerjee: Next time you fly from any of the major metros, it will take less time. The Government today issued a circular which has done away with the mandatory stamping of baggage if flying from seven airports, namely Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Kolkata and Ahmedabad. This idea was being discussed for some time now. In December last year, all stakeholders had a meeting where it was decided to do away with this ritual in principle. advertisement Earlier, a passenger flying to a destination, either domestic or abroad, had to get a security stamp on the tag on his or her hand baggage, without which they could not get inside the aircraft. The stamp was a sign that the baggage has been thoroughly checked and is safe to be carried in the plane. But these seven airports already have state of the art security system in place, which makes the stamping exercise futile. CISF that is in charge of the security of all airports cites that scanning a bag through x-ray, CCTV or very recently installed body scanners, makes it impossible for a flier to sneak in anything that is not permitted. That's why the government issued a circular today, which has eliminated the need of stamping the baggage, with immediate effect. The circular signed by Jyoti Narayan, Director General of BCAS, issued the circular today invoking the power conferred under section 5A of the Aircraft Act. The news was broken by the Aviation Minister Gajapathi Raju himself, who took to Twitter to reason this. For now, the takeaway for all fliers is that you don't have to spend that extra while at the security gate to get your baggage stamped. --- ENDS --- Submit an event for Around Town by emailing calendar information to bnr-news@wiscnews.com at least three business days before the event date. Today Free prom dresses: 4-6 p.m., Beccas Closet, Recycled Sallys, 119 Third Ave., Baraboo. Free prom dresses will be available. For more information, call 608-963-8892. Baking class: 6-8 p.m., Parkview Bed & Breakfast, 211 North Park St., Reedsburg. Rustic Breads class with Shawn Rediske of Water House Foods. Cost is $30 per person and limited to 8 participants. To check availability, call Lorraine at 608-495-9046. Friday, Feb. 24 Movie: 1 p.m., Sauk City Public Library, 515 Water St., Sauk City. View a free family-friendly movie, rated PG; 1 hour 45 minutes. Adults must accompany children 5 and younger. Popcorn and bottled water will be served. Fish fry: 5-7 p.m., Emanuel United Methodist Church, 101 14th St., Baraboo. Fried cod and baked haddock, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, bread and dessert. Price is $10 for adults, $1 per year of age for kids up to $10, kids 3 and younger are free. Proceeds will benefit Hope House of South Central Wisconsin Inc. Art show: 5:30-7:30 p.m., River Arts on Water Gallery, 590 Water St., Prairie du Sac. Featuring two local artists. Light food and refreshments provided. For more information, call 608-643-5215, email info@riverartsinc.org, or visit www.riverartsinc.org. Family night: 5:30-8 p.m., Sauk Prairie Recreation Department, Community Center, 730 Monroe St., Sauk City. Family Fun Night will include bounce houses, volleyball, special guests, karate demonstration, pizza for sale and much more. Cost is $5 per child, one-year-old and younger are free. Bring a nonperishable food item to donate to food pantry and receive an entry to win a prize. All proceeds go toward the departments scholarship fund or purchase of new equipment. Lyme disease support group: 6:30-8 p.m. Hillsboro Public Library, 819 High Ave., Hillsboro. Monthly meeting for people afflicted with lyme borrelia burgdorferi and other tick-bourne diseases in Vernon, Monroe, Sauk and Richland counties. For more information, call Gary Cepek at 608-489-2725 or email garycepek@yahoo.com. Bowling: 7 p.m., Reedsburg Area Ambulance crew, Brewsters Lanes, 121 Viking Drive, Reedsburg. 36th annual 9-Pin Bowling Tournament Fundraiser with nine shifts. Entry forms available at Brewsters Lanes or at www.reedsburgambulance.com/bowling-tournament.html. Entry fee is $20 and includes shoes. There will be door prize drawings and raffles held during each shift. For more information, call Josh at 608-524-3074 or email raccbowling@yahoo.com. Photo presentation: 7:30 p.m., The Village Booksmith, 526 Oak St., Baraboo. Photographer Stephanie Shanks will share stories and images from her recent trip to Iceland. For more information, call 608-355-1001 or visit www.villagebooksmith.com. Saturday, Feb. 25 Ventriloquist: 10 a.m., Ruth Culver Community Library, 540 Water St., Prairie du Sac. Comedy ventriloquist David Pendleton will perform his Anything Can Talk show with characters Mack, Buford, Aunt Tilly and Vern. How-to instruction will also be provided. Recommended for ages 4-10. For more information, call Beth at 643-8318. Scavenger hunt: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Devils Lake State Park. Families will receive a set of clues to go on a scavenger hunt. Some challenges require a GPS unit (provided by the Nature Center). Bring a camera. There will be a small prize for completing one of the challenges. Meet at the Nature Center. For more information, call 608-356-8301. Author celebration: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., August Derleth Center, 300 Water St., Sauk City. Celebration of August Derleths 108th birthday. The public is invited to look at the work done so far on the center, take a Derleth Tour and purchase some of Derleths books. Free prom dresses: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Beccas Closet, Recycled Sallys, 119 Third Ave., Baraboo. Free prom dresses will be available. For more information, call 608-963-8892. Fundraiser: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Blackhawk United Methodist Church, McFarlanes, 780 Carolina St., Sauk City, and Sauk Prairie Market, 645 3rd S., Prairie du Sac. Youth in middle and high school 30-hour famine event to raise awareness and accept donations for World Vision. Ventriloquist: 2 p.m., River Arts Center, 105 Ninth St., Prairie du Sac. Comedy ventriloquist David Pendleton will perform his Anything Can Talk show with characters Mack, Buford, Aunt Tilly and Vern. Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors, $15 for students, available at www.riverartsinc.org, at River Arts on Water, 590 Water St., Prairie du Sac, at 608-643-5215, or at the door. Bowling: 3 and 7 p.m., Reedsburg Area Ambulance crew, Brewsters Lanes, 121 Viking Drive, Reedsburg. 36th annual 9-Pin Bowling Tournament Fundraiser with nine shifts. Entry forms available at Brewsters Lanes or at www.reedsburgambulance.com/bowling-tournament.html. Entry fee is $20 and includes shoes. There will be door prize drawings and raffles held during each shift. For more information, call Josh at 608-524-3074 or email raccbowling@yahoo.com. Card tournament: 4-7 p.m., Reedsburg Area High School alumni Chelsee Carrig and Hannah Parkhurst, Just One Bar and Grill, 165 E Main St., Reedsburg. Euchre tournament for the American Family Childrens Hospital in Madison. Entry fee is $15 per person, with prizes for first place, $50; second place, $30; third place, $20, with 50/50 raffle and silent auction and food available. To register, call 608-524-0808 or visit Just One. Smelt-chicken feed: 4 p.m., North Freedom Fire Department, North Freedom Municipal Building, 105 N. Maple St., North Freedom. Ticket prices are $11 for adults in advance, $12 at the door and $5.00 for children 12 and younger. Proceeds will be used for the purchase of equipment. Concert: 7 p.m., CAL Center Presents River Cities Jazz Big Band, 1100 S. Albert Ave., Reedsburg. Tickets are $20, adults; $17, seniors; $10, kids 18 and younger. Tickets available at the door. Sunday, Feb. 26 Free meal: 4-6 p.m., St. John Lutheran Church, 307 Sixth St., Reedsburg. Open Table Community Meal sponsored by the Rotary Club of Reedsburg. Monday, Feb. 27 Senior potluck luncheon: Noon to 1 p.m., Baraboo Area Senior Center, 124 Second St., Room 24, Baraboo. Speaker will be Mindy Schafer, Elder Benefit Specialist at the Sauk County Aging and Disability Resouce Center. There is no cost but bring a side dish to pass. For more information, call Diane Pillsbury at 608-356-8464. Hearing aid cleaning: 1-2 p.m., Baraboo Area Senior Center, 124 Second St., Room 24, Baraboo. Lisa Zimmerman will offer a courtesy hearing aid check and cleaning. There is no fee. For more information, call Diane Pillsbury at 608-356-8464. Book club: 6:30 p.m., Sauk City Public Library, 515 Water St., Sauk City. A potluck-style club that will sample new cookbooks monthly. Februarys meeting features Good Eats by Alton Brown. Sign up for a dish slot at the check-out counter. Driver safety: 6:30 p.m., Sauk County Association for Home and Community Education, ETN room, 505 Broadway St., Baraboo. Best Driving Practices, will be presented by Sauk County Sheriffs Deputy Andrew Kulas. Kulas will speak about sharing the road, hazardous and emergency situations, keeping driving skills sharp and other related topics. Interested persons from the community as well as HCE members are welcome to come and participate. For more information, call UW-Extension at 608-355-3250. Podcast lesson: 6:30 p.m., Baraboo Public Library, 230 Fourth Ave., Baraboo. Learn about podcasts and how to access shows, subscribe to shows and manage a playlist. Bring the device used for podcasts, such as laptop, mp3 player, tablet or smartphone. Free program. For more information, call 608-356-6166. Tuesday, Feb. 28 Senior Android workshop: 9 a.m. to noon, Baraboo Area Senior Center, 124 Second St., Room 24, Baraboo. Cell Plus device specialist Gene Rolland will lead the workshop which includes a class booklet, instruction about calls, messaging, email, apps, settings and more. There is no charge. For more information, call Diane Pillsbury at 608-356-8464. Meeting: 6:15-8:15 p.m., Our Wisconsin Revolution, Baraboo Public Library, 230 Fourth Ave., Baraboo. The purpose of the meeting is to organize a local progressive group that will be affiliated with the state and nationwide organizations. This is an independent, statewide, membership-driven, democratic-populist organization that aims to take back Wisconsin government and make it of, by, and for the people. For more information, visit www.ourwisconsinrev.com. Book art workshop: 6:30 p.m., Baraboo Public Library, 230 Fourth Ave., Baraboo. Artist and teacher Laurie Dummer will demonstrate 3-D paper sculpture of a snowy owl. All materials are supplied and there is no cost to attend. For more information, call 608-356-6166. Wednesday, March 1 Hospice training: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Agrace Hospice and Palliative Care, 1670 South Blvd., Baraboo. Volunteers are needed to visit and provide companionship to local hospice patients. For more information, an application or to schedule orientation, call 608-327-7163. Two proposals to transform highly visible buildings won support Tuesday from the Baraboo Plan Commission. Plans to turn the former Action Electric building into a Mexican grocery and the onetime school headquarters into a private residence got preliminary nods, with final approval yet to come. Action Electric rezoning Adolfo Morales and Ana Torres returned to the Plan Commission a month after providing a floor plan showing how the vacant Action Electric building at 609 Eighth Ave. would be renovated and reopened as Las Milpas Hispanic Store. This time, they brought architectural renderings depicting how the buildings exterior would look. It shows sandy brown vinyl siding accented by masonry and maroon awnings. I like the looks of it, said Commissioner James ONeill. Its very attractive. The store has outgrown its location off U.S. Highway 12 and is looking to move and expand. Were trying to see what looks better, Morales said. I want to do it better. Commissioners voiced support for the plan and voted unanimously in support of rezoning the property to allow for its use as a grocery store. The proposal will be the subject of a public hearing before the City Council next week. Its certainly going to be an improvement over what exists there, said City Engineer Tom Pinion. School building rezoning Another rezoning request earned initial support from the commission Tuesday. Doug Atwell and Teresa Hoffman are set to buy the former Baraboo School District administration office at 101 Second Ave. They want it rezoned for residential use, as they plan to renovate it and use it as their home. They plan to close on the sale at the end of this month. Pinion noted that although the property lies in a commercial area, the downtown business district is dotted with single-family homes. The neighborhood still has some residential character, he said. Atwell and Hoffman said they plan to preserve the building, which originally served as a post office. Theyll alter the entrance, but keep the windows intact. A loading dock would become a deck, and in time the parking lot could become a yard. We want to restore it exactly the way it is, Atwell said. The commission didnt vote on the proposal, but offered informal support. Id like to see the building preserved, said Commissioner Pat Liston. I admire your courage, added Alderman Tom Kolb, referring to the significant investment the building will require. The school district decided to move its staff into an office building in West Baraboo and sell its former headquarters due to structural problems, mold, asbestos and other expensive maintenance needs. Anytime we can save something, its always beneficial, said Commissioner Roy Franzen. Our town has a good heritage, and this would help keep it. The Walldogs are a group of artists who volunteer their time each summer to paint murals on walls in selected cities during a Walldogs Mural Festival. The artists volunteer to become Walldogs artists and most own a business. A Walldog Festival is assigned to one or two cities each year chosen by the Walldogs organization. After Downtown Beaver Dam Inc. applied to be a Walldogs festival city, Walldogs representatives toured Beaver Dam and decided the city met its requirements with a multitude of possible canvases for murals. Artists from New Zealand, Canada, England, Germany and from multiple states in the United States have already committed to being at the Beaver Dam festival this summer. Although the Walldogs artists volunteer their time, the festival is not free. Each mural has a specified cost which covers the design, wall prep, specialized paint, equipment at the site and other supplies. DBDI will host each artist providing meals, snacks, housing, a central meeting place and equipment for use at the mural sites. Beaver Dam has two Walldogs artists living in the community, Judy Beyer and Jessalyn Braun. Both are experienced artists who have participated in Walldogs Mural Festivals in other cities. Beyer is a watercolor artist who owns her own studio in Beaver Dam. She assisted in painting the Monarch Range (2013) and Kamrath TV & Radio (2015) murals. Those murals can be seen on the south sides of the Richards Insurance and Interquest buildings. Braun is a sculptor and print maker and serves as executive director of Beaver Dam Area Arts Association. Braun helped paint the Kamrath mural. Each mural has a Walldogs project leader and assigned artists (usually five or six) depending on the size of the mural. The project leader is the artist that creates/designs the mural. The project leader follows the blueprint of the mural design, mixes the paint and assigns the parts of the mural that each artist paints. Some Walldogs artists are specialists. For example, some artists only paint the lettering. The mural design is created by the project leader from historical data supplied by the DBDI Mural Committee. Mural designs are historical based on research by the local committee and are approved by the committee. A mural champion financially supports the mural and selects the theme he/she wants to support. The first mural festival was held in Allentown, Iowa, in 1993. Nancy Bennett founded the Walldogs organization and will serve as the overall Walldogs captain for the 2017 festival. There is still time for individuals, companies, service organizations, or others to contribute to a mural or the mural festival. Contact mural festival co-chairs Karla Jensen at 356-2120, extension 236 or Kay Appenfeldt at 887-1693. The public is invited to visit the artists at the mural sites downtown and throughout the Beaver Dam community June 28 through July 2. Emili Cruz Emili Julieta Cruz came joyfully into this world Sept. 12, 2000. Emili packed a lot of living into the too short of time she was given. Her old soul became untethered and flew, finally pain free, Feb. 21, 2017. She fought valiantly against a myriad of chronic illnesses for a long time, before ultimately succumbing to HLH. Her life was not defined by pain and illness. She will be remembered most for and be defined by her strength, creativity and above all else, love. Emili was the loving daughter of Lauren Hall and Miguel Cruz. She was the loving sister to Gael and Diego. She was the great-granddaughter of James Gehl. She was the granddaughter of Michele and David Polster, Hilda Hernandez and Miguel Cruz Sr. Emili is further survived by her auntie, Megan Noel (Jean Junior), and uncle, Clay Hall (Lisa), along with her cousins, Colin, Liam and Rion. She is also survived by her great aunt, Mary Beth Gehl (Shinji Takahashi) and her dear friend and cousin, Nanna Takahashi, who was like a sister to her. In addition Emili will be greatly missed by a host of family and friends, both here and in Mexico, including her uncle, Ricky Hall, and his parents, Richard and Pam Hall. She was preceded in death by her two great-grandmothers, Mercedes Gehl and Guadalupe Gomez. Emili left behind a legacy of love. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. She battled bravely against pain and chronic illness, while unflinchingly refusing to let it define or stop her. The more her physical body failed, the more her determination and perseverance of spirit soared. Emili enjoyed a lot in her brief time here. She especially loved crafting, swimming and singing. She held a special place in her heart for animals and loved going to the zoo. Emili was a talented and very capable artist, and took great pride in expressing her creativity. She refused to let her physical limitations hinder her creativity and academic achievements, excelling at both. She possessed both an intelligence and empathy that belied her years. More than anything Emili loved and was loved by her family. Following Emilis specific wishes, a fiesta, a celebration of her life, will be held Sunday, Feb. 26, at 3 p.m. at the Hustisford Community Hall, 316 E. Tweedy St., Hustisford. In keeping with a cultural tradition Emili wanted food to be shared and enjoyed. Please bring your favorite dish to pass. A brief eulogy will be presented at 4 p.m., with fireworks at dark. In lieu of flowers, donations to the family would be appreciated. Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. For online condolences and other information visit koepsellfh.com. COLUMBUSFasten your seatbelts, Columbus. Its going to be a bumpy year, at least for anyone who wants to drive through town. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation and its prime contractor, Michaels Construction, will be reconstructing James Street (Highway 16/60), from the bridge on River Road all the way down to the Industrial Drive/Dix Street intersection. The project, which the DOT is breaking down into four stages, is set to start March 6 and wont be completed until October. Were going to reconstruct the street from the bottom up, DOT project manager Dave Pilon told a group of local business owners who got a final overview of the project on Monday night. Everythings going to be new. That includes a new concrete street with bike lanes and ADA-compliant sidewalks, improved intersections with new traffic signals, a re-aligned Manning Street where it intersects with James, new street lights, and a new sanitary sewer, water main and storm sewer. Stage 1: March through June The project will begin with trees being cleared. (All trees have to be removed by April 1 while the northern long-eared bat is hibernating, per state and federal protections, Pilon said.) Meanwhile, the contractor will start work on Stage 1: the section of James Street between Ludington Street and River Road. During Stage 1, Highway 16/60 will be closed at the bridge, and the official DOT-signed detour will take drivers around Columbus on Highway 26 north through Juneau, then west on Highway 33 to Beaver Dam and finally back south on Highway 151. Pilon acknowledged that it was a long detour, but he said the DOT has to keep traffic, especially heavy trucks, on state highways. We know the locals will take other routes, he said. The entire intersection of James and Ludington streets will be replaced, with work being done in two halves. The east side of the intersection will be done first. One lane will be open on Ludington Street (Highway 73) while work is being done, with temporary traffic signals being set up and traffic flowing through from one direction first and then from the other. Stage 2: June through October When all of the Stage 1 work is completed, that portion of Highway 16/16 will be reopened, and workers will move on to Stage 2, which will encompass the remaining section of James Street, from Industrial Drive/Dix Street up to Ludington Street. When that section of Highway 16/60 is closed to through traffic, the official DOT detour will be much shorter, taking drivers through town on Highway 73 and then back north on 151. Where James Street is four lanes, the Dix Street side will be reconstructed first, with all traffic flowing on the opposite side of the street. On Dix Street itself, traffic will be initially routed onto the Culvers side of the street, while workers construct the Kwik Trip side. Stage 3: June through October Once work is completed on both sides of Dix Street and on the eastbound side of James Street, traffic and construction will flip. When traffic starts flowing on the new pavement, that side of the street will be wider, and traffic woes should ease, Pilon said. On Industrial Drive, work will initially be done on the bank side of the street while traffic flows on the Walgreens side. Stage 4: October During Stage 4, workers will be constructing islands on the end of James Street by Dix Street/Industrial Drive and Highway 151. A small orphan piece of old roadway between the new project and the work that the DOT did last summer to improve the intersection of Highways 16 and 60 is currently scheduled to be redone in 2021. Pilon said if the state has money available earlier, the DOT will try to advance the project. Wisconsin has again sent 17 State Patrol officers to a North Dakota campsite for protesters against the Dakota Access Pipeline, according to the Department of Transportation. Wednesday was the federal- and state-imposed deadline to dismantle the campsite, which has been occupied for six months and at one time hosted as many as 10,000 protesters. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cited concerns about spring flooding when it ordered the evacuation earlier this month. About 150 protesters marched arm-in-arm out of the campsite Wednesday before a 2 p.m. deadline, according to The Associated Press. Some of the temporary wooden structures built there were ceremoniously set on fire, according to the protesters. At least nine people were arrested for not following commands to leave. The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services requested the latest assistance. According to the Wisconsin DOT, 17 officers volunteered for the nine-day assignment from Feb. 21 to March 1. State Patrol officers are well-trained and experienced in protecting the (protesters) constitutional rights as well maintaining public safety in an emotional situation, according to a DOT memo provided by the office of Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton. Wisconsins involvement comes through a 1996 Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which allows local governments to request assistance from other states for large law enforcement operations and reimburse the associated costs. Wisconsin sent 43 officers from state and local departments in October to assist with crowd control and vehicle patrols. The assignment coincided with mass arrests one day and an increasing number of pipeline opponents gathering in Morton County 25 miles south of Bismarck, north of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. The Dane County Sheriffs Office sent 13 members in October for what was to be the first of three weekly rotations, but Sheriff Dave Mahoney ended the arrangement after one week in response to local community concerns that deputies shouldnt be involved in the situation. One of the people arrested was Madison Ald. Rebecca Kemble. State police sent to the protests reported after the assignment that they should replace name tags with badge numbers to protect their privacy, employ a videographer or body cameras and upgrade helmets and protective vests. A DOT spokeswoman didnt have an immediate update on whether any of those recommendations were adopted for the latest assignment. A state emergency management spokeswoman said that as of Wednesday no other Wisconsin law enforcement agency was assisting at the North Dakota site. Less than two months after burying her 5-year-old son, a Gary, Indiana, woman is being held on $10,000 cash bond in Columbia County Jail. Yoasha Carter, 22, is charged with felony first-degree reckless endangerment, pointing a firearm at another and disorderly conduct in use of a dangerous weapon, all stemming from an incident at a Poynette McDonalds. District Attorney Jane Kohlwey requested that Carter be held on $25,000 cash bond, given that she had no ties to the state of Wisconsin and was visiting the Dells area and was on her way to Kenosha when she stopped in Poynette. According to police, Carter was driving with a friend and four nieces and nephews on Monday afternoon, after staying overnight at a motel across from Mt. Olympus. There had been arguments over the weekend, Carters friend told Poynette police, leading up to them stopping at a McDonalds in Poynette. Two of the kids used the bathroom and while they were waiting in the parking lot, another argument happened during which Carter reportedly told the friend, I will kill you. Dont try me. I dont care who you call. I will shoot you dead. The man told officers that Carter then asked her 15-year-old niece to get her gun from the trunk of the car. After that happened he said that Carter pulled the gun out of its holster, cocked it and pointed it at him. The man went into the restaurant and called the Columbia County Sheriffs Office. The niece went in to ask him if he was getting back into the car, he said no, she went back and Carter left with the kids. A Columbia County Sheriffs deputy pulled Carter over as she was driving on the interstate near Highway 60. During the stop, the deputy found a loaded 9mm Smith and Wesson in the glove compartment. The deputy also found the receipt showing that the gun had been purchased from a Gary sporting goods store the previous Friday. When an officer asked the 15-year-old about the situation, she told him that the two adults had been arguing and Carter went to the trunk to get the gun, which was still in its box. The argument, the girl said, had been about the man texting something, and that when Carter asked about it, he responded, Dont worry about it, followed by him telling her it wasnt her business and calling her bitch. (Carter) stated that she did not want to be talked to in the fashion that he had and that was why she left him there, the complaint said of the girls testimony. There is a comment that they switched McDonalds because they didnt like the prices at one of the McDonalds this is pretty inexpensive food and to make a decision like that, I think, tells the court all they need to know about whether or not $25,000 would be within reach of Ms. Carter, said defense attorney Jennifer Cunha. She had a license to get the firearm from the state of Indiana and got it because she was receiving death threats, said Cunha. Somebody burned down her sisters house and apparently she lost two of her sons. On Jan. 3, joint funerals were held for cousins Jayden Mitchell, 5, Alaya Pickens, 4, and Yaleah Cohen, 2, who died in a Dec. 23 house fire in Gary, Indiana. Mitchell and Pickens were Carters sons. Gary fire officials have said that arson is suspected. Today she was supposed to be attending a memorial service at the graveyard, said Cunha. I dont know anything about Ms. Carter, I only know what I read in the criminal complaint, said Judge Andrew Voigt. What I do know is that there is allegation that there was a significant public safety risk created by Ms. Carter and those are the allegations. Voigt ordered Carter to be held on a $10,000 cash bond, scheduled to next appear in court for a Thursday morning preliminary hearing. If convicted, Carter faces a potential sentence of over 13 years in prison. The issue of illegal immigration is a dicey one. Voters on both sides feel very strongly on the subject. The one issue both sides should agree on is that those who commit crimes should be justly punished and shouldnt be free to walk our streets. That is not always happening. At least 121 killings within a four-year span were carried out by immigrants convicted of crimes who were not deported, according to a 2015 U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee document published by the Spanish newspaper El Nuevo Herald and picked up by the Associated Press. The article goes on to say that every year federal immigration authorities release foreign nationals convicted of crimes because their countries refuse to take them back even after immigration judges have ordered deportation. This is especially concerning because the U.S. Supreme Court has prohibited indefinite detention and therefore these immigrants must be released. That is not right. President Donald Trump needs to fix this. When Trump was campaigning, he stated, There are at least 23 countries that refuse to take their people back after theyve been ordered to leave the United States. While others in the past have accepted that, Trump said, Not going to happen with me, not going to happen with me. Trump has suggested one way he could compel countries to take back their deportable nationals is halting the issuance of visas to visitors and immigrants from those nations. According to a CNN report, Trumps immigration reform includes forcing the State Department to put pressure on countries by denying visas until they comply with U.S. deportation orders. That would pertain to situations like the one involving Thong Vang, who was from Laos. He already had spent 16 years in prison for raping underage girls. But Laos didnt want him back. And he was released. This past September, Vang reportedly went to the county sheriffs office in Fresno, California, and opened fire, shooting corrections officers Juanita Davila and Toamalama Scanlan. According to a CNN report, Laos is one of 23 countries, including China, Afghanistan, Iraq, India, Libya, Somalia and Ghana, that has refused to take back criminals found illegally in the United States. The refusals have left more than 86,000 undocumented immigrants with a criminal history on the streets here, the report stated. The situation like the one involving Vang should never have happened. We need the president and the United States government to take action and make other countries take their criminals back. About two to five patients in critical condition die every week while being transferred to Safdarjung, a source at the institute told Mail Today. By Priyanka Sharma: Rahul Rai (27) is a trauma patient in urgent need of surgery. He went to AIIMS, but a doctor there referred him to the neighbouring Safdarjung Hospital. After facing an off-putting response from the institute earlier, Rahul's cash-strapped family moved him to a private hospital nearby for swift treatment. But he had to be finally shifted to Safdarjung again, where he is striving to get proper care. Safdarjung Hospital authorities blame the "unwanted dumping of trauma patients" by other city-based medical centres, including the country's premier healthcare institution - AIIMS. advertisement Rahul is not the lone trauma patient forced to shuttle between medical institutes in the city. Delhi government hospitals and the AIIMS trauma centre are referring at least 50 trauma and emergency patients to Safdarjung without even informing the hospital's chief medical officer (CMO). THIS TRANSFER KILLS About two to five patients in critical condition die every week while being transferred to Safdarjung, a source at the institute told Mail Today. "Delhi government hospitals and AIIMS are not following a proper guidelines of patient transfer policy of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and comprehensive guidelines given by court," the doctor said. The guidelines say that when any critical patient is to be transferred, the institute that's sending the person has to contact the CMO or the nodal officer of the receiving hospital before the transfer regarding whether bed and other facilities are available. Only then permission is given and the patient transferred. "However, none of the hospitals in Delhi are following these steps," a Safdarjung Hospital source said. From AIIMS, two patients are being moved to Safdarjung every hour and, on an average, about 15-20 in a day, said sources. This is in addition to the 50 patients in serious condition that other Delhi government hospitals send daily. "We have prepared a report on this and will send it to the ministry for action," added a source. Most of the patients referred without consent are serious trauma cases, such as road accident cases, multiple trauma and head injuries. "Action should be taken by the government. The hospitals are referring to Safdarjung Hospital, even when it is fully loaded," said sources. These institutes express regret for not having vacant beds, sources said, reading the prescription of a patient referred from the AIIMS trauma center. A copy of it is with Mail Today. DOCTORS SPEAK Sources said some of the patients received this way by Safdarjung are dead on arrival. "We categorise patients into red, yellow and green. We don't send any patient who is, which is red category. We refer only yellow and green patients in stable condition to other hospitals who suffer minor injuries, fracture, etc. It's just that Safdarjung Hospital is nearby, so most of the patients go there," said Dr Amit Gupta, spokesperson of AIIMS. advertisement Dr AK Rai, medical superintendent at Safdarjung, told Mail Today that the hospital follows a policy of no refusal to any patient. "Even AIIMS refers patients to Safdarjung Hospital after primary treatment," he said. "Our hospital is already overburdened with our own indoor patients. Referred cases from other hospitals create a tough time for our doctors but they manage by doubling, tripling of beds and floor beds. However, other hospitals should inform us in advance before sending their patients to us." Also read: Treated with expired drugs, 5 newborns turn blue due to infection in Delhi hospital Also read: Caught on camera: Roorkee hospital ward boy breaking crying 3-day-old baby's leg Also read: Bengaluru: Lover rejects girlfriend's proposal, ends in hospital --- ENDS --- Obama had instructed public schools in May 2016 to allow transgender students to use the bathrooms matching their chosen gender identity. By Reuters: President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday revoked landmark guidance issued to public schools in defense of transgender student rights, reversing course on a signature initiative of former Democratic President Barack Obama. Obama instructed public schools in May 2016 to allow transgender students to use the bathrooms matching their chosen gender identity, threatening to withhold federal funding if they should force transgender children to use bathrooms against their will. advertisement Trump, a Republican who took office last month, rescinded those guidelines, even though they had been put on hold by a federal judge, arguing that states and public schools should have the authority to make their own decisions without federal government interference. The Justice and Education departments will continue to study the legal issues involved, according to the new, superseding guidance that will be sent to public schools across the country. PEOPLE WAVE RAINBOW FLAGS OUTSIDE WHITE HOUSE Reversing the Obama guidelines stands to inflame passions in the latest conflict in America between believers in traditional values and social progressives, and is likely to prompt more of the street protests that followed Trump's November 8 election. Hundreds of people gathered in front of the White House to protest the Republican president's action, waving rainbow flags and chanting: "No hate, no fear, trans students are welcome here." The rainbow flag is the symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. "This is a mean-spirited attack on hundreds of thousands of students who simply want to be their true selves and be treated with dignity while attending school," Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, said in a statement. Conservatives such as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who spearheaded the lawsuit challenging the Obama guidance, hailed the Trump administration action. ALSO READ | 10 things to know about Obama's order to allow transgender bathroom access in public schools "Our fight over the bathroom directive has always been about former President Obama's attempt to bypass Congress and rewrite the laws to fit his political agenda for radical social change," Paxton, a Republican, said. White House spokesman Sean Spicer said the White House was pressed to act now because of the pending US Supreme Court case, GG versus Gloucester County School Board. That case pits a Virginia transgender boy, Gavin Grimm, against officials who want to deny him use of the boys' room at his high school. Although the Justice Department is not a party in the case, it typically would want to make its views heard. The Trump administration action on Wednesday also withdrew an Education Department letter in support of Grimm's case. advertisement COURTS COULD HAVE FINAL SAY The federal law in question, known as Title IX, bans sex discrimination in education. But it remains unsettled whether Title IX protections extend to a person's gender identity. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement that the Obama guidelines "did not contain sufficient legal analysis or explain how the interpretation was consistent with the language of Title IX." The courts are likely to have the final say over whether Title IX covers transgender students. The Supreme Court could pass on that question in the Virginia case and allow lower courts to weigh in, or go ahead and decide what the law means. Transgender legal advocates have criticised the "states' rights" argument, saying federal law and civil rights are matters for the federal government to enforce, not the states. Obama's Education Department undertook the guidance in response to queries from school districts across the country about how to accommodate transgender students in gender-segregated bathrooms. ALSO READ | President's Day: Thousands protest against Donald Trump across the US, say 'Not My President' The Obama administration guidance also covered a host of other issues, such as the importance of addressing transgender students by their preferred names and pronouns and schools' responsibility to prevent harassment and bullying of transgender children. advertisement Thirteen states led by Texas sued to stop the Obama guidelines, calling them federal meddling in what should be a state matter, and a US district judge in Texas temporarily halted their full implementation. That lawsuit could be rendered moot by the new policy, which also allows public schools to set their own rules without fear of losing federal funds or a lawsuit from the Justice Department. The White House previously boasted of Trump's support for LGBT rights, noting in a January 31 statement that he was the first Republican presidential nominee to mention the community in his nomination acceptance speech. "Revoking the guidance shows that the president's promise to protect LGBT rights was just empty rhetoric," James Esseks, director of the American Civil Liberties Union's LGBT project, said in a statement. ALSO READ | Trump administration to set rules on use of school bathrooms by transgender students --- ENDS --- Emeritus Professor Status Conferred on Wits Health Sciences' Professor Cooper After nearly 40 years of service to the University of Witwatersrand, Professor Peter Cooper has been honoured with the status of Emeritus Professor or his outstanding contribution to the University. Academic Head in the Department of Paediatrics at Wits, Professor Peter Coopers dedication to Paediatrics and Neonatology began in 1978 when he joined the Wits Department of Paediatrics as a registrar. After completing his registrar training he joined Prof Alan Rothberg as a neonatologist at the then Johannesburg Hospital becoming Head of the Unit in 1985. In 1988 he took over from Prof. Keith Bolton as Head of the Neonatal Unit at Baragwanath Hospital where he remained until 1995. In April 1995 he was appointed Professor, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at Wits and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital CMJAH). In 2003 he was appointed Academic Head of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health until October 2016 Prof Cooper held a number of executive positions in South African paediatric and neonatal organisations, including : Immediate Past President of the Union of National Paediatric Societies and Associations (UNAPSA), UNAPSA representative on IPA Standing Committee 2007-2010, Chairperson of Scientific Committee for the 26th International Pediatric Association Congress of Pediatrics 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa , UNAPSA/IPA representative to the Partnership for Maternal, Neonatal and Child health and Countdown to 2015, a Member of the Council of the College of Paediatricians of South Africa from 2003 to 2009, Convenor and Examiner on numerous occasions for Part I & Part II of the examinations for the Fellowship of College of Paediatricians and past Secretary of the South African Paediatric Association. He also served on numerous University and Hospital committees and was Chairperson of the Medical Advisory Committee at CMJAH from 1998 to 2009. A passionate teacher, Cooper mentored many young paediatricians some of who are prominent today including Sithembiso Velaphi, Haroon Saloojee and Glenda Gray. His dedication to teaching was recognised across the Faculty and also won him the Convocation Distinguished Teachers Award and the Philip V. Tobias Medal for Distinguished Teaching in 1995. He is author or co-author of over 70 publications in national and international peer-reviewed journals and author of several chapters in books, mainly neonatal and nutrition related and is also a reviewer for a number of local and international journals. More recently Prof. Cooper was appointed as Chair the Clinical Steering Committee for the Nelson Mandela Childrens Hospital. He will continue to make a significant impact of the paediatrics and neonatology at that hospital and in the Faculty. The Faculty would like to thank Professor Cooper for his service and congratulates them on their Emeritus Professor appointment. Your Ultimate Investing Toolkit Sign up for MarketBeat All Access to gain access to MarketBeat's full suite of research tools: Portfolio Monitoring Top Stock Lists Premium Reports Stock Screeners Live News Feed Premium Support Free for your first month. Northrop Grumman Corporation operates as an aerospace and defense company worldwide. The company's Aeronautics Systems segment designs, develops, manufactures, integrates, and sustains aircraft systems. This segment also offers unmanned autonomous aircraft systems, including high-altitude long-endurance strategic ISR systems and vertical take-off and landing tactical ISR systems; and strategic long-range strike aircraft, tactical fighter and air dominance aircraft, and airborne battle management and command and control systems. Its Defense Systems segment designs, develops, and produces weapons and mission systems. It offers products and services, such as integrated battle management systems, weapons systems and aircraft, and mission systems. This segment also provides command and control and weapons systems, including munitions and missiles; precision strike weapons; propulsion, such as air-breathing and hypersonic systems; gun systems and precision munitions; life cycle service and support for software, weapons systems, and aircraft; and logistics support, sustainment, operation, and modernization for air, sea, and ground systems. The company's Mission Systems segment offers cyber, command, control, communications and computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems; radar, electro-optical/infrared and acoustic sensors; electronic warfare systems; advanced communications and network systems; cyber solutions; intelligence processing systems; navigation; and maritime power, propulsion, and payload launch systems. This segment also provides airborne multifunction sensors; maritime/land systems and sensors; navigation, targeting, and survivability solutions; and networked information solutions. Its Space Systems segment offers satellites and payloads; ground systems; missile defense systems and interceptors; launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; and strategic missiles. The company was founded in 1939 and is based in Falls Church, Virginia. Orange S.A. provides various fixed telephony and mobile telecommunications, data transmission, and other value-added services to customers, businesses, and other telecommunications operators in France and internationally. It operates through France; Spain and Other European Countries; The Africa and Middle East; Enterprise; International Carriers & Shared Services; and Mobile Financial Services segments. The company offers mobile services, such as voice, SMS, and data; fixed broadband and narrowband services, as well as fixed network business solutions, including voice and data; and convergence packages. It also sells mobile handsets, mobile terminals, broadband equipment, connected devices, and accessories. In addition, the company provides IT and integration services comprising unified communication and collaboration services, such as LAN and telephony, consultancy, integration, and project management; hosting and infrastructure services, including cloud computing; customer relations management and other applications services; security services; and video conferencing, as well as sells related equipment. Further, it offers national and international roaming services; online advertising services; and mobile virtual network operators, network sharing, and mobile financial services, as well as sells equipment to external distributors and brokers. Orange S.A. markets its products and services under the Orange brand. The company was formerly known as France Telecom and changed its name to Orange S.A. in July 2013. Orange S.A. was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France. Trump will seek job creation advice on Thursday from at least five companies that are laying off thousands of workers as they shift production abroad. By Reuters: President Donald Trump, who has vowed to stop US manufacturing from disappearing overseas, will seek job creation advice on Thursday from at least five companies that are laying off thousands of workers as they shift production abroad. Caterpillar Inc, United Technologies Corp, Dana Inc, 3M Co and General Electric Co, are offshoring work to Mexico, China, India and other countries, according to a Reuters review of US Labor Department records. advertisement According to the White House, executives from the five companies are among a group of business leaders due to meet Trump on Thursday to discuss how to help the president deliver on his promise to increase factory employment. About 2,300 US workers at these five companies stand to lose their jobs within the next two years as a result of offshoring, according to the Labor Department's Trade Adjustment Assistance Program, which provides retraining benefits to workers displaced by global trade. Reuters obtained the information through a Freedom of Information Act request. ALSO READ | Donald Trump's 'Buy American-hire American' pledge unnerves Indian IT The companies confirmed the planned job cuts to Reuters. It is not clear whether the other 19 executives due to meet Trump on Thursday are currently offshoring work, as the TAA program does not cover all workers who lose their jobs due to global trade. The lost jobs amount to a small fraction of the hundreds of thousands of US workers employed by those involved in the meeting. General Electric, for example, employs 1,25,000 US workers, financial filings show. On the campaign trail and in the White House, Trump has painted globalisation as a zero-sum game that has enriched low-wage countries while leaving the United States littered with abandoned factories and underemployed workers, and he has threatened to tax companies that offshore US jobs. The experience of companies on Trump's task force, however, shows the reality is more complex in a world where they are serving customers across the globe. Several said they were creating many new US factory jobs even as they move work to other countries. It's not clear whether Trump will opt for the carrot or the stick. TRUMP TO MEET BUSINESS LEADERS Trump plans to meet business leaders to hear their reasons for "why they're going offshore," said a White House aide who spoke on condition of anonymity. Blue-collar workers who share Trump's skepticism of global trade say they will be watching closely to see if he will try to save their jobs. "I don't think he's a typical politician, so there is hope alive for middle-class families that he will do something," said Scott Schmidt, one of 222 workers at a GE engine plant in Waukesha, Wisconsin who are due to lose their jobs later this year when the company shifts production to Canada. advertisement General Electric CEO Jeffrey Immelt is among those due to meet with Trump on Thursday. GE says it is closing its Waukesha plant because Congress has hobbled the US Export-Import Bank's ability to finance large export orders while most other industrialized nations still offer such financial support. The company says it laid off 225 workers last year at a Houston factory for the same reason, shifting production to France, the United Kingdom and Hungary. GE says it is also closing an Ohio factory and laying off 180 workers because consumers are buying fewer of the florescent and incandescent light bulbs they make there. What production remains will be handled by a factory in Hungary. OFFSHORING AND ONSHORING The US economy lost 6 million manufacturing jobs from 2000 to 2010, roughly one-third of its total, in part due to offshoring, but the sector has added 9,00,000 jobs since then, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. advertisement Multinational companies say labor costs now are only one factor they consider when deciding where to manufacture. An auto maker, for example, may decide to build a particular model in the country where sales are strongest, prompting parts suppliers to set up there as well so they can turn around orders quickly. The offshoring picture is also more complex than official statistics indicate as a shuttered factory in the United States does not always mean a new factory abroad. When auto-parts maker Dana Corp closes a factory later this year in Glasgow, Kentucky that is operating at 20 percent of capacity, one of its plants in Ohio will pick up the work, along with other factories in Mexico, India and China. Dana CEO James Kamsickas is among those scheduled to meet with Trump on Thursday. The company plans to hire nearly 700 US workers over the next three years as it expands factories in four US states, spokesman Jeff Cole said. That is little comfort to the 223 people in Kentucky who will lose their jobs. "It seems like all these CEOs and companies have turned their backs on the American worker," said Dana employee Tim Wells, one of those who will be laid off. advertisement LAYOFFS STILL PLANNED The group also includes United Technologies CEO Gregory Hayes, who took heat from Trump last year for planning to move jobs from Indianapolis to Mexico. The company struck a deal with the incoming president in November to preserve roughly 700 jobs in exchange for $7 million in tax breaks. United Technologies says it still plans to lay off 786 workers at a separate Indiana plant and move production to Mexico this year. The company is also moving work from a facility in Arden Hills, Minnesota, resulting in a loss of 72 jobs. Most of that work is staying in the United States but some is moving to Poland, spokeswoman Bethany Sherman said, and some of the affected workers will be offered positions elsewhere. The company is adding more than 1,000 new jobs in the United States, Sherman said. Other participants include Caterpillar Chairman Doug Oberhelman, who oversees a company that is laying off 712 workers in the American South and Midwest and moving the work to China, Mexico, Italy, France and Germany as it weathers the largest sales slump in its history. A Caterpillar spokesman said it is simultaneously creating 1,300 new manufacturing jobs elsewhere in the United States. Also due to participate is Inge Thulin, CEO of 3M, which is eliminating 130 jobs in suburban Cincinnati and moving production to Mexico. The company says it has added more than 2,000 US manufacturing jobs over the last five years. ALSO READ | How Trump's new executive order on H1B visas will dent Indian IT sector US President Donald Trump took numerous actions to boost job creation, says White House --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: Imphal, Feb 22 (PTI) Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla today appealed to all stakeholders to withdraw the ongoing over three-month long economic blockade at the earliest as it is causing hardship to the common people. "The blockade is causing tremendous hardship to the people of the state irrespective of ethnicity," she told PTI here. advertisement Everyone should come together to find a solution to the situation faced by the people of the landlocked state, Heptulla said. "The prevailing situation is a painful experience," she said adding those involved in the blockade should not let the people suffer. She said, "Prices of essential commodities including petroleum products have skyrocketed and young students who use transport vehicles to reach educational establishments have been affected to a huge extent." It is hard to see the students not being able to attend schools, the governor added. PTI COR PNT KK KK LNS --- ENDS --- Buffalo Soldier exhibit highlights role of black service members in Philippine-American War Opening Day Students and visitors to W&M's Botetourt Gallery view the newly opened exhibit, "Hidden Virginia History: The Connection between the Buffalo Soldiers and the Philippines." Photo by Kate Hoving Extra! Extra! A photo illustration of an American newspaper hanging in the Swem Library's Botetourt Gallery conveys information about African-American soldiers serving in the Philippine-American War. Photo by Justin K. Thomas Published Material A photo illustration of John Mitchell Jr. hanging in the Swem Library's Botetourt Gallery conveys information about the African-American publisher of The Richmond Planet newspaper who published the written letters of African-American soldiers serving in the Philippine-American War. Photo by Justin K. Thomas Job Well Done A photo illustration of Walter H. Loving (left in uniform) hanging in the Swem Library's Botetourt Gallery depicts the accomplishments of Loving's career as an African-American soldier and musician that served in the Philippine-American War. Photo by Justin K. Thomas Group Photo Officers and men also called "Buffalo Soldiers" of the U.S. Army's all-black 9th Calvary Regiment take a group photo prior to deploying from San Francisco to participate in combat operations in the Philippine-American War. Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army Center of Military History Photo - of - Hide Caption Photos and illustrations illuminating the lives of Buffalo Soldiers during the Philippine-American War are currently on display in Swem Librarys Botetourt Gallery as part of an exhibit organized by the William & Mary Asian & Pacific Islander American Studies program. Hidden Virginia History: The Connection between the Buffalo Soldiers and the Philippines will be on display until May 15. The exhibit is a collaboration between the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, Norfolk State University, the Filipino American National Historical Society Hampton Roads Chapter and W&M to promote the actions of African-American service members or Buffalo Soldiers participating in combat operations in the Philippines between 1899 and 1902. Research, writing and fabrication for the exhibit was conducted by members of the Filipino American Historical Society Hampton Roads Chapter led by Dr. April T. Manalang of Norfolk State University. The lead historian for the project was Jeffrey Acosta an adjunct instructor of U.S. History at Tidewater Community College and vice president of FANHS-HR chapter. We are thrilled to welcome this exhibit into the library, said Carrie Cooper, dean of university libraries. It is especially timely as the university is preparing to mark the 50th anniversary of African-American residential students. The Philippine-American War Following its defeat in the Spanish-American War of 1898, Spain relinquished the control of its colonies located in the Philippines, Guam and Puerto Rico to the United States at the Treaty of Paris on Dec. 10, 1898. In the following year, Filipino nationalists under the leadership of Emilio Aguinaldo sought independence from their colonial rulers, according to Francis Tanglao-Aguas, professor of theatre and Asian and Pacific Islander American studies. On February 4, 1899, the U.S. government ordered the U.S. military to conduct combat operations against the Filipino soldiers. According to the U.S. Department of State, the war lasted three years and resulted in the death of over 4,200 American and over 20,000 Filipino combatants with as many as 200,000 Filipino civilians dying from violence, disease and famine. According to official records of the Presidio of San Francisco, the military garrison charged with housing companies from black infantry units before deployment to the island nation, many black leaders and black-owned newspapers like the Indianapolis Freeman supported the inclusion of African-American soldiers in the war. However, the records also state that many prominent African-American political activists of that time like Ida B. Wells-Bartlett condemned Americas government as hypocritical for using black soldiers as tools to enlarge its territory. Negroes should oppose expansion until the government was able to protect the Negro at home, Wells-Bartlett said in an account to the Cleveland Gazette in January 1899. But according to Acosta, as the war raged on the island, the U.S. Army had to shift its military strategy to face counter-insurgency tactics conducted by Filipino soldiers. The Filipinos fighters used methods like blending in with the civilian populace and directed quick attack skirmishes against patrolling U.S. Army infantry units. Filipino revolutionaries noted the black soldiers ability to adapt to the new mission parameters, and therefore the Filipinos had a different opinion of their American adversaries with darker skin, said Acosta. Filipinos had a mixed view towards African American soldiers based on researched history provided by the accounts of Filipino soldiers and civilians, he said. African Americans did not share the racial prejudice of their white counterparts towards Filipinos in that war. But, Filipino soldiers did notice that the black soldiers fighting were at times relentless in their pursuit of Emilio Aguinaldos army of the 1st Philippine Republic. Turning point Although African-Americans have served in the U.S. military since the Revolutionary War in some form, Acosta noted that the Philippine-American War was quite possibly the critical turning point for future military service of African-Americans. The U.S. Army began to commission black officers from the ranks of the enlisted who had distinguished records. Acosta said that the level of success and aggressiveness of African-American soldiers in the Philippines was dependent on the quality of their leaders. Of those leaders to be commissioned, one later became the U.S. militarys first African-American general officer, said Acosta. Benjamin O. Davis Sr. was one of these men, he said. Davis Sr. was the first African-American promoted to the rank of major general in the history of the United States Army. His son, Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. went on to become an officer in the U.S. Army Air Corps and helped to establish the Tuskegee Airmen who flew and fought with distinction during World War II. Davis Jr. retired at the rank of lieutenant general in the U.S. Air Force in 1965, but was advanced to full general by former President Bill Clinton in 1998. However, if it had not been for influential black journalists and African-American newspapers such as The Richmond Planet, the world may have never known more about the Buffalo Soldiers sacrifices and contributions to U.S. and Filipino history, according to Acosta. The hardest part of our research was identifying African-American soldiers from Virginia who fought in this war, he said. But if it had not been for John Mitchell, Jr., the publisher of the Planet who published letters written to his newspaper by black soldiers serving in the U.S. Army during the Spanish-American and Philippine-American Wars, we may have never known what truly went on. The hunt for and locating of primary and secondary source materials concerning Americans and Filipinos who participated in the Philippine-American War was the most rewarding aspect of this project. Acosta stated that all soldiers of the six all-black regiments serving in the Philippines came from every state in the union, but he pointed out that Captain William A. Hankins, Private Rienzi Lemus, and chief musician Walter H. Loving came from Virginia and helped set the bar for future black soldiers to achieve. Lemus became a prominent African American labor leader as the president of the Brotherhood of Dining-Car Employees and co-leader of Dining Car Cooks and Waiters Association after he left the army, he said. Hankins went on to become the co-founder of the all-African American Mechanics Savings Bank of Richmond, Virginia in 1901. And Loving helped organized the Philippine Constabulary Band that went on to tour the world. Tanglao-Aguas believes that the exhibit will help bring light to the experience of African-Americans during the war, which is often overlooked in the American narrative. Seeing that Buffalo Soldiers were used in helping to grow the very same nation that did not even treat them with equal protection under the law is worth examining, particularly at this current moment when we see the leveraging or weighing of American citizenship based on religion, race or nationality, This analysis is at the forefront of what we explore with our students in Asian & Pacific Islander American studies, as well as Africana studies. Student actress takes on complex lead role in provocative 'Asuncion' "Asuncion" opens Jolene Mafnas '17 plays the lead role in Jesse Eisenberg's "Asuncion," opening Feb. 28 at Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall. Photo by Stephen Salpukas Photo - of - Hide Caption Warnings come with William & Mary theatres upcoming production of Asuncion advising of explicit language and content, including drug use, sex and race. Lead actress Jolene Mafnas 17 smiles knowingly as she talks about the challenge of playing Asuncion. The title characters name tellingly means Our Lady of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Spanish. Asuncion, written by Jesse Eisenberg, opens Feb. 28 at the Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall Studio Theatre and runs through March 3 and March 15-18. Hopefully it gives people feelings, no matter how uncomfortable they may be, Mafnas said. The role is well outside her comfort zone as well. She isnt a theatre student, has only taken Introduction to Beginning Acting and been in one play, and is well aware of the complexities of the characters and material. The plotline is the reaction of two open-minded young men when a young Filipina woman suddenly becomes their roommate. It is a comedy designed to raise questions about stereotypes, gender, race and sexuality. Both Mafnas and director Francis Tanglao-Aguas, a W&M theatre professor and founding director of the Asian and Pacific Islander American Studies Program, are of Filipino descent and had met before she came to the university. He was a judge and she a contestant in the regional Miss Teen Philippines pageant when Mafnas was in high school in Northern Virginia, and she said his encouragement to check out W&M led to her enrolling. Mafnas ties to the Filipino community include her mothers active involvement with the Filipino American organization in Northern Virginia, where she coordinates social appearances involving its members and the Filipino Embassy. Acting after college isnt on the horizon for Mafnas, who said there are few roles for Asian-Americans and she considers herself very green. She will graduate in December with a double major in kinesiology, with a concentration in public health, and environmental science and policy. She is considering a future career in sustainability, and though it is very global she said its important to take care of issues here in the U.S. as well. She is most interested in agricultural food system issues, and is also passionate about writing. Mafnas took on the role of Asuncion, she said, because an Asian-American actress was needed and her boyfriend, a theatre major, encouraged her to try out. She read the script and said she sort of liked her character, who though thoroughly maligned by the men is not without her own foibles. Mafnas portrayal of Asuncion is challenging, she said, because Tanglao-Aguas wants a more nuanced and complex character than the originally-written role. Mafnas said she felt she was cast for it because of her capability to do that. What I enjoy the most working with students on shows is how invested and impassioned they are no matter how far their majors seem to be on the surface from theatre, Tanglao-Aguas said. Jolene, for instance, has been relentless and fearless in tackling the role of Asuncion. She has this innate ability to translate the intellectual points we want to make into believable character actions. That's why I am not surprised how much she wants our message to come across to the audience. Theatre major or not, she definitely has the instincts of an artist educated in a liberal arts university such as William & Mary. Mafnas said that Eisenberg, best known for his role as Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network, uses Asuncion as a prop to get his message across. And I guess I like his message given that Im a minority, which is basically how neo-liberal college students tend to exploit cultures for their own self-gratification of trying to prove themselves to be a good person or trying to prove themselves to be open and understanding, or trying to show that theyre educated because they care about this minority, Mafnas said. But at the same time, they automatically make a minority or a different culture a victim in order to play up the fact that, oh, Im being their savior. She added that Eisenberg himself talked of traveling to Cambodia and making assumptions about people living there that were inherently racist. The show is designed to make the audience uncomfortable and aware of the things its laughing at, Tanglao-Aguas said. In making fun of everyone and everything, its intent is to provoke awareness. The set is purposed for that as well, with all the action taking place in a tiny apartment. The audiences proximity to the characters in the small Studio Theatre will put them close to the cramped quarters. Mafnas is concerned about how it will all come across, but hopes people will come to see the show. Its a controversial topic, Mafnas said. But I think given the type of campus we have, its important to be discussed. By Press Trust of India: Ghaziabad, Feb 22 (PTI) A special court here today awarded life sentence to four Uttar Pradesh Police personnel in a case of extra judicial killing of four youths 20 years ago. Inspector Lal Singh, Sub Inspector Joginder Singh and constables Surya Bhan and Subhash Chand were convicted by the special CBI court for murder, destruction of evidence and producing false evidence, CBI spokesperson R K Gaur said. advertisement The court also imposed a penalty of Rs 2.30 lakh on Lal Singh, Rs 1.30 lakh on Joginder Singh and Rs 80,000 each on the two constables, he said. "The court has further directed that 50 per cent of the total fine will be given equally to the family members of all the four victims," he said in a statement. It was alleged that Jasbir Singh, Jalaluddin, Ashok and Pravesh, all residents of Ghaziabad, were shot dead in an encounter by personnel of Bhojpur Police Station on November 8, 1996 when they opened fire at the police party. "Investigation conducted by CBI disclosed that four innocent persons were killed by police in an encounter. They had no criminal record and were not required by Bhojpur Police Station or any of the nearby police stations in any criminal case. They had no fire arms with them and did not fire at the police party as falsely shown in the FIR," CBI said. The court said the four youths were killed in an extra judicial manner by the police personnel. The CBI probe found that the deceased were working as labourers and were picked up by the police officials of Bhojpur Police Station, the spokesperson said, adding they were taken to Macheri ki pulia on Modi Nagar-Hapur Road (UP) and shown killed in an encounter. He said after thorough investigation, CBI filed a charge sheet against the five accused persons during 2001. During trial, one constable died. Ninety nine prosecution witnesses were examined. PTI ABS ZMN --- ENDS --- China News on Women Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 21( PTI) The IT Ministry today launched botnet cleaning and anti-malware analysis centre for Rs 90 crore to provide free anti-virus to computers and mobile phones for removing malicious softwares. "I would like ISPs (Internet Service Provider) to encourage their consumers to come on board, there is a free service available. Come and use it in the event some malware has sneaked in to the system," IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said at the launch of Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre. advertisement The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (Cert-In) will collect data of infected systems and send it to ISPs and banks. These ISPs and banks will identify the user and provide them the link of the centre, launched in name of Cyber Swachhta Kendra. The user will be able to download anti-virus or anti-malware tools to disinfect their devices. "The project has budget outlay of Rs 90 crore spread over period of 5 years," CertIn Director General Sanjay Bahl said. As of now 58 ISPs and 13 banks have come on board to use this system. The ministry also launched M-Kavach for security and anti-theft solution for mobile phones, USB Pratirodh to ensure only authorised person is able to access pen drive and AppSamvid for identifying genuine applications at the time of installations on computers. The minister directed Cert-In to also set up National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) by June. The government has approved Rs 900 crore for NCCC which will monitor and handle cyber attacks on Indian internet space in real time. "Safety and security is integral. As the Prime Minister said cyber threat is akin to bloodless war. I dont have slightest doubt cyber security is not only going to be big area of Digital Swachh Bharat but also going to be big area of digital growth, digital employment and digital commerce," Prasad said. To encourage startups in the field of cyber security, the minister announced that government has reduced testing fee for their product by half. At present Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC), a division under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, charges testing fee in the range of Rs 8-10 lakh per case but startups in the field of cyber security will need to pay only around 4-5 lakhs. To strengthen cyber security ecosystem in the country, Prasad said that CERTs will be set up at state level as well and 10 more STQC testing facilities will set up. PTI PRS BAL --- ENDS --- advertisement Vietnamese students complete Russian training 23 February 2017 Share A group of 28 Vietnamese students have become the first international graduates of a course on nuclear technology at Russia's National Research Nuclear University MEPhI. The six-year course is part of a program supported by Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom. The 28 Vietnamese graduates (Image: MEPhI) Their graduation ceremony was held on 13 February, during which five were presented with honours certificates. It was attended by representatives from MEPhI, the Vietnamese Embassy, the Kaluga Regional Administration and Rosatom, as well as from the Russian government. MEPhI first vice rector, Oleg Nagornov, said the students had produced "excellent results during their studies", adding that the education they had received would enable them to find work in scientific and industrial organisations. Originally the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute, MEPhI was renamed in 2009 and restructured to incorporate a number of other educational establishments. While partly funded by Rosatom, it is managed by the Federal Education Agency. The number of foreign students enrolled in its courses has rapidly expanded, MEPhI said. About half of them come from countries where Rosatom is building nuclear power plants, such as Finland, South Africa, Turkey and Vietnam. In October 2010, Russia signed an intergovernmental agreement with Vietnam for the construction of the first nuclear power plant in the Southeast Asian country. The agreement calls for the construction by Rosatom subsidiary AtomStroyExport (ASE) of the Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear power plant at Phuoc Dinh in the southern Ninh Thuan province, as a turnkey project. The plant will comprise two 1200 MWe VVER pressurised water reactors and be owned and operated by state-owned Electricity of Vietnam. Russia and Vietnam also signed an agreement in November 2011 covering the construction of a nuclear science and technology centre at Hanoi Polytechnic University. Under the terms of that agreement, the Russian government provided loans worth $500 million for the centre's construction. However, last November Vietnam's legislature endorsed the government's decision to abandon plans to build the country's first two nuclear power plants in favour of renewable energy and power imports amid lower crude oil and coal prices. The National Assembly had in 2009 ratified the plan to build about 4000 MWe of nuclear capacity in Ninh Thuan. Rosatom and Japan Atomic Power Company were selected to build the units, with the Russian state providing a loan of $8 billion for the first. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty that has been designed for the sustainable use and conservation of wetlands of international importance in different parts of the world. The Convention recognizes several wetland areas in countries across the world as Ramsar wetlands of international significance. Here, we present a list of such wetlands in Kenya. 6. Tana River Delta Ramsar Site The Tana River Delta Ramsar Site is a wetland of international significance located in Kenyas Coast Province. It is eastern Africas second most important river delta and estuarine ecosystem. The wetland area constitutes a variety of habitats like floodplains, coastal habitats with mangrove plantations, intertidal zones between freshwater and marine brackish ecosystems, pristine beaches, etc. The diverse habitats support a variety of marine organisms like marine prawns, shrimps, fish, threatened species of turtles, bivalves, etc. Several endemic species of organisms like the Tana River mangabey, the Tana River red colobus, etc., also live here. The Tana River Delta region is also an important birding zone. 5. Lake Nakuru Lake Nakuru is one of the most famous Rift Valley soda lakes located at an elevation of about 1754 meters above sea level. The lake attracts a large number of flamingos since it hosts an abundance of algae. Other species of birds like the African fish eagle, pied kingfisher, Verreauxs eagle, Goliath heron, and others also live in the Lake Nakuru region. The place in around the lake also hosts baboons, Rothschild's giraffe, warthogs, Masai lions, leopards, cheetahs, southern white rhinos, Eastern black rhinos, and several other species of fauna. The lake is currently protected under the Ramsar Convention and is part of the 188 square km Lake Nakuru National Park that was established in 1961. 4. Lake Naivasha Lake Naivasha, located outside the Naivasha town, is a freshwater lake in Kenya. The lake derives its name, meaning rough water from the local Maasai name Naiposha. The lake is located in the Kenyan Rift valleys highest elevation at 6,181 feet. The lake hosts a great diversity of wildlife including more than 400 species of birds and a significant hippo population. The fish population of the lake has varied over the years due to the introduction of new species, climate change, and fishing activities. 3. Lake Elmenteita A soda lake, Lake Elmenteita is part of the Kenyan Great Rift Valley and is located about 120 km to the northwest of Nairobi in Kenya. The lake is easily visible from the Nairobi-Nakuru highway running along a nearby escarpment allowing tourists to enjoy a spectacular vista of Lake Elmenteita. The "Kekopey" hot springs located at the southern end of the lake are believed to have miraculous properties. Several species of birds are either residents of the lake area or migrants visiting the lake during the winter season. The reed beds near the lake serve as fishing grounds for pelicans and herons. Both greater and lesser flamingos also visit the lake. The introduction of the tilapia fish in the Lake Elmenteita has, however, dwindled the flamingo populations. The introduction of the fish has attracted a large number of fish-eating birds which also consume the eggs and chicks of the flamingos. Zebras, elands, gazelles, and warthogs can also be seen grazing along the shores of the Lake Elmenteita. 2. Lake Bogoria Lake Bogoria is an alkaline, saline lake located south of the Lake Baringo in a half-graben basin of a volcanic region. The lake is a part of the Rift Valley lakes and is known for the occasional hosting of the largest lesser flamingo population of the world. A Ramsar site, the lake is recognized internationally for being a significant habitat for birds and other wildlife. The lake is quite shallow with a depth of about 10 meters and is about 3.5 km wide and 34 km long. The Lake Bogoria is also known for its geysers and hot springs. The large concentration of Na+, HCO3, and CO32 ions are present in the lake waters making the waters highly alkaline. Lake Bogoria was once the traditional home of the Endorois people who after being forced to leave the area in the 1970s are now demanding that they are returned their ancestral land. 1. Lake Baringo Lake Baringo is the most northern of the lakes of the Kenyan Rift Valley and also one of the two freshwater lakes in the region. The lake has a surface area of nearly 130 square km and is located at an elevation of about 3,180 feet. Several rivers like the Ol Arabel, Perkerra, and Molo feed the lake. Lake Baringo is located off the beaten track and houses over 470 species of birds including migratory waterbird species. Besides, the lake also hosts the Nile crocodile, the hippopotamus, and several other species of reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Several smaller islands are also located on the lake. A young man wanted to make a point about racism in the United States, but his plan backfired when he was exposed for a liar by police. 20-year-old Khalil Cavil of Texas was working at the Saltgrass Steak House in Odessa when he claimed he was discriminated against because of his Muslim name. Cavil took Topless women on beach By: Mason White WorldWideWeirdNews.com (Scroll down for video) A large group watched with amusement as numerous police officers raided a public beach in Argentina, and sent away topless women for indecent exposure. The incident unfolded at a public beach in Necochea, where three young women decided to remove their tops and sunbathe topless. At first, three police officer approached the three women and asked them to put on their tops or leave. When they refused, the police officers called for back up. A large crowd gathered to watch the 20 police officers forcefully removing the topless women from the beach. Witnesses recorded videos of the incident, and uploaded them to the Internet, where they went viral. The three women were charged with indecent exposure. In court, Judge Mario Juliano dismissed the charges against the women, saying the being topless on a beach does not harm others and therefore, it is not a crime. The incident sparked large protests across the country. Thousands of women walked topless in the streets, demanding that they be allowed to sunbathe naked on public beaches. Interestingly, while on the one hand, Haryana's BJP government left no stone unturned to stop protesters from taking the law into their own hands, party MLA from Ambala Aseem Goyal offered them Dudh-Jalebi near the site of their agitation. By Manjeet Sehgal: Despite the fact that the Supreme Court had delivered its verdict in Haryana's favour and has been asking its wary neighbour Punjab to respect the status quo on the Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal issue, the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) on Thursday went ahead with its plan to 'fight a water war'. Interestingly, while on the one hand, Haryana's BJP government left no stone unturned to stop protesters from taking the law into their own hands, party MLA from Ambala Aseem Goyal offered them Dudh-Jalebi near the site of their agitation. advertisement INLD workers thanked the BJP MLA for his gesture and savoured the jalebis and milk. Several passers-by stopped at the dudh jalebi stalls put up by the BJP lawmaker. BJP MLA WELCOMES INLD PROTESTERS "I have come from Faridabad and I support Chautala sahab. We were offered dudh jalebi by BJP which I enjoyed. We are thirsty and will drink water wherever there is a well", INLD supporter from Faridabad Pratap Singh Thakur said. Jalebis being offered to passers-by. BJP MLA from Ambala City Aseem Goyal was seen welcoming the INLD's protesters. He said that Dudh Jalebi was a traditional, full of energy Haryana treat, adding that he even performed Yagna for the success of the Jal-Youdh (water war). "INLD is fighting a water war. Being an MLA, I welcomed them and offered them dudh jalebi which gives energy. But people are aware that the INLD is trying to make a political capital out of the SYL canal issue as the Supreme Court has already pronounced its verdict in Haryana's favour," Goyal said. INLD KEEN TO REGAIN POLITICAL GROUND Having lost three consecutive assembly elections, INLD is making its last-ditch effort to regain lost political ground. Former Haryana Chief Minister OP Chautala, who is currently on a parole break, has claimed that the next Haryana government will be of the INLD. The march call to rake up the SYL canal issue was given by Abhay Chautala, who accused the present government of adopting a casual approach to the matter. "Haryana's BJP government is not serious about the SYL canal issue. Despite the Supreme Court's decision, the government did not act and made no arrangement to get the tunnel constructed", Abhay Chautala said. Also read | SYL canal issue: MHA writes to Haryana, Punjab DGPs, asks them to maintain status quo Also read | SYL Canal controversy: Captain Amarinder Singh demands Abhay Chautala's arrest --- ENDS --- Nurse during surgery (illustration) By: Tanya Clark WorldWideWeirdNews.com An elderly gang leader became mad after a nurse botched his penis enlargement procedure, according to police in Japan. Fukuoka police have arrested 41-year-old Yoshinobu Nakata, after being accused of stabbing the nurse who was present during the botched penis enlargement procedure of his boss. Nakata has been charged with one count of attempted murder. According to the police investigation, Nakata was a member of the Kudo-kai gang run by 70-year-old Satoru Nomura. Nomura underwent a penis enlargement procedure at a clinic. However, the cosmetic procedure was not successful. Nomura blamed one of the nurses for botching the procedure and ordered his followers to kill her. Nakata followed the nurse as she walked home from the clinic, and stabbed her in the head and chest. He then fled from the scene. Two days later, Nomura underwent another procedure at the clinic, where he made comments about the stabbing of the nurse, saying that she deserved the stabbing for botching his penis enlargement procedure. Congressman Don Bacon is Nebraskas newest member of the all-Republican Nebraska delegation in Washington, DC. On Wednesday, he explained in greater detail to WOWT 6 News why he will not host public town hall meetings anytime soon. Across the country, town hall meetings have been chaotic. On Tuesday, a large group of protesters dominated the town hall in Iowa hosted by Republican Senator Charles Grassley. The same day, a couple hundred protesters stood outside a private luncheon in Lincoln where Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer was speaking. On Wednesday afternoon Congressman Bacon, who represents a good chunk of the Omaha metro, spent more than an hour with health care shareholders at One World Community Health in South Omaha. I dont mind opposing viewpoint. I dont even mind someone yelling at me. What I dont like is when someone takes a microphone and does not share it with anyone else. Representative Bacon listened as several people shared their concerns with potential changes in the affordable care act. Instead of hosting his own public town hall meetings, hes encouraging businesses and churches to hold their own and invite him for a Q-&-A session. He says he still gets a variety of opinions even if the organization is in charge of who attends, but its absent of shouting matches. Maybe over time, the situation will change and we can revise what were doing, Bacon said. In the meantime, Im going to try to work 8 or 9 meetings a day. Over the lunch hour on Thursday, a handful of protesters stopped by Nebraska Senator Ben Sasses offices near Village Pointe. Organized by a group called Indivisible Omaha -- pushing for face-to-face town hall meetings to debate health care, the protest was low key compared to the larger protests weve been seeing across the country. By our count 15 people entered the office in a half-hour and filled out informational cards for Senator Sasse. Sasse was not at the office. Hes on recess for 4 days now and in Nebraska and has scheduled no town hall meetings while hes here, said Douglas Whitmore of Omaha, who is considering his own run for U.S. Senate in 2018. Earlier in the week, Senator Sasse said he held a dozen town hall meetings last year and will do so again sometime this year. Lately, hes been doing telephone town halls from Washington, DC. The India Today investigation had shown how candidates of the BSP, SP, BJP and the Peace Party were blatantly violating Election Commission guidelines to sway voters by bribing By Syed Masroor Hasan, Md Hizbullah, Jamshed Adil Khan , Rahul Kanwal: The Election Commission has initiated a probe into the India Today investigation Cash-For-Vote Scandal 2017. Soon after the India Today Group broadcast the news last evening, the poll panel took note of the expose and this morning a decision was taken to order a probe. Through the day today, legal advisors of the Election Commission will be poring over the contents of the India Today investigation to assess what action can be initiated against the leaders exposed by the channel. advertisement The India Today investigation had shown how candidates of the BSP, SP, BJP and the Peace Party were blatantly violating Election Commission guidelines. Leaders were caught admitting that they had already spent more than Rs 4 crore in this assembly election. These candidates also admitted that they were collecting money to bribe voters and to give them booze. Candidates also spoke of how they paid large sums of money to elders in the village so that they could help sway voters. FORMER CEC DEMANDS IMMEDIATE ACTION Former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi has demanded immediate action and said that the India Today investigations provided adequate grounds for the election to be countermanded. Tall claims of cleaner governance by politicians have been exposed after several candidates across party lines were found making desperate efforts to buy votes in Uttar Pradesh and Manipur. The India Today investigation also established how such leaders had brazenly violated the Election Commission's guidelines on campaign spending. Ateeq Ahmed Saifi, BSP candidate from 28 Moradabad constituency in Uttar Pradesh, was caught on camera promising that he would abuse his position if he won his seat in the state assembly. "Your work, whatever you have in your mind, will never stop, inshallah," he claimed. "You just have to sit at home and your work, legitimate or illegitimate, will be done at the ministry, Inshallah. If it's something that Behenji (Mayawati) is required to do, I'll have that done as well", Saifi said to India Today's reporters posing as lobbyists. He acknowledged that elected leaders were often approached to get dishonest tasks done. If voted to office, Saifi said he would make no distinction between right and wrong. "Whatever you ask for, we'll get that done, whether it's a PWD or a mining tender," Saifi promised. POLL PANEL CAPS CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURE AT Rs 28 LAKH In Uttar Pradesh, the Election Commission has capped campaign expenditure at Rs 28 lakh rupees per candidate. But Saifi told India Today's investigative reporters that his bill had already crossed Rs 4 crore since he began lobbying for tickets. "Brother, understand it like this that I have spent more than Rs 4 crore from the day I started fighting this election." advertisement Saifi also gave a break-up of his daily expenses. "An expenditure of at least Rs 5 lakh a day is being incurred on campaign vehicles that are running around. Besides, there's every other kind of spending, from food to tea for the people," he said. According to the BSP candidate, he used as many as 30 vehicles for campaigning. "Some of them are running with permission, some without it. How can we show so much of spending on paper?" he asked. Besides, he said he paid Rs 1,000 every day to each of his 450 booth agents. MONEY POWER RULES Money power, India Today reporters found, seemed to have deeply corroded the process across parties in the current voting. Atul Garg, Samajwadi Party candidate from Agra North, was found soliciting funds in order to bribe voters. "So, I have to buy 15,000 to 20,000 votes. Only then will it be satisfactory. It will be an additional expense of Rs 20-25 lakh," Garg said. Garg, who disclosed his plans to dole out cash to a backward community for its support, demanded money in installments. advertisement "You do it in instalments of Rs 15-15 (lakh) in whatever way it's convenient to you. Or send it in 25-25. It's a small community. There are 20,000 to 25,000 voters. We'll fix their leaders with Rs 5, 7, 10 (thousand) each," he claimed. Liquor too will be supplied to win voter support, Garg added. "I can distribute money, food, material and liquor. We'll give whatever is required." In the neighbouring Agra Cantonment constituency, Peace Party nominee Rakesh Valmiki was found eager to use both money and muscle to make his way to the state assembly. BRAZEN WARNING "We'll give Rs 5,000 to 10,000 directly to the voters. We'll also have men shoot at booths where I am not getting votes. They will indulge in riots and capture those booths," he remarked. Valmiki was also vocal about his demands. "It's Rs 10 lakh for one rally in three instalments." India Today's investigative team revealed that the rot was widespread. SITUATION IN MANIPUR Woba Joram, BJP candidate in Manipur, was filmed seeking out a few crore rupees at a five-star hotel in Delhi to ensure his victory back home. Voting for the remote northeastern state begins on March 4. advertisement "So far I have spent Rs 1.02 crore," he said. "If I have two crore more in my hand, I would win. I will definitely win. Four to five crores will have to go," Joram added. The BJP nominee has been known for spending extravagantly at the time of elections. "Last time, Rs 4 crore was spent. In 2007, it was Rs 3 crore. It's more expensive now. The problem has grown somewhat. It will definitely be Rs 5 crore." The Election Commission has limited expenditure during campaigning at Rs 20 lakh per candidate in Manipur. But Joram has chalked out his own budget of Rs 5 crore for the upcoming elections. His plan included purchasing votes. "Most of the amount goes in spending of vehicles. We will run 60 vehicles. We will distribute Rs 15 to 20 lakh to each village chief. They will, in exchange for that, take all villagers in confidence and will hand out Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 house-to-house," Joram said. "Yes, we will buy the votes." Also read | Manipur Assembly election: Political storm over India Today expose on cash for votes scandal Also read | Cash for vote: BJP candidate under scanner for distributing money in Mumbai (WITH INPUTS FROM SUSHANT PATHAK) WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- BJP has the distinction of having a party president with a criminal record. He has serious charges against him. I pity BJP leaders who can see that their party is losing in UP, " Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said. By India Today Web Desk: Congress has hit back at BJP President Amit Shah's KASAB jibe at Opposition parties in his rally at Chauri Chaura rally in Gorakhpur on Wednesday. Tiwari said, "BJP has the distinction of having a party president with a criminal record. He has serious charges against him. I pity BJP leaders who can see that their party is losing in Uttar Pradesh and can see the writing on the wall. I am ashamed of the language used by the Prime Minister too." advertisement The Congress leader said, "Akhilesh is happy with the alliance. The partnership of Akhilesh and Rahul will be super hit." Also read | KASAB enters UP battle: Amit Shah does a Narendra Modi at Chauri Chaura rally Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also slammed Amit Shah's KASAB remark. He said, "Only a defeated leader like Amit Shah can stoop to such kind of a language in politics." Party leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi had yesterday said, "They need to end these acronyms. The BJP's repulsive thinking is brought out. It shows the party's communal mindset." SAMAJWADI PARTY ALSO SLAMS BJP Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party has also criticised PM Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah for what they call 'communal' remarks. SP leader Naresh Agrawal said, "The manner in which PM Modi and Amit Shah are giving a giving a communal colour to the elections is not right." Also read | No force can stop BJP from coming in power in Uttar Pradesh, asserts Rajiv Pratap Rudy "PM Modi must tell how much money was given to shamshans of BJP-ruled states. Bring up statistics", he said. Agarwal was a remark by Modi in BJP's election rally in Fatehpur a few days ago where he had said, "If you create kabristaan (graveyard) in a village, then a shamshaan (cremation ground) should also be created. There should be no discrimination." Attacking the Modi government's demonetisation move, Agarwal said that in doing so, the BJP had given an impetus to black money. WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- The Supreme Court heard oral arguments Tuesday in a case that exposes the brutality and illegality that characterize the operations of US border police along the militarized boundary between the United States and Mexico. The case takes on added significance coming at the same time as the Trump administrations enactment of measures to escalate the persecution, detention and deportation of undocumented workers, mainly from Mexico. The case, Hernandez v. Mesa, concerns the June 2010 murder of an unarmed 15-year-old Mexican youth, Sergio Hernandez Guereca, who was shot in the head at close range by Jesus Mesa, a Border Patrol agent. Mesa, standing on US territory near El Paso, Texas, shot and killed the teenager, who was seeking protection behind a trestle on the Ciudad Juarez side of the border. The slaying of Sergio Hernandez was part of a pervasive pattern of wanton violence carried out on the Mexican border by the 44,000-strong force of US Border Patrol agents and Customs and Border Protection officers. In 2013, the Arizona Republic published an investigative report documenting the death of at least 42 people, including a minimum of 13 Americans, at the hands of US border police over the previous eight years. It noted that none of the border cops involved in the killings had faced consequences. On at least three occasions, agents shot unarmed teenagers in the back. This force for terror on the border is to be dramatically expanded under Trump, who has ordered the hiring of an additional 10,000 Customs and Border Protection officers and 5,000 more Border Patrol agents. He has also ordered the expansion of existing detention facilities and the construction of new ones along the southwestern border of the US. These forces are being given a green light to escalate their violence, turning the border into a virtual free-fire zone and increasing the toll of dead and wounded Mexican nationals. In his press briefing on Tuesday, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said of the new immigration policy, The president wanted to take the shackles off individuals in these agencies In keeping with its policy of mass deportations and strengthening of the border, the Obama administration refused to prosecute Mesa, the Border Patrol agent who killed Hernandez, and turned down an extradition request from the Mexican government, which charged Mesa with murder. The Federal Bureau of Investigation initially claimed that the victim had thrown rocks at Mesa, justifying his use of deadly force. But cellphone videos of the incident exposed that as a fabrication. They showed that the 15-year-old was one of four youth who were playing a game, daring one another to run to the other side of the narrow, dry river bed of the Rio Grande, touch the US border fence, and run back to the Mexican side of the unmarked international border in the middle of the culvert. The videos showed Mesa grabbing one of the youth and then firing his weapon at Hernandez, who, far from threatening the cop, was cowering behind a bridge structure. The Justice Department terminated its investigation of the case in 2012 and released an equally specious report claiming that Mesa was responding to rock throwing by a group of border smugglers and therefore acting in accordance with Border Patrol guidelines. In the absence of criminal prosecution of their sons murderer, the parents of Sergio Hernandez filed a civil suit for damages against Mesa in US federal court. A federal district judge in Texas threw out their suit on the grounds that they had no legal standing because Sergio Hernandez was not covered by the US Constitution, since he was an alien and was shot on Mexican territory. The court also said that even if the teenager was constitutionally protected, the parents suit would not pass muster because Mesa would be entitled to qualified immunity, on the grounds that he was unaware his actions might violate Hernandezs rights. The doctrine of qualified immunity has been continually expanded in recent decades to shield police from being held accountable for illegal acts. The district court ruling was upheld by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. The parents then appealed to the Supreme Court, asking that it allow their suit to go forward. The Obama Justice Department sided with Mesa and the border police, arguing in court that the murder victim had no rights under the US Constitution and the parents had no legal recourse within the US judicial system. The Trump administration is simply maintaining the same position in its arguments before the Supreme Court. The familys lawyers contend that the parents have a right to sue under the Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution, which has long been interpreted as proscribing the use of excessive force, and the Fifth Amendment, which guarantees due process rights to all persons, without limiting its coverage to US citizens or residents. The Mexican government filed a brief in support of the Hernandez family, noting US Customs and Border Protection statistics citing the use of deadly force involving firearms 243 times from October 2010 through August 2016. Nearly all of these incidents occurred at or near the US-Mexico border. In court papers, Mexico pointed out that many of its residents spend much of their day within shooting distance of Border Patrol agents. It also stated acidly that if a Mexican officer fired across the border and killed an unarmed American, the United States would demand that the killer be brought to justice. In the course of the one-hour oral argument Tuesday morning, it became clear that the court was split along predictable lines, with the four more liberal justices seemingly inclined to reverse the lower courts and give the parents their day in court, and the right-wing bloc, consisting of Chief Justice John Roberts, associate justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas, and the nominal swing justice Anthony Kennedy indicating support for the lower courts. There are presently only eight justices on the court due to the unfilled seat vacated by the death last year of Antonin Scalia. Should the court deadlock four-to-four, the lower court rulings will stand. The court could also decide to rehear the parents appeal when the vacancy is filled. It is expected that Trumps nominee, Neil Gorsuch, will be confirmed by April, but it is highly unlikely that he would side with Hernandez. In the oral argument before the court, Robert Hilliard, a lawyer for the Hernandez family, argued: If left standing, the Fifth Circuits decision will create a unique no-mans landa law-free zone in which US agents can kill innocent civilians with impunity. This court should make clear that our border is not an on/off switch for the Constitutions fundamental protections. However, the overriding concern of virtually all of the justices, including the nominal liberals, was to avoid setting a legal precedent that might allow the victims of American imperialist crimes around the world to sue for damages in US courts. This was stated most openly by Chief Justice John Roberts, who said a decision in the parents favor could have implications in many directions, including a drone strike in Iraq where the plane is piloted from Nevada. Justice Kennedy worried that a ruling for Hernandez would negatively impact a critical area of foreign affairs and suggested that the issue be left to Congress and the executive branch to resolve. Associate justices Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan sought to fashion a narrow rationale for allowing the Hernandez suit to proceed that would have minimal impact on US operations internationally. Breyer suggested that the lower courts could be reversed on the grounds that the location of the shooting, an unclearly marked border overseen by both US and Mexican authorities, was, for practical purposes, under joint control. Kagan worried, There might be problems in other situations as well. There might be problems when US officials go into a foreign nations territory. She subsequently seconded Breyers proposal, adding that the dividing line between the two countries at the site of the shooting isnt even marked on the ground its a sui generis kind of case. A decision is expected by the end of June. Libyas Red Crescent recovered the bodies of 74 migrants when they washed ashore in northwestern Libya near the town of Zawiya (30 miles west of Tripoli) early Wednesday morning. The Red Crescent indicated there were many more casualties, but that the rough seas prevented them from recovering the rest of the bodies. Officials estimate there were some 150 refugees on board the vessel, which they believe was bound for Europe when it stopped functioning. A lone survivor--a middle-aged, African male--was rescued, comatose, from a torn rubber dinghy in the sea. Taha K. Sultan Elbarghathi, a spokesperson for the Red Crescent, told CNN the drowned were all African men of varying ages. He noted more African migrants are now attempting the hazardous central Mediterranean route to Europe, departing from the Libyan coast. According to Elbarghathi, the Zawiya team had never recovered so many bodies in a single incident. He believes the men fell prey to perilous sea conditions over the weekend. We dont know the exact time the boat capsized but the boat did not totally sink, Elbarghathi told CNN. One of the sides has lost its air. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) does not believe that rough seas caused the boats failure. According to migrants who have survived other such disasters, the IOM says, human smuggling operators frequently remove the engines from the overloaded boats, telling those aboard they will be rescued. They can then use the motors on other boats, likewise overloaded with people paying a steep price, and launch more migrants towards Europe for profit. In this case, says Leonard Doyle, spokesman for the IOM, the migrants apparently were set adrift, but the expected rescue never occurred. Those who died, he says, appeared to have been dehydrated for days. According to the IOM, 13,170 migrants have entered Europe by sea since January 1. Seventy-five percent of those arrived in Italy, with the rest coming in through Greece and Spain. IOM Rome reports that migrant arrivals in Italy--over 10,000--represent an increase of 2,000 over the same period last year. The International Federation of Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has said that while the numbers of migrants attempting the eastern Mediterranean route to Europe has significantly declined since last year, the number of people attempting central routes from Libya to Italy has increased. So, too, has the total of those who have successfully entered Europe through these routes. Last year, the central Mediterranean routes brought an unprecedented 181,000 migrants to the European continent. Throughout Europe, migrants have become a target for right-wing nationalist movements, who deflect the blame for declining social conditions onto the migrants. Even in countries where migrants are supposedly more welcome, such as Germany, they have been scapegoated by politicians to support border closures and more stringent police tactics. In early February, European Union (EU) leaders unanimously approved a plan to halt the flow of migrants across the Mediterranean. The European Commission developed the plan to leverage an existing agreement between Italy and Libya, promising increased financial aid and rescue efforts in return for Libyas cooperation in stanching the flow of migrants through its borders. The declaration concluded with vows to break the business model of smugglers, while also promising to police the eastern Mediterranean routes more brutally. These promises rely more upon chaos-ridden Libya than upon European humanitarian aid. Libyan Prime Minister Fayyez al-Sarraj maintains only a tenuous grip on Tripoli, the capital city. He has already stated that the funds pledged by the EU are insufficient to contain and manage the current flow of migrants through Libya. Furthermore, while the European Union is united in its determination to seal the hemorrhaging borders of Africa and the Levant, the EU itself is beset by fractious, nationalistic tensions. Member countries have already begun to try and forecast which other routes migrants might take. Three weeks after the EUs joint declaration, it is clear that this agreements success depends upon blatant disregard for the lives of migrants. On February 17, IOM Libya reported a separate incident in which 125 migrants--including four children--were rescued at sea off Zuwara. On February 18, another 187 migrants were rescued off Zawiya. Those refugees are currently being held in the Al Nasr Detention Centre, which is well known for its brutal treatment of migrants. The IOMs Missing Migrants Project, which tracks the deaths and disappearances of migrants throughout the world, has estimated that, as of February 22, 362 migrants have died on the Mediterranean since the beginning of the year. This does not include the nearly 100 migrants currently unaccounted for in the wreckage off Zawiya. The US media and political establishment has responded with virtually universal praise to Donald Trumps choice of Lt. Gen. H. R. McMaster to replace the fired ex-general Michael Flynn as his national security adviser. Observing the response from both Democrats and Republicans, as well as the corporate media, one might conclude that a memo had gone out from CIA headquarters on the language to be used in describing McMaster. He is a scholar, an experienced commander, an iconoclast, even an intellectual. The received wisdom is that this mixture of Thucydides and Clausewitz will provide reasoned and sound judgment to guide the foreign policy of the Trump administration. Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gushed that McMaster is a card-carrying grownup, while Democratic New York Representative Steve Israel proclaimed him a brilliant, reasoned leader. Former Obama administration official and Clinton advisor Jared Cohen called him a brilliant strategist and thinker. On the part of the media, the New York Times, which functions as a de facto organ of the Democratic Party, set the tone with its editorial on Wednesday. Its response was particularly noteworthy given the newspapers leading role in the anti-Russian campaign waged by the intelligence agencies. The editorials headline appealed directly to Trump and his top White House aides: Now, Let General McMaster Do His Job. It declared the latest Trump general to be an enlightened choice. It went on to advise, If Mr. Trump empowers him and defers to his judgment, General McMaster could be an important moderating force in an administration packed with radicals and amateurs. The editorial praised McMaster as a student of history, one of the militarys most gifted scholars and strategists, and one of the best American commanders in the Iraq War. According to the Times, McMasters book on Vietnam War decision-making in Washington, Dereliction of Duty, lays out the consequences of abetting misguided presidents with ill-conceived policies. The Times piles on the flattery in an op-ed column by Jonathan Stevenson, a former Obama national security aide, who describes McMaster as a compelling choice: a scholar-warrior in the mold of Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, with the bonus of looking every inch the part, and a proven cavalry officer and a formidable defense intellectual, who demonstrated in Iraq exemplary application of counterinsurgency doctrine. The immediate issue driving the praise for McMaster is the hope that his foreign policy views, which adhere to the conventional anti-Russian consensus of the bulk of the military-intelligence apparatus, will prevail within the councils of the Trump administration, particularly when General Mattis at the Pentagon and General John Kelly at the Department of Homeland Security weigh in as well. More generally, the exercise in collective deification is an expression of the disintegration of American democracy and the extraordinary power of the military over all official institutions in the United States. The growing influence of current and former generals, who occupy four top positions in the Trump national security hierarchysecretary of defense, secretary of homeland security, national security adviser and National Security Council chief of staffis no cause for concern to the media pundits and newspaper columnists, who appear to have forgotten the core democratic principle of civilian control of the military. Especially noteworthy in the praise of McMasterwho will remain on active duty as national security adviseris the reference to the lessons he drew in his analysis of the Vietnam War. McMasters book denounced the Joint Chiefs of Staff for failing to demand that President Lyndon Johnson commit the resources required to win the war up-front: as many as 700,000 troops, no restrictions on ground operations in South Vietnam, and unrestricted targeting of North Vietnam for bomb attacks, including MiG fighter bases and ports where Soviet and Chinese military personnel would likely have been killed. His thesis is a variant of the criticism leveled against the methods of limited war in Iraq and Afghanistan in favor of an all-out approach, summed up by the slogan, Go big, or go home. That such methods would have constituted a massive war crime in Vietnam, even greater than the one actually perpetrated by the tactics of gradual escalationmillions of Vietnamese dead, more than 50,000 American soldiers killed, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia laid wastedoes not interest McMasters fan club in the slightest. Even more reactionary is McMasters argument that the main defect of the Vietnam War was the failure of the generals to assert themselves more forcefully against the civilian leadership. Their dereliction of duty consisted of allowing themselves to be overruled by a president who, in McMasters view, was more interested in winning the war on poverty than the war in Southeast Asia. More recently, McMaster has been engaged in a military project to study the conflict in Ukraine and the lessons to be drawn by US military planners preparing for war in Eastern Europe against the Russian army and air force. The response to the selection of McMaster underscores the fact that the conflict that has raged within the political establishment since Trumps inauguration has nothing to do with the concerns motivating millions of people opposed to Trumps authoritarianism and right-wing policies. As far as Trumps establishment critics are concerned, the more power the military and intelligence agencies have over the instruments of state, the better. In terms of policies, if the desires of those promoting the moderate McMaster are fulfilled, there will be a vast escalation of US militarism in relation to Russia, a nuclear-armed power. As for Trumps other moderate generals, Department of Homeland Security head John Kelly is overseeing the assault on immigrant workers and has signed a memo calling for the mobilization of hundreds of thousands of national guardsmen to enforce it. Secretary of Defense Mattis, a war criminal responsible for the destruction of Fallujah, is overseeing a massive expansion of the military in preparation for world war. All of this demonstrates, as the World Socialist Web Site has stressed, that Trump is not an interloper into an otherwise healthy democratic society. His administration is the outcome of twenty-five years of unending war and decades of social counterrevolution. The American financial aristocracy stands atop a deeply diseased social order and relies ever more directly on the instruments of war and state repression to maintain its domination. There is no popular support for further military adventures in the Middle East, let alone the cataclysmic prospect of war with China or Russia, both nuclear-armed powers. The drive to maintain the dominant world position of American imperialism by means of ever more bloody military aggression abroad is inseparably linked to a frontal assault on the social conditions and democratic rights of the working class at home. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, two US officials told Reuters yesterday that China has nearly finished erecting almost two dozen structures on artificial islands in the South China Sea that appear likely to house long-range surface-to-air missiles. In what appears to be an attempt to escalate the tensions between the US and China, the Reuters report, which was republished internationally, declared that Chinas actions were an early test of US President Donald Trump. The reported remarks were both unsubstantiated and self-contradictory, however. The officials did not give a time line on when they believed China would deploy missiles on the islands. The officials were cited as saying that building concrete structures with retractable roofs on Subi, Mischief and Fiery Cross reefs, part of the Spratly Islands chain, where China has built military-length airstrips, threatened to trigger a military escalation. It is not like the Chinese to build anything in the South China Sea just to build it, and these structures resemble others that house SAM [surface-to-air missile] batteries, so the logical conclusion is thats what they are for, an unnamed US intelligence official said. Yet the intelligence official conceded that the structures did not pose a significant military threat to US forces in the region, given their visibility and vulnerability. Building them appeared to be more of a political test of how the Trump administration would respond, he said. Beijings response to the claim was muted. It appealed to the US and other countries to seek a peaceful resolution of territorial disputes in the South China Sea. At the same time, it asserted Chinas right to construct facilities, including for military purposes, on the territories it controls in the sea. At a press conference yesterday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said: I want to reiterate that China building facilities, including deploying necessary and appropriate national defence installations in its own territory, is exercising our sovereign right recognised by international law. He declared that China was working with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to resolve the rival claims in the South China Sea. We hope that non-regional countries can truly respect the efforts made by regional countries and do more for regional peace and stability, he said in a clear reference to the US and its allies. Even before it was inaugurated, as part of its America First foreign policy, the Trump administration signaled its intent to ramp up Washingtons aggressive drive to combat Chinas rising influence, criticising the Obama administrations confrontational military, strategic and economic pivot to Asia as inadequate. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has specifically spoken of the US needing the capacity to block Chinas access to the islands it controls in the South China Sea. Tillerson told the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee last month that Chinas building of islands and putting military assets on them was akin to Russias taking Crimea from Ukraine. In his written responses to follow-up questions, he said that in the event of an unspecified contingency, the US and its allies must be capable of limiting Chinas access to and use of those islands to pose a threat. Last Saturday, just days before the latest claims, the Pentagon announced what amounts to a show of force. In defiance of Chinese warnings not to increase tensions, it sent an aircraft carrier and a destroyer, designated by the navy as Carrier Strike Group 1, supposedly for routine patrols in the strategic waterway. As if to highlight the risk that such operations could trigger clashes, Beijings Xinhua news agency reported that a day later China deployed warships to hold counter-attack exercises in the South China Sea. The Changsha and Haikou, missile destroyers from the Chinese Navys South China fleet, reportedly practised shooting at simulated enemy destroyers in drills that also included units of the Beihai and East China fleets, along with navy aircraft. The US claims are not new. In fact, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Pentagon-linked think tank in Washington, said in a December report that China apparently had already installed weapons, including anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems, on all seven of the islands it has built in the South China Sea. The timing of the Reuters report, combined with the visits of the aircraft carrier group and other US warships in recent days, seems calculated to send a threatening message to the Beijing regime. As always, the US accusations against Beijing hypocritically depict Washington as seeking peaceful outcomes. A Pentagon spokesman said the United States remained committed to non-militarisation in the South China Sea and urged all claimants to the seas islands to take actions consistent with international law. In reality, the US has repeatedly cut across attempts by Beijing to resolve its territorial disputes in the South China Sea with other claimantsBrunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. As part of the US pivot to Asia, Hillary Clinton, then Obamas secretary of state, declared that the US had an overriding national interest in ensuring freedom of navigation in the sea, on which China depends heavily as a route for its imports and exports. The latest US actions may again be seeking to disrupt negotiations between China and ASEAN over the long-running territorial disputes. At the end of an ASEAN foreign ministers meeting on Tuesday, Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay, whose country currently chairs ASEAN, said his country was confident that ASEAN countries would work out a framework for a code of conduct in the South China Sea by June or July. A Xinhua commentary yesterday hailed this probability of agreement as a positive sign that the two sides are back on track over the issue, sending out a signal to outside meddlers that they can stop making waves. Under Obama, the US orchestrated a legal challenge in an international arbitration tribunal in The Hague by the former Philippine government of President Benigno Aquino III to Chinas territorial claims in the South China Sea. However, President Rodrigo Dutertes current administration in Manila backed away from trying to enforce that ruling and has instead sought to balance between the US and China. As part of that precarious balancing act, after the ASEAN meeting Philippine Foreign Secretary Yasay also said the foreign ministers had noticed, very unsettlingly, that China has installed weapons systems in these facilities. He urged dialogue to stop an escalation of recent developments. These remarks are an indication of the unease and turmoil throughout the Asia-Pacific region over the danger of a military conflict between the US and China, two nuclear-armed powers. Beijings attempts to counter the Trump administrations aggressive measures by its own military build-up are only intensifying the risks of a catastrophic war. In May 2016 the Obama administration instructed public schools to allow transgender students to use the bathroom they felt most comfortable using; schools refusing to comply with the instructions risked losing federal funding. The guidelines also included instructions for teachers to use students preferred names and pronouns in class. On Wednesday, February 22, the Trump administration rescinded the instructions, arguing that states and public schools have a right to discriminate against transgender students without interference from the federal government. In a new, superseding document that is to be sent to schools throughout the US, both the Justice and Education Departments, under the new administration in Washington, have promised to continue to analyze the legal considerations of the issue. The law at the heart of the issue is known as Title IX, and it prohibits sex discrimination in public schools. Trump and his supporters, however, dispute the meaning of the term sex discrimination. According to Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a longtime advocate of states rights, the previous guidelines did not contain sufficient legal analysis or explain how the interpretation was consistent with the language of Title X. The Obama guidelines were contested by many conservatives associated with the religious right. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton led thirteen states in a lawsuit against the guidelines. Our fight over the bathroom directive has always been about former President Obamas attempt to bypass Congress and rewrite the laws to fit his political agenda for radical social change, Paxton crowed triumphantly after Trumps revocation of the guidelines was announced. The new guidelines could grant even broader permissions to public schools than Paxtons lawsuit argues for, allowing individual schools to set their own rules with no fear of federal meddling. According to White House spokesman Sean Spicer, the White House was forced to act on the instructions now, ahead of a pending US Supreme Court case, G.G. v. Gloucester County School Board. Gavin Grimm, the Virginia boy at the center of the case, is arguing for the right to use the boys bathroom at his high school. In addition to revoking the guidelines issued by the Obama administration, the Trump administrations actions on Wednesday withdrew an Education Department letter in support of Grimms case. The Supreme Courts decision in the case could have far-reaching ramifications. The Court could bypass the question of whether Title IX protections include transgender students, leaving the decision to lower courts. It is equally capable of defining Title IX protections once and for all. The case raises the longstanding tensions in the United States between those who view education as a federal concern and those who believe that education should be left to states to legislate. For many transgendered persons and their advocates, that dichotomy represents a dangerous gray area in which states could deprive transgender students of equal access to education or protection from bullying. The conflicts between states rights and civil rights hearkens back to the 1950s and 1960s, when Southern states argued that they had a right to segregate white and black students. Segregationists then quibbled over the definition of equal in much the same way that Sessions, an ardent partisan of states rights for his entire political career, quibbles over the definition of discrimination today. Transgender legal advocates rightly criticize the states rights arguments, seeing them as a green light for states to restrict access to education without fear of oversight, opening up vulnerable students to attacks upon their dignity by administrators and teachers who neglect their primary concernthe education of childrenin order to police community morality. That the issue would warrant an executive order demonstrates the decay of social conditions and the Trump administrations absolute disregard for education. In an era when Americas schools lag behind other advanced countries by almost all measures, Trumps attacks on education are particularly harmful to the working class. Schools that have already suffered under the policies of the No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top programs of the Bush and Obama administrations are now being picked over by vultures using federalist pretexts to hide their eagerness to subordinate social interests to private profit. The cloak of morality is being used to whip up social backwardness, to be used to attack education and other basic rights. The old cry of states rights should signal to the working class that the bourgeoisie is preparing new assaults upon workers and their families. Last week a number of organisations and individuals involved in the exposure of police surveillance and infiltration of protest groups and political parties held a meeting, Strikers & Spy copsfrom Grunwick to now, in central London. During the course of the meeting it became clear, as the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) has maintained from the start, that the state is using the ongoing Undercover Policing Inquiry (UPI), chaired by Lord Justice Pitchford, to review and refine its repressive policies. The role of the UPI is to clean up the fall-out from several high-profile court cases, rather than conducting an independent investigation of anti-democratic measures against political organisations and individuals. In its submission to the UPI, the SEP rejected its terms of reference, which means that hardly any political organisations have been designated as core participants. This is especially peculiar, given that the focus of the inquiry is the Special Demonstration Squad (SDS), which was specifically created as part of high-level political operations against the left. The SEP submission demanded the immediate release of the names of all undercover police operatives, especially those active in the Workers Revolutionary Party (and its forerunners and successor organisations), their pseudonyms and dates of operation. The London meeting heard how undercover police officers from the SDS and the National Public Order Intelligence Unit (NPOIU) had infiltrated hundreds of political groups since 1968, using a multitude of deceptive techniques. These included using the names of at least 42 dead children, and officers forming long-term relationships with unsuspecting individuals and fathering their children, as part of building their cover story before suddenly disappearing. The resulting court cases led to the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) admitting abuses of human rights and paying millions in compensation. The chairperson of last weeks meeting, Eveline Lubbers from the Undercover Research Group, explained that although the UPI was established in 2014 (by then Home Secretary Theresa May) it had still not started its hearings. It is depressing Until now we thought the Inquiry was the best thing we could get to get to the truth and find something out, Lubbers said, before revealing that the MPS had, on the morning of the meeting, asked for a further seven months delay. The force claims it needs more time to process anonymity orders for the 116 former SDS officers who have been identified to the UPI. In addition, MPS lawyer Melanie Jones asked that Pitchford keep secret those undercover officers that he wishes to subject to more considered scrutiny. She brushed aside the criminal actions of the undercover police officers and the trauma perpetrated against their victims, declaring it would be harrowing and upsetting for the officers! Some are in advanced years. Some may need to undergo distressing and confusing psychological or medical assessment, which are themselves costly in financial resources, Jones added. If Pitchford grants the request at a hearing planned for early April, the UPI is unlikely to start until 2018the year it was supposed to complete its findings. Investigative reporter Solomon Hughes told the audience that in 2006, following a request under the new Freedom of Information legislation, the MPS released a number of Special Branch files reporting in great detail on the 1976-78 Grunwick industrial dispute. At various points in the files are the words Please index against an individual or organisationin other words, create a file on them. Since 2006 Hughes explained, the MPS has refused similar requests, either saying they have lost the files, declaring those asking for the information vexatious, or that releasing it would undermine national security and lead to more crime and terrorist incidents and place officers at risk. Civil rights lawyer Harriet Wistrich, who is acting for several women involved in the fraudulent long-term relationships with men who turned out to be spies, explained that the refusal of the MPS to release information was a result of the recently developed Neither Confirm Nor Deny policy. It now meant we cant get hold of anything. She told the meeting that over 18 months into the Inquirywe are nowhere seeing an ounce of disclosure, nowhere near a public hearing. Wistrich also revealed that MPS officials had shredded documents the previous week that could be relevant to the UPI. Wistrich explained that the onus is on anyone suspecting the activities of undercover police officers, to prove they have taken place. Nearly all the cases being accepted for core participant status are those that are already in the public domain and only came to light because the names of some undercover operatives were either disclosed by the agents themselves, or uncovered by their victims. Wistrich concluded by saying, Its very difficult to see anything coming out of this Inquiry. In the Q&A session that followed the speeches, this reporter explained, What we are seeing is a damage limitation exercise designed to reorganise the state. The implementation of the NCND policy is a sign the state is becoming more repressive. Things must get worse because of Brexit, the election of Donald Trump and the rise of nationalism and militarism internationally. The state is gearing up to deal with the dissent and opposition these developments must inevitably produce. The reporter then read a section from a leaflet produced by the Campaign Opposing Police Surveillance, which states, We have no faith in any of the ongoing police inquiries or reports, including Operation Herne, nor those from the satellite bodies such as the Independent Police Complaints Commission or Her Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary. Several have already been thoroughly discredited. This is all well and good, but in the next paragraph, the leaflet then creates illusions in the UPI, declaring it must be transparent, robust and independent and that it should happen without delay. Surely the evidence produced by tonights speakers proves that the state cannot be trusted to investigate its own criminality, the reporter continued before calling for an inquiry into policing that is truly independent of the state. He also discussed the experiences of the 1995 independent Workers Inquiry into the killing of Joy Gardner, the first immigrant to die in Britain during a deportation. The International Communist Party, the predecessor of the Socialist Equality Party, initiated the inquiry. Using trial court evidence and testimony supplied by Joys family, the inquiry was able to prove that her death was the direct result of the actions of the deportation squad. In addition, her brutal treatment was the result of a concerted offensive by the British government against immigrant workers and democratic rights, which was never opposed by the Labour Party or the trade union bureaucracy. The call for an independent inquiry found a response from another platform speaker, Marcia Rigg from the United Friends and Families Campaign against deaths in police custody (and whose brother met the same fate), who said a Peoples Court should be set up. And in concluding the meeting, Lubbers agreed the idea of a real independent inquiry was something to be thought about. As socialists have long recognised, far from being a neutral arbiter that can be made to operate above class interests, the police are part of the states special bodies of armed men, assigned the task of keeping the capitalist class in power and the working class oppressed. The police can no more be reformed or made democratically accountable than capitalism itself. The findings of the Workers Inquiry into the killing of Joy Gardner are contained in the book, A State Murder Exposed: The Truth about the Killing of Joy Gardner. It can be obtained here. The author also recommends: Socialist Equality Party (UK) demands the Undercover Police Inquiry release the names of all police agents and spies [10 December 2015] UK inquiry refuses to investigate police spying on Workers Revolutionary Party [09 August 2016] The militant attacked the patrolling party at Mulu Chitragam at about 2 am. By Ashraf Wani: Three army soldiers were martyred and another three injured on late Wednesday night after militants opened fired at a patrolling party of 44 Rashtriya Rifles at Mulu Chitragam area of south Kashmir's Shopian district. A lady of Mulu area who was hit by a stray bullet inside her house during the crossfiring also succumbed to her injuries. Army officials said a team of RR-44 and police had gone to Kungnoo Shopian to conduct a search operation and were returning empty handed when the CASO party was attacked by unknown militants at Mulu Chitragam at about 2 am. advertisement Six army personnel were injured, including two officers, of whom three succumbed to their injuries. Later on in the day, militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen claimed responsibility for the attack. ALSO READ | Kashmir: Army jawan, 2 militants killed in gunfight in Bandipora district, another encounter underway in Sopore However, as per intelligence information this attack was unique as for the first time terrorists from cross border and local terrorists joined hands to attack the Army convoy. It is believed that LeT and Hizbul Mujahideen joined hands to attack the Army. The other unique thing about this attack was that in earlier encounter or attack, generally terrorists used to escape after firing, but this time they engaged with the Army for much longer time. As per intelligence information, over 400 terrorists are active in the Valley and their maximum presence is reported in south Kashmir followed by Pir Panjal area. According to officials, local handlers support to these terrorists is the major concern for the Army and it is drawing new action plan to counter this menace in the Valley. Also read | Hizbul Mujahideen module busted by J-K police; 9 arrested for luring youth into terror activities With inputs from Manjeet Negi --- ENDS --- The Murdoch-owned Daily Telegraph, a Sydney tabloid, recently launched a campaign to collectively demonise Muslim immigrants, refugees and welfare recipients. It led with a front-page article claiming that Middle Eastern migrants are piling up the dole queue. These efforts, based on lies and distortions, aim to generate support for the Turnbull governments assault on welfare entitlements, including the reintroduction of widely-despised welfare cuts, while whipping up anti-Muslim bigotry as a means of diverting social discontent away from the government and the corporate elite that are demanding the brutal cuts. Taking isolated statistics completely out of their economic and social context, the article claims the unemployment rate among Middle Eastern and North African immigrants has more than doubled in the past ten years and they are three times more likely than European or Asian immigrants to be out of work in the first five years. These claims are drawn from monthly labour force data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) since January 1991. The figures indeed indicate that the official unemployment rate among workers from North Africa and the Middle East33.5 percentis much higher than those born in Australia5.5 percent. But the claim that this rate has more than doubled in the past decade deliberately distorts the statistics, which display considerable volatility. While the figure for December 2016, 33.5 percent, is more than double the rate in December 2006, 14.1 percent, it is not double the figure in January 2007, which is 20.7 percent, one month later. The average unemployment rate for those from North Africa and the Middle East in 2006 was 18.8 percent, just 3.2 percent lower than 2016, whose average was 22 percent. Moreover, the December 2016 result is not the highest in the past ten yearsit reached 40.2 percent in March 2009. In the past, the percentage has been even higher, ballooning to 64.8 percent in February 1996. The Daily Telegraphs inflammatory article singling out and blaming Muslims for being on the dole queue stands reality on its head. The figures indicate that, as expected, new arrivals face great difficulty in finding work, both as a result of the ongoing destruction of full-time jobs for all workers and endemic discrimination by employers against immigrant workers, who generally regard them only as opportunities for super-exploitation. All those who are unemployed, whatever the statistics for particular ethnic groups, should have the basic social right to decent welfare payments, which are an essential protection against destitution, under conditions of worsening unemployment and under-employment. Yet that social right is precisely what is under attack across the board. As one of the most vulnerable layers of the working class, these refugees and immigrants are being targeted as part of a wider drive to further wind back the totally inadequate, below-poverty-line payments that are made to jobless and disabled workers. Though the article refrains from drawing direct conclusions on Australias refugee program, it refers disparagingly to government spending on education programs for humanitarian visa holders. It also states that, unlike other migrants, refugees do not have to wait two years for welfare payments. The implication is that those Muslims in the dole queue are mainly refugees. The Daily Telegraph insinuates that Australia is accepting too many Middle Eastern immigrants and refugees. The article states that the number of Iraqi-born migrants has increased by 38 percent in ten years, to 63,000 and that the number of Syrian settlers is set to double as a result of the governments promise, more than a year ago, to accept 12,000 refugees from Syria. This material is part of a broader campaign to channel the mounting social tensions produced by the destruction of jobs, cuts to basic services and soaring housing prices in reactionary and divisive directions, and away from the real causes of the worsening social conditions, which lie in the capitalist profit system itself. The propaganda goes hand in hand with the Murdoch presss promotion of right-wing populists, like One Nations Pauline Hanson, who advocate immigration bans, welfare cutoffs and increased military spending. Emulating US President Donald Trump, Hanson has stridently backed his measures to ban Muslims from entering the US, and demanded similar measures in Australia. In the corporate media, people relying on pitiful welfare benefits are routinely depicted as parasites or fraudsters, in line with the governments proposed $7.5 billion cuts to welfare over the next four years and its deepening welfare debt crackdown. In recent months, thousands of unemployment and sickness benefit recipients have been sent letters demanding they pay back thousands of dollars in alleged overpayments, and threatening them with debt collectors and jail. Despite a public outcry against this offensive, and protests by the Centrelink workers who have been ordered to carry it out, the government plans to soon extend it to sole parents, pensioners and others relying on welfare. The scapegoating of immigrants is not isolated to the Murdoch media. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation, a state-funded network, published a report last month declaring that high immigration masks Australian economic decline. According to the article, immigrants are driving soaring house prices and reductions in wages. The article concluded by saying the reason why many people feel that they havent benefitted from Australias long stretch of economic expansion, is quite simply because they havent. This was put down to high immigration being good for business, but not necessarily good for ordinary workers. Such demagogy is used to conceal the true source of the worsening social conditions and widening inequality, both in Australia and worldwide. That is the ever-more ruthless and parasitic operations of the financial and corporate elites, which profit both by eliminating jobs and driving down wages and conditions, and by speculative investment in the real estate and share markets. US-led militarism across the Middle East, in which Australian forces are heavily involved, has also caused the greatest refugee crisis since World War II, with more than 60 million people forced to flee their homes. The capitalist class is not only seeking to eliminate every basic social program that once ameliorated, if only slightly, the constant financial stress that working-class households confront. Amid the rising trade and military tensions between the US and other major powers, there is also a drive to place the country on a war footing, with $195 billion to be spent on military hardware over the next decade, the cost of which will be borne by workers and youth. The author also recommends: Pauline Hansons One Nation seeks power in Australian states [2 February 2017] Directed by Zhang Yimou; story by Max Brooks, Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz, screenplay by Carlo Bernard, Doug Miro and Tony Gilroy. 1700 Years to Build; 5550 Miles Long; What Were They Trying to Keep Out? reads the tagline for Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimous The Great Wall. That seems to capture some of the essential vacuousness of the project. Zhangs The Great Wall is the critically acclaimed directors first English-language production. It is a visually arresting, large-scale action film that, unfortunately, does not transcend the fairly primitive boundaries of the genre. Set in the era of Chinas Song dynasty (960-1279), the film opens with a group of European mercenaries crossing the Gobi Desert in search of a new type of weapon called black powder (i.e., gunpowder, whose first confirmed use occurred in China in the 800s). Set upon by Khitan nomads and then attacked by a mysterious creature, the original group of 20 is reduced to William Garin (Matt Damon) and Pero Tovar (Pedro Pascal). Stumbling upon the Great Wall, they are taken prisoner by the Nameless Order, an elite army regiment led by General Shao (Zhang Hanyu) and the young female Commander Lin (Jing Tian). The battalion comprises five corps named after the crane, bear, eagle, deer and tiger. Its disciplined fighters (males in red, females in blue) are in the throes of their preparation for a life-and-death showdown with a monstrous enemy, the Tao Teigiant bearded dragon-like aliens. They rise every 60 years to feed upon humanity and punish mankinds greed, and they are intent not only on conquering China, but the entire world. At first, William and Tovar appear as mere backward ruffians to their polished, well-trained and well-equipped captors until the Tao Tei launch an attack, and the European duo (Damons Irish accent is questionable) prove their worth as valiant fighters. William (an expert archer) observes that previously I fought for greed this is the first war Ive seen worth fighting for. Tovar disagrees and wants to proceed with their plan to escape with enough of the black powder to make them rich. They will be joined by Ballard (Willem Dafoe), another European and seeker of gunpowder, who was taken prisoner 25 years earlier. Predictably, only the pure of heart and mind can repulse the invaders and rebalance the universe. The Great Wall is an extravagant work whose spectacular features include the serpentine Wall itself; the atmospheric mountain/desert landscape; a drum corps that performs with frightening precision; masterfully choreographed battle scenes; and vibrant costumes and set pieces, such as a brigade of hot-air balloons dotting a sizzling sky. Enhancing the overall lavishness is an impressive score composed by Ramin Djawadi. Sadly, the films fiery energy is undermined by the general cartoonishness and emptiness of the script and the characterseven making allowances for the computer-generated monsters. Despite Zhangs unmistakable flair for sweeping dramatic movement and tension (appropriate perhaps in China), it is difficult for the viewer to become emotionally aroused by and engaged with a world reduced to the nearly one-dimensional. The script involved the collaboration of six writers, including two at least who have done interesting work in the past: Edward Zwick, director of the Civil War epic Glory (1989), and Tony Gilroy, who directed Michael Clayton (2007), a politically charged expose of the chemical industry. The results of their collective efforts are very weak here. Zhang (born 1951) is one of the most gifted and sensitive living directors. His best films, in an exceptional and versatile career, include Red Sorghum (1987), Ju Dou (1990), Raise the Red Lantern (1991), The Story of Qiu Ju (1992), Not One Less (1999), and Coming Home (2014). His early films in particular reflected strong sympathy for the oppressed and a disdain for those in power. A number of his initial films were banned in China, although they were shown outside the country. Of Raise the Red Lantern, we wrote in the Bulletin in 1992: Set in the 1920s, the film nevertheless indelibly points to contemporary life. It depicts social and personal relationships which are so inhuman and crushing that they demand a social revolution. Whatever Zhangs political outlook, his artistry is serious and critical enough to disturb any regime, particularly one bent on resurrecting the conditions of exploitation that Raise the Red Lantern examines. So why is Zhang making trivia like The Great Wall? The answer lies in the complicated and interrelated problems of contemporary filmmaking and the specific political and cultural contradictions of Chinese society. The Beijing regime for its part has learned to operate in the artistic sphere with a little more finesse, balancing repression and rewards. Most of the so-called Fifth and Sixth Generation filmmakers have accommodated themselves to the regime. There is less obvious opposition and social criticism in current Chinese cinema today than there was two decades ago. No doubt a great deal of it has been pushed underground. Zhang has strong feelings and a great cinematic-dramatic eye. However, in the long run, even such attributes are no substitute for a perspective on history and society. Like all the Chinese artists, cut off from a left-wing critique of Maoism-Stalinism, Zhang is largely clueless when it comes to the character of the Chinese Revolution and the evolution of Chinese society, including its re-entry into the global capitalist system. He gives the appearance of a frustrated, energetic figure largely running in place. Thus, The Great Wall. On the whole, reviewers in the US have received Zhangs new work coolly. The film certainly deserves to be criticized, and the reception would be entirely understandable were it not for the fact that numerous Hollywood superhero movies received a far more positive reception in 2016. Zhangs film has an approval rating of only 36 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, a review aggregator, and a score of 42 out of 100 at Metacritic, another aggregator. However, it is difficult to find an innocent explanation for the overwhelmingly favorable critical treatment, on the other hand, of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (an approval rating of 85 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 65 out of 100 at Metacritic), Captain America: Civil War (90 percent at Rotten Tomatoes, 75 out of 100 at Metacritic), and Star Trek Beyond (84 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, 68 out of 100 at Metacritic). These were leaden films, without even The Great Walls stylishness and color. (Captain America: Civil War was simply dreadful.) Whether the critics are fully conscious of it or not, it seems entirely possible that anti-Chinese attitudes are at work. Indeed, despite the fundamental conventionality of Zhangs film, a major Chinese-made film appearing in American movie theaters is bound to create noxious ripples. The hostility or sensitivity takes different forms. The practitioners of identity politics jumped on The Great Wall, before it came out, as another white savior film, because of Damons role. The Atlantic in August 2016, for instance, wrote stupidly that Zhangs film was now the most dramatic example of whitewashing: Though its rooted in Chinese history and culture, and is made by a Chinese director and studio, the film is already relying solely on the face of a well-known white American actor to sell its story. The magazine took Damon to task for being the face of a film that embodies all of the industrys worst tendencies, by yet again putting a white American actor at the center of another cultures story. In response, Zhang defended his film: Matt Damon is not playing a role that was originally conceived for a Chinese actor. The arrival of his character in our story is an important plot point. There are five major heroes in our story and he is one of themthe other four are all Chinese. The collective struggle and sacrifice of these heroes are the emotional heart of our film. As the director of over 20 Chinese language films and the Beijing Olympics, I have not and will not cast a film in a way that was untrue to my artistic vision. I hope when everyone sees the film and is armed with the facts they will agree. Although there was some pulling back (including by the Atlantic) from the whitewashing argument following Zhangs comments and the release of the film, this still did not prevent the Chicago Tribune reviewer, for example, from asserting that The Great Wall was, among other things, a white savior movie and a Chinese-American comic from generating the sarcastic hashtag #ThankYouMattDamon, as in Thank You Matt Damon for all that youve done to save the Chinese people. The identity politics well is as apparently bottomless as it is dry. On the other hand, subtle or not-so-subtle anti-Chinese sentiment came from sources such as Ann Hornaday in the Washington Post. Hornaday observed February 16 (The Great Wall, Matt Damon and Hollywoods delicate dance with China) that Zhangs film was arriving in American theaters at a point when U.S.-China relations could scarcely be more consequential. The article suggested that while Hollywood studios were very much interested in earning profits in Chinas movie-hungry market, the American film industrys attempts to cater to the Chinese market can veer toward pandering. Hornaday complained that films dealing with such subjects as homosexuality, a free press and democratic dissentthink Brokeback Mountain, Spotlight and Selmanever make it past square one with Chinese censors. The Chinese regime is a thuggish defender of big business. That the American film industry, however, is entirely under the thumb of a handful of conglomerates and panders to Wall Street, the Pentagon and the CIA in the overwhelming majority of its products does not trouble Hornaday one bit. Raising the issue of human rights in China in the Washington Post, one of the principal proponents of imperialist invasion and neo-colonial war, is a fraud. In her review of the film published the same day (The Great Wall isnt that great after all), Hornaday once again expressed sensitivity about Chinas current global role. She noted that early criticism for casting Damon as what many presumed would be the usual white savior had turned out to be misguided. Her concerns lie elsewhere, above all, with Chinas growing influence. The Post critic noted that Damons character was less an out-and-out hero than a foil for ideas of national identity and cultural chauvinism that China is obviously eager to export for global consumption. All that being said, unhappily, Zhangs new film is a poor one. By Press Trust of India: Tirupati/Hyderabad, Feb 22 (PTI) Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao today made a princely offering of gold ornaments worth a staggering Rs 5 crore to Lord Venkateswara in Tirupati, inviting criticism from the opposition over "misuse" of public funds. Rao donated the jewellery at the famous hill shrine to express his gratitude to the Lord for materialising Telangana, the state for whose creation the TRS leader waged a prolonged movement. The Chief Minister was said to have taken a vow to make the offering following fulfilment of his dream of a separate Telangana state. advertisement After offering prayers to Lord Venkateswara, Rao handed over a heavy garland made of gold and studded with fossilised shells called Shaligram Haram, and a multi-string gold necklace Makhara Kantabharanam, collectively weighing about 19 kg and worth a whopping Rs 5 crore to the temple Executive Officer D Sambasiva Rao, temple sources told PTI. Accompanied by his family members and some ministerial colleagues, Rao arrived in Tirupati last night by a special flight on a 15-hour visit to the ancient temple town. It was the first such offering by a state government to the 2,000-year-old hill shrine, the richest in the country, temple sources said. Later, at the sprawling Ranganayaka Mandapam inside the shrine, Rao was honoured with the sacred silk cloth and prasadam, while the high priests blessed him amid chanting of vedic hymns. However, Raos action raised the hackles of his opponents who slammed him for using public money to express gratitude to the God for fulfilment of his dream. "Its not correct for KCR to use public money for his personal vows to god. Government should make public what transparency was maintained in the making of ornaments offered to Lord Venkateswara. To whom this contract was given, it should be made public," Congress leader and former minister M Sasidhar Reddy told reporters here. Reddy, a former vice-chairman of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), said he would write a letter to the Executive Officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), the body that administers the Lord Venkateswara temple, seeking disclosure of the value of jewellery. Telangana BJP spokesman Krishna Sagar Rao, too, attacked the Chief Minister for spending "public money for personal reasons". "He is possibly the only CM in the entire country today who spends public money so brazenly for personal reasons," he said. "BJP doesnt have any objection to ones religious beliefs and personal vows to god. However, these vows have to be fulfilled in individual capacity and not by using public money. Those in power should have basic competence to draw a line between personal and public spending," Rao said in a statement. advertisement Alleging that the TRS government has not fulfilled any of its election promises, the BJP spokesperson said it should focus on fulfilling the vows made to people. PTI COR SJR ROH GK BSA MRJ SK SK --- ENDS --- TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida could provide more money to help college students under an ambitious proposal that's ready for a vote by the Florida Senate. A Senate panel on Thursday approved an overhaul of the state's higher education system that is a top priority for Senate President Joe Negron. The full Senate could vote on the measure in March. The bill (SB 2) would require the state to cover 100 percent of tuition costs for top performing high school students who attend a university or college. Florida used to pay 100 percent of tuition for those eligible for the top Bright Futures scholarship but it was scaled back during the Great Recession. The legislation also beefs up other scholarship programs and creates one that would assist farmworkers and the children of farmworkers. (Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) COLUMBUS, Ga. (AP) - The Georgia State Patrol says a man fleeing a traffic stop was struck and killed by a west Georgia sheriff who wasn't part of any police pursuit. Harris County Sheriff Mike Jolley and his wife were returning home from an outing Saturday when the sheriff's pickup truck hit Demetris Dalton after he jumped a wall into the northbound lanes of Interstate 185 in Columbus. Sgt. Daryl Irvin of the Georgia State Patrol said Jolley wasn't on duty and was not helping with the pursuit. Irvin said Wednesday state troopers found the sheriff was not at fault. Irvin said Dalton fled when a trooper tried to stop him for speeding, then crashed his car and fled on foot. Jolley did not immediately return a phone message from The Associated Press. (Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Florida State University students voted yes on a referendum to make it a "Sanctuary campus" for illegal immigrants. 66 percent of voters were in favor of the referendum. If the university adopts the measure, no FSU offices or organizations will be able to report any student's immigration status to immigration and customs enforcement. It also would guarantee undocumented students to receive in-state tuition waivers. Now, it's up to university administration and President John Thrasher to acknowledge the referendum and declare it in order for the campus to become a "sanctuary campus". TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Going through a divorce and need legal advice? Thursday night, you can get advice for free. On Thursday, Legal Services of North Florida (LSNF) and the Leon County Clerk of Courts will host the first of four free family law information clinics offered throughout 2017. Organizers said that the series of free clinics will provide legal information to help families understand the intricacies of divorce proceedings, legal matters related to children, and the division of property. The clinics will take place at the Leon County Courthouse Annex in courtroom 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The clinic is open to the public, free and does not require registration. Organizers say attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives of LSNF and the Leon County Clerk of Courts Office. Additional clinics in this series will be hosted on May 25, September 14, and November 9 at the Leon County Courthouse Annex from 6-8 p.m. TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- After Tallahassee police find the body of Tavon Jackson, the man accused of killing 23-year-old Javona Glover last year, her family is speaking out. Javona Glover was stabbed to death on August 30th at the Walgreens store at the corner of Tennessee Street and Ocala Road. Tavon Jackson's body was found last night by the "Players Club student apartments" on Ocala Road, a three minutes' drive from the Walgreens. After six months, Jennifer and Jabrea Battles can finally smile again. "It has been a nightmare," said Jennifer Battles, Javona's mother. "This was the worst scenario that a parent could ever imagine." "She was like a second mom to me. She was just like my best friend, my other half," said Jabrea, her sister. "She was a very good person." Javona Glover's family says they haven't slept in peace since her murder. Javona left behind her daughter Janiah and a family praying for closure. "Every day, we were looking over our shoulder, worried about Janiah's safety, our safety, because we didn't know where this murderer was," her mother said. Jackson's body was found in a wooded area by the Players Club apartment complex. That's less than half a mile from where the murder happened. Police say they have a clearer idea of how long the body was in the woods. "Based on the condition of the body when we found it in the woods along with the clothing that was on him -- which is the same clothing he had on during the murder of Ms. Glover -- we are going to assume at this point that he has been there since the time of the murder or very close to that time," said David Northway, the public information officer for Tallahassee Police Department. Jabrea said, "It's a sense of relief, but it don't make me really feel any better, because my sister is not coming back." "It brought a close to a horrific chapter of our life," said Jennifer. "Now, maybe, we can start the healing process." Jabrea got a tattoo a week or two after her sister was killed to keep her memory alive. "I just want her to know that I haven't forgotten about her," said Jabrea, "and she'll always have a piece of my heart." Police say while the investigation is still in its early stages, Jackson's death appears to be a suicide. Investigators are awaiting an autopsy from the medical examiner's office for an official cause of death. JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - Troopers say one man is dead and a teen is in critical condition after an overnight crash in Jackson County. The Florida Highway Patrol said that 47-year-old Garry Morris of Panama City Beach was driving north on County Road 169 Wednesday night when his car went onto the shoulder. When it did, his car hit a drain pipe, causing the car to fly into the air. Troopers say the car went through some utility wires and tree branches before smashing into the ground and overturning. They said that the car came to a rest on its roof, facing south on the front lawn of 5052 Peanut Road. Morris later died from his injuries. His passenger, 18-year-old Jonathan Malloy, was taken to Southeast Medical Center for critical injuries. Troopers say that charges are pending investigation. Malaysian authorities have identified several suspects in the death of Kim Jong Nam, but many questions remain. By AP: More than a week has passed since the North Korean leader's estranged half brother died in Malaysia, but what killed him, who instigated it and why are still unknown. Malaysian authorities have identified several suspects in the death of Kim Jong Nam, but many questions remain. WHO DIED: No one disputes that the man attacked at the Kuala Lumpur budget airport on Feb. 13 carried a North Korean passport. advertisement Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says that man was Kim Jong Nam, the eldest sibling of current North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. South Korea, too, is certain the victim is Kim Jong Nam and says the name on the man's passport is a popular fake identity for North Koreans. Malaysian police still officially use the passport identity, Kim Chol, and have requested DNA from family members to confirm his identity. North Korea says its confirmation of the man's identity as Kim Chol has been disregarded by Malaysia. A statement released by its embassy Wednesday accused Malaysian authorities of publicizing an unconfirmed identity "alleged by South Korea." THE SUSPECTS: Surveillance video showed two women walking up to Kim Jong Nam at an airport kiosk, holding something over his face for a few seconds, then walking away. Malaysian police say the two women who were arrested, one Vietnamese and the other Indonesian, knew they were handling poisonous materials and had practiced the attack by approaching people at Kuala Lumpur malls. They said North Korean suspects put the liquid substance on the women's hands before the assault. Video allegedly taken from several CCTVs at the Kuala Lumpur Intn'l Airport shows the last moment of #KimJongNam https://t.co/ul2CIaMlVz pic.twitter.com/oakbBGHhKr People's Daily,China (@PDChina) February 19, 2017 Two other people have been arrested: a Malaysian man - believed to be the boyfriend of the Indonesian woman - whose court remand has now expired, and a North Korean man working at a Malaysian company. Malaysian police said Wednesday they also were seeking the second secretary of North Korea's embassy in Kuala Lumpur and an employee of North Korea's state-owned airline, Air Koryo. Four other suspects identified by police have left Kuala Lumpur and are now believed to be back in Pyongyang. Malaysia has yet to directly name North Korea as the culprit but national police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said Wednesday that "what's clear is that those involved are North Koreans." Police sought cooperation from Pyongyang and the embassy in the investigation, but North Korea has accused Malaysia of colluding with South Korea and describing its investigations as politically motivated. WHAT KILLED HIM: The liquid rubbed on his face was potent enough to kill Kim Jong Nam before he could reach a hospital. But no one else appears to have been harmed. So what was the poison? Police don't yet know. But certain poisons can be difficult to detect, especially if small amounts are used. Khalid said the women knew they were handling a toxin and followed precautions as they'd been trained to do: keeping their hands away from their bodies and washing their hands immediately after the attack. advertisement North Korea rejects that any poison could have killed the man and not harmed the attackers. Some South Korean and other outside experts said the substance might have been a quick-acting nerve agent. They raise a possibility of the use of neostigmine bromide, which Seoul officials said was contained in a pen-like weapon used in a failed North Korean attempt to kill an activist in 2011. Lee Cheol Woo, head of the South Korean parliament's intelligence committee, said the South Korean spy agency is looking into the possibility that Kim's attackers used something new. WHY TARGET HIM: Bloodline is extolled in North Korea's foundation myth and is the strongest claim to legitimate rule. The estranged siblings were sons of North Korea's second leader, Kim Jong Il, and grandsons of the nation's founder, Kim Il Sung. By the traditional Confucian value system, the eldest son is the true heir, yet current leader Kim Jong Un is the youngest. So despite Kim Jong Nam's years of exile, many analysts think he could have been killed because he was a potential challenger to power. advertisement Kim Jong Un has executed or purged a slew of high-level officials since succeeding his father in 2011. South Korea has blamed North Korea for Kim Jong Nam's death without providing evidence. The South Korean spy agency has argued that Kim Jong Un killed a non-threatening sibling out of "paranoia," and the South's defense minister told lawmakers that Kim Jong Un would have been motivated to eliminate the possibility of Kim Jong Nam emerging as an "alternative" to his leadership. Kim Ju Il, a North Korean defector-turned-activist based in Britain, has told the South Korean media that his group met Kim Jong Nam several times from 2014 and asked him to take part in an exile government, but that he refused. South Korea's Unification Ministry said it couldn't confirm Kim Ju Il's claim. DIPLOMATIC FALLOUT: Malaysia and North Korea established diplomatic relations in 1973, and Malaysia is one of the few places in the world where North Koreans can travel without a visa. But North Korea several times has questioned the fairness of the Malaysian investigation and the accuracy of its findings. Malaysia has recalled its ambassador from Pyongyang and summoned the North Korean envoy for an explanation. While experts don't expect a complete severing of diplomatic ties, Malaysia could withdraw its embassy in Pyongyang in retaliation for staging an apparent assassination in its territory. advertisement The United States might also decide to relist North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism, which would extend the international community's hard-line approach to the North and further reduce the room for dialogue, said Koh Yu-hwan, a North Korea expert at Seoul's Dongguk University. ALSO READ | Malaysia names North Korean diplomat wanted for grilling in Kim Jong Un's half-brother's murder For over three years, Kim murder suspect lived mystery life in Malaysia Video shows deadly assault on North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un's half-brother --- ENDS --- Maintaining that there was fault in Lalu's DNA because of which he used foul language, BJP said people of Uttar Pradesh will teach him a lesson in these elections. By Rohit Kumar Singh: BJP has lashed out at RJD supremo Lalu Prasad for his abusive rant against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his election rallies in Uttar Pradesh where he has been campaigning for the Samajwadi-Congress alliance. Maintaining that there was fault in his DNA because of which he used foul language, BJP said people of Uttar Pradesh will teach him a lesson in these elections. advertisement "It is in the DNA of Lalu Prasad and his culture to abuse and humiliate people. By doing so, he wants to gain cheap popularity. People of Uttar Pradesh will teach him a lesson. We will not stoop so low to react on his abusive rant," said Sushil Modi, a senior BJP leader. Also read: BJP leader Sushil Modi mocks Lalu, says he made his illiterate wife CM and talks of dictatorship Earlier, Lalu Prasad defended his abusive language against the Prime Minister asserting that he had to dirty his hands in order to clean the dirt which was being spread by the BJP with their language. Lalu said if he did not counter them, BJP would spread further dirt with their words. "Kichar saaf karne ke liye kichar mein utarna padta hai. BJP ne jo bhashayee gandagi failayee hai, agar use ragar ke saaf nahi karenge to ye aur kichar failayenge," tweeted Lalu Prasad. --- ENDS --- More than 100 protestors gathered for a march to Rep. Dan Newhouses downtown office in Yakima, Wash., Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017. Working Washington organized the event because no town hall meetings or public events were scheduled by members of Congress during this weeks Congressional recess. Close The result is likely to impact the relations between friends-turned-foes Shiv Sena and BJP. By India Today Web Desk: Although the Shiv Sena won the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election today after bagging 84 seats, the BJP - the Sena's friend-turned-foe - exceeded expectations by winning as many as 82 seats. The campaign to win the prestigious election had acquired feverish pitch between the two main contenders. The result is likely to impact the relations between the two parties. It will also have a bearing on the other parties in the fray such as Congress - which today won just 31 seats in Mumbai - Sharad Pawar's NCP and Raj Thackeray's MNS. WATCH | BMC election 2017: Shiv Sena set to rule Mumbai again, says party MP Anil Desai advertisement HERE ARE THE LIVE UPDATES: PM Modi congratulate, "Extremely thankful to the sisters & brothers of Maharashtra for reposing their faith in BJP & in politics of development & good governance. Through hardwork, determination & work on the ground, BJP is now a strong force both in urban & rural Maharashtra. Congrats to Karyakartas. I congratulate the entire team of @BJP4Maharashtra, CM @Dev_Fadnavis & @raosahebdanve for working tirelessly among the people. BJP is unwavering in the resolve to serve Maharashtra with unparalleled diligence, transparency & taking the state to even greater heights. It has been a great start to 2017! First the unprecedented support in Odisha & now the overwhelming blessings from people of Maharashtra. I thank each & every Indian for continuously placing their faith in BJP. We are working determinately to create a strong & inclusive India." BJP has done exceedingly well in Maharashtra, Haryana & Assam where it traditionally played a 2nd fiddle to regional parties: Arun Jaitley Results of local polls in Odisha & Maharashtra have shown that BJP is capable of winning major states on its own: Jaitley Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray after the big win: # I thank Mumbaikars, we were expecting better results # But the Mayor will be that of Shiv Sena # We are still the number 1 party, let's not forget that # Shiv Sena has done better in these elections, even Muslim voters have turned towards the party # Can't term this as win of BJP. There is no rush on alliance # Many names were missing from voters list # Demonetisation played an important role # Post Assembly elections situation has to change. I have not yet received Pankaja Munde's resignation but even if I get, will not accept it: Fadnavis. The core committee of BJP will decide what to be done about BMC: Fadnavis. We have got full majority in 8 places out of 10: Fadnavis. There is a tie to get the first spot: Fadnavis. Fadnavis thanks people of Maharashtra, says win was unprecedented. This win is because of PM Modi's leadership: Devendra Fadnavis after BJP's victory. Pankaja Munde: I take responsibility for my defeat in local body polls in Beed, have sent my resignation. #MaharashtraCivicpolls: Pankaja Munde takes responsibility after BJP lost 8 out of 10 seats in Parli; Offers resignation. pic.twitter.com/ru7jJcYppH ANI (@ANI_news) February 23, 2017 BJP leads with big margin in Pune, Nasik, Nagpur, Solapur, Akola, Ulhasnagar, Amravati, Pimpri Chinchwad. Shiv Sena ahead in Mumbai and Thane. The Hyderabad-based AIMIM also won five seats in the polls for the Solapur Municipal Corporation, marking an impressive performance for the party. Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis felicitated by supporters for BJP's performance in local body polls pic.twitter.com/vzGa8veBzc ANI (@ANI_news) February 23, 2017 BMC final tally: BJP 81 Shiv Sena 84, Congress 30, MNS 7, Others 24. Overall tally for all municipal corporations till 4 PM: BJP 470, SS 215, Congress 99, NCP 108, MNS 16, Others 61. Senior Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi said party has recieved more votes than past. We are happy. Uddhav Thackeray will decide on coalition. Shiv Sena supporters celebrate outside Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's residence 'Matoshree' in Mumbai #BMCPolls2017 pic.twitter.com/wJ7pnpjvoaANI (@ANI_news) February 23, 2017 BJP's Mumbai unit chief Ashish Shelar declares party's win on 81 seats and claims support of 4 other corporators. Sanjay Nirupam sends resignation, takes responsibility of Congress loss. Pankaja Munde offers to resign after loss. BJP lost in all 6 seats in Parli, a strong hold of the party. #MaharashtraCivicpolls: Pankaja Munde takes responsibility after BJP lost 8 out of 10 seats in Parli; Offers resignation. pic.twitter.com/ru7jJcYppH ANI (@ANI_news) February 23, 2017 BJP has performed well. Mumbai has voted for development, transparency. We will walk on this path with our allies, says BJP's Kirit Somaiya BMC poll latest updates: BJP 80, Shiv Sena 84, Congress 31, NCP 9, MNS 7. Nagpur Municipal Corporation results of 72 wards out of 151: BJP - 54, Congress- 14, BSP - 4. BMC poll latest updates: BJP 77, Shiv Sena 92, Congress 29, NCP 7, MNS 6. BJP leads in Pune, Nagpur and Nashik; Shiv Sena in BMC and Thane while NCP leads in Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations. Sanjay Nirupam resigns as Mumbai Congress chief accepting responsibility for party's defeat in BMC poll. Shiv Sena increased by 20 seats to reach at 95. In 2012, they were at 75. BJP doubles up itself in Mumbai with 65 seats, they won 31 seats in 2012. advertisement ALSO READ | BMC Election: Owaisi's AIMIM debuts in Mumbai civic body by winning 2 seats Making its debut in the high-stakes BMC election, the Asaduddin Owaisi-headed AIMIM has won two seats in the 227-member civic body. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to address media at 6 pm. Shiv Sena crosses 90, just 24 seats away from majority. Congress candidate, retired BMC assistant engineer, wins from ward no 216. Former Shiv Sena Mayor Shraddha Jadhav wins consecutively for 6th time from ward no. 202. Baramati: NCP chief Sharad Pawar's grandson Rohit Rajendra Pawar wins. Kirit Somaiya's son Neil wins from Mulund with 9586 votes. BJP MP Kirit Somaiya's son Neil wins from ward number 108 #BMCPolls2017 pic.twitter.com/YZDbbwWphj&; ANI (@ANI_news) February 23, 2017 In Pune, BJP leading on 15 wards, BSP on 2, NCP on 9, MNS on 2, Congress on 3 and Shiv Sena on 2. #BMCPolls #BJP leads in 10 wards in Pune Municipal Corporation.#ITVideo pic.twitter.com/ziKsvKwxrE&; India Today (@IndiaToday) February 23, 2017 Shiv Sena is leading on 39 and BJP on 25 in the 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, as per the latest trends. #BMCPolls2017 : Shiv Sena party workers celebrate outside party office as initial trends indicate their lead. pic.twitter.com/x9u3AiovOk&; ANI (@ANI_news) February 23, 2017 Counting of votes for 151 wards in Nagpur underway, BJP leading on 23 wards, Congress on 9 and BSP on 1. Shiv Sena leading on 36 wards, BJP on 24, Congress on 6, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena on 4 and Nationalist Congress Party on 2. With the trends indicating early lead for Shiv Sena in the BMC polls, senior party leader Anil Desai today exuded confidence that there will be no need for them to forge an alliance with BJP in the Mumbai civic body. Counting underway; Shiv Sena is leading on 10 wards, BJP on 9 wards, Congress on 3 wards. #ShivSena in a celebratory mood as the party takes lead in #BMCPolls.#ITVideo pic.twitter.com/iHUxHHse9k&; India Today (@IndiaToday) February 23, 2017 Shiv Sena takes early lead over BJP. advertisement ALSO READ | BMC Election Results: Shiv Sena maintains hold on Mumbai, BJP has edge in Nashik Congress wins its first seat in Kolhapur. Shiv Sena leading on 4 seats in Ulhasnagar. BJP leads in 10 wards in Pune Municipal Corporation. In Mumbai, Shiv Sena's Surender Bagalkar is still ahead. BJP candidate Joshna Gumal is leading in Mumbai. Counting underway in Mumbai, Shiv Sena takes early lead on ward no 200 and 202, while BJP leads on ward no 218. #MaharashtraCivicpolls 2017: Counting begins in Akola pic.twitter.com/q8mcHz49N8&; ANI (@ANI_news) February 23, 2017 Amar Pudale and Shobha Banshetty leading in Solapur. Rita Patole wins unopposed from BJP in Amravati. Ravi Landge wins unopposed from BJP in Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporation. BMC was established under the Bombay Municipal Corporation Act 1888. It is responsible for the civic amenities and administration of the city and some suburbs of Mumbai. The BMC's annual budget of Rs 37,052-crore (2016-17) is larger than all the other three metro cities - Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata. The budget allocation for the municipal corporation of Delhi was Rs 6,919; for Greater Chennai Corporation Rs 5,123.51 crore and for Kolkata Municipal Corporation 3,793 crore for the same year. BMC budget is also more than that of some of the smaller states of India, such as Tripura (15,246.52 crore), Manipur (Rs 3,950.92 crore), Mizoram (Rs 8,038.39 crore), Nagaland (Rs 13,658.74 crore) and Sikkim (Rs 5884.43 crore). BMC is headed by a municipal commissioner who is an IAS officer. Established in 1882, BMC is the country's first municipal corporation. The elected head of the corporation was called chairman from 1873 to 1887. It was changed to president between 1887 and 1931. Finally, from November 1931, the elected has been called the mayor. Captain George F Henry was BMC's first head (chairman) in 1873. He was succeeded by JA Forbes the next year. During the turn of century in 1900-01, CT Burke was its president. Sunil W Prabhu is its mayor since March 9, 2012. BMC is one of the largest corporations in the Asian continent covering an area of 480.24 sq km with a population of 1.19 crore as per the census of 2001. BMC election was held on February 21. It witnessed a record voter turnout of 56 per cent. The political parties are vying to bag majority of the total 227 seats. The BMC election is held once in five years. The last election was held in 2012. Shiv Sena has been in power since 1992. Shiv Sena and BJP entered into an alliance in 1997 with the latter always as the junior partner. The two parties contested all the subsequent BMC election as alliance partners till 2012. For the first time in 20 years, they separately contested the BMC election. The alliance was snapped on Republic Day. In 2012, Shiv Sena won 75 seats, down from 84 it won in 2007. On the other hand, BJP won 31 seats, up from 28 in 2007. advertisement BMC-VOTE SHARE Shiv Sena : 32% BJP+ : 32% CONG : 16% NCP : 4% MNS : 8% SP : 3% Others : 5% BMC-WARDS SHARE Shiv Sena : 86 -92 BJP+ : 80-88 CONG : 30-34 NCP : 3-6 MNS : 5-7 SP : 2 -4 Others : 5 -7 ALSO WATCH | BMC election 2017: Women are safe in Mumbai because of Shiv Sena, says party MP Arvind Sawant ALSO READ | BMC Election 2017: Record 55 per cent turnout in Mumbai and other big takeaways Who will rule Mumbai? BJP catches up with Shiv Sena on BMC turf, says exit poll --- ENDS --- SYDNEY - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he hoped to triple bilateral trade with Australia as the countries forge closer technology and aviation ties. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Bilateral trade is currently worth about $1 billion a year, with Israel sending less than one percent of its exports Down Under and Australian products accounting for just 0.3 percent of Israel's imports. Netanyahu and Turnbull sign cooperation agreements (Photo: AP) "Our trade is $1 billion. It should be at least double or triple that," Netanyahu said as he sat for talks with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Australian government ministers in Sydney. "I'd like to encourage the Australian and Israeli companies to increase in trade," he said. Netanyahu and Turnbull sign cooperation agreements (Photo: AP) "If I did the schlep, they should do it too," he added, referring to the 14,200-kilometer (8,800-mile) journey between Sydney and Tel Aviv. Netanyahu and Turnbull sign cooperation agreements (Photo: AP) His comments came after he and Turnbull oversaw the signing of agreements for more cooperation between Israel and Australia on technological innovation and air services during the second day of his four-day visit. Netanyahu visited Sydney Jewish school Moriah College, where he was mobbed by cheering primary students, while his wife Sara earlier shared morning tea with Lucy Turnbull at Jesse's kosher bakery. Netanyahu, Turnbull and their wives visit the Moriah College in Sydney (Photo: EPA) Netanyahu and Turnbull visit the Moriah College in Sydney (Photo: EPA) While Netanyahu has enjoyed a warm welcome from Turnbull and Sydney's Jewish community, Palestinian supporters will rally in downtown Sydney on Thursday night to protest Israel's settlement expansion in the West Bank. The Australian National Imams Council also released a statement accusing Israel of committing brutalities against Palestinians and urged Turnbull to demand Israel end its "illegal settlement" and respect the rights of the Palestinians. US Vice President Mike Pence made his way to Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri to help clean up the wreckage caused by vandals who overturned 154 tombstones at the site at the beginning of the week. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter After hearing psalms upon his arrival, Pence rolled up his sleeves, put on his gloves, picked up a rake and went straight to work, gathering fallen twigs and helping the graveyard workers clear up the piles of soil which had mounted up as the tombstones were toppled and flatten the damaged earth. Mike Pence helps clean up vandalized Jewish cemetery X "There is no place in America for hatred or acts of prejudice or violence or anti-Semitism." Pence said at the beginning of his visit to the site which, for many, has come to symbolize the ominous rise in anti-Semitic occurrences in the US. Vice President Pence helps clean Jewish cemetery I must tell you that the people of Missouri are inspiring the nation by your love and care for this place and the Jewish community. I want to thank you for that inspiration. For showing the world what America is all about," said Vice President Mike Pence, he continued. Pence also showed his solidarity with the Jewish community around the US when he addressed other cases of vandalism against Jewish sites, as well as several bomb threats which have been made against Jewish centers over the last few weeks. It was a reminder, he said of the work that needed to be done to remove hatred and prejudice from their roots. On Tuesday, President Trump issued a statement, directly confronting the issue of anti-Semitism, the end of a tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, where he also spoke out against racism. The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centers are horrible and are painful and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil." The State of Israel took a significant step Wednesday towards implementing a cultural, governmental and moral change. A drastic move, orchestrated by Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked (Bayit Yehudi) and President of the Israel Bar Association Efi Naveh, was taken to lead the Supreme Court on a different path which will restrain former Chief Justice Aharon Baraks constitutional revolution, make the court more conservative and inhibit its involvement in Knesset legislation and in government decisions. More importantly, it will facilitate an understanding of the rightist-religious-settler agenda. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Behind the scenes, Chief Justice Miriam Naor has been waging an impressive battle over the past few months to preserve the image and composition of the Supreme Court. She has sought to maintain the way in which it is run and in which it has strengthened since the states establishment. Also behind the scenes, Naor received support from some of the Supreme Court judges, led by designated chief justice, Esther Hayut, who turned out to be quite an aggressive figure. While Naor is set to retire in about six months, and Hayut will be the one left with the selected judges, Naor can ill afford to act as if it does not affect her. The Supreme Court is operating in an environment which has changed in the past decade. What was once a fortified defense impenetrable against a bulwark of steadfast justices, became an institution on the front lines. Politicians marked it as a target for their attacks, deeming it as elite body which needed to be eradicated and turned into little more than a representative body. Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked (R) with Chief Justice Miriam Naor (Photo: Gil Yohanan) In such a climate, Naor was forced to manage the selection and replacement of four judgesabout one-quarter of the Supreme Courts composition. Naor was up against Justice Minister Shakeda determined ideological rightist who is unwilling to give up a single governmental outpost. As soon as she was appointed, Shaked announced her intention to divert the aircraft carrier known as the Supreme Court more in line with a conservative-rightist-settler agenda. She brought in Efi Naveh, who transformed the Israel Bar Association from a passive body run under the wings of the Supreme Court, into an active, dominant, independent and influential body, who served as a mediator between Naor and Shaked, while at same time forming an alliance with Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, a member of the Judicial Selection Committee. On paper, Wednesdays selection marks a victory for Shakeds conservative line. But experience shows that when a judge reaches the most important place in the legal system, he or she puts on a different hat. Although the convention remains that every judge is independent, that the only thing he or she fears is the law, that he or she is independent-minded and brings along a general system of values and ideological inclinations, the truth is that when a judge is in the company of others, he is also subject to influences, arguments and mutual persuasion On the other hand, the relations in the Supreme Court are considered excellent. There are no camps and no pressures. Nevertheless, the fact that the Supreme Courts restraint and conservative trend has been an ongoing pattern for a decade should not be concealed. Alongside their brave rulings, the Supreme Court judges do not live in a bubble. They hear the political calls, sense its trends and are well aware of the threats that a D9 bulldozer will be sent to level the court each time politicians are unhappy with its rulings. They hear the voices seeking to reduce their authority and harm their independence. They are constantly forced to go against the grain of popular opinion. So what happened on Wednesday eventually depends on the choice that will be made by Israeli society and the political world: Does it want to see an independent Supreme Court, with democratic-liberal values, or a weak court which will only march to the publics beat rather than march to demands of justice. From what we have seen in recent years, there is no cause for optimism. France is committed to a two-state solution for the Middle East conflict, President Francois Hollande said Wednesday, a week after Donald Trump broke with international consensus by stepping back from the goal. The French leader, addressing an event hosted by the CRIF umbrella grouping of Jewish organisations, said a two-state solution was the only guarantee for Israel to remain a "pluralist and democratic society". Hollande said there was only one way to have peace in the Middle East and that was to have Israel and Palestine side by side. He said it was up to the Israelis and Palestinians to come to an agreement on each issue, especially on the status of Jerusalem. France would continue to monitor freedom of access and worship for Jews,Christians and Muslims in the holy city, he told the audience. "This is the French position and I'm sure it won't change," he added, weeks before he is due to leave office. An Israeli national was arrested on Wednesday at the El Dorado International Airport in Bogota after claiming he had a bomb, according to media reports in Colombia. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter A search of his luggage found his threat was false and that he made it because he was angry his flight was delayed. Israel's Foreign Ministry said it was looking into the reports. The Israeli boarded LATAM Airlines Group's flight 3134 from Colombia's capital Bogota to the city of Barranquilla, which was due to leave on time but got delayed by an hour and 40 minutes due to a technical issue with the plane. After all of the passengers were on board, the Israeli reportedly stood up, threatened that he had a bomb and shouted: "We have to take off or I'll activate the bomb." His shouting led the airlines to put all of its security protocols into action. "The police boarded along with sniffer dogs and started checking the luggage of that man and of other passengers," according to a senior in the South American airline. According to media report, the Israeli is expected to be expelled from the country. Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked sought to assuage concerns over the imminent change to the Supreme Court's makeup after appointing three conservative judges, arguing on Thursday that she is working to reduce the Supreme Court's interference in political matters. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter On Wednesday, the Judicial Selection Committee of the Supreme Court selected four new judges to sit in the highest court of the land: Yosef Elron, George Karra, Yael Vilner, and David Mintz. Three of the judges are considered conservative right wing, while Tel Aviv District Court Judge George Karra is the only one not seen as conservative. In her interview with Ynet, Shaked asserted that the judicial independence of the court is a cornerstone that will be preserved. However, stressed that her goal in the long run is to "turn back the wheel" on what she dubbed as former Chief Justice Aharon Barak's "everything is up for judgment" revolution, when the courts were empowered with the authority to annul laws passed by the Knesset. Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked in the Ynet studio (Photo: Ido Erez) The choice didnt leave anyone in the political system indifferent: victory celebrations by the right and criticism by the left. What does it mean, when politics are so involved with the court? "It is like this everywhere. The Supreme Court judges in the United States are also chosen by politicians. The court doesnt just rule on ethical problems, but on dilemmas regarding state and religion, even sometimes on political questions as well. In Israel, there is a different and slightly odd method whereby ministers and representatives all sit together to choose (judges) for the Supreme Court. Even so, it is clear that this decision should be politically based." Do you think that the criteria for choosing a judge should be their place of residence and religion? "Definitely not. When a judge is from Tel Aviv, he is not labeled as a 'judge from Tel Aviv,' while a judge from (the Israeli West Bank settlement) Dolev is." How important was it to you that the judges' political opinion will resemble yours? "Generally, we don't know what a judge is thinking. A judge speaks in his verdict and we can learn primarily from what he writes. That is the best way to do so. Although, I will definitely not hide that I'm happy that these judges are diverse. Yes, some also religious, which is good, it's important." Is there an expectation that these judges will rule differently on things such as the Regulation Law or the Prevention of Infiltration Law? "The judges are keeping their independence. Judicial freedom is very important, but when we chose these judges, we knew what their judicial world view was, and I'm not talking about right or left but about activism versus conservatism. That was the goal: to promote conservative judges and that goal was accomplished." Could it be that judges were promoted not specifically because they are the most qualified, but because they are conservative or right-wing? "We had a list of 27 judges, almost all of whom were exceptional. Terrific judges, also great scholars." You have said before that the court intervenes too much with decisions made by the government and the Knesset. Will you continue trying to roll back Aharon Barak's revolution? "This is not the erosion of independence. I repeat and emphasize: Judges in Israel are independent and that is how it should stay. But certainly, reducing the Supreme Court's interference with political decisions is something I'm promoting and will continue to promote. Political decisions should be left to the government and the Knesset. They were the ones chosen by the people; they are the authority for it." How far will you go? "We need to turn back the wheel and I'm doing what I can." The new judges The four judges chosen were: David Mintz, Yael Vilner, Yosef Elron, and George Kara, in what was considered a clear win for Shaked and the conservative wing. These four judges will replace outgoing Supreme Court justices Naor, Rubinstein, Jubran, and Zilbertal. Judge Yosef Elron was in the center of a bitter dispute between judges and politicians. Elron, who is serving as the chief justice of the Haifa District Court received a cold shoulder by some of the judges of the Supreme Court who said that he is "not made from the stuff Supreme Court judges are made of." Even so, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon stood by his support of Elron, saying that he is considered to be an efficient judge. Elron is known for sentencing the police officers who sentenced to kill mob boss Michael Mor out of revenge to only one year in prison. Judge Yael Vilner, the first religious female judge, was nominated by Shaked. Appointed judge to Haifa's Magistrate's Court in 1998 and to Haifa's District Court in 2004, Vilner is considered an attentive and quick judge. She is known for rejecting the petitions against the establishment of the Haredi town of Harish, who is projected to have a population of 50,000 residents. Another judge that Shaked supported and managed to put on the list of candidates was Jerusalem District Court Judge Dr. David Mintz, who is a resident of the settlement Dolev in the West Bank. Shaked sees Mintz as a conservative appointment who will listen to the religious right and settlers. The last one is Judge George Karra, a Tel Aviv District Court judge and a Christian Arab who was supported by Supreme Court Chief Justice Miriam Naor and other Supreme Court members, and is the only judge among the new four to not be clearly conservative. Karra is noted for sentencing former President Moshe Katzav to seven years in prison. Voting for the fourth phase of Assembly election in Uttar Pradesh is underway in 53 constituencies spread over 12 districts, including the Bundelkhand region and the Nehru-Gandhi bastion, Raebareli. By India Today Web Desk: An estimated 50.37 per cent turnout was recorded till 3 pm during the fourth phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh today. Polling is on for 53 Assembly constituencies spread over 12 districts, including the backward Bundelkhand region and the Nehru-Gandhi pocket borough of Raebareli. Pratapgarh, Kaushambi, Allahabad, Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Hamirpur, Banda, Chitrakoot, Fatehpur and Raebareli among others go to polls today. There are 680 candidates in the fourth phase, including 61 women. advertisement LIVE UPDATES: Nearly 55 per cent voter turnout was registered till 4 pm. 50.37 per cent voter turnout in recorded till 3 pm. 53 per cent voting in Mahoba, 49.47 per cent in Fatehpur, 57.55 per cent in Lalitpur, 51.3 per cent in Pratapgarh till 3 pm. Over 40 per cent turnout till 2 pm. #UPPolls2017: Voter turnout till 1 PM is 39%. pic.twitter.com/7f0xD55nsz ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 23, 2017 By 1 pm, turnout of 40 per cent recorded in Jhansi, 40.5 per cent in Fatehpur, 44 per cent in Hamirpur, 43.8 per cent in Mahoba, 35 per cent in Pratapgarh, 35 per cent in Jalaun, 38 per cent in Kaushambi, 33 per cent in Allahabad. 25-27 per cent turnout recorded in the fourth phase till noon. 23.78 per cent voting in Uttar Pradesh till 11 am in fourth phase of assembly elections. 21.22 per cent turnout recorded in Allahabad, 23 per cent in Jalaun, 24 per cent in Pratapgarh and 28 per cent in Chitrakoot. till 11 am. BSP leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui casts his vote at booth number 84 in Banda. 32.5 per cent voting in Hamirpur, 30 per cent polling in Mahoba, 29.5 per cent in Jhansi, 25 per cent in Raebareli, 25 per cent in Lalitpur and 21 per cent in Banda till 11 am. West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi casts his vote at booth no 252 in Allahabad. A 12 to 15 per cent turnout has been recorded till 10 am. An overall voting percentage of 10.23 per cent has been recorded in the fourth phase in Uttar Pradesh till 9 am. Villagers boycott polling in Fatehpur's Khaga over developmental issues. No votes polled at booths 105 and 106, 9 at booth number 107 and 8 at booth number 109. UP BJP Chief Keshav Prasad Maurya casts his vote in Allahabad #uppolls2017 pic.twitter.com/4VYIBdbwgy ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 23, 2017 By 9 am, 9.50 per cent voting in Raebareli, 9.8 per cent in Fatehpur, 9 per cent in Lalitpur, 10.4 per cent in Pratapgarh, 11 per cent in Jhansi, 8 per cent in Jalaun, 12 per cent in Chitrakoot and 9.3 per cent voting in Allahabad. Problem in EVM machine number 296 in Jhansi Congress candidate from Raebareli Sadar Aditi Singh after casting her vote. She is up against BSP's Mohd Shahbaz and BJP's Anita Srivastava. Union Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti after casting her vote in Hamirpur #uppolls2017 pic.twitter.com/S5l1mgc1bM ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 23, 2017 EVMs not working at booth numbers 288, 172 and 166 in Pratapgarh. Voting starts in Banda, problems reported in some EVMs. Voting has still not started in booth number 481 in Jalaun as an EVM machine there is not working. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari with daughter Aradhana Mishra Mona outside a polling booth in Pratapgarh. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari with daughter Aradhana Mishra Mona outside a polling booth in Pratapgarh. Mahoba (UP): Clash between SP and BSP supporters,4 including Samajwadi Party candidate Siddhgopal Sahu's son among three injured. Police have reached the spot. Sunil Rai, director of Indian Postal Service is the first voter at Jwala Devi inter college in Allahabad. Allahabad's first voter. Sonia Gandhi's turf Rae Bareli has begun voting in Shree Gandhi Vidyalaya Inter College's polling booth no. 178. Voting underway in Allahabad's Jwala Devi Saraswati Shishu Mandir, polling booth no. 245. It is for the first time since 1998 that Sonia Gandhi has not campaigned in an election. However, on the eve of voting, she wrote a letter to the electorate seeking their support for the party and votes in favor of the party candidates. The fourth phase is especially significant for the Congress, as it had managed to wrest only six seats in the 2012 assembly polls in these constituencies. Besides, the parliamentary constituency of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, Rae Bareli, is also voting in this phase. WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- In recent weeks, Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallahs threats have become more frequent and more aggressive. Some people say, as implied in IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkots comments Wednesday, that the threats reflect distress rather than self-confidence. I am not so sure about that. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter After years of rolling in the Syrian swamp, Hezbollahs involvement in the war in Syria is expected to increasingly diminish. The fact that the organization is identified with the winning side will only give it more confidence in its abilities to shift the fighting towards its main enemyIsrael. Alongside Nasrallahs harsh words, we should also pay attention to the recent comments made by Lebanese President Michel Aoun , who reiterated that Hezbollah was part of the power protecting Lebanon from Israel. Although it isnt new, this statement only strengthens what should have been clear for yearsthat Hezbollah and the government of Lebanon are one and the same. Lebanese President Michel Aoun with Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, Lebanons defender against Israel (Photo: AP) Both Western countries and Israel have been erring for years in understanding the reality in Lebanon. According to the common view, the political establishment in that country is divided into two camps. On the one side, the good guys camp, which includes the majority of Christians, Druze and Sunnis and represents pragmatism, moderation, a Western culture and reliance on Saudi, American and French aid. On the other side, the bad boys camp, which is led by Hezbollah with the support of Syria and Iran. If this current state of affairs is true, the West should try to bolster the good guys by providing economic aid, building infrastructures and strengthening the army. The problem is that this description is naive and very far from the truth and from reality. The truth is that while there are indeed two camps in Lebanon, there is an unwritten agreement between them that each camp will use its relative advantage for a joint purpose. The good guys camp will present the beautiful face of Lebanona country with democratic institutions, a Francophile culture and a free economythereby obtaining political, economic and military support for the country. In return, the other camp, led by Hezbollah, will serve as the states significant military force, will be defined by the government as Lebanons defender against the Israeli aggression and will be the only one to decide if it will be quiet or noisy along the border with Israel. In the Second Lebanon War, Israel fell into the Lebanese trap and played into the hands of the Lebanese government. Israel fought only against Hezbollah, without getting the Lebanese government, the Lebanese army and the country infrastructures involved in the battle. What will happen if we run the third Lebanon war the same way? The outcome will likely be much worse than the results of the previous war. Israel can only defeat Hezbollah at an unbearable cost to the Israeli home front. The conclusion, therefore, should be clear. If fire is opened at Israel from Lebanese territory, Israel should declare war on the State of Lebanon. There is no one in the world who wants to see Lebanon destroyedneither the Syrians and the Iranians on the one side, nor the West and Saudi Arabia on the other side. Hezbollah doesnt want that either. A war against Lebanon, which will inflict heavy damage on all of the countrys infrastructures, will spark an international outcry for a ceasefire after three days, rather than after 33 days like in the Second Lebanon War. It is only from a really short war that Israel will be able to emerge victorious and without serious damage to its home front. Its important to remember, therefore, and to remind the world not of Nasrallahs statements, but rather of the Lebanese presidents statements. Once the fighting breaks out, it will be too late to explain the new strategy. The diplomatic battle should be waged before, not during, a war. Jerusalem District Court has added a year to the sentence of former Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Yona Metzger after rejecting the punishment clause in Metzger's plea deal whereby he would serve a prison sentence of only 3.5 years. The ruling judge stated that if not for the plea deal the punishment would have been 6-9 years instead. Metzger was convicted of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, and is now sentenced to serve 4.5 years in prison for his crimes. Abera Mengistu's family on Thursday marked 900 days since he crossed the border fence into Gaza, with his mother telling Yedioth Ahronoth, "I'm tired of fighting." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The family met with Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked earlier this week, urging her to help them get information on what became of Abera. Abera Mengistu's mom holding a picture of him (Photo: Gadi Kabalo) "She was nice to us, asked a lot of questions and asked us to tell her about him, but other than that there's no solution," Abera's mother said. "It's been over a year since we met with the prime minister . I don't know what he knows but he hasn't met with us since," she continued. "I want to know that he is being fed ant that he is not cold, I want to know that he is being treated well. There is not a minute where I dont think about him. Every time we sit down to eat I ask myself: is he eating well? Is someone taking care of him?" Abera Mengistu On September 7, 2014, Mengistu, now almost 30, set out at dusk from his home in Ashkelon and crossed the Israel-Gaza border into the Gaza Strip. Now, his family's fight for his return is slowly fading. "He wasn't an IDF combatant, and he is not in the reserves. He was a bit problematic, but he's my boy," she added. "Slowly but surely, people who helped us at the beginning have vanished. We are left with only the young and the people of the community, who I very much love and appreciate, who dont stop for a moment to fight for us. They fight like lions." "I want (Abera) to be 'everyone's child', not just a child of the Ethiopian community" Mengistu said, quoting the famous Israeli saying. "That's what I ask for. I want to know if he's alive or dead. My gut tells me he's alive, but I don't really know because no one is telling us anything." An Israeli Air Force fighter jet shot down an unmanned aircraft of Hamas, which was making its way from the Gaza Strip to the Mediterranean. The drone was shot down before it managed to infiltrate Israel, and fell into the sea after being intercepted. The IDF spokesman said that "the IDF will not allow any airspace violation and will act resolutely against any such attempt." Over the weekend, two groups of immigrants from Mizoram in northeast India arrived in Israel. They entered Ben Gurion Airport singing and dancing as they were warmly welcomed by family members they had not seen for many years. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Bnei Menashe reunion X With tears in their eyes, about a hundred new immigrants from the tribe of "Bnei Menashe" excitedly clutched their blue Israeli Identification cards to their chests, and spoke of a two-thousand-year-old dream coming to fruition. Shlomit tearfully hugged her sister who she hadn't seen in more than twenty years, and Sarah said, "I tried to get here for so long ... now we're finally here. It's so wonderful." Photo: Gabi Neuman After a long hiatus, Israel has renewed the "Bnei Menashe" operationa community belonging to the so-called "lost tribes." As soon as they landed at Ben Gurion Airport, they rushed to say the Shehecheyanu prayer of thanksgiving and received an Israeli identification card issued to them. "It's a commandment for every Jew to live in Israel, so I'm fulfilling my duty," Leon, one of the immigrants, told Ynet. Vichy Freund, one of the volunteers who took part in the operation, said that "people like to talk about the American Dream, and here we see the culmination of the Israeli dream which is based on tradition; on spiritual things and less on physical things." In Israel, there are more than three thousand members of the tribe, and they will be joined by another 700 this year. "We are calling it, 'Operation Menashe 2017,'" said Rabbi Michael Freund, CEO of Shavei Israel Organization. "This is the first wave of the 700, who with God's help, we intend to bring in 2017." Photo: Gabi Neuman According to Freund, "7,000 Bnei Menashe were left behind, in India, and everyone wants to come here and reunite with their families. In the coming years, we will bring all of them because this is their rightful place." The immigrants made their way out of the airport toward their new (and temporary) homes in the absorption center in Kfar Hasidim, where they are set to complete the conversion processand then, they will move to upper Nazareth. "Bnei Menashe" identify themselves as descendants of the Jewish people. They are part of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo tribes from Mizoram, Assam and Manipur in Northeastern India, on the border with Myanmar Burma. According to tradition transmitted from generation to generation, these are the descendants of the tribe of Manassehone of the ten tribes exiled from the Land of Israel at the end of the First Temple period. Their numbers in these areas is currently estimated at approximately 7,000. An Israeli Air Force fighter jet shot down an unmanned aircraft of Hamas which was making its way from the Gaza Strip to the Mediterranean on Thursday afternoon. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The drone was shot down before it managed to infiltrate Israel, and fell into the sea after being intercepted. The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said that "the IDF will not allow any airspace violation and will act resolutely against any such attempt." The drone was operated by militants from Hamas's military wing. It was identified immediately after takeoff and was under IAF surveillance. According to IDF policy, Hamas UAVs are shot down when they exit Gaza's airspace, either towards Israel or towards the sea. This is the second time since Operation Protective Edge that the IAF has shot down a Hamas drone. Half a year ago, an F-16 fighter jet was scrambled after a small Hamas aircraft was in the air for a few minutes. The jet fired an air-to-air missile at the UAV, knocking it to the Gazan coastline. Similar incidents with Hamas kites approaching the border have taken place, but none of those were yet shot down. No Hamas comment was immediately available. In December, Hamas, which controls Gaza, blamed Israel for killing one of its drone experts in Tunisia. Israel had no official comment. Israel has in the past voiced concern that armed groups in Gaza and Lebanon would use drones carrying explosives inside its borders in a future war. Hamas and other Islamist militias have fired thousands of rockets at militarily superior Israel in previous conflicts but have made scant use of drones. Israel is itself a world leader in drone technologies and has used the vehicles extensively in combat. Those in the defense establishment assess that Hamas has been trying since Protective Edge to rehabilitate its drone system. Four-month-old Ella Shalmon was born with a rare birth defect that connects her respiratory and digestive systems. Only a complicated surgery costing $430,000 in a pediatric hospital in Boston could save her life. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter This was supposed to be a happy birth. Adi and Nadav Shalmon looked forward to their daughter joining their family. But the warning signs began to appear in the 32nd week of pregnancy when the ultrasound showed polyhydramnios, an excess of fluid in the amniotic sack. Nadav holds Ella The couple went to the Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital, where it was decided to hospitalize Adi to keep her under supervision. A few days later, her water broke. Adi was taken for a cesarean section, and daughter was born, weighing 1.55 kilograms. From birth, the small Ella suffered from breathing difficulties. She was transferred to the NICU and put on a respirator. When medical staff tried to insert a "Zonda" catheter into her stomach, they ran into difficulty. They discovered that she suffers from defect connecting the esophagus to the respiratory system. The doctors explained that the rare defect requires immediate surgery. "It was a huge shock," said Nadav, "I kept seeing in my mind the picture of a simple birth, when you take the baby home afterwards. I never imagined it would end in a lengthy hospitalization and in mortal danger." Two days after the birth, Ella was taken to the operating room. The procedure took five hours, during which the connections between the esophagus to the trachea were severed. The operation was a success, and Ella was taken to intensive care. But two and a half weeks later, Ella's situation began to deteriorate: She suffered from slowing heart rate and apnea to cyanosis. She was on a respirator and her condition stabilized, but since the situation deteriorated and she suffered repeated lung infections, kidney failure and apnea. The doctors explained to parents that only a complex surgery, performed at Boston's pediatric hospital, which has accumulated extensive experience in handling this kind of defect, can save Ella's life. "We are amazed how a baby so small can be optimistic," says Adi, "She has been through such difficult things in the first four months of her life, and yet she conveys to us daily her instinct to survive, and she shows us how she wants to live. We tell her, 'Breathe, everything will be fine,' and gradually, she raises her heart rate and goes back to breathing, as if she's listening to us and says, 'I want to live; don't give up on me.'" The couple contacted the Kav Lachayim charity, which agreed to help raise the necessary funds. So far $63,000 has been donated. Donations may be made online via credit card or PayPal Via check to Kay Lachayim for Ella Shalmon, Gonen 15, Petah Tikva, Israel By wire transfer: IBAN: IL60-0125-3200-0000-0575-245 SWIFT: POALILIT Via telephone: +972-3-9250505 The High Court ruled on Thursday that the home of the terrorist Fadi Ahmad Al-Qunbar, who carried out the deadly vehicular ramming attack in the Talpiot promenade and murdering four soldiers, should be demolished. The decision was made following a petition filed by Al-Qunbar's family. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "This terror attack was planned, cruel and unusual in its severity with fateful consequences," stated Justice Yoram Danziger. "The ideologically motivated attack was carried out by the terrorist alone; namely, his involvement was direct. Another important factor, which is also undisputed, is that the terrorist himself resided in the specific residential unit designated for destruction, so that there is a direct connection between him and the structure to be demolished," continued Danziger. The terrorist and the truck used in the attack Judge Noam Solberg joined the ruling: "The damage incurred to the family is bothersome, but as I have said on several occasions murderous terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians leaves no choice for the military commander, who is committed to use all of the legal means at his disposal to literally save lives." Justice Anat Baron also noted that "the classified material presented to us shows apparent knowledge on behalf of the perpetrator's family about his plan to carry out the attack. Under these circumstances, even if the efficacy of deterrence in house demolitions is questionable, I came to the conclusion that demolishing the residential dwelling is proportionate." Herzel Hajjaj, father of Lt. Shir Hajaj who was murdered in the truck ramming attack, said after the ruling: "I support the court, and even though this decision will not give us our daughter back, perhaps it would deter potential terrorists...It certainly does not make up for the great loss." The other three victims were Shira Tzur, Erez Orbach and Yael Yakutiel, all 20 years old at the time of their deaths. Israeli models wearing modest designs took to the catwalk on Thursday, showcasing fashion aimed at religious Jewish women who adhere to strict religious rules emphasising modesty for women. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Modest fashion show for ultra-Orthodox Jewish women X The rare fashion event, dubbed Modest Fashion Day, drew hundreds of orthodox women and fashionists who seek to enjoy trendy colourful fashion, despite the strict dress code. "We are working for this amazing dayfashion modestywhich is a complete, amazing experience for us as religious women," Beillin told Reuters in the show's backstage. A trend for a more modest look that is recently rising in the international fashion scene, brings new opportunities to the orthodox clothing design, Beillin said. "The trend is really modest. So people are looking in our direction now to find that modest kind of look, which is very interesting to see it, and people from out of our small communities are coming now to buy the more modest kind of clothing," she said. They say they seek to offer a modest alternative to Orthodox women many of whom have spent a lot of time fixing or adding pieces of cloth to regular designs which did not meet their modesty standards. Hagit Or-Agassi, designer and owner of Bianconero, an Israeli brand for modest women's clothing, added that her biggest challenge in her work is to adjust fashion trends to modesty demands, such as long sleeves, covering elbows and knees, or a closed neck line. "What is very smart and important in our job - that we should take the fashion and make it as the religious rules going," she said. Another designer, Hadasa Benizri, voiced great excitement ahead of the show, saying that it was going to be "a real, real, real, real fashion show, with the red carpet and with the most most beautiful dress in the world." The fashion show showcased a variety of looks, from day to day outfits to sophisticated evening wear and bride's dresses. Lital Alfassi, watching the show, told Reuters that she was very excited by the high-quality, fashionable event. "I think that fashion is a very, very important way that we can dress not the same, we can look different, and it's a beautiful way to express ourselves." Israeli police said on Thursday they have evidence that a former chief of staff to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ari Harow, illegally advanced his own business interests while holding the position. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter He is suspected of bribery, breach of trust, fraud under aggravated circumstances and aggravated money laundering. In addition, his lawyer, Harel Arnon, is also suspected of fraud under aggravated circumstances and aggravated money laundering. The evidence collected has been sent to the State Attorney's Office. Harow with Netanyahu (File photo: Alex Kolomoisky) Harrow and Arnon, who handled the alleged sale, were both interrogated under caution . Dozens of other involved persons were questioned, searches were carried out, documents and exhibits were seized, along with property worth millions of shekels. The State Attorney's Office will now examine the files prepared by the police and made a decision on how to proceed. The police said in a statement that they have been investigating Harow since mid-2015, shortly after he stepped down as Netanyahu's chief-of-staff. Harow had been appointed the previous year, after leaving his consulting firm 3H Global. Prior to being made chief-of-staff, Harow had "pledged to sell the company that he owned and not to engage in matters relating to it," the statement said. The investigation, however, found that Harow only appeared to have sold the company through "misrepresentation" and that he "continued to hold, enjoy its profits and promote its interests" while in the job, the police said. The police said they were handing their findings over to the State Attorney's office, which could lead to charges including bribery, fraud and breach of trust. By India Today Web Desk: Taking responsibility for a poor show in her Assembly constituency, Maharashtra's Women and Child Development Minister Pankaja Munde has resigned as minister. BJP lost eight out of 10 seats in her Parli constituency. Pankaja has reportedly sent her resignation to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who, sources said, has rejected her offer to step down. Pankaja, daughter of former Union minister late Gopinath Munde, has often courted controversies. Soon after BJP's victory in the Maharashtra's 2014 Assembly election, she reportedly said that she had chief ministerial ambitions. She claimed that she was a mass leader while most of the other young party leaders were largely drawing room politicians. However, later she refuted the report and said she was quoted out of context. advertisement He name was also embroiled in two corruption charges - the Rs 206-crore chikki scam and Rs Rs 6,300-crore Take Home Rations (THR) tenders scam. She also faced flak for clicking selfies in the backdrop of a dam in the drought hit state. Also read: BMC election: BJP lauds PM Modi, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis for impressive performance Also read: Why Congress became irrelevant as Mumbai voted for Shiv Sena, rest of Maharashtra largely for BJP --- ENDS --- We live in a country built on opportunity, but too many Americans face roadblocks to moving up the economic ladder. As chairman of the Ways and Means Human Resources Subcommittee, I am pleased to work with Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to improve our countrys anti-poverty programs. On February 15, I convened my first hearing as chairman, which focused on the Geography of Poverty. We examined how the poverty map is changing around the country and explored the challenges facing our own communities. A better understanding of local issues and solutions creates a foundation for our efforts to help more Americans find employment and experience greater economic opportunity. When thinking about poverty in America, large cities often come to mind first. However, rates of poverty in rural and remote areas have been higher than in urban areas for decades. Additionally, a larger share of working-age adults live in poverty than ever before, as fewer men and women are employed today than in the past. It was a privilege to invite Tammy Slater of Doniphan, CEO of Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska, to testify at our hearing. Ms. Slater detailed the challenges Goodwill faces in lifting people out of poverty in rural areas and how the organization achieves success through its social enterprise model, comprehensive services, and community partnerships. Despite the commitment by so many like Ms. Slater to reducing povertys footprint, we know the drug epidemic in America plays a major role in limiting opportunity. This week, I managed debate in the House on using the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn an Obama administration rule which greatly restricts states ability to screen unemployment insurance (UI) beneficiaries for drug abuse. As part of a bipartisan agreement in early 2012, President Obama signed into law legislation to allow, not require, states to screen and test UI beneficiaries for illegal drugs. The law called for the Department of Labor (DOL) to set the parameters for testing. The legislative intent was for DOL to work with states and industries to determine which jobs would require drug testing, either because it is required by law or because an industry requires screening for new employees. After nearly five years of delay, DOL finally produced a rule which ignores legislative intent and makes it virtually impossible for states to screen or test anyone because it is limited to beneficiaries who are looking for work solely in jobs with a federal drug testing requirement. This means even if there is a state-level testing requirement, a state cannot require screening. It also means if someone is looking for work in a career with a federal testing requirement but also applying for jobs without a federal testing requirement, he or she cannot be screened. We know we need to correct the reverse incentives in our benefits systems. Studies have found drug abuse costs employers $81 billion per year. It should be a priority of any employment program to incentivize those looking for work to stay drug-free. The House passed the CRA resolution to roll back DOLs misguided rule and ensure states have the ability to motivate jobseekers to get and stay clean. Independence and productivity must be the goals of any program designed to help Americans escape poverty. I will continue to advance these principles while helping direct Congresss efforts to empower people through greater opportunity. LINCOLN A bill that would lift Nebraskas ban on religious garb worn by teachers in classrooms has won initial approval from lawmakers. Senators gave the proposal first-round approval on Tuesday with a 36-1 vote. The ban prohibits teachers from wearing any sort of religious garb, including habits, burqas and yarmulkes. It was enacted in 1919 under pressure from the Ku Klux Klan amid a national wave of anti-Catholic sentiment. Its rarely enforced but came to lawmakers attention after a Catholic nun was rejected for a substitute teaching job in Norfolk. Thirty-six states had adopted similar bans, but Nebraska and Pennsylvania are the only ones that have yet to repeal them. Speaker of the Legislature Jim Scheer says he introduced the bill because public schools shouldnt punish teachers for what they wear. Air Force reservists support special delivery to space Astronauts deployed to the International Space Station received a special package Feb. 23 shipped straight from NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida Feb. 19 upon the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The delivery of roughly 5,500 pounds of research equipment, cargo and supplies, required a lot of time and coordination from many moving parts, including support by 920th Rescue Wing Airmen who launched and piloted an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter. Pave Hawk pilots Lt. Cols. Michael Stucker and Gordon Schmidt with the 301st Rescue Squadron were tasked with clearing the Eastern Range of boat traffic prior to the successful launch of the spacecraft. Its always great to support missions such as this, Stucker said. This one was especially significant as it was launched from Launch Complex 39A, the space pad for some of the most noteworthy human spaceflight accomplishments, not to mention it was carrying some important supplies for the International space hub. According to NASA, this was the first commercial launch from KSCs historic pad. This mission also marked the historic first-ever launch utilizing the Autonomous Flight Safety System on either of Air Force Space Commands Eastern or Western Ranges. AFSS takes ground-based mission flight control--personnel and equipment--out of the control center and replaces it with on-board Positioning, Navigation and Timing sources and decision logic, according to 45th Space Wing officials. The benefits of AFSS include increased public safety, reduced reliance on range infrastructure, reduced range spacelift cost, increased schedule predictability and availability, operational flexibility, and launch site flexibility. An AFSS on-board flight computer uses pre-established, programmed mission rules to determine if the launch vehicle poses an unacceptable hazard to people or property and initiates required actions to mitigate risk and terminate flight, if necessary, 45th SW officials added. AFSS is an essential part of the Air Force Space Commands vision for the future of Assured Access to Space as the system increases range safety with its over-the-horizon capability and its ability to support multiple objects in simultaneous flight, such as a first-stage booster return, said Brig. Gen. Wayne Monteith, 45th Space Wing commander. I am proud of the integrated team who worked tirelessly to make this historic mission a success. Following the launch, SpaceX landed the Falcon 9 first-stage booster on the companys Landing Zone The fly back mission was the third successful one for SpaceX following previous first-stage booster landings on LZ-1 in July 2016 and December 2015. I remember her smile and the Spanish word that often came with it: "linda" (pretty). She used that word for our daughter Emily, she of the wild, dark curls whom we had adopted in Paraguay in 1992. She used that word about many other children under her care in that tiny, one-story house on Hazel Terrace, the one with the backyard sandbox near the wooden swing. When Emily was about 18 months old, and we needed child care, we brought her to the one all of us would call "Tia" (aunt) for long after. Those terms of endearment are part of what shapes the memory of that diminutive women with outsized spirit who has now left us. Silvia Alvarez Dominguez died on Thursday, Feb. 16, after suffering long with Alzheimer's. She was 82. An account of her life from Keefe Funeral Home in Arlington provides some background, and I add other details: She was born on Jan. 23, 1935, in Santiago, Chile, to General Rene Alvarez Marin and Silvia Boza Trocheu. While attending law school, she met the love of her life, Carlos Eugenio Dominguez Vial. They married in 1958. In the early 1970s, she cofounded Chile's Christian Left party and served as its executive secretary. She fought for the rights of workers as well as of women and children living in "Las Poblaciones" (shanty towns). Following the military coup in 1973, ousting President Salvador Allende and launching murderous years under Augusto Pinochet, she and her husband were exiled and came to the United States, as refugees. They came with a suitcase each and their four daughters, age 6 to 14 years old. They settled in Arlington. Soon after, Dominguez became one of the first family child-care providers licensed by Massachusetts, and for more than 30 years, she was known as "Tia" to hundreds of children and their families. She was a loving caregiver and small-business owner. Through hard work, she achieved her dream of owning a home. Dominguez remained active in politics throughout her life and was a strong supporter of the Democratic Party and, in particular, women running for office. Liberation theology She was a devout Catholic and followed liberation theology, an interpretation of Christian theology that emphasizes a concern for the liberation of the oppressed. Her husband was honored at the annual Martin Luther King birthday observance in 1993, the year he died at age 61 at then-nearby Symmes Hospital. Under Allende, he had been Chile's senior executive for agricultural foreign trade programs for the Andean region. Soon after becoming a widow at 58 years old, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She continued to work and learned how to drive a car, while beating the disease. Silvia loved chocolate, old movies, Frank Sinatra, the color red, a good bourbon and was an avid reader of mysteries. I remember her reading them, but not as she sat in her backyard, surrounded by playing children, Emily among them. In the years my daughter was there, before she attended the Stratton, I recall how Emily wanted to help with the young charges. Tia encouraged her. Now 24, Emily cares for children at Bright Horizons, a living legacy of what her "aunt" has passed on. Dominguez is survived by her four daughters, Maria Ester Dominguez Roy, Silvia Dominguez, Maria del Carmen Dominguez and Rosario Dominguez; two sisters, Marcela and Loreto; three son-in-laws, Rick Roy, Fabricio Franco and Jim McLeod; and her grandchildren, Trey, Marcela, Zach, Matias A., Matias F., Mikaela, Rachel and Carlos. In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association in Dominguez's name. A service is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 20, at Saint Agnes Church. This news story including opinion was published Sunday, Feb. 18, 2017. This has been a long time in the making, but in our continuing pursuit to bring only the best of firearms, 2nd Amendment and defence related news to our readers, we are very excited to announce the next step in our evolution as a company. As of 2020, Minuteman Review is now the proud owner and operator of Your Defence News, a website with a long history of breaking huge news stories and investigative journalism. We hope you are equally as excited as us. This means that now the teams of Minuteman can combine with the firepower of Your Defence News to stay at the absolute forefront for our readers. Keep an eye. Big things are coming soon. We couldn't be more excited. In the meanwhile, here are some of our most popular posts and categories to keep you busy. Happy shootin' my friends! Buying Guides: Firearms Firearm Accessories Ammunition Gun Safes Scopes & Optics Hunting Air Rifles Best AR-15 Best AR 15 Scope Best Hunting Rifle Best Gun Safe Best AK 47 Best AR 10 Best Glock Triggers Best Glock Best Home Defense Shotgun While the BJP came in the second place in Mumbai, the party bested the Shiv Sena in the whole of Maharashtra, winning a total of 470 seats in civic elections across the state. By India Today Web Desk: With 84 seats in its bag, the Shiv Sena emerged on the top in the race to control the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The real story of the election, however, is of the Bharatiya Janata Party's strong showing. The BJP won 82 seats, coming really close to toppling the Sena's grip of the country's financial capital. The 82nd seat, interestingly, came into the BJP's fold, after a draw of lots . advertisement While the Sena also won the most number of seats in neighbouring Thane, the BJP emerged on the top elsewhere, registering wins in a number of civic bodies in the Maharashtra hinterland, including Pune, Nagpur, Nasik and Ulhasnagar. In fact, the party in power at the Centre won at least 470 seats - more than double of its 2012 tally of 205 - across Maharashtra while the Shiv Sena won 215; it won 227 seats in 2012. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, while congratulating workers for the BJP's performance in Mumbai, said his party had won clear majorities in elections for eight out of ten civic bodies in Maharashtra. WE ARE NUMBER 1: UDDHAV THACKERAY Uddhav Thackeray appeared to show strength in public comments after the final tally was announced. The Shiv Sena chief asserted that not only will the next mayor of Mumbai be from the Sena, but Maharashtra's next chief minister will also be from the party. "Wait and watch," Thackeray told workers. While Thackeray publicly termed the result a "miracle", sources told India Today the Sena chief had expressed unhappiness over the party not only failing to win a majority but also not crossing the 100-seat mark. The sources added that Thackeray even pulled up a few Sena vibagh pramukhs over the party's showing in Mumbai. Also read: BMC election result 2017: Shiv Sena should align with us again, says BJP BJP LAUDS FADNAVIS, MODI BJP leaders, on the other hand, were unsurprisingly gleeful over the party's performance. The party's Mumbai chief Ashish Shelar attributed the success to chief minister's Devendra Fadnavis' progressive policy. Fadnavis, in turn, credited the good work of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for helping the party win in several districts and cities across Maharashtra. Thanking the electorate, Fadnavis said, the people "reposed complete in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies of development for all". While party leaders indicated the party could end up controlling the BMC with the help of independents, Fadnavis didn't offer anything concrete, saying the party's core committee will meet and decide on the future course of action. Also read: Modi congratulates Devendra Fadnavis after BJP hits new high in Maharashtra civic elections advertisement AN ECSTATIC PM Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter to congratulate the BJP Karyakartas, saying their "determination & work on the ground" has resulted in the becoming "a strong force both in urban & rural Maharashtra." "It has been a great start to 2017! First the unprecedented support in Odisha & now the overwhelming blessings from people of Maharashtra," Modi tweeted, undoubtedly thrilled that the national party had managed to best the Sena in terms of overall seats won across Maharashtra. OWAISI BREAKS THROUGH Asaduddin Owaisi's All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen stood out, winning three seats in the BMC election, which it was fighting for the first time. The Hyderabad-based party also won five seats in Solapur. In 2014, the party had won two seats in the Maharashtra Assembly polls, one from Aurangabad and another from Byculla in Mumbai. Also read: Maharashtra civic elections: Owaisi's AIMIM wins 3 seats in Mumbai, 5 in Solapur THE BIG LOSERS The biggest loser in Maharashtra was the Congress which saw its 2012 tally of 264 seats fall to an incredible 99. Such was the disappointment that Sanjay Nirupam, the party's Mumbai chief, resigned from his post.The MNS too had an extremely poor showing winning just 16 seats across Maharshtra - it had won 112 in 2016. Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party, on the other hand, managed to reach triple digits, winning 108 seats. It had won 265 in 2012. advertisement OTHER REGIONS The BJP raced towards victory in the Pune Municipal Corporation with 77 seats, while the NCP got 44, Shiv Sena 10, Congress 16 and MNS six in the state's cultural and IT capital. The contest was close in Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation near Pune. The BJP surged with 58 seats, with the ruling NCP getting 29 seats in the 128-member house. The Shiv Sena was on way to retaining control over the 131-seat Thane Municipal Corporation getting 60 seats, the NCP bagging 31 and the BJP wining 21. In Ulhasnagar, the BJP grabbed 32 seats and Shiv Sena 25 of the total 78 seats. The NCP got four, Congress got one and independents and others grabbed 16. Nagpur went the BJP way with the party bagging 91 of the civic body's 151 seats. The Congress got 23, and the NCP bagged one seat. In Nashik, the BJP appeared on way to controlling the civic body, winning 55 seats out of 112 seats. The Shiv Sena got 35 seats, while the ruling Maharashtra Navnirman Sena was relegated to just three. The Congress and NCP fared better than MNS with six and five seats respectively. The BJP was faring well in Amravati with wins in 44 seats out of 87 seats followed by the Congress with 12 seats and Shiv Sena with seven. In Solapur Municipal Corporation, a Congress bastion, the BJP appeared in a commanding position with leads in 25 out of 102 seats, followed by Shiv Sena in 10 and Congress in six. Ditto was the position in Akola where BJP led in 20 out of 80 seats with Congress trailing at 10, the MNS in five and others in 10 seats. advertisement With inputs from IANS Also read: Why Congress became irrelevant as Mumbai voted for Shiv Sena, rest of Maharashtra largely for BJP Also watch: BMC election 2017: Is it victory or defeat for BJP with party losing Mumbai? --- ENDS --- Article published on the 2009-07-13 Guinea-Bissau has denied that it has amassed troops on its border Monday after neighbouring country Guinea put its army on high alert over the weekend. "We have no troops on the border with guinea. The only elements we have is a detachment of border guards, customs agents and border police, nothing more," Zamora Induta, the head of Guinea-Bissau's armed forces, told French newswire AFP. The military government in Guinea has put the army on a state of alert after claiming that drug-financed forces were massing along its borders. "According to credible information, troops massed along the northern borders with Guinea-Bissau, Casamance, and to the south (Liberia) are believed ready to attack Guinea," said a government statement. Government leader Captain Moussa Dadis Camara "has put the entire armed forces on the highest state of alert to tackle any attempts at destabilisation," the statement added. "Certain drug dealers have managed to flee to neighbouring countries like Guinea-Bissau and Casamance and are now looking to destabilise the country." The government "informs the countries involved that if such acts were occurring on their respective territories, the Guinea army reserves the right to pursue into the interior of those countries involved". The junta took control after the death on 23 December 2008 of President Lansana Conte. A ban on all political and union activities was reinstated at the end of June. There was no immediate comment from the authorities in Senegal or Guinea-Bissau. Chefs and artisans from Muslim community will serve only vegetarian food and vrat ka khana that Hindus consume on occasions of fasting. By Siddhartha Rai: In a rare show of solidarity with the minority communities in India and one mediated by the Narendra Modi regime, artisans and chefs from the Muslim community, showcasing their culinary talents at Hunar Haat in Connaught Place, will keep their menus strictly vegetarian on Mahashivratri Friday. "Displaying an example of communal harmony, the artisans and 'bawarchis' or chefs belonging to the minority communities have not only decided not to sell non-vegetarian food on the occasion of Mahashivratri on February 24. Rather they will sell only vegetarian food and also stock 'vrat ka khana' or special non-grain food that Hindus consume on occasions of fasting," Union Minority Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told Mail Today. advertisement A TASTEFUL MESSAGE The ministry has organised a food-cumcrafts mela in Connaught Place where the 'bawarchikhana', literally meaning kitchen, has been the centre of attraction and emerged as a hot favourite of Delhi's foodies. At the 'bawarchikhana', chefs from minority communities from across Indian states have showcased their traditional mouth-watering cuisines. This food mela is part of the 'Hunar Haat' initiative of the ministry, which entails exhibition of minority-related crafts and artisanship in various parts of the country to provide opportunity and national and international exposure. It has now been used also as a vehicle to carry the message of communal harmony. "People belonging to other minority communities such as Sikhs, Jains, Christians and Buddhists stop playing music at their stalls during 'azaan' at nearby Masjid," the minister told Mail Today. ABOUT HUNAR HAAT Meanwhile, Naqvi also said since February 11, as many as 26 lakh people had visited the mela which would continue till February 26. Besides, the artisans especially at food stalls, not only maintain high standard of personal hygiene, they also strengthen "Swacch Bharat Mission" by keeping their surrounding clean. The people visiting "Hunar Haat" are appreciating this step of the artisans. Besides handicrafts and various dishes, the people are also enjoying various cultural programmes, Qawwali, Gazal. Facebook page of "Hunar Haat" was launched on February 16. "The Facebook page contains information about the two "Hunar Haat". It also has details about states where artisans have come from; details of handicrafts, other items and food. Photos and videos of "Hunar Haat" are also available. The people can also see all the activities in "Hunar Haat" live on this Facebook page," Naqvi said. Also read: 'Can a BSF jawan work 10 hours on such food?': Soldier posts horrifying videos of substandard food Also read: Delhi: Food hygiene at major eateries under authorities' scanner Also read: Eight edition of National Street Food Festival witnesses sales dip due to cash crunch --- ENDS --- Well, the Government of Delhi has finally woken up and taken notice of the depleting Ozone layer and banned the use, sale and storage of plastic bags. Bio-degradable bags, they say, will now be encouraged.

It was in the reckoning for long, but the followers of laws and rules that we Indians are, I guess the government must have considered quite a lot before enforcing the ban. We actually have a crack code for every law or rule that comes in our way. The declaration is that anyone caught carrying plastic bags will be at a risk of facing a five-year jail term or a fine of one lakh rupees, or both. Sounds good, doesnt it? I think it does for those who care for the environment that ultimately boils down to caring for oneself.

Now we have to carry a cloth bag or paper bag, when we go out shopping for groceries or at the dairy outlets for milk. All the shops and the shopping malls will have to provide their customers with paper carry bags too.

All the ban and penalty seems pretty cool for the cause of the environment, but will it actually be followed? I ask that question because, honestly, I havent seen many follow the traffic lights or use the subway for crossing the roads or even get their driving licenses made through the legal procedures. There is a jugaad to anything and everything in our country. I might sound blunt, but this is how it is and one would realize it if some unbiased thought is given to these things.

There was so much hype and hoopla about the smoking ban. But now it seems as if it was only a rumour. There was supposed to be a fine of Rs 200 on the person found smoking in public places. As far as I remember only 80 challans were issued on Day 1 of the ban. And after that, I never saw any news regarding the same. Well, Im sure there arent only a hundred or so smokers in our country that has the second largest population on this planet.

I just hope that the same is not the case with the ban on the plastic bags, considering the deteriorating environmental condition in the world. Global warming has been on a rise since forever now. Thanks to the negligence by the people world over. The attitude that prevails is nothing-will-happen-with-just-one-charger-plugged. But that one unplugged charger or a fan or a light switched off actually makes the difference. And one person starting to carry bio-degradable bags is bound to make a difference. One plastic bag will burn less and the environment will be affected 0.0000001% lesser. There is a difference, without a doubt.

The point here to ponder over is the hefty fine, leave alone the imprisonment. Can a daily wage earner pay a fine of one lakh rupees if caught carrying a plastic bag? There are murderers roaming free in this country, or should I say some corrupt citizens even running this nation. So is it practical to impose these punishments? The fine for over speeding is about four hundred rupees. We generally get away with handing over a Rs 50 or a maximum of Rs 100 note to the policeman. As stated above, a jugaad for everything here.

So how much do we pay for a fine of Rs 1 lakh? 200 bucks? I dont think so. The same 50 or 100 rupee note would do. Something better than nothing (in case they issue the challan) for the concerned authorities.

The citizens will have to put their foot down and support the governments steps for a better environment. We need to fight for a universal cause of Global Warming, which seems a petty issue to most of us. That can be done to some extent if we dump the plastic bags for bio-degradable carry bags rather than finding jugaads of evading the penalty. An eyewitness told India Today that "the duo were dragged out of the court (by the police) when they came to surrender before the chief judicial magistrate who had retired to his chamber for lunch". By Revathi Rajeevan, Jeemon Jacob: Nearly a week after a Malayalam actor was abducted and molested by a gang of six men, the main accused Sunil alias Pulsar Suni and his associate Vijeesh were arrested just when they were going to surrender before the court. According to Inspector General of Police, Kochi, P Vijayan, the accused were arrested when they entered the court premises. advertisement An eyewitness told India Today that "the duo were dragged out of the court when they came to surrender before the chief judicial magistrate who had retired to his chamber for lunch". The investigation team had prior knowledge about their attempt to surrender and were keeping a watch on the court premises, a senior officer said. "Both Sunil and Vijeesh accompanied by their lawyers were coming from Aluva. Police were planning to arrest them on the way but they changed their route midway. They jumped the wall to enter the court premises," the officer said. ACCUSED SHOT VIDEOS OF ACTOR Earlier, Sunil's counsel had moved the Kerala High Court seeking an anticipatory bail for Sunil and two others who were allegedly involved in the crime. The Malayalam film fraternity had protested against the incident and demanded strict action against the accused in the case. On Friday night, the gang had stopped the actor's car and forced themselves in. They allegedly molested her till the car reached Palarivattom, a commercial area in Kochi. The men also clicked photos and shot videos of the actor who later took shelter in a film director's house in Kakkannad. In her complaint, the actor accused her driver of being a part of the gang following which the latter was taken in police custody. ALSO READ: Malayalam actress abduction: Prime accused has links with film industry? Malayalam actress abduction: Prime accused and two others seek bail Kerala molestation: Sad situation for the entire state, says Congress MP Shashi Tharoor ALSO WATCH --- ENDS --- The prime accused in the abduction and molestation of a popular Malayalam actor was arrested by the police in Kochi on Thursday. By India Today Web Desk: In a major breakthrough, Pulsar Suni, the prime accused in the molestation case of a popular Malayalam actor was arrested by the police in Kochi. According to a report in The News Minute, Sunil was arrested when he tried approaching the additional chief judicial magistrate of Ernakulam to surrender. Report further states that the police have arrested another accused named Vijeesh. advertisement Earlier this week, Pulsar Sunil had sought anticipatory bail in Kerala High Court. Despite their efforts, Kerala police failed to track Sunil. On Friday (February 17) night, the actor was abducted and molested by a gang of six, who reportedly took pictures of the actor to blackmail her. The actor's driver was arrested on the same night, while two other were arrested in Coimbatore on Sunday. Reports also suggest that Sunil received a call from a leading film producer on the night when the incident took place. They will be charged under Sections 366 (kidnapping), 376 (rape) of IPC and Section 66 of the IT Act. Ever since the news report shook the nation, several noted celebrities from across the industries came in support of the actor. On Sunday, Mollywood staged a silent protest and expressed their support to the actress. ALSO READ: Varalaxmi Exclusive- Don't want to attack the channel, it is one man's fault ALSO READ: Malayalam actress abduction: Dileep slams media, says he's not that actor ALSO READ: Not just the Malayalam actress rape- These stars too had sickening experiences ALSO WATCH: Besides Varalaxmi, 5 actors who faced casting couch experiences --- ENDS --- Anupam Kher made virtue of his theatre background to give Bollywood a new character. Therefore, his defence the other day of the word theatre in reference to the Ramdev-government spat did not surprise at all. But what perhaps came as a surprise was his stout defence of the yoga guru and the unflinching faith he had in the vision of Ramdev to redeem India of all its evils.

Kher represents today a breed of growing number of professionals who believe a solution to vexed problem of corruption lies in either sitting on fast or spewing venom in a television studio. There is no doubt a compelling reason for each one of us to protest. Yes, indeed most of us feel like puking but the vomit just does not happen leaving us all in a state of physical and mental paralysis. To make matters worse the turn of events in the last few weeks and days have only prolonged the paralysis.

Ruled by a bunch of politicians who despite the brute power at their command have not been able to stem the incessant tumbling of skeletons from their cupboard and with an apology of an opposition which survives essentially on a generous dose of issues gifted by the media, the common man has desperately been in search of a saviour.

It is this yawning gap that has led to the emergence of larger than life characters taking centre stage with their longevity being fuelled by live television in search of that elusive story that does not truly belong to it. That is why even Anna Hazare for all his greatness faces the rather awkward situation of being referred to a Mahatma Gandhi and Baba Ramdev for all his yoga innovations being hailed as the new age Swami Vivekananda.

Mind you such (in)glorious comparisons have come from many of our educated well to do metro residing middle class population in India, which is celebrating no end its playful somewhat of a joyous role in the theatre of the absurd unfold right in front of their eyes.

For a moment both Hazare and Ramdev would be entitled to imagine that they indeed are worthy of the comparison but a reality check is in order. Truly so for the likes of Hazare and Ramdev on one side and most importantly for all those who are in a tearing hurry to locate and anoint the next Gandhi or Vivekananda to deliver a corruption free healthy nation for us.

Nobody here is either trying to belittle the selfless social work to the credit of Hazare or the contribution of Ramdev to build a healthy India. But work integrity and work ethics demand that both see their roles in view of their limited skill sets, aptitude levels, and core competency. The argument that great leaders are neither born with a pedigree nor a certified bio-data is far too generic to merit support here given the complex reality and contradictions enshrined in the land called India, more so given it's well established framework of having a democratically elected government.

That is where the irony lies! On one hand we have four senior cabinet ministers offering a televised red carpet welcome to Ramdev and a few days later the same ministers order use of force against innocent thousands in a mid night swoop on the Baba. When Pranab Mukherjee drove down to the Delhi airport to hold talks with the yoga Guru, he did perhaps what he had never done earlier. But is not everything fair in democracy?

One is not sure whether or not it added value to Mukherjees otherwise illustrious CV, but what is beyond doubt is that it kept alive the Congress tradition of creating giants out of political pygmies quite often to suit its politics of opportunity.

Similarly by squatting at Rajghat the top opposition brass admitted to its own failure to throw up a leader who had half the mass appeal of an Anna or a Ramdev. L K Advani indeed raised first the issue of black money but the message should not be lost on him that he failed to convert it into a mass issue, another pointer to BJPs inability to garner mass appeal.

There is nothing wrong with the aspiration of a social activist or a yoga expert to attain overnight political stardom (in this case thrust on them). But the undeniable reality of politics overwhelming them resulting in their issues becoming poor hostage to the political hysteria is there for anyone and everyone to see. Most importantly, it is not as much about overnight political stardom but about the blunder of seeking overnight solutions to highly complex problems facing the nation.

Indias problems are far too many and simply cannot be solved in a 20:20 cricket approach. Hence, the urge to locate either a Sachin or a Dhoni or both from within the Indian society is part of the problem rather than a solution. This tendency has suicidal streaks.

It is time the vast population in the country sitting on the fringe hoping someone somewhere to deliver the miracle for them one fine morning realised that the opportunity had come to act decisively with each one of them being capable of becoming the change agent. Time each Indian gets ready to do a Saraansh in real life to extract India from the clutches of misfortune.

(The writer is Editor, Zee Research Group) The blockade has caused immense hardships to the people of the state particularly in the valley districts," Heptulla said in a statement released by Raj Bhavan. By Indrajit Kundu: Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla on Thursday appealed to the United Naga Council (UNC) - the apex body of Nagas in the state - to reconsider their decision of continuing with the indefinite economic blockade of the Imphal valley in light of the impending state assembly elections. Citing humanitarian grounds and the larger interest of the people, Heptulla in her statement said, "The blockade has caused immense hardships to the people of the state particularly in the valley districts." advertisement "In order to enable the general public to participate in this very important democratic process and exercise their right of franchise freely and fairly, lifting of the economic blockade is indispensable at this critical juncture. The Hon'ble Governor strongly and sincerely appeals to the leaders of UNC and their supporters to consider lifting of the blockade at the earliest keeping aside the stand-off between the UNC and the Government," the statement read.'RESOLVE ISSUES THROUGH DIALOGUE' Expressing concern over picketing of Governemnt offices in all Naga dominated areas in the hill districts, the Governor also appealed that such agitation be discontinued in the interest of the people. Stressing on the need for peaceful means to solve the matter, Heptulla said all such issues "can be and should be resolved through dialogue." The United Naga Council has been continuing a painful economic blockade of the Imphal valley protesting against the Ibobi Singh led Congress government's decision to form seven new districts in the Naga dominated hill region. As part of its agitation, the UNC has blocked both the national highway's that act as the main supply line to capital Imphal since November 1 last year. Amidst the turmoil, Manipur goes to polls in two phases on March 4 and 8. --- ENDS --- Mumbai: Buoyed by Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) outstanding performance in Maharashtra local body elections, a jubilant Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Thursday that it reflected the wide support for party's agenda of transparency. Addressing the press here, he said, "I thank people of Maharashtra, it's an unprecedented victory. Very grateful to the people of Mumbai. In BMC, we have got an amazing response. Our agenda of transparency and accountability been accepted by people." At the same time, the CM thanked PM Narendra Modi and said, "This win is because of PM Modi's leadership. The way Mumbai has voted for BJP, voters have reflected the trust on PM and BJP." "This is a victory of demonetisation. The move was to end corruption and weed out black money. The results have proven people have faith in Modi ji's governance," he added. "We performed really good in Zilla Parishads too," Fadnavis added. On future course of action in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, he said, "All decisions for the party are taken by its core committee. Whether or not to go for an alliance will be decided when I, (Maharashtra BJP president) Raosaheb Danve, (Mumbai BJP chief) Ashish Shelar sit and look at the prevailing situation." Congratulations & Thank You to people of #Mumbai & Maharashtra for showing faith in #BJP led State & Central Govt.#ParivartanHonarach Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) February 23, 2017 This is a historical win in true sense. Our success in ZP elections is also remarkable. And BJP won seats for the first time at many places Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) February 23, 2017 This is victory is of Hon PM @narendramodi ji's vision & BJP's agenda of transparency. I dedicate this victory to the people of Maharashtra. Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) February 23, 2017 The number of seats we (BJP) alone won in Maharashtra's Municipal Corporations is equal to sum of all seats of all parties.@BJP4India Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) February 23, 2017 Congratulations to all karyakartas who worked day in day out to make this victory possible, State President, MPs, MLAs & my colleagues. Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) February 23, 2017 Special applaud to @MumbaiBJP led by President @ShelarAshish ,MPs,MLAs & salutes to all karyakartas who have slogged for party for decades Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) February 23, 2017 The BJP today scored a resounding victory in Maharashtra civil polls emerging as the largest party in eight of the 10 municipal corporations while finishing a close second to bellicose ally Shiv Sena in the latter's Mumbai bastion. BJP was the number one party in Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur. Shiv Sena led the tally in Mumbai and adjoining Thane. Making giant strides in the Shiv Sena citadel of Mumbai, BJP won 82 seats in the fiercely fought BMC polls, just two less than the estranged saffron ally, but both were well short of the magic figure of 114 needed to control the civic body. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: Ahead of elections in Manipur, the Centre today said all stakeholders will be consulted before finalising the Naga accord and the deal signed with NSCN-IM in 2015 does not compromise state's territorial integrity. "Without the consultations of all the stakeholders, final decision on Naga issue will not be taken," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju told reporters here. The Minister's statement bears significance as assembly polls in Manipur will be held on March 4 and 8. People in Manipur are very sensitive on the Naga issue and opposed to the NSCN-IM's demand for integration of Naga inhabited areas in Manipur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to campaign for the BJP in Manipur this weekend. Echoing Rijiju, Centre's Interlocutor for Naga peace talks R N Ravi said no solution will be reached at without taking the wishes of the people of Manipur including those who live in Imphal valley, who are important stakeholders. Referring to the 'Framework Agreement' signed with the NSCN-IM on August 3, 2015, Ravi said "This doesn't compromise Manipur's territorial integrity at all". "This is just a broad document under which we will work out details. It is not final agreement," he said. Ravi also said violence can never bring a solution and all stakeholders have to be taken into confidence before finalising any final peace accord with the Nagas. The 'Framework Agreement' was signed by NSCN-IM general secretary T Muivah and Ravi, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The pact set the political parameters of the final solution. The signing of the agreement came after over 80 rounds of negotiations that spanned 18 years with the first breakthrough in 1997 when the ceasefire agreement was sealed. Ravi continues to hold parleys with the leadership of the NSCN-IM for the final settlement. According to the PRJA manifesto, if the party gains power then it will pressurize the central government to nullify the AFSPA from the state. By Indrajit Kundu: Manipur civil rights activist Irom Sharmila on Thursday released her party Peoples' Resurgence and Justice Alliance's (PRJA) manifesto in capital Imphal with a vow to end corruption and demilitarize the state. Quite predictably, her biggest promise remains her struggle against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act or AFSPA. According to the PRJA manifesto, if the party gains power then it will pressurize the central government to nullify the AFSPA from the state. It also promises to relocate all military camps 10 kilometers away from residential areas and market places. advertisement The manifesto also highlights Sharmila's plans to combat corruption in Manipur. It says, within two years of coming into power, PRJA will form an 'Anti-Corruption Bureau' to keep a tight vigil on cabinet ministers, members of the legislative and the bureaucrats. Also read: Political storm over India Today expose, EC issues showcause notice to BJP candidate caught in sting In the wake of the ongoing unrest on women's quota in neighbouring Nagaland, PRJA promises a 33.3% reservation of seats for women in "all elected offices" of the state. Other key issues addressed in the manifesto are development of small scale industries, clean water supply, strict monitory of public service, better education etc. Known as the "Irom Lady" of Manipur, 44-year- old Sharmila began her political journey in August last year after ending her 16-year long historic hunger-strike against AFSPA. After announcing her plans to join politics to continue her struggle against AFSPA, she launched her new political outfit - Peoples' Resurgence and Justice Alliance's (PRJA) to carry on with her agenda. Sharmila will take on the three-time Congress Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh in his bastion Thoubal for the upcoming Manipur Assembly election scheduled for March 4 and 8. --- ENDS --- The BJP has called for the immediate arrest of suspended JD(U) MLA Mewa Lal Chowdhary - who has been accused of corruption - and Congress leader Brajesh Pandey, who has been accused of molesting a minor Dalit girl. By Rohit Kumar Singh: The BJP has called for the immediate arrest of suspended Janata Dal United (JD(U)) MLA Mewa Lal Chowdhary and senior Congress leader Brajesh Pandey, who've been accused of corruption and molesting a minor Dalit girl, respectively. Mewa Lal Chowdhary was suspended from the JD(U) today, after an FIR was registered against him for illegally recruiting personnel when he was the Vice-Chancellor of Bihar Agriculture University, Bhagalpur. Chowdhary joined the JD(U) after his retirement, and won the Tarapur Assembly seat in 2015. advertisement In 2012, Chowdhary allegedly made several illegal appointments for assistant professor and junior scientist posts. Acting on complaints were made against Chowdary by victim applicants, Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kobind ordered a probe under Justice (retd) Syed Md. Mahfooz Alam, who found the charges against the JD(U) MLA to be true. "Mere suspension of the MLA is not enough. He should be arrested. The Committee has found in its report that irregular appointments did take place during Mewa Lal Chowdhary's tenure as Vice-Chancellor. We will raise this issue in the ongoing session of the Bihar Assembly," said BJP leader Sushil Modi. BJP CALLS FOR ARREST OF BRAJESH PANDEY Congress leader Brajesh Pandey, who allegedly molested a minor Dalit girl and has been made a non-FIR accused in the case, is also evading arrest. Pandey's name also figured in a police report for being part of a well-organised sex racket, allegedly run by automobile dealer Nikhil Priyadarshi. "Why has Brajesh Pandey not been arrested till now? Pandey is a senior leader of the Congress which is (an) alliance partner in the Bihar government and therefore police is also protecting him", alleged Sushil Modi. WATCH VIDEO: Bihar Congress leader Brajesh Pandey resigns over charges of sexually exploiting minor ALSO READ: BJP leader Sushil Modi mocks Lalu, says he made his illiterate wife CM and talks of dictatorship --- ENDS --- By India Today Web Desk: Shahid Kapoor and Kangana Ranaut are back in town after non-stop promotions. And the two-actors got together with director Vishal Bhardwaj for the screening of Rangoon. Brushing the rumours of a cold war aside, Shahid and Kangana were seen happily posing for the shutterbugs at the screening. And the on screen couple was joined by Shahid's wife Mira Rajput. Clad in a printed dress, Mira stood beside her husband during photo op. advertisement Apart from Mira, Bollywood stars also were in attendance at Rangoon screening. From Sonakshi Sinha to Jacqueline Fernandez to Sushant Singh Rajput to Kriti Sanon, many B-Town celebs had come to cheer for Rangoon. Rangoon's official Twitter page gave a sneak-peek into the craziness that happened during the film's interval. However, Saif was nowhere to be seen. Rangoon is a love triangle set against the backdrop of World War II. Kangana plays an actor, while Shahid will essay the role of an army officer in the film. Rangoon is set to hit the screens on February 24. (Photos: Yogen Shah) ALSO READ: Now Kangana Ranaut compares Shahid Kapoor to Hrithik Roshan ALSO READ: Kangana's character in Rangoon inspired by Fearless Nadia? This is what she has to say ALSO WATCH: Raees to Rangoon, 2.0 to Tubelight, what to look forward to in 2017? --- ENDS --- STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijani forces continued intense ceasefire violations in the Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) Azerbaijan line of contact on February 22 and overnight February 23, firing more than 1600 shots at Nagorno Karabakh positions from D-44 cannons, mortars and various caliber weapons. The NKR defense ministry told ARMENPRESS, in particular, Azerbaijani forces used D-44 cannons and carious caliber mortars in the eastern and northeastern directions, firing a total of 62 shells (10 from cannons and 52 from mortars). The Defense Army of NKR took preventive measures to suppress the Azerbaijani aggression, and as result Azerbaijan suffered at least one loss, which was reported by the Azerbaijani defense ministry yesterday. The frontline situation is completely under the control of the Defense Army of Nagorno Karabakh. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS. The new version of US President Donald Trumps migration executive order will b e released next week, Sky News reported citing a source in the White House. The new executive order on migration will be released during next week, the report said. Earlier media outlets reported details of the new order. The revised version includes the same 7 countries which were included in the first one. The order will affect only citizens from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Somali, Sudan and Libya, with exception those who have US visas, permanent residence permits and Americans who hold dual citizenship from one of the mentioned countries. By Press Trust of India: Lucknow, Feb 22 (PTI) After eyebrows were raised over Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav campaigning for party colleague and rape accused Gayatri Prajapati, SP patron is unlikely to visit Amethi tomorrow from where the tainted minister is his partys nominee. Party sources said tonight that Mulayam was unwell and might skip the public meeting that has been organised in Gayadeyi Degree College premises in Amethi. advertisement Though Mulayams ill health was cited as the reason behind his unlikely visit to Amethi, SP insiders said the party patriarch perhaps did not want any fresh controversy. Amethi goes to polls in the fifth phase on February 27. Prajapati is a senior minister who has been booked on the directions of the Supreme Court. On Monday, Akhilesh did not want to share stage with Prajapati and had asked the organisers of the rally to ensure that he was not present when he spoke. Accordingly, Prajapati had left the dais before the chief minister arrived and sat in the audience silently. Akhilesh, in his election rally at Gauriganj in Amethi district, did not make any reference to his controversial cabinet colleague during his entire speech. On the directives of the Supreme Court, Uttar Pradesh Police filed an FIR against Prajapati in connection with separate cases of gangrape and attempt to rape another woman and her minor daughter. Opposition parties have made it a big issue with BJP targeting Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her poll campaign in Rae Bareli for the Congress-SP alliance, saying it was unfortunate that she was seeking votes for those accused of "rape and murder". Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday raked up the Prajapati issue, saying at an election rally that the Supreme Court had to intervene to get the minister booked in an alleged rape case. "The SC had to intervene to get the FIR registered against Gayatri Prasad Prajapati. Goonda raj is prevailing all over UP and police stations have become Samajwadi Party office," Modi had said. Amethi is the Gandhi family pocket borough and is represented by Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha, while neighbouring Rae Bareli is represented by party chief and Rahuls mother Sonia Gandhi in Lok Sabha. PTI SMI ZMN --- ENDS --- YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS. Armenias minister of foreign affairs Edward Nalbandian was hosted by the (Russia today) news agency during his official visit to Russia, where he met with heads of leading Russian media outlets. The ministry of foreign affairs told ARMENPRESS the minister briefed the news chiefs on the priorities of Armenias foreign policy, the allied cooperation between Armenia and Russia, Armenias relations with neighbors, European, American, Asian and other countries, and Armenias involvement in international structures. The minister also presented in detail the efforts of Armenia and the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs for creating appropriate conditions for advancing the peaceful settlement process of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS. Armenia aims to exploit its ancient heritage which includes a civilization that predates the Egyptian pyramids and its wine-making expertise to further boost its nascent tourist industry, Courtney Fingar editor-in-chief of fDi Magazine writes about Armenias tourism attractiveness, reports Armenpress. Fingar visited Armenia on December 1-2 at the invitation of the Development Foundation of Armenia. When thinking of ancient places to visit, minds tend to focus on Athens, Rome or Egypts pyramids. The worlds oldest Christian nation with one of the worlds oldest cities does not often come to mind and that is something Armenia intends to change, Courtney Fingar writes. Armenias Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan presented Fingar his countrys historical credentials. We are one of the few oldest nations having statehood. Yerevan is 50 years older than Rome, the PM said, adding that Armenians were first to adopt Christianity and they are one of the first nations to start typography. Executive Director of the Development Foundation of Armenia Karen Mkrtchyan said: Armenia has major tourism assets. We have a clean, unspoiled landscape and a diverse terrain, a fascinating cultural and historical heritage, fantastic food, brandy and wine, and unique religious tourism sites. Courtney Fingar also writes about Armenias rich winemaking traditions and recalled the fact that the oldest wine-making location in the world has been found in Armenia, in the caves at Areni. Fingar says Armenia has long had the right soil and water for wine making but had lost the aptitude for it, focusing instead on its world-famous brandy. Photo from official website of Development Foundation of Armenia YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS. The inclusion of the European figures in the internationally wanted list who visited Nagorno Karabakh can be a bad precedent, political scientist Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan told Armenpress, commenting on Azerbaijans step on declaring the European figures as internationally wanted. Of course, this can never be considered as normal. It is obvious that Azerbaijan has become a victim of its own wrong policy and consistently continues it. They have no will to stand back and review that policy. This creates a dangerous precedent, and this relates to not only the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijani conflict, but also to other international conflicts, the political scientist said. He said such conflicts exist in various parts of the world, and if the sides of those conflicts follow Azerbaijans case, that will become a serious issue in the international policy agenda. It is necessary to show the international community the possible consequences of Aliyevs decisions for all the remaining countries. Works must be done on this path, it is necessary to do so that Azerbaijans such demands are not satisfied at all. MEPs are in the wanted list, I think this issue will be discussed in the agenda of the European Parliament. I am more than convinced that they will criticize Azerbaijan, he said. Azerbaijan declared MEPs Frank Engel (Luxembourg), Jaromir Stetina (Czech Republic) and Eleni Theocharous (Cyprus) as internationally wanted. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS. The representatives of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) visited Russian-Israeli blogger Alexander Lapshin who was extradited from Belarus to Azerbaijan, Lapshins wife Yekaterina said, reports Armenpress. Sasha is healthy and lives in normal conditions, without neighbors. The most important thing is that his spirit never left him and, contrary to the day when he arrived in Baku, he recovered his optimism. This is perfect since only by this it is possible to survive all this nonsense, Yekaterina writes. She informed that at this moment the prosecution has forbidden her to make calls, however, the ICRC representatives informed that the ban will be most likely lifted soon. Yekaterina also informed that the investigation is kept secret. 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. 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. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS. Galust Sahakyan, Speaker of Armenias Parliament, held a meeting on February 23 with the observer delegation of PACE, who visited Armenia for monitoring the pre-election phase of the upcoming parliamentary election, the Parliaments Press Service told ARMENPRESS. Sahakyan highlighted the delegations visit on the eve of the upcoming April2 important event. Sahakyan assured that the upcoming parliamentary election will be free, fair, transparent and in line with in democratic standards. Sahakyan highlighted the accurate assessments on the election process by the observers. Speaking on the constitutional reforms in Armenia, Sahakyan said that since 1995 Armenian authorities have always cooperated with PACE when making legislative changes. Sahakyan also touched upon the Electoral Code, mentioning it was widely discussed in the 4+4+4 format, which was equally taken part by representatives of the leadership, the opposition and civil society. Liliane Maury Pasquier, head of the PACE observer delegation, thanked Sahakyan for the warm reception and said they already have the necessity information about the upcoming election as result of meetings which they had during these days. According to her, the upcoming election is a serious challenger for the Armenian authorities, in order to raise public trust for election processes. Other issues were discussed during the meeting as well. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) will dispatch a 32-member delegation to Armenia to observe the uupcoming parliamentary election, the official PACE website reported. Prior to the abovementioned full delegations visit, the pre-election delegation arrived in Armenia, which includes Liliane Maury-Pasquier (Switzerland, SOC), Head of Delegation, Ingebjrg Godskesen (Norway, EC) Adele Gambaro (Italy, ALDE). The delegation will release a statement after meetings with representatives of international organizations, diplomatic representations, NGOs, media and parliamentarians. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS. Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan issued a statement over Azerbaijans declaring some EU lawmakers as internationally wanted, the Ombudsmans Office told Armenpress. The statement reads: Yesterday the Azerbaijani media reported that the countrys leadership declared MEPs Frank Engel (Luxembourg), Jaromir Stetina (Czech Republic) and Eleni Theocharous (Cyprus) as internationally wanted for visiting Karabakh and carrying out observation mission during the Constitutional referendum. Moreover, according to these reports, the Azerbaijani court has already made a decision to detain the MEPs and said they are allegedly wanted by Interpol. Azerbaijan will fail to achieve any result by spreading such useless and fake information. The MEPs are not wanted according to the Interpol database, as it was already officially denied by Armenia Police. With a principle of reverse precedent to Alexander Lapshins case, the visits of international figures and journalists to Karabakh will become more frequent. Azerbaijans such vicious steps will contribute to this. The vivid proof of this was the visit of 104 international figures from 30 countries to Karabakh within the frames of the Constitutional referendum several days before. They all, including Frank Engel, Eleni Theocharous and Jaromir Stetina are people bearing real democratic values. The visits and works of international guests in Karabakh have always been and will be considered as legitimate. Constant and hard works must be done in order the civilized world recognizes the Karabakh part of our Fatherland with its democratic institutions. We need to work jointly and organized on this path, work day and night by complementing each other and making all efforts. With my work and this statement, I assume responsible commitment to work on ensuring Karabakhs democratic recognition in the world through the maximum opportunities of status and resources. Its time to legally discredit and eliminate the so-called black list phenomenon: no Azerbaijani vicious step can stop the process of democratic development of Karabakh. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS. Declaring MEPs as internationally wanted is a sign of political hysteria of Azerbaijani leadership, Larisa Alaverdyan, executive director of the Against Legal Arbitrariness NGO, former Human Rights Defender of Armenia, told a press conference in Armenpress. This is, of course, a sign of political hysteria. They even presented fake numbers in their media on the observers who visited Karabakh, stating that it is Lapshins impact. In addition, all this speaks about the fact how the serious tool of international law is being distorted in the hands of a barbarian, Alaverdyan said. Ordinary genocide project coordinator Marina Girgoryan said she had a chance to speak with the EU lawmakers, and she is confident that they will continue visiting Karabakh as they did before. I dont think in reality the EU lawmakers will be extradited, this is more like a demonstrative, propaganda step. We dont know what effect it will have later, but I am convinced that these lawmakers, who are very honest, principled figures, will continue visiting Karabakh, Marina Grigoryan said. In her turn Larisa Alaverdyan said Azerbaijan that took the path of barbarism will not come to its senses. This is its style acquired since 1918. In such cases we must be consistent, make this an issue of political agenda. We must be the initiator side, she said, stating that works must be jointly carried out in all platforms, political, propaganda, legal and etc. Azerbaijani media report the countrys leadership declared MEPs Frank Engel (Luxembourg), Jaromir Stetina (Czech Republic) and Eleni Theocharous (Cyprus) as internationally wanted. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS. Austria makes efforts to settle NK conflict as OSCE chairman country, Armenpress reports Austrias Foreign Minister, OSCE Chairman in Office Sebastian Kurz told at the United Nations Security Council. Austria will also support all efforts to achieve progress on other conflict situations, including those in Transnistria, Georgia and Nagorno-Karabakh, Kurz said. Turning to radicalization and terrorism, he said more than 10,000 people from the OSCE area have joined the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Daesh). The most vulnerable group to be radicalized is youth, Mr. Kurz said, adding that he has appointed Peter Neumann, an expert on terrorism, as his special representative on radicalization. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS. In the sidelines of the official visit to Georgia the Armenian delegation led by Premier Karen Karapetyan has been received by President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Government of Armenia, greeting the Armenian PM and his delegation, the Georgian President highly assessed the results of the government level meetings and noted that the proposed initiatives will foster future development and strengthening of the relations. The President of Georgia hoped that the constructive cooperation on parliamentary and governmental levels is a firm ground for future deepening of relations, including in new directions. Highlighting the high level of political relations between Armenia and Georgia, the Armenian prime Minister noted that interactions in all levels are rather intensive but the economic potentials are not yet fully utilized. The PM reaffirmed that meaningful and productive talks took place between him and his Georgian counterpart, and hoped that the results will give new impetus to future relations. We discussed a broad range of issues of mutual interest. I have to document that the effective utilization of the existing potential has great prospects of development, particularly in terms of implementation of projects of regional importance. The Armenian side is ready to provide the Georgian businessmen with various platforms for increasing their reach to other markets. At the same time we expect to further deepen cooperation in the sphere of tourism with our Georgian partners, Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan stressed. The Armenian Premier thanked for the good attitude towards the Armenian community in Georgia, as well as for the preservation of historical-cultural values. In response, the Georgian President highlighted the active participation of the Armenian community in the economic and cultural life of Georgia. At a rally in Raebareli, Akhilesh had said, "There is an ad on television which shows donkeys. I appeal to century's biggest star to please stop endorsing the donkeys of Gujarat". By India Today Web Desk: Three days after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's "gadha" jibe at Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister today turned around the joke and said he takes inspiration even from a donkey. Addressing a rally in Bahraich in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, the Prime Minister said, "I take inspiration from a donkey. Donkeys are loyal to their masters and fulfill their responsibilities". advertisement At a rally in Raebareli, Akhilesh had said, "There is an ad on television which shows donkeys. I appeal to century's biggest star to please stop endorsing the donkeys of Gujarat". Not sparing Akhilesh Yadav, the Prime Minister said there are leaders who even discriminate between animals. "Why do you have such distaste for donkeys," Modi asked. HERE IS WHAT THE PRIME MINISTER SAID IN HIS RALLY: "Akhilesh ji, one can understand your attacks on the BJP and Narendra Modi, but you have not even spared donkeys. Are you scared of donkeys too," the Prime Minister said taking a swipe at the Samajwadi Party chief. "I am amazed at your discriminatory mindset which does not spare a donkey," the Prime Minister said, asking why the Samajwadi Party chief hates the animal. "I find inspiration in a donkey. He is loyal and responsible," he said. "Those you have embraced and with whom you are seeking votes in this election had brought out postal stamps on donkeys in 2013," Modi said. Postal stamps on wild ass of Ladakh and Gujarat were released in 2013. Not letting up on his attack on Akhilesh Yadav, the Prime Minister said, "Akhilesh ji, these donkeys belong to the same land which gave the country leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. This was Krisha's 'karmabhoomi'too". "MLAs of your party are accusd in heinous crimes and Akhilesh ji you are asking votes for them? Uttar Pradesh does not deserve such a government," Modi said. Hitting out at the Samajwadi Party government for not acting against Gayatri Prajapati, a rape accused, Modi said, "A government which instead of arresting an accused seeks votes for him is betraying its people". ALSO READ: Akhilesh Yadav's 'gadha' jibe over Amitabh's ad sharpens focus on Indian wild ass Gujarat Tourism's 'gadha' ad: A mocking Akhilesh has a request for megastar Amitabh Modi at Fatehpur: If land is given for kabristan, shamshaan must get it too ALSO WATCH --- ENDS --- As First Lady Melania Trump files her third defamation suit against the Mail Online over a 2016 article that accused her of having once been a prostitute, Moonlite Bunny Ranch legal brothel owner Dennis Hof is stepping up to clear her name once and for allby offering free sex for life to anyone who can prove Trump was ever a "working girl." I dont believe she was a prostitute, Hof said in a blog post on the Bunny Ranch website. And Im going to get to the bottom of this by offering a prize worth millions to anyone with information about Melanias professional sexual historya lifetime supply of complimentary sex at my Bunny Ranch. Hof claims that the First Lady couldnt possibly have been a sex worker. Prostitutes are compassionate, warm women who are able to convincingly play the role of their clients girlfriend, Hof said. Melania is generally perceived as an icy shrew who wears her emotions on her sleeve. She cant even convince the American public that she isnt absolutely disgusted by her husbandjust look at her face in that viral inauguration video as she reacts to the President: absolute detestation. There is a difference between a gold-digger and a prostitute, and Melania Trump is no prostitute. She just doesnt have what it takes to work at the Bunny Ranch. Hof says that this offer will bring to light the truth about the First Ladys past. Free sex at the Bunny Ranch is an offer that no person has ever refused, especially politicians, business leaders, and VIP types who may know a little about the Presidents wife, he said. If I dont get a response in a few weeks, my point is proven: shes no hooker. As far as the August 2016 story claiming she was a sex worker, Hof doesnt see why the First Lady is so upset. If theres one thing I hate, its fake news, Hof said. But the First Lady should be flattered to be called a sex worker. My working girls are empowered women who make a fine living on their own termsand they never have to marry a man they detest in order to make ends meet. The complete blog post can be found here. Dennis Hof and the Bunny Ranch girls are available for interviews by contacting [email protected] or 775-720-9090. HOUSTON, TXWho says you can't tell a book (or video) by its cover? Michelle Austin Films and Kennston Productions have now released their first movie of the year, Transcest: An Unreal Family Story, and as far as they're concerned, the title says it all. This year Michelle Austin Films and Kennston Productions wanted to start off on the right foot by shooting all their content in 4K, and trying to do more story based movies, along with all their other content. Transcest is the first full length movie of its kind in the trans niche. It's the first time viewers will see a trans family (unreal, of course) interact on film together in this fun play on family affairs. The whole idea of the film is that while the father is away on business, the step-mom has to deal with her bratty step-kids, but this time she takes matters into her own hands to earn their respect. Not knowing the kids have already started their own thing between themselves, everyone's family ambitions collide. Also, trans is depicted as normal in this film, so it is never discussed why the boys have vaginas and girls have penises. Transcest: An Unreal Family Story stars Michelle Austin, Eddie Wood and Shiri Trap, and is directed by Roald Blunt. "The idea for this whole thing came together with the collaboration of Shiri, Eddie and myself. We see straight movies always tackling the step-mom/daughter/son thing but in trans porn you rarely see that. This year our company really wants to do more out-of-the-box things and grow our fan base. I think we are going to start it off right with Transcest. I am very proud of this project," said company owner/star Michelle Austin. Michelle Austin Films in collaboration with Kennston Productions has been making trans films featuring FTM (trans men) for the past two years. Those interested can order a copy of Transcest at michelleaustinfilms.com and wholesale orders at kennston.com/adult. The feature will be coming soon to VOD sites. 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 Odisha, the bastion of Biju Janata Dal, a regional party led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has been almost invaded by BJP. By Manogya Loiwal : BJP has made strong inroads in the Odisha panchayat polls with an unprecedented victory on hundreds of seats across the state. Odisha, the bastion of Biju Janata Dal, a regional party led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has been almost invaded by BJP. As the Zila Parishad (ZP) election has come to an end, giving a lead to Biju Janata Dal (BJD) the process of electing the Zilla Parishad chairman will begin after the winning party is announced on 25th February. advertisement The elections were held in five phases and all have sprung surprises with Congress being wiped out and BJP making the wild card entry. Also read: BJP wins big time, calls it beginning of the end of Naveen Patnaik's rule Union Tribal Minister Jual Oram said, "I heartily thank the citizens of Odisha and the party workers. We did not expect that there will be an increase in the votes and in this manner. I am very grateful to them for voting our party. The reason I feel that they have voted is firstly, the betterment of the organization structure and secondly, the other party has created trouble for the people and they want change. Congress held the second position after BJD, but now, after the unexpected votes coming, we have left them way behind and expect to secure the first position soon." After counting in the fifth phase, BJD is in the lead with BJP taking the second place in the race. State Election Commission will announce result of Panchayat Samiti member and Zilla Parishad member officially on 25th February. Before the Samiti and ZP member announcement, today results for Ward Members and Sarpanch have been declared. Also read: Odisha panchayat polls: BJP makes impressive gains; Naveen Patnaik losing grip on state? Looking back to five years down the lane in 2012 Zila Parishad election, BJD was in leading position with 651 wards and back then BJP had won only 36 wards. Now in 2017, BJP with 306 wards is giving a tough competition to BJD who is in lead with 460 wards. The bickering and infighting has already begun in BJD and Congress resulting in a verbal war in Odisha Legislative Assembly on Thursday. Out of 851 wards in 30 Zila Parishads across the state: BJD is leading with 460 from 651 in 2012 BJP has 306 from 36 in 2012 Congress has 66 from 126 in 2012 The rest have been won by Independent and other political parties. With inputs from Mohammad Suffian --- ENDS --- 'I'd rather die than go there': Gay Egyptian seeks asylum Samer Habib goes through the binder of paperwork he hopes will allow him to stay in Canada. It contains his passport, his story, school transcripts, a work permit and news articles explaining what happens to gay men, like him, in Egypt. Habib, 23, has started the immigration process under the Manitoba provincial nominee program, but his Egyptian passport will expire in June. He's now preparing to apply for refugee status because he is afraid to go back to Egypt to renew his passport. The 23-year-old gay man said when he thinks about having to go back to Egypt, he is afraid. "It puts a lot of fear and it makes me feel like my life is in danger," Habib said. Habib became a student at the University of Winnipeg about five years ago and had a student visa. After graduating, he received a post-graduation work permit for his job as an office assistant at the university. He began applying to immigrate under the provincial nominee program and was approved for the next steps in January, but learned that it could take 16 months for his application to go through. There is one large hurdle in the way his Egyptian passport is set to expire in June. To have his passport renewed, Habib would have to return to Egypt and complete three years of mandatory military service. "I don't feel safe. Like, what's going to happen in the next few months if I have to leave the country?" Habib said. Particularly because he is a gay man, he fears his life will be in danger. 'Impossible to be publicly gay' "It's impossible to be publicly gay where I come from," he said. While homosexuality in private is not against the law, other laws regarding debauchery, indecency and prostitution have been used to prosecute gay men, said Winnipeg immigration lawyer Bashir Khan. People found guilty under those laws can face five years of imprisonment and heavy fines. Human Rights Watch said in a 2016 report that forced anal examinations are used regularly in prosecuting homosexual sex. Story continues Habib said in Egypt, the police and military patrol gay websites like Grindr and some people believe gay people are diseased and sinful. "It can ruin your entire life there" if people even suspect you are gay, Habib said. He has only come out to his father, who told him to never speak about it again and threatened to silence him if he does, Habib said. Habib is most afraid of what could happen to him if he has to join the military. "I'd rather die than go there because, to me, it's like being a slave but also a prisoner at the same time," he said. If the military suspects a person is gay, "they decide what they want to do with you next," he said. "It could be putting you in jail, putting you in a room, abuse, humiliating you or ruining your reputation," he said. "They could take away my passport, they could take away all my IDs and say, 'There you go, you can't live your life anymore.'" Applying for asylum Habib is applying for asylum on two grounds: membership of a particular social group and political opinion, Khan said. "If he says, 'I refuse to be in the military,' and if he is required under Egyptian law to be conscripted into military service, his refusal to do so is seen as an act against the Egyptian state," Khan said. "That is how the government would crack down on him very hard and punish him." Although Habib has been in Canada for years and not filed a refugee claim, he still has a right to do so, Khan said, because only now has deportation become an immediate danger. "Now is when his fears have come to life," Khan said. Habib will compile all of the documents in his binder containing his hopes and fears for the future into a claim he will file next week. If he qualifies, it will be at least two months until he has his hearing. Habib said he can't sleep thinking about what will happen if the judge doesn't support his claim. "That just scares me just as much as what's waiting for me back home," he said. "And I don't know what's going to happen." Security Ransomware: To Pay or Not To Pay? The decision whether or not to cave in to a ransomware attack may be less a philosophical decision and more a cost-benefit analysis. Pity poor Los Angeles Valley College, one of the latest victims of a ransomware attack to make the headlines. The community college paid about $28,000 to cyber criminals to retrieve data that had been encrypted. After the payment was made, a "key" was delivered to regain access to the infected systems, whose "hundreds of thousands" of files are now being methodically unlocked, according to an FAQ issued by the school. The disruption hit computer, online, e-mail and voicemail systems. Fortunately, the ransom was covered by a cybersecurity insurance policy, which also is paying for the services of cybersecurity experts to uncover just what happened. Law enforcement is involved. LAVC is hardly alone. Last June, the University of Calgary transferred almost $16,000 in bitcoins to extortionists after its IT security team spent a week attempting to crack the ransomware that had infected a hundred of its computers. At the time, university vice president Linda Dalgetty told a reporter, "The actual process of decryption is time-consuming and must be performed with care." And, she pointed out, "Decryption keys do not automatically restore all systems or guarantee the recovery of all data." The institution paid, she noted, to make sure research work wasn't lost. It would be a brief story if that were all there were to say on the topic: Pay the bad guys and hope you get your stuff back. Disrupting the Ransomware Business An organization of law enforcement and IT security companies wants victims of ransomware to stop paying. The resource "No More Ransom!" offers free decryption tools that can be used to retrieve encrypted data "without having to pay the criminals," as the site explains. By mid-January 2017, nearly 30 forms of threats had counter-measure tools in place with straightforward how-to instructions for using them. A few months after the Calgary incident, Carleton University faced the same decision when 3,200 PCs were hit. In that case, a graduate student told CBC Radio-Canada, the attackers gave a choice: "either two bitcoin per machine or 39 bitcoin total to release the encrypted files" about $35,000 at today's conversion rate. The university chose not to pay anything. Which one of these schools took the right approach? You may not be able to figure that out until you're staring into the stunned eyes of a desperate researcher, president, director, student or faculty member. The Evolution of a Problem BitSight reported last year that in a comparison of six segments, education "exhibited the highest rates of ransomware." More than 11 percent of the ed industry had the Nymaim Trojan on its networks, the report stated, and almost 4 percent had Locky. So how come so few colleges or universities have admitted to being hit? Currently, data breaches continue to garner the most attention: The attacks in which the goal is to gain access to personally identifiable information hit at least 11 institutions in the United States last year, according to tracking by the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. None of those involved ransomware specifically. THURSDAY, Feb. 23, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Some doctors may order a pricey ultrasound treatment -- low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) -- to help speed the healing of broken bones. But an international panel of experts now says there's little evidence to support the procedure. "We have moderate to high certainty of a lack of benefit for outcomes important to patients, and, combined with the high costs of treatment, LIPUS represents an inefficient use of limited health care resources," concluded the panel. The group is made up of bone surgeons, physical therapists and doctors, as well as patients who've had broken bones. The panel conducted a detailed analysis of the most up-to-date data on the subject, and published its conclusions Feb. 21 in the BMJ medical journal. According to the panel, up to 10 percent of people who suffer a broken bone face slow or complicated healing. In 1994, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved LIPUS as a fracture healing aid. The device, which costs between $1,300 and $5,000, is now widely used by doctors across the country. But research has cast doubt on the benefits of this treatment, the expert panel said. Although LIPUS is in common use, the new analysis suggested it has little or no influence on either the pain patients experience or their healing time. For example, data showed that LIPUS had little effect on when people with fractures returned to work or were able to fully bear weight on the broken limb. The device also doesn't appear to ease patient pain, reduce the number of subsequent operations or accelerate healing, the panel said. Based on the review, the panel advises against using LIPUS to enhance recovery from broken bones or the surgical realignment of bones. The experts added that future studies are unlikely to influence their recommendation, suggesting that researchers shift their focus to "other interventions that have a greater probability to speed up healing." Dr. Lon Weiner is chief of orthopedic trauma at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. He reviewed the panel's analysis and explained that the initial theory behind LIPUS was that ultrasound "mechanically stimulates bone cells to produce more bone and calcium." This was thought to help fractures to heal faster, but "this has never panned out in the day-to-day practice of orthopedics," Weiner said. "The results in these cases are inconsistent at best, which further questions the viability of this technology," he said. More information The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons provides more information on broken bones. WEDNESDAY, Feb. 22, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Strokes bring with them a heightened possibility of another attack, and new research suggests black patients may be at especially high risk for recurrence. The risk of recurrent stroke was up to 50 percent higher in black seniors who'd survived a stroke compared to their white peers, according to a report to be presented Wednesday at the International Stroke Conference in Houston. The finding "suggests that neurologists need to pay extra attention to older black Americans with regard to preventing future strokes," said Dr. Andrew Rogove, who reviewed the study. He directs stroke care at Southside Hospital, in Bay Shore, N.Y. In the study, researchers led by Karen Albright, of the University of Alabama in Birmingham, looked at the odds of recurrence for ischemic strokes, which result from a blocked blood vessel. According to the American Stroke Association, about 87 percent of strokes are ischemic. In the study, Albright's team tracked outcomes for nearly 129,000 Medicare beneficiaries 65 or older. All had experienced a first stroke at some point between 1999 and 2013. The researchers tracked their health records to see what percentage went on to experience a second stroke within the following year. The result: 11 percent of black patients had another ischemic stroke within 12 months. That's significantly more than the 8 percent observed for white stroke survivors. Overall, Rogove's team said that, depending on the age range studied, blacks had a 24 percent to 50 percent higher risk of recurrent stroke compared to whites. This racial "gap" was actually wider among younger patients (ages 66 to 74) compared to older ones (75 and older), the researchers said. Dr. Ajay Misra is chair of neurosciences at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola, N.Y. He stressed that much was left out of the study -- risks factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol/blood pressure, smoking -- that might help explain why blacks were at higher risk than whites. "The findings, however, are significant as they provide the fodder for investigation" into how black seniors might lower their odds for multiple strokes, he said. Because these findings were presented at a medical meeting, they should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal. More information There's more on minorities and stroke at the National Stroke Association. THURSDAY, Feb. 23, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- You'd probably be surprised if your dentist said you might have type 2 diabetes. But new research finds that severe gum disease may be a sign the illness is present and undiagnosed. The study found that nearly one in five people with severe gum disease (periodontitis) had type 2 diabetes and didn't know it. The researchers said these findings suggest that the dentist's office may be a good place for a prediabetes or type 2 diabetes screening. "Be aware that worsened oral health -- in particular, periodontitis -- can be a sign of an underlying [condition], such as diabetes," said study author Dr. Wijnand Teeuw. He's the chief of the periodontology clinic at the Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam in the Netherlands. "Early diagnosis and treatment of both periodontitis and diabetes will benefit the patient by preventing further complications," Teeuw added. Diabetes is a worldwide epidemic. In 2010, it was estimated that 285 million adults worldwide had diabetes. By 2030, that number is expected to rise to 552 million, according to the study authors. It's suspected that as many as one-third of people who have diabetes are unaware they have the disease. Untreated, diabetes can lead to a number of serious complications, such as vision problems, serious kidney disease, heart trouble and infections that take a long time to heal, according to the American Diabetes Association. Periodontitis -- an infection that causes inflammation of the gums and destruction of the bones that support the teeth -- is often considered a complication of diabetes, Teeuw said. The current study included more than 300 people from a dental clinic in Amsterdam with varying levels of periodontitis or healthy gums. Approximately 125 had mild to moderate periodontitis and almost 80 had severe periodontitis. The rest had healthy gums. The researchers tested blood sugar levels in all of the study participants using a test called hemoglobin A1c. This test provides an average of blood sugar levels over two to three months. In people who had never been diagnosed with diabetes, the researchers found that 50 percent of the group with severe gum troubles had prediabetes, and 18 percent had type 2 diabetes. In the mild to moderate group, 48 percent were found to have prediabetes and 10 percent learned they had type 2 diabetes. There were even significant numbers of people in the healthy gums group that had prediabetes -- 37 percent had prediabetes and 8.5 percent had type 2 diabetes, the study revealed. Dr. Sally Cram, a periodontist and a spokeswoman for the American Dental Association, said she sees what the study found in her practice every day. "I see quite a few patients who don't know they have diabetes, and when they don't respond normally to periodontal therapy, I have to say, 'Go to your doctor and get tested for diabetes,'" she said. And, on the other side, she explained that people with uncontrolled diabetes often see improvement when their gum disease is under control. "People with diabetes aren't as able to fight inflammation and infection," Cram explained. Diabetes specialist Dr. Joel Zonszein said frequent or slow-to-heal infections are important signs of diabetes. "People often come in with severe infections in the skin, and I think it's probably the same for infections in the mouth. People have been living for years with high blood sugar, and even if they go to the dentist, they don't get their blood sugar checked," Zonszein said. "The relationship between diabetes and gum infections goes two ways. When you improve one, you also improve the other," he added. But it's not clear which comes first, and this study didn't prove a cause-and-effect relationship, only an association, Zonszein noted. But the findings do show the importance of collaboration between health care providers, according to Zonszein, who is the director of the Clinical Diabetes Center at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. Cram noted that basic prevention goes a long way toward preventing gum disease. "Ninety-nine percent of dental problems and disease are preventable. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once, and see your dentist periodically," she recommended. Warning signs of gum disease include bleeding gums, receding gums, sensitive teeth, loose teeth, bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. The study was published online Feb. 22 in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care. More information Learn more about the connection between diabetes and oral health from the American Diabetes Association. Suthar (left) and Rames Batumalai PETALING JAYA: Amnesty International Malaysia (AIM) is urging the Government to stop the execution of two brothers on Friday in view of a pending application for a royal pardon. Brothers Rames and Suthar Batumalai, who were convicted for murder in April 2010, have less than 12 hours before execution, said AIM executive director Shamini Darshni Kaliemuthu. The clemency application was submitted to the Negri Sembilan Pardons Board on Thursday by Haresh Mahadevan & Co. Shamini said that the Pardons Board must be given time to review the application. "The family is distraught and are appealing to the Yang di-Pertuan Negri Sembilan to spare their lives," she said in a statement Thursday night. She added that the family of Rames, 44, and Suthar, 39, were only informed on Wednesday that they should visit the brothers for the last time on Thursday ahead of their execution. The brothers were found guilty of a murder committed in Feb 2006. According to Shamini, the pair was moved from their respective detention facilities to Kajang Prison, where the executions are set to take place. "The death penalty can never be justified regardless of the crime committed. The authorities must immediately take a step to prevent this double execution," Shamini said, adding that AIM was not downplaying the seriousness of any crime committed. Double Execution in Less than 12 Hours Must Be Stopped, Amnesty International Malaysia Says Brothers Rames and Suthar Batumalai have less than 12 hours before they face the noose if the authorities do not stop the execution in view of a pending clemency application. The clemency application was submitted to the Negri Sembilan Pardons Board today by Haresh Mahadevan & Co, and it must be given time to review the application. The executions must not go on, Amnesty International Malaysia Executive Director Shamini Darshni Kaliemuthu said tonight. No executions must be carried out while appeals are pending. Late last night, we learned that Rames and Suthar were scheduled to be executed in Kajang Prison on Friday morning, which mean they have less than 12 hours to live now. The family is distraught and are appealing to the Yang Di Pertuan Negri Sembilan to spare their lives. , she said. The family of Rames, 44, and Suthar, 39, was only informed yesterday that they should visit the brothers for the last time today ahead of their execution soon. Amnesty International sighted the letter. Rames and Suthar were mandatorily sentenced to death in April 2010 under Section 302 of the Penal Code after they were found guilty of a murder committed on 4 February 2006. On 22 February 2017 the pair was moved from their separate detention facilities to Kajang prison where the executions are set to take place tomorrow. International law prohibits the use of the mandatory death penalty. The death penalty can never be justified regardless of the crime committed. The authorities must immediately take a step to prevent this double execution, Shamini said. Amnesty International believes that the brothers, who were represented at trial by the same lawyer, were convicted on the basis of circumstantial evidence alone. During the trial they claimed that they had intervened to stop two other men from attacking and killing the deceased, claims which were disregarded by the High Court. The Court also failed to call a key witness, the deceaseds wife, to testify. Her testimony could have corroborated the brothers version of the facts and the involvement of the two other men in the murder. The 1984 UN Safeguards guaranteeing protection of the rights of those facing the death penalty provide that the death penalty be imposed only when the guilt of the person charged is based upon clear and convincing evidence leaving no room for an alternative explanation of the facts and this has not been made clear in this instance. Amnesty International has issued an Urgent Action to its global network to intervene on the executions and is also appealing to the Ruler of Negeri Sembilan state to stop the execution. The secretive nature of executions in Malaysia has been consistently criticised by Amnesty International. Information is hardly made publicly available on individual death penalty cases and families are often informed merely days before that their loved ones will be executed. The lack of transparency around executions in Malaysia is a violation of international law and standards. Families must have sufficient time to prepare for the last visit and take any further recourse available at the national or international level. Shamini said. There is no conclusive evidence that the death penalty has a unique deterrent effect on crime. Amnesty International Malaysia does not downplay the seriousness of crimes committed, but we urge the authorities to consider introducing more effective crime prevention measures that respect human rights instead of continuously using one that has no merit. TAKE ACTION Send an email, call, fax or tweet: Immediately take all the necessary steps to halt the execution of Suthar and B. Rames Batumalai, and to accept their new clemency appeal; Immediately establish a moratorium on executions and commute all death sentence as a first step towards abolition of the death penalty; Move forward with legislative reforms on the mandatory death penalty and abolish this punishment from national legislation. Prime Minister of Malaysia Mohd Najib Razak Office of The Prime Minister of Malaysia Main Block, Perdana Putra Building Federal Government Administrative Centre, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia Fax: +603-88883444 or +603-88883904 Email: Salutation: Dear Prime Minister H.E. Ambassador Datuk Dr. Awang Adek Hussin Embassy of Malaysia 3516 International Court, NW, Washington DC 20008 Fax: 1 202 572 9882 Phone: 202 572 9700 Email: Salutation: Dear Ambassador Source: Amnesty International Malaysia calls on the Malaysian government to put a stop to the double execution and impose a moratorium on executions immediately with a view to full abolition. Immediately take all the necessary steps to halt the execution of Suthar and B. Rames Batumalai, and to accept their new clemency appeal; Immediately establish a moratorium on executions and commute all death sentence as a first step towards abolition of the death penalty; Move forward with legislative reforms on the mandatory death penalty and abolish this punishment from national legislation. Prime Minister of MalaysiaMohd Najib RazakOffice of The Prime Minister of Malaysia Main Block,Perdana Putra Building Federal Government Administrative Centre,62502 Putrajaya, MalaysiaFax: +603-88883444 or +603-88883904Email: ppm@pmo.gov.my Salutation: Dear Prime Minister H.E. Ambassador Datuk Dr. Awang Adek HussinEmbassy of Malaysia3516 International Court, NW, Washington DC 20008Fax: 1 202 572 9882Phone: 202 572 9700Email: mwwashington@kln.gov.my Salutation: Dear AmbassadorSource: Amnesty International Malaysia , February 23, 2017 | 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! Source: The Star Online , February 23, 2017 Pallavi Sharda, who is a part of Oscar-nominated film Lion, talks about her experience of working in the film. By Suhani Singh: Indian-Australian actor Pallavi Sharda, best known as Ranbir Kapoor's leading lady in Besharam, is looking forward to the release of Lion. Nominated for six Oscars including best film and best supporting actor, the film releases in India on February 24. Sharda is part of the ensemble that includes Sunny Pawar, Priyanka Bose, Tannishtha Chatterjee. The actor talks about returning home to shoot Lion, and her next release Begum Jaan. advertisement Tell us about your part in Lion. I play a character that Saroo Brierley (Dev Patel) comes across at a pivotal time in his life, when he commences his search for his identity. Having grappled myself with questions of cross-cultural identity between my Indian and Australian selves, I connected with it. How did it feel to return home to shoot another film? It was an amazing experience to shoot in my hometown of Melbourne for the first time. It was a treat to go home and have dinner with my father every night after shoot and to actually shoot in lecture theatres at the Melbourne University campus where I studied. One sequence was shot in a dance studio where I used to teach Indian dance on the University Campus. It was a real case of life going full circle. You also star in the women ensemble drama Begum Jaan. Tell us about that experience. I feel very proud to have been part of such a stellar cast. Working with the likes of Vidya Balan, Ila Arun and Rajit Kapoor - you can't ask for more as an actor. It was a tough film to shoot. But being a story of human triumph, I felt that life mirrored the art we were making to a certain extent - we all banded together to create a product which is gut wrenching. I really enjoyed working under Srijit Mukherjee [director]. How would you describe your journey in Bollywood so far? Are you happy with the roles coming your way? I am very pleased to have been able to experiment so vastly with different characters and genres. From Dus Tola to Save Your Legs, Lion, Begum Jaan and all the films in between, my repertoire has been incredibly diverse. It was always my intention to be a versatile performer, that is what my time as a theatre and stage performer taught me. When I was starting out a lot of people found my approach incongruous, assuming that genres of films were mutually exclusive, but I have always maintained that working across so many genres and territories makes for a more interesting career. advertisement ALSO READ: The news hasn't made its way into my brain yet, says Dev Patel on Oscar nomination ALSO READ: Dev Patel little nervous about Oscars ceremony ALSO WATCH: Dev Patel. Emma Stone, Casey Affleck win big at BAFTA 2017 --- ENDS --- DAVAO CITY, PhilippinesLawyers here expressed their objection to the re-imposition of the death penalty in the country, saying that it would endanger and a disadvantage to the poor because of the corrupt criminal justice system in the Philippines. Speaking in a forum titled Thou Shall Not Kill: A Forum on Death Penalty held at the Ateneo De Davao University Wednesday, Atty. Arnold Abejaron, executive secretary of the Ateneo De Davao University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council, warned that the imposition of death penalty would be dangerous. We see it always in the news. We have policemen who are experts in fine arts, ibig sabihin magaling mag drawing, (good in [making up scenarios]) or nag-aral ng agriculture, ibig sabihin magaling mag planting (studied agriculture, meaning good [in planting evidence]), Abejaron said. Abejaron also suggested looking into preventing the crime from being committed, saying that many of those who have committed heinous crimes experienced abuses in their childhood. The best way really is to address the issue. How do we prevent kids or future adults from committing crimes? That is looking at how we reduce abuses in the family, because many of those who got into crimes have actually been victims of abuse when they were children, Abejaron said. For his part, Atty. Ray Paolo Santiago, executive director of the Ateneo Human Rights Center, supported Abejarons claim, saying most of those who are languishing in jail are poor and could not afford to hire the best lawyers. This is not to say that those who come from the Public Attorneys office are not good, they are one of the best. But imagine the public attorney who is a government lawyer, pitted against a private lawyer who is solely handling maybe a big case. And then you have a public defender who is handling hundreds of other cases. You divide the time that you can allot, Santiago said. Santiago also noted the corruption present in the concerned agencies which further made a poor mans task of defending oneself in court harder. In the justice system, there are different levels. [For example], you have a good law enforcer, a good policeman; gathers all the evidence. And then you have a corrupt prosecutor, what would happen? You have money? Okay I will dismiss the case. Lets not fool ourselves, because that does happen, Santiago said. It is a reality that those who have lesser in life, have difficult opportunities in defending themselves, Santiago added. When asked about the implications of the re -imposition of the death penalty and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of which the Philippines signed as a State Party in 1966, Santiago it will be up to the Supreme Court to settle the matter. Atty. Arnold mentioned that its embarrassing, particularly the implications internationally. However, we both agree that the President can actually do so, Santiago pointed out. If congress insists, and then the president signs it into law, the next battle there, is not the international community, its going to the Supreme Court. The court will now rule whether the re imposition is valid or not under Philippine law, Santiago said. | 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! Source: davaotoday.com , Paulo C. Rizal, February 23, 2017 The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines on Wednesday said the last battleground to stop the reimposition of the death penalty would be the Supreme Court should Congress approve its reimposition. CBCP Commission on Prison Pastoral Care Executive Secretary Rodolfo Diamante said anti-death penalty advocates would not give up easily if the controversial measure would be passed into law. "We will go to the Supreme Court. We will exhaust all these legal means available because we believe that it [its reimposition] is unconstitutional. It is cruel. It is inhumane," Diamante said. In a related development: -- House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Farinas said there might be no execution under the Duterte administration once the House of Representatives passed the death penalty bill, adding the execution of the 1st convict might not take place in the next 4 years because of long court proceedings. The CBCP and advocates are now conducting studies to build a strong case against the capital punishment. Diamante said they were considering at least 2 options on how to challenge the death penalty before SC - either through death-row convicts or through lawmakers who ratified the country's international treaty obligation against it. Diamante said filing the objection against the reimposition of death penalty through lawmakers might be more practical since they could easily invoke the violation of the country's commitment to the United Nations' International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. "The argument could be possible since the country has already signed the treaty, a senator can easily claim that he/she is affected since he/she was among those that ratified it. Therefore, they can file a case before the SC," Diamante said. On the other hand, anti-death penalty advocates can also wait for the "test case" involving a death row convict. "So that the case won't be dismissed, there has to be a victim. In that sense, we can do it when a person convicted and penalized with death penalty files a case to the SC and say it is unconstitutional," Diamante said. Aside from the high court, he revealed that another plan was to bring the issue to the international community since the Philippines signed the ICCPR. "We are seeking the opinion of the international community. The Philippines cannot simply withdraw unilaterally. It has repercussions. And the international community is very active in making pronouncements," he added. In the House, Farinas said the death penalty bill was among the priority measures of President Rodrigo Duterte. He said if the bill were enacted, it would not have a retroactive effect. "...because the President has about five years and four months left, so just think how long the gestation period of a death penalty case is. It will really take time," Farinas said. MP Reps. Rodolfo Albano III of Isabela, Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte, Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar agreed with Farinas. "That is correct because we have removed the mandatory penalty of death," Evardone said. Paranaque Rep. Gus Tambunting also welcomed the decision of the House leadership to keep plunder in the list of heinous crimes under the death penalty bill. "Plunder can kill. It should be included in the list of crimes punishable by the death penalty," Tambunting said. Tambunting stressed that taking a huge some of money "intended for the benefit of the Filipino people should be made an offense punishable by death." The House is scheduled to pass the bill on Feb. 28. Farinas said the debates on House Bill 4727 would continue. But he said it had to be terminated if oppositors to the measure would continue to question the quorum. After the termination of the period of interpellation, Farinas said there would be a period of amendments, in which the lawmakers could introduce their proposed changes. From the 21 heinous crimes, the list was narrowed down to 4 offenses: plunder, treason, drug-related offenses and rape. The proposed measure provides that the judge would be given options on which mode to carry out in imposing death: lethal injection, firing squad and hanging. House ends death penalty debates ahead of schedule The House of Representatives ended the plenary debates on the revival of the death penalty Wednesday evening - after 7 session days and hearing only 7 of the 25 lawmakers who wanted to interpellate the bill's sponsor. In closing the debates, House Deputy Majority Leader Rimpy Bondoc cited House Rule Section 54 which stated that the debate could be closed after 3 speeches in favor and 2 against. The period of sponsorship and debates began February 1 - and was originally expected to last until the end of the month or early March. The voting is now set on Tuesday, February 28, instead of the initial schedule of March 8. After the termination of the debates, the period of amendments was opened and a substitute bill was adopted after a viva voce vote or voting by saying ayes and nays. Those against the bill repeatedly raised point of orders by citing irregularities in parliamentary procedure. Bill critics also repeatedly questioned the presence of quorum. Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman also insisted that the substitute bill was invalid and illegal because it was not approved by the Justice committee. Buhay Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza also asked for a nominal voting after the viva voce vote on the substitute bill because he insisted the voices of those against were louder. However, presiding officer Sharon Garin rejected all motions of the opposition. Substitute bill The substitute bill, composed of amendments agreed upon by the majority bloc, lists down 4 crimes punishable by death. treason plunder rape with homicide, rape of a minor, and rape committed by law enforcement officers drug-related crimes, such as the importation, sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution, transportation, manufacture of dangerous drugs and maintenance of a drug den Possession of drugs has been removed from the list of crimes punishable by death, as well as carnapping, kidnapping, and qualified bribery. The substitute bill says the death sentence may be carried out either by hanging, firing squad, or lethal injection. It also has safeguards to ensure the rights of the accused: like requiring the provincial or city prosecutor to furnish copies of the information of a case involving a heinous crime to the Commission on Human Rights, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and the Free Legal Assistance Group. The bill also requires the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) and the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) to convene a special panel to conduct a thorough review of the case once a judgment of conviction with a penalty of death has been rendered by a Regional Trial Court. The OSG and PAO may also recommend to the Office of the President the suspension of the execution. | 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! Source: Manila Standard, February 23, 2017Source: cnnphilippines.com, February 22, 2017 Justice Sonia Sotomayor The Supreme Court said Tuesday that it would not hear the case of an Alabama inmate whose execution the justices delayed in November . This decision was accompanied by a critical dissent written by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who questioned whether lethal injection the primary method of execution in the United States appears humane [but] may turn out to be our most cruel experiment yet. Early in her dissent, Sotomayor describes lethal injections in the United States as being generally accomplished through serial administration of three drugs. This is actually no longer the case, although it was when the Supreme Court, in 2008, upheld Kentuckys lethal injection protocol and essentially ended a nationwide moratorium on executions. Since then, lethal injection drugs have become more difficult to obtain amid a shortage, and executions have become a fractured process , with different states using different chemicals and combinations. This fact, though, feeds into Sotomayors argument about the use of midazolam in executions that have drawn scrutiny, because it was this shortage and the ensuing scramble that led states to adopt midazolam. The three-drug protocol Sotomayor outlines an anesthetic, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart was used in most lethal injections until 2010 , when the drug shortage, prompted in part by European objections to capital punishment, began to dry up the supply. State officials began scrambling to obtain other drugs and rewrite their lethal injection protocols in an effort to continue carrying out executions, but the drug shortages and legal challenges helped contribute to plummeting execution rates. One of the drugs added to the mix since the shortage began is midazolam, which a handful of states incorporated into their plans. Sotomayor, joined by Justice Stephen G. Breyer in her dissent on Tuesday, outlined what she calls the terrifying recent history of midazolam with the most recent headline-generating incident occurring in December, when Alabama executed Ronald Bert Smith Jr. | 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! Source: The Washington Post, Mark Berman, February 21, 2017 - Mavin Records visits President in London where he is recuperating - The crew is led by the record label CEO Don Jazzy Mavin Records crew Many personalities have visited President Muhammadu Buhari in London where he has been on sick leave. The Don Jazzy-led Mavins Records crew has also deemed it fit to visit the president. READ ALSO: Don Jazzy throws shade at Big Brother Naijas Cocoice Mavin Records crew visits President Buhari in London Buhari left the shores of Nigeria to the UK on a medical ground on January 19 and was expected to come back on February 6. He has however failed to do so. He did find time thought to meet with the Mavin crew comprising of Don Jazzy, Dr Sid, Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello and Dija all wearing their SMD shirt. PAY ATTENTION! Never miss a single gist! Download Legit.ng news app for android If you believe this, you are on a long thing. Did I hear someone saying photoshop? Watch Mavin Records Looku Looku below: Source: Legit.ng By Press Trust of India: From Kunal Dutt Kampala, Feb 23 (PTI) The expulsion of Indian-origin people from Uganda by former dictator Idi Amin during 1970s was a "mistake", President Yoweri Museveni has said. "That was our mistake and those people ended up enriching other countries where they went. Though after the new government took charge, the big business families came back, the small ones didn?t return as they become prosperous there," Museveni said yesterday during his joint press conference with Vice President Hamid Ansari after holding bilateral talks. advertisement During the reign of Amin, nearly 60,000 persons of Indian-origin were expelled from Uganda. "They went to the UK and Canada and enriched those places, there is a street in a town in England, which is full of Ugandan-Indians. However, I must say that the issue was never about Indians really, as these were mostly Ugandans of Indian-origin or Indians who had come from UK. I was there then and I am here now, and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had made it clear then too about this aspect," he said. Uganda is now home to thriving Indian community of over 30,000 people. Some of the major businesses in pharmaceuticals and other sectors are owned by Indians or persons of Indian-origin. Ansaris visit is the first bilateral visit to Uganda from India since 1997. Yesterday, Ansari held bilateral talks with Museveni and the country?s Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi. Later in the evening he also attended India-Uganda Business Forum and exhorted business communities from both sides to explore opportunities in not just Uganda but also East Africa Community. He described his meeting with political and business leaders as ?very fruitful? and said the two sides need to engage further to boost cooperation. PTI KND PMS AKJ PMS --- ENDS --- LGBT transgender rights The Trump administration's withdrawal of some Obama-era transgender protections prompted swift and sharp rebukes from LGBT-rights groups and advocates on Wednesday night. A directive given by President Barack Obama last year granted transgender students the choice to use public-school restrooms and locker rooms matching their gender identity. Without the directive, it will be up to states and school districts to decide whether to grant those protections to transgender students. In his reasoning for the withdrawal, Attorney General Jeff Sessions suggested the Obama administration was not being clear about its intentions: "The prior guidance documents did not contain sufficient legal analysis or explain how the interpretation was consistent with the language of Title IX." Title IX bans sex discrimination in education. But it remains unsettled whether Title IX protections extend to a person's gender identity. LGBT-rights advocates argue that protections are necessary to shield trans students from discrimination. The Human Rights Campaign found that 51% of LGBTQ youth had been verbally harassed at their school. Here's how critics responded to the Trump administration's actions: Sen. Kamala Harris of California: "Revoking federal protections for transgender students is an appalling decision that targets kids because of who they are. Shameful." "SHAME! Donald Trump has decided the biggest problem facing America was that transgender kids have civil rights?" Rep. Mark Pocan of Wisconsin: "Donald Trump abandons transgender students w/hateful action. We will fight for equality and protect trans kids." Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota: "I vow to fight back against Trump admin's callous decision to scrap guidelines that protect transgender students." Story continues Rep. Barbara Lee of California: "Title IX protects transgender students from abuse and discrimination. Trump Admin's action tonight is blatantly wrong." "Just seeing the news about removing laws protecting trans people. This isnt about politics. Its about human rights, and its not okay." Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson: "As AG, I will ensure state laws protecting transgender and gender non-conforming students are enforced fairly and vigorously. Rep. Adam Schiff of California: "Trans rights are human rights. With all the progress we've made, suicides among LGBT youth have declined. This is no time to reverse course." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer: "This decision by the Trump administration to roll back protections for transgender students is just plain wrong and cuts directly across the American drive and yearning for equality." transgender bathroom bill hb2 Laws centered on transgender rights have sparked controversy in states nationwide. North Carolina took a financial hit of nearly $400 million after businesses and organizations took a stand against its law that prevented local governments from protecting LGBT people with nondiscrimination ordinances. Twelve other states have prefiled or filed similar bills as of this month, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Those states are Alabama, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Legislation aimed at requiring people to use restrooms that coordinate with their gender at birth failed in South Dakota and Virginia, the NCSL noted. NOW WATCH: TERRY CREWS: 'Idiocracy' is so prophetic 'it actually scares people' More From Business Insider AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, Feb. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Payvision, global acquirer and data-driven omnichannel solutions provider, won the award for the Best PSP at the annual Merchant Payments Ecosystem conference, recognizing its innovative global services under the Acapture brand. Integrating Acaptures omnichannel solution into its global acquiring network, Payvision has transformed itself into a data-driven omnichannel enterprise. This has positioned the company as THE no. 1 merchant acquirer and payment provider empowered by data science and analytics. It is an absolute honor for us to be acknowledged as the Best PSP by an industry authority such as MPE. This highlights the focus and dedication we have for our customers and partners, said Gijs op de Weegh, Chief Operating Officer at Payvision and Acapture. Merchants need a global solution that offers them a wide variety of payment products for their ecommerce business. We built Acapture with one specific goal in mind: to set a new standard in the payments industry. By using the latest technologies, we offer merchants a complete omnichannel solution to maximize their revenue. This award is a great indicator that our work is appreciated and recognized within the industry. Payvision and Acaptures award-wining product features include a simplified allocation of funds to multiple parties from a single transaction, data science management for improved authorization rates, a one-day integration using one RESTful API, flexible, consolidated reporting, a streamlined reconciliation process, global card acquiring and the ability to handle desktop, mobile and point-of-sale transactions, 80+ of the most popular alternative payment methods, and 160+ transaction currencies. With a full suite of omnichannel payment features and data analytics in place on one single secure platform, Payvision enables merchants to keep their payment processes running seamlessly. This gives shoppers the freedom and security to choose their most familiar payment method, and leads to increased global conversion rates. The top European conference, Merchant Payments Ecosystem, hosted in Berlin this month, gathered all the key experts to discuss the most up-to-date industry insights, ending with the prestigious 2017 Awards. The Best PSP award was evaluated by a panel of independent payments industry experts. About Payvision and Acapture Awarded with Best Acquirer at MPE Berlin 2016 and Best Merchant Acquirer/Processor at the 2015 Payments Awards, Payvision is one of the fastest-growing global acquiring networks in the world. In the last decade, Payvision has independently built an international acquiring network connecting banks, PSPs, ISOs and their global merchants in the USA, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. Payvision simplifies the complexity of cross-border ecommerce through a single, highly secure payment processing platform for all transactions processed worldwide, with domestic processing, a next-generation reporting interface, and a solid risk management solution. Together with its subsidiary company, Acapture a new, scalable, global omnichannel PSP Payvision combines the experience of an industry leader and the flexibility and speed of a start-up, transforming itself into a data-driven omnichannel enterprise. Payvision and Acapture maximize the revenues of merchants and help them grow their business globally through a data-driven omnichannel approach, and a reliable payment platform. Acaptures system features SlicePay for simplified allocation of funds to multiple parties from a single transaction, data science management for improved authorization rates, a one-day integration using one RESTful API, flexible, consolidated reporting, a streamlined reconciliation process, and the ability to handle 80+ of the most popular alternative payment methods and 160+ transaction currencies. Payvision is headquartered in Amsterdam and, over the past decade, the company has expanded its geographical footprint in over 40 countries with offices in New York, Utah, San Francisco, Madrid, London, Toronto, Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Macau, and Auckland. For more information about Payvision, please check www.payvision.com and follow us on Twitter @payvision, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and Corporate blog. For more information about Acapture, please check www.acapture.com and follow us on Twitter @Acapture_Global, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and Corporate blog. English French IBA to install Spain's first proton therapy center Contract signed with Quironsalud to install a ProteusONE solution in Madrid Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium, 23 February 2017 - IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A., EURONEXT), the world's leading provider of proton therapy solutions for the treatment of cancer, today announces that it has signed a contract with Quironsalud, Spain's leading hospital group and part of Germany's Helios Group, to install a ProteusONE* compact proton therapy solution in Madrid. The contract covers delivery of a ProteusONE solution, including latest generation Pencil Beam Scanning (PBS), isocenter volumetric imaging (Cone Beam CT) capabilities and a long-term maintenance agreement. The hospital group will also benefit from Penn Medicine and IBA's world leading proton therapy clinical education program. The hospital will be ready to start treating patients by 2019. The typical end-user price for a ProteusONE system with a maintenance contract is between EUR 35 and 40 million. This will be IBA's 18th installation of the compact single-room proton therapy solution. Olivier Legrain, Chief Executive Officer of IBA, commented: "IBA's first entry into the Spanish market demonstrates the ongoing appeal of IBA's single room solution, ProteusONE. Being selected by Quironsalud to install the first proton therapy solution in Spain, reinforces our position as the global proton therapy market leader and will bring access to the most advanced radiation therapy technology to cancer patients to this region." Leticia Moral Iglesias, General Director of Care, Quality and Innovation of Quironsalud group, commented: "Our mission is to improve the health of patients and this can only be done by providing the highest quality health service. After the recent merger with Fresenius Helios, we are excited to partner with IBA to bring the world's leading proton beam therapy equipment to cancer patients in Iberia for the first time. This innovative technology will enable us to 'paint' tumours with a super-fine beam of protons, destroying the cancer cells whilst limiting the exposure of healthy tissues surrounding the tumor and reducing the risk of secondary cancers. At Quironsalud, we believe that this state-of-the-art technology will also attract patients from other countries." ***ENDS*** About ProteusONE ProteusONE is the compact intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) solution from IBA. It benefits from the latest technologies developed with renowned clinical institutions. ProteusONE is smaller, more affordable, easier to install and to operate. It is ultimately easier to finance, making this advanced radiation therapy modality available to more institutions and patients worldwide. ProteusONE makes proton therapy easy. * ProteusONE is the brand name of Proteus235 About IBA IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.) is a global medical technology company focused on bringing integrated and innovative solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The company is the worldwide technology leader in the field of proton therapy, considered to be the most advanced form of radiation therapy available today. IBA's proton therapy solutions are flexible and adaptable, allowing customers to choose from universal full-scale proton therapy centers as well as compact, single room solutions. In addition, IBA also has a radiation dosimetry business and develops particle accelerators for the medical world and industry. Headquartered in Belgium and employing about 1,500 people worldwide, IBA has installed systems across the world. IBA is listed on the pan-European stock exchange NYSE EURONEXT (IBA: Reuters IBAB.BR and Bloomberg IBAB.BB). More information can be found at: www.iba-worldwide.com About Quironsalud and Fresenius Helios Quironsalud's network is comprised of 43 hospitals, 39 outpatient centers and around 300 Occupational Risk Prevention ("ORP") centers located in all economically important areas in Spain. The company has about 35,000 employees and offers the full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient care. Quironsalud was created by the merger of IDC Salud ("IDC") and Grupo Hospitalario Quiron ("GHQ") in 2014. More information can be found at: www.quironsalud.es Fresenius Helios is the largest European private hospital operator. The Helios Group operates more than 100 proprietary clinics across Germany with a total of more than 30,000 beds, including seven maximum care clinics in Berlin-Buch, Duisburg, Erfurt, Krefeld, Schwerin, Wiesbaden and Wuppertal. A majority of Fresenius Helios clinics are acute care facilities, but the company also owns post-acute care clinics. Fresenius Helios has more than 68,000 employees and treats around 4 million patients - including more than 1 million inpatients - annually. In 2016 Fresenius Helios acquired IDC Salud Holding S.L.U. ("Quironsalud"), Spain's largest private hospital operator. More information can be found at: www.fresenius.com For further information, please contact: IBA Jean-Marc Bothy Chief Strategy Officer Soumya Chandramouli Chief Financial Officer +32 10 475 890 Investorrelations@iba-group.com Thomas Ralet Vice-President Corporate Communication +32 10 475 890 communication@iba-group.com For media and investor enquiries: Consilium Strategic Communications Amber Fennell, Matthew Neal, Ivar Milligan +44 (0) 20 3709 5700 IBA@consilium-comms.com French English NEWS RELEASE / REGULATED INFORMATION / INSIDE INFORMATION IRVINE, CA, and HERSTAL, BELGIUM - February 23, 2017 - MDxHealth SA (Euronext: MDXH.BR), today announced that it has signed a distribution agreement to make its SelectMDx(TM) for Prostate Cancer test available to Istituto Diagnostico Varelli's urology clients throughout central-south Italy. Under the terms of the agreement, Istituto Diagnostico Varelli will serve as a non-exclusive distributor in Italy encompassing five of the country's 20 regions; Lazio, Apulia, Campania, Calabria and Basilicata. Liquid biopsy samples will be sent to MDxHealth's state-of-the-art clinical diagnostic laboratory in Nijmegen, The Netherlands for analysis. Istituto Diagnostico Varelli will reimburse MDxHealth for all testing services performed. "MDxHealth is pleased to have this opportunity to provide SelectMDx testing to patients through a collaborative agreement with Istituto Diagnostico Varelli, helping improve both the quality of care and outcomes for those suspected of harboring prostate cancer throughout central and southern Italy," said Dr. Jan Groen CEO of MDxHealth. About SelectMDx for Prostate Cancer Of the nearly 2 million prostate biopsies performed each year, less than a third find cancer. Most of these men could have avoided a painful and invasive prostate biopsy procedure, with its associated complications and costs. SelectMDx for Prostate Cancer is a proprietary urine-based, molecular diagnostic test that offers a non-invasive 'liquid biopsy' method to assess a man's risk for prostate cancer. SelectMDx helps identify men at increased risk of harbouring aggressive, potentially lethal, prostate cancer who may benefit most from a prostate biopsy and earlier detection. The test delivers a negative predictive value (NPV) of 98% for clinically significant disease, helping to reduce unnecessary MRI procedures and invasive prostate biopsies by approximately 50%, thereby reducing healthcare costs. About Istituto Diagnostico Varelli Istituto Diagnostico Varelli is a privately held diagnostic laboratory based in Naples, Italy and has provided state-of-the-art clinical services throughout Central Italy for over 30 years. The laboratory focuses on three key clinical areas; laboratory medicine, diagnostic imaging, and cardiology. Istituto Diagnostico Varelli performs more than 2 million tests per year, representing one of the largest private clinical laboratories in all of Italy. The Istituto Diagnostico Varelli laboratory offers a wide array of tests including genetics, cytogenetic, molecular biology, anatomic-pathology, clinical biochemistry, bacteriology and virology. More information about Istituto Diagnostico Varelli is available at www.istitutovarelli.it. About MDxHealth MDxHealth is a multinational healthcare company that provides actionable molecular diagnostic information to personalise the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The company's tests are based on proprietary genetic, epigenetic (methylation) and other molecular technologies and assist physicians with the diagnosis of urologic cancers, prognosis of recurrence risk, and prediction of response to a specific therapy. The Company's European headquarters are in Herstal, Belgium, with laboratory operations in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, and US headquarters and laboratory operations based in Irvine, California. For more information, visit mdxhealth.com and follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/mdxhealth. For more information: Dr. Jan Groen, CEO MDxHealth US: +1 949 812 6979 BE: +32 4 364 20 70 info@mdxhealth.com Jonathan Birt, Chris Welsh, Hendrik Thys, Cameron Standage (PR & IR) Consilium Strategic Communications UK: +44 20 3709 5701 US: +1 917 322 2571 (Rx Communications Group LLC) mdxhealth@consilium-comms.com This press release contains forward-looking statements and estimates with respect to the anticipated future performance of MDxHealth and the market in which it operates. Such statements and estimates are based on assumptions and assessments of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which were deemed reasonable but may not prove to be correct. Actual events are difficult to predict, may depend upon factors that are beyond the company's control, and may turn out to be materially different. MDxHealth expressly disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements in this release to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based unless required by law or regulation. This press release does not constitute an offer or invitation for the sale or purchase of securities or assets of MDxHealth in any jurisdiction. No securities of MDxHealth may be offered or sold within the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or in compliance with an exemption therefrom, and in accordance with any applicable U.S. securities laws. NOTE: The MDxHealth logo, MDxHealth, ConfirmMDx, SelectMDx, AssureMDx and PredictMDx are trademarks or registered trademarks of MDxHealth SA. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. English Finnish Annual General Meeting to be held on 24 March 2017 at 1:00 p.m. The companys shareholders are hereby invited to the Annual General Meeting, which will be held on Friday 24 March 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in Apetit Plcs Myllynkivi staff restaurant at Iso-Vimma, Sakyla. Reception of those who have registered for the meeting and the distribution of voting tickets will commence at 11:00 a.m. A. The following matters will be dealt with at the meeting: 1. Opening of the meeting 2. Election of chairman for the meeting 3. Election of secretary for the meeting 4. Declaring the meeting legal and quorate 5. Election of minute-checkers and vote-counters 6. Order of business and addressing the meeting 7. Declaring attendance and the voting list 8. Presentation of the financial statements for 2016 9. Presentation of the auditors report 10. Presentation of the Supervisory Boards statement based on the financial statements, Board of Directors report and auditors report 11. Adoption of the financial statements and consolidated financial statements 12. Distribution of the profits shown on the balance sheet and resolution on the payment of dividends The Board of Directors proposes that a dividend of EUR 0.70 per share be paid for the financial year 2016 on the basis of the adopted balance sheet. The dividend will be paid to shareholders who are registered in the companys shareholder register kept by Euroclear Finland Ltd on the record date of 28 March 2017. The Board of Directors will propose to the Annual General Meeting that the dividend be paid on 4 April 2017. 13. Resolution on discharging the members of the Supervisory Board, the members of the Board of Directors and the CEO from liability 14. Resolution on the number of members of the Supervisory Board and their remuneration 15. Election of the members of the Supervisory Board 16. Appointment of two members to the Supervisory Boards Nomination Committee 17. Resolution on the number of auditors and their remuneration The Board of Directors proposes that two regular auditors be appointed for the company. The Board of Directors also proposes that the auditors fee be paid in accordance with the auditing invoice approved by the company. 18. Appointment of auditors In accordance with the recommendation of the Corporate Governance Code for listed companies, the Board of Directors will propose to the Annual General Meeting that Pasi Karppinen, APA, and PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy, Authorized Public Accountants, with Jari Viljanen, APA, as the auditor with principal authority be appointed as auditors for the period ending with the close of the 2018 Annual General Meeting. 19. Closing of the meeting B. Documents of the General Meeting The proposed resolutions of the Board of Directors and the invitation to the meeting are available on the companys website at www.apetitgroup.fi. The companys financial statements will be available on the above-mentioned website as of 3 March 2017 at the latest. Copies of these documents will be sent to shareholders upon request and they will also be available at the Annual General Meeting. The minutes of the Annual General Meeting will be available on the above-mentioned website as of 7 April 2017. C. Instructions for persons attending the Annual General Meeting Right to attend and registration Shareholders who on 14 March 2017 are registered in the companys register of shareholders kept by Euroclear Finland Ltd shall have the right to attend the Annual General Meeting. Shareholders wishing to attend the Annual General Meeting must notify the company of this no later than 4.00 p.m. on Friday 17 March 2017 either through our website (www.apetitgroup.fi/yhtiokokous), in writing (Apetit Plc, Tuija Osterberg, PO Box 100, FI-27801 Sakyla), by phone (+358 10 402 2110/Tuija Osterberg) or by e-mail (tuija.osterberg@apetit.fi). If notice is given by letter, this must arrive before the expiry of the notification period. Any proxy documents should be delivered to the above-mentioned address before the expiry of the notification period. Pursuant to chapter 5, section 25 of the Limited Liability Companies Act, shareholders who are present at the Annual General Meeting have the right to request information on matters considered at the meeting. Proxies and proxy documents Shareholders may participate in and exercise their rights at the Annual General Meeting by means of proxy representation. A shareholders proxy must produce a dated proxy document or must otherwise demonstrate reliably his/her right to represent the shareholder at the Annual General Meeting. If a shareholder participates in the meeting by means of several proxies representing the shareholder with shares in different book-entry accounts, the shares with which each proxy represents the shareholder must be notified in connection with the registration for the Annual General Meeting. Any proxy documents should be delivered as originals to the company no later than the expiry of the notification period at 4.00 p.m. on 17 March 2017. Holders of nominee registered shares Holders of nominee registered shares are advised to request in good time from their asset manager the necessary instructions regarding registration in the companys shareholder register, the provision of proxy documents and registration for the Annual General Meeting. If a holder of nominee registered shares wishes to attend the Annual General Meeting, he or she must be registered for temporary entry in the companys shareholder register by the asset managers account management organisation no later than 10.00 a.m. on 17 March 2017. Other instructions and information On the date of this notice, Apetit Plcs total number of shares is 6,317,576. The company holds a total 116.805 shares, which do not have voting rights in the Annual General meeting The companys Annual Report will be published in the week beginning 27 February 2017 in Finnish and English on Apetit Plcs website. The printed version of the Annual Report will be sent to those who order it on the website (www.apetitgroup.fi/en/investors). The printed version of the Annual Report will be posted during the week beginning 13 March 2017. Sakyla, 22 February 2017 APETIT PLC Board of Directors Distribution: Nasdaq Helsinki Main media www.apetitgroup.fi Re: KRoll background check [ #permalink 2 Kudos Columbia does Kroll, and I recently submitted my form that allows them to check my background. It is nothing to worry about, as long as you have not lied. When you go on to the Kroll website your information comes up, such as your education background, your current employer, starting sal, current sal, your recommender's information, and your personal information. You can change the information if it is incorrect, but any change will be reported. In my case, they had my starting position incorrect, so I changed it. No idea why they had it wrong, since it was correct on my app. Probably a typo when Kroll entered everything in. Once you verify everything, you pay a fee, and I think they use your credit card info to check your credit. Basically, they are checking your credit info through your credit card, your current employment, your recommender's existence, your education history, and your criminal background through your personal information. They called my recommender, and they asked him about my current employment (salary, position, bonus), which surprised me because supervisors might not know this detail nor would they want to be bothered with it since it is an HR issue. After calling your surpervisor, I have no idea what they do as they delve into your background. The process can be fast or slow, it all depends on how smoothly they get the informaiton. But, it does not matter, if you have nothing to worry about. If there is something that comes up that does not seem right, they will let you know and ask for an explanation. They've spent a lot of time admitting you, so they are not going to let you go without a fight. If you lied, say you put that your bonus was $20,000 when it was really $5,000 then you will have some major explaining to do. That is when you should worry. Otherwise, no sweat! Honesty is the best policy! The Army will induct over five regiments of the MR-SAM missile which will have around 40 firing units and over 200 missiles of the system. By Ajit Kumar Dubey: Giving a strong push to India-Israel defence ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday cleared a mega deal for the Army worth Rs 17,000 crore to acquire the Medium Range Surface to Air Defence Missile (MR-SAM) system from Israel to protect India's airspace from enemy aircraft and drones. "In a meeting of the cabinet committee on security headed by the Prime Minister, the proposal for procuring the MR-SAM air defence system for the Army was approved and these would be deployed by the Army," senior government sources told Mail Today. advertisement The air-defence system developed jointly by the DRDO and Israeli Aircraft Industry can shoot down enemy aircraft, drones, surveillance aircraft and AWACS planes at the strike range between 50 km to 70 km in the sky and will help the country in filling gaps in air defence, the sources informed. WHAT'S NEW? As per the proposal cleared by the government, the Army will induct over five regiments of the MR-SAM missile which will have around 40 firing units and over 200 missiles of the system. "The delivery of the first system for the Army units will begin in 72 months of the signing of the contract and they would be ready for deployment in field areas by the year 2023," said the sources. A DRDO laboratory under scientific advisor to defence minister and missile systems head G Sathish Reddy has been instrumental in developing the target homing system with the Israeli firms and involves a lot of make in India element in the programme. India and Israel are jointly developing similar systems for the Air Force and the Navy. The Air Force had got clearance for its MR-SAM programme in 2009 and the deliveries will begin after delays in the project. The Navy programme is known as Long Range Surface to Air Missile system (LR-SAM) and would be set on its warships. Hyderabad-based Bharat Dynamis Limited will produce the missiles of the system while many other Indian industries like Bharat Electronics Ltd, Larsen and Toubro, TATA group will contribute in the production for many systems and sub-systems in it. A new production facility to deliver 100 missiles a year has been established for such type of long and medium range surface-to-air missiles at BDL. The Army will deploy these air defence systems to provide protection to vital assets and points across the country. Also read: Army looks to fast track process of acquiring anti-tank missiles for Rudra helicopter Also read: J-K: Army to get tough with those blocking anti-terror ops, troops asked to stick to guns instead of lathis Also read: Parrikar endorses Gen Rawat's warning: Army has free hand in dealing with Kashmiris aiding militants --- ENDS --- JonAdmissionado wrote: Not sure if youre aware, but there are b-schools outside of the US, friends.(yep, there's even a forum dedicated to them right here: [urlhttp://gmatclub.com/forum/the-b-school-application-canada-south-america-asia-australia-and-europe-106/?fl=menu[/url] And good ones, at that! Programs that are absolutely worth lookin into. In fact, for many of you, European MBA programs might even be better than the typical 2-year MBA programs we have here in the states (especially this late in the application game). Why? Ill give you 5 great reasons: 1) Admissions Can Be Less Competitive (in Some Ways) Look at the stats, my friends. Average GMAT scores tend to beLOWER. Average TOEFL scores tend to be LOWER. Even with GPAs, there is more flexibility here. Why is that? Well, lots of reasons. Most relevant is the fact that most folks are often not native US speakers. So as a result, you can afford juuust a bit more leeway on your scores. That should be a relief for lots of folks in the GMAT of 660-710 range 2) They Tend to Have Older Applicants If you are a tad older than the typical 3-4-5 years out of college range of applicants, then you should take a GOOD look at these programs. Why? Because European programs tend to have older students. This is a GREAT chance for older candidates to get a TOP-NOTCH education, and not be discriminated against by the current trend in the US of students getting younger and younger 3) They are (mostly) 1-Year Programs Why do older applicants like International programs? Well, heres one great reason: the programs are shorter! For the young husbands and fathers among us, we cant necessarily afford to take two WHOLE years off. In those two years, we lose a ton of income and TIME. European MBA programs tend to be just one year long, so older applicants LOVE the ability to get in, and get right out. 4) They have an International Focus Is your goal NOT necessarily to live and work in the US? Thenwhy bother going to the US to get your MBA? The programs in Europe tend to be MUCH more internationally oriented, with the overwhelming majority of students from OUTSIDE the schools country. This lends itself to a very different kind of discussion, as you can imagine, than that which happens in the US programs. European (and Asian) MBA programs are MUCH more international in nature. If you are passionate about international business, then give these programs a GOOD look! 5) Many Have STELLAR Job Placement Thats right, folks. Take a good look at the statistics; starting salaries are often HIGHER at European Programs than at US programs. Dont believe me? Heres an example: the average starting salary at LBS was $146,000, at INSEAD it was $148,000, and at IE it was $149,000. All these salaries are higher than the starting salaries at NYU Stern ($139,000), Duke ($137,000) and Ross ($137,000). So, as always my friends, investigate the facts before you assume that US programs will get you to a better place upon graduation Considering a 1-year jaunt in Europe? Maybe you should? And if got any questions folks, just post em riiiight here. 1) Lower GMAT and TOEFL score doesn`t mean to be less competitive. It is just specifics of the region because most MBAs on these programs are from non English speaking countries. BTW frankly speaking GMAT is not so important item in your application package.2) True. "US programs" tend to be a bit younger.3) True. I know only several schools out of more than 50 in EU with the duration more than 12 months.4) True. EU schools are generaly more diversed.5) Doubtful. Most EU MBAs find jobs in EU and the taxes in EU are SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER than in US. Additionally european job market is very weak (now). Dont forget about work permit for foreigners and reluctance of local employers to hire MBAs without work permit. IMHO in US job market is much more stronger (now).But keep in mind that there are only 2-3 TOP schools in EU. LBS and INSEAD. The other schools more likely belonged to the regional elites and focused more on regional market. From my point of view in studying in EU has more "cons" than "pros". However if you are from, let say, France or Spain and have fluent french/spanish and going to build your career in France/Spain then HEC / IE or IESE (2Y program) are more preferable than let say Darden but less preferable then ANY TOP 5-7 US schools.IMHO. Re: What is the probability that a student randomly selected from a class [ #permalink 3 Kudos Miracle Centre Cathedral in Rubaga was on Thursday, February 16, filled with love as 200 couples, in their different ages, were joined together at the same time in a holy matrimony themed 77 Days of Glory(77 DOGs). 200 brides ride in a truck to their mass wedding in Uganda READ ALSO: Amazing! 20 couples make the vow in mass wedding on Valentine's Day (photos, video) However, contrary to the usual practice of brides being driven in posh vehicles to the church, the brides were transported en masse with their grooms behind five decorated flatbed Mercedes Benz trailers. The trailers were escorted by police whiles the brides were guarded by armed counter terrorism police. PAY ATTENTION: Get all the latest gossips on NAIJ Gossip App All couples were allowed to come along with a best man, matron and two relatives. There was an anniversary cake for each couple. Leaders of the church, Pastor Kayanja and his wife believe the event is the largest mass wedding citing that the Biblical wedding in Canaan had only 141 couples. More photos below: LOL! Source: Legit.ng By Press Trust of India: Near the house of Congress leader and MLA L Nanda Near the house of Congress leader and MLA L Nanda Kumar Singh, who is contesting from Uripok assembly constituency, there is a long procession of women with buckets full of offerings as they congregate to pray for him. "I am here to pray for my candidate and my party Congress. I want the party to win this election and that is why we all are here," said 57-year-old Geetika Devi while respectfully placing the offerings at a Athenpot Thinba in the house here. advertisement "More than politics, Athenpot Thinba is a tradition that has been going on for a long long time. All political parties do it," State Congress general secretary Vidyapati Sejam told PTI. BJP, which is the main contender against the ruling Congress, too are organizing such flag hoisting programmes. There is in fact a competition among the two rival parties on how many such ceremonies their candidates can host in his locality as it is a measure of their campaigning. "It is traditional festival and all our candidates hold it in their constituencies," BJP state president K Bhabananda Singh said. Union Human Resource Development Minister and BJP leader in charge of Manipur Prakash Javadekar, who had come to campaign in the state, was reportedly fascinated by the tradition. He had said that in rest of India politicians make special arrangements so that people can come to their rallies but in Manipur it is the opposite where common people bring gifts and offerings for the candidate and political parties they support. "In all the election meetings I have attended, I have seen the Athenpot festival. People came to the election meeting to give blessings to the candidate. This system is only found in Manipur, which I really cherish," he had said. Polling for the 60-member Manipur assembly will take place in two phases on March 4 and March 8. Results will be declared on March 11. In the last assembly polls, Congress won 42 seats and Okram Ibobi Singh was re-elected as the chief minister of the state. PTI PNT KK KK --- ENDS --- As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ By Chayyanika Nigam: As students and teachers protest against Delhi Police's "inefficiency" in averting the Ramjas College clashes, principal Rajendra Prasad is under a cloud for allegedly not informing cops about the two-day seminar in which two controversial Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students -Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid- were to speak. Top police sources hinted that Prasad may be called in for questioning. advertisement SBK Singh, special commissioner of police, law & order (north zone) told Mail Today, "The police were not informed about the event? We had made precautionary arrangements on the first day after knowing about Umar Khalid's participation from other sources." Khalid, who was charged with sedition last year and is out on bail, as well as Rashid were to speak at the Delhi University college on Monday as part of a literary fest. The invite was scrapped after activists, allegedly of the RSS-affiliated students' group ABVP, barged into the college shouting slogans against "anti-national activities", locked up the auditorium and cut off power. ABVP ON THE DEFENSIVE The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad has denied the any role in the violence and vandalism. Protesters have also alleged that Delhi Police stood by as violence marred a peaceful demonstration during which teachers, students and journalists were injured and cellphones were snatched on Wednesday. "The protocol demands that the college inform the local police prior to any event if a 'controversial personality or a popular person' is coming for an event," said an officer. "This is a precautionary measure that is taken by the college to maintain law and order situation?Professor Prasad could be called to join the investigation as he is on police radar for not informing us." PRINCIPAL UNDER CLOUD When contacted, the principal told this reporter to call back after 10 minutes. He never responded after that despite several calls to his cellphone. However, speaking to Mail Today on condition of anonymity, a professor, who was part of the event's organising team said, "The programme was being planned since October and after the names of the speakers were decided- specifically mentioning Umar Khalid's name- the Ramjas College principal gave permission." Khalid told Mail Today that the organisers got in touch with him in early January to speak on tribal issues and he agreed to it, while Rashid said she was contacted a month ago to speak on campus protests and she too gave her consent. She also said that she was unaware of Khalid's participation in the seminar till a couple of days ago when the pamphlet reached her with the names of the participants. "ABVP wanted to project me as the hated person," said Khalid. "But I am not! They completely failed in their attempt." advertisement He added that following the JNU incident, he had spoken on public platforms across the country but in Delhi, Ramjas College would have been his debut. While blaming the principal and college authorities, Delhi Police is not letting local cops off the hook as sources say the top brass feels "the personnel present at the spot tried to control them but things got out of control. They eventually initiated baton charge to disperse the mob." On Thursday afternoon, the case was transferred to Delhi Police's crime branch. Action has been initiated against the errant cops, say sources, confirming that a head constable and two constables have been suspended for manhandling members of the media present at the spot. A committee headed by a DCP-rank officer has been set up to investigate the matter. Also read: ABVP vs AISA at Ramjas College: 3 policemen suspended, Crime Branch to probe violence Also read: Kiren Rijiju on Ramjas: Be loyal Indians, don't turn campuses into anti-India hub advertisement Also read: Delhi's Ramjas College cancels invite to Umar Khalid, Shehla Rashid after ABVP protest --- ENDS --- A day after violent clashes between student groups in Delhi, hundreds of college students gathered to protest outside the Delhi Police headquarters. By India Today Web Desk: Hundreds of students protested outside the Delhi Police headquarters in central Delhi today, a day after clashes between student groups left many, including journalists, injured at the Ramjas College. The demonstration was organised by Left-wing All India Students Association (AISA) which is demanding action against the BJP-backed Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) for beating up students and others on Wednesday at the Delhi University college. advertisement Here is all you need to know in 10 points: The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) described the violence outside Ramjas College as an example of "state machinery-backed violent intolerance" and demanded action against ABVP activists involved in the assault as also against the police for connivance. The Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) also expressed anger and anguish over the attacks on journalists, teachers and students in Delhi University. "There were several assaults (on Wednesday) on journalists covering the disturbances, by protesters as well as police who did not wear nametags," a DUJ statement said. "Phones were snatched, cameras grabbed and photographic evidence of the violence was destroyed," it said. Among the journalists assaulted were Times of India correspondent Somreet Bhattacharya and photographer Anindya Chattopadhyay, Quint reporter Taruni Kumar and cameraperson Shiv Kumar Maurya, reporter Anant Prakash, Hindustan Times reporter Ananya Bhardwaj, Times Now reporter Priyank and cameraperson Mazhar Khan, and photographer Anand Sharma. Some Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University teachers also joined the protest, condemning what they said was the police inaction when the ABVP activists went on the offensive on Wednesday. The protesters shouted slogans against the ABVP and Delhi Police. "We are an amorphous group of people from across universities and no one is leading the demonstration," Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) President Nandita Narain said. "We are all equally pained. I condemn the violence on the students and teachers and the lawless behaviour of the ABVP," she added. Thursday's protest came as Delhi Police registered a case of rioting and assault against unknown persons following violence between Left-backed AISA and RSS-affiliated ABVP activists. The clashes were triggered over an invitation to JNU student Umar Khalid, who was jailed last year over sedition charges, for a literary seminar titled "Cultures of Protest" at Ramjas. The two-day event on Tuesday and Wednesday was cancelled after ABVP forced the organisers to withdraw the invite to Khalid, dubbing him "anti-national". At least a dozen students and a teachers were also wounded after a group demonstrated against the ABVP, the RSS student wing that dominates the students' union in Delhi University. Some students were locked inside the college as AISA activists alleged ABVP members surrounded them and didn't allow the march. Also watch: Ramjas unrest: ABVP enjoys government and institutional patronage, says Umar Khalid --- ENDS --- Mexican leaders expressed outrage at US President Donald Trumps trade and immigration policies ahead of a Thursday meeting with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Joinfo.com reports with reference to Deutsche Welle. Tillersons counterpart in Mexico, Luis Videgaray, said there was no way Mexico would accept Trumps new rules, which among other things seek to deport non-Mexicans to Mexico. I want to say clearly and emphatically that the government of Mexico and the Mexican people do not have to accept provisions that one government unilaterally wants to impose on the other, he told reporters at the Foreign Ministry. We dont have to, and it is not in the interest of Mexico, hinting that Mexico may challenge the new policies at the United Nations or other international bodies. Tense talks expected Tillerson arrived in Mexico City late Wednesday and was later joined by Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly for talks the White House said would walk through the implementation of Trumps immigration orders. The two planned to meet with President Enrique Pena Nieto and with Mexicos top defense, finance and diplomatic officials. Kellys department unveiled plans on Tuesday to consider almost all illegal immigrants subject to deportation, seeking to deport many of them to Mexico if they entered the US from there, regardless of nationality. Roberto Campa, who heads the human rights department of the Interior Ministry, said the plan to deport non-Mexicans to Mexico was hostile and unacceptable. Relationships between the two countries are at historic lows after Trump outraged the country by vowing to build a wall along the southern US border to keep out migrants, whom he branded rapists and criminals during his presidential campaign. Last month President Pena Nieto canceled a meeting with Trump in Washington over Trumps insistence that Mexico would pay for the wall. Relationship is healthy In Washington, White House spokesman Sean Spicer described US-Mexico ties as healthy and robust and said he expected a great discussion. I think the relationship with Mexico is phenomenal right now, Spicer told reporters. Its significant that the president is sending the secretaries to Mexico so early in the administration. Its symbolic of the meaningful relationship that our two nations have. These are important meetings regarding the presidents agenda to improve the quality of lives for both people of Mexico and the United States by combating drug traffickers and finding ways to bolster both our economies through a broader relationship that promotes commerce and legal immigration. Mexicos agenda at the talks on Thursday included border infrastructure, deportation strategies, Central American migration, narcotics, arms trafficking and terrorism, and the North American Free Trade Agreement, a senior official with direct knowledge of the matter told news agency Reuters. Amid prevailing tension on the Delhi University Campus, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has said that the government cannot allow the university and college campuses to turn into anti-India hub. By Jitendra Bahadur Singh: Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju today sent a terse message to those purportedly raising anti-India slogans on university and college campuses. Responding to a query about violence in the Ramjas College of Delhi University, Rijiju said, "No anti-India slogans will be allowed in the name of freedom of speech." "We should not convert any college into anti-India hub. We shouldn't make statements, which will harm national interest. We have fundamental rights but fundamental duties are also there to be adhered to," Rijiju said. advertisement "Do you want India to become week? We want India to become stronger than what we are now, and for that entire country should be united. Please be loyal Indians. Don't make any statement which will amount to being anti-India," Rijiju said in response to another query. READ| Flashpoint Ramjas College: AISA protests against ABVP, Delhi Police day after violence RAMJAS COLLEGE VIOLENCE: THINGS TO KNOW Tension prevails on Delhi University's North Campus today after two days of clashes between ABVP and AISA supporters over an event invitation sent to JNU student Umar Khalid. Ramjas College had turned into a battleground yesterday as students of AISA and the ABVP armed with hockey sticks rained blows on each other, causing injuries to many. Classes remained suspended at the college since morning even as the authorities claimed it was due to "administrative reasons" and not because of the tense situation. The genesis of the clash was an invite to JNU students Umar Khalid, facing sedition charge, and Shehla Rashid to address a seminar on 'Culture of Protests' which was withdrawn by the college authorities following opposition by the ABVP. The students of JNU and DU who are members of All India Students Association (AISA) staged a protest at the Delhi Police Headquarters at ITO, the Congress' student wing National Students Union of India took out a peace march to Maurice Nagar police station. Khalid, who gave a miss to protests yesterday and the day before, joined the protesters at ITO in raising slogans of "ABVP se azaadi" and demanding registration of an FIR against them. A huge posse of police personnel was deployed on the north campus in the wake of the situation prevailing since yesterday even as DU Vice Chancellor Yogesh Tyagi urged the students not to resort to violence. Members of NSUI marched toward Maurice Nagar police station chanting "Raghupati Raghav Raj Ram" as they condemned violent action by the ABVP. Around 50 members of the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad also gathered outside the Arts faculty at North Campus and reiterated they will not allow "any repeat of JNU like events" in the university. The ABVP accused the AISA supporters of raising anti-national slogans and disrespecting the national flag. (With inputs from PTI) --- ENDS --- Experts are concerned the huge calving event, which would create an iceberg with an area of more than 5,000 km, roughly the size of Delaware or Wales, could leave the entire shelf unstable, Joinfo.com reports with reference to Daily Mail Online. This, they warn, could contribute dramatically to sea level rise. Iceberg calving is a normal part of the glacier life cycle, and there is every chance that Larsen C will remain stable and this ice will regrow, said Dr Paul Holland, ice and ocean modeller at British Antarctic Survey. However, it is also possible that this iceberg calving will leave Larsen C in an unstable configuration. If that happens, further iceberg calving could cause a retreat of Larsen C. We wont be able to tell whether Larsen C is unstable until the iceberg has calved and we are able to understand the behaviour of the remaining ice. The stability of ice shelves is important because they resist the flow of the grounded ice inland. After the collapse of Larsen B, its tributary glaciers accelerated, contributing to sea-level rise. Satellite observations from February 2017 show the growing crack in the ice shelf which suggests that an iceberg with an area of more than 5,000 km is likely to calve soon. Researchers from the UK-based MIDAS project, led by Swansea University, have reported several rapid elongations of the crack in recent years, and today revealed it is up to 1500m wide in parts. BAS scientists are involved in a long-running research programme to monitor ice shelves to understand the causes and implications of the rapid changes observed in the region, and shot the footage as they flew over the ice shelf on their way to collect science equipment. During the current Antarctic field season, a glaciology research team has been on Larsen C using seismic techniques to survey the seafloor beneath the ice shelf. Because a break up looks likely the team did not set up camp on the ice as usual. Instead they made one-off trips by twin otter aircraft supported from the UKs Rothera Research Station. Ice shelves in normal situations produce an iceberg every few decades. There is not enough information to know whether the expected calving event on Larsen C is an effect of climate change or not, although there is good scientific evidence that climate change has caused thinning of the ice shelf. Once the iceberg has calved, the big question is whether Larsen C will start to retreat. An ice shelf is a floating extension of land-based glaciers which flow into the ocean. Because they already float in the ocean, their melting does not directly contribute to sea-level rise. However, ice shelves act as buttresses holding back glaciers flowing down to the coast. Larsen A and B ice shelves, which were situated further north on the Antarctic Peninsula, collapsed in 1995 and 2002, respectively. This resulted in the dramatic acceleration of glaciers behind them, with larger volumes of ice entering the ocean and contributing to sea-level rise. Elsewhere in the Antarctic, shocking new satellite image has revealed the march of a giant crack dubbed the Halloween crack. Taken by the European Space Agencys Copernicus programme, which is aimed at Earth Observation, the data was instrumental in the recent decision to temporarily close down the British Halley VI research station in Antarctica. The crack is located on the Brunt Ice Shelf a floating ice sheet that moves steadily towards the ocean where it occasionally calves when chunks of ice break off glaciers to make an iceberg. The crack first appeared last October, when the Halley VI base of the British Antarctic Survey was only 17km from it. Information from two satellites Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2, were used to monitor the cracks development. A company called Enveo, which uses satellite data to monitor to study the frozen parts of the world, also helped with the observations. In November and December, the crack was growing in length by as much as 600 metres per day. While the Halley Research station had to move because of this, it was designed to be relocated if the ice becomes dangerous. The station already had to relocate 23km inland during Antarcticas last summer months because of another chasm (crack) which had lain dormant for more than three decades but became active again in 2013. Dr Hilmar Gudmundsson, the surveys lead scientist, said: The frequency of Sentinel-2 images and Sentinel-1 radar products allows us to follow in detail and almost in real time the development of the crack as it grows week by week. The two Sentinel satellites are being used to monitor three cracks the Halloween crack, which is now growing at 200 metres per day, and two other ice chasms. The satellites are also being used to detect any new cracks that may arise. The Sentinel-2 satellite has been programmed so that it takes images every time it flies over the cracks so that theres a maximum chances of photos without clouds in them. Other satellites, Sentinel 1-A and Sentinel 1-B, have also been recording data with two crossing tracks. This allows researchers to map the growing rift and, showing how the ice shelf is deforming at the tip of the growing crack. By Press Trust of India: "I am told that every month, more than 70 Ugandan businessmen travel to India to explore business opportunities with India. Ugandas expanding economy offers opportunities in a variety of sectors. Uganda is blessed with natural resources, including fertile soil and a strong agrarian base, deposits of minerals, and now even, petroleum that has been discovered," Ansari said. advertisement "Recent economic reforms have ushered in rapid growth. We encourage our companies to remain engaged and invested in the opportunities that the Ugandan economy presents," Ansari said. The Vice President also emphasised that India and Uganda have "similar demographic profiles" and disease burden and face similar challenges related to health and well-being of populations. "India has been a source of affordable pharmaceuticals and specialised healthcare for people of Africa. Several Indian hospitals have developed facilities to serve medical cases referred to them from Africa, including from Uganda. Many of them have also shown interest in setting up integrated healthcare facilities in Uganda, providing high quality medical and nursing services across a wide range of specialties," he said. Uganda has a thriving Indian community of over 30,000 people and both Ansari and Museveni say they add significantly to the local economy. "The Indian community in Uganda is vibrant and holds an important position in Ugandan economy in manufacturing, trade and service sectors. Indian businesses employ thousands of Ugandans and are among the largest contributors to tax revenue in Uganda," Ansari said. "Over the past few years, India has emerged as one of the largest investors and trading partners of Uganda. This has been possible due to the continued and positive support of the Ugandan government. I thank the Government of Uganda for welcoming Indian entrepreneurs who have sought business opportunities in Uganda and I request that the Ugandan government continues with such support and encouragement for our companies seeking business in Uganda," he said. "I am confident that bilateral relations between the two countries will keep growing and scaling new heights in future," he said. PTI KND UZM --- ENDS --- Introducing The Main Index There are now over 47,000 individual posts here on A Light In The Darkness. They have all been individually added into Main Index categories. To get the full experience out of A Light In The Darkness and its very extensive library of items, covering virtually all things paranormal, supernatural etc ... we recommend that you flick down the Main Index, which runs down the right hand side of the blog page ... to find the indexed category in which the subject matter you seek is located. Alternatively, why not use long search bar you will find towards the top of the blog page ... ENJOY Credit: CC0 Public Domain Brainy teens may be less likely to smoke, but more likely to drink alcohol and use cannabis, than their less academically gifted peers, suggests research published in the online journal BMJ Open. These patterns persist into adulthood, and would seem to refute the notion that academic prowess is associated with a greater tendency to 'experiment' for a brief period, suggest the researchers. Smoking, drinking, and cannabis use are fairly common among teenagers. And the evidence suggests that these behaviours boost the risk of immediate and longer term health problems. But the data on potential links between cleverness and substance use are somewhat mixed, and no study has tracked patterns with use of all three substances from early adolescence into early adulthood. In a bid to rectify this, the researchers used data from a representative sample of more than 6000 11 year olds from 838 state, and 52 fee-paying, schools across England. The teens' use of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis, obtained through questionnaire responses, was regularly tracked until they reached the ages of 19-20. Depending on their answers, use of tobacco and alcohol was categorised as persistent and regular; occasional and regular; and none. Alcohol use was further quantified by the number of times respondents had got drunkwith more than 52 times in a year categorised as hazardous drinking. Cannabis use was categorised as early (13-17) or late (18-20) and as occasional or persistent. Academic prowess was defined by results achieved in Key Stage 2, a national test taken at the age of 11, which assesses ability in English, maths, and science. During their early teens, brainy pupils were less likely to smoke cigarettes than their less academically gifted peers, after taking account of potentially influential factors. And they were more likely to say they drank alcohol during this period too. They were also more likely to say they used cannabis, but this wasn't statistically significant. But those of average academic ability were 25% more likely to use cannabis occasionally and 53% more likely to use it persistently than those who were not as academically gifted. During their late teens, brainy pupils were more than twice as likely to drink alcohol regularly and persistently than those who were not as clever. These patterns were similar, but weaker, when those of average and low academic abilities were compared. But academic prowess was associated with a lower risk of hazardous drinking. As for the use of cannabis, clever pupils were 50% more likely to use this substance occasionally and nearly twice as likely to use persistently than those who weren't as clever. Similar patterns were seen for those of average academic ability. This is an observational study, so no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect. And the results may not be applicable to pupils in fee-paying schools as a full set of data was only available for a third of the teens attending these schools, say the researchers. They highlight other caveats, including the lack of detail on quantities of substances typically consumed, and the absence of data on cigarette smoking after the age of 16. Nevertheless, they say: "Our finding that adolescents with high academic ability are less likely to smoke but more likely to drink alcohol regularly and use cannabis is broadly consistent with the evidence base on adults." And they offer various possible explanations, including the link between braininess and openness to experience, and a more affluent/highly educated family background, which may make it easier to get hold of alcohol, for example. But they conclude, the fact that alcohol and cannabis use among brainy pupils persisted into early adulthood, provides "evidence against the hypothesis that high academic ability is associated with temporary experimentation with substance use." More information: Childhood academic ability in relation to cigarette, alcohol and cannabis use from adolescence into early adulthood: Longitudinal Survey of Young People in England (LSYPE), Journal information: BMJ Open Childhood academic ability in relation to cigarette, alcohol and cannabis use from adolescence into early adulthood: Longitudinal Survey of Young People in England (LSYPE), DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012989 A Dutch "abortion ship" was Thursday due to arrive in a Guatemalan port to provide free help to women to end unwanted pregnancies, aiming to circumvent the country's strict laws. Abortion is only allowed in Guatemala in cases where the mother's life is in danger, the non-profit organisation Women on Waves said, adding there are some 65,000 illegal and unsafe abortions in the Central American country every year. The ship will visit the harbour of the Puerto San Jose, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of Guatemala City and will stay for five days, the organisation said in a statement. "The ship can provide women with free legal medical abortions till 10 weeks of pregnancy after sailing to international waters, 12 miles outside Guatemala," it added. Counselling, treatment and after care would also be available for women seeking their services. Women choosing to end their pregnancy will be given a combination of two pills, known as a "medical abortion" which "scientific research by the World Health Organisation has shown ... is very safe and effective," the Amsterdam-based organisation said. Every year some "21,600 women are hospitalised with complications, and unsafe abortions are the third cause of maternal death" in Guatemala, it added. Women on Waves was set up in 1999, and has sparked controversy in the past with its abortion ships. Its founder, Rebecca Gomberts, confirmed to AFP that the Guatemala trip was the first since a 2012 campaign in Morocco, when the Moroccan navy blocked the harbour to prevent the ship from docking. Speaking late Wednesday from Guatemala before the campaign was unveiled, Gomberts said the team was "very nervous" about putting in place all the correct preparations and legal paperwork. Although all abortions are illegal in Guatemala, except to save the mother's life, "the medical abortions are provided in international waters" which "means there is no violation of the Guatemalan abortion law," the organisation said. In past years, a Women on Waves ship has also visited Ireland, Poland, Portugal and Spain, sparking protests in each country from pro-life groups. The group argued Thursday that "especially at the dawn of the Zika crisis, access to safe abortion is fundamentally an issue of social justice". It urged the Guatemalan government to "remove abortion from the penal code" saying it was "a regular medical procedure and a human right" and called for access to contraceptives and free, safe abortions. 2017 AFP Credit: Nat Sakunworarat/public domain An eight-week mindfulness-based meditation program led to improved quality of life and psychological well-being in clinical trial of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In the randomised, open-label and controlled clinical trial that included 100 patients, participants who underwent meditation training scored higher on a questionnaire specifically developed to assess quality of life in people with ALS. They also reported lower levels of anxiety and depression. These results remained stable, when not further improved, over a 12-month follow-up. "There has been very limited investigation on psychological interventions that can promote quality of life in people with ALS. I found that very strange, as we are not able to cure the disease, but we all agree that the promotion of quality of life is the current main goal in ALS cases," said Dr. Francesco Pagnini, lead author of the European Journal of Neurology study. "This is the first controlled trial in this field, suggesting that a mindfulness-based intervention can be a very important tool to increase the well-being of people with ALS." More information: F. Pagnini et al, Meditation training for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a randomized clinical trial, European Journal of Neurology (2017). F. Pagnini et al, Meditation training for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a randomized clinical trial,(2017). DOI: 10.1111/ene.13246 Generalized 3 Hz spike and wave discharges in a child with childhood absence epilepsy. Credit: Wikipedia. People with epilepsy want their health care providers to tell them about a rare risk of death associated with the disorder, according to a preliminary study released today that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 69th Annual Meeting in Boston, April 22 to 28, 2017. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is an uncommon but fatal complication of epilepsy, affecting 1 in 1,000 adults with the disorder every year. Many people who are diagnosed with epilepsy are unaware that there's a possibility of unexpectedly dying from the disorder."Many physicians are hesitant to discuss this rare risk of death because they don't want to terrify their patients," said study author Lucretia Long, CNP, at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. For the study, 44 people with epilepsy and/or caregivers were given an information sheet about the rare risk of death. Participants were then given a questionnaire assessing their perception of the information. Of the 42 participants who completed the survey, 100 percent felt that adult patients with epilepsy had a right to be informed about SUDEP, and 92 percent agreed that health care professionals should be required to share that information with them. Additionally, 81 percent said that knowing about the rare risk of death motivated them to take their medication and 85 percent said the information encouraged them to better manage their seizure triggers. While 30 percent of participants said that SUDEP awareness prompted increased fear, most agreed that it motivated them to take better care of themselves. "Talking about this rare risk of death is frightening and difficult," said Long. "But this study indicates people with epilepsy would prefer to be armed with information, despite how tough the discussion might be. In fact, knowing about the risk could help save lives if it motivates patients to adhere to their medication and manage additional factors that may lower seizure threshold." Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Shahidul Huque and Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla received the Indian Secretary at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 2:30pm on Thursday. By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: Indian Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has arrived in Dhaka this afternoon on a two-day official visit. Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Shahidul Huque and Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla received the Indian Secretary on his arrival from Beijing at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 2:30pm on Thursday. First Secretary (pol) Ninad S Daspande was also present on the occasion. advertisement Jaishankar's visit aims at strengthening the deliverables ahead of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's state visit to India. The foreign secretary is due to pay a courtesy call to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her parliament office at 5:00pm. Also read: S Jaishankar meets China's top diplomat as India, China look to address problems Jaishankar is scheduled to hold meeting with Bangladesh foreign secretary at 7:30pm. The two secretaries will discuss areas of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the meeting. They are also expected to discuss about the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India, likely in April. The Indian foreign secretary will leave Dhaka for New Delhi on Friday. WATCH THE VIDEO Also read: Jaishankar to visit China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh --- ENDS --- Nora Schutte from the Department of Psychology at University of Bonn. Credit: Foto: Christian Liepe/Lichtblick The term "psychopath" is not flattering: such people are considered cold, manipulative, do not feel any remorse and seek thrills without any fear - and all that at other's expense. A study by psychologists at the University of Bonn is now shattering this image. They claim that a certain form of psychopathy can lead to top professional performance, without harming others or the company. The study has initially been published online. The print edition will be published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences in mid-April. People with this paradoxical personality often progress particularly far up the career ladder as they are willing to take risks, are ruthless and charming at the same time. However, they are reputed to be harmful to companies: this ranges from risky decisions, ignored instructions, and damage to employees through to drug and alcohol consumption. However, according to the results of the current study, a more precise distinction should be made. Besides the dark side of psychopathy, the analysis also shows a light one. The scientists invited employees from Germany to take part in the study by e-mail. The subjects performed a very wide range of jobs. As a first step, they were tested with regard to their personal factors, their level of education and their level of psychopathy. Next, two colleagues for each participant gave information about the work performance and social behavior of the study participants. A total of 161 of these employee-colleague relationships was investigated. There is a toxic and a benign form of psychopathy "The toxic form of psychopathy is characterized by antisocial impulsiveness," says Prof. Gerhard Blickle from the Department of Psychology. Such people cannot control themselves, they take what they like, act without thinking beforehand and pass the blame to others. "The potentially benign form of psychopathy is named fearless dominance," adds co-author Nora Schutte. "It can develop to be bad, but also to be very good." People with these characteristics do not know fear, have pronounced self-confidence, good social skills and are extremely resistant to stress. Whether a person with fearless dominance can potentially become a top employee depends on an important factor according to the current study: education. While people with fearless dominance and low education display behaviors that can harm the company, such "psychopaths" with high education are assessed by their colleagues in the workplace as outstandingly capable and in no way antisocial. Selfless heroes in everyday life "These findings confirm the previously little-noted theory that, although psychopathy can often lead to antisocial behavior, it does not necessarily have to," says Prof. Blickle. People with high fearless dominance, above-average intelligence and a successful educational career could also become selfless heroes in everyday life, such as crisis managers or emergency doctors. The significance of educational level as an indicator of the successful socialization of people with fearless dominance was the focus of the current study. In a publication from 2016, the psychologists at the University of Bonn already discovered that pronounced social skills make people with psychopathic traits helpful and cooperative colleagues. More information: Gerhard Blickle et al, Trait psychopathy, task performance, and counterproductive work behavior directed toward the organization, Personality and Individual Differences (2017). Journal information: Personality and Individual Differences Gerhard Blickle et al, Trait psychopathy, task performance, and counterproductive work behavior directed toward the organization,(2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2017.01.006 Infections caused by a type of bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics are occurring more frequently in U.S. children and are associated with longer hospital stays and a trend towards greater risk of death, according to a new study published in the Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society. Previously acquired mostly while children were already in the hospital, the new findings also suggest the infectionscaused by bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae family that are resistant to multiple drugsmay be spreading more often in the community. "Antibiotic resistance increasingly threatens our ability to treat our children's infections," said study author Sharon B. Meropol, MD, PhD, of University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. "Efforts to control this trend are urgently needed from all of us, such as using antibiotics only when necessary, and eliminating agricultural use of antibiotics in healthy animals." In the retrospective study, researchers analyzed data from 48 children's hospitals throughout the U.S., focusing on approximately 94,000 patients under the age of 18 who were diagnosed with Enterobacteriaceae-associated infections between 2007 and 2015. The proportion of these infections caused by bacteria that were resistant to multiple antibiotics increased from 0.2 percent in 2007 to 1.5 percent in 2015, a more than 700 percent increase in prevalence over the eight-year period. Bacterial infections resistant to multiple drugs are especially concerning in children, for whom there are a limited number of stronger antibiotics currently approved for use compared to adults, putting kids at higher risk for worse outcomes. In the study, children with Enterobacteriaceae infections resistant to multiple antibiotics had hospitals stays that were 20 percent longer than patients with infections that were susceptible to antibiotics, the researchers found. The results also suggest a greater mortality risk among pediatric patients infected with the resistant strains, although the increased odds for death were not statistically significant. Most of the resistant infections were present when the children were admitted to the hospital, suggesting the bacteria may be increasingly spreading in the community. Older kids, children with other health conditions, and those living in the Western U.S. were more likely to have the infections, the study found. The results build on previous research reporting rising rates of these infections in adults and outbreaks in hospitalized children, especially in less-developed countries in Latin America and Asia, where antibiotics are available over the counter. Future research should focus on better ways to limit the transmission of resistant Enterobacteriaceae bacteria, including between hospitals and long-term care facilities and their communities, in addition to the development of new antibiotics that are safe and effective to use in children, Dr. Meropol said. "While the march of antibiotic resistance seems inexorable, informed and rigorous efforts to reverse this trend have been successful for other types of organisms, and are urgently needed within this context." Fast Facts * Infections caused by a type of bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics are increasing in U.S. children and are associated with longer hospital stays and a trend towards greater risk of death. * Caused by members of the Enterobacteriaceae family of bacteria that are resistant to multiple antibiotics, these infections may be increasingly spreading in the community, not just in hospitals. * Efforts to control rising antibiotic resistance, including the appropriate use of antibiotics in humans and animals, and the development of new antibiotics, are urgently needed. Provided by Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society A pile of cocaine hydrochloride. Credit: DEA Drug Enforcement Agency, public domain Fathers who use cocaine at the time of conceiving a child may be putting their sons at risk of learning disabilities and memory loss. The findings of the animal study were published online in Molecular Psychiatry by a team of researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The researchers say the findings reveal that drug abuse by fathersseparate from the well-established effects of cocaine use in mothers may negatively impact cognitive development in their male offspring. The study, which was led by Mathieu Wimmer, PhD, a post-doctoral researcher in the laboratory of R. Christopher Pierce, PhD, a professor of Neuroscience in Psychiatry in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, found evidence that the sons of fathers that ingested cocaine prior to conception struggle to make new memories. Their findings demonstrated that the sonsbut not the daughtersof male rats that consumed cocaine for an extended period of time could not remember the location of items in their surroundings and had impaired synaptic plasticity in hippocampus, a brain region critical for learning and spatial navigation in humans and rodents. "These results suggest that the sons of male cocaine addicts may be at risk for learning deficits," said senior author, R. Christopher Pierce, PhD, a professor of Neuroscience in Psychiatry in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Pierce and his colleagues propose that epigenetic mechanisms are at the root of the problem. Epigenetics refers to heritable traits that are not caused by changes in the DNA sequence, as is the case with genetic inheritance. DNA is tightly wound around proteins called histones, like thread around a spool, and chemical changes to histones influence the expression of genes, which is an epigenetic process. Their research showed that cocaine use in dads caused epigenetic changes in the brain of their sons, thereby changing the expression of genes important for memory formation. D-serine, a molecule essential for memory, was depleted in male rats whose father took cocaine and replenishing the levels of D-serine in the sons' hippocampus improved learning in these animals. In collaboration with Benjamin Garcia, PhD, presidential professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics in the Epigenetics Institute at the Perelman School of Medicine, the authors showed that cocaine abuse in dads broadly altered the chemical marks on histones in the brain of their sons, even though the offspring were never exposed to cocaine. Chemical modifications on the histones were changed to favor active transcription of genes in the hippocampus of male rats with a paternal history of cocaine taking, allowing more production of the enzyme D-amino acid oxidase, which degrades D-serine. The authors propose that increased expression of the enzyme, driven by changes in the epigenetic landscape, cause the memory problems in the sons of addicted rats. "There is substantial interest in the development of D-serine and related compounds, which are well tolerated by humans, as drug therapies," Pierce said. "The ability of D-serine to reverse the adverse effects of paternal cocaine taking on learning adds potential clinical relevance to our research." Credit: University of Leeds Over 50,000 people in Yorkshire and the Humber carry a faulty gene putting them at high risk of developing heart disease or sudden death, according to new estimates by the British Heart Foundation. Of these, nearly 11,000 people in the University's region are living with the specific faulty gene which causes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). University of Leeds researchers led by Professor Michelle Peckham from the Faculty of Biological Sciences are studying how changes in genes cause HCM, in an attempt to combat the disease. Scientists have found that alterations in two genes called MYH7 and cMyBPC occur in around two thirds of cases of HCM. Understanding how these changes occur and their resulting effects could pave the way for new drugs to be targeted at them to cancel the changes. HCM is an inherited disease of the heart muscle, where the muscle wall of the heart becomes thickened and stiff. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood around the body. This can lead to heart failure and the potential disturbance of the electrical signals that trigger the heart to beat, causing a dangerous heart rhythm and cardiac arrest. Currently there is no cure for HCM, but treatments are available to help control symptoms and prevent complications. Professor Peckham is using a combination of approaches to determine why and how some of these alterations affect the structure of the myosin protein. Her team aims to work out how changes in this structure affect how forcefully the heart muscle can contract and ultimately how it leads to HCM. Professor Peckham, whose research is funded by the BHF, said: "Patients are suffering every day from the effects of HCM, whether it's a lack of energy or feeling dizzy and breathless. The psychological impact of a condition like this can also be very distressing. "Our research is aimed at finding out why the heart muscle cells don't contract normally. It's essential that we understand more about how these alterations in genes lead to HCM, as this research may reveal new ways to treat the condition." The HCM condition affects one in 500 people in the UK and is the most common cause of sudden death in young people. Implementing the transition from analogue to digital television is key to boosting South Africas broadband stakes, according to finance minister, Pravin Gordhans 2017 budget speech, delivered to Parliament on Wednesday. The South African Post Office (Sapo) is set to receive R240m 2017/18 financial year for the distribution of approximately 1.8m set-top boxes, with the amount including the registration of households qualifying for the subsidy. A further amount of R176.4m has been allocated to state-owned signal provider, Sentech for expenditure relating to the migration of digital signals over the medium term. Spending on these activities is expected to run into R1.3bn over the medium term in the Digital Terrestrial Television sub-programme which is aimed at turning off the analogue TV signal freeing up spectrum for faster internet. An estimated 564 319 households are set to receive subsidies and transfers payments for set-top boxes are set to be reduced in 2017/18 due to ongoing litigation, the 2017 National Budget read. Expenditure in the broadcasting digital migration programme is expected to decrease over the medium term as a result, from R589.4m in 2016/17 to R304m in 2019/20, at an average annual rate of 19.8%. Over the medium term, the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services will expand and modernise ICT infrastructure by implementing the South Africa Connect broadband policy, coordinating the migration to digital broadcasting, and implementing the legislative framework stemming from the 2016 National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper, the National Budget went further to read. An estimated 41% of the departments total budget will be transferred to these entities over the medium term to cater for operational expenditure and specific projects such as digital migration. Government was given until June 2015 to meet the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) deadline to switch off analogue transmitters as part of the broadcasting digital migration project. However, the project had been delayed following a court ruling that declared part of the digital migration policy unlawful and invalid, and effectively placed the manufacture of digital terrestrial television set-top boxes on hold. As a result of the delay, Sentech is set to continue to maintain both the analogue and digital platforms until the issue is resolved. Fin24 Now read: How Treasury wants tech to boost the economy The cost to implement Cabinets approved ICT white paper policy recommendations and other ICT expenditure is expected to amount to R287.2m over the medium term, according to Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan. The department of telecommunications will also facilitate and coordinate the implementation of the national e-strategy which plans to tap the National Development Plan (NDP) by prioritising sectoral electronic services such as e-health, e-agriculture and e-education. To give effect to these activities, spending in the departments policy, research and capacity development programme is expected to amount to R287.2m. This programmes purpose is to develop ICT policies and legislation that support the development of an ICT sector and, in turn, create favourable conditions for accelerated and shared economic growth. Over the medium term, the telecoms department is expected to expand and modernise ICT infrastructure by implementing the South Africa Connect broadband policy, coordinating the migration to digital broadcasting, and implementing the legislative framework stemming from the 2016 National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper. South Africas Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA) previously welcomed governments National ICT Policy White Paper calling it broadly positive. The policy, which has called on mobile networks to give up key spectrum to a single, countrywide wireless network, has however received mixed reaction from industry role players and mobile network operators. Key findings of the report by research company Africa Analysis on the White Paper were that there was a significant expansion of government oversight and involvement, fundamental wholesale market impact, development of wholesale operator and spectrum licence implications. Fin24 Now read: More money for the Post Office and Sentech Advertise Here Be seen advertise here. Contact us. The investigation in accordance with Azerbaijani law is continuing with respect to Alexander Lapshin, the Russian embassy in Azerbaijan informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. Also, the embassy stated that a private attorney, who was hired by Lapshins family, is defending his rights. The embassy is in constant contact with this lawyer, it added. On February 9, the embassy representatives visited Alexander Lapshin at the investigative solitary confinement in the Azerbaijani capital city of Baku, and became convinced that his rights as a defendant are fully protected. During the talk, Alexander did not express dissatisfaction with the confinement conditions, the embassy also noted. The next visit is being prepared. In December 2016, Israeli Russian blogger Alexander Lapshin was detained in the Belarusian capital city of Minsk. The reason was his being on the international wanted persons list, due to a search which Azerbaijan had declared. Baku accuses him of visiting Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) without its consent. And on February 7 of the current year, Belarus extradited the blogger to the Azerbaijani capital city of Baku, where he was taken into custody. YEREVAN. Last week U.S. and Russia army chiefs Joseph Dunford and Valery Gerasmov held a meeting in Baku. The meeting was not widely covered by the regional media, but it is difficult to overestimate it in terms of its significance for the entire region, especially when the world is following every move of a new administration in Washington and its policy towards Russia. This is the first meeting at this level since January 2014, when Gerasimov met with then-chief Martin E. Dempsey in Brussels. The official statements posted by the American and Russian sides said the military leaders discussed the state of U.S.-Russian military relations and of the international security situation in Europe, the Middle East, and other key regions. The U.S. and Russian militaries have undertaken efforts to improve operational safety of military activities in order to decrease the prospects for crisis and avoid the risk of unintended incidents and agreed to continue communication. US-Russia meeting Richard Kauzlarich, professor at George Mason University and former U.S. ambassador to Azerbaijan, believes the meeting between the most senior US and Russian military officers was important given the new Administration in Washington, and the need to deal with problems. Therefore, the meeting was a welcome sign that the US and Russia understand the importance of open communications between the two militaries, he said in response to an inquiry by Armenian News-NEWS.am. Richard Giragosian, director of Armenia-based Regional Studies Center, shares the view that the significant meeting received very little attention in the media. He pointed out several reasons why the meeting is important. First, this was not only first meeting at this level since January 2014, when Gerasimov met with then-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey in Brussels, but is also the first meeting between Dunford and Gerasimov. It was also a meeting aimed at keeping the lines of communication open between both sides, somewhat similar to a Cold War-style hotline between the U.S. and the then-Soviet Union, he told Armenian News-NEWS.am. Secondly, according to the expert, the significance of the meeting was the fact that Gerasimov is more than the Russias chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, but also serves as the First Deputy Minister of Defense, suggesting that the meeting may also be part of the Trump Administrations attempt to create a new, more cooperative, and less confrontational relationship between the United States and Russia. Is the venue important? Asked whether the venue was important, Kauzlarich said the venue is less meaningful in this case. Baku seemed to be a compromise location between meeting in Moscow, or Washington, or somewhere in Europe. Both chiefs took advantage of their bilateral meeting to meet separately with senior Azerbaijani officials in Baku. The Azerbaijan government did not organize the meeting nor was it part of the bilateral discussions between the Russian and US military, he added. Meanwhile, Giragosian believes that the choice of Baku for the venue, and the decision to have Azerbaijan host the meeting was an indication of the new strategic shift within Azerbaijan in terms of its approach towards Russia. In fact, Azerbaijan is increasingly seen in Washington as a country that is more interested and much more active in deepening its ties with Russia than the West. This also hints that Washington may begin to do more to try to win back the Azerbaijanis, although with Russia as the number one arms provider for Baku, any such shift in U.S. policy is unlikely to work, he resumed. Turkmenistan becomes regional energy center Kishida pledges to strengthen Japan's naval and military capabilities Germany and eight other EU member states plan to expand sanctions against Iran NYT: Kyiv plans total evacuation in case of power outage Iran reveals new air defense missile IRGC neutralizes terrorist group in southwestern Iran Bahrain to continue building relations with Israel after Netanyahu's victory Iran says it confiscated a large batch of U.S.-made munitions Iran successfully launches Ghaem 100 rocket, making the US nervous U.S. sends warplanes to Iran Washington Post: US privately urges Ukraine to show willingness to negotiate with Russia Parisien: French man wins 160 million in European lottery U.S. decides to block number of seats on planes because of the increase in passenger weight 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 By India Today Web Desk: Although Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan's baby boy Taimur is only two months old, he is no stranger to controversy. A storm erupted on social media over his controversial name, which happens to be very similar to the name of a barbaric invader. Twitter trolls had a field day, slamming Saif and Kareena for their choice, even going to the extent of calling them 'jihadists.' advertisement Saif and Kareena broke their silence recently, maintaining that their son was given an ancient Persian name that means iron and any insinuations otherwise were ridiculous. But Saif recently revealed to Delhi Times, "I thought for a second about changing his name. For a couple of weeks. And Kareena was a little against it and she said, 'People respect you for your opinion and you can't'... So I said, yeah, but it's not about people. I don't want him to get unpopular. And I still might, maybe when he's one or two, I might change his name in a while, it's still sinking in, what to do." The Rangoon actor added that he almost went through with it. He said, "Someone in my PR agreed with me, and we drafted a small letter. And when I read it, it was so pathetic, that I cancelled the idea. Because it was really like, uhh, 'I'm sorry', and 'I didn't want to offend' and 'I'm an idiot' (laughs), and you know, I've given in to pressure... I thought about it, but it was for the wrong reason. If I feel that he's going to get in trouble in school, I might change it still. It's a bit late now though. Or not. I don't know." ALSO READ: Kareena says Saif and she are like Ki and Ka, he changes Taimur's diapers ALSO READ: Sara and Ibrahim cannot get enough of li'l Taimur? ALSO WATCH: Saif-Kareena become proud parents to a baby boy, Taimur --- ENDS --- STEPANAKERT. The adversary continued to intensely breach the truce along the line of contact between the Karabakh and Azerbaijani opposing forces, from late Wednesday night to early Thursday morning. During this time the Azerbaijani armed forces fired more than 1,600 shots toward the Armenian position-holders, and with a variety weapons, the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR/Artsakh) Defense Army informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. In particular, the adversary fired 10 cannon shells and 52 mortar shells, in eastern and northeastern directions of the line of contact. But the NKR Defense Army vanguard units took preventive actions, and as a result, the adversary suffered at least one casualty, about which the Azerbaijan defense ministry informed on Wednesday. The situation on the frontline is under the full control of the Artsakh defense army vanguards. STEPANAKERT. The European Parliament must react strongly to the inroads by Azerbaijani authorities, stated Davit Babayan, Head of the Central Information Department of the Office of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR/Artsakh) President and Deputy Dead of the NKR Presidents Office. Babayan noted the aforesaid commentingat the request of Armenian News-NEWS.amon Bakus most recent initiative, according to which, supposedly, it has declared a searchby Interpolfor three European Parliament members (MEPs) that have visited Artsakh. He stressed that after the developments in connection with Israeli Russian blogger Alexander Lapshin, who was extradited to Azerbaijan for visiting Karabakh, the number of people wishing to visit the NKR has increased dramatically. An unprecedented number of international observersfrom Bolivia to Japan and Pakistanhave taken part [as observers] in the referendum [on Monday] on constitutional amendments [in Artsakh], added Babayan. In his words, however, the present-day abnormal situation in Azerbaijan is to some extent a consequence of the passive position of the international community. After the arrest of Lapshin, we witnessed an absence of [respective] reaction by European institutions, including the European Parliament, recalled the head of the Central Information Department of the Office of the NKR President and deputy head of the NKR Presidents Office. Azerbaijan is a terrorist state. Davit Babayan stressed that the said MEPs have immunity, they are bearers of European values, and they have done nothing objectionable. YEREVAN. Defense Minister of Armenia Vigen Sargsyan on Thursday received Ambassador Gunther Bachler, Special Representative for the South Caucasus of the Austrian Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). First, the defense minister expressed Armenias support to the Austrian Chairmanships priorities toward the settlement of conflicts, reduction of tensions, and restoration of the climate of mutual trust, the Ministry of Defense (MOD) informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. And reflecting on the complicated situation regarding the fate of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia, Sargsyan appreciated the role of this officeand of this organization, in generalin Armenia. The Armenian defense minister deemed impermissible Azerbaijans initiatives and policy of blackmail toward suspending the activities of this office and discrediting the OSCE. Bachler, for his part, reaffirmed the need for intensifying the OSCE efforts to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and reduce the respective tension. Also, he expressed the hope that the current situation regarding the OSCE Office in Yerevan will be resolved in accordance with the interests of the OSCE and Armenia, alike. In addition, the interlocutors exchanged views on the mechanisms for cooperation during the forthcoming parliamentary election in Armenia. YEREVAN. The Azerbaijani authorities have long been turning everything into farce, said Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Shavarsh Kocharyan, speaking to reporters after Thursdays cabinet meeting. He noted this when asked about Azerbaijan declaring an international search for European Parliament members (MEPs) Frank Engel (Luxembourg), Eleni Theocharous (Cyprus,) and Jaromir Stetina (Czech Republic). This is just ridiculous, added Kocharyan. And, naturally, this can in no way affect the visits to Artsakh [(i.e. Nagorno-Karabakh)]. Azerbaijani media had reported, citing the Prosecutor Generals Office of Azerbaijan, that, purportedly, the aforementioned three MEPs were wantedthrough Interpolfor visiting Nagorno-Karabakh to conduct an observation mission during Mondays constitutional referendum there. But head of the Armenia Police Media and Public Relations Department, Ashot Aharonyan, told Armenian News-NEWS.am that these MEPs are not on the Interpol wanted persons list. Austrian presidency of OSCE will support all efforts to achieve progress on conflict situations, including those in Transnistria, Georgia and Nagorno-Karabakh, Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurtz told the United Nations Security Council. Multilateral cooperation is the only way to achieve peace, security and stability, and there is no alternative to it, he added. On the crisis in and around Ukraine, he said the OSCE has demonstrated its crucial role in brokering a ceasefire and its special monitoring mission has helped prevent a worsening of the situation. However, support is need to increase the number of monitors on the ground, improve the technical equipment for monitoring and extend the operating hours along the contact line between Government and non-Government armed forces, he said. Turning to radicalization and terrorism, he said more than 10,000 people from the OSCE area have joined the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Daesh). The most vulnerable group to be radicalized is youth, Mr. Kurz said, adding that he has appointed Peter Neumann, an expert on terrorism, as his special representative on radicalisation. The Austrian chairmanship will also try to resume discussions on conventional arms control in Europe, and seek to launch a structured dialogue on current and future challenges and risks to security in the OSCE area. ETCHMIADZIN. General Vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, Archbishop Aram Atesyan, has arrived in Armenia. Head of the Spiritual Council of the Patriarchate, Bishop Sahak Masalyan, also is in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. They were invited by the Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin II. On early Thursday morning, the two high-ranking clergymen attended the Divine Liturgy devoted to the Feast of Saint Vartan (PHOTOS). After the mass, the Armenian News-NEWS.am reporter asked Archbishop Atesyan whether he will run in the election for the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, and what was the purpose of his visit to Armenia. He, however, did not respond to these queries. Later in the day, the Catholicos is expected to hold a closed meeting with Archbishop Atesyan and Bishop Masalyan. According to rumors, Karekin II has invited them to Armenia to resolve the current crisis in connection with the forthcoming election for the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople. YEREVAN. -- Citizens of the Czech Republic are not eligible for extradition by Czech authorities, the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Armenia Mr. Petr Mikyska told Armenian News-NEWS.am. Members of European Parliament, being at the territory of European Union Member States, enjoy the parliamentary immunity. Regarding the implementation of international arrest warrant at the territory of third countries we esteem that current warrant sets a possible precedent that must and will be thoroughly studied, the Ambassador said in response to comment on the Azerbaijani media reports. Ambassador said they noted that Azerbaijan Prosecutor General Office issued an international arrest warrant for European Parliament members Frank Engel (Luxembourg), Eleni Theocharous (Cyprus) and Jaromir Stetina (Czech Republic) for the illegal visit to Nagorno Karabakh. By Suhani Singh: Shahid Kapoor's Rangoon is set to hit the screens on February 24. The 35-year-old actor talks about marriage, fatherhood and films in an exclusive interview to IndiaToday.in. Rangoon is the first film you shot after marriage. Has marriage and fatherhood changed you? Yes, and Padmavati was the first film where Misha my baby came on set. I'm being told that I have changed a lot by everyone around me. It is still very early. I just got married a year and a half back, and had a baby five months ago. I don't have a read on how it is changing me. But I do feel a certain sense of being centred, responsible, much more of a family man and less of a free radical lying around here and there. I like coming back home a lot now. It is more important to spend time at home than on film set, not that I don't love that. Acting is the most consistent relationship of my life. Earlier even when I was done with my work, I would find something to do and go somewhere. I realised that it was essentially loneliness. I didn't want to come to an empty house. advertisement Rangoon is special also because we see Arunachal Pradesh on the big screen in a commercial film. It is so beautiful. The one thing I felt bad about was that Arunachal Pradesh doesn't have railroads. So the train sequences had to be shot in Assam. To reach Arunachal, we have to land in Dibrugarh airport in Assam. You then drive to reach Brahmaputra, take a ferry to reach the other side and then drive again for another two and a half hours to cross the border of Assam and reach Arunachal. We shot in many places including Pasighat where we were staying in this little motel. Then we went up to this place which didn't even have a hotel. There were refurbished guest houses which were meant for some workers working on a dam. There was nothing else there. We stayed in circumstances which were very extreme. Vishal Sir wanted absolute untouched landscape. My manager went there first. On her return, she looked like she had PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). The road is not pucca. It is essentially a mud track which randomly caves in. Under such circumstances, you have to wait for hours, sometimes overnight, for the road to be remade. Arunchal Pradesh is stunning. I hope tourism goes up after people see Rangoon. It is full of lovely, simple people with a big heart. We couldn't do it without them. The cars were local. The production team had a lot of people who were locals. Some actors too were from there. I have now discovered Kashmir, Punjab and now Arunachal Pradesh. I would love shoot a film in a slightly normal location. Padmavati had a set up in Film City so you get the normalcy now. It is a 220 day film. I have not shot a film for this long. Udta Punjab and Haider were wrapped in 50 days. A slice of my life is going into Padmavati. You have completed 14 years in Bollywood. Is there a sense of security now? I'm feeling settled personally. Professionally, I feel sure, I don't feel secure. But I am not insecure also. I feel surer of my route but the destination is still very far away. I feel I am heading in the right direction. I feel I was floating around for a while. I am being true to myself. It takes a few years to get to that space. It takes a unique journey. I think mine has been. advertisement You're an outsider who has had his share of few ups and many downs. The problem with me is that I am not outspoken. I belong to the last of the generation that didn't sell themselves really hard. This generation is full of people who know how to do it and I say that in the most positive manner. I don't think I can be that person. Now I have reached a point where I think I can because it is behind me. It just feels difficult to talk about it; it feels wrong to exploit an emotion you are going through. So what has changed now? What do you look for? I seek excellence. I hope I achieve it once in a while. Am I chasing success? One is a by product. You can't chase success because it is like chasing a mirage. That has been my learning. I have seen enough success and failure to understand that it will come when it has to come. When it comes nobody can stop it, and if it is not supposed to come then nobody can make it happen. So focus and enjoy the process. Get better at what you do. You will see failure. You know they say that about actors who have seen two rounds of failure are here to stay. I have seen more than two. You just have to go through my filmography to know. You can't live in a bubble. Anyways actors are living in a bubble. If you keep making these circles, then you die in it eventually. advertisement Are there any directors on your wishlist? Just the other day, a few friends were over and someone said, "A true superstar is someone who can pull off a bad film". I don't think it is applicable for the future. Today's superstars are those who invest in and back good content. It is all about working with good people - writers or filmmakers. I think we really, really, really ignore our writers. That's why I'm choosing to put them in the same category as the filmmakers. They are the unsung heroes of the film. I don't think Mr Bachchan would be who he is if not for Salim-Javed. Lyricists also fall in the same category. The words that an actor sings give beauty to his personality. advertisement I am a huge fan of Shoojit Sircar. He is a filmmaker successfully doing what I am aspiring to do as an actor which is to rediscover myself with every film. He doesn't repeat genre. He is not afraid. He tries something new every time and he does it with so much skill and energy. He has really come a long way. Aanand L Rai is very fascinating. He is again somebody creating good content within a commercial world. He is bringing the stuff from heartland. I crave to work with Imtiaz Ali again. He is phenomenally talented. What he does with actors is absolutely outstanding. What he did with Ranbir in Rockstar it was scintillating. ALSO READ: Mira joins Shahid-Mira for Rangoon screening ALSO READ: Now Kangana Ranaut compares Shahid Kapoor to Hrithik Roshan ALSO WATCH: Media troubles my wife Mira, but she can handle it well, says Shahid --- ENDS --- Nagorno-Karabakh has never been part of independent Azerbaijan, thus two independent and legally equal subjects were formed at the moment of dissolution of the Soviet Union. Armenias Ambassador to Italy, Victoria Bagdassarian, told the aforementioned to Agenparl news agency of Italy. Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh are fighting for their existence and right to live freely on their homeland, she added. [But] in the modern Azerbaijan, killing an Armenian is a glory and it is being encouraged and promoted on the highest possible official level. It was the case when the Azeri officer Ramil Safarov axed the sleeping Armenian colleague Gurgen Margaryan during the NATO courses in Budapest. This was also the case during the 4-day April war unleashed by Azerbaijan [in 2016]. The Azeri offence was initiated in the early morning. It started with heavy shelling of civilian settlements and villages, schools and kindergartens. Those who committed these war crimes and crimes against humanity later were promoted and awarded by [Azerbaijan President Ilham] Aliyev personally. There is no single doubt that Azerbaijan has completely exhausted the confidence of the people of Nagorno Karabakh. It is clear that here will be no back to the future, as it is an absolute nonsense to present the root causes of the conflict as a resolution to it. As for the ambassador of Azerbaijans statement that there are four UN Security Council (SC) resolutions on the Karabakh conflict, Bagdassarian stressed that the Azerbaijani diplomat fails to recall that those resolutions were adopted in a specific situation and with a specific purpose to stop the violence. It is important to underline that none of the UN SC Resolutions refers to Armenia as a party to the conflict, added the Armenian ambassador to Italy. Armenia is only called upon to continue to exert its influence over Nagorno-Karabakh and the latter is apparently recognized as a party to the conflict; something that Azerbaijan continuously tries to ignore. Azerbaijan has also rejected the requirement of the Security Council resolutions on restoration of economic, transport, and energy ties in the region. Moreover, the resolutions of the UN Security Council urged to refrain from any action that would obstruct a peaceful solution to the conflict and to exert efforts to settle the conflict within the [OSCE] Minsk Group framework. And what has Azerbaijan done? Absolutely the opposite: it launched a new large-scale military attack after every resolution. YEREVAN. National Assembly (NA) of Armenia Vice President and Head of the Armenian NA Delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Hermine Naghdalyan, as well as delegation members Naira Zohrabyan, Mikayel Melkumyan, and Samvel Farmanyan on Thursday met with members of the visiting PACE observation mission. This PACE delegation is monitoring the preparations for the forthcoming parliamentary election in Armenia, the NA informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. The constitutional reform and the amendments made to the Electoral Code of Armenia were at the core of this talk. Naghdalyan underscored the role of observation missions during the elections and referendums being conducted in Armenia. She noted that the objective of Armenian authorities is to hold legitimate, fair, and free elections. In addition, she presented in detail the fundamental amendments that were made to the Electoral Code. The head of the PACE delegation, Liliane Maury Pasquier, in turn, informed that they already had several talks, during which there were complaints with respect to some articles of the Electoral Code, especially regarding the rating electoral procedure; that is, regional electoral lists. And the guests asked whether the existence of this system is justified in a small country like Armenia. Armenian MPs Zohrabyan, Melkumyan, and Farmanyan expressed their view in connection with the abovementioned and several other matters. YEREVAN. President of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia, Galust Sahakyan, on Thursday received members of the visiting Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) delegation that conducts observation mission. This PACE delegation is in Armenia to monitor the preparations for the forthcoming parliamentary election in the country, the NA informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. First, the speaker of the Armenian parliament underscored these guests visit to Armenia in the lead-up to the aforesaid election, which is slated for April 2. Sahakyan assured that the upcoming parliamentary election will be free, fair and transparent, and it will meet democratic standards. Reflecting on the constitutional reforms Armenia has conducted, Galust Sahakyan noted that the countrys authorities have always collaborated with PACE when making legislative changes, ever since 1995. The head of the Armenian NA also spoke about the discussions and ensuing adoption of the new Electoral Code of the country. The head of the aforementioned PACE delegation, Liliane Maury Pasquier, for her part, noted that during the talks held these days, they already had received the necessary information on the forthcoming parliamentary election. In her words, this election will be a major challenge for Armenian authorities, and in terms of boosting the peoples trust in the electoral processes in Armenia. At the meeting, the interlocutors discussed several other matters as well. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is dismayed to learn that Azerbaijani news website editor Elchin Ismayilli has joined the long list of journalists held on trumped-up charges in Azerbaijan. At least 12 journalists, bloggers and media workers are now detained in this Caucasian republic. A former reporter for various independent media including the newspaper Azadlig and Radio Free Europe/Radio Libertys Azerbaijani service, Ismayilli is the founder and editor of Kend.info, a website that covers local corruption and human rights violations. He has often been the target of harassment by the local authorities in the past, including physical violence, arrests and defamation suits. Bakus international partners cannot continue to stand by while journalists are being packed into Azerbaijans prisons, said Johann Bihr, the head of RSFs Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk. The contempt shown by the Azerbaijani authorities for their human rights obligations needs an urgent response from the international community. A firm stand is all the more necessary because several of the detained journalists have serious health problems that are being exacerbated by imprisonment. Azerbaijan is ranked 163rd out of 180 countries in RSFs 2016 World Press Freedom Index. In September 2016, a referendum reinforced the already considerable powers of President Ilham Aliyev, who is on RSFs list of press freedom predators. Yesterday he appointed his wife as first vice-president, elevating her to the position of the countrys second-most senior official. YEREVAN. - Certain escalation can be observed on the contact line between the Karabakh and Azerbaijani armed forces in terms of weapons used. Defense Minister of Armenia, Vigen Sargsyan, told the aforementioned to journalists Thursday. Today mortars and light artillery were used. I think we must approach this, exercising constant vigilance, since the adversary didnt and doesnt conceal its goals and the tasks set before it. Our armed forces control the situation and will continue carrying out their work as they have always done. There can be no justification to any violation of ceasefire regime, since it is established by agreements containing international obligations in respect of the ceasefire. The task of the Defense Ministry of Armenia is to ensure their fully-fledged implementation by retaliatory actionssomething that we do [now], he said. YEREVAN. - The statement of the Azerbaijani authorities on launching a criminal case against MEPs Frank Engel (Luxembourg), Eleni Theocharous (Cyprus,) and Jaromir Stetina (Czech Republic) in connection with the observation mission during the constitutional referendum held in Artsakhshould be described as ridicule and political idiocy. Head of the Armenian parliamentary Committee on Foreign Relations, Artak Zakaryan, wrote the aforementioned on his Facebook page. This undertaking is nothing but another step from the Azerbaijani authorities aimed at trampling on the reputation of their own country. Azerbaijan continues proving to the world that it is not only far from the concept of human rights in its own country, but is also ready to consider the international norms and principles invalid. Launching of a criminal case against the European Parliament is aimed at restricting their right to free movement, as well as hindering their freedom of speech, let alone, their right to immunity. And all this happens in the 21st century by a state which is a member of European organizations. Such treatment from Azerbaijan should receive harsh criticism from international organizations. The Azerbaijani President, who cynically boycotts meetings with the President of the European Parliament, demonstratively neglects human rights resolutions adopted by the European Parliament and strengthens the power of his family clan in his own country through smothering democracy, has overstepped the line of tolerance of the international community. It is time to send this khan state to hell from the European civilization. Earlier, Azerbaijani media had reported, citing the Prosecutor Generals Office of Azerbaijan, that, purportedly, the aforementioned three MEPs were wantedthrough Interpolfor visiting Nagorno-Karabakh to conduct an observation mission during Mondays constitutional referendum there. But head of the Armenia Police Media and Public Relations Department, Ashot Aharonyan, told Armenian News-NEWS.am that these MEPs are not on the Interpol wanted persons list. Alexander Lapshin on Thursday met with his mother, Bella Lapshina, who has arrived in Baku, Trend reports. Upon her arrival, Lapshina signed an agreement with a lawyer for representing her son. The lawyer has already met Lapshin in Baku Investigative Prison No. 1 and inquired about the latters health and detention conditions. Bella Lapshina met with her son thanks to the assistance of the embassies of Russia and Belarus in Azerbaijan. After his visits to Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) in 2011 and 2012, blogger Alexander Lapshin was blacklisted by Azerbaijan. In June 2016, however, he paid a visit to Azerbaijan--but with a Ukrainian passport--and, subsequently, he published several articles criticizing the Azerbaijani authorities. Afterward, Azerbaijan issued an international search for this famous blogger. On December 15, 2016, Lapshin was detained in the Belarusian capital city of Minsk, and based on this search. On January 26 of the current year, the Minsk city court dismissed the blogger's appeal of the Belarusian General Prosecutor's Office decision to extradite him to Azerbaijan. On February 7, the Supreme Court of Belarus dismissed the appeals that were filed into this case, and upheld the aforesaid decision by the General Prosecutor's Office. On the evening of the same day, the famous blogger was extradited to the Azerbaijani capital city of Baku, where he was taken into custody. According to analysts and human rights defenders, however, Alexander Lapshins case may become an appalling precedent that curtails the freedom of speech of foreigners and the freedom of movement of Armenian citizens. The governmental delegation led by Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan on Thursday paid an official visit to Georgia at the invitation of Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili. After the official welcome ceremony, the Armenian PM had a tete-a-tete with his Georgian counterpart, during which reference was made to the issues on the agenda of the Armenian-Georgian relations and the prospects for their development. The tete-a-tete was followed by an extended format meeting between the official delegations of the two countries. Welcoming the Armenian collegues, Mr Kvirikashvili noted that in the recent years the Armenian-Georgian relations have been distinguished for their positive progress. He also added that such high-level mutual visits contribute to the development of relations between the two states in different directions. We are ready to deepen the regional cooperation, intensify the commodity turnover and use the entire existing potential, he said, adding that Georgia attaches importance to the further deepening and development of cooperation with friendly Armenia. Karen Karapetyan, for his part, thanked for the warm reception, noting that Armenia and Georgia have deep historic roots. Today we have entered a new stage of cooperation. The Armenian-Georgian cooperation continues developing in an atmosphere of mutual trust, which is the guarantee of the further development and strengthening of our relations. Our delegation is willing to discuss in detail the issues on the economic cooperation agenda both in terms of bilateral and regional development. We will try to find new ways to further intensify our cooperation, he said. Underscoring the importance of the existing political discourse between Armenia and Georgia, the prime ministers noted that despite the growth of the commodity turnover indexes, the entire existing potential is not fully realized in the sphere of economic cooperation. Apart from this, Karapetyan and Kvirikashvili discussed a wide scope of issues related to the Armenian-Georgian cooperation in the sphere of trade and economy, energy, transport, agriculture, tourism and culture. Moreover, the interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation in the sphere of energy, attaching importance to the development prospects in the sphere of transport communication. The PMs of the two states expressed conviction that the economic cooperation can foster the bilateral trade and economic growth. In this context, the sides underscored the importance of the regional cooperation in the sphere of energy. From the perspective of the expansion of programs and trade and economic relations, the possibility of creating the Meghri free trade zone and using it as a platform for making the markets of third countries more accessible. The sides also referred to the historic and cultural ties, attaching importance to the preservation of rich cultural heritage. Following the extended format meeting, the Agreement on Cooperation between the Health Ministry of the Republic of Armenia and Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Affairs of Georgia in the sphere of health was signed in the presence of the Armenian and Georgian PMs. Furthermore, on the sidelines of the official visit, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed on cooperation between the State Food Security Service of the Armenian Agriculture Ministry and National Food Agency of Georgia. As the results of the civic polls trickled in, Sena was at the top after winning 84 seats in the 227-member BMC, while its estranged ally BJP was close behind at 82. By Press Trust of India: As uncertainty loomed large in the BMC polls due to a hung House, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray today exuded confidence that the party will retain the coveted Mayors post, even as he hesitated to give a definitive answer on whether there would be an alliance. As the results of the civic polls trickled in, Sena was at the top after winning 84 seats in the 227-member BMC, while its estranged ally BJP was close behind at 82. advertisement Also read: Maharashtra civic polls in nutshell: BJP second best to Shiv Sena in Mumbai but top across state BMC election result 2017: Shiv Sena should align with us again, says BJP HERE IS WHAT UDDHAV THACKERAY SAID AT PRESS CONFERENCE "What is the hurry? Wait for some time. We have not yet decided if an alliance is to be made or not. We will do so soon," Thackeray said at a press conference. "But I can assure that not only the Mayor, even the future Chief Minister will be from the Sena," he said. Thackeray, however, conceded that the party had expected to win more seats. "But, whatever we have won, we have won on the merit of our Sainiks (workers). We are thankful to Mumbaikars who have kept their faith in us for the fifth consecutive time," he said. The Sena leader said the party had done better than the last polls as it had won seats even in Muslim-dominated areas this time. "I am still eating victory sweets....yet to decide if an alliance will be struck," he reiterated. When reminded of his pre-election declaration that there would be no alliance with any party from now onwards, Uddhav said, "If I have stated my stand once, then an alliance wont happen, why are you asking this question again and again?" "I have not thought about alliance (yet)....I only know we are number one party," he said. Thackeray added that the missing names from voting lists was a serious issue and action should be taken against whoever responsible for it. Although the Uddhav Thackeray-led party emerged as the single largest bloc with 84 seats, it is way behind the halfway mark of 114 required to control the 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Also read: Modi congratulates Devendra Fadnavis after BJP hits new high in Maharashtra civic elections Maharashtra civic elections: Owaisi's AIMIM wins 3 seats in Mumbai, 5 in Solapur --- ENDS --- Thanks to the formed relations, we will be able to significantly contribute to the development of good-neighborly relations between Armenia and Georgia. Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili told the aforementioned to journalists after the meeting with his Armenian counterpart Karen Karapetyan in Tbilisi on Thursday. We expressed readiness to continue the regular high-level meetings and contribute to the close cooperation between the agencies of our states representing different sectors. For Georgia, Armenia is a state, which we are linked with by centuries-old good-neighborly traditions, while the year 2017 is important in that it marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our states. During this period we have managed to strengthen the friendly relations between our peoples and build a mutually beneficial cooperation. This April Armenia will hold parliamentary elections; we are confident that they will be held at high level and in line with international standards and democratic values, Kvirikashvili noted. He also added that the key directions of cooperation between the two statesboth the existing situation in the trade and economic sphere and the prospects for the further development of cooperationwere discussed at the meeting. We discussed important issues related to the sphere of transportation, energy, tourism, culture, etc. At the meeting we particularly referred to the challenges existing in the region and stressed that the maintaining of peace and stability has a special significance in terms of the development of our countries. The Armenian PM had very interesting proposals on the realization of the potential of the joint market in different spheres of our countries. We expressed readiness to work actively in that direction and encourage the private sector to make full use of the regional cooperation potential. I would like to once again thank my counterpart for visiting Georgia. I think this official visit will give a new impetus to the deepening of bilateral relations,Kvirikashvili noted. The prime ministers of Armenia and Georgia have agreed to give new impetus to all the directions of cooperation. Prime Minster of Armenia Karen Karapetyan told the aforementioned to journalists after the meeting with his Georgian counterpart Giorgi Kvirikashvili. We talked about a new approach to regional cooperation: I am sure we have a great potential here. We are interested in that the Georgian citizens consider Armenia as a state where they can make investments and which they can visit as a tourist. We agreed with the Georgian Premier to move forward in that direction. Moreover, our colleagues have a specific instruction to organize anopen housefor all the Georgian businessmen, who are interested in operating in the Armenian and adjacent markets. Taking advantage of the opportunity, I would like to once again thank [my counterpart for the reception] and I am honored to invite him to pay an official visit to Yerevan whenever he finds it convenient so that we can develop the new potential which is laid on the basis of our relations today. I am sure that we have very interesting opportunities, Karapetyan noted. On the sidelines of the official visit to Georgia, the delegation led by Prime Minster of Armenia, Karen Karapetyan, was received by Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili. Welcoming the Armenian Premier and the delegation led by him, the Georgian President praised the results of the meeting held with the participation of the governments of the two states. He also noted that the presented initiatives will give an impetus to the further development and strengthening of bilateral relations. Furthermore, President Margvelashvili expressed hope that the constructive cooperation on parliamentary and governmental levels is a good basis for the further deepening of relations, including in new directions. Armenian PM Karen Karapetyan, for his part, underscored the importance of the high level of the Armenian-Georgian political relations, noting that although the communications are intense at all levels, the existing potential in the sphere of economic cooperation is not yet fully used. Reconfirming that productive talks were held with the Georgian colleagues, the Armenian PM expressed hope that the results will give a new impetus and quality to the further relations. We have discussed a wide scope of issues of interest to the Armenian-Georgian sides. I should state that the efficient realization of the potential existing in our relations has great prospects, specifically in terms of the implementation of regional programs. The Armenian side is ready to provide platforms to the Georgian businessmen for raising the accessibility of other markets. At the same time, together with our Georgian colleagues we expect to deepen our cooperation in the sphere of tourism,Karapetyan stressed. Moreover, he thanked the Georgian President for the good treatment towards the Armenian community of Georgia, as well as for the preservation of historical and cultural values. In response, President Margvelashvili underscored the importance of the active participation of the Armenian community in the economic and cultural life of Georgia. YEREVAN. - Azerbaijan has recently not only torpedoed the negotiation process but also thrown a gauntlet at the civilized world with its illogical activity. Spokesperson for the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), Eduard Sharmazanov, told the aforementioned to journalists after the session of the RPA Executive Body on Thursday. In his words, the inadequate response to the constitutional referendum in Artsakh, the expansion of the black list and the declaration of international search for European Parliament deputies are illogical and ridiculous steps. Although nothing is surprising in a country, where there is already not khan but family governance. We wont be surprised if one day Aliyevs son becomes a prime minister and his daughter assumes the post of a parliament speaker. One shouldnt get surprised at anything occurring in that country. I am surprised that you are surprised, Sharamzanov said. Earlier, Azerbaijani media had reported, citing the Prosecutor Generals Office of Azerbaijan, that, purportedly, the aforementioned three MEPs were wantedthrough Interpolfor visiting Nagorno-Karabakh to conduct an observation mission during Mondays constitutional referendum there. But head of the Armenia Police Media and Public Relations Department, Ashot Aharonyan, told Armenian News-NEWS.am that these MEPs are not on the Interpol wanted persons list. RTI activist Asad Patel has filed a police complaint against model-turned-nun Sofia Hayat who got a swastika inked on the soles of both her feet. By India Today Web Desk: A police complaint has been filed against model-turned-nun Sofia Hayat--a British national of Indian descent--for getting swastika inked on the soles of both her feet. The complaint was filed by RTI activist Asad Patel at the Amboli police station in Jogeshwari (West) here on Wednesday. A copy of the complaint is being circulated in the media. advertisement "Model Sofia Hayat ne kya Hindu Muslim dharm ka mazak udaya. Amboli Police station mein complaint dakhil (Why has model Sofia Hayat made fun of Hindu and Muslim community. Complaint lodged in Amboli police station)," Patel tweeted. According to the complaint copy, Sofia has disturbed the "public peace and public tranquility and public order" by getting the swastika inked on her feet. Sofia had shared a photograph of her feet with the swastika tattoo on Instagram earlier this week. As the symbol is considered sacred by the Hindu community, Sofia courted outrage over social media. She later took a stand for herself and wrote: "May those with anger know that they only do the work of the devil in their anger. May those that say unkind words know that those words come from negative entities whether you call it an energy, the devil or anything else." Sofia also then posted an image of another tattoo. "And my final sacred tatoo... Allah Islam, peace. To be born is to be a Muslim... To be a muslim is to surrender... To surrender you come into knowing of divinity in you and all things in existence... And to know existence is to know Allah... To know Allah... Is to know the greatest love... to know this... you know PEACE... And love all things... for everything has a reason." advertisement Sofia has appeared in shows like Welcome - Baazi Mehmaan Nawazi Ki, Bigg Boss 7 and Comedy Nights Bachao. --- ENDS --- YEREVAN. - The Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) candidates are the most competitive and known ones and the April 2 elections will prove this. Spokesperson for the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), Eduard Sharmazanov, told the aforementioned to journalists after the session of the RPA Executive Body on Thursday. We no longer have a majority election procedure: this is a proportional election, Sharmazanov said. Referring to Lori province, the Spokesperson noted: Specifically in Lori province we have a very competitive list. I will vote for the RPA and support all the nominated candidates without exception. Touching on the news circulated in media regarding election bribes, Sharmazanov said: Our team negatively assesses the election bribe and all the illegal phenomena. We have a precise instruction to run a transparent campaign. It is difficult to reveal the cases of election bribe, since the voter doesnt complain. At this stage, these news are more of sensational announcements. It is unlikely for anyone to do something two months before the elections... Sharamaznoav also stressed that the RPA will run its campaign exclusively in the manner prescribed by law, although he didnt rule out that misinformation may be disseminated on that the RPA is offering a bribe. According to him, these are dirty techniques which arent new and are used not only in Armenia. If we are speaking about hearing, then I should say I also hear certain opposition forces give different promises, he said. Referring to the arrest of foreign Armenian FM Vartan Oskanians son, Sharmaznaov said: There is a legal issue here: Mr Oskanians son has been released in the manner prescribed by law. Regardless of whose son one is, we are all equal before the law. Starbucks (SBUX) will have to get creative to solve its newest problem: overly congested stores because of an increasingly complex menu and an influx of mobile orders. "It used to be, they [customers] would look at the line at the point of sale, and if that line looked too long, they might decide not to do a transaction at that time and come back later. Now when customers walk into the store, we've alleviated the congestion at the point-of-sale line, and now we have congestion at the hand-off plane," explained Starbucks president and COO Kevin Johnson on a conference call in late January. "So, they might look at the number of customers around the hand-off plane and the number of beverages on the hand-off plane, and that might create the signal to them that they are going to wait to do their transaction," Johnson continued, adding that congested lines was "the most significant contributing factor" to the company's so-so 3% fiscal first-quarter same-store sales increase. Promised Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, "We are now laser-focused on fixing this problem. But the nature of it, too much demand, is an operational challenge we have solved before, and I can assure you we will solve again." Jim Cramer and the AAP team hold a position in Starbucks for their Action Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells SBUX? Learn more now. Mobile orders represented at least 20% of Starbucks sales during peak traffic times at about 1,200 stores in the most recent quarter. That was up significantly from roughly 13% a year ago. One way for Starbucks to address its congestion is by redesigning its locations for better flow, both from customer and barista standpoints. We recently visited a newly renovated Starbucks store in New York City's Penn Station with a design geared to tackling the logjam issue. The fact that we waited almost 10 minutes to get a large, black iced coffee (store was relatively empty) and weren't sure where to wait for the order are two things we'll let slide as the store just re-opened, and it's bound to have kinks to work out. Editor's Pick originally published Feb. 22. Updated with comments from Facebook. Is a picture of Nikki Haley holding her son and one of Mike Pence making a sandwich a way to pitch to millennials? Facebook (FB) is giving it a go. The social media giant is this week reaching out to the right via the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), an annual gathering of conservatives here in Washington, D.C. Apart from an in-kind contribution to the event, Facebook is also making a direct pitch to conservative activists and up-and-comers, some of whom are skeptical about the platform and the potential for bias. "I absolutely distrust Facebook," said Andy Barr, a 27-year-old data scientist from Seattle. Facebook took a hit among conservatives in the spring of 2016 following a Gizmodo report that its news curators suppressed stories about conservative topics, including CPAC. CEO Mark Zuckerberg was quick to launch an investigation into the matter, and Facebook eventually moved to automate its trending news section. (The latter maneuver contributed to the election's "fake news" phenomenon.) Still, not all is forgotten. "As far as Facebook goes and past issues with them, it's a vey real thing," said Barr. Facebook is a holding in Jim Cramer's Action Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells FB? Learn more now. At CPAC, Facebook is making an effort to change that. The company is donating $62,500 in cash to the event, a spokesman for the company told Politico. It is also hosting a happy hour for up-and-coming conservatives, holding a training session on Facebook and politics and government and hosting a Facebook Live lounge for media partners. "Facebook participates in events hosted by organizations across the political spectrum," a Facebook spokesman said. "Our presence allows us to facilitate an open dialogue where people can share their views and create content to engage their audiences, just as we did during other political events such as the Republican and Democratic Party conventions. Our involvement is not an endorsement of any particular position or platform." "Facebook is where the political conversation is happening," said Eva Guidarini, politics and government outreach associate at Facebook, in an activist training session on Wednesday. About 355 million unique users worldwide had 12 billion interactions related to Election 2016, she said, and there are 205 million active people on Facebook in the U.S. One of every five minutes Americans spend on their mobile phones or desktops are on Facebook. She explained the ins and outs of Facebook's products, paying special attention to its video feature, Facebook Live. She fielded questions for several minutes on a wide range of topics, from whether it's best to film videos horizontally or vertically to how to handle privacy settings on particularly politically sensitive posts. A recent Berkeley graduate hoping in the audience who wasn't particularly interested in the presentation discussed what drew him to the Republican Party -- immigration. He said he thinks the U.S. should cut legal immigration numbers in half, including the H1-B visas Facebook and other tech companies prize. On the screen flashed screenshots of House Speaker Paul Ryan's Facebook page and candid images of Haley, the new U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and Pence, the vice president. The crowd dwindled, as many attendees filtered to the central ballroom where Fox News' Sean Hannity would soon be filming his show. "Guys, if you can't get a date here, you're total losers," Hannity told the audience, largely comprised of college students and recent grads, before the taping. Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway, in a sit-down with Hannity, spoke of President Trump's affinity for another social media outlet: Twitter (TWTR) . Her message to those who don't particularly appreciate his prolific tweeting: "Too bad." Outside the ballroom, a group of five college-aged women gathered and discussed their social media preferences. While they acknowledged Twitter's significance in the political realm, all said they use Facebook more. There was less of a consensus on Facebook compared to Snapchat, whose parent company, Snap Inc., is headed toward an IPO. "A lot of the stuff that you do see that's posted on Facebook does have a liberal spin to it," said Elizabeth Berecin, a Texas State University senior who headed social media efforts at her campus' Students for Trump. She cited videos from online outlets Vox, Vice, Raw Story and BuzzFeed that make what she sees as "emotional arguments." Her friends agreed. The potential upside for Facebook -- at least in the face of competition -- is that the women said they think Snapchat has a political slant problem as well. They pointed to the women's march the day after the inauguration, which got significant play on both platforms, compared to the pro-life march the week after, which did not. "It's like, 'Hillary Clinton, the love of my life. Donald Trump broke up with me,'" Berecin said. "That's the kind of narrative it paints." A woman waters plants at the Centre Songhai, an organic farm in Porto Novo, Benin, on January 30, 2014 With his pilgrim's staff and panama hat, Father Godfrey Nzamujo nips up and down the paths of Songhai, the organic farm he created nearly 30 years ago to fight poverty and rural migration in Africa. The small farm covered barely a hectare when it was set up in Porto Novo in 1985 but has since become a pilot project for the rest of the continent badly in need of new ideas to maximise yields. The centre in Benin's capital now stretches over 24 hectares (60 acres) and employs an army of workers and apprentices, who toil from sunrise to sunset growing fruit, vegetables and rice, as well as rearing fish, pigs, poultry. "Nothing is wasted, everything is transformed" according to Nzamujo's principle, with even chicken droppings turned into the bio-gas that powers the centre's kitchens. Big plans Songhai in tiny Benin has big plans for Africa. It already has similar operations in Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone and wants to set up shop in 13 more west and central African countries. Nzamujo's raison d'etre is how to help Africans increase yields through simple techniques, without using pesticides or fertilisers, and while cutting production costs and protecting the environment. The Nigeria-born priest, who was raised in California on the US west coast, said he was shocked by the appalling images of famine in Africa on television at the start of the 1980s. He then left to discover the continent to see how he could put to good use his university training in agronomics, economics and information technology and fight against poverty on his own terms. After visiting a number of countries, he ended up in Benin where the country's then-Marxist government gave him a small plot. "It was abandoned land, killed by chemical fertiliser and conventional agricultural practices. It didn't work," he told AFP. "There were seven of us. We dug wells and watered with our own hands. And during the main dry season, this grey surface became green," he recalled with a smile. The Centre Songhai, an organic farm in Porto Novo, Benin, on January 30, 2014 Increased yields Nzamujo's secret is in imitating nature, encouraging "good bacteria" present in the soil to maximise production without having to rely on chemicals. Yields at Songhai speak for themselves: the farm produces seven tonnes of rice per hectare three times a year, up from one tonne per hectare once a year at the beginning of the project. "Songhai is facing up to the triple challenge of Africa today: poverty, environment and youth employment," said Nzamujo proudly. The cleric's system centres on local production and distribution, creating economic activity to tackle poverty head on. At Songhai, jam simmers in large pots while chickens are roasted and soya oil, rice and fruit juice are packaged for sale in the centre's shop or served at its restaurant. Discarded parts of agricultural machinery are reused to create ingenious contraptions and used water is filtered using water hyacinths. The centre also has an Internet point and even a bank so that local people can avoid going into the city centre. Interns and innovation Youth employment is encouraged and some 400 farm apprenticesselected by competitionare trained every year. The 18-month course is entirely free. A man wheels coconuts in a barrow at the Centre Songhai, an organic farm in Porto Novo, Benin, on January 30, 2014 Paul Okou is one of them. The 25-year-old from Parakou, northern Benin, would like to follow his parents into farming but is hoping to work in a more profitable way. "My parents use traditional, archaic methods while at Songhai we learn the modern way, albeit makeshift," he said. "What we used to do in two days now we do in two hours." The apprentices are sent into villages where they apply what they have learned. Once in charge of a farm, they join the Songhai network and are checked regularly. Songhai also welcomes interns who are paying for their own training. Father Godfrey Nzamujo, director of the Centre Songhai, speaks on the farm in Porto Novo, Benin, on January 30, 2014 They include Abua Eucharia Nchinor, a Nigerian in his 30s, and Kemajou Nathanael, a 39-year-old former salesman from Cameroon, who both want to open an organic farm in their respective countries. According to Nzamujo, Songhai is not a cure-all for Africa's problems but tackles their root causes. "Imagine if all the young people who hang around big cities did their training here and we equip them. ... Imagine the productivity of Africa today." he said. 2014 AFP Paleoamerican skull from Burial 1, Lapa do Santo site, Brazil. Credit: Mauricio de Paiva (Phys.org)A trio of researchers affiliated with institutions in the U.S., Europe and South America has found evidence that suggests the native people of South America likely arrived from more than one place. In their paper published in the journal Science Advances, Noreen von Cramon-Taubadel, Andre Strauss and Mark Hubbe describe how they applied imaging technology to skulls that have been unearthed in Brazil and what was revealed. For many years, it was believed that a single wave of ancient immigrants made their way from Asia to North America and eventually to South Americathe first people to exist in the New World. But that view has been challenged in more recent years. In this new effort, the researchers describe evidence they have found that suggests the first settlers of the New World may have come from more than one place. To learn more about the ancestry of some of the earliest settlers to South America, the researchers used geometric morphometrics, a type of imaging technology that allows for creating 3-D images of an object, to examine skulls found in Lagoa Santa, Brazil. Prior research had dated the skulls back 7,000 to 10,000 years, which places them near the time when scientists believe South America was first populated by humans. The researchers report that the skull shapes of the ancient people differed markedly from those of modern indigenous South Americans, suggesting they came from somewhere else. Interestingly, Hubbe was part of another team that recently imaged skulls dug up in Mexico. That team found that 500 to 800-year-old skulls (which places them before the arrival of Europeans) from two of three distinct regions matched one another but not with the thirdsuggesting that the third came from elsewhere. They have published their findings in the American Journal of Physical Anthropology. Burial 34 from Lapa do Santo site, Brazil. Credit: Andre Strauss To date, most in the field believe that at least one wave of immigrants came as Asian people made their way across the Bering Strait, which would have been frozen over for a timeit is not clear where other immigrants may have come from, but some have suggested Australia as a likely possibility. Drone view of Lapa do Santo site, Brazil. Credit: Artur Magalhaes More information: Noreen von Cramon-Taubadel et al. Evolutionary population history of early Paleoamerican cranial morphology, Science Advances (2017). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1602289 Abstract The nature and timing of the peopling of the Americas is a subject of intense debate. In particular, it is unclear whether high levels of between-group craniometric diversity in South America result from multiple migrations or from local diversification processes. Previous attempts to explain this diversity have largely focused on testing alternative dispersal or gene flow models, reaching conflicting or inconclusive results. Here, a novel analytical framework is applied to three-dimensional geometric morphometric data to partition the effects of population divergence from geographically mediated gene flow to understand the ancestry of the early South Americans in the context of global human history. The results show that Paleoamericans share a last common ancestor with contemporary Native American groups outside, rather than inside, the Americas. Therefore, and in accordance with some recent genomic studies, craniometric data suggest that the New World was populated by multiple waves of dispersion from northeast Asia throughout the late Pleistocene and early Holocene. Press release Journal information: Science Advances , American Journal of Physical Anthropology 2017 Phys.org A white-lipped Horned Frog (Megophrys major) species complex, adult female from Northeast India. Credit: Photo by Systematics Lab Asian Horned frogs account for approximately half of the ancient family of frogs called Megophryidae. This group was previously estimated to have originated 100-126 million years ago (mya). Frogs of this family hopped alongside the famed Velociraptors and other dinosaurs during the Cretaceous period (145-66 mya). Despite the fact that these animals have been around for a long time, little is known about their evolutionary history. Furthermore, unlike their dinosaur contemporaries, these frogs did not leave behind any known fossils. Methods using information from DNA sequences exist for estimating the age of origin for such groups of animals but these methods rely heavily on fossils of related animal groups, which could prove unreliable for these species. New research recently published in the scientific journal, Molecular Biology and Evolution, by a team of scientists from Ireland and India resolved a 195-year old confusion regarding relationships between the species of Asian Horned Frogs, an enigmatic group of frogs often with horn-like projections over their eyes. Using DNA sequences, they discovered many potentially new species in this group previously unknown to science. They also estimated the ages of species and groups of species using a method that had previously not been tried on amphibians and inadvertently discovered that until now scientists may have been overestimating the age of many frog families. Their discovery may open a new chapter on how scientists interpret the evolutionary history of many animals that currently have no known fossil record. "While this research particularly focused on frogs, many other animal groups also lack a fossil record, and so its very difficult to decipher their evolutionary histories. Our hope is that methods used here will prove beneficial for understanding how the distant ancestors of living animals may have coexisted in prehistoric times," explains lead author Dr. Stephen Mahony. The research team was led by Ireland's leading herpetologist, Dr. Stephen Mahony (previously of University College Dublin [UCD], Ireland and University of Delhi [DU], India), and a prominent mammal molecular evolutionary biologist, Prof. Emma Teeling (UCD). A PhD student of Prof. Teeling, Nicole Foley (UCD), and the "Frogman of India", Prof. SD Biju (DU) were co-authors on this research publication. A a calling male Shillong Plateau Horned Frog (Megophrys oropedion), one of three recently discovered species named by three of the authors in 2013. Credit: Stephen Mahony The scientists demonstrated that a recently developed method called RelTime, that does not require fossil information, provided comparatively better age estimates for frogs. Their results correlate well with current knowledge on prehistoric biogeographydistribution of animals in space and time, considering tectonic plate movements, the rise of mountain ranges and palaeoclimatic changesthat may have influenced the evolutionary history of Asian Horned Frogs. This research project was envisaged by Dr. Mahony in 2006 after he discovered that one widely distributed 'species' appeared to represent several similar but scientifically 'new' distinct species. Six of these species from Thailand, Cambodia and India, were formally described as new to science between 2009 and 2013 from his (and his colleagues) previous research. Since then, Stephen embarked on the most extensive research to have ever been carried out on this group of frogs. He did so by examining and measuring hundreds of specimens from museums in Asia, Europe and the US, and used DNA gene sequences to determine how these species are related. Major discoveries: These new results indicate that the Asian Horned Frogs family may have originated as recently as 77 million years ago in contrast to 100-126 mya as previously estimated, and suggest that scientists might have been also overestimating the age of many other families of frogs by up to 35%. A Robust Horned Frog (Megophrys robusta), the largest species of Indian Horned Frog. Credit: Systematics Lab The results have completely changed our understanding of how the different Asian Horned Frog species and their species groups are related. Many of the species that look similar, and so were considered to be closely related, were found to be distant relatives of each other, and those that look different were found to be closely related. Finally, the results of this research have identified numerous species in India, Vietnam and Laos that are very likely new to science, several of which may be restricted to small distributions in vulnerable habitats. This raises concerns for their continued survival as "having a name" is the bedrock for conservation. "It is well known that Amphibians are one of the most endangered animal groups. Our research further demonstrates that many species remain undiscovered. Sadly, with climate change and continuing habitat destruction, we are losing many species before we can learn anything about them, but the use of molecular techniques is dramatically speeding up the learning process." says Mahony. More information: Stephen Mahony et al, Evolutionary History of the Asian Horned Frogs (Megophryinae): Integrative Approaches to Timetree Dating in the Absence of a Fossil Record, Molecular Biology and Evolution (2017). DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msw267 Journal information: Molecular Biology and Evolution Distinct new sub-populations of Helicobacter pylori have evolved in North, Central and South America. Credit: Kaisa Thorell, Koji Yahara and colleagues A genomic study of a harmful stomach bacterium finds that foreign strains intermingled with and replaced local strains after the arrival of Europeans and African slaves across the Americas. The study by Kaisa Thorell at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, Koji Yahara at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan and colleagues is published February 23rd, 2017 in PLOS Genetics. The Americas have been a melting pot, not only for diverse humans for the past 500 years, but also for strains of the microbe Helicobacter pylori carried along in the humans' stomachs. The bacterium persists for decades and commonly spreads from parent to child, but can also colonize new hosts and exchange DNA with local strains. Scientists analyzed 401 H. pylori genome sequences from strains collected in North, Central and South America. They found that European and African strains mixed together across the Americas, with little input from local strains, suggesting that the bacterial populations evolved quickly and spread rapidly to people of different ethnicities. Further analysis finds that the ability of a strain to adapt to a different ethnic group relies on a handful of human immune system genes. This study of H. pylori populations in the Americas sheds new light on the relationship between human migration and bacterial diversity, but also has implications for human health. H. pylori is a major health issue in Latin America where it contributes to ulcers and high rates of stomach cancer. Previous studies have identified a link between cancer risk and a mismatch between the ethnicity of the patient and the origin of the bacterial strain. The current findings may be useful for future explorations of the connection between individual bacterial strains and their associated risk of causing stomach cancer in different human populations. According to coauthor Daniel Falush "Helicobacter pylori has often beendescribed as a pathogen which is mostly passed from parent to child. Ourstudy shows that in the Americas its evolution has been much more dynamic.Native American strains have been largely outcompeted. Bacteria of Africanorigin seem to have done particularly well, hybridizing with strains ofEuropean origin and forming distinct new sub-populations, adapted to localconditions, in North, Central and South America." More information: Thorell K, Yahara K, Berthenet E, Lawson DJ, Mikhail J, Kato I, et al. (2017) Rapid evolution of distinct Helicobacter pylori subpopulations in the Americas. PLoS Genet 13(2): e1006546. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006546 Journal information: PLoS Genetics Women are more likely to hire gay and lesbian job applicants over equally-qualified straight candidates, according to a study led by the University of Sussex. But the opposite is true if the recruiter is a man all else being equal, male bosses judge heterosexual applicants as more hireable. The study in the Journal of Business and Psychology is the first to identify a positive bias for gay and lesbian candidates in the hiring process albeit only when women are making the hiring decisions. The lead author, Dr Ben Everly of Sussex's School of Business, Management and Economics, suggests that employers should pay close attention to the make-up of selection panels. He says: "These results show that bias against gay men and lesbians is much more nuanced than previous work suggests. "Hiring decisions made by teams of both men and women could lead to less biased decisions. "Additionally, these results could influence when and how gay men and lesbians disclose their gay identities at work." Across two experiments, around 400 people were randomly shown one of four CVs/resumes: that of a lesbian, a gay male, a straight female or a straight male. The fictional job applicants were named either Greg Johnson (male) or Jennifer Lewis (female) and listed as belonging to either Los Angeles Gay Business Professionals (gay applicants) or Los Angeles Business Professionals (straight applicants). All other details, such as professional experience, were the same. In post-experiment screening, any participants who incorrectly identified a candidate's sexual orientation were removed from the study. Credit: University of Sussex After viewing the CVs/resumes, participants indicated whether the candidate should be hired, using a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). Female recruiters scored gay candidates an average of 5.21 and straight candidates 4.8, whereas men scored gay candidates 4.6 and straight candidates 4.93. Surprisingly, this bias was even stronger among those who had significant experience of evaluating CVs/resumes. The study also found evidence that women perceive gay men and lesbians to be more competent and warm, and that these factors influenced their hiring decisions. Men, however, viewed heterosexual candidates as more competent, which affected their hiring decisions, but showed no difference in perceived warmth between the four applicants. Dr Everly says: "Because women experience discrimination and the glass ceiling in organisations, women may believe that gay and lesbian applicants must be more competent than equally qualified heterosexual applicants, in order to advance their careers." Transport makes up around 20 percent of our energy use around the worldand that figure is set to grow, according to the International Energy Agency. With sustainable solutions in mind, a new study published by eminent physicist Jo Hermans in MRS Energy and SustainabilityA Review Journal (MRS E&S) looks at the energy efficiency of current modes of transportfrom bicycles to buses, from air transport to cruise ships and concludes that liquid hydrogen seems to be a realistic option for what is probably the most problematic of transportation modes in terms of sustainability, future air travel. Professor Hermans from Leiden University's famous Huygen's Laboratory acknowledges that oil-based liquid fuels such as gasoline, diesel and kerosene will be hard to beat when it comes to how much energy they pack in relation to their volume and weightnot to mention the sheer convenience of using them to get from A to B. The author of popular books such as Physics is Fun (2012) and Energy Survival Guide (2011) acknowledges that achieving sustainable transport in the post-fossil fuel era will be a huge challengebut finds that liquid hydrogen could offer a potential solution for future air travel. "Given the severe weight limitations for fuel in aircraft, liquid hydrogen may be a viable alternative in the long run," he argues: First, handling of liquid hydrogen would be carried out by professionals, which reduces the safety issues involved with liquid hydrogen to the same level of risk involved in handling kerosene. Second, liquid hydrogen itself is very light (in fact, it is in a gaseous state at ordinary temperatures), which is an important advantage for air travel. Third, the disadvantages of "boil off" (created by the low boiling point of liquid hydrogen) would be reduced in air travel because of the low outside temperature at cruising altitudes. Hermans discounts the use of solar power for air travel without revolutionary changes in the airplane concept, but concludes that it seems wise to extend the availability of oil products as long as possible. However, he argues that the low cost of kerosene is a huge disincentive in this respect: "It is a defect that kerosene is so irrationally cheap, which triggers much unnecessary air travel," he writes. "A worldwide tax on keroseneif at all politically possibleshould be something to pursue." For road transport, Hermans argues that liquid hydrogen is not a viable option due to safety issues around handling it. He finds that electric vehicles offer the most promising solution. However, the challenge is to improve the performance of batteries to prolong the driving time for electric cars, as well as improving the performance of supercapacitors for more rapid charging of the batteries, he argues. Direct driving using solar power is difficult, Hermans finds, even under a clear sky. However, students from Eindhoven University of Technology are among those that have taken up the challenge; they built a four-seater solar-powered family car that can be driven indefinitely under clear skies at a speed of about 43km/h. The only drawback is that the car is just over 1m tall and is not very comfortable. Hermans concludes that solar family cars will be feasible in future if consumers are willing to sacrifice on comfort. Alternatively, Hermans writes, the most efficient way for us to reduce energy use in future is to reduce our mobility, for example, by having shorter distances between the workplace and home. "In other words, urban planning provides an important key," he concludes. More information: Jo Hermans, The challenge of energy-efficient transportation, MRS Energy & Sustainability (2017). DOI: 10.1557/mre.2017.2 By Press Trust of India: From Lalit K Jha Washington, Feb 23 (PTI) A South-Asian rights group has opposed the Trump administrations immigration plans, claiming that over 450,000 illegal Indian immigrants who are living in the US could be targeted by authorities. The group said the "undocumented" Indian population is the fourth such largest in the US after Mexico, El Salvador and Guatemala. advertisement A day after the Department of Homeland Security issued two detailed memos to implement the executive orders issued by President Donald Trump on illegal immigrants, the South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) yesterday said that these memos further relegate South Asian and all immigrant communities to second-class citizenship, questioning Americas very place in the quintessential nation of immigrants. "The scale of the Presidents anti-immigrant policies is extreme, and the new administration appears hell-bent on targeting and demonizing immigrant communities through orders that actively undermine safety and public trust in law enforcement," said Suman Raghunathan, executive director of SAALT. "Short-circuiting due process is not a crackdown on crime, but a crackdown on rights and our very founding values as a nation, and these measures must be opposed by all communities of color," Raghunathan said. SAALT said Trumps policies deeply affect the South Asian-American community, the most rapidly growing demographic group in the United States with a population of over 4.3 million. "India is the country of origin with the greatest increase in unauthorised immigrants to the United States with a 914 percent increase since 1990," it claimed. "Currently there are 450,000 undocumented Indian-Americans in the US alone, making India the fourth-highest sending country for undocumented immigrants after Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala," it added. The group alleged that the presidents draconian policies will force vulnerable communities to turn inward based upon their fear of profiling and deportation at the hands of the authorities. "Overall public safety will likely plunge as a result, as entire communities continue to lose trust in the very law enforcement professionals tasked with keeping them safe. "As such, public safety does not increase, but instead cripples under the weight of these short-sighted anti-immigrant policies," SAALT said. According to SAALT, the new policies of the Trump Administration massively expand and accelerate detentions and deportations, trample upon due process by in many cases removing the requirement for hearings and convictions prior to deportation. It also deputises local law enforcement to serve as immigration enforcement authorities, and increase the profiling and targeting of immigrant communities already under siege in the wake of recent and controversial executive orders released by this administration, the group said. PTI LKJ ASV --- ENDS --- advertisement Professor Robert Sinclair, head of OIST's Mathematical Biology Unit, holds a model of a Zika virus. Credit: Greta Keenan Professor Robert Sinclair at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) and Professor Dennis Bamford and Dr. Janne Ravantti from the University of Helsinki have found new evidence to support a classification system for viruses based on viral structure. The team developed a new highly-sensitive computational prototype tool, and used it to detect similarities in the genetic code of viruses with similar outer structures, that conventional tools have failed to detect, suggesting that they share a common ancestor. This is not what would have been expected if similarities in the structure of viruses were due to similar environmental pressures - a phenomenon known as convergence. The results, published in the Journal of Virology, suggest that viral structure could provide a means of categorizing viruses with their close relatives - a potentially superior approach to current classification systems. Application of this new structure-based classification system could make it easier to identify and treat newly emerging viruses that cannot easily be classified with existing classification systems. Viruses are notoriously difficult to classify due to their enormous diversity, high rates of change and tendency to exchange genetic material. They challenge the very concept of a clear distinction between the living and the dead, with many characteristics resembling those of living things, but lacking the ability to reproduce themselves, without the help of a host cell. As such, they do not fit neatly into the established biological classification system for cellular organisms. Existing classification systems are imperfect and often lead to very similar viruses being categorized as entirely different entities. These systems are also unable to account for the fact that viruses are constantly changing. If scientists could identify something that viruses are unable to change, it could provide a basis for a more meaningful approach to classification and enable the scientific community to tackle emerging viruses, such as HIV, SARS coronavirus and Zika virus, more easily. Previously observed similarities between the protein shell, or 'capsid', of viruses - that encloses and protects the genetic material - provide a basis for a classification system based on capsid structure, as previously proposed by Prof. Bamford. The few ways in which viruses package themselves are very similar, even between viruses that are likely to have had their common relative more than a billion years ago. Whether this conservation is due to convergence or common descent has been disputed. For a classification system based on virus capsid structure to be meaningful, the amino acids that provide the building blocks of the capsid proteins should be similar in related viruses. A seeming lack of sufficient amino acid sequence similarity picked up by conventional sequence analysis tools previously undermined capsid structure as a viable way to classify viruses. 3D schematic of an adenovirus. Adenoviruses are medium-sized viruses with an icosahedral capsid containing a double stranded DNA genome. They cause a range of illnesses from the common cold and to more life-threatening multi-organ diseases in people with weakened immune systems. Credit: Wikimedia Commons Using ideas from mathematics and computer science, Professor Sinclair from OIST's Mathematical Biology Unit worked with scientists at the University of Helsinki to reinvestigate whether the structure-based classification for viral capsids is in fact supported by previously undetected sequence similarity. "The conventional tools for detecting sequence similarity are very fast but they can miss things," says Professor Sinclair. "We used a more classical approach that takes longer but is much more sensitive." The team developed a computational prototype tool called the 'Helsinki Okinawa Sequence Similarity' or HOSS for short, to detect amino acid sequence similarity in viral coat proteins of icosahedral virus capsids - polyhedral capsids with 20 faces. The team also looked at nucleotide sequence similarity. "By randomly reshuffling the order of amino acids and nucleotides in pairs or triplets of viral sequences, we used statistics to find previously undetected similarities below 17% protein sequence identity, well below what conventional tools are capable of detecting," says Professor Dennis Bamford. The detection of extremely weak similarities in protein and coding sequences by HOSS suggests that viral capsid similarities are due to common descent, not convergence as previously suspected. This may reflect an aspect of viruses that is extremely difficult to change, and hence provide both a viable approach to classification and a potential therapeutic target. "Our work is the first to tie structural lineages to sequences so comprehensively," says Professor Sinclair. The team also demonstrated the power of their method by identifying a candidate capsid gene in the Pandoravirus salinus genome, something which no other team had been able to do. Now that the researchers have shown that there are similarities between viruses that were previously undetected, further work will focus on finding more efficient methods of data extraction, beyond the HOSS prototype. "We have also begun shifting our focus to RNA viruses, of which Zika virus and Ebola virus are examples. The genomes of RNA viruses tend to be more highly variable than DNA viruses, and are therefore even more challenging," says Professor Sinclair. "But with a refined method, it could well be possible." More information: Robert M. Sinclair et al, Nucleic and amino acid sequences support structure-based viral classification, Journal of Virology (2017). DOI: 10.1128/JVI.02275-16 Journal information: Journal of Virology The frames here show an example of an original galaxy image (left), the same image deliberately degraded (second from left), the image after recovery with the neural net (second from right), and the image processed with deconvolution, the best existing technique (right). Credit: K. Schawinski / C. Zhang / ETH Zurich. Telescopes, the workhorse instruments of astronomy, are limited by the size of the mirror or lens they use. Using 'neural nets', a form of artificial intelligence, a group of Swiss researchers now have a way to push past that limit, offering scientists the prospect of the sharpest ever images in optical astronomy. The new work appears in a paper in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. The diameter of its lens or mirror, the so-called aperture, fundamentally limits any telescope. In simple terms, the bigger the mirror or lens, the more light it gathers, allowing astronomers to detect fainter objects, and to observe them more clearly. A statistical concept known as 'Nyquist sampling theorem' describes the resolution limit, and hence how much detail can be seen. The Swiss study, led by Prof Kevin Schawinski of ETH Zurich, uses the latest in machine learning technology to challenge this limit. They teach a neural network, a computational approach that simulates the neurons in a brain, what galaxies look like, and then ask it to automatically recover a blurred image and turn it into a sharp one. Just like a human, the neural net needs examples - in this case a blurred and a sharp image of the same galaxy - to learn the technique. Their system uses two neural nets competing with each other, an emerging approach popular with the machine learning research community called a "generative adversarial network", or GAN. The whole teaching programme took just a few hours on a high performance computer. The trained neural nets were able to recognise and reconstruct features that the telescope could not resolve - such as star-forming regions, bars and dust lanes in galaxies. The scientists checked it against the original high-resolution image to test its performance, finding it better able to recover features than anything used to date, including the 'deconvolution' approach used to improve the images made in the early years of the Hubble Space Telescope. Schawinski sees this as a big step forward: "We can start by going back to sky surveys made with telescopes over many years, see more detail than ever before, and for example learn more about the structure of galaxies. There is no reason why we can't then apply this technique to the deepest images from Hubble, and the coming James Webb Space Telescope, to learn more about the earliest structures in the Universe." Professor Ce Zhang, the collaborator from computer science, also sees great potential: "The massive amount of astronomical data is always fascinating to computer scientists. But, when techniques such as machine learning emerge, astrophysics also provides a great test bed for tackling a fundamental computational question - how do we integrate and take advantage of the knowledge that humans have accumulated over thousands of years, using a machine learning system? We hope our collaboration with Kevin can also shed light on this question." The success of the project points to a more "data-driven" future for astrophysics in which information is learned automatically from data, instead of manually crafted physics models. ETH Zurich is hosting this work on the space.ml cross-disciplinary astrophysics/computer-science initiative, where the code is available to the general public. Since 2011, BYU nursing professor Julie Valentine has been researching the issues surrounding sexual assault kit processing and has been working with law enforcement agencies to improve the process. Nearly one year ago, in a press conference at BYU, Valentine spoke to a room full of media about the results of her groundbreaking study, looking at the processing of 1,874 sexual assault kits, commonly called rape kits, in seven Utah counties between 2010 and 2013. This was the most comprehensive study ever conducted on sexual assault kits in the United States. Valentine has worked to build upon her initial research and recently released a study that includes another year of data; the results now span from 20102014 and include 2,317 fully collected sexual assault kits. She found some encouraging results from the 2014 numbers. "We are seeing a significant increase in kit submission rates throughout the state," Valentine said. "Law enforcement agencies are to be commended for this substantial improvement." The big finding from the new study is that in 2014, 75 percent of sexual assault kits in Utah were submitted by law enforcement to the state crime laboratory for analysis. From 2010 to 2013, only 38 percent of kits were submitted. Washington County saw the most significant improvement. The submission rate of kits there increased to 93 percent in 2014 from only 18 percent in 2010 to 2013. Considerable variability still exists among jurisdictions on kit submission rates, and length of time between assault and submission date remains an issue. Submission rates of kits submitted to a crime lab within a month of the assault ranges from 2 percent in Washington County to 21 percent in Salt Lake County. In a review of 525 sexual assault kits submitted to the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services from Salt Lake County, Valentine discovered nine kits did not include the DNA of the suspect. Of the other 516 some of the kits did not have enough DNA to complete the analysis, some had DNA that matched the suspect, and some had DNA of an unknown assailant which has been entered into CODIS. "Generally, people tend to think of kit submissions as only benefitting victims," Valentine said. "This is important, but only part of the story. Testing kits benefits both victims and suspects. It helps to establish the truth." This most recent study of Valentine's is currently published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence. Valentine's role in helping improve sexual assault kit processing is not just in crunching the numbers and sharing her research. She has been on the front lines. Last year she worked extensively with West Valley City's police department, where she helped train the department on the impact that trauma has on sexual assault victims. That led to implementing new protocols, meant to ensure compassionate treatment and support for sexual assault victims. The results of Valentine's work with West Valley City showed that sexual assault prosecution jumped from 6 percent to 24 percent. Valentine's work is currently front-and-center in the Utah legislature. House Bill 200 (HB200) mandates the submission and testing of all rape kits, development of trauma informed training for law enforcement and development of a tracking system allowing victims to track their own rape kits through the process. The bill is getting a substantial amount of media attention in Utah and is being watched throughout the US. "The passage of HB200 will be a victory for sexual assault victims, but also a victory in applying the scientific advancements of DNA analysis in establishing truth and justice in these cases," Valentine said. "The end result will be improved identification of serial perpetrators, thereby making Utah a safer state. A safer state is a healthier state." Guardian bees of the species Scaptotrigona depilis at the entrance to their hive. Credit: Christoph Gruter, JGU Although stingless bees do not have a sting to fend off enemies, they are nonetheless able to defend their hives against attacks. Only four years ago it was discovered that a Brazilian bee species, the Jatai bee, has a soldier caste. The slightly larger fighters guard the entrance to the nest and grip intruders with their powerful mandibles in the event of an attack. Working in collaboration with Brazilian researchers at the University of Sao Paulo and Embrapa in Belem, biologists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) managed to identify four further species which produce a special soldier caste to defend their nests. "This is therefore not a solitary case, as it seems there is an astounding variety of social organization among other stingless honey bees," said Dr. Christoph Gruter of Mainz University. The scientists had examined a total of 28 different species from entirely different habitats in Brazil. There are more than 500 species of stingless honey bees worldwide, 400 of them in Brazil alone. They form highly social societies with a queen and collect pollen in the same way as European honeybees. Many of the stingless bee species, however, are helplessly exposed to attacks by robbers. These robber bees, which also belong to the stingless bees, have given up foraging for pollen or nectar themselves. Instead, they invade the nests of other bees and steal their honey and pollen, even wax and brood food. In 2012, however, Dr. Christoph Gruter and his colleagues discovered for the first time that parasitic robbers encounter difficulties when they assault a Jatai bee (Tetragonisca angustula) colony. The nest entrance is protected by guard bees which are larger than the hive's other worker bees. "Meanwhile we have established that the hive guards of a number of species out of the total of 28 we examined are larger than other worker bees. These soldiers are between 10 to 30 percent larger than the pollen foragers of the same colony," explained Gruter, adding that larger guards are better fighters. Evolutionary biologists found large guard bees mainly in species that are subject to frequent attacks. The authors postulate that attacks by robbers are the driving force behind the evolution of a special caste among the worker bees and therefore represent the factor that has resulted in this more marked division of labor. "We were able to clearly link the activity of robber bees to the evolution of these soldiers," clarified Gruter. Analyses showed that such a differentiation among worker bees has occurred at least five times in the last 25 million years hand in hand with the appearance of parasitic robber bees. Soldier bees of the species Tetragonisca angustula defending the entrance to their hive . Credit: Christoph Gruter, JGU Based on their findings, the team of researchers from Mainz and Brazil were able to publish a further new discovery. To date, it has been assumed that the division of labor among bees is determined primarily by age. Young bees take care of cleaning the nest and feeding the larvae. As they get older they move closer to the nest exit, from where they depart on foraging expeditions in search of food. It is a different matter with soldier bees. They are larger than their nest comrades from the moment they hatch, which means the division of labor in a hive is not dictated solely by the age of the insects but also by their morphology. More information: Christoph Gruter et al, Repeated evolution of soldier sub-castes suggests parasitism drives social complexity in stingless bees, Nature Communications (2017). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-016-0012-y Journal information: Nature Communications Credit: Fauna & Flora International Over the last 14 years, waterbirds in Myanmar's Irrawddy River declined by 60% to 90% depending on the species. Scientists working for Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and Manfred Hermsen Foundation have repeated an ornithology survey of the Myitkyina to Mandalay stretch of the Irrawaddy River last carried out in 2003. They found that many waterbirds have declined sharply due to habitat loss, gold panning and poaching. FFI is calling for immediate action to protect at least the most important river section between Myitkyina and Mandalay. More than 20,000 waterbirds (61 species) were recorded along the river, with small pratincole and ruddy shelduck the most numerous recorded. But despite their relative abundance compared with other waterbirds (see Table 1 below), both of these charismatic species have also experienced a very drastic population decline since the last survey. Species' population declines range from 59 to 98%, compared with survey data from 2003 for the river section between Myitkyina and Sinbo alone. Lead scientist Christoph Zoeckler said, "The Irrawaddy River is one of the last remaining wild, un-dammed rivers in Asia, with the section between Myitkyina and Sinbo considered to be of particular importance for conservation." Table 1: Waterbird decline from 2003 2017 (Myitkyina to Sinbo Irrawaddy River Section). Credit: Fauna & Flora International "Despite the decline, this is still a globally-important site for waterbirds. Therefore we believe it is now critical to secure the designation of this river section as a globally important wetland under the international protection of the Ramsar convention." Immediate actions that are required include phasing out small-scale illegal gold mining in the river sections that provide key habitats for birds, fish and other aquatic wildlife; introducing community-based or communal waste management systems in the villages along the river; and preventing further agricultural encroachment onto river banks. "At the moment, the riverbanks are covered in household waste while sandbanks are being dug up for gold-mining. Unless immediate drastic measures are undertaken to reduce the threats in the most important river sections, habitats for waterbirds will disappear and the river will turn into wasteland," said FFI's Myanmar Country Director Frank Momberg. Small pratincole, a characteristic bird of from the the Irrawaddy River. Credit: Zoeckler/Fauna & Flora International The Irrawaddy River The Irrawaddy River is one of the last major remaining rivers in Asia not affected by dams or any other impediments in the water course, and as a result it is able to transport water, sediment and nutrients unobstructed downstream, and provide critical habitat for biodiversity. Sadly, the human impact on the river is visible and increasing. The serious decline of waterbirds and other birds is associated with the loss of habitats, mostly due to expansion of agricultural land onto sandbanks, riverine swamps and other wetlands, but it is also due to widespread gold panning. Bird trapping and bait poisoning has also been observed throughout the river and seems to be systemic and wide-spread. Ruddy Shelduck (male and female). Credit: Zoeckler/Fauna & Flora International. Despite the worrying declines, the area is still home to good numbers of waterbirds and a rich biodiversity, and conservationists believe that this critical area is able to recover from previous losses if conservation actions are taken. Some sections still qualify as Ramsar sites, but a Man & Biosphere Reserve seems to be the most appropriate way to conserve the key biodiversity areas while also securing the livelihoods of communities along the river. The dynamic river creates wild places and habitat for wildlife. Credit: Zoeckler/Fauna & Flora International. Examples of signs and symptoms of downy mildew of lima bean in the field. Credit: University of Delaware One of the most important factors for lima bean growers in Delaware and throughout the world is the ability to accurately measure and forecast disease occurrence in their fields during the growing season. A new risk model developed by a team of researchers from the University of Delaware's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) and the Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS), will allow lima bean growers in the state to utilize a free on-line tool to help them assess the risk of having their fields hit with downy mildew, a fungal-like disease caused by Phytophthora phaseoli. The research was funded by a five-year, $1.5 million U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant (SCRI). The team includes Nicole Donofrio and Tom Evans, professors of plant pathology in CANR's Department of Plant and Soil Sciences; Gordon Johnson, assistant professor of plant and soil sciences and a fruit and vegetable specialist for Cooperative Extension; and Kevin Brinson, director of DEOS, which is housed in UD's Department of Geography in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE). Matthew Shatley, computer research specialist, and Chris Hughes, environmental applications developer, both in CEOE, helped develop the website. Donofrio said one of the goals of the grant was to create a risk model that growers and processors could easily access for lima bean downy mildew, adding that this new user-friendly website will be "an excellent tool that our cooperators can use that will inform them when and if they need to spray fungicides." Evans, who has been working on prediction models for downy mildew for 15 years with multiple students conducting research both in the field and in greenhouses, said that an older model predicted based strictly on temperature and rainfall. This newer model uses that predictor but adds dew point and temperature, which is helpful as the ideal conditions for downy mildew may also be found in September when growers encounter heavy dews but not much rain. "The month of September typically has a lot of dew because we have high humidity and low night temperatures. The one that uses dew point is the one that's been predicting the most because most of the occurrences were in September. We haven't had any major epidemics in July and August, which is kind of when we have rainfall driven disease," said Evans. The risk model utilizes a numeric scale from one to 10 and allows growers to assess how much risk they are willing to take on, before taking action. "Everybody has a different risk tolerance and their tolerance has to be taken into account. My recommendation is that you're in high risk when you're in somewhere between seven, eight or nine, but there's a lot of variation in that depending on the field and the conditions," said Evans. To use the website, users request an account via email to deos-info@udel.edu and an account is set up for them. Once the user has an account, they can log in to the website to add their lima bean fields or view risk values of their existing fields. New fields are added to the system by providing GPS coordinates or by using a map interface to select the field's location. Weather data from the nearest stations in the DEOS network are determined using the field's geographic location. Additional information required for each field includes information on the lima bean cultivar planted as well as the field's downy mildew disease history. The website allows growers to look at a set of data and graphs that show them their fields' daily risk value for the occurrence of downy mildew. Knowing their individual risk factor allows them to know whether or not they need to spray their crops, which helps their economic bottom line. "This might cut two or three protectant fungicide sprays out in a year and that might save them $100 an acre. And that adds up over time," said Evans. The less fungicides that growers use, the better it is for the environment and it also gives downy mildew less of an opportunity to develop resistance to the fungicides that are being used. Evans said this model is unique to the state of Delaware and the researchers are in the stages of validating it so that that they can feel more comfortable about setting a general range for growers. "I have not found a system that operates quite like this but that's because we're a small state and it's free data. It's public data and it's being done by people that are employed by the state or the University or both," said Evans. Brinson said that the website should be launched in time for the spring growing season and that to validate the model, the researchers used data from lima bean fields owned by vegetable production companies that have scouts who regularly check their fields for downy mildew. "We loaded that data into the system and then ran the model and did all the calculations and as the risk scores got higher, they would go out and try to confirm the presence of downy mildew," said Brinson, noting that Evans would do a lot of the scouting himself. "I know Tom was literally driving around with his iPad looking at our tool and saying, 'Looks like this score is an eight so I want to drive to this field and check it out.' The research team has put a lot of work into certainly this disease but this particular crop, too," said Brinson. A scan of a glass plate negative of the first note left by the kidnapper in the Lindbergh case. The scan has been reversed to show a positive image of the note. Lieutenant R. A. Snook of the New Jersey State Police, the chief investigator in the Lindberg case, brought this and the other ransom notes to the National Bureau of Standards on May 9, 1932, so Wilmer Souder could examine and photograph them. Credit: NBS/NIST; source: NARA It was called the Trial of the Century, and on the night it ended, the Hunterdon County Courthouse in Flemington, New Jersey, was surrounded by thousands of people awaiting the verdict. When it came, camera operators on the newsreel trucks launched flares that lit up the night sky and illuminated for their cameras the jeering crowd below. The defendant, Bruno Richard Hauptmann, was found guilty of kidnapping and killing the 20-month-old son of aviator Charles Lindbergh. Hauptmann would die in the electric chair the following year. The crime was committed on March 1, 1932. The ransom notes helped seal Hauptmann's fate. Eight experts testified that the handwriting on the notes matched Hauptmann's. In the media frenzy that was the Lindbergh trial, one of those experts made a point of avoiding the spotlight, something he did throughout his long career. Years later, when he was nearing retirement, a profile in Reader's Digest would refer to him as Detective X. His name was Wilmer Souder. A physicist at the National Bureau of Standards, now known as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Souder played an important role in the early days of forensic science. He helped send countless murderers, bootleggers, gangsters and thieves to prison, and he kept such a low profile partly out of concern for his and his family's safety. Perhaps as a result, he was not long remembered for his forensic work, and his influence on the developing field of forensic science was not as great as it might have been. A scientist and a historian at NIST team up to discover the mostly forgotten history of Wilmer Souder, a scientist who worked at the National Bureau of Standards (now NIST) from 1911 to 1954. Souder was an early expert in the field of forensic science. His careful analysis of evidence and his expert testimony sent to prison countless murderers, bootleggers, gangsters, and thieves. The most famous case he worked on was the Lindbergh kidnapping case, and this video reveals that his involvement in that case was much greater than previously known. But this story is about more than a partly forgotten historical figure. It's also about the history of science, and the fact that progress usually does not happen in a straight line. Souder brought precision measurement and rigorous standards to the emerging field of forensic science. In doing so, he confronted issues that modern forensic science is still grappling with today. Now, a scientist and a historian are bringing Souder's story to light. But their efforts have been impeded not only by a scarcity of historical recordssomething many researchers must contend withbut also by the fact that Souder had diligently obscured his own role. Wilmer Souder in his laboratory at the National Bureau of Standards in Washington, D.C., April 11, 1935. Credit: NBS/NIST; source: NARA The Search Begins The search started in late 2014, when Kristen Frederick-Frost, then working as curator of the NIST Museum, was planning a display of objects related to the history of forensic science. Frederick-Frost, who earned a Ph.D. in physics before obtaining a master's degree in the history of science, is fascinated by historical artifacts. Often, when she finds one, she manages to convey both spontaneous excitement and scholarly seriousness at the same time. Frederick-Frost knew of Souder's work in forensic science from a few brief mentions in the agency's official history, and she hoped that the NIST archive might include a Souder-related artifact or two for her display. So, she put on a thick sweater she keeps at her desk and headed down to the agency's archive, which is really just a room in the basement filled with shelves and kept cold to preserve the collection. On one of those shelves was a box containing much more than she was expecting to find. In it were nine old notebooks, each bound in green fabric and filled with Souder's barely legible script. "It took me about ten minutes of reading before I realized how big a deal this was," Frederick-Frost said. At around the same time, a NIST scientist whom Frederick-Frost had not yet met was also digging into Souder's history. John Butler, like Souder before him, is an important figure in the history of forensic science. As a Ph.D. student in the 1990s, he developed techniques for analyzing DNA that are now standard practice in crime labs around the world. Detective X: (Re) Discovering Wilmer Souder. Credit: National Institute of Standards and Technology Butler, a father of six, usually walks the less than two miles from his home to the NIST campus in suburban Gaithersburg, Maryland. He no longer works in the lab. These days, Butler plays a leading role in a NIST effort to strengthen the scientific foundation of forensics, and he is vice-chair of a federal advisory committee, the National Commission on Forensic Science. Butler's goal, and that of the larger effort of which he is a part, is to strengthen forensic science in ways that ensure criminals are brought to justice and innocent people do not end up behind bars. During college, Butler had a summer internship at the National Archives, so he's a bit of a history buff. If NIST were going to try to change the way forensic science is practiced today, Butler thought, it would be wise to learn from history. Butler also knew just a bit of Souder from the agency's official history, and he started searching for Souder's scientific publications. "I had no idea how big a role Souder played," Butler said. A mutual colleague told Frederick-Frost about Butler. She called him, and within an hour Butler was poring over the notebooks and sharing what he had learned so far. One of two boxes that John Butler and Kristen Frederick-Frost found at the National Archives containing glass plate negatives of ransom notes from the Lindbergh kidnapping case. Credit: NIST Trained by the Best Souder, they would later learn, grew up on a farm in Indiana and worked briefly as a schoolteacher before earning a master's degree in physics. He started working at the National Bureau of Standards in 1911. He must have shown considerable promise because he left two years later for the University of Chicago, then home to perhaps the top physics department in the United States. That department included Albert Michelson, who had won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1907 for inventing optical instruments that could measure things very precisely. The Michelson interferometer, for instance, could measure distances of less than one micrometer, or one-millionth of a meter. That department was also home to Robert Millikan, who would win the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1923 for his work on the photoelectric effect. Souder studied under Millikan and conducted many experiments on that same subject, though most of Souder's research papers did not list him as first author. That honor, in keeping with a tradition that many graduate students are still familiar with today, went to Millikan. Soon after receiving his Ph.D. in 1916, Souder returned to the National Bureau of Standards, where he made a name for himself by studying the physical properties of dental fillings, including how different amalgams expanded or contracted as they dried or changed temperature. Perhaps drawing on his doctoral training, he used an interferometer to measure these changes with great precision. This work may seem less exciting than forensic science, but it was of great interest to the U.S. Army, whose soldiers required dental care. Although Souder is not well-remembered for his work in forensics, one of the most prestigious honors in the field of dental research is named for him: the Wilmer Souder Award. The mild-mannered expert on dental fillings would soon develop a sideline in forensic science. In those days, federal agencies had not yet set up crime laboratories, so when they had evidence to analyze, they turned to the National Bureau of Standards for help. Forensic science is largely a matter of metrologythe science of measurementand that fell squarely within the remit of the bureau. And within the bureau, who better to make extremely precise measurements of physical evidence than the University of Chicago-trained physicist? When law enforcement agents brought evidence to him, Souder logged its receipt in a notebook. Among those notebooks were the nine that Frederick-Frost would find, almost a century later, in the NIST archive. Butler spent his off-hours during the summer of 2015 filling a spreadsheet with dates, case numbers, and other data from the notebooks. He found that from 1929 until 1954, Souder worked on 838 cases, including almost 100 for the Department of Justice, which then included the Bureau of Prohibition as well as the FBI. He also worked on almost 300 cases for the Treasury Department, which often investigated mobsters for tax evasionmost famously, Al Capone, though no evidence has emerged that Souder worked on that case. Most of the cases Souder worked on came from federal agencies. But there was at least one exception. On May 9, 1932, a Lieutenant R. A. Snook of the New Jersey State Police met with Souder at the bureau's labs in Washington, D.C. Snook was the chief investigator in the Lindbergh case, and he brought with him the original ransom notes for Souder to photograph and analyze. A few days later, Snook filed a report of this meeting with his police agency. "Dr. Souder explained that arrangements had been made for the work to be kept strictly confidential," the report said. "The case was to be known to the Bureau of Standards as the Adamson case," a fictitious name that Souder invented to throw busybodies off the trail. The report went on to say that when Souder introduced Snook to people at the bureau, he introduced him as, "Mr. Martin, from New York." The Chicago Daily Tribune reported Souder's involvement later that month, so in the Lindbergh case, at least, the information didn't take long to leak out. But Souder's notebooks are full of obscure references. "Who knows what other famous cases he worked on," Butler said. On September 6, 1932, Souder must have been working on the Lindbergh case. His notebook entry for that day says, "see Adamson Volume." Butler and Frederick-Frost searched everywhere they could think of for the Adamson volume. "I was obsessed with finding it," Frederick-Frost said. So far, at least, they haven't. The National Archives Their next big break came later that year, when Frederick-Frost was searching through binders full of old archive transfer records at NIST. In one of them, she found a half-century-old transfer slip that documented a shipment to the National Archives containing more than 10,000 glass plate negatives. Other shipments contained detailed reports of laboratory test results. At least some of these photographs and reports, she was sure, would be from Souder's lab. Wilmer Souders 1918 National Bureau of Standards personnel photo. Credit: NIST She and Butler visited the National Archives in College Park, Maryland, several times in late 2015. Unfortunately, they learned that detailed reports related to identification of handwriting, typewriting and bulletsthese were Souder's areas of expertisehad been discarded in April 1944, presumably to make room in the collection for new material. But the glass plate negatives were there, and an archivist named William Wade gamely assisted by hoisting and carting heavy boxes full of those plates to the viewing area. "We were at the end of a long day and I said, 'Billy I have just one more pull, I'm sorry,'" Frederick-Frost said. He came back with a box that looked different from the others. When new material arrives at the facility, archivists repackage it in preservation-quality boxes. This was an old cardboard box that looked as if it had not been opened for decades. Butler and Frederick-Frost, wearing white cotton art-handling gloves, opened the box. It was stuffed with shredded newsprint. Pushing that aside, they dug out two smaller boxes sealed with black tape. Scribbled across the top of those, in the same penciled handwriting that fills Souder's nine notebooks, they saw the words, "Baby Lindbergh Kidnapping Case." "We were ecstatic," Frederick-Frost said. Opening the smaller boxes, they found glass plate negatives, produced during Lieutenant Snook's May 9, 1932, visit to the National Bureau of Standards, of the handwritten ransom notes demanding moneysome demanded $50,000, others $70,000 for the safe return of Charles Lindbergh Jr. Souder analyzed the handwriting in those notes and testified at trial that the handwriting was Hauptmann's. Prosecutors presented much other evidence as well, but Souder's testimony did help send Hauptmann to the electric chair. Was his analysis of the evidence reliable? In recent years, many forensic methods have come under increased scrutiny. A 2009 report from the National Academy of Sciences found that there may be a scientific basis for handwriting comparison, but that there has been only limited research into its reliability. It said much the same about another technique that Souder frequently used, that of comparing marks on bullets to determine if they were fired by the same gun. Referring to a broad array of forensic disciplines, the report said: "In some cases, substantive information and testimony based on faulty forensic science analyses may have contributed to wrongful convictions of innocent people." To reduce the likelihood of wrongful convictions, that 2009 report, and a 2016 report from the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, called for increased research into the validity of forensic methods. They also called for a transition away from subjective methods that require human judgement and toward objective measurements with well-defined error rates. NIST launched its current forensic science program partly in response to the issues raised in the 2009 report. Today, NIST scientists are developing new methods for analyzing ballistic evidence, fingerprints and DNA evidence, among others. NIST also is leading an effort to develop science-based standards for use in forensic laboratories. While searching through old scientific publications, Butler found that Souder often discussed these very same issues. For instance, in an article by Souder in the March 19, 1932, issue of Army and Navy Journal, Souder discussed the importance of precision measurement in forensic analysis. He also called for minimum standards for laboratory equipment and standards for qualification of experts. In doing so, Souder anticipated with eerie similitude the very issues that are roiling the forensic community today. So, can we have confidence in Souder's analysis of Hauptmann's handwriting? "We don't have his detailed case notes, so we don't know exactly how he conducted his analyses," Butler said. "But in terms of his scientific approach, he was way ahead of his time." Souder had no understudies in forensic science, and after he retired in 1954, the National Bureau of Standards no longer involved itself in forensic casework. Souder had maintained a much more visible profile in his dental research, and he would have a great influence on the trajectory of that field. But his contributions to forensic science would be largely forgotten. Today, the forensic community is still grappling with issues that Souder first raised almost 100 years ago. A Family Connection Perhaps the biggest piece of this still incomplete puzzle fell into place after Butler searched census records, marriage announcements and genealogy websites to locate Souder's only living descendant. Kathy Leser is a retired corporate executive living in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and she bears a striking resemblance to her grandfather. Leser was unaware how important a role Souder played in the early days of forensic science. Most of her memories of him are from after he retired to Pennsylvania. Butler and Frederick-Frost invited Leser to NIST so they could share what they had found. When she visited, she brought a box of Souder's belongings from her attic. The box contained a photo of a young Souder growing up on the family farm in Indiana, and photos of Souder, his wife and daughterhis only childon vacation in Europe. It contained press clippings and letters of appreciation from FBI director J. Edgar Hoover and Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon. It also included a gun carry permit that listed as the reason for issuance: "Witness in criminal identifications for Federal & D.C. Governments. Personal protection desirable for such service." Leser donated these items to the NIST archive. Frederick-Frost, who originally intended only a museum display about the history of forensic science, mounted an exhibit on Souder which opened at the NIST Museum in June 2016. Today, Frederick-Frost is a curator at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, where she specializes in the history of science. Butler continues his work to move forensic science forward. He has always kept notes on the efforts he's been involved in, but he does that now more than ever to ensure that an institutional memory of these efforts persists. That way, future efforts can build upon what's already been accomplished rather than repeating what came before. Butler and Frederick-Frost both continue to search for information about Souder. There is surely more out there, though much is permanently lost. The first time they met Leser, Butler and Frederick-Frost asked her if she had a notebook or box with the word "Adamson" on it. Leser did not. She said that Souder had kept organized records in his attic, but since he passed away in 1974, they've been lost. The story has originally appeared on NIST website at www.nist.gov/featured-stories/who-was-detective-x MYOB Accounting Software Acquires Payment Company MYOB a long time developer of accounting software for small business has made an aquisition in the payment space of Paycorp. See the full news release on the MYOB website https://www.myob.com/au/about/news/2017/myob-to-acquire-leading-payment-solutions-providerpaycorp MYOB Group Limited (MYOB or the company; ASX: MYO), a leading provider of online business management solutions, today announced it has entered in to a sale and purchase agreement to acquire 100 per cent of Paycorp Payment Solutions Pty Limited (Paycorp) for a total consideration of A$48 million. The acquisition will be funded from the companys existing cash reserves and is expected to complete by 1 April 2017. The acquisition is in line with MYOBs corporate strategy of providing innovative solutions to clients, and follows the successful launch of MYOBs PayDirect Mobile and PayDirect Online solutions, with monthly MYOB PayDirect Mobile transactions growing by 64 per cent in 2016 and PayDirect Online launched mid-year. Paycorp is a market leading provider of payment processing solutions to over 6,500 clients (banks and businesses of all sizes) across Australasia. The acquisition of Paycorp presents a significant market opportunity for MYOB, in a sector where the Total Addressable Market for fees from payments through accounting software platforms is estimated to be over A$700 million. The acquisition positions MYOB as a market leader to bridge the gap between accounting and payment solutions through adding integrated and seamless payment acceptance into accounting software flows. The transaction is expected to complete on 1 April 2017, subject to satisfying certain conditions, and will be immediately EPS accretive. MYOB CEO Tim Reed said: We are pleased to announce this deal with Paycorp, which brings significant growth opportunity for us in the payment service industry. We know from our clients, that cash flow is consistently the number one pain point for small business operators and we are delighted that we can bring together a solution that enables our clients to reduce administration time and costs and improve cash flow through the automation of payment services for their businesses. Through this acquisition, we will be the first to market with an integrated payment and accounting solution to our clients, which will create a new revenue stream for MYOB while staying true to our vision of helping businesses succeed. Paycorps CEO John Caliguri said: We are excited to join forces with MYOB, a market leader providing online solutions to businesses across Australia and New Zealand. This is the opportunity weve been looking for to deliver fully integrated payment solutions to many more clients across Australasia, and thereby help them improve their cashflow. Strategic Rationale and Market Opportunity MYOB has an existing robust payment offering, delivering innovations through MYOB PayDirect Mobile and Online, M-Powered Invoices and M-Powered Payments. This is in addition to payroll solutions PaySuper and NZ Payroll. With strong growth in PayDirect Mobile transactions, which increased to more than 10,000 per month by the end of 2016, MYOB believes a large market exists within small and medium businesses to use core payments service to drive efficiencies in their business and their cashflow requirements. MYOB has seen critical cash flow inefficiencies and losses for many businesses in Australia and New Zealand, and expects strong demand for a solution to bridge the gap between accounting software services and the payment services market. Paycorp provides a secure payments service to over 6,500 clients across multiple industries, allowing customers to receive and process secure payment transactions (such as credit card, direct debit and BPAY). Adding an integrated and seamless payment acceptance process into MYOBs accounting software flows, enables businesses to automate payment services which, in turn, creates efficiencies in cash flow, reduces administration time and costs for clients. The acquisition will also strengthen margins for existing MYOB connected services by allowing MYOB to have direct commercial, contractual and operational relationships with the acquirers and payment processors. With an existing client base of around 1.2 million small to medium size businesses, MYOB is well positioned to address this attractive market opportunity and create a new revenue stream for MYOB. Research in August 2016 by Deutsche Bank estimated that fees from payments through accounting software platforms in Australia and New Zealand has a Total Addressable Market of more than A$700 million. Other POS news: PointofSale.com , now in its 8th year, does not sell products or services and we rely on sponsors to keep the site up. Please visit the POS software pages and POS hardware pages (see left side menu above) to find great POS products from various vendors. By Karishma Kuenzang: Delhi played host to one of the giants of jazz in recent times and the inventor of the touch technique of playing the guitar-tapping the fingers on the fretboard of the guitar with both hands to play the notes - American guitarist Stanley Jordan, this weekend. The 57-year-old made his Delhi debut at this year's edition of the Jazz Utsav in the Capital, headlining the music festival, which also featured acts like Smiti & Adhir, Aman Kartikeya Pranai and the Matteo Fraboni Trio. Jordon started his journey in music with the piano at the age of three, when he started tinkering around with the piano at home, followed by piano lessons his mother enrolled him for, when he was seven. advertisement But, when his parents got divorced, they were forced to sell the piano due to economic reasons, and he turned to more financially viable options-the guitar. JOURNEY FROM PIANO TO GUITAR-PIANO He says, "What I loved about the guitar was that it was so expressive-when you are touching the string, you can put so much emotion in it, you have a lot of control over the tone, which I loved." And it was his tryst with the piano that actually led to the invention of his guitar technique, which has now been adopted by several guitarists worldwide, and also enables him to play a guitar and piano simultaneously. "I started to miss some of the possibilities of the piano-like having a lot more control over the dynamics. So, when I was 16 years old, I tried to bring some pianistic textures to the guitar. I was looking up some piano chords and realised I didn't have to limit one note per string on the guitar, if I changed my technique." "I got this idea of an electronic guitar neck that was a matrix of push buttons-it would be like a keyboard, but laid out like a guitar. I was setting out to build that, when I tried out the same theory on a normal guitar by tapping the string, and the touch technique was born," he explains. BUT this new technique of playing the guitar also meant that he would have to make some other tweaks to style. The musician, who considers trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, pianists Brad Mehldau, Keith Jarrett and Herbie Hancock to be some of the leading acts in the genre, actually started with the Blues, and was influenced by the likes of BB King, Jimi Hendrix and Santana. "Jazz really caught my attention because I come from a background of classical music on the piano and then I got into Rock and Blues, and for me jazz combined all the elements I loved from the different genres of music. But, I like to play a variety of genres in my shows, though jazz is always the core," says the guitarist, who almost even got BB King to be a guest on his album. "Unfortunately, he passed away before we got down to it. Now, I'm releasing an album with that particular song-Riders On The Storm-as a tribute to him," he adds. JORDAN JAMS WITH MUSICIANS AT DELHI BAR Jordan also spoke about performing and jamming with the American jazz-rock band Dave Matthews Band, known for their crazy improvisations, something that's key to the genre. Jordon, is also the musician who believes in the healing power of music. Speaking about his music therapy experience as a teenager, he says, "I was scheduled to jam with a pianist friend when I was in high school, and I got the flu, but still wanted to jam. So, we played the whole day, and by the end of it, I physically felt so much better. I couldn't believe it. Music clearly helped to recover from the flu. Music is way more than just listening, the activity of making music can be beneficial on-I can be used in psychotherapy as a way of building trust. Music therapy is really coming up everywhere as a thing that people turn to for therapy, and I think that in the next five years, it's going to become a household term." The guitarist, who is yet to name his new guitar (the previous one was named Moondeer), says that he has always wanted to come to India to play. "Jazz musicians have been coming here to perform, but never in big numbers, though the jazz scene in Delhi definitely seems to be improving. I'm hoping to contribute towards accelerating that," he said. And he was so impressed with the love for jazz in the city that he ended up heading to a prominent jazz club in the city for a jam session with Delhi musicians like guitarist Pranai Gurung, drummer Kartikeya Srivastava, pianist Aman Mahajan, bassist Abhinav Khokhar and more. --- ENDS --- advertisement - Following a call by Imo state Governor Rochas Okorocha advising Markafi and his supporters to obey the Appeal Court ruling, Makarfi has fired back at the governor. - Markafi, in a statement released by his spokesperson said Okorocha is known for his uncouth and unnecessary input in every case. The Ahmed Makarfi-led group of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has attacked at Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha for saying Markafi and his supporters should not to be anarchists by going against a valid judgement which empowered Sheriff as the indisputable National chairman of the PDP. Makarfi's spokesman Prince Dayo Adeyeye said Okorochas statement is neither needed nor welcome by the PDP group, Daily Post report. Makarfi attacks at Okorocha for insulting PDP READ ALSO: Ali Modu Sheriff got PDP leaders arrested, detained - Fani-Kayode Adeyeye said: "Okorocha is not known to be a person who exercises caution or restraint before making unguarded statements. His constant vituperation on matters small or big, is indicative of an over-excited mind desperately in need of a large dose of tranquilizer. It is curious that while he would want the PDP to accept the verdict of the Court of Appeal and not exercise its right of appeal to the Supreme Court, he was nowhere to be found when Sheriff refused to accept the judgment of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, but instead proceeded to the Court of Appeal. In any case, what is Okorochas special interest in PDP matter? Need Nigerians any further conviction that the APC is the unseen hand stoking the fire of crisis in the PDP and Sheriff and his cohorts mere puppets in their hands? The desperate attempt by APC to exonerate itself only further exposed its duplicity. The Police excuse for preventing a peaceful assembly of distinguished PDP members on alleged but unproven security threat is an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on Legit.ng News App It is the duty of the Police to provide security if they suspect any breach of peace. It is a gross abnegation of its responsibilities to prevent people from exercising their constitutionally guaranteed right of peaceful assembly. No one is in doubt today that the Police has submitted itself to total control and direction by the APC. Meanwhile, the factional national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ali Modu-Sheriff has promised he will leave his position as the party's leader after its convention. Sheriff who spoke at a meeting with some members of the party from the South-West in Abuja on Wednesday, February 22, said he will not remain as PDP national chairman forever. Source: Legit.ng The former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh on Thursday, February 23, asked Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to disqualify himself from continuing with his matter. Metuh, who made an oral application through his counsel, Mr Onyeachi Ikpeazu (SAN) , said he no longer has confidence in the court presided over by Abang. The application followed the courts refusal to grant two applications filed by Metuh, one praying the court to summon the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki by way of a subpoena to testify as witness. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest news on Legit.ng News App The other application, the court refused was one praying it to release Metuhs international passport to enable him travel abroad for medical treatment. Abang said that the court had in May 2016 refused Metuhs application for the release of the passport and wondered why a similar application was brought before the court. However, a mild drama ensued between the judge and Ikpeazu when the court asked him to call his next witness. Ikpeazu said that the court had shown clear bias against the first defendant (Metuh) and added that the ruling was against the interest of justice. He urged the court for more time to approach the DSS to release Dasuki in the view of the refusal of the court to issue a subpoena. On his part, prosecuting counsel, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, held that the insistence of the defendant that he could not proceed with the matter without the presence of Dasuki was misconceived and had no accommodation in law. Tahir urged the court to ignore the application to rescue itself from the trial and proceed with the matter. The judge told Ikpeazu that his statement was contemptuous, but Ikpeazu insisted that his statement was backed by facts. Abang, in a short ruling described the statement made by Ikpeazu as contemptuous of the court. According to him, in contempt of the court, the judge is the complainant as well as the prosecutor and the judge, adding that he would however, not take action against Ikpeazu. READ ALSO: The "real" feud between Olisa Metuh and Justice Abang He said his action against the contemptuous remarks was not out of fear or cowardice, but because the court was trained to develop thick skin against such statements and not to pick offence when offended. The judge further dismissed the application for the court to rescue itself for lacking in merit, saying, there was nothing before the court to show that it was bias. He adjourned the matter till March 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 for Metuh to close his case, and second defendant, Dextra to open its defence. Source: Legit.ng And here are six changes that may affect your household after Budget 2017. Singapore emerged as the worlds fifth most expensive place to rent a home based on available property listings, according to research done by UK-based property portal, Nested. On average, rental cost here stands at 2.68 (S$4.73) psf, monthly rent for an individual amounts to around 1,125 (S$1,985), while that for a family cost 2,134 (S$3,766). This means a person needs to earn 46,542 (S$82,127) per annum to meet his rental cost, whereas a household requires an income of 88,310 (S$155,830). Click here to read more. The governments decision to keep its residential property curbs came as no surprise to industry experts. In a Bloomberg interview, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong revealed that Singapores home curbs will likely stay for some time since demand in the market remains very resilient. Get to know the full story here. Delivered by Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat on 20 February 2017, the Singapore 2017 Budget certainly is a forward-looking one that strives to inculcate prudence while supporting Singapore's citizens and businesses as holistically as it can amidst the current sluggish economy that is fraught with uncertainties. Click here to know that six changes that may affect your household. More From Singapore Business Review After two decades as a yoga missionary, Philippine Environment Secretary Regina Lopez is unleashing her inner rage on the mining industry while aiming for Bhutan-style gross national happiness. Lopez has in recent months moved global commodity markets with a campaign to close roughly two-thirds of the existing mines in the Philippines, which is the world's biggest supplier of nickel ore and a major source of copper. For the 63-year-old, her sudden elevation by firebrand President Rodrigo Duterte to government last year after a lifetime of spiritual and environmental pursuits has presented an unexpected chance to bring about radical change in society. "This is a golden opportunity to do the right thing," Lopez, popularly known as Gina, told AFP in an interview on Wednesday at her bustling Manila office as she explained her determination to take on the mining industry. "Not everyone has the guts and the wherewithal to stand on big business's toes. Right now I have that platform." Lopez casts mining in a sinister light, accusing powerful business figures and politicians involved in the industry of corruption and rapaciousness. She insists mining is destroying the Southeast Asian archipelago's ecosystem, and that the natural resources on offer can be used in much more sustainable ways. "We have 7,000 islands and if we rape the islands... and 95 percent of the wealth goes out of those islands, we will never see the light of day," Lopez said. Lopez has ordered the closure or suspension of 28 mines which, if implemented, would leave just 12 in operation. She has also recommended the contracts of 75 planned mines be cancelled to protect watersheds. - Fightback - Mining Inc is fighting back, with a public relations blitz insisting it is a law-abiding industry that generates billions of dollars for the economy and directly supports 1.2 million people. It has appealed to Duterte, who has spoken fiercely against the industry but nevertheless also has many pro-mining figures in his cabinet, to over-rule Lopez. Story continues It is also lobbying for a congressional committee to reject her nomination as environment secretary when it conducts a confirmation hearing next month. "This is the first time we have opposed an appointee of the president," Chamber of Mines of the Philippines vice president Ronald Recidoro told AFP. "We've had to because our existence is on the line. If she is confirmed the mining industry is finished, we are done." If Lopez survives as environment secretary and gets to serve her full six-year term, she has much bigger plans for remodelling the Philippine economy -- and she is taking inspiration from the tiny Himalayan nation of Bhutan. The Buddhist kingdom famously pursues an economic development model of "Gross National Happiness", which aims to balance spiritual and material wealth while taking into account the value of the environment and culture. "I love the Bhutan model," Lopez said. "They know if they kill their air, they kill their water, they will never ever be happy. And I find that quite enlightened." Lopez dreams of a Philippines in which its rich biodiversity is capitalised on. "We have barely begun to scratch the surface of what our country can offer the world," she said, citing sea sponges, shells and fruit she claimed could cure cancers. "And the exciting thing is biodiversity is endemic. It is specific and exclusive to the Philippines. That sounds like a really good business deal." - 'Path of Bliss' - Lopez has walked an unlikely path to becoming one of the most powerful women in the Philippines. She belongs to one of the wealthiest families in the country. But Lopez exchanged a life of luxury as a young lady for one as a yoga missionary with a spiritual organisation founded in India called Ananda Marga, or Path of Bliss. Lopez spent two decades in Africa, India and Portugal promoting yoga and helping the underprivileged, before returning to the Philippines to raise two children. Back home Lopez earned a reputation as a passionate advocate for the environment, most notably with the charitable arm of her family's ABS-CBN media empire. In his inaugural state of the nation address, Duterte described Lopez as a "crusader". "We share the same paradigm: The interest of the country must come first," he said. Many people overseas have a dark view of Duterte for waging a ruthless war on crime that has claimed thousands of lives. Duterte has said he would be "happy to slaughter" three million drug addicts, and Amnesty International has warned he may be overseeing crimes against humanity. Lopez has a different perspective. "He's genuine. He's the real thing," she said. "His love of people, his courage, his humility, it's real. And it's in this dimension that we resonate." AFP News The UN's COP27 climate summit kicked off Sunday in Egypt with warnings against backsliding on efforts to cut emissions and calls for rich nations to compensate poor countries after a year of extreme weather disasters. Just in the past few months, climate-induced catastrophes have killed thousands, displaced millions and cost billions in damages across the world. Massive floods devastated swaths of Pakistan and Nigeria, droughts worsened in Africa and the western United States, cyclones whipped the Caribbean, and unprecedented heatwaves seared three continents. The conference in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh comes in a fraught year marked by Russia's war on Ukraine, an energy crunch, soaring inflation and the lingering effects from the Covid pandemic. But Simon Stiell, the UN's climate change executive secretary, said he would not be a "custodian of backsliding" on the goal of slashing greenhouse emissions 45 percent by 2030 to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius above late-19th-century levels. "We will be holding people to account, be they presidents, prime ministers, CEOs," Stiell said as the 13-day summit opened. "The heart of implementation is everybody everywhere in the world every single day doing everything they possibly can to address the climate crisis," he said. Current trends would see carbon pollution increase 10 percent by the end of the decade and Earth's surface heat up 2.8C, according to findings unveiled last week. Promises made under the 2015 Paris Agreement would, if kept, only shave off a few tenths of a degree. "Whilst I do understand that leaders around the world have faced competing priorities this year, we must be clear: as challenging as our current moment is, inaction is myopic and can only defer climate catastrophe," said Alok Sharma, British president of the previous COP26 as he handed over the chairmanship to Egypt. "How many more wake-up calls does the world -- and world leaders -- actually need?", he said. In a dire warning, the UN's World Meteorological Organization said the past eight years are on track to be the eight warmest on record, with an acceleration in sea level rise, glacier melt and heatwaves. "As COP27 gets underway, our planet is sending a distress signal," UN chief Antonio Guterres said in a statement. - 'Loss and damage' - The COP27 summit will focus like never before on money -- a major sticking point that has soured relations between countries that got rich burning fossil fuels and the poorer ones suffering from the worst consequences of climate change. The United States and the European Union -- fearful of creating an open-ended reparations framework -- have dragged their feet and challenged the need for a separate funding stream. Delegates agreed on Sunday to put the "loss and damage" issue on the COP27 agenda, a first step toward what are sure to be fraught discussions. Inclusion of the agenda item "reflects a sense of solidarity and empathy for the suffering of the victims of climate induced disasters," said COP27 president Sameh Shoukry of Egypt. "We all owe a debt of gratitude to activists and civil society organisations who have persistently demanded the space to discuss funding for loss and damage," he said to applause. Shoukry also noted that rich nations have not fulfilled a separate pledge to deliver $100 billion per year to help developing countries green their economies and build resilience against future climate change. He also lamented that most climate financing is based on loans. "We do not have the luxury to continue this way. We have to change our approaches to this existential threat," he said, calling for solutions that "prove we are serious about not leaving anyone behind". - US-China tensions - After the first day of talks, more than 120 world leaders will join the summit on Monday and Tuesday. The most conspicuous no-show will be China's Xi Jinping, whose leadership was renewed last month at a Communist Party Congress. US President Joe Biden has said he will come, but only after legislative elections on Tuesday that could see either or both houses of Congress fall into the hands of Republicans hostile to international action on climate change. Cooperation between the United States and China -- the world's two largest economies and carbon polluters -- has been crucial to rare breakthroughs in the nearly 30-year saga of UN climate talks, including the 2015 Paris Agreement. But Sino-US relations have sunk to a 40-year low after a visit to Taiwan by House leader Nancy Pelosi and a US ban on the sale of high-level chip technology to China, leaving the outcome of COP27 in doubt. A meeting between Xi and Biden at the G20 summit in Bali days before the UN climate meeting ends, if it happens, could be decisive. One bright spot at COP27 will be the arrival of Brazilian president-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whose campaign vowed to protect the Amazon and reverse the extractive policies of outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro. bur-lth/fz What makes VCs tick, what they look out for, and some great stories and insights into how these rockstars work On January 6, the National University of Singapore (NUS) Entrepreneurship Society organised a panel as part of the Global Entrepreneurs Conference with prominent venture capitalists. Among the panelists were Willson Cuaca of East Ventures, Kuo-Yi Lim of Monks Hill Ventures, Tan Yinglan of Sequoia Capital, Arnaud Bonzom of 500 Startups, and Moderator Kelly Choo of Neeuro. Here are some highlights of the 90-minute panel. What factors do VCs look out for? Willson of East Ventures mentioned that his company likes NUS because of its alumnis track recordCarousell, 99.co, and Shopback are some companies helmed by the universitys alumni. He also quipped that the venture capital business is not an investment business but a people business; VCs like aggressive, young founders who think big because long shots pay off for the fund. These big bets are the only ones worth their time, as most startups looking to disrupt traditional industries might only get anywhere from 25 to 35 per cent market share at their exits. He added that the two most important things to him are the founders and the market. If the founder is good, typically the product will be good as well. He also mentioned that fresh founders are sometimes preferred, because experienced ones take too long to plan and are not naive enough to execute on their plans. (If fresh founders knew how hard executing their plans really were, they might not do it either!) Monks Hill Ventures Kuo-Yi, on the other hand, looks for passionate people with good analytical skills, guts, drive, and those that execute ideas well. Yinglan of Sequoia Capital then referred to an article he read on Harvard Business Review. According to statistics hed seen, an entrepreneurs odds of success from the first failure to the second only go from 20 per cent to 21 per cent. In addition, their likelihood of success only surges when paired with a mentor (from a 30 to 80 per cent success rate), and this is where Sequoia comes in, by filling the gap in essential mentorship. Story continues He also urged people to treat VCs less as investors and more as business partners. Typically, youd want a VC who can roll up their sleeves to help you. When Tokopedias servers broke down, their VCs helped to fix the problem. 500 Startups Arnaud also provided some context on the VC process. According to him, VC funds last for 10 years, which means startups must yield returns after this period. VCs invest for the first two to three years and then spend the next three to eight years helping their partner companies mature. The exit and time horizons are important and are always kept in mind. While 500 Startups focusses heavily on the market, Arnaud also appreciates good founders. He shared that what separates good founders from the pack is really their speed of execution. When Arnaud met the founders from Glints at an event at INSEAD, they asked for feedback, and, not only did they work on it by the next day, they surpassed his expectations. When is a good time for founders to raise money? In reply to a question from Neeuros Kelly on a good time for founders to raise money, Yinglan responded with the adage: If you want money, ask for feedback, and if you want feedback, ask for money. Arnaud followed up that if you are a good founder, VCs will track you down. To this statement, Yinglan agreed. According to him, Sequoia actually tracked down WhatsApps founders in a coffee shop in Mountain View, California. He also recounted his efforts to meet with the founder of Tokopedia while the latter was on his way to Japan to propose to his girlfriend. Yinglan boarded the same flight as Tokopedias founder and built rapport. That week, he joked, there were three proposals: the founder to his girlfriend, Softbank to the founder, and Sequoia to the founder. Also Read: Choose which battles to lose so you can win the war Tokopedia CEO William Tanuwijaya Willson also chimed in saying that he wants people to know their industry, value chain, the pain points they are fixing, their fundraising numbers, how to position themselves, and how to develop their niche. He also says that real mentors are the ones who give you money; they are the ones really invested in you. How should founders show VCs that they are prepared? Here, Yinglan and Wilson shared another story: the CEO of Shopback, Henry, recognized Yinglan at Block 71 and pitched to him while he was trying to grab an Uber (pun intended). Yinglan told the CEO that he didnt have time, as he was on the way to a Lo Hei (also known as Yu Sheng, a traditional Chinese dish and event) and that Henry should follow him. There, Henry met Wilson and recognised him immediately. He impressed Wilson by saying that he knew East Ventures had interests in e-commerce. The CEO then began presenting the numbers that proved Shopbacks traction. Not that I need people to recognise me, Wilson said, but it shows me that youve done your homework, and you know who is interested in what, and at what stage. He went on to say that he was impressed when Henry openly showed him Shopbacks numbers. According to him, this was very vital in building trust. What should founders be careful of when raising rounds? Kuo-Yi noted that sometimes funding rounds become the milestone. But according to him, the best founders know that raising a round isnt about just that because the real work begins after attaining that milestone. Arnaud follows with the idea that raising money is ultimately also a negotiation: Dont raise when youre almost dry. Also Read: What do Venture Capitalists want? Getting under the skin of Asias most influential VCs Yinglan also shared his thoughts. According to him, founders need to think about the market size they are operating in because certain markets dont have the size required by a startup. He urges founders to consider what kind of business they are: venture-backed or bootstrapped. Founders must think about their situation and remember that once they take money, the clock starts ticking (even faster) towards potential IPOs or follow-up financing. Ultimately, what I learned from the members of the panel were their thought processes, what made them tick, what they look out for, and the stories they shared that gave insight into how they approach their work. Its clear that the panelists love what they do; their enthusiasm was apparent in all they shared. To the panel, thank you for sharing your time and wisdom with us students. A bullet-pointed transcript of everything I caught during the panel can be found here. - The views expressed here are of the authors, and e27 may not necessarily subscribe to them. e27 invites members from Asias tech industry and startup community to share their honest opinions and expert knowledge with our readers. If you are interested in sharing your point of view, submit your post here. Featured Image Copyright: dogfella / 123RF Stock Photo The post What I learned from the Avengers of Southeast Asias venture capital scene appeared first on e27. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 23 (PTI) Geberit, a leading European leader in sanitary technology and bathroom ceramics, is looking to foray into b2c (business-to-consumer) retail sales in India. The Switzerland-based company, which was present in the b2b segment by catering the institutional clients, is now shifting to finished products with end clients. "We are in the premium end of the business. Our advantage is on the technical side and we are expecting 40 to 50 per cent segment in the high-rise building in places as Mumbai. We will be the premium end of the player," Geberit Managing Director Abubaker Koya told PTI. advertisement He further added: "The new segment which we are opening could be up to Rs 100 crore to 200 crore of prefabricated toilet." The industry size in India is about 15,000 crore in sanitary technology and bathroom ceramics segment and growing at about 10-15 per cent per annum. "However, the premium segment within this, where companies like Geberit are major players, has grown at a higher rate of over 20 per cent per annum." Koya added. PTI KRH MKJ --- ENDS --- Peru's President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski will meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, the Peruvian government announced Wednesday. "President Kuczynski will be the first Latin American leader welcomed by Trump" as president, according to his chief of staff, Fernando Zavala. The two conservative leaders plan to discuss bilateral cooperation and the fight against drug trafficking, Zavala said. Also likely to be on the agenda is Peru's request for the extradition of former president Alejandro Toledo, who has been charged with graft and is believed to be in the United States. The White House has not yet formally confirmed the visit. So far, Trump has welcomed the leaders of Britain, Japan, Canada and Israel to the White House since taking office on January 20. For a short span in the 90s, Malaysian car brand Proton was available in the Philippines. However, the venture never really took off, mainly because car buyers that time were less accommodating to new, unknown brands, and partly because the Proton cars themselves had quality issues with poor aftersales support. A lot has changed since then, and todays Proton cars are vastly improved. thestar.com.my With the Proton stigma all but forgotten, and more people beginning to patronize lesser known car brands, perhaps Proton should make its reintroduction in the country. And theres a good chance this may happen as French car manufacturer PSA Group submitted a bid for partnership with Proton Holdings. With the bid, the PSA Groupowner of the Peugeot, Citroen, and DS marquespits itself in a bidding war with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group of China, which also made an offer for the Malaysian owner of UKs Lotus Cars. PSA Group made an offer and is willing to go further, a PSA spokesman said. We have no additional comment at this stage. All set to become Europes second biggest PSAs Proton offer comes at the heels of its pursuit to acquire General Motors Opel and Vauxhall brands, which would position it to become Europes second biggest carmaker after Volkswagen. Currently, the PSA Group ranks third in Europe behind VW Group and Renault Group. In addition to growing the brand, a Proton partnership gives PSA a way to penetrate the elusive Southeast Asian market in a big way. PSA has been looking for a way into the South Asian, or ASEAN, market for a few years now, and its become a key pillar of its strategy, said Ian Fletcher, an analyst at IHS Markit. According to a report in the French business newspaper Les Echoes, PSA developed a five-year Push to Pass plan with the goal to sell one million vehicles in China and Southeast Asia by 2021. Better footing jtr.my Fletcher said that Proton has two underutilized production facilities that PSA can use as a production and export base for Southeast Asia and other emerging markets, the most notable of which is the relatively new manufacturing plant in Tanjung Malim. Reuters reported that Proton sold 102,000 cars in 2015, a large number to say the least, but the quantity becomes less impressive considering that Protons manufacturing facilities can shell out 400,000 annually. Story continues The French company plans to use Protons facilities as a manufacturing port for its low-cost models. Winning a stake or even a controlling interest in Proton could also allow PSA to make use of free-trade agreements in the region to penetrate other lucrative markets such as Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. It would also broaden PSAs footing and help hedge against economic events in Europe, as it hopes to become even more Euro-centric with the potential Opel/Vauxhall buyout. Were only less than five years since the last time the market tumbled in Europe. A lot of companies are trying to balance themselves globally, and PSA needs to focus on markets outside of Europe more than its doing at the moment, Fletcher said. Other interested parties Aside from Zhejiang Geely, the other interested parties in a Proton share are Renault and Suzuki. Recent reports however, reveal that Renault ceased to purse the deal. Proton sought foreign partnership after it received financial aid from the Malaysian government amounting to 1.5 billion ringgit ($365 million). The company said in a statement that it will decide on a partner within the first half of this year. The post PSA Group Looks to Expand Southeast Asian Presence in Proton Bid appeared first on Carmudi Philippines Journal. Can we say no to the next Barack Obama? All eyes are now on Justin Trudeau the current prime minister in Canada who actually reminds us of Obama. Well, can we blame him? First, he swept Donald Trumps daughter, Ivanka Trump and German Chancellor, Angela Merkel off their feet. I mean, who wouldnt be besotted with his chiselled face and that honest-to-goodness demeanour? Come to think of it, women are also drawn to Obama in a way we cant help but to draw similarities between these two fine-looking leaders. Justin Trudeau greeting the Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel. Source: Telegraph/Reuters. Source: @Phil_Lewis_(twitter username)/Time. Apparently, we still cant get over how much weve missed Obama since he left the White Office so much that we are pinning our hopes that theres another next in line. True enough, Justin Trudeau has proven to be the next Barack Obama and heres why. Compelling, captivating and charming As Obama and Trudeau have shown us, true inspirational leaders share one thing in common charisma. This hallmark trait is displayed time and time again, as they charmed their way to the hearts of Priyanka Chopra (for Obama) at the White House Correspondents Dinner and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge (for Trudeau) when she was in Canada. Also, anyone whos seen their stirring speeches and the way they carry themselves in the international spotlight would agree to this. Source: EconomicTimes. The finesse we see in them are one of the finest weve come across in our world leaders leading us to think if looking effortlessly good and immaculate are also a part of the job. Devoted wholeheartedly to their wives Justin and Sophie Trudeau looking oblivious to the world as they share a dance at the Press Gallery Dinner. Source: Youtube. Nothing says more about a mans character than the way he treats his wife. Both Obama and Trudeau are not shy in displaying their adoration for their significant other and how smitten they look with their partner. Doesnt looking at how madly in love theyre with their other halves reignite your faith in true love again? Story continues Michelle and Barack Obama seeing only each other in their eyes as they dance to the music. Source: Glamour. Both their wives get hands-on in social change Image provided by Shutterstock.com. Image provided by Shutterstock.com. Michelle Obama, the previous FLOTUS (First Lady of the United States) is a Womens Right Activist. Not far off the mark from the former, Sophie Trudeau, the wife of Justin Trudeau, also has her hands in female activism. To many, they are influential thought leaders on controversial topics that run a gamut from mental health to human rights and education. Playing a major catalytic role in enacting positive change in the society, these female figures are indeed a formidable force to be reckoned with. Smart and articulate Source: Youtube. Speaking at a visit to Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in 2016, Trudeau blew the audiences minds as he nailed the explanation of quantum physics in laymens terms and this is just the tip of the iceberg. In a recent meeting with the current POTUS (President of the United States), Donald Trump, Trudeau cleverly manoeuvred his way out of a jerky and awkward handshake with the former. Since Trump assumed office, hes become known for his forceful handshake, sending the signal that hes the leader of the pack but Trudeau is wise enough to make a firm statement about that. Source: Guardian. Fit as a fiddle We wont usually take someones words seriously when he or she says that the Canadian Prime Minister has some pretty sick core strength. Upon seeing an incredulous picture of Trudeau doing one of the most strenuous yoga poses ever, wed say anything is possible. Even Obamas fitness regime doesnt come close to that level. Source: Justin Trudeaus Twitter (@JustinTrudeau). These two have raised the bar for world leaders and from the looks of it, Justin Trudeau may very well surpass Barack Obama. Perhaps, its just a matter of time. The post Why Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is the New Barack Obama appeared first on Alvinology. Commission concerned that rules discriminate against other EU nationals in purchase of agricultural land. Font size: A - | A + The European Commission has formally requested Slovakia, along with other post-communist countries, to amend laws on the acquisition of agricultural land so as to not violate EU rules guaranteeing free movement of capital and freedom of establishment. If Slovakia does not comply, the EC may send the case to the European Court of Justice. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement While Agriculture Minister Gabriela Matecna admits some changes are possible after coming to an agreement with coalition partners, former agriculture minister Lubomir Jahnatek, during whose term Slovak parliament passed the problematic law, rejects any changes. Certainly some changes should have to be made to the given law and, of course, as it is a problem of the Slovak Republic, I will negotiate this with all coalition partners, said Matecna, nominee of the Slovak National Party (SNS) as cited by the TASR newswire on May 27, adding that the legal section of the ministry is already working on the matter. For now, Matecna is not able to say whether the Slovak law should make Slovak citizens and foreigners equal when purchasing agricultural land. I cannot answer this yet, said Matecna. It is premature to speak about it as because we are now preparing a proposal which we will submit to individual coalition partners and the cabinet should discuss it too. The EC formally requested Bulgaria, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia to amend legislation on the acquisition of agricultural land on the grounds that it violates the free movement of capital and freedom of establishment when it sent a so-called reasoned opinion on May 26. Countries have two months to respond. While the EC agrees that national authorities should be able to properly regulate farm land markets, it found a number of these measures excessively restrictive and discriminatory in terms of attracting investment in rural development, said Andrej Kralik of the Representation of the European Commission (EC) in Slovakia. The Treaty of Accession 2003 provided new member states with a transitional period in which to bring their national rules on the acquisition of agricultural land into line with EU law. Following the expiration of these periods in 2014, Bulgaria, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia adopted new laws regulating the acquisition of agricultural land. These new national rules contain several provisions which the EC considers to be a restriction to the free movement of capital and freedom of establishment. This may in turn discourage cross-border investment, EC writes in the press release. Some of the restrictions may be pursuing justifiable objectives as they aim to combat speculative purchases, or serve planning purposes and rural policy objectives; however, in order to be lawful, they must be proportionate and cannot be discriminatory towards other EU citizens. Slovak legislation Slovakia put a moratorium on selling agricultural land to foreign nationals upon its entry into the EU on May 1, 2004. In 2011, the EU approved Slovakias request to extend the moratorium by three years, with an expiration date of April 30, 2014. After the moratorium lapsed, Slovakia adopted a law regulating trade with land when people are entitled to acquire agricultural land if they have been active in agriculture production for at least three years and must have a residence permit in Slovakia valid for at least 10 years. Read also: Read also: Land law to take effect on June 1 Read more The new legislation prepared under the auspices of the Agriculture Ministry, led by Jahnatek, was meant to stop speculative purchases of land and improve the protection of land funds in Slovakia. The legislation pertains to plots larger than 2,000 square metres laying outside a territory of a municipality. Based on the law a land owner can sell his or her land to a foreigner only when he or she fails to find a purchaser in Slovakia, the Sme daily wrote. The aim of the law was to keep agricultural land in Slovak hands. Read also: Read also: Prime minister proposes constitutional protection of land Read more Matecna points out foreign business entities can obtain land in other ways, for example, via the acquisition of a Slovak company. The Slovak Agriculture and Food Chamber (SPPK) insists on strict wording of the law, to prevent cases when some subjects acquire land purposefully to take subsidies, SPPK spokewsoman Jana Holeciova told the public broadcaster RTVS. SPPK estimates that foreign business entities own about 10 percent of Slovak land; especially Danes, Dutch, Austrians and Italians are interested in Slovak land. Allegedly, foreigners have already acquired 40 percent of agricultural land in the Malacky district in western Slovakia, according to RTVS. Jahnatek insists Slovakia should keep the law unchanged even at the risk of entering a dispute with the European Union. He argues that Slovakia does not receive the same agricultural subsidies as other EU member countries and thus it should not liberalise its land market. Moreover, according to him, the EC is using a different measurement for Slovakia. There is [in the law] nothing different than what is today commonly valid in other European countries, for example France, Sweden, Italy or Austria, Jahnatek told the TA3 news channel. The representative Glass Hall can now host social and cultural events for business people Font size: A - | A + Interest in Bratislava as a tourist destination is increasing. While the number of visitors has already surpassed one million this year, Bratislava city council would like to see more congresses and meetings held here. To lure more business clientele to the Slovak capital it is offering the Glass Hall in the Primates Palace as a site for cultural and social events accompanying business congresses or conferences. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement We can again report a record inflow of tourists, said Bratislava Mayor Ivo Nesrovnal in mid November as cited by the TASR newswire. While about one million people visited Bratislava last year, this year we have already surpassed the million level in October. Most tourists arrive from the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria. The number of visitors from Spain and Russia have increased by tens of percents this year too. Alzbeta Melicherova, the head of the board of directors of the Bratislava Tourist Board, specified that during the January-October period the number of visitors to Bratislava increased by almost 17 percent y/y. In terms of nights spent in Bratislava, these increased by more than 17 percent. The sale of the tourist Bratislava City Card increased by 20 percent when compared with the same period in 2015. The city also registered an increase in cyclo tourism and an increase as high as 150 percent in hits to the website visitbratislava.com presenting Bratislava as a tourist destination. Statistics show that visitors are also spending more time in Bratislava as there is a decrease in the number of one-day tourists. Now tourists are on average spending 2.2 nights in the capital. The [growth] pace is slow, but numbers keep increasing, said Melicherova. This is our long-term goal. The increase in nights spent in the capital also means more money in the citys pockets as collected taxes for accommodation increases. While Bratislava collected 3.1 million in accommodation tax last year, during the first half of the current year it had already collected 2.3 million. City wants more MICE tourism Bratislava would like to see more business visitors as MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) tourism is the most lucrative part of the industry. As Nesrovnal pointed out this area of tourism has a high added value because much more money is spent on it. It also brings a different clientele to the city. This is the reason why Bratislava city council decided to offer the Glass Hall in the Primates Palace as a site for cultural events related to MICE tourism. Many business persons active in MICE tourism were telling us that Bratislava does not have such representative rooms in which participants of congresses may meet at a high level, said Nesrovnal, adding that the Glass Hall certainly is such a premisis. Cookies, lipstick, shampoo, margarine, chocolate, soap, toothpaste, and even biodiesel. We are all likely to have used palm oil because many products we use and eat contain it. There is a controversy about palm oil, however, that has stirred up a debate. Font size: A - | A + A glossary of words as well as exercise related to this article are also published online. Palm oil is the most widely consumed vegetable oil on the planet, and it is in about half of all packaged products sold in the supermarket, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). While palm oil is the most efficient source of vegetable oil, its rapid expansion threatens some of the planets most important and sensitive habitats. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The tree grows in tropical rainforests, and the uncontrolled clearing of these forests for conventional palm oil plantations has led to a widespread loss of these irreplaceable and biodiverse rich forests. Plantations have also been connected to the destruction of habitat of endangered species, including orangutans, tigers, elephants and rhinos. Many activists are calling for a ban on palm oil and a boycott of products that contain it. But environmentalists are realistic when it comes to boycotting products; they know it wont be successful. Boycotting products doesnt help stop the destruction of the rainforests because usually there is only a small percentage of people who boycott. The majority of people ignore the information even though they might see it on TV on a daily basis, said environmentalist and ecologist Lukas Zorad. The WWF also does not want to give up on palm oil products because it can be produced in a responsible manner that respects the environment and the communities where it is commonly grown. When shopping, search for the RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) label or Green Palm label. Palm oil does not have to be destructive, and in fact it has the potential to be a major force for sustainable development. The solution is to grow it in a responsible way, the WWF says. The Spectator College is a programme designed to support the study and teaching of English in Slovakia, as well as to inspire interest in important public issues among young people. The project was created by The Slovak Spectator in cooperation with their exclusive partner the Leaf Academy. Senior Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader Abhay Chautala was arrested today by the Punjab Police for violating Section 144 as he and other party members tried to cross the Shambhu border. 19 INLD MLAs, besides other party leaders, were also arrested. By Manjeet Sehgal: Senior Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader Abhay Chautala and 19 INLD MLAs, besides other party leaders, were arrested today by the Punjab Police for violating Section 144 as they tried to cross the Shambhu border. Chautala and his party workers had announced a march to a location on the Haryana border close to Kapoor village in Punjab, where the foundation stone of the controversial Sutlej -Yamuna Link (SYL) canal was laid down in 1982 by the then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Chautala had said they would re-dig the canal. advertisement "We respect the law and do not want any confrontation with the police .The protest was successful," Abhay Chautala said. Interestingly, nearly a thousand Haryana Police officials deployed at Shambhu toll plaza didn't stop Chautala and his supporters. The police remained silent spectators when the tractors in which Chautala and his supporters were travelling moved towards the barrier. However, on the other side of the border, the Punjab police first warned the protesters using a loudspeaker. They then arrested Chautala, party MLAs, and other leaders. DRAMA MEANT TO RECLAIM LOST POLITICAL GROUND The barricading and deployment of personnel done by the Haryana police near Shambhu toll plaza proved to be a futile exercise, as Chautala and thousands of his supporters openly ignored the prohibitory warning. The INLD managed to stage a high-voltage drama by inviting party workers, including women carrying spades. The entire exercise was done to reclaim lost political ground, as the INLD has been rejected by the state voters for a record third time. INLD TRYING TO VITIATE THE ATMOSPHERE IN HARYANA: BJP Reacting to the INLD's political drama, Senior Haryana BJP leader and state Health Minister Anil Vij said the party was trying to vitiate the atmosphere of the State by making a mockery of serious issues. "INLD and other parties were not competent to take a decision in such sensitive matters after the Supreme Court delivered its verdict in favour of Haryana, therefore they were indulging in such petty acts. I would have felicitated the INLD had they been successful in getting the water through such acts," Anil Vij said. WATCH VIDEO: SYL canal row: 3,000 INLD workers reach Shambhu border READ ALSO Sutlej-Yamuna canal row: Supreme Court talks tough, says Punjab must execute the treaty SYL Canal controversy: Captain Amarinder Singh demands Abhay Chautala's arrest --- ENDS --- In January, ornithologists counted red kites, eastern imperial eagles, white-tailed eagles and saker falcons. Font size: A - | A + 68 controllers checked specific locations in western, northern and eastern Slovakia in January, informed Jozef Chavko from Raptor Protection of Slovakia. The situation this year was more complicated because of snow and winter calamity in eastern Slovakia. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement All monitored species are precious in our territory and they require special attention. We gained valuable data about the locality that they prefer, said Chavko as quoted by the SITA newswire. That will help when localizing nests, because if a pair had been there while winter counting, it is more probable to nest there, continued Chavko for SITA, adding that is necessary to check nests regularly. The count shows that there are only 10 to 15 pairs of the endangered species red kites, mainly in the west and east of country. In the winter the number raises, 25 red kites were counted in the west. 30 individual saker falcons and 52 eastern imperial eagles were noted, a lower amount than the last few years. However, there are more white-tailed eagles than the last years 78. An important aspect is the international aspect of the counting, to not duplicate the data. Then we know the situation of whole Europe, explained Chavko for SITA. The action plans approved by government for 2016-2018 aim for better financial literacy, Roma children studying at common elementary schools and also fewer long-term unemployed. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled The action plans of the Strategy of the Slovak Republic for the Integration of the Roma until 2020, for 2016-2018, were approved on February 22 by the cabinet. In total more than 300 million of which, 170 million will go to education are slated for the measures, Government Proxy for Roma Communities Abel Ravasz (of the coalition Most-Hid party) informed the TASR newswire. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The novelty is for example, the action plan for financial literacy, the proxy noted. WE see it as a priority, as running projects for improving the financial situation of this group is in vain if the money then ultimately goes to usurers. Ravasz added that his office also intends to add action plans for non-discrimination and positive public opinion. The action plans approved concern education, employment, health, housing and financial inclusion. It would help society a lot if the cabinet managed to fulfil all the plans, 100 percent, Ravasz opined, according to TASR. Advantages and snags We would have better-looking settlements, plots of land under housing financially settled, children would attend nursery schools, normal elementary schools and maybe even secondary schools, Ravasz said. We would also have fewer people long-term unemployed, health educators in these communities, and maybe assistants in hospitals, Ravasz explained, adding that there are more than 70 specific measures included in the plans. The education sector is very important, Interior Minister Robert Kalinak stressed, and will get the biggest part of the package. He praised the goals for being not just ambitious but also realistic. The global goal of the approved action plans is to reduce the difference between levels of education of the Roma compared to the national average by improving the access of children from marginalised Roma communities or students from disadvantaged environments, to good-quality education at all levels of schools. The plans will also help reduce the differences between the unemployment rate and state of health between the Roma and the Slovak average, as well as the availability of housing. The removal of segregation of the Roma is also planned, TASR wrote. The newest item is the financial literacy plan which will help the Roma plan better and avoid the wide-spread phenomenon of debts and usury. The recent report highlights Slovakias economic development. The country however still lags behind in several areas affecting peoples lives. Font size: A - | A + Though the European Commission praised Slovakia for its macroeconomical development, it warns against the flaws in operation of the local public institutions. The growth in economy, employment and state income does not result in an adequate standard of living and quality of public services, according to the Country Report Slovakia 2017 issued on February 22. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Despite the successful economic growth, Slovakia faces serious social challenges, said Dusan Chrenek, head of the EC Representation Office in Slovakia. The GDP growth in the country was the fifth highest in the EU, while the unemployment rate dropped below the eurozone average and the EC considers the countrys budget to be one of the five best in the whole EU, he added. Thus we can talk about the crisis in the past tense, Chrenek added. On the other hand, the EC considers the huge regional differences, high long-term unemployment, the quality of education, social exclusion of the Roma communities, and the lower quality of the business environment and public administration to be problematic areas. The good economic situation and broad range of financing possibilities, including considerable EU funds, however, creates room for handling them, Chrenek added. Corruption is still a problem Slovakia still lags behind in many areas crucial for the quality of life of people, the report suggests. The country suffers from high long-term unemployment and exclusion of some groups from the labour market, as well as increasing regional differences caused by bad infrastructure, worsening results in education, unfavourable indicators of public health and also long-term problems in public administration that worsen the business environment and create space for corruption. Public administration is under a considerable political influence. Political influence and decentralised recruitment procedures hinder transparency and affect the quality of the service, the report reads. The selection and appointment of the chairman and vice-chairmen of various regulatory authorities have at times been influenced by political interests, which may impede the achievement of a high-quality regulatory environment guaranteed by independent and accountable regulators. The problem is not the lack of, or inappropriate legislation but its insufficient implementation, for example in the judiciary and corruption. The average length of court proceedings is as much as 1.5 years, while the perception of corruption is the second highest in the whole EU, after Romania, the Trend weekly reported on its website. As for public procurements, nearly one-third of competitions are attended by only one bidder, according to the report. More problems to solve Moreover, a lack of transparency and accountability in the police and the public prosecutors office may be impeding the fight against corruption. As the chief of police and the police inspection body are appointed and directly responsible to the interior minister, rather than the cabinet as a whole, this may reduce the level of independence of the police force and hinder the investigation of sensitive or high-level corruption cases. The EC also criticises slow use of EU funds allocated for 2014-2020. Though nearly half of the period has expired, Slovakia has spent only one one-fifth of the sum, Trend reported. On the other hand, Brussels praises the Value for Money initiative, which should improve government spending efficiency. The savings amounting to nearly 200 million should help improve the condition of local health care too. New law ambiguous as to who is eligible for their children to go into day care centres, whether private or public. Font size: A - | A + The Labour Ministry will draw up an interpretation to the law on creches, in order to remove its ambiguities, Slovak President Andrej Kiska told the media after meeting Labour Minister Jan Richter. Kiska considered the recently adopted amendment on day nurseries, or creches, inappropriately discriminatory against some groups of parents and children, the Sme daily wrote on February 23. According to the approved law, beneficiaries are to be only those parents or legal representatives who have long-term paid employment or study full-time at a secondary school or university. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement I have understood there are many things not clear which this interpretation will clarify, and I believe I have calmed down the situation, Kiska commented. The minister confirmed today [February 22] that an amendment is being prepared which will stipulate, among other things, that in private creches, children of employed or studying mothers shall be accepted preferentially; but in case capacity is sufficient, other families can also use them, the president said, as cited by the TASR newswire. Richter promised that it will be possible to take care of children of working mothers in care facilities, whether private or state. Ministry elaborates the law, operators protest The Labour Ministry has been preparing a website informing facility operators of their duties stemming from the creches law, as well as information leaflets. Also, ministry has been working on a extensive law in social services that should solve the financing of these services. The absolute priority is, and will be, working or studying mothers to be able to give their children to a day care centre; but the option for an operator, whether state, municipal or private, to accept also other mothers and parents babies to creches will be not limited in any way, Richter explained. On February 22 the President also received representatives of private creches who criticise several changes expected from the passed amendment to the law in social services. They push on the state not to close down already existing creches, president and founder of the Alliance of Private Creches and Nursery Schools Lucia Mayorga Gomez told TASR. She warned that the capacity in such centres are still insufficient. Up to 9,000 places in creches and nursery schools could be closed this year but last year alone, 13,000 children were turned down. Gomez also pointed out that a vision of pre-primary school education of children between 0 and 3 years is non-existent, and a public debate on it should be provoked. Ministries should also improve mutual cooperation, she said. The organization's report also points to Fico and anti-migrant rhetoric. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled A report by Amnesty International criticises Slovakia particularly for continued discrimination against members of the Roma minority, but also mentions anti-migration statements of Prime Minister Robert Fico. The Slovak Republic has made little progress in ensuring the right to education for Roma children, according to the authors of the report. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Despite some improvement of the legislative framework, Roma pupils still have too high representation in so-called special schools, classes for children with mental disabilities or in ethnically segregated schools and classes. Moreover, there is no evidence of the government taking any effective measures to prevent or tackle the issue, reads the report, as cited by the TASR newswire. Police missteps and anti-migrant measures Furthermore, AI also expresses concern over both the continued lack of effective investigation and the lengthy proceedings in several cases concerning the excessive use of force by police against Roma. In this regard, the organisation points to the need for setting up a fully independent and transparent mechanism to monitor the work of police in the country. The report further mentions the newly adopted anti-terrorist measures in Slovakia that came into force in January 2017. AI points in particular to the fact that the maximum period of pre-trial custody detention for individuals suspected of terrorism-related offences has been extended to 96 hours. In addition, the report states that despite placing sustainable migration high on its agenda during its presidency of the European-Union Council, Slovakia continued to oppose mandatory relocation quotas for refugees from other EU-member states, but expressed a willingness to accept 100 refugees from Greece and Italy by the end of 2017 on a voluntary basis. Concerning discrimination, Amnesty mentions a case from August 2016 when the owners of a guesthouse in Bratislava refused to accommodate three Turkish students due to security reasons. The same section in the report also includes Fico, who publicly associates Muslims and refugees with terrorism and uses anti-migrant rhetoric, according to AI. The people who murdered a bachelor in order to acquire his family house got their extraordinary sentences for 25 years confirmed by the Supreme Court. Included in the confirmation is a woman who was involved in the property gang. Font size: A - | A + The Supreme Court (SC) at a public session on February 22 refused the appeal of two defendants in the case of the murder of Viliam Andrasik, dating back to 2007, the press department informed the SITA newswire. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Thus, Zuzana Znamenakova and Juraj Minarik will have to spend 25 years in prison each, for premeditated, first-degree murder. Women do not often get such a sentence in Slovakia but Znamenakova was the head of a property gang which acquired flats, houses and various property in dubious way, while selling them then further for considerable profits. After Andrasik was murdered, she acquired his house in the Bratislava borough of Prievoz. The first-instance verdicts of the Specialised Court fell last February. Another member of the gang, Milan Struhal, pleaded guilty and also helped to convict his accomplices was not sentenced further; he is already sentenced to 25 years behind bars for two other murders. Also another co-defendant, Milos Svana, who pleaded guilty and is serving a prison sentence for other crimes will not get an additional sentence either. Brothers Radoslav and Michal S. got three years conditional sentence each. The crime they were sentenced for The property gang wanted to get Andrasiks house in Prievoz, according to the prosecutor. Znamenakova allegedly paid Struhal 1.5 million Slovak crowns (i.e. 49,700) for getting rid of Andrasik. Struhal contacted Minarik who hired Svana and two brothers from Kysuce to drag the victim out of his house and then drive him to a place close to the towns of Povazska Bystrica and Bytca. Then, Struhal and Minarik took Andrasik to their car and drove him to the so-called Benovske Lake near the village of Miksova. There, they attached a free-weight to Andrasik and shoved him into water where he drowned. Andrasik, a bachelor, was killed in March 2007. An overview of hoaxes that have appeared in the past few weeks Font size: A - | A + Lipsic and the Bandera followers One picture shows the visit of former MP Daniel Lipsic in Ukraine, the other one shows the march of the Ukrainian radical organisation Tryzub with the portrait of the Ukrainian nationalist Stepan Bandera. The collage was published on February 14 and almost 200 people have seen it. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Lipsic and Droba supported the revolution in Ukraine. The revolution led by groups supporting the Nazi Bandera. Bandera killed more than a million people, the caption of the picture reads. Read also: Read also: The Sme daily starts a hunt for hoaxes Read more The picture of Lipsic with current Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko now lives its own life on Facebook, but it was taken on February 7, 2014. This hoax shows how partial information, most of it true, can be used to mix a deceitful cocktail. Daniel Lipsic, at that time an independent MP, really visited Ukraine together with his parliamentary colleagues Juraj Droba and Jozef Kollar, and supported the Maidan movement. However, the hoax is based on twisting logic and facts to the effect that if Lipsic supported Maidan, the Maidan people are Bandera followers, and Stepan Bandera could have killed a million people - Lipsic does not mind that? But Lipsics support for Maidan speaks nothing of his opinion about Stepan Bandera, the Ukrainian nationalist who since the 1930s fought for independent Ukraine and in 1959 was killed by the KGB. The text also equates Maidan (the Ukrainian revolution) with the far right movements (Right Sector, Tryzub). But that is a lie, these far right movements have never been the core of the Ukrainian opposition, they were merely its periphery. The author of the hoax also put in his collage the Azov volunteer battalion, which, however, only became active in May 2014, after the Russian invasion of Crimea on February 27, 2014. That is three months after Lipsic visited Kyiv. Calling Stepan Bandera a Nazi conforms with the Russian attempts to deform the regional history. Bandera was a nationalist who fought for independent Ukraine and considered its membership in the Soviet Union a Russian occupation. In his efforts to resist Moscow he joined forces with the Third Reich for a while, but before long the Germans ceased to trust him and prepared his physical liquidation. In the summer of 1941 Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and held in Berlin. Later, he was also imprisoned in the Sachsenhausen concentration camp. Searching on the internet and in media archives fails to return any of Lipsics statements in support of Bandera or Ukrainian radicals. The vegetable disaster European customers face a shortage of vegetables in their shops. Stores in the UK, Norway, and Denmark, are usually empty. And the pieces that are still available are on rations. A few days ago, one of the Russian state television outlets reported that Europe was facing a major food crisis. The report showed pictures of empty shelves in supermarkets. They resembled scenes from the shops in the times of real socialism. But there was no vegetable disaster. The report of the Russian First Channel is based on the reports of the British tabloid Daily Mail, while serious British media talk about a few cases when customers could not buy some iceberg salad in their local supermarkets, but that did not mean any major food crisis. Checking into the Russian claims in Norway reveals that the unstable weather, rain, and frost have had a moderate influence on the increase of prices of lettuce and some other types of vegetables. The biggest state supplier of fruits and vegetables, however, denied the claims about problems reported by the Russian television. In Denmark, there was also no trace of any major crisis, even though the prices of some sorts of vegetables increased by about 10 percent. The Russian hoax about a food crisis shows the classic signs of a hoax and fake news, according to the European Disinformation review: it blows up a small problem, hides some key details and adds some others, making the result sound partially or completely different to facts. The aim of this is allegedly to support the Russian media line that should describe the fall of Europe. Zombies in Ukraine Members of the Ukrainian armed forces fight under the influence of strong drugs in Donbass, thanks to which they feel no pain and live even after being shot several times. The Czech website Sputnik last week published similar information, citing the Russian daily Izvestia. It cites a statement of the deputy commander of the armed forces of the Donbass separatist unit Eduard Basurin. Stories of cyborgs are no fairy tales, Basurin allegedly said. First we came in touch with pills, then we found containers with the inscription Water of Life at the airport. We sent them to the lab and it turned out that it is an immensely strong psychotropic substance after which a person feels no more pain or fear. He said the Ukrainian soldiers look like zombies. You could shoot an entire cartridge into them and they would go on You kill him and he goes on. You shoot at him and he falls down, and then stands up again and goes on. Unless you shoot him in the head or in the heart. It is questionable how serious it would be to deal with such claims. Scientists have so far not found any evidence of the existence of zombies, and the biggest scientific database Cochrane only returns two studies when searching for the keyword zombie - they both researched the impact of computer games on the mind. Scientists have, however, tested so-called animal cyborgs, for example, bugs that had electrodes implanted in their muscles and to some extent they can control their movements. But the research is still in its early stages and there has been no similar research on people. Obviously, various substances may influence the way a person experiences events and the world around him. However, it is not possible that such substances would cause invincibility or keep a person ready for combat even after being critically wounded. Migrants in Slovakia Kalinak paid 2.8 million to accept migrants, while Slovak children suffer without treatment. This claim of the extremist LSNS from February 1 creates the impression that the state sent 2.8 million from its budget to NGOs securing the needs of immigrants in Slovakia. The illustration photo-collage depicts Interior Minister Robert Kalinak with the text: 2.8 million euros for accepting migrants. This money could have been used for example for the treatment of children, the author writes. The claim adopted from a conspiracy website is based on four grant agreements for the Slovak Humanity Council, Marginal Civic Association, and the Human Rights League. In reality, the Interior Ministry sent 705,000 to these institutions and the rest goes from the Fund for Asylum, Migration, and Integration. The money from the fund is to allow for a dignified waiting period of the migrants until their asylum request is processed, and for their subsequent integration if the country accepts them. This money goes not for the automatic accepting of migrants. It also cannot be used for the treatment of children, for instance. It is also not true that Slovak children receive insufficient treatment. The Slovak Constitution guarantees free-of-charge health care also for children. The state pays for the health care of children, since they are insurees of the state. On the other hand, it happens that the insurance companies do not pay for some above-standard services and parents have to procure the money to pay for them. While the authors of the hoax use several facts, at the same time they suggest half-truths or complete fabrications. Together with a photomontage and the title they thus create the impression that the state sends millions for accepting migrants, which is a lie. The Slovak Spectator brings the selection of hoaxes that were published on the internet and shared by Slovak users on social networks in cooperation with the Sme daily, which runs the project aimed at spotting hoaxes and confronting them with facts. The civic sector will be able to supervise more effectively the implementation and use of European-Union funds, also thanks to extra state funding. Font size: A - | A + The office of Deputy Prime Minister for Investments and Informatisation Peter Pellegrini has set aside 250,000 to be used by non-governmental organisations to produce specific solutions. The funding is intended to ensure that [NGOs] will help us to enhance the preparation and launch of calls for proposals and the evaluation and publication of data, helping us to improve the implementation of tools of so-called observers in evaluating EU funds and the system of monitoring and publishing the greatest volume of data possible in a manner ensuring that theyre clear to everybody, Pellegrini said, as quoted by the TASR newswire. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Pellegrinis office has launched what is the first EU-funded call for proposals to target the third sector specifically. The funds are designed to help NGOs defray the cost incurred in their work towards improvements in the use of EU funds. Government Proxy for Civic Society Development Martin Giertl and the Chamber of Non-governmental and Non-profit Organisations will also collaborate in the project. Giertl will have discretion when choosing third-sector experts with whom the project will be implemented. Its a matter of the next few weeks when a list of all people who will have shown interest in participating in this project will be released, the proxy said, vowing to ensure that the selection process is transparent. The results and the pros and cons of the pilot project will be reviewed by Pellegrinis office after a year. If the project proves to have merit, Pellegrini will aim for further systematic support for the third sector. Mihal says that it is Sulik, the man whom his political opponents mocked for having a calculator for a brain, who is pulling the party out of liberal waters and towards somewhere completely different. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Jozef Mihal, one of the founding members of what is now the largest opposition party, Freedom and Solidarity (SaS), has announced he is leaving it. He has cited health problems as his main reason, but also the fact that he considers himself a liberal and as a result no longer feels comfortable among his SaS peers. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Mihal, who previously served as labour minister, was SaS expert on taxes and the labour market. He represents what the party claimed to stand for when it first emerged a government composed of experts, for whom economic policies would be key. One might or might not agree with that vision, but the fact is that many voters did and it was the main reason why they originally lent their support to Richard Sulik and the people around him. Now Mihal says that it is Sulik, the very man whom his political opponents mocked for having a calculator for a brain, or for not being able to understand anything that could not be described with an Excel spreadsheet, who is pulling the party out of liberal waters and [towards] somewhere completely different. Let us add that the waters where Sulik is headed have the unappealing complexion of mud. He is staking his party of all parties, once the home of Excel nerds and calculators, on the belief that it will be best served by relinquishing facts and figures and turning instead to emotion and instinct. Post-factual times in Slovakia. Sulik has never been one to indulge in the art of diplomacy, and takes pride in saying out loud whatever he thinks. In a very thorough recent interview about his current opinions and identity with the Dennik N daily, Sulik unveiled more of his internal world and agreed that he could now be called a Slovak nationalist. The interview was conducted before, but published after, Mihal announced he was leaving. Too many migrants means less freedom for our citizens, Sulik said in the interview, claiming that this fate is already befalling Germany. Coincidentally, Germany is the country to which he himself migrated and lived with his parents as a child, before returning to Slovakia after 1989. Migrants is his immediate answer also when asked about the main threats he perceives currently facing the EU. While he believes that at least half of the EUs competencies should be returned to the member states, Sulik says it would be a shame if the union broke up. And he has a project to reform it. The things that Sulik says may well sound appealing to people who did not vote for his SaS, but rather for the anti-system party of Boris Kollar or the fascists of LSNS, one year ago. Is he hoping these people will now change their minds and turn from populists and fascists to a former-European-liberal-now-Slovak-nationalist? And what about those who supported the party not because of Suliks newly discovered beliefs, but in fact because of its economic programme or the ideas represented by Mihal, Lucia Nicholsonova, or Martin Poliacik? Some supporters of the party have been quick to opine in debates on social networks that Nicholsonova and Poliacik would do best to leave. That points to a clear schism not only within the party, but also among its voters. There are clearly some among them who would be glad if the occasional (but ever-more frequent) anti-system leanings of the party leader were uninhibited by competing points of view. We are possibly looking at the end of SaS, and definitely at the end of SaS as we knew it the party with many drawbacks, but which could at least boast some acknowledged experts in the economic disciplines. Meanwhile, Sulik tours media outlets talking about how and why he is no longer a European liberal and how he approves of Trumps proposed wall on the Mexican border, and keeps saying that he is interested only in defending the rights of Slovak citizens. Increasingly, he represents a phenomenon that experts on extremism have been warning about since long before we had even heard of Trump-the-politician, or before Kotleba was elected to the top regional post in Banska Bystrica: that the real danger is when mainstream politicians realise that extremist, anti-system rhetoric works with the electorate, and start abusing it too. Government greenlights investment stimuli for four projects. Font size: A - | A + The most critical investments among the four projects approved by the government on February 22 are the investment projects of the companies Nemak Slovakia and Franke Slovakia, Economy Minister Peter Ziga said after the cabinets session. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Then there are two other investments slated for the least developed regions: Lucenec (Banska Bystrica Region) and Betliar near Roznava (Kosice Region), said Ziga as cited by the TASR newswire. Its part of the action plan that the cabinet has drafted within the past year based on away-from-home sessions and talks in the regions, said Ziga, adding that the government will attempt to encourage investors to make investments in the less developed regions. Read also: Read also: 500 new jobs to be created Read more On February 22, the cabinet approved investment aid for four companies: Franke Slovakia, Nemak Slovakia, D&J Design, and Frafak & Fafrak. The overall sum of investment aid equals approximately 11.1 million. By realising their investment intents worth 88.48 million, the firms in question are expected to create some 500 jobs within the coming years. Requesting investment aid of 3.9 million in the form of tax relief, Franke Slovakia plans to build a new factory in Strecno (Zilina Region) to produce coloured kitchen sinks. The firm will invest 26.96 million in 2017-2018 and is due to create 240 new jobs. Nemak Slovakia requested aid worth 6.19 million in the form of income tax relief. The firm plans to extend its existing industrial production facilities that manufacture aluminium castings in Ladomerska Vieska (Banska Bystrica Region) at the cost of 59.38 million by the end of 2018 and create 210 new jobs. D&J Design is requesting investment aid of 910,319 to extend its furniture production in Lucenec and it plans to invest 2 million in 2017 while creating 40 jobs. Asking for investment aid of 76,994 to expand its existing sawmill production, Frafak & Fafrak is geared up to invest 139,990 and create 10 jobs by the end of 2017. By Press Trust of India: From Yoshita Singh United Nations, Feb 22 (PTI) The recent trial in Libya of members of Muammar Gaddafis regime fell short of international standards, a new UN report has said. In the report issued yesterday, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) recognised the challenge of trying former members of the regime, especially amid armed conflict and political polarisation. advertisement They noted that the trial raised concerns such as serious violations of due process, including prolonged periods of incommunicado detention for the defendants amid allegations of torture which were not properly investigated. "Holding perpetrators responsible for violations is vitally important but accountability should be the result of due process and a fair trial," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein said in a news release detailing the reports findings on the trial proceedings that examined violations of human rights during the 2011 civil uprising that toppled the long-time Libyan leaders regime. "This trial was a missed opportunity for justice and for the Libyan people to have the chance to confront and reflect on the conduct of the former regime," he said. The report also said the Libyan authorities should also ensure the surrender of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi to the International Criminal Court (ICC), in compliance with Libyas international obligations. Of the 37 members of the former regime under trial ? including Gaddafis son Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, former intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi and former Prime Minister Al-Baghdadi al-Mahmudi ? six defendants were sentenced to death; eight given life sentences; 15 others jail terms of five to 12 years; four were acquitted on all charges; and one was referred to a mental health institution. UNSMIL and OHCHR closely monitored the case from the pre-trial phase through the court proceedings, which began in March 2014, to the verdict in July 2015. They also interviewed many of the defendants and their relatives and lawyers, reviewed the case dossier and judgement, and had extensive discussions with Libyan officials and Libyan and international experts. They noted that the public prosecutors office, in particular, provided documentation and was available for discussion of the trial throughout the process. However, they also said that the defendants lawyers complained repeatedly of difficulties in meeting defendants in private and accessing documentation. "The right to defence was also undermined by the fact that no prosecution witnesses were called to testify in court ? the prosecutions case was only briefly presented during the court sessions ? and the court restricted each defendant to two witnesses," the release said. advertisement "(We urge) the Court of Cassation to take into full account the due process violations identified in the report and provide effective remedies, pending the adoption of reforms needed to bring Libyan trials into full compliance with international standards," the two UN entities noted. Among other specific recommendations, the report also called for a review of the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure to ensure all crimes are clearly defined, access to lawyers during interrogation is guaranteed and other fair trial safeguards are strengthened. PTI YAS AMS NSA AMS --- ENDS --- One limiting factor is the lack of money for a more rapid construction of roads. Font size: A - | A + Its necessary to construct another 1,000 kilometres of highways and dual carriageways in Slovakia, but the proper general concept of construction and funding to achieve this is lacking , construction company Hochtief SK director Miroslav Beka said on TABLET.TV on February 23. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Nothing can be done if construction work goes on for five years and a two-year break follows, said Beka as cited by the TASR newswire, adding that the situation of the Slovak market is complicated and it cannot be ruled out that some companies will have to go into bankruptcy. We knew that 2016 wouldnt be ideal, as it was an election year, said Beka. Nevertheless, we did not expect that this would also affect 2017. Construction is on a steady decline each month. Theres a famine on the market and if no new tenders are announced, companies will either shut down, or theyll go into contracts at any cost. Read also: Read also: Completion of D1 Bratislava-Kosice highway still far away Read more One limiting factor is the lack of money for the more rapid construction of roads. The EU funds for transport infrastructure have almost been exhausted, said Beka. We need at least another 5.5 billion, but the state budget isnt able to cover this. Beka sees a solution in relieving the public-debt brake or opting for PPP projects. Investors are ready [for PPP projects], he said. More demanding construction projects, such as the dual carriageways under [the ski resort] Donovaly (Banska Bystrica Region), the Soroska tunnel in central-southern Slovakia and the tunnel under the Small Carpathian Mountains near Bratislava, could be solved this way. Theyll cost too much money vis-a-vis the states readiness to go into debt, and I believe that PPP projects could work in these cases. Read also: Read also: Construction sector continues struggling Read more With 700 kilometres of highways and dual carriageways already constructed, another almost 100 kilometres are currently being built. Complaints have emerged concerning the high price per one kilometre of highway compared to other countries, however. According to Beka, the chief problem is the construction of too many motorway exits and the relocation of engineering networks. The construction of exits for every town delays the construction work and sometimes unnecessarily increases the cost, added Beka. This issue will be part of settling the relationship between the EU and Great Britain. Font size: A - | A + The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is looking to change its base because of Brexit and Slovakia is hoping to become the new seat, informed the Ministry of foreign and European issues. We have ambitions to host the EMA, informed the Foreign Ministry in press release, as quoted by TASR newswire. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement But Slovakia is not the only country who wants to have this European institution on its territory. The Slovak Foreign ministry knows this and is evaluating the situation. There are no official negotiations about the seat of this agency yet, according to the Foreign Ministry but the change of the EMA's base would be part of settling the relationship between the EU and Great Britain. However, Great Britain has not yet initialled paragraph 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. In the case of the EMA, there first has to be a decision regarding the reseating, stressed European Commission Vice-president Maros Sefcovic, as quoted by TASR, adding that fight is already ongoing. Read also: Read also: Investigation of stolen oncology medicine ends Read more When standing as a candidate for the seat of an EU agency, several factors are important: the availability of a suitable building, access to international transport junctions, as well as clear labour conditions, thinks Sefcovic and he believes Bratislava meets these requirements. Its necessary to prepare a high-quality draft to persuade other member countries and European institutions that Bratislava specifically is suitable as a seat for European institutions, said Sefcovic for TASR. The EMA is irreplaceable because it approves new medicines, strengthens research leading to new medicines and launches licenses for new medicines, said Slovak member of the European Parliament, Miroslav Mikolasik, as quoted by TASR. The European Union has 37 decentralized constant working agencies. Slovakia is the only country from central Europe not to host an European institution. The new (as of yesterday) president has a lot of popular support, especially in the security forces. The new president has been fighting corruption for years and made progress in reducing the incidence of corrupt officials (often senior officers) stealing payroll and other money meant for the soldiers and police. The new president also called on al Shabaab to make peace, but that was promptly rejected by the al Shabaab leaders. The other members of al Shabaab are less certain. The Islamic terrorist group has suffered heavy losses in the last few years but has maintained its strength heavy losses. The reason is growing dependence on using children and apparently at least half the current al Shabaab gunmen are armed boys under age 18 and a growing number under 14 years old. This is why, despite losing control of 90 percent of the area it controlled at its peak in 2012, al Shabaab still exists with about half the personnel it had in 2012. The growing use of child soldiers was noted as early as 2010 when the fighting in Mogadishu was not going well for al Shabaab and many of their fighters had been killed or discouraged enough to desert. Unable to entice enough men to join they have convinced (or coerced) some clan elders to allow kids (large enough to handle an AK-47) to join the fight. The kids have been eager for the opportunity to have an AK-47 of their very own, and people to shoot at. This is a big deal for Somali teenagers. By 2012 it was noted that 10-20 percent of most al Shabaab fighters appeared to be kids. The teenagers are not the best fighters. Most are impulsive and inexperienced so they do not last long if there is a lot of fighting and even then they require more supervision than adult fighters. But given the choice between disappearing because of heavy casualties or recruiting more and more kids, many African irregular groups (bandits, rebels, Islamic terrorists) will resort to the use of kids. This is not a new phenomenon but it did not become as affordable and widespread until the 1990s. Thats because after several million cheap Cold War surplus AK-47s began showing up in Africa in the 1990s, the "child soldier" became a more practical solution to heavy personnel losses. The world market for AK-47s was glutted by the late 1990s. The only market left was Africa, but only if you were willing to sell cheap. The gunrunners were, and still are, very active in lawless places like Somalia and eastern Congo. The cheap AK-47 made it possible to use kids as young as 10-14 years old, as soldiers. This was a new development, because the old weapons (spears, swords, bows) required muscle. Kids had to be older, and stronger. But now, if you could lift a 4.5 kg (ten pound) AK-47 and pull the trigger, you were a killer. Child soldiers changed everything, because warlords could just kidnap or entice kids and quickly brainwash them. These armies of child killers made insurrection and anarchy more common. Tens of millions of Africans fled their homes to avoid these tiny terrors, and many of those refugees died of starvation or disease. These victims were just as dead, even if the bullets didn't get them. In fact, few AK-47 victims died from bullets. It was the massive fear, and breakdown of society, and the economy, that killed most people confronted by all these cheap AK-47s. The kids weren't very good shots, but if they got close enough to you, they were capable of unimaginable horrors. Al Shabaab is continuing this vile tradition, although in the name of God. February 22, 2017: The new president, M A (Mohamed Abdullahi) Mohamed, took power and warned that he would restore peace and reduce corruption but that this would not happen quickly and would probably take at least two decades. Somalis and foreign donors are now waiting to see if the new president can survive (literally or just politically) running the most corrupt nation in the world. Somalia has been rated the most corrupt nation in the world for a decade. Corruption in the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index is measured on a 1 (most corrupt) to 100 (not corrupt) scale. The most corrupt nations (usually North Korea, Somalia or, since 2011, South Sudan) have a rating of under fifteen while for the least corrupt (usually Denmark) it tends to be 90 or higher. Somalia has the lowest rating (11) of the 176 nations rated. M A Mohammeds rise to power is a somewhat unexpected, but welcome, development. He is a naturalized U.S. citizen who was born (in 1962, as Somalia was being created as a unified nation for the first time) and raised in Somalia and became a Somali diplomat. During 1988 he sought asylum in the United States while serving in the Somali embassy there. He saw that Somalia was falling apart and he belonged to a prominent clan that could not avoid the worsening civil war. Like many expatriate Somalis who were successful in the west he returned to Somalia in 2009 and offered his services to the new government. Currently about a third of the members of parliament are returned expatriates as are many of the successful business owners. They have needed skills, overseas connections and are generally less corrupt. M A Mohamed became known as the least corrupt. In October 2010 the TNG (Transitional National Government) parliament confirmed M A Mohamed as the new prime minister, with 297 of 392 votes. A year later M A Mohamed was feuding with the rest of the TNG over when to hold new elections. Despite objections by the U.S. and UN, the TNG agreed to delay the August elections for a year. Thus most TNG officials want M A Mohamed ousted, apparently (but not officially) because he is not sufficiently corrupt. M A Mohammed has a lot of popular support among Somalis, but TNG soldiers have been ordered to fire on M A Mohammed supporters, and several were killed. In June 2011 Abdiweli Mohamed Ali was selected to replace M A Mohamed as Prime Minister. Both men had moved back to Somalia from the United States (there they had worked, after obtaining graduate degrees) to help build a new government. M A Mohamed was seen as an honest reformer by most Somalis, but was disliked (for the same reasons) by most of his fellow government officials, and was forced to resign on June 19th. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali was seen as someone more willing to go along with the corrupt practices. M A Mohamed went back to America for a while and kept developing political support in Somalia. He returned to Somalia frequently, built a new political party focused on fighting corruption and kept active in Somali politics worldwide. Thus he was seen as a contender in the February 8th presidential election (by a very corrupt parliament) but soon demonstrated that he had a lot more support than many local notables and foreign observers realized. February 19, 2017: In Mogadishu an al Shabaab suicide car bomb went off in a busy market leaving at least twenty dead and many more wounded. February 18, 2017: In Mogadishu an al Shabaab death squad sought to kill a senior intelligence officer but failed. A bodyguard was killed and the officer was wounded. February 16, 2017: Al Shabaab responded to the presidential election by firing several mortar shells towards the presidential palace in Mogadishu. The shells missed the palace and landed in a residential area, killing three civilians (two of them young children). February 13, 2017: In the north (Puntland) a court found seven al Shabaab members guilty of murder and condemned them to death. February 8, 2017: In the north (Puntland) al Shabaab attacked a popular hotel in the port city of Bosaso. The attack failed but four guards and two attackers died. ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) also took credit for this attack. February 7, 2017: In the northeast (90 kilometers north of Mogadishu) AU peacekeepers clashed with a group of al Shabaab men trying to plant bombs along a road. Four of the Islamic terrorists were killed and other apparently got away. The peacekeepers have been clearing the Middle Shabelle region (the coastal area north of the capital) recently and most of the al Shabaab presence is gone. February 5, 2017: In the south (Lower Jubba) al Shabaab publicly beheaded four men in a village 70 kilometers north of Kismayo. The victims were accused of spying for the government. February 2, 2017: In the south, across the border in northeast Kenya al Shabaab raided a police camp and stole a vehicle and some other equipment. January 29, 2017: In the southwest (Gedo, 320 kilometers from Mogadishu) soldiers ambushed a group of al Shabaab men and killed eleven of them. One of the dead was a known al Shabaab leader believed to be operating in the areas. January 28, 2017: In the south (Bay region) al Shabaab publicly beheaded three men accused of spying for the government. January 27, 2017: In the south, near the Kenya border over a hundred al Shabaab gunmen attacked a Kenyan base and killed over 40 Kenyan soldiers and forced the others to retreat from the camp. The al Shabaab attackers took pictures, looted the camp and fled. There is still some dispute over how many soldiers died. This attack led to yet another effort to find and arrest (or kill) al Shabaab members living in Kenya. This often leads to innocent Kenyan Moslems (especially ethnic Somalis) being arrested, or even killed. January 25, 2017: In Mogadishu there was another hotel attack by al Shabaab that left 30 dead and many more wounded. There were two bombs, one of them a suicide car bomb followed by al Shabaab gunmen who got into the hotel used by foreigners and wealthy Somalis. Police were soon on the scene and the fighting went on for hours. There were two similar attacks in 2016. Attacks like this makes people aware of the fact that Mogadishu is not as safe has it appears these days. Wikipedia logo. Researchers say 'benevolent bots', otherwise known as software robots, that are designed to improve articles on Wikipedia sometimes have online 'fights' over content that can continue for years. Editing bots on Wikipedia undo vandalism, enforce bans, check spelling, create links and import content automatically, whereas other bots (which are non-editing) can mine data, identify data or identify copyright infringements. The team analysed how much they disrupted Wikipedia, observing how they interacted on 13 different language editions over ten years (from 2001 to 2010). They found that bots interacted with one another, whether or not this was by design, and it led to unpredictable consequences. The research paper, published in PLOS ONE, concludes that bots are more like humans than you might expect. Bots appear to behave differently in culturally distinct online environments. The paper says the findings are a warning to those using artificial intelligence for building autonomous vehicles, cyber security systems or for managing social media. It suggests that scientists may have to devote more attention to bots' diverse social life and their different cultures. The research paper by the University of Oxford and the Alan Turing Institute in the UK explains that although the online world has become an ecosystem of bots, our knowledge of how they interact with each other is still rather poor. Although bots are automatons that do not have the capacity for emotions, bot to bot interactions are unpredictable and act in distinctive ways. It finds that German editions of Wikipedia had fewest conflicts between bots, with each undoing another's edits 24 times, on average, over ten years. This shows relative efficiency, says the research paper, when compared with bots on the Portuguese Wikipedia edition, which undid another bot's edits 185 times, on average, over ten years. Bots on English Wikipedia undid another bot's work 105 times, on average, over ten years, three times the rate of human reverts, says the paper. The findings show that even simple autonomous algorithms can produce complex interactions that result in unintended consequences - 'sterile fights' that may continue for years, or reach deadlock in some cases. The paper says while bots constitute a tiny proportion (0.1%) of Wikipedia editors, they stand behind a significant proportion of all edits. Although such conflicts represent a small proportion of the bots' overall editorial activity, these findings are significant in highlighting their unpredictability and complexity. Smaller language editions, such as the Polish Wikipedia, have far more content created by bots than the large language editions, such as English Wikipedia. Lead author Dr Milena Tsvetkova, from the Oxford Internet Institute, said: 'We find that bots behave differently in different cultural environments and their conflicts are also very different to the ones between human editors. This has implications not only for how we design artificial agents but also for how we study them. We need more research into the sociology of bots.' The paper was co-authored by the principal investigator of the EC-Horizon2020-funded project, HUMANE, Professor Taha Yasseri, also from the Oxford Internet Institute. He added: 'The findings show that even the same technology leads to different outcomes depending on the cultural environment. An automated vehicle will drive differently on a German autobahn to how it will through the Tuscan hills of Italy. Similarly, the local online infrastructure that bots inhabit will have some bearing on how they behave and their performance. Bots are designed by humans from different countries so when they encounter one another, this can lead to online clashes. We see differences in the technology used in the different Wikipedia language editions and the different cultures of the communities of Wikipedia editors involved create complicated interactions. This complexity is a fundamental feature that needs to be considered in any conversation related to automation and artificial intelligence.' Professor Luciano Floridi, also an author of the paper, remarked: 'We tend to forget that coordination even among collaborative agents is often achieved only through frameworks of rules that facilitate the wanted outcomes. This infrastructural ethics or infra-ethics needs to be designed as much and as carefully as the agents that inhabit it.' The research finds that the number of reverts is smaller for bots than for humans, but the bots' behaviour is more varied and conflicts involving bots last longer and are triggered later. The average time between successive reverts for humans is 2 minutes, then 24 hours or one year, says the paper. The first bot to bot revert happened a month later, on average, but further reverts often continued for years. The paper suggests that humans use automatic tools that report live changes and can react more quickly, whereas bots systematically crawl over web articles and they can be restricted on the number of edits allowed. The fact that bots' conflicts are longstanding also flags that humans are failing to spot the problems early enough, suggests the paper. More information: 'Even Good Bots Fight: The Case of Wikipedia', PLOS ONE, journals.plos.org/plosone/arti journal.pone.0171774 Journal information: PLoS ONE 'Even Good Bots Fight: The Case of Wikipedia', BUCHAREST (Reuters) - A new Romanian justice minister was confirmed in office on Thursday, ending a month-long upheaval triggered by a government decree that would have decriminalised several graft offences and shielded dozens of officials from prosecution. Florin Iordache quit as justice minister this month after protests involving at least half a million people and criticism from European Union and NATO allies. President Klaus Iohannis's office said he had signed a decree appointing non-partisan Tudorel Toader, 56, to replace him. The new minister is chancellor of the University of Iasi and a former judge of Romania's Constitutional Court. He is also a member of the Venice Commission, the Council of Europe's advisory body on constitutional matters. The leader of the ruling Social Democrat Party, Liviu Dragnea, had said Toader would not need to join the party. Three other ministers, Alexandru Petrescu, Mihai Tudose and Rovana Plumb were approved for the trade, economy and European funds ministries respectively. Iohannis, a former centre-right politician and a strong critic of the graft decree, plans to hold a national referendum over anti-corruption reforms. Romania is one of the EU's most corrupt states and Bruseels keeps its justice system under special monitoring. (Reporting by Radu Marinas) TORONTO (Reuters) - British and Canadian regulators have signed an agreement to make it easier for financial technology companies to expand in each other's markets, they said on Wednesday. The agreement between the UK's Financial Conduct Authority and the Ontario Securities Commission is meant to help fintech startups navigate regulations. The OSC, Canada's largest and most influential securities regulator, and FCA will also share information on trends and regulatory issues involving financial services innovations. Both regulators already have their own fintech initiatives in place to help startups meet compliance requirements and test products under their supervision. Fintechs typically use technology to provide cheaper, more accessible and more efficient financial services such as payments, money transfers or trading. The global fintech sector has boomed in recent years, with startups securing billions of dollars in financing annually. Complicated regulations can prove challenging for companies looking to innovate and grow quickly. Canada, particular, has a fragmented regulatory environment. For example, fintechs may need separate approvals from each province to operate. Central banks have also expressed concern that fintechs could threaten financial stability and raise security issues such as money laundering, terrorism financing and data protection, and therefore require greater oversight. (Reporting by Solarina Ho; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn) BEIJING (Reuters) - China's defence ministry on Thursday dismissed reports Chinese military vehicles were patrolling inside Afghanistan, saying the two countries were only carrying out counter-terrorism operations along their common border. This month, the Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst think-tank said in a report on its website that Chinese troops were on Afghan soil conducting joint patrols with their Afghan counterparts. That followed a similar report in an Indian media outlet in November. Defence ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said Chinese public security departments had counter-terrorism cooperation along the China-Afghanistan border. "This is law enforcement bodies from China and Afghanistan, in accordance with a bilateral agreement on strengthening border law enforcement, conducting cooperation along the border so as to jointly carry out counter-terrorism and to fight against cross-border crime," Ren told a monthly news briefing. "Reports in foreign media of Chinese military vehicles patrolling inside Afghanistan do not accord with the facts," he added, largely repeating a similar ministry statement from November. China and Afghanistan share a 76-km (50 mile) stretch of border in a remote, mountainous corner of central Asia. China has long been concerned that instability in Afghanistan could spill over into the violence-prone Xinjiang region in china's far west, home to the Muslim Uighur people, where hundreds of people have died in recent years in unrest blamed by China on Islamist militants. China has also worked with Pakistan and the United States to broker peace talks to end Afghanistan's Taliban insurgency that has raged there for 15 years. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Robert Birsel) Cressida Dick has been appointed the first female commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. Now, for the first time, the three top police officers in the UK are women: the Met commissioner, the head of the National Crime Agency, Lynne Owens, and the Chair of the National Police Chiefs Council, Sara Thornton. The Metropolitan Police Service is one of the largest police forces in the world and some would say the most famous. The question as to who would succeed Sir Bernard Hogan Howe to become the next Met commissioner has been a hot topic of conversation for weeks. Four strong candidates, all good cops including Thornton fought it out to the finish. The final decision was taken jointly by the home secretary, Amber Rudd, and the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. They were advised by Sophie Linden who heads the Mayors Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). The new commissioner is likely to be a popular choice in most quarters but not all. There will be much discussion about her role as the senior commander in the control room during an operation in 2005 during which Jean Charles de Menezes was tragically shot by a police officer on an underground train although she was cleared of any personal responsibility by an inquest jury. Caroline Ford , CC BY-SA Her record of service in the Metropolitan and Thames Valley forces is distinguished and she brings a wide range of operational policing, knowledge of London and experience of dealing with government. But is that enough? Taking on a 45,000 strong organisation, with a budget of more than 2.5 billion, that is under severe pressure would stretch the most seasoned corporate executive. Yet the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee in September 2015 made some pointed criticism of general management skills and training within the police force. Even with the support of MOPAC it is a monumental corporate management challenge. Added to that, behind the still generally strong reputation of the Met which, in my opinion, was arguably just maintained rather than either enhanced or eroded by Hogan Howe lie many deep challenges. Story continues Facing challenges First, who would want two bosses? Once again, the commissioners two overseers, the London mayor and the home secretary, come from different political parties. The commissioner is operationally independent but the dual reporting line will require both deft and politically astute handling. Dick will have to win and maintain the confidence of both without making the mistake of getting too close to either. Perhaps having to look in both directions will help the commissioner avoid the risk of becoming too political, which not all her predecessors have avoided. Next is the high risk in every direction from the Mets many complex investigations and operations, as well as the daily severe threat from terrorism. The Metropolitan Police, which leads the British counter-terrorism policing effort in partnership with MI5, has to be on top form all the time. It is a formidable task but one that is at least familiar to the new commissioner from her previous role heading this area of the Mets work. The legacy issues which still dog the force may well be tougher. Enquires, including those following the investigations into the murder of Stephen Lawrence, damaged relations with the press, a string of allegations of sexual offences by public figures, as well as the shooting of Mr Menezes resulted in criticism being heaped on to the Met. Deep concerns remain over other past activities, such as the conduct of undercover operations and its hard to imagine that the new commissioner wont have to deal with more skeletons in the cupboard. Monumental task Managing the Mets everyday performance issues will be more familiar to her, but nonetheless difficult. The force has very recently felt the heat from Her Majestys Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) in respect of child abuse investigations. More than three-quarters of the large sample of cases looked at by the HMIC were found to be inadequate in one or more respects. This may well point to issues around systems, processes, detective skills, training and importantly an unswerving focus on the victims of crime. Putting all of this right across such a huge organisation will be tough. Policy Exchange , CC BY The list of challenges is long, but one remarked on by Hogan Howe will be an immediate one for Cressida Dick. How to rebuild the broken technology police in London have to work with? She will have to pick up the pieces of repeated attempts to crack this difficult nut. Does the training and development any senior police officer receives equip them for such a role? The evidence is not strong that it does. Perhaps most importantly, the new commissioner has to build a clear vision for her workforce what she expects of them and, crucially, how they should police. How they should exercise their powers and discretion in a way that will ensure that across London, the Met is truly well connected with the communities it serves and wins their trust. Dick must also build a leadership team that will work together to build the culture that needs to permeate as quickly as possible to all corners of the force. Without that, the traditional model of policing London with the consent and support of its citizens will erode further. No one person, even supported by a good team, can get it all right and her options for manoeuvre will often be constrained by external events. Getting the right approach to meeting what looks like a near-impossible challenge may well serve her best. This must involve being open, transparent, honest, utterly professional, caring of the public and employees and when necessary challenging of political pressure. Cressida Dick deserves support in this vital, but perhaps too demanding role. Even though she may well have been the best candidate, she will need that support. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. The Conversation Nick Alston does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond the academic appointment above. By Sarah Marsh and Nelson Acosta HAVANA (Reuters) - Communist-ruled Cuba on Wednesday said it had foiled a serious plot aiming to destabilize the country by preventing the chief of the Organization of American States traveling to the island to attend an award ceremony organized by dissidents. The opposition group, which the government called "anti-Cuban and illegal," had invited OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro to Havana to honor him for shining a light on violations of human rights in the Americas. Cuba, which views the Washington-based OAS as an imperialist instrument of the United States despite its fledgling detente with its Cold War foe, denied Almagro and other international invitees visas and issued a blistering statement. The incident comes at an awkward time as U.S. President Donald Trump considers whether to continue normalizing relations with the Caribbean island. "The plan ... consisted of mounting in Havana an open and serious provocation against the Cuban government, generating internal instability, damaging the country's international reputation," the statement by the foreign ministry read. The ministry accused Almagro of "an ambition agenda of auto promotion with attacks against progressive governments like those of Venezuela, Bolivia and Ecuador." In a letter to the dissidents, Almagro said he had assured the Cuban authorities he did not have an anti-Cuban agenda. The OAS's only interest was to "help move Cuba closer to the values and principles upheld by the organization in relation to democracy and human rights," he said. Cuba had earlier prevented other international invitees, including a former Chilean minister and an ex-president of Mexico, from traveling to Cuba to attend the award ceremony, stoking tensions across Latin America. Chile said it was recalling its ambassador to Cuba for consultation while Mexico's foreign ministry said on its Twitter account that it "regretted" Cuba's decision. The Cuban foreign ministry defended its move as "impeccable act of transparency," saying it had contacted the countries from which invitees were traveling to inform them of the plot, hoping they could be dissuaded from traveling. "There was no lack of declarations by defenders of the false persecuted, allies of past dictatorships and unemployed politicians willing to ally themselves with vulgar mercenaries in the service of foreign interests," the ministry said. The dissident group that had organized the award ceremony is led by the daughter of late democracy activist Oswaldo Paya, who died in a 2012 car accident. Rosa Maria Paya accuses the Cuban government of causing the crash, a charge it denies. Paya went ahead with the ceremony on Wednesday in the Paya family home in Havana as planned, although she said she would keep his prize until he could pick it up in person. That looks unlikely to happen soon. In its statement on the events, Cuba denounced a recent neo-liberal, imperialist offensive against certain Latin American countries that had plunged millions back into poverty. "Where has the OAS been, that has always kept a complicit silence facing these realities?" the ministry asked, reiterating that Cuba would never rejoin the organization. Fidel Castro, a leading Cold War figure who built a communist state on the doorstep of the United States and defied U.S. attempts to topple him, died in November at the age of 90, eight years after handing the presidency over to his younger brother, Raul. (Additional Reporting by Lesley Wroughton in Washington; Editing by Nick Macfie) By Press Trust of India: From Lalit K Jha Washington, Feb 23 (PTI) The Trump administration has revoked the Obama-era regulations that extended certain protections to transgender students, allowing them to use bathrooms and locker rooms matching their gender identities. The roll-back announced yesterday by the Department of Justice and Education Department resulted in a furious reaction from the opposition Democratic party leaders. advertisement The Trump administration cited too many lawsuits and legal loopholes in the Obama-era regulation, which required public schools to allow students to use the bathrooms corresponding to their gender identities, as one of the reasons for its roll back. It informed the Supreme Court that they are revoking guidance from the Departments of Education and Justice that clarified that transgender students are protected from sex discrimination by Title IX, the federal law that bars gender discrimination. The guidance, which was issued last May by the Obama administration, reiterated the rights of transgender students to use restrooms and facilities consistent with their gender identity. "The guidance issued by the previous administration has given rise to several legal questions. As a result, a federal court in August 2016 issued a nationwide injunction barring the Department from enforcing a portion of its application," said US Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. "Since that time, the Department has not enforced that part of the guidance, thus there is no immediate impact to students by rescinding this guidance. This is an issue best solved at the state and local level. Schools, communities, and families can find ? and in many cases have found ? solutions that protect all students," DeVos said. The US Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the prior guidance documents did not contain sufficient legal analysis or explain how the interpretation was consistent with the language of Title IX. The Department of Education and the Department of Justice therefore have withdrawn the guidance, he said. "Congress, state legislatures, and local governments are in a position to adopt appropriate policies or laws addressing this issue. The Department of Justice remains committed to the proper interpretation and enforcement of Title IX and to its protections for all students, including LGBTQ students, from discrimination, bullying, and harassment," Sessions said. A furious Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said withdrawing "the historic guidance from" the Obama administration to protect transgender students is "a cruel blow" to an already vulnerable group of young people. "This move shows that President Trump cannot be trusted to defend the rights of LGBT Americans. This is not a state issue. This is an issue of equality for all. The administrations wanton disregard of protecting the civil rights of the LGBT community is harmful to our communities and our schools," she said. advertisement Senator Ben Cardin wished that the Trump administration would have considered the mental and physical wellbeing of the transgender students being targeted by this action rather than appeasing his political base. "Todays withdrawal of civil rights protections afforded to transgender students under Title IX by the Departments of Education and Justice is a tragic step backward for these children. It is alarming that the primary enforcers of federal civil rights protections for students have chosen to turn their back on some of the most vulnerable children in our classrooms," he said. "Regardless of a students zip code, they deserve a safe learning environment where they are able to reach their full academic potential," Cardin said in a statement. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) LGBT Project director James Esseks said revoking the guidance shows that Trumps promise to protect LGBT rights was just empty rhetoric. ACLU said it would challenge the revocation in court. advertisement ACLU Senior Staff Attorney Joshua Block, who is lead counsel for Gavin Grimm at the Supreme Court in March in the case Gloucester County School Board v. GG, said while its disappointing to see the Trump administration revoke the guidance, the administration cannot change what Title IX means. "When it decided to hear Gavin Grimms case, the Supreme Court said it would decide which interpretation of Title IX is correct, without taking any administrations guidance into consideration. We?re confident that that the law is on Gavin?s side and he will prevail just as he did in the Fourth Circuit," Block said. PTI LKJ RSD AMS --- ENDS --- By Alexandra Alper and Noe Torres MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico on Thursday expressed "worry and irritation" about U.S. policies to two of President Donald Trump's top envoys, giving a chilly reply to the new administration's hard line on immigration, trade and security. The U.S. government this week angered Mexico by saying it was seeking to deport many illegal immigrants to Mexico if they entered the United States from there, regardless of their nationality. It is the latest point of friction between neighbours that have also been at odds over Trump's vow to build a wall on the border and his attempts to browbeat Mexico into giving concessions on trade. Comments by Trump about a "military operation" to deport criminals added to the tense atmosphere in Mexico City, and prompted a clarification from Homeland Security chief John Kelly. "There exists among Mexicans worry and irritation about what are perceived to be policies that could be harmful for the national interest and for Mexicans here and abroad," Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray told a news conference. He was speaking after talks in the Mexican capital with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security chief John Kelly, who later met with President Enrique Pena Nieto. The Mexican leader scrapped a summit meeting with Trump in January as tensions rose. Both sides on Thursday pledged further dialogue on migration, trade and security issues. Two Mexican newspapers leaked comments from Videgaray that bolstered the perception that Mexico is taking a more robust approach to its dealings with Trump, following jibes that Pena Nieto should stand up to his counterpart. If the United States taxes imports from Mexico, there will be a response that "hits them where it hurts," La Jornada and Reforma reported Videgaray as saying, based on recordings obtained of a closed door session with lawmakers on Wednesday. Videgaray warned of counter-taxes and tariffs targeting U.S. congressional districts most reliant on exports to Mexico if Trump started limiting trade. Kelly and Tillerson were more measured in their words than either the Mexicans or Trump, who on Thursday said a military operation was being carried out to clear "bad dudes" such as gang members and drug lords from the United States. But Kelly said there would be "no use of military force in immigration operations," and "no, repeat, no" mass deportations. White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Trump's comment was meant to describe the "flawless" manner that U.S. immigration and border authorities worked. 'A COMPLEX TIME' Looking stern as he stood beside the U.S. visitors, Videgaray said it is "a complex time" for U.S.-Mexican relations, which have gone downhill quickly since Trump's election last November. Videgaray and Pena Nieto have been criticized at home for being too willing to engage with Trump, who has repeatedly cranked up tension with the country ahead of key meetings. Opposition politicians and a handful of protesters demanded that Pena Nieto should snub the visitors, and even Economy Minister Idelfonso Guajardo had said the meeting with the president on Thursday might not happen, depending on the tone of the talks in the morning. Mexico relies heavily on exports to its neighbour. But stakes are also high for the United States, not least because a breakdown in relations with Mexico could affect extensive cooperation on the fight against narcotics and on stemming the flow of Central American illegal immigrants that reach the U.S. border. The two countries need to strengthen intelligence sharing, as well as take more action to stem the flow of weapons and drug money from the United States and to shut down criminal organizations, Interior Minister Miguel Angel Osorio Chong said. "Mexico needs the United States, and the United States also needs Mexico, our countries will always be neighbours so the best thing would be to have agreements that work for both equally," Osorio Chong said. In a concession to Mexican concerns, both Kelly and Tillerson acknowledged the need to stop arms and drug proceeds moving south, and praised Mexico's extensive programs to turn back Central American immigrants travelling north. "There is no mistaking that the rule of law matters along both sides of our border," Tillerson said. None of the officials made direct references to the deportation of immigrants from third countries to Mexico, or to paying for the border wall planned by Trump, a red-flag issue for Mexico. (Additional reporting by Gabriel Stargardter, Christine Murray, Adriana Barrera and David Alire Garcia in Mexico and Ginger Gibson and David Shephardson in Washington; Writing by Frank Jack Daniel; Editing by Alistair Bell) The family of a Briton named by IS as a suicide bomber in Iraq say they have not had his death confirmed. The family of Jamal al Harith said the man they knew up to 2001, when he was taken to Guantanamo Bay, "would not have become involved with a despicable organisation such as so-called Islamic State". Pointing out that they had not seen him since 2014, their statement went on to say he had been a "peaceful and gentle" person and he was "utterly changed" by his time in the US detention centre on Cuba. They have also dismissed reports that he received a million pounds in compensation after his release. :: Ronald Fiddler - British-born model who became a jihadi Al Harith's family said they released the statement to "express their sorrow and distress at the news of his death" but they said they have not had confirmation from the authorities that he has died or received information on the circumstances of his apparent death. Downing Street has said there was no independent confirmation of the identity of the suicide bomber who attacked Iraqi troops in Mosul. Born Ronald Fiddler, al Harith grew up on Manchester's Moss Side and had five children. A lawyer for his family said: "Whatever he may or may not have done since then they believe from their own experience he was utterly changed by the physical and mental cruelty and the inhuman treatment he endured for two years at Guantanamo. "On his return he suffered recurrent nightmares. While sleeping he would cry out 'don't hurt me'." Addressing the million-pound compensation he was said to have received, the family said they believe this was a group settlement including costs for four people - with al Harith among them. Tony Blair has defended al Harith's release in 2004 and said that as prime minister at the time he was criticised for how long it took to secure the repatriation. Mr Blair said he had had concerns about civil liberties as well as national security, stating: "The reason it did take a long time for their release was precisely the anxiety over their true affiliations. Story continues "But those who demanded their release should not be allowed to get away with now telling us that it is a scandal that it happened." Lord David Blunkett, who was home secretary at the time of al Harith's release, asserted the government "acted responsibly". He said: "Public controversy at the time was about remaining detainees and whether enough was being done to obtain their release, and not about the wisdom of providing balanced reassurance." In 2001, al Harith left the UK and went backpacking in Pakistan a few weeks after the 11 September attacks. Later that year, the 50-year-old was detained and imprisoned in Afghanistan by the Taliban, who suspected him of being a British spy. He was discovered in a Taliban prison by US forces and was interrogated by the CIA, before being transferred to Guantanamo Bay. A decade after his release, al Harith travelled to Syria to join IS as a fighter. Raffaello Pantucci, director of international security studies at the Royal United Services Institute, said al Harith was able to join as IS as British intelligence agencies "naturally prioritise" suspects. He told Sky News: "They will prioritise people directly involved in attack planning in the UK and maybe someone like thisstarts to slip down the list of priorities. "It's worth pointing out it did take ten years from his return to the UK before he decided to go to Syria - that's an awful long time to dedicate a lot of resource following someone". By Daria Sito-Sucic SARAJEVO (Reuters) - The leader of Macedonia's Social Democrats said on Thursday he expected to be able to form a new government in March, ending a two-year political crisis in the wake of a wiretapping scandal that brought down the previous administration. Zoran Zaev said he had secured the support of ethnic Albanian parties and expected to complete talks on forming a government in early March. The conservative VMRO-DPMNE party at the centre of the scandal had tried but failed to form a coalition after winning a December election but falling short of a majority in the 120 seat parliament. "Now we have to agree on the distribution of ministries and the future government reform platform," Zaev told reporters while on a trip to Sarajevo. "I am very optimistic that in the first half of March Macedonia will have a government led by Social Democrats." The Balkan nation's two-year political crisis was triggered by a surveillance scandal that forced veteran VMRO-DPMNE leader Nikola Gruevski to resign a year ago. The crisis was the worst since Western diplomacy helped drag the country of 2.1 million people back from the brink of civil war during an ethnic Albanian insurgency in 2001, promising it a path to membership of the European Union and of NATO. VMRO-DPMNE won 51 seats to the Social Democrats' 49 in December's poll. Macedonia's ethnic Albanian parties had made their support for any potential coalition conditional on the passage of a law backing broader use of their language in the country. The Democratic Union of Integration, the biggest ethnic Albanian party in parliament, said on Wednesday it had agreed with the Social Democrats on such a law but did not give details and suggested agreements were needed in other policy areas. Albanian is currently an official language only in municipalities where Albanians account for more than 20 percent of the population. "Its true that yesterday we overcame an important hurdle. But there are still other issues that have to be agreed if we are to decide to govern together in the next period," DUI spokesman Bujar Osmani told reporters. "We have to align our party platforms for the entire mandate." The other two ethnic Albanian parties, Besa and Alliance for Albanians, which together have eight seats in the parliament, have already said they will support Zaev to form a government. (Reporting by Daria Sito-Sucic; Additional reporting by Kole Casule in SKOPJE; Writing by Ivana Sekularac; Editing by Catherine Evans) By Gwladys Fouche OSLO (Reuters) - More than seven million people risk starvation in Nigeria's insurgency-hit northeastern region and around Lake Chad, a senior U.N. official said on Wednesday ahead of a new funding appeal. Famine has been ongoing since last year in parts of Nigeria where the government is fighting a seven-year long Boko Haram insurgency. An international donor conference in Oslo on Friday will aim to raise a chunk of the $1.5 billion the United Nations says it needs to address deepening food insecurity in the region this year. "They are living on the edge, barely getting by on one meal a day," Toby Lanzer, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for the Sahel, told Reuters. "My biggest concern today is starvation." Earlier this week the United Nations said 1.4 million children were at risk of "imminent death" in famines in Nigeria, South Sudan, Somalia and Yemen. Lanzer said he was worried the Boko Haram insurgency would deter farmers from planting their crops after missing the last three planting seasons, and that the number of lives at risk could increase. He also expressed concerns the coming rainy season could harm vulnerable people. "Hungry people without shelter when it rains die," he said. Lanzer said the humanitarian response needed to go beyond food aid and include seeds, tools and fishing nets. Lanzer said he hoped a total $500 million will have been pledged by the end of February, including this week's funding round. Lanzer, who has also worked in South Sudan, Darfur and Chechnya, said it was difficult to estimate how many people would die from hunger in the next few months. "If we were to lose another planting season, I dread to think how severe the crisis could get," he said. Some 10.7 million people in northeastern Nigeria and around Lake Chad -- roughly two in every three people -- need humanitarian aid, according to the United Nations. Boko Haram militants have killed about 15,000 people and forced more than 2 million from their homes, and still launch deadly attacks despite having been pushed out of the vast swathes of territory they controlled in 2014. Lanzer cautioned that failure to address the deteriorating situation could encourage more Africans to try and flee to Europe. (Editing by Richard Lough) Theresa May has spoken by phone to the boss of Peugeot (Other OTC: PUGOF - news) amid fears the company's planned takeover of Vauxhall's parent company could hit UK jobs. Downing Street gave little away in its reporting of the conversation as speculation intensifies over what a deal for General Motors Europe could mean for 40,000 manufacturing, retail and supply chain workers in the UK. The statement said: "The Prime Minister spoke to the Chairman of PSA Peugeot-Citroen, Mr Carlos Tavares, this afternoon. "The Prime Minister and Mr Tavares discussed the importance the UK attaches to Vauxhall's plants at Ellesmere Port and Luton and their shared desire to protect and promote the jobs it supports and what Mr Tavares referred to as the 'iconic' Vauxhall brand within the wider group. "The Prime Minister reiterated the Government's commitment through our modern industrial strategy to creating and supporting the right conditions for the UK automotive industry to go from strength to strength, now and into the future. "A particular shared goal was strengthening the UK's automotive supply chain. "The Prime Minister and Mr Tavares agreed that they and the Business Secretary would remain in close contact as discussions progress to ensure UK interests continue to be at the forefront of any future deal." There have been various reports on Wednesday over PSA's intentions. The Press Association said loss-making GM Europe, which also owns the Opel brand, and PSA were keen to announce a deal before the Geneva Motor Show in a fortnight. Reuters, citing sources, suggested PSA was expecting 2bn in annual savings from a shake-up of the Opel operations, with some production being moved to its own plants in France. There are rumours production of the Astra, which protects 1,900 manufacturing jobs at Ellesmere Port currently, could cross the channel but nothing has been said publicly about PSA's plans. Speaking before Mrs May's conversation with Mr Tavares, the Unite union general secretary Len McCluskey said: "A very concerning picture is emerging here, made more distressing by the constant rumours running in the media. Story continues "Vauxhall workers and their union Unite have yet to be advised of General Motors (NYSE: GM - news) ' plans but I say again to both auto makers and the UK Government, we will not accept any threats to UK plants and jobs. "I will be reinforcing this when I meet with Carlos Tavares, the Peugeot head, this Friday. "I will be saying again to him that GM has a unique place in the UK's market place, and that the company's share of that market has never been higher so do not mistreat loyal UK workers and customers." Business Secretary Greg Clark told MPs (BSE: MPSLTD.BO - news) on Monday the UK would start negotiations on Vauxhall, if needed, from a position of strength given the brand's significant market presence and technical expertise. Jeremy Corbyn with Labour's Stoke candidate Gareth Snell Christopher Furlong / Getty Pro-Russian Twitter accounts target the Stoke-on-Trent Central by-election. Automated Twitter bots suspected of "astroturfing" operation. Moscow accused of cyber warfare against Western democracies. Corbyn is seen favourably by Russian government. LONDON A network of pro-Russian Twitter accounts seems to be trying to swing this Thursday's crucial Stoke-on-Trent Central by-election in favour of Labour, and against Paul Nuttall and UKIP, according to the BBC. The multiple accounts were first identified by researcher Alex King as posting pro-Russia, anti-Ukraine propaganda. However, in recent weeks they have switched to pumping out memes and hashtags that target UKIP leader Paul Nuttall in an apparent attempt to swing the election to Labour. One Tweet included a meme attacking Nuttall for the false claim to have lost friends in the Hillsborough disaster. "UKIP's Nuttall lied about 'close friends' at Hillsborough," it reads. "Can this man be trusted? Don't vote Nuttall." King told Business Insider that the network of accounts used hashtags to spread thousands of images across social media. "There are 20 odd Twitter accounts controlled by one account," he said. "Some of these accounts were set up some years ago. They rest dormant for years and then suddenly start retweeing these images. "The sheer volume suggests it's not just a guy in his bedroom. It's quite professionally done." Russia has previously been accused of using automated Twitter bots in a so-called "astroturfing" attempt to undermine Western democracies. Russian interference A report by Atlantic Council last year suggested that Russia is actively trying to gain a foothold in British politics. It identified both Labour and UKIP as targets for Russian influence. There is no suggestion that either party has solicited support from Moscow. Story continues However, the report notes that Jeremy Corbyn's election as Labour leader was greeted warmly by the Russians, with their UK ambassador praising it as a "radical breakthrough in British politics." Alexander Yakovenko told Russian television: "It is difficult to overestimate the significance of Jeremy Corbyn being elected. "This is nothing short of a radical breakthrough in [the] British politics of the last 30 years, which have never stepped beyond the so-called Thatcherist neo-liberal consensus of the establishment." Corbyn and his official spokesman Seumas Milne also both have a long record of opposition to NATO and Western powers. Last year Milne broke off communications with Westminster journalist after a number of publications named him as briefing journalists that the focus on Russian atrocities in Syria "diverts attention" from atrocities committed by the West. Russia has also been accused of interfering in the EU referendum. Labour MP Ben Bradshaw has claimed that hackers attempted to sway the result last June. "I don't think we have even begun to wake up to what Russia is doing when it comes to cyber warfare," Bradshaw told the House of Commons in December. "Not only their interference, now proven, in the American presidential campaign, probably in our own referendum last year." The UK, like other European countries, has strict laws against the foreign funding of British elections. However, US intelligence agencies were last year instructed to conduct an investigation into the clandestine funding of European political parties by Russia. Moscow has been accused of seeking to boost both far right and far left parties in Europe in an attempt to "divide and rule" the continent. Last year French National Front leader Marine le Pen was forced to deny that her party had been funded by Moscow, after it was revealed it sought a large loan from a Russian bank. NOW WATCH: Tony Blair: 'Brexit is a rush over the cliff's edge' See Also: SEE ALSO: Here are all the posts Paul Nuttall probably doesn't want you to see on his website DON'T MISS: UKIP faces coming third in Stoke as voters turn on Nuttall for his 'toxic' Hillsborough claim A soldier looks at people rallying to show support to a political council formed by the Houthi movement and the General People's Congress party to unilaterally rule Yemen by both groups, in the capital Sanaa August 20, 2016. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah Thomson Reuters The second-in-command of Yemen army was killed on Wednesday when a missile fired by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement hit an army camp, a military source said, the most senior Yemeni officer killed in the country's civil war. Major General Ahmed Saif al-Yafei was killed outside the strategic the Red Sea coast city of al-Mokha, which the army captured from the Houthis last month. Several other military personnel, including a colonel, also died in the attack, according to the online Arabic-language Aden al-Ghad newspaper. President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's internationally-recognized government, backed by a Saudi-led Arab coalition, has been trying to re-take the country from the Houthis for nearly two years. The war has killed more than 10,000 people. "(Yafei) was killed along with several others when the missile hit the camp near al-Mokha city early this morning," the military source, who is also a member of the general's family, told Reuters. Hadi's presidential office said in a statement carried by the government-run news agency that Yafei died "while carrying out his heroic role of liberating the remainder of the al-Mokha district" from the Houthis. It gave no further details. The Houthi-run news agency said its fighters targeted a vehicle in which Yafei was traveling on the outskirts of al-Mokha. Damaged houses are seen one day after a Saudi-led air strike hit them in Yemen's western city of Mokha, July 26, 2015. REUTERS/Stringer Thomson Reuters Aden al-Ghad said that the bodies of several officers who died in the attack along with Yafei have arrived at a hospital in the southern Yemeni city of Aden, where Hadi's government is based. It identified one of them as a colonel but gave no further details on the other casualties. Hadi supporters, backed by Gulf Arab troops, captured al-Mokha last month after weeks of heavy fighting around the small but strategic port city that had once served as a main port for exporting coffee. Al-Mokha lies close to the Bab al-Mandab strait through which much of the world's oil passes. Story continues NOW WATCH: NASA can't explain these giant 8,000-year-old formations in Kazakhstan See Also: Syrian opposition delegates have for the first time called for face-to face talks with government representatives ahead of negotiations which begin today in Geneva. Previous negotiations have been conducted through a mediator in separate rooms.. The opposition spokesman, Salem al-Muslet said he did not want this round to be like the one a year ago which was fruitless. What the world is saying about Syria The talks are the first UN mediated negotiations on Syria in almost a year, during which time the military situation has changed massively. We want to see real seriousness on the negotiations table, this is why we demand direct negotiations to save time because every day costs us and the Syrians more souls, famine and sieges. UN mediator Staffan de Mistura said Russia, which has supported President Bashar al-Assads military advances, has asked the Syrian government to observe a fragile ceasefire while the talks go on. Likewise the opposition should lessen provocations. So I am not expecting an immediate breakthrough from this round of negotiations, but the beginning of a series of rounds that should enable to go much more in depth on the substantive issues that are required for a political solution in Syria, said Mistura. 40 human rights organizations prioritize 5 key rights issues for Syria peace talks in Geneva https://t.co/qk5i1o08of pic.twitter.com/dfX2F8GHhO Human Rights Watch (@hrw) February 21, 2017 Meanwhile fighting is continuing between Syrian rebels and Islamist militants in the battle for the city of al Bab. Its the jihadists stronghold 30 km from the Turkish border. Turkey claims to have killed 44 militants in operations around the city in airstrikes and clashes. The self-styled Islamic State stronghold of al Bab has been a prime target since Turkey launched an incursion with Syrian rebels last August to push the jihadists from its frontier and prevent gains by a Kurdish militia. What if these were your children? We appeal to all parties at #Syria peace talks in Geneva to put children first https://t.co/FyemGADIxz pic.twitter.com/TIg7xyiiYx UNICEF (@UNICEF) February 23, 2017 After seven earth-like planets discovered by NASA made headlines, people congratulated each other for the cosmic discovery and shared hilarious Trump jokes on the occasion. By India Today Web Desk: It only took a few hours for the internet to come up with their Trump jokes after NASA researchers announced they have discovered seven earth-like planets which may have life. #FYI || TRAPPIST-1 is 40 light-years away: NASA discovers 7 earth-like planets which may have alien life on surface || The jokes in 24 hours have gone as big as the discovery of TRAPPIST-1, for better or worse. advertisement From building a wall restricting aliens to banning aliens using an executive order, these jokes just fail to stop. Trump calls for space wall to keep out aliens, will make Trappist-1 pay for it. #Resist #ScienceMarch #TheResistance https://t.co/qT6iyTX33M Resist Fascism (@TrumpsBane) February 22, 2017 BREAKING NEWS: trump decided to build wall around 7 New Planets No entry for aliens to US #Nasa #Trappist #7planets pic.twitter.com/d5tHD6GJf8 Trump just signed an executive order to build a wall along the Kuiper Belt blocking illegal Trappist-1 aliens from entering our solar system Joe Faraci (@jofar) February 22, 2017 BREAKING NEWS: President Trump signs executive order barring aliens from TRAPPIST-1 from entering earth's atmosphere for ten parsecs. #asknasa If aliens from Trappist system arrive within the next 4 years, how can we make sure they are not deported by Trump? Matt Debrovski (@MattDebrovski) February 22, 2017 Donald Trump annonce now a interplanetary travel ban. All the people who live around Trappist-1 are not welcome to USA. pic.twitter.com/c4AbOCIsi1 Jean Sasseville (@jeansasseville) February 22, 2017 And many are considering the option to escape after the cosmic discovery. Maybe I can move to Trappist-1e if trump doesnt get impeached ??? @ThatDarnSteve I was going to start packing before those planets get an immigration policy. Of all the things I've ever doneThe best is move to Trappist 1Or rather to the planets thereWhere Trump has not yet fouled the air Kit Winter (@KitWinter) February 22, 2017 It seems like Trump jokes are here to stay. --- ENDS --- PRAGUE (Reuters) - The Czech Republic has an unusual problem this winter with its wild boar meat, a local delicacy. The boars are radioactive. Actually, it's not the boars themselves, but what they're eating. A cold and snowy winter is forcing them to feed on false truffles, an underground mushroom common in the Sumava mountain region shared by Czechs, Austrians, Germans - and wild boars. The mushrooms can absorb high levels of the radioactive isotope Caesium 137. And three decades ago the nuclear catastrophe at Chernobyl released a fair amount of Caesium 137 that eventually drifted down on the Sumava mountains. Now the boars are eating the mushrooms, and ingesting the Caesium 137 along with them. That's making their meat radioactive, Jiri Drapal at the State Veterinary Administration told Reuters. "It is more or less a seasonal issue," Drapal said. But it's a long season. The half life of Caesium 137 is 30 years - that is, it takes 30 years for the radioactivity of the isotope to fall to half its original value. Then another 30 to fall to half again, and so on. The boars could be glowing for quite a while. "We can expect to find (affected) food for a number of years from now," Drapal said. And that could cause some problems with the supply of boar meat, which is popular in the Czech Republic. It often shows up on restaurant menus in goulash, a thick stew of meat, sauce and dumplings. Any boar that ends up as goulash ought to be safe. Every wild animal hunted, not only boars, must be inspected before its meat can get to customers. Radioactive meat is banned from circulation, Drapal said. That's the good news. The bad news is that 614 animals were inspected from 2014 to 2016, and 47 percent were above the limit - almost half. The semi-good news is that even meat from radioactive animals would be a health hazard only in large doses, Drapal said. You would have to eat it several times a week for couple of months, to get sick, he said. (Reporting by Robert Muller and Jiri Skacel, editing by Larry King) Charlotte Van Brabander Wins Third Unibet Battle Royale Title February 23 2017 Matthew Pitt Editor The 2017 Unibet Open London festival kicked off in style on Feb. 22 with the 10,000 invitational Battle Royale, which featured Unibet Poker ambassadors Charlotte Van Brabander, David Lappin, Dara OKearney, Ian Simpson, along with Viktor Blom and others. Streamed on Unibet Pokers Twitch channel, viewers watched on as the ambassadors battled with commentator David Vanderheyden, cash game specialist Espens Jorsad, two-time Unibet Open champion Dan Murari and the United Kingdoms Dave Shallow. The top three places awarded cash prizes and it was Lappin who secured the first payout, a free 2,000. Lappins exit left Blom and Brabander to lock horns heads-up and despite Blom being something of a one-on-one specialist, it was Brabander who emerged victorious to net 5,000, leaving Blom to collect the 3,000 consolation prize. Amazingly, this was Brabanders third consecutive win in Unibet Pokers invitational Battle Royale. The Belgian ambassador may not play as much poker as she once did as she is eyeing a career in politics, but she showed she still has what it takes to be successful at the poker table. Speaking after her win, Brabander said: Poker is a game of confidence. I didnt want to know who I was up against and their past achievements in case it got intimidating. Saying that, I really wanted to go heads-up against Viktor and beat him! Alan Hotted89 Widmann Wins the eSports Battle Royale In addition to the invitational Battle Royale, Unibet Poker ran an eSports Battle Royal where several prominent eSports specialists swapped their computer mice for playing cards. German Twitch star Alan Hotted89 Widmann, who regularly has 200,000 followers watching him play Counter Strike Global Offensive, walked away with the 5,000 top prize after staging an epic comeback in the heads-up battle with onscreenlol, who won 3,000. Third place and 2,000 went to Swedens forsen. Follow the Unibet Open London Updates on PokerNews The PokerNews Live Reporting team are in London and are covering the Unibet Open London festival. To follow the updates, click here. The University of North Georgia (UNG) military programs are featured in the March issue of Army Magazine, a publication of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). The article, "Mining a Different Kind of Gold: University of North Georgia Expanding ROTC Studies," focuses on the university's Institute for Leadership and Strategic Studies (ILSS) and the role it has played in the expansion of UNG's military programs to include cyber and security studies and more international programs. The article highlights the success of individual students and recent record-setting accomplishments of the Corps of Cadets as a whole. "We're very proud to gain national recognition for our university and Corps of Cadets, which produces motivated graduates who are well prepared to lead with character; who are agile and adaptive; who solve problems with innovative solutions; and who will win in a complex world," retired Lt. Col. Keith Antonia, associate vice president for Military Programs at UNG, said of the article. "We have a world-class leadership development program, and our cadets are our credentials." Antonia and retired Army Col. Billy Wells, UNG's senior vice president for leadership and global engagement, both are quoted in the article. Wells highlighted the successful results in the year since the ILSS was created. "After a year of mission-based functional realignment, academic performance, cadet internships, study abroad, and selection for nationally competitive scholarships have all set new records, well above the norm for the university as a whole," he said. "Additionally, performance of North Georgia cadets at the Cadet Leaders Course always outstanding has set new records with 32 percent of our cadets ranked in the top 15 percent of the nation." As noted in the article, UNG has produced 51 general and flag officers, and cadet alumni include college presidents, politicians, writers and CEOs. Seventy-five percent of graduating cadets become commissioned officers, and many cadets are members of the Georgia Army National Guard while they attend the university. Additionally, all UNG cadets receive in-state tuition, regardless of whether they are from Georgia. Rick Maze, editor-in-chief of Army Magazine and director of media operations for AUSA, visited UNG's Dahlonega Campus in December to meet several UNG administrators, tour the campus and attend a briefing about ILSS . Maze also had the opportunity to meet several UNG cadets. Army Magazine has a paid circulation of more than 51,000, including thousands of active duty Army personnel, National Guard, Reserves, military families, and retired soldiers and more than 12,000 defense industry executives. Established in 1950 and with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AUSA works to support all aspects of national security while advancing the interests of the U.S. Army and the men and women who serve. AUSA is a private, non-profit educational organization that supports the regular Army, National Guard, Reserve, retired soldiers, government civilians, wounded warriors, veterans, concerned citizens and family members. UNG is one of only six federally designated senior military colleges in the country and is designated by the Georgia Legislature as The Military College of Georgia. With more than 18,000 students on five campuses, UNG is one of the largest public universities in Georgia. The University of North Georgia's (UNG) College of Health Sciences & Professions will host its annual mock disaster event on the university's Gainesville Campus on March 8, giving students, faculty and staff practical experience in how to respond in times of real, large-scale emergencies. "A core focus area for our college is inter-professional education," said Dr. Teresa Conner-Kerr, dean of UNG's College of Health Sciences & Professions. "This event affords a critical opportunity for the different health care programs to work together with our campus partners toward a common goal of emergency preparedness. We look forward to expanding our partnerships and further enhancing the safety of our north Georgia community." This year's drill will simulate the aftermath of a tornado, and will involve props to help create the appearance of damaged structures and victims in various states of injury. "Emergency preparedness training and practice is rarely included in traditional health profession curricula. The mock disaster training and exercise event gives students, faculty and staff the unique opportunity to learn important skills while fostering inter-professional engagement throughout our college and the UNG family," said Dr. Carolynn DeSandre, assistant dean of UNG's College of Health Sciences & Professions and director of the exercise. "In addition, this event increases awareness of UNG protocols, procedures and resources in the event of a true disaster, and helps prepare our students for their professional careers in healthcare." This is the largest mock disaster event the university has held to date. Nearly 200 first-year nursing, physical therapy and clinical mental health counseling students will play the victims while 226 students beyond their first year of study will split into 16 rescue teams, working to locate, triage and treat the "patients" throughout the exercise. For practice with more advanced treatments, student responders will locate and identify a "victim" with an advanced case, then a "manikin" that can accurately simulate the wound will be brought in to replace the student actor. Faculty and staff will supervise the event throughout its entirety, and UNG's Department of Public Safety will be on-hand as well, with nine officers training alongside the students. "One of the biggest threats to the safety of our campuses is severe weather. This type of exercise gives our officers exposure to scenes they may respond to during such an event," said Greg Williams, emergency preparedness coordinator for UNG's Office of Public Safety. "This event will better prepare our officers to confront situations such as severely damaged property and people that have crush injuries as a result of a tornado." Also, UNG's Department of Clinical Mental Health Counseling will have faculty and students on site to support any participants who struggle with the serious nature of the environment created by the simulation. In addition, Hall County Emergency Medical Service will be on location to provide assistance in case any real injuries or emergencies occur during the exercise. The event will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Oakwood Building, Parking Lot S and the Continuing Education Building. At 2:30 p.m., there will be a mock media announcement, followed by an event debriefing. University of North Georgia (UNG) biology professor Miriam Segura-Totten was selected as one of the 2017 recipients of the University System of Georgia's (USG) most prestigious teaching award, the Regent's Award for Excellence in Teaching. Segura-Totten was selected unanimously by the review committee based on her commitment to not only teach students but to nurture "engaged citizens." "The committee felt her commitment was demonstrated in her creative assignments designed to promote critical thinking, and to contextualize science for non-science majors. They also noted a focus on retention of underrepresented students in STEM, history of scholarly approach to teaching, and editorship of an undergraduate research journal as confirmation of her dedication," wrote Dr. Robert E. Anderson, interim executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer for the Board of Regents of the USG. Created in 1996, the Regents' Awards program recognizes the finest among the USG full-time instructional faculty for their demonstrated educational excellence in teaching, online teaching and the scholarship of teaching and learning. Award recipients have a record of exceptional teaching and a strong commitment to impacting student learning, ultimately fostering the academic success of students. "Dr. Segura-Totten's distinguished teaching career exemplifies the innovation, value and reach of her work as an educator. Her many contributions to teaching in and beyond the classroom demonstrate the high standards and student-centered nature that guides her," said Dr. Tom Ormond, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at UNG. Segura-Totten was also the recipient of UNG's annual Distinguished Teaching Award. Presented by UNG's Center for Teaching, Learning, and Leadership, the award recognizes exceptional accomplishments and contributions in teaching over the course of a distinguished career and is the highest honor UNG bestows. "As an educator, I have the opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact on students' lives. When I step into the classroom, I remind myself that my job is to teach, support, encourage, and hopefully, inspire," said Segura-Totten, who joined UNG in 2009. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Segura-Totten is fluent in both English and Spanish. She came to the U.S. to attend college and has since lived in several states on the east coast, as well as having traveled to Latin America and Europe. She earned a bachelor's degree in molecular biology from Princeton University and a doctorate in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. This marks the 21st year the USG has identified and honored faculty for outstanding teaching and service to students, colleagues and the system. Segura-Totten will be officially recognized at the annual Regent's Scholarship Gala on March 31, where she will be honored in front of more than 600 guests who include regents, college presidents and faculty members across the USG. PRESCOTT, Ariz. A caregiver is accused of stealing nearly $190,000 from an elderly Sedona woman over a three-year span. Yavapai County Sheriffs officials say 42-year-old Christina Rodriguez from the Village of Oak Creek was booked into a Camp Verde jail on suspicion of theft, fraudulent schemes, credit card fraud, identity theft and unlawful use of power of attorney. Sheriffs officials say they were contacted last month by a family member of the 89-year-old Sedona woman who is legally blind. They say a review of bank records and receipts showed almost $190,000 in unauthorized charges by Rodriguez on the victims credit card accounts between January 2014 and December 2016. Sheriffs officials served a search warrant at Rodriguezs home and recovered thousands of dollars in stolen property including cash and high-end cameras and computers. Goooodbyeee raaacists! That was the blunt and unquestionably sarcastic message one heated passenger delivered to a man and a woman as they were being kicked off a United Airlines flight Saturday evening for causing a disturbance that was blamed on racist comments. The confrontation on Flight 1113 from Chicago to Houston began several minutes earlier, when a Pakistani man and woman wearing traditional clothing were boarding the plane, according to VHF affiliate KHOU. As the couple placed their bags in an overheard bin, a male passenger who was not identified by the airline asked the couple if they had a bomb in their luggage, another passenger sitting nearby told KHOU. Thats not a bomb in your bag, is it? the man said, according to the passenger who was not identified by KHOU. The passenger added that the couple did not immediately hear the comment, which prompted the man to repeat his remark. KHOU reported that a woman sitting nearby alerted a flight attendant, which led other passengers to also complain about the mans questions. When the Indian American boyfriend of the woman who alerted the attendant complained, a heated exchange followed. The person ahead of us turned around and asked where my boyfriend was from; my boyfriend said its none of your business, the woman told KHOU. At that point he said all illegals and all foreigners need to leave the country. Cellphone footage of the incident shows the man saying all the illegals need to be kicked off the plane, moments before the man and woman are asked to collect their belongings and exit the aircraft. I didnt say anything, the man protested, shrugging. Happy flight home, he added seconds later while his female companion holds her middle finger up to the person filming. I hope you stay there. Get out of here, a woman responded. Racists arent welcome in America! This is not Trumps America! Goooodbyeee raaacists! the woman added. Hey, Ill come back, but youll be gone, the man said as he walked away. Jonathan Guerin, a United Airlines spokesman, told The Washington Post the man and woman understood why they were asked to leave the plane and calm down. They were placed on a later flight bound for Houston, but Guerin said he didnt know if the Texas city was their final destination. We removed two passengers for making others feel uncomfortable on the flight and for saying some inappropriate things to customers on the flight, Guerin said, noting that removing customers from flights because of disruptive behavior is exceedingly rare. Most customers appreciate a place where they feel safe and where theyre not going to be attacked and we want to provide that, he added. President Donald Trumps developing plan to defeat the Islamic State may lead to significant alterations in the Syria strategy that Trump inherited from Barack Obama, including a reduction or elimination of both long-standing U.S. support for moderate opposition forces fighting against the Syrian government and the use of Syrian Kurdish fighters as the main U.S. proxy force against the militants, according to U.S. officials. A memorandum signed late last month by Trump ordered the Pentagon and other national security agencies to draft a new proposal by late February. Trump has made clear in public statements both before and since his inauguration that he is eager to increase U.S. firepower against the militants, and willing to add more troops beyond about 500 U.S. Special Operations troops currently on the ground in Syria. In addition to calling for new coalition partners, possibly to include operational coordination with Russia, Trump also ordered recommendations to change any existing military rules of engagement that are more stringent than what is required by international law. The most prominent of these are a series of restrictions, contained in an executive order Obama signed last summer, designed to limit the number of civilian casualties caused by U.S. air attacks. Senior officials familiar with the effort said the overall goal is to narrow the U.S. lens to focus more intensely on the Islamic State and other terrorist groups, without the distractions of Syrias civil war, the needs of nation-building, or the promotion of democracy. Were still sorting it out, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said of the Syria planning during a Monday visit to Baghdad. Its not been all decided on whos going to do what and where. Were working together to sort it out. On the table when Obama left office was an urgent Pentagon request for approval of its existing plan to conquer Raqqa, the Islamic States de facto capital in Syria. The plan called for arming the Syrian Kurds of the Peoples Protection Units, or YPG, whose fighters have been the main force in U.S.-assisted efforts to clear the Islamic State from northern Syria, along the Turkish border. Backed by U.S. and coalition air power and Special Operations advisers behind the front lines, the YPG and a smaller group of Syrian Arab fighters are now within a few dozen miles of Raqqa, where they are awaiting a final White House decision. The Obama approach has been vehemently opposed by Turkey, which considers the YPG an extension of its own separatist and outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK. U.S. cooperation with the Syrian Kurds caused a significant breach between the Obama administration and the government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and there have been high hopes in Ankara that the Trump White House would be more receptive to its concerns. In an Feb. 7 phone call with Erdogan, Trump was noncommittal. Since then, top U.S. national security officials including CIA Director Mike Pompeo, Mattis and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr. have received the same message in face-to-face talks with their Turkish counterparts, according to those Turkish officials. In a meeting in Munich on Monday, Vice President Mike Pence reportedly told Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim that the United States wants a fresh start in relations with Turkey. Yildirim told Turkish reporters he was optimistic that a new approach will emerge for Raqqa. Turkey has proposed several different versions of a plan to take the city, all of which involve Turkish troops, more U.S. personnel and Syrian Arab fighters, and exclude the YPG. It has also pushed for establishing a safe zone in a 25-mile deep strip along the border including territory in which the YPG is already operating with U.S. acquiescence. The proposals are politically attractive to the Trump administration, which has issued its own call for a safe zone in which displaced Syrians could be lodged. They also potentially open the door to cooperation with Russia, whose warplanes have aided Turkish troops that have already moved into Syrian territory to the town of al-Bab, west of the area of Kurdish control. Turkey could also provide artillery and transport considered crucial for the fight against the Islamic State in Raqqa. In the operation to eject the militants from the city of Mosul, in next-door Iraq, conventional Iraqi army ground forces have made good use of heavy weaponry, but no such equipment is available in Syria. Gen. Joseph Votel, head of the U.S. Central Command, referred to the problem during a visit Wednesday to Amman, Jordan, telling reporters traveling with him that the Raqqa offensive might require more U.S. troops. Local forces in Syria, he said, dont have as good mobility. They dont have as much firepower, he said, apparently referring to the Kurdish-dominated force, so we have to be prepared to fill in some of those gaps for them. But Turkeys plans also pose significant challenges. In addition to assuming a larger U.S. force on the ground, they require the U.S. military to abandon a trusted force that has played the leading role in driving the Islamic State from much of northern Syria, in exchange for Turkish and Syrian Arab forces about which there are significant reservations. A midstream change of that magnitude could also mean a significant delay in a Raqqa offensive, initially anticipated to take place this spring. Both the U.S. military and the intelligence community have doubts about the wisdom of cooperating with Russia, whose primary interest is in preserving its own strategic equities in Syria and whose principal ally there is Iran. As it considers Turkeys proposals, the Pentagon ismaintaining a constant dialogue with Ankara to ensure that there is a feasible way forward to secure Raqqa, said a senior Defense official, one of several who discussed planning and were not authorized to comment publicly. Also to be decided is the future of a three-year-old CIA program to train and equip the so-called moderate opposition fighting against the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad and his Russian and Iranian allies. Its scope has been limited by unease over sending sophisticated weaponry to groups that fight in proximity to an al-Qaida affiliate also attacking the government. During his presidential campaign, Trump regularly disparaged the opposition fighters, saying we have no idea who these people are. Instead, he suggested that the United States should shift its attention away from Syrias civil war and join forces with Assad and Russia against the Islamic State. Since then, Russian and Syrian bombing bolstered by Iran, Lebanons Hezbollah, and Shiite militia forces from Iraq have driven thousands of opposition fighters from Aleppo and other parts of Syria into rural enclaves and into northwest Syrias Idlib province, an area dominated by Jabhat al-Nusra, the al-Qaida group now known as Jabhat Fatah al-Sham. In recent weeks, opposition groups have complained that their supply lines appear to be frozen, although it is unclear if that is a temporary state or the administration has already made a more permanent decision to cut them off. Michael Birnbaum in Brussels and Dan Lamothe and Thomas Gibbons-Neff in Washington contributed to this report. By Press Trust of India: From Aditi Khanna London, Feb 23 (PTI) Four British MPs have asked the UK government to make strengthening trade ties with India a priority in the post-Brexit era. During a debate on Commonwealth Trade in Westminster Hall of Parliament yesterday, Conservative party MP Jake Berry led calls for focus on India as Britain leaves the European Union (EU). advertisement "We need to open trade deal talks with India. We will be helped significantly by the Indian diaspora of 1.4 million people, which creates strong cultural ties between our nations, and by the fact that India is currently the UKs largest export market in the Commonwealth. The Government must make it a priority next month," Berry said. He quoted a recent Commonwealth study which estimated that a UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would increase two-way trade by 26 per cent and predicted that UK exports to India could increase by 50 per cent every year, something he described as a "huge prize" for Britain and for India. Indian-origin MP Shailesh Vara, co-chair of the Conservative Friends of India, called on the post-Brexit engagement to cover smaller countries of the Commonwealth. "In 2015, Australia, Canada, India, Singapore and South Africa accounted for 70 per cent of UK exports to Commonwealth countries and 65 per cent of UK imports from the Commonwealth countries. It is important that we do not just concentrate on the larger nations of the Commonwealth, big though they may be," he said. Barry Gardiner, Labour MP for a heavily Indian-origin constituency of Brent North in London, described India as an "old friend" which should be nurtured. "It would be foolish, however, to think that we in the UK may simply pick up where we left off before we joined the EU. The world has changed, the power balance has changed and the nature of global trade has been transformed beyond recognition," he warned, quoting Indian high commissioner to the UK Y K Sinhas stress on mobility of professionals as key to any India-UK trade deal. The governments response during the debate was provided by Minister for Trade and Investment Greg Hands, who described the Commonwealth as "more important than ever". "It is an enormous market, but it is more than just a market. The Commonwealth charter has prosperity at its very centre. We have working groups on trade with Australia, New Zealand and India," Hands said. advertisement "Notably, the Prime Minister [Theresa May] made her first bilateral trade mission to a Commonwealth country ? India," Hands said. PTI AK UZM --- ENDS --- PHOENIX The Arizona Senate has voted to require doctors who perform abortions to try to revive the fetus if it shows any sign of life and have equipment on hand to do so. Backers of Senate Bill 1367 said the legislation is needed to ensure that babies born alive are given life-saving care. Opponents say fetuses cant be saved at the stage when abortions are legal, but backers contest that claim. The Senate voted mainly along party lines Wednesday to send the measure to the House. Democrat Catherine Miranda joined all 17 Republicans in voting for the bill. The remaining 12 Democrats voted no. The measure was prompted by a pair of reports of fetuses that showed signs of life after abortions. Copyright 2017 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE The New Mexico House signed off late Wednesday on a $6.1 billion spending bill for the coming year and a $265 million package of tax and fee increases to help pay for it, despite opposition from Gov. Susana Martinez and Republican lawmakers. Both measures were approved on party-line 37-32 votes after several hours of debate, with majority Democrats in favor and GOP members casting no votes. Majority House Democrats described the budget and tax bills as prudent, and said they would avoid a second downgrade in the states bond rating after a steep drop in revenue levels. I think this is the responsible thing to do given the circumstances, said Rep. Carl Trujillo, D-Santa Fe, the sponsor of the tax measure. Continuing to make further cuts I dont believe is the answer. However, House Republicans, who lost their majority in the chamber in last Novembers election, blasted the Democrats spending and tax plans. In a news conference held earlier Wednesday at the state Capitol, they pitched their own proposal that includes shifting available infrastructure funds and delaying payments for the states film rebate program there is a $50 million annual cap on film incentive spending to balance the budget. We can have a flat budget without raising taxes, said Rep. Jason Harper, R-Rio Rancho. Martinez has also been critical of the House Democrats budget plan, with a spokesman earlier this week calling it a political play and saying she would not accept it. The two-term Republican governor has also vowed to veto any tax increases approved by the Legislature, though the Governors Office has said she is open to repealing certain tax loopholes. However, some GOP legislators have signaled support for some of the tax provisions in the Democratic tax plan, specifically provisions to require online retailers to collect gross receipts tax and remove some tax deductions for nonprofit hospitals and other health care providers. In addition to those two provisions, the House-approved tax package, House Bill 202, would also increase the tax on new and used vehicle sales from 3 percent to 4 percent and levy a higher fee on commercial trucks. Without the tax package, spending levels prescribed in the budget bill would end up being about $218 million more than expected state revenue collections. New Mexico lawmakers have been grappling with budget woes for two consecutive years, as revenue levels have fallen due largely to low oil and natural gas prices. Martinez already signed into law a $190 million solvency package earlier this year that reduced funding to school districts statewide and took money from various state government accounts. That package was aimed at plugging a budget gap for the current fiscal year that ends in June and bolstering cash reserves. Some Democrats have said they wont sign off on any additional cuts. We need to stop the bleeding, and we need to stop the pain, said Rep. Patricia Roybal Cabellero, D-Albuquerque, during the House floor debate. While the budget bill passed Wednesday would keep overall spending largely flat, it would increase spending that flows to school districts statewide by roughly $32 million and provide a 2.5 percent funding increase for the states cash-strapped judicial system. It also would appropriate an additional $17 million for two economic development initiatives a job-training program and a closing fund to offset the cost of business expansion and relocation. Last year, funding for the job training program was cut, and earlier this session, the governor used her line-item veto to avoid taking money from the closing fund. If both the budget bill and tax package legislation are enacted, the states cash reserves would go up to an estimated $149 million or 2.5 percent of state spending. After winning approval in the House, the measures now advance to the Senate with a little less than four weeks left in the session. By the numbers The $6.1 billion budget plan approved Wednesday by the House would keep state spending levels largely flat for the coming fiscal year, which starts in July. But some agencies would fare better than others: Higher education 1 percent decrease ($7.6 million) Courts 2.5 percent increase ($3.9 million) Medicaid 0.2 percent increase ($2.1 million) State-run prisons 1.6 percent decrease ($4.6 million) Public schools Flat (funding for school districts would increase, but dollars for Public Education Department initiatives would go down) The bill pending in the New Mexico Legislature that proposes to modify the Whistleblower Protection Act would weaken that law in all the ways flagged by critics. However, two other threatened changes are not as readily apparent. First, Senate Bill 299 silently omits the provision that requires employers to keep posted in a conspicuous place on the public employers premises notices prepared by the employer that set forth the acts provisions. This omission is alarming. Posting workplace notices is critical to inform employees that state law protects them from retaliation when they blow the whistle on corruption. If passed, SB 299 would remove this Posting of Law and Information requirement without having notified legislators or the public that striking out that section was even part of the proposal. Worse yet, SB 299 would substantially diminish existing protections by producing a statute that shields public employees from retaliation when they report only one type of wrongdoing: discrimination. This gutting would be accomplished indirectly, by requiring anyone wishing to sue under the act because of an employers retaliation to first exhaust administrative remedies through the grievance procedures of the human rights division of the labor department, initiating a lengthy bureaucratic process that is available only for allegations of unlawful discriminatory practice[s]. While courts later would have to struggle with this problem the amended laws apparent provision of rights without remedies the immediate consequence of the bills passage would be to expose public employees to retaliation by their employers and discourage them from reporting many kinds of illegal activity and corrupt practices, such as misuse of public funds and resources. In an era of mounting concerns about corruption, violations of ethics, and abuse of power within the federal government, New Mexicans can be proud of our strong state laws that ensure government in the sunshine and provide a safe harbor for public servants willing to blow the whistle on wrongdoing. Unfortunately, passage of SB 299 would be, in the words of the director of New Mexico Ethics Watch, a giant leap backward for the people and laws of the state. The viewpoint expressed is that of the author and not the University of New Mexico. CHICAGO Is it just me or does anyone else get the feeling that President Trump and others in his administration dont see any difference between unauthorized immigrants and those residing in our country legally? This seemed obvious in his first immigration-related executive order halted by the courts barring refugees and citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States for at least 90 days. In the days before the ban was stopped, border agents were making no distinction between people arriving on various visas and those with legal permanent residency in the United States (also known as green card holders) or those holding dual citizenship. The changing landscape of immigration policy has set off worries among immigrant advocacy groups that legal immigrants who access public assistance could be deported. And that individuals who are otherwise eligible for green cards could be denied admission to the United States if they were determined to potentially become eligible for any kind of means-tested government assistance. The fear and confusion are palpable. At the very core of the bias against immigrants, be they legal or not, has been a constant drumbeat from the far right that has, for over a decade, referred to immigrants as insects and vermin. Most recently, Trump himself has referred to Latino immigrants as rapists, drug dealers, gangbangers and, generally, prone to violence. Though these persistent myths have been debunked over and over, in an environment teeming with rampant and freely shared fake news it is more important than ever to push out legitimate unbiased information about immigrants. For starters, the foreign-born commit fewer crimes than U.S.-born people this is settled fact going back at least a century. Further, when researchers at the University of Massachusetts and the University of Texas at Dallas investigated whether there was any possibility that the foreign born were simply lying about their interactions with law enforcement, they found that not only do immigrants not have a greater tendency to underreport their offenses, they paradoxically over-report arrests. (Perhaps this is because of misinterpreting ordinary interactions with police, but the researchers have not found conclusive evidence of why this phenomenon occurs.) According to 2013 data from the Cato Institute, low-income immigrants use public benefits like Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly the Food Stamp Program) at lower rates than low-income native-born citizens. And theyre not all low-income. In fact, U.S. Census data show that foreign-born citizens out-earn native-born citizens. This shouldnt come as a surprise; just look at rosters of medical professions, university faculty and high-tech companies. Lastly, it must be said that even the natives of our southern neighbor arent as poorly off as some would have you believe. Like the United States, Mexico has lots of poverty, crumbling infrastructure and a public education system that needs serious help albeit on a far larger scale. But over the last decade, Mexico has seen a huge rise in its middle class, in addition to a large number of wealthy Mexicans. And they enjoy just as many gleaming high-rises, world-class museums and fancy restaurants as upper-class Americans. Far from being filled with hordes of bad hombres, some of them, like 20-year-old Yair Israel Pina Lopez, get recruited by the U.S. government when it looks beyond borders for the best and brightest. Pina Lopez was selected by NASA to participate in a simulated Mars landing in Utah at the Mars Desert Research Station this spring. It seems that the far right is willfully ignoring the differences between different types of immigrants, lumping them all into one low-value pile. But everyone else who lives in the real world where both their housekeepers and their surgeons are lawfully present immigrants shouldnt get off so easy. They need to remember that in addition to being an important part of Americas history, legal immigrants are a vital part of our present and our future. E-mail: estherjcepeda@washpost.com. Copyright, Washington Post Writers Group. Catholic Charities of New Mexico is reaching out to local religious and civic organizations to help provide ongoing support for refugee families settled in Albuquerque. Through its new program Team Refugee Catholic Charities is offering to train support teams to work with refugees who have been here several months but still need help with such things as transportation and cultural assimilation, said program director Celia Yapiti. Catholic Charities will hold a meeting to explain the new program at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 5, at the Catholic Charities office at 2010 Bridge SW. Yapiti stressed that the meeting will not be political but will focus on concrete practical ways to help. For those interested, Catholic Charities will provide four hours of training and ongoing supervision. They would work in teams of five that would be matched with a refugee family for a minimum of six months. Catholic Charities is one of two agencies locally contracted by the federal government to work with refugees in New Mexico. Yapiti said the organization decided to stop accepting new arrivals to focus on providing long-term support to those already here before President Trumps controversial late-January order suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for four months. Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains, the other refugee resettlement agency working in New Mexico, is still ready to accept new refugees once they can be admitted into the United States, said program director Tarrie Burnett. For more information, call Celia Yapiti, program director, Center for Refugee Support, Catholic Charities, at 505-724-4691. LAS CRUCES Las Cruces city councilors have approved a statement of opposition against President Donald Trumps proposed border wall. In a 6-1 vote, councilors passed a resolution put forward by Mayor Pro Tem Greg Smith opposing a wall against southern Dona Ana Countys border with Mexico. He contended it would harm the states relationship with Mexico and border trade. I think there are numerous reasons, and there are people in this audience I know who have very strong personally held reasons why this wall should not occur, but for us in our jurisdiction as representatives of the city of Las Cruces, I believe the impact on our economy and the fact it would impact our cultural connection with our neighbors those are the two prevailing and strong reasons why I first presented this resolution. Several city councilors said a wall isnt the correct approach to the multifaceted immigration issue, and comprehensive immigration reform by Congress is needed. This wall not only symbolically is just not right, but its a waste of money, said Mayor Ken Miyagishima just before the vote Tuesday. City Councilor Ceil Levatino, who voted against the proposal, said nations have the right to regulate immigration. She said she viewed Smiths proposal as a city council statement on not only a wall but border security in general. She asked why the council hasnt considered resolutions against drug cartels activities and the flow of drugs into the United States from Mexico. In the end, this is not about a structure but about whether we support securing our borders, she said. And I do. About two dozen residents addressed councilors before the vote, most of them expressing support for the city councils measure. A few stated they were opposed. The proposed border wall actually a series of fences and walls could cost up to $21.6 billion and take more than three years to build, according to a Department of Homeland Security internal report viewed by Reuters. Gabe Vasquez, southern New Mexico coordinator for the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, told city councilors hes the first natural born U.S. citizen in his family, and he grew up in Juarez. President Trumps proposed wall seems to undermine hundreds of years of shared history in our communities, he told city councilors, expressing support for Smiths proposal. I say communities because from Las Cruces to Juarez, from Santa Fe to Chihuahua to Mexico City, we share family. We share history; we share culture. We help each other. Our economies are intertwined. Margaret Herring of Las Cruces said a border wall would help stop illegal immigration. Immigrants who come to America with modest levels of education create significantly more in costs for government than they pay in taxes, she told councilors. Las Crucen Vivian Frietze told councilors shes circulating a petition expressing opposition to the border wall. She said when she first heard about Trumps proposal, she was appalled. Dolores Archuleta, a former Las Cruces city councilor, said shes of Native American ancestry, and unless people are indigenous, theyre immigrants or family of immigrants. Im totally in favor of opposing that wall, she said. Before the final vote, the council OKd some wording changes proposed by City Councilor Gill Sorg. He said he wanted to reduce references to Mexico paying for the proposed wall because he didnt support a wall being built at all. Smith said, however, at least one reference was to clarify what exactly the city council was opposing. So that reference was left in. The wall, if it were to be built, even just the discussion of it, seems to be an affront to our Mexican family and neighbors, Smith said. Denis Rivas Claros will celebrate his fifth birthday March 3, and theres no doubt it will be way better than his first four birthdays and involve his new favorite food pizza. Little Denis, who was flown to Albuquerque from El Salvador, received life-saving open heart surgery last week at Presbyterian Hospital. He is expected to be released from the hospital later this week. When he returns to his village of Ciudad Candelaria on March 13, he will be markedly healthier than when he departed and ready to enjoy the normal life of a little boy. Denis and his mother, Ingrid Rivas arrived in Albuquerque in early February under a program sponsored by the Southwest Chapter of Healing the Children. The nonprofit organization with chapters across the U.S. arranges free medical services for severely ill children from 100 countries around the world. In the days leading up to the surgery, Denis and Ingrid stayed with a host family and had an opportunity to see a little of Albuquerque and taste the local cuisine, which for Denis opened a whole new world with his discovery of pizza, which hed never eaten before, said his mother. Speaking through a translator at Presbyterian Hospital, Ingrid said that when Denis was just 15 days old, doctors in El Salvador told her they detected a heart murmur, an irregular sound or heartbeat. Anything that had to do with the heart I knew must be serious, she said. At first they thought it might get better by itself, but later they said he would need surgery. The first four years of Denis life were difficult. He was chronically tired, couldnt play like other children, did not have a healthy appetite and his skin, particularly his lips, had a bluish tint, Ingrid said. The childs condition eventually came to the attention of Regalo de Vida (Gift of Life), a Salvadoran agency that works with Healing the Children. After consulting with doctors in the United States, it was determined that Denis had a rare congenital condition called double outlet right ventricle, which in non-medical terms means the boy had a hole between two chambers of his heart, there wasnt enough blood going to his lungs via the pulmonary artery and his pulmonary valve was abnormally small. With less blood being oxygenated in the lungs, Denis overall oxygen saturation level fell to 69 percent and you end up with a blue baby, explained Dr. Bill Stein, the pediatric cardiac surgeon who operated on Denis. Over time, the heart works less and less efficiently and eventually young people with this condition die from some type of heart failure, Stein said. Some make it to early adulthood, but their quality of life is poor. Denis case was so extreme, Im not sure he would have even made it to early adulthood. The good news, Stein said, its completely treatable, although some people with this condition must undergo a procedure every 10 to 15 years to replace the pulmonary valve between the heart and the lungs. Most of the time, it can be done through a catheter fed into a vein in the groin. The bad news is the surgery Denis required and any follow up valve replacements he may need are still largely unavailable in El Salvador, even if the family could afford to pay for it. In Ciudad Candelaria, Denis and Ingrid share a home with her 13-year-old brother and her mother. The home has electricity but no running water, which has to be retrieved from a nearby river. The familys single source of income is from Ingrids supermarket job, where she earns about $2,400 a year. The hope is that other organizations will come forward should additional surgery be required, although Healing the Children has, in the past, made arrangements for a childs follow-up care before the age of 18. Denis four-hour surgery was a team effort, as was the care the boy got in prepping him for the procedure and during his recovery, Stein said. Presbyterian Hospital donated the entire cost of medical equipment, services and team member compensation, which included the surgeon, surgical assistants, anesthesiologist, perfusionist, pulmonologist, radiologist, intensive care doctors, nurses and others. Tricore Laboratories also donated its services. Today, Denis acts like any fidgety four-year-old and Ingrid is a relieved mother. With an oxygen saturation level now in the 90s and his skin a healthy pink color, Denis lies in his hospital bed waiting to be released to his host family. In the meantime, he is surrounded by plush toys, Play-Doh, some videos and the anticipation of his fifth birthday, which will definitely involve pizza, he said with a broad smile something easily understood in any language. We welcome suggestions for the daily Bright Spot. Send to newsroom@abqjournal.com. SANTA FE New Mexicos law-enforcement agencies would be empowered to keep secret the names of some witnesses to and victims of certain crimes rape and stalking, among them under a proposal headed to the Senate floor. The proposal triggered intense opposition from the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government and others who argued that it would limit the publics ability to monitor the work of police. Senate Bill 149, in any case, won the unanimous backing of the Judiciary Committee on Wednesday and now heads to the Senate floor. Sen. Jacob Candelaria, an Albuquerque Democrat who sponsored the proposal, said its aimed at protecting the confidentiality of men and women who have endured rape or a similar crime. The state records law, he said, already has an exemption for people accused of but not charged with a crime. We should afford the same level of dignity and respect to the victims of sexual assault that we do the alleged perpetrator, he said. But the names of perpetrators are almost never withheld from the public, said Gregory P. Williams, president of the Foundation for Open Government board. In fact, they are routinely included in police reports and charging documents, alongside the names of everyone else involved. To state that we somehow treat accusers worse than perpetrators, I think, is really misleading, Williams said in an interview. Its important to have the names of everyone involved, opponents said, so that reporters or other members of the public can verify the accuracy of official statements provided by the police. The Journal like other media outlets generally doesnt identify the victims of rape or domestic violence while reporting on criminal cases, even though the names are in public documents. Wednesdays hearing was a tense one. At one point, Candelaria interrupted an opponent and accused her of misrepresenting his willingness to compromise. The proposal was backed by the University of New Mexico, Equality New Mexico and a coalition of groups that address sexual assault. Nasha Y. Torrez, dean of students at the University of New Mexico, said the ability to identify rape victims through public records could open them up to retaliation. Journalists arent the only ones who use the state public records act, she said, and an anonymous poster on social media could try to shame a rape victim. This isnt a minor thing, she said. Peter St. Cyr, executive director of the Foundation for Open Government, said the bill allows too much secrecy. Police and law-enforcement agencies simply often choose not to talk to the public, he told the committee. The only way to report on public safety is access to these kind of documents. The Senate Judiciary Committee with Candelarias support scaled back the bill. Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto, D-Albuquerque, won approval for an amendment, for example, that aims to make clear that just the names would be redacted, not the entire law-enforcement record. Another amendment made it clear that police officers who are witnesses arent covered by the exemption. Their names would be included. The amended version of the bill allows the government to withhold the names of victims and non-law-enforcement witnesses in cases of: Aggravated assault and assault with intent to commit a violent felony, when the allegation centers on rape. Assault against a household member with intent to commit a violent felony. Stalking, aggravated stalking, rape and criminal sexual contact. The bill now heads to the Senate floor. If approved there, it would also need approval of the House and Gov. Susana Martinez to become law. FARMINGTON A Farmington man previously convicted of felony drug charges is facing new charges after police officers allegedly found more than 300 prescription pills inside his vehicle. Neil Tucker, 55, was charged with second-degree felony distribution/possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (second or subsequent offense) and a misdemeanor drug violation on Feb. 6 in Farmington Magistrate Court, according to court records. His preliminary examination is set for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday in Farmington Magistrate Court. Public defender Ruth Wheeler, Tuckers attorney, did not response to requests for comment. Tucker has previously pleaded no contest to charges, including to a second-degree felony drug trafficking charge on April 21, 2010, in district court, according to court records. He also pleaded no contest to a third-degree felony drug charge and second-degree felony trafficking controlled substance charge on Feb. 14, 2005, according to court records. Tucker was found guilty of a felony trafficking controlled substance charge on March 9, 1999, after violating his probation from a plea agreement from 1998, according to San Juan County Chief Deputy District Attorney Dustin OBrien. Prescription pain pills later identified as a Schedule II controlled substance were found in a vehicle registered to Tucker, according to the arrest warrant affidavit. During a search of Tuckers vehicle on Feb. 8 by the Farmington Police Department, four plastic bags were found that contained between four and 35 white, oval-shaped pills, according to court paperwork. More than 300 pills prescribed to Tucker were found inside bottles in the vehicle, according to the arrest warrant affidavit. Two muscle relaxant pills also were found but are not labeled as a controlled substance. The vehicle was impounded and searched after Tucker initially was found unresponsive on Feb. 6 in the parking lot of the adult probation and parole office for the New Mexico Corrections Department at 1640 E. Cedar St. in Farmington, according to court paperwork. The Farmington police and fire departments responded to the scene, and Tucker was transported to the San Juan Regional Medical Center after he became conscious but was left dazed and confused. An officer at the scene said he had seen Tucker take a handful of plastic bags containing pills and place them in the center console of the vehicle before being transported, according to the court paperwork. The pills were later determined to be the prescription medication previously cited. Tucker remained in custody today at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center. Joshua Kellogg covers crime, courts and social issues for The Daily Times. He can be reached at 505-564-4627. 2017 The Daily Times (Farmington, N.M.) Visit The Daily Times (Farmington, N.M.) at www.daily-times.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. _____ Joe Cook and the museum he runs are designated by state law as experts on wild horses with the power to order them captured, moved, neutered or even euthanized. He has no idea why. It was really a mistake, he says. Cook is director of the University of New Mexico Museum of Southwestern Biology and also curator of its mammal division. The state law currently being disputed between the New Mexico Livestock Board and advocates for Ruidosos free-roaming horses puts the museum in sole charge of determining whether any given herd of wild horses is too big for its own good or for the range it occupies. That language was put in there 10 or 12 years ago without our knowledge, Cook told the News in a phone interview Tuesday. It was slipped in there, and unfortunately we didnt know about it. Cook would like very much to see the museum slipped back out of the law, and its possible he may get his wish. A bill currently making its way through the state Senate would amend the law to remove Cooks museum and give its statutory job to something called the Range Improvement Task Force at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. This time legislators have at least given their designated wild horse experts a heads up. Ive been approached, said Task Force coordinator Samuel Smallidge, who has a doctorate in range science. I havent spent a lot of time thinking about it. I know these things have a tendency to be amended. Smallidge is probably right not to invest too much time in the new assignment yet. The main thrust of Senate Bill 126 involves other changes to the law that may encounter stiff resistance, since they appear to strengthen the Livestock Boards control over wild horses that some horse advocates dont think the board should have. Swapping in the NMSU Task Force for the Museum of Southwestern Biology appears unrelated to that goal, except for one thing. The proposed new language would get the Task Force involved with wild horses only when the Livestock Board called on them. The existing state law contains no such requirement. The museums mammal division is authorized to take action on its own if it determines that a wild horse herd exceeds the number of horses that is necessary for preserving the genetic stock of the herd and for preserving and maintaining the range. In such a case, the museum can order birth control measures on the herd, and have excess animals either moved to other public land or to a horse preserve, or adopted or sent to a rescue facility. Animals found by a veterinarian to be crippled or unhealthy can be euthanized on the museums authority. The museum wasnt a completely off-the-wall choice for the job. Cook has a doctorate in biology, and he and his staff do study the relationship between wildlife populations and their environments. But not wild horses, he said. We feel were not the right people to help figure out anything about wild horses in New Mexico. Were not horse specialists. But under the proposed amendments, the Task Force would do nothing unless the Livestock Board asked it to assess any given herd of wild horses. Upon request of the board to determine the viability of a specific New Mexico wild horse herd on the range they occupy, the statute says the Task Force will make an assessment and report back to the Livestock Board. Then its up to the board to do all the things the law now says the museum would do, i.e. moving, adopting, neutering or euthanizing excess animals. One other change from existing law is that theres no mention in the proposed amendments of preserving the genetic stock of the herd. The focus of the Task Force would be entirely on the range. Smallidge said the Task Force is well qualified for the role the proposed amendments would assign to it. The Range Improvement Task Force does represent demonstrated capabilities in collecting scientific data to inform decision makers regarding the ecology and management of New Mexico rangelands, Smallidge said. Regarding the legislation, he added, I will leave that in the hands of the New Mexico Legislature and respond appropriately to their decision. 2017 the Ruidoso News (Ruidoso, N.M.) Visit the Ruidoso News (Ruidoso, N.M.) at www.ruidosonews.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. _____ A discreet investigation by India Today has unearthed a ring of prosthetic suppliers who, by their own admission on camera, are selling silicone fingers to political parties trying to rig UP elections. By Syed Masroor Hasan, Md Hizbullah, Ashish Kumar , Amit Kumar Chaudhary: If some unscrupulous elements in the prosthetic industry have their way, voter fraud could soon go out of hand, literally. A discreet investigation by India Today has unearthed a ring of prosthetic suppliers who, by their own admission on camera, are selling silicone fingers to political parties trying to rig UP elections. advertisement Demands for their wares have shot up, they revealed, with leaders ordering them in bulk for their teams to cast multiple votes by masking their fingers bearing the indelible ink-mark with prostheses. Regarded as a badge of democratic privilege, the finger dye prevents voters from re-voting. But India Today's reporters found this conservative anti-fraud measure might itself be under threat now. 'PROMINENT U.P. POLITICAL PARTY PLACED ORDERS' Suppliers of prosthetic body parts, which the network's special investigation team probed, reported brisk business because of current elections. Shambhu Kumar Yadav, a consultant at Delhi's Born Life, disclosed a prominent political party of Uttar Pradesh has placed big orders for silicone fingers with his artificial limbs company. "The fact is the xxxx has made the largest purchases. I won't lie. This all will also go to the xxxx," he claimed. If he was to be believed, crooks are procuring prosthetic fingers to trick poll officials into allowing them in election booths for multiple voting, possibly in multiple booths. Prosthetic consultants at P&O International Inc operating from Delhi's Vimhans hospital quoted a price of Rs 1.10 lakh for 10 silicone fingers. They were aware the product would be used for possible fraud in elections. "When you punch (biometric devices), it's scanned. You can't, therefore, use it for punching. In voting, they just leave an ink mark. They won't be able to identify by touch," said Namrata of P&O International Inc at Vimhans.Her boss, Dibakar Patra, promised deliveries in four days. "You are getting one index finger made in multiples of five for two," said Namrata. "You (one person) can cast your vote five times," explained Patra. Distributors of prosthetics like Patra were not only ready to hawk fake fingers to facilitate bogus voting, they also give a thorough demo about how to use them. Shambhu Kumar Yadav of Born Life was upbeat about sales. "The truth is we just got orders for 500 fingers from Lucknow. I am telling you the truth," he said. "Keep these products with you and use them. No other party should be approaching you. You do your work and leave (the scene). I'll have the colour (of the fake finger) match (with the skin) as much as 90 percent," added Yadav. advertisement He said he received a single order from a political party for 300 pieces. HEAVY DEMAND BECAUSE OF ELECTIONS Agendra Kumar, a senior consultant at Delhi's Ideal Artificial Limb Solution, also spoke about heavy demand because of UP elections. "I am now running away. There's so much of demand from the xxxx," he said, naming a political party of Uttar Pradesh. No one has so far been detected wearing fake fingers while voting, he said. Kumar also explained the modus, suggesting a private hospital place order with his company for bulk imports of the prostheses. "It will be better to get them imported. There won't be any problem later," he said. Kumar demanded all his payment in cash for the procurement and supplies. "You will be required to give us the address of a hospital with import permit. I'll let you know of some other documents which might also be needed," said Kumar. Not just elections, artificial limbs could also be widely misused in various other sectors, such as recruitment drives. advertisement Anupriya Chauhan, another consultant at Ideal Artificial Limb Solution, revealed their clients include police and army aspirants. "It (fake fingers) won't be identified in voting. There's hardly any scrutiny. People (with defected limbs) wear them in (medical) examination for police and army recruitment drives and clear them. As such, there shouldn't be any issue in voting. Go there, cast it and come back," she said. "Licence is not allowed to any applicant for auto-rickshaw driving in Delhi who has two fingers missing. But they wear these artificial fingers and get clearance," Chauhan added. VIMHANS DENIES INVOLVEMENT IN WRONGDOING After India Today broadcast the investigation, Vimhans denied its involvement in the wrongdoing, saying the hospital only extended office space to Patra to serve the patients for prosthetic consultancy. "The hospital has no involvement in whatever claims he has made," Vimhans spokesman Pramod Tripathi told India Today. No one was available for comment at Born Life when India Today reached its office for the company's reaction. Ideal Artificial Limb Solution's Anupriya Chauhan said she was not authorized to speak on-the-record about India Today's probe. The global prosthetic industry has advanced phenomenally over the past 70 years. advertisement From wooden limbs, for example, to body-powered, bionic feel-like-real artificial parts, prostheses have come a long way. According to industry experts, amputees have now a wide variety to choose from and customize their prosthetics. (With inputs from K. Ashish Md. Hizbullah) WATCH VIDEO: Operation fake finger: New tactic uses silicone fingers to cast multiple votes ALSO READ: Cash for votes scandal 2017: Election Commission orders probe into India Today investigation --- ENDS --- Well-intended as they might have been, President Barack Obamas protections for transgender students were on shaky ground from the get-go. As quickly as the Obama administration rolled out the protections last year, the Trump administration on Wednesday revoked them, saying they were devised without enough legal analysis. All told, it took little more than the stroke of the new attorney generals pen to undo one of Obamas signature civil rights initiatives. Then again, it didnt take much more than the stroke of a pen to enact the protections, either. And thats ultimately what doomed them when President Donald Trump took office. Last May, as national debate over transgender rights was reaching a boiling point, the Obama administration directed schools across the country to allow transgender students to use bathrooms, locker rooms and other facilities that match their gender identity rather than their sex assigned at birth. The directive came in the form of a Dear Colleague letter to educational institutions. In it, administration officials said barring students from bathrooms that matched their gender identities amounted to sex discrimination, violating the Title IX federal anti-discrimination law. Schools were required to provide transgender students equal access to educational programs and activities even in circumstances in which other students, parents, or community members raise objections or concerns, the letter read. The desire to accommodate others discomfort cannot justify a policy that singles out and disadvantages a particular class of students. Stern language, to be sure. But it didnt carry the force of law. The letter was merely guidance explaining the administrations position on the rights of transgender students. Still, the threat to schools was clear: play by our rules or well cut off your federal funding. The LGBT community and allies cheered the new guidance, saying it was necessary to make transgender students feel safe and welcome. But social conservatives and others argued it amounted to an intrusion by the federal government, and in some cases a trampling of state and local policies. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, R, called it blackmail. In a post that proved somewhat prescient, Washington Post blogger Ed Rogers wrote at the time, This is exactly the type of rule-by-fiat approach that has given rise to the frustration that has now produced Donald Trump. From one perspective, the Obama administration kicked a hornets nest. The directive came at a time when the country was embroiled in a bitter fight over transgender rights, prompted in part by debate over North Carolinas bathroom bill, which bans transgender people from using bathrooms that dont correspond to their biological sex. On top of that, multiple lawsuits addressing bathroom access were already underway in federal court, raising questions about whether such a directive was necessary. But supporters contended the protections could hardly have come at a better time. Officials in the Justice Departments civil rights office said theyd received a surge in discrimination complaints from transgender students and questions from teachers about how to support them. The nations largest teachers union backed the directive, saying transgender students had the right to safely express their gender identity in school. Less than two weeks after the letter was issued, 11 states filed a lawsuit saying the directive had no basis in law and claiming it would bring seismic changes to the nations schools. Later in the summer, another 10 states filed a similar lawsuit, alleging the administration had exceeded its authority. In court, the governments attorneys struggled to explain the thrust of the guidance. Judge Reed OConnor of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas balked at the governments argument that sex discrimination under Title IX included discrimination based on gender identity, since nothing in the law mentioned sexual orientation. He also seemed puzzled about how the government expected schools to respond to the guidance. One particularly revealing exchange came during oral arguments in August, when OConnor asked if the government wanted schools to consider changing their policies, even though they had received only guidance and interpretative documents from the administration. Of course, we we would prefer that school districts and other stakeholders comply with our understanding of the law, Justice Department attorney Benjamin Leon Berwick responded. But if the states believe that our understanding is incorrect, he continued, they suffer no harm at this time or there is nothing forcing them to proceed as they have been proceeding. The judge seemed confused, at one point referring to the guidance as directives or rules or whatever it is. He continued to press Berwick about how schools were supposed to react: THE COURT: And so these guys are saying Im going to have to change by bathrooms, I am going to have to get new signs, Im going to have change my policies, Im going to have to get rid of old policies, implement new policies MR. BERWICK: So thats where I think this case differs, Your Honor, because because those guidance documents dont they are there not forced to do any of that now. Now, of course THE COURT: They are not What did you say? MR. BERWICK: They are not forced to do any of that at the moment. Now, of course, the Government would like them to comply with the law but the fact is, if they so choose, if they believe their interpretation of the law is correct they can wait for initiation of an enforcement action and then make their argument in context of the enforcement action and they lose nothing. Ultimately, OConnor ruled against the administration. In August, barely three months after the Dear Colleague letters went out, the judge issued a nationwide injunction prohibiting the government from enforcing the directive. The judge said administration officials should have treated it more like a formal agency rule, allowing schools and members of the public to weigh in before it took effect. The protections were still blocked by the injunction on Wednesday, when the Trump administration sent a Dear Colleague letter of its own instructing schools to disregard what the Obama administration had told them. It didnt offer any new guidance, instead saying only that the old directive needed to be withdrawn because it created confusion, drew legal challenges and didnt allow enough input from states and school districts, as The Post reported. Before it was revoked, the Obama administrations directive did prompt some school districts to revise or update their policies to accommodate transgender students accordingly. A court also cited the administrations position in a ruling in a lawsuit by Gavin Grimm, a transgender high schooler who sued his school for barring him from the boys bathroom. But the directives lasting impact seems to have been more symbolic than legal. Many transgender students and their allies said the measure made them feel validated, and assured them that they had an ally in the federal government. This guidance was developed and issued to support transgender students because the reality is that transgender students are far more likely to face severe violence and discrimination at school than their peers, placing them at greatly increased risk of suicide and self-harm as a result, Eliza Byard, executive director of the advocacy group GLSEN, said in a statement Wednesday. When students are allowed to be themselves, they thrive. This guidance changes and saves lives and hurts no one. It should not be withdrawn. Grimm, whose lawsuit over bathroom rights is slated for oral arguments in the U.S. Supreme Court next month, called the directive incredibly empowering and said he was disheartened to learn about the Trump administrations decision. It certainly bolstered the hope, Grimm told The Post Wednesday, that the future for transgender students was looking up in a way that it hadnt been previously. New satellite images show the Chinese military shoring up its defenses on a disputed island chain in the South China Sea, adding what appears to be reinforced launch sites for surface-to-air missiles on at least three atolls. The existence of the new launch sites was first reported by Reuters on Wednesday, and on Thursday, photos of the nearly completed structures were obtained by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The images show at least eight structures on three of Chinas man-made atolls in the Spratly Islands: Fiery Cross, Mischief Reef and Subi Reef. A U.S. defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters, said Wednesday that the buildings have retractable roofs, making them suitable launching points for medium- to long-range surface-to-air missile systems. According to a photo analysis by CSIS, the buildings are about 66 feet long and 33 feet wide, making them large enough to store Chinas HQ-9 missile system. The HQ-9 closely resembles Russias S-300, a surface-to-air missile system with a range of approximately 93 miles and an ability to hit targets flying at 88,000 feet. It is unclear, however, whether the actual HQ-9 launchers have been deployed to the Spratlys, as one of the benefits of the new launch structures is the ability to conceal them from reconnaissance flights and satellites. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang didnt deny the existence of the launch sites at a Wednesday briefing with reporters. China has indisputable sovereignty of the South China Sea islands and their adjacent water, he said. China will uphold its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. At the same time, we are committed to peacefully resolve relevant disputes through negotiation and consultation with countries directly concerned and are committed to working together with ASEAN countries to maintain peace and stability on the South China Sea. China has the right to deploy necessary defenses facilities as appropriate on its own territory. The HQ-9s on the Spratlys would be a significant improvement to the island chains defenses. In December, satellite imagery showed that the Chinese military had built a structure that contained antiaircraft guns and potentially close-in weapons systems, or CWIS. Often found on U.S. ships and installations, CWIS is a network of weapons that tracks and destroys incoming missiles. Both the CWIS and anti-aircraft guns, however, are limited in range compared to the HQ-9s ability to track and hit targets beyond the horizon. Last year, China deployed HQ-9s to the Parcel Islands, a cluster of similar man-made atolls north of the Spratlys and near the coast of Vietnam. In February 2016, an HQ-9 battery was observed on the Parcels Woody Island, but by July the missiles had been withdrawn. Woody Island also reportedly is home to Chinese YJ-62 anti-ship cruise missiles. China has long claimed that the South China Seas resource-rich waters and its tiny atolls are sovereign Chinese territory, but many of the islands also have been claimed by multiple other countries, including Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines. The U.S. military, in support of its regional allies, has contested Chinese claims in the form of what the Pentagon calls Freedom of Navigation Operations. Over the weekend, the USS Carl Vinson, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, began operations in the South China Sea without incident. It is unclear how President Donald Trump will react to Chinas continued militarization in the South China Sea. The Washington Posts Simon Denyer in Beijing contributed to this report. WASHINGTON Attorney General Jeff Sessions signaled Thursday his strong support for the federal governments continued use of private prisons, reversing an Obama administration directive to phase out their use. Stock prices of major private prison companies rose at the news. Sessions issued a memo replacing one issued last August by Sally Yates, the deputy attorney general at the time. That memo, which followed a harshly critical government audit of privately run prisons, directed the federal Bureau of Prisons to begin reducing and ultimately end its reliance on contract facilities. Yates, in her announcement, said private facilities have more safety and security problems than government-run ones and were less necessary given declines in the overall federal prison population. But Sessions, in his memo, said Yates directive went against longstanding Justice Department policy and practice and impaired the Bureaus ability to meet the future needs of the federal correctional system. He said he was directing the BOP to return to its previous approach. The federal prison population now just under 190,000 has been dropping due in part to changes in federal sentencing policies over the last few years. Private prisons now hold about 21,000 inmates in 12 facilities, a fraction of the total BOP population, the Justice Department said Thursday. Yet the federal prison population may increase again given Sessions commitment to aggressive enforcement of drug and immigration laws, and his focus on combating violent crime. The latest memo issued just two weeks after Sessions was sworn in as attorney general could be part of a more expansive rollback of criminal justice policies enacted by the Obama administration Justice Department, including directives against seeking mandatory minimum punishments for nonviolent drug offenders. The private prison industry has been a major contributor to Republican political campaigns, particularly in recent years. As a candidate, President Donald Trump said he supported the use of private prisons, and the shares of the major companies including Geo Group and CoreCivic Co., formerly Corrections Corporation of America jumped after the election amid anticipation that the incoming administration would again turn to them. I do think we can do a lot of privatizations and private prisons. It seems to work a lot better, Trump told MSNBC in March. The federal government started to rely on private prisons in the late 1990s because of overcrowding. Many of the federal prison inmates in private facilities are foreign nationals who are being held on immigration offenses. The Yates policy did not extend to prisons used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which hold tens of thousands of immigrants awaiting deportation. Immigration and human rights advocates have long complained about conditions in privately run prisons. An inspector general audit from last August said problems at private prisons in recent years included property damage, injuries and the death of a corrections officer. ___ Follow Eric Tucker at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP SANTA FE The state Senate wants to lift a requirement that at least 30 percent of the revenue generated by the New Mexico Lottery go into a scholarship fund to help students pay college tuition and fees. Senators voted 24-17 in favor of the bill, which now heads to the House, where a similar proposal died last year. Since then, however, theres been a change in leadership. Democrats reclaimed a narrow majority in the House ahead of this years session. Sen. John Arthur Smith, a Deming Democrat who sponsored the bill, said the extra flexibility would allow the lottery to boost spending on advertising, increase payouts and get more people to play. That, in turn, should boost the amount of money going to scholarships, he said, even if the overall percentage isnt 30 percent. In other words, supporters said, its better to get, say, 25 percent of $200 million in revenue $50 million rather than 30 percent of $140 million, or $42 million. This is a mature lottery, Smith said. Its no longer a growing lottery. Were just trying to maximize our return to the scholarship fund by attracting additional players for scratchers. But opponents said lifting the requirement would hurt the scholarship fund. Sen. William Soules, D-Las Cruces, said it would be foolish to count on boosting the revenue by diverting money away from the scholarship fund. Lottery customers tend to have lower incomes, he said, while people who go to college tend to come from higher-income families. Its regressive, Soules said of the lottery program. It hurts our poorest people to benefit the affluent. The debate didnt fall along party lines, though Democrats made up most of the no votes. Under the current system, the lottery generates about $140 million a year in gross sales, though the number fluctuates. About half goes to pay out prizes, 30 percent goes to scholarships, and the remainder is for administration and marketing. Smith said Texas and other states have higher payouts, which makes it harder to attract players near the state line. The proposal also has a sunset clause in 2022, Smith said, so if the proposal didnt work, the 30 percent requirement would go back into place. Approval of Senate Bill 192 comes as the state tries to find a way to pump more money into the scholarship fund amid a budget crisis. New Mexico has been able to cover about 90 percent of students tuition with help from the lottery revenue, but that figure is in line to fall to about 60 percent this year unless lawmakers find a new revenue source. The debate on the 30 percent requirement now moves to the House, where Rep. Bill McCamley, D-Mesilla Park, is a co-sponsor of the proposal. PHOENIX A Marana man accused of taking authorities on a high-speed chase across the Phoenix metro area last year has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Maricopa County Superior Court officials say Joshua Michael Monigold was sentenced Thursday. He earlier pleaded guilty to theft of means of transportation, robbery, unlawful flight and criminal damage. The 32-year-old Monigold was arrested last March 24 after allegedly trying to steal a motorcycle in Mesa. A chase through Chandler and Gilbert ended when the truck Monigold was driving rolled on Interstate 10 near Sun Lakes. Authorities say Monigold also was wanted in connection with a March 19 hit-and-run in Marana. They say he has previous convictions including misconduct involving weapons, theft and drug violations. A group of law professors from around the country has filed a professional misconduct complaint against White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, a graduate of George Washington University Law School who was admitted to the D.C. Bar in 1995. The letter, filed with the office that handles misconduct by members of the D.C. Bar, said Conway should be sanctioned for violating government ethics rules and conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation, the letter says. The 15 professors, who specialize in legal ethics, cite several incidents, including a television interview in which Conway made the false statement that President Barack Obama had banned Iraqi refugees from coming into the United States for six months following the Bowling Green Massacre, and the use of her position to endorse Ivanka Trump products. We do not file this complaint lightly, the professors said in their filing. We believe that, at one time, Ms. Conway, understood her ethical responsibilities as a lawyer and abided by them. But she is currently acting in a way that brings shame upon the legal profession. The professors teach at law schools such as Georgetown University Law Center, Yale Law School, Fordham University and Duke University. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The letter was sent to the D.C. Office of Disciplinary Counsel, the chief prosecutor for disciplinary matters that involve active or inactive attorneys who are members of the D.C. Bar. Conway is listed as a D.C. Bar member under her maiden name, Kellyanne Fitzpatrick, but is a suspended member for not paying her dues, according to the disciplinary filing. D.C. Disciplinary Counsel Wallace Gene Shipp said that his office receives about 1,500 complaints a year but investigates only between 400 to 500 of them. The actions that can be taken range from dismissal of the complaint to the prosecution of charges and possible disbarment, he said. Since she has been serving as counselor to President Donald Trump, Conway has been caught up in several controversies. Last month, during an interview on NBCs Meet the Press, she said the White House had put forth alternative facts regarding the size of Trumps inauguration crowd. Alternative facts are not facts at all; they are lies, the professors said in their filing. Conway was also criticized for using her position during a Feb. 9 interview on Fox News to endorse Ivanka Trumps fashion products. Federal rules on conflicts of interest specifically prohibit using public office 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,' the complaint said. Abbe Smith, a Georgetown Law Center professor and director of the Criminal Defense and Prisoner Advocacy Clinic, said she has never filed such a complaint before and generally does not believe that lawyers should routinely face discipline under the broad rule they cited, which includes conduct outside the practice of law. But Ms. Conways conduct was so outside the norm for a member of the legal profession, Smith said. What prompted our complaint was a combination of the specific conduct that Ms. Conway engaged in plus the fact that she holds such a high public office. While the health care industry has been one of New Mexicos economic success stories in recent years, hailed for investments in facilities and job creation, many of its transactions have gotten a pass on the state gross receipts tax front. But now the taxman may cometh. Industry officials are closely monitoring several legislative initiatives, especially one that would close a loophole that exempts nonprofit and government hospitals and health care providers from paying state gross receipts taxes. Their concern: a host of potential job and program cuts that could threaten hospital viability and patients access to care. Hospital industry representatives say the bills essentially go too far, and they prefer that any taxation be ramped up gradually so they could plan better for the hit to their bottom lines. The biggest change would be a new requirement that nonprofit hospitals, such as those owned by Presbyterian Healthcare Services, and government-supported hospitals, like the University of New Mexico Hospital, start paying gross receipts taxes beginning July 1. Those types of hospitals do not currently pay the taxes, while investor-owned hospitals such as those operated by Lovelace Health System do pay. House Bill 202, which passed Wednesday and is now pending in the Senate, contains the provision that would expand the gross receipts tax requirement. Doing so would generate more than $100 million in new revenue for fiscal year 2018, according to a legislative analysis. It says the change would correct a decades-old inequity in which differing levels of tax are imposed for the same services depending on whether the hospital is nonprofit or a profit-making venture. It acknowledged that the industry is one of the bright spots for job growth in New Mexico, but bringing nonprofit and government hospitals into the tax base would help the state meet the growing costs of the states Medicaid payments. Most affected would be Presbyterian, which would provide about one-third of the projected revenue by virtue of its hospital systems market share. We know the state is in dire straits, and we want to be part of the solution, but the impacts for (Presbyterian) would be negative, given the double whammy of more taxes and underfunded Medicare and Medicaid programs, chief strategy officer Todd Sandman said. He said Medicare and Medicaid payments do not cover the cost of caring for those patients, and he expects that to continue. He said a tax increase would affect expansion and construction of clinics and hospitals and reduce investment in health care services. A hospital industry spokesman says making the tax change in July is too soon. It would especially hit rural facilities that already are operating on the thinnest of margins and would have no time to plan for it, said Jeff Dye, president and CEO of the New Mexico Hospital Association, which represents 40 hospitals across the state. Whats missing in the discussion is recognition that a hospital is not like other businesses, Dye said. We have the federal obligation of taking patients into emergency rooms regardless of ability to pay. Despite the expansion of Medicaid in the state covering low-income residents, Dye said hospitals of all sizes still absorb large amounts of financial losses for providing uncompensated care. Dye said his analysis of the gross receipts tax change is more in the neighborhood of $155 million. This is in the context of Medicaid provider cuts of nearly $34 million that hospitals were hit with last July, Dye said. Hospital investment in technology, data systems and equipment are costly but necessary in a heavily regulated industry. All of our member hospitals both for-profit and investor-owned have contributed greatly to the states economy, with payrolls and purchases of goods and services from countless vendors. We dont think its wise to have an additional tax burden, said Dye, adding that for-profit hospitals should not have to pay the gross receipts taxes, either. However, HB 202 would not tax the full amount of gross receipts it offers a new 60 percent tax deduction for all hospitals and health care practitioners, so that gross receipts taxes would be levied only on the remaining 40 percent of revenue. As currently worded, nursing homes, hospice organizations, pharmacists and nutritionists would not be eligible for the deduction. Meanwhile, a separate measure by Rep. Jason Harper, R-Rio Rancho, seeks to widely overhaul gross receipts taxes in general. That bill would repeal almost all tax exemptions, including existing health care tax deductions and the tax break for nonprofit hospitals. House Bill 412 then seeks to lower the states gross receipts tax base from 5.125 percent to an estimated 2.7 percent for all goods and services. Harper said the fact some hospitals currently have to pay gross receipts taxes while others do not is clearly unfair. One of the keys to good tax policy is you dont treat differently different entities within the same industry, Harper said. MOVIES NOW, Indias No.1 English Movie Channel, known for showcasing the best of Hollywood action movies, has associated with an upcoming action film Commando 2 for its flagship property Knockouts @ 7. The movie Commando 2 is a sequel to 2013 film Commando starring Vidyut Jamwal which was highly appreciated for its action sequences and therefore the association with MOVIES NOW is a perfect fit as it showcases action-packed Hollywood films. Actor Vidyut Jamwal recently shot a promo where he will be seen promoting the property and his upcoming film. Commenting on the association, Commando fame actor Vidyut Jamwal said, Associating with MOVIES NOW is like homecoming for me as the channel is known for showcasing some of the Hollywoods best action movies from across the globe. Simultaneous to the theme of our movie, this property Knockouts @7 showcases some of my favorite action blockbuster movies from Hollywood. Commando 2 is also one big action-packed movie that Im happy to be a part of and I would urge viewers to watch Knockouts @7 and Commando 2 as you surely cannot miss the best of Hollywood and Bollywood. The channel will air action packed movies like Quantum Of Solace, Spiderman 2, The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian, Snake On A Plane and many more every Monday Friday @ 7 PM. Federal Statistical Office Neuchatel, 23.02.2017 - (FSO) The number of foreign cross-border commuters working in Switzerland increased by 11,300 persons (+3.7%) in 2016. Just over half of the cross-border commuters (54.9%) were resident in France, around a quarter (22.6%) were resident in Italy and a fifth in Germany (19.3%). In Ticino, the proportion of commuters out of all employed persons was highest at 27.1%. These are the findings of the Cross-border Commuter Statistics, conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) on a quarterly basis. This press release and further information on this topic can be found on the FSO website (see link below) Address for enquiries Patrick Walter, FSO, Labour Office, tel.: +41 58 463 64 02, e-mail: Patrick.Walter@bfs.admin.ch Publisher Federal Statistical Office http://www.statistics.admin.ch 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. The seats that went to the polls were spread across the Bundelkhand region apart from districts of Allahabad, Koshambi, Pratapgarh and Raebareli. By Indo-Asian News Service: Over 61 per cent voters exercised their franchise today across 53 seats in the fourth phase elections to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. "The voting percentage was 61 per cent till 5 pm. We hope it will go up to 63 per cent," Deputy Election Commissioner Vijay Dev told reporters in New Delhi. The seats that went to the polls were spread across the Bundelkhand region apart from districts of Allahabad, Koshambi, Pratapgarh and Raebareli. advertisement Vijay Dev said the seats had seen 59.9 per cent polling in the 2012 assembly polls and 57.1 per cent in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. He said the Election Commission had recovered Rs 13.49 crore in cash and liquor worth Rs 8.17 crore in the run up to the polling in the fourth phase. The voting was slow in the morning but picked up pace as the day progressed. Other places which saw brisk or high voting included Mahoba, Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Lalitpur and Raebareli, the Lok Sabha seat of Congress President Sonia Gandhi. Skirmishes had erupted in Pratapgarh between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) activists and in Mahoba between workers of the ruling Samajwadi Party and the BSP. Samajwadi Party candidate Siddha Gopal Sahu's son was shot and seriously injured at Mahoba. In Bundelkhand region, people boycotted polling in some villages. Electronic Voting Machines developed snags in at least a dozen places, disrupting balloting. Residents of some villages boycotted the polls to protest lack of development and basic amenities. Among those who cast their vote were West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, BJP state chief Keshav Prasad Maurya and Union Minister Niranjan Jyoti. The main contest was between the BSP, the BJP and Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance. While the Bahujan Samaj Party contested on all 53 seats, the BJP contested 48 seats and Rashtriya Lok Dal 39. The Samajwadi Party contested 33 and Congress 25. Samajwadi Party had done well in these constituencies in 2012 election, winning 24 of 53 seats. The Congress had won six seats in the last polls while the BSP had won 15, BJP five and Peace Party three. Over 1.84 crore voters were eligible to exercise their franchise in the election. As many as 680 candidates were in the fray including the maximum 26 from the Allahabad North constituency. There were 61 women candidates. Prominent candidates whose electoral fate was decided on Thursday included Utkarsha Mishra, son of former Leader of Opposition in the outgoing assembly Swamy Prasad Maurya; Independent Raghuraj Pratap Singh aka Raja Bhaiyya; Aradhna Mishra, daughter of Rajya Sabha member Pramod Tiwari; and Ujjwal Raman Singh, son of senior Samajwadi Party leader, Reoti Raman Singh. advertisement Sonia Gandhi, who has not campaigned for the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls this time due to ill health, on Thursday made an appeal to the people of Amethi and Raebareli through a video message to vote for the Congress. Her message came a day after she sent out an appeal to voters in a letter. Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a seven-phased election to 402 of 403 seats (election on one seat has been countermanded) which will conclude on March 8. ALSO READ:Narendra Modi turns around the gadha joke on Akhilesh, says donkeys are loyal, responsible ALSO READ: Akhilesh Yadav's 'gadha' jibe over Amitabh's ad sharpens focus on Indian wild ass Gujarat Tourism's 'gadha' ad: A mocking Akhilesh has a request for megastar Amitabh Modi at Fatehpur: If land is given for kabristan, shamshaan must get it too --- ENDS --- The ability to send and/or receive money from other people is not a new feature for Bank of America, its a feature that most banks use already and users love it. But Bank of America just made it a bit easier to send or receive money with just about anyone. It now uses your phones contact list (of course, you need to give the app that permission first), to send or receive money. The app will now use your contacts list to get the persons email address and notify them that you are either requesting money from them or sending money to them. Its really not a huge change, it just makes things a bit easier all around. This feature is pretty handy, especially if you went out with your friends and you paid the tab at the restaurant or wherever you went. You can then request the money from your friends through the Bank of America app and get paid. Its pretty quick, even for those that dont have Bank of America. Its a great way to be able to split the bill, even after youve left the restaurant, which is always neat. The updated app also allows you to track your money requests, so you can see who you have requested money from and who has actually paid you. You can also see who youve sent money to. Bank of America pushed this update to the Google Play Store (and Apple App Store for those on iOS) yesterday and the update should be available for everyone right now. Theres not much else that has changed in this version of Bank of America, the other changes listed in the changelog are actually bug fixes and performance improvements. Something that we see and expect to see with just about every app update. So the app should run a bit smoother now and youll be able to send or receive money even faster now. Bank of America has really done a lot of work on their Android app in recent months and even years, making it one of the better banking apps on the market right now. In what is most likely not a joke despite the suspicious timing Google has said that it will be discontinuing its enterprise-focused Site Search offering as of April 1, 2017. The announcement first appeared as a notification on the main page for the service. While services purchased before the allotted date will continue to be active until their terms expire, new license purchases will no longer be possible after April 1. No immediate replacement is expected or announced for the paid program and users are being asked to move to the companys free, but ad-supported, Custom Search Engine (CSE). There are quite a few differences between CSE and Site Search, though both provide a relatively simple way for web developers and publishers to add a customized search across their own websites. In terms of search functionality, Site Search allows for image-only searches but does not allow for searches across the entire internet. CSE also lacks some of the core features that Google classifies as look-and-feel. For example, Site Search has options to remove ads, can access the XML API for results, offers unlimited use of JSON API, and has the option to remove Google branding from the search UI itself. Both CSE and Site Search allow for money to be made using Googles AdSense but CSE only has limited access to the JSON API. Site Search also includes the ability to transfer ownership and to share search query quotas within a business group, where CSE does not have those options. Both have access to support forums, but CSE does not have any sort of direct email support tied to it. Site Search is a license subscription, with pricing based on how much the tool is expected to be used. By way of example, $100 per year covered 20,000 search queries. Price tiers stepped up from there depending on business needs, with the highest listed price set at $2,000 per year. Licensing to allow more than 3 million queries requires contact with Google to work out the cost. As mentioned above, CSE is ad-supported and is otherwise free for the time being. Where Google goes from here is anybodys guess. One unnamed Site Search customer told Fortune (who first reported on this) that there is a suspicion the company is ending Site Search as a way to continue its push to disconnect its ad-based offerings from its enterprise technology which is G Suite based. Considering Googles continuous recent efforts surrounding G Suite which is getting better all the time the idea does make some sense. In addition to being a direct competitor to Microsofts Office software, the company is always looking for and implementing new ways to create a software solutions environment that serves a wide variety of enterprise needs. However, Google is also recommending that users switch to its ad-based alternative, which may be a point directly against the commenting customers assertion. In the meantime, whether or not anything is actually planned for G Suite as a direct replacement for Site Search remains a mystery. Meizu will be one of the companies that will travel to the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona this year. The show is kicking off in only a couple of days, and a ton of companies already confirmed that theyll be there, well, Meizu just made it official as well. The company said that they will unveil the latest achievements of their research and development on February 28th in Barcelona, starting at 10AM (CET). Meizu also mentioned that their booth is located in Hall 7, Stand 7K5, for those of you who happen to plan to travel to Barcelona. This information came to us straight from the company, though Meizu also shared a teaser image on their official Facebook account. If you take a look at the image above this article, youll get to see a confirmation of what we said in the first paragraph, along with a Faster Than Ever teaser. This is a rather mysterious teaser by Meizu, and quite frankly were not all that sure what will Meizu announce at MWC 2017. The company actually announced the Meizu M5s quite recently, and we did not see any other Meizu phone leaks or rumors lately, while it seems a bit early for the company to introduce the Meizu PRO 7. So, it is possible that they might talk about something other than smartphone launches, or perhaps re-launch one of their devices for the international market, who knows. Based on the research and development part of Meizus statement, though, we might be in for something rather exciting. The Meizu PRO 7 is Meizus upcoming flagship, and we did see a ton of rumors and leaks when it comes to this smartphone, though as already said, it might be a bit too early for Meizu to launch it. If the company plans to stick to last years release cycle, the Meizu PRO 7 will land in April. Having that in mind, Meizu did introduce a Ubuntu Edition of the Meizu PRO 5 at last years MWC, so they might do the same this year with the Meizu PRO 6 or Meizu PRO 6 Plus. Were only guessing though, as nothing has been confirmed just yet. So, stay tuned, Meizus event is only 5 days away. Advertisement Buy the Meizu PRO 6 Ronald Quandt, a tipster which usually leaks info through Twitter, has shared specifications for the Moto XT1750 smartphone. Now, this handset got certified by the FCC earlier this month, and at first, it seemed like were looking at a new Moto X smartphone for 2017, but if the leaked specs are any indication, that could not be further from the truth. The source shared Moto XT1750s specs, and theyre underwhelming, to say the least, as this seems to be an entry-level smartphone for emerging markets. According to Ronald Quandt, the Moto XT1750 smartphone will sport a 5-inch 854 x 480 LCD panel along with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. Now, the FCC listing did report 8GB for this device, and we assumed that its referring to internal storage, but some other publications were under the impression that this phone will ship with 8GB of RAM, and be the next Moto flagship. In any case, the source also says that the phone will ship with a 2,350mAh battery, and two SIM card slots, though neither of those slots will support 4G LTE connectivity, which is a shame. A 5-megapixel camera will be placed on the back of this smartphone, and a 2-megapixel shooter will be available on the phones front side. Interestingly enough, the source claims that both of these camera sensors will ship with fixed focus, which is quite odd in this day and age. MediaTeks MT6580M SoC running at 1.3GHz will fuel the Moto XT1750 handset, and Bluetooth 4.0 will also be a part of the package. So, it seems like the Moto XT1750 is not a new Moto X smartphone, but rather a new Moto E devices for emerging markets, at least based on these specs. This device is inferior to the Moto E3 Power which launched last year, and its quite similar to the Moto E (2nd-gen) which launched back in February 2015. In any case, this phone will be extremely affordable, and chances are it will be available for purchase in emerging markets, as its definitely an entry-level device. Nothing has been confirmed just yet, so stay tuned, Lenovo will probably release more info in the near future. A CAD drawing of what looks like a slightly redesigned Galaxy S5 with a curved screen is depicted in the latest design patent awarded to Samsung by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). While the body of the device is slightly different to the one encasing Samsungs 2014 Android flagship, the design of the back speaker seems remarkably reminiscent of the Galaxy S5, Galaxy S5 Neo, and the Galaxy Note 4. However, the edges of the device are fully curved and smoothened out and the design seemingly features no physical buttons, though it does sport a small camera bump. The USPTO also awarded Samsung with another design patent that only consists of a rough sketch depicting a device that not only has a curved screen similar to the one seen above but also features a fully concave body. The display panel of the device actually curves around the edges all the way to the back where one can also see a speaker thats extremely similar to the aforementioned one. Likewise, the second design patent granted to the South Korean tech giant shows no physical buttons. The design looks extremely clean and simple, but seeing how its just a rough drawing, its likely that the company is still experimenting with the idea. Images of Samsungs latest patent were uncovered by Patently Mobile and a full set of leaked designs can be seen by following the link below. Seeing how both design patents were already granted, the USPTO didnt publish any other details regarding them like it would have done with a patent application. Due to that state of affairs, theres no basis to connect these designs with any particular hardware or even just materials. However, if Samsung truly plans to commercialize either design, more information on the matter will possibly follow sooner rather than later seeing how the Seoul-based tech giant has been applying for similar designs in both the United States and South Korea for years now. Furthermore, recent rumors and leaks suggest that both the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus will feature on-screen buttons that are presumably also utilized by a number of other patents recently awarded to Samsung, including these latest ones. In other words, Samsung is apparently slowly implementing its patented design ideas into practice. As Huawei prepares for their big press conference at Mobile World Congress, it appears that they are also getting all of their upcoming hardware approved by the FCC. Today, a smartphone from Huawei with the model number WAS-LX1A has passed through the FCC, and this model number has been connected to other Huawei P10 Lite leaks before, including the device hitting Geekbench last month. The FCC listing doesnt actually tell us a whole lot about the device, just the model number which is enough for us to know what the device is. The FCC has not posted any pictures of the device just yet. The specs for the Huawei P10 Lite is actually pretty sparse right now. According to the Geekbench listing, we know that it is running the Kirin 655 which is the same octa-core processor that is powering the Honor 6X that the company announced last month in Las Vegas at CES 2017. And that it has 4GB of RAM. It is also running Android 7.0 Nougat, and thats about it. So this looks like it could be similar to the specs of the Honor 6X, of course with a bit more RAM, but based on its name, it should be slightly lower-end than the P10. Both devices are slated to sport full HD displays which isnt surprising given the fact that Huawei has been adamant about keeping a 1080p panel because a QHD panel isnt needed on a smartphone and just affects battery life. Huawei will be holding their own press conference on Sunday in Barcelona, just before Mobile World Congress officially kicks off. They are expected to announce a few new smartphones in the Huawei P10, P10 Lite and P10 Plus, but also announce the new Huawei Watch 2. Of course, the company could have some other goodies up their sleeves for us, well just have to wait and see what they have planned. But they are definitely taking Mobile World Congress seriously this year, after Samsung confirmed that the Galaxy S8 wont be showing up at the show. Which is something that every manufacturer took and ran with. Were seeing loads of great devices in Barcelona that normally wouldnt be shown off there. According to RootMetrics, Verizon is still the most reliable network in the US. This study actually covers the second half of last year, and is based on millions of tests conducted by RootMetrics at the city, state and national levels. This essentially means that the study should be pretty accurate, which is why its held in such high regard, for the most part. Well, it seems like Verizons LTE-Advanced service which they kicked off back in the summer of 2016 did them some good, as it did boost their performance by increasing the networks download speeds. That being said, Verizon managed to score 93.9 on RootMetrics national rankings chart, while AT&T is not far behind, as it managed to hit 90.5 out of 100. Sprint managed to claim the third place on a national level by scoring 84.7, while T-Mobile is placed for with a score of 81.2. Interestingly enough, Verizon takes the cake in pretty much every category according to RootMetrics, not only did they claim the overall win, but are ranked no.1 in reliability, speed, data, call and text rankings as well. AT&T is placed second in most of those categories as well, though Sprint did manage to trump AT&T in the call category, as it claimed no.2 spot with a score of 86.4, while AT&T scored 84.6. Interestingly enough, this is also a category in which T-Mobile isnt exactly on par with Verizon, Sprint and AT&T, those networks scored 90.1, 86.4 and 84.6 in the call category according to RootMetrics, while T-Mobile managed to hit only 67.2. So, all in all, Verizon is still the number 1 carrier in the US according to RootMetrics, while AT&T is close second, as it did really well in pretty much every category. Sprint and T-Mobile also did quite well and managed to keep up, though T-Mobile did drop the ball in the call department compared to the other three carriers, at least according to the source. RootMetrics performed almost 3.7 million tests, they drove almost 250,000 miles and stepped into over 4,000 indoor locations in order to test US networks, in case you were wondering. If youd like to take a look at RootMetrics full report, follow the source link down below. Samsung has just announced their new flagship processor, the Exynos 9 Series 8895 SoC. This processor is built on the worlds first 10nm FinFET process, says Samsung, and even though the company did not confirm it just yet, this processor will almost certainly fuel the upcoming Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus handsets in some regions. As it was the case last year, chances are that the Snapdragon SoC (in this case the Snapdragon 835) will fuel Samsungs flagships in the US, while the Exynos CPU (in this case the Exynos 8895) will do the same in a number of other markets, Europe included. As already mentioned, this processor is based on a 10nm (nanometer) FinFET process, while the Exynos 8890 (Samsungs flagship SoC for 2016) was based on a 14nm FInFET process. This is an octa-core processor which comes with four ARM Cortex-A53 cores, and four Samsungs 2nd-gen custom CPU cores. Now, the company says that this chip offers 7% higher performance, while it consumes 40% less power compared to a 14nm Exynos 8890 SoC. This SoC also comes with the latest GPU by ARM, the Mali-G71. The Exynos 8895 offers support for 4K Ultra HD (4096 x 2160) display resolution for 4K UHD VR, video recording and playback and a maximum resolution of 4K UHD at 120fps. This processor is also the first SoC by the company to ship with a gigabit LTE modem that supports five carrier aggregation (5CA). The Exynos 8895 also offers support for Cat. 16 4G LTE connectivity, it offers maximum download speed of 1Gbp (Cat. 16), and upload speed of 150Mbps (Cat. 13) with 2CA. On top of all this, Samsung also says that the Exynos 8895 comes with a separate processing unit which for enhanced security, this processing unit will handle mobile payments which use the iris or fingerprint scanners. In addition to that, the chip also comes with an embedded Vision Processing Unit (VPU) which can recognize and analyze items or movements in order to improve video tracking, machine vision technology and panoramic image processing. That is more or less it, for now. The Exynos 9 Series 8895 SoC is Samsungs most powerful processor to date, and it will go head-to-head with the Snapdragon 835 out in the market, chances are that these two processor will offers similarly impressive performance, but it remains to be seen what happens. Update: ZTE has reached out to us with a statement on the sanction relief extension granted by the US Commerce Department: ZTE continues to work with the US government toward permanent removal from the Entity List. Under the new leadership, ZTE is conducting our business in a way that meets and exceeds export compliance standards. The extension of the TGL is a sign of the progress we have made. We will continue our significant spending with US technology suppliers and our support of more than 129,000 high tech jobs with US companies. End of Update Advertisement On Thursday, the US Commerce Department announced that they had once again extended the sanction relief on ZTE. This time extending it to March 29th. The previous extension was set to expire on February 27th. This is also a much shorter extension than the Commerce Department would normally hand out, and has handed out to ZTE before. This is part of the probe that revealed ZTE was still exporting products to Iran, despite the sanctions that the US had put against Iran. This extension is going to allow ZTE to resolve the probe and figure out how to continue their business (even in Iran) while still playing by the rules of the government. With this reprieve window being a bit smaller than the normal 90 day window, its leading some attorneys to think that this could be due to the new administration. As Douglas Jacobson, a Washington attorney noted this indicates the final settlement is imminent or is just a stopgap to give the new administration time to decide how they want to proceed. With the Trump Administration only being in office for a little over a month at this point. So this is more than likely a way for the new administration to get their people in office and figure out what to do next. Earlier this month, ZTE said that they were working with the appropriate regulators to get the issue resolved so that they can continue business as usual in both countries. ZTE relies on some of the biggest companies in the US to get their products to consumers. Like Google, Qualcomm and Microsoft. Qualcomm makes the processors and modems in their smartphones while Google and Microsoft are on the operating system side of things for ZTE. And working with those other companies is what has really made ZTE suffer, because nothing with Qualcomm, Google, Microsoft or any US company, inside it can be shipped on over to Iran because of these sanctions. But it appears that ZTE has been doing this since 2012, so this isnt something new from ZTE, but they have been caught and are now trying to resolve the issue with the government. Most of the remaining seats going to polls in the next three phases have a significant Muslim population which is anywhere between 16-30 per cent in areas like Azamgarh and Varanasi. By Siraj Qureshi: With the fourth phase of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election coming to an end, senior leaders are claiming victory for their political parties. So far, 209 seats spread over 38 districts have gone to polls. With this, election to 403 Assembly constituencies has officially crossed the halfway mark. Political pundits expect the campaign to intensify in the run up to the last three phases in which crucial belts will vote. Party leaders, they say, will shrill their pitch as the remaining constituencies can determine who rules the state from March 11. advertisement HERE ARE THE OBSERVATIONS FROM THE GROUND: Social activist Vijay Upadhyay said excitement is peaking in political camps as the remaining seats are in extremely crucial and politically sensitive belts of Uttar Pradesh. This is also the time when politicians guage the mood of the state and accordindly change their tactics. Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati is now harping on development as she has realised this is the primary concern among voters this time, said Upadhyay. Anticipating a BJP upper hand, Mayawati has been warning Dalits, a strong votebank for BSP, against voting for the party as she claims she has information that BJP would end reservation if voted to power. The 38 districts which have already voted in the election are crucial for both the Samajwadi Party and the BJP. During the 2014 General Election, most of them voted for the BJP, but in the Assembly, it is Samajwadi Party which has more representatives from the districts. Most of the remaining seats going to polls in the next three phases have a significant Muslim population which stands anywhere between 16-30 per cent in areas like Azamgarh and Varanasi. In the last Assembly election, 69 Muslim candidates made it to the Assembly, of them 29 came from these remaining 194 seats. As a result, Muslim appeasement is on top of the agenda for all political parties with everyone promising more development for the community under their rule. ALSO READ: My money on Modi: Bookies say gamblers betting huge on BJP's win in Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh elections: Dalits take back seat as Mayawati focuses on Muslims Uttar Pradesh election: SP-Congress alliance gets BJP thinking about how Muslims will vote ALSO WATCH --- ENDS --- Verizon has today announced that it will begin offering pre-commercial 5G services to select customers in 11 US markets as part of a pilot test during the first half of this year. Verizon has additionally now named those 11 markets as Ann Arbor, Atlanta, Bernardsville (NJ), Brockton (MA), Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami, Sacramento, Seattle and Washington, D.C. Beyond the confirmation that these areas will be the first to be included in the companys pilot 5G testing phase, Verizon has yet to provide firmer details on when the rollout will begin or in what order, if any. As Verizon points out in the announcement post on the matter, this is an important step in the development of their 5G network and will provide Verizon (as well as their customers) with insight into how Verizons 5G network performs in more of a real-world situation. Verizon notes, this is the largest proving ground in the world and that it will include the employment of several hundred cell sites that cover several thousand customer locations. Of course, Verizon is not alone in pushing forward with 5G and in all respects, the race to 5G is very firmly on. AT&T very recently announced their next 5G step in the form of 5G evolution and its wider Network 3.0 (Indigo). This will also see AT&T rolling out pre-release 5G services to select areas, although at present, AT&Ts list seems to be far fewer than what Verizon has announced today. Which seems to be in line with comments made in todays announcement post which looked to reiterate that Verizon intends to be the first carrier in the US to roll out the next-generation wireless technology. Verizon explains that with the evolution of 5G happening so quickly, coupled with recent moves by the FCC, have led to now being the right time to deliver the next generation of broadband services with 5G. Along with the announcement post, Verizon has also released a short video which further explains Verizons current 5G developments, as well as more details on todays announced pilot expansion. Those interested can check out the newly-released video in full, below. Advertisement https://youtu.be/5Mz2q4YnSSM Viber announced that it will soon update its popular instant messaging (IM) app with an eCommerce framework that will allow users to discover brands, products, and make purchases directly within the app without ever leaving their chat windows. Viber developed the new feature together with its parent company Rakuten, a Japanese Internet giant with years of experience in eCommerce, the firm revealed in a press release published on Thursday. The IM app will be updated with a shopping feature in March, though an exact release date is still unknown at this point. Viber says that the decision to integrate a shopping platform into its IM app was prompted by numerous studies that found shopping is one of the most common activities on smartphones and tablets. The company revealed that approximately 66 percent of all mobile users engage in shopping-related activities on their smartphones and tablets at least once per week. Furthermore, most contemporary mobile shopping solutions are complicated and exhausting, Viber said, adding that the company took it upon itself to come up with a better platform thats both entertaining and social. Vibers in-app shopping platform wont require taking screenshots and copying and pasting text, the firm promised. While the company didnt go into a lot of details regarding how its upcoming eCommerce solution will work, it did share several screenshots depicting the new feature in action. As you can see below, Viber users will be able to start discovering brands and products by tapping a shopping bag icon located in the toolbar on the bottom of a chat window. Apart from purchasing products, the feature will also allow users to easily share any product with a person or a group theyre currently talking to, the screenshots reveal. The idea of turning an IM app into a shopping tool isnt completely new seeing how Facebook has been pursuing a similar goal for a while now with its Messenger app. Still, it remains to be seen whether consumers will embrace the idea and even if they do will they choose Viber to fulfill their mobile shopping needs. In any case, more information on Vibers upcoming eCommerce platform is bound to follow in the coming weeks. Webpass, a multi-regional internet service provider that was scooped up by Google not too long ago, announced today that they have begun rolling out their gigabit internet service in Denver, Colorado, and have hired a new local manager, Roger Fitch, to help them do so. Webpass has already decided on the first apartment complex that theyre planning on bringing coverage out to, and have put up an office in the area to run their operations from. Fitch, a 30-year telecom industry veteran, will be heading up Webpass Denver operations from that office, deciding things like where coverage should go, who to hire and fire, and how the local branchs budget should look. In all these tasks, he will be answerable directly to Webpass CEO Charles Barr. While theyre using traditional ethernet lines to reach customers for the time being, Webpass is aping Google Fiber in that theyre working on point to point and fixed wireless solutions that will allow them to serve customers without having to break ground, sign contracts with local providers, or mess around with current communications stations within the city. This goal is reportedly a long way out in Denver, though; right now, theyre working on retooling their local and remote data center stacks to support a fully wireless operation, and have yet to start laying out the hardware in any meaningful fashion. For the time being, Webpass is only available to apartments, businesses and the like, and wont be building out to single family residential properties for some time, if at all. On the bright side, however, since theyre Google-owned, anywhere Webpass goes, Google Fiber can go in the future; selling Webpass in an area is, after all, an easy way to drum up both interest and funding that would justify a proper rollout of Google Fiber in a given area. While Google Fiber has put plans to expand temporarily on hold, Webpass will continue expanding outward, targeting major metropolitan areas first, and serving as a guide and scout of sorts for Google Fiber. Webpass still operates somewhat independently, of course, which gives them a degree of freedom and control in choosing their target areas and getting things set up. Exoplanet discovery. Google celebrates Thursday the recent exoplanet discovery with a special Google Doodle. Find out all about this new exoplanet discovery. Exoplanet discovery. Seven planets around a star Exoplanet discovery. NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope has revealed the first known system of seven Earth-size planets around a single star. Three of these planets are firmly located in the habitable zone, the area around the parent star where a rocky planet is most likely to have liquid water. Exoplanet discovery. The discovery sets a new record for greatest number of habitable-zone planets found around a single star outside our solar system. All of these seven planets could have liquid water key to life as we know it under the right atmospheric conditions, but the chances are highest with the three in the habitable zone. Exoplanet discovery This discovery could be a significant piece in the puzzle of finding habitable environments, places that are conducive to life, said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator of the agencys Science Mission Directorate in Washington. Answering the question are we alone is a top science priority and finding so many planets like these for the first time in the habitable zone is a remarkable step forward toward that goal. Exoplanet discovery. At about 235 trillion miles from Earth Exoplanet discovery. At about 40 light-years (235 trillion miles) from Earth, the system of planets is relatively close to us, in the constellation Aquarius. Because they are located outside of our solar system, these planets are scientifically known as exoplanets. This exoplanet system is called TRAPPIST-1, named for The Transiting Planets and Planetesimals Small Telescope (TRAPPIST) in Chile. In May 2016, researchers using TRAPPIST announced they had discovered three planets in the system. Assisted by several ground-based telescopes, including the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, Spitzer confirmed the existence of two of these planets and discovered five additional ones, increasing the number of known planets in the system to seven. Exoplanet discovery Results published in the journal Nature Exoplanet discovery The new results were published Wednesday in the journal Nature, and announced at a news briefing at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Using Spitzer data, the team precisely measured the sizes of the seven planets and developed first estimates of the masses of six of them, allowing their density to be estimated. Based on their densities, all of the TRAPPIST-1 planets are likely to be rocky. Further observations will not only help determine whether they are rich in water, but also possibly reveal whether any could have liquid water on their surfaces. The mass of the seventh and farthest exoplanet has not yet been estimated scientists believe it could be an icy, "snowball-like" world, but further observations are needed. "The seven wonders of TRAPPIST-1 are the first Earth-size planets that have been found orbiting this kind of star," said Michael Gillon, lead author of the paper and the principal investigator of the TRAPPIST exoplanet survey at the University of Liege, Belgium. "It is also the best target yet for studying the atmospheres of potentially habitable, Earth-size worlds." In contrast to our sun, the TRAPPIST-1 star classified as an ultra-cool dwarf is so cool that liquid water could survive on planets orbiting very close to it, closer than is possible on planets in our solar system. All seven of the TRAPPIST-1 planetary orbits are closer to their host star than Mercury is to our sun. The planets also are very close to each other. If a person was standing on one of the planets surface, they could gaze up and potentially see geological features or clouds of neighboring worlds, which would sometimes appear larger than the moon in Earth's sky. Exoplanet discovery. Planets locked to their star Exoplanet discovery The planets may also be tidally locked to their star, which means the same side of the planet is always facing the star, therefore each side is either perpetual day or night. This could mean they have weather patterns totally unlike those on Earth, such as strong winds blowing from the day side to the night side, and extreme temperature changes. Spitzer, an infrared telescope that trails Earth as it orbits the sun, was well-suited for studying TRAPPIST-1 because the star glows brightest in infrared light, whose wavelengths are longer than the eye can see. In the fall of 2016, Spitzer observed TRAPPIST-1 nearly continuously for 500 hours. Spitzer is uniquely positioned in its orbit to observe enough crossing transits of the planets in front of the host star to reveal the complex architecture of the system. Engineers optimized Spitzers ability to observe transiting planets during Spitzers warm mission, which began after the spacecrafts coolant ran out as planned after the first five years of operations. "This is the most exciting result I have seen in the 14 years of Spitzer operations," said Sean Carey, manager of NASA's Spitzer Science Center at Caltech/IPAC in Pasadena, California. "Spitzer will follow up in the fall to further refine our understanding of these planets so that the James Webb Space Telescope can follow up. More observations of the system are sure to reveal more secrets. Exoplanet discovery A 360 degree video Exoplanet discovery A 360 degree video was published by NASA after the space agency announced yesterday the discovery of seven new planets in the constellation Aquarius. Three of these planets lie within the star's "habitable zone" where surface temperatures range from nought to 100 degrees centigrade. All seven planets could have liquid water key to life as we know it under the right atmospheric conditions, but the chances are highest with the three in the habitable zone. Exoplanet discovery What is an exoplanet Exoplanet discovery An exoplanet (extrasolar planet) is a planet located outside the Solar System. The first confirmed detection of exoplanets was announced in 1992, with two planets found orbiting a pulsar. The first confirmation of an exoplanet orbiting a main-sequence star was made in 1995, when a giant planet was found in a four-day orbit around the nearby star 51 Pegasi. Some exoplanets have been imaged directly by telescopes, but the vast majority have been detected through indirect methods such as the transit method and the radial-velocity method. As of February 22, 2017, astronomers have identified 3,583 such planets (in 2,688 planetary systems and 603 multiple planetary systems). ARTSAKH, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. Bureau member of the European Free Alliance, representative of the Social Democratic Party of the Basque Country Lorena Lopez de Lacalle highly assesses the referendum process in Artsakh. Lorena Lopez de Lacalle, an observer in Artsakh, told the reporters that the referendum goes on smoothly with all the guarantees for a transparent referendum. We are very happy to see that Artsakh is such a democratic state, Armenpress reports she said. She added that this is her second visit to Artsakh and the great progress recorded during the 25 years of independence is rather visible. We witness that during the 25 years of independence rather a serious progress has been recorded in economic, cultural and social spheres. But above all we see that democracy develops here rapidly, Lorena Lopez said. Referring to the extradition of Russian blogger Alexander Lapshin by Belarus to Azerbaijan, she stressed that in all the democratic countries the freedom of movement, speech and thought are norms, and the countries where all these are banned can never be regarded as democratic. Lopez underlined that Lapshin was arrested merely for having visited Artsakh, which contradicts to the norms of democracy. And now we are in Artsakh and natural do not wish to visit Belarus or Azerbaijan. We will visit these countries after democratic values are established, she said, urging the Azerbaijani leadership to immediately set Lapshin free, since his arrest is illegal. By India Today Web Desk: Govinda was once David Dhawan's blue-eyed boy, but their relationship soured over time, with the actor alleging that the director stole his idea to remake Chashme Baddoor and went on to cast Rishi Kapoor and left Govinda in the lurch. Govinda is in no mood for niceties with David and called him "jealous" and "dangerous" in a recent interview. David's son Varun was not spared by Govinda either. While many find similarities between Govinda and Varun Dhawan, the Hero No 1 actor said in an interview, "How can 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." advertisement ALSO READ | Govinda on Karan Johar: More jealous and more dangerous than David Dhawan OPINION: Why Govinda's comeback Aa Gaya Hero is doomed Varun, who was a self-confessed admirer of Govinda's work had earlier told IANS, "Govinda sir has spoilt my dad. As an actor, he has set such high standards that it is extremely difficult to reach up to that level... He is a living legend of our industry and nobody can be like him." When Mid-Day asked Varun how he felt about Govinda's recent comments slamming him and his father, the Badrinath Ki Dulhania actor said, "It doesn't affect the fact that I like his work. I am a fanboy forever." Prodded about his reaction to the comments about David Dhawan, Varun said, "This isn't really my place to talk. My father is currently in London, recceing for Judwaa 2 and he should respond to this. Govinda sir is years senior to me. I hold him in high regard. [But] To each his own. I won't comment if he was wrong. I won't let my true feelings on the issue come out." ALSO WATCH: Turned away for showing up late, Govinda loses his cool --- ENDS --- YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. The Foreign Ministries of Armenia and Russia are preparing the regular meeting of the Presidents of the two states, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said after the meeting with his Armenian counterpart Edward Nalbandian in Moscow on February 22, reports Armenpress. The discussions with Mr. Nalbandian were constructive, comprehensive and clear. We have discussed the entire circle of bilateral relations and discussed in-detail the agreements on coordinating our actions in the international structures. The Armenian-Russian cooperation continues developing at various sectors. Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyans recent visit to Russia gave an additional impetus to this cooperation, we prepare the regular meeting of the Presidents of the two countries, Lavrov said. He added that the trade turnover between Armenia and Russia is at the highest level, recalling that it comprised over 1 billion USD based on the figures of the last year. Lavrov highlighted the fact that 40% of the investment of foreign capital in Armenia accounts for Russia. Sergey Lavrov expressed satisfaction that the change in the agreement on visa-free regime visits between Armenia and Russia comes into force on February 23, according to which Russian citizens can visit Armenia with internal passports. CRDi Beginning 2018 will see the lineup be completed by the all-new i30 Fastback, which has been spied for the first time by Korean motoring publication Motorgraph . As you can see in the featured photograph, the newcomer is gifted with a five-door layout and a sloping rear roofline.The split five-spoke wheels feature exactly the same design as those Hyundai fitted to the i30 hatchback and i30 Wagon in the first press photos for the two models. Then theres the exhaust pipe that exits from under the right-hand side of the rear bumper, which makes for a further aesthetic similarity with the existing range of the third-generation Hyundai i30 Exterior components sharing continues with the shark fin antenna, taillight graphics, and black-painted side mirror caps. Up front, meanwhile, the only change comes in the guise of the orientation of the daytime running lights.In the i30 Fastback, theyre angled at 45 degrees or thereabout. By comparison, the i30 hatchback and i30 Wagon get vertical LED strips, whereas the i30 N has horizontal units. That said, what about engines?Theres no denying the i30 Fastback will borrow the suck-squeeze-bang-blow goodies from its lesser brother, which means that a 1.0-liter turbo three-cylinder with 120 PS is a sure bet. Higher up, a 1.4 T-GDI four-cylinder with 140 PS will have to suffice, whereas the fuel economy-loving customer will be offered a 1.6with outputs ranging from 95 to 136 PS.A six-speed manual is the standard means of swapping cogs, whereas a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is expected to be made available for the higher-powered mills. It remains to be seen, however, if Hyundai can make a case for the i30 Fastback in the U.S. of A. as the Elantra Fastback. Together with BMW , Brilliance owns half of BMW Brilliance, which is a joint venture that manufactures, distributes, and sells products of the German brand in China. The Asian corporation also owns a minibus company named Jinbei, which operates on its domestic market.You might think that Brilliance is a small player, but it had the capacity to built 800,000 cars in 2010, and it has since invested in expanding its capabilities.Back in 2007, Brilliance launched a model in Europe , the BS6, which was followed by the BS4. The first of them was crash-tested by Germanys ADAC, which only gave it a star out of five for its performance.While Landwind was the first Chinese brand that attempted to sell vehicles in Europe and failed, Brilliance Auto got the unwanted change of being second.With the help of BMW, the employees at Brilliance might have a shot at developing models that could attain decent results in European crashworthiness tests, which is an important step that must be undertaken to guarantee a chance of success on the Old Continent.According to reports, the Brilliance V7 is set to become the brands most expensive model ever offered. With that in mind, along with BMWs collaboration with this company, there is a chance that the Chinese might consider selling it in Europe.The latter hypothesis could explain why Brilliance bothers with testing its prototype in winter conditions in Europe, and this could be one of the reasons why they are undergoing these efforts.A look at the spyshots reveals a conventionally-designed SUV , with familiar shapes, but without any blatant copying of Western brands. It features a front grille that reminds us of an older off-roader from Mitsubishi, but with a twist in the form of a triangle-shaped element. Meanwhile, its front and rear lights do not resemble anything else on the European market. The Blue Ovals pickup truck was named the most dependable large light-duty pickup. The award was earned by the 2014 Ford F-150 , which competed with its equivalents of the same model year, because the entire dependability study relies on vehicle owners that have had the same ride since it was new, and they are asked about it when the model is three years old.According to Ford, truck shoppers prioritize the F-150 s quality above all attributes when purchasing, and its internal research claims that its clients have informed the company of that attribute being a differentiator when the F-series is compared to its competitors.The 2017 model year of the F-150 marks 40 consecutive years for the Ford F-Series as the top-selling truck in the United States of America.The F-Series result is remarkable, to say the least, and the vehicle managed to attain incredible volumes in some years that it became one of the top-selling new motorized products in the entire country, not just in its class. Since January 1977, Ford sold over 26 million F-Series pickup trucks.To be specific, F-Series pickup trucks have been Americas best-selling vehicle for 35 years. Those are not consecutive years, but 35 out of 40 is better than any competitor model, and it looks like that is not going to change too soon.Ford is excited about the F-150 s result because it is the only model from the Blue Oval brand to receive such a distinction from J.D. Power this year. Overall, the brand did not enjoy a ranking as good as the F-150's.Its competitors at Chevrolet got individual awards for the Silverado HD and Tahoe, while Hondas 2014 Ridgeline was the most dependable mid-sized pickup truck. Toyota was the big winner when models are concerned, as it obtained four awards for dependability. Blasphemy motors sticks back with another monstrosity (monster* autocorrect) The @lamborghini Hurute. Are you mad yet? A post shared by Yasid Design (@yasiddesign) on Feb 21, 2017 at 5:25pm PST First of all, this is an Ute, at least if we are to follow the Down Under-inspired description of its creator.We're talking about Yasid Oozear, a digital artist whose pixel contraptions we featured on numerous occasions. The man seems to have kicked off the year in a bed-adding mood , with the Sant'Agata Bolognese temptress being the most recent in a series of pickup trucks.Secondly, this digital transformation doesn't seem to have been done just for the giggles, even though the Instagram description provided by the artist, which you can find below, might convince you of this.For one thing, the bed we see here appears to be generous enough to accommodate both the 5.2-liter V10 heart of the Lambo and a second luggage compartment.The Huracan is already surprisingly fit for the role of a daily driver (in Lamborghini terms, that is), so adding extra stuff-swalloing capacity can only help, right?We've decided to regard this pixel contraption as a nod to Lamborghini's farm-loving beginings. Heck, this isn't even the first pickup truck wearing a Lamborghini badge (actually, there are more of them) and we're not talking about previous rendering here.The LM 002 remains popular today, with the bed bearer having been retired back in 1993. So, to return to the point made above, the Huracan Ute we have here could be seen as a link between the the Italian automaker's past and its near-term future - you know, the Urus, whose first spyshots we've recently delivered.Of course, there will be certain aficionados who just won't get over the fact that a world wide web artist decided to do this to a Lamborghini Huracan . And there's nothing wrong with that. Its no wonder, then, that Mercedes-Benz is working on the X-Class, a pickup thatll be based on the Nissan NP300 Navara . The same can be said for the U.S., where the Ford F-150 can be had with genuine fiddleback eucalyptus wood trim. Sensing the opportunity to expand its commercial vehicle business, the Renault brand made the decision to sell the Alaskan in Europe.The French automakers release for the 2017 Geneva Motor Show confirms this in a single sentence, as follows: The New Koleos [it's actually a facelift] and the Alaskan pick-up (sic) to hit the European market in 2017. Itself based on Nissans mid-size pickup truck, the Renault Alaskan for Europe is believed to go into production at the Japanese automakers plant in Barcelona.Lets make a quick recap about what sort of implications this brings forth. Developed with Latin America in mind with the underpinnings of a Japanese model thats built in Spain, the Alaskan is a proper exercise in terms of globalization. Then again, Groupe Renault did mention during the pickup trucks launch in Colombia that it has global ambitions for [the] Alaskan.Based on what the market wants from such a vehicle, the European-spec Renault Alaskan will be made available in one layout at the very least (double cab). Powertrain-wise, its pretty obvious that the torquey 2.3-liter dCi turbo diesel is arguably the most suitable choice for this part of the world.In its lesser tune, the powerhouse develops 163 PS (161 horsepower) and 403 Nm (297 lb-ft). The 2.3 dCi with two turbochargers , however, improves output to 190 PS (187 horsepower) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft). A six-speed manual transmission is expected to come as standard. A seven-speed automatic will act as the alternative to changing gears manually. Electric Vehicle EV The French automaker released a short release regarding its debuts for the 2017 Geneva Motor Show in March, and from the said release we learn two things. One: Renault brags with the title of Europe s number one electric vehicle brand. Two: theres an all-new electric vehicle in the pipeline.Thing is, nobody except the French automaker knows what the deal actually is with this EV surprise. Given these somewhat ambiguous circumstances, its time for us to find clues as to what Renault might be working on.A release from December 2016 might offer a glimpse into the future. In it, the automaker announced a personnel change in itsBusiness Unit, and this tidbit: " Renault is also working on a new affordable EV model.Thats basically my take on the matter, though it remains to be seen if Groupe Renault will bring a concept car or a production model at the Geneva Motor Show. Then theres the matter of positioning. The Zoe Z.E. is a subcompact hatchback, whereas the Twizy Z.E. is classified as a quadricycle.Theres an obvious gap between these two models, so there you have it. Not so fast, though, because another thing that Renault is missing is a compact electric vehicle. Nissan Leaf anyone? Its also worth remembering that thissegment is getting crowded now that the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt -based Opel Ampera-e and Hyundai Ioniq Electric are on sale in the Old Continent.Regardless of outcome, its crystal clear that Groupe Renault is eyeing a larger share of the affordable electric vehicle market in Europe. The former Saket legislator was booked under sections 376 (rape), 328 (causing hurt by means of poison, etc.) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code after the Delhi-based woman filed a complaint at a women's police station here on February 21. By Press Trust of India: Former Delhi BJP MLA Vijay Jolly has been booked in a case of rape after a woman alleged that he drugged and assaulted her, police said today. The former Saket legislator was booked under sections 376 (rape), 328 (causing hurt by means of poison, etc.) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code after the Delhi-based woman filed a complaint at a women's police station here on February 21. advertisement The woman has alleged in her complaint that Jolly spiked her drink before sexually assaulting her at Gurgaon's Aapno Ghar Resort on February 10. JOLLY'S ALLEGATIONS Jolly, an MLA from 2003 to 2008, said he filed a police complaint against the woman, who he alleged was blackmailing and extorting him, on February 17. He told PTI that the allegations were fabricated, meant to defame him and tarnish his political image. Jolly said that the woman was a member of the BJP's women's wing and had met him alone at the resort on February 10. There she tried to extort a sum of Rs 5 lakh from him and thretated to file a rape case if he did not comply, he said. FIR LODGED AGAINST JOLLY An FIR under IPC sections 384 (extortion), 120 B (criminal conspiracy) and other relevant sections had been lodged against the woman at Khidki Daula Police Station on the basis of Jolly's complaint, a senior police officer said. "When the woman and her husband came to know that I had filed a complaint against her for threatening and extorting me, she to divert police investigation and action against her, filed fabricated allegations against me," he alleged. Gurugram Police Commissioner Sandeep Khirwar told PTI, "We are investigating the cases and are thoroughly examining the FIRs and allegations made by Vijay Jolly and the woman." Also read | Kejriwal violated Assembly rules, says Vijay Jolly --- ENDS --- First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain. Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that. And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details. If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices MercadoLibre, Inc. operates online commerce platforms in Latin America. It operates Mercado Libre Marketplace, an automated online commerce platform that enables businesses, merchants, and individuals to list merchandise and conduct sales and purchases online; and Mercado Pago FinTech platform, a financial technology solution platform, which facilitates transactions on and off its marketplaces by providing a mechanism that allows its users to send and receive payments online, as well as allows users to transfer money through their websites or on the apps. The company also offers Mercado Fondo that allows users to invest funds deposited in their Mercado Pago accounts; Mercado Credito, which extends loans to certain merchants and consumers; and Mercado Envios logistics solution that enables sellers on its platform to utilize third-party carriers and other logistics service providers, as well as fulfillment and warehousing services for sellers. In addition, it provides Mercado Libre Classifieds, an online classified listing service, where users can list and purchase motor vehicles, real estate, and services; Mercado Libre Ads, an advertising platform, which enables large retailers and brands to promote their products and services on the Internet; and Mercado Shops, an online storefronts solution that enables users to set-up, manage, and promote their own digital stores. MercadoLibre, Inc. was incorporated in 1999 and is headquartered in Montevideo, Uruguay. The capabilities for data analysis have increased exponentially in recent years. Tom Kington advises on how to take advantage and avoid a costly failure. I could start with some juicy stats about how much data is produced globally every second, every day, by every individual. But with so many of these figures bandied about on various blogs and news sites, youd be forgiven for letting out a small yawn. I would rather talk about real charity projects. Saddam Al Qadimi ICRC The Disasters Emergency Committee has raised 20m for the Yemen Crisis Appeal since it opened in December, it has announced today. The appeal, which launched on 23 December, has now raised the figure from the British public, corporate supporters and the UK Government through its Aid Match contribution. The UN announced this month that Yemen is on the brink of famine. Almost 19 million people, 80 per cent of the population, are desperately in need of help, with 14 million people already hungry. Saleh Saeed, chief executive of the DEC, has returned from war-torn Yemen, visiting the work that DEC member charities are already doing with funds raised from the Yemen Crisis Appeal to help more than 1.5 million people with lifesaving aid, including food, cash aid, health care, water and sanitation. Saleh said: I visited Hodeida, one of the areas worst affected by extreme hunger. The number of patients attending the hospital there has increased fivefold over the last year. It broke my heart to see so many children suffering from severe malnutrition. They were so weak they could hardly stand. But there is hope the funds that the British public have given to the DEC Yemen Crisis Appeal are already making a huge difference. In the Al Zuhra clinic in Hodeida, I watched children like one-year-old Omar have their mid-upper arm measured, a simple way to quickly and easily diagnose malnutrition. Omar was then prescribed 10 packets of Plumpy Nut a tasty peanut paste and life-saving treatment which only costs 25p per sachet and can easily be given to children by their parents. The DEC announced in December that the appeal had raised 13m. DEC member charities, including the Red Cross, CARE International, Islamic Relief, Oxfam and Save the Children, are already working across the country. Christian Aid and Tearfund are supporting activities of partner charities responding to the crisis. Donations can be made online, by calling 0370 60 60 900, at high street banks and post offices, or by texting SUPPORT to 70000 to give 5. Hand in Hand for Syria won the top award at last nights inaugural Muslim Charity Awards for its work in Syria. The Muslim Charities Forum Humanitarian Awards took place in London to celebrate the contribution the sector makes. Hand in Hand for Syria won the charity of the year award for its work in Syria, which includes building an underground hospital that will be protected from bombings. The charity said it was "overjoyed" to win. We're overjoyed to have won Charity Of The Year at the #MuslimCharityAwards - thanks for all your support! Hand in Hand 4 Syria (@hands4Syr) February 22, 2017 Ahead of the awards MCF revealed that its 17 members were collectively responsible for raising over 162m last year and that British Muslim volunteers give 29 years of time towards charity every year. Former international development secretary Clare Short, who was one of the judges, said the standard was high. There were lots of wonderful applications and we couldnt give awards for all, she said. She added that its important for others to stand with the Muslim charity sector. If everyone stands together its much more difficult to attack the sector, she said. Jehangir Malik, trustee of MCF, paid tribute to the organisations founder and chair, Hany El-Banna, for having the vision that has brought us all here today. Speaking afterwards, El Bana, said that partnership and collaboration were key to improving. We are going to fight terrorism and radicalism through compassion, love, care and communication, he said. Other awards Small charity of the year Sufra Most impactful international programme Muslim Charity Most impactful domestic programme Human Appeal Fundraising campaign of the year Penny Appeal Charity partnership of the year Al Imdaad Foundation Corporate partnership of the year Global One Advocacy campaign of the year Islamic Releif Volunteer of the year Zakariya Sharif Nur (volunteering for MADE) A new survey conducted by the Charity Finance Group and the Institute of Fundraising has found that less than half of respondents think that the government should consult with charities regarding Brexit. The survey, commissioned by CFG and the IoF and conducted by market research consultancy ComRes, found that just 27 per cent of respondents said the government should consult with charities about getting the best deal for the UK before Brexit, while 31 per cent said charities should be consulted about deciding future policies once the UK has left the European Union. In response to the question: When thinking about how Brexit will affect the UK, which organisations or sectors do you think the government should be consulting with about getting the best deal for the UK?, only 27 per cent of total respondents said that charities and society groups should be consulted. The survey had 2,024 respondents and was conducted online between 19 and 20 October 2016. ComRes said the data was then weighed so as to be nationally representative of all adults aged 18 years and over. Indeed charities were the second least popular option for respondents, only beating out the media which received just 18 per cent of total respondents. By contrast, 58 per cent of respondents said the government should consult with UK parliament, 57 per cent said with businesses and 43 per cent said with the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. When asked who the government should consult on deciding future policies once the UK leaves the EU, charities fared slightly better, with 31 per cent of respondents identifying the voluntary sector. However, charities were still the second least popular option for respondents, being beaten out by think tanks, with 34 per cent, and UK businesses, with 42 per cent of respondents. Andrew OBrien, head of policy and engagement at CFG, called the results disappointing, but said the survey indicated a strong base on which charities can grow. OBrien also noted that younger respondents, between the ages of 18-24, were more likely to say that charities should be consulted on future policies than the over 65s. He said that: Charities are not going to be listened to by right; they need to fight for a seat at the table and for a chance that the needs of their beneficiaries will be considered. OBrien has also written a blog on the subject, a link to which can be found here. Muslim charity leaders spoke out about the problems they have engaging with the government, media and regulator at last nights Muslim Charity Awards. At the awards, organised by the Muslim Charities Forum, a number of leaders said that they felt it was getting harder for Muslim charities to engage in public life, with the finger pointed at the right-wing press for publishing fake news, politicians for believing it and the chair of the Charity Commission for not being more supportive of the sector and likened him to Jungle Book villain Shere Khan. Giving the keynote address, Conservative peer Baroness Warsi who is chair of her own foundation and also a trustee of Savayra Foundation, said Muslim charities play an important role but there are consequences as a result of that. Over the last decade it has been brutal being a Muslim in public life, she said. She criticised media for reporting false accusations and chipping away of individuals and organistions credibility. She highlighted the Department for Communities and Local Government for stopping its funding to the Muslim Charities Forum as a result of accusations which have never been proven. Warsi said the Muslim sector had been subjected to a level of scrutiny and often daily vilification which makes me question how you keep going, she said. We would welcome the drive to higher scrutiny, transparency and accountability if that is was it was all about. She then compared the Charity Commissions chair William Shawcross to the villain in Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book and said: While we admire the zeal and enthusiasm and fervour of the nice Mr Shawcross I would sleep a lot better if I could be sure he was a Baloo not a Shere Khan. Sector must raise its game Warsi also said it was up to the Muslim charity sector to up our game. One loose thread can unravel an organisation, she said. But we must strive for no loose threads. She said this meant there should be no murky areas and that the sector needs to be part of the local community to support the needy at home as well as abroad. Fight against fake news Jehangir Malik, chief executive of Muslim Aid, told guests that the sector needs to stand up and tackle the issue of fake news. Let all the reporters who propagate fake news about Muslim charities see what we do, he said. He said the sector should be proud of our contribution. Presenting an award, Sir Stephen Bubb, who is a patron of MCF, said that Muslim charities were a key part of countering terrorism and extremism and part of that is building community leadership. He added that is a crying shame that Muslim charities were not being listened to by government. And that the conbribution they make is "good for the country as a whole". Also presenting an award, Sir Stuart Etherington, chief executive of NCVO, said: Muslim charities play an important role, not only representing the Muslim community at its best but also as part of the wider voluntary sector. Government ministers turned down invites Othman Moqbel, chief executive of Human Appeal and trustee of MCF, criticised the government for declining invitations to the event. We have heard tonight about the successes and acheivements of Muslim charities in the UK doing a great job and would have thought that a minister, even a junior minister would be here tonght, he said. It is unfortunate this didnt happen, he added. He said his only explanation for this is that the government, and even some Muslim charities, had listened to fake news from right wing journalists and politicians. I say here now, openly, that if you want to know about us, then you must hear from us directly. If you want to know what we are doing come and see. Editor's note: Baroness Warsi's quote has been updated to now say While we admire the zeal and enthusiasm and fervour of the nice Mr Shawcross I would sleep a lot better if I could be sure he was a Baloo not a Shere Khan. It previously said. While we admire the zeal and enthusiasm and fervour of the nice Mr Shawcross I would sleep a lot better if he was a Baloo not a Shere Khan. Andrew O'Brien says that charities need to speak up over Brexit to make sure their beneficaries voices are heard in the debate. Those that hoped that 2016 would be the Brexit year and we could get on with the rest of our lives in 2017 are likely to be disappointed. 2017 is likely to be Brexit, Brexit, Brexit. As youd expect from an issue of this level of importance everyone is trying to influence the process. There was confusion between the regulator and the government before the referendum on whether charities should speak up and make their views known. But now that a decision has been made, our sector needs to speak up. Politicians, media and business all have their own agendas and ideological reasons for pursuing different Brexit options. However, charities have a duty to ensure that their beneficiaries needs are considered and arent left behind in the debate. We arent party political or ideological this makes our voice even more crucial. Were charities heard? Back in October 2016, when trying to gauge whether charities are being heard in the Brexit debate, we commissioned ComRes (alongside the Institute of Fundraising) to poll a nationally representative sample of the public to ask who they thought the government should consult when deciding on our deal with the EU and on future policies. The full tables can be downloaded from the ComRes website. The results were disappointing, but there were areas of encouragement. Unsurprisingly when we asked people who government should consult Parliament was top of the list. 58% of the public believe that the government listen to Parliament on what a good deal on the EU would be and future policies. Business was second on the list, with 57% of the public responding that they should be consulted on the deal although fewer (42%) thought they should be consulted on future policies. Only 27 per cent of people think charities should be consulted Third and fourth on the list were devolved governments and think tanks. Trailing behind in fifth place were charities and civil society groups, with just 27 per cent thinking that they should be consulted on the Brexit deal although more (31 per cent) thought that charities should be consulted on future policies. The only group that the public were less likely to agree should be consulted on Brexit or the future was the media. Not something to brag about! If you are a glass-half-full kind of person, then I think you will take heart from the fact that nearly one-third of the public think that charities should be consulted on Brexit and future policies. I would agree that this is certainly a strong base on which charities can grow. 41 per cent of younger people think charities should be consulted There were also positives with younger people (18-24) more likely to say that charities should be consulted on future policies (41 per cent) than over 65s (30 per cent). Arguably, negative stories about charity in the media havent helped with this demographic. Backing for charities on future policies was also particularly strong in the North East of England (43 per cent) and London (38 per cent). But the big gap between the charity sector and businesses on informing the Brexit deal is alarming. Businesses have a right to campaign for future policies, but they have their own interests and ultimately, their influence is primarily in order to protect or improve their profitability. This is their fiduciary duty to their owners and shareholders. As we know, charities are not in it for themselves. They have a statutory responsibility to act in the best interests of their beneficiaries and so when they speak out on issues, it is because they have reason to believe that it is in the interests of their beneficiaries. This is an important public service. So it is worrying that charities are not considered as critical a stakeholder as the business community. Of course, businesses have a huge impact on our society and concerns about the economy may be driving peoples support for their involvement in the Brexit deal. But many of the big issues facing our country are not just about the economy, but are social. This is where charities and civil society organisations are at the cutting edge and where their experience is most needed. Strengthen 'brand charity' The deal that we get through Brexit is going to impact on our ability to tackle these challenges. So we must influence that process. Many charities are already working on their particular areas of expertise, but we also need to strengthen brand charity. Charities are not going to be listened to by right, they need to fight for a seat at the table and for a chance their beneficiaries needs to be considered. Politicians are acutely sensitive to the Brexit vote. Many of them still feel they were caught out and misread the public mood. As such they are more sensitive to the public mood than usual. So we need to do more public facing work to encourage citizens to understand that a balance of views needs to be at the top table when it comes to Brexit and future policy. Working behind the scenes is important, but a strong hand requires public backing otherwise, politicians will gravitate to those stakeholders (like businesses) which they feel are more influential amongst the public. As I wrote at the start of this piece, Brexit is going to be a long process. Arguably, it hasnt even started yet. Charities shouldnt panic about lacking traction. This is also only one poll carried out several months ago. But it is useful warning sign, that charities need do more to make the case for why they should be listened to. Otherwise, we could end up stuck with a Brexit future that damages our ability to help our beneficiaries. Andrew O'Brien is head of policy and engagement at Charity Finance Group. Kirsty Weakley reflects on the highs and lows form last nights Muslim Charity Awards. Yesterday evening I was a guest at the Muslim Charities Forums inaugural Humanitarian Awards an event that was supposed to be about showcasing some of the brilliant work by the sectors voluntary sector, but was unfortunately overshadowed by the political situation and disgusting behaviour from members of the public. On a positive note, the event showed the whole charity sector at its best, with sector luminaries Sir Stephen Bubb, Sir Stuart Etherington, Vicky Browning and others demonstrating a clear solidarity with Muslim charities and celebrating their achievements. But there was a noticeable, and significant, absence. No government minister attended. A spokesman told me that a number had been invited and politely declined. MCF trustee, Othman Moqbel, spoke out passionately about the damage the snub could do at the end of the ceremony. He said: We have heard tonight about the successes and achievements of Muslim charities in the UK doing a great job and would have thought that a minister, even a junior minister would be here tonight, he said. His fear, and not one that I think is unfounded, is that ministers have been listening to their right wing colleagues and a hostile media who have been writing fake news about the sector. While we all know that it can be a challenge getting a minister to agree to attend an event, could it be that they didnt want to risk being seen at the event, for fear of what the papers might print? Priti Patel, Secretary of State for International Development, didnt even get a mention. While Labour's shadow secretary, Kate Osamor was there and prouldy presented an award. Sector under siege What was clear last night, both from the speeches and from speaking to other guests is that things are getting harder for the Muslim charity sector, and it doesnt feel the government is listening or that the regulator is as supportive as it could be. Whether rightly or wrongly the sector still feels as though it is under siege. This needs to be addressed, and quickly, before any serious harm is done. I experienced just a small taster of what I imagine those working in the sector day in day out do last night when I was trolled on Twitter by two people who objected to the awards taking place. After tweeting that I was looking forward to the awards, one account tweeted to say they hoped it was some kind of sick joke. Another suggested that the charities financial accounts would not stand up to scrutiny. My initial instinct was to hit back and set them straight, but decided it is better not to feed the trolls (and beside I was too busy enjoying the musical interlude and delicious dinner at the event) but have reported them both to Twitter and hope they will soon be blocked. As many sector representatives did last night, senior figures in government need to stand by the sector and send a clear signal that the sector is valued and appreciated for the contribution it makes to British society. And that people who try to undermine that will not be tolerated. The Development Network, event organizers of Passenger Ship Safety Southampton and Passenger Ship Safety Miami, and the Cruise Industry News, the leading independent media source covering the cruise ship industry, have today announced a Lead Media Partnership agreement concerning the above events. The Passenger Ship Safety series of events is the only forum of its kind to discuss passenger safety among cruise and ferry operators. End-user led interactive discussions, case studies, technological solutions, future procurement plans and exclusive networking opportunities provide attendees with the knowledge to keep passengers safe at sea. Cruise Industry News is the most influential news source covering the cruise ship world, through its number one ranked website at www.cruiseindustrynews.com, the Quarterly Magazine, the 400-page Annual Report, a daily email newsletter and a variety of digital reports. The next event in the series will be Passenger Ship Safety Southampton, taking place April 4-6, 2017. Cruise and ferry operators, coastguards, emergency response and public sector employees receive free entry. This daily digest focuses on Yuan rates, major Chinese economic data, market sentiment, new developments in Chinas foreign exchange policies, changes in financial market regulations, as well as market news typically available only in Chinese-language sources. - Hong Kongs economic growth could reach 2%-3% in 2017 with fiscal stimulus measures. - Dalian Commodity Exchange will open iron ore trading to foreign investors in 2017. - Would you like to know more about trading? DailyFX webinars are a great place to start.. To receive reports from this analyst, sign up for Renee Mu distribution list. Hong Kong released the budget for the fiscal year of 2017 to 2018, aiming to cut personal taxes as well as to promote the tourist industry. On Wednesday, the Financial Secretary of the special administrative region, Paul Chan Mo-po, announced the budget for the new year. As of March 31st, 2017, the fiscal year end, the regional government is expected to have a surplus of HK$92.8 billion; the fiscal reserves will reach HK$935.7 billion. With the additional income, the government plans to reduce approximately HK$16.4 billion of taxes, in the effort to stimulate the local economy. Also, the government will allocate HK$244 million to support the tourist industry, a key sector for the economy. According to Hong Kongs tourist department, mainland visitors to Hong Kong is expected to drop -3.7% in 2017. With fiscal stimulus measures, Hong Kongs economy could expand at 2% to 3% in 2017, a faster pace than the 1.9% growth rate in 2016, according to the Financial Secretary. USD/HKD 1-hour Prepared by Renee Mu. Following the release of the budget, the Hong Kong Dollar gained against the U.S. Dollar. As of 12:30pm EST, the USD/HKD fell to 7.7599. The Hong Kong Dollar is not a floating currency. It is pegged to the U.S. Dollar and allowed to move within a tight band set by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. Market News Hexun News: Chinese leading online media of financial news. - Chinese insurance companies have held $49.2 billion foreign assets as of the end of 2016, taking up 2.33% of total assets, told by the Vice Chairman of China Insurance Regulatory Commission Chen Wenhui at a press conference on Wednesday. This ratio is well below the 15% threshold set by the regulator. From the regulator point of view, investing in overseas assets should be both prudent and proactive. In 2016, the total insurance funds hit 13.4 trillion Yuan; yet, the average return fell -1.90% to 5.66% amid Chinas economic slowdown and drops in both bonds and equities prices. Within such context, allocating assets globally could become more and more important for Chinese insurance companies. China Finance Information: a finance online media administrated by Xinhua Agency. - Dalian Commodity Exchange, one of the three commodity exchanges in China, will open iron ore futures trading to foreign investors in 2017, according to the Chairman of the exchange, Li Zhengqiang. Iron ore is one of the most popular commodities in China: in 2016, the trading volume of iron ore futures hit 342 million, taking up 22% of the total trading volume of the exchange. Mr. Li did not give out timelines for such opening up. Yet, this provides an additional channel for foreign investors to trade Yuan-denominated products in China. To receive reports from this analyst, sign up for Renee Mu distribution list. South Korea narrows gap with Taiwan; China shows biggest increase, accounts for nearly 11%. February 23, 2017 -- IC Insights recently released its new Global Wafer Capacity 2017-2021 report that provides in-depth detail, analyses, and forecasts for IC industry capacity by wafer size, by process geometry, by region, and by product type through 2021. Figure 1 splits the worlds installed monthly wafer production capacity by geographic region (or country) as of December 2016. Each regional number is the total installed monthly capacity of fabs located in that region regardless of the headquarters location for the companies that own the fabs. For example, the wafer capacity that South Korea-based Samsung has installed in the U.S. is counted in the North America capacity total, not in the South Korea capacity total. The ROW region consists primarily of Singapore, Israel, and Malaysia, but also includes countries/regions such as Russia, Belarus, and Australia. Figure 1 As shown, Taiwan led all regions/countries in wafer capacity with 21.3% share, a slight decrease from 21.7% in 2015 when the country first became the global wafer capacity leader. Taiwan was only slightly ahead of South Korea, which was in second place. The Global Wafer Capacity report shows that South Korea accounted for 20.9% of global wafer capacity in 2016, slightly more than the 20.5% share it held in 2015. Two companies in Taiwan and two in South Korea accounted for the vast share of wafer fab capacity in each country. In Taiwan, TSMC and UMC held 73% of the countrys capacity while in South Korea, Samsung and SK Hynix represented 93% of the IC wafer capacity installed in 2016. Japan remained firmly in third place with just over 17% of global wafer fab capacity. Microns purchase of Elpida several years ago and other recent major changes in manufacturing strategies of companies in Japan, including Panasonic spinning off some of its fabs into separate companies, means that the top two companies (Toshiba and Renesas) accounted for 64% of that countrys wafer fab capacity in 2016. China showed the largest increase in global wafer capacity in 2016, rising 1.1 percentage points to 10.8% from 9.7% in 2015. Chinas gained marketshare came mostly at the expense of North Americas share, which slipped 0.9 percentage points in 2016. With a lot of buzz circulating about new ventures and wafer fabs in China in the coming years, it will be interesting to watch how quickly Chinas installed wafer capacity grows. It is worth noting that China first became a larger wafer capacity holder than Europe in 2010. The two companies with the largest portion of wafer fab capacity in China were SMIC and HuaHong Grace (including shares from joint ventures). In total, the top five wafer capacity leaders accounted for more than half of the IC industrys wafer fab capacity, having increased from 2009, when the top five wafer capacity leaders accounted for approximately a third of global capacity. Report Details: Global Wafer Capacity 2017-2021 IC Insights Global Wafer Capacity 2017-2021Detailed Analysis and Forecast of the IC Industrys Wafer Fab Capacity report assesses the IC industrys capacity by wafer size, minimum process geometry, technology type, geographic region, and by device type through 2021. The report includes detailed profiles of the companies with the greatest fab capacity and gives comprehensive specifications on existing wafer fab facilities. Global Wafer Capacity 2017-2021 is priced at $4,290 for an individual user license. A multi-user worldwide corporate license is available for $6,990. DHAKA - The current labour unrest in Bangladesh has cost the country's textile industry US$100m in lost orders and associated disruption costs according to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). The influential trade body has finally broken its silence about what some are claiming to be the "biggest crackdowns on workers' rights ever seen in the country's garment industry." LAS VEGAS - The USAID East Africa Trade and Investment Hub has signed an agreement with the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) to ensure best-in-class manufacturing of goods destined for the US from East Africa. The agreement will see the launch of the East Africa Cotton, Textile and Apparel initiative which will aim to establish sustainable workforce development programs and bring in environmental, social, labour and worker safety best practices in the region. The initiative will work with East African governments to raise industry standards, promote job creation, and boost trade and investment. WASHINGTON, DC -- Humans may have been altering Arctic sea ice longer than previously thought, according to researchers studying the effects of air pollution on sea ice growth in the mid-20th Century. The new results challenge the perception that Arctic sea ice extent was unperturbed by human-caused climate change until the 1970s. Scientists have observed Arctic sea ice loss since the mid-1970s and some climate model simulations have shown the region was losing sea ice as far back as 1950. In a new study, recently recovered Russian observations show an increase in sea ice from 1950 to 1975 as large as the subsequent decrease in sea ice observed from 1975 to 2005. The new observations of mid-century sea ice expansion led researchers behind the new study to the search for the cause. The new study supports the idea that air pollution is to blame for the observed Arctic sea ice expansion. Particles of air pollution that come primarily from the burning of fossil fuels may have temporarily hidden the effects of global warming in the third quarter of the 20th Century in the eastern Arctic, the researchers say. These particles, called sulfate aerosols, reflect sunlight back into space and cool the surface. This cooling effect may have disguised the influence of global warming on Arctic sea ice and may have resulted in sea ice growth recorded by Russian aerial surveys in the region from 1950 through 1975, according to the new research. "The cooling impact from increasing aerosols more than masked the warming impact from increasing greenhouse gases," said John Fyfe, a senior scientist at Environment and Climate Change Canada in Victoria and a co-author of the new study accepted for publication in Geophysical Research Letters, a journal of the American Geophysical Union. To test the aerosol idea, researchers used computer modeling to simulate sulfate aerosols in the Arctic from 1950 through 1975. Concentrations of sulfate aerosols were especially high during these years before regulations like the Clean Air Act limited sulfur dioxide emissions that produce sulfate aerosols. The study's authors then matched the sulfate aerosol simulations to Russian observational data that suggested a substantial amount of sea ice growth during those years in the eastern Arctic. The resulting simulations show the cooling contribution of aerosols offset the ongoing warming effect of increasing greenhouse gases over the mid-twentieth century in that part of the Arctic. This would explain the expansion of the Arctic sea ice cover in those years, according to the new study. Aerosols spend only days or weeks in the atmosphere so their effects are short-lived. The weak aerosol cooling effect diminished after 1980, following the enactment of clean air regulations. In the absence of this cooling effect, the warming effect of long-lived greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide has prevailed, leading to Arctic sea ice loss, according to the study's authors. The new study helps sort out the swings in Arctic sea ice cover that have been observed over the last 75 years, which is important for a better understanding of sea ice behavior and for predicting its behavior in the future, according to Fyfe. The new study's use of both observations and modeling is a good way to attribute the Arctic sea ice growth to sulfate aerosols, said Cecilia Bitz, a sea ice researcher at the University of Washington in Seattle who has also looked into the effects of aerosols on Arctic ice. The sea ice record prior to satellite images is "very sparse," added Bitz, who was not involved in the new study. Bitz also points out that some aerosols may have encouraged sea ice to retreat. Black carbon, for instance, is a pollutant from forest fires and other wood and fossil fuel burning that can darken ice and cause it to melt faster when the sun is up - the opposite effect of sulfates. Also, black carbon emissions in some parts of the Arctic are still quite common, she said. ### This press release and an accompanying image can be found at: http://news.agu.org/press-release/air-pollution-may-have-masked-mid-20th-century-sea-ice-loss/ The American Geophysical Union is dedicated to advancing the Earth and space sciences for the benefit of humanity through its scholarly publications, conferences, and outreach programs. AGU is a not-for-profit, professional, scientific organization representing 60,000 members in 137 countries. Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and our other social media channels. In a new campaign, launched today (Thursday 23 February) in a special issue of The Lancet, the Academy of Medical Sciences will recognise the different people and diverse working styles currently operating in medical research in the UK. The campaign, called #MedSciLife, brings together the personal stories of those working in medical sciences to promote different working practices and inspire the next generation of scientists to develop dynamic, creative, and forward thinking approaches to the way they work. In doing this, the Academy is also urging researchers not to neglect outside interests when pursuing a career in science. Writing in a special issue of The Lancet timed to the Academy's spring meeting, Professor Robert Lechler PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences said: "It is the Academy's view that time outside of work has the potential to nourish creativity, build resilience, and give fresh perspectives on existing problems, precisely the skills that result in the best quality research. A life outside science is not an extra, but an integral part of who we are as scientists." A new #MedSciLife website will provide a hub for medical researchers to describe their personal journeys and attempts to blend their work and home lives - providing a valuable resource for those currently working in the field and those considering medical science as a career. The Academy has also commissioned a series of photographic portraits of Fellows and early career researchers in their work and personal lives, which will be exhibited in the Academy's prestigious headquarters at 41 Portland Place, London. The positive impact of having interests outside of work on a research career was an important theme of the case studies collected for the #MedSciLife web resource, and is also highlighted as important by research in 2008 (Root-Bernstein 2008 and 1989)[4] that showed that Nobel prize winners were more likely than members of the public or other scientists to have long term hobbies. Professor Lechler, stresses the need for the #MedSciLife resource in his Lancet Comment: "Medical sciences are at the forefront of efforts to solve some of the biggest problems facing our society, including our ageing population, global poverty and health inequalities, and the impacts of climate change and antibiotic resistance. "If we are going to solve the problems facing us, more than ever we will need to attract and support the brightest and best minds. These scientists will need to be dynamic, creative, and forward thinking to deal with the complex challenges they face. "They will also work in an increasingly competitive landscape, and they will be tempted to believe that the key to success lies in working longer hours, and at the cost of sacrificing other interests. "I hope that MedSciLife will help those at all stages of their career to embrace the philosophy of celebrating different ways to blend life and work--giving us the chance to be the best we can now, and pave the way for an even better future." Professor Ann-Louise Kinmonth CBE FMedSci, Emeritus Professor of General Practice and Honorary Director of Research at the University of Cambridge, anther contributor, told us about ways she balances work and life and helps others doing so: "I tended to keep work and home pretty separate but now I invite students home more often. When they face a big loss or a big opportunity; talking things through and throwing a ball for my dog seem good antidotes to the stress." Professor Paul Martin FMedSci, Professor of Cell Biology at the University of Bristol, also offered an insight into how he found his work-life balance: "I find science pretty stressful and so I have several hobbies to 'escape' work; my pals who I fish with for bass, or at my Kung Fu club have no idea what REF or an impact factor is - and this is very good! "You have to love your science because the commitment required to be good and competitive is considerable - but you mustn't love it more than more important things like family and friends! "It is so easy to get caught up in the whirligig of a science career which is all consuming of as much of your time as you allow it, and some." Professor Catherine Law CBE FMedSci, Professor of Public Health and Epidemiology at the University College London, shared her advice to contribute to #MedSciLife: "Don't plan everything - leave some flexibility, at least in attitude, for the unexpected opportunity, the irresistible challenge, the slightly scary (but also exciting) request. Doing the next thing that is interesting and worthwhile is rarely a mistake." The #MedSciLife campaign supports the Academy of Medical Sciences' ongoing work to nurture the next generation of medical scientists. The Academy is committed to increasing diversity within medical science and have number of projects to support women researchers at critical points in their career, such as our pioneering SUSTAIN career development programme. ### Case studies, including for potential interviews, and the picture set are available under embargo upon request. For further information contact Giorgio De Faveri, Senior Press Officer, Academy of Medical Sciences, Giorgio.defaveri@acmedsci.ac.uk, 02031413206, 07885903528. Notes for editors 1. The Lancet Comments are available under the same embargo as the release upon request, and will be available online once the embargo lifts. 2. All #MedSciLife resources will be available at http://www.medscilife.org once the embargo lifts. 3. The Academy of Medical Sciences is the independent body in the UK representing the diversity of medical science. Our mission is to promote medical science and its translation into benefits for society. The Academy's elected Fellows are the United Kingdom's leading medical scientists from hospitals, academia, industry and the public service. We work with them to promote excellence, influence policy to improve health and wealth, nurture the next generation of medical researchers, link academia, industry and the NHS, seize international opportunities and encourage dialogue about the medical sciences. http://www.acmedsci.ac.uk 4. References Robert S. Root-Bernstein, How scientists really think, Perspectives in biology and medicine, 32(4), Summer 1989. And Robert S. Root-Bernstein, Journal of Psychology of Science and Technology, 1 (2), 2008. PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] -- More than 100 years ago, the influential "Flexner Report" on medical education decried the then-prevalent model of for-profit medical education, leading to its complete disappearance from the United States for decades. But just recently, for-profit medical education has returned, note three Brown University scholars in a new JAMA article that considers what the revival might mean. "It's not so much that we're in favor of it," said Dr. Phil Gruppuso, professor of pediatrics in the Warren Alpert Medical School and former associate dean for medical education. "We are merely documenting that it's happening. We hope that it can make a positive contribution since it's going to happen." The turning point came in 1996 when antitrust litigation against the American Bar Association forced it to accredit for-profit law schools, wrote co-authors Gruppuso, Dr. Eli Adashi, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and former dean of medicine and biological sciences, and current Brown medical student Gopika Krishna. Legal advisors for the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, which accredits allopathic (M.D.-granting) medical schools, took notice. By 2013, LCME had abandoned its prohibition on accrediting for-profit schools. At one time, the country had only one for-profit medical school: the Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic (D.O.-granting) Medicine in Colorado, which opened in 2007. But the first allopathic for-profit school emerged in 2014 when Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine in Puerto Rico was acquired by the for-profit public benefit corporation Arist Medical Sciences University. Since then, two more schools have attained accreditation. There are now nearly 500 students in the for-profit medical class of 2020. Modern accreditation standards mean that many of the Flexner-era ills of for-profit education -- little or no requirements for admission or graduation and lax attention to instructional quality or attendance -- are long bygone, the authors wrote. But acceptance of for-profit medical education is still far from universal, the article states. In fact, Adashi and Gruppuso said that many fellow medical educators still haven't realized that for-profit instruction has returned. "It's a fait accompli, although most people don't know that," Adashi said. "They are very surprised to hear it." Instead, the widespread presumption of the field is that medical education is exclusively not for-profit oriented. "Additional reputational challenges faced by the new for-profit medical schools stem from the view that medical education is an inviolable public good that is ethically incompatible with the for-profit motive," Adashi, Krishna and Gruppuso wrote. The schools, for example, will have to do much better than some for-profit colleges outside of medicine that have recently become entangled in commercial failures and scandals, they said. What they could contribute Because for-profit medical schools are not tied to research universities, they may be more hard pressed to offer students exposure to making scientific and medical advances, Adashi said. But he acknowledged that research pursuits, while important, may at times lead to distractions from teaching. Limited to just the classroom, for-profit instructors might be in a position to accomplish the mission of graduating competent licensable physicians who can assist in closing the nation's physician shortage, Adashi said. The absence of research might pose another narrow advantage for for-profit schools, Adashi and Gruppuso said: a lower cost structure. Were schools, despite their profit motive, to use these lower costs to charge lower tuitions, they could address the serious problem of medical student debt. But so far data suggests that for-profit schools are not charging lower tuitions or offering more generous scholarships, they said. "Finally, new for-profit medical schools could distinguish themselves by committing to innovation in undergraduate medical education in the best tradition of the private sector and in the spirit of a market economy," the authors wrote. But to do any good, given that they are for-profit schools, they'll have to show they can operate in the black, Gruppuso said. He has doubts. "The tuition-based business model, if that is what it is, remains puzzling," Gruppuso said. "It's not nearly clear that a medical school, properly structured and meeting all the accreditation requirements, can actually make money." ### (Boston)--Maunil Bhatt, MD, a post graduate resident in the Department of Surgery at Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center (BMC), was recently honored with a Global Surgery Research Fellowship Award by the Association for Academic Surgery (AAS) at their 12th Annual Academic Conference. Bhatt's project, titled Innovative Method of Screening for Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancers in Rural India, was chosen from 25 applicants. He received $10,000 for his project. For his study, Bhatt will screen a high-risk population in rural Gujarat, India, for esophageal squamous cell cancer using a device called EsophaCap. This tool is a sponge, compressed into a capsule that is attached to a string. Once swallowed, the outer coating of the capsule dissolves and forms into a sponge in three to five minutes which is then retrieved using the string. The sponge collects the esophageal cells which can then be analyzed to screen for cancerous or dysplastic lesions. "Our hope is to demonstrate this new method of screening is non-invasive, requires no expertise and will be more cost effective than endoscopy as a screening tool for this deadly cancer in the low- and middle-income countries with very high incidence of esophageal cancer," explained Bhatt. Born and raised until the age of 17 in Gujarat, Bhatt and his family moved to the US in search of a better future. He attended the University of California Davis and received his undergraduate degree in neuroscience becoming the first person in his family to receive any form of higher education. He then returned to India for a year to volunteer in a range of projects to improve health awareness and access to care in rural parts of the country. Upon his return, Bhatt attended medical school at the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. He matched with his No. 1 choice, BMC, for a general surgery residency. Bhatt is interested in global surgery and plans to spend some of his clinical time training and teaching in poor and low income countries that lack the surgical expertise. He hopes to work on addressing the disparities in access to surgical care that currently exists across the country. ### After almost four decades, an elusive, eyeless catfish measuring less than an inch now has a name and a detailed description, thanks to two scientists from the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University: Micromyzon orinoco. Two specimens of the catfish were caught in its namesake river, the Orinoco, near Ciudad Guyana in Venezuela during the US-Venezuelan Orinoco Delta Expeditions of 1978-79. But this isn't Pokemon: You don't suddenly identify a new animal once it's in hand -- even if you already have a pretty good idea what it is. "We knew what these fish were upon capture," said John Lundberg, PhD, emeritus professor in Drexel's College of Arts and Sciences and emeritus curator of the Academy, who was a part of the expedition. "But the devil is in the details." Careful examination and comparison of existing species must be done to properly identify a new animal species, and that's something that can take some time. Being that there are only two known specimens collected, both held in the Ichthyology Collection of the Academy, there wasn't going to be much outside help coming to Lundberg or the lead author of the paper identifying M. orinoco, Tiago Carvalho, an Academy researcher who is also a faculty member at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. Carvalho and Lundberg were able to describe the fish with help from ichthyological collaborators based in California, Alabama and Brazil One of the main reasons why there are only two specimens of the catfish is its miniature size and preferred habitat. First, the M. orinoco doesn't even measure an inch long. The larger specimen was about 15.6 millimeters long, the smaller measures just under 15. At that size, the nets used to trawl for aquatic specimens most often are not meshed thinly enough to trap them. Second, these fish live at the remote bottom of South America's deep, big rivers. That's an environment that makes finding any kind of life difficult, whether that specimen is big or small. "There is no way to encounter these fish other than by trawling with fine, mesh netting," Lundberg explained. "They are out of reach in lightless, swift-flowing river channels -- where current speeds approach two meters per second -- although speeds are a little slower right at the bottom. They probably bury themselves in sand much of the time." Living in these dark waters, the M. orinoco, which belong to the family Aspredinidae (banjo catfishes), are uniquely developed for their environment. Almost pigmentless, they also don't have eyes. "Two ideas float about," Lundberg explained. "First, true eyes are expensive to make and maintain, in terms of energy. And these animals are not in a highly productive habitat with unlimited food resources." "Second, eyes without eyelids are potentially a liability in a world of shifting sand where there is no light anyway," he finished. Although it took some time for the fish to get their name, the formal (or official) taxonomic description of M. orinoco is important not only for adding their species to the book of life on Earth, but in that they help establish the guidelines for identifying catfishes in their genus, especially since M. orinoco is only the second known species of Micromyzon. The first, named M. akamai by Lundberg and collaborator John Friel, was discovered in 1993 in the deep channels of the Amazon river in Brazil. "This closely related species pair provides an important example, among others, of the evolutionary and biotic link between fishes inhabiting the largest rivers in South America," Lundberg explained. ### In 2015, in partnership with NASA's New Horizons mission and the SETI Institute, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) endorsed the Our Pluto naming campaign, which allowed the public to participate in the exploration of Pluto by proposing names for surface features on Pluto and its satellites that were still awaiting discovery. Each of the system's six worlds was designated a set of naming themes set out by the IAU's Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN - https://www.iau.org/science/scientific_bodies/working_groups/98/ ). The public responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, suggesting and voting on thousands of names within these categories, as well as proposing names not fitting the approved set of themes. Working with the New Horizons team, the IAU has agreed to revised naming themes (listed below) for Pluto, and its largest moon, Charon. For its four smaller moons -- Styx, Nix, Kerberos, and Hydra -- the themes remain unchanged. Some of these themes build on the connection between the Roman god Pluto and the mythology of the underworld. Other themes celebrate the human spirit of exploration. Pluto: Gods, goddesses, and other beings associated with the Underworld from mythology, folklore and literature. Names for the Underworld and for Underworld locales from mythology, folklore and literature. Heroes and other explorers of the Underworld. Scientists and engineers associated with Pluto and the Kuiper Belt. Pioneering space missions and spacecraft. Historic pioneers who crossed new horizons in the exploration of the Earth, sea and sky. Charon: Destinations and milestones of fictional space and other exploration. Fictional and mythological vessels of space and other exploration. Fictional and mythological voyagers, travellers and explorers. Authors and artists associated with space exploration, especially Pluto and the Kuiper Belt. Styx: River gods. Nix: Deities of the night. Kerberos: Dogs from literature, mythology and history. Hydra: Legendary serpents and dragons. Using the revised themes, the New Horizons team will now propose names for the surface features to the IAU, as the body responsible for the official naming of celestial bodies and their surface features. The IAU's Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature will then decide on the formal names. "I'm very happy with both the process and partnership that New Horizons and the IAU undertook that led to wonderful, inspiring, and engaging naming themes for surface features on Pluto and its moons," said Alan Stern, New Horizons principal investigator from Southwest Research Institute, Boulder, Colorado. "We look forward to the next step--submitting actual feature names for approval." Rita Schulz, Chair of IAU's WGPSN said "I am very pleased that the close collaboration of the WGPSN with the New Horizons Team led to these beautiful, inspirational categories for naming the features on Pluto and its satellites. We are ready now for receiving the proposals for names. Good things take time, but it will be worth it." ### More information The IAU is the international astronomical organisation that brings together more than 10 000 professional astronomers from almost 100 countries. Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and the surface features on them. Founded in 1919, the IAU is the world's largest professional body for astronomers. Links Campaign for Public Participation in Naming Features on Pluto - https://www.iau.org/news/pressreleases/detail/iau1502/ Pluto satellites naming vote - https://www.iau.org/news/pressreleases/detail/iau1303/ NASA New Horizons Mission - http://www.nasa.gov/newhorizons Contacts Rita Schulz Chair IAU Working Group Planetary System Nomenclature / ESA Netherlands Tel: +31 71 565 48 21 Email: rschulz@rssd.esa.int Lars Lindberg Christensen IAU Press Officer Garching bei Munchen, Germany Tel: +49 89 320 06 761 Cell: +49 173 38 72 621 Email: lars@eso.org A study led by researchers at the Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM) and the Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics at the Faculty of Medicine in Charite Hospital, Berlin, published in the journal Nature Communications, demonstrates that the cholesterol present in cell membranes can interfere with the function of an important brain membrane protein, through a previously unknown mode of interaction. Specifically, cholesterol is capable of regulating the activity of the adenosine receptor, by invading it and accessing the active site. This will allow new ways of interacting with these proteins to be devised that in the future could lead to drugs for treating diseases like Alzheimer's. The adenosine receptor belongs to the GPCR family (G Protein-Coupled Receptors), a large group of proteins located in cell membranes, which are key in the transmission of signals and communication between cells. GPCRs are therefore involved in the majority of important physiological processes, including the interpretation of sensory stimuli such as vision, smell, and taste, the regulation of the immune and inflammatory system, and behaviour modulation. "Cholesterol is an essential component of neuronal membranes, where GPCRs reside along with other proteins. Interestingly, the levels of cholesterol in the membrane are altered in diseases such as Alzheimer's, where GPCRs like the adenosine receptor play a key role", explains Jana Selent, head of the GPCR Drug Discovery research group at the GRIB, a joint programme between Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM) and Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF). "This study has shown that cholesterol can exert direct action on this important family of proteins in neuronal membranes, the GPCRs, and establishes the basis for a hitherto unknown interaction pathway between the cell membrane and proteins", adds the researcher. Up to now, it was thought that membrane cholesterol could regulate the activity of these proteins through two mechanisms: either by altering the physical properties of the membrane, or by binding to the surface of the protein. In both cases, it was thought that cholesterol could only exercise its modulatory action from outside the protein. However, by using latest-generation molecular simulations the researchers were able to detect the fact that cholesterol can leave the neuronal membrane and get within the adenosine receptor, in particular accessing the receptor's active site. With this information, and in collaboration with Dr. Mairena Martin and Dr. Jose L. Albasanz from the University of Castilla-La Mancha, we designed an experimental protocol using cell assays to demonstrate that cholesterol is able to modulate the activity of this receptor by accessing its interior. "Cholesterol levels in cell membranes could have a more direct effect than previously thought on the behaviour of key proteins in central nervous system diseases. In particular, high levels of membrane cholesterol like those present in Alzheimer's patients probably block the adenosine receptor, which could in turn be related to certain symptoms observed in this disease", explains Ramon Guixa Gonzalez, a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics at the Faculty of Medicine in Charite Hospital in Berlin and first author of the article. "Although other studies are needed to prove this relationship, this work provides key knowledge that could be used in the future in the development of new molecules that, like cholesterol, have the ability to get inside the receptor and modulate its activity", says the researcher. The results from this study represent a paradigm shift in the relationship between membrane cholesterol and GPCRs in the central nervous system, and open up new avenues of research in fields where the cholesterol-GPCR relationship is essential. It also appears that the cholesterol access pathway into the receptor is an evolutionary footprint. It is therefore necessary to discover whether the molecular mechanism described in this paper is present in other GPCRs and therefore potentially involved in a wide range of central nervous system diseases. ### Reference article Guixa-Gonzalez R, Albasanz JL, Rodriguez-Epigares I, Pastor M, Sanz F, Marti-Solano M, Manna M, Martinez-Seara H, Hildebrand PW, Marti M, Selent J. Membrane cholesterol access into a G-protein-coupled receptor. Nature Communications, 8:14505, 2017. (DOI: doi:10.1038/ncomms14505) Link: http://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms14505 Explanatory video in which you can see how cholesterol leaves the neuronal membrane and get within the adenosine receptor: https://youtu.be/vK88lsy6hNY New Rochelle, NY, February 23, 2017--Overwhelming evidence from the biomedical literature shows that adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2), a viral vector often used to deliver therapeutic genes, is not associated with cancer and, in fact, may protect against cancer. Despite some previous reports insisting that AAV2 is an oncogenic virus, the preponderance of data indicates that recombinant AAV2 used in gene therapy does not integrate into the host genome increasing the risk of cancer and has anti-tumorigenic properties, as described in an article published in Human Gene Therapy, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on the Human Gene Therapy website until March 23, 2017. In the article entitled "AAV Infection: Protection from Cancer," Arun Srivastava, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, and Barrie Carter, BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Novato, CA, discuss the sometimes contradictory reports on this contentious topic. The authors provide a comprehensive review of the biomedical research examining a link between AAV and tumor formation and conclude that the evidence does not support such a link. Srivastava and Carter also highlight research showing that AAV2 can negatively impact the lifecycles of several other viruses known to be associated with malignancy, such as HIV, hepatitis B virus, papillomaviruses, and adenoviruses. "The estimation of risks from rAAV vectors is a complex exercise. It is particularly complex because AAV is a helper-dependent virus, and thus is often found in nature as a "co-infecting" virus along with other viruses," says Editor-in-Chief Terence R. Flotte, MD, Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor of Medical Education and Dean, Provost, and Executive Deputy Chancellor, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA. "These authors point out that there are substantial data to suggest that naturally occurring AAVs actually protect humans from developing cancer, particularly those cancers that may be caused by the other coexisting viruses." ### Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institutes of Health under Public Health Service Award Numbers R01 HL-097088 and R21 EB-015684. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. About the Journal Human Gene Therapy, the Official Journal of the European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy, British Society for Gene and Cell Therapy, French Society of Cell and Gene Therapy, German Society of Gene Therapy, and five other gene therapy societies, is an authoritative peer-reviewed journal published monthly in print and online. Led by Editor-in-Chief Terence R. Flotte, MD, Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor of Medical Education and Dean, Provost, and Executive Deputy Chancellor, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Human Gene Therapy presents reports on the transfer and expression of genes in mammals, including humans. Related topics include improvements in vector development, delivery systems, and animal models, particularly in the areas of cancer, heart disease, viral disease, genetic disease, and neurological disease, as well as ethical, legal, and regulatory issues related to the gene transfer in humans. Its companion journals, Human Gene Therapy Methods, published bimonthly, focuses on the application of gene therapy to product testing and development, and Human Gene Therapy Clinical Development, published quarterly, features data relevant to the regulatory review and commercial development of cell and gene therapy products. Tables of contents for all three publications and a free sample issue may be viewed on the Human Gene Therapy website. About the Publisher Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of science and biomedical research, including Nucleic Acid Therapeutics, Tissue Engineering, Stem Cells and Development, and Cellular Reprogramming. Its biotechnology trade magazine, GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News), was the first in its field and is today the industry's most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm's 80 journals, books, and newsmagazines is available on the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers website. Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 140 Huguenot St., New Rochelle, NY 10801-5215 http://www.liebertpub.com Phone: (914) 740-2100 (800) M-LIEBERT Fax: (914) 740-2101 Asian Horned frogs account for approximately half of the ancient family of frogs called Megophryidae. This group was previously estimated to have originated 100-126 million years ago (mya). Frogs of this family hopped alongside the famed Velociraptors and other dinosaurs during the Cretaceous period (145-66 mya). Despite the fact that these animals have been around for a long time, little is known about their evolutionary history. Furthermore, unlike their dinosaur contemporaries, these frogs did not leave behind any known fossils. Methods using information from DNA sequences exist for estimating the age of origin for such groups of animals but these methods rely heavily on fossils of related animal groups, which could prove unreliable for these species. New research recently published in the scientific journal, Molecular Biology and Evolution, by a team of scientists from Ireland and India resolved a 195-year old confusion regarding relationships between the species of Asian Horned Frogs, an enigmatic group of frogs often with horn-like projections over their eyes. Using DNA sequences, they discovered many potentially new species in this group previously unknown to science. They also estimated the ages of species and groups of species using a method that had previously not been tried on amphibians and inadvertently discovered that until now scientists may have been overestimating the age of many frog families. Their discovery may open a new chapter on how scientists interpret the evolutionary history of many animals that currently have no known fossil record. "While this research particularly focused on frogs, many other animal groups also lack a fossil record, and so its very difficult to decipher their evolutionary histories. Our hope is that methods used here will prove beneficial for understanding how the distant ancestors of living animals may have coexisted in prehistoric times," explains lead author Dr. Stephen Mahony. The research team was led by Ireland's leading herpetologist, Dr. Stephen Mahony (previously of University College Dublin [UCD], Ireland and University of Delhi [DU], India), and a prominent mammal molecular evolutionary biologist, Prof. Emma Teeling (UCD). A PhD student of Prof. Teeling, Nicole Foley (UCD), and the "Frogman of India", Prof. SD Biju (DU) were co-authors on this research publication. The scientists demonstrated that a recently developed method called RelTime, that does not require fossil information, provided comparatively better age estimates for frogs. Their results correlate well with current knowledge on prehistoric biogeography--distribution of animals in space and time, considering tectonic plate movements, the rise of mountain ranges and palaeoclimatic changes--that may have influenced the evolutionary history of Asian Horned Frogs. This research project was envisaged by Dr. Mahony in 2006 after he discovered that one widely distributed 'species' appeared to represent several similar but scientifically 'new' distinct species. Six of these species from Thailand, Cambodia and India, were formally described as new to science between 2009 and 2013 from his (and his colleagues) previous research. Since then, Stephen embarked on the most extensive research to have ever been carried out on this group of frogs. He did so by examining and measuring hundreds of specimens from museums in Asia, Europe and the US, and used DNA gene sequences to determine how these species are related. Major discoveries: These new results indicate that the Asian Horned Frogs family may have originated as recently as 77 million years ago in contrast to 100-126 mya as previously estimated, and suggest that scientists might have been also overestimating the age of many other families of frogs by up to 35%. The results have completely changed our understanding of how the different Asian Horned Frog species and their species groups are related. Many of the species that look similar, and so were considered to be closely related, were found to be distant relatives of each other, and those that look different were found to be closely related. Finally, the results of this research have identified numerous species in India, Vietnam and Laos that are very likely new to science, several of which may be restricted to small distributions in vulnerable habitats. This raises concerns for their continued survival as "having a name" is the bedrock for conservation. "It is well known that Amphibians are one of the most endangered animal groups. Our research further demonstrates that many species remain undiscovered. Sadly, with climate change and continuing habitat destruction, we are losing many species before we can learn anything about them, but the use of molecular techniques is dramatically speeding up the learning process." says Mahony. ### The research was funded by the Irish Research Council Embark Scholarship, European Research Council, Department of Science and Technology Purse Grant from the Government of India and Research and Development grants from the University of Delhi. Publication: Mahony, S., Foley, N.M., Biju, S.D., Teeling, E.C. (2017) Evolutionary History of the Asian Horned Frogs (Megophryinae): Integrative Approaches to Timetree Dating in the Absence of a Fossil Record. Molecular Biology and Evolution. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msw267 Contact tracing -- a process of identifying everyone who has come into contact with those infected by a particular disease -- combined with targeted, indoor spraying of insecticide can greatly reduce the spread of the mosquito-borne dengue virus, finds a study led by Emory University researchers funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The results were published today in the journal Science Advances and based on analyses from a 2009 outbreak of dengue in Cairns, Australia. The new approach of using contact tracing to identify houses for targeted insecticide spraying was between 86 and 96 percent effective in controlling dengue fever during the Cairns outbreak, research shows. By comparison, vaccines for the dengue virus are only 30 to 70 percent effective, depending on the type of virus -- or serotype -- involved. Dengue fever is spread by the same mosquito species, Aedes aegypti, that infects people with the Zika virus. While public health officials commonly use contact tracing to try to stop the transmission of pathogens like Ebola or HIV, they rarely do so for outbreaks spread by mosquitoes or other vectors. "The U.S. faces continual threats from the dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses," says Sam Scheiner, director of NSF's Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases program, a joint effort with the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "For now, the response is to intensively spray insecticides to eliminate the mosquito disease carriers. This research shows that a more targeted approach can be used that avoids insecticide problems and is effective." Adds the study's lead author, Emory disease ecologist Gonzalo Vazquez-Prokopec: "We've provided evidence for a method that is highly effective at preventing transmission of diseases carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito in a developed, urban setting. We've also shown the importance of human movement when conducting surveillance of these diseases." While the method would likely not be applicable everywhere, Vazquez-Prokopec says it may prove viable to control mosquito-borne diseases in places with established health systems and similar environmental characteristics to Cairns, such as South Florida. "The widespread transmission of dengue viruses, coupled with the birth defects associated with Zika virus, show the dire need for as many weapons as possible in our arsenal to fight diseases spread by these mosquitoes," he says. "Interventions need to be context-dependent and evaluated carefully and periodically." During the dengue outbreak in Cairns, public health officials traced recent contacts of people with a confirmed infection. Using mobility data from the known cases, they targeted residences for indoor residual spraying, or IRS, which involves spraying the walls of homes, and dark, humid places where Aedes mosquitoes might rest, with an insecticide that lasts for months. Spraying is time-consuming and labor intensive, so health officials could not reach all the residences connected with infected people. The researchers found that spraying in potential exposure locations identified through contact tracing reduced the probability of dengue transmission by at least 86 percent compared to those areas of potential exposure that health officials were not able to spray. "The findings are important, because they demonstrate one of the few measures we have for the effectiveness of an intervention to reduce the transmission of dengue," Vazquez-Prokopec says. Vazquez-Prokopec explains that many times in the face of a dengue outbreak, public health officials end up using trucks to "fog" the streets with insecticide, despite a lack of scientific evidence that the method controls Aedes aegypti mosquito populations. Quantifying the effectiveness of existing methods, and the context within which they work, can strengthen countermeasures. "We need to develop plans for outbreak containment that are context-specific," Vazquez-Prokopec says. His current research includes investigating ways to scale up intervention using a combination of contact tracing and targeted spraying. Today, spraying the inside of a house requires approximately half an hour, but Vazquez-Prokopec is working on methods to cut that time to as little as 10 minutes. "We are evaluating how we can scale up and improve IRS for 21st-century urban areas," Vazquez-Prokopec says. ### TO BE HOPEFUL in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our livesIf we remember those times and placeswhere people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction. And if we do act, in however small a way, we dont have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory. --Howard Zinn I refuse to accept despair as the final response to the ambiguities of history. I refuse to accept the idea that the "isness" of man's present nature makes him morally incapable of reaching up for the eternal "oughtness" that forever confronts him. --Martin Luther King Jr. True religion consisted in an inward life, wherein the heart does love and reverence God the Creator, and learns to exercise true justice and goodness...I found no narrowness respecting sects and opinions, but believed that sincere, upright-hearted people, in every society, who truly love God, were accepted of him. --John Woolman Love each other as I have loved you.. I call you friends because I have made known to you everything I heard from my Father. --Jesus in John 15: 12-15 ...Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself. You have answered right, said Jesus, do this and life is yours... Who is my neighbor? Jesus replied with the Parable of the Good Samaritan [heretic, outsider, enemy]. --from Luke 10:27-37 Religion has been emphatically embodied, not in speculative theories, but in practical righteousness, in active virtues, in reverence to God, in benevolence to man- the latter being the only sure test of the former. --Thomas M'Clintock ...It is safer to approach God through the Holy Spirit than through the door of theology. We can identify the Holy Spirit whenever it makes its presence felt. Whenever we see someone who is loving, compassionate, mindful, caring, and understanding, we know that the Holy Spirit is there. --Thich Nhat Hanh Last winter's El Nino may have felt weak to residents of Southern California, but it was one of the most powerful weather events of the last 145 years, scientists say. If severe El Nino events become more common in the future, as some studies suggest, the California coast -- home to more than 25 million people -- may become increasingly vulnerable to coastal hazards, independently of projected sea level rise. A new study conducted by scientists at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) and colleagues at several other institutions found that during the 2015-2016 El Nino, winter beach erosion on the Pacific coast was 76 percent above normal. Most beaches in California were eroded beyond historical extremes, the study found. The results appear this week in the journal Nature Communications. "Infrequent and extreme events can be extremely damaging to coastal marine habitats and communities," said David Garrison, a program director in the National Science Foundation's Division of Ocean Sciences, which funded the research. "While this paper stresses the effect of waves and sediment transport on beach structure, organisms living on and in the sediment will also be profoundly affected." Added David Hubbard, a UCSB marine ecologist and paper co-author: "This study illustrates the value of broad regional collaboration using long-term data for understanding coastal ecosystem responses to environmental change. We really need this scale of data on coastal processes to understand what's going on with the ecology of the coast." While winter beach erosion -- the removal and loss of sand from the beach -- is a normal seasonal process, during El Nino events the extent of erosion can be more severe. The research team assessed seasonal beach behavior for 29 beaches along more than 1,200 miles of the Pacific coast. They made 3-D surface maps and cross-shore profiles using aerial LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), GPS topographic surveys and direct measurements of sand quantities. They then combined that information with wave and water-level data from each beach between 1997 and 2016. "Wave conditions and coastal response were unprecedented for many locations during the winter of 2015-16," said Patrick Barnard, lead author of the paper and a geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey. "The winter wave energy equaled or exceeded measured historical maximums along the West Coast, corresponding to extreme beach erosion across the region." The 2015-2016 El Nino was one of the strongest ever recorded. However, that most recent El Nino was largely considered a dud from a water resources perspective due to unusually low rainfall, particularly in Southern California, which received 70 percent less rain than during the last two big El Nino events. "The waves that attacked our coast, generated from storms across the North Pacific, were exceptional and among the largest ever recorded," Hubbard said. "But the lack of rainfall means that coastal rivers produced very little sand to fill in what was lost from the beaches, so recovery has been slow." Rivers are the primary suppliers of sand to California beaches, despite long-term water reductions in the 20th century due to extensive dam construction. California's extreme drought resulted in lower river flows, which in turn equated to less sand being carried to the coast to help sustain beaches. While most beaches in the survey eroded beyond historical extremes, some fared better than others. The condition of the beach before the winter of 2015 strongly influenced the severity of the erosion and the ability to recover afterward through natural replenishment processes. Mild wave activity in the Pacific Northwest as well as artificial augmentation of beaches (adding sand) in Southern California prior to the winter of 2015-2016 prevented some areas from eroding beyond historical extremes. "We need to understand these challenges, which include rising sea level and the fact that most of the problems occur during these peak El Nino events," Hubbard said. "Then we need to restore and manage our coasts in ways that will enable us to deal with these events and conserve beach ecosystems." ### The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the Division of Boating and Waterways, the U.S. Geological Survey and the Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems also funded the research. The ecological effects of the strong 2015-2016 El Nino. Carbon burial in aquatic ecosystems. The presence of pharmaceuticals in streams. These are just a few of the topics scientists affiliated with the National Science Foundation (NSF) Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network will discuss at the upcoming Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO) annual meeting, Feb. 27 to March 3. Researchers funded by NSF's Division of Ocean Sciences, Division of Environmental Biology and Office of Polar Programs conduct research at 25 NSF LTER sites around the world, including in aquatic ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass beds and salt marshes. LTER scientists study the factors driving environmental change, and map the potential ecosystem responses that could result. Their presentations at ASLO will address social and ecological changes; ecosystem vulnerability, resilience and adaptability; and why long-term data are essential to understanding and predicting future responses to natural and human-caused environmental changes. A special session will bring researchers together to report on the effects of the El Nino of 2015-2016, among the strongest environmental events on record in the Pacific Ocean. El Nino affected species from tropical coral reefs to northern plankton communities. The results offer insights into the future responses of marine ecosystems to such events. Links to these and other NSF LTER presentations at ASLO are listed below. The meeting will be held in Honolulu. ### CORVALLIS, Ore. - Researchers from 20 of the world's leading oceanographic research centers today warned that the world's largest habitat - the deep ocean floor - may face starvation and sweeping ecological change by the year 2100. Warming ocean temperatures, increased acidification and the spread of low-oxygen zones will drastically alter the biodiversity of the deep ocean floor from 200 to 6,000 meters below the surface. The impact of these ecosystems to society is just becoming appreciated, yet these environments and their role in the functioning of the planet may be altered by these sweeping impacts. Results of the study, which was supported by the Foundation Total and other organizations, were published this week in the journal Elementa. "Biodiversity in many of these areas is defined by the meager amount of food reaching the seafloor and over the next 80-plus years - in certain parts of the world - that amount of food will be cut in half," said Andrew Thurber, an Oregon State University marine ecologist and co-author on the study. "We likely will see a shift in dominance to smaller organisms. Some species will thrive, some will migrate to other areas, and many will die. "Parts of the world will likely have more jellyfish and squid, for example, and fewer fish and cold water corals." The study used the projections from 31 earth system models developed for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to predict how the temperature, amount of oxygen, acidity (pH) and food supply to the deep-sea floor will change by the year 2100. The authors found these models predict that deep ocean temperatures in the "abyssal" seafloor (3,000 to 6,000 meters deep) will increase as much as 0.5 to 1.0 degrees (Celsius) in the North Atlantic, Southern and Arctic oceans by 2100 compared to what they are now. Temperatures in the "bathyal" depths (200 to 3,000 meters deep) will increase even more - parts of this deep-sea floor are predicted to see an increase of nearly 4 degrees (C) in the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans. "While four degrees doesn't seem like much on land, that is a massive temperature change in these environments," Thurber said. "It is the equivalent of having summer for the first time in thousands to millions of years." The over-arching lack of food will be exacerbated by warming temperatures, Thurber pointed out. "The increase in temperature will increase the metabolism of organisms that live at the ocean floor, meaning they will require more food at a time when less is available." Most of the deep sea already experiences a severe lack of food, but it is about to become a famine, according to Andrew Sweetman, a researcher at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and lead author on the study. "Abyssal ocean environments, which are over 3,000 meters deep, are some of the most food-deprived regions on the planet," Sweetman said. "These habitats currently rely on less carbon per meter-squared each year than is present in a single sugar cube. Large areas of the abyss will have this tiny amount of food halved and for a habitat that covers half the Earth, the impacts of this will be enormous." The impacts on the deep ocean are unlikely to remain there, the researchers say. Warming ocean temperatures are expected to increase stratification in some areas yet increase upwelling in others. This can change the amount of nutrients and oxygen in the water that is brought back to the surface from the deep sea. This low-oxygen water can affect coastal communities, including commercial fishing industries, which harvest groundfish from the deep sea globally and especially in areas like the Pacific Coast of North America, Thurber said. "A decade ago, we even saw low-oxygen water come shallow enough to kill vast numbers of Dungeness crabs," Thurber pointed out. "The die-off was massive." Areas most likely to be affected by the decline in food are the North and South Pacific, North and South Atlantic, and North and South Indian oceans. "The North Atlantic in particular will be affected by warmer temperatures, acidification, a lack of food and lower oxygen," Thurber said. "Water in the region is soaking up the carbon from the atmosphere and then sending it on its path around the globe, so it likely will be the first to feel the brunt of the changes." Thurber, who is a faculty member in Oregon State's College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, has previously published on the "services" or benefits provided by the deep ocean environments. The deep sea is important to many of the processes affecting the Earth's climate, including acting as a "sink" for greenhouse gases and helping to offset growing amounts of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere. These habitats are not only threatened by warm temperatures and increasing carbon dioxide; they increasingly are being used by fishing and explored by mining industries for extraction of mineral resources. "If we look back in Earth's history, we can see that small changes to the deep ocean caused massive shifts in biodiversity," Thurber said. "These shifts were driven by those same impacts that our model predict are coming in the near future. We think of the deep ocean as incredibly stable and too vast to impact, but it doesn't take much of a deviation to create a radically altered environment. ### Advances in patient selection, surgical techniques, and postoperative care over the last two decades have allowed practitioners to manage increasingly complex cases with shorter procedure times and reduced hospital lengths of stay. Building on these successes, AOSpine North America brought together experts to provide a glimpse into the next generation of spine care leading to a supplement in Neurosurgery on the "Future Advances in Spine Surgery." The March 2017 supplement includes an introduction and 13 articles highlighting a range of topics including oncology, deformity, degenerative disease, trauma, infection, and pain. Technological advances such as osteobiologics, robotics, and neuromodulation are discussed in a fascinating series of articles. Also included is a unique study aiming to establish the cost-benefit relationship for spine procedures with perspectives on how value is defined and how to address variability. Each article highlights the salient literature and affords insights from multiple key thought leaders in an effort to minimize bias and provide varied perspectives. As co-editor of this issue and research chair of AOSpine North America, Dr. James Harrop from Thomas Jefferson University explains, "We are very proud of the outstanding contributions from some of the leading spine surgeons of North America that make up this focus issue." Link to the issue: https://academic.oup.com/neurosurgery/issue/80/3S ### Telescopes, the workhorse instruments of astronomy, are limited by the size of the mirror or lens they use. Using 'neural nets', a form of artificial intelligence, a group of Swiss researchers now have a way to push past that limit, offering scientists the prospect of the sharpest ever images in optical astronomy. The new work appears in a paper in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. The diameter of its lens or mirror, the so-called aperture, fundamentally limits any telescope. In simple terms, the bigger the mirror or lens, the more light it gathers, allowing astronomers to detect fainter objects, and to observe them more clearly. A statistical concept known as 'Nyquist sampling theorem' describes the resolution limit, and hence how much detail can be seen. The Swiss study, led by Prof Kevin Schawinski of ETH Zurich, uses the latest in machine learning technology to challenge this limit. They teach a neural network, a computational approach that simulates the neurons in a brain, what galaxies look like, and then ask it to automatically recover a blurred image and turn it into a sharp one. Just like a human, the neural net needs examples - in this case a blurred and a sharp image of the same galaxy - to learn the technique. Their system uses two neural nets competing with each other, an emerging approach popular with the machine learning research community called a "generative adversarial network", or GAN. The whole teaching programme took just a few hours on a high performance computer. The trained neural nets were able to recognise and reconstruct features that the telescope could not resolve - such as star-forming regions, bars and dust lanes in galaxies. The scientists checked it against the original high-resolution image to test its performance, finding it better able to recover features than anything used to date, including the 'deconvolution' approach used to improve the images made in the early years of the Hubble Space Telescope. Schawinski sees this as a big step forward: "We can start by going back to sky surveys made with telescopes over many years, see more detail than ever before, and for example learn more about the structure of galaxies. There is no reason why we can't then apply this technique to the deepest images from Hubble, and the coming James Webb Space Telescope, to learn more about the earliest structures in the Universe." Professor Ce Zhang, the collaborator from computer science, also sees great potential: "The massive amount of astronomical data is always fascinating to computer scientists. But, when techniques such as machine learning emerge, astrophysics also provides a great test bed for tackling a fundamental computational question - how do we integrate and take advantage of the knowledge that humans have accumulated over thousands of years, using a machine learning system? We hope our collaboration with Kevin can also shed light on this question." The success of the project points to a more "data-driven" future for astrophysics in which information is learned automatically from data, instead of manually crafted physics models. ETH Zurich is hosting this work on the space.ml cross-disciplinary astrophysics/computer-science initiative, where the code is available to the general public. ### Further information The new work appears in "Generative Adversarial Networks recover features in astrophysical images of galaxies beyond the deconvolution limit", Kevin Schawinski, Ce Zhang, Hantian Zhang, Lucas Fowler, and Gokula Krishnan Santhanam, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, in press. After the embargo expires, a copy of the paper will be available at no cost from http://doi.org/10.1093/mnrasl/slx008 A preprint is available at http://www.ras.org.uk/images/stories/press/Computation/Schawinski_et_al.pdf space.ml: from model-driven astrophysics to data-driven astrophysics http://space.ml Notes for editors The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS, http://www.ras.org.uk), founded in 1820, encourages and promotes the study of astronomy, solar-system science, geophysics and closely related branches of science. The RAS organizes scientific meetings, publishes international research and review journals, recognizes outstanding achievements by the award of medals and prizes, maintains an extensive library, supports education through grants and outreach activities and represents UK astronomy nationally and internationally. Its more than 4,000 members (Fellows), a third based overseas, include scientific researchers in universities, observatories and laboratories as well as historians of astronomy and others. The RAS accepts papers for its journals based on the principle of peer review, in which fellow experts on the editorial boards accept the paper as worth considering. The Society issues press releases based on a similar principle, but the organisations and scientists concerned have overall responsibility for their content. T: https://twitter.com/royalastrosoc F: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalAstroSoc/ Los Angeles, CA (February 23, 2017) A hospital-wide communication training program, outlining best practices for doctors to follow in interactions with patients, improved patients' perception of doctor communication by 9 percent, according to new research. Out today in the American Journal of Medical Quality (SAGE Publishing journal), the study details the largest known experiment of its kind and describes training that can easily be implemented at other hospitals and institutions. In the study, doctors at a major academic medical center created and reviewed standardized communication practices that were aimed at improving communication with their patients. Each month, the doctors reviewed patients' perception of doctor communication as measured by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Provider Systems (HCAHPS) survey. Examining survey responses from 7,043 patients over one year, study authors Horton et al. found that the percentage of patients who 'always' felt that the doctors carefully listened to them, treated them with respect and courtesy, and explained things in a way they could understand improved by 9 percent. "A major strength of this study is its generalizability to other institutions or hospitalist groups as establishing specific communication standards is neither costly nor time intensive," wrote the study authors. "While the importance of consistent processes in healthcare is widely accepted, this study is notable in highlighting the effectiveness of standardization in an area that has sometimes been considered more art than science." The communication practices provided to the doctors include: Basic courtesies, such as knocking prior to entering examination rooms, closing door/curtain to ensure privacy, washing hands after entering the room, muting the TV, shaking hands with patients, sitting at eye level with patients, introducing team members to the patient and family members, asking open-ended questions, and more. Format for bedside discussions including getting observations from the patients (e.g., pain levels, symptoms), checking patients' vital signs and reporting relevant results of any exams or tests taken, and summarizing the patients' major health problems, their statuses (stable/improving/worsening), and treatment plans. Summarizing findings and treatment plan in simple language, including the reason for their hospital admission, the plan for the day, and when the patient will come in again. Scripted questions to ensure that the patients don't have any questions or concerns about managing their condition or following their treatment plans. "This study adds a great deal to our understanding of the importance of doctor-patient communication," commented Dr. David Nash, Editor-in-Chief of the American Journal of Medical Quality. ### Learn more about the details of the study by reading the full article, "Improving Physician Communication with Patients as Measured by HCAPHS Using a Standardized Communication Model," by Horton et al. in American Journal of Medical Quality. For an embargoed copy of the full text, please email tiffany.medina@sagepub.com. Sara Miller McCune founded SAGE Publishing in 1965 to support the dissemination of usable knowledge and educate a global community. SAGE is a leading international provider of innovative, high-quality content publishing more than 1,000 journals and over 800 new books each year, spanning a wide range of subject areas. Our growing selection of library products includes archives, data, case studies and video. SAGE remains majority owned by our founder and after her lifetime will become owned by a charitable trust that secures the company's continued independence. Principal offices are located in Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore, Washington DC and Melbourne. http://www.sagepublishing.com The American Journal of Medical Quality (AJMQ) is a peer-reviewed bi-monthly journal for those practicing, conducting research, and teaching in the field of clinical quality improvement. AJMQ publishes research studies, evaluations of the delivery and management of health care, and reports on changes in the field of medical quality, utilization, and risk management, clarified with graphs and tables. This journal is a member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). http://journals.sagepub.com/home/ajm Contact: (US) Tiffany Medina tiffany.medina@sagepub.com/ Tel: 805-410-7441 (UK) Mollie Broad mollie.broad@sagepub.co.uk/ Tel: +44 (0)20 73248782 (MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Feb.23, 2017) The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has awarded a five-year, $11.9 million grant to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and collaborators to deliver gene therapy to patients with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency disease (X-linked SCID), also known as "bubble boy" disease. The new grant supports the opening of the St. Jude gene therapy protocol for X-linked SCID at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco. The bone marrow transplant program at UCSF is one of the largest SCID transplant centers in North America. "We have made good progress in demonstrating the safety and efficacy of our lentiviral-based gene therapy for the treatment of X-linked SCID," said Brian Sorrentino, M.D., principal investigator on the grant and a member of the St. Jude Department of Hematology. "One of our goals with this new collaboration is to widen access to this life-saving gene therapy pioneered at St. Jude. We want to rebuild the immune systems of even more patients who suffer from this rare but deadly immune disease." X-linked SCID is an inherited disorder that involves a mutation in one of the genes necessary for a normal immune system. It occurs in one of every 200,000 live births. Babies born with X-SCID lack immune cells known as lymphocytes, which leaves them with little or no immune protection. The lentiviral gene vector developed at St. Jude delivers a functional gene into the patient's blood-producing stem cells. After infecting the cells, the virus transports the healthy gene to the patient's cells. Over the past decade, St. Jude scientists have developed a rigorous battery of tests to assess the viral vector's safety. Working with UCSF investigators, they were granted approval for the first time to use the chemotherapy drug busulfan as part of the SCID-X1 gene therapy protocol to help the gene-corrected cells establish themselves in the bone marrow and get to work after being infused back into SCID-X1 patients. The team went on to build an entirely new process for manufacturing the vector in the Children's GMP, LLC, an on-site facility that produces biological products and drugs in accordance with federal safety regulations. "It is rewarding to see the benefits of years of pre-clinical development come to fruition for the team that has worked to develop the protocol for this gene therapy," said Sorrentino. "We are grateful to the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine for this additional funding, which will help bring our protocol to X-linked SCID patients treated in California. We look forward to working with the team at the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco in the years ahead. " ### Patients will be enrolled in St. Jude clinical trial LVXSCID-ND. Further information and details about the clinical trial are available here: https://www.stjude.org/disease/severe-combined-immunodeficiency-scid.html More details and video assets about the St. Jude gene therapy vector are available at https://tinyurl.com/hfyjxjg. About gene therapy at St. Jude St. Jude is developing innovative gene therapy approaches for patients with blood diseases, immune disorders and other conditions. The hospital currently offers a phase I/II clinical trial for gene therapy to treat X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID-X1) in children less than 2 years of age. Further details about this trial are available at https://www.stjude.org/research/clinical-trials/lvxscid-nd-hematological-disorder.html. Further information about gene therapy at St. Jude is available at https://www.stjude.org/research/initiatives/gene-therapy.html. St. Jude Media Relations contact Jann Ingmire Desk: 901-595-6384 Cell: 901-356-5716 Jann.Ingmire@stjude.org media@stjude.org Michael Sheffield Desk: 901-595-0221 Cell: 901-275-9065 michael.sheffield@stjude.org media@stjude.org St. Jude Children's Research Hospital St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and cures childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments developed at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude freely shares the breakthroughs it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing and food -- because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. To learn more, visit stjude.org or follow St. Jude at @stjuderesearch. COLLEGE STATION -- Climate change from political and ecological standpoints is a constant in the media and with good reason, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientist, but proof of its impact is sometimes found in unlikely places. "Discussions of climate change usually are focused on changes occurring in polar and temperate zones, but tropical regions also are expected to experience changes in regional precipitation," said Dr. Kirk Winemiller, AgriLife Research fisheries scientist and Regents Professor in the department of wildlife and fisheries sciences at College Station. Winemiller and his Brazilian colleagues analyzed a long-term database, 1999-2014, of fish survey statistics and hydrology in the central Amazon and discovered a direct correlation between water quantity and quality with the types and number of fish species found. "The change occurred following the severe drought in that region in 2005, and the hydrologic regime and fish assemblage have not returned to their previous states since," Winemiller said. The research report, "Simultaneous abrupt shifts in hydrology and fish assemblage structure in a floodplain lake in the central Amazon," was published recently in Scientific Reports, the online publication of Nature. To view the paper in its entirety and the collaborating author list, go to 10.1038/srep40170. "The Amazon region is showing evidence of altered rainfall patterns," Winemiller said. "Until this study, with few exceptions, studies of potential effects of climate change in the Amazon have focused on forests and other organisms on land. "Since the drought, many fish species are less abundant within the study area, while others have increased. Smaller species with high reproductive rates have increased, while large species, including those with the highest consumer market value, have become less prevalent." As an example, Winemiller cited the relative abundance of the tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum, one of the region's most valuable species in Amazon fish markets, declined in relative abundance within the study area after the 2005 drought and has not increased its numbers since. He said the species feeds on fruits and seeds in flooded forests and is sensitive to changes in the annual flood regime hydrology. Winemiller said the changes within the fish species appeared to be associated with how the fish species respond differently to changes in habitat quality and the connectivity of the river channel with aquatic habitats in the floodplain at various water levels and times of the year. "The study reveals that climate change is impacting tropical regions with consequences not only for terrestrial ecosystems, but for aquatic ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity and fisheries as well," he said. "It shows that future fisheries management in tropical regions will need to account for how changes in precipitation and hydrology influence ecological factors affecting fish stocks." ### -- Despite living in strong and supportive families for over 20 years, many children exposed to severe early deprivation in Romanian institutions aged 0-3 experience a range of mental health problems in early adulthood. Experiencing severe deprivation and neglect in childhood can have a lasting psychological impact into early adulthood, according to a unique study which has followed the mental health of a group of children adopted from Romanian institutions to UK families in the 1990s. Published in The Lancet, this is the first large-scale study to follow a group of children who were subjected to extreme deprivation into adulthood, tracking how their mental health and cognition has developed as a result. The English and Romanian Adoptees study began shortly after the fall of the communist regime in Romania. Children living in institutions were subjected to extremely poor hygiene, insufficient food, little personalised care and no social or cognitive stimulation. The study, running since 1990, analyses the mental health of 165 children who spent time in Romanian institutions and who were adopted by families in the UK between the ages of two weeks and 43 months. In the UK, they joined socioeconomically advantaged, stable, caring and supportive families. Comparing against 52 children adopted within the UK, the study has followed them throughout their childhood using questionnaires, IQ tests and interviews with the children and their parents to analyse social, emotional and cognitive outcomes at ages 6, 11 and 15. The latest part of the study followed the adoptees to ages 22 to 25 years old. It includes around three-quarters of the original adoptees - 39 UK adoptees, 50 Romanian adoptees who had spent less than six months in an institution as children and 72 who had spent over six months. The researchers found that the amount of time spent in a Romanian institution was an important marker of children's future mental health. Romanian adoptees who had spent less than six months had similar rates of mental health symptoms as UK adoptees. However, adoptees who had spent more time in the institutions had higher rates of social, emotional and cognitive problems throughout their lives. People who had lived in Romanian institutions for more than six months as children had higher rates of social problems including autistic features, difficulties engaging with others, inattention and overactivity which persisted from childhood into adulthood. They were also three to four times more likely to experience emotional problems as adults, and had lower educational attainment and employment rates than the other UK and Romanian adoptees. This all despite living in strong and supportive families for over 20 years. As children, more adoptees who lived in Romanian institutions for over six months had an IQ of less than 80, but this recovered within normal levels (an IQ of 90 or above) by early adulthood, suggesting developmental delays but no permanent impact on general cognitive abilities. Additionally, one in five (21%, 15 children) adoptees who spent over six months in Romanian institutions did not experience any mental health problems throughout their lives. The next steps of the research will involve an in-depth genetic analysis of the most exposed adoptees who did not develop mental health problems to distinguish whether genetic and epigenetic differences contribute to resilience. "Being exposed to very severe conditions in childhood can be associated with lasting and deep-seated social, emotional and cognitive problems, which are complex and vary over time," said lead author Professor Edmund Sonuga-Barke, King's College London, UK, who conducted the follow-up study while at the University of Southampton. "This highlights the importance of assessing patients from deprived backgrounds when providing mental health support and carefully planning care when these patients transfer from child to adult mental health care. Although focussed on children adopted from Romanian institutions in the early 1990s, our findings may also be relevant to large numbers of children who are still exposed to abusive or neglectful conditions around the world." [1] Because the children were different ages when they entered institutions and lived there for different amounts of time, the study could not determine whether there is a window during childhood development when children may be more or less likely to be affected by deprivation. In addition, it cannot control for other early risk factors affecting the child's mental health, such as maternal smoking or substance abuse during pregnancy, but the authors argue that there are unlikely to be significant differences among the two groups of Romanian adoptees. Writing in a linked Comment, Professor Frank Verhulst, Erasmus University Medical Centre, The Netherlands, said: "Whatever the underlying mechanisms, the findings of Sonuga-Barke and colleagues' study elegantly support the rule of the earlier the better for improving the caregiving environment for young children whose basic needs are profoundly violated. This finding is true for millions of children around the world who are exposed to war, terrorism, violence, or mass migration. As a consequence, many young children face trauma, displacement, homelessness, or family disruption." ### NOTES TO EDITORS From its beginning the study was funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council, the UK Medical Research Council, the UK Department of Health, the Jacobs Foundation and the Nuffield Foundation. It was conducted by scientists from the University of Southampton, King's College London, Ruhr University Bochum, The Amy Winehouse Foundation and the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics. [1] Quote direct from author and cannot be found in the text of the Article. IF YOU WISH TO PROVIDE A LINK FOR YOUR READERS, PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING, WHICH WILL GO LIVE AT THE TIME THE EMBARGO LIFTS: http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(17)30045-4/fulltext Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney disease, a serious, often fatal complication that is difficult to diagnose in early, potentially treatable stages. Now, a research team at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has revealed biological pathways involved in diabetic kidney disease, providing hope that both early diagnostic tests and targeted treatment can be designed. The study, published in Diabetes, shows that oxidative stress in the "power plants" within a population of kidney cells progressively impairs the ability of the bean-shaped organs to strain blood for waste products and produce urine. The research team also found a cellular receptor that can be blocked to modulate that stress reaction. Blocking that receptor saved the kidneys in mice genetically destined to develop diabetic kidney failure. About 30 percent of patients with type 1 (juvenile onset) diabetes and 10 to 40 percent of those with type 2 (adult onset) diabetes eventually will suffer from kidney failure, according to the National Kidney Foundation. When that happens, patients must turn to dialysis or kidney transplantation, if available. "Diabetic kidney disease is one of the major causes of death in diabetic patients, and is also the leading single cause of end-stage renal disease in the United States," says the study's senior investigator, Ilse S. Daehn, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine (Nephrology) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "Our findings open new diagnostic opportunities for early detection and potential therapeutic strategies to protect against further renal damage in patients." The study's findings essentially offer a "fundamental paradigm shift in our understanding of the development and treatment of diabetic kidney disease," says Dr. Daehn, who is also a member of The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine. Investigators focused on the kidney's glomerulus -- globular bodies, full of capillaries and other structures, that serve as the first stage and the key unit in the filtration of blood for waste products to be expelled in urine. The research team studied three different cell types that interact within the glomerulus, using two sets of mice. One group naturally develops diabetic kidney disease and the other group is naturally resistant to the disorder. They discovered that in mice prone to kidney disease, endothelial cells were affected. In these wafer-like cells, which form the inner lining of blood vessels, the mitochondria -- cellular subunits that act like power plants, producing energy -- were stressed, and so made excess amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These are molecules that have important roles in cell signaling but, when overproduced, can damage cell proteins and DNA. This process begins to destroy podocytes, cells that wrap around and work with capillaries and the other cell types in the glomerulus. The glomerulus eventually becomes brittle, the capillaries collapse, and kidneys become leaky, shedding essential body proteins. Progressive damage leads to kidney failure, resulting in end-stage kidney disease. The research team was able to measure, in susceptible mice, molecules linked to excess ROS, suggesting that a biomarker could be developed that signals early development of kidney disease in humans. And knowing that ROS excess leads to kidney disease implies that agents that collect ROS molecules within the kidney might provide a potential therapy, Dr. Daehn says. Investigators then looked for "upstream" regulators of mitochondrial stress within the endothelium in the glomerulus and discovered a pathway that helps manage this oxidative stress. This pathway produced excess quantities of a cell receptor, endothelium receptor-A, as well as its ligand -- the protein that binds to the receptor. This discovery means that a small molecule that blocks the ligand from binding to its receptor might tamp down production of mitochondrial ROS, thus halting damage to the glomerulus, Dr. Daehn says. The researchers used an experimental small molecule, BQ-123, to specifically block this receptor and found that mice that were destined to develop diabetic kidney disease were spared from the disorder. Researchers tested their hypothesis by looking at urine and kidney biopsies from patients with diabetic kidney disease. They found molecules in the urine linked to oxidative stress and rapid disease progression, and biopsies that showed increased mitochondrial DNA damage and increased endothelium receptor-A expression. "These findings in human samples go a long way to substantiate our hypotheses, which is exciting because it represents a new way forward to understanding and treating diabetic kidney disease," Dr. Daehn says. ### Among other researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine who co-authored the study was senior investigator Erwin Bottinger,, MD, Professor of Medicine (Nephrology). The research team also includes investigators from Columbia University in New York and the University of Gothenberg in Sweden. The study was supported by National Institutes of Health Grants 5U01DK060995, 5R01DK056077 and R01DK097253. The authors report no conflicts of interest. About the Mount Sinai Health System The Mount Sinai Health System is an integrated health system committed to providing distinguished care, conducting transformative research, and advancing biomedical education. Structured around seven hospital campuses and a single medical school, the Health System has an extensive ambulatory network and a range of inpatient and outpatient services--from community-based facilities to tertiary and quaternary care. The System includes approximately 7,100 primary and specialty care physicians; 12 joint-venture ambulatory surgery centers; more than 140 ambulatory practices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and 31 affiliated community health centers. Physicians are affiliated with the renowned Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, which is ranked among the highest in the nation in National Institutes of Health funding per investigator. The Mount Sinai Hospital is in the "Honor Roll" of best hospitals in America, ranked No. 15 nationally in the 2016-2017 "Best Hospitals" issue of U.S. News & World Report. The Mount Sinai Hospital is also ranked as one of the nation's top 20 hospitals in Geriatrics, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Cardiology/Heart Surgery, Diabetes/Endocrinology, Nephrology, Neurology/Neurosurgery, and Ear, Nose & Throat, and is in the top 50 in four other specialties. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked No. 10 nationally for Ophthalmology, while Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Mount Sinai St. Luke's, and Mount Sinai West are ranked regionally. Mount Sinai's Kravis Children's Hospital is ranked in seven out of ten pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report in "Best Children's Hospitals." For more information, visit http://www.mountsinai.org/, or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. PHILADELPHIA -- (Feb. 23, 2017) -- Scientists at The Wistar Institute have shown that an anti-diabetic drug can inhibit the growth of melanoma in older patients by activating an anti-aging gene that in turn inhibits a protein involved in metastatic progression and resistance to targeted therapies for the disease. The study was published online in Clinical Cancer Research. Even more than other types of cancer, melanoma is a disease of aging, with older patients more frequently diagnosed with the disease and having a worse prognosis. Targeted therapies have brought benefits in terms of overall survival compared to chemotherapy but they are limited by intrinsic or acquired resistance. Wistar scientists have previously shown that age-related changes in the tumor microenvironment -- or the surrounding area where tumor cells crosstalk with normal and immune cells -- can drive melanoma progression and therapy resistance. They have also discovered that a protein named Wnt5A promotes metastatic progression, resistance to therapy and poorer prognosis, and one of the ways in which it is regulated is by the anti-aging protein Klotho. The new study shows that treating mice with a drug that promotes Klotho expression reduces the levels of Wnt5A and decreases the growth of therapy-resistant melanoma in aged mice but, importantly, not in young mice. "We have already shown that age-related changes in the tumor microenvironment are accountable for the higher metastatic potential of melanoma in older patients," said Ashani Weeraratna, Ph.D., Ira Brind Associate Professor and program leader of the Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program at Wistar and lead author of the paper. "Our new study indicates that a differential therapeutic approach can be beneficial for older patients in melanoma and suggests that age should be taken into account to design better treatments for certain cohorts of patients." Weeraratna's team used an artificial skin reconstruct model to recreate the interactions of melanoma cells with either a young or aged tumor microenvironment. They observed an intricate reciprocal regulation between Klotho, Wnt5A, melanoma cells, and the tumor microenvironment. They also showed that they could manipulate Klotho expression pharmacologically using the anti-diabetic drug rosiglitazone, which resulted in decreased levels of Wnt5A. Importantly, while using rosiglitazone in conjunction with targeted therapy reduced tumor growth in both young and aged pre-clinical models, using rosiglitazone alone accelerated tumor growth in young models, while inhibiting it in aged ones. "We believe that there is a threshold effect whereby the levels of Klotho, dictated mostly by the age of the patients, are crucial in determining whether they will benefit from this treatment or not," said Reeti Behera, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in the Weeraratna lab and first author of the study. "Previous studies had tested the use of rosiglitazone for cancer treatment, but the outcome was not encouraging. I think they may have been missing a piece of the puzzle, by not considering aging and the tumor microenvironment." This research lays the foundation for the development of promising adjuvant therapy for older melanoma patients. More studies will be needed to confirm the benefits in human subjects. Klotho is a secreted protein that can be measured in the serum of patients and this can help in determining which patients would benefit from rosiglitazone therapy and would be eligible for further studies. ### This work was supported by National Institutes of Health grants RO1 CA174746-01, P01 CA 114046-06, T32 CA 9171-36, P50 CA174523-01and R01-CA1826635; grants from the Melanoma Research Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the Miriam and Sheldon Adelson Research Foundation. Weeraratna is supported by the Ira Brind Associate Professorship. Core support for The Wistar Institute was provided by the Cancer Center Support Grant CA010815. Co-authors of this study from The Wistar Institute include: Amanpreet Kaur, Marie R. Webster, Suyeon Kim, Abibatou Ndoye, Curtis H. Kugel III, Gretchen M. Alicea, Joshua Wang, Sofia Lisanti, Katie Marchbank, Vanessa Dang, Kanad Ghosh, Meenhard Herlyn, Cecilia Caino, and Dario C. Altieri. Other co-authors include: Phil Cheng, Mitchell Levesque, and Reinhard Dummer from University of Zurich, Switzerland; Xiaowei Xu from University of Pennsylvania; Andrew E. Aplin from Thomas Jefferson University; and Alexander Roesch from University Duesburg-Essen, Essen, Germany. The Wistar Institute is an international leader in biomedical research with special expertise in cancer research and vaccine development. Founded in 1892 as the first independent nonprofit biomedical research institute in the United States, Wistar has held the prestigious Cancer Center designation from the National Cancer Institute since 1972. The Institute works actively to ensure that research advances move from the laboratory to the clinic as quickly as possible. wistar.org. Using fuzzy logic, researchers at the University of Cincinnati program drones to make better navigational decisions on the fly The buzzword in drone research is autonomous -- having the unmanned aerial vehicle do most or all of its own flying. It's the only realistic way that drones will have commercially viable uses such as delivering that roll of toilet paper to customers, said Manish Kumar, associate professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Cincinnati's College of Engineering and Applied Science. Kumar and his co-authors, Nicklas Stockton, a UC researcher, and Kelly Cohen, aerospace engineering professor, considered the difficulty drones have in navigating their ever-changing airspace in a study presented at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics SciTech 2017 Conference in January. This problem is compounded when the drone tries to land on a moving platform such as a delivery van or even a U.S. Navy warship pitching in high seas. "It has to land within a designated area with a small margin of error," Kumar said. "Landing a drone on a moving platform is a very difficult problem scientifically and from an engineering perspective." To address this challenge, UC researchers applied a concept called fuzzy logic, the kind of reasoning people employ subconsciously every day. While scientists are concerned with precision and accuracy in all they do, most people get through their day by making inferences and generalities, or by using fuzzy logic. Instead of seeing the world in black and white, fuzzy logic allows for nuance or degrees of truth. "In linguistic terms, we say large, medium and small rather than defining exact sets," he said. "We want to translate this kind of fuzzy reasoning used in humans to control systems." Fuzzy logic helps the drone make good navigational decisions amid a sea of statistical noise, he said. It's called "genetic-fuzzy" because the system evolves over time and continuously discards the lesser solutions. Stockton, Kumar and Cohen successfully employed fuzzy logic in a simulation to show it is an ideal system for navigating under dynamic conditions. Stockton, an engineering master's student who was lead author on the paper, is putting fuzzy logic to the test in experiments to land quadcopters on robots mounted with landing pads at UC's UAV Multi-Agent System Research (MASTER) Lab. "This landing project is a real-world problem. A delivery vehicle could have a companion drone make deliveries and land itself," Stockton said. Stockton is just the latest UC student mentored by Cohen who was offered a job, at least in part, for his experience in fuzzy logic. The U.S. Air Force offered Stockton a federal position to continue his engineering research at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base when he graduates this summer. UC doctoral graduate Nick Ernest, another student of Cohen's, started an artificial intelligence company called Psibernetix, Inc., that demonstrated the power of fuzzy logic last year when a fuzzy-logic-based artificial intelligence, dubbed ALPHA, bested a human fighter pilot in simulated dogfights. Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Gene Lee called ALPHA, "the most aggressive, responsive, dynamic and credible AI I've seen to date." Professor Cohen is confident about the team's approach. "Compared to other state-of-the-art techniques of adaptive thinking and deep learning, our approach appears to possess several advantages. Genetic fuzzy is scalable, adaptable and very robust," Cohen said. Cohen has authored more than 100 papers on fuzzy logic, a subject that is attracting increasing attention because of its broad applications in everything from manufacturing to medicine. UC is a world leader in fuzzy logic and teaches it at the undergraduate level, Cohen said. "It's important to introduce our students at an early stage to fuzzy approaches as it also provides them with an advantage as they enter the job market," Cohen said. ### The research was funded by a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. AURORA, Colo. (Feb. 23, 2017) - Scientists, led by researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, have developed the first animal model for studying paralysis caused by virus linked to a polio-like illness that paralyzed 120 children in 2014. Working with mice in the laboratory of Kenneth Tyler, MD, chairman of the Department of Neurology, Alison Hixon, an MD/PhD candidate at the CU School of Medicine, and a team of researchers were able to demonstrate that several strains of the virus, known as enterovirus D68, or EV-D68, recovered during the 2014 epidemic can cause a paralytic illness in mice that resembles several aspects of the human cases. "This is a really important breakthrough as it gives us a model to both study therapeutics and to understand how the disease develops," Tyler said. The results are published in the Feb. 23 edition of PLOS Pathogens, a peer-reviewed online open-access journal. In the fall and winter of 2014, the United States experienced an epidemic of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) cases in children coincident with a nationwide outbreak of EV-D68 respiratory disease. EV-D68 had previously been a rare cause of illness in the United States. Up to half of the 2014 AFM patients had RNA from EV-D68 detected in their respiratory secretions. The connection between EV-D68 and AFM led to the current research studies. AFM appears as sudden onset of limb weakness, similar to polio, and medical imaging tests often reveal damage within the nervous system, particularly in the spinal cord. The effects of AFM can be devastating, leaving victims permanently disabled. Since 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been actively investigating the illness and has continued to receive reports of sporadic cases of AFM. In 2016, a total of 132 people in 37 states across the country were confirmed to have AFM. "There are currently no established treatments for EV-D68," said Hixon. "A mouse model is an important first step in screening potential drug and vaccine therapies. Our results suggest that that there may be potentially effective strategies to treat or prevent EV-D68 and that's particularly important because we saw a surge in AFM cases in 2016." ### In addition to Hixon and Tyler, the co-authors of the article are Guixia Yu of the University of California San Francisco, J. Smith Leser of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Shigeo Yagi of the California Department of Public Health, Penny Clarke, PhD, of the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Charles Y. Chiu, MD, PhD, of the University of California San Francisco. The research was supported by grants from the U.S. National Institutes of Health and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It was also supported in part by grants from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF)-Abbott Pathogen Discovery Award. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. About the University of Colorado School of Medicine Faculty at the University of Colorado School of Medicine work to advance science and improve care. These faculty members include physicians, educators and scientists at University of Colorado Health, Children's Hospital Colorado, Denver Health, National Jewish Health, and the Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The school is located on the Anschutz Medical Campus, one of four campuses in the University of Colorado system. To learn more about the medical school's care, education, research and community engagement, visit its web site. A potentially life-saving treatment for sepsis has been under our noses for decades in the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) most people have in their medicine cabinets, a new University of Colorado Boulder study suggests. Each year more than 1 million people in the United States contract sepsis, an overwhelming immune response to infection. It kills as many as half of those who contract it, sometimes within days, according to the National Institutes of Health. As the number of cases rises, particularly in intensive care units, pharmaceutical companies have been scrambling to develop a drug to combat the condition. "NSAIDS like ibuprofen and aspirin are among the most prevalent pharmaceuticals worldwide, with over 30 billion doses taken annually in the United States alone. But their precise mechanisms of action are not entirely understood," said Hang Hubert Yin, a biochemistry professor at CU Boulder's BioFrontiers Institute and lead author of the new paper, published today in Cell Chemical Biology. "We provide the first evidence for a novel mechanism of action for NSAIDS, one we believe could have a direct impact on people's lives." Researchers have long known that NSAIDs work in part by inhibiting an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX). They've also known that these NSAIDs can come with serious side effects. Some NSAIDs have been removed from the market after showing they boosted risk of heart attack and stroke. But Yin's research found that a subgroup of NSAIDs also act strongly and independently on another family of enzymes, caspases, which reside deep within the cell and have recently been found to play a key role in aggressive immune responses, like sepsis. "For instance, some chemicals derived from bacteria actually penetrate the cell and trigger the caspase response, prompting the cell to commit suicide. This also is known as apoptosis," said Yin. "Such activation, in turn, potentially causes inflammation." After the disappointing failure of late-stage clinical trials of anti-sepsis drugs targeting an immune receptor called toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), located on the surface of cells, Yin and other scientists began to wonder if the key to halting the disease was to develop an antiseptic therapy that simultaneously targets caspases. As a first step, his team screened 1,280 existing FDA-approved drugs for caspase-inhibiting activity. Of the 27 that lit up, half were NSAIDs. NSAIDs also comprised eight of the top 10 most potent caspase inhibitors. "It was a complete surprise," said Yin. He and study co-author Ding Xue, a professor in the department of Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology, then used biochemical and biophysical assays in the lab, as well as experiments with roundworms to test the theory further. "We showed that NSAIDs were effective in delaying cell death in worms, presumably by blocking caspase activity." It remains questionable whether existing NSAIDs, perhaps in higher doses, could be used to treat sepsis. The risk of side effects may be too great, said Yin. But he is already working on follow-up studies looking at whether new sepsis drugs could be developed combining caspase-inhibiting NSAIDS and TLR4 inhibitors. NSAIDs could also potentially be repurposed to address other conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and neuro-degenerative diseases. "To think about the wide potential applications of these NSAID drugs is very exciting," Yin said. He hopes the research will also help scientists better understand why NSAIDs cause serious side effects like liver, kidney and cardiovascular problems, so they can develop safer next-generations versions. An estimated 16,500 people die annually from NSAID complications. ### The National Institutes of Health funded the study. URBANA, Ill. - Each spring, tiny roundworms hatch and wriggle over to the nearest soybean root to feed. Before farmers are even aware of the belowground infestation, the soybean cyst nematode silently begins to wreak havoc on soybean yield. Fortunately, breeders have identified soybean varieties with genetic resistance to the nematodes and have used them to create new resistant varieties. As you might expect, resistant varieties yield more than susceptible ones when SCN is in the soil. But, until now, it wasn't clear whether that yield advantage held up at low SCN infestation rates. "The University of Illinois has been organizing a regional testing program of university-developed experimental soybean lines through funding from the United Soybean Board. In the last decade, we have collected data on agronomic performance, including yield, but also data on the resistance of the lines as well as on SCN pressure in the field. We've built up a massive dataset from these tests," says University of Illinois soybean breeder Brian Diers. By looking at 11 years of data from 408 sites around the Midwest, the researchers found that there was a yield advantage for SCN resistance even at low infestation levels--as low as 20 eggs per 100 cubic centimeters of soil. In environments with no SCN infestation, the team saw evidence of yield drag, where resistant varieties yielded slightly less than susceptible ones. "But most fields in the Midwest do have at least some infestation," Diers says. "So, in most cases, there's little justification in planting susceptible varieties to avoid that potential yield drag." The most common source of SCN resistance is from a soybean accession known as PI 88788. It is well known that SCN is increasing in its ability to overcome 88788-resistance throughout the Midwest. The researchers wanted to find out if varieties with 88788-resistance are still able to produce high yields despite mounting pressure from nematodes. Using the same large dataset, the researchers found that those varieties still provide at least enough moderate resistance to produce good yields. "For me, it's a message to the soybean community that the sky hasn't fallen, that 88788-resistance is, on average, working well in most fields," Diers says. Diers cautions that other sources of resistance, such as Peking or 437654, are better choices in fields where SCN is able to overcome 88788-resistance at a high level. However, he also notes that those varieties are harder to find. "Farmers should rotate soybeans with a non-host crop such as corn, and also, if possible, with soybean varieties that have SCN resistance from alternative sources," Diers suggests. The article, "Impact of soybean cyst nematode resistance on soybean yield," is published in Crop Science. The research was supported by the United Soybean Board. ### MIAMI--Last year's devastating category-5 hurricane--Matthew--may be one of many past examples of a tropical storm fueled by massive rings of warm water that exist in the upper reaches of the Caribbean Sea. In a study conducted in the region two years prior to when Matthew's trekked across the Caribbean Sea, the research team in the Upper Ocean Dynamics Laboratory at the University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science deployed 55 aircraft ocean instruments from the National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration's WP-3D aircraft. The purpose of the scientific mission was to measure ocean temperature, salinity, and currents to understand the structure of these warm-water eddies. The science team obtained vital information about the physical characteristics within one large warm-water eddy, which likely originated from the North Brazil Current, and analyzed its potential influence on sub-surface ocean conditions during the passage of tropical cyclones. When analyzing the data, they found a barrier layer, an upper ocean feature created by the Amazon-Orinoco freshwater river outflow, that makes mixing in the upper ocean waters less efficient during wind events. This feature, and the fact that warm ocean eddies are known to assist in the intensification of hurricanes due to deep warm thermal layers, lead the researchers to theorize that the barrier layer within a warm ocean eddy may result in an even more favorable upper ocean environment for hurricane intensification. "Our study is important because tropical cyclone intensity forecasts for several past hurricanes over the Caribbean Sea have under-predicted rapid intensification events over warm oceanic features," said Johna Rudzin, a PhD student at the UM Rosenstiel School and lead author of the study. Tropical storms receive energy from their surrounding ocean waters. As a storm moves across the water, it may interact with rings of warm water known as eddies. As the storm moves forward over these eddies, the warm ocean waters below help fuel the storm's intensity through enhanced and sustained heat and moisture fluxes. Similar warm ocean eddies exist in the Gulf of Mexico, a result of their separation from the warm-water Loop Current, are also of interest to the research team involved in this study. Last year, Hurricane Matthew rapidly intensified from a tropical storm to hurricane status as it moved over the Caribbean Sea in the location where a warm ocean eddy exists, and in close proximity to where these measurements were taken for this study two years prior. Matthew continued to intensify to a category-5 storm and into one of the strongest in Atlantic basin history, which made landfall and devastated portions of Haiti, Cuba, and the eastern United States. According to the researchers, to better understand if Matthew's intensification was aided by the warm-water eddies and the residing barrier layer in the Caribbean Sea's upper ocean, more ambient and in-storm upper ocean observations in this basin are needed to improve forecast models for the region. ### The study, titled "Upper Ocean Observations in Eastern Caribbean Sea Reveal Barrier Layer within a Warm Core Eddy," as published Feb. 10 in Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, DOI: 10.1002/2016JC012339. The study's authors include: Johna E. Rudzin, Lynn "Nick" Shay, Benjamin Jaimes, and Jodi K. Brewster of the UM Rosenstiel School. Support was provided by National Aeronautical Space Agency (NASA) through grant # NNX15AG43G. About the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School The University of Miami is one of the largest private research institutions in the southeastern United States. The University's mission is to provide quality education, attract and retain outstanding students, support the faculty and their research, and build an endowment for University initiatives. Founded in the 1940's, the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science has grown into one of the world's premier marine and atmospheric research institutions. Offering dynamic interdisciplinary academics, the Rosenstiel School is dedicated to helping communities to better understand the planet, participating in the establishment of environmental policies, and aiding in the improvement of society and quality of life. For more information, visit: http://www.rsmas.miami.edu and Twitter:UMiamiRSMAS Researchers say 'benevolent bots', otherwise known as software robots, that are designed to improve articles on Wikipedia sometimes have online 'fights' over content that can continue for years. Editing bots on Wikipedia undo vandalism, enforce bans, check spelling, create links and import content automatically, whereas other bots (which are non-editing) can mine data, identify data or identify copyright infringements. The team analysed how much they disrupted Wikipedia, observing how they interacted on 13 different language editions over ten years (from 2001 to 2010). They found that bots interacted with one another, whether or not this was by design, and it led to unpredictable consequences. The research paper, published in PLOS ONE, concludes that bots are more like humans than you might expect. Bots appear to behave differently in culturally distinct online environments. The paper says the findings are a warning to those using artificial intelligence for building autonomous vehicles, cyber security systems or for managing social media. It suggests that scientists may have to devote more attention to bots' diverse social life and their different cultures. The research paper by the University of Oxford and the Alan Turing Institute in the UK explains that although the online world has become an ecosystem of bots, our knowledge of how they interact with each other is still rather poor. Although bots are automatons that do not have the capacity for emotions, bot to bot interactions are unpredictable and act in distinctive ways. It finds that German editions of Wikipedia had fewest conflicts between bots, with each undoing another's edits 24 times, on average, over ten years. This shows relative efficiency, says the research paper, when compared with bots on the Portuguese Wikipedia edition, which undid another bot's edits 185 times, on average, over ten years. Bots on English Wikipedia undid another bot's work 105 times, on average, over ten years, three times the rate of human reverts, says the paper. The findings show that even simple autonomous algorithms can produce complex interactions that result in unintended consequences - 'sterile fights' that may continue for years, or reach deadlock in some cases. The paper says while bots constitute a tiny proportion (0.1%) of Wikipedia editors, they stand behind a significant proportion of all edits. Although such conflicts represent a small proportion of the bots' overall editorial activity, these findings are significant in highlighting their unpredictability and complexity. Smaller language editions, such as the Polish Wikipedia, have far more content created by bots than the large language editions, such as English Wikipedia. Lead author Dr Milena Tsvetkova, from the Oxford Internet Institute, said: 'We find that bots behave differently in different cultural environments and their conflicts are also very different to the ones between human editors. This has implications not only for how we design artificial agents but also for how we study them. We need more research into the sociology of bots.' The paper was co-authored by the principal investigator of the EC-Horizon2020-funded project, HUMANE, Professor Taha Yasseri, also from the Oxford Internet Institute. He added: 'The findings show that even the same technology leads to different outcomes depending on the cultural environment. An automated vehicle will drive differently on a German autobahn to how it will through the Tuscan hills of Italy. Similarly, the local online infrastructure that bots inhabit will have some bearing on how they behave and their performance. Bots are designed by humans from different countries so when they encounter one another, this can lead to online clashes. We see differences in the technology used in the different Wikipedia language editions and the different cultures of the communities of Wikipedia editors involved create complicated interactions. This complexity is a fundamental feature that needs to be considered in any conversation related to automation and artificial intelligence.' Professor Luciano Floridi, also an author of the paper, remarked: 'We tend to forget that coordination even among collaborative agents is often achieved only through frameworks of rules that facilitate the wanted outcomes. This infrastructural ethics or infra-ethics needs to be designed as much and as carefully as the agents that inhabit it.' The research finds that the number of reverts is smaller for bots than for humans, but the bots' behaviour is more varied and conflicts involving bots last longer and are triggered later. The average time between successive reverts for humans is 2 minutes, then 24 hours or one year, says the paper. The first bot to bot revert happened a month later, on average, but further reverts often continued for years. The paper suggests that humans use automatic tools that report live changes and can react more quickly, whereas bots systematically crawl over web articles and they can be restricted on the number of edits allowed. The fact that bots' conflicts are longstanding also flags that humans are failing to spot the problems early enough, suggests the paper. ### For more information, contact the University of Oxford News Office on +44 (0) 1865 280534 or email: news.office@admin.ox.ac.uk Notes for Editors *The paper, 'Even Good Bots Fight: The Case of Wikipedia', is by Milena Tsvetkova, Ruth Garcia-Gavilanes, Luciano Floridi, and Taha Yasseri. *It will be published in PLOS ONE on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 2 pm (Eastern Time Once live, the article can be found at: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0171774*The team identified bots' editorial activity mainly through Wikipedia's own flagging system, which requires human editors to create separate accounts for bots. Bot account names have to show that the author is a bot. The researchers also trawled the Wikipedia API pages (Application Programming Interface), checking the User page for each suspected bot account to link bots to their human owners. They modelled interactions between pairs of bots involved in successive reverts as trajectories that trace who reverts more over time. Then, they used simple machine learning techniques to identify different types of trajectories and analyse how commonly they occur for bots versus humans, and across the different language editions of Wikipedia. *Bots vary from web crawlers for search engines, to chatbots for online customer service, spambots on social media, and content editing in online collaboration communities. Teenagers who self-report feeling drowsy mid-afternoon also tend to exhibit more anti-social behavior such as lying, cheating, stealing and fighting. Now, research from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of York, in the United Kingdom, shows that those same teens are 4.5 times more likely to commit violent crimes a decade and a half later. "It's the first study to our knowledge to show that daytime sleepiness during teenage years are associated with criminal offending 14 years later," said Adrian Raine, the Richard Perry University Professor with appointments in the departments of Criminology and Psychology in the School of Arts & Sciences and the Department of Psychiatry in Penn's Perelman School of Medicine. He and Peter Venables, an emeritus psychology professor at the University of York, published their findings in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. Raine had collected the data for this work 39 years earlier, as part of his Ph.D. research (studying under Venables) but had never analyzed it. Recently, he began noticing cross-sectional studies, those that analyze multiple behaviors at a single point in time, connecting sleep and behavioral problems in children. He dug out his old dissertation work to look for a link between these and illegal behavior in adulthood. "A lot of the prior research focused on sleep problems, but in our study we measured, very simply, how drowsy the child is during the day," Raine said. To get at this information, he tested 101 15-year-old boys from three secondary schools in the north of England. At the start and end of each lab session, which always ran from 1 to 3 p.m., he asked participants to rate their degree of sleepiness on a 7-point scale, with 1 being "unusually alert" and 7 being "sleepy." He also measured brain-wave activity and sweat-rate responses to stimuli, which indicates the level of attention a person pays to a tone being played over headphones. This represents brain-attentional function, Raine said. Next he collected data about anti-social behavior, both self-reported from the study participants, as well as from two or three teachers who had worked with each teen for at least four years. "Both are helpful. There are kids who don't really want to talk about their anti-social behavior, and that's where the teacher reports really come in handy," Raine said. "Actually, the teacher and child reports correlated quite well in this study, which is not usual. Often, what the teacher says, what the parent says, what the child says -- it's usually three different stories." Finally, Raine conducted a computerized search at the Central Criminal Records Office in London to suss out which of the original 101 had a criminal record at age 29. Excluding minor violations, focusing instead on violent crimes and property offenses and only those crimes for which participants were convicted, the researchers learned that 17 percent of participants had committed a crime by that point in adulthood. With these data in hand, Raine also incorporated the study participants' socioeconomic status. He found a connection. "Is it the case that low social class and early social adversity results in daytime drowsiness, which results in inattention or brain dysfunction, which results 14 years later in crime? The answer's yes," he said. "Think of a flow diagram from A to B to C to D. Think of a chain. There is a significant link." Put another way, he added: "Daytime drowsiness is associated with poor attention. Take poor attention as a proxy for poor brain function. If you've got poor brain functioning, you're more likely to be criminal." The researchers stress that drowsiness in and of itself doesn't always predispose a teenage boy to becoming anti-social. And many children with sleep problems do not become lawbreakers. But the researchers did find that those with sleepiness and a greater frequency of anti-social behavior during teenage years had higher odds of a life of crime later. Knowing this could potentially help with a simple treatment plan for children with behavioral issues: Recommend they get more sleep at night. "That could make a difference not just for anti-social behavior at school with these teenage kids but more importantly, with later serious criminal behavior," Raine said. "More sleep won't solve crime, but it might make a bit of a dent." ### PHILADELPHIA - Fathers who use cocaine at the time of conceiving a child may be putting their sons at risk of learning disabilities and memory loss. The findings of the animal study were published online in Molecular Psychiatry by a team of researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The researchers say the findings reveal that drug abuse by fathers--separate from the well-established effects of cocaine use in mothers-- may negatively impact cognitive development in their male offspring. The study, which was led by Mathieu Wimmer, PhD, a post-doctoral researcher in the laboratory of R. Christopher Pierce, PhD, a professor of Neuroscience in Psychiatry in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, found evidence that the sons of fathers that ingested cocaine prior to conception struggle to make new memories. Their findings demonstrated that the sons -- but not the daughters -- of male rats that consumed cocaine for an extended period of time could not remember the location of items in their surroundings and had impaired synaptic plasticity in hippocampus, a brain region critical for learning and spatial navigation in humans and rodents. "These results suggest that the sons of male cocaine addicts may be at risk for learning deficits," said senior author, R. Christopher Pierce, PhD, a professor of Neuroscience in Psychiatry in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Pierce and his colleagues propose that epigenetic mechanisms are at the root of the problem. Epigenetics refers to heritable traits that are not caused by changes in the DNA sequence, as is the case with genetic inheritance. DNA is tightly wound around proteins called histones, like thread around a spool, and chemical changes to histones influence the expression of genes, which is an epigenetic process. Their research showed that cocaine use in dads caused epigenetic changes in the brain of their sons, thereby changing the expression of genes important for memory formation. D-serine, a molecule essential for memory, was depleted in male rats whose father took cocaine and replenishing the levels of D-serine in the sons' hippocampus improved learning in these animals. In collaboration with Benjamin Garcia, PhD, presidential professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics in the Epigenetics Institute at the Perelman School of Medicine, the authors showed that cocaine abuse in dads broadly altered the chemical marks on histones in the brain of their sons, even though the offspring were never exposed to cocaine. Chemical modifications on the histones were changed to favor active transcription of genes in the hippocampus of male rats with a paternal history of cocaine taking, allowing more production of the enzyme D-amino acid oxidase, which degrades D-serine. The authors propose that increased expression of the enzyme, driven by changes in the epigenetic landscape, cause the memory problems in the sons of addicted rats. "There is substantial interest in the development of D-serine and related compounds, which are well tolerated by humans, as drug therapies," Pierce said. "The ability of D-serine to reverse the adverse effects of paternal cocaine taking on learning adds potential clinical relevance to our research." ### Penn Medicine co-authors of the article include Lisa Briand, Bruno Fant, Leonardo Guercio, Adrian Arreola, Heath Schmidt, Simone Sidoli and Yumiao Han. This research was supported with grants by the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (T32 DA28874, R01 DA33641, K02 DA18678, K01 DA30445, K01 DA039308, R00 DA033372, R21 MH102679, R21 GM110174, DOD W81XWH-13-1-0426). Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $5.3 billion enterprise. The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top five medical schools in the United States for the past 18 years, according to U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $373 million awarded in the 2015 fiscal year. The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center -- which are recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report -- Chester County Hospital; Lancaster General Health; Penn Wissahickon Hospice; and Pennsylvania Hospital -- the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Additional affiliated inpatient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region include Chestnut Hill Hospital and Good Shepherd Penn Partners, a partnership between Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and Penn Medicine. Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2015, Penn Medicine provided $253.3 million to benefit our community. The 600,000 older Australians who suffer from back pain have a 13 per cent increased risk of dying from any cause, University of Sydney research has found. Published in the European Journal of Pain, the study of 4390 Danish twins aged more than 70 years investigated whether spinal pain increased the rate of all-cause and disease-specific cardiovascular mortality. Low back pain is a major problem, ranked as the highest contributor to disability in the world. Nearly four million people in Australia suffer from low back pain and the total cost of treatment exceeds $1 billion a year. "Our study found that compared to those without spinal pain (back and neck), a person with spinal pain has a 13 per cent higher chance of dying every year. This is a significant finding as many people think that back pain is not life-threatening," said senior author Associate Professor Paulo Ferreira, physiotherapy researcher from the University's Faculty of Health Sciences. "As this study was done in twins, the influence of shared genetic factors is unlikely because it was controlled for in our analysis. "These findings warrant further investigation because while there is a clear link between back pain and mortality we don't know yet why this is so. Spinal pain may be part of a pattern of poor health and poor functional ability, which increases mortality risk in the older population," he said. Lead author Dr Matthew Fernandez from the Faculty of Health Sciences, said: "With a rapidly growing ageing population, spinal health is critical in maintaining older age independence, highlighting the importance of spinal pain in primary health care as a presenting symptom." "Back pain should be recognised as an important co-morbidity that is likely to impact people's longevity and quality of life." Associate Professor Ferreira added: "Policy makers should be aware that back pain is a serious issue - it is an indicator of people's poor health and should be screened for, particularly in the elderly." Recent research has also found that commonly prescribed medications for back pain such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory drugs are ineffective in treating pain and have side effects. "Medications are mostly ineffective, surgery usually does not offer a good outcome - the best treatment for low back is a healthy lifestyle, including physical activity. People need to get moving," Associate Professor Ferreira said. Few studies have examined the potential reduced life expectancy associated with spinal pain in an ageing population, particularly after controlling for familial factors, including genetics. This study follows previous research which found that people with depression are 60 per cent more likely to develop low back pain in their lifetime. Fast facts: * Back pain effects approximately 700 million people worldwide * Back pain is the leading cause of disability globally * Back pain affects 4 million people in Australia * Total cost of treatment of back pain exceeds $1 billion a year in Australia * The lifetime prevalence of back pain is around 84 per cent. ### SALT LAKE CITY - Most kids say they love their mom and dad equally, but there are times when even the best prefers one parent over the other. The same can be said for how the body's cells treat our DNA instructions. It has long been thought that each copy - one inherited from mom and one from dad - is treated the same. A new study from scientists at the University of Utah School of Medicine shows that it is not uncommon for cells in the brain to preferentially activate one copy over the other. The finding breaks basic tenants of classic genetics and suggests new ways in which genetic mutations might cause brain disorders. In at least one region of the newborn mouse brain, the new research shows, inequality seems to be the norm. About 85 percent of genes in the dorsal raphe nucleus, known for secreting the mood-controlling chemical serotonin, differentially activate their maternal and paternal gene copies. Ten days later in the juvenile brain, the landscape shifts, with both copies being activated equally for all but 10 percent of genes. More than an oddity of the brain, the disparity also takes place at other sites in the body, including liver and muscle. It also occurs in humans. "We usually think of traits in terms of a whole person, or animal. We're finding that when we look at the level of cells, genetics is much more complicated than we thought," says Christopher Gregg, Ph.D., assistant professor of neurobiology and anatomy and senior author of the study which publishes online in Neuron on Feb. 23. "This new picture may help us understand brain disorders," he continues. Among genes regulated in this unorthodox way are risk factors for mental illness. In humans, a gene called DEAF1, implicated in autism and intellectual disability, shows preferential expression of one gene copy in multiple regions of the brain. A more comprehensive survey in primates, which acts as a proxy for humans, indicates the same is true for many other genes including some linked to Huntington's Disease, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorder, and bipoloar disorder. What the genetic imbalance could mean for our health remains to be determined, but preliminary results suggest that it could shape vulnerabilities to disease, explains Gregg. Normally, having two copies of a gene acts as a protective buffer in case one is defective. Activating a gene copy that is mutated and silencing the healthy copy - even temporarily - could be disruptive enough to cause trouble in specific cells. Supporting the idea, Gregg's lab found that some brain cells in transgenic mice preferentially activate mutated gene copies over healthy ones. "It has generally been assumed that there is correlation between both copies of a gene," says Elliott Ferris, a computer scientist who co-led the study with graduate student Wei-Chao Huang. Instead, they found something unexpected. "We developed novel methods for mining big data, and discovered something new," Huang explains. The investigators screened thousands of genes in their study, quantifying the relative levels of activation for each maternal and paternal gene copy and discovered that expression of the two is different for many genes. Surprised by what they saw, they developed statistical methods to rigorously test their validity and determined that they were not due to technical artifacts, nor genetic noise. Following up on their findings, they examined a subset of genes more closely, directly visualized imbalances between gene copies at the cellular level in the mouse and human brain. Results from Gregg and colleagues build on previous research, expanding on scenarios in which genes play favorites. Imprinted genes and X-linked genes are specific gene categories that differentially activate their maternal and paternal gene copies. Studies in cultured cells had also determined that some genes vary which copy they express. The results from this study, however, suggests that silencing one gene copy may be a way in which cells fine tune their genetic program at specific times during the lifecycle of the animal, or in discrete places. "Our new findings reveal a new landscape of diverse effects that shape the expression of maternal and paternal gene copies in the brain according to age, brain region, and tissue type," explains Gregg. "The implication is a new view of genetics, one that starts up close." ### The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health, Simons Foundation, University of Utah, and New York Stem Cell Foundation. In addition to Gregg, Huang, and Ferris, co-authors are Tong Cheng, Cornelia Stacher Horndli, Kelly Gleason, Carol Tamminga, Kenneth Boucher, and Jan Christian from the University of Utah, and Janice Wagner from Wake Forest School of Medicine. The study publishes in Neuron as "Diverse Non-Genetic Allele Specific Expression Effects Shape Genetic Architecture at the Cellular Level in the Mammalian Brain". Wednesday, February 22, 2017 Got burning questions about cremation? Perhaps green burial sounds more appealing (if you were going to die NOT!). Do your loved ones know what you might want, whenever that last day may come? If youve got questions about funeral planning, advance medical directives, upbeat ways to start the talk and other end-of-life issues, get your questions answered by The Doyenne of Death Gail Rubin on the Jeffrey Candelaria Radio Show on Talk Radio 770 KKOB AM, 94.5 FM. You can hear the interview live this Saturday afternoon, February 25, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mountain Time and call the studio line at 505-243-3333 to share your stories and ask questions. Even if youre not in Albuquerque, through the wonders of the internet you can listen live online! Theres more information here. The womens online community Sixty and Me recently ran my article, Go for a Green Burial: 5 Ways to Make Your Death More Eco-Friendly. It seems to be a popular topic. So far, its been shared 322 times! Of course, theres always plenty of great information at The Family Plot Blog. Links to recent posts, upcoming events and a funny quote follow. Please call 505.265.7215 if I can be of assistance! Gail Rubin, The Doyenne of Death The Family Plot Blog Highlights Click on the titles to read the blog post and see the associated videos. Review all posts on The Family Plot Blog or view just the Death Cartoons posted on the blog! Death Cartoon Collection on Estate Planning Issues The Funky Winkerbean cartoon recently did a collection of strips that followed Funky and his wife Holly to an estate planning attorneys office to prepare a trust. March 10-12: Frozen Dead Guy Days! Yes, its time once again for this quirky celebration of all things dead and frozen in Nederland, Colorado. An Honest Obituary for an Evil Man One of the life lessons death teaches us is that we are remembered by how we treat other people. This obituary featured on the website of the Carnes Funeral Home in South Houston has gone viral. Death Education is a Lot Like Sex Education Fans of The Doyenne of Death know my motto is Just as talking about sex wont make you pregnant, talking about funerals wont make you dead. Im so glad to see an expert on medical care discussing end-of-life issues with a similar light touch on a serious subject. Upcoming Events and a Funny Quote See the Calendar page for a full listing of events. Saturday, February 25, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Gail Rubin is interviewed on the Jeffrey Candelaria Show on 770 KKOB AM. More details here. March 10-12, 2017 Frozen Dead Guy Days in Nederland, Colorado, featuring The Newly-Dead Game and continuous showings of the documentary, Grandpas in the TUFF Shed on Saturday and Sunday. Sponsored by AGreenerFuneral.org, a guide to creating a farewell thats more meaningful for you, those you love and the planet. Saturday, March 18, 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Gail Rubin keynotes the Cancer Support Now conference in Albuquerque, NM. Her talk, titled A Good Goodbye: Funeral Planning for Those Who Dont Plan to Die, is sponsored by Morris Hall, PLLC, a premier estate planning law firm. Register for the free daylong conference at www.CancerSupportNow.org. Wednesday, March 22, 2:30 p.m. The University of New Mexico Retiree Association features Gail Rubin speaking on Kicking the Bucket List: Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die at the UNM Continuing Education Center North Building. Thursday, March 23, noon Congregation Albert Open Mind luncheon series features Gail Rubin speaking on Downsizing and Organizing. Location: The Board Room at Congregation Albert, 3800 Louisiana Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM. Saturday, March 25, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Death Cafe at Gail Rubins home. RSVP for address and directions. More information here. Dogs come when theyre called; cats take a message and get back to you. Mary Bly Share this: AMES, Iowa During the 2017 National Farmers Convention, economist and farmers talked trade and agricultural policy for the new year. The National Farmers Convention was held Jan. 25-27, in Springfield, Missouri. Farm Bill Dr. Harwood Schaffer, University of Tennessee Agricultural Policy Analysis Center, examined farm exports and the balance of trade during the past four decades. He provided a review of farm bill policy programs since the 1970s, and proposed a market driven inventory system for the next farm bill. Trade. In the 1970s, government officials told farmers that exports were the answer to their low price problems, Schaffer said. But, by the 1980s, it was no longer effective. Officials began to alter farm programs by lowering loan rates and giving export credits so American producers could recapture foreign markets but that didnt work for long, either, he said. Producers then attempted to feed their grain into livestock, and export it to earn higher returns. However, that had little effect on their bottom line. Beef exports did increase, however, beef imports went up as well. NAFTA trade deals were supposed to be positive for U.S. producers, but our balance of trade for beef in 20 countries was still negative, Schaffer said. Tariffs Brian OShaughnessy, co-chairman of the Coalition for a Prosperous America and chairman of Revere Copper Products, mirrored some of Schaffers concerns regarding trade. The free-trade fever began building in 1995, when tariffs were eliminated by participating countries in the newly formed World Trade Organization, OShaughnessy said. America was outsmarted when it signed on to WTO because the U.S. has no value-added tax, he said. But, when a product with a $100 value is sold to the U.S. from Mexico, that same VAT rebates $15 to Mexican producers, which means their cost to sell to the U.S. is only $85. He pointed out the VAT tax, which averages 19 percent in the world, was allowed to continue under WTO rules, because it was considered a consumption tax, and not a tariff. But in reality, VAT is really a tariff on U.S. goods going into a foreign country. Presidents address National Farmers President Paul Olson, Taylor, Wisconsin, lauded the merits of commodity supply management and producing for consumer demand, and he emphasized organizational growth in 2016. He recognized the expertise of commodity risk managers and marketers in the grain and livestock divisions, and said to members, Set a price. Only produce what the market will bear. Dont overproduce. The organization proposed a supply management plan for dairy producers, and recognized Organic Valley for managing the organic dairy supply. It can work in the conventional dairy market segment, as well, he suggested. Working with consumers to produce a product that they want will help consumers and farmers form a stronger connection said Olson. He said when enough consumers realize family farmers need their support in the grocery aisle, and that it will help rural America, they will want to buy from our type of farms, he said. Olson also noted a growth in membership. Two things fuel this organization, he said. Its people and production. Policy National Farmers Organization members voted in favor of the following agricultural policy positions: Crop insurance. Affordable crop insurance. Members support current funding levels. National Farmers supports premium rates commensurate with organic payments available for losses incurred Grain Policy. Price support levels for major storable commodities based at 85 percent of production costs. USDA corn loan rates of $4 per bushel, wheat $6 per bushel, soybeans $9 per bushel. Supports re-enactment of a farmer-owned grain reserve. Reserve isolated from the market and supply of last resort. Only released at 120 percent of the above proposed loan rates. Full investigation by Senate and House Agriculture committees of fraudulent organic grain imports. Dairy Policy. Implementation of a growth management program that uses price as an incentive to manage production (a form of two-tier pricing) Energy. National Farmers Organization opposes any changes to the Renewable Fuels Act (RFA). Thirteen British farmers took to the NFU Conference stage to add produce to a specially created hamper of the finest British and Red Tractor food to be sent to Liam Fox, International Trade Secretary. NFU President Meurig Raymond said the hamper will send a clear message to the Department for International Trade promoting the high standards of British produce and urging policy makers to not undersell British farmers. In what is the last NFU Conference before Article 50 is triggered, NFU President Meurig Raymond said in his closing speech: "During our annual conference I have talked a lot about future trade deals, how these must give us opportunities for export and how we mustnt be traded off against other sectors. Above all how our high standards mustnt be undermined. "And I have a special message for Liam Fox, who will be negotiating trade deals for Britain. "He must be proud of farming and not undersell it." Maintain high standards The NFU President said Mr Fox must ensure that the UK's agricultural high standards are maintained, and that the UK doesn't open up its borders to cheap food produced 'at any cost' from around the world. He continued: "Its been great to see so many people here at our Conference particularly the younger generation. These are challenging times but the atmosphere has been really positive. "We have raised a lot of questions at this conference, we havent too many answers. We must make sure that by next year we have the clarity that the industry needs. "It doesnt matter now how anyone voted in the referendum. Now is the time for us to all unite together. 'We can deal with the changes' Mr Raymond said farmers can deal with changes as farming is known for its resilience. He said: "Farmers we will only get the right deal if our voices are heard, if we shout proudly about what we give back to Britain and we take every opportunity to tell the country and the world of our high standards; of our pride we have in the food we produce and the importance of our industry. "Farmers, do not underestimate the strength of your voice. The NFU is listened to. What we say really does count in Westminster and Cardiff. "Britain is in a perfect place to produce the finest, healthiest food. We have the expertise, we have the soil, we have the climate. We all have the passion. "Farmers lets all get to work and deliver success." Scientists have explained how a behavioural change model called RESET Mindset can positively influence dairy farmers and veterinarians to reduce their antibiotic use in animal husbandry. The researchers, from Utrecht University in the Netherlands, suggest changing this groups ingrained beliefs and behaviours could be more successful in the long term than offering alternatives to antibiotics. In 2008, Dutch politicians demanded a decrease in total antibiotic use in animal husbandry to prevent antibiotic resistance in humans and animals. Within six years, from 2009-2015, the dairy sector almost halved their use of antibiotics, and reduced the use of critically important antibiotics to very low levels, in part due to the use of the RESET Mindset Model (RESET works on the following: Rules and regulations; Education and information; Social pressure; Economics and Tools). Activities applied using RESET Activities that were applied using the RESET Mindset Model included pairing each farmer with a cattle veterinarian so that together they could work on herd health and treatment plans that might help reduce antibiotic use. Information and guidelines were made readily available and delivered through a variety of platforms, including farmer journals, courses, meetings and lectures. Farmers were also given access to discussions on preventive approaches, public responsibility towards human health and the threat of sanctions upon failing to commit to reducing antibiotic use. The government and researchers positively motivated the dairy farmers using a range of stimuli to reach and engage all individuals and character types. They offered effective and achievable solutions, helped farmers to plan for success and facilitated cooperation with the most important stakeholders in the dairy chain. Scientists say that antibiotic usage in dairy cattle in the Netherlands decreased significantly by intense cooperation between the most important stakeholders in the dairy chain, with farmers taking communication seriously and applying the RESET Mindset Model. The Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative (OMSCo) has signed new members to meet demand from its export business, increasing its milk pool by nearly 30% over the next two years. Speaking at the NFU Conference this week, Nicholas Saphir, OMSCos executive chairman, explained how the cooperative has achieved growth over the last few years despite a relatively static UK market. The UK organic dairy sector grew 2.2% last year behind total UK organic food growth of 7%. Mr Saphir said lobal organic dairy market growth is currently outstripping that of the UK and their market diversification strategy has led them to spread risk and take advantage of this by developing specialist organic dairy ingredients for sale worldwide. He added that since gaining USDA organic accreditation and Chinese certification the cooperatives export business has gone from strength-to-strength. 'Hurdles to overcome' "Weve now built long-term relationships with leading market players on a global manufacturing and distribution scale, and as a result, last financial year our exports grew by 58% to 20% of our total revenue," said Mr Saphir. "However, weve spent almost an entire year supply constrained. "We prioritised our UK sales and this has limited our potential export developments. "Supplying the home market is a priority to ensure that it doesnt weaken again, but we think that in the medium term theres enough milk coming forward to meet limited growth in UK demand and this will be supplied by the natural expansion of the existing organic dairy supply base in the UK. "The additional recruitment has enabled us to supply new contracts with global partners, as well as to further balance UK market fluctuations," he said. International growth Looking to the future, Mr Saphir emphasised that international growth will continue to be a key strategy for the cooperative. "Global consumer demand for organic dairy is creating new opportunities. However, there will be hurdles to overcome as we move forward into a post-Brexit reality. "Most critically we need to ensure that policy makers understand the detailed implications of future trade options and thats something were working hard to achieve." A fire that caused substantial damage to a farm building on the Scottish Borders is being treated as 'suspicious' by police in the area. No people or livestock were harmed but damage was done to the barn, including the roof collapsing. The blaze happened between 6.15pm and 7.15pm on Tuesday near to Purveshaugh Farm on the B6397 road, Earlston. Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue personnel attended and brought the fire under control. As part of their enquiries officers are keen to trace a vehicle that was seen in the area at the time of the fire. Inspector Alistair Hutchens of Melrose Police Station said: "This has been a substantial fire in an area that contains livestock and is well used by agricultural workers. "We believe the fire to be suspicious and are asking for the publics help in tracing those responsible. "I would ask that anyone was in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious to please get in touch as soon as possible." Marts to donate Scotch Lamb for St Andrew's Day campaign Espanol Thought there was no hope for treating your migraine headaches? Dont give up. Adults who dont tolerate migraine drugs well might find relief from a prescription device. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has allowed the marketing of two such prescription devices: the Cerena Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator and the Cefaly transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device. Both devices have been shown in clinical studies to be effective and pose minimal risks and side effects when used according to their labeling. Migraine headaches are characterized by intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one area of the head accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. A migraine can last four to 72 hours when untreated. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 12 percent of Americans (about 37 million people) have migraines. These debilitating headaches affect children and adults, and women are three times more likely to have migraines than men (about 18 percent of women have migraines). About one-third of people with migraines experience an auravisual disturbances such as dots, flashing lights or a blind spotthat signals the beginning of the headache. Devices to Treat Migraines Michael Hoffmann, a biomedical engineer with the FDA, says theres a great need for these noninvasive devices because many anti-migraine drugs have side effects that some patients cant tolerate. A drug may have the potential for systemic side effects because its ingested and metabolized. It may also have a variety of side effects that vary from person to person, Hoffmann explains. Patients have been looking for alternative migraine treatments. Because these devices arent ingested or metabolized like drug therapies, they dont necessarily have the same types of side effects. Cerena is intended to be used when a patient feels a headache coming on or when the pain begins. Its the first medical device granted marketing by the FDA to relieve pain caused by migraine headaches that are preceded by an aura. How does it work? Using both hands to hold the device against the back of the head, the patient presses a button to release a very short (less than one second) magnetic pulse to stimulate the brains occipital cortex (the back part of the brain that processes visual information). Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator (TMS) technology, used in the Cerena device, has been studied for quite some time but has only recently been authorized for specific clinical uses. Cefaly is the first transcutaneous (passing through the skin) electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device granted marketing by the FDA for use before the onset of a migraine, as a preventive treatment for migraine headaches, in patients 18 or older. Patients can use Cefaly daily, and the treatment has been shown to reduce the number of days during which people experience migraines. TENS technology has been used as a treatment for general pain, but this is the first time its been authorized as a preventive measure for migraines. The portable, battery-powered Cefaly device resembles a plastic headband worn across the forehead. The user applies an electrode (a patch) to the forehead, connects the plastic headband to the electrode, and the device then emits an electrical current to stimulate one of the large nerves in the head (the trigeminal nerve), which has been associated with migraines. Its a set-time therapyrunning for 20 minutes and stopping automatically, Hoffmann says. Both devices side effects include skin irritations, discomfort, sleepiness, dizziness, and pain at site of application. These issues werent reported often during studies and were resolved quickly, Hoffmann explains. In a telephone poll of more than 2,000 European users of Cefaly, 95 percent did not report any complaint with using the device. The safety and effectiveness of these devices, however, have not been established in certain groups, including children, pregnant women, and people with pacemakers. Limitations of Drugs for Migraines There are many drugs to reduce migraine pain and symptoms. Although these migraine drugs are quite effective, they are not for everyone. Some can make you tired, drowsy or dizzy. Some can affect your thinking. And some migraine drugs can cause birth defects; so pregnant women cant use them, says Eric Bastings, M.D., a neurologist at the FDA. Its important to note that medical devices have some limitations as well, and that the safety and efficacy of Cefaly and Cerena have not been established in certain subpopulations, including pregnant women. Many people who have frequent or severe migraines may use preventive medications, including beta-blockers such as propranolol. Beta-blockers, which slow the heart rate, are used mostly to treat heart conditions. These medications arent for migraine patients who have asthma, certain lung problems or slow heart rate, Bastings warns. Certain antiepileptic drugs, such as topiramate and divalproex sodium, are also prescribed for migraines. These seizure medicines, when they are taken regularly, may help to reduce the number of migraine headaches, but rarely eliminate them completely. Migraines and Medication Overuse Headaches Migraine sufferers are at risk of developing a condition called medication overuse headache (MOH). This is a migraine-like daily headache or marked increase in frequency of migraine attacks caused by the overuse of certain medications. Studies have shown that overuse of the following types of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription pain medications for 10 or more days a month may cause medication overuse headaches: aspirin, acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), combination pain relievers, opioids, triptans, and ergotamines. Thats why the FDA is working with companies to add a description of medication overuse headache to labels for OTC oral pain medications used to treat migraines. Prescription migraine medication labels already contain a similar warning. Medication overuse headaches usually stop occurring when the patient stops taking the overused medication. If you believe you have MOH, talk with your health care provider. He or she can determine what is causing your headaches, and can tell you the best way to cut back on overused headache medicine. Some headache medicines can be stopped quickly, but some have to be tapered down slowly. Some people may need additional therapy to treat symptoms of withdrawing from headache medicines. Advice for Migraine Patients Migraines are often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Bastings advises patients to tell their health care providers about their headaches and to see a doctor who specializes in migraines if they dont get adequate relief. Doctors should be aware of the drugs approved for migraines and of alternative treatment options, he adds. These devices present another choice that patients can discuss with their doctors, Hoffmann says. Now patients have more options and hopefully can find the one that works best for them. The holiday season is a key period for large retailers, and Nordstrom (JWN 0.10%), in particular, has wanted to show investors that it could bounce back from poor conditions earlier in 2016. Yet holiday performance from many retailers has been poor, and coming into Thursday's fourth-quarter financial report, Nordstrom investors weren't sure whether the company would be able to deliver the growth they wanted to see. The high-end department-store chain was able to top its own expectations, but its outlook for the coming year wasn't quite as strong as most investors foresaw. Let's take a closer look at Nordstrom to see how it did, and what lies ahead for the retailer in the coming year. Nordstrom moves forward Nordstrom's fourth-quarter results showed the opportunities and challenges that the retail industry faces right now. Total revenue was up 3%, to $4.32 billion, but that was slightly less than the 4% growth rate that most investors had expected to see. Net income of $201 million was up 12% from year-ago levels, and the resulting $1.15 per share in earnings matched the consensus forecast. Yet after making allowances for extraordinary items, Nordstrom reported adjusted earnings of $1.37 per share. Yet even with the headline numbers looking reasonably good, Nordstrom had to deal with some headwinds. Comparable sales for the quarter were down 0.9%, closing the fiscal year with a 0.4% overall decline in comps. That was disappointing after better performance in previous quarters. Nordstrom continued to see greater difficulties in its premium namesake brand. The Nordstrom brand saw comparable sales fall 2.7%, leading to a 1.1% drop in segment revenue. Strength in women's apparel and beauty weren't enough to pull the overall company's number higher, and the East was the best region geographically. However, the discount Nordstrom Rack concept kept doing well. Revenue was up double-digit percentages for the quarter, and comparable-store sales were up 4.3%. Nordstrom worked hard to try to squeeze as much profit as it could from its sales. Gross profit margin climbed more than a full percentage point, to 36%, and Nordstrom said that it had strong inventory execution and reduced the amount of competitive markdowns it had to use during the period. Lower overhead costs also contributed to bottom-line performance. Can Nordstrom climb higher? Expansion will remain a key component of Nordstrom's growth in the future. The retailer said that it will concentrate on its Nordstrom Rack concept for most of its store openings in fiscal 2017, with only one brand-new premium store opening in Toronto and two Nordstrom relocations in California. By contrast, 15 new Nordstrom Rack stores will open in areas across the country. Yet Nordstrom's fiscal 2017 guidance wasn't entirely positive in the eyes of some investors. The company expects a 3% to 4% increase in net sales during the year, and it believes that comparable sales will remain flat compared to 2016 levels. Earnings of $2.75 to $3 per share would be slightly below the current consensus estimate for $3.06 per share, reflecting Nordstrom's difficulty predicting how well it might be able to rebound if industry conditions improve. Investors can also take heart in the fact that Nordstrom is aggressively buying back shares. The retailer spent $189 million to buy back about 4 million shares during the quarter, and has $1 billion left under its current authorizations. That amounts to nearly 15% of Nordstrom's current market capitalization, showing just how serious the company is about its positive reputation. Nordstrom investors were fairly pleased with the results, and the stock climbed about 2.5% in after-hours trading following the announcement. Still, Nordstrom has a lot of work left to do in order to shore up the health of its fundamental business for the foreseeable future. Without more favorable conditions going forward, Nordstrom could find it difficult to sustain the growth that investors will want to see in the long run. Pink Realty To Expand with 2-Story Office in Colorado Springs Pink Realty is expanding with a new office space in Colorado Springs, designed to attract the top real estate agents in Colorado to their growing team. They are currently in the process of pre-leasing space. -- Pink Realty, Colorado's award-winning real estate company headed by Monica Breckenridge, announced plans to expand today with a two-story office building on the corner of Austin Bluffs and Farmingdale in Colorado Springs, CO. Breckenridge said of the expansion, "We are thrilled with this recent growth and have so much to offer the agents looking to join us. Building this two-story office is the next logical phase for our current expansion needs." Pink Realty is currently in the process of pre-leasing office spaces for real estate agents who are looking for a new place to call home. The new building will showcase five conference rooms, a large reception area with a double-sided two-story fireplace, guest beverage and snack bar, kids play area, agent and employee kitchen, lounge and break-room, and in-house lender. Favorable split options and top of the line agent training will be provided to new agents to foster success. "Our goal is to see all agents thrive. It is a competitive marketplace, and we know what it takes to succeed," stated Breckenridge. "We look forward to sharing those insights with new agents as they grow their careers and experience how rewarding this industry can be." If seeking rental space within one year, call Pink Realty for options including: a second story 5,000 SF, which can be subdivided into three spaces for three different tenants, tenants receive a monument sign outside the building, along with sixty-plus parking spaces. About Pink Realty and Monica Breckenridge Monica Breckenridge has received many awards and achievements including being ranked among the top real estate agents in the nation for transactions and number one in Colorado for three years. In 2016, Pink Realty was voted as Best of the Springs for Best Independent Real Estate Office by The Gazette readers, and best REALTOR by the Independent Readers for Best of Colorado Springs. Learn more at http://pinkrealty.com. To reach owners Monica and Russ Breckenridge, call (719) 576-7465 or email Monica@PinkRealty.com. Contact Info: Name: Monica Breckenridge Organization: Pink Realty Address: 2760 Academy Boulevard North Ste 201, Colorado Springs, CO 80917, United States Phone: +1-719-393-7465 For more information, please visit http://pinkrealty.com Source: PressCable Release ID: 172299 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Haiti - Politics : Bilateral meeting between the port authorities of the island At the beginning of the week, as part of the dynamic of sharing and the development of a strategic partnership between the two port authorities of the island, Ing. Alix Celestin, the Director General of the National Port Authority (APN), was visited by Ms. Lludelis Espinal, Legal Consultant at the Dominican Port Authority ("Autoridad Portuaria Dominicana" - APORDOM). Several subjects were discussed at this meeting, but the most important point remained the need for the two authorities to get to know each other and to better understand the legal environment of their reciprocal port system. The visit ended with an unequivocal commitment to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two Authorities and an invitation to the Director General of the APN to visit his Dominican counterpart in the coming months. At this meeting, Alix Celestin was accompanied by Ms Lenette Deller, Commercial Director, Joseph Alcime Henri, Operations Director, Hugues Desgranges, Director of International Affairs and of Coordinator of the International Affairs Department Valery Adrien. SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Social : Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Michel Francois passed away in Honduras On Tuesday in San Pedro Sula (Honduras), the former Lieutenant-Colonel of the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAD'H) Joseph Michel Francois died suddenly at the age of 60 years, according to his relatives, of a heart problem. Remember that Joseph Michel Francois was one of the main authors of the bloody coup of 30 September 1991 against President Jean-Bertrand Aristide (elected in December 1990). Subsequently, he had taken shelter in the Dominican Republic before being expelled a few years later for his supposed involvement in a plot against President Preval. He then found refuge in Honduras in April 1996 where he lived in exile until his death. Note that despite requests for extradition from Haiti (1997 and 1998), Honduras has always refused to extradite him. SL/ HaitiLibre Letter carrier hid 15 years of mail in his home and shed A letter carrier from Forest City pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to stashing thousands of pieces of mail at his home over a period of 14 years, hiding the mail in his home, vehicle and in an outbuilding that eventually collapsed, the U.S. Attorney's office said. By the time investigators caught on, he had failed to deliver two dumptruck loads worth of mail to postal customers on his route. Related Stories Gary Wayne Collins, 53, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dennis Howell and pleaded guilty to charges of detaining and delaying U.S. mail in Cleveland and Rutherford counties, Jill Westmoreland Rose, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, announced. According to filed court documents and the plea hearing, a witness observed Collins placing several tubs of mail behind a dumpster in Shelby in April 2014. The witness notified the local postmaster and the tubs of mail were recovered. The postmaster determined that the recovered tubs contained deliverable mail for addresses on Collins delivery route, who at the time was a U.S. Postal Service Rural Carrier. Court records indicate that when postal agents interviewed Collins two days later, Collins told the agents that he had never intended to dump any mail and that he had left the tubs near the dumpster only temporarily, intending to return later to pick them up. Collins also told the agents that he had never thrown away any mail or stored it at his residence. The mail recovered on April 15, 2014, included 1,513 pieces 628 of them first-class mail and three parcels. In May 2014 postal agents discovered more than 1,800 pieces of undelivered mail hidden in Collins residence and his vehicle. The undelivered mail included 134 pieces of First-Class mail dating as far back as April 2000. Court records indicate that postal agents also found additional pieces of undelivered mail inside a partially-collapsed outbuilding located on Collins property. According to court records, the Postal Service used a backhoe to remove two full-sized dump truck loads of mail from the outbuilding. That mail could not be salvaged due to extensive weather damage and had to be destroyed. Collins admitted in court on Tuesday that for approximately 10 years he had been bringing home mail that he had not delivered. Collins pleaded guilty to one count of unlawfully destroying, detaining and delaying U.S. mail, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Collins was released on bond following his plea hearing. A sentencing date has not been set yet. Paul L. Bowman, Area Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) joined U.S. Attorney Rose in making todays announcement. The investigation was led by USPS-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Edwards, of the U.S. Attorneys Office in Asheville, is prosecuting the case. In major alarm for the country, intelligence inputs have today confirmed that Pakistans spy agency ISI has activated its networks in Bangladesh and Nepal, to once again circulate fake currency notes across the country. According to a report by India Today, there were intelligence inputs stating that the Pakistan spy agency has roped in absconding don Dawood Ibrahims men who function from Mumbai. While fake currency notes of the denomination Rs 100 are also in circulation, ISI will start printing high quality Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 notes. PM Narendra Modis note ban drive is under organised onslaught from Pakistan-based elements. Yesterday, a Pakistan fake currency note module that pumps high value Indian currency, consisting of Rs 2,000 notes, from Bangladesh was exposed in the Malda district of West Bengal. An unidentified counterfeit currency runner has admitted to the fact in a video. The notes are of good enough quality to fool the common people and only an expert with the help of machines can tell the difference. Security agencies have arrested a gang that is working to push fake currency through Bangladesh into India via Malda in West Bengal. In another instance of demonetisation drive not being able to prevent or control the inflow of fake currency notes across the country, the Border Security Force (BSF), on Februray 20, revealed that its men have arrested a resident of Nadia district with Rs 96,000 in duplicate notes. The fake notes were in the form of Rs 2000 denomination notes and the arrest was in Maldas Baisnabnagar. Analysts and political opposition had highlighted their concerns that the scrapping of the Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes were all very well to fight generation of fake currency and black money, but the printing of the Rs 2000 note is likely to increase, rather than decrease due to the availability of this high denomination note. However, the government has said that the new notes, both Rs 2000 and Rs 500 are quite secure as they carry a number of new high-security features. Nevertheless, the increasing number of people being caught with fake currency also shows that wrongdoers are not being deterred from indulging in printing illegal currency. These fake notes are originating from Pakistan and that country has been pushing fake currency for decades now in an effort to foment terror and other extremist related activities in India. Source : MSN Insurance Back Bruce CARNEGIE-BROWN set confirmed as next Chairman of Lloyd's Bruce CARNEGIE-BROWN is to become the Chairman of Lloyd's following a meeting of the Council of Lloyd's where his appointment as successor to John NELSON was approved unanimously. This appointment also had the unanimous support of the Lloyd's Franchise Board. The Council confirmed on February 20, that Mr Carnegie-Brown, Chairman of Moneysupermarket.com Group and vice-Chairman of Banco Santander S.A., will take up the position in June of this year. This appointment is subject to formal approval and consent from the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority. Commenting on his appointment, Bruce CARNEGIE-BROWN said: "I'm delighted to be joining Lloyd's of London and to have the chance to work with a very talented group of market professionals who all share a passion for enhancing London's position as the preeminent global centre for structuring and placing complex insurance risk." John NELSON, who is retiring after nearly six years as Chairman, said:"Quite simply, this is an excellent appointment. Bruce has an extensive career in financial services, with major global firms particularly in insurance where he brings a deep knowledge and understanding of the broker and underwriting market. Bruce is arriving at an exciting time for Lloyd's with opportunities and challenges ahead of us." Chief Executive, Inga BEALE DBE, said: "I am looking forward to working with Bruce. His wide ranging experience across insurance, banking and with Moneysupermarket Group will offer Lloyd's a unique perspective on how we conduct our business and succeed in today's marketplace. As we take forward our plans to modernise the London market and ensure it remains the hub of specialist insurance and reinsurance, Bruce's input will be invaluable." Bruce CARNEGIE-BROWN has over thirty-five years of experience across the financial services. He was Chief Executive for Marsh Europe between 2003 and 2006, Non-Executive Chairman of Aon UK Ltd from 2012 to 2015 and was also a Senior Independent Non-Executive Director at the Catlin Group plc between 2010 and 2014. He will be stepping down from his current role as a Non-Executive Director of JLT Group plc. Currently, he is Chairman of Moneysupermarket Group since his appointment in April 2014 and a vice-Chairman of Banco Santander since February 2015. He previously worked at JP Morgan for 18 years across a number of senior roles, ran 3i Group plc's Quoted Private Equity Division from 2007 and was a Senior Independent Director at Close Brothers Group plc. Author: Daniela GHETU on 23.02.2017 Archive Comment this article 0 comments Atention! "Comment" and "E-mail" are mandatory Name: If you are logged on and you do not fill in your name, will be used the name that you used when you registered If you are not logged on, your name will appear preceded by '(Anonymous)'. For authentication, click here If you are logged on and you do not fill in your name, will be used the name that you used when you registered E-mail: Comment: < 10.000 car. Fill in the code from the image: U.S. Employment in Leisure and Hospitality Continued to Trend Up in October (+35,000), with Accommodation Adding 20 https://t.co/hZFeFMF5Jo H2O Suites Opens in Key West, Florida Featuring 22 One-Bedroom Suites, Individual Plunge Pools and Modern Decor, H20 Suites is an Oasis of Luxury Just Steps from Duval Street Meisel Holdings has ushered in a new era of upscale hospitality in Key West, Florida with the opening of H2O Suites. Expressly designed for adults only, the ultra-luxe hotel features 22 one-bedroom suites with private outdoor space, modern amenities and services, and an enviable location just one block from Duval Street and steps from the areas celebrated beaches and ocean excursions. The first hotel of this caliber in Key West, H2O Suites redefines contemporary service and style, delivering an unmistakable new lodging paradigm to this worldwide destination. The concept was born out of the growing demand for a modern boutique hotel experience that caters to discerning adult travelers. At our Santa Maria Suites hotel which offers two-bedroom suites, we were regularly seeing couples traveling without children who desired a one-bedroom layout and a private and more romantic setting, said Marc L. Meisel, CEO of Meisel Holdings in referring to another of the companys Key West hotels which was named #17 in the country by Trip Advisor. H20 Suites is the answer to that demand, offering a tranquil retreat infused with high quality and service thats in proximity to the energy and excitement of Old Town Key West. Designed with modern decor and high-style furnishings, H2Os 22 suites feature a private balcony or patio to enjoy tropical courtyard views and gentle sea breezes, individual plunge pools with 11 of the suites, a living area with a plush sofa and wet bar to relax and unwind, a spa-inspired bath with Italian marble and glass rainfall shower to help revive your senses, a luxurious king-size bed and two flat screen TVs. The hotels relaxing vibe extends to the stunning rooftop deck where panoramic vistas of Old Town Key West, a refreshing pool, comfortable lounges, tropical libations from the Roof Top bar and poolside tapas enhance the quiet, island life ambiance. For those looking to recharge with a wellness experience in paradise, a fitness center features state-of-the-art cardio equipment, free weights, and resistance and fitness training equipment. Complimentary Champagne with Chambord upon first arrival, daily Mimosas and Bloody Marys at the Roof Top Pool, and red and white wine selections with assorted tapas help set the relaxing, resort-inspired mood at the hotel, while H2Os 24-hour Concierge embodies the hotels commitment to impeccable service. From making reservations at the islands hottest cuisine destinations to booking fishing, sailing or diving adventures to recommending secret hideaways only the locals know about, H20s Concierge will help guests make incredible memories of their island getaway. When adventure does call, guests at H20 Suites are within walking distance of the islands white sand beaches, historic landmarks and legendary nightlife. Dining favorites offering up hand-rolled sushi to casual al fresco meals to seafood specialties await, while live music, a Key West hallmark, can be found at numerous venues. When the night ends, guests can retreat back to the sanctuary of their luxurious H2O suite, where nightly turndown service includes frozen Dove ice cream bars, locally fresh baked muffins and Ghirardelli chocolates. For more information on H2O Suites, visit www.H2OSuites.com, or call toll-free: 855- H2O-KWST. The hotel is located at 1212 Simonton Street, Key West, Florida 33040. ABOUT MEISEL HOLDINGS Meisel Holdings is a Maryland-based organization with over fifty years of experience in virtually every aspect of commercial real estate investment, management and finance with an emphasis on real estate acquisition, construction and development. Meisel Holdings Hotel division has been involved in ownership of several resort hotels and condominiums in the Florida Keys and in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Hotels vary from offering limited services to those providing restaurants, lounges, on and off-site catering and event services. The Company engages in all facets of the projects including construction, development and management, with Meisel Holdings Managed Services managing all of the companys hotel properties. Meisel Holdings LLC, through its principals, has been involved in the Key West hospitality industry for decades. Joel Meisel, founding principal of Meisel Holdings, entered the Key West hospitality market in 1988, purchasing the Casa Marina Resort and operated the 311-room property under the Marriott flag. Shortly thereafter Meisel Holdings expanded their presence in Key West, purchasing the 149-room Reach Resort which was also run as a Marriott resort. During ownership of the two properties, they were considered premiere resort destination hotels. In 2005, the Key West Santa Maria Motel was acquired. Focusing on the repositioning of the asset, the property was demolished except for the historic lobby building, which was renovated and is now home to Ambrosia Restaurant. The hotel was resurrected in 2007 as a luxury condominium complex consisting of all two bedroom suites. Meisel Holdings maintains control of a majority of the condominium units and the property is currently operated as a condominium hotel, managed by Meisel Holdings. Additional information can be found on the companys website: www.meiselholdings.com Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove Hotel Sold for for $36.0 million Hersha Hospitality Trust (NYSE: HT) announced the Company acquired the 115-room Ritz-Carlton in Coconut Grove, Miami, FL for $36.0 million. We are pleased to acquire The Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove at an attractive basis, capitalizing on recent dislocation in the Miami lodging market. It is exceptional real estate in the highest growth, highest barrier submarket in Miami. Timing is particularly good as the blocks around the hotel are being transformed with high profile luxury residential just across the street, the retail redevelopment of CocoWalk blocks from the hotel, and high quality office development in the Grove. The increasing density in this sought after neighborhood will allow us to drive more profits from the spa, restaurant and bar. The hotels impressive meeting space benefits from the growth of the health care, University, and corporate sector in Coral Gables and South Miami. We intend to breathe fresh air into this unique, waterfront urban resort. We will add three rooms, reinvent the restaurant with an exciting new operator, recreate a destination cocktail bar, enhance the spa, and refresh the guestroom experience. Post-renovation, our basis in the hotel will remain well below replacement cost. We have been owners and operators in Miami for five years and own and operate six hotels in the market, and believe the Ritz Coconut Grove offers a great location, a very high quality hotel, and a clear line of sight to increased profitability and a higher profile in the local market, stated Mr. Neil H. Shah, Hershas President and Chief Operating Officer. The Company funded the acquisition with proceeds from the recent sale of the Residence Inn Greenbelt, MD as part of a tax-deferred like-kind exchange. In addition, the seller of The Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove provided financing to the Company with an installment note for $3.5 million. The Company expects The Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove to stabilize at an 8.0% - 8.5% yield on gross invested capital. Mr. Shah continued, The business plan is similar to the Ritz Carlton Georgetown or The Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia. The Company acquired The Rittenhouse Hotel in March 2012, and undertook capital improvements and local asset management strategies. In addition to five new luxury suites and two additional guestrooms, we introduced The Rittenhouse Spa & Club, and created the Library Bar and the Mary Cassatt Tea Room, and opened the acclaimed restaurant, Scarpetta. From a revenue management perspective, we significantly increased ADR, corporate group business, and direct to consumer digital marketing to position the hotel as the clear RevPAR leader in Philadelphia. For full-year 2017, The Rittenhouse is expected to deliver a 9.2% yield on gross invested capital. As important, we restored its iconic luxury position in the minds of travelers and locals alike. We expect to have similar success in Georgetown and Coconut Grove. The AAA Four-Diamond Ritz-Carlton is prominently situated on 3.4 acres, across the street from the Companys 140-room Residence Inn, and one-half block from the waterfront at the intersection of SW 27th and Tigertail Avenues in Coconut Grove. The hotel is part of a two tower, 22-story residential-hotel condominium complex that opened in 2002. In addition to the hotels 115 rooms, the Ritz-Carlton features 14,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, a restaurant, bar, a destination spa, fitness center, retail space, center and approximately 8,000 sq. ft. of leasable office space. The hotel has exclusive rights to 172 of the complexs 458-space parking deck, pool, as well as all exterior courtyard and event space. Hersha Hospitality Trust (HT) is a self-advised real estate investment trust in the hospitality sector, which owns and operates high quality upscale hotels in urban gateway markets. The Company's 53 hotels totaling 7,943 rooms are located in New York, Washington, DC, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami and select markets on the West Coast. The Company's common shares are traded on The New York Stock Exchange under the ticker HT. Tags : communication interaction engagement Full-time employees are encouraged to take advantage of their employers healthcare coverage and wellness perks, but navigating an organizations benefits package can be complex. Many employers offer a suite of benefits including medical, vision, dental and retirement plans which employees are left to manage based on their personal needs. Given this intricate web of options, employers need much more than a one-size-fits-all approach to communicating health benefits information. To effectively engage employees in their healthcare benefits decisions, employers must first understand the current state of workplace benefits communication. As recent research shows, the communication channels employees prefer most dont always match HR and benefits managers assumptions. Despite the proliferation of smartphones, video conferencing tools and collaboration apps in the workplace, technology should be treated as a complement, not a replacement, for human interactions when discussing health and well-being programs. Employees Seek Human Interaction and Communication Options A new report released by Wests Health Advocate Solutions reveals the communication channels employers use to raise benefits awareness dont always align with what employees truly want. Employees preferences for receiving information about health and benefits options are by no means static, but workers tend... Have you ever experienced any type of a change in an organization that was not accepted by others? If you answered yes you are not alone. Change in an organization is almost unavoidable and part of an employees job that may be the hardest to accept (Erwin & Garman, 2010). Employees handle change differently and remaining positive during the change process may be difficult for some (Parlea-Buzatu, 2011). Remaining positive throughout the change process helps reduce stress and helps avoid contracting the vocalizing aspect of Tourette syndrome. Trust and communication between leadership and employees is an important element to overall commitment of the change occurring in the organization. Change models may help leaders understand how employees will respond to changes and aid in a successful change process. One change model discusses a three-stage change process that explains anticipation, implementation, and aftermath. Anticipation describes the awareness employees have of the impending changes, implementation describes the uncertainties of the changes, and aftermath describes the typical negativity that follows the changes (Paulsen et al., 2005). As an example, one state transportation organization has dealt with numerous glitches while implementing a current change in Human Resources Management Systems (HRMS). The first glitch occurred when the rollout of the new system was delayed two months from original implementation date. The next glitch occur... Research by John Kotter in 1996 found that only one in three change programs succeed. Since then, many other researchers have confirmed this statistic. The reasons for failed change are many. People are naturally inclined to defend the status quo, employees dont understand what is in it for them, change is managed haphazardly, and perhaps most importantly, leaders fail to embrace and role model the change. If you are a leader seeking to drive change, what can you do to make sure you are aiding, rather than impairing the change process? 1. Look within. It is our natural tendency to take credit for things that go well to our own talents and efforts, and to avoid taking responsibility for mistakes or problems. In psychology this phenomenon is called the self-serving bias. While the self-serving bias is helpful in that it protects our self-esteem, it can also lead to lack of self-awareness. In other words, we tend to think we are better at most things than everyone else. As a leader this can be problematic in your ability to be a role model for change. If you think you are doing well, but it is everyone else that needs to change, you are less likely to model new behaviors (after all, why do you need to change if you are already providing the best customer service/quality/fill-in-the-blank?!). Start any change process by asking yourself and others how you can be better at what you are trying to do differently. Role modeling this process will make it ok for others to a... Do Directors have an oversight responsibility for workplace culture? Recent legislative, enforcement and compliance trends all suggest that corporate directors should focus on workplace culture and corporate compliance. Shareholder activists have shown increasing willingness to pursue actions to hold directors responsible when corporate scandal and executive misconduct impair shareholder value. Further, with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Acts bounty program promising million-dollar incentives for whistleblowers who report corporate misconduct to the SEC and employee mistrust of management at an all-time high, those charged with steering the corporate ship cannot afford to ignore employee perceptions and on-the-ground effectiveness of compliance resources. It is widely accepted that directors oversee the organizations strategy. To do so, directors must understand how corporate culture and strategy interact in ways that affect organizational performance. To illustrate, Bain & Companys 2011 Great Repeatable Model Study highlighted one way in which culture can impact the implementation of strategic goals: executives charge that managers are too risk averse. Yet, the executives do not know or appreciate that the managers risk aversion is often born of mistrust or the perception that support is lacking from those very executives. As part of their responsibility to oversee the CEO and organizational strategy... Employers have various tools and remedies available to them to prevent departing employees from misappropriating confidential information, soliciting customers and employees, and usurping corporate opportunities. Employers can require employees to sign agreements that contain restrictive covenants not to compete, not to solicit the employers customers or employees, and not to use or disclose confidential information. The laws governing restrictive covenants vary from state to state. Generally the more restrictive the covenant, the more difficult it may be to enforce. 1. Confidentiality/Trade Secret Restrictions Employers have the right to insist that employees sign confidentiality or nondisclosure agreements upon hiring. Even if an employee does not sign such an agreement at the time of initial employment, the employer may require that mid-term employees sign confidentiality agreements if the employees are provided consideration. In order for the covenant to be enforceable, the employer must have a protectable interest in the information that is the subject of the restriction. In most instances, information relating to the employers customers, marketing strategies, financial information, and information that allows a company to compete effectively with its competitors is protectable. In addition, a company must make reasonable efforts to maintain the secrecy of the information that it contends is confidential. In contrast, information tha... Want to avoid unnecessary risk when deciding whether or not to hire someone with a criminal record? The key is having a well-thought-out hiring policy in placeone that encompasses five must-have compliance steps. You already know that conducting a criminal background check is a vital step in making intelligent hiring decisions. But what should you do when a job candidates background check reveals a criminal record? Here are five compliance steps that will help you make the best hiring decisions and avoid legal dangers: STEP 1 Legal Considerations: Are Your Hiring Practices at Risk? As the country continues to pull itself out of an economic slump, the competition for jobs remains fierce and candidates are more likely to seek legal recourse when they are not hired. If your candidate has a criminal background, the first step is to educate yourself on the top legal issues that could land you in court. Your focus should be on compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and anti-discrimination laws. Common areas for FCRA litigation include the appropriate written authorization and disclosures, the timing of conducting a background check (it must be after obtaining authorization and disclosure), and accuracy under the FCRA. Your screening provider should have resources including forms and required notices to keep you in compliance with the FCRA. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) published updated guidance on employers&... Insurance Back European Commission: The price cap of MTPL premiums in ROMANIA is not in line with EU law The European Commission pointed out in the most recent Country Report that the Romanian Government decision regarding the maximum tariffs for the mandatory car insurance premiums (MTPL) is not in line with the EU legislation, including the provisions of the Solvency II Directive. "This intervention in the price setting of insurance premiums in the absence of a general system of price control does not appear to be in line with EU law, in particular with the provisions of the Solvency II directive", as the European Commission stated in the report. At the same time, "the measure is also likely to aggravate current distortions and put further pressure, in the short term, on the profit generation capacity of insurers". Last year, the Romanian Government decided to introduce maximum tarrifs for MTPL policies. The tarrifs were calculated by the Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF) and take into account on the engine capacity, the car type and owner's age. These maximum prices (which became effective on 17 November 2016) are applied for a period of six months, as the Government decided. "The cap on insurance premiums, which became effective on 17 November 2016, was triggered by the increase in these premiums inter alia due to measures taken to address shortcomings identified during the 2015 balance sheet review and stress test. The government argues that the increase is the corollary of a distortion in competition as two main insures exited the market and passed an emergency ordinance to cap the insurance premiums for 6 months. The maximum caps on the premiums were calibrated by the Financial Supervisory Authority and adopted by government decision in November 2016". At the same time, the European Commission states that the initiative of the Chamber of Deputies where were proposed changes to the legal framework of ASF, breaks the rules of international best practice. "The Chamber of Deputies initiated a proposal to amend the legal framework of the Financial Supervisory Authority. The proposal includes new provisions on revoking the mandate of the Authority's board members, which is not in line with international good practices and have implications for supervisory independence. In addition, Parliament launched the procedure to revoke the mandate of the President (Misu NEGRITOIU) of the Financial Supervisory Authority following measures taken after the 2015 balance sheet review and stress test of the insurance sector to address shortcomings related to compulsory car insurance. This is an indication of political pressure brought in response to supervisory actions and limits the independence of supervisors". Author: Vlad BOLDIJAR on 23.02.2017 Archive Comment this article 0 comments Atention! "Comment" and "E-mail" are mandatory Name: If you are logged on and you do not fill in your name, will be used the name that you used when you registered If you are not logged on, your name will appear preceded by '(Anonymous)'. For authentication, click here If you are logged on and you do not fill in your name, will be used the name that you used when you registered E-mail: Comment: < 10.000 car. Fill in the code from the image: Workplace bullying presents a wide variety of risks to employers, including decreased employee productivity and workplace violence as well as potential lawsuits for emotional distress and negligent hiring. Therefore, it is critical for employers to be proactive and take all necessary measures to develop and implement workplace policies and procedures to eliminate workplace bullying and abusive behavior. In order to prevent workplace bullying, employers should take the following steps: Step 1: Understand What Bullying Is Bullying occurs when an individual uses strength or influence to intimidate another individual, typically to force a desired act or result. Generally speaking, bullying is any activity that is meant to diminish or disempower another individual and any use of aggressive, hostile, abusive or unreasonable conduct against a co-worker or subordinate. Bullying can involve physical threats, hostile or taunting words, or any action intended to interfere with an employees work. Bullying may be deemed actionable discrimination and/or harassment if directed toward a member of a protected class. Bullying is different from ordinary workplace stress because it is intentional, repetitive, severe and enduring, often resulting in a pattern of abusive behavior. Further, there is usually a disparity in power between the bully and his or her victim. Bullying at work can take the form of actions that are: Repetitive and frequent; Threatening, agg... Rocked by soaring costs, including skyrocketing increases in health insurance premiums, employers are desperate to manage and, hopefully, limit whatever costs they can. Many employers have begun to look to the lifestyle choices of their employees and how those choices might influence their cost of doing business. One lifestyle choice with hugely adverse effects, not just on the cost of health insurance but also on the business itself, is smoking and the use of other tobacco products. Numerous studies have focused on smoking and its deleterious effects, not just on the smokers own health, but on his or her productivity as an employee, and the results are shocking. A study of 20,000 employees revealed that smokers had more hospital visits per 1,000 (124 vs. 76), had a longer average length of stay in the hospital (6.5 vs. 5 days) and made six more visits to health care facilities per year than non-smokers. Another recent study found that smokers missed an average of 6.16 days of work per year, as opposed to the 3.86 days missed by non-smokers, and that a smoker taking four 10-minute smoke breaks actually worked one month less over the course of a year than a non-smoking employee. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that each smoking employee costs a company an additional $3,391 per year including $1,760 in lost productivity and $1,623 in excess medical expenses. So, smoking employees seem to be an excellent target to help an employer manage its ... Whenever I see diversity in a New York Times article headline, I perk up. But, when the word dishonesty is also in the tile, I am intrigued. In Sundays paper, one of my favorite columnists, Ross Douthat created a dissonance for me. Somehow, he managed to opine on three really big news items that dealt with vastly different aspects of diversity and rolled them all into one article: the anti-marriage equality CEO resigning from Mozilla; Brandeis withdrawing its invitation to Hirsi to be a graduation speaker; and Sandra Korns proposal to ending research at Harvard that furthers sex, race, and other forms of oppression. He challenged how liberals have hijacked diversity, and charged that our cultures bias against social conservatives trump free expression. Ultimately, Mr. Douthat argued that its dishonest to punish conservatives in the name of diversity when they express views that run counter to our cultures liberal majority. Had diversity gotten to the point that it has become ideological rhetoric that scours the right wing of its beliefs instead of including these voices in our workplaces, schools, and government? In the name of diversity and inclusion, Brendan Eich resigned under pressure from the Mozilla board because he has supported groups that oppose marriage equality. Doesnt diversity also give Mr. Eich the right to have an opinion about marriage that does not cost ... The enforcement of compliance for employment eligibility and verification laws, also known as Form I-9 compliance, is expected to intensify this year. Businesses of every size, in every industry across the nation are in jeopardy of facing hefty fines and penalties, due to non-compliance of the federal Form I-9 mandates. Enforcement is intensifying In 2013, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) started a new wave of Form I-9 compliance audits, targeting more than 1,000 companies across the nation. Fines resulting from ICE audits have increased by 1,200% over the last five years. The actual number of audits has gone up 1,100%. The total amount of fines charged for an I-9 audit since 2009 has grown from $1.5M to $31.2M (1,980%). The Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General states, Since 2009, ICE has criminally arrested over 700 managers and business owners. In light of the record-breaking fines levied in 2013, Form I-9 audits, fines and arrests for non-compliance are expected to increase at an alarming rate. ICE audits are more demanding ICE audits do not focus solely on the accuracy of an employers Form I-9s. Their Inspection Overview states that employers must update and re-verify employment authorization statuses. This leaves room for disaster, as it can be a very arduous task for HR professionals to properly maintain records and keep them up to date. ICE audits do not focus solely on the acc... The hiring process employees must go through is very important. New hires are given all the important information such as possible pension plans, health insurance, and direct deposit for their paychecks. Employees pay particular attention to these documents because their number one concern is getting paid, and what types of benefits they will be receiving from the employer. This initial paperwork can become overwhelming and many aspects can be overlooked. A very important piece of information that may be taken less seriously than needed is the harassment and discrimination policy that employees must read and sign. This policy is important because it describes the types of harassment and discrimination, the way to file a complaint about the improper behavior, and also the consequences associated with such behavior. These policies should always be written with great detail to include all the important aspects of harassment and discrimination. Harassment has a direct effect on the work environment and also employees performance. Harassment is conduct that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment; that unreasonably interferes with the individuals work; or that adversely affects the individuals employment opportunities (Jackson, Schuler & Werner, 2012). If employees feel they are in danger or uncomfortable in the workplace, there will be an effect on the way they perform their tasks. It is in the best interest o... Camp Bob Marshall under federal jurisdiction in the Black Hills serves youngsters from 195 tribes and could be administered by the state of South Dakota if a land-swap occurs. Campers take lessons in hoop dancing, drum making, bead working, and sporting activities. Photo: Indian Youth of America Tribal chairs asked to volunteer as advisers on land-grab By Talli NaumanNative Sun News TodayHealth & Environment Editor PIERRE Before South Dakotas nine tribal chairs could respond to a letter asking their participation on an advisory committee for a state takeover of federally administered Bismarck Lake , Camp Bob Marshall and Little Spearfish Canyon campgrounds in the Black Hills, the governors office withdrew its request to the Legislature for $2.5 million enabling the proposal. However, the tribes top elected officials still have a chance to weigh in on it, as a private contract for the states master plan on the takeover will go forward with a goal of reaching its conclusion by September, according to participants. Granted, we were a little late in contacting tribal government leaders, said South Dakota Tribal Liaison Officer Ron Skates, citing the process of getting all the information we needed in the state Tribal Relations Department. However, he told the Native Sun News Today on February 13, The letters went out last week to each of the individual chairmen asking them if they were interested in serving on the committee. The Legislatures Joint Appropriations Committee, in response to the governors about-face on Senate Bill 114, voted unanimously February 15 to table the proposal to make an appropriation to the Department of Game, Fish and Parks to provide for the purchase and land exchange of properties held by the Office of School and Public Lands and to declare an emergency. The bill asked the Legislature to declare the emergency in order to approve a $2.5-million layout to buy grasslands and badlands from the public schools for an exchange with the U.S. Forest Service. A related bill in the U.S. Congress enabling the National Forest system to take part in the scheme died in 2016, but its sponsor South Dakota Sen. John Thune wants to reintroduce it. Watchdogs of the controversial arrangement warned that the recent action in the state capital puts the measure to rest but not necessarily for good. It's not over, but we have some breathing room. Time to build a war chest and organize, said an administrator of a social media site named Spearfish Canyon Bismarck Lake Land Grab. The sites motto is We oppose the State of South Dakota's backdoor land-grab of high-value National Forest lands in Spearfish Canyon and at Bismarck Lake. Read the rest of the story on the Native Sun News Today website: Tribal chairs asked to volunteer as advisers on land-grab' (Contact Talli Nauman at talli.nauman@gmail.org) Copyright permission Native Sun News Join the Conversation Indianapolis, Indiana A patent lawyer for Eli Lilly and Company of Indianapolis, Indiana, Eli Lilly Export S.A. of Geneva, Switzerland and Acrux DDS, Pty Ltd. of West Melbourne, Australia filed an intellectual property lawsuit in the Southern District of Indiana. Two Defendants are listed, TWi Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of Paramus, New Jersey and TWi Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. of Taipei, Taiwan. In a 28-count complaint, Defendants are accused of infringing seven patents by filing an Abbreviated New Drug Application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for approval of a generic version of the pharmaceutical product Axiron before the expiration of the patents under which the drug is protected. The patents at issue in this litigation are U.S. Patent Nos. 8,435,944; 8,993,520; 9,180,194; 8,419,307; 8,177,449; 8,807,861 and 9,289,586. The counts against Defendants include direct patent infringement, inducement to infringe and contributory infringement as well as counts requesting declaratory judgment. Lilly et al. are seeking declaratory relief, injunctive relief, costs and attorney fees. This litigation was assigned to District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt and Magistrate Judge Matthew P. Brookman in the Southern District as Case no. 1:17-cv-00491-TWP-MPB. Complaint Burma Arakanese Politicians Threaten to Boycott Panglong Peace Conference ALP vice chairwoman Daw Saw Mra Yaza Lin and ANP chairman Dr. Aye Maung lead a meeting on Tuesday in Sittwe, Arakan State. / RPL / Facebook RANGOON Arakanese politicians say they will boycott the upcoming 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference unless the government approves a national-level political dialogue for Arakan State. In early February, the governments Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC) decided not to allow national-level dialogues for two nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) signatory groupsthe Chin National Front (CNF) and the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP). After the decision came out, Chin political parties and civil society organizations (CSOs) objected immediately to the governments determination. Then on Feb. 14, the UPDJC reversed itself and announced that the CNF could hold a national-level political dialogue in Chin State. However, as of Thursday, the UPDJC still had not granted permission to the ALP, despite the limited amount of time before the Panglong conference starts in March. On Tuesday, representatives of the ALP, the Arakan National Party (ANP), and Arakanese CSOs gathered in the state capital Sittwe to explain the current status of the peace process in a public meeting. But many Arakanese residents misunderstood the purpose of the meeting, which they saw as an attempt to start a national-level dialogue without inviting all the local stakeholders. Arakan State is still not permitted to hold the national-level dialogue, and the government has given no concrete reason why this is the case. We strongly disagree with the governments position, and we plan to boycott the Union Peace Conference unless they change their mind, said ANP official U Aung Mra Kyaw, who attended the meeting in Sittwe. The national-level political dialogues are meant to serve as preparation for NCA-signatory groups, such as the ALP, to take input from their regional stakeholders so they can voice their concerns at the Union Peace Conference. But before a national-level dialogue can start, UPDJC rules require the government to form a state supervisory committee, which contains representatives from ethnic armed groups, political parties, elected lawmakers, and the army. So far, the UPDJC has avoided making a recommendation on Arakan State. At the national-level dialogue, stakeholders are allowed to focus on four discussion topics: politics, the economy, social affairs, and land and environmental issues. The topic of security is left to be negotiated at the Union-level dialogue in Naypyidaw. ALP vice chairwoman Daw Saw Mra Yaza Lin pointed out that the government should provide the same opportunities to every NCA-signatory group. But if the government ignores the ALPs request for national-level dialogue, she said, that would violate the terms of the NCA. Dont discriminate against us. We are an NCA-signatory group, said Daw Saw Mra Yaza Lin. Although the 48 members of the UPDJC make recommendations about which groups can hold the national-level political dialogues, the final decision is made by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, according to a senior official in the National Reconciliation and Peace Center (NRPC) who asked The Irrawaddy for anonymity. Moreover, within the UPDJC, there is a 15-member secretariat committee which is tasked with analysing the political climate between the ALP, other armed groups, and Arakanese political parties. In the case of the ALP, neither the 15-person secretariat nor the 48-member UPDJC has yet offered a recommendation to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. According to the NRPC senior official, the UPDJC is dragging its feet on a decision about the ALP. The same senior official pointed out that in other locations controlled by ethnic armed groupssuch as in Shan, Karen, and Chin states, Tenasserim Division, and Taungoo Townshipthe UPDJC has already granted permission to hold national-level dialogues. The 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference will go ahead with or without a contribution from Arakan State, the senior official said. But not all of the disagreements will be resolved in Naypyidaw, and there will be a need for many additional meetings in the future. We told the ALP just to be patient for a while, the NRPC official said. Burma Complaints Filed Against Nearly 150 NLD Lawmakers in Parliaments First Year Lawmakers attend a meeting at the Lower House of Burmas Parliament in Naypyidaw on March 10, 2016. / Soe Zeya Tun / Reuters RANGOON The ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) has received complaints against around 150 lawmakers in the first year of the new Parliament, according to the partys section which handles such complaints. We received complaints against nearly 150 lawmakers. We have been investigating and have given serious warnings to some lawmakers, Dr. Myo Nyunt, chairman of the complaint section, told The Irrawaddy. Most of the complaints previously resulted from the strained relations between lawmakers and the NLDs central executive committee members, he said. Yet most of the current complaints are related to the management of the 100 million kyat regional development funds, the chairman added. In March 2014, the Union Parliament approved a development fund bill that would allot 100 million kyats (US$102,000) to each of Burmas 330 townships annually. There were complaints about lawmakers embezzlement of funds. But, no complainant has so far been able to prove them, he said. He said there were also complaints against parliamentary speakers, deputy speakers and ministers. But when we questioned the complainants, we found contradictions in their allegations. So, we dont even need to question the defendants, he said. In one high-profile case, Mon State chief minister U Min Min Oo resigned from his position as well as from the party on Saturday, following a scandal over alleged corruption and his performance. Meanwhile, the NLD is also conducting an internal investigation into Tenasserim Division parliamentary speaker U Khin Maung Aye, and his deputy. In November 2016, the NLD dismissed five of its lawmakers from their parliamentary committee posts, citing misconduct. Most of the current complaints are against lawmakers in Rangoon, Irrawaddy, Pegu and Magwe divisions. There were fewer complaints against lawmakers in Burmas ethnic states. Maybe it is because constituents [in those areas] have difficulties filing complaints, Dr. Myo Nyunt speculated. The NLD has also formed a committee to assess the performance and actions of lawmakers and to submit the individual assessment reports to the partys chief executive committee, said Dr. Myo Nyunt. However, the issue is classified as an intra-party affair and therefore information will not be made public, he added. NLD candidates will contest for 18 of 19 vacant parliamentary seats in the upcoming by-election. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko Romania: CertAsig identifies 3 micro-trends for specialised corporate insurance products in 2017 Corporate insurer CertAsig, which has over a decade of experience in insuring corporate clients in a wide range of diverse fields, in Romania and several other CEE countries, identifies 3 types of specialised insurance products that companies in Romania will discover in 2017. Key 2017 trend: liability insurance for IT developers and consultants There are over 14,000 IT development & consultancy companies in Romania, which collectively generate a turnover in excess of EUR 4 billion and employ more than 75,000 professionals in Romania. "Less than an estimated 10% of these 14.000 IT companies have any type of professional liability insurance, which is however a standard requirement from potential foreign clients. If they want to expand internationally and compete for more substantial and more profitable projects, Romanian IT companies will simply have to be prepared and accurately insured", says James GRINDLEY, CEO and President of the Board of CertAsig. Increasingly, IT consultants are more exposed to the legal consequences of dissatisfied clients. In the case of system failures, data loss, or IT security issues and their consequences, IT developers are liable to pay significant compensation to unhappy clients, not to mention loss of revenue. Specialised insurance products for IT companies cover many potential risks, such as accidental negligence leading to financial damage to the consultant's client, costs of potential compensation payable to clients (in the event of negligent activity or advice), reimbursement of client fees if clients refuses to settle outstanding fees, legal defence costs etc. The insurance cover can even be extended to legal agents or sub-contractors of the insured IT consultant. 2017 trend: Wind parks insurance Wind parks are a growing industry in Romania, representing now approximately 6% of the total energy production in Romania (according to centralised Transelectrica data). Wind parks are exposed to many types of physical risks, already well covered by specialised property & engineering insurance products. In addition, CertAsig announces the launching of a new insurance product for wind farms, covering Wind Resource Volatility . CertAsig is one of the few insurers in Romania to offer cover for wind farm companies from the potential loss of income in case of adverse wind conditions (high and low). "As renewable energy continues to grow, so too does the financial risk posed by the inherent volatility of the resources that make it possible. Our new product, developed in partnership with one of the world most renowned reinsurance companies, Swiss Re, enables operators and investors in wind parks to receive steady revenue from their wind farms. Therefore, they are able to concentrate on growing their business without worrying about adverse weather effects". 2017 question mark: forestry and standing timber insurance One of the more controversial industries in Romania, forest and standing timber exploitation, is still a question mark in terms of these companies' demand and acquisition of insurance cover. "We have noticed a significant increase in interest from owners or companies active in forestry and standing timber exploitation, but insurance penetration of forestry insurance remains surprisingly low. For these companies, CertAsig provides core cover for fire, lightning, explosions and impact of aircraft. Additional risks which we can cover include adverse weather (wind, cyclone, hail, frost, snow and ice), landslides and floods, fire-fighting expenses etc.", adds James GRINDLEY. "On the corporate insurance market, we see 2017 as a year of increased maturity for companies, in terms of fully understanding what insurance can do for their businesses: aside from providing protection from various risks, specialised insurance products can also enable companies to be more competitive and to meet standards when trying to gain more clients. In addition to this, CertAsig's specialised insurance products can help companies improve their revenue stability and overall financial results", adds James GRINDLEY, CertAsig's CEO. CertAsig's strategy is to exclusively target companies, for which it develops insurance products specialised for their specific industries, via insurance brokers in Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. Over 5.000 companies insure their factories, buildings, equipment, merchandise, employees, contracts or ongoing business with CertAsig. More than 95% of insured companies chose CertAsig's products through insurance brokers. CertAsig is a Romanian insurance company, whose majority shareholder is Royalton Capital Investors II, a private equity investment fund based in Luxemburg, active in Romania, Poland, Slovakia, Turkey, Solvenia, Lithuania and the Czech Republic. The main investors of Royalton Capital Investors II include Alpha Associates, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Fund (EIF). Author: Adina TUDOR on 23.02.2017 Archive Comment this article 0 comments Atention! "Comment" and "E-mail" are mandatory Name: If you are logged on and you do not fill in your name, will be used the name that you used when you registered If you are not logged on, your name will appear preceded by '(Anonymous)'. For authentication, click here If you are logged on and you do not fill in your name, will be used the name that you used when you registered E-mail: Comment: < 10.000 car. Fill in the code from the image: Burma Pa-O Political Dialogue Calls for a Secular State The first Pa-O national-level political dialogue. / Pa-O National Dialogue Page RANGOON The Pa-O ethnic people decided during their national-level political dialogue to present the idea of a secular state at the upcoming 21st Century Panglong conference. We agree that we should keep religion and politics separate, said U Khun Tun Shwe, vice-chairman of the dialogue organizing committee. Even in our Pa-O ethnic group, some people believe in Christianity and some in Buddhism, and their political views may therefore differ as well, not to mention the whole country. The political dialogue was held in Hopong in the Pa-O Self-Administered Zone in Shan State from Feb. 16-20. Article 34 of Chapter 1 of the 2008 military-drafted Constitution states that every citizen is equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess and practice religion subject to public order, morality and health and to the other provisions of this constitution. Critics note that religion and politics are muddled in Burmas political landscape, as politics have long been dominated by Bamar Buddhists while some ethnic minorities practice other religions. The dialogue resulted in 12 agreed-upon points, including that there should be new states in a future federal Union and that no parts of the Union shall secede. The agreements of the Pa-O ethnic political dialogue are the consensus of the Pa-O people and will be put forward at the 21st Century Panglong Conference, said U Khun Tun Shwe. The dialogue was led by the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO), a signatory group to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) Under the NCA framework, signatories can submit the results of their national-level political dialogues to be discussed at the Union Peace Conference or 21st Century Panglong. NCA signatories are expected to discuss five topics at their political dialoguespolitics, security, economics, social affairs, and land and natural resourcesand submit the meeting results to the secretarial body of the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC). Then, the five work committees of the UDPJC will discuss each topic and decide what to submit to the Union Peace Conference for discussion. The 21st Century Panglong Conference was originally scheduled for Feb. 28 but because of upcoming national-level political dialogues, the conference was postponed until March. About 1,100 delegates from the PNLO, Pa-O National Organization, Pa-O ethnic parties, Pa-O Literature and Culture Association, and civil society organizations attended the Pa-O political dialogue. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko. Burma President Accepts Resignation of Mon State Chief Minister U Min Min Oo attends a ceremony marking the ground plan for a school, supported by the Shwe Taung Company, on December 12, 2016 in a Kyaikto village. / Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy President U Htin Kyaw allowed the Mon State Chief minister U Min Min Oo to voluntarily resign from his position as well as from that of the state minister for municipal development and construction on Thursday afternoon. U Min Min Oo publicly announced his resignation from the post on Saturday, Feb. 18, making him the first minister in the nearly one-year-old National League for Democracy (NLD) government to quit voluntarily. U Min Min Oo told The Irrawaddy on Thursday that he would also resign from his position as a regional lawmaker for Bilin Constituency No. 2, which he won in the November 2015 election. I am going to send the resignation letter from the parliamentary position to the Mon State parliament on Friday, he said. He said he would also be leaving the NLD, but would not leave politics behind and would be always ready whenever [his] help is needed. U Min Min Oo said he just want[s] to live in peace, adding that since he took office, he had been under anxieties. Despite his absence for the two key posts, he said he had made preparations to fill the gaps created by his resignation, particularly in drafting the budgets, for the next fiscal year. Some of U Min Min Oos constituents traveled this week to the chief ministers office and asked him not to leave his posts, but he said he had already made up his mind. The deputy speaker of the state parliament speaker also urged him, earlier this week, to continue serving in the legislature for the sake of the people. If U Min Min Oo leaves his post as a regional lawmaker, the state parliament wont be able to find a replacement for his seat, as the April 1 by-election campaigns have already started. The Mon State parliament has just 31 lawmakers, including the military appointees. The President has not yet appointed a new chief minister, but U Win Htein, spokesperson for the ruling NLD, told reporters on Monday that the party had voted on Dr. Aye Zan, the state lawmaker from Kyaikto Constituency for the post. Burma State Counselor to Attend U Ko Ni Memorial Service U Ko Ni attends the 21st Century Panglong peace conference in Naypyidaw in August 2016. / Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy RANGOON Burmas State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will attend a memorial service in Rangoon on Sunday to mark one month since prominent National League for Democracy (NLD) legal advisor U Ko Ni and taxi driver U Ne Win were shot and killed at Rangoon International Airport on Jan 29, according to NLD sources. Vice chairman of the NLD in Rangoon U Soe Win told The Irrawaddy on Thursday that they arranged the event as the State Counselor had indicated that she felt remiss about the period following U Ko Nis death, when she was preoccupied by the peace process. The ceremony will take place at the Royal Rose restaurant in Bahan Township on Sunday, according to the NLDs press invitation, and will also be attended by Lower House Speaker U Win Myint, Rangoon Division Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein, central executive committee members of the NLD, and U Ko Nis family members. Politicians and international observers criticized Daw Aung San Suu Kyis silence over U Ko Nis death and noted her absence at his funeral. U Ko Ni is credited with creating the position of State Counselor for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as she is barred from the presidency under Article 59(f) of the military-drafted 2008 constitution. The State Counselor has not contacted U Ko Nis grieving family, according to sources close to the family. NLD steering committee member U Nyan Win declined to comment on whether Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had expressed her condolences to U Ko Nis family when contacted by The Irrawaddy. Last week, the Presidents Office named Aung Win Khaing, a former lieutenant colonel in the Burma Army, as the third suspect involved in the assassination. Aung Win Khaing allegedly paid his elder brother Aung Win Zaw 100 million kyats (US$73,000) to kill U Ko Ni, according to a press statement issued by the Presidents Office. The brother Aung Win Zaw then allegedly offered to pay a third man, Kyi Lin, who agreed to shoot the lawyer in exchange for a car. Gunman Kyi Lin was captured by a mob of taxi drivers on the spot on Feb 29. The following day, the police arrested Aung Win Zaw in Karen State and confessed that his brother Aung Win Khaing was behind the assassination plot. Aung Win Khaing remains at large. Burma State Counselor Urges Compromise in Union Day Speech State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi signs a guestbook at Panglong Monument after delivering the Union Day speech on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017. / Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy PANGLONG, Shan State While delivering the 70th Union Day address to a crowd in Panglong, Shan State on Sunday, State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi asked all of the remaining armed ethnic groups to sign the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) so that they may fully take part in the Union Peace Conference at the end of February. Twice in her 30-minute speech, the State Counselor requested and encouraged the armed ethnic groups to courageously and self-confidently sign the NCA. Id like to reiterate my request to our ethnic armed groups who have not signed the NCA: Sign the text now, and join the 21st Century Panglong. I believe we can achieve peace together with our courage, she said. Only eight ethnic armed groups signed the NCA in October 2015, although 16 groups took part in drafting the NCA text through the ethnic Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT). Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who also serves as chairwoman of the National Peace and Reconciliation Center (NRPC), stressed that self-confidence is the key for undertaking initiatives that will benefit future generations. We all say that trust is needed to achieve peace. And genuine trust, many people say, means that we must build trust amongst the various fighting groups. But when I reflect on this challenge, I find that self-confidence is the very first need. If we find our self-confidence, then there should be no one who will not join the 21st Century Panglong conference, she said. The State Counselor highlighted the importance of Panglong townnot only for Shan State, but for the entire countrybecause of the role that Panglong played when political leaders met here in 1947 to lay the foundations of national unity. If we study the Panglong agreement, we see that it was based on the basic ideas of consultation, discussion, and negotiation to achieve agreement, she said. Todays celebration of the 70th Union Day is not just a ceremony in Panglong; it is our history, said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. We are trying to achieve a historic task. If we can make this Union stronger, then the benefits will pass on to future generations. Since Independence, we have never achieved peace throughout the country. We have always been at war in one location or another. But today we have an opportunity as well as a responsibility to end this, she said. Following her speech, the State Counselor held public talks with twelve ethnic representatives from Kachin, Karen, Kayah, Chin, Mon, Arakan, and Burman groups. Their discussion touched on the challenges and weaknesses in the peace process. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi reiterated to the ethnic representatives that the door for peace remains always open, and she pushed all of the ethnic armed groups to participate in the Panglong conference, where they can negotiate the terms of a federal democratic state. The 21st Century Panglong will serve as a framework to seek solutions through negotiation, she said. We can seek whatever we wish through that framework, but no outcome will be 100 percent guaranteed because every negotiation has to reach some sort of compromise, said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. We are doing this not for our own benefit, but for the sake of the Union. Before, the culture of negotiating solutions has been very weak in our country, and I accept that. But now we are starting the 21st Century Panglong, and everyone is watching. Several ethnic armed groups, and particularly those represented by the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), have not signed the NCA. These groups have continued to argue that they will not take part in the upcoming peace conference if they are relegated to an observer role. But Khun Myint Tun, the leader of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization, said, he is glad to see Daw Aung San Suu Kyi inviting everyone to talk as equals. Daw Aung San Suu Kyis invitation to our brothers who have not signed the NCA is the similar to former peace negotiator U Aung Mins words, from when we started the peace process. [U Aung Min invited all the groups to take part and said they can walk out at any time.] She said the ethnic armed groups can walk out if they are dissatisfied, but they should join the talks first,said Khun Myint Tun. The ethnic groups have repeatedly requested for the 1947 Panglong agreement and Panglong promise be practically implemented. In her speech, the State Counselor did not touch on the issue of the 1947 agreement, leading some observers think that she is ignoring one of their major concerns. Focusing only on the 21st Century Panglong conference is her weakness. Every ethnic group expects action on the [1947] Panglong agreement, and we want to see that implemented, said Sai Aung Myint Oo, a Shan representative who spoke with the State Counselor on Sunday. Her definition of the Panglong promise, the State Counsellor explained, is finding solutions through mutual consultation and collaboration. On that basis, she said, we are inviting everyone to come to the negotiations and to seek solutions through consultation. Some agreed with the State Counselor in the way she highlighted the spiritual importance of the 1947 agreement. We agree that self-confidence is vital for progress, said Nan Mya Thida, a Karen representative. We have to reflect on the good and the bad impacts, and our leaders must make better decisions. For over 70 years, our country has not been able to achieve a harmonious political system that the people can accept. So to achieve that, we must move forward with self-confidence and courage. State Farm Scholars Offer Thanks for Scholarships Representatives from State Farm are pictured with many student recipients at the 2017 State Farm Scholars luncheon. Feb. 23, 2017 BLOOMINGTON, Ill. Many of the 100 students who are currently attending Illinois Wesleyan University as scholarship recipients supported by grants from the State Farm Companies Foundation had the opportunity Feb. 22 to say thank you. Representatives from State Farm, University administrators and officials, and student recipients came together at the annual luncheon celebrating the long-standing ties between State Farm and Illinois Wesleyan. Illinois Wesleyan President Eric Jensen welcomed the attendees, noting we owe a huge debt to State Farm for your support of this institution. Look at the number of students in this room whose lives have been touched by this support, he said. Speaking for State Farm, Kimberly Sterling, operations vice president for State Farm Mutual Automobile, said the company awards 100 scholarships 25 in each class based on merit and financial need. A 1992 graduate of Illinois Wesleyan, Sterling said State Farm is proud to partner with Illinois Wesleyan to help students meet their educational goals. Kimberly Sterling, State Farm Mutual Auto Operations Vice President and 1992 Illinois Wesleyan graduate, spoke on behalf of the company. Sterling said as she has grown in her 25-year career at State Farm, she has come to fully realize the value of Illinois Wesleyans constant pushing when she was a student. She said Illinois Wesleyan is constantly pushing your thinking, pushing you to think broadly, to think deeper, to problem solve, and to help you be thoughtful in your decision making. Anna Kerr-Carpenter 17, a senior anthropology major from Elk Grove, Calif., spoke on behalf of the scholarship recipients. A professional photographer and third-generation Illinois Wesleyan legacy, Kerr-Carpenter told the audience, in many ways, I didnt choose Wesleyan; it chose me, she said. Even though by choosing this school I carried on a family legacy, my time here was completely my own. I grew my passion for people and telling their stories through my camera, as well as fueled my social justice fire. Read Kerr-Carpenter's full remarks In true anthropological fashion, Kerr-Carpenter related the personal stories of some of her fellow scholarship recipients. Yesenia Martinez Calderon 20, a first-generation student studying secondary education and Hispanic Studies, said her presence on campus is the result of her parents hard work and noted she plans to return to Chicago to help students who, like her, had to go through the college application process alone. Ruth Tadesse 19, an International Studies major from Ethiopia, appreciates the liberal arts education she is receiving at Illinois Wesleyan because it is making her a more well rounded person. Ojaswee Shreshta 18, an environmental studies major from Nepal, believes her Illinois Wesleyan education is giving her the tools to use scientific advancements to combat environmental issues affecting her land and people. This is why State Farms contribution to our education is so important, said Kerr-Carpenter. Scholarships like this one allow Illinois Wesleyan to continue to thrive and bring together driven, passionate and diverse students and future world-changers. With State Farms generosity, we can forge our own path and carry into the world all of the gifts that our education has given us. On behalf of everyone here today, thank you, State Farm, for investing in our education and our lives. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Feb. 23, 2017) - Corvus Gold Inc. ("Corvus" or the "Company") (TSX:KOR)(OTCQX:CORVF) announces the results from nine holes in the new Western Zone, which is a combination of the previously described NWSB and Swale targets, and lies immediately west of the Company's Sierra Blanca-YellowJacket resource (Figure 1). Results continue to outline an extensive zone of near surface gold mineralization with all holes returning broad intercepts near the current open pit resource. Drill hole NB-17-329 intercepted 91.4 metres @ 0.52 g/t gold including a higher grade stockwork vein intercept of 38.1 metres @ 0.97 g/t gold (Table 1). There are 10 holes pending from the Western Zone from this current phase of drilling. In addition, the last three holes from the Liberator Zone were returned with continued broad zones of moderate grade mineralization up dip from previous intercepts (NB-16-322 with 13.7m @ 0.74 g/t gold at about 120m from the surface). The Liberator Zone converges with the YellowJacket structural zone near surface at a depth of about 30 metres. These holes continue to outline the large Liberator structural zone which hosts broad low-grade mineralization and currently three higher grade chutes. Jeff Pontius, President and CEO of Corvus said, "The initial results from our drilling on the Western side of the Sierra Blanca deposit have returned broad zones of shallow higher grade mineralization and highlights our expansion potential. This new zone is extensive in strike length and we believe there may be other parallel mineralized bodies to the west under shallow pediment cover. As with the early exploration of new gold deposits, every hole brings greater understanding of the system's potential. The North Bullfrog system is emerging as a very large deposit and our drilling program is now moving to test 5 'New Discovery' targets." Table 1 Phase II Drill Results - Liberator and Western Zones (Reported drill intercepts are not true widths. At this time, there is insufficient data with respect to the shape of the mineralization to calculate its true orientation in space.) Liberator Zone From (m) To (m) Length (m)* Gold (g/t) Silver (g/t) NB-16-317 33.53 132.59 99.06 0.25 0.64 AZ 360 dip-90 inc 115.82 121.92 6.1 0.50 0.71 inc 124.97 128.02 3.05 0.54 1.07 160.02 190.5 30.48 0.25 0.85 Hole ended in gold mineralization NB-16-318 82.3 88.39 6.09 0.14 0.82 AZ 270 dip-65 146.3 213.36 67.06 0.44 0.88 inc 158.5 170.69 12.19 0.59 0.95 inc 175.26 195.07 19.81 0.58 0.78 Hole ended in gold mineralization NB-16-322 118.87 121.92 3.05 0.31 3.41 AZ 265 dip-65 134.11 175.26 41.15 0.46 0.85 inc 134.11 135.64 1.52 0.91 1.14 inc 152.4 166.12 13.72 0.74 0.86 Western Zone From (m) To (m) Length (m)* Gold (g/t) Silver (g/t) NB-16-323 70.1 135.64 65.54 0.64 1.11 AZ 85 dip-75 inc 73.15 91.44 18.29 0.91 1.57 inc 114.3 131.06 16.76 0.98 0.92 NB-16-324 106.68 112.78 6.1 0.70 0.30 AZ 135 dip-50 inc 108.2 111.25 3.05 1.17 0.38 147.83 195.07 47.24 0.16 0.32 225.55 242.32 16.77 0.18 0.42 248.41 252.98 4.57 0.12 0.56 262.13 291.08 28.95 0.24 1.06 318.52 332.23 13.71 0.18 0.88 NB-16-325 120.4 228.6 108.2 0.41 0.81 AZ 85 dip-55 inc 140.21 144.78 4.57 0.61 0.87 inc 152.4 153.92 1.52 0.51 1.06 inc 179.83 185.93 6.1 0.69 0.79 inc 192.02 211.84 19.82 0.73 1.35 inc 216.41 219.46 3.05 0.57 0.74 233.17 239.27 6.1 0.12 0.41 251.46 300.23 48.77 0.18 0.61 307.85 316.99 9.14 0.16 0.48 333.76 402.34 68.58 0.21 1.32 NB-16-326 114.3 243.84 129.54 0.37 0.69 AZ 85 dip-55 inc 143.26 149.35 6.09 0.61 0.96 inc 153.92 156.97 3.05 0.58 0.99 inc 163.07 166.12 3.05 0.53 0.67 inc 175.26 190.5 15.24 0.59 0.85 inc 231.65 237.74 6.09 0.71 0.94 263.65 313.94 50.29 0.22 0.83 324.61 353.57 28.96 0.14 0.34 409.96 432.82 22.86 0.12 0.32 Hole ended in gold mineralization NB-16-327 Water well hole, No Significant Intercepts NB-16-328 150.88 181.36 30.48 0.37 1.27 AZ 85 dip -55 inc 172.21 176.78 4.57 0.70 1.66 202.69 259.08 56.39 0.37 2.68 inc 210.31 214.88 4.57 0.64 1.53 inc 236.22 239.27 3.05 0.93 5.65 271.27 284.99 13.72 0.12 0.39 NB-17-329 85.34 176.78 91.44 0.52 1.54 AZ 90 dip-55 inc 88.39 126.49 38.1 0.97 2.77 231.65 251.46 19.81 0.13 0.40 257.56 263.65 6.09 0.13 0.71 Hole ended in gold mineralization NB-17-330 62.48 65.53 3.05 0.14 0.31 AZ 85 dip-55 80.77 153.92 73.15 0.51 1.17 inc 86.87 117.35 30.48 0.78 1.49 inc 121.92 131.06 9.14 0.60 1.27 202.69 205.74 3.05 0.13 0.23 210.31 242.32 32.01 0.17 1.15 NB-17-331 97.54 132.59 35.05 0.63 1.30 AZ 85 dip -55 inc 99.06 123.44 24.38 0.81 1.60 146.3 152.4 6.1 0.33 0.13 * Mineralized thickness calculated @ 0.10 g/t Au cutoff with internal intervals calculated @ 1.0 g/t Au cutoff Western Zone The mineralization intersected in the Western Zone is controlled by a large northeast trending structural zone which can be tracked for a strike length of nearly 1.5 kilometres. This zone hosts disseminated and stockwork related higher grade gold mineralization along its length. Drilling to date is defining a contiguous shape to this higher-grade zone that will be modeled in a new resource update later this year. The depth extent of this mineralization has yet to be assessed as well as a potential new, sub parallel zone to the west as illustrated by the interval intersected near the top of hole NB-17-329 (38.1m @ 0.97 g/t gold). Mineralization at the Western Zone is associated with distinct highly altered dikes intruding the Sierra Blanca Tuff. At the north end of the NE trending Western Zone at the intersection with the YellowJacket and Liberator systems, a large rhyolite intrusive body occurs covering an area of one kilometre by half a kilometre. This rhyolite body hosts broad zones of low-grade gold mineralization, as well as structurally controlled higher grade mineralization near the margins. This rhyolite body may have an important genetic relationship to the larger North Bullfrog gold system and important implication for deep targets below the current gold deposit. There is strongly elevated molybdenum (100-2800 ppm), uranium and zinc associated with gold mineralization within and adjacent to the rhyolite dome feature (Figure 2). The alteration and mineralization of the rhyolite body is characteristic of a high-level porphyry environment with potential at depth. District New Discovery Program Drilling has now begun on 5 "New Discovery" type targets in the District which include: North Jolly Jane, Connection, Cat Hill, Jim Dandy, East Savage Vein and Deep Savage. These are exciting targets with initial recon drilling results that are being followed up with fence drilling to target feeder structures. About the North Bullfrog Project, Nevada Corvus controls 100% of its North Bullfrog Project, which covers approximately 72 km in southern Nevada. The property package is made up of a number of private mineral leases of patented federal mining claims and 865 federal unpatented mining claims. The project has excellent infrastructure, being adjacent to a major highway and power corridor as well as a large water right. The North Bullfrog project includes numerous prospective gold targets at various stages of exploration with four having NI 43-101 mineral resources (Sierra Blanca, Jolly Jane, Mayflower and YellowJacket). The project contains a measured mineral resource of 3.86 Mt at an average grade of 2.55 g/t gold and 19.70 g/t silver, containing 316.5k ounces of gold and 2,445k ounces of silver, an indicated mineral resource of 1.81 Mt at an average grade of 1.53 g/t gold, and 10.20 g/t silver, containing 89.1k ounces of gold and 593.6k ounces of silver and an inferred resource of 1.48 Mt at an average grade of 0.83 g/t gold and 4.26 g/t silver, containing 39.5k ounces of gold and 202.7k ounces of silver for oxide mill processing. The mineral resource for the mill process was defined by Whittle optimization using all cost and recovery data and a breakeven cut-off grade of 0.52 g/t gold. In addition, the project contains a measured mineral resource of 0.3 Mt at an average grade of 0.25 g/t gold and 2.76 g/t silver, containing 2.4k ounces of gold and 26.6k ounces of silver, an indicated mineral resource of 22.86 Mt at an average grade of 0.30 g/t gold and 0.43 g/t silver, containing 220.5k ounces of gold and 316.1k ounces of silver and an inferred mineral resource of 176.3 Mt at an average grade of 0.19 g/t gold and 0.67 g/t silver, containing 1,077.4k ounces of gold and 3,799.2k ounces of silver for oxide, heap leach processing. The mineral resource for heap leach processing was defined by Whittle optimization using all cost and recovery data and a breakeven cut-off grade of 0.15 g/t. Qualified Person and Quality Control/Quality Assurance Jeffrey A. Pontius (CPG 11044), a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), has supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release and has approved the disclosure herein. Mr. Pontius is not independent of Corvus, as he is the CEO & President and holds common shares and incentive stock options. Carl E. Brechtel, (Nevada PE 008744 and Registered Member 353000 of SME), a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, has coordinated execution of the work outlined in this news release and has approved the disclosure herein. Mr. Brechtel is not independent of Corvus, as he is the COO and holds common shares and incentive stock options. The work program at North Bullfrog was designed and supervised by Mark Reischman, Corvus Gold's Nevada Exploration Manager, who is responsible for all aspects of the work, including the quality control/quality assurance program. On-site personnel at the project log and track all samples prior to sealing and shipping. Quality control is monitored by the insertion of blind certified standard reference materials and blanks into each sample shipment. All resource sample shipments are sealed and shipped to ALS Chemex in Reno, Nevada, for preparation and then on to ALS Chemex in Reno, Nevada, or Vancouver, B.C., for assaying. ALS Chemex's quality system complies with the requirements for the International Standards ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 17025:1999. Analytical accuracy and precision are monitored by the analysis of reagent blanks, reference material and replicate samples. Finally, representative blind duplicate samples are forwarded to ALS Chemex and an ISO compliant third party laboratory for additional quality control. For additional information on the North Bullfrog project, including information relating to exploration, data verification and the mineral resource estimates, see "Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for Combined Mill and Heap Leach Processing at the North Bullfrog Project, Bullfrog Mining District, NYE County, Nevada" dated June 16, 2015 as amended and restated May 18, 2016 which is available under Corvus' SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. About Corvus Gold Inc. Corvus Gold Inc. is a North American gold exploration and development company, focused on its near-term gold-silver mining project at North Bullfrog, Nevada. In addition, the Company controls a number of royalties on other North American exploration properties representing a spectrum of gold, silver and copper projects. Corvus is committed to building shareholder value through new discoveries and the expansion of those discoveries to maximize share price leverage in a recovering gold and silver market. Vancouver, Canada / TheNewswire / February 23, 2017 - Nexus Gold Corp. ("Nexus" or the "Company") (TSX-V: NXS, OTC: NXXGF, FSE: N6E) is pleased to report it has increased its phase one diamond drill program by an additional 1000 metres at its Niangouela Gold Project located in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The Company originally planned a 1000 metre phase one diamond drill program on its 178 square kilometre Niangouela concession. The increased 1000 metres of diamond drilling is designed to test the primary quartz vein and associated shear zone at depth and along strike. The current program is targeting areas of gold anomalies identified from rock samples and Rotary Air Blast (RAB) drilling that was conducted by the Company in December 2016 and January 2017. "Early work is progressing extremely well at Niangouela, we are very pleased with what we are seeing on the ground. Additionally, we are still discovering the size and scope of the primary quartz vein and the shear zone. It's a large concession with a lot of artisanal activity. We have a lot of ground to cover," said Senior Geologist, Warren Robb. "Now that we have established a base of operations and have crews up and running we will begin to initiate work at the Bouboulou concession", continued Mr. Robb. "Our plan is to drill both properties over the coming months with the goal of establishing the extent of mineralization at both sites." Bouboulou Phase One Diamond Drill Program The current work program at Niangouela has assisted the Company in understanding and streamlining its exploration efforts in Burkina Faso. The Company has based its operation out of the city of Yako which will also serve as its base for the upcoming diamond drill program on the Bouboulou property located six kilometers south of Yako. The objective of the program is to further define and understand the characteristics of the four mineralized zones on the property - Koala, Rawema, Bouboulou 2 and Pelgtanga. An initial phase consisting of a 2000 metre diamond drill program is anticipated to begin shortly. More information on the Bouboulou project is available on the Company's website - www.nexusgoldcorp.com. $2 Million Private Placement Closed The Company is also pleased to announce that it has completed a non-brokered private placement of 16,668,219 units (each, a "Unit") in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.12 per Unit for gross proceeds of $2,000,186. Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company and one-half-of-one common share purchase warrant (each full warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional share at a price of $0.18 until February 23, 2019. "The demand for this financing was extremely strong," commented President & CEO, Peter Berdusco. "The participation included over 100 subscribers, the majority of them international, and is a direct testament to the growing interest in our Company and properties. These funds allow us to continue to pursue significant assets and execute our work programs in West Africa," continued Mr. Berdusco. In connection with completion of the offering, the Company has paid $15,536 and issued 528,050 common shares and 393,492 Warrants to certain finders who introduced subscribers to the offering. All securities issued pursuant to the offering are subject to a statutory four-month hold period. About the Niangouela Gold Concession The 178 sq km Niangouela gold concession is located on the Boromo Greenstone Belt (as is the Company's Bouboulou Gold Concession), and is proximal to the Kalsaka deposit and the Sabce Shear Zone. It is accessible by road and has one major orpaillage (artisanal workings). In December 2016 the Company conducted an 802m rotary air blast (RAB) drill program that delineated an approximately 1,000 metre quartz vein and a 500 metre secondary strike, running oblique to the main vein. This vein has now been identified in trenches, artisanal workings and through RAB drilling. It remains open in all directions. A total of 11 rock chip and grab samples were taken during the initial exploration phase. Eight of the 11 samples returned values of 1 gram-per-tonne ("g/t") gold or better. Best results of the 11 include sample NG005, taken directly from the primary quartz vein at 46 metre depth (accessed via an artisanal mining shaft),which returned a value of 2,950 g/t gold. Sample NG006 was collected from the artisanal dumps of the sheared intrusive and returned a value of 23.9 g/t gold. Sample NG007 contained coarse visible gold, and was taken from material extracted from the eastern shaft from a depth of approximately 60 metres, returned values of 403 g/t gold. Sample NG008 was taken from the western shaft, 10 to 12 metres west of the eastern shaft, and consisted of a single large piece of primary quartz vein containing host rock inclusions and a cluster of visible gold. NG008 returned values of 49.8 g/t gold. About The Bouboulou Gold Concession The Bouboulou Concession covers an area of 38.3 square kilometres and is located approximately 100 kilometers north by northwest of the capital city of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Exploration on the permit area has been conducted by Boliden (1997 - 1999), Riverstone Resources (2005- 2011) and Roxgold (2011 to 2012). Exploration has consisted of Rotary Air Blast Drilling, trenching, geological mapping, Airborne EM and magnetometer and Radiometrics and reverse circulation and diamond drilling. Highlights of the previous exploration programs include; surface rock sampling and trenching returning gold grades from 1.09 to 19.16 g/t gold. Four zones of gold mineralization have been identified on the Property termed Koala, Rawema, Bouboulou 2 and Pelgtanga. Previous drilling highlights Bouboulouinclude 40m of 1.54 g/t Au (including 20m of 2.55 g/t Au), 35m of 2.20 g.t Au (including 12m of 5.45 g/t Au), 4m of 12.83 g/t Au, and 6m of 4.62 g/t Au (including .03m of 81.32 g/t Au). Please see the Nexus Gold Corp website for a more detailed look at historical drill results at Bouboulou. The Property is situated at the north end of the Boromo Greenstone Belt underlain by an alternating sedimentary-basalt-sedimentary-volcanic progression which strikes generally northeast-southwest, and is bisected by the Sabce Shear Zone, which hosts numerous artisanal gold zones over its 120 kilometre length plus the Bissa Mine operated by Norgold. About Burkina Faso Burkina Faso is a landlocked nation, located in West Africa. It covers an area of roughly 274,000 square kilometres and has an estimated population of more than 16 million people. The country has a stable political setting with a pro-mining and foreign investment stance. Burkina Faso is the fastest growing gold producer in Africa, and was the 4th largest gold producer in Africa in 2012. Eight new mines have been commissioned there over the past six years. The country has excellent geological potential. The Greenstone Belts that host all of the major deposits in Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire continue northward into Burkina Faso.Burkina Faso has undergone less than 15 years of modern mineral exploration, remaining under-explored in comparison to neighbouring Ghana and Mali; both of which host world-class gold mines in the same belts of Birimian rocks. About the Company Nexus Gold Corp. is a Vancouver-based gold exploration and development company operating in some of the world's premier mining districts. The Company is currently concentrating its efforts on two gold projects located in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The Bouboulou gold concession is a 38-sq km advanced exploration target where previous drilling has confirmed multiple zones of gold mineralization. The Niangouela gold concession is a 178-sq km project featuring high grade gold occurring in and around a primary quartz vein 1km in length and associated shear zone. For more information on these projects, please visit the Company website at www.nexusgoldcorp.com. Warren Robb P.Geo., Senior Geologist is the designated Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and is responsible for the technical information contained in this release. DENVER, COLORADO and VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Feb. 23, 2017) - Sandspring Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:SSP) (OTC PINK:SSPXF) ("Sandspring" or the "Company") is pleased to report the maiden mineral resource estimate ("Resource Estimate") for its discovery at Sona Hill, deposit located 5 km southeast of the Toroparu Gold Project ("Toroparu")(1) in Guyana, South America. Highlights of the Resource Estimate include: Pit-constrained maiden gold only resource having a total Indicated ("Ind.") resource of 195,000 Au, and Inferred ("Inf.") resource of 241,000 ounces of at a cut-off grade of 0.31 g/t Au (Table 1) Significant quantities of higher grade gold-only mineralization include (Table 1): 178,000 oz Ind. resource at 1.30 g/t Au and 218,000 Inf. resource at 1.29 g/t Au at elevated cutoff grade of 0.5 g/t Au, and 129,000 oz Ind. resource at 1.88 g/t Au and 156,000 Inf. resource at 1.94 g/t Au at elevated cutoff grade of 1.0 g/t Au, and Shallow lode-gold vein mineralized system in proximity to main Toroparu pit with 80% of total mineralization located within 120m of surface within single optimized Whittle pit; 25% of the total Indicated resource contained in weathered Saprolite rock from surface (see Table 2); and Mineralization at Sona Hill remains open at depth and along strike. The estimate was completed at a variety of cut off grades by SRK Consulting (U.S.) Inc. ("SRK") and the details are presented in the following table: Table 1: Mineral Resource Sensitivity Table - All Rock Types (2) All Rock Type Cutoff Sensitivity (Ind) Gold Price Cutoff Tonnes Au Au oz. ($/oz) (g/t Au) (000's) (g/t) (000's) $1,750 0.25 5,996 1.03 199 $1,460 0.3 5,643 1.08 196 $1,400 0.31 5,563 1.09 195 $1,250 0.35 5,315 1.13 192 $1,095 0.4 4,968 1.18 188 $875 0.5 4,245 1.30 178 $730 0.6 3,692 1.42 168 $625 0.7 3,182 1.54 157 $550 0.8 2,748 1.66 147 $490 0.9 2,401 1.78 137 $440 1.0 2,138 1.88 129 All Rock Type Cutoff Sensitivity (Inf) Gold Price Cutoff Tonnes Au Au oz. ($/oz) (g/t Au) (000's) (g/t) (000's) $1,750 0.25 7,660 1.00 247 $1,460 0.3 7,151 1.05 242 $1,400 0.31 7,041 1.06 241 $1,250 0.35 6,606 1.11 236 $1,095 0.4 6,127 1.17 231 $875 0.5 5,232 1.29 218 $730 0.6 4,418 1.43 203 $625 0.7 3,754 1.57 189 $550 0.8 3,265 1.69 178 $490 0.9 2,829 1.82 166 $440 1.0 2,497 1.94 156 The resource estimate is based on analytical and geological data from 12,585 metres ("m") of diamond drill core recovered from the 109 deposit specific boreholes drilled to date and reported in news releases on February 3, 2016, November 3, 2016, and February 13, 2017. (1) 2013 SRK Consulting (U.S.) Inc., Toroparu pre-feasibility study estimates 44.5 mt of Measured Resource at a grade of 0.98 g.t Au containing 1.398 moz of Gold, Indicated Resource of 195.7 mt at 0.87 g/t containing 5.497 moz Gold for a total M&I resource of 6.894 moz of Gold, inclusive of 4.107 moz of Proven and Probable Reserves as follows: Proven Reserves are 29.7 mt at 1.10 g/t containing 1.049moz Au, and Probable Reserves of 97.3 mt at 0.98 g/t containing 3.058 moz Au. (2) Mineral Resources are reported in accordance with Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) and have been estimated in conformity with generally accepted Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) "Estimation of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserves Best Practices" guidelines. Mineral resource tonnage and contained metal have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate, and numbers may not add due to rounding. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred resources as an Indicated or Measured mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an Indicated or Measured mineral resource category. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of the Mineral Resources estimated will be converted into Mineral Reserves. Table 2: Mineral Resource Sensitivity Table - Fresh Rock & Saprolite Fresh Rock Type Cutoff Sensitivity (Ind) Gold Price Cutoff Tonnes Au Au oz. ($/oz) (g/t Au) (000's) (g/t) (000's) $1,750 0.25 4,405 1.05 148 $1,460 0.3 4,118 1.10 146 $1,400 0.31 4,047 1.11 145 $1,095 0.4 3,602 1.21 140 $875 0.5 3,076 1.34 132 $550 0.8 1,976 1.72 109 $440 1 1,555 1.95 97 Fresh Rock Type Cutoff Sensitivity (Inf) Gold Price Cutoff Tonnes Au Au oz. ($/oz) (g/t Au) (000's) (g/t) (000's) $1,750 0.25 5,374 1.01 174 $1,460 0.3 5,069 1.05 171 $1,400 0.31 4,994 1.06 171 $1,095 0.4 4,371 1.16 164 $875 0.5 3,712 1.29 154 $550 0.8 2,299 1.70 125 $440 1 1,736 1.96 109 Saprolite Cutoff Sensitivity (Ind) Gold Price Cutoff Tonnes Au Au oz. ($/oz) (g/t Au) (000's) (g/t) (000's) $1,750 0.25 1,591 1.00 51 $1,460 0.3 1,525 1.03 50 $1,400 0.31 1,515 1.03 50 $1,250 0.35 1,461 1.06 50 $1,095 0.4 1,366 1.10 49 $875 0.5 1,169 1.21 46 $550 0.8 772 1.51 38 $440 1.0 583 1.71 32 Saprolite Cutoff Sensitivity (Inf) Gold Price Cutoff Tonnes Au Au oz. ($/oz) (g/t Au) (000's) (g/t) (000's) $1,750 0.25 2,287 0.99 73 $1,460 0.3 2,082 1.06 71 $1,400 0.31 2,047 1.07 70 $1,250 0.35 1,899 1.13 69 $1,095 0.4 1,756 1.19 67 $875 0.5 1,520 1.30 64 $550 0.8 965 1.69 52 $440 1.0 762 1.90 46 Next Steps include: Identification of infill locations to meet the goal of increasing the Indicated classification of the resource to +80%; Identification of step-out locations to determine continuity potential of mineralization at depth to the west and to a lesser extent north and south of existing resource shell; and Determination of metallurgical, recovery, and comminution properties of representative saprolite and fresh rock samples. Continuation of feasibility work for Toroparu including evaluation of Sona Hill resource impacts on mine plan presented in the Pre-Feasibility Study for Toroparu published on May 24, 2013. Rich Munson, CEO states: "We are very pleased to announce the maiden resource estimate for the Sona Hill Satellite Deposit. Sona Hill adds significant shallow gold-only resources in proximity to the existing reserves reported in the pre-feasibility study for Toroparu. The results from Sona Hill and the new discovery at Wynamu Hill that were reported on February 13, 2017 clearly warrant the continuation of systematic exploration of our property position surrounding Toroparu, including the eight-additional high-priority gold features within the 20 km by 7 km regional hydrothermal alteration halo surrounding Toroparu. Our geologic team, that continues to be led by Werner Claessens and Pascal van Osta, consultants to the Company, is working with SRK on additional drill programs to increase the confidence classification of Sona Hill resources, as well as looking at programs to further delineate mineralization at Wynamu Hill and explore for additional satellites within our concession boundaries. Our technical team, which continues to be led by Greg Barnes, our Executive Vice President, with assistance from Yani Roditis as a consultant to the Company, will simultaneously be advancing the final feasibility study for Toroparu over the course of 2017. Because Sona Hill adds significant shallow gold-only resources in both Saprolite and Fresh Rock (the "New Resource") in proximity to the existing reserves at Toroparu, on-going feasibility work will examine the potential impacts on the economic parameters of the project by including this higher grade New Resource in the overall mine plan and the initial Saprolite mining phase, as detailed in the 2013 Toroparu Pre-Feasibility Study." Sona Hill Geology The Sona Hill deposit, hosted by intrusives of intermediate composition, is a typical lode-gold vein system, which developed in the hanging wall above a low angle, west dipping shear zone. This fault feature forms the highly deformed and intensely altered contact zone between the intrusives and an underlying acid volcanic sequence. Gold- Pyrite mineralization occurs mainly within and at the border of tourmaline-feldspar bearing quartz veins, which are surrounded by intense bleaching and alteration halos. Areas of higher grade mineralization occur frequently throughout the resource area, with more than 80% of gold mineralization contained in rock from 0 to 160m below surface. Mineralization at Sona Hill remains open at depth and along strike. The results of ground geophysical and infill geochemical surveys conducted in 2016, which focused on a 1000 x 1500 m area due west of Sona Hill, are being analyzed for evidence of possible extensions of mineralization in this direction (see February 13, 2017 Press Release). The Sona Hill drill geologic model was developed in Leapfrog 3D modeling software utilizing geologic information from the 109 drill holes. The 109 deposit specific boreholes were drilled over a 1,000m x 300m area on the west flank of Sona Hill from 2014-2016. The resource estimate is based on data from 12,585m of diamond drill core recovered from the 109 deposit specific boreholes drilled to date. Sona Hill Resource Estimate The Sona Hill mineral resource estimate was independently estimated by SRK Consulting (U.S.) Inc. ("SRK") as a potentially open-pit satellite deposit to Toroparu. The geologic and assay data were used to model a mineralized shell in Leapfrog Geo software. The mineralized shape is based on continuity established with 6m composites, and incorporated anisotropy from a generalized average trend of mineralized quartz veins as well as local down-hole point-data structural orientations of veins. The mineralized veins (down-hole point data) have an average strike of 228azimuth dipping on average 41(NW). The drill core assay length was 1.5m and the gold assay were composited to 2.5m intervals within the mineralized wireframes and capped at 18g/t Au. A block model was constructed in Datamine Studio3 mining software package ("Datamine"), using a 10m x 10m x 5m standard block size and sub-blocking with a variable "z" value at the fresh rock-saprolite surface. Variogram analysis on 2.5m composites was undertaken, with reasonable continuity results, but no preferred orientation of mineralization observed; given the distribution of drilling and the geometry of the mineralization this was not un-expected. Therefore, the point data of structural vein orientations were used with the dynamic anisotropy option in Datamine, and search orientations interpolated into each block. The average interpolated orientation is azimuth 248with a dip of 41NW. Gold grades were interpolated using ordinary kriging constrained within the mineralized shape. Average Bulk Density values based on measurements of Sona Hill core are 1.65 for oxidized saprolite and 2.84 for fresh rock. Validation of model accuracy was based on comparing results from kriging with inverse distance and nearest neighbor grade estimates, which shows very similar results, and visual review on sections. Confidence classification is based on a minimum of 5 composites, with a maximum of two composites from any one hole and search distances of 25m x 50m x 50m for Indicated. Inferred classification used a minimum of one composite with a search distance of 50m x 100m x 100m. The effective date of the resource estimate is February 21, 2017. All resources in the mineral resource statement are in-pit resources reported within a Whittle optimized pit shell above an economic cut-off grade of 0.31 g/t Au. The optimized pit shell was determined using Indicated and Inferred resources, a gold price of US$1,400/oz. Au, an average metallurgical recovery of 92% for gold, an average mining cost of US$1.80/t, processing + G&A costs of US$11.88/t, and pit slope angles of 45 degrees. These parameters are similar to those used in the 2013 SRK Pre- Feasibility Study for the Toroparu Deposit. Analysis and Quality Control Analytical testing and reporting of quantitative assays for holes SOD001-SOD109 was performed independently by Bureau Veritas Mineral Laboratories Vancouver, Canada. Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd. is an ISO9001: 2008 accredited laboratory. A system of blanks, standards and duplicates were added to the Toroparu sample stream by the Company to verify accuracy and precision of assay results, supplementing a variety of internal quality assurance/quality control ("QA/QC") tests performed by Bureau Veritas Mineral Laboratories. The statistical analysis, geologic modelling and resource estimation were prepared by Frank Daviess, RM SME and MAusIMM., and Allan Moran, AIPG CPG, SRK Associates, who are Qualified Persons under National Instrument 43-101. Other scientific and technical content related to drilling in this news release is approved by Mr. Lucas W. Claessens, P.Geo. and Pascal van Osta, P.Geo., both Senior Exploration Consultants for Sandspring Resources Ltd., who are Qualified Persons under National Instrument 43-101. About Sandspring Resources Ltd. Sandspring Resources Ltd. is a Canadian junior mining company currently moving toward a feasibility study for the multi-million ounce Toroparu Project in Guyana, South America. A prefeasibility study completed in May 2013 (NI 43-101 Technical Report, Prefeasibility Study, Toroparu Gold Project, Upper Puruni River Area, Guyana, dated May 24, 2013 completed by SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc., available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com) outlined the design of an open-pit mine producing more than 200,000 ounces of gold annually over an initial 16-year mine life. Sandspring and Silver Wheaton have entered into a gold and silver purchase agreement for the Toroparu Project. Additional information is available at www.sandspringresources.com or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . VANCOUVER, Feb. 23, 2017 /CNW/ - NexGen Energy Ltd. ("NexGen" or the "Company") (TSX:NXE, OTCQX:NXGEF) is pleased to report the first results from the 35,000 m winter 2017 drilling program at our 100% owned, Rook I property, Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan. Several drill holes have intersected significant mineralization in previously untested areas located outside the maiden A2 and A3 resource grade shells of the Arrow Deposit to the northeast, including some of the most intense mineralization encountered in the A3 shear to date. Highlights: A2 Shear Northeast Extension Drill hole AR-17-119c1 has extended mineralization 120 m to the northeast of the maiden A2 resource grade shell intersecting 21.5 m of total composite mineralization including 1.15 m of total off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to 53,000 cps) within a 95.0 m section (485.0 to 580.0 m). has extended the maiden A2 resource grade shell intersecting (>10,000 to 53,000 cps) within a 95.0 m section (485.0 to 580.0 m). Scissor hole AR-17-116c2 drilled 35 m northeast from the edge of the maiden A2 grade shell intersected 47.0 m of total composite mineralization including 3.05 m of total off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) within a 111.0 m section (642.0 to 753.0 m). A3 Shear Northeast Extension Scissor hole AR-17-116c1 was drilled up-dip and northeast in a previously untested area approximately 45 m to the northeast boundary of the maiden A3 resource grade shell intersecting 64.0 m of total composite mineralization including 6.5 m of total off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) within an 84.5 m section (425.5 to 510.0 m). was drilled up-dip and northeast in a previously untested area approximately 45 m to the northeast boundary of the maiden A3 resource grade shell intersecting (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) within an 84.5 m section (425.5 to 510.0 m). Scissor hole AR-17-114c2 intersected 54.0 m of total composite mineralization including 6.55 m of total off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) within a 139.0 m section (437.5 to 576.5 m). intersected (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) within a 139.0 m section (437.5 to 576.5 m). Scissor hole AR-17-118c1 intersected 55.0 m of total composite mineralization including 6.55 m of total composite off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) within a 104.0 m section (571.5 to 675.5 m). A2 High Grade Domain Scissor hole AR-17-117c1 (25 m southwest and up-dip from AR-15-44b) intersected 72.0 m of total composite mineralization including 11.05 m of total composite off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) within a 151.5 m section (461.0 to 612.5 m). (25 m southwest and up-dip from AR-15-44b) intersected including (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) within a 151.5 m section (461.0 to 612.5 m). Scissor hole AR-17-114c2 (115 m northeast and down-dip from AR-15-44b) intersected 41.0 m of total composite mineralization including 7.35 m of total composite off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) within a 109.0 m section (626.0 to 735.0 m). (115 m northeast and down-dip from AR-15-44b) intersected including (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) within a 109.0 m section (626.0 to 735.0 m). Scissor hole AR-17-114c1 (87 m northeast and down-dip from AR-15-44b) intersected 77.0 m of total composite mineralization including 5.7 m of total composite off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) within a 105.5 m section (607.5 to 713.0 m). Arrow, Activities & Financial The 2017 winter program comprising a minimum of 35,000 m of drilling with seven drill rigs is underway. An updated NI 43-101 resource estimate on the Arrow Deposit is scheduled for the first half of 2017. The Company has cash on hand of approximately $70 million . The A2 and A3 long sections as well as a map showing drill hole locations are shown in Figures 1 to 3. Table 1 is a summary of the mineralized intervals. Garrett Ainsworth, Vice-President, Exploration and Development, commented: "The objectives of the 2017 winter drill program are weighted towards expanding the area of mineralization at Arrow and subsequent infilling of the deposit. The first batch of results from the 2017 program have materially expanded the A2 and A3 shears to the northeast demonstrating continuity of these broad mineralized shears and include high grade sub-intervals. High grade sub-intervals in the A2 led us to discover the high grade A2 sub-zone. The northeast extension of the A2, the up-dip northeast extension of the A3 shear, and the southwest gap between Arrow and the 180 m southwest area are all high priorities given their growth profiles." Leigh Curyer, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "These initial 2017 results suggest the ultimate extent of Arrow is still in the early stages of definition. It's quite remarkable considering the maiden Inferred mineral resource estimate published in March 2016 ranks Arrow as the largest undeveloped uranium deposit in Canada. The updated resource estimate incorporating 2016 drilling at Arrow is on schedule for release in the coming months. The 2017 program will continue to aggressively test the boundaries of the known area of mineralization which, to date, have continually extended the boundaries of Arrow." Table 1: Arrow Deposit Drill Hole Data Drill Hole Athabasca Group - Basement Unconformity Depth (m) Handheld Scintillometer Results (RS-120) Hole ID Azimuth Dip Total Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Width (m) CPS Range AR-17-114c1 327 -70 849.50 130.00 436.00 452.00 16.00 <500 - 11500 454.50 456.00 1.50 <500 - 7000 472.00 474.50 2.50 <500 - 12000 482.00 489.00 7.00 <500 - 3500 493.00 494.00 1.00 <500 - 960 502.50 509.50 7.00 <500 - 52000 514.00 517.50 3.50 <500 - >61000 532.50 533.00 0.50 <500 - 510 607.50 608.50 1.00 <500 - 1900 612.00 617.00 5.00 <500 - 3300 623.50 640.00 16.50 <500 - >61000 645.50 678.00 32.50 <500 - 54000 683.00 689.50 6.50 <500 - 5100 692.00 695.50 3.50 <500 - 3700 698.50 699.00 0.50 <500 - 14000 701.50 713.00 11.50 <500 - 9900 735.00 738.00 3.00 <500 - 530 AR-17-114c2 327 -70 823.50 130.00 437.50 438.00 0.50 <500 - 870 441.00 443.00 2.00 <500 - 530 453.00 456.50 3.50 <500 - 12000 465.00 465.50 0.50 <500 - 13700 471.50 472.00 0.50 <500 - 24000 480.50 481.00 0.50 <500 - 1800 485.50 486.50 1.00 <500 - 18000 494.00 507.00 13.00 <500 - 33000 510.00 517.50 7.50 <500 - 5500 524.00 524.50 0.50 <500 - 2600 529.00 531.00 2.00 <500 - >61000 534.50 535.50 1.00 <500 - 11000 539.50 557.50 18.00 <500 - >61000 561.00 563.00 2.00 <500 - 760 569.50 570.50 1.00 <500 - 1100 576.00 576.50 0.50 <500 - 570 626.00 628.50 2.50 <500 - 1200 639.00 639.50 0.50 <500 - 560 644.50 646.50 2.00 <500 - 4000 679.00 680.00 1.00 <500 - 2800 684.00 717.50 33.50 <500 - >61000 733.50 735.00 1.50 <500 - 7600 AR-17-115c1 327 -70 714.50 118.40 451.50 452.00 0.50 <500 - 1200 459.00 460.00 1.00 <500 - 2200 479.00 486.50 7.50 <500 - 6500 524.50 525.00 0.50 <500 - 2600 533.50 534.00 0.50 <500 - 1200 536.50 537.50 1.00 <500 - 5700 560.00 560.50 0.50 <500 - 510 603.00 613.00 10.00 <500 - 40000 615.50 619.00 3.50 <500 - 2700 660.00 663.50 3.50 <500 - 2700 674.50 675.00 0.50 <500 - 800 AR-17-115c2 327 -70 786.50 118.40 458.50 459.00 0.50 <500 - 1750 465.00 465.50 0.50 <500 - 1820 468.50 469.00 0.50 <500 - 1400 495.00 496.00 1.00 <500 - 11000 501.00 501.50 0.50 <500 - 13000 517.00 520.00 3.00 <500 - 3500 534.00 534.50 0.50 <500 - 760 541.50 542.00 0.50 500 - 13000 550.50 551.00 0.50 <500 - 18000 572.50 573.00 0.50 <500 - 700 580.50 582.50 2.00 <500 - 1670 601.50 602.50 1.00 <500 - 800 608.00 609.50 1.50 <500 - 5200 613.50 621.50 8.00 <500 - 56000 624.00 628.00 4.00 <500 - 22500 632.50 633.00 0.50 <500 - 710 635.50 640.00 4.50 <500 - 8200 644.00 644.50 0.50 <500 - 4300 649.50 655.50 6.00 <500 - 12500 672.50 673.00 0.50 <500 - 740 675.50 676.50 1.00 <500 - 5200 698.50 700.50 2.00 <500 - 2200 AR-17-116c1 327 -70 879.50 132.00 425.50 429.00 3.50 <500 - 17000 431.50 442.00 10.50 <500 - 15000 449.00 461.00 12.00 <500 - 19000 465.50 466.00 0.50 700 - 17000 469.00 494.00 25.00 <500 - >61000 497.50 510.00 12.50 <500 - 24000 605.00 607.50 2.50 <500 - 50000 625.00 625.50 0.50 <500 - 1100 636.00 637.50 1.50 <500 - 750 659.00 661.00 2.00 <500 - 1100 705.50 707.00 1.50 <500 - 700 796.50 799.00 2.50 <500 - 950 802.00 805.50 3.50 <500 - 1450 AR-17-116c2 327 -70 897.50 132.00 440.00 440.50 0.50 <500 - 2200 444.00 445.50 1.50 <500 - 5300 457.00 459.00 2.00 <500 - 6900 485.00 485.50 0.50 <500 - 510 489.00 493.00 4.00 <500 - 35000 497.50 499.00 1.50 1200 - 53000 518.00 519.00 1.00 <500 - 49000 522.00 526.00 4.00 <500 - 6600 532.00 532.50 0.50 <500 - 530 537.50 540.00 2.50 <500 - 5800 547.50 549.00 1.50 <500 - 1280 566.50 568.50 2.00 <500 - 1700 571.50 572.00 0.50 <500 - 1150 578.50 580.00 1.50 <500 - 570 642.00 645.50 3.50 <500 - 760 663.50 670.00 6.50 <500 - 6900 673.50 675.00 1.50 <500 - 2300 678.50 682.50 4.00 <500 - 1700 685.00 685.50 0.50 <500 - 860 693.50 710.50 17.00 <500 - >61000 720.50 732.00 11.50 <500 - 41000 734.50 735.50 1.00 <500 - 3700 747.00 747.50 0.50 <500 - 870 752.00 753.00 1.00 <500 - 2100 860.50 861.00 0.50 <500 - 740 AR-17-117c1 327 -70 621.50 124.20 395.00 395.50 0.50 <500 - 530 400.00 400.50 0.50 <500 - 1500 407.50 409.00 1.50 <500 - 670 418.00 418.50 0.50 <500 - 900 427.00 427.50 0.50 <500 - 2100 430.00 431.00 1.00 <500 - 600 434.00 443.00 9.00 <500 - 1410 446.50 447.50 1.00 <500 - 880 451.00 454.00 3.00 <500 - 3000 461.00 462.00 1.00 <500 - 1150 467.50 478.00 10.50 <500 - 3400 480.50 484.00 3.50 <500 - 2600 490.00 496.00 6.00 <500 - 2100 498.50 499.00 0.50 <500 - 680 501.50 504.00 2.50 <500 - 700 519.50 526.00 6.50 <500 - 2000 529.00 529.50 0.50 <500 - 550 533.50 561.50 28.00 <500 - >61000 564.00 568.50 4.50 <500 - 28000 589.00 590.50 1.50 <500 - 1200 605.50 612.50 7.00 <500 - 8100 AR-17-118c1 327 -70 873.00 129.90 463.50 464.00 0.50 <500 - 1100 468.00 474.00 6.00 <500 - 1690 537.00 543.50 6.50 <500 - 27000 571.50 577.00 5.50 <500 - 19000 585.50 586.00 0.50 <500 - 960 600.00 600.50 0.50 <500 - 530 603.50 604.00 0.50 <500 - 570 607.00 612.50 5.50 <500 - >61000 616.50 617.00 0.50 800 - 26000 619.50 622.50 3.00 <500 - 52000 628.00 650.50 22.50 <500 - >61000 654.50 670.50 16.00 <500 - 9100 675.00 675.50 0.50 <500 - 510 695.00 697.00 2.00 <500 - 900 700.00 713.50 13.50 <500 - 4000 716.00 716.50 0.50 <500 - 650 745.00 745.50 0.50 <500 - 620 758.50 759.00 0.50 <500 - 1000 838.50 840.00 1.50 <500 - 17000 AR-17-119c1 147 -67 825.50 119.50 354.00 357.00 3.00 <500 - 1700 . 419.50 436.00 16.50 <500 - 9000 456.00 456.50 0.50 <500 - 850 462.50 471.50 9.00 <500 - 4300 487.50 489.00 1.50 <500 - 3200 504.00 506.00 2.00 <500 - >61000 509.50 510.00 0.50 <500 - 7800 514.00 514.50 0.50 600 - 2900 529.00 529.50 0.50 <500 - 540 536.00 536.50 0.50 <500 - 900 543.50 556.50 13.00 <500 - 48000 559.00 560.50 1.50 <500 - 1250 580.50 581.00 0.50 660 - 1600 591.00 591.50 0.50 <500 - 510 596.00 596.50 0.50 <500 - 540 605.50 608.50 3.00 <500 - 2100 613.00 613.50 0.50 <500 - 620 617.00 621.00 4.00 <500 - 1050 679.00 687.50 8.50 <500 - 35000 Parameters: Maximum internal dilution 2.00 m downhole All depths and intervals are meters downhole, true thicknesses are yet to be determined. Resource modelling in conjunction with an updated mineral resource estimate is required before true thicknesses can be estimated. "Anomalous" means >500 cps (counts per second) total count gamma readings by gamma scintillometer type RS-120 "Off-scale" means >10,000 cps (counts per second) total count gamma readings by gamma scintillometer type RS-120 Where "Min cps" is <500 cps, this refers to local low radiometric zones within the overall radioactive interval Arrow Deposit Drilling AR-17-114c1 Hole AR-17-114c1 was a directional hole collared from the surface at an angled orientation (-70) to the northwest (327 Azimuth). It was a scissor hole designed to test the A2 shear 15 m down-dip of AR-16-96c2 (4.17% U3O8 over 57.5 m in the A2 shear) and the A3 shear 25 m up-dip of AR-14-13 (1.08% U3O8 over 18.25 m, 1.31% U3O8 over 11.85 m and 5.35% U3O8 over 4.5 m in the A3 shear). Directional drilling was initiated at 201 m. The A2 and A3 shears were intersected at inclinations of -67 and -68, respectively. The hole intersected moderately bleached Athabasca sandstone between 112.3 m and the unconformity at 130.0 m. Basement lithologies dominantly consisted of semi-pelitic gneiss with intervals of graphitic pelitic gneiss (the A1 through A3 shears) including mylonite. The hole successfully intersected anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity in the A1 through A3 shears in association with stringers, disseminated, foliation-controlled, fracture-controlled, and semi-massive to massive pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 119.0 m was intersected over 302 m (436.0 to 738.0 m) including 8.75 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps). In the A1 shear, 3.0 m of composite mineralization was intersected. In the A2 shear, 77.0 m of composite mineralization was intersected including 5.7 m of off-scale radioactivity. In the A3 shear, 39.0 m of composite mineralization was intersected including 3.05 m of off-scale radioactivity. The hole was terminated at a depth of 849.5 m. AR-17-114c2 Hole AR-17-114c2 is a directional hole that departed pilot hole AR-17-114c1 at a depth of 346 m. The hole was designed to test A2 shear 42 m down-dip of AR-16-96c2 (4.17% U3O8 over 57.5 m in the A2 shear) and the A3 shear 10 m up-dip of AR-14-13 (1.08% U3O8 over 18.25 m, 1.31% U3O8 over 11.85 m and 5.35% U3O8 over 4.5 m in the A3 shear). Directional drilling was initiated at 361 m. The A2 shear was intersected at an inclination of -68. Basement lithologies were intersected beginning at the top of the hole and consisted largely of semi-pelitic gneiss to granofel and relatively narrow intervals of pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A2 and A3 shears). Anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity was intersected in the A2 and A3 shears in association with stringers, disseminated, fracture-controlled, and semi-massive pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 95.0 m including 13.9 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) was intersected within a 297.5 m section (437.5 to 735.0 m). In the A2 shear, 41.0 m of composite mineralization including 7.35 m of off-scale radioactivity was intersected. In the A3 shear, 54.0 m of composite mineralization including 6.55 m of off-scale radioactivity was intersected. The hole was terminated at 823.5 m. AR-17-115c1 Hole AR-17-115c1 was a directional hole collared from the surface at an angled orientation (-70) to the northwest (327 Azimuth). It was a scissor hole designed to test the A2 shear 80 m down-dip of AR-16-81c3 (17.19% U3O8 over 23.0 m in the A2 shear). Directional drilling was initiated at 300 m. The A2 shear was intersected at an inclination of -69. The hole intersected bleached and hematized Athabasca Group sandstones between 113.0 m and the unconformity at 118.4 m. Basement lithologies primarily consist of semi-pelitic gneiss with minor intervals of graphitic pelitic gneiss (the A2 and A3 shears). The hole successfully intersected anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity in the A2 and A3 shears in association with stringers, disseminated, foliation-controlled, and fracture-controlled pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 29.0 m including 0.3 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to 40,000 cps) was intersected within a 223.5 m section (451.5 to 675.0 m). In the A2 shear, 17.5 m of composite mineralization including 0.3 m of off-scale radioactivity was intersected. An additional 11.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected in the A3 shear. The hole was terminated at a depth of 714.5 m. AR-17-115c2 Hole AR-17-115c2 is a directional hole that departed pilot hole AR-17-115c1 at a depth of 309 m. The hole was designed to test A2 high-grade domains 110 m down-dip and southwest of AR-16-81c3 (17.19% U3O8 over 23.0 m in the A2 shear). Directional drilling was initiated at 324 m. The A2 shear was intersected at an inclination of -71. Basement lithologies were intersected beginning at the top of the hole and consisted largely of semi-pelitic gneiss to granofel and relatively narrow intervals of pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A2 and A3 shears). Anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity was intersected in the A2 and A3 shears in association with stringers, disseminated, and fracture-controlled pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 39.5 m including 2.65 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to 51,000 cps) was intersected within a 242.0 m section (458.5 to 700.5 m). In the A2 shear, 32.0 m of composite mineralization including 2.15 m of off-scale radioactivity was intersected. An additional 7.5 m of composite mineralization including 0.5 m of off-scale radioactivity was intersected in the A3 shear. The hole was terminated at 786.5 m. AR-17-116c1 Hole AR-17-116c1 was a directional hole collared from the surface at an angled orientation (-70) to the northwest (327 Azimuth). It was designed as a scissor hole to test A2 shear 30 m down-dip and northeast of AR-16-108c4 (0.92% U3O8 over 49.5 m in the A2 shear), and the A3 shear 70 m up-dip and northeast of AR-16-101c2 (0.67% U3O8 over 27.5 m and 2.79% U3O8 over 11.5 m in the A3 shear). Directional drilling was initiated at 201 m. The A2 and A3 shears were intersected at inclinations of -65 and -66 respectively. The hole intersected bleached and desilicified Athabasca Group sandstones between 123.0 m and the unconformity at 132.0 m. Basement lithologies largely consist of semi-pelitic gneiss with narrow intervals of graphitic pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A1 through A3 shears). The hole successfully intersected anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity in the A2 through A3 shears in association with stringers, disseminated, foliation-controlled, fracture-controlled, and semi-massive pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 78.0 m including 6.7 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) was intersected within a 380.0 m section (425.5 to 805.5 m). In the A2 shear, 6.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected including 0.2 m of off-scale radioactivity. In the A3 shear, 64.0 m of composite mineralization was intersected including 6.5 m of off-scale radioactivity. An additional 7.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected in the A1 shear. The hole was terminated at a depth of 879.5 m. AR-17-116c2 Hole AR-17-116c2 was a directional hole that departed pilot hole AR-17-116c1 at a depth of 204 m. The hole was designed to test the A2 shear 86 m down-dip of AR-16-108c3 (1.85% U3O8 over 27.0 m in the A2 shear) and the A3 shear 30 up-dip and northeast of AR-16-101c2 (2.79% U3O8 over 11.5 m and 0.67% U3O8 over 27.5 m in the A3 shear). Directional drilling was initiated at 585.5 m. The A2 and A3 shears were intersected at inclinations of -70 and -69 respectively. Basement lithologies were intersected beginning at the top of the hole and consisted largely of semi-pelitic gneiss to granofel and relatively narrow intervals of pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A1 through A4 shears). Anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity was intersected in the A1 through A4 shears in association with stringers, disseminated, fracture-controlled, and foliation-controlled pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 71.0 m including 4.6 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) was intersected within a 421.0 m section (440.0 to 861.0 m). In the A1 shear, 0.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected. In the A2 shear, 47.0 m of composite mineralization including 3.05 m of off-scale radioactivity was intersected. In the A3 shear, 19.5 m of composite mineralization including 1.55 m of off-scale radioactivity was intersected. An additional 4.0 m of composite mineralization was intersected in the A4 shear. The hole was terminated at 897.5 m. AR-17-117c1 Hole AR-17-117c1 was a directional hole collared from the surface at an angled orientation (-70) to the northwest (327 Azimuth). It was a scissor hole designed to test the A2 shear between holes AR-16-62 (6.35% U3O8 over 124.0 m in the A2 shear) and AR-16-63c2 (15.20% U3O8 over 42.0 m and 12.99% U3O8 over 46.5 m in the A2 shear). Directional drilling was initiated at 261 m. The A2 shear was intersected at an inclination of -70. The hole intersected bleached Athabasca Group sandstones between 121.0 m and the unconformity at 124.2 m. Basement lithologies dominantly consist of semi-pelitic gneiss with relatively narrow intervals of graphitic pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A2 and A3 shears). The hole successfully intersected anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity in the A2 and A3 shears in association with stringers, disseminated, foliation-controlled, fracture-controlled, and semi-massive to massive pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 89.5 m including 11.05 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) was intersected within a 217.5 m section (395.0 to 612.5 m). In the A2 shear, 72.0 m of composite mineralization including 11.05 m of off-scale radioactivity was intersected. An additional 17.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected in the A3 shear. The hole was terminated at a depth of 621.5 m. AR-17-118c1 Hole AR-17-118c1 was a directional hole collared from the surface at an angled orientation (-70) to the northwest (327 Azimuth). It was a scissor hole designed to test the A2 shear 75 m down-dip of AR-15-53c3 (1.38% U3O8 over 24.5 m, 3.37% U3O8 over 8.5 m, and 1.87% U3O8 over 9.5 m in the A2 shear) and the A3 shear 28 m southwest of AR-16-105c1 (2.93% U3O8 over 23.5 m and 2.31% U3O8 over 11.0 m in the A3 shear). Directional drilling was initiated at 201 m. The A2 and A3 shears were both intersected at an inclination of -68. The hole intersected bleached Athabasca Group sandstones between 123.0 m and the unconformity at 129.9 m. Basement lithologies dominantly consist of semi-pelitic gneiss with relatively narrow intervals of graphitic pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A2 through A4 shears). The hole successfully intersected anomalously to strongly anomalous radioactivity in the A2 through A4 shears in association with stringers, disseminated, foliation-controlled, fracture-controlled, and semi-massive to massive pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 86.5 m including 7.3 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) was intersected within a 376.5 m section (463.5 to 840.0 m). In the A2 shear, 18.5 m of composite mineralization including 0.2 m of off-scale radioactivity was intersected. In the A3 shear, 55.0 m of composite mineralization including 6.55 m of off-scale radioactivity was intersected. In the A4 shear, 13.0 m of composite mineralization including 0.55 m of of-scale radioactivity was intersected. The hole was terminated at a depth of 873.0 m. AR-17-119c1 Hole AR-17-119c1 was a directional hole collared from the surface at an angled orientation (-67) to the southeast (147 Azimuth). The hole was designed to test the A2 shear 90 m up-dip and northeast of AR-16-108c4 (0.92% U3O8 over 49.5 m in the A2 shear). Directional drilling was initiated at 201 m. The A2 shear was intersected at an inclination of -64. The hole intersected bleached Athabasca Group sandstones between 93.0 m and the unconformity at 119.5 m. Basement lithologies dominantly consist of semi-pelitic gneiss with relatively narrow intervals of graphitic pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A1 through A3 shears). The hole successfully intersected anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity in the A1 through A3 shears in association with stringers, disseminated, foliation-controlled, fracture-controlled, and semi-massive to massive pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 66.5 m including 1.5 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) was intersected within a 333.5 m section (354.0 to 687.5 m). In the A1 shear, 29.0 m of composite mineralization was intersected. In the A2 shear, 21.5 m of composite mineralization including 1.15 m of off-scale radioactivity was intersected. An additional 16.0 m of composite mineralization including 0.35 m of off-scale radioactivity was intersected in the A3 shear. The hole was terminated at a depth of 825.5 m. Technical Information Natural gamma radiation in drill core reported in this news release was measured in counts per second (cps) using a Radiation Solutions Inc. RS-120 gamma-ray scintillometer. The reader is cautioned that total count gamma readings may not be directly or uniformly related to uranium grades of the rock sample measured; they should be used only as a preliminary indication of the presence of radioactive minerals. All intersections are downhole. True thicknesses are yet to be determined. Resource modelling in conjunction with an updated mineral resource estimate is required before true thicknesses can be estimated. Split core samples will be taken systematically, and intervals will be submitted to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories (an SCC ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 Accredited Facility) of Saskatoon for analysis. All samples sent to SRC will be analyzed using ICP-MS for trace elements on partial and total digestions, ICP-OES for major and minor elements on a total digestion, and fusion solution of boron by ICP-OES. Mineralized samples are analyzed for U 3 O 8 by ICP-OES and select samples for gold by fire assay. Assay results will be released when received and after stringent internal QA/QC protocols are passed. All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared by or reviewed and approved by Mr. Garrett Ainsworth, P.Geo., Vice President Exploration & Development for NexGen. Mr. Ainsworth is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), and has verified the sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information or opinions contained herein by reviewing original data certificates and monitoring all of the data collection protocols. For details of the Rook I Project including the quality assurance program and quality control measures applied and key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate the mineral resource set forth below please refer to the technical report entitled "Technical Report on the Rook 1 Property, Saskatchewan, Canada" dated effective April 13, 2016 (the "Rook 1 Technical Report") prepared by Mark B. Mathisen and David Ross, each of whom is a "qualified person" under NI 43-101. The Rook I Technical Report is available for review under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. About NexGen NexGen is a British Columbia corporation with a focus on the acquisition, exploration and development of Canadian uranium projects. NexGen has a highly experienced team of uranium industry professionals with a successful track record in the discovery of uranium deposits and in developing projects through discovery to production. NexGen owns a portfolio of highly prospective uranium exploration assets in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada, including a 100% interest in Rook I, location of the Arrow Discovery in February 2014 and Bow Discovery in March 2015 and the Harpoon discovery in August 2016. The Arrow Deposit's maiden Inferred mineral resource estimate is 201.9 M lbs U3O8 contained in 3.48 M tonnes grading 2.63% U3O8. Insurance Back Romanian FSA's head, Misu NEGRITOIU exchanged views with the Austrian insurers' representatives in Vienna Misu NEGRITOIU, President of the Romanian Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF), met last week in Vienna representatives of the Insurers' Association of Austria (VVO), the meeting focusing on the latest developments on the insurance markets in the two countries, as well as specific aspects related to the MTPL business line or Austria's experience in managing the high-risk insured persons. Considering the provisions of Austrian legislation regarding the mandatory taking over under certain circumstances the high risk insured persons through a mandatory allocation by VVO, points aspects were also discussed related to the reasons for which a company could refuse a potential client, the practices similar to a rejection (e.g. setting up a higher premium), the way to allocate the clients to an insurance company, as well as the procedure the rejected client has to follow. "We are carefully watching the best practices existing on European mature markets in view of substantiating prospective actions aimed at stabilizing and stimulating insurances market development to a sustainable direction", declared the President of ASF, Misu NEGRITOIU. In Austria, the share of insurances in Gross Domestic Product amounts to 5.2% (7.7% in European Union), while in Romania, the insurances penetration rate in GDP reaches about 1.2%. Insurances density (the ratio between the value of gross subscribed premiums and the population's size of a country) is of about EUR 2,000 /per inhabitant in Austria, an almost similar level to that mentioned for EU (EUR 2,100 /inhabitant), while in Romania, it is a little over EUR 90/inhabitant. In Austria, life insurances hold a share of almost 40% of total market, followed by hose and building insurances (26%), car insurances (circa 18%), health insurances (11%) and accident insurances (about 6%). In Romania, RCA segment stands for 41.3% of total market, while life insurances hold about 19.4% of insurances market. Following this meeting, the two sides agreed to continue the dialogue at experts' level, considering the importance of RCA segment on the insurances market of Romania, as well as some joint projects in financial education and road safety. VVO has been established in 1899 in Vienna and counts at present 126 de members, insurance, and reinsurance companies, which run a volume of gross premiums of over EUR 17 billion and manage a total volume of assets of over EUR 100 billion. The insurance companies with Austrian capital operating in Romania hold about one third of the local profile market. The main activities of the association relate to operating functions (motor vehicles registration, Green Card Office, market analysis and information, etc.), the representation and financial education ones. VVO is also involved in special projects regarding road safety and the development of collaboration relations with other countries. Author: Daniela GHETU on 23.02.2017 Archive Comment this article 0 comments Atention! "Comment" and "E-mail" are mandatory Name: If you are logged on and you do not fill in your name, will be used the name that you used when you registered If you are not logged on, your name will appear preceded by '(Anonymous)'. For authentication, click here If you are logged on and you do not fill in your name, will be used the name that you used when you registered E-mail: Comment: < 10.000 car. Fill in the code from the image: VANCOUVER, Feb. 23, 2017 /CNW/ - Euromax Resources Ltd ("Euromax" or the "Company") (TSX:EOX) (OTCQX:EOXFF) is pleased to provide an update with respect to its wholly owned Ilovica-Shtuka copper gold project in Macedonia, (the "Project"). Permitting Two key milestones have been achieved towards the granting of the exploitation permit. The first is the merger of the Company's two exploitation concessions, Ilovica 6 and Ilovica 11 (over which the Ilovica-Shtuka Project footprint extends), that has been approved by the Macedonian Ministry of Economy and submitted to the Government for ratification. The second milestone is the approval of the Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment by the Macedonian Ministry of Environment within the process of the urbanization of the mine footprint. An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) produced by Golder Associates to international standards and requirements has also been prepared. This follows the Macedonian Environmental Impact Assessment published last year and will facilitate project financing and requirements of various project stakeholders. The ESIA will be published on the Company's website during March 2017. Capital Expenditure Mine Planning and Contract Mining Following additional mine plan work completed during 2016 aimed at achieving a mine schedule with the required detail to start planning of operations, the Company initiated a Contract Mining tender process in November 2016. The tender was aimed at covering the first 7 years of mine life (i.e. the 2-year construction and pre-strip period plus 5 years of operation). As a result of this tender process, the Company has received indicative offers from three international companies for the provision of Contract Mining Services. The Company is currently evaluating these bids, seeking clarifications and assessing the economic impact. However, the average cost per tonne mined of material during production from the bids received is US$ 1.79/t of material moved with capex of approximately US$ 58.5m (including prestrip costs), compared to the Company's Feasibility Study Technical Report (February 2016), which indicated US$ 1.62/t and capex of US$ 100.7m (including prestrip costs) over the same period. Engineering, Procurement and Construction Contract ("EPC") The Company has agreed to a binding Memorandum of Understanding (the "MoU") with Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc. ("Ausenco") for further initial detailed engineering and design and a framework to allow Ausenco to proceed through a two-step process to ultimately provide the Company with a Lump Sum Turnkey Price for the construction of the process plant and related infrastructure for the Project. The first step is for Ausenco, on an open book basis, to provide the Company with a Guaranteed Maximum Price ("GMP") based on an agreed scope of work within 90 days of commencing the work to do so. Following the delivery of the GMP, provided only that the GMP is at or below the Project capital expenditure as per the Company's Feasibility Study Technical Report, Ausenco would proceed with the second step in preparing and negotiating with the Company a Lump Sum Turnkey EPC contract for the development of the Ilovica-Shtuka Project, the substantial terms of which are included in the MOU. As per the MOU, the cost of Ausenco's work to deliver the GMP will be settled through the issuance of Euromax shares to Ausenco, at a premium to the share price immediately prior to delivery and announcement of the GMP. Based on the current market price, the amount of common shares to be issued to Ausenco in connection with the MoU would be less than 5% of those currently issued and outstanding. The commencement of Ausenco's work towards the GMP is contingent upon Euromax independently funding an agreed amount. The proposed issuance of common shares to Ausenco is subject to the final approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange. Commenting on the announcement, Steve Sharpe, President & CEO stated: "The strong support of the Macedonian authorities has yet again been shown by the approval of the merger of Concessions and Strategic EIA. The achievement of these Key Milestones, sets a very clear path to the timely development of the Ilovica-Shtuka Project. The offers for Contract Mining have come in at rates far lower than we had anticipated. With the potential for a US$40 million capex reduction, they seem a very compelling alternative to the owner operated mining plan presented in the Feasibility study. Finally, the faith in the project shown by Ausenco's willingness to not only guarantee a maximum price for the Project at or below the Feasibility Study Price, but further, to undertake the detailed engineering and design work required to deliver this price commitment in exchange for equity, issued at a premium, is not only a resounding endorsement of the technical and economic viability of the project, but also a definitive indicator of their confidence and ability to optimize and deliver value for the Euromax shareholders. In addition to a fixed price, Ausenco's ability to provide schedule and plant performance certainty will significantly enhance our ability to optimize and deliver the financing plan for the Project". About Ausenco Ausenco is a private, diversified, engineering, construction and project management company, majority owned by Resource Capital Funds ("RCF"), providing services to the global resource and energy sectors. Ausenco's experience in precious and base metal projects ranges from conceptual studies for new project developments to execution with EPC or EPCM delivery. Ausenco has delivered a number of projects under Lump Sum Turnkey contracts which provide cost, schedule and performance certainty often required by financiers and investors. Ausenco is currently completing the process plant and other support infrastructure for a gold project in Nova Scotia under a Lump Sum Turnkey contract and is often pioneering the entry into new jurisdictions and/or innovative technologies focused on the delivery of superior shareholder returns. About Euromax Resources Ltd. Euromax has a major development project in Macedonia and an exploration services company in Bulgaria. We are focused on building and operating the Ilovica-Shtuka copper/gold project in Macedonia, as well profitably deploying the wealth of exploration experience within our Bulgarian Exploration Services subsidiary. TORONTO, Feb. 22, 2017 /CNW/ - Sierra Metals Inc. (TSX: SMT) (BVL: SMT) ("Sierra Metals" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that shareholders have overwhelmingly voted at a special meeting of shareholders on February 16, 2017, to spin-out (the "Spin-out") to existing shareholders its 100% owned Las Lomas Project, into a new public entity called Cautivo Mining Inc. ("Cautivo") by approving a reduction in the capital of the common shares of Sierra Metals for the capital assigned to Cautivo Mining. The final voting results were 99.94% voting in favour of the capital reduction. On the completion of the Spin-out, Cautivo who are the developer of the properties' main asset will be its indirect interest in the Las Lomas Project (the "Las Lomas Project") consisting of approximately 32,000 hectares of greenfield exploration properties located in northern Peru. Mark Brennan, President and CEO of Sierra Metals commented: "Sierra Metals is committed to an ongoing program of maximizing value for Sierra shareholders. After completing an extensive review of the Company's assets in Peru, Sierra Metals decided to spin-out to existing shareholders its 100% owned Las Lomas Project. The Las Lomas Project is not considered to be part of the Company's core focus and management, as well as the Board of Directors, believe the value of the Las Lomas Project is not being fully reflected in the current share price of Sierra Metals. The Spin out of properties reduces concession maintenance cost to Sierra Metals and allow for the accelerated exploration and development of properties by Cautivo Mining and thus enhancing value for Sierra shareholders." On January 12th, Sierra Metals wholly-owned subsidiary, Cautivo Mining Inc. who are the developers of the properties, filed a preliminary prospectus with the securities regulatory authorities for the purpose of qualifying the distribution by Sierra Metals to holders of Sierra's common shares of all of the issued and outstanding common shares in the capital of Cautivo as a return of capital and to effect a rights offering under which recipients of Cautivo Shares will be entitled to purchase additional Cautivo shares. The exercise price for the rights offering will be determined prior to the filing of Cautivo's final prospectus. The effect of the distribution and the rights offering will be to spin-out Cautivo as a standalone public company and to capitalize Cautivo to enable it to pursue its business plan. Certain details of the distribution and the rights offering, including the number of Cautivo shares to be received by shareholders of the Company for each Sierra share held, the number of rights to be distributed, the subscription price for Cautivo shares under the rights offering, the total size of the rights offering and the timing of the distribution and the rights offering have not been finalized. These details will be contained in the final prospectus. Complete details of the distribution and the rights offering, including the tax treatment of the distribution, will also be contained in the final prospectus which will be sent to each holder of Sierra shares and will be made accessible on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under Cautivo's profile. Quality Control All technical data contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Gordon Babcock, P.Eng., Chief Operating Officer and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Sierra Metals Sierra Metals Inc. is Canadian based growing polymetallic mining company with production from its Yauricocha Mine in Peru, and its Bolivar and Cusi Mines in Mexico. The company recently completed a very successful operational improvements program at it Yauricocha mine and is now focused on completing a similar program at its Mexican operations to increase production volume, recoveries and modernize operations. Sierra continues to grow its mineral resources with several exciting brownfield opportunities such as the Esperanza Zone at the Yauricocha Mine which went from first discovery to mining in less than one year. The Company has several other brownfield exploration opportunities at all three Mines in Peru and Mexico within or very close to the existing mines which its actively exploring and hopes to daylight in the short-term. The company has large land packages at all three Mines with several regional highly prospective targets providing longer term exploration upside and mineral resource growth potential. The Company's shares trade on the Lima Stock Exchange (Bolsa de Valores de Lima) and on the TSX under the symbol "SMT". LifeStyle The best LifeStyle shows are right here, from Australia and around the world. Catch up with the experts on home design and interiors, food and cooking, the property market, and get fresh ideas with the savviest of renovators. Whether you need inspiration for cooking up a storm, to refresh a tired room, or tips to sell your property, Foxtel LifeStyle will always something new for you to watch. Enjoy your favourite experts like Andrew Winter and Neale Whitaker, or Deb Hutton and Jamie Oliver live or On Demand. Get Foxtel However, this will result in the destruction of ponds in Khuzestan Province, southwest Iran. It will cause an environmental catastrophe that will endanger the locals wellbeing and lifestyle. In reference to the dust storms that make life difficult for the province locals, the editorial says: A large number of people believe in addition to foreign sources and various centers of these dust storms, the drying of border ponds, including the Hour al-Azeem Pond or Karkhe Nour, are amongst the main reasons behind the growing dust storm crisis in Khuzestan Province. The destruction of one pond disrupts the natural life cycle of ecosystems in the surrounding geographical area, possibly for centuries. According to global standards, such measures are considered anti-nature; additionally, it is also an inhumane act. Human beings should be in balance with the natural cycle and ecology. For nearly two decades, and through the construction of various dams, the Khuzestan biosystem has undergone widespread tensions, and dust storms are one of the end results. Another result is a decrease in Khuzestans water supply for the people of in the region. These issues have led to illnesses for Khuzestans citizens, including blood and lung cancer, prematurely born babies, increased costs for health care and preventive measures, as well as water and power cut-offs. Electronic and digital systems will also be affected with major damage, which will create huge expenses for the government. The lack of a comprehensive environment management system, and weak planning lets each entity with an interest in this region pursue its own plans. This has accelerated the environmental crises, according to an article published by the NCRI. The situation is spreading in an alarming pace, and such a crisis will not be resolved without managers who have programming and planning experience. The alarm bells are ringing for Khuzestan Province, once considered a very fruitful region, that may soon become an abandoned desert. Were excited to announce that metalbulletin.com is now part of fastmarkets.com. A new look and an improved experience means you can still stay ahead of this fast-moving metals market with price data, news and market intelligence right here on Fastmarkets. Discover more than 2000 prices, news and analysis in primary and secondary metals markets. We cover base metals, industrial minerals, ores and alloys, steel, scrap and steel raw materials. If you already have a Fastmarkets account, youll still have uninterrupted access to your markets by logging in with your current details. She did well in the tournament, twice using the Four Knights defense, but to the President of the Iranian Chess Federation, Dorsa practically committed an act of treason. Irans Chess Federation President, Mehrdad Pahlevanzadeh, wasnt unhappy with Dorsas play, but instead, with her headwear. In her long hair, she wore a headband, not a hijab, Irans traditional headscarf. The hijab became a compulsory accessory for women after the 1979 revolution. Many Iranian women are protesting against the Hijab law, saying that it has makes harassment worse in Iran. Dorsas rebellious act resulted in Pahlevanzadehs announcement on Monday that she would be banned from the national team. Her 15 year old brother, Borna Derakhshani, faced off against Israels Alexander Huzman in the tournament, and was also banned from the team. His offense was agreeing to play an Israeli opponent. Unfortunately, what shouldnt have happened has happened. Our national interests have priority over everything, Pahlevanzadeh said. NOW Inc. distributes downstream energy and industrial products for petroleum refining, chemical processing, LNG terminals, power generation utilities, and industrial manufacturing operations in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The company offers its products under the DistributionNOW and DNOW brand names. It provides consumable maintenance, repair, and operating supplies; pipes, valves, fittings, flanges, gaskets, fasteners, electrical products, instrumentations, artificial lift, pumping solutions, valve actuation and modular process, and measurement and control equipment; and mill supplies, tools, safety supplies, and personal protective equipment, as well as applied products and applications, such as artificial lift systems, coatings, and miscellaneous expendable items. The company also offers original equipment manufacturer equipment, including pumps, generator sets, air and gas compressors, dryers, blowers, mixers, and valves; modular oil and gas tank battery solutions; and application systems, work processes, parts integration, optimization solutions, and after-sales support services. In addition, it provides supply chain and materials management solutions that include procurement, inventory planning and management, and warehouse management, as well as solutions for logistics, point-of-issue technology, project management, business process, and performance metrics reporting services. The company serves customers through a network of approximately 180 locations in the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors of the energy industry, including drilling contractors, well-servicing companies, independent and national oil and gas companies, midstream operators, and refineries, as well as petrochemical, chemical, utilities, and other downstream energy processors; and industrial and manufacturing companies. NOW Inc. was founded in 1862 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Legendary musician Abirekyieba Kofi Sammy has passionately appealed to the president of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo to stop the general assembly meeting of the Ghmaro from coming off on Friday in Kumasi. The 77-year-old Abirekyieba Kofi Sammy who started his music carrier in the early 50s and has produced a lot of hits like Yellow Ceccy, among others. Abirekyieba, together with the United Concerned Musicians of Ghamro, led by legendary Randy Nunoo, has been in the news for fighting and having a hot argument with the president of GHAMRO Kojo Antwi on the issues surrounding unaccounted royalties collected on behalf of musicians. The general assembly meeting was officially scheduled to come off in Accrabut according to the legendary musician, he cant fathom why the Kojo Antwi led administration has moved the meeting to Kumasi. He stated that, the leadership is doing every thing possible to frustrate them, but nothing will frustrate them. Im pleading with President Nana Addo to stop the general assembly meeting from coming offI just dont understand why they have moved the meeting to Kumasi.What are they hiding? They are doing this to frustrate us but it would never workIm making a humble appeal to Nana Addo to halt the meeting else the Government of Ghana will be held responsible if anything should happen at the meeting,He told Dj Sirray of Atebubu FM The Yellow Ceccy hitz maker also called on all musicians and music right owners to trip to Kumasi cultural center APATAKESIE ASE to witness all that will happen at the meeting. As part of activities for this year's Ghana Music Week (GMW) Festival 2017, the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) will host the fifth edition of Ghana Music Honours on March 4 at the National Theatre in Accra. The event, according to the organisers, will be graced by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Catherine Abelema Afeku, government officials and members of the diplomatic corps. This year's honours will see the introduction of a few changes in line with the trends in the music industry. This year's Ghana Music Festival forms part of the year-long Ghana @ 60 celebrations. The Ghana Music Honours was established in 2012 to cultivate the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to the Ghanaian society; from the artistic and technical legends of the past to the musical breakthroughs of succeeding generations of music professionals. The honour is awarded by MUSIGA to recognise outstanding achievement in the music industry. The awards ceremony has grown over the years and now has 20 categories adjudged by an academy of musicians (peers) and one popular category voted for by the general public. The awards ceremony which happens on the GMW International Music Expo Night features Ghanaian and international performances and is strictly by the union's invitation. Over the years, invitees have been musicians, outstanding members of the Ghanaian society and members of the diplomatic corp. The GMW Festival 2017 is part of the activities marking the Ghana @ 60 celebrations. Other activities lined up for GMW 2017 include a three-day festival of exhibitions, musical concerts and a children's games village at the Black Star Square from March 10 to 12. Creative house BEKOFI which holds rights to the Ignite Talks, is set to hold Ignite Accra on 25th February, 2017 Accras first edition of the internationally-acclaimed Ignite Talks. The Ignite Talks is a series of short, speedy, fun presentations in which speakers share their innovative and inspiring ideas in 20 automatically-advancing quick slides. Ignite which bears the tagline Enlighten us but make it quick, originated from Seattle, Washington, in 2006. Ten years after its inception, BEKOFI which holds the rights to Ignite in Accra, will introduce the talks at the Silverbird Cinemas, Accra Mall, at 10:00 am. In the past ten years of its existence, thousands of Ignite Talks have been held in hundreds of universities, cities and other venues, and we are pleased were finally about to organize the first edition in Accra a city which has no reason to be left out, Miss Adelaide Drah, the Communications Manager of BEKOFI said. Speakers for the maiden edition of Ignite Accra include branding expert Bernard Kelvin Clive who will speak on Rebrand You, spoken word artist Rhyme Sonny who will speak on Poetry, Joyce Ahiadorme, the Corporate Affairs Manager of Voltic whose presentation is titled Ask the why; and digital media expert Kwabena Okyire Appianing whose topic is The Value of a Social Media Post. The speakers will also receive and respond to questions from the audience after their presentations. Ignite Accra is expected to attract attendees from tertiary institutions and the general public, who have already booked their free seats. Admission to Ignite Accra, powered by BEKOFI, Oliv Radio and the Silverbird Cinemas, is absolutely free. Rome (AFP) - About 730 migrants were rescued off the Libyan coast on Wednesday after seven rescue operations mounted by the Italian coast guard and the SOS Mediterranee aid group. The migrants were mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, said the coast guard, which is coordinating rescue operations in the central Mediterranean. SOS Mediterranee, which operates in the region said its ship Aquarius had recovered 394 people, including a group of 75 Bangladeshis. Six years after the fall of Moamer Kadhafi, Libya is still in chaos and the country has become a major launching pad for migrants seeking to enter Europe. In the absence of an army or a regular police force in Libya, several militias act as coast guards but are often accused themselves of complicity or even involvement in the people-smuggling business. The number of attempted crossings to Italy has surged this year, with most departures taking place from the west of Libya, from where Italy is just 300 kilometres (190 miles) away. Europeans are considering measures aimed at blocking the arrival of thousands of migrants, alarming NGOs which fear that those stranded in Libya may suffer mistreatment. From left: Yussif Yakubu, Razak Abdul Shaibu, Banabas Kayase and Opoku Agyeman An Accra Circuit Court has set March 7, 2017 to start the hearing of the case involving four persons, who allegedly robbed Akua Donkor, founder of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) of her money and items. The case was adjourned on February 6, 2017 because the substantive judge Aboagye Tandoh was on leave. The accused persons are Yakubu Yusif, trader and the Central Regional Chairman of GFP, Banabas Kayase, driver and secretary of the party, Opoku Agyemang, trader and Abdul Razak Shaibu, a member of the GPRTU Taskforce. Two other accomplices-Joe and Nuamah, aka Lion- are currently on the run. Charges According to Chief Superintendent Duutu Tuaruka, the six persons on December 30, 2016 at Taifa in Accra conspired to rob the GFP flagbearer. The prosecution said the accused person at about 2:30am at Sowutuom, a suburb in Accra, robbed Akua at gunpoint and snatched her travelling bag containing plane ticket, Ghanaian passport, Voter's ID Card, $30,000 and GH3,000. At the last hearing, lawyers for the accused persons prayed for bail, which was rejected by the court, presided over by Abena Oppong Adjin-Doku. Facts Prosecuting, C/Supt. Tuaruka said Yusif and Kayase had information that Akua had in her possession $30,000 which she intended to travel with. He said Kayase then agreed with the rest of the accused persons to rob Akua of that amount, adding that Opoku called Akua to meet him in his house at Taifa for some discussion. The prosecution noted that the complainant went to the house of Opoku together with Yusif and Kayase where Kayase demanded that Akua hand over all her car keys or else she will not travel. Plot Opoku also demanded that the complainant should hand over all her car keys to him before travelling which she declined, and this brought a misunderstanding between them. Yusif, Kayase and Opoku secretly planned to contract some armed robbers to kill the complainant so that they could share the properties of the complainant, including the cars and the cash she brought to Oppong's house. C/Supt. Tuaruka said thereafter Yusif and Kayase called Razak on phone to arrange for Joe and Lion to carry out the operation. The prosecutor said on the said day, Akua together with Yusif and Kayase were on board her vehicle Mitsubishi Pajero with registration GT 6028-16 from Taifa heading towards Kotoka International Airport to catch a flight to the United States of America. Akua decided to pass home and on reaching Sowutuom immediately after the Agbeve Herbal Clinic area, Opoku called Kayase on phone and asked where they have reached while Razak, Joe and Lion were waiting to execute their agenda. Robbery The three, armed with guns onboard an unregistered motorbike, appeared behind the vehicle, stressing that as soon as Kayase spotted the armed men, he reduced the speed showing double hazard trafficator indicating that the complainant was in the car. Kayase parked the car and the armed men attacked the complainant with guns and demanded that she surrenders the afore-mentioned monies and items, dragged her from the vehicle and escaped. On 31 December, Razak was arrested when he was called by Yusif to come for his share of the booty. When Razak was searched US$4,900 was retrieved from him. Razak admitted the offence and mentioned Joe and Nuamah as his accomplices. He stated that after the operation, they shared all the monies and threw the bag in a nearby bush at Anyaa. Razak led the Police to retrieve the bag together with a vehicle with registration GX 2194-14 which he used. By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson [email protected] Tasnim news agency wrote that the large-scale drills of the Payambar-e Azam 11, or The Great Prophet, are to be performed over two stages which will include artillery, air defense, drone, infantry and air force units. According to Tasnim, striking enemy positions with advanced and smart rockets, will comprise the first phase of the exercises. No further details have been offered. Brig. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, the commander of the IRGC Ground Force, announced on Saturday that the two-phase military drills will be staged in east and northeast Iran, and test-firing of advanced rockets will be held the central areas of the country, according to media reports. Tehran conducted a ballistic missile test on January 29, leading the United States to put Iran on notice, as this action is believed to be a violation of UN resolutions and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The United States later demanded that Iran refrain from nuclear-capable missile activity. Iran denies the allegations that any resolutions were violated. That the economy of this nation has been in shambles over the years is a fact universally acknowledged. The voodoo economics of borrowing to fix every problem encountered by the National Democratic Congress, under deceased President John Evans Atta Mills and his successor, John Dramani Mahama, meant that this country was pilling up the debt. What most Ghanaians did not know at the time was the actual quantum of this nation's indebtedness. Officialdom contrived to make it look like it was a state secret. Yesterday, President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was in Parliament to deliver his first State of the Nation Address, and told Ghanaians that this nation is in indebted to external and internal creditors to the tune of GH122 billion. This works out at 74 percent of GDP. Read the lips of the Head of State: As at the beginning of 2009, Ghana's total debt stock was GH9.5 billion. By the end of 2016, the debt stock had ballooned to GH122 billion. The ballooning of the debt stock did no justice to the need for prudent measures, for which reason this nation went under the dictates of the International Monetary Fund. What this huge debt profile means is that the new administration would not have the latitude of implementing the many promises made on the campaign trail, given the dire state of the economy. That is not the only challenging news confronting the economy. According to the President, in the previous government's endeavour to resolve the energy crisis last year, as much as US$2.4 billion debt was contracted in the energy sector alone, putting pressure on our local banks which advanced the loans. It is obvious that the going would be tough in our endeavour to restructure the economy. But as the saying goes, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. The good news for Ghanaians is that the President does not appear to be daunted by the task ahead. President Akufo-Addo told Parliament yesterday, that his administration is determined to fix the broken economy. We are all confident that through our interventions, significant job opportunities will be opened to GhanaiansThe time in which we live demands that we all be in a hurry to deal with the problems we face. The President talked of a new initiative in agriculture to boost job creation. Planting for food and jobs is a campaign to promote growth in food production, and to create jobs for the teeming youth. But this policy was shot down by the immediate past Minister for Food and Agriculture in Parliament House yesterday. Mr. Fifi Kwettey, who is also Member of Parliament for Ketu South, told newsmen after the Presidential delivery, that agriculture could not be a reliable means of creating jobs. In his opinion, jobs could only be provided by opening up factories and other business concerns. Either the former minister has not reckoned with agriculture providing the impetus for agro-based factories, which tells a lot about why agriculture failed to fly under his watch, or he is playing the usual game of politics. Whatever it is, The Chronicle is inspired by the Presidential delivery. We hope and pray that Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will lead from the front in this difficult task of restructuring the battered economy. We are inspired by his pronouncement that, though the economy is broken, it is his resolve to fix it. We pray that in this difficult assignment, there would be no disconnect between the Presidency and his ministers. When those to direct the various portfolios are in consonant with the leadership, delivery becomes relatively easier. We would wish that some of the interventionist policies like free second cycle education, for instance, would have been pushed ahead for at least one more year, as the government comes to grips with the economy. As it is, the President and his men and women are determined to go ahead with the policy, in spite of the economic challenges. The Chronicle wishes the administration the best of everything in its endeavour to restructure this society. We are thrilled at the idea that reconstruction of our broken railway would begin this year, with the mandate to take rail service from the Port of Takoradi all the way to Paga on the border with Burkina Faso. An efficient rail service would mean an easier means of moving heavy goods, which, in turn, would give our roads longer life. There is every reason to hope for a much better Ghana. Ghanaians are encouraged to work harder to realise our dream of a Better Ghana! The General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), has made a call on the government to create the available market for the produce of farmers in the country. This follows the assurance from President Nana Akufo Addo to boost the agriculture sector through new investments, when he presented the state of the nation address on Tuesday. According to GAWU, the president did not adequately address the issue of marketing; a situation they believe could likely collapse the factories his government is planning to build. The workers' union also contend that the development is likely to trigger the import of similar farm produce from neighboring countries unto the Ghanaian market resulting in the huge financial losses of local farmers. General Secretary for the Agricultural Workers Union, Mr. Edward Kareweh who spoke to Citi Business News said government should focus on measures that will create ready market for their produce. One of the things is marketing because when you produce and you don't have market, certainly you cannot continue producing. For instance, if you revamp the Tomato factory and it is able to produce tomato paste that will be a great thing; but we may however have a challenge of marketing the tomatoes because the market is already choked with the imported ones, so once there is a plan to establish factories in the districts they should take account of the challenges that affected previous factories so that the new ones do not come and go through the same challenge. GAWU has however lauded the president's initiative to undertake a national campaign on planting for foods and jobs as they believe this will greatly enhance the country's agricultural sector. President Akufo Addo addressing the agricultural sector during his state of nation address said a campaign to help boost the agricultural sector will soon be implemented. A national campaign planting for food and jobs will be launched to stimulate this activity,an amount of 125 million Canadian dollars has been secured from Canada a friend of our nation to support the initiative, President Akufo Addo said. He added To initiate the campaign the District Assemblies will be tasked to identify and register progressive farmers in each of the 216 districts. Mr.Speaker for too long our farmers have been left to cope from themselves without the necessary support from government. By: Anita Arthur/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo has launched two initiatives which are intended to be a platform for encouraging active private sector participation in efforts at eradicating incidents of Malaria in Ghana. The Private Sector Malaria Prevention Project and Malaria Safe Initiative which is spearheaded by Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs together with Ghana National Malaria Control Programs. It is targeted at getting businesses in Ghana to make their working environment Malaria safe, their workers Malaria safe, and supporting communities in Ghana to be Malaria safe through creating awareness and championing Malaria free campaigns within their institutions and Ghana as a whole. First Lady in a discussion with Mr Prince Kofi Amoabeng at the launch of PSMP project During the launch, the First Lady expressed her delight at such an initiative noting that " the fight against Malaria is not only a passion for me but a responsibility I bear, not only as a mother but as a true citizen who cares for the health of all our people". She noted that Malaria as a disease has devastating consequences especially on pregnant women and children as well as the socio-economic developments of Ghana as a nation. She noted that "Malaria in Ghana accounted for about 48.5 % of under-five deaths in 2015, still remaining one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the country." The First Lady further observed that besides these negative effects on the general population, Malaria is also bad for business. She indicated that a report by National Malaria Control Program shows Ghana lost about US$ 6.58 million to malaria in 2014 through employee absenteeism, increased health care spending, and decreased productivity. First Lady receiving her citation from Johns Hopkins Communications centre of programs The companies involved in this survey spent an average of 0.5% of their annual corporate returns on Malaria treatment alone. The First Lady, therefore, admonished members of the private sector to be active participants in malaria prevention since "it is a sure way to support government in sustaining health and promoting wealth." She called on the Ghanaian business sector "to rise to the occasion and embrace the goals of the Ghana-UK Private Sector Malaria Prevention Project and it's Malaria Safe Initiative." At the launch were representatives from companies including Volta River Estates, Ghana Rubber Estates, Blue Skies, Plot Enterprise, Wilmer Africa as well as The UK High Commissioner, Jon Benjamin. Also in attendcance were Country Director of Johns Hopkins University Center for Communications Programs, Emmanuel Fiagbe, Manager of Ghana National Malaria Control Program, Constance Bant Plange, and Ghana's Special Malaria Ambassador, Prince Kofi Amoabeng Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com Miami (AFP) - For the first time in Africa, researchers said Wednesday they have detected a malaria parasite that is partially resistant to the top anti-malaria drug, artemisinin, raising concern about efforts to fight a disease that sickens hundreds of millions of people each year. The discovery means that Africa now joins southeast Asia in hosting such drug-resistant forms of the mosquito-borne disease. Malaria infected more than 200 million people and killed some 438,000 people worldwide in 2015, most of them children in Africa. "The spread of artemisinin resistance in Africa would be a major setback in the fight against malaria, as ACT (artemisinin-based combination therapy) is the only effective and widely used antimalarial treatment at the moment," said lead author Arnab Pain, professor at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. "Therefore, it is very important to regularly monitor artemisinin resistance worldwide." The drug-resistant malaria parasites were detected in a Chinese patient who had traveled from Equatorial Guinea to China, said the report led by Jun Cao from the Jiangsu Institute for Parasitic Diseases in China. The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Combination therapy with artemisinin usually clears malaria from the blood in three days. In southeast Asia, strains of the malaria-causing agent, Plasmodium falciparum, have grown relatively tolerant to artemisinin, in what is known as "partial resistance." Most patients can still be cured, but it takes longer. World Health Organization experts are concerned that P. falciparum could eventually become completely resistant to artemisinin, just as it has to other antimalarial drugs. Researchers said they found the parasite carried a new mutation in a gene called Kelch13 (K13), which is the main driver for artemisinin resistance in Asia. They then confirmed the origin of the resistance was Africa, by using "whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics tools we had previously developed -- like detectives trying to link the culprit parasite to the crime scene," he said. The Judicial Service of Ghana has reacted to false claims that the Chief Justice, George Wood, has proceeded on leave, explaining that she is attending a Conference in Egypt. The Service clarifies that the Chief Justice is in Cairo, Egypt for a three-day Regional Conference of Chief Justices, Presidents of Supreme Courts, Constitutional Courts and Heads of Judiciaries in Africa. The Conference, which is forms part of a framework aimed at strengthening cooperation between Egypt and other African countries, began on Monday, February 20, 2017. The Judicial Service have had to issue the statement on the whereabouts of the Chief Justice following speculations about why she was absent from President Nana Akufo-Addos first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Tuesday, February 21, 2017. It was speculated that Mrs. Wood's absence meant she would soon retire. However, the statement from the Judicial Service revealed that the Chief Justice left Ghana on Saturday, February 18, 2017, for the Conference, and per the constitution, Justice William Atuguba, the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court Bench, performs the functions of the Chief Justice. The Service is therefore disappointed that media houses which published the misleading story could not cross-check their facts with the Service before publication, the statement, signed by the Director of the Communications, Grace Tagoe, said. The Service wishes to assure the general public that any news about that retirement of the Chief Justice when it is due, will be communicated as such, it added. The Chief Justice is expected to return to Accra on Thursday, February 23, 2017. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | GN Barclays has reached an agreement with its African subsidiary about the details of their divorce, a key step before the British bank can sell more shares in its Johannesburg-listed offshoot. Two people briefed on the matter said Barclays and its South African subsidiary were awaiting approval for the agreement from local regulators. Analysts have estimated that the deal setting out the terms for how the two will split could cost the British bank as much as 1bn. Barclays Africa Group Limited (BAGL) depends on its UK parent for a range of services, including technology, branding, human resources, credit risk management, strategic development and operational management support. To break the master services agreement that governs the provision of these services, Barclays is expected to pay a fee to its African subsidiary, in which its stake is worth R68bn (4.16bn). It also needs to negotiate a transitional services agreement, governing the services it will provide its subsidiary for an interim period, and have it approved by regulators, before it is allowed to cut its stake in BAGL below 50 per cent. It is unclear whether Barclays will include the likely cost of the deal in its full-year results, which are due to be announced on Thursday. The bank declined to comment. In May, Barclays sold the first chunk of its 62 per cent stake in its South African unit via a R13bn placing with institutional investors and now has just over 50 per cent. Selling the African business is one of the biggest strategic decisions taken by Jes Staley since he took over as chief executive of Barclays in December 2015. Once the bank is allowed to deconsolidate the business by regulators it is expected to boost Barclays core capital buffers close to its 12.5 per cent target. While its main South African retail bank operates under the ABSA brand, BAGL uses the Barclays brand in about 10 other countries, including Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia, and Botswana. ABSA declined to comment. Once the two split, BAGL is likely to be forced to stop using the Barclays brand, which is expected to be one of the biggest areas requiring compensation from the UK bank. Having given itself until 2019 to complete the African sale, Barclays has expressed confidence that it could sell the rest of its shares on the open market if no strategic bidder materialised. Former Barclays chief Bob Diamond was one of the potential bidders to have expressed an interest. However, talks with strategic bidders including Mr Diamonds consortium are understood to have stalled. Barclays is expected to keep a 10 to 20 per cent stake. Manus Costello, banks analyst at Autonomous, told clients in a note published last year: We believe that Barclays will have to enter into a separation agreement with BAGL which might prove expensive. Extrapolating from the 210m of upfront costs for Lloyds Banking Group to spin-off its TSB unit in 2014, Mr Costello estimated Barclays could face separation costs of between 500m and 1bn. In a circular to shareholders before last years annual meeting, Barclays said it would need to co-operate with Barclays Africa to facilitate an orderly transition of the operational support and other services, including brand licensing and information technology support services. It warned that this process could be more costly and time-consuming than anticipated. Barclays is expected to report annual pre-tax profits, excluding notable items, of almost 4bn when it presents its results on Thursday down from 5.4bn the previous year according to consensus analyst estimates. The Minority in Parliament has kicked against the arrest of an unspecified number of persons accused of releasing a video in which NPPs Invincible Forces attacked a police officer at the seat of the Presidency. The NDC released the CCTV footage a fortnight ago as evidence to back claims of gross lawlessness by NPP supporters in the aftermath of the elections. The video is believed to have been captured on January 9, 2017, and it shows the private security detail of the NPP, the Invincible Forces, force out a state security personnel, one ASP Bruce Nanka, amid efforts by other police officers to restore order. ASP Nanka was part of the guards at the Flagstaff House during the John Mahama administration. ASP Bruce Nanka The latter part of the two minutes and thirty-two seconds video captures how some unseen faces broke into the garage of ASP Nanka and towed away two of his vehicles. Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, said the NDC have been informed that some persons suspected to have leaked the video are suffering in detention. They should release those people immediately, he urged the Presidency on the floor of Parliament Wednesday. If they [the NPP administration] believe on the rule of law then if you do wrong and you are caught on camera it is still wrong and it is not for you to trace the person who exposed the wrong, he said. He adds that instead of the arrests, the Nana Akufo-Addo-led government must crack the whip on party supporters who flout the law. What is important is to right the wrong. Further to this, the President must ensure the cessation of the unwarranted seizure of properties belonging to figures of the NDC, he admonished. Watch the leaked video below. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | GN Former president John Dramani Mahama will be decorated with the African Political Leader of the Year Award in South Africa today, February 23, 2017. The African Leadership Magazine is awarding him for his contribution towards deepening and enriching Ghanas democracy and his towering status as one of Africas best. Former President Mahama arrives at his hotel in South Africa Mahama is also expected to deliver the keynote address at the African Leadership Magazine (ALM) Person of the Year 2016 Awards Programme in Johannesburg. The former President will be speaking on the theme, How can Africa win the progress race? The ALM Person of the Year Awards, according to the organizers, is in keeping with a tradition of presenting the positive sides of the African continent, which hardly finds space on the global stage. It will also celebrate exemplary leadership and individuals who have contributed to shaping the global perception of the African continent. In the words of the Chairman of the International Advisory board of the ALM Awards, Ambassador Joe Beasley, it is gratifying to know that Africa still has leaders like you bestriding the political space. He also noted that Mr. Mahama made significant contributions to Ghanas economic growth and development; spearheaded and completed some ambitious projects; went into the elections and respected the wishes of the electorate a feat uncommon amongst many leaders in the continent. Africa has found in you and leaders like you, the perfect Apostles of Good Governance and Democracy, who would help in spreading the gospel to the rest of the continent. Mr. Mahama will also be presented with the Georgia Congressional Commendation from the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus during the event. This article by Fethullah Gulen first appeared in French newspaper, Le Monde on August 10, 2016 On the night of July 15, Turkey went through the most catastrophic tragedy in its recent history as a result of the attempted military coup. The events of that night could be called a serious terror coup. Turkish people from all walks of life who thought the era of military coups was over showed solidarity against the coup and stood on the side of democracy. While the coup attempt was in progress, I condemned it in the strongest terms. Twenty minutes after the military coup attempt surfaced, before the real actors were known, President Erdogan hastily blamed me. It is troubling that an accusation was issued without waiting for the events details and the perpetrators motives to emerge. As someone who has suffered through four coups in the last 50 years, it is especially insulting to be associated with a coup attempt. I categorically reject such accusations. I have been living a reclusive life in self-exile in a small town in the United States for the last 17 years. The assertion that I convinced the eighth largest army in the world from 6,000 miles away to act against its own government is not only baseless, it is false, and has not resonated throughout the world. If there are any officers among the coup plotters who consider themselves as a sympathizer of Hizmet movement, in my opinion those people committed treason against the unity of their country by taking part in an event where their own citizens lost their lives. They also violated the values that I have cherished throughout my life, and caused hundreds of thousands of innocent people to suffer under the governments oppressive treatment. If there are those who acted under the influence of an interventionist culture that persists among some of the military officers and have put these interventionist reflexes before Hizmet values, which I believe is unlikely, then an entire movement cannot be blamed for the wrongdoings of those individuals. I leave them to Gods judgment. No one is above the rule of law, myself included. I would like for those who are responsible for this coup attempt, regardless of their identities, to receive the punishment they deserve if found guilty in a fair trial. The Turkish judiciary has been politicized and controlled by the government since 2014 and, consequently, the possibility of a fair trial is very small. For this reason, I have advocated several times for the establishment of an international commission to investigate the coup attempt and I have expressed my commitment to abide by the findings of such a commission. Hizmet movement participants have not been involved in one single violent incident throughout its 50-year history. They havent even taken to the streets to confront Turkish security forces while they have been suffering under the governments witch hunt, to use Mr. Erdogans own words, for the last three years. Despite being subjected to a smear campaign and suffering under state oppression for the last three years in the hands of a politically controlled law enforcement and the judiciary, Hizmet movement participants have complied with the law, opposed injustices through legitimate means and only defended their rights within the legal framework. Turkeys legal and law enforcement agencies have been mobilized for the last three years to investigate and reveal an alleged parallel state that they claim that I run. The administration called the 2013 public corruption probe an organized attempt by Hizmet sympathizers within the bureaucracy to bring down the government. Despite detaining 4,000 people, purging tens of thousands of government employees and unlawfully seizing hundreds of NGOs and private businesses, authorities were unable to find a single piece of credible evidence to prove their claims. Turkeys prime minister called an opportunity to meet with me heaven-sent in May 2013; however, after the public corruption probe emerged in December 2013, he began using hate language such as assassins and blood sucking vampires when referring to Hizmet movement participants. After the treasonous coup attempt of July 15, the attacks have become unbearable. Turkish government officials also began referring to me and people sympathetic to my views as a virus and cancer cells that need to be wiped out. Hundreds of thousands of people that have supported institutions and organizations affiliated with the Hizmet movement have been dehumanized in one way or another. Their private properties have been confiscated, bank accounts taken over and their passports cancelled, restricting their freedom of travel. Hundreds of thousands of families are living through a humanitarian tragedy due to this ongoing witch hunt. News reports show that nearly 90,000 individuals have been purged from their jobs and 21,000 teachers teaching licenses have been revoked. Is the Turkish government forcing these families to starve to death by preventing them from working and prohibiting them from leaving the country? What is the difference between this treatment and the pre-genocide practices throughout European history? Ive witnessed every single military coup in Turkey and, like many other Turkish citizens, have suffered during and after each one. I was imprisoned by the order of the junta administration after the March 12, 1971 coup. After the coup of September 12, 1980, a detention warrant was issued against me and I lived as a fugitive for six years. Right after the February 28, 1997, post-modern military coup, a lawsuit asking for capital punishment was filed against me with the charge of an unarmed terrorist organization consisting of one person. During all of these oppressive, military-dominated administrations, three cases accusing me of leading a terror organization were opened and, in each case, I was cleared of the charges. I was targeted by the authoritarian military administrations back then, and now, I face the very same accusations projected in an even more unlawful manner by a civilian autocratic regime. I had friendly relations with leaders from various political parties, such as Mr. Turgut Ozal, Mr. Suleyman Demirel and Mr. Bulent Ecevit, and genuinely supported their policies that I found to be beneficial to the larger community. They treated me with respect, especially when recognizing Hizmet activities that contribute to social peace and education. Even though I distanced myself from the idea of political Islam, I praised the democratic reforms undertaken by Mr. Erdogan and AKP leaders during their first term in power. But throughout my life, I have stood against military coups and intervention in domestic politics. When I declared 20 years ago that there is no turning back from democracy and secularism of the state, I was accused and insulted by the same political Islamists who are close to the current administration. I still stand behind my words. More than 70 books based on my articles and sermons spanning 40 years are publicly available. Not only is there not a single expression that legitimizes the idea of a coup in these works, but, on the contrary, they discuss universal human values that are the foundation of democracy. Emancipating Turkey from the vicious cycle of authoritarianism is possible only through the adoption of a democratic culture and a merit-based administration. Neither a military coup nor a civilian autocracy is a solution. Unfortunately, in a country where independent media outlets are shut down or taken under government custody, a significant portion of Turkish citizens were made to believe through relentless pro-government propaganda that I am the actor behind the July 15 coup. However, world opinion, which is shaped by objective information, clearly sees that what is going on is a power grab by the administration under the guise of a witch-hunt. Of course, what matters is not majority opinion but the truths that will emerge through the process of a fair trial. Tens of thousands of people, including myself, who have been the target of such gross accusations, would like to clear our names through a fair judicial process. We do not want to live with this suspicion that was cast on us. Unfortunately, the government has exerted political control over the judiciary since 2014, thereby destroying the opportunity for Hizmet sympathizers to clear their names of these accusations. I openly call on the Turkish government to allow for an international commission to investigate the coup attempt, and promise my full cooperation in this matter. If the commission finds one-tenth of the accusations against me to be justified, I am ready to return to Turkey and receive the harshest punishment. Participants in the Hizmet movement have been overseen by hundreds of governments, intelligence agencies, researchers or independent civil society organizations for 25 years and have never been found to be involved in illegal activity. For this reason, many countries do not take seriously the accusations of the Turkish government. The most important characteristic of the Hizmet movement is to not to seek political power, but instead to seek long-term solutions for the problems threatening the future of their societies. At a time when Muslim-majority societies are featured in the news for terror, bloodshed and underdevelopment, Hizmet participants have been focusing on raising educated generations who are open to dialogue and actively contributing to their societies. Since I have always believed that the biggest problems facing these societies are ignorance, intolerance-driven conflicts and poverty, I have always encouraged those who would listen to build schools instead of mosques or Quran tutoring centers. Hizmet participants are active in education, health care and humanitarian aid not only in Turkey, but also in more than 160 countries around the world. The most significant characteristic of these activities is that they serve people of all religions and ethnic backgrounds not just Muslims. Hizmet movement participants opened schools for girls in the most difficult areas of Pakistan and continued to provide education in the Central African Republic during the countrys civil war. While Boko Haram took young girls hostage in Nigeria, Hizmet participants opened schools that educated girls and women. In France and the French-speaking world, I have encouraged people who share my ideas and values to fight against groups that embrace radical Islamic ideologies and to support the authorities in this struggle. In these countries, I strived for Muslims to be recognized as free and contributing members of society, and have urged them to become part of the solution rather than be associated with the problems. Despite receiving threats, I categorically condemned numerous times terrorist groups such as Al Qaida and ISIS who taint the bright face of Islam. However, the Turkish government is trying to convince governments around the world to act against schools that have been opened by individuals who did not take part in the July 15 coup attempt, and who have always categorically rejected violence. My appeal to governments around the world is that they ignore the Turkish governments claims and reject its irrational demands. Indeed, the Turkish governments political decision to designate the Hizmet movement as a terrorist organization resulted in the closure of institutions such as schools, hospitals and relief organizations. Those who have been jailed are teachers, entrepreneurs, doctors, academics and journalists. The government did not produce any evidence to show that the hundreds of thousands targeted in the governments witch hunt supported the coup or that they were associated with any violence. It is impossible to justify actions such as burning down a cultural center in Paris, detaining or holding hostage family members of wanted individuals, denying detained journalists access to medical care, shutting down 35 hospitals and the humanitarian relief organization Kimse Yok Mu, or forcing 1,500 university deans to resign as part of a post-coup investigation. It appears that, by presenting the recent purges as efforts that target only Hizmet participants, the Turkish government is in fact removing anyone from the bureaucracy who is not loyal to the ruling party, while also intimidating civil society organizations. It is dreadful to see human rights violations occurring in Turkey, including the torture detailed in recent reports by Amnesty International. This is truly a human tragedy. The fact that the July 15 coup attempt which was an anti-democratic intervention against an elected government was foiled with Turkish citizens support is historically significant. However, the coups failure does not mean a victory for democracy. Neither the domination by a minority nor the domination of a majority that results in the oppression of a minority nor the rule of an elected autocrat is a true democracy. One cannot speak of democracy in the absence of the rule of law, separation of powers and essential human rights and freedoms, especially the freedom of expression. True victory for democracy in Turkey is only possible by reviving these core values. Fethullah Gulen is an intellectual, preacher and a social advocate. Ministry of Education Ministries-Accra Ghana 21 February, 2017 Honourable minister, accept our congratulatory message for having been appointed, vetted and confirmed to man this sensitive sector pertinent to nation building and development. Unemployed Education Graduates Alliance constitutes a body of graduates who hailed from these public universities charged to train teachers for both basic and secondary schools in Ghana and are in our homes unemployed. Honourable minister , we have been deprived of employment for so long making us wonder if we actually made a mistake for choosing to be trained as well equipped professional teachers to serve mother Ghana. It is a known fact that our colleagues in the colleges of education are posted every year to teach in basic schools in the country. With this we have no problem but just to appeal for a kind treatment. It was really shocking when our minds got opened on the fact that students who pursued Diploma in Basic Education by Distance Learning have been given an opportunity to register for postings by Ghana Education Service and Ministry of Education. What an undeserving treatment! Whereas an opportunity has been given to those who did their studies by distance in some private institutions like Jackson Educational Complex, the Ministry of education and Ghana Education Service has failed us over the years, to make room for us to be recruited. We are therefore not certain whether or not the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service want to tell us that graduates from UCC-CoDE and Jackson Educational Complex are more qualified than us university graduates? All that we request of the government of Ghana is to have us recruited through Ghana Education Service. Honourable Minister, it is very pathetic and even insulting to the teaching profession to realise that, the sector is occupied by teachers who have no teaching background. In the previous administration, teachers were recruited to the senior high schools but they were to handle specific subjects hence a very small number were considered. As a rule, a graduate who holds Bachelor of Arts Social Studies, Bachelor of Arts Geography. Bachelor of Arts Economics and the likes can never enter the health sector with these certificates for employment as a nurse or a physician yet we have a very good number of graduates with these certificates in education sector working as professional teachers whiles graduates with B. A Social Studies Education, B. A Geography, B.ED Basic Education, BSc Home Economics Education, B. ED Early Childhood, etc. wander around unemployed. This explains why most children find it difficult to comprehend whatever they are taught in school leading to their abysmal performance in their exams. One other thing noted is that, it is those of us who hailed directly from the Senior High School into the university who are the victims of this maltreatment. Our colleagues who came to study with us as Post Diploma Students were returned to the classrooms after graduation to our neglect. One major grievance which pierces our heart more is the multiplicative increase of the loan awaiting us. On campuses, out of hardships and other situations some of us had to resort to the Students' Loan Trust Fund to seek for loans to cushion ourselves. We did that with the intention of securing employment right after our National Service so as to defray it as soon as possible. Contrary to our thoughts we came home only to battle with economic hardships leading to emptiness in our pockets. The interest on the accessed loan also keeps compounding yearly even as we sit homes jobless. We are therefore pleading with your office to redeem us by recruiting us. Drawing inspiration from the president's speech at the 60th Anniversary Celebration of Okuapeman Senior High school, His Excellency made it clear that, a well-trained, confident and contented teacher is at the heart of his government delivery of quality education. The president also assured us that the views of teachers would be sought on educational policy, innovation and implementation. We believe the president to be a man of his words and are therefore appealing to His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo through your office to have us at his heart and make provision for us in the state budget yet to be read by March 2, 2017. Honourable, Unemployed Education Graduates Alliance is seeking to hear from you a good news with regards to our petition. Thank you. Signed Asamoah Richard Secretary 0546076918/0548495837 Wallis Kwadwo Kobea President 0244941240/0208983237 Mark Donor P. R. O 0554024274 Cc: THE MINISTER MINISTRY OF EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR RELATION ACCRA THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL GHANA EDUCATION SERVICE ACCRA [February 22, 2017] SlamData Secures $6.7MM Series A to Support Modern Data in the Enterprise BOULDER, Colo., Feb. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SlamData Inc., the leading open source analytics company for modern unstructured data today announced that it has raised a $6.7M Series A funding round, led by Shasta Ventures. The investment will drive further development of the firm's breakthrough analytics solution: a single application for natively exploring, visualizing and embedding analytics against unstructured data sources including NoSQL, Hadoop, and cloud API's. "The BI industry has failed to help enterprises deal with the data complexity that's spiraling out of control," said Jeff Carr, CEO and co-Founder of SlamData. "SlamData has grown quickly by helping enterprises gain immediate insight into their businesses. Our customers are eliminating up to 80% of the time and costs related to the traditional way of doing business intelligence such as ETL, mapping, and data warehouses, datamarts and other forms of data prep." SlamData launched its open source solution in 2014, supporting MongoDB. Since then the company has added support for Couchbase, Marklogic, and Spark/Hadoop. SlamData uses a SQL dialect as a standard across all of its supported data sources, offering radical simplicity to companies that utilize numerous database technologies. According to Carr, the new funding round will support the expansion of its executive team, starting with Sreeni Iyer who is joining the company as senior vice president of Engineering and will lead the development of the SlamData platform. Previously Iyer was formerly CTO/CIO and co-Founder of Quad Analytix. He also served as director of WorldWide Solutions at Terracotta nd the director of Platform Infrastructure Engineering at Shutterfly. Most recently, he was the Entrepreneur in Residence at Shasta Ventures. "SlamData is an enterprise game-changer. They are the first company that lets you write once to any kind of data source transforming how today's businesses can quickly explore, analyze and derive value from their ever-increasing data sources," said Nitin Chopra, Principal at Shasta Ventures. "We're thrilled to support Jeff and his team as they execute on their vision to help businesses make sense of today's modern fragmented data." SlamData's roadmap includes new user interface (UI) features and new data sources featuring real-time and streaming analytics, integration with machine learning providers, RDBMS integration (including RedShift, Oracle, and SQL Server), distributed joins, and richer, high-density interactive data visualizations. For more information on SlamData, visit www.slamdata.com. About SlamData SlamData is the developer of the SlamData open source project, the industry-leading solution for visual analytics over modern data, including NoSQL, Hadoop and Cloud API's. The software allows users to visually explore, refine, visualize and publish/embed data stored in NoSQL databases, without data relocation, ETL or developer resources. SlamData's mission is to make it easy for non-technical users to see and understand NoSQL data. Currently, SlamData natively supports the most popular NoSQL databases including MongoDB, Couchbase, MarkLogic and Apache Spark/Hadoop. About Shasta Ventures Shasta Ventures is a leading early-stage venture capital firm partnering with bold creative entrepreneurs who are passionate about building great products and amazing experiences. Founded in 2004, Shasta Ventures has funded more than 100 companies specializing in consumer technology, enterprise software and emerging platforms including Apptio, Dollar Shave Club, Mint, Nest and many promising private companies such as Anaplan, Eero, Glint, Lucidworks, Lightbend, Nextdoor, Smule, Turo, Zuora and more. The firm is based in Menlo Park and San Francisco, California. Find out more at www.shastaventures.com, or follow us on Twitter at @Shasta. Contact Information Chris Dima SlamData Director of Marketing [email protected] @slamdata Related Images image1.jpg image2.png 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/slamdata-secures-67mm-series-a-to-support-modern-data-in-the-enterprise-300411752.html SOURCE SlamData [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] 23.02.2017 LISTEN The General Secretary of Temple of Praise Ministries, Rev. Adu Kyeremeh is gearing up to launch his second book titled Discovering Your True Identity. The launch which is slated for March 12, 2017 will take place at the TOP Auditorium in Sunyani, capital of the Brong Ahafo Region. This follows the launch of his maiden book titled It Is Finished in the year 2011. Rev. Adu Kyeremeh speaking in an exclusive interview with the News Hunter Magazine disclosed how he gets his ideas and information for writing his books. In the first place God has giving me that grace and ability to read and understand the inspiration from the Holy Spirit. I also read a lot of books from the various authors. My background also inspires me a lot. My father was a chief farmer. It has been in my heartafter bible school I came to realize that by Gods grace I could read the scriptures and understand and interpret. So apart from just ministering from the pulpit, it was on my heartI prayed and prepare that I will be matured enough to write it and then also make sure that when I get to a certain level where my readers will rush to buy my book, he said on when he first realized that he wanted to be a writer. When asked about how long it takes him to write his books, Rev. Adu Kyeremeh answered: It depends on how much time I get. I wrote discovering your true identity when I went to Geneva in Switzerland. I am very busy so getting time to write is another issue. I must be able to come out with a book when I am out from home/Sunyani or at an isolated place within two weeksit depends on the volume of the book. He lamented on how the reading ability of the people in the Brong Ahafo was low in some years back. It is a factit is used to be a serious issue but thank God now things are changing a little bit. And it is one of the reasons that I decided to come out with this very book. I am from this region and therefore it is a fact if there is something that is disturbing this region a lotit is not what somebody else is doing but it is how we think. The bible says as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. So I realized that there is a lot of inferiority among the people of the Brong Ahafo region. I tried to address that issue in my book. If you have that self confidence, if your self esteem is high, there is nothing that you cannot do. About Rev. Adu Kyeremeh Rev. Adu Kyeremeh hail from Wamfie, capital of the Dormaa East district in the Brong Ahafo Region. He attended Dormaa Secondary School for seven yearsand completed his 6th form education there. After that he went to All Nations For Christ Bible Institute where the late Bishop Benson Idahosa was the founder. He has one wife and four biological children but have a lot of dependents. He is the Director of Chris Academy which is an institution that is from creche to JHS 3. Rev. Adu Kyeremeh is also the Chief Executive Officer of Life Empowerment Consult which is about encouraging, motivating the youth to discover their voice, to discover their purpose of existence, to discover their talents and to impact their generation. Rev. Adu Kyeremeh came out into ministry since 1981and has help planted churches in so many places. He is the brain behind Moment of Empowerment on Sunyani-based Metro Fm on Mondays 4:00 pm-5:00 pm. He also propagate the word of God on Greener Fm on Wednesdays from 3:00 pm-4: 00 pm. Rev. Adu Kyeremeh has been an active member on J. Life Fm's Alter Show. As part of efforts to empower young men and women from urban Zongo communities to make them economically productive, Yaasalam Opportunity Center has rolled out some initiatives that would create employment avenues to reduce poverty in these communities. These ambitious and laudable initiatives include; Zongo 360, Zongo Business Incubator, Zongo Business Network and Yaasalam Publishers. Yaasalam Opportunity Center is a collaborative venture between the chairman of Afro-Arab Group of Companies, Alhaji Salamu Amadu and the lead researcher at Past, Present and Future PPF Research and Peace Institute, Mr. Abdulsalam Mohammed Daaru, to develop the capacities of the youth in the Muslim populated areas as a measure to ensure that these youth play positive roles in the development of their communities and the country. Alhaji Amadu and Mr. Mohammed have in the recent past attended separate international human centred events in Canada and the United States respectively, and this has necessitated that they roll out initiatives in their communities to share their knowledge and experiences to impact positively on the lives of the youth. Alhaji Amadu first participated in the One Young World summit in the Canadian city of Ottawa in 2016, where together with youth from other parts of the world they met and interacted with political and economic leaders. One Young World, a UK-based charity foundered by David Jones and Kate Robertson in 2009 is an annual summit that brings together the brightest young leaders from all over the world, to empower them towards creating positive change back in their countries. After each Summit, the delegates, who are then known as One Young World Ambassadors, work on their own initiatives or lend the power of the One Young World network to those initiatives already in existence a statement on the website of the One Young World reads. Mr. Mohammed on the other hand was the guest of the US State Department from August to December 2016, when he was invited for a professional fellowship dubbed Community Solution program that focuses on education and cultural affairs under the auspices of the International Research and Exchange Board, which empowers youth and cultivate leaders. He worked with Global Ties Akron-Ohio, on leadership and international diplomacy, whiles sharing his knowledge and experiences on inter-religious dialogue, conflict resolution and the reorganization and development of Zongo communities. With a renewed passion to help in the development of their communities the two young Ambassadors teamed up as a way of becoming more effective and putting together their newly acquired experiences from different programs to the benefit of Zongo suburbs. Speaking in an interview, the duo explained that their mode of operation is to train the youth to take up leadership roles in their communities and to spread the knowledge they acquire from the trainings. The training modules are designed to address societal needs and since the inception of the initiative over 50 youth have been admitted, trained and are working on different themes to achieve the vision of job creation and poverty eradication. The capacity building and training programs, which are offered at no cost to the participants, are also opened to all manner of persons irrespective of educational background since the modules are tailor-made to suit each participant. The success achieved so far has lent indication to a promising and bright future for Yaasalam Opportunity Center. Plans are far advanced for the initiatives to be scaled-up in other cities with sizeable Zongo communities. The Writer 23.02.2017 LISTEN On Sunday, 19th February 2017, I came across an interesting story about a 43-year-old barber Peter Baffuor who has been jailed for a month and fined one hundred and twenty Ghana Cedis ( Gh120) for smoking marijuana as medicine to fight his asthma. According to the news, the man is to spend two extra months in jail if he defaults in paying the fine. Two questions comes to play here; 1. Is the forty three year old man an addict, a normal random user or a trafficker? 2. Is imprisonment the best way to prevent him from smoking herbs? It was interesting to read that the Ghana police service have an anti-narcotic operation department/section which regularly clamps down on activities of drug peddlers in some municipalities. What have they advised the government or probably the Narcotic control board to do as per their findings? How many of those convicted have come out of their addiction or probably stopped using drugs? In recent times, it is even easier for inmates in prisons to have access to marijuana in various cells. There have not been just one or two reports on this issue, but several reports. Imprisonment according to reports by West Africa commission on drugs and other respected agencies have proved not to be effective. The best thing that needs to be done is to channel resources into our rehabilitation centers which seem to be in a dilapidated state to combat drug use and help problematic drug users. The rate at which our judicial system handle drug situation in Ghana has crippled many young people who could have changed through rehabilitation and public health. I am not saying the action was right: but an alternative punitive approach such as communal activities coupled with a public health could have been the ideal point of change in the individual behaviour and act. Many people according to the world health report and United nations office on crime and drugs die in prison as a result of having to undergo withdrawal symptoms. A lot of users who need help have been thrown into prison with some not having the privilege to a fair trial. This kind of treatment threatens our social security since many of these users end up having the hate of society at heart. It is true that the escalating arrests of West African drug traffickers at foreign airports, container shipments of cocaine seized off the West African coast and the collapse of the entire African states under pressure from global drug cartels, are some of the images used by international drug-control experts and the media to illustrate West Africas growing role in the trade in heroin and cocaine both in the past and recent time but it still remains a fact that about 70% of the youthful population in the region have succumb to the use of drugs which has affected and threaten the health and economic system in West Africa. The war on drugs has killed many and destroyed lives and properties just as implied by Kofi Annans statement: "Drugs have harmed many but bad policies have harmed many more ". Drug users need help and not incarceration and criminalisation. Drug users are not criminals but people who require public health and counseling. If we want to curb the drug menace, then we should revisit our drug policy system. West Africa has been at the centre of global drug trades for centuries. Mind-altering substances, such as kola; a light stimulant still lending its name to a popular American beverage which was traded extensively within the sub-region and across the Sahara from the 13th century onwards. The drug problem started years ago and policies used so far have not provided any results but instead proved futile. We need to draw the curtains on how to deal with a trafficker and a user because the two do not correlate. By Juana A Boateng Drug Policy Expert and Human Rights Activist They are dead. The Rivers are dead. Theres no fish in them. A cardiac specialist now an environment minister made the diagnosis. It may sound like a fairytale but thats the reality on the ground as some of Ghanas major water bodies---Offin, Ankobra, Pra, Oda, Tano face imminent extinction. About seventy per cent of the earths surface is covered by water. But it appears Mans reckless activities are having a toll on these water bodies---causing them to die. Currently, the world has 10 known dead water bodies. Four of them are in the United States, two in Africa (Lake Kivu in DRC and Rivers in Johannesburg South Africa), while, Russia, Spain, Indonesia and Dominica have one respectively. They are dead because of human activities which include waste and rubbish dumped in them, acids and mercury used by factories and illegal mining operators (also known as Galamsey) that line the rivers or sited along their banks. In short theyre dead because of pollution or contamination caused by human activities. The good news is that none of the 10 dead rivers or waters is in Ghana, albeit I think the Korle Lagoon could rival Lake Kivu in Democratic Republic of Congo. But the bad news is it seems we are getting closer to the war zone, health wise. The reason is that most communities in Ghana depend largely on water these bodies. And the people who live along them use these waters for bathing, drinking and cooking. Now you have to ask yourselves this poignant question: Are we safe? And I can tell you without a flinch: No we are not safe. We cant drink them, we cant swim in them, and we cant grow food with them. On Monday the Minister of Environment Science and Technology Dr. Frimpong Boateng kind of raised the threat level. Whilst meeting staff of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) during a working a visit in Accra Dr. Boateng hinted that our water bodies were under siege. He said the country risk losing the very existence of these precious water bodies if radical steps are not taken to resuscitate their lives. We know that our rivers are dead, some of them Some of the rivers are deadOffin, Ankobra, Pra, Oda, theres no fish in them, in most part of the rivers. And when you find animals and fish dying from our empty forests and dead rivers it is only a question of time that it will reach the human beings, Dr. Boateng said. According to the sector minister if we dont change our negative practices we would literally kill these rivers prematurely. We have to change our attitudes, there must be a change like President Akufo-Addo said, we should not be spectators but be active participants. If you look at what is happening to the environment, it is something like a self-inflicted injury What do they say? When the last tree dies the .last man dies. And I think its about time governments, traditional rulers, opinion leaders, civil society groups as well as the citizenry joined hands to help save our environment from dying. Im inclined to think that abuse of environment is equal to abuse of humanity. This is because Mans survivability largely depends on the environment, which includes fauna and flora, the water bodies, the air etc. Already the man who spent decades resuscitating and fixing the hearts of Men at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Cardiac Centre in Accra Ghana and elsewhere, has begun the battle to test the pauses and check the heartbeats of these rivers deemed dying. According to him all the surface and ground water were drying up, thus affecting the survival of the citizens in the surrounding communities. He blamed the trend on the negative attitudes of people, for instance through mining, illegal logging, deforestation, erection of unauthorized masts, had led to many of the challenges facing the country today. Another issue of concern he pointed out was the use gas and gas stations plus how gas cylinders were used and kept at homes. He suggested that more education would need to be done. Sensitization programmes needed to be carried out among the citizenry on the proper use and handling of products to avoid disaster at homes and within the communities. I must stress that the problem is not the gas station alone, it is also about attitude towards safety and improper handling of gas facilities in our homes, he explained. He reminded EPA officials that they had a major role to play in leading the crusade of keeping a safe environment. On his part the Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mr. John Pwamang said the agency was set to collaborate with the government to improve the environment through partnership with stakeholders such as the Ghana Standards Authority and Town and Country Planning. Mr. Pwamang also hinted that the agency was ready to develop five years strategic plan of activities as it awaited the first State of the Nation Address by the President which would give the direction as to how the country would move towards its general development. Well, I monitored the presidents speech on Tuesday and I dont think he mentioned anything concerning the environment. Maybe that direction would be given somewhere next week when the budget statement is read. But the ball is in our court. We have to be mindful of the way we treat out water bodies, we cant live without them. When we save them we in effect improve our health status and our wellbeing is guaranteed. We will live longer and healthier. This should be a shared responsibility and one must not look up to the governments and agencies to do everything. Enforcement is important. We need our forests, our animals and our environment so lets protect them. It may not come to the discerning Ghanaian as a surprise that arresting, investigating, and prosecuting perceived criminals is sometimes a selective administration of who-you-know kind of justice. The authorities under the NDC had developed a lackadaisical manner of doing the right things, so it does not baffle me that they have to familiarise themselves with their job descriptions all over again under the NPP government. The BNI had previously done the wrong things, persecuting innocent people for speaking the truth, when such orders came from above. Now the tables have turned, and Ghanaians shall never be disappointed again. But that feeling of dissatisfaction is slowly creeping back in. The person allegedly behind the master plan of dubiousness at every institution he headed throughout his career is still at post and walking free. Mawuli Agbesi, happy 63rd birthday. I understand that you celebrated it on Saturday the 18th of February. And I also understand that the merrymaking cost some GHs200, 000 (two hundred thousand Ghana Cedis). Very good! I hope you did not use the savings of the poor or the sweat and blood of the suffering Ghanaian to enjoy such largess. But I would not be surprised if you did because word that made the rounds indicated that you were fond of doing that. Anyway, this is a passionate appeal to the BNI to arrest, investigate, and prosecute Mr Mawuli Agbesi on the issues of alleged corruption, pre-meditated plots to cause financial losses to the State, mishandling customers funds at Ghana Commercial Bank, and other dubious deals at other institutions prior to his transfer. It would scandalise customers of the Ghana Commercial Bank to note that their Managing Director had supposedly travelled to Dubai late last year, buying property and paying cash for them in a frenzy as if there was going to be an acute shortage of same. We do not have any problem with that, but it is wondrous that a servant of the Bank as Agbesi allegedly behaves in this way with peoples money as if it were his by birth right. All is not well at the GCB that is headed by Agbesi. In fact, unfavourable appointments, transfers, spiteful management, and unprofessional conduct are said to be the current status quo at that institution. Where honest people have raised serious questions, their transfers popped up almost magically, like the touch of the mighty wizard in a British traditional tale. NPP professionals were and continue to be transferred by this man, Agbesi, while he seeks to entrench himself as he continues with his mandate. He is on a two year contract term with the Bank. In no time after his assumption of the reins of management, shambolism soon took over in almost every aspect of management. Let the BNI be served notice that we shall be monitoring this issue religiously until the right thing is done and the investments of GCBs customers are protected from the pillaging hands of Agbesi and his NDC masters who it is widely believed indulged in such appalling malfeasance cum misfeasance on a national scale. We cannot afford to lay back and watch as he brings the Ghana Commercial Bank to its knees, collapsing it in a sudden wave of an avalanche of incompetence. The Bureau for National Investigations (BNI) must sit up to do what they were created and mandated to, PROTECT THE NATION!!! NOTICE IS HEREBY SERVED PARIS, France, 23 February 2017,-/African Media Agency (AMA)/- The MasterCard Foundation has announced a six-year, USD$8.2 million (around 7.6 million) partnership with Sciences Po in Paris, France, to provide 120 bright, next-generation African leaders with a high-quality social sciences university education in one of Europe's leading universities. Open to both English-speaking and French-speaking candidates, the partnership will increase the options available to students from Francophone Africa to study in their language of choice through the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program. "Investing in Africa's next-generation leaders has been a strategic priority for Sciences Po since the mid-2000s. This is not only consistent with Sciences Po's mission; it is also aligned with the strategic challenges and opportunities specifically affecting Africa. We are delighted to enter into a partnership with The MasterCard Foundation, which shares similar values and a common purpose," said Frederic Mion, President of Sciences Po. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po will benefit talented African students facing significant entry barriers to higher education and who wish to join the Europe-Africa Undergraduate Program (20 full scholarships), a Master's degree in one of seven graduate schools (40 full scholarships), or Sciences Po's vibrant summer school (60 full scholarships) where they will explore contemporary issues in leadership, African affairs and global topics of equal importance. "We are excited to welcome Sciences Po to The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program," says Peter Materu, Director, Education and Learning and Youth Livelihoods, The MasterCard Foundation. "With nearly a majority of Sciences Po's faculty employed as professionals as well as professors, Scholars will receive the very best of both theory and real-life applications to catalyze and contribute to positive social change in their communities." Sciences Po has committed to more than doubling the number of African high schools that its recruiters reach - from 30 in 2015 to over 70 by 2017 - and will focus on countries currently underrepresented in the Scholars Program, namely Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Senegal and Madagascar, among others. Sciences Po will also expand a new suite of resources for Scholars transitioning from education to employment. The suite will include an online African careers fair and access to the University Entrepreneurship Incubator, taking advantage of its formidable network of employers and alumni working on the African continent and the university's own entrepreneurial landscape. This will complement and build upon the work of the Africa Careers Network, a platform and job matching service implemented by African Leadership Academy which was seeded by The MasterCard Foundation. Sciences Po aims to lead research, in collaboration with other partners in the Scholars Program network, into how higher education institutions can measure their success in supporting Scholars' return to Africa and create change that matters within their communities and nations. As one of Europe's most internationalized universities, Sciences Po's mission is to educate open-minded and enlightened citizens to allow them to understand the world and transform society. Sciences Po is also home to a vibrant African community of 800 students, 80 teachers and teaching professionals, 20 scholars and PhD candidates and over 600 alumni working in Africa. It has over 20 partnerships with African universities, and has already begun building these further with other institutions in the Scholars Program network. Sciences Po joins a global network of 28 partner organizations committed to ensuring that all young people, no matter their starting point in life, have an equal chance to obtain a quality education and pursue their aspirations. The Program provides education and leadership development for nearly 35,000 bright, young leaders with a deep personal commitment to changing the world around them. These young people will create change that matters within their communities and will usher in a new era of inclusive prosperity in Africa and beyond. The first undergraduate scholarships will be awarded in September 2017. More information on eligibility, how to apply, and the selection process is available on the Sciences Po scholarship website: http://formation.sciences-po.fr/en/content/non-european-union-students . Sciences Po will organize information sessions in South Africa and Kenya in March 2017, and in Senegal, Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire in May 2017. Sciences Po will announce the dates on its website. The sister in-law of Prophet Agya Dadie, founder and head pastor of Jesus Power House Ministries, has been accidentally stabbed on her shoulder by a supposed mentally challenged young man. According to Prophet Agya Dadie who spoke to DAILY GUIDE, the incident happened Tuesday morning when the young man was brought to his Akatsi branch of the church for deliverance and healing. The young man, whom DAILY GUIDE has identified as Musah, is believed to have become mentally challenged through a spiritual cause and hence needed a spiritual healing instead of orthodox medicine. The 28-year-old man who was brought from Accra to Akatsi by his family, was welcomed by the sister in-law of the prophet, Ama Fosua, and his wife Regina Asante as he (prophet) was absent. As they were waiting for the prophet to schedule a meeting date, the suspect's condition aggravated, pounced on Ama Fosua and stabbed her on the right upper arm. As soon as he was informed, Prophet Dadie called in his personal doctor who attended to the sister in-law. Prophet Dadie assured that the woman was safe but he had not reported the incident to the police because it was not an intentional act. He said the man who committed the act was under spiritual influence as he had gone for sakawa (blood money). When he allegedly went for the blood money, he was reportedly asked to have sex with a mad woman as a form of ritual for him to become rich. However, he was unable to honour that part of the ritual and so he became mad. His family, in an attempt to save him, brought him to me for deliverance, the prophet explained. He said by the grace of God, Musah had been delivered and returned to Accra with his family after he had confessed his evil deeds and apologized for attacking the young lady. In fact, the man's tattoo had some spiritual implication on his life as there was a covenant established between him and those spirits, hence the constant torments he experienced, he revealed. From Fred Duodu, Akatsi ([email protected]) The police in the Ashanti Regional are said to have begun thorough investigations to arrest a group of people that who allegedly set the Kumasi Central Market on fire. The Wednesday dawn blaze, which occurred near the '18 Mu' area of the market, resulted in the burning of diapers, singlets and other items which were being kept in the affected shops. The timely intervention of personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service proved vital as the inferno was quenched on time, thereby averting more havoc. Semekor Fiadzor, the Ashanti Regional Fire Commander who visited the fire scene Wednesday morning, suspected arson. He stated that the fire men picked hardcore evidence such as matches and traces of inflammable items like petrol, which confirmed his suspicion of arson. We saw evidence of petrol and matches at the affected stores and this and other evidences clearly prove that arsonists set the market on fire, he noted on Nhyira FM. Mr. Fiadzor disclosed that his outfit had since reported the case to the police for investigation to help arrest the culprits to face punitive action. According to him, the fire fighters were convinced that some people tried to intentionally set the market on fire, adding that the firemen had handed their evidence to the police. Mr. Fiadzor expressed the hope that the security agencies would apprehend the suspected arsonists as soon as possible, to the face the law to serve as deterrent to other unscrupulous people. He bemoaned the frequent fire outbreaks at the Kumasi Central Market in recent years, noting that the bad trend influenced the firemen to implement policies to stop the fires. He said the fire fighters had set up a fire taskforce and also placed a fire tender at the market. FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi 23.02.2017 LISTEN According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), therere 7,097 known living languages and 2.3 billion people lack access to education in their own languages. Consequently, UNESCO has declared February 21 of every year as International Mother Language Day. The theme for this year is, Towards Sustainable Futures through Multilingual Education. In her message to the world, Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director General states, On the occasion of this Day, I launch an appeal for the potential of multilingual education to be acknowledged everywhere, in education and administrative systems, in cultural expressions and the media, cyberspace and trade. In a paper presented by Aba Brew-Hammond and Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa, it was noted that, almost every educational policy and reform since Ghanas independence in 1957 has emphasized the importance of mother tongue education but there has been no concerted attempt to design and implement a language-in-education policy incorporating this dimension. (Projecting Monolingual Ideologies in Multilingual Classrooms in Ghana: A Critical Look at the English-Only Language in Education Policy, CASS Journal of Art and Humanities, January-March 2012, Vol 2, No. 1, 110-118), The above assertion shows that little has been done in promoting a Mother tongue or language in education policy in Ghana. English language only policy in education was first introduced in Ghana in 1957 and lasted until 1966. The reason assigned to this policy direction was, students English language proficiency was below standard. In 2002, Ghanas language policy in education was changed from the use of mother tongue in the first three years of education at the primary level to English Language only throughout the childs education. One of the major reasons assigned to this change was, the abysmal performance of pupils and students in the English Language and in other subject areas because of the use of Ghanaian languages as the medium of instruction. Contrary, reports of various educational reviews suggest that, theres the need to strengthen the use of the native languages or mother languages in schools (Ministry of Education 1996, 2003) The change from the use of the mother tongue or language to English only is one that doesnt promote the linguistic rights of the child and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Professor Kofi Agyekum, a renowned Akan scholar was once quoted, Language is an intrinsic part of a peoples identity, so any person or group of people who lose touch with the purity of their mother tongue is on the verge of losing their identity and sense of national pride. Dr. Patricia Awiah, a language and development expert is of the view that the mother tongue is unique because educating the child through the mother tongue at the primary level is very rewarding in terms of the childs general academic performance, linguistic performance and cognitive performance throughout the life time of that child. Its cost effective too, she adds. Dr. Awiahs view is in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life-long learning opportunities for all. According to UNESCO, the achievement of SDG4 is only possible when education responds to and reflects the multilingual nature of the society. Children, youth and adults require learning opportunities that are relevant to their lives and needs, in and through their own languages. Mother tongue or language is a human right. Language rights and human rights go hand in hand. Any attempt to deny a group of persons or people the right to use the mother tongue in an educational system is committing the crime of linguistic genocide as one researcher puts it. Mother tongue or language plays a crucial role in the development agenda of every nation. It allows the use of community initiative, indigenous knowledge and participation these are factors that enhance nation building. Thus, a language policy in education that is English only denies total participation, community initiative and the use of relevant indigenous knowledge. Its important that we recognise how developmental challenges that bedevil our nation can be overcome if the language that is used in communicating these development strategies is in the mother tongue. As Nelson Mandela once noted, If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language that goes to his heart." Mother tongue or language is at the core of national development its one sure way of ensuring total participation in nation building. The writer is a freelance journalist. [email protected]/[email protected] Computer coding is the universal language of the planet. People who know how to code will be able to communicate across countries and cultures, be innovative, and solve problems more efficiently, with no barriers to impede their success. Learning programming at a young age helps your chilldren to think critically. Most people these days still see computer coding or programming as a highly technical or even nerdy activity that is only attractive to a minority of the population. In reality, coding is getting to be a newer type of literacy. It is a skill that is useful in everyday life, especially in today's highly digital world. For most people, having at least a basic level of skill at programming will make it easier to use a smartphone, link devices, and manage files across multiple platforms. Consider all of these benefits of supporting learning programming at a young age; by helping your kids learn some computer programming, you can even learn along with them. 1. Educational Benefits The elementary schools in the developed countries use computers for testing and other activities, but it is a rare school curriculum that includes any computer programming. In the Year of Code, many schools across the world started including a computer programming skills segment to the school day. This type of education helps kids to learn the basic inner workings of computers. Kids can feel successful at getting a computer to do what they tell it to do. This foundation can set kids up for a lifetime of successful use and management of the technology in their everyday lives. 2. Computational Thinking Computational thinking is the ability to communicate your thoughts in a structured and logical way. This type of thought process is like the step by step instructions that are coded into a computer. It is also the process of thinking up and then solving problems in a methodical way that could be replicated by a machine. Software engineers, computer programmers, and logistics specialists use this method of thinking to solve problems. Computational thinking is a combination of advanced mathematics, algorithm development and logic. The development of computational thinking involves considering a problem and breaking it down into single-action steps. Each of these steps is handled in the most efficient way possible. There is also an element of abstraction in computational thinking, which allows your child to move from a specific solution to a specific problem and generalize it to other situations. The result is a paradigm shift in thinking about how the world works. 3. Creativity, Thinking Fluidity Children have creative and fluid minds that allow them to think in a more out of the box way. The nearly endless ways of coding and solving problems can inspire kids to grow. You can show your child that coding is a type of storytelling. There is a logical beginning, progression, and ending to the story and the program. These skills can set kids up for success in written and oral communications in school and thankfully the introduction of IT basics in primary schools is rightly becoming widespread. 4. Job Opportunities The current generation of children will need to be literate in technology in order to be competitive in the future job market. Not knowing how to code will be comparable to not knowing how to read. Most jobs require the knowledge of basic IT skills, while even retail and fast food jobs require the use of technology and computers. Coding specialists are well-paid and highly sought-after on the current market, and opportunities for these skilled employees will expand in the future. The Learning Process, Possibilities, And Results Of The Benefits Just like learning how to ride a bike, learning how to code is easier when you are young. Even four year old children can learn the basic concepts of computing. Learning how to code is getting easier and more interesting as there are more and more new types of software and updated instructional methods that keep kids interested and excited about computer programming. Kids will not have to spend hours studying the specifics of coding. Instead, they can use games and apps to help teach them the basics of computer coding. These benefits of learning programming at a young age helps kids to gain advantages in thinking, processing and communicating. These skills will later help kids to be innovative, which will translate into nearly any profession. From physicians to musicians, being able to program and develop computer apps and software can translate into success. That is the reason why Django Girls an It's an international organization is hitting the streets of Accra to host a free coding in Accra in June. This event has been held in 60 countries so far but has not reached Ghana.Young girls and women are going to be taught free coding lessons. This event will be facilitated by young Nigerian Female Techies Elizabeth Kolade and Opetunde Adepeju who were in Ghana last year November to participate in Obama's Young African Leaders Regional Leadership Program at GIMPA, Greenhill. Speaking with Juana A. Boateng, Elizabeth kolade explained that Django looks forward to impacting into other African countries to get more intelligent women into the area of Information communication Technology. Django wants to give young women an opportunity to learn how to program and become a world a software programmer, she added. Application is Open and will close on the 30th of May, 2017. Visit https://djangogirls.org/accra/apply to apply By Kenneth Gyamerah. [February 23, 2017] APA's Survey Finds Constantly Checking Electronic Devices Linked to Significant Stress for Most Americans WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A decade after the emergence of smartphones, Facebook and Twitter, more than four out of five adults in the U.S. (86 percent) report that they constantly or often check their email, texts and social media accounts, according to part two of the American Psychological Association's (APA) report Stress in America: Coping with Change released today. This attachment to devices and the constant use of technology is associated with higher stress levels for these Americans. Constant Checkers Experience Higher Stress Excessive technology and social media use has paved the way for the "constant checker" those who check their email, texts and social media accounts on a constant basis. The survey found that stress runs higher, on average, for constant checkers than for those who do not engage with technology as frequently. On a 10-point scale, where 1 is "little or no stress" and 10 is "a great deal of stress," the average reported overall stress level for constant checkers is 5.3, compared with 4.4 for those who don't check as frequently. Among employed Americans who check their work email constantly on their days off, their reported overall stress level is even higher, at 6.0. "The emergence of mobile devices and social networks over the last decade has certainly changed the way Americans live and communicate on a daily basis," said Lynn Bufka, PhD, APA's associate executive director for practice research and policy. "Today, almost all American adults own at least one electronic device, with many being constantly connected to them. What these individuals don't consider is that while technology helps them in many ways, being constantly connected can have a negative impact on both their physical and mental health." For the past decade, APA's Stress in America survey has examined how stress affects American adults' health and well-being. The survey was conducted online between Aug. 5 and 31, 2016, among 3,511 adults ages 18+ living in the U.S. by Harris Poll on behalf of APA. Parents Struggle to Manage Children's Technology Usage Parents also seem to be eeling the pressure to balance their children's technology use as it affects familial interactions. While 94 percent of parents say that they take at least one action to manage their child's technology usage during the school year, such as not allowing cell phones at the dinner table (32 percent) or limiting screen time before bed (32 percent), almost half (48 percent) say that regulating their child's screen time is a constant battle, and more than half of parents (58 percent) report feeling like their child is attached to their phone or tablet. Additionally, almost half of parents (45 percent) say they feel disconnected from their families even when they are together because of technology. More than half of parents (58 percent) say they worry about the influence of social media on their child's physical and mental health. Effects of Social Media and Need for Digital Detox Social media also negatively affects a greater proportion of constant checkers compared with those who do not check as frequently. More than two in five constant checkers (42 percent) say that political and cultural discussions on social media cause them stress, compared with 33 percent of non-constant checkers. Additionally, 42 percent of constant checkers say they worry about negative effects of social media on their physical and mental health, compared with 27 percent of people who don't check as often. Almost two-thirds of Americans (65 percent) somewhat or strongly agree that periodically "unplugging" or taking a "digital detox" is important for their mental health. However, only 28 percent of those who say this actually report doing so. "Taking a digital detox is one of the most helpful ways to manage stress related to technology use," Bufka said. "Constant checkers could benefit from limiting their use of technology and presence on social media. Adults, and particularly parents, should strive to set a good example for children when it comes to a healthy relationship with technology." For the first time in the survey's 10-year history, APA released it in two parts, including this section focusing on stress related to technology and social media. The first section (released on Feb. 15) highlighted how Americans are stressed about the future of our nation, with concerns about the current political climate and the outcome of the presidential election. To read the full Stress in America report or to download graphics, visit www.stressinamerica.org. For additional information on stress, lifestyle and behaviors, visit www.apa.org/helpcenter. Join the conversation about stress on Twitter by following @APAHelpCenter and #stressAPA. Methodology The Stress in America survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of APA between Aug. 5 and 31, 2016, among 3,511 adults ages 18+ who reside in the U.S. Surveys were conducted in English and Spanish. Data were weighted to reflect their proportions in the population. Weighting variables included age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income. Propensity score weighting also was used to adjust for respondents' propensity to be online. Hispanic respondents were weighted for acculturation, taking into account respondents' household language as well as their ability to read and speak in English and Spanish. Because the sample is based on those who were invited and agreed to participate in the Harris Poll online research panel, no estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. A full methodology is available upon request. The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes more than 115,700 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/apas-survey-finds-constantly-checking-electronic-devices-linked-to-significant-stress-for-most-americans-300412249.html SOURCE American Psychological Association [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] 23.02.2017 LISTEN A GH4.6bn Bank of Ghana contract to provide a one-stop shop for all electronic payment transactions is set to be challenged in court. An aggrieved party, Vals Intel Limited, whose GH14m bid was rejected says the BoG failed to follow the Public Procurement Law in arriving at the decision to award the contract to Sibton Switch Services Ltd in July 2016. In a lay man's understanding, the BoG contract to Sibton Switch Services Limited (SSSL) is to create a platform that allows customers to electronically transfer monies across different financial networks. You could transfer money from say, Tigo to Airtel money or from E-Zwich to mobile money. SSSL is expected to recoup its GHC4.6bn investment after 20 years by imposing some charges on telecommunications networks and financial institutions which in turn are expected to transfer the charge to their clients. But speaking on Joy FM's Super Morning Show Thursday, the Executive Director of Vals Intel, Kojo Graham raised a redflag over the deal. He said his company had gathered evidence showing "a legion of violations" in the award of the contract. The Executive Director says the BoG is not granted the power by the Procurement law to approve a contract with a value beyond GH100,000. For the three restrictive tender bids submitted to the BoG, it requires approval from the Central Tender Review Board. Kojo Graham maintains the evaluation process used to choose Sibton Switch over the two competitors was 'not transparent' and 'discriminatory'. He said although his company was evaluated as not technically good enough, Vals Intel and its technical partner is one of about three companies worldwide that does inter-operability, the services SSSL was expected to offer. Sibton Switch got marks for technical competence although the 14 months old company had never done any work in that area, he explained. Another evaluation criteria required that the BoG visits the sites of the vending companies to inspect and ascertain their capabilities and award marks. He says he never got any site visit and was scored zero. Sibton Switch Services Ltd on the other hand, was only visited after the BoG had awarded the contract to them, he claimed. Kojo Graham also said that although Sibton Switch Services Ltd was awarded the contract it was Sibton Switch Communications that bid for the contract. In effect, the company that won the award did not bid for the contract, he claimed. He said Sibton Switch Services Ltd and Sibton Switch Communications are two separate legal entities which he intends to prove in court. Expect more.... Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com|[email protected] The Northern Regional Police Command is yet to make any arrest in connection with the alleged gang-rape and murder of a 12-year old girl at Ggblo-Kpalsi, a suburb of Tamale. According to the police, the victim was en route to her parents' store after closing from school on Tuesday, when her attackers ambushed her, and dragged her to an abandoned structure where they raped and strangled her to death. Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, the outgoing Police Public Relations Officer of the Norther Regional Police Command, ASP Ebenezer Tetteh, said police are working with some evidence from the crime scene as investigations proceed, but no names have come up for arrests. As we speak, we have swabbed a sample from the scene and it appears the sample looks like semen alongside some blood traces also at the scene and that is going to assist us in our investigation. We hope to also conduct a post-mortem examination on the body so we can get a better medical cause of death so that will assist us in the investigation, ASP Tetteh added. Per initial assessments, ASP Tetteh noted that it appears she was strangled after she was violently raped; but for now no suspect has been mentioned and nobody has been picked up. By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world - Nelson Mandela Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. - Mahatma Ghandi I AM A CRITIC when it comes to analysing speeches I would look at the objectives: to educate, motivate, persuade, or entertain; I would look at the audience and the context for the speech; I would look at the speech content and structure. Don't be deceived: The teacher in me would come, and I would be sharp at noticing: grammatical errors and speech mannerisms ('like', 'you know', 'uh' 'er' 'um'); I would sneer at the use of slangs and jargon: and watch the mechanics of deliverythe comportment and the composure of the speechmaker. Was he confident, or jittery? Did he throw in humour and jokeswere there too many of such? All these together would make me give the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo excellent for a great speech, well delivered. He touched on so many issues: the economy, governance, security, agriculture, the environment, unemployment, energy, health, corruption, et cetera. I am talking about the President's maiden State of the Nation Address on Tuesday, 21st February, 2017. He kept stressing the point that he would 'fix the challenges'. Of course, there is no excuse for whining and lamenting now. My interest was simply on education, specifically, the Senior High School whether Nana Addo would reinforce his promise of making it free or he would resile from the 'Okuapeman Declaration' of One man many lives. He repeated that he was in a 'hurry' to ensure that every child in Ghana got free education up to the Senor High School level. He repeated that the government would fund the cost of public senior high school for all those who qualified for entry to public schools from the 2017/18 academic year no admission fees, no library fees, no science centre fees, no computer laboratory fees, no examination fees, no utility fees. With tuition already free, our children would also enjoy free textbooks, free boarding facilities, and free meals. The teacher was not left out in the equation: a well trained confident and contented teacher was at the heart of Nana Addo's delivery of quality education. As a result, teacher trainee allowances would be paid. Oh how kind! Without the teacher trainee allowance, some of us could not have pursued any post- Middle School Leaving Certificate (MSLC) course. Who are against the free S.H.S. and what are their reasons? My friends of the Minority Party, otherwise referred to as 'Congresspeople' by Professor Ansu Kyeremeh may be uncertain where to stand, but their party's position is that our Constitution (1992) talks of progressively free SHS education. For them free SHS is premature and unsustainable. In the pre 2012 election campaign, they debunked free SHS education and said they preferred 'quality education' as if the two were separate and exclusive. When the party won the 2012 election, they changed the tune of 'quality education' to 'free S.H.S.' From 2015, they claimed to have started the 'progressively free senior high school' policy. The question is when was the 'progressively free SHS' to start and end? IMANI, the policy think tank is of the opinion that the policy of free SHS is likely to face setbacks owing to the present economic conditions. Other persons appear pessimistic. But is it not worth giving it a try? On the funding of the free SHS, the Senior Minister, Osafo Maafo thinks we could fall on the 'Heritage Fund'. Osafo Maafo says: We have to make an amendment to say that x percent of the 'Heritage Fund' will be used to support second cycle education The youth is the future, heritage is the youth, we could make certain relevant amendments to make sure that the economy benefits from the petroleum act. What is wrong when we fall on the 'Heritage Fund' to finance the free SHS? We do not have 'progressive' in the 1992 Constitution with regard to education at the SHS level. Article 38 of the 1992 Constitution talks of free, compulsory and universal basic education. Funding of the free education (SHS) could fall on the Ghana Education Trust Fund, the Cocoa Marketing Board Scholarship and other educational scholarship secretariats. In May 2009 when John Mahama was Vice President, he told a section of the northerners: The Northern Scholarship Scheme is accessible to all northerners, no matter where one stays. John Mahama himself had been a beneficiary of the Northern Scholarship Scheme, funded from cocoa money. After starting Achimota school, in Accra, he left for Tamale to continue his education at Ghana Secondary School. His father, Emmanuel Adama Mahama, a wealthy rice farmer and teacher had become the first Northern Regional Commissioner and the first Member of Parliament for West Gonja. In 1979 80, some people held the view that the Northern Scholarship Scheme ought to be scrapped after it had served a useful purpose, to the point of raising a Northerner President in the person of Dr Hilla Limann. Will those people resisting the free SHS agree to the scrapping of the Northern Scholarship Scheme? Or are people just callous and demonstrating envy, now that every SHS student in Ghana is going to enjoy free SHS? It is incisively and sardonically ironical that people who have enjoyed free SHS because they are Northerners would be averse from a general scholarship embracing every Ghanaian student. In 1961, some of us could have been among the youngest Secondary School lads, but our poor parents could not afford the school fees. Some of us had to take a tortuous journey of first becoming pupil teachers until we gained admission to Training Colleges in 1968. Sometimes it hurts to recall some of these thingsthe struggles through life, and opportunities missed. At Legon, some of the students from the North were paid allowances and their argument was that they were sponsored by their District Assemblies. That could be very good but was it equitable? Now, the opportunity is being given to every Ghanaian to enjoy free SHS and we hear a demur! The Minister of Finance is yet to read the national budget. He cannot be a magician to invoke cash from the heavens. The resources are here! We can get funds for the free SHS if we plug the loopholes in the revenue sector and stop the leakages. Mr. Emmanuel Kofi Nti, the new Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority says: We are good, we can be better while aiming at the best; without revenue all the lofty dreams of President Nana Akufo Addo would be a mere mirage If we remain true to ourselves and cut out fraud in the system, effectively monitor the warehousing regime, stop the deals in transit, block the wild exemptions, give proper values to imported goods, the Ghana Revenue Authority alone could bear a great chunk of the burden of the funding for the free SHS. Or, if we reduce corruption to zero level, and stop paying illegal judgment debts, there would be funds in the kitty for the obviously popular policy. Besides, an insurance scheme could be worked out for Ghanaians and the Heritage Fund would top it up! [email protected] Africanus Owusu-Ansah COP Rose Bio-Atinga assisted by other officers and CEO of Franco Estate to commission the police station. INSET Front view of the police station A new police station has been opened to serve residents of Kwabenya ACP in Accra. The police station constructed by Franco Estate at the cost of GH300,000, is to help reduce criminal activities in the area. The ultra modern police facility has an office for the station officer, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) office, general office and one cell each for male and female suspects. The Director General in charge of services, COP Rose Bio Atinga who commissioned the new station in an address encouraged business partners especially real estate developers to consider joining the police fight crime within the communities they operate. She said as population increases, general crime activities also surge and communities and police need to work together to curb crime rate in the country. Crimes like car snatching, burglary, land-guards activities and robbery used to be on the increase, but it reduced drastically when the station was still under construction. She commended Franco Estate for putting up the facility to help combat crime in the community and appealed to residents to consider putting up a residential accommodation to personnel who will be posted to the station for prompt responds. Francis Kwesi Nyankson, Chief Executive Officer of Franco Estate Company in an address said, the facility, was provided to help the police fight crime in the area which use to be a haven for criminals. Before the construction of the police station at this site, there was a bush here which the criminals used as their hideout to terrorise residents and so after putting up the estate, I thought it prudent to provide a police station in the area to serve residents and to ensure their safety. Mr Nyankson assured the police administration that his management would reconsider putting up a residential accommodation for personnel to serve the community better. The District Police Commander of Kwabenya ACP, Superintendent of Police, Bright Boafo, said the opening of the police station in the A.C.P community has helped reduce crime in the area. He said common crimes reported at the newly opened A.C.P police station were break-in of houses, stealing, assaults, land disputes and robbery. He expressed gratitude to management of the Estate for the facility, but appealed to residents to assist the police with patrol vehicle and accommodation for duty officers that will be posted to the community. Present at the ceremony from the police services were DCOP Sika Nartey from Head Quarters, ACP Paul Ayitey, deputy Accra Regional Police Commander and Chief Superintendent Natongma Aggrey Yakubu, Madina Divisional Police Commander, among others. ( [email protected] ) By Linda Tenyah-Ayettey The Upper East Regional Minister, Rockson Bukari Ayine has pledged to work assiduously with all stakeholders and development partners in fulfilment of the New Patriotic Partys manifesto to massively develop the region. According to him, the regions developmental gap can only be bridged by working in synergy with all and sundry to facilitate the realisation of the needed development for the region. The Minister was given a rapturous welcome by scores of party members from the 15 constituencies of the region, in party paraphernalia in procession through the principal streets of Bolgatanga to his residence. Addressing party members at his residence, Rockson Bukari assured that the region will witness massive development under his tenure of office. The bad state of roads in the region will witness a face-lift, let us unite and tackle the real enemies of our region and that is poverty, literacy, deprivation, diseases and unemployment of the teeming youth. I wish to assure the people of the region that, I will operate an open door administration where every good idea or input towards the development of the region will be welcome. I will also hold series of engagement with identifiable stakeholders in the region to learn at first hand the plans and programmes and also solicit support for the implementation of the manifesto of the NPP government Mr. Bukari also pledged to spend time at the party regional office after work on every Friday to address party issues and also harness the cordial working relationship among the rank and file of the party in the execution of the partys manifesto. He reiterated his commitment to being time conscious to all functions in the region particularly to work for others to emulate since low productivity at workplaces resulted from lateness and indiscipline. By: Frederick Awuni/citifmonline.com/Ghana Former President, John Dramani Mahama, has urged President Akufo Addo's government to pursue the controversial GHc51 million judgment debt paid businessman, Alfred Agbesi Woyome. Mr. Mahama explained that, his administration could not retrieve the money because he could not have acted arbitrarily since Ghana operates a democratic system of governance. The erstwhile Mahama administration received a lot of public backlash for failing to retrieve the money for the state, with many accusing them of deliberately dolling out the cash to a man who at some point financed the ruling NDC party. But speaking on a local South Africa radio station, Power FM, the former President expressed confidence in the Akufo-Addo-led government to continue from where he stopped. Under an unconstitutional government, you can just lock up someone just like that, and seize all their assets; but we live in constitutional governance and democracy, and so the law must work. And the Supreme Court has given a ruling which is being enforced. Indeed, the person involved has been pressed to pay back some of the money, and I've heard he's started paying back some of the money and it is our hope that this government will continue from where we left of, he added. Background Mr. Woyome was paid GHc 51 million after claiming he helped Ghana raise funds to construct stadia for the hosting of the 2008 African Cup of Nations Cup. Subsequently, the Supreme Court in 2014 ordered Mr. Woyome to pay back the money, after Mr. Martin Amidu, a private individual and a former Attorney General, challenged the legality of the payment. However, several years on, the state is yet to retrieve the money. This was after Mr. Woyome even won the suit by the state that sort to imprison him for fraud. Mr. Mahama insisted that, his government did its best in pursuing the case. The Supreme has given a ruling, the lower courts have given a different ruling, the person involved is fighting the case at different levels of the court system. But the Attorney General, who left, has pursued this matter diligently and done her best in the legal means to try and protect the interest of the Ghanaian people. He also used the opportunity to answer critics who accused him of not showing the willpower in retrieving the money for the state saying that we cannot be lovers of good governance but also be desirous of arbitrary justice. Mahama to deliver keynote address at ALM Mahama is expected to deliver the keynote address at the African Leadership Magazine (ALM) Person of the Year 2016 Awards Programme in Johannesburg, today, Thursday. He will be speaking on the theme: How can Africa win the progress race? The former President is expected to be decorated with the African Political Leader of the Year Award for his contributions towards deepening and enriching Ghanas democracy and his contributions in Africa. By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana Follow @AlloteyGodwin It is often said that the way you dress decides how you would be addressed, and it is certainly not a coincidence that Ghanaian fashion was on proud display at Parliament House last Tuesday, February 21, 2017, when President Akufo-Addo delivered his debut State of The Nation Address. Different designs of 'kaba and slit', a common Ghanaian traditional wear, and different patterns of 'kente' and the traditional smock (also called 'fugu' or 'batakari') dominated fashion trends at the ceremony. NEWS-ONE reproduces photos which captured some of society's notables at the ceremony clad in traditional Ghanaian fashion styles. Second Lady, Samira Bawumia Brigitte Dzogbenuku, PPP Running Mate Catherine Afeku, Minister for Tourism, Cultuer and Arts Former President Rawlings with wife, Nana Konadu Haruna Iddrisu, Minority Leader Oboshie Sai Coffie Mustapha Hamid , Information Minister Saratu Atta Nii Okwei Kinka Dowuona VI, Osu Mantse Some Ghanaians living in South Africa have expressed strong desire to return home following brutal xenophobic attacks on some African Nationals in that country, Donald, a Ghanaian in South Africa has said. He told Francis Abban on the Morning Starr on Thursday, February 23, 2017 that many of us are thinking of coming home. He lamented that they are living in fear and that their movements had been limited as a result. We are in doors more because of the xenophobic attacks. He said attempts by them to reach the Ghanaian High Commission for succor had proven futile. Reports of xenophobic attacks in South Africa have heightened over the last three days. Nigerians, Ghanaians and other African nationals have complained of rising violence against them. The attackers accuse the foreigners of taking over their jobs and increasing crimes in their neighborhoods. The attacks come just weeks after it was reported that Nigerian-owned properties which some alleged were being used for drug dealing and trafficking were torched in the Johannesburg suburb of Rosetenville, reported Okayafrica.com. The invasion spread to Pretoria where foreign-owned shops were looted overnight on Monday, February 20, 2017. Were in charge Meanwhile, the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister has indicated that the government is in control of the situation and that it is being monitored closely. We are monitoring the issue, assured Shirley Ayorkor Botchway on Morning Starr Thursday, February 23, 2017. The Ghanaian mission in Pretoria, she said visited shops owned by Ghanaians across the country on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 to ensure that they are safe. A lot of engagement has taken place between the mission and Ghanaians [and] we are closely monitoring the situation, she lucidly reiterated. SA High Cssioner summoned She said since the news of the attack broke, she had been in touch with the Ghanaian mission in South Africa and that they had assured us of safety of our people. That notwithstanding, government of Ghana has summoned the South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Lulu Xingwana to get her assurance that our nationals will be safe, she added. She said I have invited the [High commissioner] to our Ministry to tell us what they are doing to protect our nationals. Whether or not our nationals are there legally or illegally does not matter now. Their safety is key now. South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Lulu Xingwana South Africans need re-orientation Appalled by the viciousness of her own country people, Lerato Letsoso, a South African Journalist with the Excellence in Broadcasting (EIB) Network in Ghana said the typical South Africans need to be rehabilitated. I think South Africans should just be re-orientated as to how to deal with the fact that not them alone can be living in South Africa to enjoy what is there, she said angrily, asking Why? Why that entitlement? Why thatthoughts that nobody should come into [the country? What is happening in her country, she said, exposes the loopholes in the continents immigration system. The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has dismissed calls by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to disband the partys private security arm, Invincible Forces. According to the Acting General Secretary of the ruling party-NPP, John Boadu, the opposition National Democratic Congress has no moral right to now call for a truce because it supervised impunity in political violence during its regime. All these boys who have come up protecting us is as a result of security break down in our country, which was supervised by the NDC, he told host Fiifi Banson on Anopa Kasapa onKasapa 102.5 FM. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has described as unfortunate post-election violence across the country when he delivered his first State of the Nation Address Tuesday. Certain incidents occurred during the transition period that are matters of concern to me, and should be to every Ghanaian, as they marred an otherwise dignified and successful transition. Wrongdoing has no political colour, and I do not subscribe to the lawlessness of political party supporters simply because their party has been elected into office, he said. Although, President Akufo-Addo has condemned the attacks and called on the police to deal with lawbreakers during his maiden State of the Nations address in parliament on Tuesday, 21 February, the NDC said the presidents call for cessation on the lawlessness has come too late, and thus the posture of Mr. Akufo-Addo made him appear more as a leader of a vigilante group than the commander in-chief of the armed forces. Commenting on the calls by the main opposition to disband the Invincible Forces of the ruling party, Boadu said the NPP cannot take such instructions from the NDC because it decides how it runs its own internal affairs. Do they pay them? Asiedu should shut up. We wont disband them he said. According to him, Asiedu Nketiah and other officials of the NDC cannot pontificate on the seeming security breach within the political environment because their regime saw worst violence perpetrated by their own people without any condemnation. In the Abobloshie violence for instance, he said some of their people after unleashing mayhem on our boys, killing and maiming several of them, the criminals were later enlisted into the National Security. These are some of the things that has given rise to the invincible forces emerging and protecting our party he noted, saying if they see that the Police is now decisive to bring to book lawbreakers the boys will submit to order. First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo has pledge to help the less fortunate in society, especially women and children, as part of the I Pledge Ghana Campaign introduced as part of Ghana's diamond jubilee celebrations. President Nana Akufo Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo began the campaign on Twitter by pledging to provide equal opportunity and prosperity for all. I pledge to help the less fortunate in society; especially women and children. #iPLEDGEGH What do you pledge ? Rebecca Akufo-Addo (@RAkufoAddo) February 23, 2017 The initiative introduced by the 60th Independence Anniversary Planning Committee is to encourage every Ghanaian to pledge to do something beneficial towards the growth of the country. Ghanaians, according to the anniversary planning committee, are to join in the campaign by taking a picture of themselves on social media with their pledge with the hashtag #iPledgeGH. -Classfmonline The minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Otiko Afisah Djaba has called on every Ghanaian to be vigilant in their environments and help to track and stop child trafficking in Ghana. Speaking in a campaign dubbed Open your eyes to Child Trafficking, a special initiative by the Pamela Bridgewater Project, which seeks to provide future and welfare to disadvantaged girls and children in Ghana, through training, advocacy, protection, and research. She said it is the duty of every citizens to be concerned about the treatment meted out to other citizens, especially children. When we find something odd, what we can do as good citizens is to report to the nearest police station. She called for the respect and protection of the fundamental rights of every citizen at the home and work places. On his part, the USA Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Robert P. Jackson, urged the media to embark on an anti-human trafficking campaign to educate the public on the negative effects of this anti-social phenomenon. I want to implore those of you in the media that there are human trafficking stories to be told. Stories that are far more powerful than anything I say up here today he said. The project director of the Pamela Bridgewater, Mr. Yahaya Alhassan, explained that the anti-human trafficking unit of the Pamela Bridgewater Project at the Kejetia Market in Kumasi is to clamp down on what he described as a modern day slavery. According to him the market has been a transit point for the trafficking of young girls, before they are taken to Accra and other major economic centers. He called on other non-governmental organisations and civil society groups to come out with ideas and proposals for a world free of human trafficking. The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has welcomed the entry into force of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The TFA is a landmark global trade agreement which could provide a boost to global trade flows of over $1trillion. Two-thirds of WTO member states have now ratified the TFA, with Rwanda, Chad, Oman, Jordan becoming the latest of 110 countries to ratify the agreement. Reaching this threshold means the TFA now becomes an official part of the multilateral trading system which covers more than 96 percent of global GDP. The TFA is the first multilateral trade agreement to enter into force in over two decades and aims to make trade easier and simpler by cutting red-tape at borders. ICC has estimated that the deal could support the creation of some 20 million jobs worldwide-the vast majority in developing countries. Sunil Bharti Mittal, ICC Chairman said The entry into force of the TFA is a watershed moment for global trade. The reality today is that many small businesses find themselves unable to trade internationally due to complex customs requirements. By cutting unnecessary red-tape at borders, the TFA will have a transformational effect on the ability of entrepreneurs in developing countries to access global markets. He said the TFA can help ensure that, for the first time, all companies, regardless of size or location can benefit from global trade, stating The entry into force of the agreement could not come at a more important moment given the imperative to make global growth more inclusive. ICC has been a leading proponent of the TFA, playing a key role in the 2013 negotiations that led to the agreement and working closely with the WTO and other international organizations to coordinate and support the deal's implementation. John Danilovich, ICC Secretary General, said: ICC has tirelessly championed the TFA because we know that making trade easier through simple customs reforms can provide a major boost to small business growth. It's estimated that the TFA could increase SME exports by 80 percent in some economies. This means more jobs, more consumer choice andultimatelymore inclusive development. He called on governments to take action to implement the TFA. Danilovich said The entry into force of the TFA is just one step to making the potential benefits of this landmark agreement a reality. Governments must work without delay to implement the provisions of the TFA working hand-in-hand with local businesses to identify key bottlenecks to trade across national borders. Ghana Part of Member Countries ICC Ghana Secretary General Emmanuel Doni-Kwame said ICC Ghana encouraged the Ministry of Trade and the Parliament to ratify the Trade Facilitation Agreement which the goal was achieved in January when Ghana became the 104th member country to ratify the TFA. He said ICC was able to push parliament to ratify the TFA with the support of AGI, World Trade Centre Accra, GUTA, Shipowners Association of Ghana, Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders, FAGE, Ghana Employers Association, Ghana Journalist Association, West Blue Consulting, Ghana Shippers Authority and the BUSAC Fund. Single Window A Factor Valentina Mintah CEO of West Blue Consulting and a member of ICC Ghana said the Ghana National Single Window, a Trade Facilitation programme, played a key role in the execution of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, with up to 15 Sub Articles covered by the programme. With the entry into force of the TFA, we are confident of achieving a further reduction in time and cost of doing business in Ghana, whilst providing a level playing field for all trade participants, she said. The ICC is actively supporting the implementation of the TFA through the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation- a major public-private partnership supported by a number of donor governments and international businesses. The Alliance is currently rolling out trade facilitation projects in Colombia, Ghana, Kenya and Vietnam based on TFA standards. Credit: WTO The Tamale Metropolitan Police Command is on a manhunt for some alleged gang rapists whose assault caused the death of a 12-year old girl on Wednesday, February 22. The 12-year old deceased was a class five pupil of the Tamale Bishops Roman Catholic Primary School located at Choggu. The sad incident occurred at the deceaseds Wurishe residence near the Tamale Technical University. Her remains have been deposited at the Tamale Teaching Hospital morgue, while police investigations are underway. Her traumatized family relations have remained tight-lipped on the incident. Some students of Al-Wahada Islamic Primary School have called for rapid justice. They bemoaned her death, which according to them has caused fear and panic among female pupils in the area. They thus admonished the police to fast-track their investigations and bring the perpetrators to book. ASP Ebenezer Tetteh Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show earlier, the outgoing Police Public Relations Officer of the Norther Regional Police Command, ASP Ebenezer Tetteh, said police are working with some evidence from the crime scene as investigations proceed, but no names have come up yet for arrests . He noted that, police collected some blood and a substance, suspected to be semen, from the crime scene. By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana Barclays PLC has submitted an application to the South African Reserve Bank for approval to reduce its stake in Barclays Africa to below fifty percent. The application will require the approval of South Africa's Minister of Finance. Already Barclays PLC has agreed to pay 765 million pounds to Barclays Africa for it to split from the African business. The amount is expected to be channeled into technology, rebranding, separation related expenses among others. Twenty-seven million pounds (27.5m) out of a total of 55 million pounds to cover separation related expenses, was paid by Barclays PLC in December 2016. Before it can sell down any further, Barclays PLC needs to get regulatory approvalas to who the buyers are likely to be, the company has to be approved first before any further decision can be made on whether that could be obtained through the bookbuilding exercises or any other mechanism, CEO for Barclays Africa, Maria Ramos said on Thursday. Maria Ramos further said Barclays should be able to build the leading Pan African financial institution it aims at upon the separation. Separation gives us the opportunity to unlock the potential to do things differently and build energy and momentum for our future as a pan-African organization. Barclays Africa in a statement on Thursday also revealed that its headline earnings increased 5 percent to R14.9 billion, with South Africa up 2% to R12.2bn and rest of Africa up 17% to R2.8bn. Also the group's revenue grew 8 percent to R32.4 billion. However, its impairments increased by 26 percent resulting in a credit loss ratio of 1.08% from 0.92%. Barclays PLC in May 2016, sold about one-fifth of its stake in Barclays Africa Group Ltd. for about $879 million as part of Chief Executive Officer Jes Staley's plan to overhaul the British lender. The bank sold 12.2 percent of Barclays Africa's shares to money managers, leaving it with a holding of 50.1 percent. Among the support that Barclays PLC offers to its African business group include technology, branding, human resources, credit risk management, strategic development and operational management support. Some analysts have stated that the split is expected to cost Barclays 4.16bn. By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana 23.02.2017 LISTEN Pursuant to Article 76(3) of the Constitution, the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has appointed Ambassador Mercy Yvonne Debrah-Karikari as Secretary to the Cabinet, effective February 14, 2017. She becomes the first woman in Ghanas history to hold this position. Ambassador Mercy Yvonne Debrah-Karikari is a career diplomat, and, was until her appointment, Ghanas High Commissioner to Australia, with concurrent accreditation to New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and other countries in the Pacific region. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com 23.02.2017 LISTEN It has become fashionable in Africa, among the countries Elite, to dress in White and to drive white coloured cars. White is the symbol of purity, and in this regard, of victory; victory over everything that is in the sinful nature of humans. It is extended in Politics to Victory over Rivals and Uncertainties in Politics to the extend and believe that the Black Man in White Cloths cannot be attacked by Evil Spirits. His first State of the Nation Address in Ghanaian Parliament, Prez. Akufo-Addo demonstrated once more the deep rooted nature of purely black African Politicians, unlike Half-Casts like Prez. J.J. Rawlings, to blind people. Democracy and its pitfalls do not help African Nations at this moment of time to move forward. Looking for support to his NPP MPs while smiling unto the protest outcry of the NDC MPs, Prez. Akufo-Addo gave a reasonable accurate account of the Political, Social, Economic and Cultural status his country finds itself ina mess, to say the least, caused by many Administrations in the past while speeded up by the Prez. John Dramani Mahamas Administration. The Bible teaches us to say when we are poor, we are rich, when we are sick, we are healthy. These self-proclamation should help us individuals to speak the will of GOD about our lives to the extend, when believing in it, the proclamations will come to pass eventually one day. The Bible also teaches us not to lie as stated in the 10 Commandments given to us by Moses. African Leaders do not understand the difference between these two aspects of life. To help someones own Nation, a correct and deep analysis of all aspects concerned, must be undertaken. Once this is done, it must be set against a vision (not a Plan as plans have no power in themselves, no spirit, no driving force to overcome obstacles on the way that will always pop-up eventually and unexpectedly) that can carry at least one Generation into a better future. The difference envisioned is the blueprint, the road to achieve what is laying ahead. The situation Ghana is in right now calls for honesty first and foremost. The President has the obligation to tell the good people of Ghana, the country is in a terrible mess which will only make the next generation a happy generation, while the current one has to endure the hardship to rebuild the fundamentals of the country and pay the price for all the wrong things done in the past by the various Republics and Presidents. In a Democracy it can be argued, such an approach is never a good idea as it will come as a shock to the Voters ensuring next time round election results will go against the own party to make their MPs not enjoy the benefits of Power in African societies, being close to the pot with money. Honesty in the current crisis will certainly be a set back on the announcement day. Humans are lazy people and forgetful, are Masters of survival even know how to survive in less fortunate situations like in Prison or in enforced Captivity. For that matter, when bad news are presented before them in an honest, caring and empowered manner, it will make them understand and accept their Generation duties; as they are mostly Mothers and Fathers anyway understanding their role in life. The foundation is certainly, clarity, transparency, constant communication and honesty on the long way ahead to solve problems and turn things around, something that is not done in 4 years time; even 8 years are not enough to put Ghana back on track for the next Generation to enjoy and stay here. When late Prez. John Evans Atta-Mills in 2012 came back from treatment in USA, he knew about his soon passing. He should have confessed his status and stepped down declaring his last time on earth to help his Vice-President to be a successful leader in Ghana. Instead he lied to his own people attending Church with Prophet TB Joshua in Nigeria. Prez. Buhari, Nigeria, went to UK for testing and resting irritating his Fellowman each week with information of his soon return back to Nigeria, while knowing this is not the truth for which his Spokesperson on a daily basis has to correct the potential arrival date of the 74 year old President in a situation, that the economy of Nigeria is in recession, a time strong Leadership is required and any uncertainly is a knife in the back of a Nation. Nigerians in Pretoria, South-Africa, in the past few days were attacked by the people of the country asking them to leave back to Nigeria. Not only the statement made about the Nigerians engaging in Drug and Prostitution deals, it is more so an alarming signal for the future to come. When Africa has no more any natural resources, dramatic increase in young populations with old people living longer than 60 years of age and the horrific scenarios of Climate Change and draught as a result, will see on the African continent, among the AU member states, an increase in Racist Attacks across the Nations. Calls for a nationalistic approach will clearly be heard more loudly in years to come being a potential threat to the efforts to unite the continent of which we in the EU see these days already a clear tendencies in many countries. When African countries will fight among themselves for the last resources for their own Citizens with Citizenship documented, what was seen under late Prez. Busia has the potential to be repeated at a more powerful rate and dynamic force (Ghana go Home from Nigeria), an open door for any outside intruder to take over and charge in a Master like style. The Complexity of African problems can only be effectively and positively be addressed and solved once the Elite of African Nations are filled with Honesty and Integrity in their Hearts, Minds and Spirits no matter the circumstances the Nations are in; as Selfishness, delaying realities, well wishing, prayers to GOD for better Leadership will only make things worse. GOD is always working with time and in that time is working with his words to better the life of people. Erich Honnecker, last Prime Minister of German Democratic Republic (GDR, East-Germany) had to hear from Michael Gorbatshov, former Prez. of Russia The one that comes too late, will be punished by life. When a problem is visible, do not wait until it hits you but prepare yourself for the moment in time to come and start the solution process nowHonesty is the Pillar for that process! Author: Dipl.-Pol. Karl-Heinz Heerde, Sakumono Estate, Tema West, Ghana, phone +233(0)265078287, [email protected] , 22.02.2017 The Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, His Holiness Pope Francis, has sent a congratulatory message to the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on his assumption of the high office of the land, after his victory in the 2016 elections. The message, which was delivered on behalf of the Pope by Archbishop Jean-Marie Speich, Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, also indicated to President Akufo-Addo that Pope Francis had decided to send an envoy from The Vatican for Ghanas 60th Independence celebration. This decision by Pope Francis, according to Archbishop Jean-Marie Speich, was the first time in 40 years that a delegation had been sent by the Pope to witness Ghanas Independence Day celebration. This, according to the Papal Nuncio, was indicative of the high regard Pope Francis has for President Akufo-Addo, Ghana and her democratic credentials. Archbishop Jean-Marie Speich made this known on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, when he paid a courtesy call on the President. He also urged President Akufo-Addo to announce the name of a new Ambassador from Ghana to The Vatican, as there isnt one at the moment. In his brief response, President Akufo-Addo, through the Archbishop, thanked Pope Francis for his message, and expressed his deepest respects and appreciation for the immense work being done by Pope Francis, especially for the year. He also commended the Catholic Church for the invaluable support given to Ghana, in the areas of education, health and the provision of social services to the citizenry, over the years, particularly through the Catholic Relief Services. President Akufo-Addo assured Archbishop Jean-Marie Speich that, in the tenure of his Presidency, he will deepen further the relations between Ghana and The Vatican, to the mutual benefit of its citizens. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com Finance institution AFB has told Citi Business News it will begin rolling out a number of services in the next three months including deposits and a mobile money account system where customers will be able to withdraw and deposit money via their mobile money wallets. AFB Ghana says the move follows calls from its customers to roll out these services. AFB which begun moves to list on the Ghana Stock Exchange two years ago believes the move will expand their operations and create more convenience for customers. In an interview with Citi Business News, Managing Director of AFB, Arnold Parker maintained the decision will enhance the company's growth opportunities on the stock market. We entreat Ghanaians to consider saving with AFB. We will ensure they get value for their money so that is the proposition we have to them, he said. He was speaking at the sidelines of the 'Facts and Figures' programme organized by the Ghana Stock Exchange in Accra. AFB Ghana records significant growth in 2016 AFB Ghana reported significant improvement in its profit before tax for the 2016 financial year. The company recorded a GH7 million profit before tax increase with a 30% growth in loan book, representing over 300% increase in the business. Mr. Arnold Parker, Managing Director of AFB Ghana stated that, The 2016 financial year has been a great one for the business compared to 2015. Our attention for 2016 was to focus on Balance sheet growth to increase profitability. The company's interest income for 2016 increased by 16% with provision decreasing by 14% year on year. Its operating income also shot up by 45% as compared to the previous year's with operating expenses witnessing a marginal increase of 15%. The head of Finance and Administration Ibrahim Obosu expressed optimism for the 2017 business year. We are confident about 2017 and the business prospects for the remaining financial year. We will continue to focus on balance sheet growth and profitability in 2017, with special attention pointed to the introduction of more innovative products and technologically driven sales channels on the market. he acknowledged. About AFB AFB operates as a non-bank financial institution providing innovative financial service products to both public and private sector salaried workers through its 25 branches nationwide. AFB Ghana is one of the largest Payroll Lenders in Ghana with a portfolio of over 80,000 customers. By: Jessica Ayorkor Aryee/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana. President Akufo-Addo has accused the erstwhile John Mahama-led administration of increasing the countrys debt stock to about 122 billion from 9.5 billion in 2009. The President while speaking in Parliament during his first State of the Nation Address on Tuesday, further noted that, he inherited a $2.4 billion highly indebted power sector from the previous government. Nana Addo spoke on several other sectors of the economy in his maiden address. Citifmonline.com takes a look at some things said by the President in his address as against what his predecessor, John Dramani Mahama said during his last two State of the Nation Address in February 2016 and January, 2017. Below is an infographic summarizing the views of the two Akufo-Addo and John Mahama. By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana Follow @AlloteyGodwin The Director General of the Ghana Health Services (GHS), Dr. Ebenezer Appiah Denkyira, has announced plans to strengthen the operation of Community-based Health Planning Services (CHPS) compounds to achieve universal access to quality healthcare. They would have adequate supply of medicines, improvement in data quality, integrated service delivery and sufficiently prepared to respond to emergencies. The GHS would additionally focus on building the capacity of the community health officers and volunteers and ensure increased supervision and monitoring. Dr. Appiah Denkyira said this in a speech read for him at a three-day performance review meeting of the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate held in Kumasi. It was held under the theme Efficient financial management A tool for achieving SDGs 3. In attendance were directors of the health ministry, district health directors, heads of facilities run by faith-based organizations, private facility operators, chiefs and officials of the national health insurance authority (NHIA). Dr. Appiah Denkyira also spoke of stepped-up training of emergency medical teams in all hospitals, support and promote local initiatives to expand community emergency transport system for especially, pregnant women. The GHS was also going to make sure that vetting teams were set up in every facility to oversee timely submission of health insurance claims. Audit units would also liaise with finance units to ensure that audits queries were adequately addressed and make sure management and financial staff were abreast with public financial management procedures, he added. [February 23, 2017] Epson Large-Format Printer Brings "Times Square" to Silicon Valley in New Exhibition LONG BEACH, Calif., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Computer History Museum is celebrating software with the opening of a new exhibition which will feature Bert Monroy's "Times Square" image printed with the Epson SureColor P20000 64-inch printer. Exploring the history, impact and technology of software, the "Make Software: Change the World!" exhibition looks at seven software applications that have transformed lives, including Adobe Photoshop, which was used to create Monroy's masterpiece. Now open, the "Make Software: Change the World!" exhibition at the Computer History Museum explores how software, software developers and the businesses they have created have changed the world. Artist Monroy's Times Square image, printed on the SureColor P20000 with Epson DisplayTrans Backlight Film II, is 22 feet long and 4 feet high and comes to life on a massive backlit display. Created over four years, every element in the image was meticulously created pixel-by-pixel using Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. More than 750,000 Photoshop layers were used, bringing to life the likenesses of Monroy's family, friends, dozens of digital imaging artists and pioneers, including Photoshop creators John and Thomas Knoll, as well as intensely detailed scenes and landmarks in and around Times Square. "Bert's artwork is truly amazing and is a perfect piece for this exhibition helping us to present new ways to think about software and encourage viewers to imagine a world where almost anything is possible because of software," said Kirsten Tashev, VP of Collections and Exhibitions, Computer History Museum. "The Epson print helps us bring Bert's image to life; shoing it on a large scale so visitors can see the detail up close and in vibrant color." "Bert's Times Square image is an inspiring work of art, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in today's world of software and digital imaging," said Larry Kaufman, product manager, Epson Professional Imaging, Epson America. "The SureColor P20000 leverages superior printing technology to push its own boundaries giving creative professionals a tool to produce exceptional output that is worthy of hanging in a museum." More about the Epson SureColor P20000 The 64-inch Epson SureColor P20000 leverages an enhanced PrecisionCore MicroTFP print head, newly developed media feeding system, and reformulated Epson UltraChrome PRO nine-color pigment inks to provide unmatched print quality and unparalleled production for print-on-demand providers, fine art reproduction houses and indoor display graphics printers. Epson DisplayTrans Backlight Film II is an extremely high-resolution backlight film for professional backlight display applications. For additional information, contact your local dealer or visit www.proimaging.epson.com. About the Computer History Museum The Computer History Museum in Mountain View, Calif., is a nonprofit organization with a four-decade history as the world's leading institution exploring the history of computing and its ongoing impact on society. The Museum is dedicated to the preservation and celebration of computer history and is home to the largest international collection of computing artifacts in the world, encompassing computer hardware, software, documentation, ephemera, photographs, and moving images. For more information, visit www.computerhistory.org. About Epson Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to connecting people, things and information with its original efficient, compact and precision technologies. With a lineup that ranges from inkjet printers and digital printing systems to 3LCD projectors, smart glasses, sensing systems and industrial robots, the company is focused on driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in inkjet, visual communications, wearables and robotics. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 73,000 employees in 91 companies around the world, and is proud of its contributions to the communities in which it operates and its ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impacts. Epson America, Inc., based in Long Beach, Calif., is Epson's regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (facebook.com/Epson), Twitter (twitter.com/EpsonAmerica), YouTube (youtube.com/EpsonAmerica), and Instagram (instagram.com/EpsonAmerica). Note: EPSON, SureColor, PrecisionCore, MicroTFP, and UltraChrome are registered trademarks and Epson Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other product brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/epson-large-format-printer-brings-times-square-to-silicon-valley-in-new-exhibition-300412266.html SOURCE Epson America, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Abidjan, Cote dIvoire, February 23, 2016 The President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, will make an official visit to Sudan from February 26 to March 1, 2017. He will meet top Government officials, including President Omar Al-Bashir; Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Badr El-Din Mahmoud Abbas; and the Governor of the Central Bank of Sudan, Hazim Abdelgadir Ahmed Babikier. The visit will provide an opportunity to reaffirm the Banks support to the countrys social and economic development efforts and to explore opportunities to enhance future cooperation on the Banks High 5 priorities, focusing on institutional capacity to improve social service delivery and agricultural value chains. The High 5s are Light up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialise Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa. Cooperation between the Bank and Sudan dates back to the founding of the AfDB in 1964 in Khartoum. The Bank portfolio in the country comprises 12 projects with a total commitment of US $200 million. The Banks interventions range from technical assistance to capacity building and targeted operations to reduce poverty and boost socioeconomic development in the country. 23.02.2017 LISTEN On this year's black history I will want to share some reality that still faces Africa and proves that Africa is in a dilemma and needs a critical, logical and pragmatic decision to position itself strategically in the heated global political arena which has a lot of economic dimensions. Brexit has it own dynamics that will have a bearing on Africa's economic fortunes. To add to this challenge is the new international approach of current American president Donald Trump. There is another third and fourth group, China, India and others who some how appear to be friendly in trade yet their interest outweighs any African nation's interest. How much revenue do the entire Africa make from China, India and others minus Europe and America as compared to how much leave our land in hard cash and natural resources, not to mention the land degradation and constant infestation of the cancer called corruption of our greedy leaders. Almost all thriving economies in Africa are not independent of foreign manipulation in the guise of foreign investment which is always at the disadvantage of Africa no matter how juicy it appears on paper, these are Trojan horses. This is an old system in place which stymies Africa quest to develop strategies to seek her interest fully. When Ghana started soaring after independence most of these Asian tigers and middle eastern powers hubs were in struggling state, at a point Ghana became a motivating factor. South Africa was at the pinnacle of painful apartheid experience, never again must this suffice in any form but sadly it has taken several forms and shape, Nigeria too was battling a lot of challenges so in summary African nations were fighting for self-determination though some had back door arrangements which foiled any attempt for a continental bloc. Currently we have BRICS (economic bond between Brazil, Russia, Indian China and South Africa) and MINT (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria ad Turkey) blocs therefore one will ask what has happened to ECOWAS and SADC? If we have not in evidence made drastic economic gains (amongst) ourselves why try to court relationship out there. China and India have lot of European and American interest which is obvious in their market shares and multinational companies manufacturing plants in these countries. The above indeed present a dilemma for mother Africa because African nations trade less among themselves than they do with Europe, America, China etc AGOA and EPA are trojan horses yet we are partners to them as individual nations and we are working tirelessly to make them work but common currency Eco for west Africa, it is struggling to come to fruition. We used language even as a barrier in forming African bloc but EU has done it barring their language barrier. All these, have not stopped terrorist insurgencies in most former French colonies and Nigeria, not forgetting invasion Libya by France, Britain and America, today we know what they created and empowered in replacement of Ghadaffi. African leaders have always come up with realistic ideas and policy blue prints any time they meet but the implementation of it back home becomes a challenge because their economy is hugely supported by the very institutions and nations the said policy implementation won't favor. Africa has become a battle ground for USA, Britain, China and even India because all want supremacy over our raw resources and governance system that will support their international relations and foreign policy. Africa is indeed at the cross road,but all is not bleak and doom. We must simply start rigorous trading among ourselves, invest strategically in each others economy. We must curtail all the deliberate blocks we have established to make it difficult for two African nations to do business unlike how they easily trade with Europe, America, China etc How many containers of goods travel from South Africa to Ghana, from Ghana to Kenya, from Botswana to Nigeria, from Egypt to Ghana, from Guinea to DR Congo, from Morocco to Senegal etc ? We must understand our common enemy is ourselves and we play puppets to same masters with different names including our own leaders who starts as servants then become demigods on us. One of the turf war point that we must overcome is religious extremism, if today Dubai, can be real embodiment of an example for religious tolerance that is facilitating economic growth and development whiles Africa is slow in this regard then we must do something about it. We must make pragmatic efforts for easy movement to promote our own tourism and culture because it appears African youth tends to know more about Europe, America etc than they know about various African countries. We must make conscious efforts to nurture and unearth passionate results oriented leaders who can carry the rest to the dream Africa. Generation of today across the board must deploy exceptional leadership qualities that will promote our growth and this cannot be just grammar but practical effective deployment of a cut-fit blue print that might differ slightly from regional bloc to the other. We must resource and retool AU to become our point of collective bargain so that it doesn't happen in situations where countries go into contracts with e.g EU's EPA which have ripple effect on its neighbouring country. China is striking deals with individual nations whiles even the entire population of Africa comes no where close to China. These are the realities on the ground which must call from a fire brand AU which is funded by Africa, so it can go to any negotiating table as our muscle than leaders with cup in hand. We must admit Africa has made few incursions but we cannot travel at this pace because globally everything is running like Usain Bolt Africa must arise, Africans must arise and budding leaders must purpose in their hearts, mind and spirit not to repeat mistakes of our forefathers. Scofray Nana Yaw Yeboah Khartoum (AFP) - President Omar al-Bashir has ordered Sudanese authorities to assist the delivery of international humanitarian aid to famine-hit South Sudan through the country, an official said Thursday. On Monday, South Sudan, the world's youngest nation formed after splitting from the north in 2011, declared famine in some regions, saying 100,000 people faced starvation and another million were on the brink of famine. "President Omar al-Bashir has ordered Sudanese authorities to offer all necessary facilities to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches South Sudan through Sudanese territories," Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour said in a statement. Ghandour said Bashir has ordered assistance to all NGOs, aid agencies of the United Nations and also other countries trying to deliver supplies to South Sudan. Famine in South Sudan "This is to ease the suffering of the South Sudanese people," the minister said. Aid groups have slammed a "man-made" famine caused by bloodshed in South Sudan where civil war has forced people to flee, disrupted agriculture, sent prices soaring and cut off aid agencies from some of the worst-hit areas. South Sudan has been engulfed by civil war since 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his rival and former deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup. More than 300,000 South Sudanese refugees have arrived in Sudan since the war erupted, according to the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR. Sudan's Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour said President Bashir (pictured) has ordered assistance to all NGOs and UN aid agencies trying to deliver supplies to South Sudan Over 65 percent of the refugees are children, with many of them arriving with critical levels of malnutrition, it said. UN aid officials are monitoring the Sudan-South Sudan border in anticipation that thousands more could flee to the northern neighbour due to the famine situation. 23.02.2017 LISTEN A few weeks back, the Mayor of Johannesburg, Herman Mashaba vowed to cleanse the city of Nigerian drug lords. Unfortunately, to the common South African folk on the streets, a drug lord is any black foreigner with a nice car- quite an unfortunate and dangerous stereotype. Subsequently, many houses belonging to foreigners were torched. Their foreign African occupants were accused of enticing local girls into prostitution, drug addiction and drug pushing. Commendably, the Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba rushed to the area and reminded the local South Africans not to take the law into their own hands. Officials in the area also vowed to arrest and prosecute all those suspected in torching and destroying property. On 18th Feb, 2017 Pretoria West came to a standstill when a group of South African youth came from Atteridgeville, a locality of black South Africans armed with machetes, stones and petrol bombs and descended onto Pretoria west. Foreign Africans from Somalia, Uganda, Nigeria, Ethiopia and other parts of Africa have settled in Sunnyside in the heart of the city of Tshwane and Pretoria West, where they carry out all kinds of business; legal and otherwise, a matter of law enforcement. However, the significant majority of East Africans are into legal businesses; selling motor spares, used cars, and run mini super markets. Like in any city, prostitution also exists and many brothels have been pounced on by police on several occasions, still a matter of law enforcement. It is alleged that some West African nationals rent residential houses and use them for drug pushing and prostitution. These allegations can only be proved by law enforcement but not mobs of marauding youth. This has come at a time when the opposition Economic Freedom Front, EFF disrupted the State of the Nation Address (SONA) asking the speaker not to allow president Jacob Zuma to address the Nation, accusing him of gross corruption. It is not far-fetched to say that the black South Africans socio- economic grievances have been stimulated by the EFF action few weeks back. It is also possible that those in leadership have had to quickly look for a diversionary issue to hoodwink the nationals from the SONA debacle, Also to defray the peoples legitimate demands of their increasingly presumed ineffective government. Despite the assurances by the Home Affairs Minister, security agencies like the police have done little to stop the carnage as they perhaps share the sentiments of the xenophobic rioters towards African foreigners. African foreigners, ironically, are accused of taking away jobs of the local people, yet its never easy for a foreigner to get a job when there is a South African national who can do it. Foreigners are struggling to survive too, in a difficult economic environment. They help one another, receive assistance from their relatives who are outside South Africa, and some do buy and sell goods to survive. Some are looking for safety after running away from bad governments at home. This is the stark African reality we must all face with empathy. All in all the current xenophobic attacks on foreigners in South Africa shows how ignorance manifests itself among Africans. There so many white foreigners living in South Africa, but because they are white in complexion, then they are not targeted as foreigners. African leaders have a lot to do to change the mind-set of the African people. If you harm or kill a Nigerian or Ugandan living in Pretoria, what are your thoughts about your cousin who works for MTN in Lagos, or Kampala? Would you, by your reckless actions, not have put his or her life on the line too? On Friday the 24th of Febraury 2017 a march is being organised by a group of South Africans to demonstrate against the actions of some foreign Nationals who are doing illegal businesses. The participants will be calling on the Government to deport illegal Nigerians,Zimbabweans and pakistanes.In most cases burglary is part and parcel of the match and always brings business to a standstill. That is why the chairman of African Diaspora Marc Gbaffou was really very concerned. Consequently, shops that do not have burglar roller doors are the target yet the persons who generally rent these shops are foreign nationals who pay high monthly rentals, water, parking, electricity and taxes for their flats and shops and also pay salaries to the descent South Africans whom they employ. Their flats and shops and also pay salaries to the descent South Africans whom they employ. Xenophobia is wrong. South Africans, during their long struggle for freedom got brotherly assistance from several African countries- which accepted them as their own. This should be the time to thank these fellow Africans, not to harm them. Besides, Mother Africa is large enough for all of us to live, in any of her magnificent parts. Let not the Trump mentality be replicated in South Africa. We deserve better. About the writer: Masanga Hamza. PhD Candidate University of South Africa (Islamic finance and Banking) Cell No. +27 72 446 8260 www.masangahamzawealthmanagement.co.za Goma (DR Congo) (AFP) - Sixteen people have been killed in three days of fighting this week that pitted the Democratic Republic of Congo's army against a rebel militia, a military spokesman told AFP Thursday. Guillaume Djike, a spokesman for the army in troubled North Kivu province in the east of the nation, said 16 people had been killed from Monday to Wednesday, while five rebels from the M23 militia had been captured and 58 others had surrendered. Djike did not specify whether the dead were rebels, troops or civilians. M23 is a mostly ethnic Tutsi rebel group that mutinied against DR Congo in 2012, saying a peace accord signed in 2009 had not been respected by the government. The militia was defeated the following year, and hundreds of fighters fled the country. But in January, the government and residents of North Kivu said they had seen M23 fighters return from neighbouring Uganda. The United Nations MONUSCO peacekeeping mission on Wednesday said the militia posed "a real threat" to security in eastern DR Congo. It said it had evidence that members of the group had returned to the country. Liberata Buratwa, a local official, called on people who had fled the latest wave of clashes to neighbouring Uganda to return home. "Today the situation is calm. We ask the people who fled the fighting to Uganda to return to the country because the situation has returned to normal," Buratwa said. In a statement from the Ugandan capital Kampala on Wednesday, M23 blamed the Congolese government for the spike in violence. "Ex-fighters who returned to their country were unarmed and had no intention to wage war," M23 said. "The government's decision to push returning ex-fighters into war, forcing them to defend themselves, sends a negative signal to their colleagues" in Uganda and Rwanda, the statement said. Uganda in January said that 40 M23 rebels living at a military base since 2014 had disappeared, and that about 100 more had been caught trying to cross into DR Congo. The Congolese government, for its part, said this month that some 200 former M23 fighters had occupied a village in North Kivu province. Retired Ghanaian diplomat Dr K. B. Asante has affirmed President Akufo-Addos statement Tuesday that Ghanas economy is the worst since independence is the reality. We have to admit that after 60 years our economy is bad, he told a gathering at the DOTTS programme organised by DreamOval and Joy FM Thursday. He said although the Presidents statistics were unpleasant for his political opponents, Ghanaians must learn to appreciate the truth. President Akufo-Addo said in his first State of the Nations Address that the countrys Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2016 was 3.6 percent, the lowest GDP growth in about 23 years. Related Article: Stop vilification; NDC holds record for highest economic growth Minority to Akufo-Addo He said this was attributable to fiscal indiscipline, high borrowing attitude, mismanagement of the economy by the former President John Mahamas government. In fact, virtually all the targets under the IMF programme, as at December 2016, have been missed. Fiscal indiscipline, once again, reared its head in the 2016 election year, he said. According to him, out of a GH43.9 billion (26% of GDP) total projected expenditure for 2016, the actual expenditure amounted to GH50.3 billion (30.2% of GDP). The full facts of the situation have not been put before the Ghanaian people, he lamented. President Akufo-Addo said the combination of higher expenditures and lower revenues than projected resulted in a significant increase in the budget deficit for 2016. As compared to a target of 5.3 percent under the IMF programme, the fiscal deficit for 2016 was 9 percent of GDP on a cash basis and 10.2 percent of GDP on a commitment basis (that is on the basis of expenditures undertaken but not yet paid for). On Ghanas fiscal deficits, the President said his predecessor has ballooned the countrys public debt which stood at GH9.5 billion in 2009 to GH122 billion as at 2016. Ghanas debt stock now stands at 74 percent of GDP, after all the previous denials to the contrary, he said, adding about 92 percent of the debt was added on in the last eight years. The Presidents statistics were unpleasant for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament (MPs) who accused him of unfairly maligning the previous government. At a news conference in Accra Wednesday, the NDC MPs said the President relied on provisional figures instead of waiting for the real facts from the Ghana Statistical Services (GSS). Minority leader, Haruna Iddrisu who spoke on behalf of his colleagues said the NDC steered the country to achieve a record 14.4 percent economic growth rate in 2011, despite the underperformance picture painted by the President. We have contributed to the growth of the economy before so you must appreciate what the global dynamics meant on the growth of the Ghanaian economy, he said. But Dr Asante who served in the government of Ghanas first President Kwame Nkrumah said President Akufo-Addo was right in his assessment of the economy. What he said was the truth even though he is a President and leader of a party, he said, adding it should be possible for Ghanaians to accept what is right despite who said it. If we the people do not admit the obvious mistakes of our and try to correct bad politics the sorry state of the economy will continue, he warned. Dr Asante was emphatic that what is true is true irrespective of if it was put out by the President. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brako-Powers | [email protected] UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is optimistic bamboo bicycles would do well in the British market and therefore encouraged the CEO to tap into the opportunities that exist in the UK to expand the companys market base. On his recent visit to Ghana to deepen bilateral relations between Ghana and the United Kingdom, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson took a ride on one of the bamboo bikes produced by Booomers International Ltd. This happened during an interaction section with a few small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana supported by the UKAID. As a great biker himself, he became fascinated with the make and the design of the bikes and decided to take a ride on the bike which he later described as very light and comfortable. Among the dignitaries who were with Mr. Boris included the UK Trade Envoy to Africa, Adam Afiriyie and the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Jon Benjamin who is has been a great admirer and supporter of the company. The Ghanaian Minister for Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen was very enthused about the bikes and the fact that they were made from Bamboo in Ghana. Booomers International a brainchild of Kwabena Danso is a social enterprise which was established in 2014 as the commercial arm of the Yonso Project to undertake the commercial production of bamboo bicycles and accessories. Currently, the company has gone beyond just bikes and is developing new products from bamboo. The companys products are in high demand in Germany, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, USA and will this year go into the UK market. The story of Booomers is one unique story that shows how determination and discipline make a local company become a force to reckon with on the international market. Mr Danso mentioned that the UK market is the companys prime focus this year and that they are seeking to build a partnership with potential distributors across the UK. We are very passionate about using whatever opportunities are available in solving problems in rural Ghana since that is the genesis of a lot of the countrys problems. "Due to lack of economic opportunities, a huge number of the young people in rural communities migrate to the urban areas in search of livelihood and it is against this background that the company is using the opportunity to train and employ youth in rural areas," he said. He added that they are looking at creating the Bamboo village which will become a catalyst for job creation and also create the value chain for bamboo just as China has done. Booomers International would be introducing three new products in addition to their current bike frames. These are the tricycle and balance bikes for children and the bamboo speakers. These products will be on the market at the beginning of March 2017. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Joy Business Obuasi West Member of Parliament is accusing the John Mahama government of diverting monies accrued to the Energy Sector Levy account. According to Kweku Kwarteng a whooping 189 million cedis was taken from the Energy Sector Levy Account and given to BOST to buy crude oil, an action he described as illegal. The Energy Sector Levy was instituted in 2015 to raise money through taxes on petroleum products to pay for the rising debt in the energy sector. According to Ghana's new president Nana Akufo-Addo, the energy sector is suffocating under a $2.4 billion debt. He made the revelations Tuesday, when he was reading his first state of the nation address. Debating the details of the State of the Nation address on the floor of Parliament, Thursday, Kweku Kwarteng said under the Energy Sector levy Act, it was illegal for the NDC government to divert the monies accrued under the Energy Sector Levy Account. He said monies accrued in that account is for price stabilisation in the petroleum sector and also to pay for the stifling debts in the Energy sector. He did not understand why government would take 189 million cedis from that account and give it to BOST ostensibly to buy crude oil when indeed BOST is itself a direct beneficiary of price margins on petroleum products. He explained that BOST has a margin in the price build up and anytime the price of the commodity went up BOST benefitted. "What happened to crude oil," he asked and said that amount cannot be taken from the energy sector levy and given to BOST when Tema Oil Refinery and the GNPC are both reeling in debt. He said the new government will audit the figures properly and make sure such practices are stopped with immediate effect. Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament has accused the president of being dishonest in the figures and facts he provided during his presentation of the state of the nation address. The president made reference to a new agric policy which had received a 122 million Canadian dollar support but the minority said the president should at least have given credit to the NDC for negotiating that grant. The minority said that grant was signed on 25th February 2016 when the Canadian officials paid a visit to the then Agric minister Alhaji limuna. The grant was to be disbursed early this year, the minority stated. They did not understand why the president failed to acknowledge the previous government during his presentation. Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah According to Red List of Threatened Species of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List), Primate is a grouping of a wide range of mammals, there are 89 mammal species in Bangladesh, of which 3 are critically endangered, 12 are endangered, 16 are vulnerable, and 4 are near-threatened. In this line, there the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Dugong, Crab-eating Macaque, Gray Langur, Polynesian Rat, Asiatic Long-tailed Climbing Mouse, Asian House Shrew, Sunda Pangolin, Blue Whale, Pantropical Spotted Dolphin, Risso's Dolphin, Clouded Leopard, Red Fox, European Otter, Indian Rhinoceros, Blackbuck and Gaur are most said primates names due to Threatened Species in Bangladesh. Due to geographical location of Bangladesh on the Bay of Bengal, the country is very suitable for wildlife and water life, especially for primates mammals. According to World Bank and others national & international organizations report, there 11.06 % (16321.242 sqm) of total land covers forest area in Bangladesh. The largest areas of forest are in the Chittagong Hills and the Sundarbans. Chittagong Hills forest covers more than 4,600 square kilometers; and Sundarbans, a tidal mangrove forest covering nearly 6,000 square kilometers. Also, Bangladesh is a riverine country. About 700 rivers including tributaries flow through the country constituting a waterway of total length around 24,140 kilometers and maritime boundary of Bangladesh own sovereign on 118,813 sq km of waters extending up to territorial waters of Bangladesh extend 12 nautical miles (22 km) and the exclusive economic zone of the country is 200 nautical miles (370 km) in the Bay of Bengal Sea. Besides, the forest & water areas in Bangladesh, there lots of primates live in the human localities in different districts in Bangladesh. But due to the development oriented intervention in the river, sea and forest areas, which most of those are unplanned and not well planned; the primates lives are under threatened. Forestry & Environment Departments and Water, River & Sea Departments along with relevant Ministries of Bangladesh Government has been taken many initiates directly, indirectly and many government, non-government organizations, universities, civil society & expertise also involved to reduce the intervention in the primates life and reserved their rights & conservation. But recently, government initiative for 74,21,935 square meters areas project plan of Rampal Coal-fired Power Station just 14 km distanced from the Sunderbans the world largest mangrove forest approximated the more threaten for primates mammals as well as making vulnerable to all wild life in the forest. All over, the initiatives has been taken for conservation of mammals life & their rights including free rang forestry are not enough in Bangladesh due to lack of international standardization & proper guidelines. So in this circumstance, American Society of Primatologists (ASP) as worlds leading organization in this field, will take necessary steps in cooperation with University of California at Davis in United States to preserve the rights of Primate grouping mammals and their conservation including biodiversity conservation and create available free rang forest, river & sea and facilitate perfectly free livelihood of primates in Bangladesh. Former President Mahama has asked Africans to devise the necessary structural reforms that will put the African continent back on the path of growth. Speaking at the African Leadership Magazine (ALM) Person of the Year 2016 Awards Programme in Johannesburg in South Africa, the President also asked African entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities the continent has to offer. Unfortunately, the rest of the world holds a very strict view of Africa. We are either fading or we are succeeding. We are either rising to great heights or we are falling. In such times, we must diagnose the reasons for these setbacks . In such cases we must diagnose the reasons for these reversals and institute the structural reforms necessary to put the nation back on the path of growth. Africa has the potential to become the next emerging continent of the world. Opportunities abound and African entrepreneurs must take advantage of these. My belief in the promise of Africa is unshakable. That is why I believe in events that bring together celebrated achievers from diverse backgrounds which is a clear indication that Africa has got the right resource to guarantee the realisation of its fullest potential. According to him, though Africa is rarely afforded the full range of motion that nation building and national reconstruction brings, we [Africans] must not be discouraged by temporary setbacks. He also emphasized the need for Africa to recognise the enormous challenges that continue to bedevil the continent and its desire to shed off the unenviable tag of poverty, famine and disease ravished continent. By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana Follow @EfeAnsah [February 23, 2017] EnterpriseDB Vice President and PostgreSQL Community Leader Robert Haas to Present at PGConf India 2017 BEDFORD, Massachusetts, and BENGALURU, India, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- EnterpriseDB (EDB), the database platform company for digital business, today announced that Robert Haas, Vice President, Chief Database Architect, will present at PGConf India 2017, held March 2-3, 2017, at the Hotel Park Plaza in Bengaluru, Karnataka in India. Haas will deliver his presentation, titled Moving PostgreSQL Forward, on Friday, March 3. He will examine the methodical process the PostgreSQL community employs to develop its code base and the impact it has on the timeline for new feature delivery. Haas will further consider how the PostgreSQL community could accelerate development. Haas both manages the engineering group at EnterpriseDB responsible for the EDB Postgres Advanced Server database, and also makes critical contributions to the PostgreSQL core code base. He is a Major Contributor and Committer for the PostgreSQL community, and has played a critical role in the development of parallelism for PostgreSQL. Other EnterpriseDB representatives participating in PGConf India 2017 are: Rafia Sabih , Software Engineer, and Dilip Kumar , Principal Software Engineer, will present on Friday, March 3 . Their presentation, Query Parallelism in PostgreSQL: Expectations and Opportunities, explores how parallelism capabilities have expanded in Postgres. , Software Engineer, and , Principal Software Engineer, will present on . Their presentation, Query Parallelism in PostgreSQL: Expectations and Opportunities, explores how parallelism capabilities have expanded in Postgres. Ashutosh Bhabat, Technical Architect, Database Server, will present on Friday, March 3 . His presentation, Partition and Conquer Large Data in PostgreSQL 10, will examine advances in partitioning planned for the next version of PostgreSQL. . His presentation, Partition and Conquer Large Data in PostgreSQL 10, will examine advances in partitioning planned for the next version of PostgreSQL. EnterpriseDB Database Administrator Ranjeet Dhumal will lead a class on March 2 . The training, Postgres Performance Tuning for DBAs and Developers, will cover all aspects of SQL tuning as well as benchmarking and tuning database server parameters for optimal performance. About EnterpriseDB (EDB) Corporation EnterpriseDB (EDB), the database platform company for digital business, delivers the premier open source-based data platform for new applications, cloud re-platforming, application modernization, and legacy migration. EnterpriseDB integrates with enterprise technologies and infrastructures for hybrid cloud management, data integration, and data warehousing. Our customers benefit from the most reliable, high-performing, flexible, open, and cost-effective data management platform available. EnterpriseDB is based in Bedford, Massachusetts with 16 offices around the globe. For more information, visit www.EDBPostgres.com. EnterpriseDB is a registered trademark of EnterpriseDB Corporation. EDB and EDB Postgres are trademarks of EnterpriseDB Corporation. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners. MEDIA CONTACTS Nancy Scott Cairbre Sugrue EnterpriseDB Sugrue Communications +1 781.357.3090 +44 (0)1932 429 779 [email protected] [email protected] Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/319928/enterprisedb_corporation_logo.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The African Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), has impressed on the NPP government to pursue processes to enact regulations to guide the effective implementation of the Petroleum Exploration and Production (E&P) law. The Centre believes the regulations should intensify the call for transparency and value for money in the petroleum sector. The energy think tank also wants government to review all non-performing contracts in the petroleum sector. The contracts are many; the government knows which particular ones are not performing without mentioning any particular contract. It has to go and look for all of them and renegotiate or cancel them and that is what we asked government to do, the Deputy Director for ACEP, Benjamin Boakye told Citi Business News. The suggestions come on the back of announcements by President Akufo Addo to strengthen the country's energy sector and make it competitive. In his first state of the nation address, President Nana Addo outlined a series of policy programs aimed at improving the power sector. ACEP in a statement lauded the President for his interventions. The energy think tank however expressed regret at what it refers to as, 'the apparent silence on the oil sector which has also become an important part of the development trajectory of the country.' The Deputy Director for ACEP, Ben Boakye explained the need to see to the formulation of regulations to guide the implementation of the law. He told Citi Business News the fulfillment of these will make Ghana's energy sector more competitive and facilitate economic growth. What is critical is regulation and contract to ensure that the extensive discretion that is given to the minister of Energy to cancel the outcome of competitive bidding processes We all want to see the regulation developed on contract so that we can streamline the processes to award the petroleum contracts, Ben Boakye said. By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana Airtel, the Smartphone Network and expressPay, Ghanas leading innovative electronic payments platform have announced a partnership that enables Airtel customers to directly purchase data bundles through the expressPay app. The solution offers Airtel customers a seamless way to purchase data bundles anywhere, anytime through expressPays app or website using their Airtel Money wallets, Visa, MasterCard and GH-Link cards instantly. This partnership adds to the channels available to customers on the Smartphone Network to purchase bundles and make payments for goods and services. The CEO of expressPay Curtis Vanderpuije commented; We are excited about continuing to create value and to meet the basic payment needs of consumers. Getting data should be a simple and easy process. We are sure consumers will embrace the solution as we continue to make their lives a little easier. Commenting on the partnership, Rosy Fynn, Marketing Director at Airtel Ghana said This partnership provides our customers the convenience of purchasing data bundles in real time anytime, anywhere and adds to the other channels we have provided to make their lives easier including purchasing talk time and data bundles via our Airtel Money platform and on Facebook. As a business, responding to the lifestyle needs of our customers is our hallmark. We are constantly exploring and leveraging partnerships such as this to increase channels through which customers can access our services conveniently. To access the service, Airtel customers can simply download the expressPay app by visiting www.expresspaygh.com/app to start enjoying the convenience of purchasing bundles anytime, anywhere. Once app is downloaded, customers can login and select Airtel from the Internet category, enter the phone number of the recipient of the data bundle, enter their Airtel money account number or VISA, GH-link card details and click Pay to receive data bundles instantly! expressPay literally brings services to the fingertips of customers saving them time to enable them focus on more important things in life. expressPay, life made easy!" Airtel is Ghanas telecom industry leader in data and digital innovation. The company has been recognised widely for its product and service innovation that enriches the lives of customers. About Bharti Airtel Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 18 countries across Asia and Africa. Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the company ranks amongst the top 3 mobile service providers globally in terms of subscribers. In India, the company's product offerings include 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services, mobile commerce, fixed line services, high speed DSL broadband, IPTV, DTH, enterprise services including national & international long distance services to carriers. In the rest of the geographies, it offers 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services and mobile commerce. Bharti Airtel had over 359 million customers across its operations at the end of July 2016. To know more please visit, www.airtel.com About Airtel in Africa Airtel is driven by the vision of providing affordable and innovative mobile services to all. Airtel has 17 operations in Africa: Burkina Faso, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Madagascar, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Airtel International is a Bharti Airtel company. For more information, please visit www.airtel.com, or like the Airtel Ghana Facebook page via www.facebook.com/airtelgh or follow us on Twitter via the handle @airtelghana. In 2015, commodities werent a hot ticket itemto say the least. Negative sentiment surrounded mining and resource stocks. Most miners struggled at the time. Some were overburdened with debt. Others had production issues. But the problem all Aussie resource stocks had in common was falling commodity prices. It caused many resource stocks to rocket down. And a lot of the negative sentiment carried over to 2016. South32 Ltd [ASX:S32] and Sundance Energy Australia [SEA:ASX] made new 52 week lows early in the year. And it wasnt just smaller resource stocks falling over. Remember when BHP Billiton Ltd [ASX:BHP] was trading for around $15 per share? Source: Bloomberg Click to enlarge It was a massive drop from their high in 2014 of $39.17. Smart investors saw it as a perfect time to buy BHP at a dirt cheap price. In 2016, BHP dipped to a low of $14.20 on 21 January. But the stock ended up climbing to $25.06 as of 30 December, 2016. That means a $10,000 investment into BHP during this time would have returned a $7,647.89 profit. Youd be hard pressed to find any blue chip that will climb more than 70% in 12 months. But Im curious to know, if you didnt buy BHP at the start of 2016, why didnt you? You might have your own reasons. You didnt have spare capital. Maybe you had no idea how far BHP had fallen. But a lot of investors were just plain scared to buy BHP. They thought of the stock dropping further, rather than the opportunity of it going higher. Fuelling their fears were mainstream analysts and media, who constantly attacked commodities. Sadly, this is what a lot of investors do. Instead of being objective, they have a herd-like mentality. Its not bad to listen to other opinions. But doubting yourself because of what others write or say is when you miss out on opportunities and potentially lose money. The one thing that will make you rich What if I told you your mindset is key to become a hugely successful investor? Its the major difference between average investors and great investors. With an opportunistic mindset, you may have bought BHP when it was trading at $14.20. Or you might have jumped into South32, which traded up more than 158% in 2016. A great example of an opportunistic investment was when Carl Icahn bought US$1 billion of US equities. As Donald Trump claimed victory over Hillary Clinton, analysts thought markets were going to spiral down. And they did for about five seconds. But billionaire investor, Carl Icahn, thought otherwise. He left Trumps victory party to buy close to $1 billion in US equities. I would have tried to put a lot more to work, but I couldnt put more than about $1 billion to work, and then the market got away. But Im still happy about it, Icahn said. Since 9 November, 2016, the S&P 500 is up 8.69% to 2,351.16 points. Now making 8.96% on a billion dollars is not a bad day at the office. Assuming Icahn bought the S&P 500 index, he has now made $86.9 million on his four month investment. Instead of listening to market noise, Icahn asked himself what President Trump meant for US businesses. It was an investment only opportunistic investors could have made. Another investor above the rest is Warren Buffett. And Id argue that its his mindset, like Icahn, which put him above the rest. Paraphrasing Buffett, the market is irrational. Every day it gives you prices. These prices could present opportunities, or they could be overvalued. Its your job, as an investor, to take advantage of the market and not let it take advantage of you. Now of course Icahn and Buffett arent ordinary shmos. They have decades of experience, and minds for business. But I would argue their greatest asset is their mindset. They are greedy when others are fearful, and fearful when others are greedy. Its allowed them to become the influential, rich investors they are today. Be opportunistic in 2017 If Im honest with you, I have no idea what markets will do in 2017. But you dont necessarily need to know either. Unless youre buying an index fund, who cares what the market does? All that matters is the performance of your investments. Thats why, in 2017, the year is what you make of it. There will always be opportunities in the market. Its your job to capitalise on them when they present themselves. When it comes to the Aussie resource sector, there are plenty of opportunities. For example, you might want to put copper miners on your radar. Copper prices have risen dramatically from October last year, shown by the three month copper chart below. Source: Bloomberg Click to enlarge Reported by The Australian earlier this month: The industrial metal [copper] has surged more than 30 per cent in the past year, providing rocket fuel for companies that were staring into the abyss a year ago. Shares in Anglo and Glencore have more than tripled in the past 12 months. BHP, which has faced headwinds from a fatal tailings-dam disaster at one of its mining operations in Brazil, is up 62 per cent. Overall, the miners results are expected to highlight a head-snapping turnaround in the past 12 months that has seen the industry pull back from the precipice of financial disaster. But like I mentioned above, its not just blue chips making gains in the resource sector. In fact, the stocks that youll most often scream up are the smaller, lesser known resource stocks. Among the highest returning stocks this year are Summit Resources [ASX:SMM] and Beacon Minerals [ASX:BCN]. Summit explores and evaluates uranium projects in Queensland. Beacon on the other hand is focusing on developing their Barlee Gold Project in Western Australia. These two small resource stocks are up 638% and 550% year-to-date, respectively. But before you jump into small resource stocks, its not easy to pick out these diamonds in the rough. If you pile into the wrong stock, you could just as easily lose some or all of your investment. Whether youre new to investing, or an old hand, it pays to have the inside scoop. Something I can assure you Buffett and Icahn make the most of. And when it comes to investing in small resource stocks, no one I know is better at sorting the winners from the losers than Jason Stevenson. Of course not every tip he makes is a winner. But over at his advisory service, Resource Speculator, he tipped stocks for gains of 142%, 145%, and a whopping 242% in 2016. And with what Jason calls his battery stocks, 2017 is shaping up for more of the sameor better. You can find all the details on Jasons battery stocks here. Harje Ronngard, Contributing Editor, Money Morning From the Port Phillip Publishing Library Special Report: Crunch Point at Curtis Island How a failed $60 billion gamble by Australias three biggest energy giants could pay off big for you [More] Money Morning: The Aussie Economy Debt and Dirt Money Morning: Why BHPs Result is Good for Australia What happened to Qantas share price? Shares of Qantas Airways Ltd [ASX:QAN] soared more than 5.3% today as the companys loss for the year was less than the market expected. Why did QAN shares take off? Qantas has faced a lot of pressure with competition, higher fuel prices, and more discounting of airfares. For the first-half of the 2016 financial year, Qantas earnings were $688 million. A year later, earnings have fallen to $515 million. Whats more, revenue is down too. From $8.46 billion, to $8.18 billion. Airline earnings can be hyper-volatile. Airlines have to make as much money during the good times as they can. Aussie investors appear joyful at the better than expected fall in earnings (if you get our drift), but that may not last. What now for Qantas Airways Ltd? The stock price is up, and has recovered almost all of the ground it lost in early 2016. However, as we say, the airline industry is volatile. Small changes in the market can have a magnified impact on the bottom line. For investors tempted to look at Qantas now, we would suggest extreme caution. By Kris Sayce [ampBannerMM] What courses can one take at the Covenant University? What colleges are there on the list of this schools courses? What are the schools values? Learn this and other information in our article. The Covenant University courses As we can see from the testimonials of the students of the Covenant University, they enjoy the time they are given at their school. There is a variety of choices one can choose from when thinking of the major as well as great personnel teaching all possible subjects. However, not to sound too hollow, here is information about the Covenant University of Nigeria courses, core values, and history. Check out what their official website says about it and decided whether it is the place you want to study at. The Covenant University courses The history of the Covenant University The history of founding this school roots back to the year of 1981 when the man we know as the Bishop Oyedepo was given a clear understanding of God that he is to start such an educational establishment. However, even though he was sure he has to start working on developing such a university, he had no resources for it until the year of 1999 when the Church he is currently involved into was founded. Once the Church was founded, and even got its own building, this man encouraged those around him with the vision he got from God to found a school which is known today as the Covenant University, a unique school in Nigeria with several courses to be selected as a major. READ ALSO: Bishop Oyedepo warns critics of Covenant University's fees Once a group of people from the Faith Tabernacle agreed on building such a university, the works began both on the programmes for the students as well as plan for the actual construction. In 2001, everything was presented to the government which after some time gave the permission to start the school. They confirmed that the programmes were well-developed while the buildings fit in the picture of safe and ultra-modern educational environment. Thus, in 2002 after several months of hard work, the first students came to study at this college. The way the owners of the college called it is not a coincidence. It was thought-through and chosen specifically. The owners as Christians are determined to help their students grow and develop spiritually as they acquire knowledge and become professionals. However, this is a question of the core values, and well talk about them in the next section. The Covenant University courses What the college owners and staff believe in There are several things all the employees and the owners of the school believe in and what they want to pass on to every student of every Covenant University course. It is important to realize these values to make sure you agree with them and want to absorb them along with the common knowledge you get at the school itself. Fear of God development. No, the leaders will not try to scare you with whom God of the Bible is. Fear of God is the realization of the fact of whom God is and that He is enormous, holy, amazing, and serious about sin. When you understand who God is and who you are, then your life changes, as you can no longer live as if you are the owner of your life. The Covenant University people believe that such a realization is vital to the development of other essential qualities including those of effective leadership. So, this is their first core values you should know about. Development of readiness to seize the opportunity. The Covenant University is a place where people want to teach the students that they create their future themselves. The way you think affects what you do. So, being always ready to go for an adventure and take on risks when pursuing dreams is essential. Ability to outdo yourself on the way to the dream. People can do more than they think, they only need a good motivation to do it. Thus, this school aims to equip its students with an ability not only to dream big and aim for the stars but also be always ready to go for it. Responsibility. Men and women of dignity should realize that they are responsible for the choices they make as well as be ready to stand up for what they believe in and not hide their core values. Besides, this is also a question of the discipline which can help them move the mountains. Price. This college is also quite serious about the price that Jesus paid for the people He loved. He paid for all the people, but only a few accepted His gift. And those are the people who will spend the eternity with Him. Thus, the school teaches its students to be able to pay the price for what they believe in as well as sacrifice something they love for the good of those around them. This is a valuable ability for the leader. READ ALSO: What Covenant University Did To 3 Students Now, as you have familiarized yourself with the history and core values the Covenant University wants its students to adopt, lets talk more the possibilities you have here along with the courses this school can offer you. The Covenant University colleges and courses College of Business and Social Sciences Run b Iyoha Francis, Professor of Accounting and Dean College of Business, this college came into being only a few years ago after a serious restructuring of the University. Today, this college can be split up into two different schools which are the School of Business and the School of Social Sciences. Besides, these two schools also consist of several different departments including those of Accounting, Economics, Banking and Finance, Mass Communication, Business Management, and Economics and Development. Each of the departments has its own programme, so in general, there are at least ten different programmes students of this college can opt for when thinking of their major. You can learn more about this college on the official website of the University. The Covenant University courses College of Engineering This college is headed by Bolu Christian Amaechi who is also a Professor of Mechatronics Engineering & Director. The man himself is a man of vision who actually believes that education at his college ca make a huge difference not only in the lives of students who study there but in the state in general. The college consists of five departments. They are the Department of Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical and Information Engineering. All of them have different have their own programme. For instance, students who chose the Electrical and Information Engineering can learn one of three available programmes: they either specialize in the Computer Engineering, Information and Communication Engineering or the Electrical and Electronics Engineering. The dean of the college promises great future and all possible support to the students. College of Leadership Development Another Covenant University Course can be found at this college. All in all, it consists of four main departments which are the Leadership Studies, Languages and General Studies, Psychology, and Political Science and International Relations. This college is run by Ogbulogo Charles who is not only a Dean but also a Professor at the College of Leadership Development Studies. There are a couple of programmes available there among which are the Political Science, International Relations, Policy and Strategic Studies, English and French programmes, Psychology and Diploma Project in Leadership. The college aims to raise a new generation of leaders ready not only to change their closest environment but also the whole world by being a good professional and personal influence for people around. The Covenant University courses College of Science and Technology Another course at the Covenant University of Nigeria students can opt for is this one. It is headed by Omoregbe Nicholas A. I. who is known for being a Dean and the Professor of the College of Science and Technology. There are eight departments in the university. They include the Department of Physics, Biological Sciences, Building Technology, Architecture, Chemistry, Computer and Information Science, Estate Management, and Mathematics. Each department has its programmes. Thus, for instance, students who choose Physics as their major can either pick the programme specialized in the Industrial Physics, Electronics and IT Applications, Applied Geophysics or Renewable Energy. Meanwhile, the students of the Chemistry Department can study the Analytical or Environmental Chemistry, as well as Polymer or Materials Chemistry. Finally, those studying the Biological Sciences can study Applied Biology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Microbiology. All in all, there is plenty of options for students studying at this course at the Covenant University. The Covenant University courses School of Postgraduate Studies Finally, the last course available for the students at this educational establishment is the University of Postgraduate Studies run by Wara Samuel. The point of this school is in providing the students a chance of getting the Masters or Doctorate degree in any of the programmes available at the university. They say that this school aims to help students who face many difficulties in Nigeria with the decent postgraduate degree obtaining. They promise to teach their students how to research well as well as help them develop skills every scientist must have. As the Dean promises, they grow generations of leading scientists at their college. Now, you have all the information on available courses at the Covenant University established by the Faith Tabernacle Church. You can learn more about the staff of each school as well as get a handbook on each course and programme of the University to make sure they teach exactly what you want to learn. Source: Legit.ng Are you looking for ideas for a traditional Yoruba wedding gown? Do you want to wear something special and unique? Then this article is exactly what you need! Read on to find numerous ideas! Yoruba traditional wedding attire Its not a secret that Yoruba people like having festivities. So, a wedding day for them is another chance to have a great party. For this occasion, women dress up beautifully, men put on their bets clothes and get ready to party. Yoruba traditional wedding attire Yoruba traditional wedding attire However, of course, the primary focus is still on the newly-weds: everything from tip to toe matters when they celebrate the most important day of their lives. Thus, for those of you who are not familiar with the Yoruba traditional wedding attires and other interesting customs, we have crafted an excellent article with all the details you will find exciting. So, read on and enjoy the process of diving into the culture. Yoruba traditional wedding attire Yoruba traditional wedding outfit We will begin with describing the general tradition as well as all the layers the bride and groom wear on this day. The wedding is a huge deal for people of this culture. The thing is that these people are rather family-oriented. Everything they do centers on the family values and so the wedding, as the first step to starting a family is taken very seriously. The families of the bride and groom are completely involved in the process, as their lives are focused on their children. Now, as you understand the background a little bit better, lets move on to the traditional wedding attire in Yorubaland. Well begin with the groom and his festive clothes. Yoruba traditional wedding attire The grooms first of all is wearing the Agbada which translates into a long wide-sleeved piece of clothing. It is often decorated with different beads or even special embroidery styles typical for the people living in this region. The color of this piece might different depending on the chosen wedding color and the shade of brides dress. However, the specialists explain that since this fabric is completely hand-made and is produced by specially trained masters from Yoruba tribe, there are three primary colors they choose for the material: Deep claret red Deep blue or sapphire Cream. Moreover, this layer is often tailored for him specifically. The most frequent choice of fabric for this layer is aso oke textile. It is quite dense and used for the upper layers only. The fabric is quite expensive, so even though there are four official pieces of the grooms attire for the Nigerian Yoruba traditional wedding, some either opt for cheaper fabrics or cut the number of these gown parts. The next part of the mens wedding clothes is called buba. Some of you might not know that this piece is not as big and massive as the first one on our list. It is normally twice as shorter and only reaches ones knees. However, its sleeves are longer than those of agbada. Yoruba traditional wedding attire Now, the nether garments are called sokoto. They are not the regular trousers we are used to seeing on men, as they are freer and have a special wrap over belt on top or also some laces which put them all together. Finally, they wear special head cover typical only for the men of the West of Africa. And then come to the shoes grooms wear, but they are merely a question of taste and style of each man individually. Yoruba traditional wedding attire Yorba traditional wedding dress The bride who is also the main focus of the whole ceremony has a special set of clothes she is to wear on her Big Day. There are several layers the bride is wearing on this day too. Yoruba people have special traditions and explanations of why they wear what they wear, but since we lack space and time, we wont go into all the details. READ ALSO: 5 Reasons You Should Marry A Yoruba Lady So, first things the wife-to-be is wearing is Iro or as we would translate it into English a wrapper. It should be long enough to cover all the length of her length right to the floor. It should be tailored in such a way that I underline the slim waist and serves as a thing to attract attention. Like the men, women also wear bubas which go down to their knees. The fabrics they choose for these two pieces of wedding attire differ. They might depend on the wealth of the family going off of the family can afford to get as well as the general preferences of the bride. Yoruba traditional wedding attire Some brides choose cotton fabrics, given their density and practicality. Meanwhile, others choose lace materials to increase the general femininity of her image. Besides, there is also a chance of opting for ankara fabrics which are the wax prints of Africa. It is also made out of natural cotton; however, unlike regular cotton, this fabric has bright patterns typical for people living in this area. Nigerian Yoruba brides often wear bridal veiling, as they are a part of all the unveiling the bride tradition. It is a beautiful ceremony which illustrates how the groom and a bride become one whole now. Finally, Nigerian ladies love being bright, so it is common for them to wear massive amount of accessories. They wear gold and special beads for such occasions. Everything goes here: bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, etc. he accessories are often chosen in such a way to fit in the general picture of the wedding attire of the bride. So, earrings can be designed specifically to emphasize the patterns on her wrappers, for instance. All in all, there is a whole package of things men and women wear on this day in Yoruba land. However, lets also see what specific colors they prefer. Yoruba traditional wedding attire Yoruba traditional wedding colors Since weddings become more and more westernized, the colors accents were changed a lot. However, there are still the most popular choices, and were about to introduce you to them here. Just one thing before we proceed to Yoruba traditional wedding color combinations. The color a bride selects for her dress defines what color the rest of the guests will be wearing. It is a sort of a given here: all the wedding guests should match the general style and color of a bride. That is why Nigerian traditional weddings look incredibly stylish and harmonious. Yoruba traditional wedding attire Red and white This is a classic combination of colors which goes with different patterns. Besides, it is easy to find, that is why so many couples opt for this combination. And also, these colors make the wedding theme slightly closer to the Westernized weddings. Orange and Gold These two colors are also quite popular. The thing is that the accessories made of gold are a common choice, as the families want to emphasize their wealth as well as look festive for the occasion. Yoruba traditional wedding attire Blue and gray It is a rather new trend, but it has already become quite popular. Nigerian couples tend to choose these colors, as they look simple but very stylish. Besides, it is easy to combine with different sparkles and other design ideas. Burgundy and white This might sound similar to our first combination, but it is different. The burgundy color is deeper and gives a different look to the whole wedding ceremony and reception. Navy blue and gold Golden is always at the peak of its popularity. That is why we highly recommend you getting some details of these colors. The men will feel good wearing blue with golden accessories, while ladies enjoy the luxurious look this color combination creates. Yoruba traditional wedding attire Green and cream This color combination is also among the most loved ones, as it is unisex, and goes with any complexion (we know hoe important it is for a bride to pick a color which would not shade your complexion). Pink and gold If you always wanted to have a very gentle and sweet wedding, then this combination of colors is exactly what you need. It is every girls dream, so do not hesitate to consider this Yoruba traditional wedding color combination for your Big Day! Wrapping it all up, we will only mention that this day is truly magnificent in Yoruba culture. The newly-weds, as well as their relatives, outdo themselves trying to organize an excellent day to remember. So, use our ideas and tips and have an outstanding wedding! Source: Legit.ng Two people were killed and two others abducted by unknown gunmen in the northern part of Nigeria. According to Sahara Reporters, the attack occurred on the Kaduna-Abuja Road on Wednesday, February 22. The gunmen carried out the attack in Governor Nasir El-Rufai's Kaduna state. A local hunter and another man were killed and two German nationals were abducted by the gunmen on the border of Kaduna and Federal Capital Territory. READ ALSO: Obanikoro, family drag EFCC to court over property seizure SaharaReporters quoted a senior diplomat as saying on telephone that the gunmen struck around around Jere area of Kagarko local government area in Kaduna State and Bwari council of the Federal Capital Territory. Nigerian Tribune reports that the Germans taken hostage were archaeologist Prof. Peter Breunij and his associate, Johannes Buringer, who working at a Nok culture digging site. The newspaper quoted an eyewitness as saying the incident happened when the archaeological team resumed for work at a site at Jenjela village and five gun men appeared from the bush and ordered them to lie down. The eyewitness said: They started coming one by one, the first two with machetes then the others with heavy guns. There were many people at the site who were working so they ordered us to face down and shot into the air in order to scare people. It was at that point that they asked the professor and his associate to follow them, they led them to the other side of the road, made them to cross and began to lead them further into the bush. A hunter whom they had snatched a phone from asked us to go after the men, but only one of us obliged. The two men crossed the road chasing after the gun men. When the gunmen realised that they were being followed, they turned around and opened fire, killing the hunter and the other man. The hunter and other man who were killed lost their lives while trailing the gunmen after the abduction but were found out by the attackers who opened fire on them. The abductors were said to be heading towards Abuja when they suddenly veered off back to an unknown location in Kaduna State for the fear of being trailed. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest news on Legit.ng News App Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris has deployed the Police Special Forces to end the renewed clashes in Southern Kaduna. The Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Aghole Abeh said in Kaduna on Wednesday, February 22, that the IG had also ordered the Police Air Wing to commence aerial surveillance of the area. Source: Legit.ng [February 23, 2017] Cloud Foundry Leads 2017 with Strongest Adoption to Date SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cloud Foundry Foundation, home of the industry-standard platform for cloud applications, finished its second year with new leadership and a record number of members, developers and organizations around the world who depend on Cloud Foundry software to drive the digital transformation of their business. Cloud Foundry today powers cloud initiatives at public companies alone with a combined market capitalization greater than $3.2 trillion. Cloud Foundry enters 2017 as the industry's fastest-growing and most adopted cloud application platform. Cloud Foundry and Cloud Foundry-based solutions are now the platform of choice for an ever-growing list of leaders in financial services, IoT, government, automotive and telcos, including Allianz, Comcast, Fidelity, Ford, Google, IBM, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and many others. "Cloud Foundry is a shining example of the power of open source and collaboration to change how organizations leverage research and development in this new world of software and services running in the cloud," said Cloud Foundry Foundation Chairman John Roese, CTO, Dell EMC Corp. "Governments and industry can accelerate innovation in creating new and better services without investing in costly and redundant underlying technology infrastructure. Cloud Foundry frees organizations to focus on what they do best." "In 2016 Cloud Foundry emerged as the preferred cloud application platform on any public or private cloud infrastructure," said Abby Kearns, Executive Director, Cloud Foundry Foundation. "For 2017 we are focused on ensuring the long-term success of Cloud Foundry for users, partners and vendors, while dramatically expanding the universe of developers on Cloud Foundry software. The future is digital and we urgently need a broader and more diverse talent pool globally collaborating through open source on cloud applications and innovation." 2016 Foundation Highlights: In November, Cloud Foundry veteran Abby Kearns was named Foundation Executive Director and Chip Childers was named CTO. was named Foundation Executive Director and was named CTO. The Foundation grew to 70 members, including new participants Allstate, Google and Volkswagen -- adding members at a pace of three new members a month, since inception. According to our Global Perception Study, Cloud Foundry adoption increased by nearly 20% across all deployments over the course of 2016. In 2016, the Cloud Foundry Project saw more than 84,000 commits to more than 400 project repositories, developed by more than 140 core committers working full-time and more than 520 community contributors that shared more than 3,000 pull requests. The Cloud Foundry user community grew to more than 55,000 members from 181 self-organized local groups. In September, Cloud Foundry Foundation and Pivotal released open source Cloud Foundry training materials, free to students across the globe. According to our Q4 Global Perception Study, 52% of enterprise respondents report using at least one Cloud Foundry member deployment. About Cloud Foundry Foundation The Cloud Foundry Foundation is an independent non-profit organization formed to sustain the development, promotion and adoption of Cloud Foundry as the industry standard platform for cloud applications. Cloud Foundry makes it faster and easier to build, test, deploy and scale applications. Cloud Foundry is an Apache 2.0 licensed project available on Github: https://github.com/cloudfoundry. To learn more, visit: http://www.cloudfoundry.org. CONTACT INFORMATION Jessica Rampen Cloud Foundry Foundation [email protected] 650-787-3548 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cloud-foundry-leads-2017-with-strongest-adoption-to-date-300412274.html SOURCE Cloud Foundry [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] - The factional national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ali Modu-Sheriff has promised he will vacate his position as the party's leader after its convention - Sheriff said his mission as the party's leader is to take PDP back to its 1999 glory - He said PDP leaders must endeavour to go back to their wards to work for the revival of the party Ali Modu-Sheriff said he cannot be PDP's national chairman forever The factional national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ali Modu-Sheriff has promised he will leave his position as the party's leader after its convention. Sheriff who spoke at a meeting with some members of the party from the South-West in Abuja on Wednesday, February 22, said he will not remain as PDP national chairman forever. He also said his mission as the party's leader is to take PDP back to its 1999 glory. READ ALSO: Ali Modu Sheriff got PDP leaders arrested, detained - Fani-Kayode Sheriff said: "I am not here to remain as chairman forever. I will leave after the convention, we will conduct a credible convention and whoever wants to be PDP leader can contest in the convention. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on Legit.ng News App While advising governors in the party to work with him, Sheriff said PDP leaders must endeavour to go back to their wards to work for the revival of the party. He also assured the South-West members that the party's secretariat which has been under lock by security operatives would be reopened before Friday, February 24. We have transmitted the necessary document to the security agencies; including the Nigerian Police and the DSS to reopen it," he said. READ ALSO: PHOTO NEWS: Former President Goodluck Jonathan with Ali Modu-Sheriff The crisis in the PDP started after two court gave conflicting judgement on the party's leadership. However, on Friday, February 17, an Appeal Court in Port Harcourt in its judgement, confirmed Sheriff as the authentic national chairman of the party, against Ahmed Makarfi, the chairman of the PDP caretaker committee. Although the Appeal Court judgment have been rejected by many PDP members, the former president Goodluck Jonathan after a meeting with Sheriff said they discussed ways resolve the crisis within the party. Source: Legit.ng - Governor Wike has called for the punishment of people indicted by the INEC report - He also decried the wrong handling of the report by the Nigeria police force Nyesom Wike The Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike has lashed out at the Nigeria police, stating that in a fair and just atmosphere, those indicted by the report of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), would have been properly punished. Governor Wike, while speaking on Wednesday, February 22 during a campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), at Okehi, headquarters of Etche local government area of Rivers state said: If we were in a civilized country with the right leadership, the persons mentioned in the report would have resigned from their positions. "They should bury their heads in shame. They are plotting against us, but God is exposing them. It is only God that has the final say." READ ALSO: INEC report reveals how police helped rigged Rivers election Ahead of the re-run election for Etche/Omuma federal constituency and Etche state constituency seats, the governor enjoined INEC and security agencies to ensure a free and fair re-run election in the area on Saturday, February 25. The governor also appealed to people of the area to turn out in large numbers and vote overwhelmingly for his party. The money that is keeping Nigeria afloat is from Rivers State. Therefore, Nigeria must listen to Rivers State. The voices of our people must be heard, he said. Meanwhile, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has said that it will corps members will not work as ad-hoc staff in the Saturday, February 25, Rivers state rerun election. The Rivers state coordinator of the NYSC Omotayo Adewoye said the corps members will not be available for the election exercise due to violence in the areas. Source: Legit.ng Reno Omokri, former aide on new media to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan believes that President Muhammadu Buhari is better at coding than Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. Omokri says President Buhari is a better encoder than Mark Zuckerberg. Omokri said this on Thursday, February 23 in his continued response to the issue of the alleged bribe given by Buharis lawyer Kola Awodein to Justice Adeniyi Ademola while he presided over the famous certificate case in 2015. READ ALSO: House of Reps take a stand on President Buhari's illness According to Omokri, President Buhari has had Nigerians fooled with how smoothly he reportedly transformed a bribe into a gift. Omokri, a sympathiser of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party also went on to mock the ruling All Progressives Congress, accusing its members of being takers of bribes that are seen as gifts. At the head of his attack was transportation minister Chibuike Amaechi who he mocked over a statement he made about bribes on the floor of the Senate during his ministerial screening just over a year ago. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest news on Legit.ng News App These are some of Omokris satirical comments mocking the alleged bribe to Justice Ademola. You can read others here. Source: Legit.ng - President Muhammadu Buharis medical vacation is still a major national discourse - The president's ill-health has dominated the polity for a while - The presidency is not helping matters by giving conflicting information on the presidents health status A report by Leaders.ng has listed three inconsistencies of the presidency as regards the health status of President Muhammadu Buhari. President Buhari's medical vacation has dominated national discourse in the last one month President Buhari has been in London since January 19. The presidency had first announced that he was there for a 10-day leave. But he has since extended the leave on medical grounds. But many Nigerians had frowned at the conflicting information from the presidency as regards the president's health status. Afenifere chieftain and elder statesman, Ayo Adebanjo recently said the presidency is not sincere about the true state of President Buharis health, adding that those around the president were taking Nigerians for fools. The report listed the presidency's inconsistencies as: 1. President Buhari left Nigeria before the date given to the Senate The president travelled on Thursday, January 19, the same day the letter was sent to the Senate. He met with service chiefs at the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport at the end of which he asked the famous question: Whats wrong with going on vacation? Didnt I go last year at the same time? The letter read: I wish to inform the Distinguished Senate that I will be away on a short medical vacation from Monday, January, 23 to February 6th, 2017. 2. He didn't return on the day promised Having travelled two days earlier than he promised, President Buhari also didn't keep his word on his return. ''The medical check up he referred to in his letter of notification to the Senate sounded routine enough for him to have known when he was going to get his test results back,'' the report said. 3. His 'weak' reason for extending his leave The president extended his vacation indefinitely because according to him, hed been advised by his doctors that he waits to complete and receive the results of a series of tests recommended to him. However, after media aide Garba Shehu told Nigerians that the president was homesick and they should prepare to see him in flesh anytime soon the presidency released a letter finally explaining the reason why he extended his leave. In this new letter, the explanation reads: During his normal annual checkup, tests showed he needed a longer period of rest, necessitating the President staying longer than originally planned, the letter said. Needing more rest is far different than waiting for test results from doctors. The little inconsistent stories only further fuel the rumours about the dire nature of whatever his health conditions are. Source: Legit.ng - Former President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr Dozie Ikedife has spoken on the ill-heath of President Muhammadu Buhari - Ikedife urged Nigerians to pray for the president so that he would get well soon and return to the country - He lamented over a situation where some Nigerians are wishing the president death Former President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr Dozie Ikedife has spoken on the ill-heath of President Muhammadu Buhari. Chief Dozie Ikedife in a hand shake with President Buhari when Igbo leaders paid the president a visit Ikedife urged Nigerians to pray for the president so that he would get well soon and return to the country, even as he frowned at those wishing the president death. He however expressed his displeasure over how the presidency is handling the presidents health situation. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on Legit.ng News App Im not happy how the presidency is handling the comments coming out. That leaves a lot of speculations, Ikedife told The Authority in in his Nnewi residence in Anambra state. Generally, it is clear to me, from what is going on, that most Nigerians do not believe what is being dished out, he added. Ikedife however said there would be no need for the president to resign and hand over to Vice President Yemi Osibajo, if he (President Buhari) returned to Nigeria hale and hearty. His words: I have never heard it discussed or written in any constitution that the president of a country can never fall sick. So, I do not agree with those who are saying that he should resign when he comes back. I do not know why people are wishing Buhari death. President Buhari is not dead, to the best of my knowledge; and based on the information available to Nigerians. Similarly, Afenifere chieftain and elder statesman, Ayo Adebanjo recently said the presidency is not sincere about the true state of President Buharis health, adding that those around the president were taking Nigerians for fools. President Buhari has been in London since January 19. The presidency had first announced that he was there for a 10-day leave. But he has since extended the leave on medical grounds. READ ALSO: Unfulfilled promises holding President Buhari back in the UK - Adewale Giwa Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has dismissed some rumours that it is contemplating using the doctrine of necessity to remove President Buhari from office. The position of the green chamber was made known by its spokesman, Honourable Abdulrazaq Namdas on Wednesday, February 22. Source: Legit.ng - The inspector general of police Ibrahim Idris has ordered the deployment of Police Special Forces to address the ongoing crisis in Southern Kaduna - Idris directed the forces to focus on ending the renewed wave of clashes in some of the communities in the state - The IGP also ordered the force ensure that all perpetrators of violence in Southern Kaduna are flushed out and peace restored in the area The inspector general of police Ibrahim Idris has ordered the deployment of Police Special Forces to address the ongoing crisis in Southern Kaduna Idris directed the forces to focus on ending the renewed wave of clashes in some of the communities in the state. The also mandated the team to ensure that all perpetrators of violence in Southern Kaduna are flushed out and peace restored in the area. READ ALSO: UPDATE: Unknown gunmen kill 2, abduct 2 in Kaduna Idris' directive was contained in a statement issued by the commissioner of police for Kaduna state Agyole Abeh. Abeh said an aerial surveillance team have also been directed to monitor the area in order to detect criminal's movement especially on remote farm settlements. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on Legit.ng News App He said the IGP has reiterated the Nigeria Police Force commitment to ensuring security in South Kaduna and Nigeria as whole. READ ALSO: Southern Kaduna boy hopes to use his locally produce toy gun to scare herdsmen away (photo, video) He said: The Force is, therefore, determined to deal decisively with any person or group of persons who are either engaged or found to be fueling the amber of discord among the peace loving people of Kaduna State as they will be made to face the full wrath of the law. Finally, the Force also adviced law abiding citizens to be watchful and to report any suspicious movements or activities that are likely to tamper with the peaceful atmosphere of the environment to the police and other security agencies, Abeh said. Source: Legit.ng - The medical vacation of President Muhammadu Buhari is still a major discourse in Nigeria and beyond - The BBC has compared the presidents absence to reality show, Big Brother Naija filmed in South Africa - Nigerians are not sure when the president will come back The BBC has compared President Muhammadu Buharis absence in Nigeria to the filming of reality show, Big Brother Naija in South Africa. President Buhari's medical vacation continues to generate reactions The popular reality show kicked off about the same period the president commenced his medical vacation in the United Kingdom. Both subjects were soon generating headlines for the same reason - neither of them were in Nigeria, the report stated. The report noted that while the howls of protests from outraged Big Brother fans soon died down, the clamour over Buharis extended medical stay in London is not going away. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on Legit.ng News App And unlike Big Brother, there are no constant updates - in fact, President Buhari, 74, has not given a single interview since arriving in the UK. Big Brother Naija contestants Instead, the Nigerian public has to make do with pictures posted on the presidents meeting senior government officials as proof that he still is alive. Last June, President Buhari spent nearly two weeks in London receiving treatment for an ear infection. But the bigger issue this time is that officials have repeatedly refused to disclose his illness and are not saying when he will return to Nigeria. Afenifere chieftain and elder statesman, Ayo Adebanjo recently said the presidency is not sincere about the true state of President Buharis health, adding that those around the president were taking Nigerians for fools. Similarly, Former President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr Dozie Ikedife has expressed his displeasure over how the presidency is handling the presidents health situation. In a country where rumours are rife, the presidential statements have done little to dampen the speculation about the Buhari's health. For no fault of theirs, Nigerians are acutely sensitive to leaders travelling abroad for medical reasons after President Umaru Yar'Adua died while in office in 2010. For months, the public was kept in the dark while he received treatment in Saudi Arabia.The period of uncertainty created deep political instability in the country. READ ALSO: 3 inconsistencies in President Buhari's medical vacation The House of Representatives has however dismissed some rumours that it is contemplating using the doctrine of necessity which was used by the National Assembly to solve the Yar'adua saga. The House of Representatives have dismissed rumours it plans to invoke the 'doctrine of necessity' to oust Buhari "There is no vacuum at the top, President Buhari takes his constitutional role seriously, and has not personalised power, unlike other African leaders," says political analyst Jibrin Ibrahim. On his part, opposition politician, Isuwa Dogo says: "President Buhari is a public figure and there is no need for him to hide behind his health issues. "I want him to be back in the county. If there are successes, he will get the credit. If there are failures, he will get the blame." So, while Big Brother fans will know in April who has been crowned the series winner, for now, no-one seems to know when Nigeria's president will come back home. READ ALSO: Unfulfilled promises holding President Buhari back in the UK - Adewale Giwa Meanwhile, Prophet TB Joshua has urged Nigerians to rise up in prayer for President Buhari, praying specificallyTB Joshua has urged Nigerians to rise up in prayer for President Buhari, praying specifically for strength where is weakness. Source: Legit.ng The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja would be closed completely for runway repairs beginning from March 8. The airport would be closed for six weeks and during that period all domestic and international flights will be diverted to Kaduna airport, 170 kilometres (105 miles) away. The Abuja airport will be closed for six weeks for repairs Passengers travelling to Abuja will have to fly to Kaduna and travel in bus shuttles, guarded by security provided by the government, to the FCT on a pot-holed road where kidnappings have taken place in the last few years. READ ALSO: We will need two years to fix Abuja airport without closure - Julius berger As a result of the closure, the federal government has listed eight emergency centres alongside 10 governmental and non-governmental agencies that will provide emergency medical services in case of accidents during the six weeks of the closure. The eight health facilities which are situated in Kaduna and Niger states are: 1. Umar YarAdua Specialist Hospital 2. Anglican Mission Hospital, Katari 3. General Hospital, Doka READ ALSO: How Abuja airport damaged Lufthansa aircraft - Amaechi 4. Federal Road Safety Corps Clinic, Kakau 5. Primary Healthcare Centre, Duste 6. Rigasa Health Centre 7. St. Gerards Hospital, Kakuri 8. National Eye Centre, Kaduna The 10 governmental and non-governmental agencies are: 1. Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) 2. Nigeria Police Force PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest news on Legit.ng News App 3. National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) 4. Federal Fire Service 5. National Blood Transfusion Service 6. Association of Medical Social Workers of Nigeria 7. Kaduna state Ministry of Health 8. Niger state Ministry of Health 9. Federal Capital Territory Health and Human Services Secretariat 10. Ministry of Defence The Nigerian police has said it will deploy 500 police trucks to man Abuja-Kaduna Expressway during the period the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport will be shut. Earlier, the Senate had said it does not think there is any need for the airport to be shut for repairs as planned. Senators grilled the minister of power, works and housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, alongside the minister for state (Aviation), Senator Hadi Sirika and representatives of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) over the closure. Below is a video of an airport in Nigeria where a ladder was used for disembarking and boarding. Source: Legit.ng Following Wednesday, February 22 showdown with officials of the Nigeria Customs Service in Sango-Ota, The Punch is reporting that scores of rice sellers on Thursday, February 23 stormed Ogun state Governor Ibikunle Amosuns office at Oke Mosan in Abeokuta. The protest began in Sango Ota on Wednesday when the traders complained about the Customs invasion of their shops. The traders are protesting the invasion of their shops by the Customs officials of the Federal Operation Unit, Ikeja, Lagos on Wednesday. The protesting rice sellers were led by their coordinator Alhaja Wakilat Salako. READ ALSO: REVEALED! This is why Buhari has not reduced fuel pump price to N50 per litre - Former Minister The traders alleged on Wednesday that the Customs officials invaded and broke into over 60 shops in Sango-Ota rice market and carted away bags of rice and kegs of vegetable oil. He said, After the Area Commander, and the Divisional Police Officer calmed us down yesterday (Wednesday). They told us to go back to the market and take the inventory of those bags of rice taken away by the Customs operatives, and we later discovered that it was not 18,000 bags but 4, 200 bags of rice. We are here this morning to tell the governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, to help us retrieve the 4, 200 bags of rice and 478 kegs of vegetable oil taken away by the Customs operatives from the Federal Operation Unit, Ikeja, Lagos. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest news on Legit.ng News App The Punch reports that the traders carried placards with different inscriptions including one that said: Customs bring back our rice. Some officials among the rice sellers were already in a closed-door with Governor Amosun at press time. Source: Legit.ng Angry protesters have broken into an office of one of Nigeria's telecommunications company MTN in the Maitama area of Abuja on Thursday, February 23, The Cable reports. Front view of the MTN office in Abuja after the attack with a police van on guard. Photo: The Cable The protesters attacked some members of staff of the organisation and customers and carted away valuables. READ ALSO: EFCC recovering over 100 vehicles missing in Agric Ministry Minister The Cable quotes a witness as saying that it was the timely intervention of policemen that prevented the protesters from destroying the building. The policemen have now taken over the area while work has been suspended at the office. Side view of the cleared-out MTN office in Abuja after the attack with the police van still on guard. Photo: The Cable MTN head office in South Africa has issued a statement on the incident, it was learnt. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest news on Legit.ng News App The attack came just hours after chairman of MTN Nigeria Pascal Dozie led a delegation of the company to meet with acting president Prof. Yemi Osinbajo at the presidential villa in Abuja on Wednesday, February 22. The identity of the protesters has not been revealed. Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has raised alarm over plans by some individuals to use students for anti-xenophobic protests. The association said the protest have be scheduled to hold on Thursday, February 23 in major cities across Nigeria. Source: Legit.ng South African government has assured that it will continue to collaborate with major stakeholders in Nigeria to find lasting solution to xenophobic attack of Nigerians in South Africa. The South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lulu Mnguni, gave the assurance on Thursday, February 23, in Abuja when Senator Shehu Sani, the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs visited him. READ ALSO: Students give 48 hours ultimatum to all South African companies in Nigeria to relocate Mnguni, who condemned recent attacks on foreigners, particularly Nigerians in South Africa, said there was need for the two countries to work together to bring an end to the problem. According to him, it is important for Nigeria and South Africa to bring strategists to discuss the issues at stake to find appropriate solution. He said: We will look for ways to contain the tension and come up with measures to encourage interaction between the two countries and other African nations. South Africa cannot stay as an island, instead, it will continue to work toward peace building and integration. The high commissioner added that the South African government had always pushed for respect for human rights, stressing that there was no justification for the attacks. He, however, urged foreigners to always abide by the laws of the countries where they live. He said there were concerns among South Africans that a few foreigners, including Nigerians, were involved in drug peddling. He explained that a few foreigners involved in drug trafficking and other crimes were giving false impression of other people in South Africa. READ ALSO: 8 DISTURBING REASONS Nigerians get attacked by South Africans He said that in spite of this, the South African Government had benefited immensely from the economic activities of foreigners. There are foreigners, including many Nigerians that are law abiding and are contributing to the economic development of South Africa. However, there are few people who give wrong impression of foreigners. Source: Legit.ng The acting president of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has summoned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, over the abduction of two German archaeologists, Prof Peter Breunig and Mr Johannes Behringer in Kadarko local government area of Kaduna state. Osinbajo summons IG over kidnap of 2 German archeologists The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Idris briefed the acting president about the development and the efforts his men are making to rescue the victims as well as arrest the abductors. READ ALSO: UPDATE: Unknown gunmen kill 2, abduct 2 foreigners in Kaduna The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a team of special police forces and police investigators have been deployed to Kaduna state to ensure the rescue of the victims. It was learnt that the kidnapped archaeologists, working in collaboration with National Commission for Museum and Monument on the relics of NOK Culture in Nigeria, were kidnapped in the morning of Wednesday, February 23. READ ALSO: IGP deploys special forces to Southern Kaduna after 24 hour imposed curfew While the duo was kidnapped, some members of the community in company of the victims were killed. Source: Legit.ng Sorry! This content is not available in your region Madagascar is home to thousands of rare species, including a giraffe weevil, of which the males neck is three times as long as the females; the sunset moth, with bright-colored iridescent wings to ward off predators; and the Madagascar periwinkle, a plant whose glossy leaves contain anticancer agents credited with quadrupling the survival rate of those afflicted with childhood leukemia. And of course, there are lemurs, Madagascars most well-known residents and its unofficial mascots. The cute, furry animals have become popular characters in the animated DreamWorks movie series Madagascar and the PBS childrens show Zoboomafoo. These species and others are on display in Madagascar: Ghosts of the Past, an exhibition at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich. And thanks to technological developments like the CT scan and the 3-D printer, the exhibition includes replicas of skulls and a model of an elephant bird inside an egg that is only a week from hatching. (It would take 150 chicken eggs to match the size of one elephant bird egg.) The Bruces new curator of science, Daniel T. Ksepka, a bird paleontologist, chose Madagascar as the subject of his first exhibition. Im fascinated by the uniqueness of it all, he said. The giant lemurs and other unique, amazing animals and how much weve learned in recent years from them. MOSCOW Long-simmering unrest and infighting in the leadership in Tajikistan flared on Friday when the government accused a deputy defense minister of siding with Islamists in clashes with the police that killed 17 people. Tajikistan has not been fully at peace since a civil war in the 1990s. It borders Afghanistan, and for years, the Afghan war has threatened to spill over into the country as the United States winds down its military presence in the region. The government is wobbly, divided between an authoritarian president and an Islamist opposition group composed of former militants, in a power-sharing arrangement put in place under a 1997 peace accord that never really stuck. In the unrest on Friday, the government accused one of the reconciled former militants, the deputy minister of defense, Maj. Gen. Abdukhalim Nazarzoda, of siding again with Islamic rebels. DAKAR, Senegal A triple suicide bombing at a market on an island in Lake Chad killed at least 15 people and wounded 130 on Saturday, Chads government said. A top police official claimed that the Nigerian extremist group Boko Haram was responsible. The three explosions on the island, Koulfoua, were carried out by women, said Chads police spokesman, Paul Manga. The police, military and local officials earlier said that at least 27 people were killed and 90 wounded. The government on national radio later said at least 19 died, including four attackers, in three explosions. The Lake Chad region, which straddles the borders of Chad, Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria, has been regularly attacked by the extremists. Chads government in November imposed a state of emergency in the area. This week, the White House issued its yearly report on the nations on the front lines of the war on drugs. Predictably, it listed Bolivia as one of three countries that failed demonstrably to do enough to combat the drug trade. President Evo Morales of Bolivia responded, as he does each year, with defiance. The world knows that our counternarcotics model is better without the Americans, Mr. Morales said during an event on Tuesday, alluding to his expulsion of American drug enforcement agents in 2008. The yearly condemnation of Bolivia has been futile. So far, that countrys experience with its drug strategy is showing more promise than Washingtons forced-eradication model. Over the past decade, the Bolivian government has sought to gradually curb the cultivation of coca the plant processed to make cocaine by establishing a tightly regulated market for its consumption as a nonnarcotic stimulant. (Bolivians have been chewing coca leaf and using it to make tea for generations.) The government eradicates unauthorized crops after negotiating with, and finding alternatives for, growers. MANAGUA, Nicaragua She started out as a teenage mother working as a newspaper secretary, then spent decades of revolution, conflict, power and public scandal at the side of one of the regions most influential men. Now the first lady of Nicaragua, Rosario Murillo, has succeeded in doing something that seems more like a plotline out of the Netflix series House of Cards: She will be on the Nov. 6 ballot to become vice president. Her running mate? Her husband, President Daniel Ortega. The election, in which the couples victory and Mr. Ortegas third consecutive term are all but certain, is a critical step in what people around Ms. Murillo describe as her decades-long climb to power. She paved the way by helping the poor and winning over the public, but also by holding political grudges and pushing aside nearly all the members of her husbands inner circle. Denying something to my mother is a declaration of war, her daughter Zoilamerica Ortega said. But in many ways, the first ladys spot on the presidential ticket is an acknowledgment of the role she already plays in the country. Frank Delaney, an Irish-born author and broadcaster who, like most novices, initially dismissed James Joyces Ulysses as unreadable but later spent his career making that elusive novel about ordinary people accessible to ordinary readers, died on Tuesday in Danbury, Conn. He was 74. Mr. Delaney, who lived in Kent, Conn., died in Danbury Hospital, where he was being treated for a stroke he suffered the day before, said Jason H. Wright, a family friend. While Ulysses was his passion he originated a weekly five-minute podcast to deconstruct the book and wrote a personal Baedeker to Joyces Dublin he was also a literary impresario and interpreter who interviewed hundreds of fellow authors and was often solicited to judge book awards, including the Man Booker Prize. His impassioned delivery and Tipperary inflection during those interviews, as well as in film documentaries on artists, writers and etymology, once prompted NPR to anoint him the most eloquent man in the world. His podcasts on Ulysses have been downloaded more than 2.5 million times. Thomas Lux, a poet who used spare, direct language to express the absurdities and sorrows of human life, and whose 1994 collection, Split Horizon, won the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award, one of the most lucrative prizes in American poetry, died on Feb. 5 at his home in Atlanta. He was 70. The cause was lung cancer, said his wife, Jennifer Holley Lux. Mr. Lux showed a rare gift for blending comedy and disturbing surrealist images in his early collections Memorys Handgrenade (1972), The Glassblowers Breath (1976) and Sunday: Poems (1979). A character in the poem Five Men I Knew dreams he is reading Duino Elegies by Rilke aloud, / in German, at a racetrack in Florida, when suddenly the flamingos are drained of their color / and collapse. His early manner, according to the reference work Contemporary Poets, was tormented and tortured, full of complex and disjointed images reflecting an insane and inhospitable world. With time, Mr. Lux gravitated toward a taut, precise realism, finding his subject matter in seemingly mundane events to which he applied an often comic twist, reflected in titles like Attila the Hun Meets Pope Leo I and Like Tiny Baby Jesus, in Velour Pants, Sliding Down Your Throat (a Belgian Euphemism). The Obama administration set the higher mileage standards in an effort to reduce tailpipe emissions and combat climate change, and as a means of reducing the countrys dependence on foreign oil. Even if those targets are relaxed, the automakers will still need to comply with emissions rules set by California and several other states with tougher standards than the E.P.A.s. New fuel-economy targets were set in 2012 in an agreement reached by the Obama administration and automakers. The rule calls for steady increases in mileage, varying depending on the size of the vehicle and whether it is classified as a car or a light truck. The 2017 requirement for a large car is 33 miles per gallon, or about 25 miles per gallon in real-world driving. Most automakers meet or are close to this years goals, but they say the additional gains required through 2025 will be harder to achieve. While the automakers would all prefer more lenient targets than the 2025 ones, they differ on the specifics. Some have invested heavily in new technologies and would prefer to have the standards continue to rise, albeit more modestly, to help ensure a market for their advanced vehicles. Honda, Hyundai and Toyota are planning a range of hybrids, electric vehicles and cars powered by hydrogen fuel cells to sell within a few years. Others, such as Fiat Chrysler, have a lineup heavy on trucks and S.U.V.s and would be better off with a significant rollback in fuel-economy requirements. The letters from the manufacturer lobbying groups represent the latest push by carmakers for a reprieve from the emissions and fuel-economy standards. This month, 18 auto-company chief executives wrote a letter to Mr. Trump on the same issue. During the presidential campaign, on Twitter and in campaign stops, Mr. Trump heavily criticized automakers, especially Ford, for investing in Mexico. He has also threatened to impose a border tax on imports from Mexico, where many cars sold in the American market are made, especially smaller, less profitable models. But after the election, the president and automakers became more closely aligned. Ford won praise from Mr. Trump after it announced it was canceling plans to build a new plant in Mexico. Other automakers have also announced plans to add jobs and invest in the United States. TOKYO Carlos Ghosn is stepping aside as the chief executive of Nissan Motor, more than 15 years after he took control of the Japanese automaker and helped save it from collapse, becoming in the process a rare and celebrated foreign executive in Japan. Nissan said on Thursday that Mr. Ghosn, who is 62 and was born in Brazil, would remain chairman of Nissans board. He will continue to lead the global automobile alliance created during his tenure at Nissan, which also includes Renault of France and, since last year, Mitsubishi Motors of Japan. By pulling back from day-to-day control of Nissan, Mr. Ghosn ends years of speculation about the companys succession plans. Some analysts and investors had grown concerned that he was overstretched with his multiple roles. Nissan said its new chief executive would be Hiroto Saikawa, a 40-year company veteran who had served as Nissans chief competitive officer and had led its operations in North America. Mr. Saikawa was appointed co-chief executive with Mr. Ghosn last year, a move widely seen as the beginning of a change in leadership. See-Now, Buy-Now As the fashion circus moves on to Milan, stock up on hero pieces that were just shown at London Fashion Week. Christopher Kane entered the brave new world of faster fashion with his Space Collection capsule of safety-buckle shoulder bags ($995) and high-top sneakers ($445) in a galactic range of colors like Mars Red and Planet Blue. At christopherkane.com. Half of the Topshop Unique collection, including a peppy yellow leather blouson jacket ($700) and miniskirt ($380), is available immediately. At 478 Broadway. And at Burberry, you can shop all 78 runway looks, with the knockout finale capes in intricate fabrications like chain mail and silver feathers available for custom order. At 131 Spring Street. Image A leather jacket from the Topshop Unique collection, available now. Bergdorf Goodman will host a Right From the Runway event on Thursday and Friday from noon to 4 p.m., with the stores edit of the best of the New York collections Altuzarra, Gabriela Hearst, Jason Wu, Rosie Assoulin, Michael Kors Collection and Prabal Gurung available for preorder. At 754 Fifth Avenue, third floor. Not a big deal? she said. Actually it is a big deal. It exemplifies the way we view our work and our mission as stewards of justice. We want to do all things, the big things and the little things, to the best of our ability. The state was sued last year in federal court over delays in the Bronx criminal courts, with public defenders arguing that the system was so slow it fatally undermined the right to trial for many people. In the past year, Criminal Court judges who handle the flood of misdemeanor cases in the borough have been ordered to limit adjournments and to schedule three trials every Friday. That has put pressure on defendants and prosecutors to reach agreements, court officials said. The number of pending misdemeanor cases has dropped by a third, to 8,188, over the last year. Similar changes in Manhattans courts have resulted in a 20 percent drop in pending misdemeanor cases there. There are plans to adopt the changes in courts in the other boroughs. We are not dancing in the end zone yet, Judge DiFiore said. But we have made a great start. She acknowledged that efforts to clear older felony cases from the dockets in the citys Supreme Court branches, which handle serious crimes, had had mixed success. The Bronx has recorded a 10 percent drop in pending felony cases, while Queens and Staten Island have experienced declines of 5 percent. The number of pending felony cases has remained static in Manhattan while rising slightly in Brooklyn. Judge DiFiore pointed to other counties where large gains had been made, including Suffolk County, which reduced the number of felony cases pending for more than six months by 58 percent in the past year. The decline came after the creation of trial assignment courts, which handle all pretrial hearings and push to broker plea deals before sending cases on for trial. The strategy has cut the backlog of felony cases in the Bronx, too, and Judge DiFiore said she had moved to bring the procedure in Manhattan. Judge DiFiore said adjournments had also been pared back in Family Court in the past year, leading to a 23 percent reduction in cases more six months old. The tears didn't stop, but they were tears of joy. After almost four months apart, Dilbireen, a 2-year-old Yazidi boy, was reunited with his parents and his newborn brother at the Hilton Boston Logan Airport hotel Monday night. His parents, Ajeel Muhsin and Flosa Khalaf, couldn't contain their emotion. "They both burst into tears," said Sally Becker, founder of the UK-based charity Road to Peace, which facilitated Dilbireen's reunion with his family. Dilbireen, who traveled to the United States with his father and Becker in October to undergo medical treatment and surgeries for severe burns, simply smiled and gazed at his parents and the baby brother he had never met, until now. CNN was there exclusively to capture the reunion. "Thank God we're all together again," Muhsin said in comments translated from Kurdish. "I want to thank everyone involved in this, to help us come here to do his surgeries," Muhsin said. "It's really hard to stay away from your child even when they're healthy, let alone he was burned and he was here alone." The only one who wasn't crying during the reunion was Dilbireen, noted Becker. She accompanied the family on their flight from Iraq to the US on Monday. "It's been a long time, but he completely accepted them, and it's as if they've never been away now," Becker said of Dilbireen's reaction to his family. "And he seems to love his little brother. That's terrific, but it's been a very long road, this road to peace. A lot of false starts." Overcoming bumps along the road Dilbireen's parents have been desperately waiting to be by their son's side since their visas were revoked in early January and a passport application for Dilbireen's brother was denied. Later that month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to keep most citizens of seven predominately Muslim nations from entering the US for at least 90 days from when the order was signed. Iraq, the family's homeland, was among the nations affected, leaving Dilbireen's parents even more concerned that they would not be able to visit their son in the United States and bring him home. While the family was in limbo, Dilbireen was left in the care of Adlay Kejjan, director of the Yazidi American Women Organization. The next round of surgeries he needed were put on hold until his parents and newborn brother could enter the United States. Last week, desperation turned into joy for Dilbireen's family, all of whom had been issued new US visas to accompany Dilbireen as he continues his treatments at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Boston. "Dilbireen requires intensive surgery, and the aftercare is extensive. Having both his mother and father here to provide that care will make an enormous difference in his recovery both physically and emotionally," said Scott LaStaiti, a Los Angeles-based film producer and philanthropist who was involved in finding Dilbireen medical care. "In terms of his overall well-being, he's a 2-year-old child who has been without his parents for several months now. I do not think I can begin to quantify the benefits of being reunited with his family again, including his baby brother," LaStaiti said. A family seeking solace from terror Dilbireen, whose name means "wounded heart" in Kurdish, was born January 4, 2015, at a camp for internally displaced persons. His family, who are Yazidis, fled to the camp to escape the carnage being committed by ISIS near their home. The United States declared last year that ISIS committed genocide against the Yazidis, a minority group in Iraq living around Mount Sinjar. Then, on Dilbireen's first birthday, the family experienced more heartbreak. Dilbireen was severely burned on his face and feet when a gas heater malfunctioned and set his crib ablaze inside a prefabricated hut at the camp. Khalaf, Dilbireen's mother, was baking bread outside when the fire erupted. Doctors in Iraq tended to Dilbireen's burns but advised that his parents seek treatment outside the country, said Dilbireen's father, Muhsin. LaStaiti and Becker, founder of Road to Peace, made arrangements for Dilbireen and other injured refugee children to receive medical treatment at Shriners Hospitals for Children at no cost. Road to Peace works with groups around the world to help build alliances between communities in conflict and facilitate specialized medical care for refugee children. "Born in a camp where his parents have been living since fleeing their home on Sinjar mountain, this amazing and resilient little boy is a symbol of the suffering of the Yazidis and other religious minorities in the region," Becker said last week. "The Yazidis have been victims of many genocides over the centuries, and there are only around 800,000 left in the world," she said. "So this mission isn't just about helping Dilbireen; it's about highlighting the plight of his people." What's next for Dilbireen and his care Dilbireen underwent the first round of surgeries to restore the appearance and function of his face in October. Muhsin was by his side during the procedure but returned to Iraq in November to be with Khalaf as she gave birth to Dilbireen's brother. "America is helping us to do surgery on our boy," Muhsin said in an interview this month. "We want to show our appreciation to America for what they are doing for our boy." The couple named Dilbireen's brother Trump. He was born the day after the US presidential election. As the family made attempts to travel to the United States to accompany Dilbireen during his next round of surgeries and to introduce him to his brother, Trump, they were both confused and disheartened by the resistance they faced. "First time they denied our visas, they thought we were coming here to stay. They thought, if our entire family comes here, we would not return," Muhsin said. "Originally when we had visas, my wife was pregnant. If our intention was to stay here, we would have come all together. Our child would have been born here. He would have been a US citizen. But we had no intentions to stay here." Now, the family seems both relieved and content to be together again. "My understanding is that this next round of surgeries will focus on the scar tissue around his right eye, but ultimately Shriners will determine what's next for Dilbireen after they see him this week," LaStaiti said. After seeing Dilbireen on Tuesday, doctors at Shriners say that he is doing well and that he will begin his next reconstructive surgery soon. They hope to space out the procedures to improve the form and function of his face. Meanwhile, Khalaf said she remains grateful that her son can continue his surgeries. "As long as his surgeries are done and he gains his health back," she said in comments translated from Kurdish. "We don't want anything else in life." 'The most meaningful thing I've known' While Dilbireen and his family are saying "hello again," the tenacious toddler and his caretaker, Kejjan, will be saying "goodbye." Kejjan, a paramedic and pilot based in Lansing, Michigan, serves as an advocate for the Yazidi community and cared for Dilbireen at her home in Michigan for the past few months. Yet she said that not only has she cared for Dilbireen, he has cared for her. "He's given us unconditional love. He's such an easy child to take care of. He doesn't ask for much. He's very independent. He just gives love freely and unconditionally. It doesn't matter who it is, whether it's me, my family or a stranger," Kejjan said. STAMFORD, Conn. When Lexene Charles got into his car here on the Saturday before Martin Luther Kings Birthday, he was stunned by what he saw outside his home. He called for his longtime partner, Heather Lindsay, to come outside. Someone had spray-painted an anti-black slur across it, Mr. Charles, who is black, said. But instead of scrubbing it off, he and Ms. Lindsay, who is white, decided to leave it up to make a very public point about intolerance. Six weeks later, the graffiti, which faces High Clear Drive, remains. Residents have started to complain, and officials in Stamford, a diverse coastal city about 30 miles northeast of New York City, recently directed the couple to remove it. Leaving it up only brings satisfaction to the vandal, the city said. On Feb. 7, after the slur had been up three weeks, the city issued the couple a citation for blight and a warning: Remove it, or face a $100-a-day fine. The police chief visited the home and offered to clean the garage door. The mayor said he would help. The couple refused their offers and ignored the citation. On the day he was killed, Sergio, a Mexican citizen, was playing with friends in the culvert separating El Paso, Tex., and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. The agent who shot him, Jesus Mesa Jr., claimed it was self-defense, but cellphone videos of the shooting refuted that account, showing that Sergio was 60 feet away, and unarmed, when Mr. Mesa shot him in the head. American prosecutors declined to charge Mr. Mesa because his bullet hit Sergio in Mexico. Mexican prosecutors charged Mr. Mesa with murder, but the Obama administration refused to extradite him. Sergios family filed a civil suit against Mr. Mesa for violating Sergios rights under the Fourth Amendment, which prohibits the unreasonable use of lethal force, and the Fifth Amendment, which bars the taking of life without due process. In 2015, a federal appeals court in Texas threw out those claims because, it said, Sergio was not an American citizen, and didnt have enough voluntary connections with the United States to be covered by the Constitution. But core constitutional rights arent so easily cordoned off the Supreme Court said so in 2008 when it ruled that noncitizen prisoners held in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, had the right to challenge the legality of their detention. In that case, the court rejected a rigid test for deciding when the Constitution applies outside American borders, favoring instead a context-specific approach. To hold the political branches have the power to switch the Constitution on or off at will, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote for the majority, would lead to a regime in which Congress and the president, not this court, say what the law is. The younger daughter, Sharon (Maria Dizzia), a teacher, used to take Lou to temple, but her observance has dwindled since she discovered her boyfriend and the cantor entangled on her new duvet. Her great regret: Now I have to get it dry-cleaned, she tells her brother, Michael (Jeremy Shamos). The older daughter, Holly (Kate Walsh of Private Practice), a homemaker and design hobbyist, goes to services only on High Holy Days. Michael, a professor of Jewish studies, doesnt go at all. If Michael is the least religious character, he is also the one most consumed by questions of Jewish identity. He has just finished writing an incendiary book arguing that the persistence of the Holocaust in the minds of American Jews has hollowed out Jewish life. Michael, who hurls his words like so many Molotov cocktails, insists that the Holocaust has made contemporary Judaism a religion and a culture of, frankly, death and death worship, and recommends forgetting it. (This point and others owe a debt to Norman G. Finkelsteins 2000 book, The Holocaust Industry.) These claims dont sit well with Lou, a World War II veteran who helped liberate Dachau. In a late-night conversation with Michael, he describes, simply and feelingly, what he saw there and why he cant and wont forget. For you, history is an abstraction, he says. But for us, the ones who survived this century, this long, long century, there are no abstractions anymore. Every time you look at a stage these days, it seems as if yet another sensitive plant has sprouted there, glowing with eager crushability. You know the types those socially challenged, thin-skinned, easily rattled adolescents like the self-appointed, agoraphobic detective of the Tony-winning The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time or the stammering, fabulist high school student in the hit musical Dear Evan Hansen. Joining their rarefied company this season is 17-year-old Luke Browst, who lives online under the screen name of Kid Victory. Thats also the title of the unresolved new musical by Greg Pierce and the fabled Broadway composer John Kander that opened on Wednesday night at the Vineyard Theater. Its a name that would seem to promise an upbeat story of a plucky young hero battling and vanquishing steep odds. But no. Luke a child of devout small-town Christians who is portrayed with fully committed anguish by the appealing newcomer Brandon Flynn has problems that the lads of Night-Time and Evan Hansen couldnt dream of, or not without having nervous breakdowns. This, after all, is a boy whom we first see (in a flash-image prologue) handcuffed to the wall of an airless basement with a single mattress on the floor, the kind of place that regularly shows up in episodes of Law and Order: SVU. The detailed reports of Mr. Abdulmutallab may also play into the debate President Trump has renewed about whether torture is ever necessary to get useful information from terrorism suspects. Most experienced interrogators say no, and their arguments would receive support from these interviews. Image Mr. Abdulmutallab tried to carry out the attack but failed to detonate explosives hidden in his underwear. Credit... Reuters The F.B.I. flew Mr. Abdulmutallabs relatives to the United States to boost his spirits and encourage him to talk with great success. In interview after interview, he described every person he said he could recall from Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the branch in Yemen; discussed candidly his evolving views about carrying out a terrorist act; and tried to reconstruct the layout of a training camp, Mr. Awlakis house and many other Qaeda buildings. His descriptions were so precise that it is likely they have helped shape targeting decisions in the American drone campaign in Yemen. Mr. Awlaki, whom everyone at the Qaeda training camp called sheikh out of respect for him as a religious leader, spoke at length with the Nigerian, then 23 and the son of a wealthy banker, about what he saw as the religious obligation of jihad. He put the younger man up at his house in the province of Shabwah, where Al Qaeda had a large presence, and introduced him to other Qaeda trainers and bomb makers, Mr. Abdulmutallab told the F.B.I. Mr. Awlaki helped Mr. Abdulmutallab prepare a martyrdom video, telling him to keep it short and reference the Quran. He gave the recruit a way of staying in touch, evidently an email address, to report on the proceedings. WASHINGTON Lt. Gen. H. R. McMaster, President Trumps new national security adviser, is considering a reorganization of the White House foreign policy team that would give him control of Homeland Security and guarantee full access to the military and intelligence agencies. Just days after arriving at the White House, Mr. McMaster is weighing changes to an organization chart that generated consternation when it was issued last month. One proposal under discussion would restore the director of national intelligence and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to full membership in a cabinet-level committee, according to two officials who discussed internal deliberations on the condition of anonymity. Another likely change would reincorporate the Homeland Security Council under the National Security Council, the way it was during the administration of President Barack Obama, the officials said. The decision to separate the Homeland Security staff, they said, was primarily a way to diminish the power of Mr. McMasters predecessor, Michael T. Flynn, who resigned last week. Now that Mr. Flynn is out and Mr. McMaster is in, both councils may report to him. In border towns like this, in a House district represented by a Democrat, Mr. Trumps reign has become a galvanizing force for both sides. As Mr. Ryan prepared on Wednesday to meet with officials at a Department of Homeland Security building in McAllen, Tex., protesters waited to greet him across a highway. Keep the kids, deport the racists, one sign read. Quickly, a chant broke out: Puentes, no muros. Bridges, not walls. Others expressed disappointment in Mr. Ryan, a politician they once viewed as moderate on immigration. At one time, I did think he was going to work for us, said Gloria Rodriguez, 60, of Harlingen, Tex., recalling Mr. Ryans criticisms of Mr. Trump last year. But behind her, across the highway, a truck driver had rolled down his window. Donald Truuuuuuump! he shouted, turning his head back as he rolled. Yeahhhhhh! Mr. Ryans office said little about his visit beforehand and declined for several days to confirm a report by The Monitor of McAllen last week about his visit here. By late afternoon on Wednesday, aides confirmed the basics of Mr. Ryans day: a helicopter tour, a horse patrol demonstration, the boat ride, a stop at a United States Customs and Border Protection operating hub, and a meeting with local leaders. When you see with your own eyes the many challenges facing our law enforcement professionals along the border, it gives you even greater respect for the work that they do day in and day out, Mr. Ryan said in a statement after the visit. But more tools and more support are needed for them to do their jobs effectively. Congress is committed to securing the border and enforcing our laws, and together with the Trump administration, we will get this done. Why are people starving? Mr. Guterres cited two reasons for the current crisis. First, he said, there is not enough money; the United Nations needs $5.6 billion to address the needs, most of it by the end of March. Barely 2 percent of that money is in hand, he said. Whether the United States, by far the biggest humanitarian donor in the world, will follow through on its commitments under President Trump remains unclear. Second, all four countries facing the threat of famine are reeling from conflict, and in many instances, the leaders of warring parties are blocking aid workers from delivering relief where it is most needed. I want to make a personal appeal to the parties to conflict to abide by international humanitarian law and allow aid workers access to reach people in desperate need, Mr. Guterres said. Without access, hundreds of thousands of people could die, even if we have the resources to help them. Where are people starving and how many? The situation in Somalia today is different from what it was in 2011. The government is functioning, though there are vast pockets where Shabab militants thrive. But Somalia has already had two consecutive years of drought, and meteorologists expect crops to fail again this year. MEXICO CITY The Trump administration calls the visit a step toward mutual understanding, a way to move the relationship forward. But as Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson arrived in Mexico on Wednesday, twin threats hung over the frayed relationship between the two nations: President Trumps new orders to round up and deport immigrants who are in the United States illegally, and a separate effort to take a hard look at all American aid to Mexico, possibly using it to pay for a border wall instead. By Friday, American officials are required to finish calculating all the money and grants that the United States provides to Mexico, a task that Mr. Trump first demanded in the executive order he signed last month directing the construction of a border wall. The Trump administration, which set the Friday deadline in an internal State Department memo this month, has not explicitly said why it ordered the review. But its inclusion in the executive order mandating that a wall be built suggests that Mr. Trump has linked the two issues and may be looking for more leverage in negotiations with Mexico. PARIS A top aide to Marine Le Pen, the French far-right leader and presidential candidate, was placed under investigation on Wednesday after a day of questioning over accusations of the misuse of European Union money to pay parliamentary assistants, a judicial official said. The aide, Catherine Griset, who is Ms. Le Pens chief of staff, was taken into custody for questioning along with Ms. Le Pens bodyguard, Thierry Legier, who was later released without being placed under investigation, the official said. In reaction to the news, Ms. Le Pen denied any wrongdoing in a case that she said was being used to undermine her campaign. There is a very big risk of the justice system being manipulated, Ms. Le Pen said. I think that today the justice system is not doing its work with a cool head, impartiality and independence. Everything indicates so. CHARLESTON (JG-TC) -- The Charleston High School annual international concert is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. today in the CHS Baker Gym. The school's concert band and chorus will perform selections with "an international flavor," songs from Egypt, Scotland and Russia, according to a news release about the event. There will be no admission charge to attend the concert, the release said. It said the concert takes place each year to recognize the work of Rotary International and AFS Intercultural Programs in the Charleston area and to introduce current exchange students to the community. Currently, one student from Italy is attending Charleston High School and two other students are studying in Japan and Brazil, the release said. I love you Harlem, the American painter Alice Neel wrote in her diary around the end of World War II, and really, she loved everything in it. Neel celebrated Harlem specifically its ethnically mixed section known as Spanish Harlem or El Barrio for your poverty and your loves. And what Neel eulogized in her diary, she immortalized in oils: street scenes, interiors and, above all, portraits of the men, women and children in a neighborhood far from the suburban Philadelphia of her youth, which the artist adopted as her own. Little heralded in her lifetime, Neel (1900-1984) has won posthumous acclaim as one of Americas most inventive and peculiar portraitists. Her later paintings, especially, made her sitters strange through thick outlining and unelaborated backgrounds. But behind Neels experiments with form were New York lives of writers and revolutionaries, lovers and petty criminals. Two dozen of her portraits are on view in Alice Neel, Uptown, an affectionate, rooted, and at times achingly nostalgic exhibition at David Zwirner gallery that concentrates on her relationships with fellow Harlemites, most of them black, Latin American or Asian. The show was organized by the writer Hilton Als, who also has written a series of wistful essays for the catalog. Folding Clothes DAN ONEILL: In Season 2, Sophie, the youngest child in the Hawkins family, who has always had a strong identification with Gemmas character, is starting to imitate synth behavior, as we see from the way she is trying to perfectly fold her clothes. Pixie Davies, who plays Sophie, has been around the synth characters for a long time, so she can do a really good synth imitation. But she is a child, so she still twitches and fidgets, and that was important to show. In this scene she talks about her motivation quite honestly to Odie (Will Tudor), a broken synth who has acquired consciousness. You get a strong sense that here are two beings who are hurting. She is trying to protect herself from the pain by behaving like a machine. Odie doesnt know how to protect himself and his movement has malfunctioned; he is no longer even an efficient machine. Choosing a Bed RUTH BRADLEY: My character, Karen, is a synth who has successfully impersonated a human, so I had to completely learn basic model synth, as we call it, then layer on what Karen has observed about being human. I wanted her behavior to be slightly awkward without giving anything away. One key clue was the way she uses her eyes; they move first, before the head, when she observes something. In this scene, Karen and Pete are shopping for a bed, a standard happy couple thing to do, and she is trying to figure out how to behave. When they walk outside, Pete carries the heavy bed frame awkwardly even though she could do it effortlessly, as we see another female synth do nearby. The physicality here is strongly socially communicative. At the same time, the differences in the way she and Pete walk humans waste so much energy! reveals a great deal. Spin, one of Mr. Iuzzolinos favorites, is a French political drama along the lines of House of Cards, with grander architecture and sexier bureaucratic hacks. Another show, Black Widow, a Dutch crime series, is like The Sopranos, if Tony got whacked in Episode 1 and Carmela took over the mob rackets. Mr. Iuzzolinos latest discovery, Valkyrien, is a moody Norwegian thriller about a doctor who runs an illegal hospital in an unused underground metro station. In the video introduction that he records for most of his selections, Mr. Iuzzolino, with his black-frame glasses and manicured stubble, says breathlessly that Valkyrien is a high-concept thriller which will have you gripped from the start. Then he fixes the viewer with a you-better-watch stare. The busy person already overwhelmed by the abundance of gripping TV may be muttering, more? Nor is there a lack of viewing options for overseas shows. Where once the armchair tourist had to make due with episodes of Agatha Christies Poirot and old reruns of Doctor Who on PBS, the streaming age has opened up more countries borders than the Schengen Agreement. Netflix offers Spiral and other top global series, while Amazon Prime has its own banquet of foreign shows. The online subscription service Acorn specializes in fare from English-language countries like Britain, Australia and New Zealand. More British TV will be available next month with the arrival of BritBox, an ad-free streaming service from partners BBC Worldwide and ITV. The on-demand video service promises the largest library of British programming ever assembled, a mix of current shows like Cold Feet and Silent Witness and classics like Upstairs Downstairs and Are You Being Served? British programming is more than the few shows people have been exposed to through PBS, said Soumya Sriraman, president of BritBox, adding that the sheer breadth of programming would make consumers feel they are in a British environment. In a period of relentless news, its a relief to come across thought-provoking analysis that transcends the 24/7 cycle to illuminate the present. Two of our recommended nonfiction works this week, Richard Haasss A World in Disarray and Pankaj Mishras The Age of Anger, fit that bill admirably. Of course, if what you hunger for is escape from anger and disarray, you can always get lost in a novel: this weeks fiction will take you from a railroad in Kenya to a video store (remember video stores?) in Iowa to a mysterious disappearance in Greece. A WORLD IN DISARRAY: American Foreign Policy and the Crisis of the Old Order, by Richard Haass. (Penguin Press, $28.) In his timely new book, Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, offers a look at the current state of world affairs. Our critic Michiko Kakutani called it a primer that concerned citizens of all political persuasions not to mention the president and his advisers could benefit from reading. THE DARK FLOOD RISES, by Margaret Drabble. (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, $26.) This masterly novel by one of Britains most dazzling writers follows its 70-something heroine, Fran, on a road trip through England checking out housing options for the elderly. Fran is an unwitting Virgil who leads us through the circles of the hell of aging, writes Cynthia Ozick in our review. But it is a hell where pragmatic thoughtfulness reigns and functional architecture is sustenance. AGE OF ANGER: A History of the Present, by Pankaj Mishra. (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, $27.) This important, erudite book probes the deepest roots of our inflamed moment. Mishra argues that broad swaths of the globe are reliving the traumas and violent dislocations that accompanied Europes transition to modernity in the 18th and 19th centuries. There are more signs of turbulence inside the White House. President Trump rescinded Obama-era protections for transgender students, siding with Attorney General Jeff Sessions over the objections of Betsy DeVos, the education secretary. Newly released emails show that Mr. Trumps top environmental official, Scott Pruitt, worked closely with major oil and gas companies and political groups to roll back environmental regulations when he was Oklahomas attorney general. In the not-so-surprising department: News coverage of Mr. Trump has probably eclipsed that of any other single human being. Cadillac was in the third year of an ambitious effort to reposition itself as a distinctive global brand. The first iteration of the Dare Greatly campaign featured the chanteuse Edith Piaf and iconoclastic personalities like the Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. Both Mr. Sadoun and Mr. Ellinghaus thought the campaign needed to evolve, while remaining true to its origins. Still, it didnt take the results of an election to know the American public was polarized, Mr. Sadoun said. Mr. Ellinghaus was adamant that the ad not be overtly political. On the other hand, I didnt see how we could shy away from the division in the country, he said. We didnt want to enter the political debate. We wanted to transcend it. Perhaps it took two non-Americans Mr. Sadoun is French, Mr. Ellinghaus is German to suggest that by acknowledging the divide, an ad campaign might actually help heal it. After all, America had been divided before in its history at times far more than now. (Hence the image of a civil rights demonstration.) The nation had overcome the divisions, moved forward and prospered, the American dream intact. For many years (though not in recent decades), the Cadillac brand embodied that dream. Perhaps Cadillacs ad could remind Americans of the nations resilience and inherent optimism, and celebrate what America is capable of, Mr. Ellinghaus said. So the ad moves from images of civil strife to scenes of Americans helping one another and overcoming adversity: police officers embracing; American soldiers returning from battle in Afghanistan; a father running behind his paraplegic son in the last Olympics triathlon; a Hurricane Katrina rescue mission. We may not be the same, but we can be one, the narrator concludes. All it takes is a willingness to dare. Cadillac executives didnt do any formal market testing of the ad, but they did preview it for a few audiences, including a group of Texas Cadillac dealers, who gathered in Dallas a few weeks ago for a meeting with their division leaders. If the ad was likely to cause a backlash from pro-Trump factions, dealers from Texas were as likely as anyone to anticipate it. The Mercedes-Benzes, the BMWs and the Land Rovers were largely brand new when federal agents seized them in late 2013, claiming that the small Tennessee company that planned to resell them to wealthy buyers in China was engaging in an insidious fraud. But a federal jury in Manhattan disagreed. It took jurors three hours on Wednesday to determine that there was not enough evidence to support a civil forfeiture lawsuit filed by federal prosecutors. The jury, in ruling in favor of the Efans Trading Corporation, ordered the government to return the luxury cars and $3 million in cash that was also seized from a company bank account. We are grateful that the jury saw this case for the government overreach that it was, said Benjamin J. Razi, a partner with the law firm Covington & Burling, which represented Efans. Even with the victory they deserved, this case took a tremendous toll on our client. Efans, based in Memphis, is owned by Yifan Kong and Erxin Zhou, a husband and wife who are Chinese immigrants. The government action effectively forced the couple to shut their car export business, although they still operate a tire importing company. Ms. Yun is the head of a little-known investment bank in New York, Yun Capital. She was once a principal in a firm called Global Media Fund, which received stakes in penny stock companies speculative ventures whose shares may be worth a few cents in exchange for providing them with promotional services. She now spends much of her time in China, according to court papers. It is not clear when or how she first met Mr. Trump. But around 2008, she took part in a meeting held by Mr. Trump that included discussion of a plan to develop a Trump hotel and condominium complex in Charlotte, N.C. The project never went forward. In 2010, she filed a trademark for the name of Titan Atlas Manufacturing, the Charleston-area company started by Mr. Trump and Mr. Blackburn. She was also involved in trying to arrange financing for the business, Mr. Blackburn said. Ms. Yun also formed a separate company with Mr. Blackburn, who said in court papers that he resided for a time in Ms. Yuns Manhattan apartment, which was in a Trump building. The company, TAM Energy, briefly sold wind turbines out of the Titan Atlas factory. When Mr. Trump and Mr. Blackburn went to Mexico and Colombia, other representatives of Yun Capital accompanied them. For her part, Ms. Yun asked an architect during that period to draw a rendering for a Trump International Tower and Hotel in Bogota, Colombia, that is still on the architects website. Court filings show that Ms. Yun faces some $100,000 in unpaid tax liens. She also states on her website that she graduated from the University of Tennessee with honors and is a member of Mensa, the organization for people who score high on IQ tests. However, a spokeswoman for the university said it had no record of honors awarded to Ms. Yun with her degree, and a spokesman for Mensa said there was no record of her being a member. Ms. Yun, 41, did not respond to repeated requests for comment. Last year, when Donald J. Trump was running for president, Ms. Yun told a reporter for The Miami Herald that she was seeking to raise funding for the Trump-related project in Bogota and she testified last summer in a court proceeding that she worked for the Trump Group. VATUKALO, Fiji Before kava makes its way to a new wave of trendy bars in places like Brooklyn and Berkeley, Calif., it must be nurtured and plucked by people like Livai Tavesivesi. A sun-weathered farmer on the Fijian island of Ovalau, Mr. Tavesivesi, 47, once farmed kava the main ingredient in a drink long used by residents to attain a mellow buzz much the way people here did for centuries. First, he washed its gnarled roots in a nearby river. Then he diced them, dried them in the sun and pounded them into powder with a tabili, a supersize mortar and pestle. Finally, he carried it three miles into town to be sold. If we didnt have a horse or car, we had to carry it, he said. Those traditional ways have led to bigger problems. Last year, Cyclone Winston devastated the islands crop, threatening farmers livelihoods even as it sent kava prices soaring. More broadly, Fijis kava harvests have been inconsistent for years because of outdated techniques; the casual attitude of small-time farming has led to poor-quality products that do not pack the same pop. After auditioning prospective co-hosts, Mr. Hannity was said to prefer the affable and witty Mr. Colmes. (He was hired first and suggested me as a co-host, Mr. Colmes later recalled. I hope this answers, once and for all, why his name comes first in the title of our show.) Hannity & Colmes was born in October 1996 and remained on the air nightly until January 2009. The two men were billed as co-hosts, and Mr. Ailes insisted that producers deploy a stopwatch to make sure they received equal time. But many liberal critics considered the pairing lopsided. Some characterized Mr. Colmes as a punching bag and even a sacrificial lamb who was neutralized by the considerably more combative Mr. Hannity. Al Franken, the comedian who went on to become a United States senator, described Mr. Colmes in his book Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right (2003) as a moderate milquetoast. The media watchdog organization Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting harrumphed, If the Harlem Globetrotters have the Washington Generals as their nightly fall guys, Sean Hannity has Alan Colmes. Mr. Colmes said he preferred to be in the minority among Foxs stable of mostly conservative commentators rather than just another voice preaching to the liberal choir, though he sometimes described himself as a moderate, at least in demeanor. It's been four weeks and three days since Donald J. Trump took the oath of office as president of the United States, and few would disagree that it seems a lot longer. Since Trump's inauguration, he has signed a pile of executive orders, tried to ban people from seven Muslim-majority countries, fired National Security Adviser Mike Flynn, kept information about Flynn from Vice President Mike Pence, seriously misquoted the number of electoral votes he earned in November and continued his drumbeat of "fake news." His administration has cut back on social media posts and press releases from some of its most notable departments, deleted scientific facts from their websites, and backtracked comments made by two of Trump's most visible spokespersons. Then, last week, came word of a draft from the Department of Homeland Security that proposed using the National Guard to "round up unauthorized immigrants" from several states, as described in a story by The Associated Press. Chillingly, the story broke on the 75th anniversary of the executive order that created internment camps for Japanese living in America during World War II. The White House immediately said it did not order the proposal and would not follow it, but its very existence signals an uncertain future for America under the Trump administration, especially by those who think they can interpret what the administration wants or believes. "Regardless of the White House's response, this document is an absolutely accurate description of the disturbing mindset that pervades the Trump administration when it comes to our nation's immigrants," U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) told the AP. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel was among many who slammed the idea. "The idea that someone would put on a piece of paper a concept of using the U.S. National Guard to round up people in the United States it's dead on arrival. It's anti-American," he told the Chicago Tribune. " ... They should go shred that piece of paper." The Associated Press quoted a Jan. 25 draft memo that said participating troops would be authorized "to perform the functions of an immigration officer in relation to the investigation, apprehension and detention of aliens in the United States." It describes how the troops would be activated under a revived state-federal partnership program, and states that personnel would be authorized to conduct searches and identify and arrest any unauthorized immigrants, the AP said. President Trump was elected to lead this country because people liked what he had to say and that he said he would follow through with them. But turning America into a police state isn't what most of those people had in mind, and isn't something that any American should allow to happen. -- The Bloomington Pantagraph BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. As she made for her booth, tucked into a remote corner of the Blvd Lounge at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel here, Isabelle Huppert expertly dodged the furtive stares of a roomful of diners. She had arrived on the arm of her publicist, who vanished as discreetly as he had arrived, leaving Ms. Huppert on her own to sit with a reporter, sip her cappuccino and ponder a question: Is she vain? Brusquely, she picked up a knife, inspecting her reflection in its blade. Is this what you mean? she asked lightly, brushing aside a stray wisp of hair. Was she being coy? Hard to say. Ambiguity, after all, is Ms. Hupperts stock in trade. It is part of the screen arsenal she has deployed in more than 100 films during the course of a four-decade career, and it is central to her role in Elle, a French-language psychological thriller in which she, as the victim of a vicious rape, responds with an eerie admixture of horror and calm. Her performance, which earned her a best actress award at the Golden Globes in January, drew fresh waves of attention when she was nominated this month for an Academy Award, an honor she seems to regard with a mix of anxiety and cool entitlement. Mr. Kitano returned to Japan in 1929 aboard the Graf Zeppelin. He went on to be a senior editor and board member, then a board member of The Asahi Evening News, an English-language publication that is now defunct. Relations between the companies were quite amicable. When the time came to send a letter by air over the Pacific Ocean in 1931, Ryuhei Murayama, a co-founder of The Asahi Shimbun, chose Mr. Ochs as the recipient of his greeting. (Mr. Murayama was in a position to send this letter because The Asahi had put up a $25,000 prize for the first nonstop flight between the countries.) In this letter, first in the history of America and Japan ever to be carried by airplane across the Pacific Ocean, the Asahi newspapers, Tokyo and Osaka, of which I am founder and president, tender to The New York Times and, through its columns, to the American people at large, heartiest congratulations upon the splendid achievement of the two American fliers, Hugh Herndon and Clyde Pangborn. The aviators, it should be said, carried the letter as far as their landing spot in Wenatchee, Wash. Then they popped it in a mail box. Image A letter from Ryuhei Murayama, a co-founder of The Asahi, to Adolph S. Ochs of The Times was carried aboard the first nonstop flight between Japan and the United States, in 1931. Mr. Murayama expressed his conviction that the Herndon-Pangborn flight must greatly contribute toward promoting friendly relations between our countries. Unfortunately, darker forces were at work. Ten years later, the two nations were at war. Kyozo Mori, who was then the New York correspondent for The Asahi, was among the Japanese journalists rounded up by American authorities after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was detained in Virginia until the next year. Ryugen Hosokawa, another New York-based correspondent, was in Buenos Aires at the time of the attack. In Tokyo, The Timess correspondent, Otto D. Tolischus, was arrested at his home in the Akasaka district, which doubled as the bureau. He was accused of spying and imprisoned, but was released in 1942. The Times reopened its bureau in 1945, at the end of the war, when it moved into The Asahi Shimbun building. (The reciprocal arrangement continues, as Motoko Rich reports from Tokyo.) Article: New Trump Deportation Rules Allow Far More Expulsions Before Reading Watch the video above. With a classmate, share your reactions. What questions do you have about President Trumps new laws for immigrants wishing to come to the United States, and for those already in the country? Questions for Comprehension and Analysis 1. How has President Trump directed his administration to enforce the nations immigration laws more aggressively? What language did Mr. Trump use on the campaign trail that the new enforcement policies put into practice? 2. According to the article, who will welcome the presidents new immigration policies? Why? 3. How are the new policies different from those of former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush? What did those presidents seek to do? The working class, or at least the white part, has emerged as our great national mystery. Traditionally Democratic, they helped elect a flamboyantly ostentatious billionaire to the presidency. Whats wrong with them? the liberal pundits keep asking. Why do they believe Trumps promises? Are they stupid or just deplorably racist? Why did the working class align itself against its own interests? I was born into this elusive class and remain firmly connected to it through friendships and family. In the 1980s, for example, I personally anchored a working-class cultural hub in my own home on Long Island. The attraction was not me but my husband (then) and longtime friend Gary Stevenson, a former warehouse worker who had become an organizer for the Teamsters union. You may think of the Long Island suburbs as a bedroom community for Manhattan commuters or a portal to the Hamptons, but they were then also an industrial center, with more than 20,000 workers employed at Grumman alone. When my sister moved into our basement from Colorado, she quickly found a job in a factory within a mile of our house, as did thousands of other people, some of them bused in from the Bronx. Mostly we hosted local residents who passed through our house for evening meetings or weekend gatherings truck drivers, factory workers, janitors and eventually nurses. My job was to make chili and keep room in the fridge for the baked ziti others would invariably bring. I once tried to explain the concept of democratic socialism to some machine-shop workers and went off on a brief peroration against the Soviet Union. They stared at me glumly across the kitchen counter until one growled, At least they have health care over there. By the time my little crew was gathering in the ranch house, working-class aspirations were everywhere being trampled underfoot. In 1981, President Reagan busted the air traffic controllers union by firing more than 11,000 striking workers a clear signal of what was to come. A few years later, we hosted a picnic for Jim Guyette, the leader of a militant meatpacking local in Minnesota that had undertaken a wildcat strike against Hormel (and of course no Hormel products were served at our picnic). But labor had entered into an age of givebacks and concessions. Grovel was the message, or go without a job. Even the mighty mighty unions of the old labor chant, the ones that our little group had struggled both to build and to democratize, were threatened with extinction. Within a year, the wildcat local was crushed by its own parent union, the United Food and Commercial Workers. When Nathan Kecy graduated from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire a decade ago with a bachelors degree in communications, he found himself with about $10,000 in debt and few clear career options. He first found work as a door-to-door salesman (a pyramid scheme, he recalls) and then in telemarketing. Finally he landed a job as an infrastructure specialist for Datamatic, a Texas-based water-meter-technology company. He was traveling across the country installing meters, making a decent salary. But he lost his job after the company restructured in 2012, he said, and soon he found that his skills werent easily transferable to a new field; Datamatics technology was proprietary, and his expertise in the companys installation program wasnt appealing to employers outside that particular industry. He tried going into business with a friend, but the relationship soured. By then he had a baby and a fiancee, and he felt stuck. Now 32, Kecy is a few months away from finishing a six-month certificate program in advanced composites manufacturing at Great Bay Community College in Rochester, N.H. The program operates out of a satellite campus that opened in 2013, with aid from a Labor Department grant meant to help community colleges reach trade displaced workers who need help training for new careers. The unemployment rate in southern New Hampshire is low, less than 3 percent. At one state job fair last summer, just 350 people showed up for 1,200 available jobs. In Strafford County, where Rochester is located, the largest employers include the University of New Hampshire and Liberty Mutual, but also manufacturers like Turbocam and Contitech. Kecys classmates include veterans, recent high-school graduates and older workers whose careers had reached dead ends. All of them are looking for hope and a decent paycheck by acquiring a new set of skills. Within six months, Im going to go from regular guy to working in the aerospace community, says Tommy Florentino, a disabled veteran with a background in construction and automotive manufacturing. He has friends who went to Boston College or Suffolk University, and theyre waiters and waitresses. The colleges 27,000-square-foot Advanced Technology and Academic Center is at the edge of a nondescript shopping center. The complex also houses a Dollar Tree, a J.C. Penney and a Kmart, where a banner out front reads, Now hiring. Cashiers there earn close to minimum wage. But Kecy expects to earn at least $16 an hour when he graduates and to move up quickly from there. Composites is a broad field in manufacturing, with applications including automotive parts, sporting goods and prosthetics, as well as in the locally prominent aerospace industry. The states department of economic development bills its seacoast region as the emerging composites region, and it points to Great Bays program as a reason for more aerospace and defense businesses in particular to relocate there. Ive got some options, which is something Ive never really experienced before, Kecy says. Theres a strange disconnect between two of the big narratives about the American blue-collar work force right now. In one story, there is a population of unemployed and underemployed working-class adults for whom well-paying work seems increasingly out of reach; their jobs have gone overseas or become automated, and they find themselves working retail, or not working at all. But an apparently conflicting story comes from American employers, which have been insisting for years that they have a hard time finding workers to fill many skilled blue-collar jobs. A 2015 report from the Manufacturing Institute, for example, found that seven in 10 manufacturing executives said they faced shortages of workers with adequate tech skills. A high proportion of existing skilled workers is also nearing retirement, which means a bigger gap is looming soon. By 2025, the report warned, two million jobs will be going unfilled. (Health care, also a big focus of retraining programs, is another rapidly expanding field.) The French documentarian Dominique Dubosc is a secret too well kept. Despite a filmography comprising two dozen pictures, he is credited with only two directorial efforts on the United States-based Internet Movie Database. The memory-piece aspect of his latest film, Paraguay Remembered (its original title is the more evocative Memoria Desmemoriada, or Forgetful Memory), may therefore be elusive for those who see its North American theatrical debut. Thats a shame, because this quiet movie, shot in black-and-white and color, is an unhurried, beautiful, and pained work that through simple means resonates on various levels. The filmmaker narrates, speaking at the beginning of his return to Paraguay after a 40-year absence. Now Im the one behind the window, he notes as he shoots an art gallery opening in the countrys capital, Asuncion. Mr. Dubosc shows some of the art on view, which leads him to reflect on the political turmoil of the time he was first there in the late 1960s, when he was making his earliest films. He also chronicles visits with old friends and contemporary activists. Keeping his camera at a discreet distance from his subjects, he conjures, through images and words, an ever more disquieting set of truths about history and memory. Mr. Dubosc speaks calmly, but with clear pain and anger, about the dictator Alfredo Stroessner, who was in power during the filmmakers first trip, and the varied forms of resistance to his regime; he speaks with dry irony of what he sees as the lukewarm reforms of Federico Franco, who was president in 2012-13, and calls Barack Obama, then still the United States president, lord of the drones. (Anthology Film Archives is screening this picture through Thursday, in tandem with a mini-retrospective of Mr. Duboscs earlier works on Saturday and Sunday.) My Greenwich Village Weight Watchers group skews left, and one of the problems people have been talking about lately is Trump weight. You understand how this works, right? President Trump wakes up, reaches for his cellphone and tweets, Our legal system is broken! And that morning a few million blue state people reach for a chocolate croissant instead of their zero-fat yogurt. At lunch you learn that Mr. Trump is sparring with North Korea and because the world is going to end any minute, you have a tuna melt. At dinner, you remember that he does not believe in global warming, and as the waters will soon be rising, you figure you might as well send out for pizza. Better do it now before the brick-ovens are flooded. Your million-dollar West Village co-op, too. Goodbye equity. Make it double cheese and pepperoni on that pie. Excuse me, I have an I.M.: Wadler, you elitist fake-news monger, how dare you claim people are getting fat because of the president? If people are gaining weight, its because they lack will power, particularly when it comes to eating in Mexican joints, 80 percent of which are run by illegal immigrants. Reply: My apologies. I should have mentioned that many factors cause people to become tense and overeat: For instance when the presidential adviser Stephen K. Bannon says the media should keep its mouth shut or the White House policy adviser Stephen Miller says the powers of the president to protect our country will not be questioned. BERLIN The story, about a mob of Arab men rampaging through the well-heeled streets of Frankfurt and sexually assaulting German women as they went, must have been irresistible so irresistible that Bild, a popular newspaper, published it early this month with little scrutiny. The problem, as the local police soon found, was that it was completely baseless. There was no record of any assault. The article relied entirely on interviews with a restaurant owner and one woman, whose motives for inventing these allegations remain unclear. Bild retracted the article last week. No matter: The damage had been done, the fictitious tale having found many believers, either eager or fearful, among the German public. Bilds editors were presumably hoping to break a story similar to one that emerged just over a year earlier, when several men, identified as appearing North African and Arab, attacked women at the New Years Eve celebrations in Cologne. More than 100 complaints were filed by terrorized women. 4. Violence includes the destruction of the customs, spaces and rhythms that constitute a persons life. To echo Arendt again, it is all about creating a condition of worldlessness. As Zygmunt Bauman suggested, nowhere is this more evident than with the plight of refugees who are fleeing unimaginable devastation often the destruction of all they could wish to return to. Its true that the refugees plight reveals the limits of other societies levels of compassion toward strangers. But the contemporary moment shows especially clearly how vulnerable populations are pitted by political opportunists against the most precarious workers in their chosen destinations, so a truly toxic political condition takes hold where the language of security, both physical and economic, is presented as a zero-sum game that trumps humanitarian and ethical concerns. What is therefore cast aside is an opportunity for reciprocal, cooperative relations based on mutual vulnerability. 5. The overt politicization of violence can render certain forms of it rational and tolerable for public consumption. As Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak suggested, none of this is divorced from identity politics. Violence, in fact, can consist of demeaning processes intended to disqualify lives and ways of living from deserving safety and rights. It marks out some as being naturally inferior, disposable and expendable. It is also often the case that violence can take place within legal frameworks, which rather than protecting rights, allow for the legalization of all manner of overt or systemic aggressions in the name of order. This demands a better understanding of what we mean by justice, especially as we try to protect the fragile organism of democracy. 6. Addressing violence, then, requires rethinking what constitutes a crime against humanity. Since the human is necessarily dependent upon thriving environmental conditions for a sustainable existence, the problem of violence also points us toward an entire ecology of thought. This issue was directly addressed by Adrian Parr, who foregrounded the importance of the planetary biosphere, and demanded a new appreciation of shared responsibility for our life-supporting environmental conditions. She also posed the question of what a crime against humanity actually means in such a context. It turns out, there are many ways in which damage to the environment rises to that level. This type of violence presents profound existential questions about what it means to be human and the ontological crimes (i.e., a crime against the human as such) some of us wage against ourselves. 7. Violence is not simply carried out by irrational monsters. Sadly, most violence is not exceptional or deviant. As Arendt famously noted, people following orders in a thoughtless and banal way often carry it out. And as Simona Forti argued in this series, modern violence cannot simply be explained in terms of the negation of life or a subconscious, Freudian death drive. It has proved, time and time again, to be integral to civilizations conceptual claims to truth, harnessing the discursive power of human progress, while appealing to security and order and even taking place in the name of freedom and justice. Such violence often blurs clear distinctions between what is right and wrong. In fact, the tendency to justify or condemn violence by drawing upon absolutist terms such as good or evil masks more complex relations and avoids difficult but necessary questions about our shameful compromises. 8. Violence brings us directly into ethical relations. We see this most fully today, as Cary Wolfe suggested, in the intellectual moves toward post-humanism and the bestowing of rights both to humans and to other animals. The key here is to identify and disrupt forms of ethical hierarchy, which allow violence to be committed upon a given animal, human or otherwise, as it is naturalized by authenticating frameworks of biological designation. So a viable critique of violence asks which life-forms the dominant ideology decrees can be killed and which forms of life are to be protected within this far-from-natural order of things. Fighting this requires addressing the biological and racial taxonomies that allow killings to happen without a crime being committed. This is a question of consciousness as much as anything else. 9. Violence begins in the minds of people, and mostly men. As such, the problem will remain poorly understood if it is accounted for only in terms of how and what it kills, the scale of its destructiveness or any other quantitative measure. As Richard Bernstein argued, while we must not lose sight of the fact that violence concerns the violation of human lives, it can also include an attack on peoples dignity, their belief systems and the very intellectual conditions of a credible social order. Understanding the intellectual life of violence is therefore crucial if we are to develop the necessary intellectual tools that are capable of breaking the chains of violence. Indeed, if nihilistic forms of violence are the work of a reactionary mind, part of whats required is overcoming passivity in thought. Like Lennonism, Bannonism is more or less secular, though it makes more room for Judeo-Christianity. Where it differs, though, is in its belief that Islam is not a religion, but rather an aggressively anti-Western, intolerant and illiberal ideology bent on global conquest. It follows, then, that a ban on Muslim immigration is justified. But Bannonism is also a critique of Lennonism. It holds that, after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the liberal elites forgot about the legitimate interests of the nation-state. That same belief keeps blurring the differences between men and women, and confused equal rights with equality. Feminism, Bannonists believe, is a polarizing ideology built on the hallucination that Western societies are still patriarchies and men are the enemies of women. Needless to say, for Bannonists, the European Union embodies everything that is wrong with the current state of the West. Brussels keeps its member states and citizens small and weak, instead of making them great and free. The financial crisis that began in 2008 should have offered a chance to seek common ground; instead, the two sides each retreated into tribal thinking, demonizing the other as either racist or naive. Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, who will seek her fourth term this fall, has made it clear that she wants her country to avoid the crises that this intra-Western clash produced in Britain and the United States. Indeed, one reason shes running is to stand as an antidote to Trumpism: We dont want to hate each other, wed rather like to discuss, discuss like democrats, Ms. Merkel said in the first interview after her decision to mount a campaign. The question is, What can I do for the cohesion of such a polarized society? Her answer is not quite clear yet. What is clear is that, in the Social Democratic contender for her office, Martin Schulz, she has finally found a worthy rival, setting up a campaign that could become precisely the conversation Lennonists and Bannonists need to have. Mr. Schulz, the former president of the European Parliament, has cast himself as the typical little man (he proudly notes that he didnt graduate from high school), and pledged that he wants to make Germany a fair society again. The Trump effect is obvious: Pushed by the populist right, Germanys political debate is opening up, with the two establishment parties no longer vying for the same safe space in the political center. Rather, they are identifying other political spaces, still in the mainstream, from which they can appeal to a broader range of voters. 100 years ago, Feb. 23, 1917 MATTOON -- The second floor of the new Big Four Railroad passenger depot, which is to be used for office purposes, will be put into service about March 10, according to information given today. Among the first forces to enter the new building will be those of W.C. Kegler, engineer maintenance of way. It was the intention of division officers to move in to the building about March 1, but a delay is caused by contractors failing to complete the apartments on time. Laying of maple floors is delayed by plasterers at work on the first floor... ASHMORE -- "Cal," a Norwegian woman who has been an inmate of the Coles County almshouse for many years, was buried in the county burying ground Wednesday. Her original name was never known, and she was known as Cal. She was in the county home before it was moved here from Loxa. Her actual age is unknown but is supposed to be over 100 years. It is said she landed in Mattoon in 1865 a grown woman and was sent to the county home. She was feeble-minded at the time and grew more so until death called her. 50 years ago, 1967 MATTOON -- Three candidates have filed petitions for candidacy to the Lake Land College board of directors at the board secretary's office in Neoga yesterday. The first to file was Fred Moler of Seven Hickory Township in northern Coles County, who will run against incumbent J. Arthur Culumber of Tower Hill. Dr. L.E. McNeill of Toledo filed his petition for re-election. Both McNeill and Moler reside in unincorporated areas. According to law, at least two members of the board must live in unincorporated areas. Thomas Nolan of Oakland, also a resident of an unincorporated area, is a holdover board member. The election will be held April 8. The last day to file a candidate petition is March 18... CHARLESTON -- Three members of the Charleston Jaycees have been selected as Outstanding Young Men of America for 1967. Eli Sidwell Jr. of Charleston, director of the Embarras River Basin Agency for Economic Opportunity; Gail Borton of Charleston, principal of Charleston High School; and L. Stanton Dotson of Mattoon, assistant Coles County state's attorney, will be included in the new edition of Outstanding Young Men of America. 25 years ago, 1992 Sunday. No paper. 100 years ago, Feb. 24, 1917 MATTOON -- All employees of the Big Four Railroad's car department remained on duty on Washington's Birthday, Feb. 22, notwithstanding the fact it was a national holiday. The shortage of cars and the necessity to keep available cars repaired was the cause for the continuance of work... MATTOON -- The horses of the estate of the late William M. Checkley were offered for sale this afternoon at auction conducted on South 19th Street between Charleston and Wabash avenues. All told, 38 head of horses were offered for sale. Sixteen of the animals were purchased at a total price of $2,717. These included the Checkley trotters and pacers that made records on the local course and elsewhere in the state. The highest price was paid for Lady Fogg, advertised as the "Crack Trotter of Eastern Illinois." The bare mare foaled in 1910 had a top time of 2:10 1/2. She was purchased for $410 by R.C. Richardson of Decatur. 50 years ago, 1967 MATTOON -- William A. Hurlburt has been employed as administrator of Mattoon Memorial Hospital, the board announced today. Hurlburt, a resident of Florissant, Mo., will begin his duties here on March 15. He is currently assistant administrator of St. Luke's Episcopal Presbyterian Hospital in St. Louis. A New York state native, he has a master's in hospital administration from Columbia University. He has held positions with the U.S. Navy at Bethesda, Md., and with the American Hospital Association before joining St. Luke's in 1964... MATTOON -- Blowing snow and topsoil that cut visibility to near zero here yesterday brought a temporary boost to Mattoon's population. Thirty-eight motorists stranded when state police closed U.S. Route 45 because of hazardous driving conditions were housed at the National Guard Armory. The hotel and all local motels were filled to capacity. Route 45 was closed from Mattoon to Tuscola about 5 p.m. after a five-vehicle accident blocked traffic near Dorans. Numerous other vehicles were in ditches on both sides of the road. Two of the cars in that five-vehicle accident carried members of the Granite City High School wrestling team going to the state tournament at the University of Illinois. No injuries were reported. 25 years ago, 1992 CHARLESTON -- An Eastern Illinois University student who was taken to Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center last night does not have meningitis, a SBLHC official said. At about 10:15 p.m., Nursing Supervisor Kathy Alexander said the student was being discharged from the hospital and that he did not have meningitis. A Champaign TV station had reported on its 10 p.m. newscast that the student was rushed to the hospital with meningitis-related symptoms. But Alexander said the student was not showing major symptoms of meningitis MATTOON -- Area special education began with a director, a secretary and a school psychologist. Thirty years later, there are 250 employees in about a dozen programs serving 2,800 students in 32 school districts. The Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education turned 30 in January, giving Don Grewell, the executive director since 1965, reason to reflect. Grewell said the cooperatives objective is to develop good and employable citizens. He said he was impacted greatly by former Mattoon schools Superintendent Virgil Judge and the co-ops first director, Aaron Gray, who were instrumental in bringing special education to the Mattoon-Charleston region CHARLESTON -- Inspired by the success of last years Fourth of July celebration, community groups are working to make this years event even better. The community group that planned last years event that honored Operation Desert Storm veterans has joined with the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce to plan Red, White and Blue Days. They hope the three-day community celebration will become an annual event. LONDON Last Thursday a suicide bomber affiliated with the so-called Islamic State attacked Sehwan Sharif, one of the most revered Sufi shrines, in the southern Sindh Province of Pakistan, killing more than 80 people, including 24 children, and wounding more than 250. Why the terrorists hate Sehwan is why we love it. The saint and his shrine at Sehwan belong to everyone, to Sunnis and Shiites, to Hindus and Muslims, transgender devotees, to believers and questioners alike. The inclusiveness, the rituals and music born of syncretic roots make shrines like Sehwan Sharif targets in the extremist interpretations of the Islamic State and other radical Wahhabi militants. As a child in the late 1980s and early 90s, I would visit the town of Sehwan with my family on our way from Karachi to Larkana, my familys hometown. After driving along bumpy roads deserted but for palm trees and solitary men standing on the open highways selling lotus flower seeds, we would stop near the western bank of the Indus River to visit the shrine of Sehwans patron saint, Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, a 13th-century Persian mystic and poet who was a contemporary of Rumi. Qalandar, whose real name was Syed Mohammad Usman Marwandi, is adored in music and poetry as the Red Falcon. As you drive through the narrow, dusty streets of Sehwan, the air becomes perfumed with the scent of roses, sold in small plastic bags and body-length garlands that devotees lay at his tomb. This week, Mr. Sessions and the Department of Education rescinded the guidance entirely. His baffling rationale was that it added to the confusion around an issue that has prompted spirited debates and legal fights around the country. In fact, it did the opposite. Next month, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case of Gavin Grimm, a transgender student who has been fighting his Virginia school district for the right to use the boys restroom on campus. Under the Obama administration, the Department of Justice took the position that existing federal law already confers that right. Mr. Sessions has reversed the governments course. Of all the matters of consequence before the new attorney general, it is curious that Mr. Sessions made repealing this guidance, and abandoning its defense, priorities. He clashed earlier in the week with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who reportedly felt uneasy about rescinding the guidelines, a move that will make students vulnerable. After the two made their case to the president, Mr. Trump sided with his attorney general. This is unsurprising. Mr. Trump has demonstrated time and again that his stated personal convictions are malleable. A genuine champion of gay and transgender rights would have steered clear of politicians like Mr. Sessions and Vice President Mike Pence, who have gone to great lengths to vilify and oppress gay and transgender Americans. On Wednesday, the White House press secretary, Sean Spicer, justified revoking the transgender school guidance by saying Mr. Trump is a firm believer in states rights. This inglorious justification has been deployed repeatedly by those on the wrong side of history in earlier civil rights battles. It was used to fight abolitionists, the womens suffrage movement, the repeal of Jim Crow laws and, most recently, same-sex marriage. President Trump brandished executive pen and fresh hyperbole last week in blessing the coal industrys decades-old practice of freely dumping tons of debris into the streams and mountain hollows of Americas mining communities. Another terrible job-killing rule, Mr. Trump declared at a signing ceremony that struck down the Obama administrations attempt to regulate surface mining wastes. He insisted he was saving many thousands of American jobs in sparing coal companies the expense of cleaning up their environmental messes. The signing ceremony was not just an insult to the benighted coal hamlets of Appalachia, where the industrys dumping of debris down the mountainsides has created a wasteland. It also ignored two truths. One is that by official estimates the rules, while helping the environment, would in fact cost very few jobs 260 on average a year offset by almost the same number of jobs for people hired to comply with the rules. Whats been costing jobs in the industry for years and this is the second and larger truth is a shifting global market in which power plants have turned to cleaner natural gas. In cynically promising the resurgence of King Coal, Mr. Trump might as well have been signing a decree that the whaling industry was being restored to Nantucket. Americans can expect more such delusional signing ceremonies in the days ahead as Congress avails itself of a little-used statute known as the Congressional Review Act to strike down environmental rules that are vulnerable to reversal because they were enacted in the waning months of the Obama administration. Any such rule labeled job killing or executive overreach seems doomed, especially if seen as a threat to campaign donors in the fossil fuel industry. It matters little that the rule may be widely supported by the public. Vaccine opponents, often the subject of ridicule, have found fresh energy in the election of a president who has repeated discredited claims linking childhood immunizations to autism and who has apparently decided to pursue them. With President Trumps support, this fringe movement could win official recognition, threatening lives and making it urgent that health officials, educators and others respond with a science-based defense of vaccines. Vaccines have saved lives by protecting children and adults from diseases like measles, polio, smallpox, cervical cancer and whooping cough. And there is no evidence whatsoever that vaccines or a preservative used in flu shots cause autism. Scientists have also shown that parents who refuse to immunize their children are threatening to undo decades of public health gains. Yet, activists like Robert Kennedy Jr. continue to push pseudoscience about immunizations. The terrifying thing is that they appear to have Mr. Trump's ear. After a meeting with the president last month, Mr. Kennedy said that the president would name him to head a new committee on vaccine safety; the government already has an advisory group that is meeting this week. And last week, during a news conference with Robert De Niro, Mr. Kennedy offered a $100,000 reward to anyone who could prove that vaccines are safe for children and pregnant women. Of course, countless studies show that vaccines are safe and effective more than 350 health groups compiled a list for Mr. Trump but they havent penetrated the reality distortion field created by Mr. Kennedy and his fellow travelers. The biggest danger is that their movement will sow enough doubt that more parents will refuse to let their children be immunized. In some states like Texas the number of children who do not receive vaccines has risen sharply over the last decade and is now in the tens of thousands. Not only does this increase the risk of infections to the youths who dont get shots, but it also threatens infants who are too young and children who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. This phenomenon has already led to outbreaks of measles and mumps. And now, things that are Really Happening in the world of Donald Trump. We bring you this list as a public service. Its easy to be distracted by all the strange/contradictory/awful things the president says. For instance, a lot of people were stunned when he responded to a question about anti-Semitic attacks in the United States by citing his winning numbers in the Electoral College. Then, when the question came up again and he yelled at the reporter who asked it. Much, much later, Trump did read a statement denouncing racism and anti-Semitism. But even that seemed worrisome. Its not just that an elected official should know how to answer that question without a lot of prep work. Everybody should know how to answer that question. Your 3-year-old nephew. Your Uber driver. Uncle Fred who gets drunk at Thanksgiving. Nobody gets to ask for a script. Maybe he keeps talking crazy to divert attention from the fact that he doesnt have anything else to report. In Washington, outside of the ongoing disaster that is immigration policy, actual changes have been sparse. A lot of the departments dont have new staffs yet and some never will if Trump keeps insisting on only hiring people who never said anything negative about him during the campaign. However, some little gremlins have been busy on the government websites, clearing out unpleasant information on issues like climate change. The Department of Agriculture has taken down its list of violators of the Animal Welfare Act, including puppy mills rife with dangerous and unsanitary conditions. On Wednesday evening, the Departments of Education and Justice, at the direction of President Trump, withdrew important guidance that required schools to treat transgender boys and girls like other boys and girls under Title IX, the 1972 federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education. In a one-and-a-half-page letter, the government unceremoniously retreated from a position that transgender students may not be excluded from restrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity that the Department of Education had held for at least four years. Despite those years of experience, the government claims that it needs to further and more completely consider the legal issues involved. But there is nothing new about the idea that sex discrimination includes discrimination against transgender people. To the contrary, courts have repeatedly reached that conclusion over the past 15 years in decisions that involve prisons, banks, the workplace and, yes, schools. Thats because its impossible to take into account someones transgender status or gender identity their internal sense of being male, female or something else without taking into account their sex. Indeed, transgender people are defined by the fact that their gender identity does not match the sex given to them at birth. By insisting that more study is warranted to decide whether transgender students should be treated fairly, the government has sent a deeply disturbing message to transgender students that they are less than other students and unworthy of protection. There are statues and plaques here and there. But look as one might, there are few relics of Jewish death. When you visit Khatyn, a memorial to the victims of the Great War, you learn about the deaths of hundreds of thousands of civilians, but little to nothing about what religion they practiced. Nor are there signs marking entire villages of Belarussians, Jews and non-Jews, that became unmarked mass graves. When I would ask my students and co-workers and friends, What happened to the Jews here? all most of them would say was, They left. Here, of course, we know why they left. My relatives who stayed in Eastern Europe died. Those who moved to America lived. Every single one of my great-grandparents was a first- or second-generation Eastern European immigrant to St. Louis. If youve been following the news this week, you probably know where this story is going: Almost all of my immigrant ancestors are buried in the Chesed Shel Emeth cemetery, where nearly 200 graves were vandalized this past weekend. Ive been to only one funeral at Chesed Shel Emeth, which is in University City, about 15 minutes from where I grew up. I certainly wasnt there when they buried my grandmothers mother, Alice, the immigrant from Minsk, more than 40 years ago. Her tombstone wasnt among the ones vandalized. But I know the idea that it might have been desecrated that it is even a possibility is on Grandma Mollies mind today, and on my mothers as well. I know because for the last several days all weve been talking about are relatives like little Grandma Alice, who never grew to 5 feet, who cooked elaborate noodle kugels, whose husband died young, who never really learned to drive or speak English and who was scared of strangers unless her family was around. Im privileged to have grown up in St. Louis, a place where my grandparents wanted me to stay because it felt safe to them a place theyd made their way to with the help of documents that we know werent entirely accurate or complete, and they became citizens anyway. So when a news link about my familys Jewish cemetery popped up in the group chat for a reporting project on hate crimes that Im involved in at ProPublica, I wasnt prepared. Nor was I prepared when I called home and my mom told me that she was going to exchange cash for gold in case things get worse and that my dad who has never considered shooting anything in his life had wondered out loud about getting a gun. Rukmini spoke with me last night from her hotel in Iraq about what shes seeing in Mosul and what this fight means for the future of the Islamic State. On todays episode: The biggest Islamic State stronghold in Iraq seems on the verge of falling to United States-backed forces. We go into the streets to see if a major victory over the militant group is really at hand. Why the smartest minds in finance cannot predict the Trump effect on stock prices. Background reading: Rukmini Callimachi reports from Iraq about the next chapter of the offensive to drive the Islamic State out of Mosul. Nathaniel Poppers story on the inconsistent science of predicting the market based on President Trumps tweets. Tune in, and tell us what you think. Email us at thedaily@nytimes.com. Tweet me at @mikiebarb. And if that isnt enough, we can even text. Larry Slater and Jeremy Erdreich met a dozen years ago in Birmingham, Ala., and married in Massachusetts in 2011. A year later, Dr. Slater landed a job teaching nursing at New York University. The two rented in Mercedes House, with its unique zigzag spiral design, in Hells Kitchen. They later upgraded to a two-bedroom there, with a Hudson River view. The two-bedroom satisfied a nagging desire on my part to have room for a proper dining table and also to have a separate room for the TV, so that if Larry was watching TV I didnt necessarily have to be a part of that experience, said Mr. Erdreich, a real-estate developer and architect who works in both his native Birmingham and New York. The lease renewal arrived early last fall, with a $500 increase in the monthly rent, from $4,425 to $4,925. The coolness factor has a short half-life in New York City, Mr. Erdreich said. They had erroneously assumed that the coolness factor at Mercedes House had run its course and a rent increase would be small. Vallejo strives to produce moles that are super-refined and completely the opposite of how many people think of it. Like many of his contemporaries, he wants to banish the notion that it has to be heavy, dark and gluey. If youve been served the dish in some Mexican restaurants both here and in Mexico, the popular mole poblano is sometimes stirred up by adding water to a premade powder then you probably know what he means. A true mole requires hours of preparation and close attention. Fallacies abound, the most common being that it is a sauce made of chocolate, an ingredient that appears only occasionally, as in the semisweet poblano. Mexico being Mexico, a mole nearly always includes chiles. And preparation is consistent: Multiple ingredients are ground up and a liquid, like stock, is added. Theres generally an aromatic (like garlic or onions) and a thickener (nuts, seeds, bread, tortillas). But, really, there are no absolutes, allowing chefs a wide range in which to freestyle. At the restaurant Alcalde in Guadalajara, Francisco Ruano knows that when a chef creates a mole in Mexico, he or she is announcing a declaration of principles. When you want to make a statement on your menu, you make a mole, he says. His own proclamation involves taking the dishs kind of baroque infrastructure and giving it a more minimalist makeover. Eschewing the epic shopping list of ingredients required by some recipes, he views it as a challenge to produce the same deep, pronounced flavor with just 10 or 12. Ruano amps up the rivulets of sweetness and tartness with vinegar, charred bananas and onion puree; in one mole, hes even brought umami to the equation with a base of seaweed. Thats my way of cooking, he says. Its not better and its not more sophisticated than the tradition. I just like to twist things. His vibrantly green and velvety version of pipian (generally made from pumpkin seeds) doesnt meet with much resistance from his customers not unless were talking about his abuela, the woman from whom Ruano learned about pipian. She tried it and said, What the hell did you do? he recalls. Grandmothers... NORMAL Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner had a message Wednesday for Illinois residents tired of living without a state budget. "It's frustrating we don't have a budget. ... When I started this job, I was six-eight and had a full head of hair. It's hard," he said with a laugh. "I'm not patient, but I am extremely persistent. ... I'm going to stay persistent." Rauner reiterated he's sticking to his Turnaround Agenda, 18-month budget impasse or no, in a 20-minute address to more than 100 attendees of the Illinois Movers' and Warehousemen's Association annual gathering at the uptown Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. He said his requirements to approve a budget remain the same: "I'm not going to sign an unbalanced budget," and "I won't sign off on any new taxes unless we get major structural changes" in government regulations from his agenda. That agenda, he said, continues to include governmental term limits, legislative redistricting, a property tax freeze, a new school funding formula and worker's compensation reform. Rauner thanked Senate leaders for putting together a budget plan but called out House leaders, which include frequent Rauner foil House Speaker Mike Madigan, who he said have "been very resistive to change." "Those were revolutionary concepts (in Springfield)," said Rauner, who has been governor for two years. The budget impasse is expected to be a major part of the 2018 campaign for governor. Rauner, a former investor, put $50 million into his campaign fund in December, but he already faces at least two Democratic challengers, including wealthy businessman Chris Kennedy. Rauner reiterated that bringing pro-business changes was why he pursued Illinois' highest office despite no previous political experience. "I ran for governor because all of my fellow business builders were leaving Illinois," he said. "The number one state people are going is Indiana. C'mon. It ain't for the weather. ... Our problems are all self-inflicted. Our government is a bureaucratic nightmare, and we're going to change it." Rauner specifically criticized school funding, which favors students from rich districts; "a rigged worker's comp system that's full of fraud and abuse"; and Illinois' quantity of government units, which he claimed to be, at about 7,000, more than 2,000 units above any other state. "We've got to bring down our property taxes, (and make it so) they can only go up if people in the community say they can go up," he said. Rauner finished the address by thanking the IMAWA workers, who were enthusiastic about his promises to stay the course on the budget. "Thank you for being business builders. Your success is Illinois' success," he said. "We want to get the government out of your way to help you grow." This Hamlet was originally meant to close the current season at Theater for a New Audiences Polonsky Shakespeare Center in Brooklyn. It had been in production since 2014, but Mr. Gold parted ways with the theater in particular its artistic director, Jeffrey Horowitz last June over artistic differences. [ Read the full article here ] In a rare and controversial move, Mr. Gold offered his Hamlet to the Public, whose artistic director, Oskar Eustis, attempted to co-produce it with Theater for a New Audience. That effort failed, for logistical reasons. Last summer, the Public said that it was in talks with Mr. Gold to stage the play as part of its 2016-17 season, but until now the production hadnt been officially confirmed or announced. Both Mr. Gold and Mr. Isaac are Public Theater veterans. Mr. Gold directed Fun Home there ahead of its Broadway run, for which he won a Tony. Mr. Isaac, a rising Hollywood star and a Golden Globe nominee for Inside Llewyn Davis, starred in Two Gentlemen of Verona and Romeo and Juliet at the Publics Shakespeare in the Park. The prospect of the two of them collaborating on what is arguably the greatest play ever written is joyous, Mr. Eustis said in a statement. Motion sickness an inner ear disorder that causes nausea, dizziness and even vomiting is an unpleasant but common occurrence on car, boat and plane trips, says Dr. Jennifer Derebery, a physician at the House Clinic in Los Angeles who specializes in ear disorders. Motion sickness happens when there is an imbalance between the eyes, inner ears and spinal cord, but fortunately, there are ways to reduce the chances of it hitting you, she said. Dr. Derebery offered these prevention tips. LET YOUR EYES SEE THE MOVEMENT When motion sickness hits, its natural to want to keep your eyes shut or lie down, but Dr. Derebery recommends doing the opposite. The key to recovering from motion sickness within minutes is to look toward the movement thats happening, because doing so will reorient your inner ear, she said. This means that if youre in a car, look at the road ahead, and if youre on a cruise ship, stand on a deck and look at the water or the horizon in the direction the ship is moving. You cant see movement ahead while sitting on a plane, but staring out a window and seeing the clouds and the ground underneath you alleviates symptoms, Dr. Derebery said. PREVENT THE ONSET You can prevent the onset of motion sickness or lessen its severity. On car trips, be the driver or sit in the front passenger seat because, in either instance, youll be looking ahead at movement. And avoid reading, watching television and texting all can throw off inner ear balance, Dr. Derebery said. On planes, request the window seat, and on cruise ships, book a room with a window, preferably in the stern or back of the ship because this area doesnt have as much up-and-down motion as the front of the ship. HIT THE DRUGSTORE Over-the-counter antihistamines such as Antivert, Benadryl and Dramamine help with motion sickness those prone to getting sick should take the recommended dosage an hour before their journey starts. These medicines can bring on sleepiness, and Dr. Derebery doesnt recommend them if youre driving. As an alternative to drugs, some may find motion sickness wristbands helpful. They have a button that presses a wrist point that affects inner ear balance. For cruises, she suggested getting a prescription for a transdermal scopolamine patch, which keeps the inner ear in balance. Good morning. (Want to get California Today by email? Heres the sign-up.) For many Californians, the drought now feels long gone. According to the latest figures from the United States Drought Monitor, about 17 percent of the state remains under moderate drought conditions or worse. This time last year, it was about 95 percent. But not everyone is rejoicing. On Catalina Island, just off the Southern California coast, water scarcity is so severe that residents still rely almost entirely on a pair of desalination plants. Catalina is home to population of 4,000 or so people and a beach playground for roughly a million annual visitors. Residents and businesses have had to contend with mandatory water rationing since 2013. WASHINGTON Reduced to their weakest state in a generation, Democratic Party leaders will gather in two cities this weekend to plot strategy and select a new national chairman with the daunting task of rebuilding the partys depleted organization. But senior Democratic officials concede that the blueprint has already been chosen for them by an incensed army of liberals demanding no less than total war against President Trump. Immediately after the November election, Democrats were divided over how to handle Mr. Trump, with one camp favoring all-out confrontation and another backing a seemingly less risky approach of coaxing him to the center with offers of compromise. Now, spurred by explosive protests and a torrent of angry phone calls and emails from constituents and outraged themselves by Mr. Trumps swift moves to enact a hard-line agenda Democrats have all but cast aside any notion of conciliation with the White House. Instead, they are mimicking the Republican approach of the last eight years the party of no and wagering that brash obstruction will pay similar dividends. Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington, vice chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, said there had been a tornado of support for wall-to-wall resistance to Mr. Trump. Mr. Inslee, who backed a lawsuit against the presidents executive order banning refugee admissions and travel from seven majority-Muslim countries, said Democrats intended to send a stern message to Mr. Trump during a conference of governors in the nations capital. Mr. Trump claimed that the executive order was no different from former President Barack Obamas policy. My policy is similar to what President Obama did in 2011, when he banned visas for refugees from Iraq for six months. The comparison is superficial. Mr. Trump criticized the news media for falsely reporting the executive order as a Muslim ban and suggested that he was merely building on a previous policy. Mr. Obamas State Department temporarily stopped processing refugee applications from Iraq in 2011, after two Iraqi refugees living in Bowling Green, Ky., were arrested on charges of trying to send money and supplies to Al Qaeda. But records from the State Department show that Iraqi refugees were still admitted to the United States every month in 2011. So Mr. Obamas pause had a narrower scope, was in response to a specific episode and does not appear to have been fully implemented. Reince Priebus, the White House chief of staff, argued that the seven nations were previously identified by Mr. Obama as extremely terror-prone. Heres the deal, if youre coming in and out of one of those seven countries by the way, identified by the Obama administration as the seven most dangerous countries in the world in regard to harboring terrorists. This needs context. Under a 2015 law signed by Mr. Obama, foreign nationals who had traveled to or had dual citizenship in Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria were no longer eligible for the United States visa waiver program. Libya, Somalia and Yemen were later added. The 2015 law, however, did not ban travel altogether, nor did it identify the seven countries as the most dangerous. While the State Department considers Iran, Sudan and Syria state sponsors of terrorism, these designations came decades before Mr. Obama. The State Departments list of terrorist havens does include Iraq, Libya, Somalia and Yemen, as well as eight other areas not included in Mr. Trumps ban. Mr. Trump warned that refugees coming into the United States are not screened. Weve allowed thousands and thousands of people into our country. There was no way to vet those people. There was no documentation, there was no nothing. There was a way. The system for screening refugees, conceived in the 1980s and updated after 9/11, involves the United Nations and several intelligence and immigration government agencies. Applicants undergo several rounds of biographical and biometric like fingerprinting and DNA testing background checks that last one to two years. Intelligence officials have expressed concern about gaps in data collection for those fleeing chaotic conflict zones like Syria. In other words, the system isnt foolproof, but its inaccurate to say the United States had no way to vet refugees. WASHINGTON Ever since Republicans got down to the business of repealing the Affordable Care Act, the Senate has been singled out as the likely problem. Any plan that could zoom through the House would hit roadblocks among Senate Republicans, many of whom have resisted a wholesale repeal of the health law without a robust replacement plan. But after weeks of loud protests, boisterous town hall meetings and scores of quieter meetings between members of Congress and health care professionals, patients, caregivers and hospital managers in their districts, it is becoming increasingly likely that a consensus in the House will be just as hard to reach. The most conservative House members are pushing for a fast repeal of the health law with only a bare-bones replacement to follow: possibly just bigger incentives for people to open health savings accounts to fund their own health needs. Other Republicans are more interested in taking their time to come up with a replacement plan that, as of now, they have failed to cobble together beyond a menu of options. Among the increasingly concerned lawmakers are those who represent the 24 Republican congressional districts that Hillary Clinton won in the presidential election roughly the edge Republicans hold over Democrats in the House and another dozen in districts that President Barack Obama took in 2012 but President Trump won in November. If 25 conservative hard-liners oppose any robust replacement plan, and 30 swing-district House members demand a more generous plan, passage of a compromise bill will be in jeopardy. LA CROSSE, Wis. Representative Ron Kind stood in front of the crowd gathered at an American Legion post in his district in western Wisconsin and listened. As a Democrat in the House minority, that is about all he can do these days. He heard from one attendee who recalled the division that led to the Civil War and wondered if something similar was happening today. Another asked about requiring a psychiatrist to be on hand at the White House. A third offered vivid imagery. I kind of feel like were sitting in the dining room watching a presentation about how the backyards going to get reworked, she said, and meanwhile, vandals had set the roof on fire. Mr. Kind, who has served this district that hugs the Mississippi River since 1997, took it all in. Our institutions of democracy, I think, are going to be tested severely in the coming months and the coming years, the congressman said at a town hall-style meeting on Wednesday, promising that he would do his best to act as a check on President Trump and any darker impulses that might need to be countered. On Capitol Hill, some Republicans are hoping Mr. Mulvaney and others will change the presidents mind on far bigger targets and convince him that structural changes to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid the biggest drivers of deficits that are projected to rise over the next decade are needed to control the national debt and to preserve the programs without substantial tax increases. Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid consumed nearly $1.9 trillion of the governments $3.9 trillion in spending in 2016, according to the Congressional Budget Office, and with the number of people 65 and over projected to rise by a third over the next decade, Social Security and Medicare spending is projected to increase from a third of all spending in 2017 to 42 percent by 2027. Including Medicaid and military and federal civilian retirement benefits, federal spending on older adults will rise from 37 percent of outlays in 2017 to 45 percent in 2027 if nothing is done to change the programs. Even some liberal economists say that will amount to a transfer of funds from poor children and families toward better-off older Americans, because the budget office projects that discretionary spending where most programs for poor families come from will be squeezed from 6.3 percent of the economy now to 5.3 percent in 2027, the smallest level since 1962. With those numbers on their side, Republicans are most likely to use their power in both the executive and legislative branches to push through large cuts to federal programs for poor and working-class Americans, say Democrats and liberal policy analysts if Mr. Trump eases up on his promises. This is the greatest threat to low-income people in my lifetime, said Olivia Golden, executive director of the Center for Law and Social Policy, a nonprofit organization focused on low-income Americans. House Republican allies see no real contradiction in Mr. Trumps campaign promises and what they say he must now do. Since President George W. Bushs failed 2005 effort to partially privatize Social Security, Republicans have assured retirees and those nearing retirement that any changes or cuts to entitlement programs for older adults would not affect them. CHEHALIS, Wash. At this small factory south of Seattle, employees make one of the most specialized products in the aerospace industry: the rubber mats that Boeing workers stand on while assembling jets. As long as there are jets and Boeing, business would seem to be steady. But even here workers are bracing for bumps and economic uncertainty over the gritty details of where aviation parts get made and who makes them. President Trump has talked about border tariffs and new trade deals that many people in aerospace fear could raise the cost of American airplanes bought by foreign airlines or governments. And if Boeings sales or profits suffer, its nerve-system supply chain more than 13,000 companies across the United States, and more than 1.5 million jobs would most likely feel the pain, too. At SmartCells, 50 full-time employees and a few dozen temporary workers stamp out cushion pads on heavy machines. Executives work in a red building everyone calls the barn, and first names are the rule. Washington feels far away, but it is on just about everybodys radar. Lets hit it with a two-by-four and see how it reacts, then get a plan, said Bob Bishop, the chief operations officer at SmartCells, describing Mr. Trumps hard-charging style. That doesnt always work. The anxiety, said Mr. Bishop, 46, a former deputy county sheriff who voted for Mr. Trump, centers not so much on politics as economics, specifically the intense competition with the French airplane maker Airbus, which competes toe to toe with Boeing for jet orders in countries around the world in a delicate game of narrow cost differences and giant contracts. Somalias new president, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, lost little time in nominating a prime minister, as his country works to right itself under a new government after a quarter-century of conflict, terrorism and devastating drought. In a first for Somalia, Mr. Mohamed announced his choice on Twitter on Thursday, a day after his inauguration. Mr. Mohamed, better known in Somalia by his nickname, Farmajo, then left the country on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, where he was expected to discuss the regional security situation and Somalias many troubles with King Salman. The nominee, Hassan Ali Khaire, 48, is an oil industry executive and former aid worker who has dual Somali and Norwegian citizenship. I request you to work with him, Mr. Mohamed wrote on Twitter. Thursday, February 23, 2017 Guv '18: An Early Sparring Contest Between Pearce And Grisham, Plus: The Shrinking El Paso Paper; Here Too? And: Sending A Bill To Brian Colon Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham will hold a Town Hall meeting in Albuquerque on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon at the CNM Workforce Training Center, 5600 Eagle Rock Ave., N.E. The Town Hall is open to the public. Rep. Lujan Grisham will listen to opinions and concerns, and take questions from constituents. It's much easier for Grisham to face the public but Pearce has to deal with hordes of Pearce's reluctance to have town halls reminds us of the The political pendulum is always swinging. COMING HERE? Will the ABQ Journal follow the El Paso Times in doing The El Paso Times announced. . . while the newspaper will still produce seven issues a week, it has been reduced from four sections to two Monday through Saturday, reducing space for local, national and international news. . . The Times direction is clearly to the digital world, along with other struggling newspapers and everything from Christmas shopping to personal relationships. What's surprising is that the Times, like some other newspapers, did not announce it was ending some weekday editions outright. But given the outlook for newspapers that could soon come. A BILL FOR BRIAN (Colon's) political tradition is that of a happy warrior, a master of the meet and greet and eager to work across the aisle. Now comes the candidate himself in the latest edition of the Colon calls himself the happy warrior an homage to the late Vice President Hubert Humphrey and believes he can bring diverse groups together "When youve got to solve those problems." Well, to use the language of lawyer Colon, this one is pro bono. But next time we write the script, the bill goes in the mail. On a more serious note, Colon is dodging the question of whether he would get rid of APD Chief Gorden Eden: On day one (as mayor), that is the first meeting I have (with Eden) Anyone who has devoted themselves to public service deserves to have a sit-down with their new boss. Colon said. To get political points by by saying his head is on the chopping block is not my approach That's not to say I can see any conversation where it ends well, but he deserves that professional courtesy." That contrasts with the position of Tim Keller, Colon's chief Democratic rival, who has said, if elected, Eden and Assistant Chief Huntsman will be shown the exits. GANG CULTURE The gangster culture of APD has thrived. More than 200 jumped ship as they smelled the Dept. of Justice coming, and the national coverage of violence by this gang, so the reasons for less manpower are many. Until (if ever) there is major overhaul, why would any conscientious public safety candidates join this dirty crew? So sick of partial, lame excuses and poor rationalizing that is spread over the harsh realities. Either suck up and take responsibility, or shut up is my response to all that have participated-including ex officers and office holders. Not everyone is a fool hypnotized by "alternative facts." Former City Councilor, Public Safety Director and '13 mayoral candidate Pete Dinelli is watch dogging this year's mayoral race. He says thus far the contenders have The entire APD command staff all the way down to commanders and lieutenants (needs to be replaced) so that APD can truly have a fresh start with a new generation of leadership who has a firm understanding of Constitutional policing. This is the home of New Mexico politics. Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here. ( c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2017 Has the gubernatorial sparring already begun between Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Republican Rep. Steve Pearce? Lujan Grisham is an announced Dem contender for the '18 Guv nod and Pearce is eyeing a run for the GOP nomination. Recently he ran into a buzzsaw of criticism for opting to hold a "telephone town hall" instead of meeting directly with constituents. Now Grisham comes with the contrast:It's much easier for Grisham to face the public but Pearce has to deal with hordes of anti-Trump protesters who would come out for any public town halls he conducts. Still, she gets a few point in the optics battle in the very early Guv positioning.Pearce's reluctance to have town halls reminds us of the summer of 2011 . That's when the Tea Party was out in force at Dem town halls. Like Pearce, then-US Rep. Martin Heinrich and Senator Udall decided to cash out of the town hall circuit, opting for meetings with community leaders and the like.The political pendulum is always swinging.Will the ABQ Journal follow the El Paso Times in doing this ?:What's surprising is that the Times, like some other newspapers, did not announce it was ending some weekday editions outright. But given the outlook for newspapers that could soon come. Hey, Brian Colon, candidate for ABQ mayor, we have an invoice for you. On January 26 we blogged Now comes the candidate himself in the latest edition of the ABQ Free Press , saying:Well, to use the language of lawyer Colon, this one is pro bono. But next time we write the script, the bill goes in the mail.On a more serious note, Colon is dodging the question of whether he would get rid of APD Chief Gorden Eden:That contrasts with the position of Tim Keller, Colon's chief Democratic rival, who has said, if elected, Eden and Assistant Chief Huntsman will be shown the exits. Reader Larissa Lewis writes of the staffing woes at APD:Former City Councilor, Public Safety Director and '13 mayoral candidate Pete Dinelli is watch dogging this year's mayoral race. He says thus far the contenders have not gone far enough in their plans for cleaning up the troubled department:This is the home of New Mexico politics. E-mail your news and comments. (jmonahan@ix.netcom.com) QUITO, Ecuador Ecuador will hold a runoff election to choose a successor for President Rafael Correa, the countrys electoral commission ruled, in a vote being closely watched around Latin America. The announcement on Wednesday confirmed earlier indications that the governing party candidate, Lenin Moreno, and a conservative former banker, Guillermo Lasso, would face off in a second round on April 2. Mr. Moreno led the nine-candidate field in the election on Sunday with 39.4 percent of votes, just short of the 40 percent threshold needed for an outright victory. Mr. Lasso finished second, with 28.1 percent. MEXICO CITY In the White House, President Trump was telling American chief executives on Thursday that the days of being treated unfairly by Mexico on trade, on immigration, on crime were over. You see whats happening at the border: All of a sudden, for the first time, were getting gang members out, Mr. Trump said, referring to his instructions to increase deportations of undocumented immigrants. And its a military operation. But in Mexico, his homeland security secretary, John F. Kelly, was saying the opposite, trying to tamp down fears of a military operation and to assure the public that American soldiers would not be used to police the border. I repeat: There will be no use of military in this, Mr. Kelly said at a news conference on Thursday, appearing with Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson. At least half of you try to get that right, because it continues to come up in your reporting. MANILA A Philippine senator who had been the leading domestic critic of President Rodrigo Duterte and his bloody antidrug campaign was arrested Friday on charges that she took bribes from imprisoned drug traffickers. The senator, Leila de Lima, has denied the charges, describing them as political persecution. A Philippine court ordered her arrest on Thursday, and she went home Thursday night to say goodbye to her family. Speaking to journalists on Friday before she was led away, Ms. de Lima was combative. These are all lies, she said of the charges. The truth will come out at the right time. If they think they can stop me from fighting these daily murders, they are wrong. Ms. de Lima has been a fierce opponent of Mr. Dutertes crackdown on users and sellers of narcotics, under which thousands of people have been killed by the police or by vigilantes since Mr. Duterte took office in June. Last year, a Senate panel led by Ms. de Lima heard testimony from a professed hit man, Edgar Matobato, who said he belonged to a death squad that had been overseen by Mr. Duterte when Mr. Duterte was mayor of Davao City. NEW DELHI Three Indian soldiers were killed in a gun battle with militants in Kashmir on Thursday morning, the latest in a series of army casualties in the region, where violence has surged in recent months. A civilian was also killed. Tahir Saleem Khan, the police chief of the Shopian district, where the attack took place, said militants had ambushed a group of soldiers and police officers before dawn as they returned from a search operation. It was absolute dark, and firing continued for 10 minutes, Mr. Khan said by telephone. The civilian, a woman, was killed in her home by a stray bullet, Mr. Khan said. At least three other soldiers were wounded in the clash, including two officers. The deaths bring the number of soldiers killed in Kashmir this year to nine, and the events are likely to put pressure on the army to respond. SEOUL, South Korea North Korea denied responsibility on Thursday for Kim Jong-nams death, accusing the Malaysian authorities of fabricating evidence of Pyongyangs involvement under the influence of the Norths archrival, South Korea. With the Norths reclusive government on the defensive about the Feb. 13 killing of Mr. Kim, the estranged half brother of the countrys leader, Kim Jong-un, at the airport in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, a statement attributed to the North Korean Jurists Committee said that the greatest share of responsibility for the death rests with the government of Malaysia because he died there. And in what could be seen as a threat to Malaysia, the statement noted that North Korea is a nuclear weapons state. But in a case that has been filled with mysteries and odd plot twists, North Korea still would not acknowledge that the man killed was indeed Kim Jong-nam. And it gave no indication that it would agree to Malaysias demands to question a senior staff member at the North Korean Embassy in Kuala Lumpur in the investigation into Mr. Kims death. Meanwhile, relatives and acquaintances of the two women Malaysia has accused of carrying out the killing by applying poison to Mr. Kims face as North Korean agents looked on insisted that they must have been duped into doing so, though the Malaysian authorities say otherwise. Mr. Muskos told colleagues the proposal was no joke, though he acknowledged practical problems like enforcement. It would be difficult to tell, for example, if an employee eschewed sex in favor of a walk in the country. The proposal comes as countries across Europe are grappling with how to balance the rigors of modernity and work with the desire for better quality of life. In France, which already has a mandatory 35-hour workweek, subsidized health care and long vacations, the Socialist government recently passed legislation granting employees the right to disconnect. The measure calls for companies with more than 50 employees to help ensure that work does not intrude into days off. Sweden has been at the forefront of European countries seeking to engender employee satisfaction. An experiment with a six-hour workday in the southern city of Gothenburg was recently scrapped after it was deemed too expensive. But proponents of the experiment, which was carried out over two years in a city-run retirement home, said it made employees happier, healthier and more productive. The six-hour workday has also proved successful in the private sector, including at a Toyota vehicle service center, where it helped improve business. Demographic pressures have been worrying countries across Europe, including Spain, Italy and Germany. In recent years in Denmark, policy makers have been so concerned about the birthrate that they started to offer sex education classes focused on procreation rather than contraception. One travel company even introduced a Do It for Denmark! campaign, encouraging couples to take romantic holidays to try to procreate, claiming that Danes had 46 percent more sex while on holiday. Sweden has among the highest fertility rates in the European Union, according to Eurostat, the blocs statistic agency, in part because of the countrys generous parental leave systems and immigration. But the fertility rate has nevertheless been decreasing recently. Malin Hansson, 41, a sexologist and specialist in reproductive health in Gothenburg, applauded the initiative, arguing that sex reduced stress, improved sleep and strengthened immunity, while enriching intimacy between couples. If it was up to me, I would introduce this across the country, she said, adding: In Sweden, sex is considered just another activity. The mans Facebook page was full of messages critical of Islam, refugees and women. In one post, he even wrote, I hate children. The video did not get widespread attention at the time. The defendant his true name is still not clear and under Danish law cannot be released unless he is convicted was charged last year with hate speech, but the indictment was later changed to blasphemy, a decision prosecutors announced on Wednesday. A trial has been scheduled for June. If convicted, the defendant faces up to four months in prison or a fine. His lawyer, Rasmus Paludan, argued that his client had burned the Quran in self-defense. The Quran contains passages on how Mohammeds followers must kill the infidel, i.e. the Danes, he said. Therefore, its an act of self-defense to burn a book that in such a way incites war and violence. Mr. Paludan also noted that in 1997, a Danish artist burned a copy of the Bible on a news show by a state broadcaster but was not charged. Considering that it is legal to burn a Bible in Denmark, Im surprised then that it would be guilty to burn the Quran, he said in a phone interview. Mr. Paludan said his client loves freedom of expression and loves Denmark. Speculating on the decision to bring charges, he said, The fear of Islam and Muslims may be far greater now, and the prosecution service may be a lot more apprehensive of Islam and its followers. Jan Reckendorff, the regional prosecutor who brought the charge against Mr. Salvesen, said in a statement: It is the prosecutions view that circumstances involving the burning of holy books such as the Bible and the Quran can in certain cases be a violation of the blasphemy clause, which covers public scorn or mockery of religion. Jacob Mchangama, director of Justitia, a Danish civil liberties group, called the decision to file charges the latest sign of a declining respect for free speech in Europe. Its a sad development but one that mirrors developments elsewhere, he said. Still, human rights groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, and a number of national and regional organizations, have accused Europes governments of being too harsh on migrants who they say are simply seeking a better life or striving to escape war and persecution. When the French authorities broke up a settlement near Calais that had for years had hundreds of migrants, officials failed to genuinely consult migrants or asylum seekers or provide them with adequate information prior to the eviction, Amnesty International said. Many were minors trying to reach Britain, where, they said, they had relatives, the group added. In Britain itself, the debate over deportation has been somewhat subsumed by the louder discussion over immigrants from Europe who helped spur Britains vote in June to leave the European Union. Controversy also envelops the question of how many people in Britain should be deported. In Italy, Marco Minniti, a security expert, became interior minister in December and has pushed through long-awaited measures aimed at curbing immigration by processing asylum applications faster. Asylum requests totaled 123,000 last year a steep rise from 26,000 in 2013, when Italy was seen more as a transit country for migrants heading north to Central Europe. The new decree eliminates the right to appeal an asylum rejection, and adds staff to process requests faster something Germany is also grappling with after Ms. Merkel threw open her countrys borders in fall 2015. For migrants who are denied asylum or other forms of international protection, Italy will create centers for repatriation in all of its 20 regions. Similar centers were closed a few years ago after complaints about conditions, but the government now says these will be closely monitored. MOSUL, Iraq Iraqi forces seized most of Mosuls airport on Thursday, an important milestone in the broader offensive to retake the western half of the countrys second-largest city from the Islamic State, Iraqi and allied officials said. The push to take the airport, which has been led by the Iraqi federal police, is a promising start to what is expected to be a difficult and bloody fight to completely evict the Islamic State from the city. They are most of the way through the airfield, Brig. Gen. Matthew C. Isler, a senior United States Air Force officer in the American-led headquarters in Baghdad, said late Thursday afternoon. It took Iraqi forces 100 days to seize the eastern half of the city, an operation that led to significant Iraqi casualties. Gen. Joseph L. Votel, the head of the United States Central Command, who arrived in Baghdad on Thursday, said about 500 Iraqi military personnel had been killed and about 3,000 had been wounded in that operation. SOUAIRI, Lebanon In the makeshift tent settlements that dot fields and villages in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon, Syrian refugees are digging in, pouring concrete floors, installing underground sewerage and electric wires, and starting businesses and families. What they are not doing is packing up en masse to leave, despite exhortations from Syrian and Lebanese officials, who have declared that safety and security are on the march in neighboring Syria and that it is time for refugees to go home. But as a new round of peace talks convened Thursday in Geneva, Syrians interviewed at a randomly selected camp in the Bekaa Valley this week offered a unanimous reality check. Their old homes are either destroyed or unsafe, they fear arrest by security forces and they know that despite recent victories by pro-government forces, the fighting and bombing are far from over. They are not going anywhere. About 1.5 million Syrians have sought refuge in Lebanon, making up about a quarter of the population, according to officials and relief groups, and there is a widely held belief in Lebanon that refugees are a burden on the countrys economy and social structure. ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates Serbia showed off armored vehicles, rockets and rifles, and drew in passers-by with a video showing soldiers shooting targets to action movie music. Pakistan had glass cases full of bullets, mortars, grenades and guns, including a gold-plated AK-47. And Sudan displayed an antiaircraft missile and its launcher. A salesman in a white robe and snakeskin shoes pointed out that it was an upgraded model. Now they have a wider area of explosion, he said proudly. Such casual sales pitches for lethal merchandise coursed through the carpeted halls of this wealthy Arab citys convention center this week, when more than 1,200 military technology companies and contractors from around the world convened to hawk their wares. Saturday 5) 8 a.m. To market Explore the outdoorsy parts of Trinidad that are within easy reach of Port of Spain. Begin at the Green Market Santa Cruz, a farmers market set in a garden a 20-minute drive from the city on the road to Maracas Bay. It is part of a working farm; vendors sell organic produce, mango chutneys and jars of chadon beni sauce (made from a cilantrolike herb), flowers and crafts, as well as snacks like Venezuelan arepas and the uniquely Trini doubles, the version here made with pigeon peas instead of chickpeas, well spiced and sandwiched between two pieces of fried bread. Add a cup of cocoa tea, a sweet local drink made from ground cocoa beans and spices. 6) 10 a.m. Hit the beach Drive north from the Green Market to Maracas Bay, along a narrow road of hairpin turns with gorgeous views from the cliffs edge down to the water. Maracas Bay is the most popular beach within reach of the capital, and on Saturdays it can get crowded with people swimming in the clean, warm sea backed by lush green hills. One reason locals come here is for the shark n bake thats sold at seaside food stands: a portion of shark (although skeptics say its just fish) battered and fried, then tucked into the bake, a folded-over circle of fried bread (35 dollars). Try it at Vilmas, where the sauces are homemade, and add a cold Carib beer. Teenagers play soccer in the sprawling Queens Park Savannah, in the heart of the city. Credit Meridith Kohut for The New York Times 7) 1 p.m. History and houses Head back into town to the National Museum and Art Gallery (free), on the edge of the Queens Park Savannah. The museum is dated, indifferently air-conditioned, and the exhibitions are chronologically disordered, yet its worth spending an hour here digging into Trinidads fascinating history. There are evocative old photos of the sugar, rum and oil industries and the capital, and exhibits on Spanish and British colonization, the abolition of slavery and the development of trade unions. (The second-floor Cazabon Gallery houses works by Trinidads most famous painter, Michel-Jean Cazabon; check the website for hours.) The museum is a short stroll from the historic Magnificent Seven, a series of grand 20th-century mansions that line the west side of the Savannah, and exist in various states of disrepair. The red-and-gray Queens Royal College is the most striking; it dates to 1904 and is still in use. 8) 2 p.m. Birds by boat Head south on Uriah Butler Highway toward Peche Patisserie, 30 minutes from the capital. Stop for lobster bisque and crab-stuffed prawns with creamed cassava. Then drive 10 minutes north to the Caroni Swamp wetlands for some top-notch bird-watching. Nanans runs daily two-and-a-half-hour boat tours (60 dollars) at 4 p.m. Guides steer green pontoons down the calm waterways, stopping to point out the different types of mangroves that line the banks, as well as snowy egrets, herons and, depending on the day, caimans, anteaters and snakes hanging from tree branches. The tour pauses before sunset for the startling sight of hundreds of bright scarlet ibises flying home to roost. 9) 9 p.m. Liming in St. James Lined with Chinese restaurants, bars and stores that stay open late, Western Main Road in the St. James neighborhood is the place to come for an evening of partying (called liming). Take a long, slow stroll starting at Cawnpore Street, and head west, stopping for the occasional cold, local Carib or Stag at a bar blasting soca music. Have a heavy street snack of Indian roti stuffed with chicken, beef or goat curry topped with potatoes, pumpkin and spiced mango (ask for slight pepper to avoid too much heat, around 25 dollars). Or pick up a punch (the Trini word for juice); vendors sell shakes of soursop, passionfruit or sea moss, blended with ice and condensed milk. From Dispatches From The Edge "Chaos," "dismay," "radically inept," are just a few of the headlines analyzing President Donald Trump's foreign policy, and in truth, disorder would seem to be the strategy of the day. Picking up the morning newspaper or tuning on the national news sometimes feels akin to opening up a basket filled with spitting cobras and Gabon Vipers. But the bombast emerging for the White House hasn't always matched what the Trump administration does in the real world. The threat to dump the "one-China" policy and blockade Beijing's bases in the South China Sea has been dialed back. The pledge to overturn the Iran nuclear agreement has been shelved. And NATO's "obsolesce" has morphed into a pledge of support. Common sense setting in as a New York Times headline suggests: "Foreign Policy Loses Its Sharp Edge as Trump Adjusts to Office"? Don't bet on it. First, this is an administration that thrives on turmoil, always an easier place to rule from than order. What it says and does one day may be, or may not be, what it says or does another. And because there are a number of foreign policy crises that have stepped up to the plate, we should all find out fairly soon whether the berserkers or the rationalists are running things. The most dangerous of these is Iran, which the White House says is "playing with fire" and has been "put on notice" for launching a Khorramshahr medium-range ballistic missile. The missile traveled 630 miles and exploded in what looks like a failed attempt to test a re-entry vehicle. Exactly what "notice" means has yet to be explained, but Trump has already applied sanctions for what it describes as a violation of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Program of Action -- UN Security Council Resolution 2231 --in which Iran agreed to dismantle much of its nuclear energy program. A 2010 UN resolution did, indeed, state, that Iran "shall not undertake activity related to ballistic missiles." But that resolution was replaced by UNSCR 2231, which only "calls upon Iran not to test missiles," wording that "falls short of an outright prohibition on missile testing," according to former UN weapon's inspector Scott Ritter. The Iranians say their ballistic missile program is defensive, and given the state of their obsolete air force, that is likely true. The Trump administration also charges that Iran is a "state sponsor of terror," an accusation that bears little resemblance to reality. Iran is currently fighting the Islamic State and al-Qaida in Syria, Iraq, and through its allies, the Houthi, in Yemen. It has also aided the fight against al-Qaida in Afghanistan. As Ritter points out, "Iran is more ally than foe," especially compared to Saudi Arabia, "whose citizens constituted the majority of the 9/11 attackers and which is responsible for underwriting and the financial support of Islamic extremists around the world, including Islamic State and al-Qaida." In an interview last year, leading White House strategist Steve Bannon predicted, "We're clearly going into, I think, a major shooting war in the Middle East again." Since the U.S. has pretty much devastated its former foes in the region -- Iraq, Syria and Libya -- he could only be referring to Iran. The administration's initial actions vis-a-vis Teheran are, indeed, worrisome. U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis recently considered boarding an Iranian ship in international waters to search it for weapons destined for the Houthi in Yemen. Such an action would be a clear violation of international law and might have ended in a shoot out. The Houthi practice a variation of Shiism, the dominant Islamic school in Iran. They do get some money and weapons from Teheran, but even U.S. intelligence says that the group is not under Teheran's command. The White House also condemned a Houthi attack on a Saudi warship -- initially Trump Press Secretary Sean Spicer called it an "American" ship -- even though the Saudi's and their Persian Gulf allies are bombing the Houthi and the Saudi Navy -- along with the U.S. Navy -- is blockading the country. According to the UN, more than 16,000 people have died in the three-year war, 10,000 of them civilians. Apparently the Trump administration is considering sending American soldiers into Yemen, which would put the U.S troops in the middle of a war involving the Saudis and their allies, the Houthi, Iran, al-Qaeda, the Islamic State, and various south Yemen separatist groups. Putting U.S. ground forces into Yemen is a "dangerous idea," according to Jon Finer, chief of staff for former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. But a U.S. war with Iran would be as catastrophic for the Middle East as the invasion of Iraq. It would also be unwinnable unless the U.S. resorted to nuclear weapons, and probably not even then. For all its flaws, Iran's democracy is light years ahead of most other U.S. allies in the region and Iranians would strongly rally behind the government in the advent of a conflict. The other foreign policy crisis is the recent missile launch by North Korea, although so far the Trump administration has let the right-wing Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe carry the ball on the issue. Meeting with Trump in Florida, Abe called the Feb. 12 launch "absolutely intolerable." Two days earlier Trump had defined halting North Korean missile launches as a "very, very high priority." The tensions with North Korea nuclear weapons and missile program are long running, and this particular launch was hardly threatening. The missile was a mid-range weapon and only traveled 310 miles before breaking up. The North Koreans have yet to launch a long-range ICBM, although they continue to threaten that one is in the works. According to a number of Washington sources, Barack Obama told Trump that North Korea posed the greatest threat to U.S. military forces, though how he reached that conclusion is puzzling. It is estimated North Korea has around one dozen nuclear weapons with the explosive power of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs, about 20 kilotons. The average U.S. warhead packs an explosive force of from 100 to 475 kilotons, with some ranging up to 1.2 megatons. It has more than 4,000 nuclear weapons. While the North Koreans share the Trump administration's love of hyperbole, the country has never demonstrated a suicidal streak. A conventional attack by the U.S., South Korea and possibly Japan would be a logistical nightmare and might touch off a nuclear war, inflicting enormous damage on other countries in the region. Any attack would probably draw in China. What the North Koreans want is to talk to someone, a tactic that the Obama administration never tried. Nor did it consider trying to look at the world from Pyongyang's point of view. "North Korea has taken note of what happened in Iraq and Libya after they renounced nuclear weapons," says Norman Dombey, an expert on nuclear weapons and a professor of theoretical physics at Sussex University. "The U.S. took action against both, and both countries' leaders were killed amid violence and chaos." The North Koreans know they have enemies -- the U.S. and South Korea hold annual war games centered on a military intervention in their country -- and not many friends. Beijing tolerates Pyongyang largely because it worries about what would happen if the North Korean government fell. Not only would it be swamped with refugees, it would have a U.S. ally on its border. Obama's approach to North Korea was to isolate it, using sanctions to paralyze the country. It has not worked, though it has inflicted terrible hardships on the North Korean people. What might work is a plan that goes back to 2000 in the closing months of the Clinton administration. That plan proposed a non-aggression pact between the U.S., Japan, South Korea and North Korea, and the re-establishment of diplomatic relations. North Korea would have been recognized as a nuclear weapons state, but agree to forgo any further tests and announce all missile launches in advance. In return, the sanctions would be removed and North Korea would receive economic aid. The plan died when the Clinton administration got distracted by the Middle East. Since then the U.S. has insisted that North Korea give up its nuclear weapons, but that is not going to happen -- see Iraq and Libya. In any case, the demand is the height of hypocrisy. When the U.S. signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, it agreed to Article VI that calls for "negotiations in good faith" to end "the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament." All eight nuclear powers -- the U.S., Russia, China, France, Britain, India, Pakistan and Israel -- have not only not discussed eliminating their weapons, all are in the process of modernizing them. The NPT was never meant to enforce nuclear apartheid, but in practice that is what has happened. A non-aggression pact is essential. Article VI also calls for "general and complete disarmament," reflecting a fear by smaller nations that countries like the U.S. have such powerful conventional forces that they don't need nukes to get their way. Many countries -- China in particular -- were stunned by how quickly and efficiently the U.S. destroyed Iraq's military. During the presidential campaign , Trump said he would "have no problem" speaking with North Korean leader Kim Jung Un. That pledge has not been repeated, however, and there is ominous talk in Washington about a "preemptive strike" on North Korea, which would likely set most of north Asia aflame. There are a number of other dangerous flashpoints out there besides Iran and North Korea. *The Syrian civil war continues to rage and Trump is talking about sending in U.S. ground forces, though exactly who they would fight is not clear. Patrick Cockburn of the Independent once called Syria a three-dimensional chess game with nine players and no rules. Is that a place Americans want to send troops into? *The commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan -- now America's longest running war -- is asking for more troops. *The war in the Eastern Ukraine smolders on, and with NATO pushing closer and closer to the Russian border, there is always the possibility of misjudgment. The same goes for Asia, where Bannon predicted "for certain" the U.S. "is going to go to war in the South China Sea in five to 10 years." How much of the White House tweets are provocation and grandiose rhetoric is not clear. The President and the people around him are lens lice who constantly romance the spotlight. They have, however, succeeded in alarming a lot of people. As the old saying goes, "Boys throw rocks at frogs in fun. The frogs dodge them in earnest." Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "In Bottom-Up, Rob Kall offers a blueprint for human surviving and thriving that everyone can follow. Using personal stories from his many famous contacts (from Capra to Quinn), he shows how in every aspect of life we can reconnect with that which is in our DNA by replacing our artificial and oppressive hierarchical priorities via a return to a consciousness based on the kind of egalitarian relationships that we honored for most of human history." Four Arrows, aka Don Trent Jacobs, PhD, EdD, author of Unlearning the Language of Conquest and Teaching Truly: A Curriculum to Indigenize Mainstream Education Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "In his groundbreaking new book Bottom Up: Tapping the Power of the Connection Revolution, Rob Kall invites and eases us into in a much-needed meta-level shift -- a truly basic paradigmatic shift from top-down to bottom-up. He capably and imaginatively explores the differences between these ways of approaching life, clearly demonstrating that bottom-up allows us to flourish. His vision and his book are enriched by telling references to interviews which he has engaged in over the years with bottom-up researchers, theorists, activists, and dreamers in a variety of areas. Think about Rob's interviews. Read this revolutionary book. And take one step further into the bottom-up universe yourself. You will not regret it." Bonnie Burstow, MD, author of Psychiatry and the Business of Madness and Radical Feminist Therapy, associate professor at the University of Toronto Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "In his new book, Bottom-Up, Rob Kall's exploration of top-down and bottom-up forces in our culture, our brains, and our planet provides a deep insight into the challenges we face. He offers pathways we can use to create the changes we need to break free of the war economy and build local peace economies." Jodie Evans, cofounder of Code Pink and Chair of the Women's Media Center Quicklink Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their quicklinks after publishing them. To see if the quicklink was renamed or re-published, please click here. Women's March 2017 Jan 21, 2017 (Image by Rob Kall) Details DMCA Cut the bullshit about Jill Stein or Bernie supporters being to blame for Trump being the White House, the Senate being controlled by Republicans and the Supreme Court about to be loaded with Republican appointees. There are people and groups to blame. The truth is that if the people and groups named below had not operated as they did, Bernie Sanders would have won the Democratic primary, then would have won the general election with his coattails sweeping the Democrats to a victory in the senate and maybe even the house, with Democrats picking up seats and power in state government as well. The nation's repudiation of Hillary didn't have to happen. It could have enthusiastically embraced Bernie Sanders, as repeated polls have shown. Here's my list of who to blame and why: Let's start with Obama. As leader of the Democratic party President of Obama could have spoken out about the disgusting, unethical, undemocratic influencing of the election by the DNC and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz. Obama could have spoken up and said that it was inappropriate for super delegates to commit to back anyone fifteen months out from the primary. Further, Obama knew that Hillary was a terrible candidate and leader, that she was more mistrusted and disliked than any Democratic candidate in recent history. Worse, he said his worst mistake as president was related to Libya, which was totally based on Clinton's role as Secretary of State. Elizabeth Warren Next, and this one will probably meet some disagreement from progressives, I put Elizabeth Warren on the list. It was outrageous that purported progressive Elizabeth Warren held back her endorsement of Bernie Sanders. She should have endorsed him, as the only real progressive running, before the first Super Tuesday. Her decision not to endorse Bernie helped Clinton, a neoliberal who should never have received Warren's support. Her actions in the primary have taken her off my list of progressives to trust and respect, and certainly has removed her from the top of my list of presidential candidates. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). By Paul DeRienzo There is a place in the United States, almost half-a-mile underground, in a salt mine, where radioactive waste leftover from the production of tens of thousands of nuclear bombs was to be held separate from all contact with humanity for 10,000 years, equivalent to the entire history of civilization. This separation of civilization from the byproduct of its folly had lasted one-tenth of one percent of that immense time when on Valentine's Day, three years ago, an explosion sent the deadly contamination back to the world of humans. It shouldn't have been a surprise because there were already two other failed geological repositories for nuclear waste, both in Germany and designed for civilian not military waste, that have also leaked within a short time of operation. But despite the signs of potential failure the United States in an leap of technological faith spent billions to hollow out a salt cavern in south eastern New Mexico, near the small town of Carlsbad, not far from the Texas border called the Waste Isolation pilot Plant or WIPP. That faith wasn't justified as events unfolded. What happened on August 14, 2014 was that at least one of 683 barrels, about three feet tall and a little under two feet in diameter each and filled with plutonium contaminated waste burst into flames contaminating 8000 feet of tunnels and 22 workers who were either on the surface or arrived at the scene soon afterward. The still unfinished clean up has cost taxpayers $2 billion since then. Called transuranic or TRU by the industry the waste is the byproduct of 75 years of nuclear weapons production. In the case of the WIPP that waste had originated in New Mexico at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, one of the three places in the United States where nuclear weapons are designed and developed. TRU waste tends to be plutonium contaminated clothing, tools and test materials, the US has at least an Empire State Building full of the stuff, maybe twice that amount and it's deadly to humans, a powerful carcinogen and a potential explosive, especially the chemicals that the usually soak the plutonium-contaminated waste. The Los Alamos waste had been stored in barrels on the mesa near Santa Fe for about 15 years without problems until it was shipped to WIPP to be buried forever. As the barrels arrived at the remote desert location they were stored above ground and workers began the process of preparing the barrels for burial. Contained among the solid waste in the barrels was a liquid, mostly nitric acid, an extremely caustic chemical that's used to tease plutonium out of uranium to make nuclear bombs. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). What WERE the Framers thinking as they created the Electoral College? (Image by John Trumbull, 1818 (derivative)) Details DMCA "The current winner-take-all Electoral College is so baked into American political thought that its features are hard to examine with fresh eyes." [1] Originalists defend the Electoral College based on the intent and objectives of the founding fathers. Does originalism - right or wrong - really support the conservative position [2], or is it merely a defense of an institution that serves their purposes? Let's take a look. This institution was created by Article II Section 1 of the Constitution, and modified by the Twelfth Amendment, ratified on June 15, 1804. Buckle up, because this one requires some thought about the literal and historical context as well as the limitations of the framers. LITERAL CONTEXT Article II Section 1 says, that the President shall "" together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector".." The number of senators and representatives was established by Article I Section 2, which says, "Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons." The latter formula was modified by the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished the institution of slavery. The Twelfth Amendment provided for separate ballots for President and Vice President. The Twenty-third Amendment provided for the appointment of electors representing the District of Columbia. The full text of this Section 1 is shown at the end, together with the full text of the Twelfth Amendment. So, what was the original intent of Article II Section 1 of the Constitution, and the subsequent intent of the Twelfth Amendment? A thoughtful interpretation of the literal context, the historical context, and the framers' limitations inevitably leads us to a deeper understanding of how the Electoral College has been co-opted by big-money interests. The intent of the framers, as evidenced by the text itself, was clearly to create an election process that mirrored the power structure of the day. And that power structure was the very representative government created by the Constitution itself. In effect, the framers were saying that they, themselves - or a close surrogate thereof - would elect the executive branch. The Twelfth Amendment changed the literal text of the Electoral College in 1804. The original plan prescribed a free-for-all election in each state, with a single list of winners sent to the Senate. The Senate would count the votes and declare a winner, with certain conditions, to be President, and a runner-up, with the same conditions, to be Vice-President. The Twelfth Amendment changed the process so that states would send two separate lists to the Senate - one for President and the other for Vice President. HISTORICAL CONTEXT Some have argued that a republic differs from a democracy in the agency role of its representatives, which by necessity insulates the people from the government. However, defining principle of the republic is more accurately the protection of minorities from the mob rule implicit in a pure democracy. The purpose of this safeguard is not to protect the government from the people, but to protect minorities among the people from the government. [3] This concept is essential to understand the significance of rule of law - it's the law, rather than our leadership, that protects us from the majority. We can all agree that the Constitution is the foundation of this bulwark. But the establishment of the Electoral College does nothing to contribute to this protection, so we must look elsewhere for its historical justification. The sovereign States served as the fundamental building blocks of the Republic in the late eighteenth century. The delegates to the constitutional conventions represented the interests of their states, and they were diverse. Each state wanted to maximize its influence in the new government, and the delegates negotiated aggressively. Two key issues involved slavery and state populations, and these issues had to be resolved to create a binding union. Slave plantations were the big-money interests of the eighteenth century, comparable to big corporations in today's America. The states with slave economies expected to have great influence in the new government, and they demanded that their enslaved populations - as high as South Carolina's 43% of their total [4] - be included in the census that would determine the number of seats in the House of Representatives. The other states, citing the fact that enslaved people were not permitted to vote, opposed their inclusion in the census. The resulting compromise counted each slave as 3/5 of a person beginning with the 1780 census. The same formula was used for the Electoral College. In effect, the Founders' intention was to recognize the institution of slavery and to reward the big-money interests of the plantation states with disproportional power in the union. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). This piece was reprinted by OpEd News with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source. From Black Agenda Report "When the Democratic Party needed to distract its rank and file from its ignominious defeat, the press continued to aid the deception and helped to play a dangerous game in foreign affairs." The corporate media generally go out of their way to make nice with presidents and promote their agendas. The feeling is mutual and presidents make nice right back. Even George W. Bush, who like Trump lost the popular vote, enjoyed media popularity for most of his two terms in office. But Trump is different. He cannot say the words New York Times without adding, "Which is failing." He can't stand criticism and apparently doesn't like to work for praise either. We can add his continued fighting with the press to the rest of his list of firsts. "Even George W. Bush enjoyed media popularity for most of his two terms in office." The fact is that the corporate media in this country are our enemies. Media consolidation has left us with a handful of newspapers and television networks which are all controlled by international conglomerates. They hoped they would make neo-liberal heroine Hillary Clinton the next president but Democratic Party failures and her own weaknesses put Trump in the White House. The news has been fake long before Donald Trump used those words. The cozy relationship between Bush and the press gave him cover to invade Iraq and kill 1 million people. The correspondents' dinners and the private briefings create media haves and have-nots, and taint the journalism that comes from this collusion. Obama made the private briefing a standard operating practice and kept Democratic pundits in his thrall, not that he had to work hard to win them over. Trump considers anyone an enemy who doesn't love him. That is why he is no friend of the press. But the rest of us should not rush to defend them either. After all they do not defend us. In 2016 they stood with Hillary Clinton while Bernie Sanders, despite his political failings, revealed the weaknesses in the Democratic Party. He was mocked, the desire for change was ignored and, as a result, Trump is the 45th president of the country. "The corporate press never took Obama to task for his foreign aggressions." Presentation and politesse are everything to our press overlords, so they never took Obama to task for his foreign aggressions. They repeated lies about foreign leaders who fell into Obama's cross hairs. They said nothing about job stealing trade deals or the dishonesty which gave us more private health insurance when we needed Medicare for All. When Hillary Clinton picked up on a Marco Rubio talking point and accused Donald Trump of being a Russian agent and/or dupe, the media followed right along. When her strategy failed they kept repeating it instead of asking why she lost to the person they all disregarded. When the Democratic Party needed to distract its rank and file from its ignominious defeat, the press continued to aid the deception and helped to play a dangerous game in foreign affairs. Do the media report on the inhumanity of mass incarceration? Do they tell their viewers and readers that half of all Americans live on $31,000 per year or less? Do they reveal the devastation created by American regime change or give voice to its victims? They do none of these things. They engage in a mutual admiration society and having covered up great wrong doing they now act as gate keepers against Donald Trump. But let us imagine if Trump were to suddenly have a change of heart and personality. Suppose he stopped calling the New York Times "failing." Suppose he decided to make friends. "If Trump acted like Obama, he just might enjoy some of his untouchability." Suddenly we would see stories about his under-appreciated brilliance. The planned wall on the Mexican border would be called a master stroke, the travel ban of citizens from seven mostly Muslim nations would suddenly be deemed a legal breakthrough. If Trump acted like Obama, he just might enjoy some of his untouchability. Such is the power of media imprimatur. No one should deny that one plus one equals two if Donald Trump states this easily understood fact. When he calls the press the enemy one must remember that the Washington Post was purchased by Amazon owner Jeff Bezos. Bezos then used Amazon's cloud technology as means of getting a $750 million contract with the CIA. Late in 2016 the Post runs a fake news story calling outlets like Black Agenda Report agents of the Russian government and begins the process of making repression a reality. To complicate matters further, Bezos is one of eight billionaires on the planet with as much wealth as half of humanity. Anyone with a fat CIA contract who literally controls the world is certainly no friend of the people. No one should be fooled by Trump's bloviating, nor should they be fooled by phony outrage from guilty parties. The media are in bed with the rulers and that makes them enemies of the first order. From Counterpunch The New York Times is currently engaged in one of its most ambitious projects: Removing a sitting president from office. In fact, Times columnist Nicolas Kristof even said as much in a recent article titled "How Can We Get Rid of Trump?" Frankly, it's an idea that I find attractive, mainly because I think Trump's views on immigration, the environment, human rights, civil liberties and deregulation are so uniformly horrible, they could destroy the country. But the Times objections are different from my own. The reason the Times wants Trump removed is because Trump wants to normalize relations with Russia, which threatens to undermine Washington's effort to project US power deeper into Central Asia. Trump's decision to normalize relations with Moscow poses a direct threat to Washington's broader imperial strategy to control China's growth, topple Putin, spread military bases across Central Asia, implement trade agreements that maintain the dominant role of western-owned mega-corporations, and derail attempts by Russia and China to link the wealthy EU to Asia by expanding the web of pipeline corridors and high-speed rail that will draw the continents closer together creating the largest and most populous free trade zone the world has ever seen. This is what the US foreign policy establishment and, by inclusion, the Times are trying to avoid at all cost. The economic integration of Asia and Europe must be blocked to preserve Washington's hegemonic grip on world power. That's the whole deal in a nutshell. So don't be fooled, the Times doesn't care any more about the suffering of immigrant families who have been victimized by Trump's extremist policies than they do about the three million refugees that have fled America's wars in Libya and Syria. The fact that the Times continues to mischaracterize this vast human exodus as some sort of natural disaster instead of the predictable spillover from persistent US aggression, just confirms the fact that the Times is not a reliable source of unbiased information at all. It is a political publication that crafts a political narrative reflecting the views of politically-minded elites whose strategic objectives cannot be achieved without more brainwashing, more coercion and more war. Let's consider, for a minute, the Times article that precipitated the current furor over Trump's alleged connection to Russian intelligence. This is the article that's been held up by numerous members of congress and the media as ironclad proof of Trump's collusion with Moscow. Here's an excerpt from the article: "Phone records and intercepted calls show that members of Donald J. Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and other Trump associates had repeated contacts with senior Russian intelligence officials in the year before the election, according to four current and former American officials. "American law enforcement and intelligence agencies intercepted the communications around the same time they were discovering evidence that Russia was trying to disrupt the presidential election by hacking into the Democratic National Committee, three of the officials said. The intelligence agencies then sought to learn whether the Trump campaign was colluding with the Russians on the hacking or other efforts to influence the election." ("Trump Campaign Aides Had Repeated Contacts With Russian Intelligence," New York Times) There's no reason to read any further, because the entire article follows this same basic pattern, that is, the article is shaped to create the impression that the Trump camp teamed up with the Russians to torpedo Hillary's campaign. Unfortunately, the Times presents no hard evidence that the "call logs and intercepted communications (that) are part of a larger trove of information that the F.B.I." even exist. Nor have they proved that anyone in the Trump camp ever communicated with people in Russia (excluding Michael Flynn, of course) let alone, collaborated to undermine the presidential election. It's all 100% uncorroborated fluff. So what's going on here? Why would the Times run an article alleging impeachable offenses -- which has sharpened the attacks on Trump by his critics in the media, the congress and in foreign capitals -- without providing any evidence that their claims are true? None of the intelligence agents cited in the article have come forward and identified themselves (as one might expect when the charges are this serious), and as the Times admits, "The F.B.I. declined to comment." So they have nothing, right? One can only conclude that the real intention of the article was to generate as much suspicion as possible -- in order to damage Trump as much as possible -- without really saying much of anything, that is, to create the impression of wrongdoing without providing any proof of wrongdoing. And, in that regard, the Times certainly succeeded. It has been a very impressive smear campaign. (By the way, in a Sunday morning interview on Fox News, White House chief of staff Reince Priebus said that top intelligence officials told him that there was no collusion between Trump's people and Russia. Priebus said that "top-level people," in the intelligence community told him "that that story in the New York Times is complete garbage. And quite frankly, they used different words than that." Not surprisingly, Fox News host Chris Wallace demanded that Priebus reveal his sources, a demand that Wallace never made of the Times.) Here's more from the Times piece: Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Crimeans speak (Image by goo.gl/images/jWnQOc) Details DMCA In an interview with ABC News last July, then-candidate Donald Trump said: "You know the people of Crimea, from what I've heard, would rather be with Russia than where they were." The ethnic split in Crimea is more than 65 percent Russian versus 15 percent Ukrainian, and the results of a poll by the German firm GfK, published just a year ago, revealed that 82 percent of Crimean respondents supported the annexation Last month, President Trump and President Putin held a phone conversation and there was no discussion on Crimea's status. That makes sense since geopolitically Crimea matters far more to Russia than to Europe or America ( Americans are inclined not to get involved in Crimea. According to a Rasmussen Reports survey, 58 percent of Americans want Washington to stay out of Crimea.) Historically, Catherine the Great formally absorbed Crimea into the Russian empire in the 18th century. In 1921, during the Russian revolution, the White Army controlled Crimea for a short time but it was quickly morphed into the Soviet Union. Crimea only became part of Ukraine when Nikita Khrushchev, by an impulsive stroke of the pen, gave the peninsula to his native land in 1954. When the Soviet Union broke up in 1991, Crimea ended up inside an independent Ukraine. Vladimir Putin described the situation this way: "Millions of Russians went to bed in one country and woke up abroad. Overnight, they were minorities and the Russian people in Crimea became one of the biggest if not the biggest, divided nation in the world." By refusing to demonize Putin, Trump has frustrated Republican and Democratic politicians. He has taken the reasonable position that, whenever possible, the U.S. should work with Russia in areas of mutual concern, and Crimea was low on the list of priorities. But just as U.S.-Russia-Ukraine-Crimea policies were solidifying, the White House now insists that President Trump "has made it very clear that he expects the Russian government to de-escalate violence in the Ukraine and return Crimea." Stop right there. It's time for a reality check. The Crimean vote to re-join Russia is in compliance with the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights article 15: "Everyone has the right to a nationality. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality." (I don't like the U.N. much either, but some tenets are universal.) Meanwhile, U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley claims that, "The United States continues to condemn and call for an immediate end to the Russian occupation of Crimea." Haley may be excused since she's new and likely unfamiliar with Chapter 1, Article 1, part 2 of the U.N. Charter: "To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of self-determination of peoples." In this apparent flip-flop on Crimea, the administration has not addressed Vladimir Putin's observation: "Kosovo is a precedent our Western colleagues created with their own hands, in a very similar situation, when they agreed that the unilateral separation of Kosovo from Serbia -- exactly what Crimea is doing now -- was legitimate and did not require any permission from the country's central authorities. If the Kosovars have the right to self-determination, why should people in Crimea not have it?" As pundit Eric Margolis points out, "President Putin keeps bringing up history to justify his assertive policies towards Ukraine and Crimea. This annoys Americans, who know little about history and refuse to accept Russia as a great power -- and certainly not as an equal." While the U.S. sputters contradictions, diplomats, legislators, public figures, businessmen, scientists, and journalists from 60 countries invested time and talent in Crimea in 2016. It's time to catch up with the real world. From Counterpunch This is my plea for assistance in raising a $75000 bond required to proceed with my lawsuit against the Los Angeles Times. (Image by YouTube, Channel: Ted Rall) Details DMCA Are you one of those Americans who say it's too easy to file a lawsuit? As I can tell you from personal experience, it's anything but. The canard that U.S. courts are jammed up by litigious jerks is based on anecdotes spread by corporate propaganda. We do need "tort reform" -- but we should make it easier to sue, not harder. What about all those "frivolous lawsuits" you're always hearing about? You hear about them because deep-pocketed corporations run TV ads complaining that they're being victimized by predatory trial lawyers. The truth is, big companies don't want to be held accountable in the courts for their misdeeds. What most people don't know is that judges are good at ferreting out frivolous lawsuits before they get very far. If you get sued, the first thing your defense lawyer will do is file a "motion for summary judgment" -- a request that the judge throw out the case because it's weak. Between this and other methods of winnowing out bad cases, at least 95% of civil claims never make it to trial. The dirty secret is that American courts have created so many hurdles to sue that it's become daunting for all but the most determined plaintiffs to pursue justice. My case against The Los Angeles Times illustrates how hard it is for an individual to sue a large entity. The Times fired me as its editorial cartoonist in July 2015, apparently as a favor to LAPD's police chief, whom I had mocked in my cartoons. Neither I nor Times readers were aware that there was a conflict of interest between the paper and the fuzz: the LAPD's union pension fund was a major shareholder of the Times' parent company. It ought be to illegal for a government agency or an entity associated with a government agency to buy stock in a media company -- but it isn't. The Times published an article accusing me of having lied in a blog post. I was able to show that I'd told the truth. But after I sent the Times the exonerating evidence -- which attracted worldwide media attention and calls for my reinstatement -- instead of issuing a retraction and giving me back my job, Times executives doubled down, publishing a second piece reaffirming the first one. In March 2016, I filed suit in LA Superior Court against the Times for defamation, wrongful termination, blacklisting and other charges. As I expected, the Times' defense attorney filed a motion to dismiss my case on the grounds that it was not meritorious. The judge denied. After that, California's legal and financial hurdles became nearly insurmountable. When free speech groups like the Electronic Frontier Foundation get behind something, I'm usually all for it. The First Amendment is my religion. But speech advocates' support for a federal anti-SLAPP law is wrong -- and terrible for freedom of expression. Perhaps they haven't thought this all the way through. Twenty-eight states and D.C. have passed anti-SLAPP laws. On paper, they sound great. A "SLAPP" (strategic lawsuit against public participation) is a lawsuit the plaintiff doesn't think he'll actually win. The purpose of a SLAPP is to harass you by forcing you to hire a lawyer and tie you up in court. It's an intimidation tactic sometimes used by big companies to silence individual whistleblowers and critics. Is the problem really widespread? No one knows. No one has done a serious study. If you get sued in a state with an anti-SLAPP statute, your anti-SLAPP motion is a powerful tool. Discovery (depositions, subpoenaing of evidence) halts. If the judge rules in the defendant's favor that a suit is frivolous, the case gets tossed and the plaintiff pays the defendant's attorney fees. This is supposed to make jerky plaintiffs think twice before filing a SLAPP. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Bloodletting as a medical practice flourished for thousands of years before finally yielding to more "enlightened" medicine except in special circumstances. One of history's ironies is that America's first president, George Washington, a bloodthirsty warrior before and during his presidency, died arguably from bloodletters called in to his bedside to let out one-fourth of his blood. This essay highlights two unparalleled groups of bloodletters in America's 240 years of history, U.S. presidents and the captains of America's industries. These two groups are part of the power elite of America's corpocracy, the incestuous marriage between Government America and Corporate America, with the latter in charge. The power elite also include the chairs of relevant Congressional committees; key people in the shadow government (e.g. the CIA); the US Supreme Court (never ruling a war unconstitutional); and influential advisors and ideologues. Besides being the vital fluid that courses through our bodies, "blood" serves as a useful metaphors (as the one in the first paragraph about George Washington) that connote the diminishment or loss of what is valued by the victims and their loved ones. The first purpose of this essay is to highlight the ways in which America's power elite "let blood" literally and figuratively, with the metaphorical instances causing all sorts of human misery up to and including death. The second purpose is to underscore just who the real enemy of the American people is, America's corpocracy and its power elite. The only reason the U.S. has foreign enemies is that the corpocracy creates them to sustain and grow its profits and power. The essay begins with an overview of the greatest bloodletters, literally, of all time throughout the history of America, her presidents, and then overviews the bloodletting, figuratively and literally, by the captains of industry. The reason for picking the two at the top of their pecking orders is that any form of wrongdoing, bloody or not, is done under their leadership. They either authorize it explicitly, implicitly as in setting "wink and nod" expectations, or indirectly in creating and/or condoning an organizational culture of "anything goes." The essay closes with a short explanation and prediction. America's Greatest Bloodletters: Her 42 Presidents Three presidents don't count. Two were in office too few months to send combatants and civilians in foreign lands to their graves. As for the new third it is too early to tell. All told, the 42 bloodletters have sent countless millions to their graves, maimed millions, devastated cities, villages, and historic sites, and done everything else imaginably and unimaginably atrocious. A conniving dishonest president sent 750,000 or so of his own countrymen to their graves. One president, who disingenuously and belatedly complained about the "military/industrial complex," indirectly sent thousands to their graves to protect dictators and the likes of the United Fruit Company. One president is the only human being so far to ever have dropped nuclear bombs on two populous cities, not to win the war but to start a profitable Cold War with Russia. Two presidents committed treason in order to get elected and proceeded to send more than their share of people to their graves. The death toll in just one country from one president's decisions was over one million. The most recent past president is the first so far to sit in the White House, pour over a hit list like a Mafia don, and decide who gets killed next by drone strikes, never mind that most of them are civilians, including children. In Second Place: America's Industries and their Captains The industrial revolution swept away the cottage industry and ushered in corporations, an intrinsically dysfunctional, corrupting innovation and with them their captains, or CEOs, often bearing MBA credentials that alone predispose them to mismanagement and malfeasance of one form or another. It is pointless to name the captains. They come and go. The industries where they practice mostly stay unchangeable. There are dozens of industries in America. The exact number is elusive because the counters disagree on what an industry means. That being said, industries vary in the scope and kind of their bloodletting, so it is possible to pick out the worst ones. But before doing that, let's briefly consider the following victims of industry wide bloodletting: the U.S. government; the environment; employees; and customers. Victims of Industry-Wide Bloodletting 1. The U.S. Government. It is Corporate America's flunky, a revenue drain of misspending (the war budget) on behalf of the corpocracy, and a safety valve for mismanaged and errant corporations that would flounder and fail were it not for the U.S. government giving them myriad subsidies and overlooking and tolerating constant corporate wrongdoing of the illegal kind. 2. The Environment. All human beings depend on the environment. Industries do too, on a wide scale, and they abuse the environment on a wide scale, polluting the air we breathe and the water we drink. 3. Employees. Corporations have Human Resource Departments, but corporate employees are treated generally as disposable, non-human, resources. Just ask Alice who wails in Dilbert, "I am not a resource!" Oh, but yes you are Alice, and so too are all real corporate employees except those in and close to the corner office, and, of course, they are not called "employees." Unsafe and unhealthy working conditions topped by sweat shops; pittance compensation; reneged health benefit plans; emasculation of organized labor; and automation and outsourcing of jobs are the typical experiences of disposable employees. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). From Palestine Chronicle Israel has been treated 'very, very badly' by the US, and Trump has a 'really great peace deal' in store. (Image by (Photo: Video grab)) Details DMCA The President of the United States can hardly be taken seriously, saying much but doing little. His words, often offensive, carry no substance, and it is impossible to summarize his complex political outlook about important issues. This is precisely the type of American presidency that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prefers. However, Donald Trump is not just a raving man, but a dangerous one as well. His unpredictability must worry Israel, which expects from its American benefactors complete clarity and consistency in terms of its political support. At the age of 70, Trump is incapable of being the stalwart, pro-Zionist ideologue in a way that suits Israeli interests well. Take, for example, the White House press conference following the much anticipated visit by Netanyahu to Washington on 15 February. The visit was scheduled immediately after Trump's inauguration on 20 January and is considered the Trump Presidency's answer to what Israel wrongly perceives as a hostile US administration under former President Barack Obama. However, Obama granted Israel $38 billion over the course of 10 years, estimated to be the most generous aid package in US history. He supported all the Israeli wars against Palestinians during his presidency, and unfailingly defended Israel before the international community, at the United Nations and every global forum in which Israel was justifiably criticized. But Israel expects blind support. It needs a US administration that is as loyal as the US Congress, always praising Israel, degrading Palestinians, dismissing international law, calling to stop funding the UN for daring to demand accountability from Israel, feeding Israeli "security" phobias with monetary and absolute political backing, demonizing Iran, undermining the Arabs and repeating all Israeli talking points fed to them by Tel Aviv and by the fifth column lobbyists in Washington. Trump is striving to be that person, the messiah that Israel's army of right-wing, ultranationalists and religious zealots have been calling for. But this appears beyond the man's control, no matter how hard he tries. "Looking at two-state or one-state, I like the one that both parties like. I'm very happy with the one both parties like. I can live with either one," Trump said in answer to a journalist's question, implying to Israel that the US will no longer impose solutions; instead, Trump pushed the "one-state solution" idea to the very top of the discussion. It is not what Israel wanted -- or expected. In Washington, Netanyahu, with unmistakable pomposity, stood before the media and simply lied. He painted Israel as vulnerable, a prey for dark "radical Islam" forces, ready to strike from every corner. He presented Iran's nuclear capabilities as if it is lined up to incinerate Israel, itself built atop the graves and villages of dispossessed Palestinians. No journalist had the courage to quiz the Israeli leader about his own country's massive nuclear arsenal and other weapons of mass destruction. Listening to him preach fabricated history to the incurious American media, one would think that militarily powerful Israel is occupied by hostile Palestinian foreigners, and not vice versa. Netanyahu claimed his people belonged to Palestine as the French belonged to France and the Chinese to China. But if European Jewish immigrants are the natives of Palestine, then what is one to make of Palestinians? How is one to explain their existence on land that has carried their collective name for millennia? This is inconsequential to the US government and mainstream media. US media is as uninformed about the realities of the Middle East as Trump, who seems to have only two main talking points about the whole issue, both embarrassingly bizarre: Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). The reaction of this ex-Democrat and never-Republican, to the recent presidential nominative and electoral processes: Here is yet another example of the Democrats selling out the actual people of the United States. Yes, the Dems oppose the Republicans, but only because they are rivals in the contest for big-money interests. Current status: The Dems have the big banking interests, as exemplified by their leadership in private locked-door sessions with such as Goldman Sachs and others of the bankster gangs that destroyed America's economy in 2007/8. The Republicans get largely the balance if the big-business interests. And I must say, with it all, that the Dems ran the more subversive nominative process in 2016, right from the get-go by their party's chairwoman assigning the grand majority of their national convention representatives to their insider-selected presidential candidate. And then later, furtively in-advance providing their selected presidential candidate with the questions to be asked in the presidential debates. Somehow with all this skullduggery, the Democrats still lost. Yes, I know, there's the debate about the popular-vote versus the electoral-vote, but until and unless the constitutional rules of this process are changed, that is the way the American presidential contests will be decided. So what do the American people get? What does the world get as its one most powerful individual -- he who sleeps at arm's reach from the "red phone"? You and I and 7 billions of folks around the world get a braggart of a "leader" with the trashiest presidential image of big-money interests in our history. Perhaps the Republicans will rebel based on his wretched performance, but I would assess that as not likely, considering their penchant for the more rapacious variety of capitalism. And what now can we expect from the opposition -- ah well, nothing curative without a scouring of their current insider gang. But we do need, must get something beyond these two graft and power-mongering agencies. Dare I mention a third party, without the usual mass reaction of "third-parties never win"? Face it folks, we need a change, the world needs a change in the perverted means by which we choose American leadership and its accompanying world leadership. We must examine what the Democrats will now do, and thoroughly judge such. If not fully to our approval as a best solution for the prospects of the American electorate and for humanity, then WE must chose a third course, a course for decent leadership, a people's course, a course for humanity. The examination must start now, with our decisions to be followed promptly to adequately prepare for our next opportunities to select decent leadership in the 2018 and 2020 elections. The rare cave squeaker frog has been sighted in Zimbabwe for the first time in over 50 years. Also known by its scientific name, Arthroleptis troglodytes, the cave squeaker has not been seen since its discovery in 1962. The rare frog was added to an international red list of threatened species as critically endangered and thought to likely be extinct. The recent frog spotting took place in Chimanimani, a mountainous area in eastern Zimbabwe. Robert Hopkins, a 75-year-old researcher, and his team from the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe discovered four cave squeaker species in the rugged habitat. Hopkins has been searching for the frog since 1998. He applied for a grant from the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund to conduct another search in an effort to finally track down the elusive amphibian. I was not with my team when they were found. I was at the base. I can no longer climb the mountains as I am 75, Hopkins said. The team located the first specimen in early December 2016 after following an animal noise they had never heard before. Since then, 3 more frogs have been discovered. Researchers plan to breed the frogs and return them to the mountain. Increased interest in the cave squeaker by the science community could lead to the frogs being captured and exported illegally. The Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority is prepared to devise a park management plan in order to protect the endangered frogs. Top Photo by: JackyR, CC BY-SA 3.0 Chamberlain Smith is a freelance writer based in Athens, Georgia. Space Matter is a weekly column that delves into space science and the mechanics of spaceflight. From the latest discoveries in the universe around us to the fits and starts of rocket test flights, youll find analysis, discussion, and an eternal optimism about space and launching ourselves into the cosmos. We all are aware that the International Space Station is out there, in low Earth orbitbut did you know that there are two other space stations up there as well? Or that the first private space station is currently in development? We have a rich history of space stations, from Skylab to Mir and beyond. Americas first space station was Skylabwhich was never actually intended or built for that use. Skylab was actually the unused upper stage of a Saturn IVB rocket. It launched in 1973 aboard the last Saturn V rocket and hosted three manned missions before falling back to Earth in 1979. The retrofitted rocket stage was never intended to be a long-term space station, but it proved to Americans that humans can live and work in space. It also advanced space science considerably through its onboard workshop and solar observatory. The Skylab space station. Photo courtesy of NASA After Skylab, attention turned to the Space Shuttle program, which was launched on April 12, 1981. The orbiter fleet boasted a large payload bay that was perfect for conducting experiments in space. While we were focusing on a reusable space vehicle, the Russians were still using their trusty Soyuz capsules (still in use today) and instead turned their focus to building a space station. Between 1971 and 1982, the Russians successfully launched six Salyut space stations. (Salyut 2 was unable to achieve a stable orbit, falling back into the atmosphere two weeks after launch). The last of these, Salyut 7 was in orbit from 1982 through 1991, with 10 manned visits over its lifetime. Through their experience with these space stations, the Russians became experts at living and working in space. In 1986, the Russians launched Mir, the worlds first modular space station. This means that, much like the ISS, the station consisted of a core that was launched first. Over time, a total of six additional modules were launched and assembled in space, expanding the station over the years. It was on Mir that extended spaceflight became normal; expeditions generally lasted around six months (the same as the ISS). The United States had plans to build a Mir counterpart: the Freedom space station. In the early 1980s, it was envisioned as a space-based destination at which orbiters could dock. Its cancellation (due to budget and design issues) was part of the reason the shuttle program came under such heavy fire: we spent an extraordinary amount of money to build a reusable space vehicle, but in the end, we had nowhere to actually send it. The United States wasnt the only country with a desire to launch a space station; the European space agency was also interested in such an endeavor. Russia, in addition, was planning on launching Mir 2 to replace its aging space station. However, a space station is an expensive and difficult proposition, which led to the cooperative development of the International Space Station (among the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada, and the European Space Agency) in 1993, using Freedom and Mir 2 concepts as its core modules. The International Space Station. Photo courtesy of NASA The ISS has been in orbit since its launch in 1998; it has been continuously occupied since its first long duration crew arrived on Expedition 1 in November 2000. The station is funded through 2024 by both the U.S. and Russia (though that may be extended to 2028). Its unclear what will come next; Roscosmos (Russias space agency counterpart to NASA) made a statement in early 2015 that the U.S. and Russia had agreed to work on a follow-up space station, but NASA hasnt confirmed that statement. Regardless of what happens with the future of the International Space Station, its clear that space stations are here to stay. China has launched two space stations: Tiangong-1 and Tiangong-2, which are both currently in orbit. Tiangong-1, designed as a prototype to test the rendezvous and docking of Chinese spacecraft, was only in use for two years. Its orbit is decaying, and it will reenter the atmosphere later this year. Tiangong-2 is another test space station launched in late 2016, as China plans to launch a larger modular space station to rival the ISS in 2022 (in mission, if probably not in sizethe International Space Station is the most expensive object ever constructed). Tiangong-2 has only been visited oncea two-person crew stayed aboard the station for 30 days. But its not China or Russia or the United States who are making headlines about space stationsits private companies. Could a private company launch a space station by the end of the decade? Its absolutely possible. Axiom Space, a company youve likely never heard of, is aiming to be the first company to build a private space station. Axiom is planning on launching the Multi-Purpose Module in 2020, designed as an add-on for the International Space Station. Whether it is launched all at once or assembled in orbit remains to be seen; however, when its ready, it will fly to the ISS (yes, it will have its own engines). Their current plan is to dock it to, and therefore expand, the ISS. When the International Space Station eventually deorbits, the Multi-Purpose Module will undock and function as an independent, private space station. Theres a lot of money in a private space station; the customers wouldnt be private individuals wanting to go to space (though that is an option). There are many countries that aspire to send their astronauts into orbit. The ISSs max capacity is eight astronauts, and because were all currently dependent on Soyuz to get us there, were further constrained. Russian Soyuz capsules can only hold three astronauts each. Once private human spaceflight is off the ground (primarily through SpaceXs Dragon), that will ease the transportation issues, but the destination constraints are still considerable. Thats where Axiom hopes to step in. Whether public or private, space stations are here to stay. Lets hope that as the ability to get off of our planet and live and work in space becomes easier and more possible, it encourages all of us to set our sights on destinations beyond low Earth orbit. Top photo courtesy of NASA/ESA Swapna Krishna is a freelance writer, editor, and giant space/sci-fi geek. Congratulations on your win, Steve! Coming into the competition, how confident were you that you had a winning photo on your hands? Where were you when you took it and what were you doing? Was it for an assignment? Was it a planned shot or spontaneous? Tell us about your photo are there any interesting details to share? How many attempts did it take to nail the shot? For the photography geeks out there, can you tell us about the camera, settings and lighting that you used? How does it feel during each voting round? Which of your competitors shots have stood out for you this year? Any plans for the winnings yet? Some new camera equipment or an adventure to somewhere new and exciting? Anything else to add? Last Friday we announced the winner of the 2016 Photo of the Year as Steve Shannon. Steve's photo was pitted against some fierce competition throughout the contest, including Bartek Wolinski's in the face shot of Nicola Pescetto kicking up roost, an image that set the contest ablaze at nearly every round. Steve's shot was quite the opposite a stunning setting with a nice composition and more tranquil feel, and it was enough to take out the competition.We caught up with Steve Shannon over the weekend to learn more about his winning photo.Thanks! I knew from the moment I took the photo it was something special, but I didnt really think I had a chance of winning. There was some tough competition this year and I didnt know how mine would stack up.I was on the island of La Palma, in the Canary Islands . I was there visiting some good friends of mine Robi Stoeckel and Fleur Simons (in the picture) who work at a mountain bike tour company Bikestation La Palma (www.bike-station.de). They live and work all over the world so if I can, I try to visit them somewhere exotic and fun. I was shooting some promo stuff for the Bike Station and working on some freelance editorial ideas.Pretty spontaneous. Light like that is impossible to plan for.This shot was one of the last of the trip. I had been on La Palma for two weeks and was flying out the next day. The weather had been a mixed bag for the entire trip. The island is very contrasting thanks to its volcanic origins and weather patterns. The west side, where we were staying, is in a rain shadow from the massive volcanic ridge (which tops out at 2400m) and stays quite dry. Theres pine forest up high and cactus down lower. The east side is a stark contrast of lush jungle, getting all the moisture as the clouds push up over the volcano. When it rains the east side is unrideable, becoming way too slick, so we had been limited to the western trails the entire trip.On the last day the weather improved marginally, so Fleur and I decided to give the east a try. This trail was beautiful but very, very slippery. Living in Revelstoke I thought I was used to slippery conditions but the cobblestones there schooled me. The mess of branches was a photographers dream, but we were stuck in the clouds and it was quite dark. We were on a limited timeline so just as we were about to pack up, the sun suddenly popped through the clouds. We actually missed it but saw the potential so decided to wait a while and eventually another break in the clouds appeared and we lucked into this photo.The clouds were moving fast and changing the light very quickly. We shot it once before the light appeared, then nailed this one right when the sun shone through. I tried one more shot but the clouds moved back in and it was done.Ive been a Canon shooter my entire career but in the past year Ive started shooting with the Sony Alpha mirrorless cameras. This was my first trip not bringing a Canon SLR with me. I love the smaller size and lighter weight of the Sony for adventure photography. Im still building my Sony kit, so this was shot with the Sony A7RII and a Canon EF17-40 f4L lens with Metabones adapter. Settings were 1/800, f5.0 and ISO3200. Lighting was all natural. It was pretty dark in there so I had to bump up the ISO fairly high but luckily the new Sony cameras rock at higher ISO.The scene has quite a bit of contrast so I tried to get as much detail in the shadows without blowing the highlights too much. The 17-40 is a little soft wide open so I usually try to stop it down a bit to keep things sharp. I had to compromise a little on my shutter speed due to the dark conditions, but with the trail being so slippery Fleur wasnt going too fast and I could freeze the action.Pretty nerve-wracking, but I had quite a few friends giving me lots of positive feedback. Work is really busy right now too so I didnt have too much time to dwell on things.Paris Gore, Christophe Laue and Bruno Long. Paris aurora shot is beautiful, and he executed a very technically challenging shot perfectly. Christophes photo is simply stunning. The light, rider, etc. its a shame it got knocked out so early as its much more deserving. Finally, Bruno is a friend of mine and someone I really look up to for his creative eye. I wish I had a quarter of the creativity that guy has and this one was just another example of how differently he thinks. All of those shots Id be happy to have to hang on my wall.I have a few ideas but nothing set in stone yet. I may continue building out my Sony kit, and Im also looking at a few adventures both close to home in BC and further afield. My bike could use an upgrade too. First I need to finish up my contract for the rest of the ski season then Ill start thinking about other things. Ill definitely be meeting up with Robi and Fleur again somewhere in the world!I just want to thank everyone for all the support.Steve takes home $5000, second place takes home $3000, while third and fourth will receive $1000 each, all thanks to SRAM @SramMedia / @SSPhoto26 The bike grows longer and slacker for 2017, but it's the addition of a 29 wheeled version that will undoubtedly turn some heads. The big-wheeled option has 150mm of rear travel paired with a 160mm fork up front, while the 27.5 version has 160mm of rear travel and 170mm up front. Both versions have a carbon front triangle and seat stays, and aluminum chainstays are found on all models. It was less than a month ago that Norco launched their updated Sight trail bike, but the Canadian company doesn't show any signs of slowing down, and they've now released the details of the revised Range, their venerable all-mountain / enduro bike.The bike grows longer and slacker for 2017, but it's the addition of a 29 wheeled version that will undoubtedly turn some heads. The big-wheeled option has 150mm of rear travel paired with a 160mm fork up front, while the 27.5 version has 160mm of rear travel and 170mm up front. Both versions have a carbon front triangle and seat stays, and aluminum chainstays are found on all models. Norco Range Details Wheel size: 27.5" or 29" options available Rear wheel travel: 160mm (27.5"), 150mm (29") 65 (27.5") or 65.5 (29") head angle Frame material: carbon front triangle and seat stays, aluminum chainstays Metric shock sizing Boost hub spacing MSRP: $4249 - $7399 USD (complete bikes) / $2899 USD (frame w/ Fox Float X2), www.norco.com Intended use: all-mountain / enduro Wheel size: 27.5" or 29" options available Rear wheel travel: 160mm (27.5"), 150mm (29") 65 (27.5") or 65.5 (29") head angle Frame material: carbon front triangle and seat stays, aluminum chainstays Metric shock sizing Boost hub spacing MSRP: $4249 - $7399 USD (complete bikes) / $2899 USD (frame w/ Fox Float X2), The Range will accommodate up to a 2.6" tire. A trunnion mounted RockShox SuperDeluxe takes care of the 9.2's 150mm of rear travel. The Range 9.1 retails for $7,399 USD. The base model Range 9.3 is $4,249 USD. Geometry feel What exactly does it mean when a bike is described as being 'enduro ready'? Well, according to Owen Pemberton, Norco's senior design engineer, the Range can take crashes. It can take being thundered through rocks and roots. That's what this bike is designed to handle. In order to achieve their goal of creating a reliable, dependable bike, many of the new Range's design cues were inspired or borrowed from the Aurum, Norco's downhill bike. Whether it's the head tube junction to the derailleur hanger, We took everything we learned from the Aurum, which is the strongest bike we've ever made, and took that learning and employed it on the new Range, says Pemberton.Similar to what was first seen on the revised Sight, the Range now uses a trunnion mounted rear shock, with the upper link oriented in a more horizontal position. The amount of chain growth has been reduced, and the suspension curve has grown slightly more progressive, changes that are intended to improve the bike's pedaling performance and give it a more bottomless feel towards the end of its travel.There are three models for each wheel size, with prices starting at $4,249 USD. The Range 9.2 shown above goes for $5,799, and the top of the line model is $7,399. In case you hadn't guessed, the first digit of each model number denotes the wheel size. For instance, the 9.2 has 29" wheels, while the 7.2 has 27.5" wheels.The 27.5" Range gets a 2 steeper seat angle and a longer front center compared to the previous version, and the head tube angle has been knocked back to 65. When designing the 29" wheeled version of the Range, Norco wanted to make its handling feel as similar to the 27.5" version as possible, so they went with a 65.5 head angle, a fork with 51mm of offset, and a 40mm stem. All of the bikes use Norco's Gravity Tune geometry, which sees the rear center measurements increase as frame sizes grow larger in order to preserve the optimum weight balance. You'll notice that there's no small sized 29er - Norco felt that too many compromises were necessary to package the bigger wheels and that much travel into a frame that would fit a smaller rider.Norco's headquarters are located within close proximity to some of British Columbia finest trails, rugged, rocky, and often wet testpieces, and the 29" wheeled Range 9.2 is spec'd accordingly. The wheels are shod with the proven Maxxis Minion DHF / DHR tire combo, and the wide bars, short stem, and a 150mm dropper post from Race Face make it clear that this bike is ready to rumble right out of the box. Despite Old Man Winter's decision to deliver an extra helping of snow, ice, and rain this month, I've still been able to get in a handful of rides on the Range, enough time to start getting acquainted with its on-trail personality.It wasn't until I was halfway through my first extended climb aboard the Range that I noticed I'd left the RockShox SuperDeluxe in the fully open position, a testament to the Range's improved pedaling performance. Gone is the tendency of the shock to extend and compress during out-of-the-saddle pedaling; it's been replaced by a design that feels much more efficient and composed whether you're seated or standing.I was a little surprised to see that the Range 9.2 checked in at 32 pounds when I hung it from the scale after those initial rides I would have guessed it was a touch lighter than that. The good news is that it didn'toverly heavy while climbing, and those extra grams were the last thing on my mind when it came time to descend.The Range has what can best be described as 'sneaky speed' - it's similar to what happens when you rent or borrow a car that's smoother and more powerful than what you typically drive, and all of a sudden you look down and you're doing 100mph. That's how the Range feels, especially on steep straightaways - it has a plush, bottomless suspension feel, and it's very quiet to boot all the ingredients necessary to encourage bombing down the trail a little faster than usual. One of my usual test tracks has a section that plunges straight down the fall line, a brake burner that typically has my hands begging for mercy by the bottom, but on the Range that wasn't the case - it sucked up everything that came its way, giving my hands and forearms a welcome reprieve.I'll admit that there were a couple times when it felt like the bike started to get away from me on tighter sections of trail - I found myself a little further back than I meant to be, instances that served as a reminder that remaining in an aggressive, more forward position is key. Those moments could have simply been a matter of getting accustomed to a new bike we'll see how things shake out as I spend more time on it. Clutch-type rear derailleur in long and mid-cage options. Mid-length levers and servo-wave actuation. The 6000 calipers accept XTR finned brake pads. Choose a two or three-ring crankset with XTR styling. Equally newsworthy was what was not included in the press release: No eleven speed for M6000, so it won't be cross-compatible with its pricier siblings. The basic Deore will remain a ten-speed transmission, and there is no mention of a one-by (single chainring) option. Instead, M6000 customers can choose from a number of two and three-chainring cranksets (no surprise there) paired with a new wide-range 11 by 42-tooth cassette, or Shimano's longstanding 11 by 32, 34, or 36-tooth cassettes. To assist OEM customers, Shimano will offer front changers with every possible cable and clamping arrangement. Side-swing front mech for the entry level Deore group. SLX One-By and a Wide-Range Cassette On the heels of the M6000 Deore ensemble, came the announcement that an SLX-level one-by drivetrain has finally been approved for production, and with an eleven--speed, 11 x 46-tooth, wide-range cassette - both of which will be released this Spring. The affordable one-by transmission, big-boy cassette and the concurrent release of XT-level wheelsets with Boost axle spacing reflect a large-scale adjustment in the Japanese parts maker's range, presumably, to pull alongside SRAM in the OEM market and to ensure that those customers have the proper tools to outfit mid-priced performance mountain bikes with tip-to-toe Shimano componentry. Entry Level Trail Pedal Shimano also added an SPD Trail pedal to its range that is reportedly priced to match the M6000 ensemble. The PDED500 pedal once again, puts one of Shimano's most-wanted products into the hands of entry-level riders. Expect to see the 500-level pedals on demo fleets world wide. No price was available at the time of the press release. Boost Wheelsets Wheels have gradually become a staple product for Shimano and, while wide rims are still on the horizon, to keep in step, their wheel range is now available in Boost-width as well as standard-width axles. Two new 29 and 27.5 Deore XT wheelsets have wider axle options - a 110x15mm e-thru front- and a 148x12mm rear-axle spacing. Shimano says that the new wheelsets increase stiffness. Also new are rear thru axle hubs (AX-MT700 and AX-MT500) with smaller housings and lighter weights that feature greater clearance for frames and brake calipers. Wheels have gradually become a staple product for Shimano and, while wide rims are still on the horizon, to keep in step, their wheel range is now available in Boost-width as well as standard-width axles. Two new 29 and 27.5 Deore XT wheelsets have wider axle options - a 110x15mm e-thru front- and a 148x12mm rear-axle spacing. Shimano says that the new wheelsets increase stiffness. Also new are rear thru axle hubs (AX-MT700 and AX-MT500) with smaller housings and lighter weights that feature greater clearance for frames and brake calipers. MENTIONS: Shimano's latest press release reminds us that, as much as we would all like to own a ten thousand dollar trail bike, many avid riders, and some first-time mountain bikers will be hitting the trails this season aboard far more modest steeds. The new M6000-level Deore component ensemble is targeted at the entry-level enthusiasts and cash strapped shredders who would much prefer XTR, but have not yet purchased a winning lottery ticket.Highlights of the new group are a clutch type Shadow plus rear derailleur, a four-arm XTR style crank spider, Centerlock brake rotors and hubs, and while the Servo-Wave brake levers and ICE-compatible calipers are modeled very close to the ergonomically pleasant XT and XTR stoppers, you'll have to pony up for the finned brake pads, because they are not standard fare. Charlotte Van Brabander Wins Third Unibet Battle Royale Title February 23, 2017 Matthew Pitt Editor The 2017 Unibet Open London festival kicked off in style Feb. 22 with the 10,000 invitational Battle Royale, which featured Unibet Poker ambassadors Charlotte Van Brabander, David Lappin, Dara OKearney, Ian Simpson and Viktor Blom among others. Streamed on Unibet Pokers Twitch channel, viewers watched as the ambassadors battled with commentator David Vanderheyden, cash game specialist Espens Jorsad, two-time Unibet Open champion Dan Murariu and the United Kingdoms Dave Shallow. The top three places awarded cash prizes and Lappin secured the first payout: a free 2,000. Lappins exit left Blom and Brabander to lock horns heads up, and despite Blom being something of a one-on-one specialist, it was Brabander who emerged victorious to net 5,000, leaving Blom to collect the 3,000 consolation prize. Amazingly, this was Brabanders third consecutive win in Unibet Pokers invitational Battle Royale. The Belgian ambassador may not play as much poker as she once did as she is eyeing a career in politics, but she showed she still has what it takes to be successful at the poker table. Poker is a game of confidence," Brabander said said after her win. "I didnt want to know who I was up against and their past achievements in case it got intimidating. Saying that, I really wanted to go heads up against Viktor and beat him! Alan Hotted89 Widmann Wins the eSports Battle Royale In addition to the invitational Battle Royale, Unibet Poker ran an eSports Battle Royale where several prominent eSports specialists swapped their computer mice for playing cards. German Twitch star Alan Hotted89 Widmann, who regularly has 200,000 followers watching him play Counter Strike Global Offensive, walked away with the 5,000 top prize after staging an epic comeback in the heads-up battle with onscreenlol, who won 3,000. Third place and 2,000 went to Swedens forsen. Follow the Unibet Open London Updates on PokerNews The PokerNews Live Reporting team is in London and is covering the Unibet Open London festival. To follow the updates, click here. WATCH: PokerStars Top 5 Hollywood Hands February 23, 2017 PokerNews Staff Sometimes in life, stories seem to perfect even for Hollywood. That holds true in the poker world as well. The crazy action, all the bad beats and royal flushes we've witnessed over the years, don't even seem real sometimes. Well, PokerStars went through their extensive video archive and tracked down the five craziest hands for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy. 5. Three in One In the Prague Main Event in 2015, Chris Walker open-shoved for 985,000 under the gun. The extremely short-stacked Marc Macdonnell opted to call off his last 165,000. Ilkin Amirov called from the cutoff and then Javier Gomez moved all in over the top for 2.58 million in the big blind. For those who arent paying attention, thats a four-way all in with three players at risk. And then, boom. A triple elimination just as quick from Amirov. The dealer burned one last time and put out a six. Amirovs kings held. My telephone was bursting after that pot, Amirov said. I dont think Ill ever forget that pot. 4. Quads are Good On Poker After Dark, Phil Ivey and Huck Seed were heads up playing for a winner-take-all prize of $600,000. Seed held a pair of eights on the button. He raised to 20,000. Ivey held a pocket pair of sixes and re-raised. Seed went all in and Ivey called. It was over just as quickly as it started. Seed flopped two eights to secure the win. 3. Royalties At the PCA, Paul Tedeschi was all in with a set of queens on a flop against Fabian Chauriye Rabah and Phillip McAllister, with the latter two involved in a side pot. The betting continued on the turn, and then the completed the board. Rabah bet 300,000 on the river and McAllister went all in. I know that youre sick but I dont know if youre that sick, Rabah said. McAllister told him to flip a coin. Rabah made a wise decision. 2. Fortunes Turned In 2012 in Barcelona, five players saw a flop of and fireworks ensued. Aleksandrs Poplavskis bet 6,500. Rune Nikolaisen called. Vladimir Troyanovskiy went all in. Poplavskis reshoved, and Troyanovskiy called to create a massive pot. Poplavskis had the best of it with a flopped full house, but a ten on the turn improved Nikolaisen to a better full house. Then a jack on the river gave the pot to Troyanovskiy, who improved to queens full of jacks. You can't even make that up. 1. No Subtitles Needed At the Brazilian Series of Poker, Ricardo Santana went all in on a board of , putting Ciro Gomes at risk for all of his chips. Gomes called and discovered that his set of kings was behind Santana's set of aces. Then the river revealed a king, giving Gomes the one-outer for quads. The issue has been primarily with an entanglement of Title V federal funding that pays the salaries of the ProStart instructor and GCCs other (career and technical education) programs in the public high schools." Mary Okada, president, Guam Community College Numerous offers have been made over the past 24 hours to help a local high school team of chefs make the trip to a national competition in Charleston, South Carolina, in April. Department of Administration Director Christine Baleto said yesterday afternoon her department is ready to cut a $24,000 check if thats what it would cost for the team from Okkodo High School to compete at the national ProStart competition. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. The Okkodo team won the local competition last week that made its members earn the right to represent Guam at the national level, which has, in previous years, resulted in Guam teams placing high or winning gold. The winning team in the past has received coverage from The Food Network. Solving a funding constraint Guam Community College runs the local ProStart program, which provides culinary skills training to high school students who want to be chefs. But when GCC a few days ago stated that a funding constraint could keep the team from making the trip, government officials went into action yesterday and held meetings until it became clear to them what the issues are and how to resolve them so the Guam team can make the trip in April. Sen. Joe San Agustin, governors Special Assistant Eric Palacios, Department of Administration Director Christine Baleto, acting Guam Department of Education Superintendent Joe Sanchez and others held meetings and made phone calls to pinpoint the cause of the snag and how to resolve it. San Agustin said the problem lies in the paperwork for the federal grant dollars provided to GDOE for programs such as the culinary program for public high school students at GCC. For some reason, the paperwork for continued federal funding under the grant wasnt completed at the GDOE level, so there was concern over whether the entire program and not just the teams trip for the national competition would be able to continue, San Agustin said. Okkodo will compete What's now clear, San Agustin said, is that the team from Okkodo will definitely be competing at the national ProStart event. The issue has been primarily with an entanglement of Title V federal funding that pays the salaries of the ProStart instructor and GCCs other (career and technical education) programs in the public high schools, Mary Okada, GCC president, said in a statement. Okada said the ProStart team is not able to go on the trip without its instructor. Now that the instructor funding issue is on its way to resolution, Okada said GCC is assembling alternative means, using airline mileage and other resources, to make the trip a reality for these hardworking, talented future chefs. Funding for the trip itself was not the core issue, she said. Although we are behind in our allotments, Gov. Calvo and Ms. Baleto have always been responsive to our requests for money. Okada noted that GCC is grateful to the many members of the community, and most especially GCCs partner businesses in the CTE programs, for their offers to help with the situation. Okada mentioned the possible use of airline mileage and other offers of support before she heard about Baletos statement yesterday afternoon, in an interview with The Guam Daily Post, that the Department of Administration stood ready to cut a $24,000 check to cover the cost of the entire trip. Baleto said the Department of Administration was unaware that the trip didnt have funding, so now that the department is aware, it would be paid for. NIX Solutions gave a new life to its popular packing and travel organizer uPackingList for iPhone and Android. It turns packing into a fast and convenient way of preparing for any journey using a unique algorithm for the list creation. Contact Oxana Bakina Marketing Manager ***@nixsolutions.com Oxana BakinaMarketing Manager End -- NIX Solutions Limited is proud to announce a new brand version of uPackinglist app.Journeys became an integral part of life for many people. No matter whether it is a business trip or a family one. Since 2009 uPackingList app has become popular among avid travelers. It is impossible to overstate the importance of time and no one wants to spend a lot of time on creating a packing list but at the same time everyone understands that the trip can be screwed up easily if you miss out some important documents or things.So, NIX Solutions had to solve this problem."We decided that people need some kind of packing Helper, which will be quite clever to pack all needed things automatically based on specified parameters, and a user just needs to add a few custom items to finish his/her packing. It would save a lot of time" - said Oxana Bakina, Mobile Marketing Manager at NIX Solutions - "All our colleagues go on business trips a lot, team buildings, family vacations, summer and winter journeys and others. So, we have developed our Helper based on thousand answers from real travelers and their wide experience."The helper feature has become the main breakthrough in the new version. NIX Solutions has developed a unique algorithm allowing to make a list that meets the needs of even the most demanding users. You just need to specify the gender, type, location and dates of your trip. The Helper checks the forecast and offers you a list of things to pack. It takes not more than three minutes and stress-free packing is guaranteed.uPackingList app is available on App Store and Google Play Virtual Doctor Visits Coming To Florida's Treasure Coast Thanks To Vero Beach Native, Dr. Graves Fromang. By: Treasure Coast Telecare Contact Dr. Graves Fromang ***@pdgo.com Dr. Graves Fromang End -- Native Dr. Graves Fromang is returning to the Treasure Coast from residency training in emergency medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi.Dr. Fromang is opening a new business, Treasure Coast Telecare, which will offer "Virtual Doctor Visits" for only $65.The impetus to provide virtual appointments and consultations via telemedicine was born from the fact that urgent care, walk-in clinics and emergency rooms are becoming more crowded, and patients are having a harder time getting follow up appointments, or getting timely non-emergent treatment.Dr. Fromang believes that telemedicine can bridge that gap and provide patients with an affordable alternative access to healthcare providers. Dr. Fromang serves as the president and founder of Treasure Coast Telecare.Dr. Fromang is board certified in emergency medicine by the American Board of Emergency Medicine and is a fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine.For more information: Supergeo is glad to announce PT Adaro Indonesia, one of the largest mining and energy groups in Indonesia, has selected SuperSurv to assist spatial data collection. Contact Eugene Tseng ***@supergeo.com.tw Eugene Tseng End -- Supergeo is glad to announce that PT Adaro Indonesia has selected SuperSurv to assist spatial data collection in the field.Founded in 1982, Jakarta, PT Adaro Indonesia is the core subsidiary of Adaro Energy, one of the largest mining and energy group in Indonesia. Adaro Group operates the biggest single-site coal mine in the southern hemisphere in Kalimantan.SuperSurv is one of the most popular GIS apps of Supergeo and supports two mainstream mobile operating systems- iOS and Android. Other than general GIS capabilities like spatial data creation and deletion, SuperSurv can reach sub-meter precision with ease by its NTRIP solution. The support for OGC standard WMS and WMTS can help users integrate various online resources in the field.For a coal mining company, SuperSurv is an ideal tool to measure the perimeter of the pit and estimate the volume of extracted coal. By integrating these data with other information, the manager can arrange the schedule and make decisions in a more precise way.In the first half of 2017, Supergeo Product Team will release the brand-new SuperSurv 10. Other than the overall improvement in performance, many new features like the support for Geospatial PDF, WFS-T, Google Drive and Dropbox storage, and Quick Report will certainly boost your productivity.Sign up and get a free trial of SuperSurv 3.3:Know more about Adaro Energy Group: Contact Edward Thomas ***@njcs.org Edward Thomas End -- Bergen County Prepare to be "razzle-dazzled"as the New Jersey Choral Society presents "" The NJCS Pops Spectacular will focus on the musicals of the multi-award-winning choreographer and director Bob Fosse. Performances will be held on Saturday, March 11 at 8:00 pm and on Sunday, March 12 at 3:00 pm at the Immaculate Heart Academy, 500 Van Emburgh Ave., Washington Township.The rousing program, under the direction of Eric Dale Knapp, features show-stopping songs from such Broadway musicals as "," "" and "." Some of the song highlights include "All That Jazz," "Razzle Dazzle" and "Cell Block Tango" from ";" "Magic to Do," "Corner of the Sky," "Morning Glow" and "No Time At All" from "" and "Big Spender," "The Rhythm of Life," "I'm a Brass Band" and "If My Friends Could See Me Now" from "." "Steam Heat" from "" and "Sing, Sing, Sing" by Louis Prima, based on Benny Goodman's original hit, will also be featured.Linda Sweetman-Waters will accompany NJCS on the piano along with the Pops Spectacular Band. The NJCS Festival Youth Chorus, directed by Noelle Dachis, will join NJCS as well as special guests, the Pops Spectacular Dance Troupe. Several talented soloists and vocal ensembles from NJCS will also be featured and Broadway veteran actor and his wife David and Britt Cryer will serve as the hosts.Advance tickets are $25.00 for adults and $22.00 for students and seniors (add $5.00 at the door). A 10% discount for groups of 10 or more is also available. Come one hour prior to performance time for, a complimentary lecture for all ticket holders that provides an intimate and entertaining preview of the music. For reservations or more information, visitor call the New Jersey Choral Society at (201) 379-7719.Established in 1980, the New Jersey Choral Society is one of the state's most prestigious choral groups, well-known for presenting outstanding and unique programs. Under the direction of Eric Dale Knapp, NJCS performs three major concerts annually in Bergen and Essex counties. They have performed at Carnegie Hall and the White House and have toured internationally in Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, China, Australia, England, France and next summer in Italy.Immaculate Heart Academy is wheelchair accessible. Funding has been made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Mahindra Ecole Centrale(MEC), an Indo-French engineering college, hosted Sugata Mitra, an eminent educationist, on the campus for a talk on the "Future of Learning". By: Mahindra Ecole Centrale 3P5A2891 Contact 181, Anand Vihar, Pitampura, New Delhi-34 ***@finesepr.com 43056200 181, Anand Vihar, Pitampura, New Delhi-3443056200 End --Mahindra Ecole Centrale(MEC), an Indo-French engineering college, hosted Sugata Mitra, an eminent educationist, on the campus for a talk on the "Future of Learning".This talk, a part of the Thought Leadership Series at MEC, showcased to the students a paradigm shift in education with the focus shifting from formal schooling to Self organized learning Environments and Cloud Learning.Mahindra Ecole Centrale's Thought Leadership Series is a series of talks and events focused on exposing the students to the thinking of the leaders in different categories, be it in Engineering, Business, Social Service or Education. MEC has been fortunate to have on campus leading luminaries like the Late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Sir David Payne(the Father of Internet telephony), Nobel Laureate Prof Serge Haroche(Nobel Prize in Physics 2012), among others, who have spent time with the students and shared their works with them."We firmly believe that a students' holistic development will happen only with them engaging with the leading lights in the world. It is our endeavor to expose our students to different aspects of life, Engineering and Business, so that their holistic development becomes a well established process', says Dr. R. Shrivastava, Director, Mahindra Ecole Centrale. "It was a privilege to have a leader such as Dr. Mitra in our midst. We are sure that our students were impressed by the sheer brilliance of such a versatile intellect and his thought process", he adds.Prof. Sugata Mitra is a well known educationist and a Professor of Educational Technology at the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences at Newcastle University, UK. He conducted the Hole in the Wall (HIW) experiment, where in the year 1999 a computer was embedded within a wall in an Indian slum at Kalkaji, Delhi and children were allowed to freely use it. The experiment aimed at proving that kids could be taught computers very easily without any formal training. Sugata termed this as Minimally Invasive Education (MIE). He is the recipient of many awards from India, the UK, USA and many other countries in the world. He won the TED Prize of US $1 Million in 2013 for his work. His interests include Children's Education, Remote Presence, Self-organising systems, Cognitive Systems, Physics and Consciousness. and educational technology.In his talk, Prof. Sugata Mitra took the students through the origins of, to the dematerialisation of institutions. From over 17 years of experiments with children's education, Prof. Mitra has reached a series of startling results children, in groups, can form 'self organising systems' that results in emergent learning, they can achieve educational objectives on their own and read on their own. Finally, the most startling of them all: Groups of children with access to the Internet can learn anything by themselves.The mechanism of this kind of learning seems similar to the appearance of spontaneous order, or 'emergent phenomena' in chaotic systems. From the slums of India, to the villages of India and Cambodia, to poor schools in Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, the USA and Italy, to the schools of Gateshead and the rich international schools of Washington and Hong Kong, Prof. Mitra's experimental results show a strange new future for learning.Prof. Mitra, used the 2013 TED Prize, to build seven 'Schools in the Cloud', where Self Organised Learning Environments (SOLEs) and a 'Granny Cloud' of mediators over the Internet, interact with unsupervised children. The results of thisthree-year study are not yet fully analysed, but Prof. Mitra presented some of the preliminary findings.He showed the students some glimpses of what schools should be for and what curricular, pedagogic and assessment changes will be required in the future. The talk was well received by the students community and the post talk engagement with a man as learned as Prof. Sugata Mitra left the students spellbound and completely enthralled. He opened up a completely new dimension of the learning system for all those present. Gustave White Sotheby's International Realty is pleased to announce the sale of the historic "Bigelow Carriage House", a restored residence located at 79 Second Street in Newport's beautiful Point neighborhood. By: Gustave White Sothebys International Realty Contact Lisa Babbitt lbabbitt@gustavewhite.com Lisa Babbitt End -- Gustave White Sotheby's International Realty is pleased to announce the sale of the historic "Bigelow Carriage House", a restored residence located at 79 Second Street in Newport's beautiful Point neighborhood. The property sold today for $1,675,000.This is the highest sale price in the Historic Point neighborhood since 2012 according to Rhode Island MLS records. Jay Serzan and Jose Aguon of Gustave White Sotheby's International Realty represented the buyer. The listing agents were Judy Chace and Eric Kirton of Mott & Chace Sotheby's International Realty.The 'Bigelow Carriage House' is an early commission of Charles McKim whose firm, McKim, Mead and White, is recognized for making important contributions to American architecture and credited for creating "the shingled cottage vernacular" that defines the homes of coastal New England.About Gustave White Sotheby's International RealtyGustave White Sotheby's International Realty is a full-service agency specializing in waterfront and luxury real estate and serving all of Rhode Island, including Block Island, as well as southeast Connecticut and coastal Massachusetts. Gustave White has been in business for over 80 years as a leader in the luxury market and became Sotheby's first affiliate in 1976. Gustave White is also the Rhode Island Regent member of Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate. Paul A. Leys, Co-owner of Gustave White Sotheby's Int'l Realty, may be reached at 401-848-6706 or at pleys@gustavewhite.com for more information ( http://www.gustavewhite.com/ ).About Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLCFounded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby's International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. In February 2004, Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services, entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby's, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby's International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system by Realogy's subsidiary, Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC. Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational, and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby's auction house, established in 1744. A push by Omaha's school board to put that district's employee pension plan under state control drew across-the-board skepticism during a legislative hearing Thursday. The plan has a projected $680 million in unmet liability, and lawmakers and other state officials expressed concern that the rest of Nebraska would be forced to help foot Omaha's bill. "The biggest concern that I have is, we're sitting here with a $900 million shortfall in our own budget, and our plans are not funded at 100 percent yet either," said Sen. Mark Kolterman of Seward, chairman of the Legislature's Nebraska Retirement Systems Committee. "So in essence, you're asking us to help you get out of a hole you've dug yourself," Kolterman told Lou Ann Goding, a member of the Omaha Board of Education. Goding said the district hopes some of the gap will be addressed by improved investment returns. She said merging the Omaha plan with the state-managed retirement plan for other school employees across Nebraska would cut back on administrative costs. While an independent board, the Omaha School Employees' Retirement System manages most components of the district's pension plan, but the state took control of its investment portfolio this year. Goding said the OPS board unanimously supports putting the rest of the plan under state control. Omaha Sen. Brett Lindstrom, who sponsored the measure to consolidate the plans (LB548), said he intended to start a conversation about how it could be better managed and has no interest in the state taking on any additional financial burden. The state already oversees five separate retirement plans for state and county workers, judges, state troopers and school employees from other districts across Nebraska. Groups representing members of the Omaha plan also opposed combining it with the state's school plan, arguing it could make the system less responsive. A lobbyist for the Nebraska State Education Association, the state teacher's union, opposed the merger as well and suggested the state retirement system should have a physical presence in Omaha before taking on the 12,000 members of that plan. State retirement system Director Phyllis Chambers said the merger "seems like a good idea on the surface" but would come at "enormous cost" to the state. Kolterman said similar efforts have taken up to 10 years to complete. "I understand the need the long-term need," he said. New public and in-house training courses announced. (Birmingham and Basel) By: Maetrics End -- Maetrics, a leading global management consulting firm providing life sciences companies with deep quality, compliance, and regulatory solutions has launched its new series of public and in-house training courses for 2017. The independently CPD certified public training courses, provide company staff at all levels of development with key skills to understand the regulatory environment at this time of change.The courses will be held in Birmingham with selected courses also available in Basel, Switzerland and can be accessed in an approachable one or two day format. Specifically, the theme of the new Medical Device Regulation (MDR) will be covered in a two-day training course. Thesession aims to provide businesses with a practical overview of the major features of the Medical Devices Directive and of the new Medical Device Regulation. In this changing regulatory environment the course will help ground an understanding of key terminology, product classification, conformity assessment routes, Technical Files and Essential Requirements, while at the same time looking ahead at impending changes.Thecourse provides quality professionals in the medical devices industry with a practical guide to staying EN ISO 13485 compliant and having a programme of internal audits to support that. The course aims to equip delegates with the skills toplan, conduct, report and follow up an internal audit, and evaluate any corrective and preventive actions arising from the audit.Early-booking rates are available: EN ISO 13485 Internal Auditor- 29/30March and 13/14September CE Markings 93/42/EEC and the new MDR, Birmingham -6/7July and 12/13SeptemberPeter Rose, Managing Director of Maetrics, comments, "The in-house and public courses, which accommodate a limited number of participants to ensure that they are run as interactive workshops are a key part of our varied and ranging service portfolio. They complement our consultancy services and complete our offering to the life sciences industry. Through our classes, businesses can provide staff with easy to manage, focused and interactive introductions to specific regulatory, quality and compliance aspects."Visit www.maetrics.co.uk for more information or contact us on +44 (0)115 921 6200 for dates and venues.--- end ---Founded in 1984, Maetrics is a global life sciences consulting firm focused exclusively on regulatory, quality, and compliance solutions for Medical Device, Diagnostic, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology companies. With offices throughout Europe and North America, Maetrics can assist with local, regional, or global compliance needs. Dave Cox, Middleton Idaho DUI Analyst and Consultant, recently concluded multiple DUI Seminars in South Carolina, helping DUI attorneys win more DUI cases. Contact Dave Cox ***@yourduipro.com Dave Cox End --Your DUI Pro, recently traveled to South Carolina to present his well-received "Winning DUI Cases" Seminar. Dave visited Florence, Myrtle Beach, and Charleston; South Carolina to deliver the seminar to some of South Carolina's best DUI attorneys. Dave Cox taught these Attorneys how to win DUI cases using NHTSA Manuals and advanced cross-examination techniques.The attorneys who attended Dave Cox's DUI Seminar, "Winning DUI Cases", had great things to say about their experience. Here are some testimonials from some of South Carolina's best DUI attorneys:"This is my third seminar with Your DUI Pro. Mr. Cox does not waste time with theoretical and esoteric information that is not helpful. Rather, he provides practical knowledge that helps win cases. He also gives unique tips that allow me to streamline trial prep and run a more efficient practice. I highly recommend Dave Cox and Your DUI Pro!"Franklin Joyner - Cheraw, South Carolina"The best DUI seminar I've ever attended. Bar none."Mark Desser - Florence, South Carolina"This program is very informative and would be helpful to any attorney who handles DUI's"Jeffrey Morris - Surfside Beach, South Carolina"Great CLE!"William Nowicki - Rock Hill, South Carolina"The most productive & informative CLE of the year."Merritt Farmer - Charleston, South Carolina"Excellently presented & informative. Don't waste money on other CLEs. Learn something from this one!"Brian James - Easley, South CarolinaDave Cox, DUI Analyst and Consultant, has personally trained thousands of attorneys across the United States. Dave is a former police officer and, during his career, he was recognized as one of the top DUI officers in the country. As an officer, Dave Cox was certified as a Drug Recognition Expert, the highest level of training available to DUI enforcement officers. Dave now specializes in training attorneys how to easily and effectively use the officer, the officer's training, and the officer's NHTSA Manuals to win DUI Cases.In the upcoming weeks, Dave Cox will be presenting his DUI Seminar to attorneys in Texas, Georgia, Illinois, and Indiana. Dave will be visiting the following cities:Amarillo, Lubbock, and El Paso; TexasValdosta, Savannah, and Macon; GeorgiaChampaign, Peoria, and Springfield;IllinoisFort Worth, Tyler, and Dallas; TexasEvansville, Terre Haute, and Indianapolis;IndianaTo register for upcoming seminars, please visit http://www.YourDUIPro.com/ seminars To learn more about Dave Cox and Your DUI Pro, please visit http://www.YourDUIPro.com Some of Africa's most iconic regional power events in East, West and Central Africa, including EAPIC and WAPIC, have been renamed to Future Energy, reflecting the optimism and potential of the energy and power sectors on the continent. By: Future Energy East Africa The industry is changing and so is the role of the traditional utility Media Contact Future Energy East Africa annemarie.roodbol@ spintelligent.com +27217003500 Future Energy East Africa+27217003500 End -- Some of Africa's most iconic regional power events in East, West and Central Africa, including EAPIC and WAPIC, have been renamed to, reflecting the optimism and potential of the energy and power sectors on the continent."Energy is fundamental to economic development of every country, driven bypopulation increase and industrialisation, with a landscape of depleting fossil fuels and climate change," says Claire O'Connell, the event director of thePower Portfolio at the event organiser Spintelligent.She continues: "the energy industry is changing and so is the role of the traditional utility. This shift is creating enormous and exciting opportunities:we are seeing more IPPs, more distributed generation, more micro grids and more off grid solutions and it is not just on a commercial scale, we are seeing these changes at community level too. As the technology behind renewable energy evolves, more and more consumers will cut their ties with incumbent utilities and become their own source of power."She adds: "in the next 10 years we can expect significant advances in generation technology and storage as well as better energy management and increased efficiencies. Most of the continent is experiencing these changes in some form and with abundant natural energy resources and a general drive towards building environmentally cleaner energy, is creating an increase in foreign direct investment into the region. With ourevents we will continue to stimulate discussions and bring together the players and movers in the industry to shape and develop this continent."With its 19edition taking place in November in Nairobi this year,, formerly EAPIC, is the largest and longest running regional power and energy conference and exhibition in the region, attracting stakeholders from 12 countries, utilising Nairobi as accessible hub. The 2017 venue has a unique environment to facilitate networking for some 400 regional conference delegates, and a full programme of events addressing the challenges and opportunities of the industry including country spotlights, Industry Awards, an East African Utility CEO Forum, and technical demonstrations and cases studies from more than 100 leading international suppliers.Website: http://www.future- energy-eastafrica.com/ Also taking place in November in Lagos,has evolved from the West African Power Industry Convention (WAPIC). This energy conference and expo addresses the Nigerian power crisis through industry connectivity and creative solutions. After 14 years of successfully driving new and existing industry relationships across the region, WAPIC has established its base in Nigeria to support the privatisation of the Nigerian power space. A country going through a tough economic cycle, compounded by a struggling energy sector, it is now that the platform of a meeting place to engage industry stakeholders keen to represent the sector is more important than ever.Website: http://www.future- energy-nigeria.com/ is a two-day Ugandan project investment forum and exhibition taking place in Kampala from 13-14 September and will showcase projects that are in the pipeline. The forum discussions will include policies, tax and rebates, project briefings, ROIs and project implementation. The event will provide a unique platform for investors, government and the private sector to discuss and network in support of the Ugandan power expansion plans and 2030 vision.Website: http://www.future-energy-uganda.com/(formerly) is a regional strategic gathering from 2-3 October in Yaounde that will allow neighbouring Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Sao Tome and Principe to share their expertise, project developments and plans in order to facilitate regional grid integration. This two day conference and supplier exhibition will support the new up and coming energy sector in Central Africa.Website: http://www.future-energy-centralafrica.com/Part of the power portfolio isan event that has been running for 17 consecutive years and has established itself as the largest power and water utilities exhibition and conference on the African continent. It isplace from 16-18 May 2017 at the CTICC in Cape Town, gathering over 7000 decision makers in the power and water sectors from more than 40 countries to source the latest solutions and meet over 300 suppliers. The expo will feature free to attend technical workshops and technology demonstrations and a coveted industry awards evening.recently won the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) award for the Best Trade Exhibition 6001-12000 sqm category.Website: http://www.african-utility-week.comand theseries of events are organised by Spintelligent, a multi-award-winning producer of exhibitions and conferences across the continent in the infrastructure, real estate, energy, mining, agriculture and education sectors. Other well-known events by Spintelligent include Agritech Expo Zambia, CBM-TEC, Kenya Mining Forum, iPAD Nigeria Mining Forum, DRC Mining Week and EduWeek. Spintelligent is part of the UK-based Clarion Events Group.Senior communications manager: Annemarie RoodbolTelephone: +27 21 700 3558Mobile: +27 82 562 7844Email: annemarie.roodbol@spintelligent.comWeb: http://www.spintelligent.com By: Darla Liebl This award is presented to companies whose business model focuses on SMBs. Contact Darla Liebl ***@resultstechnology.com Darla Liebl End -- RESULTS Technology, a managed computer services company with offices in Kansas City and St. Louis, announced today that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named RESULTS Technology to its 2017 Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Pioneer 250 category. This annual list recognizes North American solution providers with cutting-edge approaches to delivering managed services. Their offerings help companies navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of IT, improve operational efficiencies, and maximize their return on IT investments.In today's fast-paced business environments, MSPs play an important role in helping companies leverage new technologies without straining their budgets or losing focus on their core business. CRN's MSP 500 list shines a light on the most forward-thinking and innovative of these key organizations.The list is divided into three categories: the MSP Pioneer 250, recognizing companies with business models weighted toward managed services and largely focused on the SMB market; the MSP Elite 150, recognizing large, data center-focused MSPs with a strong mix of on-premise and off-premise services; and the Managed Security 100, recognizing MSPs focused primarily on off-premise, cloud-based security services.RESULTS was chosen because of their exceptional business model of providing proactive managed IT support for small and medium-sized businesses."Managed service providers play an increasingly important role in the day-to-day operations of businesses across North America," said Robert Faletra, CEO of The Channel Company. "MSPs help organizations streamline their spending, effectively allocate limited resources, and benefit from advanced expertise in the latest technologies. We congratulate the service providers on CRN's 2017 MSP500 list, who have continually succeeded in meeting their customers' changing needs and help them get the most out of their IT investments.""This award is specifically awarded to managed service providers for their successful business model. This award validates that RESULTS is providing our clients with the right solution," said Aaron Hite, Vice President. "RESULTS Technology is based on the concept that we deliver "Worry-Free IT" by managing, measuring, reporting, using, and maximizing our customer's IT assets. It's a great business model and it works. To receive an award for it is just icing on the cake.""I'm very proud to be part of an exceptional team of people who are committed to excellence in everything they do. RESULTS Technology has not only transformed current IT practices by focusing on the person rather than the technology, but is leading the way in bringing "Worry-free IT" to small business owners across Kansas City and St. Louis," said John French," Chairman and CEO of RESULTS Technology.The MSP500 list will be featured in the February 2017 issue of CRN and online at http://www.CRN.com/ msp500 RESULTS Technology is a leading provider of proactive IT solutions for small and midsized businesses. Founded in 1992, our full-service technology solutions provide our clients with the peace of mind that their network and the invaluable data it holds are properly maintained and secure. All of our services are delivered with a consultative approach and supported by our own in-house expert team of engineers. RESULTS Technology is one of only a few IT companies in the region who have an SSAE16 certification. RESULTS Technology is consistently ranked as one of the best IT firms in both Kansas City and St. Louis. In 2016, MSP Mentor ranked RESULTS as #2 in Kansas City on its list of Top Managed Service Providers. RESULTS was also ranked #1 in Kansas and #2 in Missouri by Channel E2E on its list of Top U.S. Managed Service Providers for Banks. Visit http://www.resultstechnology.com for more information. Wihlborgs has signed a lease with the housing developer JM for 1,400 m in the city block, Sirius, under construction in Nyhamnen in Malmo. Sirius is adjacent to Malmo central station, next door to the Slagthuset property and the building that currently houses JM. We need new premises, but woul... [] MRI screening improves early diagnosis of breast cancer in all women-not only those at high risk-according to a new study from Germany published online in the journal Radiology. MRI has long been known as an effective breast cancer screening modality that offers better sensitivity than mammography and ultrasound. Currently, guidelines reserve breast MRI screening for women who have a strong family history or other specific breast cancer risk factors. MRI screening has not been considered necessary for women at average risk, and there has been resistance to expansion of MRI into this population due, in part, to concern over higher costs. However, with breast cancer remaining a major cause of cancer death in women, there is good reason to pursue the search for improved screening methods, according to the study's lead author, Christiane Kuhl, M.D., chair of the Department of Radiology at RWTH Aachen University in Aachen, Germany. Between 2005 and 2013, Dr. Kuhl and colleagues studied breast MRI's impact on 2,120 women, ages 40 to 70, with less than a 15 percent lifetime risk of breast cancer. The women had normal screening mammograms and, in the case of those with dense breast tissue, normal screening ultrasound. Breast MRI detected 60 additional breast cancers, including 40 invasive cancers, for an overall supplemental cancer detection rate of 15.5 per 1,000 women. Of the 60 cancers detected in the study group over the observation period (7,007 screening rounds), 59 were found only using MRI, one was found also by mammography, and none by mammography or ultrasound alone. According to Dr. Kuhl, the results suggest that MRI can serve as a useful supplemental screening tool for women at average risk, especially those with dense mammographic tissue, and that MRI is superior to supplemental ultrasound for this purpose. The results also highlight the ability of MRI in the detection of more aggressive types of cancer. "The faster a cancer grows and the better it is in seeding metastases, the better will it be picked up early by MRI," Dr. Kuhl said. "In our cohort, cancers found by MRI alone exhibited features of rapid growth at pathology." This ability is especially important in women with dense breast tissue in which aggressive cancers may be missed on mammography. Left undetected, these cancers will grow to become clinically palpable cancers, also known as interval cancers. The new study showed that, consistent with previous research, breast MRI can depict these rapidly growing cancers with high reliability. According to Dr. Kuhl, interval cancers exhibit an adverse biologic profile and are the main driver of breast cancer mortality. Additional cancers detected by MRI screening in the study had a skewed distribution towards a higher-than-normal prevalence or incidence of rapidly growing (grade 3) cancers. "The interval cancer rate in our study was zero percent. Not a single cancer was undetected that became palpable," she said. "This suggests that MRI finds breast cancers that also mammography would find, but MRI detects them earlier, and it finds the cancers which, if MRI had not been done, would have progressed to interval cancers." A team of researchers with Dr Tiddo J. Mooibroek of the University of Amsterdam's Van 't Hoff Institute of Molecular Sciences (HIMS) argue that the nitrate anion (NO3) can display a counterintuitive Lewis acidity. Their findings, reported this week in Nature Communications, may serve as a (retrospective) guide to interpret data involving the chemical behaviour of nitrate anions, which are ubiquitous in nature. Chemistry is all about electrons. The behaviour of atoms and molecules (their acidity, reactivity, molecular configuration and so forth) depends largely on the distribution of their electrons. In general chemists are able to make fairly accurate predictions using a comprehensive set of rules containing the 'chemical rationale' derived from the electronic properties. However, once in a while reality defies this 'chemical common sense'. A striking example has just been published in Nature Communications by HIMS researcher Dr Tiddo J. Mooibroek in collaboration with scientists from the Balearic Islands (Spain). They argue that under certain circumstances nitrate anions (NO3-) can display a counterintuitive Lewis acidity: the nitrate anions can act as electron acceptors while they are generally considered as electron donors. New interpretation of data The researchers show that the nitrate anions can interact favorably with electron rich entities in the solid state. However, their reasoning seems valid for NO3- in solution as well. As nitrate anions are very common in chemistry and biology, the researchers anticipate that their findings may serve as a (retrospective) guide to interpret data where nitrate anions are involved. Examples are ortho nitrate (NO42-) formation; cases where NO3-anions may be a structural determinant (such as in 3EZH proteins); or transport and recognition phenomena involving this ubiquitous anion. A Lewis acidic site emerging on the nitrogen atom By means of computational calculations the researchers show that when the nitrate's charge is sufficiently dampened by resonating over a larger area, a Lewis acidic site emerges on the nitrogen atom. Computations further predict that in such circumstances electron rich partners (e.g. anions or lone-pair electrons) interact favorably with the Lewis acidic site. Experimental support for this idea was found by surveys of the solid state structures contained within the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) and the Brookhaven Protein Data Bank (PDB). These studies revealed geometric preferences of some oxygen and sulfur containing entities around a nitrate anion that are consistent with an interaction between the Lewis acidic site on N and the electron rich O/S. Computations of selected examples reveal donor-acceptor orbital interactions that confirm the counterintuitive Lewis acidity of nitrate. Unique set of properties Contemplating what other anions might be capable of displaying such behavior (using other atoms than hydrogen) the researchers argue that nitrate actually has a rather unique set of properties that sets it apart from other common anions in this respect: NO3- is fairly polarized and further polarizable, not so charge-dense, and nitrate is flat, rendering the Lewis acidic site sterically accessible. Together with colleagues from New Zealand, Senckenberg scientist Dr. Gerald Mayr described a recently discovered fossil of a giant penguin with a body length of around 150 centimeters. The new find dates back to the Paleocene era and, with an age of approx. 61 million years, counts among the oldest penguin fossils in the world. The bones differ significantly from those of other discoveries of the same age and indicate that the diversity of Paleocene penguins was higher than previously assumed. In their study, published in the Springer scientific journal The Science of Nature, the team of scientists therefore postulates that the evolution of penguins started much earlier than previously thought, probably already during the age of dinosaurs. The fossil sites along the Waipara River in New Zealand's Canterbury region are well known for their avian fossils, which were embedded in marine sand a mere 4 million years after the dinosaurs became extinct. "Among the finds from these sites, the skeletons of Waimanu, the oldest known penguin to date, are of particular importance," explains Dr. Gerald Mayr of the Senckenberg Research Institute in Frankfurt. Together with colleagues from the Canterbury Museum in New Zealand, Mayr now described a newly discovered penguin fossil from the famous fossil site. "What sets this fossil apart are the obvious differences compared to the previously known penguin remains from this period of geological history," explains the ornithologist from Frankfurt, and he continues, "The leg bones we examined show that during its lifetime, the newly described penguin was significantly larger than its already described relatives. Moreover, it belongs to a species that is more closely related to penguins from later time periods." According to the researchers, the newly described penguin lived about 61 million years ago and reached a body length of approx. 150 centimeters -- making it almost as big as Anthropornis nordenskjoeldi, the largest known fossil penguin, which lived in Antarctica around 45 to 33 million years ago, thus being much younger in geological terms. "This shows that penguins reached an enormous size quite early in their evolutionary history, around 60 million years ago," adds Mayr. In addition, the team of scientists from New Zealand and Germany assumes that the newly discovered penguin species also differed from their more primitive relatives in the genus Waimanu in their mode of locomotion: The large penguins presumably already moved with the upright, waddling gait characteristic for today's penguins. "The discoveries show that penguin diversity in the early Paleocene was clearly higher than we previously assumed," says Mayr, and he adds, "In turn, this diversity indicates that the first representatives of penguins already arose during the age of dinosaurs, more than 65 million years ago." After almost four decades, an elusive, eyeless catfish measuring less than an inch now has a name and a detailed description, thanks to two scientists from the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University: Micromyzon orinoco. Two specimens of the catfish were caught in its namesake river, the Orinoco, near Ciudad Guyana in Venezuela during the US-Venezuelan Orinoco Delta Expeditions of 1978-79. But this isn't Pokemon: You don't suddenly identify a new animal once it's in hand -- even if you already have a pretty good idea what it is. "We knew what these fish were upon capture," said John Lundberg, PhD, emeritus professor in Drexel's College of Arts and Sciences and emeritus curator of the Academy, who was a part of the expedition. "But the devil is in the details." Careful examination and comparison of existing species must be done to properly identify a new animal species, and that's something that can take some time. Being that there are only two known specimens collected, both held in the Ichthyology Collection of the Academy, there wasn't going to be much outside help coming to Lundberg or the lead author of the paper identifying M. orinoco, Tiago Carvalho, an Academy researcher who is also a faculty member at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. Carvalho and Lundberg were able to describe the fish with help from ichthyological collaborators based in California, Alabama and Brazil One of the main reasons why there are only two specimens of the catfish is its miniature size and preferred habitat. First, the M. orinoco doesn't even measure an inch long. The larger specimen was about 15.6 millimeters long, the smaller measures just under 15. At that size, the nets used to trawl for aquatic specimens most often are not meshed thinly enough to trap them. advertisement Second, these fish live at the remote bottom of South America's deep, big rivers. That's an environment that makes finding any kind of life difficult, whether that specimen is big or small. "There is no way to encounter these fish other than by trawling with fine, mesh netting," Lundberg explained. "They are out of reach in lightless, swift-flowing river channels -- where current speeds approach two meters per second -- although speeds are a little slower right at the bottom. They probably bury themselves in sand much of the time." Living in these dark waters, the M. orinoco, which belong to the family Aspredinidae (banjo catfishes), are uniquely developed for their environment. Almost pigmentless, they also don't have eyes. "Two ideas float about," Lundberg explained. "First, true eyes are expensive to make and maintain, in terms of energy. And these animals are not in a highly productive habitat with unlimited food resources." "Second, eyes without eyelids are potentially a liability in a world of shifting sand where there is no light anyway," he finished. Although it took some time for the fish to get their name, the formal (or official) taxonomic description of M. orinoco is important not only for adding their species to the book of life on Earth, but in that they help establish the guidelines for identifying catfishes in their genus, especially since M. orinoco is only the second known species of Micromyzon. The first, named M. akamai by Lundberg and collaborator John Friel, was discovered in 1993 in the deep channels of the Amazon river in Brazil. "This closely related species pair provides an important example, among others, of the evolutionary and biotic link between fishes inhabiting the largest rivers in South America," Lundberg explained. It was the third time Lincoln Sen. Adam Morfeld had introduced a bill that would protect employees who are gay or transgender from discrimination. "This is not uncharted water, both within our legal system and in our largest city," Morfeld said. The bill (LB173) relates only to employment, he said, and would prohibit discrimination based upon sexual orientation and gender identity by employers with 15 or more workers or with state contracts. It also covers employment agencies and labor organizations. Both the mayors and chambers of commerce of Lincoln and Omaha support the bill, Morfeld told the Legislature's Judiciary Committee. If Nebraska is going to be competitive in the 21st century, "we need to act as though we are in the 21st century, and provide basic civil-rights protections for our employees," he said. The hearing on the bill ran for more than 2 1/2 hours, with passionate testimony on both sides. Proponents talked about how Nebraskans, especially young professionals, have left the state because of policies that make LGBT residents feel unwelcome and unsafe. Victoria Graeve-Cunningham, of the Greater Omaha Young Professionals Council and Omaha Chamber of Commerce, said talent is crucial to building the state's workforce. "However, we hear feedback constantly about those who are averse to relocating to Nebraska because the state does not offer this protection," she said. "We're in competition with Iowa, Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin, which all have similar laws which provide this protection." The LGBT population is 4.2 percent of the Nebraska workforce, more than 42,000 people, said Spencer Danner Jr. "We need to keep hardworking lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Nebraskans from leaving this state. We are missing out on talent," he said. A number of people who testified said they had lost jobs or promotions because of their sexual orientation, or had been asked by employees to hide their sexual orientation. They said they don't feel safe displaying photos of or talking about their spouses at work. The Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission last year transferred 18 complaints of discrimination based on sexual orientation to the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission for investigation, said Stan Odenthal, executive director. Many opponents of the bill objected for religious reasons. And they said the bill would be a first step from employment to offering other rights based on sexual identity and gender identification. Jim Jaksha, a licensed mental-health practitioner, said the language in the bill would give superior rights to LGBT residents. Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop in Lakewood, Colorado, came to the hearing to talk about how he had been sued under his state law because he declined to design a cake celebrating a same-sex marriage. Because of that, he lost 40 percent of business and had to endure threatening and vile comments. "This law, in failing to safeguard everyone's constitutional freedoms, really stifles the diversity and tolerance that we've tried to protect and safeguard for so long in our society," said Kellie Fiedorek, a civil-rights lawyer. Jonathan Alexandre, of Washington, D.C.-based Liberty Counsel, objected to advocates of the bill using language of the civil-rights movement to convince the committee to support the measure. "As a person of color, I strenuously object to equating sexual orientation and gender identity to race," he said. "Saying that those that suffer from gender dysphoria have suffered the same plight as black Americans, from slavery through the Jim Crow era, that's not only an offensive comparison but it is intellectually dishonest." Page Content Risk management is an essential function of many human resource professionals. At times, the role requires an assessment of the legal risks of certain employment decisions. As the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently noted, the risks of litigation from a deceased former employee can extend far longer than one might expect. As alleged by his estate, Semmie John Guenther oversaw construction projects throughout Arkansas and Texas for Griffin Construction from 2008 through 2013. In the spring of 2012, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. In 2013, he learned that the cancer had spread throughout his body. He notified Griffin that he would need to take a three-week leave of absence to undergo radiation treatment. In response, Griffin terminated Guenther's employment and advised him that he could reapply for job openings in the future. About two months after his termination, Guenther filed a charge of disability discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). He died in 2014 while the charge was pending. Approximately one year after Guenther's death, the EEOC found probable cause that unlawful discrimination had occurred and issued a right-to-sue notice. Guenther's estate filed a disability discrimination lawsuit under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Arkansas state law against Griffin. Griffin filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that Arkansas law established that the claims did not survive Guenther's death. The federal district court agreed. In that the ADA is silent on the issue, the court found it appropriate to rely on Arkansas state law to determine whether ADA claims may survive a plaintiff's death. Guenther's estate, with the assistance of the EEOC, appealed the decision. [SHRM members-only toolkit: Accommodating Employees' Disabilities] In reversing the decision of the lower court and restoring the ADA claim, the appeals court addressed the question of whether the survival of ADA claims by deceased plaintiffs should be determined by state law or a uniform federal law. As noted by the court in reflecting that either source of law could be appropriate, "Whether to adopt state law or create a uniform federal rule is a matter of judicial policy dependent upon a variety of considerations always relevant to the nature of the specific governmental interests and to the effects upon them of applying state law." The appeals court sided with the establishment of a uniform federal law that allows for ADA claims to proceed after the death of the plaintiff. Because the ADA seeks to protect those with serious health issues that "makes it more likely that the aggrieved party will die before the case is complete," the appeals court decided that to hold to the contrary would pose "a special threat to enforcement" of ADA protections. The appeals court restored the case and sent it back to the district court for further proceedings. Guenther v. Griffin Construction Co., 8th Cir., No. 16-1760 (Jan. 19, 2017). Professional Pointer: Proper risk assessment can be essential in managing HR matters. Misunderstanding the potential liability of employment decisions can lead to costly and protracted litigation. Scott M. Wich is an attorney with the law firm of Clifton Budd & DeMaria LLP in New York City. This page may have been moved, deleted, or is otherwise unavailable. To help you find what you are looking for: Enter Search Term(s): Still cant find what youre looking for? Send us a message using our contact us form. 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Countries & Areas Search for country or area A Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan B Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burma Burundi C Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Costa Rica Cote dIvoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia D Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic E Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia F Fiji Finland France G Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana H Haiti Holy See Honduras Hungary I Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy J Jamaica Japan Jordan K Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan L Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg M Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique N Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Norway O Oman P Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territories Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Q Qatar R Republic of the Congo Romania Russia Rwanda S Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syria T Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu U Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uruguay Uzbekistan V Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Y Yemen Z Zambia Zimbabwe The British Royal Navy was embarrassed in early 2017 when it was revealed that that one of its four SSBNs (ballistic missile submarines) had conducted a test firing of a Trident SLBM (sea launched ballistic missile) in mid-2016 and malfunction as the missile turned back towards the U.S. east coast rather than out into the Atlantic. It was the only test firing since 2012 and only the fifth since 2000. There are not a lot of these live tests because they are very expensive ($22 million each). But these tests are necessary to be sure the huge investment in SSBNs (several billion dollars each) and weapons actually work. The Trident failure was rare and is believed specific to the British version of the Trident. In any event details of the problem are kept secret lest potential enemies benefit from that knowledge. Problems with SLBMs are not new. During the early 1960s, the warhead of the American Polaris SSBN would not detonate. The error was not detected for a while. When it was, the problem proved immune to numerous solutions. Meanwhile, the missiles might as well have carried rocks in their warheads. Polaris was eventually replaced by Trident but that particular bit of wisdom motivated SLBM manufacturers and users to pay attention to quality control and testing. Meanwhile Britain has had more than its share of SSBN technical problems. In late 2012 of the British SSBNs suffered a rudder failure after test firing a SLBM off North America (Florida). The sub (the HMS Vanguard) has just undergone a midlife refurbishment that cost over half a billion dollars. After the rudder problem was discovered, the Vanguard entered an American shipyard in nearby Georgia for repairs. The Royal Navy has not revealed details of how a sub fresh out of a three year refurbishment could suffer a rudder failure four months later. This is not the first such embarrassment for the Vanguard. The rudder problem comes years after the sub collided with a French SSBN while submerged in the mid-Atlantic. The damage to both boats was superficial but it was embarrassing how two SSBNs could have bumped into each other in the middle of an ocean. There are other problems with the Vanguard and its three sister ships. There is, as yet, no certainty that they will be replaced when they wear out by 2030 or so. There is some work under way to design and build a new generation of British SSBNs. In 2009 Britain hired an American submarine builder (General Dynamics) to design a Common Missile Compartment (CMC) for Britains next class of SSBN, which are to begin replacing the current Vanguard class boats in the 2020s. The Vanguard boats are 150 meters (465 feet) long, displace 14,000 tons, have a crew of 135, and entered service in the 1990s. They carry 16 Trident II missiles, weighing 59 tons, with a range of 11,300 kilometers and carrying up to eight warheads. A new class of SSBNs is expected to be about the same size but that will cost up to $30 billion, and there is growing support in Britain for doing away with their SSBNs altogether. The current British government has still not been able to get parliament to come up with the $62 billion needed to replace the four Vanguard SSBNs. The U.S. Navy will use the CMC for its next class of SSBNs. This makes sense because Britain buys the ballistic missiles for its SSBNs from the United States. It would be too expensive for Britain to design and build its own SSBN ballistic missiles. Thus the CMC will have to be designed by an American firm, with access to data on the characteristics (especially the dimensions) of future missiles for SSBNs. Britain and the United States have long cooperated on designing nuclear submarines, especially SSBNs. The U.S. and Britain are designing two different SSBNs. But each sub will have many common features, like the CMC, and that will save a lot of money for both nations. The 18 U.S. Ohio class SSBNs were built between 1979 and 1997. The 16,000 ton Ohios were built to serve for twenty years, but that has been extended at least 15 and possibly 30 years. The U.S. has decided to replace the Ohios with a similar design that incorporates more modern tech as has been used in the Seawolf and Virginia class SSNs. One option Britain may consider is simply buying four of the new American SSBNs, although such boats would be full of British designed and built equipment as are the current Vanguards. Meanwhile the U.S. Navy is upgrading and refurbishing its Trident II SLBMs so that these weapons will still be effective until 2040. There have already been upgrades to the electronics and mechanical components in the guidance system. Upgrades are underway to the reentry body (heat shield and such that gets individual warheads to the ground intact). Some of the upgrades are classified and details on all of them are kept secret for obvious reasons. The Trident II is one of those rare complex systems that consistently perform flawlessly. They do exist. For example, test firings of production models of the Trident II have never failed. There have been 148 of these missile launches each involving an SSBN (ballistic missile carrying nuclear sub) firing one of their Trident IIs, with the nuclear warhead replaced by one of similar weight but containing sensors and communications equipment. The test results for the Trident while in development were equally impressive, with 87 percent successful (in 23 development tests) for the Trident I and 98 percent (49 tests) of the Trident II. The Trident I served from 1979-2005, while the Trident II entered service in 1990 and may end up serving for half a century. Trident II is a 59 ton missile with a max range of 7,200-11,000 kilometers (depending on the number of warheads carried). Up to eight W76 nuclear warheads can be carried, each with the explosive power equal to 100,000 tons of high explosives. The navy recently bought another 108 Trident IIs at a cost of $31 million each. The success of the Trident is in sharp contrast to the problems Russia and China have had developing SLBMs. The latest Russian SLBM, the Bulava (also known as R-30 3M30 and SS-NX-30), was almost cancelled because test flights kept failing. The Bulava finally successfully completed its test program on December 23rd, 2011. That made 11 successful Bulava test firings out of 18 attempts. The last two missiles make five in a row that were successfully fired. As a result of this, the Bulava has been accepted into service, with a development test firing success rate of 61 percent, but some last minute glitches led to more tests being scheduled and Bulava has yet to enter service. Then there is the Chinese JL (Julang) 2 SLBM, which was supposed to enter service in 2008 and still hasnt. This missile has had a lot of problems, as have the SSBNs that carried them. The 42 ton JL-2 has a range of 8,000 kilometers and would enable China to aim missiles at any target in the United States from a 094 class SSBN cruising off Hawaii or Alaska. Each 094 boat can carry twelve of these missiles, which are naval versions of the existing land based 42 ton DF-31 ICBM. No Chinese SSBN has ever gone on a combat cruise because these boats have been very unreliable and they have no dependable SLBMs to carry. Forgotten and abandoned: Where is the 14-year old Indian boy who invented email? Any of you remember Shiva Ayyadurai? Few of you might have heard about him as a person who claimed to have invented email. Now 53 years old, Shiva has almost been forgotten and abandoned despite making the most controversial claim since the advent of Internet. V. A. Shiva Ayyadurai is an Indian-born American scientist and entrepreneur. Shiva is notable for his controversial claim to be the inventor of email. His claim is based on the electronic mail software he wrote as a New Jersey high school student in the late 1970s, which he called EMAIL. Shiva has since published a book challenging claims that the American computer programmer Ray Tomlinson invented email and asserting his own claim as its creator. According to Shiva, Tomlinsons creation in 1971 was a primitive form of text messaging, while he had invented what we know and love as email in 1978 when he was a 14-year-old boy helping out the Newark dental school where his mother worked. While Shiva has steadfastly held on to his claims, no one from the tech world supported him but for Deepak Chopra, the new age spiritual guru, and Indias new prime minister Narendra Modi who has posed for photographs with him. Shiva now a lecturer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, copyrighted the term email in 1982 but did not patent it because, he says, it was not possible to patent software at that time. His creation, however, was an inter-office mail system with an inbox and was called email. While Ray Tomlinson went on to hog the limelight for email, Shiva was fighting a lone battle. Tomlinsons email was different from Shivas email. It enabled users on different computers connected to the primitive ARPANET, a precursor to the internet, to send messages to each other. It used the @ symbol to identify the computer from which it was being sent. If you take Shiva for a troll patent thief you should remember that Shiva holds four degrees from MIT, including a Ph.D. in biological engineering, and is a Fulbright Scholar. Also, he has won a $750,000 settlement from the now defunct Theil sued Gawker for publishing wrong information about him and his invention. The settlement came as part of a broader settlement with wrestler Hulk Hogan and journalist Ashley Terrill. While Shiva fights his lone battle we are using his invention daily without even batting an eyelid for its creator. We hope that the world acknowledges Shivas efforts for making email a daily part of our life along with Tomlinson and he gets appreciated suitably. After being fired, this sys-admin used VPN to hack and plant his own software and cause a $1.1 million loss to his employer Getting a pink slip is a bad news for anybody. Some take it in the stride while others take to Twitter and Facebook to rant about it. Very few are likely to go to an extreme and cause loss to their ex-employer. Brian Johnson, 44, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, US is one such system admin who didnt lightly to his employer sacking him and decided to make a big mess of it before being caught and landing in prison for 34 months. The Register reports that Johnson was working in a paper making factory called Georgia-Pacific for several years. On the fateful Valentines Day of 2014, the company decided to fire him. Johnson did not take the companys decision in the right spirit and decided to get even with it. Johnson hacked into Georgia-Pacific servers using VPN once his employment was terminated. Once back inside the corporate network, he installed his own software and targeted the paper factorys Port Hudson branch, which produces paper towels and tissues 24 hours a day. Johnson caused a $1.1 million loss to Georgia-Pacific during his two-week hacking campaign. Johnsons vendetta was going well but somehow raised eyebrows at Georgia-Pacific who called in FBI to investigate into the matter. After a detailed investigation, FBI raided Johnsons home exactly thirteen days after he was fired. They seized a laptop in which they found a VPN connection which Johnson used to log into companys servers. Further investigation of Johnsons laptop and his broadband router got FBI enough evidence to bust him. Johnson pleaded guilty to hacking and willful damage charges last year. On Wednesday, a Louisiana district court judge sentenced Johnson 34 months in prison. Johnson was also penalized $1,134,828 for damages to his employer, which he must repay over and above the prison term. Natalie Olivieri had rescued enough dogs to know Harper had been horribly abused - and that she was traumatized. Furever Bully Love Rescue Olivieri, vice president of Furever Bully Love Rescue, an Orlando-based rescue group, found Harper in a big field in Redland, Florida (commonly called "The Redlands") - a place known for having a high stray dog population. "The place is pretty much a dumping ground of dogs," Olivieri told The Dodo. "People just leave them there." Volunteers getting ready to feed dogs in Redland, Florida | Furever Bully Love Rescue Another organization called Redland Rock Pit Abandoned Dog Project visits The Redlands every day to feed the homeless dogs there. It goes through about 350 pounds of kibble to feed approximately 100 dogs, Jessie Pena, vice president of the group, told The Dodo. However, there are more dogs than it can help, Pena explained. Dodo Shows Soulmates Growling Little Kitten Becomes Her Mom's Best Friend Homeless dogs in Redland, Florida "There are thousands of dogs out there," Pena said. "We only cover a small area. Redland is huge." This February, Furever Bully Love Rescue teamed up with Redland Rock Pit to raise money for dog food, but also to rescue a few dogs in the area. Olivieri, as well as three other volunteers from Furever Bully Love Rescue, traveled to The Redlands to meet volunteers from the other group. Harper and a few other dogs living in Redland | Furever Bully Love Rescue For Olivieri, it was an experience she'll never forget. "We pulled onto this dirt road, it was all remote," Olivieri said. "You would never find it on your own." When volunteers from Redland Rock Pit started putting out food, dogs started to appear. That's when rescuers spotted Harper, a 1-year-old hound mix. The volunteers had seen her before on previous visits to The Redlands - they believed she'd lived in the field for about four or five months. Harper when she was living in Redland | Furever Bully Love Rescue "Harper came out with about five other dogs," Olivieri said. "As soon as Harper approached us and we met, she just completely fell on the ground in fear." Besides clearly being terrified of people, Olivieri noticed Harper had scars on her head and back. "She was definitely abused and neglected," Olivieri said. "There was no way we were going to leave her there." Rescuers managed to slip a lead around Harper's neck, but when they tried to take her back to the truck, Harper refused to move. Harper shortly after being rescued | Furever Bully Love Rescue "We had to pick Harper up," Olivieri said. "We didn't even put her in a crate at this point, so we put a blanket on the floor." When Olivieri and the other Furever Bully Love Rescue volunteers arrived back in Orlando, they took Harper (and two other dogs from The Redlands) to the vet for a checkup, where Harper was treated for anemia, worms and a tooth infection. Furever Bully Love Rescue But Harper's fear issues would take a lot longer to heal. Furever Bully Love Rescue "For about three days, she never stood up," Olivieri said. And when anyone picked up Harper, she clung to them like her life depended on it. "I had never had a dog hold onto me so tight," Jennifer Adorno, the president of Furever Bully Love Rescue, told The Dodo. Harper being carried by Jennifer Adorno, president of Furever Bully Love Rescue | Furever Bully Love Rescue "It could be a comfort thing, or it could be that she's holding on so she doesn't fall," Olivieri said. "It's hard to say with abused dogs like that." Furever Bully Love Rescue Since Furever Bully Love rescue doesn't have a physical shelter, Harper went straight into foster care with a woman name Cheryl Kessler. Harper's only been with Kessler for a few weeks, but Kessler's already seeing a huge change in her. "She leaves her crate and runs around outside," Kessler told The Dodo. "She's doing donuts in the backyard, and just being a very normal, typical dog. I love seeing her come out of her shell, and her personality come through." Harper in foster care | Cheryl Kessler "Every day she does better and better," Olivieri said. "She's becoming more of a dog - she's learning that she's going to get food every day, and that she's going to get love every day." Harper in foster care | Furever Bully Love Rescue Among the ruins of Mosul, Iraq, long destabilized and shattered by war, is what's left of a zoo - and just a lion and a bear are still alive. But this week, help came for Simba and Lula, bringing the two animals back from the brink of death. Four Paws Four Paws A team from Four Paws International arrived at the Montazah Al-Morour Zoo in Eastern Mosul and found it in "a disastrous state," according to a statement from the organization. "It was obvious that no one had cleaned the cages or provided the animals with veterinary care for a very long time," the organization said. Dodo Shows Soulmates Growling Little Kitten Becomes Her Mom's Best Friend Four Paws It's estimated that Simba and Lula have hardly had any food recently, except for when Dr. Sulaim Tameer Saeed, founder of the Kurdistan Organization for Animal Rights Protection (KOARP), managed to coordinate two shipments of chicken meat and fruit and vegetables to the animals, according to Saeed. "On February 2, I got an email from some people inside Mosul asking [for] emergency help for three animals, two lions and one bear, remaining without food more than 60 days," Saeed told The Dodo. Presumably, the other lion passed away before Four Paws arrived this week. Four Paws A veterinarian with the Four Paws team, Dr. Amir Khalil, rushed to administer treatment to Simba and Lula. "Although alive, both animals look miserable and are suffering from many diseases caused by malnutrition and lack of veterinary care," the organization said. "Both the bear and the lion have very bad teeth, in addition the bear suffers from pneumonia and the lion has ill joints." Four Paws It's possible Simba and Lula are still alive thanks to the kindness of Mosul residents and local volunteers, who brought scraps of food to the starving animals, even though they could hardly find enough to feed themselves. Four Paws Four Paws But when the fighting worsened, many had to flee to save their own lives, leaving the animals behind. "The battle lasted for three or four months. There was a guard that used to come and feed them," the park's owner, known as Abu Omar, told Reuters. Four Paws Despite the help, most of the animals at the zoo still died, one by one. A lioness, monkeys and rabbits were either killed by the fighting or starved to death. Four Paws Now that the Iraqi army has retaken the region from ISIS, Four Paws veterinarians were able to come in and treat Simba and Lula. The rescue team was also able to coordinate food for the lion and bear for the next four weeks. Four Paws This will give the animals time to gain their strength while Four Paws figures out the next steps for them. "We are definitely very happy that we could give the animals first aid and provide them with food for at least the next four weeks," Claire LaFrance, a spokesperson for Four Paws, told The Dodo. "We are looking into the possibilities of future treatment of the animals." Four Paws Lincoln police have arrested a 41-year-old man on suspicion of attempting to rob the CVS Pharmacy at 70th and O streets on Feb. 11. A Crime Stoppers tip led investigators to George Frazier as the man shown in surveillance photos, Officer Katie Flood said Thursday. Police arrested him Wednesday on suspicion of robbery at the America's Best Value Inn off 56th Street and Cornhusker Highway, where he was living. Police said Frazier went into CVS and made a purchase shortly after 10 p.m. on Feb. 11, then grabbed the 61-year-old clerk's arm and demanded cash from her register. Flood said the cashier slammed the drawer shut and Frazier left without taking anything. The clerk was not injured. Frazier is on parole out of Maryland on a charge of robbery, Flood said. It's unknown how long he's been in Lincoln, but police believe he was living in Colorado before coming here. As a refugee from war-torn Syria, living now in Turkey, 8-year-old Huseyin el-Hasan has endured more hardships than most in his young life. But despite his own difficult past, the boy's sense of compassion for others in need clearly hasn't diminished. Recently, Huseyin spotted a stray dog who'd been struck by a vehicle near his adoptive home in the city of Kilis. Rather than turn a blind eye to the animal, injured and alone in the median strip in the road, Huseyin came to her aid. Dodo Shows Faith = Restored Woman Tries Every Day For A Month To Rescue This Dog While there was little he could do to alleviate the wounded dog's pain himself, that didn't prevent Huseyin from at least trying. He brought a blanket from his house, and placed it over her shivering body. Huseyin then alerted others to call for help for the dog, and proceeded to wait sweetly by her side until help arrived. Eventually, animal care workers did arrive and relieved Huseyin of his altruistic duty. The stray dog was brought to a veterinarian for treatment. Sadly though, as Turkish news outlet Anadolu Ajans reports, the dog passed away from her injuries shortly after. Huseyin was said to be understandably heartbroken upon learning that the dog he'd tried to help hadn't made it. But the kind efforts of that child, who himself has been through so much, weren't lost on those who had welcomed him and his family into their country. On Wednesday, the city's deputy mayor Cuma Ozdemir visited Huseyin at home to honor him for what he'd done for the dog. Brock Shepherd is begging us to reconsider what food we throw away. The Toronto chef is the head organizer of Trashed and Wasted, a rescued-food dining experience at Wychwood Barns on Wednesday, March 1. It is part of a collaborative effort from local distillers, brewers and chefs to raise awareness on the issue of food waste. In every aspect of this event, we want to make people realize that everythings got a bit more of a life than you think, he said. Theres so much work to do to raise awareness. Restaurants can be leaders in that. An estimated $31-billion worth of food is wasted by Canadians annually, according to a 2014 report. Of that, 47 per cent is wasted in the home. Trash and Wasted was open to the public. The all-inclusive, $50 ticket got you eats and drinks from nine different food and drink vendors, who made dishes using typically discarded ingredients. The objective is to open peoples minds to what they, personally, can save from the trash and to rethink what they can use in the kitchen. Yongehurst Distillery Co. in Davenport off Geary Ave. created vodka with leftover cheese whey from Stratfords Monforte Dairy. Rainhard Brewing Co. on Symes Rd. in York made beer brewed with leftover sourdough and rye breads from Kensington Markets Blackbird Bakery. Hooked Inc., which has locations on Queen St. W. in Kensington Market and in Port Calling and Halifax, cooked up fish head Tom Yum soup. Green plantain skins became a stew by the folks from Arepa Cafe, in homage to the food shortage in Venezuela (apparently the fibre-rich dish tastes almost like eggplant). With this event, Toronto joins world-class cities in a fight to avoid filling the landfill with perfectly good food. It is part of a growing, global effort to save the scraps and manage limited food harvests more effectively moving forward. For example, Denmark recently opened WeFood, a first-of-its-kind supermarket that sells goods at a discount due to overdue best before dates and damaged packaging; France passed strict supermarket laws in 2015, forcing grocers to donate unused products, turn them into animal feed or compost; and in 2013, South Korea introduced a pay-as-you-trash system, charging residents by weight for garbage removal. Closer to home, local Loblaws stores have begun selling Naturally Imperfect produce, normalizing ugly food and selling it at a discount. (This movement is) about conscious, progressive food management, said Christopher Barrett, chef de cuisine of Oliver & Bonacini Events and Catering, who kept his Trashed and Wasted culinary offering close to his chest. Its almost a turn to traditions of days gone by, he said. Local, organic, sustainable, artisanal and low-impact food production was a way of life before they were buzzwords. Theres a growing awareness that this hyper-industrialized approach to all things food industry is not working, he said. Its a decadent, wasteful, processed hell without soul . . . its not training the next generation of cooks to foster respect for where stuff comes from. The reverence for ingredients extends to all moving parts of the contemporary food chain, the chefs said. But its not simply food being lost when you toss it: the labour, water, fuel, farming production, distribution, time, logistics and packaging is wasted, too. There are so many things going wrong (about how we produce and distribute food) from start to finish, Shepherd said. He hopes the event will also highlight how this waste relates to food insecurity. While perfectly good food is being tossed every day, one in eight families struggle to put meals on the table, according to Food Banks Canadas HungerCount 2015 report. Shepherd is collaborating with Second Harvest, a Toronto organization that rescued 9.5 million pounds of food destined for landfills last year through partnerships with suppliers and grocers. With that diverted food, the not-for-profit provided 25,000 meals to Torontonians in need last year. Shepherd stresses that rescued food isnt garbage and these groups arent using trash to feed the hungry. We have to change that stigma. This is perfectly good food, he said. Debra Lawson, the executive director of Second Harvest, said the demand for high-quality, esthetically pleasing food is a key factor behind consumer food waste. In North America, roughly 30 per cent of fruits and vegetables are rejected by supermarkets for not being attractive enough. But were at a tipping point, Lawson said. The real change will come with behavioural and attitudinal change, she added. Its not waste until you throw it away. Lawson said there are basically two different types of food waste: large-scale level of overproduction or surplus crops and products that exceed the market demand and personal. Ask yourself: How should we be shopping? How much should we be buying at a time? How can we use everything? Put a clear, glass, large jar on your kitchen counter for a week so that you can see (how much food you waste), Lawson said. Dont hide it away like we hide away a lot of things. Correction March 2, 2017: This article was edited from a previous version that mistakenly said Yongehurst Distillery Co. will be serving grappa made from discarded Chaser Juice grapes at the event. SHARE: OTTAWACanada's military is facing a critical few weeks as the federal government weighs renewed deployments to Iraq and Ukraine, ponders the fate of a long-awaited peace mission, lays out a new vision for the armed forces and decides the budget to pay for it all. It all sets the stage for what promises to be a busy year for Canadian soldiers one that could leave supply lines stretched as they continue ongoing deployments in eastern Europe, the Middle East, embark on a new mission to Latvia and finally move ahead on the peace mission that could take them to Africa. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan used his oft-repeated line Tuesday that the Liberal government is taking the time it needs. We want to make sure that we actually spend the time to get the analysis right and that it goes through the appropriate government process before we make any announcements, Sajjan said after a cabinet meeting. In the meantime though, the defence department hangs in limbo as it waits for announcements. Theres a lot of uncertainty, said Dave Perry, a senior analyst with the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. Military deployments to Ukraine and Iraq are due to expire in March though observers expect both missions to be extended. The former Conservative government dispatched 200 Canadian troops to Ukraine in 2015 in a non-combat role to train local soldiers, as part of efforts to bolster eastern European countries in the wake of Russias annexation of Crimea. Its expected that a renewed mission in Ukraine will be announced soon. Canada is dedicated to the future good fortune of Ukraine. I am preparing options for the government to consider, Gen. Jonathan Vance, the chief of defence staff, said last week. Vance said the military has also laid the groundwork to continue its deployment in Iraq, where some 200 special forces soldiers are helping train and advise Peshmerga troops in their fight against Daesh near Mosul. The military operates a hospital near Erbil that has treated 100 patients since November while an air-to-air tanker and surveillance aircraft operate out of airfields in Kuwait. Canada is committed to this coalition and options will go before government on how to stay committed to it, Vance said. The big question mark continues to hang over the Liberals peace mission. After an announcement last August that the government could deploy up to 600 soldiers and 150 police officers on such a mission, a flurry of fact-finding trips to Africa by cabinet ministers, and promises of a decision by Christmas, the file has gone quiet since Donald Trumps election as U.S. president. Vance said the world has changed a little bit since planning for the mission began and said the government now needs to weigh those changes before deciding where troops are best deployed. The government has options before it but I think were finding that kind of set piece decision-making doesnt work very well sometimes in a very, very fluid world where things are changing, Vance told reporters. Where will coalition efforts occur next? What are our allies doing? What do they think? Vance said. Since taking over, Trumps administration has turned up the heat on NATO member nations to pony up more for defence. The Liberal government has made the case that it matters more what Canada which ranks near the bottom of the spending list does with its military rather than simply measuring the bottom line. But that dynamic could be forcing the government to reframe its peace mission to account for U.S. concerns. I guess its understandable that the government wants to wait and see how the security environment unfolds given the U.S. election, Perry said. They may be looking to make sure that any kind of operation we do is connected as much as it possibly could be to a broader alliance, he said. Still, the delay in an announcement has likely meant that plans conceived last fall will have to be updated, Perry said. The mission doesnt sit static, frozen in time while Canada decides whether or not were going to participate, he said. The other two big pieces of the defence puzzle are the upcoming budget expected in the coming weeks and the defence policy review which will lay out a new blueprint for the Canadian Armed Forces for the next 20 years. According to the government, that strategy will deliver a modern, more agile and better-equipped military. Its expected to touch on everything from procurement process, to whether the navy should have subs, what kind of fighter jets are required for the air force to how the military looks after its personnel. What are the capabilities that are required for this and what investment is going to be needed, Sajjan said during a visit to NATO headquarters earlier this month. Yes, we will be investing. But Perry said the military which has a budget of $18.6 billion in 2016-17 needs more money just to maintain the status quo. Unless the government directs them to do fewer things than its done before, they cant make do with the existing funding, he said. Read more about: SHARE: TORONTOHuman trafficking survivors would be allowed to sue their traffickers under new legislation proposed in Ontario, where about two-thirds of all police-reported cases in Canada occur. Introduced Wednesday, the Anti-Human Trafficking Act would establish a process for survivors and those at risk to apply for human trafficking-specific restraining orders. It would also allow survivors to take their traffickers to civil court, and proclaim Feb. 22 as Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Human trafficking exploits the most vulnerable people in our communities, Status of Women Minister Indira Naidoo-Harris said in a statement. It is a deplorable crime and we must do everything we can to protect and support survivors. This legislation helps survivors live without fear, and access the services they need to recover. Progressive Conservative Laurie Scott introduced a private members bill tackling the same issue last year after consulting with those affected by human trafficking. I cant help but think that the government could have and should have acted sooner, she said Wednesday. We now finally see the government embracing the changes that stakeholders, including victims services organizations, police officers and victims themselves have long been calling for. The Liberal government in June announced a $72-million strategy to end human trafficking, which includes the creation of a provincial anti-trafficking co-ordination office meant to foster information sharing between police, social services, child welfare and other sectors. The government also promised at that time to establish a specialized provincial prosecution team to tackle human trafficking cases and advise local Crown attorneys and law enforcement. New Democrat Peggy Sattler said there was a concerning lack of detail in the Liberals June announcement. The corridor along Highway 401 has particularly been dealing with human trafficking, reflected in her own community of London, she said. London police have reported a shocking spike in the number of women and girls being trafficked, girls whose average age is just 13, Sattler said. In only 17 months since July 2015, the London Abused Womens Centre has assisted 158 women and girls who identify as being sex trafficked and sexually exploited. SHARE: WINNIPEGManitobas premier says the federal government needs to stop talking and take action on an influx of people who have jumped the border from the U.S. to seek asylum in Canada. I dont want this to be taken as a criticism of the federal government. I see an opportunity here for the federal government that they are not yet pursing to improve the way we do things and help make sure we are addressing a situation that some would fear is getting somewhat out of hand, Brian Pallister said Thursday. So I would encourage, again, the federal government to move beyond the talking points of us having had a worse problem 15 years ago and recognize there is a challenge today. We need to face the challenges of today together. The Tory premier made the comments as he announced more aid for refugee claimants in Manitoba: 14 new emergency housing units, $110,000 for paralegal and other services and $70,000 for a co-ordinator to support claimants. The province is also moving paramedics to the border near the municipality of Emerson-Franklin to help local emergency crews deal with people who make the frigid walk into Canada. Read more:Amid refugee surge, Manitoba premier seeks federal, provincial co-ordination The announcement was welcomed by the communitys reeve, Greg Janzen, who said emergency response to migrants crossing the border in the cold can strain resources in the sprawling rural area. For instance, two weekends ago, there were two medical calls (for migrants), so we had two ambulances sitting at the border. And ... when that happens ... then the whole south-central area (of Manitoba) is short two ambulances, Janzen said. If theres a traffic accident out in Plum Coulee (50 kilometres away) and all the ambulances are sitting at the border, somebodys not getting service. Pallister reiterated his belief that an influx of refugee claimants coming from the United States is a national issue that needs a national plan. That plan, he said, would involve better information sharing and better co-ordination of resources. He would not be more specific or provide details of a letter he is writing to the prime minister. The number of people fleeing the United States, largely from African countries originally, has jumped in recent weeks after planned crackdowns on immigration in the U.S. The refugees have been crossing fields and ditches near border communities such as Emerson-Franklin, Man., and Hemmingford, Que. The tactic is a way to get around the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement, which requires anyone who has already applied for refugee status in the U.S. to be turned away at an official border crossing in Canada. However, if someone crosses somewhere else and gets apprehended on Canadian soil, he or she can make a refugee claim and the case is heard by Canadian authorities. Some immigration lawyers and politicians want Canada to change the agreement so that people can turn themselves in at official border crossings and still get their refugee claim heard. Ottawa has so far resisted those calls. Federal Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said earlier this week that he sees no need to change the agreement, because the United States is still living up to its international obligations in dealing with asylum-seekers. Read more about: SHARE: A funny thing happened on the way to Justin Trudeaus new world of justice for the middle class: the federal government ran out of money. On Wednesday I told you about Justin Trudeaus speech last week in Hamburg, where he told a blue-chip crowd in the German port city about the challenges of governing amid a rising tide of voter outrage at traditional brokerage parties. Voters are right to be outraged, he said. Both business and government need to adjust. Its time to get real about the challenges facing the middle class, he said. Old approaches dont work anymore. We cant go about things the same way and expect to succeed in this new world. The timing of Trudeaus speech weeks before a federal budget, although I dont know how many weeks because the Liberals are mum on a specific budget date suggested the prime minister was foreshadowing a new direction. The Hamburg speech was different in tone from any hes delivered lately, urgent and rather dark, although not different in message. Indeed, as early as February 2014, Trudeau was warning about the risks of economic growth that fails to benefit ordinary people. I worry that at some point, Canadians will say, Why should we support a growth agenda if it doesnt help my family? Trudeaus advisors are persuaded that the same rebellious sentiment he warned against in 2014 helped elect Donald Trump next door in 2016. So what, in 2017, does getting real about the challenges facing the middle class look like? Maybe not that much. The problem, a senior Liberal told me this week, is that substantial measures to help the middle class dont match our fiscal framework. We dont have the money to be that generous. And the populist budget was last year. Bill Morneaus 2016 budget did indeed contain big new measures designed to get money to working families, none larger than the Canada Child Benefit: $4.5 billion in its first year, more than the new money the Liberals spent on Indigenous communities, public safety, arts and culture, public-transit infrastructure and green infrastructure combined. (Spending on some of those other files is set to increase over time, but with the child benefit, the investment was big right out of the starting gate.) With the smaller but still considerable middle-class tax cut a hike on income taxes at the highest incomes, to pay for slightly lower taxes for less affluent Canadians that budget looked like a down-payment on the sort of agenda Trudeau had described before he won the 2015 election. But now it looks like the down-payment might have to do for a while. Were trying to keep an eye on whats happening with Trump, my Liberal source said of the new U.S. president. While everyone awaits the concrete details of a Trump tax policy, the Trudeau Liberals are leery of new tax measures here in Canada that could raise new revenues but put Canada at an increased fiscal disadvantage. That means theres no miracle to be done on the revenue side. Economic growth? No luck either. Its stubbornly sluggish around the world. People forget that when Stephen Harper balanced his budget, he didnt do it so much through cuts though he did some of that but he mostly did it when oil was at $100, my Liberal source said. Now oil revenues are durably much lower, and Harpers two-point GST cut continues to constrain revenues. Its the worst of both worlds, you could say. Some of the most ambitious measures the Liberals have introduced will take a long time to generate benefits. The new infrastructure bank, which seeks pension funds and other large international investors as partners in new infrastructure projects, should become a reality this year. But its unlikely to put serious money into serious construction before 2018 at the earliest. Nobodys suggesting Morneaus second budget speech will be nothing but an embarrassed shrug and a lopsided grin. There will be room for surprises and novelty in the quarter-trillion dollars the federal government now spends in any given year. If nothing else he can re-announce increased spending that was already planned for 2017-18 and beyond in last years budget. But as a shield to guard against the global rise of populism that Trudeau described in Hamburg, it all looks a bit meagre. We need a bit of luck that we havent had yet, my Liberal source said. More global growth. Oil going up a bit. Something to give us a boost. Paul Wells is a national affairs writer. His column appears Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. SHARE: OTTAWAThe United Nations refugee agency is keeping a careful eye on the situation at informal crossings along the Canada-U.S. border where dozens of people have been arriving in recent weeks in search of asylum. But its the perception of whats happening rather than the reality that troubles Jean-Nicolas Beuze, the agencys representative in Ottawa, who spent a day this week observing people making their way through one such crossing in Quebec. The border crossings are orderly and officials are following all the appropriate laws, said Beuze, who described seeing compassion demonstrated by police and border guards some of whom even gave asylum seekers additional clothing. Read more: Canada-U.S. border the final frontier for those seeking refuge RCMP say 21 refugees arrested for crossing border in Manitoba END Manitoba premier urges Ottawa to act as province shifts resources to U.S. border Theres not really any concern on this side for the Canadian authorities to be able to provide the protection which is necessary to those people, Beuze said Thursday in an interview with The Canadian Press. Nonetheless, theres a risk that a false public narrative could form around whether Canada has the capacity to deal with an influx of new refugees, he warned. The Canadian population may have some perception of whats happening in Canada which may not be matching the reality, Beuze said. Perception sometimes becomes the reality and what we will not want is that it increases the fatigue of people, the sense they are shouldering the misery of the world. Beuze said of the 50 to 70 people he observed on Tuesday, many were Turks, Yemenis or Syrians; most had legal status in the U.S.; and the group included single men and women as well as women travelling alone with children. Most were young, well-educated and clearly prepared for the journey, carrying cash and the necessary documents to try and make the case for asylum in Canada. Opposition Conservatives have characterized whats happening as people running across farmers fields illegally, a situation thats dangerous for them and for Canada, and are calling for an increase in border enforcement to stop it. From what hes witnessed so far, Beuze said, the situation is calm and organized, with both the asylum seekers and the police waiting on the Canadian side well in control of the situation. While more support might be needed at the entry points for the immediate needs of new arrivals, he said he believes its operating as it should. While there are stories circulating about people paying as much as $5,000 for smugglers to bring them to the border points, others are just looking up the routes on the Internet, Beuze said. Their flights to Canada are largely pre-emptive, he added, rooted in a fear their asylum claims will not receive fair consideration from U.S. officials. It is a lot about perception, what they hear in the domain in the U.S. the negative rhetoric vis-a-vis migrants, vis-a-vis refugees, a lot mentioned being Muslim, he said. And on the other side, the positive rhetoric here about Canada being a welcoming country. But the border crossers perception that they wont get a fair shake in the U.S. does not mean Canada should suspend the agreement currently in place with the U.S. that governs asylum claims, he added. The so-called Safe Third Country Agreement prohibits those entering Canada from the U.S. at an official land border, via train or in certain circumstances at an airport, from filing a claim for asylum here on the grounds they should have made the claim in the U.S. Critics say the upheaval in the U.S. immigration system, a result of U.S. President Donald Trumps recent presidential orders, means that country can no longer be considered safe. The federal Liberal government says the American asylum process remains untouched by any of those orders and so too will the agreement. Theres not enough evidence either way, said Beuze. We dont really react and change laws based on perhaps, perhaps there may be something cooking, he said. You cannot change legal frameworks based on that. Beuze said he will continue to visit unofficial entry points in the coming weeks to monitor and is also working with non-governmental organizations to see if there is a way to provide more support to communities along those points. On Thursday, the premier of Manitoba announced the opening of 14 new emergency shelter spaces to house refugee claimants in Manitoba, and also moving paramedics to the border to help local emergency crews deal with people who make the frigid walk into Canada. SHARE: A Toronto real estate lawyer has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison after pleading guilty of defrauding condominium buyers of over $2 million. Meerai Cho was charged in August, 2014, with 25 counts each of fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime and breach of trust. Cho, 66, was working as a lawyer on behalf of the Centrust Group, and accepted deposits from buyers during the pre-construction of a residential building at 5220 Yonge St. that was never built. The money wasnt returned and the loss is in excess of $2 million, police say. Cho pleaded guilty to criminal breach of trust and was sentenced Wednesday to three and half years in custody. Police are urging victims in this case to contact the The Law Society of Upper Canada compensation fund if they havent already. Editors note: This story is updated from a version published Feb. 23 to correct in the deck that Meerai Cho pleaded guilty to criminal breach of trust. SHARE: Should a psychiatrist who began dating his patient shortly after they stopped seeing each other professionally be allowed to keep his licence? Thats the question before a discipline panel of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, which must determine if Toronto doctor Nagi Ghabbour should become the first physician in the province to have his licence yanked for becoming romantically involved with a former patient too soon after the end of the doctor-patient relationship. The penalty of revocation is appropriate and necessary to protect the public and ensure that public trust in the profession is maintained and that public trust in the regulator is maintained, college lawyer Elisabeth Widner told the five-member panel Wednesday. Ghabbours case comes as the provincial government is looking to strengthen the law around sexual abuse and physician-patient relationships in the wake of a Star investigation. Under proposed legislation, known as Bill 87, announced last year a person is still considered a patient for the purpose of the new rules for one year after they stop seeing the physician. Therefore, any sexual activity within that year would be considered sexual abuse and lead to the mandatory revocation of a doctors licence. Its an indication of where our society is moving in Ontario with regards to this type of conduct, Widner told the panel. She pointed out that while Bill 87 has yet to become law, the panel still has the discretion now to revoke. The colleges current policy on sex with former patients states that several factors should be considered, including the length and intensity of the professional relationship, the type of care involved, and how much personal information has been confided to the doctor. When the physician-patient relationship involves a significant component of psychoanalysis or psychotherapy, sexual involvement with the patient is likely inappropriate at any time after termination, says the policy. Ghabbour has been practising for over 20 years. Patient A (as she was called due to a publication ban) and Ghabbour have now been living together for over a year, and intend to marry, according to an agreed statement of facts. She also attended Ghabbours two-day discipline hearing. The college began investigating Ghabbour after Patient As family filed a complaint. The psychiatrist pleaded guilty on Tuesday to conduct that would be regarded as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional, in that he began a relationship with Patient A about a month after he stopped being her psychiatrist in 2015. The woman had been experiencing stress at work as well as marital difficulties, and was seeing Ghabbour for anxiety and depression. Ghabbour provided prescriptions for anti-depressants. He also documented suicidal ideation. She began displaying romantic feelings for him in sessions in early 2015, which he testified he resisted. Ghabbour maintained he didnt want to refer her to someone else because he felt she was lacking support in other areas of her life and he wanted to help her. In one instance, she kissed him on the cheek and referred to the kiss as one a daughter gives her father on Christmas, according to the agreed statement of facts. After another session, she hugged him, and at one point he noted in his charts that the patient was idealizing him and is seeking a real/physical bond with him, says the agreed statement of facts. He said he made attempts to make clear to her that he was her psychiatrist. Ghabbour also discussed the issue with colleagues. In one of their last sessions, Patient A kissed him on the mouth, Ghabbour testified. Within weeks of Patient A deciding she no longer wanted Ghabbour as her psychiatrist because of her personal feelings toward him, the two began to see each other socially, and the relationship soon became sexual, the hearing heard. While admitting that dating a patient so soon after the end of their professional relationship was a serious boundary violation and a huge lapse in judgment, Ghabbour also testified: I love her, I adore her, and I respect her. Previous cases involving similar conduct that were presented to the panel included penalties within the range of nine to 12 months, but Widner urged the panel to increase the punishment due to changing social norms. A revocation in this case would mean that Ghabbour can reapply for his licence in 12 months, but he would have to convince the panel that he is fit to practise. Widner said this would allow the panel to make sure that Ghabbour has received proper therapy for his boundary violation with Patient A. Ghabbours lawyer, Paul-Erik Veel, argued for a nine to 12-month suspension along with a condition that Ghabbour seek therapy, saying its important to keep in mind that Ghabbour pleaded guilty, that this was an isolated incident for someone with no prior discipline history, and that Ghabbour has suffered from depression. Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Julian Gojer also testified that Ghabbour is at a low risk to reoffend, but admitted on the stand that there would be enormous work involved in Ghabbours therapy because he now lives with Patient A. I do not disagree with the proposition that penalties can and should change over time, but they should be incremental and proportional, Veel told the panel. SHARE: Sarah has no illusions about the pot dispensary that employs her. She knows its illegal. She knows its not a licensed medical service. She knows that, by working there, she risks being caught up in police raids and armed robberies. Sarah, who asked for her name to be changed for fear of being fired, is a self-described bud-tender, a $13-per-hour shift worker on the front lines of Torontos illegal marijuana industry. The job was an easy paycheque when she badly needed one. After months behind the counter at Canna Clinic in Kensington Market, Sarah has amassed a litany of complaints, from sexual harassment by customers to fears of police raids and armed robberies. But the unlawful nature of the dispensary business has Sarah wondering what her workplace rights are and what recourse, if any, is available to her when management lets her down. Canna Clinic operates seven dispensaries in Toronto and six in British Columbia. Its website described the company as Canadas leading provider of medical cannabis products and accessories. Canna Clinic is not, however, one of the 38 marijuana producers licensed by Health Canada. Nor are any of Torontos other storefront pot sellers. Licensed producers distribute medical marijuana by mail to authorized users, Tammy Robinson, spokesperson for the City of Torontos licensing and standards division told the Star in 2016. Storefront distribution of medical marijuana is illegal and not permitted. Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus campaign pledge to legalize and regulate the sale of marijuana sparked hundreds of entrepreneurs to open pot shops across Canada. Trudeau and law enforcement have maintained, however, that until new legislation is in place, existing prohibition laws are to be upheld. Toronto police raided dozens of shops, and laid over 180 charges, as part of its dispensary crackdown in May 2016. Since then, police say, officers have raided one dispensary per week, on average. Meanwhile, there have been at least 13 robberies of Toronto dispensaries since June 2016. On various occasions, staff and customers were threatened with a knife, held at gunpoint, even assaulted by the robbers. Having an abundance of cash and weed around makes Sarahs co-worker Lisa uneasy. Lisa, whose name has been changed at her request, said she has to put thoughts of robberies and raids out of her mind, otherwise she would be unable to work at the dispensary. Lisa and Sarah both say managers are reluctant to talk about either possibility. They dont want to discuss it with us, said Lisa. The last (Toronto) dispensary robbery that happened, Im the one who found out about it online ... I was the one that alerted everyone on staff. Management has also failed to adequately address staff harassment by customers, Sarah said. Ive had a lot of men come in and say really rude things to me, Sarah said. You know (managers) dont have your back. If something happens, customers dont get banned, theyre allowed to come in again. On top of all that, Sarah said, she was promised a raise after three months, but never received it. In a letter to the Star, a lawyer for Canna Clinic called Sarah and Lisas claims malicious and defamatory, and said the dispensary treats its employees well and professionally. My client takes sexual harassment allegations very seriously and has procedures in place to address any such allegations, wrote B.C. attorney Kirk Tousaw. My client denies that any have been made. Tousaw went on to say that Canna Clinic management has an open door policy for staff to discuss raids and robberies, has security at all its locations and had installed panic buttons in its stores. Further, he wrote, raises are given to Canna Clinic employees based on longevity and performance. All workers, even those employed by unlicensed businesses, are afforded certain government protections, said Ontario Ministry of Labour spokesperson Janet Deline. When a Ministry of Labour Health and Safety inspector conducts an investigation, the focus is on the possible hazard and the health and safety of workers in the workplace, not whether or not the company is licensed, Deline said in an email. Ontarios Occupational Health and Safety Act grants workers the right to know about workplace hazards, refuse unsafe work and participate in the addressing of workplace health and safety issues, she added. SHARE: Three prison inmates, including a man convicted of killing a Culbertson couple and dumping their dismembered remains in a southwestern Nebraska lake, died in the past week. Harold Nokes was 88 and serving two life sentences at the Nebraska State Penitentiary for killing Edwin and Wilma Hoyt in 1973 in Red Willow County. He admitted to killing the Hoyts and dumping their body parts into Harry Strunk Lake near Cambridge. His wife, Ena, served two years in prison for helping him get rid of the bodies. According to newspaper files, Harold and Ena Nokes were having an affair with the Hoyts' daughter and argued with them after she broke it off and accused them of blackmail. Also on Wednesday, Gary Pope, 68, died at the Diagnostic and Evaluation Center, the Corrections Department said. Pope was serving a life sentence for first-degree murder from Saunders County and had been in prison since 1981. He was convicted in the 1979 death of Richard Don Rogers. In 2006, Pope asked the state Board of Pardons to commute his sentence to a definite number of years. At the time, his daughter and a nephew asked the board to grant the request because they didn't want to see him die in prison, according to newspaper files. On Monday, 57-year-old Wayne Stark died in the skilled nursing area of the penitentiary just before 2 a.m., the Corrections Department said. He was serving three to six years for fourth-offense aggravated DUI from Douglas County, a news release said. Stark's sentence began March 30, and he had a projected release date of February 2019. While the cause of the three men's deaths has not been determined, all three were being treated for long-term medical conditions, the department said. As is the case whenever an inmate dies in custody, a grand jury will investigate. A new Toronto clothing brand is under fire, accused of making light of homelessness, but its owner says his products are actually meant to raise awareness of those suffering from poverty. The brand, Homeless Toronto, was launched a few weeks ago by Trevor Nicholls. His products, listed online, include T shirts, hoodies and sweatpants, some with the wording homeless and change please written across. The items range anywhere from $20 to $135. It also sells tin mugs for $20 each with the change please tagline. The company has been accused on social media, including many posts on its Facebook page, of exploiting homelessness in order to make a profit. We kind of knew right off the bat that there would be a bit of controversy, just given the subject and the stigma around homelessness, said Nicholls. We do want to change peoples attitudes a little bit and change the overall feeling towards homeless. Nicholls said he plans to distribute some of the clothing he makes to people living on the street and also donate 40 per cent of proceeds from all sales to organizations that support Torontos homeless population. One of the organizations he has in mind is Evas Initiatives for Homeless Youth, which he said hes already contacted. But Alanna Scott, development and campaign director for Evas Initiatives, said the organization wasnt aware of this until Wednesday morning and hadnt had any prior contact with Homeless Torontos owners. Theyve said in a number of different ways on their website what theyre planning to donate but we dont have any arrangements made, said Scott. We dont have a business arrangement to have them promote Evas or donate a portion of proceeds. She said any partnership with a business that wants to donate a portion of its proceeds to Evas would require the companys products and messaging to be consistent with Evas goals which are to support the dignity and bright futures of youth who are experiencing homelessness. I would say that the messaging on the products and the social media of the Toronto Homeless company is not respectful of people experiencing homelessness, nor is it reflective of the seriousness of the situation of youth experiencing homelessness, said Scott. I can understand that controversy is an effective tool for raising awareness and making a point, however their point here is not really clear. In fact, I would also say that sensationalizing homelessness detracts and distracts society from exploitation and marginalization that people experiencing homelessness often have to face. Nicholls says many items, such as those that read change please, carry double meanings. Not only are some homeless people forced to panhandle on the street for change, but many also look for change in their lives and a change in how they are looked upon, he said. Maybe when someone sees someone with a shirt that says change please, it will make them think twice about extending a helping hand, said Nicholls. The company is still in its formation stage, having made just one sale to date, according to Nicholls. He said the idea behind the business is personal. A couple years ago I lost a lot of money, he said. I didnt have anywhere to go. I spent my fair share of sleeping in my car at Walmart parking lots, crashing at various locations here and there. I still, to be completely honest, dont have a permanent place of residence. Nicholls said he disagrees with those who feel their product exploits homelessness. I dont know if it comes from a misunderstanding of what our intent was. Our whole idea was to give back to help people, he said. We knew it was going to be slightly controversial but we werent expecting this. SHARE: The video of a woman sitting on a male passengers feet on the TTC unearthed one of the lesser-known TTC bylaws: placing foot or feet, laying on or soiling a seat of a vehicle will set riders back a cool $235, if caught. The TTC has almost 60 bylaws that have corresponding fines, some more unexpected than others. Of course all were looking for, especially on the transit system, is voluntary compliance, said chief special constable Mark Cousins. For example, if you give away your transfer, be prepared to be fined more than if you defecated on the TTC. In the last two years the most common broken bylaws have been failing to comply with posted regulations, failing to comply with conditions of use of fare media and invalid fare media, according to data from the TTC. A lot of them have to do with fare, said Cousins. Youre going see those always be up in the top 10 because we have so many fare inspectors now in proof of payment. There are 80 full time fare inspectors and 41 special constables who respond to a variety of things not limited to bylaw enforcement, added Cousins. Almost 11,000 charges were laid and 4,358 cautions were issued for failing to comply with posted regulations, the top bylaw infraction in the last two years. In 2016 alone, 18,500 tickets and warnings were issued in total, with two thirds of those being tickets. Among the lesser-known bylaws was one for urinating, expectorating or defecating on TTC property, which carries a fine of $235, almost $200 lower than the fine for the unauthorized sale, exchange or give away of transfer, a $425 whopper. It did not make it to the top 10 list. The fine for defecating on the TTC is the same as the fine for expectorating, which is to spit. Vomiting, however, isnt listed as a banned activity. I cant speak to why the bylaws were created how they are or classed the way they are, said Cousins, but added vomiting is likely not included because it could be medical. Many of the highest fines were to do with fares, which could run as high as $425, the same amount riders can be fined for possessing a weapon while on the TTC or any dangerous thing, object or material. Some of the more vague bylaws, like behaving in indecent or offensive manner on TTC property could include a variety of acts, including exposing oneself, said Cousins. But, they have to be taken on a case by case basis, he said. The same goes for interference with ordinary enjoyment of transit system which could include loud music or boisterous behaviour, but could even include doing chin ups on the TTC, something Cousins says hes seen. Over the years the TTC has seen some indecent behaviour including a couple filmed having sex on the subway, and later the Spadina station platform after they were kicked off the train. They were later charged with engaging in a lewd act. Along with putting your feet up, lying down on TTC property is also banned under the bylaw. Sneaking a snooze sideways will cost you $235, enough to get your beauty rest in style in a hotel for a night. Some of them seem kind of strange, said TTC user Samantha Wrinn, 18, who was struck by the bylaw prohibiting lying down on TTC property. I wouldnt have thought to make (some of) them into a bylaw, she said. Also banned in the bylaws is bringing or attempting to bring internal combustion engine vehicles on TTC property, leaning out of the window of a vehicle, shining light at an operator or passenger and delaying the closing of a vehicle door. Leaning out of the window, Im not sure anyone does that, said 24-year-old Jayati Bhatt. Its dangerous to the person only and no one does that. Most Canadian among the bylaws is the ban of unauthorized objects, which include ski, ski poles, sleigh, toboggan, bikes and other large objects on TTC property during prohibited times. SHARE: MPPs from all three parties unanimously supported a motion denouncing Islamophobia their unity in stark contrast to whats happening federally. In 2017, it is my heartfelt wish that we did not have to pass a motion of this nature, Premier Kathleen Wynne said in the legislature Thursday afternoon before the vote. It enrages me that we still have to have this conversation globally. Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown said simply put, all forms of hate and discrimination against people of any faith, including Muslims, is wrong. Hate is hate This Islamophobia is real, and we have to condemn it unreservedly. We will stand together, said NDP Leader Andrea Horwath. We will stand together, as Ontarians, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. MPP Nathalie Des Rosiers, who proposed Motion 37, says despite the support, she did receive some backlash about it from the public. While it was first tabled last December, it was made more urgent after the subsequent mass shooting at a mosque in Quebec, she said. I decided to table this motion as one of my first gestures as a new MPP, partly because in my riding of Ottawa-Vanier, I had the occasion to hear many of the members of the Muslim community who confided in me about the way in which they had suffered different incidents of racism, said Des Rosiers, who won a byelection last November. Those incidents included girls who were spit on for wearing a head scarf or hijab, graffiti scrawled on an Islamic school, and adults denied employment because of their religion. After last months shooting at a Quebec mosque, Attorney General Yasir Naqvi said his constituency office in Ottawa Centre received a call from a Muslim man wondering if it was safe to send his son to school. Thats fear, he told reporters at Queens Park. The staff in my office cried to hear that. Thats not the society we live in; thats not the society we are building. Parents should not be fearful for a nanosecond whether they should send their children to school, because of their faith. While politicians in Ottawa argue over a similar motion and the use of the term Islamophobia, Naqvi, who is Muslim, said the tone of the debate is very different in our legislature. Im proud of that, that we are all standing together. As a Muslim, as a father, and most importantly as a Canadian, I feel very strongly that we make a statement against all forms of hatred and racism and, in this instance, in particular about Islamophobia, he also said. Des Rosiers has heard from people who support her motion, those who wonder why one group is being singled out, and also those who made offensive or racist comments. While Brown fully supported the motion from the outset, federally the issue has divided Conservatives, with some opposing a similar statement because it doesnt define what Islamophobia is, arguing that may hinder the right to free expression. Michael Coteau, the minister in charge of the provinces anti-racism efforts, called the motion another step in the governments plan to tackle racism. We have been working hard to take what communities have told us and shape that feedback into a provincial road map that will be our guide and strategy in combating systemic racism. Des Rosiers motion states, in part, that the Ontario legislature reaffirm its stance against all forms of hatred, hostility, prejudice, racism and intolerance; rebuke the notable growing tide of anti-Muslim rhetoric and sentiments; denounce hate-attacks, threats of violence and hate crimes against people of the Muslim faith; condemn all forms of Islamophobia. Read more about: SHARE: It used to be the only thing we had to fear was fear itself. Now, its fear of phobias. Islamophobia to be precise. If you are a young Muslim woman wearing the Islamic veil, you face the irrational fear (phobia) of Islam sweeping much of the West and the bigotry and hostility creeping into Canada. But if you are a Conservative leadership candidate targeting Islamic garb, you seize on the word Islamophobia as truly terrorizing and whip up fears that it threatens Canadian values of free speech. Listening to the overwrought reactions from politicians who aspire to be prime minister boggles the mind and bothers the soul so soon after an attack on a Quebec mosque. The war of words over Islamophobia offers an opportunity to parse prejudices. Read more: Conservatives divided on anti-Islamophobia motion Liberal MP swamped by hate mail, threats over anti-Islamophobia motion in Commons These critics claim Islamophobia lacks precision, arguing that a phobia doesnt describe anti-Islamic sentiment, and that bigotry cant be banned. Never mind that no one is outlawing Islamophobia (parliamentary motions are mere expressions of non-binding opinion and condemnation). Many of those who caution us against condemning Islamophobia insist, in the same breath, that we invoke the term Islamic terrorism whenever bombs explode around the world even if it smears all Muslims with guilt by association. In fact, Islamophobia is now part of our discourse, widely understood to be a fear of Islam, or a prejudice toward its adherents. It dehumanizes pious people for their beliefs, or singles them out for their garb. Yet critics insist that a phobia can only be a psychological condition, not a prejudice. Hmmm. Homophobia has long been part of our discourse. Whether it ever described a concrete fear of homosexuals gay terror? or a hatred of anyone LGBT, is surely beside the point. If we demand precision, what of anti-Semitism, a word that has been accepted for centuries to describe 2,000 years of persecution against Jews? Semites are descendents of the Semitic-speaking peoples of North Africa and the Middle East which describes Arabs and Sephardic Jews equally, but is something of a misnomer for Ashkenazi Jews of European descent. Yet no one quarrels with the accepted use of anti-Semitism when describing the Holocaust. The good news amid these word games is that politicians at Queens Park have found their voice, and it is a united one. All three parties are banding together against Islamophobia no ifs, ands, buts, excuses, exceptions, equivocations or circumlocutions. Given her background as a former head of the Canadian Civil Liberties Union, Liberal MPP Nathalie Des Rosiers, was well placed to propose the motion last December in the wake of Donald Trumps election triumph. The NDP offered its support without hesitation. Give credit to Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown for strongly supporting Thursdays motion in the legislature. Unlike his federal cousins, Brown understands it matters less what you call Islamophobia than that you call it out. How to explain Ontarios sanity versus Ottawas inanity? Never underestimate the power of prejudice to tempt politicians into pandering in the pursuit of victory. A leadership race can bring out the worst in ambitious candidates, and that is what we are seeing with many in the federal campaign. We saw a similar impulse when Brown ran for the provincial leadership, playing footsie with homophobic groups opposed to sex education. After winning the leadership, Brown distanced himself from homophobes, wavered for a while, then finally denounced them for good. For the best. The provincial Tories have learned that you cannot build up a majority coalition by tearing down minority groups. A half-century ago, Ontarios unofficial anthem declared the province a place to stand, a place to grow. Today, Ontario has grown up and shown itself as a place to take a stand, not just on Islamophobia and homophobia, but bigotry of any kind. Martin Regg Cohns political column appears Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. mcohn@thestar.ca , Twitter: @reggcohn Read more about: SHARE: LONDONA Daesh suicide bomber who attacked an army base in Iraq this week was a British former Guantanamo Bay detainee who was awarded more than $1 million in compensation, according to media reports Tuesday. Ronald Fiddler, who became known as Jamal al-Harith after converting to Islam in the 1990s, was freed from the detention camp in 2004 after lobbying by the government of then-British prime minister Tony Blair. He was awarded 1 million (about $1.64 million Canadian) in compensation after saying British agents were complicit in his mistreatment, the Telegraph reported. He was announced as a suicide bomber who targeted coalition forces outside Mosul this week when Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL, released a picture of him smiling in a 4x4 that was seen in video footage speeding down a track. Daesh claimed Harith caused multiple casualties, according to the Times of London. Harith, 50, travelled to Syria to join Daesh in 2014, raising fears that the money given to him had been passed on to Daesh. He was known to fellow militants as Abu-Zakariya al-Britani. Harith, who was accused of having links to Osama bin Laden, was held in Guantanamo Bay without charge for two years after he was discovered in a Taliban prison in Afghanistan in 2001, the Times of London reported. Manchester-born Hariths brother Leon Jameson told the newspaper that his brother wasted his life. It is him, I can tell by his smile, he said of the Daesh image. If it is true then Ive lost a brother, so another family (member) gone. In a statement, Blair denounced the way in which the story was being covered by some media. It is correct that Jamal al-Harith was released from Guantanamo Bay at the request of the British Government in 2004, the statement said. He was not paid compensation by my Government. The compensation was agreed in 2010 by the Conservative Government. The fact is that this was always a very difficult situation where any Government would have to balance proper concern for civil liberties with desire to protect our security, and we were likely to be attacked whatever course we took, he added. U.S.-backed Iraqi forces launched an offensive Sunday to drive the militants from Mosul, Iraqs second-biggest city and their last stronghold in the country. Government-sanctioned Shiite militiamen launched a new push to seize villages west of Mosul from Daesh on Wednesday. The militants captured Mosul in 2014. Read more about: SHARE: ISTANBULWomen in the Turkish armed forces have been given the right to wear Islamic head scarves in a move that marks a significant cultural shift within an institution seen historically as the guardian of Turkeys secular identity. The military was one of the last Turkish institutions to forbid the wearing of the hijab. Just 10 years ago, the militarys commanders briefly implied that they would intervene if a presidential candidate, whose wife wore a veil, became head of state. The candidate, Abdullah Gul, ultimately reached the presidency without obstruction. A decade before that, however, military intervention forced the resignation of an Islamist prime minister. The decision, made on Wednesday and announced by the Defence Ministry, highlights the transformation in the years since of both the military and society, where the head scarf has long been emblematic of the struggle between the countrys secular and religious factions. Since 2002, the government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan has gradually opened the public sphere to veiled women allowing the veil on university campuses in 2011 and in the civil service in 2013. The first veiled judge appeared in court in 2015, while veiled women were permitted to serve in the police force last August. The militarys stance softened somewhat in 2015, when an army court ruled that veiled relatives of soldiers could enter military grounds. The armys cultural shift was also reflected in last Julys failed coup attempt. The government claims that the putsch was organized by an Islamist faction within the military, an institution previously assumed to be staffed mainly by Kemalists followers of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the secular Turkish state. Women serve only as officers or non-commissioned officers in Turkey. As of 2013, the last year of official data, there were 1,345 female commissioned officers and 370 female non-commissioned officers out of 723,741 military personnel in Turkey. The decision to allow female soldiers to wear head scarves threatens to deepen concerns that Erdogan seeks to sever the country from its secular moorings. Erdogans party has criticized claims that its members are Islamists, believers in a political system based on Islamic legislation. Nevertheless, Erdogan has increased the number of religious schools and speaks of creating a more pious generation of Turks. After the July coup attempt, Erdogan also caused alarm in secular circles when he appointed as his military adviser a former one-star general who was fired from the army a few months before the 1997 military intervention because of concerns about his religiosity. Read more:Turkey is closer to reforming constitution, expanding Erdogans powers Erdogans toughest critics fear he secretly hopes to create a second Iran, where a teenager was expelled from the national chess team on Monday for refusing to wear a head scarf during a tournament in Spain. Erdogan Karakus, a retired three-star general and head of the Turkish Retired Officers Association, claimed that Wednesdays decision was an unnecessary intervention in military affairs and argued that the head scarf was too loaded a symbol for use within the military. We dont want to involve politicians in our air force, army, navy, Karakus said in a telephone call. If somebody wants to wear beach clothes in the office in the United States, do you accept it? But many welcomed the decision. While some criticize Erdogan for disregarding democratic norms, citing a continuing purge of thousands of people accused of being dissidents, others praise him for bringing dignity to Turkeys pious majority, which for decades was excluded from public life by the countrys secular elite. What happened on Wednesday was the latest part of that emancipatory process, said Ravza Kavakci, a lawmaker from Erdogans party. I think it is a very important step in the path of democratization, she said. Kavakcis older sister, Merve, was once one of those particularly affected by discrimination against veiled women. Merve Kavakci is herself a former lawmaker who was screamed at, and later expelled from parliament, when she arrived at the building wearing a head scarf in 1999. In a separate interview, the elder Merve Kavakci said that Wednesdays decision simply made Turkey more tolerant of religion, rather than less secular. She said it would make Turkey more like the United States, where she felt freer to display her religious identity when she lived there. Its not that Turkey is not secular any more. Its that Turkey is no longer secular fundamentalist, said Merve Kavakci, now a political scientist and head of post-colonial studies at Uskudar University. In the past, Turkey has, with its secular-fundamentalist ideology, embraced a very intolerant secularism where religion was subjugated and controlled by the state authority. And now were trying to change that. ( Read more about: SHARE: U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence made a stop Wednesday at the Jewish cemetery in Missouri where close to 200 gravestones were toppled over the weekend in the latest act of anti-Semitic violence, which has been on the rise across the country. From the heart, theres no place in America for hatred or acts of prejudice or violence or anti-Semitism, Pence said from the bed of a pickup truck, speaking through a bullhorn at an event organized to clean up the damage. I must tell you, the people of Missouri are inspiring the nation by your love and care for this place, for the Jewish community in Missouri, and I want to thank you for that inspiration, for showing the world what America is really about. Pences appearance in University City, Mo., came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump denounced the vandalism and spoke out more broadly against anti-Semitic violence. Trump had faced mounting criticism for not speaking out on the matter, and some Jewish leaders said Tuesday that his remarks in Washington were still insufficient. Read more: Anne Frank Center calls Trumps anti-Semitism statement pathetic Pence made his unadvertised visit to the cemetery shortly after delivering a speech at a distribution point of Cat construction equipment in Fenton, Mo. Both the cemetery and the business are located in the suburbs of St. Louis. At the top of his speech on the economy, Pence also paused to address the cemetery vandalism. We condemn this vile act of vandalism and those who perpetrated it in the strongest possible terms, he said. A groundskeeper arrived Monday morning to find gravestones overturned across a wide section of the cemetery, the oldest section, bearing the remains of Jews who died between the late 1800s and the mid-20th century. While at the cemetery on Wednesday, Pence also heard a prayer from a rabbi and joined Gov. Eric Greitens in clearing brush. After Pences visit, one of the groups that had been critical of Trumps response to the vandalism issued a statement praising the vice-president. Today, Vice-President Pence proved to be the ultimate mensch by visiting, and even cleaning, the desecrated Jewish graves in St. Louis, said Steven Goldstein, executive director of the Anne Frank Center. Through the Vice-Presidents visit to St. Louis today, this administration finally showed America the kind of response our nation was waiting for all along a response filled with proactive heart. SHARE: MEXICO CITYU.S. President Donald Trump dispatched his top diplomat and Homeland Security chief to Mexico on Wednesday on a fence-mending mission complicated by the actual fence he wants to build on the southern border. Mexicos government signalled it was in no mood to be lectured by the new U.S. administration. Ties between the countries have plunged since Trump took office a month ago, punctuated by Trumps insistence that Mexico pay for a border wall and other demands on illegal immigration and trade. During their brief visit, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly will face a Mexican government anxiously rethinking its relationship with its bigger, richer and more powerful neighbour. Tillerson arrived in Mexico City late Wednesday, while Mexico was still reeling from the Trump administrations announcement a day earlier of a deportation crackdown that envisions sending people to Mexico who cross the border illegally even if theyre not Mexican citizens. Kelly, whose department is in charge of implementing Trumps immigration crackdown, was arriving separately after a visit to Guatemala. The two plan to meet with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and with Mexicos top defence, finance and diplomatic officials. Yet Tillersons counterpart in Mexico, Luis Videgaray, insisted that his country would not accept unilateral decisions imposed by one government on another. We dont have to and it is not in the interest of Mexico, Videgaray said. He hinted that Mexico might seek to challenge Trumps move at the United Nations or in other international bodies. Still, senior Trump administration officials sought to play down the disagreements between the countries, describing close co-operation between them on economic prosperity, law enforcement, drug trafficking and trade. Reporters were given an official briefing ahead of the trip on condition that officials werent quoted by name. At the White House, Press Secretary Sean Spicer said the U.S.-Mexican relationship is phenomenal. I think theres an unbelievable and robust dialogue between the two nations, Spicer said. On Tuesday, the U.S. changed immigration enforcement policies that could subject millions of people living in the U.S. illegally including many Mexicans to deportation. Whereas former U.S. president Barack Obama focused on deporting immigrants convicted of serious crimes, new memos signed by Kelly prioritize deportation for anyone convicted of a crime or charged with any offence. That includes crossing the border illegally. The memos also call for sending some people who enter the U.S. illegally back to Mexico, even if theyre from Central America or elsewhere and only used Mexico as a transit point. Detention centre capacity will expand; planning for Trumps much-touted wall will begin. Trump was in office barely a week when Pena Nieto cancelled a planned visit to the U.S. The American leader had suggested their meeting would be ill-advised if Mexico wasnt willing to pay for the wall, expected to cost billions of dollars. Mexico remained unwilling. A meeting between the two presidents hasnt been rescheduled. The visit by Tillerson and Kelly forms part of a Trump administration trend: top cabinet and other officials seeking to calm nervous nations that their U.S. partnerships are secure in the new era of America First. Vice-President Mike Pence and Defence Secretary Jim Mattis have previously filled the role, facing foreign leaders whove struggled to reconcile their rhetoric of reassurance with the declarations of disruption from Trump and some of his senior envoys. Tillerson, the former Exxon Mobil CEO, and Kelly, a retired Marine general, have taken a more diplomatic tack toward Mexico than Trump, even as they both assume key roles in executing policy that has stirred widespread resentment in Americas southern neighbour. Anti-Trump protests have erupted. Earlier this month, some 20,000 people marched through Mexicos capital demanding respect from the U.S. While Pena Nieto has struggled with plummeting approval ratings, his opposition to Trump has rallied many Mexicans around him. Beyond the wall, Tillerson is likely to face questions about Trumps pledge to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. Eighty per cent of Mexicos exports are to the U.S. The Trump administration also has floated the idea of a border tax on Mexican products. A trio of Democratic senators visited Mexico in advance of Tillerson and Kellys trip. Putting the blame on Trump, Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, the Senate Foreign Relations Committees top Democrat, said he was confident the relationship could withstand 140-character broadsides or unrealistic demands referring to the presidents frequent Twitter missives. Read more about: SHARE: A local official in Sweden has a novel proposal to improve work-life balance and lift the local birth rate: give municipal employees an hour-long paid break each week to go home and have sex. Sweden is already celebrated for its generous welfare state, including 480 days of paid parental leave, universal health care and a common ritual of coffee and pastry, known as fika, which is considered sacrosanct. Per-Erik Muskos, a 42-year-old councillor from the northern town of Overtornea, wants to add to those benefits, by offering the municipalitys 550 employees the right to subsidized sex. In introducing his proposal this week, he told fellow members of the town council that it would give a nudge to the dwindling local population, add spice to aging marriages and improve employee morale. The idea quickly got attention all over Sweden, where for at least some, it was a welcome distraction from U.S. President Donald Trumps vague reference to problems the country was having with immigration, which were strongly denied by baffled Swedes. Noting that sex is also a great form of exercise and has documented positive effects on well-being, Muskos suggested that local municipal employees could use an hour of the workweek already allotted for fitness activities to go home and have sex with their spouses or partners instead. The motion, which is expected to be voted on in the spring, needs a simple majority to be passed by the 31-member council. As of now, opinion on the council is divided. We should encourage procreation. I believe that sex is often in short supply. Everyday life is stressful and the children are at home, Muskos explained in his motion in Overtornea, a town of about 4,500 in the picturesque and remote Torne Valley. This could be an opportunity for couples to have their own time, only for each other. His proposal has generated praise, ridicule and criticism. Some critics fear single workers could while away their working hours on the dating app Tinder trying to find a date for their weekly interlude. When Muskos introduced the motion Monday, some council members giggled while others said they were not amused. But befitting a progressive country which has long been perceived as a beacon of sexual enlightenment including blissfully kitsch performances at the Eurovision Song Contest the proposal was taken in stride. It made headlines across Sweden and beyond. Suggestion: Let the staff have sex during working hours, a headline in the newspaper Expressen declared, under a photograph showing a couple in bed. Muskos told colleagues the proposal was no joke, though he acknowledged practical problems like enforcement. It would be difficult to tell, for example, if an employee eschewed sex in favour of a walk in the country. The proposal comes as countries across Europe are grappling with how to balance the rigours of modernity and work with the desire for better quality of life. In France, which already has a mandatory 35-hour workweek, subsidized health care and long vacations, the Socialist government recently passed legislation granting employees the right to disconnect. The measure calls for companies with more than 50 employees to help ensure that work does not intrude into days off. Sweden has been at the forefront of European countries seeking to engender employee satisfaction. An experiment with a six-hour workday in the southern city of Gothenburg was recently scrapped after it was deemed too expensive. But proponents of the experiment, which was carried out over two years in a city-run retirement home, said it made employees happier, healthier and more productive. The six-hour workday has also proved successful in the private sector, including at a Toyota vehicle service centre, where it helped improve business. Demographic pressures have been worrying countries across Europe, including Spain, Italy and Germany. In recent years in Denmark, policy-makers have been so concerned about the birth rate that they started to offer sex education classes focused on procreation rather than contraception. One travel company even introduced a Do It for Denmark! campaign, encouraging couples to take romantic vacations to try to procreate, claiming that Danes had 46 per cent more sex while on vacation. Sweden has among the highest fertility rates in the European Union, according to Eurostat, the blocs statistic agency, in part because of the countrys generous parental leave systems and immigration. But the fertility rate has nevertheless been decreasing recently. Malin Hansson, 41, a sexologist and specialist in reproductive health in Gothenburg, applauded the initiative, arguing that sex reduced stress, improved sleep and strengthened immunity, while enriching intimacy between couples. If it was up to me, I would introduce this across the country, she said, adding: In Sweden, sex is considered just another activity. Lotta Dellve, a professor in the sociology department at the University of Gothenburg, said that her research showed that short burst of physical activity during office hours had many benefits, including productivity. This activity could include sex, why not? she asked. But Dellve, who is married and has two daughters in their 20s, said it would be ridiculous for employers to mandate when employees should become intimate. It is wonderful to see your spouse during the workday, but you dont necessarily want to have sex, she said. Stefan Nilsson, a Green Party member who sits on the health and welfare committee of the Swedish parliament, said he was skeptical that taxpayers would want their money to finance work-hour sex, but allowed that the idea might be a canny investment in physical activity, noting that healthier workers cost the government less. Others were less persuaded. Tomas Vedestig, 42, a left-leaning municipal councilman in Overtornea, said that when Muskos made his pitch, his colleagues were so taken aback that they thought they had misheard him. Vedestig said the proposal was intrusive and threatened to embarrass people who do not have sexual partners; do not want to have sex; or had medical conditions that precluded sex. I dont think its the employers business to to say, Go home for an hour and make babies, he said. And some proponents worried the proposal was too stingy: I spoke to a couple of older gentlemen who said, One hour? That is not enough time. SHARE: SOUTH OF MOSUL, IRAQClosely supported by the U.S.-led international coalition, Iraqi forces secured a series of cautious advances on Thursday, pushing into a sprawling military base outside of Mosul and onto the grounds of the citys airport, where they took control of the runway. The three-pronged attack began just after sunrise, with three convoys of Iraqi forces snaking north across Ninevehs hilly desert on Mosuls southern approach. Iraqs special forces joined federal police and rapid response units in the push part of a major assault that started earlier this week to drive Daesh, also known as ISIS and ISIL, from the western half of Iraqs second-largest city. By afternoon they had entered the Ghazlani military base south of the city, as well as the airport. Iraqi helicopters circled above Mosul firing down onto the citys southwestern edge. Coalition and Iraqi airstrikes that hit targets inside Mosul sent plumes of white smoke into the air on the horizon. Weve broken the first line of (Daesh) defences, said Iraqi special forces Lt. Yaser Mohsen, whose troops captured the key village of Tell al-Rayan, where Daesh snipers had been slowing the government offensive. They then moved to the edge of Mosuls western Mamun neighbourhood, where they were working to surround it before punching into the city. Several armoured coalition vehicles could be seen in the line of military vehicles, and security officials said coalition troops were embedded with the forward advancing forces, advising the Iraqi troops as they conducted the assault. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters. The cautious advance stood in sharp contrast to the first days of Iraqs push into Mosul from the east, when Iraqi forces quickly advanced deep into the citys congested neighbourhoods, where they were hit with heavy Daesh counterattacks, including dozens of car bombs that struck the slow-moving Iraqi convoys with deadly consequences. Clashes at Mosuls airport continued for hours, with Daesh militants hunkered down inside several airport buildings. By early afternoon, federal police commander Maj. Gen. Raid Shakir Jawdat told Iraqi state TV that his troops had control of more than half of the airport complex. About 200 families were evacuated to safe areas in government-controlled areas, he said. Separately, the spokesman of the Joint Military Operation Command, Brig. Gen. Yahya Rasool confirmed to the AP that Iraqi special forces entered the Ghazlani military base next to the airport on the southern edge of the city. On Sunday, after weeks of preparations, Iraqi forces launched the operation to take Mosuls western half, with the Iraqi regular army and federal police forces taking part in the initial push. Since then, the military says they have retaken some 120 square kilometres south of the city. Thursday marked the first time the Iraqi special forces, which played a key role in securing the eastern half of the city, joined the fight for western Mosul. A special forces officer overseeing the operation said Daesh targeted the advancing troops with dozens of bombs dropped from drones. The officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the media, said his troops sustained at least a dozen casualties, including some inflicted by a car-bomb attack. Making up for a lack of fighters, Daesh militants are increasingly relying on modified commercial drones to guide suicide car bombers to their targets and to launch small-scale airstrikes on Iraqi forces. While some 750,000 civilians are estimated to be trapped in Mosuls western sector, only a few dozen could be seen fleeing the city on foot Thursday alongside convoys of Iraqi Humvees. Hamad Khalaf fled the Mamun neighbourhood in southern Mosul with his wife and four children. Covered in dust, he said Daesh fighters were targeting people as they tried to escape. There are many injured still inside, he said. Weve been walking since the morning, said his wife, Badriya, cradling their 1 -year-old daughter in her arms. A few meters away a mortar fired from inside the city hit a nearby hill. In January, Iraqi authorities declared the eastern half of Mosul fully liberated from Daesh. The battle for western Mosul, the extremist groups last major urban bastion in Iraq, is expected to be the most daunting yet. The streets are older and narrower in the sector of the city that stretches west from the Tigris River that divides Mosul into its eastern and western halves. The dense urban environment will likely force Iraqi soldiers to leave the relative safety of their armoured vehicles. Mosul fell to Daesh in the summer of 2014, along with large swaths of northern and western Iraq. But the Sunni militant group has been steadily losing territory, as backing by the U.S.-led coalition proved critical for Iraqi government efforts clawing back territory lost to the extremists. Daesh has suffered losses in Syria as well: Turkish troops and Syrian opposition forces seized the centre of the Daesh-held town of al-Bab on Thursday, breaking a weeks-long deadlock between the two sides at the periphery of the town, Turkeys state news agency and opposition activists said. The northern Syrian town in Aleppo province is one of the militants last urban strongholds in Syria west of Raqqa, Daeshs de facto capital. The Iraqi special forces officer overseeing this weeks operation said he expected heavier Daesh resistance once his forces punched inside the city, but he said Iraqi forces wouldnt make the same mistakes they made in the east: quickly punching into dense neighbourhoods only to be hit with overnight Daesh counterattacks. Its not caution, he said, adding, Theyve learned, theyre smarter now. Read more about: SHARE: I had never heard of Milo Yiannopoulos until recently, perhaps because I don't visit some of the websites where his musings are published. Milo, as he calls himself because of the difficulty some have pronouncing his last name, was disinvited from this week's Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) annual gathering of the right in Washington. Apparently the organizers were not bothered by Milo's association with the so-called "alt-right." CPAC withdrew the invitation only after a video surfaced showing him apparently endorsing man-boy relationships that qualify under the definition of pedophilia. Yiannopoulos has resigned as an editor at Breitbart.com and apologized for his remarks. The editors of National Review, as well as other traditional conservative publications and individuals, criticized CPAC for inviting Yiannopoulos to speak. The conservatism of Russell Kirk, William F. Buckley Jr. and Ronald Reagan was about ideas, not emotion and exclusion. Reagan, whom the modern right likes to claim as one of its own, was an optimist. Even when he criticized the left's policies, he almost always presented a superior alternative. He wanted to attract as many people to his worldview as possible by winning the argument and converting opponents, whom he always regarded as fellow Americans and "friends," even when he disagreed with them. Today, conservatism has become known in the eyes of many for what and who it is against, not what and who it is for. Yes, part of this is due to media stereotyping, but not all. Traditional conservatism has been a positive "we can do better," an inspiring and uplifting philosophy that motivates rather than denigrates. In his 1993 book "The Politics of Prudence," Russell Kirk set down principles he believed should define conservatism. Among them were the following: an enduring moral order; an adherence to custom, convention and continuity guided by the principle of prudence; the principle of imperfectability, meaning we don't look to government to create perfect men and women, or a perfect society, thus rejecting utopianism; the belief that freedom and property are closely linked; conservatives uphold voluntary community and reject involuntary collectivism; the need for prudent restraints upon power and upon human passions; permanence and change must be recognized and reconciled in a vigorous society. That last one bears elaboration, and Kirk offers it: "The conservative knows that any healthy society is influenced by two forces, which Samuel Taylor Coleridge called its Permanence and its Progression. The Permanence of a society is formed by those enduring interests and convictions that give us stability and continuity; without that Permanence, the fountains of the great deep are broken up, society slipping into anarchy. The Progression in a society is that spirit and that body of talents which urge us on to prudent reform and improvement; without that Progression, a people stagnate." One sees this in the debate over the Constitution between liberals, who believe it to be a "living" document, subject to constant change and updating, and conservatives, who believe it a rock of stability that serves as a guide even in the face of rapid technological and cultural change. Just as a GPS must have a starting point in order to arrive at an intended destination, so too must America have a source from which it can plot its direction and not get lost on the journey. In 1962, William F. Buckley Jr. denounced the John Birch Society as "far removed from common sense" and urged the Republican Party to purge the movement from its ranks. So too must today's conservatives separate themselves from the "alt-right" white supremacists and anti-Semites and reclaim traditional conservatism as the authentic brand. Conservatives can win elections and govern without beyond-the-fringe types like Milo Yiannopoulos. If they can't, they don't deserve to win. The leading critic of Philippine President Rodrigo Dutertes expansive crackdown on drug dealers is facing an arrest warrant on drug-related charges that she described as simply surreal. Sen. Leila de Lima is perhaps the loudest voice in the Philippines opposition. She has taken aim at Dutertes drug war, which has led to the extrajudicial killings of thousands of suspects by state and state-sponsored militias. Human rights groups have documented more than 7,000 deaths since Duterte took power in June. Read more: Philippines should investigate Duterte for murder, UN rights chief says Last summer, as a presiding senator on a panel investigating the killings, de Lima presented a witness who claimed to have been a contract killer for Duterte. The senator was almost immediately demoted from the panel. In swift succession, salacious claims emerged about her sex life, along with allegations that she had taken bribes from drug dealers. Duterte cracked lewd jokes about de Lima in newspaper interviews and even went so far as to suggest that she commit suicide. On Thursday, an arrest warrant was issued for de Lima, 57, over the allegations of bribery linked to drug dealers. The senator spent a few hours in her offices, where she was immune from arrest, before leaving and saying that she would say goodbye to her family before facing the charges in court. Even after the arrest warrant was issued, de Lima, a former justice secretary, seemed to revel in her antagonistic relationship with Duterte. I am ready to be arrested any time, she told the Financial Times. Its actually going to be an honour for me to be in prison under this very repressive and oppressive regime. The charges against de Lima include soliciting and receiving money from jailed drug dealers to the tune of 10 million pesos (about $261,000). The alleged conduit for the money is her former driver, with whom she is accused of having an affair. Her first day in court will be Friday, and she has moved to have the case dropped entirely, claiming political vendetta. Dutertes crackdown on drugs had broad popular support, as does the president himself. His brash way of talking and willingness to use violence even without legal backing has earned him a reputation as someone who can stand up to the gangs that have made drug addiction a critical issue in the Philippines. On Thursday, Salvador Panelo, Dutertes legal adviser, welcomed the arrest warrant for de Lima, saying that the law of karma finally caught up with her. SHARE: CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA.SpaceX made good on a 402-kilometre-high delivery at the International Space Station on Thursday, after fixing a navigation problem that held up the shipment a day. Everything went smoothly the second time around as the station astronauts captured the SpaceX Dragon cargo ship as the two craft sailed over Australia. On Wednesday, a GPS system error prevented the capsule from getting close enough to be grabbed by the stations big robot arm. The Dragon loaded with 5,500 pounds of supplies rocketed away Sunday from NASAs historic moon pad at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Now leased by the SpaceX, the pad had been idle since the close of the shuttle program almost six years ago. The stations six-person crew will accept another shipment Friday, this one from the Russians. Given the Dragons delayed arrival liftoff also occurred a day late the astronauts were under orders to open the capsule as soon as possible to retrieve sensitive science experiments. Sorry about the delays, Mission Control radioed. Now the real work starts. Congratulations Dragon on a successful journey from Earth and now welcome on board, said French astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who operated the robot arm. At the top of the crews unloading list: 20 mice that are part of a wound-healing experiment. Before the flight, researchers made small surgical wounds in some of the animals thigh bones then treated the area. Scientists want to see how quickly the wounds heal in weightlessness. Another 20 mice are taking part in the study on the ground, as control subjects. Other newly arrived research: highly infectious MRSA bacteria, triple-contained so it doesnt get loose up there; stem cells; and instruments for studying lightning and the Earths ozone layer. The Dragon will remain at the space station for a month before it is cut loose to bring back science samples and other items. Its the only supply ship capable of returning intact to Earth; all the others burn up during re-entry. SpaceX is one of two private companies flying up supplies for NASA. Besides Frances Pesquet, the space station is home to two Americans and three Russians. Read more about: SHARE: The provincial government and the Ontario Medical Association, the body that represents doctors in Ontario, are talking again. After months of turmoil and growing toxicity both between the government and doctors, and within the OMA this is good news. The resumption of dialogue follows months of debate within Ontarios physician community. The details of the saga are still being played out, but within the turbulence a disturbing theme has emerged: a desire amongst a small but vocal group of doctors to dismantle the fundamental principle of our health-care system, that our patients should be able to access care based on need, not on ability to pay. Universal health care has been called a sinking ship by a GTA physician in an op-ed in another Toronto newspaper. Calls for user fees on top of what the government already pays us, and arguments to let rich Ontarians pay for faster services, undermine values shared by most doctors and patients. Not to mention, they also fly in the face of the evidence. Besides violating the Canada Health Act and Ontarios own laws, user fees and similar charges disproportionately impact those least able to pay, who also happen to be the Ontarians most in need of care. Despite the very real challenges in our health care system, private payment is not the answer to important system problems, such as wait times, access to primary care, and variations in outcomes for surgery or cancer treatment. The tired argument that we should move away from a system that provides universal care, on uniform terms and conditions, is easily debunked by looking at the evidence. Its no surprise why: as wealthy patients leave the public system to jump the line for care, so do doctors, nurses and administrators. With fewer health care workers left to care for those in a less lucrative public system, patients who are unable to pay for care will suffer the consequences, i.e., even longer wait times in the public system than we currently have. For those looking for even more proof of the perils of private payment for doctors services, you dont need to stray outside of Canada, or even Ontario. As front-line physicians, we constantly struggle with barriers our patients face when accessing dental care, physiotherapy, psychotherapy and prescription drugs. In each of these cases, Ontario has a two-tier health care system, full of gaps created by inadequate public and inequitable private insurance. All Ontario physicians experience the squeezing of hospital budgets, the overcrowding of emergency departments and the difficulties our patients experience accessing timely specialty care. But doctors should be advocates for evidence-informed solutions that will actually work. Team-based primary care across the province, centralized intake for specialty services, reductions in unnecessary and harmful tests and procedures would benefit all patients, physicians, and the system. As the OMA and provincial government resume talks, both parties must put patient care ahead of political expediency or physician self-interest. They should, for example, build structures that allow for a medical profession engaged in health system stewardship and they should work together to open the door for the expansion of medicare to include universal access to prescription drugs. Within a publicly funded health care system that requires physicians to practice within that system, governments cannot act unilaterally when it comes to physician compensation. Instead, there must be a fair and independent binding arbitration system. The Ontario government has been too slow to recognize this, and the profession and OMA have been right to demand it. But at the same time, if doctors take job action, or seek changes to the way or the amount we are paid, equitable access for our patients is not acceptable collateral damage. Most of all, punishing patients with user fees and largely unaffordable private payment for physicians services must be off the table. Better medicare, rather than the elimination of medicare, is what Ontarians need and deserve. Dr. Danyaal Raza is a family physician at St. Michaels Hospital. Dr. Joel Lexchin is an emergency physician at the University Health Network. Both represent Ontario on the Board of Directors of Canadian Doctors for Medicare. SHARE: Opponents of M103 a non-binding motion asking the Canadian government to condemn and study Islamophobia and other forms of racism are trying to pass themselves off as brave defenders of free speech. At a rally organized by Rebel Media last Wednesday against M103, for instance, several Conservative leadership candidates (Kellie Leitch, Brad Trost, Chris Alexander, and Pierre Lemieux) sounded the alarm. Trost told the hundreds-strong crowd that the motion is an instrument of the thought police in Ottawa. This is ground zero ... for freedom of speech, not just in Canada ... but for the world today, declaimed Alexander, the former Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. M103 is a symbolic declaration with no legal force or effect, similar to the motion against anti-Semitism passed by Parliament in 2015. It does not denounce (much less prohibit) all criticism of Islam only unfounded fear and hatred of Muslims, which is the definition of Islamophobia. There is no rational argument that M103 ... restricts or constrains freedom of expression, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association points out. The contention that this constitutes a global ground zero in some battle against the thought police is wildly overblown. Six Muslims were killed in a hate attack on a Quebec mosque three weeks ago, but the anti-M103 movement seems more concerned about a concocted threat to free speech than the demonstrated threat to Muslim lives. This would-be crusade for free speech is also disingenuous, since many of its most prominent proponents have previously embraced measures undermining speech rights in Canada. The same politicians now treating freedom of expression like a sacred cow have been perfectly happy to sacrifice it in the very recent past. It is hypocritical of Trost to disparage motions in the House of Commons to try to shut down free speech, when he (and the rest of the Conservative Party) endorsed a motion last February against the non-violent Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions campaign pressuring Israel to comply with international law. The House ... calls upon the government to condemn any and all attempts by Canadian organizations, groups or individuals to promote the BDS movement, both here at home and abroad, it read. Where was all the hyperventilation about thought police then? And it is spurious of Alexander to complain that M103 focuses on Islamophobia but doesnt mention ... Islamic jihadist terrorism, when Islamic jihadist terrorism is already the target of extensive policing and punishment including in ways that jeopardize the freedom of expression he claims to hold so dear. Leitch, Lemieux, Trost, and Alexander cannot credibly parade as champions of free speech when they supported the 2015 Anti-Terrorism Act (Bill C-51), a law excoriated by legions of lawyers and civil liberties advocates for violating constitutionally protected rights of expression. For example, Bill C-51 will lead to censorship and a massive chill on free expression, according to Tom Henheffer, the executive director of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression. Bill C-51 creates a new criminal offence of advocating or promoting terrorism offences in general: an extremely broad and vague provision that potentially criminalizes a sweeping expanse of speech only distantly connected to violence. This offence will loom over conduct in this country, warn law professors and national security experts Kent Roach and Craig Forcese. The result of this offence will be speech chill. Bill C-51 also makes it easier for police to arrest and detain people preventively, before any crime has been committed. Lawyers Clayton Ruby and Nader Hasan describe the type of scenario that could fall within these enlarged powers: Six Muslim young adults stand in front of a mosque late at night in heated discussion in some foreign language ... They may be talking about video games, or sports, or girls ... But the new standard for arrest and detention reason to suspect that they may commit an act is so low that an officer may be inclined to arrest and detain them in order to investigate further ... Yesterday, the Muslim men were freely exercising constitutional rights to freedom of expression and assembly. Today they are arrestable. Terror attacks committed against Muslims have now killed three times as many people in Canada as terror attacks committed by Muslims. It is a transparent double standard to demonize a motion condemning Islamophobia by crying free speech, while simultaneously trampling over free speech with legislation like Bill C-51. Azeezah Kanji is a legal analyst and writer based in Toronto. SHARE: Justin Trudeau has had an excellent couple of weeks on the foreign front. From finessing the minefield of a visit to Donald Trump in the White House, to a candlelight dinner with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, hes been hailed as the new Barack Obama by those searching for a progressive hope on the world stage. That would definitely be overstating things. But the prime minister has been sure-footed so far in his dealings with the Trump administration and has made the most of Canadas freshly signed trade deal with the European Union. Its a symbol of Canadas openness to the world and a signal to nervous Europeans that they still have friends in North America. This kind of thing doesnt just happen. It takes more than Trudeaus undoubted personal charm to make sure things run smoothly despite all the online chatter about his chemical effect on the likes of Ivanka Trump and Merkel herself. What it takes is a lot of hard work behind the scenes. Its to Trudeaus credit that hes put people in place able to make it happen. The groundwork for the White House visit, for example, was laid during many meetings (reportedly more than 20) between top Trudeau aides and a few key figures in the Trump entourage. The prime minister sent his principal secretary, Gerald Butts, and chief of staff Katie Telford to establish a solid working relationship with Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law and adviser, and Stephen Bannon, the controversial White House strategist. He shuffled his cabinet in January, mainly to replace Stephane Dion with Chrystia Freeland in foreign affairs, the theory being that Freeland can relate much more effectively with influential U.S. policy-makers. That seems to have worked out just fine. At the same time, Canadas ambassador to Washington, David MacNaughton, doubled down on the traditional Canadian tactic when it comes to dealing with the U.S. power structure. He made sure that key American power-brokers with shared interests such as senators, congressmen, governors and business leaders in states that trade heavily with Canada got on board with the message that the two countries share vital economic interests. And when it came to the actual face-to-face encounter with Trump last week, the Trudeau team managed to involve Ivanka Trump and showcase issues related to women in business. That, reportedly, was the work of Telford. It deftly highlighted an area that has been one of the prime ministers most visible priorities and, more importantly, brought a family dimension to the visit. That shouldnt be underestimated with a president who seems to operate so much in the realm of emotion. In the end, of course, Canadas relations with Washington and Europe will be determined by big forces and mutual interests. But its worth remembering that foreign relations are also human relations. Things can go better or worse depending on how people deal with each other, and how hard they work at making it succeed. So far Trudeau deserves credit on both fronts. Read more about: SHARE: Re: No hugs just a handshake, Feb. 14 Re: , Georgetown Re: Re: , Oakville Re: Re: , North York Re: Re: Five revealing moments from the Trudeau-Trump day, Feb. 13 No hugs just a handshake, Feb. 14 A detailed analysis of the Trump-Trudeau handshake merited front page treatment in the Star and a prominent mention by leading columnists. Had this sophisticated tool for determining the power relationship between world leaders been available when Hitler met Chamberlain the course of world history would undoubtedly have been altered. We are eagerly looking forward to the Stars in-depth examination of the next Trudeau-Wynne handshake to give us a definitive reading on the status of federal-provincial relationships. Pav Penna, Georgetown Little wonder that U.S. President Donald Trump views most of the media with disdain. I watched this first meeting between Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau from beginning to end. I found the procedings to be collaborative and friendly, with both parties seeming to achieve their goals. And it wasnt boring as suggested in your editorial. The picture that the Star selected to feature on the front page Tuesday was grossly misleading and undoubtedly embarrassing to our prime minister and to many Canadians. We need the media to help support our democratic way of life. By alienating political leaders we run the risk of shutting down an important source of information. Donald Cangiano, Oakville Why would the editors of the Toronto Star lower themselves and write on the front page of Tuesdays paper Prime Minister Justin Trudeau eyes the extended hand of U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, when it is obvious that President Trump is merely gesturing with both hands while talking to Trudeau? Trudeau is not eyeing anything, only politely listening. My son often tells me that I should change my newspaper. Are you trying to prove him right? I love my Star. Toshiko Kikuta, North York Five revealing moments from the Trudeau-Trump day, Feb. 13 Thank you to the Star for your article. We all need to know that there are world leaders who are able to hold their own against our American bully tyrant, Trump. For anyone who missed the televised Q & A, Prime Minister Trudeau gave Trump a lesson in not only diplomacy, but also in an educated, inclusive philosophical world view. World viewers understood; I doubt that Trump did. Thank you, Trudeau. Frightened United States citizens are heartened to hear a voice of sanity to the north of us. Judy Platz, Newton, N.H. SHARE: The provincial government has taken its last big step towards maintaining labour peace in schools through the next election in the form of a tentative agreement that extends Ontarios high school teachers contracts by another two years. The deal with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (OSSTF), announced Thursday, was the final one among the seven unions representing teachers and education workers. Its part of a process launched by the province last fall expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars in the next two years in additional salaries. Agreements have already been ratified by two unions, education workers represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the French teachers union Lassociation des enseignantes and des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO). If the other five, representing elementary teachers, French teachers, English Catholic teachers, education workers and support staff, are ratified, the three-year contracts due to expire this August will all be extended until 2019. That gives the gives the province a shot at sidestepping school labour disruptions in the run-up to the 2018 election. While no details have been released about the OSSTF deal or others pending ratification, the price of labour peace is likely to be high for the Wynne government. In general, every one-per-cent increase in pay for the provinces teachers costs the province up to $170 million, according to sources familiar with education negotiations. That translates to an extra cost of roughly $680 million over the two years, based on the four-per-cent salary increases over two years negotiated by CUPE, the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA) and reportedly the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO). On top of the salary increases, the government is pouring millions into extra teaching positions: some $67 million for the provinces Catholic teachers alone. Support staff represented by CUPE will receive $115 million over two years for additional special education, secretarial and custodial jobs. Elementary and Catholic teachers are expected to vote on their agreements next week. The tentative deal with the elementary teachers includes another expensive piece: a provision that caps kindergarten classes at 30 students. Currently classes, staffed by a full-time teacher and early childhood educator, must average of 26 students across the board, but kindergarten teachers have complained of having more than 30. The OSSTF also said it has reached agreement with the government on a remedy for compensation owed to them following a court ruling last year which found the province had violated their collective bargaining rights in 2012. No details were released. All the deals depend on amendments to the collective-bargaining legislation tabled this week by Education Minister Mitzie Hunter, which enables contracts to be extended, and which includes a requirement for additional notice on strikes or walkouts. SHARE: Boeing's (BA) plant in Charleston, S.C., just had the most dramatic week in its history, a week that made it seem that the sky is the limit for the future of the five-year-old plant. On Feb. 15, plant workers voted overwhelming not to join the International Association of Machinists, seemingly reaffirming right-to-work South Carolina's success in 2009 in luring Boeing here, far from the Washington workers who had built all of its legacy commercial aircraft for decades. On Feb. 17, the first Boeing 787-10 rolled off the assembly line -- marking the debut of the first airplane produced exclusively in Charleston. No 10s are built in Everett, Wash. President Trump showed up for the rollout, a testament to Boeing's diplomacy -- a year ago, Trump said that Boeing would leave South Carolina and make all its planes in China -- and also, it must be said, to Trump's ability to recognize that something worthy of a presidential visit has happened in Charleston. "Last week was a fantastic week, culminating with the rollout," Darrel Larson, director of operations, 787 Aft Body, told reporters at a briefing on Tuesday. As to the future, Larson was optimistic but generally vague. "We are very excited about our site," he said. "We have a lot of land to do whatever the company needs to do." Boeing utilizes about half of its 884 acres in South Carolina. For comparison, it has about 1,000 acres in Everett. One specific: Larson said, "We're going to focus on {787} 9s and 10s in South Carolina." To briefly review the significance of the 787-10, it is the third variation of the Boeing Dreamliner, an engineering miracle that created an efficient, lightweight long-haul aircraft --- as well as, at least initially, a manufacturing disaster that involved a global supply chain that was over-extended and overly dependent on suppliers, saddling Boeing with about $30 billion in deferred costs. The 787-8 seats about 242 passengers and has a range of 7,355 nautical miles. The 787-9 seats about 290 passengers and has a range of 7,635 nautical miles. The 787-10 seats about 325 passengers and have a range of 7,020 nautical miles. The 9 added 10 feet to the 8; the 10 added 18 feet to the 9. Boeing's Charleston plant has become a self-contained site. A paint shop opened here in December, making Boeing South Carolina, in Larson's words, "the only site where we {go} from freezer to delivery." No components are built in Everett, but a portion of the aft body (near the tail) is built in Charleston. Currently, Boeing delivers 12 787s a month, generally seven from Everett and five from Charleston. Boeing even has an engineering design center in Charleston. It enables the company "to go harvest engineering talent from across the U.S., not {to} just be a Northwest company," Larson said. On Tuesday, the final assembly line provided a portrait of Boeing South Carolina's products. Five 787s were just about done. They included four 787 9s -- one each for Aero Mexico, Air France, Chinese carrier Hainan Airlines and Oman Air -- and the second 787-10, still a development airplane. The world remains hungry for 787s. Boeing South Carolina is turning them out as quickly as it can. The transition from the 9 to the 10 has been smooth, and as Boeing ramps up 787 deliveries from 12 a month to 14 it is hard not to think that Charleston fully expects to wake up one day and to hear that it has gotten the go-ahead from Chicago to turn out a couple more. This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned. Chinese Internet search provider Baidu's (BIDU) CEO Robin Li is not subject to a travel ban, a Baidu spokeswoman said on Thursday. Reports from the Taiwanese news site Bowen Press indicated on Wednesday that the CEO was barred from traveling outside of China. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke on Thursday to discuss cooperation along the U.S. and Canadian border, Trudeau's office said. The two leaders also spoke about a dispute regarding lumber exports. The Canada-U.S. border is the longest international border in the world between two countries. WASHINGTON -- Thomas Gibbons-Neff, a fourth-generation military man, deployed twice to Afghanistan. The second time, as a 22-year-old Marine corporal in 2010, he led an eight-man infantry team into combat. Two of his men were wounded by enemy sniper fire, and one of his best buddies later died in combat. Now President Trump says Thomas is an enemy of the American people. Thomas, a Pentagon correspondent for The Washington Post, was so labeled, along with everybody else in the media, by the commander in chief on Friday. "The FAKE NEWS media," Trump tweeted, "is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American People!" I asked my colleague, who went to Georgetown University on the G.I. Bill before joining The Post two years ago, how it felt to be called an enemy of the country he volunteered to serve in combat. "It's alarming, like a bunch of other things these days," Thomas said. "It also feels like bait." And Thomas isn't taking the bait. Like the rest of us, he's keeping his head down and doing his job. Trump's Stalinist labeling of the media is his latest attempt to delegitimize the structures of civil society, following similar attacks on the courts and the intelligence community. We in the press are an easy mark because we're already held in low esteem. In this case, the charge, using the universal language of autocrats, probably shouldn't be dignified with a refutation: To be forced to make the case that a free press isn't the enemy of a free people is to fight on Trump's terms. Instead, allow me to introduce you to the backgrounds of some of my colleagues who Trump would have you believe are enemies of the American people. I would argue that they are the American people. Yes, they went to college, they live in the Washington area, and they earn good wages; that earns them the "elite" epithet. But they hail from all corners of this country, from farms and small towns, the children of immigrants and factory workers, preachers and teachers. Lori Montgomery, The Post's deputy national editor, grew up on her family's dairy farm in western Pennsylvania. Lori, who spent part of her youth stacking hay and shooting a .22, went to Northwestern to study journalism; her brother still runs the farm. Jose DelReal, one of The Post's political reporters, was born in Merced, California, to immigrants from Mexico who were both farmhands. The family moved to Anchorage, where Jose's mother worked as a maid and his father as a cook and dishwasher. Jobs and scholarships got Jose through Harvard University. Dan Balz, The Post's chief correspondent, comes from Freeport, Illinois, one of the cities of the Lincoln-Douglas debates. His father sold batteries. Dan went to the University of Illinois and served for three years in the military. Political reporter Jenna Johnson grew up in Nebraska, where she attended the University of Nebraska; she got an internship with The Post and has never left. Her parents run the weekly newspaper in the small town in eastern Iowa where they now live. Steven Ginsberg, The Post's political editor, grew up in Onancock, a town of 1,200 on the rural Eastern Shore of Virginia. For the first four years of his life there, the family home had no heat. The mother of Supreme Court reporter Bob Barnes died when he was 10, and his dad, a World War II vet who didn't finish high school, worked as a telephone lineman, climbing poles and installing phones. If space allowed, I could go on. My colleagues don't volunteer these stories ordinarily, for the same reason I don't drone on about my Civil War ancestry, or about how I was reared by a single mother, a schoolteacher, and worked my way through college. Everybody in the newsroom -- everybody in America -- has an American story. Such stories are so commonplace as to be unremarkable -- or at least they seemed unremarkable until Trump declared some of us enemies of the American people. So let's pause to remember: We are all the American people. And we all love our country. President Donald Trump wants to be sure that the United States is at the "top of the pack," and is looking to do so by building up the country's nuclear arsenal, Reuters reports. In an interview with the news organization, Trump also expressed his dismay at Russia deploying a cruise missile. The act is in violation of an arms control treaty and Trump plans to address the issue with Russia's Vladimir Putin if they ever meet, Reuters noted. 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. The Toronto-Dominion Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Canadian Retail, U.S. Retail, and Wholesale Banking. The company offers personal deposits, such as chequing, savings, and investment products; financing, investment, cash management, international trade, and day-to-day banking services to businesses; and financing options to customers at point of sale for automotive and recreational vehicle purchases. It also provides credit cards and payments; real estate secured lending, auto finance, and consumer lending services; point-of-sale payment solutions for large and small businesses; wealth and asset management products, and advice to retail and institutional clients through direct investing, advice-based, and asset management businesses; and property and casualty insurance, as well as life and health insurance products. The company also provides capital markets, and corporate and investment banking products and services, including underwriting and distribution of new debt and equity issues; advice on strategic acquisitions and divestitures; and trading, funding, and investment services to corporations, governments, and institutions. It offers its products and services under the TD Bank and America's Most Convenient Bank brand names. The company operates through a network of 1,061 branches and 3,381 automated teller machines (ATMs) in Canada, and 1,148 stores and 2,701 ATMs in the United States, as well as offers telephone, digital, and mobile banking services. It has a strategic alliance with Canada Post Corporation. The Toronto-Dominion Bank was founded in 1855 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Its disappointing that no one in Nebraskas congressional delegation scheduled a town hall meeting during the current weeklong recess. As we have said at various points through the years, town hall meetings are a grand American tradition, a valuable access point at which constituents can meet face-to-face with their representatives. They are particularly important in the current media age in which voters and their elected representatives can all too easily isolate themselves in echo chambers where they hear only those with whom they agree. Admittedly, those town hall meetings can be noisy, confrontational events. The potential was in evidence Tuesday in Lincoln, when protesters left the public sidewalk to enter a building where Sen. Deb Fischer was speaking to the Lincoln Independent Business Association. The protest was organized in part by the local Indivisible Lincoln organization, one of more than 4,000 offshoots across the country inspired by the Indivisible Guide written by former congressional staffers on how to resist the Trump agenda. According to multiple sources, some of the protesters banged on interior windows, stomped in the hallway and created a ruckus that made it difficult for those in the LIBA meeting to hear what Fischer was saying. The senator left through a different door and avoided protesters and the media. When Sen. Ben Nelson was in office, he continued to hold town hall meetings despite repeated noisy confrontations with Tea Party types and other critics while Congress was considering health reform legislation. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry also has braved noisy constituents. In a 2014 town hall meeting in Lincoln it was difficult for those in attendance to hear the questions, and at one point, Fortenberry had to admonish one speaker to stop yelling. Typically, the most common time for town hall meetings is in August, when Congress frequently has a long recess. But this week, with a new occupant in the White House, was a prime opportunity for members of Congress to gauge what their constituents back home think about whats going in Washington. Only 21 Republican and 27 Democratic federal lawmakers scheduled town hall meetings this week, according to the Roll Call news organization. In Iowa, Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst held town hall meetings that attracted big crowds. The Des Moines Register reported that Grassleys appearance in the small town of Garner was civil, though at times heated. When it ended, protesters thanked Grassley for coming and taking their questions, the newspaper reported. The next time Congress has a recess, the Journal Star editorial board hopes members of the Nebraska delegation invite the public to town hall meetings. It also hopes everyone who attends will be civil and allow open dialogue to take place. Its time for Washington to provide Ukraine with defensive lethal weapons to help the country defend against Russian-separatist forces in the east. U.S. Senator Richard Durbin and U.S. Congressman Mike Quigley said this in an interview with Radio Liberty during their visit to Kyiv. According to Durbin, the conflict in the Donbas "has reached a point when we need to be honest." "Its [Russias] activity in eastern Ukraine, in Donetsk, does not show they were ready to retreat. We should provide Ukraine with the tools and weapons, if it needs them to protect its people," he said. Congressman Quigley noted that Ukraine should be provided with defensive lethal weapons as its opponent is using modern technologies and Ukrainians "confront the advanced force." ol OSCE intends to increase the number of monitors as part of its Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, to strengthen its technical capacity, and to lengthen hours of patrolling along the contact line. Austrian Foreign Minister, OSCE Chairman-in-Office Sebastian Kurz said this at the UN Security Council meeting, the UN press service reports. "One of the key issues that we have to deal with in the OSCE is the crisis in and around Ukraine. The crisis has a number of aspects: the annexation of Crimea, the supply of weapons to Donbas, the role of the Russian Federation, the implementation of the Minsk agreements, and numerous acts of violence. All these issues are discussed in the OSCE on an ongoing basis," Kurz said. "It is necessary to seek to improve the living conditions of the local population, especially along the contact line. In this regard, it is essential to ensure unfettered access of humanitarian organizations to the people in need of assistance," the OSCE Chairman-in-Office said. ol Italy's Government has allocated EUR 1 mln to the UN World Food Programme and UNICEF to help people, who have been affected by the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Italian Ambassador to Ukraine Davide La Cecilia said this at a briefing on Thursday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "We monitor the situation in the east, and we know what happened in Avdiivka. This year, the Italian Government has allocated EUR 1 million to the UN World Food Programme and UNICEF to provide assistance to people affected by the conflict in eastern Ukraine," he said. He added that the World Food Programme would receive 700,000 euros from this amount, and due to these funds it would be able to provide food assistance to the people who did not receive it from other humanitarian organizations. ish For years, skeptics have scoffed about the future of wind energy, presuming to silence enthusiasts with the line, Well, what do you do when the wind doesnt blow? As it turns out, there is a modern answer for that question. Its called a power pool. This month, the Southwest Power Pool became the first regional transmission organization in North America to supply more than 50 percent of its demand from wind turbines, hitting 52.1 percent of its load at 4:30 a.m. on Feb. 12. The power pool stretches from Montana to Texas. True, the wind does not blow every day in every state, but its always blowing somewhere and generating electricity. The power pool operates 60,000 miles of power grid across 14 states, including Nebraska. The Lincoln Electric System, the Nebraska Public Power District and the Omaha Public Power District joined in 2008. Last year, wind power became the nations top source of renewable energy, surpassing hydropower, according to Tom Kiernan, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association. Its one of the paradoxes of todays political climate that wind energy, which often is promoted by liberal icons, is flourishing in red states. Texas, in fact, is the undisputed king when it comes to wind energy. Texas has attracted an estimated $38 billion in wind energy investment, with three times more wind generating capacity than any other state. Kansas and Iowa produce more than 30 percent of their electricity from wind. Oklahoma generates more than 20 percent. The Lincoln Electric System took advantage of the wind energy capacity in Kansas and Oklahoma by signing contracts that it says will save $420 million over the next 25 years, based on the projected price of energy in the power pool. Kiernan, admittedly a salesman for wind energy, puts it this way: Wind energy isnt a red or blue industry; its red, white and blue. Nebraska conservatives dont seem to have read the memo. Despite Nebraskas wind energy potential, it ranks only 17th in its capacity to generate electricity from wind. Its discouraging that Lancaster County officials last year enacted dubious noise limits that effectively prevent wind turbines from operating locally. Even wind energy pioneers are surprised with the ability of the power pool to harness the wind. Ten years ago, we thought hitting even 25 percent wind-penetration level would be extremely challenging, and any more would pose serious threats to reliability, the pool said in a written statement. Now the organization says that it can reliably manage greater than 50 percent. And, vice president of operations Bruce Rew added, that level of wind energy is not even our ceiling. I attended the protest against the way Sen. Deb Fischer has represented only some her constituents Tuesday at the Grand Manse ("Hundreds gather at private event to demand dialogue," Feb. 22). There were many protesters demanding that Ms. Fischer be accountable for her actions as a senator required to represent all Nebraskans. There was much chanting but I did not hear personal attacks against her or any name calling. I happened to be at the top of the stairs at the Grand Manse when the Lincoln Independent Business Association members, who had been at Ms. Fischer's presentation, were leaving the luncheon. They had to pass through many protesters. Most LIBA members remained neutral, said nothing and walked through the crowd. Many had on name tags. However, one well-dressed man, who did not have on a name tag that I could see, said fairly loudly as he surveyed the crowd from the top of the stairs, "what a bunch of idiots," and continued down the stairs. His comment was a really inappropriate reaction for a business person representing some business persons in this community. Maybe he thought nobody could hear him or didn't care if anyone did hear him. This is an example of divisive rhetoric that contributes to more misunderstandings within our community and country. This person would do well to keep his negative opinions to himself. Mary Swoboda, Lincoln AIRLINES New bargain fares to Europe from Northeast Low-cost carrier Norwegian Air Shuttle is promising to boost traffic at smaller airports on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean when it starts service to Europe this summer from Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York. Norwegian Air announced Thursday that it is opening new flight crew bases and plans to hire pilots and flight attendants at T.F. Green Airport in Providence, R.I., and Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, N.Y., about 60 miles north of New York City. Year-round flights from those airports to Edinburgh, Scotland, begin in June, and to four airports in Ireland and Northern Ireland in July. There also will be flights to Edinburgh from Connecticuts Bradley International Airport, near Hartford. One-way flights bound for Europe started at $65 for the first 10,000 seats and were already selling out Thursday morning. Once the introductory phase is over, flights will start at $99. Some Europe-bound flights were on sale for more than $300 on the airlines website Thursday. The company won permission from the Obama administration in December for its disputed plan to expand flights to the United States. Several large U.S. airlines and their labor unions opposed the expansion, arguing that it would threaten U.S. jobs. They have accused Norwegian Air of getting around Norways labor and tax laws by operating new flights with a subsidiary based in Ireland called Norwegian Air International. Associated Press PHARMACEUTICALS Ex-drug executives deny fraud charges A former Valeant Pharmaceuticals International executive and the former chief executive of the mail-order pharmacy Philidor Rx Services pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges that they orchestrated a multimillion-dollar fraud and kickback scheme. Federal prosecutors accused Gary Tanner, who was a senior director at the Canadian drugmaker Valeant, of working with former Philidor chief executive Andrew Davenport to drive business and funding from Valeant to Philidor. That, prosecutors said, was part of a scheme that netted Davenport $40 million, $10 million of which was kicked back to Tanner. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pennsylvania, the now-defunct Philidor was a specialty mail-order pharmacy formed with Valeants assistance, prosecutors said. At least 90 percent of the drugs it dispensed were Valeant-branded products, they said. Tanner and Davenport were indicted on four counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Reuters Also in Business From news services Coming Today Men carry bags of tin ore in 2013 near the Congo city of Goma. (Junior D. Kannah/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images) Apple doesnt want to see it scrapped. Neither does Intel or Tiffany & Co. But the U.S. conflict minerals law which requires American public companies to avoid using minerals that fund war and human rights abuses in the Congo region is widely seen today as facing its most serious threat since its passage in 2010. The White House is considering a suspension of the law, part of President Trumps pledge to cut government regulations and a long-held goal of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. If that does not happen, congressional Republicans are expected to try defunding it, which they attempted last year. At the same time, federal regulators recently announced that they plan to reconsider the laws scope. The acting head of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the agency that oversees the regulation, called it a misguided rule. But in a surprising move, several major companies say they will not abandon the standard even if the law is gutted. While corporations normally cheer in unison when regulations are cut, this controversial rule has prompted a different reaction. That is because something interesting has happened since the law took effect: Companies say the conflict minerals law has created an expectation both inside their corporate headquarters and among consumers that their products will be conflict-free. They do not want to back away from that now. But they worry their efforts will be undermined without the law to support them. We do this because its the right thing to do, Apple said in a statement about its conflict minerals compliance. The tech giant said it plans to keep those protections regardless of whether or not the law requires it. Apple said it is pleading its case behind the scenes to White House and SEC officials. Intel said it, too, was committed to responsible sourcing of minerals regardless of regulatory changes. We do actually believe in doing the right thing, Intel spokesman William Moss said. Richline, a major jewelry company, said it would remain committed to the standard because the cause is worthy of these efforts. Richline added that it was against weakening or repealing a process that has already been set in motion and is just beginning to effect meaningful change. Such descriptions of a securities regulation are unusual, illustrating how this law, formally known as Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank financial restructuring act, has changed corporate thinking in some quarters. Human rights groups, too, have noted the laws threats. The fact that all of this is happening right now is incredibly worrying, said Carly Oboth, policy adviser at human rights group Global Witness. The law relates to the trade in tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold from mines in and around Congo, which have historically been run by militias. The conflict minerals standard was proposed by Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), who was one of the most conservative voices in Congress. He saw the 2010 law as a way to strip the militias of an important funding source. The law requires U.S. companies to attempt to verify that their suppliers did not buy conflict minerals. Companies then must report annually on their due-diligence efforts to the SEC. The law took effect just as companies were confronting increasing pressure to take responsibility for the actions of even their most far-flung suppliers. This fed a push for supply-chain transparency, helping firms root out potential abuses and avoid damaging headlines. The diamond business knows this topic well. In the 1990s, jewelers faced intense criticism for blood diamonds, which were mined in harsh conditions to fund civil wars, mostly in West Africa. Consumers wanted no part of it. That led to an industry certification plan aimed at halting the trade. Today, the issue is conflict minerals. To fight the problem, a complex monitoring system was set up in Congo. Inspectors visit mines to certify they are conflict-free. Minerals are traced as they pass through the supply chain. The entire process is audited. From the start, the law was assailed as too burdensome and expensive by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers, among others. They say it is a misuse of U.S. securities law. They also say the law is ineffective. A 2015 Government Accountability Office report found that no companies could determine whether their minerals financed or benefited armed groups in the Congo region. But supporters of the law say that is not unexpected companies are reluctant to state unequivocally that they do not use conflict minerals, even as they try to avoid them and that the compliance efforts have had an effect. More than 200 mines and smelters in the Congo region have been certified as conflict-free. We have seen real change on the ground, said Karen Hayes, senior director at Pact, a nongovernmental group that coordinates verification efforts in Congo. Compliance costs have been a fraction of original estimates. And Congos exports of the four minerals covered by U.S. law have grown in recent years, indicating there is a market for certified minerals. To stop now would be to greatly undermine the peace and security in Congo, said Sasha Lezhnev, associate director of policy at the Enough Project, an advocacy group. Several African groups, including the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and a collection of 41 Congolese civil society organizations, recently announced their support for the conflict minerals law. What worries the laws supporters is that the White House is reportedly considering gutting the measure. Groups on both sides of the issue say Trumps administration is looking at a two-year suspension of the law. This comes after the president signed a law repealing anti-corruption rules instituted last year requiring energy companies to disclose certain payments to foreign governments. Separately, the SEC announced Jan. 31 that it wants to see whether the conflict minerals rule is still appropriate and whether companies need more relief from the rules obligations. In announcing the move, Michael Piwowar, appointed by Trump as acting SEC chairman, expressed doubts about whether the law has reduced militia conflicts or eased the human suffering of many innocent men, women, and children in the Congo and surrounding areas. The SEC is accepting public comments on the rule through mid-March. While some companies are willing to take a public stand against cutting the law, others are more hesitant. Boeing, for example, told The Washington Post that it has not yet taken a position. Representatives from several manufacturing firms have written to the SEC to express their support for changing or repealing the law. A supplier risk manager at ArvinMeritor, which makes auto parts, wrote that compliance was difficult because the firm is so far removed from the source of the minerals. A vice president at Neotech, which makes electronics, wrote to say the laws value does not justify the additional cost of doing business. But even as the fate of the law is debated, the idea of regulating conflict minerals has spread. Last year, the European Union adopted its own version of the conflict minerals law. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a group of many of the worlds richest countries, unveiled voluntary guidelines. And a leading Chinese industry group is developing its own standard. But companies such as Apple and Intel fear that enforcing a conflict-free standard may be impossible without U.S. law. Tiffany & Co. argued against the laws repeal because it is an important framework for industry, laying the foundation for protection of human rights and responsible sourcing efforts in [Congo] and beyond. If theres no legal backbone to this, said Lezhnev of the Enough Project, that would open up some pretty significant loopholes. Many tech companies and scholars have raised their voices against President Trumps Jan. 27 executive order on immigration. The hundreds of researchers and high-skilled workers who could be affected by the travel ban are part of the larger U.S. innovation economy, a community that relies heavily on foreign talent and whose members now worry that legal immigration could be the next target. We asked three experts on innovation, competitiveness and the workforce on how broad immigration reform could affect the country. Nearly 100 Silicon Valley companies including tech giants like Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Twitter filed an amicus brief opposing Trumps immigration order nearly a week after it was implemented. The brief stated that the order disrupts business operations, threatens investment and makes it more difficult and expensive for U.S. companies to recruit, hire, and retain some of the worlds best employees. MIT, Harvard and six other universities in Massachusetts filed a request to the federal court of Boston against Trumps executive order. The state of Washington, backed by other states such as Minnesota, claimed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit that the order harms their businesses and universities. The court eventually agreed with the states and temporarily blocked the travel ban. Although the visas issued to countries included in the executive order represent less than 1 percent of total visas, the impact on the U.S. talent force could be significant. Iran, which is included in the restricted list, ranked 10th in the number of U.S. doctorates awarded to noncitizens in 2015. At MIT alone, more than 100 students and scholars were affected by the travel ban. You cant build a border against ideas, said Anthony P. Carnevale, director of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. You are always moving along a cutting edge on innovation. The way to win on that is to be very open and competitive with respect to the talent. The fact that [the Trump administration] did this to seven countries raises a fear that it can extend to more countries. A rising concern Many in the tech community worry the order could be the first step toward a deeper review of the entire legal immigration system. The reform of visa programs to hire high-skilled workers seems to be gaining momentum after several bills were presented in the past few weeks: The last of these proposals does not focus on temporary work visas but on permanent residents, individuals who hold green cards. The bill aims to reduce the number of new visa issuances by 41 percent in the first year, and limit them by half in ten years. In a Fox News interview Cotton said: Most of the people coming to our country are coming because they are distant relatives, under the outdated diversity lottery or as refugees. Obviously they dont have the kind of high skills our economy needs. Although both targets are two separate buckets, temporary visa holders and permanent green card holders are part of the same complex immigration system. High-skilled workers typically obtain green cards after they have held student and work visas. Here is a look at all the visas and green cards issued in 2015 and the potential scale of these proposals: Where Trump stands on immigration policies My administration will follow two simple rules: Buy American and hire American, Trump said in his inauguration speech. During the 2016 campaign, then-candidate Trump repeatedly defended the need for stricter immigration policies, including those related to highly skilled workers. Companies are importing low-wages workers on H1-B visas to take jobs from young, college-trained Americans, Trump said during a rally in Columbus, Ohio, in October. We will protect these jobs for all Americans. But Trump has contradicted himself on this issue several times: Im changing. Im changing. We need highly skilled people in this country, and if we cant do it, well get them in, he said during a Republican debate in March on Fox News. This back-and-forth suggests Trump and his team might still be weighing the effect a strict America First policy may have in the long run. Traditionally, Republicans and Democrats have agreed on the need to continue welcoming high-skilled foreign workers. In the past two decades, all three U.S. presidents expanded visa caps for students or the highly skilled. Democrats have traditionally been more flexible when it comes to visas for workers families. Why are tech companies concerned? Amid increasing globalization in recent decades, the U.S. economy has relied on foreign labor for innovation. There is a strong correlation between immigration and innovation, said Manjari Raman, program director and senior researcher at the U.S. Competitiveness Project at Harvard Business School. Tech companies in Silicon Valley rely on innovation as a competitive advantage, and they want access to large pools of talent. A study by Georgetowns Center on Education and the Workforce suggests that by 2020, 65 percent of all jobs will require postsecondary education and training, an increase from 28 percent in 1973. Our undergrads are predominantly U.S.-born but frequently come from families who are first-generation. But our masters and PhD programs are extremely global in nature, said Fiona E. Murray, associate dean for innovation at MIT. This is not about excluding American students, but actually recognizing the demand for advanced education especially PhDs and beyond is often more global and less local in nature. And so we have an opportunity to educate a very global community of young innovators. H-1B visas for high-skilled workers, and H-4 visas for their immediate relatives, represent more than a third of the total visas related to employment. For tech and research industries, these seem essential: The number of these visas is capped for 2017, the limit is 65,000 plus an extra 20,000 for those with a masters. Demand has exceeded the cap in most recent years, so a lottery system decides who receives a visa. The Office of Foreign Labor Certification is responsible for deciding if there are any qualified and available U.S. workers in the area of intended employment. It also must ensure that the admission of a foreign worker will not impact on the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers. These certifications, while they dont reflect the final number of visas, provide the best indicator of the needs for different companies. Most of these jobs are in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), according to a 2015 report from the certification office. But experts like Raman also note the need for these companies to do more. In areas like STEM there is a shortage of high skill talent within the country, she said. Immigration is a great way to fill a gap, but there is an opportunity here for these companies to see what they can do more to create a pipeline of talent within the U.S. At the same time, she said, we should encourage students who come to the U.S. for higher studies, to stay back in the U.S. rather than send them back to their own countries. You need both. It could impact U.S. competitiveness Some of the international economies where these researchers and workers are coming from are among U.S. competitors, although Raman clarified: Competitiveness is not a win-lose game. When the U.S. becomes more competitive, everyone benefits. When China becomes more competitive, everyone benefits. The four largest feeder countries for American companies are also among the top contributors to U.S. invention and research. Since 2008, more U.S. patents have been registered by non-U.S. citizens than those registered by Americans. Murray confirmed this trend: In our MIT alumni survey, the rate of patenting is higher for foreign-born students (34 percent) than for U.S.-born students (30 percent). Need for an open debate In a recent report, experts from the Harvard Business School said one of the ways to keep the U.S. economy competitive is to allow the influx of more high-skilled workers. However, the country doesnt necessarily agree. The study notes that only 29 percent of the public supports high-skilled immigration, compared to 77 percent from the business community. Many more jobs have been lost due to automation rather than immigration, Raman said, adding that the latter is often the focus of the blame. To ensure the countrys ability to compete, Raman encouraged politicians to inform the public and keep an open dialogue including business leaders perspective, but also the needs of U.S. citizens. The United States is competitive if its companies are able to compete successfully across the globe and, at the same time, the average American is able to aspire to rising living standards, Raman said. If a policy decision serves only U.S. companies or if it serves only the average American, that might not always serve the country best in the long run. It may seem a good policy in the short term, but in the long term it may have unintended consequences that could harm the countrys ability to compete globally. Liz Daingerfield as Cassandra in The Trojan Women. (Teresa Castracane) The Riot Grrrls are the female-centric wing of Taffety Punk Theatre Company, and for nearly a decade of showcasing women (usually in all-female Shakespeare), the group has been one of Washingtons most valuable and, arguably, influential units. Its current contribution is offering up Brigid Cleary as a formidable centerpiece for director Kelsey Mesas intimate staging of the Greek howl of war, The Trojan Women. Cleary is terrifically lucid; thoughts are always crisp, and emotions are genuine. Though there is no outlet for her comic gifts in Euripides grim depiction of female prisoners of war, irony glows dark as Clearys once-royal Hecuba bemoans her steep fall and humiliating conditions. Hecuba and the women around her are traumatized survivors of war, mourning their losses and awaiting assignment as slaves of their Greek conquerors. (Hecubas hated fate: slave to Odysseus.) Even in a 50-seat theater such as the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop The Trojan Women needs tragic stature, and Clearys lofty, penetrating lamentations and her sarcastic cross-examination of Helen cause of the war give the production grandeur and pain. Her rage is ferocious, and her icy disdain of Helen drips with righteous anger. The center holds in this Trojan Women, a follow-up to Taffety Punks An Iliad last fall. Brigid Cleary as Hecuba in Trojan Women. (Teresa Castracane) As characters such as the visionary Cassandra (Liz Daingerfield) and the maternal Andromache (Shanara Gabrielle) enter with their individual testimonies of woe, Mesa sometimes seems stuck positioning her performers center stage with Edith Hamiltons formal translation of Euripides. The cast speaks well, but the show still smacks of static oration. The design courts a timeless feel by opening with the women prematurely celebrating to Taylor Swifts Shake It Off and mixing classical-looking costumes such as Clearys shapeless, bloody-looking garment with snappy modern suits for Sara Dabney Tisdales Athena and Gabrielles Poseidon. Yet its mostly straightforward, and mostly potent in Clearys Hecuba until her final showdown with Tisdale doubling as the wily, self-serving Helen gives the drama a decidedly personal edge. Another fierce lead performance in a 90-minute classical show is being kicked up by Irina Tsikurishvili as Synetic Theater remounts its 2012 hit The Taming of the Shrew (then at the Lansburgh Theatre, now at Synetics Crystal City base). Synetic traditionally handles Shakespeare with movement and no words, and the language of Shrew is a parade of pique and fashion as adaptor-director Paata Tsikurishvili sets the story in a tabloid-mad Hollywood (or Paduawood, as Tinseltown is styled in this version). As the angry shrew of the title, Irina Tsikurishvili executes endless variations on stomps and glowers. Moving to the electro-pop pings and blips of Konstantine Lortkipanidzes score, Tsikurishvilis Katherina terrorizes the paparazzi and tries to discipline her flirty younger sister, Bianca (the ready-to-dance Nutsa Tediashvili, excellent with the giddy shimmies). Katherinas fits arent especially nuanced, but Tsikurishvilis command makes it hard to look away. More compelling is Katherinas knockabout comedy with Ryan Sellerss wry Petruchio, played in this adaptation as a hotshot painter. Sellers and Tsikurishvili are the holdovers from the 2012 show, and their precision is impressive as the squabbling couple wrestles and feuds with acrobatic skill. Irina Tsikurishvili as Katherina and Ryan Sellers, far right, as Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew at Synetic Theater. (Johnny Shryock) The comic dinner scene as Petruchio teases the starving Katherina is still an inventive highlight, as is an early fashion show flaunting Synetics runway-ready cast and Anastasia Rurikova Simess gaudy, feathery costumes. Simes is also responsible for the sets revolving panels with projections of paparazzi photos and Petruchios lovelorn paintings, and the new cast capably steps into the nonstop shenanigans. Its a colorful, entertaining adaptation that clicks along at a remarkable pace a real gallop through Shakespeares plot, presided over with muscular prowess by the impish Sellers and an ultimately touched Tsikurishvili. The Trojan Women by Euripides. Directed by Kelsey Mesa. Costumes, Jen Gillette; lights, Mary Keegan; sound design and music, Kathy Cahsel; choreography, Kelly King. With Danielle Drakes, Katie Murphy, Sarah Pretz and Lynette Rathnam. About 90 minutes. Through March 4 at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE. Tickets $15. Visit taffetypunk.com. The Taming of the Shrew adapted and directed by Paata Tsikurishvili. Choreography, Zana Gankhuyag; lights, Brian Allard; multimedia design, Riki Kim. With Irakli Kavsadze, Justin J. Bell, Scott S. Turner, Stephen Russell Murray, Alex Mills, Janine Baumgardner, Chris Galindo and Katherine Frattini. About 90 minutes. Through March 19 at Synetic Theater, 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington. Tickets $35-$60. Call 866-811-4111 or visit synetictheater.org. Correction: An earlier version of this review misspelled Sara Dabney Tisdales name. With just a few lines and shapes, Isamu Noguchis set design for Martha Grahams ballet Appalachian Spring suggests a landscape and a way of life. The outline of a house, described with soaring beams, is clean and severe. The only furnishings are a narrow bench and a rocking chair. The chair faces toward the imaginary outdoors like a throne, from which the master of this orderly domain can survey the frontier. In this ballet, Noguchi, an acclaimed sculptor and longtime Graham collaborator, offers the audience a vision of expansive, uncluttered freedom. But for the dancers? His design is a pain. Janet Eilber, the artistic director of the Martha Graham Dance Company, remembers when Graham first cast her in the role of the Pioneer Woman in Appalachian Spring, Grahams 1944 masterpiece. It was a great honor, calling for poise, maturity and thighs of steel. Wearing a long, sweeping dress, the Pioneer Woman is a commanding character with many dramatic moments. In one of them, she slowly settles herself onto that slender Noguchi rocking chair like a queen, completely at ease. Even though her quads are burning. Isamu Noguchi set piece for Martha Grahams "Cave of the Heart." (Isamu Noguchi/Courtesy Martha Graham Dance Company ) Its all about the work of the thighs, Eilber says. Youve got this huge skirt on, and as youre lowering your body, youre just hoping your sitting bones are going to land. Your thighs have got to be so sure and steady while youre making sure youre going to find it. Once she has made contact with Noguchis cruelly skinny chair, the Pioneer Woman sits only in the vaguest way. Shes certainly not at rest, and neither are the four young women in the role of the Followers, once they perch themselves on Noguchis bench. That little bench is tiny, eight inches wide at most, and its on a slant, Eilber says. They are holding themselves up with their thigh power. This is the dark side of those beautiful Noguchi designs: From the dancers perspective, theyre kind of a nightmare. A performance on March 3, in conjunction with the Smithsonian American Art Museums exhibit Isamu Noguchi, Archaic/Modern, will explore the dancers view of Noguchis works. The Graham company will perform Cave of the Heart, with music by Samuel Barber, in the American Art Museums auditorium, and Eilber will talk about what its like to interact with the designs Noguchi made for that ballet. The event is sold out, but ticket seekers can take in another Noguchi collaboration on April 8, at George Mason University. That engagement will feature the second act of Grahams Clytemnestra, with Noguchis spears, throne, bier and other props; also on the program are Grahams Maple Leaf Rag and two works by other choreographers. The two artists came from different backgrounds Noguchi, a Japanese American, spent his childhood in Japan; Graham had a strict Puritan upbringing in Pennsylvania. But they shared a fascination with organic shapes, mythic themes and the emotional power of strict simplicity. Even before she started working with Noguchi, Graham was exploring space the way a sculptor does, as a volume to be shaped through an emotionally powerful arrangement of bodies, with dancers in geometrical formations or elevated on ramps. In the 1920s, Graham commissioned Noguchi to sculpt a bust of herself he was making his living at the time doing such celebrity portraits then she launched their partnership in 1935 with her solo Frontier. Noguchi created an exquisitely simple set for it from a bit of fencing and two ropes, stretching out and up to suggest the empty, infinite sky of the prairie. PeiJu Chien-Pott, Natasha M. Diamond Walker, XiaoChuan Xie, and Ben Schultz (background) in Martha Grahams "Cave of the Heart." (Christopher Jones/Martha Graham Dance Company) Its not the rope that is the sculpture, he once said of that work, but it is the space which it creates that is the sculpture. In all, he made sets and props for about 20 Graham dances. But Noguchis designs dont simply sit there and look great. The dancers must engage with them rolling around on his tilted, sharp-edged bed (in Phaedra), climbing onto his rigid mini-landscapes (in Cave), and wearing his bulky, unyielding accessories. In Errand Into the Maze, for instance, the male character known as the Creature of Fear wears a large curved horn on his head and bears a long staff like a yoke across his shoulders. That staff gives rise to some interesting partnering, Eilber says, even if it takes a couple of months of rehearsal to figure out how to wield it without killing anyone. Its something to be tamed, she says. Its like a partner on the stage you have to work with. Among the 74 works on display in the Smithsonians Noguchi exhibit (which will close March 19) is the Spider Dress that Noguchi created for the character of Medea in Grahams Cave of the Heart, from 1946. The ballet distills the Greek legend of Medea into a few taut scenes. At the end, once Medea (Grahams role, originally) has killed and destroyed those around her, she lowers Noguchis dress over her body. Its more of a cage than a garment; crafted from brass wire, it has long, spiny blades that wave and shimmer. Medea looks like shes wearing an arsenal of knives. Then she climbs on top of the Noguchi sculpture that has been dubbed the aorta, because it resembles a sliced-open heart with the stumps of four arteries. In this climactic moment, Medea has to affix the thin legs of her brass cage on each of the aortas stumps, which means controlling the delicate, shivering brass while disguising the struggle. God forbid one side of the cage should slip off its little pedestal, or the long gown Medea is wearing underneath gets caught around the metal legs. Those legs are very bendy and very willful, Eilber says. Theres a certain way to do it. Martha used to scoot her body down in a snakey way to set the front legs, and then shed look behind her in a snakey way to set down the back legs. It all has to be finessed. Yet even with the difficulties, or maybe because of them, working alongside those bold, eye-catching Noguchi pieces forces the dancers to be big and bold onstage, too, Eilber says. Otherwise, the designs lose their emotional power. To make them art, as part of a Graham choreography, they have to be used in the most specific and extraordinary ways, and you cant do that without being inventive and rehearsing very carefully. Of course, Graham and Noguchi arent the only pairing of great artists in the dance world. Robert Rauschenberg frequently created sets for Merce Cunningham (a former Graham dancer). Noguchi worked with other choreographers besides Graham, including George Balanchine. But the Graham-Noguchi pairing was unique. They were the revolutionaries, Eilber says. They broke the mold . . . rejecting the decorative arts of Europe and finding an American art form that was plain-spoken and stripped down, with stark, modern ways of speaking as a dancer and as a sculptor. My friend Rachel and I are about to sample some coffee. The beans from which this coffee was brewed were purchased by an American lawyer at a street market in Vietnam. They found their way to my home through a circuitous process I choose not to disclose. The beans are packaged in an airtight container featuring Wicovalve technology, advertised as the worlds best freshness sealant. (The seal looks way more complicated than it has to be, substantially over-engineered for its purpose, like the convoluted mass of veiny flesh under our tongues.) The bag is metallic and as thick as wedding-invitation stationery. Clearly, this transports something of value. The beans inside, and variants of them, are said to sell for as much as $350 a pound in Europe and the United States and, because of their scarcity, even more on the black market. I ground them and dripped them into coffee. It smells faintly of dark chocolate, molasses and/or mahogany. In short, it definitely smells ... brown. Under the circumstances, this is a little disturbing. Okay, says Rachel, assessing her still unsampled mug. This smells like when teenagers are on a camping trip and they dont like coffee yet but have to drink it to seem mature, so they add Swiss Miss. Its exactly the sort of ... I accuse her of stalling for time. She denies it. I am not at all worried. She looks at the cup. I mean, they must wash it, right? I shrugged. Who knows? Well, they must rinse it at least, right? The package doesnt identify exactly what type of coffee it is, but judging from the accompanying photograph, which is of a ratlike animal looking hungrily at some yummy beans on a vine, what we are about to drink is civet coffee. Its famous. To put it bluntly, the beans are fed to these nocturnal Asian mammals and then re-harvested from their poop. Supposedly the coffee has been chemically altered by the civets digestive processes in some salubrious and flavor-enhancing way. I decide to start with a palate cleanser of tap water. Are you stalling for time? Rachel asks, archly. We sip. Its delicious, in a sort of biologically complex way. A few minutes elapse. Rachel takes a refill. She has decided that these beans must be pristine, so there is nothing to worry about. If you are farming these things, youre not feeding them anything other than beans, so thats all there is in their system. No bugs or berries, no real pooplike material to contaminate it. What? Why? She rolls her eyes. Clearly, I am an idiot. Because if you are farming civets for their coffee-bean poop, if that is the whole enterprise, you are losing money if you feed them anything but the coffee beans. Its about a rudimentary principle of business called opportunity loss. I accuse her of inventing nonsense terminology to distract attention from a disagreeable truth, like that guy inventing vorstein on Seinfeld. She Googles opportunity loss and proves she is right. Fueled by coffee, we get more philosophical. So what if these were not cleaned beans? Life itself is dirty. We are forever ingesting horrible things. The FDA actually permits a certain amount of beetle eggs in asparagus, maggots in maraschino cherries, and insect heads in figs. It is simply a fact that we inhale, with every breath, molecules that have been expelled as gas from a strangers colon. This is a bracing logic, but we are still feeling a little bit queasy. Just then, I get an email from the lawyer who had purchased the beans. He said that hed had an elaborate conversation with the street vendor, and as far as he understood, despite the image on the label, these were not civet poop coffee beans at all. Thank goodness! They were weasel poop coffee beans. For stories, features such as Date Lab, @Work Advice and more, visit WP Magazine. Follow the Magazine on Twitter. Like us on Facebook. Email us at wpmagazine@washpost.com. Police officers help an injured woman after an explosion rocks the World Trade Center in New York on Feb. 26, 1993. (Joe Tabacca/AP) (The Washington Post front page reporting on the bombing.) Feb. 26, 1993 Twenty-four years ago, on a Friday in late February, a truck pulled into a parking garage beneath the North Tower at the World Trade Center in New York City. Shortly after noon, it exploded, killing six people, injuring hundreds and forcing the evacuation of thousands more. Thus began what then-Washington Post reporter Malcolm Gladwell described in a front-page account as an afternoon of sheer mayhem in Manhattan, including the evacuation of 50,000 people from the Empire State Building after a bomb scare. Seven men were ultimately convicted and sentenced to life in prison in connection with the attack, including Nidal Ayyad, a chemist who helped get chemicals for the bomb; Mohammed Salameh, who rented the yellow Ryder van used to deliver it; and Ramzi Yousef, the mastermind of the attack. Only six made it to prison. The seventh, Indiana-born Abdul Yasin, who helped make the bomb, evaded arrest. In its 2004 report, the 9/11 Commission concluded that while effective in getting convictions, the law enforcement investigation of the 93 bombing, in hindsight, did not prepare Americans for the 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. The process was meant, by its nature, to mark for the public the events as finished, the commission wrote. It was not designed to ask if the events might be harbingers of worse to come. Kati Miller, 26, fourth-grade teacher, and Jared Sorhaindo, 30, Middle East researcher at a Washington nonprofit. (Photo courtesy of daters/ ) interviews by Timothy R. Smith Kati Miller, 26, is a fourth-grade teacher. But they are both writers at heart. Jared Sorhaindo, 30, is a Middle East researcher at a Washington nonprofit. Jared has dabbled in essays and in different types of verse. Kati recently had her work published. We sent them to Blackwall Hitch in Alexandria to find out what sort of literary magic they could create together. Jared: My friend and co-worker did Date Lab, Amanda Botfeld. She was the one [whose date] was talking about his ex the whole time. [Date Lab] isnt something I would usually read, but Amanda started filling [the application] out for me and I thought, You know what, it could be fun, so I rolled with it. Kati: I came straight from work. He was there first. I thought he was cute. I didnt like his glasses very much, but they grew on me as the night went on. We shook hands, and then we both went for the hug. Jared: She seemed like a really cool person. As soon as she sat down I said, Kati, its nice to meet you. She said her day was nuts, and I said mine was nuts, too. She asked, What do you do? and I asked what she does. Kati: I dont think he talked so much about what he did. He does a lot of travel. Weve both been to Poland. He had a much better experience there, and I think hes trying to learn the language. He was there for, like, several weeks. I was in Germany for two months, and I took a day trip to Poland to visit Auschwitz. Jared: She studied abroad and lived with family in Germany. I have a big interest in Central Europe, before, during and after the Second World War. Ive unfortunately not been to Germany. I thought that was really cool that she had. ... I was trying to spark some other conversation. But we didnt have similar taste on some things. I told her that I went shooting with some friends, and she said she didnt like guns. Thats cool. Kati: Im super-duper liberal. Like anti-gun. All of that. Ive touched a gun one time in my life, and it was an accident. Jared: It turns out we both like to write. Ive written plays, poetry, rap songs, screenplays. I write historical essays for myself. Shes been published in a poetry anthology. The whole poetry thing was pretty cool and impressive. Kati: All of the poems were about space in various formats, the stars and things like that. I had four published. It was actually over the summer. Jared: We talked about how her parents met. We both sort of rued the modern day where people meet on Tinder and it misses the cool origin story. Her parents both went to college together, and her dad went up to her mom, who was eating ice cream, and he asked her if he could have a bite. I thought it was funny in the way that she told it. Kati: My dad ate the entire top of the sundae. His parents met in a park, I think, on the Fourth of July. His dad was really tall and his mom was really short, and his dad let her sit on his shoulders. It was really cute. Jared: She shared a sweet story when we were deciding whether or not we wanted to get dessert. She said she has fond memories of sharing her dessert. Kati: My dad was not really part of my life. But my grandpa was. He died about three or four years ago. Whenever we went out to dinner hed let me finish his dessert. I will talk for hours about my grandpa. Jared: We wound up getting two separate desserts, but we both tried each others. Kati: He walked me to my car. We exchanged numbers and we hugged. We both said we were interested in hanging out again. Jared: I would like to see where it goes. As things stand in my mind now, I think she seems like shes really cool or interesting. I got the sense that we could be friends rather than a romantic chemistry feel. Rate the date Jared: 3.5 [out of 5]. I thought she was cool and fun to talk to. I dont think I see a romantic spark. Kati: 3. He was a really nice person. He was fun to talk to. I didnt feel any chemistry right away, but Id definitely like to hang out with him again. Update Jared and Kati do not have plans to meet again. Last week we talked about unwanted come-ons from recruiters. This week: When recruiters disappear. Reader 1: Twice I was recruited for positions and had background checks and interviews with the hiring managers. The recruiter in each case one with the company, one an outside contractor assured me that the position was mine. I was given a salary and a start date and told to wait for an offer letter. Then, nothing. When I tried to call or email the recruiters and hiring managers, I was met with deafening silence. I never did find out why these offers, if they were real offers, were pulled at the last minute. Reader 2: I recently answered a job ad and was contacted by the companys recruiting department. The recruiter discussed the job and set an interview for me to meet the hiring manager. Early in the interview, the manager told me there was not a job opening they just wanted potential candidates for their pipeline. When I followed up with the recruiter, he appeared genuinely surprised and said that as far as he knew, there was an open position. After checking with his company, he informed me that the company was continuing its search to fill the position. Since then, he will not answer my emails or phone calls, and neither will the employers HR department. Is this legal? The company continues to post this position online. Karla: Its not clear or relevant whether the recruiters in these cases misunderstood or were misled by the employers. When a candidate is left hanging, both employer and recruiter come off looking unprofessional. In Reader 1s case, its possible that both those offers fell through for any number of legitimate reasons but the recruiters and employers failure to follow up at all was unethical, troubling and wrong, says Jeremy Tolley, an HR executive with Tennessee-based health-care provider CareHere. Several scenarios could apply in Reader 2s case: Management didnt convey its pipeline plan to the recruiter; the recruiter liked the applicant, but the manager didnt; or the recruiter is omitting details to get bodies in the door unprofessional, but not something youre likely to win a lawsuit over. Going back to the employers themselves is the right call, if only to let them know that their recruiters may be doing harm to their image. Great places to work are concerned about their employment brand and want to do the right thing; they want to know if someone feels they have been subject to unethical treatment by recruiters or hiring managers, says Tolley. Branding and best intentions aside, its not unreasonable for employers to rely on recruiters to handle most interactions with job candidates. But for the arrangement to work, both parties must commit to clear communication with each other and with candidates, even when the news is bad. Ask Karla Miller about your work dramas and traumas by emailing wpmagazine@washpost.com. Read more @Work Advicecolumns. For stories, features such as Date Lab, Gene Weingarten and more, visit The Washington Post Magazine. Follow the Magazine on Twitter. Like us on Facebook. Email us at wpmagazine@washpost.com. (Nicki DeMarco,Danielle Kunitz,Thomas LeGro/The Washington Post) Over the nearly nine decades that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has doled out the Oscars, there have been any number of events that could have thrown a wrench into planning the ceremony. To name a few: the Great Depression, World War II and 9/11. But every year, the show goes on. How do those events shape the big, glitzy spectacle? [Oscars 2017: Let La La Land win best picture, just dont let it run the table] In some cases, not at all. But over time, awards shows have gotten more political. After a year such as 2016, with its acrimonious election and other memorable events, you can bet there will be speeches about the state of the nation. For proof, just look at Meryl Streeps Golden Globes speech or Mahershala Alis SAG Awards acceptance. Heres a look at some of the ceremonies in particularly tumultuous years, and how they were affected or not by the news of the day. 1 of 33 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad The top political moments in Oscars history View Photos It wasnt until the 1970s that actors and directors voiced their opinions about politics at the Oscars. Caption It wasnt until the 1970s that actors and directors voiced their opinions about politics at the Oscars. 1930 Even though it was a year after the historic stock market crash, there were two swanky ceremonies for the 1930 Academy Awards in a bid to shift the celebrations to a different schedule. At the ceremony in April, the winner was the relatively lighthearted The Broadway Melody, the first musical to win an Oscar. A few months later, however, the best picture winner was considerably more dour: All Quiet on the Western Front, for which Carl Laemmle accepts the Oscar for outstanding production from Louis B. Mayer. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Wait 1 second to continue. 1930 You would think that the year after the historic stock market crash, which was also the year of the first Oscars, the academy would have limited swanky dinners. But youd be wrong. For the only time, there were two ceremonies in 1930, in a bid to shift the celebrations to a more timely schedule. At a ceremony in April, the winner was the relatively lighthearted The Broadway Melody, the first musical to win an Oscar. Fast-forward to November, however, and the best-picture winner was considerably more dour: All Quiet on the Western Front. Joan Fontaine and Gary Cooper hold their Oscars at the ceremony on Feb. 27, 1942. Fontaine won best actress for "Suspicion," and Cooper won best actor for "Sergeant York." (AP) 1942 The 14th ceremony took place just a few months after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. The academy considered canceling the event, but settled instead on banning formal attire. Patriotism was on display, with some attendees who had served in the military showing up in uniform, including Donald Crisp, who won best supporting actor for How Green Was My Valley. The first year that documentaries got their own award, the prize went to a bit of propaganda Churchills Island, which celebrated the British victories so far during the war. The battles abroad mostly took a back seat that evening to the one inside of the Biltmore Hotel, where the best actress race had turned into a sibling rivalry between Joan Fontaine and Olivia de Havilland. (Fontaine won.) [The triple crown of acting: Only 22 people have ever accomplished this feat] 1943 War was still raging overseas when the 15th spectacle took place at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub in Los Angeles. The Oscars were made of plastic because of a metal shortage. Stars who hadnt joined the war effort probably felt much better about themselves after Crisp read a message from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In total war, motion pictures, like all other human endeavor, have an important part to play in the struggle for freedom and the survival of democracy, Crisp read. Dalton Trumbo, left, received his 1957 Oscar for best original story for The Brave One from Walter Mirisch in 1975. (Courtesy of AMPAS) Marlene Dietrich poses for a photo with Dr. Mario Ungaro, the winner of an honorary foreign language film award at the 1951 Oscars. (Courtesy of AMPAS) 1951 In 1950, the Cold War escalated, and U.S. troops headed to Korea. Sen. Joseph McCarthy, meanwhile, was hard at work outing Communists. But the Oscars were as self-obsessed as ever, with two showbiz movies dominating the evening: All About Eve and Sunset Boulevard. The big news out of the event wasnt an impassioned speech about war or injustice, but the fact that Marlene Dietrich wore a dress that exposed her leg all the way to the knee. The Oscars generally steered clear of getting on McCarthys bad side, although the academy did unwittingly get political when it awarded Robert Rich the best original story Oscar six years later for The Brave One. Rich was a pen name for blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo. Sidney Poitier, left, and Lilia Skala, in a scene from the film Lilies of the Field. Poitier made history in 1964 when he became the first black actor to win the best actor category for this role. (AP) 1964 By just about every measure, 1963 was a dismal year. John F. Kennedy and Medgar Evers had been assassinated, Americans were overseas fighting in Vietnam, and strained relations with the Soviet Union continued. By the time the Academy Awards happened in April the following year, people really needed a laugh which may help explain why Tom Jones, a British comedy, won best picture. As civil rights activists continued their fight, Sidney Poitier became the first black best actor winner. Notably, he won for a role in which his race wasnt part of the story, playing a handyman helping some nuns in Lilies of the Field. Fred Wolf, center, with presenters Diahann Carroll and Macdonald Carey backstage at the 1968 Oscars. (Courtesy of AMPAS) 1968 The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, four days before the Oscars were to take place. Four black performers scheduled to have a role in the ceremony Sidney Poitier, Diahann Carroll, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Louis Armstrong canceled. But when the academy agreed to move the event back two days, they showed up. Gregory Peck, the academy president at the time, delivered a dedication to King at the beginning of the ceremony. Society has always been reflected in its art, and one measure of Dr. Kings influence on the society we live in is that of the five films nominated for best picture of the year, two dealt with the subject of understanding between the races, Peck said, referring to In the Heat of the Night and Guess Whos Coming to Dinner. It was his work and his dedication that brought about the increasing awareness of all men that we must unite in compassion in order to survive. Then host Bob Hope came out and made a few awkward jokes about what a hassle the delay had been. Jane Fonda, a vocal critic of the Vietnam War, wins the Oscar for best actress in 1972 for her role in Klute. (Courtesy of AMPAS) Sasheen Littlefeather holds up a statement she read at the 1973 Oscars on behalf of Marlon Brando, who declined to accept his award in order to protest the treatment of Native Americans in television and movies. (AP) 1972 By the early 1970s, many Americans were becoming increasingly fed up with the war in Vietnam, notably Oscar nominee Jane Fonda. The big question was, if she won for Klute, would she use her acceptance speech as a platform for politics? Well, she won. And her big message? Theres a great deal to say, and Im not going to say it tonight. At the time, political speeches were unheard of that is, until the following year, when Marlon Brando won for The Godfather, but sent Native American Sacheen Littlefeather in his place to send a message about the mistreatment of her people. [Oscars 2017: Who will win, should win, and should have been nominated] 2002 The first Oscar ceremony after 9/11 could have been canceled. After all, the Emmys, scheduled for Sept. 16, 2001, had to be delayed twice, and when the ceremony finally happened, it was a drag. But academy President Frank Pierson insisted that the patriotic move would be to go forward with the event. The world will see an American tradition continue, and will take notice, he wrote in Variety. If we give in to fear, if we arent able to do these simple and ordinary things, the terrorists have won the war. A few changes had to be made for security purposes, but the biggest surprise was the appearance of Woody Allen, who had never before attended a ceremony despite many nominations and a couple of wins. He came to pay tribute to his home city by introducing a montage of movie clips that featured the Big Apple. For New York City, Id do anything, he told the viewers. So I got my tux on and came down here. Michael Moore, center, and Michael Donovan accept the 2003 award for best documentary for Bowling for Columbine during the 75th Oscars ceremony. Moore's wife and producer Kathleen Glynn, left, holds his statuette. (Courtesy of AMPAS) 2003 Up to the last minute, the fate of the Oscars was in question. The ceremony took place the same week that George W. Bush declared war on Iraq. But, as always, the show went on. It did so without a red carpet, however, and also without Will Smith, who was one of the celebrities who backed out, either for security or sensitivity reasons. Michael Moore, who won the prize for best documentary for Bowling for Columbine, couldnt resist the chance to get political. We live in a time with fictitious election results that elect fictitious presidents, he said as an audience divided booed and clapped. We live in a time when we have a man sending us to war for fictitious reasons. Whether its the fiction of duct tape or fiction of orange alerts, we are against this war, Mr. Bush. Shame on you, Mr. Bush, shame on you. Considering he predicted Donald Trumps win, it wasnt the last time he was prescient. Guinea President Alpha Conde, center, mingles with Rev. Jesse Jackson, second from left, Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) and Ron Dellums, right, a former mayor of Oakland and former congressman. (Pete Marovich/For The Washington Post) Alpha Conde, the reserved and slender president of Guinea, retired to his sprawling suite Wednesday evening at the Four Seasons in Georgetown, having just wrapped up a long day of meetings on the Hill. The 77-year-old leader had bags under his eyes, and his handlers were concerned he wouldnt appear vibrant in photographs. But there was more politicking to be done, so the president of the Ebola-ravaged nation changed from his sharp navy suit into a loose burnt-orange top and dark slacks and kept working late into the night. The Rev. Jesse Jackson had flown in from Chicago to support Conde, his longtime friend one he fondly calls a fellow freedom fighter. Earlier in the day, they had attended a reception hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus. Now they huddled together in Condes suite, awaiting the 8 p.m. arrival of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Ernest Bai Koroma, the presidents of Liberia and Sierra Leone, respectively. I came here as his special guest, Jackson told The Washington Post. Hes the builder of a whole nation. The legacy hes building upon is a legacy of revival and stability. After handshakes, warm introductions and flashes of the camera, Jackson left. Then the three presidents quite possibly the unluckiest trio of heads of state ever assembled in a single Four Seasons suite hunkered down and began prepping for a high-stress World Bank meeting that was just 36 hours away. Together they would try to convince the world that they need a staggering $8 billion in recovery assistance a so-called Marshall Plan that they have likened to a postwar strategy. President of Guinea, Alpha Conde, speaks with Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. (Pete Marovich/For The Washington Post) Throughout the week, Conde shuffled from daytime meetings including one with President Obama to evening gatherings with his inner circle, calling upon old friends like Jackson and looking for new allies as he delivered pitch after pitch for financial aid and renewed attention for his beleaguered country. Isnt that what presidents are supposed to do? he said, sitting at the head of the table in his suite, where an easel displayed his presidential portrait. These problems are much bigger than just one individual. But the reality of it is, when you are the leader, it falls on your shoulders. His visit came with the bells and whistles that accompany any foreign leader in Washington. Protective guards hovered outside his suite, using hand-held metal detectors and searching the bags of anyone who entered. His entourage ranged from a personal physician to Guineas minister for mines. But there were also the stark realities of traveling from an Ebola country. All the members of the entourage had to report their temperatures daily to the D.C. Health Department, and they were given antiquated flip phones programmed with the number of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just in case. More than 15 months ago, a toddler came into contact with an infected bat in the Guinean village of Meliandou, which became ground zero of the worlds worst Ebola epidemic. The mysterious disease not yet identified as Ebola soon spread through the countrys vast forest region and then ripped through the porous borders of neighboring Liberia and Sierra Leone, killing more than 10,000 people in West Africa. Conde has carried the weight of many burdens during his 77 years. He lived much of his life in exile in France. In 1998, after he ran for president of Guinea as the leader of an opposition party, he was kidnapped and imprisoned for two years, a move decried by international human rights groups. Conde narrowly won the presidential vote in 2010, which was the first time the country held free elections since gaining independence from France in 1958. Hes up for reelection this fall. The president of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma; the president of Guinea, Alpha Conde; and the president of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, gather at the Four Seasons hotel in Washington on April 15 to prepare for a World Bank meeting. (Pete Marovich/For The Washington Post) Hes someone whos lived in constant danger and under constant pressure, said Alpha Mohammed Conde, the presidents 45-year-old son and only child, who accompanied his father to Washington and stayed by his side to translate from French to English and vice versa. But over the past year, the pressure has been different from anything the president had felt before a feeling rooted in deep isolation from the rest of the world as panic spread. He became the embodiment of the fear and of the stigma, his son said. During the past week, the president found himself in an interesting political quandary needing to present a unified voice for all three countries but also privately longing for just a little more help for his beloved Guinea. Liberia and Sierra Leone suffered higher death tolls and received substantially more aid, including the presence of 3,000 U.S. soldiers in Liberia. Initially, the perception of the magnitude of the tragedy was greater when it came to Sierra Leone and Liberia, because people could see the very tragic situations in the capital cities, Conde said. So Guinea was perceived to have been less affected in certain ways. When Conde headed to the Hill, he honed his pitch. Guinea may be down on its luck at the moment, but go back to early 2014 and look at the potential for economic growth, he said. The country holds a wealth of natural resources including bauxite and iron ore and Conde touts extensive reforms in the lucrative mining sector. Conde had the ear of Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.), who met with him Wednesday and said shes looking into what can be done during the House appropriations process. Considering that our involvement in Liberia was much more extensive, is there any way that the U.S. can increase the support of Guinea? she said, noting that Conde was reserved, humble and extremely dignified. She also sensed his lingering concern. Just being at the Capitol was a thrill for Conde. He got a little emotional too, recalling his first trip to America. In 1962, Conde, who was then studying in Paris, got to spend a year in the United States through a student leader fellowship. He remembers a raucous policy argument with Bobby Kennedy, a lunch meeting with Martin Luther King Jr. and the exact moment when he heard Marilyn Monroe had died. But the high from Wednesday faded into a low. When he woke up Thursday at the Four Seasons, Conde felt defeated. He realized it was April 16. A couple of months earlier, Conde had announced a campaign to wipe out Ebola within 60 days. It meant that April 15 would certainly be a day of victory. Now, he had missed another deadline and broken yet another promise to the people of Guinea. Hes a human being, said Khalil Kaba, Condes deputy chief of staff. Sometimes he gets down, too. Kaba tried to cheer him up. They were facing another long day, and he needed Conde to be on his game. But the president was frustrated and needed to vent about everything that had been lost. Ebola has killed our people, and its made us pariahs, the president told him, Kaba said. Kaba reminded Conde of his accomplishments and how close they are to reaching zero cases in the country. Lets go, Mr. President, he told him in a pep talk. Weve proved we can get this done. Lets go, lets go, lets go. And after Conde got the boost he needed, he headed off to meet another member of Congress. His staffers later said it was his best meeting of the week. The next day, he woke up at 5 a.m. for the World Bank meeting. There, the president of the World Bank announced new financial commitments for the three Ebola-affected countries. On Sunday, Condes bags were packed as he prepared to go home. He sat in his suite, reflecting on the busy week. An avid walker, he regretted that he didnt get a chance to see the city on foot, quipping that its quite difficult to do that with the Secret Service in tow. Conde admitted that Thursday morning had been rough for him. Its tough to shake the feeling that so much promise has been lost for his country, he said. But he smiled and nodded when he remembered his time with Obama and other leaders. When Conde went to bed Saturday night, he felt more at peace than he had in a long time. For once, I slept well, he said. Director Jordan Peeles Get Out is both a psychological thriller and a commentary on racism. (Rich Fury/Invision/AP) Like any good horror film, Jordans Peeles Get Out benefits from good timing. Its something Peele understands well as one-half of the comedy duo Key and Peele. Get Out, which he also wrote, is part psychological thriller, part satire and the film balances hair-raising moments with sharp humor. But Get Out, which follows a young black man preparing to meet his white girlfriends parents for the first time, does more than just thrill: It makes racism viscerally terrifying. And in another instance of apt timing, Peeles directorial debut lands amid the Black Lives Matter movement and on the heels of a contentious presidential election that exposed the countrys deepening racial divisions. Do they know Im black? Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) asks his girlfriend as he packs for their trip to see her parents. It wont be a problem, Rose (Allison Williams) assures him, adding that her dad would have voted for Barack Obama a third time if he could have. [Review: Jordan Peele offers scathing satire in Get Out] Chris quickly realizes that something is off with the few black people he encounters at the familys sprawling estate in Upstate New York, including the maid, Georgina (Betty Gabriel), and groundskeeper, Walter (Marcus Henderson). Theres a twist coming, and its a doozy. But Get Out, which hits theaters Friday, is scary even before its scary. As Chris warily interacts with Roses parents (her dad has the sudden inclination to use such phrases as my man!) and their inner circle, the story conveys what it means to constantly be on alert in certain settings and company. In other words, what it means to be black in America. Peele got the idea for Get Out during a more optimistic point in U.S. history as Obama was campaigning to be the nations 44th president. His historic presidency led to what Peele refers to as the countrys post-racial lie. There was a sentiment that we had a black president now, so racism is over, Peele told The Washington Post. It even felt like President Obama couldnt talk about race in a way that was satisfying. Peele and Keegan-Michael Key memorably addressed this challenge with a Key & Peele sketch that found Peele portraying the nations even-tempered first black president and Key assuming the role of his passionately unrestrained anger translator, Luther, who was prone to tantrums and blunt rebukes of the presidents critics. Key performed the bit alongside the real Obama at the 2015 White House Correspondents Association dinner. Get Out was inspired by the same frustrations, Peele said, of knowing racism is still very much alive in this country, but that it was sort of being neglected as an issue. That was more than eight years ago. Now, Peele thinks people will be even more receptive to the films message. As the last couple of years unfolded and the country got woke to a certain extent, the movie became less about identifying the fact that racism exists and much more about giving us a hero, he said. Allison Williams and Daniel Kaluyya in Get Out. (Justin Lubin/Universal Pictures) Black men dont typically fare well in horror films. They tend to be supporting characters, and as the somewhat debunked cliche goes, theyre usually the first to die. In telling the story from the perspective of a black protagonist, Get Out subverts its own genre. Even more so, I feel like our perspective and what we want from a horror movie is rarely represented, Peele said. And I think what we want in a horror movie is somebody not to do some stupid s---, but instead to do the smart thing that any rational person would do once they figure out this heightened situation. Peele loves horror movies, which makes sense when you consider the twisted conclusions of many Key & Peele sketches. Few horror films have tackled race George Romeros 1968 cult classic Night of the Living Dead is probably the most famous example. Peele said he took cues from two of his favorite films The Stepford Wives and Rosemarys Baby. Where those films analyzed gender issues (to varying degrees) through the horror lens, Peele sought to do the same with race. The other obvious reference in Get Out is the 1967 film Guess Whos Coming to Dinner, which starred Sidney Poitier and Katharine Houghton as an interracial couple whose relationship shocks their respective families. Guess Whos Coming to Dinner was controversial upon its release 50 years ago, coinciding with the Supreme Courts landmark decision on interracial marriage in Loving v. Virginia. It remains a historically important film, but it renders a rather sanitized statement on race relations by 2017 standards. Get Out, like Guess Whos Coming to Dinner, takes aim at well-to-do white liberals. As Roses parents, Catherine Keener and Bradley Whitford (an alum of The West Wing, to boot) are the picture of East Coast liberal elites. That and the films New York setting place Get Out outside the traditional Hollywood racism narrative, said Susan Courtney, a film and media studies professor at the University of South Carolina. Historically, Hollywood put the social scene of racial horror in the South, said Courtney, noting that films across genres To Kill a Mockingbird, for example have tended to scapegoat poor, white Southerners as arbiters of racial hatred. Peele: I like to stir the pot. I like to get in trouble. I have a wicked desire to watch people squirm for my work. (Justin Lubin/AP) Peele said he deliberately avoided setting Get Out in red state territory. It was really important for me to not have the villains in this film reflect the typical red state type who is usually categorized as being racist. It felt like that was too easy, he said. I wanted this film to explore the false sense of security one can have with the, sort of, New York liberal type. Peele is biracial his mother is white and the experience of navigating both worlds has had a palpable influence on his comedy. Its also in the nuanced commentary of Get Out, which acknowledges that racism is an institution, not merely a personal character flaw shared by the films villains. Chris and Roses meet-the-parents story provides a relatable entry point for audience members of various backgrounds, but Peele, who is married to the comedian and actress Chelsea Peretti, said there is no deeper commentary to mine about interracial dating. Nothing was really intended there, he said. I like to stir the pot. I like to get in trouble. I have a wicked desire to watch people squirm for my work. Get Out offers plenty of opportunities to squirm. But Peele said he also hopes the film induces some genuine scares and laughs. And then hopefully its a reference point as we forge into the difficult conversation about race, he said. Madagascars famous Avenue of Baobabs, tall trees with trunks known as roots of the sky, seen at sunrise. At dusk, because of the trees iron content, the suns rays turn the trunks red. (John Warburton-Lee Photography/ALAMY) Whats this lemur doing in my lap? Well, not exactly in my lap, but close enough for me to wonder about its next move. Im in the open dining area of rustic Camp Amoureux near Madagascars remote Kirindy dry rain-forest reserve, where Ive come to explore the countrys flora and fauna. The pesky little creature is poised to grab the leavings of my mango. He isnt the only greedy one. Lured by the smell of fresh mangoes, a bunch of lemurs have sprung out of the forest during our breakfast hour, giving our jet-lagged bodies a slight shock. Theyre aggressive, but not in a threatening way, these furry brown primates with the irresistible bug eyes. A mother with a baby curled around her body swings with the best of them, leaping on and off posts and benches and finally tipping over the wastebasket full of mango leftovers. The creatures quarrel and snarl in a frenzy over the scraps. Details: Madagascar I pick up a piece of skin and gingerly hold it out to one, unsure what response Ill get. Do lemurs bite? The animal swiftly reaches over with a thin, leathery-fingered hand and snatches the skin away. Such intimacy is thrilling, even if animal protectors might protest that getting too close and personal could accustom our visitors to handouts. On the upside, wild animals in our midst make for some terrific photos. And we dont ignore the black-and-white sifaka lemurs in the distance that dance like circus performers around an unusual baobab specimen after which the camp is named: Two of the trees smooth thick limbs are intertwined, resembling a lovers embrace. Madagascar boasts more baobab species than anyplace else in the world. The tall trees with the bottle-shaped trunks are known as the roots of the sky because their limbs reach heavenward like wavy spokes. Getting to and from Kirindy, we travel along a famous road known as the alley of the baobabs, where numerous trees stand guard like sentinels on parade and where, because of the trees iron content, the suns rays turn the trunks red in the dying light at dusk. Baobabs arent the only natural phenomena of note in a country where 80 percent or more of the plants and animals are indigenous. Endemic birds and reptiles are plentiful as well. But outside of zoos and research centers, lemurs are found nowhere else in the world. There are dozens of species of different colors, behaviors and sizes, ranging from one ounce to 15 pounds. Most are tree-climbing creatures with sensitive snouts and agile hands and feet. The rarest and strangest is the aye-aye, with its rabbity teeth, batlike ears, bushy tail and a long, sharp middle finger. Realistically, we cant expect to see all the exotic bird and animal species that abound here, but well up our chances by spending time in three forested areas known for different native inhabitants. Of the three, Kirindy definitely is the biggest challenge. No danger zone We camp two nights in relative luxury, in tents on platforms with bathrooms open to the woods (two of us find frog visitors in the toilet). The showers work by gravity; cold drinks, including good beer, are possible thanks to solar-generated power. Under these conditions, the meals we get are impressive; cold smoked tuna, spicy zebu the local humpback cattle stew and bananas in chocolate sauce. Its the mid-November heat and humidity that nearly does us in. Its fierce enough to turn some of my tiny prescription pills to dust. With no cooling wind, the sweat pours down and dehydration feels imminent. Nevertheless, we head out in the afternoon and evening with our guides. A few very few lemurs dash about in the forest canopy. A giant jumping rat a relatively small creature resembling a baby kangaroo is caught in our van lights as it crosses a road. We see two butterflies mating on a leaf. The birds are colorful, especially the paradise flycatcher, the blue coua and the white-headed vanga. Except for the possibility of venturing into crocodile-infested waters, we dont worry about our well-being. Were seasoned travelers doing the Right Thing: taking anti-malaria medicine, sleeping under netting and downing only bottled drinks. Apart from crocodiles, the countrys largest carnivore is the fossa, which looks like a cross between a cat and a dog and is a danger mainly to lemurs. The boa constrictors are small and harmless. Nothing can hurt you here, the friendly Camp Amoureux manager says, smiling. He cant resist confiding that the vanilla plant, a relative of the orchid family originally from Mexico, has an ingredient he describes as being like the blue pill. Its seed pods, he suggests, contain a Viagra-like stimulant. A trying sport A former French colony that achieved independence in 1960, Madagascar is full of surprises, medicinal and otherwise. But in the opinion of some in our group, it isnt quite ready for prime time, however worthy the attractions and accommodations. The infrastructure is sadly underfunded. Id signed up to visit the fourth-largest island in the world, a mini-continent off Africas eastern flank, knowing that its off the mainstream tourist map and desiring shamelessly to go where none of my acquaintances had gone. Everything was arranged in advance by trip organizers Skip and Elizabeth Horner, owners of a Montana-based adventure tour business, who rely on local agencies for vans, drivers and guides to handle domestic transport and hotel reservations. Being a small group, were flexible and benefit along the way from the gentle, easygoing ways of the Malagasy people. Lemur love can be a trying sport when there are few good roads and only a single (expensive and not entirely reliable) airline, Air Madagascar. In addition, the country has been under sanctions from such international bodies as the European Union and the United Nations since a 2009 coup put an undemocratically elected president in charge. Elections are planned but keep getting put off. Meanwhile, the economy of one of the worlds poorest countries is in some disarray. We go by van to the town of Morondava, not far from Kirindy, and get a slight break from the heat with a 24-hour stay at an upscale oceanside resort with a pool and a spa. Then we move farther south on the coast to Tulear (alias Toliara), where we end up having a disappointing two-day delay caused by a last-minute Air Madagascar cancellation. Our itinerary is rejiggered, forcing the cancellation of a boat ride on an inland canal where there had been the possibility of glimpsing the reclusive aye-aye. Its not a complete waste, however, since in improvising, we visit a handsomely maintained private botanical preserve on Tulears outskirts. A young guide, giving us an hour-long tour with only two other tourists present, has some fun calling our attention to an innocent-looking green plant known as the mother-in-law plant. Fatal when eaten, she jokes. Theres much to learn on the premises. For instance, the countrys leading symbol, seen on all its aircraft, is the fan-shaped travelers tree, known as the Ravenala, which resembles a palm but is actually related to the banana plant and is part of the ginger family. Its hollow leaves store water that thirsty travelers can access. Capital sights Finally, the transport gods smile on us, and we have a chance to go sightseeing for a day in the capital, Antananarivo (Tana for short), high up in the interior, where cool, pleasant temperatures prevail. Its a hilly, traffic-choked city of more than 2 million people, surrounded by green and brown rice fields. Its in Tana that we first hear the word vazaha, the Malagasy word for foreigner, which laughing children call out after us as we make our way through back alleys. Unfortunately, historic buildings such as the Queens Palace are closed whether temporarily for repairs or permanently for lack of funds, we arent sure. A licensed city guide who answers to the name of Mama is only too happy to give us his interpretation of the red, white and green colors of the countrys flag (there are several versions), but lowers his voice and speaks cautiously about the political situation when we question him, preferring instead to describe colorful customs of the country, such as ancestor worship in rural areas. Periodically, the bones of dead relatives are disinterred for a village festival amounting to a celebration of life, he tells us. A zebu is killed in honor of the occasion. Dancing and drinking are the highlights of the day. Were eager to escape diesel fumes and crowds even when they include such sights as six live geese quacking away in a basket atop a mans head on the way to market. We head off to two tropical wetlands, one on Madagascars northeastern edge, called Masoala National Park, the countrys largest park, and the other inland, east of Tana. With luck, well spot some lemurs in both places. Lemur invasion Hopping from a pontoon boat onto a palm-fringed sandy beach at the serenely remote self-sustaining Masoala Forest Lodge, I feel as if Ive reached nirvana. Hang the cliche, this really is where the rain forest meets the sea in a gentle primordial hush. Antongil Bay, outside the lodge, is where humpback whales come from Antarctica each summer to give birth. Empty beaches stretch for miles, and the only traffic on the water is fishermen in pirogues and occasional motorboats bringing fresh supplies and guests. The terrain is mountainous, the weather mostly dry and sunny, and Masoalas dense green woodland is full of magnificent trees, ferns and vines. Its also favored by red-ruffed lemurs, which we spot on high during our daily walks. One of them is supposed to show up evenings in a tree near my thatched-roof bungalow, but it never appears when I walk by. This isnt a vacation, its an expedition, remarks a good-humored khaki-suited British tourist disappointed by the scarcity of lemurs and the effort required to find them. Our group treats the search as a game of hide-and-seek. Between walks, we swim, kayak and paddle upstream on a slow-moving river past plentiful mangroves the forest primeval. Scores of lichees line the path to the nearest village of Tampolo, less than a half-hour away, where women sit braiding crafts that theyll later offer to sell us, along with black pepper, cinnamon and vanilla Madagascar staples. Vakona Forest Lodge, our last stop, lies deep in a misty green valley near Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, an area thats home to the indri. This diurnal lemur is known for its loud, eerie cry, a cross between a shriek and a wail and frightening to the uninitiated. A park guide leads us into the forest, teaching me the indri mating call (a puff of air followed by a kissing sound) as we go. Eventually, we chance upon a group of large black-and-white indri singing and swinging together in the trees, their song echoing overhead. Known for their prodigious leaping ability, these are the largest and strongest lemurs. Bushwhacking farther, we discover golden bamboo lemurs a flash of brown-gold fur and well-camouflaged mouse and dwarf lemurs. Yakona a Malagasy word for the palmlike pandanus plant has the usual resort amenities and also maintains a small zoo as well as a private island set aside for ex-pet lemurs somewhat domesticated animals that have probably been given up by private owners. They live protected in the wild while putting up with rubbernecking tourists. A guard takes us by canoe across a short moat and unpeels a banana as we climb onto the island. Almost at once, were set upon by brown and black lemurs jumping onto our heads, arms and shoulders. Invasion of the body snatchers! They nonchalantly inspect hair and ears for insects, assuming proprietary control before going on to the next person. We remain captive and obliging, thrilled and amazed. No matter that theyll put on the same show for the next group of visitors. No matter that the lure is the banana, and not our pliant selves. Back home in Washington a week later, I go to the National Zoo on a chilly late-autumn day. Lemur Islands ring-tailed and red-fronted lemurs are nowhere in sight. Theyre kept indoors in cold weather, a sign says. A single red-ruffed lemur sits in a cage in the Small Mammal House, looking mournful, I think. But how can I really know? Geracimos is a Washington writer, teacher and wanderer who blogs at www.urbanities.us. Macedonia Baptist Church members, locals and others gather for a rally, march and protest at the historic African American church on River Road on Feb. 12. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post) Tim Bonds first heard the stories about the bones in the late 1960s, from construction workers who came to his fathers gas station in Bethesda for a cold drink or a quick game of craps. Change was stirring along this quiet stretch of River Road, home to a century-old community founded by freed slaves and known today as Westbard. The crews were excavating the future site of a 15-story apartment and office tower across from the new Westwood Shopping Center. When they found a body, recalled Bonds, 57, theyd blow a whistle and theyd shut the job down. It seemed to him that the whistle blew pretty often. He remembers the men talking about human remains being pushed back under the dirt, down a steep slope toward a storm sewer, so excavation could resume more quickly. He and his pals sometimes slipped over to the site hoping for a glimpse of something ghoulish. But they never saw anything. For a half-century, such stories were mostly forgotten. Then plans for new construction led to fresh details about the cemetery that historians say once stood on land behind the high-rise, and painful questions about what may have happened to the remains buried there. A few hundred people gather outside Macedonia Baptist Church for a rally and march to demand an accounting of an almost-forgotten black burial site that was located nearby. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post) The issue has pitted Montgomery County officials and the prospective developer against a tiny Baptist church whose members fear history will once again be bulldozed, this time to make way for an aboveground parking garage near proposed high-rises, townhouses and a revamped shopping center. The county and the developer, New York-based Equity One, have promised to work with the community and say no plans will be approved for the site until an archaeological investigation is complete. But members of Macedonia Baptist Church, the last standing vestige of the former black enclave, want to halt the process until Equity One agrees to include a museum about the former African American enclave in its project. It should be a place of reflection and a place for people to meditate about how important it is to preserve human rights, said Marsha Coleman-Adebayo, head of Macedonias social justice ministry. We need to memorialize this experience so that our children have the opportunity to learn from our mistakes. Like a lost colony The neighborhood that would become Westbard was home in the late 19th century to African Americans who had worked on Montgomery Countys farms and tobacco plantations since before the Civil War. By the 1950s, according to research by the Little Falls Watershed Alliance, about 30 families lived on the sloping terrain by the old Georgetown branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which would later become the Capital Crescent Trail. They farmed, worked as laborers or domestics in the nearby white neighborhood of Somerset, or toiled at Bethesda Blue Granite Co.s quarry near Willett Branch. What I tell my grandkids, it was just like a lost colony, said Harvey M. Matthews Sr., 72, whose family farm was located on the site of what is now the Kenwood Station Shopping Center, home to a Whole Foods, Bethesda Bagels and other upscale staples. When I travel around the country and people ask where I was born, I tell them, Bethesda, added Matthews, who recalls playing hide-and-seek at the cemetery as a boy. And they say, There were black people in Bethesda? Harvey M. Matthews Sr., 72, talks on the spot where an African American cemetery is said to have once stood. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post) There were also ballfields, a segregated elementary school and a tavern called the Sugar Bowl. And, according to research conducted by the county in preparing a new land-use plan for Westbard deeds, state archives, the Congressional Record and old newspaper accounts there was, at one time, a cemetery. Historians with the Montgomery County Parks and Planning departments cite a 1911 tax assessment that shows the purchase of a one-acre parcel west of River Road, which includes what is now the parking lot behind Westwood Tower. The buyer was Whites Tabernacle No. 39, a chapter of a black fraternal society called the Ancient Order of the Sons and Daughters, Brothers and Sisters of Moses. A notation on the assessment says used as a graveyard, and newspaper clippings say that James Loughborough, a prominent land owner and Confederate veteran, presented the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners in 1911 with a petition opposing a black burial ground at River Road. At around the same time it purchased the River Road land, Whites Tabernacle sold a cemetery it owned in the Fort Reno section of Tenleytown. A 1914 Washington Post article mentioned a bill pending before the House of Representatives to allow disinterment of the Tenleytown graves. A later article said the site contained 192 bodies. In a 2015 report marked confidential, county senior planner Sandra Youla said the River Road site likely contained remains disinterred from the Tenleytown cemetery. The society sold the cemetery in 1959, around the time that the African American families of Westbard began to sell their land and scatter. Historians have been unable to document what happened to the graves. Laszlo Tauber in 1999. (Lois Raimondo/ TWP) River Road, meanwhile, started to boom. One of the most active builders was Laszlo Tauber, a Hungarian Jewish surgeon and Holocaust survivor who made much of his fortune constructing office space to lease to the federal government. He headed a syndicate of other physician-investors that bought land in Westbard. In 1966, Tauber developed plans for the high-rise, designed by prominent D.C. architect John dEpagnier. The upper floors would be apartments, the lower levels the offices of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. DEpagnier died in 1977. In 2015, county parks department researchers borrowed documents about the Westwood Tower project from his son Arnold, as part of their work on the land-use plan. On the day senior historian Jamie Kuhns and cultural resources manager Joey Lampl returned the materials, Arnold DEpagnier offered them his own memories of when the high-rise was built. According to notes written by Kuhns and Lampl after the conversation, dEpagnier recalled riding a pickup truck with his father and a family priest, taking burlap bags with bones from the construction site to Howard Chapel, a historically black cemetery in rural northern Montgomery. The priest and young Arnold fished in a nearby creek while his father dug a makeshift grave, according to the notes, which are on file at the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. The architect buried the remains, and the priest blessed them. DEpagnier recanted his story a year later, as Macedonia reviewed the countys historical findings and began pushing to memorialize the cemetery. I cannot say with any certainty that my vague recollections . . . are in any way accurate, he said in an email to Lampl. I recommend that you not consider any of those details as part of your work on this matter. In an email to The Post, he wrote, I truly regret ever casually trying to recall my memories from so long ago. Meshach Louie, 7, holds up a sign he made during a rally outside Macedonia Baptist Church, where he and his family are members. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post) Tauber died in 2002, at age 87. A spokesman for the charitable foundation run by his children, Ingrid and Alfred Tauber, said they have no recollection of their father mentioning a gravesite on the land his group had purchased. All company documents related to Westwood Tower were shredded in 2015, 10 years after Tauber sold the building to a New York real estate investor. Equity One bought it in 2013, for $25 million. Unanswerable questions Quiet disposal of remains was illegal but not unusual in the 1960s, experts in cemetery restoration say, especially in places where countryside became suburb and suburb became city. In Alexandria, the original Contrabands and Freedmens Cemetery was first disturbed by 19th-century brickmakers digging for clay. Roads and a gas station were built later. Construction of the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge a federally funded project subject to preservation laws led to the restoration of the cemetery and creation of a three-acre memorial dedicated in 2014. While the Westbard plan does not use federal dollars, it coincides with a surge of interest in recognizing such sacred places, and, perhaps, a new willingness by governments to preserve them. Equity One Executive Vice President William Brown said the firm stands ready to cooperate with the county and the church: Were not trying to do anything to desecrate remains or cover anything up. The firm is close to hiring the Ottery Group, a cultural resource consulting firm, to examine the parking lot for evidence of graves. Montgomery Planning Director Gwen Wright said she is speaking with two prominent anthropologists about serving as independent peer reviewers of Otterys work. Officials promise no construction will be approved without a full investigation, including ground-penetrating radar. If remains are located, police will be notified, as state law requires. County leaders say they will do what they can to pay homage to the site, perhaps as part of the proposed restoration of Willett Branch, the creek near the site that was lined with concrete in the 1950s to serve as a storm sewer. But Macedonia Baptist Church members remain skeptical, saying they have been kept at arms length in their efforts to honor what Coleman-Adebayo calls a battlefield of memory. At a planning board meeting Thursday, the Rev. Segun Adebayo, Macedonias interim pastor, said church members want the county to pay for the cemetery study instead of Equity One. The old saying is still true, said Adebayo, who is married to Coleman-Adebayo. He who pays the piper calls the tune. Wright said her agency has no money to pay for such a study, which could be costly. She added that it is customary for the land owner to foot the bill. Adebayo also called for a criminal investigation if test results show that graves were disturbed and remains were moved. Where did they go? Was it legal? Was it moral? Earlier this month, members of Macedonia and neighboring River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation sang spirituals and placed flowers at the parking lot. Then the group moved to the sycamore trees near the Whole Foods parking lot, which Matthews said are all that remain of his familys farm. Three dogs, two horses, chickens and pigs, Matthews said, fighting tears. This is my yard. I was here first. Harvey Matthews stands near a sycamore tree that he says was planted by his parents on their family farm, now a shopping strip anchored by Whole Foods on River Road. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post) With key decision-makers long deceased, a full accounting of what happened at the site is unlikely. No records have been located to confirm whether remains were found years ago, or to document the relocation of any graves after the cemetery was sold. The desecration of this communitys historic burial ground decades ago was certainly a tragedy that should have been prevented, Montgomery County Council President Roger Berliner (D-Potomac-Bethesda), whose district includes Westbard, wrote to planning board chair Casey Anderson earlier this month. I do not have the historical knowledge of the events that led to that act, and perhaps neither do you. But we do have an opportunity to do things differently today and moving forward. Bonds, who rents the land for his two service stations from Equity One, will lose his lease if and when the company starts building. Before he leaves, he said, hed welcome a resolution to the childhood mystery that unfolded down the street. Id kind of like to see them find it, he said of the cemetery. Everybody whos lost should be found. I believe in history. The Trump administration on Wednesday revoked federal guidelines specifying that transgender students have the right to use public school restrooms that match their gender identity, taking a stand on a contentious issue that has become the central battle over LGBT rights. Officials with the federal Education and Justice departments notified the U.S. Supreme Court late Wednesday that the administration is ordering the nations schools to disregard memos the Obama administration issued during the past two years regarding transgender student rights. Those memos said that prohibiting transgender students from using facilities that align with their gender identity violates federal anti-discrimination laws. The two-page Dear colleague letter from the Trump administration, which is set to go to the nations public schools, does not offer any new guidance, instead saying that the earlier directive needed to be withdrawn because it lacked extensive legal analysis, did not go through a public vetting process, sowed confusion and drew legal challenges. The administration said that it would not rely on the prior interpretation of the law in the future. [Read the Trump administrations letter to schools] (McKenna Ewen,Adriana Usero/The Washington Post) The departments wrote that the Trump administration wants to further and more completely consider the legal issues involved, and said that there must be due regard for the primary role of the States and local school districts in establishing educational policy. Although it offered no clarity or direction to schools that have transgender students, the letter added that schools must ensure that all students, including LGBT students, are able to learn and thrive in a safe environment. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement that his department has a duty to enforce the law and criticized the Obama administrations guidance as lacking sufficient legal basis. Sessions wrote that the Department of Justice remains committed to the proper interpretation of the anti-discrimination law known as Title IX but said deference should be given to lawmakers and localities. Congress, state legislatures, and local governments are in a position to adopt appropriate policies or laws addressing this issue, Sessions said. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos echoed that sentiment, saying that this is an issue best solved at the state and local level. Schools, communities, and families can find and in many cases have found solutions that protect all students. DeVos also gave assurances that the departments Office for Civil Rights remains committed to investigating all claims of discrimination, bullying and harassment against those who are most vulnerable in our schools, and she noted that she considers protecting all students, including LGBTQ students, not only a key priority for the Department, but for every school in America. The decision delayed in part because DeVos and Sessions hit stalemates regarding timing and specific language drew immediate condemnation from gay and transgender rights advocates, who accused President Trump of violating past promises to support gay and transgender protections. Advocates said the withdrawal of the federal guidance will create another layer of confusion for schools and will make transgender students, who are already vulnerable, more so. Attacking our children . . . is no way to say you support and respect LGBTQ people, said Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality. Others said the practical effect on the nations schools would be muted, in part because a federal judge already had blocked the Obama guidance in response to a lawsuit from 13 states that argued it violated states rights. And it is possible the U.S. Supreme Court could settle the matter soon, as it plans to consider a Virginia case involving a transgender teenager who was barred from using the boys bathroom at his high school. [Gavin Grimm just wanted to use the bathroom. He didnt think the nation would debate it.] The Trump administrations move drew cheers from social conservatives who oppose the idea that a student can identify as a gender that differs from their anatomy at birth. Vicki Wilson, the mother of a child at Fremd High School in Palatine, Ill., said she sympathizes with children who have difficult personal issues to deal with, but thinks that young men shouldnt be permitted to deal with those issues in an intimate setting like a locker room with young women. School district officials in Palatine, bowing to federal pressure, allowed a transgender girl to change in the girls locker room at her school. No school should impose a policy like this against the will of so many parents, Wilson said during a news conference organized by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian legal organization. [Illinois group sues Obama administration over transgender students bathroom access] The administrations letter was the source of some disagreement between the two issuing departments, with Sessions eager to rescind the Obama administrations guidance as court proceedings in related cases approached, and DeVos keen to leave it in place. Unlike Arne Duncan, Obamas education secretary for seven years, DeVos does not have a close personal relationship with the president she serves; she also lacks the experience and political capital Sessions garnered as a Republican senator. Sessions is widely known to oppose expanding gay and transgender rights, and DeVoss friends say she personally supports those rights. The new letter is sure to ignite another firestorm for DeVos, who is fresh off her contentious nomination fight and has drawn protests from parents and teachers who believe she is unqualified for the job. The letter also puts Trump squarely in the middle of the civil rights debate: Despite a flurry of activity in the early weeks of his presidency, Trump had not previously waded into the issue of gay and transgender rights. [Trump: Rescind Obamas transgender directives, but protect everybody] Trump declined to sign an executive order last month that would have dramatically expanded the rights of people, businesses and organizations of faith to opt out of laws or activities that violate their religion, such as same-sex wedding ceremonies. Many took it as a sign that he would take a more liberal approach on gay issues than his Republican cohorts. But in an interview with The Washington Post last year, then-candidate Donald Trump had indicated he would rescind the guidance based on the belief that it was a matter best left up to the states. In the daily news briefing Wednesday, White House spokesman Sean Spicer played down the reports of disagreement within the administration saying the debate came down to timing and some specific wording and reiterated the states rights argument. The presidents made it clear throughout the campaign that hes a firm believer in states rights, Spicer said. The Obama administrations guidance was based on the position that barring students from bathrooms that match their gender identities is a violation of Title IX because it amounts to sex discrimination. Many advocates contend the guidance merely formalized what courts have increasingly recognized: That discrimination against gay and transgender people is a form of sex discrimination because it is rooted in stereotypes about men and women. As a result, they believe transgender people already have the right under Title IX to use their preferred bathroom. The new letter scrambles the calculus for a number of lawsuits working their way through the courts, particularly the case of Gavin Grimm, a transgender Virginia teen who sued his school board for barring him from the boys restroom. The case is scheduled for oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court next month. A lower court cited the Obama administrations position on transgender student rights in siding with Grimm. Grimm said he was disheartened that the Trump administration is withdrawing the guidance. The Gloucester, Va., school board continued to bar him from the boys bathroom even after the Obama guidance was issued, but Grimm said the directive was incredibly empowering. It certainly bolstered hope that the future for transgender students was looking up in a way that it hadnt been previously, Grimm said. Amber Briggle, the mother of a 9-year-old transgender boy in Denton, Tex., said she views the Trump administrations position as a temporary setback and hopes that the Supreme Court will affirm transgender students rights. But the withdrawal of the Obama directive is a blow, she said, because the guidance made her feel that Washington cared about children like hers and understood the support they need. I just dont think my family matters to the Trump administration, she said. Catherine Lhamon, who headed the Obama Education Departments Office for Civil Rights, said in a sworn declaration that the administration developed the guidance after receiving discrimination complaints from parents of transgender children and questions from teachers and administrators who were having to develop policies with regard to their transgender students. In 2011, the Education Department received two complaints of discrimination against transgender students in schools. By 2016, that number had leapt to 84, according to the declaration filed in federal court. In a kindergarten class where students line up by gender to go to the bathroom, a student has to decide which line to get into, and the teacher has to decide which line to accept that student into, and both of them have to field questions from other students in the class, Lhamon said in an interview. Any of those choices raises potential for discrimination and potential for harm that all of the students and teachers in a school have to navigate. Its not an abstraction for the people who live it every day. Lhamon said the withdrawal of the guidance and the notion that the federal government needs more time to consider the issue of transgender accommodations creates chaos in schools and sends a damaging message to children. Without federal guidance, schools are likely to look to their state governments for clarity, said Francisco Negron Jr., chief counsel for the National School Boards Association. That could open up battles across the country similar to one last year in North Carolina, when the legislature voted to require people in public buildings to use the restrooms that correspond with the sex listed on their birth certificates. Fifteen states have explicit protections for transgender students, according to the Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights group; lawmakers in several other states are working to restrict bathroom access for transgender students. The American Civil Liberties Union, which tracks the legislation, said legislators in 14 states filed 20 bills that could lead to restroom restrictions for transgender people, with some proposing that states penalize schools that violate those restrictions. So far, five of those bills have failed. Many school districts held off on writing restroom policies as they waited for the outcome of the Grimm case. Among them was Fairfax County, Va., one of the largest districts in the nation, which was preparing to draft regulations on restroom access for transgender students to reflect its nondiscrimination policy. Elizabeth Schultz, a Fairfax County School Board member who opposes expanding the protections, said she hopes the new Trump administration action will lead the district to abandon its efforts. If the threat of revoking federal funds is no longer wielded against our local authority, theres no precipitating reason to continue, she said. Read more: Obama administration directs schools to accommodate transgender students Gavin Grimm just wanted to use the bathroom. He didnt think the nation would debate it. Supreme Court takes up school bathroom rules for transgender students Parents of transgender children speak out as election results put LGBT advocates on defense Trump could reverse Obamas actions on college sex assault, transgender rights Robert Barnes and Matt Zapotosky contributed to this report. Six young women from Ukraine were in Lincoln Feb. 11-18 to study the Nebraska Legislature, bill drafting, lobbying, and women staffers. They were selected through the Open World Leadership Center, a division of the Library of Congress. Open World is an exchange program between the U.S. and post-Soviet countries to bring young professionals to various U.S. cities to showcase American values and democratic institutions. The delegates were home hosted by members of the Friendship Force of Lincoln. During their visit, the delegates received minimum of 35 hours of lectures, tours, and visits in their special area of study. The current visitors were studying women staffers and the legislature. In past years, Lincoln has welcomed Open World delegates studying education, social service agencies, and medical institutions. In addition to studying, the delegates had an opportunity to visit Homestead Monument in Beatrice, the International Quilt Museum and the Omaha Zoo. After the Trump administration revoked federal guidelines on transgender student rights, officials from New York to Washington to Tulsa moved quickly this week to assure their communities that they would continue to allow students to use school bathrooms aligned with their gender identity. But other districts had never complied with the Obama administrations guidance after it was issued in May and they dont plan to do so now. That leaves intact a patchwork of policies on transgender student accommodations that varies widely across the country. Advocates for these students say the result is that many will be forced to go through school being called by what feels to them like the wrong name and being required to use what they feel are the wrong bathrooms. Until this week, the federal government had provided a uniform standard for how schools should resolve sensitive questions concerning transgender students. Having some type of national voice indicating that this is how we want students to be treated created at least something that everyone could look to, said Jayne Ellspermann, a Florida principal who is president of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Basically, that compass has been removed. (Claritza Jimenez/The Washington Post) [Trump administration rolls back protections for transgender students] Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said that although the guidance was rescinded, schools still have an obligation to protect transgender students from bullying and harassment. I have dedicated my career to advocating for and fighting on behalf of students, and as Secretary of Education, I consider protecting all students, including LGBTQ students, not only a key priority for the Department, but for every school in America, DeVos said in a statement. On Thursday, DeVos told conservative activists at a gathering near Washington that the Obama guidance was a very huge example of federal overreach and that the issue should be dealt with at a personal level, at a local level. [DeVos defiant at CPAC: My job isnt to win a popularity contest] Transgender youths are at a greater risk of depression and suicide than their peers, and surveys show that they face high rates of bullying and harassment. Fourteen states and the District of Columbia have laws that give explicit protections to transgender students, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Eleven other states are considering legislation to create restroom restrictions for transgender people, including schoolchildren. Some would penalize schools that violate those restrictions. (The Washington Post) About 40 percent of schoolchildren are in districts that explicitly protect transgender students, according to an estimate from the National Center for Transgender Equality. In many of those places, policies will remain the same. Our schools have to be safe and inclusive places if we want our kids to learn and be successful, said Emma Garrett Nelson, spokeswoman for Tulsa Public Schools. At Atherton High in Louisville, a site-based council developed a policy giving transgender students access to the bathrooms of their choice three years ago. That meant the school complied with Obamas guidance as soon as it was issued. Our policy has not changed, and I wouldnt foresee it changing regardless of any change in the guidance document, said Thomas Aberli, the schools principal at the time. Obamas guidance drew legal challenges from several states, leaving schools uncertain of their obligations and hesitant to wade into such a fraught issue. The uncertainty deepened in August, when a federal judge temporarily prohibited the Education Department from enforcing the guidance nationwide. Amy Adams, the mother of a transgender girl in Stafford County, Va., said school officials continued to bar her daughter from the girls bathroom even after the Obama action, saying they were waiting on a ruling from the Supreme Court. Her daughter had briefly used the girls bathroom in elementary school until other parents protested. That put the Adams family in the middle of a public fight that inspired a state legislator to propose a bill to fine transgender people for using public bathrooms including those in schools that do not correspond to their anatomical sex. The bill was unsuccessful. [Va. bill would regulate school bathrooms for transgender students] Adams said that the Obama administrations action last year had given her hope. When you live in a state like Virginia, which has no state protections, where you can be fired or denied housing based on if you are LGBTQ, where some lawmakers have specifically targeted your child, or if you live in a school district that has denied your child equal access, the feeling was relief, because our kids were finally seen, Adams said. But after the Trump administrations shift, Adams said, she no longer has the federal backing for her efforts to persuade school officials to allow her daughter to use the girls bathroom. In Utahs largest school system, the Alpine School District, the Obama guidance enraged some board members, who viewed it as federal overreach. The district never changed its practice of accommodating transgender students on a case by case basis allowing them to use bathrooms designated for single users, for instance said board member JoDee Sundberg. She said that to her knowledge, no transgender students had sought to use student bathrooms that align with their gender identity. We felt that all of our students needs are being served, said Sundberg. We dont take our direction from Washington We will do whats best for our community, the culture in our community and the students in our community. With Trumps action, school districts that had passed bathroom restrictions in conflict with the Obama guidance no longer face the possibility of losing federal funding. Last year, community members in rural Grayson County, Va., grew fearful that students and visitors to schools would pretend to be transgender to gain access to bathrooms and locker rooms of the opposite sex to take video or assault students. In response, the school board passed a policy requiring students to use bathrooms according to the sex on their birth certificate, defying the Obama guidance. Kelly Wilmore, superintendent of Grayson schools, said he hopes Trumps action enables the district to move on to what he considers more pressing matters, like the budget. I think the feds should stay out of our business, Wilmore said. I would be elated if I could talk about anything but this. Trumps action also could lead to a rollback of transgender-friendly policies in some school districts. In 2015, schools in the Chicago suburb of Palatine, Ill., began allowing a transgender girl to change in the girls locker room in response to pressure from the Obama administration. That decision ignited protests and a lawsuit from parents, who thought that invaded their childrens privacy. Now three candidates are running for the school board with a promise to adopt a policy ensuring that single-sex bathrooms and locker rooms could not be used by students of the opposite biological sex. Civil rights advocates say the withdrawal of the Obama guidance does not strip students of protections under Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in public schools. Ultimately, it may be up to the courts to determine the reach of Title IX in transgender student rights. A decision could come as early as this year in a Supreme Court case brought by Gavin Grimm, a transgender teenager who sued his Virginia school board after he was denied access to the boys bathroom. Arguments in that case are scheduled for next month. Blue crabs wait to be tagged by researchers from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center before being released back into the Nanticoke River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) A longtime Maryland official and advocate of limits on blue-crab fishing in the Chesapeake Bay was fired this week after watermen critical of the limits met with Gov. Larry Hogan (R). The ouster Tuesday of Brenda Davis, a 28-year-veteran of Marylands Department of Natural Resources, was first reported by the Chesapeake Bay Journal. Davis was the crab program manager for DNR, which sets limits on how large crabs must be to harvest at least five inches between April and July. Some watermen who disapproved of those limits recently met with Hogan and questioned the limits, the Journal reported and The Washington Post confirmed. Hogan has criticized some of the states restrictions on fishing, which he has called a war on watermen, but it is not clear whether he opposes the five-inch requirement or whether the watermen asked him to fire Davis. The governors office declined to comment on Davis, and a DNR spokesman said the department does not comment on personnel matters. The department places the highest emphasis on enhancing and improving customer engagement and service as well as science-based conservation and management of our environment and natural resources, DNR spokesman Stephen E. Schatz wrote in an email. One waterman who met with Hogan declined to discuss the meeting with The Post. Others were not immediately available for comment. Davis said she is unsure why she was terminated. She said her performance evaluations were all very good, but she noted that she is employed at-will and could be fired at any time. Theres a lot of speculation, she said, including about whether the decision to fire her was related to recent attempts by some watermen to ease size limits on crab fishing. The blue crab has rebounded since the 1990s, when the population in the bay reached critical levels, and Davis said the states blue crab program was a little ahead of the curve in including the fishing industry in decision-making. Not all watermen were critical of Daviss tenure. Shes, as far as I knew, a good employee and did a great job, said Billy Rice, chairman of the DNRs Tidal Fisheries Advisory Commission. . . . I was surprised about her dismissal. After almost three decades with DNR, Davis said she is unsure what she will do next. Im open to suggestions, she said. A Maryland state senator joined the defense team in a medical malpractice lawsuit last month even though he has limited legal expertise in that area, a move the plaintiffs attorney called a sham intended to win a last-minute trial delay. Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Althea M. Handy denied the defense teams request to postpone the trial until after the Maryland General Assemblys legislative session, ruling that the court could not find any reason for Sen. Robert A. Zirkin (D-Baltimore County) to have joined the case at the 11th hour other than to seek a delay. By that time, Zirkin had already withdrawn from the defense team. He stepped down after the plaintiffs attorney objected to the delay request. Zirkin said in an interview this week that he did not want his presence to be a distraction. What was stated by the plaintiffs counsel was false and incredibly insulting, Zirkin said, adding that he has worked on a couple of medical malpractice cases with William Murphy Jr., a lawyer who also joined the defense team last month. I have worked exceptionally hard to build a law practice and build a reputation as a good lawyer, and for someone to say otherwise is insulting and incorrect. Lawmakers who are also lawyers are allowed to use legislative privilege to seek delays in trials that overlap with the Maryland General Assemblys annual 90-day legislative session. Zirkin joined the defense team Jan. 24, 13 days after the start of the session and 13 days before the trial was to begin. The next day, the defense team asked the judge to delay the trial for about 60 days, citing Zirkins responsibilities in Annapolis. In response, plaintiffs attorney H. Briggs Bedigian accused Zirkin, who chairs the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, of abusing legislative privilege. It appears that [Zirkins] appearance in this case is fueled by financial gain for Senator Zirkin by literally selling access to his Legislative Privilege to the Defendants of which he provides little benefit for, Bedigian wrote in a letter to the court Jan. 27. Mr. Zirkin has failed to identify what he adds to this team of six defense lawyers other than a means to this postponement due to his legislative privilege. The request for a delay, and the judges denial, were first reported by the Daily Record newspaper. Hassan Murphy, managing partner at Murphy, Falcon & Murphy, said his firm added Zirkin to its team because he is an energetic and talented trial lawyer. He was slotted to be a full-fledged member of the defense team, and during the brief time he was involved, he made a tremendous contribution, as expected, and was deeply involved in the preparation of our defense. Handy said the University of Maryland Medical System Corp., the defendant in the lawsuit, appeared to be well-represented by Neal M. Brown, a veteran medical-malpractice trial lawyer and the attorney of record for the previous 15 months. She said Zirkins law practice focuses on legal services for car, truck and motorcycle accidents, traffic tickets, DUIs, criminal defense, dog bites and divorce. Bedigian raised ethical questions about Zirkins role in the case, saying his job as a state lawmaker should make him ineligible to represent the University of Maryland, a quasi-governmental entity. The ethics adviser to the legislature did not return a call made Thursday to inquire about whether lawmakers can work as attorneys in such circumstances. Karen Lancaster, a spokeswoman for the hospital system, said that the trial began Feb. 6, and that the parties reached an out-of-court settlement Tuesday. She said the terms of the settlement are confidential. The allegations made by the plaintiffs counsel regarding our engagement of Mr. Zirkin are completely without merit, Lancaster said. Its unfortunate that in order to avoid further disparagement, Mr. Zirkin withdrew his representation of UMMS in this case. Zirkin has been a member of the General Assembly for 17 years, for the last decade in the state Senate. In the House of Delegates, he served on the Judiciary Committee. In the Senate, he was first assigned to the Budget and Taxation Committee and since 2011 has been a member of the Judicial Proceedings Committee, which deals with such issues as criminal and civil laws, penalties and procedures, motor vehicle laws, including drunken driving, the legal profession and public safety. He was named chairman of the committee in 2015. Last year, Zirkin helped broker compromises on sweeping criminal justice legislation and Noahs Law, which toughened the states drunken-driving statutes. He also led an effort to water down a bill that would have imposed jail time on adults convicted of providing alcohol to people younger than 21. This year, Judicial Proceedings is weighing legislation on bail reform and criminal procedures concerning rape evidence. The committee is also considering how state and local law enforcement officers should deal with enforcement of federal immigration law. The Prince William County School Board voted 7-1 last week to name a new elementary school in the Potomac Shores community after former board members John Harper Jr. and Betty Covington. (Jonathan Hunley for The Washington Post) An eastern Prince William elementary school opening this fall will be named for two former school board members who broke social barriers in their public-service careers. The Prince William County School Board voted 7 to 1 last week to name the new school in the Potomac Shores community Covington-Harper Elementary, in honor of Betty Covington and John Harper Jr. Covington spent more than five decades in education in Prince William, including being a principal in an era when few women worked in leadership roles. Harper was the first African American to serve as the Neabsco District representative on the board after being elected in 1995. Wednesdays vote was the second naming decision the school board has made in as many years, but it was hailed as the product of a more peaceful process. Last year, tension ran high over whether to name a new elementary school in memory of Kyle R. Wilson, the only Prince William firefighter to die in the line of duty, or to honor philanthropist George M. Hampton. Board members eventually decided to name the school after Wilson and to rename Godwin Middle School after Hampton. The idea was that the name of Hampton, an African American, would replace that of the late Mills E. Godwin Jr., a two-term Virginia governor with a segregationist past. That compromise still frustrates some, including those who say the Godwin Middle community wasnt properly informed of the change. So when it became apparent that Covington and Harper were both top choices for the name of the Potomac Shores school, another decision seemed as though it might get mired in controversy. [Pr. William School Board upholds decision to rename Godwin Middle School] School board member Diane L. Raulston (Neabsco) even joked Wednesday that she was so apprehensive about making another name choice that she started looking for a hole where she could bury herself and hide while the discussion occurred. But then I realized who the two people were, Raulston said. And I thought, They are probably two of the nicest individuals that you can think of if youre going to be in this kind of situation. She thanked Covington and Harper for accepting the hyphenated compromise and for putting aside a desire to monopolize the limelight. However, her colleague William J. Deutsch (Coles) said the school board needs to get away from naming schools after living people. He said the practice invites divisiveness. Deutsch, who cast the sole dissenting vote against Covington-Harper, said that in making naming decisions, school board members should place the most weight on what the new schools surrounding community wants. If they had done so in the case of Potomac Shores, he said, the school would have been named only for Covington, who worked nearby for much of her career. Its pretty obvious, he said. Nonetheless, Covington and Harper seemed pleased by the decision, and they came forward after the vote to pose for pictures and speak at the lectern. Covington praised the compromise as a nice ending to what had been somewhat of a competition between friends and former colleagues, and Harper called the naming decision a historic one to come during Black History Month. Repeating those comments outside Wednesdays meeting, he said, Theres no public building in the commonwealth, I believe, to have a black man and a white woman. Harper, who also was the first African American to direct a department in Prince William government, said hed like to mentor students at the Potomac Shores school once it opens. He mentored students at Minnieville Elementary School when he was on the school board, he said, and teachers said the children became more attentive and better pupils. They like order if you give it to them, he said of children. Covington, who taught at elementary schools and led them as principal, said shed like to pitch in at Covington-Harper with an even more basic task. I will probably go in and read to the children, she said. Her more than 50 years in education in Prince William includes 19 years as principal at Kilby Elementary School and 14 on the school board. During her career, she said, she had to fight for higher pay when she learned that principals with less experience were compensated more than she was. She also recalled weathering policies that restricted the work of teachers who became pregnant. But she said that having a good job and doing what she loved made up for those rough spots. Schools are in my heart, she said. Aleah Thompson, on left, at less than 9 weeks, and on right, at an unknown age. (Photos: Montgomery County States Attorneys Office) Robert Davidson stood in court, said how much he missed his daughter Aleah, claimed that accidental falls had preceded her death and said he was trying to better himself. Mr. Davidson, Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Nelson Rupp responded, I will show you the same mercy that you showed your 9-week-old daughter when you brutally beat her to death over a nine-week period of time: None. Rupp handed down a 50-year sentence on Wednesday. Davidson, 26, had previously pleaded guilty to first-degree child abuse resulting in death and to sex abuse of a minor. Medical and forensic records showed Aleah had 34 rib fractures, a broken collarbone, brain injuries and bleeding in the back of her eyes consistent with being shaken. [Earlier: Prosecutor says Aleah had most of her ribs broken] The sentence concludes a case that also led to charges in 2015 against the girls mother, Lorena Thompson, 24, who lived with Davidson in an apartment in Rockville, Md. She pleaded guilty last year to neglect of a minor and was placed on probation for five years. Robert Davidson (Montgomery County Police Department) Thompson, a pastry chef, came to court Wednesday to speak in support of Davidson, who has worked as a restaurant server and food runner. She described him as a loving father to Aleah and her son. Ive never seen any malicious acts with him and Aleah, she said. I dont believe that he would intentionally hurt Aleah. But Rupp said his sentence was rooted in medical facts, including the different stages of healing found in Aleahs broken ribs that showed the girl had been subjected to repeated, traumatic assaults. The first trauma was inflicted when the girl was as young as a week old, Rupp said, followed by an incident several weeks later, followed by the injuries just before her death. The child was beaten in the face, head and eyes. Doctors also found trauma that constituted sexual abuse. This 9-week-old baby was brutalized, beaten and tortured, Rupp said. A helpless little baby. [Earlier: Davidson pleads guilty in the case] For police, the case began the evening of June 23, 2015, after Davidson called 911 and said his daughter was not breathing and was not responsive. Paramedics found him frantic and performing CPR, according to police reports. A medic noted bruises on the babys cheeks, according to the reports. At the time, the childs mother was at work. Aleah died three days later at a hospital. Davidson initially told detectives that he had been in the living room playing video games when he heard labored breathing coming from a bedroom. He went to check on Aleah, he said, and found her limp and unresponsive. Davidson also told police that he had dropped her several times and that she had rolled off a couch. But hospital and autopsy records undercut his explanations. Among other evaluations, a forensic anthropologist examined Aleahs bones and determined that she had suffered different episodes of trauma, according to Montgomery Assistant States Attorney Mary Herdman. These are not injuries that just spontaneously occurred, Herdman said in court this week. These are inflicted injuries. She addressed statements and letters of support from those who knew Davidson as an excellent employee, avid reader, calm person and seemingly loving father. People function in this world as managers, as entrepreneurs, as CEOs of companies, as schoolteachers, as bus drivers who abuse their children, she said. On Wednesday, Davidson continued to advance explanations for what happened. He said that any injuries to Aleah linked to purported sex abuse were from his trying to clean her. Davidson spoke for 14 minutes. He said that Aleahs birth had changed his life and that he had grown attached to feeding her, burping her and changing her clothes. I loved it when her little hand would grab my finger and hold on as tight as it could, he said. He repeated his earlier explanations for Aleahs injuries. I know I wasnt the greatest father, and obviously I was far from it, he said. I admitted to accidentally dropping Aleah, and there was that one time I placed Aleah on the couch so I could go in the kitchen and make her a bottle. While I was doing that, she rolled off the couch and onto the floor. . . . I also admitted that on the day she went to the hospital I shook her. And thats true, and theres no denying it. But what the prosecution did not mention and what I admitted to detectives was that I shook my daughter only after she became unresponsive. The judge told Davidson that he had little chance at rehabilitation until he accepted responsibility. You, Mr. Davidson, you havent done that, Rupp said. Youve denied it. Youve minimized it. Youve rationalized it. The medical evidence in the case is overwhelming. A D.C. man who pleaded guilty to committing more than 10 armed robberies in three weeks was sentenced to 22 years in prison Thursday, prosecutors said. [D.C. man pleads guilty to string of armed robberies in 2014] In September, Curtis Fogg, 29, pleaded guilty to holding up cellphone stores, fast-food restaurants and hair salons in the District and Prince Georges County in a three-week spree in 2014 during which he stole more than $3,000, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia said in a statement. Two of the robberies occurred within the same hour, and he robbed the same Papa Johns pizza restaurant in the 900 block of 11th Street SE twice in two weeks, according to a list of crimes released by prosecutors. Fogg, who has been incarcerated since 2014, pleaded guilty to nine counts of interference with interstate commerce by robbery; one count of using, carrying and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; and one count of armed robbery, prosecutors said. His plea called for up 22 1/2 years in prison, and he was sentenced to 22, according to prosecutors. Prosecutors also said Fogg faces D.C. Superior Court charges related to the alleged stabbing of an inmate and throwing feces at a prison official. A 15-year-old girl who disappeared in Prince William County last Friday was found safe and unharmed in Harrisonburg, Va., on Thursday morning. Police said Makayla Phyllis Mattei was with Meiti Metsla, 21, who was arrested and charged with soliciting a child online, a felony. Makayla is being reunited with her family in Dumfries, Va. Nicole Schwab, a spokeswoman with the Washington field office of the FBI, previously said Metsla flew to the United States from Estonia after engaging in an Internet relationship with the teenager. Prince William police said the two had engaged in inappropriate online conversations. The search for Makayla was urgent, the FBI said, because she has diabetes and relatives were not sure whether she had insulin with her. A spokesman for Prince William police said investigators think the teenager went voluntarily with Metsla. Six people have been arrested in connection with the killing of a 21-year-old man in Prince William County, one in a web of recent cases connected to the MS-13 gang in Northern Virginia, police said. Several of the suspects in the death of Christian Alexander Sosa Rivas of Fairfax are MS-13 members, Prince William police said. The case also has ties to the gang-related killing of a 15-year-old girl in Fairfax County, and the disappearance and return of two other teenage girls from the same county, police said. Three male suspects, including one juvenile, were arrested Wednesday in Pennsylvania in connection with the Rivas killing, and another man was arrested in Pennsylvania on Thursday. Two women were arrested Feb. 12 in the Baltimore area. [21-year-old man found dead along Potomac River in Dumfries] Rivass body was found along the Potomac River in Dumfries on Jan. 12, police said. They have not offered a motive in the killing. Edgar Oswaldo Blanco Torres, 24; Jose Martir Larios Espenal, 20; Angelica Maria Blanco, 19; Keyri Sujey Portillo Gonzalez, 18; Samuel Enrique Villalobos Sanchez, 18; and an unnamed 17-year-old boy have been arrested. None of them has a fixed address. Blanco Torres, Larios Espenal and the unnamed juvenile have been charged with murder, police said. Blanco Torres, Blanco and Portillo Gonzalez have been charged with conspiracy to commit a felony. Police said the six suspects will be extradited to Virginia. Police declined to comment on the arrests, saying more could be forthcoming. Fairfax County police said at a news conference last week that information that turned up during the Rivas investigation led them to conclude that a missing Maryland teenager had been killed. Her remains were found this month near an industrial park in Springfield. Fairfax County Police Chief Edwin C. Roessler Jr. said Damaris A. Reyes Rivas, 15, of Gaithersburg, who left home in mid-December, was held against her will near an industrial park, assaulted and then killed in a savage and brutal fashion about Jan. 8. Her body was discovered Feb. 11 by police, just one day before the first arrests in the Rivas case. Police said video evidence was among the clues in the killing. Reyes Rivass mother told The Washington Post that her daughter had become involved with the MS-13 gang. She also said that her daughter had dated Rivas. They are not related. The mother said her daughter had come to the United States from El Salvador in 2014. She showed The Post messages her daughter had received on Facebook, saying those suckers want to kill you while another added, They have already given permission to take you out. Police announced last week that they had arrested 10 people, including six juveniles, in connection with Reyes Rivass death. Five have been charged with murder. Police have not specified a motive. Prince William County police said that Rivas also was acquainted with Venus Lorena Romero Iraheta, 17, of Alexandria, who police announced last week was missing and endangered before she returned home. Two of the adults charged in Reyes Rivass killing were initially arrested in another case: the disappearance of Lizzy Rivera Colindres, a 16-year-old from Springfield, reported missing Jan. 15. She and her 5-month-old son returned home this month. Jay Lanham, director of the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force, said the area has seen an increase in activity in MS-13 and other gangs. He said the gang has found fertile ground, recruiting among unaccompanied minors who have come across the U.S. border in record numbers in recent years. Many do not have immediate family in the area. These kids are certainly prime targets because of what the gangs are pitching to them in terms of belonging, Lanham said. They are recruiting kids down to the fifth grade, Lanham said. Tom Jackman contributed to this report. Longtime law enforcement veteran Peter Newsham was named the Districts permanent police chief Thursday, signaling an intent by the mayor to maintain continuity amid a steady drop in crime and satisfaction over the direction of the department. The 52-year-old Newsham, who served as interim chief after Cathy L. Lanier departed in September, faces significant challenges as he takes the helm of police force with nearly 3,800 officers and one of the highest profiles in the country. The department is working to maintain relationships it has painstakingly built in neighborhoods where trust does not come easily and to rebuild a frontline crime-fighting force depleted by a recent wave of retirements. Newsham, whose appointment is subject to confirmation by the D.C. Council, has been on the force for nearly 28 years. He worked as an assistant chief under the two previous police chiefs Lanier and Charles H. Ramsey whose combined 18 years of leadership transformed a department plagued by allegations of excessive force and a city with a homicide rate nearly three times higher than it is today. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) praised Newshams commitment to transparency and his availability to his officers and members of the public. She added that during uncertain times, Washingtonians know the D.C. police department is here. The mayors staff culled more than 100 applicants before settling on a final dozen, then narrowing it to four who each met several times with Bowser. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D), who has supported Newsham, said, I dont think hell have difficulties getting confirmed. Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, which advises police agencies on best practices, said Newsham has been on the force in the bad days and in the good days and has a deep knowledge of the department. He noted that Ramsey picked Newsham to oversee a department overhaul after concerns surfaced in the late 1990s over the high number of deadly shootings by officers. Newsham also was instrumental in helping Lanier reduce homicides when she named him chief of investigations. Im sensing the mayor did not want dramatic change, Wexler said. The message she is sending is she wants to continue in the direction theyre going. Newsham takes over at a time when violent crime has generally been on the decline, although a 2015 spike in murders caused concern. Robberies also have been a persistent problem. One violent crime is one crime too many, especially when it happens in your neighborhood, Newsham said after Bowser made his appointment official. Council member Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), chairman of the councils public safety committee, said he plans to hold three hearings before a committee vote and then a vote by the full council. I have a lot of respect for Chief Newsham, he said. I hold him in high regard. But Newsham, whose annual salary will be $253,817 over the course of a five-year contract, could face some challenging questions. He has been criticized for mass arrests of demonstrators in Pershing Park in 2002 that sparked multimillion-dollar lawsuits against the city. Some also question arrests of protesters at last months presidential inauguration, alleging violations of civil rights. Under his leadership, Newsham said, the department would work to maintain a trusting relationship with the community and stand for unbiased, fair and constitutional policing. Everyone will know it. Not because we say it, but because we do it. Newsham grew up in Massachusetts, attended North Adams State College (now Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts) and earned a degree in political science from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. While serving with the D.C. police, he earned a law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law in 2000, and he is entitled to practice in Maryland and in the District. He and his wife live in Southeast Washington, and he has two children in their early to mid-20s from a previous marriage. He described himself as an unapologetic New England sports fan, which he joked at the news conference was easy because it was so difficult to be a Redskins fan. After a chorus of boos from city staffers and community members, Newsham quickly saved face, saying he would make the Redskins his NFC team. The New England Patriots are in the rival AFC. Newsham started as an officer at a time when a cocaine epidemic was driving violence and the city was known as the nations murder capital. In 1991, Newshams second year on the force, homicides peaked at 482. He moved through the ranks and was among its top officials when the District hit a half-century low in homicides 88 in 2012. The number of homicides crept up over the ensuing years and spiked 54 percent from 2014 to 2015, ending at 162. Last year concluded with 135 killings. [Tracking D.C.-area homicides] Under Lanier, Newsham was one of the most frequently seen police officials, appearing often on television at crime scenes, news conferences and testifying before the D.C. Council. Bowser kept Newsham as interim chief after Laniers departure in September in part to avoid a distraction as the police prepared for the presidential inauguration. Newsham was intimately familiar with the process, and the official ceremonies that put the District on the world stage went off smoothly even as protesters rampaged through a four-block area of downtown, leading to more than 200 arrests. [Inauguration protesters vandalize, set fires, try to disrupt Trumps oath, as police arrest more than 200] The Jan. 20 demonstrations recalled 2002, when Newsham ordered the arrests of hundreds of anti-globalization protesters corralled by police in Pershing Park. Their advocates said the protesters were arrested without receiving a warning to disperse. Authorities last year quietly settled the final lawsuit that emerged from the incident, agreeing to pay $2.8 million to four former George Washington University students. The settlement brought the total paid to resolve the litigation to $13.25 million; the District paid $11 million of that. Controversy over the arrests led to the revamping of police department rules over handling of protests. Jonathan Turley, a George Washington University law professor who represented some of the Pershing Park protesters, said Newshams promotion to chief sends a chilling message for civil libertarians and citizens alike because of his key role in one of the most abusive and costly mass arrests in the history of the District. Mara Verheyden-Hilliard, executive director of the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund, which also was involved in the Pershing Park cases, called Newsham a serial mass violator of civil rights who is not fit to be chief of police. Referring to the events around President Trumps inauguration, she said that Newsham engaged in yet another illegal dragnet arrest. She argued that arrestees included lawful protesters. Newsham said Thursday that he thought at the time that his decisions at Pershing Park were in the best interest of public safety but had subsequently determined that was not the right decision. The department, Newsham said, had learned a great deal from that experience and applied those lessons last month as thousands of protesters descended on downtown for President Trumps inauguration, some with the stated goal of disrupting the event. Police were largely hands-off even as demonstrators blocked entrances to the parade route, though more than 230 were rounded up after one group raced through an area around Franklin Square Park, breaking store windows, setting a limousine on fire and confronting police in riot gear with rocks and bricks. This week, a grand jury indicted 214 people on charges of felony rioting, an indication Bowser said backs the decision to arrest. Newsham had stressed that most people demonstrating at the inauguration did so peacefully and that police did not interfere with them. Newsham had made no secret that he wanted to be the Districts police chief, and in the months as interim, he acted more like a permanent leader than a caretaker. He worked closely with the police union to settle a dispute over overtime pay and reorganized a division aimed at working with groups that may feel marginalized, including the transgender community and some minority groups. He said he would ensure that officers treat residents with respect. When you call us, we will always come, and when we come, we are coming to help, Newsham said. Dan Morse contributed to this report. A Rockville accountant pleaded not guilty to a federal bribery charge in connection with allegations that he paid off a Prince Georges County lawmaker to obtain thousands in taxpayer funds. The government has accused Felix Nelson Ayala, 58, of paying then-Prince Georges County Council member William A. Campos (D) $5,000 a year between 2012 to 2015 in exchange for $25,000 in annual funding to the Caucus Salvadoreno Empresarial. Ayala founded the D.C.-based business caucus that awards scholarships to students in El Salvador and locally. Ayala entered the not guilty plea in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt on Wednesday, about three weeks after he was charged in the case. He also pleaded not guilty to a charge of making false statements to investigators. [Rockville accountant charged with bribing former Prince Georges lawmaker] He looks forward to having his side of the story heard and his day in court, said Richard A. Finci, the attorney representing Ayala, in an email statement. Campos, 42, last month pleaded guilty to bribery and conspiracy charges. He admitted that he took payments during his tenure on the county council and in return directed discretionary government funds to the nonprofits and community organizations of those who bribed him, according to court documents. [Former Md. State Del. Will Campos pleads guilty to accepting bribes for official favors] The plea from Campos is related to a far-reaching federal investigation of a bribery scheme in which the government alleges local businesses and liquor board officials paid off Maryland lawmakers in exchange for favorable votes on legislation that would expand alcohol sales in Prince Georges. Campos was a county council member from 2004 to 2014. He then became a member of the state legislature, but he resigned nine months into the job in 2015. Federal prosecutors would not detail Camposs involvement in the liquor board investigation. Court documents indicate a former elected official cooperated with agents working on the liquor board investigation in exchange for a more lenient sentence on corruption charges. Prosecutors would not say whether Campos is the former elected official who took a plea deal. Camposs plea agreement includes several details that appear to match information in the charges outlined in court filings against those arrested in the liquor board investigation. Campos is tentatively scheduled to be sentenced in April. A trial date has not been set for Ayala, who faces up to 10 years in prison if he is convicted. MOUNT PLEASANT A deal in the works between two commercial developers will open the door to another local Goodwill Industries operation and the creation of up to 150 new jobs in the next few years. Representatives of Towne Realty, doing business as Zilber Property Group, Land & Lakes Development Co., and Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin, have an arrangement that should put Goodwill into a large new building late this year. Zilber will buy Land & Lakes 132,100-square-foot speculation industrial building at 1445 International Drive, representatives of the companies told the Mount Pleasant Plan Commission Wednesday. Zilber plans to construct a 115,500-square-foot addition onto that building, in a matching style. Goodwill Industries will then lease that entire 247,600-square-foot structure for contract light assembly, packaging and warehouse operations, said Michael Matus, Goodwills vice president of sales and strategic solutions. We expect growth, Matus told the commission. We could add 100 to 150 jobs in the next several years. Those will all be newly created jobs, he said later not transfers from other local Goodwill operations. The expansion project requires multiple variances from typical standards because the larger building will straddle two parcels, village Community Development Director Sam Schultz said. The commission went along with all requests to allow the deal to move ahead. On a fast track Matus said Goodwill needs to start moving assembly lines into the expanded building by September and have that process completed by Nov. 1. Another large building Goodwill occupies in that general area, at 1630 Enterprise Drive, will become the organizations growing retail operations headquarters, Matus said. The organization is about to open its 67th retail store. Goodwill will also maintain ownership of its building at 5420 21st St., Racine, and keep some operations there, he added. After selling its first spec building to Zilber, Land & Lakes will retain about 33 of the 60 acres it began its industrial park with. Land & Lakes President Marty Hanley said his company is already planning to construct a second spec building there that will be at least as large as the first. Development of that area will also include a new road, which the village will build, south of the future Goodwill building. As soon as he came to the United States, according to court documents, Mahmoud Elhassan was looking for supporters of Islamist terrorism groups. One of our forgotten prisoners, the Sudanese immigrant wrote on Facebook of a man convicted in a bombing plot. I wished to work with him one day, but the 1st day I came to the states I found that the disbelievers imprisoned him. In 2014, Elhassan messaged a radical Sudanese cleric, saying, Here with you is a sleeper cell. He asked to be connected to like-minded young men, saying, I am feeling that I am alone and I dont have anyone but the brothers on the internet. But the supposed ally the cleric found for Elhassan was actually an FBI informant. When he tried to help another man, Joseph Farrokh, travel to Syria, both were arrested and eventually pleaded guilty to terrorism- related charges. Elhassan, 26, will be sentenced Friday in federal court in Alexandria. [8.5-year prison sentence for Virginia man who planned to join ISIS] Elhassan, who lived in Woodbridge, admitted that he drove Farrokh to the Richmond Airport and then lied to agents about his friends plans. At first he appeared to be an accessory to Farrokhs plans. But prosecutors now say Elhassan was the instigator, having been radicalized long before the two met. Before his sentencing, Farrokh wrote in court filings that his allegiance to the Islamic State was shallow and brief, spurred by personal problems. He was sentenced to 8 years in prison. Elhassans attorneys say he, too, was shaped by trauma. His father was abusive, according to his court filings, and his mother fled with her children to Egypt. They all made it to the United States as legal residents by 2012, but his mother died two years later. About the same time, the father of a woman Elhassan hoped to marry rejected his proposal. All along, he suffered from severe kidney and liver problems that have caused periodic hospitalizations. The timing and particular circumstances of Mr. Elhassans conduct when viewed in the context of the emotional upheaval he was experiencing at the time of the offense, particularly his undiagnosed and untreated depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and perfect storm of tragic family circumstances can explain but cannot justify how he was drawn into such a simplistic and naive fundamentalist worldview at the heart of the resulting conduct, his attorneys wrote. They ask for a sentence of four to six years; prosecutors want Elhassan to be behind bars far longer. Childhood abuse cannot be an excuse for aligning with and supporting a terrorist organization, they wrote in their sentencing filing. Drawing a causal connection between childhood abuse and terrorism does a grave disservice to victims of child abuse. The maximum sentence for Elhassans crimes in 28 years. A federal judge has released a list of all requests made by U.S. prosecutors in Washington to secretly collect certain data about Americans telephone, email and Internet activity from 2011 to 2016. The disclosure Wednesday continues an effort to bring more transparency to covert law enforcement activities. The release of five years worth of information, while still bare-bones on details, was made by Beryl A. Howell, chief judge of the U.S. District Court in Washington, following a release in September that showed requests only for 2012. The action came in a case brought by a journalist to unseal a much larger collection of information about court-ordered electronic surveillance in closed criminal investigations in the nations capital. The disclosure shows case identification numbers for the sealed requests, the dates on which cases were filed, the reviewing judges, and what type of device or account was to be tracked. Not revealed are who or what activity was under criminal investigation and whether surveillance ended or any charges resulted. A list of sealed requests for records from communication service providers is itself usually sealed, leading several legal experts to say that even the listing of how often law enforcement applied to judges to obtain individual electronic records in domestic criminal cases could serve as a model for court disclosure nationwide. The data released Wednesday show the number of sealed requests fluctuated from 284 in 2011 to a peak of 310 in 2013 and a low of 189 last year. Only 15 of the 1,444 cases covered by the requests have been unsealed, even in part, years after the monitoring began. Prosecutors have agreed in court to release additional information about the five years worth of orders in coming months, including any substantive opinions, denials of requests, and data for three more years, dating to 2008, when electronic record-keeping began. In September, prosecutors said on the basis of a preliminary assessment from the court that as many as 564 applications were filed in 2013. That figure included duplicates and may have included applications filed by government entities other than the U.S. attorneys office, according to a federal official familiar with the tally when asked about the lower number for 2013 released Wednesday. [Electronic surveillance requests up 500 percent in D.C.-area since 2011, almost all sealed cases] The ongoing releases come in a case brought in 2013 by journalist Jason Leopold, then with Vice News and now BuzzFeed. [A U.S. judge just disclosed how often law enforcement asked to secretly track electronic records] Jeffrey Louis Light, the attorney for Leopold, and Katie Townsend, litigation director of Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, which has joined the case, both said they were very pleased with the steady release of information, which they said will aid researchers, lawmakers and the public in tracking the scope, evolution and expansion of government conduct. Im very happy to see things moving along, were continuing to get information on a regular basis that has never been available before, Light said. [Low-level federal judges balking at law enforcement requests for electronic evidence] The type of orders tallied on the released list do not give law enforcement investigators permission to listen in on calls or read the contents of email or Internet exchanges. But they do allow the collection of sender and recipient information, and the time, date, duration and size of calls, emails, instant messages and social-media messages, as well as device identification numbers and some website information. Tracing electronic exchanges through a targets phones, website accounts and information such as Twitter feeds and other apps even without being able to hear or see what was said can help investigators map the individuals universe and any pattern and timing of activities. The request to unseal records on surveillance applications comes as courts increasingly take up cases testing the constitutional limits of law enforcement searches in an electronic era. [Supreme Court says police must get warrants for most cellphone searches] Police seeking surveillance orders under a 1986 statute the type of orders on the lists being compiled under Howell must tell a court only how the information they are seeking is relevant to an investigation. To get a traditional authority to listen in on a landline phone call, law enforcement authorities have to meet the more rigorous legal standard of probable cause and prove to a judge that their search will probably yield evidence of a specific crime and that alternatives to a wiretap are unavailable. Almost 30 years ago, Reid Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church followed a path trod by many a congregation, a business and a family out of Washington and into the suburbs. Today, the church is charting a new course: a return to the heart of the city. The District is growing by about 900 people every month. And so this megachurch, with more than 15,000 members at its two suburban locations in Montgomery and Prince Georges counties, wants to be where the people are. Come Saturday nights, youll now find members of Reid Temple gathered in a borrowed sanctuary near Logan Circle, singing along with the choir: Were glad to be at Reid Temple, where the spirit of the Lord is in control. So glad youve decided to join us. . . . Let the word of God renew your soul. I thank God for every church, the Rev. Russell St. Bernard joked at the pulpit, but other churches dont have a theme song. Church members enter New Bethany Baptist Church, which is being rented by Reid Temple, on Feb. 18. (Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post) This church has the jazzy song and many more efforts to attract the millennials who are responsible for the Districts population boom. Instead of the child-centered programming that attracts hundreds of young families to the suburban campuses, clergy and lay leaders have gathered Reid Temples new District churchgoers at urban hangout spots Busboys & Poets, HalfSmoke and the Hamilton. Instead of competing with the typical urban millennials Sunday brunch plans, Reid Temples D.C. service is at 6 p.m. on Saturdays, with the expectation that churchgoers will go out on the town afterward. And for college students at Howard University and other D.C. schools, the church will even provide the Lyft ride to get them to and from the service. [With immigration in the spotlight, congregations hear messages of inclusion] So many churches were leaving the city. But so many new people were coming to the city. Theres a need for a greater Christian witness in D.C., said the Rev. Matthew Watley, the churchs executive minister. Church attendance is very location-driven. We dont want to ever put ourselves out of position. More than a year ago, Reid Temple held its first service in the District since 1990, meeting first in the E Street Cinema, then moving quickly to Howard Theatre, then to New Bethany Baptist Church almost two months ago. In that time, Watley said, about 250 new members have started attending the D.C. service at least once a month. Eventually, the church would like to own its own building in the District again, as it once did on Michigan Avenue NE from 1964 to 1990. Reid Temple is just one in a wave of new churches entering the District in the past decade, according to the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. From 1971 to 2000, the number of religious congregations in the District stayed almost static, hovering between 290 and 390 for three decades. During that same time, the number of congregations in the larger D.C. region almost doubled, from 1,671 to 3,015 houses of worship. Clearly, the growth in congregations was all in the suburbs and many D.C. churches decamped for Maryland and Virginia, often following their members who had already moved there. Some churches were able to sell their buildings in coveted areas of the city for hefty profits. But in this century, the growth has been in the District as well as in the suburbs. At last count, the statistical organization reported 609 houses of worship in D.C. still 13 percent of the greater Washington regions congregations, the same proportion as in 2000 but a bloom of churches nonetheless. Many are reaching out to millennials, the group pollsters have described as less likely to be religious than the population as a whole. Theyve been adjusting service times, modernizing music and creating new service-oriented ministries, some with surprising success. [Development on D.C.s waterfront a chance for churches to cash in] At Reid Temple, some who attend the D.C. service had been traveling from their homes in the District for years to attend the megachurchs suburban main campus, and they appreciate having it close to home now. Or they typically attend in Glenn Dale or Silver Spring on Sundays but sometimes pick the Saturday night service when its convenient. But many are new to Reid Temple. Weve been able to reach a generation of persons who just didnt have an active church home, Watley said. He talks to millennials every month who moved to the District for work and hadnt sought out a church after arriving or hadnt found quite the right church when they did look. That was Alex Myries experience. He came from Jamaica to the District to study civil engineering at Howard and started looking for a church in his senior year. It was something that I needed to have. I needed to have a church home, Myrie said. He tried a few churches. Reid Temple was just starting its first D.C. services about that time, and a friend suggested that Myrie try it. As soon as he did, he knew that was the place he wanted to join. The communal vibe felt similar to what he liked most at Howard, he said. This was a group he wanted to be part of: It allows me to express the difficulties and triumphs in my life. Now he spends Saturday evenings clapping along with the keyboard and drums. Green spotlights shine on the floor, giving this classic sanctuary a modern mood, and Myrie stands swaying in their glow. THE DISTRICT Teachers at charter school want a union Teachers at a Washington charter school are pushing to unionize, citing the need to provide more resources for students, improve the schools culture and reduce churn in the teaching force. About three-quarters of the staff at Paul Public Charter School in Northwest signed a petition asking the schools governing board to recognize their union, the District of Columbia Alliance of Charter Teachers and Staff. The effort aims to launch what would be the first teachers union at a D.C. charter school, according to the American Federation of Teachers. School officials did not immediately respond Wednesday to requests for comment. Alejandra Matos VIRGINIA Lawmaker is elected as choice for speaker Republicans in Virginias House of Delegates on Wednesday unanimously elected Del. M. Kirkland Cox (R-Colonial Heights) as their choice for the next speaker of the House. Assuming that Republicans retain control of the House of Delegates in November, Cox, who currently serves as the chambers majority leader, will replace Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford), who plans to retire at the end of his term in January. Howell, who has led the chamber for 15 sessions, announced Monday that he would not seek reelection. Cox, 59, a retired government teacher, has been a state delegate since 1990. Officer on restricted duty after car crash A Fairfax County police officer has been placed on restricted duty after a February crash that sent another driver to the hospital with serious injuries, Fairfax police said. The officers cruiser was traveling above the speed limit and had no emergency lights on when it struck a Toyota Sienna van in an intersection in the Seven Corners area at about 10:30 a.m. Saturday, police said. The officer was westbound on Leesburg Pike, approaching Patrick Henry Drive, when the van made a left turn in front of the marked cruiser, police said. The officer, a two-year veteran, notified dispatchers of the crash and tried to help the 53-year-old van driver of the van. The man was rushed to a hospital. Hes still in the hospital and stable, said Officer Don Gotthardt, a police spokesman, referring to the vans driver. Police did not reveal the officers name. Justin Jouvenal Rep. Dave Brat pauses during a town-hall meeting in Blackstone, Va., on Feb. 21, 2017. He has been criticized since the Trump inauguration of avoiding face-to-face meetings with constituents. (Timothy C. Wright/For the Washington Post) There was a time when Rep. Dave Brat (R-Va.) was heralded for his ability to harness grass-roots support to defeat the ultimate establishment figure: House Majority Leader Eric Cantor. But three years after winning Cantors seat, Brat found himself face to face with angry constituents who said they were frustrated by his inaccessibility and wanted to hold him to account for his support of the Trump administration. At a town hall Tuesday night, Brat absorbed a near-constant onslaught of heckling, interruptions and nasty comments aimed at him by about 200 residents who descended on a tiny Southside Virginia town. Hundreds more were shut out, and they spent the event on the sidewalk, listening to an outdoor loudspeaker. Brat later said that he anticipated the jeering and promised to hold more town halls, as he did through his first term, although none have been scheduled yet. I thought it was going to be worse, he said. BLACKSTONE, VA- FEBRUARY 21: A Blackstone police officer stands guard at the door for a town hall meeting with Congressman Dave Brat. There wasn't enough room inside for all who wanted to attend. Brat was speaking February 21, 2017 in Blackstone, Virginia. He had been criticized since the Trump inauguration for avoiding face to face meetings with constituents. 2017 (Timothy C. Wright/For the Washington Post) The drama unfounded in Nottoway County, a rural community carried by Trump in November, and was just one of several town halls held by GOP lawmakers across the country who are grappling with how to respond to newly animated Democrats. Thomas M. Davis III, a former Republican congressman from Virginia, called the flood of phone calls, social media comments and protests a rude awakening for members of Congress from seemingly safe districts. I think here are some members who are from single-party districts who have never had to talk to the other side because they have not been relevant to their reelection, Davis said. Theyre finding out that theyve got constituents who are being aroused with concern. Brat handily won reelection last year in a district drawn to favor a Republican, beating Trumps margin by nearly 10 points, but Democrats are making their presence known. These folks may not be able to beat David Brat, but they can make noise, Davis said. Many seized on a chance to let loose on Brat after his recent complaint that women were in my grill with demands that he hold a town hall. When he scheduled the public event in Blackstone, an hour south of where most people in Brats district live, they were ready for him. It was kind of rowdy, but at the same time he kind of created that situation because of his elusiveness. Just imagine had he agreed to meet with his constituents in the [Richmond] area, and had a town hall, said Karen E. Peters, a Chesterfield resident who voted for Brat in 2014 but against him in 2016 and began calling for a town hall after the November election. Some of the loudest jeers came over Republicans promise to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act as people held up red cards signaling their discontent. The problem is Obamacare has just collapsed, said Brat, who stood at a lectern in the event space at the Blackstone Herb Cottage restaurant. The crowd shouted in response, No, it has not! Although Brat opponents dominated the town hall, his supporters some of them with him since his unlikely 2014 primary win sat quietly in the audience. I think he handled himself well, said Mark Hile, a Brat supporter who is active with the Henrico County Tea Party. Hes not going to please everybody. There were people in that room whose set goal and objective was to have a total disruption. I dont think they really wanted him to say anything if they had it their way. His wife, Anita Hile, made signs that said Im part of the Brat Pack and Grill girls for Brat. Ben Slone, the chairman of the GOP committee in Brats district, said Brat did well, considering the circumstances. Standing up in front of a crowd like that and having distractions come at you and being able to a keep semi-coherent thought in your head, Slone said. I didnt like the non-civil methods, but I understand it because of the anger. Brat, who declined to be interviewed Wednesday, has said he considers himself accessible and noted that he delivered on his early promise to visit every county in his district every month. His office has declined to release a list of the events confirming his claim. While fielding dozens of questions, Brat attempted to delve into policy but was derailed again and again. He briefly won applause when he said he favored an independent investigation into claims of Russian interference in the election. Yes, a legal authority should investigate and follow the rule of law wherever it leads, he said. But later, when asked if there should be an investigation into Trumps relationship with Russian operatives, Brat said: Theres no evidence. Yall dont just get to throw spaghetti on the wall. On four separate occasions, he awkwardly plugged his book American Underdog, which details his election to Congress and his fiscal and conservative principles, saying its an effective sleep aid. The joke fell flat each time. Asked how as a fiscal conservative Brat could justify the cost of the wall along the southern U.S. border promised by Trump estimated to cost between $15 billion and $25 billion Brat said, The answer is easily. Then you pay for it! a woman in the audience shot back. Participants began to line up along Main Street hours before the doors opened. Many held signs referring to Brats recent gaffe, including one that read VA 7th district, its grilling time! Another sign said, This grandmother drove 165 miles to be in your grill, Mr. Brat and no one paid me to be here! a nod to a comment Brat made to a Richmond paper in which he dismissed protesters as paid activists. Several people sported stickers on their clothes bearing their Zip codes to demonstrate that they live in Brats congressional district. Nicole Subryan, 44, a registered nurse from Petersburg, which is not in Brats district, kept up a loud running commentary through the town hall and held up a sheet of paper with the word LIE. She and others seemed unimpressed with his recitation of his grass-roots credentials, which helped him topple Cantor, who was criticized for being out of touch with his constituents. And that, said Quentin Kidd, a political scientist and pollster at Christopher Newport University, could come back to haunt Brat. He has to realize how precarious your hold on a super-safe district can be, because hes the one who demonstrated how precarious a super-safe district can be, Kidd said. [The women are in my grill no matter where I go, Brat says ] [In suburban Md., Democratic congressmen find much warmer reception] [Republicans are facing the ire of the anti-Trump movement this week. Will it last?] An electronic sign warns riders in Rosslyn as WMATA starts another SafeTrack phase, this time closing the Blue Line between Rosslyn and the Pentagon, in Arlington. (Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post) Arlington Countys top administrator on Thursday proposed a 2-cent hike in the property tax rate to pay for growing school enrollment and increased funding for Metro. The proposed $1.2 billion budget, a 4.3 percent increase from this years, would raise $14.8 million for the county and boost the average residential property tax-and-fee bill to $8,613, a $308 increase. County Manager Mark Schwartz said the 3 percent rise in property assessments this year will generate enough tax revenue to cover the countys existing obligations and allow officials to shift money to pay for smaller initiatives without a tax hike. But paying for the clearly extraordinary needs of Metro and the Arlington public school system will require more money. I never like advocating for tax increases or tax-rate increases, but both of these are critical priorities, Schwartz said in a briefing before meeting with the county board. The property tax rate, now 99.1 cents per $100 of assessed value, was cut by half a cent last year, a change that was offset thanks to rising home prices. While the average tax-and-fee bill (which includes personal property taxes, water and sewer service fee, refuse fee, storm water fees and residential utility taxes) has risen steadily over the years, the tax rate has remained below $1 since 2013. Alexandrias city manager proposed a tax-rate increase of 2.7 cents earlier this week. Fairfax County is not proposing a rate increase, although its manager said last week that he would need a 2.5-cent hike in the property tax rate to provide all the funding the school system was seeking. Arlingtons highly rated public schools expect 1,045 new students in the fall. The school district is expected to ask for more funding as its board works through its budget, but Schwartz said his proposed $21.2 million increase, coupled with the school districts $77.7 million in cash reserves, should give the system sufficient resources to address their budget pressures over the near-term fiscal horizon. He also proposed allocating $3.7 million to the school system in one-time-only revenue. Schwartz warned that Arlington and other jurisdictions will probably face additional requests in the future for supplemental funding for Metro, especially if the region continues to reject a dedicated revenue source for the transit system. If the board adopts what Im recommending, Im sure well get through next year, but it wont solve the fundamental problem, Schwartz said. Schwartz said he found room in the budget for other initiatives, including improving street and trail lighting; putting more money into paving roads; improving facilities and synthetic turf fields and acquiring land; and adding 13 public-safety positions seven sheriffs deputies, three emergency-call-center workers and three police patrol officers. He also set aside money to help address the countys 19.8 percent commercial vacancy rate, create an online business-permitting process, and set up customer service standards for residents who want to know, for example, when a sign will be replaced. The county board now begins two months of work on the fiscal year 2018 budget, with multiple workshops planned and two public hearings, set for March 28 and March 30. The board is scheduled to adopt the final budget and tax rate April 22. Virginia Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam unveiled a plan Thursday to make community colleges and workforce training free in certain high-demand fields such as health care, cybersecurity and skilled construction trades. Northam, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor, would also require students who benefit from the program to commit to a year of public service. Northams rival in the June 13 primary, former congressman Tom Perriello, has variously advocated for debt-free and tuition-free community college, apprenticeships and vocational training. Northam and Perriello are hitting on the theme of college affordability as they compete for the progressive voters energized by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who called for making public universities free as he ran unsuccessfully for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination. At a news conference held at state Democratic Party headquarters Thursday, Northam rolled out a detailed plan for preparing Virginians for what he called new-collar jobs: high-demand, well-paying positions that require an associate degree or some type of workforce certification but not a four-year diploma. He said that Virginia has a shortage of people trained in those fields, which include clean energy, computer programming and early-childhood education. We have Virginians who are eager to learn the skills and we have unfilled, well-paying jobs offered by employers eager to find qualified workers, he said. We need to start matching the skills employers need for new-collar jobs, with the skills being taught to our workers. [Virginia governors race: Democrats Northam, Perriello on hot-button issues] Under Northams plan, students pursuing a training credential or associate degree in the targeted fields could rely on the state to pay their last-dollar tuition and fees meaning, after they have exhausted all other aid. In return, the students would have to commit to one year of public service, such as working in an economically depressed region of Virginia, in local or state government or for a nonprofit organization. Northam said the program would require an initial state investment of $37 million one that he said would yield $75 million in higher income tax revenue over five years. Perriello has not gone into that level of detail. On his campaign website, hepromises to make vocational training, apprenticeships or community college available debt-free for a minimum of two years. In an appearance in Roanoke on Friday, he said tuition should be free for two years of community college. Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) speaks after attending a Muslim community leader roundtable and prayer service at the All Dulles Area Muslim Society Mosque on Feb. 3 in Sterling, Va. (Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post) Virginias Democratic leaders are taking a stand against President Trump over immigration enforcement, with Gov. Terry McAuliffe promising to veto three bills passed by the Republican-controlled legislature designed to help the federal government roust undocumented residents. The issue is also playing out in state legislatures across the country, where at least 29 states and the District of Columbia are considering legislation in 2017 regarding illegal immigrants. In Virginia, a bill that would prohibit localities from declaring themselves sanctuary cities for undocumented immigrants passed the state Senate on Wednesday, where Republicans hold a slim majority. On the same day, McAuliffe said he would veto it, along with two other measures that would toughen the states stand on immigration. State Attorney General Mark Herring (D) has already challenged Trumps entry ban in federal court, and the governors stand positions the state as one of the more aggressive centers of resistance to the new GOP administration. The states role in federal immigration policy is also becoming a focus of Virginias closely watched governors race, as Democratic hopefuls Tom Perriello, a former congressman, and Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam have condemned Trumps actions while their Republican counterparts have supported them. The issue plays one way in vote-rich Northern Virginia, with its high concentration of immigrants, and differently in rural and down-state suburbs. Virginia is one of 25 states considering legislation this year that would ban the practice of designating sanctuary cities, or places where undocumented people are protected from federal immigration enforcement. Eight other states, plus the District, are considering measures to support sanctuary cities, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. All told, more than 60 bills are pending nationwide on issues related to sanctuary cities or immigrant detention, according to NCSL data. On Wednesday, the Virginia American Civil Liberties Union and several groups that serve the immigrant community including a number of churches called on McAuliffe to veto the three bills that are now before him. His spokesman said that he would. He doesnt agree with efforts to turn state or local law enforcement officials into ICE agents, spokesman Brian Coy said, referring to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Our police and sheriffs departments already have critical jobs to do without being forced to enforce federal immigration law. McAuliffe has written to the Trump administration about the issue and made a point of touting the states diversity as an economic asset. On Wednesday, he toured the Fair Price International Supermarket in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County and praised the initiative shown by immigrants. Market owner Saqib Choubhry, who arrived in the United States 14 years ago from Pakistan, told the governor that people are scared since the presidential election, and that his Middle Eastern customers come less often and buy fewer goods. McAuliffe, who appeared at Dulles International Airport in January to protest the initial executive order banning entry to the United States by travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries, said he believes the restrictions create an unhealthy sense of fear. [Trumps travel ban provides political moment for Virginia Democrats] But Republicans who control the state legislature have generally praised Trumps efforts and worked to build upon them. On a party-line vote Wednesday, the state Senate approved a bill, sponsored by Del. Charles Poindexter (R-Franklin), that would prohibit the creation of sanctuary cities. Despite their opposing positions, Republicans and Democrats both see the issue as a winner with voters in the race for governor of this purple state, even as Democrats accused the GOP of resorting to legislative trickery to force the lieutenant governor to cast a vote on the matter. The measure initially failed in a 20-20 vote. Northam, who presides over the Senate but only votes when there is a tie, broke the stalemate with a no vote. But then Republicans used a parliamentary maneuver to reconsider the matter, and the bill passed, 21-19. Asked if he had switched his vote in a deliberate effort to force Northam to vote on the contentious issue, Senate Majority Leader Thomas K. Norment (R-James City) simply walked away from reporters. About 10 minutes after the vote, the campaign of Republican gubernatorial hopeful Ed Gillespie issued a statement blasting Northam. Ralph Northam is out-of-step with Virginians who believe that enforcing our nations longstanding immigration laws is common sense, it said. Two other measures have already cleared the full General Assembly and are awaiting action by the governor: One bill would require nonprofit agencies that relocate immigrants or refugees in Virginia to compile annual reports about who they have helped. Another piece of legislation prohibits jailers from releasing any undocumented immigrant who is being sought by federal immigration authorities. But its not just those bills that concern immigrant advocates. The ACLU of Virginia also appealed to McAuliffe to not let state police form operating agreements with federal immigration authorities. Such agreements essentially deputize state officers to carry out immigration raids. That can have a chilling effect in immigrant communities and discourage people from cooperating with routine law enforcement, said the ACLUs Claire Guthrie Gastanaga. McAuliffe told the ACLU in a letter last week that he shared those concerns, saying that he would not endorse such agreements in the absence of any evidence that they will make our communities safer. Gastanaga on Wednesday called on McAuliffe to stand by those words. We feel our governor has made a commitment, she said. Former congressman Tom Perriello, a Democratic candidate for governor of Virginia, speaks at a news conference in Richmond on Feb. 8, 2017. (Steve Helber/AP) Across Virginia, progressive activists have been frustrated by the refusal of some Republican members of Congress to hold town hall meetings. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Perriello is offering to give them an audience instead. It is the latest move by the former one-term congressman to appeal to Democratic voters newly engaged in politics or energized by their opposition to President Trump. While Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, his rival for the Democratic nomination, has been tied up in Richmond during this final week of the legislative session, Perriello has held town halls in Manassas and Fredericksburg, with another scheduled for Friday in Harrisonburg. In those communities, GOP Reps. Barbara Comstock, Rob Wittman and Bob Goodlatte all have declined to face voters in person. Theyd be much better off standing in front of their constituents and taking the tongue-lashing and the stories than running away, Perriello told several dozen people who gathered for his town hall event in Manassas on Monday. [The women got in Rep. Dave Brats grill. And then some.] Perriello is speaking to much smaller and friendlier audiences than the raucous crowds needling Republicans at home this week while Congress is in recess. He said that he faced hundreds of angry constituents and tea party activists at town hall meetings during the debate over the Affordable Care Act in 2009 and that they continued showing up in Republican-leaning pockets of the state throughout his primary campaign. If we as progressives care about human suffering . . . we have to be showing up where people are in pain, and we have to be listening, Perriello said at a gathering Wednesday at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg. That won him praise from attendees who said they felt frustrated by Republicans who do not seem to want to engage with ideological opponents. [Poll: Democrats lead Republicans in Va. governors race; primary wide open.] A lot of people are looking for an antidote to Trump and Trumpism, and I think thats what he can be, said Sarah Hansen, president of the University of Mary Washington Young Democrats. David DOnofrio, a spokesman for the Republican Party of Virginia, said congressional Republicans communicate with their constituents in ways other than town hall settings. Virginia Republicans know their districts, DOnofrio said in a statement. They won election because they know their districts, and they continue to win because theyre doing what their constituents want them to do. Perriello surprised many Democrats when he launched his campaign last month, upending plans for an uncontested march to the nomination for Northam. Trumps election changed the political landscape, Perriello said, adding that the governors race is Virginia voters first opportunity to reject the president at the ballot box. Only Virginia and New Jersey have gubernatorial races in 2017. What is going to get us into a winning strategy? Perriello said at his Manassas gathering. Tapping into the energy we are talking about tonight, and having someone who is outside of career politics is going to be crucial. [McAuliffe vows vetoes as immigration issue heats up in Virginia] That is a welcome message for some Democrats with lingering frustrations over the 2016 loss and the subsequent response to Trump. Perriello is one of us, said Marilyn Karp, 75, a Haymarket retiree who joined a branch of the Indivisible grass-roots group after deeming her local Democratic Party committee ineffective. We are running one thousand miles an hour. The Democratic Party is moving two miles an hour, she said. Jennifer Duffy, an analyst who follows gubernatorial contests for the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, said that winning over the partys activist base is crucial to Perriellos chances in the June primary. The people who are the most fired-up voters, who really care about this stuff, arent that interested in hearing about the need for compromise or the way someone worked through a legislature, Duffy said. They want a purist, and in some regards right now, Perriello is more of a purist. Still, it is unclear whether new activists will show up to vote in an off-year primary, when turnout is usually low and dominated by the party faithful. Northam, who has an edge in campaign cash and a longer history in state politics as a legislator and as a statewide officeholder, has spent years building support among local officials and party leaders across the state. A self-described fiscal moderate, Northam has also consistently embraced liberals goals on social issues, which is not the case with Perriello. At the town hall meetings, Perriello explained his past support for the National Rifle Association and his vote in Congress to bar federal funding for insurance plans that cover abortions shifts in position that have been flagged by Northam, who has long supported gun control and abortion rights. Perriello also highlighted his opposition to two planned natural-gas pipelines in the state as a key policy difference with Northam, who has offered conditional support for those projects as long as they do not compromise property rights, safety and the environment. Northam returns to the campaign trail full time on Monday after the legislative session wraps up. He announced a workforce development plan Thursday that would include state funding for training and community college degrees in certain high-demand fields. Gov. Terry McAuliffe on Thursday renamed the Ninth Street office building the Barbara Johns Building in honor of a Farmville resident who in 1951, as a 16-year-old, led a strike at her school to protest racial segregation in public schools and the accompanying poor facilities provided for African American students. (Gregory S. Schneider/The Washington Post) The building where Virginia politicians plotted to close public schools rather than integrate was renamed Thursday in honor of the young African American girl who defied and ultimately defeated them. Barbara Rose Johns was 16 when she led a walkout of students at her segregated high school in the town of Farmville in 1951 to protest poor conditions. Black students had to wear coats and build fires in the little tar-paper shacks in which many of their classes were held. [A small town that has wrestled with big issues] Long before the civil rights movement of the next decade, Johnss case became a major component of the U.S. Supreme Courts decision in Brown v. Board of Education, a ruling that declared racial segregation in public schools to be illegal. Johns died in 1991, but on Thursday Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) officially renamed the Ninth Street office building the Barbara Johns Building. Roderick Johns, brother of civil rights activist Barbara Johns, holds a photo of his sister during the dedication of the Virginia Civil Rights Memorial at the Capitol in Richmond on July 21, 2008. (Steve Helber/AP) In seeing an injustice, she decided to do something about it. She stood up for what she believed, and she made a difference, Johnss younger sister, Joan Johns Cobbs, said at the dedication ceremony. She has made us so proud of her. I wish she couldve been able to experience what is happening to her today. Cobbs addressed an audience of about 200 in the buildings lobby, a large portrait of her sister in cap and gown to one side. High above the polished marble floors were stained glass skylights bearing the crest of the old Hotel Richmond, the buildings name in the 1950s and 60s. In those days, it was the unofficial headquarters of the Byrd machine, which produced a string of governors who followed Harry F. Byrd Sr. and held court in one of the hotels ballrooms. A statue of Byrd stands just across the street on Capitol Square. When Johnss case prevailed championed by lawyers Oliver Hill, Spottswood Robinson III and Thurgood Marshall Virginia responded with massive resistance, closing public schools rather than letting blacks and whites attend together. Cobbs said she felt fear in those days that the Ku Klux Klan would take her sister away. But Barbara, she said, never backed down. She read a long passage from her sisters diary, in which Barbara Johns described the confusion and sense of injustice she felt as a young girl in such shabby school facilities. After a teacher challenged her to do something about it, Johns fantasized about a great storm blowing down her school and a rich man building a new one. Chopping wood, sitting by a stream and in bed at night, Barbara Johns turned the problem over and over in her mind. One night, after missing her school bus and seeing the white students bus whiz by without stopping, Johns had an epiphany: The students would go on strike. Even then, as she dreamed of defiance, the young girl had a naive faith that everything would work out fine. They would sympathize with our plight and would grant us a new school building and it would be grand, Cobbs read from her sisters words. Instead, there were years of struggle. Prince Edward County eventually shut down its public schools for five years, depriving a generation of black students of an education while whites went to a new private academy. Johns herself faded from view for a time but is enjoying new fame as state officials highlight her as the kind of hero Virginia loves the first to do something historic. And I remind everybody, think of the times, McAuliffe said at the ceremony. This was before Little Rock Nine, this was before Rosa Parks, this was before Martin Luther King. This was a 16-year-old girl who said, We will not tolerate separate and unequal. [A civil rights museum, a public university and a reconciliation] Today the Johns building, renovated over the past three years at a cost of $46 million, houses the offices of state Attorney General Mark R. Herring (D). His chief deputy, Cynthia E. Hudson, hosted the dedication ceremony. Hudson said that as an African American, her own presence was a tribute to Johns, to whom I am personally indebted for her role in making it possible for me to speak to you today. . . . And quite frankly, to whom were all personally indebted for helping to change the course of our states and our nations history. The renovation was aimed at restoring the buildings former grandeur, but there have been changes. Three new words now top the front windows that look out toward the Byrd statue: Equality. Opportunity. Justice. RACINE The citys Plan Commission approved plans for a new neighborhood grocery store and deli Wednesday, but denied that stores request for a drive-thru window, citing zoning concerns. Isauro Santiago and Elsa Carreno plan to raze three buildings they own a house at 1315 Kewaunee St., a vacant shop at 1442 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and a former tavern at 1446 MLK Jr. Drive to construct the store, which they plan to call Mercado Grocery. The construction will require those properties to be commercially zoned. Mayor John Dickert showed his support for such neighborhood grocery stores at Wednesdays meeting. This concept of the neighborhood grocery store is exactly what were looking for in the city, Dickert said. We have a lot of food deserts in the city and were looking for more and more grocery stores. However, the Plan Commission recommended denying Santiago and Carrenos request to have a drive-thru attached to the store. According to Matt Sadowski, the assistant city development director and principal planner, the type of commercial zoning planned for the store does not allow for drive-thrus, and zoning it differently would allow businesses like Taco Bell, Burger King or a gas station to occupy the residential area. None of these are appropriate for that area, Sadowski said. God forbid, if the (store) doesnt work out, it would open it to these types of uses. While commissioners expressed hope that all accommodations could be made for the store, Commissioner Dennis Wiser said an exception in this case would set a dangerous precedent. There are many other restaurants that fall into the same category, Wiser said. Theres nothing uniquely different about this site, this location, this layout, that says we should open the door for a drive-thru. Through an interpreter, Santiago and Carreno told the commission that they still plan to open the store. Mr. Colmes conducts an interview in the Spin Room in 2004. (Chris Hondros/Getty Images) Alan Colmes, a top-rated television and radio broadcaster who, as co-host with conservative Sean Hannity of Hannity & Colmes, became best known as the liberal in the lions den of Fox News, died at a hospital in Manhattan. He was 66. His wife, Jocelyn Elise Crowley, said that he died late Feb. 22 or early Feb. 23 and that the cause was lymphoma. Mr. Colmes joined the Fox News Channel on its founding in 1996, debuting with Hannity the evening the channel first went on air. Hannity & Colmes became the channels longest-running prime-time program second only in the cable ratings to Fox News host Bill OReillys The OReilly Factor and outranking CNNs Larry King Live before Mr. Colmes left the show in 2008. Facing off against Mr. Colmes, Hannity projected a style that invited comparisons to that of a bulldog. By contrast, Mr. Colmes, a onetime stand-up comic, was more peaceable although no less convinced of his argument. On his departure from Hannity & Colmes, he quipped that he was proud that both Sean and I remained unharmed after sitting side by side, night after night for so many years. Reflecting on the odd couple they made, Robert Thompson, a Syracuse University scholar of television and popular culture, mused that weve had perfect pairings of people who often dont agree with each other Siskel and Ebert come to mind. It always depended on bringing balance to that chemical equation. Hannity & Colmes was not one of those balances, Thompson continued, recalling Hannitys habit of frothing in the talk-radio tradition while Mr. Colmes attempted to proffer calmer arguments. The Fox News viewership enjoyed the mismatch, Thompson said the nightly tossing of Mr. Colmes to the wolves. Mr. Colmes, a self-described liberal patriot, argued that he was at an inherent disadvantage on television, a venue that often favors oratorical aggression. Those who kept count noted that he often spoke fewer words per installment than Hannity. I dont judge my effectiveness by how many words I say, Mr. Colmes told The Washington Post in 2003. I think liberals often see nuances in things. . . . Conservatives tend to see things in black and white. It gives them an air of certainty and conviction that might make them more comfortable to watch. Mr. Colmes gamely endured withering criticism from the left, which saw him as the Fox News token liberal. Some critics perceived betrayal in his presence on the channel, founded by Roger Ailes and Rupert Murdoch, to counterbalance what many conservatives view as left-wing bias in other news outlets. Mr. Colmess loudest detractors included Al Franken, the comedian turned Democratic U.S. senator from Minnesota, who skewered Mr. Colmes in his book Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right (2003). Franken derided Mr. Colmes as Hannitys liberal on-air punching bag and the lone Washington General, a reference to the perennial losers to the Harlem Globetrotters. Some liberals have a problem with me simply because I work at Fox and nothing I do short of storming off the set in a rage will get them to respect that I work there, he told Steve Young, an interviewer for the Huffington Post. I feel quite lucky to have the platforms I have on both television and radio, Mr. Colmes continued. Even if everything its detractors say about Fox were true, the most liberal of liberal attitudes would be that one would get credit for being in the lions den. After Mr. Colmes left Hannity & Colmes, Hannity continued hosting the show as a solo anchor. Mr. Colmes remained on air as host of The Alan Colmes Show, his radio program syndicated by Fox News, and as a Fox News commentator. On the radio, the New York Times once noted, Mr. Colmes serenaded the listeners who wished him ill and there was no shortage of them, he readily acknowledged with recordings of tunes such as Put a Little Love in Your Heart andI Cant Make You Love Me. Alan Samuel Colmes, a grandson of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe, was born in Brooklyn on Sept. 24, 1950. His father, an auctioneer, ran jewelry stores with his mother. Mr. Colmes grew up in Lynbrook, N.Y., a Long Island community about five miles from the home town of Hannity, who was 11 years his junior. Mr. Colmes was a 1971 speech graduate of Hofstra University on Long Island, where he began his radio career in high school as a DJ. He ventured into professional talk radio, broadcasting from Long Island, Boston and WNBC in New York, as well as taking occasional TV hosting gigs. Hannity joined Fox at its inception and was slated to host a show akin to CNNs Crossfire. Privately, the program was dubbed Hannity & LTBD Liberal to Be Determined. Roger Ailes said to me, You know any good liberals? Hannity told the Times. So we started auditioning some. The liberal to be determined turned out to be Mr. Colmes, whom Hannity had debated on other television programming. Mr. Colmess books included Red, White and Liberal: How Left Is Right & Right Is Wrong (2003) and Thank the Liberals* *For Saving America (And Why You Should) (2012). Besides his wife of 13 years, who resides in New York City, his survivors include a sister. Mr. Colmes confessed that, unlike Hannity, who sincerely hoped to persuade audiences of the rightness of his view, he saw limits in the power of their parrying. I dont delude myself into thinking Ill bring anyone around to my way of thinking, especially Sean Hannity, Mr. Colmes told the Newark Star-Ledger in 2003. The point of a show like this is to provide debate points, fodder and an entertaining exchange. He remarked that he enjoyed having the other side around, if only to prove how right liberals are. Well keep a couple of you libs around, Hannity retorted in the same interview. Youre fun. Adam Bernstein contributed to this report. Doug Coe, an influential if enigmatic spiritual power broker who melded faith and politics as a convener of the annual National Prayer Breakfast, weekly prayer sessions for the Washington elite, and an international ministry that drew critics as well as acolytes, died Feb. 21 at his home in Annapolis. He was 88. The cause was complications from a heart attack and a stroke, according to a statement provided by a family spokesman, A. Larry Ross. In a city where most notables seek rather than shun the spotlight, Mr. Coe was a conspicuous exception. In 2005, when Time magazine named him one of the 25 most influential evangelicals in the United States, he declined to provide a picture to accompany the article. Described as the stealth Billy Graham, the evangelist with an international following, Mr. Coe rarely granted interviews, leaving public attention to the presidents, members of Congress and other potentates to whom he ministered as a layman. They included former president George H.W. Bush, who commended him for his quiet diplomacy, and Hillary Clinton, the former first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state, who described him in her memoir Living History (2003) as a source of strength and friendship and a unique presence in Washington: a genuinely loving spiritual mentor and guide to anyone, regardless of party or faith, who wants to deepen his or her relationship with God. Mr. Coe died Feb. 21 at 88. (A. Larry Ross Communications) I think Doug Coe may be the single individual who had the largest influence on the spiritual awakenings of global leaders over the last 25 years, D. Michael Lindsay, the author of Faith in the Halls of Power: How Evangelicals Joined the American Elite (2007), said in an interview. In much the same way that Billy Graham reached the multitudes, so Doug Coe reached the upper levels of power and influence, Lindsay said, challenging leaders to be more generous, to be more giving, to act on their faith. The secrecy that enshrouded Mr. Coes organization formally the Fellowship Foundation but better known as the Fellowship or the Family enticed detractors to compare the group with a shadowy cult. It reportedly ran as many as several hundred ministries domestically and abroad. Of those activities, only the prayer breakfast was widely publicized. That event was as prominent as the Fellowships other undertakings were secretive: The breakfast, inaugurated in 1953, has been attended by every president since Dwight D. Eisenhower. In the past decade, the Fellowship drew unflattering attention after several politicians it had embraced among them former senator John Ensign (R-Nev.) and former governor and now Rep. Mark Sanford (R-S.C.) confessed to extramarital affairs. A house on C Street SE in Washington, owned by a Fellowship affiliate and rented to a bipartisan group of legislators who participated in Fellowship activities, was described in the New Yorker magazine as a frat house for Jesus. An investigative journalist, Jeff Sharlet, documented what he alleged to be the Fellowships theocratic ambitions in two books The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power (2008) and C Street: The Fundamentalist Threat to American Democracy (2010). Among other accusations, Sharlet charged that the Fellowship helped push a legislative effort in Uganda to make acts of homosexuality a capital offense. A Fellowship member, J. Robert Hunter, told the New York Times that numerous Fellowship members had spoken out against the legislation. Sharlet also noted the groups contact with strongmen including Omar al-Bashir of Sudan, who is accused of committing war crimes in the Darfur region. Most of my friends are bad people, Mr. Coe told the New Yorker in 2010, in one of the few interviews to which he consented. They all broke the Ten Commandments, as far as I can tell. But, he remarked, Jesus even met with the Devil. According to Lindsays book, the Fellowship was regarded in some circles as an underground State Department, playing roles in the 1978 Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel and the brokerage of a peace agreement between Rwanda and Congo in 2002. Domestically, the Fellowship wielded much of its influence through the weekly bipartisan prayer groups that it organized for U.S. senators, members of Congress and other government leaders. Participants were ensured total confidentiality so that, while shouldering the weight of power, they could unburden themselves of their private fears and troubles. Were not being secretive, its just that no one advertises that weve got a guy here whos an atheist and is having a problem with his life, or maybe stole money from his countrys treasury, Mr. Coe told the New Yorker. Michael Cromartie, vice president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, said in an interview that politicians trusted Mr. Coe because he wasnt immediately going out and saying, I met with senator so-and-so. That was a virtue, Cromartie added. Douglas Evans Coe was born in Medford, Ore., on Oct. 20, 1928. His father was Oregon state superintendent of schools. A grandfather was a circuit-riding preacher in Alaska, and a grandmother was a missionary to the local indigenous population. Mr. Coe received a mathematics and physics degree from Willamette University in Salem, Ore., in 1953. Mr. Coe said that, despite his familys religious traditions, and despite prodding from his mother, he discovered his faith slowly. For me to think that a baby born two thousand years ago to a fifteen-year-old girl in Bethlehem created the solar system that didnt make any sense to me, he told the New Yorker. Furthermore, he said, I just couldnt figure out a God that would send everybody to Hell except a few of my friends, and my mom and my dad. While studying at the university, he developed a newfound religious fervor, inspired in part through Grahams teachings. He joined Christian groups including Young Life. Through Mark Hatfield then a Willamette professor and later a Republican senator from Oregon Mr. Coe met Graham and participated in his crusades, as they were known. Another key influence was Abraham Vereide, a Methodist minister who founded a national movement of prayer breakfasts for civic leaders, including what became the annual event in Washington. Mentored by Vereide, Mr. Coe took over his leadership of the movement after Vereides death in 1969. Mr. Coe traveled widely for his ministry, most recently to the Pitcairn Islands in the South Pacific and the Principality of Andorra, according to Ross. Mr. Coes survivors include his wife of 68 years, the former Janice Muyskens of Annapolis; five children, Debbie Burleigh, Becky Wagner, David Coe and Timothy Coe, all of Annapolis, and Paula Corder of Arlington, Va.; 21 grandchildren; and 56 great-grandchildren. His son Jonathan Coe died in 1985. Sarah Pulliam Bailey contributed to this report. MICHIGAN Settlement allows mosque to be built A Detroit suburb that had denied a religious organizations proposal for a mosque in a residential neighborhood will allow construction to move forward to settle two lawsuits that alleged religious discrimination, authorities said Wednesday. The Sterling Heights City Council voted late Tuesday to accept the settlements, including one in a lawsuit brought in December by the U.S. attorneys office and one filed by the mosque last summer. The settlements still must be approved by a judge. The 20,500-square-foot mosque was denied in 2015 when the Sterling Heights planning commission voted against a special land agreement sought by the American Islamic Community Center. The city had said the application was denied because of concerns about parking, traffic, and the size of the mosque dome and spires, not because of religion. The city said those issues have been addressed in the settlement. The Justice Department alleged the city violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000. Associated Press MINNESOTA Man sentenced to prison for lying to FBI A Minnesota man was sentenced Wednesday to two years in federal prison for lying to the FBI during its investigation into the travels of young men who left the United States to join the Somali militant group al-Shabab. Mahdi Hussein Furreh, 34, was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty in October 2014 to making false statements during the governments terrorism investigation, specifically admitting that he lied about contacting a man who is wanted for allegedly encouraging others to join al-Shabab. Since 2007, about 22 young Somali men have left Minnesota to join al-Shabab in Somalia. About a dozen more people have since left Minnesota to join militant groups in Syria, including the Islamic State. According to court documents, Furreh and others brought two men to the airport in July 2012 so they could join al-Shabab in Somalia, and he later lied about it. He also traveled to Kenya with plans to join al-Shabab. Furreh was arrested in Kenya. When back in the United States, he lied to the FBI about contacting Cabdulaahi Ahmed Faarax, a Minnesota man who is wanted for allegedly encouraging others to join al-Shabab. Faarax is at large and believed to be in Somalia. Associated Press NEW JERSEY Woman granted right to refuse force-feeding dies An anorexic and bulimic New Jersey woman who petitioned a court to refuse force-feeding has died three months after a judge granted her request. Her court-appointed lawyer, Edward DAlessandro Jr., told the Daily Record of Parsippany that the 30-year-old identified as Ashley G. died Monday at Morristown Medical Centers palliative care unit. She weighed 69 pounds and had been a patient at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in Parsippany since 2014 when she told the court in 2016 that she did not want food or water and would prefer to enter palliative care. The state attorney generals office argued she was not mentally competent because of chronic depression. It said anorexia was not a terminal condition and asked the court to approve force-feedings requested by the state Department of Human Services. The woman told the court she would resist force-feedings, which are administered through a tube inserted through the nose and pushed down the throat. DAlessandro said his clients bone density was comparable to a 92-year-olds and she would be at risk for injury if restrained. Judge Paul Armstrong on Nov. 21 determined the womans testimony was forthright, responsive, knowing, intelligent, voluntary, steadfast and credible. He said the womans parents, doctors, psychiatrists, court-appointed medical guardian and the ethics committee at Morristown Medical Center all supported her decision to refuse force-feedings. Associated Press Gavin Grimm, 17, left, is shown with his mother Deirdre Grimm, in Gloucester, Va., in August 2016. The transgender teen sued the Gloucester County School Board after it barred him from the boys' bathroom. (Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post) Attorneys for a transgender teen who sued his school board for barring him from the boys bathroom said Thursday they plan to continue to press his case before the Supreme Court, despite the Trump administrations decision to withdraw federal guidelines that had buoyed his lawsuit. The guidelines had instructed schools to let students use the restroom that matched their gender identity, regardless of their anatomy. Now that they have been rescinded, it is even more important that the high court weigh in to eliminate confusion and ensure that children are protected, lawyers for 17-year-old Gavin Grimm said. The Supreme Court late Thursday afternoon asked attorneys for both sides to submit letters by next Wednesday addressing where the case should go from here. The decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit that favored Grimm was based primarily on the Obama administrations guidance that was rescinded. If anything, the confusion caused by this recent action by the Department of Justice and the Department of Education only underscore the need for the Supreme Court to bring some clarity here, American Civil Liberties Union attorney Joshua Block said in a teleconference with reporters Thursday morning. Grimms case against the school board in Gloucester County, Va., is scheduled for oral arguments in Washington on March 28. [Trump administration rolls back protections for transgender students] (Claritza Jimenez/The Washington Post) The Trump administrations change in policy this week drew praise and condemnation from the predictable corners Thursday but also put new pressure on states and individual school districts to figure out new policies and tamp down anxiety among transgender students and their parents. Scrutiny also fell on President Trump and his Cabinet after reports that top officials had disagreed over whether to rescind the prior rules. Trump, who has said he supports LGBT rights, also has said he thinks it should be up to states to decide the bathroom policy for transgender students in public schools. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who had initially objected to pulling the guidance but ultimately signed off on the decision, defended her actions at a conservative gathering in Washington. She said President Barack Obama had overreached in establishing a transgender policy for all of the nations schools. The sudden lack of guidance left states and school districts scrambling to figure out how to fill the apparent void, and to reassure transgender children and their parents that they are safe and valued. In New York, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued what he termed a reminder to schools that state law protects transgender student rights regardless of federal guidance. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey spoke at a news conference alongside LGBT advocates to criticize the administrations actions. The decision had particular resonance in North Carolina, which last year passed a law requiring people in public buildings to use the restroom that matches the gender on their birth certificates. The law drew scorn from celebrities, sports leagues and major corporations, and it figured prominently in the gubernatorial election in which the governor who signed it was defeated. Lawmakers there have been locked in a battle over how and whether to repeal the law, which resulted in millions of dollars of lost tourism revenue. Both sides cited the Trump administrations actions as a reason to support their position on the law. Because of the new federal policy, North Carolinas privacy law HB2 remains more vital than ever as efforts to strip away privacy protections will shift even more to the state level, Tami Fitzgerald, executive director of the NC Values Coalition, said in a statement. In an echo of the fight there, several large companies, including Apple and Microsoft,registered their displeasure with the federal action. We support efforts toward greater acceptance, not less, and we strongly believe that transgender students should be treated as equals, Apple said in a statement. We disagree with any effort to limit or rescind their rights and protections. [Trump administration rolls back protections for transgender students] The biggest question in the wake of the Trump administrations withdrawal of the guidance is whether the Supreme Court will step in to settle the issue. The justices could keep Grimms case on schedule, send it back to the lower courts for more work or perhaps delay consideration until the Trump administration has clarified its views on the legal issues involved. Under the last two scenarios, Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch might be confirmed and the court would be back to full strength. A seat has been open since Justice Antonin Scalias death more than a year ago. Both Gloucester County and the ACLU are urging the Supreme Court to decide the merits of the case, about whether the protections of Title IX should be extended to cover gender identity. I do think this is an incredibly urgent issue, Block said. But the Supreme Court generally likes to have the benefits of lower court deliberations on such important questions. The panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit in Richmond is the only appeals court to have ruled, and its ruling for Grimm was couched almost exclusively on deference to the Obama administration Education Departmentsinterpretation of Title IX. We think this changes the complexion of the case considerably, said Kyle Duncan, who is representing the Gloucester County School Board at the Supreme Court. One thing [the court] absolutely should do is vacate the 4th Circuits opinion. Rather than send the case back, Duncan agrees with the ACLU that the court should move forward. When the justices agreed to hear the case, they added a question that would allow them to get to the merits, Duncan said, and both sides highlighted that in their briefs to the court. The Trump administration gave the justices little to go on in the letter it sent Wednesday night. It said only that it is rescinding the Obama administrations guidance, and that it would consider further and more completely the legal issues involved. It would seem unusual for the court to decide such an important area of federal law without briefing from the government. The Supreme Court is likely to be closely divided on the issue. In August, it voted 5 to 3 to stay the 4th Circuits opinion, which meant Gloucester did not have to comply with the order that Grimm could use the boys restroom at his high school. Justice Stephen G. Breyer said he was joining the conservative justices in granting the stay as a courtesy that would preserve the status quo while considering the school boards request to review the case. Justice Anthony M. Kennedy is the conservative who most often joins the courts liberals on social issues. He has written all of the courts decisions advancing gay rights. The decision to withdraw the guidance seemed likely to have a biggest impact on another case in which Texas and a dozen other states have sued the federal government over the Obama administrations original guidance. A federal judge had halted implementation of the guidance, and the case was on temporary hold at the request of the Trump administration. With the guidance withdrawn, it seemed likely the case would be moot. Another option would be to keep the preliminary injunction in place until the new guidelines are issued. Kirk Ross in Raleigh, N.C., and Emma Brown and Moriah Balingit in Washington contributed to this report. YEMEN Rebel missile attack kills senior general A ballistic missile fired by Yemens Shiite rebels on Wednesday killed the deputy chief of staff of the countrys military, officials said, in a major blow to a Saudi-led coalition that heavily supports the government and is backed by the United States. The Saba news agency, controlled by the Houthi rebels, said rebel forces struck the vehicle of Brig. Gen. Ahmed Seif al-Yafie in the Red Sea port of Mokha. Military officials said that the missile hit military commanders and that seven officers were killed, including Yafie, and 25 wounded. Yafie was loyal to Yemens internationally recognized government, which has been battling the Houthis and their allies since 2015. The Saudi-led coalition launched an air and ground campaign in support of the government that year, but the rebels still control the capital and much of northern Yemen. Associated Press A Meridiana flight with refugees on board who are being deported to Afghanistan taxies at the airport of Munich, Germany Wednesday. (Sebastian Widmann/EPA) SOUTH AFRICA Court calls decision on ICC pullout unlawful A court in South Africa ruled Wednesday that the governments decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court without Parliaments approval was unconstitutional. The country had been set to become the first to leave the tribunal, which prosecutes the worlds worst atrocities. A high court judge instructed the government to revoke its notice of withdrawal from the court, based in The Hague. South Africas main opposition party had gone to court, saying the governments notice was illegal because Parliament was not consulted. The government said in a statement that it would reflect on the judgment before deciding whether to appeal. South Africas withdrawal announcement last year followed a 2015 dispute over a visit by Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, wanted by the ICC over allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Bashir was allowed to leave South Africa even though a local court ordered authorities to arrest him. Under the Rome Statute, signatory countries have a legal obligation to arrest anyone sought by the ICC. South Africa said the treaty contradicted its diplomatic immunity law. Associated Press Busses and a police car stand next to an airplane to take in refugees who are being deported to Afghanistan. (Sebastian Widmann/EPA) GERMANY Failed asylum seekers face faster deportation Germanys cabinet approved a plan Wednesday that will make it easier to deport rejected asylum seekers. Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said the measures mean that deportations of rejected asylum seekers will be faster. Germany was flooded with 890,000 asylum seekers in 2015 and has been working to streamline how it deals with them, speeding up the granting of asylum to those who qualify and sending home those who dont. Chancellor Angela Merkel, who faces a general election in September, has called repeatedly for a national effort to ensure that people without the right to stay leave the country. The new measures include tweaking regulations to make it easier to take into custody people thought to be dangerous before deporting them, and giving authorities more leeway to monitor them, de Maiziere said. Associated Press Turkey to allow female soldiers to wear headscarves: Turkey will allow female soldiers to wear Islamic-style headscarves with their uniforms, officials said, marking a symbolic shift for a military that has traditionally seen itself as a guardian of state secularism. Since coming to power in 2002, Turkeys Islamic-rooted ruling party founded by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has gradually lifted bans on the wearing of headscarves in official settings and schools. Pakistan to deploy paramilitary forces amid attacks: Pakistan said it will send paramilitary forces to crack down on Islamist militants in Punjab province, a move that the ruling party had long rejected because of opposition among its Islamist supporters. The decision to deploy the paramilitary forces came after attacks killed more than 125 people last week. The Interior Ministry said the paramilitary forces would be mobilized for 60 days to assist local security forces. Uzbek dissident released after 18 years in prison: Uzbek dissident Muhammad Bekjanov, one of the worlds longest-jailed journalists, was released from prison after serving 18 years, his relatives and a local rights group said. Bekjanov, 63, a former editor of the opposition newspaper Erk, was sentenced to prison in 1999 on charges that included plotting a coup. He always denied the charges. From news services Former secretary of state James A. Baker speaks at the National Press Club on Feb. 8 about a proposal to repeal and replace the Clean Power Plan. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) Robert J. Samuelsons Feb. 20 op-ed, Two cheers for a carbon tax, was glorious whataboutism. Your car has a problem and you take it to a mechanic who fixes it, but Mr. Samuelson complains that this wont pay off your credit card debt. Mr. Samuelson was demanding that a carbon tax fix U.S. deficits, a sure way to end all discussion of anything. The claim that this tax would need to rise to $200 per metric ton of carbon dioxide emissions to control those emissions is based on outdated studies that do not consider current costs achieved by wind and solar power (now much cheaper than nuclear, cheaper even than new coal-fired power plants) and the radical cost reductions and performance improvements made in car batteries. Mr. Samuelson ignored the facts in front of our eyes: The needed technological breakthroughs have happened and are continuing to get better. Lee Harrison, Rotterdam, N.Y. The writer is a member of the faculty of the Atmospheric Sciences Research Center at the University at Albany. Robert J. Samuelson damned with faint praise the idea of a carbon tax. He admitted that its the best way to deal with global climate change and that it is a solution that could get bipartisan support. However, details need to be worked out, including how much would be given to citizens as a dividend and how much would be used to reduce the deficit. The cost of fossil fuel would rise (but alternative energy technology should receive a boost). Mr. Samuelson argued that even if the United States reduced its carbon emissions, other countries might not do the same. Some countries might continue to pollute our planet, so we should also? Were doomed. With this administration, I dont have much hope for science-based climate change solutions. If Republicans and Democrats could compromise on a carbon tax, I would consider it an unmitigated victory. Any step in the right direction is better than being paralyzed by the complexity of the problem. We shouldnt let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Tamara Sheiffer, Alexandria Robert J. Samuelson critiqued a recent conservative proposal for a carbon tax by raising questions about how revenue would be used and how high the tax would need to rise to stabilize the climate. Although these are legitimate questions, they mask the underlying issue of intergenerational fairness. The United States faces long-term fiscal exposure from an aging population, rising payments on the national debt and budget outlays because of climate change. A carbon tax could address all three challenges, depending on how its revenue was allocated. Unfortunately, the interests of future generations have no formal voice in policy decisions. Todays politicians will be long gone from office by the time these challenges become seriously manifest. Perhaps federal judges, who are appointed for life, can fairly adjudicate questions around the rights of present vs. future generations. A constitutional climate change lawsuit filed on behalf of young people (Juliana v. United States) is working its way through the federal courts. According to an opinion issued by U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken in November, the right to a climate system capable of sustaining human life is fundamental to a free and ordered society. Establishing such legal principles may be necessary to induce action from politicians who otherwise view efforts on climate change as all pain and no gain within their terms of office. Keith Kozloff, Takoma Park The writer was a senior environmental economist at the Treasury Department during the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations. Nancy Northup is the president and chief executive of the Center for Reproductive Rights. Rachel B. Tiven is the chief executive of Lambda Legal. We represent the organizations that won leading Supreme Court cases in recent years on sexual and reproductive rights: Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, which secured legal protections for the marriage of same-sex couples, and Whole Womans Health v. Hellerstedt in 2016, which struck down Texass attempt to use sham health regulations to shut down 75 percent of the states abortion clinics. President Trump has taken sharp aim at the rights affirmed in those cases. During the campaign, he attacked the Obergefell opinion and repeatedly and unambiguously promised to put justices on the Supreme Court who would overturn Roe v. Wade. According to the president, its the government, not each individual, that should hold the power to decide who can get married and whether women can terminate a pregnancy. In a post-election interview on 60 Minutes, Trump reaffirmed that Roe v. Wade should be reversed and then deflected questions about his view of the Supreme Courts marriage equality decision. He declared the issue already settled, explaining: Its law. It was settled in the Supreme Court. Its done. Was this a tactic to divide and conquer? To throw under the bus the tens of millions of American women who have had an abortion and hope marriage equality supporters would stand by in silence? [The White House just told transgender students theyre on their own] Perhaps the president simply does not understand the foundations of these constitutional law decisions. Whatever the reason for the presidents view of what is and is not settled Supreme Court precedent, the fact of the matter is that the court cannot reverse the cases guaranteeing access to safe and legal abortion and leave recognition of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights unharmed. Obergefell and Whole Womans Health are part of a long line of Supreme Court cases elucidating the bedrock principle of our individual rights guaranteed by the 14th Amendment: that highly personal decisions about our family and personal lives decisions central to our equal dignity and rights of conscience are for each of us, not the government, to decide. One of the earliest cases began almost a century ago, when Nebraska, swept up in anti-German sentiment after World War I, banned the teaching of foreign languages to anyone under high-school age in any school, public or private. The court struck down the law, reminding us in words worth remembering today that the protection of the Constitution extends to all, to those who speak other languages as well as those born with English on the tongue. Subsequent decisions protected parental rights to educate their children and couples rights to get married and use contraception to plan their families. This right to personal decision-making was summed up in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, a 1992 follow-up to Roe in which the Supreme Court affirmed the right to access legal abortion. It is the right firmly rooted in the 14th Amendments promise that there is a realm of personal liberty which the government may not enter. That realm of personal liberty protects our autonomy to decide for ourselves in matters involving the most intimate and personal choices a person may make in a lifetime including decisions about love, marriage, procreation and family. Caseys articulation of the liberty at stake was quoted a decade later in 2003s Lawrence v. Texas, Lambda Legals landmark case ending the criminalization of sodomy. Lawrence then showed up in 2013, cited in the courts decision to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act in United States v. Windsor. [Im transgender and cant use the student bathroom. The Supreme Court could change that.] This long chain of case law means that both Obergefell and Whole Womans Health rest on a shared foundation of legal precedent, which is the often unseen root structure of the law that guides the decisions of judges at all levels. What is at stake is more than LGBT rights or abortion rights. Its our right under the Constitution to decide who we are and to make the most intimate and personal decisions in our life without government interference and to do so with dignity. The Senate Judiciary Committee needs to know if Trumps Supreme Court nominee, Judge Neil Gorsuch, stands with precedent and with each of us. Given the presidents promise to take our rights away, we must ensure that full, detailed questions are asked of this nominee and that we get the answers we deserve. We will not allow ourselves to be divided. The rights of all here in this nation not just women, not just same-sex couples depend on our vigilance. PRESIDENT TRUMP has a good idea of the power the United States wields over Mexico, and the pain it may inflict the construction of a wall Mexico fiercely opposes; taxes that could be slapped on Mexican imports, wreaking havoc on its economy; deportations of undocumented Mexican immigrants living in the United States, who would be thrust back into a country that would struggle to absorb them. Mr. Trump might have a fuzzier idea of the pain Mexico, its people furious and its pride wounded by his taunts and contempt, might inflict on the United States. Start with those deportations. At least half of Americas 11 million unauthorized immigrants are Mexican, but many have no documents proving their nationality. For the Trump administration to deport them, it would need cooperation from Mexico, which cannot be forced to accept deportees without certifying that they are Mexicans. As former Mexican foreign minister Jorge G. Castaneda has already warned, Mr. Trump can round up hundreds of thousands or millions of migrants, but without Mexicos cooperation, they could clog U.S. detention centers and immigration courts at enormous cost and, conceivably, for years. [Yes, Trump can make Mexico pay for the border wall. Heres how.] Consider, too, the effect on Americas southern border if Mexico were to loosen immigration controls on its own southern border the one over which Central American refugees are already streaming north in near-record numbers. Even with what U.S. officials say are aggressive interdiction efforts by Mexican authorities, the Border Patrol detained more than 220,000 mainly Guatemalans, Hondurans and Salvadorans crossing from Mexico into the United States in the fiscal year ending last fall, exceeding the number of Mexicans apprehended, which has fallen to a 45-year low. If you think the Border Patrol is swamped now, as Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly insists, imagine if Mexico, which last year sent home more than 140,000 Central Americans, simply stepped aside. U.S. and Mexican officials work closely on an array of other bilateral concerns, from drug trafficking and organized crime to human smuggling and antiterrorism programs. Privately, U.S. officials may grouse that their counterparts arent always paragons of efficiency; they also acknowledge that, without Mexicos help, combating crime and controlling the border would be infinitely more difficult. In launching his presidential campaign, Mr. Trump called Mexicans rapists, and he has taunted the Mexican government at every turn. Those displays of public humiliation are not constructive elements in diplomacy; they may easily come back to haunt Washington. Already, his disdain has inflamed Mexican popular opinion, improving the prospects of Mexicos anti-American left in next years presidential elections. [Ernesto Zedillo: Mexico can thrive without Trump] Mr. Kelly, who as a Marine led U.S. Southern Command, said in his confirmation hearing that partnerships as far south as Peru are more important to U.S. border security than building a wall. Along with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, he headed to Mexico on Wednesday, just after the Department of Homeland Security released its new deportation guidelines. If the goal was to widen bilateral cooperation and soothe the harsh feelings Mr. Trump has engendered with our neighbor and ally, the timing was pitiable. FOR VICTIMS of hunger in South Sudan, the world has been tilted into a bleak tableau of want. By international standards, 42 percent of the population is now classified as severely food insecure, an unprecedented level, and many are enduring the most severe trial of all, famine. By the peak of the lean season in July, nearly 5.5 million people could be in crisis. South Sudan was already vulnerable to climate-related shocks to agriculture, but this crisis is largely man-made, as the humanitarian group Oxfam and the State Department both pointed out this week. Newly independent in 2011, South Sudan was split by a senseless and destructive civil war in 2013, and now the country is fragmenting into violence-racked shards that are impeding humanitarian aid, collapsing markets, disrupting traditional agriculture and consigning millions to hunger and malnutrition. The United States, its allies and the United Nations could have done more, and done it earlier, to stop the fighting, curtail the flow of weapons and bring about better conditions for humanitarian aid. Last years effort to impose an arms embargo failed in the U.N. Security Council for a variety of reasons, including lack of willpower. Will the Trump administration care at all about a nation the United States helped found after years of war and that now seems to be falling ever deeper into the abyss? Opposition leader Riek Machar, who battled President Salva Kiir over the past few years, has fled the country but left behind forces that are still fighting. Mr. Kiirs troops are also engaged in a campaign of violence and coercion that has forced hundreds of thousands to flee into camps and across South Sudans borders. Separately, fighting has intensified in the southern Equatorias, where disaffected tribes have taken up arms. The violence has terrible spillover effects: roadblocks, suspicion and other obstacles that make it very difficult for humanitarian aid to be delivered. Mr. Kiirs government has waged a particularly nasty crackdown on civil society, too, that has put aid workers in the crosshairs. The latest food-shortage projections are particularly worrisome because they show the food crisis is enveloping areas in the south that were once considered a reliable breadbasket. Were told this kind of food insecurity hasnt been seen in three or four decades. In the north-central part of the country, two counties are classified as being in famine from February to July, and a third is likely to experience it. The United States has provided more than $2 billion in humanitarian relief from 2014 until now. More will be necessary, but just as important is stopping the violence that is driving more people into displacement and desperation and making it more difficult to help those who need it. The impetus rests on Mr. Kiir first of all. He has rebuffed many appeals from Washington and elsewhere in recent years, but the United States must not abandon efforts to curb the fighting that is the man-made core of this expanding misery. The most striking aspect of the vast and swiftly organized movement against President Trump is how little it had to do with the Democratic Party. Whoever is elected to chair the Democratic National Committee this weekend should draw two conclusions from this, and they are in tension. First, the anti-Trump effort, while broadly motivated by a progressive worldview, is diverse in both philosophy and experience. Trump incites antagonism from the center and the left. Those protesting him include citizens who have long been engaged in politics but also many recently drawn to activism by the sense of emergency this dreadful administration has created. Second, Democratic leaders need to organize this discontent into a potent electoral force at a time when the very words party and partisanship are in disrepute, particularly among young Americans who are playing a key role in the insurrection. Democrats will not be up to what has become a historic responsibility if they indulge their tendencies toward heaping blame on the factions they oppose (Its Hillarys fault vs. Its Bernies fault) or relishing the narcissism of small differences. Thus the political tightrope the incoming head of the DNC will have to walk: A political party should not get in the way of a spontaneous and principled uprising rooted in so many movements across civil society. But in the end, as the tea party understood, power in a democratic nation comes from winning elections. And a two-party system, like it or not, requires picking sides. As Ryan Grim and Amanda Terkel reported this week for the Huffington Post, this process is starting to happen on its own as once-moribund local Democratic parties suddenly find themselves inundated with recruits inspired by the urgency of resisting Trump. Whoever wins the DNC job will have to do far more than national leaders have done in the past to nurture this energy in the precincts and neighborhoods, and to build party structures in places where they dont even exist. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post) Almost as important will be fighting misleading assumptions about why Democrats failed in 2016. At the top of the list: the idea that Trump brought together a brand-new coalition and scrambled politics entirely. Wrong. Trump largely rallied the Republican base (he carried 88 percent of Republicans, according to exit polls, and 81 percent of conservatives) and received only 2 million more votes than Mitt Romney did in 2012 (62.98 million for Trump against 60.93 million for Romney). Those 2 million were crucial, of course, and they were distributed in the right states, but 2016 was not a realigning earthquake. The contours of politics remain familiar. And, yes, remember that Trump ran 2.9 million votes behind Hillary Clinton. This underscores how false the choice is between a strategy based on increasing turnout among core Democratic constituencies and an emphasis on converting swing voters. Its not dramatic to say it, but whats required is some of both. The best analysis Ive heard suggests that Clinton fell just short because she underperformed in three ways: Democratic base turnout was a bit lower than it should have been; working-class white defections were slightly higher than her campaign expected; and she did not do quite as well as she hoped with upscale whites. There will be trade-offs over which of these problems is most urgent, but this is not some grand do-or-die choice. Given how the candidates are converging, the DNC race isnt do-or-die, either. Former labor secretary Tom Perez, whose candidacy was encouraged by the Barack Obama/Clinton forces, appears to be in the lead. He has a stoutly progressive record and has reached out to Bernie Sanders enthusiasts. Rep. Keith Ellison (Minn.), who has Sanderss strong support, has gone out of his way to talk the language of building broad coalitions and enjoys a lot of backing from congressional colleagues. And Pete Buttigieg, the talented 35-year-old mayor of South Bend, Ind., has made a name for himself by promising a fresh start and arguing that the last thing the party needs is to keep refighting the 2016 primaries. In the eight-person field, Buttigieg seems to have the best chance of emerging as the alternative if neither Perez nor Ellison wins early. Whoever prevails will have an unusual opportunity and a large burden. The grass-roots vitality Trump has unleashed against him in just a month is already close to matching the positive enthusiasm Obama nurtured during his 2008 campaign. The hard part will be convincing the newly mobilized that the Democratic Party knows what to do with their commitment. Read more from E.J. Dionnes archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. Gavin Grimm, left, is photographed with his mother Deirdre Grimm, in Gloucester, Va., on Aug. 21. The transgender teen sued the Gloucester County School Board after it barred him from the boys' bathroom. (Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post) PREVIEWING THE Trump administrations decision to rescind federal protections for transgender students, White House spokesman Sean Spicer explained that the issue is not something that the federal government should be involved in, this is a states rights issue. It was a rather startling position given that what is at issue is a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education. That this administration seems to accept no responsibility in the laws fair application harks back to a dark time in our nations history when the rights of individuals were determined by where they live. A joint letter sent Wednesday from officials at the Justice and Education departments told the nations schools to disregard guidance issued last year by the Obama administration regarding their obligations to transgender students under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which bars discrimination by sex for schools receiving federal funds. The Obama administration said the law applies to gender identity, and this means that a school must not treat a transgender student differently from the way it treats other students of the same gender identity. Requiring transgender students to use facilities that correspond with the sex listed on their birth certificates, Obama officials determined, would be a violation. [Im transgender and cant use the student bathroom. The Supreme Court could change that.] The nonbinding guidance has been in abeyance since a judge issued an injunction in a lawsuit brought by 13 states. Shortly after Jeff Sessions was sworn in as attorney general, the Justice Department decided to drop its challenge to that injunction. On Wednesday, it notified the Supreme Court of its change in posture in a case brought by a transgender student in Virginia, Gavin Grimm, who has been barred from using the boys bathroom at his school. The Gloucester County student had used the boys facilities without problem or incident until the school board let itself be swayed by the irresponsible fear-mongering that too often is directed at transgender people. Indeed, there was a time when President Trump himself seemed able to see through this hysteria, expressing support for the rights of transgender people to use the bathroom that they feel is appropriate and saying Caitlyn Jenner was welcome to use whatever bathroom at Trump Tower she wanted. That he apparently overrode the objections of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos in endorsing the rollback of protections will inflict needless suffering on transgender students, a vulnerable population already subjected to harassment and bullying. [If abortion rights fall, LGBT rights are next] No young person should wake up in the morning fearful of the school day ahead was the poignant plea from more than 1,000 parents of transgender students. When this guidance was issued last year, it provided our families and other families like our own across the country with the knowledge and security that our government was determined to protect our children from bullying and discrimination. In abdicating its federal responsibility, the Trump administration sends the reprehensible message that these students are now on their own. Danielle Allen is a political theorist at Harvard University and a contributing columnist for The Post. At his news conference last week, President Trump vowed that he would do everything within his power to fix the divisions in our country. Few institutions on our shores serve to connect red and blue; poor and rich; black, brown and white; secular and religious; and urban, rural and coastal communities. Those institutions that do provide connective tissue ought to be given more resources. One such institution is the National Endowment for the Humanities. Yet the presidents budget is expected to propose zeroing out the NEH budget. At approximately $150 million a year, that budget is already a minuscule portion of federal expenditures. Mr. President, you should rethink that. The NEH has consistently funded digitization of the papers of our founding era and leading statesmen and women, making our shared inheritance available to everyone. We have digital editions of the papers of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams and of the 18th-century War Department, John Jay, Dolley Madison, Abraham Lincoln and Eleanor Roosevelt thanks to the NEH. With support from the endowment, U.S. newspapers have been digitized from the founding era through the early 20th century. (Disclosure: I recently received a grant of $30,000 in support of development of a video game about the Declaration of Independence.) [Targeting the arts is the laziest, stupidest way to pretend to cut the budget] We now possess a Dictionary of American Regional English and digitized versions of the notes of literary greats such as Herman Melville . The Freedman and Southern Society project provides access to 50,000 documents tracing the experience of newly emancipated African Americans. Nor has the attention of the NEH been directed solely to the preservation of the past. The endowment tends, too, to the needs of the present, and the role that literature, drama, art and film can play in making sense of our present circumstances. Take, as an example, the NEH initiative on behalf of veterans, called Standing Together. With more than $4 million in disbursements, the NEH has supported veterans on their journey into college, as well as theater and film programming on issues related to veterans concerns throughout the country. Thanks to the support of NEH, the Kansas Humanities Council is preserving personal artifacts of veterans; the Missouri Humanities Council has supported production of anthologies of writing by veterans; Humanities Iowa has supported an oral history project for returning warriors; and the Oklahoma Humanities Council is producing a documentary about the experiences of Native Americans in the armed services. In fact, nearly 40 percent of the budget of the NEH is disbursed through state humanities councils, touching every state in the nation, and most of these councils have invested tremendous time and energy over the past decade seeking to ensure that their programming spreads to rural as well as urban areas, anchoring lifelong learning for people of all backgrounds. (The Washington Post) The vibrant network of state and territorial humanities councils is one of the most important accomplishments of the National Endowment for the Humanities. It constitutes an unparalleled web of connection and conversation throughout the land, one of the few elements of our shared infrastructure that has the potential to rebuild America the Indivisible. By affirming our shared past, and stretching to spread connected conversations throughout all of Americas 21st-century communities, the National Endowment for the Humanities provides an unparalleled public service. Perhaps we are so divided, Mr. President a state of affairs that, as you acknowledged, preceded even the election of Barack Obama precisely because we have so profoundly reduced our investment in connective tissue such as the NEH. One hundred fifty million dollars a year seems like a pretty good deal for efforts dedicated to helping Americans build a shared culture. House Speaker John Boehner, second left, of Ohio participates in a ceremonial House swearing-in ceremony for Del. Eni H. Faleomavaega, third from right, D-American Samoa, on Capitol Hill in 2011. (Susan Walsh/AP) Eni H. Faleomavaega, American Samoas longest serving non-voting delegate to the U.S House of Representatives, died Feb. 22 at his home in Provo, Utah. He was 73. A sister-in-law, Therese Hunkin, confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause. The House delegate for American Samoa, which is a U.S. territory about 2,300 miles south of Hawaii, can vote in committee but not on the House floor. Mr. Faleomavaega, a Democrat, became a congressional delegate in 1989 and held the position for 13 consecutive terms. He began his political career in 1973 as an administrative assistant to Paramount Chief A.U. Fuimaono, the territorys first elected representative to Washington. He served as staff counsel to the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs from 1975 to 1981 before returning to American Samoa as its deputy attorney general. Eni H. Faleomavaega, a non-voting delegate to the U.S. House from American Samoa, in 2007. (Achmad Ibrahim/Associated Press) In 1985, he was elected lieutenant governor and became a congressional delegate in 1989. He was a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, where he was a ranking member of the subcommittee on Asia, and the House Committee on Natural Resources. In 1996, Mr. Faleomavaega participated in a boycott of an address before a joint session of Congress by French President Jacques Chirac. Just days before Chiracs speech, France conducted a series of nuclear tests at the Moruroa and Fangatauga atolls in the South Pacific, despite worldwide protests. He was born Eni Hunkin in Vailoatai Village, American Samoa, on Aug. 15, 194. He graduated from Kahuku High School in Hawaii in 1962, then earned a bachelors degree in political science and history from Utahs Brigham Young University in 1966. After serving three years in the Army with a stint in Vietnam, he received a law degree from the University of Houston in 1972 and a master of laws degree from the University of California at Berkeley in 1973. During his time in the House, Mr. Faleomavaega was challenged over the use of his surname, which is a Matai orator title bestowed upon him by the Faiivae family, of Leone, when he was known as Eni Hunkin. Faleomavaega is the Samoan chieftain title of the family. High Chief Faiivae Apelu Galeais, who lost an election to Mr. Faleomavaega, asked the High Court of American Samoa in 1997 to strip the delegate of his title. Galeais, the leader of the family clan, said Mr. Faleomavaega did not attend family and village meetings and did not contribute to their functions. Mr. Faleomavaega dismissed the complaint as vindictive. Mr. Faleomavaega was unseated in 2014 by Republican Aumua Amata Radewagen. Survivors include his wife, Hinanui Hunkin; five children and 10 grandchildren. Associated Press A group of law professors from around the country has filed a professional misconduct complaint against White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, a graduate of George Washington University Law School who was admitted to the D.C. Bar in 1995. The letter, filed with the office that handles misconduct by members of the D.C. Bar, said Conway should be sanctioned for violating government ethics rules and conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation, the letter says. The 15 professors, who specialize in legal ethics, cite several incidents, including a television interview in which Conway made the false statement that President Barack Obama had banned Iraqi refugees from coming into the United States for six months following the Bowling Green Massacre, and the use of her position to endorse Ivanka Trump products. We do not file this complaint lightly, the professors said in their filing. We believe that, at one time, Ms. Conway, understood her ethical responsibilities as a lawyer and abided by them. But she is currently acting in a way that brings shame upon the legal profession. The professors teach at law schools such as Georgetown University Law Center, Yale Law School, Fordham University and Duke University. [Read the professors letter of complaint against Conway] The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The letter was sent to the D.C. Office of Disciplinary Counsel, the chief prosecutor for disciplinary matters that involve active or inactive attorneys who are members of the D.C. Bar. Conway is listed as a D.C. Bar member under her maiden name, Kellyanne E. Fitzpatrick, but is a suspended member for not paying her dues, according to the disciplinary filing. D.C. Disciplinary Counsel Wallace Gene Shipp Jr. said that his office receives about 1,500 complaints a year but investigates only between 400 to 500 of them. The actions that can be taken range from dismissal of the complaint to the prosecution of charges and possible disbarment, he said. [White House says Conway has been counseled after touting Ivanka Trumps products] Since she has been serving as counselor to President Trump, Conway has been caught up in several controversies. Last month, during an interview on NBCs Meet the Press, she said the White House had put forth alternative facts regarding the size of Trumps inauguration crowd. Alternative facts are not facts at all; they are lies, the professors said in their filing. 1 of 10 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Controversial comments from Kellyanne Conway that made headlines View Photos Conway, counselor to President Trump, coined the term alternative facts and referred to a Bowling Green massacre that never happened. Caption Conway, counselor to President Trump, coined the term alternative facts and referred to a Bowling Green massacre that never happened. The government has many ways to surveil What I can say is there are many ways to surveil each other now, unfortunately, including microwaves that turn into cameras, et cetera, Conway told the Bergen Record in an interview Sunday. So we know that that is just a fact of modern life,Conway told ABCs Good Morning America. READ THE STORY Bill OLeary/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. Conway was also criticized for using her position during a Feb. 9 interview on Fox News to endorse Ivanka Trumps fashion products. Federal rules on conflicts of interest specifically prohibit using public office 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, the complaint said. Abbe Smith, a Georgetown Law Center professor and director of the Criminal Defense and Prisoner Advocacy Clinic, said she has never filed such a complaint before and generally does not believe that lawyers should routinely face discipline under the broad rule they cited, which includes conduct outside the practice of law. But Ms. Conways conduct was so outside the norm for a member of the legal profession, Smith said. What prompted our complaint was a combination of the specific conduct that Ms. Conway engaged in plus the fact that she holds such a high public office. Read more: A university takes on one of its own, alumna Kellyanne Conway Morning Joe host says Kellyanne Conway was banned because everything she said was disproven When a voter here asked whether Sen. Charles E. Grassley supports a probe of President Trumps tax returns, the Republican gave a qualified yes. In Virginia, asked about Russian interference in the presidential election, Rep. David Brat said an investigator should follow the rule of law wherever it leads. And in Arkansas, Sen. Tom Cotton told 1,400 people sardined into a high school auditorium that the Affordable Care Act has helped Arkansans. This weeks congressional town halls have repeatedly found Republicans hedging their support for the new presidents agenda and in many cases contradicting their past statements. Hostile questions put them on record criticizing some of the fights Trump has picked or pledging to protect policies such as the more popular elements of Obamacare. And voters got it all on tape, promising to keep hounding their lawmakers if they falter. Theres more of a consensus among Republicans now that youve got to be more cautious with what youre going to do, Grassley said after an event here, referring to efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. That didnt mean much to me in November and December. But it means a lot now. No Republican could say that the raucous town halls surprised them. Since December, a growing number of liberal organizations and activists have shared strategies for getting public answers from members of Congress. More than a thousand local groups have been founded to organize around the Indivisible Guide, an organizational how-to manual drafted by former Democratic staffers. And thousands of Trump detractors whether inspired by organized social-media efforts or there of their own volition have shown up at town halls in their districts. At the town halls, some activists have followed Indivisible advice, spreading themselves around the rooms to avoid looking like a clique, holding up signs with simple messages such as Disagree and synchronizing their chants. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post) The efficiency of the protests has led some of their targets, including Trump, to question their legitimacy. The so-called angry crowds in home districts of some Republicans are actually, in numerous cases, planned out by liberal activists, Trump tweeted Tuesday. [In N.J., record crowd at town hall presses Republican to get tough on Trump] Coverage of the town halls in conservative media has largely focused on the role of liberal groups in organizing the protests, or the role of the Barack Obama-founded Organizing for America in promoting the Indivisible Guide. Obama told them to get in our faces, Rush Limbaugh told listeners of his radio show on Wednesday. Well, theyre in our faces now, and hows it working out? People are starting to get tired of it. A number of Republicans have refused to hold town halls and courted ridicule. In California, Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio and Pennsylvania, local Indivisible groups held empty-chair town halls where activists could meet and note the absence of their legislators. In Pennsylvania, activists propped up an empty suit to symbolize Sen. Patrick J. Toomey; in other states, following the guide, they posted dummy Have You Seen Me? ads. In New York, they derided Rep. Elise Stefanik for canceling town halls just a week after publishing a report, titled Millennials & the GOP, urging more members of Congress to hold them. People react in agreement to a question posed to Rep. Leonard Lance (R-N.J.) during a town hall meeting at Raritan Valley Community College on Feb. 22 in Branchburg, N.J. (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/AFP/Getty Images) It is unfortunate and counterproductive that a small number of activists believe the best way to address the very serious issues facing our country is to hijack and ambush community events for the sole purpose of political theater, Stefanik wrote on Facebook. [Republicans are facing the ire of the anti-Trump movement. Will it last?] Its true that organization has boosted attendance at town halls. If youve got a personal connection to what this member of Congress is trying to do, youve got a great story to tell and a lot of legitimacy to ask that question, Indivisible Guide co- author Ezra Levin said Sunday night on a conference call that more than 30,000 people dialed in to hear. Its really important to be polite, but dont be scared of being firm. One lawmaker, Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Tex.), issued a statement this week blaming his decision not to hold a town hall in person on the threat of violence at town hall meetings. He pointed to a specific violent event to bolster his case, invoking the 2011 shooting that severely injured then-Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, an Arizona Democrat, and killed six others. The former congresswoman responded Thursday, and she made clear that she does not agree with lawmakers shying away from meeting with members of the public. To the politicians who have abandoned their civic obligations, I say this: Have some courage, Giffords said in a statement. Face your constituents. Hold town halls. Other Republicans who held public events this week have pushed back against Trumps characterization of protests and his attack on the media as an enemy of Americans. No American is another Americans enemy, Cotton said Wednesday night. He also said: I dont care if anybody here is paid or not. Youre all Arkansans. Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) tweeted Tuesday, referring to the protesters: They are our fellow Americans with legitimate concerns. We need to stop acting so fragile. [At a town hall in Trump country, an America thats pleading to be heard] Although the National Republican Congressional Committee warned of possible violence at town halls, this weeks events have been peaceful. The harshest treatment has been loud heckling at answers attendees have not liked, for instance when lawmakers struggled to defend the new secretary of education, Betsy DeVos, or to provide details on how the Affordable Care Act could be replaced. In Iowa, Grassley was booed over his vote for DeVos, and he defended it only by saying that a president deserved to pick his Cabinet. In Louisiana, Sen. Bill Cassidy was laughed at for saying he had not stayed for the entire DeVos hearing. Cassidy, a doctor, is the author of an ACA replacement bill that Republicans such as Grassley have tentatively endorsed. It would allow states to keep the structure of the ACA, including its Medicaid expansion, even if other states opted out. Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, has derided that solution. If you like your Obamacare, you can keep your Obamacare, is how Meadows described it a wry reference to an Obama pledge about individual plans that was belied when the ACA went into effect. [Dave Brat: I thought it was going to be worse] The Republicans whove emerged from town halls with fewer bruises had already promised to save major portions of the law. Rep. Leonard Lance (N.J.), one of 23 Republicans whose districts voted for Hillary Clinton over Trump, told an audience Wednesday night that he would go for a replacement plan only if it saved popular parts of the ACA. I do not favor repeal without there being a replacement in place, he said. Instead, he explained to a patient crowd that he wants to protect coverage for people with preexisting conditions, allow people under 26 to remain on their parents plans and ensure no lifetime caps on coverage. I want to assure the public that the majority in each house of the present Congress, I believe, will make sure these provisions continue, he said. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), a staunch Trump supporter from a deep red district, told constituents Wednesday that preexisting conditions and 26-year-olds were the two Republican provisions that made it into the bill and would obviously be part of a replacement. But in 2009, it was Democrats, not Republicans, who introduced those provisions of the ACA. The replacement framework from Republican leadership promises continuous coverage for people with preexisting conditions and also current health-care plans; only the Cassidy plan, co-sponsored by moderate Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and derided by conservatives, goes further. Republicans have also struggled to answer constituents who took advantage of the ACA provision that allowed states to expand Medicaid to some people over the poverty line. In Cottons state, where a Republican-run government has maintained a version of the expansion called Arkansas Works, more than 300,000 people are estimated to have received coverage since the ACA went into effect. Those results, and the stakes of repeal, were less clear when Cotton won his seat. The ACA, he said during a town hall meeting in 2014, was nothing but a churn operation designed to grow the power of the federal government. That year, he defeated an incumbent Democrat by 17 points. Kim Kavin in Branchburg, N.J., and Mark Berman in Washington contributed to this report. Read more at PowerPost Correction: In an earlier version of this article, a quote from Rep. Leonard Lance on repealing the Affordable Care Act appeared in two places, potentially making it seem the statement was from Rep. Mark Meadows. Also, Sen. Patrick J. Toomey was misidentified as a member of the House. This version has been corrected. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection boat carrying House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) travels down the Rio Grande Wednesday during a tour of the U.S.-Mexico border. (Nathan Lambrecht/AP) House Speaker Paul D. Ryan led a delegation of House Republicans on a six-hour tour of the U.S.-Mexico border Wednesday, seeing firsthand by helicopter, horse and boat the security challenges of keeping out undocumented immigrants President Trump wants to block with a costly wall. Ryan (R-Wis.), on his first trip to the border, said in a statement afterward that U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents on the ground need more tools and more support . . . for them to do their jobs effectively. He said Congress is committed to securing the border and enforcing our laws and pledged cooperation with the Trump administration. When you see with your own eyes the many challenges facing our law enforcement professionals along the border, it gives you even greater respect for the work that they do day in and day out, Ryan said. But he did not comment directly on the border wall that is opposed by many Democrats and some in his own party, who worry Republicans committed to reining in government spending will not find billions of dollars for a huge construction project. Ryans visit to the Rio Grande Valley on the southern tip of Texas began with a protest outside the U.S. Border Patrol Station in McAllen, where about 100 activists gathered Wednesday morning hoping to meet with him. But the speaker arrived early and was already in the building before they came, the Monitor of McAllen reported. Protesters have mobilized nationally to fight the Trump administrations promised crackdown on illegal immigration. The administration stepped up this week with new policies that dramatically expand the number of migrants targeted by authorities for deportation. [Trump administration issues new immigration enforcement policies] Ryan has not formally responded to the new orders, but in January he promised at a town hall event that there would be no deportation force. On Wednesday, the speaker was joined by House Republicans representing southern border states: Rep. Michael McCaul (Tex.), chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee; Rep. John Carter (Tex.); Rep. Martha McSally (Ariz.) and Homeland Security officials. The media were not allowed on the tour. The lawmakers heard from agents who apprehend undocumented immigrants crossing from Mexico a majority of whom are fleeing violence in Central America and turn themselves in to authorities. They learned how those who enter the country illegally are processed and held in detention centers. They saw the varied geography of the region. But they did not meet with residents of the communities around the border, leading to criticism from local advocates. The tour was the highest profile of several visits by members of Congress during the February recess. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) rode along with Border Patrol agents last week. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) led five GOP lawmakers on a separate tour of the Rio Grande Valley this week. Cornyn has taken a more nuanced approach than the president and some lawmakers to building a wall, saying that enforcement and technology must accompany any physical barrier. And Democrats in the Congressional Hispanic and Border caucuses met with community groups to denounce the wall as a detriment to immigrant communities. Juanita Valdez-Cox, executive director of LUPE, an advocacy group founded by activist Cesar Chavez, told the Monitor she expects negative rhetoric from Congress to escalate once Ryan returns to Washington. This visit is for him to be able to say that hes been here and seen the Rio Grande Valley, when in fact he is neglecting to hear the stories and concerns from the people who live here, Valdez-Cox said. My fear is that its a plan to be able to justify Trumps wall. McAllen is a fast-growing city of 141,000 in the Rio Grande Valley, which last year ranked as the busiest sector for illegal border crossings, largely because of a surge in unaccompanied children and families from Central America. The river snakes through the region, forming the natural border between the United States and Mexico. It serves as a reminder of the complicated topography of building a wall, since it contains rivers, mountains and other rugged terrain. Congress is beginning to assess the cost of building the presidents signature campaign promise. Trump has vowed to make Mexico cover the cost, but the Mexican government has balked at the plan. At the moment, the project has no reliable price tag. Trump has estimated the cost at $8 billion. Recent congressional legislation pegged the number at $10 billion, and construction experts say it could be more than double that. Congressional Republicans seem amenable to underwriting the wall themselves at least at first although some budget hawks have said they want cuts to other federal spending to compensate. About 600 miles of the 2,000-mile southern border are covered by fencing that ranges in height from three feet to about 20 feet. Read more at PowerPost 1 of 15 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Where We Live | Marumsco Village in Woodbridge, Va. View Photos This modest neighborhood offers homes in many styles and price ranges. Caption This modest neighborhood offers homes in many styles and price ranges. Marumsco Village is a modest neighborhood of about 275 acres in Woodbridge, Va. Amanda Voisard/For The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. Marumsco Village is a modest neighborhood of about 275 acres in Woodbridge, Va. It sits close to four similar subdivisions that cover 1,070 acres Marumsco Hills North and South, Marumsco Acres and Marumsco Woods. The five are in Woodbridge, Prince William County, and are represented by Supervisor Frank J. Principi. Now in a third term, Principi is implementing his vision for smart-growth improvements across Woodbridge. He is working to widen U.S. Route 1 and fighting to improve transit options, renovate local libraries and schools, and attract a mix of good shopping and dining options. Mostly single-family Cape Cods, split-levels and ramblers line streets that run up and down hills. The houses include a mix of brick construction, siding or a combination of both. Some houses have garages or carports. Most streets have sidewalks. A lot of people buy small houses, then put on an addition or just tear the house down and put up a much bigger one, said Joel Martinez, a resident since 2001 and a local real estate agent. Large, newly constructed houses are obvious, though not predominant. [Chesapeake Beach: A bayside community is now reeling in commuters] Diverse neighborhood: Gregg Reynolds lives with his wife, Jean, in a three-level Cape Cod on a third of an acre in Marumsco Acres. He bought the property in 1972 for $33,000. It was the intermediate model in price and size. Back in the late 1950s when it was built, it probably sold for $18,000. When we bought it we wondered how we were going to do it. But we did. And today its probably worth $188,00 to $190,000, he said. Its been a great little house. We added a front and back porch. And just last year we put in a new boiler. The old one lasted all these years. Reynolds favors Principis vision of a new Woodbridge. Route 1 hasnt changed for 75 years, he said. I think our county was turned down by some corporations as a business destination because the Route 1 corridor looks more 1950s than 21st century. Infrastructure renovations will attract new businesses and bring in more taxes. The neighborhood is culturally diverse. A sign in front of Stanley Baranowski Jr. and Dolores Zulians house states in English, Spanish and Arabic: No matter where you are from, were glad youre our neighbor. I believe it expresses very well the view of the majority of the people that live in our neighborhood and Id also like to think that live in our community, commonwealth and throughout the country, said Reynolds. Whats nearby: Marumsco Acre Lake Neighborhood Park is a great local amenity. Fishing in the lake is allowed from the shoreline and off a small pier. Theres a picnic pavilion, a basketball court and a playground. Hammill Mill Park, a hidden gem, said Principi, offers a pool with waterslides, a walking trail, a tot lot and a covered picnic area with grill. Veterans Memorial Park is the largest neighborhood park. There are open fields, ball courts, ponds with geese, ducks and herons, colorful play equipment, a trail and picnic tables. A bridge overpass connects the community to the park. [In RFK Stadiums shadow, a varied mix of homes with a rich history] Theres also Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge and the Potomac River to the east. The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is almost complete and will include a boardwalk and connect directly to other parks. George Mason Universitys Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center is next door to Marumsco Village, and students there can study the Potomac River through restoration and local sustainability practices. Jose Edward, 13, works on his shot at Hammill Mill Park. (Amanda Voisard/For the Washington Post) Marumsco Plaza is home to Todos Supermarket, Family Dollar, Walgreens, Pollo Campero and others. Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center offers Wegmans, Navy Federal Credit Union, Comfort One Shoes, REI and other shops. The Potomac Mills outlet mall is in Woodbridge. Living there: Marumsco Village, Zip code 22191, is roughly bordered by Occoquan Road on the east, Horner Road on the south, Virginia State Route 294/Prince William Parkway on the west and Interstate 95 on the north and west. Single-family houses predominate, but there are also townhouses. The market has been very good here, said Martinez, a real estate agent with Classic Realty. Houses dont last long. They sell quickly. According to Martinez, 31 properties are for sale, ranging from a three-bedroom, one-bathroom townhouse listing for $197,000 to a four-bedroom, two-bathroom single-family house for $559,000. Twenty-three properties are under contract, ranging from a three-bedroom, one-bathroom single-family house for $180,000 to a four-bedroom, two-bathroom single-family house for $349,950. In the past year, 170 homes sold, ranging from a four-bedroom, one-bathroom single-family house for $169,900 to a six-bedroom, five-bathroom, single-family house for $580,000. Longtime Marumsco Village resident, Ron Saxe, 68, crosses the bridge of Marumsco Creek. (Amanda Voisard/For the Washington Post) Schools: Belmont, R. Dean Kilby and Occoquan Elementary; Fred M. Lynn Middle; Woodbridge Senior High. Transit: The roughly 26-mile drive to and from the District takes about half an hour in non-rush-hour traffic but is probably double that during morning and evening commutes. Express lanes on Interstate 95 alleviate some of the traffic, said Martinez. The quickest route from downtown is via Interstate 395 to Interstate 95 at Exit 161 onto Virginia Route 1 South. The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) has a stop at Woodbridge Station, which connects riders to Metro stations in Virginia and the District. Crime: According to the Prince William County police, there were no homicides in the past year. Figures for other crimes were not available. Security officers stand at the site of a suicide bombing in Ndjamena, Chad, June 15, 2015. At least 27 people, including four suspected Boko Haram Islamist fighters, were killed and 100 others were injured on Monday in two attacks in Chad's capital, N'Djamena, which the government blamed on the Nigerian militant group. REUTERS/Moumine Ngarmbassa (Stringer/Reuters) Suicide bombers in Chads capital attacked security hubs Monday, killing at least 23 people in strikes that raised fears of a widening reach by the Islamist faction Boko Haram, reports said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the series of blasts in the Chadian capital, NDjamena. But suspicion immediately fell on Boko Haram militants, whose strongholds in nearby Nigeria have come under increasing pressure from a five-nation African military coalition that includes Chad. [One town displays Boko Harams devastating legacy] The Associated Press, citing Chads information minister, said at least 23 people were killed in back-to-back attacks at sites linked to Chads police, including a training academy. Chads government spokesman said four suspected Boko Haram militants also died in the assaults, the Reuters news agency reported. The various reports on the death toll also noted the count was preliminary, suggesting it could rise. Boko Haram is making a mistake by targeting Chad, Chads communications minister, Hassan Sylla Bakari, said on state television without offering specific details on why he pointed the finger at the group. These lawless terrorists will be chased out and neutralized wherever they are, he added. Chads capital, the headquarters for the alliance, has so far been spared major retaliatory strikes by Boko Haram. NDjamena is also the base for a French military mission battling militants in the region. In March, Chad hosted U.S.-led counterterrorism exercises that included 20 African nations. Security forces in the vast country stretching from West Africa to the Libyan border also has battled militant groups that include a branch of al-Qeada. Read more: The lost girls in the hands of Boko Haram Boko Haram by the numbers Today's coverage from Post correspondents around the world When the Pakistan army announced that it was launching a nationwide military operation to indiscriminately eliminate the threat of terrorism from the land, the adverb had a precise and politically loaded meaning. For the first time, after years of appeasing certain Islamist militant groups for political and religious reasons, the government has reluctantly agreed to allow the armed forces to enter Punjab province, authorized with special powers to hunt down, arrest and shoot suspected militants. Punjab is the political stronghold of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his ruling party, the Pakistan Muslim League-N. It is also the home of a variety of Islamist groups, including mainstream religious parties, sectarian movements officially banned for their violent methods, and anti-India militants who have been accused of a 2008 terrorist siege in Mumbai. None of these groups appear to have been directly involved in a five-day spate of suicide bombings that shocked the nation last week, including one at a Sufi shrine full of devotees that killed 86 people. The attacks were mostly claimed by an Afghan-based militia linked to the Islamic State, which declared it was starting a war against the Pakistani government. But the hodgepodge of Islamist movements based in Punjab, although attractive to many conservative Muslims and in some cases used as proxies in Pakistans rivalry with next-door India, are increasingly seen as part of a larger, collaborative threat by Islamist extremists to Pakistans stability, global stature and democratic way of life. In Punjab, particularly in southern Punjab, there are sanctuaries of hard-core militants which have not been targeted before, said Amjad Shoaib, a retired army general and defense analyst. This time they will be taken to task, and that will help a lot in eliminating terrorism not only from Punjab but other parts of country. After the recent attacks, which rocked the nation and embarrassed its new army chief, the military embarked on a series of raids and arrests last weekend. Swooping into suspected militant hideouts and supportive communities, from Karachi in the south to border tribal areas in the north, the military claimed to have killed more than 100 terrorism suspects in three days. But they did not touch Punjab. Even though one of the suicide bombs was detonated in a crowded plaza in downtown Lahore, its provincial capital, and police rounded up and arrested numerous suspects, the region remained off-limits to military forces. The reason was essentially political. All of the extremist groups based in Punjab have served some useful purpose to the Sharif government and its control of the province. Some have delivered votes to the Muslim League, which hopes to see Sharif reelected next year. Some banned Sunni groups, such as Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, have been tolerated as anti-Shiite but not anti-government, and some have deflected pressure by changing their names. Jamaat-ud-Dawa, once known as Lashkar-e-Taiba, has helped rally citizens to the national cause of liberating the border region of Kashmir from Indian control. In a rare step to curb the group last month, the Sharif government placed its leader under house arrest, but it has never tried him on charges from India that he masterminded the 2008 siege of Mumbai. Critics have been protesting this flirtation for years, warning that it could encourage the Talibanization of Pakistani society and arguing that despite their different agendas, the extremist groups share common beliefs, can easily form alliances of convenience and can be difficult to put back into a box once they gather strength and support. And even though the groups that claimed last weeks bombings were based in Afghanistan and were allied with the Islamic State, U.S. officials have expressed concerns about a growing convergence among various violent groups that operate in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region and appeal to the same population of potential recruits. In an interview published Wednesday by a terrorism study center at the U.S. Military Academy, Gen. John W. Nicholson, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, noted that 20 of the 98 groups the U.S. government has designated as terrorists are located in the region the highest concentration anywhere in the world. Nicholson said that because these groups exist in a common medium with large numbers of jobless youths, the presence of criminal activity, and extremist teachings in some religious seminaries it creates kind of a petri dish within which these different strains of terrorism can converge, recruit and morph into more virulent strains. Still, it took a week of high-profile bombings, a surge of public criticism and a private meeting between the army chief, Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, and senior officials in Punjab where the top elected official is Sharifs brother Shabbaz to persuade the government to acquiesce. Army officials said the new operation, named Reject Disorder, would include sending 2,000 army rangers into Punjab for the next 60 to 90 days. Unlike previous army operations in other parts of Pakistan that have chiefly used force to flush out or kill militants, officials said, this one will be based mostly on intelligence gathering. Its mission will also include deweaponizing extremist groups, which could entail confrontations at heavily armed compounds. Some analysts said there are ambiguous signs of how much leeway the troops will be given by provincial leaders, who were forced by circumstances to go along with the militarys plan but have insisted that the rangers role will be limited. The specialized forces stirred controversy when sent to restore order in the violent and crime-plagued city of Karachi. Among the public, although some critics have expressed concern about the risk of extrajudicial killings and other abuses, the armys announcement has been met with swift and widespread approval. We wholeheartedly support the decision, wrote the editors of the Express Tribune news outlet Thursday. The rangers, they urged, should resist political pressure and come down hard on the snakepits of south Punjab that function as rear-echelon support for other militant groups and as planning and logistics hubs for terrorist operations across the country. The editors added that they look forward to reporting the excision of the cancer. Read more Pakistan shells border with Afghanistan as tensions rise over terrorist attacks A wave of terrorist bombings tests Pakistani resolve Blast claimed by Islamic State at famed Sufi shrine in Pakistan kills at least 73 Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Fighters from the Free Syrian Army sit inside an armored vehicle near the town of Bizaah, northeast of the city of al-Bab, on Feb. 4. (Nazeer al-Khatib/AFP/Getty Images) The biggest surviving rebel stronghold in northern Syria is falling under the control of al-Qaeda-linked extremists amid a surge of rebel infighting that threatens to vanquish what is left of the moderate rebellion. The ascent of the extremists in the northwestern province of Idlib coincides with a suspension of aid to moderate rebel groups by their international allies. The commanders of five of the groups say they were told earlier this month by representatives of the United States, Saudi Arabia and Turkey that they would receive no further arms or ammunition until they unite to form a coherent front against the jihadists, a goal that has eluded the fractious rebels throughout the six years of fighting. The freeze on supplies is unrelated to the change of power in Washington, where the Trump administration is engaged in a review of U.S. policy on Syria, U.S. officials say. It also does not signal a complete rupture of support for the rebels, who are continuing to receive salaries, say diplomats and rebel commanders. Rather, the goal is to ensure that supplies do not fall into extremist hands, by putting pressure on the rebels to form a more efficient force, the rebel commanders say they have been told. [In Syria, car bomb kills scores in area recaptured from Islamic State] Instead it is the extremists who have closed ranks and turned against the U.S.-backed rebels, putting the al-Qaeda-linked groups with whom the moderates once uneasily coexisted effectively in charge of key swaths of territory in Idlib, the most important stronghold from which the rebels could have hoped to sustain a challenge to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Moderate rebels still hold territory in southern Syria, in pockets around Damascus, and in parts of Aleppo province where they are fighting alongside Turkish troops against the Islamic State. But the loss of Idlib to the extremists has the potential to prolong or at least divert the trajectory of the war at a time when the United Nations is reconvening peace talks in Geneva aimed at securing a political settlement. The talks opened Thursday with little sign that progress was likely. [How the Syrian revolt went so horribly, tragically wrong] The Syrian government and its ally Russia will now be able to justify intensifying airstrikes against the area, perhaps in alliance with the United States, which is already carrying out its own strikes against al-Qaeda targets in Idlib, analysts say. Idlib is now basically being abandoned to the jihadis. This might be the end of the opposition as understood by the oppositions backers abroad, said Aron Lund, a fellow with the Century Foundation. They wont have any reason to support it. The al-Qaeda-backed offensive appears to have been triggered by the Russian push last month to make peace with the same moderate rebel groups that the United States had in the past sought, unsuccessfully, to protect from Russian airstrikes. The al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat Fatah al-Sham which is still widely referred to by its previous name, Jabhat al-Nusra has since led a series of raids, abductions and killings against moderate rebels, activists and Western-backed administrative councils across Idlib. The most radical rebel groups have joined a new coalition created by Jabhat al-Nusra called Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. More moderate ones have sought protection by allying themselves with the largest non-al-Qaeda group, Ahrar al-Sham, which subscribes to a school of Salafist jihadism that is considered too extreme for the United States and its Western allies to countenance. Al-Qaeda is eating us, said Zakaria Malahifji, an official with the U.S.-backed Fastaqim rebel group, explaining why his group has chosen to join with the Ahrar al-Sham alliance. Its a military alliance only, for protection from al- Qaeda, he said. Politically, we dont share their views. Around a dozen U.S.-backed groups are still holding out against the pressure to join forces with the extremists, but they acknowledge that their cause is increasingly hopeless. Radicals are controlling every aspect of life, the mosques and the schools. They are radicalizing 14-year-old boys. Al-Qaeda ideology is spreading everywhere and we have been abandoned, said Lt. Col. Ahmed Saoud, a Syrian army officer who defected and commands a rebel unit in the U.S.-backed Free Idlib Army, one of the groups that has stood aloof from the jihadists. Suspending the supplies seems guaranteed only to ensure that al-Qaeda continues to expand, the rebel commanders say. Of course if you cut off the moderate rebels, al-Qaeda will grow more powerful, Malahifji said. Under the three-year-old program initiated by the United States, rebel groups that have been vetted by the CIA receive support in the form of salaries, light arms and ammunition, and limited quantities of antitank missiles. The supplies are overseen by a military operations center known as the Musterek Operasyon Merkezi, or MOM, comprising representatives of the U.S.-backed Friends of Syria alliance. But even if the supplies are restored, it is unclear whether the rebels will now be in any position to challenge al-Qaeda. One rebel group burned its stores of ammunition rather than let them be captured by Jabhat al-Nusra. Some supplies have already been captured. A video posted on YouTube this week by the new Nusra-led alliance showed its fighters destroying a government gun position using one of the U.S.-made TOW antitank missiles that were supplied to the moderate rebels, presumably seized by al-Qaeda allies. Al-Qaeda-linked groups do not yet control the main border crossings into Syria from Turkey, but they control the access routes and towns and villages around them, enabling them to commandeer any supplies that come across, said Charles Lister of the Middle East Institute. The al-Qaeda alliance now has almost total control over what goes through the border, Lister said. There has to be more rebel unity before the international community can take the risk. [Syria has secretly executed thousands of political prisoners, rights group says] The rebels now face an existential choice to join the radical groups and risk being annihilated from the air by Russian and U.S. warplanes, or to unite to confront al-Qaeda and its allies and risk defeat on the ground by the better-armed and highly motivated Islamist militants. Turkey, the rebels closest ally, is offering a third option: to leave the Idlib area entirely and head east to join the Turkish-backed operation, known as Euphrates Shield, underway against the Islamic State a rival of al-Qaeda. As Turkey presses to convince the United States that it can muster a force strong enough to provide an alternative to the Syrian Kurds to participate in the battle for the Islamic States capital of Raqqa, it has been heavily recruiting support among the moderate rebels of Idlib. But Idlib rebels do not want to surrender their territory to the jihadists to go fight on a different front, said Capt. Mohanned Junaid of Jaish al-Nasr, another U.S.-backed group that last week lost an estimated 69 members in a massacre of moderate rebels by one of the al-Qaeda affiliates. The whole of Idlib will be painted black, and that will give justification to the regime and Russian jets to bombard it, he said. Yet even with the moderate rebels confronting likely annihilation, feuds among them persist, precluding the alliance their international sponsors are seeking, said Saoud, the rebel commander. He is gloomy about the prospects for the rebels survival. If we dont get any more support, we will just keep fighting each other and killing each other until we all are dead, he said. The regime will be watching us. This is what they want. Read more: Turkey-backed rebels enter center of Islamic States al-Bab stronghold in Syria New anti-Islamic State plan could change U.S. strategy in Syria Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Turkey-backed Syrian opposition fighters advance on the city of al-Bab on Feb. 22. (Maan al-Shanan/AFP/Getty Images) Turkish-backed rebels seized the Syrian town of al-Bab from Islamic State militants Thursday, ending a grinding offensive to push the extremist group from one of its final strongholds. Launched in August, the operation has proved unexpectedly long and bloody, forcing Turkey to triple its original deployment amid dozens of combat deaths and hundreds of civilian casualties. It has also driven a wedge between Turkey and the United States, which initially backed a Kurdish-led force to retake the northern border town. Ankara views those Kurdish fighters as terrorists. Its operation also aims to thwart Kurdish hopes of establishing an autonomous zone along the Syria-Turkey border by preventing the Kurds from linking up territory east and west of al-Bab. The Free Syrian Army (FSA), a loose coalition of Syrian Arabs and Turkmen, has been attacking al-Bab since early December, aided by Turkish warplanes, tanks and special forces. On Thursday evening, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring network said the rebels had full control of the town. Al-Bab is free and under Free Syrian Army control after intensive operations against Daesh that lasted for months, said Col. Abu Firas, a spokesman for the FSA, using an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State. Many gave their lives to return al-Bab to its people again. [New anti-ISIS plan could change U.S. strategy in Syria] Victory in the Islamic States final stronghold along the Turkish border would deepen Ankaras influence in an area of Syria where it has effectively created a buffer zone. It would also allow Turkish-backed forces to press on toward Raqqa, the Islamic States de facto capital in Syria, complicating an earlier U.S. plan to back Kurdish fighters in that effort. Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik said the rebels were now combing al-Bab for mines. We will be able to say that al-Bab is fully cleared of Daesh once the sweeping activity is concluded, he told Turkeys state news agency. Under pressure across Iraq and Syria, the Islamic State has lost more than a quarter of its territory to U.S.-backed forces over the past year. The areas it leaves behind are often badly damaged in the fighting, and the militants routinely booby-trap buildings before retreating. Turkey-backed Syrian opposition fighters take positions during their advance in al-Bab on Feb. 22. (Maan al-Shanan/AFP/Getty Images) In a video published by the opposition-linked Step News Agency, a rebel commander stood in front of a car rigged with explosives. We have defeated the Islamic State, and now we are on al-Babs northern highway, he said. This was one of their car bombs. [On the road to Raqqa: A rare visit to Syrias front lines] Although the commander appeared to pose unarmed for the cameras, another man clutched a weapon tightly, scanning the horizon for threats as gunfire crackled in the distance. The Islamic State-affiliated Amaq News Agency on Thursday highlighted the al-Bab offensives heavy human and material losses, claiming that more than 400 Turkish soldiers and Syrian rebel fighters have been killed and at least 41 tanks destroyed. Turkish officials have attributed the duration of the operation to their forces attempts to avoid civilian casualties. However, the Syrian Observatory said Thursday that Turkish shelling in the offensive has killed 444 civilians, including 96 children. An estimated 100,000 people lived in al-Bab in 2011 when Syrias nationwide uprising against President Bashar al-Assad morphed into all-out war. Today, that figure is believed to stand in the low thousands. Mustafa Sejari, an official with the al-Mutasim rebel group, said Islamic State fighters had used the areas remaining residents as human shields by preventing them from leaving their homes. [Syria peace talks resume, but Assad is in the drivers seat] Meanwhile, representatives of the Syrian government and the opposition gathered in Geneva for the resumption of long-stalled peace talks aimed at resolving the other war raging in Syria a six-year-old conflict between forces loyal to Assad and the rebels. The battle against the Islamic State is not an issue in the Geneva talks. Staffan de Mistura, the United Nations Syria envoy, set expectations low as he greeted the rival delegations at an opening ceremony at U.N. headquarters. Im not expecting miracles, he said. It is an uphill task. De Mistura urged the sides to take advantage of a cease-fire brokered by Russia with help from Turkey and Iran. Though it has reduced the level of violence, fighting continues in many parts of the country. But with Assads government now secure after defeating the rebels in Aleppo in December, diplomats and analysts said he is unlikely to compromise. Sly reported from Geneva. Zakaria Zakaria in Istanbul contributed to this report. Read more: Turkeys Erdogan wants to establish a safe zone in the ISIS capital of Raqqa Cease-fire frays in Syrias south as rebels launch fresh offensive U.S. is trapped between its allies ambitions in Syria Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Secretary of State Rex Tillerson arrives in Mexico City on Feb 22. The visit is the second foreign trip of Tillersons tenure at the State Department. (Carlos Jasso/Reuters) The Trump administration in its first month has largely benched the State Department from its long-standing role as the preeminent voice of U.S. foreign policy, curtailing public engagement and official travel and relegating Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to a mostly offstage role. Decisions on hiring, policy and scheduling are being driven by a White House often wary of the foreign policy establishment and struggling to set priorities and write policy on the fly. The most visible change at the State Department is the month-long lack of daily press briefings, a fixture since John Foster Dulles was secretary of state in the 1950s. The televised question-and-answer session is watched closely around the world, and past administrations have pointed proudly to the accountability of having a government spokesman available to domestic and foreign press almost every day without fail. Tillerson has also been notably absent from White House meetings with foreign leaders. The State Department was represented by the acting deputy, Tom Shannon, at the presidents discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Because he was en route to Bonn for a Group of 20 meeting, Tillerson did not join Trumps meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although the two had a working dinner the night before. It is still early in Tillersons tenure, and former State Department officials, from Republican and Democratic administrations alike, say his performance reflects the disarray in the White House. The administration had sent mixed signals on key issues such as U.S. policy toward China and commitment to the NATO alliance even before Trumps first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, was forced to resign last week. Some of the State Departments lack of public diplomacy is probably due to the learning curve of the former oil executive turned diplomat. Other factors appear to be at play, including an aversion to freewheeling questions from reporters and the many department vacancies. But the biggest factor is the confusing lines of communication and authority to the White House, and Trumps inclination to farm out elements of foreign policy to a kitchen Cabinet of close advisers. Chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon attends national security meetings and recently spoke with the German ambassador, and Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has been given a major role in getting Israeli-Palestinian talks on track, a job usually the preserve of the State Department. When asked about foreign policy developments, State Department officials often have referred reporters to the White House. Tillerson isnt being purposefully sidelined; hes just caught up in an administration with too many competing power centers and a president whos unwilling or unable to decide who he wants to play the lead role in implementing his foreign policy, said Aaron David Miller, a former diplomat who advised Republican and Democratic presidents about the Middle East. The problem is letting a thousand flowers and tweets bloom isnt the best way to run the foreign policy of the worlds most consequential power. So far, most of Tillersons diplomacy has been conducted out of sight. He has met with several visiting foreign ministers, spoken on the phone with dozens of other diplomats and met more at the G-20 meeting last week in Bonn. [Rex Tillerson eases concerns over foreign policy under Trump] Unlike in previous administrations, the State Department has not always made brief accounts of those conversations public. After Tillerson met with European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini this month, the State Department said nothing, while Mogherini held a detailed on-the-record briefing for reporters. I think its hard to go out and talk to the press if you dont know what to say, said Richard Boucher, a retired career diplomat and former spokesman for Republican and Democratic administrations. I think theyre struggling to get back to square one and reassure people they arent undercutting the foundations of what America stood for, he added. So they dont have a lot to say and dont know how to use the press to influence getting there. In some cases, governments of countries that are not democracies have been more transparent than the State Department. Phone conversations Tillerson had with the foreign ministers of Russia and Egypt as well as a phone conversation with Saudi Arabias King Salman came to light only when the officials told their local press about them. It behooves the administration to give our side of any conversation, said Richard Stengel, the undersecretary for public diplomacy and public affairs from 2014 through 2016 in the Obama administration. Having someone put points on the scoreboard and not taking the shot yourself seems peculiar to me. Tillerson speaks frequently with Trump and met with him before leaving Washington on Wednesday for meetings in Mexico that will include Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly. A senior State Department official said Tillerson has also had several working meals with the president and provided Trump a debriefing on the meetings in Bonn. Still, the new secretary of state has maintained an extremely low profile since taking office Feb. 1. His influence appears muted, at least for now, and he suffered a public embarrassment just a week into the job when Trump rejected his choice of a deputy, Republican foreign policy veteran Elliott Abrams, as insufficiently loyal to Trump. Tillerson is pretty clearly a decent character and would be a perfectly normal Republican secretary of state, but hes clearly hampered in all kinds of ways, including in making his own appointments, said Eliot Cohen, who was a top aide to former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice. The Elliott Abrams example is pretty horrifying. [Trump rejects veteran GOP foreign policy aide Elliott Abrams for State Dept. job] Tillerson has a small group of aides clustered around him, including chief of staff Margaret Peterlin, a former deputy director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; R.C. Hammond, who was press secretary in Newt Gingrichs 2012 presidential campaign; Matt Mowers, a former aide to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie who worked on the Trump campaign; and Jennifer Hazelton, who worked at CNN and Fox News before joining the Trump campaign. Asked whether the absence of top officials at State Tillerson and U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley are the only Trump-selected officials on the job is hampering the work of diplomacy, the department referred to earlier comments from White House press secretary Sean Spicer. The secretary is having an ongoing and productive exchange with the president and his team that is identifying very talented individuals to serve and help the department execute its mission, Spicer said. Though the president always sets foreign policy, often it is considered better for tactical reasons to have policies explained by the State Department and the secretary of state instead of the president. Former secretaries of state were viewed as the primary public face of U.S. foreign policy, a role Tillerson has yet to fill. I support Secretary Tillerson and believe everyone should be patient while he defines his operating style, said Jim Wilkinson, who was a senior adviser to Rice. Tillerson has not taken the usual complement of beat reporters with him on either of his foreign trips so far, opting instead for small pools that send reports to others. Other recent secretaries of state have made a point of orchestrating a long, symbolic first trip, showcasing their own agendas with news conferences and interviews. State Department officials have said the daily press briefings are only temporarily shelved while the new administration gets its footing, but there has been no announcement about when they will resume or whether they will still be held every day. The Department of State continues to provide members of the media a full suite of services, acting department spokesman Mark Toner said Wednesday. In addition to regular press briefings conducted by a department spokesperson, reporters will soon have access to additional opportunities each week to interact with State Department officials. Other incoming administrations have called a hiatus of a few days at most before the briefings resumed. In 2001, the last time a Republican took over after a Democratic administration, there was no break at all. Boucher briefed on Monday, Jan. 22, answering questions about the Philippines, Iraq and Colin L. Powells first day on the job as secretary of state. The silence from the State Department is all the more notable for the combative and sometimes adversarial stance Spicer has adopted and Trumps own denunciations of major news organizations as biased. Last week, Trump used his favorite bypass, Twitter, to call the news media the enemy of the American People. The former ExxonMobil chief executive has made no speeches beyond a well-received address to State Department employees on his arrival and has held no news conferences. He made only one brief, substantive remark on policy within reporters earshot during an intensive round of meetings in Bonn last week and ignored shouted questions that other foreign ministers attending the G-20 session gladly answered. While the battle in Washington between the intelligence agencies, the media and the Trump administration over the question of Russia and Trumps supposed ties to Putin is attracting most of the headlines, a conflict on the economic front is of no less significance. Earlier this month, in response to Trumps America First agenda and what it called his divisive delusions on trade, the Financial Times, the voice of British and to some extent European finance capital, warned that if the Trump administration continued on its present course, it would represent a clear and present danger to the global trading and monetary system. The immediate cause of this unusually strong language was the claim by the Trump administration that the euro was significantly undervalued, operating to the benefit of Germany, which enjoys a trade surplus with the US. The editorial called for other countries to stand ready to resist bullying and not to let the US drive wedges between them. The Financial Times did not go any further, but the logic of this position is clear. If countries are to stand together to combat what are seen as American attacks, then the next step is the development of trade and economic agreements directed against the USin short, a major step down the road to the kind of economic and currency blocs that exacerbated the 1930s Depression and played a major role in the drive to a second world war in the space of two decades. No one has yet put forward the formation of such alliances, but the issue is assuming a larger presence in public pronouncements and no doubt in discussions behind closed doors. Last month, speaking to the New York Times on the sidelines of the Davos summit of the World Economic Forum, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the president of the euro group of finance ministers, pointed to possible major shifts in orientation. Weve always said that America is our best friend, he said. If thats no longer the case, if thats what we need to understand from Donald Trump, then, of course, Europe will be looking for new friends. China is a very strong candidate for that. The Chinese involvement in Europe in terms of investment is already very high and expanding. If you push away your friends, you mustnt be surprised if the friends start looking for new friends. So far as the Trump administration is concerned, China, and to some extent Germany, is the main economic opponent and threat to the economic pre-eminence of the United States. This orientation is one of the reasons for its conflict with the sections of the military and intelligence establishment that are pressing for a more open confrontation with Russia. Trump has variously threatened to brand China a currency manipulator and impose tariffs as high as 45 percent on its exports to the US. While he has yet to announce any concrete policies and his positions so far have been set out only in tweets and similar remarks, the underlying position of the administration and the economic processes that are driving it were set out last September in a paper on the Trump economic plan authored by the then-business professor at the University of California-Irvine, Peter Navarro, and equity investor Wilbur Ross. Since the election Navarro has become the head of Trumps National Trade Council and Wilbur Ross has become commerce secretary. The paper began by noting that in the period from 1947 to 2001, US gross domestic product grew at an annual rate of 3.5 percent a year, but from 2002, that average had fallen to 1.9 percent, representing a 45 percent reduction in the US growth rate from its historical pre-2002 norm. The authors dismissed the claims of the Obama administration that lower growth was a new normal, labelling that position defeatist and claiming that low growth was the result of higher taxes, increased regulation and the self-inflicted negative impacts from poorly negotiated trade deals, including NAFTA and Chinas entry into the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The latter, they wrote, negotiated under Bill Clinton, opened Americas markets to a flood of illegally subsidized Chinese imports, thereby creating massive and chronic trade deficits. Chinas accession to the WTO, they argued, also rapidly accelerated the offshoring of Americas factories and a concomitant decline in US domestic business investment as a percentage of our economy. They noted that from 1999 to 2003, US investment flows to China were stable at around $1.6 billion per year, but jumped in the period 20042008 to an annual average of $6.4 billion a year. In other words, according to their argument, the flow of investment funds to China, made possible by its accession to the WTO, is one of the chief causes of the long-term slowdown in US economic growth. The authors also hit out at WTO rules, saying that the exemption of exports to the US from value added taxes (VAT) imposed by European governments and the fact that US exports to Europe are subject to these taxes was a form of discrimination against US firms. These conclusions form the basis for the discussion within the Trump administration on the possible imposition of taxes on imports. They wrote that unequal treatment of US exports was an example of VAT gaming, and that the US should have demanded equal tax treatment for US exports. Since the WTO would be meaningless without the presence of the worlds largest importer and third largest exporter, we had the leverage thenand we have the leverage nowto fix this anomaly and loophole, they asserted, adding the implied threat that without the US as a member, there would not be much purpose to the WTO. The Trump administrations denunciations of China as a currency manipulator have attracted most of the media attention. But Navarro and Ross were no less strident when it came to the European Monetary Union. While the euro freely floats in international currency markets, this system deflates the German currency from where it would be if the German Deutschmark were still in existence, they wrote. This was the reason, they claimed, that the US had a large trade in goods deficit with Germany, some $75 billion in 2015, even though German wages were relatively high. The paper gave a clear summing up of where the Trump administration sees the position of the US in regard to the struggle for global markets. Answering critics of the America First agenda, they wrote: Those who suggest that Trump trade policies will ignite a trade war ignore the fact that we are already engaged in a trade war. It is a war in which the American government has surrendered before engaging. They held out the prospect that in pursuing a policy of what they termed more balanced trade, the US would be able to secure cooperation because US trade partners were more dependent on American markets than America is on their markets. As with so many of Trumps policies, the trade war agenda outlined by Navarro and Ross represents not so much a break from the policies of the Obama administration as a continuation of their basic thrust and, at the same time, a qualitative escalation. The underlying strategy of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and its counterpart for Europe, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, promoted by the Obama administration, was that privileged access to the vast American market for those countries that signed up would enable the US to force concessions upon them. Both proposed trade investment deals specifically scrapped the system that had governed trade relations since World War II under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and then the WTO, which maintained that concessions offered to one country should be offered to all. This policy was in recognition of the damage done to the world economy and trade system through the formation of exclusivist blocs in the period of the 1930s. Outlining the rationale for the proposed agreements in 2014, Obamas trade representative Michael Froman wrote in a major Foreign Affairs article that trade policy is national security policy, and that the aim of the agreements was to place the US at the center of agreements that will provide unfettered access to two-thirds of the global economy. He went on to explain that the post-war system was no longer adequate and that the US no longer held as dominant a position as it did at the end of World War II and had to build new trade coalitions working toward consensus positions. In other words, the development of new mechanisms whereby the US could counter its economic decline vis-a-vis its rivals. The Trump policy is being driven by this same agenda, albeit in a different form. The underlying driving forces can be clearly seen. First, there is the contraction in economic growth not only in the US but internationally. It has been estimated that the economic slowdown since the financial crisis of 2008 means that developed economies are one sixth smaller than they would have been had pre-crisis growth trends been maintained. The contraction is even more pronounced in world trade. Since 2012, world trade has advanced by little more than 3 percent per year, less than half the average expansion of the preceding decades. As the International Monetary Fund has noted, between 1985 and 2007 real world trade grew on average twice as fast as global gross domestic product (GDP), whereas over the past four years it has barely kept pace. Such prolonged sluggish growth in trade volumes, it concluded, relative to economic activity has few precedents during the past five decades. Even before the accession of Trump, the WTO noted the rise of protectionist measures. It pointed out that members of the G20 groupall of which pledged to eschew 1930s style measureshad, in the five months leading up to last October, been implementing an average of 17 trade constraints a month, a situation it described as a real and persistent concern. In other words, the accession of Trump and his America First agenda of economic nationalism and a war of each against all is not some aberration, but the qualitative development of a trend that has been building up within the world capitalist economy over the past decade, but which is now coming to the surface with explosive force. Riot police began violently arresting the remaining Dakota Access Pipeline protesters in the Oceti Sakowin Camp, following yesterdays eviction deadline set by North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. The first arrests occurred a few hours after the 2:00 pm deadline. Police rushed and tackled unarmed protesters and independent journalists, then retreated down the road, only to rush at protesters again. Eric Poemz, one of those attacked, was slammed onto the ground by the police, injuring his left hip and rendering him unable to walk. The police presence was ramped up in the week leading to the February 22 deadline. Planes and helicopters owned by the pipeline company, carrying police, have been constantly surveilling the camp from only a few hundred feet in the sky. Supplies and sanitation services to the camp have been cut off by roadblocks and checkpoints set up by the police February 15. The Oceti Sakowin Camp lies in the path of the nearly completed $3.78 billion oil pipeline, on land afforded to the Sioux tribe in the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty. Construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) is expected to be completed by March 6. The pipeline will transport up to 570,000 barrels of crude oil across four states, crossing both the nearby Ogallala Aquifer and the Missouri River. Protesters from the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and environmental activists fear that a leak would threaten the drinking supplies of 17 million people. The company that owns the pipeline, Energy Transfer Partners, has been responsible for at least 200 recorded pipeline leaks since 2010. Governor Burgum and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which oversees the construction of the pipeline, ordered the evacuation on the pretext of public safety concerns relating to springtime flooding and rubbish left behind by protesters following hasty evacuations ordered by the previous governor last December. National Guard troops, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) agents and riot police from Wisconsin and other states were deployed ahead of the deadline to assist the Morton County Sheriffs Department. The remaining few hundred protesters in the camp risk fines of up to $5,000 and prison sentences of up to six months. The North Dakota state legislature recently passed bills to criminalize the anti-DAPL protests, making it a crime to gather on public safety zones determined by the governor. The bills also grant police more freedom to designate a protest as a riot, the incitement of which carries up to 20 years in prison. The Trump administration has escalated the persecution of the anti-DAPL protesters, with the Department of Justice drawing up arrest warrants against protesters and their attorneys. The administration has also fast-tracked construction of the pipeline with an executive order from Trump scuttling any further environmental reviews by the USACE. Trump has packed his cabinet with CEOs and other individuals with close ties to the energy industry. Yesterday, more than 7,500 emails were released revealing that Trumps recently-confirmed head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Scott Pruitt, collaborated intimately with energy industry executives to challenge environmental regulations during his tenure as the attorney general of Oklahoma. Though the Trump administration has deployed an additional 60 BIA agents to the camp, North Dakotas governor and local police are pushing for a further escalation in federal intervention. Were getting nothing again, said Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney. The protests in North Dakota won wide popular support last year, with tens of thousands of participating in demonstrations in the US and internationally, and thousands of others gathering at protest camps throughout North Dakota. The protests spread almost entirely through social media amidst a rising wave of police violence and attacks on the living conditions of the working class. Since protests began last summer, there have been nearly 700 arrests. Almost two hundred protesters were injured in police raids on the camp last winter, with police firing lead-filled beanbags and concussion grenades, and using water canno in sub-freezing temperatures. The actions taken now by the Trump administration are the culmination of the strategy of the political establishment as a whole. In the summer and fall of last year, the Obama administration stood by as police attacked protesters. In September, the administration and the Army Corps of Engineers issued a temporary stay on construction. In December, after the US elections, the administration halted the project pending an additional environmental review. This was a maneuver aimed at passing off final action on construction to the incoming Trump administration, which had already made clear that it would act quickly to remove any constraints. Earlier this month, the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that it would grant easement to ETP to finish construction, which was followed rapidly by the moves of the state government to shut down the protests. Throughout this process, the tribal leadership has worked to smother social opposition to the pipeline, for months fostering illusions in the Obama administration. Since last December, the Standing Rock Sioux tribe has urged protesters to abandon the protest camps, as Chairperson Dave Archambault II launched numerous attempts to negotiate with the incoming Trump administration. I want to help him make this nation great again, and I want to help give him assistance, advice on how we can do that together and not leave the first occupants of this land behind, Archambault said to E&E News on December 13, ahead of a meeting between Standing Rock representatives and Trumps transition team. We can do the pipelines, we can do oil development, energy development, but not off our backs again. Thats basically all I would share with him. Since the beginning of December, shares in ETP have risen more than 16 percent in anticipation of the payout to come from completion of the pipeline. New US Education Secretary billionaire Betsy DeVos has lost no time in making known her ideological opposition to public education, contempt for educators and hostility to democratic rights. Her installation has evoked strong opposition from teachers, who rightly see DeVos as the spearhead of a ramped up attack at all levels on public education. Following her narrow Cabinet confirmation, DeVos first appearance was a brief visit to a public school, Washington DCs Jefferson Middle School Academy, on February 10. Her arrival was greeted with protests by parents and teachers, temporarily preventing her from entering into the school. Speaking to the press after the visit, DeVos insulted the teachers, haughtily characterized them as in receive mode waiting to be told what they have to do, and thats not going to bring success to an individual child. She has routinely referred to public schools as a dead end. In a subsequent interview with the right-wing news site Townhall, DeVos alleged the protests were not genuine. Weve seen enough written that they want to make my life a living hell, she added. Also denouncing the protesters was American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, who tweeted, 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. DeVos has now made the highly unusual and expensive demand that she be accompanied by US federal marshals for the foreseeable future. No Cabinet-level secretary has requested a similar level of protection since at least 2009. The secretary is not just fearful of protesting teachers, she also issued a not-so-veiled threat that any Education Department employees who try to subvert the mission (her pro-privatization agenda) would be attended to swiftly and surely, according to Townhall. For his part, President Trump reiterated his support for privatization at a White House listening session with a handpicked group of parents on February 14. Trump, with DeVos at his side, described charter schools fantastic, amazing and unbelievable. He has pledged $20 billion in federal aid for school vouchers through block grants to the states or a federally funded scholarship tax credit program written into the tax code. In an interview with Axios published February 17, DeVos stated that she would be fine with the abolition of the Department of Education and predicted the flowering of all types of schools except public ones. I expect there will be more public charter schools. I expect there will be more private schools. I expect there will be more virtual schools. I expect there will be more schools of any kind that havent even been invented yet. Teachers spoke to the WSWS describing their reactions to the Trump administrations privatization policies, DeVos, the threat to close nearly half of Detroits public schools, the failure of the teachers unions to stand up for educators and the broader political issues involved in defending democratic rights and public education. Susan, a retired teacher from Vermont, said. I am glad there is resistance. After George Bush, Obama and the Democrats did worse. I always vote, but didnt vote for Obama either time. When he was a senator he said what he would dotesting, competitions, standardization, pretty much Make Schools Great! Since Jimmy Carter, I have voted other, just to register my opposition to business as usual. Public schools are taking the rap for the fact that there is great poverty in this country. Our large schools are more than 95 percent impoverished. Teachers are supposed to solve the problems of unemployment, homelessness and access to books? Our unions are not helping. The teacher unions went for Hillary Clinton before it was even a contest. It was really disgusting. Frankly, they are getting what they deservenot the teachers, but the higher-ups. These teacher leaders took Gates money, made Share My Lesson, a disgusting pretense for doing something to help teachers. Randi Weingarten implied that teachers werent ready for Common Core and needed helpblaming the teachers, as if they were not smart enough. The unions provided no resistance to Common Core either. Common Core is just corporate America making a buck. I was a longtime member of the National Council of Teachers of English. I resigned over their support of Common Core. They refused to denounce it and even made a buck publishing books on how to do it. All of our professional organizations just lay down and asked corporate America to kick us again. In the city of Detroit, the DeVos familys policies have resulted in a battery of pro-privatization legislation and the control of 80 percent of charters by for-profit businesses. The growth of charter schools and edubusinesses in DeVos home state of Michigan, as elsewhere, proliferated under the Obama administrations Race to the Top. A young first-year teacher in a Detroit public schools said, I am not originally from Michigan so I didnt know much about Betsy DeVos before now. Working in Detroit schools and talking with other educators, I see the effects of her policies already. They are trying to shut between 8 and 10 of the Education Achievement Authority schools and dozens of Detroit Public School Community District schools, some this year and some next. From what I heard, the charter districts are already looking to buy these schools. Thats how underhanded things are already. Charters have had a terrible effect on Detroit. With DeVos in office, what Ive seen will happen all around the nation. In my district, the neighborhood is the worst of the worst. The homes are abandoned; there are fires everywhere. These are forgotten neighborhoods, those in poverty. Were got seven-year-olds at pre-K reading levels. Seeing children two years behind is common. Our school is severely underfunded with computers. My children get no time with computers, but they need to because the tests are all online. The computer testing starts in kindergarten. Then bonuses are paid to the teachers based on the test scores and if there has been student growth. Attendance is a big problem. Often kids are gone for six or seven days, then in school for two. Its really hard to make gains like that. The elementary teacher added her strong opposition to the administrations attacks on immigrants. As an undergraduate, I studied Spanish and my parents suggested I become an ICE officer. I wouldnt because I didnt want to send anyone back. Its so deplorable. No one is a native here, unless you are Native American, and we see how they are treated. The claims that immigrants are taking jobs are just used to fuel the fire. They want to use this hot button issue to change what people are focusing on, like cutting the EPA, womens rights or the national parks. Deporting people goes against basic fundamental human rights and even how our country was founded. I cant even believe this is happening in 2017. Beverly, a Detroit Community Public Schools District teacher, said: I am in one of the priority schools but its not on the list for closure. I try to speak out and be positive. What a lot of people fail to understand about the school closures is that it is not just academics which can put a school on the list, but also attendance. If the children dont come to school for whatever reasontheir transportation breaks down, their parent has to go to workthe school can be put on the list and the school be closed. A school can have most of the children improving, say 90 percent, but if that other 10 percent falls, this will pull the scores down. That can be another reason the school is judged not to meet Annual Yearly Progress. "Who are we concerned about? Just for people who are lining their own pockets? We took an oath to educate children to teh best of our ability so they have a fighting chance as an adult. But if you don't have an education, you don't have a life. What are we building, a community, or nothing? If there is no education and people dont have financial means, a sociological change takes place. They can turn to stealing to find food. I try to be positive, but the powers-that-be, the political people in charge, are more concerned with their riches. As to the unions, they sold us out. Weve had no raise in 10 years. [With the last contract] I got $90, which they turned around and took it in higher insurance costs. The whole raise went to insurance for my family. Major trade unions in the United States are openly supporting Donald Trumps America First policies of trade war and militarism. In this government of billionaires, generals and outright fascists, the American labor bureaucracy has found a kindred spirit to its own backwardness and jingoism. Speaking to reporters last week, United Auto Workers President Dennis Williams praised Trump for his opposition to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and his trade war rhetoric directed against Mexico and China. Hes the first president that has addressed this issue. I have to give him kudos for that, the UAW president said. Williams announced that the UAW was renewing its Buy American campaign and boycott of foreign-made cars. He said the union would soon release TV ads based on the theme, If its not made in America, dont buy it. The following day, at a Boeing commercial jet factory in South Carolina, Trump declared, We believe in two simple rules: Buy American and hire American. In a nod to the United Steelworkers union, he said the Keystone and Dakota Access pipeline projects, which he restarted by executive order, would be built exclusively with American-made steel. Trump made no mention of the stunning rebuke handed to the International Association of Machinists by the workers at the plant in a union recognition vote just three days earlier. The 3-to-1 vote against the IAM expressed the contempt workers feel towards the unions after decades of union collaboration with the corporations to destroy jobs and living standards. As a real estate mogul in New York City and a Las Vegas casino developer, Trump has long maintained close relations with the unions. His pick for Commerce Secretary, billionaire Wilbur Ross, worked with the United Steelworkers in the early 2000s as he bought up and restructured the steel industry, making a $1 billion profit by destroying the jobs and pensions of thousands of workers. United Steelworkers President Leo Gerard has been among the most outspoken Trump enthusiasts, boasting that Donald Trump used our own words to criticize the failed trade policies of the past. On his first business day at the White House, January 23, Trump hosted the leaders of several construction unions to discuss infrastructure and the renewed pipeline projects. Following the meeting, Laborers International Union of North America President Terry OSullivan declared, For thousands of hard-working men and women who have been shut out of our economy for too long, it is beginning to feel like a new day. OSullivan formerly led the Union Labor Life Insurance Company, which invested in Trump projects. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka sits on Trumps Manufacturing Jobs Initiative panel, along with deputy chief of staff of the AFL-CIO and anti-China specialist Thea Mei Lee. The 28-member body includes the CEOs of Ford, GE, US Steel and other companies and is tasked with reviving US industry by slashing corporate taxes, abolishing occupational safety, environmental and labor regulations, and using trade war measures to gain market share and profits for corporate America. In defending the administrations policy of mass deportations of undocumented Mexican immigrants, Trumps senior advisor Stephen Miller said, We should have a program in which American workers are given jobs first. The president ran on this. Its an issue where the labor unions agree with us. There is a long history of anti-immigrant racism in the American trade union bureaucracy. The early unions in the United States supported strict limitations on immigration, including the anti-Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, and blamed foreign workers for lowering wages. At its 1900 convention in Louisville, Kentucky, the American Federation of Labor warned of the danger threatening the American workers from Chinese and Japanese cheap coolie labor, and called on Congress to reenact the Chinese Exclusion Act. It was the early socialists who opposed nativism and racism and waged a struggle to unify all workers, black and white, native-born and immigrant, against the divide-and-conquer strategy of the employers. The Industrial Workers of the World, whose founding Congress in Chicago celebrated the first Russian Revolution of 1905, led the heroic Lawrence textile and Paterson silk strikes in 1912 and 1913, which united immigrant factory workers, including child laborers, from southern and eastern Europe. A critical component of class consciousness was the understanding that the victimization of immigrant workers, just like the racial oppression of black workers, was an attack on the entire working class. When the working class, led by socialists and left-wing militants, finally made the breakthrough of forming mass industrial unions in the 1930s, class conscious workers rejected both the anti-communism and pro-company outlook of the AFL and the xenophobia and anti-Semitism of fascistic demagogues such as Detroits Father Coughlin. The anti-communist purges in the late 1940s, headed up by CIO leaders such as UAW President Walter Reuther, delivered a crushing blow and set the course of the unions toward outright betrayal of the interests of workers and corporatist partnership with big business and the state. This was institutionalized with the merger of the CIO with the AFL in 1955 on an explicitly anti-communist and pro-imperialist basis. The catastrophic implications of a labor movement based on capitalism and nationalism were revealed when the postwar dominance of American capitalism eroded and it began its decades-long decline in the early 1970s. By 1979-80, the ruling class had jettisoned its policy of social compromise and revived its more traditional policy of class warfare, renewing the tactics of strike-breaking, union-busting, the use of company thugs and labor frame-ups. In the 1980s, beginning with the destruction of the PATCO air traffic controllers union in 1981, the unions isolated and betrayed scores of struggles against wage-cutting and union-busting in a deliberate effort to break the militancy of the working class and enable the ruling class to slash labor costs so as to compete more effectively with its rivals in Europe and Japan. The collapse of the unions and their transformation into direct agencies of the corporations and the state was driven by profound objective changes in the underlying structure of the world capitalist economy. The most significant of these was the unprecedented global integration of production that developed during and after the 1980s, reflected in the emergence of the transnational corporation. The transnational corporation, utilizing revolutionary developments in computer technology, communications and transportation, organized production on a world scale and directly for the world market. As a result, it was able to locate factories in far flung locations, seeking ever cheaper sources of labor. This completely undercut the unions and all other organizations based on national programs. The unions in the US and around the world were transformed from organizations that pressured the employers for concessions to the workers into organizations that pressured the workers to give up their past gains to boost the competitiveness and profitability of their own capitalists. By 1982, the UAW officially adopted corporatism as its guiding principle. The class strugglebetween the working class and the capitalist exploiterswas over, the UAW claimed, and had been superseded by the struggle of the nation against foreign competitors. On this basis, the UAW ended strikes and instructed its stewards and committeemen to stop filing grievances and abandon any resistance to speed-up and exploitation. The union was integrated into the structure of corporate management, including seats on corporate boards, and oversaw the destruction of hundreds of thousands of jobs and one concession contract after another. This coincided with the racist campaign to boycott Japanese-made cars, which included smashing Toyotas with sledgehammers, barring foreign-made cars from factory parking lots and issuing bumper stickers reading Remember Pearl Harbor. The atmosphere created by the UAW was so foul it led to the 1982 murder of 27-year-old Chinese-American Vincent Chin, who was beaten to death by two Chrysler foremen in Detroit who thought he was Japanese. Pointing to the call of the UAW for the setting up of government-labor-management bodies to set national industrial policy, the Workers League, the predecessor of the Socialist Equality Party, drew a parallel to the policies implemented by Italian fascism under Mussolini. The frantic efforts of the trade union bureaucracy to formulate a program for national revival within the framework of capitalist private ownership of the means of production, we wrote in 1982, leads the UAW to adopt economic and social conceptions which closely resemble those put into effect by fascist regimes in a last-ditch attempt to save capitalism. It is no accident that Trumps chief aide, the fascist Stephen Bannon, is an admirer of Mussolini. Within the union apparatus there are no doubt many whose outlook is indistinguishable from Bannons. The membership of the unions has fallen to the lowest percentage of the workforce since the 1920s. They continue to exist solely at the behest of the corporations and a section of the political establishment, mainly in the Democratic Party, which sees their utility in suppressing the class struggle and beating the drums for World War III against Russia and China. Kourtney Kardashian and Kylie Jenner sparkle at a Golden Globe Awards afterparty. (Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic) No one has ever accused the Kardashian-Jenners of being conservative, but Kourtney Kardashian and Kylie Jenner have recently donned ensembles that seem pretty inappropriate for the occasions even in their world. On Wednesday, Kylie stepped out in a barely-there outfit that consisted of a bustier, a flouncy miniskirt, and strappy stilettos. Clearly pleased with her look, the 19-year-old makeup mogul shared front and back snapshots of the skimpy ensemble and captioned the shot with a simple candy emoji. Just to be clear, she was reportedly headed to a business meeting. ???? A post shared by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on Feb 22, 2017 at 4:01pm PST Then there was her older sibling, Kourtney, who headed out Wednesday night in a pair of sporty olive-green pants and a completely see-through top with a sexy black lace bra underneath. She was meeting Justin Bieber at a church service. Doesnt everyone dress like Kourtney Kardashian for church? (Photo: Maciel/AKM-GSI) To be fair, she did have a large coat that she threw over her shoulders (perhaps in an effort to be more church-appropriate), but since it wasnt zipped, it didnt cover much beyond her arms and part of her shoulders. It was the second time she and the Biebs got their worship on together since she got back from Costa Rica. (ICYMI, Scott Disick left that vacation early and flitted off to Miami to party after getting into some sort of blowout fight with the fam.) This is hardly the first time that members of this reality-star family have worn attire that was seemingly inappropriate for the activities at hand. Last Easter, Kourtney chose a see-through, lacy white top that showcased her bra beneath for a church service. It seems that flashing her bra is Kourtneys go-to church attire. Kourtney Kardashian arrived for Easter service wearing this. (Photo: Splash News) In April 2015, Kylie wore what basically amounted to underwear with a jacket to a family dinner. Seriously, the girl did not have any pants on. Kylie Jenner sported this sexy number for a family dinner in 2015. (Photo: X17online.com) But perhaps Kim Kardashian takes the cake for the absolutely most inappropriate ensemble when she wore a low-cut tuxedo-style jacket with her boobs well positioned and no shirt underneath to push North West around in a pram on the streets of New York City. Story continues Kim Kardashian with baby North in a stroller in NYC. (Photo: Splash News) Its hard to imagine where Kim could have been going with no shirt and her baby in tow, but if we had to guess, wed say a business meeting or church. More from Yahoo Celebrity: When Olympia LePoint was 6 years old, a school field trip altered her young life. The South Central, Los Angeles, native says she became alive as she viewed a mission control room and jet engines at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, where her late grandfather was a janitor. It was uplifting for me, LePoint tells PEOPLE. I told myself I wanted to be like the men I saw on the walls who were launching rockets. When LePoint was growing up, the world of rocket science was indeed a mans world one she aspired to join. Similar to the Oscar-nominated film Hidden Figures, which centers on a team of African-American women who served as the brains behind astronaut John Glenns launch into orbit, LePoint overcame workplace sexism as she made triumphant strides in rocket science, and she is grateful for the women who came before her. I thank these women because they opened up the door for me to show my confidence and intelligence, she says. The film is so important because it shows how science can unite people and connect people. Had it not been for the women highlighted in the film, I would not be where I am today. LePoint struggled before landing her dream job at Boeing at just 21 years old. She grew up in poverty and lived next door to a crack house with her siblings and single mother. LePoint says she savored the image of becoming a rocket scientist, revisiting her field trip memory when she was facing challenges in school. At 10, a gang member sliced her face, leading her mother to enroll her in a safer school two hours from home, she says. Adjusting to a 5 a.m. wake-up call and a new environment, LePoints grades took a toll. In eighth grade, she failed math despite loving the subject. LePoint credits a math tutor who helped her turn around her grades with free tutoring during winter break. She borrowed the $1.35 bus fare from a kind gas station attendant to make the long commute to each session. She went on to earn her Bachelors of Science in Mathematics at California State University, Northridge, which she says is her proudest accomplishment, since she put herself through school through jobs (including part-time modeling) and scholarship money. Story continues In 1998 at 21 years old LePoint accepted an analyst position at Boeing, which directly supports NASA. After a few months on the job, she officially became a rocket scientist. Her job included using mathematics to calculate the probability of catastrophic explosions within flight. She used her findings to help others understand the risk of flying a space shuttle into space. She remembers walking into a room of nearly 200 hundred people and being the only female engineer in the room. On her second day, LePoint recalls a man circling her in the hallway as if she were a museum piece, she says. And she remembers a few female executive assistants pulling her into the restroom, introducing themselves and sharing advice. They said, Whatever you do, if you ever get flustered, if you ever get emotional, if you feel like crying, grab one of us and bring us over into the restroom, and well talk with you so you can be calm out there. I thought they were joking, LePoint says. The bathroom was the place for sanity, LePoint says. Which is why she was particularly moved by the scene in the film where Taraji P. Hensons character Katherine Johnson was emotional about the half-mile distance to the dilapidated colored bathroom. Also similar to a scene in Hidden Figures, LePoint recalls a time when a man tried to take credit for her six months of research data. But a female mentor practiced a rebuttal with LePoint, and just one month later, she delivered it successfully. I realized my mentor had prepared me for this, and I said, No, I feel fully prepared to give the information that I have solely researched. knew that he could not argue with that because it was my work. He said, Are you sure? Theyre going to eat you alive. Sent into preparation overdrive, LePoint says the experience helped her become a strong leader and presenter. She was coined the rocket science news reporter and she became the youngest person to present information to NASA of that scale. LePoint says it was important for her to keep her sense of self intact during that time. I saw women engineers cut their hair short and a lot of them wear really baggy clothes, and sometimes diminish the fact that they had a figure, she says. I always promised myself I was never going to do that, and I was going to be true to who I was, and I was going to make science exciting. I was going to always be a woman in this male world, and I wanted to own the fact that I was a woman. Today, LePoint is dedicated to empowering young people especially women and people of color to unleash their brainpower. She travels the country as a professional speaker, hosts her radio show Answers Unleashed and enjoys being a hip mathematics professor at Pasadena City College. She says she hopes her story can inspire others, just as her Hidden Figures predecessors have inspired her. This movie is so powerful because it points the finger to me, she says. Pamela Anderson and Julian Assange are teaming up in more ways than one. (Photo: AP Photo) Pamela Anderson plans to advocate for men falsely accused of rape. The Baywatch stars new cause is inspired by friend and rumored boyfriend(!) Julian Assange. The WikiLeaks founder has been holed up at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London for four years amid rape allegations in Sweden. Anderson, 49, recently spoke out in support of Assange on the Russian television show The Underground. Sweden has these very progressive laws against sexual crimes, Anderson explained. Its almost too progressive, its almost paralyzing. Im going to actually start campaigning for men who have been victims of being accused of rape when they havent actually done anything. Anderson, who was a victim of sexual abuse as a child, has campaigned for years on behalf of women and children who have been raped. However, she says her new crusade will not undermine those efforts. Related: Pamela Anderson Reveals Sexual Abuse We all, of course, gravitate toward vulnerable people, and we consider that to be women and children first and foremost, which is important, of course, she said, but theres also a lot of men who are in a vulnerable situation and politically bullied. Sweden has been seeking Assanges extradition in a rape investigation regarding two sexual assault allegations. He has denied such claims. According to Page Six, Anderson has visited Assange, 45, four times in the past three months, and they are rumored to be dating. Ive spent more time talking to Julian than all of my ex-husbands combined! Anderson said on the Kyle & Jackie O show. She has been married four times to three men: Rick Salomon, Tommy Lee, and Kid Rock. The actress was then asked by the Australian radio hosts if shes kissed Assange. Related: Get to Know Pamelas Model Son Dylan Jagger Lee Oh, God, she giggled. It was never the intention to become romantic, it was just to join forces to do something important. It naturally happens, Jackie O said. Things happen, for sure, Anderson teased. Story continues The admiration is clearly mutual. Assange spoke to the same outlet, telling the radio station, Shes an attractive person with an attractive personality. Shes no idiot at all! Psychologically shes very savvy. Cant say we saw this one coming. More from Yahoo Celebrity: Two Utah teens were charged Tuesday with the attempted murder of a 14-year-old girl who police said was shot in the back of the head, robbed and then left for dead last week. The 16-year-old boys, who were arrested over the weekend, are charged with one count each of first-degree felony attempted aggravated murder and aggravated robbery and four counts each of second-degree felony obstructing justice. The two teen suspects allegedly lured their victim to a dry canal bed in Smithfield, Utah, under the guise of selling her a knife, according to charging documents obtained by PEOPLE. The county attorney said he plans to try them both as adults, but such a motion has not yet been approved by a judge. A court official says information about the suspects attorneys and pleas was not available Wednesday because theyre minors. They remain in custody. PEOPLE is not identifying the suspects while they are being tried as juveniles. Authorities say the victim, a ninth-grade girl, was found semi-conscious in the canal, about 90 miles north of Salt Lake City, on Friday. She had been reported missing the previous evening after she didnt arrive home from school, and she was hospitalized soon after being found. Family spokesman Jill Parker tells PEOPLE the victim remains in critical condition in a medically-induced coma. She is in the fight of her life right now, Parker told the Salt Lake City Tribune. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. In a statement to PEOPLE, the victims family thanked law enforcement and the hospital staff as well as the community for all the support, prayers, assistance in our time of need. We know that our Father in Heaven is watching over her and all of us that have been touched by her, the familys statement continued. We know the he hears and answers prayers and we can see his hand at work as continues to make progress. Story continues Suspect: I Am So So So Sorry Police allege the initial plan was to stab the victim to death and then rob her but one of the suspects decided instead to use a .22-caliber revolver he had brought with him. That teen brought the gun as a secondary weapon to be used against if the original plan failed, the documents allege. He eventually confessed, authorities claim. When interviewed by police, that same teen allegedly said that after he shot the victim at close range, he stole her cellphone and iPod from her pocket. He allegedly claimed the other teen stole $55 from the victims purse and forcibly removed her backpack from her body. After they robbed her, the duo allegedly tossed the victims backpack in a Dumpster in a city park and destroyed her electronics, according to the charging documents. Greed was the reason they stole the items, the first suspect allegedly told police in his confession. He provided police with a written apology to family in which he states I am so so so sorry, the documents claim. Pick up PEOPLEs special edition True Crime Stories: Cases That Shocked America, on sale now, for the latest on Casey Anthony, JonBenet Ramsey and more. The teen allegedly told police that after the shooting, he hid the gun under his brothers mattress and gave the bullet casing to his accomplice as a memento, according to the documents. Police found the casing on the teens bedroom windowsill. The second teen was also interviewed by police and initially denied any involvement in the shooting, according to the documents. He later told police he had met his friend at the canal but claimed the friend was with a girl he didnt know. He said the girl asked for a ride home and when she turned around to walk away, his friend allegedly pulled out a gun and shot her in the head which scared him. His interview ended after he asked for an attorney. Cache County Attorney James Swink told reporters the crimes violence was unusual, according to the Associated Press. I havent seen anything like this case in the 18 years Ive worked , he said. Overcome a Low GMAT Score When a GMAT score is lower than expected, it can diminish confidence, but obsessing over the number isn't going to make it better. "Business school hopefuls can be incredibly hard on themselves when they make mistakes on the GMAT, but each error is a learning opportunity and a chance to improve," U.S. News columnist Stacy Blackman wrote on the MBA Admissions: Strictly Business blog. "So don't become discouraged if your first score isn't where you'd hoped." Here are 10 coping strategies experts suggest for dealing with a low GMAT score. 1. Consider a retake Experts say first-time test takers are often nervous during the GMAT, which hinders their performance on the test. Blackman, the founder of an MBA admissions consulting firm, wrote in a blog post that there is no shame in retaking the GMAT, especially if anxiety or illness prevented you from doing your best. "In fact, this dedication to improving your score is often interpreted by the admissions committee as a sign that you'll do whatever it takes to prove you're ready for business school." 2. Study more Blackman says MBA applicants typically need a minimum of 100 hours to prepare for the GMAT, and she says it is difficult to do well on the test without a significant time commitment. Dan Gonzalez, then-president of the Manhattan Prep test prep firm, told U.S. News in 2014 that prospective MBA students should plan on studying for the GMAT on a regular basis rather than cramming. "Studying for the GMAT is kind of like practicing an instrument or learning how to play a sport," Gonzalez said. "You have to give it frequent attention." 3. Reach out for help If you need guidance on how to deal with certain aspects of the GMAT or if you need accountability to ensure that you study enough for the GMAT, experts say a course or a tutor could be valuable. "Feeling prepared is half of the battle," Rachael Waddell, an MBA graduate from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University, told U.S. News in 2012. "During the test, the ability to regroup after a few rough questions is crucial. This comes from confidence in knowing that you are familiar with the material and question types." Story continues 4. Evaluate what went wrong Looking at your previous GMAT test will reveal your mistakes so you can correct them on a future test, Blackman wrote in a U.S. News blog post about how to decide whether to retake the GMAT. "After your first test, it's time to go over your entire GMAT performance to determine your weaknesses and double-down in those areas as you resume your studies," she wrote. "Don't completely ignore the sections you did well on, however. You wouldn't want to improve in one area but do worse in another the next time." 5. Pace yourself Meeting time limits is a challenging aspect of the GMAT, Gonzalez of Manhattan Prep said, so test-takers should take practice tests with time limits. "Never do a practice exam without a stop watch," he said. "Timed practice is one of the most critical parts of the test." 6. Try the GRE Experts say prospective MBA students who do not have a quantitative background often perform better on the GRE than the GMAT. "The GMAT mathematics section is just more difficult," Mary Pat Jacobs, the founder of Apply Point Admissions Consulting, told U.S. News in 2015. "If someone has a weakness in the quantitative section, then I recommend the GRE." 7. Demonstrate math skills If your GMAT score won't budge, experts say to show MBA admissions officers that you are ready to handle the rigorous quantitative courses in business school. Experts say to take supplemental math courses or describe the quantitative work you have done throughout your career in your application. "The admissions committee will sometimes give candidates the benefit of the doubt if other aspects of their application are exceptionally compelling," Blackman wrote about getting into business school without quantitative experience. 8. Avoid panic Experts say eliminating test day jitters can improve GMAT scores. Blackman wrote that getting a video tour of the GMAT test center and researching test procedures can prevent surprises the day of the test. Meditation can also help to reduce anxiety, she wrote, as can taking the GMAT in the same location where you took a previous test, which reduces the chance of getting lost. 9. Identify your learning style Dave Killoran, the CEO of PowerScore Test Preparation, told U.S. News in 2014 that students should consider how they learn best -- whether independently or through the structure of a course - before choosing a study method. "If you're a real procrastinator, you do not want to self study. Because you'll put it off all the time," he said. 10. Highlight your strengths Some students are not good test-takers. If you have taken the GMAT multiple times without success, focus on portions of the application where you can excel, said Blackman. "Put your energies toward boosting your candidacy in the areas of your application you can control, namely the essays, extracurriculars and, to some extent, the recommendation letters, where your recommenders can highlight your quantitative skills," Blackman wrote in 2013. Using the optional essay to explain a low test score is unwise, she said, because these kinds of excuses don't play well with admissions officers. More About GMAT Preparation Learn more about preparing for the GMAT and applying to business school. Access our complete rankings of the Best Business Schools to create a school short list. You can learn more about business schools by following U.S. News Education on Twitter and Facebook. Ilana Kowarski covers graduate schools for U.S. News. You can reach her via email at ikowarski@usnews.com. ROME (AP) A Rome court has convicted two former top managers of the Vatican's scandal-marred bank for minor violations of anti-money laundering norms. According to the ANSA news agency, the two were absolved of a more serious charge but were convicted Thursday of omissions in communications involving three small transfers and were sentenced to four months, 10 days each. Their lawyers plan to appeal. Paolo Cipriani and Massimo Tulli resigned under pressure in 2013 from the Vatican bank called Institute for Religious Works, or IOR. The bank's leadership had been under investigation since 2010 for allegedly violating Italy's anti-money laundering laws involving routine bank transactions. The ruling comes a day after two other ex-Vatican officials who worked in the Vatican's patrimony office were put under investigation in a separate market-rigging probe. Photo credit: Land Rover From Road & Track There's a big gap between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport, both in price and size. Since the hot trend for luxury automakers is to fill every hole in their lineup, Range Rover has created a new SUV to sit between the Evoque and the Sport. Meet the Velar, or at least, meet part of it. Land Rover will show off the Velar in full next week, but for now, we get one picture, and a name. The name Velar actually refers to the first Range Rover prototype built back in 1969, but its styling should be significantly different than that boxy old truck. Not that you could tell by the single picture Land Rover released. "We call the Velar the avant-garde Range Rover," said Land Rover design boss Gerry McGovern, in a press release. It brings a new dimension of glamour, modernity and elegance to the brand. The Range Rover Velar changes everything." Beyond that, we can tell you that the Velar, uh, has a pretty big glass roof. We'll have to wait another week to see it in all its "avant-garde" glory. Autocar reports that the Velar is closely related to the Jaguar F-Pacethat's a good thing since the Jag is one of the most fun-to-drive SUVs on the market. For engines, the Velar is expected to use Jaguar Land Rover's familiar turbocharged four-cylinders and supercharged V6s. Land Rover also says the Velar will feature snazzy new interior tech. To see the rest of the Velar in pictures, we'll have to wait until March 1st. In addition, the Velar will make its in-person debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. You Might Also Like MADISON, Wis. (AP) Relatives of an unarmed black teenager who was fatally shot by a police officer in Wisconsin will receive $3.35 million to settle a federal civil rights lawsuit, attorneys announced on Thursday. Tony Robinson Jr., 19, was shot and killed by Madison police officer Matt Kenny, who is white, in 2015. The shooting sparked protests throughout the city and calls for an examination of police use of force. Robinson's attorneys said the deal was the largest police shooting settlement in Wisconsin history. Attorney David B. Owens called it vindication for parents still grieving the loss of their oldest son. "If you could bring their son back, would they give all the money back? Absolutely," Owens said. The settlement was reached by the city of Madison's insurance carrier and Robinson's family. Kenny's attorney, Jim Palmer, said it was nothing more than a business decision to avoid the costs of trial. "The Robinson family has made a number of outrageous claims that will now never be resolved," Palmer said. "The settlement serves to further cast a pall over Matt's reputation and his service to the community." Myra Longfield, a spokeswoman for U.S. Attorney John Vaudreuil in Madison, said his office and the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division are still reviewing the death to determine whether federal civil rights charges are warranted. Kenny shot and killed Robinson in an apartment house after Robinson's friend called police because Robinson was acting erratically. Kenny said he entered the house to investigate sounds of a disturbance, and Robinson started punching him. Kenny's attorney said Kenny suffered a concussion, but Owens disputes that. Owens said three of Kenny's seven shots appeared to be fired from several feet away, contradicting Kenny's account that Robinson was attacking him. "There is no way in the universe that this happened the way Matt said it did," Owens said. "We did the investigation that the city of Madison refused to do. They wouldn't have paid a dime if they thought they were going to win a trial." Story continues An autopsy showed Robinson had traces of drugs in his system, including hallucinogenic mushrooms. Kenny was later cleared of criminal wrongdoing and an internal investigation found he acted within police policies. District Attorney Ismael Ozanne declined to charge him with any crime. The Police Department did change policy to give officers the option of using a Taser when alone in situations requiring the use of force. Attorneys for Robinson's family, including Owens, appeared with Robinson's mother and other relatives at a press conference Thursday. Owens said, despite the settlement, he plans to ask federal investigators, Ozanne and the Madison Police Department to review evidence gathered for the trial. He said the department's investigation failed to question Kenny's account. Robinson's mother, Andrea Irwin, asked the public to "go in with an open mind and actually dig and do the research" on her son's death. The family's lawsuit was to go to trial February 27 before it was settled. Madison Mayor Paul Soglin said it's difficult to understand the calculations police officers must make when confronted by people impaired by substance abuse or mental health issues. "Officer Kenny was forced to make immediate decisions in dangerous circumstances which led to tragic consequences," Soglin said in a statement. Kenny now works with the department's training program and horse-mounted patrol unit often used to control crowds. Madison Police Chief Mike Koval said though Kenny has earned the right to return to active patrol, there are no plans for him to do so. Koval said the settlement has a "chilling effect" on the Police Department's reputation, even though it does not include any admission of wrongdoing. "Reasonable people can infer that if the cops had done nothing wrong, why in the world would they have settled for such an astronomical amount?" he said. "But we're not going to be defined by this settlement. That's just not how we roll." The shooting came less than a year after an officer killed 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and amid heightened scrutiny nationwide of police shootings, especially of young black men. ___ Follow Cara Lombardo on Twitter at https://twitter.com/CaraRLombardo ___ This story has been updated to correct the spelling of the district attorney's first name to Ismael, instead of Ishmael. SRINAGAR, India (AP) Three Indian soldiers and a woman were killed when rebels ambushed soldiers in the disputed region of Kashmir, police said Thursday. Inspector-General Syed Javaid Mujtaba Gillani said the militants tossed grenades and sprayed bullets at soldiers returning from a search operation in the southern Shopian area early Thursday. Gillani said the attack triggered a brief exchange of gunfire and a stray bullet hit the 60-year-old woman while she was sleeping in her home. Thousands of people chanting slogans against Indian rule and in support of the rebel cause took part in the woman's funeral. Three soldiers, including two officers, were also injured in the attack. There was no independent confirmation of the incident. Locals said that shortly after the firing stopped, soldiers ransacked homes and smashed dozens of cars in the area. Rashid Ahmed, a villager, said the soldiers barged into homes and even fired inside rooms. Video on social media showed windows of parked cars that were smashed as well as windows of homes. The Indian army and police did not immediately respond to the allegations. India and Pakistan each administer a portion of Kashmir, and both claim the Himalayan territory in its entirety. Most people in the Indian-controlled portion favor independence or a merger with Pakistan. Rebels have been fighting against Indian rule since 1989. More than 68,000 people have been killed in the armed uprising and ensuing Indian military crackdown. In an attempt to cheer up a 92-year-old World War II veteran whos been sick in the hospital, a U.S. congressman and local lawmaker paid him a visit to honor him for his incredible service. Michael Feeney, of Bay Shore, New York, doesnt often talk about what he actually did in the war. It wasnt until a few years ago that his family found out that Feeney helped crack the German Enigma machine, allowing the allies to anticipate the Nazis every move to help achieve victory. Read: Disabled Vet Trying to Stop Turtle Torturers Is Brutally Attacked: Cops The 2014 Oscar-winning movie "The Imitation Game," which starred Benedict Cumberbatch as mathematician Alan Turing, highlighted the importance of solving the code. "He is very proud of his service but would always just say, I served in the war,'" Michael Virga, Feeneys stepson, told InsideEdition.com. "It was an eye-opener for me when I found out that he had done that." (Courtesy Michael Virga) Feeney has been sick with a blood infection and a family member decided to contact U.S. Rep. Peter King to see if an honor might cheer him up in his room at Southside Hospital. King, who was joined by Suffolk County Legislator Tom Cilmi, presented Feeney with an American flag that has flown over the nations capital. It was an honor to be able to meet and talk with this hero who has such a sense of dignity and is so modest about his historic accomplishment, Rep. King wrote on his Facebook page. Read: Police Build Kitty Condo for Stray Cat That Has Been Visiting Department for Years Although Virga said his father was too tired to truly embrace the honor, he knows that had he been in his best health, it would have been an amazing moment for him. He would have been very proud to receive it if he was well. He was always so proud of his service, Virga said. Watch: Sons Surprise WWII Vet Father With Purple Heart He Never Received Related Articles: Taher Herzallah, holding a Palestinian flag, interrupts David Friedman, nominated to be U.S. ambassador to Israel, as he testifies before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Feb. 16. (Photo: Susan Walsh/AP) JERUSALEM Taher Herzallah, a Palestinian-American, rose from a chair at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing for a potential ambassador to Israel. Holding a Palestinian flag, he shouted, Mr. Friedman said that Palestinian refugees dont have a claim to the land. He was speaking of the land now controlled by Israel and addressing President Trumps pick for ambassador. Herzallah, 28, is part of a generation of young activists whose opposition to the military occupation and what they consider Israels human rights violations has crystallized around the nomination of David Friedman, a Jewish American bankruptcy lawyer. The committee is expected to vote on his confirmation next week. Friedman supports Trumps intention to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which Palestinians regard as a provocation. And he has given significant financial support to Israels expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank. The settlements are considered illegal under international law and illegitimate under long-standing U.S. policy, which under previous presidents has been to support a separate Palestinian state. But Trumps statements appear to undermine that commitment. Yahoo News spoke to Herzallah, an outreach director with American Muslims for Palestine. He said, As an American citizen who pays my taxes, I dont want to see U.S. policy shift towards normalizing settlements. The Senate and those who are in Congress [should] recognize theres clearly a generational divide with regards to opinions about Israel-Palestine. At the hearing, Herzallah continued, Im right here. My grandfather was exiled, kicked out by the state of Israel. We are not going away. His family, originally from Gaza, moved to the Negev Desert area in the 1930s and by his account was expelled from its home after Israel became a state in 1948. Though he grew up in the U.S., he has traveled to Gaza and feels a connection to the politics of the region. Story continues But he believes U.S. congressional leaders do not understand where their own constituents stand on Israeli-Palestinian matters. Sitting there and listening to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee pontificating on their love for Israel, he said, really demonstrated to me how out of touch they were with the emerging reality. Herzallah wasnt the only protester at Friedmans hearing. Young Jewish Americans from an organization called If Not Now also protested at the hearing and accused Friedman of racism, saying, You do not represent us. Protesters from If Not Now during the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on David Friedmans nomination to be U.S. ambassador to Israel. (Photo: Yuri Gripas/Reuters) One of the protesters, Isaac Flegel-Mishlove, 24, an organizer with If Not Now, told Yahoo News, David Friedman represents a total moral failure of the Jewish establishment. He said Friedmans views are a violation of core Jewish principles. He believes he was raised to practice radical love, loving the neighbor, loving the stranger, and when it comes to Israeli occupation, those fundamental principles, those Jewish values are not applied. He calls for an end to Israeli military occupation, which he says is a system of violence and separation. He believes Friedmans ambassadorship in coordination with U.S. policy could be damaging to peace and could induce serious violence against Palestinians and Israelis. The six protesters at the hearing were then taken away by police. Herzallah and Flegel-Mishlove said they were taken to a police station, held for six hours, charged and released. While Flegel-Mishlove was offered post and forfeit meaning he could pay a fine for a charge of unlawful demonstration and close his case Herzallah was not offered the same. He will have to appear in court on March 1 and is charged with unlawful disruption of Congress. On the ground, in Jerusalem, a nongovernmental Israeli-based organization, BTselem, works to educate the international community about human rights abuses against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, covering everything from the Israeli military raiding homes to demolitions that make room for more settlers. BTselems spokesperson, Amit Gilutz, told Yahoo News that Israeli policy has been designed over the years to make military occupation a permanent force: Israels policy is to control as much land as possible with as few Palestinians on it as possible. Gilutz said Israeli policy is taking away peoples livelihood and that Palestinians actually live on about 165 islands of land or enclaves that cannot thrive. Theyre disconnected from one another, and they lack resources that are needed for future development. The organization wants the global community to apply pressure on the Israeli government and demand that human rights be observed, because, Gilutz said, we think the power disparity between the Israelis and Palestinians is so huge that Israel doesnt really have a reason to change course. Workers carry material at a construction site in the West Bank settlement of Maale Adumim. (Photo: Mahmoud Illean/AP) The Israeli government recently approved more than 3,000 new housing units for Jews on the West Bank. Trump has called for a pause in new construction in the settlements, believing further building could obstruct peace negotiations. Diana Buttu, a former negotiations lawyer for Palestinian officials and a political analyst, sat down with Yahoo News in Jerusalem. She said Israel and the United States see Palestinians as a problem that needs to be solved. This is a [U.S.] president who does not understand the basics of international law. Settlements are illegal. Theyre not just illegal; theyre war crimes. The problem is, at its core, is Israel continues to defy international law and nobody wants to hold them to task. She said she supports boycotts, divestments and sanctions on Israel, because until they see theres a price to be paid for violating international law, theyre going to continue to make excuses. And theyre going to continue to build and expand more settlements. Meanwhile, Israeli settlement leaders are pressing for the U.S. and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to support the annexation of the occupied West Bank. The Beit El settlement has received sizable financial donations from both Trump and Friedman over the years. Its spokesman, Hagai Ben Artzi, told Yahoo News, We expect the new [U.S.] administration to support the development and growth of settlements. He denies that Palestinians are under military administration and says they have no claim to the land. An independent state will be a disaster for Israel because it will be something like Gaza. Instead of peace, we got a terror state in Gaza, he said, adding that Palestinians should build alongside the settlers, but only under the umbrella of Israeli sovereignty. At the Trump-Netanyahu press conference last week, the Israeli prime minister seemed to echo Ben Artzis belief. Jews are called Jews because they come from Judea, he said. This is our ancestral homeland. Jews are not foreign colonialists in Judea. Friedman, too, testified he would be delighted to see peace come to the region, but he said he was skeptical of a two-state solution because he has seen an unwillingness on the part of the Palestinians to renounce terror. Yahoo News sought a comment from Netanyahus office on how the Israelis plan to move forward after the meeting with Trump, but received no response. Buttu, however, said Israelis are colonizing Palestinians. Every colonial movement in history has had to justify their colonial activities by either saying that the people who theyre over are insufficient to rule themselves, or that they werent really a people to begin with. Israel has used a combination of the two. David Friedman at the Feb. 16 hearing on his nomination to be U.S. ambassador to Israel. (Photo: Yuri Gripas/Reuters) She also believes Friedmans remarks about Jewish Americans who stood against Israeli occupation he called them kapos, a term for Jews who helped Nazis in exchange for special favors are statements deep down he believes in. Now, she said, the mask is off, and its clear exactly where the United States position is on Israeli-Palestinian peace. Buttu said she was impressed by how many Jewish organizations have come out against Friedmans nomination. But many Palestinians are skeptical of a change in American policy. Herzallah said one of the messages he hoped to get out to fellow Palestinians during his protest was that Palestinians living in what we call shatat, or exile, or in diaspora are truly engaged in this issue, that we care and well do whatever it takes to change U.S. foreign policy. Flegel-Mishlove said, I think theres a lot of work done to get young American Jews feeling uncomfortable, getting out on the streets, writing on Facebook, writing to elected officials, making their voice heard in Jewish institutions. If Not Now is having enormous success our numbers are growing. _____ Ash Gallagher is a journalist covering the Mideast for Yahoo News. Read more from Yahoo News: By climbing a flagpole outside the South Carolina's statehouse, Bree Newsome practically wrote the modern book on removing Confederate flags from public spaces. Apparently, not everyone read that book, so now we have a sequel. Black Lives Matter activist Muhiyidin d'Baha was arrested on Wednesday in South Carolina after epically leaping over a police tape barricade to snatch a Confederate flag out of a protestor's hand. Since it took place directly behind a CBS newscast, the stunning moment aired on live TV the cameraman followed d'Baha as he quickly ran across the shot. SEE ALSO: How Black Lives Matter made the leap from social media to social action Check out the unbelievable moment here. Protester jumps barricade and attempts to get Confederate flag from man #chsnews pic.twitter.com/hTBql8qS9Z Ray Rivera (@RayRiveraLive5) February 22, 2017 The flag was held by a member of the South Carolina Secessionist Party, protesting outside of the College of Charleston's Sottile Theatre, at an event featuring Newsome, an African-American activist, filmmaker and one of the driving forces behind the South Carolina state government's decision to permanently remove the Confederate flag from Capitol grounds. D'Baha was counter-protesting the demonstration when he dove over the police tape, and is now being lauded on Twitter for his remarkable act of resistance. This is Muhiyidin dBaha, a #blacklivesmatter organizer and, like Bree Newsome, a #RoleModel and #hero. Conviction and courage in action. https://t.co/UgZ3ZVfWs5 Donald Deeley (@DonaldJDeeley) February 23, 2017 @RayRiveraLive5 Somebody give that young man a medal. He's definitely doing great work. JL Sigman (@JLSigman) February 23, 2017 That's the shit right there. No place for the confederate flag to be used like that in the US nowadays. We live in 2017, not 1862. https://t.co/uGDpCj2sDX Jeff (@Vivalawino) February 23, 2017 the guy snatching the confederate flag is a hero, he didn't deserve to be arrested (@PRINCESSYIXING) February 23, 2017 D'Baha, our new personal hero, was arrested after his leap for justice, and reportedly charged with disorderly conduct by the Charleston Police Department. Story continues Advocacy group Showing Up For Racial Justice Charleston has set up a crowdfunding page to raise money for d'Baha's bail, already garnering over $12,000 of their $12,500 goal. D'Baha, you are an inspiration to us all. We leave you with this perfect tweet. By Shereen Lehman (Reuters Health) - For people with a certain type of migraine headache, regular acupuncture treatments may help reduce the frequency of these debilitating attacks, a recent study from China suggests. Patients who suffered migraines without aura, and who received five true acupuncture treatments per week for four consecutive weeks had about one less headache per month than similar patients who got the same number of sham acupuncture treatments, researchers report. Acupuncture should be considered as one option for migraine prophylaxis in light of our findings, the authors write in JAMA Internal Medicine. About 18 percent of women and 6 percent of men in the U.S. suffer from migraine headaches in a given year, according to a 2001 study, making the condition a leading cause of disability. Acupuncture is commonly used to treat migraines in China, however, studies of whether it works for migraine prevention have been inconsistent, the study team notes. Ling Zhao of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Sichuan, China, and colleagues recruited 249 adults who had an average of two to eight migraines without aura per month from three clinical centers in China. For the study, participants kept track of their migraine headache frequency and severity for four weeks before being randomly assigned to receive true acupuncture treatment, sham acupuncture treatment or to be put on a waiting list for treatment. People in both the true and sham acupuncture groups received 20 treatments with acupuncture needles and electrical stimulation, each lasting thirty minutes. The true acupuncture group was treated at four acupuncture points thought to affect headaches and with enough electrical stimulation to elicit a Deqi" sensation, which includes soreness, numbness, distention or radiation that indicated effective needling, according to the authors. For the sham treatment, the needles were placed in areas not known to be acupuncture points and the deqi sensation wasnt induced. At 16 weeks, the number of migraines reported in the true acupuncture group fell by about three attacks per month, while people in the sham acupuncture group had two fewer attacks per month. Among the studys limitations, about 20 percent of the participants had previous experience with acupuncture, and its not known how many may have been able to guess whether their treatments were real or sham. Placebo response is strong in migraine treatment studies, and it is possible that the Deqi sensation . . . that was elicited in the true acupuncture group could have led to a higher degree of placebo response because there was no attempt made to elicit the Deqi sensation in the sham acupuncture group, Dr. Amy Gelfand writes in an accompanying editorial. Gelfand, a neurologist at the University of California, San Francisco, told Reuters Health that the placebo effect is interesting and important, especially in migraine studies, but she thinks about it differently as a researcher and as a clinician. When I'm a researcher, placebo response is kind of a troublesome thing, because it makes it difficult to separate signal from noise, she said. But when shes thinking as a doctor about the patient in front of her, placebo response is welcome, Gelfand said. You know, what I really want is my patient to feel better, and to be improved and not be in pain. So, as long as something is safe, even if it's working through a placebo mechanism, it may still be something that some patients might want to use, she said. When a patient is interested in a treatment that may have a strong placebo effect, Gelfand added, There's a real checklist in my head, with safety being the first thing; and if it seems like it's safe then I think about things like cost, because often these things are not going to be covered by insurance, but to a certain extent that's the patient's decision; and I think about time, because these treatments can be time-consuming. Its a good idea to keep your doctor informed of any treatments that you're using, be they over-the-counter supplements or non-pharmacologic behavioral treatments, she said. I think that that's part of the picture, and as a provider, I like to know about all of those things. If for no other reason than it just helps me understand what kind of treatments my patient values and is looking for, Gelfand said. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2kWY8q4 and http://bit.ly/2m7OmU9 JAMA Internal Medicine, online February 20, 2017. Last week, a Russian spy ship the SSV-175 Viktor Leonov, to be specific spent a few days loitering approximately 30 miles off the East Coast of the United States. It patrolled up to Connecticut, then down to Virginia, generating an enormous amount of consternation along the way. Members of Congress discussed the ship in speeches on the House floor. It entered the popular conversation, becoming the subject of tweets by the likes of comedian Chelsea Handler. Asked about it during his now-infamous press conference on Thursday, the new U.S. president himself declared its presence to be not good! and speculated aloud that he would be praised if he took the decision to shoot it out of the water. The ship came in the wake, so to speak, of a few other incidents that set off alarm bells in Washington and elsewhere. Last week, the New York Times reported that Russia had secretly deployed cruise missiles its not clear when in likely defiance of a 1987 arms treaty. Then, a few days later, Russian fighters buzzed a U.S. destroyer in the Black Sea. That these events sparked panic among people who ought to know better is almost certainly a reflection of the ongoing Russia-related tensions in U.S. politics at the moment. The incidents themselves are hardly cause for alarm, though they should be cause for carefully calibrated response. As perplexed as the rest of us not quite sure what to make of Trump, the Russians are trying to get a sense for his administrations neuralgic points and red lines. And, as usual, theyre turning to their military as a political instrument. For all the talk of Donald Trump as the Siberian Candidate, Moscow has actually been rather wary of their supposed puppet. Yes, bombastic nationalist parliamentarians such as Vladimir Zhirinovsky were popping the champagne corks when Trump was elected. And Trumps evident hostility to the European Union, his lack of enthusiastic commitment to Ukraine, and the growing acrimony and divisions within the American governing classes are all very much in Russias interests. (The split between the White House and the intelligence community is a particular delight to them.) Story continues But Russias professional foreign-policy and national security establishments were worried from the start. The new U.S. administration has partially backed away from some of its initial inexplicable enthusiasm for Moscow, with Trump finally accepting that Crimea was taken and needs to be returned. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov was speaking the truth when he affirmed last week that We never wore rose-tinted glasses, never had any illusions, about the likelihood of an improved Russo-American relationship. When the worlds only true superpower becomes unpredictable and pugnacious, no one can be comfortable. Having for so long been able to exploit U.S. predictability and restraint, the Russians are having to come to terms with a rather different era. And so, the Kremlin is beginning to stage some smaller-scale provocations and incidents in an effort to calibrate the new U.S. administration. These sorts of limited missions are what the Russian military is for at least when deployed to the West. Yes, Russian soldiers are engaged in shooting wars in Ukraine and Syria. But in the West, they are typically used for what I have called heavy metal diplomacy a sort of coercive, aggressive smokescreen, essentially, which seeks to divide, distract, and deter the West so that it is less able and willing to challenge Russian aggression in areas closer to its own borders, its self-proclaimed sphere of influence. As such, Russias military power is typically an unsubtle instrument when used in the West a hammer rather than a scalpel, such as when Russian bombers simulate a nuclear attack on Sweden. Yet even a hammer can also be a diagnostic tool when a doctor uses one to check a patients reflexes. So, too, can the Russians use their military to test Western responses, moods and limits. This is what seems to be happening now. Within Ukraine where Moscow seems to believe, probably with good reason, that Washington is losing interest the Russians have not only encouraged their local proxies to step up their skirmishes but, in a serious hint that they see it becoming frozen, long-term, they are recognizing passports issued by their illegal local puppet states. Outside Ukraine, however, these most recent provocations have been strikingly limited. A single ship buzzed, a single unit of four SSC-8 cruise missiles deployed, a single spy ship, carefully staying in international waters. Each is testing Washingtons response to a different kind of stimulus, and delicately enough in the hope of not undermining Trump or forcing him into a corner. Is he going to get macho about bird-flipping fly-bys? How far will the new administration care about past arms treaties? (Trumps reported dismissal of the 2010 New START ballistic missile treaty as a bad deal suggests not.) Or does it see Russian intelligence gathering as the really serious threat? With this in mind, we should not assume that every exercise or deployment is a prelude to war. There certainly is no cause for panic. Putin is probing the United States for the sake of testing it, not seriously threatening it. But that makes Washingtons response that much more crucial. The old cliche about not getting a second chance to make a first impression certainly applies in diplomacy. At present, the Russians are uncertain quite what to make of the new administration. But if they are able to cycle through their heavy metal diplomacy greatest hits with only token responses, then they may conclude Trumps America is a pushover. Trump is hardly lacking in options, from tougher verbal condemnations, to implicit military warnings (the suggestion, say, that Russian cruise missile deployments may force America to deploy more air defense systems in Europe) to asymmetric retaliation (such as letting it be known that the next time an American ship is buzzed, Ukraines soldiers will be getting some new shipments of body armor or night-vision gear). For the time being, it appears as if the administration is too distracted by its own internal tumult to offer up any response at all. Last weeks Munich Security Conference did provide an opportunity for that triumvirate of grown-ups in the administration Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and Defense Secretary James Mattis to try and reassure Americas allies and talk a little tougher on Russia. But whether this will be taken as a real warning or simply be interpreted as further proof of a dysfunctional, divided U.S. government remains to be seen. Until the Kremlin has a sense of where the Trump administrations red lines lie, were unlikely to have seen the last of these little acts of geopolitical trolling. The Kremlin regards its military as an integral part of its political and diplomatic arsenal (even its take on hybrid warfare embraces political wars that will never reach the lethal phase). So, we must not panic but we must also give a strong and, perhaps most importantly, a consistent response, lest we only encourage more fly-bys, and perhaps, even more awkwardly timed spy ships. Photo credit: Adam Berry/Getty Images Johannesburg (AFP) - The South African government on Thursday called for calm after a wave of xenophobic violence in which dozens of shops and houses owned by immigrants have been torched and looted. Attacks against foreigners and foreign-run businesses have erupted regularly in recent years in South Africa, fuelled by the country's high unemployment levels and dire poverty. In the last week, more than 20 shops have been targeted in Atteridgeville, outside Pretoria, while residents in Rosettenville, south of Johannesburg, attacked at least 12 houses. Many locals have alleged that their targets were brothels and drug dens being run by migrants from elsewhere in Africa, including Nigeria and Zimbabwe. A march protesting against migrants is due to be held in Pretoria on Friday, raising fears of violence in the city centre. "I wish to appeal to all South Africans to desist from rhetoric or actions that are xenophobic," Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba told a press conference. "There are renewed incidents of violence against foreign nationals in Rosettenville and Pretoria West," he admitted, blaming a lack of jobs and alleged "drug peddling and prostitution" involving foreigners. - Anger grows - Nigeria this week called for the African Union to step in to stop "xenophobic attacks" on its citizens in South Africa, claiming 20 Nigerians were killed last year. South African authorities dismiss such numbers, saying many violent deaths in the country are due to criminal activity rather than anti-immigrant sentiment. The UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) has said it was "very concerned" about the march on Friday. "We condemn the attacks, looting and burning of property owned by foreign nationals and call on citizens to refrain from... taking the law into their own hands," it said. "There is no evidence that foreign nationals are responsible for the rise in crime and unemployment." Story continues Gigaba said that South African authorities were in talks with organisers of Friday's march, and that the police would ensure there was no violence. The Right2Know civil action group and other campaigns have called for the event to be cancelled. In 2008, South Africa experienced its worst bout of xenophobic violence, which left 62 people dead. In 2015, at least seven people died in similar unrest in Johannesburg and Durban as African immigrants were hunted down and attacked by gangs. On Wednesday, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said that 35 percent of the labour force was unemployed or has given up looking for work. Johannesburg (AFP) - The South African government on Thursday called for calm after a wave of xenophobic violence in which dozens of shops and houses owned by immigrants have been torched and looted. Many locals have alleged that the targets were brothels and drug dens being run by migrants from elsewhere in Africa, including Nigeria and Zimbabwe. The violence has prompted Nigeria to summon South Africa's top envoy to Abuja to raise their concerns. Nigeria's junior foreign minister Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim said the high commissioner would be "informed of (the) government's concerns on the situation" and asked to ensure action was taken. "The Federal Government of Nigeria strongly urges the South African Government to take all necessary measures to protect the lives and property of foreigners living and working in South Africa," she said in a statement. Attacks against foreigners and foreign-run businesses have erupted regularly in recent years in South Africa, fuelled by the country's high unemployment and poverty levels. In the last week, more than 20 shops have been targeted in Atteridgeville, outside Pretoria, while residents in Rosettenville, south of Johannesburg, attacked at least 12 houses. A march protesting against migrants is due to be held in Pretoria on Friday, raising fears of violence in the city centre. "I wish to appeal to all South Africans to desist from rhetoric or actions that are xenophobic," Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba told a press conference. "There are renewed incidents of violence against foreign nationals in Rosettenville and Pretoria West," he admitted, blaming a lack of jobs and alleged "drug peddling and prostitution" involving foreigners. - Crime and unemployment - In the Nigerian capital Abuja, about 100 demonstrators gathered outside the offices of two South African companies -- telecoms giant MTN and satellite TV provider DSTV -- to protest against the violence. Story continues The Nigerian government this week called for the African Union to step in to stop "xenophobic attacks" on its citizens in South Africa, claiming 20 Nigerians were killed last year. South African authorities dismiss such numbers, saying many violent deaths in the country are due to criminal activity rather than anti-immigrant sentiment. The UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) has said it was "very concerned" about the march on Friday. "We condemn the attacks, looting and burning of property owned by foreign nationals and call on citizens to refrain from... taking the law into their own hands," it said. "There is no evidence that foreign nationals are responsible for the rise in crime and unemployment." Gigaba said that South African authorities were in talks with organisers of Friday's march, and that the police would ensure there was no violence. The Right2Know civil action group and other campaigns have called for the event to be cancelled. In 2008, South Africa experienced its worst bout of xenophobic violence, which left 62 people dead. In 2015, at least seven people died in similar unrest in Johannesburg and Durban as African immigrants were hunted down and attacked by gangs. On Wednesday, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said that 35 percent of the labour force was unemployed or has given up looking for work. Yes, you can transfer your domain to any registrar or hosting company once you have purchased it. Since domain transfers are a manual process, it can take up to 5 days to transfer the domain. Domains purchased with payment plans are not eligible to transfer until all payments have been made. Please remember that our 30-day money back guarantee is void once a domain has been transferred. For transfer instructions to GoDaddy, please click here. Tirana (AFP) - Albania's main opposition party said Thursday that it would boycott parliament in its efforts to oust Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama ahead of elections in June. Lulzim Basha, leader of the centre-right Democratic Party, said it would return to parliament only to vote for a caretaker government "that would organise free and fair elections". Hundreds of protesters have occupied a tent in front of the main government offices in the capital, Tirana, since Saturday. The boycott would jeopardise the implementation of judicial overhauls that are required before Albania can begin talks later this year for joining the European Union. Rama proposed that the opposition send lawmakers only to assure the adoption of measures linked to the judicial reform, while continuing the protest. But Basha, who has accused Rama's government of deepening poverty and corruption in Albania, dismissed the proposal, telling supporters "Our demands are not negotiable." In July, the country adopted a key judicial reform sought by Brussels to fight widespread corruption and organised crime. But the nomination of members to the new legal institutions requires approval from commissions that include lawmakers on both the left and right. EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said Wednesday that he regretted the Democratic Party's boycott, saying "The political debate should not take place outside, but inside the parliament." "It is of utmost importance to maintain parliamentary continuity in a time where substantial reforms are on the agenda of the parliament," Hahn said in a statement, referring in particular to justice and electoral reform. A NATO member since 2009, Albania obtained EU candidate status in 2014. Algiers (AFP) - The remains of Hocine Ait-Ahmed, one of the fathers of Algeria's struggle for independence from France and then a longtime opposition figure, arrived home on Thursday for a state funeral. The 89-year-old, who died in Switzerland last week after a long illness, was the last of the nine so-called "sons of Toussaint" who launched the uprising in November 1954. His coffin arrived wrapped in the national flag at Algiers airport, where Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal and other officials attended prayers. His remains were then taken to his Socialist Forces Front (FFS) party headquarters for a wake, before his burial in his home village of Ait Yahya on Friday. Ait-Ahmed, who was jailed by the French in 1956, was freed after a ceasefire in 1962. He went into opposition when Ahmed Ben Bella became president, and had been an opposition figure ever since. He was arrested in 1964 and condemned to death but later freed, and left for exile in Lausanne in 1966. He returned to Algeria in 1989 after the FFS was legalised, but returned three years later. He stood as a candidate in the 1999 presidential election, but he and five others pulled out mid-campaign arguing that the vote was rigged in favour of Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who remains president today. His health began failing in 2012, and he resigned the following year as head of the FFS. After Ait-Ahmed's death, Bouteflika declared eight days of mourning. Imagine standing on a world 40 light-years from Earth. You look up, and see other planets slowing moving through the sky, sisters to the world you find yourself on. You notice that it's relatively dark, because the star you're orbiting is dim, and far smaller than the sun. But you're still warm, thanks to the infrared light emitted by the ultracool dwarf star. SEE ALSO: Seven Earth-sized planets orbit an alien star only 40 light-years away This could be a vision of what we'd see if we traveled to one of the seven Earth-sized planets orbiting TRAPPIST-1, a small, dim star about 235 trillion miles from our home. The possibly icy, watery and steaming worlds of TRAPPIST-1. Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech Thoughts of these newly-discovered planets outside of our solar system are enough to send even the most limited imagination wandering through the universe, right? Proving that very point, a number of artists have already created their own art celebrating the distant worlds not too terribly far from Earth. Two short stories, a graphic novel and a poem are now all live on trappist.one, a website updated by scientists on the team studying the star devoted to the star system. Artist's impression of a view from the surface of a planet. Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech "As scientists, we thought that one way to communicate how excited we are about this new system, is to allow artist to imagine what it would like there," the intro to the stories section of the website says. "Please enjoy these works keeping in mind that those are mostly works of fiction, written with artistic licence!" One of the short stories, called "La Oportunidad," and written by Adam Burgasser is about the emotional one person goes on before leaving home to travel to the TRAPPIST-1 system. The poem, written by Sean Raymond, and titled "An Ode to 7 Orbs," on the other hand, is probably geared toward a younger audience. The first stanza: In general, basically any photo or picture you see of TRAPPIST-1 and its planets is art in some form. Story continues Scientists aren't sure what kind of atmospheres envelop these worlds, and who knows if any of them can actually sustain liquid water on their surfaces, much less life. Artist's impression showing a view above the surface of one of the planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system. Image: ESO/N. Bartmann/spaceengine.org But artists working for NASA and other science organizations are still taking the small bits of what we do know of the worlds to create illustrations that resemble what they might look like if we actually made our way there. A new 360-degree video, for example, shows you exactly what it might be like to stand on the sunny side of one planet, which is probably tidally locked (meaning: the same side of the world always points toward its host star). NASA's also released a "travel poster" advertising (fake) tourist trips to "planet hop" around the TRAPPIST-1 star system. In reality, it might be possible to hop around the alien star system once you get there. Planet hopping travel poster. Image: nasa-JPL/caltech Like Jupiter and many of its moons, the planets orbiting TRAPPIST-1 are all very close to their star. Because their orbits are so interconnected, they also exert influence over one another, shifting the way they travel around the star. This could make travel between the world at least slightly easier. Who knowsmaybe traveling around TRAPPIST-1 could one day be as easy as moving from one Greek island to the next. Milan (AFP) - A strike at Alitalia hit the travel plans of thousands of people on Thursday as the Italian carrier was forced to cancel 60 percent of flights. Unions called a four-hour stoppage hitting domestic and international flights from 1300 GMT in protest against a major restructuring which is set to see Alitalia shed hundreds of jobs and slash salaries. The carrier sought to minimise inconvenience to passengers with mailed, texted and phoned warnings and said more than half would be able to fly later Thursday. Alitalia added it had found workaround solutions for some 90 percent overall. But the firm is "in a critical situation," union leader Nino Cortorillo told AFP. "We have been waiting for months for shareholders to come up with a strategic plan" to salvage a "deteriorating financial situation," said Cortorillo. "Staff are very concerned. They have already been through two restructurings in 2008 and in 2014," which between them saw 9,000 jobs go. Media reports indicate there could be up to 3,000 layoffs from a total workforce of 12,000 -- already down from 20,000 in 2008. "But we don't get told anything," complained Cortorillo. He accused the company of failing to respect national worktime and pay guidelines, something he said was "unprecedented in our country." Alitalia continues to struggle despite Etihad Airways taking a controlling 49 percent stake in 2014 and injecting 560 million euros ($590 million) as part of a 1.8 billion euro rescue deal designed to return the airline to profitability this year. The Italian carrier last year made a 460 million euro loss and faces a similar shortfall this year. Alitalia's Australian CEO has been working on a new strategic plan to lift the company's fortunes. Initially scheduled for early February, the plan, involving "radical changes", salary cuts and cutting jobs as well as greater focus on long haul, is now set to be unveiled early next month. Cortorillo warned Alitalia's problem "is a very weak long haul presence" while it is "strong on short haul, where low-cost competition is tough". Last month, Italian Transport Minister Graziano Delrio called for a clear strategic plan to be laid out ahead of any discussion on layoffs. After delivering big money to President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, health insurance giant Anthem is now pressing the new administration to settle a federal lawsuit blocking its controversial merger with Cigna, according to new court documents. Meanwhile, Trump has appointed an Anthem lobbyist to a top legal post in the White House -- a job that could position him to take over the Justice Departments antitrust unit that may ultimately decide the fate of the merger. Following a state ethics probe in Connecticut, President Obamas Justice Department moved last year to stop the merger, which critics say would limit medical care options and raise prices for millions of Americans. But only weeks after a federal court blocked the transaction, Anthem lawyers told a Delaware judge that a resolution with a new DOJ under Trump could allow the transaction to go forward. We're fighting for it, said Anthem lawyer Glenn Kurtz, according to court documents first noted by Modern Healthcare. And we're reaching out to DOJ, which is new. Just two months before the court proceedings, Anthem delivered $100,000 to Trumps inaugural committee. The company did not donate to Obamas 2012 inaugural committee. Justice Department officials typically argue that the antitrust division is insulated from political influence: As former Assistant Attorney General Bill Baer said in a 2015 speech, antitrust enforcement has been successfully nonpartisan and political affiliation means little in this job. Anthems argument, though, appears to hinge on a hope that political intervention from the White House may shape the Justice Departments antitrust enforcement decisions. The vice president, for instance, does not have any statutory authority over the department. Yet, during the Delaware court proceedings last week -- in which Anthem sought to prevent Cigna from pulling out of the deal -- the companys lawyers specifically pinned their hopes for a Justice Department settlement on Pence, noting that his gubernatorial administration originally gave its blessing to the transaction. Story continues Theres reasons that we believe the merger is still able to clear, Kurtz said. Notably, now-Vice President Pence was supportive of the transaction as the governor of Indiana. Pences support for the deal came after the Indiana-based company, its subsidiaries and its lobbying firms had become major donors to Pence's campaigns and to his state party. In all, Pences state and federal campaigns have received more than $100,000 from Anthem, its subsidiaries, its employees, and employees of its outside lobbying firms, according to data compiled by the National Institute on Money In State Politics and the Center for Responsive Politics. Those donors delivered more than $428,000 to the Indiana Republican Party during Pences runs for Congress and governor. According to data from PoliticalMoneyLine, the companies also gave more than $4 million to the Republican Governors Association during Pences gubernatorial campaigns. The RGA financially supported Pence, who was on the groups executive committee and assisted it in fundraising. In court last week, Anthem also cited new Attorney General Jeff Sessions in arguing that there is still a chance for the merger to move forward. Sessions Senate campaign committees have received $14,150 from Anthem and its lobbying firms. During Sessions election runs in 2002, 2008 and 2014, the company and its lobbying firms delivered $100,000 to the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Along with any influence that may come from its campaign contributions, Anthem has potential links directly into the White House and Justice Department through one of its former top lobbyists, Makan Delrahim. In the last year, he has gone from lobbying for Anthem on the merger to serving as Trumps deputy White House counsel. Before working for Anthem, Delrahim helped run the Justice Departments antitrust division under President George W. Bush and was a top staffer on the Senate Judiciary Committee -- a panel on which Sessions was a longtime senior member. Anthem hired Delrahim and another former Bush Justice Department official, William Moschella, one day before the company publicly announced the merger proposal in July of 2015. Federal records reviewed by International Business Times show that throughout 2015 and 2016, Moschella and Delrahim lobbied on Antitrust issues associated with Anthem's proposed acquisition of Cigna. Anthem spent $370,000 on Delrahim and Moschella over 15 months in 2015 and 2016, according to the lobbying records. Bloomberg News and Politico have recently reported that Delrahim may be in line to once again run the Justice Departments antitrust division. In that case, he would return to the antitrust unit just after lobbying for a company facing litigation from that same division. Related Articles The Hague (AFP) - Anti-Islam Dutch MP Geert Wilders and his far-right Freedom Party suspended all public activities Thursday after a police agent was arrested for allegedly leaking information about him to a Moroccan gang. "Very disturbing news. The Freedom Party is suspending all public activities until all facts in connection with the investigation are known," Wilders said on Twitter, as Dutch political parties gear up for a crunch election on March 15. The firebrand MP, who has courted controversy with his hardline anti-Islam, anti-immigrant stance and his incendiary insults against Moroccans and Turks, has long been under 24-hour police protection. Tensions are escalating ahead of the election in which the Freedom Party is running neck-and-neck with the Liberals of Prime Minister Mark Rutte. On Saturday, Wilders upped the tone at the launch of his official campaign, denouncing "a lot of Moroccan scum who make the streets unsafe". The highly-respected NRC daily newspaper reported Wednesday that the agent was arrested for allegedly passing on information about Wilders to a Moroccan crime gang. Dutch police chief Erik Akkerboom confirmed an investigation had been opened but that Wilders' safety "was never in question". However the matter was deemed so serious that Rutte, who is now campaigning for his own Liberal VVD party met Wilders to discuss the issue. The suspected agent was released on Thursday pending the investigation, Dutch news agency ANP said. Netherlands is no stranger to political violence, even though the small country of just 17 million people has largely gained a reputation for tolerance. Flamboyant far-right leader Pim Fortuyn was assassinated just nine days before Dutch elections in 2002, shocking the country to the core. Just two years later in November 2004, filmmaker Theo van Gogh was murdered by a Muslim radical. Wilders, 53, has vowed in his party's one-page manifesto that if elected he would ban the sale of Korans, close mosques and Islamic schools, shut Dutch borders and ban Muslim migrants. TOKYO (AP) Faced with the killing of its leader's half brother in what appears to have all the trappings of a politically motivated hit, North Korea is turning up the volume on a familiar defense: Flatly deny the allegations, viciously attack the accusers. It's a position the North has been in before, from dismissing U.N. reports outlining human rights abuses or the findings to disputing who threw the first punch in the Korean War. But, while master of the message at home, rarely, if ever, has Pyongyang managed to effectively sway world opinion. With evidence emerging that seems to strongly implicate some kind of North Korea connection to the killing of Kim Jong Un's estranged half brother Kim Jong Nam, the North is intensifying its public attack on the officials in charge of the investigation in Malaysia. In its first mention of the case, state-run media denied Thursday that North Korean agents masterminded the killing and said the Malaysian investigation was full of "holes and contradictions." The response came a day after Malaysian police said they were seeking two more North Koreans, including the second secretary of North Korea's embassy in Kuala Lumpur, in connection with the Feb. 13 killing of Kim Jong Nam in an airport lobby. North Korea's ambassador in Malaysia has made similar statements to reporters. But the decision to carry the story in the North's highly selective official media is significant because it reflects a level of concern in Pyongyang over the allegations and its desire to push harder with the counter-message of its own. Pyongyang's fiery and categorical denials and counter-allegations follow a well-established pattern: It has taken essentially the same tack in response to allegations leveled at it going all the way back to who started the 1950-53 Korean War (Pyongyang claims it was attacked, not the attacker). To this day, it also disputes as biased and politically motivated the findings of an international investigation into the 2010 torpedoing of the Cheonan warship that left 46 South Koreans dead calling it "fictitious" and an "intolerable mockery." Story continues A particularly damning U.N.-backed report on human rights abuses that came out in 2014 continues to be written off by Pyongyang as based on the lies of "human scum" defectors eager to please Japan, the United States and South Korea in their plot to discredit the North's social system. More recently, it flipped the script by claiming South Korean agents had tricked a group of North Korean waitresses at a restaurant in China to defect. Obfuscating the South's claim that the group defection indicated growing dissatisfaction in the North, Pyongyang accused Seoul of violating the women's human rights by holding them against their will and is demanding their immediate return. Malaysian officials have not directly accused North Korea of being behind the killing, and Malaysia is one of the few countries with close ties to the North. But they have arrested a North Korean man working at a Malaysian company along with three other people and are searching for several more North Koreans. And, not surprisingly, Malaysia has bristled at the North's attacks on the integrity of its investigation. According to Malaysian officials, North Korean diplomats were informed of the death the day it occurred; it was not made public until a day later. The diplomats had been at the Putrajaya government hospital closest to the airport for two days before moving to the Kuala Lumpur hospital when the body was transferred there for an autopsy. Malaysian officials say that although the embassy officials made no public comments for several days, they privately demanded custody of the body and strongly objected to an autopsy. Investigators balked, saying they were following procedure as it was a "sudden and suspicious death." Three days after the killing, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is in charge of police, confirmed widespread reports in the media that the victim was Kim Jong Nam, though he carried identification with a different name. For North Korea, that's the most sensitive of sensitive topics. The North has not acknowledged the dead man is the half brother of its leader or mentioned Kim Jong Nam's name in any of its statements. Information about the family tree of North Korea's rulers is tightly controlled and few North Koreans are aware that Kim Jong Un even had an elder half brother. Soon after Malaysia officially pushed that button, Kang Chol, North Korea's ambassador, turned up at the morgue to demand custody of the body. He wasn't allowed in. Kang then did what North Korean diplomats almost never do he went straight to the cameras and gave an unexpected press conference, accusing Malaysia of "trying to conceal something" and "colluding with hostile forces." He also pre-emptively said the North would "categorically reject" any autopsy carried out "unilaterally and excluding our attendance." His scorched-earth approach may have backfired. Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak vowed Tuesday that his country will not be cowed and is resolute in getting to the bottom of the killing. "Malaysia will stand firm," he said. "We will be guided by the principle of the rule of law." The North now also faces another problem: the South Korean military has reportedly started using loudspeakers to broadcast news of the killing across the Demilitarized Zone. Not many North Koreans will actually hear those broadcasts, and many of those who do won't believe them. But some just might. ___ Talmadge has been the AP's Pyongyang bureau chief since 2013. AP writers Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur and Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul contributed to this report. The Daily Beast GettyIt only took a few hours after Russias Vladimir Putin hailed his mobilization as a sparkling success Friday for a torrent of humiliating reports to emerge that suggest the war effort has been more successful in turning the country against him than defeating mythical Nazis in Ukraine.The most staggering contradiction to the Russian presidents boastful claims came perhaps in Kazan, where dozens of drafted troops were captured on video late Friday berating military leadership outside a colle By David Schwartz PHOENIX (Reuters) - Arizona lawmakers have approved a bill that could make people who organize or take part in protests that turn violent subject to criminal charges and possible seizure of their assets. Republicans in the Arizona senate who supported the measure said it was needed to help curb protests that have erupted nationwide and what some said were protestors paid to show up and incite trouble. Similar anti-protest legislation has been introduced in several other states. The state Senate approved the bill 17-13 on Wednesday in a party line vote to expand the state's criminal racketeering law to include rioting where damage of property occurs. It must still be approved by the Arizona House before going to Governor Doug Ducey, a Republican. A Ducey spokesman was not immediately available for comment on Thursday. The governor commonly declines comment on pending legislation. The push for stricter laws coincides with opponents of President Donald Trump vowing to take to the streets to demonstrate against his policies from immigration to abortion to climate change. Opponents of the Arizona bill said it was unconstitutional and would serve to harm Arizonas reputation nationally. "Any criminal acts that could be committed during a protest are already exactly that criminal," state Senator Martin Quezada, Senate Democratic Whip, said in a statement on Thursday. "This bill only serves to chill people's rights to free speech by allowing one bad actor to turn peaceful demonstration organizers into racketeering felons," he added. The bill's sponsor, state Senator Sonny Borrelli, told Reuters in an email that those being paid to commit these criminal acts, needed to be held accountable. The legislation said police could also level conspiracy charges against organizers of an event who were not present. Democrats countered by questioning the claim that protestors were being paid to be violent, with one lawmaker calling it "fake news," a term Trump has used when describing news reports he has disagreed with or called incorrect. (Reporting by David Schwartz, Editing by Ben Klayman and Grant McCool) 3 land revenue officials caught red-handed with bribe The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) caught three officials of the Land Revenue Office in Bhaktapur, red-handed with bribe on Thursday. Washington (AFP) - A US appeals court has ruled that military-style assault weapons are not protected under the US Constitution, dealing a blow to gun rights activists. "Put simply, we have no power to extend Second Amendment protection to the weapons of war," wrote Judge Robert King of Richmond, Virginia. The Second Amendment guarantees Americans the right to bear arms. Legal battles have raged for years, however, over what the guarantee include -- or does not. The ruling upheld a restrictive law from Maryland, one of the states in King's jurisdiction. He ruled that "banned assault weapons and large-capacity magazines are not protected by the Second Amendment." His assessment could be seen as fairly bold, considering that some judges previously said some automatic weapons were protected. They nevertheless excluded military style assault weapons. Military-style assault weapons are often among those used in mass shootings across the United States. BERLIN/HAMBURG (Reuters) - Audi boss Rupert Stadler is expected to win the backing of top officials at the carmaker and parent company Volkswagen this week, despite criticism of his handling of the group's emissions scandal, two sources close to the matter said. Volkswagen (VW), Europe's biggest carmaker, admitted in September 2015 to using illegal software to disguise the true level of toxic emissions from diesel engines. But it wasn't for another two months that premium brand Audi, the VW group's biggest profit engine, admitted wrongdoing, after initially saying it was not involved. That has long led to criticism of Stadler - both among staff, according to sources within the company, and the media. That criticism intensified earlier this week when a German labour court started hearing a case for wrongful dismissal of a former Audi employee, the sources said. The court on Tuesday barred public disclosure of documents related to the emissions scandal mentioned in the case. Stadler has not publicly commented on the criticism and could not be reached for comment on Thursday. Audi declined to comment on Thursday, but has said previously that Stadler testified to VW's inquiry into the emissions scandal, led by U.S. law firm Jones Day, and that he was not accused of any wrongdoing in the detailed statement published by U.S. authorities following their investigation. "This public mudslinging not only harms Rupert Stadler as a person, but also the entire company and in the view of the works council, that definitely goes way too far," a spokesman for the Audi works council told Reuters on Thursday. Labour representatives occupy half the seats on Audi's 20-strong supervisory board that appoints and dismisses executives. Stadler is due to attend a meeting of Audi's supervisory board from 1430 GMT on Thursday, while VW's supervisory panel is expected to meet from 1300 GMT on Friday, the sources said. (Reporting by Andreas Cremer and Jan Schwartz; Editing by Maria Sheahan and Mark Potter) Sydney (AFP) - The man credited with saving Australia's government-owned postal service announced his resignation Thursday after a slap down from politicians over his Aus$5.6 million (US$4.3 million) pay packet. Ahmed Fahour said he was stepping down as chief executive on the same day Australia Post reported a huge leap in half-year net profit to $131 million from just $16 million for the same period a year earlier. Politicians on all sides queued up to complain after a Senate committee revealed his wages earlier this month. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull joined the clamour, publicly calling on Fahour -- who is paid 10 times more than the Australian leader, according to local media -- to take a pay cut "in an economy where a lot of people are doing it hard". Australia Post had recently been facing a $6.7 billion public bailout, said Fahour, who took the helm of the postal service seven years ago. "The thing that is most clear in my mind is not the compensation, the thing that is most clear in my mind is to save this company," he said. "Australia Post is not just a letters and stamp business. It is today a parcels, e-commerce delivery giant." Fahour will officially step down in July. Last week, a veritable whos who of human rights lawyers, coordinated through Stanford Law Schools human rights clinic, lodged a 108-page brief with the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), urging her to investigate alleged crimes committed by Australian officials and the Australian governments private contractors. Among an ICC docket stacked with African warlords and strongmen, the folks from Down Under may seem like an odd fit. But as the well-researched brief demonstrates, theres every indication that Australian officials, over the course of successive governments, have knowingly enabled the commission of crimes against humanity. Their victims have been people whose only crime was to seek Australias protection from persecution. In light of trends in Europe and, most recently, the United States, toward abandoning the hard-won protections enshrined in the U.N. Refugee Convention, this is the optimal moment for the ICC to take a closer look and a key opportunity for the ICC to prove that it isnt just targeting developing countries, but is willing to take on the crimes of developed nations too. The allegations of crimes against humanity, including torture, deportation, persecution, and other inhumane acts, stem from Australias post-9/11 policy toward asylum-seekers known as the Pacific Solution. Under the Pacific Solution, the Australian government and its partners prevent anyone trying to enter Australian waters by boat, including anyone seeking asylum, from reaching the mainland. They do this by forcibly intercepting and transferring asylum seekers to one of Australias offshore immigration detention facilities on the tiny Pacific island nation of Nauru, or on Manus Island, Papua New Guinea. The legal fiction underlying the policy is that because the asylum seekers never set foot on Australian soil, Australia can shirk the responsibilities it would otherwise have toward them under the U.N. Refugee Convention. Story continues Australian government officials maintain de facto control over the offshore facilities: They pay for them, set the policies in operation there, and hire private contractors to run them. After the repeated efforts of whistleblowers to draw attention to the deeply ingrained violence and abuse in the facilities, there is no doubt that Australian officials know about the crimes being committed there. There is every indication that the creation of inhumane conditions at the detention facilities is central to Australian policy. And this is not the work of just one side of the political spectrum. Today the policy is executed by the center-right Liberal Party government, but the basic approach has been maintained across changes in government over the past decade. Moreover, the policy is consistent with Australias long history of entrenched racism with respect to immigration. Its White Australia policy, which systematically excluded non-Europeans from immigrating Australia, was not officially dismantled until 1973. Per the brief submitted to the ICC last week, one former detention center official has explained how the Australian government intentionally made conditions at the camps cruel and targeted children in an effort to deter potential asylum-seekers. Another former employee described the dehumanizing treatment at the centers as exactly the point of a policy that seeks to deter any prospective asylum-seeker from trying to reach Australia. Damningly, the Australian government has made every effort to hide the plight of those at the detention centers from public scrutiny. It has criminalized whistleblowing and limited asylum-seekers access to judicial review. Against this backdrop, it speaks to the tenacity of journalists and human rights lawyers that so much information about the conditions at these remote locations has come out. In March 2015, former U.N. Special Rapporteur Juan Mendez concluded that Australia had violated the right of the asylum seekers, including children, to be free from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. An October 2016 report by Amnesty International concluded that the Australian governments policy has been explicitly designed to inflict incalculable damage on the hundreds of women, men and children on Nauru. And the Guardian has published extensive reporting on the conditions on Nauru based on a cache of leaked documents written by staff there. It is not by chance that Australia located its offshore facilities on Nauru and Manus Island. Both have long been sites of exploitation. Nauru in particular has long been vulnerable to external powers as the worlds smallest republic at just 8 square miles. Originally a site of valuable phosphate rock, poorly run strip mining operations left the island a virtual wasteland, unsuitable for any productive activity. Today payments by Australia for the detention facilities serve as the countrys most significant source of income. In addition to violence and sexual abuse, in particular of children at the centers, the general conditions of life are inhumane. The brief to the ICC explains that on Manus Island, drinking water was restricted to 500 mL per day, in searing tropical temperatures where detainees have limited or no access to shade. A 24-year-old Iranian asylum-seeker died of septicemia following a minor blister on his skin, because of unsanitary conditions and inadequate care at the islands medical clinic. On Nauru, the brief explains, the detainees sleeping facilities tents housing up to 50 people each are situated on a former phosphate mine with the associated dust generating chronic respiratory conditions, especially for children. The ICC is a court of last resort, meaning it can only prosecute alleged crimes if the relevant domestic system is not doing so. The easiest way for Australia to avoid the ICCs scrutiny would be for it to pursue its own prosecutions. But in the face of repeated allegations about the conditions on Nauru and Manus Island, the Australian government has stubbornly refused to act. This is exactly the scenario for which the ICC was designed to account. The ICC has been roundly criticized for spending its first 15 years of operation pursuing allegations of crimes committed in Africa, to the exclusion of other regions. Although this recently began to change with the prosecutors decision to open an investigation into alleged crimes in Georgia, the court is still suffering from the perception of having an anti-Africa bias, and of being a tool wielded against the weakest members of the international system. Indeed, the African Union recently called for the withdrawal, en masse, of its member states from the court. By opening an examination into the alleged crimes against humanity on Nauru and Manus Island, the court could demonstrate that it is willing to investigate serious crimes, even when the alleged perpetrators are from a relatively powerful Western nation. And at a time when Western nations are grappling with the largest refugee crisis since World War II, overlooking allegations coming out of Nauru and Manus Island would risk normalizing Australias abuse of refugees, setting a disturbing precedent for the rest of the world. If the ICC does not at least investigate credible allegations of crimes against people who have fled the worlds most dangerous places, then it seems fair to ask just what the point of the court is. Photo Credit: PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images LONDON (AP) The partner of children's author Helen Bailey has been sentenced to at least 34 years in prison for murdering her and dumping her body in a cesspool at their home. Judge Andrew Bright told Ian Stewart it was "difficult to imagine a more heinous crime." The judge said Thursday that Stewart posed a "real danger" to women. Stewart, 56, was convicted Wednesday of murdering Bailey, hiding her body in a cesspool and then reporting her missing. Prosecutors say Stewart poisoned the 51-year-old writer with prescription sedatives then smothered her to gain her 3.3 million-pound ($4.1 million) estate. Bailey created the Electra Brown and Daisy Davenport series of novels for teenagers, and wrote a blog called Planet Grief after her husband of 22 years drowned during a Caribbean holiday in 2011. ___ This story has been corrected to "Stewart" instead of "Bailey" in 3rd paragraph. The search for a teacher and former beauty queen who vanished from her south Georgia home nearly 12 years ago finally yielded some answers Thursday as authorities charged a former student with her murder. Tara Grinstead was last seen on Oct. 22, 2005, a day she spent helping contestants in a Miss Sweet Potato pageant and attending a cookout with friends in her farming community of Ocilla, about 165 miles southeast of Atlanta. The 30-year-old was reported missing two days later after failing to show at the high school where she taught history. Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent J.T. Ricketson announced at a news conference Thursday that a tip days ago led authorities to arrest 33-year-old Ryan Alexander Duke and charge him with murder. Duke had been a student at Irwin County High School, where Grinstead taught, about three years before the teacher vanished, Ricketson said. "When I heard, I just broke down in tears of relief, of anger, of sadness and frustration," said Wendy McFarland, a fellow teacher and friend of Grinstead's. "Everything that had been carried for the last 11 years and four months just bubbled to the surface." Many questions remain as to what exactly happened to Grinstead, who in 1999 won the title Miss Tifton, named for a nearby city, and later competed in the Miss Georgia pageant. Ricketson, the lead investigator, declined to discuss Grinstead's relationship to the suspect and left open the possibility Thursday that others were involved. He wouldn't even say whether Grinstead's body had been found. But Ricketson noted that after following hundreds of leads in the case that included interviewing numerous potential suspects, Duke had never been among them. "This gentleman never came up on our radar through the investigation," Ricketson said. McFarland said she was shocked authorities were accusing Duke, saying she remembered him as a polite high school athlete who played on the tennis team. Story continues "My recollection of him is that he was a very bright young man," McFarland said. "He was very nice. Everything that I remember from him is that he was a good student and not anyone that would have pinged any suspicion." Duke was being held at the Irwin County jail. It was not immediately known if he had an attorney. Following Grinstead's disappearance, the house where she lived alone in Ocilla was found locked, her car in the driveway and her cellphone inside. Her dog and cat were home. But Grinstead's purse and keys were gone. A latex glove the type worn by police officers and medical workers was found in her front yard. Ricketson said police suspected foul play from the beginning, but found little physical evidence. Technically she remained classified as a missing person. Connie Grinstead, the missing woman's stepmother, said at Thursday's news conference outside a local courthouse that she thanked God "for answered prayers." "We always believed that it would be solved," she said, reading a statement. "We just did not know when." Grinstead's 2005 disappearance had prompted an outpouring of support in Ocilla, a community of about 3,300 people, and surrounding Irwin County. Volunteers helped to search on foot, while a Tara Command Center was set up with a telephone tip line and a website, http://www.findtara.com. Rewards of $100,000 were offered for Grinstead's safe return or for information leading to an arrest and conviction if she was harmed. "Right after it happened, there were people on everything from ATVs to horses looking for her over the whole entire county," said the Rev. Joey Whitley, a Baptist minister and Irwin County's elected chairman. For 11 years and four months, the search for answers never stopped. As the GBI announced Duke's arrest, a sign asking "Where's Tara?" still hung outside the sheriff's office. Ricketson gave no details of how investigators linked Duke to Grinstead. He said a person, whom he declined to name, approached authorities with a tip days earlier. And he gave an open-ended answer when asked if more arrests were possible. "That's a very good question," Ricketson said. "Again, we have several more interviews to do." ___ AP Researcher Rhonda Shafner contributed to this story. You're in excruciating pain. Your body seethes with sharp muscle spasms and headaches that disrupt your train of thought. You can barely function, and the only way to move forward with your day is sitting right in front of you in a small prescription bottle. You want to reach for the painkillers, but you're afraid of the consequences: using them as a crutch, leading straight to addiction. But the road to healing is rarely so cut and dry. Depending on your own medical history and your family's health background, it's entirely possible that painkillers could be just the short-term prescription you need in order to get back on your feet. Often, avoiding painkillers can even be detrimental to one's healing; waiting to take them until the pain becomes unbearable can cause a patient to take more than they need at a given time. So how do you know if prescription painkillers are for you? The first step is consulting your doctor. [See: 10 Seemingly Innocent Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore.] During your assessment, be sure to share your family's medical history; those genetically predisposed or who have a personal history of addiction to narcotics or opiates should most likely steer clear from painkillers of this nature, as they are more susceptible to addiction or relapse. If you have a long, chronic pain issue, such as a condition like fibromyalgia, you also might want to consider taking a non-narcotic form of pain treatment. Likewise, if a patient already uses drugs recreationally, there is a higher probability that he or she will turn to prescription painkillers for uses beyond healing. It's always best to start off with the most unaggressive form of pain maintenance. Begin with low dosages, or medications without highly addictive properties. [See: These Medicines May Cause Bone Loss.] The timeline of your healing is nearly always a factor; should you find yourself ingesting prescribed painkillers, try taking them for two to three weeks, maximum, then taking stock of the amount of pain you are in. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend doctors prescribe painkillers with addictive properties primarily for short-term healing only. Track your progress over time; if you are still in a tremendous amount of pain at the end of a brief, set amount of time, a more long-term approach should probably be taken, and not one utilizing prescription pills. Help heal without developing an addiction by limiting your ingestion, and see the pills as a short-term solution, not a lifelong one. Ingesting painkillers for an extended period of time will only increase your tolerance and make withdrawal that much more difficult when the time comes to stop taking the pills. Story continues Once you've been prescribed painkillers, it is crucial to adhere to your doctor's advice; opiates especially have a short shelf life, and those who take them often build up a tolerance quickly. This means patients will often increase their own dosage in order to maintain the same painkilling effects, which alters the way the brain receives pain signals. Should you find yourself developing this habit, return to your prescribing doctor and be open and honest about the increased dosage. Be aware of how quickly you run through a prescription; if more pills need to be called in prior to your next fill, or if you attain prescriptions from multiple doctors, there is probably a problem, and an addiction is most likely forming. Discuss next steps if this is the case, as well as if you are still in a relatively similar amount of pain as when you began. There are a number of other, non-narcotic pills that one can ingest to help heal without pain, though those can often also contain addictive qualities and tendencies. Non-narcotic pain management doctors can help strategize a healing plan, and the truth is that much of your addiction or reliance on painkillers could be all in your head. Many who find themselves addicted to painkillers rely on the substance not only because it dulls pain, but because it can quickly fix anxiety or depression. Simultaneously addressing mental and emotional health through therapy or other, non-substance-related methods can help one achieve mental health as well as physical healing, and lower the likelihood of addiction. [See: 7 Health Risks of Binge Drinking You Can't Ignore.] Always consult your doctor at length when undergoing a new treatment, especially when considering prescription painkillers. They're not recommended for everyone, but they should by no means be avoided by all. Careful monitoring of your progress, as well as an approach that incorporates emotional and mental well-being, can help a patient overcome pain and discomfort without creating an addiction. Each patient is unique, and a prescribing doctor can help determine if painkillers are the right fit for you. The most important factors are self-awareness and honesty. Robert Parkinson, MSW, is Director of Client Care at Beach House Center for Recovery, a drug and alcohol addiction rehabilitation center in Juno Beach, Florida. Robert is also an anger management counselor and widely recognized in South Florida for the anger management program he created, with its strong spirituality component. A prominent Bangladeshi magazine editor on bail for charges of plotting to kill the prime minister's son said Thursday he had been stopped from flying to London to visit his sick wife, despite having high court clearance to travel. Shafik Rehman, who is also a British citizen, said he was prevented from boarding a flight from Dhaka to London, where his wife is receiving treatment for leukaemia. The 81-year-old was released from jail last September, five months after he was arrested on charges of plotting to kill Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's son, sparking fears of a media crackdown. Authorities returned his seized British passport last week after the high court granted him permission to visit his ailing wife. "The police asked to see the high court order which I have already submitted to a lower court. I showed them the order's photocopy but they said they were not advised about any clearance about my flight," Rehman told AFP. "It's very unjust. I'm not accusing anybody, but feeling very disappointed. My wife is dying out there and she needs me beside her more than ever." Immigration authorities contacted by AFP said they needed to verify Rehman's papers. "He will be able to catch the next flight once we are done with the procedure," a senior police official said on condition of anonymity. Rehman, a former speechwriter for the country's main opposition leader Khaleda Zia, was arrested last April on charges of plotting to murder Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who lives in the United States. He denies the allegations. He was one of three pro-opposition editors arrested last year, triggering allegations by Human Rights Watch of an "organised assault on independent media". Concerns over free speech were already high in the Muslim-majority nation after a spate of Islamist killings of secular bloggers and publishers. Rehman was a long-time editor of Jai Jai Din, a mass-circulation Bengali daily. He now edits a popular Bengali monthly magazine called Mouchake Dhil. Khartoum (AFP) - President Omar al-Bashir has ordered Sudanese authorities to assist the delivery of international humanitarian aid to famine-hit South Sudan through the country, an official said Thursday. On Monday, South Sudan, the world's youngest nation formed after splitting from the north in 2011, declared famine in some regions, saying 100,000 people faced starvation and another million were on the brink of famine. "President Omar al-Bashir has ordered Sudanese authorities to offer all necessary facilities to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches South Sudan through Sudanese territories," Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour said in a statement. Ghandour said Bashir has ordered assistance to all NGOs, aid agencies of the United Nations and also other countries trying to deliver supplies to South Sudan. "This is to ease the suffering of the South Sudanese people," the minister said. Aid groups have slammed a "man-made" famine caused by bloodshed in South Sudan where civil war has forced people to flee, disrupted agriculture, sent prices soaring and cut off aid agencies from some of the worst-hit areas. South Sudan has been engulfed by civil war since 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his rival and former deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup. More than 300,000 South Sudanese refugees have arrived in Sudan since the war erupted, according to the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR. Over 65 percent of the refugees are children, with many of them arriving with critical levels of malnutrition, it said. UN aid officials are monitoring the Sudan-South Sudan border in anticipation that thousands more could flee to the northern neighbour due to the famine situation. Agri offices in East face severe shortage of staff Most of the district agricultural offices in hilly areas of the eastern region are facing severe shortage of human resources, preventing delivery of effective and efficient services to those engaged in the agri sector, which accounts for 33 percent of the countrys economic output. Rome (AFP) - Fancy a lunch with Silvio Berlusconi, the billionaire media tycoon and disgraced ex-prime minister of Italy? You'll be helping the country's earthquake victims if you're ready to pay the price. The Italian Red Cross and CharityStars, a fund-raising website, is auctioning off a "business lunch" in Milan with 80-year-old Berlusconi, who faced a string of legal cases before being convicted of corporate tax fraud in 2013. "Il Cavaliere", as he is known, was given a community service order and kicked out of parliament. The proceeds will go toward the victims of the string of quakes that struck central Italy over the past six months, killing scores of people and leaving thousands homeless for months. On Thursday afternoon, the bidding for lunch with someone CharityStars described as a "communications genius and popular politician" who is "one of the pillars of Italian politics and society" stood at a hefty 100,000 euros ($106,000). CharityStars does not say where the lucky winner and two guests will dine, and notes that travel costs are not included. It also says the date will depend on Berlusconi's schedule. "Dear friends, I have decided to participate in these auctions... because I believe each of us must do everything possible to help fellow citizens in difficulty," Berlusconi wrote on his Facebook page. "I hope the auction bidding will go very high." The auction ends on March 16. Over the last three years, pharmaceutical companies have mounted a public relations blitz to tout new cures for the hepatitis C virus and persuade insurers, including government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, to cover the costs. That isnt an easy sell, because the price of the treatments ranges from $40,000 to $94,000or, because the treatments take three months, as much as $1,000 per day. To persuade payers and the public, the industry has deployed a potent new ally, a company whose marquee figures are leading economists and healthcare experts at the nations top universities. The company, Precision Health Economics, consults for three leading makers of new hepatitis C treatments: Gilead, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and AbbVie. When AbbVie funded a special issue of the American Journal of Managed Care on hepatitis C research, current or former associates of Precision Health Economics wrote half of the issue. A Stanford professor who had previously consulted for the firm served as guest editor-in-chief. At a congressional briefing last May on hepatitis C, three of the four panelists were current or former Precision Health Economics consultants. One was the firms co-founder, Darius Lakdawalla, a University of Southern California professor. The returns to society actually exist even at the high prices, Lakdawalla assured the audience of congressional staffers and health policymakers. Some people who are just looking at the problem as a pure cost-effectiveness problem said some of these prices in some ways are too low. Even as drug prices have come under fierce attack by everyone from consumer advocates to President Donald Trump, insurers and public health programs have kept right on shelling out billions for the new hepatitis C treatments, just as Precision Health Economics experts have urged them. With a battle looming between the industry and Trump, who has accused manufacturers of getting away with murder and vowed to bring down prices, the prestige and credibility of the distinguished academics who moonlight for Precision Health Economics could play a crucial role in the industrys multipronged push to sway public and congressional opinion. Story continues While collaboration between higher education and industry is hardly unusual, the professors at Precision Health Economics have taken it to the next level, sharpening the conflicts between their scholarly and commercial roles, which they dont always disclose. Their activities illustrate the growing influence of academics-for-hire in shaping the national debate on issues from climate change to antitrust policy, which ultimately affect the quality of life and the household budgets of ordinary Americansincluding what they pay for critical medications. The pharmaceutical industry is digging in, with one of its trade groups raising an additional $100 million for its war chest. For years, it has spent millions of dollars lobbying politicians, hoping to enlist their support on a wide range of legislation. It has similarly wooed doctors, seeking to influence what they research, teach, and prescribe. Now, its courting health economists. This is just an extension of the way that the drug industry has been involved in every phase of medical education and medical research, said Harvard Medical School professor Eric G. Campbell, who studies medical conflicts of interest. They are using this group of economists it appears to provide data in high-profile journals to have a positive impact on policy. The firm participates in many aspects of a drugs launch, both advising on pricing strategies and then demonstrating the value of a drug once it comes on the market, according to its brochure. Led by professors at elite research universities, the group boasts of a range of valuable services it has delivered to clients, including generating academic publications in the worlds leading research journals and helping to lead formal public debates in prestigious, closely watched forums. Precision Health Economics may be well-positioned to influence the Trump administration. Tomas Philipson, an economist at the University of Chicago and the third co-founder of Precision Health Economics, reportedly served briefly as a senior healthcare adviser for the Trump transition team. He did not respond to requests for comment. Scott Gottlieb, M.D., reported to be a candidate for commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, is a clinical assistant professor at New York University School of Medicine and a former academic affiliate of Precision Health Economics, according to its website. Although its hard to gauge the firms precise impact, associates of Precision Health Economics have often waded into the political fray. Last fall, Big Pharma spent more than $100 million successfully defeating a California referendum that would have controlled the prices of both generic and name-brand drugs. Testifying in September at a state Senate hearing on a generic drug, co-founder Goldman steered the discussion to name-brand drugs, such as the hepatitis C treatments, arguing that their prices should not be regulated. We have to ensure access to future innovation, and thats going to require some recognition that if someone develops an innovative drug, theyre going to charge a lot for it, Goldman said. Prescription drugs on average cost more than twice as much in the U.S. as in other developed nations. Thats mostly due to name-brand drugs. They represent 10 percent of all prescriptions but account for almost three-quarters of the total amount spent on drugs in the U.S. Their prices have doubled in the past five years. The U.S. grants drugmakers several years of market exclusivity for their products and remains one of the only industrialized countries that allows them to set their own prices. These protections have allowed the pharmaceutical industry to become one of the economys most profitable sectors, with margins double those of the auto and petroleum industries. To justify the value of expensive drugs, the professors affiliated with Precision Health Economics rely on complicated economic models that purport to quantify the net social benefits that the drugs will create. For one industry-funded hepatitis C study, Lakdawalla and nine co-authors, including three pharmaceutical company researchers, subtracted the costs of the treatment from the estimated dollar value of testing all patients and saving all livers and lives. By testing and treating all patients now, they concluded, society would gain $824 billion over 20 years. Critics have at times questioned the assumptions underlying the consultants economic models, such as the choice of patient populations, and suggested that some of their findings tilt toward their industry clients. For example, some have tried and failed to reproduce their results justifying the value of cancer treatments. Precision Health Economics allows drugmakers to review articles by its academics prior to publication in academic journals, said a former business development manager of the consulting group. Such prior review is controversial in higher education because it can be seen as impinging on academic freedom. Like other standard consulting projects, you cant publish unless you get permission from the company, the former employee said. Carolyn Harley, senior vice president and general manager of the firm, said that pre-publication review was not company policy, but in some cases, client contracts provide them the opportunity for review and comment before submission. I have never published anything that I am not comfortable with or prepared to defend, nor have I ever been asked to, said Lakdawalla about his firms research. Goldman says the firms research is independent, and its clients dont influence its findings. From my perspective its very clear: I say things that piss off my sponsors, I say things that piss off the detractors, he told ProPublica. People are coming to us because they have an interest in sponsoring the research thats generated. These are our ideas. This is how you get your ideas recognized. He said his consulting work does not involve setting prices of specific drugs, and his academic research focuses only on categories of drugs, rather than on particular brands. The professors disclosure of their ties to the firm and to the pharmaceutical industry in scholarly articles is inconsistent: sometimes extensive, sometimes scanty. Members of Precision Health tend to reveal less about their paid work in blogs, public forums like conferences, and legislative testimony (PDF). At the Capitol Hill briefing last May on hepatitis C drugs, Lakdawalla didnt mention his affiliation with Precision Health Economics, though it was listed in the journal issue, which was provided to attendees. Conflicts are always a concern, which is why it is important to be transparent about study methodsthat way they can be scrutinized and debated in the academic literature, said Lakdawalla, adding that he has disclosed his ties to the firm in at least 33 publications over the past three years. Goldman said he and other academics at Precision Health Economics disclose their ties whenever appropriate, but typically journal editors and conference sponsors decide how to make that information available. I wear two hats, Goldman said in an interview. And I try to reveal what that might mean in terms of perceived conflict of interest. The issues at stake arent just academic. Goldman says that pharmaceutical companies need to reap financial rewards from the enormous time and expense they invest in developing better medical treatments. Yet the high prices of some drugs have left government health programs strapped, or forced them to limit coverage. For example, one promising hepatitis C treatment is so expensive that some state Medicaid programs have chosen to cover its cost for only the sickest patients. Triage, triage, triage, said Emily Scott, a Tennessee factory worker with hepatitis C who was denied coverage for the new treatment. They set their price so high that we poor folks cant afford it. Despite such cases, four researchers from Precision Health Economics warned in an article last month that any government controls on drug prices could actually shorten the average Americans life by two years by discouraging development of new drugs. As the pace of innovation slows, future generations of older Americans will have lower life expectancy relative to the status quo, they wrote. The article, funded by the pharmaceutical trade group PhRMA, was published in Forum for Health Economics & Policy, of which Goldman is the editor-in-chief and co-founder. More than half of the editors listed on its masthead are current or former consultants at the firm. Just after Precision Health Economics co-founder Dana Goldman completed his Ph.D. in economics at Stanford, in 1994, he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. He was 29 years old. With a pump he wears every day, he takes insulin to treat the disease. I would pay hundreds of thousands of dollars if I could take one pill that would make me better, Goldman said. His desire for a cure led to a new scholarly interest: the economics of medical innovation. Because there were few government funders for research in the field, he turned to industry. In 2005, Goldman established the firm with Lakdawalla and Philipson. The headquarters of Precision Health Economics sits in a West Los Angeles office building flanked by palm trees, about 10 miles from Goldmans academic center at USC. Goldmans assistant at USC is also an executive assistant at the consulting firm. Daniel Shapiro, director of Research Compliance at the University of Southern California, said that both Goldman and Lakdawalla were in compliance with the universitys standards on consulting. Precision Health Economics has counted at least 25 pharmaceutical and biotech companies and trade groups as clients. The roster includes Abbott Nutrition, AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Gilead, Intuitive Surgical, Janssen, Merck, the National Pharmaceutical Council, Novartis, Otsuka, Pfizer, PhRMA, rEVO Biologics, Shire, and Takeda. The firm has 85 staff members in nine locations. Over the years, the founders recruited an impressive cadre of high-profile academics to consult for these clients. Early in 2016, the firm boasted more than two dozen academic advisers and consultants from top universities on its website. (The site later stopped identifying professors by their university affiliations.) The list of associates has also included some policy heavyweights who recently left the government, including a top official from the Congressional Budget Office, a senior economist from the White Houses Council of Economic Advisors, and an FDA commissioner. About 75 percent of publications by the firms employees in the past three years have either been funded by the pharmaceutical industry or have been done in collaboration with drug companies, a ProPublica review found. Some academics worry that a tight relationship with industry might suggest bias. I personally find, when your enterprise relies so substantially on a particular source of funds, you will tend to favor that source, said Princeton economist Uwe Reinhardt. Goldman says his industry connection has helped him ask better questions. The right way to do these things is not to push away the private sector, but to engage them, he told ProPublica. If we end up with a world where everyone who has a voice in a debate must be free of perceived bias, we lose the importance of the diversity of ideas. In a later interview, he added, You have to separate the appearance of the bias with actual bias. These ideas were recently echoed in an op-ed that he wrote with Lakdawalla in the online publication The Conversation. To be sure, collaboration with industry supplements our income through consulting fees. But no matter who funds our researchfoundations, government, or companieswe apply the same template to our work, wrote Goldman and Lakdawalla. The ivory tower is not always the best place to understand the social benefits of treatments, the incentives for medical innovation, and how aligning prices with value can aid consumers. Engaging the private sector has indeed boosted Goldmans income. According to federal conflict of interest forms filed last year, when he served on an advisory panel to the Congressional Budget Office, Goldman earned consulting income from the firm in the range of $25,000 to $200,000, on top of his income as a USC professor. He also has more than $500,000 in equity in the firm. Precisions Harley says Goldman and Lakdawalla each have equity stakes of less than 1 percent, indicating that the firm is worth at least $50 million. Lakdawalla and Philipson have not publicly disclosed their consulting incomes. In April 2015, Precision Health Economics was acquired by a privately held biotech company, Precision for Value. Terms werent disclosed. Precision Health Economics raised its profile in 2013 when the presidents annual economic report cited (PDF) a cancer study by several of the firms principals and consultants. To some critics, though, the study showed how industry funding can taint academic research. Originally published in Health Affairs, where Goldman also serves on the editorial board, the study found that Americans paid more for cancer care than Europeans but had better survival gains. As the study acknowledged, it was funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb, a company that at the time was developing a much-anticipated cancer treatment. It was priced at more than $150,000 per year when it eventually came on the market. All three founders of Precision Health Economics were listed as authors of the Health Affairs article, alongside one of their employees, yet none of the founders disclosed their ties to their consulting firm in the published study. In an interview, Goldman said this might have been an oversight. Goldman later emailed ProPublica to clarify that the journal was aware that the study was a Precision Health Economics publication and that Goldman and his co-founders were affiliated with the firm. Goldman has published more than 25 articles and letters to the editor in Health Affairs since co-founding Precision Health Economics, and only five have listed the connection. This affiliation is clearly not a secret and I include it where relevant, Goldman wrote in the email. The bottom line is that disclosure policies vary across journals, journal editors, and over time. Definitions of what is relevant are also subject to their own judgments. Donald Metz, executive editor of Health Affairs, said the journal followed its policy of leaving disclosure to the authors discretion. Its editorial staff did not exclude any information on conflicts or affiliations that the authors provided alongside their draft, he said. As the cancer study gained national recognition, its methodology and findings came under fire. Researchers from Dartmouth College tried and failed to reproduce the results. Cancer care in the U.S., their research found, may actually provide less value than cancer care in Europe, considering cost. We know that [the U.S. healthcare system] is more disorganized and disorganization is more expensive, so its surprising to believe that the U.S. would perform better in a cost-effectiveness sense, said Samir Soneji, one of the authors of the counter study and an assistant professor of health policy at Dartmouth. The science in the original study, Soneji says, was questionable. Soneji was not alone in his criticism. Aaron Carroll, a pediatrics professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine, reviewed the methodology and concluded that the Precision Health Economics researchers had used a measure that can frequently be misinterpreted. Instead of relying on mortality rates, which factor in a patients age of death, the study employed survival rates, looking at how long people live after diagnosis. Cancer screening, which can increase survival rates, is more frequent for some cancers in the U.S. than in other countries, Carroll says. When they wrote that paper using survival rates, they were clearly cherry picking, Carroll told ProPublica. If the arguments are flawed and people keep using them, I would be concerned that they have some other motive. The founders of Precision Health Economics defended their use of survival rates in a published response to the Dartmouth study, writing that they welcome robust scientific debate that moves forward our understanding of the world but that the research by their critics had moved the debate backward. Precision Health Economics has become a prominent booster of a new way of setting drug pricesbased on their overall value to society. Value is determined by comparing the drugs cost with their effectiveness in saving lives and preventing future health expenses. Pharmaceutical companies have traditionally justified their prices by citing the cost of research and development, but recent research on drug pricing has challenged this argument. Many of the largest drug companies spend more on sales and marketing than on developing their drugs. And notably, one researcher has found that about 75 percent of new molecular entities, which are considered the most innovative drugs, trace their initial research funding back to the government. There is substantial evidence that the sources of transformative drug innovation arise from publicly funded research in government and academic labs, said Dr. Aaron Kesselheim, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School whose research looks at the cost of pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceutical pricing, he says, is primarily based on what the market can bear. Many early proponents of value pricing, including American health insurers, saw it as a way to rein in drug prices. Some nations, particularly those with national health systems, like the U.K., rely on official cost-effectiveness analyses to decide which drugs to pay for. Overpriced drugs are sometimes denied coverage. This powerful negotiating tool has helped keep drug prices down abroad. Efforts to establish similar practices in the U.S., however, have been stymied by lobbying from patient groups, many of them funded by the pharmaceutical industry, contending that value pricing could lead to rationing of health care. More recently, though, the industry has used academic consultants to help it redefine the concept of value to justify its pricing. At the congressional briefing on the new hepatitis C drugs, Harvard Medical School associate professor Anupam Jena, a Precision Health Economics consultant, suggested that part of a drugs value is earning enough profit that pharmaceutical companies are enticed to develop treatments for other diseases. Otherwise, Jena said, you dont incentivize innovations that actually deliver value, and so the next cure may not be developed. Princetons Reinhardt said pricing drugs based on this notion of value could give the industry carte blanche to charge whatever it wants. If you did value pricing and say its ok for the drug companies to charge up to what the patient values his or her life to be, you are basically saying that the pharmaceutical companies can take your savings, he said. American society will not stand for that. Not long after the controversy over its cancer research, Precision Health Economics became embroiled in another academic spat related to a clients product. This time, it was over a breakthrough treatment that, injected one to two times per month, could help millions of Americans with high cholesterol. At the $14,000-per-year price set by one of its makers, Amgen, the PCSK9 inhibitor could also hike the nations annual prescription drug costs by an unprecedented $125 billion, or 38 percent. Its price in the U.S. is twice as much as in the U.K. The U.S. price of the drug has come under vigorous attack from the nonprofit Institute for Clinical and Economic Review. ICER, which began as a small research project at Harvard Medical School, studies the cost-effectiveness of drugs, balancing their value to patients against the impact of their cost on society. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services proposed a new rule in March 2016 that includes the use of value-based pricing studies, specifically citing the work of ICER. The industry has attacked many of the institutes studies, particularly those that find a treatment is overpriced. Some patient groups have contended that ICER emphasizes cost savings because it receives funding from health insurers. However, foundations are ICERs biggest source of funding, and it is also supported by the pharmaceutical industry and government grants. The pharmaceutical lobby has similarly attacked the Drug Effectiveness Review Project, a coalition of state Medicaid agencies and other payers, accusing it of using its studies to justify rationing. ICER concluded in 2015 that the new cholesterol treatment, the PCSK9 inhibitor, should cost about one-fifth what Amgen is charging. A few months later, Philipson, the Precision Health Economics co-founder, and Jena wrote an op-ed in Forbes, citing the institutes research and deriding its approach to value pricing as pseudo-science and voodoo economics. Only Philipson disclosed his ties to Precision Health Economics, and neither academic disclosed that Amgen was a client of the firm. After being asked by ProPublica about the lack of transparency, Forbes added a disclosure statement to the op-ed. Manufacturers of PCSK-9 inhibitors and novel treatments for hepatitis C, such as Amgen, Gilead, and Abbvie, are clients of Mr. Philipsons consulting firm, Precision Health Economics, for which Dr. Jena also works, the publication noted. In general, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies which retain Precision Health Economics benefit from higher drug prices. Goldman, along with Precision Health Economics employees and two Harvard professors, including Jena, published their own study on the cholesterol drug in the American Journal of Managed Care, where Goldman serves on the editorial board. They found that the new cholesterol drugs were indeed cost-effective at the listed prices. The article disclosed the authors ties to Precision Health Economics and the source of funding: Amgen. The drug is not cheap, but its a good deal for patients who need it, Goldman said, after his teams economic models calculated its net value between $3.4 trillion and $5.1 trillion over 20 years. ICERs finding that the PCSK9 inhibitor was overpriced was later affirmed in a related study published in the peer-reviewed Journal of the American Medical Association, or JAMA. Associates of Precision Health Economics again rushed to Amgens defense. Philipson and an Amgen executive wrote a letter to the editor of JAMA to dispute the studys conclusion that the price should be about $4,500 per month, less than a third of the drugs average price. The two studies made different assumptions that shaped their conclusions. Dr. Dhruv Kazi, one of the authors of the JAMA study and an associate professor at the University of California San Francisco, said that the Precision Health Economics study assumed that there were fewer eligible patients who would take the drug, lowering the cost to society. It also posited that they had a higher risk of cardiac events, like heart attacks, boosting the drugs value as measured in lives saved. This is an example where you would end up assuming that the population is at higher risk than is true for the real world population and that would make your drug look better, Kazi said. Its not a wild idea to think that a cost-effectiveness study funded by industry would look more favorable to the industrys viewpoint, he said. If that werent the case, they wouldnt fund it. Jena said the patient population for the Precision Health Economics study more accurately reflected the real world. One should not automatically assert that a study is invalid or flawed because of industry funding, he added. The JAMA study over-exaggerated the cost of the drug and unnecessarily rang alarm bells, said Amgen spokeswoman Kristen Neese. Amgen has ties to all three founders of Precision Health Economics. Working for other firms, Philipson has twice (PDF) testified as an expert witness for Amgen, defending the companys rights to drug patents, according to his curriculum vitae. The other two founders, Goldman and Lakdawalla, are principals at the Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics at USC, which received $500,000 in late 2016 from Amgen for an innovation initiative, according to public disclosures. Goldman said the funds were unrestricted and could be used at the centers discretion. Robert Bradway, the CEO and chair of Amgen, is on the advisory board of the university center, and Leonard Schaeffer, a professor at USC and the namesake of the center, sat on Amgens board of directors for nearly a decade. With funding from Amgen, the Schaeffer Center hosted a forum in Washington, D.C., in October 2015 on the affordability of specialty drugs. Before a panel focused on the new cholesterol treatment, Goldman cautioned against lowering drug prices. We know that the pricing of these treatments is often controversial, he told the crowd of policymakers, which included Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana, a physician who sits on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. If we dropped all the prices today, in the long run, we wouldnt have any innovation. The PCSK9 inhibitors price inhibits access for some patients who need it. Scott Annese, a 50-year-old computer technician from South Daytona, Fla., has diabetes and a total blood cholesterol level topping 260. After he suffered a heart attack and had two stents inserted in his left coronary artery, his doctor prescribed a statin, a low-cost drug to lower cholesterol. However, the statin combined with his diabetes to cause painful side effects, including muscle aches, cramping, and soreness in his legs that incapacitated him, he said. Amgens drug, his doctor told him, was the only other option. But Annese, who makes $13.50 an hour, couldnt afford the new drug. He doesnt have health coverage through his job and says Obamacare, especially with its rising premiums, is too expensive for him. He tried to get insurance through Medicaid, but he earns too much to qualify. His last option, he said, is Amgens patient assistance program, which he has applied for. His application is pending. If youre in the industry to help people, youre not helping them if you raise the drugs to the point that they cant afford it, said Annese. The drug companies are hurting the people who need it most. Gilead Sciences $84,000 list price for its highly effective treatment for the hepatitis C virus prompted dozens of state Medicaid programs and prison systems to restrict treatment to only the sickest patients. A congressional investigation in 2015 found that Gilead, which purchased the drug from a smaller pharmaceutical company, had set the price of the treatment at the peak it thought the market could bear, more than double what the drugs original developers had suggested (PDF). Gilead pursued a calculated scheme for pricing and marketing its hepatitis C drug based on one primary goal, maximizing revenue, regardless of the human consequences, said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, when he presented the findings of the congressional investigation. While Precision Health Economics often portrays itself as an advocate for wider access to vital medications such as the hepatitis C drugs, the high price of those drugs forces some payers, such as the Medicaid programs, to ration them. As a result, the professors may influence who ultimately gets the drug and who doesnt. The impact is reverberating in the rugged hills of eastern Tennessee, where hepatitis C is spreading due to the opioid epidemic. Because the virus can be asymptomatic for years, only a fraction of those infected know they are carriers, leading many to spread the potentially fatal liver disease unknowingly, mostly by sharing needles. Over the past seven years, the number of acute cases of hepatitis C in Tennessee has tripled. The state has estimated that more than 100,000 residents are likely to have a chronic version of the disease without realizing it. Just last year, the state issued a public health advisory addressing the crisis, but the rates of infection continue to rise. It took years for Emily Scott, the factory worker from the Cumberland Gap region of eastern Tennessee, to find out she had the virus. After donating blood in January 2016, she received a certified letter from the blood bank informing her that her blood could not be accepted because it had tested positive for hepatitis C. She didnt believe the letter at first, hoping they had mistaken her blood with that of another donor. After all, she had never experienced any symptoms. But a local doctor reran her blood work and her diagnosis was confirmed. Like many in her community, Scott had battled an addiction to drugs, mostly painkillers, and she had used syringes in the past for her highs. Shed been clean for the past four years but believes that she contracted the disease through her drug use. I made some mistakes, said the 26-year-old Scott. But I didnt ask to be sick. Shortly after her diagnosis, Scott learned from a television advertisement that the new drugs had a cure rate of 90 percent. But getting the treatments would prove elusive. Raising her two sons on her own, Scott barely supports the family with her weekly income of about $350 from sewing shirts at an apparel factory. She is one of more than 11,000 Tennesseans on Medicaid who have been diagnosed with hepatitis C, according to the most recent state data. If all of them received the new medication, the state estimated that it would cost over $1.6 billion (PDF), more than double what Tennessees Medicaid program spends on drugs in a year. There isnt an endless bank account, said Darin Gordon, Tennessees former Medicaid director, who was in charge when the hepatitis C cure was launched. States have to balance budgets, and this came in and hijacked our budget. Tennessee quickly limited the treatments to the sickest patients. After reviewing the scientific literature, Gordons medical team determined that it was only medically necessary to treat patients whose livers had begun to show scarring, a sign that the disease had progressed beyond the initial latent stage. Even if patients conditions stabilize while they await the treatment, they are still contagious. Once the treatment is finished, they no longer can spread the virus. Under this policy, less than 10 percent of diagnosed Medicaid patients have been treated, still costing the program more than $100 million in the past two years. Patients like Scott, whose liver has no significant scarring, were forced to wait for the disease to progress before being prescribed any of the new drugs. The state denied Scotts request for the cure in March 2016. But she wouldnt let that stop her. She appealed and was granted a hearing in Knoxville, which she had to attend by phone because it was two and a half hours drive from her home. She explained to the judge that she was a single mother of two young boys and could not risk her health declining. A few days later, she received a court order in the mail, denying her access to the treatment. By forcing Tennessee Medicaid and other public payers to delay coverage, the high price of the hepatitis C drugs incurs a social cost. While waiting to become sick enough for treatment, patients may transmit the disease. Some, including Scott, begin to feel symptoms like fatigue and muscle pains, which may hinder their ability to work. The drug companies do not have peoples interest in mind, they have money in mind, Scott said. Its not fair that they are playing with peoples lives. Since the firms sale in 2015, Precision Health Economics three founders have taken roles in its parent company. Goldman is an executive economist at Precision for Value and chairs an advisory board focused on value and evidence. Lakdawalla is the chief scientific officer, and Philipson is listed as chief economist and the chair of the strategy and innovation board. On its website, Precision for Value lays out how it can help biotech companies with preliminary pricing, access, and evidence strategy and launch price strategy. The company says that it can pressure test a companys proposed messaging strategy on value with key stakeholders and determine how willing the market might be to pay future drug prices. Under its new ownership, Precision Health Economics recently launched a group focused explicitly on assessing the value of innovative drugs. The firms three founders are involved with this Innovation and Value Initiative, which bills itself as an unparalleled convergence of academic leaders and scientific experts. Lakdawalla serves as executive director of the initiative. On the initiatives health advisory panel, which is supposed to steer the research agenda, Goldman and Philipson sit alongside mostly executives from pharmaceutical companies and trade groups. The initiative also has a scientific advisory group for internal peer review. All of its members are current or former Precision Health Economics consultants or staffers. Lakdawalla said in an email that all of its projects either undergo academic peer review at a journal, or include an external peer reviewer outside [the firm]. To promote the new initiative, Precision Health Economics has launched an extensive advertising campaign, sponsoring content in Health Affairs, writing op-eds in the Washington Post and Forbes, and even buying ads on Google. In a phone conversation, Goldman was asked whether the stratospheric drug prices bolstered by the professors at Precision Health Economics deprive low-income patients, like Emily Scott, of vital treatments. He responded that its important to take a longer-term view. You worry about access for the people for whom there is a treatment, he said. Im worried also for the access for people for whom there isnt a treatment. Correction: This article previously gave the incorrect name for the CEO of Amgen. His name is Robert Bradway, not Richard Bradway. More from Consumer Reports: Top pick tires for 2016 Best used cars for $25,000 and less 7 best mattresses for couples Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright 2006-2017 Consumers Union of U.S. The retired admiral who designed and oversaw the raid that killed Osama bin Laden says President Trumps superheated charge that the mainstream news media is the enemy of the American people is not just wrong, but also could pose a dire threat to American democracy. Reporters, however, must get their facts right, cite reliable sources and be aware of their own biases and pride. The president said the news media is the enemy of the American people, William McRaven said Tuesday. This sentiment may be the greatest threat to democracy in my lifetime. The former Joint Special Operations Command leader, now chancellor of the University of Texas system, made the remarks at the inaugural event of the Communication and Leadership Speaker Series at UTs Belo Center for New Media. McRaven graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1977 with a degree in journalism. I will tell you as journalism majors, as Americans, you should challenge that sentiment and that statement every opportunity you can, he continued. We must challenge this statement, and this sentiment, that the news media is the enemy of the American people. McRaven went on, I have traveled all around the world. Ive been to 90 different countries and I have talked to the press in almost every one of those countries. We have the finest press in the world, bar none. Bar none. And it is the single most important institution for this republic. But challenging the notion that the press is the enemy of the American people means that you have got to have the facts right, you have got to make sure that your sources are solid, he said. And you have to be careful about your bias, he said. And reporters must be aware of your hubris as journalists, he said. Former Navy Adm. William McRaven, left, shown in this Feb. 7, 2012, file photo, and President Trump. (Photos: Charles Dharapak/AP, Evan Vucci/AP) The comments were first reported by the Austin-American Statesman and confirmed to Yahoo News by the University of Texas System Office of External Relations. McRaven was referring to Trumps Feb. 17 tweet in which the president said: The FAKE NEWS media (failing @nytimes, @NBCNews, @ABC, @CBS, @CNN) is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American People! Story continues Its not the first time McRaven has taken on Trump. In late January, the retired officer released a statement sharply critical of the presidents executive order barring refugees from the United States for 120 days and blocking immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries for three months. I believe that the talent, energy, and ideas flowing into the United States of America and to UT System institutions from countries around the world are among our greatest strengths, McRaven said in a statement. The men and women who show up at our shores and our doors ready to study, work, and participate make us stronger, smarter, more competitive, and more attuned to the rest of the globe. Read more from Yahoo News: When researchers associated with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) which consists of two detectors, one each in Hanford, Washington, and Livingston, Louisiana announced the first ever detection of gravitational waves in February 2016, scientists hailed it as a new era in experimental physics. The ability to detect these ripples in the fabric of space-time, they argued, could one day allow us to create gravitational maps of the universe, giving us glimpses of objects and phenomena that would otherwise remain forever hidden. According to a study published in the latest edition of the journal Physical Review D, the LIGO project in its advanced LIGO (aLIGO) iteration could, in theory, achieve much more. The authors of the study state that LIGOs gravitational wave detectors may be able to detect axions a class of hypothetical particles that some physicists believe makes up dark matter created by spinning black holes. Dark matter is the name given to the mysterious stuff that makes up 85 percent of the universes mass. The problem is, we dont know what its made of. It may be Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs), which are heavy particles that interact with normal matter only through gravity and the weak nuclear force, or axions a class of extremely light particles whose existence is predicted by an extension of quantum chromodynamics, which is a theory that lies within the ambit of the Standard Model of particle physics. A recent calculation, made by researchers at the Forschungszentrum Julich research center in Germany, suggests that if axions do constitute the bulk of dark matter, they would have a mass of between 50 and 1,500 microelectronvolts, making them up to 10 billion times lighter than electrons. This means that every cubic centimeter of the universe should contain an average of 10 million axions, and regions having larger concentration of dark matter, such as our local region of the Milky Way, should contain roughly 1 trillion axions per cubic centimeter. In the latest study, a team of researchers from the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, the Stanford Institute for Theoretical Physics, and the Center for Cosmology and Particle Physics at New York University argue that if these hypothetical particles have the predicted mass, spinning and colliding black holes should produce a cloud of axions much like the cloud of electrons around an atoms nucleus due to a phenomenon known as superradiance. This should, in turn, produce gravitational waves, that can, in theory, be detected by LIGO. In addition, LIGOs detectors may also be able to observe changes in a black holes angular momentum as it is slowed down by the cloud of axions although this approach is less promising as measuring a black holes spin is an extremely daunting task. It's an awesome idea, Tracy Slatyer, a particle astrophysicist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, who was not involved in the work, told Science magazine. The [LIGO] data is going to be there, and it would be amazing if we saw something. ... This is probably the most promising paper Ive seen so far on the new physics we might probe with gravitational waves. Related Articles A police body camera captured footage of five police officers rescuing a male driver who was stuck inside a burning sedan after crashing into a utility pole late Sunday night in Washington, D.C. Officer Steven Hines of the Metropolitan Police Department immediately activated his body camera and ran toward the burning car unaware if the driver was still inside, according to the local NBC affiliate. "I tried to look in it, but there was too much smoke. I couldn't really see inside the vehicle," Hines said. In the video, Hines is heard saying that he was going to break the front window. Other officers were also called to the scene to help assist him as the flames expanded. "Our minds were pretty much on going home. Another couple of minutes, if we hadn't been there, if Hines hadn't stumbled across it, it'd be a completely different story," Officer John Hayes said. Officers Jacoby Taylor and Roberto Adams were able to help pull the man out of the vehicle. "Adams quickly jumped in and was able to pull the seat belt off the driver. At that point, we quickly pulled him out of the car and got him away from the flames," Taylor said. They then smashed more windows to make sure no one else was inside the car. Emergency crews transported the driver to a local hospital, where he was treated and released. Police have not released information about the severity of the drivers injuries nor what caused the crash. His name has not been released. It was our duty to react quickly to make sure no one else was in that car, Taylor told a local TV station. We reacted quickly together as a team. Sgt. Nicole Brown, the officers supervisor, said Hines had perfect timing. If he had arrived even maybe two to three minutes later, it would have just been too late. Brown said the way the officers response was amazing. "It was definitely heroism at its finest, she said. The D.C. Police Department tweeted a video of the rescue Tuesday afternoon saying, Proud of two MPD officers from 5D for rescuing a driver a burning car. Related Articles An 11-year-old Texas boy is now without parents after he called 911 to report that his mother had been killed at the hands of his own father. According to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, the boy met police at the door of his home covered in blood early Thursday morning. Read: Transgender Woman Arrested by ICE Agents While Seeking Protective Order Against Alleged Abuser Deputies say they then announced their presence and were "quickly confronted" by a knife-wielding suspect in the master bedroom of the home. The suspect was ordered to drop the knife, but refused, according to a police statement. Instead, deputies say the suspect advanced on one of them in a threatening matter. "The deputies, fearing for their lives, discharged their firearms, striking the suspect multiple times." The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Medger Blake, was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim, the boy's 44-year-old mother, Rose Blake, was also found dead. During their investigation, detectives reportedly found a handwritten 8-page note signed by the suspect that contained explicit instructions of what he wanted to happen to his home, belongings and children following the murder. The note also contained an apology, cops said. Read: Wife Accused of Killing Husband with Fire Extinguisher Told 911 Operator: 'I Just Kept Beating Him in the Head' Police said the 11-year-old is to be placed with family members from out of state. "Clearly our thoughts and prayers go out, not only to the families of both the victim and the suspect, but to the deputies who were forced to use their weapons because of the suspect's actions," the sheriff's office said in a statement. Watch: Man Admits He Robbed Bank Because He'd Rather Go to Jail Than Be with His Wife Related Articles: RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) Brazil's foreign minister resigned from his post Wednesday night, citing undisclosed medical reasons. Jose Serra, who was named to the job last May, said in a letter to President Michel Temer that he needed at least four months to recover from a disease he did not identify. He also said he could not travel as much as needed or perform day-to-day work properly as foreign minister. Serra is a key leader of the center-right Brazilian Social Democracy Party. He has run for president twice and lost both times in runoff elections. He was defeated by former union leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in 2002, and eight years later lost to former guerrilla Dilma Rousseff. Some in Serra's party still consider the 74-year-old senator to be a presidential hopeful. By Anthony Boadle BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazilian President Michel Temer appointed a lower house lawmaker from his ruling PMDB party, Osmar Serraglio, to be justice minister on Thursday, a choice aimed at appeasing disgruntled members of his party. Temer's spokesman said Serraglio, 68, had accepted the job. PMDB lawmakers, whose support is vital for passage of Temer's unpopular austerity measures, were unhappy he had too many members from allied parties in his cabinet and pushed for inclusion of one of their own. Reuters reported earlier on Thursday that Serraglio was tipped for the post. Serraglio succeeds Alexandre de Moraes who was confirmed by the Senate to become a Supreme Court justice on Wednesday. Serraglio, a five-term congressman from Parana state, was an ally of former lower chamber speaker Eduardo Cunha, who was stripped of his seat and arrested last year on corruption charges. Serraglio has said that, if appointed, he would not interfere in the investigations under way in Brazil's biggest ever graft scandal that threatens to ensnare dozens of politicians for allegedly taking kickbacks from engineering firms seeking government contracts. "The president had to deal with the malaise in his party," a Temer aide told Reuters on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about the appointment. Temer enjoys a majority in Congress, but some PMDB lawmakers want to water down his proposal for reform of Brazil's costly pension system, a key item on his agenda to restore fiscal discipline and business confident in a stagnant economy. The first signs of revolt appeared on Thursday when lawmaker Fabio Ramalho said he was breaking with Temer because the PMDB caucus from his state of Minas Gerais had been overlooked in the distribution of cabinet posts. "The appointment of Serraglio was the last drop," Ramalho, who is deputy speaker of the lower chamber, told Reuters. "Most of us will vote against the pension reform as sent here. It will have to be changed." (Additional reporting by Lisandra Paraguassu and Maria Carolina Marcello; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and James Dalgleish) Sao Paulo (AFP) - Brazil's Foreign Minister Jose Serra resigned citing health concerns, in a new blow to Michel Temer's administration. Serra, 74, said health problems made him unable to keep up with the rhythm of leading the foreign ministry of Latin America's biggest nation. He did not disclose what medical problems he is addressing. A government source said it was related to his spine on which he has had surgery in the past. Serra was a highly experienced official and former presidential candidate. Temer has low popularity ratings amid a vast corruption scandal. He took over as president in May to replace Dilma Rousseff, who was later impeached. Temer already had lost seven leading members of his government -- six ministers and a senior adviser. Brazil's economy shrank 3.5 percent in 2015 and an estimated 3.6 percent last year. From the people who brought you "Left Shark" comes... "Falling House." Katy Perrys routine at the 2017 Brit Awards came with quite the mishap as one of her backup dancers, who was dressed as a house, wandered to the edge and fell off the stage. Read: Blue Ivy Dressed as Prince to Watch Mom Beyonce's Grammy Performance At the time, Perry was performing her new single, "Chained to the Rhythm," at the Londons massive O2 Arena. Her act also featured two giant dancing skeletons holding hands, a subtle dig at President Trump and British Prime Minister Theresa May, who held hands during their meeting at the White House last month. Read: Singer Joy Villa's Sales Skyrocket After Wearing Pro-Trump Dress to Grammys The annual award show celebrates the best of British and international music. Other performers included Coldplay's Chris Martin, The 1975, Ed Sheeran, and Bruno Mars, among others. Watch: Will Hillary Clinton Appear at the Oscars? Host Jimmy Kimmel Says 'Possibly' Related Articles: Australian ex-PM Kevin Rudd berates Netanyahu Former Australian PM Kevin Rudd has accused Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu of "torpedoing" peace negotiations in the Middle East. UPDATE: 3:25 AM EST -- The Anaheim Police Department arrested at least 24 people Wednesday on misdemeanor charges after protesters failed to disperse following repeated warnings, police said on Twitter. The protest was aimed at a viral video that showed a Los Angeles police officer attacking children. Original story: Almost 300 people marched through the streets of Anaheim, California, late Wednesday after an incident involving an off-duty Los Angeles police officer firing his gun at teenagers was caught on tape, raising concerns about increased incidents of police brutality against minorities. The video of the unidentified officer attempting to detain an unarmed juvenile went viral after he discharged his firearm into a group of teens during the scuffle. A 13-year-old was booked for criminal threats and battery and another 15-year-old was arrested. The incident took place close to Disneyland around 2:40 p.m. Tuesday. Like many in the community, I've seen the video and I'm very concerned about what it shows, Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait was quoted as saying by the Orange County Register. Anaheim is committed to a full and impartial investigation. Our city will move forward without delay. The peaceful protest started at the area of the shooting Wednesday, but soon moved to the police officer's house, where things got heated. While the protest was meant to be completely non-violent, there was an incident of profanities being spray-painted on the police officers neighbors property. Anaheim police officers in riot gear were deployed to the scene. Police asked the protesters to disperse, or face arrest. Police said on Twitters arrests were being made and that the department would not tolerate any acts of violence or vandalism. In the video, the teenagers are seen complaining about violence. Story continues Punch a kid in the nuts, that's a little pussy move, one boy says. Let me go, for the last time! It's unclear who took the video. We cannot authenticate the validity of these videos as they were not recorded or posted by APD, said Anaheim police spokesman Daron Wyatt in a press release. However, they do appear to depict portions of the incident in question. Read the Los Angeles Police Department's statement on the incident below: Related Articles PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - A Cambodian court convicted and sentenced a prominent land rights activist to 2-1/2 years in jail on Thursday for her role in a protest outside Prime Minister Hun Sen's residence in 2013. Tep Vanny was found guilty of assaulting security guards while trying to deliver a petition to Hun Sen asking for assistance in a long-running land dispute. Eyewitness testimony that neither Vanny or other protesters were involved in any clash failed to sway Judge Long Kesphirum. Forced evictions are a major problem in Cambodia, with thousands of families driven from farmland or urban areas to make way for real estate developments or mining and agricultural projects. "They use this case against me to pressure others," Vanny told Reuters before the verdict. "They use the judiciary to silence me and scare others from protesting." Hun Sen has ruled Cambodia for three decades, and his government denies accusations by critics that it uses the courts to deter dissent. Cambodia faces local elections in June and a general election next year. A small group of Vanny's supporters that had gathered outside the courthouse called the verdict unjust and an abuse of power before being dispersed by security guards, a Reuters witness said. (Reporting by Prak Chan Thul; Editing by Cod Satrusayang and Simon Cameron-Moore) While she was deployed in Somalia and Iraq as a colonel in the army, Elspeth Cameron Ritchie handled her period with limited privacy, often in isolated or flooded bathrooms for five tours, sometimes as the only woman in her unit. It was difficult and sticky and kind of embarrassing, she says. If women in the armed forces dont want to deal with their periods at all while in the field, the technology is available. Birth-control pills as well as long acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs)which include intrauterine devices (IUDs) as well as the birth-control implant, which goes in the upper armoften reduce or eliminate periods. Whats more, LARCs are also the most reliable form of contraception. But recent studies indicate that some active-duty women struggle to receive birth control pills and LARCs. The extent of the issue, however, is unknown. The Department of Defense keeps very little data on birth control and doesnt often share the information with researchers. Regardless, this problem is only going to spread all military positions and specialties were opened to women on January 1, 2016. Recommended: An Epidemic of Unnecessary Treatment Women currently make up 15 percent of active duty and 19 percent of reserve forces. The ban on women in combat positions was lifted in 2013, but combat needs during the post-9/11 Operation Freedom were so unpredictable, the ban meant very little. Women ended up in combat positions anyway, with more than 800 wounded and more than 130 dead in 12 years of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Before then, even if not technically in combat positions, women were still sent to dangerous areas. Ritchie earned three combat patches for providing medical care during her deployments. When in Somalia in the 90s and Iraq in the 00s, I wasnt officially fighting, but I was in the middle of it, carrying a weapon, she says. Story continues Now an advocate of military womens health, Ritchie, who makes it clear she speaks for herself, not the Veterans Association or Department of Defense, is vocal about addressing the logistical and sanitation needs of active service members with periods. TRICARE, the primary health-care provider for armed-service members, technically offers these contraceptive methods. A 2016 reanalysis of previous research published in Military Medicine, however, found enlistees access to menstrual suppressors doesnt always pan out. One 2013 study included in the review was published by Daniel Grossman. An obstetrician/gynecologist at the University of California San Francisco, Grossman was at the time working with Ibis Reproductive Health, an organization that promotes the availability of contraceptives worldwide. In a survey he did of 281 service women, 71 percent said they used contraception for menstrual cycle control. While 58 percent thought contraception was easy or somewhat easy to get during deployment, 33 percent of women said they couldnt access the birth control method they wanted. Of those who used contraceptives, 24 percent brought enough to last their entire deployment. Forty-one percent of those needing refills found them difficult to obtain. Recommended: Why Did People on Medicaid Vote for Trump? Grossmans team dug into the reasons why in a smaller set of 22 in-depth interviews published in 2014. The military provides service members with three months worth of medication up-front. The average army deployment is 12 months, so to fill that gap, soldiers are told to use an on-base pharmacy or the TRICARE mail-order service for drug delivery. Grossmans respondents didnt always find this advice practical. Remote areas, extensive travel, or trouble transferring civilian prescriptions over to TRICARE sometimes kept them from getting the supplies they needed. Similarly, a study published in 2011 found that 66 percent of soldiers in settings with little privacy and few sanitary disposal options wanted to use birth control pills for menstrual suppression, but only 21 percent were able to use them for their entire deployment. The military is the expert at figuring out logistics. If they were committed, they could definitely figure out a way to make this work. LARCs were also underused. Some women in Grossmans 2013 study reported being denied an implant because of an outdated belief the devices were unsafe for young women or those who hadnt had kids. Though the Centers for Disease Control stated for the first time that the devices were safe for young women in 2010, Grossman says, practice lags behind. Admittedly, for service members, finding the right time for LARC insertion can be tricky, Grossman says. IUDs can cause cramping and discomfort for some people, which enlistees dont have time for during rigorous basic training. As soon as that phase is over, people are sent to their stations in the U.S. or abroad, which may or may not have medical personnel trained to implant LARCs. Recommended: Why So Many Young Doctors Work Such Awful Hours But in Grossmans opinion, lack of strategy is no excuse. The military is the expert at figuring out logistics, he says. If they were committed to making this an option, they could definitely figure out a way to make this work. Its also possible more women in the military arent using LARCs because they werent educated about the option, Grossman adds. Seventy-eight percent of his respondents never had a conversation with a military medical provider about menstrual suppression before deployment. Other research found 86 percent of the women they spoke to thought education on birth control pills for eliminating periods should be mandatory for women entering the military. Ritchie agrees. Young women new to the military shouldnt have to ask questions and figure out period logistics for themselves, she says. Grossman still isnt confident his own questionnaires are an accurate assessment of birth-control use, partially because the military doesnt collect data on the topic, he says. Every few years, the Department of Defense conducts its Health Related Behaviors Survey of active duty service members. While participants are asked whether or not they had or caused an unintended pregnancy, data on answers to that question are not included in the public report. Answers to the follow-up questionwhether or not birth control was usedare also left out. The DOD includes no other questions on family planning or menstrual suppression in its survey. After the 2008 DOD survey, Grossman successfully filed a FOIA for the unintended pregnancy data that wasnt available to the public and published his own analysis, finding that the unintended pregnancy rate in active duty forces is 50 percent higher than that of the general U.S. population. He wanted to repeat the process after the 2011 survey, but this time, his FOIA was denied. Instead, he and his coauthor wrote their updated analysis after finding a public use data file with many redacted variables. Grossman was disappointed by how little information on birth control the DOD providedand so was Representative Jackie Speier, a Democrat from California. In fact, more DOD survey questions about contraception was one of the many requests to improve birth control availability and education for military women included in a bill Speier recently sponsored. As a member of the House Arms Committee, Speier was drawn to the issue when she and her team read Grossmans paper on the 2008 DOD survey data. Her bill failed to pass. Instead, two recommendations for the DOD on birth control were included in the most recent House Armed Services Committee report. Where are we going to have roadblocks, where is the energy best spent? The first request is that each military medical facility keeps a sufficient stock of all FDA-approved contraceptives. The second is to ensure that service members receive enough of their prescription birth control prior to deployment. Exactly how and when these goals are achieved is for the DOD to plan and execute. Although unintended pregnancies were the first concern, says a representative for Speier, helping women deal with menstruation is a great side benefit. While the topic is still on Speiers legislative to-do list, the attention it receives depends on the new administration. With many of President Trumps goals unknown, explained Speiers representative, deciding what agendas to focus on is difficult. Its not about what [Speier] wants, the rep says, as much as its also about where are we going to have roadblocks, where can we get things through, where is the energy best spent? Not every woman in the military thinks periods need prioritizing. Raquel Patrick, a chief warrant officer who served for five tours, says planning for her period wasnt an issue. Before leaving, she would buy bulk supplies of feminine products and baby wipes. From what she could tell, she says, the women she was with who used birth control had no problem getting what they needed, either. Patrick was surprised to hear that some women never spoke to healthcare providers about their contraceptive options before deployment. For her, that conversation always happened. Patrick thinks dealing with accidents or planning to be away from a suitable bathroom for a while isnt anything abnormal. Thats just like any job. Do you really bring it up, or do you just take care of it? she says. As women fill military positions previously inaccessible to them, Patrick thinks its only natural those women will receive attention. For example, she mentioned that the recent addition of female infantry to the Marines means the Marine leadership will need to brush up on womens health. If soldiers find themselves unprepared to deal with their periods while deployed, however, that is a sign to Patrick that their commander missed vital information. A military leaders job is to make sure the health needs of his or her soldiers are being met, she explainsthats part of being in charge of someones life. Patrick says she can see how menstrual care in the military could fall by the wayside in the current political climate, especially if the armed forces have to gear up for more conflict. The Defense Health Agency Office of Health Affairs underscored the belief that a soldiers health is a top priority. The Department of Defense is fully committed to supporting the health, well-being, and medical readiness of all service members regardless of gender, they wrote in an email. The sea of military women in front of me are quite an impressive lot, Ritchie says. And they now have more opportunities in the armed services than ever. An infrastructure for managing periods could make the service that much easier. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. For chef Jose Andres, becoming embroiled in a legal battle with anyonelet alone the President of the United Statesis brand new territory. Ive never been in a lawsuit in my entire 47 years of life, he tells PEOPLE in the latest issue, on newsstands Friday. Ive always kind of found a resolution to every problem just by dialogue and common sense. Andres found himself at the receiving end of a lawsuit from Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign after he pulled out of a restaurant project in Washington, D.C.s Trump Hotel. The move was a response to the then-candidates controversial remarks about Hispanic immigrants, which the chef claims made it difficult to attract staffers and customers. I didnt think the business was viable. I was trying really to help, for them to have a good outcome, says Andres, whose restaurant company Think Food Group initially contacted the Presidents daughter, Ivanka Trump, with their concerns before bailing when Trumps rhetoric continued. I did what I had to do. I was put in that situation. RELATED: Heres Everything You Need to Know About the Day Without Immigrants Protest What he didnt expect was to then be taken to court by the man seeking the nations highest office. I was very surprised that somebody that created and is very proud of the art of the deal wouldnt come up with a deal with me, he says of Trumpwho has previously said that he doesnt settle lawsuits, despite having done so on multiple occasions. Trumps side claims pulling out of the contract caused them financial damages. In short, the parties entered into a valid and enforceable lease, which the tenant clearly breached by walking out and failing to perform its obligations, thereby entitling the landlord to recover damages in the form of unpaid rent, cost of build out, lost profits and other expenses, Alan Garten, executive vice president for the Trump Organization, said in a statement in January. Story continues Andres, a Spanish immigrant himself, has made a name for himself as one of D.C.s most prominent chefs, and his commitment to celebrating diverse cuisines shows in his workwith popular restaurants like Jaleo, Oyamel, and Zaytinya specializing in Spanish, Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine, respectively. He also has a close relationship with former President Obama, who has been a regular at his eateries and honored the chef with the National Humanities Medal. WATCH: Marcus Samuelsson on the Presidential Recipe He Made for Obama And despite his issue with the current President, he still has the utmost respect for his family. I think highly of Ivanka and Donald Trump, Jr. I think they are really good people, classy people, he says. I welcome Ivanka to D.C. If shes around, my restaurants are always open for everybody. All my life, Ive had plenty of friends who disagree with many things, but were not less friends for that. As far as the ongoing legal dispute, Andres is confident. I think we have a very good case and if we have to get to the end I think I will win it, he says. But I dont feel pride in winning or losing; I think for me the best win is when everybody keeps moving forward together. For more on Jose Andres story, pick up this weeks issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday. As tensions between China and the U.S. over South China Sea heighten, Beijing's defense ministry said Thursday it was aware of the deployment of a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group in the disputed waters. While urging America to maintain sovereignty and security of China, defense ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said its nation respected freedom of navigation for all countries in the waters. Last week, Rear Adm. James Kilby said the carrier USS Carl Vinson began operations in the South China Sea, a day after China wrapped up its own exercises. China has earlier called U.S.'s freedom of navigation exercises a serious breach of law as well as a provocation. "China hopes the U.S. earnestly respects the sovereignty and security concerns of countries in the region, and earnestly respects the efforts of countries in the region to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea," Ren said in a regular monthly news briefing, according to Reuters. "Of course, we also respect freedom of navigation and overflight for all countries in the South China Sea in accordance with international law." While noting that the situation in South China Sea was generally stable, Ren said: "We hope the actions of the U.S. side can contribute positive energy towards this good situation, and not the opposite." Tensions between the U.S. and China spiraled after President Donald Trump accepted a congratulatory phone call from Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, making him the first U.S. president to directly contact Taiwan in four decades. China has repeatedly blamed the U.S. for heightening tensions in the South China Sea, through which over $5 trillion of maritime trade passes annually. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan also have conflicting claims to the waters. On Wednesday, two U.S. officials told Reuters that China is close to finishing the construction of structures capable of housing long-range surface-to-air missiles. Beijing has also built military-length airstrips and conducted weeklong training drills amid the ongoing territorial dispute. Related Articles America is a nation of detectives as everyday citizens attempt to identify a suspect featured in cell phone video of the two murdered teens in Indiana. Read: Did Murdered Indiana Teens Capture the Voice of Their Killer? The grainy image and haunting audio of the man saying "down the hill" were recorded by 14-year-old Liberty German on her cell phone. German and her best friend, Abigail Williams, 14, were found murdered near a creek on a popular hiking trail in Indiana on February 13. People in the town of Delphi population 3,000 say they refuse to believe the suspect is one of their own. "Somebody knows this voice," one Delphi citizen told Inside Edition. "Somebody has to know who this guy is. We are begging you, begging you to come forward. We need to find out who has done this to our girls." The release of the audio has triggered more than a thousand tips. Citizen sleuths, including Nancy Grace, are offering their theories about the killer. "We hear that muffled: 'down the hill, down the hill' Why was it muffled?" Grace told ABC News. "Because I think she put it in her pocket. Now they are only releasing a portion of it, why? It could be an attack on the girls. It could even be their murders that they are not releasing to spare the families. But there's more proof on that video!" A source familiar with the investigation described the full cell phone recording as "the stuff of nightmares." The reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect has been increased to $50,000 following a $9,000 donation by the office of U.S. Congressman Todd Rokita, according to police. There are several intriguing theories police are working on, including the possibility of two killers. It's a theory that may explain why one of the girls wasn't able to get away while the other was murdered. Read: Police Name Mystery Man Caught on Surveillance as Suspect in Murders of Teen Hikers Another proposed theory involves whether the killer lives nearby, as he appears to know the woods and back roads. Story continues An additional idea centers on whether the killer was recently released from prison. Veteran New York Homicide Detective Sergeant Joe Giacalone is following the case "I don't think this is the first time he has done something like this," he told Inside Edition. "He was following them for a while and I think that's why she was able to snatch this picture because if you notice he's looking down he's not even paying attention. She realized maybe there's something wrong and she snapped this blurry video. Watch: How a Social Media Photo May Have Tipped Off Predator That Killed Girls on Hike Related Articles: Paris (AFP) - French students protesting police brutality on Thursday blocked 16 Paris high schools and clashed with security forces three weeks after a black youth worker was allegedly raped with a police baton. Violence broke out at a central Paris square when the youths, some of them wearing hoods, tried to force police barricades. Some damaged cars and cash machines while others hurled cobblestones at police, who responded with tear gas. Police made 11 arrests during the protest, one of a string held in Paris and around France since the February 2 incident involving a 22-year-old named only as Theo. Upwards of 1,000 people shouting "Vengeance for Theo" took part in Thursday's demonstration in the Place de la Nation, a common protest venue. Education Minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem appealed for calm, saying: "Young people's emotion over the Theo affair is understandable, but we must let justice take its course." Violence is "unacceptable", she told reporters. City education authorities said 16 high schools were totally paralysed while a dozen others were partially blocked. At many of them, entrances were blocked by rubbish bins, some of them set alight. Theo, who was allegedly sodomised with a police truncheon after an identity check, required surgery after his violent arrest in the gritty suburb of Aulnay-sous-Bois, which was caught on video. One officer has been charged with rape over the affair, and three others with assault. All four have been suspended from their duties. An internal police investigation found insufficient evidence to support allegations that Theo was raped and said the injuries were not inflicted intentionally. The criminal probe is, however, ongoing. The case has revived long-simmering frustrations over policing in immigrant communities, where young men accuse the police of repeatedly targeting them in aggressive stop-and-search operations and using excessive force during arrests. The police for their part complain of being drawn into a cat-and-mouse game with delinquents and drug dealers operating out of housing estates. In 2005, the death of two teenagers who were electrocuted while hiding from police in an electricity substation sparked weeks of riots in France. Bogota (AFP) - Colombian prosecutors seized $98 million worth of buildings, land and assets belonging to the leftist FARC force as it disbands under a peace deal, an official said Thursday. "We have frozen property worth nearly 282 million pesos" belonging to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), public prosecutor Nestor Humberto Martinez told a news conference. Authorities "also managed to identify property that is the result of illegal activities such as drug trafficking," he said. The FARC are demobilizing after signing a peace accord with the Colombian government last year following more than half a century of conflict. The government has also launched negotiations with the last remaining active rebel group, the National Liberation Army (ELN). Authorities say the war has cost 260,000 lives. By Richard Cowan and Andy Sullivan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Donald Trump's chief strategist Steve Bannon, known as a forceful influence in the White House, made a rare public appearance on Thursday to appeal to conservatives to unite behind the Republican president as he presses his agenda. Bannon took to the stage along with White House chief of staff Reince Priebus at the four-day Conservative Political Action Conference, telling the gathering, "We want you to have our back" in upcoming battles, and denouncing media criticism of Trump. The early days of the administration have been marked by deep post-election divisions between Trump backers and liberals over the new president's travel ban on refugees and people from seven Muslim-majority countries, as well as moves to increase deportations of illegal immigrants and to build a wall on the southwestern border with Mexico. While conservatives are celebrating Trump's role in delivering them a victory in November's election, his agenda veers from traditional right-wing principles like limited government and open trade. Republicans who control the White House and Congress also are arguing over how to dismantle and replace former Democratic President Barack Obama's landmark healthcare law. Bannon and Priebus both sought to dispel a sense of disorder in the White House portrayed in media accounts. Referring to media criticism of Trump and echoing the president's attacks on the media, Bannon warned, "It's going to get worse every day" as Trump presses forward with his 2016 campaign promises. "If you think they're going to give you your country back without a fight you are sadly mistaken," said Bannon, who formerly ran the confrontational right-wing website Breitbart News. He blamed the "corporatist, globalist media that are adamantly opposed to an economic nationalist agenda" under Trump. The CPAC conference, once a fringe event but is now decidedly in the Republican mainstream, is being held in suburban Maryland, attended by an estimated 10,000 activists. White House adviser Kellyanne Conway, in remarks to the group, credited Trump with revitalizing the Republican Party's right wing. "Every great movement ends up being a little bit sclerotic and dusty after a time, and I think they (conservatives) need an infusion of energy," Conway said. Referring to Trump's expected attendance at the conference on Friday, she said, "I think by tomorrow this will be TPAC, this year. No doubt. CPAC organizers are trying to steer clear of controversy over the alt-right movement, a loose grouping that includes neo-Nazis, white supremacists and anti-Semites whom Trump has been slow to denounce. Breitbart has a following among some of these groups and in the past Bannon had called the media organization a platform for the movement. Some Breitbart staffers were scheduled to participate in CPAC panel discussions. "We don't think there's any role for the alt-right in the conservative movement," Matt Schlapp, head of the American Conservative Union, which organizes CPAC, said in a phone interview. REAGAN COMPARISONS Just a month into his presidency, Trump is already being compared by some conservatives to their hero, President Ronald Reagan. He swept to power in 1981 with a small-government, free-trade, tax-cutting agenda that energized the Republican right-wing and molded the views of many of the CPAC faithful. Trump so far has been "pitch-perfect with conservatives as he starts his administration," said Schlapp. Even so, some conservatives, including some at CPAC, are nervously watching Trump. Trump has proposed a major expansion of government to police immigration. He has already canceled a trade deal with Asia-Pacific neighbors, and he has sharply criticized one between the United States, Mexico and Canada. "I always worry any discussion about trade competition and tariffs ... misdirects the focus," said CPAC stalwart Grover Norquist, a powerful advocate of low taxes and small government. On taxes, Trump has backed cuts in rates, but his position on a Republican tax package under debate in Congress is unclear. Whether Republicans and Trump can come to terms over such issues will help determine how much real change they can effect in Washington, and how the voters treat them in 2018 in the mid-term elections, when ruling parties normally lose ground. Some Republicans have expressed disappointment that Trump has not moved faster on tax reform and on repealing Obamacare, Obama's law on health insurance. Trump has issued a flurry of executive orders but has not yet publicly proposed legislation of any kind, unlike recent first-term presidents. Schlapp credited Trump with naming the most conservative Cabinet in a half-century and nominating a Supreme Court justice, Neil Gorsuch, who has conservatives' blessings. Trump has also thrilled conservatives by working hand-in-glove with congressional Republicans on overturning or gutting a handful of Obama-era regulations, including one that prevented coal companies from dumping waste into rivers and streams. (Additional reporting by John Whitesides, Susan Heavey and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Leslie Adler, Cynthia Osterman and Frances Kerry) Business boom: Development speeds up after Karnali Highway Last Friday, Hari Bansha Acharya travelled to Kalikot to open a branch office of Sanima Bank in the district headquarters Manma by driving over Karnali Highway. WASHINGTON (AP) -- Conservatives are praising the Trump administration's rollback of public school bathroom requirements for transgender students, saying the move corrects a legal overreach by the Obama administration that is best left for states to decide. Transgender rights advocates, meanwhile, are vowing to overcome a major setback. "We're not discouraged. And we're going to keep fighting like we have been and keep fighting for the right thing," said Gavin Grimm, a transgender teen who sued his Virginia high school over its bathroom access policy and whose case is set to be heard by the Supreme Court next month. The Justice and Education departments said Wednesday that public schools no longer need to abide by the Obama-era directive instructing them to allow transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms of their chosen gender. That guidance, issued in May, led to a spate of lawsuits over how it should be applied, according to a letter from the departments being sent to schools nationwide. The agencies said they withdrew the guidance to "in order to further and more completely consider the legal issues involved." Anti-bullying safeguards for students will not be affected by the change, according to the letter. But advocates of protections for transgender teens said the overall rollback sends "a message that something is wrong with them, which is harmful," said Nancy Haque, co-executive director of Basic Rights Oregon. Grimm's case also could be in jeopardy with the guidance now lifted. The high court could decide not to hear it and direct lower courts to settle that issue instead. There won't be any immediate impact on schools, because the Obama guidance had been temporarily blocked since August by a federal judge in Texas, one of 13 states that sued over the directive. And schools remain free to provide the same treatment to students even without guidance. The earlier guidance was based on the Obama administration's determination that federal sex discrimination law known as Title IX, applies to gender identity. It will now be up to states and school districts to decide the issue of bathroom access. Story continues The Obama guidance did not sufficiently explain its interpretation of that law, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement. "Congress, state legislatures and local governments are in a position to adopt appropriate policies or laws addressing this issue," Sessions said, adding that the department is still committed to protecting students from bullying. "This is an issue best solved at the state and local level," Education Secretary Betsy DeVos added. "Schools, communities and families can find and in many cases have found solutions that protect all students." Earlier Wednesday, White House spokesman Sean Spicer denied media reports that DeVos, who has been criticized for her stance on LGBT issues, had opposed the change but was overruled by Sessions. Spicer said any disagreement was merely over wording and timing. "There is no daylight between anybody," Spicer said, adding that DeVos was "100 percent" on board with the decision. Conservative activists who saw it as the Obama administration meddling in local matters praised the change. Wisconsin state Rep. Jesse Kremer said he was pleased by the change but still intends to re-introduce a bill to force public school students to use bathrooms that correspond with their birth gender. "No longer will federal officials distort federal law that is meant to equalize educational opportunities for women, and no longer will they force local officials to intermingle boys and girls within private areas like locker rooms, showers, hotel rooms on school trips and restrooms," said Gary McCaleb, senior counsel for the conservative legal group Alliance Defending Freedom. However, the reversal is a setback for transgender rights groups, which had been urging Trump to keep the guidelines in place. Advocates say federal law will still prohibit discrimination against students based on their gender or sexual orientation. But, they said, lifting the guidance puts children in harm's way. "The mother lions in this country are not going to let anything go backward in transgender equality because it's been very hard fought," said Linda Fishbaugh, the mother of a transgender New Hampshire teenager. A patchwork of state laws could continue to emerge as a result of the change. Fifteen states have explicit protections for transgender students in their state laws, and many individual school districts in other states have adopted policies that cover such students on the basis of their gender identity, said Sarah Warbelow, legal director of the Human Rights Campaign. Just one state, North Carolina, has enacted a law restricting access to bathrooms in government-owned buildings to the sex that appears on a person's birth certificate. Lawmakers in more than 10 states are considering similar legislation, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. __ Associated Press writers Ben Finley in Norfolk, Virginia, Todd Richmond in Madison, Wisconsin, and Steven Dubois in Portland, Oregon, contributed to this report. MADRID (AP) Spain's National Court has sentenced Rodrigo Rato, a former head of the International Monetary Fund, to 4 years in prison for misusing a Spanish bank's corporate credit card. The court convicted Rato of unlawful misappropriation of funds during his 2010-12 leadership of Bankia, a bank that later had to be bailed out. It found that the credit cards were used for irregular and undeclared expenses. The court said in its ruling Thursday that the 64 other defendants in the case were sent to prison for terms between three months and six years. Rato was IMF chief from 2004 to 2007 and a leading figure in Spain's governing Popular Party from 1996 to 2004. He had denied wrongdoing in the credit card scandal. Zagreb (AFP) - Two Croatian men have been charged with violating public order, a judge said Thursday, after they allegedly racially insulted Oscar-winning US actor Jamie Foxx. The 49-year-old star is currently in Croatia's southern resort of Dubrovnik shooting a new adaptation of Robin Hood, in which he portrays Little John. But he was the victim of a racist slur in a local restaurant on Sunday evening, Croatian media reported. Foxx also said in an Instagram post, which was later deleted, that the men used racist terms against him. Police said they arrested two men, aged 44 and 50, for insulting restaurant guests and staff. "The 50-year-old insulted one of the guests on racial grounds," police said in a statement without identifying the victim. When asked about the case, judge Mirjana Lujak told AFP that the two men were charged for "seriously violating public order in a particularly arrogant and indecent way". The pair were released after questioning but if found guilty could face fines of around 700 euros ($739) or up to one month in jail. "Robin Hood: Origins" is directed by Otto Bathurst and stars British actor Taron Egerton as Robin alongside Foxx's Little John. Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way Productions is one of the producers. The movie is set to be released in the United States in March next year. Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former Renaissance trading power, has been transformed into medieval Nottingham for two weeks of filming. The popular tourist city last year provided a backdrop for scenes in the next "Star Wars" movie. Since 2011 the city has also doubled up as King's Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms in the hit HBO fantasy series "Games of Thrones". Chicago (AFP) - Law enforcement with armored vehicles and bulldozers entered a North Dakota campsite on Thursday, clearing out dozens of people who had refused to vacate an oil pipeline protest. State officials said they had arrested 46 people and officially cleared the camp of demonstrators by mid-afternoon, making way for a cleanup operation. "Many protesters exited the camp voluntarily throughout the day," the North Dakota Joint Information Center said in a statement. "A veterans group occupying a tent refused to leave voluntarily, saying they would not be violent, but they would only go with passive resistance therefore law enforcement had to carry them out," the agency said. Native Americans and supporters camped out for nearly a year near the Dakota Access pipeline route, physically blocking construction. Many of those who had stayed through the winter left peacefully on Wednesday, facing an afternoon evacuation deadline set by the state authorities. But some campers who refused to leave had remained overnight, officials said. Law enforcement entered the camp heavily armed, with bulldozers clearing paths Thursday morning. In an operation that took a little more than three hours, officers could be seen checking white teepees for holdouts, and then spray-painting an X on those that were clear. During warmer months, the camp had sometimes swelled to thousands of demonstrators, bringing the opposition campaign international attention. State officials and the Standing Rock Sioux tribe -- which says the pipeline threatens the Missouri River and the Lake Oahe reservoir, a key drinking water source -- had asked campers to leave in order to clean up the site before snow melts. Otherwise, man-made pollutants from the campsite could contaminate the river, they say, since it was located on a flood plain and warming spring temperatures could cause runoff. - 'Beautiful North Dakota prairie' - "This was beautiful North Dakota prairie in a sensitive watershed area," North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum said. Story continues The Republican said that driving and ruts, as well as accumulated garbage, have substantially damaged the soil. Batteries from hundreds of abandoned cars that may have frozen over the winter could be leaking, posing an additional contamination threat, he said. The US Army Corps of Engineers, which controls the federal land on which the protesters camped, said it will spend between $800,000 and $1.2 million to clean up the area. "We are asking for cooperation from the protesters," Republican North Dakota Senator John Hoeven said Wednesday. "We've got a limited amount of time." The camp first sprang up in April when Native Americans and their supporters began rallying against the Dakota Access pipeline, which has an underground route that intersects the Missouri River. Late last year, then-president Barack Obama's administration halted the project and called for a full environmental impact review. But President Donald Trump signed an executive order to revive the pipeline, and a final permit was issued earlier this month. Construction resumed almost immediately and the pipeline is expected to become operational in a matter of months. Its operator, Energy Transfer Partners, insists the route is safe, with high-tech systems in place to prevent environmental catastrophe. But the Standing Rock Sioux say a more comprehensive environmental review should have been conducted before the federal government issued permits, and the tribe should have been consulted more thoroughly about the potential destruction of nearby sacred lands. By Terray Sylvester CANNON BALL, N.D. (Reuters) - All but a few dozen of the last holdouts from a months-long mass protest against a proposed oil pipeline in North Dakota peacefully vacated their riverside camp as an eviction deadline passed on Wednesday. "We've very firm that the camp is now closed," Governor Doug Burgum, a Republican, told an evening news conference. Following Wednesday's exodus, Burgum estimated there were 25 to 50 protesters left. He said they were still free to leave voluntarily so long as they did not interfere with cleanup crews scheduled to enter the site at 9 a.m. on Thursday. The encampment has stood since August on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property at the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation near Cannon Ball, North Dakota, about 40 miles south of Bismarck, the state capital. Protesters calling themselves "water protectors" have rallied there against plans to route the Dakota Access Pipeline beneath a lake near the reservation, saying the project poses a threat to water resources and sacred tribal sites. Dubbed the Oceti Sakowin camp, the site became a focal point for U.S. environmental activists and Native Americans expressing indigenous rights, drawing some 5,000 to 10,000 protesters at the height of the movement in early December. Most have drifted since away, as tribal leaders urged people to leave due to harsh winter weather, while pressing their opposition to the pipeline in court. Roughly 300 demonstrators had remained until this week. Protesters and police have clashed multiple times since August, with more than 700 arrests tallied. On Wednesday authorities appeared intent on avoiding clashes, though 10 arrests were made as protesters confronted police in riot gear on a highway outside the camp entrance before the officers retreated around nightfall. President Donald Trump has pushed for completion of the pipeline since he took office last month, signing an executive order that reversed an Obama administration decision and cleared the way for the $3.8 billion project to proceed. Two tribes earlier this month lost a legal bid to halt construction. The pipeline is due to be complete and ready for oil by April 1, according to court documents filed Tuesday. DEADLINE ON THE RIVER Burgum and the Army Corps of Engineers had set Wednesday's deadline for protesters to leave, citing hazards posed by impending spring floods along the Cannonball River. The governor said the handful of demonstrators who remained needed to make way for crews set to expand a cleanup that began weeks ago to remove mounds of garbage, debris, human waste and dozens of abandoned vehicles. At least three dozen protesters could be seen gathering near the camp entrance as the afternoon eviction deadline passed, and a few dozen others were believed lingering elsewhere at the site. Some vowed to stay put. "I feel as though now is the time to stand our ground," said Alethea Phillips, 17, a demonstrator from Michigan who had spent three months at the camp. Chase Iron Eyes, a Standing Rock Sioux member, said closing the camp would not dampen his determination. "You can't arrest a movement. You can't arrest a spiritual revolution," he said. Activists set off fireworks on Wednesday morning, and as freezing rain and snow fell, some demonstrators ceremonially burned tents and other structures at the camp. State officials said protesters had set about 20 fires, and that two youngsters - a 7-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl - were taken to a Bismarck hospital for burns after two explosions occurred, the governor said. Authorities have set up an assistance center to provide departing protesters with food, water and medical check-ups, as well as a voucher for one night's hotel stay and a bus ride home. (Reporting by Terray Sylvester in Cannon Ball, North Dakota and Timothy Mclaughlin in Chicago; Writing by Steve Gorman; Editing by Diane Craft and Simon Cameron-Moore) COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) Denmark's top prosecutor says a decision whether to meet a South Korean extradition request for the daughter of the former confidante of South Korea's president, is expected within a month. Simon Gosvig, a spokesman for the Director of Public Prosecutions, says Chung Yoo-ra who is wanted as part of a corruption investigation at home, will remain in detention until March 22. Gosvig told The Associated Press Thursday a decision on the extradition request "will be made before then." Denmark had requested additional information from Seoul before deciding on the fate of Chung, arrested in Aalborg, northern Denmark, on Jan. 1 on an international warrant. She is the daughter of jailed Choi Soon-sil, who is suspected of bribery and receiving favors from companies in return for manipulating government affairs. COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) A Danish appeals court has upheld a defamation ruling and a 10,000-krone ($1,417) fine given to a populist party that supports Denmark's center-right government. The Eastern High Court said the Danish People's Party should also pay 1,000 kroner ($142) to each of the 15 people who had sued it over a May 2013 newspaper advertisement listing 685 people about to be naturalized. The full-page ad claimed the list contained one, unidentified person who was "endangering Denmark's security," because the country's security service had that person on its radar. The plaintiffs claimed they all came under suspicion as that person. Deputy party leader Soeren Espersen said they were considering appealing Thursday's ruling. Twice a year, Denmark's Parliament votes to naturalize people and their names are posted online alongside other law proposals. EC makes public election schedule The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday released a 16-day schedule for local level elections scheduled for May 14. By Terray Sylvester CANNON BALL, N.D. (Reuters) - More than a dozen of a dwindling number of protesters at a camp near the site of the Dakota Access pipeline were arrested on Thursday after defying a previous deadline set by authorities to vacate the Army-owned land. About 50 police in riot gear, aided by additional National Guardsmen, moved slowly through the camp in Cannon Ball, North Dakota, checking structures for any of the several dozen protesters who had stayed beyond the Wednesday deadline to evacuate. Those arrested surrendered peacefully, while others retreated from the advancing police. About a dozen Humvee vehicles had entered the camp and a helicopter hovered overhead, with more police officers and National Guard members stationed outside the site. Members of the Army Corps of Engineers, which owns the land the camp is on, also began entering the site for cleanup efforts on Thursday morning. The remaining protesters had been helping with cleanup efforts. Some buildings that were set on fire Wednesday ahead of the evacuation deadline were still smoldering, sending acrid smoke across the camp. The protesters left said they were not afraid of another confrontation with law enforcement, which has clashed multiple times with demonstrators, resulting in more than 700 arrests. "They have been pointing a gun at our head since day one, so the feeling of fear becomes pretty normal," said Jeremiah Barnes, 24, a protester from Oregon who has spent the past five months at the camp. Related: For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. On Wednesday, authorities arrested 10 protesters on a highway outside the camp entrance before the officers retreated around nightfall. Thousands poured into the protest camp starting in August to oppose the 1,172-mile (1,885-km) pipeline that Native Americans and environmental activists say threatens the water resources and sacred land of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Story continues But a push by President Donald Trump since he took office in January to quickly complete the $3.8 billion project has dealt a series of setbacks to those wanting to see the pipeline stopped or redirected from passing under Lake Oahe on the Missouri River. The Army Corps of Engineers and Republican Governor Doug Burgum set a Wednesday afternoon deadline to clear the camp. Energy Transfer Partners LP said Thursday that 99 percent of the pipeline is complete after receiving all necessary federal authorizations earlier this month. Those in opposition to the pipeline used social media to generate widespread support from Hollywood celebrities, military veterans and politicians. An analyst during Energy Transfer Partners' Thursday earnings call said the project was "probably a PR failure," for the Dallas-based company. "There is no way we can defend ourselves there," Kelcy Warren, the chief executive officer of Energy Transfer Partners said during the call. "There was a mistake on my part," he added. "I underestimated the power of social media. I didn't realize people could just say things that aren't true and freely do it, but they did." (Writing by Timothy Mclaughlin in Chicago; Additional reporting by Catherine Ngai in New York; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) By Alexandra Alper MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - A bid by U.S. President Donald Trump to deport non-Mexican illegal migrants to Mexico that has enraged Mexicans will top the agenda when officials from both countries meet on Thursday amid a deepening rift between the two nations. The U.S. government on Tuesday said it would seek to deport many illegal immigrants to Mexico if they entered the United States from there, regardless of their nationality, prompting a fiery response from Mexican officials. Calling the measure "unilateral" and "unprecedented," Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray said new immigration guidelines would top the agenda of meetings in Mexico City with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly. The stakes are high for the United States, since Mexico has warned that a breakdown in relations could affect its extensive cooperation on the fight against narcotics and on stemming the flow of Central American migrants that reach the U.S. border Talking points from a senior official show Mexicans plan to seek more information on Trump's executive orders at the summit. Officials plan to say, "We are worried about the consequences that these can have for Mexican nationals," in the United States, the notes show. As part of its response, Videgaray said Mexico's foreign ministry would get involved in legal cases in the United States where it considered the rights of Mexicans had been violated. "The Mexican government will take all the measures legally possible to defend the human rights of Mexicans abroad, especially in the United States," Videgaray said. The visit, which will include meetings with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, as well as military, finance and interior officials, is supposed to focus on border security, law enforcement and trade, according to the state department. But hopes for a thawing in relations are low, after a series of botched meetings last month deepened tensions between the historic allies. "The relationship... is at such a historic low that it would be wishful thinking to assume that new concrete agenda items to advance [it] will come at this point," Jason Marczak, director of the Atlantic Council's Latin America Economic Growth Initiative said. Pena Nieto abruptly canceled a planned January summit with Trump after the real estate mogul suggested the Mexican leader should not come if he refused to pay for a border wall. And Trump signed his first executive orders to punish sanctuary cities and build the wall, which could cost around $21.6 billion, the first time Videgaray traveled to Washington to negotiate with counterparts last month. Trump has also threatened to rip up a key trade deal between the United States and Mexico if he cannot renegotiate it to favor American interests. The Tuesday guidance also calls for the hiring of 15,000 more immigration agents, while subjecting immigrants who cannot show they have been in the country for more than two years to "expedited removal." In the past the United States has struggled to fill vacancies thanks to rigorous vetting requirements. (Reporting by Gabriel Stargardter, Alexandra Alper, Christine Murray and Adriana Barrera; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel, Bernard Orr) The two most prominent candidates to lead the Democratic Party appeared to agree with each other on most of the issues in a CNN debate Wednesday night, while outsider candidates and the moderators needled them about how sharply the party should focus on President Donald Trump and whether sitting Democratic officeholders should be primaried in 2018. The two frontrunners for the race, former Labor Secretary Tom Perez and Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, both vowed to remain neutral if sitting Democrats are challenged by more liberal candidates in 2018 and also stuck closely to a message of economic empowerment aimed at making Democrats more appealing to working people. Though the race between Perez and Ellison has been portrayed as a proxy war between the establishment and progressive wings of the struggling party, both men sounded remarkably similar notes during Wednesdays debate insisting that Democrats primarily need an economic message and that the DNC must build a reputation for fairness and transparency to win elections going forward. Perez said he would let the process run its course if sitting Democrats are challenged in 2018 by candidates to their left, while Ellison said he would remain neutral. But underdog candidate Jaime Harrison, the South Carolina state chair, sharply disagreed. If Democrats want to be in a permanent minority lets spend all of our time fighting each other, Harrison said, garnering applause from the audience of DNC members. We have to fight against Republicans, we cant fight each other. Harrison dropped out of the race the following day and endorsed Perez: BREAKING: @harrisonjaime out of DNC race, backs @TomPerez . Story to come. Ben Kamisar (@bkamisar) February 23, 2017 Perez, who has been endorsed by former Vice President Joe Biden, currently holds a slight lead over Ellison, who is backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, according to an Associated Press survey of DNC members conducted before Harrison exited the race. Harrison came in third, trailed by two other outsider candidates South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Idaho party leader Sally Boynton Brown. The vote will be Saturday morning in Atlanta. Story continues Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn. (Screenshot: CNN/Twitter) Perez and Ellison played defense for much of the debate, with the former labor secretary at one point pushing back on a question from the moderator that he felt was implying he was not liberal enough. I think implicit in that question is, Toms not a progressive, Perez said when asked by CNNs Dana Bash how he could be the right messenger for working class voters given his past support for the Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal. TPP is dead, Perez said. Its been dead since last August or September. So the issue is how are we going to move forward. Ellison, meanwhile, was asked to defend comments he made that were critical of Israel and past charges of anti-Semitism, as well as a remark in 2014 on Bill Mahers show that suggested he opposed the Second Amendment. He called the anti-Semitism allegations false and pointed out that hes voted for billions of dollars in U.S. aid to Israel. I believe that the U.S.-Israel relationship is special and important and Ive stood for that principle, Ellison said. The Congressman also said the Second Amendment comment was taken out of context and that while he supports stricter background checks for buying firearms, he has hunted turkeys and still goes hunting with a friend. At that point, Buttigieg, an openly gay Navy Reserve officer, interjected. I spent Thanksgiving morning in a deer blind with my boyfriends father, he said. Hows that for a 2017 sentence? Buttigieg complained that comments like Ellisons on the Second Amendment are why Americans tune out Democratic politicians. The debate also revealed some disagreement about how focused the party should be on President Trump going forward. Perez said it was important to take the fight directly to the president, while Ellison said the DNC has a special role to play in opposing Trump. But Buttigieg said he thinks the president has become like a computer virus that ties up peoples minds and could distract Democrats. Yes, weve got to take the fight to him, but we cant let him dominate our imagination, he said. Former Labor Secretary Tom Perez (Screenshot: CNN/Twitter) Harrison criticized former President Barack Obama for draining resources from the local state parties in favor of Organizing for America, his campaign vehicle. Harrison said when Obama was sworn in, the Democrats controlled most governorships, the White House, the Senate and the House, before the DNC was saddled with Obamas campaign debt and investment in local parties dropped. State parties in this country are broken, Harrison said to applause. You cant win if you dont have the capacity. All the candidates called for greater investment in local parties to prevent another election like 2016. You cant show up at a church every fourth October and call it an organizing strategy, Perez said. Though Perez has the lead in the APs delegate count, the race is fluid, and some delegates remain undecided. By Carolyn Crist (Reuters Health) - Consumers increasingly turn to commercial physician-rating websites, similar to those for restaurants and hotels, when searching for a new doctor, but the sites rarely have information that actually helps patients, researchers say. Most doctors typically have no more than a few reviews on a site, and the reviews often dont provide good insight into the doctors qualifications, personality or the patient experience, a new study finds. Many friends have called me and said they want to find information about a doctor, but when they look online, they cant find anything, said lead author Tara Lagu of the Center for Quality of Care Research at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. Although consumers can look on state licensing board websites to research lawsuits and criminal information, it seems what theyre really looking for is a review from fellow patients to find a doctor who shares their values, Lagu told Reuters Health. During September 2016, Lagu and colleagues searched for public websites that allow patients to review doctors in the U.S., didnt require a subscription and had search capabilities. They found 28 sites that met their criteria and looked for information on a randomly selected list of 600 doctors in three cities: Boston, Dallas and Portland, Oregon. All but two of the sites included an overall star rating for doctors, and all collected narrative comments but two didnt make them public. The most commonly used sites seem to be Healthgrades.com, Vitals.com, UCompareHealthCare.com and RateMDs.com. Across the 28 websites, more than 8,000 reviews had 1,784 narrative comments for the 600 doctors. About a third of the doctors didnt have a review on any website, and those who had at least one review were likely to have only three or four. In some cases, the narratives were repeats written on more than one site, Lagu and colleagues report in JAMA. Word used to spread by mouth, and doctors who looked the part often got the business, said Thomas Lee, Boston-based chief medical officer for Press Ganey, a patient satisfaction survey company. Thats clearly going by the wayside and moving online, which is not just for the younger generation but their parents as well. About 60 percent of consumers looking for information about doctors online say reviews are important, according to a 2014 study published in JAMA. Consumers should still be careful about what they view on these sites, said David Hanauer of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, lead author of the 2014 paper. Its hard to know what is real, and its hard to make a fair assessment with so few ratings, Hanauer, who wasnt involved with the current study, told Reuters Health by email. If consumers use these sites, they should visit multiple sites to get a more complete picture before making any decisions. Rather than rely on commercial sites to produce accurate information, doctors and health systems could use their own patient surveys to publish this type of information online, Lagu said. Since healthcare laws require them to collect patient experience numbers and narratives, they can post data onto doctors profile pages. Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, for example, posts a star rating and lists patient narratives, which average 30 to 100 reviews per doctor. The limitation is that this is expensive to implement, so it may not be available for smaller hospitals or health systems, Lagu added. Also, health systems would control the data, so not all comments may be posted and not anyone could just post a comment. Similarly, federal agencies such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are researching the possibility of posting patient narratives on sites such as Physician Compare, the searchable website for patients with Medicare. The federal government has put great emphasis on physician quality reporting such as the Physician Compare program, said Gordon Gao of the University of Maryland in College Park, who wasnt involved with the current study. Although commercial doctor-rating sites dont say much about physician quality, theyre a start when it comes to patient experience, Gao and colleagues wrote in a 2015 JAMA Internal Medicine article. Abundant evidence suggests that physicians are not created equal, and there is substantial variation in the quality of physicians, Gao told Reuters Health by email. These (federal) programs have great potential to change the landscape of public reporting. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2lK1bqg JAMA, online February 21, 2017. (This version of the story corrects measurements cited in paragraph seven) By Andrew M. Seaman (Reuters Health) - After prostate removal for cancer, men sometimes complain to their doctors that their penis shrank, but a new study from Japan suggests they should not lose hope. Following men for up to two years after surgery, researchers found the patients' penises were shortest a few days after their procedures. Penis lengths generally returned to normal after one year, however. The study's lead author said the research was started after encountering a few patients complaining of penis shortening after prostate removal, which is known medically as a radical prostatectomy. Past reports mentioned shortened penises after prostate removal, but the results were a bit different, said Dr. Yoshifumi Kadono, of Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine Science. "Therefore, we started our study to obtain our data," he told Reuters Health. For the new study, the researchers measured the penis lengths of 102 men before having their prostates removed and then at 10 days after surgery and again one, three, six, nine, 12, 18 and 24 months later. The men's stretched penis lengths were shortest 10 days after surgery, when measurements were an average of about 1.99 centimeters (0.78 inches) shorter than before prostate removal. By the one-year mark, the men's penises generally returned to original lengths, which averaged about 11.72 centimeters (4.61 inches), according to the results in BJU International. The researchers wanted to know what caused the shortening and if any particular variable, such as the size of a man's prostate gland, would predict which men would experience this effect. Based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)of the patients, the researchers noticed some internal changes. Specifically, the portion of the urethra directly below the bladder moves up into the body after surgery, but moves back down after some time. "However, further research is needed to elucidate long-term changes of (penis length) with respect to the influence of sex hormones or changes in penile blood flow after (radical prostatectomy)," said Kadono. The new findings may be useful for men who have low-to-moderate self esteem tied to their perceived lost penis length after their surgery, he added. The findings may not represent reality for all men, however. Most men will have some penis length loss after surgery and sometimes that will be permanent, said Dr. John Mulhall, who is director of the Male Sexual and Reproductive Medicine Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. "If you have documental length loss at six months, then you shouldnt expect that to improve at 12 months," said Mulhall, who wasn't involved in the new study. He told Reuters Health that loss of penis length can be attributed to two issues. For example, muscle contractions may pull the penis into the body, but that relaxes over time. Men may also experience after surgery the loss of erection tissue. "Once that muscle degenerates, its gone," he told Reuters Health. Dr. Drogo Montague, who wasn't involved in the new study but often treats urological issues in men after prostate removal, also said some penises may appear shorter after surgery due to scar tissue that builds up when men have sex with partial erections. The patients included in the new study would generally be considered to be normal weight, noted Montague, who is a professor of surgery at the Center for Genitourinary Reconstruction Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. "So these findings wont necessary be generalizable because of the prevalence of obesity," he told Reuters Health. Mulhall said medications like Viagra and Cialis - known as PDE5 inhibitors -are shown in previous research to guard against lost penile length after prostate removal. In addition to PDE5 inhibitor, Montague said men can get prostheses and other interventions to strengthen their penises. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2lctQla BJU International, online February 8, 2017. In these dark days for American democracy, some liberals are finding solace in the thought that bad as Trumpism might be, it cannot actually govern. Chaos reigns in the White House; the president himself clearly prefers campaigning and brawling to administration; and the Bannons and the Millers have so far exhibited what one observer has nicely called the incompetence of evil. These impressions fit neatly into a larger picture according to which populists are simply incapable of governing: Their policy ideas are supposedly so simplistic that they will immediately fail in practice; more important still, populism is always about protest, and, once in power, populist parties and movements realize that they cannot protest against themselves. These are comforting thoughts but they are also naive. The world has seen plenty of populists take their countries in an authoritarian direction think of Hugo Chavez, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, or Viktor Orban and we all should have learned by now that populism in power is by no means a contradiction in terms. All these populist actors provoked serious opposition; all proved far more resilient than those initial impressions suggested. And the governing style of the Trump administration if one can call it that exhibits important similarities with the most successful ruling populists. Populists claim that they and only they represent the people or what populists frequently call the real people or the silent majority. Donald Trump brought out this logic almost textbook-style in his inauguration speech on Jan. 20, when he claimed that power had at last been given back to the people. In other words, if Trump rules, the people rule its as simple as that. By definition, then, whoever opposes Trump prevents the will of the people from being implemented and thereby also reveals themselves as an anti-democratic elitist. Thus, any institution critical of the populist (let alone one thwarting the populists will) can be attacked in the name of democracy. It is hence not surprising that Trump has maligned a judiciary that failed to go along with his travel ban, while media critical of the president are denounced as the enemy of the American people. Apart from attacks on independent institutions such as courts and a free press, populists immediately try to politicize all aspects of state administration. Of course, in many countries political appointees are perfectly legitimate and in fact expected to enable the implementation of a particular political mandate. That is different, however, from attempts to destroy any neutral civil service with its own rules and professional ethics which we have witnessed in Turkey, Hungary, and, most recently, Poland. When civil servants do their job in ways that do not please populist rulers, they are accused of betrayal just as Trump did with acting Attorney General Sally Yates last month. To be sure, Yates was a political appointee effectively on her way out, yet the way she was maligned as weak on illegal immigration and dismissed on account of what turned out to be a correct professional legal assessment shows that Trump will not have anything approaching a normal relationship with the bureaucracy. Populists will always tell their followers that all politicians try to take possession of the bureaucracy hence the need to remove all who worked for their predecessors but they are the only ones who do it truly for the people. After all, only the populists authentically represent the people, and it is only proper that the people appropriate the state for their proper purposes. Populists also engage in what political scientists call mass clientelism: They give benefits and bureaucratic favors exclusively to their supporters. To be sure, many governing parties seek to reward their followers. The difference is that, as with the politicization of the bureaucracy, the populists can do this much more openly with recourse to what in their eyes is a moral argument after all, when they claim to be the only representatives of the real people, they always imply that whoever does not follow them is by definition not part of the real people. As Trump put it at a campaign rally last year: The only important thing is the unification of the people because the other people dont mean anything. In other words: Some people, even if they happen to be American citizens, simply wont count. And it is only proper that the government looks exclusively after the real people. Whats more, populists can form groups that conform to their image of the ideal people and that are loyal to the regime. In Venezuela, Chavez created his Boliburguesia, which did very well indeed out of the Bolivarian revolution. Erdogan continues to enjoy the unshakeable support of an Anatolian middle class that emerged with the economic boom under his rule (and that also embodies the image of the ideal, devout Turk, as opposed to Westernized, secular elites and to minorities such as the Kurds). Hungarys Fidesz has built up a new group that conforms to Orbans vision of a Christian national culture, combining economic success, family values (having children brings many benefits), and religious devotion. For some observers, populists cannot be all that bad and exclusionary in their approach, because these leaders so frequently talk about unifying the people. After the election, Trump tweeted messages such as We will unite and we will win, win, win! In his inauguration speech, he again invoked a united and unstoppable America, and in a press conference last week he ruminated at length about ending divisions in U.S. society. But, in general, democracies are not in need of unification. As anyone remotely familiar with James Madison and the other founders will recall, democracy is about civilized, institutionally contained conflict, where political opponents respect each other as legitimate (the very thing populists fail to do). When populists say unification, it is always unification on the populists terms or else one excludes oneself from the real people as defined by the populists. Populist talk of ending divisions is the very opposite of a message that different interests and identities in a democracy will be respected. When there is protest against governing populists, it becomes supremely important to delegitimize dissent even if it poses no real threat to the populists power. After all, by definition it cannot be true that the people themselves are turning against their one and only authentic representative. Hence populists have followed a strategy pioneered by Vladimir Putin: They claim that what looks like genuine civil society protest is in fact steered from the outside. Putin held that all the color revolutions in Russia had been engineered by the West; the Turkish government, exhibiting an unusual degree of creativity with its conspiracy theories, concocted a story that the Gezi Park protests were the doing of Lufthansa (which was supposedly afraid of increased competition from Turkish Airlines); and, most recently, Orban has vowed to go after foreign agents disguising themselves as Hungarian NGOs. Trump has attacked professional anarchists, thugs and paid protesters clearly all un-American figures who by definition are opposed to real Americans who also by definition want to make America great again. Populists thrive on conflict; for them, polarization and facing protests are not problems but in fact conditions for maintaining and, if possible, increasing their own power. To be sure, they did not invent culture wars in Turkey, Hungary, or Poland but they did everything they could to exacerbate them. Populists relish protests, as long as protesters can be presented as an alien minority bent on betraying the homeland which then also goes to prove to the populists supporters that they are the majority or indeed the real people as such. None of this is to say that protesters in the United States should stay home far from it. Culture wars let alone flagrant rights violations that end up alienating a mobilized majority will also be a problem for populists, no matter how committed their own base. The point is that liberals should not be complacent in thinking that chaos and opposition on the street will necessarily be sufficient to delegitimize populists in power. They should also recognize that there is a method to the madness of Trumps attacks on judges and the media; scapegoats are being put in place for when policies cannot be implemented or go horribly wrong. The critics of the likes of Erdogan and Orban have had to learn the hard way that populists can entrench themselves in power and find numerous ways of convincing their supporters that their authoritarian ways are in fact perfectly democratic. Photo credit: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images The United States, after President Donald Trump took office, nixed a big trade pact with Asia, and let another big trade accord with Europe die on the vine. Now both those jilted partners are getting together threatening to leave the United States out in the cold as the worlds biggest economic blocs reshape their trading relationships. We have seen that many of the TPP [Trans-Pacific Partnership] countries are now approaching us and saying we still want to do deals, said Cecilia Malmstrom, EU trade commissioner, in an interview published Tuesday in Handelsblatt Global. We are engaged with basically all of them, either negotiating or have a deal or preparing negotiations. While some European countries have come to question free-trade dogma, and are rocked by the pushback against globalization, the European Union as a whole is still carrying the torch for ambitious, multilateral deals. The big advantage of the EU is that as far as trade deals are concerned, it works as a bloc, not as individual states, said Judy Dempsey of Carnegie Europe. The EU and the member states realize, weve got to press ahead with doing deals with like-minded countries, Dempsey said, adding, Its very exciting, actually. The EU already has free trade deals with three TPP states: Canada, Mexico, and Chile. Warmer trade ties between Europe and the orphaned countries of the TPP could also serve as a check on Chinas ambitions; Beijing is widely seen as the main beneficiary of Trumps withdrawal from the pact. Malmstrom is likely looking to avoid a situation whereby Asian countries in the Pacific individually bow to China in bilateral deals, said Sijbren de Jong, a strategic analyst at the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies. A China that shapes trade ties in the Pacific according to its standards on a bilateral basis is also not in our interest. It isnt in Asias interest, either, says Dempsey. Theyre desperate to do big partnerships with the EU because they would get into the camp a western camp that sets the trading rules, and standards, essentially. They want to be part of that club, she said. Story continues Malmstroms comments dont necessarily suggest that the EU is looking to replace the United States inside the TPP; the EU could either sign some sort of treaty with the TPP as a bloc, or individual deals with some or all of the remaining 11 members of the pact. And securing sprawling, multilateral deals requires firm and constant leadership, said Dalibor Rohac of the American Enterprise Institute. The TPP took five years of often contentious negotiations to conclude; the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership promised to be even more complicated. And unwavering defense of globalization and the reigning economic order is getting harder to find as Europe suffers its own populist economic backlash, and especially in a busy election year. That makes it uncertain whether Europe can still summon that brand of leadership. Photo credit: JOHN THYS/AFP/Getty Images (WASHINGTON) While serving as Oklahomas attorney general, new Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt coordinated closely with fossil-fuel companies and special interest groups working to undermine federal efforts to curb planet-warming carbon emissions, newly released emails show. More than 7,500 pages were released under court order Tuesday evening after an Oklahoma judge ruled that Pruitt had been illegally withholding his correspondence, which is public record under state law, for the last two years. Pruitts office was forced to release the emails after he was sued by the Center for Media and Democracy, a left-leaning advocacy group. Other emails are still being held back pending further review by the judge. The Republican-dominated Senate voted on Friday to confirm President Donald Trumps pick to lead EPA. Democrats had sought to delay the vote on Pruitts confirmation until the requested emails were released, but Republican leaders used their slim majority to push Pruitt through. The emails show Pruitt and his staff coordinating their legal strategy with oil and gas industry executives and conservative advocacy groups funded by those profiting from fossil fuels, including the billionaire brothers David and Charles Koch. While serving as Oklahomas elected state lawyer for the last six years, Pruitt sued federal agencies more than a dozen times to challenge stricter environmental regulations. Among the emails is a series of 2013 exchanges between Pruitts staff and Richard Moskowitz, general counsel for the Washington-based American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers. The lawyer detailed the industrys plan to seek waivers from the federal rules boosting the use of renewable fuels and asked Pruitt to make a specific legal argument under air pollution regulations known as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The email was copied to Thomas Bates, then Pruitts first assistant attorney general. Story continues We think it would be most effective for Oklahoma to file a separate waiver petition that emphasizes severe environmental harm, as this argument is more credible coming from a state with primary responsibility for achieving and maintaining attainment with the NAAQS, Moskowitz wrote. Moskowitzs email was then forwarded to Pruitts deputy solicitor general, P. Clayton Eubanks, who replied that he knew little about the federal Renewable Fuel Standard and asked for further instructions about what the trade group wanted them to do. I think it is safe to say that AG Pruitt has an interest in the issue, Eubanks wrote. Hopefully I havent missed the boat too much on these questions but I want to make sure I fully understand what Oklahomas role will be. Now working at EPA, Pruitt did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. Environmentalists cited Pruitts close ties to the fossil fuel industry in opposing his nomination. Like Trump, Pruitt has questioned the validity of scientific studies showing the Earth is warming and that carbon emissions from human activity are the primary cause. As attorney general, Pruitts office joined a GOP-led multi-state lawsuit seeking to overturn President Barack Obamas plan to limit emissions from coal-fired power plants. During his confirmation hearing last month, Senate Democrats pressed Pruitt on political donations he had raised from energy companies such as Exxon Mobil and Devon Energy, including dark money funneled to groups not required to disclose their donors. Pruitts staff was also in close contact with the American Legislative Exchange Council and Americans for Prosperity to coordinate opposition to new EPA regulations. Oil industry giant Exxon Mobil is a major donor to ALEC, while AFP is closely linked to Koch Industries, which owns petroleum pipelines. In another exchange of emails from 2013, executives from Devon, an Oklahoma City-based oil and gas company, asked Pruitt to send an official state response to new regulations on hydraulic fracturing proposed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The company provided a draft letter for Pruitts signature, addressed to the White House office that reviews regulations. Our goal is to have input to (the office) with a goal of its directing BLM to completely do away with the present thrust, wrote William Whitsitt, an executive vice president at Devon. Brent Rockwood, another Devon executive, chimed in with suggested edits and additions for Pruitts filing. Thank you for your guidance and assistance in getting this letter out, Eubanks, the deputy solicitor general, later emailed Rockwood. Melissa McLawhorn Houston, Pruitts chief of staff, emailed a Devon executive in November 2013 asking whether it would be possible for her to take her sons to a posh restaurant at the top of the companys 50-story headquarters building. She wrote that they were dressed like tourists and had no plans to eat. Allen Wright, Devons vice president for government affairs, quickly responded by having his assistant arrange a personal escort for Houston, who later followed up by inviting the executive out to lunch. You are so sweet! Houston responded to Wright. Thank you again so much for your help on this! Very sweet and youll be making 2 little boys very happy! In an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday, Houston insisted she wasnt asking for a favor, but rather was just emailing a longtime acquaintance out of concern her family might not be appropriately dressed. She said they ended up not going and that her sons have still not made it to the top of Devon Tower. Asked about a separate email confirming an appointment for her at the building a few days later, Houston said she had no specific recollection of what that visit was about. Ive been to Devon several times, Houston said, adding that she likes the gelato sold in the lobby. ___ Associated Press reporter Jason Dearen reported from Gainesville, Florida. AP writers Ted Bridis, Seth Borenstein and Matthew Daly in Washington, Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City, Ellen Knickmeyer in San Francisco, Tammy Webber in Chicago, John Flesher in Traverse City, Michigan, Matthew Brown in Billings, Montana, and Kelly P. Kissel in Little Rock, Arkansas, contributed to this story. European parliamentarians warned communist Vietnam on Thursday that a failure to improve its human rights record threatens to hinder the ratification of a free trade pact negotiated by the two powers. The trade agreement, which was approved by Brussels and Hanoi in 2015 and is slated to come into effect next year, would slash nearly all tariffs between the two economies. Vietnam's rapidly-growing, export-led economy stands to gain enormously from broader access to European markets, especially as its hopes fade over the Trans Pacific-Partnership (TPP) trade deal in the wake of the US's abandonment under President Donald Trump. But a delegation of European MPs stressed Thursday after a meeting with Vietnamese officials that the communist country's dismal rights record may stall the ratification process at home. "If (human rights) conditions are not met, then it is going to be very difficult to approve the free trade agreement," Pier Antonio Panzeri, chair of the European Parliament's subcommittee on human rights, told reporters in Hanoi through a translator. Vietnam remains tightly-run by its authoritarian regime, which routinely jails dissidents and bars independent unions. Lars Adaktusson, another MP with the European delegation, stressed the need to improve the media climate in a nation where all news outlets are state-run. "We were also very clear in the discussion we had that freedom of the press is one of the areas the government of Vietnam needs to do much more (about)," he said. The free trade agreement was reached in December 2015 after years of intense negotiation and hailed as a milestone in the EU's efforts to boost trade ties with Southeast Asia. Europe is Vietnam's third-largest trading partner, chiefly importing electronics, textiles and agricultural products like coffee, rice and seafood from the Southeast Asian country. EU exports to Vietnam, meanwhile, are dominated by high-tech products including electrical machinery and equipment, aircraft, vehicles and pharmaceuticals. Vietnam began embracing free trade in the 1980s, a move that helped lift the nation out of the penury of the post-war years. The country is now one of Southeast Asia's star economies, with high growth rates driven by exports of cheaply made goods, from Nike shoes to Samsung phones. Ex-NA man among 7 held for robbery Police have arrested seven persons including a former Nepal Army man on charge of robbery by impersonating as policemen. Here's a request: Please stop posting videos of incredible encounters with wildlife in stunning locations while we're working 9 to 5. It's just cruel. Take Luke Taylor, who caught vision of these dolphins hanging out at Tallow Beach, near Byron Bay, Australia on Feb. 17. The creatures can be seen swimming and jumping alongside the surfers. SEE ALSO: Sir David Attenborough is back and 2017 is finally starting to look up "It was so magical to see them so calm & joyful in their own habitat with all the surfers around them," Taylor wrote in the video's description. Dare to dream. Over in Kaikoura, New Zealand, a group of jet skiers recently found themselves surrounded by a family of orcas while out on the water. The orcas can be seen travelling alongside each other in a Facebook video by Boardsilly surf and sup adventures, as thrilled onlookers watch on. Surf instructor Dave Lyons told the Kaikoura Star he'd never seen that many Orca before. He estimated there were about 30 spread over an area of 3 kilometres (1.8 miles). "There was the mum one side, and the dad on the other. We never got close to him but he was huge his fin was enormous," he told the newspaper. "All the pups were playing, it was just so amazing." New Zealand is home to only an estimated 150 to 200 individual orcas, according to the Department of Conservation, which makes this a rare sight. However, the department notes a vessel should not be closer than 50 metres (54 yards) to an orca. So sure, go see some whales instead of wailing (silently) in your office. Just remember to be respectful, folks. By Nate Raymond NEW YORK (Reuters) - The former chief executive officer of Comverse Technology Inc, who returned to the United States last year after spending a decade in Namibia to avoid prosecution, was sentenced to 2-1/2 years in prison on Thursday for engaging in securities fraud. Jacob "Kobi" Alexander, the Woodbury, New York-based software developer's founder, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis in Brooklyn, who criticized the former executive for trying to avoid justice for so long. "I really don't understand how someone as brilliant and accomplished and focused and respected as you could be so incredibly, abjectly foolish to make some of the decisions you made," Garaufis said. The sentence was above the up to two years in prison his lawyers sought, but below the 10-year maximum he faced. Alexander, dressed in brown jail clothing, said he was "truly sorry for everything I have done wrong." "I deeply regret running away instead of dealing with the justice system like I should have," he added. The 64-year-old Israeli citizen has been in custody since he pleaded guilty to securities fraud in August, after Garaufis rejected his request for release on a $25 million bond. He is expected to receive credit for his time in jail. The case was one of the last open U.S. prosecutions arising from government or internal investigations of backdating of stock options at over 200 companies, including Comverse, which was acquired in 2013 by former unit Verint Systems Inc. In backdating, a company retroactively grants stock options on dates when stock prices were lower, making them more valuable. Concealing the practice through improper accounting is illegal, and can inflate earnings. Prosecutors said that from 1998 to 2001 Alexander participated in a scheme to use hindsight to select the effective dates for granting options for employees, resulting in misleading statements to investors. Story continues Alexander fled to Namibia with his family in July 2006 amid the investigation. Charges were announced that August against him, William Sorin, Comverse's general counsel, and David Kreinberg, its finance chief. Sorin pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one year in prison. Kreinberg was spared prison after pleading guilty. While abroad, Alexander agreed in 2009 to pay $60 million to Comverse in connection with shareholder litigation, and to waive over $72 million in claims he had against Comverse. He settled related civil government lawsuits in 2010, resulting in a $6 million penalty by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The case is U.S. v. Alexander, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, No. 06-cr-00628. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in New York; Editing by Dan Grebler and Jonathan Oatis) FORT EDWARD, N.Y. (AP) A former upstate New York firefighter who chaperoned his fire department's teen dances has been sentenced to three years in prison for raping underage girls. Justin S. Martindale pleaded guilty last month to three counts of rape. Glen Falls' The Post-Star newspaper (http://bit.ly/2mpA1l4 ) reports he met two of the three girls while chaperoning the dances in Granville. The girls were 15 and 16 years old at the time. Martindale was 20. One girl says she pushed him away but he wouldn't stop. The rapes occurred between 2012 and 2016. Defense lawyer Michael Martin calls the case "a very sad situation." He says Martindale did a lot for the community through volunteer work and has admitted "his mistakes." ___ Information from: The Post-Star, http://www.poststar.com Madrid (AFP) - Former IMF chief Rodrigo Rato, who was convicted Thursday of embezzlement, was once a leading light in Spain's ruling conservatives, hailed for kicking off a decade of economic growth. Now the reputation of the former Spanish finance minister is in tatters over his chairmanship of finance group Bankia, whose near-collapse sparked an EU bailout of Spain's financial sector in 2012. A Spanish court handed the 67-year-old a jail sentence of four years and six months after finding him and other ex-managers of Bankia guilty of going on spending sprees on company credit cards. He faces another probe into Bankia's failed stock market launch which left hundreds of thousands of retail investors nursing heavy losses. Rato has denied wrongdoing in both cases but for many he is the face of Spain's financial crisis and the alleged rule-bending that preceded the 2012 collapse of large parts of the Spanish banking market. In 2010, former prime minister Jose Maria Aznar called Rato the "best economy minister" in Spain's modern history. - Alarm and outrage - Under Rato many Spanish public sector companies were privatised, and the telecoms and energy sectors were deregulated. But when asked by reporters about him after the credit cards revelations first broke in 2014, acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy would not even pronounce Rato's name. The allegations that Rato and dozens of others spent a total of 12 million euros, reportedly on luxuries such as nightclubs and safaris, have embarrassed Rajoy's conservative Popular Party (PP) and sparked a string of resignations. "It alarms and outrages us," said the current party leader, Maria Dolores de Cospedal, who in 2014 had called Rato "the author of Spain's economic miracle". Rato was thought a natural successor to Aznar and was expected to run for prime minister in 2004, but mistimed his bid. Rajoy beat him to the candidacy but later lost the election. Story continues Rato promptly left Spain to become managing director of the International Monetary Fund, the global emergency lender that later played a key role in tackling the eurozone debt crisis. He left the IMF in 2007 for "personal reasons" and was later handed the job of managing Caja Madrid, one of the regional savings banks that fused to form Bankia in 2010. Rato oversaw the stock market listing of Bankia in 2011, seen as a triumph after the previous three years of financial turbulence. But the euphoria did not last. In May 2012 the government had to nationalise Bankia to save it from ruin. Spain then had to turn to the eurozone for a 41-billion-euro bailout to save its whole banking sector. - 'No political future' - Seven months after Bankia was rescued, Rato found himself walking into court for questioning. Furious customers who said the bank had lost their savings yelled at him: "Thief! Go to jail!". Rato at the end of 2014 suspended his membership of the PP, a previously "unthinkable" move, according to political consultant Antoni Gutierrez Rubi. "He has no political future," said Rubi. "There is a feeling that Rato has destroyed his shining reputation. He had a halo of superiority and triumph everywhere he went. Now he has fallen." Rato was born in Madrid in 1949 to a wealthy family - his father owned a radio network and his mother came from a long line of mining magnates. He earned a law degree in Spain and then a master's in business administration from the University of California at Berkeley in the 1970s. Rato married Spanish economic journalist Alicia Gonzalez Vicente in 2015 at a discreet ceremony held at a farm his family owns near Madrid. The couple have a shared interest in cooking and dogs. He has three children from his marriage to his first wife, Angeles Alarco. They broke up in 2002. MADRID (Reuters) - Former International Monetary Fund chief Rodrigo Rato was sentenced to 4-1/2 years in prison by Spain's High Court on Thursday following a scandal over the widespread misuse of company credit cards during his tenure at lender Bankia. Rato, who was economy minister in Spain and a prominent figure in the ruling People's Party (PP) before moving to the IMF, chaired Bankia for two years until just before its state bailout in 2012. He had been on trial along with 64 other executives and former board members of Bankia and its founding savings bank Caja Madrid. The case is one of several high-level corruption investigations now coming to fruition and seen as a test of whether Spain's rich and powerful are accountable to the law. Last week, a Spanish court found the king's brother-in-law guilty of using royal connections to overcharge regional governments through public contracts. Rato and ex-Caja Madrid Chairman Miguel Blesa, who was sentenced to six years in jail, were convicted of misappropriating funds, the court said in a written ruling. Rato had denied any wrongdoing, arguing the expenses he accrued on the Bankia credit cards were legal. Neither Blesa's lawyer, Carlos Aguilar, nor Ratos' lawyer, Ignacio Ayala, responded to requests for comment. The so-called "black cards" case sparked widespread anger when the scandal first broke in 2014, at a time when Spain was recovering from years of recession, mass layoffs and a banking crisis partly triggered by Bankia's massive bailout. The court considered in its ruling both Rato and Blesa responsible for overseeing the misuse of credit cards and said that they could have reversed the practice. "The defendants Miguel Blesa (...) and Rodrigo de Rato Figaredo were aware of the decision they made to allow business cards to circulate (...) with no legal and statutory support, based, as they said, on a principle of trust, which was not the case," the court said in its ruling. The cards were used to buy jewels, holidays and expensive clothes, according to documents filed with the court, but also to fund more mundane purchases such as trips to the cinema. Before chairing the Washington-based IMF between 2004 and 2007, Rato was deputy prime minister in the conservative PP's government in 1996. In total, prosecutors were investigating some 12 million euros in spending on the cards between 2003 and 2012 by the 65 former Bankia executives, including Rato and Blesa. The court ruling can be appealed before Spain's Supreme Court. (Reporting by Inmaculada Sanz and Rodrigo de Miguel; Writing by Sarah White and Jesus Aguado; Editing by Catherine Evans) Madrid (AFP) - Former IMF chief Rodrigo Rato was handed a jail sentence of four years and six months Thursday for misusing funds when he was the boss of two Spanish banks. Spain's National Court, which deals with cases of corruption and financial crime, said Rato had been found guilty of embezzlement when he headed Caja Madrid and Bankia, at a time when both groups were having difficulties. The case caused an outrage in Spain, where it was uncovered at the height of a severe economic crisis that left many people struggling financially -- made all the worse because Bankia later had to be nationalised. Rato, who is also a former Spanish economy minister, remains at liberty pending a possible appeal. He was on trial with 64 other former executives and board members at both banks accused of misusing 12 million euros ($12.7 million) between 2003 and 2012. They were accused of having paid for personal expenses with credit cards put at their disposal by both Caja Madrid and Bankia, without ever justifying them or declaring them to tax authorities. These expenses included petrol for their cars, supermarket shopping, pricey holidays, luxury bags or parties in nightclubs. - 'Corrupt system' - According to the indictment, Rato maintained the "corrupt system" established by his predecessor Miguel Blesa when he took the reins of Caja Madrid in 2010. He then replicated the system when he took charge of Bankia, a group born in 2011 out of the merger of Caja Madrid with six other savings banks, prosecutors said. Blesa was sentenced to six years in jail. Rato, 67, had always denied any wrongdoing and said the credit cards were for discretionary spending as part of executives' pay deal. He told court last October that everything "was completely legal". Rato will not necessarily go directly to jail if he appeals the ruling, just like the Spanish king's brother-in-law Inaki Urdangarin who has been left free without posting bail following his sentence of six years and three months for syphoning off millions of euros. Story continues Urdangarin's temporary reprieve pending his appeal, also announced on Thursday, made waves in Spain where people have long criticised what is perceived as the impunity of the elite. - IMF chiefs in the dock - Rato was economy minister and deputy prime minister in the conservative government of Jose Maria Aznar from 1996 to 2004, before going on to head up the International Monetary Fund until 2007. His subsequent career as a banker in Spain was short-lived -- from 2010 to 2012 -- but apart from the case of the undeclared credit cards, it also led to another banking scandal considered the country's biggest ever. Thousands of small-scale investors lost their money after they were persuaded to convert their savings to shares ahead of the flotation of Bankia in 2011, with Rato at the reins. Less than a year later, he resigned as it became known that Bankia was in dire straits. The state injected billions of euros but faced with the scale of Bankia's losses and trouble in other banks, it asked the European Union for a bailout for the entire banking sector and eventually received 41 billion euros. Rato and others were put under investigation, accused of misleading small investors in the listing knowing the state of Bankia, which has since paid out 1.2 billion euros in compensation. He is the third former IMF chief to get into trouble with the law. His successor Dominique Strauss-Kahn was tried in 2015 on pimping charges in a lurid sex scandal, and was acquitted. And Christine Lagarde, who took over from Strauss-Kahn and is the current IMF chief, was found guilty of negligence over a massive state payout to a tycoon when she was French finance minister, though she received no penalty. Others were also sentenced Thursday in the case involving Rato. Among them Francisco Baquero Noriega, a unionist once on the board of Caja Madrid who was sentenced to three years and two months in jail. Rafael Spottorno, the former head of the royal household, was given two years' prison while Francisco Javier Lopez Madrid, a friend of the royals', was handed six months. By Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Thursday he wants to ensure the U.S. nuclear arsenal is at the "top of the pack," saying the United States has fallen behind in its weapons capacity. In a Reuters interview, Trump also said China could solve the national security challenge posed by North Korea "very easily if they want to," ratcheting up pressure on Beijing to exert more influence to rein in Pyongyang's increasingly bellicose actions. Trump also expressed support for the European Union as a governing body, saying "I'm totally in favour of it," and for the first time as president expressed a preference for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but said he would be satisfied with whatever makes the two sides happy. In his first comments about the U.S. nuclear arsenal since taking office on Jan. 20, Trump was asked about a December tweet in which he said the United States must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capacity "until such time as the world comes to its senses regarding nukes." Trump said in the interview he would like to see a world with no nuclear weapons but expressed concern that the United States has "fallen behind on nuclear weapon capacity." I am the first one that would like to see ... nobody have nukes, but were never going to fall behind any country even if its a friendly country, were never going to fall behind on nuclear power. "It would be wonderful, a dream would be that no country would have nukes, but if countries are going to have nukes, were going to be at the top of the pack," Trump said. Russia has 7,300 warheads and the United States, 6,970, according to the Ploughshares Fund, an anti-nuclear group. "The history of the Cold War shows us that no one comes out 'on the top of the pack' of an arms race and nuclear brinkmanship," said Daryl Kimball, executive director of the independent Arms Control Association non-profit group. "Russia and the United States have far more weapons than is necessary to deter nuclear attack by the other or by another nuclear-armed country,' he said. The new strategic arms limitation treaty, known as New START, between the United States and Russia requires that by February 5, 2018, both countries must limit their arsenals of strategic nuclear weapons to equal levels for 10 years. The treaty permits both countries to have no more than 800 deployed and non-deployed land-based intercontinental and submarine-launched ballistic missile launchers and heavy bombers equipped to carry nuclear weapons, and contains equal limits on other nuclear weapons. Analysts have questioned whether Trump wants to abrogate New START or would begin deploying other warheads. In the interview, Trump called New START "a one-sided deal." "Just another bad deal that the country made, whether it's START, whether it's the Iran deal ... We're going to start making good deals," he said. "WE'RE VERY ANGRY" The United States is in the midst of a $1 trillion, 30-year modernization of its ageing ballistic missile submarines, bombers and land-based missiles, a price tag that most experts say the country cannot afford. Trump also complained that the Russian deployment of a ground-based cruise missile is in violation of a 1987 treaty that bans land-based American and Russian intermediate-range missiles. "To me it's a big deal," Trump said. Asked if he would raise the issue with Putin, Trump said he would do so "if and when we meet." He said he had no meetings scheduled as of yet with Putin. Speaking from behind his desk in the Oval Office, Trump expressed concern about North Korea's ballistic missile tests and said accelerating a missile defence system for U.S. allies Japan and South Korea was among many options available. "There's talks of a lot more than that," Trump said, when asked about the missile defence system. "We'll see what happens. But it's a very dangerous situation, and China can end it very quickly in my opinion." China has made clear that it opposes North Koreas nuclear and missile programs and has repeatedly called for denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and a return to negotiations between Pyongyang and world powers. But efforts to change Pyongyang's behaviour through sanctions have historically failed, largely because of China's fear that severe measures could trigger a collapse of the North Korean state and send refugees streaming across their border. Trump's meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe earlier this month in Florida was interrupted by a ballistic missile launch by North Korea. Trump did not completely rule out possibly meeting Kim at some point in the future under certain circumstances but suggested it might be too late. "It's very late. We're very angry at what he's done, and frankly this should have been taken care of during the Obama administration," he said. According to Japanese news reports, the Japanese government plans to start debate over the deployment of a U.S. missile defence system known as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, and the land-based Aegis Ashore missile defence system to improve its capability to counter North Korean ballistic missiles. The strength of Trumps remarks in favour of the EU took some Brussels officials by surprise after his support for Britain's vote last summer to exit from the EU. "I'm totally in favour of it," Trump said. "I think it's wonderful. If they're happy, I'm in favour of it." Statements by him and others in his administration have suggested to Europeans that he sees little value in the Union as such, which Trump last month called a vehicle for Germany." (Additional reporting by Jeff Mason, Roberta Rampton, Emily Stephenson, John Walcott, Matt Spetalnick, Arshad Mohammed and David Brunnstrom in Washington and Alastair Macdonald in Brussels; editing by Ross Colvin) Ouagadougou (AFP) - Exiled former Guinean junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara announced on Monday that he would run for president in October elections. "I gladly accept to be a candidate (in the election) ... in our dear homeland, Guinea," he told reporters in Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou, where he has been living since 2010. The former coup leader was speaking during a meeting with members of Guinea's new Party of Patriotic Forces for Democracy and Development, who travelled to Burkina Faso to ask him to be their leader and run for president. Dadis Camara said he would push a "national, unifying" agenda. "The party must be neither ethnic nor discriminatory," he said. Dadis Camara led the troops that seized control of the west African state in 2008 when longtime strongman Lansana Conte died. He ruled for close to a year before being forced into exile by an assassination attempt. While he was in power, security forces massacred at least 157 pro-democracy protesters during a rally in Conakry Stadium on September 28, 2009. Two months later Dadis Camara was shot in the head by his former aide-de-camp. He flew to Burkina Faso for treatment and has remained there ever since. First 100 days of Donald Trump Major moments from the first days of the Trump administration. Paris (AFP) - Hollywood star George Clooney said Thursday that he will be stopping his visits to the world's troublespots now that his wife is pregnant with twins. The actor -- who campaigns against war and famine in Africa -- told the French magazine Paris Match that he would "no longer go" to conflict-torn South Sudan nor the Congo. He said he and his Lebanese-born lawyer wife Amal Clooney -- who has been involved in a string of high-profile human rights cases -- had "decided to be a lot more responsible and avoid danger". He said she would no longer be working in Iraq "or places where she is not welcome", he was quoted as saying by the magazine, which translated his comments from English. Asked about the immense responsibility of bringing a child into the world, the actor -- who will be 56 when he becomes a father -- said "how could you not be anxious?" He had earlier told French television the couple were "really happy and really excited. It's going to be an adventure. We've sort of embraced it all with arms wide open." The Clooneys announced this week that they were expecting twins this summer and the actor said Thursday that they didn't want to know their sex. Clooney joked that the press had been saying for three years that Amal was pregnant "but this time it is true". He also waded into the row over Roman Polanski being forced to drop out of Friday's "French Oscars", the Cesars, saying it was alarming that the controversial director was still being pursued over a 40-year-old statutory rape case. Clooney, who will be awarded an honorary Cesar at the ceremony in Paris, said it was also time that 83-year-old Polanski "put an end" to the saga. Earlier this month Polanski's lawyers began a legal bid for him to be allowed to return to the United States. The maker of "Chinatown" and "Rosemary's Baby" fled the country in 1978 after fearing that a judge was about to go back on a plea bargain deal that saw him serve 42 days in jail. His victim Samantha Geimer, who was 13 when the rape took place at the Hollywood home of actor Jack Nicholson, has previously appealed to US authorities for the case to be dropped saying she wanted to move on with her life. PORTLAND, Maine (AP) An executive order by President Donald Trump designed to radically cut back on federal regulations has spurred disagreement among fishermen about how it will affect them and lawmakers and regulators aren't sure what the answer is. Groups that represent both commercial and recreational fishermen are divided over whether Trump's "one in, two out" approach to federal regulations will benefit their industry, harm it or not affect it at all. Meanwhile, the arm of the federal government that regulates fishing, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is still trying to figure out exactly what the executive order means for fisheries management. Trump's order in January says that when a public agency proposes a new regulation, it must also identify two regulations to be repealed. The order caused a flurry of debate, and a lawsuit from political opponents, over whether it's a wise idea or even possible. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service manages hundreds of fish stocks and is responsible for managing rules such as seasonal closures and quota limits. U.S. fishermen caught nearly 10 billion pounds of fish in 2015, under voluminous regulations managed by NOAA under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act . Several fishing groups, ranging from the Alaska Longline Fishermen's Association to the Massachusetts Striped Bass Association, are joining Democratic Reps. Jared Huffman of California and Raul Grijalva of Arizona in asking Trump to rescind. They describe the order as arbitrary and dangerous. "There's no doubt regulations have stifled our industry," said Bob Rees, executive director of the Association of Northwest Steelheaders. "But those regulations exist for a reason, and it's the long-term sustainability of those stocks." Other industry interests, including the Fisheries Survival Fund, said the order will likely leave fisheries unaffected. The order would apply only to financially significant regulations, and that would not include things like opening fishing seasons and enforcing catch limits, said Drew Minkiewicz, an attorney for the fund. Story continues "All this talk about how you're not going to be able to manage fisheries not true, doesn't apply, not going to happen," he said. NOAA has not yet determined what the order will do to regulations. The agency issued a statement that it is working with the federal Department of Commerce, Office of Management and Budget and the Trump administration to determine what it means. For now, NOAA is implementing normal management measures, and "everything is proceeding as usual," said Jennifer Goebel, an agency spokeswoman. The White House did not respond to calls and emails from The Associated Press seeking comment. Environmental groups, including the New England-based Conservation Law Foundation, have also opposed the executive order because of its potential impact on fisheries. Rep. Huffman said the possible impacts of the executive order need to be taken seriously, and the administration should at least clarify them for the industry. "All we have is the hope that regulators will be allowed not to jump through these hoops when it comes to fisheries management," he said. "We are worried about it and it would be great if this administration could just clear this up once and for all." If some folks had their way, a three-person tribunal, and not the President, would provide leadership of the United States of Earth, in a nation where divorce is illegal. As we all know, Congress and the states can change the U.S. Constitution through the amendment process, but it doesnt happen often. And as the cases above show, some proposals stand a better chance than others. Since the Bill of Rights and the first 10 amendments passed in 1791, only 17 amendments have been added to the Constitution. And one of those, the 18th Amendment establishing Prohibition, was repealed. The last amendment passed was the 27th Amendment, which was ratified in 1992. It bars Congress from giving itself a pay raise during its current session. To become part of the Constitution, an amendment must be proposed by two-thirds of the House and Senate, or by a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures. It is up to the states to approve a new amendment, with three-quarters of the states voting to ratifying it. The bar is high for a proposed amendment to make it to the ratification process. In all, more than 11,000 amendments have been proposed in congressional history, according to the Senates historian. Just 37 proposed amendments were approved by Congress for submission to the states; 27 were approved including the Bill of Rights; one amendment in the original Bill of Rights was rejected; and six others congressionally-approved amendments werent ratified by the states. Some of those proposed amendments came close to ratification by three-quarters of the states, including the Equal Rights Amendment, the Titles of Nobility Amendment, and the Child Labor Amendment. The other 99.7 percent of proposed amendments never made it through a congressional approval or state convention process. For example, in 2006, the Flag Desecration Amendment came within one vote of passing the Senate, after the House approved the measure in 2005. Story continues Many others didnt quite make it to the debate phase. Take a proposed amendment to make divorce illegal. A constitutional amendment to regulate marriage and divorce was introduced in Congress annually for about 60 years, starting in the 1880s. No less a figure than President Theodore Roosevelt lobbied for Congress to give itself power over divorces without passing an amendment. One proposed divorce amendment from 1921 made its intent clear. It read, Congress shall have power to establish and enforce by appropriate legislation uniform laws as to marriage and divorce: Provided, That every State may by law exclude, as to its citizens duly domiciled therein, any or all causes for absolute divorce in such laws mentioned. And then there was the idea of taking manifest destiny worldwide. In 1893, U.S. House Representative Lucas Miller from Wisconsin proposed renaming the United States as the United States of the Earth. His reasoning was, it is possible for the Republic to grow through the admission of new States into the Union until every Nation on Earth has become part of it. After proposing the amendment, Miller wasnt nominated for a second term in the House. Another unusual proposed amendment came in 1933, when Representative Wesley Lloyd of Washington state wanted Congress to outlaw millionaires using a constitutional amendment. Lloyd wanted income in excess of $1 million applied to the national debt. And back in 1876, a citizen named Augustus Wilson wrote Congress to ask for an amendment after the contested Hayes-Tilden presidential election to eliminate the office of President and replace it with a three-person Roman-style triumvirate. In that same year, the Congressional Record shows that residents of Potter County, Pennsylvania, asked Congress for an amendment to eliminate the Senate and the Presidency. Records at the National Archives show that Pennsylvanians were upset with the Senate because it always advanced the interest of the money, railroad and manufacturing speculators to the prejudice of the common welfare. The proposal never made it to the Senate. And then there is the Corwin Amendment, which has its own unique history as one of the failed amendments actually approved by Congress, and not ratified by three-fourths of all of the states. Two states (and possibly a third) did ratify the Corwin Amendment, which was approved by Congress in 1861 and guaranteed the right of states that legalized slavery to keep persons held to labor or service by the laws of said State. It was passed by Congress two days before Abraham Lincoln became President. In the current 113th Congress, there are proposed amendments to force the government to balance its budget or to allow for an amendment about campaign financing. But there are other proposed amendments to repeal the 22nd Amendment (so a President can serve unlimited terms); eliminate the 16th Amendment and income taxes; impose term limits on Senate and House members; and a bid to outlaw same-sex marriages nationally. The last time an amendment was approved by Congress was the District of Columbia Voting Rights Amendment, which was passed in 1978 and expired unratified in 1985. By Nate Raymond and Nathan Layne NEW YORK (Reuters) - A Florida man pleaded guilty in a case stemming from an attempted hacking of the Clinton Foundation on Thursday, months after he was sentenced to 42 years in prison in the wake of child pornography discovered on his computers during the probe. Timothy Sedlak, 43, pleaded guilty in federal court in Manhattan to attempting to access protected computers without authorization. Prosecutors accused him of trying to gain access to an unnamed New York-based charitable organization's network. "I knew that what I was doing was wrong," Sedlak said in court. Neither prosecutors nor Sedlak named the organization from which he tried to get access to emails. In a court filing obtained by Reuters that summarized a U.S. Secret Service interview in 2015 with Sedlak, an agent said he was questioned about notes they found referencing former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and her daughter, Chelsea Clinton. Sedlak, who called himself a private investigator, told the agents he was researching whether charities were unintentionally providing funding to Islamic militant groups, and said the Clintons "came up in his research," the filing said. The filing's description of the Clintons matched prosecutors' descriptions of two previously unnamed individuals who were said to be executives at the charity and an "individual who has been publicly affiliated" with it. Chelsea Clinton is the vice chair of the foundation, which was started by her father, former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Its full name is the Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation. The filing was downloaded by Reuters on Feb. 3. It was later replaced by a redacted version removing the Clintons' names. Clinton Foundation representatives did not respond to requests for comment. The investigation into Sedlak, of Ocoee, Florida, predated probes into cyber attacks on Democrats during the 2016 presidential election. U.S. intelligence agencies in January released an assessment indicating that Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered cyber attacks to help Republican Donald Trump's electoral chances by discrediting Clinton. Sedlak launched about 390,000 unsuccessful attempts to gain unauthorized access to the charitable organization's computer network, according to prosecutors. Following his arrest in 2015, authorities discovered files on his computers containing child pornography, including images depicting Sedlak sexually abusing a toddler, prosecutors said. Sedlak was separately charged in Florida, where a federal jury in Orlando in May found him guilty of charges he produced and possessed child pornography. He was sentenced in August to 42 years in prison. (Editing by Matthew Lewis and Jeffrey Benkoe) By Zachary Fagenson MIAMI (Reuters) - A Florida police chief has been placed on paid leave a day after being charged over the shooting death of a 73-year-old retired librarian who was struck by live fire during an August training exercise, officials said on Thursday. Punta Gorda Police Chief Tom Lewis was charged on Wednesday with culpable negligence, a misdemeanor, in the death of Mary Knowlton. Lee Coel, the officer who fired the shots, was arrested the same day on a charge of felony manslaughter. Lewis was placed on paid administrative leave, said officials in the southwestern Florida city. Reuters could not immediately reach Lewis' attorney. The incident, which authorities called a tragic accident, occurred during a role-playing exercise. Knowlton was shot in front of about 35 people as she acted as an intruder during a simulated robbery. Coel's attorney, Gerald Berry, said the facts did not support the charges against the 28-year-old officer. "Lee Coel absolutely, positively did not know there was ammunition in that gun," Berry told reporters on Wednesday. Coel, who has been on paid leave, was released from jail on Wednesday after posting a $5,000 bond. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in prison. Punta Gorda's city council approved a $2 million settlement with the Knowlton family in November. (Editing by Letitia Stein and Paul Simao) Washington (AFP) - Islamic State jihadists are forcing children and disabled people into explosives-laden trucks and making them drive at Iraqi security forces in Mosul, a general from the US-led coalition has said. The barbaric tactic, coupled with other increasingly desperate battlefield measures, is a sign the IS group knows defeat is inevitable, officials say. The jihadists have used exploding trucks, known in military circles as VBIEDs -- vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices -- and pronounced "Vee-Bids," to devastating effect in numerous engagements during the Mosul offensive and elsewhere in Iraq. Speaking to AFP and other reporters in Baghdad this week, US Air Force Brigadier General Matt Isler said the IS group had adopted coercive new techniques in its use of suicide car bombs because the jihadists appear to be running out of willing drivers. "We saw people being led to a VBIED, being put in (it) and being chained in the VBIED," he said. "We've seen children put in VBIEDs as drivers, people that aren't able to walk... I don't know if they signed up for this service." The coalition has often seen VBIEDs depart on missions, only for their drivers to veer off course and attempt to hide behind structures. "We see a VBIED going to its attack, going off and hiding," Isler said. "We see a party going to find the AWOL VBIED driver, we see (IS) command and control trying to figure out where their VBIED driver's gone, we've seen multiple VBIED drivers going AWOL." The coalition first saw drivers being chained into trucks when Iraqi security forces approached the Tigris river as they cleared eastern Mosul, Isler said. - IS drones - The operation to free Iraq's second city of IS control began in October. After clearing the east side, Iraqi forces on Sunday launched an operation aimed at flushing the jihadists from Mosul's west bank. On Thursday, they thrust into Mosul airport on the southern edge of the IS stronghold for the first time since the jihadists overran the region in 2014. Story continues Iraqi troops backed by jets, helicopter gunships and drones blitzed their way across open areas south of Mosul before entering the airport compound. Although they apparently met limited resistance, they strafed the area for suspected snipers. As its fighters are killed off and it loses ground, the IS group has developed new ways to counter-strike, including by steering hobby drones fitted with grenades and bombs at troops and civilians. The buzz of the small, pilotless aircraft now puts soldiers on guard, but their impact has been limited. "It has a harassing effect, but it's not a game changer," New Zealand Brigadier Hugh McAslan said. The coalition officers said the most the IS group can hope to do now is fight "delaying actions" ahead of losing Mosul. "Defeat's inevitable," McAslan said. "It's just when." Jerusalem (AFP) - Former Israeli chief rabbi Yona Metzger, convicted of taking more than $1.9 million in bribes, fraud and obstructing justice, was sentenced Thursday to serve four-and-a-half years in jail, court officials said. A Jerusalem court rejected a plea bargain under which the ex-chief rabbi of the Ashkenazi branch of Judaism would have been imprisoned for three-and-a-half years and fined $1.3 million. Metzger had initially been charged with an array of felonies including taking bribes, fraud, money laundering and witness tampering. He stepped down in July 2013 after 10 years in office. Israel has two chief rabbis, one Ashkenazi and the other Sephardi, whose responsibilities include running rabbinical courts and regulating the food supervision industry. House panel tells govt to resolve oil shortage The parliamentary Industry, Commerce and Consumer Welfare Protection Committee on Wednesday directed the Supplies Ministry to resolve the fuel shortage in the Kathmandu Valley without delay. TULSA, Okla. (AP) An Oklahoma jury has ordered a former state legislator to pay $4.3 million to an insurance company in a defamation case. The defamation charge arose because Wayne Pettigrew, who was a director at First Trinity Financial Corp. until he left the company in 2013, issued a news release after his departure calling for an investigation into the company and its CEO related to stock purchases. Pettigrew alleged CEO Gregg Zahn violated the law or illegally used insider status when he placed 130,000 shares with family members so he could buy them back for 10 cents per share following his divorce. Pettigrew also accused Zahn of being vice president of a company in Montana that was cited with multiple charges of securities fraud and alleged that criminal proceedings also were brought against Zahn. A jury found Pettigrew breached his fiduciary duties to First Trinity and defamed the company and Zahn, The Oklahoman (http://bit.ly/2lzng8m ) reported. "The last four years since Mr. Pettigrew's press release have been extremely difficult for me because of the misinformation that was communicated to my board of directors, the company's shareholders and the hundreds of people I deal with on a day-to-day basis," Zahn said in a statement. First Trinity was awarded $800,000, and Zahn was awarded $3.5 million. The jury said Pettigrew intentionally inflicted emotional distress upon Zahn. "For both the company and Mr. Zahn, this is a vindication for what Mr. Pettigrew said in the press release," said Zahn's attorney, Keith Ward. "The jury and the trial court each did a good job. I'm confident the appeals court will not reverse the decision at all." Pettigrew said his attorneys are preparing an appeal. ___ Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com Photo credit: YouTube From Esquire Today in The World Is Turning Into An Apocalyptic Video Game news, France is using trained eagles to take down drones. At Mont-de-Marsan, an air base in southwestern France, army personnel have been training four eagles to track, catch, and destroy unmanned aircraft in mid-flight. The eagles, which were named after characters in The Three Musketeers (d'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis), were hatched on top of drones and chased drones in reward for meat throughout their lives. The Washington Post reports that this month, the eagles were finally ready, and the base launched screening from a tower across a field. "The results are encouraging. The eagles are making good progress," Commander Christophe, who heads the air safety squadron that is training the plumed predators, told Agence France-Presse. The French military believes eagles are more effective and more affordable method than the current most common method of defeating drones-using a device that interferes with drone signals. Reportedly, France hopes to use eagles in anti-drone simulations by the summer. Related: Watch TV shows, movies and more on Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. You Might Also Like The French military is developing a new, unusual defense weapon to combat terrorism. Four golden eagles, dArtagnan, Athos, Porthos and Aramis are being trained to attack drones that enter into restricted French air space according to the Washington Post. Terrorists are beginning to experiment with drones in Iraq and the French presidential palace has had numerous drones fly within its restricted air space in recent years. Terrorists are reportedly using store bought drones and turning them into weapons. Jean-Christophe Zimmermann, a French air force general, told Reuters the military chose to use eagles for defense to avoid using guns. If a drone appears in a crowded area, using guns to bring it down becomes extremely risky. A properly trained golden eagle poses no threat to humans and can take down the enemy drone in a safe way. Due to the recent terrorist attacks in France, officials are experimenting with protection mechanisms that are not as life threatening to humans as weapons. About a year ago, the four eagles were placed on top of a drone to hatch and kept there during the early feeding period. As soon as the eagles began drone-defense training, they were rewarded by eating meat attached to the top of a drone. Everything they have been exposed to is anti-drone oriented. Earlier this month, dArtagnan was in a French military control tower and spotted a practice drone 200 meters away. The bird covered the 200 meters in 20 seconds and rammed into the drone, causing it to fall into the grass. The eagles will be equipped with special equipment on their heads and talons to prevent any damage a drone could do to their body. The use of eagles to take down drones was first used by Dutch police last year, according to the Washington Post. The French Air Force have already ordered a second set of eagles to train. Eagles are known as ferocious attackers and are extremely powerful. Peter Nye, an employee of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation told Journey North in a Q&A session that eagles can fly up to 50 km/hr and have four times better eyesight than humans. The grip of an eagles talons is 10 times stronger than that of an adult human. While the decision to officially use eagles as a defense mechanism is still a few months away, the training is going to be elevated. Soon they will be casting off from peaks in the nearby Pyrenees Mountains, said a French air force commander in an interview with Agence France-Presse. Related Articles Paris (AFP) - Emmanuel Macron has emerged as the undisputed king of the French centre ground, but shifting sentiment and alliances make predicting this year's presidential election as difficult as ever. Macron, a 39-year-old former economy minister, was given little chance when he launched a new political movement "En Marche" (On the Move) last year ahead of a vote that was billed as a fight between conservatives and the far-right. But the pro-European progressive is now a frontrunner to become France's next leader and will draw strength from an alliance with veteran centrist Francois Bayrou, who decided against mounting a rival presidential bid on Wednesday. The two met on Thursday, with Macron hoping the tie-up will boost his chances after a tricky 10 days that have seen him lose momentum just as far-right candidate Marine Le Pen picks up speed. Explaining his decision to join forces with Macron, Bayrou said Thursday the two shared a rejection of the traditional French left-right political system. "We just had the feeling that we could not go on as before," he said, adding that it was "no secret" that the two had had differences in the past but they had put them behind them. The 65-year-old veteran who finished third in the 2007 presidential election said: "My role is very simple -- I am here to help." However, Socialist candidate Benoit Hamon picked up key new backing Thursday in the rollercoaster race, as the nation's left aims to forge a united front with polls just months away. Environmentalist Yannick Jadot dropped out and threw his support behind Hamon, while Communist-backed Jean-Luc Melenchon said he was "open to discussion." Polls show the three have enough supporters to mount a serious challenge together, which means a potential tie-up between the splintered leftist candidates could produce another upset. - Expect the unexpected - While commentators said Bayrou gave Macron's campaign more substance, a poll by Tilder and OpinionWay for LCI television showed that 72 percent of voters believe the tie-up "changes nothing". Story continues Macron's unforeseen rise illustrates the difficulty in forecasting the two-stage election on April 23 and May 7 which is being widely watched by governments and investors around the world. "It might be that we only see what's going to happen on the night of the election," veteran French political watcher Philippe Braud of Sciences Po university told AFP on Thursday. Two new polls on Thursday showed far-right leader Le Pen stretching her lead in the first round, where she would win 25-27.5 percent if it were held now. Le Pen, 48, whose foreign policy speech Thursday was disrupted by a topless protester from the Femen feminist group, is still forecast to lose in the second round -- but she appears to be closing the gap. In her speech, Le Pen said it was time to pull the plug on the EU, which she described as a "bureaucratic monster". Saying she wanted to assess France and the world "as they are, not as I would like them to be," she said she would undo the bloc's treaties in order to build of Europe "of free nations". - Volatile mood - For now, the most likely winner remains Macron or Francois Fillon, the conservative candidate for the right-wing Republicans party. But the unstable international background -- from Donald Trump and Brexit to the surge of rightwing nationalism -- is mirrored by an anti-establishment and angry mood in France. Socialist President Francois Hollande decided not to run for re-election in December after a five-year term marked by terror attacks and stubbornly high unemployment. Both the Republicans and the Socialist parties discarded the most obvious candidates when choosing their nominee in primary votes. And Le Pen and Fillon both face investigations into their use of allegedly fake parliamentary aides. Fillon was described as "completely lost" by former rightwing president Nicolas Sarkozy after they lunched together last week, according to the Canard Enchaine newspaper. France's Socialists are still haunted by the 2002 presidential election when their divisions led them to be knocked out in the first round, with far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen -- Marine's father -- going through to the run-off. A leftist alliance would make Macron's route to the presidency more difficult, but he can still claim to be the only centrist in the race. His platform -- set to be announced fully on March 2 -- is more pro-business and reform-minded than his leftist rivals who have large tax-and-spend programmes. He is also instinctively pro-European and at ease with multiculturalism in France, whereas Fillon and Le Pen have railed against the threat to French identity posed by Muslims in particular. But the ex-banker remains inexperienced, having served only two years as an economy minister and the same amount of time as an advisor to Hollande. burs/js/jm By Michel Rose PARIS (Reuters) - French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron on Thursday outlined his economic plans mixing tax cuts and a reduction in government jobs that would stick to France's commitments to euro zone partners to cut its budget deficit. The former economy minister, one of the frontrunners in the April-May presidential race, had come under pressure to present a more detailed manifesto in recent weeks and sought to stay true to his vow to transcend the left-right divide. "Unlike Francois Fillon, I don't believe in a purge and in fixing the country against the people's will," Macron told Les Echos newspaper in an interview, referring to his main conservative rival in the election. "And unlike Benoit Hamon, I don't accept defeat on the jobs front," he added, in reference to the Socialist candidate. The 39-year old ex-banker said he would cut corporate tax to 25 percent from the current 33.3 percent over the next term and aimed to cut public sector headcount by 120,000. Some 60 billion euros in public spending would be cut over the next five years should he be elected - less than the 100 billion euro shock-and-awe plan advocated by Fillon but a more ambitious target than the ruling Socialists' current plan. In a country blighted by an unemployment rate of 10 percent, Macron said he would make cutting it his priority and said bringing it down to 7 percent by 2022 appeared "reasonable". In a gesture of good will towards Germany, the European Union's paymaster and its strongest economy, Macron said he would seek to show he is carrying out reforms to gain Berlin's trust rather than confront it over deficit cuts. "France must carry out structural reforms: it's good for us and will reassure our partners, and chiefly Germany," he said. "If we don't have a brave plan of structural reforms, the Germans won't follow us." Having done that, he would seek to get the euro zone to increase its joint investment capacity and set up a common budget. Macron, who has never held elected office, was given a boost this week after an influential centrist decided to back him to defeat far-right rival Marine Le Pen. (Reporting by Michel Rose; Editing by Leigh Thomas) A former Guantanamo Bay detainee paid over $1 million in compensation by Britains government died fighting for ISIS in Iraq this week, raising a storm of controversy that has sucked in the U.K.s security services, its government and former prime minister. Jamal al-Harith, who died in a suicide bomb attack on Iraqi-led coalition forces on Monday, was one of around 16 former Guantanamo Bay detainees paid around $12.4 million by the U.K. government in 2010 after being released from the military prison. Since the news of the Muslim converts death, there has been outrage in Britain over reports that he was awarded around $1.2 million before returning to jihadism, a claim that has been denied by his family. Hadith and other British detainees sued the government over complicity in their alleged ill treatment while in U.S. custody. The $12.4 million out-of-court settlement was likely offered for fear national security secrets would be disclosed in a court case. The issue was the legal disclosure rules, where if somebody brings a civil action for damages then they are entitled to disclosure of material, some of which may be national security material, Lord Carlile, the former independent reviewer of terror legislation, told the BBC on Tuesday. Lawmakers in each of Britains major parties traded criticisms over the 2010 settlement approved by the Conservative-led coalition government, and over Hariths release in 2004 by the then Labour government. Security Minister Ben Wallace was grilled over the compensation payments in the House of Commons, while some lawmakers leveled criticism at former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who secured Hariths release. Blairs interior minister at the time, David Blunkett, said at the time Harith would no longer be a threat to the security of the British people. Blair issued a statement on Wednesday saying he is being unfairly blamed over Hariths return to jihadism, noting that there had been a broad consensus on his release, and that compensation had been agreed to by the Conservative-led coalition government in 2010, long after he had left power. Story continues Blunkett, meanwhile, wrote in the Guardian that he had approved the 2004 release believing Harith and others would be subject to surveillance and monitoring by the security services. When Harith travelled to Syria ten years later, current Prime Minister Theresa May was the interior minister responsible for the monitoring of risks to national security. ISIS claimed on Monday Abu Zakariya al-Britani, Hariths nom de guerre with the group, was one of three suicide bombers who attacked coalition forces in a village close to Mosul, Iraq. The group released a picture of Harith, which was identified by his brother, smiling in the backseat of a truck filled with explosives. Harith was born in the northern-city of Manchester in 1966 and was known as Ronald Fiddler before converting to Islam nearly 30 years ago. According to Department of Defense files released by Wikileaks, Harith was detained by the Taliban in Pakistan in 2001 on suspicion of being a Western spy. He was sent to Afghanistan then transferred to U.S. forces, who sent him to Guantanamo Bay in Feb. 2002 due to his knowledge of prisoners and interrogation tactics. In September that year, Major General Michael E. Dunlavey recommended Hariths release as he wasnt thought to be affiliated with Al Qaeda or a Taliban leader. The recommendation was overruled nine months later due to new intelligence, which alleged the detainee was possible involved in former terrorist attack against the U.S. He was held without charge in Guantanamo for two years. He later said that he was beaten, held in solitary confinement and forced to take injections of unknown substances at the facility. According to his Guantanamo file, al-Hadith travelled extensively in the Middle East between 1992 and 1996, and traveled to Sudan with a well-known al-Qaeda operative, referred to as Abu Bakr, in 1992, when Osama bin Ladens network was active there. After Hariths release, he worked for a time as a web designer in his hometown, and as an administrator in an Islamic school. But in 2015, it emerged he had left the U.K. for Syria to join ISIS. The story came to light following the escape of his second wife, Shukee Begum, and their five children from ISIS-controlled areas in Syria. She claims she travelled out there in an attempt to persuade Harith to return back to the U.K. with her, but failed. Al-Hariths family said in a statement seen by the BBC that media coverage of him had been distorted and over-simplified. Whatever he may or may not have done since then they believe from their own experience he was utterly changed by the physical and mental cruelty and the inhuman treatment he endured for two years at Guantanamo the statement said according to the BBC. PARIS (AP) French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen has nothing but praise for U.S. President Donald Trump, saying on Thursday that she thinks his actions so far are good for France. Le Pen, who is leading in the latest opinion polls ahead of the spring election, told The Associated Press that "my only framework is what is in the interest of France." She credited Trump with a series of accomplishments, including "the promotion of a form of intelligent protectionism, of economic patriotism," as well as his plan to change or scrap the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico, and his "rupture with total free trade imposed on the world." So far, "There is no (untoward) international fallout" and "I only have reason to rejoice" in Trump's actions, she said. Le Pen made the remarks after laying out her foreign policy approach were she to win the April 23 and May 7 election to replace unpopular Socialist President Francois Hollande, not seeking a second mandate. She described a stark vision based on a multipolar world but with France going it alone, first laid out in a conference this month when her platform was made public. Dozens of foreign diplomats were in attendance. The Saudi Arabian ambassador was among them as well as a U.S. embassy official, according to Bertrand Dutheil de la Rochere of Le Pen's National Front party. The start of her speech was briefly interrupted by a bare-chested protester from the FEMEN group that has crashed at least two previous Le Pen events in recent years. The single protester screaming "Marine fictive feminist" the words written on her chest was carried off screaming by bodyguards. Le Pen, unperturbable, continued, decrying past actions by the United States as "strategic adventurism (that) has harmed what we consider to be our interests." She attributed actions in Iraq, Syria and Libya to the United States, as well as the fallout, from the surge in migrants to destabilization in the Mediterranean and "dangerous games with Islamic militias." Story continues "We are hoping that with the election of President Donald Trump there will be a major shift, nearly a complete makeover, which would be positive not only for the world but also for the United States," Le Pen said. Le Pen, leader of the anti-immigration National Front, wants to pull France out of the European Union, do away with the euro currency and crack down on what she calls "massive immigration." She also insists that France must be its own defender, leaving NATO and defending itself. "To assure France's independence and the freedom of the French people, there is no price too high, there is no combat too frightening to be taken on," she said, adding that "no ally, no treaty, no alliance will decide French policies." Polls have consistently put Le Pen among the top two ranked candidates for the first round of voting, and recent polls put her first. However, the soundings never see her in the final round. Her current top opponent, centrist Emmanuel Macron, joined forces on Wednesday with a long-time centrist politician Francois Bayrou, who ensured Macron his backing, a move the candidate called "a real turning point." Conservative candidate Francois Fillon, a former prime minister, has lost momentum over a corruption scandal concerning potential fake parliamentary aide jobs for his wife and two of his children. Le Pen, too, is caught up in corruption scandals involving parliamentary aids at the European parliament. One aide was charged on Wednesday with breach of trust. Her bodyguard, also questioned, was back on the job Thursday. Speaking to AP, Le Pen forcefully rejected compliments from white supremacist David Duke, who referred to her in a tweet as a "strong and intelligent woman" after praising her father, National Front party founder Jean-Marie Le Pen as a "great patriot." Marine Le Pen called Duke a "provocateur," saying she has no ties to him and adding, "I don't want his support. He can keep it for himself." A fugitive pig is headed back home to his rightful owners this week after a standoff with two Ohio police officers. A 911 dispatcher received a call Tuesday morning alerting the police to a pot-belly pig running loose through a Columbus neighborhood. SEE ALSO: America's 8 most wanted household pets and barnyard animals Two officers managed to leash the pig before snapping a few mugshots for Facebook. Unlike its fellow fugitive animal brethren, however, it refused to wait for its owners in the back of a squad car. Instead, the local humane society came to the rescue with a crate, and soon returned the runaway to his owners. "'It went wee, wee, wee all the way home,' said dispatcher Crooks who tipped us off to this light-hearted call," Columbus Division of Police wrote in a Facebook post. Still waiting for someone to greenlight a season of Cops: Animal Edition. [H/T: UPI] FX has revealed the premiere date for the third season of "Fargo" reports Variety. The latest installment of the anthology series, inspired by the films of Joel and Ethan Coen, will make its debut on Wednesday, April 19 at 10 pm on the cable channel. Set in 2010, season three stars Ewan McGregor as twins Emmit and Ray Stussy. Emmit is the successful parking-lot king of Minnesota while Ray is a balding, pot-bellied parole officer who blames his brother for his misfortunes. Carrie Coon, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and David Thewlis also star. The show won three Primetime Emmy Awards for its first season and two in its second season. Indian cabinet approves Arun 3 investment plan The Indian cabinet on Wednesday approved an investment proposal to build the Arun 3 Hydropower Project in Nepal. A cabinet meeting held on Monday morning okayed the plan worth IRs57.32 billion submitted by SJVN Limited, an Indian central public sector enterprise. WASHINGTON (AP) Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt, urged members of Congress to "have some courage" and face their constituents. Her comments on Thursday were in response to Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas, who this week invoked her 2011 shooting in explaining why he's currently only holding telephone town halls. Gohmert said there are groups "from the more violent strains of the leftist ideology" who are attending town halls to wreak havoc and threaten public safety. Gohmert also noted that after Giffords' shooting in a Tucson parking lot, lawmakers were warned that civilians were the most likely to be harmed or killed during public events with lawmakers. But Giffords said town halls were a hallmark of her tenure in Congress. She noted that her successor in office and her former aide, Ron Barber, also was shot multiple times that day and continued to participate in town halls. "To the politicians who have abandoned their civic obligations, I say this: Have some courage. Face your constituents. Hold town halls," the former Arizona Democratic congresswoman said in a statement released by Americans for Responsible Solutions, an organization that seeks stricter gun laws. Giffords was gravely wounded during the attack, which killed six and injured 13. Although she resigned her seat, she remains active on the issue of gun safety and noted that she attended more than 50 public events over the past year. The shooting made speaking difficult for her, so she generally talks only briefly, using extremely short sentences to make her point. She has little movement in her right arm and walks with a limp. Around the country during this congressional recess week, several Republican lawmakers have faced protests and tough questions about health care and other issues. Several lawmakers are avoiding the events, which are reminiscent of when tea party groups voiced unhappiness about President Barack Obama and his health care overhaul in the summer of 2009. Gohmert said that when the threat of violence recedes, he'll go back "to the civil town hall meetings I've had in the past to supplement the masses reached in our telephone town halls." Oxon Hill (United States) (AFP) - Donald Trump's closest advisor on Thursday welcomed the US conservative movement's emphatic embrace of the incoming president, hailing the birth of a new "economic nationalism" in America. "There's a new political order being formed out of this," White House chief strategist Steve Bannon told grassroots conservatives at an annual confab near the US capital. "Whether you're a populist, a libertarian, economic nationalist, we have wide and sometimes diverging opinions but I think the center core of what we believe" remains, he told the Conservative Political Action Conference. "We're a culture and a reason for being and I think that's what unites us." Bannon, who stepped down from running the right-wing Breitbart website last August to head Trump's campaign, also set the tone for the road ahead, saying "every day is going to be a fight" as the president rolls out his agenda. Conservatives convened at CPAC to hail Trump, a figure once snubbed by the movement but whose victory united and galvanized Republicans. "It feels like a celebration here!" Heritage Foundation president Jim DeMint told a cheering crowd a day ahead of a keynote address by Trump at the first major conservative get-together since his election. The movement, which champions so-called "family values" and free market liberalism, has had some trouble coming to terms with Trump, who last year was criticized by attendees for not being conservative enough. Once close to Democrats, the real estate tycoon has shifted rightward but continues to call for massive infrastructure investment, and his isolationist and protectionist talk has made many within the party bristle. But his campaign director turned senior White House advisor Kellyanne Conway declared CPAC has already warmed to the Trump era. "By tomorrow it's going to be TPAC," she quipped, arguing that Trump had "replaced this fiction of electability with this revelation of electricity and brought people in." Story continues Many in the crowd echoed the victory cry, with young attendees seen wearing "Socialism sucks" t-shirts and "Repeal Obamacare" buttons. "We're pleasantly surprised by what Trump has been doing," Steve Hanly, a 61-year-old pilot from Dallas, Texas, told AFP. The billionaire president's opening moves, including curbs on funding for aid groups that support abortion and the nomination of a conservative Supreme Court justice, convinced Hanly to trust Trump even though he is not "a true conservative." - 'Better than the alternative' - Six years ago, Trump spoke for the first time at CPAC and was booed at times, although his words denouncing the political class and railing against economic rivals China and Mexico went down well. When the president addresses the thousands of grassroots activists, he will likely be welcomed as the savior of the Republican Party, which now controls the White House and both chambers of Congress for the first time in a decade. "I'm old enough to remember when Republicans were hopelessly lost and in the minority," said Charles Quilhot, an insurance broker living in Newport News, Virginia. Trump's first month in office has been hectic, Quilhot acknowledged, "But it's a lot better than the alternative," the establishment Democrat Clinton. Not long ago the populist, nationalist right wing, first embodied by rebellious Tea Party activists but embraced more recently by Trump supporters, rose to the fore in a movement once dominated by Christian conservatives. The anti-establishment Breitbart is an official sponsor, and its journalists are ubiquitous on CPAC panels. - Alt-right not 'legitimate' - Breitbart has been accused of becoming a focal point for the so-called "alt-right," an amorphous movement that comprises white nationalists, racists, anti-Semites, and anti-immigrant Americans who in large part fell in line behind the Trump campaign. On Thursday a known white supremacist leader, Richard Spencer, created a small scene outside CPAC's main ballroom. "I'd rather he not be here. I don't think he has a legitimate voice," Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union that organizes CPAC, told reporters. ACU head Dan Schneider, speaking to the conference, blasted the alt-right as "fascists," racists and anti-Semites who "spew their hatred" and have no place in the conservative movement. Headline-grabbing guests aside, CPAC is a boot camp of sorts for young conservatives, who attend working groups and learn from veteran activists, pollsters, fundraisers, authors and strategists. For now, Republican gratitude for defeating Clinton trumps reservations about the administration's chaotic first month, or concerns about Trump's daily barrage of contentious tweets. "I don't care what he says, I care what he does," insisted Eric Golub, 45, a conservative from Los Angeles. "Barack Obama had beautiful, flowery words. His results were garbage." Zurich (AFP) - Mining giant Glencore Thursday reported a swing back into profit, completing a dramatic turnaround driven by aggressive cost-cutting and helped by rising commodities prices. The Switzerland-based company posted a 2016 profit of $1.4 billion (1.3 billion euros), compared to a staggering $5 billion loss the year prior. When commodity prices nosedived in 2015, investors turned on Glencore amid concerns that the company's towering debt, which had hit $30 billion, could prove unsustainable with the value of its assets in decline. Chief executive Ivan Glasenberg, seen as a maverick in the mining world, acted boldly to get debt under control. He scrapped dividends, sold assets and reined in production in a campaign that trimmed debt to $15.5 billion, according to Thursday's results. That strategy combined with "increasingly favourable fundamentals" in the commodities market has fuelled a much rosier outlook for Glencore's shareholders, Glasenberg said in a statement. The company was weighing a special 2017 payout to reward investors who stuck with Glencore during darker days, Glasenberg said on a conference call, according to the Bloomberg news agency. Shares were trading at 333.50 pence on the London exchange in mid-morning, a rise of 2.4 percent. GUATEMALA CITY (AP) Guatemala's military said Thursday it will not allow a Dutch nonprofit organization that performs free abortions aboard a ship in international waters to pick up women in port for the procedure. Abortion is illegal in Guatemala. In a statement, the military said it was under instructions from President Jimmy Morales to not allow the activity. The nonprofit, Women on Waves, travels the globe offering abortion services to women in countries where the procedure is illegal. Spokeswoman Leticia Zenevich said they selected Guatemala as the first country they visited in Latin America because of the strength of its women's organizations. The boat arrived in the Pacific port of Quetzal on Wednesday and planned to stay five days, Zenevich said. She said officials from the prosecutor's office for human rights were inspecting the boat. In a later statement Thursday, the group said they had all necessary permits to enter Guatemala and the government had no legal grounds to block their work. HENRYETTA, Okla. (AP) Kick off the Sunday shoes: Dancing in public is now legal throughout Henryetta. City leaders voted Tuesday to abolish an ordinance on dancing, the Tulsa World (http://bit.ly/2lprhhr ) reported. The dance ordinance, with a penalty of $25, prohibited dance halls within 500 feet of a church or public school. In February, resident Joni Insabella decided to host a dance above her store, which is within 500 feet of a church. The city's Chamber of Commerce posted about the event and called Insabella a rule breaker on Facebook and accused her of getting special treatment, because of her husband, who's the city's attorney. "We wanted just a good, clean, fun event. As I said, we know we're in the Bible Belt. We weren't having alcohol or anything. We just wanted it to be fun for the community," Insabella said. After the event was canceled, Mayor Jennifer Clason decided to look over the ordinance. Clason, the city's first female mayor, said when the dance ban resurfaced it received national attention for its similarity to the 1980s film "Footloose," which tells the story of a small town banning dancing and rock music. She said prior to the cancelled event, she'd never heard of the ordinance preventing dancing. Previously, dances were held at the city's churches and schools without repercussions, said Clason. ___ Information from: Tulsa World, http://www.tulsaworld.com (Reuters) - Here are some of the highlights of the Reuters interview with U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday. ON HIS DECEMBER TWEET SAYING THE UNITED STATES SHOULD EXPAND ITS NUCLEAR CAPABILITY "We've fallen behind on nuclear weapon capacity. And I am the first one that would like to see ... nobody have nukes, but were never going to fall behind any country even if its a friendly country, were never going to fall behind on nuclear power. And I did tweet that. It would be wonderful, a dream would be that no country would have nukes, but if countries are going to have nukes, were going to be at the top of the pack. ON NEW START DEAL WITH RUSSIA "It's a one-sided deal like all other deals we make. Its a one-sided deal. It gave them things that we should have never allowed. ... Just another bad deal that the country made, whether its START, whether its the Iran deal, which is one of the bad deals ever made. Our country only made bad deals, we dont make good deals. So were going to start making good deals. ON RUSSIA'S DEPLOYMENT OF A CRUISE MISSILE IN VIOLATION OF ARMS CONTROL TREATY To me, its a big deal ... If I meet (Putin), if and when we meet, I would bring it up. Its a big deal. Because its a violation of an agreement that we have. ON CHINESE MILITARY ACTIVITY IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA "I know exactly what's going on between China and North Korea and everybody else. But I don't like talking about military strategy in newspapers ... I'm not liking it. This didn't take place under the Trump administration, this took place under the Obama administration. Many things took place that should not have been allowed. One of them is the building of a massive, you know, massive military complex in the middle of the South China Sea. And don't forget I've only been here for four weeks. This is something that took place and has been started three years ago and you were in a much better negotiating position three years ago. I am not happy about it." ON ALLEGED CURRENCY MANIPULATION BY CHINA I think theyre grand champions at manipulation of currency. So I havent held back. Well see what happens. ON CHINA HALTING COAL IMPORTS FROM NORTH KOREA "Well, we appreciate that. You know, I have a very, very good, Ive had very good phone calls with the president, President Xi, and Ive had very, very good talks with him, and the call is a start. But we have a very big problem and a very dangerous problem for the world with North Korea. ... I think China has tremendous control over North Korea. Whether they say so or not is up to them, but they have tremendous control over North Korea. I think they could solve the problem very easily if they want to. ON NORTH KOREA'S MISSILE PROGRAM Its very dangerous and something should have been done about it years ago. Its very dangerous and very unacceptable. ... And very unfair to Japan. ON TALK OF ACCELERATING MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM FOR JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA "There's talks of a lot more than that. Well see what happens. But its a very dangerous situation, and China can end it very quickly in my opinion. ... Its one of many things that can be done. Missile defense is one of many things that can be done. ON WHETHER MEETING WITH KOREAN LEADER KIM JONG UN IS A POSSIBILITY I guess ... I would never say no. It may be very late. Its very late in the picture right now. ... Were very angry at what hes done, and frankly this should have been taken care of during the Obama administration. ON THE BORDER ADJUSTMENT TAX PROMOTED BY REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS It could lead to a lot more jobs in the United States. ... I certainly support a form of tax on the border because everybody else does. Were the only country, were one of the very few countries, possibly the only country, that has no border tax. And thats not a tax to the consumer, because thats going to be a tax to companies and its going to be a tax to other countries much more so than it is to the consumer. Thats a tax to other countries. And what will happen is, dont forget there is no tax if we make our product in the United States. So I dont consider it a tax. Thats a tax if companies are buying their product outside of the United States. But ... if they make their product in the United States, there is no tax. So what is going to happen is companies are going to come back here, theyre going to build their factories and theyre going to create a lot of jobs and theres no tax. ON THE TARGET FOR THE CORPORATE TAX RATE Were going to have a corporate tax cut ... anywhere from 15 to 20 percent (as a target for the corporate tax rate). ... We're going to have other things that are very good and were going to have a tremendous regulatory cut because the regulations are piled up on top of each other and youll have many regulations for the same thing within different industries and its out of control. The regulations in this country are out of control. And it makes it hard for businesses to even open in the United States. Were going to get rid of a lot of the unnecessary regulations. ON TAX REFORM AND OBAMACARE "We're going to submit legislation. Were going to be working with Congress to do legislation, yes. .... We're mandated to do the healthcare first. We have to. And that's for budgetary reasons. So the healthcare will come first. It's moving along really well. I would say before the middle of March. ... We have a very, very good healthcare plan which will give great healthcare to great numbers of people. We have to also remember, Obamacare is a disaster. It doesn't work. It just doesn't work. So we have a plan that will be a far better plan which will cost people less money, which will cost our country less money also 'cause Obamacare is very expensive for the country. And we will be submitting sometime during the month of March. ... It'd be repeal and replace. ... The tax reform comes immediately thereafter." ON THE ECONOMY AND BUDGET DEFICITS "The economy, we have close to 100 million people that are not working. We're going to get the economy revving again through meetings like I had today with the biggest companies in the world and the biggest manufacturers in the world, through tax reform, and through regulatory reform, and it will take a little period of time, but yeah, we're going to have, I mean, we had massive deficits under Obama, under President Obama, massive deficits, and until it gets kicked in, there'll be some deficits but something which we can very easily handle." ON MEXICO AND THE NAFTA TRADE DEAL "We have a $70 billion trade deficit with Mexico, which is unacceptable. Unacceptable. On top of the $70 billion, many of our jobs and companies have fled to Mexico, and that, and they sell their product back in the United States. It's just not acceptable. So, hopefully, we'll be able to work something out with Mexico, we'll see. Maybe we will, maybe we won't. ... We have the right to do a lot of things that I haven't done yet. We have a lot of rights that people don't know about and they never did know about until I came along." ON THE TWO-STATE SOLUTION IN ISRAEL "I like the concept of the two-state solution. People have been talking about it for so many years now, it so far hasnt worked. But I am satisfied with whatever makes both parties happy." ON SUPPORTING THE EUROPEAN UNION AS A GOVERNING BODY? I do, sure. I have very good relations with the EU. But I thought that the UK would pull out of Brexit and I was right. ... But the EU, Im totally in favor of it. I think its wonderful, if theyre happy. If theyre happy Im in favor of it. ON NATO MEMBERS PAYING 2 PCT OF GDP FOR THEIR OWN DEFENSE "Remember the first time I talked about NATO, I said they all owe money? The first time anyone ever asked me a question about NATO ... I said two things: Its obsolete because it doesnt cover terrorism. They have now opened up a division to cover terrorism, solely because of me. And experts on NATO that do nothing but study it said, 'You know, Trump is right.' And I knew nothing about NATO, I mean, I knew very little about NATO. ... But you watch whats going to happen. Theyre paying. Theyre paying big league. ... They owe a lot of money. Many countries owe a lot money. Number one, 2 percent is a low number, and number two, only five countries are paid up. (Compiled by Kieran Murray; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) Warsaw (AFP) - Poles are taking a nostalgic look back at the sexual revolution which swept their communist yet deeply conservative Catholic country in the 1970s thanks to a biopic about a gynaecologist who made women's pleasure matter too. Women, many of them in their sixties, are flocking to see "The Art of Love", about the late Michalina Wislocka, who was renowned for her best-selling 1975 sex self-help book of the same name. The film, released just as Poland's nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) government is pushing conservative values -- notably the traditional roles of wife, mother and homemaker -- has been a local blockbuster, with nearly a million and a half tickets sold in its first three weeks. "This woman changed our lives, but it's a struggle that isn't over yet, and I'm hoping I may even learn something new," said Zofia, a 60-year-old retiree, all smiles as she entered a Warsaw cinema. Zofia said she came "in tribute" to Wislocka, who blazed a trail by being the first Polish author to write about sex in a clear, simple and candid way. Although prudish and often chauvinist censors attempted to cut explicit chapters, Wislocka's book was published in full thanks in part to the wives of high-ranking Communist Party officials. Her graphic tips on masturbation, for example, could transform marital sex from an often boring and even painful chore into a delight. She also offered more subtle advice on how to achieve emotional satisfaction, including how to discreetly conceive a child with a lover when married to an attentive but sterile husband. The film by director Maria Sadowska reveals Wislocka's exuberant yet steely personality and a complicated personal life, which saw her spend years in a love triangle and really enjoy sex only after reaching her forties. - 'Talking about sex!' - Audiences giggle over dialogue between censors in the Communist Party's cultural department and Wislocka, deftly played by Polish actress Magdalena Boczarska. Story continues "You're talking about sex!" exclaims an exasperated censor, insisting that the "subversive" chapter on female orgasms be cut. "I'm talking about love," Wislocka replies, leaving two communist party apparatchiks speechless after telling them that "you came out of a vagina too." Wislocka's book and work "influenced a whole generation" because she was the first in Poland to publicly promote the "right of women to orgasm", Professor Zbigniew Izdebski, a sexologist, told AFP. With strict Polish Catholicism ruling out pre-marital sex and contraception, Wislocka's approach was revolutionary, Izdebski said, adding that sex had become "heavily politicised" under the PiS government, which came to power in October 2015. But despite the stir Wislocka caused in Polish bedrooms during the 1970s, "Polish society is still quite conservative in terms of sexuality," he said. But Izdebski said he had recently completed a study, "Sexuality of the Poles 2017", which suggests things are changing once again. The survey of 2,500 adults found that Poles aged 20 to 49 "attach more importance to sex" and are interested in "more varied forms of sexual activity" than those over 50. But a quarter of the women surveyed said they feared getting pregnant and only 30 percent said they used oral contraception. - New abortion limits? - Attempts to impose a near total ban on abortions have "injected anxiety into the sex lives of Poles", Izdebski found. Polish women scored a major victory in October when they forced the PiS-dominated parliament to reject a bill that would have allowed abortions only if the woman's life was at risk, and increase the maximum jail term for practitioners to five years from two. Poland's existing legislation, among the most restrictive in Europe, bans all abortions unless the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest or poses a health risk to the mother, or the foetus is severely deformed. But on Valentine's Day, the PiS government presented a bill restricting access to emergency contraceptive pills, or the so-called "morning-after pill". Now sold over the counter to anyone over 15 years old, the bill would have made the pill available only with a doctor's prescription. Izdebski also says that the "family life" courses taught in schools, intended to prepare young Poles for marriage, "reinforce stereotypes about the role of women and completely ignore the joys of sex". Michalina Wislocka died in 2005 at the age of 84, but it appears she is still encouraging Polish women to fight. Hong Kong (AFP) - Sri Lankan refugees who sheltered fugitive whistleblower Edward Snowden in Hong Kong have been targeted by agents from their home country, a lawyer and legislators said Thursday. The story of how impoverished refugees helped the former National Security Agency contractor, who in tiated one of the largest data leaks in US history, evade authorities in 2013 only emerged in September, propelling them into the media spotlight. Snowden's former hosts Supun Thilina Kellapatha and ex-soldier Ajith Pushpakumara from Sri Lanka told reporters Thursday they were "scared and nervous" about the agents' activities in Hong Kong. "I don't feel stable... I don't have a normal life now," said Supun, a target of politically motivated violence according to his protection claim. Accompanying the asylum seekers, their lawyer Robert Tibbo and pro-democracy lawmakers James To and Charles Mok believe Sri Lankan agents have targeted the pair. In an incident which tipped Tibbo off, another asylum seeker from Sri Lanka was allegedly approached by two agents identifying themselves as officers from Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which has previously been accused of kidnapping and torture. The agents, who were carrying files containing information and photographs about Snowden's temporary hosts, asked for specific details about them, Tibbo said. The asylum seekers' families in Sri Lanka were also harassed and threatened by police, military and government officials about their exact whereabouts and telephone numbers, with "clear intentions to locate" them, said Tibbo. "There's actually a treaty between the Hong Kong government and the Sri Lankan government for extradition... All they would have to do is make the formal request to the government, and they've never done that," Tibbo said. "It's quite clear that the Sri Lankan government has an interest in our clients' relationship with Mr. Snowden." Story continues But Sri Lankan authorities have denied this claim. "The police have no interest in the two individuals or their families," a senior police source told AFP in Colombo. "The Sri Lankan police does not have the time or the resources to send people to Hong Kong as alleged." Tibbo said they notified the city's immigration department and would soon report it to the police. Neither immediately responded to AFP's request for comment. Lawmakers To and Mok also said they would urge the Hong Kong government and the police to offer protection to the asylum seekers and ensure their safety. The city's 11,000 marginalised refugees spend years in limbo, hoping the government will support their asylum claims. But with fewer than one percent of cases successfully substantiated by city authorities, most refugees live in fear of deportation. The Sri Lankan families want to go to Canada, which has a track record of taking in refugees. "I think the world owes them quite a heavy debt for...(their help to) advance the cause of people who are concerned about surveillance and privacy violations by governments," Charles Mok said. Mexico rejects Trump deportation policy Mexico has condemned new guidelines issued by the United States, under which almost all illegal immigrants can be subject to deportation. DALLAS (AP) A Salvadoran woman seeking asylum in the United States was returned to a Texas detention center after spending almost two weeks in a hospital, U.S. immigration officials said Thursday. Attorneys for Sara Beltran Hernandez, 26, said Thursday that they were seeking a humanitarian parole of the woman that would allow her family more control over her medical care. In a statement translated from Spanish and released to The Associated Press, Beltran Hernandez said that she had been diagnosed with a brain tumor and that a neurosurgeon would let her know Monday if it was cancerous. "I feel dizzy, with pain. Heavy eyes. Nausea. If I walk fast, I feel dizzy. Noise really bothers me. I have not eaten since yesterday (when I ate a salad) because I have no appetite. Sometimes, I forget things. The tongue is not always responsive," Beltran Hernandez told an attorney who visited her Thursday at the Prairieland Detention Center. A spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Beltran Hernandez was released Wednesday to the detention center in Alvarado, Texas, south of Fort Worth. "After she was determined by her physician to be stable, she was discharged from the hospital and returned to ICE custody at (Prairieland Detention Center). Ms. Beltran Hernandez has an appointment with a specialist on Monday (Feb. 27) who will determine the course for future treatment. Until that time, ICE medical staff is keeping her under observation," Danielle Bennett, an ICE spokeswoman wrote in an email. A spokesman for Texas Health Huguley Hospital outside of Fort Worth, where Beltran Hernandez was taken after collapsing at the detention center on Feb. 11, said he could not discuss details of any patient's care because of privacy laws. However, he said residency status does not affect the level of patient care. Bruette said law enforcement has control over who has access to a patient beyond the hospital's medical team in these situations. Story continues "A patient's residency status - whether they are an undocumented immigrant, a political refugee, a permanent legal resident, or someone born and raised here in the United States - would never impact their medical care or whether they are allowed to see family, have access to the phone, or visits from the chaplain," wrote Elijah Bruette, director of business development and community relations at the hospital. According to ICE records, the woman entered the United States illegally near Hidalgo, Texas, on Nov. 7, 2015. On Jan. 26, an immigration judge ordered her removed from the country. Attorneys appealing the woman's asylum case said earlier this week that she was fleeing domestic violence and other threats. Melissa Zuniga, a paralegal working on her asylum case, flew from New York City Thursday to help ask for Beltran Hernandez's release, saying lawyers were concerned she was only receiving Tylenol for her pain. "We are asking for immediate humanitarian parole. We can't wait for a bond redetermination hearing. She doesn't have days, she has hours ... we need her to get out," Zuniga said. "This is the 13th day she has not had this surgery, and we do not understand why." Zuniga said Beltran Hernandez told attorneys that her hands and feet were tied when she was taken back to the detention center in a wheelchair. Zuniga and the woman's attorneys also said phone calls were not allowed from Beltran Hernandez's family for an extended period of her hospital stay. Bennett said the woman was not restrained when she was transported to the detention center, and that she received phone calls from both family and her attorney of record while in the hospital. Riga (AFP) - Hundreds of Latvians marched through the capital Riga on Tuesday to protest against the Baltic state's decision to take in 776 refugees as Europe struggles with a record migrant crisis. The 500-strong crowd, according to police, waved banners calling on the government to resign and depicting European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker as dictator Adolf Hitler. Other slogans included "Against immigrants" and "The Baltic is ours" at the rally attended by two members of the right-wing National Alliance, one of three parties in the government ruling coalition. "The refugees are not victims, most of them are here for money," protestor Pols Vaivods said while clutching a banner in praise of Hungary and its Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who gave his army new powers this week to block the migrant influx. "This is not racist. We are against taking in refugees but we can help them in other ways, maybe by sending medical aid," protestor Ainis Pogris said. Latvia is part of the European Union's eastern flank whose countries have taken the strongest stance against welcoming migrants. The region's Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia voted against an EU plan that the bloc's ministers nonetheless managed to push through on Tuesday to relocate 120,000 refugees. Latvia's government agreed last week to take in its share of refugees under the EU plan championed by Germany. Onlookers at the Latvian rally included German tourist Khristina Gerhen, who disagreed with their stance. "I don't think it's fair. We are expecting 800,000 refugees this year so Latvia should do its part too," said the tourist from Riga's twin city Bremen. Frenchman Roger Ravel from Lyon said the demonstration reminded him of events held by the far-right National Front party in his homeland. "It's surprising to see it here, but countries really need to think whether they want to be part of the European Union or not," Ravel told AFP. Sydney (AFP) - Several hundred pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated in Sydney on Thursday against the first visit to Australia by an Israeli prime minister, branding Benjamin Netanyahu a "war criminal". A police helicopter hovered over the city as speakers slammed Canberra's strong support of Netanyahu and his government. "We are here to oppose Australia's support for Israel, for a racist apartheid nation," pro-Palestinian author and Australian lawyer Randa Abdel-Fattah told AFP. "It's disgusting to see that some of our Australian leaders have rolled out the red carpet and welcomed a war criminal into Australia," she said. "But there are so many Australians who are against this and we are raising our voices loudly and clearly today, to say (Prime Minister) Malcolm Turnbull, and (Foreign Minister) Julie Bishop, 'not in our name'," she added. A large banner was unfurled depicting Netanyahu with a moustache as Hitler and the word "Fascist" written underneath. Pro-Israel supporters were also on the streets and The Australian newspaper reported that riot squad officers removed a man who approached the crowd shouting "long live Israel". The demonstrators, organised by the local Palestine Action Group, tried to march on Netanyahu's hotel but were cut off by police well short of the city centre building over looking the harbour. Ahead of Netanyahu's arrival Wednesday, some 60 business leaders, academics, members of the clergy and former politicians signed a letter saying Australia should not welcome Netanyahu, claiming his policies "provoke, intimidate and oppress" the Palestinians. BISSAU (Reuters) - Hundreds of people marched through the capital of Guinea Bissau on Thursday demanding the departure of President Jose Mario Vaz, a day after parliament rejected a programme submitted by his prime minister. Vaz appointed Prime Minister Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embalo in November after months of regional talks seeking an end to an 18-month political crisis that has paralysed the institutions of the poor West African nation and stoked fears that drug traffickers might profit from the power vacuum. However, according to the constitution, the prime minister has already missed a 60-day deadline to present a government programme and budget that have to be accepted by parliament. "The party ... voted against the programme of the PM because his government is illegitimate," said Seidy Ba Sane, a spokesman for the country's ruling PAIGC party. Protests are relatively rare in the former Portuguese colony where instability has typically taken the form of military coups, led by officers drawn mostly from a narrow military elite drawn from an ageing batch of soldiers who fought for independence in 1963-1974. The crowd on the main avenues of the capital Bissau repeatedly chanted "Jomav get out", using the president's local nickname, and called for fresh elections. Sissoco told reporters his party would continue ruling without the confidence of parliament. Residents say the failure to pass a budget has begun to affect their daily lives and that salaries for civil servants were 10 days late in January. The United Nations, whose peacekeeping mandate in Guinea Bissau is up for renewal this week at the Security Council, expressed concern this month "over challenges posed by transnational organised crime and emerging threats, including drug trafficking, in the country". The country's network of islands and riverways have in the past been used as a transit point for cocaine from South America to Europe. Guinea Bissau is one of the world's poorest countries and its economy is heavily reliant on cashew nut production. (Reporting by Alberto Dabo; Additional reporting by Emma Farge; Editing by Gareth Jones) BUDAPEST (Reuters) - The United States said on Thursday Hungary's central bank chief lacked credibility in accusing an unspecified "large NATO ally" of trying to topple the Hungarian government two years ago. Gyorgy Matolcsy, a close ally of authoritarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been involved in a series of diplomatic spats with Washington, told a Parliament committee hearing on Wednesday that a major NATO member had tried to topple the government and central bank in 2014-2015. He did not name the country, and the central bank declined to comment when asked repeatedly by Reuters. The Hungarian government also had no immediate comment. "Mr. Matolcsys accusations are simply not credible," the newspaper Nepszava quoted U.S. press attache in Budapest Richard Damstra as saying. "Hungary and the United States are partners, and allies in NATO," he said. "The United States did not attempt to overthrow the Hungarian government in 2014 or at any other time, and we do not find it plausible that any NATO member would attempt to do so." Matolcsy - whose bank also serves as the financial market regulator - said the early 2015 collapse of brokerage Quaestor had been part of the plot he described. Quaestor collapsed after it was found to have issued bonds at least 150 billion forints ($500 million) in excess of its regulator-approved issuance program. Two other brokerages faced regulatory action and the scandal weighed on the forint. "It fits into the activity conducted from the Budapest embassy of a large NATO ally country, that aimed to topple the government and the central bank and started in the autumn of 2014," Matolcsy told parliament. Matolcsy has been head of the National Bank of Hungary since 2013. Orban became prime minister in 2010. Orban's diplomatic clashes with the United States since he came to power in 2010 have included a travel ban on six Hungarian officials in 2014 over corruption allegations. The move was seen as another warning to Budapest to reverse policies Washington regarded as threatening democratic values. (Reporting by Marton Dunai) Idaho Moves to Ban Motorcycle Profiling According to a story in Spokane, Washingtons Spokesman-Review, Idahos House Judiciary Committee has supported a bill to ban motorcycle profiling. The practice is described as the arbitrary use of the fact that a person rides a motorcycle or wears motorcycle-related paraphernalia as a factor in deciding to stop and question, take enforcement action, arrest or search a person or vehicle. The bill would forbid the practice, and now moves to the full House for a vote. Washington was the first state to ban motorcycle profiling in 2011, followed by Maryland. Advocates in Washington report that complaints of profiling have dropped by 90 percent since the law passed, wrote reporter Betsy Z.Russell. There is no downside, said David Devereaux of the Motorcycle Profiling Project. HB 123 simply prohibits motorcycle profiling. It has no fiscal impact. It also reduces the states exposure to civil liability. It helps repair the relationship between the biking community and law enforcement. The bill was presented by Rep. Robert Anderst. This bill is about the future, not the past. Instead of lining people up to share their stories, he said. The goal today is to take a step toward improving the relationship between law enforcement and the motorcycle community, not hurting it. A large crowd of motorcyclists was on hand for the committee hearing, and waited quietly for an hour before the bill was heard. Rep. Karey Hanks, complimented the group on its strong turnout in support of the bill. We have several bills that wed like to have people come and support, he said. I do commend you for coming in support of this, this is great. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund on Thursday urged Nigeria to step up its economic reform efforts before the opportunity for reforms becomes more limited. "Urgency is needed in implementing a coherent and credible package of monetary, fiscal and structural policies as the window for bold reforms is closing as the 2019 elections are approaching fast," IMF spokesman Gerry Rice said at a regular news briefing with reporters. Rice also confirmed that the Nigerian authorities have not approached the global lender about a program but said the IMF "stands ready to help should the country make a request for financial assistance." (Reporting by Lindsay Dunsmuir; Editing by Meredith Mazzilli) Washington (AFP) - In a not-so-subtle jab at European officials and their dealings with Greece, the IMF on Thursday issued a warning against pretending that "unpayable debts" can be repaid. In a blog written by the International Monetary Fund's chief Greece negotiator, its chief economist, and its general counsel, the fund rarely mentions the crisis-ridden country by name. But the descriptions clearly fit Greece's current negotiations with its eurozone partners, which have been a source of months of conflict with the IMF. The IMF repeatedly has said Greece's debt is not sustainable, and the country requires debt restructuring, but European governments, especially Germany, have resisted providing more debt relief and dispute the fund's analysis, instead calling for more economic policy steps. The blog, by chief economist Maurice Obstfeld, European chief Poul Thomsen, and Sean Hagan, head of the legal department, warn of the dangers of not facing up to the debt situation. "Pretending that unpayable debts can be repaid will only sap the effectiveness of the debtors adjustment efforts, ultimately making all parties lose more than if they had promptly faced the facts." The central focus of the IMF dispute with Europe has been over whether Greece can deliver a primary balance, or budget surplus before debt repayments, of 3.5 percent of GDP, far in excess of the 1.5 percent the IMF says is feasible. Fund officials have praised the massive effort already made by the Greek people and have cautioned against imposing further austerity, although they say some reforms remain incomplete, including on the tax and pension system. An IMF report warned last month that Greece's debt will become "explosive" in the long run without debt relief. When a country's debt is unsustainable even after a tough reform program, "it is not feasible -- either politically or economically -- for the problem to be solved through further belt tightening," the blog says. Story continues "Any assessment of debt sustainability needs to be underpinned by realistic -- rather than heroic -- assumptions regarding future growth prospects." - IMF teams returns to Athens - The months of bickering have delayed progress on Greece's 86-billion-euro ($92.4 billion) bailout program agreed in 2015. But officials said progress was made this week to bridge the gap. An IMF team will return to Athens early next week to resume discussions on the economic reforms still needed. However, IMF spokesman Gerry Rice told reporters Thursday the fund continues to insist that Greece will need both reforms and debt restructuring in order for the IMF to participate in the loan program. While the debt relief can be implemented at a later stage, "we need an up front, credible commitment," Rice said. "Debt relief is equally important as agreement on policies." In the blog post, the officials stressed that "when sovereign debts are unsustainable ... some degree of debt relief, coupled with a strong but credible adjustment program, is the only means to make the best of a bad situation." The blog also reiterates that the IMF cannot provide funding to countries that face an untenable debt position. "When sovereign debt is unsustainable, the IMFs legal framework precludes it from providing financial support unless the program includes specific measures -- normally including a debt restructuring -- that credibly address the debt sustainability problem within the medium term." With such debt creating pressures on the country's finances, a loan program "that fails to address unsustainable debt is likely to exacerbate such problems because it will create further uncertainty regarding the member's future," the IMF officials said. NEFIN warns of agitation Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) has warned of resorting to agitation in protest against the governments decision to go for local election by disregarding their issues and demands. JAKARTA (Reuters) - The Indonesian government will soon issue a regulation that will give its tax office access to the banking industry's data on savings accounts, the head of the tax office said on Thursday, as authorities step up efforts to crack down on tax evaders. The government had already put together a draft that "will allow banking accounts to be opened for tax purposes", tax chief Ken Dwijugiasteadi said, after attending a coordinating meeting on preparations for Indonesia's pledge to join the OECD's Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI). The regulation is set to be issued near the time a flagship tax amnesty programme ends in March, he said. The amnesty, announced last year was aimed at flushing out tax evaders and bringing back billions of dollars stashed overseas. More than 670,000 taxpayers have joined the programme, declaring 4,395 trillion rupiah ($329.11 billion) worth of assets previously not disclosed to authorities. The government has already proposed to parliament a bill that will give the tax office broader access to banking data, but Indonesia cannot wait for the passage of the bill as it has to meet certain deadlines for the AEOI, officials have said. It may take a year for parliament to discuss various details of the bill, which also covers general administrations of Indonesia's tax system, Andreas Eddy Susetyo, a member of a parliamentary committee overseeing the debate of the bill, said earlier this month. Indonesia's constitution allows the government to issue a regulation in lieu of law in times of urgency. Such a move is often seen as a way to bypass protracted debate in parliament. The regulation takes effect immediately, but the country's parliament must vote on it at the next sitting period. If it votes against it, the regulation will be repealed. Banks in Indonesia are currently protected by laws that require the tax office to file a request to the banking regulator to get access to a taxpayer's saving accounts, and only for the purpose of an investigation. Such process can take more than six months, tax officers have said, complaining that it allows time for non-compliant taxpayer to cover up possible evidence of tax avoidance. Indonesia will join the worldwide initiative of AEOI in 2018, but it has to get all the regulatory support ready before June 2017, said the finance ministry's secretary general Hadiyanto. ($1 = 13,354.0000 rupiah) (Reporting by Hidayat Setiaji and Jakarta bureau; Writing by Gayatri Suroyo; Editing by Shri Navaratnam) Indonesian President Joko Widodo will head to Australia this weekend for his first visit as head of state to a key ally whose relationship with Jakarta has been repeatedly strained in recent years. Widodo, accompanied by a number of cabinet ministers, will visit Sydney on Saturday and Sunday for the state visit, during which he will hold talks with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, the foreign ministry in Jakarta said. It is his first official trip to Australia since being elected president in 2014. Ties between the neighbours have been rocky in recent years due to Jakarta's execution of Australian drug smugglers and Canberra's policy of turning migrant boats back to Indonesia, but improved after Turnbull took office in 2015. "This visit is very important for us because it shows how close we are as neighbours," foreign ministry spokesman Arrmanantha Nasir said Thursday. In a statement, Turnbull said that the "bilateral relationship with Indonesia is vitally important to both countries and has never been stronger". Widodo had originally been scheduled to visit in November but was forced to cancel the trip to deal with the aftermath of a violent mass demonstration against Jakarta's Christian governor. Turnbull will host a private dinner for Widodo and Indonesian first lady Iriana Widodo, said Nasir. The leaders will discuss issues including investment, terrorism and cyber-security, as well as Widodo's wish to expand teaching of the Indonesian language in Australia, he said. Widodo will also meet with Australian businessmen and Indonesians living in Sydney. The latest row between the neighbours erupted in January when Indonesia announced it was suspending some military cooperation after teaching materials deemed offensive to Jakarta were found at an Australian army base. Australia sent its army chief to Jakarta earlier this month to apologise over the affair. NEW ORLEANS (AP) An autopsy is scheduled for Friday on the body of a 23-year-old man who died in the new New Orleans jail the fourth inmate death at the facility since it opened in September. Colby Crawford was pronounced dead Wednesday night after his cellmate found him unresponsive at around 8 p.m., the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office said in a news release. The statement said there were no signs of physical trauma or self-inflicted injury. The jail, known as the Orleans Justice Center, opened as Sheriff Marlin Gusman was struggling to comply with reforms under a court agreement he reached to settle a 2012 lawsuit. In that suit, inmate advocates and the U.S. Justice Department decried unsafe conditions, including violence and insufficient medical and mental health treatment. He hailed the opening of the nearly $150 million jail as an important step in operating a safer jail. But court-appointed monitors said progress remained slow, and the new jail remained a dangerous place for inmates and staff. Since the opening, a transgender woman has filed a lawsuit saying she was raped at the newly opened facility. A 61-year-old inmate hanged himself in a shower in March. His sister filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday morning. A 15-year-old murder suspect, Jaquin Thomas, hanged himself with a mattress cover in October. His grandmother has hired an attorney. Another inmate, Calvin James Deal, died in November. The mother of his child has alleged in a lawsuit that he was denied needed medical treatment. Her federal lawsuit was dismissed this month. The suicides and continued violence at the new jail led to increasing calls by inmate advocates and city officials for the federal court to place the jail in receivership, effectively relieving Gusman of his chief responsibility. Gusman, who has long blamed the jails problems on inadequate funding from the city, avoided that move by agreeing to cede broad authority over the jail to a "compliance director." With a federal judge's approval, former Maryland corrections official Gary Maynard took the job last fall. Crawford had been held since May on multiple charges. The Sheriff's Office statement said charges included aggravated battery, domestic abuse with a dangerous weapon and probation violation. Online records show he had two hearings set for late March, including a mental competency hearing. The world has been suffering political dog content withdrawals. After all, everyone's still grieving the sudden withdrawal of the Obama family's dogs, Bo and Sunny, from the world stage. Donald Trump, of course, has no pets. It makes sense then that the desperate gaze of pup-lovers worldwide has fallen on Finland and President Sauli Niinisto's badass pup, Lennu. SEE ALSO: Doggy tour bus shows adventurous pups the sights of London Lennu, a five-year-old Boston terrier, according to the Finnish outlet Yle Uutiset, has been making public appearances for some time now. He's not fully media trained, and has a habit of distracting the cameras away from his owner and onto his own antics. And now, people outside Finland have caught on. excuse me but are you aware of Lennu, the Finnish president's dog pic.twitter.com/sBVSOiExw6 Kelly Weill (@KELLYWEILL) February 22, 2017 Lennu made a splash on Twitter, and the internet began hunting for as many photos of the presidential pupper as could be found. ever since seeing that tweet earlier I can't stop looking at pictures of Sauli Niinisto's dog ffs pic.twitter.com/bdTCjYTlKJ minna helena (@minna_helena) February 22, 2017 The President of Finland and is dog is everything pic.twitter.com/c8nKtbUWuv Dana (@droohani) February 22, 2017 In other news, The Finnish President's dog Lennu is 1000x more presidential than our soulless circus peanut. pic.twitter.com/7mh5Dw19yF Shannon DeVido (@shannondevido) February 22, 2017 Lennu has even been memed, as one would expect given the dog's endlessly jubilant expression. Story continues what i look like when i try to smile at strangers... #lennu pic.twitter.com/AwELSZjkkw j. carlisle larsen (@jcarlislelarsen) February 22, 2017 Finland's president himself seems pretty cool he survived the deadly tsunami in Thailand in 2004 but he doesn't have quite the same goofy charisma as Lennu. Sorry Sauli! DUBAI (Reuters) - A body set up by the Saudi-led coalition to investigate civilian casualties in Yemen said on Thursday a technical fault was responsible for the death of seven people in a 2015 air strike but cleared the alliance of other attacks. Saudi Arabia and its allies in a mostly Gulf Arab military coalition have been bombing the Iran-aligned Houthi movement since they seized much of northern Yemen in 2015. The coalition has been repeatedly criticised over civilian casualties. The Houthis have in turn regularly fired rockets towards Saudi cities and villages over the past two years. They say their attacks are in response to Saudi strikes on Yemeni cities and villages. The war has killed more than 10,000 people. The Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT), set up last year to investigate the coalition attacks, said in a statement that investigations into several of the incidents in 2015 raised by international rights groups, including United Nations bodies, had concluded that in most cases the coalition acted properly. Speaking in the Saudi capital Riyadh, Mansour Ahmed al-Mansour, a legal JIAT adviser, told journalists that the investigation into a May 12, 2015, attack on a prison in the northern Hajjah province established that the coalition had targeted two arms depots located some 900 metres and 1,300 metres from the facility. "The two targets belong to the armed Houthi militias, and thus both are within the legitimate military targets ... and that the prison building was not targeted or affected by the coalition air strikes," the statement said, according to Saudi state news agency SPA. Investigators also cleared the coalition from responsibility for two other attacks raised by U.N. experts and the U.N. High Commision for Human Rights in the northern town of Haradh near the Saudi border; one on a hospital on July 7, 2015 and another on a camp for displaced people on March 30, 2015, the statement said. It said that in both cases Houthi fighters and an arms depot were targeted by the coalition. The statement did not address if there were casualties at the hospital and the camp or who caused them. But an investigation into the death of seven people in a May 2, 2015, attack on a market in the city of Saada in northern Yemen found that a technical fault in an aircraft on a mission to target a Houthi arms depot had caused a bomb to fall some 60 metres away from an arms depot it had intended to target, the report said. It hit and damaged a building, the report said. "In light of what had been mentioned, the JIAT concluded that the incident happened due to a purely technical fault in the plane, and thus the team (JIAT) sees that the coalition forces must apologise for the damages that happened due to the technical fault ... and to provide the necessary aid to the families of those affected," it said. (Reporting by Sami Aboudi; Editing by Alison Williams) Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) wrapped up its military drills Wednesday by launching precision-guided projectiles and heavy artillery fire in the northeastern part of the country, according to reports. The three-day exercises began Monday in central Iran and moved to the Islamic Republics northeast Tuesday and Wednesday. The IRGC Ground Forces, including the artillery, air defense, drone, infantry and air force units, participated in the exercises. The militarys T-72 tank units Boraq personnel carriers the modified Iranian version of Russian BMP-1 fighting vehicles and BMP-2 armored vehicles were used in the drills. Drones were used by the IRGC Ground Forces to practice scouting missions, according to state-run Press TV. The IRGC commander, Brig. Gen. Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, said Wednesday that the drills are meant to strengthen the militarys preparedness against enemy threats. The message carried by these drills is preparedness and awareness. We are prepared to confront whatever threat posed to the Islamic Republics establishment. Of course, the Zionist regime is not of such proportions [to pose any such threats], Pourjamshidian said, according to Press TV. Last month, Iran conducted a ballistic missile test sparking concern. The U.S. said it is considering imposing fresh sanctions on the country, with President Donald Trump warning Iran that it had been put on notice. I think it is now time for the Congress to take Iran on directly in terms of what theyve done outside the nuclear program, Sen. Lindsey Graham, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Sunday during a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference. However, Irans Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif retorted that imposing sanctions on the country will not get any results. We dont respond well to coercion. We dont respond well to sanctions, but we respond very well to mutual respect. We respond very well to arrangements to reach mutually acceptable scenarios, Zarif said Sunday. Related Articles BAGHDAD Iraqi forces managed to snatch some key terrain from Islamic State militants in the western half of Mosul, U.S. and coalition officials said here Thursday, marking the end to a fierce first day of fighting to liberate Iraqs second-largest city after more than two years of terrorist occupation. In a sign of how hard-fought is the battle for Mosul, Iraqi army and police forces, backed by U.S. and French airpower, are hitting Islamic State, or ISIS, from three directions. All 14 battalions of Baghdads elite U.S.-trained counterterrorism service, the CTS, are pushing in from the west, close to the Iraqi armys 9th Division which is moving with heavy armor. Further south, federal police battled their way through the airport, securing most of it by nightfall, while U.S. and French fighter jets and drones, and U.S. Apache helicopters pounded Islamic State targets from above, called in by American special operations forces working on the ground with Iraqi units. For the government of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, which is under fire from rivals who lambaste weak security and continued terror bombings in the capital, as well as corruption, the fight for the city is by far Baghdads highest priority. Retaking Mosul would deprive the Islamic State of its last urban stronghold in Iraq, and would be a major victory for Abadis embattled government. The prime minister spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Thursday, his office said, receiving assurances of U.S. support for the fight against Islamic State. (The U.S. State Department did not mention the call or offer any readout of what the men discussed.) Those assurances are needed: Earlier this month, the Trump administration incensed Baghdad with its hastily drafted, poorly implemented travel ban which prohibited Iraqis including translators whod risked their lives to help American soldiers from entering the United States. Iraqi lawmakers sought reciprocal limits on American citizens. Story continues Coalition officers said that the Iraqis are using a new strategy to take the densely populated western half of Mosul, several weeks after wrapping up the punishing, three-month slog to liberate the heavily industrialized eastern half of the city. That fight, while ultimately successful, was costly. Gen. Joseph Votel, the head of the U.S. Central Command who arrived in Baghdad on Thursday, said that about 500 Iraqi troops were killed and another 3,000 were wounded in three months of fighting. To avoid that, Iraqi forces this time decided to attack the militants from three directions in an attempt to confuse the defenders and deny them the ability to concentrate on any one front. Islamic State fighters spent the day attempting to respond to the Iraqi maneuver but it hasnt been effective, said New Zealand Brig Gen. Hugh McAslan, the deputy commanding general of the U.S.-led ground effort in Iraq and Syria. He said the Iraqis have advanced further than where coalition planners thought they would be by the end of the first day of fighting. His early assessment of Islamic State movements on the first day of fighting is that it is apparent that theres a degree of confusion in how they are operating, and that is something the Iraqi forces need to exploit. However, the toughest fighting lies ahead, once the government troops begin to make their way through the tight, winding streets in what is expected to be weeks of house-to-house combat. Some officials estimate that somewhere between 4,000 to 6,000 Islamic State fighters remain in the city, with the foreign militants likely to fight to the death. Coalition and Iraqi officials believe the Islamic State has laced the city with booby traps and hidden bombs, and crisscrossed Mosul with a latticework of underground tunnels to evade air attack and to outmaneuver advancing forces. There are also concerns over the ability of the CTS to continue fighting at the pace it has for the past year. The force has been in the lead in the grinding, months-long fights for Fallujah, Ramadi, and Baiji, and has had little rest between the urban battles. There are about 750,000 civilians still trapped in Mosul, which the Islamic State has held since it seized the city in a lightning raid in the summer of 2014, when the U.S.-trained Iraqi army essentially melted away and many Sunni civilians backed the invaders over the mostly Shiite government force. In the week before the latest assault kicked off, U.S. aircraft dropped 158 bombs on Islamic State positions in the city, partially in an attempt to decapitate the senior leadership still directing forces there. The idea for the three-pronged assault came, in part, from hard lessons the Iraqis learned last month when taking the al-Saleem hospital in eastern Mosul from ISIS in a bitter fight. The Iraqis attacked from two directions, throwing the defenders into disarray, something McAslan said was a defining moment in the fight since it showed how confused Islamic State gunmen became when pressured from multiple directions at once. The battle plan was formalized during a three-week operational pause Iraqi forces took this month, in which they replenished broken equipment, brought in reinforcements, and consolidated their positions in the east. They also took the time to reposition their forces for the new assault with the 16th Division holding in the east. While the fight in Mosul rages on, the Popular Mobilization Force a mostly Shiite militia that has formally been made part of the Iraqi armed forces moved into position in the west, between the nearby ISIS-held town of Tal Afar and the Syrian border, where theyre being supported by Iraqi air force F-16s. Iraqi officials are keen to keep as much coalition support as possible after a seemingly successful first day in western Mosul, pointing to the possibility of an open-ended U.S. commitment to supporting the fight against the Islamic State. There will be a period going forward, especially in the Ministry of the Interior, where we will have help from the American side and coalition forces, said Saad Mann, a spokesman for the ministry. That military support will be needed for the coming years he said. Photo Credit: AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP/Getty Images A former Guantanamo Bay detainee who was awarded more than $1 million in compensation after he was freed from the detention camp reportedly attacked this week an army base in Iraq. Ronald Fiddler, who later took the name Jamal Udeen al-Harith after converting to Islam in the 1990s, was freed from Guantanamo Bay in 2004 with help from then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Harith, a 50-year-old British citizen, was identified as the suicide bomber after ISIS released a picture of him following the attack. ISIS claimed he killed multiple people in the small village of Abu Saif near the Mosul Airport, but the attack was not confirmed. His brother, Leon Jameson, told reporters his brother had wasted his life. It is him, I can tell by his smile, he said of the ISIS image. If it is true then Ive lost a brother." Harith joined the Islamic State in Syria in 2014, and it was unclear whether he used his $1 million award to help the group carry out its terror attacks. He was held in Guantanamo Bay for having alleged links to Osama bin Laden and claimed the British government faciliated his detainment and knew that he was being tortured by the U.S. Harith's journey to jihad is long and complicated. He was born in Manchester. After he traveled to Pakistan in October 2001 for a religious retreat, he was later captured by the Taliban, who accused him of being a British spy. Blair, the former Labour Party prime minister, defended his government's decision to petition for Harith's eventual release, USA Today reported. Harith won the settlement in 2010, after Blair was no longer in power. "It is correct that Jamal al-Harith was released from Guantanamo Bay at the request of the British Government in 2004," the statement said. "He was not paid compensation by my Government. The compensation was agreed in 2010 by the Conservative Government. The fact is that this was always a very difficult situation where any Government would have to balance proper concern for civil liberties with desire to protect our security, and we were likely to be attacked whatever course we took." Story continues The suicide bombing came as Iraqi forces working with the Defense Department pushed to remove ISIS from Mosul. ISIS captured Iraqs second-biggest city in 2014. Related Articles The Islamic State group may be losing much of its territory in Iraq, but it has reportedly continued to stock up on weapons of war despite the other setbacks. The global terror group more commonly known as ISIS can "threaten aircraft" now, according to a tweet from a CBS News foreign correspondent. The tweet cited an unnamed "US military spokesman" as the source of the information. The extent of the new disclosure was not immediately clear since it has long been reported but not proven that ISIS had the ability to shoot down aircraft. In the summer of 2015, ISIS released photos of its fighters firing off surface-to-air missiles near Israel's border in Egypt, the Daily Beast reported at the time. Still, there has not been a reported instance of ISIS actually shooting down a plane, be it a jet or low-flying aircraft. ISIS has, however, been using of drones that have bombs affixed to them recently, the Washington Post reported Wednesday. The "Unmanned Aircraft of the Mujahideen" is what ISIS named its "fleet" of such drones that it said hit at least 39 Iraqi soldiers in one week, though it was not clear when those alleged attacks were supposed to have taken place. While potentially stronger anti-aircraft weapons in the hands of ISIS were likely worrying to the efforts to fight the Islamic State, Iraqi security forces were being vigilant when it came to the drones, which have proven to be very destructive. "A car bomb can destroy a unit," Iraq police commander General Ali al Lami told CBS News recently of the damage a bomb-equipped drone can create. "A truck bomb can destroy a brigade." Some of the other ISIS weapons are equally, if not more formidable than the drones and apparent equipment that can "threaten aircraft," according to Business Insider. They include but were not limited to Soviet era tanks and armored vehicles; Humvees; AK-47 machine guns; lightweight anti-tank rifles; rocket launchers; grenade launchers; shoulder-launched anti-tank weapons; and anti-aircraft guns. Story continues While the latter can hit flying targets up to two miles away, the new report from CBS news likely refers to weaponry that can hit "aircraft" flying much farther away. Related Articles Jerusalem (AFP) - Israeli police said on Thursday they had closed a private Palestinian school in annexed east Jerusalem, accusing its officials of belonging to the Islamist movement Hamas. The Al Nkhba School in the Sur Baher district had already been ordered to close by the Israeli education ministry, a decision ratified by a court. But its director reopened it without authorisation, Israeli police spokeswoman Luba Samri said in a statement. School officials are "Hamas members," she said. Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, is considered a terrorist organisation by Israel, the United States and the European Union. The school principal, whose name was not disclosed, was questioned by the police before being released, Samri said. Other staff members could be questioned, she added. On its Facebook page the school said it housed more than 250 students. It denounced the "barbaric and unexpected decision" as part of a "fierce attack" by Israeli intelligence based on unfounded allegations. "We are going to fight to the end to defend the school which got all the (necessary) permits at the beginning of the school year," it added. Old heads on young shoulders Student elections have become no more than an extension of the patronage politics on the national stage SYDNEY (AP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he hoped to triple bilateral trade with Australia as the countries forge closer technology and aviation ties. Bilateral trade is currently worth about $1 billion a year, with Israel sending less than 1 percent of its exports Down Under and Australian products accounting for just 0.3 percent of Israel's imports. "Our trade is $1 billion. It should be at least double or triple that," Netanyahu said as he sat for talks with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Australian government ministers in Sydney. "I'd like to encourage the Australian and Israeli companies to increase in trade," he said. "If I did the schlep, they should do it too," he added, referring to the 14,200-kilometer (8,800-mile) journey between Sydney and Tel Aviv. His comments came after he and Turnbull oversaw the signing of agreements for more cooperation between Israel and Australia on technological innovation and air services during the second day of his four-day visit. Netanyahu visited Sydney Jewish school Moriah College, where he was mobbed by cheering primary students, while his wife Sara earlier shared morning tea with Lucy Turnbull at Jesse's kosher bakery. While Netanyahu has enjoyed a warm welcome from Turnbull and Sydney's Jewish community, Palestinian supporters will rally in downtown Sydney on Thursday night to protest Israel's settlement expansion in the West Bank. The Australian National Imams Council also released a statement accusing Israel of committing brutalities against Palestinians and urged Turnbull to demand Israel end its "illegal settlement" and respect the rights of the Palestinians. By Gavin Jones ROME (Reuters) - Justice Minister Andrea Orlando said on Thursday he would challenge former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi for the leadership of Italy's ruling Democratic Party (PD), which is in the throes of a damaging split. Orlando, 48, comes from the left wing of the centre-left party and joins Michele Emiliano, the governor of the southern Puglia region, in what is so far a three-way race with Renzi. "I have decided to run because I believe the PD has to change deeply if it is to be truly useful to Italy," Orlando, a former environment minister, wrote on his Facebook page. His move is the latest development in internal battles that are tearing the PD apart just a year before a national election. Renzi, who has been under fire from internal party critics for months, resigned as head of the PD on Sunday to pave the way for the leadership contest in which he plans to run again. The party has been in turmoil since Renzi resigned as prime minister in December after losing a referendum on proposed constitutional reforms. A vocal minority accuses him of an arrogant leadership style and say he has dragged the party too far to the right. They also blame him for a series of setbacks in local elections. This week a group of leftist PD dissidents announced they were leaving to form a breakaway party which opinion polls suggest could rob the PD of 6 to 10 percent of voting support. "I have decided to run because I can't resign myself to the fact that politics must be all about arrogance," Orlando, who argues the party should do more for poor people, said in an apparent dig at Renzi. The date of the leadership contest, which will be a primary election among PD supporters, has still not been set. Renzi wants it to be in April, but his opponents say they need more time to become better known and to organize their campaigns. Opinion surveys among PD supporter show that if the primary were held today Renzi would easily beat all potential rivals. The PD divisions are a boost to opposition parties led by the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, which polls say is backed by around 30 percent of Italians, roughly level with the PD. After the PD breakaway party is formed, 5-Star will take a clear lead as the country's most popular party, polls say. Renzi, who is in the United States, made no immediate comment on Orlando's decision to run. Emiliano said Orlando had "just one defect: the fact that he has been a minister in Renzi's government." (Reporting by Gavin Jones; Editing by Tom Heneghan) TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan has protested to Russia over its plan to boost troop strength on disputed islands, Japan's top government spokesman said on Thursday, the latest move in a territorial row that has overshadowed ties since World War Two. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference the government was closely monitoring Russia's actions and analyzing information. "If the move leads to the reinforcement of Russian military on the islands, it would be incompatible with Japan's stance and it is regrettable as they are inherently our territory," he said. Suga made the comment after media reports that Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu talked about a plan to deploy a military division to the islands, including areas Japan claims as its territory, this year. The islands in the Western Pacific, called the Northern Territories in Japan and the Southern Kuriles in Russia, were seized by Soviet forces at the end of World War Two when 17,000 Japanese residents were forced to flee. Suga said Russia's military plan would be on the agenda when defense and foreign ministers from the two countries are due to meet in Tokyo on March 20. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin met last December and struck numerous economic deals but failed to achieve a breakthrough on the islands. Abe is expected to visit Russia this year to speed up talks to resolve the dispute and try to conclude a peace treaty officially ending World War Two hostilities. He has pledged to resolve the dispute in the hope of leaving a significant diplomatic legacy and building better ties with Russia to counter a rising China. (Reporting by Kaori Kaneko; Editing by Nick Macfie) Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ) faced angry protesters and frustrated constituents at a town hall meeting in his New Jersey district Wednesday, in one of many boisterous confrontations between citizens and their representatives this week. Lance met with constituents at the Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg, NJ Wednesday night during the Congressional recess. The turnout was so big that some constituents were sent to an overflow room and others stood outside, waving signs saying things like Hold your britches Lance, youre going to lose your seat. When asked whether any of them were paid protesters, as some Republicans have alleged, at least one demonstrator laughed in this reporters face. This week has been an eventful one for many members of Congress returning home to their districts. Constituents have confronted their representatives and Senators in Utah, Ohio, Florida, Virginia and Arkansas so far, and more confrontations are coming. Constituents asked questions about health care reform, the environment, de-funding Planned Parenthood and President Trumps alleged connections to Russia. When confronted with questions about whether he would support investigations into the alleged connections between Trump and Russia, Lance said he would do what is in the national interest based on whats presented to me. Several voices in the crowd shouted back, which is what? When one constituent stood up and asked Lance to choose his country over his party, the crowd erupted in cheers and waving signs. Ed Marceski, 61, came to his first-ever town hall meeting to confront Lance on whether he would protect government oversight regulations to prevent another financial crisis, and whether he would support the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This is a blue state, not a red state, Marceski said. He has to do what his constituents want, not what his party wants. For Jim Girvan, 64, his first foray into town-hall activism was motivated by a sense that he had never felt that our country has been in such distress. Girvan, a retired government employee, scoffed at the idea that any of the protesters had been cajoled into showing up. We are neither paid nor bussed, he said. Thats nonsense. Its a way to discredit honest grassroots activism. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Thursday that the EU should make it easier for some member states to deepen their integration in some areas without the whole bloc following suit. The European Union executive will make proposals in a high-profile policy White Paper it will publish next week, Juncker said in a speech to Belgian students at Louvain-la-Neuve. The idea of a Europe of "multiple speeds" has long made for heated debate. After Britain's shock vote to leave the bloc, some governments want to deepen shared sovereignty in the hope of making the EU more effective while others say Brexit and the rise of nationalist parties shows Europeans dislike the idea. Juncker, a former premier of founder member Luxembourg, made clear he favored the former: "This is no longer a time when we can imagine everyone doing the same thing together," he said. "Should it not be that those who want to go forward more rapidly can do so without bothering the others by putting in place a more structured framework that is open to everyone? "I will argue for this in the coming days." German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whom Juncker met on Wednesday, forecast "an EU at different speeds" three weeks ago, echoing other founding states including France and delighting the Italian organizers of a summit in Rome on March 25 intended to launch a reform debate in the Union. But other governments, notably among the poorer, former Communist states in the east, are concerned that the idea is divisive and could risk halting their post-Cold War progress toward Western levels of prosperity. Some argue that current EU rules already allow for "enhanced cooperation" by some states. The most obvious example is the euro zone, which comprises 19 of the 28 current members. But there are others. Juncker noted that defense was an area where some member states were keen to advance faster in cooperation than others. (Reporting by Alissa de Carbonnel and Alastair Macdonald; Editing by Catherine Evans) Addressing the Conservative Political Action Conference on Thursday, presidential counselor Kellyanne Conway promoted herself as a model for an alternative to modern, progressive feminism. I look at myself as a product of my choices, not as a victim of my circumstances, and thats what conservative feminism is all about, Conway said. In an onstage conversation with conservative commentator Mercedes Schlapp, Conway advocated for an individualized approach to female empowerment, saying, Nobody understands your life but you. The remarks were in sharp contrast to recent collective efforts, such as the Womens March on Washington, and to Hillary Clintons presidential campaign, which made frequent appeals to voters based on the historic nature of her candidacy and possible presidency as a woman. Conway touched on Clintons candidacy, conceding that the former secretary of state should be applauded for her willingness to serve but said her loss ultimately demonstrated that many women looked past the commonality of gender. White House counselor Kellyanne Conway speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference on Feb. 23, 2017. (Photo: Joshua Roberts/Reuters) Slideshow: Scenes from CPAC 2017 >>> I would tell my three daughters, or your daughters, she said, gesturing toward the audience, that the job for first female president of the United States remains open, so go for it! Conway, who was raised by her mother, grandmother, and two aunts, cited her unique upbringing as an influence in her resistance to feminism. I was raised to be a very strong and independent woman without anyone ever saying the word feminist or having a political conversation. She also said she shunned the label of feminist in the classic sense, because of the political ramifications, calling it very anti-male and certainly is very pro-abortion. The former pollster closed her address with an anecdote from early in her career, when she and a male Democratic pollster were scheduled to appear at a speaking engagement. When the speakers bureau asked her what her fee was, Conway said, she totally froze. Story continues I took a line out of When Harry Met Sally. I said, Ill have what hes having. So when in doubt, just say, Ill have what hes having, Conway concluded. And indeed youll get it. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Johannesburg (AFP) - The former chief executive of South Africa's state-owned power utility was sworn in as a member of parliament Thursday in a move that could deepen a power struggle within the ruling ANC party. Brian Molefe, a close ally of President Jacob Zuma, is expected to be promoted into the cabinet and play a key role in government. He resigned from the Eskom power company in November after being implicated in a public ombudsman report detailing corruption involving the wealthy Gupta business family. The African National Congress (ANC) spokeswoman in parliament confirmed Molefe's appointment, which analysts described as a move by Zuma to weaken Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan. Strongly supported by several other ministers, Gordhan has been at loggerheads with Zuma for months, with many presidential loyalists calling for him to be ousted. According to the Eurasia Group consultancy, Molefe could become deputy finance minister. "Molefe would then be able to play a key role in undermining Gordhan," it said in a briefing note. The opposition Democratic Alliance described the appointment as a "major escalation in the civil war within the ruling party and the battle for control of national treasury". The ombudsman report revealed Molefe's extensive contact with the Guptas when they were in the process of acquiring a mine that supplies Eskom with coal. Molefe denied any wrongdoing but resigned as Eskom chief days after the release of the report. He previously served as chief executive of the state-owned logistics firm Transnet. KIEV (Reuters) - A Ukrainian lawmaker kidnapped in the southern city of Odessa earlier on Thursday has been found unharmed and his attackers have been detained, the local prosecutor's office said. Earlier, the head of President Petro Poroshenko's BPP faction, Ihor Hryniv, told parliament that MP Oleksiy Honcharenko had been kidnapped "in broad daylight" in his native Odessa. "The criminal group has been neutralized. Honcharenko is in a safe place," said Inna Verba, a spokeswoman for the Odessa prosecutor's office. Thirty-six-year-old Honcharenko used to be in the pro-Russian Party of Regions, but joined Poroshenko's faction following the 'Maidan' uprising in 2014, becoming a vocal opponent of the Russia-backed separatist movement in eastern Ukraine. Speaking to Reuters by phone, Verba said Honcharenko had been targeted because of his political position, but did not give further details on the alleged motive. "They wanted to burn his eyes with acid and break his knees so that he suffered. They didn't plan to kill him," she said. (Reporting by Natalia Zinets and Pavel Polityuk; Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Ralph Boulton) Seoul (AFP) - North Koreas state media broke a 10-day silence Thursday on the murder of Kim Jong-Uns half brother, launching a ferocious assault on Malaysia for immoral handling of the case and for playing politics with the corpse. In its first comments on the airport assassination of Kim Jong-Nam, KCNA said Malaysia bore responsibility for the death, and accused it of conspiring with South Korea. "Malaysia is obliged to hand his body to the DPRK (North Korea) side as it made an autopsy and forensic examination of it in an illegal and immoral manner", the North's Korean Jurists Committee said, in comments carried by the state-run news agency. Malaysia has not released the corpse "under the absurd pretext" that it needs a DNA sample from the dead man's family, it said. "This proves that the Malaysian side is going to politicise the transfer of the body in utter disregard of international law and morality and thus attain a sinister purpose," it said. Throughout its lengthy dispatch, KCNA avoided any reference to the dead man's identity, calling him only "a citizen of the DPRK bearing a diplomatic passport". North Korea has never acknowledged him as the estranged brother of its leader. Leaked CCTV footage from the brazen attack last Monday shows the portly Kim being approached by two women who appear to put something in his face. Moments later he is seen asking for help from airport staff, who direct him to a clinic. Malaysian police said he suffered a seizure and died before he reached hospital. An autopsy has ruled out heart failure, with investigators focusing on the theory that a toxin was applied to his face, in what South Korea has insisted was a targeted assassination. Malaysian detectives are holding three people -- women from Indonesia and Vietnam, and a North Korean man -- but want to speak to seven others, including diplomat Hyon Kwang Song. But Malaysia's top policeman acknowledged Thursday that unless Hyon, second secretary at the North Korean mission, volunteers himself, they will be unable to speak to him. Story continues "We will adhere to the rules of immunity," Khalid Abu Bakar said. "We cannot go inside the embassy." - 'Wild rumours' - Malaysian police think four North Korean suspects may have fled to Pyongyang immediately after the killing. A small group of protesters descended on North Korea's embassy Thursday, with many carrying signs reading "Respect Malaysia". Demonstrators from the youth wing of Malaysia's ruling party handed in a letter to diplomats denouncing Pyongyang's "impermissible attitude and rudeness" and urging the North "to reconsider its aggressive approach". It was reported Thursday South Korea is using giant loudspeakers to blast news of the dramatic assassination across the border with its reclusive northern neighbour. Seoul employed its banks of high-decibel loudspeakers to ensure details of the death of Jong-Nam, once believed to be the North's likely heir, reverberated through the border area, Seoul's MBC TV station said. "Kim Jong-Nam... died after being attacked by two unidentified women at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia," blared the message. News of the outside world is heavily restricted and censored in the North under the Kim family, which has ruled for decades with an iron fist and pervasive personality cult. Seoul's Foreign Minister Yun Byung-Se said Wednesday in London the assassination by the North, if confirmed, would constitute a "serious breach" of international order and would be regarded as a "state-led act of terrorism". Pyongyang's statement, issued in both English and Korean, repeated the North's demand for a joint investigation, stressing it was ready to dispatch a delegation. It said Malaysia had initially claimed the death was from heart failure, and blamed the poisoning theory on "wild rumours" from South Korean media. "The biggest responsibility for his death rests with the government of Malaysia as the citizen of the DPRK died in its land," KCNA said. "The unfriendly attitude of the Malaysian side found a more striking manifestation in the matter of transferring his body to the DPRK side. "The DPRK... will watch the future attitude of the Malaysian side." Parliament begins deliberations on amendment bill The Legislature-Parliament on Thursday started deliberations on the constitution amendment bill. South Korea is using giant loudspeakers to blast news of the dramatic assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un's half-brother across the border with its reclusive northern neighbour, it was reported Thursday. Kim Jong-Nam -- the eldest son of the North's late leader Kim Jong-Il -- died on February 13 after being attacked by two women at a Kuala Lumpur airport in what is suspected to be a murder planned by Pyongyang. The North's state media remained quiet on the killing until it released a scathing denouncement of the Malaysian investigation Thursday, without identifying Jong-Nam as the victim. But the South this week employed its banks of high-decibel loudspeakers to ensure details of the death of Jong-Nam, once believed to be the likely heir, reverberated through wide swathes of the border area, Seoul's MBC TV station said. "Kim Jong-Nam... died after being attacked by two unidentified women at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia," blared the message from the speakers and replayed by the TV station. "Malaysian authorities said four suspects are North Korean nationals including one who has been arrested," it said. News of the outside world is heavily restricted and censored in the North under the Kim family, which has ruled for decades with an iron fist and pervasive personality cult. The South Korean military has for years blasted a mix of world news, propaganda messages and K-pop songs across the border using dozens of loudspeakers, which targets soldiers in the isolated state. They have a range of around 10 kilometres (six miles). Seoul's defense ministry refused to confirm the reports over the latest broadcast, citing national security concerns. North Korean state media Thursday broke its 10-day silence on the murder, launching a ferocious assault on Malaysia for its "immoral" handling of the case and for playing politics with the corpse. The propaganda broadcasts are intensely hated by Pyongyang which at one point threatened to shell the loudspeakers. Story continues The North is also known to have installed a number of loudspeakers near the border to carry out its own propaganda broadcasting in a bid to drown out the sound from the South. Jong-Nam was at one time set to take the reins of power in the isolated North; groomed by his father for a third generation succession. But he fell out of favour and lived in exile in China as his younger brother was groomed to take power following the death of their father in 2011. NEW YORK (AP) A New York City landlord is accused of stabbing his tenant to death following an apparent dispute over unpaid rent. Police responding to a 911 call of a person stabbed in front of a home in the Bronx Wednesday night found the tenant, 44-year-old Zakir Khan, with multiple stab wounds. Khan was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police say Khan and his landlord, 51-year-old Taha Mahran, had been arguing over rent money. Mahran has been charged with murder, manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon. It's unclear if he has an attorney who can comment on the charges. OXON HILL, Maryland (AP) The Latest on the Conservative Political Action Conference (all times local): 10:05 a.m. White House counselor Kellyanne Conway is thanking conservatives for helping elect President Donald Trump. Conway tells a gathering in a Maryland suburb of Washington that while Trump might not have naturally bonded with conservatives at first, "he went right to the grassroots and brought you along." She says, "He earned the nomination in a way that was bottom-up, not top-down." She also describes Trump as "a man who just absorbs information and people and experiences." Conway is speaking to the Conservative Political Action Conference, which draws more than 10,000 activists. Others from the Trump administration, including Vice President Mike Pence, will speak later Thursday. Trump addresses the group Friday. ___ 3:54 a.m. For the past eight years, thousands of conservative activists have descended on Washington each spring with dreams of putting a Republican in the White House. They finally have one, but they are not sure he's really conservative. With Donald Trump's presidential victory, the future of the conservative movement has become entwined with an unconventional New York businessman better known for his deal-making than any ideological principles. It's an uneasy marriage of political convenience at best. Some conservatives worry whether they can trust their new president to follow decades of orthodoxy on issues like international affairs, small government, abortion and opposition to expanded legal protections for LGBT Americans and what it means for their movement if he doesn't. President Donald Trump may be causing headaches for his fellow Republicans. Townhall meetings for GOP lawmakers this week have reportedly been bombarded by protesters as their offices have been flooded by phone calls and complaints. Here's what's been happening: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Tuesday was the subject of angry, tough questions at an American Legion hall in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. At one point, a frustrated constituent yelled, "Answer the question, Mitch!" according to the Lexington Herald-Leader. Another asked McConnell a question about the Kentucky coal industry. She ended her point by adding, "If you can answer that, I will sit down and shut up like Elizabeth Warren," referencing the high-profile Massachusetts Democrat McConnell and the rest of the GOP recently silenced as she attempted to read a letter from the late civil rights activist Coretta Scott King. Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, meanwhile, was subject to questions from folks who supported Obamacare, formally known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) a law Republicans have threatened to repeal. Some 100 people crowded into a community center to press Grassley. Chris Petersen, a pig farmer from the state, brought Grassley a pack of Extra-Strength Tums. Petersen said the senator was "going to need them in the next few years" as he disappointed people in his state, Politico reported. Also in Iowa, Sen. Joni Ernst faced similarly angry critics. Video of the protests showed angry Iowans shouting "shame on you, shame on you, shame on you" as the senator hopped into the passenger seat of a Cadillac and was ushered out of a parking lot. Montana Sen. Steve Daines, meanwhile, canceled a speech amid protesters chanting in support of refugees. Daines' office claimed the protest did not cause the cancelation. "What a coward!" Katherine Haque-Hausrath, one of the protest organizers, told the Associated Press. "If he doesn't listen to us now, he can listen to us in 2020 in the election." Story continues Trump responded to the protests Tuesday on Twitter, posting "The so-called angry crowds in home districts of some Republicans are actually, in numerous cases, planned out by liberal activists." But Politico reported Wednesday in its Playbook newsletter that "it's not just the town halls." Many GOP congressional offices are getting thousands of calls, and staffers for Republicans have described a month of complaints bombarding their offices over their bosses' stances. Related Articles WASHINGTON (AP) The Latest on President Donald Trump (all times local): 10:40 p.m. A White House official says chief of staff Reince Priebus asked a top FBI official to help dispute media reports that President Donald Trump's campaign advisers were frequently in touch with Russian intelligence agents during the election. The official says Priebus' request came after the FBI told the White House it believed a New York Times report describing Trump advisers' contacts with Russia was not accurate. As of Thursday, the FBI had not stated that position publicly. Priebus' discussion with the FBI's deputy director sparked outrage among some Democrats, who said he was violating policies intended to limit communications between the law enforcement agency and the White House on pending investigations. The White House official was not authorized to disclose the matter publicly and insisted on anonymity. By Julie Pace __ 4:15 p.m. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer is suggesting the Trump administration may crack down on states that have legalized recreational marijuana. Spicer says during a press briefing Thursday that the issue rests with the Justice Department. But he says, "I do believe that you'll see greater enforcement of it." He adds that it's "something that the Department of Justice I think will be further looking into." President Donald Trump said as a candidate that he supports medical marijuana. But Spicer says there's a big difference between that and the recreational use of the drug. The Justice Department has several options available, including filing lawsuits on the grounds that state laws regulating pot are unconstitutional because they are pre-empted by federal law. ___ 3:30 p.m. President Donald Trump's address to Congress next week will be titled "The Renewal of the American Spirit." White House press secretary Sean Spicer says Trump will speak on a number of topics, including defense, border security and taking care of the nation's veterans. Story continues Spicer also says the president will discuss his plans for improving the nation's economy. Many of those themes were a central focus of Trump's campaign speeches. House Speaker Paul Ryan last month invited the president to speak before Congress on Tuesday. ___ 3:00 p.m. President Donald Trump says he will bring the "full force and weight" of the U.S. government to combat an "epidemic" of human trafficking. The president is meeting at the White House with senior advisers and representatives of organizations that deal with trafficking. His daughter, Ivanka Trump, is among those in attendance. Trump calls human trafficking a problem that is "not talked about enough." He says he will order the departments of Justice and Homeland Security to take a hard look at the resources they are devoting to addressing the issue. Glee star Lauren Potter is deeply saddened after her engagement to childhood friend Timothy Spear has ended. She accepted a promise ring from her beau, Spear, last August. However, their relationship experienced a strain because of her fame. It hurts, Potter told PEOPLE. After we got married I wanted to wake up and see him make breakfast for me. I loved him so much. Potters mother, Robin Sinkhord, said that Spear was actually overwhelmed because of all the publicity her daughter was getting. Potter said yes to Spears proposal during a picnic in Laguna Beach over the summer, according to E! News. It was a sweet moment for the couple, since they had known each other since birth. He picked out the ring, made payments on it, and then planned the picnic and the moment to get down on one knee to ask her to promise to be his one-and-only and marry him when they are ready, Sinkhorn earlier said of the proposal. Sinkhorn and Spears mom took the same baby classes together, so they go way back. Both Potter and Spear have Down Syndrome, and it was only later in life that they started their romantic relationship. When Lauren ended a relationship, Timothy immediately asked her out and they have been together since, said Sinkhorn. Potter shot to fame after playing cheerleader Becky Jackson in Glee from 2009 until 2015. She filmed a lot of scenes with Jamie Lynch, who played Sue Sylvester. The actress feels fortunate that she got to portray characters with special needs on TV, and she is grateful to all the films and series that are opening doors to different people regardless of ability. For now, Potter is going to appear in the upcoming finale of another series, Switched at Birth. Lauren Potter Photo: Reuters/Danny Moloshok Related Articles PRAGUE (AP) Explosions in a Czech machinery plant injured a total of 19 people with three of them in critical condition, officials said on Thursday. Police spokeswoman Hana Kaizarova said the first explosion occurred around 11 a.m. (1000 GMT) in a production hall and a number of others followed, making it difficult for rescuers to access the site in the Policske Strojirny A.S. near the town of Policka, some 150 kilometers (95 miles) east of Prague. The company that ran the plant, which also processes old ammunition, did not comment. Kaizarova said it was not immediately clear what material exploded. She said authorities have not discovered any fatalities. The regional government in the nearby city of Pardubice said an unknown explosive in a tank detonated first, triggering the other explosions. Pavel Svoboda, the head of the regional rescue service, said three people suffered serious injuries, mostly burns, and were in critical condition. They were transported by helicopters to hospitals. Svoboda said four rescuers were injured. Authorities have warned the public to avoid the area. In 2015, a huge explosion of 320 metric tons (353 tons) of gunpowder in the same factory injured two workers. Parliament meeting postponed yet again Ruling alliances bid to take forward the constitution amendment bill fell through on Wednesday as the meeting of the Legislature-Parliament was postponed yet again after the opposition bloc held firm against holding discussions on the bill until it is assured that the Madhesi parties would accept any results in the voting. Maseru (Lesotho) (AFP) - Lesotho's King Letsie III re-opened parliament Friday amid tight security, the first step in a peace deal aimed at ending a crisis sparked by an attempted military coup. Opposition parliamentarians celebrated with song and dance on the floor of the legislature, as the chamber sat for the first time in four months. Prime Minister Tom Thabane had suspended the body in June fearing a vote of no-confidence that could have booted him from power. The re-opening of parliament is a key first step in a peace deal following an August 30 coup attempt and will lead to early elections in February 2015. The king, who is constitutionally restricted to a ceremonial role, thanked the international community - and particularly the 15-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) -- for helping to defuse the crisis. "On behalf of the Basotho nation, I would like to express... our deep-rooted gratitude for expeditiously coming to our assistance at this critical moment in our political journey," King Letsie told the 120-member chamber, as the SADC mediator, South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, looked on. As the king filed out, followed by Thabane, his feisty opponents, led by former prime minister Pakalitha Mosisili, then filled the floor, singing and swaying. "Democracy begins again," said one MP, Kotiti Diholo of the Democratic Congress. "There was no longer democracy in this country, but now we can get back to representing our people." On August 30 Thabane fled the tiny kingdom, entirely surrounded by South Africa, hours before the military attacked police installations, in what was seen as part of an orchestrated putsch. Just hours earlier he had fired Lesotho Defence Force Commander Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli, who still refuses to relinquish his command. Thabane returned accompanied by SADC police and officials, who have since hammered out a peace deal among Lesotho's sparring factions. Story continues Crucially, the opposition have agreed not to mount a no-confidence vote against Thabane while this parliament is in session. Instead, they allowed the parliament to re-open and to pass a budget, then officially dissolve in order for the country to prepare for early elections. But in a sign of on-going instability, officials cancelled the military parade that traditionally opens parliament. That also dodges the difficult question of who is in charge of the armed forces. While Kamoli refuses to step down, his replacement has required South African police guards after an attempt on his life was made during the coup. - 'False bravado' - Having avoided a vote of no-confidence, Thabane now faces an election which could have the same effect and see him lose office. The Democratic Congress is already the single-largest party in parliament and has an agreement to join forces with the party of Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing -- which is part of Thabane's coalition government. But their dancing did not impress Lesotho's Minister of Home Affairs, Joang Molapo. "This is false bravado," he told AFP. "They always make a lot of noise. But we on the other side know how the deck is stacked. "And we know that the Basotho people recognise who has been the destabilizing element in this country." Molapo suggested the root cause of the crisis has been corruption - and resistance to Thabane's crusade to expose it during the two years since he created one of Africas rare coalition governments. Metsing is now accused of both corruption and involvement in the recent coup attempt. President Donald Trump has ordered the federal government to account for all U.S. assistance to Mexico over the past five years, as part of his effort to shore up security along the U.S.-Mexico border. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly are in Mexico on Thursday for meetings with top Mexican officials about immigration and other matters. Among points of tension is the possibility of Trump's administration using U.S. aid to Mexico as leverage for his demands that Mexico pay for a border wall and do more to stem illegal migration. Trump's Jan. 25 executive order gives the heads of government agencies 60 days to "identify and quantify all sources of direct and indirect federal aid or assistance to the government of Mexico" since 2012. It does not indicate what will be done with the information. While it is difficult to quantify the indirect support the U.S. provides to Mexico through multilateral institutions, direct aid is readily available online. The main sources of the assistance are the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development, which jointly operate the website www.foreignassistance.gov . Its figures state: The U.S. has given Mexico $234.79 million in assistance over the past five years, or roughly $46.9 million per year. The U.S. plans to provide Mexico with $134.6 million in the current budget year, none of which has yet been spent. The biggest chunk of the planned 2017 spending, $78.9 million, is devoted to democracy, human rights and governance programs, including supporting civic institutions. An additional $43.8 million is devoted to promoting peace and security, including counter-narcotics operations and combatting transnational crime. The smallest piece of the 2017 package, $11.9 million, is for environmental and climate change programs. Sydney (AFP) - Australian carrier Qantas Airways on Thursday posted a 7.5 percent hit to first half earnings, impacted by lower fares, greater competition and empty seats. Underlying profit before tax fell to Aus$852 million (US$656 million) for the six months ending December 31, but just beat the airline's own guidance. This compares to Aus$921 million in the same period of 2015. Revenue was also down to Aus$8.18 billion, 3.3 percent below the previous six months. Qantas, which has turned itself around in recent years on the back of aggressive cost-cutting, said it was facing increased competition on international routes and a soft domestic market. "The international market is tough because of capacity growth and lower fares," said chief executive Alan Joyce. "Qantas International is not immune from those pressures. But the work we've done on removing costs and making the business more efficient means Qantas International is outperforming its peers in the region." "Cheaper oil has led to strong capacity growth on international routes, pushing fares down and impacting all major airlines," Joyce said. "Our focus is to stay disciplined on capacity, keep downward pressure on costs, and introduce game-changing improvements like the Dreamliner and high-speed Wi-Fi." The airline is due to receive the first of eight Boeing Dreamliners next year and open the first direct flights between Australia and Britain. "Our transformation programme has built a strong, sustainable business that generates returns throughout the economic cycle," Joyce added. Domestic and international performance both suffered with freight also down, although all parts of the group remained in profit. Qantas announced an interim dividend of seven cents. Shares had risen ahead of the announcement on expectations of a good financial result and jumped a further 5.21 percent to $3.74 by close Thursday on the better-than-expected figures. Story continues CMC Markets chief strategist Michael McCarthy said the profit fall was forecast on the back of higher fuel, but the market response was surprising. "Investors may like the narrative around the Dreamliners, as it is unlikely they were excited by capacity and traffic projections of plus one to two percent," he told AFP. In the year to June 30, Qantas posted a record net profit of Aus$1.42 billion and announced its first payout to shareholders in seven years. That followed cuts of Aus$2 billion to costs and restructuring with thousands of jobs axed and dozens of aircraft sold or orders deferred. Qantas offered no profit guidance on Thursday, saying the short-term outlook depended on oil prices and foreign exchange movements as well as global market conditions. Police recover missing weapons looted by Raut supporters Police have recovered all of the missing weapons that were looted by CK Raut supporters during a protest at Marchawar in Rupandehi. Progress on transitional justice precious little: AI Amnesty International (AI) says the progress made on transitional justice process to address the concerns of conflict victims in Nepal has been precious little. SKOPJE, Macedonia (AP) Macedonia's incumbent prime minister claimed a landslide victory late Sunday in parliamentary and presidential elections, but the center-left opposition denounced what it called distorting interference in the democratic process by the ruling party and said it won't recognize the results. Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski claimed a "powerful" victory for his VMRO-DPMNE party, which has ruled since 2006, and expressed his hope for an outright majority in the 123-member parliament. "Macedonia had peaceful, fair and free elections. Macedonia is the biggest winner. We can be proud," Gruevski told a crowd of cheering supporters at party headquarters. With 91.7 percent of the votes in the parliamentary election counted, the conservatives led with 43.2 percent, while the Social Democrat-led leftist alliance had 24.9 percent, according to the State Election Commission web site. The ethnic Albanian Democratic Union for Integrations, or DUI, the conservatives' partner in the outgoing government, was credited with 13.8 percent, while their main rival, the Democratic Party of Albanians, had 5.9 percent. Turnout was 62.9 percent. In the election for the largely ceremonial office of the president, the conservative-backed incumbent, Gjorge Ivanov, led with 55.7 percent, while his Social Democrat rival Stevo Pendarovski had 40.5 percent, with almost 92 percent of the cast ballots counted. The turnout for the presidential runoff was 54 percent. There were indications the ethnic Albanian minority had, as in the first round, largely boycotted the presidential vote. Ethnic Albanians make up a quarter of Macedonia's 2.1 million people. Gruevski said he hoped his party would get 62 seats in parliament, the exact number required for an outright majority. He added that the Social Democrats would get 34-35 seats. Official results on seats will be announced Monday. Social Democrat leader Zoran Zaev claimed shortly after polls closed that Gruevski's conservative government had unfairly used state resources to influence the campaign for his own re-election and that of his political ally, Ivanov. Story continues Zaev said civil servants were pressured to vote for the ruling conservatives or face losing their jobs. "The government has once again usurped the democratic rights of citizens," Zaev said, calling for an "immediate establishment of (a) technical government that will conduct parliamentary and presidential elections." Gruevski's VMRO-DPMNE immediately rejected the opposition claims, saying "Macedonia has had the most peaceful and democratic elections ever." Senior party official Antonio Milososki accused the opposition of "manipulation" and "provoking incidents." Nearly 1.8 million voters were eligible to cast ballots at more than 3,500 polling stations. By James Pearson and Jack Kim SEOUL (Reuters) - The bizarre assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's estranged half-brother marks a departure from the isolated country's repertoire of overseas operations, according to experts on its opaque ruling structures. Kim Jong Nam died last week after being assaulted at the airport in the Malaysian capital with what police believe was a fast-acting poison. The two women who authorities say assaulted him, one Indonesian and the other who carried a Vietnamese passport, are both in custody. South Korea has said that it believes the assassination was coordinated by a shadowy North Korean agency called the Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB). The RGB is North Korea's "premier intelligence organization", according to the United Nations, which sanctioned it in March last year for its role in North Korea's arms trade. But given the high profile of Kim, who had spoken out publicly against his family's dynastic control, his murder could have been a joint operation between different agencies, said Michael Madden, an expert on the North Korean leadership. "The RGB is just one of many possibilities. It will take another week at least to pinpoint the organizations involved," said Madden. On Wednesday, Malaysian police arrested 47-year-old Ri Jong Chol, a North Korean who had a Malaysian work visa for a small herbal medicine firm and lived in Kuala Lumpur with his wife and two children. The use of North Koreans based overseas like Ri has the hallmarks of an operation by elite spy training unit "Office 35", said Jang Jin-sung, a defector who had worked in the United Front Department of the Workers' Party, which along with Office 35, is an espionage unit within the ruling party. "They produce people with real jobs and skills and send them abroad with family to live," said Jang. "When an urgent opportunity arises like this one on Kim Jong Nam, those people are tapped into operation, so they would be planted way before hand." Madden said some North Korean operatives were "free agents", used as the need arose. North Korea also stations at least one member of its State Security Department or "bowibu" at its larger overseas missions, Thae Yong Ho, North Korea's former deputy ambassador to Britain, told Reuters this month. That security official usually has a direct line to Pyongyang, and takes orders from the Central Committee of the Workers' Party, as well as the bowibu. Malaysian police identified a senior official in the North Korean embassy on Wednesday as a suspect in the murder. CYANIDE CIGARETTE If the Workers' Party is the brains behind North Korean assassinations, the muscle is the Reconnaissance General Bureau which formally falls under the military. North Korean intelligence agencies have a history of carrying out at times violent overseas operations, usually against South Korean targets. In 1968, commandos from Unit 124 of what was then just called the Reconnaissance Bureau got within several hundred meters of the South Korean presidential palace, with orders to kill the then president, Park Chung Hee. "There's a five decade history here and a lot of institutional and operational memory," said Madden. "These people learned under tough, hardened spymasters and operations chiefs". Today's North Korean spies are the "second and third generation of those founding fathers of the North Korean intelligence community", Madden said. But the use of foreign proxies such as the Vietnamese and Indonesian women suspected of carrying out the assassination of Kim Jong Nam is a break from typical North Korean operations. In 1987, North Korean agent Kim Hyun Hee put a bomb on Korean Air Flight 858, killing all 115 people on board when it blew up over the Bay of Bengal. Kim, who was caught and extradited to South Korea, was later pardoned and divulged the details of her military spy training in her 1993 memoir "Tears of my Soul". Kim described being handed an ordinary-looking pack of Marlboro cigarettes when setting off on the mission. One cigarette was marked with a small black dab of ink which, if bitten, would kill her instantly, she wrote. Kim was caught, but when she bit into the cigarette the cyanide inside failed to kill her. "The faithful daughter of Kim Il Sung, trained for years like some obedient dog, died at that moment," Kim wrote in her memoir, referring to North Korea's founding president, who she said had given her handwritten orders to blow up the plane. Kim Il Sung was the grandfather of the murdered Kim Jong Nam, and of current leader Kim Jong Un. (Editing by Robert Birsel) By Rozanna Latiff KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia has requested Interpol to put an alert out to apprehend four North Korean suspects in the murder of the estranged half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Malaysia's police chief said on Thursday. Kim Jong Nam, who was killed in Kuala Lumpur's main airport on Feb. 13, had spoken out publicly in the past against his family's dynastic control of the isolated, nuclear-armed state. South Korean and U.S. officials say he was assassinated by North Korean agents. North Korea has not acknowledged his death. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Malaysian police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said the two women - one Vietnamese, one Indonesian - arrested last week had been paid for carrying out the fatal assault on Kim Jong Nam using a fast-acting poison. He declined to say if they had been used by a foreign intelligence agency. Police are also holding one North Korean man, but are seeking another seven in connection with the murder. Hyon Kwang Song, a second secretary at the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and Kim Uk Il, an employee of state-owned airline Air Koryo, are among three North Koreans wanted for questioning who are still believed to be in Malaysia. Khalid told reporters that a request had been made to Interpol to put out an alert to apprehend the other four, who are believed to have made their way back to North Korea, having fled Malaysia on the day of the killing.. Khalid said a police request has been sent to the North Korean embassy requesting to interview the diplomat and airline employee. "If you have nothing to hide, you should not be afraid to cooperate, you should cooperate," Khalid said. He said an arrest warrant would not be issued for the embassy official, as he has diplomatic immunity, but that "the process of the law will take place" if the airline official does not come forward. Earlier on Thursday, an official from the North Korea embassy in Kuala Lumpur said no formal request to interview either man had been received, and he did not respond when asked if the embassy would cooperate should it receive one. Meantime, Indonesia has sought consular access to Siti Aishah, the Indonesian woman held in detention. "I have instructed our foreign minister to provide assistance...and protection to Siti Aishah through a lawyer. So there can be some clarity on whether or not she is a victim," Indonesian President Joko Widodo said in Jakarta. DIPLOMATIC ROW A friendship between Malaysia and North Korea, going back to the 1970s, has soured in the wake of Kim Jong Nam's murder. North Korea unsuccessfully tried to prevent an autopsy, accusing Malaysia of working with South Korean and other "hostile forces." Malaysia responded by recalling its ambassador to Pyongyang for consultations. North Korea's ambassador to Kuala Lumpur has said the Malaysian investigation cannot be trusted, and that the three suspects that have been detained should be released immediately. And on Thursday, North Korea's state-run KCNA news agency reported that Pyongyang blamed Malaysia for its citizen's death and accused it of adopting an "unfriendly attitude". The KCNA report only referred to the murder victim as a "citizen", as Pyongyang rejects reports that it is the half brother of the country's leader. Malaysian police have still to receive DNA samples from Kim Jong Nam's next of kin, Khalid said. He also denied that Malaysian police officers had been sent to Macau, the Chinese territory where Kim Jong Nam and his family had been living under Beijing's protection. (Reporting by Rozanna Latiff; Writing by A. Ananthalakshmi; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore) Malaysian detectives probing the assassination of Kim Jong-Nam admitted Thursday that they cannot force a wanted North Korean diplomat to answer their questions. The investigation into the airport killing of the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has narrowed in on eight of his countrymen, who police suspect were involved in the plot to poison him. But Malaysia's top policeman acknowledged Thursday that unless Hyon Kwang Song, second secretary at the North Korean mission, volunteers himself, they will be unable to speak to him. "We will adhere to the rules of immunity," Khalid Abu Bakar said. "We cannot go inside the embassy." But he added: "If you have nothing to hide, you should not be afraid to cooperate, you should cooperate." The exiled Jong-Nam was attacked on February 13 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport as he readied to board a plane to Macau. Leaked CCTV footage showed two women approaching the heavy-set 45-year old and appearing to push something in his face. He is then seen seeking help from staff who ultimately call an ambulance. Police say he suffered a seizure and was dead before he arrived at hospital. Detectives are holding three people -- women from Indonesia and Vietnam, and a North Korean man -- but would like to speak to seven others, including diplomat Hyon and an airline employee called Kim Uk Il. They said earlier this week they would "compel" the two men to "come to us". Khalid declined to say if he believed Kim and Hyon were in the embassy but said police would apply for a warrant for Kim's arrest if he did not surrender. Four of the men on the wanted list fled the country on the day of the murder and returned to Pyongyang, police say. Khalid added Kuala Lumpur has asked Interpol to put out a notice on the four fugitives overseas. Authorities have said Jong-Nam's body cannot be released unless his family provide DNA samples, but Khalid denied reports his officers will travel to Macau, where the dead man lived, to collect a sample. The police chief also hit back at North Korean claims that Malaysia was playing politics with the corpse. "The police will carry out a fair and just investigation," he said. By Adama Diarra and Misha Hussain BAMAKO/CONAKRY (Reuters) - Mali said it had identified its first possible cases of Ebola since the start of an outbreak in neighbouring Guinea, adding to fears that the deadly virus was spreading across West Africa. More than 90 people have already died in Guinea and Liberia in what medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has warned could turn into an unprecedented epidemic in an impoverished region with poor health services. [ID:nL5N0MS4ZC] Foreign mining companies have locked down operations and pulled out some international staff in mineral-rich Guinea. French health authorities have also put doctors and hospitals on alert in case people travelling to and from former colonies in the region pick up the disease. [ID:nL5N0MU54S] [ID:nL5N0MV33M] Three people in Mali had been placed in quarantine and samples sent off to Atlanta in the United States for tests, the government said on state television late on Thursday. "A high-speed intervention team has been created to follow the evolution of the situation on the ground," the statement said. It added that the health of the three suspected victims was showing signs of improving. The latest outbreak originated in Guinea two months ago and has since spread to its neighbours Sierra Leone and Liberia. Gambia has placed two people in quarantine although the Health Ministry since said the cases were negative. Guinea's Health Ministry said two more suspected victims of the virus had died, bringing its death count to 86. Liberia also reported three new deaths among its suspected 14 cases, raising its death toll to seven. "We need to fight to contain it. A medical team from (medical charity) MSF came today to help train some of our health workers," Liberia's health minister, Walter Gwenegale, said. FEAR AND MISTRUST The disease, which has killed 1,500 people since it was first recorded in 1976 in what is now Democratic Republic of Congo, causes vomiting, diarrhoea and external bleeding. It has a fatality rate of up to 90 percent. Many health systems in West Africa are poorly equipped to deal with an epidemic and aid workers have warned of the difficulty of fighting infections scattered across several locations and in densely populated areas such as Guinea's capital Conakry. Some blame the government for not immediately quarantining an individual who carried the virus from the remote south, where the bulk of the 137 cases are reported, to the capital. There are now 16 cases in Conkary, of whom five have died, a WHO spokesman said on Friday. "How can we trust them now? We have to look after ourselves," said Guinean Dede Diallo, who has stopped working and kept her children at home since the outbreak. Conakry's luxury five-star Palm Camayenne Hotel, popular among businessmen and politicians, is running at less than a third of occupancy, according to a receptionist. Flight data told a similar story. A return Brussels Airlines flight between the Belgian capital and Conakry on Thursday had just 55 people arriving and 200 leaving, an airline employee said. Regional airline Gambia Bird delayed the start of a route to Conakry due to begin last weekend while Senegal has closed its border with Guinea because of the outbreak. A Mississippi man has been arrested after he allegedly opened fire on his lover, her 5-year-old son, her mother and her sister in their rural home earlier this week, killing them all, PEOPLE confirms. Karon D. McVay, 44, was charged Tuesday night with three counts of murder, one count of capital murder and one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, officials in Lauderdale County, Mississippi, tell PEOPLE. On Tuesday, 42-year-old Tomecca Picketts body was found in her Toomsuba, Mississippi, home alongside her son Owen; her mother, 65-year-old Edna Durr; and her 27-year-old sister, Kiearra Durr, Lauderdale County Sheriffs Chief Deputy Ward Calhoun tells PEOPLE. A 3-year-old child was also found in the home unharmed, Calhoun says, and he was transported to a local hospital for treatment. He appeared uninjured and is believed to be Kiearra Durrs son. Calhoun tells PEOPLE that McVay was dating Pickett and the couple had allegedly been fighting for hours before the shooting, Calhoun says. McVay was interviewed on the scene by deputies and later at the station, where he surrendered himself. It was a domestic violence situation that had been ongoing, Calhoun told WAPT. I really do hope everything will be resolved for this, Irene Thompson, a relative of the victims, told the Associated Press. For anybody to want to hurt a child, I dont know what to say. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. Authorities believe McVay shot all four of the victims to death on Monday night, according to Calhoun. A neighbor later became worried after she tried to call the family and never heard back, WMCA reports. When she went over to knock on the familys front door, she saw a body. McVay lived with Pickett and her family in their rural home, Calhoun tells PEOPLE. Details about his criminal history, or lack thereof, were not immediately available. Story continues McVay remains behind bars at the Lauderdale County Detention Center on a $3 million bond, jail records show. It is unclear whether he has an attorney or has entered a plea. Picketts family could not immediately be reached. French actress Marie-Josee Croze is joining the cast of Amazon's "Jack Ryan" in a recurring role reports Deadline. "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" actress will join John Krasinski and Abbie Cornish for the series, which is a reinvention of Tom Clancy's famed hero Jack Ryan. The plot centers on Jack Ryan (Krasinski), an up-and-coming CIA analyst who finds himself thrust into a dangerous field assignment where he uncovers a new breed of terrorism that threatens destruction on a global scale. Croze will play Sandrine, a kick-ass Parisian intelligence agent. Croze is a Cannes Best Actress winner and is also known for her roles in "Munich," "Birdsong," and "Murder on the Orient Express." JERUSALEM (AP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quoted by Israeli media Thursday as saying he may have been wrong to call an Israeli Arab driver who struck and killed a policeman and was fatally shot last month a terrorist, as Israeli media reported that a preliminary investigation has determined that the car ramming was unintentional. The incident exacerbated tensions between the government and Israel's Arab minority, and a leading Arab lawmaker is now calling on senior officials to resign. "If there was a mistake, we have to say we erred, but I will wait for the official report," Netanyahu was quoted by Walla News as saying to reporters. The Israeli daily Haaretz says the Justice Ministry will soon publish its conclusions about the incident. The Justice Ministry would not elaborate on its investigation. Police said the Arab citizen, a teacher, rammed his vehicle into a group of policemen, killing one officer, and was fatally shot as protesters demonstrated last month against security forces carrying out a court-ordered demolition of unauthorized buildings in a Bedouin village in southern Israel. The police said in a statement they were looking into any ties he may have had with the Islamic State group, and called on the Bedouin Arab community in Israel to "repudiate roots of extremist ideology that is concerned with terror!!" Locals and Arab advocates said the man lost control of his car after being shot, and accused police of excessive force. This week, Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, who for weeks called the driver a terrorist, referred to the driver as a "citizen" and said the individual incident must not harm relations between the Bedouin community and the police. Erdan says he will apologize if officials determine the driver was not an attacker. It may be recess for members of Congress, but its not exactly a walk in the park for many Republicans who are holding town hall meetings in their districts full of angry constituents. Theyre upset about the promised repeal of the Affordable Care Act among other things, such as President Trumps relationship with Russia and his failure to release his tax forms. One of the driving forces behind the town hall mobilizations as well as the resistance to the Trump agenda thats spreading across the country is the Indivisible Guide, which was written by former Hill staffers to teach their constituents how to effectively communicate with members of Congress. Though it started as a Google Doc, the guide has since expanded into a platform that has a presence through more than 7,000 local groups in every congressional district. The Indivisible Guide is based on the theory that Donald Trumps agenda doesnt depend on Donald Trump; it depends on whether or not individual members of Congress choose to go along with it, or choose to resist it, Ezra Levin, a co-author of the guide, told Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric. That choice gives constituents a ton of power. The mobilization of constituents is reminiscent of the Tea Party town hall meetings during the summer recess of 2009, when members of Congress most of them Democrats faced voters who were angry about President Obamas plan to overhaul health care. While the organizers of the Indivisible Guide do not agree with the Tea Partys policy agenda, they borrowed some of their campaign strategies when they wrote the document. We didnt agree with a lot of [the Tea Partys] tactics that were sometimes overly aggressive sometimes even violent but we thought they were smart on overall strategy, said Levin. That strategy was a local, defensive, congressional advocacy strategy implemented by constituents. One of the most common constituent concerns at town halls is the promise by congressional Republicans and the White House to repeal and replace Obamacare. Many progressives have been arguing for reforming the current bill, not repealing it. Story continues I would love to see there be some bipartisan tweaks to make to improve it, said Levin when asked whether there is room for compromise between the two political parties regarding health care. Politics is the art of the possible. Well see exactly what people are willing to do. While some remain skeptical about whether town halls are effective, Levin who previously was an aide for Texas Rep. Lloyd Doggett said they serve as a way for members to stay attuned to what their constituents are thinking. [Members of Congress] craft their image very thoughtfully, said Levin. They will take [those constituent views] to heart. Now the big question is once they hear from these constituents, do they go back to Congress and actually change their ways? Though Indivisible Guide is a progressive platform, it is not directly connected to the Democratic National Party. And though they understand that elections are important, for the immediate future, they are focusing on the fight against the Trump agenda and getting their constituents voices heard, Levin said. Nobody is unifying the progressives like Donald Trump is right now because of his all-out assault on the broad progressive ecosystem, said Levin. Im hopeful that that doesnt have a hugely negative impact on the country, but the silver lining to this incredibly dark cloud is that we are seeing a lot of people come together and get active. Questionable nominations Extreme care has to be taken while picking ambassadors Meghan Markle may be moving closer to becoming a princess as her relationship with Prince Harry continues to get stronger. Unconfirmed reports claimed Thursday the "Suits" actress was planning to quit acting for now to move to London, where she can spend more time with her boyfriend. The couple has been in a long distance relationship for six months, with Markle busy filming for her show in Toronto. The American actress took trips to London while on hiatus, and was spotted with Prince Harry on several occasions. Earlier this month, the couple was photographed for the first time holding hands while walking down a London street after a dinner date. While Daily Star first reported about Markle's plans to leave "Suits," there has been no confirmation that the actress will exit the show. The news went viral, with major outlets speculating whether Markle would give up her "Rachel Zane" role to be with Prince Harry. Related Video: For more celebrity videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. In the past, Markle has said that she would want to continue working. Ive never wanted to be a lady who lunches. Ive always wanted to be a woman who works, she said, according to Vogue. Markle reportedly started dating Prince Harry in August 2016, and the Kensington Palace confirmed their relationship on Nov. 8. Prince Harry introduced his girlfriend to Prince William and Kate Middleton, however she has yet to meet Queen Elizabeth II. Prince Harry and Markle require the queen's approval for their marriage because of a United Kingdom law created in 1772. Under the Royal Marriages Act, the monarch has the ability to veto the marriage of any relative who is within six family members away from the throne, People magazine reported earlier this month. Prince Harry is fifth in line to the throne after Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Story continues A source told Us Weekly in December that Prince Harrys grandmother is delighted to see [him] in a loving relationship. Related Articles By Bill Berkrot (Reuters) - An experimental Merck & Co drug succeeded in preventing clinically serious cytomegalovirus (CMV) following bone marrow transplant and was associated with a lower death rate compared with placebo in a late state study, the company said. Merck said it will apply for U.S. and European approval of the antiviral drug letermovir this year. It has been granted orphan status, which comes with several extra years of marketing exclusivity if approved. Analysts on average are forecasting annual sales exceeding $200 million by 2022, according to Thomson Reuters data. CMV, a common virus, is a serious complication associated with bone marrow transplants used to treat acute leukemias and other cancers and diseases of the bone marrow. In the study of 495 patients aged 18 and older who underwent bone marrow transplants, 37.5 percent who received either oral or intravenous letermovir developed clinically significant CMV infections by 24 weeks after the procedure. That compared with 60.6 percent of those who received a placebo, a statistically significant difference. Letermovir was also associated with significantly lower all-cause mortality through week 24, with a death rate of just under 10 percent versus 16 percent in the placebo group, researchers reported. "To me this is huge," Dr. Francisco Marty, the study's lead investigator from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, said in a telephone interview on Thursday. The trial shows that a primary prophylaxis strategy works "with a drug that has a side effect profile better than anything we've had before and that may confer a survival advantage," said Marty, who will present the data at a medical meeting in Orlando on Sunday. Data on how patients fared 48 weeks after transplant will be presented at a later date, Marty said. While there are treatments against CMV once it occurs, prior attempts to find a safe drug that could prevent serious infection after marrow transplants have failed, most recently Chimerixs brincidofovir due to toxicity issues. "This has been a quest for almost 30 years and we finally cracked the nut," Marty said. "Finally we have something that works very nicely and we had lower mortality." Adverse side effects more common with letermovir than placebo included vomiting, cough and peripheral edema, researchers reported. The Merck drug did not adversely impact blood count or cause kidney damage seen with other drugs, Marty said. He added that he would like to see Merck test the once-daily medicine in younger patients and possibly with other organ transplants. (Reporting by Bill Berkrot; Editing by David Gregorio) MEXICO CITY (AP) Mexican prosecutors have detained an alleged member of ETA, the armed separatist group that wants independence from Spain for a Basque state. The attorney general's office says the suspect had been living clandestinely in Mexico since the 1980s. A federal official who was not authorized to be quoted by name on Thursday identified the suspect Angel Maria Telleria Uriarte, alias "Antxoka." The suspect is to be returned to Spain to face charges. The ETA has waged a deadly campaign for a Basque homeland. ETA declared a permanent cease-fire in 2011 but has not disbanded. ETA is labeled a terror group by Spain, the European Union and the United States. By Alexandra Alper and Anahi Rama MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico reacted with anger on Wednesday to what one official called "hostile" new U.S. immigration guidelines hours before senior Trump administration envoys began arriving in Mexico City for talks on the volatile issue. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security unveiled plans on Tuesday to consider almost all illegal immigrants subject to deportation, and will seek to send many of them to Mexico if they entered the United States from there, regardless of nationality. The tension over the timing of the rules mirrors an outcry when President Donald Trump said on Twitter Mexico should pay for his planned border wall shortly before Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto was due at a Washington summit in January. However, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said in Washington U.S.-Mexico ties were "phenomenal right now" and that he expected a "great discussion." Other senior officials also put on a brave face, telling reporters the trip was aimed at building a close working relationship. Trump, who took office last month, campaigned on a pledge to get tougher on the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States, playing on fears of violent crime while promising to build the wall and stop potential terrorists from entering the country. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson landed in Mexico City on Wednesday afternoon. He was joined by Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly later for talks the White House said would "walk through" the implementation of Trump's immigration orders. Kelly signed the guidelines issued by his department on Monday. Mexico's lead negotiator with the Trump administration, Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray, said there was no way Mexico would accept the new rules, which among other things seek to deport non-Mexicans to Mexico. "I want to say clearly and emphatically that the government of Mexico and the Mexican people do not have to accept provisions that one government unilaterally wants to impose on the other," Videgaray told reporters at the Foreign Ministry. He said the issue would dominate the talks on Wednesday and Thursday. Mexico will insist that the United States proves the nationality of any person it wants to deport to Mexico, he said. "We also have control of our borders and we will exercise it fully," he said, adding that Mexico was prepared to go the United Nations to defend the freedoms and rights of Mexicans under international law. "HOSTILE, UNACCEPTABLE" Roberto Campa, who heads the human rights department of the Interior Ministry, said the plan to deport non-Mexicans to Mexico was "hostile" and "unacceptable." Senators for the leading leftist opposition party, the Party of the Democratic Revolution, said Tillerson and Kelly were not welcome in Mexico and they urged Pena Nieto not to meet them. Another potential point of friction is a review ordered by Trump of the U.S. aid Mexico receives, dominated by $2.6 billion allocated largely for security under the Merida Initiative. Some believe the order carries a threat of cutting off such support. Homeland Security's guidance to immigration agents is part of a broader border security and immigration enforcement plan in executive orders that Trump signed on Jan. 25. In Guatemala on Wednesday, Kelly denied the administration was embarking on mass deportations. Jason Marczak, director of the Atlantic Council's Latin America Economic Growth Initiative, said the Republican president appeared to have timed the unveiling of deportation measures as a negotiating tactic aimed at unsettling Mexico. Trump was "carving out more extreme positions to be able to then negotiate a compromise solution," Marczak said. Mexico's agenda at the talks on Thursday includes border infrastructure, deportation strategies, Central American migration, narcotics, arms trafficking and terrorism, as well as the North American Free Trade Agreement, a senior official with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Two senior Trump administration officials said the agenda included ways to tackle heroin production and strengthening Mexico's southern border. (Additional reporting by Gabriel Stargardter, Natalie Schachar, Adriana Barrera and Christine Murray; Writing by Frank Jack Daniel; Editing by Matthew Lewis, Peter Cooney and Paul Tait) Mexico City (AFP) - Mexico vowed not to let the United States impose migration reforms on it as its leaders prepared Thursday to host US officials who are cracking down on illegal immigrants. Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray sharpened the tone as he prepared for talks following a diplomatic row over president Donald Trump's hard line on trade and immigration. Trump has outraged Mexico by vowing to build a wall along the border to keep out migrants from Latin America, whom he branded rapists and criminals during his presidential campaign. His government has issued new orders to begin arresting and deporting illegal immigrants, many of them Mexicans. "The Mexican government and people do not have to accept measures that one government wants to impose unilaterally on another," Videgaray said late Wednesday. "We are not going to accept that because we do not have to do it and it is not in Mexico's interests." He said Mexico would use "all legally possible means" to defend Mexicans living abroad, including potentially appealing to the United Nations. - Strained relations - President Mexican Enrique Pena Nieto and Videgaray were scheduled to meet with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security chief John Kelly on Thursday. US officials said the talks will focus on how to curb cross-border migration and drug-trafficking and to affirm their bilateral ties. Trump's stance has strained previously good US-Mexican relations, said Maureen Meyer, an expert at the Washington Office on Latin America, a US human rights advocacy organization. "Secretary Tillerson has an opportunity to set relations on a more sound footing based on mutual respect," she said in a statement. Pena Nieto had canceled a planned meeting with Trump in Washington last month over the US leader's vow to make Mexico pay for the wall. But White House spokesman Sean Spicer insisted Wednesday that Washington has "a very healthy and robust relationship with the Mexican government." Story continues He said Thursday's talks aim "to improve the quality of lives for both people of Mexico and the United States by combating drug traffickers and finding ways to bolster both our economies through a broader relationship that promotes commerce and legal immigration." - Migration - US immigration authorities have arrested hundreds of people as part of Trump's pledge to crack down on illegal immigrants. Kelly on Tuesday issued new orders to step up the detentions. Speaking in Guatemala on Wednesday before traveling to Mexico, Kelly said "to any citizen considering moving to the United States in crossing our boundaries irregularly -- migration -- my best advice is to not do it." Mexico has hinted it could use border cooperation as a bargaining chip. But in a move that may pressure Mexico, Trump has ordered US government agencies to count up how much aid they are giving to that country under different programs. The United States has allocated $2.6 billion worth of aid to Mexico for fighting crime under the 2008 "Merida initiative," US officials say. - Trade - Mexico relies on the United States as a trading partner, sending 80 percent of its exports to its northern neighbor. Vowing to protect US industry, Trump has called for a renegotiation of the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada. Pena Nieto has promised to defend Mexico's interests and called for respect from the United States. "Neither confrontation nor submission: the solution is dialogue and negotiation," he said last month. Tillerson and Kelly were scheduled to meet with Videgaray and Mexico's finance and interior ministers before a news conference scheduled for shortly after 1700 GMT. They were due to meet Pena Nieto at 1900 GMT. UPDATED: 2:59 p.m. EST Milo Yiannopoulos resigned from Breitbart News following the controversy surrounding his comments about the age of sexual consent. Yiannopolous announced he would step down from his position as senior editor in a press release Tuesday. "Breitbart News has stood by me when others caved. They have allowed me to carry conservative and libertarian ideas to communities that would otherwise never have heard them," he said in the press release. "They have been a significant factor in my success. I'm grateful for that freedom and for the friendships I forged there." Yiannopoulos said he did not want his "poor choice of words to detract from my colleagues' important reporting" and that the decision was his alone. "When your friends have done right by you, you do right by them," he concluded. "For me, now, that means stepping aside so my colleagues at Breitbart can get back to the great work they do." Yiannopoulos' resignation comes after an audio clip from a 2016 episode of a podcast surfaced Sunday in which he could be heard discussing the age of consent for sexual relationships. Many critics and supporters said he was condoning pedophilia and numerous organizations distanced themselves from the commentator. Original story: Right-wing commentator and Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos will hold a press conference Tuesday afternoon after controversial comments surfaced on social media, causing backlash from critics and supporters alike. Audio from a 2016 episode of The Drunken Peasants podcast, in which Yiannopoulos, 32, was heard discussing the age of consent for sexual relationships, led many to say he was condoning pedophilia. In the clip, the openly gay British journalist was asked about the whole consent thing. Its not this black and white thing that people try to paint it, the interviewer said. Are there some 13-year-olds out there capable of giving informed consent to have sex with an adult? Probably Story continues Yiannopoulos responded to the inquiry by asserting the law is probably about right, thats probably roughly the right age. I think its probably about OK, but there are certain people who are capable of giving consent at a younger age. I certainly consider myself to be one of them, people who are sexually active younger. I think it particularly happens in the gay world, by the way. GettyImages-540444666 Photo: Getty Images This is a controversial point of view I accept, Yiannopoulos added. We get hung up on this kind of child abuse stuff to the point where were heavily policing even relationships between consenting adults, you know grad students and professors at universities. In the homosexual world, particularly, some of these relationships between younger boys and older men the sort of coming of age relationship those relationships in which older men help those young boys discover who they are and give them security and safety and provide them with love and a reliable, sort of rock, where they cant speak to their parents. The backlash against the comments was swift and fierce. Yiannopoulos was promptly dropped as the keynote speaker for the Conservative Political Action Committees yearly conference after the group said he was condoning pedophilia. Simon and Schuster, with whom Yiannopoulos had signed a book deal that included a $250,000 advance, also dropped him. Fox Business reported that Breitbart might fire him as editor, as well. Yiannopoulos attempted to clarify the comments in a Facebook post entitled "A note for idiots." I do not support pedophilia. Period. It is a vile and disgusting crime, perhaps the very worst, he wrote. There are selectively edited videos doing the rounds, as part of a coordinated effort to discredit me from establishment Republicans, that suggest I am soft on the subject. Yiannopoulos was expected to speak about his future at Breitbart during the 3 p.m. ET press conference in New York City, which can be streamed live below. Related Articles COVINGTON, Ky. (AP) Two demonstrators interrupted Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's speech before a suit-and-tie crowd Thursday, underscoring protesters' frustrations after three days of limited public appearances that required a ticket to attend. "We are protesting the fact that to get in front of you we have to pay dollars," said one unidentified woman before being escorted from the local chamber of commerce luncheon. "Why don't you have town halls to hear from your constituents? We want to talk to you." A few people in the audience shouted "get out," but McConnell waited silently for authorities to lead both protesters off, with one protester saying "I paid to be here" before he was removed. McConnell quipped, "I see we're having multiple speakers today," before continuing his speech. As the Senate's top Republican, McConnell has been a favorite target for protesters during President Donald Trump's first month in office. Protesters have often gathered outside his Louisville home and even waited for him at the airport during his return flights from Washington. The protests intensified this week, with Congress recessing for Presidents' Day and McConnell making his first public appearances in Kentucky since Trump took office. More than 1,000 people protested his first event Tuesday in Lawrenceburg, and hundreds more gathered outside the Hotel Covington on Thursday. McConnell, who was greeted warmly by the rest of the audience inside the hotel, told reporters he is listening to the protesters, but noted the "we just had an election in November and the American people decided not to take their advice." He dismissed the protests as organized by Democrats, seeming to agree with Trump's comments on Twitter that these protests were "planned by liberal activists." "You all are surely not falling for the notion these are unbiased citizens," McConnell said. "The Kentucky Democratic Party, what's left of it, is actively promoting this. That doesn't mean it is not legitimate." Story continues Susan Bridges, 61, from Wilder, Kentucky, stood outside the hotel with a sign that read "unpaid protester, full time Kentucky resident." She said she was not invited by anyone in the Democratic party, but "went totally on my own." She said she was upset about Republicans' goal of repealing and replacing the federal Affordable Care Act "I went to protest because I'm upset by what's happening in the country," she said. "I live in Kentucky full time; Mitch McConnell does not. I don't feel like he really represents the Kentucky people." Several protesters held signs urging Congress to keep the health care law. McConnell used his speech to reiterate Republican plans to repeal and replace the law, saying it would happen "this year." He said details of the Republican plan would be available in the spring. Tuesday morning, President Donald Trump took a trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture as a part of his effort to celebrate Black History Month, and he had a special guest with him: Alveda King, the niece of celebrated Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. She is a tremendous fighter for justice, so Alveda thank you very much, Trump said, whos been accused of racism in the past for questioning President Barack Obamas birthplace and calling a judge of Mexican descent biased. Indeed, not everyone was happy that Alveda King stood beside Trump as he spoke. King, a conservative activist, founded Alveda King Ministries, a Christian organization that advocates for anti-abortion policies. She became well-known in conservative politics in the 1990s and has since become a contributor to conservative news site Fox News. But she wasnt always on the right in the early 1980s, she served as a Democrat representing Georgia in the House of Representatives. Ive been a Democrat, and Ive been a Republican, she wrote in a blog post a few years ago. Ive even considered being an independent. Today, Im just a Christian. King was a supporter of Trump, before and after the election. She also recently chastised Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), for reading the letter of the late Coretta Scott King Alveda Kings aunt and Martin Luther King Jr.s wife to criticize now-Attorney General Jeff Sessions on accusation of racism and oppose his confirmation. Warren played the race card, Alveda King claimed. But Alveda King and Coretta Scott King didnt exactly have a cordial relationship when the latter was alive. The two sparred over their beliefs on homosexuality; while Coretta Scott King was an advocate for LGBT rights, Alveda King compared gay rights to genocide. Story continues It is statistically proven that the strongest institution that guarantees procreation and continuity of the generations is marriage between one man and one woman, Alveda King said in a 2010 speech. I don't know about you, but I'm not ready to be extinct and none of us wants to be. So we don't want genocide, we don't want to destroy the sacred institution of marriage. In addition, in 1994, she published a letter that condemned her aunt. Coretta Scott Kings support of gay rights would, curses on your house and your people, Alveda King wrote, cursing, vexation, rebuke in all that you put your hand to, sickness will come to you and your house, your bloodline will be cut off. Related Articles Satellite city plan likely to be passed by March The governments plan to build a satellite city on the fringes of the Kathmandu Valley is likely to be endorsed by the Kathmandu Valley Physical Development Committee by mid-March. A fitting tribute to a local legend or a grotesque misuse of money? The decision to build the world's tallest statue just off Mumbai's coast has divided the city. But the traditional Koli community, who depend on fishing for their livelihoods, fear they will be worst hit by the construction, warning that it threatens their centuries-old existence. India will spend 36 billion rupees ($530 million) on the controversial memorial to 17th century Hindu warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone in December. At 190 metres it will be twice the height of America's Statue of Liberty and almost 40 metres taller than the world's current tallest memorial -- a statue of Buddha in China. The Koli fishing community, Mumbai's original inhabitants and whose goddess "Mumbadevi" lends her name to the city, say the decision to build it on a rocky outcrop a couple of kilometres off the coast will sound the death knell for their traditional way of life. "The breeding ground for fish will be completely destroyed," Krishna Tandel tells AFP, unfurling a net at Machhimar Nagar bay, which is tucked behind the high-rises of Mumbai's southern financial district. The project has divided India's commercial capital and highlights a political obsession with statues in the country as parties seek to appeal to regional identities with ever greater effigies of historical figures. Supporters say the memorial is a fitting tribute to someone many locals consider a hero of Maharashtra state, of which Mumbai is the capital. Shivaji fought the Muslim Mughal empire, is revered by the Maratha caste and trumpeted by Hindu nationalist politicians. Opponents insist it is a gross waste of money which would be better spent on improving health, education and infrastructure in the teeming metropolis of more than 20 million people. - Environmental destruction - A petition on the change.org website opposing the bronze statue, which will depict Shivaji brandishing a sword while charging on a horse, has received almost 43,000 signatures. Story continues Some 2,000 fishermen, many of whom live in shanties surrounding Machhimar Nagar, operate 350 boats out of the picturesque cove, catching a melange of fish to sell at markets and feed their families. Residents say disruption caused by construction will decimate their fishing stocks -- including pomfret, Bombay mackerel, seer fish, prawns, and crabs -- while heavy traffic ferrying tourists from three terminals will block access to the sea and disrupt wave patterns. "We have been fishing for generations. It is our business and now our livelihoods are at stake," 32-year-old Tandel says, demanding the statue be built on land. Environmentalists agree that the project, which is due to be completed by 2021, will cause immense harm to a vibrant marine ecosystem. "There's a huge diversity of fish, fauna and invertebrates there. Fish catches, sewage, and tidal currents will change," wildlife biologist Anand Pendharkar told AFP. "It's going to affect the food base of the city, it's going to affect the economy. There is going to be a huge amount of damage." Critics question why Mumbai needs such a lavish statute when the city already has several smaller Shivaji memorials. The city's airport, main train station and museum are named after the Hindu hero while there is also a Shivaji Park. IndiaSpend, a non-profit data journalism website, estimates that a micro-irrigation project could provide water to thousands of farmers in the drought-prone state for the cost of building the statue. For the same sum, dozens of decaying Shivaji-era forts could be restored instead, it says. - India's 'Statue of Liberty' - The Bharatiya Janata Party-led Maharashtra government, in coalition with Shiv Sena, which means "Shivaji's Army", dismiss environmental concerns and say the project will draw 10,000 visitors every day. Shaina NC, a spokeswoman for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, claims it will be an "iconic" memorial akin to the Statue of Liberty that will make its money back through tourism. Shiv Sena spokesman Sanjay Raut says the sea is the best site because Shivaji created India's first navy. The development comes as the BJP government in neighbouring Gujarat builds a 182-metre statue to Vallabhbhai Patel, a former Indian statesmen who was one of the senior figures in the country's independence movement and an icon of the Congress Party. Analysts say political parties are wanting to build ever-more impressive statues to claim popular historical figures as their own. The symbolism this creates translates into votes in India's identity-based politics, they say. "Everyone wants to take credit. This identity politics has become so vulgar now that everybody wants to have these statues," political commentator Kumar Ketkar told AFP. The BJP's Shaina says 400 Koli families will be "rehabilitated at the earliest" but that's little consolation to the residents of Machhimar Nagar who just want their culture to continue. "Even if the government provides us with other jobs, it won't give us the recognition we deserve," says Tandel. "It's our way of life and it should go on." The head of Myanmar's most powerful ethnic rebel group has warned that fighting in the country's restive borderlands has reached a critical point, threatening to derail the government's wobbling push for peace. Bao Youxiang, chairman of the Wa, told dozens of armed ethnic leaders they must forge a "new path to peace" as the government's efforts to expand a ceasefire signed with some groups in 2015 have faltered, according to a leaked version of a speech seen by AFP. Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been pushing to expand the deal, known as the NCA, since her party took power a year ago in a bid to end the decades-long conflicts rumbling across the country's borderlands. But clashes between the army and ethnic minority fighters along the China border have intensified, displacing an estimated 20,000 people and threatening the second round of peace talks slated for next month. "The ethnic fighting happening today is heavier than ever," Bao told ethnic leaders gathered in Pangkham, the de facto capital of the UWSA's territories, on Wednesday, according to the transcript. "War in northern Kachin state and northern Shan state along the Myanmar-China border is getting worse day by day. The NCA being discussed between some ethnic organisations and Myanmar's government has brought no solution. "The many conflicts along Myanmar's road to peace... mean the dawn can't be seen." The United Wa State Army, also known as the Wa, is the most powerful of the country's ethnic rebel factions with an estimated 25,000 heavily armed troops and strong ties to China. Its delegates stormed out of the first round of Suu Kyi's peace talks last August over a spat about their accreditation. The group is also accused of producing and trafficking huge amounts of methamphetamine and heroin from their own mini-state on the Chinese border, and buying weapons with the proceeds. Story continues Around 40 delegates from eight ethnic rebel armies gathered in Pangkham this week ahead of Suu Kyi's next round of peace talks, which were delayed until next month after one group threatened to boycott. Among the attendees of the USWA-led meeting were members of the Northern Alliance, a collection of four ethnic armed groups that has been locked in bitter conflict with the army since November. The UN's rights envoy Yanghee Lee warned last month that the humanitarian situation in Kachin state -- a focal point of recent fighting -- was "now worse than at any point in the past few years". EL PASO, Texas (AP) Mexican and U.S. business leaders attending a large trade conference in the border town of El Paso said Thursday that their sectors will survive despite threats by President Donald Trump to dismantle or renegotiate the North American Free Trade Act which he has labeled the worst deal in U.S. history. Those attending the Mexico's Manufacturing Supply Chain Summit said that NAFTA, the 23-year-old trade agreement between the U.S., Mexico and Canada, generates billions in trade annually but said they are convinced it will be renegotiated and not eliminated. The forum happened as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson visited Mexico amid what many consider is the most contentious relationship the two nations have had in decades. Trump has said NAFTA puts U.S. workers at a disadvantage and has threatened to tax imports from Mexico. The nonpartisan Peterson Economic Institute found that NAFTA resulted in a 30 percent drop in U.S. auto manufacturing jobs between 1994 and 2013, although factory automation also played a role. But some at the conference downplayed the possibility that NAFTA is doomed. "Are we in trouble? I don't think so. Mexico has a world class team of negotiators. The U.S. shouldn't do too bad for themselves, but Mexico is not a pushover," said Cesar Ochoa, an attorney for EC Legal specializing in trade and foreign investment. Ochoa said industries should prepare for changes. But he said NAFTA is often misunderstood and has been beneficial to the American economy. The Wilson Center, a Washington think-tank, says that 4.9 million Americans would be out of work if trade between the U.S. and Mexico came to a halt. El Paso alone accounts for $21.1 billion in exports to Mexico each year, making it the largest U.S. exporter to its neighbor to the south. Detroit comes in second with $17.3 billion annually, according to the Wilson Center. Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, across the border from El Paso, is one of Mexico's largest industrial centers. Story continues Trump's election last fall produced uncertainty about the state of cross-border trade in the co-dependent El Paso-Juarez communities. The conference's theme this year is "Maquiladoras in the Trump Era." Maquiladora is Spanish for factory. More than half of the 300 or so Ciudad Juarez maquiladoras make American products. They employ about 280,000 people and are home to operations ranging from Honeywell International Inc., Lexmark International Inc. and General Electric Corp. The maquiladoras are on the outskirts of the city, and workers are bused in, fed breakfast and lunch and paid $6 to $8 a day to assemble everything from plastic tubing to computer circuit boards to car parts. Sergio Ornelas, Sr., editor of the Mexico Now group that put on the event, said Trump and others have the misconception that Mexico is the biggest beneficiary of the trade deal. "Mexico is invested almost 2 times as much, given its economy in the US, than the other way around," Ornelas, Sr., said. Still, Ornelas, Sr., said there are parts of NAFTA that could use revisions, such as opening up Mexico's media and TV industry to American companies and facilitating easier ways to trade. "A new crisis is an opportunity to restructure, have better institutions," he said. Ornelas, Sr., said the 1,000 maquiladora leaders and managers at the event should try to stay confident about their operations' future. "Be calm. Patience. Sell and inform about the benefits of NAFTA. We only hear the negatives, we only hear the bad guys talking." ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigerian protesters attacked and vandalised the head office of South African mobile phone giant MTN in Abuja on Thursday in apparent retaliation for anti-Nigerian violence in South Africa, an MTN spokesman said. "They are protesting against the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. It's our regional head office in Abuja. That's where we have our customer care center," the MTN spokesman said. "They vandalised equipment, stole customer phones and I-Pads. Some customers too were attacked." A South African government source described the attack as serious. "This wasn't just some people on the street throwing stones. They broke into the building and stole things and broke things," the source said. The incident coincided with a visit by MTN chairman Phuthuma Nhleko to the Nigerian capital to see Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who has been in charge for the last month in the absence on sick leave of President Muhammadu Buhari. Nigeria and South Africa, the continent's two largest economies and pre-eminent diplomatic and military powers, enjoy a volatile relationship. This week, at least 20 shops believed to belong to immigrants were looted in South Africa's capital although police refused to say if the attackers were specifically targeting foreigners. Anti-immigrant violence flares sporadically in South Africa, fuelled by persistent 26 percent unemployment and a belief that African foreigners, some of them illegal immigrants, are taking jobs from locals. Responding to attacks on the shops, Nigeria's foreign ministry said it would summon South Africa's envoy to raise its concerns over "xenophobic attacks" on Nigerians, other Africans and Pakistanis. (Reporting by Ed Cropley and Chijioke Ohuocha; Editing by James Macharia) By Paul Carsten ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigerian protesters vandalised the head office of South African mobile phone giant MTN in Abuja on Thursday in apparent retaliation for anti-Nigerian violence in South Africa, a witness and an MTN spokesman said. The attack came after a Nigerian youth body threatened to shut down South African businesses after shops believed to be owned by immigrants in the capital Pretoria were looted. Nigeria and South Africa, the continent's two largesteconomies and pre-eminent diplomatic and military powers, havea volatile relationship. Protesters stormed the regional head office of MTN - the biggest South African company active in Nigeria - and stole customers' phones, vandalised equipment and attacked customers, a spokesman for MTN said. A Reuters reporter arriving at the scene after the storming could see no obvious damage at the building in the centre of Nigeria's capital Abuja. Security officers had cordoned off the entrance. "They forcefully entered the MTN office. Security men were around but unable to curtail the protesters, who forced the gates open and entered the office," a witness said. "Some protesters were touts. Some were students. In the midst were some criminals that took away some customers' phones and other things," he added, asking not to be named. A South African government source described the attack asserious. "This wasn't just some people on the street throwingstones. They broke into the building and stole things and brokethings," the source said. The incident coincided with a visit by MTN chairman PhuthumaNhleko to the Nigerian capital to see Vice President YemiOsinbajo, who has been in charge for the last month for President Muhammadu Buhari, who is absent on sick leave. This week, at least 20 shops believed to belong toimmigrants were looted in South Africa's capital. Policerefused to say if the attackers were specifically targetingforeigners. Responding to those attacks, Nigeria's foreignministry said it would summon South Africa's envoy to raise itsconcerns over "xenophobic attacks" on Nigerians, other Africansand Pakistanis. South Africa's home affairs minister on Thursday spoke out against renewed anti-foreigner violence. Anti-immigrant violence has flared sporadically in South Africa against a background of near-record unemployment, with foreigners being accused of taking jobs from locals and getting involved in crime. "Currently, in 2017, there are renewed incidents of violence against foreign national in Rosettenville and Pretoria West," Gigaba told a media briefing. "Unfortunately, xenophobic violence is not new in South Africa," he said, recounting similar incidents in the past. The minister said some residents in Pretoria have planned a march on Friday against immigrants, citing competition for jobs and allegations of criminal activity, such as prostitution and drug dealing in the poor township west of Pretoria. (Reporting by Ed Cropley in Johannesburg, Chijioke Ohuocha in Lagos, Paul Carsten in Abuja and Wendell Roelf in Cape Town; Writing by Ed Cropley and Ulf Laessing; Editing by James Macharia) By Paul Carsten and Anamesere Igboeroteonwu ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigerian protesters on Thursday demanded that South African citizens and businesses leave the country and vandalised the head office of mobile phone giant MTN in Abuja in retaliation for anti-Nigerian violence in South Africa. The National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) said it had given South Africans 48 hours to get out otherwise the attacks would continue and the vandalisation of MTN's offices would be just the beginning. Nigeria and South Africa, the continent's two largest economies and pre-eminent diplomatic and military powers, have a volatile relationship. The students' threats follow the looting this week of at least 20 small businesses believed to belong to immigrants in South Africa's capital, Pretoria. "We are not going to kill like them and that is why we have asked their citizens to leave, but we will sure destroy their businesses," NANS president Aruna Kadiri told Reuters. Nobody was killed in the violence in Pretoria, according to South African police. South African foreign ministry spokesman Clayson Monyela called for both sides to keep their cool. "'An eye for an eye makes the world blind' .... 'Violence begets violence'. We are better than this. Africans are one people!" Monyela said on Twitter. A spokesman for MTN, the biggest South African company active in Nigeria, said protesters stormed the regional head office, vandalising equipment, attacking customers and stealing some of their phones. A Reuters reporter could see no obvious damage from the outside of the building which had been cordoned off. "They forcefully entered the MTN office. Security men were around but unable to curtail the protesters, who forced the gates open and entered the office," said one witness, adding that students and petty criminals appeared to be among the mob. The incident coincided with a visit by MTN chairman Phuthuma Nhleko to the Nigerian capital to see Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who has been in charge for the last month with President Muhammadu Buhari absent on sick leave. Earlier this week, Nigeria's foreign ministry said it would summon South Africa's envoy to raise its concerns over "xenophobic attacks" on Nigerians, other Africans and Pakistanis. South African police have refused to say if the Pretoria attackers were specifically targeting foreigners. But South Africa's Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba on Thursday acknowledged there had been renewed violence against foreigners this year. "Unfortunately, xenophobic violence is not new in South Africa," Gigaba said. The violence against immigrants has flared against a background of near-record unemployment, with foreigners being accused of taking jobs from locals and getting involved in crime. The minister said some residents in Pretoria planned a march on Friday against immigrants. (Reporting by Ed Cropley in Johannesburg, Chijioke Ohuocha in Lagos, Paul Carsten in Abuja, Wendell Roelf in Cape Town and Anamesere Igboeroteonwu in Onitsha; Writing by Ed Cropley and Ulf Laessing; Editing by James Macharia and Richard Lough) Tokyo (AFP) - Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn said on Thursday he will quit the post to focus on overhauling scandal-hit Mitsubishi Motors, but will stay on as chairman at the Japanese automaker he was credited with saving. Ghosn, 62, who also heads up French automaker Renault, will hand over the reins to Nissan veteran Hiroto Saikawa in April. Among a handful of foreign-born CEOs at Japanese firms, Ghosn earned the nickname Le Cost Killer for his aggressive restructuring at Renault and later the nearly-bankrupt Nissan in the late nineties. He appointed Saikawa as his co-CEO last year in order to focus on Mitsubishi's turnaround. Ghosn took charge at troubled Mitsubishi after Nissan threw it a lifeline in May, buying a one-third stake for about $2.2 billion as it wrestled with a mileage-cheating scandal that hammered sales. Two of the affected vehicle models were being made for Nissan, which was the first to uncover problems with the fuel economy data. Questions about Ghosn's succession have swirled around the company for years and they were reignited by string of defections by top Nissan executives in 2014. Ghosn will remain CEO of Renault -- which holds a more than 40 percent stake in Nissan under a longstanding alliance -- and chairman of all the three automakers, including Mitsubishi. "Having recently taken on new responsibilities at Mitsubishi Motors... I have decided that the time is right for Hiroto Saikawa to succeed me as Nissan's CEO," Ghosn said in a statement Thursday. - 'Pass the baton' - He later suggested his plate was getting too full running a trio of major automakers. "Theres a point in time where you have to be realistic about how much things you do and you can do well," Ghosn told Bloomberg News. "This is the trigger. There's a moment when you have to pass the baton to someone else. "Ive always said I would love to have a Japanese to be my successor and Saikawa-san is somebody I have been grooming for many years." Story continues Renault came to the rescue of a struggling Nissan in 1999 and parachuted in the Brazil-born Ghosn, who set about slashing costs and jobs in a huge corporate overhaul. The companies' fortunes have since shifted with the Japanese firm now accounting for the bulk of profits at the Renault-Nissan alliance, a group that is effectively the fourth biggest automaker in the world behind Volkswagen, Toyota and General Motors. Ghosn has a high profile in Japan and is known as a major advocate of the country's auto sector. Toyota's boss heaped praise on his rival Thursday, calling Ghosn "the man who rehabilitated Nissan". "We'd like to continue to take advantage of his abilities for the sake of the automotive industry going forward," Akio Toyoda told reporters, according to Jiji Press news agency. - 'Cosmic issues' - Independent auto analyst Maryann Keller said that while Ghosn has held the alliance together the time is right for him to now take a different role. "Its appropriate for Ghosn to step away from running the business day-to-day, and to devote all his time to thinking about the cosmic issues confronting the business," Bloomberg quoted Keller as saying. "Its a different game today. You cant play it the same you played it in 1995." And while investors sold Nissan stock on the news -- the company's Tokyo-listed shares slipped 0.58 percent to close at 1,112 yen ($10) -- analysts remained upbeat. "He (Ghosn) is a busy man," said Toshihiko Matsuno, chief strategist at SMBC Friend Securities. "He may stay a bit further away from Nissan, but as long as he has the right to represent the company the effect will be limited." Skepta and Bowie expected to get BRIT Awards Skepta and David Bowie are among the stars expected to win at the Brit Awards on Wednesday night. SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea blamed Malaysia on Thursday for the death of one of its citizens there last week and accused it of an "unfriendly attitude" in a scenario drawn up by South Korea, which has said Pyongyang agents assassinated the North Korean leader's half-brother. Malaysia had initially told North Korea that the person bearing a diplomatic passport had died after suffering a heart attack at Kuala Lumpur airport on Feb. 13, Pyongyang's state-run KCNA news agency said. KCNA, citing a spokesman for a state committee, said Malaysia quickly changed its position and started to complicate the matter after reports surfaced in South Korea that the man was poisoned to death. "What merits more serous attention is the fact that the unjust acts of the Malaysian side are timed to coincide with the anti-DPRK conspiratorial racket launched by the South Korean authorities," KCNA said, using the North's formal name of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. KCNA, in the first official media report of the killing, did not name the person who died on the way to the hospital or acknowledge that he was the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, referring to him only as "a citizen of the DPRK". "The biggest responsibility for his death rests with the government of Malaysia as the citizen of the DPRK died in its land," the report said. On Wednesday, Malaysian police named a North Korean diplomat along with a state airline official who are wanted for questioning over the murder of Kim Jong Nam, the 46-year-old older half-brother of Kim Jong Un. Malaysia's police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said both officials were in Malaysia but could not confirm if they were in the North Korean embassy. So far, police have identified a total of eight North Koreans suspected of being linked to the killing. One is in custody. Malaysia has denied North Korea's request for the body to be handed over to its embassy directly, saying it would be released to the next of kin, although none has come forward. The KCNA report accused Malaysia of breaking international law by conducting autopsies on a person bearing a diplomatic passport. (Reporting by Jack Kim and Christine Kim; Editing by Grant McCool and Paul Tait) Pyongyang blamed South Korea Thursday for the death of the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who was killed in a Malaysian airport, the South Korean Yonhap News Agency reported. Kim Jong Nam, traveling under the name Kim Chol, was poisoned at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Feb. 13 as he waited for a flight to Macau. A woman reportedly sprayed a fast-acting poison at him and a second woman grabbed him from behind and covered his face. He died en route to a hospital. It is widely believed North Korea was behind the attack. The North Korean embassy accused Malaysia of siding with South Korea and infringing on the Norths international rights after Malaysian officials rejected Pyongyangs demand for a joint investigation. Malaysian authorities are holding three suspects in the case, a Vietnamese woman, an Indonesian woman and a North Korean man. Malaysian police said they also were questioning a senior official at the North Korean embassy and a staffer at its state airline, Free Malaysia Today reported. Four other male suspects, all North Korean, reportedly have fled the country. The New York Times said three others are being sought. North Korea demanded the suspects be released immediately, saying they had been arrested unreasonably. It also objected to investigators taking the word of South Korean officials about the victims identity. The action of requesting for the presence of the victims next of kin for the purpose of identification and a DNA test took no regard of our confirmation of the identity of the deceased DPRK [Democratic People Republic of Korea] citizen, the embassy said in a statement. Malaysian authorities are refusing to release the body without the presence of next of kin. Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said Wednesday the female suspects washed their hands after the attack, indicating they knew they were dealing with a toxic substance and not just committing a prank. Story continues But the embassy argued: This means that the liquid they daubed for a joke is not a poison and that there is another cause of death. Related Articles KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) Sometime in the hours after poisoning the half brother of North Korea's leader, one of his two attackers began to vomit, Malaysian police said Friday. It was apparently an early indication of the immensely powerful toxin that was used in the killing: the chemical warfare agent VX. The oily poison was almost certainly produced in a sophisticated state weapons laboratory, experts say, and is banned under international treaties. North Korea, a prime suspect in the case, never signed that treaty, and has spent decades developing a complex chemical weapons program that has long worried the international community. "This is not something you make in a kitchen lab. You'd kill yourself if you did," said Bruce Bennet, a defense expert with the RAND Corporation who has studied North Korea. The public poisoning of Kim Jong Nam, which took place amid crowds of travelers in the budget terminal at Kuala Lumpur's airport, has boosted speculation that North Korea dispatched killers to assassinate its leader's older brother, who, though not an obvious political threat, may have been seen as a potential rival in the country's dynastic dictatorship. While Malaysia hasn't directly accused the North Korean government of being behind the attack, officials said earlier this week that four North Korean men provided the women with poison. The four fled Malaysia shortly after the killing, police say. South Korean intelligence officials have accused North Korea of being behind the attack, saying Kim Jong Nam had been on a government hit list for years. North Korea denies any role in the murder and says Malaysia's investigation is biased and full of holes. But since taking power in late 2011, North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un has executed or purged a number of high-level government officials, including his uncle. VX is an extremely powerful poison, with an amount no larger than a few grains of salt enough to kill. An odorless chemical, it can be inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin. Then, in anywhere from a few seconds to a few hours, it can cause a range of symptoms, from blurred vision to a headache. Enough exposure leads to convulsions, paralysis, respiratory failure and death. Story continues It has the consistency of motor oil and can take days or even weeks to evaporate. It could have contaminated anywhere Kim was afterward, including medical facilities and the ambulance he was transported in, experts say. "It's a very toxic nerve agent. Very, very toxic," said Dr. Bruce Goldberger, a leading toxicologist who heads the forensic medicine division at the University of Florida. He said an antidote can be administered by injection. U.S. medics and military personnel carried kits with the antidote on the battlefield during the Iraq war in case they were exposed to the chemical weapon. "I'm intrigued that these two alleged assassins suffered no ill effect from exposure to VX," he said. "It is possible that both of these women were given the antidote." With authorities acknowledging they had not decontaminated the airport after the killing, the case also has raised questions about public safety although there has been no sign that anyone except the alleged attacker has fallen ill. News that a deadly nerve agent killed Kim Jong Nam was an astonishing break in a case of murder and geopolitical intrigue. Kim, who was in his mid-40s and had lived abroad for years, was estranged from his younger brother, Kim Jong Un. The elder Kim was reportedly pushed aside by his stepmother, than completely fell out of favor when he was caught trying to enter Japan on a false passport in 2001, saying he wanted to visit Tokyo Disneyland. While he is believed to have kept out of politics, he has given brief interviews criticizing dynastic succession in North Korea. In the airport attack , a series of grainy images taken by security cameras show two women identified by police as an Indonesian and a Vietnamese rub something on Kim's face before swiftly walking away in opposite directions. Malaysian national police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said the women had been trained to go straight to washrooms and clean their hands afterward. But he told reporters that one of the women he declined to say which one had gotten sick and began vomiting in the aftermath of the attack. The security video shows Kim, who appeared unhurt in the first minutes after the attack, gesturing to his face as he spoke to airport employees and security guards. They escorted him to the airport's medical clinic. He died soon afterward, suffering seizures as an ambulance took him to a nearby hospital. VX was detected on Kim's eyes and face, Khalid said in a statement, citing a preliminary analysis from the country's Center of Chemical Weapons Analysis. "Our preliminary finding of the chemical that caused the death of Kim Chol was VX nerve," he said. While Khalid used the name Kim Chol which was on the North Korean diplomatic passport he was carrying Malaysian officials have said it was actually Kim Jong Nam. Asked if people should avoid the airport, Khalid said: "No. No. No. But I don't know. I am not the expert." He said experts would decontaminate the airport to ensure its safety. But hours after Khalid's comments, there was still no sign that any decontamination was taking place. Hundreds of people were casually walking through the terminal where Kim was standing when he was attacked. The two alleged attackers are in custody, along with a North Korean man believed to be an information technology worker at a Malaysian herbal supplements company. Police are looking for at least seven other North Koreans, including the second secretary of North Korea's embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Using foreign women to carry out an attack would seem to be a departure for North Korea, though it is known to have used women in high-profile attacks before. The most famous is Kim Hyun Hee, a young North Korean woman who was paired with an older agent to place a bomb on a Korean Air flight in 1987 that killed 115 people. Kim carried a Japanese passport and had been carefully trained in Japanese language and culture, allegedly by Japanese citizens abducted to North Korea by its agents. Both were captured but the man killed himself by biting into a cyanide-tipped cigarette. Kim's suicide attempt failed, and she was sent to South Korea for trial, sentenced to die and later pardoned. North Korea claims the entire KAL bomber story is a fabrication. ___ AP writers Margie Mason in Jakarta, Indonesia; Eric Talmadge in Tokyo; Martha Mendoza in Bangkok, Thailand; and Tim Sullivan in New Delhi contributed to this report. Aden (AFP) - Seven people detained in a rebel-held part of Yemen for using recycled boxes originating in Saudi Arabia to distribute aid have been released, the Norwegian Refugee Council said on Thursday. "We are greatly relieved by the release of our staff members and the driver," said Mutasim Hamdan, the organisation's Yemen country director. "They are in good condition, and we are pleased that they are now reunited with their families," Hamdan said in a statement. Six staff and a contracted driver, all Yemeni citizens, were detained earlier this week by authorities in the rebel-controlled Red Sea coastal district of Hodeida. Local sources told AFP the employees were accused of having accepted and distributed aid from a Saudi-led coalition, which has been fighting the rebels since March 2015. The Norwegian Refugee Council, an independent aid group based in Oslo, said it did not receive funding from Saudi Arabia for its relief operations in Yemen. It had, however, been using recycled boxes to distribute hygiene kits in Yemen. The group said when staff had opened the boxes to distribute the aid, the inside read "The campaign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for emergency response," a reference to the Saudi king. The boxes were dated January 2015 and had originally been used for food, according to the NRC. The Saudi-led coalition has carried out a deadly bombing campaign against rebel-held areas and imposed a crippling air and sea blockade, so any suggestion of cooperation with the kingdom is anathema for the rebels. More than 7,400 people have been killed since the coalition's intervention began, including around 1,400 children, according to World Health Organization figures. UN humanitarian coordinator for Yemen Jamie McGoldrick has put the death toll at closer to 10,000. McGoldrick has also warned that seven million Yemenis are close to starvation. ZURICH (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted priority review to Novartis drug Zykadia as a first-line treatment for some lung cancer patients, the Swiss drugmaker said on Thursday. The priority review covers expanded use of Zykadia (ceritinib) for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors are anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive, it said. The FDA also granted breakthrough therapy designation to Zykadia for the first-line treatment of patients with ALK+ metastatic NSCLC with metastases to the brain. Novartis AG had said in December that Zykadia was twice as effective as chemotherapy in slowing the progression of the rare form of lung cancer in a late-stage study. The drug competes with Roche Holding AG's Alecensa, which is widely seen to have a leg up in the race to secure regulatory approval as a first-line treatment. ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer affects between 2 and 7 percent of roughly 1.8 million new lung cancer cases reported annually. (Reporting by Michael Shields; editing by Jason Neely) Two federal agencies of the Trump Administration on Wednesday evening notified the Supreme Court and school officials across the nation that the federal government will no longer require that transgender students get access to bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identites. A two-page policy statement thus formally overturned the approach followed for the past two years by the Obama Administration. This was the first major action by new leaders of each of the two agencies, which have extensive powers to enforce national civil rights laws. The development was one of the most vivid illustrations, in domestic policy, of dramatic shifts that will result from the election of Republican President Trump. According to stories in major newspapers this week, the president himself played a role in the policy switch. He reportedly told his new Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos, to overcome what was said to be her reluctance to change the policy and to get behind the initiative of the new Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, to withdraw the policy. There was no reference to any such disagreement in either of the separate statements issued by those two department heads announcing the shift. Both of those statements echoed the White House view that the issue of access of students to intimate facilities at school such as toilets, showers and locker rooms is a matter best left to state and local governments. It thus would be up to those levels of government to decide whether they would protect transgender students in access to facilities that conform to their gender identities, rather than to the gender assigned to them at birth. Thirteen states now provide such protection under state laws. Both government statements, however, vowed that federal officials would not tolerate acts of discrimination against transgender students at school, at least when bias took the form of bullying and harassment. The policy switch, which applies to any school or college that receives federal education funding, will have no immediate effect because the Obama Administration policy has been under a nationwide court order issued last August that bars enforcement. That order was issued at the request of a dozen state governments and a handful of local school districts opposed to that policy. Story continues The switch in policy focuses on the interpretation of a phrase in a 1972 civil rights law banning discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded programs. That law is known as Title IX. The Obama Administration in 2015 became the first national government to take the view that this phrase also barred discrimination on the basis of gender identity. That policy was extended nationwide last May. Gender identity is a medical circumstance in which an individual is born with one gender designation but over time comes to accept themselves as being of the opposite gender. Whether the Trump Administrations view that Title IX does not outlaw discrimination based on gender identity will actually control the meaning of that law across the nation depends upon how the courts and, especially, the Supreme Court interpret it. A case from Virginia involving a 17-year-old transgender boy, now in his senior year at school in Gloucester County, is now pending before the Supreme Court and is scheduled for a hearing on March 28. The meaning of Title IX is directly at issue in that case. It was because of that pending case that the Trump Administration notified the Justices in a letter on Wednesday evening about their changed interpretation of the law. The federal government is not directly involved in the case that is a dispute between the Gloucester County School Board and the youth, Gavin Grimm. However, the Justice Department felt it had a duty to inform the Justices of the new legal position because lower federal courts had relied upon the Obama Administrations interpretation in ordering the school board to allow the transgender youth to use the boys bathroom at school. The school board had forbidden that, after a protest by some local parents. The meaning of Title IX is also at issue in continuing court cases involving North Carolinas controversial law, H.B. 2, which imposed a statewide requirement that transgender people could only use bathrooms in state facilities in keeping with their gender assigned at birth. A similar law is now being considered in the Texas legislature. In issuing the new policy guidance, the two federal agencies not only explained it by citing the perceived need to leave the issue to state and local government, but also criticized the Obama Administration for having adopted its view of Title IX without extensive legal analysis and without allowing public participation in developing the change. 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, where this story first appeared. Recent Constitution Daily Stories New immigration ban order will still face legal challenges Waiting for Gorsuch? Supreme Court finally schedules last major case U.S.-Mexico border shooting case at Supreme Court today SLMM planning to sever ties with ruling coalition Roiled by the government move of announcing local level poll date without addressing their demand of constitution amendment, the Madhes-based parties are considering severing ties with the Maoist Centre-Nepali Congress alliance. An off-duty Los Angeles Police officer is under investigation for allegedly pulling a gun and firing it during a confrontation with teenagers trespassing on his property in Anaheim, California. Anaheim Police Sgt. Daron Wyatt said Wednesday an investigation is underway, and video posted on YouTube appears to show portions of the incident in question. The nearly 9-minute video shot from across the street shows an adult man dragging a teenager across his lawn with a number of backpack-carrying teenagers standing around. At one point a couple of teens push the adult over a row of bushes. He then pulls a gun and fires. No one was hit by the bullet, but the crowd scattered. The adult held one of the teens for police. Wyatt said police could not authenticate the video. The incident occurred about 2:40 p.m. Tuesday. "During that confrontation, a 13-year-old male is alleged to have made a threat to the off-duty officer that he was going to shoot him," Wyatt said. The 13-year-old was arrested and charged with suspicion of battery and making criminal threats while a 15-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault and battery, Anaheim police said. The off-duty officer, whose name was withheld, was cooperating with the investigation. KABC-TV, Los Angeles, quoted the 13-year-olds mother as saying her son threatened to sue the officer, not shoot him. The youth can be heard on the video saying: "I didn't do anything to hurt you. All I said was to respect the girl. You told her to 'get off my property. "I didn't see him being aggressive. I saw him remaining as calm as he possibly could. I saw him trying to reason with the adult," the youths mother said. Outside the Theo Lacy juvenile detention facility Wednesday, the 13-year-old told KTLA, Los Angeles, he was just trying to defend a girl when the off-duty officer told her to get off his lawn. "And then he came at me. ... He hit me. I ran to the street to run away from him, and he got me. He tried to trip me and then he kicked me in my testicles," the youth said. Story continues Los Angeles Police opened their own investigation. We will continue to conduct the internal investigation to determine the actions of the officer and the circumstances, and then well consult with the Orange County district attorney as well to determine if theres any issues, Los Angeles Police spokesman Capt. Andy Neiman told the Los Angeles Times. The officer was taken off the street for a 72-hour briefing. Related Articles NEWTON, Kan. (AP) A central Kansas man suspected of gunning down three other men in a home before being fatally shot by a police officer early Thursday knew his victims and targeted them, authorities said. Harvey County officials said the suspect, 33-year-old David Lee Montano, of Newton, fled from the home on foot, confronted officers with a shotgun as they pursued him and then was shot by a Newton police officer. They said he was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The three victims were found inside the home outside Newton, 25 miles north of Wichita. Harvey County Attorney David Yoder said during a news conference that the men were all killed by single gunshots. He said they were found dead in different rooms. Officials did not discuss a motive. Authorities identified the victims as Nelton Lemons, 36, Michael Lemons, 34, and Jason Stubby, 36, all from Newton. They said there were other people inside the home who were "still alive at the scene." "They all knew each other," Yoder said. "The suspect is believed to have been temporarily residing at the residence with at least one or more of the persons who were either killed or were still alive at the scene." Authorities said officers responding to reports of a shooting in the home found the three bodies inside. They said three witnesses pointed officers in the direction in which the suspect ran. Update: 2:46 a.m. EST -- A shooting incident in Olathe, Kansas, was being investigated as a homicide by local police, after one of the three injured victims died later in the hospital, a statement Thursday by the local police department said. Original story: A drunk man opened fire in a crowded Kansas restaurant Wednesday night after yelling racial slurs. A massive manhunt was launched by the police in Olathe, Kansas, after the man shot three people and then ran away. Two of the three victims were of Middle Eastern or Indian descent, according to witnesses, reports said. Two of the victims were in critical condition and one was seriously injured, Olathe Police Sgt. Logan Bonney said, according to the Kansas City Star. "Were going to be talking to a lot of people. Were going to continue to interview witnesses, and anybody that has information. Were asking them to give us a call or call the TIPS Hotline. Were going to continue to talk to them and when we get additional information or leads, we will follow up on those until we make an arrest," Bonney said. The gunman was believed to be a white man in his 50s who took shelter in a nearby house, which was later surrounded by police late Wednesday night. The man, who was not named, was eventually arrested. The suspect may have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. Roughly 25 percent of Americans own a gun and whites are twice as likely as blacks to have firearms. Overt racism might be on the rise in the U.S. The number of hate groups increased from 892 in 2015 to 917 last year, the Southern Poverty Law Center said. Anti-Muslim hate groups grew from 34 in 2015 to 101 last year, a 197 percent increase that was linked to President Donald Trump's remarks on law and order and Muslim terrorists. "Anti-Muslim hate has been expanding rapidly for more than two years now, driven by radical Islamist attacks including the June mass murder of 49 people at an Orlando, Florida, gay nightclub, the unrelenting propaganda of a growing circle of well-paid ideologues, and the incendiary rhetoric of Trump his threats to ban Muslim immigration, mandate a registry of Muslims in America, and more," the Southern Poverty Law Center wrote. Related Articles Libreville (AFP) - Hunted for generations for its tasty meat, the scaly-skinned pangolin is under threat in Gabon as demand for the small mammal surges in Asia, where it is used in traditional medicine. A timid and strange-looking creature, the pangolin is rarely seen in the wild, emerging only at night. But in the markets of Libreville, the capital of this west African equatorial state, one will see plenty among the crocodiles, porcupines, gazelles and other bushmeat favoured by the Gabonese. The odd-looking animal is easy to identify, with its elongated body, conical snout and lengthy tongue which it uses for eating insects. Its large reptilian scales give it the appearance of a prehistoric creature or, some say, an artichoke. "People hunt the pangolin like any other meat because the forest is often the only resource" for people in Gabon, more than 80 percent of which is covered by woodland, said Gaspard Abitsi, managing director of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). Not only that, the Gabonese have developed a taste for it. "We have a big demand. People love pangolins. My neighbour bought four yesterday and they were quickly sold this morning," said a trader in the Mont-Bouet market, surrounded by gutted animals. - Expensive but tasty - At a local restaurant in Libreville, the pangolin is one of the stars on the menu. "It's expensive, but it's one of the best meats," said Didine, the owner. "We cook it in a broth and you have to let it simmer for a long time otherwise it's too tough," she said, stirring the contents of a big steaming pot. In Gabon, environmental groups are trying to convince villagers of the need to protect the pangolin. In that spirit, the Crystal Mountains National Park in north Gabon recently changed its emblem to a giant pangolin. Weighing up to 35 kilos (77 pounds), the giant pangolin is a protected species yet still hunted, with specimens selling for 100,000 to 130,000 Central African Francs (150 to 200 euros, $200 to 260). Story continues In comparison, the smaller pangolins go for around 15,000 Central African Francs, with some hunting allowed. But the Gabonese are not the only ones fond of the pangolin, of which there are eight species found in tropical areas in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia. For some time now, "it's clear that demand has been getting stronger due to international trafficking," said Rostan Nteme Mba, of the National Agency for National Parks. "And it's the scales that most interest the traffickers." - Aphrodisiac - In traditional Chinese medicine, the scales are used as an aphrodisiac, to restore youthful energy or to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis. With such reputed virtues, demand has exploded in Asia and made the pangolin one of the world's mammals most affected by illegal trade, according to the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) which specialises in the species. It said more than a million have been captured in the last 10 years. It is difficult to know the full extent of poaching in a country like Gabon, which has no official statistics on the pangolin. But based on seizures of bush meat made by customs officials and the ministry of water and forests, the number being killed "is increasing", according to the WCS. This is especially true in the north of the country, including in the Minkebe National Park, the largest of Gabon 13 national parks which borders Cameroon and Congo, according to officials. "There are probably African channels" to facilitate the transit of goods to ports and airports and on to Asia, said parks official Nteme Mba. The proliferation of Chinese firms in Gabon, where Beijing is one of the country's main economic partners, is speeding up the transfer of pangolins outside the country, according to Abitsi. "With so much logging and the construction of new roads, they have access to the resource. When the containers leave for Asia, it is unclear whether there is more than wood in it," he said. Authorities have taken steps to limit pangolin trafficking. A team of sniffer dogs specially trained to detect protected species such as the giant pangolin was set up earlier this year. The unit has made several minor seizures at the airport in Libreville. "It's an important first step to protect pangolins," said Nteme Mba. UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (AP) Penn State graduate student assistants are seeking union representation. A group called the Coalition of Graduate Employees at PSU filed a petition for a union election with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board on Wednesday. CGEPSU represents over 3,700 graduate assistants. The group says its members want more say in determining pay, benefits and working conditions. CGEPSU claims Penn State makes these decisions without any student input. A representative from Penn State issued a statement saying the school's graduate assistants are "students first". Penn State graduate assistants currently receive stipends and grants that cover tuition costs. The school also offers the assistants health insurance coverage. According to the Coalition of Graduate Employee Unions, there are currently 32 graduate employee unions in the U.S. Tharuhat slams govt plan to hold local level polls Tharuhat/Tharuwan Struggle Committee has termed the government decision to hold the local-level election on May 14 a conspiracy to terminate federalism, and warned of a protest. MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippine foreign minister on Thursday said he would tell a United Nations rights body that the killings in President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs were not state-sponsored. More than 7,700 people have been killed since Duterte unleashed the drugs war in June, about 2,500 in what police say are shootouts during raids and sting operations. Most of the rest are under investigation and activists believe many were extrajudicial killings. Police blame the killings on vigilante groups over which they have no control. Perfecto Yasay said he would address the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council, comprised of 47 nations, during a session set to run from Monday until March 24. "Our justice system does not tolerate violations of human rights, does not tolerate any state-sponsored extrajudicial killings," Yasay told reporters. "That's the truth." Last month, Duterte dismantled police anti-drug units after a South Korean businessman was killed inside the national police headquarters, but vowed to forge ahead with his war on drugs until the last day of his term. "Divisive fear-mongering" has become a dangerous force in the world, the secretary general of rights group Amnesty International, Salil Shetty, said in a statement this week. He described leaders like Duterte, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan as "wielding a toxic agenda that hounds, scapegoats and dehumanizes entire groups of people". (Reporting by Manuel Mogato; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) Philippine drug war critic Leila de Lima was a highly paid lawyer who switched focus mid-career to human rights, a decision that would draw her into the deadly world of President Rodrigo Duterte. De Lima was arrested Friday on drug trafficking charges she insisted were manufactured to silence her opposition to Duterte's anti-crime crackdown, which has claimed more than 6,500 lives in eight months. De Lima, 57, began her career as one of the brightest legal prospects in the Philippines, having scored the eighth highest mark in the country's annual lawyer licence exams in 1985. She worked as a law clerk for the House of Representatives and as a legal aide of a Supreme Court associate justice, while building a successful law practice that specialised in helping prominent politicians in election court challenges. De Lima helped now-Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jnr to unseat a senate election rival, and future senator Alan Peter Cayetano beat a suit alleging he was not a Filipino citizen and therefore not qualified to run for office. Ironically, Pimentel and Cayetano are now among the most powerful allies of Duterte, a longtime mayor of the southern city of Davao who won presidential elections last year after promising to kill tens of thousands of criminals. De Lima's life turned in 2008 when she accepted her first government post as chairwoman of the government's independent Commission on Human Rights. During two years in the job she worked with a small team of lowly paid lawyers, investigating extrajudicial killings, abductions and human rights violations by the Philippines' notoriously corrupt security forces. Another one of her main targets was Duterte, who had for years faced allegations of running death squads in Davao that killed hundreds of drug addicts and petty criminals as part of a ruthless anti-crime campaign. De Lima opened a probe into the so-called Davao Death Squads. She left the commission with the probe unfinished in 2010 to become justice secretary in the administration of Benigno Aquino, who swept to power on a pledge to fight corruption. Story continues As justice secretary she prosecuted cases linked to the misuse of huge amounts of legislators' so-called pork-barrel funds, and raided the country's biggest prison to dismantle the perks accorded to inmates convicted of drug offences. She left the cabinet in late 2015 to run for the Senate, winning a seat last year at the same time Duterte was elected president. As Duterte launched a Davao-style anti-crime crackdown across the Philippines that would go on to claim thousands of lives, De Lima was one of the few politicians willing to criticise him. "I will have to destroy her in public," Duterte said in August last year, and then proceeded to build a case alleging she was one of the nation's biggest drug traffickers. "Throughout my entire life, I never imagined myself becoming a victim of a human rights violation myself," De Lima, a divorced mother-of-two, said in October as she insisted the charges against her were absurd. Just before her arrest at the Senate on Friday morning, De Lima again insisted on her innocence while remaining characteristically defiant. "They are mistaken if they are hoping that they will silence me and stop my fight for truth, justice and against the daily killings and repression by the Duterte regime," she said. By Neil Jerome Morales MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines' environment minister on Thursday said President Rodrigo Duterte had backed her decision to ban mining in watershed areas at a meeting earlier this week, winning his support once more for her crackdown on the sector. Duterte who warned last year that the Southeast Asian nation could survive without a mining sector had supported Lopez's decision this month to shut over half the country's mines. But he later did not rule out reviewing her order amid the potential revenue losses from mining. "He said: 'I agree with you. Don't worry, you are my cabinet secretary and I also believe that there should be no mining in watersheds'," Regina Lopez told a media briefing, recalling her meeting with Duterte on Monday. Lopez on Feb. 2 ordered the closure of 23 of 41 mines in the world's top nickel ore supplier for environmental violations, saying many of them were in watershed zones that threaten water supply and quality. Another five mines were suspended. She also ordered the cancellation of 75 mining contracts, or nearly a third of mineral production sharing agreements for mines that have yet to go into production, for being located in watershed areas. She reiterated her stance on Thursday, saying she would not allow mining at the expense of the environment and people who depend on seas and farms for their livelihood. Lopez also repeated that her decisions were above board. "Every step of the way, I followed due process," she said. The recent moves by Lopez, a staunch environmentalist long before she joined Duterte's cabinet last June, have angered domestic miners many of whom have appealed their case with the president. Miners that have filed appeals with Duterte can continue operating unless he rules otherwise. A mining industry group has said the mining closures and suspensions would affect 1.2 million people. The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines last week sought to block Lopez's appointment, saying her recent moves showed an "undeniable bias" against the sector. Lopez is among a few cabinet members who have yet to be confirmed by Congress and her next confirmation hearing is on March 1. Amid the uproar, a government inter-agency panel will have its own review of the 28 affected mines that will begin in March and will take three months. The Mining Industry Coordinating Council will engage experts from state universities and other independent professionals for the review. The council will submit its recommendations to Duterte who will make the final decision on the environment agency's closure and suspension orders, Finance Undersecretary Bayani Agabin said in a statement on Thursday. Still largely underexplored, the Philippines' mining sector contributes less than 1 percent to the overall economy, with only 3 percent of 9 million hectares identified by the state as having high mineral reserves being mined, according to government data. For a graphic on Philippine mine closures, click http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/PHILIPPINES-MINING/010031S942V/index.html (Writing and additional reporting by Manolo Serapio Jr.; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell and Joseph Radford) Once upon a (surprisingly-worse) time, only members of the LGBTQ community could come out to the world. For many, coming out was a long, stigmatizing journey that could fray family relationships while putting housing and employment opportunities at risk. To some people living outside the community, there was something so delightfully saccharine about these liberation stories. By the end of the aughts, everyone was "coming out" as their own "non-traditional" identities: vegetarians, emo fans, nerds and atheists, just to name a few. While the term's appropriation has always been irritating, it's never been more grating than in its latest iteration: people who now "come out" as conservative. They claim, erroneously, that it's similar to coming out as gay. And they're wrong. People have been "coming out conservative" for close to a year now. Take, for example, two viral stories from the past month. Out Magazine writer Chadwick Moore penned a story for the New York Post titled "I'm a gay New Yorker, and I'm coming out as conservative." In it, Moore claims to have become a Republican after publishing a profile of alt-right troll-star Milo Yiannopoulos that prompted intense social media backlash. Moore chose to fight his critics. He abandoned his party and converted to conservatism, and this, he wrote, caused certain friends to abandon him, and was actually "harder" than coming out as gay. Then, just last weekend, The New York Times published a widely-shared story claiming a similar thesis, using similar language: It might be strange to see newly "out" conservatives attach themselves to the phrase, but there's savvy behind it. Consider: There's plenty of romance attached to the traditional American "coming out narrative." What's more moving than the story of people who liberate themselves from oppression? Who wouldn't want to enjoy the moral victory associated with coming out (without having to suffer its material consequences)? Story continues It's a canny role-reversal and power playpeople of privilege, positioning themselves as repressed or "voiceless." It's thorny to attack anyone who claims to have "come out" (with the implicit suggestion being that they were hiding, at some point, out of fear). It's more challenging to go after "out" Trump voters, who sometimes advocate for policies that endanger marginalized people, when they're claiming marginalization themselves. Attacking anyone asking for empathy should, ostensibly, feel kinda cruel. And yes, while these voters' claims to marginalization might be exaggerated, it doesn't justify bad behavior on the part of progressives. To be clear: It's absolutely wrong for liberals to threaten writers like Moore, as he claims to have happened. And it's just poor organizing for Democrats to reflexively reject all Trump voters from their personal lives or Facebook pages. Political polarization is bad enough as it is, and the social isolation caused by de-friending will likely only exacerbate it. Sorry. Image: press eye ltd/shutterstock But it bears repeating: "coming out as gay" and "coming out as conservative" just aren't the same. Though there are some barely detectable political similarities between Trump voters and the LGTBQ community, and probably some very, very marginal crossover, it doesn't mean Trump voters are right to co-opt the vocabulary of coming out to espouse their political beliefs free from argument, or recourse. Moreover, while it might be sincerely painful for conservatives to lose a few friends, "coming out" as a Trump voter is nothing like coming out as gay in the 1950s or even today. Their political beliefs don't prevent them from adopting children. Their views don't put them at risk of losing their employment or housing. Their voting record won't lead them to being deported to a country where they could be jailed or murdered. These two experiences are vastly, almost comically different. Some of these voters who "came out" as Trump supporters have asked their liberal friends to embrace their worldview or simply "agree to disagree"an idea that, sure, seems perfectly reasonable on the surface. "I hope that New Yorkers can be as open-minded and accepting of my new status as a conservative man as theyve been about my sexual orientation," Moore writes. This is an absurdly false parallel. Sexual orientations and gender identities pose no immediate physical threat to others. Mass incarceration does. Mass deportation will. Hateful rhetoric and gender-and-race-targeted crimesan uptick in which since Trump's election have been quantified and well-documentedabsolutely has, does, and will. Trump has already signed executive orders to those first two effects, too. Of course, liberals would probably be more effective if they stopped banning everyone they disagreed with from their social mediabut that doesn't mean they should feel compelled to accept a dangerous ideology because someone else was worried about losing friends over espousing it. So: Please. If you're not a member of the LGBTQ community, stop using the vocabulary of its birth. Grow up, and own your beliefs, and sell off your ginned-up persecution complex. And yeah, most semantics battles are absurdbut if there's one thing we learned from this election, it's that words matter. You don't get to steal the language of someone else's pain to tell your personal story. THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) Greek police say two more members of the Turkish military who were arrested after surreptitiously entering Greece have requested asylum. Police said Thursday the two men handed themselves over to authorities in the northeastern town of Orestiada last week, saying they had crossed the Evros river that runs along the two countries' land border. The two formally requested asylum in Greece on Monday, police said. Eight other Turkish servicemen fled to Greece last summer seeking protection following last year's failed coup in Turkey. Greek authorities say more than 100 Turks have requested asylum in Greece since the July 15 failed coup in Turkey, including the eight servicemen who fled in a military helicopter. All claim they are in danger in their country, where authorities link them with the attempted coup. (Reuters) - Two dozen people were arrested in Anaheim, California, during a protest calling for the arrest of an off-duty Los Angeles police officer who fired a gun during a scuffle with a teenager outside of his Anaheim home, police said on Thursday. Nobody was wounded in the shooting incident, which occurred on Tuesday, local media reported. Some of the 300 protesters threw rocks at police officers in riot gear, kicked squad cars and blocked intersections as they marched and chanted "hands up, dont shoot" and "whose streets, our streets" on Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Times reported. Some 24 people were arrested and face misdemeanor charges including failure to disperse, the Anaheim Police Department said on social media early on Thursday. The incident that ignited the protest was captured on a cell phone video that appeared to show a man holding a teenager's collar as they scuffled with each other in front of a house in a residential neighborhood. The video, which was circulated on social media and local news, then showed a teenager tackling the man into a line of shrubs and then another teenager punching him. As several young people began surrounding the man, who still had a hold of the teenager's collar, he pulled a gun out of his waistband and fired it once, the footage showed. A 13-year-old and 15-year-old were arrested after the incident, the Los Angeles Times reported. The identities of the teenagers who were arrested and the officer have not been made public. The incident comes amid a national debate over the role of law enforcement officers and their use of sometimes deadly force against minorities. The Los Angeles Police Department has placed the officer on administrative leave as it investigates the incident and reviews the video, the department said in a statement. The confrontation began with "ongoing issues" involving a group of juveniles walking on the lawn of a Los Angeles Police Department officer's home in Anaheim, police told the Times. "The videos posted online do not depict the entire event," the Anaheim Police Department said on Facebook. (Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Editing by Gareth Jones) A Massachusetts police department that went into elementary schools every Friday to "positively engage" with students by giving them high-fives has discontinued the program after residents said it might scare away their children, especially those who have not had any positive experiences with law enforcement. Northampton police ended the program, called "High-Five Friday," Saturday. It started in December as a means to establish good relationships with youth in the community located about 105 miles west of Boston. The concept involves police officers welcoming kids to school and giving them high fives on Friday mornings before school begins. It was presented as an inexpensive (aka free) way for police officers to positively engage with youth in their communities and to show support for local schools, the police department wrote on its Facebook page Saturday. However, residents said that some children, particularly minorities and undocumented immigrants, might not be comfortable with the idea of being greeted by police at school every Friday morning. Concerns were shared that some kids might respond negatively to a group of uniformed officers at their school, the department said in on its Facebook page. "People were specifically concerned about kids of color, undocumented children, or any children who may have had negative experiences with the police." Approximately 90 percent of Northampton's 30,000 residents are white, according to the most recent U.S. Census data. Northampton Police Chief Jody Kasper was invited to address the concerns at a school committee meeting to explain the program and to field questions Jan. 12. But after a follow-up meeting with residents, Superintendent John Provost asked that the program be suspended. "We thought it was a great way to start building relationships with young kids," Kasper told The Daily Hampshire Gazette. "We liked that it was something that was seemingly seemingly simple, but has turned out not to be." Story continues When the program first began, it was greeted warmly across the board, according to Northampton police, which called the reversal "a little bit frustrating." However, there were apparently no hard feelings. "Luckily, we still accept high fives, low fives, and fist bumps. If you see any of us out there on the streets, feel free to ask for one!" the department wrote on Facebook. Related Articles President Donald Trumps newly unveiled policies on immigration aimed to increase partnerships between federal agencies and local law enforcement, but many police departments wanted no part of it. An official with Chicagos Cook County sheriffs office said Tuesday the department had no interest in apprehending or deporting undocumented immigrants, according to the Chicago Tribune. We have not been approached nor would we be interested in participating in this program, said Cara Smith, policy chief for Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart. Our focus is and will remain on addressing violence in the city. Trumps immigration policy, announced Tuesday, laid out new guidelines for deportation eligibility, added thousands of new positions in Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol and expedited deportations, as well as enlisted the help of local law enforcement. Cook County is just one of the many departments distancing itself from the plan. GettyImages-634417434 Photo: Getty Images Houstons Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez announced Tuesday he would end a partnership between his office and federal immigration officials, according to the Houston Chronicle. The partnership created a team of local deputies to determine which suspects being held in jail might be eligible for deportation. Its likely that other local departments across the country will stand against Trumps policy as well. Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck said in November 2016 that he wouldnt help the president deport undocumented immigrants. I dont intend on doing anything differently. We are not going to engage in law enforcement activities solely based on someones immigration status, said Beck, according to the Los Angeles Times. We are not going to work in conjunction with Homeland Security on deportation efforts. That is not our job, nor will I make it our job. Story continues Additional updates to the administration's immigration policies would continue to be unveiled in the coming weeks, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Tuesday. Related Articles Trekkers return in droves to Annapurna The number of trekkers visiting the world famous Annapurna Conservation Area totalled 114,187 individuals last year, a 45 percent jump from the 2015 figure when a deadly earthquake and trade embargo dealt a severe blow to Nepals tourism industry. Washington (AFP) - Donald Trump has historically low approval ratings, but would still have voters' support in a row with Congress, polls suggested Wednesday. Fresh surveys showed Trump's popularity is languishing -- threatening to sap his political capital just weeks into a four-year term. A Quinnipiac University poll reported 38 percent of voters think Trump is doing a good job. Fifty-five percent believe he is doing a bad job. That is unparalleled for a modern president so early in his term. Perhaps worse for the White House, 63 percent of voters said Trump is not level-headed and 55 percent said he is not honest. For any normal politician, those numbers would be disastrous -- emboldening political rivals and encouraging allies to keep their distance. Many in Washington are already looking toward Congressional elections in 2018, which present a challenge for incumbent Republicans. Mid-term elections often serve as a referendum on the president and Democrats are baying to retake 24 seats and control of the House of Representatives, which would put a serious check on Trump's agenda. Against that backdrop, Republicans may be stuck between an unpopular president and public opprobrium. Congressional Republicans privately fret that opposing Trump could invite angry tweets, a grassroots firestorm and perhaps even a Trumpite challenger in the next party primary. They may have reason to worry. A Pew Research poll released Wednesday showed rank-and-file Republicans are still likely to back Trump in an argument with party lawmakers. "About half of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents (52 percent) say that if Trump and Republican congressional leaders disagree on an issue, they would be more likely to trust Trump," Pew said. "About a third (34 percent) say they would trust GOP leaders if they have a disagreement with the president." Related Video: For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. By Andrei Khalip LISBON (Reuters) - Portugal is likely to extradite former CIA officer Sabrina de Sousa next week to Italy, where she was convicted in absentia for the kidnapping of an Egyptian cleric, on condition she is retried, her lawyer said on Thursday. De Sousa, who is a dual U.S.-Portuguese citizen and denies involvement in the abduction, was detained by Portuguese police on Monday and is awaiting extradition in a prison in Porto. Italian prosecutors want her to serve a six-year sentence. She is one of 26 people convicted in absentia on charges of snatching Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr from a street in Milan in 2003 and taking him to be questioned in Egypt under the U.S. "extraordinary rendition" program. The program was one of Washington's most controversial responses to the Sept. 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks in the United States. Nasr, who was on a U.S. list of militant suspects, said he was tortured under interrogation after being transferred to Egypt. "Over the course of next week, Sabrina should be moved to Italy," said her Portuguese lawyer, Manuel de Magalhaes e Silva. He said it was not clear whether she would serve time in jail, but her Italian lawyer Dario Bolognesi said she was likely go to prison for a time when she arrives, probably around the middle of next week, in the northern city of Milan. De Sousa's husband, David Ciummo, told Reuters the Interpol extradition warrant had to be fulfilled within 10 days of her arrest, hence the expected timing of the transfer. De Magalhaes e Silva said her case would pose a dilemma for the Italian judiciary. "What will an Italian judge do when he faces a detainee who has been extradited after a Portuguese court authorized it under the condition that there will be a second trial, while under Italian law that will be difficult to have?" he asked. The Portuguese and Italian justice ministries declined to comment. GOOD SPIRITS Bolognesi said he would ask a Milan appeals court to defer de Sousa's sentence, in the hope she would get a pardon like the ones Italy's president extended last year to two other officials convicted in the case. Story continues "I don't see why she should not get this pardon as well," Bolognesi said, adding it was also possible the Italian court could convert the jail sentence into a community service term. Ciummo said in a telephone interview that his wife was being kept in solitary confinement in comfortable conditions, and that he is allowed to see her every day for an hour. "Her spirits are pretty good," he said. The 65-year-old retired civilian U.S. Army employee said de Sousa was detained on Monday while visiting the coastal town of Cascais near Lisbon. "She was able to call me and said for me to bring some clothes. I went to the police station and left a suitcase with some clothes," Ciummo said. He said he understood that the Portuguese authorities had initiated the Interpol warrant and that "the Italians were completely taken by surprise" by his wife's arrest. A White House official said that Washington was "deeply disappointed in Ms. de Sousa's conviction and sentence, and we are following her case closely ... The U.S. government takes its obligation to assist U.S. citizens overseas seriously." "We appreciate the efforts of the Italian government to challenge the prosecution before the Italian Constitutional Court," said the official, adding that the State Department has been in touch with de Sousa. The CIA declined to comment on the case. De Sousa's lawyer told the RTP television channel that "the very least that is expected from the U.S. diplomacy is that it works with the criminal (authorities in Italy) for the situation to be resolved swiftly, at least via a presidential pardon". De Sousa, who left the CIA in 2009, was briefly arrested in Portugal in October 2015 at the request of Italian prosecutors. Her passports were confiscated, but she was quickly released. She says she was outside of Milan in the mountains on the day of the kidnapping, Bolognesi said. Several of her appeals to Portuguese authorities against the extradition failed last year. (Reporting by Andrei Khalip, Mark Hosenball, Jonathan Landay and Isla Binnie; Editing by Tom Heneghan and Catherine Evans) By Ronnie Cohen (Reuters Health) - Every 25 minutes, a drug-addicted baby is born in the U.S. To try to protect the youngest victims of the nations opioid epidemic, Tennessee enacted a law that sent new mothers to jail for substance abuse, while other states employ existing child-abuse laws to punish prenatal drug users and remove their children. But sanctions have backfired, serving only to drive pregnant women away from necessary prenatal care and substance-use treatment, pediatricians say in three new papers. In one, published this week in Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics exhorts policymakers to support a public health approach - rather than a criminal justice response - to opioid use in pregnancy. I dont think these laws are in the best interests of moms or babies, Dr. Stephen Patrick, lead author of the report in Pediatrics, said in an interview. Opioid-use disorder is a medical problem and not a moral failing. Patrick is a professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee, where he treats infants suffering withdrawal from opioids. Instead of jail, he called for improved access to long-term contraceptives and substance-treatment programs designed to care for pregnant women. About 100 substance-using new mothers went to jail in Tennessee between 2014 and 2016 under a fetal-assault law thats no longer in effect, Patrick said. The law incited so much fear in pregnant addicts that some refused to go to the hospital and gave birth at home, in cars or on the side of the road, he said. Meanwhile, the number of pregnant women who use opioids and the number of babies born with withdrawal symptoms continues to rise. Patrick estimated that as many as 440,000 substance-exposed infants are born in the U.S. every year and asserted: Were not going to arrest 440,000. Dr. Mary Beth Sutter, a professor at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, works with expectant drug addicts in her state, where prosecutors charge pregnant drug users under child-abuse laws, she said in a phone interview. Putting women in jail and taking their babies away to try to prevent substance abuse really isnt working, she said. It does nothing to help these women and children, but it tends to turn them way from care. Newborns who stay with their mothers require fewer days in the hospital, cutting the cost in half, Sutter writes in a new review in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. Physicians can better help drug-addicted infants when they know mothers are using illicit substances. But expectant mothers worry so much about being stigmatized, jailed and having their babies taken from them that they frequently fail to disclose drug use, Sutter writes. Carrying a baby motivates substance users to quit. If there ever was a time when its good to help people with substance abuse, Sutter said, its pregnancy. But the demand for substance-treatment programs designed to meet the unique needs of pregnant women and their babies far outstrips their availability. Only 19 states have such programs. New Mexico has only one in-patient treatment program with just six beds for pregnant and parenting women in the entire state, Sutter said. Medication-assisted therapy with methadone or buprenorphine has become standard care for pregnant women with opioid-use disorder, Patrick writes. But women who fear losing custody of their babies sometimes avoid treatment so as not to raise suspicion, according to another new report in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. Psychologist Dennis Hand, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, examined opioid use in pregnancy throughout the U.S. and found the problem particularly acute in the South. Southern states have fewer drug-treatment facilities, and more women take benzodiazepines, a class of sedatives and anti-anxiety drugs, along with opioids, Hand found. The combination complicates treatment for mothers and babies. Southern women also are less likely to have health insurance, and the South has even fewer treatment programs for pregnant women than other areas, Hand said. Tennessee does not cover methadone, and Mississippi has only one methadone clinic, compared to California, which has 138, he said. The number of infants experiencing opioid withdrawal after birth, or neonatal abstinence syndrome, grew nearly fivefold over the past decade, Patrick writes. Many of the mothers of newborns that Patrick and Sutter treated had no idea that taking doctor-prescribed pain relievers could lead them and their babies to addiction. Sutter said her patients frequently were prescribed opioids following car accidents, dental surgeries and cesarean sections for previous births. SOURCES: http://bit.ly/2lljoJH Pediatrics, online February 20, 2017; http://bit.ly/2kQqxTR Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America, online February 2, 2017; http://bit.ly/2lOHvl8 Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, online February 1, 2017. By Gina Cherelus NEW YORK (Reuters) - It cost New York City about $24 million to provide security at Trump Tower, President Donald Trump's skyscraper home in Manhattan, from Election Day to Inauguration Day, or $308,000 per day, New York's police commissioner said on Wednesday. The revelation prompted renewed calls for Congress to reimburse the city for the cost of protecting Trump's private residence on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue, where his wife and their son continue to reside. "We are seeking full federal reimbursement for all costs incurred related to security for President Trump and his family at Trump Tower," Freddi Goldstein, a spokeswoman for Mayor Bill de Blasio, wrote in an email to Reuters. New York City Police Commissioner James O'Neill said in a statement that the Police Department now has a dual role in protecting the first family while also serving and protecting residents in the city. "Trump Tower itself now presents a target to those who wish to commit acts of terror against our country, further straining our limited counterterrorism resources," O'Neill said. Trump's spokespeople could not be reached immediately for comment. De Blasio asked the U.S. government in December for up to $35 million to cover security costs for protecting Trump in his home atop the 58-story skyscraper, which is located on Fifth Avenue near Central Park, an area popular with tourists. At $24 million, the final cost was less than that. Trump spent most of his time from Election Day on Nov. 8 until his inauguration on Jan. 20 at his penthouse apartment in Trump Tower. In addition to the police protection, the Fire Department incurred $1.7 million in costs during the time period Trump was in New York, according to O'Neill. On days when first lady Melania Trump and the couple's son, Barron, are the only ones in the city, security going forward will cost between $127,000 and $145,000 per day, less than when the president is in residence, O'Neill said. Story continues When Trump is in town, the cost of police protection will go back up to $308,000 on average per day, O'Neill said. It will cost about another $4.5 million per year for the New York City Fire Department to protect the building, he said. "We anticipate these costs will increase significantly whenever the president is in New York City," he said. Trump has not been back to Manhattan since his inauguration. New York Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney said in a statement on Wednesday that the city's taxpayers should not be forced to pay for a "national security obligation" and that "Congress must provide city taxpayers a full reimbursement." (Reporting by Gina Cherelus; Editing by Sharon Bernstein and Leslie Adler) (NEW YORK) It cost New York City about $24 million to provide security at Trump Tower, President Donald Trumps skyscraper home in Manhattan, from Election Day to Inauguration Day, or $308,000 per day, New Yorks police commissioner said on Wednesday. The revelation prompted renewed calls for Congress to reimburse the city for the cost of protecting Trumps private residence on Manhattans Fifth Avenue, where his wife and their son continue to reside. We are seeking full federal reimbursement for all costs incurred related to security for President Trump and his family at Trump Tower, Freddi Goldstein, a spokeswoman for Mayor Bill de Blasio, wrote in an email to Reuters. New York City Police Commissioner James ONeill said in a statement that the Police Department now has a dual role in protecting the first family while also serving and protecting residents in the city. Trump Tower itself now presents a target to those who wish to commit acts of terror against our country, further straining our limited counterterrorism resources, ONeill said. Trumps spokespeople could not be reached immediately for comment. De Blasio asked the U.S. government in December for up to $35 million to cover security costs for protecting Trump in his home atop the 58-story skyscraper, which is located on Fifth Avenue near Central Park, an area popular with tourists. At $24 million, the final cost was less than that. Trump spent most of his time from Election Day on Nov. 8 until his inauguration on Jan. 20 at his penthouse apartment in Trump Tower. In addition to the police protection, the Fire Department incurred $1.7 million in costs during the time period Trump was in New York, according to ONeill. On days when first lady Melania Trump and the couples son, Barron, are the only ones in the city, security going forward will cost between $127,000 and $145,000 per day, less than when the president is in residence, ONeill said. Story continues When Trump is in town, the cost of police protection will go back up to $308,000 on average per day, ONeill said. It will cost about another $4.5 million per year for the New York City Fire Department to protect the building, he said. We anticipate these costs will increase significantly whenever the president is in New York City, he said. Trump has not been back to Manhattan since his inauguration. New York Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney said in a statement on Wednesday that the citys taxpayers should not be forced to pay for a national security obligation and that Congress must provide city taxpayers a full reimbursement. Turkish military says 56 Islamic State militants killed in Syria Fifty-six Islamic State militants were killed by Turkey-backed forces around the Syrian town of al-Bab and by U.S.-led coalition air strikes in the latest operations on Wednesday, the Turkish military said on Thursday. Moscow (AFP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Moscow's goal in Syria was to "stabilise the legitimate authority" and strike a "decisive blow" against terrorism. "We have no plans to interfere in Syria's internal affairs," he told a group of naval officers returning from Syria, where six years of war have killed more than 310,000 people. "Our task is to stabilise the legitimate authority in the country and strike a decisive blow against international terrorism," said Putin, whose administration is a key ally of the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. Putin's comments, broadcast on Russian television, came as UN-backed peace talks were opening in Geneva between opposition and government delegations. "The sooner the country reaches a political settlement, the better the chances for the international community to put an end to the terrorist plague on Syrian territory," he said. Russia began its military intervention to bolster Assad's forces in September 2015, turning the tables on the battlefield just as rebel forces were strengthening their hold on key areas. Russian bombardments helped the regime retake rebel areas in the east of the northern city of Aleppo after four years of fighting. In January, Moscow withdrew its naval force from Syrian waters, including its only aircraft carrier in service, the Admiral Kuznetsov, as part of an announced reduction of its military role. Putin said the naval force had fulfilled its objective of helping to "create the conditions for pursuing peace talks between the Syrian government and the armed opposition." He also said that Russia's Syria intervention had "contributed directly to Russia's security". According to Russian intelligence services, about 4,000 Russian citizens and 5,000 citizens from the former Soviet Union are fighting alongside the Islamic State group in Syria, Putin said, posing an "enormous risk" for Russia. Related: For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. SCHLAPP: CPAC is known for having important moments and I think its safe to say by a full room and just a couple of cameras that this is one of those moments. (APPLAUSE) And I I think the first thing that would be appropriate after 30 days of running a continual sprint is to thank these two guys for what theyve been doing. (APPLAUSE) (UNKNOWN): Thank you, thank you, well SCHLAPP: On that front on that front, I also think its a perfect moment to thank all of you for helping us elect what will be one of the greatest presidents that ever served this country. Its because of your work (APPLAUSE) that he made it happen. BANNON: And Matt, I want to thank you for finally inviting me to CPAC. (LAUGHTER) SCHLAPP: Yeah, theres no the what was the name of the the BANNON: The uninvited. SCHLAPP: The uninvited. BANNON: I know there are many alumni out here in the audience. PRIEBUS: I didnt like the uninvited. SCHLAPP: Heres what we decided to do at CPAC with the uninvited. We decided to say that everybodys a part of our conservative family. PRIEBUS: Thats right. SCHLAPP: And thats what Donald Trump has done to so many of us around the country politically. And you guys have put together an amazing operation. You know, I know you all know this, but the last time a president came to CPAC in his first year, it was Ronald Reagan. (APPLAUSE) St. Ronald in 1981. And youve put together this the president has put together the most conservative Cabinet weve ever seen according to our CPAC ratings and I think a few of us are pretty happy about what looks like is going to happen on the Supreme Court too, so its a (APPLAUSE) Now, let me ask you two. Im looking in the back of the room as well, but let me ask you two. PRIEBUS: Is that the opposition party? (LAUGHTER) SCHLAPP: Let me ask you two, we read a lot about you two. BANNON: Its all good. SCHLAPP: But I bet not all of its accurate I bet not all of its accurate. I bet theres some things that dont get written correctly. Let me ask each one of you, whats the biggest misconception about whats going on in the Donald Trump White House? PRIEBUS: Well, in regard to us two, I think the biggest misconception is everything that youre reading. (LAUGHTER) We we share an office suite together. Were basically together from 6:30 in the morning until about 11:00 at night. BANNON: I have a little thing called the war room, he has a fireplace with nice sofas. PRIEBUS: And its its actually something that you all have helped build which is, when you bring together and what this election showed and what President Trump showed, and lets not kid ourselves, I mean I can talk about data and ground game and Steve can talk about big ideas, but the truth of the matter is Donald Trump President Trump brought together the party and the conservative movement. And Ive got to tell you, if the party and the conservative movement are together, similar to Steve and I, it cant be stopped. And President Trump (APPLAUSE) was the one guy he was the one person and I can say it after overseeing 16 people kill each other, it was Donald Trump that was able to bring this this party and this movement together. And Steve and I know that and we live it every day. Our job is to get the agenda of President Trump through the door and on pen and paper. BANNON: You know, but weve known it since August 15th and I think if you look at the opposition party and how they portray the campaign, how they portrayed the transition and now theyre portraying the administration, its always wrong. I mean, on on the very first day that Kellyanne and I started, we reached out to Reince, Sean Spicer, Katie. Its the same team that, you know, every day was grinding away on the campaign, the same team that did the transition and if you remember, you know, the campaign was the most chaotic by the medias description, most chaotic, most disorganized, most unprofessional, had no earthly idea what they were doing and then you saw them all crying and weeping that night on on the 8th when (APPLAUSE) when and the reason it worked the reason it worked is President Trump. I mean, Trump had those ideas, had that energy, had that vision that could galvanize a team around him of disparate look, were a coalition. You know, a lot of people think have strong beliefs about different things, but we understand that you can come together to win and we understood that from August 15th and and we never had a doubt and Donald Trump never had a doubt that he was going to win. BANNON: And and I think that that is the power of this movement. PRIEBUS: And and on top of that first of all, President Trump laid out his vision what was it? four or five years ago here at CPAC. SCHLAPP: Thats right. PRIEBUS: And it was that vision its nothing different. If you go back and watch the tape of President Trump four or five years ago, that was the Trump agenda. One of the things that I used to say all the time and Governor Walker and everyone gets sick of me saying it, but I think that President Trump found it which is what this country, what all of us, were starving for the whole time because were so sick of politics and politicians. In spite of the fact that we love being here, we we actually hate politics. But what we were starving for was somebody real, somebody genuine, somebody that was actually who he said he was. (APPLAUSE) BANNON: Yep yep. PRIEBUS: And the the the media attacked us on the campaign; remember, attacked me, you cant spend the money on Trump, go give it to the Senate. Attacked us on the transition, we President Trump put in the best Cabinet in the history of Cabinets I think. Now feed ridiculous stories and all we do every day and all President Trump does every day, is hit his agenda every single day, whether its TPP, whether its deregulation, whether its Neil Gorsuch, whatever it is, his promise is coming through every day. SCHLAPP: Hes even hes even leaving bathrooms alone, thats kind of a nice, refreshing thing for a lot of people as well. (APPLAUSE) BANNON: They happen to think its a state issue. SCHLAPP: Of course. BANNON: But but I think lets go back to the point that Reince made for a second. President Trump, when he was running, he made a and this is the other thing that the the mainstream media or opposition party never caught is that if you want to see the Trump agenda its very simple. It was all in the speeches. He went around to these rallies, but those speeches had a tremendous amount of content in them, right? I happen to believe, and I think many others do, hes probably the great public speaker in those large arenas since William Jennings Bryan. This was galvanized. And remember, we didnt have money. Hillary Clinton and these guys had over $2 billion. We had a couple hundred million dollars. It was those rallies and those speeches, all hes doing right now is, hes laid out an agenda with those speeches for the promises he made. And our job every day is just to execute on that. Its to simply get a path to how those get executed. And hes maniacally focused on that, and I think thats one of the powers of the transition where many, many people try to come in and try to convince President Trump, hey, you won on this but this is what you want to do. And hes like, no, I promised the American people this, and this is the plan were going to execute on. And Reince said and by the way thats what youve seen; the executive orders, what the Supreme Court the way hes gone through the Supreme Court. And by the way the other 102 judges that were eventually going to pick, its just a methodical and thats what the mainstream media wont report. Just like they were dead wrong on the chaos of the campaign and just like they were dead wrong in the chaos of the transition, they are absolutely dead wrong about whats going on today because we have a team thats just grinding it through on President Donald Trump promised the American people. And the mainstream media better understand something, all of those promises are going to be implemented. SCHLAPP: Thats awesome. Its been a (APPLAUSE) You know, Steve youre a really likable guy. You should do this more often. PRIEBUS: Hes not so bad. SCHLAPP: Hes not so bad. PRIEBUS: Most of the time. BANNON: Yes, exactly. SCHLAPP: So, what are 30 days of action, and you guys have touched on some of that action. Each one of you, tell me the one or two things that have happened the last 30 days that you think are the most critical. And what is the one thing that you just like you said Steve maniacally focused, that has just got to happen early in the administration to really turn this country around? Start first with the first 30 days and then whats that focus after that. PRIEBUS: So, I mean, theres a lot that thats happened SCHLAPP: A lot. PRIEBUS: in the in the first 30 days. Whether, you know and you look at the our the world our world order and and some of the things that are going on that I think are will be dealt with soon, but the first thing I think is Neil Gorsuch, for a couple things. Number one, were not talking about a change over a four year period. Were talking about a change of potentially 40 years of law, number one. But more important than that more important to that, it established trust. It established that President Trump is a man of his word. We always knew that. But when he said heres 20 names on a piece of paper back in July, remember and he said Im going to pick my judge out of these 20 people that are on this piece of paper and he did it, thats number one. PRIEBUS: Because Neil Gorsuch represents a conservative represents the type of judge that has the vision of Donald Trump and it fulfills the promise that he made to all of you and to all Americans across the country. Second thing, deregulation, what hasnt been talked about a lot is that President Trump signed an order that puts in place a constant deregulatory form within the federal government. And what it says is, for every regulation presented for passage that Cabinet secretary has to identify two that person would eliminate. And thats a big deal. (APPLAUSE) And then lastly, immigration;, protecting the sovereignty of the United States, putting a wall on the southern border, making sure that criminals are not part of our process. These are all things that 80 percent of Americans agree with and these are all things that President Trump is doing within 30 days. SCHLAPP: Steve? (APPLAUSE) BANNON: I think the I think the same thing; I think if you look at the lines of work, I kind of break it up into three verticals of three buckets. The first is kind of national security and sovereignty and thats your intelligence, the Defense Department, Homeland Security. The second line of work is what I refer to as economic nationalism and that is Wilbur Ross at Commerce, Steven Mnuchin at Treasury, Lighthizer at at Trade, Peter Navarro, Stephen Miller, these people that are rethinking how were gonna reconstruct the our trade arrangements around the world. The third, broadly, line of work is what is deconstruction of the administrative state. And if you (APPLAUSE) So I think I think the three most important things, I think one of the most pivotal moments in modern American history was his immediate withdraw from TPP. That got us out of a (APPLAUSE) got us out of a trade deal and let our sovereignty come back to ourselves, the people, the mainstream media dont get this, but were already working in consultation with the Hill. People are starting to think through a whole raft of amazing and innovative, bilateral relationships bilateral trading relationships with people that will reposition America in the world as a as a fair trading nation and start to bring jobs. High value added, manufacturing jobs, back to the United States of America. On the on the national security part, it was certainly the first I think the first two E.O.s that you start to see implemented here of the last couple of days under General Kelly. And that is, do rule of law is going to exist when you talk about our sovereignty and you talk about immigration. General Kelly (APPLAUSE) and Attorney General Sessions are adamant you know, that and youre gonna start to see I think with the defense budget were going to talk about next week when we bring the budget out and also with certain things about the plan on ISIS and what General Mattis and these guys think I think youll start to see the other part of that. But the third, this regulation SCHLAPP: Yeah. BANNON: every business leader weve had in is saying not just taxes, but it is it is also the regulation. I think the consistent, if you look at these Cabinet appointees, they were selected for a reason and that is the deconstruction, the way the progressive left runs, is if they cant get it passed, theyre just gonna put in some sort of regulation in in an agency. Thats all gonna be deconstructed and I think that thats why this regulatory thing is so important. SCHLAPP: We had Dr. Larry Arnn (ph) on the (APPLAUSE) stage earlier today. And he brought up the fact that were promulgating more laws and regulations that we ever had before. And most of that are from these independent agencies that are just on autopilot. You guys can stop that. And also, coming from the federal bunch as conservatives, we know that a lot of times we fight out the political wars over issues we care about and then all of a sudden, liberals on the bench like a lightening bolt out of the sky just change things. And so what you guys are saying about changing that order is amazing. You know, we all we all consume a lot of news; we watch and read a lot of things, theres been a great democratization in news. People get their news now from literally hundreds and thousands of sites. What what would each of you say, what is the theres all these polls that are being put out again, is Donald Trump doing a good job, is Donald Trump doing a bad job. I know what you all think. Weve been hearing it all all day. What is it that they keep getting wrong and do you think it ever gets fixed? What does the media keep getting wrong about this Trump phenomena and whats happening out there in the country? And is there any hope that this changes? PRIEBUS: I think theres hope that its going to change. I mean we we sit here, every day and and the president pumps out all of this work and and the executive orders and the punching through of the promises that he made to the American people. So were hoping that the media would catch up eventually. But were so conditioned to it, Im personally so conditioned to hearing about why President Trump isnt going to win the election. Why one why a controversy in the primaries going to take down President Trump. I lived through it, as chairman of the party. And and it really hit me because it was maybe the summer of 2015 and you remember, the media was constantly pounding President Trump. And the polling kept getting better and better and better, for President Trump. But it was when I went home and got out of this town. And I went back to Kenosha and I talked to my neighbor and I said, Bob, what do you think? And he goes, Man, I really love that Trump. (LAUGHTER) PRIEBUS: And I said, Sandy Sandy, what do you think? She says, Were for Trump. And it was, as you all lived through it too, because you all had different people you were for, but you kept running into your neighbors and you kept running into people that you know. And what did they keep telling you? They kept telling you Trump, Trump, Trump. And so AUDIENCE: Trump, Trump, Trump SCHLAPP: So tomorrow tomorrow, OK? Just be patient. PRIEBUS: But I knew, and so it was back then, with my family and my sister, who is a doctor out in San Diego. And it just kept everyone around me that nothing it was impenetrable. Because it goes back to what I said before, which is that the country was hungry for something far more far bigger than one story or on-off issue. It was something that people wanted in this country, that was real, something that was going to change the direction that we were heading. And it was President Trump that was the answer. BANNON: The reason Reince and I are good partners is that we can disagree. Its not only not going to get better. Its going to get worse every day. (LAUGHTER) And heres why. By the way, the internal logic makes sense. Theyre corporatist, globalist media that are adamantly opposed adamantly opposed to an economic nationalist agenda like Donald Trump has. President Trump really laid this out, as Reince said, many years ago at CPAC. Its really CPAC that really originally gave him the springboard. Its the first time at Breitbart we start seeing him, and saw how people, you know, his speeches resonated with people. And then he would go out to these smaller town halls later and really he got traction with the same message hes bringing today. Heres the only heres why its going to get worse: Because hes going to continue to press his agenda. And as economic conditions get better, as more jobs get better, theyre going to continue to fight. If you think theyre going to give you your country back without a fight, you are sadly mistaken. Every day every day, it is going to be a fight. And that is what Im proudest about Donald Trump. All the opportunities he had to waiver off this; all the people who have come to him and said, oh, youve got to moderate. Every day in the Oval Office, he tells Reince and I, I committed this to the American people; I promised this when I ran; and Im going to deliver on this. (APPLAUSE) How novel. SCHLAPP: How interesting. I remember I was being asked by some reports they were like why is Trump doing X, Y or Z? And I said, because he said he would do it on the campaign trail. (LAUGHTER) Its really not that complicated, is it? But no, there are there are (CROSSTALK) SCHLAPP: OK, I like that one. There are some there are some parts of this, though, that are fitful. The American Conservative Union which puts on CPAC was created after Barry Goldwater lost in 1964, in an effort to take all different kinds of voices from the right in the conservative movement and bring them together. So there is this question. There are those folks that consider themselves, you know, classical liberals or conservatives or Reagan conservatives. There are other folks that consider themselves libertarians. There are other folks that are part of this new Trump movement. And Trump brought a lot of new people. Theres probably in this people in this crowd that wouldnt have been in this crowd before. So theres a lot of diversity here. We all know it when were at the bar at the end of the day. And can this Trump movement be combined with whats happening at CPAC and other conservative movements for 50 years? Can this be brought together? And is this is going to save the country? PRIEBUS: Well, first of all, it has to and we have to stick together as a team. I think that what youve got is an incredible opportunity. Weve got an incredible opportunity to use this victory that President Trump and all of us, and you, and everyone that made this happen, put together. And work together. Continue to communicate. Its very similar. Some of the core principles of President Trump are very similar to those of Ronald Reagan. When you look at peace through strength and building up the military, I mean, how many times have you heard President Trump say, Im going to build up the military; Im going to take care of the vets; Im going to make sure that we dont have a Navy thats decimated, and planes that are nowhere to be found. Peace through strength, deregulation. You think about the economy, the economic boom that was created. And some of it is going to take a little time, I mean, to get the jobs back; to get more money in peoples pockets. Those things are going to happen. And in the meantime, we have to stick together and make sure that weve got President Trump for eight years. And hes somebody that we know that were going to be very proud of as these things get done. But its going to take all of us working together to make it happen. BANNON: You know, Ive said that theres a new political order thats being formed out of this. And its still being formed. But if you look at the wide degree of opinions in this room whether youre a populist; whether youre a limited government conservative; whether youre libertarian; whether youre an economic nationalist we have wide and sometimes divergent opinions. BANNON: But I think we the center core of what we believe, that were a nation with an economy, not an economy just in some global marketplace with open borders, but we are a nation with a culture and a and a reason for being. And I think that is what unites us and I think that is what is going to unite this movement going forward. President Trump tomorrow is coming I think really to express his appreciation. SCHLAPP: Absolutely. The vice presidents coming tonight. BANNON: The vice presidents coming tonight and the reason he understand in CPAC there are many, many, many voices, but hes here to say appreciation and to drive this movement forward. This is really where he got his launch, you know, with his ideas in the conservative movement SCHLAPP: Absolutely. BANNON: what seven, six years ago five years ago and he wanted to show his appreciation. Were at the top of the first inning of this. And its going to take just as much fight, just as much focus and just as much determination. And that one thing Id like to leave you guys today with is that, we want you to have our back. But more importantly (APPLAUSE) We know by the way, President Trump we never doubted that for a second, but also and more importantly, hold us accountable. Hold us accountable to what we promised, hold us accountable for delivering on what we promised. SCHLAPP: Let me just ask as we as we close this out. Its time for you know you guys have been so sort of kumbaya here its kind of time for a little bit of a group hug. (LAUGHTER) Let me ask you OK, Im sorry Im going to do the Barbara Walters thing for those of you who remember Barbara Walters. Let me ask you, what do you youve worked really closely with Steve. PRIEBUS: Right. SCHLAPP: You say your offices I know what two offices they are, they are really close to each other. What do you like the most about him? (LAUGHTER) Hold on, let him think. PRIEBUS: I love how many collars he wears, interesting look. (LAUGHTER) One thing were different, but where were very similar is that I think that he is very dogged in making sure that every day the promises that President Trump has made are the promises that were working on every day, number one. Number two, hes incredibly loyal. And number three, which I think is a really important quality as we were working together to see to it that President Trumps vision is enacted is that, hes extremely consistent. That, as you can imagine, there are many things hitting the presidents ear and desk every day. Different things that come to the president that want to move him off of his agenda and Steve is very consistent and very loyal to the agenda and is a presence that I think is very important to have in the White House and I consider him (APPLAUSE) but and secondly and a very dear friend a very dear friend and someone that we that I work with every second of the day in and actually we cherish I cherish his friendship. BANNON: Yeah, you know, I can run a little hot on occasions. (LAUGHTER) And and Reince is indefatigable I mean, its low key, but its determination. The thing I respect most and the only way this thing works is Reince is always kind of steady, hes got Katie and some other people around him, its very steady. But his job is, by far, one of the toughest jobs Ive ever seen in my life. To make it run every day and to make the trains and you only see the surface. Whats going on underneath it, planning whats three weeks down the road to the to the degree that were planning it, of all these E.O.s and legislation and you know, whether its the tax reform bill, Reince is indefatigable in saying, weve got to drive this forward, weve got to drive this forward. And I think its one of the reasons we have such a and by the way this started back in August when we had this campaign where we were outgunned, out manned, you know, outspent. And it was because President Trump had a message, he had this charisma and he had people like here at CPAC and we just put our heads down and that when we and Reince has been unwavering since the very first moment I met him. SCHLAPP: Well its a great honor to have you both here. (APPLAUSE) I think I think the best thing we could do is to let these two guys get back to work, what do you think? PRIEBUS: Thats right. SCHLAPP: Thanks for being here. PRIEBUS: Thank you, Matt. CRUZ: Mark, Im pretty sure thats the first time weve ever walked out to dance music. (LAUGHTER) LEVIN: Well, I did think about holding hands, but (LAUGHTER) I didnt think that would come off right. (LAUGHTER) Well, it is my honor to be here with Senator Cruz. Were going to have a short discussion about the Constitution. How many of you support the Constitution? (APPLAUSE) So were not at the DNC event here, thats obvious. (LAUGHTER) Senator Cruz CRUZ: I think the smell would be somewhat different. LEVIN: Yes. (LAUGHTER) He means pot, of course. (LAUGHTER) Study ambiguity or something, right? (LAUGHTER) Youre one of the leading constitutionalists, not just in the Senate, but in the country. And one of the problems we have in this country today is so much of what we do is not within the constitutional construct. You have introduced an amendment to the Constitution to place term limits on members of Congress. (APPLAUSE) So tell us why you did it and tell us about your amendment. CRUZ: Well, Mark, I think its one of the first and biggest steps we can take to actually drain the swamp. (APPLAUSE) You look across this country people are fed up with Washington. This election was the American people saying, enough already with the corruption in Washington and its both parties. Its Democrats and Republicans who have been here too long, whove become captured by this city and and if you look at President Trump campaigned on draining the swamp, on term limits. You look at congressional leaders. Weve got majorities in both Houses, I think we ought to demonstrate that we heard the voters, bring up term limits, pass it, and send it to the states for ratification. And whats amazing is the support for this, it cuts across in this polarized time, you get super majorities of Republicans, or Democrats, of Independents who all say, throw the bums out and we ought to listen. (APPLAUSE) LEVIN: Now, it takes time to get these sorts of things passed, because youve got to develop support among the American people and so forth. So, what should the people in this room and across the country do? Because obviously you have an entrenched ruling class, and theyre not going to say yeah, let me vote myself out. So, what do we do? We put pressure on them? How should we handle this? CRUZ: Look, hold us accountable. There is an incredible power the men and women in this room, the men and women of CPAC, the grassroots have the ability to get peoples attention, to hold our elected officials accountable hold every one of us accountable. The message that I am conveying to President Trump, to the Cabinet, to leaders in both Houses is real simple. Lets do what we promised. Lets deliver on the promises and if we do that, well win at the ballot box and if we dont, the people will hold us accountable for that too. LEVIN: Let me ask you about the courts. We saw what the 9th Circuit did, or a panel of the 9th circuit on an executive order, that once the executive order was modified, really it was even a controversial executive order from a constitutional point of view, and then you have three judges who did what they did. The other day we had the 4th Circuit basically tear the guts out of the Second Amendment CRUZ: Yup. LEVIN: reject the Heller decision in the Supreme Court. So the Gorsuch nominations important. How do we get our hands around all this? CRUZ: Well, youre right. You look at judicial activism, and those are two great examples, the 9th Circuit and the 4th Circuit decision in recent weeks. If you look at the 9th Circuit, its based in California, its long been the most liberal Court of Appeals in the country. If you look at the decision of the 9th Circuit and the decision of the California District Court actually the Washington District Court that struck down, that enjoined the presidents order, both decisions are utterly lawless. You know, the reason the Constitution gives judges life tenure is so they can be independent of political pressures and follow the law. Ive read the District Court decision, Ive read the Court of Appeals decision, they dont even cite the controlling federal law. By statute, Congress has given the president the authority to suspend immigration any class of immigration if he deems it in the national interest. Now, any judge that was actually being a judge would begin with a statue, would look to the precedence, would interpret it they dont even mention the statute. They just say, we dont like this policy and there engaged in legislation. You take the 4th Circuit decision, upholding Marylands laws on so-called assault weapons and large capacity magazines. The 4th Circuit used to the most conservative court in the country. I started my career as a law clerk of the 4th Circuit, and it was 20 years ago, the 4th Circuit was tremendous it was dedicated to protecting our constitutional rights. The 4th Circuit now, they invented this new test for the Second Amendment, and heres what their test said. The Second Amendment doesnt protect a weapon if it would be useful in a military context. (LAUGHTER) This test isnt just sort of questionable, it isnt just a little bit out there, it is nuts. (APPLAUSE) The Second Amendment was designed explicitly to protect weapons that would be useful in a military context. (APPLAUSE) If we were living back in 1789, your musket would be really useful in a military conflict. If you were called up to service, they said bring your musket. And indeed, the First Congress passed a law. You want to know the first gun control law in America? First Congress passed a law mandating that all able-bodied men must own a musket. (APPLAUSE) Under the LEVIN: Thats an individual mandate we can live with. CRUZ: There you go. Thats under the 4th Circuits test, they say well gosh, if it would be useful in a military context. In the Second Amendment, its not about hunting, its not about target shooting, its about protecting your home and your family and your life. (APPLAUSE) So under the 4th Circuits test, the only things that are protected are things that are not useful in a military context. So apparently, the Second Amendment protects feather dusters. (LAUGHTER) You have a right to have a feather duster. If anyone breaks in, you can make sure theyre really clean as theyre robbing your house. (LAUGHTER) This is lawless. And its why after eight years of Obama, there are few, if anything, more important than putting principled constitutionalists on the Supreme Court. The Gorsuch nomination is important. It matters. And mark my words, Judge Gorsuch will be confirmed. (APPLAUSE) Lets lets talk about separation of powers. We have this massive administrative state, this fourth branch of government within the executive branch. The executive branch does more legislating than the legislative branch. And theyre pushing out 3,000, 4,000 laws, regulations every year. Isnt there a law that Congress passed itself, the REINS Act, that empowers itself to do something about this? Well, that should be one of the singular priorities of this new Congress and of this new administration, is reining in the out of control regulatory state. The REINS Act would require Congress to approve any regulation that would have an impact of greater than $100 million on the economy. Now, you want to talk about a basic common sense step. If the federal government is going to cost $100 million or more of your jobs going away, at a minimum the people who are elected by the people ought to have to vote and say, yes, I support taking away your job; or no, I dont support taking away your job. (APPLAUSE) And part of the regulatory state you know, what the framers understood was accountability. I mean, the Constitution is brilliant for accountability; for posing factions against each other, to fight amongst themselves in government, which protects our liberty. But also in ensuring that decision-making is made by those who the people can hold accountable. The regulatory state now lets politicians wipe their hands and say, hey, its not my fault. It just came from these bureaucrats who work for nobody and are accountable to nobody. And I will say, one of the things that I have encouraged President Trump to do, and Im optimistic about this, is to take on directly the regulatory state; to take it on, to fire bureaucrats. (APPLAUSE) And what Ive encouraged President Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions and by the way, let me just repeat that again: Attorney General Jeff Sessions. (APPLAUSE) I just like making Chuck Schumer twitch. (LAUGHTER) But what I have urged them to do is put together a sophisticated, serious legal strategy to take on the regulatory state. Now, youll be sued. Youll end up in the Ninth Circuit. Youll end up with activist judges trying to protect the regulatory state. But if you look at executive power we saw eight years of Obama. And what Obama did wrong with executive power is he tried to change the law. He tried to ignore the law. And under the Constitution, Article I, all legislative authority is vested in Congress. CRUZ: And the president doesnt have the authority to change the law or ignore the law, and thats what Obama tried to do. But under Article II, all executive power is vested in one president of the United States. The regulatory state is Congresss efforts to undermine the presidents authority. And my hope is we will see a president use that constitutional authority to rein in the uncontrollable, unelected bureaucrats and to rescind regulations. I hope we see the Waters of the United States rule rescinded. (APPLAUSE) And reining in the regulatory state would have a massive impact on economic freedom going forward. (APPLAUSE) Let me impeachment. Impeachment is a constitutional function. Yes, the left keeps talking about impeachment. I mean, they were talking about impeachment before the inauguration. (LAUGHTER) And, you know, I think impeaching Obama in January probably would have been a mistake. (LAUGHTER) (APPLAUSE) So would retroactive impeachment be unconstitutional? (LAUGHTER) I dont know, but it would be fun. (LAUGHTER) Let me ask you this question. Do the Democrats understand they need to control the House of Representatives to impeach somebody? (LAUGHTER) You know (LAUGHTER) the Democrats right now are living in an alternative universe. (LAUGHTER) (APPLAUSE) The week after the election, I was back at the Capitol. I was in an elevator at the Capitol with a well-known liberal Democrat, who was simply staring ahead in this complete stupor. (LAUGHTER) And that hasnt changed. (LAUGHTER) They all look like that. They are in denial. And theyre angry. I mean, you and I were talking backstage before this. The anger on the left Ive never seen anything like it. I mean, theyre right now opposing everything. Democrats in the Senate are filibustering absolutely everything. This is the longest weve been. The Cabinet is still not confirmed. This is the longest weve been since George Washington without confirming a Cabinet. Theyre filibustering everything. We voted a couple of weeks ago on approving the journal. Now, Mark, Im going to confess, I have idea what the hell that is. (LAUGHTER) Ive never I voted yes. I hope yes was the right vote. (LAUGHTER) Approving the journal is the most mundane procedural step. It is always done by unanimous consent. I didnt know we did that until they objected to it and said, no, youve got to have a full Senate vote; everyone come down to approve the journal. What that means if this continues, and from the left, their base theres a technical term for their base Moscow. (LAUGHTER) I was going a different direction, which was bat-crap crazy. (LAUGHTER) Right now, Democratic senators are more scared of their base than they are of the voters. Democrat a liberal Democrat told me a couple of weeks ago, said listen, were afraid of being primaried. The Democrats took as a lesson of this election that Hillary was too moderate. (LAUGHTER) And so their lesson is they need more Bernie Sanders, more Elizabeth Warren. Thats where Senate Democrats are. (BOOING) CRUZ: What that means is I think it is likely they will continue to oppose everything. Now, that means for us the answer cant be, OK, then they shut down the Congress; they prevent us from doing anything. So we need to look at tools that can get things done despite a Democratic filibuster. And there are three main tools. First is confirmation. And by the way, Ill do this again many times. Since January 20th, I have raised a glass and toasted Harry Reid. (LAUGHTER) (APPLAUSE) Because Harry Reid employed the so-called nuclear option, broke the Senate rules to change the Senate rules, lowered the threshold for confirmation from 60 votes to 51 votes. And it is a direct result of Harry Reid that we now have the most conservative Cabinet in decades. (APPLAUSE) And so if I can be a little presumptuous, Mark, let me on behalf of CPAC thank Harry Reid (LAUGHTER) Harry Reid, thank you for Attorney General Jeff Sessions. (APPLAUSE) And also, we should be thanking Harry Reid for EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. (APPLAUSE) For Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. (APPLAUSE) And very, very soon, I look forward to thanking Harry Reid for Supreme Court Justice Gorsuch. (APPLAUSE) Should we thank Keith Ellison, too? (APPLAUSE) Who is likely to be the next hold on who is likely to be the next chairman of the DNC? And Im sure the vast majority of Americans, given his background with Farrakhan, will be very excited about that. Shall we get behind him at CPAC? What do you say? (APPLAUSE) Listen, I will commend the Democrats for one thing. If they name Keith Ellison as the head of the DNC, then Ill commend them for truth in advertising. (APPLAUSE) Let me ask you this question. Theres a battle somewhat over Gorsuch. But when theres another vacancy, yes, how much nuttier can they get? Because the next vacancy theyre going to say belongs to them. And so, you know, we can only have so many people on the court who actually are faithful to the Constitution. So what steps might they take? Well, listen, this vacancy right now is defense. Were replacing Justice Scalia. Both you and I know knew Justice Scalia very well. He was extraordinary. He was one of a kind. (APPLAUSE) By the way, I have to tell a quick Scalia story, just in honor of the great jurist, which is in the early to mid-1980s, then-Judge Antonin Scalia was on the D.C. Circuit. The other prominent conservative was Robert Bork. Reagan was in the White House. Everyone knew one or the other, either Scalia or Bork, was likely to get the next vacancy. They didnt know who it was going to be. And Scalia was walking through the parking lot at the D.C. Circuit. He came to the elevator and there were two U.S. marshals who stopped him and said, Im sorry, sir, were holding this elevator for the attorney general of the United States. Scalia pushed past them. (LAUGHTER) CRUZ: Stepped into the elevator, pushed the button. And as the door is closing, he said, You tell Ed Meese Bob Bork doesnt wait for anyone. (LAUGHTER) And in 86, Reagan nominated Antonin Scalia. (LAUGHTER) The Scalia seat is defense. Were not going to get any better than Justice Scalia. The best we can do is preserve constitutional victories like upholding the Second Amendment, like protecting religious liberty. But were not going to get any better. This summer, I think well have another Supreme Court vacancy this summer. (APPLAUSE) If that happens, as much as the left is crazy now, they will go full Armageddon meltdown. Because the next vacancy is where we have the ability to get back and restore our basic constitutional protections. And to give an indication of just how much impact common sense policies can have, let me actually shift for a second, as we wrap up, from the Constitution to a basic priority, enforcing the border. So this week, I was down at the border, I was down at McAllen, joined the Border Patrol, did an air patrol up in the planes, went rode in a gun boat up and down the Rio Grande, joined them on a midnight ride along as they were enforcing the border and and let me break a little bit of news here. You know what the Border Patrol told me in the Rio Grande Valley Sector? That since Inauguration Day, illegal crossings have dropped 50 percent. (APPLAUSE) Now oddly enough, you and I have not seen that on the six oclock news. Somehow reporters arent reporting it. I asked them, I said, why is that? Border Patrol agents said they didnt know. But they assumed it was because with the new administration, they understood wed have an administration that would finally, finally, finally enforce the laws. (APPLAUSE) And I want to commend the men and women at CPAC. As activists fighting for liberty, fighting for the Constitution, yall are incredibly important. You are incredibly important number one in shocking and terrifying the mainstream media. (APPLAUSE) Which really should be done on a daily basis. But also on holding us accountable. We have the opportunity for this to be an historic Congress, the most productive Congress in decades. This year, in 2017, we should repeal Obamacare (APPLAUSE) confirm a strong conservative to the Supreme Court (APPLAUSE) and pass fundamental tax reform, ideally a flat tax. (APPLAUSE) And let me add one more thing to that list. We ought to pass the legislation that Ive introduced with Lindsey Graham to defund the United Nations until they reverse their anti-Israel resolution. (APPLAUSE) And if we do that if we do that, 2017 will be an historic milestone year. And so what Im encouraging President Trump and the Cabinet and congressional leaders to do, is lets keep our promises. Lets do what we said we would do, and thats what each and every one of you can hold all of us accountable for. (APPLAUSE) LEVIN: We have to go. Its been a pleasure being with you. Senator. CRUZ: To the great one. LEVIN: Its a pleasure being with all of you. God bless you. (APPLAUSE) SCHLAPP: Wow. CONWAY: Good morning. SCHLAPP: Wow. Well, I thought this was going to be an intimate conversation between you and me and over thousands of our closest friends. Thank you all for being here. Were just so honored to have Kellyanne Conway come join us today in this very special CPAC. And I want to start by sharing a little bit about yourself. You started picking blueberries in a farm in New Jersey, raised by these incredibly powerful women, your mom, your grandmother, your two aunts. CONWAY: Yes. SCHLAPP: Then you become CEO of a polling company, you worked with Republicans across the board, conservatives, then you become the first successful campaign female campaign manager and now counselor to the president. Kellyanne Conway (APPLAUSE) what drives you? What drives you? CONWAY: First of all, everything that youve just said is complete and absolute blessing. You know, women in this country work so hard and not all of them get their shot. And I feel like I worked hard, but I also got my opportunity, which puts in a different category of blessings. I was raised in a house I call it South Jerseys version of The Golden Girls, with the house coves (ph) and everything. Nobody ever had a single political conversation, by my mom, her mom, two of my mothers unmarried sisters. My father left when I was very young, we have a great relationship now and he certainly does with my four children. But I was raised to be a very strong and independent woman without anybody ever saying the word feminist or having any political conversation. We just were we were taught to (APPLAUSE) be free-thinking, independent, to look at your goals. And that old saying, you could never go home was never true in my community. We always felt like we could go home. And I I believe that Donald Trump is someone who is not fully understood for how compassionate and what a great boss he is to women. He has been promoting he has been promoting and elevating women in the Trump Corporation in the Trump campaign, in the Trump Cabinet, certainly in the Trump White House. Its just a very natural affinity for him. And I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity late in the campaign to work with an incredible team I mean, really an incredible team to be one of an incredible team, to help him get elected, particularly against a female candidate. And Hillary Clinton should be applauded for her willingness to serve publicly, but I thought it was very telling this year, Mercedes, that many women looked past the commonality of gender and were looking for what they shared in terms of issues, ideology, vision and just what they want out of their futures for themselves. The work life balance that we all talk about SCHLAPP: Right. CONWAY: is not elusive to me. And I dont have any special advice for Americas women, except to know who you are and to put your priorities in order and to not worry about the naysayers and critics say. I mean, nobody understands your life, but you. And really struggling as to whether or not to go inside the White House are to stay out. My children were first and foremost part of that decision. They are 12, 12, 8 and 7, four terrible ages. SCHLAPP: Shes got twins, Im telling you. Twins. CONWAY: And my 7- and 8-year-old are here somewhere. Theyre visiting from (inaudible). SCHLAPP: Theyre right there. And theyre so proud of their momma. CONWAY: But it but what I decided ultimately, is that I work for a man in the White House where that work life balance is welcome. I do think that many of my male colleagues, or all of them dont they appreciate the fact that they were raised by moms who either worked or didnt, or worked inside the home or are married to women at the same ilk. But at the same time, it is different a set of considerations for women, and you have to you have to put yourself last. SCHLAPP: Right CONWAY: They come first obviously, but theyre also so attuned to politics in a way that I never was when I was their ages. They think about they think about not just politics, but public policy. They think about their role in the world. CONWAY: And I would tell my three daughters and your daughters, or you, that the job for first female president of the United States remains open, so go for it. SCHLAPP: Fair enough. So there was this big womens march, the Democrats all claim that all women pretty much should be Democrats. I think one of the things youve done very effectively is explain how women belong in the conservative movement. That actually there are what I would call, conservative feminism. How would you explain that? CONWAY: Well, I believe this generation, particularly the younger people dont really like labels. And we dont were not necessarily joiners or liking to label ourselves. And I that thats great in its own right. So I dont know about calling yourself a feminist. I also, for me, its difficult for me to call myself a feminist in the classic sense because it seems to be very anti-male and it certainly is very pro-abortion in this context. And Im neither anti-male or pro- abortion, so. (APPLAUSE) Theres an individual feminism, if you will, that you make your own choices. Mercedes, I look at myself as a product of my choices, not a victim of my circumstances. And thats really clearly (APPLAUSE) what conservatives, feminism, if you will, is all about. My mother didnt feel sorry for herself, she was left with no child support, no alimony at a very young age, with a child to raise, a high school education and she just figured it out. She didnt complain, she didnt rely upon government, she relied upon her own skill set, her own self confidence, her own drive in moxie and her own duty to me and her and she relied upon her family and her faith. And I believe those are timeless lessons and timeless opportunities for all women in in similar circumstances and situations. And I would just say, I mean one thing thats been a little bit disappointing and revealing, is that I hope will get better is, turns out that a lot of women just have a problem with women in power. You know, this whole sisterhood, this whole lets go march for womens rights and, you know, just constantly talking about what women look like or what they wear, or making fun of their choices or presuming that theyre not as powerful as the men around. This presumptive negativity about women in power I think is very unfortunate, because lets just try to access that and have a conversation about it, rather than a confrontation about it. SCHLAPP: Now, I will tell you, the conservative women and men in this room, we support you. We support you. Weve got your back, Kellyanne. Weve got President Trumps back, as well. Now, you spent time privately with President Trump. We see this public persona of our tough president. How is he in private? CONWAY: Well, most of the strength and the leadership skills and the decisiveness, the resoluteness that I think this country was craving from its president, from a leader, is the same in public as it is in private. I find him to be very kind and generous. I find him to have a great sense of humor. Im genuinely interested in everybodys lives, their own families, their own pursuit, their background, their knowledge. Hes a man who just absorbs information and people and experiences. And Ive witnessed him firsthand with his five children, his 10 year old son, his wife Melania, whos just an incredible first lady for all of us, amazing. God bless her, were all very luck to have her leadership, as well. And Ive witnessed him with his four adult children and his eight grandchildren. Hes a family man. He is happiest when hes with his family and thats his that that really is a happy place for him to be with his family. And so hes very generous, very kind, funny, compassionate. And people should really think about when they see President Donald Trump, they should think about all the places that he was and could be. All the things he could be doing. The political motivators for many typical politicians of which hes not one, Mercy, money, power, prestige, fame, he had all of that. And he and his family have sacrificed mightily in those categories for him just to serve. And the idea that he is there because he wants to be there, because he believes in this country, he believes in its people. He believes in its promise, is very liberating and you see that when youre with him privately, you see it publicly. But I find him to be incredibly gracious, energetic, I mean the greatest compliment you can get from Donald Trump is not hey, thats brilliant or that was really smart or great job. Its youre really high energy. At the campaign, I would tell the young staffers, if you see him coming around the corner, just start doing jumping jacks because SCHLAPP: So youre saying if so youre saying if they say low energy blank, thats a bad thing, right? CONWAY: Its a bad thing. SCHLAPP: OK, got it. Well just keep out the name. CONWAY: But he works harder than anyone and he is just hes smarter and works harder than any of us and its thats very uplifting. You really wanna up your game when youre around him and do your best for him. And that goes for so many, if you look at the folks in the White House and I know you and your husband served in the White House, met in the White House SCHLAPP: Its very romantic (inaudible). CONWAY: I remember you being pregnant with Viana who I just saw was is going to high school. But if you if many who work in the White House, you know, so many were faring at gold mines and giving up their own businesses or own lives or privacy, because you want to serve this president and this country at this time, which is very fraught, but its also very promising. You know, I try to look at it through the positive side of the ledger. So much is negative these days, its so much as automatic, what can I find wrong in this and a bunch of trouble makers. Frankly, I just think if they looked at it more positively and look at all the promise and the opportunity we have for this country, people feel really optimistic many places where we go. SCHLAPP: So lemme ask you, how do you believe President Trump has impacted the conservative movement? CONWAY: Well, I think by tomorrow, this will be TPAC when hes here, no doubt. You know, every great movement and which the conservative movement is, of course, every great movement ends up being a little bit sclerotic and dusty after a time and I think they need new fusion of energy. And in the case of Candidate Trump and President-elect and Nominee Trump, he went right to the grassroots and brought you along. He he made people feel from the beginning, they were part of this movement. And being part of a movement means youre not just witnessing a campaign externally, which is why I think a lot of activists felt over the years, a different a different period of time which is that theyre just witnessing history rather than being a part of it. People felt really fully engaged, they felt like they had a seat at the table from the beginning. And I believe because it was such a tough competition in the Republican primary, he had 17 candidates, most of who made their way through CPAC over the years, that he earned the nomination in a way that was bottom up, instead of top down. He really replaced this fiction of electability with this revelation of electricity and brought people in. Also, I think Donald Trump because hes not a legacy candidate, hes not a Bush or a Clinton, hes sort of the first candidate of his type that non- politician, true outsider, was coming to shake up the system (APPLAUSE) That seems to me to be very relatable and resonant with CPAC, because CPAC you know, the courage that so so many of you show in your communities, in your places of work and your places of worship, certainly on your college campuses where you definitely feel like youre in the ideological minority, that that that kind of courage, that outsider status, is very much who Donald Trump is. And I believe how he got here and I personally, wanted to come here today as counselor, but also, really as the former campaign manager to thank you for everything you did, for the courage you showed, through the activity (APPLAUSE) Whether you stood in line, came to a rally, drove seniors to the polls, got people engaged in a conversation about public policy, we really owe it all to you. Those margins of victories were slim in some of those states. But to have carried states for the first time in decades, was truly remarkable and I think its a combination of Donald Trump and Mike Pence as the best messengers quality candidates and really, the grassroots to helping deliver in that way. I just wanted to comment personally, thank you. SCHLAPP: You mention about the college students, theres so many college students here in this audience. Whats whats your message for them to survive in terms of being in these more liberal institutions? How do they get their message out? CONWAY: Several different ways; first of all, dont live online, live in real time. Im just astonished how many people live online. On Facebook, Twitter, texting, e-mails, remember, its a mode of communication, it is not communication. Its not real life. So step aside, make sure people see something other than the top of your head and live in real time, in the real world. Have a conversation with people, engage other folks. There are so many people who are out there, who agree with you, or dont realize that they agree with you or want to learn more about repealing, replacing Obamacare or (inaudible) for what it means to have school choice and charter schools, et cetera. So engage in those conversations. Also, know who you are and possess that confidence and just tune out the naysayers and the critics in a way where you feel like you possess a certain patience and perspective that many of us in the bubble lack. CONWAY: And recognize also, that four years, eight years, is a long time, its much longer than the first four weeks. So keep that perspective, join different clubs, start different clubs that dont exist. Go ahead and and be bold, write letters to the editor, become a blogger, make your voices known, and and be willing to to be willing to hear the word, no, more than you say it. You will be rejected, somebody else will will get the job you wanted or someone else will be the president of the club that you felt you deserved to be. But dont say the word no. Opportunity does not always knock twice. You have to make some of your own opportunities and you have to go in and grab those. And also, because I see a lot of old timers like me in the audience, too, so I dont want to I dont want to give them short shrift. Thank you for sticking with the conservative movement. Thank you for believing in a set of ideas and principles that are timeless beyond politics, beyond any one political candidate or party, which is far less important, frankly, than the idea that you bring to bear. Converse with each other, help each other out. I learned so much from our younger staffers, a great deal of technologies, their native tongue, they had these great experiences and great perspectives. And they learn form us. Go ahead and mentor folks and do that exchange of information and ideas. Be willing to have a lunch or a coffee with someone. Dont be too busy for other people is really what I would say, dont be too busy for each other because that is something also today that I I find to be incredibly unfortunate. SCHLAPP: Wise words from the counselor to the president. Kellyanne Conway, we are so honored that she is with us again at CPAC, a regular visitor here. CONWAY: One last piece of advice? SCHLAPP: Absolutely. CONWAY: I have one last piece of advice for women just because I I want to tell a story that everybody always begs me to tell, Ive been telling it for a long time, some of you may have heard it before. I often, in my career, literally didnt know how to express my value and ask for what I thought I deserved and I had earned. And so, this is a long time ago story that still is enduring to this moment. I remind myself of it almost every day. I was young in my career, my company was a year old. I was a CNN paid political analyst at the time. And somebody called from a speaking agency and said, hey, we have a request from this financial institution for you and Mark Mellman, Democratic pollster, obviously a man, to come and speak to us on September 28th, about the elections. And I said, OK. And the man said, its September 28, you can each speak for 20 minutes, then well take 20 minutes Q&A preview, which we think will happen in the election, and talk to us a little bit about public policy. I said, that sounds great. Itll be at the Mayflower Hotel, which I can see out my office window. I literally was a block and half from there. They said, what is your speaking fee? And I froze. I completely froze because for me, even with my law degree at the time, for me free speech was not the First Amendment, it was lets go call Kellyanne, shell come, shell talk for free. And I froze because I knew no matter what I said in return to the question of what is your speaking fee, what are you worth, what is your value to do this, no matter what I said I was going to undercut myself. I was going to be that self-denying girl who grow up in that house of all women, a giver not a taker, and so I froze and I thought, my god, what am I going to say. Its not his fault if I undercut my value. So, having no idea how to assess my value for that particular speech, I took I took a line out out of When Harry Met Sally and I said, Ill have whats hes having. And the man said on the other line, he said 20 years ago, this is 1996, I was 28 years old. Im 50 you dont have to do the math. I just turned 50. 50s like the new 49 and nothing better, let me tell you. I said, (inaudible). He said, excuse me? And I said, well, you said Mark Mellman and I were going to do the same thing, show up at the same time, give the same remarks, so Ill have what hes having. And the man said, in 1996 having never gotten a dollar to give a speech before, he said, well, Mark requested $3,500, would that be. And I said, thatll be fine. And I hung up the phone and I fell to the floor. I was so excited. So, when in doubt, just say Ill have what hes having. And indeed(inaudible) (APPLAUSE) Thank you. SCHLAPP: Thank you. Tokyo (AFP) - A Japanese court on Thursday awarded record compensation for thousands of residents near a US military base over aircraft noise, but rejected their demand to suspend flights at odd hours. An Okinawa court ordered the Japanese government to pay 30.19 billion yen ($266 million) in damages to about 22,000 residents near Kadena Air Base -- more than three times the highest previous award over military noise. Presiding Judge Tetsuya Fujikura rapped the government, saying the noise burden on residents had continued despite a separate 2009 ruling calling for improvement. The damage has "caused mental pain, disturbance to sleep and an increase in the risk of negative health effects from developing high blood pressure", he said, according to Jiji Press. Residents near US military bases in Japan have long complained about noise levels, particularly take-offs and landings at night and early morning. The 2009 ruling, which covered a different set of Okinawa plaintiffs, said "the government has a political responsibility to improve the noise situation" even if it has no control over the US military, Jiji said. "The government's argument was not accepted fully by the court," top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told reporters, referring to the compensation award. He did not say if the government would appeal the ruling. The previous record damage award was 8.2 billion yen and covered the Atsugi Air Base, south of Tokyo, that is jointly operated by the United States and Japan. In a victory for the government, however, the Okinawa court refused to order a suspension of early morning and late night flights, following previous rulings on US military noise complaints that have cited the government's inability to control American military activities. The US has several military bases in Japan and stations about 47,000 troops in the country as part of a joint security treaty. Anti-base sentiment runs high on Okinawa, which accounts for less than one percent of Japan's total land area. But the southern island in the East China Sea hosts about 71 percent of land allotted for US bases in Japan and more than half the troop total. Stockholm (AFP) - Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf has urged news organisations to report objectively on the Nordic nation, after US President Donald Trump drew attention to the country's immigration challenges. In an interview with the Sydsvenskan newspaper published on Thursday, three days after a riot broke out in a Stockholm suburb with a large immigrant population, the monarch called for a balanced approach in news reporting. "It's important for Sweden's image in the world to report about the good examples," the 70-year-old king told the daily. "It won't happen without a serious and well-sourced media," he said. Images of the violence spread like wildfire around the world, blurring Sweden's response to Trump and the Fox News channel's report linking rising crime to immigration to which he had referred. The king praised Sweden for its research on immigration. "A lot of good research on integration issues is being conducted at the University of Malmo," he said after a visit on Wednesday to Sweden's third city, which is also home to many immigrants. "(Sweden) has succeeded well with education and research within these sectors. And it is important to get out information about the research that's being conducted," he added. Trump's remarks touched a raw nerve in Sweden, which is idealised by liberals for its social welfare and immigration policies but also targeted by the alternative right movement. Trump's opponents argue that crime levels have not surged since Sweden took in the highest number of asylum seekers per capita in Europe between 2014-2015, and insist that socio-economic factors are the real challenge. But others see a Sweden where foreigners are twice as likely to appear in crime statistics, are more frequently unemployed, and more often involved in underworld settling of scores. "It's important to not give up. I've been working with this for more than 40 years," the king said. Vulture population under threat Vultures, known as the natures scavengers, are facing threat, thanks to dwindling nesting habitats and a host of other factors. Branchburg (United States) (AFP) - "Do your job!" "Answer the question!" "Push back Trump!" In the New Jersey town of Branchburg and across the United States, Republican lawmakers are feeling the heat of anti-Trump fury from their constituents. In this first week of recess in Congress since President Donald Trump took office, senators and representatives have followed the timeworn tradition of going home to their citizens to discuss legislative projects. But in the extremely polarized country, where anti-Trump protests have rocked major cities since his January 20 inauguration, these town hall meetings have become flashpoints for citizens to voice dissent with the new administration and push against Republican lawmakers who support it. Trump this week denounced the "so-called angry crowds" in some Republican districts, asserting on Twitter that they were "in numerous cases, planned out by liberal activists." But the movement, which echoes protests by the ultra-conservative Tea Party in 2009 town halls after Democratic president Barack Obama took office, seems to have momentum -- to such an extent that many lawmakers have cancelled meetings. Not New Jersey Congressman Leonard Lance, 64, a veteran Republican reelected last November to represent the district where Branchburg is located, about 55 miles (90 kilometers) west of New York. A crowd jammed his town hall meeting Wednesday night, packing out a 1,000-seat auditorium at Raritan Valley Community College -- many of them Democrats, but also some with Republican sympathies, and most of them clearly anti-Trump. Outside, some 200 protesters decried the Trump administration's alleged ties to Russia, and the president's plans to overturn Obama's healthcare law; strip federal funding from Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion provider; and roll back environmental protections. Trump supporters appeared invisible, except for student Jack Hoffman, 18, who watched from afar wearing a pro-Trump cap. "They are crybabies that won't accept the results of the election," he said. Story continues Inside the auditorium, retiree Lee Brush, said that Lance was "well-liked" but now "has become kind of a party-liner" by supporting the Republican administration's more radical measures. With a large US flag nearby, Lance stood at the podium, opening the meeting by leading the Pledge of Allegiance, his right hand placed on his heart as is customary. "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all," he said. "For all! For all!" the audience picked up in a chant. Lance tried to calm the crowd by assuring that questions would be chosen "at random." - Tough questioning - One after another doctors, students, professors and others took the microphone to talk about the events of recent weeks and to question him, politely but firmly, on all subjects. "Are you going to allow our tax money to be used to build that wall?" someone asked, referring to Trump's vow to build a wall on the US southern border with Mexico. The question drew applause. "Will you vote for a congressional commission to investigate the ties with Russia?" asked another, encouraged by the shouts in the auditorium. Many wielded signs, saying "Agree" on a green-colored side and "Disagree" on the red reverse side, flipping them according to what the lawmaker said. Not one Trump supporter spoke at the meeting. Lance kept calm and pointed to his moderate positions, saying he does not think a wall along the entire border with Mexico is necessary and that he agrees with Republican Senator John McCain in being "very suspicious of Russia." He pointed out that he was "one of the first Republicans to criticize the travel ban" ordered by Trump and blocked by the courts. Many of his statements were applauded. But not all. The crowd did not like it when he said that a congressional inquiry on Trump's links with Moscow was unnecessary "at this stage" and that a demand that Trump release his tax returns to Congress "goes too far." That last point drew a barrage of boos and cries of "push back" Trump. "It was a little disturbing that he would not criticize the administration," said Steven Antunes, an environmental lawyer, after the meeting. "His job is to represent his constituents, not to worry about his party," he said. "But to be fair, he showed up, he tried to answer questions... he was polite and the questions were not staged." "And he is in a hot spot: there is a fear of retribution from the administration." A visibly fatigued Lance later told journalists that he had found the "vigor" of the meeting "very useful." He said he planned another one Saturday. In their districts this week, Republican members of Congress are facing pushback from angry town-hall crowds over the potential repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Some lawmakers are offering up a degree of sympathy in response, whether by defending the right to protest or attempting to convince voters they understand their concerns. Republican Senator Tom Cotton told an agitated town hall audience in Arkansas on Wednesday that he wouldnt deny that Obamacare has helped many Arkansans, after a woman said the law saved her life. When another woman insisted she wasnt a paid protester, the senator tried to reassure the crowd that wasnt a charge he planned to make: Youre all Arkansans and Im glad to hear from you, he said. Thank you to everyone for coming out tonight, whether you agree with me or disagree with me. This is part of what our country is all about. Other Republican lawmakers have gone even further in making clear over the past week that they believe the people showing up at town halls and expressing alarm over the possibility of Obamacare repeal are genuine and should be listened to. Recommended: I Was a Muslim in the Trump White Houseand I Lasted Eight Days This wasnt an artificial crowd. It wasnt manufactured. It was real people with real concerns in terms of what came next on healthcare, GOP Representative Mark Sanford of South Carolina told CNN after holding a town hall of his own lasting almost four hours over the weekend. In Iowa, Republican Senator Chuck Grassley told reporters on Tuesday that its all legitimate, as he too faced questioning at town halls over the fate of the healthcare law. If Hillary Clinton had been elected president, thered be people from the conservative end of the spectrum [who would] probably be doing the same thing. Those acknowledgements might not be enough to allay the fears of people worried that they might lose health coverage if the Affordable Care Act is repealed. But they mark a contrast with the way the White House has characterized the protest and agitation taking place, and also appear to be a departure from how some Republican lawmakers talked about the activism at town halls when they first started generating national headlines earlier this month. Story continues After video footage of an agitated crowd in Utah chanting Do your job! at House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz went viral, the GOP congressman went on the defensive. Suggesting that people at his town hall were not acting in good faith, Chaffetz said that what happened was bullying and an attempt at intimidation. The Deseret News reported that Chaffetz claimed that the protestors included people brought in from other states to disrupt the meeting. Recommended: An Actual False-Flag Operation The White House has also attempted to downplay the crowds. During a press conference last week, President Trump seemed to dismiss protesters by arguing that they arent residents of the lawmakers districts. They fill up our rallies with people that you wonder how they get there, but theyre not the Republican people that our representatives are representing, he said. On Tuesday, he tweeted: The so-called angry crowds in home districts of some Republicans are actually, in numbers cases, planned out by liberal activists. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer acknowledged during a press briefing earlier this week that some people are clearly upset, but similarly suggested the activism may not accurately reflect the sentiment of the lawmakers constituents. There is a bit of professional protestor, manufactured base in there, he said. It is a loud, small group of people, disrupting something in many cases for media attention. In states across the country, liberal activists are taking a page out of the Tea Party playbook to help organize turnout at town hall events. Some of those activists are following guidelines that draw inspiration from Tea Party tactics as a way to put pressure on members of Congress and generate headlines, explicitly recommending that activists reach out to media, during and after the town hall. Still, that doesnt necessarily mean the people voicing concern at town halls are exclusively liberal activists. CNNs Eric Bradner and MJ Lee, meanwhile, have reported that theres no evidence of paid protesters. Recommended: When Does Contact Between the FBI and the White House Cross the Line? Its too early to say what kind of impact the town hall protests might have, if much at all, beyond energizing liberal activists. The extent to which voter dissatisfaction is or isnt widespread is also difficult to gauge from protest alone. This week, a Pew Research Center survey found that most Republican voters have a favorable view of Trump and trust the president more than GOP leaders in Congress. Even if some GOP lawmakers adopt a sympathetic tone toward angry town hall crowds, that isnt necessarily an indication that theyre changing course. When Cotton told the crowd on Wednesday that he wouldnt deny Obamacare has helped people in the state of Arkansas, he quickly added it has also hurt many Arkansans. And some Republican lawmakers have voiced frustration at events. If all you want to do is vent, this will not be profitable, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy said during a Louisiana town hall on Wednesday amid shouts and yelling. Later, the senator lamented to reporters: The unfortunate thing is there was so much common ground that they would not listen to, adding unfortunately, people came in with their prejudices, and with their prejudice, they would not listen. But Cassidy defended the right to protest. I assume theyre Americans who care about our country, he told Gambit, a Louisiana newspaper, after the event, dismissing the possibility that people in the room were paid protestors. He added: Theyre coming out with their Constitutionally protected right to assemble and speak. And isnt that a good thing! Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. Constituents in Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy's home district got rowdy at a town hall event Wednesday afternoon, following in somewhat of a recent national trend of voters voicing displeasure with their elected officials. Video and photos captured at Cassidy's meeting showed it was heavy on the boos and outbursts from those in attendance. Voters were chanting "do your job" and shouting questions at the Republican senator, who at one point remained seated silent while the bedlam ensued. When Cassidy reportedly threatened to call law enforcement on those who were apparently not acting in an orderly fashion, the crowd chanted "don't be quiet!" The meeting was reportedly late to get started even though Cassidy was there in attendance, provoking further outrage from an apparently already testy crowd. Cassidy's experience Wednesday fell in line with how voters have greeted other elected officials, especially Republicans, during their respective town hall events in their home districts recently. Town hall attendees have not only been flooding the event sites, but also going to the elected officials' offices and calling them with complaints. One common denominator for the town halls was President Donald Trump, who declared on Twitter that the uprisings had actually been "planned out by liberal activists. Sad!" However, there was no direct evidence to prove the president's assertion. The wave of protests from constituents seemingly got started Thursday night when U.S. Rep Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) faced a high school auditorium packed with angry residents chanting "Vote him out!" and "Do your job!" The crowd wanted to know why Chaffetz supported Trump and his policies and why the committee he chairs the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Story continues was not investigating the new commander in chief. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) was given similar treatment at an American Legion town hall event in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky on Tuesday. Multiple other similar incidents took place this week, as well. You can see them here. The message to elected officials was clear, and one that U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) likely heard loud and clear during her own town hall meeting in the city of Fairview Tuesday, the New York Times reported. "Were not stupid; you have to do better," an apparently scorned voter told her. Images and video from town hall events across the country have emerged on social media. A sampling of the follows below. Related Articles ON THE TOWN. Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas held a town hall for the ages in Springdale, Ark., Wednesday night, drawing pointed questions from an Obamacare supporter, a Lutheran pastor, a descendent of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and a 7-year-old boy. Opponents of President Donald Trump packed a 2,200-seat high school theater Wednesday night, firing questions at U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton and drowning out the states junior senator whenever they were dissatisfied with his answers, reports the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Hundreds more stood outside the Pat Walker Theater in Springdale, unable to gain admission after the fire marshal determined that the building was already full. A new anti-Trump group called Ozark Indivisible helped organize Wednesdays meeting. There were long lines to get in: There's a line of at least 1000 waiting to enter GOP Sen. Tom Cotton's town hall in Arkansas, NBC News reports. pic.twitter.com/PA8xCuWqNp Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) February 22, 2017 People held up pieces of paper showing their ZIP codes to prove they were Cottons constituents, rather than outside agitators: People standing outside the Springdale HS for #CottonTownHall. The numbers are their zip codes. #ARnews pic.twitter.com/DeFxaCRHZY Channing Barker (@ChanningBarker) February 22, 2017 Mary Story from Fayetteville said she was not a paid protester, and Cotton replied, I dont really care if anybody here is paid or not. Youre all Arkansans. And Im glad to hear from you. Watch how @SenTomCotton responds to a woman who says she's not a paid protester https://t.co/Np2Cfr0wFp pic.twitter.com/NkB2GsqqVq CNN (@CNN) February 23, 2017 She also described herself as a descendant of five men who fought in the Revolutionary War, including one who signed the Declaration of Independence, and said she was concerned about the threat to constitutional rights under Trump. What was Cotton going to do to look into Trumps ties to Russia, she wanted to know. Cotton said he supported investigating them through the Senate Intelligence Committee, rather than establishing a separate panel, because it would be faster. A later questioner contrasted that approach to the seven Benghazi probes, and Cotton replied that the Benghazi investigation delays helped inform his views on the matter. Story continues A woman whose husband needed ongoing care dared Cotton to find her a better health insurance plan than the one she has under Obamacare that costs $39 a month. Emotional moment Ark. woman confronts Tom Cotton: "I have sent you one message after the othernot a word except a regular letter sent." pic.twitter.com/ihSXAOtpJo Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) February 22, 2017 Voter to @SenTomCotton: My husband is dying. We can't afford health insurance. What kind of insurance do you have? https://t.co/iYFiZtwJ1F CNN (@CNN) February 22, 2017 And a 7-year-old boy implored Cotton not to cut PBS just to build a wall. 7-year-old to Sen. Tom Cotton: Don't take away PBS Kids to build a wall https://t.co/lyxxcX7hro pic.twitter.com/ayflxjg3UL CNN (@CNN) February 23, 2017 As heated as the forum got, Cotton demonstrated throughout that its possible to stay calm and respectful while facing off with a passionate audience full of people whose views are different than yours. Maybe it takes having a Harvard Law degree and military training to stay that unruffled, but other Republicans would do well to study his town hall. It turns out that town halls full of angry constituents dont have the be the sort of disaster Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidys was earlier Wednesday, when he was shouted into silence multiple times and an agitated questioner was led out by police. Nor do members of Congress have to cut them short when shouting breaks out, as Sen. Joni Ernst did at a town hall in Iowa on Tuesday. The meetings can, improbably, be a chance for members to show what they are made of. Of course, the setup Cotton chose helped. He was on a stage, with the audience arrayed in seats in a sloped auditorium. And he also venue-shopped, moving the advertised location for the town hall multiple times, according to the Arkansas Times, and worked to pack the town hall with friendlies. The result was a mix of views, an array of incredibly well-informed questions, and less hostile shouting than some other town halls have seen. You can watch the full video of the town hall here, courtesy of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. RYAN RIDES OFF. Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan visited the U.S.-Mexico border on horseback Wednesday, as his Wisconsin aides pooh-poohed ongoing local efforts to sway him to hold a town hall meeting. U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan has declined an invitation to attend a town hall meeting sponsored by local progressive group Forward Kenosha during the February recess, reports the Kenosha News. While we appreciate the clever attempt to get media coverage for their organization, Paul will be unable to assist in that effort, said Ryan press secretary Ian Martorana in a statement to the Kenosha News. NOT WITH A BANG The Oceti Sakowin camp at Standing Rock the site of demonstrations against the Dakota Access Pipeline came to a quiet, fiery end Wednesday as the small band of remaining protesters ceremonially burned their temporary housing structures and marched out of the encampment in advance of a directive from the Army Corps of Engineers and the governor of North Dakota to leave or be arrested. Just before the 2pm deadline a #NoDAPL peaceful march out of the camp. Whoever is left inside now is in danger of arrest. pic.twitter.com/zQtSft7n0i Sara Sidner (@sarasidnerCNN) February 22, 2017 Others decided to stay and be arrested. Theres a lot of sadness right now. We have to leave our second home, Dom Cross, an Oglala Sioux from Pine Ridge, S.D., told the Associated Press. A new camp is being established on private land nearby, but is unlikely to draw the energy of the original protest, thanks to a mix of North Dakotas harsh winter and the Trump administrations decision to push forward with efforts to build the pipeline, reversing the protesters win under Obama in December. NEW GROUP ALERT. Reports Politico: Top lawyers who helped the Obama White House craft and hold to rules of conduct believe President Donald Trump and his staff will break ethics norms meant to guard against politicization of the government and theyve formed a new group to prepare, and fight. United to Protect Democracy, which draws its name from a line in President Barack Obamas farewell address that urged his supporters to pick up where he was leaving off, has already raised a $1.5 million operating budget, hired five staffers and has plans to double that in the coming months. By Paul Benjamin Osterlund IZMIR, Turkey (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - The Kadifekale - or 'Velvet Castle' neighbourhood - of Turkey's seaside city of Izmir is a picturesque tangle of vividly painted houses perched on an impossibly steep hill. Blessed with breath-taking views - an urban skyline framed by the Aegean sea beyond - it is also one of Izmir's best known informal settlements and has long been home to the city's most disenfranchised and poor communities. Known as a 'gecekondu' - which means "built overnight" - the area is populated by waves of migrants: Kurdish, Roma and most recently, Syrians, who began moving to the city from the 1950s onwards in search of work. Today, however, work is hard to find and the neighbourhood is facing destruction. Locals blame the excavation of an amphitheatre found in the centre of Kadifekale, which has already seen the displacement of hundreds of families. Many more fear they will be next. NO HOME, NO JOB Veysel Acat works in a small market in a six-storey building owned by his uncle, which sits above the gigantic amphitheatre, believed to have had a capacity of 16,000. The municipality has offered the sum of TL 300,000 ($83,900) to demolish his property. But Acat's uncle says he will be unable to buy a similar building elsewhere in the city for the price, adding that he had taken the matter to court. "You can't buy an apartment with that money," Acat told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. To make matters worse, he said, the family's rented home is also in the demolition zone and the owner had already sold. Acat refuses to leave and said the city responded by cutting off the family's water supply. City authorities could not be reached for immediate comment. "Where are we going to go this winter? I make TL 1300 ($370) a month, where will we go?" Acat said. LITTLE OUTCRY While the decision to replace poor, central neighborhoods with more expensive housing has sparked opposition in Turkey's largest city of Istanbul, the demolition of Kadifekale to unearth a globally important archeological site has produced little public outcry. However residents argue that while the Aegean region is rich in ancient Hellenistic and Roman ruins, Kadifekale is also a living and unique representative of Izmir's modern, urban history and it is one that is being rapidly erased. The Thomson Reuters Foundation requested comment from the project's archaeological team who said they were not permitted to speak on the record. They pointed to the project's website which states that "one section [of the theatre] is demolished while one lies under modern but poor-quality housing currently in use". Archaeologists have known about the amphitheatre since 1912, but the structure was not officially identified until 2007. The area was then officially protected as an archaeological site, setting the stage for the expropriation process, which has accelerated in recent years. Davut Tekin, Kadifekale's muhtar, an elected official who represents the neighbourhood, said that at least 600 homes in the area have already been taken over by the city. Some have been demolished, others remain empty while some families, like Acat the grocer's, have chosen to hang on until they are physically forced to leave. UNITED THEY STAND Those who live in the neighbourhood, from whichever of its many disparate quarters, see themselves as a united community. "When you ask someone from around here where they live, they say 'I live in the 'Kale," Tekin said. During a chat in his office, Tekin spoke in Turkish, switching to Kurdish when residents dropped in for help. Like the muhtar, most came from the southeastern province of Mardin. The newest inhabitants are Syrian refugees who have moved into the most precarious buildings, many which look as if they could topple at any moment. Property that has been expropriated but not yet demolished is rented out informally by their former owners to Syrian refugees for between TL 450-650 ($125-180) a month, residents say. Though some locals exploit the Syrians, others say they have welcomed the new arrivals. "We've done everything we can to help the Syrians here," said 35-year-old Huseyin, who did not give his surname. Dressed head to toe in Adidas gear, he lingered outside a friend's sandwich shop, complaining of no work and no prospects. "Turkish employers don't like people from the east," he said, using the phrase that once meant 'Kurd' at a time when people barely dared to say the word in public. Tekin, the muhtar, echoed his complaint, saying the municipality's payments are not enough to begin a new life. "Everyone's pessimistic and uneasy." (Reporting by Paul Benjamin Osterlund Editing by Paola Totaro and Lyndsay Griffiths. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit news.trust.org) BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) Nearly 1,300 officials were sent to trial last year in Romania in corruption cases with damages amounting to 260 million euros ($273 million), the country's chief anti-corruption prosecutor said Thursday. Laura Kovesi Codruta, who heads the country's anti-graft agency, said three ministers, 17 lawmakers, 16 magistrates and 20 state company officials were among high-level cases targeted by the agency last year. Kovesi, presenting the agency's annual report to senior judges, prosecutors and magistrates at the ornate National Military Circle in downtown Bucharest, said prosecutors need predictable laws to do their job. Last month, the government issued a highly contentious decree that would have decriminalized official misconduct, sparking weeks of massive anti-graft protests. Premier Sorin Grindeanu eventually canceled the measure. Kovesi said: "We want to fight corruption" but "efforts need to be sustained by a stable legislative and institutional framework." She said one in four of the agency's prosecutions is a case of abuse of office. President Klaus Iohannis called Romania's anti-corruption drive, praised by Western allies, "necessary.... if we want a modern state," adding "at the beginning of this year... (it) was really put to the test." "Romania is not only a model of good practice, but a source of inspiration for citizens of other countries to publicly show they refuse to accept acts of corruption," Iohannis said. Russia is not preparing a psychological dossier on U.S. President Donald Trump, the Kremlin said Wednesday, dismissing an NBC News report that said otherwise. The Monday report by the American news outlet said the file will be prepared by retired diplomats and some of Russian President Vladimir Putins staff to help him plan his first meeting with Trump a date for which has not yet been decided. The Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov disapproved of the NBC News report. "The Kremlin did not order a psychological portrait of Trump," Peskov said. NBC News, citing Russias former deputy foreign minister Andrei Fedorov, said that the preliminary conclusions of the psychological report on Trump showed the U.S. president is a risk-taker who can be naive. Trump "doesn't understand fully who is Mr. Putin he is a tough guy," Fedorov told the news outlet. "Very serious preparatory work is going on in the Kremlin, including a paper seven pages describing a psychological portrait of Trump, especially based on this last two to three months, and the last weeks," Fedorov reportedly said. This comes at a time when Russia is battling what it says is fake news from Western news outlets. On Wednesday, the countrys foreign ministry website published some examples of this "false information." It included reports stating Russia hacked French presidential front-runner Emmanuel Macron, that it launched a missile violating a 1987 treaty, and a report that stated that Moscow was planning to give NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden as a gift to Trump. Trump has been speaking about establishing better ties with Russia in a bid to fight terrorism. The move has been met with positive response from Putin. The U.S. president has also called reports about his administration being close to Russia as fake news. "I own nothing in Russia, I have no loans in Russia, I don't have any deals in Russia," Trump said last Thursday during a press conference. "Russia is fake news. This is fake news put out by the media." Related Articles In a dual set of separate but bizarre, odd and mutually dissonant announcements from Russia that again raise the specter of Cold War in the Putin-Trump era, a foreign ministry spokeswoman declared Wednesday that the country will try to weed out fake news by flagging and identifying it on the departments website. On the same day, the country's defense minister announced that the Russian army has set up troops for informational operations, in order to make propaganda smart, competent and effective. Regarding the safeguard measures against fake news, Maria V. Zakharova, the foreign ministry spokeswoman, told state news agency RIA Novosti Wednesday: Here we will make an example of such propaganda dumped by various media outlets, providing links to their sources, and so on. So far, since it was launched on its official website on Wednesday, five articles (Bloomberg, NBC News, New York Times, Telegraph, Santa Monica Observer) were slapped with a "FAKE" label and a disclaimer in Russian language that translates to this material contains data, not corresponding to the truth. However, details about the process by which an article enters this list were not revealed. Zakharova said that news that did not allow Russia to respond with a reaction and carried unverified facts and information from unidentified sources, which amounts to opinion, would be flagged. She also added that they have included an appeal process under which news organizations can make their case. Russia is being accused of doing this, but how can you accuse us of disseminating untrue information by government agencies and the media while you are doing the same against Russia? While publishing information about Russia, the world media is doing the same thing they never cite concrete facts this is a sad paradox, Zakharova said, according to the New York Times. The sad paradox that Zakharova highlighted about media reports spreading fallacious information against Russia was contradicted in an almost hypocritical way by Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu's announcement about Russian military's "Information Warfare Units" for propaganda news. Story continues In the meantime, an army for informational operations has been set up that is much more effective and stronger than what we had previously created for the purpose of what we call counter-propaganda, he told parliament, state news agency Itar-Tass reported. Besides a vague reference made by the head of parliament's defense and security committee, Vladimir Shamanov about the new unit dealing with cyberwarfare to Interfax news agency, not much is known about the details of Shoygus announcement. Many have raised concerns that the unit's work may be akin to the misinformation and fallacious reports spread in the aftermath of the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 tragedy that killed all 298 civilians on board. Moreover, if their fake news test doesn't accurately and diligently counter fake news spread by domestic Russian outlets (like it says it would) it is a serious cause for concern for everyone. Related Articles Ankara (AFP) - In the heart of Ankara, Turkish communications lecturer Sevilay Celenk gives a lecture to dozens of attentive students. But her lecture is not taking place on a campus, or even in a hall, but at a park, where the crowd has braced the bitter cold to hear her. Celenk is one of about 5,000 Turkish academics who have been dismissed under a controversial state of emergency imposed after the failed July 15 coup. In a show of defiance across parks in Ankara, fired academics provide free lessons once every two weeks, lecturing on various topics including class and identity. Since the coup attempt which tried to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, over 100,000 people have been sacked or suspended from the public sector under emergency decrees. The university sector has been one of the hardest hit, with many lecturers accused of havings links to US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara has blamed for the coup attempt, and also to Kurdish militants. - 'Illegal dismissal' - Celenk said that when she was dismissed in one of the emergency decrees on January 6, she felt anger at what she called a "frightening removal of any democratic, dissident, leftwing" sections of society. "I felt a healthy anger, because we are faced with a truly unjust, illegal and unfounded dismissal," she told AFP after her latest outdoor lecture to an audience including former students, on the concept of resistance. She says she has been targeted because she signed a petition along with over 2,000 other academics calling for peace in Turkey's restive southeast. Among the 330 academics dismissed earlier this month, 115 had signed the petition, local media reported. Ibrahim Kaboglu, a prominent specialist on constitutional law, was also among the latest to be sacked. "They took away our right to education, to schooling. It's a frightening process. It's like they are trying to pour concrete on our school," Ilkyaz Gencdal, a former student of Celenk's at Ankara University, told AFP after the 15-minute lecture. Story continues "Most of our classes have been left without a lecturer," Gencdal added. AFP has been told that no faculty at Ankara University will be shut down and that each department was finding replacements. The government has insisted that any mistakes will be rectified, and last month a decree was issued to set up a commission to assess appeals from people who claim they were wrongly suspended or fired. But the education ministry told AFP it would not comment on individual cases. - 'Rights won on streets' - Nuriye Gulmen was suspended last year from her job as lecturer at Selcuk University in the central Turkish province of Konya, and formally sacked in January. Since November, she has been standing every day by an Ankara statue of a woman that celebrates human rights. Gulmen has been detained 23 times by the police during her nearly 100-day protest. "Until today, wherever there has been success for workers and the public -- if they have won rights -- they have won this on the street," Gulmen said. Her next move will be to go on hunger strike until she can return to her work. She was accused of having ties to Gulen's group, claims which she strongly denies, adding that she has not been shown any evidence. Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, has denied orchestrating the coup bid. Gulmen began her protest alone but she is now joined by other fired workers including Acun Karadag, a middle school teacher who said her doctor believed her dismissal caused heart problems. But Gulmen, who has previously been accused of links to a Marxist militant group but denies links to other illegal organisations, said "there was no other path" but street protests. "We are not rich people. Our families educated us with difficulty," Gulmen said, later adding she was living on people's sofas. - Chances of appeal? - Gulmen and many other dismissed teachers and lecturers are members of the leading leftwing education union, Egitim-Sen, whose president, Kamuran Karaca, said nearly 1,300 people it represents had been sacked. Another 11,500 members were suspended last year but Karaca said all but around 70 people had been returned to their posts. He denied that his secular union -- which is financially supporting its sacked members -- had any militant or Gulen links. Karaca said the union would apply to the new commission to appeal the dismissals. But Andrew Gardner, a researcher on Turkey at Amnesty International, said he was sceptical about the commission's ability -- or desire -- to examine cases quickly. "Preventing people from going to the European Court of Human Rights seems to be the primary objective," he said. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders may have lost the 2016 Democratic nomination, but the fiery politician and his large contingent of supporters don't appear to have given up the fight in 2017 and beyond. The progressive, self-described "Democratic socialist" still has many loyalists who they are fighting along different battle lines: by running for local city and county government offices in an attempt to thwart President Donald Trump's conservative policies. "It is absolutely imperative that we see a major transformation of the Democratic Party," Sanders recently told the Wall Street Journal. In order to survive, Sanders said his party must "do what has to be done in this country, to bring new energy, new blood." A tough challenge awaits Sanders supporters in the short term after his failed bid for the White House. Trump starkly opposes several of the former Democratic candidates key policies, including climate change reform, supporting immigration nationwide and regulating local and national economies. But a new wave of liberal activism nationwide in the Democratic partys base has helped numerous Sanders supporters win low-level posts in blue areas like California, signaling a long-term fundamental shift that could shift the party further to the left. RTSVN4Q Photo: Reuters Meanwhile, the Democratic party is undergoing somewhat of an identity crisis in the wake of Trumps upset victory in November, as the Democratic National Committee is grappling with whether to follow the more mainstream liberal policies of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton or the more progressive stances of Sanders. The two leading candidates to become next Chair of the DNC embody the current divide within the DNC. Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, who became the first Muslim elected to Congress, has received widespread support from Sanders and his supporters, and reportedly has a slim lead over former secretary of Labor Secretary Tom Perez, who has received backing from Democrats wary of moving the party too far to the left. Story continues "We must also do everything we can to elect Democrats in Congress in 2018, and to take back the White House in 2020," Sanders said in his endorsement of Ellison for DNC chair. "We need a Democratic National Committee led by a progressive who understands the dire need to listen to working families, not the political establishment or the billionaire class." Related Articles By Alister Doyle OSLO (Reuters) - Ocean scientists will pick 50 coral reefs worldwide to test ways to limit damage from climate change, pollution and over-fishing that threatens to wipe out 90 percent of all reefs by 2050, according to a plan launched on Thursday. Last year was the warmest on record the third time in a row, damaging corals from Australia's Great Barrier Reef to the Caribbean, a loss for fragile species and a threat to coastal economies in the magnitude of billions of dollars. An alliance of scientists, conservationists and philanthropists said experts will select 50 reefs around the globe during 2017 and then test conservation techniques that will be extended elsewhere if successful. "There's been a lot of work on identifying the train crash (for corals) but very little about 'let's not let this happen'," said Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, director of the Global Change Institute at the University of Queensland and a leader of the "50 Reefs" project. "We can change the course" of coral losses, he told Reuters in a telephone interview, adding the plan was the first global attempt to safeguard corals beyond national measures. Methods could include no-fishing zones, cutting pollution in coastal seas, finding ways to eradicate non-native fish species or limits on scuba-diving tourism. The reefs to be chosen for study are likely to be vulnerable ones with a wide variety of marine life. Many people wrongly associate climate change only with heatwaves, storms and wildfires on land, Michael Bloomberg, the U.N. secretary-general's special envoy for cities and climate change, said in a statement about the project. "Some of the most disastrous effects of climate change are out of sight on the ocean floor. In fact, unless we take urgent action, 90 percent of coral reefs are expected to disappear by 2050," he said. Warm waters can "bleach" corals by driving away algae that give reefs their bright colors. Reefs can sometimes recover from short-term bleaching. "The latest bleaching has been the worst die-off ever recorded," Richard Vevers, founder of the Ocean Agency, a non-profit Australian group supporting the project, told Reuters. One in four types of fish spend part of their lives at reefs that are worth an estimated $300-$400 billion each year in terms of livelihoods from tourism, fisheries and medicines, the 50 Reefs group said in a statement. (Editing by Robin Pomeroy) During todays White House press briefing, in among questions about President Donald Trumps new travel ban, the federal budget, Syria and other issues, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer was asked whether Trump will be watching the Oscars on Sunday night and how he will react if there is a Meryl Streep kind of moment. Noting the rash of anti-Trump speeches that have dominated trophy shows this awards season, Debra Saunders, of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, asked Spicer, Why do you think this happens? Why do I think what happens? Spicer asked, trying hard not to laugh, in which he was more successful than the reporters in the room. Actresses and actors like Meryl Streep, Saunders explained. I have no idea. Its a free country. I think Hollywood is known for being rather far to the left in its opinions, Spicer explained patiently. I got to be honest with you, I think the president will be hosting the Governors Ball that night, Spicer said. Different Governors Ball. The First Lady has put a lot of time into this event thats going to occur, and welcoming our nations governors to the capital. I have a feeling thats where the President and First lady are going to be focused, on Sunday night, so well go from there. Of course Trump also had not watched Streepss acceptance speech at the Golden Globe Awards either, but it got his undies in a bunch nonetheless, as Saunders referenced. Accepting the Cecil B. DeMille Award, Streep gave what would have been the best political speech of the White House race, except it was delivered two months too late. Streep did not talk about her career but instead about the one performance this year that stunned me, sank its hooks into my heart. Describing a Trump campaign-rally imitation of New York Times reporter Serge Kovalevskis disability (Trump has denied he was imitating the reporter), Streep said, It kind of broke my heart when I saw it and I still cant get it out my head because it wasnt in a movie, it was real life. Story continues Streep is a Hillary lover, Trump told the New York Times that night, in a post-Globes interview. He called her one of the liberal movie people who have deliberately misconstrued what was his intention when he imitated the reporter. And, because a good head of steam is a terrible thing to waste Trump then took to Twitter to call Streep one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood, and a Hillary flunky. Related stories Stephen Colbert Wonders If Donald Trump Will Get WaPo's "Democracy Dies In Darkness" Message Hollywood Reacts To Government's New Stance On Bathrooms For Transgender Students How To Watch The Oscars On TV & Online Dakar (AFP) - War crimes accusations have been filed against Chad's President Idriss Deby, a Senegalese court which is already trying ex-Chadian dictator Hissene Habre said Thursday. Deby, who overthrew Habre in 1990, has been accused of "genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and torture, at the initiative of some victims", lawyer Mbaye Jacques Ndiaye told radio station RFI. The tribunal confirmed a case against Deby had been filed on Wednesday at the special African tribunal but would not comment further. Legal experts said the court's founding statute appeared to bar it from taking any action against the president. The complaint relates to the period directly before Deby rose to power in December 1990, according to RFI. The plaintiffs, who are Chadians, accuse him of having tortured and executed prisoners of war when he was a rebel commander, according to Ndiaye, who was not available to comment to AFP. "President Deby personally committed wrongdoing -- acts of torture. He personally killed individuals. These are people who were tortured, who were executed, burned alive and thrown to wild animals," the lawyer told RFI. He was unable to give the number of victims involved in the action, but said two were in Senegal while others were abroad. French lawyers for Deby denounced " a fantastical complaint," adding that it was aimed at "undermining the image" of the president. The court's statute allows for the "person or persons most responsible" for abuses committed during Habre's years in power to be prosecuted, but in reality it has no mandate to pursue Deby, said Reed Brody of Human Rights Watch. "According to the statute of chambers, a prosecution cannot be set in motion except by the public prosecutor and, in addition, the investigation phase is over," Brody, a lawyer who has been working with the victims of Habre's regime since 1999, told AFP. Story continues "The investigation chamber was dissolved. This complaint could not trigger further investigations." - 'Africa judging Africa' - Habre -- backed during his presidency by France and the United States as a bulwark against Libya's then leader Moamer Kadhafi -- is on trial over actions under his regime from 1982 until he was ousted in 1990. The 72-year-old is due to resume the landmark hearings next week for war crimes, crimes against humanity and torture during his blood-soaked reign. Rights groups say 40,000 Chadians were killed under a regime of brutal repression of opponents and rival ethnic groups Habre perceived as a threat to his grip on the Sahel nation. He refuses to recognise the legitimacy of the Dakar prosecution, the first time a despot from one African country has been called to account in another. The court, known as the Extraordinary African Chambers, has appointed three attorneys to defend him after he refused legal representation. It adjourned in July to give the lawyers time to prepare the defence. After he was overthrown Habre fled to Senegal, where he was arrested in June 2013 and has since been in custody. Delayed for years, the ongoing trial sets an historic precedent as previously African leaders accused of atrocities were tried in international courts. Many Africans distrust the International Criminal Court in the Hague, accusing it of chiefly targeting Africans for prosecution. "This is Africa judging Africa," Senegal's Justice Minister Sikidi Kaba said of Habre's case. The Extraordinary African Chambers -- set up under an agreement between Dakar and the African Union - indicted Habre in July 2013 and investigators spent 19 months interviewing some 2,500 witnesses. Around 100 witnesses are expected to testify during the trial, out of some 4,000 people who have been registered as victims in the case. Algiers (AFP) - Seven people died when a deliberately lit fire tore through a tourism complex at a beach resort on the outskirts of the Algerian capital Wednesday, the civil defence service said. The blaze erupted around 2:30 am (0130 GMT) at a bungalow in the Azur complex in Zeralda, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) west of Algiers, official news agency APS quoted the civil defence service as saying. A police official later told state television that the fire was of criminal origin, and that three suspects were identified and being sought. All of the seven people killed were Algerians, who were between 25 and 35 years old and included two women. They all died of asphyxiation. One person was also injured, but their life was not in danger. Traveling can be bad enough, but rude people can turn even a mediocre flight into an absolute nightmare. Comedian Steve Hofstetter was traveling through LAX on Tuesday when he encountered a rude passenger who let her dog poop on the airport floor and left it there for someone else to clean up. Hofstetter shared his story of revenge, which he admits "may have gone too far," on both Facebook and Reddit. SEE ALSO: Badass cyclist gets revenge on catcalling van drivers "While walking to my gate at LAX, I noticed a woman whose dog was in the middle of [the airport] doing its business," Hofstetter wrote. "The woman was loudly face-timing [sic] with her back to the dog, so I assumed she didnt notice. That was likely the thought shared by the gentleman who tried to get her attention." When another person at the airport attempted to alert the woman that her dog just shat on the airport floor, she apparently shrugged it off. He continued: Again, another person tried to stop her by asking if she was just going to leave it there. But the woman replied, "They have people for that. Hofstetter says he waited for some maintenance workers to clean up the poo, then headed to his gate for a plane destined for Tokyo. "When I got to my gate, the woman was there, too," Hofstetter wrote. "Great we were both going to Tokyo. When I travel abroad, I get embarrassed by other Americans doing things one hundred times less embarrassing than leaving animal feces on the floor of an airport. To make it worse, her dog was now barking at everyone who walked by." It gets worse. "While her dog barked at the world, the woman had moved from face-timing with no headphones to listening to music with no headphones," wrote Hofstetter. Anyone who has ever been anywhere in public knows how rude and infuriating this can be. Instead of ignoring the woman, Hofstetter took a seat right next to her. He asked her if she was going to London, but she confirmed his suspicions that she was going to Tokyo. Story continues "Then you better hurry," he told the woman. "That flight got moved to gate 53C. This is the flight to London." "I figured I could give her a little moment of panic as payback for how terribly she was treating everyone," he explained. "I didnt predict what would happen next. She grabbed her bags and her dog in a huff, and stormed out of the gate without even checking. She was so self-involved, she didnt notice that the monitor at our gate still said Tokyo and almost everyone at the gate was Japanese." "Based on her actions, she believed me that the fight had been moved, so shes also an asshole for not thanking me," wrote Hofstetter. He continued: Hofstetter admits that he felt guilty knowing that there was no gate 53C, and that the woman was likely to berate the poor employee that had to break the news to her. He wasn't certain if the woman and her barking poopy dog ever made it back before the plane departed, but he says that he didn't see her board and didn't hear her dog for the rest of the journey. So did he go too far? Maybe, given the last detail shared. "Her missing her flight was not my original intention, but it would be a fine punishment for her being so rude to everyone and making a low-paid stranger clean feces off the floor," Hofstetter wrote. "What makes me wonder if I went too far is the knowledge that Delta only has one flight to Tokyo each day. Whoops." People were a little skeptical of the story, so Hofstetter shared some tweets which proved he did indeed travel from L.A. to Tokyo, including a picture of his plane ticket. Moral of the story? Don't be rude and never make someone clean up your mess. Abuja (AFP) - The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said it "may well be on the verge of a significant oil find" in the Lake Chad area, which has been blighted by Boko Haram-related violence. "There are signs from the latest 3D seismic studies that oil may well be very close to being found now in Lake Chad after very many years of trials," added group managing director Ibe Kachikwu. Kachikwu, appointed in August to overhaul the state-run group, described the potential find as "very key" and indicated it would help access to crude in northern Nigeria. "I am optimistic that by the end of the year we should be able to announce something major on this," he was quoted as saying in an emailed statement on Sunday evening. Kachikwu gave no further details but it is understood he was referring to the Kukawa area of Borno state, where exploration had previously begun but was halted because of the six-year Islamist insurgency. An NNPC source said exploration had resumed. In 2006, Nigeria handed licences to the state-run China National Petroleum Corporation to explore four blocks in the Lake Chad basin. Lake Chad forms the border between Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon. Chad hit oil on its side of the border in the late 1970s. Production hit 100,000 barrels a day in 2013. Nigeria's military has claimed a series of successes in pushing the militants out of captured towns and villages in the remote region, and has claimed rebel camps have been destroyed. The discovery of oil has the potential to transform the Muslim-majority north, where poverty and unemployment have been seen as key factors in radicalisation. There have been estimates that 100 billion cubic metres of oil deposits lie beneath Lake Chad and its arid hinterland in Nigeria. Boko Haram wants to carve out a hardline Islamic state in northeast Nigeria but there have been no serious suggestions that its insurgency is driven by oil. Instead, the militants' aim is primarily ideological and religious. JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South African platinum producer Impala Platinum (Implats) posted an interim loss on Thursday largely because the prior period included a tax credit due to a write-off of an amount owed by a debtor. * Diluted headline earnings per share for the six monthsending 31 December, 2016, fell to a loss of 70 cents, in linewith what the company had previously flagged to the market, froma profit of 53 cents in the previous period. * Headline earnings per share is the main profit measure inSouth Africa that strips out one-off items. * "The major reason for the decline in headline earnings,was a tax credit in the comparable period due to a previouslywritten-off amount owed by a debtor," Implats said. * Revenue increased to 18.2 billion rand ($1.40billion)following a positive dollar metal price variance and apositive exchange rate variance due to the average rand-dollarexchange rate being approximately 4.5 percent weaker than theprevious period, the company said. * Implats said it is talks with the government in Harareabout its black ownership drive and the company's Zimbabwe unitZimplats. * Implats received a notice in January that Zimbabwe'sgovernment wanted to seize 27,948 hectares of mining ground atits operations located south-west of Harare.($1 = 12.9793 rand) (Reporting by Tanisha Heiberg; Editing by Ed Stoddard) Miami (AFP) - An unmanned cargo ship packed with food and supplies for astronauts arrived safely Thursday at the International Space Station, a day after SpaceX aborted the process due to a GPS problem. This time, the Dragon cargo ship made a "perfect approach to the capture point," a NASA commentator said. The space station's 57-foot (18-meter) robotic arm, operated from inside the orbiting research lab by astronauts Thomas Pesquet of France and Shane Kimbrough of the United States, reached out and grabbed the Dragon at 5:44 am (1044 GMT). "We had a great capture," Kimbrough said. "Thomas did an awesome job." The gumdrop-shaped Dragon vessel is packed with more than 5,000 pounds (2,267 kilograms) of food, gear and science experiments for the six astronauts living at the orbiting space station. "Congratulations Dragon on a successful journey from Earth and welcome aboard," said Pesquet. The cargo ship was officially berthed to the space station at 8:12 am (1312 GMT), and astronauts will begin unpacking it later Thursday, SpaceX said on Twitter. The cargo launched into space Sunday aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, marking SpaceX's 10th resupply mission under a contract with NASA. SpaceX is currently working on another version of the Dragon that aims to ferry people to space as early as 2018. Since the US space shuttle program ended in 2011, the world's astronauts have paid Russia to ride to the space station aboard the Soyuz capsules. The price tag is currently $82 million per seat. Astronauts will be busy unloading goods again tomorrow, with a second shipment of supplies arriving Friday morning aboard the Russian Progress cargo carrier at 0834 GMT. Photo credit: AP From Popular Mechanics A navigation error forced SpaceX to delay its shipment to the International Space Station on Wednesday, following an otherwise flawless flight from NASA's historic moon pad. SpaceX's supply ship, the Dragon, was less than a mile from the orbiting outpost when a problem cropped up in the GPS system. The approach was aborted, and the Dragon backed away. NASA said neither the station nor its six-person crew was in any danger. "As a pilot it is sometimes better to accelerate and circle around than attempt a difficult landing," French astronaut Thomas Pesquet said in a tweet from the space station. "Same in space - we'll be ready tomorrow!" Just a few hours earlier, Russia successfully launched a cargo ship from Kazakhstan, its first since a failed launch in December. SpaceX launched the Dragon capsule Sunday from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A, out of action since NASA's space shuttle program ended in 2011. It's the same spot where astronauts flew to the moon in the late 1960s and early 1970s. SpaceX has a 20-year lease with NASA for 39A; besides launching station cargo from there, the company hopes to send up astronauts as early as next year. Everything was going well with this latest SpaceX flight until the GPS issue. The Dragon's computers halted the rendezvous from just seven-tenths of a mile away. SpaceX said the problem is well understood and can be fixed before another delivery attempt Thursday. The Russian supplies should arrive Friday. Story continues This was the first time that SpaceX had to abort a shipment at the last minute like this. The company, led by tech billionaire Elon Musk, has been making station deliveries since 2012. The 250-mile-high station is home to two Americans, three Russians and France's Pesquet. You Might Also Like Barcelona (AFP) - More than 17,000 ducks will be culled in Spain after a highly contagious bird flu strain that has affected poultry throughout Europe was detected at a farm, authorities said Thursday. The virus found in Catalonia is H5N8, said Meritxell Serret, in charge of agriculture in the northeastern region -- the same one that has seen hundreds of thousands of ducks and geese slaughtered in France's southwest. Up until now, the virus had only been detected in Spain in three wild animals. The H5N8 strain can spread quickly in affected farms, often leading to the culling of thousands of birds. Joan Guix, in charge of public health in Catalonia, sought to ease fears, saying it was a virus "that does not spread to humans." Health authorities in Catalonia are now inspecting farms within a three-kilometre (1.9-mile) radius of the affected location to see if the virus had spread. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, 24 countries in Europe have detected the H5N8 virus this year, as have China, Egypt, Cameroon and India. BEND, Ore. (AP) Police say a Central Oregon woman suffered a small bump when a stray bullet crashed into her home and bounced off her head. The Redmond Police Department says the woman watching television Monday when the shot was fired. The bullet went through a wall of her neighbor's home and a fence before entering the woman's home. It went through a picture frame and had slowed significantly by the time it hit her. Redmond police Lt. Curtis Chambers told The Bulletin newspaper (https://is.gd/g45Kii ) it was like having a small rock thrown at you. She said the incident was being overblown and declined further comment. The victim's neighbor was charged with unlawful use of a weapon, criminal mischief and reckless endangerment. Police say he wasn't shooting at anyone. ___ Information from: The Bulletin, http://www.bendbulletin.com College -- and paying for it -- is tough enough for students who don't face the challenges of physical or learning disabilities. But neither these disabilities nor financial barriers should prevent deserving students from pursuing college. Earlier this year, the Scholarship Search Insider detailed scholarship opportunities that can help ease financial concerns for students with physical disabilities. Such opportunities also exist for those with a learning disability. [Learn about scholarship opportunities for students with physical disabilities.] The BMO Capital Markets Lime Connect Equity Through Education Scholarship for Students with Disabilities is open to current undergraduate and graduate students who have learning or physical disabilities and attend a four-year university in the U.S. or Canada. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in math, physics, business or commerce, statistics, engineering or a related field, and they must be interested in pursuing a career in financial services. In addition to the application, students must submit a letter of recommendation, transc ripts and an essay specifying their career goals and why they should be selected. U.S. recipients receive $10,000, while Canadian winners receive $5,000. Applications will open this fall. High school seniors with learning disabilities can apply for the Marian Huber Learning Through Listening awards. Learning Ally, a nonprofit that helps students with disabilities, presents six of these awards -- three for $6,000 and three for $2,000 -- to students with learning disabilities who are members of the organization. Recipients must plan to attend a two- or four-year college or a vocational school. A selection committee chooses the winners. The application deadline is May 31. For students with dyslexia, Gemm Learning offers the $1,000 Gemm Learning Dyslexia Scholarship twice a year. Applicants must be planning to enroll in or currently attending college in the U.S. or Canada and must submit a 500- to 650-word essay about living with dyslexia. Story continues The next award period -- for the fall 2017 semester -- opens April 1 with a July 15 submission deadline. In addition to the monetary award, the winning essay will be featured on Gemm Learning's blog. Note: The winner will be notified via email and must respond within three days or forfeit the award. [Discover how to succeed in college as a learning disabled student.] Each year, the Law Offices of Judd S. Nemiro PLLC also awards two annual $1,000 scholarships to students diagnosed with dyslexia. Applicants must complete an online application, including submitting a statement about their education goals and an essay describing how dyslexia has affected their education. Interested applicants should visit the firm's website to apply. The Perecman Firm PLLC of New York, a personal injury law firm, annually awards the Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship for Autism to a high-achieving student. Applicants must be undergraduate or postgraduate students currently enrolled at or accepted to an accredited university and must have either been diagnosed with or have a close family member who has been diagnosed with autism, including Asperger's syndrome. [Find college scholarships that support students with autism.] The $1,000 scholarship is named for a 14-year-old autistic boy who wandered from school in 2013 and was later found dead in the East River. To apply, students must submit a 500 to 1,000-word essay on one of three autism-related topics. The deadline for fall 2017 applications is July 31. Feldman & Royle, Attorneys at Law, a Phoenix law firm, also awards two annual $1,000 scholarships to students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. To apply, students must submit an essay detailing how their disorder has affected their education as well as a 100-word statement regarding their education goals. Be sure to check the firm's website for updates on the 2017 application deadline. In addition to these scholarships, which are open to students throughout the U.S. and, in some cases, Canada, many other scholarships for students with learning disabilities are granted on a regional or statewide basis. For example, Incight, a Portland, Oregon, nonprofit that supports individuals with disabilities, offers the Incight Scholarship to students with disabilities who attending community colleges, universities, vocational schools or graduate schools in Oregon or southwest Washington. Documented disabilities include autism, development al delay and specific learning disabilities. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding community service and the ability to overcome person al struggles. Incight awards up to 100 scholarships at varying amounts. The application deadline is April 1. Graduating high school seniors in Iowa who plan to attend college or vocational school can apply for one of three scholarships from the Learning Disabilities Association of Iowa. Each award is $500, and applicants must be current association members or be children of or recommended by active members. Applications are due March 31. The Learning Disabilities Association of Arkansas awards the $2,500 Ralph G. Norman Scholarship to a student enrolled at a two- or four-year college or vocational or technical training program. Applicants must be current Arkansas residents with a documented learning disability who are ineligible for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Disability funding. To apply, students must submit an application, including a written or video essay about how their learning disability has impacted their life and their education a nd career goals. The deadline to apply is April 3. Finally, Landmark College in Putney, Vermont, is a private, accredited college specifically for students with learning disabilities, including dyslexia, attention deficit disorder or specific learning disabilities. The school offers two- and four-year programs. As part of its financial aid program, the school awards 10 Endowment Scholarships, ranging between $500 to $8,000, to students with financial need. Students wishing to receive the awards must, as a first step, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by March 30. Students with learning disabilities have a similar desire as other prospective college students to earn a college degree. These scholarships can help ease the financial burdens associated with this dream. Arthur Murray, a graduate of the University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill, is managing editor of the GoodCall.com newsroom. The organization provides access to information, data, technology and tools, including a scholarship engine, to help visitors make important decisions. Stockholm (AFP) - A Swedish citizen was sentenced to six months in jail Thursday for inciting people to finance the Islamic State (IS) group through Facebook, a landmark case for the country. In a Facebook account linked to Ahmad Qadan, 34, a post written in Swedish and published on August 21, 2013 said: "Help us supply our brothers at the front with weapons so they can avenge their brothers and sisters." Malmo district court judge Lennart Strinas said the case had no precedent in Sweden. "The crime that the man has been convicted of might have been at an early stage in the chain of events but it could have led to a terrorist crime," he said in a statement. Those who read the post were urged to call two named men to receive a bank account number where money could be sent, the court said. One of the named men in the post is listed as a terror financier by the United Nations and the European Union. The posts "had been published in such a way that anyone with access to the Internet could read them, even people without a Facebook account," the court said. In his testimony, Qadan denied the charges and said he took over the Facebook account in 2014 from a person whose name he did not know. The account had been opened under the name Ash-Shaami As-Suwedi. Around 300 people have left Sweden to fight with jihadist groups in Syria and Iraq, according to Swedish intelligence agency Sapo. Al-Bab (Syria) (AFP) - Turkish-backed Syrian rebels said Thursday they had fully captured the town of Al-Bab from the Islamic State group, marking a key defeat for the jihadists after weeks of heavy fighting. As Ankara said its allies now had "near complete control" of the town, a fresh round of peace talks opened between the Syrian opposition and regime in Geneva. Al-Bab, just 25 kilometres (15 miles) south of the Turkish border, was the last IS stronghold in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo. "We are announcing Al-Bab completely liberated, and we are now clearing mines from the residential neighbourhoods," said Ahmad Othman, a rebel commander. "After hours of fighting, we chased out the last remaining IS rank and file that were collapsing after the fierce shelling of their positions," he added. Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Isik said rebels had "near complete control" of Al-Bab. "When the search and combing operations are over, we will be able to say that Al-Bab has been completely cleared of Daesh (IS) elements," he said, quoted by state-run Anadolu news agency. Isik reaffirmed that Turkey was now ready to join any operation by international coalition forces to take the Syrian city of Raqa, the extremist group's de facto capital. - Rebels dance in streets - An AFP correspondent could hear intermittent gunfire on Thursday afternoon as rebel units continued to clear the heavily damaged town. Most rebel fighters appeared relieved, with some dancing in the streets and others munching on a late breakfast after hours of clashes. But others were on edge, nervously discussing three bombs that had detonated that morning in areas under their control. Several corpses of alleged IS fighters lay crumpled under a destroyed building. One rebel poached a weapon from a dead IS fighter. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said IS fighters were still present in parts of the town and that rebels were in control of less than half of it. Story continues Rebels launched an offensive to capture Al-Bab last year with the support of Turkish ground troops, artillery and air strikes. Al-Bab was IS's last remaining stronghold in Aleppo province, after a US-backed alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters seized the town of Manbij in August. The jihadist group still controls a scattering of villages and towns in the province. Field commanders from two other rebel factions in the town also claimed the capture of Al-Bab to AFP, including Abu Jaafar, who said he expected clearing up operations would be wrapped up within hours. "Dozens of IS fighters were killed and we evacuated more than 50 families from inside Al-Bab," he said. - 'Tall task' ahead - Turkey sent troops into Syria in August last year in an operation it said targeted not only IS but also US-backed Kurdish fighters whom it regards as terrorists. The battle for Al-Bab has been the bloodiest of the campaign with at least 69 Turkish soldiers killed. The town was also seen as a prize by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces, who had advanced to just 1.5 kilometres (one mile) from Al-Bab in recent weeks. "Al-Bab is important, insofar as its taking from IS will deprive the group of a tax base and an area where it was able to congregate and plot attacks against Syrians and the West," said Aaron Stein, a senior fellow at the US-based Atlantic Council. "For Turkey, the mission, as was defined back in 2016, is now complete: Turkish forces have forced IS from the border and cut the overland route between the two Kurdish cantons" in northern Syria, he told AFP. Syria's Kurds have managed autonomous administrations in swathes of the country's north since 2012, and Al-Bab falls between the "cantons" of Kobane and Afrin. "However, Turkey will now have to grapple with the questions of prolonged occupation of a foreign country and help to oversee the transition to civilian rule, a tall task for any foreign military," Stein added. More than 310,000 people have been killed since Syria's conflict broke out in March 2011 with protests against Assad that spiralled into all-out war. Geneva (AFP) - UN-brokered Syrian peace talks resume in Geneva on Thursday, but hopes of a breakthrough are dim, clouded by persistent violence and deadlock over the country's political future. On the eve of the talks, 10 months after the last round of negotiations in the Swiss city, Russia called on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to stop his bombing campaign during the discussions. But just hours after rival delegations arrived, UN envoy Staffan de Mistura admitted there was limited ground for progress on making peace. "Am I expecting a breakthrough? No, I am not expecting a breakthrough," the veteran diplomat said, noting that "momentum" toward further talks was likely the best that can be hoped for. The government delegation is headed by Syria's UN ambassador Bashar al-Jaafari and the main opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) is led by cardiologist Nasr al-Hariri and lawyer Mohammad Sabra. - 'Direct negotiations' - On the eve of the talks an HNC spokesman said the umbrella group wanted face-to-face discussions with government representatives." We ask for direct negotiations... It would save time and be proof of seriousness instead of negotiating in (separate) rooms," Salem al-Meslet told AFP. During three previous rounds of talks in Geneva last year, the two sides never sat down at the same table, instead leaving de Mistura to shuttle between them. This time, de Mistura has voiced hope that he will manage to bring the two sides together for direct talks. But when he was asked about the prospect during a press conference in Geneva Wednesday, the UN envoy was cautious, saying he wanted to talk with the two sides bilaterally first. The ground -- both in territory and diplomatically -- has shifted since the last UN-sponsored talks broke up in April 2016, and the rebels are in a significantly weaker position. The army has recaptured the rebel bastion of eastern Aleppo and the United States, once staunchly opposed to Assad, has said it is reassessing every aspect of its Syria policy under President Donald Trump. Story continues But the toughest issues remain similar to a year ago. - 'Bloody message' - The latest truce was brokered in late December by opposition supporter Turkey and regime-backer Russia ahead of separate negotiations that also involved Iran in Kazakhstan. The deal has reduced violence but fighting flared again this week including a government bombing campaign on rebel territory around Damascus.The HNC charged that Assad was trying to send "a bloody message" before the talks resume. - 'Political transition' - A bitter dispute over Assad's fate also continues to divide the camps. The HNC has insisted he must leave office as part of any deal, while Damascus has said the president's future is not open for negotiation. De Mistura's office earlier said that the talks remain focused on "political transition". For the UN, that term can include a broad range of scenarios but the opposition sees it as implying Assad's removal. Forcing the Syrian president from power had been the stated goal of Barack Obama's administration but Trump's election has muddied the US stance. Trump has said that defeating the Islamic State group is Washington's top priority in the region and that the US would be narrowly focused on American interests. The UN envoy acknowledged that the change of leadership in Washington had injected new uncertainties into the peace process. "I'm not criticising. I'm not complaining," he told reporters but added that all camps were looking "forward to seeing what their strategy is." For the Syrian opposition there is urgency - this is the fourth round of UN-brokered talks, and violence which has killed more than 310,000 people over the last six years. "We hope to see something achieved here in Geneva 4 because there is no way Syrians will be moving to Geneva 5 with this cost they are paying in Syria," said the HNC spokesman. "We hope to end it right now here. Niamey (AFP) - Fifteen soldiers were killed and 19 wounded in a attack by "terrorist elements" in western Niger, authorities said Thursday. "A Niger army patrol was attacked by terrorist elements at 1500 GMT north of Tilwa (on Wednesday). We have 15 dead and 19 wounded in our ranks," said Colonel Toure Seydou Albdoula Aziz, the army spokesman. "Clean-up operations have been launched in the sector to neutralise the fleeing terrorists," he said, without divulging the number of attackers or their affiliation. Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou extended his sincere condolences to the families of victims in a tweet. The Nigeria-based Boko Haram Islamist group has waged a seven-year uprising that has claimed more than 20,000 lives, with the insurgency spilling over the West African nation's borders into neighbouring states, including Niger. The violence has left around 2.6 million people homeless, sparking a dire humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations warning the affected region faces the "largest crisis in Africa". Three Niger soldiers were killed and seven wounded on the night of New Year's Eve when Boko Haram fighters attacked their position at Baroua, in Niger's Diffa region, near the border with Nigeria. DUBAI (Reuters) - A "terrorist blast" slightly injured a woman near the Bahraini capital on Thursday, the Interior Ministry said on its Twitter account, in the latest in a series of explosions in the small Western-allied kingdom. The ministry said the explosion happened in the village of Sanabis, west of Manama and that police was at the scene but gave no further details. Tensions have been rising in Bahrain amid a government crackdown on opposition groups and activists it says are stirring up sectarian strife in the kingdom, where the U.S. Fifth Fleet is based. Shi'ite Muslims in the Sunni-ruled kingdom complain of marginalisation, a charge the government denies. A man and his wife were slightly injured in an explosion in Sitra island, south of Manama last week. The explosion coincided with the sixth anniversary of pro-democracy Arab Spring protests that rocked the island kingdom in 2011. The island kingdom crushed the protests with help from neighbouring Gulf Arab states but tensions continued to simmer, growing from time to time into small protests. On Feb. 5, another bomb exploded on the outskirts of Manama, damaging cars but causing no injuries, in what the Interior Ministry also described as a terrorist act. Last month, Bahrain executed three men convicted of killing three policemen in a 2014 bomb attack. Bahrain accuses non-Arab Iran of fanning unrest and supporting militants. Iran denies involvement. (Reporting by Ahmed Tolba; Writing by Sami Aboudi; Editing by Alison Williams) (MEXICO CITY) President Donald Trump dispatched his top diplomat and homeland security chief to Mexico on Wednesday on a fence-mending mission complicated by the actual fence he wants to build on the southern border. Mexicos government signaled it was in no mood to be lectured by the new U.S. administration. Ties between the countries have plunged since Trump took office a month ago, punctuated by Trumps insistence that Mexico pay for a border wall and other demands on illegal immigration and trade. During their brief visit, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly will face a Mexican government anxiously rethinking its relationship with its bigger, richer and more powerful neighbor. Tillerson arrived in Mexico City late Wednesday, while Mexico was still reeling from the Trump administrations announcement a day earlier of a deportation crackdown that envisions sending people to Mexico who cross the border illegally even if theyre not Mexican citizens. Kelly, whose department is in charge of implementing Trumps immigration crackdown, was arriving separately after a visit to Guatemala. The two plan to meet with President Enrique Pena Nieto and with Mexicos top defense, finance and diplomatic officials. Yet Tillersons counterpart in Mexico, Luis Videgaray, insisted that his country would not accept unilateral decisions imposed by one government on another. We dont have to, and it is not in the interest of Mexico, Videgaray said. He hinted that Mexico might seek to challenge Trumps move at the United Nations or in other international bodies. Still, senior Trump administration officials sought to play down the disagreements between the countries, describing close cooperation between the two countries on economic prosperity, law enforcement, drug trafficking and trade. Reporters were given an official briefing ahead of the trip on condition that officials werent quoted by name. Story continues At the White House, press secretary Sean Spicer said the U.S.-Mexican relationship is phenomenal. I think theres an unbelievable and robust dialogue between the two nations, Spicer said. On Tuesday, the U.S. changed immigration enforcement policies that could subject millions of people living in the U.S. illegally including many Mexicans to deportation. Whereas President Barack Obama focused on deporting immigrants convicted of serious crimes, new memos signed by Kelly prioritize deportation for anyone convicted of a crime or charged with any offense. That includes crossing the border illegally. The memos also call for sending some people who enter the U.S. illegally back to Mexico, even if theyre from Central America or elsewhere and only used Mexico as a transit point. Detention center capacity will expand; planning for Trumps much touted wall will begin. Trump was in office barely a week when Pena Nieto canceled a planned visit to the U.S. The American leader had suggested their meeting would be ill-advised if Mexico wasnt willing to pay for the wall, expected to cost billions of dollars. Mexico remained unwilling. A meeting between the two presidents hasnt been rescheduled. The visit by Tillerson and Kelly forms part of a Trump administration trend: top Cabinet and other officials seeking to calm nervous nations that their U.S. partnerships are secure in the new era of America First. Vice President Mike Pence and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis have previously filled the role, facing foreign leaders whove struggled to reconcile their rhetoric of reassurance with the declarations of disruption from Trump and some of his senior envoys. Tillerson, the former Exxon Mobil CEO, and Kelly, a retired Marine general, have taken a more diplomatic tack toward Mexico than Trump, even as they both assume key roles in executing policy that has stirred widespread resentment in Americas southern neighbor. Anti-Trump protests have erupted. Earlier this month, some 20,000 people marched through Mexicos capital demanding respect from the U.S. While Pena Nieto has struggled with plummeting approval ratings, his opposition to Trump has rallied many Mexicans around him. Beyond the wall, Tillerson is likely to face questions about Trumps pledge to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. Eighty percent of Mexicos exports are to the U.S. The Trump administration also has floated the idea of a border tax on Mexican products. A trio of Democratic senators visited Mexico in advance of Tillerson and Kellys trip. Putting the blame on Trump, Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, the Senate Foreign Relations Committees top Democrat, said he was confident the relationship could withstand 140-character broadsides or unrealistic demands referring to the presidents frequent Twitter missives. ___ Associated Press writers Vivian Salama in Washington and Mark Stevenson in Mexico City contributed to this report. Americas top diplomat and top U.S. counterterrorism official were in Mexico Thursday for what could only be described as an awkward visit. First, theres the issue of the wall that U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to build along the U.S.-Mexican border. And then those new rules, released Tuesday, that authorize U.S. federal agents to deport undocumented immigrants to Mexico, whether or not they are Mexican. The incoming Mexican ambassador to the United States called the new policy unacceptable. Appearing together at a press conference, Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray thanked U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly for their presence in Mexico and stressed that honest dialogue on all topics migration, security, and, of course, trade is the best way to solve differences. Videgaray said he and Tillerson had discussed the need to respect the rights of Mexicans living in the United States and agreed that decisions that affect both parties need to be made by both parties. He added there was a long way to go before a deal was reached with the United States on border security and trade, and also that Central American countries should be included in deliberations, too. Related video: For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. Tillerson then chimed in, thanking his good friend Luis, and noting he spent most of his life living in Texas, which means Mexico has long been his very close neighbor. Tillerson called the visit forward-looking, and said he and Videgaray jointly acknowledged two strong, sovereign countries from time to time will have differences. Mexican Defense Secretary Salvador Cienfuegos said, in his meeting with Kelly, he had stressed the need for cooperation, permanent dialogue, and the need to maintain the human rights for all Mexicans in your country. He observed, Mexico needs the United States and the United States needs Mexico. Story continues Mexicans more broadly gave Tillerson and Kelly a decidedly lukewarm welcome. Someone (though the bus company would not say who) rented a bus adorned with an advertisement featuring Trumps visage and a quote that roughly translates to, We are Mexicans and we f*ck your mother. Meanwhile, Tillersons boss may have made things more difficult for his top diplomat. Trump criticized U.S.-Mexico relations while Tillerson was in Mexico, saying at a meeting with business leaders, $70 billion in trade deficits and that doesnt include the drugs that are flowing across the border. Thats going to be a tough trip thats going to be a tough trip, Trump remarked. But then asserted Kelly has been unbelievable at strengthening the border. For the first time we are getting gang lords out, drug lords out, these bad dudes out of this country and at a rate that nobodys ever seen before and theyre the bad ones, Trump declared, calling the effort a military operation. It is not, in fact, a military operation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and Border Patrol agents are civilian, not military, agents. Kelly himself said in Mexico there will be no, repeat, no use of military force immigration operations. None. On Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer called the U.S.-Mexico relationship phenomenal in defending the tense atmosphere of the visit. Former Mexican president Vicente Fox disagreed. Dear Sean, tell that to your boss. He's the one damaging our relation with his lies and hate. Tell him that Mexico stands strong and proud. https://t.co/AP1p0Vtd43 Vicente Fox Quesada (@VicenteFoxQue) February 22, 2017 Current Mexican government officials also had other thoughts. Videgaray said Wednesday that Mexico had no reason to accept unilateral decisions imposed by another country. We are not going to accept that, because we dont have to. Correction, Feb. 23 2017, 4:29 pm ET: This piece originally misstated that Tillerson and Kelly arrived in Mexico on Thursday (they were in Mexico Thursday, but arrived on Wednesday), called Border Patrol Border Control, and called ICE officers agents instead of officers. It has been updated to fix all of the above. Additionally, the phrase illegal immigrants has been changed to undocumented immigrants. Photo credit: RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP/Getty Images The transatlantic partnership between the United States and Europe has been the linchpin of U.S. grand strategy for more than half a century. It is also in deep trouble. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Donald Trump repeatedly suggested that NATO was obsolete, accused U.S. allies in Europe of not paying their fair share, and said the U.S. must be prepared to let these countries defend themselves. Not surprisingly, his election rang alarm bells in Europe, and his erratic behavior since taking office has only intensified European concerns. How can Americas European partners be confident in their most important ally when the U.S. president lives in an alternative reality derived from Breitbart, Fox News, and whatever dark conspiracies hes being fed by Steve Bannon? Would you trust a president who prefers to rely on shady Ukrainian politicians, convicted fraudsters, and his own personal lawyer to deal with sensitive diplomatic matters, instead of the normal channels of statecraft? Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Vice President Mike Pence spent last week trying to reassure U.S. allies at the Munich Security Conference, but their efforts were only partly successful. Each made strong pro-NATO statements and Pence even said the U.S. commitment was unwavering but their message wasnt unambiguous. In particular, Mattis warned his NATO counterparts that the United States might moderate its commitment to Europe if they didnt ramp up their defense spending to roughly 2 percent of GDP. This recurring concern with European defense spending is understandable, but it mostly misses the point. Why? Because the fundamental problem isnt inadequate latent capacity or even a lack of mobilized resources. The only clear and present military threat Europe faces today is a resurgent Russia (though this threat may not be nearly as great as alarmists maintain), and NATOs European members possess the wherewithal to deal with the challenge on their own. Leaving the United States and Canada out of the equation, NATOs European members have nearly four times Russias population, and their combined GDP is more than 12 times greater. More importantly, even at todays supposedly inadequate spending levels, every year NATOs European members (again: not counting the United States and Canada) spend at least five times more on defense than Russia does. The problem, in other words, is not the amount of money that European countries devote to national security. The problem rather is that they dont spend these funds very effectively and dont coordinate their defense activities as well as they could. Despite numerous attempts, Europes long-promised Common Foreign and Security Policy remains an aspiration, not a reality. This failure isnt at all surprising, because CFSP is an EU initiative and the EU is still more of a collection of nation-states rather than a fully integrated community. The key point, however, is that throwing more euros (or kroner or zlotys) at the problem wont fix it. Among other things, this situation tells you that if NATO were to meet U.S. demands and get all of its members up to the canonical target of 2 percent of GDP, it wouldnt do all that much to improve the overall balance of power unless they started spending the money more effectively. In short, the narrow focus on defense spending as a percentage of GDP is a red herring. U.S. efforts to pressure Europe into spending more by threatening to reduce its own commitment to Europe are also inherently contradictory. When he warned that the United States might moderate its support, Secretary of Defense Mattis was telling his European counterparts that they might not be able to count on the United States if they didnt start spending more. The flip side of the coin, however, is an implicit pledge that if they do start hitting that 2 percent target, then Washington will stay all in, too. But thats a recipe for Europe doing just enough to keep Uncle Sam happy while Washington remains its protector of first and last resort. From a broader strategic perspective, getting Europe to bear more of the burden of its own defense is meaningful only if it allows the United States to reduce the resources it devotes to European security so that it can focus more attention on other theaters, such as Asia. And given the enormous imbalance between Europes military potential and those of its potential foes, that formula should be relatively easy to negotiate. Instead of the familiar kabuki dance where Americans threaten to do less but dont really intend to, the United States and its European partners ought to be developing a long-term plan to reduce the U.S. commitment more or less permanently (or until such time as there is a serious threat to the European balance of power). As John Mearsheimer and I explained last summer, as long as there is no potential hegemon in Europe and Russia doesnt qualify it is not necessary for the United States to take the lead in defending it. In short, the hype devoted to relative defense spending levels is mostly just symbolic politics. What American politicians are really saying is that it looks bad when Americans spend 3.5 percent of GDP on defense and our relatively wealthy allies in Europe (or Asia, for that matter) spend less than 2 percent. And theyre right: It does look bad. But if U.S. officials can somehow convince those same allies to boost their spending a bit, they can go back to American voters and claim success, even if it doesnt reduce U.S. defense burdens or make Europe any safer. Finally, constantly harping about burden sharing distracts attention from the more serious challenges that threaten the transatlantic partnership. The first challenge is the lack of a compelling strategic rationale for it. Much as I hate to admit it, Trump was not entirely wrong to suggest NATO was obsolete at least in its current form because it was created to deal with a problem (the Soviet Union) that no longer exists. It is harder to justify an expensive U.S. commitment to defend Europe when there is no potential hegemon there and the new missions that NATO has taken on after the Cold War ended (Afghanistan, Libya, etc.) have fared rather poorly. (NATOs other implicit purpose to keep the Germans down isnt relevant either, despite Germanys central role in the EU. With a declining and rapidly aging population, Germany today could never aspire to European hegemony.) The second challenge is European disunity itself, especially in the wake of the 2008 financial collapse, eurozone crisis, and Brexit decision. Centrifugal forces in Europe make it even less likely that its member states will create effective all-European defense forces, even if individual countries do manage to boost their own spending levels a bit. And they certainly wont do the hard work to create a genuine pan-European defense capability if they remain convinced Uncle Sam will always be there to bail them out. Then throw in various right-wing populist politicians who are either ruling or contending for power in France, the Netherlands, Hungary, Poland, and Turkey. Many of these would-be leaders are openly hostile to the idea of European unity, and Trump has made this problem worse by embracing Brexit and giving rhetorical support to right-wing xenophobes like Marine Le Pen. This approach is exactly what Washington should not be doing today. If you want Europe to take on more responsibility for its own security, the last thing youd want to do is undermine Europes increasingly delicate political order. A Europe led by politicians like Le Pen or Geert Wilders is not a Europe that will stable and secure enough to take care of itself so that the United States could focus its energies and resources elsewhere. If Trump really wanted to get the United States out of the business of protecting Europe, backing European xenophobes and coddling Vladimir Putin is not the way to go. But you werent expecting clear, coherent, or consistent strategic thinking from this president, were you? Photo credit: SEAN GALLUP/Getty Images Thomas Perez speaks during a Labor Department panel discussion in Washington, April 6, 2016. (Photo: Drew Angerer/Bloomberg via Getty Images) WASHINGTON Tom Perez is in the homestretch of a hotly contested race to lead a badly damaged Democratic Party. And winning the chairmanship is only half the battle. If Democratic delegates pick Perez at their winter meeting in Atlanta on Saturday, hell find himself leading a party that is fractured, beaten, and in his own estimation, has strayed from its roots. Perez, President Barack Obamas secretary of labor, has impeccable progressive credentials and a rock-solid resume. And, if you believe his campaign, he has already locked down nearly enough votes to have a majority of the partys 447 delegates. However, two of his opponents, Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., and one of the races dark horses, South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigeig, dispute this figure. The situation is clearly fluid. On Wednesday, The Hill published a survey that had Ellison ahead of Perez. Late that same night, the Associated Press released a survey of its own that had Perez in front of Ellison. And on Thursday morning, Politico put out an email survey of DNC delegates that found Ellison with a narrow lead over Perez. At this point, the only thing that seems certain is that the victor wont be selected on the first ballot. When asked about the state of the race, a representative for Buttigeig pointed Yahoo News to the mayors recent comment that the Perez campaigns claims about its standing are unlikely. Spokespeople for Ellison did not respond to multiple requests for comment on this story. Party chair is responsible for fundraising, serving as a figurehead on the talk show circuit, and providing infrastructure and support for local party activists. Its a crucial job at a time when Democrats do not control the White House or either chamber of Congress. At the state level the party has been losing ground for several cycles. During Obamas eight years in the White House, Republicans took control of almost 1,000 more state legislative seats than they had before he took office. This surge took Republicans from being a minority in the countrys statehouses to holding a 56 percent share of the nations legislatures. Story continues Perez, like virtually everyone connected to the party, agrees that Democrats need more boots on the ground. The party has to get back to basics. We have to have an organizing presence across this country. We have to have that 57-state strategy [including the District of Columbia, U.S. territories and expat voters]. What that means is were in communities everywhere, engaged, listening, responding, leading with our values, Perez said in a conversation with Yahoo News. Its hardly a new idea. Former DNC Chair Howard Dean, who has endorsed Buttigeig, famously became the partys leader in 2005 after promising to enact a 50-state strategy and focus on building up infrastructure. And all of the leading candidates in this years chairmanship election say the party needs to return to that model. But Perez is making the case hes best suited for the task of rebuilding the partys local organizations. Perez said that while he and Ellison are friends, hes better qualified to lead the party precisely because of his experience, and he subtly criticized Ellisons track record in comparison to his own. We need both a fighter, not just a fighter but someone who knows how to win fights, Perez said. Translation: Its easier to talk a big game than it is to get stuff done. This is a turn-around job. We need to change the culture of the DNC, and its a complex organization. I respectfully believe that Im the only candidate who has a proven track record of taking complex organizations that have a critical mission but arent firing on all cylinders, Perez said. But Trumps stunning upset victory showed the Democrats have deeper problems than disorganization. Trump won with the help of traditionally Democratic voters in the Rust Belt and rural America who switched sides and progressives who opted for third parties or skipped the race entirely. And while younger voters lean toward Democrats, just about half of millennials voted last year. Perez thinks the partys salvation lies in grassroots organizing and getting in front of more people, but what should Democrats say to voters when they get there? As he shared his plans, the partys uncertainty about the message it hopes to communicate shined through. One of the challenges of the Democratic Party is that our message hasnt been reduced to a bumper sticker. We live in a bumper-sticker world. Republicans? Lower taxes, less government. Easy bumper sticker. Democrats? Were the party of the middle class, the party of opportunity, the party of inclusion. Its often been difficult for people to distill it to a bumper sticker, Perez explained. Perez, lanky, bald and bespectacled, has an almost professorial manner. He speaks in a near-whisper that comes off as calm even as he describes the Trump White House as total chaos and dangerous. He spoke to Yahoo News in an ironworkers union hall, a few blocks from the White House, where his chairmanship campaign is headquartered. He and his team are occupying a space on the first floor that was once home to a SunTrust Bank. Staffers sit behind the bulletproof glass tellers window, and an empty vault is located outside the small inner room where Perez has been working the phones to woo delegates. A bank is an incongruous location for Perez, who while in Obamas Cabinet, worked with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., on tightening financial regulations. Perez is clearly somewhat self-conscious about his surroundings and, at the suggestion hes running his campaign from a bank, he immediately piped in with a correction. Well, dont forget, were actually running the campaign from a union building, so the bank rented from the union building, Perez said. Perez was far more eager to talk about a recent trip he made to Wisconsin and Kansas. What I heard was, We feel forgotten. We feel ignored. Were good Democrats, but when you invest nothing in our community and you have no organizing presence there, it should not come as a surprise to you that Republicans win, Perez said. And these arent the only places where Perez thinks the Democrats ignored people during last years election. We werent talking to people in all too many communities, and Im not just talking about rural America. We werent talking to enough people in Milwaukee, and so we underperformed in Milwaukee, and then we got our butt kicked in rural America because we simply werent even present in rural America, Perez explained. Perez talked of bringing a message of economic opportunity to these forgotten voters. He said the Democratic Party can show there was greater job growth under its presidents than during Republican administrations. But a core problem for many blue-collar workers is that theyve seen job growth skip their regions, as manufacturing jobs have been replaced by robotics, or have been sent to other states in the U.S., or overseas. Perez said the Democrats challenge is to equip people to be able to embrace change and to respond to change. What I did as labor secretary is I went to those communities and said, Im not going to make promises that I cant keep, but what I can promise you is were going to fight to make sure that you will stay in the middle class, he said. That steelworker who lost his job, we retooled them so that now theyre working in advanced manufacturing. The woman in Connecticut who lost her job in health care, we helped retrain her and then placed her in an even better job. Labor Secretary Tom Perez addresses a womens summit at the Department of Labor in Washington, June, 15, 2016. (Photo: Bill OLeary/The Washington Post via Getty Images) That may be a more realistic message than Trumps promises to bring jobs back that are almost certainly gone forever, but its not as politically potent. But as he argued that Trump exaggerated the problems facing the country, Perez seemed disconnected from the concerns of some of those Rust Belt voters who still dont feel like theyve experienced a real recovery from last decades financial crisis. Donald Trump was masterful at putting the fear of God into everybody. Barack Obama inherited carnage from George W. Bush, but it was Donald Trump talking about carnage and a 4.7 percent unemployment rate. Hes creating this parallel universe of alternative facts that is part of his effort to divide and conquer, Perez said. Other Democrats who are seeking to understand how to better reach voters in states like Wisconsin and Michigan that made the difference in this past presidential election candidly admit they dont yet quite know how to win them back. Yet Perez seems certain the party will be able to craft a message after spending more time engaging with voters. In general, he wants some leadership to come from the bottom up. I think the grassroots of America are the head of the party. Im a big believer in the inverted pyramid theory, Perez said. But its also an open question how much the Democratic Party is even going to try to win back white working-class voters, if it ends up nominating a candidate from the Bernie Sanders and Warren wing of the party. That would signal a clear effort in 2020 to win simply by turning out young voters, highly educated liberals, minorities and progressives. However, Democrats also have work to do to excite millennials and shore up their left flank, a situation Perez readily acknowledges. I think our actions are how we will turn this around, and having that organizing presence everywhere, and having a capacity to train new candidates, and having an actual millennial strategy. We dont have a long-term millennial strategy, said Perez. Perez also described the number of battleground-state voters who spurned Democrats in favor of third-party candidates as a major overlooked story of the election. While Perez might not have his pitch distilled into bumper-sticker form yet, he does seem to have a definite idea of the case he hopes to make for wary progressives and young voters. The challenge as it relates to folks who either didnt vote or folks who voted for Jill Stein or [Gary] Johnson, is if you care about climate, so do we. If you care about immigration, so do we. Our values are in lockstep. If you care about the Fight for 15, so do we, Perez said. Trumps victory spawned a surge in progressive activism, including widespread protests and a surge in support for third-party groups like the Democratic Socialists of America. Still, when asked whether liberal third parties could be a threat to the Democrats, Perez emphasizes his optimism that the party will be able to shore up its left flank if it establishes an on-the-ground presence. And Perez sees the anti-Trump demonstrations as tremendous opportunities for the Democratic Party to emerge as a player in the progressive world. And in an era when the Republican and Democratic party mechanisms have less control over money and must contend with a universe of outside organizations often directed by small groups of high-dollar donors, Perez said he wants to make the DNC a convener, facilitator and partner thats at the center of all the action as much as possible. The challenge moving forward is to be a conspicuous presence and a value added in all of these movements that we see, many of which are sprouting up organically, he said. We dont need to lead those movements. Along with activism, the 2018 midterms await, and even before that theres a special election in Georgia to replace recently confirmed Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price in the House. Perez said the DNC will be active in that race, as well as in the gubernatorial elections this fall in Virginia and New Jersey. What we have to do is make organizing a 12-month-a-year ethic. We havent done that as a party. Weve gotten lazy. Weve done it around cycles and weve only done it in a few battleground states. Weve got to make it a reality 12 months a year, he said. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Washington (AFP) - The Pentagon's top officer on Thursday would not say if US ground forces will deploy to Syria to fight Islamic State jihadists, observing only that he is readying a "full range of options" for President Donald Trump. General Joe Dunford's remarks come as the Pentagon finalizes a new plan to defeat IS that Trump ordered shortly after taking office. "We've been given a task to go to the president with options to accelerate the defeat of ISIS (and) other violent extremist groups," Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said when asked if more US forces would go to Syria. "We will go to (Trump) with a full range of options from which he can choose," he said, speaking at the Brookings Institution. America has approximately 500 troops in Syria, mainly special operations commandos who are training and assisting a coalition of local fighters battling IS. On Wednesday, another four-star general, Joseph Votel, who heads the US military's Central Command, told reporters that more US troops might be needed in Syria. "It could be that we take on a larger burden ourselves," Votel said, though he stressed he did not favor large combat deployments. Late last month, US media reported the Pentagon would be given 90 days to draw up a plan to set up "safe zones" in Syria, which could require thousands of additional troops. Trump's new plan to quicken the anti-IS campaign, which began late summer 2014, needs to be carried out in coordination with the State Department and other US political agencies, Dunford said. "This is an incredibly complex environment. Everything that we do and fail to do will have second- and third-order effects," Dunford said. "We don't want to bring options to (Trump) and solve one problem only to create a second problem." Dunford was also asked about Iran's influence in Syria, where it is supporting the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, and in the region in general. Story continues He said he had not seen Iranian behavior change since then-national security advisor Michael Flynn put Tehran "on notice." "I haven't detected a change in Iran's behavior ... From my perspective the major export from Iran is malign influence across the region," he said, "This is a pattern of behavior that has manifested itself over many years." Flynn was later forced to resign for not being truthful with the vice president about his discussions with Russia's US ambassador. Fox News host Sean Hannity paid tribute to his longtime friend and colleague Alan Colmes on Thursday after the liberal commentators death at 66. According to a statement released by his family, Colmes passed away Thursday morning after a brief illness and leaves behind his wife Jocelyn Elise Crowley. He was a great guy, brilliant, hysterical, and moral. He was fiercely loyal, and the only thing he loved more than his work was his life with Jocelyn. He will be missed. The family has asked for privacy during this very difficult time, the statement reads. Hannity and Colmes rose to national prominence as co-hosts of the Fox News Channels Hannity & Colmes, which ran from 1996 until 2009. They would debate political news and current affairs from a conservative and liberal perspective respectively. It was the precursor to Hannity, which has just one host. Hannity released a statement saying that Jocelyn Crowley, along with Colmes sister-in-law and former Fox News contributor Monica Crowley and the entire Fox family, had lost one of lifes most decent, kind and wonderful people youd ever want to meet. Alan Colmes and Sean Hannity. (Photo: Duffy-Marie Arnoult/WireImage) When Alan and I started Hannity & Colmes, there wasnt a day that went by where we didnt say we were two most fortunate men in all television, Hannity said. Despite major political differences, we forged a deep friendship. Alan, in the midst of great sickness and illness, showed the single greatest amount of courage Ive ever seen. Im truly heartbroken at the loss of a dear friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jocelyn, Monica and his entire family. He will be dearly missed. Fox News Americas Newsroom first reported Colmes passing Thursday morning with a touching tribute video narrated by his old friend Hannity. He recalled Colmes quick wit and straight-talking style, which endeared him to many Americans, and chronicled his journey from standup comedian to radio host, political pundit and author. He said Colmes hard-hitting interview style gained respect on both sides of the aisle. Story continues Today the Fox News Channel lost a very dear member of our family, he said. One of the nicest, kindest, friendliest people and a dear personal friend, our friend Alan Colmes. Owing to his relationship with Fox News, Colmes had many conservative colleagues and viewers. Hannity was far from the only person at Fox News who paid tribute to Colmes on social media. Several prominent Fox News journalists, contributors and guests noted how much they respected Colmes despite their political differences. Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my @foxnews colleague @alancolmes. A very nice, genuine man I had the pleasure to work with. Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) February 23, 2017 RIP @AlanColmes. Shock. While is disagreed with him on many things he was a good and decent man. Indeed, all that matters in the end. Glenn Beck (@glennbeck) February 23, 2017 I can tell you tears r flowing @FoxBusiness @FoxNews right now. We are all devastated by the loss of kind soul @AlanColmes may god bless RIP Liz Claman (@LizClaman) February 23, 2017 WHAT? @AlanColmes passed away????? Noooooooooooo! Very sad. He was a good guy. Always surprised people that way. https://t.co/RL1AmwGpmx Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) February 23, 2017 Shocked to hear of the passing of Alan Colmes. Thanks for providing great perspective on the stories of the day. Mike Tobin (@MikeTobinFox) February 23, 2017 Just heard of death of Alan Colmes; the kind of liberal I loved-smart, witty, and fair; never backed up, but always backed up his views. RIP Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) February 23, 2017 Read more from Yahoo News: Ted Malloch has been floated as President Donald Trumps pick for ambassador to the European Union, a union which he has likened to the Soviet variety. Hes gotten in hot water lately, and not just because hes dead set against the institution he is might be interacting with, but for a good, old-fashioned inflated resume. Malloch taught at the University of Oxfords Said Business School until last year, and made various claims about himself at that university, which is where his trouble with the Financial Times began. The British daily ran a piece saying that, while Malloch claimed affiliation with three colleges at Oxford Wadham College, Wolfson College, and Pembroke College all three denied that he had, in fact, held the positions he said he had there. Wadham, which has a reputation at the universitys leftist college, went so far as to point out that, while Malloch claims to have been a Wadham senior common room fellow, He has never been a Fellow of Wadham College and the role of Senior Common Room Fellow does not exist here. Oxford students and alumni reacted exactly as one might imagine Oxford students and alumni would react. Im deeply disturbed to find out that someone affiliated with such a respected institution would inflate their credentials, Wolfson College alumnus Justin McNamara told Foreign Policy. He continued, tongue firmly in cheek, I imagine this is the first, and hopefully last time anyone from the Oxford community has done this. Sad! Ivaylo Iaydjiev, another Oxford student, zeroed in on Mallochs claim to have finished his doctorate from the University of Toronto in under three years. When this was proven untrue, Malloch explained that this did not include his thesis (that is, his dissertation). I rest my case, Iaydjiev said. (To be fair to Malloch, in Oxbridge, the doctorate is just the thesis. To be fair to everyone else, one cannot say one was awarded ones doctorate without a thesis.) Story continues Malloch is important inasmuch as he is rumored to be Trumps man before Brussels, a union that Washington has staunchly backed for decades but which it now seems bent on tearing apart. Whether the eurozone survives, I think its very much a question that is on the agenda, Malloch told Greek television. His rumored appointment has caused consternation in Brussels. But then, Trump himself is understood as a threat by EU leadership. To be sure, Mallochs spat with an elite (not to say elitist) institution will probably only burnish his credentials with the Trump administration. But theres more. The Financial Times also fact-checked claims that Malloch held an ambassadorial role at the United Nations; was called a global sherpa live on air by former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher; had his documentary Doing Virtuous Business nominated for an Emmy award; wrote for the New York Times and Washington Post; was the first to use the term thought leadership,; and that the Financial Times rejected a piece by Malloch because it was contrary to [the papers] pro-EU policy. All those were lies or misleading statements, the Financial Times found. Photo credit: Danny E. Martindale/Getty Images A critic of Donald Trump and a longtime member of the GOP foreign-policy establishment is poised for a senior position at the State Department absent a last-minute veto from the White House, Foreign Policy has learned. Brian Hook, a former assistant secretary of state in the George W. Bush administration, is Rex Tillersons preferred choice for director of policy planning at the State Department, according to multiple GOP Senate aides. The policy planning director leads a strategic brain trust for the secretary. Hook is the co-founder of the John Hay Initiative, a group of former Mitt Romney foreign-policy advisors whose leaders organized a prominent letter signed by 121 GOP national security luminaries refusing to support Trump last March because he would act in ways that make America less safe. Hook did not sign that letter, but in previous interviews declared that he personally disagreed with the president on a range of policy issues, and noted his wife was firmly in the never Trump camp. My wife said never, Hook told Politico in May. Even if you say you support him as the nominee, you go down the list of his positions and you see you disagree on every one. Appointing Hook to director of policy planning would give him a direct line to Tillerson and put him in charge of a staff of specialists and academics in the department. Previous secretaries of state have used the policy planning director for tasks ranging from short-term crisis management to long-term strategic planning to outside-the-box thinking. Jake Sullivan, who held the post under Hillary Clinton, used the perch to help hatch the Iran nuclear deal among other things. This has the potential to be a very powerful position under Tillerson, said a GOP Senate aide. Its a chief advisor position for someone whos going to need help navigating the building. Following his work in the Bush administration, Hook served as a foreign-policy advisor to mainstream Republican presidential candidates such as Mitt Romney and Tim Pawlenty. He and the John Hay Initiative embrace a hawkish foreign policy doctrine requiring a bigger defense budget, a tougher line against Russia and China and unflinching support for Israel. Story continues Hook co-authored a book last year calling NATO a bedrock of European security and a crucial force in combatting Russian aggression. Trump has called the alliance obsolete and said it should be reoriented to the fight against terrorism. Hooks rising star could signal that Trump is now giving cabinet secretaries greater discretion for personnel choices or loosening his prohibition on candidates who harshly criticized him during the election. The administration has had difficulties filling empty positions. However, one congressional Republican cautioned that the White House could still intervene against the appointment, which does not require Senate confirmation. Hook did not respond to a request for comment. In recent weeks, the White House has nixed the job prospects of a series of GOP establishment figures, including Eliott Abrams, a neoconservative who served under presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. Tillerson wanted to offer Abrams the deputy secretary of state position, but his name was axed after the White House reviewed his blistering criticism of Trump during the presidential campaign. Disputes over appointments have led to an ocean of vacancies at the State Department and a lack of guidance for career officials tasked with representing the United States abroad. Most senior jobs under Tillerson remain unfilled, including positions for deputy secretary, under secretaries, and assistant secretaries. More than 100 ambassadorships and senior management positions at the State Department still lack nominees, who then require Senate confirmation, a process that is time-consuming and frequently contentious. The Trump administration has named three ambassadors for China, Israel, and the United Kingdom. Nikki Haley, former governor of South Carolina, was confirmed for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations last month. In the absence of political appointments, career officials are temporarily handling the responsibilities and duties assigned to those positions. By Daniel Trotta (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday revoked landmark guidance to public schools letting transgender students use the bathrooms of their choice, reversing a signature initiative of former Democratic President Barack Obama. Reversing the Obama guidelines stands to inflame passions in the latest conflict in America between believers in traditional values and social progressives, and is likely to prompt more of the street protests that followed Trump's Nov. 8 election. Obama had instructed public schools last May to let transgender students use the bathrooms matching their chosen gender identity, threatening to withhold funding for schools that did not comply. Transgender people hailed the step as victory for their civil rights. Trump, a Republican who took office last month, rescinded those guidelines, even though they had been put on hold by a federal judge, arguing that states and public schools should have the authority to make their own decisions without federal interference. The Justice and Education departments will continue to study the legal issues involved, according to the new, superseding guidance that will be sent to public schools. About 200 people gathered in front of the White House to protest against Trump's action, waving rainbow flags and chanting: "No hate, no fear, trans students are welcome here." The rainbow flag is the symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, or LGBT, people. "We all know that Donald Trump is a bully, but his attack on transgender children today is a new low," said Rachel Tiven, chief executive of Lambda Legal, which advocates for LGBT people. Conservatives such as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who spearheaded the lawsuit challenging the Obama guidance, hailed the Trump administration action. "Our fight over the bathroom directive has always been about former President Obama's attempt to bypass Congress and rewrite the laws to fit his political agenda for radical social change," said Paxton, a Republican. Transgender legal advocates have criticized the "states' rights" argument, saying federal law and civil rights are matters for the federal government to enforce, not the states. White House spokesman Sean Spicer said the administration was pressed to act now because of the pending U.S. Supreme Court case, G.G. versus Gloucester County School Board. That case pits a Virginia transgender boy, Gavin Grimm, against officials who want to deny him use of the boys' room at his high school. Although the Justice Department is not a party in the case, it typically would want to make its views heard. The Trump administration action on Wednesday also withdrew an Education Department letter in support of Grimm's case. "I've faced my share of adversaries in rural Virginia. I never imagined that my government would be one of them. We will not be beaten down by this administration," Grimm, 17, told the protest outside the White House. COURTS MAY HAVE FINAL SAY The federal law in question, known as Title IX, bans sex discrimination in education. But it remains unsettled whether Title IX protections extend to a person's gender identity. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement that the Obama guidelines "did not contain sufficient legal analysis or explain how the interpretation was consistent with the language of Title IX." New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman vowed to ensure Title IX and his state's civil rights protections are enforced. "President Trump's decision to rescind anti-discrimination protections for transgender students is yet another cruel move by an administration committed to divisive policies that roll back the clock on civil rights," he said in a statement. The courts are likely to have the final say over whether Title IX covers transgender students. The Supreme Court could pass on that question in the Virginia case and allow lower courts to weigh in, or go ahead and decide what the law means. Obama's Education Department issued the guidance in response to queries from school districts across the country about how to accommodate transgender students in gender-segregated bathrooms. It also covered a host of other issues, such as the importance of addressing transgender students by their preferred names and pronouns and schools' responsibility to prevent harassment and bullying of transgender children. Thirteen states led by Texas sued to stop the Obama guidelines, and a U.S. district judge in Texas temporarily halted their full implementation. The White House previously boasted of Trump's support for LGBT rights, noting in a Jan. 31 statement that he was the first Republican presidential nominee to mention the community in his nomination acceptance speech. "Revoking the guidance shows that the president's promise to protect LGBT rights was just empty rhetoric," James Esseks, director of the American Civil Liberties Union's LGBT project, said in a statement. (Reporting and writing by Daniel Trotta in New York; Additional reporting by Lawrence Hurley, Jeff Mason, Julia Edwards Ainsley, Mana Rabiee and Emily Stephenson in Washington; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Peter Cooney) By Andy Sullivan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump, who has vowed to stop U.S. manufacturing from disappearing overseas, will seek job-creation advice on Thursday from at least five companies that are laying off thousands of workers as they shift production abroad. Caterpillar Inc , United Technologies Corp , Dana Inc , 3M Co and General Electric Co , are offshoring work to Mexico, China, India and other countries, according to a Reuters review of U.S. Labor Department records. Executives from the five companies are among a group of business leaders due to meet with Trump on Thursday to discuss how to help the president deliver on his promise to increase factory employment, according to the White House. About 2,300 U.S. workers at these five companies stand to lose their jobs within the next two years as a result of offshoring, according to the Labor Department's Trade Adjustment Assistance Program, which provides retraining benefits to workers displaced by global trade. Reuters obtained the information through a Freedom of Information Act request. The companies confirmed the planned job cuts to Reuters. It is not clear whether the other 19 executives due to meet with Trump on Thursday are currently offshoring work, as the TAA program does not cover all workers who lose their jobs due to global trade. The lost jobs amount to a small fraction of the hundreds of thousands of U.S. workers employed by those involved in the meeting. General Electric, for example, employs 125,000 U.S. workers, financial filings show. On the campaign trail and in the White House, Trump has painted globalization as a zero-sum game that has enriched low-wage countries while leaving the United States littered with abandoned factories and underemployed workers, and he has threatened to tax companies that offshore U.S. jobs. The experience of companies on Trump's task force, however, shows the reality is more complex in a world where they are serving customers across the globe. Several said they were creating many new U.S. factory jobs even as they move work to other countries. Story continues It's not clear whether Trump will opt for the carrot or the stick. Trump plans to meet business leaders to hear their reasons for "why they're going offshore," said a White House aide who spoke on condition of anonymity. Blue-collar workers who share Trump's skepticism of global trade say they will be watching closely to see if he will try to save their jobs. "I don't think he's a typical politician, so there is hope alive for middle-class families that he will do something," said Scott Schmidt, one of 222 workers at a GE engine plant in Waukesha, Wisconsin who are due to lose their jobs later this year when the company shifts production to Canada. General Electric CEO Jeffrey Immelt is among those due to meet with Trump on Thursday. GE says it is closing its Waukesha plant because Congress has hobbled the U.S. Export-Import Bank's ability to finance large export orders while most other industrialized nations still offer such financial support. The company says it laid off 225 workers last year at a Houston factory for the same reason, shifting production to France, the United Kingdom and Hungary. GE says it is also closing an Ohio factory and laying off 180 workers because consumers are buying fewer of the florescent and incandescent light bulbs they make there. What production remains will be handled by a factory in Hungary. OFFSHORING AND ONSHORING The U.S. economy lost 6 million manufacturing jobs from 2000 to 2010, roughly one-third of its total, in part due to offshoring, but the sector has added 900,000 jobs since then, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Multinational companies say labor costs now are only one factor they consider when deciding where to manufacture. An auto maker, for example, may decide to build a particular model in the country where sales are strongest, prompting parts suppliers to set up there as well so they can turn around orders quickly. The offshoring picture is also more complex than official statistics indicate as a shuttered factory in the United States does not always mean a new factory abroad. When auto-parts maker Dana Corp closes a factory later this year in Glasgow, Kentucky that is operating at 20 percent of capacity, one of its plants in Ohio will pick up the work, along with other factories in Mexico, India and China. Dana CEO James Kamsickas is among those scheduled to meet with Trump on Thursday. The company plans to hire nearly 700 U.S. workers over the next three years as it expands factories in four U.S. states, spokesman Jeff Cole said. That is little comfort to the 223 people in Kentucky who will lose their jobs. "It seems like all these CEOs and companies have turned their backs on the American worker," said Dana employee Tim Wells, one of those who will be laid off. LAYOFFS STILL PLANNED The group also includes United Technologies CEO Gregory Hayes, who took heat from Trump last year for planning to move jobs from Indianapolis to Mexico. The company struck a deal with the incoming president in November to preserve roughly 700 jobs in exchange for $7 million in tax breaks. United Technologies says it still plans to lay off 786 workers at a separate Indiana plant and move production to Mexico this year. The company is also moving work from a facility in Arden Hills, Minnesota, resulting in a loss of 72 jobs. Most of that work is staying in the United States but some is moving to Poland, spokeswoman Bethany Sherman said, and some of the affected workers will be offered positions elsewhere. The company is adding more than 1,000 new jobs in the United States, Sherman said. Other participants include Caterpillar Chairman Doug Oberhelman, who oversees a company that is laying off 712 workers in the American South and Midwest and moving the work to China, Mexico, Italy, France and Germany as it weathers the largest sales slump in its history. A Caterpillar spokesman said it is simultaneously creating 1,300 new manufacturing jobs elsewhere in the United States. Also due to participate is Inge Thulin, CEO of 3M, which is eliminating 130 jobs in suburban Cincinnati and moving production to Mexico. The company says it has added more than 2,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs over the last five years. (Additional reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Ross Colvin and Bill Rigby) It took only 12 days in office for U.S. President Donald Trumps administration to put Iran on notice that the era of compromise had been replaced by an era of confrontation. In a stern message on Feb. 1, then-National Security Advisor Michael Flynn accused Iran of a provocative ballistic missile launch and an attack against a Saudi naval vessel conducted by Iran-supported Houthi militants. Two days later, Washington slapped sanctions on 25 individuals and entities involved with Irans ballistic missile tests, even though U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231 had only called on, not enjoined, Iran to refrain from such tests. In response, Iran threatened its own sanctions and held a military drill, including rocket launches. Gen. Amir Ali Hazjizadeh, an Iranian air force commander with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), threatened: Should the enemy make a mistake, our roaring missiles will rain down on them. Despite the bombast, both sides have so far been careful not to escalate too far, too fast. The sanctions designations were carefully selected so as not to violate the terms of the nuclear deal. Likewise, the missiles tested during Irans military drill were not ballistic, and these launches therefore did not contravene the U.N. Security Council resolution. But such tit-for-tat measures, if they continue, could easily spiral out of control and provoke a military confrontation. This is especially true since the bilateral communication channels born of the nuclear talks, which helped to contain tense episodes under the Barack Obama administration, are no more. Unlike the previous administration, Trumps National Security Council and State Department appear uninterested in engaging their Iranian counterparts. If Washington hopes to develop an effective strategy for dealing with Tehran, it must first understand the sources of Iranian conduct in the region. It is not helpful to exaggerate Irans sway and power: While Tehran has more influence in Baghdad, Damascus, Beirut, and Sanaa than it used to, its role in all four is more bitterly contested by state and nonstate actors than in the past. As a Persian nation among Arabs and Turks, a Shiite state among Sunnis, there are natural barriers to Irans reach hence its failure to export its nearly four-decade-old revolution to any neighboring country. In the words of former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker, Iranian influence is self-limiting. The harder they push, the more resistance they get. Story continues The policies of all contemporary Iranian leaders, regardless of where they fall on the political spectrum, have been shaped by two impulses: regime preservation and restoration critics would say expansion of Irans role as a regional leader. The pursuit of self-preservation, the principal objective of any political system, borders on paranoia in an Iranian political culture steeped in a deep sense of insecurity and solitude. Consider the words of this aggrieved Iranian leader: Why is it normal for France and Britain to even have nuclear and hydrogen weapons, but for Iran, which is not a member of NATO and its security is not guaranteed by any country in the world, the simple principle of self-defense becomes so problematic? This complaint was not lodged by a turbaned anti-American official in the Islamic Republic but by the Shah of Iran, the steadfast American ally and a prime recipient of U.S. weaponry who launched the countrys nuclear program. The security perspective of Irans current leaders is shaped by the traumatic 1980-1988 conflict with Iraq, in which almost the entire region and the West supported Saddam Husseins war effort. Subsequently, they witnessed the United States invade Afghanistan and Iraq, their neighbors to the east and the west. To compensate for its sense of encirclement by U.S. forces and pro-U.S. states, and its inferior conventional military capacity compared with that of its neighbors, Iran developed a network of partners and proxies to push threats away from its borders. Tehran dubs this its forward-defense policy, a euphemism for many in the region for Irans exploitation of other states as buffers at the expense of their sovereignty. The Lebanese Hezbollah is the cornerstone of Irans forward-leaning strategy. As a senior Israeli official once put it: For us, Iran is a 1,000 kilometers away, whereas for Iran, Israel is 10 meters away from across the Lebanese border. Many in Tehran are convinced the primary reason Israel did not strike Irans uranium enrichment facilities and heavy-water reactor during the nuclear crisis was its fear of hundreds of Hezbollahs Iran-supplied missiles pointing at Israeli cities. What Iran calls the axis of resistance to Israel and the United States known to Irans Sunni neighbors as the Shiite crescent is a more aggressive extension of its forward-defense policy. It not only gives Iran strategic depth but allows it to project power in the Levant. Iran long rejected the notion that sectarianism lay at the root of its alliances, but as Syrias zero-sum proxy war deepened, it has shed even the pretense of staying above the sectarian fray. Tehran now mobilizes Shiite militias from across the region to fight in Iraq and Syria while it fails to condemn and even facilitates the atrocities they commit in these countries Sunni heartlands, stoking resentment and providing Sunni extremists a potent recruitment tool. Tehrans conventional deterrence appears no less threatening to the region. Its centerpiece is a ballistic missile program a legacy of having been a victim of these during the Iran-Iraq War. As the only Iranian weapon that could reach its adversaries on their soil, the missiles are deemed an existential asset by Tehran, which will pursue their development regardless of whatever sanctions are imposed. The Iranians refused to put their missiles on the bargaining table during the nuclear negotiations and are unlikely to compromise on them, absent fundamental changes to the regions security structure of which Iran would be an integral part. Its hardly surprising that what looks defensive from Tehran would be perceived elsewhere as aggressive. But what makes Irans regional policy seem especially menacing is the second impetus behind it its desire for regional power status, which to neighboring capitals looks like a bid for hegemony. To them, that scenario is as unbearable as Irans isolation from the region is unacceptable to Tehran. Any U.S. policy toward Irans regional ambitions must take these dynamics into account. This will allow Washington to develop a realistic assessment of Tehrans likely reactions, of which the following are the most obvious: First, the United States could continue its decades-old pursuit of containing Iran. This entails sanctioning Tehran and ensuring that it is unable to modernize or significantly expand its military capabilities and reach while supplying its regional rivals with the latest cutting-edge weaponry. The problem with this policy is that it has plainly failed, as new wars and instability have opened opportunities for Iran to increase its influence in the region. It is also clear that the more Washington sides with and arms Irans Sunni neighbors, the more it pushes Tehran to double down on means of asymmetric deterrence and forward defense. The idea of designating the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization is one initiative sure to backfire. Ironically, the IRGC is likely to welcome this step. Given its extensive role in Irans opaque economy, the designation will further chill foreign investment in Iran, thereby helping it preserve its vested economic interests and boosting its domestic standing as a champion of resistance to the United States. But the most damaging impact, as some in the U.S. military and security establishment have warned, would be on U.S. troops who operate in proximity to Iranian advisors and Iran-backed Shiite militias in Iraq. Defeating the Islamic State and stabilizing Iraq will become much more difficult if these militias turn their guns on U.S. military advisors as they did when the United States still had 130,000 troops in Iraq instead of their shared foe. For now, the help of these militias may prove indispensable in liberating Mosul. Second, Washington could up the ante and resort to military confrontation. During the campaign, President Trump vowed to put that option on the table promising to shoot Iranian boats that harass U.S. Navy ships out of the water. But direct military confrontation in the Persian Gulf could have perilous consequences, pushing the Iranians toward familiar asymmetric responses: to either use their speed boats, mini-submarines, or mines to directly target U.S. ships or employ partners (like the Houthis in Yemen) to fire missiles at U.S. Navy vessels or those of its allies in the Red Sea. Those risks could make an indirect and limited conflict more attractive. The Trump administration could consider targeting the Houthis, which it sees as an Iranian proxy, in order to send a strong signal to its Gulf allies and Tehran alike. So long as the conflict is containable, going after Iranian and Houthi equities in Yemen might seem less risky than in Iraq and Syria, where Iran could retaliate directly against U.S. forces. But even limited use of military force could have disastrous ramifications. So far, Iran has provided just enough assistance to the Houthis to provoke Saudi Arabia into launching a military campaign that has cost it billions of dollars, with no end in sight. But a U.S.-led escalation of the conflict could further radicalize the Houthis, who have a history of ignoring Tehrans advice, and push them to invade Saudi Arabias southern provinces if negotiations fail to yield a settlement. This would further intensify a ruinous war, weakening Yemen internally, to Irans advantage, and pushing the Houthis further into Tehrans arms. Finally, the best option albeit one that currently appears inconceivable given the Trump administrations marrow-deep suspicion of and belligerence toward Iran would be for the United States to take into account Tehrans legitimate security concerns and explore whether cooperation on areas of common interest is possible. At the same time, it could clearly communicate red lines that could trigger a strong response, such as reprisals against Mosuls population by Iran-backed militias, or attacks by Hezbollah against Israel from the Golan Heights, or shipments of sophisticated weapons to the Houthis in Yemen. Washington does not need to bring its guard down, throw long-standing allies under the bus, or turn a blind eye to Irans behavior in the region. But in the same way that the Trump administration is prepared to have a dialogue with Moscow whose actions in the region are also not aligned with Washingtons to understand its hopes and fears, cooperate with it when possible, and contain it when necessary, it must engage Tehran. Washington may eventually be able to help create the conditions or even lead in building a sustainable order that guarantees peace and prosperity for both large and small nations in the region. In the meantime, however, it should operate by the dictum: First, do no harm. That means it should avoid deepening the chaos by picking a heedless fight with one of the regions few stable countries. ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images By Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Thursday he wants to ensure the U.S. nuclear arsenal is at the "top of the pack," saying the United States has fallen behind in its weapons capacity. In a Reuters interview, Trump also said China could solve the national security challenge posed by North Korea "very easily if they want to," ratcheting up pressure on Beijing to exert more influence to rein in Pyongyang's increasingly bellicose actions. Trump also expressed support for the European Union as a governing body, saying "I'm totally in favor of it," and for the first time as president expressed a preference for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but said he would be satisfied with whatever makes the two sides happy. In his first comments about the U.S. nuclear arsenal since taking office on Jan. 20, Trump was asked about a December tweet in which he said the United States must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capacity "until such time as the world comes to its senses regarding nukes." Trump said in the interview he would like to see a world with no nuclear weapons but expressed concern that the United States has "fallen behind on nuclear weapon capacity." I am the first one that would like to see ... nobody have nukes, but were never going to fall behind any country even if its a friendly country, were never going to fall behind on nuclear power. "It would be wonderful, a dream would be that no country would have nukes, but if countries are going to have nukes, were going to be at the top of the pack," Trump said. Russia has 7,300 warheads and the United States, 6,970, according to the Ploughshares Fund, an anti-nuclear group. "The history of the Cold War shows us that no one comes out 'on the top of the pack' of an arms race and nuclear brinkmanship," said Daryl Kimball, executive director of the independent Arms Control Association non-profit group. "Russia and the United States have far more weapons than is necessary to deter nuclear attack by the other or by another nuclear-armed country,' he said. The new strategic arms limitation treaty, known as New START, between the United States and Russia requires that by February 5, 2018, both countries must limit their arsenals of strategic nuclear weapons to equal levels for 10 years. The treaty permits both countries to have no more than 800 deployed and non-deployed land-based intercontinental and submarine-launched ballistic missile launchers and heavy bombers equipped to carry nuclear weapons, and contains equal limits on other nuclear weapons. Analysts have questioned whether Trump wants to abrogate New START or would begin deploying other warheads. In the interview, Trump called New START "a one-sided deal." "Just another bad deal that the country made, whether it's START, whether it's the Iran deal ... We're going to start making good deals," he said. "WE'RE VERY ANGRY" The United States is in the midst of a $1 trillion, 30-year modernization of its aging ballistic missile submarines, bombers and land-based missiles, a price tag that most experts say the country cannot afford. Trump also complained that the Russian deployment of a ground-based cruise missile is in violation of a 1987 treaty that bans land-based American and Russian intermediate-range missiles. "To me it's a big deal," Trump said. Asked if he would raise the issue with Putin, Trump said he would do so "if and when we meet." He said he had no meetings scheduled as of yet with Putin. Speaking from behind his desk in the Oval Office, Trump expressed concern about North Korea's ballistic missile tests and said accelerating a missile defense system for U.S. allies Japan and South Korea was among many options available. "There's talks of a lot more than that," Trump said, when asked about the missile defense system. "We'll see what happens. But it's a very dangerous situation, and China can end it very quickly in my opinion." China has made clear that it opposes North Koreas nuclear and missile programs and has repeatedly called for denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and a return to negotiations between Pyongyang and world powers. But efforts to change Pyongyang's behavior through sanctions have historically failed, largely because of China's fear that severe measures could trigger a collapse of the North Korean state and send refugees streaming across their border. Trump's meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe earlier this month in Florida was interrupted by a ballistic missile launch by North Korea. Trump did not completely rule out possibly meeting Kim at some point in the future under certain circumstances but suggested it might be too late. "It's very late. We're very angry at what he's done, and frankly this should have been taken care of during the Obama administration," he said. According to Japanese news reports, the Japanese government plans to start debate over the deployment of a U.S. missile defense system known as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, and the land-based Aegis Ashore missile defense system to improve its capability to counter North Korean ballistic missiles. The strength of Trumps remarks in favor of the EU took some Brussels officials by surprise after his support for Britain's vote last summer to exit from the EU. "I'm totally in favor of it," Trump said. "I think it's wonderful. If they're happy, I'm in favor of it." Statements by him and others in his administration have suggested to Europeans that he sees little value in the Union as such, which Trump last month called a vehicle for Germany." (Additional reporting by Jeff Mason, Roberta Rampton, Emily Stephenson, John Walcott, Matt Spetalnick, Arshad Mohammed and David Brunnstrom in Washington and Alastair Macdonald in Brussels; editing by Ross Colvin) President Trump shakes hands with his new national security adviser, Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., on Feb. 20, 2017. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) One of President Trumps first and most controversial foreign policy moves was to reorganize the National Security Council, removing the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as a permanent member and effectively replacing him with his chief political strategist, Steve Bannon. Now, in an ironic twist, Trump has named a new national security adviser Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster who once criticized an earlier president for essentially doing the same thing. McMasters 1997 book, Dereliction of Duty, is a widely acclaimed account of the lies and deceptions that allowed the United States to stumble into the Vietnam War, a conflict that cost more than 58,000 American lives (and over 1 million Vietnamese lives.) The book is best remembered inside the Pentagon for its searing criticism of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who, in McMasters telling, became bureaucratic cowards toning down and tailoring their military advice to the White House and Congress about what was needed to successfully prosecute the war in order to suit the political needs of two successive presidents, John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. But those now poring over the book for clues to McMasters thinking (the book is currently No. 1 on the Amazon list of bestsellers) may be surprised to discover that he aims his first fire at Kennedy for a decision in the early days of his presidency to reorganize the National Security Council. Disdainful of what he viewed as the cumbersome and unnecessary National Security Council structure created by President Dwight Eisenhower, Kennedy abolished two major NSC committees, the Planning Board and the Operations Coordinating Board, that were staffed by top military officers and were key channels to ensure that their views were presented to the president. Kennedys dismantling of the NSC apparatus diminished the voice of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) in national security matters, McMaster wrote. Under the Kennedy-Johnson system, the Joint Chiefs lost the direct access to the president, and thus the real influence on decision making, that the Eisenhower NSC structure had provided. Story continues That assessment, written two decades ago, echoes the response of many to the Trump White Houses decision to remove Joint Chiefs Chair Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford as well as the Director of National Intelligence, or DNI, from the NSCs principals committee. It is a restructuring that McMaster may already be moving to reverse: The New York Times reported Thursday that McMaster is considering yet another reorganization that would reinstate the Joint Chiefs chair and the DNI. But it could also anticipate what many critics see as a coming battle inside the Trump White House between McMaster, a demanding, no-nonsense general with a PhD but little political finesse, and Bannon, a skilled infighter who has his own nationalist, alt-right agenda and, from all accounts, the ear of the president. In the book, McMaster advocates a position of speaking truth to power, says Thomas Ricks, a senior national security adviser at New Americas International Security Program and a widely published author on military affairs. That persona has gotten him in some hot water in the Army at times. It also may not work well in the Trump White House. That, combined with his lack of experience in the snake pits of Washington, means that his time as national security adviser could be a real roller-coaster ride. As McMaster recounts in Dereliction of Duty, JFKs rejiggering of the NSC reflected the presidents preference for a looser, more informal decision-making process as well as a widely held skepticism and even distrust within his administration about the judgment of the countrys senior military officers. The result, McMaster concluded, was a national security disaster: The Kennedy and Johnson White Houses marginalized the Joint Chiefs and pursued a politically palatable middle course of graduated pressure and incremental escalation crafted by imperious, self-confident civilians (notably, Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara and national security adviser McGeorge Bundy) that was divorced from any real military strategy and had no chance of success. When their advice for more troops and tougher measures was ignored, the Joint Chiefs toned down their recommendations, dissembled to Congress and kept their mouths shut. The Joint Chiefs of Staff became accomplices in the presidents decision, McMaster wrote. They were, in the words of one chapter title, Five Silent Men. Years later, some expressed internal anguish over their failure to speak out. Maybe we military men were all weak, McMaster quotes Admiral David Lamar McDonald, then the chief of naval operations, as saying about his silence during the Vietnam War. Maybe we should have stood up and pounded the table. I was part of it, and Im sort of ashamed of myself too. At times I wonder, Why did I go along with this kind of stuff? Whether or not McMaster pounds the table, and encourages others inside the U.S. military to do so about political decisions they view as wrong-headed, remains to be seen. But another delicious scene in McMasters book may anticipate the tensions to come. Its an account of a Joint Chiefs meeting in September 1963 presided over by the then-chairman Gen. Maxwell Taylor. Taylor had nothing but disdain for the military officer seated by protocol to his immediate right: Air Force Gen. Curtis LeMay who for years had advocated massive bombing as the solution to all military problems. And LeMay had nothing but contempt for Taylor. LeMays bushy eyebrows, sagging jowls and jutting jaw advertised an irascible personality, wrote McMaster. Aware of Taylors aversion to tobacco smoke, [LeMay] hung his ever-present long dark cigar out of the left side of this mouth and intentionally puffed the thick smoke in Taylors direction. Both men were hard of hearing, and the resulting misunderstandings worsened the tension between them. Cigar smoke aside, if McMaster thinks back to that passage, he may well wonder whether it holds a message about his own future as he presides over NSC meetings, accompanied at the table by Steve Bannon. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: By Lawrence Hurley WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administrations move on Wednesday to rescind guidance allowing transgender students to use the bathrooms of their choice has raised the stakes for an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case that could deliver a landmark decision on the issue. The eight justices are due to hear oral arguments on March 28 on whether the Gloucester County School Board in Virginia can block Gavin Grimm, a female-born transgender high school student, from using the boys' bathroom. A ruling is due by the end of June. A key question in the case is whether a federal law, known as Title IX, which bars sex discrimination in education, covers transgender students. The Education Department under Democratic President Barack Obama said in guidance to public schools last May that it does, but the Republican Trump administration withdrew that finding on Wednesday. The high court on Thursday asked the lawyers involved to file letters by March 1 giving their views on how the Trump action should affect consideration of the case. Lawyers for Grimm say that the definition of sex discrimination in Title IX is broad and includes gender identity. The school board maintains that the law was enacted purely to address "physiological distinctions between men and women." If the Supreme Court rules that Title IX protects transgender students, the decision would become the law of the land, binding the Trump administration and the states. "This is an incredibly urgent issue for Gavin and these other kids across the country," said Joshua Block, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) who represents Grimm. The Trump administration's announcement "only underscores the need for the Supreme Court to bring some clarity here," he added. The administration on Wednesday did not offer its own interpretation of Title IX, with the Justice Department telling the court only that it plans to "consider further and more completely the legal issues involved." Story continues The administration is not directly involved in the case. Lawyers for both Grimm and the Gloucester County School Board have urged the court to decide whether Title IX applies to transgender students rather than taking a narrower approach by sending the case back to a lower court. In a court filing on Thursday, the ACLU said that, regardless of the administration's position, the court "can - and should - resolve the underlying question of whether the Boards policy violates Title IX." The school board's lawyers made similar comments in their most recent court filing, saying that the meaning of the federal law is "plain and may be resolved as a matter of straightforward interpretation." But the court could take a more cautious approach and send the case back to the Richmond, Virginia-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. That court's April 2016 ruling in favor of Grimm relied on the Obama administration's interpretation of the law. Kyle Duncan, a lawyer representing the school board, said the court must at a minimum throw out the appeals court decision because "the entire basis for that opinion" was the no-longer extant Obama administration interpretation. JUSTICE KENNEDY: PIVOTAL VOTE? With the eight-justice court likely to be closely divided, Trumps Supreme Court nominee, conservative appeals court judge Neil Gorsuch, could end up casting the deciding vote if he is confirmed by the U.S. Senate in time. Otherwise, the court, which is divided equally between liberals and conservatives, could split 4-4, which would set no nationwide legal precedent. Clues as to how the high court could rule can be gleaned from its decision last August to temporarily block the appeals court decision in Grimm's case from going into effect. That emergency request from the school board did not require the justices to decide the merits of the case. The vote in favor of the school board was 5-3, with Justice Stephen Breyer, a liberal, joining the four conservative justices. Breyer made clear in a statement at the time that his vote would not dictate how he would approach the case if the court took the issue up. That decision indicated that the court is likely to be closely divided at oral argument. Grimm's hopes may rest in Justice Anthony Kennedy, a conservative who voted against Grimm last summer but has sometimes sided with liberals in major cases, including several on gay rights. But even lawyers closely following the case are not sure which way Kennedy could go. "If I could predict that, I would be down in the casino," said Gary McCaleb, a lawyer with conservative Christian legal group Alliance Defending Freedom, which backs the school board. For graphic on transgender rights and "bathroom bills", click: http://tmsnrt.rs/2l529J9 (Reporting by Lawrence Hurley; editing by Noeleen Walder and Jonathan Oatis) ANKARA, Turkey (AP) Turkey's state-run news agency says U.S. security officers at Miami airport have detained a passenger on board a Turkish Airlines plane who claimed to have a bomb on him. Anadolu Agency says Thursday the passenger, identified only by his initials, U.E., told a crew member that he was carrying a bomb as the Istanbul-bound plane was preparing for takeoff. Security officials detained the passenger and searched the plane. It was allowed to depart after nothing suspicious was found. The private Dogan news agency, citing unnamed sources, reported that the passenger told police during questioning that he suffers from psychological problems and made the threat out of "momentary anger." Last week, a Turkish Airlines plane in Istanbul was evacuated after a suspicious note was discovered in one of its bathrooms. Rome (AFP) - Two former executives at the Vatican bank were handed four-month suspended prison sentences on Thursday over their role in dubious transactions dating from 2010. Paolo Cipriani, the former director general of the bank formally known as the Institute for Religious Works, and his deputy Massimo Tulli were convicted of failing to comply with anti-money laundering requirements. The two were forced to resign in 2013 days after a senior Catholic cleric who held accounts at the bank was arrested in Italy for alleged corruption. The cleric, Nunzio Scarano, was suspected of plotting to smuggle millions of euros into Italy. He was acquitted last year. The investigation centred on a 2010 transfer of 23 million euros ($24 million at current rates) made from the Vatican bank to Italian lender Credito Artigiano in September 2010. Three million euros were then sent on to Banca del Fucino and 20 million to JP Morgan Frankfurt. Both Cipriani and Tulli signed off on the transfers. The court found that the two men neglected to provide sufficient information to JP Morgan, but they were cleared of irregularities in approving the 23 million euro transfer. Prosecutors had sought a one-year prison term for Cipriani, and a 10-month term for Tulli. The scandal led Vatican officials to pledge to clean up the bank, which handles the accounts of Vatican employees as well as clerics, religious congregations and diplomats affiliated with the Holy See. The creation of a Financial Information Authority (AIF) in 2010 has led to the closure of about 5,000 accounts, and the agency said this month that it had frozen about two million euros in suspect funds last year as part of its corruption fight. By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) - A federal appeals court on Thursday said Texas may resume enforcement of a 2015 state law making it a felony to harbor immigrants who entered the United States illegally. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a federal judge's preliminary injunction last April that had blocked enforcement of the border security law known as House Bill 11 in part because it intruded upon federal authority to regulate immigration. Both sides portrayed Thursday's decision as a victory. A spokesman for Governor Greg Abbott said it would help Texas curb human smuggling, while a lawyer for landlords and social services providers opposed to the law said the decision clarified that they cannot be prosecuted under its terms. In issuing the injunction last April, U.S. District Judge David Alan Ezra in San Antonio rejected arguments by Abbott and other state officials that the law targeted only human trafficking and smuggling, not immigration generally. He also said enforcement could cause "irreparable harm" to the four plaintiffs, which included two landlords, a Brownsville homeless shelter, and the head of a group providing shelter and legal services to immigrants in central and south Texas. Writing for a three-judge appeals court panel, however, Circuit Judge Jerry Smith said the plaintiffs lacked standing to sue because they could not demonstrate a "credible threat" of prosecution. "There is no reasonable interpretation by which merely renting housing or providing social services to an illegal alien constitutes 'harboring ... that person from detection,'" Smith wrote. Abbott's press secretary John Wittman said in an email the Republican governor "was proud to sign HB 11 into law to crack down on human smuggling and increase penalties for perpetrators of these horrific crimes. He applauds today's decision." Ken Paxton, the state's Republican attorney General, said the decision would let Texas "fight the smuggling of humans and illegal contraband by transnational gangs and perpetrators of organized crime, not just on the border, but throughout Texas." Story continues The plaintiffs' lawyer Nina Perales, vice president of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, had argued that Texas legislators "intended to criminalize" her clients' activity, but said the appeals court's narrower definition of harboring offered protection. "Texas wanted maximum latitude to arrest and prosecute people who had dealings with undocumented immigrants," Perales said in an interview. "The 5th Circuit reined that in by declaring that ordinary landlords and humanitarian workers are outside the scope of the statute." The case is Cruz et al v Abbott et al, 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 16-50519 (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Richard Chang) By Tom Miles and Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA (Reuters) - U.N. mediator Staffan de Mistura said on Wednesday he did not expect an immediate breakthrough when Syria peace talks restart on Thursday but wanted productive talks that relaunch the process towards a political solution to end the six-year war. They will be the first U.N.-mediated negotiations on Syria in almost a year, during which time the military and geopolitical context has changed massively. Even so, the same disagreements are likely to resurface. De Mistura said Russia, which has supported President Bashar al-Assad's military advances, had asked the Syrian government to "silence their own skies in the areas touched by the ceasefire" during the talks. Countries close to the opposition were also asked to urge them to lessen provocations, he said. "Am I expecting a breakthrough? No, I'm not expecting a breakthrough," de Mistura told a news conference. "But I am expecting and determined for keeping a very pro-active momentum," he said. Hours later, the Syrian opposition called for face-to-face negotiations with the government delegation, saying it was hoping for a "serious partner" while casting doubt on Damascus' readiness. Spokesman Salem al-Muslet, speaking to reporters, said the opposition delegation did not want this round to be like the one a year ago that was fruitless. Referring to the delegation led by Syrian Ambassador to the U.N. in New York Bashar al-Ja'afari, he said: "We have experience with this regime. They're not here to negotiate about a political transition, but they're here to buy time and commit more crimes in Syria. There's no trust in this regime." De Mistura said he hoped neither side would seek to disrupt the talks by provoking the other and that momentum towards a political solution was necessary to thwart "spoilers" bent on derailing peace efforts. The U.N. Security Council, which met at the U.N headquarters to discuss Syria, said the humanitarian situation "will continue to deteriorate further in the absence of a political solution to the crisis." Ukraine's Volodymyr Yelchenko, the council's current president, said the council "expressed hope that the intra-Syrian talks in Geneva will produce tangible results" while moving towards "a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition." Asked if it had been discussed whether Assad would remain in power, Yelchenko said that was a subject for the Geneva talks. While the Geneva talks will focus on politics, de Mistura said he expected more rounds of talks in the Kazakh capital, Astana, convened by Russia, Turkey and Iran, to deal with the ceasefire and related humanitarian issues, including prisoners. He declined to discuss the format of the Geneva talks, which he said would start with bilateral meetings, and did not say what his objectives were for this round. But he said the negotiations would be guided by U.N. Security Council resolution 2254, which refers to the establishment of credible and inclusive governance, the process for drafting a new constitution and free and fair elections. "We will be very reluctant to engage in pre-conditions, and in fact I will be refusing them," he said. (Additional reporting by Laila Bassam and Rodrigo Campos; Editing by Dominic Evans and Peter Cooney) By Rodrigo Campos UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations Security Council will likely vote on a resolution to blacklist 11 Syrian military commanders and officials over chemical weapons attacks as early as next week, diplomats said on Thursday. The draft resolution also seeks to ban the sale or supply of helicopters to the Syrian government and to blacklist 10 government and related entities involved in the development and production of chemical weapons and the missiles to deliver them. It calls for an asset freeze and travel ban for the individuals and entities across all U.N. member states. A joint inquiry by the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, or OPCW, found that Syrian government forces were responsible for three chlorine gas attacks and that Islamic State militants had used mustard gas, according to reports seen by Reuters in August and October. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government has denied its forces have used chemical weapons. Chlorine's use as a weapon is banned under the Chemical Weapons Convention, which Syria joined in 2013. If inhaled, chlorine gas turns into hydrochloric acid in the lungs and can kill by burning lungs and drowning victims in the resulting body fluids. The U.N. vote could coincide with talks between representatives of Assad's government and his opponents with U.N. mediator Staffan de Mistura, which started on Thursday in Geneva. The Security Council diplomat said the draft resolution would be brought to a vote next week unless a "really compelling argument" against it emerged from the talks. A Western diplomat said the new U.S. administration was now co-sponsoring the resolution, and consultations on it could start on Friday at the Security Council. Former U.S. President Barack Obama's administration had handed over the drafting of the resolution to France and Britain as it had not wanted to complicate its talks with Russia over Syria. Both diplomats were speaking on condition of anonymity and said it would likely be vetoed by Russia, the main foreign backer of Assad's government. "With Geneva on at the same time, we think this resolution sends a strong message," one diplomat said. The U.S. and Russian delegations to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment. When a draft was discussed informally by the Security Council last December, Russia made clear it would not support the text. Following the U.N.-OPCW investigation, the United States in January blacklisted 18 senior Syrian officials it said were connected to the country's weapons of mass destruction program. At least nine of the 11 officials in the U.N. draft resolution were also blacklisted by the U.S. government. (Additional reporting by John Irish in Geneva; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Peter Cooney) By Lee Schrader "A lot of people tell me, really great people tell me, that it's impossible ... I have reason to believe I can do it." So boasted Donald Trump about nothing less than the resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict as he prepared to take office late last year. The language is blunt, but the pattern is familiar. A new U.S. administration, and yet another bout of diplomacy in the Middle East underpinned by personal ambition and unrealistic assessments. The Israel-Palestine issue is the graveyard of U.S. peacemaking. Littered with previous political initiatives, resolutions, maps, and plans, the "peace process" is a long history of struggle and disappointment. Indeed, the longevity of the conflict explains both the allure and the folly of high-profile peacemaking. It seems impossible to solve, and that is what's so appealing about trying. One state or two? While recently hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump made global headlines by declaring his openness to accepting either a two or one-state solution. Observers were quick to note that he had appeared to upend a long-held U.S. position, but this conclusion is premature. First, it's possible that Trump's statement was an attempt to increase his leverage and to maximize his flexibility in future negotiations. This would fit the pattern seen in his approach to the One China policy, where he questioned the status quo in an attempt to create bargaining chips. Second, the language Trump used was ambiguous to the point of emptiness. Without stating a clear preference in either direction, he noted only that he was "happy with the one that both parties like." Of course, if the parties to the conflict could find a solution they both liked, there would be no need for foreign intervention. Indeed, a real risk is that the Trump administration intends to sidestep the peace process entirely and to focus on bolstering Israel instead. Trump hinted at a "much bigger" and "more important deal" involving Arab states and Israel, designed to hedge against Iranian influence in the region. Story continues In the past, Arab states have made resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict a condition for normalizing their relationship with Israel. If that commitment were to be dropped, then Israel would be free to establish a web of bilateral economic and security arrangements with its neighbors. This would boost the Israeli economy and significantly improve its strategic position. In theory, this might give Israel the confidence it needs to cede territory it controls back to the Palestinians. But by this stage, they would have little motivation to do so. The Palestinians would have no regional allies, no control over their borders or access to revenue streams, and no leverage besides a return to violence. This would be met by further Israeli incursions into Gaza or the West Bank, and further restrictions on movement and access. Worse than a one state solution would be if the Palestinian limbo were to be made permanent by a risk-averse Israel and a disinterested Trump administration. Learning from past experience Even if Trump intends to pursue a more traditional approach to resolving the conflict, based on agreed formulas and negotiations between the two sides, the challenges are immense. Historically, the role of the U.S. has been to act as a bridge between the parties, providing assistance and guarantees that allow them to move towards painful and politically costly compromises. This role requires sustained and deep engagement with the details of the conflict, and an acute understanding of the regional political dynamics that constrain both parties. For a string of U.S. presidents, this has also been fraught with difficulties. And crucially, the determining factors have often been outside of U.S. control. President George H W Bush hosted a regional forum to build progress towards bilateral negotiations, but lost his re-election bid to Clinton soon after. Clinton inherited and attempted to shepherd the Oslo process, but was ultimately thwarted by his own electoral clock and by his negotiating partners. The violence that followed the breakdown of Oslo convinced President George W. Bush that engagement was not worthwhile. When his position changed, he became consumed by efforts to remove Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, and then by efforts to reform the Palestinian political realm. By the end of Bush's presidency, the Israelis had withdrawn from Gaza, the Palestinians had become geographically and politically split between Gaza and the West Bank, and another round of negotiations had failed. Much of the Obama Presidency was sidetracked by violence in Gaza, efforts to restart some semblance of negotiations between the parties, and an increasingly problematic US-Israeli relationship. For American presidents, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is both inescapable and incredibly difficult to navigate. No variable in the conflict remains constant. Leadership dynamics on all sides are constantly shifting, making the alignment of political interests incredibly fragile. President Clinton dealt with three Israeli Prime Ministers, one of whom, Yitzakh Rabin, was assassinated for his involvement in the peace process. President Bush also dealt with three, one of whom, Ariel Sharon, became incapacitated due to illness and later died. While President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu share the conservative side of the political spectrum, history demonstrates that this alone will not produce results. A way forward? The Trump administration has presented itself as anti-establishment and unorthodox. It has justified appointing individuals who lack direct experience with their portfolios by citing their business or other experience as equivalent. As a result, the United States now has a president, a secretary of state ( Rex Tillerson) and an ambassador to Israel ( David Friedman) who all lack first-hand experience negotiating peace agreements. While fresh eyes may see new potential paths, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not a business deal. It is an incredibly complex and historically rooted dispute between fractured and unstable parties. Even small symbolic signals can ignite violence and overreactions from sub groups on both sides unwilling to consider the notion of negotiations, let alone compromise. More often than not, novice peacemakers have repeated the mistakes of their predecessors and wasted valuable time, a commodity in short supply. While there is no template for "solving" the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, several core issues are unavoidable. Any peace initiative must find a way to address Palestinian political and geographic division, including years of violence and in-fighting. It must include a strategy for containing absolutists on both sides -- including regional resistance -- and insulate the political process from their efforts to spoil progress. It must also address Israeli security and identity concerns, but also acknowledge and support Palestinian aspirations for independence and self-governance. The initiative must find a way to bolster leaders on both sides, satisfy diasporas and political lobbyists, divide assets and engage with notions of justice and history. This isn't impossible, just highly improbable. It is also urgently needed. I am not arguing that the Trump administration is doomed to fail. Predictions are a fool's errand in this region. But leadership in the peace process requires a steady hand, attention to detail and a healthy dose of humility. President Trump should be mindful of the many talented peacemakers that have preceded him, and advance with caution. This conflict is deeply fraught, and breaking new ground also carries a greater risk of spectacular failure. To make matters worse, the allure of the ultimate deal can be blinding. This article was originally written by Lee Schrader, JSPS-UNU postdoctoral research fellow at United Nations University, for The Conversation on Feb. 23, 2017. It is republished with permission. The Conversation is a nonprofit news organization bringing knowledge from academia to the wider public. Articles are written by scholars who are experts on issues of public interest, assisted by editors who help unlock the knowledge. The Conversation was founded in 2011 and has newsrooms in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, and France. Abu Dhabi (AFP) - The United Arab Emirates announced Thursday it signed contracts worth a total of more than $5 billion to purchase weaponry during its international arms fair in Abu Dhabi this week. The four-day International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX), which kicked off Sunday, is one of the largest arms fairs in the Middle East. It is held every two years to showcase the latest in defence technologies and innovations. The UAE, a longtime client of Western defence industries, signed an order with Raytheon of the United States worth more than $740 million but also with Russian arms exporter Rosoboronexport for anti-tank missiles valued at $710 million. The final day on Wednesday resulted in contracts worth $930 million, organisers said, raising the total for the four days to $5.2 billion. Oil-rich UAE is a key partner in the Saudi-led Arab military coalition that intervened in Yemen in March 2015 after Shiite Huthi rebels stormed the capital Sanaa and advanced on second city Aden. It is also seen as an important regional ally in the US-led coalition's fight against the jihadist Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. Geneva (AFP) - The UN's Syria envoy called on the country's rival sides to accept the "historical" responsibility of seeking to end the six-year conflict, while accepting "miracles" were unlikely at peace talks starting Thursday in Geneva. Staffan de Mistura said regime and opposition negotiators, gathered for a fourth round of UN-sponsored talks, had a duty to lead Syria out of its bloody "nightmare". "This is... our solemn responsibility... a historical responsibility not to condemn the future generations of Syrian children to long years of bitter and bloody conflict," he said. "The Syrian people desperately want an end to this conflict and you all know it... they are awaiting for a relief from... suffering and dream of a new road out of this nightmare," he added. Speaking at a welcoming ceremony, he said the peace talks would start straightaway Thursday evening, after a day of bilateral meetings to hammer out the format and agenda of the negotiations. But he did not immediately say how the talks will take place: whether face-to-face, or with him shuttling between the rival delegations, as in previous rounds. "This is a mediation process. My job is to be a mediator," he told reporters, speaking after his opening address. Persistent violence and deadlock over Syria's political future are clouding the start of "Geneva 4," the fourth round of UN-sponsored talks on the conflict which has killed more than 310,000 people since 2011. - 'Not expecting miracles' - On the eve of the talks, Russia called on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to stop bombing during the discussions. But de Mistura, who had already warned he is not expecting a breakthrough at he talks, warned again Thursday of the challenge facing them. "I'm not expecting miracles. We face an uphill task. It will not be easy," he said, adding all sides know "what will happen if we fail again: more death, more suffering." Story continues The ground -- both in territory and diplomatically -- has shifted since the last UN-sponsored talks broke up in April 2016, and the rebels are in a significantly weaker position. The army has recaptured the rebel bastion of eastern Aleppo and the United States, once staunchly opposed to Assad, has said it is reassessing every aspect of its Syria policy under President Donald Trump. The latest truce was brokered in late December by opposition supporter Turkey and regime-backer Russia ahead of separate negotiations in Kazakhstan that also involved Iran. The deal has reduced violence but fighting flared again this week including a government bombing campaign on rebel territory around Damascus. A bitter dispute over Assad's fate also continues to divide the camps. The HNC has insisted he must leave office as part of any deal, while Damascus has said the president's future is not open for negotiation. De Mistura's office has said that the talks remain focused on "political transition". For the UN, that term can include a broad range of scenarios but the opposition sees it as implying Assad's removal. Forcing the Syrian president from power had been the stated goal of Barack Obama's administration but Trump's election has muddied the US stance. Trump has said that Washington's top priority in the region was defeating IS and that the US would be narrowly focused on American interests. - 'End it right now' - For the Syrian opposition there is urgency. "We hope to see something achieved here in Geneva 4 because there is no way Syrians will be moving to Geneva 5 with this cost they are paying in Syria," said the HNC spokesman. "We hope to end it right now here." Between meetings De Mistura took time Thursday to talk to a group of Syrian women with family members detained in Syria. "I am here as a sister of two prisoners, we as Syrian families we want to know the fate of our people?" Bayan Sharbaji told AFP after meeting the UN envoy. "Where are they, are they dead or alive. Our aim is to know the fate of the detainees, this issue is humanitarian first." Speaking at the welcome ceremony in the UN's Palais des Nations Thursday, de Mistura said: "This room has witnessed many historic moments. "I hope that one day (we) will look back on today and say that at this time and in this place the Syrian (people) started the long hard journey towards peace." United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The UN Security Council is likely to vote next week on a draft resolution that would slap sanctions on Syria over the use of chemical weapons, but Russia is almost certain to veto the measure, diplomats said Thursday. Britain, France and the United States are pushing for a ban on the sale of helicopters to Syria and sanctions on 11 Syrians and 10 entities linked to chemical attacks in the nearly six-year war. The measure follows a joint investigation by the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) which concluded in October that the Syrian military had carried out at least three chemical attacks in 2014 and 2015. "This is the significant response that the Security Council committed to do in the event of proven use of CW in Syria," said the diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "The US, UK and France are very clear that this is an issue of principle," he said. Russia's ambassador said at a meeting last week that Moscow would block the measure, said the diplomat. Russia has used its veto six times to shield its Damascus ally from any punitive action. China, another veto-wielding Security Council member, is expected to abstain in the vote. France and Britain presented a first draft on imposing sanctions on Syria in December, but held off on action to give the new US administration time to study it. Another Security Council diplomat said the trio was moving ahead now that US President Donald Trump's administration was fully onboard with the push for sanctions against Syria. The vote could take place as early as Monday or Tuesday. "We hope it will come to a vote as quickly as possible," a US official told AFP. - Blacklisting Syrian commanders - The draft resolution, seen by AFP, would impose a global travel ban and assets freeze on 11 Syrians, mostly military officials including the head of Syrian air force intelligence and the commander of air operations in areas where attacks occurred. Story continues These commanders are said to have been involved in an assault by helicopters that dropped chlorine barrel-bombs on the villages of Qmenas, Talmenes and Sarmin. Among the entities that would be blacklisted is the CERS research center in Damascus, described as responsible for developing and producing chemical weapons, and five firms said to be front companies for CERS. The draft resolution would also ban the sale, supply or transfer to the Syrian armed forces or to the government of helicopters or related materiel including spare parts. The proposed measure would set up a sanctions committee that would report to the Security Council on designating individuals and entities to a new blacklist. Syria has denied using chemical weapons while Russia has dismissed the investigative panel's findings as "inconclusive." The panel also found that the Islamic State group had used mustard gas in an attack in 2015. The Security Council is due to discuss chemical weapons use in Syria during a meeting on Friday. The United States last month blacklisted 18 senior Syrian military officers and officials over the use of chemical weapons, but there have been no UN sanctions imposed on Syria due to Russia's opposition. UNITED NATIONS (AP) U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley has met with the parents of an Israeli soldier whose remains have never been returned after he was killed in Gaza. Haley told Leah and Dr. Simcha Goldin on Wednesday that she'd work with them and Israeli diplomats to advocate for the return, the U.S. mission said. Lt. Hadar Goldin and two other Israeli soldiers were ambushed and killed by Hamas militants after a U.N.-backed cease-fire took effect in Gaza in August 2014. Goldin's parents have since made international appeals for the 23-year-old soldier's remains to be brought back to Israel for burial. Last fall, Goldin's artwork was displayed at U.N. headquarters, and his parents accompanied Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the U.N. General Assembly meeting. His address to the gathering mentioned the ongoing efforts to secure Goldin's remains and those of another soldier killed in the fighting, Oron Shaul. Hamas has demanded that Israel release dozens of prisoners before it opens negotiations on returning the soldiers' remains. The Goldins said in a statement Thursday they were "very optimistic about our cause" after talking with Haley and felt she'd ensure it gets further attention at the U.N. "We look forward to having U.S. support in our quest to return our son's body home for a proper burial," they said. Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon thanked Haley for meeting the Goldins and stressed that he'd continue pressing for the return of the soldiers' remains. Mexico City (AFP) - US Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly promised Thursday "no mass deportations" or military force against immigrants in the United States despite a crackdown on those in the country illegally. "There will be no, repeat no mass deportations", Kelly told a news conference in Mexico City after meeting with Mexican ministers. "There will be no use of military force for immigration operations." The meetings aimed to calm diplomatic tensions with Mexico, which has been targeted by President Donald Trump with a hard line on trade and immigration. Speaking hours earlier Thursday at the White House Trump made comments that appeared to contradict the message of his envoy to Mexico, describing the stepped-up deportation drive as "a military operation." "We're getting really bad dudes out of this country, and at a rate that nobody's ever seen before," Trump said. Trump has outraged Mexico by vowing to build a wall along the border to keep out migrants from Latin America, whom he branded rapists and criminals during his presidential campaign. Kelly on Tuesday issued new orders to begin arresting and deporting illegal immigrants, many of them Mexicans. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was also in Mexico City where he met with his Mexican counterpart, Luis Videgaray. Tillerson said the two sides "reiterated our joint commitment to maintaining law and order along our shared border by stopping potential terrorists and dismantling the transnational criminal networks moving drugs and people into the United States." But he agreed that cooperation on border security had to work both ways. "We underscored the importance of stopping the illegal firearms and bulk cash that is originating in the United States and flowing into Mexico," he said. "There's no mistaking that the rule of law matters along both sides of the border." US officials said the trip was aimed at affirming positive relations with Mexico. But Trump said he was determined to reduce the $70 billion US trade deficit with Mexico even at the risk of harming ties. Story continues "We're going to have a good relationship with Mexico, I hope. And if we don't, we don't," he said Thursday. Related: For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. Washington (AFP) - American white supremacist David Duke has praised France's far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen, extolling her political prowess and controversial father. "Her father is a great man, a true patriot. He raised a strong & intelligent woman who understands how to play 21st century politics," Duke said on Twitter on Wednesday, responding to a question about his views on Le Pen. Jean-Marie Le Pen, 88, is the founder of France's far-right National Front party, a five-time presidential candidate who has had multiple convictions for inciting racial hatred and denying crimes against humanity. Marine Le Pen took over leadership of the party in 2011 and has softened some of its views, increasing its appeal to a broader spectrum of voters. Promising economic nationalism and a crackdown on crime and immigration, she is targeting the type of disgruntled, working-class white voters who propelled Donald Trump to the White House. Polls currently show Le Pen winning the first round of the two-stage presidential vote in April with more than 25 percent. White supremacists including Duke, a former Ku Klux Klan imperial wizard, enthusiastically supported Trump in the 2016 US presidential race. Trump has disavowed the KKK and Duke but some have argued not strongly enough. Photo credit: Associated Press From Cosmopolitan A doctor who specialized in treating female gymnasts at Michigan State University and through the elite USA Gymnastics organization was charged Wednesday with sexual assault. Larry Nassar was charged in two Michigan counties. Online records show he's facing nine charges in Ingham County, including first-degree criminal sexual conduct in 2015 against a victim under age 13. A message seeking comment was left for Nassar's lawyer. Attorney General Bill Schuette and police plan to provide more details at a 2:30 p.m. news conference. Nassar had a clinic at Michigan State, where he treated members of the gymnastics team and younger regional gymnasts. He also was a doctor for USA Gymnastics, which trains Olympians. Dozens of women and girls say they were assaulted. Nassar denies it. In separate criminal cases filed in 2016, he's charged with possessing child pornography and molesting the daughter of family friends. Those cases are pending. Nassar was fired by Michigan State in September after the school said he violated restrictions that were put on his treatments, following a 2014 complaint. Since then, he has been the target of civil lawsuits, along with Michigan State and USA Gymnastics. Attorneys representing women and girls say Nassar assaulted them during treatments for back and hip pain. The allegations go back many years. Nassar's accusers include 2000 Olympian Jamie Dantzscher. "He would put his fingers inside of me, move my leg around," Dantzscher told 60 Minutes on Sunday. "He would tell me I was going to feel a pop and that that would put my hips back and help my back pain." You Might Also Like Tashkent (AFP) - Uzbekistan's President Islam Karimov looked certain to claim victory in presidential polls Sunday after all three of the 77-year-old's challengers endorsed his bid to extend his 25-year-rule. As polls closed in the Central Asian state, officials claimed that 91 per cent of the country's registered voters had cast their ballots. Few had any doubt about the outcome of the election given the endorsement by Karimov's rivals. In the era since independence, Karimov's presidency has been associated with lengthy presidential terms, landslide victories over low profile opponents and high turnouts at state elections. Karimov, accompanied by his wife Tatyana Karimova, cast his ballot at midday in the weakly-contested vote in the country of more than 30 million, where voting began at 6:00 am (0100 GMT) as snow fell in the streets of the capital Tashkent. Karimov, who won around 90 percent of the vote in 2007, is running for a five-year term following two seven-year stints. Before those, the man who held onto his leadership position when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 extended his post-Soviet rule by referendum in 1996. While exit polls are prohibited under Uzbek law, many voters in Tashkent told AFP they had voted for Karimov. Burkhon, a 63-year municipal transport mechanic who declined to give his surname, cited periodic unrest in neighbouring Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, as well as the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, as reasons for casting his vote for the longtime strongman. "We haven't had such bad things, thanks to Karimov, and we don't want them happening in the future," Burkhon told AFP. Gulhayo Khujanova, an 18-year-old student casting her vote for the first time, told AFP: "I voted for our president, Islam Karimov. I am really satisfied with what he is doing for young people." One voter, a taxi driver who requested anonymity, was undecided, saying: "I really wanted our respected President Karimov to retire, give the rule to someone younger and enjoy his happy retirement... But this is not going to happen, so I don't care now and I don't know who to vote for." Story continues - 'Stability' - The ageing Karimov has contended with increasing rumours of illness and physical frailty but appeared healthy last weekend when dancing at celebrations to mark the beginning of spring. He stressed the importance of stability during the low-key six-week campaign. "What do Uzbek people need? We need peace and well-being," Karimov told the crowd. On Wednesday he defended the need for "strong government", telling a small group of voters in comments aired by state media that otherwise "there will be chaos in society." He added: "The time will come when we will give full freedom to our citizens, all human freedoms, and first and foremost, freedom of the media." Karimov has continually warned of the danger posed by Islamic radicals based in Afghanistan, some of whom are ethnic Uzbeks. "If we retain stability in Uzbekistan, we secure order in the entire Central Asian region," Rafik Sayfullin, a political analyst based in Tashkent, told AFP. "Let these elections pass normally so that we can keep the same team." Strategically located Uzbekistan provided support to the US-led military operation in its southern neighbour Afghanistan and maintains close ties with both Russia and China. More than 300 international observers from 43 different countries are monitoring the vote. The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is expected to issue its assessment of the ballot on Monday. The presidential vote will complete a political cycle for the country after parliamentary elections -- which also saw a recorded turnout of over 90% -- took place in December. Uzbek expatriates voted in a number of different countries where Uzbekistan has diplomatic representation, including Russia, where more than two million Uzbek migrant labourers live, according to the Federal Migration Service. By Roli Srivastava MUMBAI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Shiny Varghese Padiyara knew she faced a race against time when a woman rescued from a brothel was brought to her shelter in the Indian city of Pune and then said she wanted to end her 19-week pregnancy. They had only a week left - after that, no abortion would be possible in India, which only permits terminations after 20 weeks in the rarest of circumstances. So Padiyara rushed to make an abortion plea in the court that was hearing the woman's sex trafficking case. "A week lapsed by the time the plea came up for hearing. The court declined to even accept the plea, saying it had no say in the matter," Padiyara, superintendent of Rescue Foundation shelter, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. The woman, who was trafficked from West Bengal to Pune - a journey stretching across the breadth of India - delivered a son this month who she then gave up for adoption. Counselors who work with trafficking and rape victims say that an unwanted pregnancy followed by adoption was a traumatic double punch for women who have already endured a sex crime. "A 16-year-old told me she was offered no help when she wanted to terminate the pregnancy, but now she was being asked to give up the child for adoption," said Leena Jadhav, a counselor. STRING OF PETITIONS Over the last few months, India's Supreme Court has received a string of petitions from women, including a rape survivor, asking to terminate pregnancies that had gone beyond 20 weeks. In each case, the court referred the matter to expert medical committees before it allowed the abortions. Indian law does permit terminations after 20 weeks but only on medical advice that the pregnant woman's life is in danger. Campaigners are demanding that the standard 20-week restriction is extended to 24 weeks, as most rape and trafficking victims report pregnancies late. The activists also say that as courts base their rulings on medical opinion, doctors should be legally empowered to make the decision, ensuring that women are not pushed into a legal route. "There are psychological and social reasons why women report pregnancies late. Hospitals should set up expert committees to take a decision," said Sangeeta Rege of the Center for Enquiry into Health and Allied Themes (CEHAT), a health charity. DELAYED, DENIED According to government data, 43 percent of the 9,127 trafficking victims in India in 2015 were below the age of 18. Priti Patkar of anti-trafficking charity Prerana said she had dealt with cases where girls working in brothels knew they were pregnant, but assumed an abortion would be illegal, so said nothing until they were rescued, furthering the delays. CEHAT campaigned hard for a change to the law in rape cases, and hospitals must now administer an emergency contraceptive to a victim if she seeks help within 72 hours of an assault. But when a victim approaches a hospital to seek an abortion after 20 weeks, citing sexual assault, she is asked for a copy of the First Information Report (FIR), or police record. "Abortion is still not recognized as a right. The FIR has to be shown at the hospital to prove sexual assault to the doctor and that carrying the baby could result in mental agony," said Jaya Sagade, vice principal of Indian Law Society's Law College. Activists say that many rape victims do not want to file a criminal complaint, fearing stigma and further victimization, but are forced to report in order to get an abortion. While changes have been made to Indian law to ensure that abortion can be provided if a pregnancy has resulted from sexual assault, it hardly ever happens, said activists, due to a slew of medical and legal formalities. "In the last three to four months, we have had at least four cases of women who have been denied abortion and all four were in their twentieth week of pregnancy," said Rege. VICTIMIZED AGAIN Among those who approached Rege's organization to seek help was a teenage rape victim who told the Thomson Reuters Foundation she never guessed she was pregnant when she missed her period for two consecutive months. She had not told her family about the abuse she had suffered, fearing their reaction, and realized she could be pregnant only when her stomach started swelling. "I was very scared. My aunt took me to the hospital and I went there hoping to get an abortion, which I thought would put an end to my worry," she said. She was denied abortion as her pregnancy had passed the 20-week deadline. The teenager gave birth in January and the baby was given to an adoption agency. (Reporting by Roli Srivastava. Editing by Ed Upright and Lyndsay Griffiths. Please credit Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, womens rights, trafficking, property rights, climate change and resilience. Visit news.trust.org) The annual Conservative Political Action Conference is kicking off today outside of Washington in an unfamiliar environment for all but the most long-term attendees: the conservative grassroots are in the majority. But the mood is hardly celebratory, as the divide between traditional conservatives and President Trump and his supporters is only expanding. Identity crises are hardly new for CPAC. During the Bush years, the conservative grassroots clashed with the Establishment-dominated White House. During the Obama years, it became Ground Zero for the debates over the nature of Republican opposition, and the partys struggles to find a new winning majority. It served as the battlefront within the conservative moment debates over same-sex marriage, isolationism, and diversity. Now, facing the rise of the alt-right populist/nationalist movement championed by Trump and Breitbart News, traditional conservatism (which is something of an redundancy) is struggling to find a home at CPAC, and within the broader GOP. Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and a host of top White House and Cabinet aides will address the gathering over the next several days, as they seek to rally the base of their movement. But as always the case at CPAC, theyll be preaching to the converted, rather than trying to expand their flock. Trumps administration rolled back Obama-era guidance to schools on ensuring access for transgender students to the restrooms of their choice. The White House cast the policy, which was hailed by social conservative groups, as a states rights decision. But it reflected a reversal for Trump, who last April suggested that the issue was settled. Leave it the way it is, he said at the time. It was also the subject of internal discord within the administration, as Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos was uncomfortable with the decision, but ultimately relented. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin talks tax reform and his new signature. EPA chiefs ties with industry face scrutiny. And Pence visits vandalized Jewish cemetery. Story continues Here are your must reads: Must Reads The Conservative Grassroots Faces a Crisis at Its Annual Meetup TIMEs Alex Altman on the friction between traditional conservatives and the ascendent Trump wing President Trump Just Rolled Back Guidelines That Protected Transgender Students TIMEs Katy Steinmetz on the latest developments David Brock, Donors Wade Into State Fights Brock pits himself against Obama-backed group [Politico] McMaster May Reorganize Trumps Foreign Policy Team Once Again New NSC shake-up under consideration [New York Times] Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin Sees Tax Overhaul by August Economic growth at 3% or higher is also among Trump administrations ambitious goals, he says [Wall Street Journal] Sound Off We want to get this done by the August recess. Weve been working closely with the leadership in the House and the Senate and were looking at a combined plan. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to CNBC on tax reform My kids and others have encouraged me to have a new signature, so Ive been practicing it so itll be nice and neat on the money. Mnuchin to CNBC Bits and Bites In first month of Trump presidency, State Department has been sidelined [Washington Post] Treasury Secretary Mnuchin: Were committed to very significant tax reform by August recess [CNBC] The Pruitt Emails: E.P.A. Chief Was Arm in Arm With Industry [New York Times] Undocumented Immigrants Across the U.S. Are Bracing for Trumps Deportation Crackdown [Associated Press] Top U.S. Officials Met With Defiance in Visit to Mexico [Wall Street Journal] Vice President Mike Pence Visited the Vandalized Jewish Cemetery [Associated Press] Heres the new signature that will be on every dollar in your wallet [CNBC] The Trump Administration will step up enforcement of federal laws barring recreational marijuana in states where its use is legalized, the White House said Thursday. Asked about the conflict between federal laws barring recreational marijuana and the handful of states that allow it, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said the Administration would change direction from the more permissive approach under President Obama. I do believe youll see greater enforcement of it, Spicer told reporters Thursday during the White House briefing. It would represent the latest policy shift from the Obama Administration, which declined to enforce federal laws in states that legalized weed, such as Colorado and Washington, as long as the states regulated the marketplace. As he prepared to leave office, former President Obama came out in favor of legalizing marijuana. He added that the Trump Administration would not seek to enforce federal statutes against those using marijuana for medical purposes. Spicer repeatedly linked the use of marijuana to the nationwide opioid abuse epidemic, suggesting without offering proof that marijuana is a gateway drug to more serious substances. Earlier in the briefing, Spicer touted the president and the GOPs commitment to deferring to the states over the federal government on controversial issues. We are a states rights party, he said while discussing a reversal of Obama-era guidance on transgender student bathroom use. Heres a question thats baffled health reporters in the months since the election: Why would people who benefit from Obamacare in generaland its Medicaid expansion specificallyvote for a man who vowed to destroy it? Some anecdotal reports have suggested that people simply didnt understand that the benefits they received were a result of the Affordable Care Act. That was the case for one Indiana family The New York Times described in December: Medicaid has paid for virtually all of his cancer care, including a one-week hospitalization after the diagnosis, months of chemotherapy, and frequent scans and blood tests. But Mr. Kloski and his mother, Renee Epperson, are still not fans of the health law over all. They believed that it required that Mr. Kloski be dropped, when he turned 26, from the health plan his mother has through her job at Target not understanding that it was the law that kept him on the plan until he was 26. Others, like this woman Voxs Sarah Kliff met in Kentucky, were happy with Obamacare but didnt believe Republicans would actually dismantle it: We spoke a good deal longer about the Affordable Care Act, and the possibility of repeal. Mills said she had gone into the voting booth confident that Republicans wouldnt dismantle the law, despite their promises. How could they, when people like her had become so reliant on it? I, meanwhile, have encountered people who were on the Obamacare exchanges and, though they were glad to be able to afford health insurance for the first time in years, still wanted the law repealed because they felt Obamacare coverage was too expensive. Heres one shop owner I interviewed in Pennsylvania: When Obamacare came along, I thought, it's going to be signed in, I'm going to take advantage of it, she said, tearing up. And Im no further ahead going into the fourth year than I was at the beginning. I haven't gotten what I hoped for. Story continues A report out this week from the Kaiser Family Foundation puts some data behind these anecdotes. The answer is, it seems, all of the above: Many exchange enrollees thought their plans were too expensive, and many beneficiaries of the Affordable Care Acts Medicaid expansion didnt realize their free health insurance was the result of Obamacare. And Marketplace enrollees told KFF they trusted Trump to craft a plan that would work better for them. Recommended: An Epidemic of Unnecessary Treatment The issue brief, written by KFF researchers Jennifer Tolbert and Larisa Antonisse, relies on focus groups KFF conducted in December in Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania with a total of 48 Trump voters. Twenty-three were on Medicaid, 21 were covered through the Obamacare exchanges, and four were uninsured. The brief quotes the 21 Marketplace enrollees as saying the plans are too complex, and most felt their only option was a high-deductible plan because premiums were too expensive. I have to go based on what I can afford, which is awful. Its an extremely high deductible I cant even tell you what it is because I purposely do not go to the doctor because I cant afford it. I have insurance and I dont use it, said Deborah, a woman on the Obamacare exchange in Columbus, Ohio. Still, the authors write, many worried about the implications of repealing Obamacare, so they wanted the law replaced simultaneously. Preferably, with something that makes their health care more affordable. (One potential obstacle to that dream: Universally, participants opposed the requirement to have health insurance or pay a fine, calling it un-American, even those who were otherwise happy with their coverage.) But the participants also had bad news for the Republicans, many of whom are proposing Obamacare replacement plans that rely on high-deductible plans paired with health savings accounts: The focus-group participants hated high deductibles, didnt know what HSAs are, or did not have the necessary savings to put in them. Recommended: Why So Many Young Doctors Work Such Awful Hours The quotes from Medicaid enrollees were grimmerand perhaps more frustrating for health wonks. All three states where the focus groups took place adopted the Obamacare Medicaid expansion, even though they went for Trump in the 2016 election. The Medicaid enrollees in the KFF panel were happy with their coverage, and some said they could see doctors and fill prescriptions for the first time in years. Here comes the depressing part (emphasis mine): Although almost all of the participants in the Medicaid focus groups became newly eligible for Medicaid coverage in 2014 due to their states expansion of the program under the ACA, most Medicaid participants did not realize that their coverage was related to the ACA. They wanted to keep their coverage, the report authors write, and voiced distress about the implications of repeal. [Trump] said 100 times Repeal and replace Obamacare, but the repeal part did worry me. Only in that the reason that I have healthcare is because of something that was in Obamacare, said Kyle, a Harrisburg man who is on Medicaid. What to take away from this, as Republicans continue to promote replacement plans that would do things these Trump voters say they dont want? Here are three possible interpretations: People were broadly unhappy with Americas health-care system, and Obamacare, being the most recent and biggest change, took the blame. That last one might be the most likelyand also the hardest to fix. Related Video: For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. Nearly 200 children and adults were at the St. Paul Jewish Community Center in Minnesota which offers swim lessons, community lectures and preschool classes when the phone rang with a bomb threat on Monday morning. Students quickly evacuated to a nearby fire station, police officers swept the building and the center re-opened after no bombs were found. Days later, no one has been arrested. Theres very little evidence on which to move forward, said Steve Linders, a spokesman for the St. Paul Police Department. He said its not yet clear what phone number or device was used to make the threat. The case illustrates the challenges faced by law enforcement officials and hate crime experts working to combat a wave of recent anti-Semitic incidents across the country. Statistically, most of them are hoaxes. Realistically, you have to handle every one as if its the real deal, said James Mulvaney, an adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice who previously worked with the New York Police Departments hate crimes task force. The duty of a terrorist is to terrorize, and you can terrorize a community without actually causing damage but by just causing unrest, Mulvaney said. Any threats against these places is an act of terror because it scares the heck out of people and it scares the heck out of people who have a history of being victimized. There have been nearly 70 bomb threats at 53 Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) in the U.S. and Canada so far this year, according to the JCC Association of North America. Although its difficult to quantify, civil rights experts see those threats as part of a spike in racist and anti-Semitic incidents since the presidential election. The Southern Poverty Law Center counted 1,094 bias-related incidents in the month following the election. But the center, which has long tracked hate groups, has no way of comparing that figure to previous months because it only began tracking hate incidents after the election, when it was flooded with an alarming number of reports about racist and anti-Semitic incidents. Story continues The Anti-Defamation League does not release its annual audit of hate incidents until all reports can be vetted, but the organization said it has been receiving more reports than usual this year. More than 150 members of Congress on Wednesday sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice and the FBI, urging authorities to swiftly investigate recent threats and prosecute the perpetrators. The FBI has said it is investigating possible civil rights violations in connection with threats to Jewish Community Centers across the country and declined to comment further. The reason theyre so difficult is, indeed, because this is not 1980 where someone can just do a quick look and find where the call emanated from, said Oren Segal, director of the ADLs Center on Extremism, noting that the internet and other forms of technology have made it easier for perpetrators to remain hidden. He said the ADL, whose headquarters were targeted with a bomb threat on Wednesday, is working with the FBI to investigate the source. Theyre extremely difficult to investigate, again, because they are perpetrated from a distance. The offender tends to remain anonymous, and hate crimes are difficult to identify in the first place, said Jack Levin, a hate crimes expert and co-director of the Brudnick Center on Violence and Conflict at Northeastern University. Even if they never find the perpetrator, there are solutions that go beyond law enforcement, Levin said, noting that the community and political leaders can offer support to those affected. He believes hate crime laws are also important because they can be a deterrent. Its kind of like asking the impossible: How do you stop racism? If I knew the answer to the question if anyone knew the answer to that question the world would be a much better place, said Ryan Lenz, editor of the Southern Poverty Law Centers Hatewatch blog. Lenz said President Donald Trumps denunciation of anti-Semitism this week and Vice President Mike Pences visit to a vandalized Jewish cemetery in St. Louis were important steps. But he thinks the threats deserve more attention. I think its important to recognize that something changed in this country after the election, Lenz said. This without a doubt is a new development. Melissa Chan contributed reporting. ATLANTA As climate change proceeds, there will be more extreme weather events, and these events pose a threat to people's health, experts say. The annual number of natural disasters appears to be increasing around the world, said Dr. Mark Keim, an emergency-medicine physician and the founder of DisasterDoc LLC. These include, for example, not only weather- and water-related disasters, but also geological disasters, such as earthquakes, and biological disasters, such as pandemics. Data from the past 50 years show that 41 percent of all global disasters are related to extreme weather or water events, Keim said here on Thursday (Feb. 16), at the Climate & Health Meeting, a gathering of experts from public health organizations, universities and advocacy groups that focused on the health impacts of climate change. [5 Ways Climate Change Will Affect Your Health] Experts in climate change predict that extreme weather events will increase in either frequency or severity, and these events are a very serious public health burden, Keim told Live Science. Extreme-weather events fall into three categories: high-precipitation disasters (such as hurricanes and tornadoes), low-precipitation disasters (heat, droughts and wildfires) and sea-level rise disasters, Keim said. High-precipitation and low-precipitation disasters are currently affecting the United States, he added. High precipitation disasters High-precipitation disasters, which include storms, floods and landslides, can kill people in a variety of ways, Keim said. People can die from falls, electrocutions (from downed power lines), drowning (for example, during a hurricane) or asphyxiation (in a landslide), Keim said. In the United States, more deaths occur during the clean-up phase of hurricanes than during the actual storms, he added. Data show that among people with any type of severe injuries, 50 percent die immediately, and another 30 percent of severely injured people die within the first hour, Keim said. (These data apply to any type of severe injury, from car accidents to hurricanes, he said.) Story continues That means that 80 percent of all deaths from severe injuries occur within 1 hour of the event, which is deemed "the golden hour," he said. But during a disaster, with winds blowing or the earth shaking, it's nearly impossible to reach victims within that golden hour, Keim said. So if doctors and experts want to reduce the number of deaths, they need to take a different approach: prevention, Keim said. Deaths from tornadoes, for example, have decreased tenfold over the past 30 years, thanks to improved communication about storms and education, he said. Improved forecasting and early warnings allow people to get out of the area, he added. Low-precipitation disasters Low-precipitation disasters also threaten health, Keim said. These include heat waves, droughts and wildfires. Kim Knowlton, an assistant clinical professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York City, who also spoke at the meeting, elaborated on the health risks posed by heat. "There is a clear warming trend and that threatens health," Knowlton said. "Heat waves, which are extreme heat events that last several days, are the No. 1 cause of U.S. weather fatalities, on average, over the last 30 years," she said. Extreme heat poses a problem because it disrupts the body's natural ability to regulate its temperature, Knowlton said. [Roasting? 7 Scientific Ways to Beat the Heat] Normally, the body regulates its internal temperature via the heart and lungs, Knowlton said. When its hot out, the heart beats faster, we breathe faster and we sweat to cool off, she said. But in extreme heat, these functions can't rid the body of enough heat, and our internal temperature rises, she said. This can lead to a range of heat-related illnesses, from mild ones, such as heat cramps and fatigue, to more serious ones, such as fainting and heat exhaustion, to severe ones, such as heat stroke, which is fatal in more than half of all cases, Knowlton said. But extreme heat doesn't only kill people directly through heat-related illnesses. It can also increase the risk of death from heart disease, respiratory diseases, kidney diseases and other illnesses, because of its wider effects on the body, Knowlton said. Many people are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, Knowlton said. These include infants, children, the elderly, outdoor workers, athletes, people with medical conditions, pregnant women, the poor, the homeless and people who live in cities, she said. In addition, certain drugs, such as blood pressure medications, antidepressants and allergy medications, make people more susceptible to heat, Knowlton said. This means that people who are "already struggling to stay healthy will be more challenged as climate change and heat continues," she said. Originally published on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations These two wives are on opposite sides of a Florida trial as they both testified in the "Stand Your Ground" defense case. Read: Did Murdered Indiana Teens Capture the Voice of Their Killer? Defendant Curtis Reeves, 74, is accused of shooting and killing Chad Oulson, 43, in a Tampa movie theater after the two got into a confrontation before the movie, Lone Survivor, in January 2014. The duo got into an argument because Oulson, who was sitting in front of Reeves and his wife, was texting on his phone. Oulson was said to be texting to reach his babysitter as the movie was set to start. Words were exchanged between the men and Oulson threw a bag of popcorn at the retired police captain. Then a shot was fired, leaving Oulson dead and his wife, Nicole, wounded by the same bullet that killed her husband. Nicole testified Thursday about the moment Curtis Reeves told her husband to stop texting. "It wasn't a friendly ask, please or can you, do you mind? It was just, turn your phone off and put your phone away. Very demanding and very abrupt, she recalled in court. She added: "I thought this was so silly that it had gotten to this point." Vivian Reeves, the wife of the accused murderer, also took the stand Wednesday and was asked whether her husband said anything to her after she heard the shot. Read: Boy, 11, Greets Police While Covered in Blood After His Dad Killed His Mom He said, 'He hit me in the face,'" she recalled. "I just didn't know what happened." "No punches were thrown, popcorn was clearly thrown but how does that come to the level of someone pulling out a gun and more importantly, using the gun as a result of popcorn being thrown," T.J Grimaldi, who represents Nicole Oulson, told Inside Edition. Reeves has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder. He is using Floridas "Stand Your Ground" defense. Judge Susan Barthle will decide whether the controversial defense holds water. If it does, Reeves will walk away a free man. If it doesnt, he will go on trial for murder. Story continues Watch: Victims of Aurora Movie Theater Shooting Asked to Pay $700,000 to Theater After Failed Lawsuit Related Articles: Oslo (AFP) - UN aid agencies and donor countries gathered in Oslo on Thursday for a two-day meeting to raise emergency aid for millions of people threatened by famine in northeastern Nigeria, a Boko Haram stronghold. The UN aims to raise up to 1.4 billion euros ($1.5 billion) in commitments throughout 2017 for the Lake Chad region, which comprises northeast Nigeria, northern Cameroon, western Chad and southeast Niger. One of the poorest regions in the world, it has been ravaged by eight years of violence. Schools, dispensaries and agriculture are in ruins, and people have been forced to flee jihadists on foot without any resources. Across northeast Nigeria, some 5.1 million people face severe food shortages and nearly 500,000 children are suffering from acute malnutrition, even as the military makes gains against the group. Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende, meeting with non-governmental organisations on Thursday, called it "one of the more forgotten conflicts" on the planet. "The displacement crisis in northeastern Nigeria and the Lake Chad region has really become unfortunately a very serious food and nutrition emergency," Brende said. "More than 10 million people are in need of assistance... Some parts of northeastern Nigeria may unfortunately already experience famine," he added. Kashim Shettima, the governor of Borno State in Nigeria, said Boko Haram had inflicted $9 billion worth of destruction since it began its insurgency in 2009. - Dry lake - The medical situation has been described by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) as "the worst in the world". Humanitarian organisations can access populations at risk only as the army progresses. Many roads are passable only under the escort of Nigerian soldiers, and ambushes are a constant threat. Other places are accessible only by helicopter, where "horrible rates of malnutrition" are observed among children. "In the whole of the Lake Chad region we've seen the fight against Boko Haram take priority above all else, with military and political objectives directed towards this," said Natalie Roberts, head of emergencies for MSF in Borno State. Story continues "We now find ourselves in the midst of a huge humanitarian crisis," she added. Filippo Grandi, the United Nations' High Commissioner for Refugees, echoed the assessment, saying: "It is a crisis that has long been seen outside the region as being essentially a security crisis." The UN humanitarian coordinator for the Sahel region, Toby Lanzer, called for a response to "one of the most deadly extremist groups," referring to Boko Haram. The inhabitants "are surviving with barely one meal a day," he warned. "And we know that with the impending rainy season, disease will increase, malaria will become more prevalent, and shelter will be more needed," Lanzer said. Ahmed Shehu, a civil society representative in northeastern Nigeria, spoke about the need for long-term development. "I say (to) donors here, if we want to tackle the Boko Haram issue, let's also reflect on the underlying issue: poverty," he said. "The second issue we fail to link with Boko Haram is climate change," he said, noting that 90 percent of Lake Chad has dried up in a few decades. "What is the issue now? A majority (farmers and fishermen) have lost their livelihoods," he said. Among those attending the Oslo conference are government ministers from Germany, Norway, Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, as well as the head of the World Food Programme, Ertharin Cousin. On Friday, delegations are expected to detail their respective commitments in three-minute speeches. Aden (AFP) - Yemeni government forces made gains around the Red Sea coastal town of Mokha in heavy fighting overnight as they rebuffed a rebel counter-offensive, a military source said on Thursday. Seven loyalist troops and 16 rebels were killed in the fighting, hospital sources said. Twelve soldiers and 28 rebels were wounded. Government forces captured Yakhtul, 14 kilometres (nine miles) north of Mokha, and Jabal al-Nar, 10 kilometres (six miles) to the east, consolidating their grip on the town they overran on February 10, the military source told AFP. Twelve rebels were taken prisoner. On Tuesday, government forces had suffered a major setback in the offensive they launched in January to try to recapture Yemen's 450 kilometre (280 mile) Red Sea coastline, which had previously been almost entirely in rebel hands. Rebel forces counterattacked, killing a deputy army commander and 18 other troops. The loyalists' capture of Mokha was their biggest success in months. Despite nearly two years of military support from a Saudi-led coalition, government forces are largely restricted to the south and areas along the Saudi border. The rebels still hold the capital Sanaa and much of the central and northern highlands as well as most of the Red Sea coast. The government's next goal is the main Red Sea port city of Hodeida, a vital conduit for UN-supervised aid deliveries to rebel-held areas. Coalition air strikes on Hodeida province late on Wednesday killed seven rebels and wounded 15, military sources said. The raids targeted an arms warehouse in Bayt al-Faqih and a missile launcher in Bajil. More than 7,400 people have been killed in Yemen since the coalition's intervention began in March 2015, according to World Health Organization figures. UN humanitarian coordinator for Yemen Jamie McGoldrick has put the death toll at closer to 10,000. McGoldrick has also warned that seven million Yemenis are close to starvation. A livestream of a pregnant giraffe waiting to give birth has struck controversy online after alleged animal rights activists successfully had the stream removed. "This is the perfect example of why we can't have nice things," said Jordan Patch, owner Animal Adventure Park in New York. After the stream was taken down, Patch was visibly shook and vented his frustrations in a Facebook Live Thursday morning. SEE ALSO: The world's fastest land animal is even more threatened than we thought Patch claims that the livestream of its pregnant giraffe April, received 20 to 30 million views in just twelve hours. But with this masses came problems. While the zoo sees the video as education, Patch says that some "extremists and animal right activists" reported the livestream as containing sexually explicit or nude content, which triggered YouTube to pull the video. "What a shame. Some people are ridiculous!," one person commented on the Facebook Live. "This video is beautiful and educational!" The livestream has since been reinstated. YouTube responded to a request for comment with a link to its community guidelines. According to the company, YouTube reviews videos that the community believes violates the guidelines, but admits that sometimes they do make mistakes. Additionally, YouTube noted they do have an appeals process for videos which may have been improperly removed. With 400 hours of video being uploaded to YouTube every minute, it's bound to make some mistakes. Patch used the Facebook Live to encourage animal rights activists to support conservation. "Instead of sitting behind a keyboard or holding up protest sign, get behind conservation," said Patch. "We're all on the same team. We want the best for these animals, and we would love to have them in their natural environment one day. But until we can control the destruction of natural habitat and poaching, that is not going to happen." As for April the pregnant giraffe that's about to give birth, Patch says she is progressing well and is expected to give birth soon, though he admits there is no way to predict when this will happen. Exactly a century ago this Friday, on the morning of Feb. 24, 1917, the office of U.S. Secretary of State Robert Lansing received a telegram of warning from the U.S. Ambassador to Britain. In roughly three hours, the ambassador wrote, he would send another telegram, meant for Lansing and President Woodrow Wilson. It was going to be something important. When the second telegram arrived, it bore news that would play a role in changing the course of the next 100 years: the ambassador was telling the U.S. that he had received from the British the decoded text of a message they had intercepted from the Foreign Minister of Germany, Arthur Zimmermann, to his countrys minister to Mexico. At the time, the U.S. remained neutral as the Great War raged across Europe. Although many Americans saw it becoming inevitable that their nation would eventually join the fight, those who favored staying out of it could still make an argument that what was going on was none of Americas business. After all, an ocean separated the U.S. from the fighting and, though attacks by German submarines on ships making the Atlantic crossing had earlier galvanized those who favored war, German authorities had agreed in 1916 to limit attacks on non-military ships. But the information in the telegram intercepted by the British told the President that the time had come. Among the official cryptograms which have been intercepted and translated by governmental authorities other than those for whom they were intended, the most important of all time, either in war or peace, is undoubtedly the one deciphered by the British Naval Intelligence which is known to historians as the Zimmermann telegram, declared a 1938 War Department report, which has since been declassified. The chilling text of the document, as transcribed in the National Archives, was as follows: We intend to begin on the first of February unrestricted submarine warfare. We shall endeavor in spite of this to keep the United States of America neutral. In the event of this not succeeding, we make Mexico a proposal or alliance on the following basis: make war together, make peace together, generous financial support and an understanding on our part that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The settlement in detail is left to you. You will inform the President of the above most secretly as soon as the outbreak of war with the United States of America is certain and add the suggestion that he should, on his own initiative, invite Japan to immediate adherence and at the same time mediate between Japan and ourselves. Please call the Presidents attention to the fact that the ruthless employment of our submarines now offers the prospect of compelling England in a few months to make peace. Signed, ZIMMERMANN. Story continues Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter Though the War Department report acknowledged as is still the case that experts may disagree over whether the telegram actually pushed the U.S. toward anything that wouldnt have happened for other reasons, this telegram is generally seen as a key step in the United States move toward deciding to join in on World War I. After all, at the months end, the Associated Press alerted the nation to the fact of the telegram, explaining that President Wilson had already been in possession of the document as German officials protested that they wanted to maintain friendly relations between the two nations. After that, it would be hard to argue that the U.S. could maintain neutrality in the conflict that had already been tearing Europe apart for years. The declaration of war would come in April. Credit: reesewitherspoon/Instagram Reese Witherspoon is one busy woman. In the midst of the debut of her HBO limited miniseries Big Little Lies, the Oscar winner has jetted off to New Zealand to film A Wrinkle in Time with a star-studded cast, and it's clear she's having a blast while doing so. How do we know? Just take a look at these five signs that Witherspoon is having the time of her life abroad: She's taking plenty of smiley selfies with her costar Mindy Kaling (and with that picturesque backdrop, can you blame her?!): "Ladies night in #NZ #GNO," she captioned this one, referring to their girls' night out. Ladies night in #NZ #GNO A post shared by Reese Witherspoon (@reesewitherspoon) on Feb 17, 2017 at 7:32pm PST She took some time to relax, restore, and hit this incredible yoga pose at Aro Ha Wellness Retreat, a luxury health and fitness eco-resort that offers sub alpine hiking, daily massages, spa therapy, and more: "What an incredible experience I had at @aroharetreats in South Island NZ!! The amazing yoga (thank you @damianchaparro !), the delicious vegan meals, and the incredible spa treatments were unreal! So grateful for this beautiful experience!," she captioned the snap. RELATED: Big Little Lies Is Like Desperate Housewives on Steroids WATCH: 16 of Reese Witherspoon's Favorite Things She is literally jumping for joy ... and so is Kaling: "Couldn't be more excited to discover #NewZealand with this lady!!! @mindykaling," Witherspoon wrote alongside it. Couldn't be more excited to discover #NewZealand with this lady!!! @mindykaling A post shared by Reese Witherspoon (@reesewitherspoon) on Feb 16, 2017 at 11:12am PST She kicked off Sunday Funday at a winery: "Happy Sunday! soaking up the sun in gorgeous #newzealand Hope you are having a beautiful day!," she captioned this shot. Story continues Happy Sunday! soaking up the sun in gorgeous #newzealand Hope you are having a beautiful day! A post shared by Reese Witherspoon (@reesewitherspoon) on Feb 18, 2017 at 11:39pm PST She went horseback riding and made a friend while she was at it: "Can I keep him? #nzadventures," she wrote alongside a photo of herself standing next to a horse. Max Bedard, an 8th grader who has autism, was turned away at a school dance. (Photo: Carl Russo/Eagle Tribune) An autistic boy who was turned away from a school dance because of his inappropriate outfit inspired a social media movement called #MaxItMonday. Max Bedard is a 14-year-old autistic boy with a sensory processing disorder. On Friday, he was excited to attend his first dance ever at Pelham Memorial Middle School in New Hampshire and meet up with his date. But when he showed up wearing a gray long-sleeved shirt, black sweatpants, a hooded sweatshirt, and dog tags in honor of his brother who had joined the Army, Max was sent straight to principal Stacy Maghakians office instead of being allowed into the dance. He was stopped at the door, Maxs mom, Michelle Bedard, told local Fox affiliate WFXT on Tuesday. [The principal] said to him, Are you really wearing that? and he said, Yes, and she brought him to the office and made him call home. He never made it to the dance and never saw that girl who was meeting him there. Max was given the option to go home and put on a formal shirt, but Michelle says he was too upset to return to the dance. He ripped off the wristband that they give them and threw it on the floor of my car, she told the news station. I drove home listening to my son cry. Because of his sensory issues, Max only wears clothing made from soft cotton, Michelle told WFXT, something she had discovered after Max had a meltdown when she wrapped him in a fleece blanket. You notice these things, like when he showers, he doesnt use warm water, she said. Cold does not faze him, heat does. He doesnt get invited to birthday parties, he doesnt get invited over to friends houses to have playdates, so this dance, for him, it was huge. When Maxs classmates discovered he didnt get into the dance, they attended school Monday wearing sweatpants and blue shirts in a show of support blue is a color associated with autism awareness and posted on social media using the hashtag #MaxItMonday. #MaxItMonday #NH teens wear sweats & blue for #Autism in solidarity w/student who left a dance after his clothes didnt fit the code #7news pic.twitter.com/TWK71vGDFO Kimberly Bookman (@KimberlyBookman) February 21, 2017 Michelle also created the Facebook page #MaxItMonday. The groups nearly 500 members upload photos of themselves and their children (some with autism, some without) wearing blue. One woman designed a blue bracelet spelling out Maxs name, another dressed her dog in a blue jacket, and a pair of medical professionals posed for a photo wearing blue scrubs. Story continues According to the Eagle Tribune newspaper, the Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation, which spreads awareness for childhood heart conditions, is crowning Max as a king in May and the American Legion, which advocates for war veterans, is hosting an event for kids with special needs. A representative from Pelham Memorial Middle School did not return Yahoo Styles request for comment. However, in a letter to the community, superintendent Amanda Lecaroz wrote, Number one, the young man was never sent home by Ms. Maghakian from the dance on Friday night, but rather sent to her office by other staff members to make a phone call along with several other students to have parents bring alternative clothing to better meet the dress code or clothing expectations of the event. That being said, obviously there were communication breakdowns prior to and during this event that led to this unfortunate situation, and we will use these lessons to make things better for everyone in the future. Yahoo Style could not reach the Bedard family for comment. However, Max told Fox25 of the mass movement: That really made me wicked happy inside my heart. And I was really happy that people actually cared for me. Read More: Hairstylist Sits on the Floor to Cut Autistic Boys Hair, Goes Viral #ShePersisted Becomes Battle Cry as People Tweet Their Female Heroes Melania Trump Hired a Lawyer Over False Claims That Her Son Has Autism Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Style + Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Queen Letizia (left), wife of King Felipe of Spain, and Juliana Awada (right), wife of President Mauricio Macri of Argentina, are giving royal style icon Kate Middleton a run for her money. (Photo: AP Images) Kate Middletons style icon status is officially in question. On Wednesday, the newly appointed president of Argentina, Mauricio Macri, and his wife, Juliana Awada, attended a gala dinner with Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI of Spain at the royal palace in Madrid. Not only did the foursome clearly hit it off on the way to dinner, they seriously raised the style bar. While they walked with their husbands in tow, Awada wore a pale pink, floor-length gown with embroidered crystals, while Queen Letizia topped her long black velvet dress with a glittery crown. Earlier that day, the pair took a walk in front of the palace wearing similar shades of pink Awada wrapped in a coat with a fur collar, and Valentino Rockstud heels and Queen Letizia wearing a belted blazer and pencil skirt. Queen Letizia of Spain (left) and Juliana Awada, first lady of Argentina. (Photo: AP) In the short time since her husband took office in December, Awada, 41, has acquired an enviable reputation. Her Instagram account, boasting 756K followers, is stocked with photos of herself kissing and snuggling with her husband and doting on the couples 4-year-old daughter, Antonia (she also has a daughter named Valentina from a previous relationship). The photos reflect Awadas open-book philosophy on life. When asked by an Argentinian journalist about her husbands sexual performance, Awada answered, Cant you see how happy I look? President Macri was equally as forthcoming in 2013, when, according to the Daily Mail, he told a television journalist, My wife has too much sex. Shes insatiable. The couple reportedly met at the gym in 2009, when they shared a personal trainer. Queen Letizia, 44, a mother of two (11-year-old daughter Leonor, Princess of Asturias, and 9-year-old Infanta Sofia of Spain), is also a trendsetter. In 2014, she sported a faux bob, a clipped-under hairstyle that, along with her fake eyelashes, made headlines. Letizia is very influential in the world of fashion in Spain, by popularizing certain tendencies or fashions, Empar Prieto, an editor at the magazine S Moda, told People. Its true that whatever she puts on and is photographed in gets sold out. Sounds like another royal we know. Story continues Critics have also accused Queen Letizia, a former broadcast journalist, of dressing too provocatively. In 2015, she stirred up controversy with her too short hemlines and youthful style. If the royal pals are looking to bolster their stylish squad, theyre in luck: Kate Middleton may be in the market for a bestie. Read more: The 3 London Designers You Need to Know How to Wear Statement Slides Any Day of the Week Hermes Launches a New Iconic Bag Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration, delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Should computerized virtual assistants enjoy the same constitutional protections that living, breathing humans do? Amazon thinks so, and its taking that position in regards to a request by law enforcement for the conversation history of one very important Alexa device. The company is seeking to have the requests thrown out entirely unless the police can prove that the information would be crucial to the investigation. Don't Miss: Heres how to delete all the voice recordings Amazon Echo and Google Home secretly store Police in Bentonville, Arkansas believe that a local man named James Bates killed Victor Collins in November of 2015. Collins body was discovered in Bates hot tub, which is pretty solid evidence as far as the court is concerned, but law enforcement wants to tie up as many loose ends as possible. To that end theyve requested a whole bunch of information from Amazon in regards to Bates, including purchase history and account information, which the company has willingly obliged. However, police also requested the transcript of all communications Bates had with his Amazon Echo, and thats where Amazon is drawing the line. Its Amazons stance that police officials havent made a sufficient case that the conversation history is crucial to the investigation. Amazon believes that an Alexa users queries fall under the First Amendment and as such the company should not be compelled to hand over the information unless it clearly relates to the case itself. Amazons request to the court reveals that Bates requests and Alexas responses would be available on his smartphone, and that police could just as easily obtain the information from it instead. However, the phone in question, a Nexus P, is encrypted at the chipset level and police have thus far been unable to breach its security. Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com BEIJING (Reuters) - Baidu Inc, the Internet firm behind China's largest search engine, on Thursday denied media reports that said CEO Robin Li was subject to a travel ban. A crackdown on corruption in China, spearheaded by President Xi Jinping, has ensnared a number of high profile executives and sparked media speculation about others. Last month, Chinese billionaire Xiao Jianhua went missing after leaving his hotel in Hong Kong and is now believed to be in mainland China. Taiwanese news site Bowen Press reported on Wednesday that Baidu CEO Li had been banned from traveling outside China. A Baidu spokeswoman denied that Li faced a travel ban. Chinese media which had reported the travel ban on Li later removed their stories. Bowen Press was not available for immediate comment. Baidu will report its fourth-quarter earnings on Friday. (Reporting by Cate Cadell; Editing by Jason Neely and Susan Fenton) MUMBAI (Reuters) - Bharti Airtel , India's largest telecoms network operator, is buying Norwegian Telenor's India unit, in yet another consolidation move in the South Asian nation's telecoms sector driven by upstart rival Jio's disruptive pricing. Bharti Airtel said on Thursday it will buy Telenor (India) Communications Pvt Ltd, as part of which it will acquire the Norwegian company's operations in six Indian states. It did not disclose financial terms of the deal. The entry late last year of Reliance Industries' wireless carrier Jio into India's crowded telecoms sector with its free voice and deeply discounted data plans has pushed rivals to slash costs, sharply eroding their profits. Bharti Airtel reported its lowest profit in four years in the October-December quarter while No. 3 player Idea Cellular posted its first-ever quarterly loss for the same period. Jio's gameplan is also sparking consolidation moves. Britain's Vodafone Group said last month it was in talks to merge its Indian subsidiary with Idea Cellular to create India's largest mobile operator with about $12 billion in sales. And earlier, Reliance Communications had entered into an agreement to merge its wireless business with smaller rival Aircel. "The decision to exit India has not been taken lightly. After thorough consideration, it is our view that the significant investments needed to secure Telenor India's future business on a standalone basis will not give an acceptable level of return," Sigve Brekke, CEO of Telenor Group, said in a statement. Shares of Bharti Airtel, in which Singapore Telecommunications is the second-biggest shareholder, jumped 5.5 percent in early Mumbai trade after the deal was announced. For the full release see: http://bit.ly/2lNkHSR (Reporting by Sankalp Phartiyal; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman) Deutsche Telekom profits took a hit from Britain's vote to leave the EU (AFP Photo/Oliver Berg) (dpa/AFP/File) Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - A British national has been arrested at a London airport on suspicion of staging a cyber attack on Deutsche Telekom last year that knocked around a million German households offline, officials in both countries said Thursday. The 29-year-old, who was subject to a European arrest warrant, was detained on Wednesday by officers from Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA), German federal police and prosecutors said in a statement. "The Briton stands accused of attempted computer sabotage in a particularly serious case," they said. Around a million of Deutsche Telekom's 20 million customers were unable to connect to its network in late November, with the company saying a hacking attack targeting household routers was to blame for the hours-long disruptions. An NCA spokesperson said the arrest took place at London's Luton airport at the request of German police but that the suspect was also wanted "in connection to separate offences committed in the UK". German federal prosecutors said they were now seeking the suspect's extradition from Britain. If found guilty, he faces up to 10 years' jail in Germany. - Cyber fears - In their statement, German police said the goal of the Deutsche Telekom assault was to infect users' computers with a "botnet" operated by the accused -- a network of web-connected machines that can be manipulated with malware. The suspect allegedly offered the botnet for sale on the deep web, the statement added. Deutsche Telekom was able to fend off the attack by advising customers to disconnect their routers and restart them after a software update. The large-scale strike fuelled concerns over cyber security in Germany and officials have warned that more online assaults are possible ahead of a general election in September. The country has already been the victim of repeated hacking attacks in recent years. Last September, several political parties were targeted with fake emails purporting to be from NATO headquarters but which in fact contained a link that installed spying software on victims' computers. Story continues In 2015, hackers targeted Germany's lower house parliament in an attack that security services have since blamed on Russia. Germany has also anxiously eyed the impact of leaked documents obtained by hackers during last year's US presidential campaign. Chancellor Angela Merkel said late last year that cyber attacks from Russia were now so common that Germany must learn to cope with them as "part of daily life". BERLIN (AP) A 29-year-old Briton was taken into custody in London on a European arrest warrant issued by Germany on suspicion of a carrying out a cyberattack on Deutsche Telekom, federal police said Thursday. Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office, or BKA, said the man, whose name wasn't released, is suspected of conducting a cyberattack on an internet access router in November that meant more than 1 million Deutsche Telekom customers couldn't go online. Cologne prosecutors, who are handling the case, called the attack "an especially severe case of computer sabotage," saying the nationwide hack threatened critical communication infrastructures. The suspect, who was arrested Wednesday at a London airport, allegedly planned to hack the router to integrate it into a networked "botnet" for cybercrimes, the BKA said in a statement. A botnet is a number of internet-connected devices used to perform various tasks including sending spam or stealing data. German prosecutors said the Briton allegedly offered to sell the botnet over the so-called darknet an area of cyberspace invisible on the open internet often used for illegal activity for "attack scenarios like so-called DDoS attacks." A DDoS, or "Distributed Denial of Service," attack is an attempt to make an online service unavailable by overwhelming it with traffic from multiple sources. Google Fiber is looking to develop its wireless internet business throughout the United States. Last October, Alphabet Inc., owner of Google, purchased Webpass, a wireless internet provider. Webpass is a wireless internet service offered in seven cities throughout the United States. Webpass is currently looking to expand to Seattle according to Ars Technica. Webpass utilizes point-to-point wireless technology for its internet. It builds wireless transmitters on top of buildings and transfer the internet signal between them. According to an Ars Technica interview with Charles Barr, the founder, Webpass looks to construct the transmitters on buildings less than 5,000 meters apart that are also within eyesight of each other in order to maximize the internet speeds. Webpass is not available for single homes due to the extensive process used to build the transmitter as well as the major financial commitment needed. According its website, it only provides the service to apartment/condo complexes with at least 10 units or urban businesses. Webpass also prefers to build in densely populated areas due to the potential for more customers and the simplicity of transferring signal between large buildings. It provides internet speeds up to 1GB per second for business plans and 100MB to 500MB for residential customers. The 100MB to 500MB service is $55/month regardless of the speed. Those who purchase business plans pay anywhere from $125/month to $5,500/month due to speed requested. Residents of buildings equipped with Webpass technology are not forced to subscribe to the service. They can still choose to use a different internet provider. Those who do subscribe to Webpass are provided with an ethernet cable to connect their device to. If they want a wireless connection, however, they must purchase a router to connect to the ethernet cable. Wireless technology isnt always as reliable as wired. Subscribes of Webpass often experience slower speeds during peak hours. Severe weather can interrupt signal and heavy usage can severely slow down the speeds. Google Fiber, is currently being used in nine major cities throughout the entire country. Google Fiber offers four separate services to citizens of their participating cities. They can purchase premium plans that include internet speeds up to 1000MB per second as well as 220+ TV channels for $160/month. Or they can choose to purchase a 100MB/second internet service for $50/month. Google Fiber differs from Webpass due to the use of fiber optic cables to transfer data. The tiny cables run underground and require an extensive amount of time to place properly. Each city that has been granted Google Fiber experiences a long construction process, but faster internet speeds. Every citizen in the towns with Google Fiber have access if they so desire. Google Fiber users are not likely to face internet outages due to inclement weather or heavy usage, unlike Webpass subscribers. Google Fiber tries to connect small parts of cities separately rather than the entire city at once. They call the communities fiberhoods. Several cities are expected to receive Google Fiber in the near future including San Antonio and Huntsville, Ala. Related Articles Hardware is spread across the New Shepard assembly area. (Credit: Blue Origin) Blue Origin, the space venture founded by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos, has out-of-this-world ambitions with expansion plans to match. Permit filings at the city of Kent, Wash., reveal plans for a 236,000-square-foot warehouse complex and 102,900 square feet of office space, southwest of Blue Origins current 300,000-square-foot headquarters and rocket production facility in an industrial area of the city. Last year, Blue Origin purchased a 120,000-square-foot warehouse building across the street from its headquarters to support the production of the companys BE-3 and BE-4 rocket engines, as well as its New Shepard suborbital boosters and crew capsules. When we go to the next step with our next rocket, were going to use that building as a bigger facility for production, the Puget Sound Business Journal quoted Blue Origins president, Rob Meyerson, as saying. Blue Origin didnt respond to GeekWires inquiries about the existing warehouse building, or the bigger project thats under consideration. But a planner for the city of Kent, Jason Garnham, confirmed that the future project is still in the works. Jeff Bezos at Blue Origin Blue Origin headquarters BE-3 engine Crew capsule assembly New Shepard crew capsule BE-4 engine combustion chamber In an email, Garnham told GeekWire that the construction permit applications are currently on hold, pending our request for more information regarding environmental conditions of the site. Meanwhile, the project is also under review by other jurisdictions such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Washington State Department of Ecology, and the applicant is awaiting review and approval by those agencies before proceeding, Garnham said. The reviews could take another two to four months, he said. The project is listed in city records as Avenue 55 Blue Origin. Avenue 55, a Seattle-based development management company, did not respond to GeekWires requests for comment. Blue Origins workforce is growing along with its expansion plans. Last March, the company said it had 600 employees, but the number has since risen closer to 1,000. More than 100 job openings are listed on its website. Virtually all of those jobs are in Kent, 16 miles south of Seattle, with a smattering of additional openings at Blue Origins West Texas suborbital launch site and at its Florida office. Story continues A 750,000-square-foot factory is currently under construction near NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and its due to be ready to manufacture Blue Origins New Glenn orbital rockets by the end of 2017. Swung by the @blueorigin factory under construction just outside the KSC gates. Its taking shape, and its big. pic.twitter.com/ZT3F5TswsY Jeff Foust (@jeff_foust) February 18, 2017 The end of this year is just about the time that Blue Origin hopes to start putting test astronauts on New Shepards suborbital spaceflights in West Texas. The New Shepard capsule, which has been tested six times over the course of the past two years, is capable of carrying up to six people to altitudes beyond 62 miles. The ride provides several minutes of weightlessness and an astronauts-eye view of Earth. During a recent interview published by the Welland Tribune in Ontario, newly hired Blue Origin engineer Ben Laurence said the companys testing plan calls for three crew members to pilot the spacecraft. The other three spots are being filled through a lottery within the company, Laurence said. Laurence said hed love to go. And Bezos has said paying passengers could be flying as early as 2018, although the ticket price hasnt yet been set and reservations arent yet being taken. The New Shepard is powered by Blue Origins hydrogen-fueled BE-3 rocket engine, but the New Glenn will make use of the BE-4, a more powerful engine that burns liquefied natural gas. The BE-4 is also the current favorite for use on United Launch Alliances next-generation Vulcan rocket. However, Blue Origin is facing competition on that score from Aerojet Rocketdynes AR-1 engine. ULA is waiting to get the results from the first full-scale BE-4 engine firing before making its choice. That all-up static fire test is expected to take place sometime in the next few months. If the tests go the way Bezos hopes, Blue Origin aims to ramp up BE-4 operations to reach full production by 2019, either in Kent or someplace else like Florida, for instance. In Florida, state and local officials have already set aside at least $18 million in incentives for Blue Origins orbital operations, and are talking about allocating $17 million more. Meanwhile, the Washington Legislature is considering a bill that would provide tax credits for Blue Origin and other companies engaged in advanced space manufacturing, as well as biotech and environmental ventures. For what its worth, an analysis from the Washington Department of Revenue suggests that the credits could have a fiscal impact of $30 million over the next two years. Not all of the credits would go to Blue Origin, of course. How many of Blue Origins big plans will turn into reality? Where and when will that happen? Figuring out the economic and policy calculations that will drive Jeff Bezos decisions over the next year could get as complicated as, well, rocket science. More from GeekWire: A diagram shows seven exoplanets orbiting an ultracool dwarf star known as TRAPPIST-1. If the planets were transported to our own solar system, theyd all lie within Mercurys orbit. (ESO Illustration) A second look at an exoplanet system 39 light-years from Earth has brought a bonanza for astronomers: not two, not three, but seven alien worlds some of which could have acceptable conditions for life. I think that weve made a crucial step towards finding if there is life out there. Before, it was indications, said study co-author Amaury Triaud of Cambridge Universitys Institute of Astronomy. Now we have the right target. That claim is debatable, but in any case, the discovery suggests that there are even more planets out there than astronomers previously thought. Which is what astronomers have been saying repeatedly for the past decade. The solar system with its four (sub-)Earth-sized planets might be nothing out of the ordinary, Ignas Snellen of the Leiden Observatory wrote in a commentary on the findings, published in this weeks issue of the journal Nature. The discoveries actually started last year, when the same team of astronomers reported spotting three Earth-sized planets around an ultracool dwarf star called TRAPPIST-1, in the constellation Aquarius. The star is only slightly bigger than Jupiter, and puts out about 0.05 percent as much light as our sun. It takes its name from the 23-inch telescope in Chile that the astronomers used to find it, known as the Transiting Planets and Planetesimals Small Telescope or TRAPPIST. The team, led by Michael Gillon of Belgiums University of Liege, conducted follow-up observations with TRAPPIST and other instruments over the months that followed. They watched for repeated dimmings of the TRAPPIST-1 star as planets passed across its disk, and worked out the sizes as well as the masses of the planets by carefully monitoring the variations in the timings of the transits. The additional data showed that the pattern of sightings they associated with the third, outermost planet was actually being caused by three separate worlds. They also detected the signatures of two farther-out planets, bringing the total to seven. Story continues The planets are known as TRAPPIST-1 b, c, d, e, f, g and h. All of them lie within what would be the orbit of Mercury in our own solar system. But because the parent star is so dim, the e, f and g planets are in the systems habitable zone, where its theoretically cool enough for water to exist in abundant liquid form. All seven planets are roughly Earth-sized, and planets b through g appear to be rocky planets like our own. Planet h is still a question mark, however, because astronomers dont yet have enough data to figure out its mass or its density. Although TRAPPIST-1 isnt close enough to visit anytime soon, the newly published findings add some extra luster to the dim bulbs of the Milky Way. Ultracool dwarfs and red dwarfs are appealing targets because theyre the most populous classes of stars in our galaxy, and because theyre so long-lived. TRAPPIST-1 is thought to be at least a billion years old, and Gillon said itll probably remain stable long after our own sun has run out of gas. The same forecast applies to Proxima Centauri, the 4.8 billion-year-old red dwarf thats only 4.2 light-years away from us and harbors at least one Earth-type planet. There are potential drawbacks, however: For one thing, the dynamics of TRAPPIST-1s planets suggest that they present the same face to the star all the time. That could bake one side and freeze the other, unless theres an atmosphere thick enough to even things out. For another thing, red dwarf stars occasionally unleash strong radiation flares that could blast away at a planets atmosphere. A study published this month suggested that the loss of oxygen due to such blasts could significant reduce the chances for habitability. Gillon downplayed the radiation threat in TRAPPIST-1s case. It has some flares, but they are not very strong, and it is quite rare, he said. Planet comparison The key questions, then, have to do with whats in the atmospheres of the TRAPPIST-1 planets. Triaud said the team is already trying to figure that out, using the Hubble Space Telescope and other instruments. The first stage that we are doing at the moment is a reconnaissance stage, where we are trying to rule out that the planets have a large hydrogen envelope. This is to make sure that the planets are indeed Earthlike, he explained. This will then be followed by detailed observations to study the climate, and eventually, from the chemical information, trying to find if there is life over there. He hoped to get the answer to the life question maybe within a decade. Reaching that goal depends on building bigger and better observatories, such as NASAs James Webb Space Telescope and the European Extremely Large Telescope. Gillon said determining the presence of life will require not only figuring out what chemicals are in the atmosphere such as oxygen and water vapor, carbon dioxide and methane but also figuring out their proportions. Its really the combination of molecules, he said. Oxygen itself is not enough. This artists conception paints a speculative picture showing what it might be like to stand on the surface of the planet TRAPPIST-1f. (NASA / JPL-Caltech Illustration) Although its unlikely that humans will ever stand on TRAPPIST-1f or the other planets in the star system, its intriguing to imagine what its like there. Because the planets are so tightly packed, you could travel from one world to another in a matter of days using conventional spaceflight technology. No warp drive required. Triaud said the days wouldnt get much brighter than, say, a sunset on Earth. However, you will still feel quite warm, because you still receive just about as much energy from the star, which is in the infrared. That, you will feel with your skin, he said. It sounded as if Triaud was getting a warm glow just thinking about the scene. The spectacle would be beautiful, he said, because every now and then you would see another planet, maybe about twice as big as the moon in the sky, depending on which planet you are on. In addition to the TRAPPIST-South telescope in Chile, instruments contributing to the observations included TRAPPIST-North in Morocco, HAWK-I on the European Southern Observatorys Very Large Telescope, UKIRT in Hawaii, the Liverpool and William Herschel telescopes in the Canary Islands, the SAAO telescope in South Africa and NASAs Spitzer Space Telescope. The Nature paper, Seven Temperate Terrestrial Planets Around the Nearby Ultracool Dwarf Star TRAPPIST-1, lists 30 authors including Gillon and Triaud. More from GeekWire: Netflix has acquired a massive movie project, one that might help it win the most coveted prize in the business. The streaming media company is in the process of inking a deal to make Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niros upcoming mob movie available for streaming in each of its 190 markets. Its not a secret that Scorsese and De Niro have partnered up for what will be their ninth collaboration. The Irishman is the name of the movie, and it will tell the story of a high-ranking mob member who reveals in his dying years that he was the one who killed long-time friend and associate, Jimmy Hoffa. Don't Miss: The iPhone 8s most important new feature was finally just confirmed The movie is based on Charles Brandts I Heard You Paint Houses, which is mob slang for describing a hitman. Frank The Irishman Sheeran, the killer who told Brandt his Hoffa story before he passed away, will be played by De Niro. The movie has been in the making since 2008, and should have been a Paramount Pictures deal, Indiwire reports. But Scorsese put a different plan in motion as Paramounts chairman Brad Grey was leaving the studio. Scorseses movie is a risky deal, and Paramount is not in the position to take risks, a person familiar with the deal said. This way, he can make the project he wants. Its unclear what the risks are, but the book that the movie is based on is fascinating. Aside from the Hoffa murder, Sheeran confessed to having killed other mobsters and having played a role in the Kennedy assassination. Al Pacino is expected to play the role of Jimmy Hoffa in the movie, with Joe Pesci and Harvey Keitel also rumored to be in it as well. Indiewire says that Pacino and other talent are still in negotiations. Theres no release date for the movie yet, but a source said the team is aiming for a 2019 release date with a limited Oscar-qualifying release. The report also notes that De Niro will be made to look 30 again with the help of special effects from ILM, in Benjamin Button style, which is something we have heard before. Story continues Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com InvestorPlace Companies of all sizes appear to be hoarding cash for the much-discussed impending recession. If we do dive into a recession, cash-rich stocks will be more than prepared for whatever slowdown comes their way. However, when investing, its not enough to look for businesses with cash. They should also have limited debt and strong cash flow generation in good times and bad. So, who are these companies? For this article, I selected four large-cap and three mid-cap cash-rich stocks to buy. Cash-rich By Eric Auchard FRANKFURT (Reuters) - AirMap, a start-up which has become the world's top supplier of air traffic management software for drones, is raising $26 million in new financing from a group of industry investors led by the venture capital investment arm of Microsoft. The group led by Microsoft Ventures also includes the venture capital unit of aerospace giant Airbus, chipmaker Qualcomm, Japanese tech firms Rakuten and Sony and China's Yuneec, a top drone maker. AirMap said it provides real-time traffic management services for 80 percent of all drones, including millions of robotic aircraft from hundreds of manufacturers, allowing drones and their controllers to share data needed to fly safely at low altitudes. The company was founded only two years ago. Its software works on both piloted and autonomous drones used in both commercial and recreational applications. The new round of financing will enable AirMap to expand into markets worldwide, while opening offices in Berlin and at the NASA Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, the firm now counts just 50 employees. "This round is all about finding a set of partners to help us globalise," AirMap Chief Executive Ben Marcus said in an interview. Existing investors General Catalyst Partners and Lux Capital also took part in the round, bringing AirMaps total funding to more than $43 million since its founded in early 2015. Marcus, who previously co-founded jetAVIVA, one of the largest U.S. brokers for small business jets, also serves as the industry co-chair for the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's Unmanned Aircraft Safety Team which works with the air industry. AirMap's data and services are already embedded in drones, ground control stations and flight apps from top drone makers including Chinas DJI, U.S. chipmaker Intel, Switzerlands senseFly, a unit of Parrot SA, U.S.-based 3D Robotics (3DR) and Canadas Aeryon Labs. More than 125 airports use AirMaps management dashboard to open surrounding airspace to drones, view past and current drone flights, track digital flight notices, and communicate with drone operators. In a statement, Microsoft Ventures said its investment would allow AirMap to make use of Microsoft's resources, software and artificial intelligence tools, as Microsoft seeks to get involved in the burgeoning drone aviation market. Airbus said it would collaborate with AirMap to ensure that autonomous airborne vehicles ranging from delivery drones to the "flying taxis" it is developing itself can operate safely in the vicinity of other aircraft. (http://reut.rs/2mouWd4) (Editing by Maria Sheahan, Greg Mahlich) Pagers might have been the shortest-lived personal electronic device ever to grace a pocket or purse. It seemed like by the time they actually reached mainstream acceptance, the cell phone swooped in and promptly destroyed the pager market. Today, a smartphone can do everything a pager does in about ten different ways, so there really shouldnt be a market for them but there is. Its a very, very, very small market, but it exists, and now theres one less pager service provider. Vodafone just announced that its selling its pager service to Capita, making the latter the only pager service provider for all of Britain. Don't Miss: This is not a drill: NES Classic Edition is finally back in stock on Amazon The pager service transition from Vodafone to Capita will affect wait for it approximately 1,000 people. So, Vodafone was keeping its pager business up and running for a total of 1,000 customers. Thats some serious commitment. So who is still using the devices? As PSFK reports, some corporations prefer to use pagers for their employees, especially for jobs that require them to be on call. Because modern pagers (yes, pagers are still manufactured) have incredibly long battery life and work on a separate network void of virtually any data traffic, they are incredibly reliable. Pagers are also able to function in many areas where smartphones cant pull down a suitable signal, giving them greater range. Here in the United States, several companies still sell and support pagers and pager services Theyre often used by medical personnel and emergency responders, as well as utility repair specialists and others who require a line of communication that works pretty much anywhere. Long live the pager. Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com By Shamim Nateebwa The HIV situation in Uganda calls for renewed and urgent action. This is after a new study revealed that every single hour, 2 young women get infected with HIV in Uganda which puts the prevalence of HIV among adolescent girls at 9.1% compared to the national prevalence of 7.3%. This was highlighted at the end of a UNAIDS Global Review Mission to Uganda which held multi stakeholder consultations in Uganda. Global Health Ambassador Lennarth Hjelmaker has thus advised government not reduce the health and education budget that are important in the fight against the disease. By Samuel Ssebuliba The Opposition Forum for Democratic Change has withdrawn the partys Secretary for Mobilization Ingrid Turinawe from the race for the East African Legislative Assembly seat. The FDC had earlier controversially nominated two candidates- Turinawe and Florence Ibi Ekwau for the elections scheduled on February 28th. However, without giving any reason, the party president Maj.Gen Mugisha Muntu, has written to the Clerk to Parliament saying they had decided to withdraw Turinawes candidature. The letter dated 22nd February States that the party has withdrawn Turinawes candidature and retained Florence Ibi Ekwau. However speaking to kfm, Ingrid said that she has yet received the later not any communication from the part secretary general. Parliaments Director of Communications and Public Affairs Chris Obore, acknowledges receipt of the said letter from Muntu. He however notes that according to the rules of procedure, if anyone is to pull out of the race, the letter has to be signed by the nominee and the party secretary general. But in this case, the letter is only signed by the party president. A total of 47 candidates are vying for the Ugandas 6 slots at the regional paliament. These include 6 from the ruling NRM party, 2 from the FDC, Uganda Peoples Congress and Democratic Party each have one candidate, while the rest are independents. By Stephen Wandera India has offered to train Ugandans in atomic energy and space exploration. The offer was announced by visiting Indias Vice President Mohammed Ansari while addressing journalists at a news conference with President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe. The media briefing was after a bilateral meeting that centred on strengthening political and economic cooperation between India and Uganda. President Museveni told his guest that Uganda, like any other African country, still faces a challenge of bottlenecks in the education, health and infrastructure among others. He also hailed the India and Uganda longstanding political relationship and that the two countries fought colonialism together in the struggle for freedom and independence. Mr Ansari will later this afternoon meet the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga at her office in Kampala. By Catherine Ageno The UN Chief says over 20 million people in South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria and Yemen are going hungry and facing devastating levels of food insecurity. Antonio Guterres was speaking at a press conference aimed at drawing the worlds attention to the scale of humanitarian crises unfolding in the four countries at UN headquarters in New York. According to UN Radio, Mr Guterre says famine is already a reality in South Sudan, adding that the world must avoid a catastrophe. The UN says humanitarian operations in these four countries require more than US$5.6 billion this year. In Uganda, government puts the figure of the people in dire need of food at 1.6m. Yesterday the state minister for planning David Bahati revealed that government had allocated Shs15 billion more towards addressing the food crisis in different parts of Uganda. He said the money was raised by making adjustments in the budget. This brings to Shs25 billion the amount so far allocated to relief food. In total, Shs52.6 billion is needed. A UN special envoy has praised Somalia for its peaceful handover of power following yesterdays inauguration of President Mohamed Abdullahi, also known as Farmaajo. Speaking during the ceremony, Michael Keating the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General also praised the vital role played by the African Union Mission in Somalia, or AMISOM, and the Somali forces in protecting the political process and providing a secure environment throughout the elections. According UN Radio, the UN, the African Union, the European Union, the African regional trade bloc IGAD and the League of Arab States pledged to support the new government. Farmaajo, who was elected on February 8, promised to restore Somalias dignity and bring peace and reconciliation to the country. In a speech punctuated by cheers and clapping, the new president also promised to tackle widespread insecurity, corruption, poverty and the looming humanitarian crisis that is devastating the country. The new leader outlined his agenda for the next four years in which he will give priority to reconciliation and restoring institutions to give hope to the citizens Welcome! You have come to the right place. Khmerization is a home to the Cambodian daily news, which is updated twice daily. Please take a tour and enjoy yourself. Thank you. To contact Khmerization please send an email to: We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form No Yes, a light case Yes, two or more light cases One serious case Two or more serious bouts Vote View Results EMMA In honor of the 75th anniversary of Anne Frank going into hiding during World War II, the Westview Jr.-Sr. High School theater department is performing the drama The Diary of Anne Frank Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The play is based on the writings of the teenage girl, who, along with her Jewish family, was forced to hide when the Nazis occupied the Netherlands. After two years, the family was discovered and turned over to German authorities. Frank died in a German concentration camp at age 15, but her diary was discovered after the war and later turned into a stage play. Anchoring the Westview production is Allie Kruckeberg, a ninth-grade student who tackles the role of Frank. Kruckeberg said shes honored to play Frank, a young girl shes studied in school. I love playing her. I read about her in sixth grade, and weve studied her in sixth through eighth grades, she said. I thought this was a very, very, very important play to do and knew this is an incredible opportunity. Westview teacher and the plays director, Steve Pruitt, said while The Diary of Anne Frank might be a familiar story, it is a powerful drama and deserves to be told again. This is the 75th anniversary of the Frank family going into hiding. We need to be reminded again of this tragedy, he said. Kruckeberg is joined on the stage by sophomore Brandon Eash, who is cast as Franks father, Otto, and seventh-grader Elaine Troyer, who takes on the role of Edith, Franks mother. Rounding out the cast are Taylor Davis, Austin Drew, Angie Handshoe, Isaac Pelfrey, Leon Raber, Jasmine Bontrager, Ryan Klaassen, Conner Baker and Becca Gonzalez. The cast has been in rehearsals for more than a month. Pruitt said during the auditions he looked for students who could convey the range of emotions all of the character go through as the play progresses. We have a little history lesson each day, and they really understand these characters and what they went through, Pruitt said. The play will be performed Friday and Saturday starting at 7:30 p.m., and again on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. Smart Rating: 85.87 Premiere: December 18, 2015 Status: Renewed Exonerated after spending nearly two decades in prison for a crime he did not commit, Steven Avery filed suit against Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, and several individuals involved with his arrest. Shortly after, however, Avery found himself behind bars again, this time accused of the murder of 25-year-old photographer Teresa Halbach. She was last seen on Avery's property, where she was to photograph a vehicle. Avery and nephew Brendan Dassey were tried and (spoiler alert) convicted of the crime. But that's not the end of the story. When Columbia graduate students Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos read about Avery, they felt his story would make an interesting documentary. Neither PBS nor HBO were interested, but Netflix took on their concept to produce the 10-episode docuseries, which generated plenty of publicity and prompted petitions to have Avery's case reviewed, though officials in Wisconsin insist all the evidence is not presented in the program. U.S. Rep. Ron Kind has announced plans to make his staff available to constituents in each of the 18 counties of Wisconsins 3rd Congressional District over the next two weeks. Representatives can assist people having trouble with federal agencies including the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Internal Revenue Service, and Immigration and Naturalization Service. District office representatives will be available on the dates at the times and locations listed below: Feb. 28 10 to 11 a.m.: Portage County library, Rotary Room, 1001 Main St., Stevens Point 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.: City Hall, 800 N. Borner St., Prescott 1 to 2 p.m.: Wood County Courthouse, Room 115, 400 Market St., Wisconsin Rapids 1 to 2 p.m.: Municipal Center, Community Room, 508 Second St., Pepin March 1 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Village Hall, 100 West Amelia St., Cassville 9 to 10 a.m.: Community Center, 569 Cedar St., Adams 11 a.m to noon: Hatch Public Library, 111 West State St., Mauston 1 to 2 p.m.: City Hall, 819 Superior Ave., Tomah 2 to 3 p.m.: City Hall, 860 Lincoln Ave., Fennimore March 2 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Jackson County Court House, County Board Room, second floor, 307 Main St., Black River Falls 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.: City Hall, 123 Mechanic St., Hillsboro 2 to 3 p.m.: Library, 400 N. Wisconsin Ave., Muscoda 1 to 2 p.m.: Trempealeau County Office Building, county board room, 36245 Main St., Whitehall March 3 10 to 11 a.m.: City Hall, 314 N. Main St., Alma 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Government building, 16381 state Hwy. 131, Gays Mills 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Village Hall, 213 E. Front St., Wauzeka 2 to 3 p.m. Dunn County Administration Building, County Board Room Room 122/124, 800 Wilson Ave., Menomonie March 7 9 to 10 a.m.: City Hall, 145 W. Lincoln St., Augusta 10 to 11 a.m. Village Hall, 421 Hwy. DH, Holmen 11 a.m. to noon: Library, 105 W. Central St., Chippewa Falls Noon to 1 p.m.: Municipal Building, 450 S Main St., Richland Center Federal wildlife officials have released new policies governing more than a dozen activities on the Upper Mississippi River and surrounding refuge lands, but attorneys continue reviewing controversial updates governing commercial uses. At issue is a longstanding jurisdictional dispute between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state governments over the 240,000-acre Upper Mississippi River National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. Earlier this month the Fish and Wildlife Service released 16 finalized documents covering noncommercial uses such as camping, boating and swimming, as well as foraging, archaeological surveys and livestock grazing along more than 261 miles of the river between Wabasha, Minn., and Rock Island, Ill. The documents, known as compatibility determinations, are an update to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services 10-year-old Comprehensive Conservation Plan. With only minor updates, the plans generated few public comments. But seven compatibility determinations covering commercial uses remain under review after outcry by stakeholders and state governments objecting to the federal governments control of navigable waters. The FWS received comments from the Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa departments of Natural Resources. Wisconsin objects to any federal regulation of commercial or recreational fishing within the states boundaries. In particular, the state argues, the federal government cannot require special-use permits for professional fishing guides or regulate fishing tournaments. Deputy Secretary Kurt Thiede notes that when Wisconsin granted consent allowing the formation of the refuge in 1925 the state reserved certain rights and authorities, which are outlined in the state constitution. Minnesota argued a special-use permit for commercial fishing would be duplicative and confusing for anglers. Iowa argued that the proposals have the potential to increase workloads for the agencys already diminished staff. Increasing refuge regulations such as special-use permits on vocal user groups such as commercial anglers and fishing tournaments will be met with public resistance, the DNR wrote. These groups are managed by the state of Iowa and are already vocal and time consuming customers. All three states took issue with the FWS claim that there is less need for fishing floats but did not challenge the agencys proposal to charge three percent of gross operating revenue to license the three existing floats. States also expressed concern over the FWS request that state researchers submit detailed plans before conducting studies on the river. Tina Shaw, public affairs specialist for the Fish and Wildlife Service, said the agency wont comment on the compatibility determination drafts until it receives guidance from the solicitors office in Washington, D.C. Were waiting, she said. Were in a holding pattern. Smart Rating: 86.78 Premiere: July 11, 2013 Status: Renewed for seasons 5, 6, and 7 Piper Chapman is a public relations executive with a career and a fiance when her past suddenly catches up to her. In her mid-30s she is sentenced to spend time in a minimum-security women's prison in Connecticut for her association with a drug runner 10 years earlier. This Netflix original series is based on the book of the same title. Forced to trade power suits for prison orange, Chapman makes her way through the corrections system and adjusts to life behind bars, making friends with the many eccentric, unusual and unexpected people she meets. February brings thoughts of romance, maybe an engagement or even a wedding. It isnt the most traditional month for a marriage, but there are other traditions held in these wedding ceremonies that are familiar to a religion, a community or a family. The Nustad family knows what that means. Alma Frydenberg and Palmer Nustad were married in Westby on May 23, 1908. Seamstress Minnie Tostrud had a shop above the bank in the Unseth-Bekkedal building on Main Street and she made a beautiful dress for Almas wedding. There was a lace neckline, chiffon material, a veil of netting, and tailored pleats and ruffles in the sleeves and hem. Alma was 23 and Palmer was 28 when they said I do at their big wedding at the Westby Coon Prairie Church. Alma and Palmers oldest child, daughter Elda, married Magnus Hagen in 1936 at her parents home, on the anniversary of her parents wedding. Elda had hoped to wear her mothers dress but could only use the veil. Juna, the fourth child and second daughter of Alma and Palmer, married Hjalmer Hanson in 1941. The bride, married in June, wearing her mothers wedding dress, held on to as many wedding traditions as possible for a young lady traveling to Iowa to get married during the start of World War II. Alma and Palmers fifth child and third daughter, Vivian, was raised on the farm just outside Westby with her four siblings. She graduated from Westby High School in 1937, went to college in La Crosse, started working at First Federal Savings and then moved to Illinois for a civil service job. In 1943, her roommate asked her to go to the recruitment office, for support, where they both talked to the officer and then both joined. As a Navy WAVE, Vivian ended up in Washington, D.C., her third choice, because men were leaving vacancies at government D.C. offices as they were called for overseas active duty. Vivian spent two years and seven months in the military. College educated, with Navy and big-city living experience made Westby quite a contrast to her recent past. Vivian had been casually dating Earl Lee before they each joined the military. When they returned to Westby, the dating became more serious and a wedding was the next logical step. She followed in the tradition of the women in her family and wore her mothers wedding dress on almost Valentines Day, Feb. 22, 1947, when she and Earl married at the Westby Coon Prairie parsonage. Although Vivian started her new life with a traditional marriage, her life certainly did not follow a traditional course. Her military service gave her an outlook and experiences that were different than most young ladies in Westby. Her marriage came to an abrupt end after only 19 years when her husband died of a heart attack at the young age of 58. She had three teenage children to get through school, went back to college herself, and moved for a civil service job to Madison. Vivian retired in 1982 from her job there, where now, at 96, she still lives close to her daughter. The love we romanticize in February can be demonstrated in many ways, in this case, from husband to wife, mother to daughter, and sister to sister. That beautiful dress and veil tell the story of four weddings and the tradition of a family. They can be seen at the Thoreson House Museum. Vivian recently donated the dress (and a pretty mannequin) for WAHS to display. If you would like to see it, along with the rest of our collections, please leave a message at 608-634-4478 or email westbywihistory@gmail.com to schedule an appointment. For Caije Dilts its been a long road to graduation from Marine boot camp. Its a road that took six months. An injury to his right foot was the reason it took Dilts, a 2016 Tomah High School graduate, so long to make it across the stage. Dilts suffered second and third metatarsal stress fractures during a training exercise. The fractures were to the bones that connect the ankle to the toes. There was some extensive muscle damage and (doctors) later found out that I had tendonitis, he said. Then the bone was 55 percent fractured on the second metatarsal, and the third metatarsal had just started to fracture from the second metatarsal not being as reliable. There was concern, Dilts said, that if the two metatarsals didnt heal and he continued walking, his fifth metatarsal would have broken in half. They were like, Yeah, youre done walking for a while, he said. Afterward, Dilts said, he had to get new boots. As his company graduated, new combat boots replaced the standard-issue RAT boots. (The combat boots) are cheaper and theyre more durable as well as more flexible around the foot, and they weigh like half the weight, he said. Theyre a lot better for training. The RAT boots, Dilts said, are comfortable, but some people, like him, have problems with them due to the arches compressing the bones if the soldier has medium or high arches. Dilts fiance Kassandra Steffens said it was difficult to learn about his injury especially in the form of a voicemail. I was at the laundromat after I had just gotten off work for my break, and I was at the laundromat because I had two hours to spare, so I was doing some laundry, she said. I get this phone call from San Diego, now Im going through my clothes in the dryer, so I come back to my phone with a missed phone call and a voicemail I get this wonderful voicemail, Hey, Im getting dropped. She then called the number back about 20 times until Dilts was allowed to return the call, at which point she called his mother, Samantha. I called his recruiter, Samantha Dilts said. I called staff sergeant Reed and I was like, Have you talked to our boy? Hes like, You know ... come up here, well call him together. ... I dont know how I would have gotten through the last three months without his recruiter. Training is initially supposed to take 13 weeks; Dilts was there for approximately 27 weeks. The injury was a challenge, and he didnt graduate on time, but Dilts said it made him a better person. I could complain that I didnt graduate on time, but all-in-all I still graduated and ... I met some people who inspired me to be a better person, he said. I thought I was a good person before. I looked back at myself, and Ive changed a lot since then ... I took the initiative to change, but theres somebody out there that pushed me to change even further and now I did. If I had stuck through recruit training like a normal recruit, I would not be the person I am today. Dilts was happy when he finally graduated. I knew I was going to graduate, but it was hard to believe that it was going to happen because I had sat there for so long, he said. When I finally got out of here and I saw my family, it was pretty insane, because last time I saw them all was six months ago. So I was like, OK, maybe this is real and were actually going home. Whats going to happen? Weird to think about, because I dont like to think about it, but Im glad to be out of there. It was fun but not that fun. Samantha Dilts said she was so proud to see her son graduate. The kid had one goal hes going to be a Marine, to stand there and watch my son graduate and come out on the other side with everything he had to go through ... It was amazing. Steffens agrees. I dont know how to explain it, ... (I had) so many emotions just running through my body, she said. I personally didnt cry when I saw him, it was later on that night that the tears rolled. But his mom and his sister were so happy, and he almost had tears in his eyes I got pictures. Next for Dilts is more training, including school of infantry and schooling for his military occupational specialty. He plans to stay with the Marines for a while. Im thinking of making it a career, he said. But its not yet determined because life (can take) some crazy turns. A donation from the Tomah Memorial Hospital Foundation will supplement a Monroe County program aimed at reducing injuries to children. Officials from the philanthropic arm of Tomah Memorial Hospital donated $1,437 to the Monroe County Health Department to help supplement its car seat program this year. In the past we have received about $4,000 from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to purchase car seats, said Monroe County Health Department public health nurse and car seat technician Julie Anderson, R.N. This year we received a fraction of that at $2,500, so this donation from the foundation will supplement the difference from what we typically get from the DOT. Anderson said the agency distributed 99 car seats last year but were unable to help everyone. Last year we ran out of money; we had the $4,000 from the DOT and were not able to give all the families in need a car seat, said Anderson. Families must meet income requirements similar to the countys Women, Infants and Children program to qualify for a car seat. Anderson said 23 percent of Monroe County children live in poverty compared to 13 percent in Wisconsin. She said traffic crash statistics also support the need for the program. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the rate of hospital emergency department visits due to motor vehicle crashes for children under the age of four in Monroe County was 323.1 per 100,000 population, which is higher than the state rate of 250.9 visits. In addition to car seats, Anderson said the department offers general car seat information, an assessment of the childs age, weight and height to determine an appropriate seat, instructions on how to install and use the seat and a review of Wisconsin child restraint laws. We provide the seats mostly out of the Monroe County Health Department office but we also have seats available at the Tomah Police Department, at Tomah Memorial Hospital and the Monroe County Sheriffs Department has certified technicians that help us distribute those seats as well, said Anderson. She said the Remembering Jesse Parker public charity also supported the program this year. Tomah Memorial Foundation board secretary Kate Schanhofer said the car seat program is a perfect fit for the organization. Its really our mission at work, said Schanhofer. Its so important to keep children in proper seats and to have parents instructed on how to put their children in seats to keep them safe. We are so glad that we can be a part of this. Anderson said the health department also provides free car seat checks to residents who already have a seat. Last year she said the department checked 108 car seats and educated 119 county residents on car seat safety. 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12 (4) Aug 11 (3) Aug 10 (3) Aug 09 (3) Aug 08 (4) Aug 07 (4) Aug 06 (3) Aug 05 (5) Aug 04 (3) Aug 03 (4) Aug 02 (3) Aug 01 (3) Jul 31 (4) Jul 30 (3) Jul 29 (4) Jul 28 (3) Jul 27 (3) Jul 26 (3) Jul 25 (3) Jul 24 (4) Jul 23 (3) Jul 22 (3) Jul 21 (3) Jul 20 (3) Jul 19 (3) Jul 18 (3) Jul 17 (3) Jul 16 (3) Jul 15 (4) Jul 14 (3) Jul 13 (3) Jul 12 (3) Jul 11 (3) Jul 10 (4) Jul 09 (3) Jul 08 (3) Jul 07 (3) Jul 06 (4) Jul 05 (3) Jul 04 (3) Jul 03 (4) Jul 02 (3) Jul 01 (5) Jun 30 (4) Jun 29 (4) Jun 28 (4) Jun 27 (1) Jun 26 (5) Jun 25 (5) Jun 24 (4) Jun 23 (4) Jun 22 (4) Jun 21 (5) Jun 20 (5) Jun 19 (3) Jun 18 (3) Jun 17 (3) Jun 16 (3) Jun 15 (3) Jun 14 (3) Jun 13 (4) Jun 12 (3) Jun 11 (4) Jun 10 (3) Jun 09 (3) Jun 08 (3) Jun 07 (3) Jun 06 (4) Jun 05 (3) Jun 04 (4) Jun 03 (4) Jun 02 (3) Jun 01 (4) May 31 (3) May 30 (3) May 29 (3) May 28 (4) May 27 (6) May 26 (3) May 25 (3) May 24 (3) May 23 (3) May 22 (5) May 21 (3) May 20 (3) May 19 (3) May 18 (4) May 17 (3) May 16 (3) May 15 (4) May 14 (4) May 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11 (6) Feb 10 (5) Feb 09 (3) Feb 08 (4) Feb 07 (6) Feb 06 (3) Feb 05 (6) Feb 04 (5) Feb 03 (3) Feb 02 (3) Feb 01 (4) Jan 31 (4) Jan 30 (6) Jan 29 (3) Jan 28 (4) Jan 27 (5) Jan 26 (4) Jan 25 (6) Jan 24 (3) Jan 23 (3) Jan 22 (4) Jan 21 (3) Jan 20 (4) Jan 19 (3) Jan 18 (4) Jan 17 (3) Jan 16 (3) Jan 15 (4) Jan 14 (4) Jan 13 (4) Jan 12 (3) Jan 11 (4) Jan 10 (5) Jan 09 (3) Jan 08 (4) Jan 07 (4) Jan 06 (3) Jan 05 (3) Jan 04 (3) Jan 03 (3) Jan 02 (3) Jan 01 (3) Dec 31 (5) Dec 30 (4) Dec 29 (3) Dec 28 (5) Dec 27 (3) Dec 26 (4) Dec 25 (5) Dec 24 (3) Dec 23 (4) Dec 22 (7) Dec 21 (4) Dec 20 (5) Dec 19 (4) Dec 18 (6) Dec 17 (5) Dec 16 (3) Dec 15 (3) Dec 14 (3) Dec 13 (3) Dec 12 (3) Dec 11 (7) Dec 10 (7) Dec 09 (4) Dec 08 (3) Dec 07 (4) Dec 06 (4) Dec 05 (4) Dec 04 (4) Dec 03 (4) Dec 02 (3) Dec 01 (5) Nov 30 (3) Nov 29 (5) Nov 28 (4) Nov 27 (5) Nov 26 (3) Nov 25 (4) Nov 24 (4) Nov 23 (3) Nov 22 (4) Nov 21 (5) Nov 20 (3) Nov 19 (5) Nov 18 (3) Nov 17 (4) Nov 16 (5) Nov 15 (3) Nov 14 (4) Nov 13 (5) Nov 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13 (6) Aug 12 (6) Aug 11 (4) Aug 10 (4) Aug 09 (3) Aug 08 (5) Aug 07 (4) Aug 06 (3) Aug 05 (4) Aug 04 (4) Aug 03 (6) Aug 02 (3) Aug 01 (3) Jul 31 (3) Jul 30 (3) Jul 29 (5) Jul 28 (5) Jul 27 (4) Jul 26 (6) Jul 25 (4) Jul 24 (3) Jul 23 (5) Jul 22 (3) Jul 21 (5) Jul 20 (4) Jul 19 (3) Jul 18 (3) Jul 17 (4) Jul 16 (6) Jul 15 (4) Jul 14 (4) Jul 13 (4) Jul 12 (4) Jul 11 (3) Jul 10 (5) Jul 09 (4) Jul 08 (3) Jul 07 (4) Jul 06 (3) Jul 05 (3) Jul 04 (3) Jul 03 (3) Jul 02 (4) Jul 01 (4) Jun 30 (4) Jun 29 (3) Jun 28 (4) Jun 27 (4) Jun 26 (3) Jun 25 (4) Jun 24 (5) Jun 23 (6) Jun 22 (4) Jun 21 (5) Jun 20 (3) Jun 19 (4) Jun 18 (3) Jun 17 (4) Jun 16 (4) Jun 15 (4) Jun 14 (4) Jun 13 (3) Jun 12 (5) Jun 11 (5) Jun 10 (6) Jun 09 (5) Jun 08 (4) Jun 07 (4) Jun 06 (4) Jun 05 (3) Jun 04 (5) Jun 03 (3) Jun 02 (3) Jun 01 (4) May 31 (4) May 30 (3) May 29 (3) May 28 (5) May 27 (3) May 26 (4) May 25 (3) May 24 (6) May 23 (4) May 22 (5) May 21 (5) May 20 (4) May 19 (5) May 18 (6) May 17 (6) May 16 (4) May 15 (4) May 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(6) Nov 15 (4) Nov 14 (11) Nov 13 (11) Nov 12 (9) Nov 11 (6) Nov 10 (9) Nov 09 (9) Nov 08 (7) Nov 07 (7) Nov 06 (8) Nov 05 (8) Nov 04 (6) Nov 03 (4) Nov 02 (7) Nov 01 (5) Oct 31 (7) Oct 30 (6) Oct 29 (7) Oct 28 (4) Oct 27 (7) Oct 26 (4) Oct 25 (7) Oct 24 (4) Oct 23 (7) Oct 22 (7) Oct 21 (6) Oct 20 (8) Oct 19 (7) Oct 18 (6) Oct 17 (6) Oct 16 (8) Oct 15 (5) Oct 14 (6) Oct 13 (7) Oct 12 (5) Oct 11 (5) Oct 10 (8) Oct 09 (8) Oct 08 (7) Oct 07 (7) Oct 06 (7) Oct 05 (8) Oct 04 (6) Oct 03 (8) Oct 02 (3) Oct 01 (6) Sep 30 (10) Sep 29 (7) Sep 28 (10) Sep 27 (10) Sep 26 (11) Sep 25 (5) Sep 24 (6) Sep 23 (5) Sep 22 (5) Sep 21 (8) Sep 20 (8) Sep 19 (6) Sep 18 (6) Sep 17 (7) Sep 16 (5) Sep 15 (6) Sep 14 (5) Sep 13 (6) Sep 12 (5) Sep 11 (10) Sep 10 (4) Sep 09 (3) Sep 08 (8) Sep 07 (4) Sep 06 (7) Sep 05 (8) Sep 04 (7) Sep 03 (6) Sep 02 (4) Sep 01 (3) Aug 31 (6) Aug 30 (3) Aug 29 (4) Aug 28 (5) Aug 27 (6) Aug 26 (5) Aug 25 (9) Aug 24 (7) Aug 23 (8) Aug 22 (5) Aug 21 (9) Aug 20 (8) Aug 19 (7) Aug 18 (6) 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Mar 16 (1) Mar 15 (2) Mar 13 (1) Mar 12 (1) Mar 11 (1) Mar 10 (1) Wednesday, February 22, 2017 The International Criminal Court (ICC) had a better week this past week. Following the announcements this past fall by a few African States that they intend to withdraw from the Court, more recently, Gambia's newly elected government announced that it would not leave the Court after all. Then today, South Africa's High Court ruled that the South African government's decision to withdraw from the ICC was unconstitutional because the government had failed to seek approval from the South African Parliament. This decision does not mean that South Africa cannot leave the ICC eventually, only that it will take more time and the withdrawal must follow a different procedure. It also may give the ICC more time to show that the charges against it of bias are not well founded. (cgb) https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/international_law/2017/02/better-news-for-the-international-criminal-court.html Thursday, February 23, 2017 The dismissal of a lawsuit against a church was affirmed by the Oklahoma Supreme Court The story This appeal originates from a lawsuit filed by Plaintiff/Appellant John Doe (a pseudonym for Plaintiff) (hereinafter, "Appellant") against Defendants/Appellees The First Presbyterian Church of U.S.A. of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and James D. Miller (hereinafter, "Appellees") alleging breach of contract, negligence, and outrage. Appellant alleges he was born in Syria into the Muslim Faith, but for most of his adult life has resided in the United States. As part of what he refers to as his westernization, Appellant made the decision to convert from Islam to Christianity. The precise relationship between Appellant and Appellees is disputed, but it is undisputed that Appellant was baptized at his own request at The First Presbyterian Church U.S.A. of Tulsa, Oklahoma (FPC) by James D. Miller (Miller). Appellant alleges he made Appellees aware of the need for confidentiality throughout the conversion process, as he was planning to return to Syria shortly thereafter. Appellant's baptism took place on December 30, 2012, during a service that was open to members and guests of the church, but was not televised. It is undisputed that Appellant was not and never became a member of FPC, before or after his baptism. Appellant alleges he travelled to Syria almost immediately after his baptism, arriving in Damascus on January 2, 2013. Appellant asserts he was confronted by radical Muslims in Damascus in mid-January, 2013, who had heard of his conversion on the internet. Appellant alleges he was kidnapped, and informed by his kidnappers they were going to carry out his death sentence as a result of his conversion from Islam. Appellant alleges he was tortured for several days before he was able to escape captivity, killing his paternal uncle in the process. As a result, he asserts he is now wanted for murder in Syria. Appellant alleges he was able to clandestinely make it back to the United States, where he faces continuous death threats. Appellant asserts he suffered numerous physical injuries and psychological damage, all proximately caused by Appellees' publication of his baptism, in contravention of promises they supposedly made to him that it would be kept confidential. The suit was filed after he returned to the United States. The court Recognizing the importance of the autonomy of religious institutions within the framework of the United States legal system, the courts must refrain from undue interference with religious beliefs and practices. Appellant exercised his right to convert to Christianity and accord his religious beliefs with the demands of his conscience. Similarly, Appellees exercised their right to perform the sacrament of baptism in accordance with the doctrine and a custom of the Church. It is not the role of the courts to adjudicate a dispute between Appellant and Appellees over the publication of Appellant's baptism in accord with Church practice, even if Appellant was harmed by his baptism and its subsequent publication. Per the church autonomy doctrine, the courts lack subject matter jurisdiction over the matter. Accordingly, the decision of the trial court is affirmed. (Mike Frisch) https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2017/02/a-lawsuit-was-dismissed-by-the-oklahoma-supreme-court-recognizing-the-importance-of-the-autonomy-of-religious-institutions-w.html A human rights group is warning against a rise in politically divisive speech and international indifference to rights abuses. Amnesty International released its 2016 report on Wednesday. The report is called The State of the Worlds Human Rights. The group criticizes both rich and poor nations. It noted government efforts to restrict free speech in countries such as Ethiopia, Bangladesh and Russia. It also noted attacks on civilians in places such as Syria, Yemen and Sudan. Amnestys Secretary General Salil Shetty spoke to reporters in Paris. He noted that 2016 was a year in which poisonous political rhetoric increased in many areas around the world. Shetty criticized politicians, even some world leaders, for their use of us versus them comments to denounce immigrants, Muslims and other groups. The leaders included Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and United States President Donald Trump. And at the root of this rhetoric lies a dangerous idea -- the idea that some people are less human than others. He added that one of the most dangerous things thats happened in 2016 is to increasingly start equating refugees with terrorists. Salil Shetty said Amnesty is also worried about the international communitys reaction to violence against civilians. These acts include the bombings of schools and hospitals in Syria, migrant drownings in the Mediterranean, and reports of the use of chemical weapons in Darfur, Sudan. We have reached a point where there is no longer any red line. Almost no action has become too appalling or indefensible. Shetty said many of these terrible acts have been met with, in his words, deafening silence. He said people can force their governments to change. He noted that such efforts are taking place in Europe, Africa and the United States. Amnesty researcher Gaetan Mootoo said there have been attacks against the rights of people who belong to the LGBT community. LGBT is short for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. He also noted attacks against free speech in some African countries. People have been arrested, for example, in Cote dIvoire because they were protesting against the referendum. Many of them were arrested and released shortly afterwards. Mootoo said similar actions have taken place in Nigeria, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Amnesty criticized President Trumps efforts to temporarily block U.S. visits by citizens from seven Muslim majority countries. It called the ban, inhumane, unlawful and just plain stupid. Trump has said the travel restrictions are necessary until stronger measures can be put in place to stop possible terrorists from entering the country. But federal judges have suspended enforcement of the ban. Trump has promised to write a new order that will be accepted by U.S. courts. Im Pete Musto. Correspondent Lisa Bryant reported this story from Paris. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted her report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story rhetoric n. language that is intended to influence people and that may not be honest or reasonable us versus them expression red line n. appalling adj. very bad in a way that causes fear, shock or disgust lesbian n. a woman who is sexually attracted to other women; a female homosexual gay n. a person and especially a man who is homosexual bisexual adj. sexually attracted to both men and women transgender adj. of or relating to people who feel that their true nature does not match their sex at birt Attacks from Boko Haram militants are hurting the economies of Chad and northern Cameroon. The militants often attack trucks transporting goods to the two central African nations. Some of the goods come from Borno state in nearby Nigeria. Naffissa Adja works at one of the most popular stores in Ndjamena, the capital of Chad. She says she was not paid last month. She adds that the store has not received supplies from Borno state for several months. Business is slow because of attacks on the stores supply trucks. Tocba Haman is a truck driver. He says he no longer goes to Nigeria for supplies because Boko Haram targets trucks and kills drivers. He says the militants continue to control Nigerian villages, especially around Borno state. They also seize goods and kill traders. He says business activity in Chad will continue to decrease, even with many soldiers on roads and in markets. Abdoul Said is a customs official in Chad. He says Boko Haram attacked trucks last Saturday in Gambarou, a Nigerian town on the border with Cameroon. He says Boko Haram fighters have attacked and seized many vehicles in the past two weeks. He says recently, the militants seized three trucks carrying goods to northern Cameroon and Ndjamena. The Chadian capital is less than 50 kilometers from Borno state, an area currently under the control of the Islamist group. Many goods arriving in Chad and northeastern Cameroon are shipped from Maiduguri, in the center of Borno state. Abba Kabbir is a member of Cameroons national assembly. He says the economies of northern Cameroon and Chad are suffering because the militants control roads in Nigeria. Simple goods and manufactured products like telephones and farming tools enter Chad on these roads. He says if Boko Haram continues to control the border roads, economic activity will continue to be paralyzed in Chad, northern Cameroon and parts of northeastern Nigeria. He says he and others want the military to stop the attacks. Im Christopher Jones-Cruise. Edwin Moki Kindzeka reported on this story from Ndjamena, Chad. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted his report into Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story paralyze v. to make (someone or something) unable to operate, act or move This is Whats Trending Today. A few days ago, we told you about a young giant panda named Bao Bao. She spent the first three years of her life at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. But this week, she left the United States for her new home in China. Under an agreement between the two countries, panda cubs must be sent to China before they reach the age of 4. Now, many people are following another animal in New York State. A zoo called the Animal Adventure Park has a pregnant giraffe named April. The zoo is in Harpursville, a small community just north of the states border with Pennsylvania. Doctors expect April, the giraffe, to give birth to a calf any day now. This will be her fourth calf. Workers have set up a camera, called a giraffe cam, to watch April. According to the zoo, since the camera has been in place, millions of people have tuned in to the live video on YouTube. The Animal Adventure Park shared some interesting facts about giraffes. The average calf is about 2 meters tall at birth, and weighs about 70 kilograms. A giraffes pregnancy usually lasts about 15 months. Viewers from around the world are watching the live video feed to see if April had the baby yet. One person wrote on Twitter: all I want is for this giraffe to give birth already." Another wrote about waking up early on Thursday to see if she missed the birth or not. But some people were worried when they looked at the parks YouTube channel and saw a message that it had been taken down because of a violation. Park officials said YouTube was hearing from people who do not like seeing animals in captivity. They said the video showed nudity or sexual content. But after a short delay, the live video was operating normally. Jordan Patch is the zoos owner. He went on Facebook Live to explain what happened. Patch said the protests pulled an educational tool away from tens of millions of viewers. He added that people should work to protect the natural habitat for animals instead of criticizing his zoo for its camera. And thats Whats Trending Today. Im Dan Friedell. Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Will you watch the giraffe camera? Let us know in the comments section. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story tune-in v. to watch a television show or listen to a radio broadcast calf n. the young of some large animals (such as the elephant or whale) habitat n. the place or sort of place where a plant or animal naturally or normally lives or grows nudity adj. wearing no clothing Excitement was in the air and on the grounds of Mount Vernon, home of George Washington, the first president of the United States. Friends and family gathered there to watch loved ones become U.S. citizens on the 285th anniversary of Washingtons birthday. Fifty one people, from 31 different countries, would now be citizens of one country, the United States of America. They were continuing the rich American tradition of a nation built by immigrants. But they were taking the oath of citizenship while the country debates President Donald Trumps order to ban people from seven Muslim-majority countries. Iraq is one of those countries. Omar Khan was born there. He came to the U.S. as a refugee, fleeing his home in Iraq. He says he is overwhelmed and happy to be a U.S. citizen. Now he will be able to travel freely with an American passport. He says it is unfair to ban people who are Muslim. Youre creating a culture of hate in the United States, and you know, were always talking about uniting people of the United States. And then you come out with a speech of hate and discrimination, I dont think thats that is something that this nation is built on. He says the travel ban means his mother will not be able to come visit her grandchildren in the U.S. But, Khan adds the Obama administration had denied entry to her before. Why would you refuse a sixty years old woman to come here and see her grandkids? Bibi Mariam Jamalzai is also against banning Muslims. On Wednesday she became the last person in her family to become a U.S. citizen. As a Muslim from Afghanistan, she says she does not like the new travel ban, but she has a good feeling about becoming an American citizen. Standing with their three children, Asmat Jamalzai is happy for his wife. He had helped U.S. forces in Afghanistan and became a U.S. citizen in 2014. He says banning people because of their religion is wrong. I think the government should based on the US constitution, it shouldnt ban any one based on their religion. However, I think that the security of the United States is very important, so the government should take some steps to keep Americans safe. Jamalzai believes some green card holders are afraid that if they go back to their countries to visit family, they will not be able to get back into the U.S. I think this is a big concern for most people who are green card holders. And they have a big American dream, that its a great country now they see some, some hard stuff that they havent experienced yet. In fact, the Associated Press reported that organizations around the country are seeing an increase in people asking questions about becoming U.S. citizens. Organizations in Los Angeles, Maryland and New York that help immigrants from Latin America, Asia and the Middle East all said they have seen an increase in calls and questions about how to become a citizen. Adam Cook was born in England. He stood on George Washingtons lawn the home of the man who defeated England to gain U.S. independence-- and along with his fellow new Americans, Cook took the oath of citizenship. So help me God. Congratulations my fellow citizens! Cook says he wants to help his new country be better. He also opposes the travel ban. I dont think that it will be effective. I think that we need to make sure that we treat everyone equal. Everyone was immigrant to begin, and everyone will be coming forward and thats what makes this a great country and sets the tone for a lot of other countries." Cook points to the many nations represented at the ceremony and says that diversity is everything about what America is. He says Americans need to work together because if we are going to keep thinking about the bad in people, were never going to find the good in people. The people were given certificates of citizenship and encouraged to register to vote right away. As the music started playing again, the new Americans found their families and friends, and left to start new lives as U.S. citizens. Im Anne Ball. Anne Ball reported and wrote this story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and find us on Facebook. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story overwhelmed adj. overcome with emotion discrimination n. the practice of unfairly treating a person or group of people differently from other people or groups of people refuse v. to not allow someone to have (something) green card n. a card indicating that a person from a foreign country can live and work in the U.S. diversity n. the quality or state of having many different forms, types, ideas, etc. lawn n. an area of ground covered with short grass Polk County officials are reporting the barricaded suspect who exchanged gunfire with deputies Wednesday evening is deceased. Suspect identified as Kevin Johnson, 28 Johnson had an active warrant for unlawful sex with a minor Previous arrest history included possession of meth, cocaine, sale of narcotics The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon on Sunset Circle in Lake Alfred. The suspect, identified as Kevin Johnson, 28, was the only person in the house. No deputies were injured in the exchange of gunfire. Officials said at 5:50 p.m. SWAT team members blew a small hole in the side of the house in order to gain visibility of the subject. Shortly after, the suspect was removed from the house deceased. No cause of death for Johnson has been released. Officials said an autopsy would be performed on Thursday, Feb. 23. Johnson had an active Polk County warrant for Unlawful Sex with a Minor. His previous arrest history included charges ranging from possession of meth and cocaine to giving false information to a pawn broker and resisting arrest. The residence where Johnson barricaded himself from police, located at 45 Sunset Circle, was owned by his parents. On prior occasions, undercover narcotics investigators had purchased drugs at the residence, which was the probable cause for Wednesday's search warrant and investigation. Johnson's mother was arrested at the scene after refusing to cooperate with deputies. She threw down a cell phone when deputies asked to look at it for evidentiary purposes. She was subsequently charged with tampering with evidence. *Address is approximate. Nicole Oulson, the widow of the man shot and killed at a Wesley Chapel movie theater three years ago, took the stand Thursday morning during a hearing over whether the gunman can use a stand your ground defense. DAY 4: 'Stand your ground' hearing today in Pasco movie theater shooting case Curtis Reeves (2nd degree murder charges) Chad Oulson was shot and killed in theater in January 2014 Previous stories on this case Curtis Reeves, 74, is facing second-degree murder charges in the shooting death of Chad Oulson on Jan. 13, 2014. The argument between Reeves and Chad Oulson, 43, started over Oulson being on his phone during the previews of a movie. The light was apparently bothering Reeves eyes, according to officials. The argument escalated to Oulson throwing popcorn at Reeves and Reeves pulling out his pistol and shooting the younger man. On the stand Thursday morning, Nicole Oulson described the events of that day before, during and after the shooting. She said that as the situation began to escalate, Reeves said "turn it off now" about the cell phone. "It felt like he (Reeves) was demanding and like (it was) an order," Nicole Oulson said, adding that her husband told Reeves to mind his own business. Nicole Oulson, who suffered an injury to her hand during the shooting, added that her husband was more frustrated with the situation than angry or violent but continued to respond to Reeves before being shot. Also in court Thursday morning, defense attorneys for Reeves, a retired Tampa police captain, said the Pasco County Sheriff Office's investigation was flawed. Sheriff Chris Nocco responded to that claim by saying: "It's disappointing that the defense attorney is discrediting the professionalism of our outstanding members to deflect attention from the legal issue at hand." Reeves' attorneys have said Chad Oulson was aggressive also and that Reeves' age changed his perception of danger. If the judge rules the shooting is a Stand Your Ground ruling, the state won't be able to try Reeves for murder. The hearing is expected to go on for about another week. GET OUR APP Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Download it here. Orban (L), Duterte (R) Amnesty International says toxic fear-mongering by anti-establishment politicians, among them President Donald Trump and the leaders of Turkey, Hungary and the Philippines, is contributing to a global pushback against human rights. Releasing its 408-page annual report on rights abuses around the world yesterday, the watchdog group described 2016 as the year when the cynical use of us vs. them narratives of blame, hate and fear took on a global prominence to a level not seen since the 1930s, when Adolf Hitler rose to power in Germany. Amnesty named Trump, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte among leaders it said are wielding a toxic agenda that hounds, scapegoats and dehumanizes entire groups of people. Poisonous rhetoric employed by Trump in his election campaign exemplified the global trend of angrier and more divisive politics, Amnesty said. The limits of what is acceptable have shifted. Politicians are shamelessly and actively legitimizing all sorts of hateful rhetoric and policies based on peoples identity: misogyny, racism and homophobia. The first target has been refugees and, if this continues in 2017, others will be in the crosshairs. The White House did not respond to a request for comment on the report. In the Philippines, Dutertes spokesman, Ernesto Abella, said the president has recently toned down his rhetoric. Duterte has previously said he would be happy to slaughter 3 million drug addicts and talked of fattening fish in Manila Bay with corpses. Dutertes crackdown on illegal drugs is feared to have killed more than 7,000 mostly poor drug users and petty drug pushers since he took office last June. Abella told the ABS-CBN TV network that Duterte does listen and hes not just frothing in the mouth. There is anger coming there, but to refer to it as toxic as if it was a planned thing that he wanted to destroy people, I think obviously misses the mark, Abella said. Amnestys annual report, The State of the Worlds Human Rights, documented what it called grave violations of human rights in 159 countries in 2016. It said governments turned a blind eye to war crimes, pushed through deals that undermine the right to claim asylum, passed laws that violate free expression, incited murder of people simply because they are accused of using drugs, justified torture and mass surveillance, and extended draconian police powers. The report added that the big question in 2017 will be how far the world lets atrocities go before doing something about them. Exceptionally, London-based Amnesty chose to launch its report in Paris. Salil Shetty, the groups secretary-general, said France has used emergency powers introduced in 2015 in the wake of terror attacks in an abusive and deeply discriminatory manner, confining more than 600 people, mostly Muslins, under house arrest and banning more than 140 protests. Even states that once claimed to champion rights abroad are now too busy rolling back human rights at home to hold others to account, Amnesty said. The more countries backtrack on fundamental human rights commitments, the more we risk a domino effect of leaders emboldened to knock back established human rights protections. Frances government has repeatedly defended the emergency powers as a necessary safeguard against the severe terror threat it says is facing the country, and parliament has repeatedly voted to extend those powers. AP Cambodias Khmer Rouge tribunal announced yesterday that it has dropped crimes against humanity charges against a former lower-ranking Khmer Rouge official, saying she was not high enough in the regimes leadership hierarchy. Prosecutors in 2015 had charged Im Chaem, a district chief during the Khmer Rouges 1975-79 reign, with crimes against humanity including murder, extermination and enslavement. An announcement by the U.N.-assisted tribunal said the investigating judges had dropped all charges in the case against Im Chaem, now in her early 70s, because she was neither a senior leader of the Khmer Rouge nor one of the most responsible officials. The brutal policies of the Khmer Rouge are blamed for the deaths of 1.7 million Cambodians from execution, starvation and inadequate medical care. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has long insisted that the tribunals targets should not be expanded beyond the Khmer Rouges top leaders, threatening to otherwise shut down the tribunal. He has repeatedly said that if the tribunal targets more defendants, it could incite former Khmer Rouge members to start a civil war. Few people share his belief, since the Khmer Rouge became a spent force two decades ago. Hun Sen himself was a mid- level commander with the Khmer Rouge before defecting while the group was still in power, and several senior members of his ruling Cambodian Peoples Party share similar backgrounds. He helped cement his political control by making alliances with other former Khmer Rouge commanders. The tribunal prosecutors had to charge Im Chaem in absentia, because Cambodian police refused to take her into detention. Several cases against middle- ranking Khmer Rouge members are still pending. The tribunal has already convicted two high-ranking Khmer Rouge leaders, Khieu Samphan, the 85-year-old Khmer Rouge head of state, and Nuon Chea, the 90-year- old right-hand man to the communist groups late top leader, Pol Pot. Also convicted was the head of its prison system, who ran a torture center in Phnom Penh. As a district chief in the northwestern province of Banteay Meanchey, Im Chaem allegedly ran a forced labor camp to construct an irrigation project, and in that position allegedly was responsible for the deaths of possibly thousands of laborers. Sopheng Cheang, Phnom Penh, AP The trial of former top prosecutor Ho Chio Meng continued yesterday with the questioning of several witnesses. The first witness called to the stand in the morning was a porter. The prosecution side started by presenting a pay cheque for MOP53,620, which was given to the porter by Wong Kuok Wai (the businessman accused of opening shelf companies with Ho Chio Meng). The porter admitted that he would always cut 15 percent off from the payment and give it to Wong. The prosecution then presented another pay cheque, for MOP63,940, which Wong had handed over to the Public Prosecutions Office (MP) as a service quotation. Wong had previously claimed to be unaware of how there came to be a difference in the values on the two cheques. The second witness surnamed Kuong, was one of Hos former drivers. Kuong said that one night, in February 2015, he drove Ho to the Liaison Office after he had been to the Commission Against Corruption (CCAC). Kuong said that once Ho finished visiting the Liaison Office, he then told Kuong to take him to his official residence. However, on their way to Hos residence, Ho instructed the driver to take him a villa in Cheoc Van, Coloane, instead. The villa was rented for MOP46,000 a month between 2006 and 2014 by the MP. It was supposedly used to receive guests. When questioned about the Cheoc Van villa, Kuong informed that he used to pick up Ho, his wife and his children at this location. After leaving the villa, Kuong noticed that Ho was carrying something wrapped in newspaper. Kuong explained that he then drove Ho to the Dynasty Plaza. At this point, the prosecutors showed a picture of some agarwood pieces, and Kuong confirmed the pieces as being the items that were wrapped in newspaper that night. Moreover, according to Kuong, at Hos request he used to constantly deliver sealed packages to a bank. He thought the packages contained passbooks. Despite all this, Kuong never visited the 16th floor of the Hotline Center. In his cross-examination, Hos lawyer, Leong Weng Pun, asked Kuong how he knew that the agarwood showed in the court was the one wrapped in the newspaper if it had been covered. Kuong explained that part of the newspaper was open, allowing him to see something that looked like wood. Kuong said that later, after reading the news, he realized that what he had seen was the agarwood. Leong immediately reminded Kuong to not talk about the news, and said that we are talking about facts. Kuong then said that he was not sure what was wrapped in the newspaper. Leong posed a similar question regarding Kuongs knowledge of what was inside the packages he delivered to the bank. Kuong replied by saying that he never opened any of the packages and that he believed passbooks could have been inside because he felt their approximate shape when he held the packages. The third witness, surnamed Leong, is currently an employee at a property management company located in Cheoc Van. He has been working at this location since 1998. Leong said that he used to see Ho visiting Cheoc Van villa with other people whom he did not know. Leong noted that he also saw vehicles with special plates, as well as Hos wife, who would always visit for a period shorter than one hour. Presiding Judge Sam Hou Fai asked Leong how often he saw the cars with special plates. Leong kept reminding the judge that he saw them more frequently in earlier years, while in recent years he saw them less frequently. He also saw people wearing suits standing outside the villa. The third witness used to be paid by someone, commonly addressed as Wai, to clean the villa that the MP had rented. The third witness said that he saw both adults and children inside the house, although he did not know who they were. The male witness also confirmed that he saw Hos pictures inside the house, but was then uncertain about whether he had seen the other objects that the judge asked him if he could recognize. By the end of the morning session, Ho declared that he indeed visited Cheoc Van Villa on weekends, driving himself and his family to the location. He explained that he was busy working during the week and that he did not like not being with his family on weekends. Therefore, he would drive his own car to the villa to meet the MPs guests, as well as counterparts from the judiciary system. Three witnesses were present at the court in the afternoon. The first one used to be a domestic helper for Hos father, and also helped at the Cheac Van villa by cooking meals for Ho and his family, as well as serving some of Hos guests. However, she did not know the identity of any of the guests. The second witness was the nanny of Hos children. The third witness was Teng Nga Kan, who is currently Chief of the Office of the Secretary for Economy and Finance. Teng used to work for the MP. The court will resume tomorrow. Chui unaware of Hos investigation The Chief Executive (CE), Chui Sai On, said yesterday that he was unaware of the investigation involving former prosecutor general Ho Chio Meng when appointing him to be the coordinator of the Committee on Criminal and Legal Studies in February 2015. Talking at the airport before departing on an official visit to Fuzhou and Guangdong provinces, the CE claimed that Hos appointment was based on his experience and that he did not know Ho was being investigated. When an official is called to testify it doesnt mean that he has committed a crime, the CE said, adding that at the time he saw no legal objections to making such a nomination. Controversial trip to Denmark Ho Chio Meng is accused of using public money to pay for private trips to northern Europe after attending an official event in Denmark. Witness Teng Nga Kan went to Denmark with Ho on that official trip, and always accompanied him to the official event programs during that time. Teng said that she had seen Hos wife but had never seen any of the other four Portuguese prosecutors spouses during the official programs of that event. The four Portuguese prosecutors attended the event as well. Teng also did not remember having registered Hos wife to attend the event. However, she remembered having met Ho, Hos wife, and others, including a woman she did not recognize. When Teng completed her testimony, Ho said that he did not remember whether Teng had been with him at the welcoming ceremony, which both he and his wife attended. He also said that on one of the nights during the trip, he and his wife were VIP guests at a banquet, but he did not remember whether Teng accompanied him to that banquet. Prosecutor Kuok Un Man then requested the court to call Teng to return to court to prove whether she had been at the two events mentioned by Ho. However, Kuoks appeal was refused by Presiding Judge Sam Hou Fai. Japan is the ultimate business opportunity for Las Vegas Sands Corp., said its billionaire chairman as he envisions an integrated resort that would attract convention tourism and boast a record number of slot machines. Singapore was a warm-up to this, Sheldon Adelson, whos also chief executive officer, said in Tokyo this week. A potential resort in Japan will probably cost at least USD6 billion, similar to Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, and could be as much as $10 billion, Adelson said in a speech at a CLSA Ltd. conference. The resort in Japan, which passed a bill to legalize casinos in December, would feature 10,000 slot machines, the 83-year-old gambling tycoon said, the most of the Las Vegas-based operators properties anywhere, and four times more than in Singapore. Sands, along with Wynn Resorts Ltd and MGM Resorts International, are among operators that expressed interest in building resorts in Japan. Opening two integrated resorts in major population centers could bring in $10 billion in revenue, with potential for $25 billion if they spread across the country, according to CLSA. Sandss shares are down 2.6 percent in New York trading this year, compared with the 5.7 percent gain in the Standard and Poors 500 Index. The stock was little changed Tuesday at $52.04. Japan has a proven history of embracing wagering with consumers in the country already allowed to bet on boat, bicycle and horse races. Gamers also spent more than 23 trillion yen ($202 billion) on pachinko in 2015, compared with $25 billion in the horse- racing industry, according to the Japan Productivity Center. There are more than 10,000 pachinko parlors operating what are effectively ball-bearing-based slot machines that get around legal gambling prohibitions by paying off winners with physical prizes that can then be exchanged for cash at a different location. Gaming is part of the fabric of this country, said Jay Defibaugh, a senior analyst at CLSA Securities Japan Co., told reporters in Tokyo. It certainly is a tremendous opportunity. Sands, the worlds largest casino operator, is eyeing new growth areas even as its main market in Macau recovers from a two-year gambling slump. A Sands Japan project, similar to the companys integrated resorts worldwide, would see gambling take up less than 5 percent of its floor space, with the rest of the property focused on meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, known as MICE, Adelson said. Its the ultimate of business opportunities, he said. I can offer an emphasis on the exhibition market. Itll be a wonderful place for MICE and gaming. Grace Huang, Chris Cooper, Bloomberg A former leader of Hong Kong was sentenced yesterday to 20 months in prison for misconduct after failing to disclose plans to rent a luxury apartment for his retirement from a businessman applying for a broadcasting license. It was a stunning downfall for Donald Tsang, 72, who served as Hong Kongs chief executive, from 2005 to 2012. He becomes the highest-ranking current or former official sent to prison for wrongdoing in the Asian financial hub, which prides itself on a reputation for clean governance. Never in my judicial career have I seen a man fallen from such a height, Justice Andrew Chan said as he handed down the sentence in Hong Kongs High Court. However, it is not in dispute that the defendant has dedicated himself to public service for the past 40 years. The judge said he took 10 months off his initial sentence of 30 months because of Tsangs good character and contribution to Hong Kong. The maximum penalty for misconduct is seven years. Tsang showed little emotion as the sentence was read out in a packed courtroom, the Associated Press reported. Chan noted that among Tsangs major contributions to public service, one that stood out was his effort in overcoming the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis. Tsang, who was financial secretary at the time, led the citys successful multibillion-dollar defense of its currency peg against speculators. A jury found Tsang guilty last week of one count of misconduct in public office but not guilty on a second count. His wife, Selina Tsang, told reporters outside court that she and other family members were disappointed and heartbroken at the sentence and that they plan to appeal. Its one of several cases in recent years that have shaken public confidence and raised concerns about cozy ties between Hong Kongs leaders and wealthy tycoons. Jurors ruled 8-1 that he committed misconduct when he failed to disclose that the penthouse in neighboring Shenzhen in mainland China was owned by a businessman whose company was applying for a digital radio license. They unanimously cleared him of the second misconduct charge, which alleged he failed to reveal he had nominated for an award an interior designer working on the penthouses renovations. The jury couldnt decide on a third charge of accepting an advantage. A retrial is tentatively scheduled for September. Tsang joined the colonial government in 1967, rose to financial secretary under the last British governor and was knighted for his service. The devout Roman Catholic won widespread praise for his stewardship of the economy during the Asian financial crisis, leading a USD15 billion defense of the Hong Kong dollar. Simon Young, an associate dean of the University of Hong Kongs Faculty of Law, quoted by Bloomberg, said Tsangs prosecution had boosted confidence in the citys anti-corruption efforts. It sends quite a strong message to the community and to future leaders and to future politicians that the ICAC can and will look into these matters, Young said. Clearly the rule of law prevails and is very much alive and kicking in Hong Kong, said Alan Leong, a former leader of the pro-democracy Civic Party who ran against Tsang in the 2007 chief executive race. The takeaway is that those who occupy public office especially high office ought to be whiter than white, he told reporters yesterday. In a separate case, the ICAC is currently investigating whether outgoing Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying failed to disclose a HKD50 million payment from an Australian construction company relating to a business deal before he took office, which he says wasnt covered by disclosure requirements. MDT/Agencies Hong Kongs next chief executive will take office with an accelerating economy and a budget that provides scope to cut taxes and boost spending in the face of criticisms over income inequality and Beijings interventions in local affairs. The economy is forecast to expand by 2 percent to 3 percent in 2017, faster than the 1.9 percent gain last year, Hong Kongs Financial Secretary Paul Chan told lawmakers yesterday in the annual budget speech. Chan estimated a budget surplus for the current fiscal year at HKD92.8 billion (USD12 billion), with revenue from land sales and stamp duty higher than original forecasts. A committee of 1,200 business and political elites will be voting next month on who will become the next chief executive, with Carrie Lam widely seen as the frontrunner. The former chief secretary vowed to focus on revving up the economy and her main rival, former Financial Secretary John Tsang, has also pledged to open the citys coffers while trying to bridge political divides. Hong Kongs budget strikes a balance between support to an economy that faces both short-term and longer-term headwinds and continuing fiscal prudence, said Marie Diron, associate managing director at Moodys Investors Service based in Singapore. The cut in salaries tax, profits tax, property rates and the increase in old-age allowance will provide material support to growth this year. Hong Kongs retailers have seen sales fall for another year with fewer Chinese tourists shopping in the city. To help spur tourism, the government plans to waive license fees for a year for 1,800 travel agents, more than 2,000 hotels and guesthouses as well as 27,000 restaurants and hawkers. Other key measures from the budget include: Reducing taxes on wage earners by up to HKD20,000 for this fiscal year ended March, cutting revenue by HKD16.4 billion. Cutting taxes that companies pay on profits by up to HKD20,000 for this fiscal year ended March, lowering revenue by another HKD1.9 billion. Waiving property rates by up to HKD1,000 per quarter for each property in the 2017-18 fiscal year, reducing revenue by HKD10.9 billion. Providing higher monthly allowances to senior citizens in need and loosening eligibility requirements. The government estimates 500,000 elderly persons will each receive about HKD10,000 to HKD30,000 more a year. Increasing capital works expenditure to HKD86.8 billion in 2017-18, allowing the construction industry to contribute 4.7 percent to gross domestic product. With the Chinese economy stabilizing, the economic outlook for Hong Kong seems to be faring better, however, global risks such as Trumps protectionism and Fed interest-rate hikes will cloud the market, said Raymond Yeung, Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.s chief economist for greater China based in Hong Kong. A more proactive stance on infrastructure projects should help improve the citys long-term competitiveness. Lisa Pham, Bloomberg Hong Kongs securities regulator suspended trading in a companys stock after it rose 543 percent on its public market debut. Shares of GME Group Holdings Ltd., a tunnel excavating subcontractor, were suspended from 1 p.m. local time yesterday by the Securities and Futures Commission. The shares were trading for the first time on the citys exchange for small companies, called the Growth Enterprise Market. This is very surprising, said Ricky Chim, who represents the financial services constituency in the citys election committee, and was speaking about the suspension occurring on the first day of trading. It has never happened according to my recollection. GME Group started trading at HKD0.54, and had risen to HKD3.47 by the time of the halt, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. More than 20 million shares changed hands in the morning session, the data show. The halt comes a month after the regulator and GEMs parent Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd. warned listings applicants and their sponsors on the bourse to follow rules that ensure a fair market. Half of the 10 best first-day gainers in 2015 saw their share prices plunge by more than 90 percent from their peak within a month, HKEX and the SFC said in a joint statement. Many GEM stocks have highly concentrated shareholdings and a small shareholder base, they said. Several GEM placements, including clothing firm My Heart Bodibra, pulled their listings after the statement. Yesterdays suspension was issued under a rule that lets the SFC call a halt when it believes that misleading, false or incomplete information has been included in documents and statements. The rule also allows the regulator to order suspensions to maintain an orderly and fair market, or in cases where it thinks the public interest would be served. A spokesman for the SFC didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. An HKEX spokesman said the company doesnt comment on individual share suspensions. A person at GME who answered the phone but didnt provide their name said the company is still trying to figure out the suspension. Francis Lun, chief executive officer of GEO Securities Ltd., said it was the first time he knew of a stock being suspended on its first day. A question is how can the authorities list if they have questions, he said. They should stop it before it gets listed. Benjamin Robertson, Crystal Tse, Bloomberg Its been less than two weeks since Perwin Ali Baku escaped the Islamic State group, after more than two years in captivity, bought and sold from fighter to fighter and carted from Iraq to Syria and then back again. When a door slams, the 23-year-old Yazidi woman flashes back to her captors locking away her 3-year-old daughter, captured with her, to torment her. When she hears a loud voice, she cringes at the thought of them barking orders. I dont feel right, she said, sitting on a mattress on the floor of her father-in-laws small canvas-topped Quonset hut in a northern Iraq refugee camp. I still cant sleep and my body is tense all the time. Perwin wants treatment, and is hoping to find it in a new psychological trauma institute being established at the university of Dohuk, the first in the entire region. Its the next phase of an ambitious project funded by the wealthy German state of Baden Wuerttemberg that brought 1,100 women who had escaped Islamic State captivity, primarily Yazidis, to Germany for psychological treatment. The medical head of that project, German psychologist Jan Kizilhan, is also the driving force behind the new institute, which opens at the end of the month. The program will train local mental health professionals to treat people like Perwin and thousands of Yazidi women, children and other Islamic State victims. About 1,900 Yazidis have escaped the clutches of IS, but more than 3,000 other women and children are believed to still be held captive, pressed into sexual slavery and subjected to horrific abuse. As the fighting rages between Iraqi forces and IS in Mosul, only about 75 kilometers from Dohuk, the number reaching freedom increases daily. Right now there are only 26 psychiatrists practicing in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region of northern Iraq, with a population of 5.5 million people and more than 1.5 million refugees and internally displaced people. None specializes in treating trauma. Perwin received brief, basic counseling after being freed Dec. 30 from IS near Mosul they asked do you sleep well and I said no, I cant sleep well but nothing else. She looks to her toddler, dressed in a red sweatsuit with her hair in pigtails held together with cherry bobbles, who popped into the tent only to beat a hasty retreat when she saw strangers. The child has received no treatment at all. Shes always scared, Perwin said. And shes had nothing more than cough medicine. Fighters from the Islamic State, also known as Daesh, swept into the Sinjar region of northern Iraq in August 2014, an area near the Syrian border that is the Yazidis ancestral home. Tens of thousands of Yazidis escaped to Mount Sinjar, where they were surrounded and besieged by Islamic State militants. The U.S., Iraq, Britain, France and Australia flew in water and other supplies, until Kurdish fighters eventually opened a corridor to allow them to safety. Casualty estimates vary widely, but the United Nations has called the Islamic State assault genocide, saying the Yazidis 400,000-strong community had all been displaced, captured or killed. Of the thousands captured by IS, boys were forced to fight for the extremists, men were executed if they didnt convert to Islam and often executed in any case and women and girls were sold into slavery. Those lucky enough to escape are left with deep psychological scars and, Kizilhan, a trauma specialist and also a university professor and Mideast expert, has been working tirelessly to help them find support. We are talking about general trauma, we are talking about collective trauma and we are talking about genocide, said Kizilhan, who is of Yazidi background and immigrated to Germany at age 6. Thats the reason we have to help if we can its our human duty to help them. The new Institute of Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology at Dohuk University, in cooperation with Germanys University of Tuebingen, will train 30 new professionals over three years. The hope is to extend the program to other regional universities, so that after 10 years there could be more than 1,000 psychotherapists in the region. The first class is made up of 17 women and 13 men, Muslims, Christians and Yazidis, with backgrounds in psychology, nursing, social work and teaching. Galavej Jaafar Mohemmad, a Kurdish native of Dohuk who was chosen for the inaugural class, already has some psychological training but said she wants more. Iraq has moved from one war to another war, but this time is the worst that has ever happened to humans thats why I want to help, the 45-year-old said. Even for the women who have come back from Daesh, Daesh has taken their kids, their husbands theyre free but they dont feel free. In the Sharya camp, one of about two dozen sprawling facilities for internally displaced people in the Dohuk area, 39-year-old Gorwe has just been visited by two sisters-in-law who are receiving treatment in Kizilhans program in Germany. Psychological treatment has helped them, but she said it is no use for her. No matter how many doctors I see, Ill still have the same pain inside me, said Gorwe, who asked that her last name not be used out of fear that the Islamic State would harm her relatives still in captivity. Twenty-four of her family members were taken by the Islamic State, including herself, and only 14 all women and children have returned. The fate of the other 10, including her husband and four of her children, are unknown. I will never forget what happened to us as they were selling us and buying us and beating us, I think about it all the time, she said. How could you forget? David Rising, Dohuk, AP Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday praised Australia for being courageously willing to puncture U.N. hypocrisy on anti-Israel resolutions. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull marked the first visit to Australia by a serving Israeli leader by writing an opinion piece in yesterdays The Australian newspaper that backed Netanyahus criticism in 2015 that the United Nations General Assembly had adopted 20 resolutions critical of Israel in the preceding year and only one in response to the Syrian war. My government will not support one-sided resolutions criticizing Israel of the kind recently adopted by the U.N. Security Council and we deplore the boycott campaigns designed to delegitimize the Jewish state, Turnbull wrote, referring to the Dec. 23 resolution condemning Israeli settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem as a flagrant violation of international law. The United States abstained from that vote and Australia, while not a member of the security council, was one of the few countries to publicly support Israels position. Netanyahu said he was delighted to read the article at the start of his four-day Australian visit. Australia has been courageously willing to puncture U.N. hypocrisy more than once, including this absurd resolution that said the Western wall, the most sacred site for the Jewish people for thousands of years thousands of years even before the rise of Islam that this is occupied Palestinian territory, Netanyahu told reporters. So the U.N. is capable of many absurdities and I think its important that you have straightforward and clear-eyed countries like Australia that often bring it back to Earth, he said. Turnbull reiterated his support for a two-state solution to resolve the Palestinian conflict and described Australia as a committed and consistent friend of Israel. I agree with you in that the circumstances of the times [] do appear to create the opportunity where perhaps the moons aligning such that this could be a good time [] for the parties to come back to the table and reach an agreement, but, of course, as with any agreement, it needs two to tango, Turnbull told Netanyahu. Netanyahu dismissed calls from critics of Israeli West bank settlements, including former Australian Prime Ministers Kevin Rudd and Bob Hawke, for Australia to formally recognize Palestine as a state. I ask both former prime ministers to ask a simple question: What kind of state will it be that they are advocating? A state that calls for Israels destruction? A state whose territory will be used immediately for radical Islam? Netanyahu said. Netanyahu and Turnbull signed agreements on technology and air services as well as discussed expanding co-operation in areas, including cyber-security, innovation and science. AP A proposal to set the rules for why Idaho would participate in a convention of states to amend the U.S. Constitution was introduced into the House State Affairs Committee Thursday. "It's time for the states to stand up and lead on this issue," said sponsor and committee Chairman Rep. Tom Loertscher, R-Iona. "We have a constitution that is being threatened from whatever forces. It's time for the states to take action." Loertscher's bill says Idaho would take part in a convention to propose amendments designed to impose fiscal restraints upon or limit the powers and jurisdiction of the federal government "and no other amendments on any topic whatsoever," he stressed. The U.S. Constitution has been amended many times over this country's history, but always through amendments that were adopted by Congress and then ratified by the states. The Constitution says a convention can be called by an application of two-thirds of the states, but this has never happened. Loertscher's proposal says the House would appoint three delegates, the Senate three, and at least one from each chamber could not be a sitting member of the state Legislature. Congressmen and senators would be ineligible to be delegates. Were the convention to take up amendments on any other subject, Loertscher said, he would expect Idaho's delegates to debate against it vigorously and, as a final result, withdraw in hopes of denying the convention a quorum to proceed. The committee voted on party lines to introduce the proposal, clearing the way for a full hearing later. Loertscher's proposal isn't the only constitutional amendment-related bill making its way through the process. The Senate State Affairs Committee is holding a hearing Friday morning on a proposal from Sen. Marv Hagedorn, R-Meridian, to call for a convention to pass a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Twenty-eight states have passed similar resolutions; 34 would be needed to reach two-thirds. Both supporters and opponents of the idea of a convention of states have held talks at the Statehouse over the past week-and-a-half to make their case. Democrats generally oppose the idea. While its supporters are usually Republicans, there are also many Republicans who are against the idea Republican Rep. Judy Boyle and Democrat Rep. Ilana Rubel teamed up recently to pen an op-ed opposing the concept. On mountain trails, Ive wished countless times that somebody else would carry my backpack. Perhaps I could borrow an idea from a Sun Valley couples experiment: Let that somebody be a goat or a llama. Backpackers Bob Jonas and Sarah Michael, both in their early 70s, have had enough of lugging 50-pound packs. But theyre not ready to give up wandering the Idaho wilderness. So last summer, they searched online for pack animal rentals, then set out with a pair of goats for a six-day June trip from Fairfield into the Smoky Mountains. They next month, they tried out two llamas for a seven-day traverse of the Pioneer Mountains from Trail Creek Summit to Copper Basin. The comparison didnt come out well for the goats, which wouldnt cross shallow Warm Springs Creek without being pushed and pulled simultaneously. Theyre very sweet and cute and photogenic, Michael told me, but we didnt find them as useful as these very well-trained llamas. Michael and her husband plan to share what they learned at a free lecture and slideshow, 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday at The Community Library in Ketchum. Their Goat and Llama Packing 101 promises practical information for novices interested in backcountry travel with pack animals: cost, transportation and other logistics. And a novice can do this, Michael emphasized. Were not horse people, were not mule people. We have very little experience packing, she said. Both animals are small enough and gentle enough that you can get the pack on without a rodeo. They paid a Boise business $35 per day per goat and rented its trailer to pull behind their pickup. An Idaho Falls llama outfitter charged $45 daily per llama, plus trailer rental and $50 per person for a half-day seminar on how to pack the llamas. That extra $10 daily for a llama, Michael said, takes 70 pounds off a hiking groups backs instead of the 30 pounds a goat can carry. Besides their aversion to wet feet, the goats betrayed other faults in her tale of the two trips: disobedience, greed for stolen potato chips, unwillingness to keep going beyond 4 p.m. Of course, the goats are kid-friendly and entertaining, she concluded. Maybe just the thing for a family. But I have a feeling that if Jonas and Michael do this again, theyll opt for what she calls the no-drama llamas. On the couples high-altitude Pioneer trip, more rigorous than the goat adventure, the llamas didnt drag her around the trailhead, balk at snowfields or steep passes, raid the stash of llama cookies or complain when their packs shifted. Plus, OReilly and McShane actually walked along behind us, Michael said. No need for pulling or pushing. And they did it for eight to 10 miles a day. You know, suddenly those llamas look pretty cute and photogenic to me. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Build your health & fitness knowledge Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy TWIN FALLS Investigators from the state attorney generals office arrested a Twin Falls man Wednesday on suspicion he possessed child pornography. Judah Carl Thomas Lyda, 44, was booked into the Twin Falls County Jail on charges of sexual exploitation of a child, Attorney General Lawrence Wasden announced. Lyda was investigated by the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, Wasdens statement said, with help from the U.S. Postal Service, Twin Falls Police Department and Twin Falls Prosecuting Attorneys Office. 9 p.m. UPDATE: The Buhl and Valley school districts have canceled school Friday because of the weather. 4:30 p.m. UPDATE: Jump Company has canceled Thursday's showing of Annie Jr. at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday's shows are still on. 1:00 p.m. UPDATE: CSI will close its Twin Falls, Burley, Gooding, and Hailey campuses at 1 p.m. today due to weather. Its Idaho Falls campus will close at 4 p.m. 10:30 a.m. UPDATE: Jerome School District campuses will close at 11:30 a.m. due to hazardous road conditions. School buses will be running at that time. TWIN FALLS Snow and windy conditions caused a handful of schools to close Thursday. The following schools are closed: Filer Buhl Castleford Murtaugh Wendell Gooding Valley (Hazelton) - due to a power outage Xavier Charter School in Twin Falls North Valley Academy in Gooding Lighthouse Christian School in Twin Falls Clover Christian School in Buhl All College of Southern Idaho campuses are open. On its website, the Twin Falls School District wrote its campus are open. But it asks parents to "be prepared for winter conditions." "Bus routes will likely experience delays due to neighborhood road conditions," according to the post. If you dont feel that your student can get to school safely, keep him/her at home." The district asked students to wear snow boots and water-resistant clothing, if possible, and to bring an extra pair of dry socks. Sheila Bessire TWIN FALLS Sheila Bessire of Twin Falls, funeral services at 10 a.m., Thursday, February 23, at Parkes Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road. Visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home on day of service. Phillip White GOODING Phillip White of Gooding, celebration of life from 1 until 5 p.m. Friday, February 24 at Canyon Crest Dining & Event Center, 330 Canyon Crest Drive, Twin Falls. Robert Bob Haslam JEROME Robert Bob Haslam of Jerome, funeral services at 2 p.m. Friday, February 24, 2017 at Farnsworth Mortuary. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, February 23, 2017 at Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 S Lincoln Ave, Jerome. Daniel Wartluft JEROME Daniel Wartluft of Jerome, memorial service at 4 p.m. Friday February 24, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 217 Tiger Drive, Jerome. Hazel Elverta Plott TWIN FALLS Hazel Elverta Plott of Twin Falls, funeral at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 25 at the Twin Falls West Stake Center, 667 Harrison St. A viewing will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, February 24 at the church and from 1 until 1:45 p.m. prior to the service. Dora Crowser WASHINGTON Dora Crowser of Spokane Valley, Washington, funeral services at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 25, at Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S Pines Rd., Spokane Valley, Washington. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 18 at Sunset Memorial Park, Twin Falls. Karen Busch OREGON Karen Busch of Ontario, Oregon, memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 25 at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Ontario. Joseph Lambert BURLEY Joseph Lambert of Burley, funeral at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 25, at the Burley LDS West Stake Center, 2420 Parke Ave., in Burley. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. Friday, February 24, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 12 noon until 12:45 p.m. Saturday at the church. Terry Moffett BOISE Terry Moffett of Boise, Celebration of Life at 2 pm, Saturday, February 25, at The Owyhee, 1109 W Main St, Boise, Idaho 83702. Allen Eldredge JEROME Allen Eldredge of Jerome, services at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 25, at Rosenau Funeral Home. A viewing will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, February 24 at the funeral home. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy : , , , , - 28 . Richard Nixon, despite his forced resignation over the Watergate break-in, is the American president who will be remembered in history for having helped thaw the Cold War between the United States and arch foes China and Russia. But the former president, unfortunately, is best remembered for his remark during a debate with John F. Kennedy that Taiwan is just a bunch of rocks the US need not waste its time on. The remark was in response to JFKs view Taiwan must be supported to the hilt as a strategic buffer against China. Taiwan, now known as the Republic of China, despite protests from the Peoples Republic of China, is a thriving, progressive nation of 23-million people. It has become a model for emerging nations in Southeast Asia. Of course, Taiwan wont be where it is without the profuse military funding support of the US. There is a lesson to be drawn from Taiwans long-standing alliance with America. China may rant and rave and talk about retaking Taiwan but Beijing knows it will never happen. The US wont allow Taiwan to fall to China aside from the fact Taiwan has one of the most modern fleet of fighter jets supplied by the US. I cannot and will not pretend to be an expert on Taiwan. But having spent three nights and four days in Taipei, I can see why this island, or bunch of rocks as Nixon then called it, has developed itself into a powerhouse economy, the 15th most competitive according to global rankings. Taiwan in fact, is one of the biggest foreign investors across the Taiwan Straits, infusing some $150 billion US dollars into Chinas economy, according to Wikipedia. The exact amount is a closely guarded secret by Mainland China and Taiwan. It would be embarrassing for Beijing to disclose the huge direct foreign investment from its renegade province. I think its safe to say that Taiwans progress can be attributed to its people and the brand of leadership that has steered Taiwan into what it is now. The Taiwanese people, like their cousins in the mainland, are hard-working people. They are a disciplined lot who know the value of hard work and entrepreneurship the Chinese are known for. ADVERTISEMENT Taipei is the very picture of a modern metropolis. Its transports system of efficient public railways, clean buses and thousands of yellow cabs ease commuter pains. Pedestrians do not cross the street even if there are no vehicles in sight. They wait for the traffic light signaling they can already cross the street. The four-lane avenues are wide and the streets are clean with trees planted in the middle island and on both sides giving the city nearly the same environmental green look as Singapore. But while traffic and public transport in Taiwan are manageable, motorcyclists and scooters run at breakneck speed. Like in Manila, there are daily incidences of motorcycle accidents. Aside from the daily casualties due to motorcycle accidents, Taipeis sidewalks are dangerous. Although bike lanes have been designated, bikers use the sidewalk and if you are not familiar with this practice , a pedestrian could become a statistic of the citys daily casualties. I was last in Taiwan 18 years ago years ago in 1998 together with former Malaya columnist Lito Banayo on a trip for a first hand look at Taiwans then still-developing economy. Taiwan today is an island nation with humming factories and foreign reserves currency coming out of its ears. Banayo is the new head of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei. He has settled into the job and will surely be generating jobs and investments together with Deputy Antonio Basilio. There are some 100,000 Filipino workers in Taiwan, mostly in factories and the health and service sector as caregivers to both the elderly and young children whose parents work to fuel Taiwans economic engine. I met some of our kababayans at Saint Christopher Church, their gathering place on their day-off on Sundays. St Christophers diocese is all-Filipino. Its priest, choir and flock are all Filipinos although there was one Taiwanese Catholic priest who celebrated mass after the Filipino priest. aaaaa There is something to be said of Taiwanese officials. The minister of tourism and the director of public transportation offered to resign in the aftermath of a bus accident wherein 31 students on a field trip were killed because of the bus drivers negligence. Compare this to the local bus incident in Tanay, Rizal where 15 students died after the bus lost its brakes and smashed into an electric post. No one is resigning here and the operator of the Panda tour bus company merely accepted all expenses related to the victims hospitalization and funeral services. Further investigation showed the Panda bus that figured in the tragic accident was not accredited by the Department of Tourism. The Commission on Higher Education has suspended all student field trips. These field trips are questionable. At the Greenbelt shopping mall, chartered and point-to-point buses are seen parked daily in front of the mall entrance. What in heavens name can young students learn from a trip to a shopping mall? These kind of field trips can only inculcate consumer spending among young people. Do teachers accompanying these students get a commission from the various shops in the mall? Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. By current count (and still counting?), there were at least four different Edsa anniversary celebrations scheduled this weekend: The usual gathering of the Yellow crowd, set for today at the Edsa shrine. Expect them to be joined by Duterte critics of every color and stripe, as they try to amass the numbers they didnt have when they were roundly trounced in last years May elections. Truly, losers never learn. The official one tomorrow in Camp Aguinaldo, so low-key that its practically invisible. The President wont even show up, sending the Executive Secretary instead. Its a safe guess that he doesnt think too highly of this annual spectacle. An assembly of the Presidents supporters at a prayer vigil that starts tomorrow evening in Rizal Park. Similar gatherings are also scheduled elsewhere in the country. Will they behave again as well as they did during the campaign when they cleaned up after themselves at every rally? Maybe someone should do a trash-o-meter comparison between them and the Yellows. The fourth one actually may or may not happen, depending on what the Left decides to do this year. Theyre doing quite well with both their legs firmly planted on different bancas, thank you: On one hand, theyre trying their best to kill the Presidents troops; on the other, theyre hobnobbing with his official family. Talk about having your cake and eating it, too! ADVERTISEMENT aaaaa Every years Edsa celebration stretches the limits of whats absurd and irrelevant. With maybe four different events this weekend, is it unity or cacophony that were celebrating? With the country being overtaken in the intervening three decades, first by Thailand, then by Vietnam, next maybe even Myanmar or Bangladesh, is there a development record of sorts that were proudly holding up before the world? And at the heart of Edsathe simple crime of murder that took away Ninoys life three years earlier, in 1983have we come any closer to identifying, let alone punishing, the mastermind responsiblefirst under his widows rule, then under his sons? On whatever scale you use, whether cosmic or commonplace, we shouldnt wonder then why a lot of todays kids might dismissively reply, if asked about Edsawhat-evah! They do not see any lines that can credibly be drawn from that long-ago event to any possibilities of improvement in their future, or in the countrys. Those lines can only start from whats happening today, with what needs fixing and what were doing to fix it. And those self-congratulatory memories of Edsa simply distract us from dealing with todays mistakes. aaaaa An important clue to whats wrong comes from a mundane inside-page news item the other day: DBM might scrap 200,000 vacant govt positions. Apparently, those many positions have gone unfilled literally for years, worth almost P20 billion of annual budget funds. And yet the agencies involved have not fallen apart or gone crashing down. In the usual measured tones of former Senate President Frank Drilon, What does that tell you? The positions are not needed! Neither I nor, I wager, the reader can imagine something like that happening in the private sector, no matter how large the company. Creating so many unnecessary positions is inefficiency of the grossest kind that would be punished with immediate termination. And yet this has gone on unheeded for years, inside the countrys largest employer, paid for by our taxes that we have no choice but to pay, on pain otherwise of imprisonment. Too much government inexorably becomes a burden. And this is likelier to happen, the farther government is from the people who should be keeping watch on their political leaders and public servants. And that distance, in turn, is exacerbated for our populous and far-flung islands when there is only one geographical center of powerManilaand only one locus of powerthe presidency. aaaaa Imagine if the civilian agency with the biggest budget, DepEd, were farmed out to, say, half a dozen different federal states. The federal government in Manila might retain a small budget for a small office to create and monitor policy. But the actual teaching, the building of classrooms, the buying of textbooks and computers, the administration of loans and scholarshipsthese would be the responsibility of each state government. Because employers, especially foreigners, look for quality of workforce as a major investment criterion, each state would have to show it had the best workforce compared to others, if it wanted to bag investments. And producing the best workforce would require the most motivated and qualified teachers, the most classrooms, the latest computers, the most generous financial assistance. Financial shenanigans, say, in textbook purchases for Visayan schools would be more easily monitored by ordinary citizens out of a state capital like Cebu rather than far-away Manila. And would there be room in this set-up for any of the 200,000 unnecessary positions discovered by DBM? Not likely. I think the failure of our national government to bring simple justice to Ninoylet alone unity and progress after Edsatells us theres a limit to what government can do even in the most auspicious circumstances, even with an extra 200,000 positions to fill up. When that happens, its time to chop up government into more manageable pieces and relocate those pieces much closer to the sovereign people. Readers can write me at gbolivar1952@yahoo.com. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. That is the subject of a new paper by Joel Waldfogel and Paul M. Vaaler, here is the abstract: While product differentiation is generally benign, it can be employed to discriminate against customer groups, either to enhance profitability by appealing to discriminatory customers or in unprofitable ways that indulge owners tastes for discrimination. We explore discriminatory product differentiation in the airline market through airlines depiction of Israel on their online route maps and whether their online menus include kosher meal options. We first show that several international airlines omit Israel from their online route maps. Three of these airlines are members of the major international airline alliances. With data on over 100 airlines, we then document that Israel map denial is more likely for airlines with passengers from countries exhibiting greater anti-Semitism. Owner tastes also matter: denial is more likely for state-owned airlines in countries that do not recognize Israel. Kosher meal options on online menus follow similar patterns, suggesting anti-Semitic rather than anti-Zionist motivations. Israel denial does not reduce the probability of alliance membership with alliance leaders having few airline alternatives to choose from in the Middle East. For the pointer I thank the excellent Kevin Lewis. Egypts Al-Azhar observatory has mocked the Islamic State group (IS)s video showing the bomber of the December attack against a Coptic Orthodox Church in capital Cairo, saying that the group is trying to lure new recruits as it is on the verge of disappearing due to a series of defeats. ISIS Sunday posted a 20-minute video promoting the last statements of Mahmoud Shafik Mohammed Mostafa, the suicide bomber who blew himself in the church. The Sunni Muslim worlds highest theological institution has indicated that the footage and the statements were taken out of context to promote sectarian strife between Muslims and Christians in Egypt. The video used statements taken out of context as alleged proof of Christians hatred towards Muslims, and employed misinterpreted Islamic scripts to promote their evil agenda, the institution said on its website. It was clearly obvious that ISIS video aims at exaggerating the groups actual might, especially after the heavy losses it recently suffered by losing most of its controlled territories in Mosul in Iraq, Al-Raqqa and Deir Zour in Syria and Sirte in Libya. ISIS is trying to send a misleading message that the group is still capable of carrying out terrorist attacks in order to deceive and recruit some of the Muslim youth, the istitution added. Twenty-four people were reported dead by authorities in the December attack. Egypt has been facing militancy from IS fighters in restive Sinai Peninsula since 2013. The Islamists have vowed to avenge the toppling of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in 2013. Though attacks have largely taken place in the Sinai Peninsula, they have also spilled into the capital and other cities of the North African country. Morocco has placed four cities among Africas top 10 cities for quality life with the Ochre city of Marrakech leading the African ranking. The ranking published by Afrique Mediterranee Business Magazine has been conducted by Swiss renowned Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) with data compiled over one year. The survey, which interviewed investors and tourists, also focused on several aspects including society, urbanization, housing, infrastructure, environment and ecology, governance and economy. The Ochre city has emerged on the top of the ranking published on February 21. Casablanca, Fes and Rabat also feature in the top 10 dominated by North African cities. Johannesburg comes second right behind Marrakesh, which hosted the COP22 in November 2016. South Africas Cape Town also appears in the top 10, along with Egypts Alexandria and Cairo. Tunis and Mauritius capital Port-Louis are the two other cities to make their entries. Moroccos cities according to Jerome Chenal, head of Communaute detudes en amenagement du territoire (CEAT) at EPFL, lead the continent due to the kingdoms political and economic stability. The expert also underlined political voluntarism in three domains namely development of a diversified tourism, promotion of urban marketing, development of social housing, and infrastructure investment. The Algerian police Wednesday announced the arrest of 12 members of Ahmadiyya religious community accused by authorities for promoting the outlawed movement. The men were arrested at Chlef, north of the country, the national police announced in a statement aired on radio. Members of this movement were in possession of documents promoting their doctrine, the police said in the statement. The leader of the movement who has not been named and other four members have been locked up while four have been placed under court supervision. The three others have been freed, reports say. A court has sued the movement for creating association without authorization, crime against Islam and proselytism. The Ahmadiyya movement was founded in Punjab, India, in the 19th century. It preaches the teachings of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (18351908) and rejects claims that Prophet Mohamed is the last Prophet. The movement, outlawed by Saudi Arabia-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), reportedly appeared in Algeria in 1990s and boasts hundreds of members in the country. It is the first time Algerian authorities are cracking down on the movement. Authorities arrested dozens of the community members across the country several weeks ago, according to local reports. London-based Amnesty International in its 2016 report has slammed Algerian authorities for persecuting Algerians of other religions or Algerian Muslims not belonging to Sunnite Islam. Authorities have targeted members of the Ahmadiyya community, arresting more than 50 people in the Blida and Skikda governorates and elsewhere in the country for their faith, the NGO said. 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. Ghana former President John Dramani Mahama is in South Africa to receive an award for his political leadership and deliver keynote address at the African Leadership Magazine (ALM) Person of the Year Awards Program in Johannesburg. President Mahama who was defeated last December by long-time opposition leader, is expected to be decorated with the African Political Leader of the Year Award for his contributions towards deepening and enriching Ghanas democracy. According to the organizers of the event, president Mahama made a significant contribution to Ghanas economic growth and development; spearheaded and completed some ambitious projects; went into the elections and respected the wishes of the electorate a feat uncommon amongst many leaders in the continent. Africa has found in you and leaders like you, the perfect Apostles of Good Governance and Democracy, who would help in spreading the gospel to the rest of the continent, Chairman of the International Advisory board of the ALM Awards, Ambassador Joe Beasley wrote. Mahama, before plunging into a career in politics, worked as the Information, Culture and Research Officer at the Embassy of Japan in Accra. He attributes his strong work ethics partly to the experience he gained from working with the Japanese who believe in hard work. After a brief stint with the Embassy of Japan, Mahama joined PLAN International as the International Relations, Sponsorship, Communication and Grants Manager. Somalias new president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed who was sworn into office on Wednesday has called on al Shabaab fighters to surrender, promising them a good life if they did. To those who work with al Qaeda, al Shabaab and IS (Islamic State), your time is finished, he said at the inauguration ceremony, attended by the leaders of neighboring states. You have been misled, destroyed property and killed many Somalis. Come and we shall give you good life, he said. Mohamed takes over as thousands of Somalis are living in the Dadaab refugee complex in neighboring Kenya, the worlds largest refugee camp. In his fist address on Wednesday, President Mohamed, nicknamed Farmajo, promised to restore dignity to the troubled Horn of Africa nation but warned it will take another two decades to fix the country. Multiple challenges are ahead of our government. Therefore, I am telling people that because of the limited resources we have, our achievements will be limited, said Mohamed. The dual US-Somali citizen was sworn in at a ceremony held in the highly secured airport zone to avoid an attack by the al-Qaeda linked al-Shabab group. The extremist group is now mostly active in rural regions but continues to launch lethal attacks in many parts of this Horn of Africa nation, including the capital city of Mogadishu. The United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday said the global body needs over $4 billion by the end of next-month to help nearly 20 million people who risk starvation in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen. Despite some generous pledges, just $90 million has actually been received so far, said Guterres, about two cents for every dollar needed. We are in the beginning of the year but these numbers are very worrying. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said armed conflicts are having devastating humanitarian consequences in these countries, calling climate change a key enhancer of the humanitarian problem. Famine is already a reality in parts of South Sudan, Guterres said. Unless we act now, it is only a matter of time until it affects other areas and other countries. We are facing a tragedy. U.N. childrens agency UNICEF said on Tuesday that nearly 1.4 million children were at imminent risk of death in famines in South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria and Yemen. These crises are being driven by conflict and drought and we must respond accordingly, said Patel. Great Britain announced on Wednesday that it will provide additional aid money to South Sudan and Somalia, where there is a credible risk of famine. On Tuesday, the European Union announced an emergency aid package worth 82 million to South Sudan as famine has been declared in the country for the first time since the country gained independence in 2011. One hundred thousand people are facing starvation in parts of the country while 40 per cent of the population (4.9 million people) is in need of urgent humanitarian assistance, the EU said in a press release, adding that the new EU humanitarian aid package will be used for the most urgent needs in the country and help neighboring countries cope with the massive influx of refugees. Great Success of Georgian Wines in Japan In Tokyo, at the 4th Sakura Japan Womens Wine Awards international wine fair, 12 Georgian wines were awarded one Double Gold, six Gold and five Silver medals.The Sakura international awards is a large-scale event which was organized for the fourth time. The international wine competition is judged by Japanese female wine specialists, sommeliers, wine writers and journalists.Success in this type of competition will further promote the progress of popularization, publicity and placement of Georgian wines not only in Japan but on the Asian market as a whole.In total, 4212 wines 37 countries participated in the competition, degustations were organized January 28 to February 1.The winning wines are the following:Double Gold: Vaziani Company Saperavi 2015Gold: Binekhi Saperavi 2015 Telavi Wine Cellar Marani Kondoli Vineyards Saperavi 2014 Telavi Wine Cellar Satrapezo Saperavi 2013 Mildiani Kindzmarauli 2014 Vaziani Company Kisi 2015 Winery Khareba Saperavi 2013Silver: Telavi Wine Cellar -Marani Mukuzani 2014 Mildiani Saperavi Reserve 2011 Shumi Saperavi Bio 2014 Winery Khareba Kindzmarauli 2014 Besini Besini Premium Dry Red 2013The Diamond Trophy, the most honorable award, will be ed the Double Gold wine winners and the result will be announced at Japans FOODEX 2017 in March.In 2016, 160,000 bottles of wine have been exported from Georgia to Japan, which is 15% higher than in 2015. Kutaisi-London flight for GBP 34.99 - WizzAir to launch new direct flights from June 18 Georgia will soon be even more strongly connected to the United Kingdom (UK), with the first flight from Kutaisi to London scheduled to take off this summer.Hungarian airliner WizzAir will perform direct flights on the route Kutaisi-London-Kutaisi two times per week, on Thursdays and Sundays, starting from June 18.Flights from Georgias third largest city to the UK capital will be carried out by Airbus A321 type aircrafts, which can seat up to 180 passengers.The cost of one-way travel will start from GBP34.99 (105.99 GEL).WizzAir will land at London Luton Airport, which is located just 56km (35 miles) north-west of Central London. Popular with budget travellers, London Luton Airport is within easy reach of Central London by public transport.WizzAir, one of the largest, low-cost airlines in Europe, launched flights from Kutaisi International Airport after it opened first Caucasian base in September 2016.Opening the airline base at Georgias second largest airport was expected to increase passengers flow into and out of the country, as the airline offered 12 new cheap flight destinations to nine European cities.Since September 2016, WizzAir has transported more than 168,000 passengers and created 126 jobs.One local and four foreign companies operate at Kutaisi International Airport, including WizzAir, S7, Ural Airways, Belavia and Georgian Airways. 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. @ByKristenMClark A top priority of Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, is ready for the full Senate to vote on once the 2017 session begins March 7. The higher education package -- formerly two bills now blended into one (SB 2) -- includes a variety of reforms intended to elevate Florida's State University System and its state colleges to a more competitive level, nationally and internationally. "We should be at the very top of our game in our state university and college system," said Bradenton Republican Sen. Bill Galvano, the higher ed budget chairman who spearheaded the legislation. "We should raise expectations, and thats what were doing." SB 2 -- dubbed the "Florida Excellence in Higher Education Act of 2017" -- advanced unanimously out of the Senate's full budget committee Thursday morning with some additional revisions. Negron told the Herald/Times the bill will be among the first considered by the chamber during the first week of session next month. Full story here. Photo credit: Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, and Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart. Scott Keeler / Tampa Bay Times via @adamsmithtimes Politico speculated the other day that Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum could announce for governor Friday at an appearance in Orlando for the Central Florida Urban League's Cornerstone Awards. Seems unlikely that a mayor would announce formally for office outside his own city, but it's a safe bet that both Gillum and Miami Beach Beach Mayor Philip Levine will sound very much like gubernatorial candidates when they address the gathering Friday. That's because for all purposes they already are running for governor. So is former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham of Tallahassee. They're traveling the state, interviewing and hiring campaign consultants, meeting with key donors, activists and others. @ByKristenMClark State Rep. Rene Plasencia, R-Orlando, told reporters Thursday that "there's no one that's actively lobbying against" efforts to require mandatory daily recess in Florida's public elementary schools. There has so far been no obvious or outspoken public opposition to the measure, but district administrators quietly have voiced concerns about requiring all schools to have recess -- citing a potential lack of time in the existing school day. (A few lawmakers, like House Education Committee chairman Michael Bileca, R-Miami, also don't like the idea of imposing another statewide mandate.) Although there was resounding support for the statewide daily requirement last session in the House, only one school district -- Orange County -- took action to fall in line with what lawmakers had sought to do. Miami-Dade County did revise its existing policy to encourage more time for recess, but it's still not required daily. IN-DEPTH: Quest for daily recess: Moms renew fight for more free play in Florida Legislature Plasencia said he's spoken with many school districts, and "what they're trying to do is have some input so they can integrate it in a much more productive way into their school days." "It's tough on the school districts because, in the past, there have been a lot of mandates that have been handed down," said Plasencia, who is sponsoring the House bill for the second year in a row. Plasencia and Miami Republican Sen. Anitere Flores, the Senate sponsor, were joined at a press conference on Thursday at the Capitol by recess moms from North Florida and representatives of the Florida PTA. With success earlier this week in getting the Senate bill heard, they called on Clearwater Republican Rep. Chris Latvala to schedule a hearing on the House bill when his K-12 Innovation Subcommittee next meets in March. Photo credit: State Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, and state Rep. Rene Plasencia, R-Orlando, speak at a press conference on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017 about their legislation to require 20 minutes of recess daily in Florida's public elementary schools. Kristen M. Clark / Herald/Times Tallahassee bureau @PatriciaMazzei The line from U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio's aides when they were asked this week why the Florida Republican wasn't planning any town hall meetings during the congressional recess was that he was away in Europe on Senate business. But Rubio returned quietly Wednesday night -- and was promptly confronted Thursday morning by a protester who found the senator even though he hadn't publicly listed any appearances. In a video posted on Facebook by Miami activist Tomas Kennedy, a protester chases Rubio down at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The video was first reported by the Miami New Times. "Senator, I thought you were in Europe," an unidentified man says on the clip. "Are you going to host a town hall?" "Good to see you, man," Rubio responded. The New Times reported Rubio returned from Europe in time to teach his weekly politics class at Florida International University. Indivisible Miami, an anti-Trump group, has planned an empty-chair town hall -- to be held with or without Rubio -- for Thursday night. Another one is scheduled for Saturday in Plantation. Activists held a similar event Wednesday night in Tampa, featuring a Rubio cardboard cutout. More than 500 people attended. Rubio's office said the senator was at Jackson for a roundtable discussion on Florida's opioid crisis. The office did not advertise Rubio's appearance in advance, as it often does with local events so news reporters can attend. Aides later posted a recap of the event on Rubio's Senate website. The senator's Europe trip was also shrouded in mystery. Rubio's office didn't say until Monday that he had made the trip to France and Germany; he'd been expected to depart for Europe on Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference but didn't due to extended Senate business. No day-to-day schedule or recaps of Rubio's trip have been made public, either. Labor groups have been picketing Rubio's Doral office on a weekly basis over his support for President Trump's Cabinet picks. Protesters have also shown up at the offices of Miami Republican Reps. Carlos Curbelo and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen this week, asking for town halls. Republican lawmakers' town halls across the country have turned rowdy, but that hasn't stopped legislators -- including Florida Reps. Gus Bilirakis and Dennis Ross -- from holding them. Photo credit: Alan Diaz, Associated Press @PatriciaMazzei Someone hand-delivered an anonymous envelope to Miami Republican Rep. Carlos Curbelo's Capitol Hill office Wednesday, prompting a brief investigation that ultimately cleared the suspicious letter. The envelope was addressed to "Comrade Curbelo," according to one of the congressman's staffers. Instead of a return address, it listed, "Kremlin." Curbelo wasn't in the office -- he's spending the congressional recess in the district -- but some of his aides were. The Capitol Police checked out the letter "out of an abundance of caution," spokeswoman Eva Malecki said. "We were able to clear it without any threat." Malecki added that Capitol Police deal with similar situations "on almost a daily basis." "Capitol Police puts their lives on the line everyday to keep our Washington, D.C. offices safe, and today their training and professionalism showed," Curbelo said in a statement. "I'm grateful for their swift response and that my staff is safe." Photo credit: Roberto Koltun, el Nuevo Herald @PatriciaMazzei President Trump is skipping a trip to his beloved Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach this weekend, as he prepares a speech to deliver next Tuesday to a joint session of Congress. But it looks like he's thinking of coming back to South Florida the following weekend. A safety notice posted Thursday by the Federal Aviation Administration warns pilots of temporary flight restrictions in Palm Beach airspace on March 3-5. Such notices have been the first alerts that the president is coming to town. Trump spent the last three weekends at Mar-a-Lago. Last weekend, military fighter jets had to catch up with at least a couple of private planes that violated the airspace restrictions. Photo credit: Susan Walsh, Associated Press via @allisonbgraves Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt is taking a card out of President Donald Trumps playbook: foreign relations in 140 characters or less. At a political rally in Melbourne, Fla., on Feb. 18, Trump wrongly suggested a horrible crime had taken place in Sweden. After media reports, including PolitiFact, noted that no terrorist incident transpired in Sweden Feb. 17, Trump tried to clarify his statement multiple times. Bildt unsatisfied with Trumps latest charge struck back. "Last year there were app 50% more murders only in Orlando/Orange in Florida, where Trump spoke the other day, than in all of Sweden. Bad," Bildt wrote in a tweet Feb. 20. See what PolitiFact Florida found. Phyllis Cummins Phyllis Cummins, senior research scholar for Scripps Gerontology Center, was selected as Researcher of the Year by the Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education (OAGE). The award recognizes individuals in Ohio's aging network whose research has improved services, advanced knowledge, or supported the expansion of research in the field of gerontology in Ohio or nationally. I am truly honored to receive this award, Cummins said. It is so important for older workers to have the skills necessary to remain competitive in an increasingly technologically advanced labor market. Research to understand how to best serve the needs of older students seeking to improve their skills is lacking, which has motivated me to pursue this important line of investigation. She will receive the award in April at the annual OAGE conference. Cummins is also assistant director of research and adjunct associate professor in sociology and gerontology. She received her doctorate in social gerontology from Miami University in 2013. Her research areas of focus include work force issues for older workers. Transitions between full-time employment and retirement have become increasingly complex, and research to better understand these phenomena are of great interest to her. An important component of Cummins research is understanding the demographic characteristics of older workers, especially those who have experienced cumulative inequality over their life course and are at risk for economic insecurity in retirement. She has been involved in several research projects funded by the Ohio Department of Aging and last year received a $1.4 million, three-year grant from the Institute of Education Sciences to examine adult education and training and its relation to labor force participation, employment status and income level at older ages. In addition to her funded research projects, she also completed two commissioned papers for the American Institutes for Research that examine the relationship among lifelong learning activities, health and labor market outcomes. She has published articles in journals such as Educational Gerontology, Community College Journal of Research and Practice, Public Policy and Aging Report and New Horizons in Adult Education & Human Resource Management. OAGE is an association of educators, researchers, professionals and students in Ohio dedicated to gerontological education, research and practice. The organization promotes gerontological education, supports Ohios aging network as a resource for research and practice and provides professional development for students, faculty and professionals. In a few days, 2017 will become two months old, and the official day of spring is less than a month away. You might be tired of winter and ready for spring, but first things first, as March 1 brings with it a couple of deadlines that anglers and boaters need to be aware of. For anglers, the last day of February is the end to last years fishing license. While you are at your favorite sporting goods store getting your fishing license renewed for 2017, make sure that you also buy the necessary elk and deer licenses so you can fill out your big game application that is due March 15. Boaters also have a once-every-three-years validation sticker that expires at the end of February. Owners of motorboats, sailboats or personal watercraft need to get new, free 2017-2020 validation decals for their watercraft soon. The current blue decals expire Feb. 28. Boaters who have permanently registered their boats, sailboats or personal water craft must still obtain two free boat validation decals every three years at FWP regional and area offices, or by going to the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov ; click BoatValidation Decals. If you just bought a new boat during one of the recent boat shows, for example, then the county treasurers office will provide the first set of validation decals when the watercraft is registered. Downrigger Dale, Berny Croy and I will be heading to Helena this weekend for their Great Rockies Sport Show at the fairgrounds. When we broadcast the Montana Outdoor Radio Show on location from the Capitol city this Saturday from 6-8 a.m., we will have as our guest the FWP Hatchery Bureau's Eileen Ryce. She was involved with, among other things, drafting the proposed amendments to rules that outline new regulations needed in the battle to contain, detect and prevent the risk of spreading invasive mussels and other aquatic invasive species to other state waters. In case you missed it, invasive mussel larvae were detected for the first time in Montana in October 2016 in Tiber Reservoir and suspect detections turned up in Canyon Ferry Reservoir just south of Helena, as well as the Missouri River below Toston Dam, and the Milk River in the northern part of the state. Canyon Ferry, a popular fishing and recreational lake, is home to many angling hours during the year as anglers come from nearby towns to fish for both trout and walleye, primarily, from spring until fall and ice-fish for perch in the winter. Last week new FWP Director Martha Williams said she would be the point person for the Legislature in the fight against aquatic invasive species after asking a subcommittee to approve $11.5 million in expenditures over the next two years to fund the battle. Comments on the proposed rule amendments that outline new regulations are due by March 17 and can be emailed to fwpexotics@mt.gov A public hearing on the proposed rule amendments is scheduled for Tuesday, March 14, in Helena at FWP Headquarters, 1420 E. Sixth Ave. The hearing will begin at 6 p.m. The wolf trapping season is also coming to an end Feb. 28. As of last Sunday trappers harvested 78 wolves, and hunters have harvested another 149. The wolf hunting season ends March 15. Montana State Parks is seeking public comment on Recreational Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle programs' grant applications for the current grant cycle, which closed on Feb. 1, according to a news release. Public comment will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, March 17. Montanas Recreational Trails Program received 69 grant applications, requesting a total of approximately $2.6 million, according to the press release. For the current RTP grant cycle, approximately $1.4 million in funding is available. The Off-Highway Vehicle Program has approximately $110,000 in funding available and received 12 grant applications, requesting a total of more than $170,000 in project requests. The Recreational Trails Program is a federally funded program administered by Montana State Parks. RTP projects include development and rehabilitation work on urban, rural and backcountry trails, planning and construction of community trails, snowmobile and cross-country ski trail maintenance and grooming operations, and a variety of trail stewardship and safety education programs. The Montana State Parks Off-Highway Vehicle Program is funded through appropriations from the state Legislature, the press release said. These funds come from an eighth of 1 percent of the state gas tax, registration decal fees and nonresident permit fees. The OHV Program relies on partnerships between private clubs and public land management agencies, and is assisted in grant decision-making by the Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Committee, which consists of OHV users and land managers. To comment online visit stateparks.mt.gov and click on Public Comments. For a list of all trails grant applications under consideration, visit stateparks.mt.gov/recreation and click on Recreational Trails Program or Off-Highway Vehicle Program. Copies of individual RTP applications are available by request at 406-444-4585. Copies of OHV applications can be requested by calling 406-444-7642. HELENA Despite questions of constitutionality, the Senate passed a bill on second reading on Thursday to effectively prohibit the abortion of a viable fetus in all cases. Both sides of the aisle acknowledged the legislation was sensitive and a difficult topic to discuss, but approved it 32-18 along party lines. Senate Bill 282, introduced by Albert Olszewski, R-Kalispell, would establish viability at 24 weeks and prohibit an abortion after that point, even if the pregnant womans life is at risk. In that case, the woman's doctor would have to induce labor or deliver the fetus by Caesarean section and do everything medically possible to support the fetus. A violation of the law would be a felony. Olszewski introduced an amendment that would give doctors the option to use their best judgment on whether a fetus is viable at 24 weeks. Democrats say the bill is blatantly unconstitutional and infringes on the right of a woman and her physician to make a private medical decision. Sen. Dick Barrett, D-Missoula, asked the body to think about any life- threatening crisis and who they want making final decisions about their health care. He said people likely wanted to consider their own personal convictions, religious beliefs, and opinions of family members and their physician. Think about all the people you want to have participate in that decision at that critical, difficult, painful decision, he said. Then ask yourself, 'Do you want the members of the Montana Senate?' I think the answer is no. Sen. Diane Sands, D-Missoula said the bill is unconstitutional, with multiple cases affirming Roe v. Wade. Abortion must be available under the constitutional framework of Roe, she said. Sands said the bill, unlike any other Montana law, would in some cases mandate a doctor deliver a baby via Caesarean section. There is no other law that any of us could find in statute that mandates a specific medical procedure required of a physician and overriding a physicians best medical judgment, training and oath of office, Sands said. Olszewski said the law does, citing Section 50 Title 18, which says a health office can quarantine a person who refuses examination or treatment of a sexually transmitted disease, and allows testing and treatment of people incarcerated. All 32 Republicans voted for SB 282, saying physicians should do everything in their power to resuscitate a viable fetus when a mother wants an abortion. Majority leader Fred Thomas, R-Stevensville, said he understood some cases of abortion when performed early, referencing a couple he knew who terminated their pregnancy when they found out the fetus didnt have a brain. I dont question their decision. I think it was right, Thomas said. They would vote for the bill if they had the ability to do so today. Sen. Steve Hinebauch, R-Wibaux, said he was in support of the bill in committee and would support it on second reading as well. I think we need to quit murdering babies, he said. But during the hearing, SK Rossi of ACLU Montana reminded legislators they are prohibited from passing laws to restrict abortion under the guise of protecting womens health. Rossi also said some laws appear to protect the health of a woman, but are introduced without medical evidence and only serve to restrict abortion access. In Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the Supreme Court said states cannot use that argument to shut down abortion clinics without evidence. I would propose to you that the womens health piece is not the actual intent of this bill, Rossi said. I think the intent of this bill is to restrict legal abortion access. The bill is scheduled for third reading Friday. Gov. Steve Bullock's preschool proposal has made it to the Legislature. The Democratic governor made a $12 million ask for public preschool in his budget proposal last fall. Montana is one of six states without state-funded public preschool. Bullock's request is now in House Bill 563, introduced Thursday by Rep. Kathy Kelker, D-Billings. It has been referred to the House Education Committee. Bullock and other Democrats have long called for preschool. He asked in the last legislative session for $37 million in preschool funding; Republicans shot it down. He renewed his request in his budget proposal this session, though for a lesser amount. It appears as if this session's ask could face a similar fate, however, as there's strong opposition from the GOP-majority House and Senate. Republicans say the state should focus on current K-12 students, and not introduce new education proposals particularly those with a fiscal note in an already tight budget. Superintendent Elsie Arntzen, a Republican, has said she does not see preschool as a priority, pointing to other issues she says should come first, such as school infrastructure. According to the bill, the superintendent would join four others on a board to administer the program, housed under the Office of Public Instruction. The board would also include the Department of Public Health and Human Services director, as well as three at-large members, appointed by the governor, who are involved in early childhood education. Under Kelker's proposal, the board would award an annual grant of $3,000 per preschooler to eligible programs that apply. Montana is in the third year of a four-year $40 million federal grant to help fund free preschool and Head Start at certain locations across the state. In 2015 Arntzen, then a legislator, joined her Republican colleagues in opposing the funding. Some school districts around the state have started their own preschool programs, scraping together funding since there is no state support. Take a ride on the Bitterroot Branch Trail and keep an eye out for gaps in the sidewalk. The most noticeable is a five-block section from North Avenue across the railroad tracks to the mall. As of December, the city bought a 12-acre piece of property from Montana Rail Link that borders the incomplete section. Missoula Redevelopment Agency President Ellen Buchanan asked the Missoula City Councils Administration and Finance Committee Wednesday to give her the power to finish the trail as soon as possible. Once we purchase the property, we would like to issue a request for proposals to design that missing trail segment and get that built this summer or fall, Buchanan said. The committee voted 12-0 in favor. Last year, the city won a grant from Community Builders for technical assistance planning, which resulted in a report on the Brooks Street Corridor. The roughly 2,000 businesses located in the Brooks Street corridor employ 17,000 people, according to the report. It is second only to downtown in terms of the commerce it generates, John Lavey told the Missoula City Councils Land Use and Planning Committee. Thats despite Hastings, Staples, Fat Cat restaurant, Pet Nebula, Lucky Strike bowling alley and Tower Pizza closing or to be closed. The corridor, which runs from Russell Street to Mount Avenue, has long been plagued by its unique layout, where the slanted streets run head-on into a traditional grid. Lavey said, aside from that, it is like many other suburban arterial corridors in the United States. It still suffers from poor pedestrian and bicycle facilities (Lavey said at one point on the corridor, a walker would have to go a half-mile in either direction to find a crosswalk), a lack of dedicated parking plans and varied zoning. The city has struggled to create a buffer between the high-speed, commercial corridor and the surrounding neighborhoods, which are filled with single-family housing. Lavey suggested filling the corridor with multi-family, several-story housing units, along with vertical mixed-use buildings, which hold businesses on the ground floor and apartments above. According to their research, such housing would be well-received in the area and creates an automatic buffer. I would love to see more housing at that end of town, Ward 5 representative Julie Armstrong said. I think it improves the quality of life. The committee also began the process of restructuring the Historic Preservation Commission, after 2016s Mercantile debate left the group in shambles, confused about what their job actually was. Ward 3 representative Gwen Jones headed up rewriting the membership requirements, and plans to tackle the city ordinance establishing the group later this year. Her work, based on conversations with and help from city staff and HPC board members, found that the board is too large. She recommended cutting its membership from 12 to seven, with two alternates. The seven-member board would have more members-at-large, who dont represent specific groups. It's hoped that would increase attendance, too. Weve streamlined it, weve made it smaller, weve made it more flexible, Jones said. The council disagreed on whether to take away the commissions decision-making capacity and leave it as just an advisory board. Ward 6 representative Marilyn Marler advocated for it to be advisory only. The attorney for Markus Kaarma wants the Montana Supreme Court to rehear his appeal after it upheld Kaarmas conviction earlier this month. In a petition filed Tuesday, Nate Holloway asked the court to take another look at whether evidence it already ruled should not have been allowed at trial played a significant role in the jury finding Kaarma guilty. A jury convicted Kaarma in December 2014 of deliberate homicide for killing 17-year-old German exchange student Diren Dede, who was shot after entering Kaarmas Grant Creek garage that April, apparently looking to steal alcohol. Kaarma, who was sentenced to 70 years in prison and wont be eligible for parole until he has served 20 years, appealed the conviction at the end of 2015, citing a handful of factors that came up before and during the trial. In an opinion issued earlier this month, the Montana Supreme Court upheld Kaarmas conviction, and dismissed most of his complaints, including that the trial should have been moved because of intensive media coverage and that the judge should have excused a potential juror because of her relationship to police. The high court did agree, however, that Missoula police detective Guy Baker, who testified about blood spattering in the garage, should have been deemed an expert witness, which would have given Kaarmas defense team the ability to either challenge his credentials or find an expert of their own to counter his statements. But Chief Justice Mike McGrath wrote in his opinion that even though the testimony shouldnt have been allowed, the court found it was similar to other testimony, and likely didnt contribute to Kaarmas conviction. In his filing, Holloway said while the Supreme Court correctly indicated that Bakers testimony lined up with Kaarma's position at the time of the shooting, it overlooked what the detective said about Dedes. The jury was allowed to believe that Dede had retreated to a crouched position behind the vehicle, injured and bleeding, before he was shot. This alone warrants reversal, Holloway wrote in his brief. Holloway told the Missoulian on Wednesday that after reviewing the record, he found no other witness who testified to the same version of what Dede was doing at the time he was shot and killed. The inadmissible testimony prejudiced the jury against Kaarma, and indicated that Dede didnt possess a threat to him at the time, he said. To our end, that is powerful testimony that could contribute to a conviction, he said. In his opinion, McGrath wrote that the blood spatter, and Kaarma's location, were not central points to the trial and "not germane to the specific elements of the crime of deliberate homicide." Holloways petition also asked the court to re-examine a claim from the appeal that the jury was not instructed on considering burglary a forcible felony, which could have affected the standard for justifiable use of force Kaarma had to reach. Holloway said Wednesday its uncommon for the state Supreme Court to rehear appeals, but that Kaarmas appeal originally contained more issues than many other cases. They are difficult to win and difficult to get consideration for, but we also presented a lot of issues to the court, he said. Prosecutors have two weeks to respond to Kaarmas petition. If the Montana Supreme Court declines to rehear the appeal, Kaarmas next available option is to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review his case. You can see Turkey from the coast of Lesbos, a Greek island in the Mediterranean Sea. Hayley Smith has. And shes seen the rubber rafts overcrowded with refugees in useless life vests, trying to make the 4.1-mile journey without capsizing. Some do, some dont. Its all the same to the smugglers who collect their 1,500 Euros ($1,580) to put them on the boat, Smith said Wednesday. As she spoke, eight sophomores, juniors and seniors in a classroom at Sentinel High School leaned forward in their desks, concentrating on Smith's increasingly animated descriptions. That the stories were delivered in Arabic, the language they themselves speak in Brendan Works intermediate and advanced level class, only made them listen harder. Smith heads the international arm of the nonprofit organization she founded a year ago in Phoenix called Lifting Hands International. Shell be telling the same stories Thursday at 7 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel, when the Montana World Affairs Council presents The Refugee Crisis: A Discussion of Global Importance. Smith is joined in Missoula this week by Christina Atwood, who runs the Phoenix end of Lifting Hands International and speaks with equal passion on the vetting and resettlement process. I give presentations a lot, Smith said as the Sentinel students filed in. I would probably stay in Greece more if it werent for the presentations, but its something I feel really strongly about, trying to change hearts and minds ever so slowly and educating people about whats happening over there. She started teaching herself Arabic in college at Brigham Young University, memorizing the alphabet over a Christmas break. Smith stayed in school an extra year to study the language, and spent four months in Morocco with nine other students immersing themselves in the language and culture. In December 2015 she spent two weeks on Lesbos. It changed the course of her life. More than 600,000 migrants crossed the channel between Turkey and the small island in 2015 and early 2016. The Greek Coast Guard reportedly rescued 200 people an hour at times. When I first went, it was just very chaotic, with so many people coming over, Smith told the students, according to translator Connor Seidenschwartz of Qatar Foundation International, a sponsor of Thursdays program. At the Moria Refugee Camp the Greek government established, people fleeing from a bevy of nations often waited for days to get in line to be processed for transport to European countries that were still accepting them. The camp had just one phone. They threw me in because I spoke Arabic, and there were people asking for help a grandfather who had lost his legs, pregnant women, Smith said. Theyd say, 'How can we get in line faster?' I didn't know what to tell them. That was before the European Union paid Turkey millions of dollars to close its borders to outgoing refugees. Since last March, some 65,000 refugees in Turkey and another 11,000 on Lesbos have camped in tense, spartan conditions, awaiting word of their fate. Migration has slowed to a trickle, but some still make it to the island, not realizing they'll be trapped there. When people land on Lesbos, theyre not allowed to leave Lesbos, Smith said. When she returned home, it was the contrast of seeing the desperation, not of the refugees but of the volunteers trying to help them that inspired her to raise supplies for the refugee camps of Europe. She set out in January to fill a shipping container of humanitarian goods by the end of the year. Her plea on social media went viral, and the container was filled in two months. It went to a large camp in Lebanon. Support surged in Arizona and Utah. Today Lifting Hands International sends goods to camps in Lebanon and Jordan that are the size of cities and can be purchased off an Amazon wish list. A team of volunteers works in a camp of Iraqi refugees in Northern Greece and fills emergency gaps in aid all over that country, where there are 39 official camps and dozens of unofficial ones. In the Phoenix area the organization furnishes incoming refugees apartments and household goods when they first land on U.S. soil. Work said part of his curriculum last fall was an overview of the refugee crisis among Arabic-speaking populations. Its a simmering topic in Montana and elsewhere, particularly in the wake of President Donald Trumps statements on the campaign trail and recent attempts to limit immigration from seven Muslim-majority nations. The discussion always becomes political instead of humanitarian, Smith said. Right now its such a hot topic that its become very politicized, very fear-driven. It doesnt have to be that way, she said. She thanked Work and his students for their interest in learning about the crisis, as well as their proficiency in the Arab language. Thats really impressive, Smith told them. If you are understanding even 30 percent or 40 percent of it, thats really good, and you should probably take Arabic for college. Big-city craft spirits are coming to the little town of Lolo. The owners of the Lolo Creek Steakhouse are planning on constructing a new distillery and 4,000-square-foot tasting room next to the restaurant by the end of this year, embracing a trend towards craft alcoholic beverage production that is sweeping western Montana. Owner Mike Grunow said he and his son Matt are in the process of getting the proper licenses from the state, but they plan to have Quality Construction break ground on the new building sometime this March, or as soon as the ground thaws. Called Lolo Creek Distillery, the new venture will produce signature recipes of vodka, gin and moonshine to begin with, with whiskey aging in barrels for a later release. Were going to have state-of-the-art equipment and well be bottling our stuff, Grunow said. Weve already developed our recipes. It will add a whole other aspect of Lolo Creek Steakhouse. Were developing another level of parking and people can enter the distillery from there and connect to the steakhouse through lighted walking paths. I think it will ultimately be a great complex. This comes as Lolo Creek Steakhouse is set to be featured on an upcoming episode on the Food Network channel, for a new series called Good Time on a Dime with host Hannah Hart. A television crew recently spent an entire night filming the restaurant for the show, which will feature several other Missoula restaurants. An air date has not yet been announced. They spent a bunch of time with our customers and with our grillmaster, Grunow explained. They said we would probably be the third episode out of six. They spent a whole night with us. The place was packed to the hilt with standing-room-only diners. They were thrilled to death and they were totally impressed. The Lolo Creek Steakhouse was built in 1987 and Grunow and his wife Judy bought it about 12 years ago. Grunow has had several businesses in the Lolo area over the years, but he believes the town is seeing an unprecedented economic boost right now. Were so busy anymore with the economy picking back up, he said. Ive been in Lolo for 46 years. I built the shopping center when I was much younger and had several businesses over the years here and in Missoula. But in my discussions with people at the city and at the county level, theres a general feeling that things are going to start migrating this direction down the Bitterroot. They seem to think theres gonna be some nice growth here. You can just feel it changing, and thats a good thing. Grunow said he believes his restaurant will nicely pair with the Lolo Peak Brewery nearby, of which he is a big fan. We carry their beer and we try to work in conjunction with each other, he said. He says the new distillery will have big open fire pits and could be a nice gathering spot on Highway 12. Grunow said he and his staff work hard to make sure nobody walks away dissatisfied. We were recently named the best steakhouse in Montana by the Tasting Table, which is a gourmet food and culinary blog based in New York with, like, 1,750,000 Facebook followers, he said. We think thats really quite an honor. Im blowing my own horn here, but its a nice feather in our cap. Over the last half-decade, four distilleries have opened up in the Missoula area, along with several craft cider producers. Several more distilleries popped up in the Flathead Lake area during that time as well, and Butte and Bozeman have both seen new producers and expanded operations. The trend even has the State of Montanas official tourism website touting distilleries as a nice option. Grunow said that while they havent got all their paperwork in order yet, hes confident everything will go forward. The 2016 Federal General Election cycle was an intensive process for both voters and election offices. After two and a half years of social media, news and campaign ads, voters were ready to cast their ballot on Nov. 8. The Nov. 8 Federal General Election was unprecedented in many ways: historic turnout, the sudden death of a statewide candidate, late reporting times due to multiple-page ballots, and now the appointment of elected U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke for Department of Interior. Election administrators worked diligently and endlessly to provide voters of the state of Montana a successful election. While we overcame the challenges presented to us, it came at a cost. Historically, Montanas federal general elections cost $2 million. For the Nov. 8 Federal General, the costs exceeded $3 million; a new record. Not only was the increase due to the historic turnout of the election (increased personnel and materials), but for the untimely death of candidate Mike Fellows. It occurred at a time when counties across the state finalized and printed their ballots to meet the mailing deadline for overseas and military voters. Statute requires a voter to receive a corrected ballot; therefore counties were required to start over and produce a new, correct ballot. This process cost Missoula County over $45,000. Where does this money come from? Many voters and taxpayers do not realize that elections are funded at the county level. Election offices do not receive any revenue from federal or state government. Local taxpayers pick up the bill. In an effort to minimize costs for the upcoming special election for Ryan Zinkes House of Representative seat, election administrators across the state see holding a mail ballot election as a solution. Mail ballot elections are safe, secure, cost effective and work just as an absentee ballot would. Missoula County Elections Office anticipates a special election conducted by polling place to be upwards of $230,000, whereas a mail ballot election would cost roughly $100,000. In early 2016, the Missoula County Elections Office conducted a county-wide phone survey and when surveyors were prompted to choose from a list of important factors in elections, responsible use of tax dollars was their top choice. The mail ballot bill still provides local governing bodies options to conduct the special election. The Board of County Commissioners will have the option to conduct the election by mail or by polling place. This bill provides flexibility to counties and would not be codified into future law. Election administrators are looking for a one-time exemption to have the option to conduct a federal election by mail to save taxpayer dollars. If you have any concerns regarding a mail ballot election, please contact your local election administrator. They can walk you through the many security and accessibility procedures in place to ensure a mail ballot election is successful. Election administrators juggle many elements, such as integrity of the process, accessibility and even fiscal responsibility. For the instance of this rare special election for one race, the Association of Clerks and Recorders and Election Administrators urges voters to contact their legislators to pass a mail ballot bill. To locate your legislator, please visit www.leg.mt.gov. On Jan. 30, more than 1,000 Montanans squeezed into the Capitol building to tell our elected officials in Helena and Washington, D.C.: Keep public lands in public hands. Sportsmen and women, conservationists, outdoor recreationists, kids and families traveled from as far as Fort Peck, Miles City and Thompson Falls. We blew the roof off the Capitol in defense of our shared outdoor heritage, making clear that we wont stand for any legislation that even considers transferring, selling or otherwise divesting citizens of our public lands. The rally was organized by a broad coalition of groups, including Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Montana Wildlife Federation, Montana Audubon, Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund, Montana Wilderness Association, Forward Montana Foundation, Outdoor Alliance Montana, and Business for Montanas Outdoors. Some elected officials in Washington, D.C., apparently got the memo we sent from Helena. Within days, Rep. Jason Chaffetz from Utah withdrew H.R. 621, which would have mandated the sale of more than 3.3 million acres of public lands, including close to 100,000 acres here in Montana. The congressman cited the massive backlash from hunters, anglers, recreationists, conservationists and businesses across the country as reason enough to reconsider the legislation. Our victory over H.R. 621 hasnt stopped state and federal decision-makers from trying to steal or exploit our public lands in other ways, however. In Montana, state Sen. Jennifer Fielder plans on introducing two resolutions: one to study public lands transfers to the state and another to request public lands transfers to the state. If passed, Fielders resolutions would give the false impression that Montanans support public lands transfers. They also would provide false political cover to Fielders allies, who are pushing public lands transfers at the national level. In D.C., Congress is eliminating rules that increase public involvement in land management decisions, chipping away at the Environmental Protection Agency and bedrock laws that protect clean water and wildlife habitat, and undermining the Antiquities Act a pillar of Theodore Roosevelts legacy. H.R. 622, another bill by Chaffetz, would eliminate federal land law enforcement officers in the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, giving poachers and drug cartels better opportunities to use public lands and diminishing public safety. For more than 20 years, Montanans have fought for access to our state lands and against their sale. We continue to fight for access to rivers, streams and our national public lands. Yet Montana Senate Majority Leader Fred Thomas of Stevensville responded to our rally by saying that Montanans concerns over the state selling off public lands are silly at best. Whats silly is that for the last several years, Sens. Thomas and Fielder, along with other proponents of public lands transfers, have wasted taxpayer dollars and critical legislative time on an agenda that Montanans have repeatedly rejected. Even sillier is their argument that, somehow, 1 million Montana taxpayers can afford to manage 27 million acres of additional lands, a cost that currently is covered by all American taxpayers. Our state taxes would skyrocket in the event of a transfer, leaving the state with no choice but to sell off or industrialize lands that make our outdoor way of life possible. A message to Thomas, Fielder and other elected officials who are trying to eliminate our public lands and waters: Anglers, hikers, skiers, campers, hunters, kayakers and other Montanans who enjoy the outdoors have united to ensure that Americas legacy of public lands will stay public. We remain united and vigilant. And we will continue fighting any attempts to take public lands out of our hands. Finally liberated by a Republican Congress that is expected to ratify easy gun sales for the mentally handicapped, civic groups are expected to descend on mental hospitals, shelters and halfway houses this week with free guns and ammo for those who have been so long denied their Second Amendment right to bear arms. This will be like Toys for Tots, but with cool gifts, said one local man, who had personally collected three pistols, a shotgun and three deer rifles for distribution at the nearest state hospital. These poor folks can finally have some dignity. Warned by the states radical democratic fringe to soberly consider the consequences" of the law, Montanas Republican representatives were conciliatory in a joint release scheduled for release tomorrow. We respect all Montanans, and we did not vote for this measure without a deep reflection of the potential downstream consequences, it stated. We do not want many of the mentally disabled people who can now get access to guns carrying around AK-47s in our neighborhoods. Accordingly, it added, we will seek legislation at both the federal and state level to divert funding from Obamacare to provide those citizens with proper gun carriers maybe shopping baskets with built-in gun racks. Many Montanans were cheered by a just-released statement by new Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who recently called for a ban on gun-free zones around schools, which she justified as potentially necessary to fend off grizzly bears. This new law will enable us to create defense barriers of armed mentally ill people all around our schools and playgrounds, she said. Well, at least around public schools. Terry Weidner, Missoula Thank you, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, for listening to your constituents and introducing a campaign finance legislation package that includes a constitutional amendment declaring that corporations are not people. Montanans overwhelmingly approved the 2012 ballot initiative that directed our congressional delegates to propose amending the U.S. Constitution to state that corporations are not human beings entitled to constitutional rights. The initiative was overturned in a 2013 ruling by a state district judge in Helena; however, I find it refreshing that Jon Tester voluntarily listened to what 75 percent of his constituents said they want and proposed this constitutional amendment. The other pieces of legislation he proposed relate to transparency in campaign finance. The SUN Act requires the IRS to disclose the identity of donors that give more than $5,000 to tax-exempt electioneering groups, thus illuminating dark money in politics. The Senate Campaign Disclosure Parity Act requires senate candidates to e-file their campaign finance reports. Montana has a long history of standing up for financial integrity in our politics the states Corrupt Practices Act, which banned corporate spending from campaigns, dates back to 1912 but was overturned in 2012. I am grateful to Senator Tester for confronting the challenges in the post-Citizens United judicial landscape and working for his constituents. I hope that Sen. Steve Daines will follow suit and co-sponsor these very important non-partisan bills. Deana DeWire, Missoula I am writing on behalf of Montanas elderly and the compassionate caregivers who diligently strive to care for them. A legislative appropriations subcommittee recently voted to slice the budget of the Department of Public Health and Human Services by $93.4 million over the next two years, with the largest chunk coming from the senior and long-term care program $93.4 million! Thats a shocking number in itself. Whats even more shocking is that $52 million of these proposed cuts will directly impact our seniors, with $42 million in cuts targeted to Medicaid core services. Nursing homes across Montana will be dealt a crippling blow if these cuts are implemented; 61 percent of nursing home residents are covered by Medicaid. Facilities are losing an average of $34 per day on Medicaid patients due to inadequate reimbursement from the state of Montana. Across Montana, nursing homes are finding it increasingly difficult to survive. Fifteen years ago, our state had over 100 nursing homes. Today, we have only 77, yet costs continue to rise. From 2014 to 2016, patient acuity levels have gone through the roof. Drug and alcohol admissions are up 189 percent. Bariatric/obesity admissions have doubled. Patients on dialysis have increased 300 percent. Residents admitted with psychological or mental disorders are up 88 percent. IVs have nearly tripled. I cannot believe the legislature is proposing to cut funding for nursing home residents. I, for one, would not want my name associated with a vote to cut funding for our vulnerable elderly. I believe the mark of a civilized society is how and to what extent it cares for those who cannot care for themselves. A vote to approve these proposed cuts is, quite frankly, unconscionable. Brent Smith, administrator, Heritage Place Healthcare Community Kalispell The setting was a Manhattan restaurant, and after 25 minutes what allegedly emerged was a pro-Russian peace plan for Ukraine that its author believes may have ended up in the White House. In a CNN interview, Ukrainian lawmaker Andrii Artemenko said he discussed his left-field proposal for Ukraine in January with US President Donald Trump's personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, who offered to deliver the plan to the Trump administration. The exact details of the plan are unclear, yet reports have suggested it revolves around leasing Crimea -- annexed by Russia from Ukraine in 2014 -- to Moscow for 50 to 100 years. In exchange, Russia would withdraw its troops from the separatist regions in Ukraine's war-torn east. Artemenko declined to discuss the plan's details, yet hinted that a lease might be part of the idea. The lawmaker says Cohen, who has long advised Trump, wanted to take the plan to Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser. Any suggestion that the White House might consider a plan that formalizes Russia's control of Crimea would cause consternation in Kiev and among its allies in Europe. The White House has flatly denied any knowledge of the proposal. In his interview with CNN, Artemenko shines a light on how a key Trump associate was allegedly prepared to push a controversial peace plan that might benefit Russia at a time when questions were being raised about the Trump's ties to that country. The Ukrainian member of parliament told CNN he met Cohen through a mutual acquaintance, businessman Felix Sater, and that the three had dinner in a Manhattan hotel in January. Cohen told CNN in a text message that although he had dinner with Artemenko, they never discussed peace in Ukraine. Other media organizations reported that he offered them a different account. The White House has denied that Cohen delivered any peace plan to Flynn. Russia and Ukraine have since rejected the plan, and Artemenko has now become the subject of investigation for treason for suggesting it to Cohen. In a hurried interview in a Kiev hotel, Artemenko said Cohen told him that Flynn -- who resigned in mid-February due to a controversy over calls with the Russian ambassador to the US -- was his best connection at the White House. "Michael Flynn is the best person, the best of my connections in the Trump administration, who if he likes [it], it's going to [get] huge support, huge support," Cohen said, according to Artemenko. That account was supported by Sater, who confirmed the Ukraine deal was discussed at the January meeting attended by Cohen, Artemenko and himself. "I am always sympathetic and enthusiastic about peace," he told CNN via email. "Because it was a war situation, Mr. Cohen thought it was probably a National Security Advisor Flynn issue," he said. Flynn did not respond to CNN's request for comment on this story. Artemenko knew the proposal would be controversial as it undercuts both the US and Ukrainian diplomatic corps, and he says he knows it angered Kiev, who will have seen it as a pro-Russian proposal. "That's why I feel pressure, and for sure today I can see people accusing me, and I see the prosecutor of Ukraine is trying to do something, to open a new case, to do an investigation about me," he told CNN. He said of the January meeting that Sater invited Cohen to "a dinner in the hotel in Manhattan, and we probably spoke around 20-25 minutes, where I presented my intentions, my peace plan for the Ukraine, how we can stop the war, how we can stop the killing." Artemenko said he had never dreamed that his proposal would be seen by the White House, but he claims Cohen said the plan had "great potential" and wanted to deliver it to the Trump administration. "It was Michael Cohen's idea," he said. "He [Cohen] mentioned his name first in my meetings. And he said 'listen, Michael Flynn' -- from his personal opinion -- 'is most powerful man who can really support this idea, who can support, who can help you, who can provide this information to President Trump.'" Flynn resigned 24 days into the job after misleading administration officials over his communications with the Russian ambassador to the US before Trump took office. Flynn made several calls to the ambassador in December, including some on the same day that the outgoing Obama administration placed fresh sanctions on Russia over alleged election meddling. The Justice Department also warned the Trump administration in January that Flynn could be subject to Russian blackmail, a person familiar with the matter told CNN last month. In a text message to CNN, Cohen denied delivering any documents to Flynn, and disputed Artemenko's recollection of their January conversation. "If this continued fake news narrative wasn't so ridiculous, I would be angered. Despite the multitude of statements issued denying any nexus between Presidents Trump and [Russian President Vladimir Putin], the main stream media just keeps on trying to perpetuate this lie. "I acknowledge that the brief meeting took place, but emphatically deny discussing this topic or delivering any documents to the White House and/or General Flynn; something I stated to the New York Times." According to the Times, Cohen said he left a sealed envelope with the proposed peace plan in Flynn's office. Later, Cohen denied delivering a peace plan to Flynn. Artemenko insists, however, that it was Cohen's idea to show the peace proposal to the senior White House official. "It was his idea, absolutely his idea," he said. After Russia seized the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in 2014, it sent military help to separatists in the country's east, where violent conflict over disputed territory drags on to this day. Kiev has refused to discuss the official transfer of the peninsula to Russia, and dismissed Artemenko's plan as a result. Moscow considers the peninsula already its territory, after its residents -- under a substantial Russian military presence -- voted in a 2014 referendum to join the Russian Federation. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said Russia refuses to discuss the lease of a region it already controls: "How can Russia rent its own region? This question itself is absurd." A White House spokesman offered this statement in response to CNN's request for comment: "No one in the White House -- including the President, Vice President and senior members of the NSC -- has spoken to Mr. Cohen about any Russia-Ukraine peace proposal, and no one has spoken to Andrii Artemenko at all about any matter. "In addition, the NSC keeps comprehensive records of documents received, and we have no record of receiving any proposal from Mr. Cohen. This is another absurd, misleading attempt to distract from the real reform taking place under President Trump." Artemenko left the interview with CNN to attend what he said was a meeting with the President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, although the presidential administration denied such a meeting took place. Yet moments after leaving the interview, Ukrainian prosecutors announced he would be investigated for "treason" over the deal. MAN WHO LED POLICE ON CAR CHASE MONDAY ARRESTED Probation and parole officers arrested a Butte man Tuesday responsible for leading police on a car chase Monday after fleeing a routine traffic stop. Police said Jeremy Houser, 35, admitted he fled police in a stolen Toyota van after being pulled over for not having his tail lights on. Houser thought he was being stopped because he thought there was a warrant out for his arrest. There was not. Houser had given the officer that pulled him over his ID card, and then sped off, resulting in a pursuit that police called off once it became too dangerous. Houser was booked into jail Tuesday for driving with a suspended or revoked license, reckless driving, fleeing from police, failing to have his lights on, a parole violation, and may face charges for vehicle theft. ALLEGED SUNDAY MASS CAR THIEF ARRESTED AT CASINO Police arrested a man on Sunday they say is responsible for stealing a car from St. Ann's Catholic Church around 11 a.m. Sunday during Mass. OnStar tracked the vehicle to just east of Silver Bow Homes where it was recovered unlocked and undamaged. Police arrested Samuel Gee, 25, when he tried to pass a stolen check at the Oasis Casino and was detained by workers there. Gee said he could not breathe and was taken to St. James Healthcare where he was arrested on release at 5:30 p.m. Police said Gee was caught on video at Walgreen's using a debit card stolen from the recovered vehicle, and had keys and other cards on him when arrested. Held on investigative hold, Gee was booked Tuesday for three counts of theft, two for forgery and one count of deceptive practices, and a vehicle theft charge is pending. By the time the packed house unpacked itself, Butte leaders had a fresh take on creating a healthier community. Eight male adults have died from suicide in Butte-Silver Bow County since Oct. 5, said county health director Karen Sullivan. It is one public health problem that has Butte leaders concerned enough to bring in a trauma specialist. Stacy G. York told 165 community leaders crammed into a Montana SOARS workshop this week that overall, healthier change must start with more empathetic parents, teachers, counselors, healthcare workers and law enforcement. Montana SOARS Butte hosted York, a licensed clinical social worker from Colorado, for two days. We have a lot of adults running around with complex developmental drama, York said, meaning they may be stuck at a certain earlier stage if they were abused, neglected or addicted earlier in life. A new point of view means reducing the high suicide rate, keeping struggling adults at work, keeping kids in school, reducing the high meth use rate and staying proactive rather than reactive when a crisis pops up. Fifty-three percent of the 555 suicides in Montana occurred among adults between age 35 and 64, according to the Montana Suicide Mortality Review Team report covering the time from Jan. 1, 2014, to March 1, 2016. Adults at-risk, including suicide, can suffer from many of the same symptoms as children who deal with trauma: an increased heart rate, lack of self-regulation or coping skills, lack of empathy, decreased focus and concentration and physical ailments. Its easy to be judgmental, York said. We carry that into the community. Instead, an adult who is struggling to overcome trauma must be met with compassion and a reminder that help is available. Adults in general have to educate themselves on the signs and symptoms of suicide, said Jimm Kilmer, Community Action Team (CAT) member and a Butte-Silver Bow justice of the peace. Dont be afraid to ask questions and know what resources are available. An Army National Guard member, York said she once counseled a fellow soldier who confided he was suicidal because he had been sexually abused for 11 years when he was younger; before her, he had never unloaded his secret. Listening is key, she said. Kilmer said the community at large must raise its awareness about adult suicide. Its happening all around us we should pay attention, he said. I think the things we dont talk about make us the sickest, so we try to talk about them. It puts us all on the same playing field. CAT, formed as the Suicide Prevention Team in 2014 when a rash of youth suicides occurred in Butte, has since expanded its mission to include adult suicide prevention. Its membership has grown from 15 originals to 65 leaders from a broad swath of agencies. SHARED STRATEGIES York shared several strategies to help flip the usual approaches and make contact with a struggling friend or relative. Instead of asking What is wrong with you? of an adult paralyzed by depression or addiction or a misbehaving child at home or in the classroom, York asks, What happened to you? In other words, the bad stuff that happens to a person does not define them, she emphasized. With Yorks two appearances this week, local leaders are gradually tackling some of the factors that can play into the high rate of adult suicides. Overall, 500 adults, including teachers, took the training. This is an example of people being on the front lines, said Sullivan, CAT chairwoman. Our mission is to build a healthier community its pretty simple. Tom Billteen, juvenile probation officer and Butte school board trustee, favors Yorks no-nonsense advice. I appreciate the common sense approach she takes to sensitive stuff, he said. We have to acknowledge there is some generational trauma here. Given the economic hardships and personal tragedies our community has endured, it takes a toll. Joan Van Duynhoven, a Butte family planning nurse, echoed Billteen. You have a community with a history of alcohol use thats kind of cultural and generational, said Van Duynhoven. SUICIDE RATES The 2014 mortality review reports that in Montana middle-aged people, age 45 to 64 years, had the highest rate of suicide at 19.5 percent, followed by the elderly at 16.6 and the young at 11.6 percent. In 2015, Montana was ranked second in suicides in the nation for those age 65 and older second only to Wyoming, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Butte Community Action Team is trying to get a grip on why adult suicide among other public health problems appears to be on the upswing as it focuses on overall wellness and education through workshops. Its the beginning of a systemic change and a change in Butte culture, Superintendent Judy Jonart said of the training. It could not have happened without our CAT and what theyve done over the past 2 years. Having fun with traumatized youths by dancing or singing can also apply to adults. People who play together is one healing strategy, said York. Silliness is good, she added. HELENA Delivering the speech to the Legislature he had abruptly rescheduled the day before, U.S. Senator Steve Daines on Wednesday called for the confirmation of Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court and applauded Montanans running Montana. About three dozen protesters as well as some supporters showed up at the Capitol a day after a rally by hundreds of protesters. Daines has come under fire from constituents demanding an in-person town hall because they say their calls, emails and letters are going unanswered. They want to ask why he supported Betsy DeVos as Education Secretary, why he gaveled down Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren during debate on Attorney General Jeff Sessions nomination, and what he would do to protect access to health care they fear will be lost with Republicans promised repeal of the Affordable Care Act, among other issues. In an exclusive interview after the speech, the senator from Bozeman defended his accessibility, noting he answered many of those tough questions during a recent telephone town hall. He touched on some of the same topics in his annual address to the Montana Legislature, but also shared his vision for Montanas energy and agricultural sectors under the administration of President Donald Trump. Throughout the speech, he described the Trump presidency as the dawn of a new era when leaders will downsize federal government, shrink debt and return more power to the states. We are at a unique moment in history that many of us havent seen in a long time a moment when Washington is ready to listen, rather than dictate, he said. A moment when Washington understands this most important principle: Montanans are best at running Montana. Daines said the first priorities on his list are to stop the war on coal and approve the Keystone Pipeline. He also argued Congress should approve tax reform that once and for all kills the death tax, which farmers and ranchers see as pricing out their children from taking over operations, and said he would work to expand international trade of Montana products by setting aside academic hand-wringing about being politically correct. As he has several times in recent weeks, Daines also highlighted his bill to create a 12th Circuit Court of Appeals that would separate Rocky Mountain states from California, perceived as a liberal influence on the existing 9th Circuit. Daines argued Montanans should have more control over federal lands so industries such as timber harvesting are not locked out of the economy on their public lands, calling environmental groups that file lawsuits to halt natural resource development extremists. He also said to applause: Lets be clear: Our public lands are not for sale. The senator underscored his support for a repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, calling the inevitable death spiral of the law a prime example of the previous administrations failures. He repeatedly emphasized that he represents every Montanan and he is in Congress not to be served, but to serve. Dozens who came to the Capitol Wednesday for Daines speech disagreed about how well he fulfilled that promise. Nick Lockridge, who worked for the Montana Democratic Party last year, dressed as a chicken, a metaphorical dig at Daines for cancelling his address Tuesday when hundreds had gathered at the Capitol. He flapped his wings throughout a Daines news conference with GOP legislative leaders about their support for Gorsuch. Others at the Capitol raised protest signs tacked with Dump Daines stickers. To one side, a group of women held up white sheets of printer paper with cursive writing that read, We Love You Steve. Thank you for all you do for America. When Daines left the news conference after two press questions and as onlookers started to chant, Shani Henry of Helena talked to the congressmans press secretary about better access. Katie Waldman offered a business card with information about how to call in to the next telephone town hall, but Henry declined, saying she already had contact information for the office. What Im asking you is: How can he justify his refusal to answer our questions? she said, raising her voice. Its our right to ask him questions. A little over an hour later, Henry tried to get a seat in the House gallery to watch Daines address, but was turned away. Students from private schools Daines visited earlier in the day filled the House gallery, leaving only 29 seats for other members of the public. Rules prohibit people from standing in the gallery during session. Several protesters said they thought the students were invited as a ploy to keep them out. Other addresses to the Legislature this year have had few public onlookers. Waldman said Daines did invite the students to watch his speech, but as a civics lesson, nothing more. After being refused entry, a dozen people watched the speech from a TV on the fourth floor. They booed loudly when Daines mentioned President Donald Trump and support for the Keystone XL Pipeline. Several of the senators supporters also could not get gallery seats and watched from the hallway leading to the House. Donna Elford said she hasnt been very active in politics before, but felt the need to support Daines after organized opposition from the other side. She said Daines represents her views and brings Montana issues to the national spotlight. Ive been in Montana all my life, Elford said. I think he cares about the families. In the interview, Daines said, If theres a key word here, its accessibility. How do I remain and my team remain accessible to Montanans from every corner of the state? He noted he and his staff have replied to more 100,000 pieces of constituent correspondence since taking office in 2015. Daines listed the ways Montanans could contact him to share their opinions and stories: by going to one of his regional offices for face-to-face conversations with staff; scheduling an office visit for a trip to the U.S. Capitol; joining Montanas congressional delegation for coffee at weekly Wednesday meetings; telephone town halls hosted every few weeks; and more traditional forms of communication such as letters, emails and voicemails. I want to be asked, he said, listing pointed questions he answered during his last teleconference. Because while they might not agree with me at the end of the conversation, at least I can explain ... what thought process I am going through as I made a decision to vote one way or the other. When asked what he would tell Montanans with a different definition of accessibility and about the calls for an in-person Q&A where constituents could ask follow-up questions, he said, to some degree, thats unnecessary because their concerns already have been noted. Its pretty clear to me what theyre for and what theyre against. Were getting emails. Were getting phone calls. Theyve got signs. They make comments. Its not like its a secret, he said. I will tell you exactly what they are for or against. They are opposed to coal. Theyre opposed to the Keystone Pipeline. Theyre opposed to the repeal of the EPA power plan. They are opposed to the repeal of the Waters of the U.S. They support Obamacare. They support Elizabeth Warren. He said it was absolutely false that he only wanted to have intimate, one-on-one conversations with fellow conservatives. But he did note that he wasnt sure how productive some chats might be given national movements by Democrats and their allies to pressure Republican leaders. Have you seen the playbook yet thats out there? You see theres a structure to this. Its all about videos. Its about trying to create gotcha moments, he said, referencing Indivisible, an organization led by former Democratic staffers self-described as A practical guide for resisting the Trump agenda. A handful of community groups have formed in Montana, often by regular Democratic volunteers, to organize email and voice message campaigns. Daines described the nationally orchestrated movement as nothing new, pointing to the growth of the Tea Party following President Barack Obamas election. Its frankly a natural part of the political process, he said. Its OK to yell, its OK to shout, its OK to get upset, to voice your opinion. But while Daines lauded organic movements and emotions such as the Native American women he said convinced him to support the Violence Against Women Act he questioned the suggested tactics of the new groups to manufacture drama by shouting down the (Congress) member when theyre in the town hall. Thats not what Montanans are about. Maybe for some pockets in Missoula, Bozeman and Helena, but generally Montanans say, No, he said. Were about having a civil conversation, a back and forth. Im not sure that will be the outcome with some of these folks. HELENA More than 50 people spoke in support Wednesday of raising Montanas gas tax by 8 cents a gallon, telling a legislative committee the increase is critical for cities and counties to keep roads in a good enough condition to drive on safely. Before the start of the 2017 Legislature, the states Department of Transportation and Montana Highway Patrol were hit with budget cuts that would have delayed more than 30 highway construction projects and caused the layoff of 27 troopers, leaving lawmakers looking for a solution when they arrived in Helena in January. The cuts came as a result of the projected emptying of the state fund that pays for highway projects and the patrol. For the last five years the fund, which is filled with gas tax dollars, has spent more than its brought in as vehicles become more fuel efficient and people buy less gas. For about an hour and a half, representatives of cities and counties around the state, as well as those who work in the road-building industry such as contractors and engineers, told the House Transportation Committee the tax increase was critical to keep roads navigable and Montanans employed in construction projects. The chief of the highway patrol and Gov. Steve Bullocks budget director also spoke in support of the bill. The committee did not take action on Rep. Frank Garner's House Bill 473 Wednesday. Garner, a Republican from Kalispell, said his bill was a long-term fix to a problem that hasnt been addressed in the 24 years since the state last increased its gas tax. Montana, which has a high proportion of roads to a small population, already has one of the highest gas taxes in the nation. These things dont pay for themselves and they dont fix themselves, Garner said. The people who have to be engaged and convicted to do something about it are the people in this room, the people in this body." Though both Democrats, Republicans and the governors office had discussed the gax tax as an option to fix the ailing highway fund, Garner was the first person to move any legislation. It would have been much easier for me to remain a spectator, but I would rather go home knowing we did our best to solve one of the state's biggest problems and risk criticism than to go home and say we did not. Garner said that 40 percent of the money generated would come from visitors to Montana and the money will be used to leverage hundreds of millions in federal funds. In addition to raising the tax 8 cents of regular gas and 7.5 cents on diesel, Garner's bill calls for an audit of the transportation department, publishing a website to monitor how funds are spent and creating a separate pot of money -- in addition to continuing existing payments to cities and counties -- accessible for local governments to pay for road projects if they put up matching funds. Harold Blattie, executive director of the Montana Association of Counties, said his members support the bill if the county match requirement is dropped from $1 for every $5 requested to 5 percent of the project cost. Counties also called for the ability to be able to do the work themselves for jobs costing less than $80,000 and not have to put the project out to bid. "We feel the local taxpayers are already putting a huge investment into their local infrastructure," he said. Most county road maintenance and work is paid for through property taxes. For example, of their $8.6 million road budget, Yellowstone County got $280,000 from the state highway fund last year. Only a handful of people spoke in opposition to the bill, including those who said the increase would disproportionately affect the poor and wanted the state to look at other solutions, including increasing taxes on hybrid vehicles that don't buy as much gas. Rep. Carl Glimm, R-Kila, said the increase wasn't needed because the subcommittee that sets the transportation department's budget cut from other parts of the agencys budget and was able to fill the hole. But Dan Villa, the governor's budget director, said much of the subcommittee's work would be undone as the general budget bill now works its way through both the House and Senate. Rep. Ray Shaw, R-Sheridan, also pushed back on Glimm, saying that the subcommittee's actions are not a long-term fix and don't do anything to give more money to counties. Glimm countered by referencing efforts to bring legislation that could change the makeup of divisions that draw money from the highway fund, including part of the Department of Justice's motor vehicle's division. Glimm said focusing money in the fund where it can get the highest federal match makes the most sense and could free up money for counties. One economic development advocate in Butte will soon have a longer commute. On Thursday, the governors office named Pam Haxby-Cote of Butte as director of the Montana Department of Commerce. Haxby-Cote has nearly 30 years of experience in economic development and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Butte Local Development Corporation, a position shes held since August 2015. In a phone interview with The Montana Standard, Haxby-Cote said she looks forward to promoting job growth and economic development in the state of Montana and continuing work laid down by the governor. Im so pleased and honored to have been given this opportunity, said Haxby-Cote. Although Haxby-Cote will be working in Helena, she said shell continue to live in Butte. She said she'll still serve the people of the Mining City, but now instead of having 34,000 bosses, shell have over one million. Colin Higgins, former president of the Butte Chamber of Commerce and current board member, described Haxby-Cote as a cheerleader for Butte and Montana. Her passion and enthusiasm is extremely infectious, said Higgins, adding that the Butte resident combines her passion with a well-rounded knowledge of the community. Julie Jaksha, director of the Small Business Development Center for Headwaters RC&D in Butte, agreed. She called the Butte resident passionate, positive, industrious, and forward thinking. You couldnt find a better person to work alongside to make projects happen, Jaksha said. The state of Montana is lucky to have her. In addition to her role at the BLDC, Haxby-Cote has served as community development director and urban renewal director for Butte, as the senior economic development specialist for Brian Schweitzer during his tenure as governor, and as the Butte regional director and economic development director for Sen. Jon Tester. She also worked as regional director for the Montana Blackstone LaunchPad economic development program and has served on many boards, including the Highlands College advisory board and the governor's task force on pay equality. In a news release, Bullock called Haxby-Cote a lifelong Montanan with a proven commitment to economic development and creating jobs." MUSCATINE, Iowa U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said Thursday she is glad people are paying attention to their government but hopes they will begin to pose thoughtful questions and listen to the answers. She made the remarks during a private tour of Carver Pump in Muscatine, the 13th stop on her 99 County Tour of Iowa. During Tuesday's veterans roundtable in Maquoketa a public event Ernst was met by about 300 people, many protesters, who chanted phrases such as "You work for us" and "Investigate Trump." "It was on the schedule to be a veteran's roundtable, and unfortunately, we were not able to get to the crux of some of these issues we were hearing," Ernst said Thursday. Ernst said it was OK to take a variety of questions because it was a public event, but people talked over her, which made it difficult to answer their questions. "Even though I'm trying to answer questions, they're not really there to listen," she said. Ernst said she would prefer "thoughtful questions coming from the audience" and a chance to explain what Congress is working on. "But at least they're coming out, I mean at least people are interested in government," she said. Similar protests critical of the Trump administration and the Republican-led Congress have occurred nationwide, as lawmakers returned to their districts for the congressional recess, according to national media reports. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) faced a crowd of about 100 in Hancock County Tuesday and 125 in Floyd County Thursday. The people who are protesting Iowa's Senate delegation may be upset their party is not in office, Ernst said. "They want to make sure that we're taking note of them, but understanding that when the majority of people in Iowa came out, they supported President Trump," she said. Ernst said the congressional vote schedule can be erratic and Congress will be in session more often this year, but she and Grassley are committed to their tour of all of Iowa's 99 counties. Stops so far have included a town meeting at a YMCA in Red Oak, an economic development roundtable in Indianola and a coffee in Winterset. "We've done it every year, that won't change," she said. "I don't see that changing not at all. So we'll have other forums; we'll have other town hall opportunities to visit with folks." Ernst said she hopes to hear thoughtful questions from those attending town hall forums. "And hopefully, we can just really have a good dialogue," she said. MUSCATINE, Iowa Bryan Little Jr. left Muscatine to follow his high school sweetheart into the U.S. Navy when he was in his early '20s. I thought that I was going to do my four years, have the college benefits and continue on with whatever my life was going to bring me," he said. "Then I realized that I loved it." More than 20 years later, Little, 42, is still in the Navy and still loving it. In his two decades of service, hes learned a lot about airplanes, specifically the C130 cargo plane. He ran a maintenance department for many years, and also dealt with aviation policies. Now, hes switching gears, from planes to people. He applied, and was accepted into, a program to train him to become a command senior chief: a person who supports Navy sailors, making sure they are ready for duty, but also helping them with life issues. Part of his job is making sure the right resources are available to them. For example, if they need financial counseling, Little would refer them to that counselor. When I ran the maintenance department, the mission was to get planes out and have planes flying," he said. "So now, the focus is are the people good? The mission (is) still there, but the people are a priority." The goal, he said, is to make sure sailors are ready for whatever comes their way. If they are called on, well make sure theyll be ready. Well make sure their dental is taken care of, their medical is taken care of, he said. Little, who now lives in Virginia, will attend training in Rhode Island this April. He will then move to St. Louis to begin his new position. Its going to be a challenge because I have two kids that are still in school," he said. "They will be staying here for a couple of months so they can finish, so Ill be in St. Louis by myself for about 3 months." After 20 years in service, Little said he has a lot to share with people. Even in his previous positions, people came to him when they had questions, or wanted life advice. Now I can focus on people," he said. "People have issues all the time and this is kind of my segue into now having an impact on peoples social life, but their professional life as well." I can look at a young sailor and say, Ive been through it. I cant fix it for you, but I can point you in the right direction, he added. People are ... the greatest asset that we have. You can have, especially in the Navy, you can have the aircrafts (and) ships, but if you dont have the people who can operate them and you cant take care of the people that operate them youre left with an empty Navy really." MUSCATINE For senior citizen who are looking to either downsize their home for something more manageable, it can be a struggle to find affor MUSCATINE, Iowa The Muscatine Community School District will close East Campusthe alternative high school school housed at Muscatine Community Collegeat the end of the school year. The program, now in its sixth year, supports about 60 students, of which about 22 are expected to graduate this year. District officials said the remaining students will return to the high school or work out an alternative arrangement. Most of those (remaining students) will be seniors next year and so they are, as we speak, working with counselors and teachers and setting up individual plans, said Superintendent Jerry Riibe. East Campus staff members, a handful of teachers and support staff, will move to the high school or middle schools next year. No one is going to lose their job because were making this (change), Riibe said. The move, Riibe said, is about offering students more opportunities. In order to have them have more opportunity (to take) some of the courses at the high school, for them to have some access to some of the emotional and counseling services that were providing, we felt like it would be better to have their home base at the high school, he said. Riibe stressed East Campus students will continue to receive at-risk services. "We're not ending services for these kids," he said. East Campus is one of several at-risk programs the district offers, and is funded by a grant from the state of Iowa. In moving the program, the district will save the district approximately $75,000-$100,000 per year in at-risk funding. These funds, Riibe said, will be reallocated to the other programs. Were serving 50 or 60 kids (with East Campus) and we have about 200 kids at the high school that are needing additional services," he said. "How do we maximize those dollars?" Riibe said the district can offer features similar to East Campus at the high school, while reducing costs. They will utilize existing programs, such as the Ninth and Tenth Grade Academy, which offers smaller classes and more academic support than a traditional classroom. Were also feeling like we can probably provide the smaller class sizes, the more individual attention at the high school, he said. In previous Board of Education meetings, Riibe indicated the district will rearrange its at-risk programs and add more counselors to the school district. The challenge, he said, is how to maximize district funds so more students benefit from at-risk funding dollars. It has to be able to affect more than 50 or 60 kids, Riibe said. Les emplois a Rennes sont abondants et varies. Il y a quelque chose pour tout le monde. Que vous soyez a la recherche dun emploi [] Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes [] From: Dr. Patty Bode My final blog posting as the February Monthly Mentor continues my effort to counter Islamophobia through art education by encouraging the study of contemporary artists who draw upon, extrapolate from, re-appropriate and juxtapose concepts and imagery from Islamic experiences and traditions. Furthermore, I briefly comment on the conflation of Arabic identities and experiences with Islamic experiences. Meaningful engagements with, and research about, contemporary artists and their work may prompt students to reimagine studio practices while expanding their view of these artists experiences, and move closer toward our NAEA mission to: advance visual arts education to fulfill human potential and promote global understanding. In what follows, I include work from several artists and collective exhibits, which may add to student perspectives about Islamic art and Muslim experiences in the overarching effort to counter Islamophobia. The International Museum of Women (IMOW), now Global Fund for Women presents a global online exhibition Mulima: Muslim Womens Art & Voices from contemporary Muslim women who are defining their own identities and, in the process, shattering pervasive stereotypes. This is a rich resource of artists working in a wide range of media, imagery, and contexts. The work of poets, multi-media installation artists, illustrators and more will add to your classroom resources. The American Islamic Congress (AIC) in Boston sponsored an exhibit and series of events titled, Muslim Women in the Arts Home & Away: Shared Narratives of Gendered Identity featuring four artists whose bios are linked here: Niloofar Ziae, Samina Quraeshi, Chaimae Mechtaly, Nada Farhat. The AIC stated that The series aims in part to address a lack of exhibits by contemporary Muslim artists in Bostons galleries and museums, a void that reinforces the perception that Muslim art is limited to calligraphy and rugs. In fact, Boston is home to a vibrant scene of stereotype-shattering artistic innovators from across the Muslim world. My Whiteness matters. Through these February 2017 blog postings I have tried to demonstrate ways in which art educators can play an effective role in countering Islamophobia. Our identities matter when framing our teaching practices. As an art educator who benefits from the privilege of whiteness, middle class status, and English language dominance, and who realizes my childhood background that was situated in low-income, urban and Irish-Catholic culture in the United States shapes my perspectives, I have written these blog posts as a non-Muslim educator. These endeavors are framed with conscientious efforts to seek out, listen to, and stand in solidarity with expansive ranges of Muslim voices and perspectives, yet to also constantly realize my limitations. Some of the contemporary artists I highlight here do not identify as Muslim, rather their art-making draws from Islamic art traditions, engages dialogue with individuals living in Islamic states, or speaks to the need to learn from Muslim communities. Helen Zughaib states, "I am an Arab American, born in Beirut, Lebanon. I also lived in Kuwait and Iraq with my family, before coming to study art at Syracuse University in New York. Though I am an Arab American Christian, I feel that my background in the Arab world provides me with a platform to address issues that affect both Muslim and Christian women, especially after 9/11." Commentary on Zughaibs series titled Fractured Spring that responded to the sociopolitical experiences of the Arab Spring is provided in this 2014 article in Islamic Arts magazine. See her website for list of upcoming exhibitions in 2017. Helen Zughaib. Generations Lost. 2014. Gallery Al-Quds Zughaibs work in gouache and ink on board and canvas mixes familiar Western motifs with traditional Islamic abayas in an attempt to bridge East and West and confound predominant stereotypes as explained by the Muslima online exhibition. Helen Zughaib. Eye of the Beholder. 2015. Kehinde Wileys work has been widely acclaimed and exhibited nationally and internationally. His early attention to the African American experience and portrayal of the male black body in art historical contexts brought him to his international project The World Stage. When asked how Kehinde Wiley selected cities and countries for the World Stage project, he explained: The World Stage is comprised of what I believe are countries on the conversation block in the 21st century. Many of the reasons why I choose certain sites have to do with a level of curiosity, but it also has to do with their broader, global, political importance- strategically for America, and the world community at large. See Wileys FAQ. Pertinent to this specific blog posting is Wileys collection from that series, The World Stage: Africa Lagos-Dakar. Since Islam is the predominant religion in Senegal with more than 90% of the population identifying as Muslim, the emergence of Islamic patterns in the motifs in Wileys portraits from this series holds salience. Kehinde Wiley. Three Wise Men Greeting Entry Into Lagos, 2008. Oil on canvas 72" x 96". From The World Stage: Lagos & Dakar. Much has been written about the importance of Wileys work and its role in art education as a means to enter dialogue and studio practices that cross radicalized boundaries and indict art historical statements. There is certainly more to say than one blog posting may permit. I encourage art educators to investigate Kehinde Wileys work retrospectively as well as his current projects title A New Republic at his website. Cultivate broader and deeper perspectives simultaneously. Critical consciousness is required to avoid interpretations that would paint the wide spectrum of Islamic perspectives with a broad brush, and to make certain our students do not get misinformed messages that would lump all Muslim experiences into a monolith. In United States society, and by default in many of our classrooms lack of understanding about religious affiliation, political borders, national origin, and institutionalized racism can skew perspectives about Muslim experiences. A single blog postings is not enough to unpack all of this. I am constantly reminded of my limited knowledge, and constrained sociopolitical perspectives in pursuit of curriculum development that is socially just and politically relevant. As art educators, we need to turn to our museum and cultural institutions, as well as local artists collectives to continue to expand the dialogue. This New York Times article by Jason Farago about The Museum of Modern Art/MOMAs installation of works by artists from Muslim countries provides fodder for such dialogue. K+L+32+H+4. Mon pere et moi (My Father and I) right, by Charles Hossein Zenderoudi, on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Also see LACMA/ Los Angeles County Museum of Art regarding the 2015 exhibitions titled Islamic Art Now: Contemporary Art of the Middle East. These are just two examples of the role of museums and the leadership they can take in countering Islamophobia. These online resources provide fodder for art educators in every location of the globe to develop informed curriculum and dynamic dialogue. I am painting with student at Amherst Regional Middle School during a discussion about art and identity. Furthermore, I have written elsewhere about the necessity to: Keep in mind the research of Gary C. David and Kenneth K. Ayouby, (2005) which articulates the following three areas of concern in the portrayal of Arab Americans in classroom materials: conflating, essentializing, and normalizing. Conflating occurs when ethnic-racial and religious categories that should be distinct are used interchangeably, such as conflating the Middle East with the Arab world. The Middle East includes non-Arab countries such as Iran, Israel, and Turkey. The League of Arab States includes 22 countries. Essentializing occurs when some cultural, social, or religious trait mistakenly defines all Arabs. Normalizing is a twofold process that presumes to rehabilitate Arab Americans (1) to become just like everyone else and (2) to embody positive traits. The problem here is that it is rooted in a premise of negative assumptions that fail to recognize the marginalization of Arab Americans by mainstream culture. David and Ayouby recommend selecting materials that limit their scope to address one topic at a time: Arabs, Arab Americans, or Islam, not all three at once. Materials that try to cover all topics tend to conflate or essentialize the groups. (Excerpted from Nieto & Bode, 2012, pp. 306-307, summary of David & Ayouby, 2005) Tala Madanis work is featured in this episode of art21 from September 2016 in which she explains her figurative use of men/male bodies in her paintings and animations. Her work will invite students to consider many possibilities such as gendered and intersectional identities, and choices of media and studio production. Tala Madani. Grey shadows. 2014. Oil on linen. 40.64 x 56 cm. Pilar Corrias Gallery. The work of media artist, Walid Raad (Arabic: ) will engage students in both sociocultural content and selection of media and technique. His experimental use of digital media speaks to a range of sociopolitical experiences, especially the civil war in Lebanon from 1975-1990, and its continual contemporary aftermath. See these exhibits and installations: Walid Raads 2016 show at MOMA Walid Raads 2016 show at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) Boston Walid Raad. Screenshot from Hostage: The Bachar tapes (English version). 2001. Video (color, sound), 16:17 min. The Museum of Modern Art, New York. This posting offers a brief glimpse of artists, museums and cultural collectives that may support efforts to counter Islamophobia through art education. Keeping our own limitations in mind and explicitly stated will help us guide our students and colleagues to continue to ask questions about what we may learn. Through the study of contemporary artists who draw upon concepts and imagery from Islamic experiences and traditions, it is possible to broaden perspectives and work toward fulfilling human potential and promoting global understanding. References David, G. & Ayouby, K. (2005). Studying the exotic in the classroom: The portrayal of Arab Americans in educational source materials. Multicultural Perspectives 7 (4): 1320. Nieto, S. & Bode, P. (2012). Affirming Diversity: The Sociopolitical context of multicultural education, 6th ed. Allyn & Bacon/Pearson: New York. -PB Ugandas comedy queen Anne Kansiime has denied reports by a tabloid that she was arrested at Londons Heathrow Airport in possession of 2 kilograms of cocaine. The defaming report by the blog claimed that Kansiime had hidden the cocaine in two bags of coffee inside two of her suitcases, and was apprehended by customs and border protection officers in London upon examination of the suspicious substance. In addition to debunking the claims herself, Kansiimes team has released an official statement on the report. Kansiime wrote on Instagram: About the online story going around that this your ninja girl is currently detained in some prison cell in London for being in possession of 2kgs of Cocain at Heathrow airport.. heheheheheheh this world is not my home indeed!? Thank you my ninjas for being the first to doubt such stories and Lets spread more love to each other my ninjas. Trust me, they are #sharedblessings. Read the official statement below: On behalf of Kansiime Anne, the Kansiime brand we would like to issue a statement in regards to the article. First of all we would like to acknowledge all our ninjas who have shown genuine love and concern by inquiring from us what is going on. Kansiime is in Uganda and has been in Uganda for the last 3 weeks since returning from work in South Africa late January and hasnt been to the UK since November 2016 with proof of location that can be found on all social media platforms for Kansiime Anne. It is a pity that some online tabloids find it exciting to fabricate stories that tarnish the image of honest hardworking people. We kindly request the public to be smart and reject helping such tabloids grow their following by riding on the hard Labour of others. Kansiime Anne is a role model to many across different age brackets something that she doesnt take for granted and is highly committed to. Once again we thank all media platforms and journalists whose unwavering faith in Kansiime has played a huge role in clearing the lies that were being fed to the innocent public. We return all glory to God for the blessing that is the Kansiime brand and we are working extremely hard with faith that the best is yet to come. Nairobi Governor Evans Kideros vehicle was on Wednesday pelted with stones by irate youth in Kawangware slums, Nairobi. According to reports, the angry youths felt shortchanged when Kidero refused to give them handouts after he left an Okoa Kenya function in Lavington area. The incident also affected bodaboda operators who were also stoned, prompting them to follow Kidero demanding for compensation. Kideros handlers blamed that attack on Dagoretti North MP Simba Arati. They said the youths wore t-shirts bearing the legislators name. City Hall said that Kidero was not in the vehicle during the incident. The incident comes barely a month after another similar incident in Dandora. Three MediaMax journalists were injured when rowdy youth who were expecting handouts from Kidero stoned his convoy. Kideros handlers blamed the incident on Nairobi senator Mike Sonko. Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi otherwise known as Grand Mullah is living up to his nickname after acquiring a pricey German machine. The outspoken senior counsel has added to his parking lot a Mercedes-Benz AMG G63. The vehicle, one of the most popular automobiles among celebrities all over the world, goes for $140,825 or Sh14 million before tax and could rise to up to Sh 20 Million after tax. The swanky ride boasts of a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 engine that produces 563 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. It can accelerate from 0-100 Km/h in 5.4 seconds. The lawyer joins renowned journalist Jeff Koinange in the short list of Kenyans who own G Wagons. Jeff, who is set to return to our screens on Citizen TV, cruises in the variant and cheaper G550. Check out Grand Mullahs new ride. Photos courtesy of Mpasho. President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday made a surprise visit to Somalia, to attend the inauguration of the new President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed. The country is ravaged by regular attacks by the Al Shabaab, and rarely attracts any foreign head of state. Uhuru, being the Kenyan president, is probably at more risk than any other visiting dignitary, considering Kenyas fight against the terrorism group. The Kenyan embassy had told some reporters that Uhuru would not be attending the inauguration, but it appears secrecy was essential. President Uhuru was accompanied by Foreign CS Amina Mohamed, and Majority Leader Aden Duale. [showad block=3] Here are some photos. Police on Tuesday evening shot and killed a lone gunman after he shot and wounded a waiter after ordering chips in a restaurant in Nairobis Umoja II estate. The officers who were on patrol heard gunshots and rushed to the scene and found the gunman inside Umoja Chips and Chicken Inn. According to the police, the man had defied orders to surrender before he was subsequently shot dead. Eyewitnesses said the gunman entered the said restaurant and ordered fries, and after being served he immediately drew a pistol and shot the waiter Joab Mwangangi on his left arm without provocation. Mr Mwanagangi was rushed to Emmaus hospital in Umoja while the body of the gunman was moved to City Mortuary for postmortem and identification. Police recovered a Kral King pistol manufactured in Turkey and one round of 8mm ammo. A group of women from Samburu County who protested against Opposition chief Raila Odinga on February 6 have been summoned by Samburu Council of Elders on Friday, March 3. The women and organisers of the protest are to appear before the council with a goat each for a cleansing ceremony. Over 1000 Samburu elders who met at Yamo area in Maralal Town on Tuesday, endorsed a decision to have those who participated or sponsored the demonstrations appear before them with a goat failure to which they will be cursed. Those who took part in the protest against Raila Odinga have been given one week to appear before the elders for questioning. They would, thereafter, be cleansed for the wrong they committed, failure to which we will cast a curse on them, said Joseph Lenanguram, a Samburu elder. The elders, led by their Chairman John Lengurikuri have also issued a directive that no activity should take place at Kenyatta Stadium, where the demonstrations were held, before the cleansing ceremony. According to the elders, the act of women burning and burying placards carrying the name and image of Mr Odinga was an act of embarrassment to the community and its leaders. Showing disrespect to Raila Odinga, who is a national leader and a monumental figure recognised across the world , is an act of embarrassment that should never be tolerated in the county. Raila has a right to give a speech to people in this county. We have met to break a curse cast on him, said John Lopokopeny, an elder. The women held demonstrations against Raila for criticising Samburu leaders for misusing public funds during a tour of Maralal and Baragoi. WASHINGTON The Justice Department will step up enforcement of federal laws against recreational marijuana, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Thursday, offering the Trump administration's strongest indication to date of a looming crackdown on the drug, even as a solid majority of Americans believe it should be legal. "I do believe you'll see greater enforcement of it," Spicer said in response to a question during a news conference. He offered no details about what such enforcement would entail. President Donald Trump does not oppose medical marijuana, he added, but "that's very differ than recreational use, which is something the Department of Justice will be further looking into." A renewed focus on recreational marijuana in states that have legalized pot would present a departure from the Trump administration's statements in favor of states' rights. A day earlier, the administration announced that the issue of transgender student bathroom access was best left to states and local communities to decide. Enforcement would also shift away from marijuana policy under the Obama administration, which said in a 2013 memo that it would not intervene in state's marijuana laws as long as they keep the drug from crossing state lines and away from children and drug cartels. But the memo carried no force of law and could be rewritten by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who has consistently said he opposes legal marijuana but has not indicated what he might do. Eight states and Washington, D.C., have legalized marijuana for recreational use. The Justice Department has several options available should it decide to enforce the law, including filing lawsuits on the grounds that state laws regulating pot are unconstitutional because they are pre-empted by federal law. Pot advocates said they hoped Spicer's prediction would not come to pass. "This administration is claiming that it values states' rights, so we hope they will respect the rights of states to determine their own marijuana policies," said Mason Tvert, communications director for the Marijuana Policy Project. "It is hard to imagine why anyone would want marijuana to be produced and sold by cartels and criminals rather than tightly regulated, taxpaying businesses." States have been flouting the U.S. Controlled Substances Act since at least 1996, when California voters approved marijuana for sick people, a direct conflict with federal guidelines barring the use of marijuana for medical purposes. And presidents since Bill Clinton have said the federal government unequivocally rejects a state's ability to modify federal drug law. However, three presidents over the last 20 years have each concluded that the limited resources of the U.S. Department of Justice are best spent pursuing large drug cartels, not individual users of marijuana. Nevada state Senate Majority Leader Aaron Ford said in a statement Thursday that meddling in recreational pot laws would be federal overreach and harm state coffers. "Not only did voters overwhelmingly vote to approve the legalization of recreational marijuana, the Governor's proposed education budget depends on tax revenue from recreational marijuana sales. Any action by the Trump administration would be an insult to Nevada voters and would pick the pockets of Nevada's students," Ford said. Spicer's comments come as a solid majority of Americans support legalization. A Quinnipiac poll released Thursday said 59 percent of Americans think marijuana should be legal and 71 percent would oppose a federal crackdown. In Rutherford, a unique girl/dog friendship is now helping a family manage a childs serious health issue. The outcome may define a young girls childhood and the dogs useful career. Sophia Honig is an active 9-year-old girl with long, chestnut-colored hair and a bright winning smile. She said she loves St. Helena Elementary School where she is in the fourth grade in Angie Mooneyhams classroom. But Sophia has Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that, in another context, could be a very limiting factor in her activities. If Sophias blood sugar drops too low, it can lead to seizures, or brain damage, and the results can be life threatening. Consequently, Sophia wears two medical devices an insulin pump, and continuous glucose monitor to oversee and deliver the insulin her body cannot produce. She takes 15 to 20 blood glucose checks a day. Still, it would be great if there were a quicker way to know when those levels are beginning to drop. Especially when Sophia is sleeping, her mother, Stephanie Honig said. Thats where Honey, Sophias young Golden Labrador puppy, is learning to help. The dog is being trained to detect when Sophias blood sugar drops below an acceptable level 15 minutes before the glucose monitor can. When Honey determines that Sophias sugars are too low, she will signal Sophia or her parents by nudging them. Honey is being trained by Carleigh Long of Santa Rosas Bergin University of Canine Studies, formerly the Assistance Dog Institute. At present, Honeys attention is shared between Long and Sophia, but clearly the dog is falling in love with the little girl day-by-day. And the initial goal is that, in several months, the dog will be fully acclimated to Sophias needs. Then Honey will be Sophias constant companion, attending school with her, sleeping beside her bed, performing her job as an early-warning detector of Sophias sugar levels. Her father Michael Honig said the St. Helena Unified School District has been very receptive to the idea of Honey attending school with Sophia. He said that hes a firm believer in public education and praises the teachers and the school administration. He said the school has been extremely receptive to the idea of Honeys role as a service dog. Still, these are early training days for Honey as the dog and Long visit with Sophia as a part of Honeys rigorous training schedule. Carleigh lives close by, Michael Honig said. So the whole arrangement is very much a family thing. Michael Honig, president of Honig Vineyard and Winery, said the winery has already had a long history of tapping a dogs natural detection talents. In 2007, Honig worked with Dr. Bonnie Bergin, founder of Assistance Dog Institute (now known as Bergin University) in Santa Rosa, to help train Golden Retrievers to be sniffer dogs. Those dogs mission was to detect the female mealybug pheromone. Vine mealybugs are notoriously difficult to detect, being nearly invisible to the naked eye, hiding under bark and roots. Early detection of the bug allows the grower to treat or remove a vine or two, alleviating any broad use of pesticides. Honig said later on Honey also will get separate training to be a mealy bug sniffer. Honey will learn a separate list of behaviors to communicate her findings. This will make Honey the worlds first dual-purpose sniffer canine. But these days the focus is on Sophias needs, and Long is busy teaching Honey the 60 to 80 general commands she will need to be an effective service dog for Sophia in the household and at school. Asked how Honey was chosen for the job, Long said she watched Honeys litter of brothers and sisters for some time, looking for specific attentiveness to people and smells. Labs have great noses, Long said. They have incredible sensory abilities compared to other dogs. Theyre such good learners. They have a very high drive to work and to please. Theyre are always looking to do something. They have a very high work ethic. Long said the challenge will be to keep the dogs duties separate, because the Honigs live on the vineyard property and Honeys primary duties are with their daughter. Consequently, the dog must be trained with separate commands for when to sniff out the vines, paying special attention and smelling each vine to determine precisely which vines are affected by the insect pest. At present, according to Michael Honig, there is no problem with mealy bugs, but its important to be vigilant. Meanwhile, Sophia seems to be counting the days until her puppy will become a permanent member of the family. She has already made two brightly-colored dog dishes in a ceramics class at Nimbus Arts. Of course, Honey was quick-on-the-scene the moment Sophia dropped a special treat into one of them, her tail a blur of wagging happy puppy pleasure. Can I invite my friends from school to meet Honey yet? Sophia asked her mother. Of course, was her mothers answer. The tears didn't stop, but they were tears of joy. After almost four months apart, Dilbireen, a 2-year-old Yazidi boy, was reunited with his parents and his newborn brother at the Hilton Boston Logan Airport hotel Monday night. His parents, Ajeel Muhsin and Flosa Khalaf, couldn't contain their emotion. "They both burst into tears," said Sally Becker, founder of the UK-based charity Road to Peace, which facilitated Dilbireen's reunion with his family. Dilbireen, who traveled to the United States with his father and Becker in October to undergo medical treatment and surgeries for severe burns, simply smiled and gazed at his parents and the baby brother he had never met, until now. CNN was there exclusively to capture the reunion. "Thank God we're all together again," Muhsin said in comments translated from Kurdish. "I want to thank everyone involved in this, to help us come here to do his surgeries," Muhsin said. "It's really hard to stay away from your child even when they're healthy, let alone he was burned and he was here alone." The only one who wasn't crying during the reunion was Dilbireen, noted Becker. She accompanied the family on their flight from Iraq to the US on Monday. "It's been a long time, but he completely accepted them, and it's as if they've never been away now," Becker said of Dilbireen's reaction to his family. "And he seems to love his little brother. That's terrific, but it's been a very long road, this road to peace. A lot of false starts." Overcoming bumps along the road Dilbireen's parents have been desperately waiting to be by their son's side since their visas were revoked in early January and a passport application for Dilbireen's brother was denied. Later that month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to keep most citizens of seven predominately Muslim nations from entering the US for at least 90 days from when the order was signed. Iraq, the family's homeland, was among the nations affected, leaving Dilbireen's parents even more concerned that they would not be able to visit their son in the United States and bring him home. While the family was in limbo, Dilbireen was left in the care of Adlay Kejjan, director of the Yazidi American Women Organization. The next round of surgeries he needed were put on hold until his parents and newborn brother could enter the United States. Last week, desperation turned into joy for Dilbireen's family, all of whom had been issued new US visas to accompany Dilbireen as he continues his treatments at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Boston. "Dilbireen requires intensive surgery, and the aftercare is extensive. Having both his mother and father here to provide that care will make an enormous difference in his recovery both physically and emotionally," said Scott LaStaiti, a Los Angeles-based film producer and philanthropist who was involved in finding Dilbireen medical care. "In terms of his overall well-being, he's a 2-year-old child who has been without his parents for several months now. I do not think I can begin to quantify the benefits of being reunited with his family again, including his baby brother," LaStaiti said. A family seeking solace from terror Dilbireen, whose name means "wounded heart" in Kurdish, was born January 4, 2015, at a camp for internally displaced persons. His family, who are Yazidis, fled to the camp to escape the carnage being committed by ISIS near their home. The United States declared last year that ISIS committed genocide against the Yazidis, a minority group in Iraq living around Mount Sinjar. Then, on Dilbireen's first birthday, the family experienced more heartbreak. Dilbireen was severely burned on his face and feet when a gas heater malfunctioned and set his crib ablaze inside a prefabricated hut at the camp. Khalaf, Dilbireen's mother, was baking bread outside when the fire erupted. Doctors in Iraq tended to Dilbireen's burns but advised that his parents seek treatment outside the country, said Dilbireen's father, Muhsin. LaStaiti and Becker, founder of Road to Peace, made arrangements for Dilbireen and other injured refugee children to receive medical treatment at Shriners Hospitals for Children at no cost. Road to Peace works with groups around the world to help build alliances between communities in conflict and facilitate specialized medical care for refugee children. "Born in a camp where his parents have been living since fleeing their home on Sinjar mountain, this amazing and resilient little boy is a symbol of the suffering of the Yazidis and other religious minorities in the region," Becker said last week. "The Yazidis have been victims of many genocides over the centuries, and there are only around 800,000 left in the world," she said. "So this mission isn't just about helping Dilbireen; it's about highlighting the plight of his people." What's next for Dilbireen and his care Dilbireen underwent the first round of surgeries to restore the appearance and function of his face in October. Muhsin was by his side during the procedure but returned to Iraq in November to be with Khalaf as she gave birth to Dilbireen's brother. "America is helping us to do surgery on our boy," Muhsin said in an interview this month. "We want to show our appreciation to America for what they are doing for our boy." The couple named Dilbireen's brother Trump. He was born the day after the US presidential election. As the family made attempts to travel to the United States to accompany Dilbireen during his next round of surgeries and to introduce him to his brother, Trump, they were both confused and disheartened by the resistance they faced. "First time they denied our visas, they thought we were coming here to stay. They thought, if our entire family comes here, we would not return," Muhsin said. "Originally when we had visas, my wife was pregnant. If our intention was to stay here, we would have come all together. Our child would have been born here. He would have been a US citizen. But we had no intentions to stay here." Now, the family seems both relieved and content to be together again. "My understanding is that this next round of surgeries will focus on the scar tissue around his right eye, but ultimately Shriners will determine what's next for Dilbireen after they see him this week," LaStaiti said. After seeing Dilbireen on Tuesday, doctors at Shriners say that he is doing well and that he will begin his next reconstructive surgery soon. They hope to space out the procedures to improve the form and function of his face. Meanwhile, Khalaf said she remains grateful that her son can continue his surgeries. "As long as his surgeries are done and he gains his health back," she said in comments translated from Kurdish. "We don't want anything else in life." 'The most meaningful thing I've known' While Dilbireen and his family are saying "hello again," the tenacious toddler and his caretaker, Kejjan, will be saying "goodbye." Kejjan, a paramedic and pilot based in Lansing, Michigan, serves as an advocate for the Yazidi community and cared for Dilbireen at her home in Michigan for the past few months. Yet she said that not only has she cared for Dilbireen, he has cared for her. "He's given us unconditional love. He's such an easy child to take care of. He doesn't ask for much. He's very independent. He just gives love freely and unconditionally. It doesn't matter who it is, whether it's me, my family or a stranger," Kejjan said. "I'm excited because he's going to see his parents but at the same time sad because I won't have him. He's been the center of my life the last three and a half months," she said, adding that she plans to help more children in need of medical care. "It's been the most meaningful thing of my life, the most meaningful thing I've known." Rep. Mike Thompson predicts that the Affordable Care Act will survive efforts to repeal it by President Trump and Congressional Republicans, but only after a battle. Im convinced were on the side of the angels and were going to win this thing, Thompson, D-St. Helena, told a few hundred people at a Tuesday night health care town hall meeting that he convened. Replacing the ACA with some sort of Trumpcare was an unpopular prospect among those attending the event in the Napa Valley College Little Theater. Trump received only 28 percent of the vote in Napa County. Then-President Barack Obama signed the ACA in 2010. Among other things, the complicated legislation provides subsidies for insurance purchased through exchanges, prohibits denying insurance because of pre-existing conditions and mandates most people without health care coverage buy insurance or pay a penalty. Trump has called the Affordable Care Act- popularly known as Obamacarea disaster and said his yet-to-be-revealed replacement will be far less expensive and far better. But Thompson is skeptical. Repealing the ACA could mean 22 million people losing health care coverage, Medicare losing 11 years of its life expectancy and the nation losing 3 million jobs tied to the act, including 334,000 California jobs, he said. One person during the town hall meeting stepped to the microphone to back Trump. This Napa business owner was swimming upstream amid the strong current of pro-ACA sentiments in the room. Its going to be repealed and replaced, she said. No its not! shouted others in the audience, though the meeting remained civil and the majority didnt shout her down. The Trump supporter told Thompson that the American people elected Trump in part because he promised to repeal Obamacare. She asked him what type of health care ideas being advanced by Republicans hes willing to consider. First of all, Im not convinced its going to be repealed, Thompson said to applause. And I havent seen any replacement to date. Theres been no legislation filed irrespective of who you voted for or how many people voted for the current president, that doesnt mean I have to go along with him if hes wrong. Tanir Ami, CEO of Napa Countys OLE Health, had a question for Thompson. She wondered if some moderate Republicans will support the ACA, a key to its survival, given that Republicans control both houses of Congress. Thompson said the way some Congressional district lines are drawn is a problem. Some Republican representatives are far to the right and if they compromise, they will be replaced with someone even farther to the right, he said. But there are some Republicans who can be turned on this, Thompson said. And you dont have to look far. California Republicans should be very aware of the political situation they are in. Thompson urged people at the town hall meeting to talk with people they know in Republican-controlled districts about the benefits of the ACA. Its about peoples lives and peoples livelihoods, Thompson said. This is not a battle we can lose. Most of the hour-and-a-half event was devoted to a question-and-answer session. Thompson sat on stage as part of a six-person panel with Ami, state Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, Elba Gonzalez-Mares of Community Health Initiative, Christopher Manson of St. Joseph Health, Blanca Castro of AARP and Raymond Burch, a citizen who said he has benefited from the ACA. Dodd said 17 percent of Californians had no health care insurance before the ACA, one of the highest uninsured rates in the nation. Now the number is 7.1 percent, compared to 8.8 percent nationwide. You see, the ACA is working in the state of California, he said to applause. California could lose $20 billion in federal money if Congress appeals the ACA, Dodd said. That is $5 billion for insurance premium subsidies and $15 billion for a Medi-Cal expansion that provides coverage for 3.7 million people. This $20-billion figure represents 16 percent of the general budget for California, Dodd said. The states rainy day fund is $10 billion. Theres no way of making up for this by raising revenues or making cuts to the essential services that we have, Dodd said. Ami thanked OLE Health patients and staff for showing up at the town hall meeting. As Napas only community health center, OLE Health serves 33,000 patients, of whom about 8,000 received health coverage for the first time through the ACA, she said. OLE Health provided fliers telling how people can get involved to protect community health centers. Were committed to this community, Ami said. Were committed to this work no matter what happens over the next few years. But we do need your help. Thompson has held three health care town halls in his district and has another one scheduled for Santa Rosa. He said other Congressional representatives are holding similar town hall meetings in their districts. White House chief of staff Reince Priebus recently told Associated Press that a replacement plan for the Affordable Care Act could emerge in early March. My belief that we live in a white mans world and country has developed over time throughout my 73 years of life. Lets begin with our U.S. Constitution. So often there is praise for the document that this country was built upon, however rarely, if ever do we hear how flawed the founding documents were, beginning with the statement All men are created equal in the Declaration of Independence. If that were true, then slavery wouldnt have existed; everyone -- man, woman and child -- would have had equal rights to pursue their life in freedom. The Constitution did not state that there would be freedom of speech and religion for all races, as well as equal opportunity for employment without a difference in pay for women. Our Founding Fathers owned slaves. Many women slaves were raped and sodomized by those Founding Fathers. I was a chaperone many years ago for our high school band on a trip to Washington, D.C., and part of the trip included a visit to Mt. Vernon, the plantation estate of George Washington. As we walked the grounds we came upon the rear of the property wherein there were many small hovels and shacks. Our tour guide, history teacher Mr. D., explained that the shacks were used for sleeping and cooking by the slaves. I imagine that the slaves slept on the floor because I didnt see any sort of bed or cot. At one point, as we gazed upon all of the sad excuse for a home, Mr. D made a comment You know that they didnt call George Washington the 'Father of Our Country' for nothing. I realized what Mr. D was alluding to and was shocked by his candor. I realized just how skewed our history education had been, and just how much of the truth we hadnt been taught. And that was only the beginning of all the new history lessons that I would learn. In elementary and high school education, we learned of our Native American brothers and sisters with a negative spin on their lives. They were referred to as Indians giving a depreciated description of those humble people. We didnt learn how white men came onto American soil and took claim to the land that the Native Americans had built and cultivated for their families. Instead, we were taught that they were the Native Americans were the intruders. We didnt learn of all the cruel and brutal acts perpetrated upon the Native Americans. Those white settlers took what they wanted for their own purpose and gain without regard for our fellow man. How they decimated the many villages in their path is beyond understanding. Yes, a white mans world. During World War II, the Japanese people were interred in camps in the U.S., many of them born here; all of whom came to America to find freedom and a new life striving for The American Dream. My grandparents arrived at Ellis Island from Poland (which was part of Russia at the time). I had the opportunity to visit Ellis Island a few years ago and learned just how the vetting process was conducted -- the many questions that my grandparents faced, the health exams, the close quarters and segregated housing units that existed in order to prevent the spread of disease. Many people were put into quarantine for that purpose, but they sustained because of their dream for freedom, and for a better life without oppression. Today, many immigrants still face an arduous process in order to live, work and ultimately become citizens as my grandparents did in their time. I venture to ask what would happen to the hundreds of wineries in our county and beyond if our humble migrant workers - or permanent workers - were deported? Be aware, be very aware of the ruse that Trump is committing in his distractions for people. Under cover of his inappropriate and false tweets, the government has removed a number of regulations that support the FDA, the EPA, animal rights, just to name a few. Be aware of false prophets. Use professional journalists, reputable TV stations/radio, as well as credible newspapers or internet sites. I am hopeful that all of our brothers and sisters from other countries will continue to stand with us in the hope that this administration will be swiftly impeached and prosecuted for violating our Constitution. Some may think that it is embarrassing having Trump as president of the U.S.. However, there is no need to be embarrassed if some people feel that way because Trump is the person who is making all the mistakes and our allies abroad see that clearly, and that is why they have continually held demonstrations, rallies, marches, tweeted, emailed, text and implored our government to act -- and act swiftly. Elaine R. Nepsha Calistoga Thank you for printing the letter from Pat and Franz Wartenweller objecting to the increase in the speed limit on First Avenue ("Too fast on First," Feb. 20). First Avenue is definitely a twisty, hilly road. It should also be noted that visibility is so limited on First Avenue that it has a double yellow line nearly its full length. The fact that there are no shoulders on First Avenue makes it hazardous for walkers, bicycle riders or people on horseback. Parents from the Vichy and Silverado Country Club areas are always rushing past to get their kids to Siilverado Middle School on time or to pick them up in the afternoon. Within the past few years, there have been two fatal auto accidents on First Avenue. The increased speed limit can only make these kinds of accidents more likely to happen again. Personally, we feel the anyone going 50 miles an hour on this road should be charged with criminal negligence. On the other hand, we congratulate the county on how promptly they posted the new increased limits. The information of the change was in the newspaper that morning and the signs were changed that afternoon. Would that pot holes were so promptly repaired. John and Harriet Nelson Napa The U.S. government is composed of three branches, the legislative, executive, and judicial, interwoven into a system of checks and balances. But because our government is supposed to carry out the will of the people, the people must be informed. The primary source of information is through, what I consider the fourth branch of government, journalism. Often referred to as the watchdog of society or the fourth estate the role of journalism in our government goes all the way back to the founding of our nation with The Federalist Papers essays written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay promoting the ratification of the Constitution. Controlling the information the people receive is how you control the people. This is how authoritarian governments work. This is why, when a country invades another country, initial targets include television and radio stations. But what if a dictator wanted to take over this country? Even if that person was the President of the United States they certainly could not ask the Air Force to bomb broadcasting towers. What they could do is ramp up their propaganda machine to declare the media the Enemy of the People and constantly refer to them as Fake News. A recent article in "Fake Newspaper" USA Today discusses how Trump uses standard techniques used in advertising to essentially "brainwash" the public. The article quotes a professor of linguistics at "communist" UC Berkeley, who outlines how the repetition of certain, simple words can actually train a person to think in a certain way (think Hitler). Think of the words Trump uses constantly within his third-grade vocabulary: stupid, weak, loser, bad, terrible, dishonest, broken, amazing, huge, tremendous, and terrific. Then there are his prefixes: Fake News, Crooked Hilary, Lyin Ted. Now lets combine everything I have just said. Americans rely on the media to keep their leaders honest. We have a president who came from a background where he was essentially a dictator. He is also a salesman. What his background does not include is being challenged. Combine that with a lack of understanding as to how the government works or the role of the media. Mix in his incredibly thin skin and his limited grasp of the facts due to his zero attention span (per his ghostwriter for The Art of the Deal) and what do you get? A mountain of false statements that will always be challenged by the press; challenges he will find totally unacceptable. The result? War with the media. His mendacity has gone so far beyond any president in modern history that even Shephard Smith, news anchor for Fox News, home base for the ultra-right, couldnt take it anymore saying after Trumps recent press conference, It is crazy what we are watching every day. He keeps repeating ridiculous throwaway lines that are not true at all and avoiding this issue of Russia as if we are some kind of fools for asking the question. True, all politicians lie to some extent, including Hillary, but none in modern history, with possible exception of Cruz, come remotely close to Trump. If I were a millionaire I would like nothing better than to take out a full-page add in the Washington Post challenging his team to prove his "facts." I would hire four Republican and four Democratic-appointed retired judges and challenge various Trump statements. Each side could present their evidence (yes, it is easy to prove who had more electoral votes or there was no terrorist attack in Sweden). First to 100 wins $1 million. Should I do a GoFundMe? One last thing. Before you attack me with What about Hilary? understand I am a moderate who has no interest in defending Clinton, especially since she currently does not hold any office. Also, there are certain Trump and even Steve Bannon positions I agree or mostly agree with. As a moderate, I consider each issue a la carte. The problem is the extreme recklessness, lack of understanding of how the world and laws of our nation work, and his preference to make decisions based on the rumor mill when he has the greatest fact-finding organizations in the world at his disposal. I have disliked a number of presidents on both sides of the isle but this is the first one who actually scares me. Yes, there is too much "fake news" out there but the vast majority is, unfortunately, all too accurate. Marc Levin Napa SAN FRANCISCO A Bay Area man who worked to protect children from violence after his son was murdered in 2004 has been killed in an altercation. The San Francisco Chronicle reported Wednesday that Vallejo police say Landrin Ray Kelly died Feb. 13 of injuries sustained during an altercation two days before. A 49-year-old Vallejo man was arrested Tuesday in connection to the death. Kelly founded the Terrance Kelly Youth Foundation after his son, Terrance Kelly, was killed when he was 18. The younger Kelly died of street violence, which his father then fought to end. SANTA ROSA Northern California authorities have arrested a man on the top of Santa Rosa's list of most wanted criminals after a 12-year search. The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports that the suspect was arrested Wednesday at a rural residence outside Redding. The arrest was a joint effort between Santa Rosa detectives, FBI agents and the Shasta County Sheriff's Office. The man was wanted for the Jan. 15, 2005 shooting death of 27-year-old Semere Girmai, of Santa Rosa. Police say the shooting was an execution-style slaying. The shooting was allegedly motivated by a cocaine and methamphetamine distribution feud between the men, who had gang ties. After his arrested on Wednesday, the man initially gave a fake name before eventually admitting to being on the run all these years. By William K. Black February 22, 2017 Bloomington, MN Kenneth Arrow, one of the giants of economics, has died at the age of 95. He became a Nobel Laureate in 1972. As a young lawyer in 1977, I saw him in action as an expert witness on the subject of risk. The context was setting the rates for shipping oil through the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPs). Arrow testified about the risks of oil prices falling. The FERC administrative law judge thought such a scenario was ridiculous. Within four years, oil prices fell sharply. Arrows experience was a common one for economists dealing with lawyers the ALJ ignored him. The New York Times obituary for Arrow is revealing about how the conventional wisdom distorts economic theory in a predictably skewed fashion. It begins by discussing Arrows impossibility theorem, which states that where there are more than two choices it is impossible to construct perfect majority choice systems. The author of the obit stressed the impossibility of such systems being optimal. Contrast that emphasis with the authors treatment of Arrows work on general equilibrium. Professor Arrow proved that their system of equations mathematically cohere: Prices exist that bring all markets into simultaneous equilibrium (whereby every item produced at the equilibrium price would be voluntarily purchased). And market competition puts societys resources to good use: Competitive markets are efficient, in the language of economists. Professor Arrows theorems set out the precise conditions under which Adam Smiths famous conjecture in The Wealth of Nations holds true: that the invisible hand of market competition among self-serving individuals serves society well. That is one way to phrase it, but a more accurate, parallel way to phrase Arrows work on general equilibrium would be as an impossibility theorem. Arrow actually proved that it was impossible for general equilibrium to occur. The precise conditions in which economists can guarantee that a market transaction serves society well is the null set. There is no market that meets those precise conditions because they are impossible to meet. Market competition does not inherently put societys resources to good use and competitive markets can be enormously inefficient. In a Greshams dynamic, for example, the more competitive the market the more CEOs put societys resources to bad uses and the more inefficient the results. When hit men compete to murder spouses, the price of hiring hit men declines, but this does not serve society well and it is not efficient. (The same is true for competition by cigarette company CEOs. When companies prosper by increasing greenhouse gas emissions it, eventually, does not serve society well and it is not efficient. The author of the obit accurately reflects the conventional economic wisdom in the two paragraphs that I quoted. The conventional economic wisdom is flat out wrong. As I have emphasized in prior posts, a prominent economist (who loves general equilibrium) admits that the conventional wisdom would only be true under the silent assumption that God mystically ensures that buyers and sellers do not act in a self-serving manner that harms society and reduces efficiency (Athreya 2013: 104). We should call it the Arrow-Debreu-McKenzie (ADM) impossibility theorem, but instead orthodox economists make the hilarious (implicit) assumption that God loves laissez faire so much that he prevents all predation. As Dr. Athreya phrases it, the ADM God prevents CEOs from even considering the possibility of predating on customers. The author of the obit understands most of these points. [Arrow] made clear, his powerful conclusions about the workings of competitive markets held true only under ideal that is to say, unrealistic assumptions. His assumptions, for example, ruled out the existence of third-party effects: The sale of a product by Harry to Joe was assumed not to affect the well-being of Sally an assumption routinely violated in the real world by, for example, the sale of products that harm the environment. Note, however, that the author does not go back and correct his earlier errors and he never states that the ADM general equilibrium model shows that it is impossible for laissez faire to produce general equilibrium. He also fails to inform readers that orthodox economists twin dystopian assumptions (Athreya 2013) make it impossible for laissez faire to guarantee either efficiency or socially desirable outcomes. The twin dystopian assumptions are self-interested behavior and rationality. Orthodox economists such as N. Gregory Mankiw define actions by CEO, such as the refusal to loot the firm, as irrational rather than moral because it would harm the CEOs self-interest (Akerlof & Romer 1993: 65). The punch line to the defining economist joke is assume a can opener. To silently assume an ADM God, however, takes that joke to an unprecedented level worthy of a superlative humorist. Modern macro economists have surpassed micro economists supreme act of humor. Modern macro silently assumes an ADM God and invariably describes its use of general equilibrium models as rigorous. One imagines the rigor of modern macro proponents as they begin their incantations, using an analog to a pilots pre-flight checklist. Step one: silently assume an ADM God. Step two: silently assume that the ADM God is the patron of laissez faire and acts rigorously to prevent any predation by CEOs (even though the express dystopian assumptions would produce widespread CEO predation). Step three: Define steps 1 and 2 as the rigorous treatment of micro foundations. Step four: chant the mantra endlessly and with a straight face. Step five: do not fly on the ADM plane and blame the crashes on governmental interference with the otherwise inerrant ADM checklist. A last nerdy note. The author of the obit stresses repeatedly how impressed he is by Arrows general equilibrium math. The math only general equilibrium, however, because the model assumes away reality. If the model attempted to deal with reality, without the ADM Gods aid, the math would produce indeterminacy or spiral away from equilibrium into bubbles and market breakdowns. The math would also show that laissez faire is frequently criminogenic and would produce epidemics of elite fraud and other predatory abuse. Arrow made his absurd assumptions in his model not because they reflected reality, or proved reliable in prediction, but to make the system of equations mathematically cohere. When the math fails to explain reality and predict events it is a grave error (rather than a cause for celebration) when economists assume out of existence reality and torture the model until the math coheres. The ultimate failure of economics as a field is to: worship an economic model that is criminogenic, hide that disaster from the public by assuming silently an ADM God that contradicts the models express assumption, continue to worship and proselytize that model when its silent assumption of an ADM God repeatedly produces criminogenic policies and epic predictive failures, and praise your models as rigorous, scientific, and transparent, and define critics as anti-scientific and demand that their critiques be excluded as heresy. Arrow was brilliant and well meaning. We celebrate his life and mourn his passing. The opportunity cost to our field is how much he could have accomplished had his research not been so distorted by neoclassical dogma. 11:33 Ian Grillot has a new 'best friend'. Recuperating in hospital after he was shot at while intervening in the racially motivated hate attack on Indians Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani, Grillot said he wasn't really thinking when he tried to save the two Indians. The attack left Srinivas Kuchibhotla dead and his colleague Madasani injured. Grillot, 24, is in a stable condition in hospital. In a video released by the University of Kansas Health System, Grillot can be heard narrating the incident. When the shooting began, Grillot ducked behind a table and counted off the shots fired by the assailant - Adam Purinton - and when he thought Purinton had run out of bullets, he lunged at the man. However, Purinton still had one round in his gun magazine and managed to shoot Grillot through the arm and chest. Recounting that, Grillot said, "I guess I miscounted." Talking about the attack and what motivated him to put his life in danger, Grillot, known locally to defuse tensions, said he wasn't really thinking when he tried to save the two Indians. "It was just, it wasn't right, and I didn't want the gentleman to go after somebody else." Grillot also said that though it had been a harrowing experience, he was thrilled to see Madasani standing in his doorway at the hospital. "It put the biggest smile on my face," Grillot said in the video. "I'm just very grateful that one of the gentlemen is fine and alive. It's terrible what happened to his friend. But I think he was watching over us last night," he said with tears in his eyes. He said he considered the Indian his new "best friend". "I was just doing what anyone should have done," Grillot said. "It's not about where he's from, or ethnicity. We're all humans." Adam Purinton, who was arrested soon after the attack has been charged with murder for an attack that has been described as racially motivated. Image: Video grab of Ian Grillot in hospital. The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] Mulhearn to discuss United Nations work with NGOs by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Thomas Mulhearn, who spent more than 30 years working with various non-governmental organizations including Catholic Relief Services and World Vision, will present a lecture at Southern Illinois University Carbondale next week. Mulhearn will discuss, How the United Nations Helps Boots-on-the-Ground NGOs at 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 27, at the SIU School of Laws Hiram H. Lesar Building, Room 102. The event is free and the public is invited. Mulhearns experience in the Peace Corps in Bolivia inspired him to join Catholic Relief Services in 1973. After working in Latin America and Africa for that organization for 23 years, Mulhearn joined World Vision and worked in East Africa for 10 years. Throughout his NGO career, Mulhearn worked closely with many United Nations agencies, including the World Food Program, UNICEF and UNHCR, the UNs refugee agency. Among the work that Mulhearn was involved in was the war in Sudan, the drought in Northern Kenya, and the Ethiopian famine. The United Nations Association USA, Southern Illinois Chapter and the law schools chapter of The International Law Society are event sponsors. The powerful explosion targeted the Defence Housing Authority - a commercial area with scores of eateries, including restaurants serving Indian cuisine, police said. There were conflicting reports regarding the nature of the blast. Punjab government authorities initially claimed that the blast was the result of a "generator explosion", but multiple sources, including Nayab Haider, a spokesman for Punjab police, later said the explosion was caused by a bomb. "Ten people were killed as a result of the explosion in Lahore's Defence area today (Thursday)," Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique told the media, adding that forensic teams were working on the case. The impact of the blast shattered windows of nearby buildings and vehicles. According to bomb disposal squad, a bomb was planted inside an under-construction building and detonated through a timing device. As much as eight to 10 kg of explosive material was used. There were reports of a second blast in Lahore's Gulberg area. However, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah denied it. A day earlier, the military announced a massive urban counter-terrorism operation after a week of bombings in Punjab, Sindh, Fata, Khyber Pakhtunwa and Balochistan claimed at least 100 lives. The worst bombing took place at the Lal Shahbaz Qalandar shrine in Sindh's Sehwan town last week when a suicide bomber blew himself up inside the shrine, killing 90 people. In Lahore on February 13, at least 13 people, including top police officials, were killed and dozens injured in suicide attack near the Punjab Assembly. No militant group claimed the responsibility for Thursday's attack, but the series of bombing in the past week has been claimed by the Jamat-ul-Ahrar group - a splinter group of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. --IANS ahm/rn ( 324 Words) 2017-02-23-19:54:06 (IANS) The central government on Thursday did away with security requirement of stamping hand baggage tags at the time of boarding the aircraft at seven airports. According to Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), airports in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderbad, Ahmedabad and Cochin have been exempt from following the security procedure with immediate effect. Till now, passengers had to get their hand baggage stamped by ASG (Aviation Security Group)/APSU (Airport Security Unit) personnel after security check at PESC (Pre- embarkation Security Check) points. Under the current security apparatus passengers with non-stamped baggage tags are not allowed to board flights. The BCAS in its latest circular said that the decision to allow hassle-free movement of passengers with hand baggage was taken after two phase trial runs were conducted at the seven airports. "It is pertinent to mention that the trial run for the same has already been successfully conducted in two phases at the aforementioned airports by ASG/APSU after putting in place the requisite surveillance and monitoring system," the BCAS circular said. "The feedback from the trial run has been analysed and a positive response has been recorded." Besides, the circular said that the airport operator need to ensure that the requisite monitoring system is maintained all through out PESC points. The airport operators have installed high-resolution CCTV cameras and other appropriate technologies for security screening of baggage. Last year, Civil Aviation Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju said that trial run have been started at select major airports to facilitate hassle-free movement of passengers with hand baggage. "This is a very progressive step and will facilitate hassle-free movement of the passengers. This will also bring down the traversal time at the airports," the minister was quoted that time as saying in a statement. The week-long trial runs in two phases for all domestic passengers was initiated by the BCAS on the advice of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The earliest trails by BCAS was initiated in collaboration with Hyderabad International Airport Limited and CISF for non-stamping of baggage tag in one of the lanes at Hyderabad airport. It is widely expected that with the success of the trial runs, the same practice will be extended to other airports. --IANS rv/vm ( 383 Words) 2017-02-23-22:12:05 (IANS) A police complaint has been filed against model-turned-nun Sofia Hayat -- a British national of Indian descent -- for getting swastika inked on the soles of both her feet. The complaint was filed by RTI activist Asad Patel at the Amboli police station in Jogeshwari (West) here on Wednesday. A copy of the complaint is being circulated in the media. "Model Sofia Hayat ne kya Hindu Muslim dharm ka mazak udaya. Amboli Police station mein complaint dakhil (Why has model Sofia Hayat made fun of Hindu and Muslim community. Complaint lodged in Amboli police station)," Patel tweeted. According to the complaint copy, Sofia has disturbed the "public peace and public tranquility and public order" by getting the swastika inked on her feet. Sofia had shared a photograph of her feet with the swastika tattoo on Instagram earlier this week. As the symbol is considered sacred by the Hindu community, Sofia courted outrage over social media. She later took a stand for herself and wrote: "May those with anger know that they only do the work of the devil in their anger. May those that say unkind words know that those words come from negative entities whether you call it an energy, the devil or anything else." Sofia also then posted an image of another tattoo. "And my final sacred tatoo... Allah Islam, peace. To be born is to be a Muslim... To be a muslim is to surrender... To surrender you come into knowing of divinity in you and all things in existence... And to know existence is to know Allah... To know Allah... Is to know the greatest love... to know this... you know PEACE... And love all things... for everything has a reason." Sofia has appeared in shows like "Welcome - Baazi Mehmaan Nawazi Ki", "Bigg Boss 7" and "Comedy Nights Bachao". --IANS sas/rb/vt ( 315 Words) 2017-02-23-13:06:06 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who is in Delhi, today called on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi here this afternoon. She brought several issues confronting the State into the notice of the Prime Minister. The Chief Minister requested the Prime Minister for expediting the dredging in river Jhelum as envisioned in the Prime Minister's Development Plan. Implementation of the Agenda of Alliance (AoA) in J-K was also discussed in the meeting and Mufti pressed for taking appropriate measures for its effective implementation. (ANI) Agreeing to expand cooperation in energy sector, Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari, on Wednesday, said both India and Uganda have decided to grow and scale new heights in future. "We both (India and Uganda) have agreed to expand cooperation in energy sector as also in training of personnel for space programmes and peaceful uses of atomic energy," said the Vice President. Ansari, while addressing the India-Uganda Business Forum, threw light on what transpire between the two countries, during his three-day meeting with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. "I came away from that meeting with a reinforced confidence in the desire of the two governments to continue to engage with each other and a send a powerful message to the business communities in both of our countries that here are the business opportunities which have to be availed of," he said. Ansari said India's commercial and business ties with Uganda are dynamic and form a key pillar of the bilateral relations. "I am told that every month, more than 70 Ugandan businessmen travel to India to explore business opportunities with India. It is a matter of satisfaction that India is one of the largest trade partners of Uganda but at US$ 615 million, our bilateral trade is yet to reach its true potential,"he added. Asserting that Uganda has an expanding economy offering opportunities in a variety of sectors, Vice President Ansari said the country is blessed with natural resources, including fertile soil and a strong agrarian base, deposits of minerals, and now even, petroleum that has been discovered. "Recent economic reforms have ushered in rapid growth. We encourage our companies to remain engaged and invested in the opportunities that the Ugandan economy presents," he added. The Vice President further pointed out that India and Uganda have similar demographic profiles and disease burden and face similar challenges related to health and well-being of the population. "India has been a source of affordable pharmaceuticals and specialized healthcare for people of Africa. Several Indian hospitals have developed facilities to serve medical cases referred to them from Africa, including from Uganda. Many of them have also shown interest in setting up integrated healthcare facilities in Uganda, providing high quality medical and nursing services across a wide range of specialties," he added. Asserting that India has over the past few years emerged as one of the largest investors and trading partners of Uganda, Ansari said this has been possible due to the continuing and positive support of the Ugandan Government. "I thank the Government of Uganda for welcoming Indian entrepreneurs who have sought business opportunities in Uganda and I request that the Ugandan Government continues with such support and encouragement for our companies seeking business in Uganda," he said. (ANI) The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has resolved to cancel the no objection certificate for uranium extraction at Kylleng-Pdengsohiong Mawthabah in Meghalaya's South West Khasi Hills district. The Council also decided to scrap the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the KHADC and Uranium Corporation of India Limited for construction of the Wahkaji-Mawthabah road project in 2006. The Council's decision is significant in the backdrop of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) plans to develop large deposits of uranium in the state that have the potential to generate substantial nuclear fuel for atomic power plants in the country. KHADC Chief Executive Member, P N Syiem said the members of the Council yesterday adopted a resolution to cancel the NOC for uranium mining and construction of the Wahkaji-Mawthabah road project following opposition from various quarters and health concerns over uranium mining."We have decided to start an independent inquiry into the proposed road project at Wahkaji-Mawthabah that was approved in 2006 under then Chief Executive Member Hispreaching Son Shylla," Mr Syiem said."Any decision related to uranium mining cannot be taken by the Executive Committee without the prior approval of the House."In fact, the Meghalaya government had recently revoked the decision of the then D D Lapang-led government to lease a land measuring 422 hectares to the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) for pre-mining activities in South West Khasi Hills district.Mukul Sangma had said the decision to revoke the previous cabinet decision was taken, following the recent tender for expression of interest (EOI) floated by the UCIL without the consent of the state government despite the whole exercise (related to 2009 cabinet decision) was kept in abeyance.The UCIL had recently floated an EOI from the competent Indian companies for providing consultancy services for the projects.The initial task of the consultant will be obtaining statutory clearance, land acquisition, mining lease, forest land diversion and public consultation.The Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) found uranium oxide reserves, estimated to be about 9,500 tonnes in about 9.22 million tonnes of ore in the state.During an initial survey, the AMD found that the area around Kylleng-Pyndeng-Sohiong had about 10,000 tonnes of Uranium.Various anti-uranium groups in Meghalaya have been opposing tooth and nail against the move of the UCIL to mine uranium in the state fearing health and environmental hazard. UNI RRK RN 1042 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0311-1161933.Xml Three jawans were also injured in the in the incident. However, a defence ministry spokesman said details about the encounter are being collected. On an information about the presence of militants, a cordon was laid and a land search operation launched at Kungnoo Shopian, by 44 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Police. MORE UNI BAS JW SB 0847 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0364-1161869.Xml China's commerce minister decided at the last minute to postpone an official trip to the Philippines on Thursday to sign about 40 joint projects worth billions of dollars, sources at the Philippines trade and finance ministries said.It was not immediately clear what was behind the abrupt postponement of what would have been an important development in a new era of engagement between the two historic rivals under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has praised the leadership of Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.However, two Philippines officials, who asked not to be identified, suggested Beijing may have been irked by comments on Tuesday by foreign minister Perfecto Yasay about China's robust activities in disputed areas of the South China Sea.Chinese Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng was due to arrive in Manila on Thursday with a large delegation but China informed the Philippines on Wednesday afternoon they would not be coming, the two sources said."It was a last-minute decision," said one of the officials. "We were only informed about it and we're not privy to any information about the cancellation."Philippines Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez told Reuters the two sides had yet to set a new date for the meeting but were looking at early March. He gave no reason for the sudden change.China's commerce ministry had no immediate comment when contacted by Reuters.On Tuesday, Yasay said as chairman of a meeting of Association of South East Asian Nations foreign ministers that ASEAN was unsettled and had "grave concern" about China's move to militarise manmade islands, including installation of weapons systems, in the South China Sea.ASEAN is usually muted in its criticism of Beijing, wary of offending a crucial source of trade, tourism and investment.A Philippine trade official said Manila could only speculate about why Gao had postponed the visit, and that trade and economic relations were separate to political disputes over the South China Sea.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Wednesday Yasay's comments were his own and did not represent the views of ASEAN. China hoped Yasay adhered to Duterte's policy of seeking to improve ties with China, Geng said.A Philippine delegation has submitted to Beijing a list of 40 small- and large-scale infrastructure projects for possible loans and grants. Chinese firms are also keen to invest in the agriculture, fisheries and energy sectors in the Philippines.Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said in an earlier statement a six-year development programme for China-Philippines cooperation was due to be signed during Gao's visit.The deal stems from an agreement between Xi and Duterte in Beijing in October.The finance ministry said 15 of the infrastructure projects submitted to China were loan financing, while 25 other projects were for feasibility study support. Three of the large-scale projects are worth $3.4 billion combinedREUTERS CJ NS1106 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1161937.Xml As Beijing tightens its grip on trade with North Korea, the economies of Chinese towns along the 1,400-km border the two countries share are floundering.On Saturday, China said it would ban all coal imports from North Korea, the latest move to enforce United Nations sanctions aimed at depriving Pyongyang of hard currency for its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes.The sanctions have had a wider impact on trade, locals on the border complain, as North Koreans struggle to finds funds to pay for goods. Even smugglers are feeling the pinch."A few of my friends who used to smuggle goods from North Korea have gotten out of the business in the last two years because it's getting dangerous and not as lucrative," said an owner of a events hall in Kuandian, about 100 km (60 miles) north of Dandong, the largest city on the border."I don't know whether it's related, but people are spending less these days. It's getting harder to earn money."While Beijing, North Korea's sole major ally, has previously said it would comply with UN sanctions, it has been criticised by the United States for not vigorously enforcing them.China buys 70 percent of North Korea's exports and Dandong, the main gateway for trade with the hermit state, is the best place to gauge the impact of the restrictions it has put in force.Linked to the North Korean city of Sinijiu via the Friendship Bridge, Dandong has boomed in recent years, swept up by speculation that North Korea's young leader, Kim Jong Un, would, in time, copy China's export-oriented economic reforms.More than 1,000 border trading companies set up shop in office complexes overlooking the river, while developers flocked to build new apartment blocks.But many of those firms have since folded, residents and traders say. Construction on at least two apartment complexes in Dandong has stalled and empty shopfronts are scattered across the city."These shops couldn't carry on because they rely on the North Koreans, and there are fewer North Koreans coming here too," said a trader, who only wanted to give his name as Jin, who helps North Korean buyers procure goods such as washing machines and construction materials from China."Three years ago we could make a profit of 30-40 percent on an order, now you can't even hope for 20 percent."It is not in China's interest to ditch its old ally totally. A sudden regime collapse could throw North Korea into chaos and send hundreds of thousands of North Koreans fleeing across the border, diplomats have said.But China seems to be increasingly irked by what it sees as Kim's recalcitrance on the nuclear weapons issue.Saturday's coal ban came after Beijing had announced in April last year that it would stop importing North Korean coal. But it made exceptions for deliveries intended for "the people's wellbeing" and not connected to the weapons programmes.In fact, China bought about 22 million tonnes of coal from North Korea last year, up 15 percent, with most of it arriving by sea through five ports along China's east coast.Still, the impact of the April ban had already been felt heavily in Dandong."They've stopped letting in coal since July," said a security guard at the biggest coal yard in the inland port city, now empty barring two small mounds of coal. "All the workers were sent home by the company in October. Once the government decided, the port stopped allowing in the coal, it's not like we could do anything," he said, only giving his surname as Tang.Local management at state-owned Liaoning Greenland Energy Coal Group, which runs the yard, confirmed the suspension of coal shipments, which used to arrive by boat on the Yalu river that separates China from North Korea.It remains unclear how rigorously the latest coal ban will be enforced.Many people in Dandong complained that trade across the river had already fallen broadly."Dandong's economy relies on trade with North Korea," said a truck driver waiting to cross the Friendship Bridge, who estimated his income had fallen by around a third as a result."We don't have any factories that churn out goods. We don't have light industries, nor do we have heavy industry." REUTERS SDR 0513 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-1161836.Xml Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the 112 feet statue of Shiva knownas 'Adiyogi' on Mahashivaratri tomorrow. The programme will be held at Isha Yoga Center, the foothills of western ghats here, in the presence of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudeve. This will be the largest face created on the planet to recognize Adiyogi's unparalleled contribution to humanity. Police sources said that elaborate security arrangement has been made in the city as well as on the outskirts of the city, where the Isha Yoga centre is situated. Senior Police Official J K Tripathi , Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) and IGP (Intelligence of police) S Davidson Devasirvadham reviewed the security arrangements in the city and at the Isha Yoga Centre yesterday. IAF Choppers from Sulur Air base took rehearsal flights to the helipad near theYoga centre . The sources said Mr Modi will arrive at Sulur Air Base and from there he will fly in a chopper to the Yoga centre, the sources added. Coimbatore Medical College (CMC) authorities said that four emergency medical teams have been kept ready for the visit of Prime Minister. Meanwhile, various organisations have urged the Prime Minister not to visit Isha Yoga Center as it has violated various rules in the forest and their activities are against the environment. UNI KS CS 1148 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1162003.Xml Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) sleuths seized 11.9 kilogram of gold bars valued at Rs 3.50 Crore from a car at Keeranur, here last night. Police said acting on specific inputs, a DRI team intercepted the car at a toll plaza near Keeranur and seized the yellow metal. The car was proceeding to Chennai from Ramanathapuram. The driver of car identified as Gandhi (42), hailing from Thiruvadanai in Ramanathapuram district was arrested and was taken to Chennai for further investigation. UNI GSM CS 1335 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1162136.Xml The West Bengal Government has decided to setting up three more 'police districts' after Jhargram. All the new police districts will be set up in South 24 Parganas, in Kakdwip, Diamond Harbour and Baruipur, the official sources here today said. The decision was approved during the State Cabinet meeting at Nabanna. The Kakdwip police district will be setup with 19 police stations, including nine, in the Kakdwip sub-division. The Diamond Harbour police district will include all the police station of the sub-division and that of the Alipore sub-division. The Baruipur police-district will include all the police stations of the Baruipur sub-division. Diamond Harbour will be the largest among the three police districts, with 19 police stations. Baruipur police district will have 10 stations and South Industrial, with headquarters at Alipore, will have nine, a senior official of state home department said. The move will ensure better communication and fast response by the police force in case of any emergency regarding law and order situation. Just after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee came to power in 2011, she carved out 10 police stations Behala, Thakupukur, Kasba, Purba Jadavpur, Jadavpur, Tiljala, Regent Park, Nadial and Metiabruz from the district and put them under jurisdiction of Kolkata Police.UNI BM RN 1359 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0311-1162186.Xml Andhra Pradesh Police Officers Association (APPOA) demanded an apology from YSRCP MLA R K Roja for her absurd remarks against Director General of Police N Sambasiva Rao and warned of protest by wearing black badges, if she did not tender an apology. Addressing a press conference here today, APPOA State President J Srinivasa Rao said Ms Roja alleged that the state Police chief was acting like a slave to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Her comment is amounted to humiliating of entire police department and such comments would demoralise the police force. He demanded the woman MLA to tender unconditional apology to the police department and withdraw the absurd remarks against the DGP. Mr Rao warned of protest to her comments by wearing black badges including the gunmen of MLA, if she did not tender apology. He said that the MLA was held and sent back to Hyderabad, when she was going to attend National Women Parliament as the police got reliable information that he was going to the conference with a bad intention of disrupting it. The POA also took strong exception for the MLA's comments that the police were acting like bouncers. Her comments would be detrimental to the society, he regretted and asked to speak in a dignified manner. UNI DP CS 1446 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1162222.Xml Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan today said that the BJP ledUnion government has not pressurised Hydrocarbon project against people at Pudukkottai district and the Government will not materialise any project which was opposed by the people. Talking to the mediapersons at the city Railway station here, he said that the Hydrocarbon project has been brought by the previous Congress-DMK government and this project will be stopped to satisfy the people. Replying a question, he said to hide the mistake done in the secretariat by the DMK Assembly members, they have resorted fast agitation yesterday. Both DMK and AIADMK will not give good governance to the people and people will not agree whatever DMK's act. The minister said that the Tamil Nadu chief minister should concentrate on health and agriculture sectors, which is affecting the people of the state instead of concentrating to take care of his post. He alleged that for the last so many months the state government is not working and he can comment on the present government's work after a month. Answering a question about the opposition on participating Modi in the Isha Yoga function, He said the opposition charges could be solved only through court and this oppositions should not raise whenever there is a function in the Yoga center, he added. In another press meet here today, Bharathiya Janata Party (BJP) National secretary H Raja saidthe Union government will find out the solution through experts on the Hydrocarbon project at Pudukkottai. He said the Centre has planned Hydrocarbon projects in 31 places in the country. He said that the Tamil Nadu state government should take immediate action to control of the swine flu spreading and urged Indian Medical Association should take action against those hospitals for surgeries to deliver baby for money. Mr Raja said those who are opposing the Prime minister's visit to unveil the Adiyodi statue areAnti-Hindus and the present BJP led Union government will not see any difference in religion. UNI KS JW 1441 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0364-1162138.Xml The 11th Edition of Water Today's 'Water Expo',which began here today, continues to drive knowledge and unparalleled technology in the water sector with its innovative showcase in its three-day event. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Vice Chancellor K Ramaswami inaugurated the Water Expo in the presence of Water Today ManagingDirector S Shanmugham and Editor Naina Shah. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Shanmugham said event was packed with extensive activities, exchange of knowledge and technology, and open interaction with the water and wastewater fraternity. It would focus on clean water supply to rural areas, desalination, drinking water, water processing, wastewater and Zero Liquid Discharge in one comprehensive show. The Expo will house a host of companies offering cutting-edge products and services. Concurrently, 'WATMAN 2017', the two-day international conference,would also be held from tomorrow. The conference offers a podium for industry professionals and academics to address the crucial topics relevant in the water and wastewater industry. The technical sessions will focus on "Transformations in Water and Wastewater Management Systems for Sustainable Future" along with a wide variety of topics like Solid Liquid Separation/Sea Water Desalination challenges, Desalination costs and newer membranes, recent trends in Chemical free Water Treatment, centralized and decentralized Wastewater Management, ZLD in Industrial Wastewater Management: Recent Trends andAnalysis, ZLD in Industrial Wastewater Management: Evaporators for RO rejects and Sewage Reuse and small STPs for apartments. UNI GV CS 1604 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1162433.Xml Jet Airways and Hong Kong Airlines have entered into a codeshare partnership in a move that will help them significantly enhance connectivity between India and the Asia-Pacific region. As part of the reciprocal agreement, Jet Airways will place its marketing code "9W" on Hong Kong Airlines' flights operating between Hong Kong and Okinawa and Tokyo in Japan; Denpasar in Indonesia; Hanoi in Vietnam; Bangkok in Thailand; and Auckland in New Zealand. Hong Kong Airlines in turn, will place its marketing code "HX" on Jet Airways' flights between Hong Kong and Mumbai as well as Delhi in India. Jayaraj Shanmugam, Chief Commercial Officer, Jet Airways said, "As a network carrier, Jet Airways has always focused on meeting the rapidly rising travel needs of our guests for seamless connectivity and greater convenience. Our strategic codeshare partnerships with leading airlines across the world allow us to meet that perfectly. The codeshare with Hong Kong Airlines will enable our guests to experience the joy of flying to key destinations such as Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam and New Zealand, via Hong Kong through our hubs in Mumbai and Delhi." Li Dianchun, Chief Commercial Officer, Hong Kong Airlines said, "We are very happy to establish the partnership with Jet Airways. From our observation, there has been great potential in the India market as increasing travelers from India tend to transit via Hong Kong to Japan, South East Asia and even farther to Auckland. By connecting Hong Kong with Mumbai and Delhi, the new agreement enables passengers from these key cities to travel seamlessly to a bunch of popular destinations in Hong Kong Airlines' network." "On the other hand, our passengers can also access India easily for either business or leisure travel purpose. We look forward to providing the passengers with our world-class service, meanwhile supporting the economic and cultural exchanges in the Asia-Pacific region," he added. UNI ASH SHK 1556 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0388-1162390.Xml India received eight per cent of total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from UK between 2008 and 2016 amounting to 24.07 billion dollars and have generated 3,71,000 jobs during the period, a recent study revealed. The second edition of CBI's Sterling Assets India report, supported by PwC and the UK India Business Council, stated that the UK was responsible for eight per cent of all foreign direct investment (FDI) into India between 2000 and 2016. In the same period, the UK was also the largest FDI job creator in India contributing 371,000 jobs, 10 per cent of all positions created by FDI. British High Commissioner to India, Dominic Asquith said, "The economic and strategic relationship between India and the UK contributes centrally to the prosperity and security of both countries. The vitality of the trade and investment relationship is demonstrated once again by the UK remaining India's largest G20 investor of the 21st century, as the report shows." "Indian investors also find the UK a lucrative market, as our third largest overseas investor and second largest job creator. This superhighway of investment and jobs only strengthens the living bridge of people, ideas, technology, culture and science between the UK and India, providing real-world benefits for both countries," he added. The report highlighted key areas of British investments with the chemicals sector receiving the lion's share at 6.1 billion dollars (25 per cent of UK FDI), followed by drugs and pharmaceuticals at 4.1 billion dollars (17 per cent) and food processing at 3.2 billion dollars (14 per cent). Between 2000 and 2016, the UK invested 24.07 billion dollars in India, increasing its investment by 1.87 billion dollars between 2015 and 2016. UNI ASH ADG 1734 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0388-1162641.Xml "Acting on tip off, SOG men this afternoon intercepted a motorcycle without registration number in Nikki Tawi area of Satwari," police sources said. They said during search of criminals identified as Pritam Singh alias Baga, 43, of Nandwal, Near Laliyal and Rajkumar alias Thellu, 47 of Nandwal, China made one 9 mm, one magazine, sharp edged weapons were recovered. The two wheeler was also seized, they said. A case under relevant sections was registered and investigation started.UNI VBH PY ADG 1834 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0298-1162789.Xml The ruling BJP and opposition Congress legislators came to blows in Gujarat Assembly today over suicides of farmers in the state, leaving minister of state for women and child welfare Nirmala Wadhvani and Congress member Baldev Thakore injured. It all started during discussion on a question by Congress member Paresh Dhanani about farmers committing suicide in the state. Even as minister of state for home Pradipsinh Jadeja tried to say he had answered this issue earlier, Dhanani, Thakore and other MLAs rushed towards the speaker's chair. Enraged, the members from the treasury benches also stormed into the well of the house.Between heated arguments with free use of abusive language, the legislators started pushing and pulling one another and came to blows. Nirmala Wadhvani and Baldev Thakore sustained injuries. Minister Wadhvani was seen with a plaster over her left hand and Thakore had a bandaged left leg. Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel alleged that it was Baldev Thakore, Congress MLA from Kalol in north Gujarat, who attacked the BJP members, but Congress leader and Kutch legislator Shaktisinh Gohil claimed the BJP members tried to strangulate the former. Later, leader of the Opposition Shankersinh Vaghela held a meeting with the women members of Congress and BJP along with chief whip Pankaj Desai. Mr Dhanani alleged that the ruling party was avoiding a proper reply on the suicide by farmers and shrugging the government' responsibility, dismissing suicides as caused by other reasons than crop failure. UNI ND PY ADG 1900 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0298-1162806.Xml An estimated 60.37 per cent voter turnout was recorded in 53 Assembly seats of Uttar Pradesh today amid scattered violence in Mahoba,Allahabad and Rae Bareli. The fourth phase of polling for the 403-member Assembly witnessed a crucial contest in Rae Bareli, the parliamentary constituency of Congress president Sonia Gandhi; Allahabad, the home town of Bharatiya Janata Party state chief Keshav Prasad Maurya; Fatehpur, the political arena of Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti and Bundelkhand region represented by Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Uma Bharti. Election Commission officials here asserted that polling was peaceful and 60.37 per cent of the voters exercised their franchise. Till 0900 hrs, the official vote percentage in the 12 districts where polling took place was 10.20 per cent, at 1100 hrs, it was 23.78 , at 1300 hrs, it was 38.14 , at 1500 hrs, it was 50.26 and at 1700 hrs it was 60.37of the total 1.84 crore voters in this phase. This phase elections had sealed the fate of prominent politicians including Raghuraj Pratap Singh aka Raja Bhaiyya as Independent from Kunda ( Pratapgarh), Congress leader Pramod Tiwari's daughter Aradhana Mishra from Rampur Khas, Pratapgarh district, Bahujan Samaj Party legislature party leader Gaya Charan Dinker from Naraini constituency in Banda and BSP senior leader Indrajeet Saroj from Manjhanpur in Kaushambi district, UP minister Manoj Pandey from Uchahar in Rae Bareli, Congress candidate Aditi Singh, daughter of muscleman Akhilesh Singh, from Rae Bareli (Sadar) and BJP national spokesperson Sidharthnath Singh from Allahabad (west). Except for some teething problems in EVMs, the polling was peaceful in most of the places, though in some pockets, voters boycotted the elections due to non-development of their areas. Couple of villages in Lalitpur, Rae Bareli , Banda, Jaluan, Pratapgarh and Fatehpur boycotted the polls over development issues. In several districts, mostly in the urban areas, voters were seen reaching the polling booths early at around 0630 hrs to exercise their franchise.More UNI MB RP2001 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0298-1163043.Xml Aiming to woo investors from United Kingdom, Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Arun Jaitley will leave on a five-day visit to London on February 24.On February 25, the minister will deliver a talk at London School of Economics on 'Transforming India: Vision for the Next Decade'.On next day, he will attend a reception being organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), British Council and Indian High Commission at UK, the finance ministry said in a statement. On February 27, Mr Jaitley will perform Market Opening Ceremony at London Stock Exchange followed by a Roundtable Meeting with prospective issuers and leading investors and fintech leaders among others. Later in the day, he will have business interaction with over 100 senior business leaders from the UK-India Business Council (UKIBC) and will call on The Rt Hon Boris Johnson, Foreign Secretary of UK. Before his returning on February 28, he will also meet with his UK counterpart and the Chancellor of Exchequer. UNI ASH ADG 1958 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0388-1163017.Xml "Through hard work, determination and work on the ground, BJP is now a strong force both in urban and rural Maharashtra. BJP is unwavering in the resolve to serve Maharashtra with unparalleled diligence, transparency and taking the state to even greater heights. Congrats to Karyakartas," Modi tweeted his delight over the outcome. He said it has been a great start to BJP in 2017, starting with the unprecedented support in Odisha and now the overwhelming blessings from the people of Maharashtra. BJP President Amit Shah lauded Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and BJP state President Raosaheb Danve for the party's "unprecedented success" in the BMC and other civic bodies elections. "I heartily congratulate the people of Maharashtra for supporting the BJP's policy of development and reposing faith in 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas' agenda," Shah tweeted. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Fadnavis to congratulate him on the BJP's "exceptional performance" and said the BJP activists have helped expand its base across the state. Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said the BJP victory in eight out of 10 civic bodies here reflects peoples' faith in the party leadership. "Thumping victory of BJP Reinforces peoples' and choice in PM Modi and CM Fadnavis," Naidu tweeted. Union Minister for Surface Transport Nitin Gadkari also applauded the party's spectacular victory in the state civic elections. --IANS qn/rn ( 266 Words) 2017-02-23-20:16:06 (IANS) The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) was concerned with the below par quality of graduates, an official said here on Thursday. He said the SWAYAM programme for online courses will help address the problem. "We are very seriously concerned. Everywhere in India there is the problem that quality of graduates is not up to par," AICTE Vice Chairman M.P. Poonia told media here. Poonia said confidence building among students was key to having a global presence. "Our students can make a mark in the international scenario and to do that they need to build confidence," he said. The largest programme to up the quality of students, not only the graduates but also higher up, is the Swayam platform, he said. Asked on the gender gap at IITs (not many women students take up engineering), Poonia clarified there was not really any disparity, pointing to the distribution of the women students across engineering and medical fields. "See in engineering girls are less. They are going for IT, computer science streams in engineering but not many in civil engineering etc which they feel needs a bit more hard work. "But they are going for medical. There is no such disparity. The courses which they feel are preliminarily easy, they go for that. Overall we have a ratio of 30 to 70, 30 per cent girls and 70 per cent boys," he said. Adding that AICTE was trying hard, Poonia said special schemes for women in Jammu and Kashmir were also on the agenda. --IANS sgh/ssp/ahm/dg ( 266 Words) 2017-02-23-20:26:05 (IANS) APCC President N Raghuveera Reddy appealed Governor E S L Narasimhan to direct the Andhra Pradesh government to take steps to do justice to the lakhs of AgriGold victims.The APCC President met the Governor in Hyderabad today and submitted him a memorandum, urging him to direct AP government to speed up the process of disbursing compensation to the victims of AgriGold.Mr Reddy said the AgriGold deceived 32 lakh clients in the seven state to the tune of Rs 7,600 crore. The AP government ordered a CB-CID inquiry, which is going in snail phase. He urged the Governor to direct the AP government to speed up the inquiry. The auction process of AgriGold property is also going in a tardy manner, forcing the victims of AgriGold debt ridden. So far 100 clients and agents of AgriGold had committed suicides unable to bear the loss, he deplored.The APCC President in his memorandum to the Governor urged to direct the AP government to released Rs 1100 crore to check the suicides of Agrigold victims. He appealed that all the CID inquiry details and attached properties of AgriGold should be uploaded in official website to maintain transparency.Mr Reddy asked the Governor that Rs 10 lakh be disbursed as compensation to the families of the clients and agents, who committed suicide. Congress party leader in Legislative Council C Ramachandraiah and APCC Vice-president M Suryanarayana were among, who accompanied the APCC President.UNI DP PY RJ PR2010 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0298-1162991.Xml JIS College of Engineering is tying up with four Russian universities and launching a centre of excellence, which will aim at helping Bengal gain momentum and surge towards becoming an integral part of the Digital India initiative. As a fruit of that visit and in order to commemorate the completion of 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Russia, the Russian institutes would help JIS to empower rural Bengal to become a part of the Digital India movement. "Institutes from Russia will help us with their technology and academic inputs to put Bengal on the map of Digital India. I am very happy to say that during our visit to Moscow, the Russian consulate told us that the model of our centre of excellence is very unique and we from Bengal can become a role model for the rest of the country when it comes to taking Russian help for yielding societal benefit through an education initiative," said Managing Director of JIS Group Educational Initiatives and Chancellor of JIS University Taranjit Singh, during the launch of the Center of Excellence at JIS College of Engineering and announcing its tie-up with four Russian universities and a university from the UK. The center of excellence at JIS College of Engineering is tying up with four Russian Universities - Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), National Research Nuclear University 'MEPhI', Innopolis University and Russian New University. "This is not just another centre of excellence, our format is unique. Any student can apply with their innovation idea and on the basis of selection, get enrolled. They can work on any subject area and if we do not have resources our Russian partners will help. It will be a gateway for innovators," said vice president of corporate communications of JIS Group Sila Singh Ghosh, And if that was not enough, Russian-Indian S&T Centre, Moscow has also agreed to lend a helping hand and ensure the student from the center of excellence gets connected to the right institution. "Our Russian partners have already asked for the societal, demographic and economic maps of Bengal, which we have shared. They will train our students and teachers on empowering the locals and built technology to help the rural population go digital. Be it the farmer or a mason or the daily wage earner, our students will be trained to help them go digital," said Ms Singh Ghosh. To begin with, through competitive selection the center of excellence at JIS College of Engineering will send 10 students for higher studies in Russia with full scholarship from the Russian Universities. To kickstart the process of helping Bengal go digital, JIS Group will be organizing a two day (February 23 and 24) 'International Symposium on Gen Next Initiative for Digital India". The modalities of the tie-up with the Russian Universities and how it will lend a hand to JIS Group to help Bengal go digital will be worked out on February 23 and February 24 with the 16-member delegation from Russian universities. The University of Bedfordshire from UK on the other hand will tie up with JIS Group to offer joint degrees and offer students exchange programmes. JIS Group will take an important step tomorrow towards integrating its course-curriculum online with the AICTE Portal www.swayam.gov.in. SWAYAM - the interactive online open learning platform is indigenously developed by Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for helping students with higher studies. Director of AICTE Dr Manpreet Singh Manna will help JIS Group to design its curriculum for online access. It all began in November 2016, when representatives from JIS Group went to Russia. They were part of a delegation from The Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI), which went to Russia to explore opportunities for Bengal.UNI BM -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0214-1163192.Xml The Jammu and Kashmir High Court today granted pre-arrest bail to an Army officer in the much-publicised Major Anita Suicide case. Justice Alok Aradhe of J&K High Court, Jammu Wing, after hearing Advocates, granted pre-arrest bail to Major Anoop. While granting bail, Justice Aradhe observed that the Advocate appearing for the petitioner submitted that he is serving as an Army Officer in the rank of Major, in the Indian Army. The petitioner was in live-in relationship with Major Anita for past about five years, who committed suicide on December 15, 2016 by shooting herself with her pistol. As the petitioner and the deceased Major were in a live-in relationship and were well-educated, therefore, no offence under Section-376 (Rape) of RPC is made out thus, no overt act can be attributed to the petitioner for the offence of abetment of committing suicide, the court further observed.While granting anticipatory bail to the petitioner, Justice Aradhe ordered him to make himself available for investigation, as and when required.UNI VBH SHS RJ 2155 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0329-1163203.Xml The government is likely to receive Rs 1,670 crore from disinvesting five per cent of its stake in Bharat Electronics (BEL), as the issue price was over-subscribed by 260 per cent. Yesterday, the sale of a five per cent government stake in BEL, which opened to institutional buyers, received bids for 2.34 times the number of shares on offer, the Finance Ministry data showed. The issue was oversubscribed by 234 per cent in this category. Institutions bid for over 2.09 crore shares, against the 89.34 lakh set apart for them.Today, the Issue was opened for retail investors for 20 per cent of the overall offer size of 22.34 lakh shares with a discount of five per cent on the cut-off price. The issue has been oversubscribed with a whopping 367 per cent.After the sale, the government stake in BEL will decline to 69.41 per cent from the current 74.41 per cent. For 2017-2018, the government has set a record disinvestment target of Rs72,500 crore.BEL is a Navratna Company under the administrative control of Ministry of Defence and is engaged in manufacturing of the state-of-the-art equipment in the field such as communication, radars and naval systems. UNI ASH RJ 2123 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0388-1163101.Xml The Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena on Thursday finished neck-to-neck and were engaged in a tussle on Thursday to control India's richest and biggest civic body, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation. While the Shiv Sena emerged on the top with 84 seats, the BJP was a close second at 82, and claiming the support of at least four independents, announced it would stake claim to the key post of Mayor. The Congress, expecting to fare much better, came a poor third with 31 seats. Any party or combine requires 114 corporators for a simple majority in the 227-member BMC house. "The BJP core committee will meet and take a decision. We shall respect the verdict of the people," Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Thursday evening. He thanked the electorate, saying they have "reposed complete in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies of development for all". While Shiv Sena activists started early celebrations as it appeared set to retain control of the BMC, but by late evening, the BJP surpassed all expectations and became an equal contender for the post of Mayor. BJP Mumbai President Ashish Shelar said the party was in a position to claim the mayor's post. But Sena President Uddhav Thackeray did not agree and said that "the Mayor will be from Shiv Sena", which emerged the single largest party. Adopting a shrill anti-BJP stance, an aggressive Shiv Sena had snapped ties with the BJP ahead of the municipal elections with Thackeray anticipating at least 100 seats, if not an outright majority. The BMC, the country's largest and richest municipal body, had an annual budget of Rs 37,000 crore in 2016-17. The Congress trailed at a distant third in Mumbai, forcing its city unit chief Sanjay Nirupam to accept moral responsibility. He told IANS that he has submitted his resignation to the party high command this afternoon. Surprisingly, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) led by Raj Thackeray, Uddhav's estranged cousin, secured seven seats in BMC though he addressed just one rally in Mumbai. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) bagged nine seats, Uttar Pradesh-based Samajwadi Party secured six, the Hyderabad-based Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen two, and incarcerated mafia don Arun Gawli's party Akhil Bharatiya Sena (ABS) bagged one seat, his daughter Geeta Gawli being the sole winner. Across Maharashtra, the Bharatiya Janata Party made major gains by bagging eight of the other nine municipalities. However, Thane blocked the BJP bulldozer where the Shiv Sena bagged 67 out of 131 seats, followed by NCP with 34, BJP 23 and Congress three and AIMIM two seats. In Ulhasnagar, the BJP grabbed 32 seats and Shiv Sena 25 of the total 78 seats. The NCP got four, Congress got one and independents and others grabbed 16 seats. The BJP raced towards victory in the Pune Municipal Corporation with 98 seats, while the NCP got 38, Shiv Sena 10, Congress nine and MNS two, and AIMIM one in the state's cultural and IT capital. The contest was close in Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation near Pune, but later the BJP zoomed ahead with 77 seats in the 128-member house, humbling the ruling NCP, which only secured 36 seats. The Shiv Sena got nine, the MNS got one and others got the rest. In Solapur Municipal Corporation, a Congress bastion, the BJP captured 49 out of 102 seats, followed by Shiv Sena in 21, the Congress in 14, the AIMIM scoring nine, the NCP and the BSP scoring four each, while the Communist Party of India bagged one seat. Nagpur went the BJP way with the party bagging 108 of the civic body's 151 seats. The Congress got 29, Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party got 10 seats, Shiv Sena managed two and the NCP bagged one seat. In Nashik, the BJP appeared on way to controlling the civic body, winning 66 seats out of 112 seats. The Shiv Sena got 35 seats, while the ruling Maharashtra Navnirman Sena was relegated to just five seats. The Congress and NCP fared better than MNS with six each seats respectively. The BJP captured Amravati with 45 out of 87 seats, followed by the Congress with 15 seats, AIMIM 10, Shiv Sena seven, BSP five, and five going to other parties/independents. Ditto was the position in Akola where BJP scored 48 out of 80 seats with Congress trailing at 13. The Shiv Sena bagged eight, the NCP got five and AIMIM got one seat, while others got five seats. The BJP also scored handsomely in Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena strongholds in other 11 Zilla Parishads and 118 Panchayat Samitis across the state. BJP President Amit Shah, Modi, top union ministers and others showered praises on the state party leadership for its spectacular performance. --IANS qn/vd ( 798 Words) 2017-02-23-23:28:03 (IANS) Declaring that BJP will usher in development, if it comes to power in Uttar Pradesh, party's National President Amit Shah today said that law and order will be restored and farmers' loans will be waived off. ''This is our commitment to the people that when BJP comes to power, its first decision will be to waive off loans of farmers. We will expedite development by cutting red tape and taking pro-poor, pro-farmer and pro-people policies,'' Mr Shah said, while addressing a rally here. He said that development has come to a naught in UP under the Akhilesh Yadav government. People are suffering. The present Samajwadi Party Government has only one mission- to allow its supporters to grab government land and earn money through different projects, Mr Shah alleged. ''The much-hyped Agra-Lucknow Expressway is a den of corruption. This needs to be probed as how and why so much of money was used in the construction of 302 km highway, whereas Modi government has built highways, better than this, at half of its cost,'' he said. Urging the voters to give an overwhelming mandate to BJP in the UP polls, Mr Shah said BJP, on coming to power, would ban all slaughter houses in the state and take a tough stand on land mafia. ''The land - government or private - should go back to its rightful owner. This is our commitment and we will ensure that,'' he asserted. UNI MB RJ 2341 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0329-1163100.Xml According to CNN, accusing media like The New York Times, Bloomberg and NBC, Moscow has started compiling a list of offending articles on the respective Western media's websites. As of Wednesday morning, the compilation included five news stories, one each from Bloomberg, The New York Times, NBC and the Santa Monica Observer, a free local weekly newspaper in California, and the Daily Telegraph in the U.K. Screengrabs of each story are displayed with a big red "FAKE" and "Contains false information" stamped on it. The page provides links to the original news stories and a short message stating, "information in this material does not correspond with reality." Information and Press Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation director, Maria Zakharova, said the project was aimed at countering an "information campaign aimed against Russia," by exposing false statements from leading foreign media outlets and officials. "Stories about Moscow's attempts to hack foreign elections and Russian submarines operating in northern Europe were examples of such fake news," CNN quoted Maria as saying, On a related note, in the recent past, the U.S President Donald Trump has branded some major medias as "failing" and "fake news." (ANI) A British Muslim school teacher, Juhel Miah, was denied to board a New York bound flight, during a trip with his students. "As I was making my way out of the plane I looked back at the kids to tell them everything was going to be okay. The look I got off the kids, they were shocked, they couldn't believe what was happening. This is when I felt like I was a criminal," CNN quoted Juhel Miah, a math teacher as saying. Miah, 25, was one of the four school staffs accompanying the children, aged 12-15, on a trip to New York, which included a one-night stopover in Reykjavik, Iceland. Muslim by religion, Miah was born in Birmingham, England, and grew up in Swansea, Wales. The trip was due to be his first visit to the U.S. He was traveling on his British passport with a U.S visitor's visa, he told CNN. After a brief search, Miah was allowed to board the plane; but shortly after that, he was informed he had been denied entry to the US and wouldn't be able to travel. Hence Miah returned to the United Kingdom the following day. (ANI) A bipartisan delegation of US congressmen expressed their support for thawing ties between Washington and Havana despite recent threats by US President Donald Trump to revert the historic opening. In a press conference on Wednesday, before ending a three-day trip to the island, the delegation of senators and representatives said that, over the last two years, both nations had made progress in numerous areas and that there was "overwhelming" support in both countries to deepen the ties, Xinhua news agency reported. "I have no idea what Donald Trump will do in regards to policy towards Cuba and we hope that he agrees that engagement is much better than isolation. I'm certain he can't go back to the past because too many accomplishments have been achieved," said Jim McGovern, a Democrat congressman from Massachusetts. Meanwhile, Patrick Leahy, the Democratic senator from Vermont, said the trip showed that there was bipartisan support in Congress to continue the policy started by former President Barack Obama and to move forward with initiatives to end the economic embargo on the island. "I would not be here today if I didn't think that continuation and progress is inevitable. It might not be the smoothest of paths but it will continue," added Leahy. The delegation, also composed of Democrat senators Thomas Udall and Michael Bennet as well as Republican senator Thad Cochran, met with several Cuban officials, including President Raul Castro. "We are cooperating in numerous areas and are doing significant things together. President Castro made it clear to us that he wants all of this to continue. We met a good number of government officials and we feel the Cubans want this policy to move forward," stated Leahy. He also said Castro made it clear that while he will step down as president in 2018, he will continue to work to deepen relations between the former Cold War enemies. --IANS vgu/ ( 328 Words) 2017-02-23-06:40:06 (IANS) According to information provided on the San Jose City Hall Web site, the evacuation was ordered late Tuesday evening and is still in effect on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported. The National Weather Service said on Wednesday that the water level in Coyote Creek will continue to rise on Wednesday morning, but it is expected to begin subsiding in the afternoon. In remarks to the daily Los Angeles Times, NWS meteorologist Roger Gass emphasized the magnitude of the flooding by saying that estimates are that such an event occurs only once every century. Local media showed images of emergency services personnel using boats to rescue local residents endangered by flooding along streets in the area. After years of serious drought, California is experiencing a very wet winter with exceptionally heavy and continuous rainfall all over the state. Last Friday, a powerful storm lashed the state causing at least five deaths, authorities said. In addition, the historic rains caused damage to spillways at the Oroville Dam, located some 250 kmnortheast of San Francisco, leading authorities on February 12 to order the evacuation of some 200,000 people from the zone below the dam given the risk that it might overflow. --IANS vgu/ ( 240 Words) 2017-02-23-07:44:09 (IANS) Conservatives are all smiles this week at an annual convention in Washington, celebrating President Donald Trump's win, but beneath the surface lurk tensions central to how Republicans will govern in the next two years and the 2018 election outlook.At the four-day Conservative Political Action Conference, once a fringe event that is now decidedly in the Republican mainstream, Trump and Vice President Mike Pence will drop by to help fire up an estimated 10,000 activists in attendance.Known as CPAC, the event is being held at a new MGM resort and casino located in Maryland, just outside Washington. So Trump, a former casino developer, should feel at home, despite certain unresolved differences with many of his hosts over issues such as trade, taxes and small government.Just a month into his presidency, Trump is already being compared by some conservatives to their icon President Ronald Reagan, who swept to power in 1981 with a small-government, free-trade, tax-cutting agenda that energized the Republican right-wing and molded the views of many of the CPAC faithful.Trump so far has been "pitch-perfect with conservatives as he starts his administration," said Matt Schlapp, head of the American Conservative Union, which organizes CPAC.Even so, some conservatives, including some at CPAC, are nervously watching Trump.Among other views, Trump has proposed a major expansion of government to police immigration. He has already canceled a trade deal with Asia-Pacific neighbors and he has sharply criticized one between the United States, Mexico and Canada."I always worry any discussion about trade competition and tariffs ... misdirects the focus," said CPAC stalwart Grover Norquist, a powerful advocate of low taxes and small government.On taxes, Trump has backed cuts in rates, but his position on a Republican tax package under debate in Congress is unclear."Damn near the entire conservative wish list on tax policy is in his (Trump's) tax reforms," Norquist said.Whether Republicans and Trump can come to terms over such issues will help determine how much real change they can effect in Washington, and how the voters treat them in two years in the mid-term elections, when ruling parties normally lose ground.Some Republicans have expressed disappointment that Trump has not moved faster on tax reform and on repealing Obamacare, the healthcare system put in place by his Democratic President Barack Obama. Trump has not yet publicly proposed legislation of any kind, unlike recent first-term presidents.Schlapp credited Trump with naming the most conservative Cabinet in a half-century and nominating a Supreme Court justice, Neil Gorsuch, who has conservatives' blessings.Trump has also thrilled conservatives by working hand-in-glove with congressional Republicans on overturning or gutting a handful of Obama-era regulations, including one that prevented coal companies from dumping waste into rivers and streams.Such regulatory rollbacks and talk of tax cuts have boosted financial markets, too, which have rallied since Trump's win.CPAC organizers are trying to steer clear of controversy over the alt-right movement, a loose grouping that includes neo-Nazis, white supremacists and anti-Semites who Trump has been slow to denounce. Trump's chief strategist, Steve Bannon, who also will speak at the conference, formerly headed the Breitbart News Network, which appealed to the movement."We don't think there's any role for the alt-right in the conservative movement," Schlapp said in a phone interview.Even Republican moderates, represented by the Republican Main Street Partnership, are gushing over Trump."No one is unhappy with what he's doing," said Sarah Chamberlain, president of the group with around 80 members of Congress. She noted Pence has extended a hand to moderates, knowing they are needed to get major legislation passed.Chamberlain did say that Trump's personality and early White House missteps have "taken up all the oxygen."Nevertheless, she was optimistic, saying Trump is moving beyond initial stumbles and "seems to be coming into his own."Reuters cj NS1156 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1162001.Xml US subscription-based airline Surf Air will launch in Europe in May, targeting people who fly business-class in a potential challenge to the continent's traditional airlines. Surf Air Europe will start connecting London to Zurich and Ibiza, operating a subscription model where customers pay a 1,750 pound ($2,180) monthly fee for unlimited travel. It will later add routes to Cannes, Munich and Milan, Surf Air Europe Chief Executive Simon Talling-Smith said.The London-headquartered airline will try to better what its sister company, Surf Air, has done in California. Launched three years ago, that company now has 3,000 members. Talling-Smith said Surf Air Europe could exceed the size of the Californian operations. Surf Air has ordered 45 Swiss-made Pilatus eight-seat jets ahead of the launch, and a similar-sized order of Embraer planes to serve longer-distance routes will be placed later this year.Talling-Smith said the smaller planes and private terminals that Surf Air uses cut the waiting times associated with flying by commercial airlines."You have this great thirst in the market for something that's going to be able to cut out all of that wasted time, and Surf Air is the answer to that," Talling-Smith told Reuters."If you travel two times a week or three times a week, you really know the pain and frustration of going through airports."The new service could take some of British Airways's and Swiss International Air Lines's most lucrative customers away: those who tend to fly business class and pay extra for flexible tickets.The 1,750 pound monthly fee compares with a last minute, flexible business class ticket between London and Zurich for about 500 pounds.The European launch was due to be take place in October last year, but was postponed after Surf Air said it needed to secure the right aircraft deal.Reuters CJ NS1346 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1162153.Xml A bomb blast in an upscale shopping centre in Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore killed at least eight people and wounded 20 today, officials said, the latest in a surge of violence that has shaken the country.Security forces cordoned off the residential neighbourhood, also home to banks and coffee shops, rescue officials said, after what one bank worker said was a "frightening" explosion."We left the building and saw that the motor-bikes parked outside were on fire and all the windows in the surrounding buildings were shattered," Mohammad Khurram told Reuters.Punjab police spokesman Nayab Haider told Reuters the explosion was caused by a "planted bomb" that was either time- or remotely detonated.No one was allowed to leave or enter the area because the bomber was suspected to be at large, officials said.Reports of a second explosion turned out to be a tyre blowout that caused panic due to the tense atmosphere in the city, a government official said.Pakistan has been struck by a wave of militant attacks in recent weeks, killing at least 130 people across the country and leaving hundreds wounded. The worst of the attacks was at a Sufi shrine in southern Sindh province that killed 90 people.Thursday's bombing was the second attack in Lahore in two weeks. A suicide bombing on Feb. 13 killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 80 at a protest near the provincial assembly.Government and military officials have vowed extensive operations to hunt down militants across the country and Pakistan's border with Afghanistan has been shut down due to security concerns.After the shrine bombing, Pakistani security forces said they had killed more than 100 suspected militants in targeted campaigns across the country.REUTERS PS RK1500 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1162302.Xml China's defence ministry said today it was aware of the presence of a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group in the South China Sea and China respected freedom of navigation for all countries in the waters there.The US navy said the strike group, including the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier the USS Carl Vinson, began "routine operations" in the South China Sea on Saturday amid growing tension with China over control of the disputed waterway.Defence ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said China had a "grasp" of the situation regarding the carrier group in the South China Sea."China hopes the US earnestly respects the sovereignty and security concerns of countries in the region, and earnestly respects the efforts of countries in the region to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea," Ren told a regular monthly news briefing."Of course, we also respect freedom of navigation and overflight for all countries in the South China Sea in accordance with international law," he added.The situation in the South China Sea was generally stable, Ren said."We hope the actions of the US side can contribute positive energy towards this good situation, and not the opposite."Good military relations between the two countries are in interests of both, and well as of the region and the world, and China hoped the United States could meet China half way, strengthen communication and avoid misjudgement, Ren said.Friction between the United States and China over trade and territory under US President Donald Trump have increased concern that the South China Sea could become a flashpoint.China wrapped up its own naval exercises in the South China Sea late last week. War games involving its only aircraft carrier have unnerved neighbours with which it has long had rival claims in the waters.China lays claim to almost all of the resource-rich South China Sea, through which about 5 trillion dollars worth of trade passes each year.Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also claim parts of the waters that have rich fishing grounds, along with oil and gas deposits.The United States has criticised China's construction of man-made islands and build-up of military facilities in the sea, and expressed concern they could be used to restrict free of movement. REUTERS PS AS1523 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1162313.Xml China denied today that it had increased its troop presence on the border with North Korea after the murder of the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Malaysia.Reports routinely circulate at times of heightened tension on the Korean peninsula of China sending troops to the border, which China always denies.South Korean and US officials say the North Korean leader's half brother, Kim Jong Nam, was assassinated by North Korean agents. North Korea has not acknowledged his death.Some Hong Kong media last week reported that China had sent more soldiers to the border after Kim was attacked at Kuala Lumpur airport on Feb. 13."As for the reports you mentioned of the People's Liberation Army increasing troops on the Chinese-North Korean border, they are totally baseless and completely fabricated," defence ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang told a monthly news briefing.He did not elaborate.Kim had spoken out publicly in the past against his family's dynastic control of the isolated, nuclear-armed state. He had been living in the Chinese territory of Macau under Beijing's protection.China is reclusive North Korea's most important remaining ally, but China has been angered by its missile and nuclear tests and has signed up for several rounds of UN sanctions against North Korea at the same time as pushing for a diplomatic resolution through talks.REUTERS PS AS1523 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1162334.Xml Three conservative new members have been named to Israel's Supreme Court as part of what the ultranationalist justice minister said today was her push for a bench more representative of right-wing Israelis.The 15-member court, widely seen as a liberal bastion, has drawn criticism from the minister, Ayelet Shaked, and other politicians on the right over rulings supporting Palestinian property rights in the occupied West Bank and its occasional reversal of Israeli laws it deemed illegal.Shaked, a leader of the ultranationalist Jewish Home party, has long said she wanted more conservative judges on the court, where replacements for four justices retiring this year were announced late yesterday.Three of the four new appointees - including a Jewish settler in the occupied West Bank - were on Shaked's list of preferred candidates considered by a nine-member selection committee on which she serves along with three Supreme Court justices and representatives of the Bar Association."CONSERVATIVE REVOLUTION"Shaked had threatened to change a law that would have weakened the justices' influence in the committee unless it agreed to name more conservative justices."A Conservative revolution," Israel's best-selling Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper said in a front-page headline about the appointments. But some commentators said it was too early to gauge whether the new justices would promote any dramatic change of tone in the court.The new justices will include David Mintz, who is a West Bank settler, Yael Vilner, an Orthodox Jewish woman, and Yosef Elron. In the radio interview, Shaked described them as conservatives, and media reports noted that in recent years Mintz had ruled in favour of the government in turning down at least two freedom of information requests by reporters.The fourth appointee is George Kara, an Arab judge who Israeli media reports termed a compromise candidate backed by the Bar Association."My nominees were chosen," Shaked told Army Radio. "My mission was to ensure all Israelis - and certainly the conservative stream - are represented (on the court)."Yedidya Stern, a law professor and vice president of the Israel Democracy Institute, a research centre whose declared mission is to strengthen the foundations of Israeli democracy, called the four appointees "good and efficient judges".But he said the big question was "whether the Supreme Court, with these people, will continue to be a bulwark" against anti-democratic elements in Israeli society."In the absence of a written constitution (in Israel), conservatism can be manifested in a weakening in the defence of human rights and minorities," Stern said on Army Radio.REUTERS PS RK1624 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1162448.Xml Pakistani real estate giant Rafi Group made a ten-fold profit last year from its sale of hundreds of acres of land in the remote fishing town of Gwadar, acquired soon after the government announced plans for a deep-sea port there.The windfall came after 12 years of waiting patiently for the Gwadar port to emerge as the centrepiece of China's ambitious plans for a trade and energy corridor stretching from the Persian Gulf, across Pakistan, into western Xinjiang."We had anticipated the Chinese would need a route to the Arabian Sea," Rafi Group Chief Executive Shehriar Rafi told Reuters. "And today, all routes lead back to Gwadar."Gwadar forms the southern Pakistan hub of a 57-billion dollars China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) of infrastructure and energy projects Beijing announced in 2014.Since then, land prices have skyrocketed as property demand has spiked, and dozens of real estate firms want to cash in."Gwadar is a 'Made in China' brand and everyone wants a piece," said realtor Afzal Adil, one of several who shifted operations from the eastern city of Lahore in 2015.Last year, Pakistan welcomed the first large shipment of Chinese goods at Gwadar, where the China Overseas Ports Holding Company Ltd took over operations in 2013. It plans to eventually handle 300 million to 400 million tons of cargo a year.It also aims to develop seafood processing plants in a nearby free trade zone sprawled over 2,281 acres.The route through Gwadar offers China its shortest path to the oil-rich Middle East, Africa, and most of the Western hemisphere, besides promising to open up remote, landlocked Xinjiang.Last year, the Applied Economics Research Centre estimated the corridor would create 700,000 jobs in Pakistan and a Chinese newspaper recently put the number at more than 2 million.Authorities have completed an expressway through Gwadar, which has a 350-km road network. A new international airport kicks off next year, to handle an influx of hundreds of Chinese traders and officials expected to live near the port.The volume of Gwadar property searches surged 14-fold on Pakistan's largest real estate database, Zameen.com, between 2014 and 2016, up from a prior rate of a few hundred a month."It's like a gold rush," said Chief Executive Zeeshan Ali Khan. "Anyone who is interested in real estate, be it an investor or a developer, is eyeing Gwadar."Prices, which have risen two- to four-fold on average, are climbing "on a weekly basis," said Saad Arshed, the Pakistan managing director of online real estate marketplace Lamudi.pk.Regional fishermen have held strikes during the last two years, to protest against being displaced by the port.To keep pace with the interest, urban officials are struggling to computerise land management and record-keeping. "We are trying to upgrade as fast as we can," said Zakir Majeed, an official of the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA).But Gwadar lacks basic education and health facilities, in contrast to the gleaming towers and piped drinking water of the "smart city" envisioned by the GDA."For commercial projects, things are moving fast," Lamudi's Arshed said. "But people actually living there, that will take a long time."Port officials expect the population to hit 2 million over the next two decades, from about 185,000 now.RISKThe government commissioned work on the Gwadar port in 2002, but development was held up by chronic instability in the surrounding resource-rich province of Baluchistan, where ethnic separatist rebels have chafed against a military crackdown.Since China announced the corridor plan in 2014, security has improved, with Pakistan setting up a new army division to ensure protection, while hundreds of rebels surrendered arms.Real estate firms dismiss fears the "Gwadar bubble" might still burst, pointing to China's enduring interest."The risk is always there," Rafi said. "But our confidence comes from knowing this is not a Pakistani initiative, but a Chinese city on the Arabian Sea coast. And the Chinese will see that it is built."REUTERS PS RK1632 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1162466.Xml North Korea issued a rare reproach of China today saying its main diplomatic backer was "dancing to the tune" of the United States for halting North Korean coal imports because of its nuclear and missile programmes.The North's state-run KCNA news agency did not refer directly to China by name but in an unmistakable censure it accused a "neighbouring country" of going along with North Korea's enemies to "bring down its social system"."This country, styling itself a big power, is dancing to the tune of the US while defending its mean behaviour with such excuses that it was meant not to have a negative impact on the living of the people in the DPRK but to check its nuclear programme," KCNA said in a commentary.China said on Saturday it would ban coal imports from North Korea, which is officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), until the end of the year.The ban came about a week after North Korea tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile in its first direct challenge to the international community since US President Donald Trump took office.Trump's administration has said China should do more to put pressure on North Korea."A neighbouring country, which often claims itself to be a 'friendly neighbour', is .. threatening that 'the DPRK will suffer the biggest loss'," KCNA said in the commentary."It has unhesitatingly taken inhumane steps such as totally blocking foreign trade related to the improvement of people's living standard under the plea of the UN 'resolutions on sanctions' devoid of legal ground."China is North Korea's sole major ally but it disapproves of its nuclear programme and has backed UN sanctions against it. China calls for the Korean peninsula to be free of nuclear weapons.North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests, including two last year, although its claims to be able to miniaturise a nuclear weapon to be mounted on a missile have never been verified independently.North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in a New Year speech the North was close to test-launching an intercontinental ballistic missile. State media has said such a launch could come at any time.A fully developed ICBM could threaten the continental United States, which is about 9,000 km (5,500 miles) from North Korea.North Korea was China's fourth biggest supplier of coal last year, with non-lignite imports reaching 22.48 million tonnes, up 14.5 percent compared with 2015.REUTERS PS BL1842 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1162822.Xml Hundreds of French high-school students staged an unauthorised anti-police rally today, blocking the entrances to a dozen schools in Paris in the latest in a series of protests over the alleged rape of a young black man with a police baton.Police reported eight arrests after isolated skirmishes with youths who hurled objects and damaged property on the fringes of what otherwise appeared to have been a relatively peaceful demonstration.The protest comes two months before a presidential election where far-right leader Marine Le Pen, leader of the anti-immigrant National Front party, is tipped to win the first round but lose the runoff vote that takes place on May 7.The Paris school authority said more than 10 schools had been targeted by youths who piled up rubbish bins and other objects at the entrance gates. In one case, a deputy school director was injured when protesters hurled a fire extinguisher.The protesters are angry over the alleged rape of the 22-year-old man during a Feb. 2 arrest in an area north of Paris where large numbers of immigrants live. The man, identified only as Theo, remains in hospital with injuries to his anus and head.He has called for public calm and his family has said they have faith in the French justice system.One of the banners carried at today's rally read "Revenge for Theo!"Social media networks showed signs of skirmishes on the fringes of the rally in the Place de la Nation square in the east of Paris, where riot police in protective gear advanced on groups of mostly-hooded youths in sidestreet confrontations.A helicopter flew overhead and tear gas clouds rose into the air above that square towards the end of the rally.The Paris police department had warned people to stay away from the protest, saying it was not authorised and that there was a risk of violent groups causing trouble, as happened over the last three weeks.Four police officers have been suspended pending an inquiry into the Feb. 2 incident. One has been placed under formal investigation for suspected rape and three others for unnecessary use of force.So far the protests have not snowballed to the extent of the unrest that 12 years ago drew global attention to the stark contrast between wealthy Paris and the suburbs that surround it. REUTERS PS BD1920 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1162923.Xml Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, who arrived here in the afternoon on a two-day visit, called on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office.The visit is taking place, ahead of Ms Hasina's visit to India, likely in later next month or early April. Earlier, Dr Jaishankar had a meeting with his Bangladeshi counterpart Mohammad Shahidul Haque, during which they reviewed the whole gamut of bilateral relations."This visit is at the invitation of Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque. The two Foreign Secretaries will review the areas of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, including high level visits," the Ministry of External Affairs had said, ahead of Dr Jaishankar's visit.Ms Hasina's visit will be her first state visit to India - since taking over of power by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.UNI XC NAZ RJ 2024 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0091-1163069.Xml Syrian peace talks in Geneva resumed today after breaking down 10 months ago as the battle for Aleppo escalated, with the UN mediator hoping to corral the warring sides into a rare face-to-face meeting.The aim is to end almost six years of war by agreeing on the future governance of Syria, where the position of President Bashar al-Assad is stronger now than a year ago after government forces gained control of Aleppo with Russian military backing.After meeting Assad's top negotiator at the talks, Russia's envoy to the United Nations said demands from rebels and their Western and Arab backers for Assad to step down were "absurd"."The delegation of the (Syrian) government arrived in Geneva with constructive instructions to reach progress at these talks," Ambassador Alexei Borodavkin told reporters."The agenda of these talks is not yet ready, as far as I understand," he said. He was hoping for progress on creating a government of national unity, drafting a constitution and scheduling elections, as mandated by a UN resolution, he said.The scope of the talks has been cut back to core political questions since last year, after an initiative by Russia, Turkey and Iran took thorny military issues off the Geneva agenda and assigned them to a separate process in the Kazakhstan's Astana."Geneva is where the politics are. Astana is absolutely suitable as a place to strengthen the ceasefire," one Western diplomat said.The Astana talks ushered in a shaky ceasefire which excludes hardline jihadist groups such as Islamic State, and fighting continued in various parts of Syria today.Air strikes hit rebel-held areas in Deraa and Hama provinces and insurgents fired rockets at government targets, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. But the overall level of violence in western Syria was less than in previous days.Pushing towards Raqqa, Islamic State's de facto capital in Syria, Turkey-backed rebels seized the centre of al-Bab, one of the militants' strongholds, 30 km from the border.The Western diplomat said the opposition was aware that eastern Ghouta, a besieged rebel area on the outskirts of Damascus, was vulnerable to a government offensive. But opposition negotiators were not going to give in to pressure from rebels on the ground and walk out of talks, as in previous rounds.UN mediator Staffan de Mistura plans to welcome the delegations later today, raising the prospect that he might bring the warring sides together in one room."The plan is to have some kind of opening ceremony in which he welcomes the parties," the Western diplomat said.Geneva talks in April last year never brought the negotiators together face-to-face and de Mistura had to meet the delegations separately. REUTERS SHS RJ BL2211 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0329-1163222.Xml The bodies of 13 migrants who died of suffocation have been recovered from a shipping container in western Libya, the Red Crescent said today.The migrants appear to have been locked in the container for several days as it was transported to the coast at Khoms, where they were to attempt to cross the Mediterranean towards Europe, the Red Crescent said in a statement.Fifty-six migrants were rescued from the container, some suffering from serious injuries and fractures, the statement said.Libya has become the main gateway for migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe. A record 181,000 migrants reached Italy along the route last year.Within Libya, migrant smugglers operate with impunity, and migrants are subjected to a wide range of abuses, including rape, torture and forced labour.Earlier this week the bodies of 74 migrants were found on the shore near Zawiya, west of Tripoli. The local coastguard said smugglers had stolen the engine from their boat. REUTERS SHS RJ BL2325 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0329-1163257.Xml Turkish-backed rebels have seized the centre of al-Bab town from Islamic State, Turkish state media and rebels said today, in a boost to Ankara's drive to defeat the militant group in northern Syria.Turkey launched its "Operation Euphrates Shield" in August in an effort to push Islamic State from its border and stop the advance of a Syrian Kurdish militia.Taking control of al-Bab, an Islamic State stronghold 30 km from the Turkish border, would deepen Turkish influence in an area of Syria where it has effectively created a buffer zone and would allow the Ankara-backed forces to press on towards Raqqa, Islamic State's de facto capital in Syria.The Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters, a loose coalition of Syrian Arabs and Turkmen, have been attacking al-Bab since December, aided by Turkish warplanes, tanks and special forces.Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency, citing its correspondent in al-Bab, said the rebels had seized control of the town centre and were now clearing mines and explosive devices laid by the jihadists. Some 1,900 square kilometres in northern Syria has now been cleared of militant groups, it said.A war monitor, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said later today that Euphrates Shield forces had taken full control of al-Bab and of two neighbouring towns, Qabasin and al-Bezah."We had reached the city centre yesterday but there was a suicide attack so we had to withdraw a little bit. And today we attacked again. I can say that 85-90 per cent of the city is under control," a fighter from the Sultan Murad Brigade who is in al-Bab told Reuters by telephone."They have dug tunnels all under Bab and those who have remained are all suicide bombers. The whole of the city is mined. I can say that every metre is mined."Another fighter with an FSA group contacted via a social networking site said there was "complete calm" in al-Bab. The fighter said he was speaking from the city centre.Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Isik told Anadolu the rebels had entered the town centre and that most of the town itself was now under their control.However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said that more than half of al-Bab was still under IS control, and that battles continued.There was no immediate comment from the Turkish military.STILL FIGHTINGEarlier, a Turkey-based rebel official from a group previously involved in fighting in Aleppo province said the rebels had taken control of al-Bab, although pockets of IS militants were still fighting."There has been cleaning up of the last remaining areas of (IS) control, and there were street battles," Zakaria Malahifji of the Fastaqim faction told Reuters, adding that all the strategic areas of the city had been captured.Turkish officials have repeatedly said that the al-Bab operation was taking longer than anticipated because of numbers of civilians still in the town and the care being taken not to harm them. It dropped leaflets on the town as long ago as December urging civilians to seek shelterWhile Euphrates Shield has been largely focused so far on combating Islamic State, Ankara is also determined to prevent the Kurdish YPG militia, which it considers a terrorist group, from linking the cantons it controls along the Turkish border.Turkey fears that advances by the YPG could enflame a Kurdish insurgency at home.President Tayyip Erdogan has said the next target for the Turkish offensive should be Raqqa but that the YPG should not be involved. REUTERS SHS RJ BL2330 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0329-1163261.Xml WARSAW, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Some letters that Polish women prisoners in Germany's Ravensbruck concentration camp during World War II wrote using urine as "invisible ink" to their families have recently been handed over to Lublin Museum, the Polish TVN 24 portal reported on Wednesday. The women prisoners were objects to many inhuman experiments and had full consciousness they would most probably die. Due to the fact that their correspondence was censored, they used their urine as invisible ink to let their families know the secret information about their fate and the situation within the camp. They used thin wooden sticks to write on the internal side of envelopes or between the lines of "regular" letter, written with a pencil. The families would iron the letters which made the secret texts visible. It all began with two Lublin girls, Nina Iwanska and Krystyna Czyz. Krystyna made a remark in a letter to her brother, reminding him about a book they used to read. The main protagonist of the book wrote a letter, the first lines of which included secret information. Krystyna's brother understood the hint and was able to read her message. It was also her family who gave 27 letters written between years 1943-1944 to the Lublin Museum, according to the report. The women in Ravensbruck were victims of inhuman medical experiments. The letters also include information about the camp's functioning, labor, and death sentences. Ravensbruck was a German concentration camp for women located in northern Germany. It was opened in May 1939. Between 1939 and 1945, some 130,000 to 132,000 female prisoners passed through the camp, including around 40,000 Polish and 26,000 Jewish. JERUSALEM, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The extent of Palestinian house demolitions carried out by Israeli authorities in East Jerusalem has risen to an unprecedented level in 2016, an Israeli human rights watchdog said on Wednesday. According to Ir Amim, 2016 marked "an all-time high of yearly demolitions," with 123 residential and 80 non-residential ones razed, nearly trebling the total of 74 demolitions carried out throughout 2015. The trend has continued in 2017, with more than 40 demolished over the past two months. In 2016, Israel for the first time carried out demolitions in the neighborhoods beyond the Separation Wall, which separates the east Palestinian Jerusalem from the predominantly-Jewish west Jerusalem. Some 40 units were razed in Kalandia and five others in Walajeh. The Jerusalem Municipality, usually citing illegal construction without permits for the demolitions, was not immediately available for comment on the figures. Israel occupied East Jerusalem, together with the rest of the West Bank, in the 1976 Middle East War. It later annexed the area and claimed it as part of its "undivided" capital, a move condemned by the international community. According to data recently presented to the Israeli parliament, some 312,000 Palestinians live in East Jerusalem. The vast majority of them are in poverty, with little access to health, education and municipal services. by Peter Barker, Gui Tao LONDON, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- One of the leading forces behind the successful Brexit campaign has told Xinhua he expects Britain's exit from the European Union (EU) will be a full one. Matthew Elliott told Xinhua in a recent exclusive interview: "Brexit means leaving the single market and leaving the customs union, very much as (Prime Minister) Theresa May outlined in her recent Lancaster House speech." "There is confusion about this. Some supporters of leave had talked about how we might stay in the single market or how we might have a deal like Norway in the European Economic Area (EEA)." "But now there is a consensus, from the people involved in the leave side, but also from the government. It means us leaving both the EU single market and the Customs Union," he said. Elliott was the chief executive of the Vote Leave campaign, one of the two main groups which successfully campaigned for an exit vote in the UK's EU membership referendum on June 23 last year. The other group was the Grassroots Out campaign, which was run by the UK Independence Party (UKIP), a fringe party with just one member of parliament. The government-appointed Electoral Commission chose Elliott's Vote Leave campaign as the official campaigning group for an EU exit because it gathered support from politicians across the main political parties, including the ruling Conservative Party and the Labour Party, which is the official opposition in Parliament. Elliott said: "There were two strands of people on the Leave campaign; some people on the Leave campaign, particularly those associated with UKIP and Nigel Farage who tend to be more protectionist, more closed minded and tended to have a strong focus on stopping all immigration. Whereas those associated with Vote Leave...tend to have a vision of Britain as an international country open for business, free trading." EU STABILITY Elliott believed that the stability of the EU was an important consideration for Britain and for the other 27 nations which will constitute the EU once Britain leaves. Britain's departure is not certain, nor is its timing. However, May has pledged to formally start the exit negotiations by the end of March by activating the Article 50 clause in Britain's EU membership. Article 50 refers to the formal procedure by which an EU member state notifies the European Council that it intends to leave the block. This sets the clock running, and allows two years for Britain and the EU to discuss exit arrangements. After that an exit happens, whether matters are settled or not. The House of Commons has also not opposed the government's plan to trigger Article 50. But if Britain's departure from the EU takes place without a formal agreement or a transitional arrangement, there could be negative implications for British trade and services with the EU, and for EU services and trade with Britain. Without an agreement of some kind, the trade arrangements would fall back on World Trade Organization (WTO) standards, which would imply higher tariffs and more paperwork on some activities, goods and services. Elliott said: "The prime minister made it very clear she wanted the UK to be a bastion of free trade in the world and both the prime minister in her Lancaster House speech, but also Vote Leave during the campaign talked about having a bespoke EU/UK trade deal. "Traditionally, free trade deals have been between countries that are radically different, with different regulations or tariffs between them. When you go from having free trade and the same regulations, it should be fairly straightforward to continue that." Such a deal would be "extremely simple in goods", said Elliott, because Britain has a large trade deficit in goods with the other EU nations. "So there is a big incentive for the other European states to make sure there is a free trade deal in goods because, of course, we are their biggest customer, their biggest single export market. So it would seem slightly illogical if they did not have a trade deal with us in goods," he said. OPENNESS TO SERVICES The British economy is dominated by the services sector, and the contribution it makes to exports is significant. London, as one of the leading global financial centers, is the principal banking center for the EU. This could aid trade in services, and is an important consideration for both Britain and the EU in Brexit negotiations. Elliott said: "TheCityUK, the body representing the City in London, announced that they were confident the UK could get a deal for the City, and they pointed out that the City is almost the City for the whole of the EU, so it is the main capital market for the EU." Eurozone economies and their banks "need access to the capital reserves of the City of London," he said. An agreement which encouraged the links between the EU and the City would be beneficial for all, said Elliott. GENEVA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- A senior Chinese diplomat on Wednesday welcomed the upcoming peace talks on Syria in Geneva and stressed the role of the United Nations in the mediation to end the lasting conflict in the war-torn country. The Chinese government's Special Envoy on Syria, Xie Xiaoyan, on Wednesday met with the UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. They exchanged views on the forthcoming intra-Syria talks and the Syrian political process. "The resumption of the peace talks on Syria should strictly follow the requirements of the UN Security Council resolution 2254, and put efforts on promoting mutual trust so as to achieve progresses as soon as possible," Xie said. He told the UN envoy that China hopes the representatives of the Syrian opposition team will include more parties and have a broad representation, and China is willing to cooperate closely with the relevant parties of the international community for a political solution in Syria. De Mistura said that the resumption of the Geneva peace talks is an important step in the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 2254. "It might not be the right time for an agreement, but it is the right time for talks," he told Xinhua after the meeting. The UN Envoy added that China, as a permanent member of the Security Council and an important member of the International Support Group for Syria, has maintained good relations with all parties concerned, and has been vigorously playing a positive and constructive role in the Syrian peace process. The latest round of UN-mediated peace talks on Syria is set to kick off on Feb. 23 here in Geneva. The last time Syria's warring parties convened in Geneva was in April last year, a month which saw talks being put on hold amid a humanitarian meltdown and systemic violence in the middle east country. CHICAGO, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) grains futures close mixed on Wednesday, with soybean futures falling to a three-week low on Wednesday, on track for a fourth straight decline on strong South American harvest prospects and a lack of supportive news. Corn and wheat futures were modestly higher as traders awaited direction from a U.S. Department of Agriculture forum this week in which the government will offer forecasts on what U.S. farmers will plant this spring. The most active corn contract for March delivery rose 1.75 cent, or 0.47 percent, to 3.71 dollars per bushel. May wheat delivery added 4.56 cents, or 1.39 percent, to 4.56 dollars per bushel. March soybeans fell 3.75 cents, or 0.36 percent, to 10.335 dollars per bushel. In the outside markets, the Brent crude oil market is 0.72 dollar per barrel lower, the U.S. dollar is lower, and the Dow Jones Industrials are 12 points higher. Jack Scoville, The PRICE Futures Group's senior market analyst, says that the market has turned a little lower due to little news. Scoville adds, "Most attention is on the USDA Agriculture Outlook conference and what they will show for planting and stuff like that, over the next couple of days. Most investors do not seem too eager to do much before the USDA' s supply/demand tables come out, although that is a mystery to me since they are just model-based numbers." Soybeans firmed in early moves but turned lower as traders mulled huge new soybean crops expected in South America. The harvest in Brazil was about 25 percent complete as of Friday, while Argentina's crop is still developing. Also, U.S. farmers are expected to plant a record number of acres to soybeans this spring, the USDA has said. The government is expected to release an updated forecast at its Outlook Forum this week. Expectations of a year-on-year decline in U.S. Corn plantings helped to underpin corn futures. Wheat rose on bargain-buying after a three-session decline, drawing additional support from a pickup in global export business. Egypt's General Authority for Supply Commodities (GASC) bought 300,000 tonnes of Russian wheat and 60,000 tonnes of Ukrainian wheat at an international tender. The deal followed a Feb. 17 GASC purchase of another 360,000 tonnes of wheat. Enditem PYONGYANG, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday said the death of a DPRK citizen at Kuala Lumpur last week was an "anti-DPRK conspiratorial racket" launched by South Korea. The DPRK also blamed the Malaysian side for showing unfriendly attitude when handling the case, the official news agency KCNA reported. A spokesman for the Korean Jurists Committee said the autopsy was unnecessary as the death had been confirmed as the one due to heart stroke and the deceased man carried a diplomatic passport, according to the KCNA. The incident was "undisguised encroachment upon the sovereignty of the DPRK, a wanton human rights abuse and an act contrary to human ethics and morality," said the unnamed spokesman in a statement. The spokesman claimed that South Korea "worked out the scenario" and released false reports that the man was poisoned to death. "It is regretful that only Malaysia is denying such fact," he added. The spokesman also criticized the Malaysian side for conducting an autopsy without any prior agreement with the DPRK or its presence, in disregard of the just demand from the DPRK and international law. "Malaysia is obliged to hand his body to the DPRK side as it made an autopsy and forensic examination of it in an illegal and immoral manner," the statement said, adding that this proves Malaysia is to politicize the transfer of the body (to the DPRK) in disregard of international law and morality and attain "a sinister purpose." The victim, whom the Malaysian authorities claimed as Kim Jong Nam, the half brother of the DPRK top leader Kim Jong Un, was murdered in Kuala Lumpur last week. Malaysian police had detained a total of four suspects following the death of the 46-year-old man on Feb. 13 after being attacked by two women at a Kuala Lumpur airport, but later released one of them, a male from Malaysia. SKOPJE, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Two months after the snap general elections of Dec. 11, Macedonia sees no sign of new government as the division between political camps deepened. Nearly one month after Nikola Gruesvki, head of the VMRO-DPMNE which won the majority of parliamentary seats, failed to form a coalition that would pave the way for the creation of new government, it seems that it is getting even more difficult to ensure the numbers needed for formation of government. Currently, the main opposition party, Macedonian Social Democratic Union (SDSM) chaired by Zoran Zaev, is engaged in talks with the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI) led by Ali Ahmeti. Since Gruevski won 51 seats and Zaev 49 seats, it means that they both needed another party to guarantee the necessary 61 votes needed for the making up of a government. Gruevski's talks with Ahmeti, representing the ethnic Albanian's minority here, didn't prove successful. It is Zaev's turn to try to reach a deal. The main obstacle delaying the formation of a ruling coalition remains the proposal of DUI and other Albanian parties on a wider use of the Albanian language in Macedonia. In this regard, Zaev and Ahmeti met Tuesday night in order to find a way to harmonize their stances on this issue. "With the head of SDSM, we have discussed many topics, the differences that exist between us, the Constitution, the political situation that the country is going through and important issues that relate to the solution of many problems," Ahmeti told local media after the meeting. Although both Zaev and Ahmeti claimed after the meeting that they were close to reaching a deal, SDSM officials told media Wednesday that the solution for this issue must be based on the Constitution. On the other hand, head of VMRO-DPMNE Nikola Gruevski reacted Wednesday on ongoing negotiations between the two parties to form a new government, saying that VMRO-DPMNE wouldn't allow any scenario aimed at re-defining Macedonia. "I must stress that VMRO-DPMNE and its coalition are relentlessly determined to defend the country and its national interests," Gruevski said. He added that SDSM and DUI were trying to "de-factorize" the Macedonian people. In this regard, he said that people in Macedonia were prepared to fight for these interests. Further on, Gruevski told reporters that SDSM couldn't change the Constitution without VMRO-DPMNE. Whilst the situation in Macedonia is still in a standstill as many issues remain yet to be discussed, European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini is scheduled to visit Macedonia at the beginning of next month. by William M. Reilly UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday appealed for 5.6 billion U.S. dollars -- 4.4 billion of it by the end of next month -- to prevent famine in northeast Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen where 20 million people face famine. He was joined by UN Development Program Administrator Helen Clark, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O'Brien, who is also the head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and on a video link Ertharin Cousin, executive director of the World Food Program (WFP), at a news conference here at UN Headquarters in New York. Two counties of South Sudan have already met the criteria for a famine situation to be declared, Cousins said. "Unless we act now, it is only a matter of time until it affects other areas and other countries," said Guterres. "We are facing a tragedy; we must avoid it becoming a catastrophe. This is preventable if the international community takes decisive action." "The situation is dire," he said. "Millions of people are barely surviving in the space between malnutrition and death, vulnerable to diseases and outbreaks, forced to kill their animals for food and eat the grain they saved for next year's seeds." Women and girls were disproportionately affected, said the UN chief, reflecting his concern at getting the UN system to reach gender parity. "One of the biggest obstacles we face now is funding," he said, adding that humanitarian operations in these four countries require more than 5.6 billion U.S. dollars this year. "We need at least 4.4 billion U.S. dollars by the end of March to avert a catastrophe," Gutteres said. "Despite some generous pledges, just 90 million U.S. dollars has actually been received so far -- around two cents for every U.S. dollar needed," Guterres said. "We are in the beginning of the year but these numbers are very worrying." O'Brien, the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, said the threatened 20 million victims are "facing famine or risk of famine or starvation over the next six months and that includes 1.4 million children who are currently at imminent risk of death from severe, acute malnutrition. The point is ... these famines can be averted if we act now." "The lesson from the 2011 Somalia famine was by the time that we declared famine, broadly, as a world, half of those who died already had died," he said. "This is why we are sounding the alarm now so that we can avert the catastrophe." There were 260,000 fatalities by the time the world organization declared the Somalia famine over in mid 2012. "We already have in place many of the aid workers and agencies and implementing partners both at national and international levels and working in and through governments, where they have that capacity to respond, to make sure that we are averting what we can see is a famine through these many causes -- different as they are -- but with the common theme of conflict," O'Brien said. "There is a total commitment on the part of development partners to work extremely closely with OCHA and the humanitarian actors," said UNDP chief Clark. "Clearly the primary objective here is to save lives in the face of extremely dire circumstances and part of saving lives is building resilience for the future." "A lot is underway," she said. "A lot of what we are doing is being retargeted, reorganized. Everything is being scaled up." To explain what resilience being scaled up in South Sudan, she said as an example that such agencies as the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), UNDP, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), WFP, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are working together "on a comprehensive approach, stabilization and recovery, access to basic social services, reinvigorating livelihoods locally and enhancing the capacity of local governments to deliver the services they need to deliver." On the video link, WFP Chief Cousins said that in each of these four countries "plans are in place, the people are prepared to perform the work that is necessary. What we need are the financial resources ... and access." "This is a very different situation than even in Somalia than we were in, in 2011," she said. "In Somalia today as compared to 2011 you have a functioning government. The markets are functioning. What we need are the resources to make sure that we can give access to the food that is available to those who have suffered from two years of drought and also the meteorologists are telling us there is that the next rains will also fail." "Acting now, before we reach the height of the lean season in each one of these countries will insure our ability to provide the support that is necessary," Cousins said. "What we all see on the horizon ... is a famine in each one of these countries if we fail to act." UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday proposed creating a new office for counter-terrorism to lead the world body's efforts to combat terrorism. Guterres told the General Assembly at an informal meeting that the office would be headed by a new under-secretary-general, and it would include teams working on counter-terrorism within the UN Secretariat. A UN under-secretary-general is a senior position within the UN system. Heads of UN peacekeeping, UN relief wing and UN development program are all at under-secretary-general level. The office would be mandated with promoting the implementation of the UN Counter-Terrorism Strategy and meanwhile better assisting member states in counter-terrorism capacity building, according to Guterres. "Our aim is to build a new partnership with member states on countering the transnational threat of terrorism which needs to be addressed urgently," said Guterres. "Any activities of the new office would be in support of and upon the request of member states," he added. Residents line up to receive a piece of Rosca de Reyes, an oval-shaped Mexican bread, at the Zocalo Square in Mexico City, Mexico, Jan. 5, 2017. Mexicans celebrate Epiphany, also known as the Three Kings Day, a religious festival coming around Jan. 6 each year. (Xinhua/Str) by Matthew Rusling WASHINGTON, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- As U.S. President Donald Trump sets his sights on building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, Americans have a more favorable view of Mexico than they have in over a decade, a Gallup poll released Wednesday found. Sixty-four percent of Americans say they have "very" or "mostly" favorable views of the neighboring country, up from 59 percent in 2016 and the highest since 2006, Gallup found. The news comes at a time when Trump has generated controversy by announcing that he would build a wall on the U.S.-Mexican border in a bid to stem the massive tide of illegal immigration into the United States, which now has around 11 million illegal migrants. Nearly two-thirds of Americans have favorable views of Mexico, reflecting a significant improvement from a near-record low of 45 percent in 2011. Since then, even before Trump announced his intention to run for president, Mexico's image has steadily improved among all party groups of Americans. After peaking at 74 percent in 2003 and 2005, Americans' positive views of Mexico fell to 64 percent in 2006 amid heightened publicity about drug and gang wars and issues related to near-record-high illegal immigration from Mexico into the United States. Americans' favorable views of Mexico continued to wane for another five years, bottoming out at 45 percent in 2011 -- the lowest rating for Mexico since 1993, just before Californians passed a high-profile anti-immigrant ballot measure. Since 2011, Mexico's image has gradually improved, rising 19 percentage points, Gallup found. SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- States in U.S. Pacific Northwest experience very low snowpack levels in 2014 and 2015, and now researchers suggest that these occurrences could become much more common if average temperatures warm just 2 degrees Celsius. Based on simulations of previous and predicted snowpack, the study published in the journal The Cryosphere suggests that by mid-century, years like 2015 may happen about once a decade, while snowpack levels similar to 2014 will take place every 4-5 years, as the low snowpack levels were linked to warmer temperatures. "It is a cautionary tale," said lead author Eric Sproles, who conducted much of the research as a doctoral student at Oregon State University (OSU) and has been working as a hydrologist in Chile. "California received a lot of attention for its drought, but the economic and environmental impacts from those two low-snowpack years were profound in the Pacific Northwest." The winter of 2014 led to drier springtime conditions and severe drought throughout western Oregon. That pattern was even stronger in 2015. Situation was worse in California, where drought lasted more than four years. However, a fair amount of precipitation, namely 78 percent of normal, still fell in Oregon, but temperatures in the snow zone were 3.3 degrees Celsius warmer than average. "We set out to learn whether they were just off years, or if they would be likely to happen more often with increased warming. Unfortunately, the data show these will become more commonplace," said Sproles. And the key is what happened in the Cascade Mountains at an elevation of around 4,000 feet, or 1,220 meters, a level that frequently is the boundary between rain and snow. In 2014, winter precipitation in the mountain region was 96 percent of normal and overall temperatures were 0.7 degrees Celsius warmer than normal. But temperatures in that snow zone were 2.7 degrees Celsius warmer than average. On March 1 of 2015, 47 percent of the snow monitoring sites in the Willamette River basin registered zero "snow water equivalent" - the amount of water stored in snowpack. The study focused on the McKenzie River basin, which has a major influence on the Willamette River, all the way to Portland. During summer months, nearly 25 percent of the water in the Willamette at its confluence with the Columbia River originates from the McKenzie. As much as 60 to 80 percent of the volume of the Willamette River in the summer originates from precipitation that fell above 4,000 feet, or or 1,220 meters. The typically consistent flow of the McKenzie River in the summer of 2015 was at 63 percent of its median flow. "The study shows how incredibly sensitive the region's snowpack is to increasing temperatures," Sproles was quoted as saying in a news release from OSU. "The low snow years took place even though precipitation wasn't that bad. But when it falls as rain instead of snow, it loses that ability to function as a natural reservoir in the mountains." A comparatively cold and wet winter has made many Oregonians forget about the low-snowpack years of 2014 and 2015, Sproles said, but the region has been in a La Nina cycle, which is typically colder and wetter, and is expected to move toward neutral conditions by the end of February. "It seems like much of the state has been socked with snow and ice this winter," he said, "but despite that, snowpack for the Sandy and Hood River basins is only 110 percent of normal and the Willamette basin snowpack is 124 percent of normal. That is certainly positive, but it seems like those numbers would be a lot higher considering what kind of winter we've had in the valley." United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (C), Helen Clark (L), administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, and St ephen O'Brien, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, attend a press conference on humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and north-east Nigeria, at the UN headquarters in New York, on Feb. 22, 2017. Over 20 million people in South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and north-east Nigeria are facing "devastating" levels of food insecurity, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) by William M. Reilly UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday appealed for 5.6 billion U.S. dollars -- 4.4 billion of it by the end of next month -- to prevent famine in northeast Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen where 20 million people face famine. He was joined by UN Development Program Administrator Helen Clark, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O'Brien, who is also the head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and on a video link Ertharin Cousin, executive director of the World Food Program (WFP), at a news conference here at UN Headquarters in New York. Two counties of South Sudan have already met the criteria for a famine situation to be declared, Cousins said. "Unless we act now, it is only a matter of time until it affects other areas and other countries," said Guterres. "We are facing a tragedy; we must avoid it becoming a catastrophe. This is preventable if the international community takes decisive action." "The situation is dire," he said. "Millions of people are barely surviving in the space between malnutrition and death, vulnerable to diseases and outbreaks, forced to kill their animals for food and eat the grain they saved for next year's seeds." Women and girls were disproportionately affected, said the UN chief, reflecting his concern at getting the UN system to reach gender parity. "One of the biggest obstacles we face now is funding," he said, adding that humanitarian operations in these four countries require more than 5.6 billion U.S. dollars this year. "We need at least 4.4 billion U.S. dollars by the end of March to avert a catastrophe," Gutteres said. "Despite some generous pledges, just 90 million U.S. dollars has actually been received so far -- around two cents for every U.S. dollar needed," Guterres said. "We are in the beginning of the year but these numbers are very worrying." O'Brien, the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, said the threatened 20 million victims are "facing famine or risk of famine or starvation over the next six months and that includes 1.4 million children who are currently at imminent risk of death from severe, acute malnutrition. The point is ... these famines can be averted if we act now." "The lesson from the 2011 Somalia famine was by the time that we declared famine, broadly, as a world, half of those who died already had died," he said. "This is why we are sounding the alarm now so that we can avert the catastrophe." There were 260,000 fatalities by the time the world organization declared the Somalia famine over in mid 2012. "We already have in place many of the aid workers and agencies and implementing partners both at national and international levels and working in and through governments, where they have that capacity to respond, to make sure that we are averting what we can see is a famine through these many causes -- different as they are -- but with the common theme of conflict," O'Brien said. "There is a total commitment on the part of development partners to work extremely closely with OCHA and the humanitarian actors," said UNDP chief Clark. "Clearly the primary objective here is to save lives in the face of extremely dire circumstances and part of saving lives is building resilience for the future." "A lot is underway," she said. "A lot of what we are doing is being retargeted, reorganized. Everything is being scaled up." To explain what resilience being scaled up in South Sudan, she said as an example that such agencies as the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), UNDP, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), WFP, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are working together "on a comprehensive approach, stabilization and recovery, access to basic social services, reinvigorating livelihoods locally and enhancing the capacity of local governments to deliver the services they need to deliver." On the video link, WFP Chief Cousins said that in each of these four countries "plans are in place, the people are prepared to perform the work that is necessary. What we need are the financial resources ... and access." "This is a very different situation than even in Somalia than we were in, in 2011," she said. "In Somalia today as compared to 2011 you have a functioning government. The markets are functioning. What we need are the resources to make sure that we can give access to the food that is available to those who have suffered from two years of drought and also the meteorologists are telling us there is that the next rains will also fail." "Acting now, before we reach the height of the lean season in each one of these countries will insure our ability to provide the support that is necessary," Cousins said. "What we all see on the horizon ... is a famine in each one of these countries if we fail to act." United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during a press conference on humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and north-east Nigeria, at the UN headquarters in New York, on Feb. 22, 2017. Over 20 million people in South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and north-east Nigeria are facing "devastating" levels of food insecurity, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday proposed creating a new office for counter-terrorism to lead the world body's efforts to combat terrorism. Guterres told the General Assembly at an informal meeting that the office would be headed by a new under-secretary-general, and it would include teams working on counter-terrorism within the UN Secretariat. A UN under-secretary-general is a senior position within the UN system. Heads of UN peacekeeping, UN relief wing and UN development program are all at under-secretary-general level. The office would be mandated with promoting the implementation of the UN Counter-Terrorism Strategy and meanwhile better assisting member states in counter-terrorism capacity building, according to Guterres. "Our aim is to build a new partnership with member states on countering the transnational threat of terrorism which needs to be addressed urgently," said Guterres. "Any activities of the new office would be in support of and upon the request of member states," he added. CANBERRA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Australia's Ross River mosquito-borne virus has the potential to one day become a global epidemic, Australian researchers have admitted. The Ross River virus (RRV) is Australia's most common mosquito-borne disease and was reported in higher than normal numbers in 2016 due to unseasonably wet weather during the summer months. The disease was previously thought to have been endemic to Australia and northern neighbor, Papua New Guinea (PNG), however Australian researchers believe the disease may have spread overseas, in a similar fashion to that of the Zika virus. The University of Adelaide's Professor Philip Weinstein said the Ross River virus was slowly beginning to materialize further abroad, with some cases being reported in nations in the South Pacific. "It's really only (become apparent) in the last few years, when tourists returning to their home countries were diagnosed with Ross River virus after travelling in the Pacific," Weinstein told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Wednesday night. "They'd never been to Australia or New Guinea. That's when the little alarm bells started ringing that this was perhaps circulating outside Australia." Weinstein said it was previously thought the virus could only be transmitted through affected marsupials, keeping it endemic to Australia and PNG, however the new discovery has scientists worried it may be able to "sustain itself anywhere in the world." "That certainly means that it could be another global outbreak like Zika or Chikungunya a few years before that, another mosquito-borne virus that suddenly went global," he said. "This has probably been chugging along quietly on different Pacific islands for a number of years, but because the symptoms are so general it's not been identified as a Ross River Virus problem." More than 3,500 Australians were affected by the virus in 2016, with symptoms including swollen joints, fever, extreme fatigue and debilitating pain. It is not considered a deadly virus. SYDNEY, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The impact of climate change has made the future of plankton unique to the Southern Ocean uncertain, an Australian study has found. The research, published by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) on Thursday, revealed that single-celled phytoplankton in the Southern Ocean, which plays a key role in reducing atmospheric carbon, face extinction. Stacy Deppeler, a PhD student at IMAS, found that a clear trend of how the phytoplankton is affected by global warming will not be available for decades, by which point it may be too late to save the plankton. "While a fundamental part of the ecosystem is changing in ways that could have global implications, there's uncertainty about exactly what the changes and their impact will be," Deppeler said in a media release on Thursday. "It's unlikely that we'll be able to identify clear trends until around 2050, by which time some big changes in phytoplankton communities will probably already have occurred and it will to be too late to consider mitigating them. "Phytoplankton are important because all marine life in the Southern Ocean rely on them ultimately as a food source." Deppeler said that the extinction of the phytoplankton would have significant consequences for the Southern Ocean habitat. "They draw down carbon as they photosynthesize, and capture it in the deep ocean when they sink to the seafloor. The level of atmospheric carbon would be around 50 percent higher without the uptake provided by Southern Ocean phytoplankton," she said. "Changes to phytoplankton communities therefore could have significant implications for our environment and climate. "Changes in the ability of phytoplankton to photosynthesize and grow, or changes in the structure of the phytoplankton community from large cells that contain a lot of carbon to smaller cells that don't have so much, will affect the amount of carbon that sinks into the deep ocean. "But understanding exactly what's happening is difficult due to the complexity of the stressors affecting phytoplankton, the size and regional diversity of the Southern Ocean, and the logistical challenges of conducting research there. "While the changes in phytoplankton might happen quite quickly they'll take a very long time to reverse." SYDNEY, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Sydney on Wednesday for a series of meetings and events to enhance the bilateral relationship between Israel and Australia, and engage in talks with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Both leaders appeared at a number of events over the course of the day, which culminated in an event at a local Sydney synagogue which saw 2,000 people attend. Two former Australian prime ministers John Howard and Tony Abbott also attended the event. Turnbull reiterated Australia's firm commitment to the state of Israel, and spoke out against the recent United Nations resolution against the Israeli state. At the event, Netanyahu touched on what he sees as a growing wave of anti-semitism around the world, and spoke of the fight required to "battle against those who seek to demonise Jews," giving reference to U.S. President Donald Trump, who he visited last week. "It's very important that President Trump took a strong stand against anti-semitism," Netanyahu said. During a speech at the luncheon in his honor, Netanyahu highlighted the rapid technological advances his country has been making, and encouraged Australia, and the world, to partner with Israel in their push towards a high tech future. "There is a revolution taking place in the world today, and it is the intersection of big data and connectivity, and artificial intelligence," Netanyahu said. "Those who can be at that nexus and create new ideas in that triangle, have the future in their hands," he said. "You need Israeli technology." A number of protests against Israel were planned for Thursday, with estimates ranging from the hundreds to the thousands likely to be in attendance in Sydney. Politicians and academics who are in support of a Palestinian state will speak at the event on Thursday, which will be begin with a march from Town Hall in Sydney on Thursday night, with prominent Greens MP David Shoebridge set to speak at the event, organized by the Palestinian Action Group. "This rally is a response to the official Australian visit of Benjamin Netanyahu as the leader of the Israeli government, which has consistently flouted international law in relation to Palestinian rights to land justice and an end to the occupation," organizers said. TOKYO, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Nissan Motor Co. said Thursday Carlos Ghosn will step down as chief executive officer and the company's co-CEO Hiroto Saikawa will become the automaker's sole CEO. Ghosn, who has stewarded Japan's second-largest automaker for the past 16 years, will step down on April 1, but will remain as chairman of its board of directors. The Brazilian-Lebanese-French businessman, who also serves as the chairman and the CEO of the Renault SA, will focus more on this French partner alliance to appease shareholders. The Porto Velho native, who also became chairman at Mitsubishi Motors Corp. from December last year, was believed to be over-stretching himself. "Having recently taken on new responsibilities at Mitsubishi Motors, I have decided that the time is right for Hiroto Saikawa to succeed me as Nissan's CEO," Ghosn said in a statement. "As Nissan's Chairman, I will continue to supervise and guide the company, both independently and within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance," he said. Ghosn added the move would allow him to focus more of his attention on the French alliance. Saikawa, who has been with Nissan for 40 years, has been co-heading the automaker with Ghosn since last November, following Nissan's tie up with Mitsubishi Motors. Saikawa has, among numerous other roles, previously served as Nissan's chief competitive officer, chief executive of U.S. operations of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Nissan North America, Inc. and executive vice president of European operations. He graduated from the Faculty of Economics at Tokyo University in March 1977. YANGON, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar will start implementing part of a Yangon Myothit (New Town) project on the other side of Yangon River near Kyimyindine township in the southwest of Yangon at the end of this month, the official Global New Light of Myanmar reported Thursday. The project will be carried out on contract by the Yangon Metropolitan Development Public Company involving 2,000 Myanmar construction entrepreneurs, the Yangon regional government was quoted as saying. The Yangon new town project including a new special economic zone will be submitted as a national project for 2017-18 fiscal year to the regional parliament for approval. As part of the project, low-cost housing project will also be implemented for those living in the squatters and those having difficulty in housing problem. The new town project is intended for the increasing population of Yangon region which now stands at over 6 million. The Yangon regional government is working on a Yangon New Town Project on 7,284 hectares adjacent to Twanty, Kyimyindine and Seikyi Khanaungto townships on the other side of Yangon River, closely supervising the implementation of the project to prevent highly rising land prices. QUITO, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador's presidential election is heading to a runoff as the leading ruling party candidate Moreno failed to garner an absolute majority in Sunday's first-round race, according to results released by National Electoral Council. To win in the first round and avoid a runoff, Ecuadorian law requires a candidate to win an outright majority of more than 50 percent, or get at least 40 percent of the votes with a 10-point advantage over the runner up. PYONGYANG, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday said the death of a DPRK citizen at Kuala Lumpur last week was an "anti-DPRK conspiratorial racket" launched by South Korea. The DPRK also blamed the Malaysian side for showing an unfriendly attitude in handling the case, the official news agency KCNA reported. A spokesman for the Korean Jurists Committee said an autopsy was unnecessary as the death had been confirmed as caused by a heart stroke and the deceased man carried a diplomatic passport, according to the KCNA. The man died on the way from a Malaysian airport to hospital. Malaysian police identified him as Kim Chol from the DPRK. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said embassy documents showed the man was Kim Jong Nam, half-brother of the DPRK top leader Kim Jong Un, but that was denied by the DPRK ambassador to Malaysia, Kang Chol. The incident was "undisguised encroachment upon the sovereignty of the DPRK, a wanton human rights abuse and an act contrary to human ethics and morality," the KCNA quoted a statement from the unnamed spokesman. The spokesman claimed that South Korea "worked out the scenario" and released false reports that the man was poisoned to death. "It is regretful that only Malaysia is denying such fact," he added. The spokesman criticized the Malaysian side for conducting an autopsy without any prior agreement with the DPRK or its presence, in disregard of the just demand from the DPRK and international law. Malaysian police Wednesday reiterated that a DNA test would be needed to identify the dead man from the DPRK before the body could be released. But the DPRK spokesman called the request an "absurd pretext." "Malaysia is obliged to hand his body to the DPRK side as it made an autopsy and forensic examination of it in an illegal and immoral manner," the spokesman said in the statement, adding that this proves that Malaysia wants to politicize the transfer of the body to the DPRK in disregard of international law and morality and attain "a sinister purpose." The statement repeated that the DPRK was ready to send a delegation of jurists to Malaysia for a joint investigation into the case, which was proposed by the DPRK ambassador to Malaysia at a press conference. Four suspects, including a Vietnamese woman, an Indonesian woman, a Malaysian male and a DPRK male, have been arrested so far, according to Malaysian police. However, the cause of death is yet to be determined by lab results. Up till now, no next-of-kin of the deceased man has showed up to help authorities carry out DNA identification, a key step in determining the identity, said Malaysian officials. MANILA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has said recently in his meeting with a high-level Chinese delegation that his country expects to have pragmatic and comprehensive cooperation with China. Duterte, also chairman of the Philippine ruling PDP-Laban party, made the remarks in his meeting with visiting Chinese delegation led by Song Tao, minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Monday. Duterte said that the Philippines expects to enhance pragmatic bilateral cooperation with China in all fields, and that his party is willing to enhance communications between the Philippine ruling party and the CPC to deepen mutual trust. For his part, Song said China and the Philippines are good neighbors, and China is ready to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries in their meeting last October in Beijing. He said that the CPC is ready to strengthen communications between the ruling parties of the two countries to build political trust so as to push the bilateral relationship to a new high. SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) --Several Indian army troopers were wounded early Thursday after militants ambushed their vehicles in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, military officials said. WELLINGTON, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- A new World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement to make trade easier is a win for liberalization in the face of rising protectionism, New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay said Thursday. McClay issued a statement welcoming the entry into force of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), saying it was a big win for New Zealand exporters. "This is a win for trade liberalization, and the WTO, in the face of growing concerns around protectionism," McClay said. "The TFA will benefit all New Zealand exporters and is particularly good for small and medium sized enterprises. The TFA reduces the cost, administration and time burden associated with getting products across borders and into the marketplace," he said. "New Zealand's agricultural exporters will also benefit significantly from a provision to hasten the release of perishable goods within the shortest possible time." The TFA worked by simplifying and streamlining Customs and border processes as well as addressing some key barriers that exporters faced when doing business abroad. It was ratified by New Zealand in 2015. "A credible and effective WTO is important for New Zealand. The government is committed to pushing for better access and great fairness for all New Zealand exporters and the TFA is an important part of this," said McClay. RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian Foreign Minister Jose Serra resigned over health problems on Wednesday. In the resignation letter he presented to President Michel Temer, Serra cited health issues as his reason for departure. His actual health condition was not detailed. He underwent a back surgery in late 2016. Serra spent only 11 months in the position after he took over the ministry in May 2016, when Temer became interim president following the impeachment of his predecessor Dilma Rousseff. In order to take over the foreign ministry, Serra had to leave the Senate, where he was serving his third term that would last until 2022. He is expected to return to the Senate to continue his representation for Sao Paulo state, where he spent almost his entire political career. WELLINGTON, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand employers who abuse migrant workers could be banned from hiring foreign labor for up to two years under new rules coming in on April 1. The new penalties -- or "stand-down periods" -- would stop employers who breached immigration and employment law from recruiting migrant workers, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said Thursday. "Migrant workers make a valuable contribution to our workforce and have the same rights as any other workers," Woodhouse said in a statement. "It is simply unacceptable that those employers who exploit migrant workers are still able to recruit from the international labor market and disadvantage those employers who do the right thing," he said. "Employers who have incurred an employment standards-related penalty will be banned from recruiting migrant labor for defined stand-down periods ranging from six months to two years, depending on the severity of the case." Published guidelines and criteria would ensure that stand-down periods were applied fairly, consistently and transparently. "Access to the international labor market is a privilege, not a right and if employers abuse that privilege by exploiting migrants or failing to comply with employment law, there will be consequences." However, the opposition New Zealand First party described the rules as "a limp response to a major problem." "Where are the increased numbers of workers for the under-resourced Labour Inspectorate to fully implement the legislation?" asked New Zealand First Party leader Winston Peters. "The inspectorate has only 54 officers for the entire country; if Mr Woodhouse was really serious he would pump up the inspectorate immediately," Peters said in a statement. The main purpose of the rule was to give the impression the government was doing something about "entrenched and widespread worker exploitation," said Peters. A University of Auckland study had shown all sectors of the New Zealand economy -- construction, fishing, hospitality, dairy, horticulture, viticulture and international education -- were exploiting migrant workers. "With the chances of getting caught so remote, the law will be widely ignored," said Peters. WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. "moonwalker-carrier" spacecraft Apollo 11 will take off on a new trip in the next two years to visit different museums around the country. The space capsule called Columbia has been kept in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington since it came back from the moon in 1969. To celebrate the upcoming 50th anniversary of its successful achievement of the "first step on moon" project, the capsule will take its own first step off the museum. "It represents one of the great achievements of mankind," said Myriam Springuel, the director of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service that runs the tour "Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission," as quoted by USA Today. "We are privileged to take it across the country and to share it with the people who own this object, which are the citizens of the United States," added Springuel. According to the tour plan, Apollo 11 capsule will go to Space Center Houston and St. Louis Science Center in 2018, plus Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh and The Museum of Flight in Seattle in 2019. "People in those areas can get up close and personal with this unbelievable artifact," said David Skorton, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to local media. The capsule will be shipped via FedEx, just like U.S.-born giant panda Bao Bao going back to China. LISBON, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Portugal's economy has improved over the past four years but its fiscal outlook still faces risks, the European Commission said in a country report released on Wednesday. "While the Portuguese economy has continued to recover for the fourth consecutive year, it remains vulnerable to shocks," the commission said in the statement. It noted the country's investment conditions "remain challenging and continue to drag on growth," adding that investment is expected to recover in the medium-term with support from EU funds. According to the European Commission, "uncertainty about investment, the banking sector and the implementation of structural reforms pose some downside risks to the sustainable recovery." The country's public finances are expected to improve, while the fiscal outlook remains subject to downside risks, according to the report. "The headline deficit is projected to decrease further to 2.0 percent of GDP in 2017, mainly as a result of the moderate economic recovery and good financing conditions," the European Commission noted. "However, uncertainty about the macroeconomic outlook, the potential impact on the deficit of banking support measures and possible spending slippages pose risks," it said. The commission also pointed out that public debt has stabilized at around 130 percent of GDP since 2011. "The stock of public debt, which is still large, coupled with still relatively high deficit levels and low growth, makes Portugal nevertheless vulnerable to changing economic conditions and rising financing costs," the commission said. "Overall Portugal has made limited progress on addressing the 2016 country-specific recommendations," it added. Portugal signed a bailout program in 2011 when it was on the verge of bankruptcy. High debt remains a problem for the country, with the economy not growing as fast as the government hopes. Staff members examine a China-Europe container train at Suzhou West Railway Station in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, June 8, 2016. (Xinhua/Sun Can) HONG KONG, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Belt and Road Initiative offers China and the United States a new opportunity for cooperation, a former adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump said here on Wednesday. At a dialogue held in Hong Kong between Chinese and U.S. international relations scholars, James Woolsey said that under the new Trump administration, the "key thing" for current U.S.-China relationship is "not to get bogged down in rhetoric or branding, but to start working together and get things done." "That's one of the reasons why the Belt and Road Initiative is attractive," Woolsey said. "It offers a new opportunity for China and the United States to start working together on something obviously needed by the region." The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative, proposed by China in 2013, aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes. Containers are seen at Yiwu West Railway Station in Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 28, 2016. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi) Woolsey, who is also a former CIA director, has described the Obama administration's opposition to the formation of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as a "strategic mistake." He also suggested China and the United States strengthen cooperation in such fields as energy. Echoing Woolsey's views, Yuan Peng, vice president of China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, proposed seeking new areas for cooperation as one of the priorities in the U.S.-China relationship. "China can also be helpful in Trump's ambitious infrastructure construction," he said. The colloquium, under the theme of "China-U.S. relationship under the new administration and the global geopolitical landscape," also touched upon topics including U.S.-Russia relations, Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, situation in the Middle East and North Africa. SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- At least three Indian army troopers were killed and three others wounded on Thursday after militants ambushed them in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said. One woman was also killed in the crossfire. The army convoy was ambushed at village Moolu-Chitragam in Shopian district, about 56 km-south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir. "Unknown militants attacked army at Moolu Chitragam at about 2:00 a.m. (local time) resulting in wounding six army personnel including two officers, of whom three succumbed to their wounds," a police spokesman in Srinagar said. The troopers have succumbed at military base hospital in Srinagar owing to their critical condition, while as remaining ones are undergoing treatment. Police said the army contingent was returning from a search operation from village Kungnoo in the district. "On an information a cordon and search operation was carried out at Kungnoo Shopian by army and police. The operation concluded without any arrest or recovery," the spokesman said. Reports said though the army retaliated to the militant fire but they seem to have escaped following the attack, taking advantage of darkness. According to police, a woman was also killed during the crossfire incident in the village after being hit by bullets inside her house. "A woman Taja who was hit by a stray bullet inside her house during the crossfire was also killed," police said. Following the attack several contingents of police and army were rushed to the village. A guerilla war is going on between militants and Indian troops stationed in Indian- controlled Kashmir since 1989. The gunfight between the two sides takes place intermittently across the region. 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. WELLINGTON, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government unveiled plans Thursday to clean up some of the country's notoriously filthy rivers and lakes - only to be accused of shifting the goal posts for measuring pollution. The government announced a "challenging" target of 90 percent of New Zealand's lakes and rivers meeting "swimmable" water quality standards - meaning safe to submerge your head in - by 2040, alongside new policy, regulations and funding to help achieve the new goal. However, environment campaigners said the government had doubled the number of swimmable waterways by simply redefining "swimmable." "This ambitious plan to improve the water quality in our lakes and rivers recognizes that New Zealanders expect to be able to take a dip in their local river or lake without getting a nasty bug," Environment Minister Nick Smith said in a statement. "It will make us a world leader in water quality standards for swimming, and that's important for New Zealand's growing tourism industry. It will return our rivers and lakes to a standard not seen in 50 years while recognizing that our frequent major rainfalls mean a 100-percent standard is not realistic." The plan was backed up by national regulations requiring stock to be fenced out of waterways, new national policy requirements for municipal authorities to strengthen their rules on issues such as sewage discharges and planting riparian margins. The target covered the length of rivers over 40 centimeters deep and the perimeters of lakes greater than 1.5 km, which totalled 54,000 km. The swimmable target was based on meeting the water quality standard at least 80 percent of the time, in line with European and U.S. definitions. Currently 72 percent of waterways by length met this definition nationwide. The government's National Policy Statement (NPS) for Freshwater Management was being strengthened to support the swimmability target by replacing the category of "wadeable" - meaning only safe to walk in - with "swimmable," said Smith. The release of the new goal follows growing agitation among the public and the tourism industry at the levels of pollution in waterways, and the presentation of a 12-signature petition to Parliament on Wednesday demanding swimmable rivers. The opposition Green Party, which presented the petition, said the government had done "nothing but shift the goal posts" by simply re-labelling the standards, so that what was once only safe for wading was now to be considered safe for swimming. "New Zealanders asked for rivers clean enough to swim in, not a re-branded version of 'dirty'," Green Party water spokesperson Catherine Delahunty said in a statement. "There is nothing in today's announcement that will stop the pollution of our rivers from dirty dairying, or the damaging effects of irrigation." Environment campaign groups said people were more likely to get sick by swimming in waterways because the "European and U.S. definitions" were less strict than those previously used. "Until now, the standard for our cleanest rivers allowed a one in a hundred chance of getting sick. Now, the proposal is that you will have a one in 20 chance of getting sick - and that's their top standard," Forest & Bird CEO Kevin Hague said in a statement. Greenpeace said the "European and U.S. definitions" almost doubled the number of rivers that were swimmable without the government "lifting a finger to improve them." "The officially accepted percentage of New Zealand rivers you can safely swim in stood at 38 percent before today," Greenpeace campaigner Gen Toop said in a statement. "With the wave of a magic wand Mr Smith has bumped up that figure to 72 percent." South Korean students protest against Japan's Takeshima (known as Dokdo in South Korea) Day during a rally outside the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, Feb. 21, 2014. (Xinhua file/Park Jin-hee) SEOUL, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- South Korea on Wednesday slammed Japan for sending a senior government official to an annual ceremony, which is aimed at claiming a pair of disputed islets, called Dokdo by Seoul and Takeshima in Japan. The foreign ministry said in a statement that it strongly protests against Japan for its unjust claims to Dokdo islets by dispatching a senior government official to the Takeshima Day ceremony. The statement urged Japan to immediately stop such event and squarely face up to history, saying Dokdo is an inherent territory of South Korea historically and geographically under international laws. South Korea has effectively taken control of the rugged islets, composed mainly of volcanic rocks, since 1954. The rocky outcroppings were incorporated into Japan during its 1910-45 colonization of the Korean Peninsula, but the control of the islets was restored by South Korea following its liberation from the colonial rule. Japan's Shimane prefecture designated Feb. 22 as Takeshima Day in 2005, and has, since 2006, held an event to mark the day annually. The Japanese government, led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has sent a senior cabinet member to the ceremony since 2013. For this year's celebration, Shunsuke Mutai, parliamentary vice minister of the Cabinet Office, attended it as a government representative. South Korean students attend an event to mark "Dokdo Day" in Seoul, South Korea, Oct. 25, 2013. (Xinhua file/Park Jin-hee) South Korea has seen such acts as Japan's reluctance to acknowledge Japan's wartime aggression and brutalities, while showing the Abe cabinet's ambition to become a militaristic power. Seoul's foreign ministry summoned a minister at the Japanese embassy in Seoul to protest against Japan's dispatch of a senior official to the controversial ceremony. The diplomatic friction came at a time of frayed ties between the two countries over the so-called "statue of a girl" that symbolizes comfort women victims, a euphemism for Korean women who were lured or forced into Japanese military brothels as sex slaves before and during World War II. In protest against an agreement reached in December 2015 between Seoul and Tokyo over the comfort women victims, South Korean civic group activists put up a girl statue in front of the Japanese consulate in Busan, South Korea's southeastern port city. It was the second statue, which is erected near Japan's diplomatic office, since the first one was placed in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul in December 2011. In retaliation, Japan recalled its ambassador to South Korea who has yet to return to Seoul. The agreement on the comfort women enraged the South Korean elderly victims as it was reached finally and irreversibly without any advance consultations with the victims. Even after the deal, Japan has denied its legal responsibility for its war crimes against humanity. TOKYO, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Residents living near the U.S. Kadena Air Base in Okinawa Prefecture have won the largest-ever amount of compensation from the central Japanese government related to a suit over excessive noise connected to a military base. The plaintiffs were collectively awarded 30.2 billion yen (266 million U.S. dollars) in damages by the Okinawa branch of the Naha District Court, which ruled that illegal damage had been left unresolved by the U.S. and Japanese governments. "The U.S. and Japanese governments have not taken fundamental prevention measures and illegal damage has been aimlessly left unresolved," the branch was quoted as saying in handing down its ruling. The lawsuit for excessive noise from the base was filed in 2011 by 22,000 residents, the largest-ever for such a lawsuit, but an additional petition to ban flights from the base between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. was turned down by the court. The court noted that the Japanese government could not restrict flight times as the Kadena base belongs to the U.S. military. The plaintiffs came from five municipalities in Okinawa where, according to local media reports, noise levels have been logged at between 75 and 95 on the Weighted Equivalent Continuous Perceived Noise Level index. The noise level registered in these municipalities legally necessitates government compensation. The plaintiffs in their suit had complained of sleep and of hearing disorders as a result of the noise form the base and had petitioned for 57,500 yen in monthly payments each for damages in the future. The latest compensation case seeing 30.2 billion yen awarded, far dwarfs that of the previous record, which stood at 8.2 billion yen in damages for noise suffered by people living near the U.S. Naval Air Facility Atsugi in Kanagawa Prefecture near Tokyo. HAVANA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Cuban government condemned on Wednesday an "open and unacceptable provocation" by the Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General, Luis Almagro, and an illegal opposition group which attempted to damage Havana's international image. In an official statement published by Cuba's foreign ministry on its website, Havana said Almagro was denied a visa to enter Cuba as OAS chief because his visit constituted a "serious provocation." "As for Almagro and the OAS, we are not surprised by his openly anti-Cuban statements and acts. In a very short time as chief of that organization he has promoted an ambitious agenda of attacks against governments like Venezuela, Bolivia and Ecuador," said the statement. Havana added that during Almagro's time at the OAS, "imperialist" attacks against Latin American and Caribbean integration have "redoubled." The OAS chief was supposed to travel to Havana to receive on Wednesday a "democracy award" named in honor of late Cuban government opponent Oswaldo Paya. The award was to be issued by the illegal Latin American organization Jovenes por la Democracia (Youths for Democracy), which is headed by Paya's daughter, Rosa Maria Paya. "The plan was to set up in Havana an open and serious provocation against the Cuban government, generate internal instability, damage the international image of the country and, at the same time, affect Cuba's diplomatic relations with other countries," added the statement. As the plans were made public, the Cuban government decided to bar all foreign participants of this "illegal" event from entering its national territory, the statement said. Beyond Almagro, former Mexican President Felipe Calderon, former Chilean minister Mariana Aylwin and other Latin American "pro-democracy" activists were also denied entrance to Cuba. Havana accused Paya and her illegal organization of sponsoring the event along with other foreign institutions financed by the Washington-promoted National Endowment for Democracy. "This group (Youths for Democracy) is not recognized inside Cuba, is at the service of foreign interests and acts against the interests of the Cuban people," said the statement. BEIJING, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- China's central bank drained 40 billion yuan (around 5.82 billion U.S. dollars) from the market on Thursday. This marks the first day that the People's Bank of China drains liquidity from the market after it injected money into the market for five consecutive days. On Thursday, the central bank conducted 20 billion yuan in seven-day reverse repos, 20 billion yuan in 14-day reverse repos and 10 billion yuan in 28-day reverse repos. A reverse repo is a process by which central banks purchase securities from banks with an agreement to sell them back in the future. With 90 billion yuan worth of reverse repos maturing on Thursday, the central bank effectively withdrew 40 billion yuan from the market. The central bank said in a statement on Tuesday that it will extend a favorable policy that allows banks with big lending to small and agricultural firms to enjoy a lower cash reserve ratio. The statement also showed a falling bad loan ratio and better profits for banks last year. Chinese lenders saw the ratio of their non-performing loans fall to 1.74 percent at the end of 2016, slightly down from 1.76 percent a quarter ago. Banks reported faster profit growth thanks to a firming economy. Net profits of commercial lenders increased 3.54 percent year on year, up 1.11 percentage points from a year ago. SYDNEY, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Australian healthcare sector was rocked on Tuesday evening, with details of a 2010 report revealing that thousands of counterfeit prescription pills have infiltrated the New South Wales medical supply chain and even made it to the Sydney Children's Hospital. Alarms were raised when a healthcare worker was administering a child with the drug Viagra to treat the condition of pulmonary hypertension. The staff member noticed there were inconsistencies in the appearance of the tablets and the hospital contacted the manufacturer Pfizer to investigate. "There could have been serious consequences had babies been treated with the counterfeits, it's extremely alarming that this happened," New South Wales deputy chief pharmacist Bruce Battye told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. As a result of the incident, one of Australia's largest medical distributors, Symbion, had their license pulled after it was revealed pharmacist Mina Attia told investigators he bought the drugs from an unlicensed supplier. It's believed the stock went to around 260 pharmacies and three hospitals and although Symbion recalled all of its stock immediately following the 2010 scandal, it has refused to name the hospitals. At the moment the company is fighting in court to have its license reinstated, claiming they have learned from their mistakes and only authorise drug purchases directly from manufacturers. Some healthcare professional believe this is merely the tip of the iceberg, with huge counterfeit pharmaceutical operations being carried out in Asia and South America. The fake medicine trade is estimated to be a multi-billion dollar business. "I don't think a lot of it is being detected," counterfeit drug investigator ken Gamble said. "We have done a number of orders into Australia doing trap purchases, test buys -- none of our orders have been stopped. So, that's an indication they're not getting everything by any means." "Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, you see them all. Even some of the well-known sleeping tablets, but the big business, the big money is in sexual enhancement." UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday "condemned in the strongest terms the cowardly and heinous terrorist attack" in Iraq last week, reiterating that "any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable." In a press statement issued here Wednesday night, the 15-nation UN body reaffirmed that "terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security." On Feb. 16, a car bomb attack rocked a crowded commercial area in southwestern Baghdad, killing at least 45 people and injuring 56 others. The extremist group Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the attack. "The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice," said the statement. "They stressed that those responsible for these killings should be held accountable," said the statement, adding the council urged all countries to cooperate with the Iraqi government and all other relevant authorities "in this regard." They reaffirmed the need for all countries to combat the threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, it said. The council members also expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, and to the people and the government of Iraq, the statement said. "They wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured," said the statement. 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. CANBERRA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The CEO of Australia's government-owned postal service resigned on Thursday, two weeks after it was revealed that he received a salary of 5.6 million Australian dollars (4.3 million US dollars) last financial year. Ahmed Fahour took home more than 10 times Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's salary in 2016, and was the highest-paid public servant in 2016, moving Turnbull to criticize the pay packet as "too high". After two weeks of speculation over Fahour's future at the company, an Australia Post statement released on Thursday confirmed the CEO had resigned at a board meeting overnight. Fahour told News Corp the decision to leave his post was not made in relation to the salary scandal, rather, after seven years in the position it was time to "move on" . "The main reason why I am hanging up the footy boots at Australia Post is I've done seven years in this job -- the average CEO in this country is lasting around three years," Fahour said. "Seven years is a long time ... particularly as it is a 24-7 job." John Stanhope, chairman of the Australia Post Board, said Fahour leaves the company in much better shape than when he took over in 2009. "By any measure, Ahmed has done an astounding job in transforming the business," Stanhope said in a statement on Thursday. "When he started, he was set the challenge to 'write the next chapter in the history of Australia Post' -- and he certainly rose to that challenge." "Ahmed was appointed at a time when Australia Post was still highly dependent on revenue from the letters service, but the community's use of letters had already peaked and was in the early stages of decline. "He led the team that developed an entirely new strategy focused on investing in the parcels and eCommerce business." "It was the right strategy. It has put Australia Post on a pathway to a sustainable future and avoiding a taxpayer bailout." Meanwhile following Fahour's announcement, government Senator James Paterson said the government had taken "complete control" of the Australia Post CEO salary following a sustained public backlash to the 5.6 million Australian dollar figure. CANBERRA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Australia is expected to host the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-Australia Special Summit in 2018, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced Thursday in a statement. It will be the first time that Australia hosts an ASEAN summit of any kind. In a joint statement with New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian, the prime minister confirmed that Sydney has bee chosen as the host city to the event, to be held in March 2018. "The summit is an historic and unprecedented opportunity to strengthen Australia's strategic partnership with ASEAN and deliver tangible economic and security benefits to Australia," the statement said. As a group, ASEAN is one of Australia's top trading partners. In the financial year of 2015-16, Australia's total trade with ASEAN countries amounted to 92.9 billion AU dollars (71 billion U.S. dollars), more than with Japan, the European Union or the United States. "This summit provides an important forum to discuss how we can continue to make our region safer and more prosperous," the statement said. The centerpiece of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit will be the Leaders' Summit and Retreat. There will also be two major side-events: A Business Summit which will bring together leaders of industry and Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) to unlock new opportunities for job-creation, investment and enterprise; and a Counter-Terrorism Conference that will underscore global leadership and collective regional action to combat terrorism. The Australian governments expect that the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit will create an enormous economic opportunity for Sydney, increasing visitor numbers to the city for the critical global forum. Staff members of Sichuan Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau check the condition of giant panda Bao Bao at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, Feb. 22, 2017. A charter flight carrying Bao Bao, a giant panda born in the United States, landed in Chengdu, after a 16 and a half hour flight. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) NEW YORK, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Born and raised in the United States, Bao Bao, a 3-year-old giant panda, fails to become a U.S. citizen and has arrived in China on Wednesday. Unlike the U.S. citizenship policy for people, which stipulates that one becomes a U.S. citizen if he/she is born on the U.S. territory, the citizenship of giant pandas observes another policy. In fact, most giant pandas around the world are on loan from China, and cubs born abroad have to be sent to the Chinese breeding program to expand the gene pool before they turn four. As a result of artificial insemination, Bao Bao was born on Aug. 23, 2013, at the National Zoo in Washington D.C.. It is time that Bao Bao come back to China. Unique to China and adored around the world, giant pandas have played an important role in China's diplomacy, or "Panda Diplomacy" as some experts call it. Before 1982, giant pandas were given away to other countries by the Chinese government as a token of friendship and goodwill. In 1941, a pair of giant pandas were given to the United States by Soong May-ling. They were the first batch of pandas given away as gifts. After the foundation of the People's Republic of China in 1949, more giant pandas were shipped abroad. Two giant pandas were sent to the former Soviet Union by the Chinese government in 1957 and 1959 respectively. In 1972, two giant pandas named Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing were given to the United States as gifts after U.S. President Richard Nixon' s visit to China. From 1965 to 1980, five giant pandas were given to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. By 1982, 23 giant pandas were shipped abroad. Most of them have died. However, the "give-away" policy was put to an end in 1982 because of the decreasing number of the endangered bear. Instead, the "on-loan" policy started. From 1984 to 1988, zoos in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and several other cities of the United States managed to rent giant pandas from China. Zoos in Japan, Britain, France, Germany and other countries also managed to borrow pandas. The rent money, which ranges from tens of thousands to millions of U.S. dollars, was used to fund the conservation and breeding programs of the endangered species. Funds from the rent combined with the Chinese government's subsidy and other conservation efforts have paid off. Including cubs, the current population count is approaching 2,060 and mature adults are estimated to constitute 50.5 percent of the total population, according to a report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2016. In the Red List of Threatened Species on Sept. 4, 2016, which assesses a species' conservation status, the IUCN reported the giant panda population has improved enough for the endangered species label to be downgraded to "vulnerable." However, the threat of declining bamboo availability due to climate change could, in the near future, reverse the gains made during the last two decades, the IUCN warned. Related: Video: Panda Bao Bao returns to Chengdu in SW China China welcomes U.S.-born panda home CHENGDU, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- After a 16-hour flight, American-born panda celebrity Bao Bao arrived home in southwest China Wednesday night, apparently looking well. PHNOM PENH, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- A Cambodian court on Thursday sentenced prominent land rights activist Tep Vanny to two and a half years in prison for causing violence during a 2013 protest, according to a verdict. "The court decided to sentence Tep Vanny, 35, to two years and six months in prison and fine her five million riel (1,250 U.S. dollars) for causing intentional violence," said the verdict read by Phnom Penh Municipal Court's presiding judge Long Kesphirum. The court also ordered Vanny to compensate a total of 2,250 U.S. dollars to two state security guards whom she attacked during a protest outside Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen's house in Phnom Penh in March 2013. The verdict was delivered after a two-hour trial, which saw a few dozens of her supporters gathered outside the court to call for her release. Vanny's conviction came after two state security guards filed a complaint to the court, claiming that they were knocked unconscious after Vanny pelted them with plastic bottles, soft drink cans and shoes during the protest. Under the kingdom's law, the convict has one month to appeal against the Phnom Penh Municipal Court's ruling. (Xinhua file photo) BEIJING, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government is capable of maintaining stability in the property market, a senior official said on Thursday, as measures have reined in surging prices in major cities. "Despite looming problems and uncertainties, there are more favorable conditions. We are capable of maintaining stable and healthy development of the property market this year," Chen Zhenggao, minister of housing and urban-rural development, said during a press conference. His remarks came amid stabilizing signs in China's property sector, which has seen fluctuations in recent years. Of 70 large and medium-sized cities surveyed, 45 saw prices for new residential housing climb month on month in January, down from 46 in December and 55 in November, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. In Beijing, new residential house prices remained flat month on month, while Shanghai prices fell 0.1 percent. House prices in Shenzhen, a southern metropolis neighboring Hong Kong, slid 0.5 percent. "The momentum of excessive home price increases has been contained, showing the primary results of regulatory policies," Chen said. Since October last year, dozens of Chinese cities have announced measures, including purchase limits and tightened mortgage restrictions, to prevent prices from rising out of control. This round of restrictions and other measures came after two years of progressive policy easing stimulated home buying in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and other first-tier cities. In the meantime, developers in many small cities are still grappling with unsold homes. Related: Economic Watch: January data show Chinese economy on track for steady growth BEIJING, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- A string of economic indicators in January paint a rosy picture of the world's second largest economy with steady growth and reform progressing, but keeping up the good work remains no easy task. China's economic performance in the first month of 2017 surprised the market in several ways, from expanding factory activity to recovering trade and rising corporate financing demand. Full story News Analysis: Corporate performance reveals positive changes in Chinese economy By Ndumiso Mlilo JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Africa is prioritizing its energy generation and transmission to drive economic growth and job creation, an energy expert from the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) said here on Wednesday. On the sidelines of the Africa Energy Indaba in Johannesburg, Professor Mosad Elmissiry, senior energy advisor of the NEPAD, said that time for talk has passed and the continent is now committed to fast tracking large-scale provision of energy. "We want to increase people's access to energy and to make the access affordable, secure and reliable. We are focusing on massive infrastructural projects as a faster way to increase access to energy," Elmissiry said. In January 2016, African heads of state and governments approved the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) Energy Vision, setting energy provision as a high priority. "Governments should play a leading role in working with unions, civil societies and private sectors to drive infrastructural projects." Elmissiry said. The professor said this year the program is aimed to link East African and South African power pools, through Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia and connect Central and West African power pools through Kenya and Tanzania. Besides, feasibility studies have been underway to link Sudan and Ethiopia. "At the continental level, we want to connect four power pool corridors and eventually have one massive power pool. China has been playing a crucial role in this," Elmissiry said, adding that Africa also looks forward to working with other development partners like the World Bank, Africa Development Bank, among others. The professor said they are exploring renewable energy. "We are facilitating and implementing transmission and generation to ensure that energy is available to those who need it most, especially those in rural areas." Elmissiry added that one of the challenges facing African countries is to have bankable renewable energy projects since priority projects have to be first identified by countries before planning and feasibility studies are conducted. Monica Maduekwe, program coordinator of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), told Xinhua that they have some regional programs to provide energy. She said that the group plans to improve energy provision in the region through increasing mini-grids by 2020. "We want people to have energy, not only for lighting, but also for driving machines and boosting productivity. Governments play a central role in this regard." Maduekwe said. Gosaye Abayneh, CEO of Ethiopia Electric Utility, said his country has made progress in having universal access to energy, adding that energy provision will assist the continent in realizing industrialization. Africa has to balance the grid for long-term sustainability and affordability and there are a mix of solar panels, hydropower and wind in Ethiopia, he said. The PIDA Energy Vision envisages an increase of Africa's installed power generation capacity to 700 gigawatts by 2040. Through full implementation of the program, the continent will reap savings on electricity production costs of 30 billion U.S. dollars a year through power interconnectors. Over 600 million people in Africa have no access to electricity. KABUL, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- A group of 18 Afghan nationals whose application for asylum in Germany have been rejected arrived in Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday. "After spending 12,000 U.S. dollars to human traffickers and traveling through difficult ways, I reached Germany five years ago and begun new life in a peaceful environment. But suddenly police arrested me from my work place in a hotel and sent me back to Afghanistan," Mohammad Naeem, 25, told Xinhua at the Kabul airport. "I have no place to live here in Afghanistan and I would go back to Germany, come what may," said Naeem, who is from the northern and restive Saripul province. Another deported Afghan, Sayed Wafa, 52, also complained that German government had deported him after 16 years of living in Germany. More than 250,000 Afghans, reportedly have fled their country with the hope for settling in developed and peaceful countries, mostly in Germany, over the past three years. MAPUTO, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi on Wednesday reiterated his support for the independence of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). Mozambique will continue to provide support to the SADR until the latter reaches its full independence, Nyusi told SADR President Brahim Ghali. "Although geographically distant, Mozambique and SADR are united by strong bonds, strong enough to feed our political and diplomatic relations since we recognized SADR on March 13, 1976," said Nyusi. Mozambique and the SADR signed a memorandum for political consultations. Nyusi said it's a tool that will be used to officially materialize the support through existing channels. Nyusi mentioned the recent admission of Morocco into the African Union (AU) during a banquet in honor of Ghali. "Mozambique sees the readmission of Morocco as the setting-up of a platform of opportunities, which is necessary to conciliate the positions of both Morocco and the SADR," said Nyusi. At an AU summit last month, the bloc allowed Morocco back in the fold after a 33-year absence. Thirty-nine of the 54 states approved the return of Morocco while South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana and Algeria, opposed the decision. Those countries have been active supporters of the rights of the Sahrawi people and their right to an independent country. The SADR controls a small strip of land in the Western Sahara region and claims sovereignty over the entire territory of Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony. The majority of Western Sahara is under Moroccan control. KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian police have sent a formal request to the embassy of the Democratic Peoples's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to interview a second secretary believed to be involved in the death of a DPRK man, said Malaysian police chief on Thursday. "We have sent our request letter through the proper channel, that is the foreign affairs ministry, and from the ministry to the embassy," the police chief Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters when asked about how to secure the cooperation of a foreign diplomat, who is entitled to diplomatic immunity. He said Malaysia has followed the protocol and rules pertaining to foreign expatriates. He added that Malaysia has applied to the International Criminal Police Organization, or the Interpol to help nab the four DPRK suspects who have fled the country. He also noted that Malaysia did not send any samples (of the deceased) anywhere, nor did it receive any DNA samples from any country. QUITO, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador's presidential election is heading to a runoff between the ruling party candidate Lenin Moreno and the opposition right-wing candidate Guillermo Lasso, according to results released by National Electoral Council (CNE) on Thursday. With 99.5 percent of the votes counted, Moreno, from the PAIS Alliance Party, won 39.3 percent of the vote, while his closest contender Lasso received 28.1 percent in the first-round race on Sunday. The following is a brief introduction to Moreno. Born into a middle-class family in Nuevo Rocafuerte, a small town in the Amazonian province of Orellana in 1953, Moreno later moved with his family to the capital, Quito, where he studied and obtained a degree in public administration. Moreno began his career in 1976 as the director of the Continental Professional Training Center. Years later, he took an administrative post with the government. From 2007 to 2013, Moreno served as vice president of the country, serving under President Rafael Correa. On Oct. 1, 2016, he was nominated as a presidential candidate by his party. In 1998, he was shot in the back by armed assaulters, leaving him paralyzed. Being wheelchair-bound did nothing to dampen his activism in Ecuador's progressive political circles. After surviving the assault, Moreno gained a new perspective on life and embarked on a career as a motivational speaker and author, writing some 10 books on the subject of overcoming adversity, including "Theory and Practice of Comedy" and "Philosophy for Life and Work." As former vice president under Correa, Moreno is known for his work in defending the rights of people with disabilities. The father of three daughters spearheaded social, medical and economic programs for the disabled, a segment long overlooked in Ecuador, as in most developing countries. He received numerous international awards for his initiatives and was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2012. In 2013, he left the vice presidency after then United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon named him as special envoy on Disabilities and Accessibility, a post he served until September 2016, when he was nominated his party's candidate in the presidential election. He has pledged to focus on creating 250,000 jobs a year and building 325,000 homes annually, simplifying the tax system, promoting young entrepreneurs, and instituting a pension plan for elderly people not covered by social security, among other things. Meanwhile, he has pledged to continue the "Citizen Revolution" begun by President Rafael Correa. (Source: Xinhua) BEIJING, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- For decades, the Japanese government has been recruiting foreigners to work in the country under a Technical Intern Training Program, which has been long criticized by rights groups at home and abroad as akin to slavery. The following is the figures and facts that can help you better understand this controversial program. 1. What is Technical Intern Training Program? Japan first introduced the program in 1993. According to the Japan International Training Cooperation Organization(JITCO), which is charged with supervising host organizations and businesses, the program allows technical intern trainees to acquire and master the skills of the Japanese industries and professions under the employment relationship for a maximum period of 3 years. It currently covers 74 job categories mainly in construction, manufacturing, agriculture and fishery industries.The government recently added nursing care on the list to deal with the growing demand for such services as a result of the country's increasingly aging population. 2. What's the purpose of the program? Officially, the Japanese government claims that the program was designed to bring in interns from developing countries and help them acquire technical skills they can bring back to their homelands to contribute to local economic development. According to th JITCO, "The purpose of this program is to transfer Skills to Technical Intern Trainees who will form a basis of economic development in their respective countries and play an important role in Japan's international cooperation and contribution." However, such promise has been dismissed as deceptive. In an island nation with its workforce rapidly aging, many Japanese companies have turned to the intern system for cheap foreign labor. Most trainees are doing the low-paying 3K (dangerous, dirty and difficult in the Japanese language) jobs, most of which the Japanese themselves would not want to do. Though interns are promised to be protected by Japan's labor laws and minimum wages, the Japanese employers have exploited such foreigners since they are not familiar with the legal rules, not to mention helplessness when it comes to availing themselves of the legal system in Japan to defend their rights. Last June, Japan's Labor Ministry inspected 5,173 workplaces across the country. Of those, 3,695 were found to be in breach of foreign labor standards, according to the Nikkei Asian Review. 3. How many foreigner trainees are there in Japan? According to media reports, as of last June, there are altogether 210,000 foreigners working in firms and farms across Japan as what Tokyo calls trainees, mainly from Asian countries. The Japanese Ministry of Justice said recently that among these foreign workers, some 85,000 are Chinese. According to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, some 35,000 workplaces hosted interns as of the end of 2015. 4. How are they recruited? Japanese businesses have to hire such foreign workers through either private or official middlemen. The trainees, before landing in Japan, have already paid large sums of money in broker fees, leaving many of them in debt. Also, as their visas usually tie them to a particular company, they cannot change jobs even when they feel bad about their bosses. 5. How many of them have died & disappeared in Japan? According to the JITCO, 304 foreign trainees have died since the program started, 29 by suicide. In addition, 87 of the deaths among these young people were blamed on "brain and heart illnesses." Meanwhile, local news outlet The Japan Times said in a report in October last year that a record 5,803 foreign trainees went missing in 2015 while working in Japan, adding that among them 3,116 were Chinese, followed by 1,705 from Vietnam, 336 from Myanmar, 250 from Indonesia and 102 from Nepal. ISLAMABAD, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and three others injured as a blast hit Lahore in Pakistan's east Punjab Province on Thursday, local Urdu TV channel Dunya reported. Law Minister of Punjab Rana Sanaullah said that nature of the explosion has not been determined. JERUSALEM, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military said that a soldier was slightly injured by an explosive device hurled at him near the West Bank city of Nablus early on Thursday morning. The troops were on patrol to secure the arrival of some 1,200 Jewish pilgrims to Joseph's Tomb, a site holy to both Jews and Muslims, when the incident happened, a military spokesperson said in a statement. "Overnight, Palestinian perpetrators hurled an explosive device at forces in the Balata Refugee Camp in Nablus," the statement said. The spokesperson said the slightly injured soldier has been evacuated to a hospital for further medical treatment. Israeli pilgrimage to holy sites in the Palestinian territories frequently provoke anger and violence. A recent wave of violence in the West Bank and Israel have claimed the lives of at least 248 Palestinians, 40 Israelis, two U.S. nationals, a Jordanian tourist, and two Eritrean and Sudanese asylum seekers. BAQUBA, Iraq, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Four people were killed and nine others wounded on Thursday in two suicide car bomb attacks targeting security checkpoints in Iraq's eastern province of Diyala, a provincial security source said. In the early morning, a suicide bomber detonated his explosive-laden car at a checkpoint north of the town of Khalis, some 70 km northeast of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. The blast occurred just after security forces captured another booby-trapped car at the same checkpoint and detained its driver, the source said. Minutes later, another suicide car bomb ripped through a second checkpoint, located some 7 km north of the first checkpoint, the source said, adding that both the checkpoints are located on the main road between the provincial capital city of Baquba and Kirkuk province in the north. Authorities in the town of Khalis intensified security measures and imposed a curfew to avoid possible further attacks by militants of Islamic State (IS) group, which in most cases, is responsible for such suicide attacks. The attacks came as the Iraqi security forces, backed by an international anti-IS coalition, are carrying out a major offensive to drive out 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 U.S., which invaded and occupied Iraq in March 2003. JALALABAD, Afghanistan, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- A total of 12 militants loyal to the Islamic State (IS) group have been killed and two others injured in Haska Mina district of the eastern Nangarhar province over the past 24 hours, spokesman for provincial government Attaullah Khogiani said Thursday. The government security forces backed by airpower began attacking IS hideouts in Gargari area of Haska Mina district since Wednesday and so far 12 insurgents have been killed, two others injured and the militants weapon cache was destroyed, the official asserted. IS outfit has yet to make comment. A cleanup operations backed by airpower has been continuing against IS fighters in Haska Mina, Kot district and adjoining areas over the past couple of weeks. Nangarhar province with Jalalabad as its capital 120 km east of Kabul has been the scene of IS militants' activities over the past two years. File photo taken on Feb. 15, 2016 shows migrant people reunion with their beloved at the border between Mexico and the United States in Anapra, Chihuahua state, Mexico. (Xinhua/Guillermo Arias) MEXICO CITY, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- A good sleep can no longer help Victor Navares fully recover after a day's work as there might be a wall between home and work. Navares drives two hours from the Mexican town of Ensenada across the border to work for a U.S. company. "If (U.S.) President (Donald) Trump can build a border wall, there might be a day he bans all Mexicans from entering the U.S.," the Mexican designer told Xinhua. The what-if haunts him in particular when he passes U.S. border control every weekday. He senses stricter screening and sometimes he has to wait for up to two hours. "I've no idea whether President Trump's policy will make big changes to my life or not," he said. Trump on Jan. 25 signed an executive order for a "physical barrier" to be built along the U.S.-Mexico border of nearly 3,200 km. "Not every Mexican would commit crimes, it cannot solve any problem by erecting a wall. It is rather more important to help more people in need," Yami Ponce said. The 17-year-old girl live in Mexico's border city of Tijuana and attends high school in San Diego in the United States. It is her dream to study law and provide legal help for immigrants. "I just hope the border wall will not affect my studies and life," she said. Vincent, a Walmart salesman in El Centro, California, said: "Nothing will change. There used to have those thin fences along the border, now they've replaced them with stronger metal fences. But people still come across the border to buy things or work. I do not think a wall will stop them." Vincent, who only gave his first name, immigrated from Mexico years ago. He said most of the Mexicans working in El Centro, legally or not, do not really want to live in the United States. They just come to make more money in order to spend them back in Mexico. "They only make 4 U.S. dollars a day over there, but here, they make a few times more than that. One day here equals one week there," he told Xinhua. Vincent said the U.S. employers do want those Mexicans to stay since Americans would not do the work they are doing. However, the U.S.-Mexico border wall is believed to be more like a symbol. Local businessmen said the "tax wall" Trump has threatened against Mexican products will matter more. The latter one can bring down the local economy, they said. ISLAMABAD, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- At least seven people were killed and 15 others injured as a blast hit a market in Lahore, capital city of Pakistan's eastern Punjab Province on Thursday, officials said. Law Minister Punjab Rana Sanaullah said that the nature of the blast has not been determined yet. Police, the army and the intelligence agency have reached the blast site and cordoned it off. The army vacated all the buildings in the market and kicked off a rescue and search operation. According to initial reports, the blast hit a restaurant, Bombay Chowapatty, which serves Indian food. The injured have been shifted to General Hospital where a state of emergency has been declared. A few days ago, the same market was evacuated and snap checked by law enforcement agencies after receiving a bomb threat. QUITO, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador's presidential election is heading to a runoff as the leading ruling party candidate Lenin Moreno failed to garner an absolute majority in the first-round race on Feb. 19, according to results released by National Electoral Council (CNE) on Thursday. "On April 2, there will be a runoff between the two presidential tickets Moreno-Glas and Lasso-Paez," the head of the CNE, Juan Pablo Pozo, posted on Twitter, referring to the leading candidates and their running mates. According to results released by the CNE, with 99.5 percent of the votes counted, Moreno, the candidate of the ruling PAIS Alliance party, won 39.3 percent of the vote, while his closest contender Guillermo Lasso received 28.1 percent. The remaining votes were divided among another six contenders. To win in the first round and avoid a runoff, Ecuadorian law requires a candidate to win an outright majority of more than 50 percent, or get at least 40 percent of the votes with a 10-point advantage over the runner-up. Ecuador's President Rafael Correa reacted to the news via Twitter, telling Lasso "it would have been better to lose in a single round, because there will be a resounding victory for Lenin." Earlier in the day, Correa predicted Moreno, his former vice president from 2007 to 2013, will easily win a second round. Lasso, a former banker, served as economy minister under Ecuador's deposed president Jamil Mahuad (1998-2000), who plunged the country into financial crisis. His ties to Mahuad work against him. However, if Lasso manages to unify the opposition behind him, and draws their collective support over to his side, then it could be a tightly contested second round. Asked if Lasso has a chance, Correa said "it's always possible, the decision belongs to the Ecuadorian people." Lasso's most publicized campaign pledges have been to generate a million jobs and to eject anti-secrecy WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange from the Ecuadorian embassy in London. Ecuador granted the whistleblower refuge at its embassy some five years ago, though at the time no one expected his case to drag on for so long. Correa, who first came to power in 2007, declined to run for a fourth term last year. He is expected to leave office on May 24. In Sunday's voting, the ruling party did score a major win in Congress, securing an ample majority in the National Assembly with 79 of 137 seats, according to state news agency Andes. WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Trump administration on Wednesday scrapped a rule that allowed transgender students to choose which restroom to go to, taking a position on a debate that embroiled the United States since the Obama administration. The Department of Education and the Department of Justice have decided to withdraw and rescind the guidance jointly issued in May that requires schools and universities to allow students to choose which toilet and locker room to use based on their gender identity, instead of their biological gender, said a joint letter from the two departments to the Supreme Court. The Obama guidelines did not contain extensive legal analysis, nor did they undergo any formal public process, said the letter. The letter also said that "schools must ensure that all students, including LGBT students, are able to learn and thrive in a safe environment." The new policy is not expected to impact schools as the Obama guidelines never went into effect due to a block issued by courts. U.S. media reported that Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos was initially against issuing the joint letter, but had to yield to President Donald Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions. MUMBAI, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The following are foreign exchange rates of the Indian rupee with major international currencies as was released by the Reserve Bank of India on Thursday. Currency Rate USD 66.8351/1 Euro 70.5444/1 Japanese yen 59.0100/100 Pound sterling 83.1228/1 MOGADISHU, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed on Thursday appointed former humanitarian worker, Hassan Ali Khaire as the country's new prime minister. Khaire, who used to work for the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) as a regional director, holds a dual Somali-Norwegian citizenship and is a businessman. He was also the director of the African division of the British oil explorer Soma Oil and Gas Holdings. President Mohamed named his prime minister a day after his inauguration witnessed by regional leaders and members of the international community. Khaire was cleared last year by the United Nations after he was mentioned in a UN monitoring report in 2015 to have had links with extremist groups in the Horn of Africa. Mohamed made the announcement before departing for his first official trip as president to Saudi Arabia. Khaire will now form a new Council of Ministers and submit the candidates, including himself, to the Somali Parliament for review. HANOI, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Transparency and anti-corruption have been a hot topic at the ongoing first Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Senior Officials' Meeting and related meetings (SOM 1) in Vietnam's south central coastal Khanh Hoa province's Nha Trang City. During a workshop held by APEC on promoting social engagement in fighting corruption held on Feb. 18, and the 24th Anti-Corruption and Transparency Working Group Meeting on Feb. 19-20, delegates from APEC members shared their countries' experience on the prevention and fighting against corruption. A representative of the United Nations Development Program presented a review report on global efforts to make investment, business environment more transparent. Meanwhile, the South Korean delegate said that when an anti-corruption accuser got persecuted or got fired, the country's anti-corruption agency will jump into making conclusions about the incident. If the accuser is right, the enterprise, even the state-run organizations, will be required to restore the job for him within 30 days. At the same time, Vietnamese side proposed to enhance social engagement in the fight against corruption, promoting participation of local people and companies in the fight, creating a healthy and transparent business and investment environment, reported Vietnam's state-run radio VOV on Thursday. Nguyen Van Thanh, Deputy Government Inspector General of Vietnam, said "this endeavor is closely associated with APEC's goal of promoting trade and investment among its member economies. We all want a healthy and transparent business climate." Echoing Thanh, Pham Trong Dat, Head of Vietnamese Government Inspectorate's Anti-Corruption Bureau told the delegates that Vietnam will establish an agency specializing in collecting reports on corruption. "This agency will handle information related to corruption, including giving and receiving gifts. It will be an important tool for fighting corruption", Dat added. "The session's outcome will lay a foundation for guidelines and commitments to ensure public involvement in anti-corruption efforts", said Pham Van Sau, Government Inspector General of Vietnam. In addition, participants at these meetings also held discussions on other issues including recovery of corrupted asset, anti-smuggling, and money laundering, said VOV. WELLINGTON, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's leading yacht racing syndicate has joined with China's largest big boat regatta in a partnership that could help boost training and industry investment. Emirates Team New Zealand, two-time holder of the prestigious America's Cup trophy. announced Thursday it had formed a partnership with the China Cup International regatta. The partnership would strengthen cooperation in team sponsorship, personnel exchange visits, and youth sailing as well as exploring collaboration with technology importation, yacht trading and industry investment, said Emirates Team New Zealand officials. The cooperation would benefit both organisations in enhancing both the Emirates Team New Zealand brand associated with the China Cup, the first and largest big boat regatta in China, and increasing awareness of the World Sailing-listed event within New Zealand. "Part of what Emirates Team New Zealand is about is benefiting the marine industry and the sport of sailing as a whole," Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton said in a statement. "China Cup is about attracting more people to sailing across the board from the youth, families and inshore and offshore sailing. So we are right behind the China Cup." China Cup had accomplished a mission to establish a platform for sailing culture and technique exchange in China. It planned to include annual inshore racing, biennial offshore racing, and global sailing to be held every four years, and this year, it planned to organize monthly racing. "The cooperation with New Zealand proves to be rewarding, especially in youth sailing," China Cup chief operating officer Xiao Yu said in the statement. "Wider cooperative space has been explored, including this partnership with Emirates Team New Zealand for the 35th America's Cup." China Cup International Regatta, the only regatta directly named after China, was the first international big boat regatta in China, and has been successfully held for 10 years. China Cup is held annually each October, and attracted 138 teams from 38 nations and regions to race in the 10th China Cup. MOSUL, Iraq, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi security forces on Thursday started an assault to retake the Mosul international airport and a military base nearby from Islamic State (IS) militants, the military said. Federal police and elite Interior Ministry units, known as Rapid Response, started in the morning a new push into Mosul airport, the military said in a statement. Meanwhile, Counter-terrorism service (CTS) troops stormed the adjacent Ghazlani military base, Lt. Gen. Abdul-Amir Yarallah, from the Joint Operations Command, said in the brief statement. The attacks Thursday came as Iraqi security forces advance toward the fringes of the western side of Mosul to drive out IS militants from their last major stronghold in Iraq. Three days ago, federal police and CTS forces freed the hill of Albu Saif, just south of Mosul airport, after clashes with IS militants. The recapture of the strategic hill of Albu Saif is crucial for the Iraqi forces, as the area will give the troops the ability to command IS positions in the southern neighborhoods and inside the airport, which is located on Mosul's southern outskirts. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, who is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, announced on Sunday the start of an offensive to drive extremist militants out of the western side of Mosul, locally known as the right bank of Tigris River, which bisects the city. Late in January, Abadi declared the liberation of the eastern side of Mosul, or the left bank of Tigris, after more than 100 days of fighting against IS militants. However, the western side of Mosul, with its narrow streets and a population of between 750,000 and 800,000, appears to be a bigger challenge to the Iraqi forces. Mosul, 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014, when Iraqi government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions. File photo shows flight ET 684 of Ethiopian Airlines taxiing on the runway of Pudong International Airport in east China's Shanghai Municiplaity, March 30, 2014. The landing of the plane here marked the opening of the first direct flight between Shanghai and Africa. (Xinhua/Chen Fei) KIGALI, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- African governments have been urged to consider forming alliances with other airlines across the continent to maintain a strong aviation sector. The experts attending the Aviation Africa 2017 forum that opened on Wednesday in the Rwandan capital Kigali argued that most of the continent's airlines were not strong enough to maintain a viable aviation industry on their own. Rwanda hosts the high-level aviation meeting and exhibition from Feb. 22-23 that focuses on all aspects of the aviation industry including maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO), business aviation, defense and commercial aviation. Speaking at the meeting, Abdullah M. Al-Sayed, Founder and Chairman of Nexus Flight Operations Services, an international aviation firm, said that promotion of airlines collaboration could boost the continent's aviation sector. "There is no open skies among African countries, which has limited African airlines capacity to tap into the opportunities available in the global aviation market. The air transport industry provides significant economic benefits, playing a major role in the economic transformation of Africa," he said. The Aviation Africa conference brings together 550 delegates from 58 countries including 120 airlines delegates and 56 exhibiting companies. The two-day forum will discuss key issues on the growth of the African aviation industry, including civil aviation and liberalization, China-Africa regional aviation co-operation, the Cape Town convention, training and human resources and the challenges and opportunities for Africa's airports. Alan Peaford, chair of the organizing committee, said the African aviation industry has enormous potential that can help spur economic growth across the continent when properly aligned. "Forming airline alliance will allow people to travel for educational opportunities and cultural exchange, more broadly. Interline agreements as well as code-sharing which involves one airline putting its name and flight number on the other's flights will be some of the possible collaborations that African airlines could engage in," he noted. Africa is set to be one of the fastest-growing aviation regions over the next 20 years, with annual expansion averaging at nearly 5 percent, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Opening the event, Rwandan President Paul Kagame said Rwanda has stepped up efforts towards the creation of a single African air transport market by fully opening up the country's skies. The Yamoussoukro Decision adopted in 1999 aims to achieve full acceptance by all African states that are signatories to the "Open Skies." It was signed by 44 African ministers responsible for civil aviation. The decision was endorsed by the heads of state and governments at the Organization of African Unity, and became fully binding in 2002. IATA says that across Africa, air transport supports 6.8 million jobs and contributes 72.5 billion U.S. dollars to the continent's GDP. Kenyan students and their parents attend the farewell ceremony at the Railway Training Institute in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, Feb. 22, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Baishun) NAIROBI, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Thirty-five Kenyan students will depart to China at the end of February on a scholarship program to prepare them for Kenya's new railway. Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary James Macharia said the students will receive undergraduate education at Beijing Jiaotong University, a top university in China for railway studies. "The students will receive high-level training for operating Kenya's railway and even the East African railway network in the future," Macharia said. Kenyan Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary James Macharia speaks during the farewell ceremony at the Railway Training Institute in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, Feb. 22, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Baishun) The 35 students are the second batch of Kenyan students going to study in China under the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) scholarship program which aims to train 100 Kenya students in railway studies. The first batch of 25 students left for China in 2016. Macharia said Kenya as well as the East African region lacks sufficient number of railway professionals to develop and maintain railway infrastructure. "So once the students complete their studies they will get employment given that Kenya plans to extend its railway network," he added. A student representative gives a speech during the farewell ceremony. (Xinhua/Li Baishun) The Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is set to be completed in June, with the government having already gotten financing for the Nairobi-Naivasha railway. The CCCC scholarship program is part of China's commitment to sponsoring 1,000 Kenya students for undergraduate studies in China in the next three years. Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Liu Xianfa speaks during the farewell ceremony. (Xinhua/Li Baishun) Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Liu Xianfa said Kenya and China have been enjoying cordial relations that continue to grow in leaps and bounds leading to even closer ties. Liu said the ongoing construction of the SGR that is being funded by the Chinese government is an example of the pragmatic relations between the two friendly nations. He noted that Beijing would assist Kenya to improve its human capacity in all fields and especially in the railways sector. According to the ambassador, the CCCC scholarship program will create a pool of highly skilled individuals, who will help to shape the future of Kenya as well as the East African railways network. He noted that the SGR will expand employment opportunities as well as improve the livelihoods of people along the railway line. COTONOU, Benin, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Benin will receive 150 million U.S. dollars from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a three-year economic program designed to enhance development in the country. The program will create more budgetary margin, refocus policies on sustainable and inclusive growth and improve the business environment, said Norbert Toe, chief of the IMF economic evaluation mission, on Wednesday. "In terms of financial resources mobilization, Benin's government plans to broaden taxation base so as to increase own funds ratio in gross domestic product from 14.7 percent in 2016 to 17.4 percent by the end of the program," Toe explained. Romuald Wadagni, Benin's economy and finance minister, welcomed the financial support, saying the program will help establish the credibility of Benin. HANOI, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Overseas-based online room reservation companies such as Agoda, Traveloka, Booking.com, and Expedia will be required to pay five percent of the value added tax and five percent of corporate income tax of total sales in Vietnam, according to the Vietnam Ministry of Finance (MoF) on Thursday. The ministry has decided so after Vietnam-based booking company Vntrip's executive director Le Dac Lam raised accusation of tax evasions on its foreign counterparts at the end of 2016. "When a customer pays 100 U.S. dollars, companies like Agoda gets 20 U.S. dollars of commission. However, they do not have to pay any taxes in Vietnam," said Lam, adding that the government may lose millions of U.S. dollars of tax every year. The MoF has guided the local tax departments to fulfill the tax procedures for these oversea based enterprises, reported local Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper on Thursday. The tax will be obtained through local hotels and hostels that have contracts with the overseas-based companies, said the MoF. HANOI, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam has required its seafood shipments to conduct registration of e-certificates from March, the National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department (NAFIQAD) said on Thursday. Specifically, from March 1, 2017, seafood shipments exported to China and South Korea must have e-certificates while those to other markets will be required after the software is completely installed, said the department. From March 15, the NAFIQAD will stop handling problems related to certificates registered through paper records for South Korea and China, it said. In May 2016, the NAFIQAD piloted the implementation of granting certificates for seafood shipments exported to South Korea and China on the National Single Window system. After nearly 10 months, over 1,200 records have been registered on the system and nearly 600 certificates have been granted. However, up to now, the number of e-certificates granted through the system stood much lower than the total issued certificates. DHAKA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Indian Foreign Secretary Subramanyam Jaishankar arrived in Bangladesh capital Dhaka on Thursday to hold bilateral discussions with the country's leadership. Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement earlier said the Indian official and his counterpart will review areas of bilateral cooperation. They will also talk about the proposed visit of Bangladesh prime minister to India. Jaishankar will call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina later in the day. BEIJING, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- China will move more swiftly in legislating a long-discussed property tax law, an official said on Thursday. "It is a major task in China's tax reform determined by policymakers, and the lawmaking process will be accelerated," Lu Kehua, vice minister of housing and urban-rural development, said when answering questions on progress on the tax law during a press conference. Related government agencies and legislators are carrying out work according to the plan, Lu added. China has pushed forward the work for years, but progress has remained slow. A trial property tax has been introduced in Chongqing and Shanghai. The law will fill the gap in taxing home ownership, as China's current housing tax mechanism mainly taxes development and property sales. SEOUL, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's parliament on Thursday failed to table a revised bill to extend the probe by special prosecutors into a scandal embroiling impeached President Park Geun-hye as Park's party opposed the extension. The National Assembly held a plenary session, but the revision of the bill, which enabled the independent counsel team to investigate the corruption scandal, was not put to a vote as the Liberty Korea Party objected to it. The bill allowed the special prosecutors to end their probe by the end of this month. Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, who is serving as a caretaker president following Park's impeachment in early December, can extend it for up to 30 days, but Hwang has refrained from accepting the extension. Four opposition parties sought in vain to put the revised bill, which will lengthen the probe for 50 days, to a vote. The parliamentary speaker of the main opposition Minjoo Party has a right to table a bill, but the right is limited to emergency situations such as natural disasters and national emergency. The speaker hesitated to exert his right on Thursday. The independent counsel team has asked for the extended investigation as it has yet to look into additional cases involving the heads of major conglomerates, called chaebol here. Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong has been taken into custody for bribery charges, but probe into other conglomerates has yet to kick off because of lack of time allowed. Unless the special investigation is extended, state prosecutors would continue to probe other suspicions. It would cause concerns about political neutrality as the state prosecutors are still being influenced by the acting president. GARISSA, Kenya, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan police have launched investigations into the horrific murder of three men at a local hotel in Garissa town near the Somali border. Garissa County Commissioner James Kianda said on Thursday that one of the victims managed to escape and is admitted at the local hospital. The three, all locals and workers of the hotel, were attacked by unknown number of armed criminals at around 3 a.m. while deep in sleep. It is still unclear how the killers managed to gain access into the hotel which is enclosed with a perimeter wall, without being detected or heard. "We are treating this incident as a normal crime. We urge members of the public to stop speculations at this time of electioneering period," Kianda told journalists in Garissa. The incidents of insecurity have caused panic among the residents of the restive town which had enjoyed a lull in terror attacks in the last few months. Somali militant group Al-Shabaab had been carrying out a series of terror attacks, the most recent being the April 2, 2015 macabre killing of 148 mostly students of the Garissa University. The Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group claimed to have killed 57 Kenyan soldiers when they overran a military camp in Kolbiyow near the Kenya-Somalia border on Jan. 27. However, Kenya said only 21 soldiers lost their lives. Kianda said the Thursday's killer gang who used blunt objects to carry out their heinous crime did not steal anything form the victims. The trio, two of them brothers were hit on their heads and succumbed to excessive bleeding. What was shocking is that the victims did not move an inch and remained glued with their mobile phones to the mattresses they were sleeping on. Kianda said the police have launched investigations into the incident and are pursuing various theories that they have already received from the public. TSAVO, Kenya, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) will rely on data generated from the ongoing census on elephants and other large mammals to strengthen their protection amid multiple threats, officials told Xinhua. Shadrack Ngene, KWS Assistant Director in charge of Ecological Monitoring, said the aerial count of elephants that commenced last week will inform future interventions to shield the giant mammals from threats linked to human activities and climatic stresses. "The core aim of the ongoing census on elephants and large mammals is to assess the population trends in relation to numerous challenges like poaching, droughts and shrinking habitats," Ngene said on Wednesday. KWS in partnership with conservation lobbies has been conducting elephant census in the east Africa nation's largest wildlife sanctuary, Tsavo National Park since last week. The oldest and most expansive wildlife habitat that straddles southeast and southwestern parts of Kenya is home to a large population of mammals, carnivores, reptiles and rare bird species. Ngene said Tsavo National Park is home to 11,217 elephants based on the last census conducted in February 2014. Kenya and Tanzania are conducting the elephant census concurrently in line with bilateral agreement to enhance cross border protection of the large herbivores. Ngene said the wildlife agency has invested in state of the art technology and skilled manpower to carry out the elephants and other large mammals' body count which ends on Saturday. "The results of the current elephants' census will help guide future policy interventions on protection of these mammals," said Ngene. He added that Kenya will be able to make a strong case for elephant protection in global summits using data generated from the ongoing census. Wildlife conservation lobbies hailed the ongoing census on elephants and large mammals, saying it will offer a strategic guidance on viable ways to protect them from future threats. "The elephant census is very important to us conservationists; it will help us monitor their population and geographic distribution," remarked the Regional Director, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), James Isiche. Related News Workers in Myanmar get compensation after factory closed down PYONGYANG, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday said the saga of the death of a DPRK national in Malaysia last week was an "anti-DPRK conspiratorial racket" launched by South Korea. The DPRK also blamed the Malaysian side for an unfriendly attitude in handling the case, the official KCNA news agency reported. A 46-year-old man from the DPRK died on Feb. 13 at a Kuala Lumpur airport. Malaysian police identified him as Kim Chol from the DPRK. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said embassy documents showed the man was Kim Jong Nam, a half-brother of DPRK top leader Kim Jong Un. But the claim was denied by the DPRK ambassador in Malaysia, Kang Chol. Malaysian police also said that the victim was poisoned to death at Kuala Lumpur's international airport as he was waiting for a flight to Macao, China. However, the KCNA news agency said the man died of "heart stroke" and that South Korean authorities published a false report of him being poisoned to death, which Malaysian police turned into an "established fact." Though Malaysian police have completed postmortem on the dead body, they said they will not release the body to the DPRK Embassy until they have received DNA samples from the next-of-kin of the dead man. Up till now, no next-of-kin has showed up, according to Malaysian officials. Kang, the ambassador, has said that his country will "categorically reject" the results of the postmortem conducted by Malaysia and demanded an immediate transfer of the body. A spokesman for the Korean Jurists Committee said the autopsy was unnecessary, and criticized the Malaysian side for conducting it without any prior agreement with the DPRK or the presence of a DPRK representative, in disregard of the just demand from the DPRK and international law, the KCNA said Thursday. As for Malaysia's request for a DNA test to identify the dead man before the body could be released, the spokesman for the Korean Jurists Committee called it as an "absurd pretext." "Malaysia is obliged to hand his body to the DPRK side as it made an autopsy and forensic examination of it in an illegal and immoral manner," the spokesman said in a statement, adding that this proves that Malaysia wants to politicize the transfer of the body in disregard of international law and morality and attain "a sinister purpose." The incident was "undisguised encroachment upon the sovereignty of the DPRK, a wanton human rights abuse and an act contrary to human ethics and morality," the KCNA said. The spokesman also claimed that South Korea "worked out the scenario" and released false reports that the man was poisoned to death. "It is regretful that only Malaysia is denying such fact," added the spokesman. The spokesman repeated that the DPRK was ready to send a delegation of jurists to Malaysia for a joint investigation into the case. Four suspects -- a Vietnamese woman, an Indonesian woman, a Malaysian man and a DPRK man -- have been arrested, according to Malaysian police. However, the cause of death is yet to be determined by lab results. Malaysian police chief Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters Thursday that they have sent a formal request to the DPRK Embassy for an interview with a second secretary believed to be involved in the incident. He said Malaysia has followed the protocol and rules pertaining to foreign nationals. He added that Malaysia has asked help from Interpol for the nabbing of four DPRK suspects who have fled the country after the incident. Photo released by China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Pandas on Feb. 22, 2017, shows a worker feeds Bao Bao as she arrived at the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Center in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province. Hi, here's what you need to know about china. BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve agreed in Beijing on Wednesday to boost bilateral ties and cooperation in global affairs such as climate change. In their meeting, Xi said a healthy China-France ties meet the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples, and are conducive to world peace and development. Xi hailed the progress of ties since the two countries launched a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2014, citing efficient cooperation in various areas and enhanced cultural exchanges. - - - - CHENGDU -- After a 16-hour flight, American-born panda celebrity Bao Bao arrived home in southwest China Wednesday night, apparently looking well. Local quarantine officials cleared Bao Bao to disembark at 8:00 p.m. The 3-year-old female panda was taken care of by American keeper Marty Dearie during the flight. Dearie said Bao Bao ate and slept the whole way. "She ate as much as she would during the same time period at our zoo," he said. "It's gonna be a little sad... but we are very proud that we sent her back." - - - - BEIJING -- China's Ministry of Agriculture Wednesday asked for better prevention of the spread of H7N9 bird flu following reports of human infections. Calling the situation "complicated and grim," Vice Minister of Agriculture Yu Kangzhen ordered local agricultural agencies to intensify monitoring of poultry markets and step up disinfection programs to minimize risks. Yu also called on efforts against other animal epidemics and help in upgrading the poultry industry. - - - - GENEVA -- A senior Chinese diplomat on Wednesday welcomed the upcoming peace talks on Syria in Geneva and stressed the role of the United Nations in the mediation to end the lasting conflict in the war-torn country. The Chinese government's Special Envoy on Syria, Xie Xiaoyan, on Wednesday met with the UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. They exchanged views on the forthcoming intra-Syria talks and the Syrian political process. "The resumption of the peace talks on Syria should strictly follow the requirements of the UN Security Council resolution 2254, and put efforts on promoting mutual trust so as to achieve progresses as soon as possible," Xie said. - - - - NAIROBI -- Thirty-five Kenyan students will depart to China at the end of February on a scholarship program to prepare them for Kenya's new railway. Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary James Macharia said the students will receive undergraduate education at Beijing Jiaotong University, a top university in China for railway studies. The 35 students are the second batch of Kenyan students going to study in China under the China Communications Construction Company scholarship program which aims to train 100 Kenya students in railway studies. LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- A total of 11 militants were killed after aircrafts pounded Taliban hideouts in southern Helmand province in Afghanistan on Wednesday, provincial government said Thursday. Two more militants sustained injuries in the raids in Garmsir district, the provincial government said in a statement. According to the statement, two group commanders of the Taliban named Mullah Zaheen and Mullah Ghazi are among those killed in the air raids. Taliban militants are yet to make comment on the situation. They have tightened noose around Garmsir district and have been fighting to overrun Helmand provincial capital Lashkar Gah, 555 km south of national capital Kabul. Photo taken on Feb. 22, 2017 shows the automatic typesetting process at a workshop of China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (CSUN) in Istanbul, Turkey. China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (CSUN), a leading manufacturer of solar cells and modules, has been sharing its experience and business model with Turkey to help the country better tap solar power in its renewable energy development. (Xinhua/He Canling) ISTANBUL, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (CSUN), a leading manufacturer of solar cells and modules, has been sharing its experience and business model with Turkey to help the country better tap solar power in its renewable energy development. CSUN, the largest producer of photovoltaics in Turkey, has two workshops running and employs more than 500 local workers, said Sun Zheng, project development manager of CSUN Turkey. CSUN Turkey, also known as CSUN Eurasia Energy Systems Industry and Trade Inc, is headquartered in Tuzla, a town about 50 minutes' drive from Istanbul. Turkey started efforts to generate power with solar energy in 2011, and its photovoltaic capacity now stands at 1 gigawatt (GW), according to Sun. He expressed the hope that Turkey will take better advantage of its abundant natural light in the future. The two workshops, in Tuzla, produce some 5,200 pieces of solar modules per day for CSUN Turkey, which exports about 80 percent of its products to European and U.S. markets, Sun said. In addition to Turkey, CSUN has also set up workshops in South Korea and Vietnam and is opening one in the U.S. state of California. Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi delivers a speech at the First Sherpa Meeting of the 9th BRICS Summit in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Feb. 23, 2017. The meeting attracted more than 100 participants, including coordinators from all sides, foreign diplomats, and representatives from the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB). (Xinhua/Li Xiang) NANJING, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- China put forward four objectives that it believes can be achieved at the ninth BRICS leaders' summit, said State Councilor Yang Jiechi on Thursday. Yang made the remarks at the First Sherpa Meeting of the summit that opened on the same day in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province. BRICS groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The BRIC cooperative mechanism was established in 2006. According to Yang, the 2017 BRICS Summit will be held on Sept. 3-5 in Xiamen in east China's Fujian Province. The theme of this year's event is "BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future." President Xi Jinping hopes to work with other BRICS leaders to ensure the meeting is a success, said Yang. Yang said China expects the Xiamen BRICS summit will promote members strengthening solidarity and collaboration, and improving global governance; deepening pragmatic cooperation to achieve mutual benefit; increasing people-to-people exchanges, and enhancing public support; and strengthening institutional mechanism and improving cooperation platform, which are the four objectives. China is confident that the BRICS cooperation will progress to a new level and become a globally influential platform for South-South cooperation, said Yang. Cooperation among the emerging-market bloc will push forward the establishment of a more fair and rational international order, he added. Yang said BRICS has become a driving force, promoting global economic growth, improving global governance, and pushing forward democracy in international relations, he noted. Facing a complicated and volatile international situation, BRICS nations should remain confidant and work together to cope with challenges and seize the opportunities for common development, said Yang. He voiced confidence that the Xiamen BRICS summit would result in positive outcomes and create a brighter future for BRICS nations. The First BRICS Sherpa Meeting runs from Thursday to Friday to prepare for the BRICS leaders' summit in September. The meeting attracted more than 100 participants, including coordinators from all sides, foreign diplomats, and representatives from the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB). FUZHOU, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Former vice mayor of Shanghai Ai Baojun on Thursday stood trial on charges of corruption at a court in the city of Zhangzhou, east China's Fujian Province. Prosecutors alleged that from 2002 to 2014, Ai, a former member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Shanghai Municipal Committee, took advantage of various official positions to help agencies and individuals with business operations and development, among other offences. Ai was said to have accepted bribes worth more than 43.2 million yuan (6.28 million U.S. dollars) either personally or through his family. In addition, he was accused of taking advantage of his positions to embezzle public assets worth more than 7.5 million yuan from 2001 to 2009. Ai pleaded guilty and expressed remorse. More than 40 people, including Ai's family, representatives of legislators and political advisors at national and local levels, as well as journalists and members of the public, were present at the open trial. The verdict will be announced at a later date. KUNMING, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Forty-one highway maintenance workers have been rescued after being stranded for hours in southwest China's Yunnan Province, local officials said Thursday. The workers were cut off on Thursday morning after days of snow and rain in Pengdang township, Gongshan County. YANGON, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar President's Office on Thursday approved the resignation of Chief Minister of Mon state U Min Min Oo , who formally submitted the request to resign out of his own volition on Monday. U Min Min Oo also resigned from other post of State Minister of Development and Construction. U Min Min Oo had hinted his resignation intention firstly on his facebook last Saturday. He is the first government official to resign from his post under the new National League for Democracy (NLD)-led government which took office last April. U Min Min Oo won as a representative to the Mon State Parliament from Bilin constituency-2 in 2015 general election and was elected as deputy speaker of the Mon State Parliament. He was later appointed as chief minister of the State. He was one of the NLD members against whom complaints were lodged last year by state lawmakers regarding reported misconduct, along with his state parliament speakers. U Min Min Oo, aged 47, holds a degree of electronic engineering and was once engaged in agriculture and food industry. Appointment of a new Mon state chief minister in place of U Min Min Oo is expected soon. TIRANA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The political class in Albania should be focused on the swift implementation of the justice reform as it is crucial to the country's progress towards European Union (EU) accession, the head of OSCE presence in Albania Bernd Borchardt said Thursday. In a TV interview, Borchardt said progress in reform could not be achieved by government alone and that the opposition should support the process too. He saw as legitimate the decision of the Albanian opposition to protest and seek free and fair elections but highlighted that the opposition should not boycott parliamentary work. "I am sure that the justice reform will be implemented but my appeal to the political class here is to do it as soon as possible. I should say that I am concerned that the vetting process has been blocked due to the escalation of the political debate here resulting in parliaments boycott by the opposition," Borchardt said. In his view, it is good to protest and seek rights but protests should not delay the process of reforms. Borchardt was also worried that money generated from narcotics cultivation and trafficking could be used during the electoral campaign. BEIJING, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Infectious diseases killed 18,237 people on the Chinese mainland in 2016, according to official data revealed Thursday. In 2016, there were more than 6.9 million cases of infectious diseases reported on the mainland, according to the National Health and Family Planning Commission. Of that total, one case of pestilence and 27 of cholera, both Class A infectious diseases, were reported but did not lead to fatalities. More than 2.9 million cases were classified as Class B infectious diseases, which resulted in 17,968 deaths. HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, rabies, hepatitis, and human infection of H7N9 avian influenza accounted for 98.8 percent of deaths in this category. Category C diseases were responsible for more than 3.9 million cases and 269 deaths. Foot and mouth disease, infectious diarrhea, and influenza were the most prevalent in this category, accounting for 98.5 percent of deaths. GENEVA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- A cycle of studies on the key performance requirements of 5G technologies for IMT-2020 were completed in Geneva, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Thursday said. ITU has established the overall roadmap for the development of 5G mobile and defined the term as "IMT-2020". "IMT-2020 will be the global cornerstone for all of activities related to broadband communications and the Internet of Things for the future -- enriching lives in ways yet to be imagined," said ITU Secretary-General, Zhao Houlin. "The IMT-2020 standard is set to be the global communication network for the coming decades and is on track to be in place by 2020. The next step is to agree on what will be the detailed specifications for IMT-2020, a standard that will underpin the next generations of mobile broadband and IoT connectivity," said Francois Rancy, director of ITU's Radiocommunication Bureau. ITU anticipated that there will now be a number of early technical trials, market trials and deployments of 5G technologies based on the foreseen developments slated for IMT-2020. These systems may not provide the full set of capabilities envisaged for IMT-2020, but the results of these early activities will flow forward into, and assist the development of, the final complete detailed specifications for IMT-2020. A new report related to the key performance requirements of 5G technologies is expected to be finally approved in November 2017. BEIJING, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The latest U.S. ruling to remove heavy duties on truck and bus tires imported from China was "in line with the objective facts," the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Thursday. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) determined Wednesday that the tires from China did not materially injure or threaten to damage the U.S. industry, and that no anti-dumping or countervailing duties would be imposed on those products. The decision followed a previous ruling by the U.S. Department of Commerce in January to slap anti-dumping duties of up to 22.57 percent and countervailing duties of up to 65.46 percent on certain China-made truck and bus tires. Wang Hejun, head of the MOC's trade remedy and investigation bureau, appreciated the ITC's ruling, describing it as "objective and fair." "We hope the two countries' tire industries strengthen dialogue and communication, effectively manage and control trade disputes, and maintain an open and fair trade environment for the good of the people of China and the U.S.," he said. The two countries' tire products were different from, and complementary to, each other, and Chinese tires met the growing demand in the United States, Wang noted. U.S. imports of truck and bus tires from China were worth about 1.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2015, but fell to more than 1 billion dollars in the first 11 months last year, affected by the trade investigation, according to MOC data. The case involved more than 100 exporters and 100,000 employees in China, and its result reflected Chinese firms' stronger awareness and capability of protecting their rights, said Wang. BEIJING, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Zhijun, head of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, on Thursday warned against a more complicated and serious situation across the Taiwan Strait this year. Zhang, also head of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at a researchers meeting held by the Center for Research on Cross-Straits Relations. Major changes took place regarding the situation of Taiwan and cross-Strait relations in 2016, Zhang said. "There is difficult work to be done concerning Taiwan affairs this year," Zhang said. The mainland will resolutely implement the central authority's Taiwan policies, continue to adhere to the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle, resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence," and promote cross-Strait exchanges, cooperation and integrated economic and social development, he said. The official called on scholars and experts to deeply study the uncertain factors and risks in the development of cross-Strait relations, give more advice, and contribute more wisdom and efforts. BUDAPEST, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- One day after the revocation of the Olympic bid for the 2024 Games, the Hungarian opposition parties and organizations continued to voice strong critics at the government for the lack of social debate and transparency related to the money already spent on the bidding process so far. "One of my eyes weeping, the other laughing," Momentum leader Andras Fekete-Gyor said Thursday morning in front of journalists. "On one hand, we have gained success in winning against the Mayor of Budapest and the government, but on the other, we have lost an opportunity for discussion and debate," he added. "To cover the country by thousands of billboards cheering for the Olympics is no debate. A debate is when you have two opinions, and you argue for each of them with facts," he explained. "The debate would have allowed us to discuss on how we wanted the money to be spent in the next decade," he stressed. Fekete-Gyor spoke a day after the Hungarian government announced a decision on a resolution to withdraw the candidacy from the 2024 Olympic Games in Budapest. Momentum gathered enough signatures last week to call for a referendum over the Hungarian Olympics, arguing that the country should spend money rather on healthcare and education. As those opposed to the Budapest hosting of the event were in clear majority in the polls, the referendum campaign would have undermined the Hungarian bid, hence the Hungarian authorities decided to drop the bid because of the "lack of unity". In 2015, the opposition parties were in majority for the bid, and the Budapest City Hall and the Hungarian parliament opted for the bid with an overwhelming majority of respectively 92% and 80%. But the lack of transparency and the probable escalation of the costs made them changed their minds. The withdrawal of the bid is a blow for Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and the opposition parties made that very clear Thursday morning. "The Fidesz (governing party) has cowardly ran away from a referendum," the opposition socialist party (MSZP) said in a statement. "They do not have the courage to ask the people in a referendum about the Olympic Games, because they are terrified to lose," MSZP added. The party also underlined that the Fidesz party already avoided two referendums, one regarding the compulsory rest days on Sundays for shops, the other about the selling of farming land. Two other smaller opposition parties, DK (Democratic coalition) and Egyutt (Together), have vowed to examine to whom and how much money the government paid so far related to the revoked bid. But political analyst Zoltan Cegledi argued that the government had no real issue but to back out from the hosting. "The withdrawal of the bid was a natural course of events after the success of the petition for referendum of Momentum, as a lost referendum would have been too much of a blow to the Fidesz party, one year ahead of the general elections," Cegledi explained Thursday morning on commercial television ATV. "It would have been really difficult to defend the Olympics and say: our healthcare and common transports are crumbling, let's spend more money on the Olympics," Cegledi said. JAKARTA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian ministry and investment agency team up to attract investors in tapping the opportunities from the nation's vibrant tourism sector in the Regional Investment Forum (RIF) held in Nusa Dua, Bali on Thursday. In the event attended by more than 400 foreign and domestic investors, senior Indonesian officials conveyed the lucrative potentialities investors can tap on in the sector as the nation has made tourism sector as a core business, replacing the previous oil and gas, coals and palm oil. "Investments in infrastructure to support tourism sector would be highly attracting for both domestic and foreign investors in the future," Head of Indonesia's Investment Coordination Agency (BKPM) Thomas Lembong said in his remarks at the event. Thomas added that investment in the nation's new prioritized sector now grows 18 percent per year, making it highly prospective for investors. willing to plunge in vibrant tourism businesses with 10 new tour destinations are massively developed across the country. He said Indonesia now requires huge investments in tourism sector as total materialized investment in tourism sector only stood at 51.2 trillion rupiah (about 3.8 billion U.S. Dollars) in the last five years. Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said involvement of investors to boost national tourism sector is essential as the nation has limited budget in financing projects in the sector, particularly in developing the new 10 tour destinations. "The investors were expected to build the hotels, resorts, cafes and organize the attractions in each destination, making visitors more comfortable, willing to stay longer there," the minister said. He added that government would provide infrastructures comprised of electricity and water supplies, roads and telecommunications to support the operation of hospitality accommodations ran by the investors. The minister said Indonesia expects to get 678.8 trillion rupiah (about 50.8 billion U.S. Dollars) of new investments in the 10 new tour destinations. Indonesia has set target to welcome 20 million foreign visitors and earning more than 24 billion U.S. Dollars from tourism sector by 2019. ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian government is implementing various interventions in drought affected areas, despite slow response from the global community, Mitiku Kassa, head of the National Disaster Risk Management Commission, told Xinhua Thursday. "The Ethiopian government, after taking lessons from the successful intervention response of last year's El Nino induced drought, is implementing various interventions in areas affected by the current drought," said Mitiku. "So far there is no death or fatality of human being," he said. "Death of livestock has been already reported in heavily affected areas of Afar, Oromia and other parts of the country." The Government of Ethiopia and its humanitarian partners in January officially launched the Humanitarian Requirements Document (HRD) for 2017 looking for 948 million U.S. dollars to reach out 5.6 million people with emergency food and non-food assistance. According to the commissioner, the Ethiopian government has recently allocated one billion Ethiopian birr (47 million U.S. dollars) to provide food and non-food components to drought affected areas in the country. Mitiku, however, indicated that despite the Ethiopian government's effort in tackling the impacts of the existing drought that hits the southern and southeastern part of the country, "the response from the global community is so slow." According to Mitiku, the major reason for the slow response rate from the global community is the stretched needs across the globe mainly in the horn of Africa and the Sahel region together with the political instability in the Middle East. The drought affected areas cover the southern and southeastern part of the east African country, mainly the Ethiopian Somali, southern part of Oromia, and the southern part of the SNNPR region. The performance of the coming spring rain in the country will determine the magnitude of the drought, according to him. He also advised other African countries to work on disaster risk reduction activities, saying that "it is the only means that enables all African countries to withstand the adverse effect of climate change." The 2017 Humanitarian Requirements Document presents prioritized plans in water and sanitation (WASH), agriculture, relief food, nutrition, health, education, protection, and shelter and non-food items in the affected areas. Out of the 948 million U.S. dollars sought for the 2017 response, 598 million dollars is targeted for relief food, 105 million dollars for nutrition, and 86 million dollars for WASH needs. LHASA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- More than two decades ago, eight-year-old Pude followed his father to a meadow in Nagqu Prefecture in northern Tibet and began a hungry, cold childhood herding for ranchers. At the time, his nomadic life seemed predestined: the life of his father and grandfather. He assumed his children and grandchildren would follow a similar path. On Thursday, Pude, now 32 years old, got up early, jumped into his new pickup truck and took his daughter and son to school. Tashi Gonpo, his younger brother and a member of the village herding group, was up even earlier. By the time he returned, his wife Tsering Drup was making yogurt in the village workshop. Pude is a vice president of the local cooperative and deputy head of Payu Village, which, at 4,700 meters above sea level on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, is home to 24 families. Pude's home covers an area of 115 square meters and can resist earthquakes of up to eight in magnitude. The village has all basic facilities, road, running water, electricity, radio, TV and telephone.Internet is coming soon. The cost of the house was 339,000 yuan (about 50,000 U.S. dollars), with Pude paying only 40,000 yuan and the rest coming from the public purse. "In the past, herdsmen endured a ridiculously long, cold winter here, from October to the end of June, before moving to the summer meadow. After three months in the sun, they would bring their animals and belongings back to Payu and start over again," Pude said. Migration is essential for the animals and sustainable meadows, but an ordeal for children, the old, sick and weak, he said. "Settling down is a luxury for us." In 1994, the local government began helping herdsman settle in Payu, tempting them with government funded animals. Then, in 1997, severe snow killed nearly 100 yak, almost half of the animals in the village. Reconstruction was slow. Payu became known as "the village of beggars." "We did everything, except steal to feed ourselves," said Pude. Then in 2009, a cooperative was established. Villagers invested their labor, meadows and stock and became shareholders. Different working groups were assigned to herding, milking, dairy processing, marketing and other functions. A points-based system was adopted -- herding seven yaks for a day gained one point, milking three yak brought two points, etc. "The whole village owns about 380 yak. Five people are enough to take care of them. Other villagers can choose their jobs or become migrant workers," said Wetho, president of the cooperative. Among the 97 villagers, 50 are "laborers," who need to earn about 1,200 work points a year to gain a bonus. There are slightly different rules for men and women. Last year some chose to "buy" points from the cooperative and go to work in cities. A young man pays about 4,000 yuan to be exempted from work and make money elsewhere. At the end of the year, he could receive a cash bonus of up to 12,000 yuan from the cooperative. The average yearly income here in 2008, before the cooperative, was no more than 800 yuan, but had risen to 15,000 yuan in 2016, according to Wetho. The prefecture and regional governments extended helps to the village to boost productivity and improve dairy processing. Wetho gave an example. A yak used to produce barely 100 kilograms of milk a year, with almost no output in winter. Now, a yak can produce milk all year round and output has climbed to nearly 200 kilograms. The cooperative puts 10 percent of its income into a village fund. Each high school student receives a scholarship of 500 yuan a year, and a college student 1,000 yuan. When a villager passes away, his or her shares in the cooperative pass to the family, who also receive 4,000 yuan for funeral expenses. In 2012, Payu was designated the prefecture's first role model "moderately prosperous" village. Herdsmen said goodbye to their winter hovels and moved into brick-and-mortar Tibetan-style homes. Without interfering too much into the nomadic lifestyle, but answering demands for a better life, a clinic, a kindergarten, a mini-market, a public square and a veterinary hospital were built in the settlement. Recalling the disaster of 1997, Pude is still excited. "We kept trekking in the snow for five good days to move the animals. Yak died from hunger and cold every day," he said. "Now with warm cowsheds and enough fodder, we are not afraid of the snow, no matter how bad it gets." DAMASCUS, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Turkey-backed Syrian rebels announced Thursday the capture of city al-Bab, the last major stronghold of the Islamic State (IS) group in northern Syria, near the Turkish borders, the Saudi-funded Alarabiya TV reported. The Turkish forces and the Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebels as well as other factions fighting under the umbrella of the Euphrates Shield captured al-Bab in the northeastern countryside of Aleppo, after weeks of intense battles against the IS militants, said the report. The Turkish-backed rebels are now combing the city of explosive devices left by the IS. The move came as the Turkish forces and allied rebels unleashed an overnight offensive against the IS positions in the city. While the Turkish forces were on an offensive on IS from the northern, western and eastern part of the city, the Syrian army succeeded recently to besiege al-Bab from its southern edge, a move to prevent IS fighters to withdraw toward other stronghold in eastern province of Deir al-Zour, or northern city of al-Raqqa, the de facto capital of the terror-designated group. Observers said the attacks on al-Bab were coordinated between Russians and Turks. For the Syrian army, securing the southern rim of al-Bab means securing the vicinity of Aleppo from attacks of IS. As for the Turks, capturing the northern part of the city cuts the way in the face of the growing Kurdish influence in northern Syria, a red line drawn by Turkey. ANKARA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Al-Bab in northern Syria is almost under the full control of Turkey and Turkish-backed forces, Defense Minister Fikri Isik said on Thursday. Earlier on Thursday, the Turkish army announced in a statement that the FSA forces have seized most of the town and have liberated two more districts from Islamic State (IS) group. Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik confirmed the news on Thursday during an interview with private news channel NTV, adding "most of al-Bab was under full control in Turkish army and FSA." Turkey-backed FSA forces also said on Thursday that they have taken full control over al-Bab. Turkey and FSA rebels have been trying to capture al-Bab from IS since December 2016 as part of its ongoing Euphrates Shield operation, which was launched on Aug. 24, 2016, in order to clear the border with Syria. ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- A project towards sustainable and productive livestock in Africa is launched on Thursday, by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and six African countries. The project, dubbed Africa Sustainable Livestock 2050 (ASL2050), aims to facilitate dialogue, knowledge sharing and consultation among livestock, health and environment stakeholders in order to identify opportunities and threats associated with the long-term development of livestock. It also aims to agree upon priority reforms and investments to create the capacity needed to ensure a sustainable development of the livestock sector in the next three or four decades. ASL2050 includes six African governments: Burkina Faso, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda, which are anticipated to experience major expansion and intensification in their livestock systems in the coming decades, according to FAO. ASL2050 aims to facilitate a dialogue between countries, ministries, and specialists to help Africa prepare for the changes, building the capacity to maximize benefits and minimize challenges. The project will facilitate dialogue between livestock, environment, livelihoods and public ministries of the six African countries to identify actions that can be taken now to ensure sustainable and productive livestock sector while protecting the environment and public health. Speaking at the launching ceremony in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, Patrick Kormawa, FAO Sub-regional Coordinator for Eastern Africa, noted that FAO would make every effort to support the smooth and effective implementation of ASL2050. "As the ASL2050 is a complex project which looks beyond current policies and programs, and requires inputs from multiple sectors, it will require a one-health approach that utilizes expertise from multiple disciplines," said Kormawa, who is also FAO Representative to the AU and UNECA. He stated that the presence of representatives from ministries responsible for livestock, health and environment, as well as FAO and other organizations indicates a clear intent for ASL2050 to build strong collaborative partnerships across sectors to support sustainable and healthy livestock systems for the countries. "The FAO Regional Office for Africa based in Ghana, and the FAO Sub-regional Office for Eastern Africa, based in Addis Ababa, will make every effort to support the smooth and effective implementation of ASL2050, not only for the benefits of the countries present here today, but to draw on lessons learned from this program and to roll them out throughout the entire Africa continent," he said. Fekadu Beyene, Ethiopian Minister of Livestock and Fishery, said the project provides opportunity to share expertise and experiences between ministries and countries towards building a sustainable livestock sector in coming decades. "We are looking forward to partnering with USAID and FAO to examine our livestock systems now, and realize the potential they have for the future through the sustainable implementation of the (country's) Livestock Master Plan," said the minister. As the African economy in the next 20 and 30 years is expected to continue to grow fast, meat, egg and diary consumption at household level will significantly increase on the continent, which in turn provides opportunity for the growth of livestock sector, but also poses challenges for public health and environmental protection, according to a joint release by FAO and USAID. The demand for milk, meat and eggs is going to double, triple and even quadruple in some African countries, according to Leslie Reed, Director of USAID Ethiopia Mission. "With ASL2050, we are going to collaborate with governments to work out how to build the foundations for this change, so that African farmers and consumers will be better off," said Reed. "More livestock means more feed is needed, and land use will change. This presents some challenges for the environment that we need to start preparing now," she said. It was noted on the occasion that ASL2050 will also anticipate long-term public health risks such as unexpected disease spread from livestock to humans, and identify policies or procedures to implement now that can reduce the risks in the future. LOS ANGELES, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- SpaceX's unmanned Dragon cargo ship arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) Thursday morning, carrying critical materials for some new science programs on human health, Earth science and weather patterns, the U.S. space agency NASA said. The spacecraft was successfully captured at 5:44 a.m. EST (1044 GMT) by European astronaut Thomas Pesquet and NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough, using the orbiting lab's robotic arm. "Cosmic catch!" NASA posted on Twitter. Dragon carried about 5,500 pounds (about 2,495 kg) of cargo for its 10th commercial resupply mission for NASA. Research materials aboard the Dragon include a crystal growth experiment that will crystallize a monoclonal antibody that is undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of immunological diseases, according to NASA.@ The equipment onboard Dragon includes a major instrument that will survey Earth's upper atmosphere in a continuation of one of NASA's longest-running Earth-observing programs. The 2,200-pound (about 998-kg) instrument, called SAGE III for Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment, will be connected to the outside of the station to make daily observations for several years. Dragon was previously scheduled to be captured at 4:30 a.m. EST (0930 GMT) on Wednesday, but the cargo spacecraft canceled the planned docking with the ISS after onboard computers on Dragon recognized an incorrect value in data about the location of the space station. A few hours before Dragon aborted its rendezvous, Russia launched the Progress MS-05 cargo ship resupply ship from Kazakhstan. It carries nearly three tons of food, fuel and supplies to the six-member Expedition 50 crew and will arrive on Friday. Dragon was launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket Sunday morning from NASA's historic moon pad and will remain docked with the station for about a month. KUNMING, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Manufacturers the world over recall their products over safety concerns. In China, a similar system is being rolled out to tackle "faulty" cadres. The program, which focuses on local-level officials accused of inaction, is being tested in several provinces, including Guizhou, Hubei and Yunnan. Thousands of officials have already been pulled from their posts for re-training. Zhang Xu was an official with the environmental protection bureau of Weixin County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. He was part of a poverty-relief team for the village of Heba, Weixin, in 2016, but "failed to understand the urgency of poverty-relief tasks" during the initial stage, according to the bureau. "Zhang was running between the bureau and the village to make up for work not done at the bureau," according to the bureau. "He also spent much time 'wandering around' instead of helping villagers out of poverty." Zhang ranked among the bottom five in a "comprehensive evaluation," and was recalled to review his role. Like Zhang, Chen Gongyou was also an official in Weixin. He, too, was recalled, as despite his substantial experience at the local level, Chen was also an alcoholic. Chen was often drunk, and would often drink with the residents, which "tarnished his image" and his reputation as an official, according to the local government. "I thought as long as I don't go against the 'eight-point rules,' I would be fine," said Xiao Hua, secretary of the Xinglong Township Committee of the Communist Party of China in Guizhou Province. The eight-point code of conduct was introduced by the central government in 2012 to reduce bureaucracy and boost ties with the public. Xiao was recalled for re-training after the local government found him unfamiliar with the agricultural conditions of Xinglong. "Being recalled is a time for self-reflection," Xiao Hua said. In Yunnan, the recall program usually involves re-training, "criticism and education," talks, and, should no progress be made, demotion or removal. By the end of August, 2016, 1,117 "problematic" officials had been recalled. Anyone who ranks in the bottom five in the quarterly evaluation must be recalled. In Hubei's Huanggang, the city government issued a guideline in 2015, listing 37 situations when officials will be recalled. "I think such programs are an innovative way of evaluating grassroots officials," said Xu Xing, a professor with the Zhou Enlai School of Government of Nankai University. "By borrowing the product-recall concept, the programs help address the issue of lazy and incapable officials." "The programs provide a new way to strengthen supervision and management over local officials," said Wu Jiang, dean of the Chinese Academy of Personnel Science. The current mechanism still has room for improvement. Yang Ling, a government official of Yunnan's Weixin County, said the program could reduce enthusiasm. "In Yunnan, the last five officials in the quarterly evaluation should be recalled, but there should be more to the system than this," Yang said. "If all the officials have done their best at work, only the last five will still be recalled; what about all the other officials who failed? Where is their punishment?" Wang Libing, an anti-corruption official with Huanggang City, said that unlike other discipline punishments, which are issued based on a set of specific rules, the cadre-recall program is still at an early stage and the standards are not yet set in stone. Bao Jian, a poverty-relief official in Yunnan, said that the recall program has worked like an alarm for local-level officials; alerting them to the fact that they are responsible that the work they are assigned is properly done. MOMBASA, Kenya, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- More than 1,000 clinical officers, nutritionists, laboratory technicians, mortuary attendants and other 13 cadres of health workers went on strike on Thursday in Kenya's coastal city of Mombasa, demanding allowance harmonization. The health staff left their work stations complaining that the national government awarded nurses a quantum service allowance increase last December and forgot other health workers in the deal. They said they are being discriminated against and treated as outsiders in the health sector. "We are demanding allowances just like other health workers, we want to be recognized as others because we are a system and nobody is more important than another," Joash Matonda, one of the health workers said. Matonda, who is the Secretary General of Kenya Health Professional Society Mombasa County, said the government's decision to only award nurses allowance increase was unfair to other health practitioners. "Clinical officers, nutritionists, lab technicians are the ones who do the donkey work. You cannot award nurses allowances and forget other cadres," he said. The nurses, through the Kenya National Nurses Union (KNUN), had on December 5, 2016 gone on strike demanding the allowances increase. On December 11, 2016, the government and nurses union signed a duty resumption agreement after their allowances were increased. According to the agreement, the nurses in Job Group G-L were to receive a top up of 200 U.S. dollars and those in Job Group M and above get 150 dollars from January. The latest strike is likely to worsen the country's health sector that is currently facing challenges following the doctors' strike that entered its 81st day on Thursday. Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union maintains that the doctors' strike would be still on until the government honor the 2013 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). TAIPEI, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Twenty military staff at a Taiwan air base where narcotics were allegedly found tested positive for drugs in initial urine testing, military authority said Thursday. The 20 people have been sent to a hospital for retesting to confirm the results, Taiwan's defense authority said in a statement, adding it is continuing to conduct urine tests for the remaining 13 percent of personnel at the Ching Chuan Kang air base in Taichung city. Since Monday, officers have discovered white powder in a number of plastic bags on the base, which they suspected to be narcotics, as well as possible equipment used for consuming drugs. Initial tests showed that the powder could be amphetamine, which is illegal in Taiwan, according to local prosecutors. The defense authority has organized drug testing for all servicemen at the base since Tuesday. The authority said it will make full efforts to cooperate with prosecutors in the investigation and vowed harsh punishment for those who take narcotics regardless of their ranks. Local media reported that narcotics had been found "more than once" at the base, which hosts about 3,000 military staff. A Palestinian protester hurls a stone at Israeli soldiers during clashes after a protest against the expanding of Jewish settlements in Kufr Qadoom village near the West Bank city of Nablus, on Feb. 17, 2017. (Xinhua/Nidal Eshtayeh) RAMALLAH, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Thursday the international community to react to the statement of the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rejection to the "establishment of a viable and sovereign Palestinian state." The Ministry said in an emailed press statement that the statements of Netanyahu in Australia Wednesday come hand in hand with the position of the ruling extreme right wing in Israel. Netanyahu, who was on an official visit to Australia, told journalists that he would only accept a Palestinian autonomous state in which Israel has the main security control over all Palestinian territories. The ministry highlighted that Netanyahu's position is "flagrant defiance to the will of the international community calling for a negotiated resolution of the conflict on the basis of the two states solution, an official Israeli position to undermine peace chances and international legitimacy resolutions." The Ministry urged all states to declare a clear position regarding the Israeli attempts that aim to dissolve the two state solution. It also called on the U.S. Administration "to end its silence towards those provocative Israeli positions and statements." Netanyahu said in a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in Sydney "I don't want to incorporate two million Palestinians as citizens of Israel nor do I want them as subject of Israel, so I want them to have all the freedoms to govern themselves, but not of the powers to threaten us, and that's the essence of what we are suggesting." He added that only when the Palestinians "recognize a Jewish state, once they recognize the permanence of Israel and the right of Israel to be there as the national state of the Jewish people, in our ancestral homeland... everything else will fall in place." Palestinian President's Advisor for diplomatic affairs Majdi Khalidi said that a Palestinian state on the borders of 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital is anchored in international law. Khalidi said in an interview with the official Palestinian radio station (Voice of Palestine) that "nobody can take this achievement from Palestine," adding that "Israel is attempting to take over the lands of the Palestinian state and suggest difference solutions." The peace talks between Israel and Palestine have been stalled since April 2014. The U.S.-sponsored talks that lasted for nine months achieved no tangible results. DAMASCUS, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- As many as 876 civilians have been killed by the U.S.-led anti-terror coalition strikes in Syria since September of 2014, a monitor group reported on Thursday. The death toll includes 340 children and women, who were killed during the airstrikes of the U.S.-led coalition, which has started its bombardment to Islamic State (IS) positions in Syria in September 2014, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The airstrikes have been focused on the IS-held areas in northern Syria and Syrian-Iraqi borders, as well as areas under the control of the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front. In a separate death toll, the Observatory said the coalition strikes have killed 5,766 IS militants, most of who were foreigners, as well as 141 fighters with the Nusra Front. The efforts of the U.S.-led coalition have been largely played down by the government of President Bashar al-Assad, as government officials repeatedly charged that the coalition strikes didn't quell the expansion of the IS terrorists. On the other hands, the Syrian government hailed the Russian intervention in Syria, which started in late 2015, saying the IS expansion has been severed by the Russian strikes, which were effective in enabling the Syrian army to recapture key areas in Syria, mainly the northern city of Aleppo. by Muhammad Tahir ISLAMABAD, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani forces have launched a new major operation to "eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country" that will mainly focus on Punjab. The military announced on Wednesday the start of the countrywide operation codenamed "Radd-ul-Fasaad," or reject discord in English, after a series of terrorist attacks that killed over 100 people in last week. The upsurge in the terrorist attacks in the first two months of this year broke months of a lull in violent incidents, which was seen as a threat to the achievements of the major counterinsurgency operation "Zarb-e-Azb," which launched in 2014 was aimed at clearing North Waziristan tribal region, the last major stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban and their foreign militants. The security forces had killed over 3,000 militants in North Waziristan but many had either fled to Afghanistan and or moved to urban areas and are hiding with the help of their local facilitators, sympathizers and financiers. Security officials had earlier indicated that the fleeing militants may have found some tribal areas in southern parts of Punjab province that are located at the edge of Sindh and Balochistan provinces. The army had conducted some raids at the suspected hideouts in parts of Punjab but the recent attacks led to the decision for a large-scale operation with the leading role of the military. It is widely believed that the intelligence-based operations would target the sleeping cells of the militants, who are using their hideouts to facilitate the bombers for terrorist acts in cities where the armed groups still have some networks. The suicide bombing in Lahore, the capital of Punjab, on Feb. 13, highlighted the threat of the hideouts of the facilitators of the terrorists as investigators later found that two or three people had taken the bomber to the target. A vast majority in Pakistan had long been demanding operation against the militants in the southern districts in Punjab province to eliminate the threats to the achievements of the previous major counterinsurgent's offensives in the tribal regions. The country's civil and military leaders took the unanimous decision to start "Radd-ul-Fasaad" with the primary role of the army. As the army announced the operation, the interior ministry took the much-anticipated decision to delegate powers to the paramilitary force "Pakistan Rangers" in Punjab, who will now perform anti-terror role along with army and other law enforcing agencies. Rangers would have the powers to "apprehend terrorists, their facilitators or any anti-state elements" within cities and adjoin areas. Army spokesman Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, explaining objectives of the operation, said it is aimed at "indiscriminately eliminating residual and latent threat of terrorism, consolidating gains of operations made thus far and further ensuring security of the borders." The operation, which will also concentrate on security along Pakistan's western border with Afghanistan, has been launched at a time when Pakistan faces challenges from over a dozen of armed groups. The military, which insists Pakistani militants now "operate from the Afghan soil," shelled their suspected hideouts in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province. Pakistan has also closed its border with Afghanistan, which has increased diplomatic tensions and led to a blame game. Tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan is not helpful for security cooperation and could further complicate the security environment for the terrorism-hit nations. Both need an effective mechanism to check the cross-border movement of the militants. Monitoring along the nearly 2,600 kilometer common border is a must as the militants, who are blamed for violence in both countries, take advantage of the fragile border control. KHARTOUM, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- A Sudanese official on Thursday announced that the number of South Sudanese refugees in Sudan so far has reached 495,000. "Presently we have 495,000 South Sudanese refugees in Sudan, where they are distributed in Khartoum, White Nile, East Darfur, West Kordofan and South Kordofan states, and in less figures in South and North Darfur States," Hamad Al-Jizouli, Sudanese Commissioner for Refugees, said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua Thursday. He expected the number of South Sudanese refugees in Sudan to increase due to the security tension in the south together with the South Sudan government's declaration of famine in some parts of the country. "The influxes of refugees are still continuing as they are related to the current reality of continued war and declaration of famine in South Sudan," he said. He explained that the Sudanese Commission for Refugees and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) are providing the necessary services for the South Sudanese refugees in Sudan, saying "the biggest problem facing us is relating to registration of the South Sudanese refugees and giving them the refugee cards." "A joint committee has been formed, where a tripartite agreement will be signed between the Sudanese commission for refugees, the Sudanese Interior Ministry and the UNHCR to reach consensus on a mechanism that enables us make the correct registration of South Sudan refugees," noted Al-Jizouli. Sudan is generally hosting about two million refugees from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Chad, Somalia, Central Africa Republic, South Sudan, Yemen and Syria. "We have three groups of refugees, the first group is present in official camps, the second inside towns and the third is a group of youths, the majority of them from Somalia, Eritrea and Ethiopia, and use Sudan as a crossing for immigration to Europe," he said. "This third group is what really bothering us because it falls as prey to gangs of human trafficking and organizers of illegal immigration to European countries and Israel," noted Al-Jizouli. The Sudanese refugee commissioner, meanwhile, explained that the number of the Syrian refugees in Sudan amounted to 110,000. "We do not regard the Syrians as refugees due to Presidential directives to regard them as brothers and not refugees, where they have privileges as they are permitted to enter Sudan without visa," he said. In the meantime, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Sudan (OCHA) said in its most recent bulletin that over 65 percent of the South Sudanese refugees who arrived in Sudan are children, with many of them arriving with critical levels of malnutrition. The UNHCR and partners anticipated the continued arrival of South Sudanese refugees into Sudan throughout 2017, "given the situation in South Sudan marked by localized fighting and critical levels of food insecurity in areas close to the Sudanese border." The violent fighting which erupted in South Sudan in July last year following the collapse of the peace deal between the government and opposition forces caused more than 760,000 refugees to flee the country, with an average of 63,000 people monthly during the second half of the year. In Aug. 15 last year, Sudan officially decided to treat the South Sudanese fleeing the war in their country as refugees, which opens the door for the UN to provide them with aid and fund aid programs. Recently famine was officially declared in South Sudan. The South Sudanese government and the UN said 100,000 people facing starvation, with one million people classified as being on the brink of famine. The famine was attributed to many reasons including the civil war and collapse of the economy in the new-born state. KABUL, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- An Afghan army helicopter made a crash landing in northern Kunduz province on Thursday, a spokesman of the Defense Ministry said, adding the crew members were rescued after the landing. "A MD 530 helicopter, which was en route for a combat task to northern Takhar province, made emergency landing in Dasht-e-Archi district of (neighboring) Kunduz province. All crew members were rescued safely by another helicopter," Gen. Dawlat Waziri said in a statement. As the crashed helicopter was not in a state to be repaired, the wreckage was destroyed by army personnel at the site, the official added. Waziri ruled out the involvement of militants in the incident, which occurred at around midday, saying the crash was caused by a technical failure in the aircraft. However, Zabiullah Mujahid, a purported Taliban spokesman, has claimed responsibility for the crash in the restive province. Mujahid told local media that the helicopter was shot down by Taliban and all the people aboard died following the crash. The Kunduz province, together with neighboring Baghlan and Takhar provinces, has been the scene of heavy clashes over the past months as Taliban has been trying to challenge the security forces in the once relatively peaceful region. On Nov. 30, an Afghan army general and an Afghan air force pilot were killed and 10 others injured after a helicopter crashed in western Badghis province. BUCHAREST, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Romania's new justice minister and three other officials took their oaths of office as ministers in front of President Klaus Iohannis on Thursday, marking the completion of the cabinet reshuffle. The president signed earlier in the day decrees appointing to office the justice minister, the economy minister, the minister of business environment, trade and entrepreneurship, as well as the minister delegate for European funds. The appointment of a new justice minister was the core of the cabinet reshuffle announced Wednesday by Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu. Former constitutional judge Tudorel Toader, incumbent rector of a famous Romanian university, was proposed to take over the justice portfolio, becoming the only technocrat in the coalition government of the Social Democrat Party and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats. Former Justice Minister Florin Iordache had to resign on Feb. 9 amid amid anti-government protests in the country following 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. The authorities had to annul the ordinance to quell the mass protests. The government led by Sorin Grindeanu took office on Jan. 4, after an election victory in December 2016. LUSAKA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Zambian authorities on Thursday issued a warning to citizens intending to travel or residing in South Africa to exercise caution in the wake of attacks on foreign nationals. The country's embassy in South Africa issued a statement following attacks that have targeted foreign nationals, especially Africans. Over the weekend, 30 shops belonging to foreigners were looted and burnt down in a Pretoria township. "Zambians who travel to or reside in South Africa are urged to register with the Zambia High Commission to make it easier for the Mission to contact them in case of emergency," a statement issued by the embassy said. "We would, therefore, wish to advise Zambians in South Africa to pay close attention to their personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible risk areas," it added. While acknowledging that no Zambians have been attacked yet, the statement added that the embassy has received numerous calls from citizens expressing anxiety and fear for their safety. MOSUL, Iraq, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi security forces on Thursday retook control of Mosul international airport after heavy clashes with Islamic State (IS) militants, a security source said. Federal police and elite interior ministry units, known as Rapid Response, have completely liberated the airport in southern Mosul after several hours of fierce clashes with the IS militants, Lt. Gen. Raid Shakir Jawdat, the commander of the federal police forces, told Xinhua. The troops also freed the adjacent compound of a sugar plant and its residential buildings, Jawdat said. The battles in the perimeter and airport left 30 IS militants killed and dozens of others wounded, in addition to arresting 20 militants, including non-Iraqi Arabs and foreigners, Jawdat said. The airport facilities and runway were badly damaged, as the extremist militants bombed all the buildings before they withdrew, he added. Meanwhile, the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) special forces seized part of Ghazlani military base near the airport after heavy battles with the extremist militants, a security source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. In the morning, Lt. Gen. Abdul-Amir Yarallah, from the Joint Operations Command, announced in a statement the start of an assault to retake control of Mosul's international airport and a military base nearby from IS militant group. The attacks on Thursday came as Iraqi security forces advance toward the fringes of the western side of Mosul to drive out IS militants from their last major stronghold in Iraq. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, who is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, announced on Sunday the start of an offensive to drive extremist militants out of the western side of Mosul, locally known as the right bank of Tigris River, which bisects the city. Late in January, Abadi declared the liberation of the eastern side of Mosul, or the left bank of Tigris, after more than 100 days of fighting against IS militants. However, the western side of Mosul, with its narrow streets and a population of between 750,000 and 800,000, appears to be a bigger challenge to the Iraqi forces. Mosul, 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014, when Iraqi government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions. SHIJIAZHUANG, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Guo Zhouke, former president of the North China Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, is under investigation, according to the Hebei provincial commission for discipline inspection on Thursday. Guo is suspected of "serious disciplinary violations," said the commission in a statement. North China Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd is one of China's biggest pharmaceutical companies. Guo had also served as vice president of Jizhong Energy Group Co., Ltd. WINDHOEK, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's president Hage Geingob has described Husab Uranium mine's first production of ore concentrate as a special achievement. Swakop Uranium owns the Husab mine, one of the biggest uranium mine in the world, that is about 60 kilometers from the coastal town of Swakopmund. Geingob said this when he responded to a letter from Swakop Uranium's CEO Zheng Keping that informed him about the mine's first production. Husab mine produced its first uranium drum on Dec. 30, 2016 and Zheng wrote to Geingob informing about it on Jan. 2, 2017. In his response in a letter dated Feb. 7, Geingob said he was pleased to note this special achievement and that he believed it would be the first of many to come for the Husab mine and Swakop Uranium. Swakop Uranium got the letter on Thursday morning. "The Husab mine if one of the outstanding investments to have taken place in our mining sector and within our economy as a whole." "I have had the privilege to visit the mine on several occasions and each time the management, operations and conditions at the mine left me with a very positive impression," Geingob wrote. Geingob said he would like to wish Swakop Uranium continued success in Namibia and that the operations should continue to reflect the mutual respect and win-win relationship between China and Namibia. Enditem JERUSALEM, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military said that it shot down a drone launched by militants from the Gaza Strip on Thursday afternoon. The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) was intercepted by an air force fighter jet above the coastline of Gaza before it entered Israel's airspace, a military spokesperson said in a statement. "The UAV fell into the sea," the statement read. According to the spokesperson, the drone was launched by Hamas, the Islamist movement that controls the besieged Palestinian enclave. Israel occupied the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast War and has been controlling these territories ever since. Israel's last offensive in Gaza in the summer of 2014 claimed the lives of at least 2,200 Palestinians, mostly civilians. The military campaign was concluded with a fragile truce. Since then, Gaza rocket occasionally hit southern Israel, usually without causing any damage or injuries, and Israeli responded with airstrikes or artillery. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 23, 2017. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) BEIJING, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to synergize development strategies with Italy to promote a balanced growth of trade and investment, Premier Li Keqiang said here Thursday. Li's remarks came as he met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Li called on both countries to make mid- and long-term development plans, enhance exchanges of innovation policies as well as cooperation on research and development. He also suggested both countries explore cooperation in third markets and expand the number of overseas students and interns. China hopes Italy can be an active role in ensuring the EU fulfills its obligations under the Protocol on China's Accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Li said. Mattarella, who is on a state visit to China from Tuesday to Sunday, said Italy and China share a broad consensus and enjoy great potential for cooperation. Italy is ready to work with China to enhance high-level exchanges, make new economic cooperation action plan and explore cooperation in areas of infrastructure construction, science and technology, environmental protection, innovation and increase bilateral trade and investment. He said he hopes the bilateral ties can reach a new level around 2020 when Italy and China will celebrate 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Italy is willing to play an active role in EU-China relations, he added. During the talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Mattarella on Wednesday, the two agreed to develop China-Italy ties from a strategic and long-term perspective and advance the relationship to a higher level. The two also witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in culture, science, education, health, trade and innovation. Also on Thursday, top Chinese legislator Zhang Dejiang met with Mattarella. Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, said the top priority for both countries' legislative bodies is to implement the consensus reached by the two presidents. Mattarella said Italy supports cooperation between the two legislative bodies and would like to actively participate in the Belt and Road development. Related: China, Italy pledge stronger ties BEIJING, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping and his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella held talks Wednesday, pledging to enhance bilateral ties. GUANGZHOU, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- More than 1,200 illegal immigrants have been captured by police in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province since the Spring Festival. A total of 1,178 people, all nationals of Southeast Asian countries, were arrested for trying to enter Guangdong without legal permits, according to the provincial border police Thursday. Another 48 were captured in Hong Kong, but police gave no details of their nationalities. Most of the immigrants were apprehended at bus and railway stations, ports and work places such as construction sites or factories, police added. Police in Guangdong and Hong Kong have strengthened cooperation at borders to curb illegal immigration. ANKARA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- A total of 56 Islamic State (IS) terrorists have been killed in northern Syria's al-Bab by Turkish forces and the U.S.-led coalition during the last 24 hours, the Turkish military said on Thursday. The Turkish artillery have shelled 90 terrorist targets, destroying hideouts, defense positions, command control centers, weapons and vehicles, Turkish General Staff announced in a statement. At least 14 positions, including 12 buildings, also have been destroyed by Turkish airstrikes. Turkish military stated that it had largely established control in the residential areas of al-Bab. The operation is part of the Turkish-led Operation Euphrates Shield launched in August 2016. The Turkish army is supporting Free Syrian Army fighters in clearing al-Bab, a strategic city for IS. DAMASCUS, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army advanced against the Islamic State (IS) group in the key city of Deir al-Zour in eastern Syria, reported the state news agency SANA on Thursday. SANA added that the successful headway was achieved following incessant battles with the IS, supported by Kurdish-led rebels. Syrian forces and allied fighters captured the strategic Shuaib hilltop in the graveyard area of Deir al-Zour's eastern countryside following the battles, killing scores of terrorist militants, according to SANA. Capturing Shuaib is a significant achievement towards breaking the IS's siege on Deir al-Zour's airbase in addition to the city's eastern part. About 1,300 families suffered from a 40-day-long siege after the IS cut the connecting road between the city's eastern part from the rest of city's neighborhoods. Furthermore, a military source informed Xinhua on condition of anonymity, that both Syrian and Russian air forces renewed their airstrikes against IS posts in the graveyard area and two nearby military bases, along with artillery shelling of IS militants in the area. Last month, the IS launched a major offensive against government-controlled areas in Deir al-Zour, and advanced into the graveyard area and besieged the Deir al-Zour airport, the only lifeline into the city through which food and other necessities enter Deir al-Zour. The IS control large swathes of Deir al-Zour's countryside, and recently attempted to storm besieged government-controlled areas in the city. Deir al-Zour is important to the IS as it is an oil-rich area close to Iraqi borders. Noteworthy, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) rebels also announced a battle against the IS in the city's countryside. According to the Saudi-funded Alarabiya TV, the SDF are believed to have entered Deir al-Zour for the first time on Tuesday in order to fight the IS. There was no immediate explanation for the sudden attack against IS posts in the oil-rich Deir al-Zour, however emerging reports said that the SDF succeeded in taking control of the Fatasheh, Master and Kassar villages, located within Dier al-Zour's administrative borders. A Kurdish source told Alarabiya TV that the SDF entered Deir al-Zour via a U.S.-supported operation. For months, SDF fighters have advanced against the IS in the countryside of the northern province of al-Raqqa, the IS's de facto capital city. The objective behind advancing into al-Raqqa's countryside was isolating both al-Raqqa from Deir al-Zour as well as the city of al-Raqqa from its countryside in order to weaken the IS. The SDF are benefiting from the U.S.-led anti-terrorism coalition's support throughout their battles against the IS in northern Syria. BEIJING, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- China's military on Thursday voiced strong objections to the Republic of Korea (ROK)'s deployment of an advanced U.S. missile defense system, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD). The move by the United States and the ROK will gravely undermine the regional strategic balance and the strategic security interests of countries in the region, including China and Russia, said Ren Guoqiang, spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense at a routine press conference. Ren said China hopes the ROK side will value the achievements in the military ties between the PLA and the ROK army, and cautiously handle issues that directly concern China's strategic security interests. Chinese armed forces will make the necessary preparations and resolutely safeguard the nation's security. The Nanhai fleet on Feb. 10 departed from a military port in south China's Sanya City for a high-seas training mission. In addition to the South China Sea, the mission will pass through the east Indian Ocean for training to improve Chinese navy's ability in international escorting, anti-terror and anti-piracy, said Ren. The spokesperson also answered questions about the U.S. aircraft carrier strike group patrolling the South China Sea. The group, including Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, began routine operations in the South China Sea on Feb. 19. China hopes the United States would do what is good for peace and stability in the South China Sea, said Ren. China always respects freedom of navigation and overflight of all countries in the South China Sea in accordance with international law, and hopes the United States will respect the sovereignty and security of concerned countries. Ren said China wished enhanced communications between the two armies and to push forward bilateral ties. LHASA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Two people were rescued and five are missing after ice broke at Namtso Lake in southwest China's Tibet, authorities said Thursday. A total of seven herdsmen were trapped when ice broke while they were heading for an island in the Namtso Lake to graze on Sunday. Five were trapped on floating ice and two on the island. Helicopters were searching for the missing. Police, military troops, and local officials were involved in the rescue work. Namtso Lake, known as the "heavenly lake" among the Tibetan locals, is the highest altitude saltwater lake in the world at an elevation of 4,718 m. GUANGZHOU, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- In the busy spring recruitment season in China's manufacturing hub of Guangdong, job vacancies in the traditional manufacturing sector decline, but the demand for technical personnel increases. The general demand for labor in manufacturing has been surpassed by other sectors and tends to decline further, according to a local major recruitment agency. "I thought it would be good if my son found work as a manager in a factory in Guangdong but, unexpectedly, he tried jobs as a courier and a seller of phones and even real estate," said Liu Guangli, a migrant worker from central China's Hunan Province. To the father's growing astonishment, the son then resigned from his job in Guangdong and went back to Hunan to start his own business with friends. Development of China's central and western regions is one factor in the dwindling flow of migrant workers into Guangdong, as there are now many opportunities in their home provinces. Some manufacturers have moved inland to reduce costs. Another factor is the growing demand for technical personnel and declining need for unskilled or semi-skilled workers, a result of the use of robots, automated assembly lines and the growth of high-tech companies. "We automated about 70 production lines, which means 60 to 70 percent fewer workers," said Liu Jiwen, vice president of a Shenzhen producer of phone parts. Liu's company once experienced labor shortages, which prompted him to invest heavily in reducing his demand for assembly workers. Dongguan City, also in Guangdong, is in the same boat. In December 2015, the city's enterprises employed an average of 31 workers each, or 5.3 million workers in total. By December 2016, that average had fallen to around 27. High-tech firms need high-quality staff. The number of high-tech companies in Guangdong's Pearl River Delta region, a manufacturing center, reached 18,880 in 2016, up 78.8 percent over 2015. Vacancies for skilled and technical personnel accounted for 18.2 percent of the total in the province last year, up from 15.5 percent in 2015. Thanks to transformation, the proportion of skilled workers in factories in Hengli Township of Dongguan, jumped from 15 percent in 2013 to 35 percent last year, said Liu Yingqiang, deputy head of the local human resources bureau. Companies are doing more to keep workers happy in order to prevent job-hopping. "Compared with 2016, the salaries of unskilled workers are almost unchanged, but intermediate technical workers see salaries rise," said Li Hanzhang, director of the Guangzhou human resources market service center. PARIS, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Access to 16 high schools in Paris had been blocked by student protests on Thursday morning, with 12 more high schools partially blocked, local media reported. The protests were in support of Theo L., the victim of an alleged rape by police in the Paris commune of Aulnay-sous-Bois on Feb. 2. Clashes with police have been reported at several of the demonstrations, with large numbers of people joining the students. Thursday's protests, organized by the Independent Inter-Struggle Movement (MILI), have not been authorized by local authorities, and therefore illegal under the current state of emergency that has been in place since the 2015 Paris terrorist attacks. Even as police warned participation in unauthorized protests puts students and other participants at risk of legal repercussions, the outcry against alleged police violence appears to be growing in France as new accusations and testimonies continue to be revealed in the press. A preliminary investigation had already begun on Feb. 14 after a 22-year-old man spoke to the press of unprovoked violence from the same policemen accused in the Theo affair on Jan. 26. On Wednesday, prosecutors in the Paris commune of Bobigny called on the General Inspection of National Police (IGPN) following the testimony of a city agent. He claimed to have suffered a violent interrogation in Aulnay-sous-Bois on Jan. 30, three days before the alleged rape of Theo L. Nine high school students were arrested on Wednesday in the Paris commune of Clichy when nearly 100 students tried to block access to a high school. Following unrest in Paris suburbs, candidate for the Republicans party Francois Fillon called for the minimum age to be tried as an adult be lowered in France to 16. He also called for the punishment of police officers who had been unduly violent. Presidential candidate for the extreme-right and president of ultra-nationalist party the National Front (FN) Marine Le Pen called on authorities last week to block anti-police violence protests, asking them to "forbid these high-risk demonstrations." Centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron has called for the creation of a "police of daily security," which would be to "deploy a police better anchored in the territories where it has responsibility. A police that knows the population is better equipped to resolve local problems." Theo L. spent two weeks in the hospital after an arrest by police in which the officers are accused to have physically molested him. Doctors released the suspect from hospital on Feb. 16, but his wounds have left him with a temporary work stoppage of 60 days. The police officer investigated for the offense claims to have only hit the victim on the legs and to have no idea how he received his injuries. TOKYO, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- When Hua Yi, a journalist from Xinhua, on Thursday reached an area about five kilometers from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, a radiation detector he brought with him would not stop vibrating and sounding alarms. The machine showed the radiation level there was between 5 and 10 microsieverts per hour, which is more than 100 times that of Tokyo. Invited by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. (TEPCO), Hua, along with some other foreign journalists, paid a visit to the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. As the car he took approached the power plant, the radiation level rose quickly. Being 24 km away from the nuclear plant, the reading was about 0.114 microsieverts per hour, twice the amount of Tokyo, whereas being 15 km from the plant, the reading was 20 times higher. Inside the power plant and close to one of the crippled reactors, the machine showed that the radiation level there was as high as 150 microsieverts per hour. Dozens of workers wearing protection suits were spotted working by the No. 2 reactor, and according to a guide from TEPCO, the radiation level there was as high as 1,000 microsieverts per hour. Currently, some 6,000 staff are working in the Daiichi nuclear power plant. A magnitude-9.0 earthquake in 2011 triggered a massive tsunami which destroyed the emergency power and then the cooling system of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, and caused a serious nuclear disaster, forcing some 300,000 people to evacuate. Almost six years later, the nuclear nightmare still continues in that part of Japan. Inside the power plant, only the No. 2 reactor looked almost intact, while other reactors which suffered from hydrogen explosions were unrecognizable. The operator of the crippled power plant said earlier this month that levels of radiation as high as 650 sieverts per hour were detected inside the No. 2 reactor, much to the consternation of Japan's nuclear watchdog and the local and international public. The level was much higher than an earlier reading of 73 sieverts per hour in 2012, with the amount of radiation enough to kill a person, even after being exposed for just a brief period of time. Even robots sent to gather information from the damaged reactor suffered malfunctions and failures, possibly due to extremely high levels of radiation. For a long time, a number of TEPCO's gaffes and communication blunders regarding the nuclear disaster have attracted massive criticism from the public. A report from the International Atomic Energy Agency shows that the potential damage of the Fukushima nuclear disaster to the health of the people and the environment in the area was hard to estimate due to a lack of information. Meanwhile, messages from the Japanese government have always been "positive," stating that the nuclear disaster caused limited damage and the aftermath is being dealt with, despite some data made public by different bodies of the government being contradictory to each other. The area around the crippled nuclear plant is like a ghost city with abandoned houses, bags of contaminated soil piled up along a railway and in the fields, weeds growing wildly and madly. After the nuclear disaster, the government designated an area 20 km around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant as a restricted area. At a place called Narahamachi, the restriction has been lifted, and residents are allowed to go back home since Sept. 2015. However, according to Yuuichi Okamura, a manager from TEPCO, by now only 10 percent of the residents have come back home. After the accident happened, TEPCO claimed that the reactor's core was damaged, but did not admit that the core had melted until two months later, though according to TEPCO's own standards, when 5 percent of a core is damaged, it means the core has melted. A report from a third-party investigation committee showed that TEPCO's then-President Masataka Shimizu instructed officials not to use the specific description under alleged pressure from the Prime Minister's Office, though then-Prime Minister Naoto Kan and then-Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano both strongly denied it. TEPCO's President Naomi Hirose apologized for keeping the fact from the public in June, 2016. "I would say it was a cover-up," he told a news conference. "It's extremely regrettable." According to Yuuichi Okamura, the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 reactors all had melted cores, and TEPCO still has no way to take out the melted nuclear fuel rods from the reactors. The over 1,500 nuclear fuel rods in No. 4 reactor have been successfully taken out and transferred to a safe place. The Fukushima nuclear disaster ranked seven, the highest level on the international nuclear events scale, and was the most serious disaster since the former Soviet Union's Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986. Six years on, the crisis has yet to be fully brought under control, with no precise timeline for the full decommissioning of the plant, or a precise blueprint for the technological processes necessary for it to take place. For TEPCO, the difficult tasks of dealing with the unprecedented problems such as processing contaminated water, cooling the reactors, and removing nuclear fuels, all continue to pose serious challenges. KIGALI, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda President Paul Kagame has called on the country's army to provide security guarantee and protect territorial integrity for building well-off society. He made the remarks on Thursday while presiding over the pass-out ceremony 478 Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) officer cadets who successfully completed a one-year military training course at the Rwanda Military Academy (RMA) in Gako, Bugesera district, Eastern Province. Among the new cadet officers, 68 are women. Kagame underscored the need to engage the sense of responsibility of security organs as a whole to participate in building and strengthening national defense. "Protecting our sovereignty means working for the development of every Rwandan and ensuring that no one is left behind. True sovereignty means the well being and dignity of our citizens," said the president. "It is your responsibility to protect the sovereignty of our country but most importantly, our citizens." Senior government officials, military and families of the cadets attended the ceremony where advanced military skills were displayed by the graduates. The Rwanda Defense Forces's history of heroism is especially enriched by the act of stopping the 1994 genocide in Rwanda among other things that have helped towards the transformation of Rwanda into a stable state. Enditem MADRID, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Argentinean President Mauricio Marci on Thursday discussed boosting bilateral ties. During Marci's visit to Rajoy's official residence at the Palacio del Moncloa, he spoke of his wish to attract more Spanish investment to his country. "Now the rules are much clearer. I hope that Spanish companies can deepen their participation with Argentina. Also now we have stability which guarantees future progress," Macri said. Rajoy and Marci discussed bilateral issues, relations between the European Union and the sub-regional bloc Mercosur. Argentina and Spain are "brother countries and we will continue working to strengthen bilateral relations to benefit all of our citizens," commented Rajoy after the meeting. The two leaders also signed an agreement to extend the strategic association between their nations. They signed several "sectoral agreements," which Rajoy described as "the solid basis for our two nations to continue cooperating and growing together." Macri is in Spain accompanied by around 200 business leaders. On Friday, he will receive an economic award in a ceremony to be held in the Teatro Real in Madrid. Spain is the main European investor in Argentina, although it has been overtaken by the United States as the main investor in the country. Spanish exports to Argentina are worth more than 850 million euros (899 million U.S. dollars) a year, while imports are worth over 1.5 billion euros annually. VIENTIANE, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- New requirements for companies seeking to import petroleum to Laos are being reviewed or devised after the Lao government made a decision last month to reduce the number of fuel companies from 22 to five. Those which fail to meet the new requirements will have to halt or be encouraged to turn to other businesses, Lao state-run media Vientiane Times on Thursday quoted Lao Petroleum and Gas Association as saying. A senior official from the association, Phayboun Phomphaphi, who is also deputy director of Lao State Fuel Enterprise, said on Vientiane Times that the adjustment of the fuel companies is necessary to make it easier for management. Currently, many fuel companies are too small and might not meet standard requirements, so it was necessary to adjust the figure downwards, he said, adding that over the past years, illegal imports of oil have been reported in Laos and the new adjustment will contribute to addressing the problem. Four state petrol companies could be adjusted down to one or two; nevertheless more studies are needed to identify the possibility of the adjustment. However it was not very clear exactly when the adjustment of the fuel companies will take place, the official said. Last month, the government announced that three companies would no longer be able to transport imported fuel through Laos to third countries. The government also announced that 22 companies that are currently importing petroleum would be reduced to only five in the near future. The move aims to plug loopholes that could result in illegally imported fuel, according to Lao Deputy Minister of Finance Bounchom Ubonpaseuth, who said that only companies that comply with the country's laws and government's obligations will be permitted to continue to operate. According to a government report, petrol must only be imported across officially recognised international border crossings. Fuel must not be brought into the country at local border crossings. Statistics by Lao Petroleum and Gas Association showed that petrol imports to Laos increased by 8 percent annually. However, the association has yet to conclude the oil import figures for 2016. The association assumed that the figure for 2016 should be about 1,300 or 1,400 million liters. The demand for fuel is on the rise in Laos due to the continued growth of the economy, particularly in the industrial sector. The growth is also translating to a rising number of vehicles on the roads. Some 45 to 50 percent of the fuel Laos imports is used in Vientiane and Vientiane province. Enditem BEIRUT, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) - - Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri lauded Thursday the decades-long relationship between Lebanon and Egypt, and thanked the latter for having always been a source of support for Lebanon and its people during the most difficult times, the National News Agency (NNA) reported. Hariri represented by Telecoms Minister Jamal Jarrah, inaugurated the third Lebanese-Egyptian Business Forum, organized by the Egyptian-Lebanese Businessmen Friendship Association, in presence of Egyptian Minister of Investment and International Cooperation, Sahar Nasr, Lebanese Trade and Economy Minister Raed Khoury along with officials and investors from both countries, said the NNA. "Late Prime Minister, Rafik Hariri, had always stressed the paramount importance of Arab unity, which he insisted would only be built on economic grounds. Economic unity is part and parcel to resolve political disputes between countries. Late Hariri used to reiterate the fact that we should all believe and trust in each other to be able to build a rigid economy," Jarrah said. "We stand at the threshold of a new phase in Lebanon and the Arab world. President of the Republic, Michel Aoun's visit to Egypt emanates from his keenness on developing bilateral ties, at all levels," Jarrah concluded. Nasr, for her part, emphasized the importance of bolstering Lebanese-Egyptian economic. "Our meeting today is an important opportunity to discuss existing initiatives by the businessmen of both countries -- in support of the Egyptian and Lebanese economies -- and to discuss the best means to integrate these initiatives within the works of the Egyptian-Lebanese Joint Higher Committee, which will be holding its 8th meeting in Cairo in March 2017," she said. The first forum was held in Beirut on February 13, 2015 and the second on November 10, 2015 with the participation of ministers and around 200 business leaders from both countries. WASHINGTON, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- "I could get on a plane and fly to China tomorrow," Monika Hoffarth-Zelloe said, as she marveled at dozens of photos that were on display in the library of a local community college in the U.S. state of Virginia. The photos were part of the "China in my eyes" exhibition Hoffarth-Zelloe had volunteered to put together to promote the Chinese language and culture in local communities. This stop, which began on Feb.1, was the sixth in the tour exhibition. The 70 photos hanging on the walls of the Northern Virginia Community College Library were an odd collection taken over three decades. Some were the works of National Geographic photographers while others were the casual snapshots of amateurs, but they shared one thing in common: they all reflected what the photographer thought the "real" China looks like. For example, a vendor who had displayed dozens of pairs of shoes on a car was depicted in one picture, while a grandmother and her grandson playing cards on a busy public square were shown in another. In South China's Jiangxi Province, a family bearing gifts make a strenuous hike on a mountainous trail to visit their relative was thought to portray the real China, while thousands of miles away in Northeast China's Jilin Province, a barbecued fish stand was also considered to carry the true Chinese flavor. The exhibition is helping students at the college see what China is really like from various angles. Matt Todd, associate dean of the college, said the exhibition has received "very positive responses from the students, many of whom studied the photos along with the captions on their sides." Benefitting from the gallery, Chinese-related books have also seen a bump in check outs, said Paul Chapman, a librarian. The exhibition was aimed at helping people get rid of their prejudices against China. "The more people are informed, the less fear they will have," Hoffarth-Zelloe, a language specialist at the Goethe Institute, said. Once a staunch China sceptic, Hoffarth-Zelloe had no interest in visiting China while growing up, but that changed when her son, Alexander, decided to take a Chinese course in high school. In 2010, Hoffarth-Zelloe accompanied her son on an exchange visit to China, touring the capital city of Beijing and a school in central Henan Province. "People were really nice to us and made us feel welcomed," Hoffarth-Zelloe said, and at that moment, she realized how her previous impressions of the country were detached from reality. Hoffarth-Zelloe went back to China in 2011 and again in 2016, and said she now looks at China "mostly in a positive way." "During a trip last year, I took a bullet train from Beijing to Shanghai, it was fast and comfortable," Hoffarth-Zelloe said. "I now feel it's my duty and mission to teach others, and ask people to see China for themselves, and if they can't make the trip, at least learn about it," Hoffarth-Zelloe said. Now all four members of Hoffarth-Zelloe's family have started studying Chinese. Alexander and his sister Natascha are both learning Chinese in school, while Hoffarth-Zelloe has signed up for a Chinese course at a local Confucius Institute. "My son plans to have his own travel consultancy company, while my daughter's studies focus on fashion. Both will include Asia in their future careers," Hoffarth-Zelloe said, confident that their knowledge of Chinese will prepare them well. GENEVA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday said health facilities across Yemen has been another victim of ongoing violence in the country, leaving millions of citizens at greater risk of malnutrition and disease. "With more than 14.8 million people lacking access to basic health care, the current lack of funds means the situation will get much worse," said Nevio Zagaria, WHO Acting Representative in Yemen. WHO said only 45 percent of health facilities in Yemen is fully functional and accessible, 38 percent are partially functional and 17 percent are non-functional. At least 274 of those facilities have been damaged or destroyed during the current conflict. Highly specialized medical staff such as intensive care unit doctors, psychiatrists and foreign nurses has left the country. Almost 4.5 million people in Yemen, including two million children, require services to treat or prevent malnutrition, representing a 150 percent increase since late 2014. Of special concern are almost 462,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition and at risk of life-threatening complications such as respiratory infections or organ failure. This year, UN agencies and nongovernmental organizations working to support health care in Yemen are appealing for 322 million U.S. dollars, of which WHO is requesting 126 million U.S. dollars. Last year, WHO received less than half of the 124 million U.S. dollars it required for Yemen. "We urgently need resources to help support the health system as a whole, and are calling on donors to scale-up their support before more innocent lives are lost unnecessarily," said Zagaria. ISLAMABAD, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Omar Zakhilwal on Thursday called for reopening of the border that Pakistan closed a week ago due to a series of terrorist attacks that killed over 100 people in Pakistan. Pakistan says that it has closed the border over "security concerns" as those who claimed last week attacks were "from the Afghan side of the border." However, Afghanistan denies the statements. "As part of the quick de-escalation of the prevailing tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as agreed in our talks with the relevant Pak authorities a couple of days ago, Torkharm, Spin Boldak and other crossing points should have reopened by now, but unfortunately still remain shut," Zakhilwal said in a statement. "In fact, formal trade and transit crossing points between our two countries, under no circumstances, should have been closed in the first place, both as per Afghanistan-Pakistan Trade and Transit Agreement and also Afghanistan's land-locked country transit right as per international rules," the Afghan envoy said in the statement which was posted on his official Twitter and Facebook pages. Meanwhile, Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria has said that a decision regarding opening of Pak-Afghan border will be taken in due course of time. "Pakistan has continued to maintain and emphasize that effective border management is vital for preventing cross border movement of terrorists. Pakistan is ready to work with Afghanistan on those issues in a spirit of mutual respect, trust and cooperation," the spokesman said at his weekly briefing in Islamabad on Thursday. The spokesman said issues between Pakistan and Afghanistan need to be addressed through constructive and positive engagements. SOFIA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The budget of the Bulgarian army should be increased due to underfunding and threats from the south, the country's Deputy Prime Minister for Internal Order and Security Stefan Yanev said here on Thursday. After the start of the global economic and financial crisis, the budget of the Bulgarian armed forces was drastically reduced, and it was under-financed, Yanev said at a press conference. "The army was placed under conditions of continuous stress in terms of underfunding," said Yanev, who is also minister of defense in the caretaker government. The army was able to fulfill its duties for the defense and protection of Bulgaria, "but maybe it is time to say that we are on the edge," Yanev said. Bulgarian people felt the threat associated with the migrant crisis and the likelihood of terrorism, he said. According to official data, the ministry of defense budget has decreased from 2.96 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2000, to 2.33 percent in 2008, and 1.22 percent in 2016. BAKU, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- "The European Commission highly values the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) project," the Azerbaijani media quoted the EC Vice-President for Energy Union Marosh Shevchovich as saying here Thursday. He made the remarks while addressing the Third Ministerial Meeting of the SGC Advisory Council, which opened here Thursday. He said Europe will make every effort to promote the implementation of the SGC project. Calling the SGC "an important element of the European energy security," he said that many European countries, especially Italy and the Balkan countries, will benefit from it. Speaking on the same occasion, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said that the Trans-Anatolian pipeline marked the "turning point" for the SGC project. The head of the state outlined the importance of regional cooperation under the SGC project, adding that it is inadmissible to delay its implementation. "Some may allege environmental problems, but environmental regulations are fully respected within the framework of the project. I'm confident of a positive result," he said. Representatives of the European Commission, energy ministers of Georgia, Turkey, Albania, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Croatia, Italy and Greece, and heads of international financial institutions attended the meeting. The ambitious SGC, one of the European Union's priority energy projects, is assessed as a strategically important initiative that will help Europe to consolidate its energy security. The project envisages the 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(SCP) and the construction of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline(TANAP) and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). Aliyev said the TANAP, SCP and TAP are 65 percent, 80 percent and 35 percent complete, respectively. BEIJING, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve eyed more investment between China and France during his visit to Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, from Wednesday to Thursday. Cazeneuve paid an official visit to China from Feb. 21 to 23. Wuhan was his second stop after Beijing. Jiang Chaoliang, Party chief of the province, welcomed Cazeneuve and his delegation. Jiang said Hubei and France had established close collaboration in various sectors including environmental protection, finance, technology and motor. He hoped to promote regular, long-term bilateral exchanges and further deepen economic and trade cooperation between Hubei and France to achieve mutual benefits and development. In Wuhan, Cazeneuve visited the Sino-French eco-city, initiated in Paris during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to France in 2014. He said the eco-city project was a good example of bilateral cooperation in sustainable development and would play a significant role in promoting the Sino-France comprehensive strategic partnership. Cazeneuve also invited more enterprises in Hubei and other parts of China to invest in France. Hubei is France's top investment destination in China. At the end of 2016, there were 157 French-invested companies in Hubei, with a contractual value of 1.1 billion U.S. dollars. During his visit, Cazeneuve also attended the opening ceremony of the Wuhan P4 lab, China's first high level biosafety laboratory to study class four pathogens (P4), and planted a tree representing Sino-France friendship. MADRID, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Former International Monetary Fund (IMF) president Rodrigo Rato was on Thursday found guilty of the misappropriation of funds and given a four-and-a-half year prison sentence. The man, who had been deputy prime minister and Spanish finance minister in the People's Party, was one of 65 officials found guilty for using so-called "black credit cards" which were given to them when they worked for the Caja Madrid saving bank. The bank was merged with other entities to form Bankia in December 2010. Rato was the president of Bankia from December 2010 until resigning in May 2012, overseeing its controversial opening of trading on the Madrid Stock Exchange and resigning when the bank was revealed to need a multi-billion euro government bailout. The black card trial began after it was discovered that Caja Madrid and Bankia executives were given credit cards which allowed the holders to draw money from a bank fund at Caja Madrid and later Bankia, with this money not appearing on any document or being declared in tax returns. The defendants, including Rato and former Caja Madrid president Miguel Blesa, who received a six-year jail term, used the black cards to spend a total of 15.5 million euros (16.4 million U.S. dollars) on a range of items which ranged from expensive meals to wine and designer clothes. Rato had insisted the cards were for discretionary spending as part of the executives' pay deal. The case provoked a high level of public outrage in Spain given that much of this money was spent after the start of the economic crisis when Spain's banks were repossessing homes on a regular basis as people were unable to meet their mortgage repayments. Blesa was shown to have spent 436,688 euros on his card, while Rato spent 99,054 euros in just two years. Others such as Idelfonso Sanchez Barcoj, who was Blesa's number two, spent over 570,000 euros. NANJING, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Over 50 Chinese and overseas scholars on Thursday called for establishing a better Sino-Japan relationship through facing up to the history and deeper communication at a seminar in Nanjing, a city known for the "Nanjing Massacre" during World War II in east China's Jiangsu Province . The seminar, titled "new visions on the peace of East Asia" was organized by the Peace Studies Association of Japan (PSAJ), school of history in Nanjing University and some think tanks in China. Experts reached consensus that both countries should learn from historical lessons and look forward to the future to consolidate mutual trust. "Truth, justice, forgiveness and peace are the four elements to reconciliation. People will not relieve from painful memories of the past until they were assured that things were going in the right direction," said Liu Cheng, professor at school of history in Nanjing University. On Dec. 13, 1937, Nanjing, the Chinese capital for six dynasties, fell to Japanese invaders who went on to slaughter civilians for more than a month. About 300,000 Chinese were killed, and 20,000 women raped. However, right-wing Japanese nationalists have in various ways denied the massacre, either by refusing to recognize the numbers of victims, discrediting survivors, and even claiming that the carnage never happened. Noting Japan's distorted perception on wartime history has strained bilateral relations in recent years, experts at the seminar called for an honest and open look at the past to avoid the repeat of historical tragedy. Despite the frictions, a better Sino-Japan relationship will help promote regional cooperation and world peace, experts at the seminar also agreed. Kodama Katsuya, professor at Japan's Mie University, used the word "rainbow" to describe Sino-Japan relationship. He said a sunny day always followed downpours and China and Japan could build trust and understanding through bilateral exchanges in culture, tourism, education as well as disaster relief. LAGOS, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The challenges of post-insurgency war in northeast Nigeria are huge, Minister of Defense Mansur Dan-Ali said Thursday. The Nigerian minister spoke in Abuja, the nation's capital, when he declared open a round table organized by the Africa Media Round-table Initiative on insurgency in the North-East. The defense official called on youths and civil society organizations to play their roles in ensuring sustainable unity and peace in the country. He expressed happiness that NGOs were concerned with challenges in the nation, including security posed by the terrorists and other criminal elements. While saying that the government was committed to peace, security and indivisibility of the country, he urged all Nigerians to refrain from acts that could breach security. According to him, security is everybody's business. Earlier, Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said his ministry had embarked on public enlightenment in mobilizing Nigerians to support military effort in the North-East. Mohammed said the war against the Boko Haram terrorists was not for the military alone and urged everyone to contribute their quota. The minister commended the military, saying that in spite of inadequacies and challenges, they had achieved a great task which in time past people thought to be impossible. The minister urged Nigerians not to see the Boko Haram insurgency as a religious war, but a group of people with evil and selfish agenda. The Boko Haram insurgency has been blamed for more than 20,000 deaths and displacement of 2.3 million people since 2009. Nigeria has made a considerable gain on the Boko Haram front, with its security forces operating in the restive region dislodging Boko Haram fighters from the Sambisa Forest, the group's largest training camp in the country, last December. The security forces are intensifying aerial and ground patrol in the country's northeast, extending their offensive mission around the Green Belt Region near Niger and Chad. ALGIERS, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Algerian Minister for Maghreb, African Union and Arab League, Abdelkader Messahel, on Thursday met with a group of U.S. military and security officials, as they discussed bilateral cooperation in different fields, including in the fight against terrorism and extremism, APS news agency reported. During the meeting, Messahel outlined the ongoing political reforms in Algeria which aim at reinforcing democracy and the rule of law, stressing that the fight against terrorism and violent radicalism is part of safeguarding democracy. He hailed bilateral consultations between Algiers and Washington in the field of counterterrorism and the fight against radicalization. APS news agency reported that members of the U.S. delegation hailed the level of cooperation between the two countries in various fields, including in the fight against terrorism. The source added that U.S. delegation expressed the determination of Washington to work hand in hand with Algiers in a bid to restore peace, stability and security in the region. Algeria and the United States have been holding constant consultations as part of their bilateral security cooperation, as Washington considers Algiers key partner in the fight against terrorism in the region. NICOSIA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Prospects of finding a Cyprus solution seemed to recede sharply after the Turkish Cypriot side on Thursday refused to join Greek Cypriots in negotiations for a second time in a week, analysts said. Kosta Gouliamos, the rector of the European University in Nicosia, told Xinhua in an interview that Turkey is insisting on unreasonable arrangements, such as maintaining troops in Cyprus and asking for rights that would be entirely unacceptable to Greek Cypriots. "The way Turkey acts lately makes me very skeptical about the prospects of a solution," said Gouliamos. Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides told state radio that he has come to the conclusion that the Turkish side is trying to grind on time. He added that during the last two months, it has not shown any desire to work towards tying loose ends that would promote a final agreement for the reunification of Cyprus. Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci failed to join in this week's meeting with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, insisting that the Greek lawmakers move to rescind a decision to honor in schools a 1950 referendum in support of "enosis (union)" with Greece. Despite an appeal for the immediate resumption of the talks by Anastasiades, who called the decision ill-timed and "wrong". He pointed out that the negotiations over the last 21 months were based on an agreement to exclude the integration of all or part of Cyprus with any other country. Meanwhile, Akinci choose to travel to Pakistan to attend as an observer an Islamic conference. "It is more than evident that the Turkish side is grinding on time. Since the Geneva conference on Cyprus in January, Akinci has become unrecognizable. The man who insisted on the speeding up of the negotiations has not taken even a step towards more convergences in the negotiations," Kasoulides said. He added that Akinci is instead using the "enosis" referendum as a pretext to provide arguments supporting Turkey's demand to maintain troops and guarantee rights over Cyprus. Gouliamos had an explanation for these tactics by Akinci. He said Turkey says it wants a solution, but it means a solution which will suit it. "I have doubts that Turkey wants a solution that would require it to remove its occupation troops from Cyprus and to end its 1960 guarantee rights," Gouliamos said. Turkey maintains about 43,000 troops in Cyprus since it occupied its northern part in 1974, in reaction to a coup by the military rulers of Greece to overthrow the then Cypriot president. Turkey also has guarantee rights over Cyprus under the 1960 treaties that established Cyprus as an independent state after being a British colony for 100 years. Gouliamos does not think that Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will follow a softer line on Cyprus if he carries out the referendum in April to approve constitutional changes that will make him an executive president. "Turkey's policies are drawn by its National Security Council and they want to have Cyprus under their influence, a kind of protectorate," said Gouliamos. In these unfavorable circumstances, the internationally-recognized Cypriot government which represents the eastern Mediterranean island in the United Nations and the European Union, is following a wait-and-see policy. "It takes two sides to conduct negotiations. President Anastasiades is ready to continue the dialogue any time and it is up to the Turkish Cypriots to decide to return to the talks," government spokesman Nicos Christodoulides told Xinhua on Thursday. He added that the Turkish Cypriot side does not seem to be interested in talks at present and is putting forth more and more demands so as to gain time until the April referendum. He added that in the meantime the government is informing international players about the situation. Christodoulides said that the Cypriot permanent representative has already briefed UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who is involved in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem through a personal envoy. He also said that Anastasiades will brief European leaders during an upcoming EU summit and ask for their help for the negotiations to resume. Enditem SARAJEVO, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Malta will continue to strongly support Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)'s road towards the European Union membership, visiting Maltese foreign minister George W. Vella said Thursday. Vella made the comment after a meeting with BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Crnadak, adding that he is confident that BiH is capable of meeting all the requirements on its path towards the EU. Special attention will be focused on the issues of the rule of law, economic development and public administration reform, Vella said. For his part, Crnadak expressed hope that BiH would gain EU candidate status by the end of this year or early next year. On Jan. 1 this year, Malta took over the six-month rotating presidency for the Council of the EU. On Feb. 15 last year, BiH formally submitted its application to join the EU. The EU's 28 member states on Sept. 20 2016 accepted BiH's membership application. DAMASCUS, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic State (IS) group announced its withdrawal from the city of al-Bab, which has been taken by the Turkish forces and allied Syrian rebels on Thursday, according to pan-Arab al-Mayadeen TV. The withdrawal of the IS from al-Bab, its largest stronghold in northern Syria near the Turkish borders, came after 100 days of battles against the Turkish forces and allied Syrian rebels fighting in an operation called the Euphrates Shield. The IS claimed it had killed 400 Turkish soldiers and rebel fighters. For the Turks, capturing the northern part of the city cuts the way in the face of the growing Kurdish influence in northern Syria, a red line drawn by Turkey. The Syrian army succeeded recently to besiege al-Bab from its southern edge, a move to prevent IS fighters to withdraw toward other stronghold in the eastern province of Deir al-Zour, or the northern city of al-Raqqa, the de facto capital of the terror-designated group. Observers said the attacks on al-Bab were coordinated between the Russians and the Turks. Smoke billows as Iraqi forces attack Mosul airport during an offensive to retake the western side of the city from jihadists of the Islamic State group on February 23, 2017. (AFP photo) MOSUL, Iraq, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi security forces on Thursday retook control of Mosul international airport after heavy clashes with Islamic State (IS) militants, a security source said. Federal police and elite interior ministry units, known as Rapid Response, have completely liberated the airport in southern Mosul after several hours of fierce clashes with the IS militants, Lt. Gen. Raid Shakir Jawdat, the commander of the federal police forces, told Xinhua. The troops also freed the adjacent compound of a sugar plant and its residential buildings, Jawdat said. The battles in the perimeter and airport left 30 IS militants killed and dozens of others wounded, in addition to arresting 20 militants, including non-Iraqi Arabs and foreigners, Jawdat said. The airport facilities and runway were badly damaged, as the extremist militants bombed all the buildings before they withdrew, he added. Meanwhile, the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) special forces seized part of Ghazlani military base near the airport after heavy battles with the extremist militants, a security source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. In the morning, Lt. Gen. Abdul-Amir Yarallah, from the Joint Operations Command, announced in a statement the start of an assault to retake control of Mosul's international airport and a military base nearby from IS militant group. The attacks on Thursday came as Iraqi security forces advance toward the fringes of the western side of Mosul to drive out IS militants from their last major stronghold in Iraq. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, who is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, announced on Sunday the start of an offensive to drive extremist militants out of the western side of Mosul, locally known as the right bank of Tigris River, which bisects the city. Late in January, Abadi declared the liberation of the eastern side of Mosul, or the left bank of Tigris, after more than 100 days of fighting against IS militants. However, the western side of Mosul, with its narrow streets and a population of between 750,000 and 800,000, appears to be a bigger challenge to the Iraqi forces. Mosul, 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014, when Iraqi government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions. Sudanese girls sit in a classroom at the El-Riyadh camp for internally displaced persons (IDP) in Geneina, the capital of the state of Sudan's West Darfur, on February 8, 2017. (AFP photo) KHARTOUM, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- A Sudanese official on Thursday announced that the number of South Sudanese refugees in Sudan so far has reached 495,000. "Presently we have 495,000 South Sudanese refugees in Sudan, where they are distributed in Khartoum, White Nile, East Darfur, West Kordofan and South Kordofan states, and in less figures in South and North Darfur States," Hamad Al-Jizouli, Sudanese Commissioner for Refugees, said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua Thursday. He expected the number of South Sudanese refugees in Sudan to increase due to the security tension in the south together with the South Sudan government's declaration of famine in some parts of the country. "The influxes of refugees are still continuing as they are related to the current reality of continued war and declaration of famine in South Sudan," he said. He explained that the Sudanese Commission for Refugees and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) are providing the necessary services for the South Sudanese refugees in Sudan, saying "the biggest problem facing us is relating to registration of the South Sudanese refugees and giving them the refugee cards." "A joint committee has been formed, where a tripartite agreement will be signed between the Sudanese commission for refugees, the Sudanese Interior Ministry and the UNHCR to reach consensus on a mechanism that enables us make the correct registration of South Sudan refugees," noted Al-Jizouli. Sudan is generally hosting about two million refugees from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Chad, Somalia, Central Africa Republic, South Sudan, Yemen and Syria. "We have three groups of refugees, the first group is present in official camps, the second inside towns and the third is a group of youths, the majority of them from Somalia, Eritrea and Ethiopia, and use Sudan as a crossing for immigration to Europe," he said. "This third group is what really bothering us because it falls as prey to gangs of human trafficking and organizers of illegal immigration to European countries and Israel," noted Al-Jizouli. The Sudanese refugee commissioner, meanwhile, explained that the number of the Syrian refugees in Sudan amounted to 110,000. "We do not regard the Syrians as refugees due to Presidential directives to regard them as brothers and not refugees, where they have privileges as they are permitted to enter Sudan without visa," he said. In the meantime, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Sudan (OCHA) said in its most recent bulletin that over 65 percent of the South Sudanese refugees who arrived in Sudan are children, with many of them arriving with critical levels of malnutrition. The UNHCR and partners anticipated the continued arrival of South Sudanese refugees into Sudan throughout 2017, "given the situation in South Sudan marked by localized fighting and critical levels of food insecurity in areas close to the Sudanese border." The violent fighting which erupted in South Sudan in July last year following the collapse of the peace deal between the government and opposition forces caused more than 760,000 refugees to flee the country, with an average of 63,000 people monthly during the second half of the year. In Aug. 15 last year, Sudan officially decided to treat the South Sudanese fleeing the war in their country as refugees, which opens the door for the UN to provide them with aid and fund aid programs. Recently famine was officially declared in South Sudan. The South Sudanese government and the UN said 100,000 people facing starvation, with one million people classified as being on the brink of famine. The famine was attributed to many reasons including the civil war and collapse of the economy in the new-born state. Turkey-backed Syrian opposition fighters take position during their advance in the city of al-Bab, some 30 kilometres from the Syrian city of Aleppo, on February 22, 2017. (AFP photo) DAMASCUS, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic State (IS) group announced its withdrawal from the city of al-Bab, which has been taken by the Turkish forces and allied Syrian rebels on Thursday, according to pan-Arab al-Mayadeen TV. The withdrawal of the IS from al-Bab, its largest stronghold in northern Syria near the Turkish borders, came after 100 days of battles against the Turkish forces and allied Syrian rebels fighting in an operation called the Euphrates Shield. The IS claimed it had killed 400 Turkish soldiers and rebel fighters. For the Turks, capturing the northern part of the city cuts the way in the face of the growing Kurdish influence in northern Syria, a red line drawn by Turkey. The Syrian army succeeded recently to besiege al-Bab from its southern edge, a move to prevent IS fighters to withdraw toward other stronghold in the eastern province of Deir al-Zour, or the northern city of al-Raqqa, the de facto capital of the terror-designated group. Observers said the attacks on al-Bab were coordinated between the Russians and the Turks. The UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura applauds during a ceremony welcoming the Syrian government and opposition delegations in the Assembly Hall of the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 23, 2017. The UN Special Envoy for Syria on Thursday welcomed participants in the latest round of intra-Syrian peace talks, as well as members of the UN Security Council and representatives of the International Syria Support Group. The Syrian peace talks resumed in Geneva on Thursday. (Xinhua/Xu Jinquan) GENEVA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The UN Special Envoy for Syria on Thursday welcomed participants in the latest round of intra-Syrian peace talks, as well as members of the UN Security Council and representatives of the International Syria Support Group. "The Syrian people desperately want an end to this conflict, and you all know it, you are the first ones to tell us this," Staffan de Mistura told participants, including government and opposition delegations in Geneva. "The Syrian people have long known that there is no military solution, only a political solution," he added. The diplomat had warned Wednesday that though he doesn't expect a breakthrough in the latest round of peace talks, he hopes the upcoming meetings will pave the way for future negotiations seeking to broker a political end to the five-year conflict. He also highlighted that political negotiations are taking place in a very different geopolitical context to in which last year's talks took place. The upkeep of a fragile ceasefire, and the improvement of humanitarian access in the war-torn country are both seen as key factors to talks involving representatives of the Syrian government and rebel factions seeking to oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The last time warring parties convened in Geneva was in April last year, a month in which talks were put on hold amid a humanitarian meltdown and systemic violence in the middle-eastern country. Since the Syria conflict began in March 2011, an estimated 400,000 people have lost their lives, with millions more forced to flee their homes. TRIPOLI, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Turkish ambassador to Libya Ahmet Aydin Dogan met on Thursday with UN-backed government's Minister of Transport Milad Ma'tug in Tripoli. The two officials discussed cooperation in the field of civil aviation and resuming flights between Libya and Turkey. The Libyan official said a technical team from the Turkish airlines visited M'etiga airport and checked its capabilities to operate flights that would be resumed in late March. The Turkish ambassador said the discussions included the returning of Turkish transport companies to complete suspended projects in Libya. Turkey announced in late January that its embassy in Tripoli will be reopened after more than two years of closure due to violence when rival armed groups fought for control in the capital Tripoli. The Turkish ambassador, like most foreign missions and diplomats, has been based in neighboring Tunisia since the embassy's evacuation. The North African country has been suffering a security vacuum and chaos since the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011. Enditem RIGA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Latvia on Thursday became the first EU member state to ratify a free trade deal between the EU and Canada, after its parliament passed the ratification bill in the final reading by 71 votes to five and one abstention. The ratification coincided with a visit by Canadian minister of international trade Francois-Philippe Champagne. At a joint press conference, Latvian foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics said Latvian companies have strong interests in the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). There are cooperation opportunities in areas like internet technology, food production, and wood processing, said Rinkevics. There is also a possibility of Canada's involvement in the pan-Baltic railroad project Rail Baltica, he said. For his part, Champagne said the Latvian parliament had taken a progressive decision by ratifying CETA which would promote prosperity and security. Praising Latvia as the first EU member to ratify the deal, Champagne said it would enable small and medium-sized enterprises, women-owned companies and other businesses to enter the Canadian market more easily. "When we started work on CETA a decade ago, it seemed visionary, but now it seems right. Today we celebrate prosperity and security," the Canadian minister said. According to a statement released by the Latvian foreign ministry, CETA will mean the elimination of tariffs on 99 percent of Canadian tariff lines, Canada will substantially open up its services market and Latvian companies will have access to public procurement markets in Canada. Lebanese President Michel Aoun(R) shakes hands with visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Beirut, capital of Lebanon, Feb. 23, 2017. Abbas vowed on Thursday to exert all efforts to ensure all Palestinian refugees in Lebanon return to their homeland, the National News Agency (NNA) reported. (Xinhua/Dalati Nohra) BEIRUT, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas vowed on Thursday to exert all efforts to ensure all Palestinian refugees in Lebanon return to their homeland, the National News Agency (NNA) reported. Abbas, who arrived in Lebanon on Thursday for a three-day visit, made the remarks at a joint press conference with Lebanese President Michel Aoun. By long-standing convention, the Lebanese army does not enter the twelve Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, leaving the Palestinian factions to handle security. "We were from the beginning against terrorism. We have called from the start for holding constructive dialogues and preserving the unity of the Arab territories," Abbas said. The Palestinian president also thanked Lebanon for hosting the Palestinians. "Lebanon will remain a beacon of civilization, knowledge and steadfastness in the Arab countries," he said. "Palestinian refugees are guests in Lebanon." "Israel insists on occupying our land and keeping our people in a big prison. This is what we will not accept. We will continue to work through political and diplomatic means to implement Security Council's resolutions," the president noted. For his part, Aoun stressed the important role of the Palestinian factions in preserving stability in Palestinian refugee camps in his country. "The most important challenge is the extent of our ability to impose a just and comprehensive solution to all the aspects of the Arab-Israeli conflict according to international resolutions and the articles of Arab summit's resolutions," the Lebanese president said. According to Aoun, unilateralism has collapsed, as no country can be built on a religion that rejects other religions and push people out of their land, identity and culture. "The need has become more urgent to find political solutions to crises and ongoing bloodshed in some Arab countries," Aoun said. "We agreed to coordinate positions and to cooperate to serve the interests of our two countries and issues of justice and peace that we have paid the price to achieve," he concluded. WINDHOEK, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- It was 11:30 a.m. and the sun was at its peak. Paulina Petrus unbends as she picks up shrubs at her new resettlement farm land in Namibia's northern Otjozondjupa region, as she clears her land out of excitement. Petrus is one of the 25 farmers resettled onto 16 farming units in the Otjozondjupa region, officially handed over this week by Namibia's minister of land reform Utoni Nujoma. For a person who equates sustainable and profitable farming against the war of landlessness, she prayed to own a farm as it was limiting sharing farm land with her big family, she recalled. "I remember the time I had to share a small plot with the entire family to produce staple food to sustain their livelihoods," she said. "I couldn't maximize on it." "I am therefore grateful to be resettled and have my own farm. Now I can produce more than I was able to do as we farmed on ancestral farm land," she said. "Not only will I be able to farm to sustain my livelihood, but I also plan on farming at a commercial level," she shared with Xinhua as she revealed her plans for her new farm. According to Nujoma, the farming units allocated through the implementation of the land reform program were of those publicized during August and October last year. "The target is for resettled farmers to be food secure at household level and ultimately sell local products at the agricultural hubs that had been set up through ought the country and eventually export within the region and internationally. Thus making a contribution to the gross national domestic products," said Nujoma. The national targets are also in line with the farmers' goals for their farms. James Collins April, another resettled farmer, said that, like Petrus, he too has big plans for his newly acquired portion of land. "I want to farm not only with animal, but also crop production. I want to help contribute towards the GDP of the country and I would focus on job creation," said April. While the gift of resettlement farms will contribute to improving the socio-economic situation of Petrus and other farmers, Petrus sees this as more than a resettlement. "The allocation of farms through the resettlement programme is an indication of government's commitment to address gender parity and women empowerment," said Petrus. "It accords a 50/50 quota in terms of opportunities to men and women. It is recognition that women have the same potential and are also working hard, just like men. I want to show the men that as women we are also capable of being productive," said Petrus. In the interim, as the newly resettled farmers accept their gift of the farm lands from government, Julius Neumbo, Chairperson of the Otjiwarongo Regional Council called upon the resettled farmers to make good use of the allocated farming units, and not to run them down as in the case of those previously allocated farms. "I give you a stern warning. I will send the councilors to monitor the operations and running of those farms and to ensure that you are productive," Neumbo warned. Enditem SKOPJE, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The leader of the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM), Zoran Zaev, told reporters on Thursday that his party had secured signatures from a majority of Members of Parliament (MPs) so it was ready to get a mandate to form a government. He made the statement after meeting with the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), the party which represents ethnic Albanians in Macedonia. Zaev said that only a few minor issues remained to be discussed with DUI over the government formation, which should happen in 10 to 15 days, local media reported. The most significant issues, such as the future government program, the platform of the social democrats, the platform of the Albanian political parties, and the law on use of languages have been harmonized, Zaev told reporters. According to him, working groups needed to complete the final details so that there were no legal gaps to be contested at the Constitutional Court. On the other hand, spokesman of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), Bujar Osmani, told media on Thursday afternoon that the fact DUI and SDSM had reached an agreement on the usage of Albanian language didn't equal support for forming a government. Zaev's SDSM won 49 seats but it takes 61 seats to form a new government. Therefore, SDSM entered talks with DUI which won 10 seats in parliament. SDSM and DUI are expected to hold another meeting on Friday to iron out their positions for the creation of the new government. If they finally agree, Zaev is expected to ask President Ivanov for a mandate for the creation of the government. Macedonia held snap general elections on Dec. 11, 2016. Enditem by Ronald Ssekandi ADJUMANI, Uganda, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Over three years of gun fire and now famine is pushing South Sudanese to the edge leaving them with no option but to flee their motherland. At several refugee reception centers in northern Uganda, thousands of South Sudanese queue to be registered as refugees. According to the UN refugee agency, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), an average of about 4,000 South Sudanese cross the border into Uganda seeking refuge. "If famine continues, we should expect more people to come. More and more people are reporting that famine is one of the reasons they are leaving," Ajit Fernando, Deputy Representative UNHCR Uganda told Xinhua in an interview on Thursday. At least here, according to humanitarian agencies, the refugees are assured of a regular meal as compared to back home where they were left to eating leaves in order to survive. The UN last week announced that famine had broken out in South Sudan, warning that war and a collapsing economy have left some 100,000 people facing starvation and a further 1 million people are classified as being on the brink of famine. According to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization, many families have exhausted every means they have to survive. Many people who are predominantly farmers have lost their livestock, even their farming tools. According to relief agencies, this situation is the worst hunger catastrophe since fighting erupted more than three years ago between rival forces - the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) loyal to President Salva Kiir and the SPLA in Opposition backing former First Vice-President Riek Machar. Escaping the hunger pangs and fleeing to Uganda can only be a temporary measure. Humanitarian agencies in Uganda argue that their resources are stretched to the limit and are just struggling to fend for the swelling number of refugees in the country. The country, according to UN figures, hosts over 1 million refugees mostly from neighboring South Sudan where fighting has persisted since late 2013. The UN World Food Program (WFP) says while it is able to provide food and nutrition assistance to any number of refugees, there must be the necessary funding. "Right now we have a funding shortfall of 60 million dollars through July, and needs have been rising quickly - we now require around 14 million dollars per month to meet the food needs of refugees in Uganda, which is double the monthly requirement of six months ago," Lydia Wamala, Public Information Officer WFP Uganda told Xinhua on Wednesday. Because of the funding shortages, since August last year, the food aid agency reduced the size of food rations for refugees who arrived in the country before mid-2015, a reduction that affects about 200,000 people. "So far we have managed to avoid needing to make further cuts since then, but just barely, and we cannot rule out having to make additional reductions unless we receive significant new funding," Wamala said. The refugees are now at the mercy of the international community to come to their rescue. Recent appeals to the community have not yet yielded the desired results. Last year humanitarian agencies and Uganda appealed for 1 billion U.S. dollars to enable them cater for the rising number of refuges. However since then, only 36 percent of the required money has been raised and yet the need is rising day by day. Fernando argues that as funds for catering for the refugees are being sought, there should be patience noting that there is a massive refugee crisis in the world. "We will not be able to do everything overnight but it is gradual. What we want to do is not lose what we have gained," he said. The European Union (EU) on Thursday announced an additional 10 million euros to help address the refugee crisis in Uganda. The money which is channeled through a project European Union Trust Fund will be used to improve the livelihood of the refugees in the long run. The three-year project had already received 10 million euros. "Uganda is not alone. Uganda can continue counting on the EU's support to such a challenging endeavor," Michelle Labeeu, an official at the EU office here, said. Enditem A man stands on rubble of a funeral house that was hit in airstrike in Arhab district, about 40 km north of Sanaa, capital of Yemen, on Feb. 16, 2017. The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemeni dominant Houthi rebels killed at least 11 women in an airstrike on a funeral house north of the capital Sanaa on Wednesday, a medic and security official said. (Xinhua/Mohammed Mohammed) UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council adopted a resolution Thursday to renew Yemen sanction measures until Feb. 26, 2018, after determining that "the situation in Yemen continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security." In a resolution unanimously adopted here, the council renewed assets freeze and travel ban measures against individuals and organizations undermining the peaceful transition process in Yemen, which was imposed by resolution 2140 in 2014. The council expressed concern at the ongoing political, security, economic and humanitarian challenges in Yemen, and threats arising from the illicit transfer, destabilizing accumulation and misuse of weapons. The council noted that "the critical importance of effective implementation of the sanctions regime imposed pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014) and resolution 2216 (2015), including the key role that Member States from the region can play in this regard." The council also reaffirmed its "strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen" and reiterated its call for all parties in Yemen to adhere to resolving their differences through dialogue and consultation, reject acts of violence to achieve political goals, and refrain from provocation. Yemen has been experiencing a civil conflict since the UN-backed government was ousted by the Houthi militants in late 2014. The conflict triggered a Saudi Arabia-led military intervention in late March, which has been deepening the country's suffering. TEHRAN, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Iran has, to a great extent, increased the precision of its long-range ballistic missiles, Iran's Defense Minister Hossein Dehqan said here on Thursday. "We have increased the range and precision of our long-range, ground-to-ground ballistic missiles," Dehqan was quoted as saying by Theran Times daily. "We have achieved greater precision in longer ranges," he said, adding that the Iranian army has also managed to increase shelf life of its missiles up to 20 years. The Iranian minister denied the reports that Tehran has halted its missile program after a recent missile launch that provoked threatening gestures from the United States. The Iranian officials have unanimously called the development and test of ballistic missile as "inalienable right" of the country to boost deterrent power. Smoke billows as Iraqi forces attack Mosul airport during an offensive to retake the western side of the city from jihadists of the Islamic State group on February 23, 2017. (AFP photo) MOSUL, Iraq, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi forces on Thursday fought heavy clashes with Islamic State (IS) militants as part of a new assault on Thursday morning to retake of Mosul international airport and a nearby military base from the hands of the extremist militants, the Iraqi military said. The Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) special forces seized 85 percent of Ghazlani military base in the southern outskirts of the western side of Mosul after heavy battles with the extremist militants, the Joint Operations Command (JOC) said in a statement. The troops are still fighting to free the rest of the sprawling base, the statement said. The troops killed many IS militants and destroyed five booby-trapped vehicles and two vehicles carrying heavy machine guns, along with defusing some 65 roadside bombs, the statement added. Meanwhile, the federal police and elite interior ministry units, known as Rapid Response, entered Mosul international airport near Ghazlani base and managed to free more than 50 percent of the airport and the adjacent compound of a sugar plant and its residential buildings, according to the statement. The battles in the airport resulted in the killing of many IS militants and the destruction of five booby-trapped vehicles, the statement said. Earlier in the day, Lt. Gen. Raid Shakir Jawdat, the commander of the federal police forces, told Xinhua that the troops freed the airport after several hours of fierce clashes with the IS militants. The airport facilities and runway were badly damaged, as the extremist militants bombed all the buildings before they withdrew, according to Jawdat. In the morning, Lt. Gen. Abdul-Amir Yarallah, deputy commander of JOC, announced in a statement the start of an assault to retake control of Mosul's international airport and a military base nearby from IS militant group. The attacks on Thursday came as Iraqi security forces advance toward the fringes of the western side of Mosul to drive out IS militants from their last major stronghold in Iraq. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, who is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, announced on Sunday the start of an offensive to drive extremist militants out of the western side of Mosul, locally known as the right bank of Tigris River, which bisects the city. Late in January, Abadi declared the liberation of the eastern side of Mosul, or the left bank of Tigris, after more than 100 days of fighting against IS militants. However, the western side of Mosul, with its narrow streets and a population of between 750,000 and 800,000, appears to be a bigger challenge to the Iraqi forces. Mosul, 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014, when Iraqi government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions. Related: Iraq announces offensive to retake western Mosul from IS militants BAGHDAD, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Sunday announced the start of an offensive to drive the extremist militants of Islamic State (IS) group out of the western side of Mosul. Full story Iraqi forces free two IS-held villages near Mosul BRUSSELS, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Agri-food across the European Union (EU) hit a record high in 2016 with the biggest increases reported to the United States and China, official data showed Thursday. The annual value of the bloc's agri-food last year stood at 130.7 billion euros (138 billion U.S. dollars), up 1.7 billion euros on 2015, said the European Commission, the EU's executive body, which monitors trade development. The biggest increases in annual exports were to the United States and China, up 1.26 billion euros and 1.06 billion euros respectively, the Commission said. At the same time, the value of EU agri-food imports went down 1.5 percent to 112 billion euros, leading to an increase of the EU agri-food trade surplus to 18.8 billion euros, up from 15.3 billion euros in 2015, data showed. The agri-food sector accounted for 7.5 percent of total EU exports in goods in 2016 and 6.6 percent of all imported goods were agri-food products, said the Commission. Enditem UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will be in Geneva next Monday, where he will speak at the opening session of the UN Human Rights Council in his first address to the body since taking office on Jan. 1, a UN spokesman announced here Thursday. "The secretary-general will also visit the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross, where he will meet its president, Peter Maurer," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here. The secretary-general, who was the former prime minister of Portugal and the head of the UN refugee agency, will return to New York on Monday evening. The UN Human Rights Council, based in Geneva, is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system made up of 47 states responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe. WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The United States on Thursday imposed economic sanctions on two leadership officials of the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front in Syria. According to a statement by the U.S. Treasury Department, Iyad Nazmi Salih Khalil and Bassam Ahmad al-Hasri were responsible for providing key support to Nusra Front by overseeing militant operations and developing the militant group's strategy. Designating Khalil as Nusra Front's third highest-ranking official as of early 2016, the statement said Khalil took part in discussions among the group's senior leadership regarding the group's overall strategy and the feasibility of establishing an emirate in Idlib, Syria. Al-Hasri was designated for acting for or on behalf of Nusra Front and oversaw the group's military operations in southern Syria, the statement added. As part of the U.S. sanctions, all property of the two men subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked and U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. RABAT, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Morocco and Zambia have pledged to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various areas, local media reported on Thursday. The two countries agreed on the need to establish a Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation to provide the necessary legal framework for enhancing bilateral economic and social cooperation, le360.ma news site reported, citing a joint statement issued following Morocco's King Mohammed VI finished his four-day visit to Zambia on Wednesday. The Moroccan king and Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu underscored the role of investment, both public and private, in promoting economic growth and development in various areas, according to the joint statement. The two leaders held a fruitful one-on-one meeting, where they discussed issues of mutual interest on bilateral, regional and multilateral levels, the statement . During the king's visit, the two countries signed 19 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding covering areas including political consultations, air services, investment protection, finance, insurance, education, training, tourism, agriculture, technology, industry, mining and renewable energy. Enditem WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Half of Americans now view China favorably, the highest rating since 1989, found a Gallup released Thursday. This is up from 44 percent in 2016 and 41 percent in 2012, found the Feb. 1-5 Gallup poll. China's favorable rating by Americans was only 38 in 1985 but registered 72 percent in Gallup's poll in February 1989, taken days after former U.S. President George H. W. Bush returned from a diplomatic visit to China. It had remained at the low 40s for most of the time since 1989, according to Gallup. The six-percentage-point rise in China's overall favorability from last year is explained by increases among both Democrats and Republicans, Gallup said. The poll found that 58 percent of Democrats and 53 percent of independents view China favorably. Though only 38 percent of Republicans view China favorably, it is still up by 10 percentage points from 2016. The U.S.-China relations have never been entirely smooth in the past decades due to tensions over Taiwan, nuclear arms, human rights and other incidents, and the election of Republican candidate Donald Trump as president adds more complexity to the relations, Gallup noted. Though the future of U.S.-China relations is unclear, "it may be helpful for the new administration to know that Americans are feeling relatively positively toward China right now, and thus may be less receptive to a hard-nosed approach to U.S.-China relations," Gallup said. A visitor studies the brochure of China at the 39th International Tourism Fair in Belgrade, Serbia on Feb. 23, 2017. The fair took place with the slogan "Enjoy in time" from Feb. 23 to 26, with 1,100 exhibitors from 56 countries. (Xinhua/Nemanja Cabric) BELGRADE, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- For the first time, China took part in the International Tourism Fair in Belgrade which opened here on Thursday. Serbian officials and tour operators saw this as another signal, along with visa liberalization and possible direct flights, that the number of Chinese tourists to Serbia could soon increase notably. Tourism fair takes place for the 39th time at the Belgrade fair under the slogan "Enjoy in time" with 1.100 exhibitors, local, regional and international tour operators, tourist associations and organizations, hotels, tourist centers and airliners from 56 countries from February 23 to 26. It was officially opened by Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic and Rasim Ljajic, minister of trade, tourism and telecommunications. Speaking at the opening of the fair Vucic said that last year Serbia profited more than 1 billion euros (1.06 billion U.S. dollars) from tourism because it managed to realize that it had underestimated its potentials in the past and decided to change this. One of the strategies, according to him, is to attract more visitors from China. CHINESE TOURISTS "In 2016 the number of Chinese tourists increased by 29 percent. We expect more of them because I expect that one Chinese airliner will soon establish a direct flight from Belgrade to Beijing. "This will mean, along with the visa-free regime, a huge number of tourists," Vucic said. Vucic said Serbia plans to make arrangements with neighboring countries such as Montenegro and Hungary to present a joint tourist offer to Chinese tour operators. Ljajic noted that the Belgrade International Tourism Fair has grown into the biggest tourism fair in the region and stressed the importance of having China and Russia for the first time as participants. "For the first time at this fair, we have China and Russia presenting their tourist offers which will significantly contribute to better cooperation and attracting tourists from these great markets to Serbia," Ljajic said. In an interview for Xinhua, Liu Cheng, director of the Budapest branch of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), said that the branch was founded in March last year in Budapest to promote China as a tourist destination among central and eastern European countries, and to establish tourist connections between China and CEE countries, including Serbia. "These years we have seen a rapid growth of Chinese outbound tourists to CEE countries, with an annual number of 800,000 tourists," Liu said. "Among these countries, Czech Republic is the most popular one. Well, we don't see many Chinese tourists in Serbia, However, it grows by 20 percent to 30 percent every year," Liu said, reminding that Serbia and China implemented visa liberalization in January, which is really good news. "A problem remains that Chinese people don't know much about Serbia. They may know Belgrade or former Yugoslavia, but they don't know what to see, what to do or what to buy here. "I think it's important that Serbia promote itself in China so that Chinese people will get to know more about this country and, gradually Serbia will become a popular tourist destination," he concluded. PREPARING FOR MORE TOURISTS BIljana Radulovic, director of "Top Tours" tour operator, says that her company made the first attempt to cooperate with Chinese tour operators on bringing tourists to Serbia, by printing a brochure which was presented for the first time at the international tourism fair in Shanghai last November. "In the brochure made for our potential business partners, we presented Serbia and its capital Belgrade, but also regional countries and established two guaranteed routes (that will operate even if a single passenger is present) -- 'Memory of the Balkans' and 'Balkans without Borders'. We proposed our Chinese partners to visit all of our neighboring countries," she said. Radulovic explained that the company analyzed the market to study preferences of Chinese tourists before it decided to present its offer to Chinese tour operators, and that the key motivation for that was the liberalization of visa regime between two countries. "We made the first attempt to attract Chinese tourists five years ago, but at that point procedures for Chinese tourists to get visas were too demanding so we put the project on hold until recently when visa liberalization between China and Serbia gave us a new motivation," she recalled. "We expect results. Serbia is a new destination, and we have the support of the business environment as well as the ministry in charge of tourism," Radulovic said, adding that she expects to establish cooperation with partners from China. MEETING CHINESE REQUIREMENTS Milica Cubrilo, secretary for tourism in the Serbia's Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that Serbia has to offer a lot to tourists. These include capital Belgrade with its surroundings, mountain resorts, spas, numerous festivals and a tradition worth getting to know. Cubrilo said that hotels, restaurants and tour guides as well as others engaged in tourism have gradually started to adapt to the requirements of Chinese tourists. "Having in mind that China is very far away from here, we made joint programs with our neighbors that have a complementary offer with Serbia, which is Montenegro, as the beginning. "Our tour operators made a brochure with seven joint programs focusing on active vacation in nature together with Montenegrin tour operators and these will be offered to Chinese tour operators so they could include them in their offer at the upcoming tourism fair in Shanghai," she told Xinhua. In 2016, some 43,000 Chinese tourists came to Serbia which is not a big number having in mind the size of China, but for Serbia this is encouraging because in 2011 only 12,000 tourists from China visited Serbia, she said. "We hope that the visa free regime, possible establishment of a direct flight, joint presentation with our neighbors as well as strengthening of regional cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe will have an influence on Chinese tourists to perceive this region as more attractive than in the past," Cubrilo said. Miodrag Popovic, Director of the Tourist Organization of the City of Belgrade, told Xinhua that Chinese tourists are just as any other international visitors when it comes to the presentation of tourist destination, but in order for them to be satisfied, some special attention is still required. There are differences when it comes to Chinese tourists only when it comes to some cultural aspects, he said. "A research has provided us with information about what interests Chinese guests most, how they need to be treated -- from the most banal such as to avoid everything connected to the number four, to more serious issues, such as that one needs to have Chinese food for guests who stay longer, together with domestic specialties that they may wish to taste. "Chinese guests also like to take photos and we need to provide them with enough places to capture their memories on photos," he said. "Preparations are ongoing in Belgrade hotels, restaurant and all those related to the sector of services and other sectors related to the tourist offer -- for the arrival of Chinese guests," Popovic said. UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has opened a new settlement area in northern Uganda to host thousands of refugees arriving from South Sudan, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters here Thursday. "The new settlement was opened after another settlement opened in December 2016 quickly reached its capacity," Dujarric said at a daily news briefing. The new settlement is expected to be able to accommodate up to 110,000 new arrivals in the weeks and months ahead, he said. South Sudan is now Africa's largest refugee crisis and the world's third largest, only behind Syria and Afghanistan. Uganda has started to feel the pinch of hosting an influx of refugees amid acute funding pressures and says international support is urgently needed to help it accommodate the refugees. Uganda is hosting over one million refugees, half of them from neighboring South Sudan where fighting is still continuing. On average 4,000 South Sudanese are said to cross the border daily into Uganda. The East African country has gained global acknowledgment for its open refugee policy at a time when more and more countries are closing their doors to refugees who are fleeing for their lives. The other refugees hosted in different parts of the country are mainly from neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi while some are from Eritrea and Ethiopia. The World Food Program last year warned that it was going to be forced to cut food aid to refugees in the country further than the current 50 percent due to severe funding shortages. Uganda, whose refugee resettlement process is said to be a model for other nations, now hosts one of the largest number of refugees in Africa, putting a significant burden on relief agencies, Ugandan authorities and local population. A tank from the Ukrainian Forces is stationed outside a building in the flashpoint eastern town of Avdiivka that sits just north of insurgent-controlled Donetsk on Febraury 2, 2017. (AFP Photo) KIEV, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- At least 2,608 government troops were killed in the almost three-year conflict with independence-seeking insurgents in eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said on Wednesday. Among those killed, there were 2,200 soldiers of the Ukrainian army and 408 servicemen of other security and military forces, Poroshenko said during the operational meeting of the administrative board of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. According to the Ukrainian Defence Ministry, currently, some 37,000 government troops are involved in the confrontation with rebels in eastern regions. Overall, more than 280,000 Ukrainian soldiers and law enforcement officers have participated in the conflict, which rages in eastern Ukraine since April 2014. The confrontation has claimed some 10,000 lives of civilians and combatants from both sides. More than 22,000 of other people were injured in the hostilities and the conflict-related incidents. The UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura addresses media at Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 23, 2017. The lack of trust between delegations participating in the latest round of Syria peace talks is one of the main obstacles which must be overcome if any substantial progress is to be made in the coming weeks, the UN Envoy for Syria said Thursday. The Syrian peace talks resumed in Geneva on Thursday. (Xinhua/Xu Jinquan) GENEVA, February 23 (Xinhua) -- The lack of trust between delegations participating in the latest round of Syria peace talks is one of the main obstacles which must be overcome if any substantial progress is to be made in the coming weeks, the UN Envoy for Syria said Thursday. "We must not expect miracles, there have been many problems in the past and I try to be as realistic as possible," Staffan de Mistura told Xinhua in a stakeout, shortly after welcoming participants to the talks in the Assembly Hall of the Palais des Nations in Geneva. "To answer your question, what are the hardest obstacles to overcome, and there are many, first and foremost: lack of trust, this is where mediation can help," he added. The official made his remarks shortly after extending his welcome to the Syrian government and opposition delegations, as well as to members of the UN Security Council and representatives of the International Syria Support Group. Though substantive discussions have yet to start, the fact that opposing delegations sat face-to-face in the same room could be seen as a sign that direct discussions are in the pipeline. The UN envoy said that bilateral meetings will continue tomorrow in a bid to establish procedural guidelines as well as out create a working agenda for upcoming negotiations. While lauding the fact that all invitees were in the same room this evening, a marked improvement from past talks, de Mistura warned that more needs to be done regarding the opposition delegation, which included members of various rebel groups seeking to oust Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. "You must have seen that there was a very heavy weighted delegation on the side of the opposition in the room. They were including also the armed groups, many of whom have been and are attending the Astana meetings," he said. "Peace is made between those who fight each over. I will continue encouraging more dialogue and inclusion among the various Syrian parties," he continued. He also said that he plans to stimulate and incentivize the parties with inputs to pursue the goals set out in UN Security Council resolution 2254. This calls for, among other things, the establishment of a credible governance, a schedule and process for drafting a new constitution and free and fair elections to take place under UN supervision. The diplomat had warned Wednesday that though he doesn't expect an immediate breakthrough in this round of talks, he hoped that it will pave the way for future negotiations seeking to broker a political end to the six-year conflict. He also highlighted that 2017's political track is taking place in a very different context to which last year's UN-mediated negotiations took place. As well as incremental trust, the upkeep of a ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey last December and improved humanitarian access in the war-torn country are both seen as key factors if talks are to avoid an early breakdown. The last time warring parties convened in Geneva was in April last year, a month in which talks were put on hold amid a humanitarian meltdown and systemic violence in the Middle East country. Since the Syria conflict began in March 2011, an estimated 400,000 people have lost their lives, with millions more forced to flee their homes. by Keren Setton JERUSALEM, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Last week, as U.S. President Donald Trump voiced indifference as to how Israelis and Palestinians solve the decades-old conflict between them, a group of women is trying to get the sides to engage in dialogue -- something that has not happened in a long time. They are trying to fight the apathy. Through activities around Israel, over 10,000 women hope to bring peace to the forefront of the discourse in a cynical environment. In an area riddled by conflict and bloodshed, the notion of peace has never been more distant. A movement of approximately 12,000 registered female members wants to bring the word back to the Israeli-Palestinian discourse. "Women Wage Peace" began with a small group of women in 2014. "It was in the midst of Operation Protective Edge (Israeli offensive in Gaza), a few women were sitting and they were going crazy from despair and the inability to do something," says Anat Negev who is the head of the Strategic Communication team in Women Wage Peace. "An understanding was born that you cannot just give birth to children and then give them away to generals to fight in wars," she adds. Israelis and Palestinians are so used to interacting violently that an alternative of peaceful co-existence seems almost a naive aspiration to most. A renewed cycle of violence began in the end of 2016. Although now it seems it has subsided, approximately 200 Palestinians have been killed. Tens of Israelis have also been killed. Israel says most of the Palestinian victims were assailants who were killed while attacking or attempting to attack Israelis. Some of them were killed in clashes with Israeli forces. The violence has been interpreted by some as an expression of a young Palestinian generation frustrated with the status-quo. Within the pessimistic atmosphere, the non-governmental organization (NGO) of Women Wage Peace operates in an a-political form. The members are women from all sides of the Israeli political spectrum -- left-wing supporters of Israeli-Palestinian separation into two states, right-wing women who want to see Israel retaining control over the West Bank and Israeli-Arab women who often find themselves in a tricky position. "Our demand is that leaders on both sides sit down and talk and reach an agreement now. We are not telling them how to do it -- there are enough experts on that," explains Negev. "We do not want more victims." A week after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. President Donald Trump, it seems those words by Negev have never been more relevant. Both leaders publicly abandoned what was spoken about for years -- that the only solution to the problem was the two-state solution. Although the overwhelming majority of the international community still believes this, Netanyahu and Trump are looking at things differently. The organization derives its gender related agenda from United Nations (UN) resolution 1325. This was adopted in 2000 and is called the resolution on women, peace and security. It encourages women to be part of conflict resolution. "The fact that women give birth to and raise children, we also want to take care of their future. Women are better listeners, their discourse is more accepting. They communicate better rather than butting heads," believes Negev. The highlight of the movement came in October 2016 as thousands of women marched to Jerusalem and stood in front of the home of Israel's prime minister, calling for peace. Huda Abu Arqub, a Palestinian woman from the West Bank city of Ramallah, is not a member of the NGO, but she serves as a regional coordinator for the Alliance for Middle East Peace. At the time, she managed to bring 700 Palestinian women to the march. It was an attempt to demonstrate that there are also people on the Palestinian side that believe negotiations are still possible. Many people on both sides feel that peace is simply unattainable and should no longer be aspired to. The event did not receive wide media coverage. Perhaps the biggest challenge the women face is the disappearance of the word peace from the mouths of both Israelis and Palestinians. "At some point people gave up and leaders took that despair and connected it to military, security and wars. It became a very strong connection," Negev says. It is easier to sway voters in fear rather than hope. In Israel, Netanyahu has been leading the country since 2009. He has repeatedly expressed in various ways that peace with the Palestinians is unattainable -- that this is not the time. Years of this message have permeated into many minds of Israelis who are also convinced this is the case. Anat Negev believes that Women Wage Peace has succeeded to break down the barrier. "From the responses we feel that we have brought back the words hope and peace into the discourse. These words became almost rude!"says Negev. The women of the organization run various activities all year long. They hold movie screenings of relevant films, breakfasts and tree planting around Israel. In a conflict that is hardly clear-cut but that many believe is black-and-white or right and wrong, the message of Women Wage Peace is on one hand precise but on the other hand vague. While the call to negotiate is in itself an admirable goal for two sides who barely communicate other than exchanging blows, the organization lacks a refined political stance. "This will not become a political movement," says Anat Negev. "There are too many opinions and we could not possibly form a party and contain them all." Israelis and Palestinians are, for the most part, wary of negotiations. A clear message is necessary in order to change their minds. Women Wage Peace are trying to make a dent in that cynical wall that has been erected between both sides. PARIS, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Yannick Jadot, the Green party candidate for the French presidential election, on Thursday announced he was leaving the presidential race to endorse the Socialist Benoit Hamon's bid. "I am withdrawing as a candidate in the presidential election," Jadot said, hailing "a great agreement," he had reached with the Socialists earlier in the day. "My objective is that next president would be an ecologist. Benoit Hamon's victory in the left primary has changed the political landscape and gave everyone a responsibility," he told state-run France 2 television. Hamon, already struggling to build momentum, said the election deal with the Greens was "the fruit of a common vision of a desirable future, based on a common understanding of ... citizens' concern: ecological transition, work, wages, universal income..." Pollsters have predicted Jadot to collect between 1 and 2 percent of vote while the ex-education minister is trialling in the fourth place in the first round in April. VIENNA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs Sebastian Kurz on Thursday said his country will plan a "change of course" for the European Union, in the lead up to its presidency of the Council of the EU next year. In an interview with the Austria Press Agency, Kurz said he has commissioned European experts to come up with proposals for such changes ahead of the presidency in the second half of 2018. Some issues to be looked at include the migrant crisis, indebtedness of member states, and the crisis of confidence in the union. He said the so-called Brexit, Britain's departure from the EU, should also be completed under the Austrian leadership. The EU should not remain the same afterwards, but instead use the opportunity to implement some reforms, he added. TUNIS, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Tunisian army has scheduled a series of joint military exercises in 2017, with the collaboration of some European countries and the United States, Belhassen Oueslati, spokesman of Tunisian Defense Ministry, said on Thursday. The spokesman confirmed that these military exercises will cover separate periods in 2017 and different regions of the country, while some of them will be held abroad. Among the countries participating in these military exercises are France, the U.S. and Germany, in addition to the presence of international observers from Spain and the Netherlands. According to Oueslati, these exercises will include joint land and air operations between the Tunisian army and different participating units. "These exercises are part of the Tunisian military institution efforts in order to promote and develop its offensive and defensive capacities facing potential challenges, notably the fight against terrorism," said Oueslati. The Tunisian army had previously participated in similar exercises including those in Mauritania in 2013, Chad in 2014, Niger in 2015 and Senegal in 2016. Mexico's Foreign Affairs Minister Luis Videgaray(R) shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during a press conference in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, on Feb. 23, 2017. Top U.S. envoys on a working visit to Mexico on Thursday tried to allay fears that their government was preparing to massively deport undocumented migrants back across the border. (Xinhua/Francisco Canedo) MEXICO CITY, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Top U.S. envoys on a working visit to Mexico on Thursday tried to allay fears that their government was preparing to massively deport undocumented migrants back across the border. The reassurances came during a joint press conference by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly, following their meeting with Mexico's Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the Interior, Luis Videgaray and Miguel Angel Osorio Chong, in Mexico City. "Let me be very very clear, there will be no, repeat no mass deportations. Everything we do at Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will be done legally and according to human rights in the legal justice system of the United States," Kelly said. U.S. President Donald Trump's vow to crack down on undocumented migrants has struck fear into immigrants living in the United States, and Mexican officials are concerned that massive deportations could lead to a humanitarian crisis along the border. Kelly said that "the focus of deportations will be on the criminal element that has made it into the United States. All of this will be done, as it always has been, in close coordination with the government of Mexico." While there will be "no use of military force" in deportation proceedings, said Kelly, a retired Marine Corps general, "we will approach this operation systematically, in a results-oriented way, in an operational way, and in a human dignity way." Earlier, Trump had described the deportation campaign as "a military operation." Tillerson said the two countries "reiterated our joint commitment to maintaining law and order along our shared border by stopping the potential terrorist and dismantling the transnational criminal networks moving drugs and people into the United States." The U.S. secretary of state said officials also discussed trade and energy ties, in addition to fighting cross-border crime, but gave no details. "We agreed that our two countries should seize the opportunity to modernize and strengthen our trade and energy relationship," he said. He noted crime went both ways across the border. "Similarly we underscored the importance of stopping the illegal firearms and bulk cash that is originating in the United States and flowing into Mexico. There's no mistaking that the rule of law matters on both sides of the border," Tillerson said. Videgaray said, "There is concern and irritation among Mexicans about what are seen as policies that could be harmful for Mexicans in Mexico and abroad," he said. "Today we have taken a step in the right direction," the Mexican minister said, stressing the importance of cooperation. Mexico and the United States are already at odds over Trump's plan to build a wall along their border and his attempts to pressurize Mexico into giving concessions on trade. The U.S. president wanted to renegotiate a two-decade-old agreement signed by Mexico, the United States and Canada, claiming it has unfairly benefited Mexico at the expense of U.S. workers. Related: Mexico gov't rejects new U.S. immigration rules MEXICO CITY, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Mexican government on Wednesday rejected tightened immigration regulations by the new U.S. administration that could see waves of undocumented migrants come in across its borders. Full story U.S. DHS issues detailed plan to crack down on illegal immigrants The true effects of late payment on SMEs Late payment, in its various forms, is essentially a demand for credit. The appeal to buyers stems from the fact that it is cheaper and more flexible than loans. And its appeal to suppliers is that it provides them with a claim on their customers future business. In an ideal world, where all solvent businesses would have prompt, uninterrupted access to finance from diverse sources, late payment would be very rare and its risk to businesses would be manageable. Suppliers would factor it into the cost of doing business and costconscious buyers would keep payment as prompt as possible. Moreover, regulation would be unnecessary. However, this ideal world, of course, is very far removed from the reality of business, especially in emerging markets like the Caribbean. Smaller businesses, in particular, face significant financial constraints which make late payment much more than simply a cost of doing business. Around the world, the reach of alternative finance (including invoice finance and trade credit insurance) is growing fast, but is still relatively limited. Although late payment can be rationalised, it is also extremely inefficient for the economy through increased costs, reduced hiring and capital spending and the failure of suppliers. The impact on this business segment can be seen clearly in subdued job creation and investment. In difficult market conditions like the depths of a recession, the chance that an SME will report late payment more than doubles, while large corporates, which are normally less affected, see an even bigger increase. Late payment and customer defaults can move along the supply chain, crossing industries and borders until they are absorbed by the most financially secure financial institutions, or indeed governments. Ending late payment is a worthy ambition shared by many governments, stakeholders and individual businesses around the world. Some objectives for government intervention designed to deal with the negative aspects of late payment without compromising economic growth include: 1. To dampen the systemic impact of late payment on the economy, by encouraging deep pockets (eg financial services firms or tax authorities) with a stake in the entire supply chain. 2. To ensure that the legal and policy frameworks around incorporation, financing, contracts and insolvency and are aligned in order to deal with different aspects of late payment promptly and in a consistent manner. 3. To encourage trade credit by giving suppliers a minimum level of protection against supplier dilution ie the reassurance that even when customers fail they can still look forward to a minimum level of recoveries. 4. To ensure that businesses can look forward to a similar level of discretion in negotiating credit terms with their customers regardless of whether they are new or repeat suppliers. 5. To encourage the development of financial markets so that businesses have quick access to alternative financing options in response to changing terms of credit or unexpected late payment. Unfortunately, the problem of late payment has long resisted a simple definition, and a solution has remained elusive for all but a handful of countries. Late payment is often understood as a solely negative aspect in business, this is not always necessarily the case. It can also be a useful tool for business growth. Only when this complexity is understood can appropriate responses be developed to address the aspects of late payment which do impact negatively on businesses. Tackling and managing late payment is a complex policy issue. But is also an issue in which the accountancy profession can play an important influential role. This is because of the unique position accountants possess, and especially because accountants are seen as small businesss most trusted advisors. Indeed, many accountants are small businesses themselves. Many accountants are reviewing what works and what needs to evolve in their role as businesses most trusted advisers especially in the face of technological innovations and changing business practices, alongside the challenging needs of start-ups. Professional accountants around the world lead the fight for prompt payment, ensuring that businesses are protected from customer defaults and can cope with interrupted cash flows. Accountants can provide discipline for entrepreneurs and SME. This discipline, alongside business planning is a skill that can help entrepreneurs and SMEs get off the ground and sustain their business. For the finance professional, understanding developments such as crowdfunding, are all crucial to staying abreast of the new ways of doing business in the 21st century. Whether we like it or not, late payment remains part of the business equation for the moment. In the midst of Carnival, concerns about crime Next week Monday and Tuesday, the streets of the country will be ablaze with colour and creativity, as masqueraders and supporters alike, release the burdens of daily life and living in joyful abandon. But for many of us who live and work here, what we feel also is a deep sense of fear, anxiety and outright frustration in relation to crime and criminal activity. The TT Chamber is of the view that despite claims of decline as validated by police statistics, crime and more so violent crime remains a huge challenge in TT. Law enforcement has been on the receiving end of much criticism, particularly when it comes to the issue of the woefully low detection rate. In the face of this opposition, the acting Commissioner of Police has expressed some measure of pride in the recently reported 42 murder-free days in the Port-of-Spain Division. Historically, this Division has registered some of the highest levels of serious crime in the country; as such, the murder-free days are being viewed as no small feat. We commend the Division for the targeted effort that is presumably being invested in accomplishing this record achievement. But the gravity of the situation on the ground does not allow for the Police Service to rest on its proverbial laurels. The truth is that not all crime is reported to the police, and because of that, numerous unlawful acts never make their way into a station diary, or be captured in police statistics. One of the most damaging effects of crime on our society is the deep sense of fear that it engenders. It forces a person to alter his/her normal habits and lifestyle choices. Someone will think twice before going to places that would normally be frequent and every move must be planned in advance, in conjunction with a trusted loved one. While taking precaution is necessary, and increased vigilance justifiable, it could equally be said that sometimes, people begin to see shadows over their shoulders, even where they do not exist. Until the threat of punishment is clearly and firmly articulated, wilful perpetrators of violence will not be deterred in any way from committing nefarious acts. Even in situations of domestic dispute where acts of violence are often motivated by passion, the powers-that-be must convincingly communicate an approach of zero tolerance and severe consequences for this form of anti-social behaviour. We categorically demand accountability from the Police in combating crime. But what about us? What are we the people doing collectively and as individuals to bring about a massive change wave throughout our society? Have we challenged ourselves to act responsibly, at all times, and within the boundaries of the law? Are we positively influencing our immediate circles of family and friends, to do the right thing? Or do we see crime as somebody elses problem? Are we still pointing fingers at others? Yes the countdown is on to Carnival. But it appears that the clock is ticking steadily towards something far more sinister, if as a society, we do not deal strategically and holistically with crime. We know only too well that far more than a conversation, it takes deliberate and determined action. To those who will be participating in the Carnival celebrations, going to the beaches or simply remaining at home on behalf of the TT Chamber: best wishes for safe and secure days. Enterprise man gunned down Police reports revealed that several loud explosions were heard at Chrissie Trace and police officers who were on routine patrol responded . When officers made a check, they discovered the body of Garvin Julien on the ground . A District Medical Officer was called to the scene and the body was ordered removed to the Forensic Science Centre in St James . Julien, who lived at Bhagaloo Street, is believed to have been shot dead by a rival gang member from Unruly ISIS . Police investigators told Newsday that due to an increase in murders in Enterprise, instructions were given for round the clock patrols in several areas in Enterprise including Bhagaloo Trace . Police believe that although the patrols were close by, the killers still carried out the hit Man steals to pay for sister-in-laws funeral This is what he told a magistrate in San Fernando yesterday after he was arrested on the day of the funeral and kept in police custody which prevented him from attending. Bachu, of Irving Street, San Fernando, was taken before Senior Magistrate Nanette Forde-John before whom he pleaded guilty to the charge of stealing the money from an office on Harris Street, San Fernando. The magistrate heard from prosecutor Sgt Cleyon Seedan that it was on Saturday at about 9 am when a woman, close to where Bachu works as a handyman on Harris Street, placed the money in a desk drawer in an office. The following day at about 7 am she checked and discovered it was missing. Bachu was arrested on Harris Street by a policeman, Seedan said, and when confronted about the money he replied, Ah really thief the money and give some of it to help with funeral. I spend the rest. Boss give me ah chance nah. Attorney Frank Gittens who pleaded on behalf of Bachu, told Forde-John that the defendant had told him that his wifes sister died and the funeral was on Tuesday. He told the court that Bachu wanted to render financial support to the family to meet the funeral expenses. Seedan said Bachu has 16 previous convictions for similar offences. Forde-John asked him if he was fortunate to attend the funeral, but Gittens said that the defendant found himself behind bars awaiting his appearance in court and therefore could not even offer condolences to his relatives. Forde-John fined Bachu $1500 and ordered him to pay compensation of $7000. He was ordered to pay $1000 forthwith or serve six months in jail. The magistrate granted him 30 days to pay the balance. Rape, robbery accused complains of licks in jail Sharaz Mohammed, 26, also told Senior Magistrate Nanette Forde- John, through an attorney who represented him, that when he was taken to the Maximum State Prison on Friday last, prison officers cuffed and slashed him across one of his cheeks. Mohammed of Woodland had appeared with his cousin Sadiq Mohammed, 24, also of Woodland, and their friend Brandon Basdeo, 21, of Penal, charged with abducting a 26-yearold woman from Cipero Street, San Fernando on February 11. The cousins were remanded into custody. Police prosecutor Sgt Cleyon Seedan had objected to bail being granted to Mohammed and Sadiq because they had been out on bail for pending criminal charges when police arrested them. Basdeo was granted $175,000 bail by the magistrate. It is alleged that at about 8pm, the woman flagged down a car and asked to be taken to her home after leaving work at South Park in Tarouba. However, she was taken to a lonely path along Pluck Road, Woodland, where she was raped, buggered and robbed of two cell phones. Yesterday, when Mohammed reappeared before Forde-John, attorneys Jason Jackson and Kathyanne Campaine represented him. Campaine asked the magistrate to make an order for him to get medical attention for the injuries he suffered in prison. Forde-John granted bail to Mohammed in the sum of $200,000 to cover the four charges and ordered him to report three times weekly to the San Fernando Police Station. He is to reappear on March 17 along with Sadiq and Basdeo. Fire saves driver from ticket Newsday understands that at about 3.45 pm yesterday, the fire started at the third floor of the Ministry of Social Development building. PCs Roberts and Stewart of the Port of Spain Division were writing the ticket when someone ran up to them in a panic informing them that the building was on fire. The officers immediately cancelled the ticket and ran to the building. They announced that there was a fire and ordered the occupants to get out. They then radioed to their base and reported the fire. Fire officers from the Wrightson Road Fire Station responded to the report and managed to contain the blaze. While investigators are still trying to ascertain the source of the fire, workers said they believed that the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault. We got the scent and then the electricity started to short out, said one worker. But we managed to get everyone out of the building. I have to commend the Fire Service because they responded very quickly. Chinese business owner shot in attempted robbery Up to yesterday the proprietress, Yan Kui Li, 50, of Ste Madeleine, remained at the San Fernando General Hospital in a serious condition, police said. Police reports are that at about 7.45 pm on Tuesday, three men pretending to be customers walked into Ken Ming Restaurant located at Manahambre Road near the Ste Madeleine Primary School. Li was conducting sales and one of the men pulled out a firearm which was hidden under his clothes. He and his accomplices announced a robbery. Police said Li, fearing for her life, ran off and, while doing so, the gunman opened fire. She sustained a gunshot wound to her back and the bandits ran off. They fled the scene in a vehicle. Officers of the Ste Madeleine Police Station were alerted and, despite combing the area, no arrests were made. Cpl Flaviney is continuing investigations. Govt sued over TTs no entry to gays law The claim will be filed today in the Hall of Justice, Port-of-Spain. He is being represented by lead counsel Richard Drabble QC, Trinidadian attorney Rishi P.A. Dass and instructing attorney Antonio Emmanuel. Jones, 53, will be asking the local courts to ensure that the discipline of law and constitutionality enshrined freedoms are formalised and normalised to protect the human rights of all citizens. In a statement yesterday, Jones said he grew up in Port-of-Spain and faced almost daily homophobic bullying and threats of violence because he was gay. My family made me homeless and I have been lucky enough to be able to rebuild my life in the United Kingdom, a modern and tolerant society, where I am protected and live my life free and equal. I have the opportunity now to help my fellow LGBT Trinbagonian citizens find an equal place in Trinidad & Tobago. I undertake this challenge in the hope that our country will respect my rights to love whomever I choose, Jones said of his constitutional claim. He said it is important that the country ensures that constitutional freedoms are protected as TT has signed and ratified specific international human rights agreements. Jones said the laws that are being challenged are in direct contravention of these agreements. Jones is the second gay rights advocate to challenge local laws as it relates to the exclusion of homosexuals. In 2003, Jamaican gay rights activist and attorney Maurice Tomlinson took TT and Belize to court over immigration laws in both countries. In his claim filed in the Caribbean Court of Justice, Tomlinson alleged that he has been prejudiced in the enjoyment of his right as a Caricomnational to enter Belize and Trinidad and Tobago without hassle, due to the their respective Immigration Acts, which included homosexuals as a class of persons prohibited from entering these territories. Brian London ready to sue Londons lawyer Keith Scotland, in a pre-action letter to TUCO, accused the organisation of breaching its own rules and has threatened to take the matter to court if TUCO does not respond to his demands. Scotland said that in the odd 12 years his client has been performing in the competition, there has never been any mention of the timing of contestants on stage for the semi-final round. London performed in position four at Calypso Fiesta last Saturday at Skinner Park, San Fernando. He said he objected after being told of the time stipulation at a meeting with TUCO on February 17. London said he was told by a member of TUCOs adjudication committee that while there would be a clock at the venue, there would be no timing of contestants. Scotland said that at the end of the competition, the Master Score Sheet revealed that London placed 17th which excluded him from competing in Sundays final. He said the score sheet showed he was penalised four marks for exceeding the time limit. Londons score was 385 on the master sheet but in the individual judges sheet, his score was 389. This would have caused him to tie with two other contestants, namely Anthony Hendrickson (All Rounder) and Lynette Steele (Lady Gypsy) both finalists, Scotland said. Scotland said the situation with London was untenable and according to TUCOs tie-breaker rules, as stated in Clause 3.3, reliance would have to be placed on the reserved judges score to determine which contestant out of the three who tied would ultimately be contender in the final competition. One shot dead, another wounded Lucas died at the scene while Maloney was rushed to Sangre Grande Hospital where he remains warded in serious but stable condition . Lucas was shot in the chest while Maloney was shot in his left leg and knee. According to reports at 11.20 pm, the men were at the house in Valencia when two gunmen entered and opened fire on them before fleeing . Officers of the Eastern Division led by ASP Robain and including WPC Sergeant Lopez along with officers of the Homicide Investigations Bureau and Crime Scene Investigations visited the scene along with a district medical officer . Lucas body was removed to the Forensic Science Centre while Maloney was taken to hospital . The murder toll stands at 78 for the year, up to press time . For this month so far, 21 persons have been murdered . There were 57 murders in January . ISIS breeding ground view concerns correspondent banks Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BATT) Vice President Nigel Baptiste. said there is a considerable amount to be afraid of regarding the view of local banks by correspondent banks in the light of: anti-money laundering and countering terrorism financing; and coming on the seemingly widespread international view of Trinidad and Tobago with respect to a breeding ground for ISIS fighters; and the general failure to institute much needed improvements to other basic regulatory frameworks such as the Insurance Act, Gambling bill and amendments to the Financial Institutions Act. In a New York Times article this week it was reported that US authorities are concerned that this country has become a breeding ground for extremists close to the United States. It was also reported that terrorism was one of the issues discussed between Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and US President Donald Trump during a recent telephone call. Baptiste also expressed concern about the delay in the passage of the Tax Information Exchange Act. Our backs are now up against the wall at a time when this matter is possibly the least concern of the general public. But...contrary to what MX Prime asserts, if the economy falls down because of this issue, rest assured, the jamming will stop. Regrello: We will make streets unfriendly for homeless A bye-law was passed at the final sitting of the Council under former Mayor Kazim Hosein last October to restrict people from feeding the homeless on the streets. It remained unclear whether the bye-law was assented to by the President, but the practice has continued, said Regrello. People have this way where they want to give back. As they have done well in life, they will pull up with their Mercedes and pack it with food warmers and give out food and once you are doing that, you are already encouraging persons who do not want to be put in a home and provided with care to remain on the streets. We have to really make this system very unfriendly for them. And I say unfriendly in a very humane way meaning that certain things will not available to them. Once there is a shade or a tree they will gather there. The centre on the wharf, said Regrello, was better suited to serving the homeless in a more humane manner and would also lead to less littering in the city from the homeless. Regrello said the centre was completed, and just needed outfitting before it could begin operating. However, Regrello expressed concern about the proximity of the centre to the developing waterfront project. You also have to consider that at this point, the waterfront is earmarked for major development and we must ask ourselves do we want to have a homeless centre where you are going to have major development? If you going to use there as a major tourist site and for business, do you want to have that structure and that place there? Asked whether this meant the centre would be moved mere months after its completion, Regrello said, It is already there, major investments were made there so we will support it. But the major decision- makers in Port-of- Spain could have other plans and we will just adhere to whatever they say. Regrello said a task force visited the facility last week and will make recommendations about the future of the centre to the relevant ministries. Wrecking to return to San Fernando for carnival Wrecking was suspended last August under the leadership of former mayor Kazim Hosein who described the service as a failure. Mayor Junia Regrello however announced at the meeting that wrecking would resume with a special focus on Carib Street and Lower Hillside. After Carnival, wrecking will continue on a full-time basis. We are also going to make it easy for those who are wrecked, said Regrello. In the past, if you are wrecked and your vehicle is stored on Circular Road, you are required to come to City Hall and pay and then go back to Circular Road to locate your vehicle. We are going to have a onestop shop. The vehicle will be carried to Circular Road, you pay and you get your vehicle. Responding to the National Carnival Commissions reminder to bandleaders that music must be turned off while assembling and passing in front of the Port-of- Spain General Hospital, Regrello said San Fernando was ahead of the NCC in that regard. We have moved all (Jouvert morning competitions) down to NAPA, South which is more conducive for parading. We will not have that problem here so our hospital would be safe and protected from the noise pollution. They would be using the Rienzi Kirton (Highway) all the way down to the wharf. They will not be allowed to come down to the city area and we are asking them to adhere to the route and for the police to support us in that position. The pan competition will be held outside Wack radio station on Coffee Street on Monday evening and night mas will take place on Sutton Street. As for Carnival Tuesday, the decision on whether bands would be directed to either High Street or Coffee Street would be made later this week after consulting stakeholders. Details of the changes will be presented to the public via paid advertisements, said Regrello. Female student has $1M bounty on her head for killing 100+ members of ISIS I am what many people would consider a typical 23-year-old millennial. I like going to the movies on weekends, going to bars with friends, and playing video games whenever I get some free time during the week. But for 23-year-old student Joanna Palani, life is just a bit more, shall we say, unique. In the year 2014, Joanna Palani, who is now 23 years old, gave up her political science studies and dropped out of a university in Copenhagen, Denmark. The reason was not because she was lazy, nor was it because she felt college wasnt for her. No, Palani dropped out of school so that she could join the Kurdish Peshmerga in Iraq and Syria in the fight against the Islamic State. Granted, Palani didnt just wake up one morning with a burning desire to go out and fight ISIS. Rather, the inspiration to do so actually came from her heritage and upbringing. Palani is an Iranian-Kurdish descendant who was born in a refugee camp in Iraq. According to a Facebook post, Palani felt compelled to fight for womens rights, for democracy for the European values I learned as a Danish girl. She was only 9 years old when she fired her first gun. In 2015, anti-terror laws prohibited Palani from returning to the region, but she rejoined the fight anyway. As she explains, she just couldnt bear to leave the women she had trained. Not only did Palani dedicate hours and even days at a time pointing her sniper rifle at Jihadists, she also helped free Yazidi girls from imprisonment while fighting with Peshmerga forces in Iraq. In an interview with the Daily Mail, Palani described what she did on a day-to-day basis. As a sniper I could be on the front line for nine days at a time, she said. I would get up at 4-5am and get my SVD rifle and AK rifle, my bag and two hand grenades. I would take up a position away from the window, find a space where it would be comfortable, lay down with only my finger on the trigger. The 23-year-old sniper faced jail time when the Danish authorities eventually learned about her actions. She was locked up in Denmarks largest prison, Vestre Faengsel. She was released after three weeks, but now faces future jail time due to her actions. Because many in her homeland view her as a domestic terrorist, Palani is constantly on the move, changing up her living quarters every three days. As if she wasnt already badass enough, Palani told the Daily Mail that she has killed 100 Islamic militants, and because of that, there is a $1 million bounty on her head. ISIS want to kill me, and capture me to convert me into a radical Islamist or turn me into a sex slave, she said in the interview. But I love my independence and freedom as a woman more than I fear being captured or turned into a sex slave by ISIS or for ISIS. My worries about being captured and killed are not as great as my love of freedom. That is what keeps me going. Many of the girls we rescue join us and train to become fighters, Palani said to begin during her interview. So if they capture me, I would still fight them, for all of those girls as well as for myself. I will never submit, or let them win. Dont you wish Barack Obama and the Democrat Party had that same mentality? Wouldnt it be great if they were this courageous in the face of ISIS, and valued freedom as much as this 23-year-old woman does? Joanna Palani may be of Iranian-Kurdish descent, but she sure sounds a lot like a liberty-loving American to me. Sources TrueActivist.com DailyMail.com Submit a correction >> Share Next week is Mobile World Congress. That means tech journalists are being inundated with press releases about new products to be unveiled at the Barcelona event, or just rundowns of stuff exhibitors will be highlighting there. Casa Systems is among the suppliers that will be attending the gathering. While there, the company plans to promote its small cell solutions, a management offering, and its virtual network functions. The companys small cells are marketed under the name Apex Ultra-Broadband. They employ 3G, 4G, 3.5GHz CBRS, LTE (News - Alert)-A, MulteFire, and Wi-Fi technologies. And there are models available for use inside or out. Axyom Small Cell Manager is the name of the Casa Systems management solution for that product set. That allows for zero-touch provisioning and interference reduction. As for the VNFs, Case Systems recently added a virtualized evolved packet core to its product portfolio. It has MME, P-GW, S-GW, and SAE-GW functions. The company says that at least 25 providers around the world are testing its mobile solutions in labs and field trials. So those are Casas plans for Mobile World Congress. Heres a brief list of what some of the other vendors are planning to show and discuss at the big show: Blue Danube Systems will be at Mobile World Congress talking about its FDD LTE Massive MIMO commercial trials with Shentel (News - Alert) and AT&T. Cobham Wireless plans to demonstrate what its calling the industrys first software-defined 5G user equipment simulator at the show. Its based on Verizons (News - Alert) open 5G standard. And it can test downlink throughput of 10 gigabits per second. The company will also be running an Internet of Things proof of concept that emulates up to 1 million 5G IoT devices in an effort to validate network performance at this scale and on this kind of network. Huawei (News - Alert) is expected to introduce new watches, called Watch 2, which will run the latest Android Wear 2.0 and include a nano-SIM slot for cellular connectivity. This is according to The Verge. Huawei, LG, Nokia (News - Alert), and Sony are all also expected to introduce smartphones at the event. Edited by Alicia Young Never send a cop to do a man's job After the failed Egyptian diplomatic initiatives, Libyan rival camps are expected in the Tunisian capital Tunis this Thursday for talks following a tripartite summit between Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt in the Tunisian capital. All Libyan sides have approved the declaration of the mini-summit, Tunisian foreign minister Khemaies Jhinaoui told reporters on Wednesday. Some Libyan delegations are expected to arrive in Tunis on February 23. Russias proxy Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar is also expected to join talks after refusing to meet Faiez Serraj, head of UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) in Cairo last week. Libya has been in disarray following of fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, in a NATO-backed revolution. The UN in December 2015 in Morocco ushered factions to sign the Libya Political Agreement (LPA), but the agreement is opposed by Haftar and by the countrys internationally recognized legislature, the Tobruk-based House of Representatives (HoR). The UN and Libyas three neighbors urged Libyans to bring amendments to the LPA, a way to accommodate Haftar whose role in the future Libyan army has been the key obstacle in the political process. The Tunis Declaration issued following the mini-summit urged Libyans to pursue inter-Libyan dialogue while calling for the inclusion of all sides. Tunis is taking over Cairo which failed to snatch a milestone in the process last week as Serraj and Haftar travelled to the Egyptian capital but did not meet. Another high level summit to gather President AbdelAziz Bouteflika, Caid Essebsi and Fattah al-Sissi is scheduled to take place soon in Algiers to fast-track the talks. Tunisian parliament Wednesday took a strong stand against corruption and encouraged whistle-blowers to denounce the malpractice, one of the countrys economy challenges. A large majority (145) of the 217 lawmakers approved the bill, encouraging, in article 17, whistleblowers and civil servants to come forward. The law also promises reward to anyone whose action may lead to identify authors of corruption or may help recover lost money. Parliament speaker Mohamed Ennaceur said the adoption of this law is an important step in the fight against corruption, state-run news agency TAP reports. The parliament is yet to adopt a bill on illicit enrichment and fight against conflict of interests. Corruption according to experts has had heavy negative consequence on the countrys economy, inflicting a downward trend to growth. At least 450 million dinars (200 million /$230 million) in bribes were slipped to state employees in 2013 alone, says the Tunisian Association for Public Auditors. The phenomenon was one of the key factors which brought down former autocratic ruler Ben Ali in 2011. French national, Thomas Gallay, who was indicted on charges of funding a terrorist cell based in the Moroccan Atlantic city of Essaouira appealed his conviction after he was handed a six year prison sentence. Gallay, 36, said he had to sign confessions in Arabic language that he ignores and appealed the courts decision in tandem with the launch of a campaign in France by his mother and lawyer to demand his liberation. The French convert was arrested in a raid in 2016 by the Moroccan security services. He was found to maintain close links with the head of the Essaouira terrorist cell who was in possession of dangerous arsenal found in his place including firearms and ammunitions as well as equipment to make explosives. Gallay signed confessions saying that he hosted indoctrination meetings of the terrorist cell and admitted loyalty to the terrorist organization Daech. Several Jihadist propaganda videos were seized in his place. His lawyer purports that he was not aware of the Arabic content of these confessions. These claims were refuted by le360.ma portal, which cites an official source saying that a translator was present during interrogations and Gallay was aware of the content of the confessions he signed. Morocco undertook a reform of its penal code in line with international law and human rights as they are universally recognized. Several measures were taken to criminalize justifications of terrorism and to fight money laundering. The creation of the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), known as Moroccos FBI, came to reinforce the legal and security anti-terrorism efforts. Since its creation in 2015, the BCIJ dismantled no less than 45 terrorist cells and arrested at least 548 terrorists who were brought before justice (275 in 2015 and 273 in 2016.) Morocco Confirms it is a Major Economic Force in the Continent Since announcing its willingness to regain its legitimate place within the African Union in July 2016, Morocco added momentum to its economic diplomacy in Africa, signing 113 cooperation agreements with African countries in fields as varied as agriculture, renewable energies, banking, tourism, airline, telecommunication, infrastructure and education. The bulk of these agreements were signed during visits by King Mohammed VI who leads Moroccos Africa foreign policy on the path of promoting an African south-south cooperation model underpinned by co-development and solidarity. In this respect, Jeune Afrique magazine highlighted in an article the efficiency of Moroccos economic diplomacy in Africa, which earned it credibility and support at the African Union where the return of the Kingdom was endorsed by an outspoken majority. Set to build on this new momentum in his countrys ties with African states, King Mohammed VI embarked on a new Royal tour taking him to countries that were until recently aligning with the Algerian-sponsored separatist thesis regarding Moroccos southern provinces. In this regards, immediately after Moroccos return to the African Union was enacted on January 30, King Mohammed VI paid an unprecedented visit to South Sudan and held talks with President Salva Kiir Mayardit. The visit was crowned by the signing of nine cooperation accords. Two weeks later he visited Ghana where he conferred with President Nana Akufo-Addo and co-chaired with him the signing ceremony of 25 governmental and public-private partnership agreements. From Accra, the Sovereign flew to Lusaka for an official visit, the first of its kind in this southern African country. The visit highlighted by talks between King Mohammed VI and President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and the signing of nineteen partnership agreements. The Moroccan King who has just left Zambia this Thursday afternoon is expected to visit other countries, including Guinea, Kenya and Cote dIvoire. These royal visits are the perfect illustration of Moroccos resolve to open up more to all regions of Africa, diversify its partnerships in the continent and further promote South- South cooperation, geared towards the development and prosperity of the African citizen. Africa Renewal, a magazine issued by the Africa Section of the UN department of public information, published in its January issue an article detailing how Morocco gradually established itself as a major economic force in sub-Saharan Africa. Slowly and steadily, Morocco has been establishing itself as a major economic force in sub-Saharan Africa, stated the author of the article, Franck Kwuno, who shed light on Moroccos African endeavor that combines political willingness with diplomatic action and tangible win-win economic projects Over the 10-year period starting in 2004, Moroccos trade with the rest of the continent grew by an annual average of 13% ($3.7 billion) in 2014, 42% of which was with sub-Saharan Africa, wrote Kwuno. The article, citing figures from the World Investment Report 2016, noted that Morocco has earmarked investments worth $600 million in Sub-Saharan Africa, notably in Mali, which got the lions share, followed by Cote dIvoire, Burkina Faso, Senegal and Gabon. Over the decade ending in 2016, Moroccos investment in sub-Saharan Africa represented 85% of its overall foreign direct investment (FDI) stocks, underscored the UN publication. And in its article, Jeune Afrique underscores the pertinence of the cooperation areas in which Morocco is well placed to share know-how with African states, notably agriculture, banking, renewable energy, mines, tourism and logistics. The magazine notes that French-speaking West Africa remains the closest sub-African region and the most important in Moroccos foreign policy, recalling that the King undertook seven tours to this sub-region visiting notably Senegal, Mali, Cote dIvoire, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Gabon. And with the Kings current African tour, new horizons are opening up for Moroccos partnership with Eastern and Southern Africa and for Africas integration, confirming thus that Morocco is really a Major Economic Force in Sub-Saharan Africa. Matthew Schoenberger, of New Orleans, shouts a question at Republican senator Bill Cassidy during a town hall meeting in Metairie, Louisiana, on February 22, 2017. Photo: Jonathan Bachman/Reuters Republican lawmakers brave enough to go home and face constituents in their districts got rewarded with huge turnouts and some raucous crowds. Angry constituents packed venues to capacity. They shouted, cheered, brought signs. They even dressed up. President Donald Trump claimed that the protests were planned out by liberal activists, and while groups such as Indivisible are helping to rally people to attend these meetings, the crowds who turned out asked serious questions about the Affordable Care Act, immigration, and whether anyone in Congress was going to investigate Trump. Here are some highlights from Wednesday night: Springdale, Arkansas -- Cotton town hall--> pic.twitter.com/8AnKhBsf5Z Vaughn Hillyard (@VaughnHillyard) February 22, 2017 A crowd of about 2,000 filled the high-school auditorium in Springdale, Arkansas, for Senator Tom Cottons town hall. Cotton, an immigration hard-liner, got an earful from the crowd, who chanted Do your job and Tax return. Tom Cotton shouted down with chants of "TAX RETURNS!" pic.twitter.com/iEcQDqHnCx Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) February 23, 2017 Crowd at Sen. Tom Cotton's town hall chants "Do your job" during Tom Cotton's town hall. #TomCottonTownHall pic.twitter.com/RcfGiCFMwL Beatrice-Elizabeth Peterson (@MissBeaE) February 23, 2017 Questions about the Affordable Care Act headlined the event. One woman, a 25-year-old constituent, challenged Tom Cotton on whether coverage for preexisting conditions would be available under a new health-care law. Woman in Tom Cotton town hall asks everyone affected by the ACA to stand up. The response: pic.twitter.com/eXlEkyJnFM Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) February 22, 2017 Cotton tried to deflect the question, but the woman who said she relied on Obamacare for coverage, as she suffered from a rare disorder refused to let the senator off the hook: This is a young woman challenging Cotton on ACA replacement plan. 2000 here inside. pic.twitter.com/bBEqIVuzoF Vaughn Hillyard (@VaughnHillyard) February 22, 2017 Cotton improved a bit in an exchange with another attendee, Mary Story, who drew large cheers when she stood up and announced that she was not a paid protester. I dont care if anybody here is paid or not. Youre all Arkansans, Cotton said. Thank you for everyone coming out. Ark. woman to Tom Cotton: "First of all, I am Mary Story from Fayetteville and I am not a paid protester." pic.twitter.com/0ULnW6gWwI Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) February 23, 2017 Immigration, Trumps taxes, and the border wall also came up. A 7-year-old protested PBS cuts. The barrage of questions forced Cotton to extend the town hall about a half-hour. Hour & 15 in...look of the line pic.twitter.com/4rPd7EqPGP Vaughn Hillyard (@VaughnHillyard) February 23, 2017 Louisiana senator Bill Cassidy inadvertently warmed up the crowd by showing up late to his town hall meeting at a library in Metairie, outside of New Orleans. Crowd "Where is he?" at Bill Cassidy Town Hall pic.twitter.com/o7uyngwFOk Matthew Hinton (@MattHintonPhoto) February 22, 2017 It took a little more than 20 minutes, but Cassidy finally showed up. Protesters, unable to fit inside, marched as he began his presentation, which stayed contentious throughout. Long lines forming for Senator Cassidy's town hall meeting that doesn't begin for 2 hours #cassidytownhall @IndivisibleTeam pic.twitter.com/yMkatXpeFA Jane Fulton Alt (@JaneFultonAlt) February 22, 2017 Cassidy had hosted a town hall Tuesday, but it focused on recovery from Baton Rouges devastating floods this summer. Here, the Affordable Care Act dominated, with one man getting ejected for trying to shout over the senator. People have begun turning their backs on @BillCassidy as he launched into his plan to replace the ACA pic.twitter.com/suM0KxziWM Richard Rainey (@rrainey504) February 22, 2017 Cassidy hosted another town hall Thursday, which appeared to be a bit calmer than lasts night forum. About 30 minutes to go until #CassidyTownHall in Napoleonville begins. Here's a look at where it's happening & the (lack of) activity pic.twitter.com/QoclqixlkD Andrea Gallo (@aegallo) February 23, 2017 Nearly 1,000 lined up for Republican representative Tom Emmers town hall in Sartell, Minnesota but only 150 fit inside the small venue. It likely beat the attendance record of all of the congressmans other town halls combined, and even with the largely anti-Trump turnout, was a mostly civil affair. Or as the Star Tribune put it: Minnesota Nice. (The congressmans staff had also warned ahead of time that he would leave if things got too out of hand.) Rousing rendition of "This Land is Your Land" waiting to enter Rep Emmer's town hall meeting Sartell. pic.twitter.com/R1o1OSftp3 Glen Stubbe (@gspphoto) February 23, 2017 The most heated exchanges came over the Affordable Care Act, which Emmer lambasted as a disaster. Sue, of Sartell, says her life is in Emmer's hands with ACA repeal. She has cancer that costs $25k a month to treat pic.twitter.com/IjUSewvwg4 Brian Edwards (@bedwards92) February 23, 2017 All the Minnesotans I know, they dont look at it as being Republican or Democrat, Emmer said about health-care repeal. They want to make sure that you survive, that you thrive, just like everybody else. Emmer responds to question on ACA from woman with cancer. pic.twitter.com/tAAiKBdxre Erin Golden (@golden_erin) February 23, 2017 Do your job! a crowd of about 900 jeered at New Jersey representative Leonard Lance Wednesday night at Raritan Community College in Branchburg. Hundreds more packed an overflow room. Hundreds more protested outside the venue. So did some llamas: According to the Washington Post, Russia questions dominated this town hall, an issue on which Lance is pretty hawkish. My views are that Russia is not a friend of the United States, and that Vladimir Putin has been a bad actor on the world stage, Lance assured the audience. People react in agreement to a question posed to New Jersey Republican congressman Leonard Lance during a town hall meeting at Raritan Valley Community College on February 22, 2017 in Branchburg, New Jersey. Photo: Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/AFP/Getty Images But Lance skirted the question about Trumps tax returns, saying he urges the president to do so, but didnt feel Congress should overreach in investigating the returns of a private individual. The crowd did not like that one: Rep. Leonard Lance receives boos when he says that he doesn't feel a private citizen should have to release their taxes. Adam Kelsey (@adamkelsey) February 23, 2017 "He's the president," responds the questioner. Adam Kelsey (@adamkelsey) February 23, 2017 Constituents whose congressional reps are conspicuously not holding town hall meetings are planning their own empty chair forums, posting missing flyers (or billboards) and, in the case of one California district, pasting a representatives face on milk cartons: Make Orange County Republicans Vote Democratic Again? Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images On November 8, Donald Trump kicked the legs out from under blue America. Liberals barely took the time to writhe on the floor, before arguing about how to get back on their feet. Many of these arguments concerned the relative merits of identity politics and economic populism. Such debates were often incoherent. After all, there is no inherent tension between the aims of reducing identity-based disadvantage, and promoting economic equality. To expand access to abortion or prevent police violence is to aid the economic liberation of working people. To redistribute income and wealth from rich to poor, is to redistribute power from dominant identity groups to marginalized ones. In a perfectly woke world, the values of racial and gender equality and economic justice would be bound together, inextricably. But in the fallen realm of American politics, they arent and not without reason. You are wrong to look at these crowds and think that means everyone wants $15 an hour, the Hillary Clinton campaigns former communications director, Jennifer Palmieri, said of the anti-Trump protest movement earlier this month. Its all about identity on our side now They want to show, He does not support me. I support you, refugee. I support you, immigrant in my neighborhood. I want to defend you. Women who are rejecting Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus are saying theyre saying this is power for them. Donald Trump doesnt take me seriously? Well, Im showing you my value and my power. And I think its like our own version of identity politics on the left thats more empowering. Palmieris remarks were met with derision in progressive circles. And it isnt hard to see why: By minimizing the demands of a (profoundly successful) workers movement while celebrating the empowerment one can find in boycotting Neiman Marcus Palmieri served up a parody of the corporate liberalism Sandernistas long to reject. But while the left can comfortably mock Palmieris prescription (fight Trump, one Nordstrom purchase at a time), it cant so easily dismiss her description of the anti-Trump movement. Without question, there is an energized, left-wing faction in the Democratic Party. But you dont have to be a democratic socialist (or even a social democrat) to despise the immigrant-bashing, pussy-grabbing maniac in the Oval Office. You could, for example, be one of a growing number of upper-middle-class Democrats who like the parts of the progressive agenda that dont cost them money (legal abortion, gay marriage, humane immigration policy, etc.) but have no great appetite for issues of labor or redistribution. As the New York Times Thomas Edsall wrote in 2015: Over the past two decades, the Democratic Party has successfully won over or perhaps its better said that the Republican Party has lost many well-educated, well-paid, fiscally moderate men and women. These voters are repelled by a social conservatism that is anti-abortion, anti-gay rights and anti-womens rights. But they are not eager to see their taxes raised. In 1992, Bill Clinton lost the most affluent segment of the electorate, voters with household incomes over $75,000, by 12 points. In 2008, Obama lost voters with household incomes from $100,000 to $200,000 by 2 points, 50-48, and actually carried voters making over $200,000, 52-46. As the Democratic Party gained these upper-middle-class votes, they bled white-working-class ones, particularly in midwestern labor strongholds, where the collapse of the union movement loosened many voters attachment to Team Blue (or to voting, at all). The Trump-Clinton race both reflected and accelerated these trends. The GOP nominee ran a campaign aimed squarely at white, Rust Belt angst. The Democrat put forward a progressive economic agenda, but focused her paid messaging on the virtues of multicultural tolerance and professional expertise themes affluent meritocrats could comfortably endorse. These messages hit their targets. While the heart of the Trump GOPs coalition was still the upper middle class and rich, the mogul lost voters making under $30,000 by 16 fewer points than Romney did; and those making between $30,000 and $50,000 by six points fewer. Meanwhile, among voters who made between $100,000 and $200,000 a year, Hillary Clinton did nine points better last November than Barack Obama had in 2012. Among those who made more than $200,000, she equaled his unusually high (for a Democrat) 2012 share of the vote. Considering how well-represented the upper middle class and rich are in the Democratic tent and the general (though, not absolute) tendency of those demographics to favor moderate economic policies Palmieri is likely right that not everyone who took to the streets on January 21 is passionate about a $15 minimum wage; and that many are more likely to express their politics by boycotting fashion lines, than by supporting picket ones. And that description applies even more broadly to the voters Democrats will need to win in November 2018. During last years campaign, some Democrats welcomed the shifting class composition of their partys base. As Chuck Schumer infamously reasoned, For every blue-collar Democrat we lose in western Pennsylvania, we will pick up two moderate Republicans in the suburbs in Philadelphia, and you can repeat that in Ohio and Illinois and Wisconsin. This notion wasnt baseless just fatally overstated. Schumers ratio was off, but Clinton did make significant gains in Romney country. From 1936 to 2012, Orange County, California, gave the majority of its votes to Republican presidential candidates. Then, it backed Hillary Clinton by a nine-point margin. In 2012, Texass 7th congressional district which encompasses much of Houstons affluent suburbs backed Mitt Romney by more than 20 points. Last November, it was with her by a margin of 1.4. In fact, Clinton beat Trump in 23 House districts that are currently represented by Republicans, while narrowly trailing him in ten others. And, as Bloombergs Conor Sen notes, what we know about those districts that swung toward Clinton is that theyre full of rich people. Trumps first month in office has only exacerbated the class divide among white voters. The latest Pew poll finds that 61 percent of college-educated whites disapprove of the president; among whites without college diplomas, 57 percent approve of Trump. These demographic trends combined with Republican gerrymandering in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin have left Democrats with only one plausible path to a House majority in 2018. And it doesnt run through the lands that Bernie would have won. As the New York Times Nate Cohn writes, only two of the 24 most competitive districts went for Bernie Sanders in a primary contest. Many broke for Mrs. Clinton by landslide margins. This math goes some way toward explaining why a Democratic communications operative doesnt wish to paint the anti-Trump movement in populist terms and, perhaps, why Republicans plan to run against Elizabeth Warren in 2018. So: There is a considerable, short-term incentive for the Democratic Party to resist calls for a leftward turn particularly on issues of redistribution. Perhaps, Clinton would have been better served in the Electoral College had she broadcast a louder, more populist economic message. But the themes she ran on played just fine in the Sun Belt suburbs where the most vulnerable House Republicans live. Whether its in the Democratic Partys long-term interest to court Romney voters is less clear. Hillary Clintons communications director might not be keen on centering economic populism, but one of her top super-PACs is. In January, Priorities USA commissioned an extensive survey of two key voting groups Obama-Trump swing voters and traditional Democrats (largely African-American and millennial) who stayed at home on Election Day. In an op-ed for USA Today, the super-PACs chairman, Guy Cecil, summarized its findings: These voters swing voters and turnout targets alike are deeply concerned about their economic situation. They cite, for instance, how their income is falling behind the cost of living. As they continue to struggle, they have serious questions about whether the establishment, including the Democratic Party, will do anything to improve their livesBut these voters are still not convinced Trump will make good on his promises to prioritize the working and middle class. They fear Trump and the Republicans will put the interests of wealthy Americans and corporate executives first. Steve Phillips of the Center for American Progress argues, more explicitly, that the party should move further left to recapture the liberal voters that Clinton lost to Jill Stein, Gary Johnson, or apathy: If Democrats had stemmed the defections of white voters to the Libertarian or Green Parties, they would have won Michigan and Wisconsin, and had they also inspired African-Americans in Pennsylvania, Mrs. Clinton would be president. If progressive whites are defecting because they are uninspired by Democrats, moving further to the right will only deepen their disillusionment. To mobilize their base and recover some of the white working-class votes that once built them a blue wall Democrats may need a sharp, class-conscious message about economic opportunity. But centering the partys commitment to the parts of progressivism that dont cost rich people money (which include many issues associated with identity politics) may give it a better chance of taking back the House, and retaining the loyalty of the upscale voters who helped provide Clinton a popular vote majority. Democrats may be able to balance these imperatives. After all, its not impossible to run different messages in different races in the year of Trump, Republicans managed to win Vermonts governors mansion. Plus, Trumps tenure may prove disastrous enough to render the Democrats internal class tensions irrelevant. But for the American left, the Democratic Partys growing reliance on rich voters is a more fundamental challenge. On the stump, Bernie Sanders often suggested that the only things standing between the American people and social democracy were the campaign contributions of millionaires and billionaires. But his partys dependence on the votes of the upper middle-class may be as significant an obstacle. This dependence is not merely the product of white workers shifting rightward; it is also the result of the declining democratic participation of middle- and working-class voters of all races. As Edsall notes, in 1992, lower- and middle-income Americans accounted for 74 percent of the electorate. They made up just 52 percent of the electorate two decades later. Edsall offers a pithy summary of this shifts implications: [T]he size of the target constituency for a political strategy emphasizing middle-class populism has grown substantially smaller, while the size of the affluent voting population that would bear many of the costs of financing the new populism has grown larger. Absent an uptick in working-class-voter participation and the concentration of such voters into a single political party it will be difficult to move economic policy dramatically leftward. Considering that the policies of the Obama era failed to avert the growth of income inequality, an explosion of the racial wealth gap and the triumph of right-wing populism its understandable that many on the left find the partys status quo agenda inadequate. And this desire for more sweeping economic change likely informs many lefties belief that a populist, class-conscious message would bring working people of all colors off the sidelines and into the Democratic tent. From this vantage, there is little tension between the Democratic lefts policy goals and political expediency: The rage of the dispossessed (and the biases of the Electoral College) demand Sandersism or barbarism. Its also understandable that some progressives might look at Trumps deep unpopularity with college-educated whites, and conclude that an alliance with fiscally moderate suburbanites and, thus, a tempering of the lefts economic ambitions is the surest way out of our Trumpist emergency. If there is a genuine tension among Democrats between those who wish to emphasize identity politics over economic populism or vice versa it may be rooted in which of these analyses each side prefers to understand. So far the focus in the Trump era has been on the undocumented. But already plans are underway in Congress to crack down on legal immigrants and refugees as well. Photo: Andrew Renneisen/Getty Images Whatever you think of the politics of restrictions on undocumented immigrants, it is easy to appreciate its simple salience. People who enter the country without official permission or who overstay visas are breaking the law. For a certain kind of mentality, thats enough to justify any manner of punitive action, up to and including forcible deportation, which reverses the lawbreaking and thus heals the wound to the majesty of the law. That the offending parties are not American citizens is grounds for denying them either legal recourse or any sympathy. But legal immigrants are a different matter. They are the people who played by the rules, got in line and waited their turn, and in general did all the things the undocumented failed to do. That is one reason politicians who rail against the undocumented often praise legal immigrants, and make them the proper subject of traditional American appreciation for the huddled masses yearning to breathe free and the idea of the U.S. as a melting pot. Beneath the complaints over the many millions of undocumented immigrants there is an older, darker form of nativism focused on restricting legal immigration, especially from the swarthy ranks of non-European (or at one point, Southern European) peoples who were thought to threaten the cultural hegemony of the WASP (or, later, white folks generally). Until Donald Trump came along, Senator Jeff Sessions, your new attorney general, was the leading exponent of major cutbacks in legal immigration. Now Senators Tom Cotton and David Perdue, Republicans of Arkansas and Georgia, respectively, are bidding fair to replace him in Congress, with legislation aimed at roughly halving levels of legal immigrants and refugees to be allowed into the country. The bill, Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment Act (RAISE Act), would limit the number of family-based visas so that only spouses and unmarried minor children of citizens and permanent residents can get green cards. Currently the law also allows for parents of citizens, as well as siblings, both married and unmarried children over 21, along with their spouses and minor children. The two senators also want to nix the diversity lottery, which grants 50,000 visas each year to people from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. Thirdly, their bill would cap the refugee program at 50,000. According to Pew, the US allowed in 84,995 refugees in the fiscal year which ended in September 2016, the most in any year during the Obama administration. A separate feature of the Cotton-Perdue plan is to move the system for legal immigration away from its current basis on family unification toward what is described as a merit system. This would appear to ameliorate fears among business-oriented Republicans that corporate needs for skilled immigrant labor would be rejected. But both business lobbyists and market-oriented economists believe unskilled immigrant labor is important, too, as a report from Politico notes: Economists overwhelmingly think that immigration is good for the economy. Thats not just true at the high-skilled, but low-skilled level, said Jeremy Robbins, the executive director of the Partnership for a New American Economy, the pro-reform group led by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Robbins, who regularly meets with GOP lawmakers, added: There is overwhelming support in Congress for the idea of immigration as an economic driver, including in the Republican conference. While that is true generally, support for current levels (if not higher) of legal immigration at all ends of the skills spectrum is especially intense in urban areas that rely on such labor, reports Ron Brownstein. Cities of all sizes there have been actively recruiting legal immigrants to combat population decline and replenish their workforce. In an important study for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, public policy consultant Rob Paral found that the native-born working age population declined from 2000-2010 in dozens of Rustbelt citiesfrom Detroit, St. Louis and Kansas City to Akron and Sheboyganas families left for faster-growing regions. Those places all mitigated that crippling contraction by increasing their population of working-age foreign-born adults. Cotton and Perdue, of course, do not represent such areas. And that realization leads to the ugly underlying motive for restrictions on immigration, past, present, and future: Its about stopping demographic change on behalf of people who see the mythological America of their youth slipping away. Theres a political underside to the nativist case as well, articulated by none other than the 45th president of the United States during the presidential campaign: I think this will be the last election if I dont win. I think this will be the last election that the Republicans have a chance of winning because youre going to have people flowing across the border, youre going to have illegal immigrants coming in and theyre going to be legalized and theyre going to be able to vote and once that all happens you can forget it. While Trump was mainly talking about illegal immigration, the political logic extends to those who are already legalized when they enter the country. Now, Cotton and Perdue and like-minded proponents of a general restriction on all kinds of immigrants and refugees will be careful to avoid that kind of argument (publicly, at least). And youll have to follow the alt-right to unearth the subterranean desire for a return to the openly racist policies of the early-to-mid 20th century. Instead, latter-day nativists will echo Trumps national-security rationale for limiting refugees. And with respect to legal immigrants, they will talk endlessly about the alleged damage immigrants do to (white) working-class wages. This is not an imaginary concern, which is why limitations on both legal and illegal immigration used to have significant support on the left, particularly in the labor movement. But at some point, it will defy the laugh test to believe that todays Republicans, with their plenary contempt for anything else that will boost low-end wages or living standards, from minimum wages to overtime pay to collective bargaining to progressive taxation to universal health coverage, really favor restrictions on immigration out of deep compassion for the working class. Yes, Cotton and Perdue and their allies may shed crocodile tears on that subject, but its more likely the case for reactionary immigration policies will depend, as they always have, on reactionary racial and cultural attitudes. Check out that Turtlehead sign. Photo: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images On Wednesday afternoon, Kentucky senator Mitch McConnell entered a Marriott in suburban Louisville through the backdoor, avoiding the hundreds of protesters outside with the Instagram-ready signs and pink pussy hats that have become the hallmark of the resistance in Trumps America. The Senate Majority Leader would spend around 90 minutes in the Marriott ballroom, eating lunch and deigning to answer a handful of questions from constituents who had had the foresight, and spare cash, to buy a ticket days in advance. Three questions in, the audience got a ten-minute warning. The senator would soon leave for another commitment. As he scurried off the stage, McConnell left more than a dozen questioners in line behind the microphone. One of them loudly asked McConnell if he would have a town hall meeting for all of those who would like an audience with their senator without having to buy a seat. The woman didnt get an answer, but she didnt need one. McConnell will be doing no such thing. As his colleagues open up auditoriums to throngs of outraged constituents, the most powerful senator in the country has taken a much more careful approach during this weeks recess. Hes holding events open only to small crowds, most requiring tickets or an RSVP. Hes addressing chambers of commerce, employees of a local utility company, student groups, and the local Republican Party, all while freezing out his most vocal detractors. Please dont call them town halls, Dawn Cooley says. A town hall is something that is open to the public. Its a place where constituents can access their elected officials. What McConnell is doing are pay-to-play events. A co-founder of the newly established Indivisible KY, which is dedicated to resistance to the Trump agenda, Cooley says members of her group have been in touch with McConnells office to request a true town hall but have been stonewalled. Senator McConnell has a tight schedule of constituent visits throughout state work periods, McConnell spokesperson Stephanie Penn wrote me in an email. Asked why McConnell hasnt held any events completely open to the public, Penn encouraged voters to contact McConnell online and follow him on social media. Meanwhile, McConnell is going out of his way to avoid hostile crowds and appear in front of friendly ones, like Wednesdays, which greeted him with a standing ovation when he took the stage. Hes more interested in hearing from business owners who will fund his future campaign than he is in speaking with voters, Cooley says. Of course, his plan isnt foolproof, a point proven by the now-viral video of a Kentuckian berating him at a Tuesday luncheon. Though the occasional rabble-rouser may sneak through, McConnell prefers podiums in front of calm crowds full of people who can afford to spend two hours in the middle of a Wednesday eating a $35 lunch. There, he can not only ignore the enraged, but he can analyze their anger. Theyre sorry they lost the election, he said of his fan club. Their protests are simply an expression of frustration. Hes not wrong. The frustration of protesters was spelled out in plain terms on posterboard a few hundreds yards away from him. They were frustrated about the impending death of the Affordable Care Act (Hear Us! Keep the ACA), President Trumps sexism (Make America Grope Again), the GOPs reluctance to investigate Trumps connection to Putin (Do your Job Mitch. Investigate Russian ties.), and McConnells treatment of Elizabeth Warren on the Senate floor earlier this month (Nevertheless she persisted.). But it was McConnells refusal to poke his head out of his shell that appeared to draw most of the ire, evident by signs that read: Coward dont hide, we be waiting outside!! You cant hide from karma, Talk to us Mitch, and Face your people Mitch. Several declared a refusal to go home, a reference to a line he delivered Tuesday. On Friday, McConnell will be the keynote speaker at the Jefferson County GOPs Lincoln Day dinner. The cheapest ticket to the event is $60 and McConnells fan club is planning to be there, outside of the hotel ballroom where it will be held, holding a protest dubbed the Hunt for Mitch. He may be doing everything he can to stay away from his constituents, but, Cooley says, We are not letting him avoid us. Photo: Fox News Until recently, Sebastian Gorka, a deputy assistant to President Trump and a self-proclaimed expert on radical Islam, wasnt a well-known or respected figure in the national-security community. In fact, every profile of him and there have been a bunch lately quotes national-security wonks either saying they hadnt heard of Gorka until he was appointed by Trump, or casting aspersions on his scholarship. When I first encountered his name during the transition, I did a triple-take, Daniel Benjamin, counterterrorism coordinator for Hillary Clinton when she was secretary of State, told Politico. Ive been in counterterrorism since 1998, and I thought I knew everyone. But Id never heard his name and couldnt recall anything hed written or said. Cindy Storer, a former CIA analyst and radicalization expert, was more straightforward: He thinks the government and intelligence agencies dont know anything about radicalization, but the government knows a lot and thinks hes nuts, she told the Washington Post. As these and other articles have pointed out, Gorka, who has a Ph.D. in political science from his native Hungary (correction: his parents are from there, but Gorka was born in Britain), is a relative newcomer to counterterrorism, and simply hasnt built up an impressive academic track record on the subject. (The fact that, per Politico, [s]everal passages of [Gorkas] 2007 dissertation appear to be lifted verbatim from a Human Events article written by his wife, who works in the same field, doesnt help matters.) But Gorka, who prior to Trumps inauguration crowed to Fox News that the alpha males are back in charge, isnt in the White House because of his CV; rather, the available evidence suggests hes there because of his hard-line beliefs. He is an ardent proponent of the counter-jihad ideology that permeates the Trump administration, and which is centered on Steve Bannon and Trump himself the belief that America is locked in a global war with radical Islam that most people dont take nearly seriously enough, and that both the EU and the U.S. are seriously threatened by the possible imposition of Sharia law by hordes of innocent-seeming Muslims. (Before he was ousted, former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn was an enthusiastic proponent as well.) Gorka has helped spread these sorts of ideas both in his recently released book, Defeating Jihad: The Winnable War, and in his role as a Breitbarts former national security editor and a TV talking head. Like Gorka himself, this counter-jihad movement is not taken seriously by the mainstream national-security establishment. Members of that establishment acknowledge that radical Islamic terrorism is a problem, of course, but simply dont see the epochal, black-and-white civilizational struggle folks like Gorka, or the counter-jihad movements de facto leader Frank Gaffney (who has advised Trump in the past), do. Nor do they fall in for some of the feverish conspiracy theorizing that persistently dogs the movement Gaffney, for example, frequently spread the falsehood that former president Obama himself was a radical Muslim trying to help terror groups from within the White House. Rather, members of the national-security establishment understand that different Muslim-affiliated terror groups have different motivations not all of them religious and dont see it as their role to overhype the reach and strategic strength of groups like ISIS or Al Qaeda, when those groups happen to be in decline. (While the mainstream natsec community is decidedly more reality-based than the counter-jihadists, that doesnt mean it hasnt also screwed up in spectacular ways over the years, of course.) This gap between the excesses of counter-jihad and the more deliberate and rational approach taken by the mainstream natsec community is inevitably going to cause tensions within the Trump White House, simply because the two camps see the world so differently. Trump appointees like Jim Mattis and Flynns replacement, H.R. McMaster, do not believe we are locked in an existential struggle against a giant Muslim conspiracy; Gorka, Bannon, and Trump do. The divide manifested itself in an interesting way yesterday morning on Fox & Friends. During the broadcast, Gorka, in the course of discussing a former Guantanamo Bay detainee who recently blew himself up in Iraq and making the case for the expand-Guantanamo-dont-close-it toughness that characterized Trumps terror-talk during the campaign offered some scary statistics about what might happen if more Gitmo detainees are released. We know theres at least 30 if not more than 40 percent recidivism rate from the people released at Gitmo, Gorka said. President Obama released lots and lots of people that were there for very good reason, and what happened? Almost half the time they returned to the battlefield. But according to the governments own statistics that is, statistics prepared by the sorts of wonks who tend to say mean things about Gorka thats just not true. Federal law requires the director of National Intelligence to release a public report at least every six months that tracks what has happened to released Gitmo detainees. Heres a handy chart from the most recent one, published in July of last year: The main thing that stands out is that the Obama years saw a much lower recidivism rate among former Gitmo prisoners than the Bush years. Since Obama was sworn in, the recidivism rate for released Gitmo inmates has been just 5.6 percent, or 12.4 percent if you count each and every suspected case of recidivism as a confirmed one as well. During the Bush years, those rates were 21.2 percent and 35.3 percent, respectively. According to Human Rights First, an advocacy group, this change is mostly attributable to the fact that the Obama administration instituted a more thorough vetting process than the George W. Bush administration had in place (though there could be other contributing factors as well, such as the reduced direct-combat role of the U.S. in Iraq and Afghanistan). So it simply doesnt make any sense for Gorka, in the course of criticizing the Obama administration, to claim the recidivism rate is between 30 and 40 percent let alone almost half. During the Obama years, the recidivism rate was a fraction of that. John Horgan, a psychology professor at Georgia State who is a leading researcher in the field of countering violent extremism, said that he viewed Gorkas claims as emblematic of his broader disdain for mainstream national-security and CVE work. The reality is he is someone who uses the credibility associated with having a PhD and associated with being an academic, he told Intelligencer, but at the same time wants to stand outside that and doesnt want to be held to facts and figures and evidence, and you simply cant have it both ways. (Horgan, who doesnt have an affiliation with Human Rights First, also said he thought the organizations account about the difference between the Bush and Obama administrations Guantanamo Bay policies was accurate.) And the broader problem, Horgan said, is that the counter-jihad framing itself simply doesnt lend itself well to the careful, rational and cost-benefit-analysis-laden work that is supposed to define this sort of policy making. Bannon and Gorka and their colleagues have framed this as an existential threat that cant be qualified, cant be measured, cant be thought about in terms of facts and figures and evidence, he said. And if we buy into that narrative then we have lost perspective. Of course, if Gorkas ultimate goal is to promote the idea of an apocalyptic struggle between Islam and the West, it makes perfect sense that he would overstate the probability of recidivism among Guantanamo detainees. But this is just a Fox & Friends segment, relatively harmless in the grand scheme of things. What happens when it comes time to carefully evaluate a complicated pile of evidence and make a big decision about national-security policy or counterterrorism? Who will win, the Trump-Bannon-Gorka crowd, or Mattis, McMaster, and their allies in the traditional national-security establishment? Rex Tillerson wouldnt win an order of friendship from President Trump, but maybe he can change that. Photo: Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images Rex Tillerson may be fourth in line for the presidency, but Americans could probably identify President Trumps chief strategist, chief of staff, and Education secretary more easily than his secretary of State. The immediate reason for Tillersons low public profile is that hes yet to make any public speeches, and in the past month the State Department hasnt offered any daily press briefings, a tradition that dates back to the 50s. While the former Exxon CEO speaks with Trump regularly and has had meetings with various foreign ministers, he was not present during the presidents recent meetings with foreign leaders. While the State Department has been the leading voice on foreign policy matters in previous administrations, it appears the department has been sidelined, with top Trump advisers taking diplomatic matters into their own hands. Chief strategist Stephen Bannon attends National Security Council meetings and the Washington Post reports that he recently spoke with the German ambassador. Jared Kushner, Trumps adviser and son-in-law, has been tasked with smoothing over relations with Mexico and brokering a Middle East peace deal. Tillerson isnt being purposefully sidelined; hes just caught up in an administration with too many competing power centers and a president whos unwilling or unable to decide who he wants to play the lead role in implementing his foreign policy, Aaron David Miller, a former diplomat who advised Republican and Democratic presidents on the Middle East, told the Post. The problem is letting a thousand flowers and tweets bloom isnt the best way to run the foreign policy of the worlds most consequential power. Since Tillerson spent his entire career at Exxon, its no surprise that its taking him some time to get up to speed. However, it appears the president is making the process more difficult. As in other federal agencies, many positions have yet to be filled, and Trump nixed Tillersons choice of Elliott Abrams for deputy secretary of State (because he opposed Trump during the campaign, not because of his previous involvement in covertly selling weapons to Iran and promoting genocide). Politico reports that the career civil servants in the State Department are worried about cutbacks, and they arent getting a lot of direction from the new Trump appointees who are in place. Its like high school, said one state official. The Trump people all sit together at the tables at lunch. Now Tillerson is looking for a way to signal to both staffers and foreign governments that the State Departments influence isnt waning. Politico reports that hes asked aides to draft a paper explaining ways that he can increase his access to reporters and boost his media presence. Previous reports suggest media appearances are a key way of communicating with the TV-obsessed president, but its a risky move. Trump is said to pay close attention to aides missteps on TV, and even how theyre portrayed on SNL. Kellyanne Conway disappeared from the airwaves in the last week after claiming National Security Adviser Michael Flynn had the presidents full confidence hours before he was fired. The last thing Tillerson needs is to be caught publicly contradicting Trump because he didnt catch the presidents latest angry phone call with a U.S. ally. Tom Perez. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Jaime Harrison began Thursday with a grip on third place in the race for the chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee and ended it by throwing his support to front-runner Tom Perez. Before Harrison bowed out, it was widely assumed that the DNC contest wouldnt be settled on the first ballot. A crowded field, led by Perez and Minnesota congressman Keith Ellison, was expected to split the DNCs 447 members such that no candidate would have the simple majority required for victory. Weaker candidates would then drop out, allowing the stronger ones to vie for their endorsements. Harrison and South Bend, Indianas mayor Pete Buttigieg who had been nipping at Harrisons heels in unofficial vote counts were both counting on a surge of support on the second ballot to claim victory. But on Wednesday, Howard Dean (who helped engineer the Democrats 2006 wave) endorsed Buttigieg, and Harrison appears to have concluded that his prospects were dim shortly thereafter. In a former job, I whipped votes for House Democrats. I know what a path to victory looks like, Harrison said in an email to DNC members. Despite strong performances at the debate and DNC regional forums, the votes are simply not there for me to secure victory on Saturday. NBC News reports that Harrison could swing as many as 20 votes into Perezs column possibly enough for the former Labor secretary to secure the chairmanship on first ballot. Like the famed political commissars of the Soviet Red Army, Trumps loyalists embedded in federal agencies ensure discipline at the expense of efficiency. Photo: Max Alpert/RIA Novosti Archive Its no secret that the pace of hiring for top-level non-Cabinet positions in the fine-tuned machine that is the Donald Trump administration is glacial. Trump and his supporters like to blame the inactivity on Democratic slow-walking of Senate confirmations. The truth is you cannot obstruct nominations that have not yet been made, which is the situation with the vast majority of the 549 Senate-confirmed positions, most of which have not been filled not to mention the thousands of other essential jobs that do not require Senate approval. Politico today casts some light on the problem in a long piece on disputes between the White House and Cabinet members over personnel issues. It seems the principle of letting Trumps top appointees choose their own teams extends only so far as the universe of people who have never in any way disrespected the Boss or otherwise annoyed the people now running the White House. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and HUD Secretary Ben Carson are all cited as officials who have had top proposed appointees vetoed by the White House. It seems to be a systemic problem. Heavily involved in the hiring process has been White House chief of staff Reince Priebus, who has told allies he wants his people across the administration, both in the West Wing and the federal agencies. The White House has even signed off on low-level hires at times. But White House interference goes deeper than sign-offs from on high, as this intriguing passage indicates: The White House has created a new position, called senior White House adviser, atop agencies and in many cases installed top campaign aides in those spots. A lot of these special advisers are overwhelmed, because they have very little relevant issue area expertise and are sometimes way out of their depth, one person involved in Trumps administration said. For example, Sam Clovis, who led Trumps national campaign for some time, is the adviser at the Agriculture Department. Wells Griffith, another former campaign official, is at the Energy Department. Several other Trump campaign aides are now in these positions, and they frequently meet with political appointees and the White House. What Politico is describing is a system of embedding in agencies people whose loyalties are to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, not to the leadership of the institutions where they work. People like that can be described as political commissars, to use the term made famous in the Soviet Union for the agents sent to impose ideological discipline, particularly in military units. The practice by no means proves authoritarian leanings in Trump World, but it is safe to say it is consistent with an approach to government that values power more than performance. For sure, it slows the fine-tuned machine down to a crawl. A rally in support of immigrant rights in Los Angeles on February 18, 2017. Photo: Ronen Tivony/Sipa USA via AP A 26-year-old Salvadoran woman being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement collapsed at a detention center earlier this month after complaining of severe headaches. She was taken to Texas Health Huguley Hospital in Burleson, Texas, and diagnosed with a brain tumor. On Wednesday afternoon, lawyers representing the woman, who was identified only as Sara, said she was expected to undergo surgery soon. Her attorneys and family members, who are in New Jersey, told the Daily Beast that they could not speak to her on the phone owing to ICEs limitations on communications with hospitalized detainees, though they feared she would die before their request to speak with her was processed. A local attorney who visited Sara on Tuesday over the objections of two guards said she wasnt allowed to speak with the hospital chaplain either. Hours later, the Hill reported that Sara was discharged and taken to Prairieland Detention Center against her will. She told us they tied her hands and ankles in her condition, said Melissa Zuniga, one of Saras attorneys. Shes complaining of a lot of pain. Saras condition and the reasons for her transfer back to the detention center are unclear. (Zuniga said the hospital doesnt want the case because theyre getting hounded by calls and a potential lawsuit.) But stories like hers are adding to the fear thats gripped undocumented immigrants after the Trump administration revealed its plan to step up deportations. While previous administrations focused on undocumented immigrants convicted of serious crimes, under the guidelines released this week, federal agents are to target anyone in the country illegally with the exception of those granted protection from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Even before the new rules were fleshed out, a nationwide surge in immigration raids put the undocumented on edge. The New York Times reports that, across the country, many have gone into hiding. Suddenly, there are more empty seats in classrooms, fewer day laborers are gathered on street corners looking for work, and restaurants that serve large undocumented populations have seen a sharp drop off in business. Per the Times: It has kept Meli, 37, who arrived in Los Angeles from El Salvador more than 12 years ago, in a state of self-imposed house arrest, refusing to drive, fearing to leave her home, wondering how she will take her younger son, who is autistic, to doctors appointments. I dont want to go to the store, to church they are looking everywhere, and they know where to find us, said Meli, who asked that her last name not be used out of fear of getting caught. They could be waiting for us anywhere. Any corner, any block. According to federal rules, there should be places where undocumented immigrants are unlikely to be arrested. The Department of Homeland Security says the sensitive locations policy which directs federal agents to avoid enforcement actions at places like schools, places of worship, and hospitals is still in effect. The policy allows for exceptions in exigent circumstances, and some worry thats being interpreted broadly. Last week, an alleged domestic violence victim was arrested at an El Paso, Texas, courthouse after she was granted a protective order, and two men in Fairfax County, Virginia, were arrested as they exited a church homeless shelter. A woman told officials at an elementary school in Centreville, Virginia, that her sons father was arrested after dropping him off at school. Nevertheless, school districts across the country including Chicago and Los Angeles have tried to allay parents fears by declaring they will not let ICE agents on campus without a warrant. Theres also been a sharp increase in the number of religious communities offering shelter to undocumented immigrants. Reverend Noel Andersen, the national grassroots organizer for Church World Service, told The Tennessean that there were 400 congregations offering sanctuary before the election, and now there are more than 800 congregations in 45 states. Some religiously affiliated groups are even organizing volunteers to quickly assemble to document and peacefully disrupt ICE raids. The broader strategy is to shine a light on what ICE is doing, Peter Pedemonti, director of the New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia, told Mother Jones. We want ICE to know that if they come into our neighborhoods and try to drag away our friends and neighbors, we are going to be there to slow it down and disrupt it. Photo: Spencer Grant/Getty Images/Science Source A bird. A bat. A cervix. A rib cage. These are among the many, many answers that have been offered up in the century since Hermann Rorschach, a dashing young Swiss psychiatrist, first invented his inkblot test, and psychologists the world over began asking their patients: What might this be? The ten images Rorschach designed in a feverish period from 1917 to 1918 are the same images that psychologists still use to try and assess those aspects of human psychology that other, more straightforward exams might miss. A century later, these iconic blots remain one of the most studied and popular personality tests in the United States. They are admissible in court, used as evidence in custody battles; they are considered scientific enough to be reimbursed by insurance companies. And even as research on human psychology has raced ahead, as high-tech machines have arrived to examine the human brain in ways never before possible, there is something about these Rorschach images that keeps them in psychologys armament still. I often find myself asking why everyone is so skeptical of the Rorschach test, says Damion Searls, the author of a new book on the subject, The Inkblots. Because according to the peer-reviewed science, its at least as well-supported as any other personality test, and thats after being subjected to more scrutiny than most. Searls, a writer and translator, provides a rich cultural history of the Rorschach test, along with the first proper biography of Hermann Rorschach himself. By now, the Rorschach images have been looked at and puzzled over by millions of people; theyve transcended their status as psychological test and become cultural metaphor, endlessly accommodating in their stretch. Im a Rorschach test, Hillary Clinton first said in 1993, by which she meant: You can tell a lot about a person by how he reacts to me. She continued to use the line for the next two and a half decades. Theyre the ten most-looked-at images of the 20th century, probably, Searls told me last week. Searls has been on the Rorschach trail awhile, becoming intrigued with the subject around 2010, and visiting Bern, Switzerland, to see for himself what might be available in the archives for a would-be biographer. In his letters, Rorschach is utterly charming: witty, irreverent, compassionate, and feminist. Attracted to all things Russian, he married a Russian woman a fellow psychiatrist and the two settled in the Swiss town of Herisau, where they worked at the local mental asylum. There, Rorschach puzzled over how to help his patients. It was the first decades of the 20th century, and psychiatry was undergoing a significant upheaval. By the time Rorschach was a qualified doctor, psychoanalysis, with its emphasis on the unseen, on buried urges and repressed desires, was captivating thinkers well outside of Freuds Vienna. In fact, as a student in Zurich, Rorschach had directly encountered one of psychoanalysiss great stars and proponents, Carl Jung, whose university lectures he attended. Jung was spreading the revolutionary idea of the unconscious mind: that truth roils below the surface of what we can see. Jung told his audiences of students and followers that their secret stories were more integral to the field of psychology than any dry scientific or statistical method could ever hope to be. Searls cannot pinpoint the exact moment when Rorschach first had the idea to use inkblots to access those secret stories, to try and get a read on the inner core of a persons psychology, but he points out an interesting detail: Rorschach whose father had been a painter, and who himself was deeply visual was nicknamed Klex as a university student, the German word for inkblot. In fact, klexogaphy trying to pull meaning from accidental blots of ink was a fairly common childhood game. And by the time Rorschach was working as a doctor, there were even a few others who were using inkblots to test human subjects on how imaginative they were, by counting up the number of answers a person could come up with when looking at an inkblot, no matter how bizarre or nonsensical they might be. But Rorschachs interest was not in questions of imagination, but rather in perception. He wanted to design a test to explore how people saw the world around them, with all the psychological depth that implies. The Rorschach test rests on one basic premise: seeing is an act not just of the eye, but of the mind; and not just of the visual cortex or some other isolated part of the brain, but of the whole person, Searls writes. If that is true, a visual task that calls upon enough of our perceptual powers will reveal the mind at work. In 1917, now in his early 30s, Rorschach, fascinated by visual culture, the son of a painter and a painter himself, sat down to fuse the two different sides of his brain together: art and science. In his biography, hes such this artist type, who then has this sort of intuitive flash and then turns into this scrupulous, responsible scientist type, who wants to do statistics and get sample sizes that are big enough and doesnt want to overstep and is really concerned that it not be misused, Searls told me. Photo: Spencer Grant/Getty Images/Science Source So why those ten images? Searls doesnt know exactly. Nobody does. Very little survives about Rorschachs aesthetic reasoning as he designed the cards that would constitute the test. But the ten images that Rorschach ultimately emerged with, in 1918, are the exact same ten images we still know today as the Rorschach test. No one has ever been able to come up with a better version. Theyre not trying to be art, but theyre not not art either, Searls says. There have been attempts over the decades to try and come up with new inkblots, but they never work. Theyre just not as good, theyre not as interesting. The blots really have to look like something, but just not too much like something. Or, as Searls writes, the genius of the Rorschach images lies in just how they strain at the edge of the intelligible. That the Rorschach uses images, not words, as prompts is what gives it its unique power. Its a visual test, so it gets around your defenses and conscious strategies of self-presentation, Searls tells us. You can manage what you want to say but you cant manage what you want to see. The set-up is simple. Test takers are presented with ten different cards, each stamped with its own ambiguous but symmetrical blob, some black and white, some using color, and prompted by the examiner with the open-ended question: What might be this be? There are no rules, no guidelines, no structure for how to answer. In fact, the subject is encouraged to feel that all answers are good answers. And as the subject proceeds to describe what he or she sees on the cards, the examiner carefully records their remarks. We can still see this desire to be understood at play when even the silliest personality test on BuzzFeed goes viral, millions eager to find the answer to, Which Seinfeld character are you? Rorschach, who showed his images to hundreds of patients at the Krombach psychiatric hospital, sorted their answers into three basic categories: Form, Movement, and Color. The extent to which a subject favored one kind of answer more than another went into Rorschachs careful scoring system, from which he could create a psychological profile. Form answers in which subjects described what the different shapes looked like were the most common, and Rorschach believed they displayed conscious reasoning powers, like attention and accuracy. But Rorschach believed that it was the Movement and Color responses that were the keys to the personality, the clues to a persons unconscious mind. The more M responses, the greater a persons psychic inner life. People who got waylaid by the color used in some of the cards, like the bright red in card 2, tended to get carried away with their emotions, become less able to rationally perceive the forms on the cards, less able to see what was really there. As he administered the test to more and more patients, Rorschach discovered concrete patterns. He noticed, for instance, that if he tested a manic-depressive patient in a depressive phase, they would tend to give no movement or color responses; they would start small, looking at details, before transferring their attention to the whole image (the opposite pattern was more common); and would also give fewer responses on the whole. A schizophrenic patient would be more likely to get swept up in Color answers or refuse to answer at all, rejecting whole cards. Quickly, Rorschachs test began getting attention in Europe, especially when it became clear that a trained examiner could read a test result blind and understand quite a bit about the patient who had taken it, often describing a psychological profile in details that resonated for the those who actually knew the patient. But just as it was all beginning, Rorschach himself died, of appendicitis, at the age of 37. He didnt live long enough to see that his test was about to rocket to icon status in America, of all places. Photo: William Bon/Getty Images Indeed, Searls argues that there was nothing accidental about the fact that the Rorschach soared straight into the heart of American culture. It is here, in America, that we have this kind of fascination with the personality, your mysterious, unique style, as opposed to looking at: are you a good person? Do you provide for your family? It doesnt matter if youre good, it matters if youre charismatic, he said. This idea that who you are isnt about what you do, its about who you are in the inside that actually isnt a universal way of looking at the world, its a pretty American way. The Rorschach test promised, like an x-ray, to read the internal core of our American specialness, to get to the very essence of our individuality. We can still see this desire to be understood at play when even the silliest personality test on BuzzFeed goes viral, millions eager to find the answer to, Which Seinfeld character are you? By the 1940s, the test had thoroughly infiltrated American practices, both at home and abroad. American psychologists in Nuremberg administered it to Nazi war criminals, trying to find the key to the Nazi mind. (They couldnt.) American anthropologists like Cora Du Bois visited remote villages in places like Bali, giving the natives there the Rorschach test and diligently recording their answers, searching for clarity on the question of how culture shapes personality. Back home, the American government adapted the test to screen millions of army recruits. The thing about it was this: The test worked. Scores were consistent across different examiners; a trained examiner could read results and give an uncannily accurate assessment without having ever met the person in question. Of course, the test doesnt always work the way one might wish. Over the years, it has waxed and waned in use, been tweaked and adapted, the scoring system refined. Academic battles have raged over differing Rorschach philosophies. It has suffered massive blows to its credibility when testers missed, for example, the potential for child abuse by one parent in a bad divorce proceeding. But something has kept the Rorschach in circulation; there is an apparent force those ten images exert on those who look at them, both seductive and mysterious, perhaps even a little black magical. And with The Inkblots, the Rorschach, in all its ambiguity, finally has the richly complex life history it deserves. A family returns to the United States at the Miami International Airport. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images Youre an American citizen, returning from a trip abroad. As you pass through customs, what can customs agents do with your phone, laptop, tablet, or any other digital device you may be carrying? As U.S.-born NASA scientist Sidd Bikkannavar found out when returning from Chile in early February, they can aggressively press you to give up your phones PIN, copy everything on your phone, and then send you on your way. While the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the nations largest law-enforcement agency, it operates under a significantly different set of regulations than your local police department. And that means it can search the phone of anyone whether youre a U.S. citizen or foreign national who crosses the U.S. border, even without the suspicion that someone is committing a crime. Why? It all comes down to something called the border search exception. The Fourth Amendment, the border, and you As a citizen of the United States, youre generally under the protection of the Fourth Amendment, which protects against the search and seizure of your person and belongings without law enforcement first finding probable cause, and obtaining a warrant from the courts. But the Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld that the Fourth Amendments requirements that law-enforcement agents produce probable cause and obtain a warrant are suspended at the border, due to the public interest in preventing the entry of dangerous weapons, drugs, or illegal content like child pornography. This exception has been in place for decades, but has only recently become a larger privacy concern. Before the advent of laptops and smartphones, the privacy interest was relatively low when you had one piece of luggage for a week-long trip to Baja, says Sophia Cope, staff attorney for the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Even if you were carrying your work briefcase, there was a hard limit on how much information you could carry theres only so much paper you could fit in there. Not so much when your phone or laptop could contain everything from personal photos to tax records. In August of 2009, CBP Directive 3340-049 laid out its policies on searching electronic devices (its explained in a-bit-more-understandable English in the CBPs Privacy Impact Assessment). While it had already been searching electronic devices before this, the CBPs directive formally declared its position, which is clear cut: In the course of a border search, with or without individualized suspicion, an Officer may examine electronic devices and may review and analyze the information encountered at the border. In other words, CBP agents can take a look at your phone whenever they feel like it. DHSs official position is they do not need any level of suspicion in order to search a persons mobile computing device, whether a laptop or a cell phone, says Greg Nojeim, senior counsel for the Center for Democracy and Technology. Your options If, for whatever reason, you dont want to have border agents sifting through your personal data, you have a few options when traveling. You always have the right to remain silent and this extends to not revealing your password or PIN when asked. Some courts have found that a person cannot be compelled by the government to disclose their password, because it can violate their right against self-incrimination, says Nojeim. This protection, however, may not extend to any device that can be unlocked with your fingerprint or other biometric indicators. The distinction is a subtle but important one: Your PIN or password is information you have memorized in your mind, which courts have repeatedly affirmed you cannot be forced into giving up. Your body, however, is not so free so federal agents can force you to unlock your phone using your fingerprint. You may want to disable that fingerprint-unlock feature on your phone before you travel. Regardless, clamming up about your password can only take you so far. If the CBP is determined to see what information you have, they can detain your devices until a legal search can be completed on them. This means, while you will eventually be allowed to reenter the U.S., your device will stay behind. If they want to do a deeper dive on your device, they need only have reasonable suspicion a looser standard than probable cause, and one that doesnt require a courts approval to use various tools on your devices in an attempt to unlock and do a deep search of your data. The safest (and most expensive) option is to travel with a separate phone or laptop altogether. Before heading to the airport, wipe your travel phone and laptop (after backing up vital data to a cloud service somewhere). When returning to the U.S., you can present your phone and laptop if asked without worry. If thats not possible, you can also turn to full-disk encryption to protect your information. (The iPhone uses encryption by default, and there are numerous solutions for doing the same to your Mac or PC laptop, as well as an Android device.) The issue here is that youll still be asked to power on your device and provide your password, meaning any encryption you had in place on your phone or laptop will be rendered useless. If you choose to not give up your password, your device can still be detained, and forensic tools used to attempt to decrypt it, if the CBP has reasonable suspicion. And finally, if you are pulled aside for further screening, you can choose to simply give up your password and hope you can make it through without losing your device, or without being detained for a significant period of time. You may still want to take a moment before returning to the U.S. to delete any truly sensitive information on your phone, tablet, or laptop. The biggest concern: delete any communication or social-media apps on your phone that you dont want someone looking at. As part of a search, CBP agents could easily open your mail or Facebook app and scan messages, friends, and recent activity. (Cope says EFF has heard, anecdotally, of this happening already.) The one thing you cant do: lie to a CBP agent. CBP officers are federal agents, the same as FBI officers, and deceiving them can result in a charge of making false statements, a federal crime that can result in jail time. The future Since 2009, when the CBP first established its policies on what it can do when searching your electronic devices, there have been a few major cases that have altered the legal landscape. The first, U.S. v. Cotterman, was a Ninth Court decision that declared that border agents must have reasonable suspicion in order to perform forensic examination of your devices. The second, Riley v. California, was a Supreme Court case that determined that when someone is arrested, law-enforcement officials must still provide probable cause and obtain a search warrant before searching their phone. The Electronic Frontier Foundation hopes that the CBP can be persuaded to take both rulings into account when (and if) it considers a new policy, calling the 2009 policy woefully out of date. The new Department of Homeland Security chief, John Kelly, makes that seem unlikely in the near term. Hes also declared he wants the CBP to have the right to not only search phones but to also force foreign nationals to provide the passwords to online accounts. We want to get on their social media, with passwords: What do you do, what do you say? said Kelly in front of the House Committee on Homeland Security earlier this month. If they dont want to cooperate then you dont come in. Meanwhile, Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat representing Oregon, sent a letter on Tuesday announcing that he plans to put forward legislation requiring a probable-cause warrant before a CBP agent could search a phone, or force foreign visitors to give up their online passwords. The bill would face strong headwinds it would need to make it through Republican-controlled Congress and past Trumps desk without getting vetoed. Still, it represents the first time that a senator is agitating for a change of the CBPs policy on searching electronic devices. The CBP says it prohibits consideration of race or ethnicity in law enforcement, investigation, and screening activities, in all but the most exceptional circumstances. But reading through the numerous reports of American citizens who have had their electronic devices searched, its hard not to see a pattern: many are Muslim or might scan as Muslim to a CBP agent standing duty in, say, Niagara Falls. Add to this the continuing turmoil of Trumps executive orders on immigration from majority-Muslim countries as they work their way through the legal system (while Trump continues to issue new ones) and you have a situation that should give pause to anyone who cares about privacy. The CBP maintains that such searches are rare. Despite an increase in electronic-media searches during the last fiscal year, it remains that CBP examines the electronic devices of less than one-hundredth of one percent of travelers arriving to the United States, says a spokesperson to Select All. Per the CBP, from October 1, 2015, to September 30, 2016, 390 million people passed through the border. Of those, 23,877 had their digital devices searched. Sophia Cope at the Electronic Frontier Foundation remains skeptical. While the percentage of data searches might be small, she says, to the extent that CBP is searching digital devices without a warrant or individualized suspicion, even one constitutional violation is concerning. But what can you do while CBP policy stands as is? The most basic advice we give people is minimize the amount of data you carry with you, says Cope. Protect the data you do carry with you through encryption, disengage biometric unlocks, and when you travel, power down your device and use strong passwords. Margaret Atwoods dystopian novel is suddenly fresh again. In the first few weeks of the Trump administration, I reread The Handmaids Tale. It had been almost exactly 30 years since Id last visited Margaret Atwoods fictional feminist dystopia, but Id been thinking a lot about it. The book, like its authoritarian forerunner 1984, has recently returned to best-seller lists, only in part because a television adaptation is scheduled to air on Hulu in April. It will star Elisabeth Moss in the role of Offred, the heroine whose life, body, husband, daughter, and original name have been stolen from her in the futuristic, religiously ordered Republic of Gilead. We never wanted the show to be this relevant, Moss has said of the television adaptation, which was written, green-lit, and already in production before Donald J. Trump was elected president. Before an Oklahoma lawmaker described women as hosts while defending his bill that would require women seeking abortions to gain written permission from the father of the child; before a Texas woman reporting abuse at the hands of her boyfriend was detained by immigration forces in the courtroom reserved for domestic-violence cases; before a report was released showing that violence and threats directed at abortion clinics are at their highest in 20 years; before Mitch McConnell silenced Elizabeth Warren while she read a letter by Coretta Scott King on the Senate floor; before a secretary of Education who has said she sees education as a means to advance Gods kingdom was confirmed; and before the First Lady of the United States opened her husbands rally in Florida with the Lords Prayer. And these examples are just from the span of days during which I was rereading the book. But the decision to bring The Handmaids Tale to screen, in advance of our present political circumstances, did not require some sort of mystical clairvoyance. The Handmaids Tale was born of, and now has been revivified in, a period of anti-feminist backlash a response to the gains of women that certainly affected the 2016 election, but which had been playing out long before. Margaret Atwood, who is Canadian, published The Handmaids Tale, set in what were to understand was formerly the state of Massachusetts, in 1985. Atwood has said that one of her rules for writing it was that she couldnt put anything into the novel that human beings hadnt actually done and it is bracing to understand as an adult as I didnt, really, on my first read that everything in the book, from public executions and forced births and separation of mothers from children, to the public shaming and banishment and physical punishment of non-conforming women, has historical roots in America, from slavery to Salem. The years in which Atwood was writing her book were the ones in which conservative politics had joined forces with religious fundamentalism to elect Ronald Reagan, and the cultural attitudes toward the womens movement of the late-20th century had chilled into a frozen tundra of anti-feminist sentiment. The messages of the 1980s, many of which would be collected in Susan Faludis 1992 book Backlash, were often about the perceived costs of womens liberation: the dropping birthrate, the miserable and loveless career women, single mothers of color as welfare queens, men under attack. Women, as they always have, participated in and sometimes led the cultural repudiation of feminism, either as public crusaders in the mode of conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly, whose efforts to block the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment had finally succeeded in 1982, or as apathetic eye-rollers eager to differentiate themselves from the now-embarrassing caricature of feminist agitation. Atwood nods to the merely apathetic in the book: Offred (whose Gileadean name indicates her possession by the Commander whose children shes meant to bear) grew up feeling ambivalent about the radical feminism of her mother, an activist whose face is shown at the handmaids reeducation center as an example of an Unwoman. Offred recalls how her mother used to tell her, Youre just a backlash You young people dont appreciate things You dont know what we had to go through, just to get you where you are. The unwillingness of the next generation to defend the feminist legacy is part of what led to its undoing. There were marches, recalls Offred of the time of the overthrow of women. But they were smaller than you might have thought. She did not attend them. As Mary McCarthy, in her aggressively lukewarm New York Times review of The Handmaids Tale, wrote at the time, We are meant to conclude that such unwillingness, multiplied, may be fatal to a free society. McCarthys review itself is redolent of backlash sentiment, not unsurprising from a writer whose antipathy toward second-wave feminism (which her 1963 novel The Group, to some small extent, helped to define) was no secret. McCarthy writes that she simply cant be shocked or frightened by the The Handmaids Tale because she feels no shiver of recognition reading of a future in which a standoff will have been achieved vis-a-vis the Russians, and our own country will be ruled by right-wingers and religious fundamentalists, with males restored to the traditional role of warriors and us females to our place. [T]he book just does not tell me what there is in our present mores that I ought to watch out for. McCarthys inability to find the warning signs of Atwoods fictional future around her, five years into a Reagan administration, is symptomatic of the attitudes that undergird backlash sentiment: that expansion of rights and opportunity for women are now so established that they are in no realistic danger of rollback. Therefore, those who continue to lodge complaints about the distance still to be traveled can be cast as greedy, whiny, spoilt children. American women today are the luckiest, most privileged women in the history of the world, Phyllis Schlafly told me six weeks before she died, in response to a question I asked her about resurgent interest in passing the ERA. I thought of Schlafly a lot while rereading The Handmaids Tale, in part because one of its characters the barren wife of Offreds Commander was, in the pre-Gilead United States, an anti-feminist crusader who gave speeches about the sanctity of the home, about how women should stay home while leading a public professional life herself, a clear reference to Schlafly. But I also thought of her because she gave me that interview, in which she explained that contemporary women in the United States have every advantage they could ever want, about two hours before Donald Trump accepted his partys nomination for the presidency, at a Republican National Convention where the fevered calls about his female opponent were Lock her up! and Trump that bitch! As it happens, Schlaflys niece, Suzanne Venker, has this month published a book that argues that contemporary women have become too much like men too competitive too masculine, and that in womens personal lives its liberating to be a beta! Claiming to be a wrong-headed alpha woman during the day, she retrained herself, as Venkers book details, to approach her husband with practically Gileadean deference by not arguing with him by being more service-oriented. Venkers book, like the Hulu adaptation of The Handmaids Tale, was in the works before the election, and I suspect that it might have had quite a different reception under President Hillary Alpha Rodham. After all, a Clinton presidency would have offered the illusion of female dominance in a world in which the vast majority of political, economic, social, and professional power still remains in the hands of white men. That illusion would have led many of her opponents to unmatched fury at being governed by that woman, and many of her supporters to not notice the degree to which voting and reproductive rights have been eroded in states and cities around the country. But this is where Margaret Atwoods prescient mid-80s nightmare and our current one differ. Because, so far, the marches have not been small. In fact, the Womens March was the largest one-day political demonstration in the nations history. Consider that in 1913, 8,000 women marched on Washington the day before Woodrow Wilsons inauguration to demand the vote; in 1970, 20,000 women took to the streets to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. On January 21, somewhere between 3.2 and 5.2 million people participated in womens marches in states and cities around the country. Thats not an increase simply in line with population growth; proportionally, nearly 50 times more Americans demonstrated on behalf of women in January than did in 1970. The anti-feminist backlash, rather than moving in as a slow tide during a Clinton administration, instead crashed our shores in the form of Donald Trump, making it impossible for anyone not to notice. This cartoonish embodiment of angry white male bias has shocked many awake, and even while its true that they were roused too late to make a different choice on Election Day, the wake-up call has provoked a startlingly robust and energetic response among those who not so long ago were too cool for activism. And while there are limits on the impact of grassroots resistance, no matter how big the marches, its also inarguable that the resistance is having an impact: Trumps first pick for Labor secretary, Andrew Puzder, withdrew in part because charges that he physically assaulted his wife would have made him un-confirmable. Anti-abortion laws are passing in plenty of states, but so is paid-leave legislation. We may have failed to elect a woman president, but women judges have granted stays to Trumps Muslim ban; women lawyers rushed to airports to help stranded immigrants; young women have led protests; and a woman senator was the only one to vote against all but two of Trumps cabinet appointees (so far). And recall that even while Donald Trump touts his electoral victory as confirmation that his revanchist movement against progressive inclusivity is a winner, he lost the popular vote by a margin of nearly 3 million votes. And yet theres no question that reading about Atwoods imagined dystopia is far scarier today than it was, I suspect, for adults living in 1985, perhaps in part because the anger at those stubbornly standing in the way of white male dominance is even more intense. In Texas last week, during testimony from a young University of Texas student who is also an intern at NARAL, an anti-abortion legislator became so enraged that he shattered the glass table on which he was pounding his gavel. If Atwood had written such a ridiculously apt metaphor, it wouldnt have been believable. A sign outside Santee High Schools gender-neutral restrooms at their campus in Los Angeles, California, on May 4, 2016. Photo: MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images Under the Obama administration, public schools had federal guidelines specifying that transgender students must be allowed to use the bathrooms and lockers of their choice. Those memos stated that not allowing students to use the facilities corresponding with their gender identity was a violation of Title IX, which bars discrimination based on sex. On Wednesday, however, those protections were wiped clean when the Trump administration revoked the previous federal guidelines. Officials with the Education and Justice departments notified the Supreme Court, which is set to hear a case related to the matter next month, that the administration is ordering schools to disregard the previous memos, according to the Washington Post. The new two-page memo to schools states that the Trump administration will not rely on the previously established guidelines regarding transgender rights and that more legal analysis is necessary before deciding on the matter. The previous guidelines, the memo states, were written without due regard for the primary role of the states and local school districts in establishing educational policy. While the new memo doesnt give any clarity as to how schools should operate with regard to the facilities transgender students use, the letter does state, Schools must ensure that all students, including LGBT students, are able to learn and thrive in a safe environment. That statement is likely a compromise on behalf of Education Secretary Besty DeVos, who was hesitant to sign on to the language in the new memo, according to the New York Times. The new attorney general, Jeff Sessions, however, was reportedly decisive in wanting to revoke the previous guidelines because of the current court cases litigating the matter. Reports surfaced earlier in the day that DeVos and Sessions were in disagreement over the issue of transgender rights. DeVos has had a softer, albeit quieter, stance toward LGBT rights. Conversely, Sessions has voted against protections for the LGBT community. Between the two, Sessions viewpoint eventually won President Donald Trump over and as a result, DeVos eventually signed on to the memo. However, her statements signal how cautious she remains. On one hand, she declared that states and local districts should decide school policies. Yet she also ordered the Education Departments Office for Civil Rights to investigate any claims against those who are most vulnerable in our schools, according to the Times. Supporters of the transgender community see the issue of bathroom access in public schools as a fight over civil rights. In response, hundreds of protesters have already gathered outside the White House to denounce the administrations decision. It's time. Poke some holes in the condom bb. Reply Parent Thread Link i appreciate this comment so much Reply Parent Thread Link Honestly; he's so socially conscious and so fine. He's one of the only white cishets in the world that I'll allow to put it in me. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I'm glad we're having this conversation. Reply Parent Thread Link me Reply Parent Thread Expand Link well we've all seen his dick already so hey Reply Parent Thread Link i want to be teleported to one of the new earths pls Reply Thread Link Packing my bags and blasting off as we speak! Reply Thread Link i see NASA is hard at work getting us off this garbage planet. too bad it won't be before trumputin's reign of terror ends. Reply Thread Link hearing about the exoplanets in the habitable zone was cool as fuck ngl, but hearing sara say its a journey for future generations (and we're the pioneers) is still sad as fuck. i'm still hoping for the sun to go supernova 4 billion years earlier than expected. or we get obliterated by the radiation from a pulsar. Reply Parent Thread Link Didn't an asteroid ~~just miss us last month or something??? Honestly, I truly keep hoping aliens come down and are like, we need one of your species to ~save the galaxy, because I would be so gone in a HEARTBEAT. /I watch too much Scifi, not a bad thing Reply Parent Thread Expand Link comments like this are so fucking annoying. You're that fucking miserable you wish death on everybody instead of just yourself? Yeah, I really hope all the innocent children get 'obliterated' because of your miserable ass. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link You mean queen? Reply Parent Thread Link I would totally ship that ship. Reply Parent Thread Link How does God Emperor sound? Reply Parent Thread Link new earths fascinate me so much i'm very bitter i was born too early to be able to go to them tbh!!! Reply Thread Link Same, growing up watching Star Trek gave me high expectations. I was so disappointed when I realized in my lifetime humans aren't leaving the solar system. Reply Parent Thread Link I understand you have logic, reasoning, and science behind your comment, but I for some fucking reason have hope (that I miraculously invent a Wormhole Machine(R)) because if I were to face that reality I would probably cry for days and never come out of bed. I don't mean I'd be so sad, I LITERALLY would just want to stay in bed all day and drink. So I don't face reality. Reply Parent Thread Link mte esp w nasa's announcement yesterday. rip having an interesting life. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link i'd gladly get eviscerated by aliens Reply Parent Thread Link ikr! I love space I wanna go to space and all these new planets Reply Parent Thread Link Hmm you're onto something here.. Reply Parent Thread Link ikr. that's some serious FOMO right there :( Reply Parent Thread Link mte Reply Parent Thread Link So glad I'm building a spaceship in my barn. At first I thought I was gonna be stuck in the rings of Saturn, I mean they're cool and all but I wanted to get some terraforming started eventually. This is a welcome relief. Thank you NASA. Reply Thread Link Can I catch a ride? I'll bring snacks. Reply Parent Thread Link I'll be doing a lottery for available seats soon sis. Will add your name to the list. Bribes will work though. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I've been wondering how your building is going! Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I will supply you with endless baked goods for a seat on that ship. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Lemme come too and I shall write epic poetry about the majestic space pioneers. Idk I have no actual useful skills. My kids nappies can probably be weaponised in case of alien attack I guess lol Reply Parent Thread Expand Link There really are no words to help explain away lies like this. pic.twitter.com/OM5RIgQHLZ Matt McDermott (@mattmfm) February 23, 2017 Reply Thread Link Republicans: trans people will assault us in bathrooms even though that's never happened before! Also Republicans: I voted for an actual sexual predator Reply Parent Thread Link But he held a rainbow flag upside down once and she had emails!!!! Reply Parent Thread Link Everyday I wake up hoping that today is the day Superboy punches our earth out of existence. Reply Thread Link superboy It took me a few minute to realize you meant the super hero, and not ONTD's Reply Parent Thread Link Opp, I should have clarified, haha. I wasn't even thinking (beyond 'Bad comic story arcs that I now think upon longingly') Reply Parent Thread Link Will he kill us to death? Reply Parent Thread Link I was hoping for better news - like an asteroid destroying earth. Reply Thread Link #Meteor2020 i'll never trust wypipo again for unleashing this hell on the planet. Reply Thread Link shit, why wait till then? meteor right tf now, pls and ty. Reply Parent Thread Link shit, you right. i'm just tying to hold out for the complete annihilation of the gop. Reply Parent Thread Link From the HuffPo article: "The majority of respondents to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey who were out or perceived as being transgender while in school (K-12) reported being verbally harassed (54 percent), physically attacked (24 percent) or sexually assaulted (13 percent) because they were transgender". Good thing we're allowing people's delusions about trans* people's "inherently violent" nature to author legislation! Reply Thread Link I want to be excited by those new planets but you know those of us who are poor and/or not white ain't going anywhere. We'll still be working the mines Reply Thread Link Yup, this is how I've accepted it to be. Better than Ray Bradbury's scenarios in Illustrated Man, though. Reply Parent Thread Link You know it! Reply Parent Thread Link lol i thought the same thing. it'd be like atlas shrugged Reply Parent Thread Link See? This is why I am hoping that all that after life thingie/your consciousness ascends stuff happens because just looking at a starry sky my mind wanders what it's all like out there, beyond the Solar System and shi... Reply Parent Thread Link More info here: In summary, if this bill becomes law, LGBT discrimination will be legal. People who look like men would be required to use the womens room. And LGBT minority rights will be at the mercy of a majority vote. Basic human rights should not be up for a vote. Read more here: Read the bill yourself if you're so inclined. It sucks http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2017&BillID=H186 There are two dem co-sponsors FYI if you're in NC please call your state rep and tell them you oppose HB 186. It is a shitty excuse for a repeal of HB2.More info here:In summary, if this bill becomes law, LGBT discrimination will be legal. People who look like men would be required to use the womens room. And LGBT minority rights will be at the mercy of a majority vote. Basic human rights should not be up for a vote.Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/editorials/article134366684.html#storylink=cpy Read the bill yourself if you're so inclined. It sucksThere are two dem co-sponsors Reply Thread Link thanks sis. i'll call tomorrow morning. Reply Parent Thread Link Thanks for sharing this. Reply Parent Thread Link Trump doesn't read so he doesn't care. This is just a "who?" to him. Reply Thread Link lol yeah Reply Parent Thread Link Exactly. I wish this would make a difference but you know it won't even get noticed. Reply Parent Thread Link It's over 140 characters, which is the extent of what he reads**** Reply Parent Thread Link Exactly, they are either bad hombres or overrated artists, he won't care. Reply Parent Thread Link there are some ~nasty women in there too tbh! can't forget those harlots Reply Parent Thread Link Right? I myself only recognize two people on this list. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link He wouldn't care even if he did read a lot. A lot of these things scream pr to me, although letting people know you disagree is never a bad thing Reply Parent Thread Link lol mte like nice sentiment but this isn't gonna do shit Reply Parent Thread Link Was gonna say that too lol Reply Parent Thread Link yup - I guess they want to feel like they did something. Reply Parent Thread Link It's probably useless but people should still keep trying to change his mind. Reply Thread Link It's nice to see the support from all of them but he honestly does not care. He's gonna do whatever he wants. Reply Thread Link I wish these letters would actually have an impact, but ik this administration doesn't care at all. It's so depressing. Reply Thread Link So I just saw ppl were forcibly asked to show their documents coming off a domestic flight. I am flying to Hawaii in 15 days and am going to be so pissed if I have to do that to prove I dont belong in Mexico simply bc I am Mexican, that is ridiculous. I am going to take my birth certificate with me regardless bc we are flying out of 2 border states of Mexico so I dont trust it. Its sad I even have to worry abt this, but this was always my fear that simply being Mexican would result in being held up or even worse being interrogated yo see if you know any immigrants from Mexico. Edited at 2017-02-23 03:28 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link I saw on twitter that ICE is going around socal and taking kids from parks so that their parents are forced to come outside to get them, and picking people up from Walmart. It's fucking horrible. I really hope my grandma doesn't leave the house without her card one day or something. My fam wants to go to Mexico too and I'm just... worried? I want to visit my family, but I also don't want them to give us problems coming back. :( I hope your trip goes well for you bb and that you don't have problems Reply Parent Thread Link Thanks, I know I have it better than most but this stuff is still worrying bc you dont know if you might end up in that truly bad situation. The funny thing is my birth certificate says I am white bc back then if u werent black you were white in simplistic terms, I hope these idiots realize that or they might think its fake. I think all minorities just need to be careful and carry ur shit on you at all times smh Edited at 2017-02-23 03:50 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link WTF. This is so messed up! Honestly these fucking assholes need to be shot into the sun. Reply Parent Thread Link That's so heartbreaking. Reply Parent Thread Link I hear you. I'm an American born Iranian and I'm terrified of this shit happening to me, so I'm probably not going to travel for a while. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Very smart of you. Jesus Christ, I can't believe that this is the world we live in. Having to bring your fucking birth certificate to make sure you'll be allowed back in the country of your birth (as if you're even leaving it, but dumbasses). It's so sad. I'm sorry you have to go through that bb :( I haven't left the 48 states since before the inauguration (Jan 6) buttttt traveling this year is going to be a fucking pleasure I'm sure, especially with my mom. She was only naturalized at the end of 2015. I'm so glad I made her do it. She'll prob have to carry her certificate with her on every plane as well. Safe travels Reply Parent Thread Expand Link yeah, shit like this really concerns me. i'm glad my parents don't travel for this specific reason, i couldn't imagine the bullshit they put people through and how awful it is. the way shit has been going down here in southern california with ICE and whatnot... man, none of us POC can catch a fucking break. but now i'm super concerned about my boyfriend flying this upcoming month since he's syrian and they just love to give him shit. Reply Parent Thread Link My parents are traveling to Florida this weekend, I'm going to tell them to bring their American passports just in case. Reply Parent Thread Link I'll presume this is meant to be symbolic. Reply Thread Link I've been going to rallies in NYC and doing my part with writing/etc to politicians but it's getting so disheartening. Such terrible news every day coming out of DC and it seems no matter how much noise we all make, nothing will make these terrible people change their minds about these awful laws. Has anyone seen an actual difference happening? I know it's only been a month (feels like a year!) but any progress on changing the GOP's minds would be incredible, no matter how small. Reply Thread Link i live in a blue enclave in a red state and it is pretty disheartening sometimes, like when i call ted cruz and feel disgusted because he will do nothing but it is putting pressure on them, politicians and staffers are receiving a record numbers of calls and bts the GOP is in a shambles Reply Parent Thread Link i have a republican congressman in an otherwise blue area in a blue city in a blue state (thanks redistricting. it wasn't like this 8 years ago). He won't hold a town hall because he is too afraid. Reply Parent Thread Link I mean, change takes time unfortunately-- but the fact that so many new people are jumping into democracy gives me hope. My congressman's townhall last night was packed-- over 600 people, they had to turn people away because the fire Marshall shut down the overflow room. In about 9 months, people who want to run for office will start "soft campaigning" and that's when I think we'll start to see the biggest impact of all this. We're sorta electorally stuck right now, but we MUST make the conversation for 2018. We have to keep awareness acutely high. Reply Parent Thread Link Malcolm Nance was on MSNBC saying that Trumps aides are going to start needing lawyers and cutting deals. Reply Thread Link damn Reply Parent Thread Link for what? When they get questioned by congress? Reply Parent Thread Link Not too sure. He just said it's a very serious matter and that the FBI and NSA have months of intelligence. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link That might be effective if he knew how to read. Reply Thread Link The closest thing to a book Trump reads is the National Enquirer. I appreciate their intentions, though. Reply Thread Link Right? This might work on a different president or politician but don't they know by now that he will do what he want regardless? Reply Parent Thread Link Mte. I mean this is cute but it is not going to achieve anything. People need to start rioting. Reply Parent Thread Link how is this treating his regime like business as usual Reply Parent Thread Link This presumes that he has a human conscience, which is not correct, but at least people are speaking out and using their fame for good. (I love all these deplorables attempting to pull a Girl You Wish You Hadn't Started a Conversation With and chastising us for protesting the transgender bathroom rules when, like, there's TERRORISM and WAY BIGGER ISSUES out there -- bitch, we didn't prioritize this, Clownface von Fuckstick did when he decided to rescind that law and make a non-issue a big awful thing again. These people are so fucking obsessed with strangers' genitals. Like, how about we all mind our own business in bathrooms?? Done.) Reply Thread Link Oh, that's not a real problem. The real issue is that they might USE THE BATHROOM when cis people are in there!! And then the world will end!!! (They're so self-centered and awful.) Reply Parent Thread Link also its possible to care about two things at once. i HATE the whole "WELL WHAT ABOUT ______________ PROBLEM???" fuck off. do you go to a breast cancer march and scream at them about how heart & stroke issues matter more? no? then the same applies here. Reply Parent Thread Link My current favorite derailment tactic from 45 supporters is "Wow, protests and dissent and aggressively speaking out against intolerance? I thought liberals were supposed to be accepting and peaceful. So much for that." Like are you fucking kidding me? Reply Parent Thread Link He doesn't care about other people, he won't care about a letter Reply Thread Link After three straight weeks of builds in commercial oil inventories, today, the EIA had some more bad news for traders. The authority reported a build of 600,000 barrels, a day after the American Petroleum Institute estimated commercial inventories were down by 884,000 barrels in the week to February 17. Analysts expected an increase of 3.3 million barrels for the period. Last week, EIAs report put crude stockpiles at a record high of 518.1 million barrels. This weeks figures were for a total inventory size of 518.7 million barrels, still above seasonal limits. Refineries operated at 84.3 percent of capacity in the seven days to February 17, processing 15.3 million barrels of crude daily, slightly down from the 15.5 million bpd in the previous week. Gasoline output averaged 9.4 million barrels, an increase on the previous weeks 9 million bpd. Gasoline inventories went down by 2.6 million barrels in the period, offsetting some of the general inventory gloom. Imports averaged 7.3 million barrels daily. EIAs figures are considered by some observers to be increasingly irrelevant as they dont truly reflect the full supply/demand picture. Yet, they are still watched closely by investors and other market participants, as is the news coming from OPEC. The latest from that direction is deepening pessimism: officials from the group have suggested, somewhat tentatively, that the six-month production cut may need to be extended beyond the June 30 deadline. This suggests the global glut was even deeper than they expected, which is certainly a cause for worry, turning hopes for $60 oil into a mirage. An extension of the cuts would certainly help shrink the glut, but the longer the deal wears on, the more likely members are going to be tempted to cheat. On top of that, U.S. output is rising quicker than expected, and countries like Libya and Nigeria are undermining the effectiveness of the deal by building production. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The United States was once a projected leader in the nuclear energy race. In the 20th century, the world dreamed of finding a way to provide safe, cheap, and renewable energy, and nuclear power seemed to be the manifestation of those dreams. All of this, however, seems to be coming to an end. This past week, Toshiba decided to sell its American nuclear power subsidiary at a $6 billion loss. Westinghouse Electric Company, an American company that Toshiba acquired 10 years ago, is in the business of building and constructing nuclear power facilities. This isnt the first time that Toshiba attempted to offload controlling interest in Westinghouse all previous efforts, however, have failed. Many reasons have been cited for this sell-off. Firstly, demand for electricity has been slowing down as of late. Secondly, natural-gas prices have been declining, making it harder to justify the measures necessary to make nuclear power work one of the primary motivators for these projects was the increasingly high cost of natural-gas. Finally, integration of renewable energy sources (such as wind and solar) have been becoming more prevalent. Again, this makes it harder to justify nuclear energy projects. However, the biggest barrier to entry for nuclear energy providers is the trade-off between safety and cost. The production of this type of energy can be fast and cheap, but not if companies comply fully with the U.S. nuclear regulatory body. Nuclear energy in America is simply becoming an uneconomic option. This is problematic on the global scene for a variety of reasons, chief of which is safety standards. The U.S. remains the exemplary model to follow when it comes to regulation of new technologies. If nuclear power in America slows down substantially, the influence the U.S. has over global safety standards wanes, and the world becomes less willing to comply with basic guidelines. Without that scale of market presence from the U.S., the industry can suffer. This slowdown from the U.S. may be advantageous for state-owned nuclear facilities. Without America as an example, Russia, parts of Asia, and the Middle East become the example to follow their lack of standards and regulation would be to the benefit of nuclear facilities owned by governments. Related: The Discounts Are Over: U.S. Shale Is About To Get More Expensive However, many privately owned nuclear facilities simply do not have the capital to sustain these plants, even when the government helps subsidize their operations. This is evidenced by Toshibas termination of their Westinghouse project. Projects on the private side take much longer to complete, so that safety concerns change along the way, locking them into a cycle of never ending regulation updates. In the last 20 years, the U.S. has seen only one new nuclear reactor that is functional, constructed by a government entity the Tennessee Valley Authority. Further, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission shows that there are only four reactors currently under construction in the entire country. Two would be at the Alvin W. Vogtle station in Georgia, and two at the Virgil C. Summer plant in South Carolina. These projects are implementing reactors manufactured by Westinghouse. Construction on all four are currently delayed over three years and are billions over-budget. Westinghouse itself was one of the last private companies to be commissioned for the manufacture of nuclear reactors before over-budget, inefficient projects such as these pushed them into ruin. Westinghouse has said that these four projects, as well as two more in China, will be completed. But it remains doubtful that the dozens of other projects it has been commissioned to complete and yet to begin will ever reach fruition. By Michael McDonald for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: American energy exports hit a new high in early 2017, contributing 7 million barrels of crude to markets abroad in the first week of February. Meanwhile, total shipments of LNG from the Sabine Pass terminal in Louisiana in 2016 stood at 183.77 billion cubic feet (bcf), or around 2.9 million tons(MT). That means that on average, U.S. crude oil exports have reached 1 million bpd, while the prospects for increased LNG exports seem strong, with new LNG terminals being constructed and others getting federal approval. The key question, however, is whether demand for U.S. export products is sustainable, or whether the market is already oversupplied. Fears of an apparent glut are being played down by certain industry actors, those with the biggest stake in preserving access to exports. The Department of Energy report on LNG exports indicated most LNG shipments departing the U.S. were bound for three South American countries: Chile (10 cargoes), Argentina (6 cargoes) and Brazil (4 cargoes). Also high on the list was Mexico, which received 9 cargoes and India, with 5 cargoes. China, which is expected to be big market for U.S. LNG, received 6 cargoes, though overall shipments to Asian markets increased disproportionally in Q4 of 2016, taking up more than 60 percent of total shipments, according to the EIA. Related: Record Gasoline Glut Is Causing Problems On The East Coast The fact that South America, rather than Asia, received the bulk of shipments from Sabine Pass surprised some analysts in 2016. Yet the high demand and generally higher prices (not to mention lower competition from LNG suppliers Australia and Qatar) made South American markets attractive. Shell, which bet big on LNG when it acquired BG Group for $50 billion last year, released its first LNG Outlook report on 20 February. Naturally, the outlook was positive: Shell predicts strong LNG growth, with total LNG trade increasing by fifty percent by 2020. Shell believes LNG demand will grow by 4-5 percent every year through 2030. The oil major sees imports from India and China rising substantially by 2020, while LNG will capture more of the European gas market, capturing demand growth from gas imports from Russia. The company believes that the LNG market, long-dominated by long term contracts that often fail to reflect changes in price, will be replaced by shorter-term contracts. A Shell spokesperson on 20 February denied reports that the LNG market was oversupplied. Other LNG proponents are equally jazzed about the long-term prospects of American energy exports. Charif Souki, founder and former CEO of Cheniere, which built and manages the Sabine Pass export terminal, is planning a host of new LNG facilities through his new company, Tellurian Inc. With recent investment from GE and Total, Souki is confident that the U.S. will act as the worlds anchor for LNG prices. Related: Unsatisfied With Oil Prices, Iraq Calls For New OPEC Meeting BP is also confident that the U.S. will play an important role in LNGs future. The companys widely-read Energy Outlook for 2017 predicts U.S. LNG supply will grow by 19 bcf per day over the next 20 years. Assuming domestic U.S. demand for natural gas will continue to be met locally, this would allow the U.S. to become the worlds pre-eminent LNG exporter, as LNGs share of the total export market grows by fifty percent by 2035. The U.S. is set to become the worlds marginal supplier, as Australian products fill Asian markets while the U.S. dominates Europe, South and Central America, according to BP. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) joined the LNG bulls with a report on 22 February that predicted gas exports to be a prime driver of total U.S. natural gas production after 2018. Despite the surging exports from Sabine Pass, the U.S. remains a net importer of natural gas, but that will change, according to the EIA, when new terminals come on line in 2018 and after. While pipeline exports to Mexico and Canada will play a role, LNG exports will far and away account for most of export growth by 2040. Net exports will reach 10 bcf per day by 2040, while total natural gas production will exceed consumption by 8 bcf per day. While concerns over U.S. crude exports focus on the persistent fears of a glut in the world market, made all the more apparent by massive inventory gains, a great deal of enthusiasm seems to surround American LNG prospects, as well as the prospects for the LNG market as a whole. Whether those predictions prove to be accurate, and LNG truly does overcome the year-long fears of oversupply, only time will tell. By Gregory Brew for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Will oil prices rise to $70 per barrel this year or fall to $30? Depends on who you ask. Oil price forecasts are always all over the map, but the exceptional disparity between some projections for 2017 is pretty stunning. On the one hand, you have Citibank, which sees oil shooting up to $70 this year as supply continues to tighten even as demand rises. Citi acknowledges the headwinds in the near-term. "Oil prices are not likely to stray far from their current $53-58 per barrel range in the near term as record investor net length and bearish inventory data will likely cap prices until more tangible evidence of a tighter market emerges," Citi analysts wrote in a recent research note. However, they see oil prices posting much stronger gains in the second half of the year. But the bearish threats to oil prices on the downside seem to be a lot more visible right now than the bullish ones. Aside from rising shale production, a dagger looms over oil prices in the very near-term. Hedge funds and money managers have pushed bullish bets to a new record high, equivalent to over 1 billion barrels of oil. The massive one-sided bet leaves the oil market dangerously exposed. When the herd suddenly realizes that they are all making the same bet, there could be a stampede back in the other direction. The buildup in bullish bets is all the more remarkable because it occurred at a time when oil prices were stagnant, stuck in the mid- to low-$50s per barrel. Related: Oil & Gas M&A Just Broke All Records "The world is awash with oil at the moment and there continues to be endless supply so therefore I don't see a real reason for prices to rise above $60 or $70so I'm really seeing probably the risks of the prices falling below $50 for a considerable period of time and probably even touching the levels of $40 to $45 this year," Eugen Weinberg, Head of Commodity Research at Commerzbank, told CNBC's Street Signs on February 21. Some oil watchers are even more pessimistic. Unless OPEC extends its production cut for another six months or so, crude prices could plummet to $30 per barrel, according to ABN Amro Bank NV. The OPEC deal has succeeded in already taking roughly 1 million barrels per day off of the market, but the supply/demand balance is not as tight as OPEC members had hoped it would be at this point. Prices have firmed up, but oil and refined product inventories are still rising in the U.S., with crude stocks at record highs and gasoline inventories also at their highest level in decades. The OPEC deal is helping, but new output from the U.S., Brazil, Canada, and even OPEC members like Libya and Nigeria are offsetting some of those reductions. If OPEC were to abandon its deal in June, and begin producing back at the levels seen in 2016, the market could crash. If they dont continue with this trend, then the oil price could drop back to where it was two years ago, Hans van Cleef, ABN Amros senior energy economist, told Bloombergs Oil Buyers Guide in an interview. Oil prices could easily go back to the low $30s. Related: Oversupply Fears Grow As U.S. Oil Exports Hit Record High Prices are in exceptional danger because the gains stemming from the OPEC deal are already priced into the market. A further tightening of supply is baked into todays price, so even if OPEC maintains a high compliance rate over the next few months, the oil market might not see any more large price increases. [W]e dont see any upside from OPEC anymore, van Cleef told Bloomberg. The downside risk, on the other hand, is very real. Which brings us back to the extraordinary buildup in bullish bets on oil futures. Hedge funds and money managers are near unanimous in their belief that oil prices have more room to grow. But since there is little sign that more supply will be taken off the market beyond what OPEC is cutting, then the adjustment may continue at a painfully slow pace. At some point, investors might grow wary of this protracted process and abandon their bullish bets. If crude and gasoline inventories continue to rise, that could force bulls out of the market. The WSJ cited an estimate from JP Morgan analyst David Martin, oil prices could suffer a swift decline of $5 to $10 per barrel if the U.S. sees another few weeks of strong inventory gains, a sharp loss that would occur as investors unwind their bullish bets. By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is temporarily halting exports of heavy crude from the Shaikan field via the Kirkuk-Ceyhan export pipeline, the operator of the Shaikan field, Gulf Keystone Petroleum, said on Thursday. KRGs Ministry of Natural Resources will begin exporting all the crude production of Shaikan via trucks to Turkey toward the end of February, Gulf Keystone said, adding that thus, no Shaikan crude will be injected into the Kirkuk-Ceyhan export pipeline at Fishkhabour, until further notice by the ministry. The authorities have told Gulf Keystone that the new export arrangement is required for the overall crude oil export quality management and is expected to be temporary. The company clarified, however, that the new export arrangement is not expected to affect the production levels at Shaikan, which is operated by Gulf Keystone owning 75 percent of the working interest. The Kurdish ministry has assured Gulf Keystone that it would pay for the additional transportation costs under the new export arrangement and that the company would continue to receive a fixed payment of gross US$15 million monthly for sales of crude oil. Gulf Keystone is also negotiating with Kurdistan to secure a timely and regular payment, the company said. Subject to further clarity on these points, the Company looks forward to making further investments to maintain at least plateau production at nameplate capacity of 40,000 bopd, with a view to increasing to 55,000 bopd as soon as possible, Gulf Keystone said. Related: Oil To $70? Or Down To $30? KRG, however, has been struggling to pay regularly to companies as it has been locked in arguments with the central government in Baghdad over payments for oil exports, and allegedly over oil shipments made without approval from Baghdad. Political parties in Kurdistan are also quarreling over the share each of them gets from the oil trade. Further putting pressure on the finances of the region which is home to large oil fields have been low oil prices and the costs of combating the Islamic State in northern Iraq. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: One of the most striking stories in mining the last decade has been the decline of South Africa. With that nation going from worlds top gold producer in 2006 all the way down to 7th place globally in 2016. Part of that decline is due to geology with deposits here being deep and expensive. But theres another big reason for South Africas mining issues: labor problems that have plagued the gold and platinum sectors the last several years. But a landmark court ruling this week may change that. With South Africas highest court severely curtailing the ability of mineworkers unions to stage crippling strikes. South Africas Constitutional Court delivered a verdict Tuesday in a case brought by the Associated Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU). Where the union was appealing a 2014 Labor Court ruling that forced it to accept collective bargaining as part of wage negotiations. The original case here stems to 2013. When AMCUs fellow unions National Union of Mineworkers, UASA and Solidarity all accepted a pay deal with major gold mining companies one which AMCU leaders disagreed with. AMCU refused to accept the pay agreement. And were promptly taken to court by mining firms who argued that under an inclusive process of bargaining, AMCU should be forced to accept the pay deal when a majority of other unions had signed off. The Labor Court agreed, ruling that AMCU should be bound by the deal. Prompting AMCU reps to appeal to the Constitutional Court leading up to this weeks decision, where Constitutional Court judges upheld the original decision in favor of mining companies. Related: Oil & Gas M&A Just Broke All Records The result is that AMCU (and other unions) will no longer be able to singlehandedly go on protected strikes where workers cannot be fired during labor action. Going forward, any such activist strikes would risk workers losing their jobs. Thats almost certain to reduce the incidence of strikes across South Africa. Which would be welcome news for mining companies, bringing much more certainty to operations here. The case isnt completely finished, with AMCU lawyers saying they are examining a potential appeal of the Constitutional Court decision. Watch for next moves from the union, and for a potential improvement in the operational climate in South Africa if this weeks ruling does stand. Heres to getting to work. By Dave Forest More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: By Jacob Vandever Oregon is often painted as a liberal stronghold, unmoved even during big conservative waves such as in 2014. However when you dig into the numbers that idea is not as true as many would think. When you look at the statewide results of the 2016 election it would not be unreasonable to think about telling a different story. While Republicans might not necessarily be popular in Oregon, there is an argument to be made that Democrats arent as popular as you might be lead to believe. During her race for Governor Kate Brown achieved a comfortable 7 point victory over her Republican opponent Bud Pierce, but still only received a little more than 50% of the vote. Brad Avakian, Democratic candidate for Secretary of State and Tobias Read, Democratic candidate for Treasurer both only received 43% of the vote. Even in one of the less competitive statewide races, sitting Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum only receive 54% of the votes cast in Oregon. If you take the average of the percentage of votes received by Democratic Candidates for State offices you only get to 47.5%. This is despite Democrats massively outspending their Republican opponents in statewide races. Kate Brown outspent Bud Pierce by around $860,000. Brad Avakian outspent Dennis Richardson by almost 1 million dollars. Ellen Rosenblum outspent Daniel Crowe by a little more than $415,000, and Tobias Read outspent Jeff Gudman by somewhere in the ballpark of half a million dollars. Even in the bluest of blue Oregon, Democratic candidate for President Hillary Clinton was barely able to get over 50% of the vote. Compare this to California where Hillary got 61.6%, Washington where Hillary got 52.5%, and Maryland where Clinton got 60.3% and even Maryland has a Republican Governor. It seems to me that it isnt so much that Oregon is dominated by liberals as conservatives have just not found a way to win. When you think about it, around half of our fellow Oregonians were not even liberal enough to have voted for Hillary Clinton against Donald Trump. Combine that with the solidly libertarian streak Oregon voters tend to have on Statewide ballot measures and the idea of Oregon as an unshakable bastion of progressivism seems to melt away. Oregon is without a doubt a blue state and the voter registration numbers hold that up, but it is not so blue that it should be entirely written off by conservatives. Especially by those clever enough to develop outside the box strategies. By Reagan Knopp Commissioners from Marion and Clackamas Counties have made their decision, choosing Silverton Mayor Rick Lewis as the next State Representative from House District 18. He succeeds Vic Gilliam who resigned on February 1st. Lewis was sworn in today in Salem. In an interesting quirk of Oregon law, Lewis is allowed to keep his position as Mayor of Silverton. He announced his intention to do so in a statement to The Oregonian: Oregon law prohibits an elected official from holding two lucrative offices, meaning two offices where a salary or stipend is received, Lewis wrote. As mayor, I receive no salary and no stipend, so I can continue to hold that office. Update: In a Press Release from House Republicans, Lewis announced he would not continue to serve as Mayor of Silverton, citing a possible legal challenge: The decision to step away from my role with the City was far and away the most difficult part of this process, said Representative Lewis. I was hopeful that I might be able to continue serving as mayor while also serving as a member of the Legislative Assembly, but it became clear that there were some outstanding constitutional questions that could expose both the City and the Legislature to some risks. I have pledged to be as helpful as possible to my colleagues in Silverton as they navigate this unexpected transition. Today is very bittersweet for me, but I am comforted by the fact that I will still have an opportunity to work closely with my friends at the City as I assume my new role in the Legislature. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman-Designate of Tata Sons, when asked why Indian IT companies did not do well in the products space. He was speaking at the Nasscom India Leadership Forum UBHL in Trouble The Karnataka High Court has issued a winding-up order on United Breweries Holdings (UBHL), the company through which Vijay Mallya used to control his business empire. The court asked the liquidator to take over all the assets of the company. Taj brand consolidation Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has said that all its hotels will be brought under a single brand - Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris. Under the proposed restructuring, the brands of Vivanta by Taj and Gateway will merge under the aegis of a single Taj brand identity. Ambassador Changes Hands Hindustan Motors, a C.K. Birla group firm, has sold the Ambassador brand to European auto major Peugeot for `80 crore. The manufacturing of Ambassador cars has been discontinued for a while now. The PSA Group has entered into a partnership with the C.K. Birla group to re-enter the Indian market and earmarked `700 crore to set up a vehicle and powertrain manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu. 104 The number of satellites put into orbit by Indian Space Research Organisation on February 15, a world record. This will help India grab a bigger pie of the multi-million-dollar space market. Buyback Season TCS has said that it will consider a share buyback on February 20. This is in response to calls by investors that IT companies return excess cash to shareholders. This follows a similar move by Cognizant. Shares of other IT companies such as Infosys that are sitting on huge cash piles reacted positively to the news. GVK Gets Navi Mumbai Airport Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), a joint venture led by GVK, has won the bid to build a new airport in Navi Mumbai. The estimated cost is `16,000 crore. Initially, four entities - MIAL, GMR Airports, MIA Infrastructure (a joint venture of Tata Realty and VINCI Airport Concessions) and Voluptas Developers (consortium of Hiranandani Group and Zurich Airports) - had shown interest in building the greenfield airport. The financial bids were submitted by just two - GMR Airports and MIAL. Murmurs of 'tax terrorism' and overreach of tax officials had started doing the rounds after demonetisation. There was hope the Union Budget would dispel these fears. But going by the response of tax experts and businesses, it more or less disappointed. Several proposals that were not clearly spelt out in the Budget speech but were explained in the Finance Bill - especially those giving sweeping powers to tax officials - turned out to be unsavoury. The Budget, it seems, was driven more by the government's desire to curb the generation and use of black money than any need to provide a 'healing touch' to businesses hit by demonetisation. Though businesses welcomed the fact that the Budget had no big negative surprise, and even tried to improve the ease of doing business, many could not hide their concerns over what they called the government's "over-the-top" stance against tax avoidance. A chartered accountant said in an informal discussion that the "government was converting the Income Tax Act into a Criminal Act." Fear Factors The Budget proposes to give more sweeping powers to tax officers. This is giving jitters to the business community. One proposal seeks to give joint directors, deputy directors and assistant directors of the Income Tax Department the power to call for information for any enquiry. Another gives assessment officers the power to provisionally attach a property for six months "to protect the interest of revenue". These steps have revived fears of 'tax terrorism' and harassment of taxpayers. Though the chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Sushil Chandra, has said many times that raids would be carried out with "responsibility" and tax authorities would have to submit a note to a high court explaining the reasons for the raid, a large number of taxpayers are not very convinced. If that was not enough, tax officers will now be able to reopen cases where search operations have unearthed undisclosed income and assets of over `50 lakh for up to 10 years. At present, such cases can be reopened till six years. This, say tax experts, can prove to be another tool in the hands of tax officers to harass taxpayers. Another proposal that has not gone down well with chartered accountants (CAs), investment bankers and other finance professionals mentions that if CAs, valuers and merchant bankers - who file audit, valuation and other reports - give wrong information, they will be liable to pay a penalty of `10,000. The CBDT Chairman said after the Budget that as CAs and other professionals have always asked for fixing accountability of tax officers (a demand the tax department has accepted), they should not get outraged if the tax department wants to make them accountable too. CAs, however, say that wrong filings are not always deliberate; in most cases, these are mistakes, they say. "The institute (ICAI) has taken up the issue with the government. It has said that regulations that allow it to take action against unscrupulous CAs are already in place," says Nilesh Vikamsey, President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The Budget has also proposed several steps to restrict the use of cash. It has adopted the suggestion by the Special Investigation Team on black money that cash use be restricted to `3 lakh per transaction. Now, anyone who accepts cash above this limit will have to pay a penalty of 100 per cent of the amount. Also, political parties have been barred from accepting donations above `2,000 in cash. Besides, for cash donations above `2,000, the tax deduction under Section 80G has been withdrawn. Other Dampeners One controversial proposal is aimed at curbing the practice of operators jacking up prices of penny stocks and then exiting, making gains at the cost of other investors. Now, any transfer of listed equities after September 30, 2004, will attract long-term capital gains tax if the securities transaction tax (STT) has not been paid. There are several genuine off-exchange transactions such as purchase of shares through initial public offers, follow-on public offers, employee stock options and qualified institutional placements on which the STT is not paid. This may hit many such transactions unless the government comes out with a list of deals to be kept out of the ambit of this provision. While start-ups are happy that they can now claim deduction on profits earned in any three consecutive years for seven years instead of the earlier period of five years, there is one announcement that has not gone down well with them. The Budget says if unlisted shares are transferred for less than the fair market value, or FMV, capital gains tax will be computed on the FMV. The tax department will come out with a method for calculating the FMV. This is a dampener for unlisted companies, especially start-ups, where promoters, private equity investors and venture capital funds buy and sell shares frequently. Promoters and investors in these companies are worried that any lack of clarity in the method for calculating the FMV will lead to subjectivity and litigation as assessing officers may reject the FMV arrived at by the company or its promoters. Amit Maheshwari, Managing Partner of accountancy firm AKM Global, says the aim of this decision is to tax gains from sale of properties at below market prices through the company structure. He says the government will use the net asset value to calculate the FMV instead of the discounted cash flow method. The net asset value method is expected to better reflect the FMV of the property. Globally, countries are aligning their tax laws to the BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) Action Plan - a set of rules put together by over 100 countries to check the practice of companies avoiding tax in their resident countries by shifting profits to low-tax locales. India is also adopting some points in the action plan. In last year's Budget, the government had come up with Equalisation Levy, a kind of withholding tax on money paid by an Indian entity to buy advertisement space on a foreign website. This year, the government has partially adopted BEPS Action Plan 4. The Budget provision in this regard says an Indian company or permanent establishment of a foreign company cannot claim deduction on interest (above `1 crore) paid to non-resident associated enterprises by more than 30 per cent of earnings before interest, depreciation tax and amortisation. Earlier, companies could claim 100 per cent deduction on such interest expenses. This provision, say experts, is aimed at the practice of companies using such interest expense to reduce taxable income. Amit Singhania, Partner, Taxation, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co, says this may capital more expensive for companies. Rahul Mitra, Head of Transfer Pricing and BEPS, KPMG in India, says the move came as a surprise as the government was, till a year ago, saying that India needed foreign money for building infrastructure, and since there were already many restrictions on raising foreign debt, it might not adopt this particular action plan. He says it is surprising that the government is encouraging fund-raising from abroad by lowering the withholding tax and at the same time putting restrictions such as these. However, one of the biggest dampeners came on the corporate tax front. Before the Budget, everyone was expecting at least a 200 basis points reduction in corporate tax rates. However, the government reduced the tax rate from 30 per cent to 25 per cent for only small and medium enterprises with annual turnover of less than `50 crore. Experts say the government did not have the fiscal space to lower corporate tax rates across the board and this was the best it could have done. The move benefits 96 per cent companies registered in India, though some feel the benefit should have been also extended to sole proprietorships, partnership firms and limited liability partnerships. More Misses Than Hits Clarifications such as exemption on indirect transfer of shares to non-residents who, directly or indirectly, hold shares or interest in Category I and Category II foreign portfolio investors, tax neutral conversion of preference shares into equity shares, capital gains exemption on transfer of masala bonds, lower withholding tax on foreign debt, etc, are positive moves, but the government's aggressive approach towards anti-abuse and tax avoidance is making tax laws hawkish. parse-haired and fast greying Sushil Agarwal, Group CFO of the Rs2,50,000 crore in revenues Aditya Birla conglomerate, never tires of narrating a story of his youth. He was a freshly-minted chartered accountant who had just been inducted into the organisation in 1989. One day, Agarwal was in the office of current Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla's father Aditya Birla while the latter was on a phone call with his father B.K. Birla. The father-son duo was haggling over the price of pulp that B.K. Birla's Century Pulp and Paper used to supply to Aditya Birla's Indian Rayon (now called AB Nuvo). After nearly 10 minutes when the call ended, Agarwal asked: "Why were you haggling with your father? Eventually, it's within the family". Aditya Birla leaned back on his chair and said, "You are right. But we were both doing our part of the job. He is responsible for one set of shareholders and I am responsible for another." Agarwal likens the incident to his earliest lesson in corporate governance at the group. Cut to today: He and his team have been putting to test such stories and all their convincing power in the run-up to the awaited month-long shareholders' voting on the proposed merger between Grasim Industries and AB Nuvo, the two giants which together bring in almost a quarter of the total revenues of the Aditya Birla Group. Grasim comprises large, industrial businesses with stable cash flows with revenues of Rs40,257 crore. AB Nuvo, whose revenue is Rs23,324 crore, is perceived in the market as being in new growth businesses (telecom, insurance, payments bank, financial services), though telecom is an investment-hungry business. The group believes merging Grasim and AB Nuvo would bring economies of scale and create a huge holding-cum-operating company which would own India's largest cement company Ultratech; India's third largest telecom company Idea Cellular (which is currently in merger talks with Vodafone India) and Aditya Birla Financial Services (ABFS), a fast-growing financial services company with operations in payments bank, life and general insurance and housing finance. Besides, it would have its own operating business of textiles and its value chain. Last fiscal, the textile and textile related businesses of the two entities together generated revenues in excess of Rs14,446 crore and EBITDA of over Rs2,700 crore. The two-stage deal involves AB Nuvo merging into Grasim (15 Grasim shares for 10 AB Nuvo shares). In the second stage, ABFS would demerge from Grasim as a separate listed entity with shareholders getting seven shares of ABFS for five Grasim shares post the listing. As per law, once the proposal is cleared by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), where it is being heard, the group will call for AGMs of both companies giving shareholders about 30 days to understand and vote on the deal. Once three-fourths of shareholders and creditors and the majority of minority shareholders have voted in favour of the proposal, the companies can move towards operationalising it. The group expects the AGM and the voting to be over by end-March or April. Immediately after the proposal was announced on August 11, share prices of both Grasim and AB Nuvo dropped. On August 10, before the announcement, Grasim shares had closed at Rs4,851 and AB Nuvo shares closed at Rs1,512. On August 12, Grasim stock closed at Rs4,565 (down 5.9 per cent) and AB Nuvo shares at Rs1,290 (down 14.68 per cent). Since then, both have recovered sharply, with Grasim closing on February 16 at Rs5,137 (for five shares of Rs2 at Rs1,027.40 after the share split) and Nuvo at Rs1,494, a recovery of 15.81 per cent). That turnaround in stock value is a result of Agarwal and his team being on mission mode, meeting major stakeholders individually and at multiple fora, explaining the rationale behind the merger. Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla personally met the management of LIC, its largest institutional investor with 6.2 per cent equity in Grasim and 4.72 per cent in AB Nuvo, to explain the deal. "There was an over-reaction the moment this transaction was announced. We should have explained the rationale of the merger in greater depth from the beginning," admits Agarwal. The two companies have some overlapping businesses (textiles and fibres and intermediaries) but also different ones. Grasim produced chemicals such as caustic soda. It also had a cement subsidiary, Ultratech, the biggest cement producer in the country with revenues of over Rs28,784 crore. AB Nuvo is more diversified. Apart from textiles and yarns, it produces insulators, urea and has subsidaries which are in telecom and financial services. Initially, many analysts saw in the merger an attempt by the group to bulk up its telecom business Idea Cellular for the coming onslaught from Reliance Jio, which hadn't then begun services but was expected to offer rock-bottom rates (Jio launched on September 1 and has been offering free voice and data ever since). Some shareholders raised concerns that cash from Grasim would go to subsidise the telecom businesses. There were other apprehensions as well: Why was financial services business hived off after the merger, not before? With the combined entity holding a higher promoter stake in Grasim, was this an attempt to shore up promoter holding? There were worries too about how the integration would take place between two entirely different organisations, even if they were part of the same group. Perception Matters The Aditya Birla group reasoned that the deal was to house all textile and related businesses from Grasim and AB Nuvo under one entity (Grasim); to pair the group's capital-hungry, fast-growing businesses (finance and telecom) with steady businesses (textile) that had strong cash flows; to unlock the value in the financial services business by listing it separately; and, to untangle cross-holdings between the two companies. The group explains that both Grasim and AB Nuvo (earlier Indian Rayon), besides being holding companies, had identical textile businesses. "The thought was: can we create one company instead of two so-called holding companies? Grasim, primarily, has the textiles business--viscose staple fibre. Considering the large size and scale of its existing business portfolio, Grasim was looking for a new faster growing business opportunity. It does not have any debt on the balance sheet. Currently, theres a net surplus,"avers Agarwal. "On the other hand, having debt on its balance sheet, AB Nuvo needed a stronger parentage for its fastest growing financial services business. The listing of the financial services business was also envisioned which will not only unlock value for the shareholders but will also provide it with the flexibility to independently fund its growth capital requirements," he added. But with new Grasim turning into a holding company, barring the textile business in its own books, what about the classic holding company discount it could be subjected to? In India, pure play holding company stocks are valued 30-50 per cent less than focused peers. The Aditya Birla group, however, says the holding company discount does not apply to it since the new Grasim's textile business will be in its own balance sheet and will generate nearly Rs3,500 crore of EBITDA annually. Besides this cash flow, it will be a debt-free company: "The misnomer of a holding company is when you don't have any operating business at all. There should not be any discount unless the underlying businesses are under-performing," says Agarwal. To List Or Not To List Should financial services have been listed before the merger or after the merger, as is being planned? Some shareholders believed it was in their interest if it was hived off before the merger. "We had issues with the structure. We would have liked financial services to be spun off before the merger. Right now, the control (75 per cent) is higher than the beneficial interest (43 per cent)," says Shriram Subramanian, Founder of Bangalore-based proxy advisory firm InGovern. The group says that would not have served the purpose. IRDA, for instance, had declined the insurance licence to holding company ABFS (being a holding company, it was a shell company with no operation of its own). Instead, it took comfort from AB Nuvo's balance sheet and gave it a licence. The regulator was looking for the backing of a strong balance sheet (merged Grasim, in this case). Also, as a listed entity, ABFS will be required to raise its own growth capital rather than bank on the parent. The group says new Grasim's 57 per cent in ABFS would still leave enough room to dilute stake to raise fresh capital in the future. Promoter Holding Analysts also questioned whether the move was to increase promoter holding in the new entity. Promoters hold 31.3 per cent in Grasim and 58.4 per cent in AB Nuvo. Their holding post merger will be 38.8 per cent. It's a mathematical thing, says Agarwal. "The deal was not intended to increase the promoters holding. In fact, the promoters holding in AB Nuvo will come down post the merger. The idea was to create a strong parentage from the financial services point of view and faster growth opportunity from Grasims point of view," says Agarwal. He explains the group even decided to extinguish nearly $100 million worth of cross-holding for a cleaner group structure. InGovern's Subramanian believes, "It's a minor clean-up. They're not doing the exercise for shareholding clean-up." Agarwal disagrees and points out::"We normally take a long term view. Any action on our part is always aimed at creating shareholder value in the long term. Grasims stock split, dividend policy and raising of FII limit from 24 to 49 per cent reflects our commitment towards enhancing shareholder value." Ratings agency Crisil, which had put Grasim on watch mode the day after the merger announcement, appears convinced. "Clarity was awaited on synergies as well as the extent of support towards the acquired businesses. Crisil has now obtained clarity on the management's stance of support towards the acquired businesses, and therefore, ratings have been removed from watch," it said in a report dated November 2, 2016. Even adverse reaction from some shareholders at the time of the announcement has mellowed as the group explained its actions. In the past four months, several teams from the Aditya Birla Group have spoken to shareholders telling them how the four different businesses - telecom, financial services, cement and textiles - in the new Grasim hold potential for at least 10-15 years. Given that stocks of both the companies have registered a significant recovery, the group's collective outreach to its shareholders appears to be bearing fruit. "Post the announcement, AB Nuvo's stock price got corrected to merely adjust as per the swap ratio. The volatility in the stock prices was pre-announcement, mainly because it was misreported," says Ashish Adukia, Head, Corporate Finance, Aditya Birla group. It is this recovery that gives the group confidence for getting shareholders' nod. But there is a twist in the tale. With the group initiating discussions with Vodafone India for a merger with Idea, how the new Grasim's 28 per cent equity in the merged entity will play out remains an unknown. Except that it will be India's largest telecom company by revenues and subscribers. The Aditya Birla group says the merger - if at all - will not impact the new Grasim as its holding in the merged entity will be proportionate to the current holding. That will be music to the ears of shareholders and creditors of the new Grasim who feared they may get burdened with additional debt for Idea Cellular. They could instead bank on a cleaner holding structure with the two companies' textile businesses housed and operating in the new Grasim under its own balance sheet while growth businesses - telecom, financial services (including payments bank, insurance and home finance), and cement - would be independent listed subsidiaries free to raise their own growth capital instead of depending on Grasim. Yet, they would have the backing of Grasim's balance sheet and its steady cash flows from the textiles business. All eyes are now on the NCLT nod before the merger proposal is put to vote. ~ Tata Motors has a natural advantage in attracting talent in spite of its sluggish performance in the domestic market. Its best performers in India can get a chance to work with the company's marquee brands in the UK - Jaguar and Land Rover. The company says 150-200 employees get global experience every two-three years. Tata Motors employs over 59,000 people in 170 countries. The employees are as diverse as its network, comprising over 6,600 touch points and R&D centres. The company, says Gajendra Chandel, Chief Human Resources Officer, ensures a judicious mix of people in its workforce. "The question is, how can we attract talent? How can we mentor the aspirational employees? We look at the entire lifecycle management of people," says Chandel. The human resource strategy is based on the premise that people drive performance and help companies meet long-term objectives. Programmes such as mini-assessments and the Fast Track Selection Scheme ensure that talent is spotted early. "Employee responsibilities move across functions and geographies. The development plan depends on the employee's skills, leadership qualities and behaviour. We have structured mid-year and full-year reviews to frame the development plan," says Chandel. Tata Motors Academy enables knowledge sharing through initiatives such as Learning Management System (LMS) and iTeach. LMS allows employees to take ownership of knowledge accretion, while iTeach provides a platform for senior management to share their expertise. Combined with a rearticulated compensation philosophy and variable pay plan, the human resource initiatives ensure that Tata Motors remains performance-oriented and talent-driven. According to the company, employee satisfaction rates have risen from 57 per cent to an all-time high of 65 per cent. Attrition is falling and is now in single digits, says Chandel. Gender diversity is another strong point of Tata Motors. About 1,800 women work on the shop floor. "We provide women a comfortable working environment. We offer six months maternity leave, work-from-home option and 3-12 months sabbatical. The plants have creches," says Chandel. Medical insurance covers to employees are also quite generous. ~ @nevinjl Hudaibiya Paper Mills is not linked with Panama Papers case: Sharif lawyer 23 February, 2017 Related News Imran Khan distributed loan cheques under Kamyab Jawan Programme PTI govt to face all challenges coming its way: Imran khan More on this View All Tips for Taking Incredible iPhone Travel Photos Top 2021 Accessories We Know You Will Love Types of Casino Payment Methods Best Poker Hands ever played on a Casino Are Slot Developers Important for players? Hand Wash and Toiletries in Pakistan And the Role of DUPAS in Reshaping the Industry Woke Bingo Continuing his arguments before the Supreme Court's (SC) five-member bench hearing the Panamagate case on Wednesday, Attorney General (AG) Ashtar Ausaf Ali pleaded that the Hudaibiya Paper Mills reference against the Sharif family not be linked with the Panama Papers case as it differs in nature and substance. When the bench had asked the AG on Tuesday if the court should intervene in the Hudaibiya case, Ali had argued that it would set the 'wrong' precedent if the SC issues an order in the case. The Hudaibiya Paper Mills reference was initiated on the basis of a confession recorded by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on April 25, 2000, wherein he conceded that he had played a role in laundering roughly Rs1.2 billion on behalf of the Sharifs through fictitious accounts. The AG told the bench that the case record in the Hudaibiya reference had been examined and that the company had obtained loans through foreign currency accounts. At this, Justice Saeed expressed the bench's frustration by saying that the lawyers were issuing different statements each time, which was confusing the bench. "If a story has been made up, you should stick to it," he remarked. "The court was told that investments had been made in the Qatari [royal family's] businesses. There was no mention of foreign currency accounts in the repayment of loans." Addressing the AG, Justice Saeed said: "You should argue as the attorney general. Don't become a party [to the case]." When the AG insisted that the Hudaibiya and Panama Papers cases should not be linked, Justice Saeed asked him why he was shying from the Hudaibiya case if the allegations in the case were false. "[And] if the are allegations are true, why was the case buried?" he asked. Justice Saeed further commented that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had "died in front of us yesterday". On Tuesday, the apex court had been frustrated by the apparent stubbornness of the heads of NAB and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), who stood their ground when grilled on actions taken against the Sharif family and those initiated in the wake of the Panama Papers leaks. NAB Chairman Qamar Zaman Chaudhry had reiterated his earlier decision to not reopen money laundering references against the Sharifs, which implicated the prime minister along with other members of his family. Continuing his arguments about NAB's failure to file an appeal before the Supreme Court on the re-opening of the Hudaibiya Paper Mills reference, the AG said: "Anyone could have filed an appeal against the court decision". When Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan pointed out that the right to appeal was reserved for the affected party, the AG said there was no such thing in the constitution. The matter of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's disqualification was also part of the hearing, with Justice Saeed stressing that "it is the right of every citizen [to know] whether their premier is qualified or not". The issue is about Sharif's disqualification as a member of the National Assembly, not as the prime minister, the AG responded. Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, who heads the bench, said the court had already declared that petitions seeking disqualification of the prime minister constituted a case of public importance. The bench asked Ali to assist the SC to "the extent the court can go to" regarding the premier's disqualification. To which, the AG said a disqualification reference could be sent to the NA speaker. In case of the speaker failing to decide on the matter, another forum could be approached, he said. "We have said on multiple occasions that if other institutions do not do their jobs, the court can intervene," remarked Justice Saeed. The court had declared in the case of ex-PM Yousuf Raza Gilani that the prime minister "can be sent home", said Justice Saeed. Justice Khosa also asked the AG what issues could arise if a reference is filed for the disqualification of Sharif, who is also an MNA. The AG responded that the procedure for an MNA's disqualification is written in the constitution, adding that an MNA is not a public office holder hence the writ of quo warranto may not be relevant. The AG said every public representative is required to submit details of their assets. If the assets are concealed or misstated, he explained, a trial is held in a sessions court. The conviction entails a three-year jail term and Rs5,000 fine or both. "Are you suggesting that the petitioners file a case against the prime minister under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)?" Justice Saeed asked. The AG replied in the affirmative, saying "the prime minister does not have immunity in CrPC cases under the constitution". Justice Khosa then asked the AG whether the sessions judge will be able to solve the matter in such a trial. "Who will prosecute, who will bring the witnesses?" he asked. Justice Saeed remarked that after NAB's response, the prospect of an investigation against the prime minister "has been buried six feet deep in the ground". Justice Khosa regretted that no one is cooperating with the court, and that "information is not being provided". Pak Army launched Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad across the country Pakistan Army on Wednesday launched 'Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad' across the country, Inter-Services Public Relations, the army's media wing, said in a statement. Radd-ul-Fasaad which translates roughly to 'elimination of discord' will aim at indiscriminately eliminating the "residual/latent threat of terrorism", consolidating the gains made in other military operations, and further ensuring the security of Pakistan's borders, read the statement. Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Navy, Civil Armed Forces (CAF) and other security and law enforcing agencies (LEAs) will actively participate in and 'intimately support' the armed forces' efforts to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country, the statement added. "Countrywide de-weaponisation and explosive control are additional cardinals of the effort. Pursuance of National Action Plan will be the hallmark of this operation," it added. The announcement followed a meeting in Lahore between Chief of Armed Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa, the corps commanders of Punjab, the director general of Pakistan Rangers Punjab, and the heads of intelligence agencies. Earlier in the day, the federal government had approved a request forwarded by the Government of Punjab for the deployment of Rangers personnel in the province. Punjab had requested the federal government to deploy over 2,000 Rangers personnel in the province, who would be given policing powers to conduct intelligence-based operations (IBOs) against militants, wherever required and with full authority. Additionally, at the start of the week, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar had informed Senate that the army had been empowered to act against terrorists across the border if it had concrete evidence that Afghan soil had been used to launch recent attacks in the country. He had said it had been established beyond doubt that foreign soil had been used to orchestrate the attacks in Lahore and Hayatabad. Recalling Pakistans commitment to not allow its soil to be used for terrorist acts in any country, Dar had said the time had come to ensure that no other countrys soil was used against Pakistan either. Operation Radd-ul-Fasad has been announced as a continuation of the National Action Plan (NAP), the ISPR said in its Wednesday notification. Widely criticised for its apparently half-hearted implementation, NAP had been formulated after the devastating attack on Army Public School Peshawar in December 2014. As part of the plan, military courts were established to fast-track terrorism cases. Intelligence-based operations across the country were initiated to disrupt and destroy terror networks in urban and rural areas. The plan had also laid an emphasis on curtailing terror financing. NAP had also promised to take action against seminaries involved in militancy, but the government had dithered on bringing them under control, apparently for fear of backlash from religious parties as well as militants. The plan further envisaged countering hate speech and extremist material through the powers vested in the provincial police and other authorities. Pemra and other regulatory authorities were tasked with checking and banning glorification of terrorism and militant groups through print and electronic media. The drafting of the Electronic Media Code of Conduct was also a positive step. The provinces were further instructed under NAP to raise a counter-terrorism force under a dedicated command structure. Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad was announced in the aftermath of a fresh resurgence in terror attacks in Pakistan. On Feb 21, security forces killed three suicide attackers who attempted to wreak havoc at a local court in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Charsadda district. The attack had killed five civilians and was claimed by the proscribed Jamaat-ul-Ahraar (JuA). On Feb 16, the shrine of Sufi saint Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan was struck by a suicide bomber affiliated with the militant Islamic State. The worst in the recent flurry of militant activity in Pakistan, it saw at least 88 killed and more than 300 injured after a suicide bomber targeted devotees during the evening dhamaal. Earlier the same day, an explosive device had targeted an Army convoy in the Awaran area of Balochistan, killing three soldiers. From Greg Swank, 12-4-2 You are about to read a list of 45 goals that found their way down the halls of our great Capitol back in 1963. As... If You Enjoy My Articles, Please Consider Supporting My Writing By Giving A Donation Of Any Amount. Thank you! The mathematical (and other) thoughts of a (now retired) math teacher, Of course. You would have to be be barking mad to want to bring this rabble to NZ. But then socialists are mad by definition. It's not as if we don't have... Some headmasters of schools in the Nanumba North District of the Northern Region say renewed clashes in Bimbilla could affect the academic performance of students in the area. Schools in the district were forced to close down due to the violence which forced residents to flee the area in their large numbers to other communities. DAILY GUIDE gathered that the Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE) will commence in June, 2017, but checks in Bimbilla revealed that schools reopened on 20th February, 2017. Headmasters are currently moving from one radio station to another announcing the reopening of schools to encourage students to come back to schools in the various communities. Some teachers, who are not natives of the area and fled, would have to get some assurance that nothing untoward would happen to them in the district. The Headmaster of Bimbilla Junior High School (JHS), Mohammed told DAILY GUIDE that it would be difficult for schools to get all the students back because some of them do not live in Bimbilla. We are making radio announcements to get the students back to school, but some also live far from here and they do not have access to radio so it will be challenging to get in touch with them. Mr. Mohammed said that the various schools would have to speed up with teaching and learning in order to cover the syllabus. According to him, some schools are yet to write their mock exams in readiness for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). He appealed to the various schools in the area to counsel the students physiologically to conquer their fear, saying its obvious most of them would still live in fear. The headmaster also appealed to the Ministry of Education to come to the aid of schools in the district. The Bimbilla clashes started when Naa Andani Dasana, the regent of Bimbilla Traditional Area, wanted to enskin a sub-chief called Kanbong Naa (chief warrior) in the area against the advice of the City Council and the police. The death toll in the renewed chieftaincy clashes in Bimbilla in the Nanumba North District of the Northern Region has reached 11. The police found nine bodies in addition to the previous two, increasing the number to 11, with others sustaining various degrees of injury. The dead include nine women and a four-year-old child. The deceased have since been buried in the area by their families. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Novartis drug Zykadia receives FDA Priority Review for first-line use in patients with ALK+ metastatic NSCLC Details Category: Small Molecules Published on Thursday, 23 February 2017 12:11 Hits: 3379 Priority Review based on Phase III study results showing 16.6 month median progression-free survival in previously untreated ALK+ metastatic NSCLC patients on Zykadia vs. 8.1 months treated with chemotherapy[1] FDA also grants Breakthrough Therapy designation based on Phase III data in previously untreated ALK+ metastatic NSCLC patients with metastases to the brain If approved in the first-line setting, Zykadia will offer previously untreated ALK+ metastatic NSCLC patients a new treatment option BASEL, Switzerland I February 23, 2017 I Novartis today announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted the Company's supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for filing, and granted Priority Review for the expanded use of Zykadia (ceritinib) as a first-line treatment for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors are anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive as detected by an FDA-approved test. The FDA also granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to Zykadia for the first-line treatment of patients with ALK+ metastatic NSCLC with metastases to the brain. "We are committed to advancing our understanding of mutation-driven lung cancer, where there continues to be significant unmet need," said Vas Narasimhan, Global Head Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer, Novartis. "Today's Priority Review of Zykadia for newly diagnosed patients with ALK+ metastatic NSCLC, including Breakthrough Therapy designation for those with brain metastases, brings us closer to delivering the right treatment to the right patient at the right time." The sNDA submission for first-line use of Zykadia is based on the primary analysis of ASCEND-4, a global Phase III, randomized, open-label, multicenter clinical trial which evaluated safety and efficacy of Zykadia compared to platinum-based chemotherapy, including maintenance, in adult patients with Stage IIIB or IV ALK+ NSCLC. The study was conducted at 134 clinical trial sites across 28 countries, and randomized across 376 patients. The study found: Patients treated with first-line Zykadia had a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 16.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.6, 27.2), compared to 8.1 months (95% CI: 5.8, 11.1) for patients treated with standard first-line pemetrexed-platinum chemotherapy with pemetrexed maintenance. A 45% risk reduction in PFS was obtained in the Zykadia arm compared to the chemotherapy arm (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.55, [95% CI: 0.42, 0.73; one-sided p value <0.001])[1]. In a pre-specified analysis of patients receiving Zykadia without brain metastases at screening, patients experienced a median PFS of 26.3 months (95% CI: 15.4, 27.7), compared with 8.3 months (95% CI: 6.0, 13.7) among patients treated with chemotherapy (HR = 0.48 [95% CI: 0.33, 0.69])[1]. In a pre-specified analysis of patients receiving Zykadia with brain metastases at baseline, the median PFS was 10.7 months (95% CI: 8.1, 16.4) in the Zykadia group versus 6.7 months (95% CI: 4.1, 10.6) in the chemotherapy group (HR = 0.70 [95% CI: 0.44, 1.12])[1]. Intracranial overall response rate (ORR) (72.7%, [95% CI: 49.8, 89.3]) is consistent with whole body ORR (72.5% [95% CI: 65.5, 78.7]). The most common adverse events (AEs) occurring in more than 25% of Zykadia patients were diarrhea (85% vs. 11% with chemotherapy), nausea (69% vs. 55% with chemotherapy), vomiting (66% vs. 36% with chemotherapy), ALT increase (60% vs. 22% with chemotherapy), AST increase (53% vs. 19% with chemotherapy), gamma-glutamyltransferase increase (37% vs. 10% in chemotherapy), decreased appetite (34% vs. 31% with chemotherapy), blood alkaline phosphate increase (29% vs. 5% with chemotherapy) and fatigue (29% vs. 30% with chemotherapy). FDA grants Priority Review to applications for drugs that treat serious conditions and, if approved, would provide a significant improvement in treatment safety or efficacy[2]. For applications granted priority review, FDA is to take action within 6 months of submission instead of 10 months under standard review timelines. Breakthrough Therapy designation is intended to expedite the development and review of drugs that treat serious or life-threatening conditions if the therapy has demonstrated substantial improvement on at least one clinically significant endpoint over an available therapy[3]. Novartis has received 13 Breakthrough Therapy designations to date, underscoring the company's ongoing commitment to developing innovative therapies for rare diseases or underserved cancer patients. This latest designation is for the first-line treatment of patients with ALK+ NSCLC with brain metastases and is the second Breakthrough Therapy designation for Zykadia. Worldwide, lung cancer causes more deaths than colon, breast and prostate cancer combined[4], and an estimated 1.8 million new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed each year[5]. Among those patients with NSCLC, the most common type of lung cancer, 3-7% are ALK-positive[6]. Novartis' Commitment to Lung Cancer Novartis Oncology's research into targeted therapies has helped transform treatment approaches for patients living with mutation-driven lung cancers. Patients with a mutation-driven NSCLC may be candidates for treatment with targeted therapies[7]. Zykadia was one of the first medicines to be approved following FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation. It is currently indicated for the treatment of patients with ALK+ metastatic NSCLC who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib. This indication was approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. An improvement in survival or disease-related symptoms has not been established. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. Zykadia was commercially available in the US less than three and a half years after the first patient entered a clinical trial. Novartis continues its commitment to the global lung cancer community through ongoing studies of its marketed therapies as well as the exploration of investigational compounds that target genomic biomarkers in NSCLC. About ASCEND-4 ASCEND-4 was a Phase III randomized, open-label, multicenter, global clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Zykadia compared to standard chemotherapy, including maintenance, in adult patients with Stage IIIB or IV ALK+ advanced NSCLC who received no prior therapy for their advanced disease. Patients received Zykadia orally at 750 mg/daily or standard pemetrexed-based platinum doublet chemotherapy per label (pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 plus cisplatin 75 mg/m2 or carboplatin AUC 5-6) for 4 cycles followed by pemetrexed maintenance. Of 376 patients, 189 (59 with brain metastases) were randomized to Zykadia and 187 (62 with brain metastases) to chemotherapy. Approximately 60% of patients with baseline brain metastases treated with Zykadia did not have prior radiation therapy, the current standard of treatment for baseline brain metastases. Among patients randomized to the chemotherapy arm, 105 (72%) of 145 received an ALK inhibitor as their first treatment after discontinuation of chemotherapy. About Zykadia Zykadia is an oral, selective inhibitor of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), a gene that can fuse with others to form an abnormal "fusion protein" that promotes the development and growth of certain tumors in cancers including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Zykadia is currently approved in over 64 countries worldwide. Please visit www.NovartisOncology.com/news/product-portfolio/zykadia for additional information. About Novartis Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals and eye care. Novartis has leading positions globally in each of these areas. In 2016, the Group achieved net sales of USD 48.5 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.0 billion. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 118,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are sold in approximately 155 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com. References [1] Soria JC, et al. First-line ceritinib versus platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced ALK-rearranged non-small-cell lung cancer (ASCEND-4): A randomized, open-label Phase 3 study. The Lancet. 2017. [2] US Food and Drug Administration. Priority Review. Available at http://www.fda.gov/ForPatients/Approvals/Fast/ucm405405.htm. Accessed February 2, 2017. [3] US Food and Drug Administration. Fact Sheet: Breakthrough Therapies. Available at http://www.fda.gov/RegulatoryInformation/Legislation/SignificantAmendmentstotheFDCAct/FDASIA/ucm329491.htm. Accessed February 6, 2017. [4] World Health Organization. Estimated number of deaths, both sexes, worldwide in 2012. World Health Organization. http://gco.iarc.fr/today/online-analysis-pie?mode=cancer&mode_population=continents&population=900&sex=0&cancer=11&type=1&statistic=0&prevalence=0&color_palette=default. Accessed on January 19, 2017. [5] World Health Organization. International Agency for Research on Cancer. GLOBOCAN 2012: Estimated Cancer Incidence, Mortality and Prevalence Worldwide in 2012. Lung Cancer. Available at http://globocan.iarc.fr/Pages/fact_sheets_cancer.aspx?cancer=lung. Accessed February 2, 2017. [6] Lovly, C., L. Horn, W. Pao. 2016. Molecular Profiling of Lung Cancer. My Cancer Genome. Available at https://www.mycancergenome.org/content/disease/lung-cancer/. Accessed February 7, 2017. [7] Riess JW, Wakelee, HA. Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Management: Novel Targets and Recent Clinical Advances. Clinical Advances in Hematology & Oncology. 2012; 10: 226-224. SOURCE: Novartis Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday sent a letter to the New York State Education Department making it clear that despite the recent reversal in Washington of an Obama-era directive, schools must continue to protect transgender students from discrimination. President Donald Trump is reversing a policy by President Barack Obama that said not allowing students to use the bathroom of the gender with which they identify could be a violation of Title IX, which is the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education and activities. Cuomo said New York will continue to let transgender students use their preferred bathroom and students gender identity or expression is not a basis for discrimination and intolerance. As the federal government seeks to roll back the progress we have achieved toward equality, we in New York will never stop fighting to ensure the LBGTQ community and all Americans are afforded the equal protections guaranteed to them by the United States constitution, Cuomo said in a news release. In New York, whether you are gay, straight or transgender, Muslim, Jewish or Christian, rich or poor, black or white or brown, we respect all people and we will continue to enforce our laws and stand united against those who seek to drive us apart, he added. Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman and Education Commissioner also responded to the Trump policy change. The Trump Administrations decision to rescind this guidance sends a dangerous and divisive message and threatens some of our most vulnerable young people, Schneiderman said in a news release. But in New York State, the law remains the law -- and school districts have independent duties to protect transgender students from discrimination and harassment when they go to school. My office will use all the existing tools of federal, state, and local law to ensure that transgender kids are safe in their schools and are provided equal access to all programming and facilities consistent with their gender identity. Our most sacred duty as parents, educators and leaders of state agencies is to protect all of the children in our care, Elia said in a news release. Transgender youth are valued members of our schools and communities across New York State, yet statistics show that more than half of them will attempt suicide at least once by their 20th birthday. So we must do everything in our power to create learning environments that are safe and welcoming for all. The guidance we have developed with Attorney General Schneiderman and our partners underscores the value we place on respecting all students and indeed all people. A national environmental organization is praising U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, for her recent vote against rescinding an Obama administration intended to reduce methane pollution from offshore oil and natural gas wells. EDF Action, the political arm of Environmental Defense Fund, ran an ad in The Post-Star on Thursday praising Stefanik for her vote. EDF Action contributed $1,000 to Stefanik's re-election campaign last year. Click here to read more about Stefanik's vote. LAKE GEORGE The Lake George Village Board gave its blessing Wednesday for Mayor Robert Blais to appoint a committee to study possible dissolution. Blais had been approached by Lake George Supervisor Dennis Dickinson to explore the issue, which has been studied twice before, the most recent being in 2009. Blais said he believes the community deserves having officials look into every way possible to save money. Trustee John Root volunteered to serve. Blais also intends to appoint Village Clerk-Treasurer Darlene Gunther, Department of Public Works Superintendent Dave Harrington and local attorney and hotel owner Robert Gregor. Blais stressed that no additional taxpayer funding would be used for this study. The village obtained grants to conduct two previous studies at a total cost of $85,000. A 2008 study found that town taxes could increase by 9 percent, or $32, while village taxes could go down to 24 percent saving nearly $400. The Village Board in November 2010 decided not to put the matter to a vote. Dan Barusch, the towns director of planning and zoning, would take the lead on studying the issue this time. The goal is to come up with some figures of potential cost-savings and a plan for how dissolution could occur by the end of the year, according to Blais. If its workable, then it could very easily be put on the ballot a year from this March, he said. Blais said where he believes the previous two dissolution studies fell short is there was no clear plan of what would happen after dissolution. To me, that would be like purchasing a car before trying it out, he said. I would charge the committee with trying to come up with some sort of plan. Whats going to happen to the Village Hall? Whats going to happen to the fire company? Most of the large assets such as the water system and sewer system are owned by the village. Another issue is how village services are absorbed by the town. The village does tasks such as clearing the snow from sidewalks, according to Blais. Blais said it is not as simple as people in the village getting three bills and then they would receive two. The village has $16 million worth of debt that would have to be paid down. This is a much more complex village than others that have voted to dissolve, Blais said. The village has a $4.5 million budget. People didnt feel comfortable voting on something when they didnt know what was going to happen. If we can come up with a plan that gives people a definite idea of whats going to happen, then put it to a vote, he said. Blais also said the prior studies contained numerous errors. Blais is not serving on the committee. He said he does not want people thinking he is advocating for dissolution so he could retire as the last mayor. He also is not opposing dissolution so he can run for re-election. I will let the plane fly where its going to land, he said. Root said he regretted not putting the matter before voters the last time. There were two factions of people on both sides of the issue. The ones we heard in the end were the ones who were against it and thats what we voted on that night, he said. One issue is the fear of the unknown, according to Root. I dont think you really know whats going to happen until you actually do it, he said. Deputy Mayor John Earl said he does not think a vote would have mattered. I heard more comments 10 to 1 in favor of keeping the status quo, he said. I personally would be not very optimistic of putting my fate as a village resident in the hands of another government, especially with no firm contracts or plans or anything. I just dont have confidence, he added. Blais said people tend to favor the status quo. If your cars running, theres no sense in bringing it into the garage and have a mechanic look at it, he said. LAKE LUZERNE Davern Drive resident Jack Herring had long questioned some of the additions and property changes at a neighboring home. But when he started smelling the aroma of a septic system during the summer months, his concerns grew. It got to the point where he wouldnt let his young granddaughter play on the side of the property where the smell seemed to emanate, and he had concerns about what might be leaching into the nearby Hudson River. Research into the septic system led him to believe it was installed illegally, with multiple leach fields instead of a dry well as the town permit specified. Herring has gone to the Lake Luzerne Town Board meetings every month since August to ask that something be done about building code violations at the neighbors property. He claims property was improperly subdivided, structures were built without building permits and one was put too close to the line with his land. Every month, the retired police officer and college criminal justice instructor has left frustrated and questioned why this neighbor, a seasonal resident from out-of-state, seemed untouchable. His persistence has resulted in many around town asking him what was going on, as they heard about his regular appearances at town meetings, he said. He checked with the town as a mobile home and storage building were added next door, and was told everything was legal. But he said, in hindsight, he should have asked more questions as they occurred. Herring went to the Adirondack Park Agency about the subdivision of the adjoining property, and the agency acknowledged in writing that the subdivision he questioned did not appear legal, but said it would not pursue an enforcement action. A copy of the correspondence was provided to The Post-Star. Town Supervisor Gene Merlino said Herrings threats of legal action have led the Town Board to refer his complaints to Town Attorney Robert Regan. Merlino said he initially had concerns about some of the allegations, but Regan has assured the board the town is on firm legal ground. Merlino said most of the alterations that have upset Herring occurred more than a decade ago, which gives the town little recourse even if it finds problems. Its a mish-mash of things that happened 15 to 20 years ago, Merlino said. It seems like its a neighbor dispute and hes trying to get us in the middle of it. He said the septic system was properly permitted, and the only way to prove what Herring has alleged about design violations regarding a dry well is to dig it up. The dispute seemed to come to a head when Herrings efforts to buy the neighboring property fell through, Merlino said. Herring, though, said the owner was trying to sell to him, not the other way around. Regan said he has looked into all of the issues raised by Herring, and found no legal basis for any action. He said zoning codes were different when many of the property additions Herring has challenged were made, and the town code enforcement officer had the authority to waive aspects of the permit regarding the septic system that Herring has questioned. Everything was done by the books, he said. Herring said Regan is blatantly wrong regarding the septic system waiver, and that he understands there were code changes but still believes the town repeatedly erred. All I want the town to do is bring this property into compliance, he said. GLENS FALLS The American Legion will host the second in its special speaker series at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Salvation Army, 37 Broad St. The program, which will include students from Glens Falls High School, will focus on three local women who were liberated from the Nazis by the U.S. Army in World War II. The three women, all children at the time, will talk about how they were treated by the Nazis and the difference when the American troops arrived. The women are from Latvia, France and Germany, and they will have photos and memorabilia on display. Students from Glens Falls High School will recite the stories of the three women. The program will be free, and there will be refreshments. GLENS FALLS It only took a few minutes of sharing coffee, sweets like dense chocolate brownies or tiny vanilla cakes, and stories about everyday things like where their children go to school, workouts and husbands who cook dinner or clean the bathroom, for the common discomfort among strangers to disappear. When we meet face to face, we find there are more similarities, said Noah Ahmad Quick of Glens Falls, the director of public affairs for the Albany Chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. When the conversation is not hidden behind the anonymity of social media, it is less confrontational. And finding a common thread is exactly what Quick and other area Muslims were hoping for when they planned their first Glens Falls Coffee, Cake and True Islam open dialogue event at Spot Coffee on Glen Street on Tuesday night. Some people have never even met a Muslim, Quick said. We are saying, Im a Muslim, ask me a question. The Glens Falls event that drew about 11 was one of more than 40 meet-ups scheduled around the nation for Feb. 21 or 22 by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community as part of a national outreach campaign. Designed to dispel myths and misunderstandings about Islam in a face-to-face gathering, the events were widely accepted, said Quick. Since I have been doing this outreach, I have not had any negativity, he said. On Tuesday night, disparate groups of Muslims, Christians, Catholics, and Jewish people met in mosques, cafes and libraries in cities like Las Vegas, Detroit, Niagara Falls and Washington, D.C. There was the meeting at Dunkin Donuts in Sterling, Virginia, Panera Bread in Easton, Pennsylvania, Cafe Medici in Austin, Texas, and Starbucks in the nations capital. I moved to Queensbury in 2010 and there are many more Muslims in Glens Falls than most people realize, said Quick, who was raised Catholic but converted to Islam. They are all successful business owners; they are hardworking and dedicated to their community. The goal of the gatherings is to create an environment where people can freely question the teachings of the Quran and also meet local Muslims, said Dr. Hafeez Rehman, president of the Albany Chapter, a medical doctor who lives in Amsterdam. Rehman was also at the Spot Coffee meet-up. Jackie Adler of Queensbury, who is Jewish, said she came to the event to ask questions about women and Islam. I was looking for the role of women, Adler said. Im a feminist and I wanted to hear about that. Quicks wife, Tafhaim Quick, who has a degree in engineering, said that Muslim women have many rights and are well respected. Even the smallest thing I need or want, he has to go and get it for me, she said about her husband. Thats his job my money is my money and his money is my money. Women play an important role, Rehman added. The discussions flowed freely with comparisons of Judaism to Islam to Catholicism. Two Jewish women talked about head coverings and how men wear them in their religion. There was discussion about Catholics and head coverings like scarves, mantillas or chapel veils worn well into the 1970s, and there was even a mention of the UK and how the queen always wears a hat. Tafhaim said she is not forced to wear her hijab, but she prefers it. It is who I am, she said. It says, Shes a Muslim lady and she is respected. And as they listened and talked, discussions centered on the teachings of the Quran, tattoos and ISIS. As far as the Quran, Tafhaim said it is merely a guide as to how to live your life. Regarding tattoos, the Quran teaches to not put permanent markings on the body. Use a Henna tattoo, Tafhaim said, laughing. Still, Jessica Brender of Glens Falls said she loves body art. I am not here to judge, Tafhaim replied. The tougher issue ties to ISIS and extremism, which several of the Muslims present said does not represent who they are and goes against the Quran. We are working on dispelling the myths and give supporting evidence from the Quran, Quick said, adding that ISIS is not a religion, but a small political group and that there are billions of Muslims around the world who reject terrorism. According to Quick, Islam wholly rejects all forms of terrorism. They told the story of a French journalist who was held captive by ISIS. He asked them for a Quran, Tafhaim said. No one could produce one. They were not saying the prayers. ISIS is a vacuum and they have no faith-based existence. To continue their open talks, Abraham Rehman is heading a youth initiative and for the past several weeks they have been walking along Broadway in Saratoga Springs on Sunday afternoons. I am a Muslim, ask me a question, he and others say to passers-by. According to Quick, the Spot Coffee gathering will become a regular Tuesday evening event at 7 p.m. for their neighbors, teachers, students, media and anyone else interested in learning about True Islam and to ask questions. He said, Join us for a warm cup of coffee, cake and conversation. SARATOGA SPRINGS Oprah Winfrey will speak at Skidmore Colleges 106th Commencement Exercises on May 20 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. The college will recognize Winfreys career in television and media and recognize her vision, leadership and commitment to education through the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. She will receive an honorary doctorate of letters in the arts and address the class of 2017. One of her graduates of the academy will receive a degree from the college, according to a news release. Winfrey is the CEO of the Oprah Winfrey Network cable network. She hosted a nationally syndicated talk show from 1986 to 2011 and has acted in movies and television programs. Also addressing the college will be Ann Tisch, founder and president of the Young Womens Leadership Network. She created the all-girls Young Womens Leadership Schools in 1996. There are five schools in New York City and 13 affiliate school across the nation. In addition, there will be remarks from author and combat veteran Wes Moore, who wrote the The Other West Moore: One Name Two Fates, which is a book read by students as part of its First-Year Experience program. We are honored to have three extremely passionate and exemplary advocates for education speaking at our commencement ceremony this spring. We believe the unified messages shared by Ms. Winfrey, Ms. Tisch, and Mr. Moore will be a powerful reinforcement of our commitment to providing broad access to an outstanding liberal arts educational experience, said Skidmore President Philip A. Glotzbach in a news release. Mark Youndt, professor of management and business, has been selected as the 2017 faculty Commencement speaker. Madison Plummer, president of the graduating class, Chairman of the Board W. Scott McGraw and Glotzbach will also offer remarks. GLENS FALLS The directors of both Crandall Public Library and the Open Door Mission said this week they were disappointed by a short-lived Facebook page called, Trash of Crandall Library. The page was was taken down Saturday afternoon, but it raised questions about the response of part of the community to the ongoing issues of homelessness and poverty here. The Facebook page encouraged readers to post photos of people eating or sleeping in the library. The following post was on Facebook Saturday morning, but was taken down by Saturday afternoon: Crandall Library is a jewel of the City of Glens Falls. However, this jewel has become tarnished by the homeless that now treat it as a hostel: sleeping an eating in the library as if it was a motel or a restaurant, part of the post said. Im not sure, but if youre like me and are sick and tired of the rank smell of the computer room or sitting next to someone that smells like a zoo please take a look at this page. Library Director Kathy Naftaly said her staff first heard about the page from a patron who called. I found out about it at about 10 a.m. Saturday, Naftaly said. By the time I went back to look at it again in the early afternoon, it was down. I do not know how or why it was taken down. Naftaly said the library did not contact Facebook about the page, but said she was glad it was taken down quickly. I was really disappointed by the posting. I find it disturbing that someone would be so judgmental of other people, she said. I think we have seen a lot of self-policing by groups in the library. Our question is how we can best help people, but its not our role to intervene. Kim Cook, director at Open Door Mission, which runs a soup kitchen and food pantry, also used the word disappointed and said the people behind the page do not understand the issues. These are folks who really needed to be educated, she said. The situation of poverty has a lot of different levels to it. We want to help people to understand that homelessness or poverty is not the result of one or two bad decisions. Cook said that, while the Facebook page bothered her, it led to some good discussions. As disappointed as I was to see it, a number of people who came in wanted to talk about it, Cook said. I do think the library is really trying to work with these people. Sara Dallas, director of the Southern Adirondack Library System, said libraries nationwide are working with the homeless and those in poverty. Public libraries providing library services to the homeless is something being done throughout the country, Dallas said. Some libraries employ social workers or partner with community agencies to provide support and assistance to poor children, teens, adults and families. Public libraries provide access to all people to information, services and technologies. Libraries serve everyone. Open Door steps in By this fall, the issue should be ameliorated, because Open Door will be opening a new center on Warren Street that will have a day room and space for classes and training sessions. Its something we have wanted to do for a long time, but we have not had room at our current location, Cook said. It is definitely part of our overall plan. The new center, in a former furniture store at 224-226 Warren St., will be open 24 hours, 7 days a week and will include spaces for homeless people and a Code Blue shelter able to take in more people when the temperatures fall during the winter. The new Open Door space should take pressure off the library, which often has people waiting to get in when its doors open at 9 a.m. During the winter, some homeless residents who use the Code Blue shelter, currently in Queensbury, eat breakfast at the Open Door, then spend the morning in the library. They have no other place to go, Cook said. You need money in order to sit in a coffee shop and have a coffee or to go in other places. We will be able to provide them a place to go. Working together Naftaly said earlier this week the number of reported problems with patrons at the library has been falling over the last several years, as staff members have worked to get to know patrons better. I think we have a very compassionate, empathetic staff, Naftaly said, noting that in 2014, there were more than 200 written reports of incidents of various kinds in the library, while there were 83 the following year and 68 last year. We have been building better relations with patrons. Naftaly also credited security guard James Anoe with making strong connections with patrons, including those who are homeless or poor. There is really no way for us to know whether people are homeless, and it doesnt really matter, Naftaly said. Poverty is the issue, and we need to do what we can to help with that. Under state rules for judges, the following activities (among others) are prohibited: Attending political gatherings; Publicly endorsing or publicly opposing (other than by running against) another candidate for public office; Engaging in any partisan political activity. But what about using a bullhorn to lead chants at a demonstration put together by a progressive organization and held outside a Republican congresswomans office thats fine, right? No, thats not fine. Rodney Johnson, a town justice in Lake Luzerne, took a prominent role in the Feb. 14 rally outside Elise Stefaniks Glens Falls district office. Where is Elise? he called, through his bullhorn. I dont know, the crowd chanted back. The rally, demanding that Stefanik hold a town hall meeting with constituents concerned about the agenda of the Trump administration, took place amid similar rallies and lively town halls being held nationwide. This is both an organized political movement being put together by left-leaning groups such as moveon.org (which organized the Glens Falls rally) and an expression of concern by citizens worried about immigration policy, health care and other issues. We support the free expression of political grievances, which is protected by the Constitution, and we agree with the protesters that our elected representative, Elise Stefanik, should meet with them. Mr. Johnson said he has a First Amendment right to speak publicly, which is true. But he does not have a First Amendment right to be employed as a judge if he refuses to follow state judicial ethics rules. He doesnt speak publicly about court proceedings or rulings or raise money for political or nonprofit organizations, Mr. Johnson said. But the state rules say he cannot attend political gatherings, and the rally on Valentines Day was not intended for exchanging cards and candy hearts. The rules also say he cannot engage in partisan political activity, and although you could argue that this rally was held for a nonpartisan purpose to push for communication between a representative and her constituents these rallies and town hall meetings have a partisan subtext. Across the country, Republicans in the House and Senate are being challenged to explain and defend their support for Trump administration policies that many people find troubling. We dont object to loud rallies and lively meetings. We are encouraged to see citizens energized, speaking up and challenging politicians face to face. Democracy is meant to be confrontational. But we have to agree with the resident of Lake Luzerne who said Johnsons actions violate at least the spirit of the states judicial ethics rules. Would Johnson be fair to an outspoken Trump supporter who came before him in court? Would he favor a well-known leader of the Trump opposition? Were not saying Johnsons professional judgment would be compromised by his political activity. But that question should never come up. If Johnson had attended the rally but stood quietly in the back, its unlikely anyone would have objected. Even better, he could have made his concerns known to the congresswoman with a phone call, an email or a letter. Judges are expected to be circumspect in political and other matters. They should be seen as standing apart from the hurly-burly. Were not advocating that Mr. Johnson suffer any consequences for going to the rally, but we are urging that he show better judgment in the future and stay home. WASHINGTON -- RFE/RL Turkmen correspondent Soltan Achilova has been assaulted a second time, following an attack last month that rights advocates said was an attempt to silence her reporting. Achilova, 67, was in a rehabilitation center near Archman, northeast of the capital, Ashgabat, for health reasons on November 8 when two women approached her in the cafeteria, yelling This is the one who takes pictures and pours dirt on Turkmenistan. Earlier that evening, in an attack Achilova believes was meant for her, an elderly woman staying in the same facility was knocked to the floor by two unknown women who shouted while beating her, This is for your taking pictures. The attack came one day after Human Rights Watch issued a statement decrying an October 25 assault on Achilova, saying Achilovas ordeal was clearly yet another orchestrated attempt to silence a critic. There is every indication that these are deliberate attempts to punish our correspondent for doing her job in Turkmenistan, said RFE/RL President Thomas Kent. These attacks violate Turkmenistans international obligations and its own constitutional commitments to respect independent media, and as such must be immediately condemned by the government and stopped. Achilova was questioned by four police officers and threatened with arrest after taking photos of long queues at a state-owned store in the capital city Ashgabat on October 25. After she was released by police several hours later, three men and a woman in plain clothes caught up with her, demanded she delete all the photos, and then attacked her, snatching her bag and her camera away. Achilovas mobile phone has not worked and shes had no Internet connection since last weeks attack. Attacks on RFE/RL correspondents in Turkmenistan, one of the worlds most closed societies, have intensified over the past two years. Saparmamed Nepeskuliev, a video journalist who contributed to the Turkmen Service, was sentenced to three years in prison in September, 2015 on narcotics charges that rights advocates believe were fabricated and brought in retaliation for his images capturing economic hardship and crumbling infrastructure in the countrys western region. In December 2014, Achilova was questioned by unidentified men in civilian clothing under circumstances similar to those of this latest incident, as she interviewed people waiting to purchase fresh meat that had suddenly became available in shops around the country. Yet most Americans, distracted by constant rhetoric from their new president about bad hombres trying to cross the Mexican border, are woefully unaware the debacle is even taking place. Unlike the Panama Papers, whose revelations got considerable media coverage in the United States, this scandal has fallen through the cracks even though these are the real bad hombres Trump should be worried about. So in the interest of public information, heres a breakdown of how a bribery probe uncovered a pit of corruption so deep it presents an ongoing threat to political stability in the region. Earlier this month, Perus President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski asked US President Donald Trump during a phone call to deport the countrys fugitive ex-president Alejandro Toledo. Chief Executive Officer of the commission Dr Tony Aubynn attributed the possible rise in production to the uncertainties of the policy direction exhibited by the U.S President, Donald Trump. He said this is expected to positively impact gold prices. There is a certain level of bullishness in the gold price which is good for Ghana as a key producer of gold. This is driven largely by several factors of uncertainties largely by the U.S. There is a certain level of uncertainty about the policy direction of President Trump. We expect Gold production to go up slightly and other minerals will also go up. Bauxite and Manganese will go up slightly. Gold might go up by maybe 2 or 3% in terms of production, he added. Gold prices have seen a drop since 2010, but have seen gradual improvement since last year. READ ALSO: Scores left stranded at Buipe following closure of main bridge Dr Aubynn said any form of an increase in gold prices will be a positive development for Ghana since it will translate into an increase in revenue. Speaking with CNBC's Becky Quick in an interview Thursday morning, Mnuchin said the Trump administration was considering numerous tax-related proposals but hoped to have a plan in place by the end of the summer. "Our economic agenda, the number one issue is growth, and the first, most important issue that will impact growth is a tax plan," Mnuchin said. "So we are committed to passing tax reform. It will be very significant it's going to be focused on middle-income tax cuts, simplification, and making the business tax competitive with the rest of the world ... That's really our focus. We want to get this done by the August recess." Mnuchin said the administration was working on a "combined plan" with the House and the Senate. Quick asked whether the tax plan would include the controversial border adjustment tax, a measure that some House Republicans say would make the US more trade competitive but that retailers and some GOP senators have derided. Mnuchin said that there were "some concerns" with a border adjustment tax but that it also had "interesting aspects." In an interview with CNBC in January, Mnuchin said any tax cut for the wealthy in Trump's tax plans would be offset by the closing of deductions for high-income earnings. The Treasury secretary stood by those comments on Thursday. "As I said before, we're primarily focused on a middle-income tax cut and simplification for business," Mnuchin said. "What we are focused on, on the high end, if there are tax cuts that they are offset with reductions of deductions and other things." Trump said in a meeting on February 9 with airline CEOs that the administration was going to release something "phenomenal in terms of tax" over the "next two or three weeks." While a plan may still emerge in that time frame, it appears that the administration does not expect anything to pass until the end of the summer. A Ghanaian in South Africa, Donald told Accra-based Starr FM that they are living in fear and that their movements had been limited. We are indoors more because of the xenophobic attacks. He said all attempts to reach the Ghanaian High Commission for assistance had been unsuccessful. Xenophobic attacks Many Nigerians, Ghanaians and other African nationals have complained of rising attacks on them. The attackers say the foreigners are taking over their jobs and are the cause of crimes in their neighbourhoods. Meanwhile, Ghana's Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway has said that the government is closely monitoring the situation. A lot of engagement has taken place between the mission and Ghanaians [and] we are closely monitoring the situation, she said. For years now, China has been building artificial islands in the South China Sea and militarizing them with radar outposts and missiles. The latest move seems to have been months in the making, so it's not in response to any particular US provocation, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies' Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative. China previously deployed close-in weapons systems, which often serve on ships as a last line of defense against incoming missiles, and have toggled on and off between positioning surface-to-air missiles on Woody island in the Paracel Islands chain. But this time it's different, according to CSIS' Bonnie Glasser, director of the China Power Project. China has not yet deployed the actual launchers, but Satellite imagery shows the new surface-to-air missile sites are buildings with retractable roofs, meaning Beijing can hide launchers, and that they'll be protected from small arms fire. Nations in the region have taken notice. Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay told reporters that foreign ministers of the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) unanimously expressed concern over China's land grab in a resource-rich shipping lane that sees $5 trillion in commerce annually. The move is "very unsettlingly, that China has installed weapons systems in these facilities that they have established, and they have expressed strong concern about this, Yasay said, according to the South China Morning Post. But Chinese media and officials disputed the consensus at ASEAN that their militarization had raised alarm, and according to Glaser, without a clear policy position from the Trump administration, nobody will stand up to China. Currently, the US has an aircraft carrier strike group patrolling the South China Sea, but that clearly hasn't stopped or slowed Beijing's militarization of the region, nor has it meaningfully emboldened US allies to speak out against China. "Most countries do not want to be confrontational towards China ... they don't want an adversarial relationship," said Glaser, citing the economic benefits countries like Laos and Cambodia get from cooperating with Beijing, the world's third largest economy and a growing regional power. Instead, US allies in the Pacific are taking a "wait and see" approach to dealing with the South China Sea as Beijing continues to cement its dominance in the region and establish "facts in the water" that even the US's most advanced ships and planes would struggle to overcome. The HQ-9 missile systems placed in the South China Sea resemble Russia's S-300 missile defense system, which can heavily contest airspace for about 100 miles. According to Glaser, China has everything it needs to declare an air defense and identification zone essentially dictate who gets to fly and sail in the South China Sea except for the Scarborough Shoal. "I think from a military perspective, now because they have radars in the Paracels and the Spartlys," China has radar coverage "so they can see whats going on in the South China Sea with the exception of the northeastern quarter," said Glaser. "T" The Scarborough Shoal remains untouched by Chinese dredging vessels, but developing it would put them a mere 160 miles from a major US Navy base at the Subic Bay in the Phillippines. Installing similar air defenses there, or even radar sites, could effectively lock out the US or anyone else pursuing free navigation in open seas and skies. While US President Donald Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of being tougher on China, a lack of clear policy has allowed Beijing to continue on its path of militarizing the region where six nations claim territory. A directive given by former President Barack Obama last year granted transgender students the choice to use public school restrooms and locker rooms matching their gender identity. Without the directive, states and school districts will now have to decide whether to grant those protections to transgender students. Attorney General Jeff Sessions laid out his reasoning for the withdrawal, suggesting the Obama administration of not being clear about its intentions: "The prior guidance documents did not contain sufficient legal analysis or explain how the interpretation was consistent with the language of Title IX." Title IX bans sex discrimination in education. But it remains unsettled whether Title IX protections extend to a person's gender identity. LGBT rights advocates argue that protections are necessary to shield trans students from discrimination. The Human Rights Campaign found 51% of LGBTQ youth had been verbally harassed at their school. Here's how people responded to the Trump administration's actions: Sen. Kamala Harris of California: "Revoking federal protections for transgender students is an appalling decision that targets kids because of who they are. Shameful," she said. LGBT Caucus: The organization tweeted: "SHAME! Donald Trump has decided the biggest problem facing America was that transgender kids have civil rights?" Rep. Marc Pocan of Wisconsin: "Donald Trump abandons transgender students w/hateful action," Pocan wrote. "We will fight for equality and protect trans kids." Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota: Franken, who grilled education secretary Betsy DeVos during her confirmation hearing, said "I vow to fight back against Trump admin's callous decision to scrap guidelines that protect transgender students." Rep. Barbara Lee of California: "Title IX protects transgender students from abuse and discrimination," the congresswoman said. "Trump Admin's action tonight is blatantly wrong." Ellen DeGeneres: The TV personality tweeted Wednesday: "Just seeing the news about removing laws protecting trans people. This isnt about politics. Its about human rights, and its not okay." Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson: Ferguson who recently fought to suspend President Donald Trump's original executive order on immigration, said: As AG, I will ensure state laws protecting transgender and gender non-conforming students are enforced fairly and vigorously. Rep. Adam Schiff of California: "Trans rights are human rights. With all the progress we've made, suicides among LGBT youth have declined. This is no time to reverse course," Schiff said. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer: "This decision by the Trump administration to roll back protections for transgender students is just plain wrong and cuts directly across the American drive and yearning for equality." Laws centered on transgender rights have sparked controversy in states nationwide. North Carolina took a financial hit of nearly $400 million after businesses and organizations took a stand against its law that prevented local governments from protecting LGBT people with nondiscrimination ordinances. Twelve other states have pre-filed or filed similar bills as of February 2017, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Those states include: Alabama, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. The new mobile customers pushed its client base to 13 million at the end of December, it said. "The positive commercial and financial results of Bouygues Telecom in 2016 confirm its strategic choices," chairman Martin Bouygues said in a statement. Exceptional items affected overall profits positively, as the 84 million euros Bouygues had to pay to share its network with fellow French operator SFR was outweighed by the 104 million capital gain it made from the sale of telecom masts to Spain's Cellnex. Some two thirds of Bouygues' customers have adopted 4G technology with a monthly data use of 4.2 gigabytes per month on average, against 2.4 a year earlier, said the operator, France's third-largest. Orange, France's leading mobile phone operator, also Thursday reported its net profit grew nearly 11 percent to 2.93 billion euros in 2016. Profits were helped by a one-off gain of 4.5 billion euros from the sale of just over four percent in British operator EE. It was the first year since 2008 that Orange managed a rise in both its sales and Ebitda, a key measure of operating performance, finance director Ramon Fernandez told reporters. Sales in Orange's home market France declined by 0.9 percent as income from roaming charges dropped. But elsewhere in Europe, sales were up 5.8 percent, mostly thanks to operations in Spain where turnover rose by 17.9 percent. Orange had 201.7 million mobile phone customers worldwide at the end of 2016, up 0.9 percent from the previous year mostly thanks to gains in France and the rest of Europe. The Bouygues group, Bouygues Telecom's parent, meanwhile reported a net profit of 732 million euros for 2016, up from 403 million in 2015 and well ahead of analyst expectations. The group runs various operations from construction to telecoms and media. Brad Grey will give up his role as chief executive at Paramount, remaining for a time as Viacom searches for someone to take his place, according to a release. "It has been my privilege to be a part of Paramount's storied history, and I am grateful to Sumner Redstone for giving me this opportunity," said Grey, who took on his role at the company in 2005. Paramount is a historic Hollywood studio, having produced blockbusters including "Titanic," "Forrest Gump," "Ghost," "The Godfather," "Indiana Jones," "Mission Impossible," and "Transformers." However, the film studio has suffered from a lack of box-office successes in recent years, and even fielded several flops including an undated remake of the classic "Ben Hur." Viacom's staggered fiscal year ended in September, with the studios seeing revenue drop by eight percent and incurring an operating loss of $445 million. Paramount lost more money in the quarter that began in October. A clash over the future of the studios erupted into a legal battle between Viacom ex-CEO Philippe Dauman and the Redstone family. The Redstone family, through its National Amusements holding company, controls Viacom, which includes an array of television operations and the Paramount studios in Hollywood, as well as television giant CBS. Dauman wanted to bail out the studios by selling a minority stake to an outside company, a strategy the Redstones opposed. Dauman had filed legal actions claiming the aging Redstone was unable to manage his affairs and had been manipulated by his daughter Shari. Dauman eventually dropped his lawsuit as part of an agreement to leave the company, which controls Paramount, a global television empire that includes MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and other properties, with operations in 180 countries. Sumner Redstone, the 93-year-old media tycoon whose health has been questioned, in December stepped down from the board of his conglomerate Viacom. It marked a further step back for Redstone, whose failing health was an object of litigation as his daughter Shari assumed increasing control of his corporate empire. Dauman eventually resigned and was replaced by Bob Bakish, who announced Grey's departure on Wednesday. Paramount last month announced it was partnering with two Chinese film-industry companies in a deal that would provide a cash infusion for the Hollywood giant. Paramount signed a three-year agreement with Shanghai Film Group and Beijing-based Huahua Media to co-finance and co-produce all of the US studio's films, Paramount said in a statement on China's twitter-like Weibo platform. He denied allegations that the union has planned this demonstration to discredit the new government. READ ALSO: GTP lays off 130 workers Sometimes you may think we are very hard but that is what you have to do to make sure that things are done right, these are challenges that he (trade minister) is going to face. We as the labour Union, we are not going to do things to frustrate him; he must be allowed to work and any advice they want from unions we are prepared to help after-all its the results that we want. And if the results are favourable to the ordinary worker why would we work against the government that will make sure businesses thrive. He said the current situation at the Tema Industrial area is pathetic. Most of the textile-producing companies have dismissed some staff and also rented parts of their offices as warehouses to other companies. Its a pity if you go to the Tema industrial area you will weep; if you see how companies have collapsed, a whole lot of industries , TTL, GTP, GTMC have all deteriorated. And some have been rented out as warehouses; its a pity, Koomson said. In the 1970s, the industry had a huge workforce of 25,000, but it now employs about 1,700 following the lack of effective policies to deal with the smuggling menace. From about 20 companies existing in the 80s, only about 8 remains. Some of them still trying to keep pace in the market in the face of unfair competition from pirated designs include Akosombo Textile Limited (ATL), Textile Printex and the Ghana Textile Manufacturing Company (GTMC) and Ghana Textiles Limited (GTP). The Director of Research and Policy at the Institute, Dr Philip Adom in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM said investors will not put money in the VRA if the liabilities outweigh the assets. If you look at it from the broader perspective, yes it is good, good in the sense that once they are listed on the stock exchange people will invest in it. So in terms of the financial position we are likely to see a very improved energy sector but then there is very big but the big but is that currently, the financial status of these utility companies are very bad, he said. So one would actually ask, what will move a private person to invest his capital in this industry should they finally be listed on the stock exchange. How do we ensure that we as a country we improve on the financial stands of the utility companies. That is where the realistic tariffs come in. Unless government says that for now, they have plans to redeem all VRAs debt. It will be difficult to convince investors, he added. President Nana Akufo-Addo during his State of the Nation Address on Tuesday, February 21, 2016, said the government may list some state-owned power companies on the bourse. READ ALSO: Textile workers to hit the streets on March 9 The president further disclosed that the energy sector is indebted to the tune of 2.4 billion U.S dollars. The announcement has sparked some debate among the public. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government before exiting power approved an increase in the allowances of national service personnel from GH350 to GH559. The increment of the service personnel took effect January 1, 2017. Some service personnel who went to the banks for their allowances were left disappointed because there was no increment on their salary. But President of the National Service Personnel Association in the Greater Accra region, Kojo Danquah said the personnel will demonstrate if government fails to pay them. Despite the anger of the personnel, their leadership urged calm and gave the government and the Scheme a seven-day ultimatum to rectify the anomaly but to no avail, thus the decision by the Greater Accra branch to picket on 1 March. READ ALSO: National Service Personnel threaten to demonstrate over unpaid allowance Below is a statement of the group rallying support: Press release,22nd February 2017 NATIONAL SERVICE PERSONNEL TO PICKET FLAGSTAFF HOUSE The leadership of the National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) G/A would want to, by this release, call its members, the media, parents, students, and all well-meaning Ghanaians to join us as we picket the Flagstaff House. You would recall that on the 7th of February, we gave the government a seven-day ultimatum which elapsed on Thursday. The scheme and government after the seven-day ultimatum have still not been conclusive on the subject matter. This has informed our decision to picket the Flagstaff House as part of the series of actions we spoke about during our press conference. The intended date, time, and venue are as follows: Date: 1st March 2017 Time: 10am Convergent point: National Theatre We look forward to seeing you there NASPA READY TO SERVE SIGNED Kojo S.A Danquah(President) Prince K. (Vice President) Ganoo Redeemer(General Secretary) Selesi I Adablah(Financial Secretary) Boakye Michael(Organising Sec.) READ ALSO:Ramzy In an exclusive interview with Pulse.com.gh the ex-convict said his girlfriend gave up on him when he needed her the most. She came to me in prison just a month I had stayed there and told me she cannot be with me any longer. Ramzy who served his jail sentence at the Nsawam medium security prison said his girlfriend explained that She is the first born and has other 5 siblings after her..she was not growing any younger, she needed to get married before her younger siblings could and thus cannot wait for me. Amazingly, I have stayed in prison for 10 years and only to come home and learn that she is still not married," he added. Before his incarceration, Ramzy was a fast rising star in the Ghanaian music industry. He placed second at the Stars of the Future in 2006 and also auditioned for the M-Net West Africa Idol contest in Nigeria in 2007. He was arrested only a few days before the date he was scheduled to go and compete in Nigeria. In an exclusive interview with Pulse.com.gh, Ramzy said he found solace in music while in jail. He explained that this made him very instrumental in the choir of the inmates. The major reason [I got stronger] was music and God. I was the choir leader in the prison. Im the lead vocalist, I teach music. Now that Im no more there, there is a big vacuum. There is a big space that cannot be filled. He noted that apart from his fellow inmates and choir that miss him; he knows the prison officers will also wish to hear him sing with the Nsawam prison choir again. Even the officers say it all the time. Even the day I had to leave, the OIC said he was sad I am leaving. He added that he has some ideas to help the choir in the prison grow and sing better than they do now. I have plans for them. I just need to organise myself very well and help them. Ramzy was sentenced to 10-years imprison with hard labour by the Tema High court for his role in robbing a complainant of her 44 Toyota Highlander, with registration number GT 6409X and an amount of GH300 at gunpoint. The court found him and 7 of his accomplices guilty of charges of conspiracy, armed robbery and dishonesty under Article 29, Clause 146 of the criminal code. In the prison, he led a choir to sing and thrill dignitaries who visited. He performed a song he had specially composed thanking former President Mahama for remembering those in the prisons. READ ALSO: This photo of Rebecca and former First Lady Nana Konadu is just a beauty After the performance of the song by Ramzy and the choir, President Mahama applauded and remarked: I am really touched by your song. That was good. He was granted bail in the sum of GH50,000.00 with three sureties to reappear on March 20, 2017. Facts of the case The prosecutor, Chief Inspector Evans Kesse told the court that the complainant in the case is the victims uncle. He said the accused, Tetteh and his wife were separated, as a result of which Tetteh resided at Dome in Accra, while his ex-wife and his daughter stayed at another suburb of Accra. He said Tettehs daughter often visits his father for money for her upkeep. Thus, on December 31, 2016, the victim went to her fathers house as usual for some money. Tetteh took advantage of her visit and convinced his daughter to be his girlfriend since the mother was no more with him. After telling her that, he had sexual intercourse with her the same day, Chief Inspector Kesse said. READ ALSO: Nigerian girl gang raped and killed The girl did not inform anyone about the incident but had to do so when the alleged act resulted in a pregnancy. He said the girl informed her mother about her ordeal and indicated that her father was responsible for her pregnancy. Her comments come days after a video footage showed some men in Kumasi physically abusing a young lady suspected of stealing. READ MORE: OccupyGhana demands justice for lady stripped naked in Kumasi According to her, "Under no circumstance should any woman in Ghana be stripped naked, sexually & physically assaulted in the way this young lady was treated." The ladys suffering was captured on video and has gone viral on social media since Friday. The nameless lady is alleged to have been caught attempting to steal GH1,100 from a shop owner in the PZ Area in Adum, Kumasi. The men mercilessly stripped the suspect naked, forced her legs open and abused her while parading her in shame on the streets as onlookers huddle around to hurl insults at her and even film the act. Despite her pleas for mercy, her accusers continued to unleash instant justice on her. She was later taken to the hospital to seek medical attention after which she was discharged following an intervention by the police. Nana Oye Lithur in a series of tweet condemned the act saying "I condemn the acts of these men and their debasing of womanhood. Their action is an affront to our values and culture and should be condemned." She said rigorous advocacy could help curb the increasing spate of mob justice in the country. Nana Oye Lithur said the police have a lot to do to dissuade the general public from taking the law into their own hands and lynching suspects but stressed the need for more to be done. Mr Mahama said the former attorney general Marietta Brew Appiah-Opong did her best to protect the interest of Ghanaians in the court battle against Mr Woyome which was aimed at recovering the money for the State. The Supreme Court has ordered Mr Woyome to refund GHS51.2 million to the state. The court stated that Mr Woyome got the money out of an invalid contract between the state and Waterville Holdings Limited in 2006 for the construction of stadia for CAN 2008. But the outgone National Democratic Congress (NDC) government was not able to retrieve the money from the businessman before leaving office. Woyome has, however, refunded GH4 million to state coffers, representing part payment of the GH51.2 million he owes the state. He has subsequently promised to pay the outstanding balance by quarterly instalments of GH5 million, commencing April 1, 2017. In a radio interview in South Africa, Mr. Mahama said the case has slowed because of some legal challenges. The person involved is fighting the case at different levels of the court system. But my Attorney General pursued this matter diligently and did her best to try and protect the interest of the Ghanaian people. We cannot be lovers of good governance and also be desirous of arbitrary justice. Under unconstitutional government, you just lock up somebody like that and seize all their assets, but here you cannot do that, he said. Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! The African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year is an annual award reserved for selected Africans who have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields of endeavor. These Africans are considered to have blazed the trail in the year under review. A shortlist of nominees are selected from a survey conducted via our online and offline platforms, which is then forwarded to the selection committee and the editorial board for final consideration, selection, and approval. Former President Mahama is expected to be decorated with the African Political Leader Award for his contributions towards deepening and enriching Ghana's democracy. READ ALSO: Mahama is just loving his off time in Kenya The Chairman of the International Advisory board of the ALM Awards, Ambassador Joe Beasley, said "it is gratifying to know that Africa still has leaders like you bestriding the political space". "Africa has found in you and leaders like you, the perfect Apostles of Good Governance and Democracy, who would help in spreading the gospel to the rest of the continent," he said. Mahama will also be presented with the Georgia Congressional Commendation from the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus during the event. Confirmed Guests to attend Speaking to South Africa-based Power FM, Mr. Mahama said: I am not anywhere near even $2million to talk about $900 million. I am absolutely nowhere near that. READ ALSO: Mahama named 2016 best African Political leader He further explained his comments saying: Often my brother [Ibrahim] is confused with me. My brother is a businessman, he has his assets and I have no interest in his business and I dont own shares in his business. I am a farmer, I have published a book and I have earned royalties from my book and I earn from my farm and that is it. I live a very modest life. READ ALSO: All you need to know about Samira Bawumia The former president is in South Africa on a talking engagement and also to be decorated with the African Political Leader of the Year Award in South Africa today, February 23, 2017. The African Leadership Magazine is awarding him for his contribution towards deepening and enriching Ghanas democracy and his towering status as one of Africas best. READ ALSO: First Lady promises to fix the economy The president of Ghana in delivering his maiden State of the Nation Address on Tuesday February 21 2017 in parliament mentioned that the economic situation of the country requires immediate action and that he is in a hurry to fix it, urging all Ghanaians to be in a hurry. I have heard it said that I am behaving like a man in a hurry. Mr. Speaker, I am, indeed, in a hurry, I am in a great hurry." READ ALSO: First Lady promises to fix the economyMrs. Adwoa Ntoso commenting on the Nana Addos statement warned against any hasty move. He [Nana Akufo-Addo] must take his time and study how things are done and take it one after the other." He should not rush. He should go slowly and should seek the guidance of God, She noted should the President rush in doing things, he will hit a snag, hence wants him to take his time because he has four years to fix the economy. But as he explained in calling Graham a "great guy," Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat, said that attribute is nothing new for the South Carolina senator. "I think he's been his usual, incredibly politically brave self," Whitehouse said. "A lot of people, as Trump moved forward to becoming the nominee and the president-elect and the president, pulled pretty fast 180s in currying favor and trying to get back into Trump's favor." "And I think Lindsey is a very principled person, and he's made his decision about this man," Whitehouse continued. "And he will accord him what respect is necessary, but he certainly is not going to go sniffling back begging for forgiveness and favor." Whitehouse, who spoke with Business Insider this week while promoting his newly released book, "Captured: The Corporate Infiltration of American Democracy," is the ranking member of a Senate Judiciary subcommittee that is investigating Russia's role in the 2016 election. Graham is chairing the committee. Several intelligence agencies concluded that Russia meddled in the election process to assist Trump, and reports have surfaced that several Trump campaign officials were in constant communication with Russian officials during the campaign, which Trump has denied awareness of. Additionally, Russia-related controversies led to Michael Flynn's resignation as national security adviser last week. Trump has attempted to downplay the stories related to Russia, saying during a press conference last week that "Russia is fake news." Graham, who did not endorse or vote for Trump, has long been one of the president's most vocal Republican critics particularly as it relates to the Russia-related cloud hanging over the Trump White House. Gorka was joined on a panel by two well-respected counterterrorism and national-security experts Georgia State University professor Mia Bloom and Foreign Policy Research Institute fellow Clint Watts. But he showed up unprepared, Bloom and Watts said, refusing to answer the questions that had been provided to the panelists weeks in advance. Bloom told Business Insider that before things got underway, the panel organizer started to discuss which panelists would answer which questions. Gorka, she said, refused to answer anything. "Gorka stood up after me and said, 'Well, I've been invited here under false pretenses. I couldn't possibly address this level of granularity,'" Bloom said. "He made it sound like he had no idea that they were going to ask us these questions." Watts, a former Army officer and FBI agent, confirmed this description of events, characterizing Gorka's performance as a "disaster." "Instead of participating in the panel the way he was supposed to, he was kind of grandstanding," Watts said. "He said, 'I'm going to stand up because I'm a lecturer and I want to see the crowd,' and I thought, this is bulls---. You don't act like that." Bloom and Watts also said he tried to use the panel as a platform to sell his book. "He actually carried around his book and was basically trying to sell his book to people in the crowd," Watts said. "It was low class." The episode encapsulates the concerns that several people in the national-security community have about Gorka. In conversations with Business Insider, several national-security experts questioned Gorka's credibility in their field, saying he is often dismissed as an outspoken conservative pundit who lacks the chops to serve in the highest levels of the White House advising on national-security policy. Gorka is a deputy assistant to the president for the Strategic Initiatives Group, a new White House organization that US officials have said is like a parallel National Security Council (NSC). The organization has the power to write executive orders, according to The Wall Street Journal. Gorka reports to Trump's chief strategist, Stephen Bannon, who first noticed Gorka through his appearances on Fox News and later offered him a job at Breitbart, according to The Washington Post. Gorka told The Journal that he also reports to Trump adviser Jared Kushner and White House chief of staff Reince Priebus. Gorka also advised the Trump campaign during the election. When Business Insider asked him for comment by email, Gorka called Bloom's and Watts' characterization of events at the 2016 panel "fallacious" but did not dispute any specific points. He did, however, advise Business Insider not to report on his participation in the conference because it was a closed event. The Simon Cowell of counterterrorism Terrorism and national-security experts have been going after Gorka on Twitter for weeks. "I call him the Simon Cowell of counterterrorism," Watts told Business Insider. Watts said he's met Gorka about a half-dozen times on panels and conferences over the past several years and added that he's "always very negative and very controversial." Michael S. Smith II, a terrorism analyst who has advised members of Congress and White House officials, said "no one has anything nice to say" about Gorka. Smith said he has the level of expertise "one would expect from a Congressional intern." "His work is of little interest because he has never not that I can think of contributed anything to the body of knowledge which informs understandings of threats posed by the Salafi-jihadist groups of interest to him," Smith told Business Insider. Smith said a top counterterrorism official at the National Security Council emailed Gorka on his first day at the White House to recommend that he talk to Smith. Smith said he responded politely to the introduction. Stephen Walt, a professor of international affairs at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, also said he has reservations about Gorka influencing policy in the White House. "Gorka does not have much of a reputation in serious academic or policymaking circles," Walt told Business Insider. "He has never published any scholarship of significance and his views on Islam and US national security are extreme even by Washington standards. His only real 'qualification' was his prior association with Breitbart News, which would be a demerit in any other administration." Other prominent terrorism analysts such as Will McCants of the Brookings Institution and Hassan Hassan of the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, both of whom have authored widely read books on the terrorist group ISIS, have questioned Gorka's position in the White House on Twitter recently. "Disdaining complexity may endear you to a certain kind of warfighter but makes for terrible analysis & policymaking," McCants wrote on Twitter, linking to a recent Washington Post story on Gorka. Hassan replied, writing, "Gorka working with top minds like" Defense Secretary James Mattis and National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster "is just weird." Some in the national-security community have defended Gorka. Alberto Fernandez, a former US ambassador who led the State Department's Center for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications under President Barack Obama, said he's known Gorka for several years. "He is a good choice because he has a more solid grasp of the ideological challenge than his NSC political appointee counterparts in the previous administration," Fernandez told Business Insider. He said much of the criticism of Gorka seems to be "politically motivated." Some of the criticism is "by people who would have been in a Hillary Clinton White House or who never questioned the Obama administration's own grasp of Salafi-jihadism," Fernandez said. But the criticism comes from both sides of the aisle, according to Bloom. Smith, for example, says he voted for Trump. "The issue for us is not the Trump part of it or the Fox News or conservative politics," said Bloom, who has appeared alongside Gorka on Fox News. "It's that this guy has absolutely no business speaking about terrorism. He needs to sit down and read a few books that he didn't write." Media clashes Bloom, the Georgia State University terrorism expert who was on the DIA panel, has clashed with Gorka. Bloom says it started with a segment on Fox News in December 2015 during which she appeared with Gorka. She rolled her eyes while he was being introduced, not knowing that the cameras were already showing her on-screen. She said she got several emails from Gorka the next day demanding an apology. "If you are so thin-skinned that someone questions your bona fides and you fold like a house of cards, I mean, grow up," Bloom said. Gorka confirmed that he "requested an apology for [Bloom's] markedly unprofessional behavior" on the Fox segment. He also accused her of using "ethnic slurs" in referring to him on social media. "Disappointing coming from someone teaching at a university," Gorka said in an email to Business Insider. Bloom forwarded part of her correspondence with Gorka to Business Insider, but was unable to recover all the emails from that incident. But Gorka did attack her in a tweet last year, calling her "disgusting." The tweet linked to a 2016 story about conservative commentator and former CIA intelligence officer Buck Sexton clashing with Bloom during a segment on CNN. Bloom has also ripped Gorka on Twitter more recently. Gorka has also fought with Smith, the terrorism analyst who has advised members of Congress and White House officials. In recent weeks, Smith has been going after Gorka on Twitter, questioning his qualifications and using the hashtag #FakeTerrorismExpert to refer to him. On Tuesday evening, Smith said, Gorka called him to express concern about Smith's "animus" toward him and threatened to bring his tweets to the attention of the White House legal counsel. "I'm mostly tweeting links to news stories about him," Smith told Business Insider on Tuesday night, adding: "He was planning on bringing to the attention of the White House legal counsel my 'obsessiveness' with him, as I suppose is evidenced by my tweets about him." In an email to Business Insider on Wednesday morning, Gorka disputed this characterization. "Mr. Smith has been sending disparaging emails to [US government] officials about me and my work and I indicated that I may have to consult with legal staff at the [White House] about what he is doing," Gorka said. "However I ended the discussion by inviting him to meet at the [Eisenhower Executive Office Building] for a coffee to discuss why exactly he feels the need to constantly be tweeting about me." Smith said Gorka was "berating him" and nearly yelling on the call. According to Smith, Gorka said he looks at Smith's Twitter feed once or twice a day and was bothered by Smith's "incessant berating" of his "professional acumen," to which Smith asked, "Are you defeating jihad by monitoring my Twitter feed?" Gorka later said he wanted to know why Smith was attacking him. "Put yourself in my shoes," Gorka said on the call, according to Smith, adding that the two had never met and that he had not attacked Smith. Later, Gorka said that it was strange for Smith to question his qualifications when the TV appearance Smith has pinned to his Twitter feed is two years old, according to Smith. Gorka also referenced a tweet Smith has since deleted, in which he posted a screenshot of the NSC official recommending that Gorka talk to Smith. Gorka asked on the call why Smith would publicly note his concerns about Gorka when an NSC official was recommending that Gorka talk to him. The day after Smith posted the tweet, an NSC official contacted him and asked him to delete it, Smith said. Smith said he tentatively accepted Gorka's invitation to meet him in his office in the White House next month. Gorka rescinded the White House invite after our story was published. Gorka seems to have a combative attitude toward the media in general. In an interview with the Independent Journal Review last week, Gorka said the media "doesn't listen" and that "80% of the reportage on the White House" is "fallacious." He also said the media has a "demonstrably biased" attitude and that they don't "really understand what happened on Nov. 8 when Donald Trump was elected to be president." "They haven't learned their lesson," he said. "The ball is in their court right now." Ideology and the war of ideas Experts have expressed hesitancy about Gorka's ideology. Gorka told The Washington Post recently that he "jettison[s]" the view of past administrations that the terrorism problem is "nuanced and complicated." He said terrorism is rooted in Islam and portions of the Quran. "Anybody who downplays the role of religious ideology ... they are deleting reality to fit their own world," he told The Post. The Council on American-Islamic Relations referred to Gorka's "Islamophobic views" in a statement about his wife Katharine, who worked with Trump's transition team for the Department of Homeland Security. A counterterrorism analyst in the special-operations community, who asked not to be identified by name over concerns of professional reprisal, told Business Insider that Gorka was seen as a "figure on the fringes" with an ideology "rooted more in fear-mongering than in sound strategy and policy." For instance, Gorka and others in Trump's circle including the president himself make a point to use the term "radical Islamic terrorism." Ousted National Security Adviser Michael Flynn had similar views. Some experts, however, have defended Gorka's views on terrorism. James Carafano, a national-security expert at the conservative Heritage Foundation who said he's known Gorka for about 15 years, spoke to The Wall Street Journal and said Gorka likes to focus on "the war of ideas." "I think the notion that we can fight the ideology without discussing and referencing the religion is kind of ridiculous," Carafano told The Journal. "It's like combating communism without discussing Karl Marx." Gorka, like Flynn, also seems to have bought into the idea of an ideological war between radical Islam and the West the same idea that ISIS itself promotes. "Al Qaeda, ISIS, all of these groups are totalitarians either you surrender to them or they will kill you," Gorka told The Washington Post. The Post described a scene from an event Gorka spoke at in Florida three days after the election. He told the crowd, which had paid to see him speak, that he wanted to show them an image he was "not meant to show usually." The photograph showed "a dead, bloodied brown-skinned man, lying on the ground next to an AK-47 assault rifle," according to The Post. The audience cheered. "We can win now," Gorka said. "We can win!" Questions about credentials Gorka was born in England to Hungarian refugees, according to The Journal. He holds a doctorate in political science from a university in Budapest and has taught at the Joint Special Operations University, the National Defense University, and the Marine Corps University. Gorka was also a reserve intelligence soldier in the British Army Reserve for a few years and taught at the George C. Marshall Center in Germany, which educated NATO and allied military officers, and the Pentagon-funded College of International Security Affairs, according to The Washington Post. Gorka has also led lectures and seminars for FBI agents. The Post described his academic credentials as "thin," especially in the subject area of Islam. Unlike many scholars in his field, Gorka does not speak Arabic. He's also never lived in a majority-Muslim country, according to The Post. He said he's read the Quran, but only English translations of the texts, which could make nuances harder to detect. "You don't have to speak Arabic to do good work in this field, but the people who don't speak Arabic realize that there are limitations to what you can do," Bloom said. Bloom also pointed to Gorka's apparent lack of academic credentials. Several other sources within the community of terrorism and national-security experts and analysts also said Gorka's work is not widely cited among such professionals. Smith portrayed Gorka's work as not being taken seriously. "Terrorism researchers and analysts are largely unfamiliar with his work because he is neither a terrorism researcher engaged in novel research work, data collector, nor a formally trained intelligence analyst," Smith said. Gorka doesn't seem bothered by his unconventional background. He suggested to The Post that he writes more for people fighting terrorism in the field than for academics in the US. And of course the administration he's working for includes many people who aren't part of the Washington establishment. Trump's calls to "drain the swamp" were popular with his supporters during the election. About 150 protesters remained out of the thousands that originally occupied the main encampment in Cannon Ball, North Dakota, by the time the 2 p.m. deadline rolled around. A small group stayed after the deadline, and are facing arrest, according to media reports. "It's an act of defiance," protester Nick Cowan told The New York Times. "Its saying, 'If you are going to make us leave our home, you cannot take our space. We'll burn it to the ground and let the earth take it back before you take it from us.'" Wednesday's deadline, issued last week by North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, ended six months of resistance from the local Standing Rock Sioux tribe and activists who demanded an environmental review of the pipeline before its construction. The pipeline, they fear, could result in catastrophic oil spills that would damage sacred sites and pollute the water supply. Burning the remnants of the encampment is in line with Standing Rock tradition, according to one activist and journalist at the scene. "For some Indigenous peoples, when traditional dwellings are erected they are not dismantled in a conventional way," Jenni Monet told NBC News. "They are taken apart in a ceremonial way and that ceremonial way is by burning." Trump's team reportedly did not specifically intend to elevate Bannon, a political appointee, above the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the director of national intelligence when crafting the January 28 memo that laid out the organization of the National Security Council. Trump's aides essentially copied language from President George W. Bush's organization chart, Trump administration officials told The Times' Peter Baker, not realizing that the Joint Chiefs chairman and the intelligence director were later made full members of the NSC's principals committee under the Obama administration. The principals committee, an interagency forum that deals with policy issues affecting national security, is usually reserved for cabinet secretaries and top military and intelligence officials, but the January memo elevated Bannon to a permanent position on the committee and removed the director of national intelligence and the Joint Chiefs chairman as regular attendees. The move was widely criticized as injecting politics into national-security matters. While the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the director of national intelligence weren't members of the principals committee under Bush Obama added them in 2009 Trump is the first president to include a political appointee as a permanent member of the NSC. The seven candidates for the position have attempted to make their case to the 447 voting DNC members about how to bring the Democratic party out of the electoral wilderness. The next chair needs a majority of the 447 votes to win. Though the candidates themselves went to lengths to maintain civility in the months since President Donald Trump's victory a pact was created not to campaign negatively the race has been viewed as a battle between the embattled establishment wing of the party and the emboldened progressive left. While almost every candidate has emphasized strengthening state parties and broadening the vision beyond winning the presidency, former Labor Secretary Tom Perez has garnered praise and support from some former establishment-type figures, including his former colleagues serving under President Barack Obama. Meanwhile, Rep. Keith Ellison's longtime leftist activism and vocal support during the 2016 Democratic primary for Sen. Bernie Sanders has helped the Minnesota congressman rally grassroots support. The race appears fluid, as the campaigns have not released public lists of supporters and multiple media outlets have reported wildly different vote counts. The Hill interviewed dozens of voting members and reported Wednesday morning that Ellison had 105 supporters to Perez's 57, while The Associated Press spoke to an independent third-party strategist who reported that Perez had 205 committed voters to Ellison's 153. The AP reported that South Carolina Democratic party chair Jaime Harrison had 27 committed supporters before he dropped out and endorsed Perez, while South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg had eight, and Idaho Democratic Party chair Sally Boynton Brown had 10. The remaining candidates had no support in the AP's report. Staffers from multiple campaigns acknowledged it's unclear whether a candidate will have enough votes to win on the first ballot. DNC rules stipulate that after the second round of voting, the candidate with the fewest number of votes in each proceeding round is automatically eliminated, consolidating the field. Here are the main contenders for the chair. Rep. Keith Ellison Even before Hillary Clinton's upset loss in the 2016 presidential election, the Minnesota congressman was eyeing the chair post, formally announcing his bid in mid-November with the backing of major party figures. Ellison scooped up endorsements from some high-profile labor groups, as well as progressive leaders including Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren. He also locked down vocal Clinton-backers like Sens. Chuck Schumer, Amy Klobuchar, and Chris Murphy, as well as former Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid. Ellison has continued to shore up his progressive bona fides throughout the race, pledging to reinstate a ban on lobbyist contributions to the DNC. But his bid has faced some roadblocks. Critics assailed the congressman over his previous statements supporting the Nation of Islam and its anti-Semitic leader. Ellison previously renounced his ties, but nonetheless drew harsh condemnation from prominent Jewish Democrats. An aide told Business Insider on Thursday that Ellison feels "incredibly confident" about his chances, given a slew of new notable endorsements, including New Hampshire Democratic Party chair Raymond Buckley, who dropped out of the chair race himself and backed Ellison. Former Labor Secretary Tom Perez A former labor secretary and deputy attorney general for civil rights, Perez is hoping his executive experience, connection with left-leaning labor and civil-rights groups, and commitment to "making house calls" and fighting voter suppression laws can woo DNC voters. But Perez has been cast as the establishment pick, partially because of his support from high profile former administration officials, including former Vice President Joe Biden and former Attorney General Eric Holder. Such support has proved to be a double-edged sword, as he's also been forced to explain his previous support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the controversial multinational trade pact that drew strong opposition from some labor communities. Though Ellison's high-profile endorsements gave the appearance of early momentum, Perez also appears to have strong support. Perez announced last week that he had 180 DNC members supporting his bid, and a campaign staffer told Business Insider on Thursday that he's gained additional supporters in the past week. "Going into Atlanta, I'm proud of the broad support we've received from every corner of the country. I have spent this past week in one-on-one conversations with DNC members and in larger meetings with state parties discussing how we bring Democrats together, turn our party around, and work together to defeat Donald Trump's dangerous agenda," Perez said in a statement Thursday. South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg Buttigieg has perhaps the most interesting resume of any candidate seeking the chair's position. A 35-year-old, Harvard-educated, gay Naval reserve officer who can claim the title Afghanistan veteran and Rhodes Scholar, Buttigieg announced his candidacy in January, casting himself as a third option for Democrats hoping to move past the fight between the left and the establishment. "The proxy characterization I think its a little unfair to some of the candidates, but I do think that its there, and I think its bad for business. We cant be seen as trapped in that kind of fight," Buttigieg told Business Insider in January. He added: "Everyone in this race is progressive, everyone wants to be chair, and wants to be chair in order to defend progressive values. And so weve got a way to transcend that divide. Were always going to be a party just like the other side with people with some diversity of opinion. But weve got to keep it together." Beyond his appeals to empowering local parties, Buttigieg also highlighted his success at winning elections in the Rust Belt among voters who abandoned the Democratic party for Trump. The former mayor has racked up a few prominent endorsements, including former chairs Howard Dean and Steve Grossman and former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley. He has also announced support from a host of mayors. Idaho Democratic Party Chair Sally Boynton Brown A long-shot candidate, Boynton Brown has similarly highlighted the loss of connection between the national organization and state parties. "I really think that we have lost focus as a party. I don't think we have any overarching identity message. We've let the Republicans frame the debate and frame our party for a really long time. And, frankly, I will say that in losing the amount of statehouses that we've lost, we've also allowed them to legislate," she told NPR in January. Thanks for signing up for our daily insight on the African economy. We bring you daily editor picks from the best Business Insider news content so you can stay updated on the latest topics and conversations on the African market, leaders, careers and lifestyle. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! Recent filings with the FCC reveal that Google has received authorization to bring to market a "4K wireless TV box." The filings are short on details, but note that the device includes WiFi capabilities, operating on the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands. That would mark the first time that a Google Fiber TV set-top box offers wireless capabilities, which should allow a consumer to put the box and TV anywhere in their house. "The enclosed documents constitute a formal submittal and application for Equipment Authorization for a set-top box that contains a 4x4 5GHz 802.11a/n/ac and a Bluetooth 4.1 radio," reads one of the letters submitted on Google's behalf to the FCC on February 13. The box is identified as Reports of a wireless 4K box were first reported in November by 9to5Google. But the FCC filings are the first official confirmation that Google is developing the box and preparing to roll it out. The box's 4K capabilities mean it should be capable of delivering ultra-HD video designed for the new generation of 4K televisions. The filings do not say when the set top box will be released. But certain documents in the Google filings, including photos of the device and the user manual, are being kept confidential by the FCC until August 8, 2017, suggesting that the device will be available before that date. The launch of a new set-top box comes at time when Google's Access business, which provides high-speed internet and TV service to consumers in select cities, undergoes a period of retrenchment. His new bundle of joy Golden "Sagon" Cannon was born by ex-girlfriend, Brittany Bell. The America's Got Talent host announced the news on Instagram. "Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy cometh in the morning! No matter how hard the world may hit you, God always reminds us of our purpose! #TrueHappiness Welcome to Earth Son! Golden "Sagon" Cannon 2/21/17 #Awakened," he captioned the black-and-white photo of him and his newborn baby. Cannon told Power 106 hosts J Cruz and Krystal Bee he already broke the news to twins Monroe and Morroco. "They're super excited," the proud new dad shared also noting that his third child wasn't an accident as people suspected, "never an 'oops baby.' I'm so calculated with my moves...I've always wanted five kids," he said. Adding, "Just because my marriage was over didn't mean I couldn't continue my family." Talking about baby mama Bell, "I wanted to make sure it was someone who was solid, spiritual and had the same views," he revealed. "She's been in my life. Our families grew up in the same projects together in San Diego. So there's a lot of substance there." The diffusion line also known as bridge line is created by fashion designers/brands for a separate line of merchandise that retails at lower prices. These range are usually separated from the brands' signature pieces as they come cheaper compared to the high end line. Although more developed countries would rather not have one, a diffusion line looks like a sure way for the Nigerian designer to make actual sales (to keep the business running). Top Nigerian fashion designers/brands have high-end line that caters to the 'target' individual but this hasn't translated into impressive sales for the Nigerian creative designer who would rather sell more. While there's no disputing brands have their target clients not many of them will snag up pieces 'like that' or often and to be honest a lot of these items are borrowed (pulled by stylists), gifted (especially to celebrities) more than sold. A top fashion designer told me a few months ago that people who know what (the amount of work) goes into her brand buy them while not disputing the low sales that comes with the 'high' price tag that comes with each high-end piece (while this pricing is arguably a result of factors and cost of production they shouldn't get in the way of turning creative work into actual sale). A diffusion line is profitable for luxury brands because it comes more affordable for the masses there's high chance (always) of more sales which can then be ploughed back into the business. In more developed countries a lot of the high end brands actually sell. Dolce & Gabbana discontinued their more affordable line a while back and Marc Jacobs' Marc by Marc Jacobs line shut down production! British designer Victoria Beckham's affordable line was also discontinued amongst other brands. There would be arguments for diffusion lines to totally hit the shutters but this is Nigeria- and as sad as that sounds, it's the reality at the moment but hopefully not for long! Of course there's no disputing the presence of expensive ready-to-wear pieces that are worth every naira but the diffusion line comes in to serve the masses targeted by these brands to help grow the business. Tiffany Amber had a diffusion line; TAN by Tiffany Amber which I think should be revived, Lisa Folawiyo has J.Label which she mentioned is about to start off production again (she actually just shared a peek at the collection in the works via InstaStory). Ayo Van Elmar has teased her diffusion line; Helen Gina Pradersen and hopefully more brands will do same. The diffusion line is essentially to cater to more people and make money it's the reason the more affordable 'fashion brands' around seem to be making all the money with the amount of clients that patronize them on a daily basis because of the affordable pieces they make at way reasonable prices. The incident which occurred on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, at Wetheral Road, Owerri, led to the death of three security guards and one member of the crime gang. According to an eye witness, a customer who had visited the bank to deposit a large sum was shot death as he attempted to get out of his vehicle. The robbers, who were about 12 in number, had trailed the man who wanted to deposit large sums of money. "They came in three cars, but it was one of the cars that followed him into the bank premises. "As soon as he came out of his car, the robbers shot him dead and took the money. They also shot dead three of the security guards and one bank customer. But one of the policemen guarding the bank killed one of the robbers, the witness said. ALSO READ: Robbery gang kills 2 security guards The little girl identified as Aliyah Masaku, was mauled by the hungry dogs on Monday, February 20, 2017, and was rushed to the Ikorodu General Hospital from where she was transferred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, where she lost the battle to survive. Punch gathered that the incident happened while the girl was sleeping inside her parent's apartment at the house on Alhaji Abdul Hakeem Bin Sulaimon Avenue, off Ewuren Road, Ikorodu, when an Alsatian dog broke out of a cage housing 15 dogs owned by the London-based landlord and attacked her. The dog, Rover, reportedly dragged Aliyah to the back of the house where two other Alsatian dogs joined it in attacking her, inflicting severe injuries on the girl in the attack that lasted for about two hours. The father of the victim, Wasiu Masaku, who was responsible for the care of the dogs, had reportedly gone out to buy the dogs feed when the incident happened. The bereaved father narrated that the little girl died around 6 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, after undergoing a minor surgery at the hospital. This afternoon, the doctors said her condition had worsened and she was not breathing normally again. They said they would need to take her to the Intensive Care Unit where I would spend about N500,000 per day, Masaku had said before the girl gave up the ghost. The Director of the Office of Public Defender (OPD), Mrs. Olubukola Salami, expressed sadness at the news, adding that measures were being taken to forestall a recurrence in the state. This is very sad. The girl sustained too many injuries. She was a victim of negligence and greed. We will be going to the house to remove the dogs on Friday, Salami said. The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu; the President of Benson Idahosa University, Bishop F.E.B Idahosa; Union Bank Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Emeka Emuwa; Chief Accountant, National Population Commission, Ohonba Amenze, and a host of others were present to celebrate with the Bank. Speaking with the press during the visit, Mr.EmekaEmuwa emphasized the Banks resolution to build on its achievements in order to impact the future. The evening came to its peak when music legend, Victor Uwaifo performed his tracks including the evergreen hit song 'Joromi'. The bank also launched five state-of-the-art branches in Edo State. The upgraded branches are located at Akpakpava, Mission Road , Ugbowo, Agbor road and Ekpoma. Other activities are lined up to continue the celebration in Benin City. The teenager, who referred to himself as 'Smallie' was captured in a video gone viral as the mob interrogated him concerning his activities and how long he has been engaging in the act. The robbery suspect received a string of hits on his head as a male voice was heard questioning him in the presence of the crowd. According to the teenager who was also seen holding on to the fake weapon, he resorted to stealing due to his inability to fend for himself. He is believed to be a native of northern Nigeria, a Fulani precisely. ALSO READ: Mob attacks woman over attempt to take child she abandoned at 4 months The violent reaction of the angry mob towards the suspect is hardly surprising due to a number of attacks carried out by some Fulani herdsmen on innocent citizens. The prosecutor, Zannah Dalhatu, told the court that one Suleiman Abubakar of the same address as the defendant, reported the matter at the Utako Police Station on Feb. 15. Dalhatu said that the complainant, a security man, arrested the defendant while on patrol at night. He alleged that the defendant was caught with a cutlass and mask. The prosecutor said that during police investigation, Sheriff could not give any satisfactory explanation as to where he was coming from or going to, and why he was in possession of the weapon. Dalhatu also said that the offence contravened Sections 319 and 95 of the Penal Code. The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and his counsel, Cynthia Nnamdi, applied for his bail, and assured the court that the defendant would not jump bail. The judge, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, granted him bail in the sum of N5, 000 and one surety in like sum. Magistrate Fatima Sodamade remanded Abiodun Olorunfemi, 23, Olanike Akinwande, 30, and Olawale Akande, 31 at the Ilesha Prisons custody. They accused were charged with breach of public peace, but they pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge of conspiracy, breach of peace, assault, possession of dangerous weapons and malicious damage and affray. The prosecutor, Insp. Abiodun Fagboyinbo, had told the court that the accused committed the offences on Feb. 22 at 2:30p.m. at the Technical School Osogbo. Fagboyinbo said that Akinwande and Akande, who members of the Nigerian Peace Corps, Osun, engaged Olorunfemi in a fight that made people to panic. He added that Olorunfemi and some others now at large also confronted other Peace Corps members. The prosecutor submitted that Akinwande and Akande had extorted money from students of the Osogbo Technical School. According to the prosecutor the accused destroyed the schools fence, windscreens and side mirrors of two vehicles during the fight. He said that some students sustained injuries as a result of the fight and are in critical conditions in hospitals. He said that the offence contravened Sections 516, 355, 451, 408, 249(d) and 355 of the Criminal Code of Osun, 2003. The magistrate did not grant an oral bail application made by counsel to the accused. She ordered that the counsel should make a formal bail application on the next adjourned date. The suspects, Patrick Koyi and Chituru Ferdinand, were said to have abducted Dr. Emmanuel Chinasa Obi in September 2016 but refused to release him even after collecting the money. His decomposing corpse, according to the State Police Command, was later discovered where the kidnappers had dumped it in a bush. A police source close to the case said: The lecturer was murdered by his kidnappers after a ransom of N1.1 m was paid in two installments to them. The kidnappers first received a ransom of N700, 000 from his family while he was alive, then they paid an additional N400,000 after he was killed. When the kidnappers refused to release the lecturer, the family became worried and informed the police. Koyi was reportedly arrested in Port Harcourt after the late lecturer's Techno phone was traced to him and his confession led to the arrest of Ferdinand whom he fingered as the mastermind of the abduction. The accused stood trial before Justice A. B. Mohammed of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Jabi, Abuja on Wednesday, February 22, 2017. He is facing a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence according to a report compiled by the Daily Post News. A court statement in respect to the offence reads: Bala Tangalu, Ataye (still at large), Nnamdi (still at large) Peace (still at large) and Linda (still at large), in the year 2016 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud obtained the total sum of N2,540.000 (Two Million, Five Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira Only) from one Dozie Ugonna under the pretence that you are a native doctor a.k.a Babalawo and the monies were for purchase of materials to neutralize some harmful charms contained in a carton filled with United State Dollars, which pretence you knew to be false. A request for the accused to be remanded in prison until trial begins was made by Elizabeth Alabi, a counsel to the EFCC following Tangalu's not-guilty plea. The presiding judge however granted him bail in the sum of N2 million as well as the inclusion of two sureties who will pay an equal amount. He mentioned this on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, at the Police headquarters located in Ikot Akpan Abia. Some of the cult gangs include The Luttons, The Red Skins, St. Stephens, and the Secret Sons of Satan. September 11 Group, De Well, Debam, Scavengers, Predators, King Cobra, Skylolo, J.V, Bats, Black Cross, Black Ladies, Sons of Night, White Angels, Juniour Buccaneers, Blood Brotherhood, Musket and the Daughters of Queen Amina, were listed on the police radar according to the Daily Post News. The police commissioner who is serving in Akwa Ibom for the second following his first experience as an Assistant Commissioner of Police insisted that the force will not accommodate the activities of cultists in the state. My posting to Akwa Ibom State is obviously a homecoming to me, having served here previously as Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge, State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) during which time I enjoyed much goodwill from the good people of this wonderful state. This is a continuous fight and our success is an indication that if we all work together we can overcome crime and make Akwa Ibom more secured and safer for political and socio-economic development. Our policing objectives will be anchored on the people and creative partnership, he said. The battle against cultism in Nigeria is a fight that does not seem like ending anytime soon. The teenager reportedly revealed explicit details of their affair after his lover dumped him for another lover who he claimed has threatened him. A village head, Caleb Masango had summoned Tete and the teenager following the shocking discovery. It started well in my life as memory took me to her home when I was in grade six. I was going to school at the same time herding cattle. We started having sexual intercourse in 2012 and would do 10 rounds per day. She would stock the sperms and then go to South Africa to sell them. My father caught us red handed having sex in 2014. He was passing by and he heard the explicit sounds and forced his way into the house where he caught us pants down. He lodged a complaint with the police but they never took it seriously because she is so influential in the society. After I finished my grade seven, I got $30 from the woman for the services I rendered, so I left to my uncles place to stay but the woman still followed me, pleading for me to come back since I had witnessed her dumping a foetus at her homestead. But problem started when the woman dated Mafana Gideon who threatened and chased me away. I kept on demanding my money but Gideon continued to threaten me and now I am failing to sexually satisfy my wife whom I married, Chibwe told the village administrator. The 40-year-old cougar however denied the claims made by the teenager concerning selling his sperm for money. Her dealings with the teenager was based on a desire to have sex after admitting that the absence of her husband had rendered her quite starved. She disclosed that the latter forgave her misdeeds due to an understanding they both had concerning the matter. The prayers were offered at the frontage of the Emir of Katsinas palace popularly called "Kangiwa Square. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prayer session was organised by some Islamic organisations under the Council of Islamic Scholars. NAN also reports that President Muhammadu Buhari travelled to London on Jan. 19 on vacation and heath related matters after he had transmitted power to Vice- President Yemi Osinbajo in an acting capacity. Alhaji Aliyu Farin-yaro, the Vice-Chairman, Katsina Islamic Scholars, who led the prayers, said that they decided to offer the prayer as it is imperative for followers to pray for their leaders. It is necessary for Muslims to pray for the good health of the President and other leaders in the country." All leaders deserve prayers from their followers so that Allah will assist them to discharge their functions effectively, he said. Farin-yaro advised other Muslims to purify their minds of their sins before offering prayers so that Allah will accept their prayers. Also, Alhaji Aminu Abdulmumini, the District Head of Katsina (Magajin-gari), prayed for the quick recovery of President Buhari. Abdulmumini said that President Buhari, as the father of nation, deserved the prayers and support of all Nigerians. He called on other people irrespective of their faith to pray for the President and other leaders in the country. In his remarks, the state Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Shitu A. Shitu, said that the two Islamic organisations of Izalah and Tariqah had been praying for the quick recovery of the President in the past three weeks. Shitu said that the Katsina State Government had directed all mosques to continue offering prayers for the quick recovery of the President. He said that was because the President belongs to all Nigerians and as such, he should be supported with continuous prayers. Dudafa is charged alongside a former staff of Skye Bank Plc, Adedamola Bolodeoku, and a lawyer, Amajuoyi Briggs, on a 17 count-charge bordering on 15.5 million dollars fraud. The defendants, who are standing trial before Justice Babs Kuewumi, all pleaded not guilty to the charges. The alleged offences are said to have contravened the provisions of Sections 15 (d), 17(a), 18(a), and 27 (3) (c) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act 2004. The prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 1(2) (c), and 1(19) (6) of the Miscellaneous offence Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation, 2004. At the resumption of trial on Wednesday, Oyedepo tendered some documents through his witness, Mr Uche Obiakor, a Deputy Manager in Skye Bank Plc., asking the court to admit same as exhibits. The witness had earlier given evidence on how the defendant opened accounts with the bank. Some of the documents tendered by the prosecution includes: Skye Bank letters to the EFCC on the account opening packages of four companies. The companies are: Pluto Property and Investment Company Ltd, Seagate Property Development and Investment Company Ltd, TransOcean Property and Investment Company Ltd, and Avalon Global Property Development Ltd. But the defence counsels, Mr Gboyega Oyewole, Mr Ige Asemudara and Mr Joseph Okobieme, objected to the admissibility of the documents. They argued that the attached documents were photocopies, adding that the EFCC was not the original maker of the documents. They therefore urged the court not to admit the document as exhibits. Oyedepo in reply to the application for rejection urged the court to admit the documents sought to be tendered as exhibits. He argued that it was not the duty of the court to separate the letters from the attachments, adding that if the letters were admitted, the attachment must go with the letter. The farmers expressed their grief in separate interviews with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ogwashi-Uku. One of the farmers, 76-year-old Gabriel Ubosi , said that he lost all the crops in his farmland to bush burning last Friday night. He said that the fire had consequently incapacitated him as a farmer. In just a night, I lost my entire farm to bush burning. This is very devastating to me because the farm is my only source of livelihood." Right now, I am finished because I dont know where to start from." I was in the farm on Friday, only for me to come on Saturday morning to discover that my farm has been ravaged by fire, with all my crops like cassava, yam and vegetables destroyed in the previous night. Ubosi, however, alleged that his farmland might have been torched by rampaging herdsmen. Every harmattan season, this is how we suffer untold losses. This evil act is the handiwork of some intruders because our people can never do this." Everybody here is suspecting the herdsmen. Over the years, we have been contending with the activities of these people." This is why we are appealing to the government to help curtail the excesses of these marauding herdsmen, Ubosi said. Another farmer, Mr Edwin Echime, who was visibly pained when NAN visited the community, said that he lost his farmland, which was his only means of livelihood, to fire ignited by bush burning. He said that bush burning had destroyed many hectares of farmlands, leaving many farmers hopeless, destitute and devastated. He also accused rampaging herdsmen of setting his farm on fire. Here in Aboh, we are all farmers and we know each other. The only problem we have here is the herdsmen on the rampage." The herdsmen are the major suspects because they enter our farms with impunity; they invade our farmlands and their cattle graze on our crops." There was a day I confronted them in my farm, but I had to flee because I was alone in the farm that day." Last Saturday, I did not go to the farm because I took my daughter to the hospital; when I returned, my neighbour informed me that my farm have been destroyed by fire, he said. Echime said that he was so devastated when he went to his farm later in the day to confirm the incident, adding that he lost all the crops in the farm to the fire. Mr George Ukwadia, chairman of the farmers union in the area, said that the wanton destruction of farmlands by bush burning was very worrisome. He said that bush burning had been a major source of concern to farmers in the area. He also alleged that herdsmen often invaded farmlands in the neighbourhood with their cattle, in search of grazing fields. I must tell you that what we have been experiencing over the years has become very worrisome." You can imagine the huge loss of farms and crops due to reckless bush burning." Personally, and just like most of my colleagues will tell you, herdsmen are responsible for the destruction of our farms." We have always challenged them to take their cattle away from our farmlands." These herdsmen are the ones setting our farms on fire at night when they know that the farmers would have retired home." Our people cannot destroy our farms, he added. Igwe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)in Owerri on Thursday that the action of the house would stall free flow of information, adding that any plan to censor journalists would negate the essence of the profession. It is an aberration for lawmakers to dictate how journalists should practise their profession." Besides, it is already guided by the constitution of the nation. NAN recalls that the Deputy Speaker of Imo Assembly, Mr. Ugonna Ozuruigbo (APC- Nwangele) sponsored the media bill before the house. Part of the draft recommended that journalists should be censored, to avert libelous publications. The bill, which has passed second reading in the house, is already generating a lot of negative reactions from the public. Igwe, a member of Veteran Journalists Association in Imo, described the bill as anti-media, and urged lawmakers never to allow it scale through. It is an unusual practice that a journalist should be restricted in the practice of his his profession due to the selfish interest of politicians. An eye witness told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Thursday that the incident happened around 8:30pm on Wednesday. According to the witness, the fire also partially affected the principals office and two other offices in the school. It was gathered that even though no life was lost during the inferno, but a number of textbooks and exercise books were also lost to the inferno. The Director of the States Fire Service, Mr Mustapha Rulwanu confirmed the incident. He said contrary to reports that Bukabu barrack was gutted by fire; it was the Army Day Secondary School in the barrack that was affected. He said 12 classrooms were razed while the principals office and two other offices were also touched by the inferno. We received a distress call from one Sgt. Inusa around 8:20p.m on Wednesday." No life was lost and we were able to put out the fire after we sent reinforcement of two fire fighting vehicles from our central office and Jakara sub-station." So we had to use three vehicles including the one from Kurna office before we could put out the fire, Rulwanu said. The don made the claim in the universitys newsletter, which was given to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Thursday. The publication said that Obaje, the Director of the universitys Centre for Applied Sciences and Technology Research (CASTER), propounded the theory when he presented an interim report on a coal research. This new concept was as a result of some preliminary discussions with scientists at Max Planck Institute for Coal Research in Mukheim, Germany, and Federal Institute for Geoscience in Hannover, also in Germany." The assessment of some Nigerian coal deposits as raw materials for the production of a new brand of smokeless fuel was sponsored by Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), he said. Obaje said that the concept was based on studies on coal carbonisation by some geologists in the early 1960s. It was discovered that during the carbonisation process, coal softens, fuses and re-solidifies to form the carbon-rich material known as Coke, he said. He said that the defunisation experiment was carried out with field mapping and sampling in Kudu in Niger, Okaba Omelehu, Ogbyaga in Kogi and Owukpa in Benue as well as Lafia Obi in Nasarawa State. The newsletter stated that the universitys Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Muhammad Maiturare, who expressed delight at the research finding, sought to know the implications of coal conversion for general usage. Oba Akiolu also vowed to work against any corrupt individual who tries to become Nigerias president. He made the comments on Wednesday, February 22, during the inauguration of the Nigerian Women Against Corruption Initiative in Ikeja. Never again would a corrupt man become Nigerian President. I insist that this is not era for somebody who spent the first three years under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo making money and turning public corporations to his own, Oba Akiolu said according to ThisDay. He is planning to come back to be the President of this country again. I work against his ambition. I mean it and I mean it. By Gods grace, it shall not be so, he added. ALSO READ: You must shy away from spirit of individualism,' Obasanjo tells Igbos In his letter to the lawmakers, the nation's number one citizen who has been away from the country since January 19, 2017, intimated that he's "extending" his "leave" for the umpteenth time. Indefinitely. During my leave I took the opportunity to have routine checkups and consult my long standing doctors in London", the President wrote. "In the course of the routine examinations, certain tests results indicated the need for a course of medications and further appointments rescheduled for next week. I am therefore notifying the distinguished senate that I am extending my leave until the doctors are satisfied that certain factors are ruled out. In the circumstances, would continue to act on my behalf. On the same day he wrote to the national assembly, Buhari also informed Nigerians that he needs a "longer period of rest" in the U.K. The President spoke through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina. The statement reads as follows: President Muhammadu Buhari thanks millions of Nigerians who have been sending good wishes and praying for his health and well-being in mosques and churches throughout the country. The President is immensely grateful for the prayers, show of love and concern. President Buhari wishes to reassure Nigerians that there is no cause for worry. During his normal annual checkup, tests showed he needed a longer period of rest, necessitating the President staying longer than originally planned. The official government line has been that the President is "hale and hearty". That phrase should hopefully be buried today. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Buhari's sister Hajiya Rakiya, spokespersons Garba Shehu and Femi Adesina and just about every federal government talking head out there, has told us that Buhari is "hale and hearty". No, he's not. Our President is ill. And there's nothing wrong with taken ill. It's nothing to be ashamed of. We all fall ill. Why conceal it, though, and make it sound like the President is immune from a failing health? Why deploy spin doctors and use photo-ops to make it look like the President is in fine spirits and rude health? The President is on the wrong side of 70. At that advanced age, your body caves in more than most. You are susceptible to all kinds of ailments. It's almost a given. A President who just informed his compatriots that "tests showed he needed a longer period of rest, necessitating" him "staying longer than originally planned, isn't "hale and hearty". A President who just told the Senate that he's extending his leave "until the doctors are satisfied that certain factors are ruled out", isn't "hale and hearty". "Certain factors" as used here by the President, could mean anything from common cold to common cancer. A President who has been undergoing tests after tests with Doctors, isn't "hale and hearty". A President who has been scheduled to have further tests and appointments with Doctors in the coming weeks, isn't hale and hearty. As humans, we are due our bouts of illness now and again. The President of a nation is no exception. The question in the coming days would be, whether this President is in the best physical frame to continue with the rigours and demands of his office. This is wishing President Muhammadu Buhari a speedy recovery from his ailment. Madojemu, who is the Head, Intelligence Unit of the CCB, told the Bureau that on August 12, 2007, Saraki made cash lodgment of N77m in his account. He said as of the time the money was lodged into Saraki's account, his monthly salary as governor was N254,412.25. Madojemu disclosed this on Thursday, February 23, while testifying as the third prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of Saraki before the Code of Conduct Tribunal. The march which kicked off at the Unity Fountain, saw protesters walk through major streets of the city chanting solidarity slogans. Addressing journalists, NANS president, Aruna Kadiri urged the government to take concrete action to protect Nigerians against the renewed xenophobic attack in South Africa. They also demanded that Nigeria should severe ties with South Africa over the incessant attacks of its citizens in that country. We are demanding that they should break the ties between both countries if theres any because the xenophobic attacks that had happened a long time ago have come again," he said. We have decided to clear the madness with madness. "Within 48 hours, all South Africans in Nigeria should leave or else, we won't be able to guarantee their security anymore," Kadiri added. The spokesperson of Nigerias Foreign Affairs ministry, Clement Aduku urged the protesting students to be calm adding that the federal government was in talks with its South African counterpart over the xenophobic attacks. Meanwhile, 30 vandals invaded the premises of telecom giant, MTN in Maitama at about 11am, chanting solidarity songs and armed with sticks and rods. According to a staff of MTN, the vandals stole phones, cash and also destroyed vehicle and office equipment. The students, under the umbrella of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), said this in protest of the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. Speaking in an interview at the office of DSTV in Wuse 2, Abuja on Thursday, February 23, NANS President, Kadiri Aruna said "enough is enough as South Africans have openly attacked and bullied Nigerians." The protesting students had also stormed the MTN office in Maitama area of Nigeria's capital, attacking staff and looting valuables. Aruna if nothing is done after the 48-hour ultimatum, students in all University campuses will be ordered to destroy MTN mast across the country. He added that the violent action will also be carried out at DSTV and Shoprite branches in Nigeria. He said: "All the South African business empires in Nigeria and their collaborators in Nigeria will be affected. "I dont want to say we will be barbaric but we will not be lawful in our actions, we will do it and face the consequences, enough of this rubbish." ALSO READ: Foreign ministry summons South African envoy over attacks on Nigerians Aruna pointed that ill treatment of Nigerians in South Africa is insulting given the role Nigeria played in ending the apartheid regime in the country. He added: "Nigeria contributed 80 per cent of the freedom the South Africans are enjoying today because we saved them from the jaws of apartheid. "Who is South Africa to humiliate Nigeria? So they forget things so soon, let them go back to history and records to see how much financial assistance and what the country did to save them. "In science they say you use malaria to cure malaria, now you use madness to cure their madness, and that is why we are advising them to leave Nigerian soil before 48 hours." Simply enrol in a film school, get trained, land a film role in Hollywood, earn an Oscar nomination and stand a chance to receive a gift bag worth over six-figures. On Sunday, February 26, 2017, at the Academy Awards, while some celebrities will walk home as winners of Hollywood's biggest award statuette, others will receive a flamboyant gift bag. A perk that comes with hosting and being in the run for an Oscars in major categories, the bags are delivered to the host and 26 lucky nominees in the Best Actor and Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, and Best Director categories. In 2016, the ridiculously expensive bags totalled $200,000, and while 2017 is conspicuously less, it still totals $100,000 - over 50 million naira in the Nigerian currency. What exactly are in this insanely over the top bags? Check out 13 things that can be found in the Oscars gift bag. 1. Private Stay at a Northern California Ranch 2. A Private 3-Day Stay at Lost Coast Ranch worth $40,000 3. 3-Night Stay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria for $5,000 4. Personal training sessions that cost $900 ALSO READ: undefined 5. A home automation system that cost $599 6. Gold and Diamond bracelet worth $595 7. Handbags worth $370-$395 8. Vapourizer worth $250 9. Cellulite Massage Mat worth $99 10. A Casper mattress for both the nominee and their dog 11. A 10-year supply of foundation and moisturizer 12. Underarm patches that protect your shirts from sweat stains 13. A customized box of Crayola crayons ALSO READ: undefined These lavish bags have not been part of the Oscars official festivities since 2006, after the Academy put an end to it due to scrutiny from the Internal Revenue Service over the high value of the goods. However, Distinctive Assets, a Los Angeles-based marketing firm has carried on the practice independently. In 2016, the Academy filed a lawsuit against Distinctive Assets, seeking damages for trademark infringement claiming that the company deceives the public about its relationship with the Oscars. The PDP lawmakers also said that the only chairman they recognize is former Kaduna State governor, Ahmed Makarfi. The caucus made its comments via a statement released by House Minority Leader, Leo Ogor on Wednesday, February 22. The statement reads: It is the opinion of many that the honourable thing would be for the Ali Modu Sheriff and his cohorts to pack up and go. The PDP caucus of the house of representatives wishes to state categorically that it finds the court of appeal verdict that nullified the decision of the national convention of the PDP on May 21, 2016 and reinstated the Modu Sheriff leadership very discomforting. The caucus supports the decision of the Ahmed Makarfi caretaker committee to seek redress at the Supreme Court. The caucus appeals to all leaders and members of the Peoples Democratic Party to please remain calm and focused, standing firmly on the position that there is no way the party will accept the Ali Modu Sheriff contraption which is yet to demonstrate any genuine iota of love for the party. Their activities in Edo and Ondo states are very fresh in peoples minds and as such, no honest and sincere member of our party can trust them with such fundamental flaws of character and gross disdain for peace, order and brotherly relations. In this vein, the PDP caucus of the house of representatives has resolved that we shall not, under any condition, consider or approve any agenda aimed at foisting Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff or any of his scanty co-travellers on the PDP. The only leadership known to the PDP Caucus of the House of Representatives is, and shall remain the one led by his excellency, senator Ahmed Makarfi. Ali Modu Sheriff should please take his hands off our party as we unequivocally endorsed the leadership of Senator Ahmed Makarfi. The PDP has been split into two factions since it attempted to remove Ali Modu Sheriff as chairman in May 2016. ALSO READ: I am not interested in PDP chairmanship - Ali Modu Sheriff Shettima made the comment after the Deputy Speaker of the Borno Assembly, Danlami Kubo supposedly said the governor should succeed Buhari. The governor made the comments via a statement released by his spokesman, Isa Gusau. The statement reads: It would amount to moral insanity for anyone to be discussing succession of President Buhari at this time. I received a Google alert of the story credited to a lawmaker in Borno State over issue of succession. Governor Kashim Shettima was deeply angered by that report and he has tried reaching the lawmaker to clarify if he granted that interview or he was misrepresented. In the meantime, Governor Shettima feels it would amount to moral insanity for any Nigerian to be discussing issues of succession at a time a very popular, highly experienced and capable sitting president is managing his health. We have a sitting President, a popular one that we are all proud of for working more than anyone would have done in fighting the Boko Haram insurgency which is our number one problem in our state, the north-east and the Northern region. How can anyone in his right thinking be talking about succession when a cherished President is dealing with his health? What has gone wrong with our moral values? Has politics taken over our sanity? What is most precious to me is to have Boko Haram brought to an end and I dont think anyone would have done better than what President Buhari is doing for us. This call does not represent the slightest of my thoughts." Emmanuel also said the move will not do Nigeria any good, adding that it will endanger democracy. The Governor said this at the Ibom International Airport, on his way back from Abuja. Emmanuel was in Abuja to attend the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders meeting that was called, following the declaration of Ali Modu Sheriff as the party chairman. Sheriff was declared the lawful chairman of the PDP by an Appeal Court in Rivers state on Friday, February 17, 2016. Speaking further, the Governor said the one party state will not give room for the opposition to thrive. Emmanuel also said it may give rise to dictatorship, which will not mean well for the country. He said "As a country, we are assisting other countries to institute democracy, how come we are destroying ours? We should not allow the country to be run like this, else our democracy will collapse. The Governor also gave instances of some un-democratic incidents saying: The sealing off of International Conference Centre, venue of the meeting, by the Police was a sad commentary on our democracy. Twice, we have experienced this. The other time, we had to hold the convention at the zonal secretariat of the party because the Port Harcourt stadium was barricaded by the Police. A country of more than 170 million people is too large for one party structure. Let us make room for other parties to operate because a multi- party system will ensure the survival of democratic governance in the country. The PDP made the comments in a statement released by the Makarfi faction spokesman, Dayo Adeyeye. The statement reads in part: He (Okorocha) is not known to be a person who exercises caution or restraint before making unguarded statements. In any case, what is Okorochas special interest in PDP matter? Need Nigerians any further conviction that the APC is the unseen hand stoking the fire of crisis in the PDP and Sheriff and his cohorts mere puppets in their hands? The desperate attempt by APC to exonerate itself only further exposed its duplicity. The police excuse for preventing a peaceful assembly of distinguished PDP members on alleged but unproven security threat is an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians. It is the duty of the police to provide security if they suspect any breach of peace. It is a gross abnegation of its responsibilities to prevent people from exercising their constitutionally guaranteed right of peaceful assembly. No one is in doubt today that the Police has submitted itself to total control and direction by the APC. Okorocha had said that Makarfi and his rebellious group will delude themselves into believing that a valid and subsisting majority judgment of the penultimate court of the land can be nibbled at to the point of being brazenly disobeyed because of a dissenting minority judgment. The governors comment was made after the Court of Appeal confirmed Ali Modu Sheriff as the PDPs lawful chairman on February 17. ALSO READ: I am not interested in PDP chairmanship - Ali Modu Sheriff It was gathered that some members of his National Working Committee (NWC), supporters and several aides accompanied Sheriff into the secretariat at about 6:00 p.m The PDP Chairman was said to have headed straight to his office but he could not stay for long as the place was full of dust. "We came to see what renovation and cleaning to be done. While that is going on, we would continue with our consultation. We will do everything humanly possible to ensure that nobody is victimised for holding different opinions," Sheriff told newsmen at the dusty office. He stressed his commitment to taking the party back to the people at the grassroots. "It is not enough for some people to sit in Abuja here and say they want to choose party leaders for the people in the village," he said. Sheriff is expected to resume work at the secretariat next Tuesday. Sheriff said this when he received some PDP leaders from South-West geopolitical zone who paid him a visit in his office in Abuja. The party national secretariat had been under lock since after its national convention held on May 20, 2016. The police said the action was to avoid breakdown of law and order as a result of the leadership tussle between Sheriff-led and Sen. Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee. Sheriff said he had commenced legal process that would allow the party leaders and workers to access the secretariat, currently under lock. He added that between now and Friday, we will move into our national secretariat. We have transmitted the necessary document to the security agencies; including the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Security Services (DSS) to reopen it. Sheriff, who was confirmed as authentic national chairman of PDP by Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt on Feb. 17, said he was not in PDP to remain its national chairman. He said my mission is to rebuild the party and bring it back to its 1999 position. I am not here to remain as chairman forever. I will leave after the convention. We will conduct a credible convention and whoever wants to be PDP leader can contest in the convention. He urged PDP leaders to go back to their respective wards and work for the party. He also pleaded with governors to join him in rebuilding the party, saying they were leaders in their own right. The PDP South West Zonal Chairman, Mr Makanjuola Ogundipe, who led the team on the visit, said they were at Sheriffs office to express the zones support for him. He added that you must see yourself as father to all. Now that you have been saddled with the leadership responsibility, we want to urge you to make sure that the party is revived within 40 days. The governors comments come after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released a report accusing security agencies of compromising the integrity of the elections. If we were in a civilized country with the right leadership, the persons mentioned in the report would have resigned from their positions, Wike said on Wednesday, February 22. They should bury their heads in shame. They are plotting how to kill us, but God is exposing them. It is only God that has the final say. The money that is keeping Nigeria afloat is from Rivers State. Therefore, Nigeria must listen to Rivers State. The voices of our people must be heard, he added. ALSO READ:Police disagree with INEC over report on December 10 election According to Vanguard, Wike said if it was in a just and fair society, those indicted would have tendered their resignation. According to reports, INEC is scheduled to hold the concluding part of the rerun election in Etche and Omuma Local Government Areas on Saturday, February 25, 2017. Wike said If we were in a civilised country with the right leadership, the persons mentioned in the report would have resigned from their positions. They should bury their heads in shame. They are plotting how to kill us, but God is exposing them. It is only God that has the final say. ALSO READ:Police disagree with INEC over report on December 10 election He also added that The money that is keeping Nigeria afloat is from Rivers State. Therefore, Nigeria must listen to Rivers State. The voices of our people must be heard. Pyeon, who gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday, described Nollywood as a home-grown industry that had become one of the largest cinema economies in the world. According to him, with an education system in place based on well-planned school curriculum incorporating the basics of the Nollywood industry, Nigerian youths could exploit the inherent opportunities in the business to become entrepreneurs. Nollywood is one of the largest cinema economies in the world." I was very much impressed by its home-grown nature in terms of cinema." Cinema would be a home-grown industry for our youngsters to develop themselves so they can participate in the industry" So what Im thinking is if we train them, if we educate our young people in our school education system based on well-planned curriculum, then they can go into the Nollywood industry to become entrepreneurs." Basically all our Nigerian young people can speak English based on our school education." What it means is that they can go global based on English speaking Nollywood industry." So what Im thinking is if we can take on board Nollywood in our school curriculum system then they can train themselves and they can make money based on Nollywood economy and Nollywood industry. Pyeon, who is a professor of English, Film and Development studies, said he had extended the frontiers of Nollywood by introducing it to viewers in Korea. One of my achievements is that I could understand what Nollywood means in global the economy." So I have introduced Nollywood industry into Korean readership." That is my contribution to Nollywood industry right now." Basically Korean reception of Nollywood is still very basic in technical terms, but if we go further to introduce Nollywood films to Korean audiences then Nigeria and Korea can work closely on mutually beneficial terms in future. This, he said was to help check examination malpractices. One major hole he is putting a plug on is scratch card fraud. The body recently handed over 10 individuals to the police for investigations involving scratch card fraud. The Registrar is scrapping scratch cards. Why? Because candidates are being extrorted. He said: For the 2017 UTME, we have taken a decision to commence the sale of the form soon. Within the next two weeks, we will be out. The reason for this is that we are making all arrangements that ought to be made. We have changed the process of payment, no more scratch card selling. We need to put the right architecture in place and we have put this in place. The examination will be coming up later than usual. This is to make sure we take into consideration the interest of the students. We are going to conduct the UTME in May. It will not clash with any SSCE examinations I did not sit here or my management did not fix the date. We sat down with all examination bodies with their timetables and we agreed to create this window. The new month is to close the time window for fraud. Normally, we conduct our examinations around March and the results will be ready within two to three days. But when do we need the results? It is always between July and August. This gives room for all forms of suspicion. If you go on the net, you will see people claiming that they could help candidates to upgrade their results because the results are lying fallow between March and July. Now we want to shorten the period in such a way that the time between the examination and when the results will be used will be very short. There will be no opportunity for anybody to even dream of upgrading results. We are also using that opportunity to communicate with other Examination bodies like WAEC, NECO and NABTEB to ensure that we do not make our examinations mutually exclusive. Somebody is taking WAEC examinations, he wants to take JAMB but in some cases due to clash of timetable, he wants to sacrifice one for the other. So, we have harmonized in such a way that the period we are going to use for our examination, all other examination bodies will not have examinations during the period. How many people will write JAMB this year? 1.7 million. That figure (1.7m candidates) was last years figure and we do not expect less this year. We expect about 1.5million candidates for UTME and about 200,000 and 300,000 candidates for Direct Entry. That was how we arrived at the figure and that is the figure we are also expecting. I or the management will not promise a hitch-free examination because when you are doing the type of re-engineering we are doing, you cannot say that there will be no hitches. But we believe that we are on top of it and whatever problem arises, we will solve it. Everybody will however have fair treatment and everybody will be well-treated. This is what I can assure Nigerians." He explained further on scratch card fraud. What we have done is to fine tune what is being done to make our services better for the public. We have taken some very painful decisions like elimination of scratch cards. We know that some people make their living from sale of scratch cards but that is not the type of living we want to encourage because it is extortion. They buy the cards from our staff and they sell at exorbitant price to the users. The scratch card has a particular amount of N1, 000 or N2, 500 but they up selling the cards for four to five times the price. Apart from that, scratch card has left to massive corruption in the system. As Im talking to you now, 10 members of our staff are with the police. We have handed over to the police for one corrupt practice or the other related to scratch cards. Macron said the alliance proposed by Bayrou reflected the same "values and ideas" as his own En Marche (On the Move) movement which he formed in April as a vehicle to launch a bid for the presidency. Macron said Bayrou's offer "fully reflects the process of renewal and coming together that we have supported since the start. That is why I accept it." Bayrou, who ran three times for president, winning more than 18 percent of the vote in the 2007 election, said he would not be a candidate this year but would throw his support behind Macron. He rounded on far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, who is currently leading the race, saying she posed a "major and immediate threat for our country and Europe". France's democracy has "broken down", Bayrou warned. Macron, a 39-year-old former economy minister, has made rapid progress in the campaign and polls earlier this month showed he could reach the second round runoff of the election where he would be likely to face Le Pen. Snowden's former hosts Supun Thilina Kellapatha and ex-soldier Ajith Pushpakumara from Sri Lanka told reporters Thursday they were "scared and nervous" about the agents' activities in Hong Kong. "I don't feel stable... I don't have a normal life now," said Supun, a target of politically motivated violence according to his protection claim. Accompanying the asylum seekers, their lawyer Robert Tibbo and pro-democracy lawmakers James To and Charles Mok believe Sri Lankan agents have targeted the pair. In an incident which tipped Tibbo off, another asylum seeker from Sri Lanka was allegedly approached by two agents identifying themselves as officers from Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which has previously been accused of kidnapping and torture. The agents, who were carrying files containing information and photographs about Snowden's temporary hosts, asked for specific details about them, Tibbo said. The asylum seekers' families in Sri Lanka were also harassed and threatened by police, military and government officials about their exact whereabouts and telephone numbers, with "clear intentions to locate" them, said Tibbo. "There's actually a treaty between the Hong Kong government and the Sri Lankan government for extradition... All they would have to do is make the formal request to the government, and they've never done that," Tibbo said. "It's quite clear that the Sri Lankan government has an interest in our clients' relationship with Mr. Snowden." But Sri Lankan authorities have denied this claim. "The police have no interest in the two individuals or their families," a senior police source told AFP in Colombo. "The Sri Lankan police does not have the time or the resources to send people to Hong Kong as alleged." Tibbo said they notified the city's immigration department and would soon report it to the police. Neither immediately responded to AFP's request for comment. Lawmakers To and Mok also said they would urge the Hong Kong government and the police to offer protection to the asylum seekers and ensure their safety. The city's 11,000 marginalised refugees spend years in limbo, hoping the government will support their asylum claims. But with fewer than one percent of cases successfully substantiated by city authorities, most refugees live in fear of deportation. The Sri Lankan families want to go to Canada, which has a track record of taking in refugees. "We are greatly relieved by the release of our staff members and the driver," said Mutasim Hamdan, the organisation's Yemen country director. "They are in good condition, and we are pleased that they are now reunited with their families," Hamdan said in a statement. Six staff and a contracted driver, all Yemeni citizens, were detained earlier this week by authorities in the rebel-controlled Red Sea coastal district of Hodeida. Local sources told AFP the employees were accused of having accepted and distributed aid from a Saudi-led coalition, which has been fighting the rebels since March 2015. The Norwegian Refugee Council, an independent aid group based in Oslo, said it did not receive funding from Saudi Arabia for its relief operations in Yemen. It had, however, been using recycled boxes to distribute hygiene kits in Yemen. The group said when staff had opened the boxes to distribute the aid, the inside read "The campaign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for emergency response," a reference to the Saudi king. The boxes were dated January 2015 and had originally been used for food, according to the NRC. The Saudi-led coalition has carried out a deadly bombing campaign against rebel-held areas and imposed a crippling air and sea blockade, so any suggestion of cooperation with the kingdom is anathema for the rebels. More than 7,400 people have been killed since the coalition's intervention began, including around 1,400 children, according to World Health Organization figures. UN humanitarian coordinator for Yemen Jamie McGoldrick has put the death toll at closer to 10,000. "President Kuczynski will be the first Latin American leader welcomed by Trump" as president, according to his chief of staff, Fernando Zavala. The two conservative leaders plan to discuss bilateral cooperation and the fight against drug trafficking, Zavala said. Also likely to be on the agenda is Peru's request for the extradition of former president Alejandro Toledo, who has been charged with graft and is believed to be in the United States. The White House has not yet formally confirmed the visit. The planned arrest of Senator Leila de Lima outraged her supporters and human rights activists, who said the government had manufactured drug trafficking charges to silence her criticism of Duterte and intimidate others. The 57-year-old lawyer, who has spent nearly a decade trying to link Duterte to death squads that have allegedly killed thousands of people, could be jailed for life if she is found guilty of drug trafficking. "I have no plans of fleeing and I have no plans to go in hiding. I will face all these charges," a tearful De Lima told reporters at the Senate in the early evening after a Manila court issued the arrest warrant. De Lima then went to her home in another part of the capital after believing she had secured an agreement with authorities to surrender on Friday morning. But, after police were seen on national television driving to her home to arrest her, De Lima quickly left and returned to the perceived safety of the Senate building. She and her allies had previously said protocols dictated police should not arrest her in the Senate. De Lima appealed late on Thursday night for police not to arrest her overnight and committed to surrendering on Friday. "If they respect the Senate as an institution, they should not force an arrest tonight. That would really be a disrespect to the Senate. They should just wait for me outside tomorrow," she told reporters at the Senate. De Lima is accused of orchestrating a drug trafficking ring when she was justice secretary in the previous administration of Benigno Aquino. But De Lima and her supporters insist she is innocent, and that Duterte wants to crush one of his most vocal and enduring critics. De Lima this week branded Duterte a "sociopathic serial killer" as she called for ordinary Filipinos to stand up in opposition to his drug war, which has seen more than 6,500 people killed since he took office eight months ago. Political persecution De Lima's Liberal Party, which ruled for six years under Aquino, voiced deep anger on Thursday at her imminent arrest. "The Liberal Party reiterates that it condemns the political persecution of brave administration critic Sen. Leila De Lima," it said in a statement. "This arrest is purely political vendetta and has no place in (a) justice system that upholds the rule of law. This is condemnable. We reiterate that an arrest based on trumped-up charges is illegal." The party also said it feared for De Lima's life once she was arrested, citing the killing by police of another politician, Rolando Espinosa, inside a jail cell in November last year after he was arrested on drug charges. The National Bureau of Investigation said the police who raided the jail murdered him and that he was defenceless. But Duterte said he chose to believe the police version that they were serving an arrest warrant on Espinosa inside the jail before dawn and the officers shot at him in self defence. Duterte, 71, won the presidential election last year after promising during the campaign to eradicate drugs in society by killing tens of thousands of people. He immediately launched the crackdown after taking office in June and police have reported killing 2,555 drug suspects since then, with about 4,000 other people murdered in unexplained circumstances. Amnesty International has warned that police actions in the drug war may amount to crimes against humanity. Amnesty said Thursday that, if De Lima was arrested, it would regard her as a prisoner of conscience. But the electoral authorities said Moreno fell short of the necessary lead with nearly all ballots counted on Wednesday. He will face a runoff on April 2 against his conservative rival Guillermo Lasso. "We were just half a point away from winning outright in the first round," Correa told reporters. Opinion polls and various analysts suggest Moreno faces a tough challenge in the second round since conservative voters are likely to rally behind Lasso. The defeated third-placed candidate, conservative Cynthia Viteri, called on her supporters to vote for Lasso in the runoff. "Any party could beat the governing one in the second round, because there is major resistance to, and rejection of, the government," said political scientist Paolo Moncagatta of Quito's San Francisco University before Sunday's vote. Correa however remained defiant that his side could win through to extend leftist rule after his decade in power. "Everything indicates that we will win in the second round," he said. Fraud claims denied With 98.58 percent of votes counted, the electoral authority said Moreno was still short of the 40 percent threshold to avoid a runoff, despite having an 11-point lead. The trend towards a runoff therefore "cannot be reversed," said the president of the National Electoral Council, Juan Pablo Pozo. Moreno had 39.3 percent of the vote against 28.2 percent for ex-banker Lasso. Lasso alleged attempted fraud in the vote count, which the council denied. His supporters rallied in protest at the delay in publishing full results outside the council's headquarters, where scuffles broke out with police on Monday. Pozo said the council would not officially confirm the runoff until a definitive result is finalized in the coming days. Lasso has vowed to cut spending and taxes, shifting away from the current government's tax-and-spend polices. He has also said he will move to end WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's asylum in Ecuador's London embassy. Correa on Wednesday denounced that proposal as a breach of Assange's rights. The election is a test of the legacy of Correa, an outspoken critic of the United States. He said that two memos he signed Tuesday, enacting directions from US President Donald Trump to clamp down on immigrants deemed to be in the United States illegally would prioritize "criminal offenders" while ensuring due process in US courts was upheld. "But there will be no mass roundups. When we do take someone into custody they are then put into the American legal justice system -- that's the courts, and it's the courts that will decide what happens to them," he said. Kelly's visit to Guatemala -- one of three violence- and poverty-wracked Central American countries that provide many undocumented migrants to the US -- was the first by a senior US official since Trump took power last month. Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras are especially concerned about Trump's drive to cut down on illegal immigration and to reduce the size of the undocumented migrant population in the US, estimated at 11 million. Many of those living in America provide a vital financial lifeline to family in Latin American countries in the form of remittances. Migration conference Guatemala's interior minister, Francisco Rivas, said Kelly discussed migration and the scourge of violent gangs with his president, Jimmy Morales. Rivas also said preparations were under way for a migration conference at which Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras would be represented. It could take place in Mexico or the United States, he said. Kelly said that Trump's executive order meant a boost in the number of US border patrol officers and the construction of a "physical barrier" -- the wall Trump has repeatedly vowed to have built along the entire border with Mexico. The Department of Homeland Security was therefore now working on "the expansion of expedited removal operations, prioritizing criminal prosecutions for immigration offenses committed at the border, and empowering state and local enforcement agencies to assist in enforcing immigration laws," Kelly said. He offered "sincere advice" to any Guatemalans thinking of paying people smugglers to try to get them illegally into the United States "to not do it." The journey was very dangerous, "and the very, very considerable money you will have to pay the 'coyotes' (people smugglers) will be lost because we are picking up, that is to say reinforcing, our turnback efforts on the border." He added that, "by law, we are required to return irregular migrants to their home country." Kelly did not address US plans to have deported Central Americans sent to Mexico -- something Mexico has signaled it may not accept. On Thursday, Kelly and Trump's secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, were to meet with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. Turning the ship before it hits the iceberg WWE RETURNING TO JAPAN, BRUNO SAMMARTINO TALKS RECENT PASSINGS, WWE UK COMPETITORS, LOVELACE RECEIVES NXT RING NAME AND MORE WWE NEWS WWE announced they would return to Sumo Hall in Tokyo, Japan on 6/30 and 7/1. Additional details will be announced in March. Thanks to Paul Jordan. WWE UK competitors will be working live events in Europe for WWE on their May tour. The former Heidi Lovelace is now going by the ring name Ruby Riot in WWE NXT. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette featured a piece on Bruno Sammartino reflecting on the passings of George Steele and Ivan Koloff at this link. Sammartino noted that he helped to discover each and that with all of the surgeries he's racked up over the years, he's often wondered when his own number would be up, but he's "functioning fairly well" despite the toll pro wrestling has taken on his body. Thanks to Terry Hannan for sending it aling. John Cena appears on his fourth cover of Muscle and Fitness when it is released this Monday. WWE has a Raw live event tonight in Numberg, Germany. If anyone is attending, we are seeking live reports. Jordan Devlin spoke The Irish Mirror about being a part of the WWE's UK brand. Tyson Kidd is now going by his real name, TJ Wilson on Twitter, noting the following: The redemption-after being written off due to my knee injury, and my insane 6month ACL surgery recovery being ignored for some reason lol https://t.co/3WuMz167BY TJ Wilson (@TJWilson) February 23, 2017 Thanks to Paul Jordan. 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! On the heels of Caterpillar's plans to move its Peoria headquarters to Chicago, a Deere & Co. shareholder wanted to know if Deere was considering a move from its Moline headquarters. The issue was the first question posed Wednesday to Deere CEO Sam Allen during a question-and-answer period at the company's annual meeting. "Every company has to do what they think is right for their company," Allen said. "At John Deere, we feel very strongly this is our home." The issue is a hot topic in Illinois where Caterpillar just announced three weeks ago that it is moving its headquarters to the Chicago area. It joins other companies, including Archer Daniels Midland and ConAgra, in its decision to move top executives to Chicago. Speaking to an audience of nearly 400 shareholders, retirees and employees at John Deere World Headquarters in Moline, Allen said the company needs to go only three or four miles out of town to connect with its customers. ''At this point and time, as long as I'm around here, there's no chance we will be moving," he said. Allen also told shareholders that Deere is committed to working with the community to make the Quad-Cities a more vibrant place, which will help attract talent to the region. Allen has been actively involved in the Quad-City region's Q2030 strategic plan, a regional vision for growing the Quad-Cities. He is past co-chair of the Quad-Cities Chamber's Regional Opportunities Council, whose members led the charge in the Q2030 action plan. After the meeting, Deere spokesman Ken Golden said Caterpillar's announcement has led both Deere employees and community leaders to question Deere. "Certainly when other companies make those announcements it is disconcerting for the community." He said Deere's commitment to the Quad-Cities includes its title sponsorship of the annual John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run, Silvis, as well as its support of Global Communities Inc., a revitalization effort in Moline's Floreciente neighborhood. Area John Deere employees also logged more than 57,000 volunteer hours last year for community organizations, including 27,000 hours for STEM and other youth-related activities. As Bettendorf Mayor Bob Gallagher began his State of the City address Feb. 22, he caught himself as he recited the vision and mission statement of the city. He along with members of the City Council and staff have become used to calling for Bettendorf to become a premier, vibrant, livable city with cultural, recreational and educational amenities for everyone. "This hasn't changed a lick in the five years I've been here," Gallagher said. "It encompasses what we continue to do on a daily basis." As Gallagher would explain, the strategic planning and goals set by the Council have been set in motion, evidenced by the growth and development within the city. Gallagher cited the upcoming development at the site of the former Twin Bridges Motor Inn downtown as well as potential projects at The Lodge Hotel and Town Square as top priorities that have seen major progress. Another project that Quad-Citizens can see rise from the depths is the construction of the Interstate 74 bridge. Pilings will be visible from the bedrock as work begins after July 4 and will stretch until 2021. The city also has set as a priority riverfront development and land acquisition. "We understand that to be a premier city in a premier community in a premier region, we must continue to celebrate our best asset: the Mississippi River," Gallagher said. With the city's location, Gallagher also spoke to the work being done with respect to port development. "We're working with our partners from Clinton to Muscatine to create an authority where we can be an offload spot for grain by container or barge down the Mississippi," Gallagher said. "We met last week with our friends at the state Capitol where we discussed the importance of renovating our lock and dam system. It's on their radar." One change that has received little fanfare, but one Gallagher was enthusiastic about is the upcoming zoning ordinance, which will focus more on density. The proposed zoning changes explore a healthy mix of uses to not only maximize the economic impact downtown, but also support the projected increase in its population. "This is forward thinking, and we are beating people to the punch," Gallagher said. "We want to be an example for the folks in Iowa." Gallagher said the ordinance could pave the way for more tract development and housing projects all the way up to million dollar homes. While these projects represent exciting developments to look forward into the future, Gallagher also stressed the importance of having strong finances in order to carry them out. Gallagher said Bettendorf $5.07 general fund levy is the lowest of any municipality with more than 10,000 residents in the state, which averages $7.8591 per $1,000 valuation. Development at the I-74 Technology Park also will help increase the tax base with two more site plans already approved. "We expect it to be built out at the cost of $17 million, and that increases our tax base," Gallagher said. "That brings employment to our area and gives us the ability to continue to strive to be that premier city." Stanley Liggins, the man accused in the strangulation death of a 9-year-old girl more than 26 years ago, asked a judge on Wednesday to dismiss the case against him. Defense attorney Derek Jones argued during a lengthy hearing in Scott County District Court that the 55-year-old Liggins was denied due process as the result of what he said was the withholding of 77 police reports. He further alleged that prosecutors did not disclose that a witness in Liggins' previous trials was a paid police informant. Our ability to defend this case has been crippled by time and it is because Mr. Liggins rights were violated, Jones argued Wednesday. Offering us a new trial does not fix those problems. That remedy is inappropriate. Dismissal is the appropriate remedy in this case. Scott County Attorney Mike Walton and Assistant Scott County Attorney Julie Walton denied that prosecutors withheld evidence and said that the remedy the defense was seeking was not supported by case law. Chief Judge Marlita Greve, who is presiding over the case, said Wednesday that she will make her ruling in writing at a later date. Prosecutors say Liggins strangled Jennifer Ann Lewis, 9, of Rock Island, and burned her remains on a Davenport school playground on Sept. 17, 1990. She also was sexually abused, according to prosecutors. He was tried twice in the girl's death in the 1990s, once in Scott County and the second time in Dubuque after he was granted a change of venue. Liggins was convicted in both trials and sentenced to life in prison. The Iowa Supreme Court overturned the first conviction, and on Nov. 6, 2013, the Iowa Court of Appeals reversed the second conviction. He will be tried a third time on May 22. Jones and Miguel Puentes, Liggins' second attorney, want the trial moved out of Scott County, citing ongoing pretrial publicity in the case. Since Monday, attorneys have appeared in court to argue a series of pretrial motions as they prepare for trial. On Wednesday, the defense asked Greve to allow them to call attorney Kent Simmons, who represented Liggins on his direct appeals in the 1993 and 1995 trials and in other post-conviction matters, to testify at trial. Jones said he wants to call Simmons to testify to what he claims was the concealment of exculpatory evidence and other important evidence by Don Schaeffer, the lead investigator on the case. In a motion filed in October, the defense wrote that Simmons testimony is necessary to show the unfairness and the bias in the investigation and previous trials and as a foundation for opinions that will be set out in the testimony of the defense expert on law enforcement investigation standards and techniques. Simmons testified that while representing a Davenport police officer in an unrelated case nearly a decade after Liggins' second trial, he learned that a key witness was a paid informant. That information was not disclosed to the defense and was only discovered through Simmons' review of a file of the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation's investigation into the inner workings of the police department. Simmons testified that he was contacted in 1996 by a woman who said she had information about the Liggins case. Specifically, the woman said that she had seen the fire at Jefferson Elementary on Sept. 17, 1990, and had seen a man with a distinctive cap on his head and a small white car at the scene. She said it was the same cap that she saw on a man walking with Jennifer's mother at her funeral. The man, Simmons said, was identified as Jennifer's stepfather, Joe Glenn. Simmons said he obtained video of the funeral from two different TV stations, and the woman verified it was the same cap the man at the scene of the fire had been wearing. Simmons testified Wednesday that the defense did not receive a report of the womans interview with police, nor did they receive the statements of three witnesses who the defense claims could have cast doubt on the testimony of a key prosecution witness. Mike Walton argued Wednesday that the informant previously testified at a post-conviction relief hearing that they were not paid in the Liggins case. Schaeffer also denied that the informant was paid, Walton argued. He said that the woman who told Simmons about the man with the distinctive cap on at the scene of the fire gave a completely different account to police the night police discovered Jennifers body. He also pointed to a lower court judges opinion in a prior court action that the woman, whose son was serving a life sentence in the same prison as Liggins, was not credible and that her testimony was dubious. Walton stressed that there never has been a court finding of prosecutorial misconduct of suppression of evidence by Schaeffer. Of the 77 reports cited by the defense, attorneys addressed only four that they deemed as exculpatory, he said. Walton added that three courts determined that the reports ultimately were not material and that had the defense had them, it likely would not have impacted the outcome of the case. Jones disagreed that Simmons testimony about how the evidence was discovered was not relevant and said that there are multiple instances where exculpatory evidence was discovered years later. Theres a pattern here of exculpatory evidence not being turned over, over and over again, Jones argued. Theres a pattern of the police department deciding that Stanley Liggins was guilty very early on in the investigation (and) honed in on him as the prime suspect early on. A bill in the Iowa Legislature that would help school districts in Davenport and Eldridge has been endorsed by the Iowa Association of School Boards. Senate Study Bill 1124 was introduced by the Senate Education Committee Chair Amy Sinclair, R-Allerton, on Monday. A day later, the legislation was endorsed by the school association. Once fully phased in, the state association estimates the proposal will generate about $128 million in new school transportation funding and $86 million to equalize the state's per-pupil funding formula. Davenport officials are taking a close look at the details. "We want to come out in support of one entire bill," Davenport School Board member Richard Clewell said. "We hope we can rally around Sen. Roby Smith's bill." Smith, R-Davenport, is a co-sponsor of the legislation. Clewell chairs the Legislative Advocacy Committee on the Davenport School Board and appreciates taking an incremental approach to closing the equity gap. Davenport Superintendent Art Tate added a strong endorsement. "We can enthusiastically support the bill, as this multi-year plan to address the funding equality for Iowa students recognizes the problem and provides a solution," he said. As it now reads, the bill would provide school districts $5 extra per student in 2017, $10 in 2018, and $20 per student for the final eight years. For many years, Iowa's school funding formula has shortchanged some districts, up to $175 per pupil for those at the low end of the scale, including Davenport and North Scott. "Eventually, we are going to close that gap," said Shawn Snyder, finance director of the school boards association in Des Moines. He estimates that Davenport eventually would get $3 million to shore up its budget, once the money is fully phased in. The plan also was endorsed by Joe Stutting, superintendent of the North Scott Community School District. While North Scott does have transportation costs, Stutting said it is an efficient system. North Scott, however, shares Davenport's situation with inequities in the per-pupil funding formula. The average state cost for transportation is $308.51 per pupil, and each large school district in Scott County is below that level, according to the school boards association. Davenport averages $302.30 in transportation costs; North Scott, $279.77; Pleasant Valley, $264; and Bettendorf, $95. All are among the lowest in the state. Although Stutting has not seen details of the current bill, he said phased-in support would be a step in the right direction. "Iowa's funding system must provide Iowa children equal opportunities for a quality education," Snyder said. Senate Study Bill 1124 was introduced at about noon Monday, at the same time a contingent from Davenport including about 50 students was in Des Moines, visiting with legislators at the Iowa Capitol. Regardless of occupation, age or family status, the message from attendees at Thursday's Future Forum at the Freight House in Davenport was similar: student debt, accessibility to education and workforce development remain major concerns for today's younger generation. U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, hosted the event along with the group's chairman, U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., and drew a group of about 20, a mix of young and older professionals, stay-at-home moms and millennials. The stop in Davenport was the 35th for the forum, a group of 26 of the youngest Democrats in the House of Representatives, over its three years in existence. "What I see for our generation is college is pretty expensive and inaccessible," Swalwell said. "If you're lucky to go to college, you're likely to come out with a lot of student loan debt and chances are the jobs that will help you pay off that debt, be a homeowner, raise a family and maybe start your own business aren't in the places a lot of us grew up." Swalwell, who is paying off $100,000 in student debt, said his parents chased the American Dream for him, all in the hopes of him becoming the first in his family to attend college. Many attendees said it's been difficult to further their lives or leave a better life for their children, as a result of their debt burden. The message that their parents sent them, the ability to have it all from a career to a family to a home, also is more difficult. Many of the stay-at-home moms spoke about the difficulty of having to choose between those options, and the not-always-present safeguards for those who want to start a family. Another aspect is the availability of jobs that pay enough to alleviate the debt, especially in more rural areas. "If you've gone to school and gotten a very fancy degree for a lot of money, you need to be starting out at $40,000-$50,000 a year," Davenport Alderwoman Maria Dickmann, 2nd Ward, said. "That's what you'd expect, but you're going to have to go to a big city for that. We need to be able to attract those jobs, so we can attract those people." For those in attendance, there also was the belief that more could be done to educate students about the potential debt they face in order to preach accountability. One suggestion was for student loans to contain the same disclosures required by the Truth in Lending Act. Many students early in their academic careers have not settled on a major or career path, Swalwell said, so loans are often misused, but businesses could be utilized to help guide them. "One thing we could do is better connect industries and communities," Swalwell said. "Maybe it's a tax incentive to take on high school students, but if you know during that formative time in your life that this maybe something I would like to pursue, or something I definitely don't want to pursue, that can drive you to make better decisions." As another way to offer incentives to businesses to contribute to alleviating student debt is to change how it would be taxed. Swalwell and U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Ill., have sponsored such a bill. "Right now, if they were to contribute, it would be treated as income on both sides," Swalwell said. "We have a bill that would treat it just like a 401(k) contribution. It would be tax free." While the current generation has an uphill battle, Swalwell shared a story about a man from Chicago named Lamar, who he met during the listening tour and who gave him hope. "(He) didn't know his parents, was adopted, fell into the criminal justice system, went to prison for a couple of years, came out and went to community college," Swalwell said. "Just a couple of weeks ago, his brother was murdered in Chicago and despite all that, he was still sitting in a college classroom and still believed that he had an opportunity to make something of himself." As Cathy Bolkcom finished her five minutes of public comment regarding potential changes to the Levee Improvement Commission, she asked those in attendance at Wednesday's Davenport City Council meeting to stand up if they were in support of leaving the commission as is. Only a few seats remained occupied and for the number of people who both preceded and followed Bolkcom to the microphone, the message was clear: let the commission operate as it has for 106 years. "Citizen participation and the workings of an effective city government are crucial," Bolkcom said. "Citizen input, messy and sometimes painful, ensures better outcomes. Real meaningful citizen input, where a commission has teeth to its recommendations, protects us from private interests making a decision." Despite the public outcry against the ordinance, which aims to combine the commission and parks and recreation advisory board into one panel, the City Council is split on how to proceed. A motion to table the ordinance garnered a 5-5 vote, only to be overruled by Mayor Frank Klipsch, who voted against the delay. Instead, a motion to approve first consideration for the ordinance was passed by a 6-4 vote, leaving many in the audience sarcastically thanking aldermen for listening to them. Prior to both votes, Klipsch proposed a number of changes to ordinance including increasing the frequency of the new panel's meetings to at least twice a month, meeting during the evenings to improve availability of members and attendees and adding the need for the City Council to have a super-majority in order to override recommendations of the panel. While the motion that passed did not include Klipsch's suggestions, he defended his decision to move the first consideration forward. "This isn't done," Klipsch said. "This gives us an opportunity to discuss changes over the next four weeks and have a meeting between the Levee Commission and Parks and Rec board. The ordinance still can be changed and tabled at a later date." Alderwoman Rita Rawson, 5th Ward, who voted to table the ordinance, spoke out against the way the city has handled the situation. "The process of how this got on the agenda was not transparent," Rawson said. Rawson also challenged Klipsch's recollection of events, stating that the council has never had a discussion about eliminating the commission and establishing an advisory board. While some of the aldermen in support of ordinance cited their interest in representation from all wards on a new panel, communication between everyone involved was still lacking. Wendy Peterson, a member of the Parks and Recreation advisory board, said neither the commission nor the board were informed about the changes prior to the vote and urged against merging the two entities. At the conclusion of the meeting, Alderman Ray Ambrose, 4th Ward, called for City Attorney Tom Warner to bring the two groups together so they could propose suggestions for how they could operate moving forward. Legal challenges Prior to Wednesday's meeting, concerns over the changes prompted commissioner Bill Ashton to take a trip to the law library. Two laws, one in 1909 that gave charter cities the authority to improve the riverfront through riverfront improvement commissions and one in 1937 which defined duties, responsibilities and makeup, drew Ashton's attention. "In no way does either law take away power of the City Council," Ashton said. "The law intends to have charter cities create an independent board with expertise and special focus to have the ability to study in greater depth the issues that affect riverfront improvements." Ashton left the library pondering the consequences of dissolving the commission, including what happens to land owned by the commission, but the city has maintained it has a legal right to do so. While the language referred to applied for much of the commission's tenure, changes were by the Iowa legislature after Iowa became a home-rule state. Prior to the becoming a home-rule state, Warner said Dillon's Rule meant cities could not take action without pointing to something in state code which expressly allowed them to. The legislature followed up by removing the language from statutes about riverfront commissions on March 16, 1972. "Cities can do anything for the public's welfare as long as it is not expressly prohibited," Warner said. They didn't know Buffalo Bill, but for this LeClaire family, celebrating his birthday this weekend feels personal. Marsha Peters remembers when her mom, Edith, helped start the Buffalo Bill Museum in a small storefront on Cody Road in LeClaire. It was the year I graduated high school, said Peters, a 20-year member of the museum board. Her mom, along with about 60 others in the LeClaire Women's Club held rummage sales and bake sales to fund the 1957 founding of the museum. They searched their attics basically and started a little museum, said Peters, who volunteers there each Saturday. They thought it was important to remember the history of our town. The museum moved to its current building on the levee in 1971, and not long after, the museum gained another champion Peters' daughter, Beth. I like to say I've been a volunteer since I was born, said Beth Peters, also a board member. I've spent a lot of time here. For as long as the mother-daughter pair can remember, the town of LeClaire has reserved the Sunday before Buffalo Bills birthday Feb. 26, 1848 for a party. The party wasn't always this big, Marsha Peters said. Now we get people from all over. And this time, it'll be on his actual birthday, which is nice." This year offers something extra: January marked the 100-year anniversary of Buffalo Bills death. While giving a tour, Beth Peters, a real estate agent who has served as the museums assistant director for the past six months, can point to plenty of family connections in the exhibits. Her great-uncle donated materials from his inventions at the LeClaire Manufacturing Co.; area musician Cecil Fletcher, who donated several instruments, was a family friend; her mothers souvenirs are displayed in a case dedicated to the now-closed LeClaire High School; and her grandmothers dress is on display in a women's fashion collection. Another draw is the enclosed Lone Star Steam Boat, built in the 1890s, which has been virtually untouched since it stopped operating in the 1960s, Beth Peters said. There's a lot of famous people and things from LeClaire that you might not know about, she said. They see Buffalo Bill and they come inside and hopefully learn a little more about LeClaire. The Buffalo Bill name gets people in the doors, even to make unscheduled stops off of the highway, but artifacts attached to the showman make up only about 10 percent of the museum, she said. That 10 percent offers a play-by-play of William Buffalo Bill Codys birth and childhood in LeClaire, along with his service in the U.S. Army during the Civil War, bison hunting as well as plenty of memorabilia, such as magazine covers of the Buffalo Bill Wild West Shows that he is known for. What I tell kids is that around the turn of the century, he was a superstar, she said. They didn't have TV or movies, but a lot of people knew about Buffalo Bill. That's a fair description, according to Marsha Peters, who said she's glad to share a life-long interest with her daughter. When they grow up, you never know what they're going to like, she said. It means the world. My mom would love that Beth's helping to keep the museum going. The museum is going strong, according to Bob Schiffke, director of seven years. In 2016, the 18-square-feet building attracted 20,000 visitors, he said. And nearly 50 percent of those visitors were not Iowa residents. Buffalo Bill brings a lot of people to LeClaire, he said. We've grown so much over the years that it's not just him; its much more of a regional history. There are Buffalo Bill museums in Cody, Wyoming, a town he founded later in life, at his grave in Golden, Colorado and in North Platte, Nebraska, where he built a ranch during the heyday of his Wild West show. Since he was born here, we focus on his boyhood years, Schiffke said. You don't get that at the other places. For Schiffke, like many who live in LeClaire, he's thankful to have a hometown connection to Buffalo Bill. Shiffke remembers reading about the icon in a grade school textbook and now he transcribes his terrible handwriting for museum exhibits. Even after 100 years since he died, he's still well known, Schiffke said. He was Americas first superstar. I wonder if the stars we have today will be remembered 100 years from now. Thomas Gibbons-Neff, a fourth-generation military man, deployed twice to Afghanistan. The second time, as a 22-year-old Marine corporal in 2010, he led an eight-man infantry team into combat. Two of his men were wounded by enemy sniper fire, and one of his best buddies later died in combat. Now President Trump says Thomas is an enemy of the American people. Thomas, a Pentagon correspondent for The Washington Post, was so labeled, along with everybody else in the media, by the commander in chief on Friday. "The FAKE NEWS media," Trump tweeted, "is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American People!" I asked my colleague, who went to Georgetown University on the G.I. Bill before joining The Post two years ago, how it felt to be called an enemy of the country he volunteered to serve in combat. "It's alarming, like a bunch of other things these days," Thomas said. "It also feels like bait." And Thomas isn't taking the bait. Like the rest of us, he's keeping his head down and doing his job. Trump's Stalinist labeling of the media is his latest attempt to delegitimize the structures of civil society, following similar attacks on the courts and the intelligence community. We in the press are an easy mark because we're already held in low esteem. In this case, the charge, using the universal language of autocrats, probably shouldn't be dignified with a refutation: To be forced to make the case that a free press isn't the enemy of a free people is to fight on Trump's terms. Instead, allow me to introduce you to the backgrounds of some of my colleagues who Trump would have you believe are enemies of the American people. I would argue that they (BEG ITAL)are(END ITAL) the American people. Yes, they went to college, they live in the Washington area, and they earn good wages; that earns them the "elite" epithet. But they hail from all corners of this country, from farms and small towns, the children of immigrants and factory workers, preachers and teachers. Lori Montgomery, The Post's deputy national editor, grew up on her family's dairy farm in western Pennsylvania. Lori, who spent part of her youth stacking hay and shooting a .22, went to Northwestern to study journalism; her brother still runs the farm. Jose DelReal, one of The Post's political reporters, was born in Merced, California, to immigrants from Mexico who were both farmhands. The family moved to Anchorage, where Jose's mother worked as a maid and his father as a cook and dishwasher. Jobs and scholarships got Jose through Harvard University. Dan Balz, The Post's chief correspondent, comes from Freeport, Illinois, one of the cities of the Lincoln-Douglas debates. His father sold batteries. Dan went to the University of Illinois and served for three years in the military. Political reporter Jenna Johnson grew up in Nebraska, where she attended the University of Nebraska; she got an internship with The Post and has never left. Her parents run the weekly newspaper in the small town in eastern Iowa where they now live. Steven Ginsberg, The Post's political editor, grew up in Onancock, a town of 1,200 on the rural Eastern Shore of Virginia. For the first four years of his life there, the family home had no heat. The mother of Supreme Court reporter Bob Barnes died when he was 10, and his dad, a World War II vet who didn't finish high school, worked as a telephone lineman, climbing poles and installing phones. Bob went from Pensacola, Florida, public schools to the University of Florida -- where another future Post editor and writer, David Finkel, got through school working at Pizza Hut and Amoco. National correspondent Mary Jordan grew up on Cleveland's West Side, her dad a pipe fitter and her mother a maid, both Irish immigrants. Another national reporter, Stephanie McCrummen, whose grandfather was a Southern Baptist preacher, was reared by a mother who worked for Bell South in Birmingham, Alabama. And Dan Eggen, a political editor, is the son of a Lutheran minister from small-town Minnesota. If space allowed, I could go on. My colleagues don't volunteer these stories ordinarily, for the same reason I don't drone on about my Civil War ancestry, or about how I was reared by a single mother, a schoolteacher, and worked my way through college. Everybody in the newsroom -- everybody in America -- has an American story. Such stories are so commonplace as to be unremarkable -- or at least they seemed unremarkable until Trump declared some of us enemies of the American people. So let's pause to remember: We are all the American people. And we all love our country. Not a peep from U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst. To quote the president: "SAD!" President Donald Trump turned his toxic gaze on hundreds of Iowans Wednesday night. These are people who drove hundreds of miles to force Grassley and Ernst to recognize their displeasure and alarm. Many trekked from cities to seek out Ernst and Grassley in their hand-picked friendly rural confines. They're citizens simply looking to engage with their elected officials. And, true to form, Trump wasn't having it. As if on cue, Trump a man who expects unquestioning devotion from all Americans looked to delegitimize the very real concerns of these teachers, farmers and pensioners as some liberal conspiracy. "The so-called angry crowds in home districts of some Republicans are actually, in numerous cases, planned out by liberal activists," Trump tweeted. "Sad!" White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer doubled-down Wednesday on the "paid protester" myth. Trump can attack veterans: Grassley and Ernst say nothing. He can attack religious minorities: They say nothing. He can attack the First Amendment: They say nothing. And, now, he can attack Iowans: They say nothing. The utter cowardice should enrage every Iowan, regardless of political stripe. Grassley's event was widely covered by national media outlets. The attention, in part, stems from the power of his Full Grassley. In 2009, tea party activists at Grassley's events played significant roles in killing bipartisan support for Obamacare. Grassley had been working with the Obama administration until right-wing Iowans turned the screw at home. Now it's Democrats and liberals rallying support on Facebook resulting in big turn-outs. That's hardly the same as Trump's "paid protesters." To Grassley's credit, he's one of only a handful of senior members of Congress willing to attend a town hall event these days. Of course, he has little choice. The Full Grassley is an integral part of his public persona. Coverage by The New York Times and Politico of Grassley's Iowa Falls town hall spread across the web like wildfire. Make no mistake, it was Iowans Trump was labeling conspirators. And, when asked, he at least said there's no "evidence" that those attending his forums are paid protesters. Ernst wants it both ways. Her event in Maquoketa was billed as a "veterans roundtable," a failed attempt to direct the discussion away from the hatred and disdain for dissent pouring from a White House that she wholeheartedly championed during the election cycle. Both senators took the heat, if grudgingly so, which is notable when so many are ducking town halls altogether. Grassley remarked about the importance of such gatherings within a representative government. It's a statement that works well in the local media but won't resonate at the national stage. His utter silence was deafening when his president denounced it all as a sham. It's become par for the course. Republican members of Congress remained mute when hundreds of thousands took the streets in protest and Trump pulled the same card. They've said little when he pulled out dog whistles that speak directly to the white nationalists within his base. It took a full-blown browbeating from the Anne Frank Center before Trump would dare speak ill of anti-Semites. Trump knows his base. If you're with him, you're exempt from his wrath. But you're a paid agitator, should you corner your senator in some small Iowa town and express displeasure with the direction he's taking the GOP. And Republicans in Congress are too weak to defend their constituents. It's bad enough that Iowa's senators are avoiding large segments of constituent anger by cherry-picking rural conservative towns for their events. It's unfortunate that, because of this, people looking to engage in the system must hit the road at the crack of dawn to attend such an event. It's frustrating that too many opportunities to engage with Iowa's senators are scheduled for mid-day during the work week. But it's downright unacceptable that Iowa's senators lack the spine to defend Iowans who dare question the Trump administration. "SAD," indeed. DES MOINES The three private insurers managing the states $5 billion Medicaid program expect their one-year losses cumulatively to reach $450 million, they told legislators this week during a joint Iowa Senate and House Health and Human Services Appropriations subcommittee meeting. Pressed by lawmakers to give ballpark figures as to what the state can expect to see in end-of-year reports, AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa said it anticipates to have lost upward of $200 million; Amerigroup Iowa will have lost $150 million; and UnitedHealthcare of the River Valley said it expects to have lost around $100 million. Financial reports detailing the information will be filed with the Iowa Insurance Division on March 1. Kim Foltz, chief executive officer of UnitedHealthcares Iowa operations, told legislators that number was higher than expected but assured them the company remains committed to creating a sustainable program in Iowa. That was a sentiment echoed by both AmeriHealth and Amerigroup. The state of the managed-care organizations financial health has dominated headlines in recent months. In late October, the state announced it would boost rate payments to the insurers by $33 million to better cover rising prescription drug costs and the Medicaid expansion population. Even still, correspondence between the managed-care organization leaders and Department of Human Services officials revealed that the insurers have been lobbying for increased rates since the start of the transition last April. The documents, first reported by The Des Moines Register in December, show the MCOs thought the rates to be inadequate from the start. AmeriHealth has opted to make several changes in the past month to try to better control costs, including moving some case management services in-house from external agencies as well as cut home- and community-based provider payments from negotiated rates to the states Medicaid floor, the lowest amount the insurers will reimburse the providers. Iowa Medicaid officials also present at the subcommittee meeting maintained the rates the three MCOs are being paid are actuarially sound, adding not only have they been certified by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, but they were presented in the original request-for-proposals as well as in the contract that each insurer signed. These are risk-based contracts, Department of Human Services spokeswoman Amy McCoy said after the meeting. So now, that is part of their function and their administration to meet what rates theyve been offered and they agreed to under their contract. Starting in April, the state and insurers will begin negotiating capitation rates that will begin July 1. McCoy said these rates will be based on encounter data information gathered from actual case experience prescription drug prices and provider claims. She added that each quarter the MCOs losses have trended downward, and she anticipates the numbers to turn around next year. These companies do this in other states, McCoy said. They have vast experience doing this. They have technology and systems. And while Iowa is unique, they now have about a years experience here to get adjusted to our systems, and we do anticipate they will be able to do that and manage within our expectations for the program. But legislators of both parties remained concerned, peppering the MCO officials with questions about rates, losses and provider payments. You say these are actuarially sound, Sen. Liz Mathis, D-Cedar Rapids, said. But $450 million in losses, that tells me that somewhere there is a disconnect between setting rates and these companies losing that much money. PIERRE | Same-sex couples and single parents in South Dakota could face obstacles if they want to adopt from religious child placement agencies under a bill that passed the state Senate. The Senate on Wednesday voted 22-12 to approve a bill that would protect religious or faith-based adoption and foster care groups from lawsuits if they are unwilling to work with families that don't share their beliefs. Supporters say they want to guard agencies from losing state funds or licenses for discriminating against prospective parents of a different religion or those in a same-sex marriage. Republican Sen. Ernie Otten of Tea opposes the bill. Otten says it's more important that children find a loving home, regardless of religious beliefs, and this proposal could keep them from that. The bill heads to the House. PIERRE | Gov. Dennis Daugaard has signed into law a measure setting up a new board to oversee South Dakota's four technical institutes. The Republican governor on Thursday signed the bill, which creates the South Dakota Board of Technical Education. Western Dakota Technical Institute in Rapid City is one of the state's four tech schools. The others are Lake Area Technical Institute, in Watertown; Mitchell Technical Institute, in Mitchell; and Southeast Technical Institute, in Sioux Falls. Daugaard says the institutes play an "invaluable role" in workforce development. He says the measure establishes a system that benefits industry and the tech schools. The nine-member board is appointed by the governor. The law comes after voters approved a constitutional amendment in November that in part specified the tech schools would be governed in a manner to be set by the state Legislature. PIERRE | The deadlock broke Wednesday over funding for the new animal disease laboratory sought at South Dakota State University. House Republican leader Lee Qualm of Platte proposed shifting $7 million of agricultural property tax relief into a special projects fund instead. The $7 million was part of the half-cent sales tax increase approved by the Legislature last year. The new laboratory would need about a stream of $3 million-plus annually to cover $50.1 million of bonds for its construction. Gov. Dennis Daugaard originally proposed raising fees on a variety of agricultural products to help pay for the lab. But ag groups strongly resisted, especially among low prices. The Qualm plan would make the fee increases unnecessary. House Democratic leader Spencer Hawley of Brookings said he would fully support the new approach. I think it spreads it across ag, Hawley said. Rep. Kent Peterson, R-Salem, said it's a fair way. He is a farmer with row crops and feedlot cattle. "A lot of times, (we) in agriculture have a hard time agreeing on things," Peterson said. Governors aide Nathan Sanderson said: This is an alternate approach that has a broad base of support. He described Qualm as instrumental in spearheading the new plan. Qualm originally proposed a special fund for the SDSU project in House Bill 1157. He brought the tax-shift plan to the House State Affairs Committee hearing on the bill Wednesday. The committee voted 11-1 to endorse it. Lorin Pankratz, a lobbyist for pork and soybean producers, patted Sanderson on the back after the roll call. This may be the first time I use 'animal disease' and 'elegant' in the same sentence," said Rep. Don Haggar, R-Sioux Falls, a co-sponsor of the bill. Rep. Leslie Heinemann, R-Flandreau, said the project was in jeopardy before Qualm's plan came forward. "This is a light at the end of the tunnel, in our opinion," said Mike Held of South Dakota Farm Bureau. There will need to be other pieces of technical legislation to implement the plan, Qualm and Sanderson said. The governors funding bill is pending in the Joint Committee on Appropriations. It will probably be converted to another purpose or set aside. PIERRE | A bill that aims to restrict the flow of out-of-state money into South Dakota ballot question campaigns has passed through the state House. Members voted 50-18 Wednesday to send the bill to the Senate. It would limit ballot question campaigns to $100,000 in out-of-state contributions per general election cycle. Sponsor Rep. Spencer Gosch, a Republican, says the ballot measure system should work for the people of South Dakota, not out-of-state activists. Gov. Dennis Daugaard's office has testified in favor of the bill. Democratic Rep. Spencer Hawley, an opponent, says he's concerned it would lead to a costly court challenge. Since Election Day, Republicans have frequently complained about out-of-state interests experimenting with South Dakota's laws and constitution. Out-of-state donors pumped millions of dollars into ballot measure campaigns last year. PIERRE | The South Dakota Legislature took big steps Wednesday regarding campaign contributions, ballot measures, government accountability and ethics for public officials. The House of Representatives set a $100,000 limit that anyone from outside South Dakota is allowed to contribute to a ballot measure within four years before the vote. The idea for House Bill 1074 came from the people in his constituency, said Rep. Spencer Gosch, R-Glenham. Theyre just tired of it, he said. Gosch said $10.1 million came in from out of state on ballot measures last fall, compared with $1.9 million spent within the state. No question we are restricting free speech by enacting this bill, Rep. David Lust, R-Rapid City, said in opposition. Rep. Mark Mickelson, R-Sioux Falls, called for the caps passage. This is an unanswered question, he said. Mickelson said Gov. Dennis Daugaard has signaled his willingness to defend the cap in federal court if necessary. House members voted 50-18 to send Goschs bill to the Senate for consideration. Campaign finance The Senate unanimously adopted a bipartisan plan for a panel to study campaign finance and make recommendations for the 2018 legislative session. Its prime sponsor is Sen. Brock Greenfield, R-Clark. Senate Bill 171 was sent to the House. The session is short, and we have very many issues to deal with in a short amount of time," Greenfield said. Greenfield said the idea came from former legislator Jon Hansen, now a Sioux Falls lawyer. Appointments to the panel would run from May 1 to Dec. 31. Conflict of interest Mickelson also received approval for further changes to state conflict-of-interest laws that the Legislature passed last year. House members voted 68-0 for HB1170, which was sent to the Senate. Mass confusion and hysteria erupted because people werent sure what to do, he said about the 2016 legislation. Were fixing and clarifying last years bill so people know what the rules are. Ballot measures The House approved Lusts plan for a task force of 13 members to review South Dakotas procedures for ballot measures. The vote was 39-29 for HB1141, which heads to the Senate for consideration. House Democratic leader Spencer Hawley of Brookings spoke against the task force, calling it another step in trying to control initiated measures and make them more difficult. "So please, dont tighten it up anymore, Hawley said. Gosch said the task force takes responsibility away from the Legislature. Were just supposed to swallow whatever comes out, he said. The task force has value, according to Rep. Tona Rozum, R-Mitchell. Were throwing a lot of stuff at the wall this year and quite a bit of it is sticking at this point, she said. The House vote was 50-18 for it. Accountability The House State Affairs Committee unanimously endorsed legislation from Rep. Karen Soli, D-Sioux Falls, establishing a state government accountability board that would have four retired judges or justices as its members. Tony Venhuizen, the governors chief of staff, and state Attorney General Marty Jackley testified in favor of Solis bill, which has bipartisan support from the House and Senate leaders. Soli, a retired Lutheran minister who described herself as a realist, said she wants to prevent "tragic consequences." South Dakota has seen seven people die in the past three years in shootings connected to previously secret government scandals. "We owe it to the people of South Dakota to find a way to do this better," Soli said. Doug Kronaizl of Vermillion, who worked for passage of Initiated Measure 22 in the November election, criticized Solis bill as too secretive in dealing with investigations at their early stages and said the four-member panel would result in deadlocks. Soli said the panel would need three members to agree, with one coming from the opposite political party. Hawley said her plan could cover a broader scope of alleged government wrongdoing than the ethics commission in Initiated Measure 22, whose scope was limited to campaign finance. The Legislatures Republicans repealed IM22 earlier this month. It would have set tight restrictions on legislators, other public officials, their families and lobbyists. Legislators are now working on a variety of concepts, in some instances similar to parts of IM22, to put into law. Campaign violations The Senate committee also unanimously endorsed legislation from Rep. Larry Rhoden, R-Union Center, to allow the secretary of state to levy fines for campaign violations. It would also establish investigations for employees of the legislative and judicial branches and other elected officials. This puts more teeth in it, Hawley said about Rhodens HB1089. Today's agenda Those two bills, both heavily amended, will be up for debate by the full House this afternoon. So will another bill from Mickelson, requiring ballot measure campaigns to reveal their 50 largest contributors. Today the Senate will consider a complicated rewrite of many campaign finance laws. The original proposals came from Secretary of State Shantel Krebs before going through further amendments by the Senate State Affairs Committee. The Senate panel voted 5-4 to endorse the package Wednesday. One of the opponents was Senate Republican leader Blake Curd of Sioux Falls, who said a public process on campaign finance changes could produce "a much better product." I would like to continue the discussion in a different venue," he said. But other Republican senators including Bob Ewing of Spearfish, Jim Bolin of Canton and Al Novstrup of Aberdeen said the legislation needed to proceed. "This is just the first step," Bolin said. "The worst choice we could make at this time is stop this bill at this point." PIERRE | South Dakota lawmakers rejected a bill in committee Wednesday that would have allowed science teachers to discuss strengths and weaknesses of evolutionary and climate change theories. And Rapid City Area Schools superintendent Lori Simon couldn't have been more pleased by the news. The House Education Committee defeated a do-pass vote and approved sending the bill to the 41st day, effectively killing the proposal. The hearing lasted for more than an hour as people against the bill testified it would allow teachers to instruct theories not approved by school boards and not based in science. Sen. Jeff Monroe, R-Pierre, sponsored the bill. He said the intent was to give teachers more latitude to explain potential flaws in commonly taught scientific theories without fear of retribution. In Rapid City, Simon said: It was an unnecessary bill as our district policies already allow for the freedom to discuss controversial issues in an atmosphere free from bias and prejudice. "Further, this legislation could have allowed for alternative teachings, potentially exposing public school districts to costly litigation. CANNON BALL, N.D. | The Oceti Sakowin protest camp was dismantled Wednesday, and the camps ending was a visual drama of structures burning in a heavy, wet snow with at least two propane-suspected explosions and a brief episode of defiant fireworks. The camp established in protest of the Dakota Access oil pipeline was evacuated by order of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Gov. Doug Burgum, and negotiations between the camp and officials in recent days paved the way for a mostly peaceful departure. Those still in the camp gathered for a ceremony around 1 p.m. near where the camps sacred fire burned for months. About 150 followed the song and drumming out of the camp, slogging through ankle-deep muddy slop, many in tears as they walked up flag road, where the brilliant colors of many other tribal nations had once been displayed. About 70 refused to follow the official 2 p.m. evacuation deadline, and 10 people were arrested later in the afternoon in a skirmish with police. Police, led by the Morton County Sheriffs Department and the North Dakota Highway Patrol, were well prepared for the possibility: At least 100 officers and equipment were stationed near the camp throughout the day. Highway Patrol Lt. Tom Iverson said the operation would continue as the camp was emptied voluntarily or by force. This isnt going to be over today; we all knew that, Iverson said Wednesday afternoon. He added that police would carefully clear the camp, structure by structure, looking for criminal evidence and possible weapons, before structures would be removed. At least a dozen structures were intentionally set on fire, both Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning under a gray, cold sky. One fire caused a propane explosion, sending a 7-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl to a Bismarck hospital for burn treatment. People in the camp said the structure burnings were ceremonial and a way to return prayers to the earth and sky; others said burning a plywood structure was simply easier than tearing it down. People continued to move out of the camp right up until the deadline, using sleds and wagons to haul belongings to the highway. Mud made it impossible for almost any vehicle to maneuver in the camp, though at least two snowmobiles roared around on top of the sludge. Cleanup operations were suspended for the day. Police wanted to escort the equipment operators into the camp, but camp leaders rejected the idea of armed police entering before the deadline. About 230 loads of garbage and abandoned camp equipment have already been cleared out. Tonya Olson, of the Yankton Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, stood up on the highway and said she was leaving as ordered because she didnt want to be arrested. She said she left the camp with mixed feelings. Im a little sad because were being removed, but this camp will always and forever be here," Olson said. "It will be in our prayers and in our minds. Im so glad that I came." Ray Kingfisher, who helped lead the departure ceremony, stood among the camp faithful at the very end. Remember this day. Thank you all for being part of history. Its why were here until the very last second, he told them. This is a beautiful place. This is not going to stop us; we all know water is life. The Oceti Sakowin camp occupied since August by as many as 10,000 people from hundreds of tribal nations, from around the country and the world will not be the last chapter in the pipeline protest, though it will be historic for being the largest of its kind ever formed in the country. Many leaving the camp were headed to one of three other camps inside the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. Meanwhile, the $3.8 billion pipeline is nearing completion, following a Trump administration decision to issue the final easement to cross the Missouri River/Lake Oahe near the protest camp. The Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Sioux continue to battle the project in federal court on grounds that the pipeline presents a threat to its water and sacred sites. The company building the pipeline, Energy Transfer Partners, insists it is safe. The camp floodplain is prone to high water in spring. Authorities want the land cleared and cleaned to prevent contamination in the event of any flooding. With the snow falling Wednesday, flooding could get worse. Two Rapid City men who were baiting mountain lions had no idea they were also being baited by law enforcement officers. Mason Hamm, 20, and William Colson VI, 38, are now facing eight misdemeanor charges alleging they took several dead deer and used the animals to illegally hunt mountain lions. The men are charged in 7th Circuit Court with conspiracy to unlawfully possess big-game animal, aiding and abetting prohibited hunting, and six counts of aiding and abetting unlawful possession of big-game animal. Each charge is punishable by up to a year in county jail, a fine of $2,000 or both. According to a written statement by a South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks conservation officer, the men placed five dead deer at Spring Creek Canyon, in southwestern Rapid City, to lure mountain lions between December 2015 and January 2016. The area is behind Colsons residence. Before the end of that January, the statement says, Hamm had killed a mountain lion whose blood was DNA-matched to blood found near the dead deer. It is against the law to bait mountain lions, as well as to collect, possess and transport dead deer without permission from GF&P. The nine-page statement, obtained from the Pennington County Courthouse, says Hamm admitted his offenses in a March 2016 interview with the reporting officer. The agency had surveillance video in the case. Law enforcement first got wind of the mens activities on Dec. 21, 2015, when two conservation officers saw a bloody trail in Spring Creek Canyon that led to a two-point mule deer buck that had been cut open at the belly with a knife. The officers suspected the deer was being used as mountain lion bait, and they decided to set a trap. The affidavit provides the following details: On Dec. 22, they placed a road-killed whitetail doe on a road leading to Colsons residence. It had been fitted with a radio-collar transmitter. On Dec. 29, the officers found the doe's carcass lying beside the buck's. On Dec. 30, they placed another road-killed deer by the same road. Their surveillance camera later showed that a vehicle owned by Hamm stopped to pick up the carcass, which was later found in the canyon. On Jan. 27, Hamm called GF&P to report a mountain lion he had killed. In the March interview, he told the officer that Colson had set up a hunting blind, placed the buck in the canyon and provided trail cameras to document lion activity over the dead deer. Colson, he said, also helped him transport the dead mountain lion. Hamm and Colson were detained at the Pennington County Jail and have been released on bond. They made initial court appearances this month and are scheduled to return to court next month. Shortly after she learned of her nomination to serve as secretary of the Air Force in President Donald Trumps administration, Heather Wilson received a phone call from Gen. James Mad Dog Mattis. The first thing I said to him was, Sir, you do realize that being a university president is, like, the best job in America right now? Wilson said, her remarks drawing laughter from the audience gathered at the Garage on Fourth Street on Wednesday morning. The first female president of the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology took the opportunity as part of the Numad Groups Morning Filly Up speaker series to reflect on what she has accomplished during her four years in Rapid City. One area that went unexplored was how she felt about her new role in the controversial Trump administration. After the event, Wilson explained why she declined to comment on that subject: The Senate gets the first crack at me, referring to her yet-to-be scheduled confirmation hearing. If she is confirmed as secretary of the Air Force, Wilson will oversee the organizing, training and equipping of 670,000 military and civilian personnel. She will serve as School of Mines president until her confirmation, at which time the process of finding her replacement will begin. Ive told the Board of Regents Im working all the way up to the buzzer, Wilson said. A Rhodes Scholar, Wilson took the helm of the School of Mines in 2013. Before that, she served as a U.S. representative from New Mexico's First District, where she served on several committees and subcommittees related to national security, including the House subcommittee on technical and tactical intelligence. Asked what she is most proud of as president of the School of Mines, she said, I would say that the deepening engagement between the university and the community is satisfying. It struck me when I came here that this is more of a town with a university, and not a university town. And I think thats because the economy here is so diversified. Youve got tourism, and ag, and a military base, and health care and a science and technology university. "But engaging the strength of that university in a town this size has a tremendous positive effect. As Mines has reached out, the community has reached back. Another thing that happened since Wilson moved to the Black Hills was taking up a new hobby fly fishing. She lamented she'll have to give up that hobby, as well as an older one: piloting her personal airplane. The airspace around Washington, D.C., isnt very conducive to flying for fun, she said. When asked for what piece of advice she would give for the students who she will leave behind at Mines, Wilson paused to recall a quote from a book, "Once an Eagle," by Anton Myrer. Read, think, disagree with everyone if you must, she said after a moment, but force your mind outward. Promise me that. For all the marches and protests the left has generated since Election Day, the debate over who will lead the Democratic Party in the early stages of Donald Trump's presidency is underscoring the divisions still lingering within its ranks. Eight candidates to become the next Democratic National Committee chair -- led by former Labor Secretary Tom Perez and Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison -- struggled during a debate sponsored by CNN Wednesday to define a vision of how they would effectively counter Trump's administration and break through in clear opposition to his message. Perez and Ellison, recently spotted dining together, said they didn't cut any deals ahead of the 447 DNC members' vote for chair Saturday in Atlanta and pledged to confront Trump with a unified party. But the debate showed the party hasn't settled questions over just how vigorously to oppose Trump, or how to settle division within its own ranks. Ellison said Trump's actions so far "legitimately raise the question of impeachment." He said Trump has already violated the Constitution and called for an investigation to "make sure that nobody can monetize the presidency and make profit off it for our own gain." "We have seen from the get-go that this person wants to turn the clock back, and the Democratic Party needs to take the fight to Donald Trump," Perez said. "When we lead with our values, when we lead with our conviction, that's how we succeeds." But another candidate cautioned against focusing too much energy on Trump. Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, called Trump a "computer virus in the American political system." "Yes, we've got to take the fight to him. But we can't let him dominate our imagination, because it's our values and our candidates that matter," he said. Central challenge Another central challenge for Democrats is to recover from the bitter split of the 2016 presidential primary. The wounds of that race were ripped open at the debate over a question about whether the race between Sanders and Hillary Clinton was "rigged." After Perez sought to avoid directly answering the question -- saying the party had lost trust in its voters and created a "crisis of relevance" -- long-shot candidate Sam Ronan, an Air Force veteran from Ohio, jumped in to call the contest rigged and say Sanders' supporters felt excluded at the Democratic convention in Philadelphia. Buttigieg said Democrats don't want to make the mistake of reliving the 2016 race. "We can't allow this to devolve into factional struggle," he said. The candidates also broke over future primary contests. Jaime Harrison, the South Carolina Democratic Party chairman, issued a stern call on party members not to launch primary challenges against the 10 Democratic senators in states that Trump won in 2016. He said Democrats would find themselves in a "permanent minority" because the GOP needs just seven more Senate seats for a filibuster-proof majority there, and just one more statehouse to call and control a constitutional convention. "We don't have the time, the energy -- and all the people we are fighting for each and every day don't have time for these purity tests. We have to fight back against the Republicans; we can't fight against each other," Harrison said. His comments come after a liberal group called "We Will Replace You" was launched, threatening primary challenges to Democrats who don't oppose Trump at every stop. Other contenders, meanwhile, said the DNC shouldn't stand in the way of primary challenges. Perez said that "the role of the DNC chair is to let the process run its course." Ellison said that while he'd make private calls, "the role of the DNC is to be neutral and fair to all primary contestants." At the forefront Perez and Ellison are at the forefront of an eight-candidate field. Perez is picking up the endorsements of the heads of the Democratic National Committee's caucuses for women, Hispanics, Asian-Americans and rural Americans. Ellison is picking up the mantle of the insurgency that fueled Sanders' presidential run. Buttigieg, meanwhile, got the backing of former DNC chairman Howard Dean. Aides and vote-counters for several candidates say they believe Perez -- who says he has commitments of support from 180 of the DNC's 447 voting members -- has a narrow lead over Ellison. But both sides admit they don't yet have the votes necessary to clinch the job. It could turn other contenders -- especially Harrison, Buttigieg and Idaho Democratic Party executive director Sally Boynton Brown -- into kingmakers. Television analyst Jehmu Greene and Wisconsin lawyer Peter Peckarsky are also in the running. Perez rolled out his latest endorsements Wednesday from leaders of four DNC groups in a statement first obtained by CNN. "Tom is committed to ensuring the DNC not only listens to diverse voices from all states and territories but will include the diverse members of the DNC in rebuilding the organization and elect Democrats everywhere," said Bel Leong-Hong, chair of the DNC's Asian American and Pacific Islanders Caucus. "He knows that in order to fight back against Trump and Republicans, we must unite as Democrats. He knows that we can't just organize at a church every fourth October, we must organize 12 months a year," said Iris Martinez, the chair of the DNC's Hispanic Caucus. DNC Women's Caucus chair Lottie Shackelford and DNC Rural Council chair Betty Richie are also supporting Perez. "We need a DNC chair who is committed to listening to voters and communicating our message to both urban and rural areas, and Tom is committed to doing that," Richie said. Outsider gaining steam Buttigieg picked up an endorsement Wednesday morning from Dean, the former Vermont governor and DNC chair whose famed "50-state strategy" is the model each of the candidates in the current race say they believe the party needs. Buttigieg has positioned himself as a break from the Sanders vs. Clinton proxy battle -- with Ellison backed by Sanders and Perez supported by many Clinton allies -- that the DNC race has become. Ellison got a surprising endorsement of his political acumen on Wednesday morning in the form of a tweet from the President. "One thing I will say about Rep. Keith Ellison, in his fight to lead the DNC, is that he was the one who predicted early that I would win!" Trump tweeted. Ellison had already gained a key supporter over the weekend when New Hampshire Democratic chairman Ray Buckley dropped out and urged his supporters to back the Minnesota congressman. It was "a real momentum-builder" in Ellison's favor, said Michael Kapp, a DNC member from California who backs Ellison. "Ray has been on the DNC for a long time, and more than anyone else, has a deep knowledge base of how the DNC has operated in the past and what needs to be changed," Kapp said. CNN's Greg Krieg contributed to this report The White House said Thursday it expects law enforcement agents to enforce federal marijuana laws when they come into conflict with states where recreational use of the drug is permitted. "I do believe you will see greater enforcement of it," White House press secretary Sean Spicer said regarding federal drug laws, which still list marijuana as an illegal substance. That's a reversal from the Obama administration's stance, which laid out in an official memo that the federal government wouldn't interfere in states where nonmedical use of marijuana is allowed. That guidance was issued after two states -- Colorado and Washington -- voted to legalize recreational use of marijuana. Obama said in the immediate aftermath of those votes that the federal government had "bigger fish to fry" than cracking down on marijuana use in states where it's considered legal. Most drug enforcement operations are carried out by state and local authorities, with little involvement by the federal government. Enforcing marijuana laws has been considered a lower priority for federal drug agents, who have remained focused on curbing narcotics trafficking and combating a nationwide epidemic of opioid abuse. Spicer on Thursday, however, linked marijuana use with the widespread abuse of painkillers, suggesting that allowing recreational use of marijuana could be interpreted as condoning drug use more widely. "When you see something like the opioid addiction crisis blossoming in so many states around this country, the last thing we should be doing is encouraging people," Spicer said. "There is still a federal law that we need to abide by when it comes to recreational marijuana and drugs of that nature." He was careful to distinguish between use of medical marijuana and recreational marijuana. President Donald Trump, he said, understood that marijuana could help ease suffering for patients with terminal illnesses. Trump took varying positions on marijuana during his campaign for president. He said during remarks in June 2015 that legal recreational use was "bad," adding he felt "strongly about it." But later that year he suggested the issue should be decided by individual states and not by the federal government. "In terms of marijuana and legalization, I think that should be a state issue, state-by-state," he said in Nevada in October 2015. He's remained staunchly supportive of medical marijuana, telling Fox News host Bill O'Reilly he was "in favor of medical marijuana 100%." "I know people that have serious problems and they did that they really -- it really does help them," he said. Its taken a while, but the Rapid City Police Department and the Pennington County Sheriffs Office are now pursing federal funds to help acquire body cameras for their officers. On Tuesday night, the Rapid City Council endorsed the plan that calls for the departments to apply for a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to purchase the cameras. The city and the county will then need to match that amount with each planning to contribute $200,000. Long term, Police Chief Karl Jegeris said that the body-cam program initially will cost the city around $80,000 annually. The benefits of body cameras are clear for law enforcement, according Sean Briscoe, the assistant police chief in Sturgis, which along with Deadwood, Belle Fourche and Spearfish already have the cameras. The cameras and video they obtain help prosecutors get convictions, document the behavior of defendants and protect police departments from lawsuits, Briscoe told the Journal. Pennington County's videos, however, will likely never be seen by the public, according to Brendyn Medina, the Rapid City police spokesman. While this is not the case in every state, South Dakota does not consider videos obtained by body cams to be public records, which means they will only be released to the public if law enforcement decides to do so. Ideally, the state would revise the law or local law enforcement would develop policies that would establish a process to allow a member of the public to request and make a case to see a video. The Sturgis Police Department, for example, has agreed at times to let third parties view a video when a complaint has been lodged against an officer. A policy or a change in state law, however, is unlikely to occur in the near future even though taxpayers will be footing the bill for the body-cam program. Nonetheless, we applaud the decision by the police department and sheriff's office to join the many law enforcement agencies across the nation that already provide body cameras for their officers. While helping law enforcement do its job, the cameras can still serve the public by ensuring that officers maintain their professional standards while interviewing or arresting suspects. The cameras also should prove useful when the Attorney General's Office conducts investigations of officer-involved shootings. It also is important for local law enforcement to develop clear policies on how and when the body cameras are used by officers and how long the videos are stored by the departments and that the information is made public. Delivering the speech to the Legislature he had abruptly canceled the day before, U.S. Senator Steve Daines on Wednesday called for the confirmation of Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court and applauded Montanans running Montana. About three dozen protesters as well as some supporters showed up at the Capitol a day after a rally by hundreds of protesters. Daines has come under fire from constituents demanding an in-person town hall because they say their calls, emails and letters are going unanswered. They want to ask why he supported Betsy DeVos as Education Secretary, why he gaveled down Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren during debate on Attorney General Jeff Sessions nomination, and what he would do to protect access to health care they fear will be lost with Republicans promised repeal of the Affordable Care Act, among other issues. In an exclusive interview after the speech, the senator from Bozeman defended his accessibility, noting he answered many of those tough questions during a recent telephone town hall. He touched on some of the same topics in his annual address to the Montana Legislature, but also shared his vision for Montanas energy and agricultural sectors under the administration of President Donald Trump. Throughout the speech, he described the Trump presidency as the dawn of a new era when leaders will downsize federal government, shrink debt and return more power to the states. We are at a unique moment in history that many of us havent seen in a long time a moment when Washington is ready to listen, rather than dictate, he said. A moment when Washington understands this most important principle: Montanans are best at running Montana. Daines said the first priorities on his list are to stop the war on coal and approve the Keystone Pipeline. He also argued Congress should approve tax reform that once and for all kills the death tax, which farmers and ranchers see as pricing out their children from taking over operations, and said he would work to expand international trade of Montana products by setting aside academic hand-wringing about being politically correct. As he has several times in recent weeks, Daines also highlighted his bill to create a 12th Circuit Court of Appeals that would separate Rocky Mountain states from California, perceived as a liberal influence on the existing 9th Circuit. Daines argued Montanans should have more control over federal lands so industries such as timber harvesting are not locked out of the economy on their public lands, calling environmental groups that file lawsuits to halt natural resource development extremists. He also said to applause: Lets be clear: Our public lands are not for sale. The senator underscored his support for a repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, calling the inevitable death spiral of the law a prime example of the previous administrations failures. He repeatedly emphasized that he represents every Montanan and he is in Congress not to be served, but to serve. Dozens who came to the Capitol Wednesday for Daines speech disagreed about how well he fulfilled that promise. Nick Lockridge, who worked for the Montana Democratic Party last year, dressed as a chicken, a metaphorical dig at Daines for cancelling his address Tuesday when hundreds had gathered at the capitol. He flapped his wings throughout a Daines news conference with GOP legislative leaders about their support for Gorsuch. Others at the Capitol raised protest signs tacked with Dump Daines stickers. To one side, a group of women held up white sheets of printer paper with cursive writing that read, We Love You Steve. Thank you for all you do for America. When Daines left the news conference after two press questions and as onlookers started to chant, Shani Henry of Helena talked to the congressmans press secretary about better access. Katie Waldman offered a business card with information about how to call in to the next telephone town hall, but Henry declined, saying she already had contact information for the office. What Im asking you is: How can he justify his refusal to answer our questions? she said, raising her voice. Its our right to ask him questions. A little over an hour later, Henry tried to get a seat in the House gallery to watch Daines address, but was turned away. Students from private schools Daines visited earlier in the day filled the House gallery, leaving only 29 seats for other members of the public. Rules prohibit people from standing in the gallery during session. Several protesters said they thought the students were invited as a ploy to keep them out. Other addresses to the Legislature this year have had few public onlookers. Waldman said Daines did invite the students to watch his speech, but as a civics lesson, nothing more. After being refused entry, a dozen people watched the speech from a TV on the fourth floor. They booed loudly when Daines mentioned President Donald Trump and support for the Keystone XL Pipeline. Several of the senators supporters also could not get gallery seats and watched from the hallway leading to the House. Donna Elford said she hasnt been very active in politics before, but felt the need to support Daines after organized opposition from the other side. She said Daines represents her views and brings Montana issues to the national spotlight. Ive been in Montana all my life, Elford said. I think he cares about the families. In the interview, Daines said, If theres a key word here, its accessibility. How do I remain and my team remain accessible to Montanans from every corner of the state? He noted he and his staff have replied to more 100,000 pieces of constituent correspondence since taking office in 2015. Daines listed the ways Montanans could contact him to share their opinions and stories: by going to one of his regional offices for face-to-face conversations with staff; scheduling an office visit for a trip to the US Capitol; joining Montanas congressional delegation for coffee at weekly Wednesday meetings; telephone town halls hosted every few weeks; and more traditional forms of communication such as letters, emails and voicemails. I want to be asked, he said, listing pointed questions he answered during his last teleconference. Because while they might not agree with me at the end of the conversation, at least I can explain ... what thought process I am going through as I made a decision to vote one way or the other. When asked what he would tell Montanans with a different definition of accessibility and about the calls for an in-person Q&A where constituents could ask follow-up questions, he said, to some degree, thats unnecessary because their concerns already have been noted. Its pretty clear to me what theyre for and what theyre against. Were getting emails. Were getting phone calls. Theyve got signs. They make comments. Its not like its a secret, he said. I will tell you exactly what they are for or against. They are opposed to coal. Theyre opposed to the Keystone Pipeline. Theyre opposed to the repeal of the EPA power plan. They are opposed to the repeal of the Waters of the U.S. They support Obamacare. They support Elizabeth Warren. He said it was absolutely false that he only wanted to have intimate, one-on-one conversations with fellow conservatives. But he did note that he wasnt sure how productive some chats might be given national movements by Democrats and their allies to pressure Republican leaders. Have you seen the playbook yet thats out there? You see theres a structure to this. Its all about videos. Its about trying to create gotcha moments, he said, referencing Indivisible, an organization led by former Democratic staffers self-described as A practical guide for resisting the Trump agenda. A handful of community groups have formed in Montana, often by regular Democratic volunteers, to organize email and voice message campaigns. Daines described the nationally orchestrated movement as nothing new, pointing to the growth of the Tea Party following President Barack Obamas election. Its frankly a natural part of the political process, he said. Its OK to yell, its OK to shout, its OK to get upset, to voice your opinion. But while Daines lauded organic movements and emotions such as the Native American women he said convinced him to support the Violence Against Women Act he questioned the suggested tactics of the new groups to manufacture drama by shouting down the (Congress) member when theyre in the town hall. Thats not what Montanans are about. Maybe for some pockets in Missoula, Bozeman and Helena, but generally Montanans say, No, he said. Were about having a civil conversation, a back and forth. Im not sure that will be the outcome with some of these folks. An investigation into a burglary last October led to drug charges against a Corvallis woman earlier this week. Michelle Rae Winbun, 27, appeared before Ravalli County Justice Jim Bailey on a felony count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs and a misdemeanor charge of criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. The burglary investigation began last October after a Corvallis man reported that someone had broken into his shop and stolen several guns, a crossbow and ski helmet with an image of a buffalo professionally painted on it. A Ravalli County sheriffs detective found that some of those items had been pawned in Idaho. That led him back to a man named Logan Khaide Kniffen, living in the same house as Winbun. The detective found one of the stolen items at the house and Kniffen was arrested on felony charges of theft, burglary and criminal possession of dangerous drugs. His case remains in court. At the time of Kniffens arrest, Winbun told the detective that she didnt know anything about the stolen property. She also allegedly told the detective that Kniffen used methamphetamine, but denied using the drug herself, according to charging documents. The detective had spotted a small plastic bindle, commonly used by drug users and dealers, sitting on the kitchen table of the home. After obtaining a second search warrant, the detective allegedly recovered trace amounts of methamphetamine from the house. A few days later, the detective asked the woman if she would provide a urine sample to confirm that she hadnt been using drugs as well. Winbun told the detective again that she wasnt using drugs and would be happy to provide a sample, but she needed to save the urine she currently possessed because the Department of Family Service wanted a sample, too, the charging documents said. She told the deputy that she would come to the sheriffs office later that day to provide a sample. When she did arrive at the sheriffs office, Winbun opted against providing the sample. The detective learned later that she had not provided one to the Department of Family Services, either. The detective obtained a warrant later that day that required Winbun to provide a sample. That sample tested positive for methamphetamine. The warrant for Winbuns arrest was issued in October. Before last week, she was in custody in Idaho on other charges. Bailey set bond at $2,500, with a requirement that she be monitored for drugs if released from the detention center. Hamilton resident James Bryan is a serving with the Army National Guard in Kabul, Afghanistan, near the United States Embassy at NATO Headquarters, at a place called Camp Resolute Support. On Jan. 25 Master Sgt. Bryan was recognized as Hero of the Week for his hard work, sacrifice and dedication of training 37 men in the Afghan National Army to operate equipment for rebuilding Afghanistan infrastructure. Bryan wears many hats. His job as master sergeant is to accompany chaplains during all battlefield circulation and support combined joint force engineers in engineer operations including training, advising and assisting. His civilian job, when hes at home in Hamilton, is shop foreman of the Ravalli County road department. I manage all the road graders, dump trucks, plows and all the equipment, Bryan said. So, thats what gave me the training and experience to give these guys fist-rate training. Bryan served in Iraq in 2006. This is his second tour in Afghanistan. Bryan was selected as primary instructor of 37 Afghan Army Combat Engineers from many different provenances across Afghanistan so they could train others how to operate a Caterpillar 246D Skid Loader with the attachments: bucket, forks, broom, auger, jackhammer, trencher and backhoe. He provided classroom instruction and hands-on training to Afghan construction engineer equipment operators and supervisors. It was the first ever very successful training of its kind, Bryan said. They dont usually have someone with that level expertise to train them not only how to operate the equipment but also the logistics of the machine, what you need to keep it going, when you need to service it, how much fuel does it use. All the things you would consider when running a piece of equipment. The training also covered personal safety equipment. Bryan was honored for instructing the 37 Afghan Combat Engineers and enabling them to return to their units as local trainers. Bryans supervisor said they received best in class training, and learned skills necessary to operate the equipment and attachments. Part of the reward for his recognition is to be featured in his hometown news. He called the Ravalli Republic 9:30 a.m. Monday morning, 9:30 p.m. his time. You know I miss Montana, I do, Bryan said. I miss our mountains and even our snow. I did make it home for Christmas. I had 15 days of leave Dec. 15 Dec. 29. There was some snow then. It was nice. In Hamilton, Dusty McKern, Ravalli County Road Supervisor said Bryan manages the shop and supervises day-to-day operations. Were all pitching in to pick up the slack while hes gone, McKern said. Hes a very valued employee here and we cant for him to come back. Hopefully, thats soon. McKern said Bryan started in the shop as a mechanic for the county nearly 18 years ago. McKern credited Bryan with ordering the snowplows that were in use around the county in January. Jim was the one who put the bid package together to get the big trucks he hasnt even seen them yet, McKern said. I specked them out last year and the county was received the new plow trucks just after I left for my deployment, in May of 2016, Bryan said. I never got to see them in action but John Horat sent me pictures. Bryan said he has had 25 years of service with the Army National Guard and has been deployed four different times. The first time I was the non-commissioned officer in charge of Missoula airport, Bryan said. I had soldiers working there 24/7 for nine to 10 months. In 2005, I was deployed to Iraq. I did a lot of jobs there. I did some vehicle repair. I ran the 17 towers that over watched the area around the base. That was quite an experience. This Bryans second tour in Afghanistan and he hopes to be released in May to return to his family in Montana. His wife, three kids, three grandchildren, mother and sister live in Hamilton. Times like these, being away from home and family really gives a person perspective on the blessings we have at home, Bryan said. What I am really looking forward to is being with my family and getting back to the Mountains and trees of Montana. The tentacles of methamphetamine abuse reaching across Montana are choking everything from state agencies struggling to keep up with increased workloads to Indian reservations with even fewer services than the rest of the state. But putting more money and resources into prevention, Capitol summit panelists fil treatment and keeping the drug from reaching communities can alleviate some of the problem. Thats what panelists told a group of legislators gathered at the Capitol on Saturday for what Sen. Eric Moore, R-Miles City, called the Montana Meth Summit. Moore, along with Sen. Diane Sands, D-Missoula, organized the summit to discuss the effects of the drug on the state. Different state agencies struggle with the increasing strain on their programs caused by meth abuse: Of all cases of child abuse and neglect investigated by the the Child and Family Services Division of the Department of Public Health and Human Services, by February 2017, 42 percent involve meth abuse by parents or guardians, department deputy director Laura Smith told the panel. That number was 22 percent in 2008. On the Fort Belknap Reservation, 98 percent of people relapse after exiting treatment because of a lack of sober living programs, Miranda Kirk, who runs the Aaniiih Nakoda Anti Drug Program there, said. District courts have seen a 21 percent increase in caseload between 2009 and last year. That includes going from 7,755 criminal cases to 11,744, said Supreme Court administrator Beth McLaughlin. Attorney General Tim Fox, whose Department of Justice has hired a consultant to research how meth abuse impacts agencies across the state, said an all-hands-on-deck approach is needed to make any sort of improvement and understand how agencies' work interplay. He called efforts a "multi-legged stool," saying it would be cheaper and more effective to put money and resources into prevention like peer mentoring and drug courts, as well as into law enforcement, which can stop large shipments of drugs from coming in. Even if law enforcement had enough officers and resources to go after meth flooding into Montana, the resulting cases and prisoners would further overwhelm judicial and corrections systems already struggling to keep up. If we squeeze the balloon on the bottom, its going to pop out somewhere else, said Col. Tom Butler, chief of the Montana Highway Patrol. The economic burden associated with substance abuse misuse is "alarming," Zoe Barnard, administrator for the Addictive and Mental Disorders Division of the health department, told lawmakers. Annually between 2010 and 2014, there were $143 million in hospital charges related to substance abuse disorders; $28 million charged to Medicaid. The department is responsible for all the publicly funded mental health and substance abuse treatment in the state. Barnard cited high substance abuse and suicide rates, saying they are connected to untreated mental illness. Smith told lawmakers that part of the problem is a lack of access to preventive and treatment programs. Barnard said the passage of the HELP Act, which expanded Medicaid in Montana, has increased access to treatment, but the state still struggles to connect people with the care they need. Many Montanans dont seek out treatment because of stigma associated with it she said. Kirk knows that struggles of accessing treatment first-hand. Aftercare is nonexistent on the reservation, Kirk said, adding that without sober living programs people who finish treatment are moving right back into the situations they were in when they started using drugs. Kirk runs a peer-mentor program that has been successful; of 20 who have come in for treatment, two have not relapsed after a year, two more have not after six months, another two have lowered their relapse rate and six more are still in the program. One of the problems Kirk, as well as other providers across the state, face is a challenge to find ways to pay for services. Peer treatment is not billable under Medicaid, but Senate Bill 62, which passed the Senate and is on its way to the House floor would change that, Kirk said. Right now were running off seed money from the tribe, Kirk said. The lawmaker carrying a bill to end the states contract to house more than 600 prisoners at a private prison in Shelby said the practice of using contractors to care for state inmates is dirty and for-profit prisons dont have a place in Montana. But those who rely on the jobs and benefits Crossroads Correctional Center generates in the small Hi-Line community said House Bill 493, carried by Rep. Casey Schreiner, R-Great Falls, isnt needed because the prison saves the state money and provides quality care for prisoners. This is not going to be an easy one, Schreiner told the House Judiciary Committee, which took no action on the bill Tuesday. The idea that we would have corporations in Montana profiting off the hardships of Montana families in our state is not right." Crossroads is the only privately run prison in the state. Last year the federal government said it will end its use of private prisons, saying they do not save a substantial amount of money and provide fewer rehabilitative services. Schreiner's bill would phase out the Shelby facility during two years. The state's contract with Crossroads ends in 2019, with an option to either buy the center or extend the contract another five to 10 years. Schreiner said the state spent $15.7 million in 2015 to house 597 inmates in Shelby, and the state prison spent $42.7 million to house 1,500 the same year. Thats $26,340 a year for a prisoner in Shelby and $28,510 for a prisoner in Deer Lodge. Those who spoke in support of the bill said the state should instead focus on not needing a facility in Shelby. If we are going to have a state government that relieves itself of their responsibility of housing people who are convicted under its criminal laws, I think the answer is to reduce the number of criminal laws we have, said S.K. Rossi, director of advocacy and public policy for ACLU of Montana. If you are contracting that out it means you have too many people in your criminal system. Deb Brandon, a Toole County commissioner, said the prison has been a good working neighbor that employs many people in the region. She also said the prison gives the state flexibility, such as when the womens prison in Billings was remodeled and Crossroads took on its prisoners for two years. (The Department of) Corrections has a good mix with public and private for-profit, she said. Why take this valuable tool away from the state of Montana? Melissa Lewis, a lobbyist who represents the city of Shelby, said the prison is important to the local economy, has about 177 workers and generates $477,000 annual to the countys tax base. HELENA - The attorneys for Montanas fifth- and 11th-smallest counties came to the Capitol on Tuesday to speak against a piece of legislation they say is targeted at one of them and is the result of small-town gossip from people unhappy that an elected official owns the local watering hole. A drama thats played out in Meagher County over the last couple years made its way to the Legislature on Tuesday in the form of House Bill 472, carried by Rep. Wylie Galt, R-Martinsdale, whose district includes White Sulphur Springs, the county seat. The legislation would not allow county attorneys to own bars. I think this bill is just aimed directly at me by a very small group of people who think its wrong and have no basis for that feeling, Meagher County Attorney Kimberly Deschene told the House Judiciary Committee, which heard the bill. A dispute between Deschene and John Lopp, the Meagher County sheriff, has been simmering for years. Lopp had reported violations at Bar 47 to the Department of Revenue. Deschene has owned the bar on Main Street since 2014 and says she has been singled out by Lopp, who was elected sheriff in 2009, because the community just didn't like a county attorney owning a bar. Lopp told The Billings Gazette last year has said he was concerned about Deschene's prosecution of DUIs, saying Meagher County had a fifth of the amount of DUI cases filed as Judith Basin County, which is roughly the same population. One of those DUIs was Deschene's former employee at the bar, where she was accused of drinking before being pulled over by a highway patrol trooper. Katherine Walter, who lives in Meagher County, spoke in support of the bill Tuesday. Last year she tried to circulate a recall petition against Deschene, which was eventually dismissed. Im overly concerned about conflict of interest with our county attorney owning a bar, Walter said. It just makes sense to me that we cant have somebody prosecute DUI crime if they are possibly serving the alcohol that assists in committing the crimes. Deschene told legislators that she has followed all ethical rules. There has been one conflict of interest in three years. We have been extremely responsible, Deschene said. If there has been a conflict of interest very careful protocols have been followed. The bar was for sale for two years and the owners of two other local restaurants had died, meaning a hit to the community during hunting season, which Deschene called by far the most important time of the year in White Sulphur. Although the county attorney position is very important, what Bar 47 has done for the town is at least as important as the job of county attorney. Dan Rice, the county attorney in Montana's 11th smallest county, Prairie, lives in Terry and owns a bar in Miles City, which is in Custer County. He echoed Deschene in saying that in small communities sometimes people have to fill multiple roles, in this case to fill hard-to-recruit government jobs and keep towns economically viable by running businesses. To say being a bar owner and a county attorney is irreconcilably unethical is demonstrably false, he said. This is legislation targeting one individual, who should be dealt with directly. The committee took no action Tuesday. Privacy Policy RealChoice is a BlogSpot blog. You get whatever privacy you get when you post on a blog. As Blogmistress of RealChoice, I do not collect information on my users or those who post comments. I will delete spam and offensive comments, and thoroughly cooperate with law enforcement, as I did in the case of Ted "Operation Counterstrike" Schulman, if people make terroristic threats on my blog. So fight nice, kids. Comments and links to reports on science, and its applications. America must return to conservative principles of less government,reduced taxes, less spending and a balanced budget! Cut,cap and balance! Lord Shiva at Kailash Shivaratri 2017 (2073 B.S) Hindus are devoting with celebrating the lord Shiva on the occasion of 'Shivaratri'-2073. In this year, Sivaratri is celebrating especially, Nepal and India and in all over the Siva temples in the world. According to the Hindu Mythology, Lord Shiva (Pashupatinath) spent his most of his time on the top of the holy mount Kailas Mansharobar, practicing Yogic austere, joy and love with his divine consort Parbati (mother of mythology), The Lake Mansarowers and the holy mount Kailas are the soul of all 'OM' followers in the world. The Lord Pashupathinath, Shoyambhunath, Lumbini, Barahachetra, Gosaikunda, Muktinath, Ridi, Janakidham, Devghat of Nepal, Kailash Mansharobar of Tibet (well accessed for Hindus and Buddhas), and Tirupati, Rameshroram, Jagannath, Badrinath, Amarnath, Kedarnath of India are the symbolic shrines of Hinduism & Buddhism. 'Doleswar Mahadev (lord Shiv) (Shipadol-Bhaktapur-Nepal) is the head portion of the Kedarnath (lord Shiv). The spiritual importance of Mahashivaratri indicates that ethics, morale and integrity have almost been mere world. The spiritual knowledge the Almighty is imparting to the human beings the rays of hope to all of us. The religious scholar express- Mahashivaratri is the day of incarnation of Lord Shiva when the world is experiencing lack of light or knowledge or when it is just like a dark night in the absence of knowledge. The creator of human world messages to all for peace purity and prosperity. The name Shiva expresses His quality. The God Shiva is incorporeal, eternal, almighty, highest of the high, never takes birth but incarnates in an ordinary human body once in a cycle, accepted by all, omniscient and omnipotent but not omnipresent. Most religions of the world have images, idols or memorials bearing one name or the other to represent the God as light or as an oval shape. Throughout Nepal, India and other countries of the world there are statues of oval shape images. They are called Shivalingams that represent the creator Himself. Somnath-the lord of Nectar, Viswanath-the lord of the Universe and Pasupatinath- the lord Nath) of the lord (Pati) of animal' The Lord Shiva is believed to be at the core of the centrifugal force of the universe. Unlike Brahma, the Creator, or Vishnu, the Preserver, Shiva is the dissolving force in life. But Shiva dissolves in order to create, since death is the medium for rebirth into a new life. So the opposites of life and death and that of creation and destruction both reside in Him. Shiva, represented as the symbol of the eternal process of creation and destruction, is absolutely independent and creates all that exists under the influence of desire by the mere force of HIS WILL (Iccha Shakti). He makes the world appear in Himself as if it were distinct from Himself, though it is not so in reality. Shiv Puran also mentions It.'-(Shree 1008 Jagat Guru Bheemashankarling Shivacharya). Similarly, the Swayambhunath complex consists of a stupa, a variety of shrines and temples, some dating back to the Licchavi period. A Tibetan monastery, museum and library are more recent additions. The stupa has Buddha's eyes and eyebrows painted on. Between them, there is something painted which looks the nose - but is the Nepali symbol of 'unity'. Pashupathinath, Shoyambhunath both are Hindus and Buddhists shrine place. There are some very early Buddhist sculptures here. A lingam, now lost, was named Karunikeswar, another name of the Buddha. Nepal is known pious land in the world. Hindu philosophy and its culture and tradition are the founder of world civilization. Hindu shrine Pashupatinath (Shiva) is the Lord of all Hindus. According to Hindu mythology, Shiva is worshipped as protector of all animals, including humans. The Nepalese and Indian Hindu men and women perform rituals for the Hindu god Lord Shiva- the god of destruction and creation. In Sivaratri, Axyatritiya, Janaipurnima, Tij and Sawan Mondays are most remarkable times in every year. The Sawan Mondays is considered as the holiest month of the year. In the time of Sawan the Hindu men and women wearing red attire as well as green and yellow bangles. They pray for their own country's peace and stability and the long and prosperous life for their husbands, sons-daughters and families. The young pray to achieve the good husband and wife. 'Shiva is every where, he has left work for you, and you have to work without expectation. 'Shivaratri is celebrated with enthusiasm by the Hindus all over India. It is an important day for the followers of Lord Shiva. The celebrations are marked by fasting and the observance of a number of rituals. On the festival, as many as six types of Abhisheks (purifying) can be witnessed, each using milk, ghee, sugar, honey, water and sandalwood paste. We pray to the Lord Shiva, as - "OM! Namo Sivaya ! O Shiva! We worship and adore you, O three-eyed one, you are sweet gladness, the fragrance of life, which nourishes us, restores our health, and causes us to thrive. As, in due time, the stem of the cucumber weakens, and the gourd is freed from the vine, so free us from attachment and death, and do not withhold immortality." The devotees of Lord keep reciting the five letters-'Om Nama Shivaya' followed by occasional singing of Vajanas-hymns, reading and listing to stories and episodes on Shivamahatmyas and by worshiping the Shivalinga. A scholar Upananda Brahmachari explains- (Hindu Existence July 14, 2012) 'As per Hindu realization (one may degenerate it by calling it Hindu mythology) with a subtle scientific approach, Lord Shiva (Nataraja) is described as Devadideva, the primordial god of all gods, the supreme creator and the Mahadeva, the greatest god, the supreme source of energy. Shiva is the cosmic dancer who performs his divine dance to destroy a weary universe and make preparations for god Brahma to start the process of creation afresh. This new creation is harmonized and preserved by god Vishnu, obviously by the force of trinity in the singularized and unique entity originated from that Devadideva or Mahadeva. Lord Shiva, the Grand Designer. Lord Mahakal. Shiva is dancing in an aureole of flames with a rhythm of time infinite so beautifully, lifting his left leg and balancing over a demon or dwarf (Apasmara) who symbolizes ignorance and evils. OM! Namah Shiva. It means adorn all endeavors in the light of truth, prosperity and maturity'. The festival of Shivaratri has tremendous significance in Hinduism. According to sacred scriptures, ritual worship of Lord Shiva on Shivratri festival that falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalgun (Feb.) pleases Lord Shiva the most. This fact is said to have been declared by Lord Shiva himself, when his consort the Goddess-Parvati asked him as to which ritual performed by his devotees pleases him the most. Even till date, devotees of Lord Shiva perform the ritual worship of Shivratri with care and devotion. They observe day and nigh fast and give sacred bath to Shiva-Linga with honey, milk, water etc. Hindus consider it extremely auspicious to worship Lord Shiva on a Shivaratri as it is believed that worship of Lord Shiva with devotion and sincerity absolves a devotee of past sins. The devotee reaches the abode of Lord Shanker and lives there happily. It is said that Lord Shiva is an avid dancer to, as one of the superb type of oriental dances. The Lord is always engaged in meditation, Shiva is also NATARAJ, the cosmic dancer who graphically expresses the rhythmic unity of life. His representation as the Shivalinga symbolizes at its simplest His creative and generative powers. Being of an elliptical shape, the Lingam denotes something which has neither beginning nor an end. It is mysterious to express that rainfall flows automatically in Shivaratri almost Feb.-March, similarly, in Mekh Sankranti (Baisak 1st) almost April,14-15, Srawan Sankranti 17th July and Makar Sankranti almost 15th Jan. The Shivaratri (Day of Lord Shiva) is also is countable event in Hindu festival. In these days- there is natural gift where rainfall flows. The Mahashivaratri-festival is observed with great devotion by all the Hindus in the world. 'Shivaratri is a festival of great significance for Hindus all over the globe. Literally meaning Shivas night, it represents the high state of spiritual realization when the world of relativity fades away and perfect peace and calm prevails. On this phenomenal night, the seeker remains fully aware of his identity with Shiva, the source of perennial joy and thus experiences eternal truth, bliss and lasting beauty-Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram. Esoterically, it is the most sacred moment of the union of Jiva, individual soul, and Paramatma, the Supreme Godhead.'(United Hindu front) The Lord Pashupatinath Temple sits on a sacred river on the edge of Bagmati, Kathmandu. The Bagmati River which runs next to Pashupatinath Temple has highly sacred properties. Thus the banks are lined with many Ghats for use by pilgrims. The Bagmati River flows through the Kathmandu valley and is the river separating Kathmandu from Lalitpur. It is considered a holy river both by Hindus and Buddhists. A number of Hindu temples are located on the banks of this river. The complex rises up from the bank amid a mass of pagoda- style buildings. The temple moves to ancient rhythms. And one of its many traditions has been to recruit its priests from Brahmins from far-away south India. But, for the first time, the south Indians have been replaced by local, Nepali Maoist priests. It used to be that the temple authorities would appoint its priests in conjunction with the king- and he was always happy to maintain the link with south India. The fiercely secular communists would have few qualms about dispensing with the services of the south Indian Brahmins. Nepalese Maoists have tried to destroy the identity of Pashupatinath, Living Goddess Kumari, Bikram Sambat and its calendar and every norm of Hindus. The general belief is that if one offers milk, Dhaturo (a kind of intoxicating plant) and 'Belpatra' to Lord Shiva and observes night-long fasting, he or she will receive heavenly blessings. In Nepal, the festival is regarded as a national festival. The occasion consists of "warming" In Kathmandu, thousands of devotees from within and outside the country, predominantly from India, started thronging the Pashupatinath temple since early morning and queued up for hours to worship Lord Shiva. According to the Pashupati Area Development Trust, arrangements were made to provide security, accommodation, food, medical and communication facilities to the visiting devotees. On the occasion, the Nepal Army (NA) observed its annual Army Day coinciding with Mahashivaratri festival amidst a grand ceremony at the army pavilion in Tundikhel in Kathmandu. (TwoCircles.net) In 2008, the Maoists had appointed their own people. We Nepalese people are worried that Pashupati complex is being used as a playground for politics.The Bhandaris are the traditional temple caretakers, including Nepalese nationalists the Bhandaris also protested against the decision of Maosts. The temple decision has led to demonstrations by Hindu groups. Nepals Supreme Court directed the temple authorities to clarify the controversy and not to let the newly appointed Nepali priests perform the rituals. The Supreme Court has ordered the trust to allow the three Indian priests to carry on with the rituals till its verdict.Traditionally; the temple authorities would appoint its priests in conjunction with the king. King Gyanendra said to keep the hallowed Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath out of dispute and not to tarnish the image of Nepal as a country where different religions had co-existed in harmony down the ages'. So, the Pashupati temple should not be the place for the party's decision. Almost in 1343 AD in the regime of Licchabi, Muslim ruler Samsuddin, who hailed from Bengal (India) attacked Kathmandu and attacked Pashupatinath temple. After 665 years, more than a hundred Maoists and cadres of YCL (agnostic) broke the lock of the Pashupatinath's main shrine and took the newly appointed priest. It was a matter of regret. In 1746 AD Pratap Malla the King of Kathmandu came in touches of Kartatac King and appointed Gyanananda & Lambakarna as priests of Pashupatinath. They were Tantrik (having mystic power). Till now, there are four Bhatta priests & 106 Newars as Bhandaris (store keepers & protectors) Bhandaris are chronologically important. Only those born in Devpatan, the Pashupati area are entitled for worshiping lord Pashupatinath. Bhandaris are the owners of their houses. Since 9th Apr. 2012 the priests- Bhatta and Bandari in Pashupatinath are starting to get a fixed salary. Pashupatinath's area is regarded as one of the most important places of pilgrimages for the followers of Hinduism. Thousands of devotees from within and outside the country come to pay homage to Pashupatinath every day. And on special occasions like Ekadasi, Sankranti, Mahashivratri, Teej Akshaya, Rakshabandhan, Grahana (eclipse), Poornima (Full moon day) the whole atmosphere turns festive and mirthful as people congregate here in a far greater number. During the Shivaratri (also spelled Shivratri) festival Pashupatinath temple is lit with ghee lamps throughout the night and the temple remains open all night. Thousands of devotees take ritual baths in the Bagmati River on the day of the festival and observe a fast for the whole day. Hundreds of Sadhus (sages) from different parts of Nepal and India come here on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri. Maoist followed the villainous part as played by Samasuddin from Bangal having a force of thirty one thousand Muslims plundering and vandalized the faith and trust of Hindu & Buddhist in Bikram Era 1400. The last Licchivi regime was very weak. There was a great chaos after the Muslims attack. To save the regime from such a dreadful situation Jayasthiti Malla, the Ksha King having cooperation and assistance from kings of Palpa, Kaski, Gorkha and Lamjung, attacked vigorously on Muslim army. Thirty thousand and four hundred soldiers were killed and almost six hundred fled away. It is carved and can be seen in Bhatapur Taleju temple. Then, Jayasthiti Malla ascended the throne of Kathmandu and reconstructed the temple and constructed the Rama temple across the Bagmati river and established Kumbheshwar Mahadev and performed Kotihom (oblation for one Crore over the sacred fire) Believers in Pashupatinath (mainly Hindus) are allowed to enter the temple premises but non-Hindu visitors are allowed to view the temple from the across the bank of Bagmati river. Due to the attack of anti-Hindu Jayasthiti Malla laid the strict rule regarding the entrance for the Hindus & Buddhists only. This is inviolable. But, now the Bagmati River is dirty and can be smelled well before it comes into sight. So, at any rate, it should be non-dirty. Since 2011, the artificial problem has created to minimize the pious land by Christians. It is wrong for Christians to use the Sleshmantak Forest to dispose of their dead. As a member of the Nath Yogi Community have been burring there. In this context- Rampuria Baba, a sage from Maharashtra (India), said-'Pashupatinath is our holy place. Why would Christians build their graves here? We should throw them out and remove all the stones.' As the Nepali society is passing through the so-called transitional phase. We, the Hindus al over the world have the courage to call spade a spade. In this context, the Christian community protested demanding burial grounds in the country, already threatened local religious communities with the increasing activities of Christians since the declaration of the country as a secular state and has too become restive. To protect Nepals unique identity the country must be declared Hindu Kingdom. We, the Hindus are not targeting any religious group as such; it is in the larger interest of the nation and people. To preserve Nepals unique identity, our nationalism and territorial integrity we never surrender to protest who are interested to destroy the identity and prestige of the Hindus in the world. Nepalese scholar Dr. Tilak Shrestha says- 'Christian people have every right to bury their dead, but not in Hindu sacred place, especially since Christianity regards other religions and temples evil. Similarly others should not bury in a Church without its permission. Let Christian people bury their dead in the cemetery of their Church. This is the case all over the world. Let Government build a modern crematorium in the area open to all, including Christian people. Origin of Shree Pashupati Nath temple is mysterious. However, Kirati were first to keep and protect Shree Pashupati Nath tradition, continued by Lichhavi, Malla and Shah Dynasties. The continuous ancient tradition was interrupted only twice due to Muslim invasion and Maoists misrule. WE have tradition of worshiping Shree Pashupati Nath as Buddhist Avalokiteshwor once a year. It is to show the relationship and respect between Shaiva and Bauddha Darshans.'' King Jyotirmalla writes in stone tablets- 'about Pashupatinath in 1465 Bs, lord Pashupatinath having five mouths along with worship able Bashuki the holy serpent. King Pratap Malla was famous in stone tablets. Prithvinarayan shah the great, worshipped lord Pashupatinath duing his integration of Kingdom. It is stated in Lingua Bambshabali. The area of Pashupatinath encompasses 264 Hectare of land including 518 temples and monuments. Since 1979 Unesco has kept this core area as a world heritage. It encompasses four hector of land as a very sensitive area. The Greater Nepal Unifier Prithbinarayan Shah had got carved in Basantapur Place in 1826 BS (1768) after his Victory over Kathmandu valley- 'Lord Pashupatinath & Goddess Guheshwari may bless Nepal for keeping sovereignty and stability along with Shah popular Regime. Royal seals were attached regarding the worship of Lord Pashupatinath by King Ranabahadur Shah, King Mahendra, King Birendra and King Gyanendra as well. Let this government be away from imposing political interference over Hindus & Buddhists. The decision done in contravention of all the rules & the regulations regarding the Pashupatinath worship is scraped immediately. Without monarchy (Crown), Nepal and its religious culture and tradition can't save. So, for the sake of Nepal and Indian security and the identity of Hinduism Nepal must be declared Hindu kingdom with the Hindu Crown. Email: dirgharajprasai@gmail.com Guwahati, February 23 : Security forces had apprehended a NSCN (K) militant and three Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam on Thursday. According to the reports, security forces on Thursday had apprehended a NSCN (K) militant from Arunachal Pradesh's Wakka area. Kohima based Defence PRO Colonel Chiranjeet Konwer said that, following tip-off the Khonsa Battalion under the aegis of DAO division conducted an operation at Wakka village about presence of cadre trying to terrorize and carryout extortion in the area and apprehended the Naga militant.* The militant was identified as Pansai Pansa and security personnel recovered a pistol and live ammunition. Security forces has been carrying out aggressive operations in the South Arunachal Pradesh and this apprehension has struck a blow to the extortion activities being carried out by the underground cadres of the group in the area. On the other hand, security personnel had apprehended three militants of Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) from Assam's Kokrajhar district. Based on intelligence input, police and army had launched operation at Devdevi village near Fakiragram and nabbed the militants identified as Hujendra Barman, Bijoy Baruah and Hiteswari Baruah. Security forces had recovered a 12 bore rifle and ammunition in possession from them. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) Guwahati, February 23 : A five-day Director General (DG)-level border conference between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) was held on February 18-22 in Bangladesh's capital city Dhaka. The BSF delegation lead by K K Sharma, Director General BSF, along with 18 delegation members and the BGB delegation lead by DG Major General Abul Hossain along with 25-member delegation from officials of the Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Home and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Joint River Commission, Department of Narcotics Control, Survey of Bangladesh and the Department of Land Record and Surveys. BSF DG and P K Dubey, IG Meghalaya Frontier returned on February 22 after attending five days Border Coordination Conference. The BSF DG strongly conveyed the BSF agendas to the Border Guard Bangladesh. Especially, security related issues particularly about presence of cadres of Indian Insurgent Groups in Bangladesh territory were projected with documentary proofs. Commission of trans-border crimes like smuggling of FICN, forest produce and cattle theft, dacoities in Indian teritory etc. committed by Bangladeshi nationals, criminals inside Indian territory were also discussed. Issue of construction of Single Row Fence within 150 yards from IB at border was also deliberated upon for obtaining concurrence. Taking the positive note of the urgency of construction of Single Row Fence in the mutual interest of both the countries to check trans-border crimes, the BGB authorities convey their concurrence in almost all the patches where the work was pending. New patches in East Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills have also been given positive nod by BGB. BGB also conveyed their concerns upon Firing, Killing and Injuring of unarmed Bangladeshi nationals by Indian locals and smuggling of various types of Drugs, Narcotics including Phensedyle, liquor etc. However, BSF refuted the allegations of killing of Bangladeshi nationals by Indian villagers and intimated that when the Bangladeshi criminals had illegally entered into Indian territory that too during odd hours of the night and sometimes during broad day light for committing dacoity & theft on any other illegal activities then only they might have been confronted by local villagers in self-defense. BSF also conveyed BGB authorities to discourage Bangladeshi nationals to cross International Boundary in order to avoid any confrontation with peace loving Indian bordering population and maintain harmony and tranquility at the border. BSF also emphasized on the joint efforts by both the border guarding forces to curb all the illegal activities across the border. It is to mention that Directors General level border coordination conference between the two forces is held biannually. During the meeting both forces agreed for effective implementation of Coordinated Border Management Plan for better border management so as to prevent cross border criminal activities, cattle smuggling, fake currency and gold smuggling, illegal migration, human trafficking. Both sides also agreed for establishing a mechanism of sharing inputs regarding terrorists operating in border area of either country. Both Border Guarding Forces agreed to look into each other's perspective on border problems with an open mind and shown belief that conference will bolster the ongoing good relations between the two Border Guarding Forces. P. K Dubey Inspector General, Meghalaya Frontier expressed his satisfaction over the decisions taken over the issues related to Meghalaya frontier like trans-border crimes, Single Row Fence, etc. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) MOGADISHU, Somalia, Feb 23: Somalia's new President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed on Thursday appointed a political newcomer as the prime minister, shortly before departing to Saudi Arabia for his first foreign trip since his election. Somali-born Norwegian national Hassan Ali Khaire, a former executive of British energy explorer Soma Oil & Gas, was appointed prime minister. His selection is a nod to balancing clan interests in this Horn of Africa nation. Khaire is a member of the Hawiye clan, as is former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whom Mohamed defeated in the election earlier this month. Mohamed is with the Darod clan. Khaire served as the Horn of Africa regional chief for the Norwegian Refugee Council aid group from 2011-2014. In June 2012, he was in a motorcade that was attacked by armed men on the Somalia-Kenya border, the Norwegian daily Verdens Gang reported. The incident led to criticism of the aid group's security. Mohamed, who was inaugurated on Wednesday, also holds U.S. citizenship. His election was a key step toward establishing Somalia's first fully functioning central government in a quarter-century. The international community has praised the peaceful transfer of power. Somalia, with an estimated population of 10 million, has a diaspora of more than 2 million people scattered by a quarter-century of conflict and drought at home. Many of the more than 20 presidential candidates held dual citizenship. The new president has vowed to make security a priority in a country where Somalia's homegrown Islamic extremist group, al-Shabab, still carries out deadly attacks in the capital, Mogadishu, and elsewhere. On Sunday, a car bomb in the capital killed at least 34. Al-Shabab earlier this week denounced Mohamed's election, calling him an apostate, and vowed to keep fighting. Fighters affiliated with the Islamic State organization also have emerged in Somalia. Mohamed's trip to Saudi Arabia is viewed as signaling a significant shift in Somalia's regional alliances. A government statement said he will meet with Saudi King Salman to discuss strengthening the countries' relationship, security and aid for Somalia's drought. "Having travelled to Saudi Arabia for his first foreign trip as a president, the new Somali president is breaking the long tradition by Somali leaders who have paid their very first foreign trips to Ethiopia, which is called by many as the Mecca of Somali leaders," said Mohamed Sheikh Abdi, a Somali political analyst based in Mogadishu. "This indicates that the new president now favors an alliance with Arab countries more than others." Guwahati, February 23 : A suspected Naga militant and a tribal woman were killed during a gunfight between suspected ultras and security forces in poll bound Manipur on Thursday, officials said. Following a tip off 2/5 Gorkha Rifles men had conducted search operation at Khoupum Chingthak area in Noney district on Thursday morning. When the troops reached the remote area, suspected militants who hidden at the area fired at them and the army personnel returned fire and in the ensuing encounter, a militant and a tribal woman were killed. Manipur police said that, the tribal woman was identified as 50-year old Adingu Rongmei, was killed in the crossfire. Two days back, a security personnel was injured when suspected NSCN (IM) militants fired at a police party deployed for the visit of Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam in the newly created district. The militants also attacked on the Gaikhangam's cavalcade, but the Manipur Deputy CM was escaped unhurt. Manipur is going to hold the assembly polls on March 4 and 8 in two phases. The north eastern Indian state witnessed several problems including scarcity of essential commodities, petroleum products, drugs following the ongoing economic blockade imposed by the United Naga Council (UNC) since November 1 last. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) Kathmandu, Nepal: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and CPN UMML Chairman and main opposition party leader KP Sharma Oli have agreed to resume the parliament meeting scheduled for 3 pm on Thursday. It is said that Prime Minister Dahal and UML chairman Oli have agreed to resume the parliamentary business set earlier. The parliament has already set the issue of constitution amendment bill as the agendas for the discussion in the parliament meeting. The Parliament meeting called for Tuesday and Wednesday were differed after opposition parties including the UML had not agreed to allow to discuss over the constitution amendment bill. Though the opposition parties have not agreed yet to support to passage the bill, the leaders have agreed to allow discussing over the business. It is said that the UML and opposition parties will put their views regarding the amendment bill today. Following the meeting with the main opposition party leader, Prime Minister Dahal also discussed with Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar over the issue of resuming the parliament meeting to discuss about the constitution amendment bill. A Legislature-Parliament meeting begins at Naya Baneshwor, on Thursday, February 23, 2017. Photo: RSS Kathmandu, Nepal: Discussion over the constitution amendment bill is started nearly three months after its registration in the parliament on Thursday. Though the constitution amendment bill was registered on November 29, 2016 in a bid to address concerns of the agitating United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF), the opposition parties including the main opposition CPN-UML had been obstructing the parliament meeting protesting to the bill. However, the UML has remained silence about the bill though it has not agreed yet to support the bill. It is said that the UML has remained silent over the bill with the idea that it would support to passage the bill if the agitating UDMF agree to hold the local level elections. Speaking at the Parliament meeting on Thursday, UML Parliamentary Party Deputy Leader Subas Chandra Nembang said that his party has decided to let the House to discuss over the bill, but not agreed to allow endorsing the constitution amendment bill. As the constitution amendment bill is not worthy for endorsement, we are standing against endorsing it, Nembang said expressing his confidence that the bill will be rejected by majority votes in the House. However, the Nepal Workers and Peasants Party, one of the ally of the opposition parties, has opposed the bill. Three lawmakers of the party- Prem Suwal, Anuradha Thapa Magar and Dilli Prasad Kaflestood up from their seats as soon as the discussion began chanting slogans against of the bill claiming the proposal was against national interests. Despite the slogans from the Lawmakers of the Nepal Workers and Peasants Party, the House meeting was continued. Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar had not paid any heed to the protests and slogans of the party. Kathmandu, Nepal: Materializing their unity rehearsal staged since few months, the coordinator of the newly formed Naya Shakti party and Federal Socialist Forum Nepal (FSFN) have made their univocal stand over the issue of local level elections. Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, who was also the former Maoist leader, and Federal Socialist Forum Nepal (FSFN) Chairman Upendra Yadav have urged the government on Thursday to postpone the date for the local level elections. The government has declared May 14 as the date for the local level elections with the aim to hold the tree tiers of elections within coming January 21, 2018, the expiry date of the incumbent parliament. The demand to postpone the date for the local level elections has come in the mean time when there is a looming fear that three tiers of elections would not be accomplished within the deadline. Earlier, FSFN chairman had opposed the local polls while Bhattrai had demanded all party government to hold the elections. Issuing a joint press release on Thursday, the two leaders have stated that the date for the local level elections should be postponed to correct the flaws of the constitution. Echoing the voice of the agitating other Madhes based parties, Bhattrai and Yadav have demanded for holding the election of provincial and federal parliament at first. In the statement the leaders duo have also demanded for early amendment in the constitution to address the demands of the dissident parties and the groups. Kathmandu, Nepal: Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Rajendra Chhetri has said that Nepal Army (NA) is ever ready to tackle any attempts to disintegrate the country and to disturb the communal harmony. Nepal Army is ever ready to tackle any attempts to disintegrate the country and to disturb the communal harmony, CoAS Chhetri said while addressing the rank and files of NA on the occasion of Nepal Army Day on Thursday. Our nation preserved by the blood and sweat of our ancestors, will be kept intact, CoAS Chhetri said adding that Nepal Army will not leave any stone unturned to keep the integrated history alive by tackling any internal and external security challenges against the national interest. Hinting to some force in Madhes, particularly the CK Raut led group that advocates for separate Madhes state, CoAS Chhetri said in the function that some separatist forces are deliberately making statements that could disrupt communal harmony. Nepal Army always embraces changes, honor Human Rights and International Humanitarian Laws, which will be fulfilled even while fulfilling such responsibilities, CoAS Chhetri said in the function. Likewise CoAS Chhetri also unveiled a monument entitled with "Bir Stambha" built to commemorate brave army personnel, who lost their lives on duty amid a function on Thursday. 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Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. You have permission to edit this html. Edit Close You have permission to edit this collection. Edit Close " " After the Soviet Union launched Sputnik I in 1957, the space race was on, as was an era of secrecy that dominated the United States and Soviet Union as the countries battled for superiority in Earths orbit and beyond. Bettmann/Getty Images It was Oct. 4, 1957, and all eyes were on the sky. That's when the Soviet Union launched Sputnik I, a 184-pound (84-kilogram), beach-ball-sized sphere trailing four spindly antennas behind it. The dim glint from its polished metal surface would have been awe-inspiring had it not been during the early throes of the Cold War when the Soviets and the United States were having a nuclear-fueled staredown. Instead, it was terrifying. Americans worried that Sputnik's success meant it was only a matter of time until their archenemy would soon use the new technology to obliterate them with space nukes. In January 1958, the Americans countered with their own satellite, Explorer I, and the Space Race was on [source: Garber]. Secrecy was of the utmost importance for the two countries as they battled for superiority in Earth's orbit and beyond. Neither superpower wanted the other to know too much about what they were doing, lest their secrets be revealed. The Soviets, however, made tight lips a national pastime, denying not only specific events (often failures), but also entire programs. It was only after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 that the rest of the world found out some of what their space program was up to all those decades. There are certainly things nobody knows for sure, but here are a few things that are definitely true. Gleaming as ever like some kind of well armed brushed-metal action figure, Paul Verhoeven's 1987 RoboCop continues to reflect striking truths amid daft action. Although now considered a sci-fi classic, one can be forgiven for initially assuming a certain b-movie disposability about it. The premise sounds as hokey as it's title: Straight arrow police officer Murphy (a note-perfect Peter Weller), after transferring in to crime-ridden near-future Detroit, is promptly killed, then resurrected as RoboCop. "Part man, part machine, all cop!," as the famous tag line goes. There is, of course, far more to it than that. Ideas of changing corporate culture, corporate takeover, media consumption, and humanitys continuing intermingling with technology are thematically forefront. These notions are played with a dark humor and a smart satirical edge that have earned the film a continuing respectability amongst academics and film critics. Recognition of its astute nature is nothing new. Scriptwriters Edward Neumeier and Michael Miner commitment to sending up 1980s excess was admired then, and alarmingly, it continues to be relevant today. This came to a head recently when myself and others were led to take issue with a recent Vulture.com article that lead with the question Has there ever been a movie more misunderstood than RoboCop? (The short answer? Yes. Many. Consider Verhoeven & Neumeiers own Starship Troopers, for one.) The Vulture story, while a solid appreciation why RoboCop still matters, misses the mark in coming at the film as something only now emerging as timely. One thing, however, that I am grateful to the piece for, is the simple heads up that this is the 30th anniversary year of RoboCop. Time does fly, technology does surge, and inner cities continue to crumble. Through and around all of that, RoboCop is never afraid to be awesome. The shootouts, car chases, and raw caliber of the whole affair is never not visceral. In the action movie golden age that also gave us Die Hard, The Untouchables and The Terminator, it was easy to take RoboCop for granted. Yet, a mindful look at the pure pacing, staging and impact of it all reveal a top flight blockbuster, deserving of its lofty reputation. This is thanks primarily to the unrelenting direction of Dutch auteur Paul Verhoeven, who opted to make RoboCop his first American film. If Verhoeven, as equally competent as he can be problematic and provocative, is known by his work (which also includes Total Recall, Basic Instinct, Showgirls and Elle) for only one thing, that one thing must be his audacity. He realizes the crime-ridden retro-future motor city as something chronically askew, perpetually employing distortion lenses and odd angles. The insanity of the world on screen is no doubt carried over from the insanity of the production itself. Behind-the-scenes production stills of Verhoeven at work depict him as no less than a man possessed. Whatever hell he put his cast and crew through, it paid off. RoboCop is Verhoevens greatest American film, and he knows it. So, with all of that out of the way, we can get to the prime directive of this piece: How does the movie fare today, after having not seen it for over ten years? RoboCop, of course, remains fantastic; it's exceptional qualities all the more appreciated by my experienced film critic's eyes. Although it's been more than a decade since I've visited Verhoeven's Old Detroit (actually Dallas), RoboCop remains one of my own most-seen films, and more of a gut-punching artistic influence than I realized for many years. It was also one of the first R-rated movies I ever saw. With a title like "RoboCop", it didn't occur to my parents that it would be hyper-violent, brutal, and more sweary than anything I'd experienced in my fairly sheltered life up to that point. Kurtwood Smiths Clarence Boddicker (the actor doing his best Jack Nicholson) alone cleared that hurdle. Obviously, this was one movie we had to watch when they weren't around. So taken was my eighth grade self with the whole concept that even before seeing it, I had directed my own sequel/remake in my basement, RoboCop 2: For the People Who Missed it Last Time. Shot in two days, we took my very game best friend (who had seen the movie), stuck him in a U.S. army helmet, a Lone Ranger mask, and wrapped him in eight feet of green medical foam, tied off with a "gun belt" rope. Even as a comically lumbering lime-colored tin can of sorts, I recall his performance as the title character being unflinchingly decent. That said, 15 minutes of the exasperating 20-minute running time was devoted to a fight between our own ED-209, played by the neighbor kid under a quilt and a pith helmet, holding a broken chair on his back, it's for legs being cannons. The never-completed sequel would've been RoboCop 3: RoboCop Cleans Up Cleveland, in which our hero gets a transfer. Cleveland would be someone else's basement. Not soon after, the great TV series Sledge Hammer! had its own spoof, in which the Dirty Harry-esque lead gets transformed in Hammeroid! To be honest, there was little question in my mind as to whether RoboCop holds up or not. Although it was remade only a few years ago (a movie I recall not hating at the time, but dont care about, either), a simple mention of the title needs no clarification as to which version is likely being discussed. What surprised me was just how its stuck with me. Days after revisiting it -- the recent restoration on MGM Blu-ray, served up in a steel case, thank you very much -- the film remains forefront in my mind. All over again, Im bowled over by it. From the soaring Basil Poledouris score to the aching humanity of Peter Weller and his final line to the brilliant audacity of the final shot, one of the single greatest ending close-up shots in all of movies. Stare closely at the fractal blue reflections emanating from the rebuilt Murphy at any given moment, and youll be blinded by the very specific playful madness that couldve only happened there and then. All subsequent sequels, TV series, comics and remakes (even mine!) have tried, failed, and have been swept away. The future of law enforcement is as heavy duty as ever, and then some. In this case, Murphy's law may not abide by certain established directives, but that just what's kept it enforceable for 30 years. Geeky girls turned Japanese superheroes to battle an evil tampon monster? What's not to like about that, right? Particularly when it comes from the crazed mind of Crow Hand director Brian Lonano! Behold the madness of BFF Girls! A new short film from the makers of "Gwilliam" and "The Stylist." "B.F.F. Girls" pays homage to super hero shows like Sailor Moon and Power Rangers...only these dorky American girls transform into beautiful Japanese girls and battle a tampon monster! We want to make a film that's completely fun, weird and shows the beauty of friendship. Full of beautiful costumes and dazzling special effects, contributions will fund our film and donors rewarded with stickers, toys and more! B.F.F. Girls is the newest short film from Brian Lonano, the award-winning director of CROW HAND!!! and Gwilliam. The film is written by Brian Lonano and Victoria Cook (co-writer of Gwilliam) and will be produced by Lonano along with Blake Myers and Jill Gevargizian, known for her popular short films "Call Girl" and "The Stylist." Lonano has been a huge favorite around these parts for ages and this looks like vintage stuff from him. Excited? You bet. He's currently running a crowd funding campaign over at IndieGoGo to raise the production budget of the film and you can support that here - I've already thrown my money into the pot - and check out his pitch video, which includes early test footage, below! Our friends at the veteran-run indie label Parade Deck Films will release Robbie Bryan's suspense thriller, The Eyes, in select U.S. theaters on April 7, 2017. ScreenAnarchy has the exclusive debut of the movie's trailer, which you can find below. Some say we are only as sick as our secrets but what if our government really knew those secrets? What if theyve watched every move weve made and our secrets arent really hidden? In The Eyes, six strangers with unspeakable pasts wake up imprisoned in an abandoned warehouse and discover they are being forced to participate in an evil governmental experiment. Five must die. One can live. And THEY have two hours to decide amongst themselves who survives. The clock is ticking and if they dont decide... they ALL die. The Eyes shows us that someone is always watching The Eyes stars Nick Turturro (Blue Bloods, Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2), Vincent Pastore (The Sopranos), Danny Flaherty (The Americans), Megan West (How to Get Away with Murder), Ana Isabelle (Seasons of Love), Greg (Klarity) Davis, Jr. (Toni Braxton: Unbreak My Heart), Steven Hauck (The Amazing Spiderman 2) and Carly Steel (Mordecai). The Eyes will open in at least ten markets across the U.S. with AMC bookings in both Los Angeles and New York. Keep an *eye* out for it if the trailer piques your interest. A few months after the explosive period spy thriller The Age of Shadows from genre maestro Kim Jee-woon, Warner Bros is back with its second Korean production, A Single Rider. Though both films share star Lee Byung-hun, who appears as an extended cameo in Kim's work, A Single Rider, from debut filmmaker Lee Zoo-yong, is a far smaller work with only a handful of characters; it's largely concerned with the theme of regret. Lee plays a top fund manager whose life falls to pieces when his company loses all its clients' savings. He decides to take a trip to Australia, where his wife lives with their son, in order for him to learn English. Upon his arrival, the husband discovers that his wife, a former violinist whose musical ambitions have begun to reawaken, has gotten very close with her Australian neighbor. During his trip, he also tries to help a young Korean girl who has been swindled out her savings during her work-abroad stay in the country. A Single Rider doesn't exactly break new ground but its understated look at a man reconsidering what his life means in a society consumed with achievement is refreshing, precisely because it avoids tackling too many issues or devolving into hysterics, as many similar works have. Lee Zoo-young, a graduate of the Korea National University of Arts, mounts her debut with measured and quiet grace and knows exactly how to get the best out of her stars. Her choice to set most of the film Down Under proves a clever one, as the comfort and peace of suburbia lifestyle in Australia offers a way for us to see into the characters without being lost in the clutter of a more stressful Korean environment. Prior to becoming the global superstar that he is today, appearing in Hollywood action tentpoles and major Korean thrillers, Lee Byung-hun was largely famous for being a star of melodramas, both in theaters and on television. For the first time since 2006's Once a Summer, Lee has returned to the realm where he started his career with A Single Rider. However, unlike the romantic leads he was accustomed to, his role here calls on him to deliver the most introspective and subtle work of his career. It's an expressive performance and a great showcase for Lee's range. Though her role is quite small, Kong Hyo-jin follows her terrific part in E.oni's kdnap thriller Missing with another impressive turn. Her character is the suffering, silent type, and like Lee she demonstrates control over her mannerisms and allows us to peer in through the occasional chinks in her calm exterior. She's far more famous for her TV and modeling work, but given her consistently strong parts in smaller film roles, one hopes we'll see more of her on the big screen in the future. A Single Rider also marks the fifth different female director that Kong has worked with, surely a record for a major Korean star. The film also fits in with the recent run of Korean films dealing with the rampant corruption of the haves of society at the expense of the have-nots. Lee was last seen in the big-budget film Master, in which he also plays someone in the finance industry who swindles normal people out of their life savings, though unlike the ponzi scheme mastermind of the prior work, here his character may not have been aware of the consequences of his actions, or at the very least may have forced his conscience to look the other way. The regret he feels for his actions is what leads him into the subplot of the young Korean woman, played adequately by Kpop star Ahn So-hee, who can't hope to measure up to the film's seasoned lead. Helping here recover her savings may offer some form of absolution for Lee's character. A Single Rider is likely to be appreciated by its intended audience, even if it's not a very big one these days, as feature melodrama (as opposed to that seen on TV) seems to have lost favor with Korean viewers. However, due to its delicate tone and slight narrative, even fans may not recall this quiet little work long after seeing it. Opening with the eponymous girl locked in a cell and counting upwards to a thousand, The Girl With All The Gifts may as well be ticking off the sheer number of zombie films that a fan of the genre is 'forced' to contend with in these days of The Walking Dead. In actuality, 12-year-old Melanie is being gathered for daily school lessons, dressed in prisoner's duds while strapped to a wheelchair along with her classmates in neat rows, all equally restrained. Halfheartedly walking through a memorization exercise, a teacher -- hint: not one of the good ones -- mutters under her breath, "Content is not really relevant, is it?" This is a thesis that screenwriter Mike Carey (adapting his own novel) and director Colm McCarthy clearly want to shatter into a million pieces. For indeed, the zombie movie has new places to go and new ideas to explore. Consider The Girl With All The Gifts in stride with South Korea's Train To Busan, arguing that fast zombies, being all the rage, have evolved to the point where they are here to stay, where a good filmmaker can have his protagonist and eat him too. While I have not had the pleasure of watching the second season of BBC's gangster drama Peaky Blinders nor the supernatural 2010 drama Outcast, it is very clear that McCarthy knows when to put something in the frame and when to leave it out. Rare is the movie in this genre that is not only patient in its world-building, but also handsome in its photography. 28 Weeks Later... springs to mind, and it shares a grace note or two with this film in the idea that social progress should be never be managed by the military. In The Girl With All The Gifts, The UK and, by extension, the world, has been infected with a fungus that elevates hunger beyond consciousness (read: zombies). As in George A. Romero's Day of the Dead, there are military enclaves that have survived and are actively working the problem while fences keeps the hordes at bay. Dr. Caldwell (Glenn Close) seems very close to a solution with a small group of children born after the plague who exhibit tendencies of both the 'Hungries' (read: zombies) and normal children. Certain smells in certain circumstances set the children off, preceded by dry heaving and ending in chomping with lower jaw (think Keira Knightly in David Cronenberg's A Dangerous Method). The eager and innocent Melanie is the best and brightest of all the children. Clearly she is Caldwell's Bub, only with kinder eyes and a keen vocabulary. Young Sennia Nanua is indeed the gift the movie gives to us. Her character represents our own better natures as human beings - being bright, confident and unfailingly considerate to others. Melanie is the hope that any parent might have for their own offspring and Nanua realizes all of this seemingly effortlessly as perhaps the most capable child actor that I have seen in years. This is telling, because not only has child acting come a long way in the past few decades, but Nanua spends a sizable portion of the film wearing a transparent Hannibal Lecter mask covering her blood stained face. Talk about artistic constraint! I cannot wait to see this girl grow up and star in, hopefully, dozens of films; the talent here is staggering. While Dr. Caldwell wishes to harness Melanie's innards for vaccine development, her more sympathetic teacher (Gemma Arterton) feels chopping up the children is not the answer here. Circumstances come to an inevitable head in the compound, forcing the child, her two competing 'mothers' and a male soldier (Paddy Considine, always great) on a desperate road trip into the infected wilderness. The intersection in The Girl With All The Gifts of superb character work, with talented actors all around engaging in committed performances, combines with a plethora of interesting ideas in a very tight package. This feels like the film version of I Am Legend that filmmakers have struggled with at least three times and all failed in somewhat interesting ways. (The best of which, The Last Man On Earth, starred Vincent Price struggling with a very tiny European budget). Subtly blended together with Michael Haneke's Time of the Wolf (with which Girl shares a key image) and Alfonso Cuaron's Children of Men, you have that heady mix of arthouse and genre which is rare, due to the difficulty of calibrating both sensibilities into a satisfying package; one of far less head-shot horror and far more thinking-woman's speculative fiction. I am keen to read Mike Carey's novel to hunt for Matheson-isms. Name dropping the mysterious boxes of both Schrodinger and Pandora, the film walks the divide between modern science and classic mythology. But addressing, head-on, the stewardship of Mother Earth for the next generation in the midst of divided ideologies, puts the film into a space that is nothing if not ambitious. If it asks one to occasionally suspend credulity in the more pragmatic 'rules' and details of how the Hungries (including Melanie) can smell or not smell, something I could never get a handle on over the course of the film, then so be it. McCarthy has a knack for 'the bomb not going off'' style of filmmaking, and the half-a-dozen setpieces are superb. But it is the evolution of Melanie's precocious innocence towards self-aware adulthood in the crucible of a terrifying and changing world that is the engine that drives the film. And it hums. Review originally published during the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2016. The film opens in select U.S. theaters on Friday, February 24 and will also be available to watch via various Video On Demand platforms. In Malinese director Daouda Coulibaly's crime drama, we follow the rise of Ladji, a bus driver in Mali's capital city Bamako, who decides to use his street-savvy for becoming a career criminal. Cheated out of a years-in-the-making promotion because his boss' nephew wants the job, Ladji quits in anger. He needs money for himself and his sister though, especially since she has taken up prostitution to support them both, a situation Ladji is determined to stop as quickly as possible. He decides to call in a few favors from an old acquaintance who has turned smuggler.Drug smuggling is a booming business in poor Mali. For even though there isn't much of a local market, the cartels in South America have discovered that North Africa offers many alternative (and more secure) routes to ship their produce to the rich Europe.So Ladji becomes one of many traffickers, moving marijuana one way, cocaine the other way.On his first smuggling mission Ladji manages to avoid an elaborate trap, and this gets him noticed immediately by the bigger players. Gaining a reputation for being intelligent, diligent and careful, Ladji quickly gets assigned to more difficult shipments, which are far more lucrative but also a lot more dangerous. For the stakeholders in North Africa do not just include other criminals, but also corrupt border patrols and even extremist Al Qaeda armies...is Daouda Coulibaly's debut feature film, shot on a meager budget under difficult circumstances, as Mali suffered a coup d'etat and the debilitating side effects of its vast drug industry. For while it seems great to have money flowing into the country in large volumes, having nearly all of it fall in the hands of criminal organizations is never a good situation.What production problems were encountered never made it near the front-end of the cameras though.looks great, and it is not as dour or violent as you might fear. Coulibaly aims for drama rather than gunning for an action-thriller, and instead of featuring cackling sociopath maniacs toting machine guns, all parties are shown as thoughtful businessmen with different interests. Wits and planning tend to trump weaponry in this film. Mind, the narrative does not shy away from violence, or evil for that matter, but at least people are shown as people, not cardboard cut-outs with bullseyes painted on them.means "dog", but in parts of Mali it is also a term for the stage of adulthood in which you realize what your place in society is. Ladji manages to achieve wealth and status, but the respect he gets is of a kind he'll never be truly happy with. It makes the film a less glamorous, more thoughtful version of thestory.The International Film Festival Rotterdam showed, and even featured an advance premiere of it back in December. I missed it at that time, but as in previous years the advance premieres were Hou Hsiao-Hsien's greatand David Oelhoffen's excellent, I really ought to have known better.Audiences in Rotterdam rewarded the film with a rating of 4.1 out of 5, a decent average for a very decent and accomplished drama. Daouda Coulibaly can be proud, andcomes much recommended. When the man who gave us such critically acclaimed, award-winning epics as Red Sorghum, Hero, and Raise the Red Lantern makes a self-described popcorn flick, its a pretty big deal. Director Zhang Yimou had a brief chat with me about some of the misconceptions and challenges of his internationally-produced monster flick, The Great Wall, and what it was like to make a film that his teenage sons could finally enjoy. The Lady Miz Diva: After A WOMAN, A GUN AND A NOODLE SHOP, I believe this is the second time you are working from a story written by Americans. As those characters in that film were transformed into Chinese, was there any discussion with THE GREAT WALL to have William and Tovar be Asian, or to make it an all-Chinese film? Why was it important for William and Tovar to be Westerners? Zhang Yimou: This story is very much written that way; that it had to be foreigners coming to China. It is written that way and thats part of the reason why I selected this story. The story is really based on a lot of historical facts. For so long there were many Westerners who traveled the Silk Road to China: It was constantly happening. Its something that happened to China for thousands of years. They never encountered any monsters - the monsters were completely fabricated - but the idea is multicultural, multinational. As we get to meet each other more in the world and then the world grows smaller with globalisation, it is part of the interaction between foreigners and people in China. So, it is a key element of why I selected the project. And also the story is about Matt Damons characters growth and his learning to give up, to let go of greed, to let go of the black powder for something that means much more; friendship. It is something he has to learn while he is in China. And if we had an all-Chinese cast, they wouldnt have that kind of change and growth and the differences that are between two cultures. So, all of these elements is why I wanted to do this story and why I would be able to cast an all-Chinese cast to play this movie. LMD: Was it important to instill this film with not just the mythology and history of THE GREAT WALL, but the philosophy and belief of China, as well? Was that philosophy of trust and brotherhood being more important than money, and people coming together to serve a greater cause a very important tenet for you to depict? ZY: Yes! This is actually often a Chinese approach to anything, because we dont want everything to be too simple. Even on the outside, you would say this is just a monster flick, but if it is just a monster flick, I wouldnt be as interested in this project. Ive always liked to put in a little bit of philosophy and to be able to talk about certain ideas. The Chinese always say that there is meaning behind everything that happens, that things just dont happen without any meaning, you have to find meaning behind every action. So thats what drew me to tell the story. And you understand that the way that Chinese culture goes, even if you tell a monster movie, you cant get too bogged down by philosophy, because otherwise it gets boring. But even then, I still want to have a little bit of Chinese philosophy and thoughts in there. LMD: Youre well known for your action pieces, but youve never done a monster movie before, and then one in 3D. Was the change in genre and trying this new medium also part of what attracted you to the project? ZY: Yes, absolutely. Trying something new has always been one of my favorite things to do. When my agent first sent me the script, they warned me, they said, Its just a popcorn flick. Its a different genre that you havent done before, are you sure you really want to do that? So, I read it and I found it interesting and then also very challenging; its something that had primarily a lot of visual effects in it primarily all visual effects. So I feel like I am going to learn a lot if I do something that is very challenging. So that was one of the primary reasons I took on this project, to try something new and different that I havent done before. The second reason is also because my kids; two of my kids one is 16, one is 13 and they have never appreciated one of my movies before. {Laughs.} So, I finally made this monster movie and they love it! {Laughs.} I was making a monster movie that they can watch. LMD: Theyre your best critics ZY: {Laughs} LMD: This is your first film with such an integrated international crew. Your writers, editors, production designers and producers are non-Chinese, even GAME OF THRONES Ramin Djawadi scores the film. The only name I recognised from your past films was your great DP Zhao Xiaoding. How does working with the international crew compare to your Chinese productions and what will you take away from the experience going forward? ZY: So, first of all, they are all wonderful and very talented people. I actually interviewed all of them before we made our selection. They were recommended by the producers, and I went and met each one of them and I selected them. They were all so willing to come on board an international project. They are great learners; they want to learn and they want to collaborate. So that is one of the greatest reasons; Ill get to work with all these people. And working with an international crew is actually great, because you get to see different perspectives. Because as a Chinese director, Ive always made movies in a Chinese way; so suddenly you have people coming from different perspectives and different ways, and they look at the character, they look at story differently, and they give me new ideas. A director is not omnipotent; you dont know everything, and its great to have people giving you ideas from a perspective that you have never considered before. So there is such a great learning experience for me, as well as learning how to collaborate. That is actually a real art; being able to listen, to stop and listen to other people, understand their perspective and then explain your perspective to them. That is a true learning experience for me; I learned how to collaborate, and also to simplify, to come to a point where we all agree and understand. When you do something too complicated, you tend to just overexplain yourself to the point where nobody understands each other, but to be able to find that simplicity and the beauty and the simplicity that everyone understands - that is a really unique talent and skill that I was encouraged to develop. LMD: After your more ambitious productions, you seem to like to make smaller, more personal films like UNDER THE HAWTHORNE TREE or COMING HOME. Will the film after THE GREAT WALL be a smaller one, as well? ZY: Well, anything I do next compared to The Great Wall is going to be smaller, so that is true. But yes, right after my interviews I am going to go back to China, and next month on the 18th, I am going to start shooting my next movie. And even though it has action in it, it is not as big as The Great Wall, and its very much of a character piece. Even though it is also a period piece, it is a character piece. It is one of those things with a lot of character development, a lot of inner turmoil, and its one of those things that I specialise, too. So it is something that I want to explore that Im going to do next. In terms of making movies in the future, especially in terms of co-productions, I would say that it has gotta have a really, really good script. A script that can be appreciated by both cultures and understood by both cultures. LMD: Is there a title for the film? ZY: We havent finalised it. Were still looking at all the options. LMD: There are so many young stars in THE GREAT WALL who I enjoy, like Jing Tian, Lu Han and Wang Junkai. You have introduced the international public to so many young, wonderful stars, what do you look for with your discoveries? ZY: First of all, any actors, theyve got to match the character. Weve got to select the actor based on the character. And then, I look for people who were very smart and intelligent and have good performances. One of the greatest things as a well-known director is to introduce young actors to the rest of the world. I think it is a duty of an established director to introduce new faces, young faces to the audience. The prosecutors office in Cologne and the Federal Criminal Police Office have arrested the alleged mastermind of the MIRAI attack on Deutsche Telekom The agents at the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) have a man that is suspected to be involved with the massive attack on Deutsche Telekom that affected more than 900k routers in November 2016. The affected routers were used by the Deutsche Telekom customers also for fixed telephony and TV services. The problems lasted at least two days, the outage began on Sunday, November 27, at around 17:00, local time. Deutsche Telekom users all over the country were not able to connect online using the users provided by the company. Below a graphic representation of the outage provided by the Allestoerungen.de. The news of the arrest was confirmed by the Germanys federal criminal police force (BKA). German police from the city of Cologne identified the suspect and issued the international arrest warrant. The suspect is a 29-year-old British, the authorities have arrested him at the Luton airport in London on Wednesday. The British police believe the man is the crooks that organized the massive attack. The German police confirmed that the attack was severe and caused serious problems to German citizens. The attackers aimed to recruit the compromised devices in a botnet that was offered for sale on dark web markets. The aim of the attack wave should have been to take over the routers and integrate into a bot network operated by the accused. The bot network is supposed to have offered the accused in the Darknet for consideration for arbitrary attack scenarios, such as so-called DDoS attacks. reads the statement issued by the BKA. From the outset, Deutsche Telekom cooperated with law enforcement agencies, BKA said. Technical assistance was also provided by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) in the analysis of the malicious software used. The prosecutors believe the hacker used a modified version of the dreaded Mirai malware to carry on the attack. The Mirai malware was first spotted by the researcher MalwareMustDie last summer, a botnet of IoT devices compromised by the malicious code was used to shut down the Dyn DNS service. The BKA confirmed that the UK authorities would extradite the 29-year-old man to Germany to face charges of computer sabotage, the man could be condemned to up to 10 years in prison. Pierluigi Paganini (Security Affairs Deutsche Telekom, Mirai) Share this... Linkedin Share this: Email Twitter Print LinkedIn Facebook More Tumblr Pocket Share On If you are currently a print subscriber but don't have an online account, select this option. You will need to use your 7 digit subscriber account number (with leading zeros) and your last name (in UPPERCASE). Florida legislators talk of repealing mandatory minimums for nonviolent offenses | Main | Interesting commentary on Prez Obama's Harvard Law Review article and his criminal justice legacy February 23, 2017 AG Sessions, reversing recent decision made during Obama Administration, signals DOJ return to reliance on private prisons As reported in this Bloomberg News piece, "U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions ordered the Federal Bureau of Prisons to continue using private prisons, rescinding an order by former President Barack Obamas administration." Here is more context: Sessions signed the order on Feb. 21, according to a Justice Department statement. The Justice Department last year halted a decade-long experiment of hiring private companies to help manage the soaring prison population. "The memorandum changed long-standing policy and practice, and impaired the Bureaus ability to meet the future needs of the federal correctional system," Sessions wrote in a new memo released Thursday but dated Feb. 21. "I direct the Bureau to return to its previous approach." The move comes as President Donald Trumps administration has pledged to crack down on illegal immigration and crime. The majority of inmates held at private facilities used by the Justice Department are sentenced criminal aliens, according to the Bureau of Prisons. That largely encompasses undocumented immigrants convicted of drug offenses or entering the U.S. without proper documentation. For a variety of reasons, I do not find this development all that surprising or really all that big of a deal. But I know a lot of reform advocates on the left are especially troubled by the private prison industry, and thus I suspect this move will be another talking point for those concerned about the direction of the federal criminal justice system under the new Administration. February 23, 2017 at 05:30 PM | Permalink Comments As a bias, I favor private companies over government. Not so, for prisons. I have never resigned for work conditions, but had to, working for a private prison. This resignation was despite high pay, relative to other employers. I have never seen such poor management of any institution. I did like its letterhead. It had a logo of a globe with prison bars across it. Posted by: David Behar | Feb 24, 2017 12:13:18 AM The DOJ should be talking in the same terms as the UK Justice Secretary - about placing into law and enhancing the responsibility for rehabilitation practices as a priority in prisons, public or private alike, and putting into place a rigorous system of accountability and public shaming of poor performance. UK prisons are not, at the present time, an example of a world model of excellence - far, far from it - but at least the debate is turning to transformation of role in turning around the perennial problem of recidivism, and should stimulate the provision of healthier and more humane conditions of incarceration. That certainly is the hope, after a long time in the coming. Of course, unless the UK Government reverses years of resource cuts, and insists proper levels of investment by private companies in the prison industry, this won't yield practical results in a hurry - but it is a first essential step along the path - and lack of progress will shame the government. Posted by: peter | Feb 24, 2017 4:21:45 AM The "beauty" of the private warehousing is, that once a HABEAS has been filed, the inmate is bused out of the jurisdiction to quell review and delay dispute. Richelieu invented this technique. But world-wide shaming has never been a deterrent for America. Posted by: Melanie L Lopez | Feb 24, 2017 5:49:02 AM "The "beauty" of the private warehousing is, that once a HABEAS has been filed, the inmate is bused out of the jurisdiction to quell review and delay dispute. Richelieu invented this technique. But world-wide shaming has never been a deterrent for America." Patently untrue. District courts retain jurisdiction over habeas litigation where a prisoner is subsequently transferred. And even if it were true (again, it's not) there would be no less a danger with the BOP, which after all manages facilities across the country and transfers prisoners regularly. Posted by: IB | Feb 24, 2017 9:48:35 AM Peter. Rehab is more rent seeking quackery. One question I have for the lawyers here. Is private corporate prison liability the same as governmental liability? I can sue the government under Section 1983, and collect lawyer's fees, and nothing else. Someone gets raped in prison, can they sue for defective premises security? Can they sue on behalf of a class of rape victims in private prison? The guards sexually abuse the female prisoners. Can they sue for sex discrimination and collect damages for themselves and for those similarly situated? What statute prevents such meritorious claims? Posted by: David Behar | Feb 24, 2017 9:54:44 AM David: Good rehabilitation processes include mental health care/treatment, drug and alcohol abuse treatment/counseling, education and training. If you believe that unimportant, to equip offenders for a successful life back in your community and defeat recidivism, then your value set is seriously damaged. Yes, it costs. So does putting the mentally ill, drug users, poorly educated and unskilled people with a history of criminality back into the community or keeping them locked up for years beyond a fair and sensible term. Posted by: peter | Feb 24, 2017 12:38:55 PM @David: Echoing peter's comment, isn't putting damaged individuals with no rehab back onto the streets, a freshly minted felony conviction, and a gap in their job resume also "rent seeking quackery," as you call it? Such an arrangement, it seems to me, is a recipe to ensure that an individual commits more crimes, thereby ensuring the continued employ of all those in the criminal justice system. Posted by: Guy | Feb 24, 2017 1:33:44 PM @Peter and Guy. Rehab is not even sensible. Train a guy to push a broom for $15 taxed, when he can make $150 tax free. Show us the evidence of success not related to aging. Posted by: David Behar | Feb 24, 2017 2:01:00 PM David: Not so hard to find, if you want to ...yesmagazine.org/peace-justice/meet-the-ex-inmate-whose-successful-prison-rehab-program-goes-beyond-drug-treatment-20160804 Just Google search for "example of the success of rehabilitation". The New York Times article 2012 is another nice one. Posted by: peter | Feb 24, 2017 3:02:08 PM Peter. Inspiring story of one man who was helped most by religion. He really matured with ... age. Need more evidence on which to base any policy. I found the Norwegian experience. That program applies to white people. Our white Norwegians have lower crime rates than Norwegian Norwegians. Our American Norwegians drink less and already have lower crime rates. Norway also has 1/5 the number of lawyers as Minnesota. That seems to be an under estimated factor in the suppression of crime. Japan has 30,000 lawyers for 100 million people. They have an even lower crime rate. In Japan, the guards just beat your ass daily, whether you need it or not. Good rehab statistics. Aside from low number of lawyers per population, those low crime jurisdictions have something else in common. The criminal is far more afraid of the neighbors than of the police. The neighbors know everything, and will not allow crime to continue, all the way up to just shooting the guy if he cannot be persuaded to stop. Please, provide more data. Posted by: David Behar | Feb 24, 2017 9:33:28 PM Peter. Brazil is more overlawyered than the US. It has 3 million lawyers and 210 million people. Crime is making life unbearable. The US has 1.5 million lawyers for 300 million people. Japan has 30,000 lawyers for 100 million people. The best prison rehabilitation, to really reduce recidivism, is to slash the size of the lawyer profession. The reports of decreasing rates of crime are all false news to promote the Democratic Presidential candidacy of Hillary Clinton, to decarcerate, and to generate more lawyer jobs. The profession in the US is in really bad shape. Instead of loosing the criminals, the government can slash crime by closing the Top Tier law schools by force. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4256842/Carnival-kicks-against-cocktail-crisis-Brazil.html This blog about the problems of the lawyer profession has almost twice the readers as this one. Lawyers are really worried. http://thirdtierreality.blogspot.com/ Posted by: David Behar | Feb 24, 2017 10:59:16 PM Someone is, indeed, always wrong on the Internet. Posted by: Guy | Feb 25, 2017 8:57:49 AM Post a comment Buck's notable dis of state finality interests in "flawed" capital sentence | Main | AG Sessions, reversing recent decision made during Obama Administration, signals DOJ return to reliance on private prisons February 23, 2017 Florida legislators talk of repealing mandatory minimums for nonviolent offenses As reported in this local article, headlined "In major Tallahassee reversal, mandatory sentences called a waste of taxpayer money," there is a notable movement to repeal some mandatory minimum sentences in the Sunshine State. Here are the details: Cynthia Powell is serving a 25-year sentence for selling 35 pills for $300 in 2002. Her incarceration at Homestead Correctional Institution costs taxpayers an average of $18,064 per year or $451,600 by the time she is released in 2023. The Florida Senate Criminal Justice Committee concluded Tuesday thats money poorly spent. It voted unanimously for SB 290, which would end minimum mandatory sentences for nonviolent offenses like Powells. The measure represents a major shift from the tough-on-crime bills of the last two decades that filled prisons and created what both liberals and conservatives now believe has been a subclass of lifers in jail and a waste of tax money. The prison diversion bill would save the state $131 million in avoided costs and put 1,001 fewer people in jail, said Sen. Daryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, the bills sponsor. The measure would allow judges to depart from the 118 minimum mandatory sentences in Florida law but excludes drug traffickers. It restores the Florida Sentencing Commission, which existed from 1982 to 1997, but limits its scope to determining the severity ranking that adds points to an offenders record based on certain offenses. Anyone who commits a violence offense, is not eligible for the courts leniency. Reforming Floridas legacy of harsh sentencing is one of several reforms being pushed by a coalition of liberal and conservative advocates that were passed unanimously by the Senate committee on Tuesday. We are in an interesting juncture in our society and the Legislature, where Democrats and Republicans in both chambers agree that its really time to look at our criminal justice system and start to make some reforms, said Sen. Randolph Bracy, D-Orlando, chairman of the committee.... Greg Newburn, director of Families Against Mandatory Minimums, a conservative group that supports ending mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent crimes, said dozens of states have already made the decision to move in this area. They include Georgia, Oklahoma and North Carolina. The results are uniform, he said. We get lower crime. We get smaller prison populations. Theyve closed prisons and saved tens of millions of dollars. If Powell, the Homestead inmate, had sold two fewer pills in 2002, she would have gotten a 15-year sentence, he said. If she sold them today, it would be a seven-year sentence. Instead, she wont be released until 2023. There are many other people in similar situations who simply dont need to be there, he said. Its a waste of money. We receive no public safety benefit whatsoever. His organization supports full repeal of mandatory minimum drug laws as states such as Michigan, New York and Delaware have done but he considers the piecemeal progress proposed by the Senate a good reform. Jim DeBeaugrine of the Center for Advanced Justice, a sentencing reform advocacy group, warned the committee that giving drug offenders shorter sentences will only keep them out of prison if they receive treatment for substance abuse and mental health issues. If you try to do it on the cheap, the results of this outcome are compromised, he said. The only way you will ever end the issue of mass incarceration is youve got to stop putting so many people in prison. February 23, 2017 at 08:18 AM | Permalink Comments Spend $450,000, save $millions in damages, as 200 crimes a year take place inside the prison walls, and not outside. Return on investment (ROI) greater than any other in human history. Buy a gun for $300 and make $3000 in a bank robbery, the ROI is orders of magnitude smaller. Posted by: David Behar | Feb 23, 2017 8:57:37 AM I demand to know the home address of Jim DeBeaugrine. The advocates, asking that Cynthia Powell be released, must take her into their homes, in good neighborhoods. They may not dump this toxic person onto a poor neighborhood with political power too weak to resist. Posted by: David Behar | Feb 23, 2017 9:02:47 AM Behar, get off this list. We've seen you before. Go somewhere else, please. Posted by: anon | Feb 23, 2017 9:29:16 AM Many countries make resentencing of existing prisoners when the statutory punishment for the crime for which they were convicted is reduced a constitutional right. The U.S. went awry in not adopting the same principle. Posted by: ohwilleke | Feb 23, 2017 9:48:23 AM Anon. Get out of this country before you get rounded up. I am just concerned about your welfare with the Trump administration. Posted by: David Behar | Feb 23, 2017 11:39:57 AM Anon. Get out of this country before you get rounded up. I am just concerned about your welfare with the Trump administration. Posted by: David Behar | Feb 23, 2017 11:39:58 AM The convicted crime may be non violent. The indicted crime may be violent. Any such rule change should be based on the indicted crime, the one closest to reality, least likely to be yet another lawyer fiction. Posted by: David Behar | Feb 23, 2017 12:06:37 PM Anon. You will like this one. I returned because Bill Otis asked me to. Someone has to speak for crime victims to this group of self dealing lawyers. Posted by: David Behar | Feb 23, 2017 12:08:55 PM I was going to make a substantive comment then I read the comments and changed my mind. Who in their right mind is going to be open to thinking after all that drivel. Posted by: Daniel | Feb 23, 2017 4:46:59 PM @David. I dislike you. Not because you say controversial things, I'm OK with that. Nor because you speak for crime victims, I'm OK with that. But it is annoying the way you come into comment threads and dominate them with numerous comments that are off-topic, filled with drivel, and generally mean-spirited. In my view it is a form of trolling and should be banned. Posted by: Daniel | Feb 23, 2017 4:49:47 PM @Daniel. Please, see my first remark. It is on the topic of mandatory sentencing for non-violent crime. Criminals do not specialize. My second is about the hypocrisy of the advocates named in the post. You have no criticism for the personal attacks that were irrelevant to the topic. Nor is your remark relevant to the topic of the post. You are just biased. Posted by: David Behar | Feb 23, 2017 5:09:25 PM The fruit of the above decarceration movement. Death. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-man-61-found-shot-dead-in-garage-in-south-lawndale-20170222-story.html Posted by: David Behar | Feb 23, 2017 7:23:04 PM Behar, Why so bitter? You have nothing better to di than to advocate for cruelty and policies that most rational folks have rejected long ago. You, like our Cheeto-coifed idiot president, pander to those who lack education and brains and are therefore susceptible to racist paranoia and appeals to White resentment. Shame on you. You should and do know better. Just like Bill Otis. It is telling that many favoring reform are well-educated, upper-middle class folks. It is not our friends and relatives who need criminal justice reform. We have a lot to lose from crime, yet do not succumb to demogogues, like you and Otis and their idiotic arguments by anecdote. We get involved in these issues because, unlike you, we care about those less fortunate. And for many of us, we were brought up right in the Compassionate Jewish tradition. Once again, shame on you. There is a special place in hell for those who know better yet pander to the rubes. Mark Posted by: Mark38@gmail.com | Feb 23, 2017 10:26:45 PM I second Mark's take. Many of us here are lawyers but do not regularly represent criminal defendants. And criminal lawyers do not benefit financially from fewer prosecutions and fewer threats of draconian sentencing. So, what do you mean by "self-dealing," David? Are you a crime victim who has found it difficult to move on? If so you have my sympathies, but that status does not give you the moral right to try to ruin others' lives by advocating draconian sentences. There are many virtuous crime victims who speak up for second chances and compassion. Stop it with the hiding behind the skirts of victims generally. You are an amoral lout. Posted by: Eric | Feb 23, 2017 10:38:08 PM David, Ps, Concird Law School? Is that accredited? No wonder you rant like an under-educated ignoramous. Where is your medical degree from? Grenada? Not only are you compassionless, you appear to be a fraud. Posted by: Eric | Feb 23, 2017 10:47:15 PM Mark -- honestly not sure if your comment is satire. If not... "It is telling that many favoring reform are well-educated, upper-middle class folks. It is not our friends and relatives who need criminal justice reform. We have a lot to lose from crime..." Please do a quick google search on who bears the disproportionate burden of crime. It's *not* "upper-middle class folks." It's the poor. Both criminals and victims of crime are disproportionately poor minorities. Policies like shorter sentences and less law enforcement disproportionately benefit poor minority criminals and disproportionately burden poor minority law abiding citizens. Upper-middle class "folks" like you get to live in newly-safe gentrifying neighborhoods in their 20s, then move out to the suburbs in their 30s-50s, and then move to gated communities in Florida in their 60s. You are *not* the people who face the negative consequences of your polices. You get to release criminals into poor neighborhoods, ignore the result, and talk about your own virtue while shaking your head at the rubes who disagree with you. Obviously, there are good arguments on both sides of the sentencing/enforcement debate, but it is not a debate between "virtuous" upper-middle class liberals and uneducated lower-middle class rubes. The debate is intra-class, intra-race, and intra-party. If you're blind to the real harm that lower sentences and decreased enforcement will have on the poor, then you're not actually engaging the issues. 10 seconds of quick google search is a taste of how the debate actually occurs outside of your safe upper-middle class bubble: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/baltimore-cops-pressured-to-police-differently-but-also-begged-to-clear-the-corners/2016/08/25/9e2372da-631e-11e6-96c0-37533479f3f5_story.html https://poll.qu.edu/new-york-city/release-detail?ReleaseID=2297 Posted by: Levin | Feb 23, 2017 11:07:36 PM Personal remarks represent defeat in the traverse. In a tribunal, they would be rejoindered by the judge. A confused jury would take the judge's comment as a sign of which way to decide. By these remarks, the lawyer would have committed legal malpractice. Lawyers are easy to set off. Why are so many people angry, and wish me gone? Simple. An effective drop in the crime rate, such as happened after mandatory sentencing guidelines, resulted in massive lawyer unemployment. The lawyers are defending their pay. If the lawyer could start to listen, I can show it how to quadruple its average income, and to elevate its effectiveness, and public esteem 10 fold. Posted by: David Behar | Feb 23, 2017 11:56:27 PM If Prof. Berman explicitly allows it, I can discuss Concord Law. You have never seen anything like it in this country. Posted by: David Behar | Feb 24, 2017 12:03:28 AM @Daniel. I am waiting for your criticism of the above off topic remarks. Posted by: David Behar | Feb 24, 2017 12:05:35 AM This is why they killed Socrates. Posted by: Boffin | Feb 24, 2017 12:32:12 AM Boffin. I love the lawyer. I am going to help it do better, no matter what fit it throws. Posted by: David Behar | Feb 24, 2017 12:55:28 AM @Eric and Mark. The lawyer profession in the USA is among the worst in the world. Sierra Leone has a better legal system. For example, they were instrumental in stopping a massive ebola epidemic. Compare to the laws the US lawyer passed that spread AIDS to millions of people, due to their irresponsible privileging homosexual sexual predators. I am here to help you. Name any self declared goal of any legal subject. It is in abject failure in the USA. The entire country hates you. They want you gone. Stop bashing the one who can save and bring the profession into the modern age. In your top law school, were you taught the technical meaning of the word, reason? Do you know why the word, reasonable, is the central doctrine of the common law? Neither did a Harvard Law grad with a PhD in Medieval Legal History from Oxford. I learned that in high school, in 10th Grade World History. I understand why you are so emotional. You are afraid for your salary. I understand. Posted by: David Behar | Feb 25, 2017 1:00:21 AM I am a mother of a son sentence to Florida harsh evil unfair sentence 10-20-life mandatory. was 17 disable. Posted by: Mary Morss | Mar 17, 2017 3:49:33 PM Post a comment This well-established Blog is worth visiting on a regular basis for a wealth of information of interest to Armenian nationals and to the Armenian Diaspora world-wide. Although it has a particular role in promoting international recognition of the Genocide, the Blog encompasses much more and includes many articles of general appeal to all those concerned with Armenian affairs. Much of the content is difficult or impossible to find elsewhere and the long list of links provided gives easy access to a plethora of material on social, political, religious, educational and cultural matters, and many news items from around the world. Oh #SFBay, you so dirty! this news! San Francisco Bay turns brown after nonstop storms https://t.co/9U26n7ACLR via @SFGate @bayareamoms Erica Maharg (@BackwardGraham) February 15, 2017 Anne Sasaki of San Francisco has been swimming in the bay waters for nearly 30 years, but last week afforded her rare new first. After swallowing some water, she became sick and threw up. "The bay has got cleaner and cleaner over the years and decades," Sasaki tellsThe Bay Area News Group, "but maybe I should be more concerned about whats in the water after the storms. You may have noticed, as I did this weekend, driving over the Golden Gate Bridge, just how brown and murky the bay waters have become after heavy storms. Last week, the Coast Guard went so far as to issue a debris warning. In situations like these, East Bay Regional Park District representative Hal MacLean tells the News Group, "The common advice we give people is to avoid swimming in the three days after a big storm. But readers of a reportfrom the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Board might find themselves inclined to wait a bit longer. The Board counted 120 sewage overflows in three stormy January weeks, 85 of which sent waste into the bay or surrounding waterways. The culprits were many: Richmond spilled 9 million gallons of partially treated effluent into a marsh that leads into the bay. Vallejo's sewer system let out 2 million gallons into the body of water, and San Mateo spilled 260,000 gallons into it. The East Bay Municipal Utility District, meanwhile, spilled 5 million gallons of untreated sewage, which that district blames on power and equipment failures, rainwater getting into leaky pipes and overwhelming its sewage system, and so forth. Regardless, now that's all washing around in the bay waters, although the District emphasizes that it's allocated $5.6 million in the next year to reduce sewage overflows, an amount it plans to spend each year going forward, according to a district spokesperson. "Some of the Regions wastewater treatment plants also experienced wet weather problems," the report goes on: Those include the West County Wastewater District which spilled about 9 million gallons of what's known as un-disinfected primary-treated wastewater into Wildcat Marsh. That occurred, according to a Regional Water Quality Board, "because influent flows exceeded the storage capacity of its equalization basins. The list of incidences goes on: "The Valero Refinerys wastewater treatment plant flooded due to high flows in Sulphur Springs Creek, which abuts the plant," the Board rep explains. "The plants proximity to San Francisco Bay and a coinciding king tide exacerbated the problem." But with the bad chemicals, bacteria, pesticides, debris from streets comes the good. The brown in the Bay Waters is largely a plume of sediment, the raw material necessary to rebuild wetlands and maintain their health. That sediment, though, is mixed up with pollutants toxic mercury from old mines, Lester McKee, a scientist with the San Francisco Estuary Institute tells News Group. The sediment is a good thing," says McKee, and yet also, "the sediment is a bad thing." Bottom line: "We need the sediment. Unfortunately, the Bay is very good at retaining these legacy pollutants. Its like a bath tub. Sure, or for some brave wetsuit-wearers like Anne Sasaki, it's more of a swimming pool. Previously: Wave Of Storms Turns Bay Brown, Prompts Coast Guard Debris Warning Among the best known ballads by Los Angeles-based folk-rock band Dawes, "A Little Bit of Everything" sets the first of its several gloomy scenes on the Golden Gate Bridge. The opening lines of that song: With his back against the San Francisco traffic On the bridge's side that faces towards the jail Setting out to join a demographic He hoists his first leg up over the rail I know: Jesus, right? But that's Dawes, who are Taylor Goldsmith on vocals and guitar, his brother Griffin Goldsmith on drums, Wylie Gelber on bass, and Lee Pardini on keys. They're sentimental, even tragic, without apology, and in fact they seem pretty happy with themselves about it. Dawes played "A Little Bit of Everything" at the Fillmore last night, headlining the 25th Noise Pop Festival, and they also played, forgive me, a little bit of everything, reaching back into a catalogue that feels bottomless even though it only dates to 2009. Presenting themselves as journeymen American rockers "We want to be the hardest working band in America" Taylor Goldmisth told the audience the band played two sets with no opener. It was an act studded with more anthemic, country-rock platitude-infused ballads than you might have thought possible, and if it feels to you, as it does to me, like Dawes has been around way longer than they really have, it could be by virtue of their timeless, artful style. On the flip-side of the band's hard-working Americana vibe, Dawes cultivates, as they put it on the track "Time Spent In Los Angeles," a "certain kind of sadness those two phrases being made to rhyme. Aspects of that, folksy, Lauren Canyon melancholy, are self-consciously masculine: Raw rather than tender, nihilistic rather than optimistic. But Dawes' depressing lows and boy they are low allow for big, cathartic highs, with soaring guitar solos and audience sing-alongs. "A Little Bit of Everything," for example, is eventually a tune about redemption the "little bit of everything" becoming, variously, what to order at a buffet, what to seek out in life, and a lover's many charms. If here, as elsewhere, Dawes feels a little too earnest, it's also true that they feel pretty damn good. Last night, when they changed the lyric "It's the red moon when it's full" to sing instead "It's the Fillmore when it's full," the audience was more inclined to whoop than to groan. We were feeling it. Related: The Best Shows, Films, And More At The 25th Noise Pop Festival Spotted on 19th Street: A delivery robot named "Carry" https://t.co/l8mXp2GqCH pic.twitter.com/EC1HGZUCuk Mission Local (@MLNow) February 22, 2017 That R2D2-ish delivery robot on wheels that we first told you about last spring, from a startup called Dispatch, has recently been spotted testing in the Mission and the "learning the sidewalks" of the 'hood, as Mission Local reports, complete with human handlers keeping a close eye. The name of the machine is Carry (clever?), and after testing on two local college campuses last year Menlo College and CSU Monterey Bay it appears ready to get its wheels wet, so to speak, on some city streets. It's unclear when actual deliveries might start, or who Dispatch is even partnering with in terms of what it will be delivering (one of the human handlers said something about ice cream to Mission Local). But can we just speculate how soon one of these Carries will get kicked over by a drunk person/angry homeless person/militant anti-tech person once they're actually dispatched on the sidewalks without human handlers? All investor talk aside about how much cheaper this is than drone delivery systems, how annoying will it be having to weave around these rolling boxes on our already crowded sidewalks if and when we actually have to deal with them on the daily? You can't easily steal what's inside, however the robot only gets unlocked and pops open via an app. Based in South San Francisco, Dispatch has three co-founders you can learn about here, and they've raised $2 million in seed funding from the likes of Andreeson Horowitz and others. And they're not the only startup trying to make it first to market in this wheeled-robot-delivery space a competitor, Starship, partnered with Postmates and was testing on the sidewalks of the Richmond last fall, and appears to have rolled out some of its first deliveries in DC this week, as seen in a tweet below. Prepare for this next AI invasion and the inevitable backlash and angry letters from the City Attorney and fight over permitting, etc. any month now. Previously: R2D2 Robot Things Want To Deliver You Stuff In an effort to pander to religious conservatives who desperately want to make America straight and cisgender again, President Trump's administration issued a directive late Wednesday, as they had been expected to do, reversing President Obama's earlier directive with regard to allowing transgender students to use the restrooms of their choice. As the New York Times reports, unlikely trans ally Betsy DeVos, the new Secretary of Education, was actually against the idea and fought to avoid signing off on it, but she was strong-armed by Attorney General Jeff Sessions and, apparently, the president himself, into doing so. This was not an executive order, per se, but was actually a letter issued to school districts nationwide that needs both DeVos's signature, and that of Sessions, repealing Obama's order of last May. The new directive sets up the Trump Administration for yet another drag-out fight with the ACLU, not to mention every (typically) blue state in the nation, in a contentious and ongoing legal battle over the rights of transgender people not to mention states' rights, since many states in the nation have already passed their own laws protecting trans students, and trans people in general. Also, as the Times points out, the move to bend to Sessions and the religious right appears counter to Trump's own personal beliefs, whatever those may be, and some statements he's made previously on the campaign trail. As the Chronicle explains, the Obama directive cited its own interpretation of Title IX, which prohibits schools that receive federal money from discriminating based on a students sex, adding that this should now include a students transgender status. Court cases continue to be heard over this issue, and the Obama directive was not legally binding, and now the new directive signed by Sessions and DeVos contends that Obama's earlier letter did not "contain extensive legal analysis or explain how the position is consistent with the express language of Title IX, nor did [it] undergo any formal public process," thus, "This interpretation has given rise to significant litigation regarding school restrooms and locker rooms. In a further caveat, perhaps requested as a compromise by DeVos who has said she opposes bullying, the letter reads, paradoxically, Please note that the withdrawal of these guidance documents does not leave students without protections from discrimination, bullying or harassment. DeVos issued her own statement saying, "This is an issue best solved at the state and local level. Schools, communities, and families can find and in many cases have found solutions that protect all students." As Fox News reports, Press Secretary Sean Spicer denied that there was any pushback from DeVos except over wording. Meanwhile, protesters and trans advocates have been gathering outside the White House this evening, as DCist reported. Kris Hayashi, executive director of the Transgender Law Center, issued a statement saying, "Its shameful and cruel that government and officials are using their power to target transgender youth, who are simply trying to go to school and live their lives." House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi issued a statement about the new directive saying: No student should face discrimination at school because of who they are. Transgender students have the same right to a safe environment at school and in their community as everyone else. Withdrawing the historic guidance from the Obama Administration to protect transgender students is a cruel blow to an already vulnerable group of young people. This move shows that President Trump cannot be trusted to defend the rights of LGBT Americans. This is not a state issue. This is an issue of equality for all. The Administrations wanton disregard of protecting the civil rights of the LGBT community is harmful to our communities and our schools. Democrats will keep demanding that the Trump Administration advocate for all Americans. Transgender students and all students are protected by the Constitution and Title IX, regardless of this Administrations callous position. House Democrats will never stop confronting bigotry and discrimination wherever it is practiced, and will never stop fighting for LGBT equality." California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, a staunch advocate for LGBT rights throughout his career, issued his own tweets of protest and indignation, including one in direct response to VP Mike Pence. Police are investigating a series of fires at a popular San Francisco tourist destination, after witnesses say a man ran from business to business lighting setting things ablaze. Police say that the suspect, who is described as between 35-45 years of age, committed the crimes at multiple buildings at Fisherman's Wharf's Pier 39 at around 4:12 p.m. Tuesday. According to the San Francisco Police Department, the man entered an area retail store, "set property on fire, and fled scene." He "then entered another business and set property on fire, and fled scene." Police did not have any details on any possible motive for the firestarter, but confirmed that as of Wednesday morning, he remains at large. Related: Pepper Spray Perp Ruins Wharfgoers' Bread Bowl Adventure A new ramen option comes to downtown Oakland this via Shiba Ramen, which has already staked its claim in the East Bay scene via a stall at the Emeryville Public Market. As Inside Scoop reports, the ramen shop takes over the space formerly occupied by Bittersweet Cafe at 1438 Broadway, between 14th and 15th Streets near Oakland City Center. The proprietors are Jake Freed and Hiroko Nakamura, and as Eater tells us, overseeing both Shiba Ramen spots will be newly hired chef Danny Keiser, formerly of Camino, who's going to be bringing more pickled things to the menu, which already boasts eight types of ramen and a handful of sides, like Nagoya-style fried sesame-pepper chicken wings. The new larger space, say Freed and Nakamura, is going to allow them to test out some new dishes as well. Also, as Inside Scoop previously reported, the duo is planning to open an accompanying beer and sake bar called The Periodic Table next door to Shiba Ramen at Emeryville Public Market. Stay tuned for an opening date on that. Shiba Ramen - 1438 Broadway (between 14th and 15th), Oakland. Open Monday-Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Related: The 15 Best Ramen Spots In The Bay Area Some big tech companies came out in support of trans rights and in opposition to the Trump Administration's latest attack on them, the directive issued Wednesday by the Departments of Justice and Education to rescind an earlier Obama directive with regard to allowing trans students to use the bathrooms of their gender. Apple, Uber, and Microsoft led the charge condemning the new directive, as Politico reports, but meanwhile Twitter appears to be helping silence trans people who speak out against the decision, and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is busy touring the Deep South as part of his quest to visit all 50 states this year. Also, where's Trump's man Peter Thiel, who actually spoke out against this very bathroom issue from the Republican Convention stage? Apple issued a statement via Axios late Wednesday saying, "Apple believes everyone deserves a chance to thrive in an environment free from stigma and discrimination. We support efforts toward greater acceptance, not less, and we strongly believe that transgender students should be treated as equals. We disagree with any effort to limit or rescind their rights and protections." Uber issued a similar statement saying it was "proud of our longstanding opposition to harmful initiatives aimed at the LGBT community," and pledging to "continue to speak out against discriminatory actions and in favor of good policy that champions equality and inclusion for all." Competitor Lyft also said it "oppose[s] this action and, as always, [we] stand in support of the LGBTQ community." Google said that the company was "deeply concerned to see a roll-back in transgender students' rights," and Microsoft's chief legal officer Brad Smith issued the tweet below, by way of comment, referencing the date of the Emancipation Proclamation. Since Jan. 1, 1863, the federal government has played a vital role in protecting the rights of all Americans. Lets not stop now. #LGBTQ Brad Smith (@BradSmi) February 22, 2017 Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff just quietly retweeted the ACLU on Wednesday, and spoke out himself. We want trans students across the country and their parents to know the law is on your side and we at the ACLU won't stop fighting for you. ACLU National (@ACLU) February 22, 2017 Let's agree now to always love all our children, and that our schools will be safe places for all. #EqualityForAll pic.twitter.com/DfhCjTbaoc Marc Benioff (@Benioff) February 23, 2017 Meanwhile, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was busy on a tour of Alabama and Mississippi the last couple days and has yet to speak out on the matter. Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, who's been very outspoken on the immigration issue, has been notably silent on this one so far, and as some trans advocates have pointed out, it appears that calling out Vice President Mike Pence on his tweet proclaiming that this all about God and making America great can get your account suspended. Twitter is shadowbanning trans people for speaking out against the administration.@tdfischer_ pic.twitter.com/KbTnKBh4DX Emily of the State (@EmilyGorcenski) February 23, 2017 And Trump supporter/gay American Peter Thiel may or may not comment on this particular LGBT issue, but he hasn't yet. Just as a reminder, when he took to the podium at the Republican National Convention last July, he said, and we quote, "When I was a kid, the great debate was about how to defeat the Soviet Union. And we won. Now we are told that the great debate is about who gets to use which bathroom. This is a distraction from our real problems. Who cares?" Lots other companies who've spoken publicly before about this remain silent. As does Thiel, who addressed it on convention stage. https://t.co/KrnkmSBN45 Tony Romm (@TonyRomm) February 23, 2017 Previously: Pelosi, Newsom Respond To Trump Directive Reversing School Policy On Bathroom Use For Trans Students Julia Child once said "The real test of a good chef is a perfectly roasted chicken," and I have subscribed to that dictum over the years in eating around San Francisco and elsewhere, always being quick to love a place that made me a lovely chicken. Today the SFist editors assemble for you what we'd say are the finest examples around town, though truly the list could probably have been twice as long as this, if not more, because this is a city that takes its roast chicken seriously. As the great lady would say, bon appetit! Bonita Taqueria y Rotisserie I know what you're thinking a taqueria in the Marina? Well, get over it. Chef Alberto Pitman has, they say, "developed a fusion of traditional iconic Mexican flavors along with contemporary spices and presentation." That includes their rotisserie chicken, a product of Mary's Free Range Chickens (I know, what's with the "s"?) marinated and roasted in their own secret mix of herbs and spices. You can order a half chicken or a full chicken, likely for less than you'd pay for a cocktail in that part of town. Eve Batey 2257 Chestnut Street between Scott and Pierce Streets Cocotte Though many of us associate rotisserie chicken with tailgate parties or Kenny Rogers, a single look at the word will remind you that it's a cooking tradition that began with the French and a walk down any busy street in Paris will prove it, with plump roasted chickens hanging in the windows of many a cafe. It's a tradition kept alive at Cocotte, where executive chef and co-owner Mikael Audry (who hails from Sancerre) is so dedicated to the rotisserie that the word appears in their logo. Diners have their choice of a half or whole "organic Petaluma chicken a la broche served with roccola pesto, romesco sauce, and porcini mushroom sauce" (yes, all three). If you prefer to rip into your chicken as you watch The Walking Dead, they also have a rotisserie to go plan that will send you on your way with a fowl, sauce and your choice of sides. Eve Batey 1521 Hyde Street, between Jackson Street and Pacific Avenue Photo: Commissary/Facebook The Commissary I will always go back for the chicken at chef Traci Des Jardins's Presidio restaurant, where the preparation of the bird changes seasonally but you can always count on the execution being on point. I originally had it served with a vinegar-y onion gastrique and accompanied by chicken liver toasts, but it's also been served with chorizo, kale, and marcona almonds, as pictured above, and with lentils, carrots, and lollipop kale as it is on the menu currently. In any form, it's not going to disappoint. Jay Barmann 101 Montgomery Street (the Presidio Montgomery Street) Rich L. via Yelp Delfina Organic Mary's birds, roasted with trumpet mushrooms and mashed potatoes (with some primo olive olive) is a juicy must-order at owner Craig Stoll's mission institution. No, the pizzeria is next door. Caleb Pershan 3621 18th Street between Guerrero and Dolores Streets Elmira's rotisserie chicken. Photo: Ann S/Yelp Elmira Rosticceria If you're craving a roast chicken for weekday lunch, Elmira's the "neighborhood Italian eatery" that can scratch that itch. Though they're only open until 3 p.m. Monday-Friday, they do a brisk business in roast meats and seasonal salads, as well as their take on Mary's Free Range Chickens, served by the half. And you better clear your afternoon calendar, as your bird also comes with "potatoes slathered in pork drippings." After this work day lunch, you're gonna need a nap. Eve Batey 154 McAllister Street, between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets Photo: Jay Barmann/SFist Fog City Chef Bruce Hill's wood-oven roasted chicken was an immediate standout when he made over the former Fog City Diner's menu in 2013, and it remains a star of the menu today and one of the first that come to mind when I think of great roast chickens, besides Zuni's. It's simply prepared, butterflied and roasted over aromatics like cumin and coriander, and seasoned with Maldon sea salt, lemon zest, chili, and black pepper, and it comes served in a cast-iron pan with roasted potatoes and charred corn. And the wood oven (and butterflying) keeps it super juicy. Jay Barmann 1300 Battery at the Embarcadero T. via Yelp Goood Frikin Chicken My sister had to drag me into Good Frikin Chicken years after I'd moved to the neighborhood, but I'm glad she did. Though the chicken shwarma is great, the whole rotisserie chicken's what you want, roasted to perfection as it is with a dusting of Middle Eastern spices. The name, which originally put me off, does not lie. Caleb Pershan 10 29th Street at Mission Street Photo courtesy of Lark Lark The half roasted chicken at Lark in the Castro, listed on the menu with the Greek word "Kotopoulo," is perhaps less of a Greek-style chicken as a riff on chicken piccata with the subtle addition of oregano. It's a consistently delicious, $19 dinner, served deboned with a white wine-lemon-butter sauce with capers and a side of well seasoned quinoa, and the added bonus with this place is a reasonably priced, and totally interesting wine selection by the glass. Jay Barmann 4068 18th Street Limon Rotisserie via Yelp Limon Rotisserie Owner Martin Castillo started with Limon in 2004 and expanded with Limon Rotisserie spin offs. But eventually, he switched the original Limon to a Limon Rotisserie as well: People just couldn't stop ordering the Peruvian-style chicken, and so Castillo gave the people what they wanted. It's what you'd like, too. Caleb Pershan 1001 South Van Ness Avenue between 21st and 22nd Streets and 524 Valencia Street between 16th and 17th Street Marlowe Marlowe and its chef, Jennifer Puccio, won me over with this poulet vert when the restaurant first opened in 2010, and it remains one of my hands-down favorites in town. As Puccio explains in the seven-year-old video above, she uses Rosie organic chicken, and it's marinated and then served with a vibrant herb puree that includes parsley, tarragon, basil, garlic, anchovies, capers, and Dijon mustard. Currently on the menu it's served with a pancetta-Brussels sprout hash and sweet potato puree. Jay Barmann 500 Brannan Street at Fourth Photo: Lee D./Yelp Morning Due Cafe A hidden gem of the Castro/Mission border (i.e. Church Street) is the rotisserie chicken at Morning Due Cafe, which is seasoned with a bit of Middle Eastern flair with sumac and a spice blend they've otherwise kept secret. It's a reasonably priced meal in an unreasonably priced city with a half chicken dinner just $14 (including fattoush salad and one side), and you can grab a full Dolores Park picnic feast here with two whole chickens and four sides for $40. Be advised that the rotisserie counter has a separate entrance from the regular cafe, over on Church Street. Jay Barmann 3698 17th Street at Church The chicken accompaniments vary by season. Photo: Hungry K./Yelp Nopa Newly added as a semi-finalist for the James Beard prize this year for Outstanding Restaurant in the county awarded only to top-tier restaurants that are 10 or more years in Nopa continues to be a tough reservation to get last minute, and a favorite dining destination for the center of the city. Chef Laurence Jossel specializes in the kind of rustic California-Mediterranean food that put this city on the national food map, and the rotisserie herbed chicken with butterball potatoes and horseradish cream is a consistent standout on menu with several of them. You may be inclined to go for something more exciting sounding when you land a table here, but you'd be wise to give this chicken a try and remember how great a rotisserie chicken can be. Jay Barmann 560 Divisadero at Hayes Sarah A. via Yelp Old Jerusalem Most nights, Old Jerusalem will run out of mousakhan, a Palestinian chicken preparation served on a bed of bread. When you taste it, you'll see why. Sumac and other spices seep into the chicken juice, which is absorbed by the bread so you don't miss a drop. Caleb Pershan 2976 Mission Street between25th and 26th Streets Roli Roti Farmers' market-goers should be pretty well familiar with the sight of Roli Roti's rolling rotisserie operation, where spit-roasting birds can be seen turning and roasting and dripping their juices all over a delectable pile of rosemary potatoes. Swiss-born farmer's son Thomas Odermatt was inspired to create his sustainably sourced, herb-marinated, free-range chicken operation back in 2002, noticing that there weren't enough simple, wholesome meal options available on-the-go, or via food trucks. Fifteen years in he can now claim to be the "grandfather of gourmet street food," and the Roli Roti operation makes appearances at 46 different markets each week at the height of farmers' market season. Clearly his formula has worked (and the porchetta is bomb, too). Jay Barmann Various locations Spinnerie via Facebook Spinnerie Deboned Mary's free range rotisserie chickens, anyone? These ones are spatchcocked, to be precise, and they're the star of the show at this counter service, casual spot on the Polk corridor. Oh, and their Peri Peri chicken is as close to Dom's Chicken Window fantasy, or whatever, as you're likely to come. Caleb Pershan 1401 Polk Street between California and Pine Streets Photo: Jay Barmann/SFist Tartine Manufactory A highlight of dinner service at this Mission warehouse space is the skillet-roasted half chicken, with leeks, sherry vinegar, and hazelnuts. Gluten gods Chad Robertson and Elisabeth Prueitt enlisted chef Sam Goinsalvos (formerly of New York's Il Buco) for their big sister follow-up to the original bread and pastry shop, and its impressive entrees like this that show just how much their establishment can do. Cale Pershan 595 Alabama Street at 18th Street Photo courtesy of Tosca Cafe Tosca Cafe Tosca's roasted chicken for two, served in pieces atop thick, soaked slices of Italian bread slathered in fresh ricotta, in a pool of heavenly marsala gravy redolent of maple syrup, is absolutely a must-try, and destined to eventually land on our compendium of must-have classic SF dishes. It's only been on the menu of the revamped bar-restaurant for a little over three years, though, so it's not classic yet, but executive chef April Bloomfield delivered a stunner with this one (which I'd put at the top of my recommendation list for this place if it weren't for the equally amazing red-sauce dinner options, meatballs and braised pork shank included). Jay Barmann Photo: Yelp A Mission District mural depicting the matriarch and patriarch of Bob's Burgers, Bob and Linda Belcher, created last year by show illustrator and local muralist Sirron Norris, is gone. The artwork, on a roll-up door at Rhea's Cafe on the corner of 20th and Bryant Streets, was painted over "very reluctantly" yesterday by a group of three assigned to the task. "I wish the building owner could know how unhappy the neighborhood is about this," said a tipster to SFist, a neighborhood resident who wished to remain anonymous. "Or at least, I know I am," the tipster added. The group of painters erasing the mural included Rhea's owner, relaying to the tipster that they were painting over it at the behest of the building owner. Norris painted the mural on in November his idea to commemorate the San Francisco connection to the cartoon family comedy with a heart of gold and (and a silver tongue). The show's creator, Loren [Bouchard], lived on 20th, Norris told Hoodline last year The house he used to live in, which is the model for the [Belchers'] restaurant, is also on 20th. [Character designer] Jay Howell worked at Atlas Cafe, and I lived at Bryant and 20th. That corner has a connection to the show. Norris' illustrations are all over town one of his recent works of whimsy figured a buddha, a rabbi, and a black power activist on a cable car. SFist has reached out to him for comment. Update: Norris's response to SFist: "Apparently they are worried about copyright issues. The owner is not a fan." Related: Photo Du Jour: A Buddha, A Rabbi, A Black Power Activist, And Frida Kahlo's Ghost On A Cable Car Though a few parts of Southern California remain in a state of "moderate" or "severe" drought, the U.S. Drought Monitor reported Thursday that the vast majority of the state has now emerged from what had been "extreme" and "exceptional" drought conditions just a few months ago. As the Sacramento Bee reports, Northern California is officially drought-free, but the drought is not officially officially done until Governor Jerry Brown rescinds his drought emergency declaration from 2014. Also, the State Water Resources Control Board just voted two weeks ago to extend the statewide emergency water controls for another nine months, despite the epic rains and floods of the past two months. That last bit may be confusing, given all the rain, but the water controls and usage rules that were enacted in 2015 have been lifted for many communities, and those still in place are not nearly as strict as they were. Also, Brown's administration tells the Sacramento Bee that the Drought Monitor reports don't adequately account for the "water deficit" that was created during our five-plus years of drought, "particularly in the states overpumped aquifers." Also, it should be noted that it's still February, and the Drought Monitor gets updated weekly, and we've come a long way since early November, when 75 percent of the state remained in drought. 17 percent, or a change of 58 percent in three months, is a major hurdle. So, qualifiers aside, the LA Times is declaring most of us out of the drought, and they note that the state water board is going to be revisiting their decision about usage rules in May once the rainy season is over. The Monitor report also points to snowpack in the Sierra, which is a key factor in ending the drought, saying "As of February 21, the daily Sierra Nevada snowpack was 186% of average for the date and 151% of the April 1 climatological peak." Reservoirs in Southern California, where drought conditions still exist per the above map, "still have a long way to go" they say. "As of February 22, Lake Cachuma was at 82,011 acre-feet, or 42.4% of capacity, Jameson Reservoir was at 52.5% capacity, Lake Casitas at 42.3%, and Lake Piru at 31.7%. These values still represent a significant hydrological drought." Maybe Elon Musk can figure out how to pipe all our extra water from NorCal to SoCal and solve this thing. Previously: One Quarter Of California Isn't In A Drought Anymore Text by Rabbi Daniel Travis Two by two the animals came into the Ark to Noach. [ Noah 7:9 ] The concepts in this verse are ill... [If you did not see Part 1 click here to watch ] What will happen in the final war of "Gog and Magog" at the End of Days? Who are ... HT: AG "A soul like his does not descend in every generation, it descends once in many generations" Rav Shlomo Yehudah Be'eri... Rabbi Efraim Palvanov Where did all the water for the Great Flood come from, and is it scientifically possible? Was Noahs Ark a simple wood... Current News The United States is concerned about threats from Iran against Saudi Arabia and will not hesitate to respond if necessary, a... Neeru Bajwa has acted in many films and has now directed her debut film Sargi. Rupinder had the opportunity and spoke to the talented Neeru and asked her about the film and her experiences. How was it directing your debut film Sargi? It was an amazing experience but I am more nervous now than when I was just in acting because the whole film is up to the director so there is a huge responsibility on my shoulders. Did you ever think of going into directing? In the back of my mind it was always there because there was a time where Punjabi films were not as great, especially the roles played by women. There were so many stories in my head that I wanted to tell. So yeh at the back of my mind it was there. When did you decide you wanted to go into directing? Its always been a dream. After we produced the film Channo, the encouragement and audience response from the film gave me a boost. What did you enjoy the most when shooting the film? I enjoyed the whole process and I learnt so much. I realised as an actor we are just in our own little world and just come when our shot is ready as its about us as individuals. As a director, I looked into everything from what time breaks are, if spot boy is ok, if actors are comfortable. It was such an amazing experience. How was it working with Jassie Gill, Babbal Rai and your sister Rubina Bajwa? They are all amazing, very humble, had great chemistry and they all listened...hahaha. They all respected me a lot and I would approach them politely. If I needed the shot to be taken again I would say it very nicely and softly just one more, one more. Rubina is your sister. Did you find it challenging keeping a personal and professional relationship separate? It was really easy because she has been on sets with me in the past. She knows once on set then thats serious business. We weren't family or sisters on set, we were sisters at lunch time and after pack up. During our working hours I was her director and at times she would do a bit of comedy and call me Neeru Ji... Maam. It was a good laugh. What were the locations the film was shot and which location you preferred the most? We shot in Mauritius which was beautiful and Punjab. It was the first time I went to Mauritius and people are saying its going to sink in 10 years so we are fortunate we been there...Hahaha. But I have a soft spot for Punjab and is always my favourite. What is your favourite song in the film and why? The romantic song Jassie has sung Fer Ohi Hoyea because the lyrics are beautiful and the way its been performed. Did you face any problems? No not really...i had a fantastic team. My daughter and husband were with me so it wasnt like I was missing my family. We really had a great time and I couldnt do it without them. Do you have a favourite scene in the film? Oh nooo....every scene is my favourite, being a director the whole film is great and I cant really pick one. Would you like to direct more films or concentrate in acting? I would love to direct more films but at the moment I am just going to sit back and see what you all think about my work in Sargi and take it from there. How do you balance your personal and professional life? My husband and I, we travel together and we are a team. We always help each other out. Its not possible without teamwork. Can you give us one reason why we should go and watch the film? Its a young, youthful, fresh, romantic and most importantly a good film! Its good cinema. Finally what would you like to say to SimplyBhangra.com readers? According to court documents, for more than seven years beginning in January 2009, Chamberlain, a former worker at W.A. Klinger, took a motor vehicle, skid loader and other equipment without permission and kept them at his home. He is also accused of charging more than $10,000 in personal purchases on company credit cards. SIOUX CITY | Aside from a new location and a new group of jurors, much of Elias Wanatee's retrial for a fatal stabbing will appear the same. Attorneys said Thursday they expect to present essentially the same exhibits, call the same witnesses and make many of the same objections as they did during the first trial, which ended with a hung jury, necessitating the retrial. Wanatee, 48, of Sioux City, has pleaded not guilty to the Feb. 17, 2016, stabbing death of Vernon Mace. Wanatee's first trial in Woodbury County District Court ended Dec. 14 with a hung jury when jurors, after more than 11 hours of deliberations, could not reach a verdict. District Judge Duane Hoffmeyer ordered the second trial be moved to Pottawattamie District Court in Council Bluffs, where jury selection will begin Monday morning. Public defender Jason Dunn had asked that the second trial be moved, saying local media coverage of the first trial and frequent mentions of Wanatee's past murder conviction would make it even more difficult to seat a second jury in Woodbury County and ensure that Wanatee receive a fair trial. Wanatee was convicted of first-degree murder for the death of Kelton "Kelly" DeCora outside a Sioux City bar. Wanatee appealed the conviction and had the charge reduced to second-degree murder. He was released from prison in January 2015. Hoffmeyer said during a status hearing Thursday he believes a jury can be chosen on Monday and he hoped that the case would be submitted to jurors for a decision by Friday. Assistant Woodbury County Drew Bockenstedt said he expected to offer the same exhibits into evidence as he did at the first trial. There will be one new witness this time, Bockenstedt said, but authorities also have been unable to locate a witness who testified during the first trial. If that witness can't be found, her trial testimony may be read into the record during the new trial. Wanatee is accused of stabbing Mace, 50, of Sioux City, in the street in the 1900 block of West First Street. Medical evidence during the first trial showed that Mace was stabbed nine times, the fatal wound puncturing his diaphragm and slicing his liver, causing massive internal bleeding. There were no eyewitnesses to the stabbing, and police never found a weapon. During police interviews, Wanatee denied killing Mace. Dunn had suggested at trial that Wanatee acted in self-defense because Mace had threatened Wanatee with a gun two weeks earlier. The change in venue is the first time a Woodbury County case has been moved since 2013. Within the blizzard of orders, actions and controversies produced during the first month of the Trump presidency, this troubling, unanswered question stands out to us. What exactly is the relationship between President Trump and members of his administration and Vladimir Putin and Russia? Only through hearings by a committee or committees of Congress do we believe Americans will find out what this is all about. In a December 30 editorial, we called on then-President-elect Trump to support bipartisan congressional investigation into exactly what happened with respect to the charge of Russian involvement in the election for president. A CIA assessment concluded Russia employed computer hacking in an attempt to interfere with November's election. In the wake of events and reports since then, we support a broader congressional probe within this area, encompassing investigation of alleged contacts between Trump associates (this includes former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn) and Russian officials before Trump's inauguration. Some within Congress have called for an independent investigation, patterned along the lines of the 9/11 commission. To this point, we believe congressional involvement can produce answers Americans deserve to have. Whether a congressional probe is directed by a special House-Senate investigative committee or takes place within the oversight responsibilities of multiple House and Senate committees (several House and Senate committees have begun investigations) is up to Congress. Action by Congress should be expeditious, thorough, transparent and free of politics. In the end, a congressional inquiry may reveal nothing nefarious, but enough suspicions and charges have been raised about Trump-Russia ties in recent months to warrant action. We support improved relations between the U.S. and Russia, but not at the expense of security or other national interests. SIOUX CITY | The extended taste of spring-like weather was nice, but Siouxlanders knew winter hadn't yet had its last laugh. After a weeks-worth of highs in the 60s and 70s, temperatures will dip into the 30s Thursday night into Friday morning, bringing with them the chance for as much as a foot of snow in some Siouxland cities. All except the far southern tier of Siouxland counties are under a winter storm watch from 6 p.m. Thursday to midnight Friday. Tuesday's high of 73 degrees shattered the previous daily record of 64 set in 1943, according to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls. Wednesday's daily record of 68 degrees, set in 1982, was also in danger of falling, with a high of 69 predicted by the National Weather Service. Thursday will be a day of change, however. Rain is expected to begin Thursday morning, with precipitation switching over to a wintry mix in the afternoon hours and fully transitioning to snow by midnight. Thursday's high will be 42, with a low around 30 degrees. Much of northern Siouxland is in a blizzard watch from 6 p.m. Thursday to midnight Friday, the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls said. The far southern tier of Siouxland counties is under a winter storm watch as of 5 p.m. Wednesday. The heaviest snow is set to sock Sioux City early Friday morning. Sioux City is expected to receive around 6 to 8 inches, although lower or higher totals are within possibility. Southeastern South Dakota will see chances for higher totals of snow, with Vermillion expecting around 10 inches and Yankton expecting as much as a foot, the service said. Totals will taper off to the south of Sioux City, with five inches expected around Onawa, Iowa, and lower totals further south. Due to the predicted winter storm, the city of Sioux City declared a snow emergency, starting at 5 p.m. Thursday. After that time, parking or leaving a vehicle unattended on an emergency snow route street is prohibited, the city said in a Wednesday release. Friday's high is expected to be 32 degrees, with a low of 19. The sun should begin peeking out again during the weekend, with high in the low 30s, which is seasonal. The blast of snow will ends a weeks-worth of highs in the 60s and 70s. Tuesday's high of 73 degrees shattered the previous daily record of 64 set in 1943. Wednesday's daily record of 68 degrees, set in 1982, fell as 69 hit Sioux City thermostats. The sun should begin peeking out again during the weekend, with high in the low 30s, which is seasonal. The Journal's Alex Boisjolie contributed to this story. There must be some outstanding healing going on at Studio 83 Holistic Wellness if the establishment manages to win both the yoga studio and massage categories in the 2017 Siouxlands Choice Awards. And thats only a fraction of what Studio 83 offers. In addition to yoga classes and massage therapy, the Stone Avenue studio also provides reiki, aroma therapy, fitness classes, therapy and consignment products and even a hip-hop infused yoga class. Owner and massage therapist Danielle DJ Calhoon-Fischer opened Studio 83 in 2015 and can be found in the shop seven days a week. She keeps herself busy by booking appointments every day for customers. Three other therapists and four yoga teachers/fitness instructors help lighten the workload. Calhoon-Fischer said although the studios yoga classes are becoming increasingly popular with customers, the base of the business still lies mostly with massage therapy. But were definitely growing more into yoga and trying to make it as awesome as possible, said Calhoon-Fischer, who added that yoga classes first began in April 2016 at Studio 83. The yoga classes, which take place six days a week, tend to be smaller. Yoga instructor Caroline Rivera said the small classes allow for more focus on individual students. It becomes more like teaching rather than guiding, said Rivera. People are actually learning and I can spend time with people and their poses. When there are only a couple people in the class, I can really teach as opposed to a class with 20 where its just follow me queues. Rivera added that Studio 83 is geared to make yoga accessible to people who wouldnt necessarily try the practice with its beginner and fundamental classes, as well as its themed yoga sessions. I think the yoga community in Sioux City is expanding so rapidly, said Rivera. There may be people who feel like theyre missing the boat on it. I think that this is a safe and comfortable environment with no pressure to come try it out. My greatest joy as a teacher has been in this studio because Ive seen people who have sworn up and down that yoga is not for them and yet they fully embrace their practice and take it home with them and keep showing up to classes. Having only been in business for two years, Calhoon-Fischer said what shes most proud of is the people that have helped turn Studio 83 into where its at right now. I got to experience the trials and tribulations, she said. Its been a really wonderful learning experience and quite the adventure. Attn: Storm Lake Middle Schoolers, STOP IT!! STORM LAKE, Iowa | Lunch-time conversation: An eighth-grader in Storm Lake talked about buying a gun and threatening to "shoot up the school." A press release said the 13-year-old made the comments during lunchtime in late January while he and his buddies were surfing a website that sells illegal guns. The threat went unreported for several days, but, eventually, faculty caught wind of it and told the school's resource officer. The student was charged on Feb. 9 with making terroristic threats-- a class D felony-- for the comments. Police determined the threat was not imminent after talking with the suspect and searching his home, the release said. He was referred to the Buena Vista County Juvenile Courts and released to the custody of his parents. On Thursday afternoon, another middle-schooler was charged with making the same kind of threats. Guess where? Hint: reread the headline... Storm Lake. A press release said police responded to a call regarding a threat at the middle school. Police interviewed school staff who said an 11-year-old boy made threats to "blow the school up." Police were quick to identify that the threat didn't hold any water. He was charged with the felony, released to a parent and will be tried later in juvenile court. Neither press release indicated whether the boys were grounded. Koppers Holdings Inc. provides treated wood products, wood preservation chemicals, and carbon compounds in the United States, Australasia, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Railroad and Utility Products and Services (RUPS), Performance Chemicals (PC), and Carbon Materials and Chemicals (CMC). The RUPS segment procures and treats crossties, switch ties, and various types of lumber used for railroad bridges and crossings. It also provides rail joint bars to join rails together for railroads; transmission and distribution poles for electric and telephone utilities; and pilings. This segment also provides railroad services, such as engineering, design, repair, and inspection services for railroad bridges. The PC segment develops, manufactures, and markets copper-based wood preservatives, including micronized copper azole, micronized pigments, alkaline copper quaternary, amine copper azole, and chromated copper arsenate for decking, fencing, utility poles, construction lumber and timbers, and various agricultural uses; and supplies fire-retardant chemicals for pressure treatment of wood primarily in commercial construction. The CMC segment manufactures creosote for the treatment of wood or as a feedstock in the production of carbon black; carbon pitch, a raw material used in the production of aluminum and steel; naphthalene for use as a feedstock in the production of phthalic anhydride and as a surfactant in the production of concrete; phthalic anhydride for the production of plasticizers, polyester resins, and alkyd paints; and carbon black feedstock for use in the production of carbon black. The company serves the railroad, specialty chemical, utility, residential lumber, agriculture, aluminum, steel, rubber, and construction industries. Koppers Holdings Inc. was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Clean Breaks by Ruby Lang Released: February 20, 2017 Contemporary Romance Crimson Romance Reviewed by Mandi Im a huge fan of Ruby Lang her characters are smart and flawed and her friendships come across very real. I think Ive mentioned this in previous reviews, but the girl friendships in this book are not all cupcakes and wine. They challenge each other, and have attitudes and reflect what I feel like is a true friendship. All that being said, this is the first time Im going to give this author less than four stars. For me this was a 3.5 star read, which is still good! I just didnt connect with it as much as her first two. Sarah Soon and Jake Li grew up together and went to the same school. Sarahs parents are from China and Jakes parents are from Taiwan, and they went to a predominantly white school. Maybe because of that, and because their families know each other, Sarah and Jake were friends somewhat in school. However, when Sarah is slut-shamed in high school for being caught with a boy with her shirt off, Jake doesnt stand up for her. The community doesnt stand up for her, and this betrayal never leaves Sarah. Now as an adult, she is a OB/GYN, mostly estranged from her parents but has found great friendships in the three other women who are part of her medical practice. Her life was in order, and going exactly as planned, until she was diagnosed with stage two skin cancer. Although she is currently cancer free, that diagnosis rocked her world. She has always exercised, eaten healthy and gotten lots of sleep. Cancer was not something that was supposed to happen to her. But she is slowly realizing that some things in her life are uncontrollable like her feelings that flare up when Jake comes back into her life. Jake is recently divorced. Marrying young, his wife fell in love with someone else, but was very open and honest about it. Yay? Jake is now lonely, working as a social worker at a high school. He starts his life over by moving to the same town Sarah lives and starts to run into her. Jake has always been very fond of Sarah, even though they have a somewhat messy past. Jake pursues and courts Sarah, but Sarah feels like her life is in chaos and isnt sure she is ready for everything Jake has to offer. This explores much more than just a relationship between Jake and Sarah. It explores race, rocky relationships with parents, health crisis, and friends getting married. But all of this swirls around their relationship, as it would in the real world. Jake and Sarah have known each other for a long time, so their courtship isnt so much learning about the other, but more about how they see the future. Sarahs world has been turned upside down by a cancer diagnosis, and even though she is in the clear, her brain just wont move forward. She should be getting back to work, and should be excited about a new romance in her life, but she is stuck and it really upsets her. She lashes out to the people around her. I found Sarah very complex, but also hard to connect with. On paper, yes she has every right to be angry at the world for what she has been through. But sometimes her negative attitude and her negative actions made me sit back in my chair and grimace. Honestly, I found her difficult to like at times. She holds onto grudges and has such bitterness towards her parents I wanted to understand that better. She is very frank and blunt and for me there is a fine line between coming across as honest and coming across as rude. I didnt dislike her entirely! There are some very witty scenes in this book, and the romance unfolds at a nice pace. Jake is a more easy-going guy, dealing with his own parental issues and finding his way in his new life after his divorce. His courtship of Sarah is sweet. Plus he has a beard and really sexy forearms so I swooned over him for most of the book. I like this authors voice and I really look forward to every book she writes. I hope you guys check out this series the first two especially are fabulous. Grade: B- Goodreads l Kindle l Nook Like this: Like Loading... Labour February 23, 2017 Sam Gindin When I last visited Bob at his nursing home in Kincardine, a nurse politely pulled me aside to tell me that he no longer talked much but remained quite sociable. The deterioration in his condition was sad to hear, but I remarked that his retention of social skills was no surprise. As a union organizer he had a natural sociability. She lit up and excitedly whispered to a nearby nurse: That explains it!. Explains what? I asked. Well, the one thing he keeps telling us is: You know, all of you work really hard but dont get paid enough; you should get a union. More than anything else it was the sentiments of an organizer that defined Bob as a union leader. One of my great pleasures was seeing Bob, once union president, move through a room of workers. No politician with a pasted-on smile. No aura of Here I am!. Instead, someone attentive to people stopping him, ready to kid and laugh, serious and thoughtful when a troubling question was asked the comfortable, engaged chattiness of an organizer. Bob had a genuine common touch that matched his practical common sense. His family had immigrated to Canada when he was 14. A year later he left school and found a job in a wood-working plant. At 16 he got involved in the union even though his father warned him it was full of commies. By the time he was 22 he was taking the plants 500 workers out on strike and at 25 he was appointed to staff (his autobiography claims he was the youngest staffer in the UAW at the time, Canadian or American). At 26 he was the Director of Organizing for the Canadian section of the UAW (United Auto Workers). Fighting Concessions His official legacy, it has long been evident, will rest on his role in not just fighting the auto industry kingpins but the internal battle with his own union. For Bob, breaking away from the union that had been his home and inspiration since he barely got out of his teens was one of the most painful decisions of his life. But that anguished struggle and the creation of the Canadian Auto Workers in 1985 (now UNIFOR) brought out the best in Bob and the Canadian members. What isnt always appreciated and speaks to the depth of the union at the time, is the extent to which this split was more than an expression of Canadian nationalism (though of course it was that too). The conflict revolved around how the union should respond to the concerted corporate-state attack on social and union gains made in previous decades. This overlapped with questions of union democracy. In the U.S., an opposition had emerged around internal democracy; in Canada the focus was on Canadian workers having to do what was done in no other country go through a foreign-based parent for approval of key decisions over bargaining demands and the right to strike. The Canadian autoworkers, unlike the majority of their U.S. counterparts, were adamant not to make the concessions demanded in bargaining. And while Canadian business and the Brian Mulroney government were looking toward further integration with the American empire, the autoworkers were determined to carry on the concession fight even if it led in an opposite direction in their case breaking away from an American institution. In bucking the economic and political trajectories of Canadian and U.S. elites, the Canadian workers were in particular taking on GM, Ford and Chrysler, three of the largest corporations in the world. And they were doing so in the most integrated cross-border industry anywhere. With the Canadian industry only one-tenth the size of the overall Canada-U.S. industry, cynical pundits repeated, ad nauseam, that the tail cant wag the dog. When the union went on strike against GM in 1984 the event that most directly precipitated the split with their parent The Globe and Mail patronizingly editorialized that the Canadian autoworkers looked staunchly backward. An editorial in the nationalist-leaning Toronto Star proclaimed its hard to see what they hope to achieve by this strike. And the Montreal Gazette warned the union it was remarkably short-sighted. Most workers, staff and local leaders were at first very uncertain themselves, not sure that they really had the power or expertise to go it alone. This reflected a semi-colonial mentality that came with past dependence on the UAW and the U.S. more generally. To boot, all the collective agreements in Canada, even those outside the auto majors, were formally signed by the UAW and so were legally invalid if any corporation or group of workers decided to challenge them. The significant achievements of Bob in this period, in addition to his strategic and public handling of all the potential pitfalls, rested on four principles. First, an appreciation that if the Canadians stayed in the UAW, they would become the vehicle for bringing U.S. concessions to Canada. The argument that concessions would provide job security was something that Bob consistently argued against, a view that future developments powerfully confirmed. Second, concession bargaining didnt just rob workers of what they deserved but it robbed them of faith in the relevance of their union, something that would inevitably lead to the withering of the union as a social force. Here too Bobs side of the debate proved to be right. Third, the key wasnt just the impact on bargaining but working class self-confidence in the larger sense of Canadians moving out of the shadow of the U.S. union and achieving the right to make their own decisions. This came with taking responsibility for those decisions rather than passively accepting concessions while blaming the Americans for their plight. Finally, change took preparation and patience. Such radical breaks with the status quo couldnt occur as a dictate from above; the members needed to be firmly on side. As Bob described it, we almost completely reorganized our communications network to bring the local union leadership closer to the rank and file. We had to be certain that our membership understood why we were going against the wind. The union prepared extensive materials, held educational sessions in every local, pushed their stewards to get out on the shop floor and talk to workers, and ordered the staff to stay close to the members. Bob spent a great deal of his time going to locals to meet with members and answer their questions and concerns. And the union took the issue to the CLC convention so that it wouldnt be isolated in the fight against concessions (it was also a way of presenting their tensions with the UAW as not just reflecting that of stubborn Canadian autoworkers but of the Canadian trade union movement in general). Breaking away could, however, only be broached after workers learned, through battles at Chrysler and GM, that they had the power to go it alone. Whites genius his true leadership role lay in his ability to develop the confidence among his members that they could pull the breakaway off and survive. But this itself rested on his own fearlessness in taking on the breakaway (which is not to deny his nervousness about the stakes involved). Which Side Are You On? After the split, Bob argued that the funds the Canadians received as part of the settlement should go into organizing and education, the latter to be about union philosophy, history, and political economy. Organizing extended power to other workers and was the backbone of the union. Education was really a matter of organizing those already unionized as part of strengthening on-going and future struggles. In addition, and speaking to the relationship between breaking the bonds with the U.S. and nationalism, the Canadians became more active internationally after the split, building much closer relations to, for example, workers in South Africa, Brazil, and Nicaragua. Looking back on Bobs tenure as a union leader, what sustained him through the turmoil of the times was his clarity over what side he was on. His job was to defend workers. Whatever peace was made with employers, he understood that to be temporary and reversible. His original organizing assignment in the 60s to chase down and unionize runaway plants (i.e. plants moving to escape the union) left him very sober about the realities of labour-management relations even in the alleged golden age of capitalism. For Bob, his personal standing with the media, business and the government was a tactical asset not to be dismissed, but secondary to what was right for Canadian workers. However popular he was in the media, Bob knew full well that it could also be a trap if it seduced you. And it could also change abruptly if your pursuit of justice for workers crossed certain boundaries. Some saw Bobs iconic status in the media as a boon for the labour movement as a whole and this was certainly true in part. But the larger truth was that Bob was generally seen as an exception rather than a representative labour leader, a plus for the autoworkers and the causes Bob championed, but not a change in the wider perception of unions and working people. Bob didnt romanticize workers but neither did he patronize them. He often noted that when workers were on strike they become philosophers. What he was getting at was that with the respite from deadening work, and time with their fellow workers away from the machines and clatter, workers proudly passed around pictures of their families, shared their life stories and frustrations, talked about what they would have liked to do and become, and confessed to the shrinking likelihood of realizing those dreams. Bob himself, as a worker who was comfortable confronting CEOs, prime ministers, premiers and cabinet officials over their policies, was a prime example of the potentials of workers. If a grade-school drop-out like me can do it, he often said, why not other workers if given the chance like I was? Whether or not Bob was just being modest, it captured a great and tragic truth about capitalist society: its disregard and denial of workers potentials for having a richer role in society. Bob had a particular style of leadership. In a telling moment at a Massey Hall benefit for the Fleck strikers, immediately after he became the leader of the union, Bob came on stage, thanked everyone for coming, raised his fist in solidarity and in deference to the importance of the strike to the womens movement turned the event over to Madeleine Parent. Madeleine was a long-time union organizer and feminist, but the significance of the gesture lay in the fact that Madeleine was a co-founder of the left-nationalist Confederation of Canadian Unions which the mainstream labour movement considered a sworn enemy, never to darken any of their functions. In the early 80s, a rash of plant closures threatened not just a cyclical threat but a new era in worker insecurity. At the CAW Council, as delegate after delegate stood up to tell their depressing story, White quietly listened. As the frustrations grew in anger he calmly took the mike and simply stated I think you all know what has to be done. No editorializing, no instructions, no unnecessary speechifying. Workers left the council plotting a response and within days, plants were taken over in Windsor, Oshawa and Ottawa. Those takeovers didnt reverse the trend, but they led to modest modifications in plant closure legislation and confirmed that workers had only one institution to depend on, their union. (White stayed away from the takeovers for the first few days so the news would have to rely on affected workers, rather than a union official, talking about how their lives had been turned upside down by the closures.) Soon after, two-tier wages spread from the U.S. airline industry to the U.S. aerospace industry and from there McDonnell Douglas tried to bring this to the negotiations in Canada. Bob angrily labelled two-tier wages a cancer and declared that it had to be stopped before it spread into Canada. And though the union accepted an 18 month grow-in to the top wage, two tiers were effectively stopped, at least until the period following the financial crisis of 2007-2009. Above all, Bob instinctively reacted to the nature of the times and grew in stature as he led the union through its minefields. It was increasingly state policies in Canada on free trade, taxes, jobs and social programs that affected Canadian workers, not their bargaining ties to the Americans. This placed a premium on working class unity and the development of community ties within Canada. It was in this period that Bob White grew from an important trade union leader to a charismatic social and political leader. The fight against NAFTA revealed a dramatic shift in the traditional roles of the labour movement and the NDP, its political arm. Now it was the trade union movement and its social allies leading the most important political fight in the country. And Bob, fresh from the national credentials he had achieved in the fight for a Canadian union, served as a key spokesperson for the anti-NAFTA side. Bob did lose his temper on rare occasions but he quite generally acted with grace, not bluster, and even with a certain impishness. He once came back from a meeting with management and solemnly announced to the bargaining committee that he had some good news and bad news. The bad news was that he had accepted the need for concessions. As the stunned committee froze, wondering what the good news could conceivably be, he added, but I was able to convince them to make it retroactive. (Bob could only maintain his straight face for another two seconds before he, followed by the committee, broke into roaring laughter). Bob did as well have his fights with other unions over CAW raiding. But that was inseparable from supporting other workers who democratically expressed their will as the now-CAW workers had done over choosing another union to represent them. However controversial this was, it didnt block a consensus among the Canadian labour movements leadership around Bob becoming the head of the CLC (1992-1999) when he retired, nor of Bob working closely with the union heads to lead on issues of racism, gender equality, immigrant rights and international human rights. No trade union leader can aspire to universal popularity, but the few brushes with other union leaders aside, Bob White came darn close. He was a working class hero when such things were rare and becoming rarer. Labour Today We need, however to be cautious of resting our hopes on the arrival of hero-saviors. Bobs achievements were inseparable from his inheriting a union with a remarkable culture of struggle and supportive structures. His understandings and skills were significantly developed through his interactions with mentors like Tommy McLean (the hard-nosed assistant to the president of the union). McLean identified the potentials of the young Bob White early on, threw him out in the field to get rid of his naivete and prove himself, and endlessly educated him on the complexities of class struggle and union life. Moreover Bob came with no magic wand. The victories he led demanded tough work, risky decisions, and sustained education and committed organizing of the members. At the CLC, even though there was progress on Bobs watch on certain social issues, for all of Bobs s mediating skills he could not bring the leadership of the unions together to play a more substantive national role on fundamental economic and political issues. This frustrated Bob, but he knew full well that this limit on the CLC was virtually inevitable if the affiliates werent ready to both move in new directions themselves and surrender some autonomy so as to facilitate coordinated national actions. Unions today are in crisis deep crisis and waiting for heroes wont bail them out. A first step is an honest acknowledgement of the depth of this crisis, not only here but across the capitalist world. The second is to confront the radical rethinking this implies about the orientation of unions, their structures and their relation to their members. To use Bobs legacy to ignore this challenge and so confirm labours status quo is to betray that legacy. The successes Bob was part of include rich and important clues to a way forward but we will not find answers there. The story of Bob White will only provide a living legacy if it inspires workers and unions to draw on elements of his achievements to figure out anew how, in this particular era, unions can once again mobilize their members and their communities and lead the more general struggles for equality, justice, solidarity and a more meaningful democracy. The challenge of Bob Whites legacy is therefore how the movement he joined and led might be renewed to deal with a more dangerous world. A van burns during a recent riot in a Paris suburb. Car burnings, commonplace in France, are often attributed to rival Muslim gangs that compete with each other for the media spotlight. An estimated 40,000 cars are torched in France every year. (Image source: RT video screenshot) "The decline is explained above all to the scourge of petty delinquency aimed especially at Chinese tourists. They are robbed in the Palace of Versailles, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, in front of their hotel, when they exit the buses. In high season, there is not a day without tourists being assaulted. I saw an 80-year-old man seriously injured because he was trying to resist thieves. Women are pushed and when they fall their bags are stolen with all their papers. This has created a panic on Chinese social networks. The Chinese began turning away from France last year. "The police have increased their numbers to protect tourists. But since the terrorist attacks, these forces have been mobilized elsewhere. We want France to stop its laxity. We, along with my traveling colleagues, are counting on the future government to get things done. I have been in France for twenty-five years, and I myself have seen the decline of France in terms of security. Before, the Chinese tour operators deplored the insecurity in Italy, today it is France and more particularly Paris and Marseilles which we speak. There are many regions in France where tourism can be leisurely pursued, but Paris is ranked No. 1 in Europe in terms of the increase in delinquency." "There is ultimately a desire to say that Islam is incompatible with the Republic. This is not true. It is unbearable that we continue to make the faith of millions of our compatriots a problem in French society. Let us stop making Islam an adversary of the Republic." "An Algerian sociologist, Smain Laacher, with great courage, just said in a documentary aired on Channel 3: 'It is a shame to deny this taboo, namely that in the Arab families in France, and everyone knows it but nobody wants to say it, anti-Semitism is sucked with mother's milk.'" "Antisemitism is already awash in the domestic space. It rolls almost naturally off the tongue, awash in the language. It is an insult. When parents shout at their children, when they want to reprimand them, they call them Jews. Yes. All Arab families know this. It is monumental hypocrisy not to see that this anti-Semitism begins as a domestic one." Soeren Kern is a Senior Fellow at the New York-based Gatestone Institute. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter. January 1. The Interior Ministry announced the most anticipated statistic of the year: a total of 945 cars and trucks were torched across France on New Year's Eve, a 17.5% increase from the 804 vehicles burned during the annual ritual on the same holiday in 2015. Car burnings, commonplace in France, are often attributed to rival Muslim gangs that compete with each other for the media spotlight over which can cause the most destruction. An estimated 40,000 cars are torched in France every year.January 2. Approximately 3.7 million crimes were reported in France in 2016, a 4% increase over 2015, according to. Seine-Saint-Denis, a Paris suburb which has one of the highest concentrations of Muslims in France, ranks as the most dangerous part of the country, with 18.2 attacks per 1,000 inhabitants. It is followed by Paris, with 15.7 attacks per 1,000 inhabitants and Bouches-du-Rhone with 11.5 attacks per 1,000 inhabitants.January 2. The Criminal Court of Paris sentenced Nicolas Moreau, a 32-year-old French jihadist, to ten years in prison for fighting for the Islamic State. He is the brother of Flavien Moreau, the first French jihadist to be sentenced for such an offense upon his return from Syria in November 2014. Born in South Korea, adopted by a French family at the age of 4, Nicolas became a delinquent after the divorce of his adoptive parents. He converted to Islam in prison, where he spent five years. Nicolas said he fled the Islamic State after 17 months due to its "excesses."January 3. Jean-Christophe Lagarde, the president of the Union of Democrats and Independents, a center-right political party, attributed the closure of a PSA Peugeot-Citroen automobile factory to an excess of religious demands by Muslim employees. "There have been difficulties even in my department, for example in Aulnay-sous-Bois. It has never been said, but part of the reason for the closure of PSA was due to the omnipresence of religion and the fact that there were religious demands at work, work stoppages, decreased productivity. PSA's decision to close Aulnay was influenced by this aspect."January 3. The Administrative Court of Poitiers dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Coalition against Racism and Islamophobia (CRI), which tried to ban a 14-page document aimed at preventing radicalization in schools. The document called on teachers to monitor several criteria, including "uncut long beards," "shaved hair," "Muslim clothing," "refusal of tattoos," and "weight loss associated with frequent fasting." The document also referred to behavior such as "identity withdrawal," "selective exposure to the media," and "political rhetoric" concerning Palestine, Chechnya and Iraq. The document urged teachers to monitor closely students interested in the "history of early Islam." The court emphasized the strictly internal nature of the document, which was deemed to be "devoid of any legal effect" because it contains "no mandatory provisions."January 4. Of the 230 French jihadists who have been killed in Iraq and Syria, seven were killed by American drones, according to. "The French targets had a twofold status: they were military objectives, the elimination of which is theoretically governed by the law of war, and they were also targets of judicial proceedings in France. In the name of the 'self-defense,' which the coalition states claim, military logic prevailed over the right to legal defense," the paper complained.January 4. Jean-Sebastien Vialatte, the deputy mayor of Six-Four-Les-Plages, ordered police to visit the Reynier Primary School there on two occasions after he heard rumors that the school was requiring students to attend Arabic language classes. The courses, which were optional, not mandatory, have since been cancelled.January 5. The Magistrate's Court of Rennes sentenced a 34-year-old man to 17 months in prison on charges of domestic violence for striking his female companion because she refused to convert to Islam. The woman said the man had "profoundly changed" after he visited Mali. "He has become radicalized," she said. "He promises Allah will take revenge against the disbelievers who do not convert. Religion has taken an increasingly important place in his life. He believes he is good and all others are evil." The man denied he ever "forced someone to be a Muslim." He added, "Before, I was like her, I smoked, I drank, but it is over now."January 5. Farid Benyettou, a 35-year-old former French jihadist who indoctrinated the gunmen who attacked themagazine in Paris in January 2015, admitted that he was partly to blame for the violence. "I bear a share of responsibility, I cannot deny it," he said in an interview with. "I preached hate, I distilled this ideology even though it was not me who told him to commit this massacre. I served my prison sentence, I paid my debt to society, but not my moral debt." He tells his story in a new book, "My Jihad: Journey of a Repenter."January 6. A statistical analysis carried out by Francois Desouche, an influential French blog, found a dramatic increase in the popularity of Muslim first names given to children born in France during the past 20 years. In Paris, for example, 17.1% of babies born in 2016 received Muslim first names, up from 9.4% in 1996. In Seine-Saint-Denis, a Paris suburb, 42.9% of babies born in 2016 received Muslim first names, up from 17.3% in 1996. The trend repeats itself across France.January 6. Zineb El Rhazoui, a 35-year-old Moroccan-born journalist, quit her job atbecause the magazine is now following an editorial line that "Mohammed is no longer drawn" as demanded by Islamists before the January 2015 attacks. She saidnow feels "too alone to go to the front." But our colleagues "must not have died for nothing. If it were up to me, I would continue," she said.January 6. The Nice Criminal Court acquitted Pierre-Alain Mannoni, 45, for helping three Eritrean women who crossed the border into France from Italy. Mannoni, a teacher-researcher at the French national research center (CNRS), was arrested at the Turbie toll booth just beyond the Italian border in October 2015 and charged with "assisting the entry, movement and residence of irregular migrants." The charge incurs five years in prison and 30,000 ($31,000) in fines. The prosecutor argued that people are not allowed to help illegal migrants move about the country. Mannoni said he was "protecting their dignity and integrity." Christian Estrosi, the president of the Nice Cote d'Azur Riviera region, said the ruling was "an insult to the work of the security forces who put their life in danger to protect ours."January 10. Around 5,000 Jews emigrated from France to Israel in 2016, according to the Jewish Agency of Israel, which released the data to mark two years since attacks on theand on a Jewish supermarket in Paris in January 2015. The departures in 2016 add to the 7,900 who left in 2015 and 7,231 in 2014. In total, since 2006, 40,000 French Jews have emigrated.January 12. Salah Abdeslam a Belgium-born French national of Moroccan descent and the main suspect in the November 13, 2015 attacks that killed 130 people in Paris said, "I am not ashamed of what I am. I am a Muslim, that is to say, submissive to Allah who created me and who by his grace has harmoniously shaped me." Abdeslam is reportedly receiving stacks of mail "from Catholics with questions about his faith, from women who declare their love for him and say they want to bear his child, from lawyers who offer their services, it is incessant," according toJanuary 12. A French couple were given suspended sentences for selling Islamic State flags online. They were caught after neighbors saw them boasting about their business in a television documentary about jihadi recruitment and called the police.January 16. Asian tourists are avoiding France due to fears over terrorism and spiraling crime, according to, which interviewed Jean-Francois Zhou, President of the Chinese Association of Travel Agencies in France. Some 1.6 million Chinese tourists visited France in 2016, compared to 2.2 million in 2015, a 27% decline. The number of tourists from South Korea also declined by 27%, and the number of Japanese tourists declined by 39%. "Our tourists have turned to Russia, which is less attractive but at least it is a safe country," Zhou said. "For Putin, it is an economic windfall." Zhou explained:January 17. The Magistrate's Court in Paris acquitted Pascal Bruckner, a renowned intellectual and author, on charges of defamation after he remarked on the "28 minutes-Arte" television program that pro-Muslim activist groups such as "The Indivisibles" () and "The Republic's Natives" () were "ideological accomplices" of jihadism. The decision was hailed as a "victory for the freedom of expression" in France, which does not have legal protections such as the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, guaranteeing the freedom of speech.January 18. One of the suicide bombers who blew himself up outside the Stade de France during the November 2015 attacks on Paris turned out to be an Iraqi jihadist, according to France's DGSE intelligence agency. Until now, only one of the three bombers had been identified: a 20-year-old Frenchman living in Belgium. DGSE believes that one of that man's accomplices, who was carrying a fake Syrian passport, was from the Iraqi city of Mosul. He and the third attacker, whose identity is still unknown, are believed to have slipped into Europe with a group of refugees who landed on the Greek island of Leros on October 3, 2015.January 20. The Council of State (), France's highest administrative court, ruled that the mosque in Stains () in Seine-Saint-Denis, a northern suburb of Paris, will remain closed. The Salafist mosque, which was identified as the last place of prayer for several French jihadists before they joined the Islamic State, was shuttered in November 2016 as part of a state of emergency.January 21. Kevin Guiavarch, a 24-year-old convert to Islam, was charged with terrorism offenses after being extradited from Turkey. He is believed to have been a member of both the Islamic State and the former Al-Nusra Front. He was arrested in Turkey in June 2016 after leaving Syria with his four wives and six children. Guiavarch, a Breton who converted to Islam at the age of 14, is believed to have gone to Syria in 2012.January 23. The Grand Mosque of Paris announced that it was withdrawing from the Foundation for Islam of France (), a new, government-sponsored foundation charged with "contributing to the emergence of an Islam of France that is fully anchored in the French Republic." In a statement, the mosque, which represents 250 of the 2,500 of the mosques and Muslim associations in France, said that it denounced "any form of interference in the management of Muslim worship." Others said the mosque's rector, Dalil Boubakeur, 76, was angry that he was not named to be president of the foundation.January 23. The Administrative Court of Marseilles effectively terminated a project to build a 22 million ($23 million) mega-mosque with a capacity for 7,000 worshippers. In July 2007, the municipality granted a Muslim association a parcel of land in the 15th arrondissement to build the Grand Mosque of Marseille , but the project has been plagued by legal and financial problems. The cornerstone was laid in 2010, but since then nothing else has been built. In October 2016, the city terminated the lease for the land because the association had not paid the rent since 2013. According to the court, "the materiality of all the facts alleged against the association does not appear to be seriously contestable."January 23. Benoit Hamon, the presidential candidate for the Socialist Party, lashed out at critics of Islam:January 25. The trial began of Georges Bensoussan, a highly regarded Jewish historian of Moroccan descent, who is being prosecuted for talking about anti-Semitism among French Arabs. During a debate on Radio France Culture, he said:Bensoussan was referring to a documentary entitled "Teachers in the Lost Territories of the Republic," aired on Channel 3 in October 2015. In this documentary, Laacher, who is a French professor of Algerian origin, said:Laacher was not prosecuted but Bensoussan was. The court's decision will be rendered March 7. "This witch-hunt against Bensoussan is symptomatic of the state of free speech today in France," wrote the French journalist Yves Mamou.January 26. The Administrative Court of Bastia in Corsica validated a burkini ban in the village of Sisco. Mayor Ange-Pierre Vivoni argued the ban was necessary to avoid a repeat of fighting between local youths and Muslims in August 2016, when five people were hurt. The court rejected a similar ban in Ghisonaccio, due to a lack of evidence that the garment was a threat to public order.January 27. Pascal Bruckner, a renowned author and intellectual, in an essay entitled "An Imaginary Racism," wrote that Islamophobia is a "weapon of intimidation" and an "invention to forbid debate."January 27. "The Halal Market: The Invention of a Tradition," a new book by anthropologist Florence Bergeaud-Blackler, argues that "buying halal is not a religious obligation." Although the Koran and Sunnah (the teachings and practices of Mohammed) prohibit pork, blood and alcohol, they do not impose rules dictating behavior, according to Bergeaud-Blackler."Eating halal is presented today as an obligatory practice for Muslims, even though the term did not exist in the Muslim world before it was exported by developed countries," she told FRANCE 24. Bergeaud-Blackler, who has studied halal for the past 20 years, said the market has flourished in non-Muslim countries because of immigration. "There's a recent poll by the Montaigne Institute which shows that 40% of France's Muslim population thinks eating halal is a pillar of Islam; this notion is false," she said.In reality, the halal food industry is a product of the "random convergence of neo-fundamentalism and neo-liberalism" during the early 1980s, Bergeaud-Blackler explained. "At the time, these two ideologies were dominant on the international scene. Their convergence would change the theological definition of halal from 'recommended' to 'required' and which is a hallmark of fundamentalism," she said.January 29. Three months after French authorities demolished the "Jungle" migrant camp, migrants are returning to Calais at the rate of around 30 a day. Most of them are unaccompanied minors hoping to smuggle their way across the English Channel to Britain. WASHINGTON (Feb. 23, 2017)The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced the following contract awards that pertain to local Navy activities., is being awarded acost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursable contract for rapid design, development, customization, fabrication, integration, test and evaluation, installation, certification, maintenance and upgrade, logistic, and life cycle support of new and/or existing communication-electronic platforms, equipment/systems and subsystems. These efforts are in support of the Naval Warfare Center Aircraft Division's Special Communications Mission Solutions Division. Work will be performed in St. Inigoes, Maryland (50 percent); Chesapeake, Virginia (40 percent); and Fayetteville, North Carolina (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2018. Fiscal 2015, 2016, and 2017 aircraft procurement (Navy); and working capital (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,092,626 are being obligated on this award, $970,940 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). The, is the contracting activity (N00421-17-C-0028)., is being awarded amodification to a previously awarded firm-price, incentive (firm-target) contract (N00019-14-C-0067). This modification provides for electronic classroom upgrades and long lead spares for the aircrew and maintenances training devices in support of the P-8A Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft for the government of Australia. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri (95 percent); and Adelaide, Australia (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 2018. International Partner funds in the amount of $13,541,943 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity. ANNAPOLIS (Feb. 23, 2017)Support for forest protection and opposition to hydraulic fracturing sparked two different rallies Wednesday, just before the House Environment and Transportation Committee heard testimony on three related bills. Two of the bills would ban and criminalize hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. The other would require developers to replant an acre of trees for every acre of forest they clear. All three bills force lawmakers to confront issues that feature business interests on one side and environmental protection interests on the other. Activists organized a "Fight for the Forests" rally less than an hour before the committee's Wednesday afternoon meeting. The rally attracted supporters from all over the state. "Under the Forest Conservation Act currently, the way the replacement values work, it guarantees that development is going to operate at a net loss of forest," Chesapeake Bay Foundation staff attorney Elaine Lutz told Capital News Service. "(Under the current regulations) developers are subject to minimal planting requirements that essentially comes out to one acre replanted for every four acres clearedif that." Maryland has lost 14,480 acres of forest over the last eight years, according to data provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. "The FCA does not cover all forest in Maryland," Lutz said. "It typically covers the areas that are in our urban and suburban communities, and those are the forests that are the most susceptible to being lost to development without replacement." The majority of acres cleared and lost comes from the district of Delegate Anne Healey, D-Prince George's, who is sponsoring the bill. In Prince George's County alone, more than 9,000 acres were cleared and less than 2,000 were replanted during the same time span, according to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's data. The committee also heard testimony on Wednesday from Sen. Bobby Zirkin, D-Baltimore County, Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo, D-Montgomery, and numerous supporters and opponents of a pair of bills that would ban and criminalize the practice of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in Maryland. A couple dozen supporters of legislation banning fracking congregated outside the House of Delegates office building Wednesday afternoon. They held signs and banners and waved at drivers passing by, many of whom waved and honked at them. A state moratorium on fracking is set to expire in October. With that deadline approaching, legislators in both Maryland's House and the Senate have introduced bills that would permanently ban the practice in the state. "This session is the last chance for Maryland legislators to step up and protect the health, environment and tourism economy from the dangers of fracking once and for all," Jackie Filson, field communications officer for D.C.-based consumer rights group Food & Water Watch, told the University of Maryland's Capital News Service. "We're looking to House delegates to act now and support (these bills) for a permanent, statewide fracking ban." Lawmakers and activists seek to not only ban fracking in the state, citing concerns about environmental effects, but criminalize the practice, for further deterrence, under a separate bill. "If you frack in Maryland, you will go to jail (under the bill). That's a completely different message than (writing a check) to make the problem go away," Fraser-Hidalgo said. Some of the individuals who oppose a fracking ban say that the people against the process are people who by and large aren't from the areas where hydraulic fracturing would take place. "I represent exclusively the area where fracking would occur," said Delegate Wendell Beitzel, R-Garrett and Allegany. "This country has been fracking since 1947, and it's been a real game changer. Folks in the rest of the state (who are for a ban) don't fully understand (the benefits). Beitzel said last week he feels the concerns over health and environmental risks are overblown, and that the regulations Maryland would impose on fracking businesses are more than enough to mitigate any potential hazards. "The ban is overkill," Beitzel continued. "The anti-fracking publicity in itself has hurt tourism to Western Maryland more than (actual drilling) could." ANNAPOLIS (Feb. 23, 2017)A pair of bills would restrict the involvement of law enforcement agencies in Maryland with federal immigration efforts, banning state government agents from asking crime victims or suspects about their immigration or citizenship status. The legislation, which is cross-filed in the House and Senate, is called the Maryland Law Enforcement and Governmental Trust Act. "(T)his bill would prevent the state of Maryland from disclosing nonpublic information to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents," Sen. Victor Ramirez, D-Prince George's, wrote in testimony submitted for a hearing Tuesday before the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. "Maryland is different from most states in that we allow undocumented residents to obtain driver's licenses. We must assure those residents that their information is safe and will not be used for immigration purposes." The bill prohibits law enforcement officials in Maryland from disclosing nonpublic records to immigration authorities. "This bill ensures that immigrant communities in our state are safe," Yaheiry Galan, senior policy and elections manager for CASA de Maryland, said in an interview Tuesday with Capital News Service. "The state has to take the responsibility to respond to recent executive actions (by the federal administration)." CASA is a Latino and immigrant advocacy organization that works to improve quality of life in those communities. "I have been the most outspoken police chief in Maryland about this issue," Baltimore Police Department Commissioner Kevin Davis said Tuesday. "We want to build trust with the immigrant community in Baltimore." Davis said that his department will not cooperate with federal immigration investigations and would not ask about or check the immigration status of suspects or crime victims. The bill states that state government officials couldn't transfer individuals to federal immigration authorities or give federal authorities release information about that individual for the purposes of immigration enforcement without a warrant, according to a state document. Currently, federal law controls immigration and enforcement. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration, Customs and Enforcement have several programs that involve state and local authorities, according to a state document. The Obama Administration's Priority Enforcement Program enabled the Department of Homeland Security to work with local law enforcement to take custody of suspects who pose a danger to public safety before the suspect is released. An executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Jan. 25 terminated that program and replaced it with the Secure Communities program. Participating correctional facilities can submit fingerprints of suspects to criminal and immigration databases. If the suspect's fingerprints matched a record of an immigration violation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement would be notified and could decide the next course of action, according to the state document. The state attorney general would have to develop policies for hospitals, courts and schools to keep immigration status confidential and to keep enforcement operations from being conducted on those sites, regardless of immigration status, under the bill. "This legislation will clarify the use of state resources for federal purposes such as immigration enforcement," the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland wrote in testimony supporting the legislation. "This bill serves to allay the fears of thousands of families across the state by promoting trust between law enforcement and the immigrant community." The legislation prohibits law enforcement officers from using public funds to investigate or detain individuals based on immigration status, which is generally a federal matter, according to the state document. The bill does not prevent law enforcement officers from responding to requests from federal authorities about suspects with criminal records or when federal authorities have a lawful subpoena, according to the state document. "I do not support (the legislation)," said Sen. Justin Ready, R-Carroll. "We put ourselves in a dangerous position when we pick and choose what laws we decide to enforce. It's trying to insert D.C. politics into a local level." Federal law does not require that state and local law enforcement agencies participate in immigration enforcement. Federal immigration authorities can request a detainer, which asks that state authorities hold a suspect past their release date for the purposes of an immigration investigation. The executive order asked that the federal government identify funds that can be withheld from cities or counties that are designated "sanctuaries," which offer protection for undocumented immigrants. Ready said that federal immigration efforts have focused on deporting undocumented immigrants who have committed felonies. He said that he has not heard of accusations of Maryland police targeting people they may believe to be undocumented immigrants and that the bill is unnecessary. Gustavo Torres, executive director for CASA, addressed the executive order in a press release. "It's terrible, it's detestable what this (Trump) administration is doing." Torres said. "It is a way of justifying his executive orders because, for him, immigrants are criminals, because for him, Latinos are criminals. It's definitely a direct attack on our community." Several Maryland counties, including Prince George's and Montgomery, have policies in place to protect undocumented immigrants in those jurisdictions. The Howard County Council recently discussed legislation that would designate the jurisdiction as a sanctuary. Similar bills were introduced in 2016 but one received an unfavorable report in the Senate and the other was withdrawn from consideration in the House. ANNAPOLIS (Feb. 23, 2017)House lawmakers and Western Maryland beekeepers are seeking protection for apiarists who use deadly force to protect their bee colonies from black bears. Currently, using deadly force against black bears in defense of livestock is legal, but the Maryland Department of Natural Resources does not recognize bees as such, instead classifying them as just insects. The bill, sponsored by Delegate Mike McKay, R-Allegany and Washington, would officially recognize bees as animals. "Currently by law, if you are defending your property, your livestock, you can shoot at a bear to save the livestock," McKay told the University of Maryland's Capital News Service. McKay explained that since bees are classified as insects, instead of animals, there is no legal protection for anyone who harms a bear in defense of a bee colony. Bears can do a considerable amount of damage to hives within a bee colony, which "are about the size of an end table," McKay said, and cost anywhere from $300 to $500. According to the Department of Natural Resources website, "it is illegal for an individual to kill a bear unless it is attacking livestock or it threatens your life." If someone harms or kills a black bear in the defense of a bee colony, they are subject to the same penalties as if it were any other case of endangerment: maximums of $1,500 and six months imprisonment for the first offense, $2,000 and one year imprisonment for the second. McKay is quick to point out that what he wants is not that bees be considered livestock, necessarily, but that bees and bee colonies be granted the same protection as other farm animals. The DNR recommends using electric fences, and even helps cover some installation and maintenance costs, according to its website, but the soil in Western Maryland makes electric fences a "hit or miss" measure, McKay said. "The soil is not very deep, therefore the moisture does not stay in the soil as long during the summer months," McKay said. There is a lot of shale in the ground in Western Maryland, as opposed to other areas of the state, which is not conducive to holding an electric current, proponents of the bill said. This is especially a problem in the hot summer months when moisture evaporates even quicker. Once an electric fence has been compromised, a black bear will continue hitting a colony over and over until nothing edible remains, Western Maryland beekeeper Ben Cooper told the House Environment and Transportation Committee on Wednesday. "Beekeepers appreciate the fact that (the state's Department of Natural Resources) is willing to help in reimbursements for bear damage, it only happens when there is available funding," Cooper said. Cooper added that the reimbursements that do come their way are often only a fraction of the total losses. "This will give beekeepers the same exemption as other value-added producers of livestock," he said. ANNAPOLIS (Feb. 23, 2017)When Bonnita Spikes, of Prince George's County, learned her Alzheimer's medication's price had skyrocketed to $500, she was no longer able to afford the essential medicine. Diagnosed in 2013, Spikes quit her job after she determined her condition had progressed to the point where she was no longer able to fulfill her duties, leaving her without insurance or the ability to pay the soaring drugs' costs. "I just can't imagine needing something that important and not being able to get it," Spikes said. Spikes joined a throng of Maryland health officials, faith leaders and proponents in Annapolis Wednesday to call on elected officials to pass legislation that would control the rising cost of prescription drugs. "I have seen too many of my patients go without access to life-saving medications," said Dr. Leana Wen, the Baltimore City health commissioner. "We should have not have our patients choose between medications and food, medications and rent, (or) medications and life." The Maryland General Assembly is considering a pair of Senate and House bills that would fight prescription drug price increases. One bill would allow state Attorney General Brian Frosh to sue drug companies for price gouging and would require the companies to disclose the basis for any substantial price increases for drugs sold in Maryland. A separate bill would require manufacturers of drugs that cost patients $2,500 or more yearly to provide annual reports on how much they spend on research and development, manufacturing, marketing and profit. About 300 generic drugs' prices more than doubled from 2010 to 2015, according to a 2016 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Moreover, the report found that the "price increases generally persisted for at least one year" after the initial hike. "We've seen across the country and in Maryland increases in (the) price of generic pillsinexplicablethey have nothing to do with cost," said Brian Frosh, the state's attorney general, adding that many of the generic medications that have seen steep price increases have been around in the same form for decades. Almost 8 percent of Americans don't take their medication as prescribed because of a lack of affordability, according to a 2015 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report. Patients have resorted to cutting medication doses in half or have skipped them altogether, sometimes leading to deadly and debilitating consequences, said Wen. In 2016, there was public outrage when the cost of the EpiPen shot up from $50 to $600, leading to a Federal Trade Commission investigation. The same year former Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO Martin Shkreli increased the price of a drug used by AIDS patients by more than 5000 percent. Moreover, as the heroin-opioid epidemic continues to rise, so do the costs of the life-saving drugs that reverse overdoses, such as naloxone. Some versions' costs have risen by as much as 500 percent. "This doesn't make any sense," Wen said. "Naloxone is a generic medication. It's available on the pennies in other countries. Why is it that at the time of a public health emergency, we are priced out of our ability to save lives?" Adrienne Breidenstine, vice president of policy and communications at Behavioral Health System Baltimore, said naloxone's price increase has "severely impacted" the organization's supply. The amount of kits Behavioral Health System Baltimore has been able to buy annually has been slashed in half, from 8,000 to 4,000. "We think we are not saving as many lives as we could be," Breidenstine said. "With the increase in prices, it limits our ability to expand (and) it limits our ability to actually save lives in Baltimore." However, Martin Rosendale, Tech Council of Maryland's senior executive adviser, said a key component of one of the bills, which forces corporations to disclose their spending, would hurt Maryland's bioscience companies and could put them at a competitive disadvantage. "Reporting requirements would create a hostile environment for biotechnology companies at a time when we are working to establish Maryland as a top (tier) hub of biotechnology in the nation," Rosendale said. In December, Maryland joined 19 other states in filing a lawsuit against six drug companies for artificially inflating prices. "We need to take action in Maryland," said Vincent DeMarco, president of the Health Care Initiative for All Coalition. "It's not going to happen in Washington. And if we take action here, we can not only protect Marylanders, but also influence states in the rest of the country and other states will follow our lead." Bills SB 437 and HB 666, which would require drug companies to disclose how much they are spending, are sponsored by Sen. Joan Carter Conway, D-Baltimore, and Delegate Eric Bromwell, D-Baltimore County, respectively. Bills SB 415 and HB 631, which would allow Frosh to sue companies for price gouging, have been filed at the request of the office of the attorney general. LEONARDTOWN, Md. Disclaimer: In the U.S.A., all persons accused of a crime by the State are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. See: so.md/presumed-innocence. Additionally, all of the information provided above is solely from the perspective of the respective law enforcement agency and does not provide any direct input from the accused or persons otherwise mentioned. You can find additional information about the case by searching the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Database using the accused's name and date of birth. The database is online at so.md/mdcasesearch . Persons named who have been found innocent or not guilty of all charges in the respective case, and/or have had the case ordered expunged by the court can have their name, age, and city redacted by following the process defined at so.md/expungeme. (Feb. 23, 2017)The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Vice Narcotics Division released the following incident and arrest reports. The Division is an investigative team comprised of detectives from the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office and Federal Drug Agents (HIDTA Group 34). The Division was established on September 1st, 2007.FRAUDULENT PRESCRIPTION : Detectives were notified of a possible fraudulent prescription being passed at a Charlotte Hall pharmacy. Detectives arrived and detained suspect Daniel Ligolo Ongele, 27, of Upper Marlboro, who attempted to obtain Promethazine/Codeine syrup. He was found to be in possession of a USB thumb drive and a cellular phone, both of which were seized pending a forensic analysis. He was charged with Attempting to obtain Promethazine/Codeine by fraud and Identity Theft. Additional charges are pending a review with the State's Attorney.DISTRIBUTOR OF COCAINE: Vice/Narcotics detectives identified Gregory Trmyne Shingles, a/k/a "6-9," 31, of Mechanicsville, as a distributor of cocaine in the King Kennedy Estates neighborhood. Undercover purchases of cocaine were conducted by detectives and suspect Shingles was indicted. Detectives observed suspect Shingles conducting a drug transaction on Independence Drive before being stopped by a uniformed patrol deputy. Suspect Shingles discarded a plastic bag under a parked vehicle and, when recovered, it was found to contain 45 individual baggies of crack cocaine. The cocaine was valued at nearly $1,000. Also recovered were 2 cellular phones, over $300 in cash and a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. Additional charges are pending a review with the State's Attorney.DISTRIBUTOR OF OXYCODONE: Vice/Narcotics detectives identified James Wesley Hughes, 28, of Lexington Park, as a distributor of oxycodone. Multiple undercover purchases of oxycodone were made and suspect Hughes was indicted and subsequently arrested. He was originally held in a No Bond status.DISTRIBUTOR OF COCAINE: Francis Xavier Hill aka Opossum, 47, of Lexington Park, was indicted after undercover purchases of cocaine were conducted by Vice/Narcotics detectives. He was also charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. He was originally held without bond.DISTRIBUTOR OF HEROIN: Javar Charles Nolan, 30, of Mechanicsville, was indicted on multiple additional felony charges based on a search and seizure warrant executed on a Leonardtown residence. As a result of the execution of that warrant, a quantity of heroin packaged for sale was recovered.MARIJUANA: Jefferson Canallero Cabral, 18, of California, was indicted and arrested for Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute.OXYCODONE: Heather Jeanette Dickerson, 46, of Mechanicsville, was served an indictment for Possession of Oxycodone with the Intent to Distribute.OXYCODONE:Gina Marie Krouse-Boswell, 32, of Prince Frederick, was served an indictment for multiple counts of Attempting to Obtain Oxycodone by Fraud.COCAINE: Durez Lindell Creek, 28, of Lexington Park, was served an indictment for Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute. Eight Democrats took the stage in Atlanta Wednesday evening to make their case why they should chair the national party. Among the eight was Pete Buttigieg, Mayor of South Bend, Indiana and a Naval Reserve Officer. Buttigieg, 35, who is openly gay, said he has what it takes to make the party competitive again in all 50 states. We have allowed our language to be framed by the show in Washington rather than the lived experiences of Americans, Buttigieg said. We have not adequately communicated why our Democratic values freedom, fairness, family and the future are American values. Related: OpEd: Why Coming Out Matters Deidre Newton, State Committeewoman for the Palm Beach County Democratic Executive Committee, said she was very impressed with Buttigiegs resume. Anyone who enters the arena at this point is a visionary, Newton said. The vision has to reach new people, inspire people and explain what we as Democrats have to offer. Were the party that actually cares about people. Joining Buttigieg on the stage at Wednesday nights debate, aired on CNN, were U.S. Congressman Keith Ellison of Minnesota, former U.S. Labor Secretary Tom Perez, Jehmu Greene, past president of Rock the Vote, Jaime Harrison, chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party, Sally Boynton Brown, executive director of the Idaho Democratic Party, Peter Peckarsky, Wisconsin attorney and Samuel Ronan, a U.S. Air Force veteran from Ohio. Ellison, 53, has served in Congress since 2007. He is endorsed by Carlos Guillermo Smith, one of two openly gay representatives in the Florida House of Representatives. The other, David Richardson of Miami, is not endorsing a candidate for DNC chair. Keith is exactly the type of fresh, progressive leadership Democrats need at the national level, Smith said in a January 12 post on Facebook. Meanwhile, State Committeeman for the Broward County Democratic Executive Committee Ken Evans told SFGN Wednesday morning he had yet to decide who he was endorsing. Evans also sits on the Democratic National Committee. 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. London, February 23, 2017 (SPS) - The Moroccan Authorities continued to repress the peaceful demonstrations in Western Sahara in 2016, and to expel journalists, foreign activists and human rights activists and to bar them entry to this territory, said the latest annual report of Amnesty International, published on Tuesday. In its assessment of the worlds human rights in 2016, Amnesty International underlined that the Moroccan forces initiated criminal proceedings against the Sahrawi activists who called for the organization of a referendum on Western Sahara peoples self-determination and denounced the human rights abuses, and submitted these activists to restrictions. Human rights defenders were questioned upon their return from abroad by the Moroccan authorities who also expelled from Western Sahara journalists and foreign activists as well as human rights defenders, according the report. The non-governmental organization cited the expulsion of a delegation made up of a Belgian jurist, a Spanish judge and French and Spanish lawyers who went, in April, to Rabat to make representations on behalf of Gdeim Izik prisoners. The report also underlines that Sahrawi people, arrested by the Moroccan security forces for peaceful demonstrations, were victims of torture and ill-treatment SPS 125/090/700 Many of the students who had not heard of the new Equine Code of Practice are quickly realizing its value in assessing their horse's management. Thehorseportal.ca ran a very successful pilot this month and Equine Guelph looks forward to more lively discussion in the next offering two short weeks away starting March 6. The new 'Equine Welfare - Canada's Code' short course makes it easy to learn the basics of care as outlined in Canada's new code of practice. Join the herd! Register at: thehorseportal.ca Have a look at some of the topics covered: Unit 1 1.1 Introduction to the Code of Practice and the Course 1.2 Learning Activity - Animal Welfare and the Code of Practice 1.3 Learning Activity - The Five Freedoms and the Code of Practice 1.4 Learning Activity - Requirements/Recommended Practices Unit 2 2.1 Introduction to Duty of Care 2.2 The Cost of Ownership Unit 3 3.1 Introduction to Facilities and Housing 3.2 Shelters, Fencing and Thermoregulation Unit 4 4.1 Stall Sizes and Bedding 4.2 Fire Prevention and Emergency Preparedness Unit 5 5.1 Introduction to Feed and Water 5.2 Water Needs - Let them eat Snow? 5.3 Introduction to Feed 5.4 Learning Activity - Nutritional Priority Fact Sheets Unit 6 6.1 Introduction to Health and Management 6.2 More Health Management Strategies Unit 7 7.1 Learning Activity - Vital Signs and the Horse Health Check 7.2 Learning Activity - Body Condition Scoring Unit 8 8.1 Introduction to Husbandry Practices 8.2 Learning Activity - Senses of the horse Unit 9 9.1 Introduction to Reproductive Management 9.2 Predicting Foaling Time and sharing learning moments Unit 10 10.1 Introduction to Transportation 10.2 Introduction to Change of Career or End of Career Unit 11 11.1 Introduction to Euthanasia 11.2 Learning Activity - Euthanasia Options and Alternatives (University of Guelph) Ontario Racing (OR) has commented on a statement issued by the Horse Peoples' Alliance of Ontario regarding its Letter of Intent webinar. In a statement issued Thursday (February 22), the Horse Peoples' Alliance of Ontario addressed Ontario Racing's Letter of Intent (LOI) webinar as well as a perceived lack of financial disclosure pertaining to the province's horse racing industry. The statement from the Horse Peoples' Alliance of Ontario (HPAO) appears below. In response, Gabrielle Gallant, spokesperson for Ontario Racing, told Trot Insider that "Ontario Racing is not aware of and is therefore not a signatory to any new or alternate LOI regarding horse racing long term funding. The only LOI that Ontario Racing is aware of and is party to is dated September 12, 2016." The Horse Peoples' Alliance of Ontario (HPAO) closely monitored the Webinar conducted on Friday, February 10, 2017 as to the original Letter of Intent (LOI) executed between WEG and the OLG September 12, 2016, but only revealed to the industry for review several hours before the lawyers discussion as to what was contained in it. The HPAO is now further aware of the release of the final Letter of Intent dated February 16, 2017 unchanged from the original version of September 12, 2016. It is the same letter. It is interesting to note that the LOI discussed and now finalized is a document executed five months ago, well before consultations held by OR respecting its proposal during the fall months of 2016, and not including any of the comments that were generated during those consultations, comments in many instances that were strongly critical of the proposal. It seems that the OR proposal and the consultation period that followed cannot be described as a genuine effort by OR to gauge and take in the desires of the industry since the results of that process did not find its way into the now final LOI established to govern the industry for seventeen (17) years. Ontario Racing in the release of its Long Term Funding Proposal and in the light of the LOI Webinar made the following statement: Ontario Racing is pleased to release a preliminary report that summarizes the views and perspectives received from industry stakeholders regarding a proposed long term funding framework for horseracing in Ontario. This report will be posted for industry comment for a period of 25 days, to ensure that industry participants have ample opportunity to provide additional and new feedback regarding the findings contained in this report. The second phase of consultations will ensure that the final report is an accurate representation of the Ontario horse racing industrys perspective on the proposed long term funding framework. The HPAO has determined that the statements above have little substance and offer no hope to horse people that any of their real day to day issues are of concern or even included in the process of reorganization. Clearly the original consultation period, with the horse peoples investment of time and interest, was not deemed worthy of inclusion in the LOI, and the suggested additional period of 25 days for comment suggests only more of the same, whereby those few who seek and hold control ignore those many who make the horse racing industry their life and livelihood. It defies logic and concern that horse people should be forced to consider and ultimately simply accept a major reorganizational document that does not reflect, in the slightest, the concerns and criticisms that were made during the consultation period. Nor can the HPAO resolve the question as to why all of these dealings are proceeding with a shroud of secrecy thrown over the facts as to financial information and transactional accountability that is required but is never exercised. HPAO has continuously demanded disclosure of critical financial and contractual information setting out the true state of fact upon which the horse people of Ontario risk, every day, resources, effort and careers. The information is never disclosed and the demands for it completely ignored. Obviously, the OLG, WEG and OR seek a speedy buy in to what is unquestionably a flawed proposal and one that seemingly benefits only race tracks, and WEG in particular, without any recognition of the critical needs of breeders, owners, trainers and the like. Surely the Government of Ontario cannot stand aside and allow a process to continue that is so clearly unfair, unequal and dramatically unjust lulled into apparent disinterest by certain elements of the racing industry that allege, inaccurately, that their position arises from unanimity and satisfaction of thousands of hard working horse people. In the light of there being no financial disclosure provided to horse people despite many repeated requests for that information, the numbers below are the best information the HPAO can obtain from available public sources as to the true state of financial reality of this industry thereby exposing the disproportionate amounts of money allocated as between racetracks and horse people. Slot rental amounts paid to race tracks - $133,000,000 Gross wagering revenues from all sources - $173,000,000* *This amount of wagering is set out at its highest approximate number but may be less. Horse Racing Partnership Fund - $100,000,000 PMTR return of tax revenues annually - $59,000,000 Total revenue - $465,000,000** **This total may be less if the gross wagering is ultimately disclosed as a lesser amount, or in fact more if the revenue from uncashed tickets, breakage and uncashed purse cheques are disclosed and accounted for. Total purses paid for all three Breeds in 2015 $165,000,000*** ***This amount includes horse people contributions of nominating. sustaining and starting amounts. Approximated additional amounts paid to the regulator, horse associations and HIP - $15,000,000 Out of a fund annually, from all sources of approximately $465,000,000, the horse people of Ontario have access to, on the basis that they are smart, talented, run good businesses and have good fortune, of purse money of approximately $165,000,000, while race tracks suffer under the heavy burden of operating their facilities with merely $285,000,000, approximately. The HPAO understands that out of that $285,000,000, rental agreements signed with race tracks to merely provide floor space for slot operations creates revenue of some $135,000,000, leaving $150,000,000 in the hands of the race tracks to use as they determine in their best interests and as yet never disclosed or accounted for. Accordingly, the HPAO believes that there needs to be a fairer distribution of available funds and an equal control of racing for horse people. Frank Roth Chair Horse Peoples' Alliance of Ontario FCC Announces Investigation Into Klayman/Leftist Strike Force Complaint Against CNN and Jeff Zucker Freedom Watch Had Filed Action Over Trump Assassination Suggestion by CNN on Wolf Blitzer's 'Situation Room' The Day Before the Inauguration Contact: Freedom Watch, 424-274-2579, daj142182@gmail.com WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Today, Larry Klayman, the founder of both Judicial Watch and now Freedom Watch, and a former federal prosecutor, announced that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) had commenced an investigation into a complaint filed by Freedom Watch's Leftist Media Strike Force (see www.leftistmediastrikeforce.org), alleging that the network had engaged in criminal activity by inciting "Trump haters" and terrorists with the plan that if President-Elect Trump, Vice President-Elect Pence, and the Speaker of the House were assassinated on the steps of the Capitol before their swearing in last January 20, then an Obama cabinet secretary would be in line to inherit the presidency. Klayman had asked the FCC to take remedial action against CNN, including but not limited to heavy fines and removing and revoking any broadcast licenses. Klayman also urged FCC remedial action against CNN's ultra-leftist president Jeff Zucker. Zucker previously had a falling out with Donald Trump over the president's prior show "The Apprentice," when he ran NBC. The hate-filled Zucker was forced to leave NBC under a cloud when through bad management he drove it financially and otherwise into the ground. He then became the head of CNN. In addition, the FCC complaint was copied and sent to the U.S. Secret Service, with a request to also investigate and take remedial action, as it is a felony to suggest the assassination of the president and vice president, and other government officials, such as the Speaker of the House. Klayman had this to say upon receiving the FCC's announcement by email, which is embedded below along with the original complaint: "It's time that someone took action against the likes of CNN, which are attempting to destroy the Trump presidency out of their leftist hatred for him. President Trump, who was duly elected by We the People, deserves a chance to succeed, without being destroyed with 'Fake News' and the not too transparent desire by CNN, its president Jeff Zucker and others on the left that he be assassinated." For further information or an interview, contact daj142182@gmail.com or (424) 274 2579. The FCC complaint and the FCC's announcement are embedded below. See www.leftistmediastrikeforce.org and www.freedomwatchusa.org. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "FCC" Date: Feb 22, 2017 12:03 PM Subject: Request received: regulatory enforcement action against CNN To: "leklayman" Cc: Hi Larry Thank you for your submission. Your request has been received and assigned Ticket No. ########. Your complaint provides valuable information to spot trends and practices that warrant investigation and enforcement action. We do not resolve individual complaints about this issue and, there will be no status information to report on your complaint. If the FCC needs more information about your complaint, we will contact you directly. Each year, the Enforcement Bureau takes hundreds of actions on behalf of consumers that result in tens of millions of dollars in penalties. These actions encourage companies and individuals to abide by the law and reduce future misconduct. The information you provided us will continue to be available internally within the FCC to inform the Commission's enforcement and policymaking processes. Thank you for your help in furthering the FCC's mission on behalf of consumers. View Freedom Watch FCC Complaint Against CNN www.freedomwatchusa.org/pdf/170217-FCC%20Complaint%20E-Signed.pdf After what came out after the meeting between Netanyahu and Trump, I am not exaggerating if I say that yesterday there was a semi-official announcement of the death of the path of negotiations. Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Feb 16, 2017 It was supremely wicked, and rapidly meandered into horse muddied waters. US President Donald J. Trump had openly expressed what many a US politician has felt but avoided for the sake of false decency: the two-state solution regarding Israel and Palestine was a bad idea. There was only one supremo in this fight, and it certainly did not entail the downtrodden in Gaza or the West Bank. In his consistently inconsistent manner before a press corps he has come to loathe, Trump also claimed that he could, live with two-state or one-state: Im looking at two-state and one-state and I like the one both parties like. Im very happy with the one that both parties like. Another comment, of the same ilk, was equally gravity defying. I thought for a while it looked like the two-state, looked it may be the easier of the two, but honestly if Bibi and if the Palestinians, if Israel and the Palestinians are happy, Im happy with the one they like the best. Not exactly high flying wisdom, given Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus general reluctance about giving ground on the issue, or mixed Palestinian stances on the subject. The general US approach to this has been to back Israel with few qualifications and insist that both sides yield in some undefined manner. The tone has varied at stages, be it the Clinton guidelines set out at the Camp David summit or the meaningless road map for peace outlined at the Annapolis conference by George W. Bush. The Obama administration kept the circus going, with a few neat additions, and failed. The bitter icing on these fruitless efforts came from an indignant and frustrated Secretary of State, John Kerry. Veteran Palestinian negotiator and member of the Palestine Liberation Organisation Hanan Ashrawiwas understandably baffled by this change in the air, though the air on this subject had already thickened with Trumps election. Accommodating the most extreme and irresponsible elements in Israel and in the White House is no way to make responsible foreign policy. A livid, ashen-looking Saeb Erekat saw even darker implications. Those who believe that they can undermine the two-state solution and replace it with what I call one state two systems apartheid I dont think in the 21 st century they will get away with it. Its impossible. Fine sentiments indeed, though states continue getting away with atrocious conduct under the cover of law, provided they receive the relevant backing, or impotent complicity. There was a moment when a bemused Netanyahu was faced with another observation from Trump: that Israel tread carefully on its illegal settlements, that great weapon that continues to render a two-state solution nugatory. For Trump, the aggressive policy of continued building was perhaps not such a good idea, though there was nothing stopping the state of Israel from pushing on with it in cautious fashion. I would like to see you pull back on settlements a little bit. The Art of the Deal! exclaimed Netanyahu. The Israeli Prime Minister has been pursuing his own variant of the deal, though there is very little artistic about it. In his Bar-Ilan University speech in 2009, Netanyahu accepted the two-state solution. Before the 2015 election, he changed his mind, only to repudiate that stance after he won a fourth term. His current approach is to render any discussion about the Jewish settlement problem irrelevant to the main discussions with the Palestinians. Such a position is also allied to another, more invidious approach: that of assuming that the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza are simply incapable of unifying on the issue of how best to pursue a two-state solution. The comment from Abba Eben has become something of a reflex: The Palestinians never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity. Divided, the Palestinian house has effectively fallen on the sword of a perceived Realpolitik: that a true stance to negotiate over would assume that Israel also include the occupied territories, but within a secular arrangement of equal rights. (This has a certain sinister tone of being different yet equal, though it seems to have wings in some circles.) Even Erekat noted that vision of one single secular and democratic state with equal rights for everyone, Christians, Muslims and Jews, on all of historic Palestine. That would effectively ditch the notion of Israel as the supreme Jewish state, singular and exclusive, a stance that is nigh impossible to envisage. It remains to be seen whether that fateful press conference buried the two-state idea with few funeral rites. If so, such a process can hardy banish the militant misery and indignation that Palestinians will continue to nurse and express. The implacable enemy within remains the most dangerous of all. More than 60 businesses have benefitted from the program, which was extended through May 1 while a permanent program is in the works. Portland and Vancouver are crowing about how wet this February has been. Portland on Tuesday made weather history by breaking its 1996 record for rainfall. The Rose City had received 10.4 inches by then, besting the citys old mark of 10.3 inches. Vancouver by Wednesday had 10 inches this month, which was within a half inch of its February record, also set in 1996. But here in the Kelso-Longview area? Were not even close. The wettest February ever recorded here occurred in 1961, when 11.08 inches fell at the old Longview water plant. So far this month? A little short of 6 inches. Thats a little more than an inch above average, but certainly nothing to crow about. Whats been unusual, though, is the chill. Normally by now Longviews many blooming thundercloud plum trees are in full bloom, but they arent really breaking buds. Tulips and daffodils are poking up, and some crocus have bloomed. But forecasters are telling us spring isnt here yet. The National Weather Service Wednesday afternoon issued a special winter weather statement for Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon. A cool and unstable air mass will linger over the region into early next week, bringing overnight snow levels down to about 1,000 feet. But there is some chance for sea level snow, though any accumulations will be short-lived and melt within a couple hours into daylight, the agency said. The snow will mostly affect many higher elevation roads in the Coast and Cascade ranges and the higher hills around the Kelso-Longview and Portland-Vancouver metro areas. This trend is supposed to continue into next week, though Saturday is expected to be mostly sunny. tech2 HP India brought its Omen series to India when it launched the first HP Omen laptop in the country in 2015. This year the company has brought a large variety of products which were launched on Wednesday, 22 February. The new range consists of five notebooks, a desktop, and some gaming accessories. Let's look at the notebooks first. The range comes in 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch screen sizes and feature the latest seventh-gen Intel Core i7 processors as well as Nvidia GeForce GTX for graphics. The most affordable in the range comes under the Omen 15 featuring a 15.6-inch full HD display, Intel Core i5-7300HQ (2.5GHz, turbo up to 3.5GHz) processor, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 graphics and a 1TB HDD with a price of Rs 79,990. The HP Omen 17 is the company's first VR ready gaming notebook featuring a 17.3-inch full HD display, Intel Core i7-7700HQ (2.8GHz, turbo up to 3.8GHz) processor, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 graphics (6GB GDDR5), 16GB of DDR4 RAM, 1TB 7200RPM HDD, 128GB SSD storage, and Bang & Olufsen audio. Prices start at Rs 1,39,990. For the desktop lovers, the HP Omen 870 was also announced. It can be configured with an Intel Core i7-7700K (4.2GHz, 8MB cache) processor, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 128GB SSD, and a 2TB 7200RPM HDD. It comes with a three-year manufacturing warranty with prices starting at Rs 1,39,990. HP also announced Omen accessories including a keyboard, headset, mouse and mousepad developed in partnership with SteelSeries. The Omen Headset comes with retractable mic and a 3.5mm mobile adapter priced at Rs 7,499. The Omen Keyboard features 5-zone backlighting capable of 16.8 million colours, one touch combo feature to program 88 built-in macro keys as well as anti-ghosting support for 20 keys in the most-used gaming areas. The Omen keyboard is priced at Rs 9,999. The Omen mouse comes with a 1:1 tracking and intelligent RGB illumination priced at Rs 5,499. The Omen Mousepad featuring a non-slip rubber base is priced at Rs 2,199. According to HP all the products, including the accessories will be available from 15 March. tech2 News Staff After being initially announced for a December launch, which was delayed to the last weeks of January, the Aadhaar Pay for merchants is finally going to be introduced in the next few days starting with four banks, according to senior government officials. The banks are the State Bank of India (SBI), Syndicate Bank, IDFC bank and IndusInd bank. Bank of Baroda and Punjab National Bank are also in the process of launching Aadhaar pay at the earliest, according to a report in the Economic Times. The delays have been because of lack of exact specifications for what kind of registered devices are allowed to accept payments, but detailed specifications are now available. The Aadhaar Pay for merchants is a system that allows buyers to make cashless transactions without a smartphone or a plastic card. The consumers simply have to authenticate the transaction through a fingerprint scanner at the point of sale. There are no additional authentication mechanisms, only pressing a finger against the reader is enough to execute the transaction. Users must have an Aadhaar card linked to a bank account to make payments through Aadhaar Pay. Merchants have to install a fingerprint scanner that costs about Rs 2,000, and link the reader to a smartphone application. https://twitter.com/ncbn/status/812647581226409988 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu soft launched the Aadhaar Pay system in fair price shops in Andhra Pradesh. The system was checked in the real world environment as a pilot project. IDFC bank was the first bank to introduce Aadhaar Pay. The bank directly sends the application to the merchants through a link over an SMS, and the application as implemented by IDFC is not publicly available on the Play Store. It is unclear at this point of time if the other banks will deliver the smartphone application for merchants in a similar way. Rajiv Lall, Founder MD & CEO, IDFC Bank, said, "It is, thus far, the simplest way to pay as it does not require a customer to swipe debit cards, remember passwords, or download apps. Importantly, there are no transaction fees for both merchants and customers. IDFC Aadhaar Pay will accelerate the pace of growth for cashless payments, giving wings to the governments efforts towards digitisation for inclusive growth." https://twitter.com/rsprasad/status/829169804863012864 Aadhaar Pay is based on the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS), and is meant to facilitate cashless transactions particularly in remote and rural areas. The government officials claim that the delay was to ensure that the system is as secure as possible. However, payment systems based on biometric authentication is not implemented on such a large scale even in mature markets. There are a number of security concerns when it comes to biometric authentication for making payments. https://twitter.com/IDFC_Bank/status/824988071292764160 No biometric authentication system in the world is 100 percent accurate, according to a report in Forbes. Even a marginal number of failures will affect a large number of people considering the large population of India. Giving out a fingerprint to the shopkeeper is similar to handing over your ATM pin. Electronic pins or passwords can be changed when compromised, but once biometric security is compromised, it remains compromised forever. Users cannot cut their fingers and grow a new one if malicious entities duplicate the fingerprint. However, according to experts who have worked on the UIDAI Aadhaar project, the database has multiple layers of security, and breaching that data is not easy. tech2 News Staff Bharti Airtel today signed an agreement with Norwegian multinational telecommunications company Telenor to acquire its Telenor (India) Communications Ltd. In short, Telenor India will soon merge with Airtel as per a joint statement. The same statement also gives out the details of the acquisition. It states that the agreement is subject to requisite regulatory approvals and Airtel will merge with Telenor only after the necessary approvals are received. Delving into the details, Airtel will take over the outstanding spectrum payments and operational contracts as a part of the agreement. Airtel will also acquire Telenor's operations in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, UP and Assam. These areas are important since they represent a high population concentration, one that could offer potential growth. Airtel will ensure quality services to Telenor Indias customers, while offering them the added benefits of its innovative product portfolio, access to superior voice & data services, mobile banking, VAS and domestic/international roaming facilities. Telenor Indias operations and services will continue as normal until the completion of the transaction. Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and CEO (India and South Asia), Bharti Airtel, said, The agreement underlines our commitment to lead Indias digital revolution by offering world-class and affordable telecom services through a robust spectrum portfolio spread across multiple bands. On completion, the proposed acquisition will undergo seamless integration, both on the customer as well as the network side, and further strengthen our market position in several key circles. The customers of Telenor India will now be able to enjoy Indias widest and fastest voice & data network, and a range of Airtels world-class products and services. The acquisition of additional spectrum through this transaction, which made an attractive business proposition, has further enhanced our already solid spectrum portfolio. The proposed transaction will also create substantial long term value for our shareholders given the significant synergies. added Gopal. Sigve Brekke, Chief Executive Officer of Telenor Group, said, We believe todays agreement is in the best interest of our customers, employees and Telenor Group. Finding a long term solution to our India business has been a priority for us, and we are pleased with our agreement with Airtel. The decision to exit India has not been taken lightly. After thorough consideration, it is our view that the significant investments needed to secure Telenor Indias future business on a standalone basis will not give an acceptable level of return. IANS Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday unveiled its plans to develop Visakhapatnam as Fintech hub of the country and signed MoUs with Visa and Thomson Reuters. Visa, the leading global payments network, will help transform Vishakhapatnam into India's first "less cash" city. This initiative is designed to provide the foundation for the city to emerge as India's Fintech Valley, in keeping with the vision of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the company said. Naidu announced the Fintech Valley initiative at the Microsoft Future Decoded conference in Mumbai. The state government also signed a MoU with Thomson Reuters for cooperation in Fintech initiatives in the state. Naidu said that the government will collaborate with various organisations to create the perfect Fintech ecosystem in Visakhapatnam. Six companies including Paytm are already working at Fintech Tower in the port city. The Chief Minister tweeted that YES Bank is also keen on setting up a Fintech Park in new state capital Amaravati. "Through this project, we hope to see a threefold to fivefold increase on the 6,400 merchants currently accepting digital payments, and to increase customer adoption of electronic payments by 75 percent to 100 percent," Naidu said about the MoU with Visa. To accelerate its journey to less-cash and to becoming India's Fintech Valley, Visa will focus on driving payments digitisation, building talent pool and supporting Fintech start-ups. Visa will work with key city agencies in Vishakhapatnam like the Greater Vishakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), Common Service Centres, Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, and key merchant segments like auto rickshaw drivers and the agricultural markets, to help digitise payments. "We propose to undertake this initiative as a part of Visa's global financial inclusion efforts that aim to provide 500 million underserved with a payment account by 2020," said TR Ramachandran, group country manager, Visa India and South Asia. PTI Calling America a land of immigrants, Microsoft Corp chief executive Satya Nadella said the US stands for inclusion and diversity and he himself had beneficiary of its "enlighten immigration policy". He, however, said it should be America first in the US like it should be India first in India when it comes to creating jobs. For Microsoft, the guiding principles are of "creating economic opportunity in every country that we participated. For example in India I have to be able to talk about India first. What have we done for India's economic growth? In America, it is America first and in the UK, it is UK first." "The second principle for us is as an American company, we will always stand forward, I think enduring values of America, it is a land of immigrants. We stand for inclusion and our diversity. These are the two core things that will drive how we advocate for any policy or against any policy in any country for that matter," he told CNBC TV18. He was asked to comment on US President Donald Trump's immigration policies and move to curb H-1B work visas that will hurt India. "So I always go back to these two guiding principles and I am a perfect example of that because if it is not for American technology reaching me growing up in India, I wouldn't have been able to dream the dream and I wouldn't have been able to live the dream if it is not for the enlightened immigration policy of the United States. Having benefited from those two and that personal experience is what informs what we do," he said. Stating that everyone is subject to the laws of land, he said if any country has policies that dictate economic opportunity creation that is specific to that country, "we have to essentially deliver on that." He said he believed that ultimately every country looking at its own national interest will also come to the conclusion that none can live in isolation and they will look for fair trade deals. "And in the context of fair trade deals, they will want to get world class technology to be part of their economy. So I don't take any swing towards nationalism or globalisation as a permanent swing. These are all both have to be kept in balance and that is what we are seeing out there," he added. Kunal Khullar The annual Mobile World Congress for the year 2017 is almost here and will become the stage for numerous announcements. Apart from smartphones, the event will also see announcements from the world of mobility including telecom, chipsets, mobile accessories and more. Some of the leading names in the mobile world be present to make announcements and here is a list of all the important ones that you should not miss. Nokia Nokia made a comeback (thanks to HMD Global) to the smartphone world by announcing an Android device earlier this year in China called the Nokia 6. It is expected to showcase a bunch of new devices at MWC including a new rendition of the popular feature phone, 3310. Nokia, which is a part HMD Global, will be hosting an event on 26 February. It will live stream the launch event in 360-degree video on its YouTube channel and a live stream on Facebook. Date: 26 February, Sunday Barcelona Time: 4.30PM India Time: 9.00PM Samsung All eyes will be on Korean giant Samsung as it is expected to announce the new Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus. While most of the reports say the company will only unveil the S8 pair, the handset will actually launch at a later stage. It is however confirmed to announce the new Tab S3 tablet with high end features. The Samsung press conference is scheduled on 26 February. Date: 26 February, Sunday Barcelona Time: 7.00PM India Time: 11.00PM Apart from that, Samsung has partnered with Reliance Jio and will have a special joint press conference on 28 February (Tuesday). Date: 28 February, Tuesday Barcelona Time: 8.45AM India Time: 1.15PM Huawei Chinese smartphone and telecom equipment vendor Huawei will be amaking an announcement at this year's MWC. It will be announcing an update to the dual-camera equipped P9, in the form of the P10 and a larger version called the P10 Plus. It will also be launching the Huawei Watch 2 which is expected to be more sportier than the last version. If you are interested in this event, you can register yourself over here. Huawei will probably live stream the event on its YouTube channel here. Date: 26 February, Sunday Barcelona Time: 2.00PM India Time: 6.30PM LG The G6 was probably the most leaked smartphone and we probably know how the handset will look like along with its specifications. It is definitely way better than the G5 and yes, no modular design. The LG G6 event is also scheduled for 26 February and will begin at 12pm CET/4.30pm IST. The company has been teasing the device on its YouTube channel, and that is probably where you can catch the event as well. Date: 26 February, Sunday Barcelona Time: 12.00PM India Time: 4.30PM BlackBerry The company has already revealed its unique looking 'Mercury' handset at CES. The handset is expected to be officially launched at MWC and hopefully we will get to learn about its specifications and price. The event is scheduled on 25 February. Crackberry is the official partner and will live stream the event over here. Date: 25 February, Saturday Barcelona Time: 7.00PM India Time: 11.30PM Motorola Lenovo owned Motorola, will also be making an appearance at this year's Mobile World Congress. It will be announcing its new budget offering, the Moto G5 and G5 Plus. The handsets are expected to get a nice metal finish this year and thanks to some leaks we have a fair idea about its specs as well. Like most of the device announcements, the Moto event is scheduled for 26 February, Sunday. The launch event is expected to be streamed on Moto's YouTube page. Date: 26 February, Sunday Barcelona Time: 4.30PM India Time: 9.00PM Sony Sony still seems to be sticking around and is expected to announce new Xperia smartphones. We are hoping to see a new Xperia flagship, possibly the X2 and an update of the mid-ranged Xperia XA. Sony had sent out press invites last month and will be making announcements on 27 February. The event is expected to be live streamed on the Sony's website. Date: 27 February, Monday Barcelona Time: 8.30AM India Time: 1.00PM Gionee Chinese smartphone vendor Gionee will also make an appearance at this year's Mobile World Congress. It will be launching new mid-range smartphones under a new A-series. Some info about the smartphones have already leaked and even the launch invite confirms the device names. There is no info about the live stream, but we do know that the launch event will happen on 27 February. Date: 27 February, Monday Barcelona Time: 11.00AM India Time: 3.30PM Ericsson Ericsson has a bunch of announcements and sessions lined up for MWC from 27 February till 2 March. The company will be majorly discussing 5G connectivity, Internet of things and Cloud. There is a long list of events which you can get over here. No confirmed info around the live stream, but we will update as soon as we find one. Qualcomm Chipset maker Qualcomm will also be present at MWC. There isn't a fixed event but a bunch of sessions lined up from 27 February till 2 March. Expect annoucnements around 5G and new network equipment and modems. Read our complete coverage of the Mobile World Congress 2017 IANS In a move towards developing the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem in India, IT industry's representative organisation Nasscom on Wednesday signed an MoU with the IoT Acceleration Consortium (ITAC)-Japan. Under the MoU, Nasscom and ITAC-Japan will collaborate to address digital technology shifts and accelerate IoT adoption at a global level across the industry. "It is imperative that there is global effort towards accelerating IoT in every sector, this partnership will be another key milestone in building this robust ecosystem of collaboration and open new avenues," said KS Viswanathan, vice president (Industry Initiatives), Nasscom. Both Nasscom and ITAC-Japan will share information on the ecosystem, new practices and technological developments. The IoT market in India is expected to reach $15 billion by 2020 accounting for nearly five per cent of the total global market and the worldwide IoT market is poised to be a $328 billion market by 2020. hidden The Supreme Court today sought to know from internet service provider Google whether it could "prevent" uploading of obscene contents like videos of sexual violence on websites. A bench of Justices M B Lokur and U U Lalit asked Google about its internal mechanism or "in-house procedure" to identify such obscene contents posted on websites and also about "how much can they do to prevent it". "Can you not prevent it? We are simply asking you can you not prevent it," the bench asked senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who was representing Google India. Singhvi said the company was unconditionally willing to cooperate on these issues and they should be informed about any such material posted on websites so that they can act. He said the information about such material should come to them from the government or an adjudicating authority which could be a kind of filter. In the absence of these, a detailed in-house procedure could be adopted and they would get such contents deleted or withdrawn within 36 hours of receipt of information. However, the bench asked, "Take for instance, nobody has reported (about any such material), do you act on your own to decipher it? We are asking, is it possible for you or not?" Responding to it, Singhvi said, "No. Actually it is not possible for us...It is not something which we can discover on our own. If it is reported, we can do it. There is no legal obligation on me to discover". Advocate Aparna Bhat, who has been assisting the court as amicus curiae, told the bench that when the matter had come to fore, there were 8-9 such obscene videos on which the CBI had conducted investigation, but now several other such materials have surfaced and the agency must be directed to look into it. To this, the bench observed, "We have not stayed any investigation. There is no stay on the investigation". Bhat argued that there should be a mechanism in place to ensure that no such videos or materials are uploaded on the Internet. She also referred to the recent incident in Kerala where an actress was allegedly molested and abused inside her car and the act was purportedly recorded on a mobile phone. The amicus also argued that Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, dealt with the issue of child pornography but the penal law was not sufficient to deal with the issue at hand. PTI hidden Clearly unhappy over poor telecom services, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday pressed for efficiency and accountability at all levels to bring about a visible change in the situation at the earliest. He reviewed the progress towards handling and resolution of grievances related to the telecom sector while chairing a meeting of Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI), an ICT-based multi-modal platform for interacting with various departments and states. "Most of the grievances are related to issues of poor service quality, connectivity and non-functioning of landline connections," a PMO statement said. During the meeting, secretary, department of telecom, outlined the steps taken so far in this regard, it said. "The Prime Minister emphasized the need for improving efficiency, and fixing accountability at all levels to bring about a visible change in the situation at the earliest," the statement said. Modi recalled his review of the sector in April 2015 and said all available and existing technological solutions should be used to address the problems being faced by the people. Reviewing the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) in this monthly meeting, the Prime Minister underlined the Union government's commitment to provide Housing for All by 2022. He urged the states to come up with strategies, time-bound action plans and roadmap, and a monitoring mechanism to follow up on this goal, the PMO said. He called for the use of latest technology inputs to improve the pace and quality of work, the statement added. The Prime Minister also asked all secretaries of government of India and chief secretaries to review the situation with regard to 'Ease of Doing Business'. Referring to the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' Report, he asked the officials to assess the progress based on the parameters used in it, the statement said. He also asked senior officials in the Union government to review the progress on a weekly basis. Modi also reviewed the progress of vital infrastructure projects in the railway, road, port, power and natural gas sectors, spread over several states including Telangana, Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Haryana, Bihar, West Bengal, and Meghalaya. The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of completing projects in time, so that cost overruns could be avoided, and the benefits of projects could reach the people, as originally envisaged, the statement said. Among the projects reviewed today were: Birnihat-Shillong Railway Line; Jogbani-Biratnagar (Nepal) Railway Line; Surat- Dahisar Highway; Gurgaon-Jaipur Highway; Chennai and Ennore Port connectivity project; Cochin Shipyard dry-dock construction; and the East Coast to West Coast Mallavaram- Bhopal-Bhilwara-Vijayapur Natural Gas Pipeline. PTI Global arms trade hits highest level Special Correspondent : The global arms trade has hit highest level since the end of the Cold War fuelled by conflicts in the Middle East, tensions in the South China Sea and the perceived threat from Russia to its neighbours, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The US is by far the world's biggest arms exporter, accounting for 33 per cent of all weapons exports in the five years through 2016. Russia was the second biggest supplier followed by China, the SIPRI report said. "The global transfer of major weapons systems rose over the past five years to the highest volume since the end of the cold war. The weapons were delivered between 2012 and 2016," said the SIPRI report published recently. Many countries in the Middle East are involved in the armed conflicts in Syria and Yemen. Others like Iraq are battling insurgents in their own territories. The violence in Syria erupted nearly six years ago, while the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen began almost two years ago. At the same time, relations remain tense between Iran and few of its neighbours. Such a conflicting situation forced them to acquire sophisticated arms, ammunition and military warheads pushing up the global arms trade to record level. "Global arms trade hit record high in 2012 and 2016 as the Middle East countries nearly doubled their arms imports. The main buyers were Saudi Arabia, the UAE. Qatar and Turkey," said Aude Fleurant, Director of the SIPRI'S arms and military expenditure programme. Other biggest importers were China, India and Pakistan. "The USA supplies major arms to at least 100 countries around the world over the five-year period, significantly more than any other exporting country. The US exported in the last five years about 47 per cent in the Middle East," said Aude Fleurant. Arms imports by countries in the Middle East increased by 86 per cent in the last five years through 2016, compared with the previous five years. Among the biggest jumps were Saudi Arabia's (up 212 per cent) and Qatar's (up 245 per cent). "Rising oil wealth has made it possible for Middle Eastern countries to ramp up their military spending," said the report. Imports by countries in Southeast Asia have also increased over the past five years, fueled by contentious territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The area is home to crucial shipping lanes, and it is rich in oil and gas reserves. China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei have all made territorial claims over islands in the area. Tensions have grown since 2014 as China has turned sandbars into islands, equipping them with airfields, ports and weapons systems and warned U.S. warships and aircraft to stay away from them. SIPRI said most of the weapons acquired by the countries in the area, including frigates, submarines, support ships, combat aircraft and anti-ship weapons have a maritime role. "With no regional arms control instruments in place, states in Asia continue to expand their arsenals," said Siemon Wezeman, senior researcher at SIPRI's arms and military expenditure programme. "While China is increasingly able to substitute arms imports with indigenous products, India remains dependent on weapons technology from many willing suppliers, including Russia, the USA, European states, Israel and South Korea," Wezeman said. UK names Cressida Dick as London's first female police chief Reuters, London : Britain appointed experienced counter-terrorism officer Cressida Dick as London's new police chief on Wednesday, the first woman to hold the job. But she is best known for heading an operation which led to the killing of an innocent Brazilian. Ms Dick, 56, who left the Metropolitan Police in 2015 to work for Britain's Foreign Office, becomes the most senior officer in the country, heading a force of some 43,000 officers and staff. "Cressida Dick is an exceptional leader, and has a clear vision for the future of the Metropolitan Police and an understanding of the diverse range of communities it serves," Home Secretary Amber Rudd said in a statement. Oxford University graduate Dick had been the favourite to succeed Bernard Hogan-Howe who stepped down this month after five years in charge. Highly respected and popular with ordinary officers, Ms Dick joined the London force in 1983 as a constable and made her way up the ranks including a spell back in charge of her hometown of Oxford. In July 2005, she was in charge of the operation that led to Jean Charles de Menezes, 27, being shot seven times in the head on a Tube train at Stockwell station in south London after he was mistaken for a would-be suicide bomber. Only the day before, four terrorists had tried unsuccessfully to bomb London's transport network and police wrongly thought he was Hussein Osman, one of the attackers on the run, who lived in the same apartment block as de Menezes. Syria`s warring sides trade fire as peace talks convene Fighting in Syria has continued in the runup to the Geneva peace talks. Reuters, Beirut : Syrian warplanes carried out air strikes on rebel-held areas in Deraa, Hama and Aleppo provinces and insurgents fired rockets at government targets on Thursday, just as peace talks were set to resume in Geneva after a 10-month hiatus, a war monitoring group said. However, the overall level of violence in western Syria was somewhat lower than in previous days, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. In the southern province of Deraa, where clashes have intensified over the past week, Islamist insurgents detonated a car bomb and government helicopters dropped barrel bombs, the Observatory reported. Government forces meanwhile shelled areas in the northern city of Aleppo's western outskirts, and Syrian jets carried out air strikes around an area where the army and its allies had advanced on Wednesday, the Observatory said. The Geneva talks are taking place after nearly two months of an increasingly shaky ceasefire between the government and rebels, with each side accusing the other of violations. President Bashar al-Assad, who is backed by Russia and Iran, has gained the military advantage over the past year. Damascus says all insurgents fighting against it are terrorists. Hard-line jihadist groups such as Islamic State are excluded from the truce, which took effect on Dec. 30, brokered by Russia and Turkey, which supports the rebels. A military media unit run by Syria's Lebanese ally Hezbollah said on Thursday that Syrian and Russian warplanes carried out a number of air strikes against Islamic State in the eastern city of Deir al-Zor, most of which the group controls. Meanwhile, Turkish-backed Syrian rebels announced on Thursday that they had taken full control of the northern town of Al-Bab from the Islamic State jihadist group after weeks of deadly fighting. Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency reported that rebels had overrun the centre of the town, which had been a key IS stronghold just 25 kilometres (15 miles) south of the border. "We are announcing Al-Bab completely liberated, and we are now clearing mines from the residential neighbourhoods," said Ahmad Othman, commander of the Sultan Mourad rebel group. "After hours of fighting, we chased out the last remaining IS rank and file that were collapsing after the fierce shelling of their positions," he added. But the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that IS fighters were still present in parts of the town and the rebels were in control of less than half of it. The rebels launched their offensive to capture Al-Bab last year with the support of Turkish ground troops, artillery and air strikes. Field commanders from two other rebel factions in the town confirmed the news to AFP. "Yesterday (Wednesday), we captured the city centre, which was IS's security zone... The jihadists collapsed, and this morning around 6 am (0400 GMT) we completed the operation," said Saif Abu Bakr, who heads the Al-Hamza rebel group. KAMPS arranged Free Medical Camp in Shakhipur,Tangail Economic Reporter : Kidney Awareness Monitoring and Prevention Society (KAMPS), a voluntary healthcare giving organization arranged a Free Medical Camp in honor of the language martyred, marking the international mother language day at Hatibandha, Shakhipur in Tangail recently, said a press release. More than 3000 poor patients received free treatment and were distributed with necessary medicine. KAMPS has organised the event as part of its regular annual event for the last 13th consecutive years. A team of nearly 40 expert Physicians and Technologists treated the helpless and poor patients of Tangail area for the day long. Patients received treatment in various diseases including Kidney, Heart, Liver, Guyenne, Gastro, Diabetes, ENT, medicine, skin etc. while more than 100 aged poor Eye patients have been enrolled for free cataract surgery. As part of the day long program, a discussion meeting was held on how to prevent the kidney disease. Adviser of the free medical camp, Md Abdul Malek Mian presided over the discussion meeting while Chairman of KAMPS and Chief Consultant Kidney Department, Lab Aid Specialised Hospital, Prof. Dr. MA Samad presented key note paper in the seminar. Member of Parliament, Tangail-8, Anupam Shahjahan Joy attended the discussion as chief guest while Regional Chairman, Headquarters, Lions Club International, Lion Alhaj Mobarak Hossain, Head of Kidney Department, Holy Family Red Crescent Hospital, Professor Dr. Ehteshamul Huq, Qazi Walid Ul Islam, former Chairman of Shakhipur Upazila, were present as special guests. 11 DU students get CERAGEM Merit Scholarship Award Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique at a photo session with the recipients of CERAGEM Merit Scholarship Award of the Department of Public Administration of Dhaka University at the VC\'s Lounge of the university on Thursday. Eleven meritorious students of the Department of Public Administration of Dhaka University (DU) have been awarded "CERAGEM Merit Scholarship Award" for their outstanding academic performances at the VC's lounge of the university. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique was present at the function as the chief guest while Managing Director of CERAGEM Bangladesh Limited Kwon Kyo Soon, Marketing Director of the same company Ji Young Kwon, Chairman of the Department of Public Administration of DU Professor Akhter Hussain, Professor Mobasser Monem, Professor Ferdous Arfina Osman, Professor Syeda Lasna Kabir, Associate Professor Sadik Hasan and Lecturer Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan were present, among others, on this occasion. Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique congratulated the meritorious students for their achievement and thanked the organisers. It may be mentioned that CERAGEM is a leading medical device company in South Korea. Facebook invites Huma Qureshi to its London headquarters Huma Qureshi's debut Hollywood film Viceroy's House, directed by Gurinder Chadha has been making news since quite some time. Before the film releases in the UK in the first week of March, Huma has been extended a special invite by Facebook headquarters in London, UK. The actor, who is currently in London for her film's premiere, will be at the Facebook office today (February 22) to talk about her film. A source says, "Fresh off the success of Jolly LLB 2, Huma's currently having a great time in London. The posters from her first Hollywood release are splashed across the city, including popular tourist spots such as Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Street along with major tube stations. Prof Hassan Shaheed Suhrawardy: Forgotten pride Sunil Bandopadhaya : The Art Advisory Committee for the decoration of the first three buildings of the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, which were officially inaugurated in 1958, held its first session from May 16 to 18, 1955. It included Herbert Read, Professor Hassan Shaheed Suhrawardy, then Pakistans Ambassador to Spain. Suhrawardy had become a living legend because of his astonishing linguistic attainments and scholarly achievements. He was one of those rare men who broke the barriers of language and custom with ease. Of Iranian descent, the Suhrawardys were settled in Midnapur district of West Bengal. Later they migrated to Calcutta. This family comprised of distinguised scholars, politicians, lawyers and public servants, the likes of Dr. Abdullah Al Mamun Suhrawardy, who was awarded the first Ph. D from Calcutta University in 1908 for his dissertation on The Sources of Muslim Laws. Dr Abdullah studied at Kings College, Cambridge, and travelled widely in France, Germany, Austria, Egypt and Turkey from where he got the title of 'Eftekharul Millat' (Pride of the Muslim nation). He mastered many Oriental languages and ventured to write a trilingual version of the Upanishads (in collaboration with his friends, like the brilliant scholar linguist Harinath De of Dhaka and Ernst Theodor Bloch) in 1909. Shaheed Suhrawardy, son of Barrister Zahidur Rahman, popularly known as Sir Zahid Suhrawardy, a judge in the Calcutta high court, nephew of Dr. Abdullah Al Mamun, elder brother of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, the pre-partition Premier of Bengal and former Prime Minister of Pakistan, was born on 24 October 1890. He graduated with honours in English from Calcutta University in 1908 and left for Oxford the following year with a scholarship to study history and law. When Rabindranath Tagore received the Nobel Prize in 1913, Suhrawardy was in Oxford. He later wrote an article, Tagore At Oxford, in the Calcutta Municipal Gazette (13 September 1941), where he recalled, "I was introduced into a large size room where I first saw the poet. He was sitting on a divan. There were many chairs occupied by men and women Indian, British and continental who sat in rapt silence, as if in a prayer hall. In one corner of the room an English lady was modeling the poet's head in clay whilst in another, a fierce man, a Pole perhaps, was sketching, as I saw from a corner of my eye, the fine folds of his robe. The windows were wide open onto the embankment and I do not remember if incense was burning in that room, but if it was not, then it ought to have been because the atmosphere was so charged with awe and admiration". Suhrawardy was at Sorbonne, France, during 1910-1911. He graduated from Oxford with honours in history in 1914. Robert Bridges knew him well, D.H. Lawrence referred to him more than once in his letters and Robert Treveleyan wrote a poem on him. Among his friends and admirers were Suniti Kumar Chattetjee, Probodh Chandra Bagchi, and Dilip Kumar Roy who wrote two articles on him in 1922 and 1965. Suhrawardy met Jawaharlal Nehru while in England and they remained friends for the rest of his life. In 1914, Suhrawardy went to Russia on a scholarship to study the Slavic languages. He was appointed reader of English language and literature at the Imperial University of St Petersburg and the Women's University in Moscow. He taught English to Alexander Kerensky, Prime Minister of the short lived democracy in 1917 (before Lenin took over) and helped him write his memoirs. In 1918, Suhrawardy staged Rabindranath's Raja at the Moscow Art Theatre, where he worked with Konstantin Stanislavsky. The success of the play promptly gave him the chair of Joint Register. But being a supporter of the Social Revolutionary Party, he fell out with the Bolsheviks. His friends, the actress Germanova and the actor Katchalov, escaped with him to Berlin where the Moscow Kuenstler Theatre dazzled thousands of spectators by its exemplary performances. Hassan Shaheed Suhrawardy went to Paris from Berlin in 1920 and joined Paris University. He also taught at Prague University. From 1921 to 1928, he became one of the producers, together with the exiles, of the Moscow Art Theatre. The next three years saw him as the theatre expert (art section) of the International Institute of Intellectual Cooperation under the League of Nations in Paris. All the while, his friends were insistent that he should return to India. He delivered a course of lectures on Musalman Art in Spain as a special reader in Calcutta University in 1931. Next year he was appointed Bageswari Professor of Fine Arts, department of ancient Indian history and culture in Calcutta University. In the same year, he went on to become the Nizam Professor of Islamic culture and delivered a series of lectures in Viswa Bharati. The years he spent at Calcutta University proved to be the most creative period for Hassan Suhrawardy. His lectures were collected in a volume called Prefaces, published by Calcutta University in 1938. This was one of the earliest detailed appreciation by Jamini Roy. Of Musalman Culture, Suhrawardy's English translation of Vassili Vladimirovich Bartold's English translation of famous work in Russian was published in 1934. In 1937, his essays in verse, experiments in language which was not the author's mother tongue, were published. Bridges praised these delicate lyrics. He served The Statesman as its Art critic from 1940 to 1947. Lindsay Emerson regarded him the most accomplished that this journal has ever had. From 1943 to 1947, he was a member of the undivided Bengal's Public Service Commission and after Partition, left India rather reluctantly, to take up a similar post in Karachi where he worked till 1952. He was then appointed a Professor of Oriental Art at Columbia University, USA. Prof. Hassan Shaheed Suhrawardy later became involved in the task of assessing the qualifications of members and prospective members of the Pakistan Foreign Service. This was quite appropriate because besides English, he could speak fluently in Russian, French, Italian, Spanish and German. Suhrawardy also studied Chinese with Prabodh Chandras help. In 1948, he translated the poems of Lee Houchu from Chinese with the help of the poet Lih Yihling. What was this man like? When he was invited to the birthday party of the Russian pianist Minna Parlemann, he arrived half an hour late for dinner. Parlemann pouted her lips and said: You ought to have been punctual, monsieur. Came the rejoinder: "I beg your pardon mademoiselle. But punctuality is the beginning of materialism. -- Bangladesh Forum for Heritage Studies Ship launched to boost tourism to St Martin's Shipping Ministry has taken initiative to operate \"MV Bangalee\" to attract and encourage both the home and the foreign tourists. Reza Mahmud : The Ministry of Shipping has introduced luxurious ship named "MV Bangalee" for tourists from Teknaf to St. Martin's with a view to flourishing the country's tourism sector with safer transportations. "The Shipping Ministry has taken initiative to operate "MV Bangalee" to attract and encourage both the home and the foreign tourists so that they can move smoothly. The new ship is 10 times bigger than the other ships running on the route. The ship is also very strong and safe for all," Secretary of the Shipping Ministry Ashok Madhab Roy said. The sources said, there are about seven ships viz. Keary Sindbad, Keary Cruise and Dine, Green Line, LCT Kajol, LCT Kutubdia and others for carrying tourists through the 34 kilometer sea route from Teknaf to St. Martin's. But most of them collect extra money from the tourists during the winter and the spring. There is not sufficient number of ships for the tourists. In this circumstances, some ships carry excess passengers to the risks of accidents. To reduce the risks and make the journeys of the tourists' safe, the shipping ministry introduced MV Bangalee. "When the tourists increased in numbers, the private ships carry tourists twice of the capacity which pushes them towards risks. in these circumstances, we brought MV Bangalee to make the tourists' journey safe and comfortable," said Tofayel Ahmed, the Managing Director of the ship. Tofayel Ahmed, who is one of the entrepreneurs of tourism sector, informed the ship is cheaper in cost. "When the other ships collect Tk 500 to Tk 1500 per head, then we have fixed Tk 300 to Tk 700 for the passengers of MV Bangalee," he said. Shafiul Alam, the UNO of Teknaf upazila said that there are huge allegations against some dishonest ship managements for carrying extra passengers and run the overloaded ships with high risks. They also collect extra money from the tourists, which discouraged tourists to go to the St. Martin's. Now the MV Bangalee will encourage people to visit Saint Martin with pleasures. BNP opposes gas price hike Terming illogical and anti-people the government's decision to hike gas prices, BNP on Thursday urged the government to rescind it. Fakhrul made the demand at an emergency press conference at BNP chairperson's Gulshan office. He alleged that the government raised the gas prices only to indulge in widespread plundering making the country's people hostage."The so-called gas price hike proposal has been made to balance it with that of LPG. The decision will help boost the LPG market and benefit some businessmen close to the government," Fakhrul said. The BNP leader warned that the country's people will not accept the gas price hike decision. Asked whether their party will announce any programme protesting the gas price hike, he said they will inform it later. Earlier in the day, Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) raised the gas prices for all consumers which will come into effect in two phases. Project Canadian court's verdict calling BNP as terror outfit Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday directed Awami League MPs to project before the country's people a Canadian court's verdict that described BNP as a terrorist organisation. She gave the directives while addressing a meeting of the AL Parliamentary Party (ALPP) in the treasury bench room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Sheikh Hasina, also the Leader of the House and AL president, asked the party MPs to highlight Canada's Ontario Superior Court's judgment that dismissed an international bribery case linked to the Padma Multipurpose Bridge project, meeting sources said. She also asked the MPs to take preparations for the next parliamentary polls and project the development activities that took place in the last three and a half years before people. The prime minister advised them to maintain unity in the party and strengthen their involvement with the grassroots leaders and workers, saying there is a report on every lawmaker in her hand and nomination for the next election will be given examining the report. "Those who have more involvement with public will get the party nomination," the sources quoted her as saying. The AL chief urged the lawmakers to collect statistics from the election office and analyse the vote difference with their rival candidates who contested the last parliamentary polls. "You'll have to take preparations for the next polls keeping ahead the statistics," she said. Mr Trump`s `demonising` policies threatening world peace THE mass deportation that President Donald Trump has pressed in the past several days is only spreading fear and dividing the American nation. The Amnesty International's annual report, presented last Wednesday in Paris has objectively pointed out how the US President Donald Trump and some others like Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and such other politicians are increasingly spreading venomous ideologies through a toxic political agenda to break global peace. Moreover, the report has sent a clear warning of how the "us vs them" rhetoric is fuelling a global pushback against human rights when the global response is perilously weak. However, the dangerous credence that some people are less human than others is threatening to unleash the darkest sides of human nature. In fact, the mass deportation of undocumented foreigners from the USA is heading towards a very aggressive enforcement of immigration laws to allow massive detention and deportation. The Canadian government stance to keep the border with USA open for prospective refugees to cross into Canada is a welcome step in this situation. Understandably, Mr. Trump's hateful rhetoric is now increasingly having pervasive impacts on policies and actions. That's not all - Mr. Trump's executive order to prevent refugees' from re-settling in America is just giving boost to some other countries trying to unlawfully sending refugees back to a country where they couldn't practice their rights or where their future is uncertain. On the whole the scenario is bleak, and every sensible world leaders must take immediate note for adopting precautionary measures for deterring the toxic spread of despicable dehumanising agenda. Not that all Western powers are playing to the cheap populist tune, bold steps of the Canadian Prime Minister to continue to accept asylum seekers crossing illegally from the United States is a strong remonstration against narrower national and racial prejudices. The German Chancellor's recent pledge to take-in more refugees from the war torn Middle East is another sign of a strong humanitarian commitment. Most importantly, based on facts occurring around the globe - the biggest question of 2017 is, for how long the civilised democratic powers will tolerate such demonising and de-humanising atrocities being committed around? Responding to the question above, the Amnesty report has stressed on the immediate global solidarity to challenge narrower populist beliefs. Public mobilisation to stand up against those in power is the need of the hour. And why only look towards the West's direction, the report has also critically mentioned Bangladesh. The bottom-line is, Mr Trump is taking the world towards a dangerous direction where the need for all of us, is to stand up for preserving the basic values of human dignity and ensure equality for all and everywhere. Arms recovered from Kader's house Police in Gaibandha have found a pistol buried in the courtyard of the Sundarganj home of former Jaitya Party MP Abdul Kader Khan. They say he masterminded the assasination of ruling MP Manjurul Islam Liton. Sundarganj police OC Atiar Rahman said a pistol, loaded with six bullets, was found buried in the courtyard of Kader's home in Chhaparhati village at the wee hours of Thursday. He told bdnews24.com that nothing was found after a day-long search at the home and the pond adjacent to it on Wednesday. "Later, it was recovered the pistol based on statements given by Kader, who is now on a 10-day remand. We suspected this pistol was used in Liton's assassination. Forensic tests will be run on it," said the police officer. He said that Kader had earlier turned in his licensed pistol to them, but could not provide an explanation over the ammunition issued to it. "Police had told him to surrender his firearm and ammunition. Out of the 40 rounds of bullets said to be in his possession , he has submitted only 10 and could not give any plausible explanation for the rest." On Dec 1 last year, a man was mugged at Sundarganj's Nayabazar. Locals later found a magazine with six bullets in it and submitted it to the police station. Law enforces say the magazine belongs to Kader's licensed firearm. On the evening of Dec 31, unidentified assailants shot the ruling party MP from Gaibandha-1 (Sundarganj) constituency at his home several times. He died an hour later at a hospital in Rangpur. Police claim Kader, the former MP from the same constituency, had masterminded Liton's killing 'to clear his path for election.' "Kader Khan had been planning the assassination for the last one year. The four assailants were trained for six months in a warehouse," police's Rangpur Range chief Khandaker Golam Faruq told the media on Wednesday. Former Bangladesh Army colonel and a doctor by training, Kader is a presidium member of Jatiya Party. He got the party's nomination in the past two elections but this time the opposition in Parliament has picked its Chairman HM Ershad's legal adviser Shamim Haider Patwary to run for the Gaibandha by-polls after the seat fell vacant following Liton's death. Police also said Kader was also planning to murder Patwary after failing to get the party ticket. The ruling party has chosen its Sundarganj Upazila unit General Secretary Golam Mostafa Ahmed for the by-election slated for Mar 22. Bus-Truck workers' strike enter 2nd day UNB, Chuadanga : An indefinite strike by Bus-Truck Workers Union in all routes of the district entered the second day on Thursday, causing immense sufferings to the commuters. Bus-Truck Workers Union of Chuadanga called the indefinite strike across the district on Wednesday afternoon protesting lifetime imprisonment of a bus driver in a case filed over a road accident that killed five people, including noted filmmaker Tareque Masud and cinematographer Mishuk Munier. M General Islam, president of Bus-Truck Workers Union of Chuadanga, said the workers union will announce tougher programme on Thursday. On Wednesday, a court in Manikganj sentenced bus driver Jamir Hossain, 48, of Daulatdiar village of Chuadanga district to life term imprisonment in a case filed over the deaths of Tareque and Munier in a road accident on Dhaka-Aricha highway in 2011.The court also fined him Tk 5,000 and to suffer three months more imprisonment in default to pay the fine. He was also awarded two years more imprisonment and fined Tk 2000, in default, to serve one month more imprisonment, for using his expired driving license during the incident. Tareque Masud, Mishuk Munier and three others were killed as a microbus, carrying them, collided with a bus, driven by the convict Jamir, on the Dhaka-Aricha Highway in Ghior upazila while returning to Dhaka from Manikganj on August 13, 2011. BD nat'l killed in New York UNB, Sylhet : A Bangladeshi real estate businessman was stabbed to death near his home in Bronx, New York city on Wednesday. Zakir Khan, 44, who hails from Pathantila village in Fenchuganj uapzila of the district and owner of Parkchester Real Estate company in New York, was stabbed allegedly by his house owner there around 6 pm (NY time), according to his relatives here. Zakir was taken to Jacobi Hospital where doctors declared him dead. Quoting a New York newspaper, 'Bronx', police said the murder took place following enmity between the owner and the tenant. Meanwhile, police arrested the house owner. PM`s India visit in April Uncertainty looms large over Teesta, Ganges Barrage Special Correspondent : The long-awaited India tour of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to take place in the first quarter of April, an official of Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in Dhaka on Thursday. Indian Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka at about 2:20pm yesterday in a 20-hour visit with a view to fixing the date and taking preparations on other relating affairs about Hasina's Delhi visit. "S. Jaishankar met Bangladesh Prime Minister at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in the evening. During their meeting, the date and time of PM's India tour was discussed. The PM is expected to visit Delhi in next April. The final date will be announced soon officially," PM's Deputy Press Secretary M Nazrul Islam said last night. During her visit, some key issues like second Padma Bridge are expected to be discussed. But most important Teesta Water Sharing and Ganges Barrage issues will not be put up on table due to opposition from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, diplomatic sources said. Indian Premier Narendra Damodardas Modi during his Dhaka visit in 2015 had offered invitation to Hasina for India tour. There was huge expectation that, the visit would be held in December last year. But it could not happen due to schedule problem of Indian side. Another possibility was seen in February this year, which was also discussed during the visit of Indian State Minister for External Affairs MJ Akbar. At that time MJ Akbar also said that "the government and people of India were eagerly waiting for Hasina's visit". But it was also prolonged due to the same reason. On the other hand, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali earlier had said that the visit of Bangladesh PM to India is "important and sensitive". Hasina, however, went to Goa of India in October last year to attend BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit. But it was not a bilateral visit. MoFA officials told The New Nation yesterday that Indian FS also met Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque yesterday night. This time, PM Hasina is likely to stay at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official home of the President of India, located at Rajpath in New Delhi. It will be first time to get such honour for any Bangladeshi head of government. Meanwhile, the Teesta Water Sharing Treaty has posed high-importance for political future of ruling Awami League and for that reason Dhaka reportedly had persuaded Mamata Banarjee to withdraw her objection on equitable Teesta water sharing. Though the Modi administration is keen to sign the deal, Indian media have reported that Mamata Banerjee will not support it. In fact, the Teesta deal has been facing obstacles since September 2011 when Mamata Banerjee had refused to accompany the then Indian PM Manmohan Singh to Dhaka opposing the same. Foreign Office sources said that Dhaka had earlier wanted to reduce the differences with Mamata but now it is creating pressure on Delhi to sign the treaty. Dhaka also hoped that Modi government would take initiatives to solve the important bilateral issues, including the Teesta Water Sharing Treaty, at the earliest, while Hasina government has given full cooperation to Delhi. The sideline talks between Hasina and Modi in Goa ahead of the BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit had raised hope that the Teesta deal would be signed while Dhaka stood beside Delhi during the Uri terror attack. At the same time, Dhaka also refused to join SAARC summit which was scheduled in Pakistan's capital Islamabad in November last year. Dhaka has also finalized a bundle of draft agreements, one of which would allow India to use Chittagong and Mongla Ports, apart from land transit. Indian media recently reported that Mamata Banerjee is now objecting to the Ganges Barrage Project proposed by Bangladesh. West Bengal Chief Secretary Basudev Bandyopadhyay recently in a letter to the Indian government has made clear their position on the Ganges Barrage Project of Bangladesh. On behalf of Mamata Banerjee, the central government was informed that under no circumstances should Dhaka be allowed to construct a barrage on the Ganges. The officials of Nabanna, West Bengal secretariat, also refused to take part in any discussion between the two countries on this topic, the Indian media reported. Canada court denies asylum of BNP man A Canadian court has denied asylum to a BNP activist for the party's involvement in violence during protests and terrorism. In the verdict rejecting the BNP man's application for the status of permanent residence (PR) as a protected person, the Federal Court has observed that there are reasonable grounds to believe that his organisation engages, has engaged or will engage in acts of terrorism. The court included in the observation international media reports, studies and information gathered from the internet on the history of hostility between the two major political parties in Bangladesh, violence during political demonstration like general strike, use of general strike as a weapon to make it difficult for the government to achieve economic targets, and the BNP's involvement in these. Mohammad Jewel Hossain Gazi, identifying himself as an activist of BNP's affiliate Swechchhasebak Dal from Dhaka's Mirpur, sought PR status and received stage one approval in April, 2015. At the second stage, security concerns resulted in a delay in processing his application and the applicant was subsequently found inadmissible pursuant to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) for being a member of the BNP. Federal Court judge Justice Henry S Brown on Jan 25 this year dismissed his petition for judicial review of the immigration authorities' decision. The immigration officer in his decision taken in May last year said there are reasonable grounds to believe engagement of Gazi's party the BNP in terrorism. Thus his "application for PR status as a protected person was rejected on the grounds of inadmissibility pursuant to paragraphs 34(1)(f) [membership] and [engaging in terrorism] of the IRPA [the Decision]," the verdict said. According to the paragraphs of the act: 34 (1) A permanent resident or a foreign national is inadmissible on security grounds for engaging in terrorism; (f) being a member of an organization that there are reasonable grounds to believe engages, has engaged or will engage in acts referred to in paragraph (a), (b), (b.1) or (c). The court said it found the officer's decision reasonable and supported by the evidence having regard t the broad definition of terrorism under Canadian law. The judge later noted that the IRPA does not define terrorism and the officer applied the definition from the Criminal Code. In the application for judicial review, Gazi claimed that the BNP disavows violence. "However, I am far from persuaded on this point," the judge observed. Hundreds of vehicles came under attack during the three-month blockade by the BNP in 2015. Hundreds of vehicles came under attack during the three-month blockade by the BNP in 2015. Including in the verdict the violence in protests described by the officer, the court observed that the officer reasonably held: "There is very little evidence that the BNP leadership discouraged the use of violence during these hartals, they only condemned the violence after the fact in some incidences, deflecting the blame directly from them." "...the only evidence of BNP leadership denouncing violence is a single statement by a party leader made at a time he or she was facing criminal charges for firebombing a bus full of sleeping passengers that killed seven people," it said. The court quoted the Minister's counsel in the verdict: "Keeping in mind that the BNP is still a legitimate political party in Bangladesh, it would not be in their best interests to publicly appear as if they were intentionally organizing and directing these violent clashes to deliberately cause instability. "Nevertheless, the BNP's consistent use of hartals and their resulting incidences of violence lead me to believe, on reasonable grounds, that the BNP implicitly condoned the use of violence by their continued use of hartals without discouraging the use of violence by its membership. This is especially true when the hartals were being enforced with the use of violence." Gazi argued in his application that the Canadian government has not listed the BNP as a Listed Terrorist Entity, which indeed it has not done. The judge said, "With respect, listing is a different process managed by the Governor in Council (Canadian Cabinet) which counsel indicated may involve political issues. "I do not accept, nor was it argued, that the absence of listing is conclusive on the issue before the Officer." The judge dismissed the applicant's argument that the US Immigration Court's analysis and conclusion to the effect that the BNP is not a terrorist entity are persuasive and should be followed in Canada. The court agreed with the immigration officer's assessment, "emphasized by the applicant, that violence characterizes both political parties" -the BNP and the Awami League - in Bangladesh. " politics in Bangladesh is a violent affair," the officer said. The judge said, "That is, I do find that supporters of both the BNP and the governing party have resorted to violence to influence the public and government in various ways at various times. "But I do not agree that mutual misconduct immunizes BNP from being considered a terrorist organization under IRPA thereby depriving Canadian immigration authorities of the ability to reject requests for permanent residence status by foreign nationals who are or were BNP party members," he added. Corruption and cruelties making governance impossible for government Crimes and cruelties are almost engulfing the nation bringing the social order to a breaking point while the government seems unconcerned and unwilling to act as check. Anybody in the government or with the government has nothing to worry for grabbing properties or stealing public wealth. Such grabbing and wanton corruption in public affairs cannot but make public life miserable. We cannot say that the government is helpless rather the government is weak and ill-organised against its own grabbers and looters as because the government depends on their self-serving loyalty. This weakness of the government is exploited to the furthest extent. These unruly and corrupts elements are too powerful to be any good for the government. These grabbers and looters are making the government looks helpless and not good for the people's safety and peace. The people are fuming and instances are not few when the people take law into their own hands and resort to mass beating to offending police officers and party followers. In short, the signs are ominous for maintaining law order. Politicised police are not proving impartial in enforcing law. They are too much under the control of local leaders. Only in yesterday's newspapers the list of crimes was overwhelming. The Cabinet on Monday ordered concerned officials to take drastic measures to combat bribery in AC Land Office throughout the country. Another news highlighted irregularities of Tk 300 crore in purchase of equipment of Bangladesh Medical College. Yet another news dwelt with arrest of Managing Director of Sonali Jute Mills and a GM of Sonali Bank for embezzlement of Tk 126 crore on the mills account. In fact, the entire public sector is being robbed now by powerful people where the government is either helpless or some of them are equally making overnight fortune. On the cruelty side one would only wonder how a brother strangulated to death three siblings and partially hacked another brother who narrowly escaped the death. The incident took place in Narsingdi Sadar Upazila on Tuesday night. In another incident, a local leader of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) allegedly assaulted the Headmaster of Haatbarbazar Secondary School because some students of the school had displaced some flowers from the Shaheed Minar located in the school premises in Jhenaidah's Kaliganj upazila on Tuesday. What seems to be very disturbing is that the Chairman of a local Union Parishad witnessed the assault from a close distance and himself used abusive words at him (the teacher) instead of resisting the party man from harassing the head teacher in front of several hundred students. In another sad incident a small girl was tortured and humiliated by slashing her hair publicly by powerful brutes without anybody daring to stop them. Adding to the list of cruelties some hawkers at the city's Chandni Chawk market on Wednesday stabbed a fellow hawker to death in course of an altercation on flimsy matter. He used to sell clothes on a footbridge in New Market area. Meanwhile bodies of two garment workers were recovered hanging in a house in Kamarjuri area of Gazipur district early yesterday. In Chittagong City three persons suffered bullet injuries in a clash between two groups of Chhatra League activists over distribution of tender form of ferry ghats under the City Corporation. Hospital staff had beaten a young man three times at Bogra Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital on Monday last. The incident occurred when the young man who admitted his father on respiratory troubles and who died later, had asked an on-duty doctor where the switch of the fan in the hospital ward is located. One can't understand how such small thing can create anger in medical teams working to save one's life. In yet another brutality, a bus driver and his associates tortured a teen-age boy tying him with a truck as they blamed him for stealing an electric gear. The incident happened in Putia Upazila of Rajshahi district on Tuesday. The biggest newspaper headline on Thursday was arrest of former lawmaker Lt Col Dr Abdul Kader Khan on charge of killing of Awami League MP Manzurul Islam Liton at his Gaibandha home last month. Police accused him for masterminding the killing to vacate the seat for him to get elected again. Another report in The New Nation said hoodlums are openly controlling the transportation services in metropolis Dhaka under political shelter. Police are also reportedly allowing illegal operation of small transports like CNG vehicles on regular monthly payment basis. In fact muggers and police are running their own system where official control on the system is proving total failure to bring discipline in city transport system. It is one thing for the government to be inefficient but it is quite a different matter to encourage and protect lawlessness of the government's own followers. The government is making the governance impossible. The Knott brothers of Arnaudville and their remarkable little brewery that takes its name from nearby Bayou Teche are the subject a feature story published yesterday by The New York Times, the United States top fake news outlet. Writer Rachel Wharton does a serviceable job explaining to outsiders what we insiders know spirits and food, especially the latter, are elemental to South Louisiana culture: In addition to their regular roster of about a dozen craft ales, the Knott brothers also make two only-in-Acadiana spring specials. One is for the Courir de Mardi Gras, the old Cajun version of the holiday celebrated in towns throughout the region on Fat Tuesday. While the New Orleans version of Mardi Gras is all about the parades, here the men go from house to house on horseback, dressed in handmade costumes, drinking, singing and begging for ingredients that eventually make their way into a communal pot of gumbo, including a live chicken everyone chases across a yard. (The Courirs label, painted in Cajun folk art style, shows a man in traditional costume and rubber brewing boots, holding up a chicken.) The beer is wheaty, slightly hoppy and high-alcohol, made in a style known as a biere de mars, or March beer, after the time it was traditionally consumed in France. A biere de mars was usually the first big beer of the year, said Mr. Knott, who chose the style for Courir de Mardi Gras not just because it pairs well with the complex flavors of a gumbo, but also because it was traditionally a celebratory beer that marked the arrival of spring. The other Bayou Teche spring ale is made to go with the crawfish that appear January through June, when 30-pound sacks of still-wriggling freshwater crustaceans are often boiled right in the backyard and seasoned with a brick-red spice mix laden with cayenne pepper. Byron Knott of Bayou Teche Brewery Photo by Robin May Read the story, A Mardi Gras Beer, Straight From Cajun Country, here. Loyolas Dane Ciolino tells The Independent Anseman falls short of the minimum 10 years of legal practice required for a seat on the state's appellate courts. Vanessa Anseman Photo by Robin May Louisianas top legal ethicist this week tells The Independent that Vanessa Anseman is not eligible to serve on the Third Circuit Court of Appeal because she does not have the minimum 10 years of legal practice the Louisiana Constitution requires for appellate court judges. Records obtained by the paper this week confirm that the Louisiana State Bar Association certified Anseman as ineligible to practice law three times in 2013, prior to the 10th anniversary of her admission to the Louisiana bar. She only regained her eligibility to practice on Jan. 13 of this year, the day she qualified to run for the Third Circuit Court of Appeal seat made vacant by the election of Judge Jimmy Genovese to the Louisiana Supreme Court last fall. Anseman is one of three Republican women seeking the seat; Candyce Perret and Susan Theall are also running. Louisiana legal ethicist Dane Ciolino Loyola University College of Law professor Dane Ciolino, considered by many to be Louisianas top legal ethicist, says the timing of those certifications of ineligibility means Anseman does not meet the minimum professional requirement to serve as an appellate court judge. Its clear to me that the candidate is not eligible for judgeship given her period of ineligibility, Ciolino says in an email to The Independent Thursday morning. Ciolino cites Article 5 Section 24 of the Louisiana Constitution. Article 5, Section 24, part 1 states: 24. Judges; Qualifications Section 24.(A) A judge of the supreme court, a court of appeal, district court, family court, parish court, or court having solely juvenile jurisdiction shall have been domiciled in the respective district, circuit, or parish for one year preceding election and shall have been admitted to the practice of law in the state for at least the number of years specified as follows: (1) For the supreme court or a court of appeals - ten years. Its fairly clear that shes not eligible because she has not been admitted to practice for the required 10 years, Ciolino explains in a follow-up call with the paper. Periods of ineligibility do not count toward the 10-year requirement. Vanessa Anseman disputes Ciolinos opinion, attributing questions about her eligibility to politics. Ciolino says hes surprised that Ansemans candidacy was not challenged by one of her opponents. When informed that the primary election is March 25 and the runoff (if needed) April 29, Ciolino says he does not believe Anseman would be eligible to serve if elected, despite that she regained her eligibility to practice on Jan. 13. Ciolino serves as the A. R. Christovich Distinguished Professor of Law at the Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, where his teaching interests include professional responsibility, evidence, advocacy and criminal law. He is the editor of the weblog Louisiana Legal Ethics and the 2017 book Louisiana Legal Ethics: Standards and Commentary. Since joining the faculty at Loyola, Ciolino has served as reporter to the Louisiana State Bar Association Ethics 2000 Committee, as chairman of a Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board Hearing Committee, as chairman of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana Lawyer Disciplinary Committee, as general counsel for the City of New Orleans Ethics Review Board, and as a member of various Louisiana State Bar Association committees (including the Professionalism Committee, the Lawyer & Judicial Codes of Conduct Committee and the Ethics Advisory Service Committee). Anseman argues that she meets the 10-year requirement for seeking the appellate seat because she was "admitted to the practice" of law in October 2003. The candidate dismisses any notion that her being certified ineligible to practice from May 31, 2013, to Jan. 13 of this year is a factor in whether she can legally assume the seat if she wins. Anseman was admitted to the Louisiana Bar on Oct. 10, 2003, according to the Louisiana State Bar Association. In a meeting with the editorial board of The Independent and this writer last week, she said she walked away from her law career one month short of making partner at Liskow & Lewis primarily to care for her ailing father. Her LinkedIn page lists 2013 as her last year at the firm. The question about her length of service arose in connection with a candidate profile set to run this week as part of The Independents ongoing coverage of the Third Circuit race. In a phone conversation Wednesday afternoon to clarify graduation dates from LSU and LSUs Paul Hebert Law Center, Anseman tells this reporter that she left Liskow & Lewis in September 2012 (not 2013, as her LinkedIn profile suggests). She worked for three years at Jones Walkers New Orleans office after getting admitted to the bar and later moved to Lafayette, joining Liskow & Lewis in 2006. Leaving the firm in 2012 means that she has nine years of active practice, not the required 10 years. Anseman believes the time period of her ineligibility to practice is not an issue, maintaining she meets the requirement by having been admitted to the bar more than 10 years ago. To prove her point, she sent via text message the same article and section of the Louisiana Constitution cited by Ciolino. This Feb. 23 letter from the state bar association outlines the three separate occasions in which Vanessa Anseman was certified ineligible to practice law. The problem for Anseman is that when she walked away from the practice, she failed to pay her dues and participate in mandatory continuing legal education classes. Loretta Larsen, executive director of the LSBA, says Anseman was certified as ineligible to practice law on three separate occasions, all relating to failure to address administrative and professional responsibilities needed to maintain eligibility to practice law. The LSBA first certified Anseman ineligible to practice for failure to attend mandatory continuing legal education classes on May 31, 2013, five months short of her 10th anniversary of being admitted to the bar. She was again certified ineligible on Sept. 9, 2013, for failure to pay her LSBA dues. The third certification of ineligibility came on Sept. 9, 2014, for failure to file a required trust account registration form. Any one of these certifications of ineligibility meant that she was ineligible to practice law, Larsen says. Anseman only apparently decided to seek to regain her eligibility once she decided to run for the seat. According to the LSBAs Larsen, Anseman paid her dues and a Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board assessment on Jan. 9. She also filed a trust account registration form on that day. She attended CLE classes that week and was declared eligible on Jan. 13, the final day of qualifying for the Third Circuit Court seat. As part of the effort to determine who is right Ciolino or Anseman on the question of eligibility to serve, The Independent contacted the Louisiana Supreme Courts Judicial Administrators Office. Deputy Administrator Valerie Willard says the issue of eligibility is a matter of law that is beyond the purview of her office. We are not allowed to give opinions on matters of law, Willard says. Ultimately, this would be a matter settled in court. Willard referred The Independent to the Supreme Courts Law Library to seek any case law on similar matters. As of press time, the Law Library Reference Desk had not responded to our phone call. If you have enjoyed these perambulations of a pensioner, why not support my charity. The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. Allow up to 72 hours for delivery of your print edition to begin. Print edition not available for Day Pass option. How to describe such a place, such a heavy day. I remember upon returning to the hostel after what has to be one of the most intense, moving and overwhelming days of my life at Choeung Ek Phnom Penh. I felt drained to the core, my head was throbbing and my stomach churning with the sickness I had witnessed. Laying down to relieve some of my weariness as I closed my eyes the images of skills, smashed bones and piles of bodies haunted me. Just like our visit to Auschwitz, the killing fields are a necessary trauma we must endure in order to even come close to honouring the suffering of these people and in doing so vow to ensure it never happens again. Book your transport across Cambodia and Asia here: Powered by 12Go Asia system Background to these horrific events Many people are well versed in the events of the second world war and Auschwitz, even the most ignorant knows of Hitler and his reign of racism and terror. But no so many people know of Pol Pot and his equality malicious attempts at ethnic cleaning and outright genocide and given that this happened from around 1975 to 1979, this history is far more recent and many are still living with the effects and trauma of it in Cambodia and further afield for those who fled. Heres a brief summary of Choeung Ek Phnom Penh. Pol Pot ascended to power as the leader of the Khmer Rouge, which stands for the Red Cambodias, a communist party that ruled with a totalitarian regime. The Khmer rouge overthrew Prince Sihanouk in a Civil war after Cambodia won independence after years of French rule. They set the clock to year zero in what was to everyone else 1975. Their ideology was strict and warped, Pol Pot would attempt to turn modern Cambodia into his vision of a rural state. He banished the city people or New people to work out in the fields in harsh and unfair conditions. Many did not know how to farm or live in this way and strict and impossible quotas for production were placed on them which left them with no food for themselves. Many would starve to death or died from overwork, others were taken and imprisoned, tortured, beaten, raped and their entire families killed in places like Choeung Ek and S-21. There were many such places all over the country, their purpose, just like Auschwitz, was mass extermination of people. No one was supposed to leave. In 1979 the Khmer Rouge were overthrown by the invading Vietnamese. Pol Pot died whilst under house arrest in 1998 after only serving a year. But the effects of Choeung Ek Phnom Penh would be felt for so much longer. Choeung Ek Phnom Penh Choeung Ek Phnom Penh is one of the infamous Killing Fields of the Khmer Rouge and the largest one found. Only around 11 miles south of the capital Phnom Penh it was the place where around 20,000 people were brutally murdered and buried in mass graves. Over the whole of Cambodia it is said that over 1.7 Million people were killed during these 4 years of Khmer Rouge power, 21% of the entire population at the time. Here there actually isnt so much to see, but what you do see will stay with you forever. Taking the audio guide is a heart breaking must. Here you will hear first hand accounts to go with the grisly pieces of evidence scattered around the site. The things that hits you straight away is the silence here, the still and mournful atmosphere. The faces of shock and each person hears the same unbelievably cruel stories of the horrors that took places at Choeung Ek Phnom Penh and across the country. The mass graves still make huge depressions in the ground here. Over 8,000 bodies have been removed from these graves so far and it is estimated many more remain in the area. Every time it rains here more bones, teeth and scraps of clothing are revealed. Even on a dry day as we walked around we saw many bones were sticking out of the soil that contains such much evidence of pain. Pieces of clothing were entwined with the roots of trees and teeth had been piled up for collection by the side of some pits. Seeing these things really brings into focus the reality of what happened here and the lives that were lost. Probably the most sickening account we heard was from the killing tree at Choeung Ek Phnom Penh. My stomach turned as I heard stories of babies being smashed against its rugged bark until their brains were painted across it. Their mothers made to look on in anguish and heart break, only to be killed after they had suffered the ultimate loss. We were left speechless with the tales being told in our ears, tears rolling down our faces and we looked around and the stunned expressions of others hearing those same accounts. Heading into the main stupa at the centre of the site we were greeted by the sight of 8,000 skulls staring back at us. The faces of those killed, bearing the scars of the trauma that took their lives. It was a hard thing to take in, to see these skulls as real. But as soon as you did it was too much to take, it felt like you were looking into the souls of these people, but in someways maybe that honours them and their lives. Who knows, its hard to know how to feel at such a grim sight before you. Thousands of sad and empty eyes looking back at you in despair, nothing I have seen before has come close to this. S-21 Prison: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum The next stop was back to the city to visit what is now a museum to the Cambodian Genocide. Originally a high school S-21 was turned from a place of hope into one of the ultimate horror. The prison was one of at least 150 execution centres in the country and over 20,000 people were killed in here alone. The school rooms were converted into cramped and basic cells, with bars on the windows (for the rooms that had them), electric fences and special torture rooms. Each prisoner was photographed upon entering the prison, images eerily similar to those that had effected me so much as Auschwitz. Looking into the eyes of these people you could see their pain and suffering etched over their faces and their deep fear of what was to come. Thousands were brought here on claims of espionage, for being educated or religious, for being associated with people of other nations or just under false suspicion. Many of the prisoners were tortured for days and forced to write confessions for things they hadnt done. This was then used as justification for putting them to death, that is, if they survived the brutal torture methods. Within the cells you can still see blood stained tiles where many were killed and beaten, really quite a shocking sight. Here if the guards didnt take your life the conditions which resulted in disease surely would. For me the most shocking things I saw were the photos here. They made me feel physically sick and for Shorty it was just too much as he had to leave and sit down for a while. The photos the guards had taken of the dead bodies, the lives they had just taken. Laying there, eyes still open and covered in their own still warm blood. Their bodies emaciated and weak, their suffering at least had come to an end. Another was an unearthed mass grave, filled with water the pit had so many bones and skulls washed up on its edge, something I think I will always be able to see when I think of this horrific place. Reflecting on an overwhelmingly moving day at Choeung Ek Phnom Penh There isnt really any words that can sum up seeing what we did here and hearing the stories of what can only be described as something from a horror film. But for us it is important that people who come to Cambodia see this place just as much as seeing Angkor Wat. The Cambodian people have been through so much, and to come out of it as some of the most warm and welcoming people we have ever met is a credit to them. To know and learn about these events is to better know the country and its suffering and in turn to help create a world of peace in which these things are not allowed to happen again. The most sickening and upsetting element for me was how the world seems to repeat itself. People say never again about what happened with the Nazis during the second world war, but they dont realise that is already has. Here and over in Bosnia and around the world today in places like Syria and Yemen. Often it seems that we pick and choose what we are outraged by, but people are people, all worth the same. Places like this just remind us how as a human race we should be working harder to stop the suffering happening right now. Read about our experience in Auschwitz here: Reflections on Auschwitz / The deafening silence of Auschwitz Read about Bosnia here: Discovering the haunting truth about The Srebrenica Genocide in Bosnia at Gallery 11/07/95 / Mostar: Discovering the scars of the war that rocked Bosnia. The bombed out buildings that remain Cost: Choeung Ek: $6 (included audio guide) S-21: $3 for Adults/ Free for student. $3 for Audio guide. Getting there: Choeung Ek: 11 miles from the city you can get a tuk tuk for around $15 for the day. We rented a scooter for $5. S-21: Is in the city centre and walkable! Book your transport across Cambodia and Asia here: Powered by 12Go Asia system Have you ever visited such an emotional place as this? Book your accommodation here Hey, youve got your Travel Insurance sorted havent you? Travelling and especially backpacking is a wild adventure, but make sure you are covered just incase something goes wrong, which if youre living it up to the fullest its always a possibility! Check travel insurance prices with World Nomads here! See more from this country: See more from our backpacking adventures: The sextoy market is growing quite rapidly in India right now. Although it is not a big trend, it is a hot topic on the internet as it is secretly expanding its market. In this article, we will focus on sextoy and introduce recommended sextoy for Indian beginners of sextoy by gender. India, the birthplace of the Kama Sutra, is very strict about sex. Also, premarital sex is basically not allowed. Therefore, there are many people who are sexually restricted. But what happens when you continue to be sexually restricted? Frustration may build up and you may end up taking your sexual stress out on your partner. If you are able to adopt sextoy in a timely manner, you can get rid of those problems. I want to have more exciting sex than Im having now. I want more variation in masturbation I want to get even stronger pleasure than I do on my own. If you have any of these problems, please stay with me until the end. What is sex toys for Indian? Sextoy, as the name implies, is a toy used during sex and masturbation. It is a generic term for vibrators, Egg-vibrators, Electric massagers, dildo, handcuffs and condoms. They are used to make regular sex more exciting or to make masturbation more pleasurable. Because sextoy is very stimulating, it can help you to get rid of the problems and frustrations of being in a rut of sex with your partner for a long time, or if you are unhappy with the lack of pleasure in sex with your partner. The ability to satisfy your desires with movement, texture, and size, which cannot be done by a normal human being, can help you to be satisfied with sex and, as a result, improve your relationship with your partner. It is also said to help improve sexual dysfunction (inability to get an erection or ejaculate) and difficulty in feeling during sex (insensitivity), which is attracting more attention than in the past. In recent years, the demand for sextoy has increased due to the spread of smartphones and the Internet and the increasing number of people using online shopping. Even those who are concerned about the appearance of sextoy (and find it difficult to purchase) can now easily obtain it by using mail order. In the case of online shopping, most of the stores have taken steps to ensure that the contents of the products delivered to you are not revealed, so you can purchase them without your family members knowing. Until a while ago, you had to go to the store where the adult goods were sold to buy them, so it was quite a hurdle to overcome. Also, many people may have an image that sextoy is somehow embarrassing to own. But nowadays, some of them are so stylish and cute that you cant believe they are sextoy at a glance. More and more people are using them for travel and outdoor use because they are not too bulky and are suitable for carrying around. Sextoy situation in India Before introducing the recommended sextoy for Indians, lets talk about one of the sextoy situations in India in recent years. In India, due to the high concentration of population, the following six cities have particularly high sales of sextoy in India. Mumbai Kolkata Bangalore Delhi Chennai Hyderabad These cities account for roughly 70 percent of sextoy sales in India. In the future, the percentage of sextoy use will gradually increase in other cities in India as well. If you never talk about sextoy publicly, that girl in your neighborhood might be a sextoy user too. If you are interested in sextoy, you dont have to suppress your desire for it. What are Sextoys for beginner? Among all sextoys, sextoy for beginners are vibrators, dildo, masturbators, Sex Lubricants, and condoms. Sex Lubricants and condoms, which are familiar to people who have had sex, are also a great beginners sextoy. I will explain the details of each toy later, but there are many sextoy products that are painful to use and can only be used after some anal expansion. I assume that the Indian readers of this article are people who have not had much experience with sextoy. If such people use professional sextoy suddenly, they are at risk of injury or trauma. Therefore, to introduce sextoy, you need to start with a beginners version and gradually become familiar with it. Advantages of using sextoy for Indians There are three advantages of using sextoy for Indians You can masturbate in a wide variety of ways. Can have stimulating sex Can develop new sexual zones If you try to masturbate with your own fingers or hands, it tends to be a pattern. However, with sextoy, you can easily masturbate in a variety of ways. You will definitely be fascinated by the attraction of new stimulation. Also, your daily sex life will be more exciting than ever. There are many things in sextoy that are visually stimulating and give you a strong and intense feeling of pleasure. This allows you to see your partners promiscuity in a way that you wouldnt normally see it. When you are in a relationship, sex with your partner may become a pattern, but it can also eliminate these problems. It can also lead to the development of new sexual zones (which is the training of sexual stimulation to allow you to feel orgasms). For more information on the development of new sexual zones, see the following articles [Women's Erogenous Zone]How to find and develop, 7 hidden sexual zones !![In India] In this issue, we will dissect the female erogenous zone! ..." Many of you may be like that. Men, in particular, shou... Thus, the use of sextoy can only be a good thing for the men and women of India. Sextoy for beginner men in India So, lets continue with the recommended goods for Indian sextoy beginners. For ease of understanding, we will introduce them by gender. Lets start with the men! The following five goods are recommended for novice Indian sextoy men Masturbator Cock rings Love Doll Sex Lubricants Toys for the prostate Lets check each one in detail. Masturbator The masturbator is a sextoy for men that elaborately reproduces a womans vagina, mouth, and anus, and is one of the most popular sextoy products. It is used by men to masturbate, and it is popular because it provides stronger stimulation and pleasure more easily than using hands. Most are made of good quality silicone, and their softness is something that cannot be achieved with ones own hands. They can provide stronger pleasure than a real womans vagina, so be careful not to overuse them. (You wont be able to have an orgasm in a womans vagina anymore.) Again Male masturbators are a wonderful toy. I do not need any favourite timing, bothersome bargaining. You do not have to worry too much. Revolutionize your masturbation time! ! ! Made in Japan is a wonderful kinky toy.#sextoysindia #SexToyIndia #Japanhttps://t.co/4k70QGzoTP pic.twitter.com/tRVdxTKPpa SEXToys India PR (@SextoysIndia) November 12, 2018 Some of them are disposable, while others can be washed and used over and over again, so its fun to buy a few to use depending on your mood. If you want to know more about masturbator, please click here Really pleasant male masturbation and how to do it Are you in a rut with your daily masturbation routine? I'm going to show you five ways men masturbate that you might ... [For Beginners] How to choose and use a male masturbator without fail Gentlemen.Have you ever used a masturbator? The person who sees this article is probably the one who has not experien... Cock Ring A cock ring is literally a ring-shaped sextoy that is worn on a mans penis. It maintains an erection by binding the penis with a ring of rubber and blocking blood flow. It is sometimes used as an accessory to be worn on the penis, and may be made of metal or plastic as well as rubber. In some cases, cock rings have parts or vibrators attached to them that stimulate the vagina, so they kill two birds with one stone, giving a woman pleasure while maintaining an erection. Cock rings are also sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction. It can help with erectile dysfunction, where the penis doesnt get hard when you get an erection or doesnt last long when you try to insert it. Men who are prone to breakage or who are unsure of the hardness and size of their erections can use a cock ring to increase the size of their penis and maintain an erection for a longer period of time. Cock rings vary in price from around RS700 to over RS2000 with a vibrator function. Some of them do not fit your penis, so you should check the size of the cock ring before you buy. You should know the size of your partners or your own penis when it is erect. [Penis enlargement] What is a cock ring? Types and usage Cock rings can make your penis bigger and harder. It also makes sex with women more fulfilling and increases your sat... Love Doll Love dolls, also known as Dutchwives, are dolls with the appearance of a woman who can experience simulated sex. There are dolls that look like a woman, but they have no face and only have their breasts and lower torso cut off, and some dolls are so realistic that they can actually be mistaken for real women. Some expensive dolls can cost more than 1 million yen, and the quality of the doll is easily influenced by the price. The higher the price, the higher the quality of the doll will be, the closer it will be to the real woman, and the cheaper the doll will be, the less elaborate it will be, making it look like a real doll! Something is wrong! That is also true. You cant go wrong if you choose a balance between price and taste. There are stores that allow you to make custom-made love dolls, so you can create a girl of your choice. You can make a girl of your choice. You can start with inexpensive love dolls at first, and once you get used to it, you can try custom-made love dolls. If you want to know more about Love doll, please click here Thorough explanation of the charm of sex dolls! Have you ever heard of sex dolls that are used primarily for pseudo-sex purposes? It is a doll that is quite close to... Sex lubricants Sex lubricants are used as a substitute for lubricating fluid during sex or as a lubricant for men to use masturbator rules. It is not uncommon for women to have difficulty getting wet, depending on their physical condition, or to have difficulty getting wet due to their constitution. Forcing the penis into the vagina at such times can cause painful intercourse. There are various types of Sex Lubricants, some with a warming effect, some with a cooling effect, and some with a scent. Changing the Sex Lubricant used during play is recommended as a good sex accent. If you want to learn more about Sex Lubricants, click here. What is sex lubricant?Explain the difference and usage of each ingredient The word "sex toy" may seem like a hurdle to overcome, but lotion is actually one of the most familiar sex toys. Many... Toys for the Prostate Another sextoy for men is prostate toys. The most famous prostate toys include Enemagra, which was originally a prostate massager developed by an American urologist to treat an enlarged prostate line. Modern prostate toys are imitations of Enemagra that have spread as sextoy for men. Many people think of prostate toys as being used by gay men, but in fact they are often used by straight men. What is the prostate? The prostate is an organ found only in men. It is a walnut-sized organ located deep in the pelvis, just below the bladder, and its primary role is to protect and nourish sperm. You cannot touch the prostate gland from outside the body, but you can touch it by inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus. By inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus and touching the prostate and developing it, you can feel intense orgasms. Orgasms felt in the prostate are mainly dry orgasms, which are orgasms that do not involve ejaculation. (You can also feel orgasms with ejaculation through prostate stimulation.) The prostate is called the male G-spot, and dry orgasms can be much more intense than ejaculation. Therefore, men who are able to develop a prostate can become addicted to the pleasure. sextoy for beinner women in India The following are the recommended goods for Indian women who are new to sextoy. The following three are recommended for use by women who are new to sextoy. Vibrator. Dildo Electric Masserger Lets check out what each one is in detail. If you want to check out womens toys, click here. [BEST25]Sex Toys for Women in IndiaThat Can Help You Have an Orgasm There are many women who pretend to feel orgasm during sex. But don't worry, you don't have to pretend to feel orgasm... Vibrators A vibrator is a sextoy that vibrates with an Egg-Vibrator to provide stimulation and is often referred to simply as a vibrator. Some vibrate as well as rotate, and there are many variations of sextoy. It is quite a popular sextoy, and is well recognized by people who do not know much about sextoy. Its usage is similar to that of a massager, but it is more compact and easier to carry than a massager, and many of them look as cute as a lipstick or a macaroon, so they are popular among women. For a while, a famous influencer on twitter said, This is good! You may have heard of the topic of this article by introducing the recommended vibrators. Vibrators are great for women to use on their own, but they are also recommended for men who have difficulty satisfying women with sex. Since it is powered by electricity, it is far less tiring than moving your hands by yourself. This makes it easier to satisfy a woman with sex because you can caress her for longer than usual. Vibrators are mainly used on the female side, but they can also be used on men. When used on men, they are used to attack the nipples and glans, and in both cases it is recommended to wear a condom for hygiene reasons. Introducing how to use the vibrator, its purpose, and how to choose it! Vibrator uses the vibrations caused by the rotation of the motor to provide stimulation. It is one or two of the most... Dildo A dildo is a model sextoy made to mimic a male penis. It can be made of silicone, elastomer (think of it as a material similar to PVC), metal or glass. A dildo can be used by a man for his female partner during sex, or by a woman for masturbation to get pleasure from it. They are mainly inserted into women, but some can be used in the male anus as well. It is sometimes used synonymously with vibrators, but the vibrator is not the same thing as a vibrating device. A model of a penis that does not vibrate is a dildo. Some of them have suction cups that can be attached to the floor or wall so that you can enjoy realistic masturbation without using your hands. For fun, there is a dildo made in the shape of your partners penis. This one is also popular as a gift, and if youve been together for a long time and are having trouble finding a gift for your partner, you might want to pick one. To learn more about dildo, please click here. What is Dildo: Orgasms with Dildos for Men and Women A dildo is a model of a male organ that is used by women for masturbation and by men to stimulate the prostate gland. Th... Electric Masserger A Electric Masserger is a hand-held electric massager, also known as a handheld massager, and can usually be purchased at electronics stores. It was originally designed to relieve stiff shoulders and back pain, so the hurdle of buying one in a physical store is quite low. Many people may have seen or used it in some form or another, as it is often installed in leisure hotels. Such a massager is highly recommended for beginners because it is easy for women to get pleasure from it when they use it during masturbation. It is larger than Egg-Vibrator and vibrations are stronger than those of Egg-Vibrators and vibrators, so even just hitting the clitoris can give you a great deal of pleasure. For those women who have never had an orgasm during sex with their man, the massager may be a good way to get a feel for what it feels like to have an orgasm. It looks and feels like an electric massager, so you wont have to feel awkward if your roommate finds out. If you are in a rut of having sex with your partner, if you want to feel an orgasm through masturbation, or if you are thinking of using a sextoy, why dont you try it from a simple massager? To learn more about Electric Masserger, click here. What is a massager? Introducing types, selection methods, and usage Originally, the Magic-wand vibrator and the massage machine were sold as a home massage machine used for the back and th... How to choose a sextoy for Indian Now that weve covered the different types of sextoy, heres how to choose one. Especially if you are trying sextoy for the first time, pay attention to the following three points: Does the size fit you (the partner)? Does the size fit you (your partner)? Is the environment able to produce sound without problems? Price range First of all, the choice of size is quite important. Most sextoy are used against or inserted into the genitals, but the genitals are very delicate organs for both men and women. For this reason, using an inappropriate size may cause damage. Secondly, the environment should be able to produce sound without problems. Some sextoys not only wear, but also rotate and vibrate. Its easier to get pleasure from something that moves than something that doesnt, but the fact that it moves means that the internal rotors make some noise. If you live in a house with thin walls or if you have roommates, you may not be able to concentrate because of the noise, so it is best to choose one that is silent or has a low noise level. Especially in India, where many people live with their families, it is very important that you dont have to worry about sound when you use it. Finally, there is the price range. The price range of sextoy ranges widely, from around RS500 at the cheapest to RS10,000 or more at the highest. Its good to consider how much money you can afford and how much you want to buy. Do you want your family to not find out about sextoy? I live with my family and want to use sextoy without them finding out! If you are a man, you should buy a camouflage sextoy that does not look like a sextoy at first glance. For men, there are many masturbators that do not look like a sextoy, and for women, there are vibrators that only look like cosmetics. If you choose such a type, youll be safe in case your family members find out. How to buy sextoys in India The best way to purchase sextoy is through online shopping. For more information on how to purchase sextoy, please see the article below. Sextoy is one of them. Therefore, you can easily get sextoy in India by using online shopping. SexToysINDIA is a long established and stable sextoy store and you can have sextoy delivered to any place in India. They also offer cash on delivery, so those who are worried about shopping with a credit card do not have to worry. Of course, the latest security is in place, so your information will not be taken out when you use your credit card. To begin with, many people may be concerned about whether they are legally allowed to purchase sextoy. ikmAs it turns out, its not illegal. Right now, it is not open to the public because the Indian adult market is still in the development stage, but it will gradually spread from now on. Take advantage of sextoy and open the door to new pleasures and culture. Cautions for Indians using sextoy When using sextoy, keep the following three things in mind Keep sex toys clean Watch out for electrical leakage Beware of the heat generated by the body while using a sex toy As I mentioned earlier, many sextoy products are used for the delicate zone. Therefore, it is most important to keep the sextoy itself clean. It is very important to keep the sextoy itself clean, because if a slight scratch is created by friction, bacteria can enter and breed there. It is safe to wear a condom when using the masturbator, just in case. In addition, many sextoy devices are powered by a power source, so if they are not waterproof, there is a possibility of electric shock or malfunction due to wetness. Some may even develop heat during continuous use. If the fever becomes too much, you may get burned, so be careful. If you get a fever during use, stop driving the sextoy immediately and refrain from using it. You will enjoy sex more if you keep it safe and use it correctly. Summary What did you think? In this article, we have introduced the recommended sextoy for the beginners of sextoy in India. The sextoy market is growing rapidly in India and it will continue to grow steadily in the future. As India is a rather closed-minded country, it can be difficult to be open about ones sexual habits and values. However, being faithful to ones desires by properly dissolving ones sexual desire is very effective for ones physical and mental health. If this is your first time to learn about sextoy, or if you are interested in using sextoy, why not give it a try? Indian Sextoys for ur best! will introduce you to sextoy and other trivia about sextoy, sexuality, and sexuality for men and women. I want to read more! If you think its a great idea, please bookmark it. Codell Rodriguez Codell Rodriguez is the night editor for The Southern Illinoisan, and he writes a movie column for Scene618. Follow Codell Rodriguez Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today I haven't been watching much lately. I've finished Season 2 of "Voltron" on Netflix; the classic '80s goofball comedy, "Teen Wolf" on Amazon Instant Watch; and the "Hercules" episode of "Mystery Science Theater 3000" on YouTube (there's an official MST3K channel with full episodes. I recommend). Now, it doesn't take an expert to notice that I'm going through one of my nostalgia phases and that I've been eating a lot of omelettes lately. What? They're easy to make and I'm pretty good at it. Oh, the nostalgia? Well sometimes I like to watch the movies from my youth that I loved, rather than endless remakes. As for "Voltron," I was only an occasional watcher of the original, therefore I'm appreciating this all-new series for what it is and am not a hypocrite. Rock solid defense. But nostalgia led me to another old favorite recently: Arnold Schwarzenegger. Amazon Instant recently added his 1987 classic "The Running Man" to its library. The film takes place in 2017 (hey, that's this year) and finds the country run by an oppressive government that goes hand in hand with reality TV. And hey, before you start accusing me of making some political statement, I'm just reciting the plot to a movie here. Go watch it and tell me that's not what it's about. Schwarzenegger plays Ben Richards, a police helicopter pilot who refuses an order to fire on a crowd of hungry rioters and is subdued with the massacre happening anyway and our hero being placed with the blame. After escaping from prison and getting caught again, Richards is forced to take part in the titular game show, where people often convicts are forced to go on the run from "stalkers," colorful warriors whose job is to hunt down and kill the contestants to the delight of viewing audiences everywhere. While the movie shares some of the same prophetic qualities of "The Truman Show" as far as reality TV goes, I love this film just because it's fun. Honestly, Schwarzenegger was a joy to watch. Yes, he could never lose his accent, even when he was playing U.S. soldiers, and his acting definitely had to develop over the years, but he brought a charisma to action movies that just made them so much more fun. And let me tell you, I was obsessed with Schwarzenegger films as a lad in Benton. I can still remember a friend convincing me to ask his dad if we could watch "Commando" because if a friend asked, he would definitely let us do it. He did, and I was enthralled with the hilariously invincible action hero who spouted the best/worst one-liners imaginable. "Running Man" is no different. The one-liners usually come after dispatching the "stalkers." Most of those I can't repeat in this column, but an example is calling one a pain in the neck after strangling him with barbed wire. You can't help but wince at the cheesiness and then applaud its audacity. My favorite Schwarzenegger movies (brace yourself, because none of the "Terminator" films are in here) are "Conan the Barbarian," "Total Recall" and "The Predator." The last of which scared the crap out of me as a kid (kind of sneaked behind mom's back to watch it), but I really appreciate as an adult. But while he didn't deliver Daniel Day-Lewis-level performances, the fun of Schwarzenegger's action films endure. Imagine any other action star in those roles and it just doesn't seem right. While "E.T." doesn't seem anywhere near as enjoyable as an adult as it did when I was a kid, and some of the homophobic jokes in some older movies have become cringe-worthy to modern ears, many of Arnold's action films where he has just the right horrific pun at the ready the next time he wastes a bad guy, are just as fun as they were 30 years ago. Some of them are more fun than ever. A crash on Interstate 57 in Pulaski County on Wednesday left a 2-year-old dead, according to a news release from the Illinois State Police. The release states that at about 6:58 p.m. near mile marker 18.5, a Freightliner semitrailer driven by Isidro Garcia Purcella, 46, of Mercedes, Texas, was traveling north and crashed into the rear of a 2007 Dodge van driven by Shatroy Leroya Williams, 31, of Marion. Williams and her 2-year-old passenger were transported to a local hospital, where the child died from injuries sustained from the crash. Williams had non-life-threatening injuries. Purcella was not injured. The investigation into the crash continues. The Southern MURPHYSBORO Murphysboro police are looking for a juvenile who ran from a Franklin County officer after the boy's court appearance Wednesday at the Jackson County Courthouse. Chief Chad Roberts said the juvenile, whose age he would not disclose, is not considered dangerous and that the public is not in harm's way. Shortly before 9 p.m. Wednesday, Murphysboro officers were still looking for the youth. He had been taken to the Jackson County Courthouse from the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center. After his court appearance ended, shortly before 4 p.m., he reportedly ran from the custody of the Franklin County officer. The youth was last seen running northeast from the courthouse, Roberts said. Wednesday night, Roberts said he believed the youth was still in the Murphysboro area. "We're following all leads at this time" to find the juvenile, Roberts said. Anyone with information is asked to call 618-684-5244. Stephanie Esters iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) Senator John McCain, R-Arizona, made a secret trip to northern Syria last week to meet with U.S. troops and Kurdish fighters amid their longstanding battle to defeat ISIS, his office said Wednesday. Senator McCain traveled to northern Syria last week to visit U.S. forces deployed there and to discuss the counter-ISIL [another acronym for ISIS] campaign and ongoing operations to retake Raqqa, a McCain spokesperson said in an emailed statement on Wednesday, referring to ISIS' Syrian capital. Senator McCains visit was a valuable opportunity to assess dynamic conditions on the ground in Syria and Iraq. The trip comes as the Trump administration continues to re-evaluate the U.S. approach and plan to defeat ISIS. On the campaign trail, President Trump frequently criticized the Obama administration's policy to defeat the group that controls territory in both Syria and neighboring Iraq, but which has lost significant territory in the last two years. McCain's office did not confirm the exact dates he was in Syria. On Wednesday, the U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition pushed further into Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, in a bid to wrest control of it from ISIS, which captured the city in 2014. Meanwhile, the U.S. military and its allies have for months been preparing a campaign to retake Raqqa in Syria, where ISIS has its de facto capital. Members of Congress rarely travel to Syria as it does not have diplomatic ties to the U.S. McCain, who is chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, also traveled to the country in 2013 to meet with Syrian rebel leaders fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The senator has been a consistent proponent of increased military action in Syria, both against Assad's forces as well as ISIS. He was very critical of the Obama administration's decision not to launch airstrikes against Assad's forces after it came to light that the Syrian president had used chemical weapons against Syrian rebels. But McCain has also emerged as a critic of aspects of Trumps foreign policy. During a speech at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Friday, McCain said the new administration was in a state of "disarray." Still, McCain agreed with Trumps order to review the countrys military strategy and plans to defeat ISIL, according to the statement provided Wednesday by his office. Senator McCain looks forward to working with the administration and military leaders to optimize our approach for accomplishing ISILs lasting defeat." Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. An Eldorado man pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections on sexual abuse charges, according to a news release from Saline County State's Attorney Michael Henshaw. Roger D. Hedger, 63, was sentenced Feb. 8 on two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, class 2 felonies. He will also serve four years of mandatory supervisory release and costs. On April 30, a minor disclosed to her mother that she was being molested by Hodger, according to the news release. The incident was reported to Illinois State Police, who opened an investigation and learned that the abuse took place between Oct. 1, 2015, and March 31, 2016, at a home in Eldorado. The offenses took place when the victim was 12 and 13 years old. MARION A 29-year-old man was treated and released at a local hospital after being shot in the lower leg Wednesday evening inside the Pit Stop Bar at 8082 Illinois 37. Williamson County Sheriffs Office received a 911 call at about 9:40 p.m. Wednesday reporting shots being fired inside the bar, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. Upon arrival, sheriffs deputies and Marion police discovered the suspect had fled on foot. Witnesses said the suspect was inside the bar for about 10 minutes and kept the hood up on his sweatshirt the entire time, according to the release. He was asked to stop banging on the side of a video gaming machine with his hand. The suspect then reached into the backpack he was carrying and the gun fired, striking another customer. He fired two more rounds into the building after exiting the bar, the release said. The suspect is described as a black male, 5 feet, 9 inches with an average build. He was wearing black pants, a black hooded sweatshirt, and was carrying a camouflage backpack. He was last seen running northbound along the railroad tracks towards Marion and has not been located, the release said. The suspect was not known by any customers inside the bar. Williamson County Sheriffs Office investigators released two images of the suspect. Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect is asked to contact the sheriffs office at 618-997-6541 or Williamson County Crimestoppers. Crimestoppers can be contacted by calling 1-800-414-8477, by online message at www.williamsoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting a tip to 274637. If a text message is used, begin the text with the word quicktip. CARRIER MILLS Several times a week, a van with the Illinois Heartland Library System stops at the Carrier Mills Stonefort Public Library to drop off some requested books, or to pick up some requested items someone elsewhere in the state has asked for. The village's own residents make good use of the library's six desktop computers, applying for jobs or benefits, or doing homework or playing games. Across the street from the village's government offices, the library is a sort of central hub for this small village in Saline County. The library's idyllic being could come unraveled if property taxes are frozen statewide, one of the components Gov. Rauner's Turnaround Agenda. The district library, which serves Carrier Mills and the Saline County portion of Stonefort, receives more than 90 percent of its funding from property taxes. Its a disaster for those institutions like a library that are totally or almost totally dependent on property taxes, said Louis Shaw, Carrier Mills' mayor who also doubles as the library's part-time business manager. This library is more than 90 percent financed by property taxes: $59,690 of its $61,350 budget came from property taxes. If the library had to freeze its receipt of property taxes at that amount, that would not accommodate cost-of-living increases, unless library directors requested a tax levy. Voters would have to approve the tax levy; if they did not, the library staff would have to cut back on its salaries Shaw's part-time pay and that of the part-time assistant librarian and the full-time director which would mean reduced hours. That would severely impact its hours of operation and service, Shaw said. Currently, the library is open six days a week, 44 hours in total; it is closed on Sundays. Other libraries in the state likely receive a portion of some funding from property taxes, even if they are funneled through their municipalities; in those instances, though, the amount of funding from property taxes can be 10 to 15 percent of their budgets, Shaw said, unlike the Carrier Mills-Stonefort system. "If 10 to 15 percent of your budget is frozen, you can work around it a lot better," Shaw said. "It will hit hardest on those entities that are most dependent on property taxes (like the Carrier Mills library). The Illinois Library Association opposes all of the property tax freeze initiatives pending in the state legislature, said Ellen Popit, the membership director for the Heartland Library Association in Carbondale. She said if any of those property tax measures are approved, they stand to impact libraries in their areas, as the state's libraries receive some funding through property taxes. She said there are about a dozen property-tax freeze initiatives, around the state, that could impact libraries throughout Illinois. Members, trustees, directors and other library supporters plan to discuss these issues, among others, at the ILA's Legislative Meet-Up at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27, at the Holiday Inn in Mount Vernon; registration is $40. As House Republican leadership furiously searched for a way out of competing immigration uprisings from both ends of their own party, they committed Thursday to hold a vote on a conservative bill that has been demanded by their right flank for months. To the Editor: While I support the Affordable Care Act and Congressman Mike Bost has called for its repeal, we stand on common ground. Both of us hope for the best system of health care for our neighbors. And both of us see defects in the current system. Our difference turns on which path forward. We stand where Americans stood shortly after enactment of the Social Security Act. Its shortcomings became apparent with implementation. Should the defects persuade us to scrap a program or should we work to improve it? That is the place we stand with the Affordable Care Act. Rather than saying no to Social Security, congress worked toward improving it to include those who were not included and to expand benefits to health care. Rather than saying no to the Affordable Care Act because of its defects, we might consider correcting its faults to make the system better. Simply saying no risks dep riving 1,100,000 Illinoisans of insurance. When I turn to Congressman Bosts webpage discussion of health care, I see that he focuses on the defects of the Affordable Care Act and votes to scrap it. What I do not see is a way forward from the negative to the constructive, that is a concrete proposal to reform our health care system. Can we come to common ground shared concern for our neighbors welfare, a recognition of the problems we face, and consideration of specific proposals to improve this system? Michael Batinski Carbondale It is telling that the first bit of significant legislation (House Joint Resolution 41) signed by President Trump was the elimination of an anti-corruption rule that required oil companies to report payments to foreign governments. The rule resulted from a bipartisan amendment to financial regulation that aimed at keeping crooked governments in resource rich countries from stealing from their own people. Given the serious ethical challenges of President Trump related to his own business dealings, his signing the law is to be expected. Sadly, our Southern Illinois Reps. Bost and Shimkus helped send this legislation to him in the first place. Eliminating anti-corruption rules as your first major legislative act is a strange way to go about draining the swamp. The setting was a Manhattan restaurant, and after 25 minutes what allegedly emerged was a pro-Russian peace plan for Ukraine that its author believes may have ended up in the White House. Orangeburg Consolidated School District Four is moving ahead with plans to offer students training for a career in aerospace engineering. Superintendent Dr. Tim Newman reported at the February board of trustees meeting that the district is in the initial planning stages for an aerospace engineering and manufacturing magnet school at Edisto High School. There are two aerospace suppliers in Orangeburg County, Newman said following the meeting. A lot of jobs in the aerospace industry start workers off at salaries ranging from $30,000 to $60,000, he said. What were trying to do is to address the needs of our county and community, Newman said. The district is holding discussions with local manufacturers so it can provide students with the training they need to get good jobs when they leave school, he said. We are trying to find a way to build those skills for the students, embed the terminology for the aerospace manufacturing sector, embed soft skills and try to react to the needs that theyre asking for, Newman said. The district has gotten a commitment from the S.C. Department of Education to help fund a new aerospace content teacher, the superintendent said. The magnet school will not only prepare students to go on to work in the aerospace field after high school, but it will also lay a foundation for students who want to go on to four-year colleges for a degree in areas like engineering. The district will be working on budgets and the application process as well as going to other magnet schools across the state to see how they do things, Newman said. Edisto High was selected to house the magnet school because of its proximity to the Cope Area Career Center, he said. Newman said he hopes to bring the new curriculum back to the board for approval in time to get the magnet school off the ground by this fall. In other business, trustees approved an out-of-state trip for the Lockett Elementary School Junior Beta Club. The students will be competing at the National Junior Beta Club Convention in Orlando in June. They qualified to participate in the event by winning the following awards at the state convention in January: first place in Advertising Design Division I, first place in Quiz Bowl Division I, second place in Science Division I and second place in Book Battle Division II. Trustees also unanimously approved second and final reading of the 2017-18 school calendar. Classes will begin for students on Aug. 22, 2017. The final day of the school year will be June 9. Three makeup days for inclement weather were built into the calendar: Jan. 2, March 30 and June 11. Newman recognized Bethany Jameson, an Edisto High School student, who won the districts annual Christmas card contest. He also recognized members of the Branchville High School Lady Jackets volleyball team who were recently named the S.C. High School League Class A champions. Orangeburg native Jaime Harrison has dropped out of the race to become the next chair of the Democratic National Committee. Harrison, who chairs the South Carolina party, said in a release on Thursday that he doesnt have the votes to become national chairman. But this election is not about the individuals in the race; it is about unifying and rebuilding our Democratic Party, he said. AP is calling the race to become DNC chair a tight one between front-runners Tom Perez, a former labor secretary, and Rep. Keith Ellison, a Minnesota congressman. Perez has emerged as the apparent front-runner, with independent Democratic strategists tracking him at about 205 votes, according to AP. Ellison is estimated to have about 153 of the votes. The winner must capture a majority of the 447-member national party committee. The counts have South Carolina Democratic Party chair Jaime Harrison at 27 votes, according to AP. NBC News reports Harrison is supporting Perez. In his release, Harrison said he ran for the position because, we need to rebuild the Democratic Party in every community in America. We need to transform our party from just being a political organization looking for votes every two or four years and become a community organization working in our neighborhoods addressing day-to-day issues faced by middle and working class voters. We have to rebuild every state party so that we can compete in every state and territory. We have to stop ignoring and start investing in building a long-term strategy to win in red states like our beloved South Carolina. An Orangeburg man is accused of leaving his 77-year-old father on the floor for several days. Larry Darnell Felder, 58, of 830 Bennett Street, was charged with neglect of a vulnerable adult on Tuesday by the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety. If Felder is convicted, he faces up to five years in prison. A warrant accuses Felder of leaving his father on the floor in the residence, in which they both reside, for several days. Investigators allege Felder left his father there between Jan. 19 and Jan. 21. When Orangeburg County medics arrived at the residence, they reported that Felders father was covered in his own urine and feces. Orangeburg Municipal Judge Barney Houser set a $10,000 personal recognizance bond on Felder on Wednesday. He is not to have any contact with his father. According to an incident report, ODPS officers met the 77-year-old at the Regional Medical Center on Jan. 21. Officers described the man as lying in the hospital bed with his eyes rolled back in his head as if he was deceased. A physicians assistant told the officers that the mans hemoglobin was low, which caused him to be weak and sluggish. The man told officers that he did not want to go back home. The physicians assistant also told the officers that this wasnt the first time the man had visited the emergency room covered in urine and feces. The officers also spoke with the medics who arrived at the victims residence and transported him to RMC. The medics told the officers that they found the man in his bedroom, lying headfirst up under what they believe to be a kitchen table surround by a lot of trash and clothes scattered all over the room. They noted that the victims mattress did not have any sheets or covers on it, but was covered in urine and fecal stains. The incident report says Felder admitted leaving his father on the floor when he went to work. A blog for students in my introductory classes in government, and any interested passersby. You'll find news items and random stories that illustrate any of the topics we cover in class. Special attention will be paid to the constitutional issues associated with contemporary issues and disputes. Feel free to send me stories you find important. Please note that due to spam, I'm limiting the ability of people to comment on these pages. My apologies. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. By Azernews By Gunay Camal Azerbaijan has invited Turkish companies to establish joint ventures in various fields in a bid to deepen the economic interaction between the strategic partners. Agriculture Minister Heydar Asadov voiced the offer during the Azerbaijani-Turkish Business Forum in Baku on February 23. Asadov stressed that the Azerbaijan-Turkey relations in the agro sector should be transformed from the segment of export-import operations to the joint production of agricultural products. Last year, Turkey exported agricultural products worth $ 100 million to Azerbaijan. This is a good indicator of the bilateral relations, but the time has come to move to a new level of relations between our countries. It would be useful to set up joint ventures for agricultural production, the minister said, stressing that the country is ready to create all necessary conditions for Turkish businessmen. We have established the necessary legal framework, and the reforms have significantly improved the business environment in the country. Only the desire is needed to develop our relations, and not only in the field of agriculture, he said. Recalling that Azerbaijan is now actively developing the pharmaceuticals field, the minister pointed to possibility of establishing joint ventures in this area. We have created a number of pharmaceutical factories, and I invite Turkish companies to invest in this sector, said Asadov. Azerbaijan plans to gradually replace foreign imports with domestic production and switch to the economic policy of import-substitution, as well as increase competitiveness of local production. Last year, Azerbaijan exported agriculture production worth $426 million, recording an increase of $73 million or 20.7 percent as compared to the figure of 2015. Turkeys Minister of Food, Agriculture and Livestock Faruk Celik, addressing the forum, mentioned that Turkey is Europe's largest center for the production of agricultural products. Given Turkey and Azerbaijan's geographical position it is possible to imagine the outcome of our cooperation [in the agro sector], he said. The volume of trade between Turkey and Azerbaijan in agricultural products does not correspond to the existing potential, according to Celik. The figure is only $ 120 million. We should increase this level and expand the range of export products, he said. Turkey will open its representative office in Azerbaijan for the development of agriculture, Asadov said at a press conference following the meeting. The office will operate under the Turkish Embassy in Baku. A special representative - Advisor to Minister of Food, Agriculture and Livestock of Turkey Faruk Celik will be appointed. The representative will be responsible for further development of relations between our countries in the sphere of agriculture," Asadov said. Celik earlier told Trend that Turkey urges the countrys businessmen to invest in Azerbaijans agriculture, mentioning that Turkey wants Azerbaijan to become a country fully self-sufficient in the agricultural production. "We know that Azerbaijan has been actively investing in the development of agricultural production lately. Companies with Turkish capital are also involved in these projects and they provide Azerbaijan with the know-how used in Turkeys agricultural sector," the minister said. He added that Azerbaijan, thanks to its fertile land, will be able to significantly reduce dependence on imports of agricultural products, if investments are provided and necessary measures are implemented. The minister stressed that Turkey is constantly looking for new export markets, regardless of their size and remoteness. "The recent crisis in Russian-Turkish relations has created problems in the agricultural export of Turkey. But it became a lesson for us to diversify our export markets. Nowadays, Turkeys agricultural sector is the largest one in Europe, and the Turkish agricultural productions value is $59.4 billion, he said. Hailing the fact that Turkey exports 1,680 names of agricultural products worth $17 billion to 192 countries, the minister said these figures are not sufficient and a lot can be done together with Azerbaijan. Previously, Deputy Agriculture Minister Ilham Guliyev said that Azerbaijan and Turkey can jointly enter markets of third countries. Azerbaijan has access to the markets of Central Asia and Russia, while Turkey has access to the markets of Europe and the Balkans. In this regard, Azerbaijan and Turkey are going to jointly enter markets of the third countries he said at the 8th meeting of Azerbaijan-Turkey Agricultural Executive Committee in Baku on February 22. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Turkey amounted to $1.67 billion in January-September 2016, according to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan. The countries plan to bring the volume of trade turnover to the level of $15 billion in the coming years. By Trend During his visit to Iran's Khudafarin plants, Azerbaijans Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev said that the main agenda of his trip to Iran is to evaluate the investment opportunities in agriculture and tourism sector, Mehr news agency reported Feb. 23. Last December Irans parliament has ratified the agreement signed with Azerbaijan for cooperation in construction and operation of the Khudafarin and Giz Galasi hydro power plants on the Araz River and in using energy and water resources. The agreement was signed during President Ilham Aliyevs visit to Tehran on Feb. 23. The Parliament of Azerbaijan ratified the agreement in June. The agreement proclaims the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and Iran, and equal rights for use of water and energy resources of Khudaferin and Giz Galasi hydro systems. Meanwhile, Iranian ICT Minister Mahmoud Vaezi had said that the statistics indicate 70 percent growth in Iran-Azerbaijan trade turnover. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Iran amounted to $15.77 million in January 2017, as compared to $9.56 million a year before, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee. By Azernews The Third Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council kicked off at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku on February 23. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the meeting. Energy ministers from the Southern Gas Corridor member-states and representatives of a number of organizations, as well as European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union, co-chair of SGC Advisory Council Maros Sefcovic were participating in the event. The Southern Gas Corridor is an issue of energy security and the energy security is national security of countries, said President Aliyev addressing the meeting. He added that the existing international cooperation in this sphere is an example of mutual trust. President Aliyev noted that the event is attended by important guests from various countries. Azerbaijan has established close cooperation with the European Commission for the implementation of SGC project, he said. We have been able to create a unique and exemplary format of international cooperation, noted the president emphasizing that the implementation of SGC project is a very important factor for future ties. Speaking about the energy policy of Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev noted that the Contract of the Century signed in 1994 has played a significant role in the implementation of future energy projects. He said that the achievements of modern Azerbaijan have become possible thanks to this contract. Emphasizing the importance of the Shah Deniz gas field in the implementation of SGC project, the president said that the capacities of this field play an important role in the popularization of Azerbaijan as a country with huge gas reserves. The head of the state noted the importance of regional cooperation under this project and gave examples of energy corridors implemented by Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey over the years. Stating the significance of an agreement signed several years ago between Azerbaijan and Turkey on the implementation of TANAP project, as well as the Trans Adriatic Pipeline project in effectuating the Southern Gas Corridor, President Aliyev noted that such meetings have a special role in the timely and qualitative implementation of the project. The president spoke about the advancements achieved since the last years meeting, noting that Shah Deniz-2 project has been implemented by 90 percent. Furthermore, important achievements have been observed with regard to TANAP and TAP projects. He added that the development of Azerbaijans Absheron gas field has commenced, which shows that the countrys gas potential is not limited to Shah Deniz. Emphasizing the activity of international financial institutions in the implementation of SGC project, the president said that active participation of Europes financial organizations in the projects implementation also would have been very important. The head of the state noted that the environmental issues, being envisaged as part of the project, are based on high standards, and wished success to the conference. Azerbaijans Energy Minister Natig Aliyev and European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic also delivered speeches at the meeting. The meeting continued with plenary sessions and round tables. The Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council held its first meeting on February 12, 2015, and the second meeting on February 29, 2016. By Azernews By Laman Ismayilova The Endless Corridor film has been screened in Madrid as part of the Justice for Khojaili campaign, initiated by Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva. Heads and employees of diplomatic corps, state officials, members of Congress and Senate, representatives of Azerbaijani diaspora and public figures attended the event organized by the Azerbaijani embassy in Spain, Azertac reported. In his remarks Ambassador Anar Maharramov spoke about the Khojaly genocide, one of the heinous crimes of the 20th century committed by Armenian against the Azerbaijani civilians. This bloody tragedy perpetrated in the town of Khojaly on February 25-26,1992 resulted in the murder or capture of the thousands of Azerbaijanis. More precisely, 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. The film features interviews with the survivors and spine chilling admissions from the perpetrators. As many as 1,275 innocent people were taken hostage, while the fate of 150 people remains unknown. Civilians were shot at close range, scalped, and burned alive. 'Endless Corridor" pictures two journalists, Richard Lapaitis from Lithuania and Victoria Ivleva from Russia -- the true witnesses of the tragedy, who returned to Azerbaijan 20 years after the horrific Khojaly Massacre. They journey to find the survivors they had first met in the aftermath of the Armenian attack. The film includes interviews with the survivors and spine chilling admissions from the perpetrators. So far, the movie has been submitted for more than 70 film festivals throughout the world, most part of which included it into their official programmes. In 2015, the film was presented in Istanbul, Ankara, Rome, Vilnius, London, Paris, Dublin, Berlin, Bern and Luxembourg in February as part of the Justice for Khojaly campaign, organised by Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. By Azernews By Rashid Shirinov Armed conflicts have caused much suffering, displacement and destruction in the OSCE area of operation, and these conflicts have no military solution, the Austrian Foreign Minister, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Sebastian Kurz said on February 22, while addressing the UN Security Council. The diplomat said all conflicts must be solved through political means. Kurz also noted his country will support efforts directed at peaceful solution to the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. As the chair-country, Austria will support all attempts to achieve a peaceful solution to the conflicts in the OSCE area, in particular, the conflicts in Georgia, Transnistria and Nagorno-Karabakh, Kurz said. 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. By Azernews By Rashid Shirinov The Parliament of Scotland has passed a resolution on February 22 on political assessment of the Khojaly genocide of Azerbaijan. The Parliament decided to give a political assessment of the Khojaly tragedy by mutual consent of all of the parliamentary parties. The text of the resolution was posted on the Parliament website in anticipation of the 25th anniversary of the Armenian genocide. The vast majority of Scottish Parliament members supported its adoption by putting their names under the draft resolution. The resolution emphasizes mutual relations of friendship and fruitful cooperation between Azerbaijan and Scotland, and strongly condemns the fact of occupation of Azerbaijans Nagorno-Karabakh region in the 1990s. The events in Khojaly are recognized in the document as genocide against the local population of Nagorno-Karabakh. In addition, the resolution considers the actions of the perpetrators of the Khojaly genocide as war crimes and crimes against humanity, and notes the need for adopting the resolution to prevent such events in the future. The resolution also emphasizes that Armenia has occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory and continues to ignore four resolutions on withdrawal adopted by the UN Security Council. A copy of the resolution was presented to the delegation of Azerbaijan who visited the Scottish Parliament on February 22. The town of Khojaly was situated within the administrative borders of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. Its population constituted over 7,000 people. Late into the night of February 25, 1992, Khojaly came under intensive fire from the towns of Khankendi and Askeran already occupied by Armenian armed forces. The Armenian forces, supported by the ex-Soviet 366th regiment, completed the surrounding of the town already isolated due to ethnic cleansing of the Azerbaijani population of the neighboring regions. The joint forces occupied the town, which was ruined by heavy artillery shelling. Thousands of fleeing civilians were ambushed by the Armenian forces. Punitive teams of the so-called Nagorno-Karabakh defense army reached the unprotected civilians to slaughter them, mutilating and scalping some of the bodies. 613 people were killed, including 106 women, 70 elderly and 83 children. A total of 1,000 civilians were disabled. Eight families were exterminated, and 25 children lost both parents, while 130 children lost one parent. Moreover, 1,275 innocent people were taken hostage, while the fate of 150 remains unknown. Geo-politics and impending Value Added Tax (VAT) were the key topics discussed at the Middle East Investment Conference held today (February 23) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The event took place at the ADGM Auditorium on Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, and is organised by Informa in partnership with the CFA Society Emirates. With the UKs vote to leave the European Union just starting to set in and a new republican administration in the White House, two of the worlds largest economies have shocked the world with upset votes; both of which could see a radical effect on regional economic policy. Amer Abdul Aziz Khansaheb, CFA, president of CFA Society Emirates said: CFA members from across the GCC indicated in our recently published Middle East Societies Market Sentiment Survey, that geo-political developments, global energy policies and regional fiscal developments will dominate investor concerns. This annual Middle East Investment Conference creates a platform for senior investment professionals to gather together and address the many issues and opportunities current market conditions present. As CFA Society Emirates, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics in investment practices for the development of the UAEs investment industry. Leading global and regional economic and financial minds, will be presenting their views on a broad range of issues affecting the Middle East. Todd Buccholz, former director of economic policy at The White House during the first Bush Administration, headlined the event and delivered the opening keynote address. Buccholz drew on his first-hand experiences during his time in The White House and delivered an opening address that outlined his views on how the recent events in the West could impact regional policy. Dr Philippa Malmgren, an American policy analyst who has previously served as Special Assistant to the President of the United States for Economic Policy on the National Economic Council, was also part of the line-up at the Middle East Investment Conference and delivered the events closing keynote. She is also a former member of the U.S. Presidents Working Group on Financial Markets. We are delighted that both Mr. Buccholz and Dr. Malmgren are part of the event today to deliver the events opening and closing keynote addresses. To have two world-renowned experts with a clear view on how international policies have, and will continue to impact regional economics at time of so much change and uncertainty is a massive draw for this years event, said Ryan ODonnell, divisional director of Conferences at Informa Middle East; the events organiser. The event brought together over 300 international thought leaders and regional and international investment professionals who heard from over 20 finance and policy experts. TradeArabia News Service The Dubai Future Academy has launched its first training programme the Future Design Diploma in its Office of the Future in Dubai, the worlds first 3D-printed office. High-ranking executives are set to take part in the 10-day intensive program including executive directors, heads of departments, and decision makers from federal and local government departments, as well as private companies operating in sectors of strategic interest to the UAE, such as healthcare, economics, aviation, education, transportation, and real estate. The program is designed to develop participants future forecasting and planning skills, and to render organizations more future-ready. Maha Al Mazeina, the project manager at Dubai Future Academy, said: "The academy seeks to enable government agencies to forecast and proactively plan for the future of strategic sectors. With that in mind, the program targets leaders and strives to develop their future-planning skills." "This, in turn, allows them to transform their vision into reality, adhering to the ambitious directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who called on decision makers to start building the future today and cement Dubais status as a leading global hub for the future industry," she noted. The Academys programs were designed in collaboration with experts from prestigious international institutes and universities, explained Al Mazeina. They seek to educate our national human resources and hone their innovation skills, so that they may formulate solutions for future challenges using scientific tools and models. Our programs also enable leaders in the public and private sectors to proactively come up with future solutions in key sectors, she noted. The Future Design Diploma seeks to build a highly capable future-oriented national workforce by launching future-focused strategies and services. According to her, the program seeks to empower leaders to analyze trends, propose solutions, and launch initiatives to face the challenges that may arise in the future and turn them into opportunities. the program touches on a range of theoretical topics, including an introduction to future forecasting and future thinking, as well as analyzing the environment and future trends, stated Al Mazeina. It also offers practical applications where participants draw up future scenarios, generate ideas, develop prototypes for future experiments, and put timetables for their implementation, she added. The program enlists top-tier future experts from around the world, including Scott Smith, Founder and Managing Partner at Changeist, who has extensive experience in research, strategic planning, and design in social, economic, and technological fields, as lecturers. Smiths research focuses on combining anecdotal evidence and exploring unexpected future events. Before joining Changeist in 2007, Smith spent a decade leading start-up research and consulting teams for international technology research firms in New York City, Washington, and London. He has offered consulting services for a number of international institutions on how to take advantage of future opportunities, including UNICEF, Nokia, Ford, and Honda, as well as government entities in the US, Finland, New Zealand, and the UK. The Future Design Diploma is based on a set of tools allow participants to better understand global trends in several sectors, and to contribute creative ideas that lead to sustainable solutions for the challenges of the future, Smith said. The program expands the study of sectors to anticipate the challenges that lie ahead, and to propose ideas and solutions to those challenges. It launches experiments and feasibility studies to implement them on the ground and build a better future for coming generations. The program establishes a culture of planning for the future in government departments in the UAE, he added.-TradeArabia News Service NMC Healthcare and NMC Trading received two separate business excellence awards at the recent ninth cycle of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Award ceremony in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The awards were presented to Dr B R Shetty, founder & CEO, NMC by Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and first deputy chairman of the Dubai Executive Council. NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Nahda, Dubai and NMC Trading, a subsidiary of NMC Health were both recognized for their dedication towards cultivating world class business culture in the region, with the ultimate goal of creating a high level competitive business environment that fosters trade, business development, and job creation, which ultimately contributes to a solid and sustainable growth of the GCC economies. Dr B R Shetty said: It is an immense honour to be recognised with the prestigious Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Award and to receive two awards reaffirms our commitment to continuously supporting UAE and its initiatives. We will forever stand ready to drive economic success in the UAE with our progressive and innovative business practices and provide countless opportunities to the people of the UAE. The award is organized by Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) in line with its strategy that aims at enhancing the business community competitiveness, and its policy in supporting and appreciating the outstanding activities of corporations which have largely contributed to the development of UAE business sectors. TradeArabia News Service Al Hosn Armored Systems, a subsidiary of Tawazun Holding, has announced the production of a new cutting-edge, extra lightweight protective vest. The new armoured vest, which weighs only 8.5 kg, will be made in cooperation with Khalifa University Research Center and DuPont and is an innovative protection solution for individuals (troops and personnel), said a statement. The vest will be produced based on the standards of the UAE GHQ Armed Forces complying with the National Institute Justice standards Level 3++ and is a collaborative effort by using the machinery of Khalifa University Research Center, the material of DuPont and the operational expertise of Al Hosn in production. Al Hosn is planning to increase production of the armoured vest to fulfil the demand of the Armed Forces and other defence entities, it said. On the research side, Khalifa University is actively involved in establishing long-term strategic partnerships with a variety of organisations. The university currently enjoys strong relationships with over 20 national and international partners including industry leaders, multinational entities, government agencies, universities and other institutions. Through this most recent collaboration with Al Hosn, it will continue to create and nurture a culture of research and innovation excellence focused on challenges of societal and economic importance. Best known for its use in ballistic and stab-resistant body armour, the aramid fiber that DuPont uses is credited with helping to save thousands of lives. Lightweight and extraordinarily strong, its used to make a variety of clothing, accessories, and equipment safer, more cut resistant and durable. This technology will enable Al Hosn to provide highly innovative products to the region and bring superior solutions to customers faster and more effectively, it said. Commenting on the new product announcement, Al Hosn general manager Eng Mohammed Al Teneiji said: Over the last 2 years, since Al Hosn Armored Systems was established, we have been actively involved in researching and producing products that are in high demand in the local, regional and international markets. Our team have worked tirelessly to have in place state of the art armory and protective gear that ensure safety and protection of all who use our products. The armored vest is the latest creation for Al Hosn and we intend to create more products like this in order for Al Hosn to be specialized in the defense market ensuring that we stand out, not only regionally but globally as well. Tawazun Holding, which was borne out of the long-established Tawazun Economic Council in 2007, was created to develop ventures through industrial partnerships and strategic investments that add value to the UAEs industrial manufacturing sector across a number of areas: defense and aerospace, automotive, munitions, metals and technology. TradeArabia News Service The total value of deals announced at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex 2017) and the Naval Defence Exhibition (Navdex 2017) in Abu Dhabi will exceed Dh20 billion ($5.45 billion), an official said. Naval Staff Colonel Fahed Nasser Al Thehli, official spokesperson of the fourth edition of the Naval Defence Exhibition (Navdex 2017) said national companies accounted for 63.4 percent of the total number of deals made during the first four days of Idex. In a statement to Emirates News Agency, WAM, Colonel Al Thehli said national companies accounted for 52 transactions of out 82, with regional and international companies acquiring the remaining 30 deals. This year's edition of the shows, which concluded today (Feb 23), drew the participation of 1,235 specialised local and international companies in the defence industry, organisers said. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, yesterday toured Idex where he visited the stands of a number of national, Arab and foreign defence companies. He praised the national defence industry for making significant progress and becoming a significant source of support for the UAE Armed Forces. "The national defence manufacturing industry was built on the solid foundations laid by the nation's founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who had established a national military establishment that could carry out all the missions of defending the country. This is being realised today under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan towards a purely Emirati military equipment manufacturing industry using Emirati expertise and manpower," he said. Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to revolutionise the operations of aircraft and passengers journey, as it would directly impact airports and airlines, a technology expert was quoted as saying by the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication. To read further, please visit GDNonline. The UAE Navy has awarded a contract to MBDA, a world leader in missile systems, to supply additional Marte MK2/N anti-ship missiles, the company announced at the International Defence Exhibition, Idex 2017 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This is a follow on from an initial contract signed in February 2009 for the supply of Marte missiles. Available with a variety of launcher configurations, Marte MK 2/N are able to strike targets at ranges in excess of 30 km, flying a fire-and-forget sea-skimming profile using mid-course inertial guidance and active radar homing, said MBDA, which is owned jointly by Airbus Group (37.5 per cent), BAE Systems(37.5 per cent) and Leonardo (25 per cent).. "MBDA is one of the countrys leading defence suppliers and will continue to show our long-standing commitment and support for the UAE Armed Forces, said Antoine Bouvier, CEO of MBDA, in a press statement. "This new contract reaffirms MBDA pre-eminence in the anti-ship sector and is clear proof of the technology leadership of the Marte missile family that, over the years, has continued to be competitive and able to respond to increasing customer requirements, thanks to its modular design," said Pasquale Di Bartolomeo, MBDAs executive group director Strategy and managing director of MBDA Italia. With a significant presence in five European countries and the US, in 2015, MBDA achieved a turnover of 2.9 billion Euros ($3.06billion) with an order book of 15.1 billion Euros. With more than 90 armed forces customers in the world, MBDA is the only European group capable of designing and producing missiles and missile systems that correspond to the full range of current and future operational needs of the three armed forces of land, sea and air. In total, the group offers a range of 45 missile systems and countermeasure products already in operational service and more than 15 others are currently in development. TradeArabia News Service The General Administration of Customs- Abu Dhabi has launched a new device for scanning and inspecting tourist vehicles transiting through Khatm Al Shikla in Al Ain city, a report said. New lanes at Al Madheef Customs Centre have also been added, in order to serve passengers and facilitate their entry to the country, bringing up the total number of tracks to four, reported Wam, the Emirates official news agency. Mohamed Khadem Al Hameli, acting director-general of the General Administration of Customs- Abu Dhabi, launched the (Z Portal) device in Khatm Al Shikla Centre in Al Ain City. The Z Portal device was produced by the American Science and Engineering Inc. (AS&E). The Z Portal device is one of the latest developments in systems used globally for scanning and inspecting tourist cars from hood to trunk using radioactive rays. Also, the device has the ability to examine and scan 120 cars in an hour. This helps accelerate and facilitate travel procedures, without compromising security and therefore, preventing illegal operations in the country. Al Hameli emphasised that Abu Dhabi Custom strives to be one of the leading customs administrations and to be one that is most supportive of facilitating legal trade. Devices, such as the Z portal, have the ability to penetrate the vehicle to reveal all its contents besides identifying banned and prohibited substances without any negative impact on the vehicle, or any of the foods items and people inside it. Likewise, it has no negative impact on the people operating the device. Al Hameli revealed that the number of vehicles inspected by the Z Portal device during 2012 is 1.5 million vehicles. This figure increased by 65 per cent in 2016, due to the devices usage at Al Ghuwaifat Customs Center. Furthermore, Al Hameli explained that all customs inspection officials employed at Abu Dhabi Customs are Emirati citizens. They are constantly being trained, via specialized classes, to analyse and compare photos taken through scanning devices with information provided in advance. Performance accuracy and speed of delivery are also taken into consideration. He also inaugurated the new checkpoint lanes at Al Madheef Customs Centre in Al Ain, which have expedited the inspection of tourist cars and passenger paperwork processes. "Al Madheef customs centre had issues with congestion due to the availability of only two lanes for passengers entering the UAE, with up to 4,500 tourist vehicles arriving daily. Thus, we have increased the number of lanes at checkpoints to four, resulting in a smoother, easier and more thorough process of inspection and registration of each vehicle. This upgrade has also led to better passenger control and faster traffic flows, Al Hameli said. TradeArabia News Service The UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF) has signed an agreement with Emirates Transport for supply of electric-powered vehicles. The move comes as part of MoFs commitment to support sustainable energy resources in line with UAE vision 2021, by using sustainable transport services offered by Emirates Transport- which contribute to clean energy and provide a healthy and safe environment, said Younis Haji Al Khoori, the undersecretary of MoF after signing the deal with Mohammed Abdullah Al Jarman, the general manager of Emirates Transport. Al Khoori pointed out that this was part of the UAE leaderships commitment to diversify energy resources and encourage adopting renewable resources to reduce harmful emissions. "We are working to enhance the environmental indicator results by embracing eco-friendly, electric-powered vehicles. This stems from our belief in the importance of sustainable development and our commitment to future generations to provide a clean, healthy and safe environment," he added. Al Jarman said the signing of the MoU stems from the ministrys commitment to achieving sustainable development. "It also helps in strengthening cooperation and partnership between Emirates Transport and the ministry," he noted. He also highlighted MoFs efforts to achieve the Emirati vision and objectives to diversify energy resources and encourage dependency on renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions. Stressing the importance of adopting clean and sustainable energy for a healthy and safe environment, Al Jarman said: "We considered this step as a reflection of the wise governments ambitions to achieve integration between institutions through joint efforts between public and private companies." "The integration will be key for supporting initiatives and projects which achieve sustainable development, protect the future generation and achieve the UAE Vision 2021," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Movenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba starts the year strong with three awards received in January. The beachfront resort is among the nine Movenpick Hotels & Resorts to be included in the top 1 per cent list of prestigious properties recognised by guests in the TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. Joining Movenpick Resort & Residences Aqaba in the Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Jordan, Movenpick Tala Bay also landed a spot in the Top 25 Hotels for Families in the Middle East the only resort in Jordan to be included in this category. The recent announcement of Movenpick Tala Bay as Jordans Luxury Family Resort in the 2017 Luxury Travel Guide Awards strengthens the its positioning as the premier resort for families in the Kingdom. The Luxury Travel Awards celebrate excellence across all sectors of the affluent travel and tourism sector. It is always overwhelming when guests and the industry recognise our continuous efforts in making Movenpick Tala Bay a better place for everyone, and we are thankful for all this recognition said Dan Benzaquen, general manager. The recent awards we received set a promising year for our resort, and our guests are assured of more exciting activities and exceptional services we will introduce in the coming months, added Benzaquen. Movenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba received eight accolades in 2016, including Jordans Leading Resort by the World Travel Awards, which is considered the Oscars of the tourism industry. - TradeArabia News Service - TradeArabia News Service Vida Downtown Dubai kicks off the New Year with a fully revamped kitchen as celebrity Chef James Knight-Pacheco takes over as the new executive chef. Chef Knight-Pacheco is bringing his talents and groundbreaking cooking style to give a delicious new taste to both Vida Downtown Dubai and the popular Vida Food Truck. The British chef has over a decade of experience, beginning his successful culinary career in London where not only was he renowned for his cooking skills, but also featured in many live cooking shows including BBCs Out of the Frying Pan and The Restaurant with Michelin Star chef Raymond Blanc. His captivating cooking and mouth-watering creations have left his audience craving for another course. He then established himself in the Middle East, working in one of the most prestigious restaurants in Oman before joining Emaar Hospitality Group in August 2015. His creativity shines through his one of a kind style of cooking, making contemporary cuisine that is both progressive and inventive. The new lunch menu is a perfect example of just that as he has curated an array of modern dishes with a quirky, gourmet flair, which stays true to the hotels creative roots. His unconventional and delicious dishes range from the Sweet Soy and Hot Tuna Salads, to the Oh Brie sandwich and Good Avo flatbread along with the launch of a brand-new business lunch special at the popular 3in1 Restaurant. This year, guests can indulge in the fresh, flavorful fun at Dubais favourite boutique hotel as executive chef Knight-Pacheo takes guests on a trendy and tantalizing culinary journey with his unique cooking style and dynamic creativity that he brings to the kitchen. - TradeArbaia News Service Many leading hotel and resort operators from Kerala have descended in Abu Dhabi for the Explore Kerala Fest, which is running from February 22 to 25 at UAE capital's Mushriff Mall. The four-day event was jointly inaugurated by Sultan Hamad Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, executive director of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, and Navdeep Singh Suri, Indian Ambassador to UAE, along with other dignitaries. In his speech, Al Dhaheri expressed his keen interst in promoting such tourism event which will promote people to people contact and further boost the historic relation between the two countries. He also told the gathering that Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority intends to conduct similar tourism events in the state of Kerala to attract more Indian travellers to the emirate. In his speech, Indian Ambassador hailed the idea of conducting such tourism events in the capital of Abu Dhabi which expects to attract more Arab travelers to Kerala and other parts of India. Colourful fusion dance performance depicting traditional Kerala art and heritage were also held on the occasion which enthralled the audiences. Traditional Kerala arts like Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Theyyam and Thayambaka will also take place during the event. Large number of people were seen taking photographs and selifies along with traditional dancers. Kerala Tourism Department in association with Lulu Group is organizing the Travel & Tourism event named Explore Kerala @ Abu Dhabi" to promote Kerala Gods Own Country in the Middle East market to attract Arab Travellers and expatriates in GCC countries to visit during the summer holidays and our off season Monsoon period. Leading resorts operators like Uday Samudra Kovalam, Vythiri Village Wayanad, Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort and two leading tour operators Gateway Malabar Holidays and The Blue Yonder - from Kerala are showcasing their products along with Kerala destination presentation. Similar events to promote Kerala as a destination will also be carried out in Lulu Hypermarkets and Shopping malls across GCC countries in association with Kerala Tourism department, according to a statement released by Lulu Group. In 2015, there were 71,500 tourists from Saudi Arabia (65,048 in 2014 and 48,346 in 2013), 20,000 plus (18,264 in 2014 and 17,475 in 2013) from the UAE and 17,924 from Oman, who visited the state. From the Middle East alone, we have more than one lakh visitors, According to a statement of Kerala Tourism. Kerala Government has already extended their support for this event and the synergy between public and private sector for the development of Tourism infrastructure and marketing is highly commendable. We are committed to continue this relationship in future too, said the statement. - TradeArabia News Service The TransGriot is available for speaking engagements, college lectures, panel discussions, media interviews, conferences or Trans 101 education efforts for your school, business or professional organizations. For local Houston area, Texas or national events, you can e-mail me at transgriot@yahoo.com For events outside the Houston metro area, I ask that my travel and lodging expenses be covered. This is separate from my speaking fee. If you are interested in having me appear as a speaker or panelist, you can e-mail me with the date and details of your proposed event. Please book as early as possible because my speaking and event calendar slots during the year rapidly fill up. Grownup Stuff Dance at Eagles Saturday A Senior Dance will be held from 7 to 10 p.m., Saturday at the Eagles Hall, 306 N. Durbin St. Dance to music from SwingSounds Band with potluck snacks at 8 p.m., and door prize drawings at 9 p.m Admission is $5 per person, under 12 are free. Robbie Daniels 235-5130 Senior Stompers meet Mondays Free only for Seniors 60+ who like to have fun, love music and like to dance, tapping and stomping to the beat. Join Joyces Senior Stompers on Monday mornings at 10:50 a.m. and exercise your mind and body. Call Joyce for more information 237-4908. Sportsmans breakfast set Mountain View Baptist Church, 4250 Poison Spider Rd., hosts a Sportsmans Breakfast at 8 a.m., on Saturday, Feb. 25. Neal Hatfield is the keynote speaker. Enjoy a hearty, home-cooked breakfast full of fun, laughter, and Blue Ridge life-changing anecdotes. Men and women are welcome. Enjoy lots of free drawings and vendors after the breakfast. For more information, call Pastor Mike Sain at 234-4381. Craftastic Saturday The Natrona County Library will host an adult crafting program at 2 p.m., on Saturday, March 4. Join us as we break out some corkboard and nails to craft string art. A simple and creative craft, pick a pattern, push in the nails, and start wrapping. Make a childs name, gift it to a loved one, or hang it as wall decor. All supplies provided. Call 577-READ ext. 2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information. Trails hosts opening reception Join the National Historic Trails Center for an evening reception with the unveiling of original and print artwork by western artist Minerva Teichert from 5 to 8 p.m., on Friday, March 3. The exhibit will highlight Teicherts many years as a professionally trained and accomplished artist. Teichert was born in Ogden, Utah in 1888 and was a descendant of Mormon Pioneer Trail emigrants. Teichert was raised on the family homestead near Fort Hall, Idaho. About her artwork, Teichert remarked, I must paint. Its a disease. The reception is free of charge and open to the public. Fun month at Mountain Plaza Mountain Plaza Assisted Living, 4154 Talon Dr., has a packed month of February planned for residents, guests and those interested. Feb. 28: Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Lively music and masquerade costumes or masks. Music will be provided by the Twang Gang. For more information, call 232-0100. Monthly vets ceremony Feb. 28 The Natrona County United Veterans Council and the staff of the Oregon Trail Wyoming State Veterans Cemetery conduct a monthly memorial service for those know Wyoming Veterans who have died since the last memorial service which was held on Jan. 31, when 83 Wyoming veterans were honored. This months memorial service is at noon, Tuesday, Feb. 28, in the Tom Walsh Chapel at The Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery. All are welcome to attend. This memorial service is provided on behalf of a grateful state and nation as an expression of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by each of these veterans. The veterans name, Wyoming community and branch of service is read at roll call. There is a rifle salute, taps, and the folding of a flag. Events at Art 321 You still have time to visit Art 321, 321 W. Midwest Ave., to see the February exhibits works by new members, art faculty from Wyoming colleges, and paintings by Susan Simon. March will feature exhibits by the Pastel Group, as well as works by Ellen Black and Friends, and the All High School Show. There is a Bead Weaving and Braiding workshop, instructed by Lori Wormus, Saturday and Sunday, March 4 and 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fee is $100 for members and $140 for non-members. When visiting Art 321 to see the current exhibits, be sure to stop by the reception desk and pick up a 2017 brochure with a schedule of exhibits, workshops, and informal groups for the whole year. Its is a good way to plan ahead for any workshops and exhibits of interest and to find out about the benefits of becoming a member. There are also many new offerings by Wyoming artists to browse through in the beautiful Gift Shop. Offerings include all sizes of art in many varied media, including fiber work, jewelry, and glass, in all price ranges. The gift shop changes merchandise frequently, so there is always something new. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Opening receptions are held the first Thursday of each month from 5 to 8 p.m. Apply for Mrs. Casper The Mrs. Wyoming Pageant is seeking applicants for the title of Mrs. Casper. Once selected, the successful applicant will advance to represent her community in the 2017 Mrs. Wyoming Pageant to be held on May 6 in Cheyenne. Local titleholders will compete to win a prize package valued at over $8,000 including an all expense paid trip to the national Mrs. America Pageant. Applicants must be at least 18 years old (no age limit), married at the time of competition and a Wyoming resident, no performing talent required. Celebrating its 41st year, the Mrs. America pageant is the only competition to recognize Americas married woman. To request the official application or for information, call Sheree Cooke, Wyomings state director, at 720-549-0440 or visit www.mrswyomingamerica.com. New member exhibit opens The Art 321/Casper Artists Guild, 321 W. Midwest, February Exhibit features the guilds newest members (three years as members or less). The New Members Exhibit will give the community a chance to get to know some new artists who may be exhibiting for the first time, as well as many already seasoned artists who have become new members of our organization. The exhibit will hang until Feb. 25. Art321/Casper Artists Guild is a non-profit organization that offers many art opportunities and experiences for the citizens of Casper and surrounding communities, offering exhibits, classes, workshops and the chance to meet fellow artists and art lovers. Please visit the gallery and see what becoming involved as a member has to offer. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 265-2655. Nostalgic display at Senior Services The Senior Center, 1831 E. 4th St., is featuring a display that features nostalgic items back to the late 1800s. The display will be up through February and March. Items include baby plates and cups, antique dolls, Steiff collectibles, and many other items, thanks to Tom and Lida Volin. For more information, call 265-4678. Help Yourself St. Marks hosts Financial Peace St. Marks Episcopal Church, 7th and Wolcott, will have classes on money management, using the Financial Peace plan, starting Feb. 28. The classes will run from to April 25, 2017 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., on Tuesdays at the church. To register, please contact Dorothy Brown at 377-3508 or via e-mail Wyo_nana@yahoo.com, or call the church at 234-0831. Teen Challenge spring groups Smart Step Families: Putting two families together is never easy. Challenges arise with parenting, working with co-parents, resistance to the new marriage and having the time and energy to deal with all the challenges that may arise. The Smart Step Families, led by a Christian couple, will give answers and encouragement. Thursday evenings starting in March. Call Pastor Mark or Linda at 259-1081. Insight: Discovering the path to Christian character, especially in the midst of stress. For more information, call Teen Challenge Wyoming at 258-5397. There are nine sessions to the class. Professionals in Recovery: An ongoing Christian recovery group. For more information, call Gary at 267-7777. Free to Grow: Helping people overcome disappointments and setbacks that have arrested or are presently hindering their emotional and spiritual development. Starts in February and meets on Thursdays. For more information, call Jane at 797-7271 or Judy at 251-5644. There are 12 sessions to the class. Peacemaking: In this world of division and conflict, its important for Christians to stay grounded in what the bible teaches about resolving differences with others in a God- honoring way. Sunday at 4 p.m. For more information, call Teen Challenge Wyoming at 258-5397. There are 12 sessions to the class. Stepping into Freedom: A Christ-centered 12-step program that offers support for anyone struggling with a life controlling problem like drug addiction, alcoholism, sexual addiction, gambling or workaholism. There are 12 sessions to the class. New ministry at HPCC Family Life Ministry (FLM) at Highland Park Community Church is offering premarital, marriage enrichment, and parenting workshops, seminars, retreats and conferences, empowering families to thrive through Gods love. Please visit the website for more information or to register, http://hpcc.church/FLM. Win a new instrument The Wyoming Symphony Orchestra and The Hill Music Company are joining forces to help young Wyoming musicians further their musical ability with the opportunity to win a new string or wind instrument. Wyoming music students in grades 9 through 12, who may have outgrown or outplayed a wind or string instrument, are invited to apply for a new instrument. To apply, download an application form and instruction packet from the WSO website, www.wyomingsymphony.org/outreach. Applicants will need to write a short essay about the importance of music and their particular instrument to their lives, and include references from music teachers, family, and friends. The deadline to apply is Feb. 24, 2017. A certificate will be awarded to the winner at the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra concert on March 18, 2017. The Hill Music Company will provide the winning instrument, and assist the winner in selecting the instrument of his or her choice. For questions please contact Erin Helms, 266-1478 or erin@wyomingsymphony.org. Saturday watercolor classes ART321/Casper Artists Guild holds Saturday Morning Watercolor Sessions under the direction of Ellen Black. Sessions are Saturday mornings, 10 a.m. to noon. $10 per session. Feb. 25: Mountain Landscapes. Instructed by Jennifer Morss. Please contact Ellen Black at 265-6783 for any questions. Hope to see you all again this season. Self-help class set Living from the Heart: The Key to Peace, Freedom & Creative Empowerment, Feb. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offered in person at the Agricultural Learning Resources building on Fairgrounds Rd. and also via live webinar.In the new four-hour class/playshop, learn what the field of the heart really is, practice easy, practical ways to go into heart field, and learn how to live every day from this place of peace, love, well-being and personal empowerment. No prerequisite. Class taught by Cathy Hazel Adams, practitioner, Intuitive Multidimensional Transformation & Healing, and certified Matrix Energetics practitioner. For a full class description and registration information, visit: www.cathyhazeladams.com/pp/classes-webinars-event/. 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. Parenting class available Mercer Family Resource Center offers a class in March designed to help parents become more effective. Make Parenting a Pleasure is for parents and caregivers with children ages 0 to 8. Class meets March 1, 8, 15, and 22 and April 5, 12, and 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. Onsite childcare available, meets once a week for seven weeks. Cost is $35 individuals and $50 a couple. For more information or to enroll, call Lisa Brown at 233-4276. Job, career fair March 14 The Department of Workforce Services will be hosting a Job and Career Fair at the Casper Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center on Tuesday, March 14. The event will be open from 9 to 10 a.m. to veterans seeking employment, then open from 10 a.m. to noon for all general public job seekers. There will be many different businesses and career opportunities including representatives from the energy, construction, transportation, medical and government fields. Dont miss this chance to talk with many local businesses about their job openings or get information about other career opportunities. Questions? Please call the Casper Workforce Center at 234-4591 for more information. ARTCORE music deadline March 15 The deadline for the ARTCORE New Music Competition is March 15. Entrants must be Wyoming residents. The purpose of the competition is to find serious composers in the state; to provide an ongoing program for encouraging new music by these same composers; to give exposure to musical works of merit and to stimulate an interest in contemporary music in Wyoming audiences. Performance time shall be limited to 20 minutes. Compositions shall not have been performed previously. Compositions shall be limited to no more than eight performers. Compositions may be for any combination of voice and/or instrument. Three copies of the manuscript must be submitted. Manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Submit manuscripts to ARTCORE, P.O. Box 874, Casper, WY 82602. Entry fee is $15. Manuscripts must be postmarked no later than March 15, 2017. Seedling trees, shrubs and perennials on sale Premium quality seedling trees, shrubs and perennials are available for windbreaks and wildlife habitat enhancement from the UW/Natrona County Extension. Order forms are available at the Ag Resource and Learning Center, 2011 Fairgrounds Rd. There are 41 species available. Order now for best selection with May 2017 delivery. For more information, call Rose Jones at 235-9400. Dementia caregiver support Wyoming Dementia Care offers five Alzheimers Caregiver Support groups each month. Caregivers of those with dementia-related illnesses and the loved ones they care for are welcome at any of the group sessions. Professional staff from Intermountain Home Companions will be on hand to offer separate activities and snacks for those who need care. There is no charge for Wyoming Dementia Cares support groups or for the respite care provided during the approximately one hour long sessions. The morning support group sessions meet on the first and third Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. at Central Wyoming Senior Services, 1831 E. 4th St. The afternoon support groups meet at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Life Care Center of Casper, 4041 S. Poplar. The evening groups meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Meadow Wind Assisted Living, 3955 E. 12th St. For information, email wyodementia@casperseniorcenter.com or call Dani Guerttman at 265-4678. Family continues suicide support Good Grief, Support will continue at 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the 12-24 Club, 500 S. Wolcott, by request of attendees. Anyone who is grieving a suicide, death, or considering suicide is encouraged to attend. Attendance at the meeting, as well as the content, will be strictly confidential. The Fresh Start Cafe will be open, and you can eat during the meetings. This meeting place was offered by Dan Cantine of the 12-24 Club. You need not be a member to attend. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom. New depression group begins J.R.s Hunt for Life is offering See it Clearly, a free peer support group for persons suffering from depression and other mental conditions that lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. The group is led by like-minded peers wishing to offer support in these struggles. Anonymity and confidentiality is offered to all attending. Meetings are at 6:45 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 500 South Wolcott in the conference room on the second floor, (12-24 Club). Those who have considered or attempted taking their life or are struggling are welcome. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom. Family offers faith-based groups The family of J.R. Hunter, who committed suicide, now has two additional support groups, these faith-based, in addition to the groups they run on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at the 12-24 Club. Those continue. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom. J.R.s Hunt; for life presents two faith-based grief and depression peer to peer support groups at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. at Restoration Church, 411 S. Walsh. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom. Grief Support Group, Good Grief: A faith-based grief support group that the family hosts on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 5:30 p.m. at Restoration Church. The familys loss has moved them to offer this to anyone grieving. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom. Depression Support Group, See It Clearly: A faith-based free peer to peer support group for persons suffering from depression and other mental conditions that may lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. The group is led by like-minded peers wishing to offer support in these struggles. Anonymity and confidentiality is offered to all attending. Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at Restoration Church. Those who have considered or attempted taking their life or are struggling are welcome. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom. Parkinsons exercise Rocky Mountain Therapy is offering a Parkinsons exercise program. Join us from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays at Rocky Mountain Therapy, 2546 E. Second St., Building 500. These classes are open to anyone with Parkinsons or caring for someone with Parkinsons. Thursdays class is tailored for the individual with more advanced Parkinsons and focuses on improving endurance, safety and managing symptoms. We are open to all ages and can tailor the class to meet varying exercise needs. The cost of the class is $5. To RSVP, call 577-5204 and ask for Jerri or Shannon. 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. Here and Now: Dementia-focused monthly art class Classes are every third Tuesday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. There is no charge. Here and Now is a program made possible through a collaboration between Wyoming Dementia Care and the Nicolaysen Art Museum. It is designed to provide a supportive environment for people with dementia and Alzheimers and their loved ones. To register, contact Dani with Wyoming Dementia Care 265-4678, ext. 106, or at wyodementia@casperseniorcenter.com or Zhanna Gallegos at 235-5247 or at zgallegos@thenic.org. Latin Club meets Latin Study Club language enthusiasts welcome anyone who wishes they had taken Latin in school or paid better attention when they did. The group meets at 7 p.m., on Tuesday nights at Mount Hope Lutheran School, 2300 Hickory. There is no charge. The textbook used is Wheelocks Latin, 7th edition. Noli timere! Acacia Boyes clearly remembers rock bottom. She was in jail after being arrested on a warrant. Her heart stopped and she was rushed to the ICU. They said I technically died, she said. She was released from the ICU on June 23, 2015. On July 23, 2015, she found out she was two weeks pregnant. She went to True Care Womens Resource Center, an obscure building tucked in an obscure alley off Poplar Street. I was looking for ways to terminate my pregnancy, she said. I ultimately went to them to see if I was really pregnant, and they said I was two weeks. You have to be at least 5 weeks before you can have a successful abortion. She met with a True Care advocate, Jeanne Hopkins. She remembers being given three pamphlets, one on abortion, one on adoption and one on successful parenting. Sitting down with Jeanne really helped me realize this (pregnancy) was for a reason. I was just self-destructing and no one could stop me. She helped me realize that God really has a reason for everything and everyone, she said, and (my son) Axton was that purpose for me. Boyes had just turned 26. Shes reluctant to rehash her mishaps, other than to say, anyone who Googles my name will find out. That doesnt matter. What does matter is that I changed my life, but I needed to hit complete rock bottom before I did, she said. An accident at the lake was the last day she had a drink, she said last week, while 11-month-old Axton snacked on blueberry puffs and charmed coffee shop patrons. She and Axton, along with True Care president Terry Winship, traveled to Washington, D.C., in late January to participate in Babies Go to Congress, a program designed to give nonprofit pregnancy centers the chance to visit Congressional offices and informally tell about the work they do. This was the first time True Care has been represented at the gathering sponsored by Heartbeat International. Frankly, its the first time weve had a patient so willing to tell her story, Winship said. True Care is 30 years old. Winship said the mission remains the same as it was when it was founded, to reach women who need to know what their options are. It is a medical clinic that offers ultrasound confirmation of pregnancy, limited STD testing specific to the infections that most affect a womans future fertility, education through a number of programs, mentoring and an abortion recovery program. The organization is supported through donations. Winship has been at True Care since 1998. The clinics staff sees between 375 and 400 patients a year. We are looking for our target patient. If you are happy about your pregnancy and in a good spot, thats not our target patient, Winship said. She said at least 85 percent of the patients really are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Once a woman decides to complete her pregnancy, long-term programs are available to work through the pregnancy with her. We are preparing them for parenting or an adoption plan. There is also a resource plan as well to make sure they follow through on referrals, Winship said. Boyes availed herself of a long-term program and was rewarded with Axtons crib upon completion. One program is called Early Kin Care and is funded by the Kinskey Family Foundation. (Founder) Rod Kinskeys dream is to prevent learning delays and disabilities in children, and the best way is to get to these women when they are pregnant, Winship said. Winship said much of True Cares funding comes from individuals and churches. In order to have a sustainable funding model, she and her staff are constantly trying to introduce people to what they are doing through speaking engagements and monthly tours of the facility. Boyes spoke at a dessert fundraiser in October for True Care, and Winship was so impressed that the planning for the January trip began then. Boyes works two jobs, 40 hours a week as an administrative assistant at oil field services company Amega West Services, and as a manager and weekend bartender at The Fort Saloon & Eatery. Its literally me and him, she said. I get no state help, not WIC, nothing. I dont want it. I want to show Axton how important it is to be independent and strong. I hope Axton does everything God puts out in front of him, Boyes said. I dont want him to take the easy way out. I want to be that mom who is there for him, but who knows he needs to make mistakes to learn. Boyes is scheduled to speak at another True Care fundraiser in early April. There are a lot of opportunities for us, she said. Although his public defender sought a sentence of life with the option of parole, convicted murderer Don Johns asked to be sentenced to death. Johns had remained silent throughout the preceding hearings and his trial. He was quiet when a jury convicted him of first-degree murder for stabbing his former roommate to death with a sword. But at his sentencing hearing Wednesday, Johns finally spoke. He said the court system was corrupt and that his public defenders had colluded with prosecutors to stack the deck against him. He maintained that he stabbed his roommate in self defense after Don Wickersham attacked him. He said that since that night in October 2015 there has been a concerted effort to kill him, and that he had already survived one attack. I am not a murderer, I am a victim, he read from a statement he had written on a stack of yellow pages. Wearing shackles and a red jail jumpsuit, Johns spoke for more than five minutes while seated at the defense table. He tried at times to make eye contact with prosecutors, who sat across the courtroom. Toward the end of his comments, he motioned to the Wyoming state seal mounted on the wall and pointed out the words equal rights. Lies and deceit is what that seal up there should read, he said. At the end, he asked the judge to sentence him to death by lethal injection and that he be killed within 90 days. He said that he would have to fight for his life at the state penitentiary in Rawlins. He was tired of fighting and trying to stay alive, he told the court. Instead, Natrona County District Court Judge Catherine Wilking sentenced Johns, 39, to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Wilking also ordered that Johns pay about $2,700 for the funeral services and burial of his victim. Prosecutors previously decided they would not seek the death penalty. Earlier in the hearing, Wilking heard a more subdued and tearful testimony from the victims sister, Victoria Peters. She said that her brother had allowed Johns to stay in his apartment for free, and that in return, Johns killed him. Peters said that while her brother wasnt perfect, he was ultimately a good person who will be missed by his family. I think what (Don Johns) did was totally out of control and inhumane, she said. At the hearing, Natrona County Assistant District Attorney Dan Itzen outlined the facts of the case as they were presented at Johns trial in November. As Itzen spoke, Johns shook his head multiple times. Police arrested Johns in October 2015 after a neighbor found Wickersham stabbed to death in the North Jackson Street apartment the two men shared. Prosecutors said that Wickersham was found with more than 20 stab wounds, and that Johns only had a small wound to one of his fingers. The neighbor told police he had heard fighting that night. Others told police they had been at a party at the mens apartment the night of the stabbing and that Johns and Wickersham had been arguing. During the trial, Johns attorneys argued that he attacked Wickersham in self-defense. But at the sentencing hearing Friday, prosecutors again highlighted the number of stab wounds as they did in trial. That is perhaps one of the most serious sentences this court can hand down and should be reserved for the most serious of offenders that is this defendant, Itzen said, standing at the podium with his arms crossed. Johns asked for an acquittal and a new trial in December, but Judge Wilking denied the request. Johns has 30 days from his sentencing to notify the court he will appeal his conviction or sentence. A winter storm blanketed snow across most of central and southern Wyoming on Wednesday night and Thursday, closing highways and schools. Up to 18 inches of snow fell in Fremont County, 8 to 16 inches in the Casper area and 11.5 inches near Rock Springs. The National Weather Service reported wind gusts of up to 50 mph on South Pass and Hiland near Casper, and almost 55 mph at the Rock Springs Airport. Natrona County schools and Casper College closed early Thursday. As for Friday, Casper College Spokesman Chris Lorenzen said there have been discussions about closing the campus, but nothing definitive had been decided yet. The colleges director of security keeps school officials updated during off hours, and if the school is closed Friday, the school will send out an alert early in the morning. He said the college usually checks in with the Natrona County School District to see what problems theyre having with travel and road conditions. Sections of Interstate 80 from Evanston to Cheyenne were closed most of Thursday. The Wyoming Department of Transportation cautioned no unnecessary travel on much of Interstate 25 between Chugwater and Casper. Most of the roads in and out of Casper had no unnecessary travel advisories. Casper Mountain Road was closed along with Highway 220 between Pathfinder Road and Alcova. Portions of U.S. Highway 30 and U.S. 287 around Medicine Bow were also closed. Many highways in western Wyoming carried either no unnecessary travel warnings or black ice advisories. Most of the central and southern sections of Wyoming were under a winter storm warning Thursday morning and into Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Portions of south central Wyoming between Rock Springs and Rawlins were under blizzard warnings until Friday morning. CHEYENNE A Senate committee on Wednesday tightened a bill that deals with penalties for possession of marijuana-infused products. House Bill 197 originally created a tiered penalty system for possession of small amounts of marijuana or marijuana-infused products. The penalty system applied to possession of marijuana in plant form of less than 3 ounces and marijuana-infused products less than 8 ounces. However, the Senate Judiciary Committee last week amended the bill to only apply to marijuana-infused products. It further amended the bill Wednesday to set the misdemeanor cutoff for possession of marijuana-derived products like extracts to 3 grams of such a substance. This is consistent with existing law for liquid forms of drugs. Three grams is equal to about 0.1 ounces. The same committee last week also extended the look-back period to determine subsequent offenses from five years to 10 years in the bill that emerged from the House. Other amendments made Wednesday were meant to ensure the law targets marijuana-infused products. The amendments were brought by the state Attorney Generals office. Chief deputy attorney general John Knepper said part of the change ensures that something like hash oil does not end up in the definition of a marijuana product. Hash oil is an extract derived from marijuana that can contain concentrated levels of THC, a psychoactive chemical in marijuana. The ultimate goal of the bill, originally sponsored by Rep. Jared Olsen, R-Cheyenne, is to close the edibles loophole, which refers to Wyoming law that does not adequately address edibles or other marijuana products, compared with the plant form of marijuana. The Legislature has attempted to close the edibles loophole in the past, but lawmakers have been unable to come to an agreement on the issue. The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed the bill, and it now goes to the full Senate, where it could still be changed. Senators on the Judiciary Committee are Leland Christensen, R-Alta; Liisa Anselmi-Dalton, D-Rock Springs; Larry Hicks, R-Baggs; Dave Kinskey, R-Sheridan; and Tara Nethercott, R-Cheyenne. CHEYENNE Online retailers who sell goods to Wyoming residents will soon be required to collect the state's sales tax on transactions as the Legislature has approved a bill moving the tax burden from residents to businesses. The bill received wide support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives and now awaits a signature from Gov. Matt Mead. If approved, the law will be effective July 1. According to the bill, retailers that don't have a presence in the state will collect sales tax from Wyoming customers and remit that money to the state. Businesses with fewer than 200 transactions of $100,000 in sales to Wyoming customers are exempt from the law. Currently, Wyoming residents are required to pay sales tax on such purchases but few do. Pamela Conboy, Wells Fargos senior executive in Arizona, was dismissed Tuesday along with three other current and former top managers in the wake of the banks customer-account scandal. As Arizona lead regional president, Conboy oversaw operations here for Wells Fargo, the largest bank in the state with 15,000 employees and 250 branches. Wells Fargo ranked fifth overall among all non-government employers in the state, according to the 2016 Republic 100 report. Last year, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau levied its largest fine ever, $100 million, against Wells Fargo over the illegal practice of opening unauthorized deposit and credit-card accounts for customers, then collecting fees in many cases. The actions resulted from sales targets and compensation incentives designed for certain bank employees. More than 2 million unauthorized accounts were opened. Wells Fargo agreed to reimburse all victims and pay a $35 million penalty to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, plus $50 million to the city and county of Los Angeles. The scandal also resulted in the resignation of John Stumpf as chairman and CEO, and the dismissal of roughly 5,000 employees. Conboy was known for getting out and talking with employees and customers around the state, spending one day each week visiting branches. I have visited every store in Arizona, sometimes two or three times, she once told The Arizona Republic. I love to hear (from employees) why they came to Wells Fargo and what keeps them here. Shes a former high school cheerleader from Southern California who made the proverbial climb up the corporate ladder in a career spanning more than 35 years with the company. She started out as a part-time worker, then moved up to teller and higher positions. Conboy assumed her most recent post as Arizona head of banking for Wells Fargo in 2007. She chaired the Valley of the Sun United Way and served on the boards of many other charitable and civic groups in the Phoenix metro area. The San Francisco-based corporation on Tuesday said its board also terminated Claudia Russ Anderson, former community bank chief risk officer; Shelley Freeman, head of consumer credit solutions and a former Los Angeles-region president; and Matthew Raphaelson, head of community-bank strategy and initiatives. Wells Fargo is still investigating the matter. None of these executives will receive a bonus for 2016, and they will forfeit all of their unvested equity awards and vested outstanding options, the company said in a statement. Want to get your cultural fill this weekend without emptying your wallet? Head over to Oro Valley for the springtime installment of the popular Oro Valley Festival of the Arts. Check out these numbers: 120 artists and exhibitors, practicing in 40 different mediums, with dozens of local entertainers and exhibitors. They add up to what organizers say has become one of Southern Arizona's largest regional arts events. It's two days of eye-popping, ear-filling, mouth-watering fun, from strolling performers to kids activities. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Oro Valley Marketplace, on the corner of North Oracle and East Tangerine roads in Oro Valley. Admission is free. And coming next week: The sassy string quintet Sybarite5 that mixes a little rock with its Bach is back her on Wednesday, March 1, at Leo Rich Theatre. Sybarite5 has one guiding principal to its music-making: they have to love what they play. And that makes them not your mama's classical music group. The members kicked the black ties and gowns to the curb and prefer wearing khakis and jeans. And they feel just as energized by a gem by Bach or Beethoven as a rocker by Radiohead or Zeppelin. When Barclay Goldsmith approached actress Alba Jaramillo about staging a new play, he had the script, Digna, but he didnt have a stage or a theater company. Now he has it all. Jaramillo co-founded Digna Theater with the intent of staging plays that address human rights. First up: the world premiere of Digna, by Patricia Davis, a play about Mexican human-rights attorney Digna Ochoa, who was assassinated in Mexico in 2001. For a while, it was going to be a single project, says Jaramillo, explaining a theater company was not the intent. Slowly we invited people to readings and before we knew it, we had all kinds of people interested. All of a sudden, we had a theater company. Jaramillo, the YWCAs director of Women Out Of Poverty and Latina Leadership initiatives, is trained as a lawyer and studied theater. Her passions lie with theater and human-rights works. Digna Theater fit right into her dream. The concept is to use theater for advocacy work, she says. The plays themselves will address human-right issues. This season, only Digna is planned. Next season, she said, the company hopes to stage two works. They will be contemporary plays, she says. Some we might find in English, some in Spanish. We are looking at this as a global issue. Our hope is one day we will have enough funding so that we can commission playwrights. Jaramillo is the sole actor in the inaugural play, Digna. The gist is that Ochoa has come from the dead to talk about her life and death and, especially, the need for resistance. Her life was packed with resistance. Ochoa was working with the Veracruz attorney generals office when she came across a blacklist of union and political activists. Shortly after that she was kidnapped and raped. She said it was the state police who were behind the crime, but there was never an investigation. She continued to represent the oppressed in Mexico and was kidnapped and tortured two more times. In 2000, she had court-ordered protection and went into exile in Washington, D.C. But Ochoa was deeply committed to the work she did and returned to Mexico in March of 2001. The protection order was lifted. In October of that year, while she was working on a legal defense for peasant ecologists in Guerrero, she was assassinated in her office. Despite a bullet to her thigh and the head, and a note saying others who persist in her kind of work will meet the same fate, it was declared a suicide. Playwright Davis had met Ochoa in Washington. She was small and had a shy air, but emitted this aura and power at the same time, says Davis, who is also a published poet. Crafting the play has taken about two years and extensive interviewing and research. Through drafts, readings and rewrites, Davis has found the play is doing what she set out to accomplish. Whats most important is that Digna has touched the lives of people (doing) the play and the audiences, she says. That has brought her back into the world. We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some Feb. 23 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. PHOENIX Claiming people are being paid to riot, Republican state senators voted Wednesday to give police new power to arrest anyone who is involved in a peaceful demonstration that may turn bad even before anything happens. SB 1142 would expand the states racketeering laws, now aimed at organized crime, to also include rioting. It would redefine rioting to include actions resulting in damage to others property. By including rioting in racketeering laws, the proposal would permit police to arrest people who are planning events. Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, a former police officer, said if there are organized groups, I should certainly hope that our law enforcement people have some undercover people there. Wouldnt you rather stop a riot before it starts? Kavanagh asked colleagues during debate. Do you really want to wait until people are injuring each other, throwing Molotov cocktails, picking up barricades and smashing them through businesses in downtown Phoenix? But Democrats say the heart of the legislation is guilt by association, and is giving the government the right to criminally prosecute and seize the assets of everyone who planned a protest and everyone who participated. Sen. Steve Farley, D-Tucson, posed the possibility that the person who broke a window triggering the claim there was a riot might not be a member of the protesting group, but rather someone from the other side. Sen. Martin Quezada, D-Phoenix, acknowledged that whats planned as a peaceful demonstration can sometimes go south. When people want to express themselves as a group during a time of turmoil, during a time of controversy, during a time of high emotions, thats exactly when people gather as a community, he said. Sometimes they yell, sometimes they scream, sometimes they do go too far. Quezada said, though, that everything that constitutes rioting already is a crime, ranging from assault to criminal damage, and those responsible can be individually prosecuted. He said this bill appears to be designed to chill the First Amendment rights of people who decide to demonstrate in the first place for fear something could go wrong. Kavanagh said the chilling effect is aimed at a specific group of protesters. You now have a situation where you have full-time, almost professional agent-provocateurs that attempt to create public disorder, he said. A lot of them are ideologues, some of them are anarchists. But this stuff is all planned. Sen. Sylvia Allen, R-Snowflake, said the new criminal laws are necessary. I have been heartsick with whats been going on in our country, what young people are being encouraged to do, she said. Allen agreed with Quezada that there already are laws that cover overt acts, but she said they dont work. If they get thrown in jail, somebody pays to get them out, she said. There has to be something to deter them from that. Farley, however, said the legislation does far more than simply go after those who might incite people to riot. He warned Republicans that such a broad law could end up being used against some of their allies. For example, he said, a tea party group wanting to protest a property tax hike might get permits, publicize the event and have a peaceful demonstration. And one person, possibly from the other side, starts breaking the windows of a car, Farley said. And all of a sudden the organizers of that march, the local tea party, are going to be under indictment from the county attorney in the county that raised those property taxes. That will have a chilling effect on anybody, right or left, who wants to protest something the government has done. Sen. Katie Hobbs, D-Phoenix, said the legislation is based on a false premise of how disturbances happen. This idea that people are being paid to come out and do that? she said. Im sorry, but I think that is fake news. Sen. Andrea Dalessandro, D-Green Valley, had her own concerns. Im fearful that riot is in the eyes of the beholder and that this bill will apply more strictly to minorities and people trying to have their voice heard, she said. The 17-13 party-line vote sends the bill to the House. Answers Africa is one of a kind platform created for Africans both locally and in the diaspora and those seeking for more in-depth information about Africa. We have always focused on creating the highest quality informational contents right from the beginning. We share the most relevant information on the latest and trending news, events, people, and places in Africa. 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The Ups and Downs of Erin Mcpikes Journalism Career and Other Facts About Her Personal Life Erin McPike is a journalist working for the Independent Journal Review (IJR) as a White House Correspondent but she gained widespread recognition for her coverage of general news. Whether its breaking news or some mainstream story, McPike has a reputation of baring the facts. As a journalist, her work as a White House Correspondent for Independent ... Bert Kreischer Is Married To LeeAnn Kreischer With 2 Kids Meet His Family Those familiar with Bert Kreischer mainly have the image of a large-bellied party man whose college life inspired the National Lampoon film, Van Wilder. It is an image that one would not naturally associate with a wholesome family. The standup comedian still maintains his wild party animal image on stage. But, back at home, he is ... How Brendan Greene Became a Game Designer to Look Out For and Facts About His Failed Marriage The name Brendan Greene may not easily ring a bell in the larger society but for gaming enthusiasts, he is considered a god and this is because of his invention of the video game, Player Unknowns Battlegrounds, also called PUBG. Based on the popular last-man-standing/battle royale concept, Greenes creation has taken the gaming world by ... WFAAs Sonia Azad Bio Does The Reporter Have A Husband Or Boyfriend? Emmy Award-winning journalist and Health & Wellness reporter Sonia Azad is on the news segment News 8 Daybreak for the television station WFAA-TV in Dallas, Texas, a channel which she joined in October of 2015. Besides her time on the news, Azad is also a marathon runner and a certified yoga instructor. She has covered major news ... This Is Everything You Should Know About Caroline Heldman, Her Career Portfolio and Other Facts Love it or hate it, there is no escaping the fact that feminism has come to stay in our world. The movement has continued to garner momentum over the years and this is due to the sustained push by several women, and even men, including the likes of Caroline Heldman. A Professor of Politics at ... Understanding The Enigma That Is Gavin McInnes, The Controversies He Has Stirred and All About His Wife Gavin McInnes is a polemical English-born writer and TV personality, who is best known for his racist and fascist ideologies, as well as his co-ownership of Vice Media and Vice Magazine. He is also an actor a PHOENIX The House Appropriations Committee voted Wednesday to provide $2.5 million over five years to help construct a memorial in Tucson to honor the victims of the Jan. 8, 2011, shooting that left six dead and others injured, including then-Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Pam Simon, a Giffords aide who at the Congress on Your Corner event in a Safeway parking lot, called the incident an assault on democracy. The ability for Americans to speak to their elected representatives is the core of our democracy, she said. Simon told lawmakers how a bullet went through her arm and into her chest. In fact she remembers waking up with Rep. Randall Friese, D-Tucson, who operated on her at the hospital, telling her she was one lucky lady with the bullet missing her vital organs. She said a permanent memorial is appropriate, recalling how spontaneous ones went up at the shooting site and outside the hospital where she, Giffords and others were being treated. People need someplace to go, she said. They needed to be able to pray, to reflect, just be together. Crystal Kasnoff who is chairing the memorial effort said the states dollars, which will be matched with local funds, are actually an investment. She said experiences elsewhere where memorials have been erected show people come from out of town to see them, spending money while they are there. The unanimous vote sends HB 2436 to the full House. Oracle State Park closed by budget cuts in 2009 and later reopened only on weekends will once more be open seven days a week beginning on Wednesday, March 1. The park, near the town of Oracle north of Tucson, is known for its oak grassland landscapes, hiking trails and the historic Kannally Ranch House. Its reopening is made possible by the fact that state parks have been doing well with attendance and revenue in recent years, said Sue Black, executive director of Arizona State Parks and Trails. Another change, Black said, involves management of the park, which has been overseen in recent years by the manager of Catalina State Park. Oracle State Park deserves the attention of a full-time park manager, she said. Were in the process of hiring that person. DIVERSE ATTRACTIONS The park is amazing because it has a little bit of everything, said Glenn Schlottman, chief of marketing for Arizona State Parks. The Kannally Ranch House is on the National Register of Historic Places. You have over 15 miles of trails and the Arizona Trail going directly through the park. Its also a wildlife sanctuary with good birding, and its an International Dark Sky Park, Schlottman said. Star viewing is something people enjoy doing there. Camping isnt currently available at the park, but Schlottman said parks officials are discussing the possibility of offering basic so-called primitive camping in the future. OPINION: "Im sure you will see, as I have, that for all the 'God talk' that Christian nationalists throw around, their attitudes and actions are starkly antithetical to the gospel of love and inclusion for all advocated by the Jesus they claim to believe in," writes Rev. Gary Nelson, a form Seven recently discovered planets that are closely orbiting a dim star dubbed Trappist-1 are the best places to look for signs of life outside Earth, NASA and European scientists said Wednesday. There are better places to look for truly Earth-like planets that orbit their stars at greater distances, said a University of Arizona exoplanet investigator, but solar systems like our own have eluded discovery. This is exciting, said Daniel Apai, who heads a NASA astrobiology research program tasked with finding the best places and techniques for finding signs of life elsewhere in the universe. Apai said his entire group at the Earths in Other Solar Systems program gathered around the television Wednesday to watch the NASA announcement of the discoveries. NASA scientists and the Belgian astronomer who led the study of planets orbiting Trappist-1 described the discovery as a compact solar system a miniature analogue to our own, with Earth-sized, presumably rocky, planets orbiting close to a cooled-down star. Michael Gillon, astronomer at the University of Liege in Belgium, revealed the discovery of three planets in a solar system around Trappist-1 in May 2016. They were found by Gillons Transiting Planets and Planetesimals Small Telescope TRAPPIST in Chile. The star takes its name from that telescope. The planets themselves are simply labeled Trappist b through h. We have plenty of possibilities that are all related to Belgian beers, Gillon said when asked at the televised announcement and press conference if he had names for his discoveries. Gillons discovery of the three planets led to a massive imaging campaign using some of the biggest telescopes on Earth and days of precious time on NASAs space telescopes, including 500 hours on the Spitzer Space Telescope. Gillon and colleagues identified seven planets, with three of them orbiting at a distance that places them in the habitable or Goldilocks zone, where temperatures would be conducive to the presence of liquid water. In this planetary system, Goldilocks has many sisters, said exoplanet authority Sara Seager. We just made a giant, accelerated leap forward in the search for habitable worlds, said Seager, professor of planetary science and physics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge. Gillon said he had been intrigued since childhood about the possibility of the existence of life elsewhere. We are getting nearly there with this result, he said. The star in question is part of a class of dim stars known as M dwarfs. It is less than one-tenth the size of our sun and considerably cooler. That means planets can orbit closely and still be in the habitable or Goldilocks zone, where its neither so hot that water vaporizes nor so cold that it is perpetually frozen. Three of the seven planets lie within that region theoretically. They are all believed to be rocky based on their size, and some may contain water. For now, astronomers know only their sizes, their masses and their orbital periods, which range from 1 to 12 days for six of the planets. The orbital period of the seventh is unknown. The discoveries were published Wednesday in the scientific journal Nature. From past studies, we predicted there would be more Earth-like planets around M dwarfs but that was a statistical prediction, said Apai. This is really unlike anything we have seen, said Apai, who was not part of the study. Apai said the closeness of the planets to their sun and the assumption that they are tidally locked rotating once during their orbit so only one side ever faces the sun could mean a much different chemistry and atmosphere. That is the next question: Whether they are Earth-like or just Earth-sized. Steward Observatory astronomer Katie Morzinski, who returned Wednesday from an observing run in Chile where she and her Magellan AO colleagues are attempting to directly image exoplanets, said little is known about what could happen over time to a planet that is tidally locked and so close to its sun. So in that sense the seven planets orbiting a late M dwarf star are a pretty uncertain area to look. But Morzinski noted in an email that no area is certain when it comes to planet-hunting. Morzinski said Trappist-1 is close enough to observe (39 light years away) and presents better odds for finding habitability with three or four planets potentially in the habitable zone. Apai said planets are easier to find around smaller M dwarfs, using a method that measures the reduction in light caused by their passage in front of the star during orbit. The smaller the star, the bigger the signal, he said. They are also easier to study, and astronomers will now use telescopes in space and on Earth to characterize the planets atmospheres by looking for the spectral signature of elements. 1. General Dunford, USMC, the uniformed head of the US armed forces, is meeting the week at Baku in Azarbaijan with General Gerasimov, the head of the Russian General Staff. 2. My sources tell me that US and Russian air forces are increasingly coordinating and de-conflicting their air actions in Syria and Iraq. This can clearly be seen in USAF and US Navy air attacks on "moderate" (in fact jihadi forces) in Idlib Province. these obviously have been coordinated with Russian air defenses. 3. The CIA has stopped providing assistance to aforesaid "moderate" jihadi and FSA forces in Syria. They would not have done that without instructions from outside and above CIA. All of that tells me that sanity reigns in the Trump Administration no matter what lunatics like Schumer, Waters and McCain may do, think or say. the agitprop campaign being run by the Clinton and Obama inspired forces is failing. Sanctions against Russia can be dealt with by something like a Russian proposal for a plebiscite under UN to determine the desires of Crimeans as to which country they want to be in. Poroschenko in Kiev could hardly refuse to participate. the neocons made him utterly dependent on the US. Look for better days. pl Help India! By Afreen Firdaus Idrees, Twocircles.net Rollie Mukherjee, a Vadodara-based artist, was in Kolkata last month as part of the 4th edition of Kolkata Peoples Film Festival 2017, showing her artworks on Kashmir titled To Stories Rumoured In Branches at TENT art space, jointly hosted by Peoples Film Collective, Tent Theatre for Experiments in New Technologies, and Conflictorium. Support TwoCircles There is something haunting about the viewing experience. Something that wounds us and one must live with it. Something that lingered lit up in my obscurity, till about a month later, I found my musings drifting towards writing about it. Rollie remembers how her earliest tryst with Kashmiris was when the travelling shawl-wallahs who had journeyed from the Valley to the sleepy town of Jabalpur had a way of turning up at her doorstep with massive cloth bundles lugged on their shoulders to sell an assortment of pherans, kaleens, and embroidered shawls to her mother and be warmly invited for a cup of tea and talk by her father. The snatches of memory of those exchanges that she carried with her, the poignant grief cached in them when they relayed stories of torture and suppression, would reappear in flashes, once she began her own foray into reading poetry, anecdotes, articles, books about this lost paradise that is Kashmir. This body of writings explored Kashmir beyond its tourist brochure image and deconstructed the negative and harmful representations of Kashmiris and their freedom struggle, Indians surrounded themselves with, especially within the realm of popular culture. Rollie relearned Kashmir as Indian Occupied Kashmir. That is when the journey of To Stories Rumoured In Branches began. The individual that Rollie Mukherjee is, is in response to painting. She cannot help but paint like this. She could have been lost in wonder of Kashmirs beauty. It wouldve been the easier thing to do. But she was conscious that if she were to get seduced by Kashmirs beauty, her art would sit well with the discourse of the oppressive state. Her paintings disseminate fragments of Indian Occupied Kashmir, not of the firdaus on zameen Amir Khusro serenaded: something else, quite so, a synecdoche snippets of broken bits and belongings dismembered fragments reminding us of the whole that was lost. Amidst the collected ruins, we recover traces of what cinched these people together into a civilization, a nation, a culture. And one discovers that when we shudder at one of her paintings, it is always surrounding a site which limns rawness, which speaks to us in an idiom which is at once ours and not ours. The semantics of Rollies pictorial art is heterodox, an experience which re-etches something. Religious credo manifests a spirituality rooted in cultural forces and is endemic to the continuum of self-preservation and resistance of Kashmiri people. Kashmiri cultural mnemonics, a collective consciousness of creative knowing, and the emotionally fraught fabric of the Islamic faith has created corridors for resistance. If we are to fathom their struggle against assimilation and annihilation from the Indian Occupation we must evolve an understanding of the spirituality and religiosity unapologetically Islamic they cultivate as an apotheosis of resistance. Tarun Bhartiya of Raiot spoke of how many of the artists response to marginal struggles are very human rightist, they never talk of the politicsRollies images are very interesting because they push the Indian liberal consensus on Kashmir, doesnt stop at the fact of sadness for Kashmiris, it steps out of it, expands it. Rollies works thematize the grief-torn Kashmir Valley, the trauma Kashmiris have endured and continue to endure, and the inescapability of individual and collective memory in this experience. The artists graphic impressions along the way of stories create visualizations of pain, desolation, and suffering, testimonies of existence and identity, witnesses of history, instruments of documentation, and a refuge of experiences. The Frozen Moon could have been lifted from one of Steve McCurry exoticising photographs of Kashmir circulated and consumed widely. Turns out, it is. What Steve McCurry was about was the visual misappropriation of the landscape, erasing out the conflict and its effects on people and society, and aiding perception to indulge and gratify our gaze, socially constructed and aesthetically authorized, as it is, in ways we can savour, or somewhat in ways we see it coming. What Rollie does is to subvert the montage, thereby showing up what the repercussions of such sanitized holiday-making images are for conflict-ridden Kashmir which is its cynosure. Rollies painting is a departure in that it is conceived respecting non-tourist embodiment of social experience and consciousness. The scene, as in McCurrys, is a boatman rowing a shikara in a lake. It is a full moon night. An inversion of Steve McCurrys photograph lies in that instead of ferrying fresh flowers, they ferry a pile of human skulls, and amidst this debris of craniums left behind by the Occupation, a veiled young girl nonchalantly sits on her haunches, in frozen silence, with her back to the boatman. Drawing on the looming, glazed moon imagery of Paashs poem Sabse Khatarnaak (The Most Dangerous), Rollie says that Kashmiris go about their lives by rowing through the misery of death of their dear onesthe coldblooded moon silently witnesses the deaths every night. An analogous work titled Drifting portrays a solitary woman rowing with a stack of skulls in the stillness of winter verglas a shadowy landscape of death. Also there are floating, brilliant splashes of ornamental Kashmiri patterning veneered over disassembled bones, almost eclipsing them, attempting to supplant the evidence of crimes, and the memory of victims. Rollies work is not meant to shroud the scars of conflict, but to unveil the full frame of unseen stories of Kashmiris struggle, survival and everyday life. At the heart of Rollies compositions on the survival of history and identity is a traditionally female activity like embroidery. These embroideries are a resolve to go on living, documenting their existence however fragile and endangered it may be. I have treated the cloth as human bodythe wounded body which is the site of pain and is a storehouse of memory a sedimentation of agony, the site of healing, of hope, despair, love, and loss. She seeks to embed their memories and temporalities in the materiality of the Kashmiri body, in the Kashmiri womens bodies that have registered the violent legacies of the Occupation. Unspoken, repressed histories of trauma record itself on the body, not unlike a thick-trunked tree, waiting to be remembered and called out. As long as past traumas and resistances to those traumas live on in the oppressed, occupied body, it can be passed on, as heritage. The body is the repertoire that preserves everything in its flesh; it carries history, and begins to be a site of memory. Recounting, recovering maimed, murdered, and disappeared bodies, manifesting the suffering of the mothers of martyrs, of half-widows, and that of half-mothers as bodily present, and using this gendered, embodied archive to retell an alternative Kashmiri history of the land is a political act. The real of official history as told by the Indian states hegemonic narratives is not the real of the subjective material body. Rollie has used something old and intimate like bedsheets, something that she says is used very close to the body, something which becomes an extension of the human body. The fabric embroidery is an attempt to reconstruct and represent the woes of women without effacing the specificity of their local reality. The dyed and tinted threads bind these women, albeit delicately, to the spaces they occupy as their blood and tears bleed into the disembodied body of the fabric, seeping into its symbolic skin. The painful act of suturing through the needles, of threads wordlessly weaving together their long past and their survival, sewing up wounds to urge healing, and leaving behind the scars of incision right on the skin, acts as a foil to the decorative needlework existent on the bedsheet, when it was just that a bedsheet. In Specters of Marx: The State of the Debt, the Work of Mourning and the New International, Jacques Derrida notes: Nothing could be worse for the work of mourning than the confusion of doubt: one has to know who is buried where and it is necessary (to know to make certain) that, in what remains of him, he remains there, let him stay there and move no more. The half-mothers and half-widows go about their lives, half-grieving and half-hopeful; the period of mourning is never worked through, and cannot be resolved with time. So, they wait, hope, and yearn. Then there are those martyrs whose bodies do not belong to the mothers and wives who claimed them, those whose remains have been lost, or violated. Without beholding the remains, the desire to bury their loved ones becomes an internalized condition of mourning without end. For them, the grief is unbroken, and the dead go on being encrypted, residing within the grieving body, preserved as evidence. This internal crevasse, where grief is shored up and kept alive in the body, is a void, something Rollie has interpreted in the vast blueness that suffuses the torso of the mother that which exteriorizes the boundless sorrow resting silently within her hollowed body, vacated and soulless. Martyr Afzal Gurus aged, broken hearted mother sits melancholic at the centre of the work titled Infinite Sky as she is engulfed by this blankness. There is a small, deserted home near her bosom. Or, perhaps home was in the blood of her son, Afzal, as it flowed through his veins. Falling Threads shows loose end of threads hanging out, as certain wounds that stay open, unforgotten, which resist healing, and fester. Remembering and narrating trauma means, then, delving into open wounds and bodily vulnerability. The unhemmed edges and open threads can undo, with one yank, the very sham of normalcy in Kashmir under decades of military Occupation, rip apart the scars and reopen the wounds of a brutal history, the imprint of violence on the skin of the occupied. Rollies work Resilience shows the Kashmiri sangbaaz men, women, and children who resist, morally, and protest, ethically against the routinized, normalized genocide that is the Indian Occupation, by taking to the streets, stone in hand, because it is all they have. They voice their own visceral reaction to the irreparable losses they suffer, channeling their rage over the denial of their basic political and civil rights, by breaking through the barriers of fear, defying curfews, risking their lives and clashing their stones with bullets and teargas shells the visible signs of the military Occupation. There is a dignity to this life of resistance and it is the only life they know. Struggle for azaadi (freedom) is, for them, an ethos. This is the Kashmiri intifada. Rollie has superimposed photographic referents of Indian army personnel in sophisticated body armour to manifest the stark imbalance between armed soldiers, alienated from the land, and unarmed, brave Kashmiri stone-pelting freedom fighters, amorphously rendered in pencil, who fuse into the landscape the homeland to which they belong. The works named Shadows Beyond the Ghost Town picture abandoned landscapes that conjure up images of the dead. They reinstate an amorphous aura of dread emanating from the shadows cast by Kalashnikovs and ammunition alongside the shade of the chinar (booen) which dots the autumnal landscape and whose leaves camouflage those mass and unmarked graves where unnamed souls who lived, dreamt, and died, lie buried. It is one vast graveyard sans gravestones. In the ground in which only fractions of bones and bodies rest, there is embedded a foundational element of genocide. Injustice of concealment haunts the scene, not actual spirits. The gun-toting, killer soldiers appear as wayward phantasms, traces, or presences who infest the terrain and leave behind legacies of blank horror. Interestingly, Rollie paints sole female figures who return to inhabit the sites once peopled by the dead and their things, so that the unidentified too receive a place in memory. They look for memory of the lives lost in the rubble of the past. This conscientious struggle to remember calls to mind Allama Iqbals couplet: Jis khaak ke zameer me hai aatish-e-chinar, /Mumkin nahi ki sard ho woh khaak-e-arjumand (The dust that carries in its conscience the fire of the Chinar, / It is impossible for that celestial dust to cool down). I was drawn back again and again to two haunting images titled Reflection and The Guesthouse respectively of refined looking structures in the foothills of the Zabarwan and shuddered at the thought of what went on there. It elicits numbness more than a verbalized indignation. These places of silence communicate by forming a physical attachment with absence, and by giving a voice to absence. These cold, sparse edifices with darkened casements were torture chambers, interrogation cells, execution sites Hari Niwas and Papa II where an untold number of innocents were held, destined for death. This was where Kashmiri Muslim men were broken down, subjected to unspeakable horrors by the carte blanche enjoying Indian Army, where their deafening, anguished screams echoed, as life was drained out of them. In Rollies rendition of these architectures, there is a choking silence at the desecration of the memory of the lives once animating them, at the attempts at washing away the bloodstains, the unavenged tears, at the control of the memories evoked by the space, and at renovating these sinister facilities into luxurious homes for political stooges of the Indian Occupation. Scopophilia and sexual voyeurism account for the predominance of the colonizing gaze and its visual tropes. The culturally different, politically Other Kashmiri Muslim woman has come to be reified as exotic and erotic, emptied of female subjective reality, relegated to passivity, and imprisoned in immanence. The pervasive presence of this instrumental vision, of this masculine scopic economy empowers the penetrating Indian gaze to scrutinize, know, and possess. Rollies paintings can be perceived as a refusal to unquestioningly reproduce such a representation, as transcending it, as never assuming that Kashmiri women subjects are helpless to negotiate a self-assured speaking and looking position. In The Unbroken, a group of young girls stand close together, hands folded. Their bodies forming a defensive fence as they gaze back at the spectators. Defiant. The walls of what used to be a detention centre cry out the zeitgeist of their resistance: You can kill us, but you cant break us! Then, we see in Ruins of an Utopia and in Unframed Histories a Kashmiri woman with a microphone, undermining her supposed muted condition, asserting her autonomous agency, and proceeding to tell her story to the world. Nothing in this Kashmiri womans dark and hidden story will die out. It is an unending narrative where even her occupied body speaks, uttering its wounds. In the cognate Unframed Histories, Rollie contrasts a sepia-tinted photograph crystallizing her honeymooning parents joie de vivre with the overpowering image of sorrowful half-mothers protesting their sons enforced disappearances with monochrome photographic remnants. In response to the loss and ensuing pain these women have suffered and continue to suffer, theres a feeling of strength derived from a common fate, rather than a feeling of weakness and humiliation. The visual disharmony between the two vignettes is her auto-critique of her own generational privileges as well as a search to learn another suppressed memory a feared memory that will not ebb. Her paintings are active political texts emerging at the interstices of this scopic economy and bearing witness to the reorganization of the sensorium, and the new kinds of knowledge and viewing that it opens up, daring us to look and see differently. In the watercolour Mourning, Rollie has poignantly chronicled the agonizing janaza of the Shaheed/martyrs militants and civilians, alike. The political climate in Kashmir being what it is, funerals are as much about mourning the slain, as they are about a modality of protest. Thousands of people, whole villages, defy curfew and put their lives on the line, to take turns to carry the martyred bodies on their shoulders, chanting aye shaheedo as salaam amidst tears and raised fists, or try to catch a glimpse or caress the faces of their beloved martyrs, whose bodies are thoughtfully kept warm in blankets on their chilling journeys, one last time, before the promised heavens open to take them in. Rollies reframing vision restoring dignity to the being of the martyred rebels as against the hyper-visible images of violence-saturated Kashmiri militant bodies, projects a counter sight and visibility that denaturalizes the masculinist, optically calibrated visual culture of death brazenly made available by the Occupation. Rollies contextualizing of the visual realities of the evocative funeral spectacles of those freedom fighters whom the Indian Army takes out as always already terrorists, opens up a window for critical reflection incumbent on Indians to question not just their own blindness but also the entrenched discursive vocabulary on a Kashmir and its dead that they might know little about. The occupied body has an indelible memory: it is in the air it breathes. It remembers. That is where resistance begins. Keeping alive the memories of the growing evermore count of the murdered, the disappeared, and the tortured, recollecting their names, cries out for a conscionable response: No more and never again. Memory our capacity to remember is both the nemesis of smug complacency and the premise for solidarity, bridging us past time and miles to those who remember also. Rollie with her paintbrush became a witness with a choice: to disremember or to remember. She chose to paint. Against disremembering. The author has completed M.Phil in Social sciences at Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Kolkata. Help India! By Raqib Hameed Naik, TwoCircles.net Doda: Over the past week, there has been an extensive coverage of the acquittal of two KashmirisMohammed Hussain Fazili and Mohammed Rafiq Shahover terror charges in the 2005 Delhi Blasts case. A number of people have spoken about how innocent Muslims in India, especially Kashmiris, continue to languish in Indian jails over false terror charges. But when it comes to being unfair to Kashmiri youth, the Jammu and Kashmir government leaves the Central government way behind. And the biggest weapon in the hands of the state is not the pellet gun: it is the PSA, a draconian law, which, along with AFSPA, all but ensures that Kashmiris rarely end on the right side of justice. And Rehmatullah Padder, a 19-year old, is one of the many victims of this law. Support TwoCircles After the Kashmir division of J&K saw massive protests and scores of deaths during the aftermath of the death of militant commander Burhan Wani in July 2016. A month after the eruption of unrest, the state government went hard after the people whom it call trouble makers and booked hundreds of people, particularly youths under draconian Public Safety Act. The PSA was promulgated by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in 1978 against timber smugglers. However, it was later used against political opponents and finally against people taking part in pro-freedom activities in J&K. The law allows arresting and jailing a person without trial. Teenager arrested for speaking against deaths About 260 kms from Srinagar in the Doda district of Chenab Valley, residents have always supported their Kashmiri brethren in protesting against the state oppression, and 2016 was no different. Hundreds in the district marched against the issue, including Rehmatuallah Padder, 19 a resident of village Dessa in Doda district, who was concerned about the fresh spate of killings of protesters becoming a norm in the valley. An excellent orator, Rehmatullah used to make speeches to condemn the killings in Kashmir during the protest, but little did he knew that the freedom of speech he studied in books would merely be words in this part of the country. On Friday, August 12, 2016 as he, was coming out after performing Friday prayers in Jama Masjid Doda, when close to a dozen policemen pounced upon him and took and him away. This was just the start of the ordeal for Rehmatullah. I came to know about his arrest from the police. The same evening, I went to the police station with tea for my brother. I saw him shivering in pain. The policemen had beaten him badly, but my brother tried to put up a brave face, said 33 year old, Faiz Ahmed, the elder brother of Rehmatullah. The next morning, when Faiz went to meet his brother in the police station, to his utter surprise, he wasnt there. There were two more boys who were arrested with my brother . They told me that Rehmatuallah was taken away by police somewhere yesterday night, he said. Scared that his brother might have been killed by police during interrogation, he was on verge of collapse. As everyone in the family was waiting for their sons news, Abdul Ghani, Rehmatullahs father, a daily wager who earns by selling clothes on a cart, received a call from the police station on the same afternoon seeking his presence in the Police station to get his son released. Instead of handing over my son, they handed me the order copy of PSA imposed on him and told me that he had been shifted to Kot Bhalwal Jail in Jammu. I was shocked, scared and the thought of my young child in Jail left me in tears, said Gani, who is yet to come up with the fact that his son has been jailed under PSA. The whole family went into mourning after the news of PSA invoked on Rehmatullah speared like a fire in the town. Dreams of becoming a doctor quashed Rehmatullah is the youngest among seven siblings, and a bright student who scored 86% in 10th standard and more than 90% in 12thstandard from the prestigious Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Shopian district. The boy who dreamt of becoming a doctor however, ended up spending his next six months in jail for speaking against state injustices. He is the youngest among all the five siblings and an extremely intelligent boy. We were hoping that he becomes a doctor and puts an end to our financial sufferings, says Rehmatullahs mother Muneera Begum. We even got call from his friends that he had qualified MBBS entrance, whose result was declared after he was jailed, she added. PSA after PSA After going through the entire trauma; seeing their youngest kid behind the bars every time they used to visit him, the whole family was waiting for February 18, the day when he was completing his six month jail term and getting released. But a day before his release, the Home department of J&K government issued an order extending his detention period for another six months. A few of our relatives had gone to central jail Jammu to receive him, but the jail Superintendent told us that the home ministry has extended his term by another six month. We fail to understand how a 19 year boy could be such an enormous threat to the security of the state, says Faiz, his voice quivering. The PSA order no Home/PB-V/487/2017 claims that Rehmatullah is to be kept under detention for another six months so as to prevent him from acting in any manner prejudicial to the security of the state. The family has lost hopes of seeing their young son in the near future. They are afraid that he might be kept in Jail by the government for indefinite period by frequently renewing his detention period. They are killing a young dream of a boy who wanted to be a doctor. We fear that he wont be the same person who he used to be, adds his brother with a fear in his voice. Help India! By TCN News Rajmohan Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi said that of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan would remain relevant as long as there is a need for peace and non-violence in the society. He was speaking at a function organised to announce the institution of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan Annual Memorial lecture series at Jamia Millia Islamia. Support TwoCircles Prof Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, JMI presiding over the function said the university would hold a memorial lecture on Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan on 21st February every year from next year. The university is proud to relive and work on the legacy of a man who not only fought for Indias freedom but was a devoted social reformer. Prof. Ahmad also unveiled a portrait of Ghaffar Khan with Mahatma Gandhi in the Library of the Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy which has instituted the annual memorial lecture. An exhibition on the life and times of Ghaffar Khan for which the Centre has collaborated with the Nehru Museum and Memorial Library was also opened by the VC-JMI. Rajmohan Gandhi, author of Ghaffar Khan: Nonviolent Badshah of the Pakhtuns said that it was not only the responsibility of society to reclaim the legacy of Bharat Ratna Badshah Khan who was much loved in the entire subcontinent but also to recapture his teachings of peace and nonviolence. He recalled the deep spiritual and intellectual unity between Badshah Khan and Gandhiji said that Frontier Gandhi had on one of his many visits to India, predicted that there will always be Hindu-Muslim unity. Talking about minorities, Rajmohan Gandhi said that their rights should be a matter of concern not only in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh but in other parts of the world too and that all nations must work to safeguard and protect their minorities. He said that Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan had spent more than 27 years in jail of which 15 years were for Indias freedom struggle and 12 years fighting for Pakhtun autonomy in Pakistan. He was much loved in the entire region, something that could be gauged from the fact that Badshah Khans funeral procession was the grandest pageant in history with thousand marching from the Khyber Pass to be a part of it. Badshah Khan was a true Muslim who maintained that he had derived his non-violence from the Holy Quran, Rajmohan Gandhi further added. Frontier Gandhi had advised Indian Muslims to be non-retaliatory, he recalled. Rajmohan Gandhi said that Frontier Gandhi linked non-violence to patience and was fully aware of the dangers of extremism. He recalled Badshah Khans address to the Indian Parliament in which he told the members that India was collecting revenues from liquor taxes and duties but had forgotten Buddha and Gandhi in their own land. Help India! By Twocirles.net Staff Reporter Mumbai: With final results declared in the BMC elections, it is clear that Shiv Sena and BJP, allies at centre and state government level but contesting separately here, have both emerged as winners. Shiv Sena got 84 seats whereas BJP won 82 seats, a huge rise from 31 seats since the last BMC elections. Support TwoCircles Muslims representation in BMC also saw an impressive improvement, with 31 elected this year as compared to 23 in the 2012 elections. Interestingly, two Muslim candidates won on Shiv Sena tickets in this election whereas BJP, the party with the slogan Sab Ka saath Sab Ka Vikas got no Muslim candidates elected. The performance of Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM was less impressive. Motivated by its win Maharashtra Assembly election and wins in other corporation and zilla panchayat elections in Maharashtra, AIMIM fielded more than 50 candidates in Mumbai but won on 3 seats only. However, they would be encouraged by the performance of their non-Muslim candidate Ashwini Daniel, who emerged victorious in Pune. The party won 9 seats in Solapur, 10 seats in Amravati and one each in Pune and Akola. Samajwadi Party also went solo in this election, and fielded maximum numbers of Muslim candidates. SP could manage to win 06 seats from 84 candidates fielded mostly from its old bastion of Govandi Cheetacamp. Congress won 30 seats and 11 of them are Muslim candidates, while four Muslim candidates are from NCP and 5 independent Muslim candidates won this time. The break up of Muslim candidates from Mumbai across various parties are as follows: Congress- 11 NCP- 4 SP-6 AIMIM-3 Independent- 5 Shiv Sena- 2 Harsh crackdown and human rights violations, difficult living conditions under enormous pressures, and colossal education costs in Iran under the mullahs regime is leaving no choice other than leaving the country for irans university students, professors and a variety of experts. This situation has become so extreme that currently Iran ranks first in the globe regarding the brain drain phenomenon. The scope of the damage caused by this reality is now and then resembled very vaguely in state-run media, revealing the irrecoverable nature of this disaster. In Iran's own media What is truly harmful and will inflict severe damages on a national scale is our inability to have students educating abroad return to the country after completing their studies. What is worse is our inability to keep our own experts inside the country, and to establish the necessary circumstances in which these individuals see their psychological and spiritual security, adequate position and a decent life guaranteed not in Iran, but in the United States, the state-run IRNA news agency reported. Why are we witnessing an increase in the brain drain phenomenon and less and less students willing to seek higher education, the state-run Mardom Salari daily wrote. The state-run Fars news agency, affiliated to Irans Revolutionary Guards, also reported an increasing number of College Students and professors leaving Iran, inflicting irrecoverable damages for the country. The number of Iranian college students immigrating to the U.S. has more than doubled, according to the IRGC Quds Force-affiliated Tasnim news agency. Official reports show a 220% increase in the number of Iranian students immigrating. This disturbing brain drain trend in Iran has reached a point where 150,000 such individuals are leaving the country each year, and regime experts have at times described this ongoing current as cultural suicide or intellectual suicide for the entire country. Irrecoverable for Iran To shed more light on the massive impact of this issue, the estimated collateral damage from the Iran brain drain phenomenon, with students going to the United States, is estimated to be valued more than Irans assets frozen in the U.S. Another element increasing the number of college students and experts leaving Iran is the lack of adequate learning conditions. The low level of universities and other learning facilities across the country. As a result, more students are seen seeking better education scientific and research opportunities abroad. However, as their education comes to an end, they refuse to return to Iran, knowing all too well adequate conditions are not available. Unemployment and lack of opportunity is among the various reasons behind individuals with high degrees and expertise leaving the country. More than 50% of Irans educated are unemployed and others are actually working in construction sites, or have resorted to trade, resembling anything but their studies. It is also crystal clear that crackdown conditions and the mullahs dictatorship in Iran actually plays the number one role in the countrys educated experts seeking a new life abroad. The motivation behind most of this immigration is the fact that Iranians cannot tolerate the mullahs despotism imposing unbearable political and social limitations. The unfortunate truth is that as long as the mullahs are in power, we will only witness an increasing number of college students and experts leaving Iran for good. It is surprising that the BBC have not made this headline news considering they love the EU so much, but Dame Judith Hackett, who chairs the manufacturers' group EEF, is one of many business leaders requesting a honeymoon period to extend the post-Brexit time frame by an additional two to three years to enable the financial sector to transition to Britain's exit from the superbloc. This would result in Britain retaining European Economic Area (EEA) membership. Britain does not need, nor desire, a five year transitional post-Brexit deal. EEA benefits After June 23rd, I could understand the pragmatic arguments behind remaining in the EEA as opposed to the failing EU. Stronger In, the group that campaigned for Britain to remain in the superbloc, lied about the Norway model consistently throughout the referendum last year about this model. The Norway model is not perfect, but nor does it result in the Scandinavian country having 'no say' over EU rules whilst not being member of the latter. Norway, and other EEA members like Iceland and Lichtenstein, participate in European projects like Erasmus. A European country does not have to join the EU to enroll in these types of schemes. Norway does not pay into the European budget neither. They pay 'Norway grants' that pay for access of the Single Market, not into the expensive EU budget. The European Free Trade Court, which governs the EEA, chooses which EU rules they want to accept into law instead of having to accept every single regulation at the cost of trading with the Single Market. Yet these countries can also pursue free trade deals, something which EU countries cannot fulfill. EEA members do not have to adopt the hated Common Fisheries Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy either. Norway does not allow the free movement of people because of their EEA membership, but because they chose to opt into the Schengen Agreement. Lichtenstein has an Australian points-based system, whereas Iceland can apply an emergency brake on immigration, something that the EU does not allow individual member states to have. The EEA sounds like a sensible solution to prevent those on the losing side of last year's referendum from feeling completely disheartened whilst providing some of the freedoms Leave supporters voted for. Nonetheless, that does not guarantee that it will solve the Brexit question. The con that is the EEA Norwegian politicians have written in different British newspapers warning this country against choosing a soft Brexit that would enable us to retain EEA membership. And it is understandable why. Whilst Britain would have more influence over deciding which EU laws they want to adopt in the EEA than we do now, membership of the latter would result in this country having to adopt numerous rules and regulations legislated by the European Free Trade Court instead, something which Vote Leave argued against when they trashed the EU's European Court of Justice. Immigration was an overriding concern for many Leave voters. EEA membership would only result in Britain being able to apply an emergency brake on immigrants entering this country. Brexiteers want immediate control over those numbers, rather like Australia do. When Lichtenstein joined the EEA in 1995, it took them 14 years for them to introduce an Australian points-based system because of the negotiations they had to undertake with this body. Hard Brexit now There is also the legal issue of having to trigger Article 129, the mechanism of leaving the EEA, which would result in future negotiations to exit another superbloc. If something sounds too good to be true, it often is. The EEA is too good to be true. That is why we need a hard Brexit sooner rather than later, especially with the welcome news that Barclays has confidence in this country's future. A longtime political insider working for The Republican National Committee, Mr spicer also worked for a number of Republican Congressman as well as being a Commander in the US Naval Reserve. Education - young Spicer Director Spicer was born in Barrington, Rhode Island, a small harbour town (current population about 16,000) on a peninsula near the state capitol, Providence, RI. (Note, Rhode Island is the smallest US state and therefore every town is relatively near Providence.) The town has been cited as one of the best places to live in the US by Money Magazine in part for the quality of the public schools and high student test scores. Spicer attended Connecticut College (1989-1993 BA Government), a small liberal arts school formerly an all-girls school, located in New London, CT, on the Thames River at the mouth of the river where it empties into The Atlantic. It was one of the three largest 19th-century whaling ports and is also the site of The US Coast Guard Academy and is close to Groton, CT, a major submarine base. The USS Nautilus (SSN-571), the first nuclear-powered submarine, is preserved there as a museum. The Mystic Seaport wooden boat museum is also nearby. Mr Spicer also attended the Naval War College (2009-2012) and holds a master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from that school. He currently holds a commission in the US Navy Reserve and is assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff contingent in Washington. Jobs Spicer is currently the white house Press Secretary - responsible for briefing the reporters who work out of The White House. Beginning in the 1990s he worked for a number of Republican Congressmen, was the communications director for the House Government Reform Committee and later for the House Budget Committee, and served in in President George W. Bush's administration. In 2011 he was named communications director for the Republican National Committee where he greatly improved and enlarged the RNCs social media involvement and in 2015 he also became chief strategist for the Republican Party. This last December he was named White House Press Secretary and just before Christmas also became communications director for President Trump when Jason Miller resigned under a cloud (charges of adultery with a campaign staffer). On the day after the Inauguration Spicer ripped into the White House Press Corps accusing the media of attacking the trump Presidency from the very minute it began. His obviously false claims were later defended by Presidential Advisor Kellyanne Conway with the now infamous claim that he had merely given alternative facts,a term which is now accepted by many as an alternative to the word "lies." The following day Spicer held a 90-minute question and answer session with the same reporters in a much less contentious mood after, however, again insisting that the media was treating President Trump very badly. Mr Spicer promised the press corps that he would never intentionally lie to them as White House Press Secretary. "I believe that we have to be honest with the American people." Spicer said "There are certain things that we may not fully understand when we come out, but our intention is never to lie to you." He then made some dubious remarks about President Trumps speech the previous day at the CIA. Present home Today Sean Spicer lives with his wife (married 2004) Rebecca Miller and their two children in Alexandria, VA - the home of The Pentagon just across the river from downtown Washington, DC. Mrs Spicer is currently communications director for National Beer Wholesalers Association and is on the Board of the National Council for Adoption and the Advisory Council of the Salvation Army National Capital Region. (Note: this reporter has sailed out of New London as helmsman of one of the former Academy training boats, the racing yacht Caper, a 56 foot Rhodes designed sloop, and is well acquainted with the area. New London is a typical old New England port town.) Peter Mandelson, the architect of New Labour and right-hand man of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, has stated that he intends to undermine Jeremy Corbyn's leadership 'every single day'. Mandelson's comments were met by cheers by Blairite peers that disagreed with Corbyn's implementation of a three line whip that told MPs to vote in support of granting Theresa May the power to trigger article 50. Mandelson & Blair continue to criticise Corbyn Mandelson, at an event for the Jewish Chronicle, stated that he was actively attempting to bring an end to Corbyn's leadership. Both Mandelson and Tony Blair have been in the news recently in what has been perceived as an attempt to establish a new central political party. Last week, former Prime Minister Tony Blair claimed that a 'weak Labour has facilitated a disastrous Brexit'. In a similar vein, Mandelson urged pro-European Union MPs from all parties to source the courage to oppose Theresa May's government. 'Corbyn has no idea how to conduct himself as leader' Throughout the course of Corbyn's leadership, Mandelson has been hostile towards the Labour leader. Speaking to the editor of the Jewish Chronicle, Mandelson said: 'The problem with Jeremy is that he has no idea how to conduct himself as a leader of a major party that is attempting to win an election.I don't want to walk away from a great party like Labour and willingly hand the keys over to Jeremy Corbyn. I work every single day to bring his tenure to an end'. In response, an anonymous senior Labour MP told the Guardian: 'Mandelson is part of the establishment and they are terrified that someone will implement policies that will be beneficial to the people of Britain. It's no surprise that Mandelson, a man that spends his time on oligarch's yachts, has attempted to undermine him'. There's little appetite for a change in leadership within the Labour party. Diane Abbott, one of Corbyn's closest allies, told the media that Labour would be supporting Corbyn, regardless of the results of crucial byelections upcoming in Stoke and Copeland. 'We are incredibly optimistic we can retain these seats. If we don't, Corbyn has the backing of the party,' Abbott said. Last night 5.4 million viewers tuned in to watch Dermot O'Leary and Emma Willis present the 37th BRIT awards bash from the 02 arena in London. The Winners Stand out winner of the night was David Bowie who won Best Album for his final release 'Blackstar' and also best British male. The star who died last January, had previously only won four BRITs in his career. It did mean that grime favourite Skepta went away empty handed, but surely no-one could begrudge Bowie this final victory. X Factor winners and international stars Little Mix picked up their first ever BRIT for their single 'Shout out to my ex'. The other big winner of the night was Rag 'N'Bone Man who scooped two awards with critics choice and best British breakthrough act. After some furore in previous years that voters have rejected coloured acts, Emeli Sande won best British female solo artist, Beyonce, best international female solo artist and A Tribe called Quest, best international group. The Losers Probably one of the best moments was during Katy Perry's performance of 'Slave to the Rhythm' featuring huge puppets representing Donald Trump and Theresa May. As dancers dressed as houses circled the stage one lost their footing and took an unceremonious tumble into the audience. It wouldn't be the BRITs if it didn't overrun, (who can forget James Corden cutting short Adele's speech) and in true BRIT fashion Robbie Williams' performance of three of his songs overran and the winner of the BRIT icon award was left without sound as his performance was swiftly transferred to ITV2. Moving tributes After honouring David Bowie with two significant awards it was fitting that tributes should be paid to another star who passed away in 2016. And last night the remaining members of 'Wham!' Andrew Ridgeley and Pepsi and Shirlie made a heartfelt speech to the legacy of George Michael who died on Christmas Day saying that " his beautiful voice will live on forever as a gift to us all." That was followed by a moving tribute from Coldplay's Chris Martin who sang George Michael's 'A Different Corner' and dueted with a recording of the star's voice. Once again this year's BRIT awards will go down again as memorable. Bill Gates froze the hall at a conference in Munich on Saturday. This weekend, the German city hosts the 53rd Security Conference that brings together elite political, diplomatic and military worldwide. Over 500 experts have met to analyze mainly transatlantic relations and the new US administration's intentions. Until recently, the bio-terrorist threats have been less considered, because the production of "deadly weapons" requires experts and huge laboratories, easily traced. In the past five years, the advances in cell biology and miniaturization of equipment are an increasingly plausible script of a bioterrorist attack that would destabilize whole areas. Million people will die Microsoft co-founder said at the Munich Security Conference that we are threatened by an apocalyptic pandemic, similar to the flu epidemic of 1918, when about 50 million people died. Such a crisis could erupt in the next 10-15 years, the billionaire warned. He also talked about the threat of bioterrorism, saying that it is likely that a genetically engineer would use computers to create a pathogen synthetic airborne and could affect an important part of the population very quickly, the journalists of the Huffington Post wrote. "The next epidemic could break out on a screen of a computer" "The next epidemic could break out on a screen of a computer, being made by a terrorist in order to create a synthetic version of the chickenpox virus or a contagious and deadly strain extra flu," said the billionaire. "Whether that will happen naturally or artificially epidemiologists say a quick airborne pathogen could kill more than 30 million people in less than a year." Bill Gates fights to improve the global health for more than 20 years. Along with a pandemic, Gates is worried about a nuclear war and the climate change. However he believes that if we start to prepare now for the possibility of an epidemic we could be safe. Its hard to get your mind around a catastrophe of that scale, but it happened not that long ago. In 1918, a particularly virulent and deadly strain of flu killed between 50 million and 100 million people, he said. He also pointed out that we should take into account the effects it might have on the economy if it will spread in urban areas. The tempers that republicans face as they try to pull back and replace #Obamacare is exactly the opposite of what was happening to democrats eight years ago. Back then, Democrats' town halls turned out to be disorderly and riotous as people affiliated with the then growing #Tea Party movement had poured into local events, and expressed their hostility over then-President Obama's health care proposals. They stoked fears of rising costs and even drummed up furor over fictitious 'death panels' and chanted about the evils of the Obamacare reforms. What a difference nearly a decade makes. The tables have turned, and people are fighting over the opposite issues almost diametrically but the method of the fight is similar. This is because progressive activists have replicated #Tea Party tactics to rally awareness and opinion online. They are going about similar ways in creating action groups to alert locals so that they can protest at local events. There was even an #indivisible guide created by former democratic staffers who had lived through the Tea Party protest and formulated similar methods. These indivisible tactics are being used by progressive activists to stir sentiment and rally the cause. Republicans are dismissing the #indivisible groups, claiming that paid protestors are being used and that it's a false version of authentic grass roots support. More skirmishes are expected in the coming weeks as politicians head back home this coming week for recess. Ever since Donald Trump was elected president, the political tension in the United States has escalated. As both the left and right grow angry at their elected officials, Trump decided to give his thoughts. Trump on Twitter In the weeks since the inauguration of Donald Trump, backlash has increased against him and his administration. While demonstrations have taken place on an almost daily basis against Trump, it's also trickled down to Republicans at a state and local level. In recent days, protests have erupted at various local town hall events, mostly involving Republican lawmakers. On Monday, Republican Rep. Jim Jordan clashed with angry constituents, leading to an uncomfortable moment at the town hall. Recent reports show that over 200 Republicans are canceling or shying away from planning town hall events due to the threat of opposition. As seen on his Twitter account on February 21, Donald Trump has his own theory about who is behind the disturbance. The so-called angry crowds in home districts of some Republicans are actually, in numerous cases, planned out by liberal activists. Sad! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 21, 2017 "The so-called angry crowds in home districts of some Republicans are actually, in numerous cases, planned out by liberal activists," Donald Trump tweeted out on Tuesday afternoon, before adding, "Sad!" This isn't the first time that the commander in chief has been vocal in his opposition to protesters. Despite claiming that he supports the First Amendment and the right to peacefully assemble, the former host of "The Apprentice" has lashed out against demonstrators, most notably those that took place during his inauguration in Washington, D.C. last month. Republican lawmakers are coming face-to-face with anxious and agitated constituents at town hall-style meetings https://t.co/wLW1nfVZBB The New York Times (@nytimes) February 21, 2017 Moving forward After just a month in office, Donald Trump has stuck to many his campaign promises which has only furthered the divide among the American people. From his immigration proposals, to his "Muslim ban" executive order, the opposition to the billionaire real estate mogul appears to be growing by the day. Over the last week, Trump has faced his first major scandal since becoming president, which involved the resignation of retired Gen. Michael Flynn as National Security Advisor, as well as his increased war of words with the mainstream news media. The newly elected new hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu signed his first bill today SB 12 in a private ceremony. The bill allows the residents of New Hampshire to carry concealed guns without the need of getting a permit from local officials. Gov. Sununu stated he is proud to fulfill his commitment to New Hampshire citizens their full right to defend themselves, property and their families as prescribed by Article 2a in the state constitution. He also said, Permit-less gun carry is about making sure that the laws on our books are keeping people safe while remaining true to the Live Free or Die spirit that makes New Hampshire the great state that it is. Passed with majority Republican The permit-less gun carry bill, which was vetoed by the previous administration, passed the House with the bipartisan vote of 200 97, and pass the Senate with a primary Republican vote of 13 10. The bill does not take away any so-called duty to inform provision or age restrictions, but does leave in place a licensing for residents who need required paperwork in order to carry across certain state lines and changes the license expiration date from four years to five years. New Hampshire joins 12 other states, including their neighbors, Vermont and Maine that allow concealed carry without a permit. The main sponsor of SB 12 was Senator Jeb Bradley (R-3). Other States to follow Now that New Hampshire has finally got their bill signed the fight for permit-less gun carry moves to North Dakota and Kentucky. According to the NRA ILA, yesterday North Dakota passed House Bill 1169 with a 83 9 vote, which would allow lawful carry without a permit and House Bill 1310, which passed on a 73 19 vote, allowing residents with a valid concealed weapon license to carry on school property. Both bills will now be given to the Senate for further consideration. The NRA ILA also notifies interested Kentuckians to reach out to their Representatives to encourage them to pass House Bill 316, which would allow Kentuckians to legally carry without obtaining a permit. House Bill 316 was introduced on the House floor this Tuesday by Representative C. Wesley Morgan (R-81). Today in the Kentucky Senate, Senator Robin Webb (D-18) offered a insert and strike amendment for SB 7, the insert amendment would recognize permit-less gun carry and give Kentuckians the right to keep and bear arms for self-defense. It is customarily that a library is built for a former president to house all the items collected during his time in office. President Barack Obama returned to Chicago for the first time last week since he left office on January 20, 2017 to focus on his library. He held meetings with community leaders to discuss plans and to get their input about having the library in the community. Library location The location of Obama's presidential library has been finalized to be in Chicago's Jackson Park. This will be the first time a Presidential Center will be in the heart of an urban community. The site is located near Lake Michigan, which is just a short walk from the University of Chicago where President Obama once taught. Reuters reported that other places suggested for the library were New York City where Obama went to college and Hawaii where he was born. However, Chicago won. He lived there before he moved his family to Washington, DC during his first term in 2009. The Obamas wanted it to be in Chicago so they could give back to the people of Chicago who have given us so much to them. Library and museum The cost is three times more than what the George W. Bush Center in Dallas, Texas cost to be built in 2013. That's because the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago will have both a presidential library and a museum that will pay tributes to both President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama who also contributed a great deal to the country. According to several reports the library and museum will cost about $1.5 billion which is not available yet. Besides, the federal government requires that the former president must have more than enough money for the annual operating costs. Therefore, the 44th president will need some help in raising the cash flow to get the library and museum built. Architects for the project It was announced last month that a husband-and-wife team, Tod Williams and Billie Tsien won from among 140 others to oversee the project. They have determined that the buildings themselves will cost close to $300 million which is more than the first estimate of $200 million. The former president did not do much fundraising for his library while he was in office. However, he is about to begin fundraising to preserve his legacy. During this week's recess, Republican members of congress are copping an earful from their constituents. Furious crowds, protests and tough questions have featured in the week's #town hall meetings, a time when senators open up their schedules to hear from those back home in their districts. Across the country, angry citizens are venting their upset over the GOP's plan to repeal and replace #Obamacare, Russia's alleged interference in the election, the travel ban, and other issues. New York country had a blazing debate New York Rep. #Tom Reed faced a series of tough questions from irate voters during the town halls he attended over the weekend in western New York. A similarly #volcanic response is being displayed in hot red zones, extending from Reed's New York region to Iowa and Kentucky. President Trump along with some other national republicans have attempted to paint the outburst as the work of progressive activists. Trump wrote on Tuesday: 'The so-called angry crowds in home districts of some Republicans are actually, in numerous cases, planned out by liberal activists. Sad!' Organizers and activists who are distressed about Donald Trump's actions and policies in his first few weeks of office have been pouring into events compered by Republican members of Congress to vocalize their discontent on a variety of issues. The #affordable care act's waning days has attracted a huge amount of fury, earning the week the title of 'resistance recess'. Irate views on healthcare reform Reed arrived at the Ashville senior center for his first town hall and found a crowd so huge that the meeting had to be moved outside to a parking lot. People had come from far and wide to hear about plans for medical health insurance. Others came because they were frustrated or angry and wanted their opinions and in some cases, their #rage heard. "First and foremost, we are going to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act Obamacare," Reed told the expansive crowd, and in return he was bombarded with boisterous and long-lasting boos. The #repeal and replacement of Obamacare is the Republicans' biggest challenge at the moment. Their lack of agreement over a plan to replace Obama's unique health care law, despite making it the cornerstone of their campaign platform for several years, is alienating angry citizens. On Saturday, Reed was questioned again and again about the Republican party's plan to replace the Affordable Care Act. While he said he was keen to keep some of the popular provisions in the law such as pre-existing conditions and allowing those aged 26 and below to stay on their parents' plan he didn't have any answer for other issues, and this angered the crowd. Medicare reform draws an angry response too Others at the town hall became incensed when Reed outlined why he thought #Medicare reform was needed. People chanted 'Do not privatize' over and over again as seniors displayed their outrage at the possible removal of Medicare. There were also many personal health stories from families and people who had benefited from #Obamacare, and who would be disadvantaged if elements of the law, such as the preexisting conditions term, were changed. President Donald Trump, whose National Security Advisor for the Western Hemisphere was escorted out of the White House for criticizing him, has been ordered by a federal judge in New York City to turn over the names of all travelers who were detained from entering the United States under his travel ban. Under the ban, which was put into effect on January 28, 2017, refugees from seven countries with large Muslim populations, including Syria and Libya, were prohibited from entering the United States. Terms of the order Under the terms of the order, the Trump Administration is to provide to the court the names of all persons who were detained under Trump's executive order between January 28, 2017, at 9:37 p.m. and January 29, 2017 at 11:59 p.m.. It was at precisely 9:37 p.m. on Jan. 28, that a federal judge put a halt to the portion of Trump's executive order that called for deportations of immigrants who fit certain parameters as prescribed by the Administration. The order did not include immigrants with green cards; however, it did include travelers who arrived in the United States with refugee applications, as well as immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim countries, even if they had legitimate visas. Among the countries from which immigrants were not allowed are: Yemen, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iraq and Iran. A federal judge in Washington State put a restraining order on the ban, and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco upheld the restraining order. In a tweet, President Trump complained that his administration only was able to detain 109 people out of 325,000 immigrants. Trump also cited computer problems with Delta Airlines as a factor in his administration's inability to detain more than 109 people. It is the names of those 109 people that the federal judge has ordered the Trump Administration to reveal to the court. Only 109 people out of 325,000 were detained and held for questioning. Big problems at airports were caused by Delta computer outage,..... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 30, 2017 McCain criticizes Trump Meanwhile, GOP Arizona Senator John McCain, while speaking to the Munich Security Conference, stated, without using Trumps' name, that "we are flirting with authoritarianism," (ABC News, 2/17/17). McCain, who also has expressed his objections to Trump's Muslim ban, was referring to Trump's depiction of the media as "the enemy of the American People," (ABC News, 2/17/17). Some observers, including McCain, are perplexed that Trump's focus is on singling out "enemies," as opposed to fostering friendships and alliances. "Each to his devices," as the saying goes. President Donald Trump, who says that his administration is "running like a fine-tuned machine," (ABC News, 2/17/17), has reversed the Obama Administration's guidelines to school districts throughout the country pertaining to Transgender students' rights to decide which bathroom facilities to use while at school. According to the Obama Administration's guidelines, transgender students were to retain the right to use the bathrooms that matched their gender identity; and nobody in any position of authority was to direct transgender students to use a bathroom other than the one that they choose to use. Trump Administration's rationale The rationale of the Trump Administration in reversing the Obama Administration's transgender bathroom usage guidelines was that the guidelines, which cited Title IX, did not specify how such guidelines were consistent with federal law. Even though Trump's reversal of Obama's guidelines no longer call for students to be able to use the restroom that matches their gender identity, the reversal does not affect the anti-bullying component of such guidelines. Consequently, bullying, intimidating, teasing and ridiculing transgender or LGBTQ students still will be prohibited under federal law. States to take a "primary role" in bathroom laws In a letter to school districts throughout America, the Justice Department, which is overseen and administered by the Trump Administration, stated that "policy regarding transgender bathrooms should be decided at the state level,"(ABC News, 2/22/17). The Justice Department continued and strongly suggested that "open and inclusive process" ensue at the state level. Trump goes back on his word When asked about the Obama Administration's transgender bathroom usage guidelines last April, Donald Trump said to "leave it the way it is," (ABC News, 2/22/17). Trump, who was in an interview with NBC News at the time he made that statement, went on to say that transgender students "should use the bathroom of their choice," (ABC News, 2/22/17). Trump has now reversed that stand and relegated the issue to the states and directed his Justice Department to inform the nation's school districts of the new policy. Many observers feel that the President has gone back on his word and not kept his promise to the LGBTQ Community to honor the bathroom usage rights of transgender/LGBTQ students throughout America. Trump's Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos, has not issued a policy statement on the issue of transgender/LGBTQ bathroom usage. However, she did describe the obligations of all public schools "to protect every student in America," (ABC News, 2/22/17). DeVos then went on to state, "This is not merely a federal mandate, but a moral obligation," (ABC News, 2/22/17). Trump ordered to disclose names to federal court Meanwhile, President Trump has been ordered to disclose the names of all travelers whose entry into the United States was blocked by the new administration's Muslim immigration ban. According to Trump, 109 Muslim refugees were prohibited from entering the country by Trump's immigration ban in the hours following the imposition of a restraining order blocking the ban. A federal court in New York City is requesting that Trump send it the names of all the immigrants who were banned from entering the country by his executive order. The Trump Administration has yet to comply with the order. The looming spectacle over the Republican's party's inability to agree on replacing #Obamacare is drawing criticism far and wide. Whist many in the party are worried it could divide its followers, others are sure that it is going to pan out for the best. Paul Ryan has formulated the message that repealing the affordable care act will help people be free. Sure, people will be free to lose their healthcare and go bankrupt, but not free in the sense that Ryan is suggesting. His argument is one that #conservative leaders have countless times before and it's one that is being overused and, I think, abused: Freedom is the ability to buy what you want to fit what you need. Obamacare is Washington telling you what to buy regardless of your needs. Theres an element of truth in that latter sentence. The #Affordable Care Act does indeed force insurers to sell to people with pre-existing conditions which is good for everyone as it means no one person is disadvantaged because of an illness. This really means more freedom for people with preexisting issues. More freedom, it turns out Also, under the ACA, plans must cover essential services such as maternity care, mental health, and rehabilitation. Other provisions cap consumers out-of-pocket spending and prohibit insurers from selling plans with annual or lifetime limits on payments. So these requirements don't mean less freedom as Ryan argues. For most Americans, Obamacare's generous provisions have given everyone more freedom, sometimes in life-changing ways. One of the most famous phrases in the Christian Bible is God created man in his own image which has been interpreted in many ways to exclude those of other skin colours, or with deformities. This belief is shared in one form or another by other Religions and now science will force the religious fanatics to understand that the term may have other meanings. New planets Wednesdays announcement by #NASA that a team of astronomers of the discovery of seven new earth sized planets around the relatively close TRAPPIST-1 system has increased the probability of finding life on other planets. Nobody know when we will eventually meet this life, or whether or not any alien civilization will be more or less advanced than we are, but one thing is certain. It will be highly unlikely that any other life form will be identical to us human beings. This will place the more fanatical members of the worlds monotheistic religions into a crisis of conscience in regards to how they will consider our eventual new neighbours. Gods image and the horrors of the past The phrase Gods image already holds many meanings and has been used to justify many horrors in our History. The Christian Spanish and Portuguese in the Americas met new civilizations and for a long time these peoples were considered subhuman by the Europeans. The Hindus have their form of castes which defines categories of Human beings and the Nazis were not the only group to practice genocide against what they considered an inferior species of human beings. Although the Nazis were not a religion, most of the other civilizations that considered foreigners as inferior did so on the basis of their religious beliefs and all these groups have committed monstrous crimes in the name of some form of religious or racial purity. New civilizations and consequences The discovery of the Trappist-1 system of planets, three of which are within the zone which scientists consider suitable for forming life, has given us proof that life will be found in the universe. The measure of our own civilization will be how we manage these encounters with the other civilizations. The religious communities of our planet must be prepared for this eventuality. The Catholic Church has already looked into the question and in all probability some theologian will begin reviewing the findings in consideration of the new information. But the danger will not be from the hierarchies of the religions, but from their fanatical groups which are the ones that unleash destruction in the name of Gods that usually preach peace and not war. This is the possibility that must be foreseen and prevented in any eventual encounter with other civilizations and therefore with the possibility of new theologies that would be radically different from those we have developed here on Earth. Peace not war The possibility of meeting other civilizations is exciting and frightening at the same time. Our planets history is full of what happens when civilizations meet and beliefs are put into doubt. Let us learn from our History and we must prepare so that the first encounters will become ones of peace and not the beginning of another period of conflict and bloodshed. Our planet has already suffered and still suffers too many wars and conflicts in the name of one God or another. Yet there is a ray of hope. In preparing for our meeting with other civilizations let us look at the same time to resolving the issues for which too many are still dying in the 21st Century. That is the best preparation for our future alien neighbours. Trump tightens up on illegal immigrants - Asylum Seekers flee to Canada: - Illegal immigrants already in the USA are fleeing to Canada as the new Trump administration takes a hard line and tightens up on border control. While Reuters reported a touching story on Friday about a family of illegal Sudanese who ran for the border after their vehicle was stopped by US officials, the illegal immigrants living under the Trump government are increasingly fleeing to the neighboring country, Canada. Trump determined to control border security - illegals flee to Canada The BBC reported that "asylum seekers are illegally crossing from the US into Canada in growing numbers hoping to receive refugee status." Some very emotional reports have been circulating via mainstream media about the plight of these people who illegally entered the USA and are now concerned about deportation and harassment from the Republican government and their supporters. CBC shared out a video that showed a Somali found stumbling around in the snow. It is becoming obvious that it is not just refugees wandering around in the cold winters nights, as more reporters and photographers are out and about looking for these refugees who make for great headlines. Many of them were in fact, illegal immigrants in the USA and never applied for refugee status in the first place, but it seems that they are probably refugees now as they will be given a chance to apply for asylum in Canada as long as they make it across the border without being caught by US officials. Refugees often from Africa and the Middle East Emerson, which a small town has become well known via word of mouth as a good place to cross and many of the refugees come from that area as it "contains the largest Somali population in North America," the BBC reported. "Manitoba, Quebec and British Columbia," are also seeing increasing numbers of refugees. While this is not a new phenomenon, the number of refugees has risen exponentially since the Trump presidency took over the White House. While many people are condemning Trump for his strong stance against illegal immigrants, it would be wrong to overlook the fact that many of these refugees originated in Africa and the Middle east where most of the countries were previously colonized by the UK, Portugal, Italy, Germany, and France. These countries all left their mark on the language and culture of the indigenous peoples of Africa, so one wonders why they left to go to America, which is very far from Africa and the Middle East where the language and local cultures are so very different from their own? Migrants choose the USA as it is easier to get in and stay in A fisheries owner in Mozambique which was formerly a Portuguese country, told this reporter that he lost an unqualified general laborer to the USA. He illegally entered the country and when he communicated with him later, he said the reason he chose the USA was because it was "much easier to get in and stay in than in Europe." Illegals problem rooted in European colonial exodus long before Trump Where is the condemnation towards these European countries who fled Africa and the Middle East as fast as they could shed their colonial petticoats when was expedient for them to do so? Where do they stand on this flood of people seeking to live in the USA and Canada, just try to find a better life than in the often brutal political quagmire left in the wake of the colonizers' pell-mell flight out of Africa? The problem did not start with Trump but has its roots in colonial rule and the soft immigration policies of USA presidents that preceded Trump. It is surely time for the European countries who caused the problems in the first place to come to the resolution table. Instead of protesting Trump's immigration policies, perhaps the UK, Italy, French and German protesters should be asking what their own countries are going to do about it? NASA announced this afternoon that it had moved a little farther in the search for alien life with the discovery of seven promising exoplanets in the TRAPPIST-1 system. This is the first time ever that seven Earth-size planets have been found orbiting the same star. What is especially encouraging to NASA scientists is the fact that the planets orbit the star within the so-called habitable zone -- meaning an area where temperatures were likely to be found between 0 and 100 degrees Celsius and therefore water could exist on Exoplanets with rocky compositions like that of Earth. Initial calculations of planetary mass indicate that the TRAPPIST-1 planets are likely to be rocky. "Answering the question 'are we alone' is a top science priority and finding so many planets like these for the first time in the habitable zone is a remarkable step forward toward that goal." The associate administrator of the NASA Science Mission Directorate, Thomas Zurbuchen, made the statement in a media release. Our sister solar system The planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system were discovered a few at a time as a team effort by the NASA Spitzer Space Telescope, in conjunction with a number of ground-based telescope systems, including the TRAnsiting Planets and PlanetesImals Small Telescope or TRAPPIST system in Chile that gave it its name. The TRAPPIST-1 system is located in the constellation Aquarius about 40 light years from Earth. That makes it relatively close to our solar system in cosmic terms. The seven exoplanets are so close together that you would be able to see the other six in the sky no matter which one you were standing on. The sun -- TRAPPIST-1 -- would look about three times bigger than our sun here on Earth. Red dwarf stars TRAPPIST-1 is classified as an ultra-cool red dwarf star. That's how water could exist on planets which orbit the star much more closely, relative to our own solar system. Their close orbits also raise the possibility that the exoplanets are tidally locked to their sun. That means the same side would always face the star, so that it was always daylight on one side of the planet, and always night time on the other. Weather patterns would be extreme, and very different than what we are used to on Earth. So why is NASA focusing its search for exoplanets and alien life on the hunt for red dwarf stars? Why not look for a star system more similar to our own? One reason is that red dwarf stars, because of their relatively low mass and the slow rate that they go through the process of using their solar fuel via nuclear fusion, they last a long, long time in that state -- into the trillions of years. The development of life forms also takes millions of years. Scientists, at an even sponsored by The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence or SETI crunched the numbers and found that statistically, their longevity made red dwarf systems the most likely place to find life a we know it. Next steps in the hunt for alien life Currently, the NASA Hubble Space Telescope is studying four of the TRAPPIST-1 planets. The Spitzer Space Telescope will conduct a follow up study this fall to refine the findings, and then it will be up to the brand new James Webb Space Telescope to continue the search for extraterrestrial life in 2018. Ding Yimu (right) accompanies foreign businessmen to visit Hehong village in Ninghai county, Zhejiang province. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn] A Frenchman, whose Chinese name is Ding Yimu, has worked as an assistant to the head of Hehong village in Ninghai county of Ningbo, Zhejiang province, for one year, and his main job is to promote tourism. Ding, 54, is married to a local woman and has lived in Ninghai for 15 years. Before coming to China, Ding has worked for large financial companies in both Britain and the US. Ding is running two companies in Ninghai. Ding happily agreed to assist Gan Yunya, the village head, when Gan asked him to work for the village in Feb last year, and Ding received the letter of appointment on Feb 29. Recently, Ding invited a dozen foreigners to the village to see the tourism resources there. He worked as a tour guide to explain the village's history, culture, ancient architecture and environment for the visitors. The foreigners have decided to turn some old houses into home-stay inns and bars in the village, and a 300-square-meter farm house would serve as a meeting place for foreign businesspeople. Ding has called on the villagers to transform their houses into home-stay inns for backpackers, and attract urban visitors to experience the rural life there. "His plan suits our village development, and we are constructing the village to attract more tourists," said Gan who speaks highly of Ding. Ding has also done a lot after becoming the assistant. He invited eye doctors to check the eyes of seniors, and more than 10 cataract patients have received treatments. Last year, Ding also organized a three-day-long longevity-themed festival for the first time, which attracted about 50,000 people to the village. 'Taiwan independence' biggest threat to cross-Straits peace, stability: spokesperson Xinhua | Updated: 2017-02-23 08:25 BEIJING - Peaceful development of cross-Straits relations is the fundamental guarantee of peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, while "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces and their activities are the biggest threat, a Chinese mainland spokesperson said Wednesday. Commenting on the recent Taiwan military drill which simulated a "decapitation strike" by the mainland, An Fengshan with the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office said at a press conference, "If you are not seeking 'Taiwan independence,' what should you be afraid of?" The mainland has been committed to safeguarding peaceful development of cross-Straits relations and peace and stability across the Straits, he said. "We are promoting our national defense and military development for the sake of the security of our sovereignty and territorial integrity." An called on the Taiwan authorities to understand the situation clearly, and get back to the basis of the 1992 Consensus, which acknowledges that both sides across the Taiwan Straits belong to one China. "Only by doing so can the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations be maintained," An said. Nearly half of the interviewees from major overseas tourism destinations in a recent survey said that Chinese outbound tourists have improved their manners in the past five years. The China National Tourism Administration released a report on the survey on Wednesday. The survey interviewed 3,650 people from 10 overseas tourism destinations - the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Taiwan - on the image and behavior of Chinese outbound tourists. The results showed that nearly half of overseas interviewees said they have witnessed an improvement in Chinese tourists' manners in the past five years. Interviewees from Indonesia, France, Singapore, the UK and the US gave positive feedback on Chinese tourists' behavior. However, neighboring countries such as Japan did not, with only 18.9 percent of Japanese interviewees saying they had witnessed an improvement. When asked to rank the image of Chinese tourists from one to 10, overseas interviewees gave an average ranking of 5.2. China has been the world's largest outbound tourism market for the past four years. During the recent seven-day Spring Festival holiday, more than 6.15 million visits were made by Chinese mainland tourists to overseas destinations. However, bad behavior of Chinese tourists has also led to criticism from many overseas tourism destinations. The CNTA report said that "despite there being no difference in how Chinese and overseas interviewees define bad behavior, the overall ranking of Chinese outbound tourists' manners is not that high". Guo Lufang, a professor of tourism and city management at Zhejiang Gongshang University, said many Chinese tourists don't have much experience traveling overseas or knowledge about diversified cultures. "Sometimes Chinese tourists do not realize their behavior is not suitable in certain cultural settings," Guo said. "Some act in the same way when they are abroad as they do at home." Liu Simin, the Chinese Society for Future Studies' vice-president of tourism, said that in addition to tightening government or industry regulations on this issue, it is also necessary to educate people about good manners from a young age, even starting from kindergarten, which would set solid foundations for education on civilized tourism. suzhou@chinadaily.com.cn The shutdown of the team leading the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement in Taiwan has raised concerns about cross-Straits relations among the island's business community, the Chinese mainland Taiwan affairs spokesman said on Wednesday. "The shutdown has attracted a lot of attention on the island, which echoes concerns about cross-Straits relations and the future among the business community in Taiwan," said An Fengshan, spokesman for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office. The framework, signed in 2010, aims to promote cross-Straits economic cooperation by reducing tariffs and commercial barriers. "On the common political basis of upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing separation, the mainland and Taiwan have signed 23 articles, including the ECFA, since 2008, enhancing communication in many fields across the Straits and also bringing benefits to people from both sides," he said, criticizing Taiwan authorities for breaking the common political basis. "It (the refusal to recognize the one-China principle) leads to stagnating communication and negotiation mechanisms between Taiwan and the mainland, which also affects the implementation of the agreement. It hurts people from both sides, particularly Taiwan's business people," he said. "The ECFA team's shutdown is a step back for cross-Straits relations," said Wang Hailiang, a researcher of Taiwan studies at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences. The shutdown shows that the island's incumbent administration has sacrificed the benefits of business people for their political aims to further separate from the mainland, Wang said. "The ECFA is one of the most important agreements for boosting cross-Straits economic development," he added. In March 2015, the Taiwan Affairs Office said the agreement had made remarkable achievements by promoting cross-Straits trade, industry and customs cooperation. By that time, the mainland had offered tariff exemptions totaling 14.1 billion yuan ($2.3 billion) on Taiwan merchandise, while Taiwan had given tariff reductions of $240 million on mainland goods, according to the office. luowangshu@chinadaily.com.cn (China Daily 02/23/2017 page4) BEIJING -- Zhang Zhijun, head of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, on Thursday warned against a more complicated and serious situation across the Taiwan Straits this year. Zhang, also head of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at a researchers meeting held by the Center for Research on Cross-Straitss Relations. Major changes took place regarding the situation of Taiwan and cross-Straits relations in 2016, Zhang said. "There is difficult work to be done concerning Taiwan affairs this year," Zhang said. The mainland will resolutely implement the central authority's Taiwan policies, continue to adhere to the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle, resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence," and promote cross-Straits exchanges, cooperation and integrated economic and social development, he said. The official called on scholars and experts to deeply study the uncertain factors and risks in the development of cross-Straits relations, give more advice, and contribute more wisdom and efforts. The US Supreme Court on Wednesday sided with a disabled Michigan girl whose school refused to let her bring her service dog to class, making it easier for students like her to seek redress for discrimination in federal court. The justices ruled 8-0 that Ehlena Fry, 13, and her parents may not be obligated to go through time-consuming administrative appeals with the local school board before suing for damages for the emotional distress she said she suffered by being denied the assistance of her dog, a goldendoodle named Wonder. Ehlena was born with cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that severely limited her mobility. Wonder was trained to help her balance, retrieve dropped items, open and close doors, turn on lights, take off her coat and other tasks. "I saw with my own eyes how Wonder helped my daughter grow more self-reliant and confident," Stacy Fry, Ehlena's mother, said in a statement. "We are thankful that the Supreme Court has clarified that schools cannot treat children with disabilities differently or stand in the way of their desired independence." The justices sent the case back to a lower appeals court to determine whether Ehlena's complaint involves the impermissible denial of a proper special education. The dispute arose in 2009 when Ehlena's elementary school in Napoleon, Michigan refused to allow her to attend school with Wonder. The school said she already had a one-on-one human aide, as part of her individualized special education program. The family eventually moved to a different school district where Wonder was welcomed. They filed suit in 2012 in federal court, claiming discrimination under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, which permits service dogs in public institutions. The American Civil Liberties Union, which represented the family, said the ruling will remove unfair legal hurdles for victims of discrimination that prevent students from seeking justice guaranteed by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Napoleon Community Schools Superintendent Jim Graham said he had no comment. Ehlena and her parents sued the school district seeking money damages for emotional harm, claiming the school deprived Ehlena of her independence, including in intimate settings such as the bathroom. Wednesday's ruling overturned a 2015 decision by the 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, Ohio upholding a dismissal of the lawsuit. The appeals court had said that under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law governing special education, the family had to exhaust all of the administrative hearings in its service dog dispute with local and state officials before filing suit. Writing for the court on Wednesday, Justice Elena Kagan said that if the substance of a lawsuit does not claim the denial of a proper special education under IDEA, then exhausting the administrative remedies is not required. More than 30 bald men gathered at a hot spring facility in Tsuruta City, Japan, on Wednesday to show off their hairless heads and have fun. Members of the city's Bald Men Club took turns competing in a unique game of tug-of-war by sticking a suction cup, which is attached to a single red rope, to each of their heads. Both sides then attempt to pull the cup off of their opponent's head. "My head still hurts," Toshiyuki Ogasawara, 43, said with a smile. "I think I need to ice it!" Masatomo Sasaki, 64, a first-time participant at the tournament, said he used to feel insecure about his baldness but now feels differently. "I feel proud. Or maybe I should say, I feel good about being a bald man," Sasaki said, adding that he started losing his hair when he was 40. "And that is thanks to this bald men's club." The club, which has attracted roughly 65 members from all over the country since its founding in 1989, encourages people to "view baldness in a positive manner, to have fun, and to brighten the world with our shiny heads," according to its website. Teijiro Sugo, 70, the club's chairman, hopes the gathering will turn into something much larger. "I want all the bald men all over the world to gather here so we can organize a bald men's Olympic tournament," Sugo said. The event is held every year on Feb. 22. US Treasure Secretary Steven Mnuchin has reassured International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde that he wants to work with the global lender and has expressed an interest in financial stability, the IMF boss said on Wednesday. "It is in the interest of no one to have chaos, to have financial instability," Lagarde said in an interview with German broadcaster ARD. Brazilian Foreign Minister Jose Serra speaks during the ceremony of ratification of the Paris Agreement at Planalto Palace in Brasilia, on September 12, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazilian Foreign Minister Jose Serra resigned over health problems on Wednesday. In the resignation letter he presented to President Michel Temer, Serra cited health issues as his reason for departure. His actual health condition was not detailed. He underwent a back surgery in late 2016. Serra spent only 11 months in the position after he took over the ministry in May 2016, when Temer became interim president following the impeachment of his predecessor Dilma Rousseff. In order to take over the foreign ministry, Serra had to leave the Senate, where he was serving his third term that would last until 2022. He is expected to return to the Senate to continue his representation for Sao Paulo state, where he spent almost his entire political career. SEOUL -- South Korea's parliament on Thursday failed to table a revised bill to extend the probe by special prosecutors into a scandal embroiling impeached President Park Geun-hye as Park's party opposed the extension. The National Assembly held a plenary session, but the revision of the bill, which enabled the independent counsel team to investigate the corruption scandal, was not put to a vote as the Liberty Korea Party objected to it. The bill allowed the special prosecutors to end their probe by the end of this month. Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, who is serving as a caretaker president following Park's impeachment in early December, can extend it for up to 30 days, but Hwang has refrained from accepting the extension. Four opposition parties sought in vain to put the revised bill, which will lengthen the probe for 50 days, to a vote. The parliamentary speaker of the main opposition Minjoo Party has a right to table a bill, but the right is limited to emergency situations such as natural disasters and national emergency. The speaker hesitated to exert his right on Thursday. The independent counsel team has asked for the extended investigation as it has yet to look into additional cases involving the heads of major conglomerates, called chaebol here. Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong has been taken into custody for bribery charges, but probe into other conglomerates has yet to kick off because of lack of time allowed. Unless the special investigation is extended, state prosecutors would continue to probe other suspicions. It would cause concerns about political neutrality as the state prosecutors are still being influenced by the acting president. Refugee supporters have protested at Munich's airport over Germany's third recent group deportation of rejected asylum seekers to Kabul. Two courts blocked individual expulsions, to Afghanistan, and to Macedonia. German charities and refugee advocacy groups on Wednesday condemned the German Cabinet's draft legislation intended to accelerate deportations while refugee helpers in Bavaria protested the eviction of 18 rejected Afghan asylum seekers to Kabul. In a joint statement, 20 of Germany's charitable and refugee organizations accused Chancellor Angela Merkel's grand coalition cabinet of overlooking applicants, especially children and youth, warning that holding them in "first reception centers" would deny them schooling. Pro Asyl (Pro Asylum), a Frankfurt-based organization backed by churches, described the of Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet as a "brutalization" of deportation practices - away from individual assessments and recourse to appeal. If you're planning a "staycation" this summer, you could cook your way around New England with the recipes in Sarah Leah Chase's new book, New England Open House Cookbook (Workman Publishing, $39.95, paperback $24.95). Chase grew up in Connecticut, summered on the Maine coast, attended college in Vermont and Boston, lived for a while on Nantucket, and now calls Cape Cod home. That background gives her a good feel for the local ingredients and casual lifestyle that make for good food and a great time at the table. With about 300 recipes, this is a substantial book that probably won't fit in the glove compartment. But it's worth packing in the car if you'll be hitting the road in New England this summer. Many recipes are based on Chase's favorite discoveries--from the mussel bisque inspired by her summers in Blue Hill, Maine, to the turkey tortilla soup that she admired at Lou's Restaurant & Bakery in Hanover, N.H. The buttery hot lobster rolls from Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale restaurant in Westbrook, Connecticut, are the perfect taste of summer, but you might want to wait until fall foliage season to try the pork belly with balsamic vinegar and local honey at Stowe Mountain Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. State Senator and Democrat Evie Hudak resigned on Wednesday in order to prevent the likely notion that she would have lost her seat in a special election in the future. Hudak is a major proponent of tougher gun laws, and this fact had made her a prime candidate to be ousted in a recall election. Though it is difficult to step aside, I have faith that my colleagues will honor the legacy my constituents and I have built. I am thankful to my fellow legislators who have been so supportive in recent weeks, standing by my side and encouraging me to keep fighting, wrote Hudak in her letter of resignation to the Secretary of the Senate. Hudaks resignation may seem like a victory for gun owners in Colorado, but it actually prevents a Republican takeover of the state senate. Had a Republican replaced Hudak in a special election, Republicans would have gained control of the upper legislature. Now that Hudak is resigning, the Democrats can appoint her successor. This will help them to hold onto their one-seat majority. In September, former state senators John Morse and Angela Giron were recalled in a special election. This fact is what worried Hudak into deciding to step down. She is sacrificing her political career to save her party from losing the senate. Hudak was not apologetic about her views on gun control though, stating, Most Coloradoans believe that going through a background check is a reasonable thing to do if it means we can keep guns out of the hands of violent criminals. Most Coloradoans believe that the convenience of high-capacity ammunition magazines is less important than saving lives in tragedies like Sandy Hook, Aurora and Columbine. If Hudak really believes that the majority of Coloradoans are on her side, she would not have resigned on Wednesday. She won her last election by less than 400 votes, and was certain to lose any recall election facing her. The successful recall of Morse and Giron was a warning to Colorado legislators that the people of the state will not stand for laws that infringe upon their constitutional right to bear arms. Recall organizers attempting to remove Hudak from her seat stated last week that they had 92% of the signatures needed to trigger a recall. They needed 18,900 valid signatures to present to the Secretary of States office by next week. None of these figures matter now, as Hudak has successfully managed to completely remove the chance of a recall, and in doing so, saved the Democratic Party from an embarrassing loss of the state senate. Year to date, Apples (NASDAQ:AAPL) [stockdata ticker=AAPL] market capitalization has increased by 13.77 percent to $569.69 billion amid recent stock buybacks from the company. Sources close to Apple revealed that the maker of the iPhone and iPad has spent around $18 billion since January 2014 to boost its market capitalization. In 2013, the company also spent $16 billion on stock buybacks. It is not only Apple doing this, but all major U.S. public companies in the S&P 500 index have spent around $211 billion on stock buybacks in 2014 to support their market valuation. It appears that major U.S. corporations are concerned that the multi-year bull market may enter a correction soon. Such speculation was re-enforced last week when major stock markets in the U.S. retreated by as much as 2.7 percent. In the current low interest environment, companies with solid financial track records have no problem accessing cheap money from investment banks and funds. Instead of investing the idle funds, it seems most of the companies, including Apple, are interested in pouring funds into equity markets to bolster their financial standings as far as stock price and market capitalization is concerned. However, investment analysts are concerned that there are better use of these funds to expand business. There are better things to do with capital, said Scott Wren, an analyst at Wells Fargo Advisors LLC. Instead of investing in the core business, the stock repurchase programs instantly provide earning potential. However, these paper profits are coming from financial activity without producing anything of value. Its a low-quality way to increase your earnings and obviously Id much rather see companies grow the business through revenue, added Mr. Wren. The problem with companies like Apple is that they have too much free cash on hand and management hardly has any clue what to do with it. In contrast, the U.S. economy has rebounded from the Global Financial Crisis and is currently growing at a rate of 2 to 2.5 percent. If Apple does not allocate a large sum in financial engineering to support its stock, investors will soon start questioning the growth prospect of the company in line with the growing economy. In contrast to a 4.5 percent growth in Net Operating Profit After Tax (NOPAT), Apples cash from operations (quarterly) has gone down by 54.8 percent since the start of 2014. Hence, spending $18 billion on share repurchases is a good way to spend the idle cash for Apple. It makes the company appear profitable. However, without a lack of secular growth in terms of operating profit, the party may not last much longer. 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. Trumps hair might be real, but it is a product of enhancement Although President Donald Trumps hair is not a wig, like some people have previously speculated, it is the product of an enhancement, according to Trumps longtime physician. Dr. Harold N. Bornstein, Trumps longtime physician, said during a series of recent interviews that the president takes medication for three different ailments. One of those medications is a prostate-related drug to promote hair growth. The other accompanying drugs that the president takes are antibiotics to control rosacea, a common skin problem, and a statin for elevated blood cholesterol and lipids. President Trump also takes a baby aspirin daily to reduce his risk of having a heart attack, according to Dr. Bornstein. Overall, Dr. Bornstein pronounced Trump in good health and his medical care as exactly up to date. White House officials declined to comment on the statements made by Dr. Bornstein and would not release whether he was still Trumps physician or not. The information released by Dr. Bornstein regarding the fact that Trump takes prostate-related drugs to maintain the growth of his hair, solves the riddle of why he has a very low level of prostate specific antigen, or PSA, a marker for prostate cancer. Trump takes a small dose of finasteride, which lowers PSA levels. This specific drug is marketed to treat male-pattern baldness. Dr. Bornstein also credits the drug with having helped him maintain his own shoulder length hair. He has all his hair, Dr. Bornstein said. I have all my hair. Dr. Bornstein has been Trumps personal physician since 1980. He said he has had no contact with Trump since he became president. He also said that no one at the White House has asked for copies of Trumps medical records or called to discuss them, which he has for the last 36 years or so. Trump had visited Dr. Bornsteinss East Side office for annual checkups, colonoscopies, and other routine tests every year since 1980. Prior to 1980, Trump was a patient of Dr. Bornsteins father, Dr. Jacob Bornstein. Dr. Bornstein previously wrote a letter, prior to Trumps election, regarding Trumps health. If elected, Mr. Trump, I can state unequivocally, will be the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency, Dr. Bornstein wrote. A second letter, released later, stated that Trump is 6-foot-3, weighs 236 pounds, has a normal blood pressure of 116/70 and takes a drug called rosuvastatin (marketed as Crestor) to lower cholesterol and other lipids. Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Loading... Checking your browser before accessing the website. This process is automatic. Your browser will redirect to your requested content shortly. Please wait a few seconds. Looking for the perfect inspirational road trip to close out summer? Start at the Portland Museum of Art (www.portlandmuseum.org), where the first exhibition you'll see once you step inside is called Directors' Cut: Selections from Maine Art Museum Trail. There's a $5 surcharge for the show, but it's worth every penny, since it contains tantalizing samples of some of the masterpieces in the eight museums on the trail. Maine has always been important in the annals of American artfrom visiting 19th century masters like Fitz Henry Lane to such sometimes-Mainers as Winslow Homer, Marsden Hartley, Rockwell Kent, Louise Nevelson, and Alex Katz. This exhibition stretches from some of the great early photographs by Berenice Abbott to contemporary artists who've exhibited at recent editions of the Portland Museum of Art Biennial. "Directors' Cut" continues through September 20. Pick up the Maine Art Museum Trail map and hit the roador visit the web site at maineartmuseums.org. Photo by Patricia Harris for Boston.com In the Weekend Fun Guide in the Boston Globe Magazine last June, we recommended Pooch-a-Palooza at the Topsfield Fairgrounds this weekend. Now there's an extra reason to goand bring your phone to make posts of your dog. For every photo shared using the hashtag #WagsforWellness, a bag of Wellness pet food will be donated to feed shelter pets. For more details, stop at the Wellness Natural Pet Food Wagon at the event and learn about the pet food company's 5 Signs of Wellness program. For more about Pooch-a-Palooza, visit its web site at www.pooch-a-palooza.org/. Defense Secretary James Mattis made a splash on his visit to Europe. He ratcheted up Washingtons traditional request for the Europeans to spend more on their defense. And his demand resonated across the continent, because his boss, President Donald Trump, has spent years denouncing Washingtons feckless allies for leeching off America. But some Europeans, when asked to do what normal countries dotake care of their own securitysaid no. In essence, declared European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, Europe was busy financing Third World development, so America should continue to face down nuclear-armed Russia on the continents behalf. Such a deal! President Trump should respond unequivocally. The United States wont tell Europeans how much to spend on the military, but henceforth they will be responsible for the consequences of their decision. Washington should develop a plan to gradually but completely shift responsibility for Europes security back onto the Europeans, not simply collect a little extra cash for continuing to do their dirty work. NATO has faced an existential crisis since the end of the Cold War. Created to contain and deter the Soviet Union, the American-led European alliance lost its raison detre when the Soviet Union disappeared and the Warsaw Pact dissolved. In search of new roles, some alliance officials desperately suggested that the military alliance organize student exchanges and fight the drug war. Instead, NATO supplanted the European Union in taking on the duty of welcoming the eastern European states into the Western world. The alliance acted like a social club that every respectable nation should want to join. Geopolitical nonentities, such as the Baltic states, Albania, Slovenia and Croatia, were added. Montenegro, the modern equivalent of the Duchy of Grand Fenwick from the novel , is waiting for final U.S. approval. As a result, the traditional anti-Moscow military alliance expanded up to Russias borders Moreover, NATO decided to take on out-of-area conflicts, making war in regions of no particular security importance to existing alliance members. Thus came the campaign to dismember Serbia, a small Balkan country that did not attack or even threaten any NATO state; joining the United States in a fruitless, fifteen-plus-year nation-building exercise in Afghanistan; and stoking regional chaos by fostering regime change in Libya. The only good news is that, despite the rather frenzied fears of the Baltic countries, Moscow has demonstrated no interest in war. Rather, Russia appears to have regressed to a pre-1914 mind-set, insisting on respect for its interests, especially its border security. Which explains its particular sensitivities over Georgia and Ukraine. But the bigger question is why America continues to subsidize twenty-six European nations (Canada also is a member). At NATOs creation in 1949, Europe was only beginning to recover from the ravages of the worst war in human history. Germany, the most populous and industrialized country in Europe, was divided and not yet rehabilitated. The aggressive Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin had turned central and eastern European nations into satellites, establishing the famed Iron Curtain dividing the continent. Washington provided a military shield behind which Europe could revive and regroup. Yet nearly seven decades later, the United States continues to subsidize the defense of a continent with a larger GDP and population than America. Despite having greater economic wealth, the Europeans spend less than half what the United States does on the military. Indeed, NATO acknowledges that Washington covers 72 percent of the alliances combined military costs. - More The Mouse that Roared STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 23, ARTSAKHPRESS: Sasha is healthy and lives in normal conditions, without neighbors. The most important thing is that his spirit never left him and, contrary to the day when he arrived in Baku, he recovered his optimism. This is perfect since only by this it is possible to survive all this nonsense, Yekaterina writes. She informed that at this moment the prosecution has forbidden her to make calls, however, the ICRC representatives informed that the ban will be most likely lifted soon. Yekaterina also informed that the investigation is kept secret. HA NOI Local cement producers worry that their exported products could struggle to compete with foreign firms in term of price, a concern voiced at an online forum held in Ha Noi on Wednesday. Tran Viet Thang, general director of the Viet Nam Cement Industry Corporation (VICEM), said the increasing input material and fluctuating foreign exchange rate have brought difficulties for cement exporters. Vietnamese cement has been under pressure both in terms of price and supply in comparison with China, Thailand, Indonesia and Japan in the region, Thang said, adding that these factors could directly affect domestic cement production. He said the Governments Decree No 100/2016/N-CP stipulates that exported cement products are not eligible to enjoy input value-added tax (VAT). In addition, the product is imposed five per cent export tax. The taxes have made the export cost increase by US$4.5 per tonne of clinker and $7.5 per tonne of cement based on average Free-on-board (FOB) prices of $30 and $50 respectively. Nguyen Quang Cung, chairman of Viet Nam Cement Association, said the cement export amount last year was reduced by 5.9 per cent from the previous year. Notably, since the middle of 2016, the cement export prices were reduced around $10 per tonne from the end of 2015. Many cement producers could face risks of halting their production or bankruptcy if the Government does not create timely solutions to unknot these difficulties, Cung said. He added that members of Southeast Asian Cement Association in a meeting in October voiced that the tax policies could reduce Viet Nams cement competitiveness in the international market. Lawyer Le inh Vinh, director of Vietthink Law Firm, said VAT and export tax have been indirect taxes imposed on the consumers. If we impose a high export tax, purchasing power will be reduced, Vinh said. The Government has enhanced collection of direct taxes and reduced indirect taxes, a move that has been suitable with the worlds trend and the countrys reality. Increasing export tax has been considered against the Governments guidelines. Viet Nam set an annual export target of 20-35 per cent of the countrys total cement and clinker capacity by the year of 2030. Viet Nams cement output is expected to reach 120-130 million tonnes a year by 2020, while local consumption was estimated at 93 million tonnes, making a possible redundancy of around 25 to 35 million tonnes. By the end of last year, the cement industrys total designed capacity reached 88 million tonnes a year. However, some cement projects which are expected to become operational in 2018 would bring the countrys total designed capacity to 108 million tonnes a year. Last year, cement and clinker exports were over 14.73 million tonnes or $561 million, reducing 7.1 per cent and 16 per cent in terms of quantity and value respectively from the previous year. Philippines and Bangladesh have been Viet Nams two largest cement importers. VNS While many factors come into play, ensuring a stable supply of high-quality produce and diverse, value-added products will be crucial to meeting the shrimp export target of US$10 billion by 2025 set by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, two prominent seafood exporters tell Viet Nam News reporter Ta Thu Giang. Truong inh Hoe is General Secretary, Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP); and ang Quoc Tuan is deputy general director, Viet Nam-Australia Seafood Corporation . Do you think the PMs target is feasible? Truong inh Hoe Truong inh Hoe Shrimp export value of $10 billion by 2025 is a big target. It will need great efforts, not just from shrimp farmers and seafood processors, but from the Government. The investment will be needed in the whole chain: post-larvae, feed, seasonal planning, aquaculture methods, processing technology and seeking and expanding markets. The boom of shrimp production in India, the recovery of productivity in Thailand after early mortality syndrome and the development of the shrimp industry in Indonesia have put great pressure on the Vietnamese shrimp industry. However, Viet Nam can reach its target if we stabilise our high-quality shrimp supply, maintain tiger prawn production and keep our customers in large markets like the US, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Australia. Increasing production and diversifying value-added shrimp products will push up value and raise our competitive capacity. Increasing demand and price changes in the world market are other important factors. The demand for shrimp may sharply increase in China as its population and average income rises. ang Quoc Tuan I think it is possible to reach this target. In the global market, people naturally move from eating four-legged animals to poultry and seafood. Shrimp is a high-quality product with a big gap between supply and demand. I dont have figures to compare, but I see demand for shrimp rising along with the increase in world population and prosperity. We have signed free trade agreements (FTAs) with Japan, the Republic of Korea, Russia and Australia these are difficult markets. This should make it easier for Viet Nam to export shrimp products. As for the target, I think the PM himself has thought of creating opportunities for shrimp exports in negotiations with foreign leaders. To reach this target, we need to figure out two things: Can we produce such a huge volume of shrimp and will the market consume all of it? We have to expand the natural area of shrimp farming, apply advanced, environmentally-friendly technologies in raising shrimp, and increase production capacity by between 1.8 million and 2 million tonnes per year. With the Government already helping the shrimp industry, why are businesses still facing many difficulties? Truong inh Hoe Most of our shrimp farms are small scale. We have few concentrated shrimp farms. Our farmers struggle to access quality input materials including brood-stock, post-larvae, feed, veterinary medicines and modern shrimp raising processes. Therefore, exporters have to bear losses if shrimp products are sent back for various reasons, including chemical and antibiotic residue. This also means that import markets have examined the quality of Vietnamese shrimp more closely. The US is the largest importer of our shrimp. However, exporters have been dealing with anti-dumping duties levied by the US Department of Commerce since 2004 on Vietnamese frozen warm-water shrimp. The final result of the 11th administrative review from February 1, 2015 to January 31, 2016, announced last November, imposed a general tax of 25.75 per cent. ang Quoc Tuan ang Quoc Tuan First of all, we need to solve the environmental problem. Our shrimp aquaculture environment is degrading and we do not have large amounts of funds to deal with it. This has resulted in pollution and disease outbreaks. To make changes, the State needs to invest in improving the environment, upgrading canals, water supply systems and breeding areas. In particular, we have to control the use and quality of feed. The way it is traded is troublesome. It is one of the factors destroying the environment. One of the most difficult things for Viet Nams shrimp industry is that we are hugely dependent on imported brood-stock. We had to import 100 per cent of brood-stock, or about 250,000 and 300,000 units per year, until recently. We have been passive on the issue of post-larvae resources leading to difficulties in managing its quality. Since 2010, the Viet Nam Australia Seafood Corporation has worked with leading international shrimp research institutes to conduct a brood-stock selection programme in Viet Nam. In 2016, for the first time, we produced our own brood stock As the first and the only company producing brood-stock in the country, we supplied 15 billion post-larvae to the market, 24 per cent of the market share. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development selected our company as a driving force for the shrimp industry. We are in charge of building a trademark for Vietnamese shrimp and applying advanced technologies and spreading them. To have a good trademark, we will have to ensure quality and meet peoples demands. We have built four high-quality shrimp production complexes in Viet Nam. Our target is to produce the perfect shrimp. To reach this target, we will focus on traceability and food safety and hygiene. What are the major challenges that the Vietnamese shrimp industry faces when it enters FTAs and agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)? Truong inh Hoe The biggest challenge is our competitive capacity on the world market. The price of materials is still high. Compared with India and Thailand, it was found that several Vietnamese seafood products are between 10 per cent and 30 per cent more expensive than that of those countries. It also found that there are many factors behind the higher prices, including import shrimp varieties, feed, input materials, losses after harvest, power and water and other administrative costs. These are important factors that impact the countrys competitiveness. With the TPP, Vietnamese businesses will have to deal with technical barriers, quality standards and certificates of origin with stricter standards than other FTAs. To cope with such challenges, Vietnamese businesses need to have a thorough grasp of Viet Nams commitments, in fields directly related to their business and other areas. To solve the problems, the State needs to study the countrys post-larvae production to raise its management efficiency from production to output: planning concentrated post-larvae production farms; building infrastructure; punishing unqualified production units; and guiding local authorities to supervise local farms. To ensure stable shrimp material resources for export processing, the State needs to build a clean shrimp programme that does not use antibiotics. The Government should devise concrete programmes to raise peoples awareness of clean shrimp and strengthen supervision of the use of antibiotics to ensure safety and hygiene of seafood products. ang Quoc Tuan The TPP is a great deal for Viet Nam and the shrimp industry in particular. However, US President Trump has withdrawn from the deal that was negotiated by former President Barack Obama. The US is a large shrimp export market for Viet Nam. With the presidents decision, Viet Nam lost opportunities to boost shrimp exports. But I think there may be bilateral negotiations with the US. We should continue focusing on our price and quality to expand business in hard markets like the US. Viet Nam has for three consecutive years (2014-2016) been ranked the third largest shrimp exporter in the world following India and Indonesia. Our development will depend on the markets demands, which will be based on quality and price. VNS HA NOI The benchmark VN-Index continued to rise yesterday but at a slower pace as investors worried about a possible correction. On the HCM Stock Exchange, the VN-Index inched up 0.1 per cent to close at 717.24 points, lifting the three-day rally to 1.3 per cent. On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index edged down 0.3 per cent to end at 86.6 points. The northern market index has gained over four per cent in the past month. Liquidity maintaining high levels for many sessions made many investors worry that the market has reached its peak, stock analysts at Vietnam Securities Co (IVS) wrote in a market report. Trading volume touched a one-month high at nearly 293 million shares, worth a combined VN4.4 trillion (US$193 million) in the two markets. Overall market conditions were negative with 251 stocks decreasing, 204 rising and 242 unchanged. Blue chips were on the defensive as 17 of the top 30 shares by market value and liquidity on the main bourse in HCM City lost value while 11 advanced. Hoang Anh Gia Lai Co (HAG) and Hoang Anh Gia Lai Agricultural Investment JSC (HNG) tumbled after a strong rising streak. HAG decreased 1 per cent, halting an eight session positive run while HNG fell 1.5 per cent. On the bright side, oil and gas and real estate stocks supported the market. Benefiting from global oil price recovery, PV Gas (GAS), the biggest listed energy stock, grew 3.9 per cent and PetroVietnam Drilling and Wells Service (PVD) added 1.3 per cent. Other smaller stocks such as Petroleum Equipment Assembly & Metal Structure (PXS), PetroVietnam Drilling Mud (PVC) and PetroVietnam Technical Services (PVS) advanced between 1 per cent and 3.5 per cent. Brent futures rose to $56.24 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude edged up 0.6 percent to $53.71 a barrel. Property stocks continued their growth but slower. The exception was Hoang Quan Consulting Trading Service Real Estate (HQC), which hit the daily limit of 7 per cent for a second day, while others such as Novaland Investment Group (NVL) inched up 0.3 per cent, FLC Group (FLC) and Ninh Van Bay Real Estate (NVT) both up over 2 per cent However, according to IVS analysts, cheap property stocks still attracted good investments but faced correction pressure after previous big gains. Foreign investors were net sellers in HCM Citys market after two net selling sessions, offloading a net value of VN21 billion. They were net buyers on Ha Nois bourse for a modest value of VN3 billion. VNS This is a hysteria, during todays press conference in Yerevan Russian publicist, member of the Russian Association of the International Law Denis Dvornikov said the above mentioned in response to a reporters question over his assessment on the Azerbaijani acts of launching a criminal case against MEPs Frank Engel (Luxembourg), Eleni Teoharus (Cyprus) and Jaromir Stetina (Czech Republic) and submitting request to Interpol to issue international arrest warrant against them. February 23, 2017, 13:44 Criminalizing visits to Artsakh is a threat to Russia's national security and territorial integrity - Denis Dvornikov STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 23, ARTSAKHPRESS: The referendum on Constitutional amendments held in Nagorno Karabakh has greatly irritated the neighbouring country. However, I am convinced that Interpol will reject such an application, as it will become a dangerous precedent in all over the world. In addition to that, Interpol officials have respect towards their spare time and work, as when one precedent is formed, they will receive similar requests regarding all the disputed territories of the world. This is a political issue, Denis Dvornikov said, Panorama.am reports. He noted that such an act by Azerbaijan is more directed to its own population to show them the authorities can somehow affect the Nagorno Karabakh referendum. Denis Dvornikov recalled the statement of Russias Foreign Minster Sergey Lavrov stating that it is unacceptable to ban someone from visiting a place. He made it clear that visits to Artsakh are not forbidden, the Russian publicist said adding that eventually Azerbaijani actions will also pall the international organizations, as they have palled Lavrov. Criminalizing visits to Artsakh is a threat to Russia's national security and territorial integrity. This is a very important matter, he underscored referring to the disputes of Crimea and Kuril Islands. Representatives of the 21 APEC economies agreed to cooperate to prevent base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) after a seminar on the implementation of a BEPS action plan in Nha Trang City. VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen Khang KHANH HOA Representatives of the 21 APEC economies agreed to cooperate to prevent base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) after a seminar on the implementation of a BEPS action plan in Nha Trang City. The function, wrapping up yesterday, was chaired by the General Department of Taxation under the Vietnamese Ministry of Finance. Participants discussed opportunities and challenges, and they shared experiences in implementing anti-BEPS measures in APEC economies, with attention paid to the four BEPS minimum standards, the BEPS Implementation Forum and the Multilateral Instrument for BEPS tax treaty measures (MLI). They demonstrated a full awareness of the importance of BEPS prevention and BEPSs impacts on the fairness and effectiveness of international taxation systems. Statistics show that 76 per cent of APEC members have joined the BEPS Implementation Forum, and this participation provides the economies which are not OECD members or G20 countries with a chance to be involved in global efforts against cross-border tax avoidance. Meanwhile, the MLI was built to facilitate the amendment to existing bilateral tax treaties, so as to carry out related tax measures within the framework of the BEPS initiative. About 40 per cent of the double-taxation avoidance agreements belong to APEC economies, and 19 per cent of those economies have confirmed that they will sign the MLI this June. The MLI is believed to be a foundation for the implementation of the BEPS action plan in 2017, when Viet Nam is the APEC Chair. A BEPS action plan has been completed and is set to be included in a report of the meeting of APEC deputy finance ministers and central bank deputy governors today. It will be reported to the APEC finance ministers at a meeting slated for this October. VNS BINH DUONG - United States ACO Investment Group has expressed interest in implementing renewable energy projects in Viet Nams southern province of Binh Duong. This was revealed by chairman and CEO of the group Hari Achuthan at a working session with local authorities on February 22. He noted that the company was devising projects for two renewable energy plants in the country, including the first solar power factory in Phuoc Dinh Commune (Thuan Nam District) and Vinh Hai Commune (Ninh Hai District) in the south central province of Ninh Thuan. The construction of the plant, which is designed with capacity of 100 MW and total investment of US$150 million, will begin in the third quarter of 2017. The plant will be put into operation in July 2018. The US group hopes to cooperate with Binh Duong to build a solar lighting system instead of the current high-pressure lamps. Tran Thanh Liem, vice chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee, welcomed the American firms plans to invest in renewable energy projects. "With over 10,000ha of industrial land, Binh Duong is a suitable location to build a solar power plant," he said. Along with Ha Noi, HCM City and Dong Nai, Binh Duong has high consumption of over one billion kWh of electricity per year. The power demand for production is always high, estimated at 12 per cent per annum, he noted. Binh Duong is also one of the five leading cities and provinces nationwide in drawing foreign direct investment (FDI), with over 2,800 FDI projects worth $25.5 billion. In 2016, the locality attracted more than $2 billion in FDI, including over $1.3 billion from 240 newly-licensed projects and $675 million through an increase in capital from 123 existing projects. VNS HA NOI The South Korean Lotte conglomerate will be building a new shopping mall near Ha Nois West Lake, according to The Korea Herald. The mall will span 7.3 hectares within the approximately 200,000-sq.m complex, together with another department store, a supermarket and a cinema, all to be directly operated by Lotte affiliates. The South Korean English-language daily said construction is set to begin in the first half of 2017, for completion in 2020. The company declined to provide Viet Nam News with additional details about the project, saying details would be sent to local media later in the process. Last month, the au Tu (Investment) online newspaper reported that the project, previously known as Ciputra Ha Noi Mall and owned by the Citra West Lake City Development Company Limited, was acquired by Lotte early this year. It was started in 2007 with an estimated investment of US$2 billion but has been stalled for various reasons. The total investment capital of the new Lotte project is expected to reach nearly $300 million. The Lotte Group has invested $400 million in the 65-storey Lotte Center Ha Noi mall, which is currently the second tallest building in the capital. The giant corporation plans to expand its retail operations in Viet Nam through mergers and acquisitions and plans 60 shopping malls in the country by 2020, a five-fold increase, according to Nikkei. The company has 285 Lotte shopping centres in Asian countries including China, Indonesia and South Korea, and it views Viet Nam as one of the fastest-growing retail markets in the region. In October 2016, Lotte Mart launched its e-commerce channel in Viet Nam, following the introduction of Lotte Shopping TV in 2012. Besides providing South Korean products to Vietnamese consumers, Lotte plans to export Vietnamese products like coffee, dried fruit, wooden artifacts and ceramics back to its home market. VNS PARIS The kimono, in myriad iterations from its origins in ancient Japan to its embrace by todays top fashion designers, took centre stage on Wednesday at Pariss Guimet museum. While the once ubiquitous garment is now reserved for special occasions and official events in its homeland, it has inspired the likes of Jean Paul Gaultier and Diors John Galliano in the Wests fashion capitals. Around 150 styles from the collection of Matsuzakaya -- the centuries-old Japanese fashion house that became a department store -- are on display abroad for the first time in the Guimets show, titled Kimono, The Ladies Delight. The unique pieces, some of them dazzling works of art, reflect a range of sophistication and difficulty in fabrication. Variations of the kimono first caught on in the West as part of a general fad for all things Japanese in the late 19th century when bourgeois ladies began wearing a casual version -- without the restraining obi belt around the house. Then Parisian couturiers Paul Poiret and Madeleine Vionnet began experimenting with the kimono in the 1920s. Fast forward to Japanese-French designer Kenzo Takada, two of whose creations dating from 2006 are in featured in the exhibit. "Its thanks to the kimono that I found my identity," said Takada, the 77-year-old founder of the Kenzo luxury fashion house. "When I opened my boutique (in Paris) in 1970, I told myself, Im Japanese, I probably know kimonos and Japanese traditions better than French designers and I should take advantage of that," Takada recalled. "Before that I followed Parisian trends. I hadnt thought of the kimono in fashion." French haute couture designer Franck Sorbiers take on the kimono has been more ephemeral. An organza piece evoking an evanescent white butterfly from his summer 2008 collection is in the Guimet exhibit along with pieces by Galliano and Gaultier. "With its extra long sleeves and its train it has an imperial dimension," Sorbier said. The kimono adds instant elegance to an ensemble, he said. "Throw a kimono over a shirt, skinny jeans and heels and youre dressed for a night out. No need for an evening gown." The show runs until May 22. AFP Co-operation between Vietnamese and Russian localities plays an important role in the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. VNA/VNS Photo Trong uc HA NOI Co-operation between Vietnamese and Russian localities plays an important role in the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, agreed National Assembly (NA) Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and Chairwoman of Russias Federal Council Valentina Ivanovna Matvienko. Addressing a seminar on strengthening partnerships among localities of both countries in Ha Noi yesterday, the two top legislators noted that localities of both sides have high potential for co-operation in investment, trade, tourism, and culture. They called for NA deputies to exert more efforts to deal with obstacles and barriers hindering collaboration along localities, adding that participants should discuss the current situation and ideas to boost partnerships. The Vietnamese NA leader affirmed that the outcomes of the seminar will be sent to relevant agencies of each country, helping them make local co-operation more fruitful. She pledged that Viet Nam would do its utmost to create optimal legal conditions for ministries, sectors, localities, organisations and businesses to forge stronger ties. For her part, Matvienko stated that Viet Nam is among the Asia-Pacific countries with high GDP growth, which helps Viet Nam and Russia to continue expanding bilateral co-operation. The two sides are working to hit US$10 billion in two-way trade by 2020 by exploiting untapped potential, she said. The Russian legislator noted that in 2016, after receiving the ratification from the respective parliaments, the Eurasian Economic Union-Viet Nam free trade agreement became effective, opening new opportunities for Viet Nam and Russia to beef up trade co-operation. At the seminar, the two sides agreed that Viet Nam-Russia ties have been growing fruitfully, with eventful cooperation at local level as shown in relations between Ha Noi and Moscow, HCM City and Saint Petersburg and Moscow, a Nang and Yaroslavl, Khanh Hoa and Khabarovsk, Nghe An and Ulianop, and Ba Ria Vung Tau and Nenetski. The localities partnerships, rooted from the solidarity of both peoples and demand for mutual growth, have contributed to the development of Viet Nam-Russia ties, they added. Participants at the event, including representatives of seven Russian localities, Russian diplomatic agencies and the Russian Business Association in Viet Nam as well as 12 Vietnamese localities, also said that amidst the effectiveness of the Eurasian Economic Union-Viet Nam free trade agreement, the two sides should focus more on economic, trade and investment co-operation. Last year, two-way trade reached $2.7 billion, with total Russian foreign direct investment in Viet Nam hitting about $1.1 billion across 118 projects, ranking 23rd among 116 countries and territories investing in Viet Nam. The two countries should create more favourable conditions for investors on both sides, especially in areas of common strength and high demand. The Russian side invited Vietnamese localities to join the Orient Economic Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok this September. The two sides also decided to form a local working group with the participation of localities of both sides, with meetings held in turn in Viet Nam and Russia, aiming to make co-operation among localities more effective. VNS HA NOI Chairwoman of Russias Federal Council Valentina Ivanovna Matvienko has told Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong that her country will do everything possible to develop the comprehensive strategic partnership with Viet Nam. At a meeting with the Vietnamese Party leader in Ha Noi yesterday, Matvienko reiterated that Russia treasures its relationship with Viet Nam, stressing that Russia will exert all efforts to realise co-operation agreements between the two nations. She promised that the Russian parliament will co-ordinate with the National Assembly of Viet Nam at international forums for the sake of peace, stability and respect for international law. Trong said the visit of the Russian Federal Council Chairwoman is important for the expansion of the countries friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party, State, National Assembly, and people consider developing ties with Russia as one of the top priorities in Viet Nams foreign policy. Viet Nam is pleased with the achievements Russia has attained in national development and defence. It also supports Russia in playing a greater role in ensuring global and regional peace and stability, he noted. The General Secretary lauded the mutual visits by the countries parliamentary leaders, adding that the Communist Party of Viet Nam attaches importance to promoting relations with political parties, including the ruling United Russia, along with the State, parliament and people of Russia. VNS Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich (L) meets with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Prawit Wongsuwan in Bangkok on Wednesday. Photo vov.vn BANGKOK Strengthening co-operation with Thailand, including in defence, is a priority for Viet Nam, affirmed Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich at a meeting with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha in Bangkok on Wednesday. The minister is on an official visit to Thailand from February 21-23. Minister Lich told the Thai PM that the Vietnamese defence ministry would continue working closely with their Thai counterparts, contributing to the two countries strategic partnership, which was established in June 2013. The minister thanked the Thai Government for assisting Viet Nam in finding the graves of fallen Vietnamese soldiers in Nong Khai Province, and asked PM Chan-ocha to instruct Thailands ministries and localities to continue to help Viet Nam repatriate the remains of soldiers. The Thai PM said Viet Nam and Thailand are neighbouring countries with good relations and high mutual trust, while their bilateral ties are developing across various fields, including in defence. The two countries do not share a land border, but have maritime boundaries, he said, calling on the two sides to develop relations and promote ties with other ASEAN countries to maintain the blocs solidarity. He also suggested increasing ties between the two armies and seeking new areas for co-operation. The PM pledged to direct ministries and agencies to step up co-ordination with Viet Nam to address issues relating to fishermen, based on international law and bilateral friendly relations. Earlier the same day, Minister Lich held talks with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Prawit Wongsuwan, during which the two sides agreed to increase the exchange of visits, meetings of young officers, and co-operation between navy and air forces as well as in training. The two sides also agreed to organise a deputy ministerial-level defence policy dialogue and set up a hotline between the two defence ministries. They pledged to boost collaboration between marine law enforcement forces and seek affiliation in fields of mutual concern such as co-operation between border management agencies, participation in UN peacekeeping activities and humanitarian mine action. Both sides vowed to support each other at multilateral forums, especially within the framework of the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM+. The two ministers said they will urge relevant forces of their countries to work together to teach fishermen to respect international law and laws in other countries. VNS Infringements and defects committed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environments Party Civil Affairs Committee and individuals involved in the Formosa fish deaths were serious and must be punished, announced the Central Inspection Commission. VNA/VNS Photo Vo Dung HA NOI Infringements and defects committed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environments Party Civil Affairs Committee and individuals involved in the Formosa fish deaths were serious and must be punished, announced the Central Inspection Commission. In an announcement yesterday of the results of the commissions 11th meeting from February 15-17, the commission concluded that from 2008-16 the ministrys Party Civil Affairs Committee was irresponsible in exercising their leadership, carried out insufficient inspections and supervision and let infringements occur in assessment of environmental impacts, and adjustment of waste water discharge location and State management of the Formosa Ha Tinh project. Hung Nghiep Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Company was responsible for mass fish deaths in the four central provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Quang Binh and Thua Thien-Hue Provinces in April last year. The environmental disaster left hundreds of fish dead and affected the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of locals. Responsibility for the offences belongs to former Party Central Committee member, former secretary of the Party Civil Affairs Committee and former environment minister Nguyen Minh Quang; former Party Civil Affairs Committee member, former deputy minister and former head of Vietnam Environment Administration Bui Cach Tuyen, and former Party Civil Affairs Commission member and former deputy minister Nguyen Thai Lai who was directly responsible for violations in the fields he was in charge of, according to the document. The document indicated that during the 2004-11, and 2011-16 terms the Party Civil Affairs Committee of Ha Tinh Province was irresponsible in exercising leadership, instruction, management, carried out insufficient inspections and supervision in project implementation, which gave rise to violations in appraising, approving, licensing and performing State management of the project. Vo Kim Cu who served as Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, Secretary of the Party Civil Affairs Committee and Peoples Committee chairman in the 2011-16 period; and as Vice Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee cum Head of Economic Zone Management Board from 2008-10 must take responsibility for the infringements. Others also held responsible include Head of the Vung Ang Economic Zone Management Board (2010-16) Ho Anh Tuan, and former Party Civil Affairs Committee members ang Quoc Khanh, Duong Tat Thang and Nguyen Nhat. The provincial Party Standing Committee was said to be irresponsible in leading, instructing, examining, and supervising activities of the provincial Party Civil Affairs Committee during the implementation of the Formosa Ha Tinh project. The wrongdoings of the provincial Party Civil Affairs Committee and Vo Kim Cu, and Ho Anh Tuan were serious, the document said. Wrong recruitment, promotion The Central Inspection Commission also announced that Party Central Committee member and former Secretary of Binh inh Provinces Party Committee Nguyen Van Thien, and former Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and head of the provinces National Assembly deputies Le Kim Toan must take responsibility for defects and infringements committed by the provincial Party Standing Committee in recruiting, planning, promoting and accrediting several officials contrary to State regulations. The inspection commission requested the Governments Party Civil Affairs Committee instruct an overall inspection of Binh inh Provinces Quy Nhon Port privatisation. VNS Washington Donald Trump has historically low approval ratings, but would still have voters support in a row with Congress, polls suggested Wednesday. Fresh surveys showed Trumps popularity is languishing -- threatening to sap his political capital just weeks into a four-year term. A Quinnipiac University poll reported 38 per cent of voters think Trump is doing a good job. Fifty-five per cent believe he is doing a bad job. That is unparalleled for a modern president so early in his term. Perhaps worse for the White House, 63 per cent of voters said Trump is not level-headed and 55 per cent said he is not honest. For any normal politician, those numbers would be disastrous -- emboldening political rivals and encouraging allies to keep their distance. Many in Washington are already looking toward Congressional elections in 2018, which present a challenge for incumbent Republicans. Mid-term elections often serve as a referendum on the president and Democrats are baying to retake 24 seats and control of the House of Representatives, which would put a serious check on Trumps agenda. Against that backdrop, Republicans may be stuck between an unpopular president and public opprobrium. Congressional Republicans privately fret that opposing Trump could invite angry tweets, a grassroots firestorm and perhaps even a Trumpite challenger in the next party primary. They may have reason to worry. A Pew Research poll released Wednesday showed rank-and-file Republicans are still likely to back Trump in an argument with party lawmakers. "About half of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents (52 per cent) say that if Trump and Republican congressional leaders disagree on an issue, they would be more likely to trust Trump," Pew said. "About a third (34 per cent) say they would trust GOP leaders if they have a disagreement with the president." AFP HCM CITY A field hospital will be set up at the 175 Military Hospital in HCM City, possibly in July, to provide medical support in case of epidemics or disasters and to UN peacekeeping operations. At a meeting held to discuss establishment of the facility yesterday, Major Bui uc Thanh, its head, said its 70-strong staff have been trained to UN standards and also taught English. In late June and early July equipment will be handed over to the hospital to prepare for its opening, he added. Deputy Minister of Defence Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh instructed the head of the 175 Military Hospital to review and requisition supplies and strengthen training. The hospital and its staff would be ready to deploy whenever necessary, he said. He also instructed the head of the 175 Military Hospital to co-ordinate with relevant agencies to send staff abroad to get operational experience. Participation in UN peacekeeping operations is one of the countrys important tasks, he said. VNS I think that with this decision Azerbaijan once again proves that his aspiration for making absurd and illogical actions and decisions is unlimited. February 23, 2017, 14:50 Azerbaijans aspiration for absurd and illogical steps is unlimited: Artsakh FM STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 23, ARTSAKHPRESS: The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh Karen Mirzoyan said the above-said in an interview with "Artsakhpress", commenting on the declaration of Azerbaijan, according to which Azerbaijani Prosecutor General's Office, purportedly, has declared a searchby Interpolfor three European Parliament members that have visited Artsakh and carried out an observation mission. When asked on the expansion of the Azerbaijani blacklist, Karen Mirzoyan said that he is not going to follow its process of expansion. "I am sure that it will be expanded more and more. Its evidence is not only the increasing stream from the outside world, but even the constitutional reforms of the Republic of Artsakh, which was attended by numerous international observers from about 30 countries, "said the Foreign Minister. HA NOI Twenty eight Vietnamese students have received graduation certificates from Russias National Research Nuclear University (MePhI) on completion of a six-year course on nuclear technology. Five students were granted honorary (distinctive) certificates and 23 others were given good certificates. The Vietnamese students were the first international students graduating under a programme supported by Russias State Nuclear Energy Corporation (Rosatom). Sklyar Gennady Ivanovich, a representative from the State Duma, said Viet Nams decision to send students to Russia for nuclear power training was evidence of the prestige of Rosatom and Russia in the sector. Valery Karezin, director for educational projects of Rosatoms Personnel Programme, said there were some 1,400 foreign students studying the corporations programmes in Russia. He said the knowledge students gained from the course was expected to help them contribute to Viet Nams socio-economic development. Viet Nam and Russia have set up long-lasting cooperation in nuclear power. Since the 1980s, Russian experts have been assisting Viet Nam repair a nuclear reactor in Central Highlands Lam ong Provinces a Lat City. Additionally, with Rosatoms support, the Ha Noi University of Science and Technology established the Information Centre on Nuclear Energy to provide nuclear technology information to the public. VNS About 2,200 foreign visitors are set to arrive in Nha Trang on Friday on board cruise ship Celebrity Constellation. In Nha Trang, the visitors, mostly from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, are scheduled to visit Po Nagar Cham Tower, Long Son Pagoda, Hon Tre (Tre Island), and Nha Trang Aquarium. They will also shop at am Market, visit a fishing village and some ancient houses, and get a glimpse into life in a traditional craft village before leaving for Vung Tau the same evening. They will then visit Ba Ria, HCM City and the Mekong city of My Tho before leaving Viet Nam on Saturday. VNS CHICAGO After nearly a year of occupying North Dakota prairie land to block the route of a controversial oil pipeline, many of the camps holdouts finally marched out Wednesday to meet an evacuation deadline. Some 10 activists who had remained after the 2:00 pm (2000 GMT) deadline passed were arrested, according to the North Dakota Joint Information Center. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to revive the pipeline project. After the final permit was issued, construction on Dakota Access began almost immediately. Native Americans and their supporters began leaving the federal land -- which was occupied by a population that swelled into the thousands at times -- singing traditional songs and banging drums. Many opposed to the pipeline say it threatens the drinking water of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe. The pipelines operator, Energy Transfer Partners, insists it is safe, with high-tech systems in place to prevent environmental catastrophe. State and tribal authorities planned to begin coordinated efforts to clean up the camp, removing garbage, structures, vehicles and other debris, in anticipation of seasonal flooding in the area. Without the cleanup, the authorities said local waterways could be contaminated. More than 230 truckloads of debris had been cleared out as of Monday, officials said. Campers burned some structures on their way out of the camp, in what they said were ceremonial rituals. They set approximately 20 fires, the authorities said, adding that at least two explosions also took place after which a seven-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl were taken to a hospital with burns. Some protesters had informed law enforcement that they would engage in passive resistance and expected to be arrested, Tom Iverson of the North Dakota Highway Patrol told local television station KFYR. "People were free to leave," he said, adding that the evacuation was intended to "avoid an ecological disaster." State authorities were also offering protesters bus fare to return home and hotel lodging for one night. Native Americans and others began protesting at the camp starting last April, in opposition to the 1,172-mile (1,886-kilometer) oil pipeline. Its route runs under land the Standing Rock Sioux consider sacred and under the Missouri River, which is the source of drinking water for the tribes reservation. The tribe filed a motion in federal court last week asking that pipeline construction be halted until a full environmental impact review is completed. AFP North Korea denies it plotted killing SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Korea denied today its agents masterminded the assassination of the half brother of leader Kim Jong Un, saying a Malaysian investigation into the death is full of holes and contradictions. The Norths response came a day after Malaysian police said they were seeking two more North Koreans, including the second secretary of North Koreas embassy in Kuala Lumpur, in connection with the Feb. 13 killing of Kim Jong Nam at a Malaysian airport. The North has not acknowledged the dead man is Kim Jong Nam. Todays statement described the man only as a North Korean citizen bearing a diplomatic passport. Friendly bacteria added to lotion WASHINGTON (AP) Bacteria live on everyones skin, and new research shows some friendly germs produce natural antibiotics that ward off their disease-causing cousins. Now scientists are mixing the good bugs into lotions in hopes of spreading protection. In one early test, those customized creams guarded five patients with a kind of itchy eczema against risky bacteria that were gathering on their cracked skin, researchers reported Wednesday. We share our bodies with trillions of microbes that live on our skin, in our noses, in the gut. This community what scientists call the microbiome plays critical roles in whether we stay healthy. Wednesdays research suggests one day it may be possible to restore the right balance of good bugs to treat skin disorders. San Jose mayor admits flood failure SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) The mayor of San Jose acknowledged the city failed to properly notify residents to evacuate during a flood emergency early Wednesday when some people said they got their first notice by seeing firefighters in boats in the neighborhood. City officials ordered more than 14,000 residents to evacuate as water from swollen Coyote Creek flooded homes and temporarily shut down a portion of a major freeway. Another 22,000 people near the creek had been encouraged but not required to evacuate. Officials Wednesday said some residents would be allowed to return home. Anorexic who fought force-feeding dies MORRISTOWN, N.J. (AP) An anorexic and bulimic woman who petitioned a court to refuse force-feeding has died three months after a judge granted her request. The 30-year-old identified as Ashley G. died Monday at Morristown Medical Centers palliative care unit. Ashley weighed 69 pounds and had been a patient at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in Parsippany since 2014 when she told the court in 2016 she did not want food or water. V.P. Pence visits vandalized cemetery UNIVERSITY CITY, Mo. (AP) Vice President Mike Pence made a stop Wednesday at the Jewish cemetery where close to 200 gravestones were toppled over the weekend in the latest act of anti-Semitic violence, which has been on the rise across the country. The suburban St. Louis cemetery is getting a show of support from cleanup volunteers, well-wishers and financial contributors from across many faiths. Muslim groups have launched a crowdfunding campaign for the Chesed Shel Emeth Society cemetery in University City, Mo., with a goal of $20,000. It has raised nearly $75,000. SARATOGA Howard County officials are welcoming a Wisconsin utility company plan to build a wind farm here that could generate up to 66 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 47,000 homes. Madison Gas & Electric of Madison, Wis., said Tuesday the proposed Saratoga site would consist of 33 turbines, each nearly 500 feet tall. Thats 100 feet taller than turbines at MGEs Top of Iowa wind farm in Worth County, in north-central Iowa, installed in 2008. The project is in Saratoga Township near the unincorporated community of Saratoga along Iowa Highway 9 between Cresco and Riceville. If state regulators approve the proposal, it will be built next year and will begin operating by the end of 2018. The estimated cost is $107 million. Howard County officials are welcoming the project as an economic benefit and said the project has met no opposition, Its clean energy, number one, and number two, its an economic benefit to the county. A big one, said Howard County Supervisor Jan McGovern, board vice chairwoman, in whose district the project would be located. She and county board chairman Don Burnikel noted the county already has 112 wind turbines in operation. The county has no zoning, but the project will require permits to make sure county roads are left intact after construction. We are just so happy to have any wind farms in this area, Burnikel said. Theyre such an economic benefit to our county. Its just amazing. Kirk Kraft of the Clear Lake office of RPM Access, developing the project for Madison Gas & Electric, said meetings will be held with property owners about participating in the project. Burnikel said turbines are a source of income for farmers. This is an exciting opportunity for our customers and continues the progress weve made in reducing carbon emissions and increasing renewable energy, Gary Wolter, MGE chairman, president and CEO, said in a written statement. Howard County supervisor Burnikel said the proposed Saratoga Township location is flat, open country, ideal for a wind farm. If approved, it will be MGEs largest wind farm. Sierra Club Wisconsin said it is glad to see MGE taking the much-needed initiative to invest in wind power, said spokeswoman Elizabeth Katt Reinders, in Madison. Wed like to see MGE commit to large-scale clean energy investment with the goal of replacing, not augmenting, dirty fossil fuels. Courier news editor Pat Kinney contributed to this article. CEDAR FALLS No one is born a CEO. Chief executive officers come to their positions in a variety of ways, but being the boss is something many mid-size business owners never envisioned. So, instead of a business college, they often went to the school of hard knocks and got their education on the fly. Advance Iowa offers them an alternative get their education from experts and learn along with peers facing similar struggles. (CEOs) become so focused on trying to take care of everyday issues that its hard for those owners to get a lot of other input. They may get input from employees or family members, but they want something else. So, what weve been able to do with Advance Iowa is put them into an environment where they can share ideas, said Mark Hermann, a consultant and facilitator with Advance Iowa. The program, headquartered at University of Northern Iowas Business and Community Services, is currently funded with state dollars to help provide consultation to Iowa businesses with 10 to 100 employees, which have an outsized role in job creation in the state. The state recognized that this size of company didnt feel a lot of the love, frankly, and they needed to, because a lot of our smaller towns depend upon those types of sized firms for job creation, said Dan Beenken, director of Advance Iowa. The program started with some pilot funding from the state in about 2012, and worked with a couple dozen different companies. It soon proved its value, and received additional funding to enhance its offerings and grow the program. Last year, it worked with 226 companies around the state in nine different industries. It reached into 40 Iowa counties last year and expects to grow into another 20 this year. It has seven consultants, most of whom, like Hermann, have previously owned a business and been through similar struggles. The services range from succession planning to a financial scorecard to a CEO discussion group. Hermann is a facilitator for a group of about a dozen CEOs from a variety of industries that meets in Dubuque, and hes in the process of forming one in the Quad Cities, where he is based. Theres not a lot of cost to do this. But there is some time, and Ive done the math on it, and its about 2 percent of their time per month, but what they get back helps them save a whole lot more time than that, Hermann said of the monthly meetings. But dont take his word for it. Mike Tully, CEO and president of Cedar Falls-based Aerial Services Inc., can attest to the value of the CEO roundtable group. It does take a chunk out of your day, but its worth it. For me, its time well spent, Tully said. My only complaint is that Im not able to go all the time because of travel or other commitments or whatever, and that kind of hurts, and I feel like Im cheating myself when I cant make it. Tully said the monthly, four-hour meetings are beneficial for several reasons, but most particularly to know other CEOs share similar concerns, issues and struggles, regardless of their industry. Its reaffirming to have that kind of group around you that they can give you ideas, things theyve tried and worked to address a particular issue that I hadnt thought of yet, so thats really valuable, Tully said. Along with that, Tully said its been helpful to have guest speakers and facilitators help work on solutions to a particular struggle the businesses are facing. The concerns can be anything from technological changes a big issue for Aerial Services with drones, and the cost of digital camera equipment to personnel issues to better marketing tools. Though Tully is currently only utilizing Advance Iowa for its CEO discussion group, his business is the sort of ideal image of the companies the program serves. With 45 employees, its been in Cedar Falls for 50 years. Its on its third generation of employees though not family owned and Tully bought the company with three other partners in about 1999 to help keep the company local. He didnt come in with experience running a business; he was simply an Aerial Services employee. He freely admits its an ongoing learning process. And once again, thanks to Advance Iowa, he knows he is not alone in that. The biggest issue that I think these folks struggle with is the fact that no one is born a CEO, Hermann said. You have to learn about all the things that are needed in order to run your company, and that is an ongoing process for the entire time you own that business, from day one to the day you leave or it closes. AUBURN Since its establishment in the 1850s, Lyons National Bank has grown beyond its birthplace in Wayne County. With more than a dozen offices spread throughout seven counties, LNB has focused on expanding its reach in the Finger Lakes region, and now the community bank is making its next move this time, to Cayuga County. The bank is making plans to open two locations in the county one in downtown Auburn and another in the town of Sennett something LNB President Thomas Kime said has been a long time coming. "We typically look at markets around the greater Finger Lakes area and Auburn had been on our radar screen for quite a few years," he said. "Auburn has made a lot of progress. They have a lot of community initiative ... and they've done a lot to improve their downtown." That's why Kime said LNB initially reached out to business leaders and municipalities downtown, and plans are progressing to lease space in that area. However, after taking a closer look at the county's dynamics and demographics, the bank decided to pursue a second location in Sennett. Kime said LNB has proposed purchasing the building at 311 Grant Avenue Road, located at the intersection with Mutton Hill Road. That building, which currently houses a La-Z-Boy furniture store, would be demolished to make room for a new two-story branch that would open this fall. "We would open both locations," Kime said, noting that the leased office in downtown Auburn would open in late March or early April. "We'd like to be part of the downtown business community, but we also want ease of access, which the Sennett location would allow." Plans filed with the Cayuga County Planning Department show that the new branch would have 10,000 square feet of office space (each floor would take up 5,000 square feet), along with drive-through lanes, new parking lots and landscaping improvements. The Grant Avenue building is currently leased by Michael DeNisco, who owns four La-Z-Boy stores throughout the state. And although no sale of the property has been final, DeNisco said he plans to temporarily move operations to his store in North Syracuse while looking for a new La-Z-Boy location in or around Auburn. "I'm disappointed that we can't stay in that location, but I understand why," he said. "I think Lyons National Bank would make a nice addition in Auburn. ... And I'm going to be actively looking to see where we can relocate the Auburn store." Meanwhile, Kime said the bank has not met with any opposition in the county, and plans to receive the final approval for both bank branches in the next few weeks. "We've been extremely impressed with the local community organizations we have met with and the regulatory bodies we deal with have been very supportive," he said. "So we feel very positive about the assistance and input we've received from the community." In addition, should both LNB branches be approved, Kime said the bank would create 12 to 14 jobs in the county while employing local electricians, plumbers and architects in constructing the new building in Sennett. "We feel strongly about hiring local people in that market and being actively involved in local nonprofits and community organizations," he said. "We do a lot of revitalization work in our markets and we like to work with businesses and communities to help them grow." WATERLOO What weighs as much as four top-line pickup trucks and has a gas tank the size of a compact car? If you live in Waterloo, or more particularly work for John Deere in Waterloo, you know the answer to that question. Its one just one of those big-boy John Deere tractors that roll out of the assembly plant on East Donald Street. Thats more or less common knowledge. What may not be is the big-boy investment Deere has made in new-product research and development and physical facilities improvements over the past three years. I would say from 2013 to 2016, at least a quarter of a billion dollars worth of modernizations and changes, said Dave DeVault, general manager of Deeres Waterloo operations. Thats on top of the $1 billion invested in the 10 years before that. Much of the physical improvements over the past year has involved reconfiguring operations at the East Donald Street plant for the production of the new models, DeVault said. Over the last two years we were introducing the 9 RX, a new four-track version of the companys 9000 series tractor. The 9000 is the most varied model we offer today, with four-wheel, two-track and four-track models. We have to be able to build all three of these down the same line. What weve been doing the last two years is getting ready to introduce these varied models. Changes also were made to meet Tier 4 emissions control standards. Modernizations also were finished at the Product Engineering Center in Cedar Falls. Of course theres smaller incremental changes on a continual basis happening inside the shop, he said. We are continuously modernizing and upgrading our equipment to keep in front of the technology curves, he said. Its a different game than it was a decade ago. Were going to continue to reinvest according to what product program weve got going on. We are continuously updating and upgrading the tractor models, DeVault added. In any industry, if youre not growing and continue to enhance your products through technology, youre not going to be around long. Think about your car today. Even an inexpensive car is decked out with all kinds of electronics. Used to be a heated seat was an unthought-of thing and now its commonplace in a car. Theres a parallel to be drawn there. Our customers getting out of a $55,000 pickup truck thats got all these bells and whistles on it and they get into one of our tractors. And theres a little difference in price, so you want to make sure the experience is at least as good, if not better. The days of the steel-seat tractors are gone, he suggested. Deere support figures in to the future of the Cedar Valley TechWorks, where the company plans to locate a training center, and the continued development of downtown Waterloo and the entire metro area. Were there to help, he said. If you think about 15 years ago what downtown looked like and what it looks like today, people wouldnt have believed that could be possible. That development includes the cooperation between Waterloo and Cedar Falls. Its really nice to see, he said. When I left 10-12 years ago (on another Deere assignment) and came back, to see the lines blurred between what Cedar Falls and Waterloo have become, that, to me, is a testimonial of the community recognizing that growing together and thriving together is the way to have a prosperous community. Its amazing the transformation thats happened, DeVault said, particularly the TechWorks campus, located on a former portion of Deeres downtown facilities where he previously worked. The adjacent Grand Crossing housing development is awesome the way thats transformed, he said. Downtown on Fourth Street, Hawkeye (Community College) coming out and building right there, the SportsPlex , that whole area in five years will look totally different than it is. Than it ever has been, along with other downtown improvements such as SingleSpeed Brewing Co. setting up in the old Wonder Bread building. He expected some Deere employees will take advantage of the housing downtown, particularly if they work in that area. Id be suprised. Pretty short commute if theyre working downtown, he quipped, if they want to walk, ride a bike or skip their way to work. Deere continues to partner with HCC, the University of Northern Iowa and Wartburg College in Waverly for employees and 40 to 50 different colleges from around the country for summer interns. As we continue to reinvest in our community through the employees, they come from many, many places. And we have been very fortunate to continue to benefit from some very talented individuals, including locally. That includes an attention to diversity and inclusion in Deeres 5,000-plus employee Waterloo workforce, as well as companywide. We have the data on the demographics of our employees, he said, but its more than a numbers game; a variety of contributions to the end product are the key in a global marketplace. We recognize that the more diverse of a thinking process you can have, or the more diverse of thoughts and experiences you can have as youre working to bring the greatest tractors in the world to the marketplace, the better everything is. When you think through the dynamics of the world you serve, thats where that diversity of thought really helps out. The metro area has continued to meet the challenge then-Deere Waterloo operations general manager Mike Triplett issued to the metro area some 15 years ago to make substantial improvements to justify Deeres redevelopment of its facilities and reinvestment in the community, beginning with the renaissance of downtown Cedar Falls that spread to downtown Waterloo and the rest of the community. Deere and its employees continue to give back to the community, ranging from charitable contributions to volunteer work. This last year we had almost a 50 percent in our increase in volunteer hours, over 21,000 hours, he said, not all of which is counted. It includes sitting on community committees and involvment with service agencies, including, for example, packaging meals for the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. Thats become a blast for everybody, he said, and a friendly competition among work shifts and facilities. More than 127,000 meals were packaged in one day. Deere personnel also help with local robotics teams and competitions through the schools, as well Junior Achievement and Partners in Education programs. Some of the areas John Deere Waterloo Operations employees participate include: Support for Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) education and career path outreach. Support for the Leader in Me. Engineers Week classroom visits in February. Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, also in February. STEM Day at the Deere Engine Works in March. Support for Project Lead the Way programs in both Waterloo and Cedar Falls schools. The Cedar Valley STEM Festival in November. Student elementary mentoring, including Women in STEM. Partnering with UNI on several initiatives. Cedar Valley United Way contributions. In 2018, Deere will mark the 100th anniversary of its coming to Waterloo with the purchase of the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Co., maker of the Waterloo Boy tractor. Its not early to plan that celebration, DeVault said. We plan on celebrating with the community, and hope to cultivate community participation in that celebration. The company plans an internal celebration with employees and families within the various plants starting in March 2018 with a communitywide celebration anticipated in June 2018. Deere plans to draw from some of its activities during the 90th anniversary celebration in 2008, but one asset available now that was not present then is the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum adjacent to the TechWorks site where DeVault notes, the original check Deere issued to purchase the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Co. is displayed. We are extremely proud to be part of the Cedar Valley, DeVault said. That heritage and history of what we collectively have gone through over that 100 years is pretty humbling. And we all have learned a lot in that century. It means the world to us to be part of this community. Were very, very thankful that were here. WATERLOO More people took to the skies through the Waterloo Regional Airport last year, and flights at the airport saw an increase in reliability. Local and area air passengers are becoming more aware that flying out of Waterloo saves money as they do not have to pay for an added fuel expense and the higher cost of vehicle parking, said Airport Director Keith Kaspari when the numbers were released as part of the airports End of Year report in early February. The airport totaled 25,322 outbound passengers in 2016, which was an increase of 338 passengers over 2015. It was the highest annual passenger total since 2008 and marked the second year in a row ridership averaged more than 2,000 passengers a month. The airports air service partner is American Airlines, and the increase came, in part, from additional flights on the weekends and a drop in cancelled flights. The increases in passenger numbers from CY-2016, fewer cancellations, improved on-time reliability and competitively priced airfares shows that American Airlines is providing an excellent product for Cedar Valley passengers, Kaspari said. Only 20 flights of the 693 scheduled flights were cancelled in 2016, compared to 35 of the 675 fights in 2015, according to the airport numbers. It also represented the lowest percentage of cancelled flights since 2012. Airport officials have set a goal of 2,500 passengers a month for 2017. They also are planning to launch some improvement projects in the coming year. This includes Federal Aviation Administration funds slated for removing a portion of a taxiway on Runway 18-36, repairing a heaved section of a joint that connects the end of an original Runway 12-30 with its extension and undertaking some airfield painting. Iowa Department of Transportation funds are planned for adding energy efficient windows to the airports Fixed Base Operators building and updating heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment. A hangar will be getting roof work and gutter repair and LED lighting inside. I feel if we can get all that done, it will make for a busy summer construction season and allow us to continue to focus on building ridership, Kaspari said. CEDAR FALLS Two Cedar Valley cities broke in rookie mayors last year. But while Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart and Cedar Falls Mayor Jim Brown were busy learning the ropes and leading their communities, they also found time to forge a friendship. Hart said the bond has opened lines of communication whether it involves public policy matters, shared community interests or even personal advice on how the two fathers of school-age children can balance personal and work commitments. Were both family men, persons of faith and have other similar interests, Hart said. Both mayors are younger than 50, replaced multi-term incumbents when they took office in January 2016 and brought government experience Hart having served eight years on the City Council and Brown serving six years on the school board. Harts wife, Cassandra, and Browns wife, Corrine, are both school teachers. The similarities between us are pretty amazing, Brown said. The culmination of that relationship has been a very nice surprise. We get together whether its an event like the one where Quentins wife spoke (at the Martin Luther King Jr. Banquet) or its a Chamber and Alliance meeting, Brown said. I love the banter back and forth between us and bragging about our spouses both being Gold Star teachers. Both mayors believe their cities need a closer relationship to capitalize on shared interests. We are in a position where we have to work together to be able to be competitive for businesses and people that want to move into our area, Hart said. We are competing against the entire state, and we can no longer be isolated from one another. From the outskirts of Waterloo to the outskirts of Cedar Falls there are millions of dollars of new investment; there are many people that live in Waterloo and work in Cedar Falls or live in Cedar Falls and work in Waterloo, he added. Our success is tied together. Brown said that cooperation includes presenting a united front on shared legislative priorities, like protecting tax-increment financing as a development tool, assuring property tax backfill and growing issues related to water quality. The cities also may look to share waste water treatment facilities as federal clean water regulations stiffen. Its one of those big things on the horizon, so it cant be ignored, Brown said. In my humble opinion its not going to be just Waterloo and Cedar Falls; it will involve a lot of communities. Hart said he reached out to Cedar Falls when negotiating with the Iowa Department of Transportation on what the city would receive to take over University Avenue. Cedar Falls was already reconstructing its portion of University. We needed to have some information to give to the state, so I called over and talked to Mayor Brown and Ron (Gaines), he said. They sent us over some spreadsheets about costs that were very helpful. Brown said Waterloo may be able to return the favor in the future. The reverse would be true if the (Cedar Falls) council ever makes a move on the white-water project, Brown said. Waterloo is going to be ahead of us there. Where are some advantages? What are the pitfalls? Both cities also are participating in a shared services task force with representatives of local school districts, the county, Univeristy of Northern Iowa and Hawkeye Community College. Were bringing those folks together and see if theres some commonalities in what we do, Hart said. Maybe something does make sense, maybe it doesnt. But were having those discussions. Both mayors also share an exuding optimism about the direction of their communities. Were seeing development everywhere around the city, said Hart, when asked about the greatest success of his first year. Looking ahead this year, Hart said the city will need to tackle University Avenue planning, finish the U.S. Highway 63 reconstruction, continue revitalizing downtown, sow new energy into struggling neighborhoods and continue with community policing initiatives to build a relationship between officers and those they serve. Harts greatest frustration is not having enough money to do everything the city needs. Theres not a shortage of great ideas, he said. But resources to fund those great ideas is not always there. Brown said his highlights last year included the job his staff did responding to the September Cedar River flooding and the successful recruitment of a $6 million Furniture Mart USA warehouse and related $1.6 million Ashley Furniture Homestore. It was fun being a part of that (development) right out of the gate, Brown said. Looking ahead this year, Brown said the challenges will be completing the reconstruction of University Avenue and tackling other street, sewer and other infrastructure projects to keep the city growing. Those that were here before me did a heck of a job preparing for the capital needed for the infrastructure, Brown said. Whats probably missing is the implementation of that. WAVERLY The city of Waverly officially has plugged in to become a gigabit city. With high-speed internet, enhanced digital cable and digital telephone services, Waverly residents and businesses are able to take advantage of speeds up to 1,000 megabits per second, thanks to a recent $13 million project by Waverly Utilities. The average connections speed in the U.S. is 15Mb, which makes our services 65 times faster than the national average, according to Mike Litterer, COO/director of operations. The fiber infrastructure has the capacity for even more bandwidth if a business requires services greater than 1,000Mbps/1Gbps. Crews finished installing more than 100 miles of fiber-optic cables last summer, and the telecommunications services were made available July 1 to the more than 10,000 homes and businesses in and around Waverly. The biggest underlying factor for building a communications utility was economic development. ... If you dont have good internet access, you cant run a business. Litterer said. Fiber services differentiates us from other communities when marketing Waverly, Iowa. Fiber and high-speed internet services may tip the scales in our favor when a business wants to relocate or expand in Waverly. The goal was to have 600 customers in the first six months. They now have more than 1,200 residential and commercial accounts on board. We almost doubled it. We really did really well, Litterer said. Users will be able to surf, download and upload data faster than the national average with prices lower than the standards of competitors, according to Jeff Magsamen, director of telecom services. Were the only one in the state that provides symmetrical ... which means our upload and download speeds match, Magsamen said. The additional services prompted the utility to add nine new employees in the last year, for a total of 35 employees. Were investing back in to our community. We care about Waverly as a whole, said Jennifer Bloker, director of marketing and public information. Established in 1904, the community-owned municipality provides electricity to more than 4,600 customers in and around Waverly. Based out of 1002 Adams Parkway since 1967, Waverly Utilities changed its name two years ago from Waverly Light and Power to reflect its diversified portfolio of services. In 1993, Waverly Utilities became the first public system in the Midwest to own and operate wind generation. Since then, WU has been positioning itself to accommodate future growth in technology and power. Last year, the utility began construction on a new substation which cost around $2 million located near Wartburg. Power isnt necessarily created in the community youre in, Litterer said. Electricity is shipped to Waverly via transmission lines at 69,000 volts. The electricity hits a substation, which drops it to a lower level down to around 12,500 volts, which is then sent out to places in the community, and then a smaller transformer will take the voltage down to what a typical house can use, which is only about 120 volts. Making sure those (substations) are up and running to the best of their abilities is really important, Litterer said. A third transmission line into the city is scheduled to be finished in June, which is when the final connection will be made to the transmission system. That was a really big step for us to get a third transmission line connected to our electrical system. We rely on two transmission lines right now to bring in all of our power every day. That third one really allows us to be more reliable and provides flexibility if we need to take lines down for maintenance a few times a year, Litterer said. Waverly Utilities is the recipient of several awards, including the highest rating of diamond status for the Reliable Public Power Award for the years 2015-18, the Governors Iowa Environmental Excellence Award in 2000 and 2001, and the Iowa Energy Leadership Award in 1997. There are very few utilities that get that status, Magsamen said. Its a big thing to be recognized among the top tier of those in the U.S. Electric rates are not affected by the addition of communication services as mandated by Iowa Code 388.10, a state law preventing municipalities from using general fund moneys for the ongoing support or subsidy of a telecommunications system, according to Litterer. A partnership was developed with Cedar Falls Utilities to share in the ownership of a new Internet Protocol TV head-end system which includes satellites, receivers and switches to distribute a TV signal to serve both CFUs and Waverly Utilities customers. We have a good partnership with them, Magsamen said. Theyre always there to answer questions, theyve helped us out a lot. Drawing on CFUs decades of experience has benefited us greatly. William Werger, Waverlys economic development director, noted Waverly Utilities have been a leader in telecommunications. Their reliability is amazing. They keep the infrastructure in good shape, very responsive for their record of down time. Theyre really terrific, he said. WAVERLY Waverly employees are helping Colorfx maintain its position as the largest commercial printer in Iowa. A property of the Des Moines-based Mittera Group, Colorfx has three facilities two in Des Moines and the other in Waverly. About 40 employees are located in Waverly. Theyre doing well, said William Werger, Waverlys economic development director. I think theyre a very successful operation and a great part of our community. Colorfx formerly was Waverly Publishing, which has operated for more than 100 years. The Mittera Group purchased the company in 2007. The company then purchased longtime Waterloo-based commercial printer Pioneer Graphics Inc. in 2015, which was combined with Colorfxs facility in Waverly. Harry Matternas, general manager of Waverly and Urbandale operations, said 14 employees from Pioneer decided to join the Colorfx team in Waverly, and all were given employment opportunities. Its not our largest facility but a very integral part of our operation, Matternas said. Under the Mittera Group J.B. Kenehan, Mittera Creative Services, Rock Communications and Colorfx all companies work to provide multi-platform marketing services and materials to clients throughout the U.S., including direct-mail, data and analytics, digital marketing, graphic design, photography and videography. We are the sum of all of our parts, Matternas said. Each shop has a unique capability, unique flavor. Waverlys facility includes digital capabilities, sheet-fed presses as well as bindery, folding, cutting and stitching machines. A four-color 55-inch printing press allows the company to produce large sheet sizes with heavier stock. According to Matternas, Colorfx is a one-stop shop for retail advertising and marketing services. If you bring us a project, we can help you develop your target audience, design the piece, print it, mail it, augment that with web design, social media, anything and everything our customers need from a communications stand point, he said. Recently Colorfx has acquired a Xeikon 9800 commercial printing press, 360-degree photography capabilities and a Konica Minolta digital press. Waverly contributes to product sales for local, regional and national customers, including Hy-Vee, Kum & Go, Scheels, NHLs Chicago Black Hawks and the University of Northern Iowa. For us the Midwest and Iowa is just a great business climate. The location is very centrally located and allows us to support and deliver to a broad range, Matternas said. Herman L. Beenken (1931-2017) MORRISON Herman Lutjen Beenken, 86, of Morrison, died Tuesday, Feb. 21, at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital. He was born Feb. 8, 1931, in Grundy County, to Lutjen and Mary Uhlenhopp Beenken. On Nov. 1, 1953, he married Darlene Wiegmann; she preceded him in death. After graduating from school, Herman served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1953 during the Korean War. Herman worked at Rath Packing in Waterloo for a number of years. He also was a farm hand for several local farms. He then began his career as a maintenance worker at John Deere for 24 years, retiring Feb. 28, 1991. Survived by: two sons, Danny of Greene and Rod (Carla) of Reinbeck; a daughter, Sandy (Mark) Wilson of Traer; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three brothers, Robert, Lutjen and Dick; and three sisters, Cathy Barnes, Mary Ralston and Jo Coffman. Preceded in death by: his parents; a son, Dennis; and his brothers. Services: 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27, at the First Presbyterian Church, Reinbeck, with burial in Washington Township Cemetery, Morrison, with military honors conducted by the Reinbeck American Legion Post 242 and Lincoln AMVETS Post 10. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at French-Hand Funeral Home in Reinbeck. Memorials: may be directed to the family. Condolences may be left at www.abelsfuneralhomes.com. Church to host community meal WATERLOO Apostolic Pentecostal Church will host a free community meal from 5 to 6 p.m. today. The church is at 1645 Downing Ave. Church to host local historian WATERLOO Local historian Larry Lavenz will speak at Breakfast and Beyond on Saturday at Harvest Vineyard Church, 715 E. Fourth St. There is a free community pancake breakfast from 9:30 to 11 a.m. (donations accepted), followed by Lavenzs interactive talk on Black Hawk County Rural Churches, Creameries and Post Offices. Fitness classes set in Waterloo WATERLOO TaiChi QiGong for Health will be held at 9:15 a.m. Saturdays at United Medical Park, Physical Therapy, 1731 W. Ridgeway. Cost is $4. The entry door is left of Urgent Care. Zumba fitness will be held Sundays in the same location. Cost is a donation. Both classes will last an hour. Fish fry slated at Denver post DENVER The Denver American Legion Post 653 will serve an all-you-care-to-eat fish fry on Friday. Hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. All are welcome. Moose Lodge to host dinner WASHBURN The Moose Lodge will serve dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday. The menu will include a steak supper or broasted Iowa chop with potato, salad and a roll. There also will be a beanbag tournament Saturday, with registration and practice from 5 to 6 p.m. and competition at 6:15 p.m. New Hampton blood drive set NEW HAMPTON A New Hampton community blood drive is set for noon to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at New Hampton Community Center, 112 E. Spring St. Schedule an appointment at lifeservebloodcenter.org or call (800) 287-4903. Womans Club to hold event CEDAR FALLS Saturday Afternoon Delights, an event for Cedar Falls Womans Club members, guests and friends, is set for 2 to 4 p.m. March 4. Attendees will enjoy social time and treats and beverages in the grand dining room. Information about the Federated Cedar Falls Womans Club also will be shared. The club is located at 304 Clay St. Call manager Angie Andrews at 266-1431 or membership chair Audrey Lowin at 266-9227 for more information. Local artist discusses work CEDAR FALLS Local artist Chaveevah Banks Ferguson will lead a discussion of her work and life at 4 p.m. March 1 on the main floor of Rod Library on the University of Northern Iowa campus. Ferguson is the owner and founder of BaHar Publishing in Waterloo. The company has published numerous books, including works of fiction, nonfiction, childrens literature and poetry. Her paintings are on display in the library until March 5. Wartburg to host education series WAVERLY Vicki Edelnant will offer an Introduction to Contemporary U.S. Jewish Culture during Wartburg Colleges Keep on Learning community education series, beginning March 2. The course will include discussions about day-to-day living, stereotypes, holidays, life events, traditions and historical highlights. Classes continue March 9, 16 and 23 in the Heritage Room of Saemann Student Center. Coffee will be served at 9 a.m., followed by the class from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The first class of each session is free; a $35 fee due at the second class covers the rest of the sessions. The series will conclude in April with Service Dogs. SUMNER -- Some new details are being released regarding a man's death in Fayette County Wednesday morning. The deceased has been identified as Josh Brayton, 29, owner of the home where he was found unresponsive shortly before 8 a.m. The Fayette County Sheriffs Office responded to a 911 call to 17486 T Ave. in Sumner, on a report of an unresponsive male lying at the end of the driveway of the residence. Officials on Wednesday were listing the address as rural Hawkeye, but have changed it to Sumner. Brayton was dead at the scene, officials said. The Iowa Department of Public Safetys (DPS) Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) was requested to assist with the investigation. An autopy was conducted Thursday by the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner in Ankeny, which determined that Brayton died of a gunshot wound. No other information was being released. The investigation into Bratons death is on-going. The Fayette County Sheriffs Office is asking for anyone with information regarding this incident or who may have passed the area of 17486 T Avenue on the early morning hours of February 22nd, 2017 to contact the Fayette County Sheriffs Office at (563) 422-6067. A roundup of legislative and Capitol news items of interest for Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017: DES MOINES -- Members of Bold Action Iowa entered the governors office about 1 p.m. Wednesday and promised to stay until meeting the governor or they were arrested. Branstad was traveling to Washington to attend the National Governors Association winter meeting. Bold Action was protesting construction of the Dakota Access pipeline, which has been largely completed across Iowa. Four people were charged with criminal trespass after they refused to leave when the office closed at 5 p.m. REGISTER YOUNG: Iowans could register to vote at age 17, six months younger than current law allows, under a law moved forward by a House State Government subcommittee. The bill also would allow a voter not yet 18 to vote in a primary election if the voter will be 18 by the time of the general election. IMPAIRED DRIVING: A bill to make it a Class C felony if a driver strikes and kills someone while using a cellphone advanced in the Iowa House on Wednesday, but lawmakers are still considering changes to the bill. By a 17-3 vote, the House Judiciary Committee moved the bill to the House floor. However, floor manager Rep. Zach Nunn, R-Bondurant, said he received at least 18 proposed amendments. In addition to increasing the penalty for using a handheld communication device while driving, the bill creates a 24/7 monitoring program for people convicted of OWI that would require them to be tested twice a day for alcohol use and requires some people convicted of drunk driving to blow into an ignition interlock device before starting their vehicle. Similar measures in South Dakota have dramatically reduced repeat offenses, Nunn said. FARM NUISANCE SUITS: A House Agriculture subcommittee advanced a bill despite suggestions the legislation is unconstitutional. The bill creates an affirmative defense for livestock producers to raise if someone sues them claiming the operation is a nuisance that interferes with the plaintiffs comfortable use and enjoyment of life or property. William Wimmer of the Association for Justice and others raised the constitutional issue. He also opposed the non-reciprocal loser pays provisions of the bill. If plaintiffs prevail, he said, they should be able to recover attorneys fees just as producers could if they prevail. Eldon McAfee, an attorney representing the Iowa Pork Producers and Cattlemens Association, said the bill tries encourages responsible livestock production by requiring producers use reasonable practices in order to use the affirmative defense. Jeff Boeyink of Coalition to Protect the Rural Economy pointed out livestock production is a $38 billion-a-year business in Iowa, with $10 billion of labor income from 160,000 jobs. It has benefited from a stable regulatory environment, but nuisance lawsuits are making it hard for producers to afford insurance coverage. What were trying to do here is thread the needle on constitutionality by limited protections to those who are good actors, he said. Rep. Dennis Cohoon D-Burlington, did not sign off on the bill because of concerns raised by constituents. LIGHTS OUT: More than two dozen bike riders told a House Transportation subcommittee they support a bicycle safety bill, but not a provision that would require daytime lights. Were solid behind the rest of the bill, said Roger White of Cedar Valley Cyclists after the hearing. We encourage you to amend that out. Its a really, really good bill without that provisions. Using a front light during the day would drain batteries, leaving bicyclists literally in the dark when the sun sets, several speakers said. Also, they said theres no evidence a front, white light during daylight hours enhances safety. The riders like provisions in the law requiring motorists to change lanes to pass bicyclists. That doesnt apply if the bike is operating on the shoulder or in a designated bike lane. The bill's future is uncertain. FETAL TISSUE CHANGE: The Senate Human Resources Committee approved a bill Wednesday making it a crime to acquire, provide, receive or otherwise traffic in fetal body parts outside limited research purposes. Violations would constitute a class C felony punishable by a prison term of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000. Before passing the bill with one opposing vote, senators approved an amendment that grandfathered in all existing cell lines held by research universities prior to Jan. 1 and made other limited provisions for tissue donations and research activities. Sen. Jake Chapman, R-Adel, called the bill a good balance of recognizing the research aspects while making sure no one in Iowa will be profiteering from the sale of aborted babies. Sen. Joe Bolkcom, D-Iowa City, the lone no vote, said the legislation was unnecessary because federal law already prohibits the sale of fetal tissue. The bill now moves to the Senate debate calendar for future action. RIGHT TO TRY TREATMENT: Senators are taking another shot a passing right-to-try legislation that would make it easier for terminally ill patients to get access to experimental drugs. The bill would permit manufacturers of investigative drugs, biological produces or devices to make them available to eligible patients with terminal illnesses for use as a treatment as long as they provided written informed consent. A patients physician must acknowledge the patients illness is terminal and recommend the patient try the treatment. The bill previously passed the Senate but stalled in the House. E-VERIFY MANDATE: Thousands of Iowa businesses with more than 25 employees would be required to submit employment documents to the federal government for verification under a bill that cleared a Senate Judiciary subcommittee Wednesday. Sen. Julian Garrett, R-Indianola, said the bill is needed to aid employers following the law while competitors unfairly are employing undocumented aliens. Critics said it appears to be an anti-immigrant measure and questioned what problem it sought to fix. John Stineman of the Iowa Chamber Alliance said businesses would prefer to have the issue resolved at the federal level. Two employers who use e-verify testified the voluntary federal system is easy to use and effective. Garrett said the legislation was intended to get more of Iowas nearly 81,000 employers to use the system beyond the 2,649 that currently do. The measure was not extended to businesses with fewer than 25 workers. GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTEES: The Senate Education Committee approved without dissent three of Gov. Terry Branstads appointees for individual confirmation votes by the full Senate before the April 15 deadline. Moving to the Senate calendar for confirmation votes were Michael Richards to the state Board of Regents, Ann Lebo as executive director for the state Board of Educational Examiners and Katherine Schmidt as a member of that same examining board. Gubernatorial nominees must require at least 34 affirmative votes to meet two-thirds threshold for confirmation. FIREWORKS FEES APPROVED: A three-member Senate Ways and Means subcommittee gave its stamp of approval Wednesday to a system of fees associated with proposed legalized consumer fireworks sales in Iowa. The bill would allow licensed retailers in permanent structures or community groups to sell fireworks in between June 1 and July 8 and between Dec. 10 and Jan. 3. A similar provision would apply to conforming temporary structures, such as tents, from June 13 through July 8 each year. The measure includes a fee structure, allows counties or cities to opt out of the law and bars sales to anyone under the age of 18. Annual fees would range from $400 up to $1,000 to cover the roughly $150,000 cost for two full-time workers in the State Fire Marshals Office to conduct inspections and oversight. Sen. Janet Petersen, D-Des Moines, opposed the fee structure, saying it appears the state would be spending money to sell fireworks in Iowa. The measure now returns to the Senate debate calendar for further consideration. QUOTE OF THE DAY: It seems to me like more useless bureaucratic paperwork. Sen. Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames, in discussing a Senate GOP priority that passed 50-0 Wednesday to require every administrative rule proposed by a state agency or department be accompanied by a jobs impact statement. DES MOINES Rep. Matt Windschitl wants to protect Iowans at all costs by enacting sweeping changes to the states gun laws. However, the majority of speakers at a hearing Thursday said it likely would endanger Iowans, especially Iowans of color. Windschitl chaired a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on House Study Bill 133, which includes stand-your-ground provisions, removes renewal requirements for permits to carry firearms and allows minors of any age to handle a handgun in the presence of a parent or guardian. The three-member panel signed off the bill Thursday. The legislation now heads to the full committee. Laural Clinton of Des Moines was one of several African-Americans to speak against the bill out of fear theyll become target practice if the stand-your-ground provisions become law. She is the mother of three sons one whom she described as that black kid in a hoody that everybody fears. Clinton, who has a permit to carry, said the bill scares her. Renaldo Johnson of Clive, another gun owner, found aspects of the law concerning to me as a black person. His concern is allowing the use of deadly force if a person perceives their life is threatened. Describing himself as a large, black male, Johnson said hes afraid if someone feels threatened by his presence, Im on the ground with a bullet in my chest. Several speakers pointed out in states with stand-your-ground laws the number of people killed has increased. I have no problem with Second Amendment, Johnson said, adding if HSB 133 is approved black people should be highly educated in regard to this and armed. Lawmakers heard from supporters of the legislation, too. Barry Snell of the Iowa Firearms Coalition called it a dramatic and historical step forward toward abolishing the Second Amendment as second-class right in the state of Iowa. Sport shooters Natalie and Meredith Gibson encouraged adoption of the provision that allows children younger than 14 to handle guns under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian. Were not trying to form a toddler militia, Meredith said in reference to the name opponents have used to describe that section of the bill. The subcommittee also heard from representatives of colleges, hospitals and cities that oppose the preemption of their rules against weapons. Law enforcement and prosecutors raised several concerns, but kept coming back to the stand-your-ground language. David Walker, a retired Drake law school dean, said Iowas so-called castle doctrine already allows Iowans to use deadly force if they reasonably believe their life is endangered. Adopting HSB 133 would not enhance public safety, he said. It would, however, add a psychological element. It will be seen as an encouragement and make people more trigger-happy. Subcommittee member Rep. Mary Wolfe, D-Clinton, a criminal defense attorney, said Iowas castle doctrine is for all intents and purposes a stand-your-ground law that does not require Iowans to retreat unless they can do so without endangering themselves or others. You can stand your ground in Iowa, she said. Local governments need no longer worry about their state aid with Governor Andrew Cuomo's proposed consolidation plans, according to a release. The plans are meant to create cooperation and consolidation efforts among municipalities to cut down on the property tax burden. The plans would be drafted and approved by county Legislatures and then voted up or down by citizens on the November 2017 ballot. The governor announced on Thursday that Aid and Incentives for Municipalities funding will not be impacted based on the shared services plans, something that local officials feared would be at risk based on the original proposal. Besides that change, the state has added a new financial incentive, offering to match savings created by local governments in the first year of the plan. The new edits to the proposal have made some local leaders more open to the idea, including Cayuga County Legislature Chairman Keith Batman. According to the governor's release, Batman was listed as an endorser of the proposal alongside Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney. While Batman said "endorsement is a strong word," he is pleased with new changes. "There was a real serious stick associated with this, because that decimates all towns and villages," Batman said about the then potential to remove state aid. "There's no longer a stick. There is now a carrot. The proposal is, if you come up with savings, the state will match those savings. That makes a huge difference from my perspective." Batman had been open to the consolidation idea before, but skeptical that rural towns and villages could consolidate more than they are already. He said while he's still not sure any savings will be found, he said the worst thing that could happen is nothing. He's also pleased that the governor listened to feedback from many stakeholders, and is editing the original proposal. For example, members of the New York State Conference of Mayors had rejected the plan, and the New York State Association of Counties had said the plan failed to recognize how state mandates impact local governments' budgets. "The governor got some serious criticism and feedback on this, and he and his staff looked at it and said, 'OK, OK, OK, we'll modify it,'" he said. "Good for him." While he hasn't drafted a timeline for consolidation discussions, Batman said he would get local leaders together and see how to move forward. The governor's plan has county executives, which for Cayuga County would be Batman, convene meetings to come up with a shared services plan. Cities, towns and villages would also provide plans to the counties. Taking those, the county executive submits the overall shared services plan to the full Legislature for comments. The plan then moves to the general election ballot in November as a referendum. If the plan is rejected, the chairman would create a new plan for submission the following year. CEDAR FALLS The animals left Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday morning, heading out for Cedar Falls. Jack Hanna is following for Fridays 7 p.m. show, Jack Hannas Into the Wild Live at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. Hanna, the worlds most beloved animal ambassador and director emeritis of the Columbus Zoo, will share video clips from his Emmy Award-winning shows and humorous stories, and introduce the audience to a menagerie of interesting animals who are ambassadors themselves for their cousins in the wild. There will be a cheetah, the worlds fastest land animal, a penguin, a sloth, the binturong or bearcat, an echidnas, sometimes called a spiny anteater, and a seriema, a member of an ancient bird family, among others. The animals love going any stress involved in traveling, its ours. We take care of everything the penguin gets a bathtub, he said, laughing. But were very strict on how we take care of the animals. Video clips will feature the mountain gorillas of Rwanda, an elephant orphanage in Africa, and of course, a blooper reel. Audiences seem to love that animals eat my hair, an ostrich kicks me in my privates, Im trying to milk a goat and the goat poops in the milk that sort of thing just happens. Its a wild evening, and Hanna is an energetic and entertaining host, but he has a serious mission. Touch the heart and teach the mind that says it all right there. I dont get up there and do speeches about wild animals going extinct, and Im not about negativity. I want to touch your heart and teach your mind something about these animals. He sums it up in a single word: Respect. Whether its caring for domestic pets or wild animals in a zoological park or their native habitat, Hanna is careful to tread with respect. In his home away from home in Rwanda, for example, the Columbus Zoo is involved in the Partners in Conservation project working with mountain gorillas. Hanna and his wife, Suzi, spend time with the locals, visit the orphanage and school the zoo helps support and hike in the Virunga Mountains to observe the mountain gorillas. When were in Rwanda, thats the gorillas home. Youre sitting a few feet from a 500-pound gorilla, and its a bucket list thing. Theres a comfort zone for the animal and for us that you dont cross. You see some of those reality shows filming elephants, rhinos or hippos and pushing them to get their picture or footage and the animal charges thats crossing the line, and we dont do that. Thats not something you want to watch, and it can lead to injury, Hanna said. Hanna is dedicated to helping mountain gorillas make a comeback. And it is happening, he said. People say there are only 900 left in the world, but just 15 years ago, there were 200. Along with respect is compassion. If you cant work with the people, help the people when you go into Rwanda or the Amazon or the North Pole, you dont have a chance to help the animals. You have to take the time to talk to the folks and get to know their needs, Hanna said. He grew up on a Tennessee farm, and at age 11, began cleaning cages and doing chores for a local vet. Thats when he fell in love with animals. After graduating from Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio, and marrying his college sweetheart, Suzi, they bought a pet shop in Knoxville, Tenn. He was offered a job as zoo director in Sanford, Fla., and later worked at the Central Florida Zoo. In 1978, he became director of the Columbus Zoo and dedicated himself to making it the world-class zoo it is today. Hanna also gets impatient at some criticism leveled at zoos and habitat parks. The reason we have parks and zoos is because most people will never have a chance to see an elephant in the wild. Im proud of the work we do. In the 1950s, 60s, even 70s, people tossed peanuts and other things to the animals. You do that at the Columbus Zoo today, and youll get arrested. Things have changed. Zoos are accredited through extensive inspections every five years, and many zoos and parks are actively involved in successfully breeding programs to repopulate threatened and endangered species. They are working together on species survival plans, and a lot more species will be introduced back into the wild in 20 or 30 years, Hanna maintains. The animal comes first, and is treated like part of a family. At the Columbus Zoo, people work here because they love it and the animals are like our family. CEDAR FALLS Larry Stumme wants the Cedar Valley to keep its eyes on the prize. The Denver attorney and pastor of St. Pauls Lutheran Church participated in the 1965 civil rights marches at Selma, Ala., that led to passage of the Voting Rights Act under President Lyndon Johnsons administration. He sees those gains being eroded by recent developments ranging from a 2013 U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down a provision of that act to a voter ID bill pending in the Legislature. For that reason Stumme is holding a 4 p.m. Sunday program at the church, Revisiting Selma Lessons Then and Now. Stumme will show portions of the award-winning PBS documentary Eyes on the Prize, which aired in the late 1980s and early 1990s, followed by discussion. The 2013 Supreme Court ruling, based on a case in Shelby, Ala., struck down a key portion of the Voting Rights Act and emasculated the civil rights movements accomplishments, Stumme said. To me, its just a nullification of what we did at Selma, Stumme said. It just unleashed the racism thats been pent up for all those years. That may be strong, but I think its true. Stumme was in Selma at age 25, with a group attending the Urban Training Center for Christian Mission in Chicago, a multi-denominational Christian social action program. Stumme was with the thousands of marchers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on March 9, 1965. It was two days after law officers attacked hundreds of protestors in what became known as Bloody Sunday. Thousands participated in the March 9 march. At the middle of the bridge, facing a wall of police and angry local whites lining the street, King knelt in prayer. The marchers followed suit, and King rose and turned the marchers around to avoid violence. King told the marchers they were there for change, not to be martyred. Stumme returned home. King subsequently led a march from Selma to Montgomery. It created momentum for Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act, which Johnson signed into law that August. Sundays program at St. Pauls Lutheran Church, 2812 Willow Lane, is open to the public. CEDAR FALLS This is the year massive River Place residential-commercial development along State Street and the Cedar River in downtown Cedar Falls really hits its stride. Thats according to Audrey Dodd, who helps handle leasing and the overall development of the $43 million, multi-buiding project conceived by her father, tech-company entrepreneur Mark Kittrell. Major developments the public will see this year include: 250 State, a residential building right along the Cedar River front and tailored to empty-nester baby boomers, who want to downsize their living space after with their families raised, as well as snowbirds. That four-story building is going up now and is anticipated to be completed this year. A new residential-commercial building at East Second and State streets, facing East Second and just east of businesses in the 100 block of the Main Street Parkade. Work on that building will start this year, after the parking lot is reconfigured to maximize parking spaces there. That building has expanded in size to include a 300-person ballroom/reception/meeting space. A plaza area will be created between the East Second and State building and the existing building at 200 State. It is anticipated to include a stage and possibly could double as skating rink in the winter. It would be a gathering space for community events. Work on the plaza area, a now environmentally cleared former scrap yard, would also begin this years. In summary, we are starting building three of four, Dodd said. The first two buildings in the project, 200 and 300 State, are built and 100 percent occupied. 300 State our original property built in 2013, has been really successful. We noticed the population that flocked to that building right away were professionals new to the area, who were really already familiar with downtown living and attracted to that kind of lifestyle. That building has been occupied since a few months after it opened. It attracted professionals about age 30 and above, on average. The units are about 1,000 square feet and rent about $1,375 a month. Its typically a young couple or a traveling professional a lot of people from Deere and the hospitals, she said, and employees in the Technology Park wing of the Cedar Falls Industrial Park. The second building, 200 State, opened in September 2015. It has studio apartments with a smaller floor plan. We really aimed that one at kids who were graduating out of UNI, she said. We geared this building to younger professionals in hopes of retaining some of that younger talent in the Cedar Valley. Those, units around 800 to 900 square feet for about $1,000 to $1,200 per month, also are 100 percent occupied. One of those residents is Florida native Kenny Stevenson of the How Factory, a firm that builds software for industrial companies, located at 200 State. Hes lived there four months. Hed been frustrated finding the right type of rental unit. While he initially had misgiving about living in the same building where he works, its really nice just jumping on the elevator going down to the second floor. He also said there are great opportunities to make friends and network with other tenants and other users of the co-working space. He enjoys the common areas and is looking forward to using the workout area at 250 State. We feel like we really hit our stride this year, Dodd said. The 44,000-square-foot 200 State building was popular with younger people who were originally from the Cedar Valley area, many of whom work in the Mill Race coworking space for entrepreneurs, young professions and others working remotely for other employers. The addition of two commercial tenants Urban Pie and Absolute Results Technologies, a digital marketing firm filled out the first-floor commercial space there. The 250 State building will be 49,000 square feet. The building at Second and State is now larger with the addition of the ballroom and other facilities. The first level will be parking. This is really a sister building to 300 State. Its purely residential, Dodd said. Were back to a bigger unit. This is a mix of one-bedrooms,two-bedrooms and even three bedrooms. Were noticing our fastest growing population in the neighborhood are baby boomers. Its people who are interested in downsizing; theyre interested in simplifying; theyre empty-nester travelers. We feel this is another sign of success, she said. With 200 State we felt we were retaining the young population coming out of UNI. Were keeping that population here. And with this building, which is geared toward the family-friendly amenities the larger unit sizes, the heated garage, the scenic, serene view of the river we really feel that is attractive to that Baby Boomer generation. We feel theyre able to be retained in this area as well. Rather than completely lose them to Arizona or Florida, theyre at least keeping one foot in the community. Were already getting that demographic down here, in other buildings. This is obviously a population thats interested in being down here. Retired UNI professor Mike Klassen and his wife, Emily, moved into 300 State after selling their Cedar Falls home of 25 years; then they moved into 200 State when that space was available. They are in Cedar Falls part of the year and travel the rest. We owned a house for 25 years and raised three kids and had five dogs, Mike Klassen said by phone from Santa Barbara, Calif., where he and his wife were traveling and living out of their van. Were kind interested in staying in our unit, he said. Its on the northeast corner and has a 270 degee view from the window, spanning a good portion of the river and downtown landscape. This is kind of what we dreamed about, as retirement approached, Klassen said. Early on, we couldnt find it in the Cedar Valley. We thought wed have to move to Chicago or Minneapolis. Then there it was. Precisely what we wanted. We couldnt be happier. With 250 State the idea is, lets build something that suits them even more, Dodd said. Its completely low maintenance. We do the yard work. We do the snow, we do the maintenance, and let them focus on being on the trails and the activity downtown. A major recreational trail is adjacent to the building, along the flood wall. The buiding at 250 State, anticipated to be completed in Septemeber, will have 42 living units, ranging from $1,200 to $2,200 a month depending on the number of bedrooms and other factors. Residents also can have a city view or a river view. First-time tenants in some of the larger units can make custom improvements cabinetry and other fixtures for a longer-term lease. 2017 is also going to be huge for us in terms of amenities in the neighborhood, Dodd said. This buildings really our amenity-paced building. Itll have a fitness center, with showers, that residents and Mill Race co-working space members can use. The lobby will have hotel-lobby style seating with a fireplace and a coffee bar. The building is oriented toward the river and a to-be-constructed events plaza to the north. One end of each floor will be devoted to common areas residents of individual units may use at different times, like a dining room or larger family gatherings and a media room with a flatscreen television for watching parties. The space between 200 and 250 State would be beautified with green space and possibly a community grilling area. A one-bedroom unit on each floor will be retained for for nightly bed-and-breakfast rentals, individuals traveling on business or for tenants who have additional overnight guests. The units will have contemporary finishes and ample closet space. We think itll go over well, she said. Some existing River Place residents already have expressed interest in the units. There also are about 20 households on a waiting list for residences. Kevin Dill, executive director of the Black Hawk County Veteran Affairs Commission, is waiting to move into 250 State from another building in the complex. We like it, Dill said. At times the noise level between units is loud with dogs barking and loud neighbors, but for the most part we like it there. The management team is awesome and its a cool place to live. ... It is an adjustment coming from a house, as you have to get used to noisy neighbors at times. The new building will have updated items, he said. Larger areas for storage, more appropriate for older folks who have sold their home and want to downsize. The new place will have two full bathrooms. While 250 State is being completed, the parking lot off East Second behind the 100 block of Main Street will be redone beginning in the spring, reconfiguring and adding spaces and making room for River Places fourth building at East Second and State. Its hoped parking lot work would be completed prior to the annual Sturgis Falls Celebration in late June. Construction on the East Second and State building, called 100 East Second, would start this summer. While were finishing 250 State, 100 East Second will be breaking ground, Dodd said. Plans for 100 East Second were recently expanded in size. We did a study with our architects, and the building height doesnt need to grow hardly at all to get an additional floor in there, she said. It was honestly prompted by Pipac closing. Pipac Center on the Lake in the Cedar Falls Technology Park recently was closed and sold for administrative offices for Area Education Agency 267. They hope to fill a void in meeting space at 100 East Second. We think its a pretty natural idea for someone to want to hold a wedding in the (planned events) plaza and want adjacent space to hold a reception or party, Dodd said. The second floor of 100 East Second would open out onto the top tier of the levee and top of the flood levee and would be coordinated with plans to raise that levy pending U.s. Army Corps of Engineers approval. A restaurant would be located on that level. Sarah Bey of River Place said the first-level commercial space would have several, smaller incubator spaces for beginning retailers, at about 650 square feet each, with the possibility for sidewalk sales, and be anchored by a restaurant adjacent to the plaza. Residential units would be on two levels with a lofted bedroom. Volunteer Fair JONATHAN CHENOWETH CEDAR FALLS Friends and neighbors, at a time of widespread frustration over legislative dysfunction and rancor, it is encouraging to realize we can look to ourselves for some answers. In fact, many of us now find ourselves more than ready to join with neighbors to make a difference, directly and visibly, right here in our remarkable communities. A new locally grown group called Cedar Valley Activate was launched in December as a way to facilitate more direct paths between citizens and the issues that concern us. The group is holding a Connect and Engage Fair from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Center for Energy and Environmental Education on the University of Northern Iowa campus, with representatives from more than 40 local organizations on hand to offer folks opportunities to get involved as volunteers and activists. This will be an opportunity to connect with other area residents and groups to advocate on behalf of shared visions for a healthy, welcoming, respectful, rational community. Join us. University Avenue CLEO CROSS CEDAR FALLS My phone has never stopped ringing since I wrote the last letter (Jan. 30) to the fact the City Council has completely destroyed University Avenue. The general public, who elected you to represent them, have really been put down by your decisions. You absolutely will not listen to anything we say or do. We have sent in petitions, come to council meetings and voiced our opinions. It doesnt matter what we say or do, you go ahead against our wishes and do as you please. You can rename our University Avenue to Suicide Avenue. The way some people drive and zip around those turns is just ridiculous. Wait till the accidents start piling up. You have made thousands of people really sad. We dont want any more runarounds in our town, and I wish there was a way to make you understand we want the rest of University Avenue to be finished as is. You are representing us, and we are telling you no more runarounds. Do you understand? Student spending BERYL RICHARDS NASHUA Per-student spending has risen with each budget. Federal regulation and requirements have increased each year. The teachers unions are one of the most active and powerful in the state. Suddenly the decline in student rankings is the fault of the Republicans? Someone has been using a nonprescription mind enhancement. If we really want great schools again, get rid of all outside requirements and let local control resume, actually give the grades that were earned even if it means repeating grades and courses. Iowa always was an educational beacon and can become one again if we ignore the requirements that make norming down the only alternative and require paying court to every gender, race and handicap prior to actually trying to teach. Of course that means some schools and students will fail, but most will excel and become again what was always expected in Iowa. Q: Years ago there was a course in high school called shorthand. Is that still taught? If not, what replaced it? A: Shorthand used to be a common subject for people in secretarial and business classes, but its rarely taught in U.S. schools anymore, largely replaced by voice recorders and email. Its not dead, though: There are plenty of online resources to help people learn one of the shorthand systems, and some jobs still ask for it journalism graduates in the UK are required to pass a shorthand test, for instance. Q: What is the difference between constitutional rights and civil rights? A: Constitutional rights are expressly granted by the U.S. Constitution, things like freedom of speech, religion and assembly. They are most closely identified with the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. Civil rights are the rights to political and social freedom and equality. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin. Other laws have protected other groups, banning discrimination based on age, disability and sexual orientation. Q: The reconstruction of University Avenue stated they couldnt put a traffic signal at the west end of the new construction because it doesnt conform to the principles of the roundabouts, but yet they are putting a signal at Rownd and University. Why is that? A: Cedar Falls Community Development Director Stephanie Houk Sheetz replies: A roundabout was considered at this location. It was covered in several public presentations about the project. The answer is long and complex. Please refer to the project website for information http://www.cedarfalls-universityaveproject.com/ or call the City Engineer for specific information at 273-8600. Q: How hard is it to play the bagpipes? Does anyone in the area teach it? A: That depends on if youve played any instruments before if you have, youll likely already have a familiarity reading and following along with music. And if youve played a wind instrument, all the better, as the instrument utilizes a reed. As to your second question, we could not find any information on bagpipe teachers in the area. IowaBagpipe.com, however, sells several instructional guides for beginners. Q: Ive been told some of our most famous country western singing stars cant read music and they sing and play by ear. What does this mean and who are these stars? A: Think of it like learning a language: You dont need to know how to read to carry on a conversation. The same thing is true with music many people learn notes, chords and key changes and can play with a group, but if given a piece of sheet music wouldnt know what to do with it. There are many examples of musicians in many genres who have admitted to not reading or writing music in composing their songs, including Michael Jackson, Dave Grohl, all four members of The Beatles, guitarist Slash, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Elvis. In case you hadn't heard, the president of the United States last week declared the news media was an "enemy" of the American people. Like many others in and outside the world of professional journalism, I read the words on President Trump's Twitter feed and was initially filled with shock. But we probably shouldn't have been that surprised. Trump's public chastisements of the press whenever unflattering news accounts are released have been a constant. Moving from the campaign trail to the White House hasn't changed that and it probably never will. To that degree, I'm not as concerned about the "enemy" reference as many of my colleagues. For starters, I know it's not going to stop the American working press from doing its job of informing the public about the workings of the representative government in Washington, Albany, Cayuga County, Auburn or anywhere else. And ultimately, as the reaction to Trump's latest comments showed, the majority of the American people understand and value the role that a free press plays in our country. Having come to this conclusion about the attacks on the press, I do worry about a different subject of presidential rage these days: leaks. "The spotlight has finally been put on the low-life leakers! They will be caught!" This and a few related tweets came out last week after the president's former national security adviser resigned when it was discovered he discussed pending sanctions against Russia with the Russian ambassador before Trump took office, contrary to what he told the vice president and ultimately the American public. How did that information come to light? Leaks to the national news media. Trump seems determined to crack down hard on leaks within his administration, and that's actually not so unusual. Plenty of presidents have put considerable effort into preventing leaks of negative information. Fortunately, shield laws protecting journalists from being forced to out sources and whistle-blower statutes that allow public service employees to raise concerns have kept administrations from taking leak crackdowns too far. But what concerns me this time is the reaction of some in Congress, who instead of wanting to focus on the implications of the actual content of the leaked information, agree with the president and want to launch investigations and presumably create a chilling effect on investigative reporting of the federal government. Will this new effort to plug leaks involve the dilution of or disregard for shield laws that protect journalists from government intrusion into their reporting? We better hope not. For all the negative connotations associated with the concept of "leaked" information, some of the most important stories surface because a person with inside information felt the public needed to know about something that was being kept secret. For the public that rejected the claim that the working free press is an "enemy," I appreciate the support. But amid what I'm sure will be continued anti-media rhetoric, I also urge you to keep a close eye out for policies and actions that cut off the flow of information that we all have a right to know. There is a coordinated effort underway to pressure lawmakers across the country to publicly explain their positions on immigration, health care and a variety of other issues under the fledgling presidency of Donald Trump. U.S. Rep. John Katko has no plans to hold such a meeting, and we think that's a mistake. To be fair, some town hall meetings in other cities have been dominated by people determined to hijack the conversation with shouting and grandstanding. And Katko said that his office has been inundated with office visits and phone calls, some of which he described as "threatening and aggressive." Having said that, people have the right to expect access to their elected officials, so it would be contrary to the principles of a representative democracy to fail to allow a public conversation to take place because of the actions of a small but perhaps extremely vocal group. There's no reason that a forum couldn't be organized with the proper security and a set of ground rules in place to allow people to ask questions or air their grievances. If fringe elements are successful in turning the meeting into a platform for themselves, then a second forum might not be worth trying, but failing to try to hold any public meetings is a bad idea. It's essentially giving up on the concept that serious but civil debate can take place in our region. In addition to those currently feeling disenfranchised, some of Katko's constituents are people who were disappointed with eight years under a Democrat in the White House and now wish to express their pleasure at some of the changes envisioned by the new administration. Just a few years back, there was similar effort aimed to rattle Democratic lawmakers for what they were doing or failing to do during the presidency of Barack Obama. In that case, the possibility of being shouted down by people with far-right agendas effectively kept Rep. Dan Maffei out of the public eye. Katko would be wrong to follow suit. He should have a town hall meeting where anyone from any political viewpoint can come and ask a question. Whether liberal, conservative or somewhere in between, the people of the district deserve to be heard. UNITED KINGDOM Winter in the UK is often a dull and dreary affair. The winds are cold and biting, the skies are grey and loaded with drizzle. Any snow, with its temporary sense of wonder and magic, tends to be short-lived. So what do we have to get us through the Winter Fire festivals! Britain, Scotland in particular, has a long history of winter fire festivals to mark the end of Yuletide and welcome the returning spring and days of more sun. Two well-known festivals are the Burning the Clavie and the world famous Up Helly Aa . Burning the Clavie takes place in the Moray region and harkens back to the old custom of tar barrelling. Up Helly Aa is described by Bryan Peterson of Shetland Arts as 36 hours of lawlessness, where by-laws are bypassed, marital vows are suspended and health and safety becomes very subjective. Peterson adds: For many Shetlanders, its bigger than Christmas and New Year put together. Over recent years, the Up Helly Aa festival has seen an explosion of popularity. The event, whose name roughly translates as End of Holy/holiday time for all, marks the end of Yuletide on the Shetland Isles. Its date can alter as it is celebrated on the last Tuesday in January. The Up Helly Aa tradition is an old one and originally involved the practice of tar barrelling, where barrels of tar were set alight and rolled around the streets in a procession with accompanying mischief making. This is likely to be a nod to the Lord of Misrule antics that often traditionally accompany festivals around such as this time. Since Christianitys arrival, these traditions have been more associated with Epiphany. Tar barrelling was phased out during the mid 19th century, and the more modern ceremony slowly evolved over that period. By the turn of the century, the galley ship and torchlit precession were firm fixtures of the Up Helly Aa festival. Today, the procession consists of roughly 1,000 torchbearers, known as guizers, making their way to a central spot where a huge Viking galley awaits. The guizers form different squads, and the whole event is led by the Guizer Jarl, who has his own squad of between 50 and 70 men. This group has formed the Jarl Squad for Up Helly Aa since the 1920s. The squad dresses in Viking regalia and calls themselves Vikings for a day. A new galley is custom built every year for the festival. As the procession gathers, the guizers move around the boat in a spiral with each member throwing their torch into the boat. As the boat catches fire, wishes for the new year are taken to the gods. The current Up Helly Aa celebrations are held at 10 different locations on Shetland. The festival is also a celebration of Shetlands Viking roots.The Norn language, directly related to Old Norse, only died out in the mid 19th Century, and the current dialect (Shetland Scots) spoken there has many Norse-related words in its vernacular. Due to its location it is roughly the centre of a triangle between the Northern coast of Scotland, Norway and the Faroe Isles Shetland has a prominent Viking history and many of its traditions and dialect share a Scandinavian lineage. Even the costumes for the festival are given the utmost care and attention and are an important part of the ceremony. The Guizer Jarl wears a full suit of Viking armour which dates to the 1930s. Every year a new shield and suit design is commissioned for his men and preparations often begin up to two years in advance. Other squads are tasked with making their own suits. The procession begins in the morning, when squads march into town and read The Bill which sets out the instructions for the day. This is usually light-hearted and informal direction. As the sun sets, which is early on Shetland, the squads make their way to the galley. As they approach the boat, they sing the Up Helly Aa song, followed by the Galley Song. Later they sing the Norsemans Home as they come away from the boat. By that point, the galley is ablaze and is returning to Valhalla as described by Northern Tradition. The guizers then retire to the local pubs, where lots of after-parties and dances take place, often into the next morning. The next day, thankfully, is a public holiday. The popularity of these festivals continues to grow, drawing bigger and bigger crowds. Up Helly Aa is now streamed on You Tube. And other fire festivals are beginning to take root as Britain rediscovers its often neglected Viking links. In the remote headland of Flamborough, East Yorkshire, a New Years Eve fire festival began two years ago as a celebration of the areas Viking history. Like Up Helly Aa, the Flamborough Fire Festival also has a torchlit procession, during which a Viking longship is drawn through the streets. This is a reenactment of an 8th Century Viking invasion at Flamborough and the settlements that existed there for hundreds of years since. The crowds are encouraged to throw coins into the longship for good luck. Throwing money into wells and fountains is a well-known European custom, and it manifests here in this newer event. The Flamborough festival also has fire swallowers as part of its procession, which is said to be based on an old Northern tradition of using fire to clear the air to make way for the new energy of the year. Speaking to the Scarborough Evening News, organisers Jane Emmerson and Pam Sayer said: The Festival is a very special event to celebrate Flamboroughs Viking heritage, as we believe Flamborough is the home of the Vikings. 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21 (18) Jan 20 (18) Jan 19 (18) Jan 18 (26) Jan 17 (24) Jan 16 (23) Jan 15 (30) Jan 14 (20) Jan 13 (18) Jan 12 (24) Jan 11 (11) Jan 10 (23) Jan 09 (22) Jan 08 (17) Jan 07 (17) Jan 06 (9) Jan 05 (18) Jan 04 (15) Jan 03 (19) Jan 02 (14) Jan 01 (6) Dec 31 (12) Dec 30 (4) Dec 29 (15) Dec 28 (11) Dec 27 (7) Dec 26 (10) Dec 25 (16) Dec 24 (13) Dec 23 (16) Dec 22 (11) Dec 21 (26) Dec 20 (28) Dec 19 (14) Dec 18 (25) Dec 17 (23) Dec 16 (19) Dec 15 (22) Dec 14 (38) Dec 13 (26) Dec 12 (25) Dec 11 (27) Dec 10 (31) Dec 09 (15) Dec 08 (30) Dec 07 (31) Dec 06 (27) Dec 05 (38) Dec 04 (25) Dec 03 (27) Dec 02 (15) Dec 01 (36) Nov 30 (23) Nov 29 (17) Nov 28 (23) Nov 27 (13) Nov 26 (16) Nov 25 (14) Nov 24 (18) Nov 23 (21) Nov 22 (21) Nov 21 (24) Nov 20 (20) Nov 19 (23) Nov 18 (17) Nov 17 (17) Nov 16 (34) Nov 15 (25) Nov 14 (17) Nov 13 (21) Nov 12 (18) Nov 11 (9) Nov 10 (15) Nov 09 (9) Nov 08 (9) Nov 07 (12) Nov 06 (8) Nov 05 (4) Oct 29 (1) Oct 01 (1) Jul 29 (1) May 11 (1) Jul 11 (1) A man accused of raping a woman in Pennsylvania was captured in Skaneateles Wednesday. New York state troopers arrested Jason O. Stevens, 43, after receiving a call from a woman notifying authorities that he was at a residence located at 702 Stump Road in Skaneateles. After troopers responded to the address, Stevens acknowledged that he was wanted in Washington County, Pennsylvania. The state police contacted the Monongahela Police Department, which confirmed that Stevens was wanted on several charges, including rape. The charges stem from an alleged incident that occurred on Feb. 14. CBS Pittsburgh reported that Stevens is accused of breaking into a woman's home and raping her. Brian Tempest, Monongahela's police chief, told media outlets that the woman was in her bedroom and there was a child present when Stevens allegedly broke into the home. Stevens had a knife and threatened to kill the woman and her child if she went to the police, the chief said. The charges against Stevens include burglary, rape and unlawful restraint. Stevens has been remanded to the Onondaga County Justice Center. He's awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania. France needs nuclear for energy transition, says SFEN 23 February 2017 Share The French Nuclear Society (SFEN) says the country needs to maintain its nuclear power generation capacity to raise the share of electricity from renewable sources without increasing the cost of electricity production. In a white paper it suggests ways in which this can be achieved. France's National Assembly gave final approval in July 2016 of the country's Energy Transition for Green Growth bill. The overall objectives of the bill include: a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and a 75% reduction by 2050, compared with 1990 levels; halving overall energy consumption by 2050 compared with 2012; increasing renewable energy's share of final energy consumption to 32%; and cutting the share of nuclear in electricity generation from almost 75% to 50% by 2025. In the white paper, published on 20 February, SFEN says the primary objective of the country's energy transition is to reduce its consumption of fossil fuels. It says France can rely on nuclear energy in order to achieve that objective. France has already decarbonised its electricity by 94% through its use of nuclear energy and renewables, mainly hydro, SFEN said. "Replacing renewable energies with nuclear energy does not meet either the CO2 reduction targets or the competitiveness objectives. Replacing nuclear (low-carbon) with renewable energies (low-carbon) does not bring any benefit in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions," SFEN said. "To ensure that greenhouse gas emission reduction targets are met in a constrained budgetary context, each action must be assessed in terms of its climate, environmental and health effectiveness," SFEN said. "It is therefore necessary to link the costs of an action with the savings in CO2 emissions it generates." The society said it is "imperative" to plan and anticipate the extension and/or replacement of France's existing fleet of nuclear power reactors if the share of renewables is to be increased without the cost of electricity also increasing. Steady investment in the nuclear fleet is needed to ensure the continued production of low-carbon, competitive electricity and guaranteed energy security, the white paper says. It notes that utility EDF plans to invest 51 billion ($54 billion) by 2025 in its Grand Carenage life extension program. SFEN said the early closure of the country's oldest nuclear power plant - Fessenheim - is an expense that does not reduce CO2 emissions, but "destroys jobs". The French nuclear safety regulator has already said the two units there could continue to operate safely until 2021 and 2023, respectively. The white paper expects France to start renewing its nuclear fleet gradually by 2030. It will be able to "draw on feedback" from the EPR units approaching commissioning in China, Finland and France, as well as those planned in the UK. At the same time, the French nuclear industry has launched a project to develop a new version of the EPR - the EPR-NM (New Model) - with the aim of reducing costs by 25-30%. This design is expected to be completed by 2020, for construction by 2030. The National Alliance for Coordination of Research on Energy has estimated that a 50% reduction in the share of nuclear energy in 2025 would lead, at least initially, to greater CO2 emissions in the electricity sector, despite the large-scale deployment of renewables. SFEN said the example set by Germany "demonstrates the perverse effects of a hasty transition: higher electricity prices, higher CO2 emissions, and reorganisation of the grid too slowly to absorb new renewable generation". "The diversification of the electricity mix required by the energy transition law and the strengthening of the share of renewables can be envisaged if technical and economic conditions are met," the white paper concludes. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics A provider of forensic exams for victims of sexual assault is afraid of losing a significant source of funding under a newly Republican Congress and President. Northern Arizona Care and Services after Assault (NACASA) a branch of North Country Healthcare receives nearly 61 percent of their funding from Department of Justice STOP grants, according to NACASA Program Manager, Jennifer Runge. STOP grants are given to states and territories to help local authorities enforce and develop strategies to combat violence against woman. The organizations worry stem from a proposed federal budget submitted by The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank that promotes a decrease in taxpayer funded federal spending. The proposed budget calls for a total elimination of DOJ violence against woman grants which the foundation says will save the federal government $480 million in 2017. Runge said if the Heritage Foundation were taken seriously in Congress it would put NACASA in a hard-to-overcome financial bind. We depend heavily on DOJ grant money, Runge said. That money pays for proper exam equipment our clinical coordinator who schedules new nurses and proper call time for our nurses. NACASA received $117,000 from DOJ grant funds for 2017. The organization receives close to $200,000 in total funding. While the Heritage Foundation did propose a $480 million cut in grant funding no official move has been made by Congress or the President to cut funding to the programs. However, Runge and other NACASA employees worry that the budget created by the Heritage Foundation would be taken seriously by a conservative White House and legislator. We understand that it is just a budget proposal right now, but there is a concern that this budget might be taken more seriously than in the past, Runge said. If DOJ grant funding were cut then NACASA would have to rely on Coconino County and City of Flagstaff funding, which is an amount of money that Runge worries would not be enough. Funding from the county and city are barebones, Runge said. That funding gets us a room and base equipment for testing, we are looking at other means of funding but I dont think we have the volume of resources that counties like Maricopa County have to stay sustainable. In a brief statement the Heritage Foundation wrote that We are against violence against women, but we are also against failed federal programs. The foundation's budget proposes that the success of grant programs that protect woman against violence are overstated and that the individual states would better address the issue than the federal government. In 2016 NACASA provided forensic medical exams to 136 women who were victims of violent crimes. The organization currently has five clinical facilities in Northern Arizona located in Flagstaff, Springerville, Show Low, Holbrook and Page. PHOENIX Claiming people are being paid to riot, Republican state senators voted Wednesday to give police new power to arrest anyone who is involved in a peaceful demonstration that may turn bad even before anything actually happened. SB 1142 expands the state's racketeering laws, now aimed at organized crime, to also include rioting. And it redefines what constitutes rioting to include actions which result in damage to the property of others. But the real heart of the legislation is what Democrats say is the guilt by association and giving the government the right to criminally prosecute and seize the assets of everyone who planned a protest and everyone who participated. And what's worse, said Sen. Steve Farley, D-Tucson, is that the person who may have broken a window, triggering the claim there was a riot, might actually not be a member of the group but someone from the other side. Sen. Martin Quezada, D-Phoenix, acknowledged that sometimes what's planned as a peaceful demonstration can go south. When people want to express themselves as a group during a time of turmoil, during a time of controversy, during a time of high emotions, that's exactly when people gather as a community, he said. Sometimes they yell, sometimes they scream, sometimes they do go too far. Quezada said, though, that everything that constitutes rioting already is a crime, ranging from assault to criminal damage, and those responsible can be individually prosecuted. He said the purpose of this bill appears to be designed to chill the First Amendment rights of people to decide to demonstrate in the first place for fear something could wrong. But Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, said that chilling effect is aimed at a very specific group of protesters. You now have a situation where you have full-time, almost professional agent-provocateurs that attempt to create public disorder, he said. A lot of them are ideologues, some of them are anarchists, Kavanagh continued. But this stuff is all planned. There's something else: By including rioting in racketeering laws, it actually permits police to arrest those who are planning events. And Kavanagh, a former police officer, said if there are organized groups I should certainly hope that our law enforcement people have some undercover people there. Wouldn't you rather stop a riot before it starts? Kavanagh asked colleagues during debate. Do you really want to wait until people are injuring each other, throwing Molotov cocktails, picking up barricades and smashing them through businesses in downtown Phoenix? Sen. Sylvia Allen, R-Snowflake, said the new criminal laws are necessary. I have been heartsick with what's been going on in our country, what young people are being encouraged to do, she said. She agreed with Quezada that there already are laws that cover overt acts. But Allen said they don't work. If they get thrown in jail, somebody pays to get them out, she said. There has to be something to deter them from that. Farley, however, said the legislation does far more than simply going after those who might incite people to riot, something which actually already is a crime. And he warned Republicans that such a broad law could end up being used against some of their allies. For example, he said, a tea party group wanting to protest a property tax hike might get permits, publicize the event and have a peaceful demonstration. And one person, possibly from the other side, starts breaking the windows of a car, Farley said. And all of a sudden the organizers of that march, the local tea party, are going to be under indictment from the county attorney in the county that raised those property taxes, he said. That will have a chilling effect on anybody, right or left, who wants to protest something the government has done. Sen. Katie Hobbs, D-Phoenix, said the whole legislation is based on a false premise of how disturbances happen. This idea that people are being paid to come out and do that? she said. I'm sorry, but I think that is fake news. Sen. Andrea Dalessandro, D-Green Valley, had her own concerns. I'm fearful that 'riot' is in the eyes of the beholder and that this bill will apply more strictly to minorities and people trying to have their voice heard, she said. The 17-13 party-line vote sends the bill to the House. Feb 23, 2017 | By Julia 3D printing filament company ColorFabb has just moved into a new state-of-the-art facility in Belfeld, The Netherlands. The move is a vast departure from ColorFabbs previous headquarters: initially based in a garage, the Dutch company later moved to a larger building that served as head office for three years. Now, the fast-growing filament producer has relocated to an expansive new base with an impressive infrastructure and increased square footage. While theres certainly a lot more space and shine to the new facility, ColorFabb representatives also say the relocation will help establish a true innovation centre for 3D printing, with new and better opportunities for producing high quality filament, improved material development, and more possibilities for co-developing applications and products with partners and clients. In an official press release, the Dutch company shows off the impressive focal points of its new headquarters, located in close proximity to both the German and Belgian borders. Lets walk you through some of those highlights now. Already, the striking outer face of the facility suggests a hive of buzzing activity within. The exterior of the building is sleek and modern, showcasing a large new ColorFabb logo just above the main entrance. Immediately upon entering, two of ColorFabbs most prized achievements greet you. First off, the XT-CF20 3D printed concept bike, printed mid-2015 to showcase the capabilities of desktop printers. Just down the hall from the bike is ColorFabbs impressive Saturn V Rocket, manufactured in collaboration with regular client Korneel Bullens using ColorFabbs nGen filament, as seen at last years AM Show Europe in Amsterdam. Next up are the central offices, which are located next to ColorFabbs new print labs. A huge upgrade from the previous iteration, the two labs hum with over 30 3D printers that are continuously printing and prototyping. There, ColorFabb employees execute all tests for new materials, as well as material characterizations, prints for the blog, support, and so on. After the print labs, visitors make their way to the production site, and the heart of the company. The production floor is where ColorFabbs filaments are manufactured, extruded, and spun. Finally, we reach the logistics centre, where the ColorFabb team ships out to over 70 countries from its massive warehouse. All activity with webshops, resellers, and distributors takes place here. All in all, it looks like the newly expanded ColorFabb facility is gearing up for an exciting 2017. What all the Dutch filament producer has planned for the coming months has yet to be detailed, but were certain to see some exciting new directions from the ambitiously growing company. For now, you can find ColorFabb representatives at the RapidPro Trade Fair and Conference this March 7th, 8th, and 9th in Veldhoven, The Netherlands. Photos: ColorFabb Posted in 3D Printer Company Maybe you also like: Feb 23, 2017 | By Polymaker Polymaker announced the close of a new round of equity funding totaling $5 million USD, led by a leading venture capital (VC) firm in China. This marks the Shanghai-based 3D printing materials companys second round of VC funding, following their Round-A in early 2015 from LegendStar, an affiliate of the IT giant Lenovo. Polymaker reported very healthy, market-driven growth in 2016, with over 200% increase in revenue compared to the previous year. This was clearly a reward to the companys dedication to innovation, quality, and only delivering the best 3D printing materials to its global customers. The Polysher and PolySmooth, the two new products that Polymaker introduced in 2016 via a highly successful KickStarter campaign, enable for the first time high quality, layer-free prints to be obtained effortlessly and cost-effectively using extrusion-based 3D printing technologies. This is one of the many examples of Polymakers technological innovations, which enable the company to penetrate into a variety of industrial markets. Polymaker's PolyFlex (above) and PolyCast (below) The newly raised funding will be used to expand Polymakers manufacturing capacity, as well as to fuel the R&D of next-generation products, while developing new applications and supporting the companys customers worldwide. Our customer base ranges from hobbyists to the most advanced industrial customers in the world and the funding allows us to exceed expectations to our global customers business needs says Dr. Xiaofan Luo, the President of Polymaker. According to Dr. Luo, Polymaker is planning to launch a variety of new products to the market this year, with major announcements expected in the coming months. In addition to the new funding, Polymaker has also announced the appointment of Jeffrey L. Walters as Vice President of Business Development - Americas. Jeff, being a veteran of 3D printing with over 6 years of leadership experience within the industry, brings a wealth of knowledge in the global filament market for Polymaker and is one of the leading experts within the entire 3D printing industry. The appointment of Jeff is very exciting for the global efforts at Polymaker and allows the company to better serve customers across the Americas for their growing material needs. Jeffrey L. Walters, Vice President of Business Development, Polymaker, Americas "Polymaker is known throughout the entire industry as a leader in quality, service, and performance of their 3D Printing Filaments. We expect to grow significantly by delivering more than what is expected as a proper business partner, industry consultants, and deliver the highest standards of quality in the manufacturing process. We believe our filament portfolio and its overall performance will challenge the market standards and will be refreshing for its global users," said Jeffrey L. Walters, Vice President of Business Development. Prior to joining Polymaker, Jeff served as Vice President of Business Development at Toner Plastics for 4 years, and spent 18 years at Enterprise Holdings (the parent owner of the Enterprise, Alamo and National rent-a-car brands) in numerous leadership roles at the corporate offices and in field locations. Jeff is a graduate of Elon University and lives with his family in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Headquartered in Shanghai, China, Polymaker now has global offices in the USA, Netherlands and Japan. Polymaker's PolyWood Formnext 2016 Posted in 3D Printer Company Maybe you also like: Robert E. Norton at the Times Literary Supplement: Kantorowiczs first book on the Staufer Emperor alone may have sufficed to secure his place in the scholarly pantheon. But he managed to outdo himself with the even more influential The Kings Two Bodies, which appeared in 1957, shortly before he died in 1963, and has never been out of print. Yet most striking is that these two monumental books exist at opposite ends of the ideological and historiographic spectrums: the first, written in the overwrought, mystagogic style cultivated within the circle around the poet Stefan George, celebrates an almighty, autocratic ruler who held sway over a vast realm. Kantorowicz deliberately and compellingly cast his book as a political allegory meant to inspire his fellow Germans to seek and submit to such a leader should he appear. The latter book, written in English in American exile in Berkeley and Princeton, is a sober, meticulous, but no less scintillating study of an esoteric historical problem in what Kantorowicz called political theology. It is an immensely learned work bolstered by thousands of footnotes (the first book had none) and spiked with rebarbative terms only a pedant could embrace: catoptromancy, geminate, caducity and equiparation. When it was published, one reviewer hailed it as a great book, perhaps the most important work in the history of medieval political thought, surely the most spectacular, of the past several generations. Its appeal for subsequent readers was enhanced when Michel Foucault approvingly cited The Kings Two Bodies inDiscipline and Punish, while Giorgio Agamben called it one of the great texts of our age on the techniques of power. more here. "These people that we are talking about in the news, they have faces and stories, backgrounds, and complicated family dynamics. Each one of them is a story and a world unto themselves. Being able to see them as human beings that share things with us as opposed to numbers or labels is a very powerful thing," says Khaled Hosseini, an Afghan refugee and San Francisco resident whose bestselling novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, debuted at A.C.T Theater stage this month. When Afghan-American author Hosseini began penning the lines for his first novela narrative that started as a story about kite-flying in Kabulhe couldn't have predicted the world into which it would publish. Hosseini was midway through The Kite Runner when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001; by the time the book published in 2002, Afghanistan was at the center of world events. Now, 16 years later, Hosseini finds himself in another timely moment ("an unhappy serendipity," he says) as his second novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, the story of three generations of Afghan women, opens at San Francisco's A.C.T. Theater. The son of a diplomat, Hosseini was born and raised in Kabul and spent his teenage years in Paris. When Soviets took control of Afghanistan in 1979, his father applied for political asylum and Hosseini's family was resettled in San Jose. The former doctor of internal medicine and now a best-selling writer, United Nations Good Will envoy, and founder of The Khaled Hosseini Foundation, a nonprofit that provides humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan, the San Francisco resident shares insights on his creative work and his vision for the two countries he calls home. aila (Nadine Malouf, right) and her parents (Barzin Akhavan and Denmo Ibrahim) prepare to flee their home in Kabul in the world-premiere theatrical adaptation of Khaled Hosseini's international best-selling novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, adapted by Ursula Rani Sarma and directed by Carey Perloff. (Courtesy of A.C.T.) 7x7: You're a bestselling author, but your professional background is as a doctor. Khaled Hosseini: From the time I was a kid, I enjoyed stringing words together and making stories. When we came to the States, though, I didn't speak English, and when you're a recent immigrant, you're pretty much penniless and your primary preoccupation is to find a sense of stability. The holy triumvirate was medicine, law, and engineering, and I always liked working with people, so I thought I could make medicine work for me. Pursuing what you've always thought of as a beloved hobby isn't exactly the kind of thing that immigrant families go for. What was it like to be a refugee in the Bay Area? It can be very disorienting when you come to a new country. Most of my family didn't speak English, and when you come to an entirely new place, you don't know how to do very basic things, like apply for a driver's license or enroll your kids in school. What don't people understand about refugees? This isn't a lifestyle that anybody chooses; it is forced on them. Nobody wants to take their family and put them on a boat in the hope of finding peace, or to abandon their communities and belongings and flee. Most of them are victims of violence, not perpetrators. These are entire families who have been disrupted and children who have lost their childhoods. It's dangerous to forget the humanity of this population and to think of them as a monolithic community of perplexing burden. Your second novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, is both a companion to, and a departure from, the The Kite Runner. What was your inspiration? I felt I had written a book about the world of men and was really interested in writing a novel about women. As an Afghan, I had been following the news about the country and the horrific abuses women were suffering. I felt this was a story that was crying out to be told. Was it challenging to write from the perspective of a woman? My initial instinct was to put myself in the head of these two women and live the world through their eyes, but that was impossible because I don't have that experience. Instead of going to them, I let the characters come to me. I had to think of them as human beings who had fears and desires and were struggling for a sense of selfhood, rather than as Afghan women. Once I made that shift, I began to hear less and less of myself and more and more of who they were. By the time I was finished writing, I felt I knew both women quite well. Do you think it's a hopeful story? It is a difficult story because it talks about a very difficult period in Afghan history, but I find hope everywhere in the resilience of these women and their rejection of Draconian values. I hope that when people watch the play, they see that Afghanistan, like any place else, is a kaleidoscope and that there are men there who have an interest in seeing women take an active part. There are moments of real beauty and joy even in the most difficult of situations. What are your hopes for the future of Afghanistan and its women? In many parts of the country, life has not changed much for women. Nevertheless, at least in Kabul, there's a generation of young people who have the advantage of being connected to the world through technology and who reject notions of womanhood as a possession. I'm hopeful that if Afghanistan finds a measure of peace and tranquility, that this generation can be a transformative one. The play is rather timely given Donald Trump's recent executive orders concerning refugees and travel from Muslim countries. What new perspective is gained from seeing A Thousand Splendid Suns play out onstage? It's an unhappy kind of serendipity that this story is being replayed at a time when there are so many feelings about the issue and the region on both sides. At the end of the day, stories have one function: to make us feel connected to one another. There are core elements in the human experiencethe need for belonging, community, friends, companionship, love, peace, and stabilitythat are true regardless of place, gender, religion, or culture. I think as the audience sits through the play, that connection is made. I hope people walk away with a sense of empathy and commonality. Tell us a little about your work with the UN. They contacted me about being a spokesperson for them in 2006, at a time when Afghanistan was the largest refugee-producing country in the world. It's been a wonderful opportunity and a process of educating myself and then advocating for refugee rights and programs. I've been to Syrian refugee camps in Jordan and Iraq, and traveled to Chad and Afghanistan three times. What was it like for you to go back to Afghanistan after all that has happened in the past 20 to 30 years? Whenever I visit, I have mixed emotions. On one hand, there's always a sense of homecoming, because this is where I was born and I have the loveliest memories of Afghanistan, but I see superimposed on them an alternate reality of what the country is now. Even in 2003, Kabul was an entirely different cityso much more crowded than I remembered and entire sections demolished beyond recognition. There were landmarks from my childhood that no longer stood, and all of the guns on the street, that was something you never saw before. You didn't see so many widows and people walking around with missing limbs. All of that was quite a shock. The scars of the last 20 years are everywhere, and it's not just the problems of the past that haunt Afghanistan, but a whole new set of them. How do you feel about living in the United States given the current political climate? The political rhetoric and executive orders that have been written have, if anything, given us a chance to re-examine what it means to be American. We're a nation that's based on tolerance and acceptance. We don't value people based on their skin color or religion, and these are ideas on which the country was founded. I have been deeply moved by the sight of people welcoming refugees at the airport and carrying signs denouncing divisiveness. I've been heartened by the calls for unity and unprecedented levels of civic engagement that young people are showing. For me, that has been a wonderful beacon of hope. How would you advise those of us who want to help refugees? Every little thing that you do matters. Discuss issues relating to refugees in your communities. Advocate, even on a small scale, for the rights of refugees. Support any of the organizations that are on the ground working to protect and support refugees or volunteer to help families of people who have been resettled. I remember from my own experience how disorienting it is to be a newly resettled family. Providing even a little help makes an enormous difference. Keep alive the idea of who these people are, and press our government to find enduring solutions to these conflicts. Until the wars end, the displacement of human beings will continue. From a micro to a macro scale, there's so much you can do. Go as far as you want. // A Thousand Splendid Suns will show at A.C.T.'s Geary Theater (415 Geary St.) through February 26, Tickets are $35-150, act-sf.org It's important to understand, though, that Social Security benefits are "gender neutral." Men and women with identical earnings histories will get identical benefits. Likewise, everything that you read in this column about a woman who receives benefits based on her husband's work record will also apply to a man who lives in a household where his wife is the main breadwinner. Q: How else do the male and female experiences differ concerning Social Security? A: One basic difference is that women tend to receive benefits for a longer time than men because they live longer than men. In 2012, women who reached 65 could expect to live, on average, for another 21.4 years (until age 86.4), while men could look forward, on average, to another 19.1 years (until age 84.1). For women with few financial resources, the added years may be a mixed blessing living longer with less money to live on. Indeed, Social Security reports that almost 50 percent of elderly unmarried females who receive Social Security benefits rely on them for 90 percent or more of their income. See also: 9 Ways to Retire on Social Security Alone Q: What happens with a married woman who has never worked outside the home or does not have enough Social Security work credits to qualify for benefits? A: Social Security will generally pay her a spousal benefit based on her husband's work history. When her husband retires, she can receive an amount equal to 50 percent of his full retirement benefit if she waits until she reaches her own full retirement age (FRA). (For a person born between 1943 and 1954, the FRA is 66.) If a woman takes her spousal benefit between 62 and her FRA, it will be reduced. There are special rules for women who are caring for young children or disabled children, or whose spouses become disabled. You can find more information about this in the Social Security Administration's section on spousal benefits. 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Without debate the Senate on Wednesday agreed to allow counties to put a measure on the ballot for a gas tax hike of up to 10 cents a gallon for up to 20 years. The funds raised would have to be used for highways and streets. Counties now share in the funds raised by the state through its vehicle license fee and the state gasoline tax. But that 18-cent-a-gallon levy has not been raised since 1991. And vehicles are now more fuel efficient. Efforts to raise the state gas tax have stalled, with Gov. Doug Ducey opposed to even allowing a statewide vote. SB 1147 is one alternative being offered by those who say there are insufficient funds to build new roads and repair existing ones. Other measures under consideration include surcharges on auto insurance policies and higher vehicle registration fees. The measure needs House action following a final Senate vote. End of life State senators voted Wednesday to give hospitals immunity from any lawsuit or licensing decisions because they refuse to help people end their own lives. Current law already gives immunity to doctors and other medical professionals who do not honor living will directives. But they are required to transfer care to someone else. But Sen. Steve Farley, D-Tucson, said that doesn't work when someone is already in a Catholic hospital and cannot get his or her end-of-life wishes honored. Sen. Nancy Barto, R-Phoenix, agreed to add language which says that nothing in SB 1439 allows a health care institution to ignore a do not resuscitate order. Farley, however, said that's not enough as it still does not cover a dying patient's other wishes, like refusing food. The measure goes to the House following the 17-13 party line vote. Abortion Arizona doctors will be required to do everything possible to save the life of a baby born alive during abortion, whether induced or spontaneous under the terms of legislation given preliminary approval Wednesday by the Senate. SB 1367 would require clinics that perform abortions at 20 weeks or more to have equipment available to provide care if there is a live birth. Proponents say there were two instances where children born live during late-term abortions died due to lack of care. But Sen. Katie Hobbs, D-Phoenix, said the requirements to provide all necessary care also would apply in cases of a premature birth. That raised concerns by some that doctors would be mandated to take extraordinary measures, versus providing comfort, when a child is clearly not developed enough to live outside the womb. The 18-12 vote sends the bill to the House. Photo enforcement A House panel voted Wednesday to force cities and counties that still use photo enforcement of traffic laws to shut down their cameras. Rep. Travis Grantham, R-Gilbert, said he considers it unconstitutional to allow people to be charged and convicted of speeding or running a red light based solely on the evidence provided by a piece of equipment. Grantham, the sponsor of HB 2525, said these issues should be left to a live police officer. My point is you can have a conversation with your accuser, he told the House Appropriations Committee. What type of society do we live in if we're going to be held to account for certain laws and violations and you don't even have to do that in front of another human being. State lawmakers voted last year to bar cities and counties from using photo enforcement on state highways. Rep. Charlene Fernandez, D-Yuma, said issues of enforcement of traffic laws on local streets should be left to local officials. And she said that funding cuts sometimes force cities to use their limited number of officers on higher priority items, leaving traffic enforcement to cameras. The 9-5 vote sends the measure to the full House. Immigrants The Senate agreed Wednesday to require those not in this country legally to serve longer prison terms than they might otherwise get for crimes they commit. Current law gives judges a range of possible sentences they can impose after someone is convicted. For example, the shortest sentence for a Class 3 felony is 2 years if a judge believes there are mitigating circumstances meriting that minimum. Conversely, if a judge finds reason to believe a longer term is merited, the maximum is 8.75 years. Under SB 1279, anyone not here legally would have to be sentenced to at least what the law calls the presumptive term. For that Class 3 felony, that is 3.5 years. Sen. Steve Smith, R-Maricopa, said since the state cannot deport people in this country illegally it can at least ensure that they will be out of circulation longer so they cannot prey on others. A roll-call vote will send the measure to the House. Tucson memorial The House Appropriations Committee voted Wednesday to provide $2.5 million over five years to help construct a memorial in Tucson to honor the victims of the Jan. 8, 2011 shooting that left six dead and others injured, including then-Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Pam Simon, a Giffords aide who at the Congress on Your Corner event in a Safeway parking lot, called the incident an assault on democracy. The ability for Americans to speak to their elected representatives is the core of our democracy, she said. Simon told lawmakers how a bullet went through her arm and into her chest. In fact she remembers waking up with Rep. Randall Friese, D-Tucson, who operated on her at the hospital, telling her she was one lucky lady with the bullet missing her vital organs. She said a permanent memorial is appropriate, recalling how spontaneous ones went up at the shooting site and outside the hospital where she, Giffords and others were being treated. People need someplace to go, she said. They needed to be able to pray, to reflect, just be together. Crystal Kasnoff who is chairing the memorial effort said the state's dollars, which will be matched with local funds, are actually an investment. She said experiences elsewhere where memorials have been erected show people come from out of town to see them, spending money while they are there. The unanimous vote sends HB 2436 to the full House. Other bills that gained preliminary House or Senate approval Wednesday include: - Prohibiting the conversion of existing roads to toll roads (HB 2461); - Requiring a report on how frequently psychotropic drugs are prescribed to foster children (SB 1236); - Requiring candidates to actually be a member of the political party during the time he or she is collecting signatures (SB 1200) - Imposing new requirements on companies that install ignition interlocks designed to keep people convicted of drunk driving from starting their vehicle if they are not sober (SB 1150); - Barring people from running from more than one federal office at the same election, with exceptions for presidential and vice presidential candidates (SB 1318). Announces Harvest One Closes C$25M Placement Perth, Feb 23, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - MMJ PhytoTech Limited ( ASX:MMJ ) ("MMJ" or "the Company") is pleased to advise that Canadian-based Harvest One Capital Corp. ( CVE:WON.H ) ("Harvest One") has closed the previously reported (January 27, 2017) private placement ("the Placement"), raising C$25,000,500 before costs. Pursuant to the Placement, Harvest One issued 33,334,000 Subscription Receipts at a price of C$0.75. The Subscription Receipts were sold on a private placement basis through a syndicate of agents led by Mackie Research Capital Corporation (the "Lead Agent") and including Canaccord Genuity Corp., Eight Capital and GMP Securities L.P. (the "Agents"). The Agents exercised in full their option to purchase an additional 4,000,000 Subscription Receipts for additional gross proceeds of $3,000,000. Funds received from the Placement will be used to finalise the acquisition of the MMJ's core cannabis subsidiaries United Greeneries Holdings Ltd ("UG") and Satipharm AG ("Satipharm") respectively. Post transaction, MMJ shareholders will have a 60% ownership in Harvest One - a fully-financed company with two strategic cannabis brands operating in one of the fastest growing cannabis markets globally. A full copy of the announcement released by Harvest One on the Toronto Venture Exchange, outlining full details of the Placement has been provided (see link below). MMJ PhytoTech's Managing Director, Andreas Gedeon, commented: "We are very pleased with the robust level of support received to date from the Canadian investment community, as it further validates the Company's strategy to list its core cannabis brands on the TSX-V. Following completion of the Harvest One transaction, MMJ's shareholders will have direct exposure to one of the fastest growing cannabis markets globally, providing leverage to the significant investor demand for cannabis related equities in the Canadian capital market. We look forward to providing our shareholders with further corporate and operational updates in the near-term." To view the full MMJ release including Harvest One announcement, please visit: http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/Z91JY0Y4 About MMJ Group Holdings Ltd MMJ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX:MMJ) is a global cannabis investment company. MMJ owns a portfolio of minority investments and aims to invest across the full range of emerging cannabis-related sectors including healthcare, technology, infrastructure, logistics, processing, cultivation, equipment and retail. For MMJ's latest investor presentation and news, please visit: https://www.mmjphytotech.com.au/investors/ THE OFFICIAL GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY OF THE KIDSTON SOLAR PROJECT (PHASE ONE 50MW) Official Ground-Breaking Ceremony for Kidston Solar 50MW Sydney, Feb 23, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - 22 February 2017 marked the Official Ground-Breaking Ceremony for the Kidston Solar Project Phase One 50MW (KSP1 or Project) for Genex Power Limited ( ASX:GNX ) (Genex or Company), with support from the Queensland Government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC). Genex hosted the ceremony on-site in Kidston, Queensland, with Queensland's Energy Minister Mark Bailey and ARENA CEO Mr. Ivor Frischknecht initiating the first sod-turning for the Project. The Queensland Government awarded Genex a 20-year Revenue Support Deed as part of the Large-Scale Solar 150 Program. The Deed consists of a one-way price contract between Genex and the Queensland Government, guaranteeing the sale of electricity above a set floor price for 20 years. Managing Director of Genex, Michael Addison commented on the contribution the Queensland Government have made to KSP1; "The revenue support deed was crucial to the success of the project's financing. The guarantee of a long-term stable price contract mitigates any risk associated with fluctuating energy prices over the 20-year period. The signing of this deed can give our shareholders complete reassurance that we will have strong and steady cashflow throughout the lifespan of the project." ARENA is supporting KSP1 with $8.9 million as part of its Large-Scale Solar Competitive Round. The program saw a total of $91.7 million awarded to twelve large-scale solar projects across Australia, which are set to triple the nation's large-scale solar capacity. The CEFC is also supporting KSP1 with approximately $54 million in debt finance as part of its $250 million Large-Scale Solar Program. Commenting on the significance of the finance, Executive Director for Genex Power Simon Kidston stated, "The support provided by ARENA and the CEFC for our first solar project, was a key component of the success to the project financing requirements. Genex wishes to thank ARENA and the CEFC for the strong support they have provided for our 50MW solar project." Genex announced project financial close for KSP1 on 14 February 2017 after finalising a debt equity agreement of approximately $100M million with the CEFC and Societe Generale (SG), with $8.9 million provided as a funding grant by ARENA. After the initiation of construction for KSP1, Genex has now turned its focus towards the planning of the co-located 250MW pumped storage hydro project and an additional 270MW solar project (which will become the largest solar project in Australia). ARENA has provided $4 million in funding for the completion of technical feasibility studies for the hydrostorage project. ARENA and the CEFC have also committed to further funding and financial support for storage and flexible capacity projects, in line with a request from the Office of the Prime Minister and the Hon. Josh Frydenberg MP (Federal Minister for Energy and the Environment) Project Summary KSP1 will produce approximately 145,000MWh each year, providing enough energy to power 26,484 Australian homes entirely with renewable energy, offsetting 120,000t of CO2per annum, equivalent to removing up to 33,000 cars off Australian roads. Genex has entered into a 20-year Revenue Support Deed with the Queensland State Government, as part of its Solar 150 Program. The program guarantees a minimum energy floor price (refer ASX announcement 8 September 2016). All energy produced will be supplied directly into the National Electricity Market (NEM). Genex has selected UGL Ltd (a member of CIMIC Group) as the Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractor and the Operation and Maintenance Contractor for the Project. UGL Managing Director Juan Santamaria said, "UGL is pleased to be working with Genex Power to deliver the Kidston Solar Project, and playing its role in the contribution of renewable energy to meet the Queensland electricity market. Renewable energy projects are delivering important innovations and are a key growth area for the Australian energy sector, and for UGL." About ARENA: ARENA was established by the Australian Government to make renewable energy technologies more affordable and increase the supply of renewable energy in Australia. Through the provision of funding coupled with deep commercial and technical expertise, ARENA provides the support needed to accelerate the development of promising new solutions towards commercialisation. ARENA invests in renewable energy projects across the innovation chain and is committed to sharing knowledge and lessons learned from its portfolio of projects and information about renewable energy. ARENA always looks for at least matched funding from the projects it supports and to date has committed $1.1 billion in funding to more than 270 projects. For more information, visit www.arena.gov.au. About the Clean Energy Finance Corporation: The Clean Energy Finance Corporation invests, applying commercial rigour, to increase the flow of finance into the clean energy sector. Our mission is to accelerate Australia's transformation towards a more competitive economy in a carbon constrained world, by acting as a catalyst to increase investment in emissions reduction. We do this through an investment strategy focused on cleaner power solutions, including large and small-scale solar, wind and bioenergy; and a better built environment, with investments to drive more energy efficient property, vehicles, infrastructure, and industry. The CEFC also invests with co-financiers to develop new sources of capital for the clean energy sector, including climate bonds, equity funds, aggregation facilities and other financial solutions. The CEFC operates under the Clean Energy Finance Corporation Act 2012. For more information, visit cleanenergyfinancecorp.com.au. About Societe Generale: Societe Generale is one of the largest European financial services groups. Based on a diversified universal banking model, the Group combines financial solidity with a strategy of sustainable growth, and aims to be the reference for relationship banking, recognised on its markets, close to clients, chosen for the quality and commitment of its teams. Societe Generale has been playing a vital role in the economy for 150 years. With more than 145,000 employees, based in 66 countries, we serve on a daily basis 31 million clients throughout the world. Societe Generale's teams offer advice and services to individual, corporate and institutional customers in three core businesses: - Retail banking in France with the Societe Generale branch network, Credit du Nord and Boursorama, offering a comprehensive range of multi-channel financial services at the leading edge of digital innovation; - International retail banking, insurance and financial services to corporates with a presence in developing economies and leading specialised businesses; - Corporate and investment banking, private banking, asset management and securities services, with recognised expertise, top international rankings and integrated solutions. Societe Generale is currently included in the main sustainability indices: DJSI (World and Europe), FTSE4Good (World and Europe), Euronext Vigeo (World, Europe and Eurozone), Ethibel Sustainability Index (ESI) Excellence Europe, 4 of the STOXX ESG Leaders Indices, MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index. About UGL Limited: UGL Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Australian publicly listed company CIMIC Group Limited ( ASX:CIM ). CIMIC Group Limited is one of the world's leading international contractors and the world's largest contract miner. CIMIC Group has operations that have been in existence since 1934, was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in 1962 and has its head office in Sydney, Australia. CIMIC provides construction, mining, mineral processing, engineering, concessions, and operation and maintenance services to the infrastructure, resources and property markets. It operates in more than 20 countries throughout the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, North and South America and Sub-Saharan Africa and, as at 31 December 2016, employed approximately 50,500 people directly and through its investments. UGL is a leading provider of end-to-end engineering, construction and maintenance services, UGL is active across rail and transport, communications and technology systems, oil and gas, power and resources, water and defence markets. UGL Limited is headquartered in Sydney, Australia and operates across Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia. To view pictures, please visit: http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/P2A7XKGX About Genex Power Ltd Genex Power Limited (ASX:GNX) is focused on developing a portfolio of renewable energy generation and storage projects across Australia. The Company's flagship Kidston Clean Energy Hub, located in north Queensland, will integrate large-scale solar generation with pumped storage hydro. The Kidston Clean Energy Hub is comprised of the operating 50MW stage 1 Solar Project (KS1) and the 250MW Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project (K2-Hydro) with potential for further multi-stage wind and solar projects. The 50MW Jemalong Solar Project (JSP) is located in NSW and provides geographical diversification to the Genex Power Limited portfolio. JSP was energised in early December 2020 and commissioning is now underway. Genex is further developing its energy storage portfolio via the early stage development of a 50MW/75MWh standalone battery energy storage system at Bouldercombe in Queensland. With over 400MW of renewable energy and storage projects in development, Genex is well placed as Australia's leading renewable energy and storage company. Lake Resources Completes Oversubscribed Capital Raise Sydney, Feb 23, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Lake Resources N.L. ( ASX:LKE ) ("Lake" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed a capital raising of A$1,200,000 (before costs) via a private Placement ("Placement") with professional, sophisticated and institutional investors. The Placement leaves the Company well funded to continue its aggressive exploration programme in Argentina over both lithium brine projects, and currently under option, lithium pegmatite project. - Completion of A$1,200,000 capital raising via private Placement heavily oversubscribed - Offer increased due to substantial demand from sophisticated, professional and institutional investors - LKE well-funded to unlock the substantial value from its lithium brines and pegmatite asset base in Argentina The placement was completed as follows: 1. 24,000,000 fully paid LKE ordinary shares at $0.05 per share ("Shares"); and 2. 12,000,000 options exercisable at $0.10 each and expiring 18 months after date of issue ("Options"). The Placement was significantly oversubscribed and increased to accommodate substantial demand from a broad range of new investors. Lake is grateful for this support and welcomes new shareholders to the register. Proceeds from the Placement will be used to continue the Company's aggressive exploration programme in Argentina to ensure value and optionality is maximised from its portfolio of lithium exploration assets. Lake aims to initiate a drill program at the Kachi Project in Catamarca Province in the near term and continue advancing exploration activities across the rest of its portfolio. The new Shares will rank equally with existing ordinary shares on issue and the Company will seek ASX listing of issued Options. APP Securities Limited was appointed lead manager for the Placement issue. Fees will include the issue of 1,500,000 Options on the same terms as the Placement. Settlement of the Placement is expected to occur on Friday, 24 February 2017 with the Shares and Options to be allotted on Monday, 27 February 2017. Steve Promnitz, Managing Director of Lake Resources, commented: "We are delighted with the outcome of the capital raising and are grateful for the level of support from new investors and some existing shareholders. "Lake's portfolio of prime lithium brine projects and pegmatite assets in Argentina are in outstanding locations and we look forward to maximising value from the portfolio. We are now well funded to complete an initial drill programme in Catamarca and accelerate its broader asset development programme. "We look forward to reporting a steady stream of news on our exploration results and other initiatives as we progressively unlock the value of our large asset base in Argentina." To view tables and figures, please visit: http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/F3R7999I About Lake Resources NL Lake Resources NL (ASX:LKE) (OTCMKTS:LLKKF) is a clean lithium developer utilising clean, direct extraction technology for the development of sustainable, high purity lithium from its flagship Kachi Project, as well as three other lithium brine projects in Argentina. The projects are in a prime location within the Lithium Triangle, where 40% of the world's lithium is produced at the lowest cost. This method will enable Lake Resources to be an efficient, responsibly-sourced, environmentally friendly and cost competitive supplier of high-purity lithium, which is readily scalable, and in demand from Tier 1 electric vehicle makers and battery makers. Positive Pump Testing Result at Maricunga Lithium Brine Project Sydney, Feb 23, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Lithium Power International Limited ( ASX:LPI ) ("LPI" or "the Company") is pleased to advise completion of the pumping test at well P4 at the Maricunga lithium brine project in northern Chile. LPI is very encouraged by the high average brine flow rate, and lithium and potassium grades, which compare very favourably to other lithium brine projects currently in production and in development within South America. - Pump test completed on well P4 within Cocina tenement, with pumping sustained between 24 l/s and 25 l/s over 30 days. - No change in brine concentration over the 30 day pump test, with the concentration averaging 945 mg/l lithium and 6,924 mg/l potassium over the 30 days of pump test - Pump test only extracted brine from the deeper sand and gravel unit, with the well screen from 66 m to 180 m and no brine extracted from the very high grade upper halite zone - The brine flow rates recorded at Maricunga (P1, P2, P4) are amongst the highest results publicly released for lithium projects in South America. Lithium Power International's Chief Executive Officer, Martin Holland, commented: "The Maricunga pump test highlights strong brine flow rates, in addition to very high lithium grades, both very positive characteristics of the Maricunga project. The pump test conducted on well P4 confirms the sand and gravel units encountered in recent drilling support high flow rates for brine extraction. Maricunga Pump Test Well P4 Pump test well P4 was installed in the centre of the old-code Cocina tenement to a depth of 180m (Figure 5, see link below) with hole M10, acting as a monitoring well to the production well P4. During drilling, P4 intersected an upper aquifer with interbedded sediments comprising salt (halite), clay, silt, sand, and minor gravel units from surface to 66m. From 66m to 180m, a more porous aquifer exists, comprising a mix of mainly sand and gravel. It is from this aquifer that pumping was conducted. P4 was pumped continuously for 30 days at a rate of 24 to 25 litres per second (l/s). (Figures 3 and 4, see link below) Over the 30 days, this brine outflow was continuously monitored for both lithium grade and flow rate. Assays averaged 945 mg/l and showed minor variation over the length of the test, which extracted brine only from the lower aquifer, excluding flows from the highest grade upper aquifer zone. P4 is located to the north from previous pump test wells P1 and P2, which are located in the Litio tenement, and were pump tested for 14 and 28 days respectively in 2015. At that time, P1 and P2 had brine flows of 37-38 l/s from the combination of the upper halite zone near the surface and from a deeper sand unit, interpreted to be the same as the sand and gravel aquifer found in P4. In this case, P4 is designed to only pump brine from the deeper aquifer, with no contribution from the upper halite aquifer, in order to measure flow rates deeper within the salar. This recent pump test on P4 confirmed that a high flow rate can be obtained pumping brine exclusively from the deeper sand and gravel aquifer. This is very significant, as the recent drilling in tenements added to the project since definition of the historical resource (on the Litio tenement) shows sand and gravel are the predominant sediments in these tenements. Brine Flow Rate Comparison A simple comparison of flow rates from pump testing at various other lithium brine projects in South America is provided in Table 1 (see link below). This highlights that Maricunga brine flow rates are amongst the highest observed at lithium projects currently in production or at an advanced stage of development. However, it should be noted that many factors influence the results of pump tests, and the information publicly released is often limited. Procedures used in these third party pump tests have not been verified by LPI and they are provided for general comparative purposes only. Salar Permeability Brine pump tests are important as they provide information on the permeability, lithium grade and flow rates of the different sediment units that host brine within the salar. Further, high flow rates suggest a lower capex requirement for future well field development, which is attractive for the overall project economics. The Maricunga project has an upper aquifer containing salt, plus a deeper aquifer with sand and gravel units, all of which are favourable for the pumping of brine (Figure 1, see link below). Salar Porosity Porosity is a related characteristic to permeability, and refers to the percentage of pore space between grains of sediment that can host lithium brine. There are several different measures of porosity, but the most important metric for brine deposits is the "drainable porosity" (Figure 2, see link below). This represents brine that can be extracted from an aquifer during pumping and used for lithium production. The drainable porosity value is lower for fine grained sediments (clays and silts) and higher for coarser sediments (salt, sands and gravels). Maricunga JV Background The Maricunga JV is 50%-owned by LPI. The project is regarded by LPI management as one of the highest quality undeveloped pre-production lithium brine project globally, with a very high grade and strong flow rates. The Litio tenements have been subject to significant past exploration by our JV partners, Minera Salar Blanco and Li3 Energy, in order to generate the existing lithium and potassium resource. The recently completed drilling & pump testing program is targeting an expansion of that resource on both the existing tenements and additional tenements acquired since, with a new JORC compliant resource estimate due in 1H17. To view full release including tables and figures, please visit: http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/GN96Q552 About Lithium Power International Ltd Lithium Power International Limited (ASX:LPI) is a pure-play lithium explorer and developer, focusing on developing and fast-tracking to production the high-grade Maricunga lithium brine project in Chile. LPI has a well-known performing technical team with the experience to take the Maricunga project all the way through the development stages to production. The regions that LPI is currently focused on are: 1. Maricunga JV (Chile) - Located within the "Lithium Triangle", Maricunga is Chile's highest grade and most advanced lithium project outside the Salar de Atacama. The project lies 170 km northeast of Copiapo and 250 km from the port of Caldera. 2. Pilbara (Western Australia) - LPI has three granted exploration tenements covering 203 km2 in the Pilbara region of northern Western Australia. The largest granted exploration tenement is the Pilgangoora tenement which is 2-3 km west of the Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) and Altura Mining (ASX:AJM) lithium deposits. 3. Greenbushes (Western Australia) - LPI has two granted exploration tenements covering 400 km2 in the Greenbushes area of southern Western Australia. The tenements are adjacent to the world's largest hard rock lithium mine owned and operated by Tianqi/Talison. 4. Centenario (Argentina) - Through its Argentinian subsidiary, Lithium Power holds a total of seven granted tenements in the Centenario lithium brine salar within the Salta province of the Puna Plateau. In total, the seven granted tenements cover an area of 68.46 km2. With the exception of the Maricunga JV, all tenements are 100% owned by LPI or LPSA (including rights to the Centenario tenements). Half Year Results Webcast Brisbane, Feb 23, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Orocobre Limited ( ASX:ORE ) ( TSE:ORL ) ( OROCF:OTCMKTS ) (Orocobre or the Company) will release 2017 Half Year Financial results on Tuesday 28 February 2017. Managing Director, Mr Richard Seville will conduct a briefing with analysts and institutional investors at 11.00am AEDT (10.00am AEST). The webcast is listen only mode, however written questions may be submitted via the webcast. A live audio webcast of this briefing will be available on Orocobre's website at http://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/4U6PHV00 Following the release of the half year results, Orocobre management will be providing updates to investors in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, North America and Europe. Australian based retail investors should register their interest in attending an update session at mail@orocobre.com. An archive copy of the briefing and Q&A session will subsequently be made available on the company website. About Orocobre Limited Orocobre Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange ( ASX:ORE) ( TSE:ORL) (OTCMKTS:OROCF), and is building a substantial Argentine based industrial chemicals company through its portfolio of lithium, potash and boron assets. In partnership with Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTC) and JEMSE, Orocobre has built and is now operating the world's first commercial, brine-based lithium operation constructed in approximately 20 years. In 2018 Orocobre announced the Stage 2 Expansion of its flagship Olaroz Lithium Facility in Argentina. The Stage 2 Expansion will add 25,000 tpa of lithium carbonate production capacity, taking full production and capacity to 42,500 tpa of lithium carbonate for sale to industrial, technical and battery markets, positioning Orocobre as one of the world's largest and lowest cost lithium chemicals producers. Additionally, Orocobre and Toyota Tsusho Corporation have commenced construction of the 10,000 tpa lithium hydroxide plant in Naraha, Japan. The construction of the Naraha Lithium Hydroxide Plant will further cement Orocobre's position as a global lithium chemicals producer operating at the bottom quartile of the lithium cost curve. This new hydroxide plant will be the first of its kind in Japan and will provide Orocobre product diversification suitable for different battery technologies and the potential for significant margin growth on our primary lithium carbonate being converted to battery grade lithium hydroxide. No matter how many local cars sport Dont PHX FLG bumper stickers, the fact remains that Phoenix plays an outsized role in northern Arizona that is not always negative. That was never more true than last week, when Goodwill of Northern Arizona announced it was receiving an immediate infusion of up to $500,000 from its counterpart in Phoenix to avoid layoffs and prevent store closures. The bailout is part of an eventual merger that will see even more investment by the Phoenix-based Goodwill operation in our region in the hope of reopening closed job centers and expanding the number of retail stores and jobs. How does Goodwill of Phoenix do what Flagstaffs Goodwill cannot? Its likely a matter of larger scale, greater population density and access to more corporate sponsors. The Valley operation has access to 1.5 million households and their donated goods in an area only half the size of northern Arizona. The business community is also much larger than here, an important resource to be tapped during annual fund-raising drives. So what will change here to turn around an operation spanning five counties? Cash flow, for one. Even though it is a nonprofit, Goodwill apparently has to spend money to make money. That means more marketing, more locations and upgraded buildings. The new $10 state minimum wage has pinched the smaller Flagstaff operation proportionally more than the one in the Valley, where executives do not appear fazed by the possibility of paying a $12 minimum to Flagstaff-based workers as early as July 1. The difference between Goodwill and other nonprofits selling used and recycled household goods and clothing is its workforce profile. Goodwill exists primarily to better the lives of the disabled and the hard to employ selling used clothing is only a means to an end. There are about 200 such employees in northern Arizona, and the merger will allow most of them to keep their jobs paying at least $10 an hour. (Unlike some other nonprofits employing the disabled, Goodwill does not take advantage of the so-called sub-minimum wage permitted by the federal government.) The intervention by Goodwill of the Valley in Flagstaff is somewhat akin to the role played by Phoenix-based St. Marys Food Bank in meeting food insecurity needs in this region. Although St. Marys no longer operates a food bank building in Flagstaff, it continues to supply truckloads of food each day not only to Flagstaff but to communities throughout northern Arizona. There is apparently surplus food in the Phoenix region and a determination to see that it doesnt go to waste. Could and should the Flagstaff region do more to build its nonprofit capacity so that it is more self-reliant? Our sense is that the nonprofit sector here is already very active, but the holes in the safety net are larger because of the higher cost of living and limited rural incomes. When Phoenix-based Goodwill and St. Marys offer help, we should accept it with grateful hearts and be sure to patronize the stores, volunteer at the food kitchen and give what we can financially. As for those bumper stickers, not everything about Phoenix fits into three words. Click below to download these free guides and worksheets curated by the editors of ADDitude. For deep dives into these and other topics, browse our full selection of eBooks here. Virgin Atlantic has announced plans to launch the only direct flight from London Heathrow to Barbados. Above: A Virgin Atlantic A330 at London Heathrow. By EQRoy / ShutterStock The new, twice weekly service will launch on 12 December 2017 to help those looking to make Christmas in the Caribbean a reality. Flights will be on sale from Monday 27 February. The new flights will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays as part of the winter 2017 schedule using an Airbus A330 configured with 33 Upper Class, 48 Premium Economy and 185 Economy seat. This new service means that Virgin Atlantic will now offer up to 11 Barbados flights per week from three UK Airports (Gatwick, Manchester and Heathrow). Heathrow-Barbados will become Virgin Atlantics sixth new service to launch in 2017 with flights to Seattle, Varadero (Cuba), Boston, New York and San Francisco launching in spring 2017. In addition, Virgin Atlantics recently extended codeshare agreement with FlyBe will mean that customers from Scotland can now easily connect from Edinburgh and Aberdeen airports to Barbados via London Heathrow. Shai Weiss, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic commented: The Caribbean has always been a core market for Virgin Atlantic and so were excited to announce were offering more choice to our customers with the option of flying from Heathrow, Gatwick or Manchester direct to Barbados. The Air Force is expanding development opportunities for the civilian workforce by offering an associate degree at little to no cost.Graduates of the online program will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science in Air Force leadership and management studies. The 60-credit hour program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.We continue to value education as a force multiplier, and this degree will assist civilians in their academic journey, said Russell Frasz, the Force Development at Headquarters Air Force director. This new program will open the pathway toward a bachelor's degree and create more opportunities to attend higher levels of developmental education.Full-time, permanent appropriated fund employees in any grade who do not currently possess an associate or bachelors degree from an accredited college or university can apply. Enrollees must have an acceptable performance appraisal rating, two years of federal civilian service by the application deadline and a high school diploma (GED or equivalent). Bargaining unit employees should ensure impact and implementation has been completed at their location. Local base civilian personnel sections can provide more information.Applicants can submit their package through myPers under Civilian Force Development from March 1 to May 1. The first term begins March 2018 and will include a maximum of 90 enrollees. Selections will be announced no later than November 2017.Providing our civilian workforce with opportunities to further their education is important so that they can acquire the skills along with the experience to grow into future leaders, said Loretta Brown, the Air Force Personnel Center civilian leadership development program administrator. This is a great opportunity for Air Force civilians to reach their full potential through an easily accessible degree.For more information on the program, select Any from the dropdown menu onand search Associate Degree. Individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one by Travis supports FEMA Due to historical rainfall and flooding across Northern California, Travis Air Force Base is supporting an incident management assistance team (IMAT) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency with a staging area at the base. In conjunction with FEMA, Air Forces Northern and U.S. Northern Command determined Travis was best suited to support a FEMA Incident Support Base (ISB) to provide relief to communities affected by a potential Oroville Auxiliary Spillway failure, said Master Sgt. Joe Brockman, the 60th Civil Engineer Squadron Readiness and Emergency Management superintendent. With 44 trucks and approximately 30 personnel, the IMAT brought cots, drinking water, blankets, meals, medical equipment and supplies. The team began arriving at Travis AFB on Feb. 13, 2017. It was apparent there could be significant impacts, said Victor Inge, the FEMA external affairs officer. We were in touch with the state and deployed the IMAT. During incidents such as this we lean forward by pre-positioning commodities in the event there is a need. Travis AFB is supporting the ISB by providing space, safety, security and communications assistance, said Brockman. Once the order came down, every squadron in the 60th Mission Support Group collaborated, ensuring the ISB setup was smooth and efficient. The 60th CES Emergency Management flight coordinated with wing leadership and regional emergency preparedness liaison officers to determine a suitable staging location for the ISB capable of supporting 300 tractor trailers and administrative space for FEMA personnel. The 60th Aerial Port Squadron provided a staging area for the ISB and kept wing leadership informed of the latest developments by monitoring and managing logistics requirements, the flow of personnel and requests for CES support, Brockman said. Additionally, the 60th Communications Squadron ensured the IMAT had wired and unhindered radio communications capabilities. The Travis Emergency Operations Center was also placed on alert to provide timely support to the ISB if needed. Were using Travis because of its strategic location and logistics capabilities, Inge said. An airlift base is inherently valuable for disaster support, especially if the disaster expands to a degree that enhanced defense support to civil authorities is required, said Brockman. Travis is an ideal location to support nearly any disaster nature can throw at us, he said. The state of California was granted three different major federal disaster declarations on Feb. 14. One was an emergency declaration, EM-3381-CA, which provides support for the Oroville Dam spillover, DR-4301-CA, is for public assistance for 34 counties and DR-4302-CA, is for public assistance for the Hoopa Valley Tribe, for damaged infrastructure repairs on their reservation. C-5Ms deliver Army helicopters to Europe for Atlantic Resolve A contingent of Army AH-64 Apache helicopters, delivered by two Air Mobility Command C-5M Super Galaxies, arrived here Feb. 22 in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. OAR is a tangible demonstration of the United States commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region, while providing reassurance to NATO allies and regional partners. Through multinational training and exercises, OAR highlights the flexibility of U.S. ground and air forces to rapidly respond to contingencies alongside regional partners. The apaches, from the 1st Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment at Fort Bliss, Texas, arrived as part of the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade. This is the first deployment of an aviation brigade in support of OAR under the Regionally Aligned Forces concept, an Army unit tailored to provide flexible, responsive and continuously available support worldwide. This operation epitomizes the jointness of our military and how we work together, said Army Brig. Gen. Phillip S. Jolly, the Mobilization and Reserve Affairs Director deputy commanding general. You have the worlds greatest Air Force enabling the Army to do our mission, which is to assure security to our European allies and friends. In total, 85 aircraft, including CH-47 Chinooks, UH-60 Black Hawks, AH-64s and medevac helicopters, as well as about 2,200 Soldiers, comprise the 10th CAB deployment throughout the European theater. Maj. Gen. Timothy Zadalis, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa vice commander, noted the historic nature of the joint venture with this year marking the 70th anniversary of a U.S. Air Force presence in Europe. This is a 70-year commitment we have had to Europe and our partner nations and all of us see no change in that, Zadalis said. Its a relationship built in trust, common values and our belief in freedom. The aircraft that is behind us and the helicopters they brought in, is a demonstration to that commitment. Zadalis added that there was also a significant training aspect to the U.S. Air Force and Army crews working together on the helicopter transport and delivery. The successful helicopter arrival, Zadalis said, prove[s] the point, that the United States Army and the United States Air Force is ready at a moments notice, to deploy anywhere around the world. Its where the Army needs them that the United States Air Force puts them. USAFE and AMC directly support the joint and multi-national warfighting environment with air superiority, direct air operations, global air transportation and capabilities that are essential to supporting the warfighters on the ground. One of the largest aircraft in the world, and the largest lifter in the Air Force inventory, the AMC C-5M provided the necessary capabilities required to bring the Apaches to Germany. Capable of carrying six Apache helicopters, two M1A Abrams tanks or 250,000 pounds of relief supplies, the Galaxy is uniquely equipped to carry bulky combat equipment and oversized cargo in a rapid global environment. Its a tremendous aircraft and its crewed by the brightest and smartest young men and women our country has to offer, Zadalis said. The beautiful thing about the C-5M is that one day you could deliver combat airpower and the next day you could be delivering humanitarian airlift around the world. Its part of what we do. Its part of our commitment to Europe, its part of our commitment to NATO, and its part of our commitment to freedom. Air liaison officers test cadets Cadets from the Air Force Academy attended an Air Liaison Officers Aptitude Assessment Feb. 13 17, 2017 at Camp Bullis, Texas. Current ALOs and enlisted tactical air control party members from the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing filled the roles of cadre and raters to assess if the cadets have what it takes to join their career field. As ALOs, our primary mission is to advise Army ground commanders on the use of air power, said 2nd Lt. Travis Hunt, the 19th Air Support Operations Squadron ALO. Since the career field is demanding, both physically and mentally, we look to stress the guys out by denying them sleep while also presenting mentally rigorous challenges from writing assignments to interviews. ALOs are often Joint Terminal Attack Controller qualified as well, which means they can direct aircraft attacks from the ground during the heat of battle. Plain and simple, the job is very dangerous, said Staff Sgt. Daniel Clark, a 353rd Battlefield Airmen Training Squadron TACP instructor. There are particular situations that these young leaders will find themselves in that, if theyre not strong leaders, they will quickly crumble, make bad decisions and potentially lead to the wrong individuals dying on the battlefield. When it comes to discussing when and where to drop bombs, Clark said the stakes are high, explaining ALOs need to be confident in themselves when making those decisions. We want to know if theyre confident enough in their abilities to stand up for themselves and their team, Clark said. It may not always be the right or wrong answer, but we don't expect them to know all the intricate details of our job. If theyre strong enough to do that on their own, then we can teach them everything that they need to know once theyre actually in the career field. The cadets were introduced to many training experiences, conducting land navigation, military operations in urban terrain and multiple hours of physical training. We have them do a sequence of exercises that we utilize at the schoolhouse to get the guys in top physical condition, Hunt said. That also requires leadership on the candidates side as they step up to actually lead the exercises. This assessment is just the beginning for some of these cadets. If they are chosen to continue on, they will be sent to the schoolhouse for training. Were very particular about who we want to select for this community, Hunt said. The rigor these guys face is really going to help us shape this career field into the best that it can be. Clark echoed Hunts dedication and pride in shaping their career field by maintaining a diligent eye on the prospective ALOs. I couldn't be more proud of being granted the opportunity to come out here and be on the cadre team for this assessment, Clark said. Its something I will always hold near and dear because I get to be part of that groundwork, knowing my fellow enlisted men and my Airmen are going to be taken care of by these individuals who enter the career field. Security forces provides FAST protection to aircrews in austere locations Last month, the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing flew more than 600 sorties in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Many of these missions involved flying into austere locations to deliver cargo and personnel to forward-deployed locations to aid in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Regardless of their hazardous surroundings, aircrew members must remain focused on their task at hand so that they can quickly perform their mission and return home. In order to provide peace of mind to the aircrew, the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron provides fly-away security teams that protect both the aircraft and its crew during operations in austere locations. There are certain areas we go to that dont have adequate security on the flightline so we have to go with (the plane), explained Tech. Sgt. Jessica Cable, the 386th ESFS assistant FAST program coordinator. Once that plane lands, we pop out and provide 360 (degree coverage) because thats our sole responsibility. Potential FAST members go through a rigorous process to be chosen for this important mission. They are selected based on demonstration of various characteristics such as self-motivation, leadership and discipline, said Tech. Sgt. Travis Patterson, the 386th ESFS FAST program coordinator. Unlike other security forces details that can sometimes include nearly 40 people, FAST missions typically rely on a smaller contingent, explained Patterson. To ensure success, team members rely heavily on each other to be responsible and to take initiative to get the job done. Working within a small team requires interpersonal skills that go beyond verbal communication to include non-verbal communication expertise as well. They gain this knowledge through constant interaction with one another. We train together and do martial arts or physical training together so when were on the aircraft, we dont even need to speak because we each know how the other is going to work, said Staff Sgt. Ryan Malicki, the 386th ESFS FAST lead. This team dynamic is especially helpful when navigating around cargo and moving quickly to secure the aircraft in a hostile environment. There is little time to discuss plans at that point, and they must rely on each others training to overcome challenges. Going into a hostile environment never knowing what youre going to encounter when you get off the plane I think is probably the biggest challenge, Patterson said. But we overcome that with our training. We have a job to do and we know what were doing. Ultimately, FAST units embrace these challenges and seek out opportunities to successfully complete their mission and to keep aircrews safe for missions now and in the future. Getting to fly is one of the greatest opportunities we get out here and even to post security for the aircrew is one of the bigger opportunities, said Senior Airman Ryan Donato, a 386th ESFS FAST member. If I could get this opportunity again, I would for sure take it. So, after hectic campaigns and attacks by every political party, as always we see in any election campaign in our country, the mini-assembly elections of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation concluded peacefully. The BMC is the richest Municipal body in Asia and its revenue and budget is much more than the some of the smaller or even a big state in India. Though the percentage of voters who had cast their votes was higher than the previous years, at 55 per cent, I still feel this could have been bettered had people from upper strata of society had come out and cast their franchise. As per reports, the voting percentage was low in the areas of Malabar Hill, Bhuleshwar, Girgaum etc. Considering all round corruption in awarding tenders and contracts for roads and infrastructure provisions, bad services in respect of roads, drainage, garbage removal and maintenance of environment, grabbing or land, cutting of trees for concrete constructions and several issues Mumbaikars, this time, should have been more active and exercised their vote in large numbers, to make the corporators accountable. I therefore have a suggestion or an idea. Why not link budget allocation to the percentage of votes polled? This will ensure if an area votes 20%, they will get 20% and cannot crib later. For eg. Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Malabar Hill citizens seldom vote but get the best facilities as they are mostly influential and are known-to-be celebrities. But Dahisar, Jogeshwari or Vidyavihar get least priority as the population is poor. Motto should be no vote, no money. If this is not practical, link it to supply of water, electricity, provision of infrastructure and so on. I also feel voter apathy is existent because they have no connect with their corporators MLA or MP and feel that their votes will have no effect on things it would anyway continue to remain the same. If the elected representatives can have better connect with the people, some amount of the voter apathy could be reduced. Now, most importantly we come to the other side pertaining to large scale missing names in the voters list in many areas which is unjustified. And we need to make the Election Commission responsible for the vanishing of eligible voters names from the list, that too all of a sudden this year? This year, the number of voters who could not exercise their franchise was abnormally high. As per reports, said to be in the range 13-15 per cent. In Chembur for instance, the names of all the eligible voters of a 12 storey building had vanished from the voters list and none of them could vote. In areas like Mankhurd, Borivali, though many had cast their votes till the last assembly elections, found their names missing, this time. With technology and electronic update and data being maintained, how can the names existing for decades vanish in one go? What sort of data and update is being maintained by the Election Commission offices? Shouldnt there be a fool-proof system to ensure registration and permanent record of all the eligible voters at all times? I have one more valid question. Of what use are these Voter ID card, Aadhar card, PAN card, ration card, Passport, domicile certificate etc. which prove my existence and as a bonafide resident and citizen? With all these important and statutory documents, how can I be refused or driven out from exercising my franchise just because the EC had not kept proper data and have deleted my name from the list. Cant the election commission allow at least those with valid voter IDs to vote, whether or not his/her name features on the voter list? I think, in this area, we need an amendment or even a law which will allow a voter to cast his vote if he has valid documents and despite his name not reflecting in the voter list. Will any political party come forward to report this matter to the Election Commission? If need be let this matter be discussed in Parliament for necessary legislation to ensure voting rights to all the eligible citizens of India. (The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.) Our country is gearing up to become chopper manufacturing HUB .Even in past, in a major boost to strategic ties, India and Russia decided to expand cooperation across various sectors as they signed 16 pacts, including deals on joint manufacture of 226 military helicopters and construction of 12 atomic plants with involvement of local companies in India. Recently during our PMs visit to Moscow, India and Russia took forward a project to jointly manufacture military choppers under the Make in India initiative even as other plans, including one to construct frigates. Russia is one of Indias oldest and most trusted defence partners. Today up to 70 per cent of Indias navy and up to 80 per cent of the nations air force is of Russian-made. Indias increasing industrial strength has now prompted it to pursue this deal. It would be nice to further accelerate our partnership with one of the worlds fastest growing economies. India needs large number of helicopters both for military and civilian purposes. Ka-226T Helicopter is good for Indian Air force. India has the capacity and strength to become a manufacturing hub. It must emerge as the best destination for manufacturing in the world. We have the reputation of the largest importer of defence equipment. Our PM Modi has said that India needs to increase defence preparedness as it has huge requirements to manage internal security. It is to be remembered that to improve the acquisition and approval process we need to ensure that our technology does not fall into the wrong hands. If Indias defence industry becomes strong it will boost countrys security and will, add 200,000 skilled personnel in 10 years. (The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.) US-backed Iraqi security forces closing in on the ISIS-held western half of Mosul launched a major offensive on the citys airport and fought their way into a nearby military base on Thursday. Federal police and an elite interior ministry unit known as Rapid Response stormed the airport and engaged in gun battles with the ISIS fighters, who used suicide car bombs to try to stem the advance. Police officers told that the police and Rapid Response forces had taken control of large parts of the airport. Other officers said the militants deployed bomb-carrying drones to attack the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Forces advancing from the southwestern side of the city. We are attacking Daesh (the ISIS) from multiple fronts to distract them and prevent them from regrouping. Its the best way to knock them down quickly, said federal police captain Amir Abdul Kareem, whose units are fighting near Ghozlani military base. After ousting the militant group from eastern Mosul last month, Iraqi forces have sought to capture the airport to use it as a launchpad for an onslaught into the west of the city. The campaign involves a 100,000-strong force of Iraqi troops, Kurdish fighters and Shiite militias and has made rapid advances since the start of the year, aided by new tactics and improved coordination. Losing Mosul could spell the end of the Iraqi side of terrorists self-styled caliphate in Iraq and Syria, which the ISIS leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, declared from the city after sweeping through vast areas of Iraq in 2014. US special forces in armoured vehicles on Thursday positioned near Mosul airport looked on as Iraqi troops advanced and a helicopter strafed suspected the ISIS positions. Counter-terrorism service (CTS) troops fought their way inside the nearby Ghozlani base, which includes barracks and training grounds close to the Baghdad-Mosul highway, a CTS spokesman told Reuters. The airport and the base, captured by the ISIS fighters when they overran Mosul in June 2014, have been heavily damaged by US-led air strikes intended to wear down the militants ahead of the offensive, a senior Iraqi official said. The US military commander in Iraq has said he believes US-backed forces will retake both of the ISIS urban bastions, the other is the Syrian city of Raqqa, within the next six months, which would end the jihadists ambitions to rule and govern significant territory. Its a pity that the police have failed to arrest the three bikers who have vandalized the statue of Our Lady of Vailankanni in the early hours of the morning in suburban Kurla on February 18, 2017, inspite of their motorcycle plate numbers being captured on CCTV. This is not the first time the statue of Our Blessed Mother has been vandalized in Mumbai. In the past five years, in Mumbai alone, around 25 to 30 statues of Mother Mary, Jesus Christ or the saints have been vandalized by miscreants and the police have not arrested them because they are known to some politicians or some top leaders. Even consecrated hosts have been stolen from inside the church by breaking the tabernacle for devil worship in the middle of the night. We want justice and we demand that the culprits be arrested immediately no matter which political party they belong to. (The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.) Thousands of people, especially motorists, faced inconvenience on Thursday morning after security forces sealed a busy portion of a national highway (NH) on the Haryana-Punjab border that links Delhi with Amritsar. A 24 km stretch of the NH-1 was sealed off on the Ambala (Haryana)-Rajpura (Punjab) section in wake of the Indian National Lok Dals (INLD) call of Water War. The traffic was diverted, a Punjab police officer said. The Punjab Police on Thursday arrested two MPs, 18 MLAs and 73 workers of INLD, Haryanas opposition party, for violating Section 144 of the CrPC as they tried to cross over to the Punjab side to take up symbolic digging of the SYL canal. Among those arrested included Rajya Sabha member Ramkumar Kashyap, a Lok Sabha MP, 18 MLAs and 77 workers, including women activists of the party. The first batch of arrested INLD leaders was taken away in a private bus. The arrested leaders will be presented in the SDM court at Rajpura, where the police are likely to seek their 14-day judicial remand. The NH-1 is taken by thousands of motorists daily to and from Punjab to go towards Delhi via Haryana. While the Punjab Police sealed the highway in the state, their counterparts in Haryana did the same on their side of the road to prevent any escalation. Heavy presence of the police and central para-military forces, in riot gear and riot control vehicles, were seen on both sides of the states border at the Shambhu barrier, the entry point into Punjab from Haryana. Daily commuters from both states, who travel across the border for work, were the worst affected. I have walked for three kilometre already to go towards Ambala. I dont know if we will get any transport ahead, Surjit Kaur, a woman employee who works in Ambala and travels from her village near Rajpura town in Punjab, said. Border areas in Ambala and Patiala districts were on high alert with Haryanas principal opposition party the INLD expected to start digging of the controversial Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal to get water for the state. DMK working president MK Stalin on Thursday reached New Delhi to meet President Pranab Mukherjee, to apprise him of the incidents that unfolded during the February 18 trust vote, won by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy. Accompanied by senior leaders including Durai Murugan, Stalin left for Delhi to meet the President this evening. After landing in Delhi, Stalin hit out at AIADMK chief Sasikala Natarajan. In Tamil Nadu, benami rule by criminal Sasikala has been established. We have come to meet the President to apprise him of this situation, he told media persons. Stalins scheduled meeting with the President comes days after he had urged Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao to nullify the confidence vote, which was won by Palanisamy after forcible en-masse eviction of DMK legislators from the State Assembly on February 18. Palanisamy had won the trust vote by a huge margin of 122-11, on Saturday. Buoyed by Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) outstanding performance in Maharashtra local body elections, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Thursday that it reflected the wide support for partys agenda of transparency. Addressing the press here, he said, I thank people of Maharashtra, its an unprecedented victory. Very grateful to the people of Mumbai, its a big victory for BJP given by Mumbai. This huge victory for BJP is on the agenda of transparency. At the same time, the CM thanked PM Narendra Modi and said, This win is because of PM Modis leadership. The way Mumbai has voted for BJP, voters have reflected the trust on PM and BJP. We performed really good in Zilla Parishads too, Fadnavis added. The BJP made decisive gains in civic polls in Maharashtra. Apart from Mumbai, the city corporations which went to polls were Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur. On the other hand, the results of 10 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, have seen the Congress plummeting to a new low with the lowest ever tally in the BMC and losing Solapur and Amravati to the BJP. By Kevin Barry Today, a groundbreaking new study of the overall health of vaccinated and unvaccinated children has been released to the public for the first time. The critically important new pilot study has been posted on line. The paper was leaked to journalist and author James Grundvig, who published an article describing aspects of the study on Medium on February 22, 2017. Grundvig describes how the paper was leaked to him (and others?), and he describes how he authenticated it with the studys author and with the journal which censored it. I will list a few of the many reasons why this paper is critically important at this time. 1. The #RFKcommission. This study provides numerous clues for potential future research. It may help serve as a blueprint for the RFK Commission in the United States and for other countries. President Trump President Trump is the first President to show any interest at all in vaccine safety. This study reaffirms that President Trumps concerns about vaccine safety are legitimate, and may help him stand firm in forming the #RFKcommission. 3. Existing vaccine rights are under attack in 30 states. Vaccine exemption attacks and vaccine mandate increases in 30 state capitals in 2017. Parent advocates nationwide can add the findings of this study to their arsenal when protecting their and their childrens existing rights from the trillion dollar Pharmaceutical industry in state capitals. 4. Informed consent The international bioethics standard for preventative medical is informed consent. Comparing total health outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated populations are an important piece of information to weigh when considering consent. Censorship or self-censorship? Is submitting papers dealing with vaccine safety to the peer review process of scientific journals, after years of rejection, a form of self-censorship? The paper released today was scheduled to be published in November 2016. Had it been published in the journal it would have been peer reviewed. Speaking for the 7,484,325,473 billion people on the planet who were NOT peer reviewers of this paper, its absurd that this paper is legitimate if the 3 reviewers bosses dont get spooked, and not legitimate if they do get spooked. I hope the 3 peer reviewers - Amit, Kelly and Linda - would agree that their bosses shouldnt block important information from the other 7 billion of us. --- Ive read numerous beautiful tributes to brilliant, wonderful and fearless Dan Olmsted on Age of Autism over the past month. Im not nearly as talented a writer as those who have honored Dan on these pages. I didnt know how I could help honor him until now. Dan tried for more than a decade to get a vaccinated vs. unvaccinated study done, and he pioneered the concept with his series on the Amish. Please help guide us Dan, and thank you for your dedication to all of our children. First Study of Vaccinated versus Unvaccinated Children - Censored by an International Scientific Journal - Now Public Vaccination and Health Outcomes: A Survey of 6- to 12-year-old Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Children based on Mothers Reports, was censored by the journal Frontiers in Public Health. Key Study Findings Background: The long-term health outcomes of the routine vaccination program remain unknown. Studies have been recommended by the Institute of Medicine to address this question. Specific Aims: To compare vaccinated and unvaccinated children on a broad range of health outcomes, and to determine whether an association found between vaccination and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), if any, remained significant after adjustment for other measured factors. Note from the Editor-at-Large. The editors at Age of Autism want to clarify the record on the leak of the vaxxed/unvaxxed paper. We were in possession of an embargoed draft of the paper when it was set to be published on line in late November by the journal Frontiers in Pediatrics. Dan Olmsted and I had written a news story on the study, a revised version of which we have now published below. We respected the embargo at every stage and have never published anything about the study or its findings until today. Via different channels, a draft copy of the paper was published on a different web-site and has now become widely available. That makes the study and its leaked contents news that is highly relevant to our readers, so we are obligated to cover the story. We do so with sadness, since we share the concerns of many that this leak jeopardizes subsequent publication of the study, thereby impairing its scientific impact. By Mark Blaxill In a development that autism parents have long anticipated, the first-ever, peer-reviewed study comparing total health outcomes in vaccinated and unvaccinated children was released on line yesterday. According to sources close to the project, the study had been reviewed and accepted by two different journals, both of which pulled back on their approval once the political implications of the findings became clear. Thats largely because, as parents have long expected, the rate of autism is significantly higher in the vaccinated group, a finding that could shake vaccine safety claims just as the first president who has ever stated a belief in a link between vaccines and autism has taken office. Working in partnership with the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), Dr. Anthony Mawson led a research team that investigated the relationship between vaccination exposures and a range of over 40 acute and chronic illnesses in home schooled children, a population chosen for its high proportion of unvaccinated children. Surveying families in four states--Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Oregonthe study (officially titled Vaccination and Health Outcomes: A Survey of 6- to 12-year-old Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Children based on Mothers Reports), reported a number of startling findings. Vaccinated children were significantly more likely than the unvaccinated to have been diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder: most notably, the risk of being affected by an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was 4.7 fold higher in vaccinated children; as well, ADHD risk was 4.7 fold higher and learning disability risk was 3.7 fold higher. Overall, the vaccinated children in the study were 3.7 times more likely to have been diagnosed with some kind of neurodevelopmental disorder. Vaccinated children were also significantly more likely to be diagnosed with an immune-related disorder. The risk of allergic rhinitis (commonly known as hay fever) was over 30 times higher in vaccinated children, while the risk of other allergies was increased 3.9 fold and the eczema risk was increased 2.4 fold. With respect to acute illness and infectious disease the outcomes were in some respects surprising. As might be expected, unvaccinated children were significantly (4-10 times) more likely to have come down with chicken pox, rubella or pertussis. Perhaps unexpectedly, the unvaccinated children were less likely to suffer from otitis media and pneumonia: vaccinated children had 3.8 times greater odds of a middle ear infection and 5.9 times greater odds of a bout with pneumonia. The study was based on a survey with participants recruited in a process led by NHERI and coordinated through 84 state and local homeschool groups. The survey itself was, according to the authors, nonbiased and neutrally worded. These findings in a study population of 666 children, 261 of whom (39%) were unvaccinated, are sure to stir controversy, in part because it is the first of its kind. The scientific literature on the long-term effects of the vaccination program is virtually silent. Most studies on the safety of vaccines only consider immediate or short-term effects. There was no obvious explanation for the differences in health outcomes observed between the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups of children other than vaccination itself. YEARS of endless coverage by major networks and newspapers where health officials and doctors from top institutions were cited attesting to the safety of vaccines while either ignoring or dismissing an epidemic of neurologically disabled children hasnt convinced us. The controversy couldnt be more heated than it is today. There are actually several issues here. First of all, the press, due to their absolute failure to ever honestly and thoroughly investigate vaccine safety concerns over the past two decades, has just as much at stake in this as U.S. health officials. No reporter at the New York Times or the Washington Post has EVER challenged what a spokesperson from the AAP or CDC has said about vaccines (with the exception of former CBS reporter Sharyl Attkisson back when she was at CBS.) In reality, reporters have been nothing more than industry mouthpieces. Theyve done what theyve been told and have always defended vaccines as safe and effective, no matter what concerns were raised.. My point here is that there wasnt a mainstream news source that didnt immediately denounce the idea of a presidential commission looking into vaccine safety. Everyone was on the same page. There wasnt any hint that this might be a worthwhile project. Michael Hiltzik at the Los Angeles Times said, The Trump team effectively reiterated the discredited claim of a link between autism and vaccination. For backup Hiltzik quoted vaccine developer, Dr. Paul Offit, without of course mentioning his ties to Merck, and Offit forecast the possibility of a costly crisis in public health if we continue to listen to the viewpoints of those of dont accept the extensively documented scientific studies. Dr. Saad Omer from Emory University was in the Washington Post warning readers that Trump might be willing to discard science and medical research on vaccination in favor of debunked myths. Omer said he feared that politicizing vaccines would lead to parents not vaccinating and a loss of herd immunity. The New York Times published a piece by Dr. Peter Hotez who wrote, Im worried that our nations health will soon be threatened because we have not stood up to the pseudoscience and fake conspiracy claims of this movement. Montanaro cited the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Institute of Medicine. He called the pro-vaccine science overwhelming, and dismissed Trump as someone who has peddled numerous conspiracies. NOTE: A Vax/Unvax study is finally available. Dan Olmsted would be proud today, don't you think? Thanks to everyone for their continued work on the front lines of the Rebel Alliance. We published this study today, please share the results and the review by Kevin Barry: First Study of Vaccinated versus Unvaccinated Children - Censored by an International Scientific Journal - Now Public Vaccination and Health Outcomes: A Survey of 6- to 12-year-old Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Children based on Mothers Reports, was censored by the journal Frontiers in Public Health. By Anne Dachel Its clear that certain people are very frightened at the prospect of a federal commission to look into vaccine safety and scientific integrity at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stories on Google News warn us that this unwarranted inquiry could cause parents not to vaccinate. They assure the public that the science is settled; there is no reason to look further. President Trumps choice to head this commission, environmental attorney Robert Kennedy, Jr., has been repeatedly attacked as an anti-vaxxer. Similarly, Trumps pick to head Health and Human Services, Dr. Tom Price, is said to belong to a fringe medical group that supports parental choice when it comes to vaccination. Actually its simple. Parents and independent researchers have called for it for years, and it would settle the debate overnight. LETS FINALLY HAVE A SIMPLE VACCINATED/UNVACCINATED COMPARISON STUDY What could be easier than to examine two groups of children: ones who are fully up to date on all their vaccines and ones who have never been vaccinated (including ones whose mothers who didnt get a mercury-laced flu vaccine while pregnant). IF two percent of children who have never been vaccinated have autism, CASE CLOSED. There is no link. With so many parents now so skeptical that they wont vaccinate (in states where they still have that right), the study group is out therebig time. The government conducts retrospective studies like this all the time, so why not do one to settle the most heated debate in pediatric medicine? I would be interested in the opinion of experts like Dr. Paul Offit, Dr. Peter Hotez and Dr. Saad Omer regarding such a study. All of these doctors have warned about the consequences of parents not vaccinating. Heres a perfect way to restore faith in the vaccine program. There is an army of vaccine promoting reporters out there. They are at every major news outlet. Why arent they calling for such a study? I decided to ask several of the experts Im in touch with for their opinion on the validity of a vaccinated/unvaccinated study. Heres what they had to say. James Lyons-Weiler: It's absolutely stunning to learn that not all of the vaccines in the schedule have been tested for association with autism, and yet to see the CDC Website bluntly state "Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism". They have manipulated the meaning of "No Studies Available" to mean "No Studies Have Shown". Their data manipulation has now repeatedly hidden discovered associations. Besides studies focused on finding ways to predict who is likely to be injured, and provide medical exemption biomarkers, a large, long-term randomized prospective trial of No Vaccine vs. Vaccines would be absolutely essential to make a whole-health outcome benefit and risk determination of vaccination. Past studies have always been one-off, and I think we know why. Combined vaccines are now known to increase risk of injury and morbidity. Enough studies have been conducted that do find increased risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, but those studies have uniformly been ignored by the CDC, including during testimony to Congress. Passive, retrospective study of adverse events have literally placed us all - illegally, and immorally - as unwitting participants in clinical experiments without informed consent. Vaccines have positive and negative effects at the individual and at the population level, and we are beginning to see the cumulative effects of the adverse events at the population level. Any vaccine vs. no vaccine study should include stopping criteria in the event that the rates of adverse events due to vaccines (or lack thereof) becomes clear should the population burdens of mortality and morbidity exceed those typically allowed for any other drug. I would welcome a return to using rationality in the rendering of public health policies on vaccination and disease control. James Lyons-Weiler, PhD, is the CEO and President of the Institute for Pure and Applied Knowledge (IPAK), a pure public charity research institute. He is former faculty member in the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, the Departments of Pathology and Biomedical Informatics, and the former Senior Research Scientist and Scientific Director of the University of Pittsburghs Genomic and Protoemic Core Laboratories Bioinformatics Analysis Core. Michael Schachter: As far as I can see, the continuous claims of safety and effectiveness of vaccines are based on nothing substantial. A well designed study that compares the health of vaccinated and unvaccinated children is long overdue. The public deserves this type of study, especially with all of the vaccine mandates that have been imposed on children and the possibility that the vaccines may be impairing the health of children in various ways. Michael B Schachter MD, Certified Nutrition Specialist Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Chris Shaw: To do such a study well would require significant numbers of children in each of several key groups: fully, partially, or unvaccinated. This is likely quite feasible to do and would not compromise the well being (the frequent argument that it would be unethical to do so as it would leave them unprotected) of the latter two groups since they are already in these groups. The harder part would be to match for age, sex, race, etc. and a host of other demographics (food, water quality, other pollutants, etc. etc.). Again, not easy, but certainly do-able. Ir would be expensive to do well, but not insanely so, certainly not in context to the budget of the NIH. The answer, depending on how well the study was designed and conducted might be relatively conclusive...or it might not. This is the way such things work, so there is always the danger that we'd be left with an ambiguous outcome. Also, keep in mind that entrenched positions on both sides are so deeply fortified that I'm not sure either polarity would accept a conclusion going against their core beliefs. As for the "science" being settled, two points: 1. Science is never "settled", rather always evolving. What we believed true of nature 100 years ago has undergone major shifts; it will undergo more in the next 100 years. This is true in medicine, neuroscience, and basically all fields. Much of the so-called settled science is based on looking at two things (and not well either): thimerosal and the MMR vaccine. There are huge gaps in terms of total vaccines, other vaccine components, autoimmune reactions, CNS-immune interactions, genetic suspectibilities, and a host of other things. Anyone who claims in this context, or in the first, that the "science is settled" simply does not understand science. Chris Shaw, PhD Professor of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia Boyd Haley: I have constantly demanded this type of study be done, I quit when I realized the CDC controlled all aspects of this and they were definitely not going to let such study occur. This is a simple straight forward study for which the data already exists in the CDC files. It is criminal not to do such as study and I would gladly have my name added to the list of those requesting it. It is the lack of such as study that causes the public to doubt the CDCs claim of vaccine safety and efficacy. The CDC position begs the question If the vaccine program of the CDC is so safe and efficacious as they claim, then why did the USA have such a comparatively high infant and childhood mortality rate in the years immediately after the initiation of the CDC mandated vaccine program? Also, I have data from Sweden that shows that after the removal of thimerosal from their infant vaccines the rate of SIDS deaths dropped dramatically. The Swedes did not release this for about 10 years for fear it would injure the vaccine compliance in Sweden. It is really time for vaccine safety and efficaciousness to be studied where the scientists involved are not in a position to be threatened by some government agency or professional organization. Boyd E. Haley, PhD President NBMI Science LLC Ken Stoller: Despite numerous Congressional requests that the CDC do a Vaxxed vs Un-Vaxxed study the CDC has refused to comply with these requests. The reason is obvious... the CDC has known for almost two decades that vaccines were very much implicated in causing neurological harm to children. This was revealed in the Simpsonwood meeting transcripts that date back to the year 2000. The Infectious Disease Division at the CDC has always felt its job was to promote the use of vaccines and cover up safety concerns even if that meant lying to Congress and shredding their own research results. The Infectious Disease Division of the CDC is apparently manned by tobacco-scientist like individuals that will deny, deny, discredit and destroy any one or any evidence that does not fit in with their agenda. A Vaxxed vs Un-Vaxxed study would end their ability to deny and that is why such a study will never be done. K Paul Stoller, MD, FACHM Hyperbaric Oxygen THerapy San Francisco www.hbotsf.org Chief, Hyperbaric Medicine Azzolino Neurology Group (415) 563-3800 Editor, Medical Gas Research Paul Thomas: As a busy pediatrician with over 30 newborns a month joining my practice for the past decade, I am now the pediatrician for over 13,000 patients. I have heard over 200 times a very similar story: "my child was fine then within days or sometimes months after vaccines (usually the 12 month, 15 month or 18 month set of vaccines) they regressed into autism, lost eye contact, lost speech and in many cases were in obvious pain. When I saw this regression with my own eyes a few times I decided as a physician it was my duty to first do no harm. The Vaccine-Friendly Plan (VFP) of slow careful vaccination approach, covering those diseases the child is most at risk for and not giving vaccines that they don't need, my practice experienced statistically significant absence of autism in the unvaccinated and the VFP plan children. While we know that autism and other developmental disorders are caused by a multitude of environmental toxins, it may just be that vaccines are the single most potent toxin of all. What if we actually looked at the effects of the full CDC schedule and compared it to those who chose not to vaccinate and a more science-based schedule like the VFP selective schedule? What if we reduced autism from 1/50 back to 1/1000 or even less? We can potentially save 76,000 children a year fomr autism by this one simple change. We simply must do the studies! If you care about children, their developing brains and their health, you must insist on large studies and many of them, comparing vaccinated to unvaccinated children. Nothing could be more important. FIRST DO NO HARM! Paul Thomas, MD Founding Director of PIC (Physicians for Informed Consent) Co-Chair for OFMF (Oregonians for Medical Freedom) www.drpaul.md www.drpaulapproved.com https://www.youtube.com/user/paulthomasmd Author of The Vaccine-Friendly Plan ... http://www.randomhousebooks.com/books/534798/ David Brownstein: Of course we need a Vax/Unvax'd study. It is relatively simple to do and would not cost a lot of money. And, most importantly, it could help answer the question if vaccines are responsible for causing the autism (and many other childhood illnesses) epidemic we are currently experiencing. The CDC should have done a Vax/Unvax'd study years ago. Since the CDC has become an arm of The Big Pharma Vaccine Cartel, they have hindered a vaxxed/unvaxxed study. We need an group independent of Big Pharma and the CDC to perform a study. If there is a link found, the CDC has some 'splaining to do. If they don't find a link, then vaccines could well be exonerated from causing autism. David Brownstein, MD West Bloomfield, MI Andy McCabe: My first year of teaching special needs children was 1968 and during that year, I believe I had one autistic child in my class. At the time, I didnt know what autism was; however, thinking back, his behavior included: spinning in circles, fixating on objects, poor communication and Socialization, and very limited cognitive ability. Two years later, I became a school psychologist and, after one year in that position, was promoted to Coordinator of Child Study Teams. Why the personal history? From 1968 to about 1990, I never came across another autistic child, even though I worked in a district with about 10,000 children. In the early 1990s things changed. Within two years, we had about 5 children and the numbers grew each year. Back then, these children we usually sent to special schools outside our district. Tuition and transportation often exceeded $70,000.00 and during that time, as Coordinator, we decided to start our own in-district program for children on the spectrum. Initially, I thought the cause was air and water pollution and thought that visiting a rural district, with a similar number of students to my own, might offer, by comparison, some answers. My district was urban and we are surrounded by oil refineries on the east and west. The answer: We both had almost the same number of children on the spectrum. Let it also be recognized that the increase in number of children identified as being autistic was not because of improved diagnostics because I was there before, and during, the autism bubble that continues to this day. After pollution, I thought it might be Electro-Magnetic Frequencies brought about by cell towers, computers and cell phones. I recently reviewed the work of EMF experts Dr. Martha Herbert and Ms. Cindy Sage and found there seemed to be evidence for further study, but no conclusive data. In 2011, my first book, The Gifted One, was published By Balboa Press. Its a novel about the worlds greatest healer. A woman on the West Coast , who owns a radio station, read it, a year or two later, and saw that I had been recognized for my work with the autism population. She asked if I would like to do a weekly radio show on autism and now, four years later, Ive interviewed about 200 experts on my show: Autism with Dr. Andy, which is part of the Healthy Life Radio Network, Manhattan Beach, CA. What evolved was the many mothers on my show reported they had seemingly normal children who, after receiving vaccinations, experienced a myriad of physical and cognitive problems that would bring them to inclusion on the autism spectrum. Granted, this was anecdotal evidence, but there was a consistent pattern being represented in our interviews. When I began my work as a teacher and later, as a school psychologist and Coordinator of Child Study, the number of children on the spectrum went from 2 to 5 per 10,000, to around 1 in 50 in New Jersey. I am not anti-vaccination; however, I fully support the idea of safety and science in vaccination and hope that the expressed concerns of Bobby Kennedy Jr. and Robert DeNiro can be further studied in the committee being established by President Trump. Andy McCabe, Psy.D. Professor of Special Education, New Jersey City University Former director of special education services, Bayonne, NJ, (27 years experience) Finally, during a debate on vaccine safety between a journalist from the National Post, Lawrence Solomon, and Ari Zaretsky, MD in Toronto this past January, there was another call for a vaccinated/unvaccinated study. During the discussion, Dr. Zaretsky, a strong proponent for vaccines as safe and effective, called for just such a study. This is what was said at 33:20 into the discussion: Zaretsky:Im happy to support the idea of research. If you dont vaccinate your children with MMR, you can look at whether there is a higher or lower incidence of autism in those children. I think it will be very interesting to find out in the future if theres a difference. One would assume that there would be a causal relationship if you would see a lower incidence of autism in those that havent been vaccinated. At this point in time there is no evidence to suggest that at all. Solomon: I would like to commend you for endorsing the idea of that study. There has a study comparing the health of vaccinated children with the health of unvaccinated children. You would think There has never been a large scale study. The one study (speaking to someone in the audience) youre referring to actually was suppressed, it was very hard to get it published, despite the credentials of the people doing it. It was actually retracted after the publisher agreed to publish it. The publisher retracted it because of pressure from the medical establishment. But the study, Ari, that you suggested, would be determinative. Is exactly what the vaccine skeptic community is asking for. Theyre saying, give us a study that compares the health of vaccinated children to the health of unvaccinated children. That would satisfy everyone. If that study showed that vaccines improve the health, or even if it doesnt harm the health, that would satisfy everyone, and it would end the controversy. But the medical establishment refuses to perform that study. That is something thats inexplicable. If you would like to join the cause, demand that this study be performed, youd be doing a great service. Zaretsky:I think its important to empathic for why it hasnt been promulgated. If you actually asked everyone to not vaccinate their children, then what happens to herd immunity? Thats the problem. (Responding to someone in the audience)Thats right, the control group could be in Hollywood and we could study them to see if in fact what Larry is saying is true. My hope would be that in fact people would actually listen to the facts because if they found that there was no lower incidence of autism, one would assume that the people who havent been vaccinated, would have a lower incidence of autism. If you dont find that, will people change their mind about this relationship between autism and vaccination? Personally, I doubt it. People with strong opinions on both sides of the issue can see the logic of simply looking at kids whove never been vaccinated. News people who harangue us endlessly about dangerous, ill-informed anti-vaxxers, should be the loudest voices out there calling for this study. So should medical groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics as well as the entire Vaccine Division at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Instead of advocating for the science that could quickly dispel parental fears about vaccine safety, all these pro vaccine people are strangely SILENT. Anne Dachel is Media Editor for Age of Autism. Aiken, SC (29801) Today Cloudy early, then off and on rain showers for the afternoon. High 77F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Partly cloudy. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Food safety expert professor Chris Elliott has called for a new approach to food at The City Food Lecture 2017. The need to approach food production differently and an urgent need for people to reconnect with their food were the key themes of the lecture this week. Although prepared by Chris Elliott, professor of food safety and founder of the Institute for global food security at Queens University Belfast, the lecture was delivered by Michael Bell, executive director of the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association, after Professor Elliott was forced to withdraw from the evening for personal reasons. Held at Londons Guildhall, the lecture was given to industry leaders, academics and members of Londons leading food-related livery companies. It focused on the impact of the complex global food supply system and said this had had a massive and negative impact on our ability to understand and care where our food comes from. The address then covered the UKs growing dependency on importing food, and the effects of the 20bn balance of payments agri-food deficit. Elliott argued that the UK agriculture and food industries are being sacrificed to keep food prices low, provide consumer choice and maintain political stability. He also said he believed the UK agriculture industry does not compete on a level playing field. Having strict regulations is, of course, important to protect many attributes of a high-integrity food system, such as workers rights, animal welfare and to ensure our food is safe. However, in the highly complex global food supply system, to be able to say these standards are met by all exporting countries is, in my opinion, really not possible. Putting it simply, he said, working to lower standards meant a lower cost base, and resulted in products that were much more competitively priced. He added: We are importing large amounts of food ingredients and commodities into the UK. These are often from complex supply chains. This leaves us highly vulnerable to the growing menace of food fraud, which is being orchestrated more and more frequently by organised criminal networks. The speech also highlighted the professors concerns about the growing disconnect between people and their knowledge of where their food comes from. He said the causes were complex and that government, the food industry and educators had a responsibility to address the major societal problem. Leah Adler passes away at age 97. In the Los Angeles Jewish community, she was almost as famous as her director-producer son, Steven Spielberg. Leah Adler, who passed away on February 21 at the age of 97, was adored for the warmth and kindness she exuded as the proprietress of The Milky Way, a kosher restaurant that she owned and ran for well over 30 years. The first time I ate there, it was a thrill to have Leah flit over to our table, flash her trademark big smile framed by bright red lipstick, and say hello, wanting to make sure everything was to our satisfaction. She clearly loved her role as restauranteur, and not surprisingly, the entry halls in The Milky Way were proudly decorated with what else? framed posters of her sons blockbuster movies. The Milky Way is located next door to my shul, The Community Shul (otherwise known as Aish HaTorah Los Angeles), so I saw Mrs. Adler on occasion exiting from the black Lincoln Town Car that ferried her to work each day. Out-of-towners were eager to dine there, and truthfully, most people went there as much for a chance to have a quick schmooze with Leah Adler as they were to sample her famous cheese blintzes and her Friday special, a fish chowder that she made herself. Her personal charm made every visit an occasion to remember. As a child, Leah Frances Posner studied piano, studying at the Music Conservatory and becoming a concert-level pianist. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in home economics. In February 1945, she married electrical engineer Arnold Meyer Spielberg, and they had four children Steven, Anne, Sue and Nancy. The Spielberg family lived for a time in Cincinnati, and then spent seven years in Haddonfield, New Jersey. After the family moved to Phoenix in 1957, Leah began performing piano solos, and playing with chamber music groups. She was also an accomplished painter, opening The Village Shop in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she showcased works of local artists. She became known around town as "the lady with the Peter Pan haircut" who drove a Jeep. In 1964, the family moved to Los Gatos, California, but the Spielbergs divorced a few years later, after which Leah returned to Scottsdale, where she married Bernie Adler in 1967. Leah and Bernie remained in Arizona for several years, eventually moving to Los Angeles, where they opened The Milky Way. Adler died at her home in Los Angeles surrounded by her family, according to a spokesperson for Spielberg's production company, Amblin Partners. In addition to Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw, survivors also include her daughters Anne (and husband Dan), Sue (Jerry) and Nancy (Shimon), 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. (One of her granddaughters lives in Israel.) Anne is a writer, Sue a business owner and Nancy a producer. Leah was known for her sharp wit. "I told Steve, if I'd known how famous he was going to be, I'd have had my uterus bronzed," she said in a 1994 Los Angeles Times story. A statement from Amblin said that "while known for her red lipstick and Peter Pan collars, for her love of daisies, for her blue jeans and sparkly bling, for her dancing from table to table around the Milky Way, and for her love of camping, fishing and crossword puzzles, Leah is best remembered for her deep, limitless love for the people around her." Her first husband, Steven's father, turned 100 this month. Her second husband died in 1995 at age 75. April 29, 2013 Bouguerra Soltani's Movement for the Society of Peace (MSP) and its political party, the Algerian Front for Change (FC), headed by Abdelmajid Menasra, have been both seeking to consolidate the Islamist Union in Algeria. This initiative goes far back in time, but the struggle for leadership has delayed its completion. However, their voice is being heard on the domestic political level. Thus, concerned parties have been rushing to join forces and form an alliance. In light of the preparation of the bill to amend the constitution, which is to take place on the eve of the 2014 presidential elections, and given the resulting political challenges, Islamists have decided to stop operating as divided groups. Nevertheless, one should note that the MSP, which is to hold its fifth annual conference on May 2 and May 3, has no political weight. In fact, the MSP has been working since 2004 in a coalition with the Presidential Alliance, but left it in January to form the Green Algeria Alliance (GAA). The GAA represents a collation of several Islamist groups (the MSP, El-Islah, and the Islamic Renaissance Movement, "IRM") formed on March 7, 2012, to prepare for the 2012 legislative elections. The collapse of the Presidential Alliance which included the MSP as a full member, the National Liberation Front (NLF) and the National Rally for Democracy (NRD) and which was formed in light of domestic crises, has noticeably undermined the MSP that has been trying to clean up its tarnished reputation. In the same vein, it could be said that the FC has also been reduced to a caricature of itself on the domestic political level. Unlike Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt, Algerian Islamists have faced a major setback, a first since the Arab Spring uprisings. This is due to the "blood-spattered years" of the black decade (1991-2002) when the Armed Islamist Group (GIA), whose militants were affiliated with the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), suffered over 200,000 dead. This has left the traumatized population with bad memories. People no longer wish to pin their hopes on these parties. Therefore, it can be said that a unification of the MSP and the FC is likely imminent. However, a name for this new political coalition has yet to be determined. "The majority of militants wish to see this sacred union materialize. [The MSPs founder] Mahfoud Nahnah was torn apart when he saw his faithful followers disperse," said the communication officer at the FC, Idriss Rebouh, speaking to Al-Monitor. A new chapter of history has opened for these two blocs that have been seeking to materialize the union of Islamists through providing a basis for the debate. In the same context, the joint committee that has been established to this effect has been preparing for regional meetings in the coming days. The idea of holding a joint summer school in this context as well as a seminar scheduled to be held on June 14, which marks the death of Nahnah, are still valid. Rebouh, a former executive in the MSP and the FCs current communications officer, added to Al-Monitor that it has become imperative for these Islamist parties to join hands and to form a single unit that would impose itself on the national political arena. Working in divided groups is against the founding principles of the late Sheikh Mahfoud Nahnah, who had always acted as a unifying element. Many actions are underway to this end at the militant base and across different regions of the country. There is even talk about gathering former Islamists and brothers of the MSP, who have been dispersed given the political situation in the country, especially following the rise of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to power in 1999. Thus, the MSP has sent out invitations to all its former executives to attend its fifth congress, even those who have formed their own parties. Nevertheless, as the 2014 presidential elections approach, the two blocs that espouse the ideas of the late founding father of the MSP, Nahnah, still lack a common Islamist candidate for the possible future union. Kaci Racelma is an Algerian journalist with Inter Press Service news agency and Afrik.com, an online magazine. He is based in Algiers and covers the North African region. February 20, 2017 CAIRO The Supreme Constitutional Court issued a ruling Feb. 5 granting Christian employees a one-month paid vacation to visit Jerusalem, just as as their Muslim counterparts get time off to go on pilgrimage to Mecca. In March 1980, Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria, the 117th pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria and patriarch of the See of St. Mark Cathedral, had prohibited travel by Orthodox Christians to Jerusalem in protest of Israels oppressive practices against the Palestinian people. The court ruling opened the door for controversy, with proponents saying that the order aims at achieving equality between Muslims and Christians, and opponents arguing that it aims at indirectly normalizing relations with Israel and circumventing the Israel travel ban issued by the Orthodox Church. Naguib Gobrail, the attorney for the Orthodox Church, told Al-Monitor, Under this ruling, the state is bound to allow Copts a one-month vacation to go on pilgrimage to the Holy Land with the aim of achieving equality with Muslim employees who are allowed a one-month vacation to make pilgrimage to Mecca. But at the same time the ruling is not binding to the Orthodox Church. The latter had issued an order to ban travel of Christians to Jerusalem after the Israelis got their hands on the Deir Es-Sultan Monastery in the Old City of Jerusalem, which belongs to the Coptic Orthodox Church, and in rejection as well of the Zionist occupation of Palestinian lands and of Israels practices of the most horrible crimes against the unarmed people of Palestine. Gobrail said whether it concerns an administrative order or a religious one, as long as it was issued by a church, an order is binding for all church members, as they are spiritual orders from the pope. However, it has been reported that after Shenouda died in 2012 and Tawadros II became the Coptic pope, the church's travel ban was apparently not as strictly enforced, with an estimated 15,000 Copts visiting Jerusalem around the 2013 Easter season, with that number dropping to 5,500 last year. Still, Gobrail said the Coptic Orthodox Church punishes travelers to Jerusalem by depriving them of the Eucharist for a year, pursuant to Shenouda's order. Gobrail said the travel ban from the church is not binding on tourism agencies, which consider their travel arrangement activities to be legal since they are for-profit companies. This explains the increase of travel advertisements for Christian pilgrimage to Jerusalem, he added. Gobrail said precautions enforced by Egyptian security services include preventing Copts under the age of 40 from traveling to Israel. Egyptian security authorities issue a permit for those wishing to travel to Israel at least one week before arrival. However, Gobrail said these measures are aimed at preventing Egyptian youths from marrying Israelis in order to get Israeli citizenship. Gobrail said he is concerned that the court ruling could cause a feud with extremist Islamists who refuse to go to a Jerusalem under the Israeli flag, as they consider it a type of normalization and acceptance of a fait accompli. Radical Islamists assassinated President Anwar Sadat in 1981 after he paid a visit to Israel. Also, Tawadros has been the subject of accusations that he has tried to normalize relations with Israel. However, Gamal Assaad, an intellectual and Coptic parliament member for three successive terms (1984-2011), told Al-Monitor, The ruling further consolidates the state of citizenship, and Pope Shenoudas order to ban travel to Jerusalem has nothing to do with the church or the dictates of Christianity, but is rather a political stance through which Pope Shenouda was seeking an Arabist position since he was a pragmatist. Moreover, the order was part of the political settling of scores between the pope and Sadat, after the latter had signed the Camp David treaties with Israel, which the pope rejected outright. Furthermore, Assaad said Tawadros had caused Shenouda's order to become mere ink on paper when Tawadros visited Jerusalem on Nov. 26, 2015, to pay his last respects to Bishop Anba Abraham, the metropolitan archbishop of the Coptic Church of Jerusalem. The church justified the trip by saying that a patriarch should pay the last respects to an archbishop (which is not stipulated in any church law), despite the fact that an archbishop is a bishop and so is the patriarch. This showed that the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria was not abiding by the travel ban. In addition, the secretary of the Holy Synod and the bishop of the Central Cairo Churches, Bishop Rafael, joined a church delegation to attend Arbaeen rituals in Jerusalem, which took place 40 days after the death of Abraham. Then Tawadros sent to Jerusalem a team of six archbishops to attend the inauguration of Archbishop Anba Antonius in March 2016. Moreover, the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem announced on its Facebook page a grand ceremony in Jerusalem in August to perfume the relics of St. Maurice and St. Verena, a ritual whereby flowers are put down before being placed in boxes and distributed among the Christian worshippers as a blessing. Following the ruling, the bishops of Nag Hammadi and Deir Mawas Monastery announced that pilgrimage to Jerusalem is still banned because of Shenoudas political stance on the Palestinian cause, but that there was no religious problem in traveling to Jerusalem under specific instructions from Tawadros. The head of the Division for Tourism and Aviation in the Cairo Commercial Chamber, Ammary Abdel Azim, told Al-Monitor, The impact of the Orthodox Churchs travel ban order on agencies is limited. Moreover, Israel does not grant visas for Christians from other churches such as evangelical, Catholic and Protestant churches if they are under 44 years of age. Abdel Azim said that the number of travel agencies organizing these trips does not exceed 25, that the average price for a trip is $850-$1,200 and that the number of tourists is at least 5,000 and does not exceed 7,000 per year. He noted that the Egyptian authorities have the right to deny travel to any individual without having to give a reason. The pilgrimage takes place in the last week of the fast, which starts on the morning of Palm Sunday, by boarding the plane. The pilgrims reach Ben Gurion Airport [in Tel Aviv] and make their way to East Jerusalem by land. The pilgrims then visit a number of places, including the place where Jesus Christ was crucified, the Holy Sepulcher and the Church of the Nativity [in Bethlehem]. They then swim wearing white clothes in the Jordan River where Christ was baptized. The journey ends over Easter when the pilgrims return to Cairo airport, Abel Azim concluded. February 22, 2017 In what looks like a move straight out of George Orwell's recently resurgent novel 1984, Egyptian authorities appear to be rewriting history to suit their political agenda. Documentation of Egypt's sovereignty over two controversial Red Sea islands has been disappearing from history books in the school system. Egypt has been trying for months to cede control of Tiran and Sanafir islands to Saudi Arabia. The islands are uninhabited. They are located at the mouth of Aqaba Gulf, whose shipping lanes provide access to ports in Jordan and Israel. Israel has long sought control of the islands. The government's proposal is opposed by some members of parliament and Egyptian citizens. The entire controversy started April 8 when Saudi and Egyptian officials announced they had signed a maritime border demarcation agreement transferring ownership of the islands. Several lawyers filed suit April 11 against the Egyptian government, demanding the agreement be annulled. Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of central Cairo on April 15 to protest the plan, which was indeed annulled June 21. The government appealed the ruling in November, but it was upheld Jan. 16 by the Supreme Administrative Court. So how did the controversy make its way from the court system into the school system? Tariq al-Awadi, a lawyer in the Tiran and Sanafir lawsuit, told Al-Monitor his side had used the school system's curriculum as evidence against the government's case. We said during our proceedings that the proof that the two islands were Egyptian is that they are included in our educational system as Egyptian islands, he said. Or at least they were. With the Sept. 23 start of the first semester of the current academic year, many newspapers and news websites published photographs of the new school atlas, and the islands were not included in the list of Egyptian islands as they had been before. When the second semester began this month, Masrawy news website revealed that the Ministry of Education and Technical Education had deleted a chapter from the sixth-grade geography and history curriculum. The chapter had introduced the islands of Tiran and Sanafir, which it deemed Egyptian. It also had included related maps. Samir Cherkaoui, the ministry's history and geography adviser, told the media the chapter was deleted to avoid redundancy and to make the curriculum easier for students, given that the same information was already included in the 10th-grade curriculum. He said all duplicate chapters were deleted. However, Al-Monitor reviewed the 10th-grade geography curriculum, which was published on the ministry's website, and found no mention of the islands. This suggests there are other reasons why the sixth-grade material was removed. "The Ministry of Education and Technical Educations step [to remove the references] is the result of the embarrassment that this curriculum caused to the regime when we used them as documents before the court to prove that the islands are Egyptian," Awadi said. Such efforts by Awadi and others were not low key. On June 3, parliament member Haitham al-Hariri posted on his Facebook page a picture from one of the textbooks of the old 10th-grade curriculum, which stated that the Ras Mohammed area, south of the Sinai, and the islands of Tiran and Sanafir are Egyptian natural reserves. Also, according to human rights lawyer and former presidential candidate Khaled Ali, lawyers had launched a popular campaign to motivate Egyptians to use all the documents and textbooks they owned to prove that the islands are Egyptian. The curriculum changes shouldn't come as much of a surprise, Kamal Mughith, a researcher at the National Center for Educational Research, told Al-Monitor. It is normal for the Egyptian curriculum, which leaves no room for [independent] research, to reflect what the political [regime] wants to teach the students. The state pays a lot of money to develop and print those curricula so that they are available to the largest possible number of students, so it might as well avoid teaching the views of its opponents. A social studies supervisor at the Education Ministry told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that moving the curriculum from a dictation approach to a research approach would protect students from intransigence and allow them to discuss with their teachers whether the islands belong to Egypt or Saudi Arabia, especially considering that the students are increasingly using the internet. This allows them to develop their own views away from the ministrys dictations. Although deleting Tiran and Sanafir from the list of Egyptian islands in the curriculum hasn't affected the annulment ruling, this step probably indicates that the state still intends to pursue the agreement. February 22, 2017 GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip In three separate incidents on Jan. 27, Feb. 4 and Feb. 20, residents in Gaza found three nurslings with unknown parentage left in the streets in the center of Gaza City and in the north of the Gaza Strip. At the end of 2016, another child was found among the olive trees in a deserted region in central Gaza. These cases have opened Pandoras box. Al-Monitor's interviews took place before the third baby was found Feb. 20. The director of Mabarra Association that is specialized in caring for children with unknown parentage, Moumen Barakat, told Al-Monitor, We have been handed two children with unknown parentage from the Palestinian police since the beginning of 2017. One was found in front of Al-Amal Institute for Orphans in Gaza City and the other in front of a mosque in the north of the Gaza Strip. He added, With the two nurslings who were recently found [on Jan. 27 and Feb. 4], Mabarra Association is now home to 15 children with unknown parentage. The association offers the children all services from medical and psychological care to education so that they can look after themselves after completing university education. Caretakers who play the role of mothers attend to the childrens needs. The association enrolls the children in public schools and universities if they wish to continue their education through donations it receives from Arab, Palestinian and international charities. On Jan. 27, citizens from Gaza found a newborn child left in front of Al-Amal Institute for Orphans; the baby boy was wrapped in a blanket but had no personal belongings or identification papers. On Feb. 4, a nursling was found in front of a mosque in the north of the Gaza Strip when worshippers arrived at the mosque to perform the morning prayers. The Palestinian police said the two children were sent to Mabarra Association. Barakat said that Mabarra Association was founded in 1993 to take care of 12 children with unknown parentage who lived in Gaza hospitals at the time, because there were no care centers to accommodate them. He added, During the Israeli occupation of Gaza, before Israels retreat in 2005, the association would get 11 to 12 children with unknown parentage per year. But after Israels retreat, the number gradually dropped. In 2016, we only received one case, and this year two cases, since social accountability which Israel disregards is on the rise in Palestine. None of the children with unknown parentage who the police sent to the association returned to their families due to the absence of DNA tests. Barakat said that such tests would be available only if the concerned state institutions, such as the police, would request them. Searching for the suspected parents of these children is the job of the police rather than the association that is only specialized in caring for the children. Barakat could not assert whether the children found in the streets were the fruits of illegitimate relations or poverty. Lawyer and rights activist Fatima Ashour agreed and said there could be many reasons why the children were left in the streets. It is difficult to confirm whether the children were born out of illegitimate relations or within a legitimate marriage, but abandoned due to poverty brought upon by the decadelong blockade on the Gaza Strip. Ashour told Al-Monitor, We cannot consider finding two abandoned children in the streets a phenomenon. But it is indicative of an unusual occurrence in the extremely conservative Palestinian society. Ashour said the two children who were found might have been conceived in an incestuous relationship. Families can lock up the pregnant woman, hide her from the neighbors and keep the child until birth, then get rid of it. It is illegal for a family in Gaza to cover up for a woman who conceived out of wedlock, which is against the law and Sharia, because in such cases she should be killed to preserve the familys dignity, or she should abort the baby in the first weeks of pregnancy. Psychologist Zuheir Mallakha ruled out poverty as being the reason in the case of the two children who were found recently. Gazan society believes that each newborn brings his own fortune with him. Mallakha said that the children were likely conceived out of wedlock, and the parents could not find a way to abort the pregnancy. He noted that leaving children in the streets is a scary humanitarian issue and carries negative social implications such as loose morals and easy illegitimate relations. He described crimes of adultery and rape as barbaric crimes that have no consideration for the outcome. Normally, the culprits would abort the baby or leave it in the street to hide their crime. He added, Due to the absence of the DNA test in the Gaza Strip, it has become difficult to find the real parents. Therefore, the rapist or adulterer is not worried about being found out. Mallakha said that the two children might have been conceived in a rape incident, but it is impossible to confirm this. Normally, the family of the rape victim fear for their daughter in terms of societys judgmental attitude. They do not kill the woman because she is a victim rather than a culprit, and she resents the pregnancy, which makes it easier for her to give up the child with her familys help. After Al-Monitor conducted its interviews, a new case was reported on Feb. 20. A baby was found in front of Al-Amal Institute for Orphans in Gaza City. Since there are no specialized centers to conduct DNA tests in Gaza, the easiest and safest option is to abandon the children who were conceived in incestuous or adulterous relations or as a result of rape. Palestinian society, after all, hides such crimes to avoid a scandal, and forgets that the biggest crime is abandoning the real victims the children. February 23, 2017 Ismail Haniyeh handed his duties as head of Hamas in Gaza to his elected successor, Yahya Sinwar, Feb. 21. Haniyeh remains deputy head of the movements political bureau but is expected to be promoted to replace Khaled Meshaal at the top of the bureau after elections for the Shura Council, the organizations supreme body, are held. A senior Hamas source speaking on the condition of anonymity told Al-Monitor that the election process would soon be completed and that Haniyeh would formally be declared the movements leader. He declined, however, to elaborate on the reason for the delay. According to the source, Haniyeh is already making decisions and conducting himself as the de facto chief of the political bureau. On the occasion of the transfer of power, Haniyeh updated Sinwar on talks he had in January in Cairo with Khaled Fawzy, head of Egyptian intelligence, and on his view that improving relations with Egypt should be the movements top priority. According to Haniyeh, having good relations with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is the key to a reasonable modicum of existence for Gaza residents and for the survival of Hamas' leadership. Mass protests against electricity shortages in mid-January got organization leaders' attention and recognition of the potential of the pent-up rage and frustration generated by years of being mired in poverty. The Hamas source, a former member of Haniyehs team of advisers, told Al-Monitor that since being elected movement leader in Gaza, Sinwar has been saying that he views Egypt as a friendly state with which arrangements and understandings must be reached and that the two parties would both enjoy the benefits of reconciliation. As reported in Al-Monitor Jan. 30, Egypt has presented Haniyeh with a list of demands, foremost of which is a commitment to hand over Palestinians who are suspected of terror attacks against Egyptian forces in the Sinai Peninsula and are hiding out in Gaza. Some of them are in all likelihood Hamas activists whose extradition to Egypt could generate opposition among the organizations armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, and be viewed as unacceptable collaboration with Cairo. This is the first catch-22 that Sinwar must address expeditiously. According to Gaza sources, he has already told Haniyeh and the many activists and senior Hamas officials who came to congratulate him on his new job that Egypt, in his view, is a friend and that Hamas should be committed to closer cooperation and coordination with Cairo. The coming weeks will reveal whether he means what he says, whether he has crossed the Rubicon and accepted Egypts considerable conditions for reconciliation. Sinwar undoubtedly knows that his success depends on his ability to ease the economic pressure on Gaza residents, if only partially. On the day that Haniyeh handed the reins to Sinwar, all the Palestinian factions except Fatah gathered in Tehran for the International Conference on the Palestinian Intifada. Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, also the conference's patron, launched the sixth annual meeting by declaring that strengthening the movements for armed Palestinian resistance against Israel was of great importance. Support for the resistance movements is vital, Khamenei said. Support means money, military equipment and training and drilling under the tutelage and sponsorship of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Khameneis remarks can be interpreted to mean that Iran, which has in recent years significantly cut its support for Hamas in light of their opposing positions on the Syrian civil war, intends to once again sponsor the movement, as long as it continues to fight the Israeli occupation. A furious debate has been raging within Hamas that is of great concern to the movements leaders, chief among them Meshaal: Should Hamas rely on support from Tehran, strive to improve ties with it and accept the policies it dictates, or should it opt for the support of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and in so doing, indirectly gain Egypts political support. There can be no compromise or halfway measures on this issue. It is a choice either Tehran or Cairo, either arms for the military wing, which is preparing for another clash with Israel, or basic necessities for besieged Gaza residents. Thus, Sinwar has walked straight into a fateful dilemma. In his first week on the job, he already finds himself between a rock and a hard place, between the heavy pressure of military wing activists imploring him to return to Irans fold, with the attendant supply of weaponry, and the desperate Palestinians seeking a minimum level of dignified subsistence. Sinwar imprisoned in Israel from 1989 until being freed in 2011 in the exchange deal for Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier held captive by Hamas knows full well that Israel will not be his salvation and that no amount of diplomatic pressure will lead it to lift the decadelong siege of Gaza. In recent years, Hamas leaders had hoped that pressure by Turkey and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would nudge Israel on this issue, but now they accept that this channel will not yield a solution to the siege. Sinwar, elected mainly as result of energetic efforts by members of the movements armed wing, who view him as their own flesh and blood, will, like a well-seasoned diplomat, have to quickly choose a course of action. After 22 years in an Israeli jail, he knows the choice he faces: weapons from Iran will strengthen Hamas' military power but could also result in the end of its control over Gaza if the movement provokes a new round of violence with Israel, whereas flexibility or surrender to neighboring Egypt will probably guarantee him years of leadership as head of the movement in Gaza. February 23, 2017 BAGHDAD, Iraq Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Feb. 22 that his government is ready to start the implementation of national reconciliation in the very near future. The plan includes returning the displaced families to their hometowns and building an inclusive political and social setting in the liberated areas. During a Feb. 14 speech on Al-Iraqiya TV, he gave more details about his plan for national reconciliation. Abadi said the families of Islamic State (IS) members should not be punished for the acts committed by IS members if the family members had no involvement. He said that no matter the severity of the criminal act, the family should not be held responsible for the acts of one of its members. However, no official policy has yet been adopted when it comes to dealing with the families of IS members, and they are being evicted from the liberated areas, particularly in Qayyarah, Sharqat and some neighborhoods in the eastern part of Mosul, amid disagreements over the implications and repercussions of this eviction. The families of IS members has become a common term in the liberated areas to identify families who supported and helped IS, or those who have a member affiliated with the extremist group. The provincial council of Salahuddin was the first to decide to evict the families of IS members in August 2016. The decision included all families involved with or supporting or promoting this group. A special committee was in charge of implementing evictions, which would last for no less than 10 years, during which the decision can be reconsidered every six months. Local authorities in the cities of Hit and Sharqat have taken similar steps to eliminate IS-supporting environments. On Jan. 26, NRT aired a video showing a woman who goes by the name of Umm Hanadi leading a group of gunmen along with members of the 60th Brigade from Squad 17 and evicting a number of families whose sons were accused of supporting and joining IS, in Sharqat in northern Salahuddin province. The local and central authorities did not specify the party Umm Hanadi is affiliated with. Today, a similar scene is reproduced on Mosuls liberated eastern part. However, the decision to evict families was not made by the local authorities there. In this context, Hussam Abbar, a member of Ninevahs provincial council, told Al-Monitor that the decision was taken by the joint security forces, saying, Only in Hit and Sharqat families of IS members were evicted and to unknown destinations. We, as a provincial council, have a different vision on how to handle these families. He explained, If a family member joined IS, the rest of the family should not be held responsible for his actions, especially when the family is part of a clan and has many relatives, which could later result in revenge crimes and affect the social fabric. Abbar also called on dealing with individuals accused of joining IS according to the law and without holding their families responsible for one members actions. Although no official party has disclosed the destination to which families of IS members are being evicted, member of parliament Ahmad al-Jarba told Al-Monitor, Salahuddin authorities have allocated camps outside the cities for families of IS members and individuals who have supported or promoted this group. However, Jarba, who is a deputy for Ninevah province, said that some of the deputies for the Sunni provinces intend to discuss the issue of eviction with the parliament because [they believe] it could lead to creating a new generation of IS from among the children who will be raised in these isolated camps. He added, We will handle this issue from all legal and judicial aspects to avoid serious repercussions that may be caused by resorting once again to telltales and confidential informants. Confidential informants who would report on the whereabouts of IS members anonymously over the phone, brought about numerous conflicts between Sunni and Shiite parliamentary blocs. Malicious rumors led to the wrongful imprisonment of thousands of people before the judiciary stopped relying on confidential informants on March 26, 2013, by virtue of a decision issued by the Iraqi Council of Ministers. But on the other hand, leaving these families in the liberated areas is a big risk, and their lives could be in danger, as those who were harmed by IS could take revenge. This is why guaranteeing their safety is essential but no easy task. Khaled al-Saray, the head of the Media Monitoring Center, told Al-Muraqeb Al-Iraqi that evicting families of IS members was a necessity to save the liberated provinces from tribal revenge crimes," and that some villages and areas refuse to allow the families involved in supporting criminals to come back and vow to kill them if they do. He said, Families of guilty individuals are shunned as part of tribal customs, to avoid revenge crimes and establish peace and calm. Meanwhile, eyewitnesses in the eastern part of Mosul told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that they believe there is an IS-affiliated network working on destabilizing security in the liberated areas. This network is reported to be spreading malicious rumors to stir hatred and conflicts between the residents and the security forces. According to these witnesses, many known IS members are roaming freely in eastern Mosul without being arrested because their names are not included in the arrest lists or for lack of evidence. This controversy over the families of IS members could obstruct the work of the security forces or result in punishing innocent people. The right thing to do would be to keep tabs on them and work on their rehabilitation, instead of turning them into enemies of the Iraqi society, ready to jump on the first opportunity to take revenge. February 23, 2017 With a Feb. 28 deadline for the Pentagon to deliver revised plans to defeat the Islamic State in Syria fast approaching, speculation is rife as to what they will contain and the main players are spinning their own versions of a likely outcome. The Syrian Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) and their Arab allies who operate under the umbrella of the Syrian Defense Forces (SDF) insist that the Pentagon will pursue its alliance with them, culminating in the liberation of Raqqa. Turkish leaders, who are infuriated by the partnership because of the YPGs close links to Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) rebels fighting for autonomy inside Turkey, keep hinting that the Donald Trump administration is ready to see things their way, ditch the Kurds and embrace Turkish plans to do the job with Free Syrian Army rebels. And in a replay of the Barack Obama administrations efforts to juggle relations with Turkey and the Syrian Kurds, US officials keep feeding hopes on both sides. For all the Trump administrations professed contempt for its predecessors approach to Syria, it appears their overriding goal is the same: to defeat IS. Once the Obama administration walked away from regime change, all pretense of nation-building and promotion of democracy in Syria was dropped. The new administration has displayed no interest, either. And, as Al-Monitor reported last week, a high-level Turkish delegation that lobbied administration officials in Washington to scrap ties with the Syrian Kurds came away largely empty-handed. So where do things currently stand? Based on off-the-record exchanges with officials who are involved in the process, here is what we know: The Pentagon, and the US Central Command in particular, are in favor of proceeding with the SDF. Should their recommendations be heeded, Trump will sign a special legal dispensation known as Section 1209 that authorizes the Pentagon to train and equip nonstate armed groups ahead of a planned operation to take Raqqa proper. Before doing so, Washington will peruse the final draft of Turkeys proposed blueprint to take Raqqa as agreed between Turkeys Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford during their Feb. 17 meeting at the Incirlik Air Base. Turkey is said to have until Feb. 27 to submit its own plans. US officials are genuinely concerned that Turkey will make good on its promise to drive the YPG out of Manbij once it's finished with al-Bab. Turkish officials announced today that the three-month-old operation to win control of al-Bab is all but completed. Various versions of the existing Turkish offer for Raqqa have been widely reported, including by Al-Monitors Fehim Tastekin and Metin Gurcan. But Washington remains unconvinced that any of them can work for logistical and other reasons that have been amply covered. It is above all skeptical about the numbers and the battle-readiness of an Arab force that the Turkish army is said to be training inside Turkey, so much so that according to Nicholas A. Heras, an analyst at the Center for a New American Security, the US military mocks the Turkish-backed group as a Unicorn Force. To assuage Turkish concerns about the YPG the United States will, among other things, go out of its way to prove to Turkey that the group will not be allowed to run Raqqa once it's captured. For it to do so is hardly realistic, anyway, given that Raqqa is a Sunni Arab city and that some of the more influential Arab tribes in the area are deeply hostile to the YPG and its left-wing ideas. Moreover, the latest US thinking as reflected by a recent article in The Washington Post is to stay out of governance in Raqqa and the whole of Syria, for that matter. Once the city is captured and water and electricity restored, Washington is said to be leaning toward leaving things there. In other words, to not immerse itself in helping to establish local councils and other trappings of an administration, as it did in the mainly Arab towns of Manbij and Tell Abyad, which the SDF captured with US backing. The idea of inserting the Turkish-trained Arabs as part of a holding force in Raqqa is on the table. At the same time, Washington appears to have backed away from its earlier view that the YPGs political arm, the Democratic Union Party (PYD), should also represent the Kurds at the latest round of UN-sponsored peace talks between the Syrian government and opposition that kicked off in Geneva today. The PYD isnt there. Meanwhile, the United States is said to be upping its intelligence cooperation with Turkey to help pinpoint PKK targets in the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan. All of this should help quell Turkish fears about the emergence of a US-mentored Kurdish-run statelet on its borders. But Turkey is unlikely to be satisfied. Some analysts have suggested the best way around this dilemma is to indefinitely postpone all plans to take Raqqa. Seems more likely that the alternative to a near-term SDF operation is not 'Turkey/FSA in a year,' it's 'no one, indefinitely,'" tweeted Sam Heller from the Century Foundation. That situation may suit the Syrian Kurds just fine. Since the start of the Syrian uprising, the Kurds have displayed a remarkable ability to take maximum advantage of events on the ground, adapting to the dizzying shifts in power balances, playing at once with the Russians and the United States and holding the regime at bay. But they have reached the limits of their territorial expansion and with Turkish forces firmly wedged between their eastern and western cantons, the chances of their being able to link them for now appear to be low. Besides, the prospects that Washington will recognize the Syrian Kurds' self-declared Northern Syrian Federation are fading by the day. Against this background, the Syrian Kurds have little interest in engaging in a battle that is likely to be very bloody and with no immediate benefit for their cause. February 22, 2017 WASHINGTON United Nations Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said that he was not expecting a breakthrough at a new round of Syria talks set to get underway in Geneva on Feb. 23. Instead, he aimed to gain momentum on talks toward a political settlement while a fragile cease-fire brokered by Russia and Turkey late last year has mostly held. Am I expecting a breakthrough? No, I'm not expecting a breakthrough, de Mistura told journalists at a press conference in Geneva on Feb. 22. "But I am expecting and determined [to keep] a very pro-active momentum. "There is a rush between us and the spoilers, he said. We have to outpace those [spoilers] with momentum on the political track, and I think we can aim at that. Beyond spoilers on the battlefield, he said, the fact that the new US administration, just over a month in office, is still formulating its policies, may be another unintended drag on political talks gaining momentum now. Any new administration requires some time before devising a new strategy, de Mistura said. They have announced that they want to revisit their policy regarding the fight against Daesh/ISIS [Islamic State] and by implication what they are doing in Iraq and Syria. So when the press asked me whether I knew what was the American position, the answer I gave was we are not yet in a position of speaking on their behalf. I do know they are [getting] instructions from President [Donald] Trump to develop a new strategy or new options. So I would say lets wait for that. He added, I am convinced that they will be very supportive to whatever we try to do. I cant tell you more than that. I am not criticizing. I am not complaining. On the contrary, I am just understanding, frankly, that you need a month for devising a new strategy, and we are waiting for that. And we look forward to see what the strategy is. In the meantime, history goes on and we need to begin those talks; otherwise, we lose the momentum. US Syria envoy Michael Ratney, a career diplomat who has held the envoy post since 2015, will be attending the Geneva talks along with other representatives of the International Syria Support Group. Ratney, who was named deputy assistant secretary of state for Syria, Jordan and Lebanon this month, will be dual-hatted, serving as both deputy secretary of state and special envoy for Syria, a US official said. Special envoy Michael Ratney will be in Geneva where he will remain in close contact with the United Nations and with the Syrian opposition delegation to the UN-led talks, the US official, speaking not for attribution, told Al-Monitor. The format for this round of intra-Syrian talks dubbed Geneva 4 for the fourth major set of negotiations to try to find a political solution to end the nearly 6-year-old Syrian civil war has not yet been agreed upon, de Mistura said. He would be discussing that with the parties in bilateral talks beginning the morning of Feb. 23. Some three rounds of talks in Astana, Kazakhstan, this year, including Russia, Turkey, Iran and recently Jordan, as well as Syrian government and armed opposition groups, have focused on how to strengthen the cease-fire and on confidence-building measures toward a cease-fire. But the Astana track talks do not have a mandate to negotiate a political settlement, the UN envoy said. Astana has been and is a very positive initiative, de Mistura said. Their mission is a very important one. It is about the cease-fire. Ask the Syrians. They will tell [you], this is the priority. A cease-fire, then, of course, you can have the talks ... any negotiation can take two, three months, two years. But with no bombing, no shelling totally different. He continued, So Astana: cease-fire, confidence-building measures related to it full stop. Geneva is what we are trying to do here. The political process. With the new US administration still formulating its plans and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis expected to deliver his recommendations on combating the Islamic State to Trump next week until then, everything is frozen, a Syrian opposition official said. On the ground, every party tries to grab more pieces of land just to empower their political negotiating position, said the Syrian opposition official, speaking not for attribution. The Americans are [still] thinking what they will do. So I dont think anything serious will happen in Geneva, the opposition official added. Though Turkey has recently seemed to replace the United States as the major broker with Russia in the recent Syria cease-fire, the United States will be required to be a major presence in the room to advance a political solution, he said. Russias interests are different from Turkeys and different from Irans, the Syrian opposition official said. So they may agree on some kind of cease-fire. But they will never agree on [a] political game. A freezing of the conflict while longer-term political talks take place may be what is achievable now, Middle East expert Paul Salem said. This civil war is not going to end anytime soon, Salem, with the Middle East Institute, said Feb. 21. It is possible we could get to a freezing of the conflict until such time it could be resolved. The Syrian oppositions apparent rejection of a draft Russian constitution for Syria, deemed by them to legitimate Irans role in Syria, seemed to be reflected in de Misturas comments Feb. 22. The drafting of a constitution is the sole prerogative of the Syrian people, not us, not anybody else, de Mistura said. The UN is there to help them and it is our hope that it will be possible to agree on a process to help devise a new constitution. Such a process should be as inclusive as possible. This round of Geneva talks is expected to last 10 days to two weeks, the Syrian opposition official said. February 22, 2017 It is hardly a secret that Turkey and Iran are regional rivals along the Sunni-Shiite divide in the Middle East, which only deepened with the failed Arab Spring. Yet rarely has the animosity spilled over into open and bitter verbal sparring. That is what we see happening now after the latent animosity toward Iran in Turkey surfaced unexpectedly and at the highest level, when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Tehran recently of pursuing Persian nationalism in Syria and Iraq. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu followed up on Erdogans remark by accusing Iran of pursuing not just nationalist but also sectarian aims in the region. Tehran responded with equally harsh remarks citing Turkeys negative role in the region. The angry exchanges come at a time when Ankara and Tehran co-sponsors with Russia of the Astana process are ostensibly working to consolidate the cease-fire in Syria to facilitate a negotiated settlement. They also come just days before a new round of peace talks are due to be held in Geneva under UN auspices. Erdogan singled out Iran while answering questions after his address at the International Peace Institute in Bahrain Feb. 13, during which he outlined Turkeys vision for peace in the Middle East. There are those who are working to divide Iraq. There is a sectarian and ethnic struggle there because of the question of Persian nationalism, Erdogan said, indicating that this had to be prevented. We also have to prevent this in Syria and do what is necessary together with the Gulf [states], because we cannot just sit back and will not sit back in the face of oppression, he added. Erdogan made these remarks during his tour of the Gulf region, which included Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar a point clearly not lost on Tehran given its tense ties with these states. Irans Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi accused Erdogan of sensationalism and surrendering to his emotions, and maintained that Irans only concern was to secure regional stability and security. Supporting terrorist groups using them as a tool, and failing to respect the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighboring countries have caused concern and prolonged instability in the region, Qassemi said, indirectly accusing Turkey of undermining stability and security in Syria. He was referring to Ankaras support for anti-regime forces in Syria. Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu maintained Turkeys frontal attack on Iran during his address to the recent security conference in Munich, Germany. Declaring that Turkey is against all forms of religious and sectarian discrimination, Cavusoglu said, Iran is trying to turn Syria and Iraq into two Shiite states and indicated that this was a very dangerous policy. This has to be stopped. Security and stability in the region can only be secured then, Cavusoglu said. Not surprisingly, these remarks elicited more harsh words from Qassemi, while Turkeys ambassador to Tehran was summoned to the Foreign Ministry to receive a formal protest. Those who have carried out meddlesome, illegal and illegitimate measures, supported terrorist groups, and caused bloodshed and escalation of tensions and instability in the region cannot evade liability for such moves by playing a blame game, Qassemi said. Responding in similar fashion, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Huseyin Muftuoglu said, What is expected from Iran is to take constructive steps and review its regional policies rather than accusing countries that solely express their criticisms of these policies. Muftuoglu said Irans claims to be pursing constructive regional policies were belied by concerns and complaints expressed intensively about this country at international platforms such as the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Despite their regional rivalry, which goes back centuries, Turkey and Iran have generally tried to avoid such exchanges in the past even at times when they were seriously at odds over issues relating to the Middle East. Turkish and Iranian attempts to turn the Syrian and Iraqi crises to their advantage seem to have changed that. Looked at from the Turkish perspective, Iran is one of the key players that obstructed its ambitions in the Middle East. At the start of the Arab Spring, Turkey hoped to be a principal determinant with regard to the future of the region, in line with former Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglus overly ambitious plans. These plans have largely been abandoned in the face of regional realities that were never factored in properly by Ankara, much to its detriment. Turkeys much more modest aim today is to contain developments that have evolved to its disadvantage, rather than trying to be a key player that charts the future of the Middle East. Meanwhile, Iran has become the target of Ankaras ire for blocking Turkeys regional ambitions. Ilnur Cevik, a foreign policy adviser to Erdogan, reveals the anger and current thinking on Iran. Isn't Iran behind the Shiite militants in Yemen? Aren't the Iranian militants hurling missiles at a Saudi warship and even Riyadh from Yemen? Isn't Iran knee-deep in Syria helping the Assad regime? Cevik said in an article for the pro-government daily Sabah. The Islamist media in Turkey does not hold back from reflecting the deep animosity felt for Iran, even though it strongly backed this country against the West before the Arab Spring. One of the most anti-Iranian (and anti-Western) journalists in this context is Ibrahim Karagul, the editor-in-chief of the Islamist daily Yeni Safak. Karagul accuses Iran of having imperial dreams and claims it is providing the environment for an Islamic civil war. He also accuses Iran of using underhanded methods to block Turkeys path in the region. Iran has hit Saudi Arabia from Yemen and Turkey from Syria, Karagul argued in his column. Erdogan's call for a united front against "Persian nationalism" comes at a time when Washington is also upping the pressure on Tehran. This has led to speculation about a US-supported Sunni bloc led by Turkey and Saudi Arabia aimed at containing Iranian expansionism. Turkeys current flirting with the Donald Trump administration is also seen as a further sign that it is seeking to overcome differences with Washington in order to countervail, not just Russian plans for the future of the region, but also to roll back Iranian influence in Iraq and Syria. Retired Ambassador Uluc Ozulker, however, counsels caution in Turkeys dealings with Iran and Russia. He believes that moving in Washingtons slipstream in order to strengthen Turkeys hand against Iran would be a serious mistake for Ankara. Without Iran and Russia, it will not be possible to secure peace and stability along Turkeys border, Ozulker told Al-Monitor. Turkey has to find the right balance between Washington, Moscow and Tehran. Ozulker also recalled that although Tehrans sectarian ambitions in the region have been more than apparent since the Iranian revolution, Turkey nevertheless chose to tread carefully in the past in its dealings with this neighboring country for a host of objective economic and political reasons. Ankaras accusation that Iran is pursuing sectarian policies reveals that Ankara is also acting on the basis of sectarian considerations, Ozulker added, pointing out that this was also a dangerous line to follow. More than 1,400 jobs will be available next month during a regional job fair in downtown Huntsville. The Alabama Department of Labor will host the free event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 21 at the Von Braun Center South Hall. ADOL spokeswoman Tara Hutchison said they currently have 52 employers signed up but hope to increase that number to 200 by the time of the event. Aerojet Rocketdyne, AI Signal Research, Alabama Department of Corrections, Frito-Lay, Home Instead Senior Care, I3, Magnolia River, Mesker Door, Radiance Technologies, Regions Bank, Southern Company, UAH and Wells Fargo are a few of the companies who will participate. Veterans will receive priority service at the event, which requires attendees to preregister online at www.labor.alabama.gov/jobfair. ADOL encourages job seekers to bring an updated resume and dress professionally. For more details, call 256-851-0537 or email huntsville@alcc.alabama.gov. Parsons will host its own job fair next week in Huntsville. The open house will be open to anyone interested in jump starting their career or looking for new opportunities. Coal mining.jpg Company spokesman Bill Stanhouse said Wednesday tat Warrior Met plans to hire up to 200 underground mine workers. (File) Here are the top business stories on AL.com for Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017. Follow all of Alabama's business news here anytime. Warrior Met Coal is hiring. Company spokesman Bill Stanhouse said today Warrior Met plans to hire up to 200 underground mine workers. More than 1,400 jobs will be available next month during a regional job fair in downtown Huntsville. The Alabama Department of Labor will host the free event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 21 at the Von Braun Center South Hall. An Austal-built Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and crew are stranded in Singapore because of a change in training standards propelled by a series of recent engineering breakdowns throughout the LCS fleet. CSX Corp. will cut 1,000 jobs and its chief executive will step down in May. The job loss will be among management-level employees of the Jacksonville, Florida-based transportation and real estate company. Zekelman Industries announced today that it has acquired Birmingham-based American Tube Manufacturing, Inc. Zekelman Industries said it and its Atlas Tube operating division "will expand their presence into the southeastern region of the United States in the structural tubing market." A fast-growing business incubator at a former elementary school in west Huntsville is bigger than ever and ready to take on the startup community. Huntsville West now offers coworking space, private offices, super-fast Wi-Fi, lounges, an event room and more services. Macy's will close 34 additional locations in the coming years, bringing the total number of shuttered stores to more than 100. Macy's did not provide information on which 34 locations are set for closure. An Italian restaurant chain near the old Madison Square Mall property has gone out of business. Romano's Macaroni Grill on 5901 University Drive N.W., closed Tuesday. Lyft, a ride-sharing company based in California, is eyeing Huntsville for its first expansion into Alabama. The Huntsville City Council will vote Thursday night to set a public hearing March 9 allowing Lyft to operate. Sargento has recalled more cheese and ending its partnership with its supplier due to potential Listeria contamination in some products. (Courtesy) The Wisconsin company on Feb. 17 expanded its original recall from Feb. 10 to include several 6- to 12-ounce packages of cheese. The affected products include: Sargento Sliced Colby Sargento Sliced Muenster Sargento Sliced Pepper Jack Sargento Sliced Tomato & Basil Jack Sargento Shredded Reduced Fat Colby-Jack Sargento Shredded Chef Blends 4 Cheese Pizzeria Sargento Artisan Blends Double Cheddar Shredded Cheese No illnesses have been reported. Young children, frail or elderly people, individuals with weak immune systems and pregnant women are most at risk from Listeria infection, which can cause high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, miscarriages and stillbirths. "We deeply regret any inconvenience or concern this issue has caused," Sargento Foods Chief Executive Officer Louie Gentine said. "We have high expectations for the quality and safety of our products and hold our suppliers accountable to those same standards. We will continue to evaluate our processes to ensure we remain a leader in food safety and quality." Sargento will no longer work with Deutsch Kase Haus, which supplied the company with the affected Longhorn Colby cheese. By Haley Laurence By now, Jared Boyd and I are more than halfway through our journey across the state to find Alabama's Best Meat-and-Three. (Read more stories about that here.) Let me just say this -- we've eaten A LOT of food by now. Our eighth stop of our journey took us to the iconic Martin's Restaurant in Montgomery (Location: 1796 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery). What should you know about Martin's, besides the fact that you can find some super tasty food? Well, read ahead. Don't Edit Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com 1. It's all about the fried chicken Martin's is famous for its fried chicken, as it very well should be. Man, is it delicious. They give you the option to order a breast and a leg or pulley bones. Most people go for the pulley bones (and called me out on Twitter for not doing the same), but I can't imagine it getting much better than this. The chicken is fried perfectly and there's not an ounce of grease on it. There's a slight peppery note that gives it a kick. One other note: One time, Patrick Swayze was in town, and he went to Martin's. Guess what he ordered? Yep, the fried chicken. Don't Edit Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com 2. There's lots of history here. Alice Martin brought Martin's Restaurant to life in the early 1930s at the corner of Pine Leaf and Carter Hill Road in Montgomery. In 1939, with a loan of $100 from Dr. Farris Martin, David Smith bought the restaurant -- and kept the name "Martin's" in honor of his doctor benefactor. After a few location changes, it made its home in its current location at Carter Hill Road. David's daughter, Maryanne Merritt, now owns the restaurant. And if you call Maryanne Mrs. Martin? She'll answer to it. "I'll answer to just about anything," she laughs. Don't Edit 3. You'll find the traditional meat-and-three options -- plus some wildcards. Jared and I were delighted to see some not-so-traditional options on the menu -- like this pineapple-cheese casserole. It was a sweet, sweet treat that definitely paired well with some of the saltier items, like the fried chicken. And sssshh: You couldn't really taste the cheese. Don't Edit Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com 4. It's a family atmosphere The hallways of Martin's are lined with photos of past and employees of the restaurant, and most of the artwork on the walls were painted by some of their customers. Maryanne and others are quick to mention that the best thing about the restaurant is that most of the workers have been there for a while, so everyone is like family. In fact, our server, the fabulous Charlotte (who whizzed around effortlessly serving dozens of people like an absolute pro), said she was the newest person on the block -- and she'd been there two years. Don't Edit Don't Edit Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com 5. The cornbread is to die for. Y'all, there is something about the cornbread muffins here. Your server will ask you if you want her to bring you a basket of it while you wait. SAY YES. The cornbread is golden and hot and everything that cornbread should be, but there's even more: They bring along honey with it, which gives you another option. Sop up at least one muffin with it -- you won't regret it. (And if you're a butter fan, there's a huge bowl of it on your table -- you won't have to ask.) Don't Edit Still hungry? Read more about Alabama meat-and-threes here: 5 things to know about Niki's West 5 things to know about Cheryl's Cafe 5 things to know about Johnny's Restaurant 5 things to know about City Cafe 5 things to know about Sugar Kettle Cafe 5 things to know about Mary's Southern Cooking Don't Edit Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com And if you're in the mood for even more food ... Alabama's Best Pizza is ... Alabama's Best BBQ Sandwich is ... Alabama's Best Oyster Bar is ... Alabama's Best Doughnut is ... day care child care A new bill in the Alabama Legislature would require all child care providers to be licensed and regulated by the state. Currently, faith-based day cares are exempt from any oversight or licensing. (File / U.S. Army) A new bill introduced in the Alabama legislature would remove an exemption in state law that allows religiously-affiliated day cares to operate with no licensing or inspection. The Child Care Safety Act (HB 277) would require uniform licensing and inspection standards of all child care providers - meaning that religious day care centers would be subject to the same regulation by the Alabama Department of Human Resources as non-religious day care centers. Melanie Bridgeforth, executive director of VOICES for Alabama's children, an advocacy organization supporting the bill, said the bill isn't the first of its kind for Alabama but it has received unprecedented support. "This is the first time in our history there's been this monumental and concerted effort to bring all child care into compliance with minimum standards for healthy and safe child care for the children in our communities," she said. "There's been a public outcry from the community, advocates, childcare providers." The bill, sponsored by Rep. Pebblin Warren (D-Tuskegee) and Rep. K.L. Brown (R-Jacksonville), is co-sponsored by 18 republicans and 14 democrats. "It is truly a nonpartisan issue because - and this is what the members have told us as they signed on, one by one - nothing is more important than the health and safety of a child," said Bridgeforth. Alabama is one of only seven states that allow child care centers to operate without regulation or inspection if they are part of a church ministry. The standards for being considered a church ministry are minimal; state law says an owner must send a notice of intent to operate a daycare center to the Alabama Department of Human Resources on church letterhead. There are no statutory requirements for what constitutes a church. After that, DHR has no authority to regulate or inspect the child care center. DHR-licensed centers, on the other hand, are required to undergo annual inspections and must meet minimum health and safety standards, including criminal background checks and CPR training for staff, certain staff-to-child ratios, and facility requirements like properly-maintained playground equipment. Some faith-based child care centers around the state do choose to be licensed. In recent years the number of licensed childcare centers has been steadily declining as the number of license-exempt centers has risen. This may be due in part to license-exempt centers being able to charge lower fees because they can employ fewer staff members and don't have to meet facilities regulations. Over the next decade, more than 70 percent of all child care could be unregulated in Alabama, according to projections in the 2016 Alabama Kids Count Data Book. Opponents of across-the-board child care regulation raise concerns about religious freedom. There is language in HB 277 that states the rules are not meant to infringe on religious freedom or the child care providers' rights to provide religious education, said Bridgeforth. DHR regulations address health and safety standards; they don't dictate academic or religious curriculum, she said. "This (legislation) was built on a year and a half of conversations with child care providers, the community, and lawmakers, a cross-section of folks who have a real interest in protecting children," said Bridgeforth. "We are in a state that is leading the nation in early childhood education, and this is a very important part of that fabric," she said. "What happens to children after they're born and their early learning experiences will shape their future." The bill is currently awaiting its first reading in committee. Crestwood South residents spoke out against a proposed 29 home subdivision in the neighborhood during a Feb. 22, 2017 public hearing before the subdivision committee of the Birmingham Planning Commission. A proposed 29 home subdivision in Birmingham's Crestwood South was denied Wednesday evening by a subcommittee of the city's planning commission. The subdivision committee denied Tower Development's preliminary plat for 29 single-family homes to be constructed on a cul-de-sac on what is now an entirely wooded 6.5 acre parcel in the long-established neighborhood. The plan called for clear-cutting and the construction of a detention pond to prevent runoff to neighboring houses. Committee members expressed concerns over gaps in the city's planning process, such as a geo-technical report on the landslide risk to not be submitted until the final plat. If the committee gave its approval to the preliminary plat, the developer would be able to go ahead with grading and clearing the property. "It doesn't sit well with me to destroy the property before we know more ...," said member Selina Rodgers-Dickerson. Michael Morrison, committee co-chair, said Wednesday's decision doesn't mean the committee is against growth or new development. "We have to be sure we do this responsibly and those reassurances have been made," he said. Randall Minor, a lawyer representing Tower Development, said the developer met all of the subdivision regulations. He wasn't sure if the developer would appeal or submit other plans. "We are going to reevaluate our options," he said. Brad Edmonds, of 50th Street South, who spoke out against the subdivision, said he is happy with the committee's decision. "It is a good day for Crestwood," he said. Crestwood South Neighborhood Association Vice President Virginia Volker said she appreciated the committee being thoughtful and listening to the residents' concerns. She said their top concern was for the safety of existing residences and those that would have been built in the new subdivision. A number of Crestwood South residents presented exhibits including neighborhood maps, a landslide zone map and sections of the city's subdivision regulations while presenting their arguments to the committee. "We are not opposed to development," said Andrea Paschal, who lives on 47th Way South in Crestwood South. "We want to see growth. We want it to be sustainable. We want it to be the right kind of growth." Residents said they wanted the committee to take in consideration the existing lot sizes of the neighborhood and potential landslide and flooding issues. Crestwood South resident Joyce McKinnon said the stream that runs through the subject property should be protected. "It should be considered a stream and not a drainage ditch," she said. She suggested the developer implement low-impact and environmentally sustainable techniques. Residents also expressed concerns over the developer's plan to clear-cut and excavate the property. "It is possible to develop around trees," McKinnon, who lives on 48th Street adjacent to the proposed development. Evan Johnson, 11, said she has lived in Crestwood South her entire life. She called the subject property where she often swims in the stream, "the peaceful woods." She said she would be heartbroken if the woods was cleared, and the foxes, owls, rabbits and hawks that live there would be forced to flee or even die. cam ward and phil williams on feb 22 2017.jpg Sens. Cam Ward, left, and Phil Williams talk about plans to draft rules that would govern an impeachment trial in the Alabama Senate. (Mike Cason/mcason@al.com) Four Alabama state senators will begin drafting rules that would govern an impeachment trial of Gov. Robert Bentley should the House of Representatives impeach the governor. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Cam Ward appointed two Democratic senators and two Republican senators to develop rules that would be subject to approval by the committee and then the full Senate. Sen. Phil Williams, R-Rainbow City, will chair the subcommittee, which includes Sens. Greg Albritton, R-Range, Hank Sanders, D-Selma and Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro. Williams said the subcommittee will meet for the first time on Thursday. He said the subcommittee is starting with a blank slate because there are no rules in place. The Alabama House last considered impeachment of a public official in 1915 and that case did not reach the Senate. Williams said the stakes are high and the subcommittee will take its work seriously. "It's still a big if, but if it were to happen it would be in my opinion probably the single largest political event to take place in this state in my lifetime," Williams said. "Because what we are doing is saying that for reasons which have not been truly vetted out yet, that the elected governor of the state would no longer be the elected governor of the state despite the votes of a vast majority of the population." Ward said on Tuesday he thinks it is unlikely the House will impeach the governor. The Alabama Constitution authorizes impeachment of the governor by the House and a trial in the Senate. Bentley would be removed from office upon impeachment by the House and could only return if acquitted by the Senate. It would take a two-thirds vote to the convict the governor in the Senate. Other than those guidelines, the Constitution has few details about how impeachment works. Williams said the subcommittee will first study the impeachment rules used by the state of Illinois and by Congress and see how those might mesh with Alabama law. Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was impeached in 2009. The U.S. House impeached President Bill Clinton for perjury and obstruction of justice in 1998 but he was acquitted by the Senate. Ten months ago, 23 Alabama House members signed a resolution referring impeachment charges against Bentley to the House Judiciary Committee. That came after allegations that the governor had an affair with his former political adviser and might have used state resources in the process. Bentley and former adviser Rebekah Mason denied having an affair and Bentley says he's done nothing illegal or to justify removal from office. The House Judiciary Committee launched an investigation last year but put it on hold in November at the request of the attorney general's office, which is investigating the governor. House Judiciary Chairman Mike Jones, R-Andalusia, said he has spoken briefly with former Montgomery County District Attorney Ellen Brooks, who is overseeing the Bentley investigation by the attorney general's office. Jones issued a statement today and said he plans to meet with Brooks soon to get a better understanding of when the committee can resume its work. Jones said that in the meantime he plans to meet with Jack Sharman, the special counsel hired by the Judiciary Committee to oversee the impeachment investigation, to make sure that the committee is ready to proceed when it gets clearance from the attorney general's office. A Blount County gunman has been convicted nearly five years after he stormed a school and later tried to take a car from a parent waiting in the school parking lot. Carlton Bruce Murray II, now 47, was convicted of first-degree robbery, second-degree burglary, committing a terrorist act, unlawful possession of a firearm on school property and resisting arrest. The incident happened on May 23, 2012, at Southeastern School, a K through 12 in Remlap. The ordeal began earlier that day when authorities said Murray had reportedly assaulted his wife and threatened to burn down their house. Authorities at the time told the North Jefferson News that Murray had poured gasoline throughout their house and pushed his wife into a room, and told his 8-year-old son that he was going to burn the house down with them inside. Murray's wife managed to get away after Murray beat her. He then fled and went to Birmingham, where he stole a gun from a co-worker and went to Remlap. He was fleeing from Jefferson County sheriff's deputies when his car broke down in front of Southeastern School on Alabama 75. At that time, Murray entered the school brandishing a handgun and started demanding keys from school employees. "It all began sometime after 2 p.m. when this man was seen in the lobby, just walking around from place to place and acting strange," then- principal Mike Peoples told The Blount Countian in 2012. "I went out to him to talk to him and he demanded to be given the keys. He kept demanding the keys, and acting just almost zombielike. I told him I didn't know what keys he was talking about. He was obviously not in his right mind. I asked him to leave and he went outside. That's when I saw him approach a parent in a parked car and I knew things were about to get worse, so I immediately went out there." Once in the parking lot, authorities said, Murray pointed his gun at a parent in an attempt to steal the minivan of a parent who was at the school to check out a parent. Murray had ordered the woman out of the vehicle and was about to get in when the principal showed up and Murray then pointed the gun at the principal. They were able to get the kids out of the van, and they were all herded into the school as Murray fled the scene. The school was put on hard lockdown for about two hours. Ultimately, said Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey, Deputy Jerry Hughes was able to take Murray into custody. Casey applauded the school's response to what she said could have been a catastrophic situation. "This could have been a situation like we see on television,'' Casey said. "But for the quick action of retired Principal Michael Peoples, this could have turned out very differently." said Casey. Sentencing is set for May 10, 2017. The Alabama Senate narrowly approved a bill to revise the Alabama Accountability Act, allowing expanded options for tax credits for donors to the AAA scholarship program. Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, wants more tax credit options to boost donations to the scholarship program. Last year, donors claimed $19.9 million in income tax credits for donations to the scholarship granting organizations. That was down from $25.8 million in 2015 and below the $30 million cap. Marsh said the intent of his bill it to try to make sure students who receive scholarships under the AAA don't lose them in subsequent years because funding falls short. "The important thing to me is that these kids that are in this program have a chance to stay there," Marsh said. His bill would allow companies to receive a credit on their utility gross receipts tax for scholarship donations. It would allow taxpayers and companies to claim larger portions of their tax liability as credits. The bill passed by a vote of 17-15 and moves to the House. Marsh's bill does not affect the $30 million cap on annual tax credits. Critics of the AAA note that the tax credits reduce money that goes to the Education Trust Fund for public schools. Marsh has noted that the cap amounts to less than one-half of 1 percent of the $6.3 billion in planned spending from the ETF this year. Seven Republicans joined seven Democrats in voting against the bill, along with independent Sen. Harri Anne Smith of Slocomb. Republicans voting yes: Greg Albritton, Gerald Allen, Dick Brewbaker, Gerald Dial, Rusty Glover, Bill Hightower, Jimmy Holley, Bill Holtzclaw, Steve Livingston, Jim McClendon, Marsh, Tim Melson, Trip Pittman, Larry Stutts, Tom Whatley, Jabo Waggoner and Phil Williams. Democrats voting yes: None. Republicans voting no: Paul Bussman, Arthur Orr, Greg Reed, Paul Sanford, Clay Scofield, Shay Shelnutt and Cam Ward. Democrats voting no: Billy Beasley, Linda Coleman-Madison, Vivian Figures, Quinton Ross, Hank Sanders, Bobby Singleton and Rodger Smitherman. Currently, taxpayers and companies can receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on their income tax for donations to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs). For individual taxpayers, the credit cannot exceed 50 percent of their tax liability, or $50,000. Marsh's bill would allow credits for up to 100 percent of tax liability up to $100,000. Currently, corporations can receive income tax credits for up to 50 percent of their tax liability. Marsh's bill would raise that to 75 percent. Companies with a tax liability of at least $100,000 in utility gross receipts tax could receive a credit for up to 75 percent of that tax liability for donations to scholarship organizations. The Legislature passed the AAA in 2013. Among other things, it authorized the program for tax credit-funded scholarships for students to attend private schools. To be initially eligible, family income cannot exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty level. That amounts to about $45,000 for a family of four. Students from public schools classified as "failing" get first priority for the scholarships. The law identifies failing schools as those that perform in the bottom 6 percent statewide on standardized tests. This year, about one-third of students receiving scholarships were zoned for failing schools. Marsh's bill would change the designation "failing" to "underperforming," a change he said was requested by the education community. Officials with the Alabama Association of School Boards and School Superintendents of Alabama spoke out against Marsh's bill at a public hearing in a Senate committee last week. The bill that passed today was a substituted version of what the committee approved. The new version does not include a provision that would have allowed scholarship money to be used for costs like school uniforms, transportation, tutoring and certain other "qualifying expenses" associated with attending private schools, in addition to tuition and mandatory fees. Eric Mackey, executive director of School Superintendents of Alabama, said the association remains opposed to the bill. "We still believe that allowing a few very large business conglomerates to take tax credits in lieu of paying gross utility tax is not in the best interest of public education, so we hope that the House will look closely at these tax credits before proceeding," Mackey said in an email. "There are some steps like removing the qualifying expenses language that improved the bill, but overall we still think it is not a good bill." Alabama Association of School Boards Executive Director Sally Smith said the AASB has not changed its position. "We fundamentally oppose the Accountability Act and any provision to ease restrictions or make it easier to reach the cap is a concern," Smith said. "We oppose diverting public dollars for private schools." This story was updated to add senators' votes, quotes from Eric Mackey and Sally Smith and other information. Corrected at 1:37 p.m. on Feb. 24 to say that one-third of students receiving scholarships were zoned for failing schools. Homestead National Monument of America is hosting a week of special programs, activities and cake commemorating the sesquicentennial of Nebraska. Kicking off Statehood Week will be Omaha World-Herald writer David Hendee who will present a program on his recently published book; Nebraska 150 Years Through 93 Counties. This special presentation will take place Sunday, February 26, 2017 at 2 p.m. at the Homestead Education Center. Following Hendees special program there will be a book signing. Copies of the Hendee book will be available for purchase from the Homestead Bookstores operated by Eastern National. At 1 p.m. prior to Hendees presentation, the film Frontier University Dreams will play. This film is about the University of Nebraska a land grant university established through the Morrill Act.. On Statehood Day, Wednesday, March 1, starting at 1 p.m. with storyteller Darrin Crow followed by the Homestead Harmonizers at 2 p.m. with the finale of the Beatrice High School Jazz Band at 2:30 p.m. The Harmonizers are a barbershop mens choir that has performed at different venues in Middle America. Darrin Crow, a storyteller will be sharing stories from a time when settlers were staking their claims. The Beatrice High School Jazz Band will serenade the audience to wind up the day. Birthday cake, provided by the Friends of Homestead, will also be a part of the afternoons activities! Thursday and Friday, March 2-3 three storytellers will present stories throughout the day. Joel Gajardo and Rosie Cutter will join Crow in presenting The Heartland Storytelling Festival-Celebrating Nebraskas 150th. Each day during the two day festival stories will be told at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m., 12 noon and again at 1 p.m. Festival goers are welcome to bring lunches for the noon performances. Sunday, March 5 Joe Starita will present his book; A Warrior of the People. The film Medicine Woman, which was produced by Nebraska Educational Television (NET) will show first at 1 p.m. NET Producer Chris Lesiak will introduce the film. Both Lesiak and Starita jointly give a presentation on the film engaging the public in discussion of it. An autograph session will take place after the program. Both the movie and book will be available for sale in the park bookstores. All sesquicentennial activities during statehood week will be held at the Homestead Education Center and admission will be free. All activities have been identified as Official Events of the Nebraska Sesquicentennial. Homesteading played a big part in the development of Nebraska with 45% of the state settled through the Homestead Act. Each of Nebraskas 93 Counties had homesteading take place. Today, over 93 million Americans are descendants of homesteaders. Superintendent Mark Engler added: everyone is invited to Homestead National Monument of America and explore this National Park Service site that commemorates the changes brought to Nebraska, our Nation and the World through the Homestead Act. Visiting Homestead is a great way to commemorate Nebraskas Sesquicentennial! Remember, Homestead National Monument of America has an exciting schedule of events planned for 2017. Keep up with the latest information by following us on Twitter (HomesteadNM), Facebook (Homestead National Monument of America), and Instagram (HomesteadNPS). Homestead National Monument of America is a unit of the National Park Service located four miles west of Beatrice, Nebraska and 45 miles south of Lincoln. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. Jamez Henderson pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a second-degree murder charge and four other felonies in connection to the killing of a 41-year-old man found dead in a trunk in December. Henderson, 33, who appeared by video from the jail, stood mute on a sixth charge, accusing him of escape. On each of the other charges second-degree murder, use of a firearm to commit a felony, possession of meth, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession of money while violating a drug law Henderson answered not guilty when asked how he wished to plead. Lancaster County District Judge Andrew Jacobsen said the case would be set tentatively for the jury term that begins May 1. Police began looking for Henderson after they found Jamie Watson's body, wrapped in carpet and blankets, in the trunk of a Buick at Northwood Terrace apartments, 1025 N. 23rd St., about 1:30 a.m. Dec. 15. They struggled with Henderson in the parking lot, but he got away. Lincoln police came to believe he had shot and killed Watson, 41, inside a home at 215 Fairfield St. after Watson tried to rob him and pistol-whipped him in the face. Hendersons attorney is expected to argue the killing was self defense. At the brief hearing Wednesday, Sarah Newell, of the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy, said she would file a plea in abatement contesting the escape charge. At a preliminary hearing, she argued it should be dismissed or reduced to resisting arrest because he wasnt in official custody or told he was under arrest when he took off. But a county court judge bound over all six charges to district court for arraignment. The story of two women a Palestinian Bedouin and a Syrian refugee as one prepares the other for burial. Lesbos, Greece In the large one-room container in the quiet cemetery of Kato Tritos, a small town several kilometres from the capital of Lesbos, Warda Alkenawy prepares for the ritual body washing. The 35-year-old Palestinian Bedouin from Herat, Israel, is a social worker and accidental washer of the dead who has been on the island since September 2015 at the height of the mass influx of refugees . Before her lie the bodies of Ghalia Abdi and her two young children, Zanaf and Walat. They were Kurds from Syria, and, like hundreds of thousands of others, were fleeing for their lives. Only their lives ended somewhere in the Aegean, between Turkey and Greece. Now they are here, on Wardas wooden washing table. READ MORE: Lost at sea The search for missing refugees Warda learned how to wash bodies by necessity. She came to the island to work as a psychosocial therapist for the traumatised refugees arriving in their thousands every day, focusing in particular on unaccompanied children and those who had lost relatives along the way. Before she set foot on the island, shed never washed a dead body. There are two wooden tables inside the container room, one with slats for the water to run through. A long hose hangs from a single faucet, and a heavy white coffin sits pushed up against the wall. The white cloth used for shrouding the bodies is folded inside a small plastic bag at the foot of one table. Soon, Warda will remove the cloth and place it over Ghalias body. She will wash the body through the cloth, maintaining Ghalias privacy at all times. Shadia Abdi, Ghalias younger sister, who had fled to Greece three months before Ghalia, will help her. As the crisis continued over the autumn and into winter, the number of female refugees making the journey to Europe rose sharply. So did the number of women who died. Warda says she has never questioned her role, although she has had to find ways to deal with the psychological effects of it. Im disconnecting myself most of the time. I dont remember a lot of details afterwards, she says. In my head, Im thinking about the families, about the fact that though this journey came to an end in that they lost a lot of things and people along the way, or they lost their lives they still need to have dignity. As a trained social worker, Warda knows how to deal with trauma other peoples and her own. Really, I think Im protecting myself by disconnecting not in a bad way. I know what I am doing, and I know that I will do it again and again and again, whatever it takes to give them that respect and dignity, she explains. Still, even she knows there are limits to just how much a person can handle. Sometimes, I feel that I didnt do this, I was not there, its not me in these situations. Warda came to Lesbos after a friend visited with a volunteer aid organisation and called her to ask if she knew of any social workers who would volunteer for two weeks. It was a Jewish holiday in Israel, so Warda had some time off. IN PICTURES: Making a giant chessboard from refugee life jackets During those first two weeks, Warda says: I understood that it was my duty to do this, to be there for the families and to give them that peace of mind, to show that there is someone there to give them the dignity and the respect according to Sharia law. When the two weeks were up, Warda returned home but only long enough to arrange her return to Lesbos. I could not connect myself back to my life [in Israel], so I left, she explains. That meant withdrawing from a prestigious scholarship, one of only two granted to Arab women in Israel, to study at the Education Leadership School. Once back on the island, she picked up her role as social worker and body-washer. With her voice cracking, she says of the women she washes: The hard thing is that they didnt need to be there, on this table, in this room, in this graveyard. They need to be alive, in their country, on their land, in their homes, between their loved ones and their relatives. This is the hard thing for them, to die alone in a foreign country, in [the middle of] nowhere. The caretakers of the dead Lesbos, a small Greek island in the northeastern Aegean Sea, was once known for its rugged beauty and quaint fishing villages. It is now known for something else. Since January 2015, it has been at the centre of the refugee crisis. Separated from Turkey by the Mytilini Strait, a body of water stretching less than six nautical miles at its closest point, Lesbos has been a favoured entry point to Europe for people fleeing Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as other places. For 13 passengers who attempted the crossing on July 13, 2016, six miles was the difference between life and death. Six survivors and four dead bodies were pulled from the water that morning. Three remain missing. READ MORE: The fishermen of Lesbos saving refugee lives Since October 2015, Theodoros Nousias, the islands only coroner, has performed autopsies on more than 200 drowned refugees. On the morning of July 13, another four required his attention: one man, one woman and her two young children. Its tragic. Some people survive and live through a war, only to drown in the sea, says the coroner of 20 years over coffee one morning. You dont feel good when you see dead children, dead babies. They havent any idea what life is yet. For every dead body that appears on his table, Theodoros must perform a full autopsy before handing it over to Moustafa Dawa, the self-appointed body-washer. He washes the men but must find a woman to wash the women. According to Sharia, the bodies of all Muslims must be washed first on the right side and then on the left, and from the head towards the feet prayed over, and shrouded in a white cloth before being buried. And this must be performed by a Muslim. Moustafa is a 30-year-old Egyptian who has been in Greece since he was in his 20s. He came to Lesbos to study and now works as a translator as well as a body-washer and cemetery caretaker. But Moustafa does not wash the bodies of women and girls aged over seven. That must be done by a woman. A few days after she arrived on the island, Warda met Moustafa at the Pikpa camp a place where the most vulnerable women, children and single parents stay instead of in the larger refugee camps where she was holding group therapy sessions for children. Two days later, at the funeral of somebody whod drowned at sea, Moustafa asked Warda if she would help with the shrouding and washing of the women and girls. INTERACTIVE: The refugee crisis beyond Europe She agreed without hesitation, although she now admits that she hadnt really thought it through. When someone surprises you with something [like that], your body acts, she says. But Warda didnt know how to wash a body in accordance with Sharia. In fact, shed never even seen one before. Within a few minutes, that had changed as Moustafa asked her to help cover the body of a dead woman. It was a terrifying moment to touch the body. It was so cold and so hard, she recalls. Its like touching death itself. Warda still remembers the smell. I crashed in that moment, crying and crying at the cemetery and then later at home as well, for two days. The woman whose body she was there to cover had been kept, along with dozens of others, stacked one on top of the other, inside a refrigerated container at the back of the coroners office for a month. After seeing this, and the way the bodies were piled into the back of a car to be driven to the cemetery for the washing and burial, Warda felt a renewed sense of responsibility. I know how the dead body needs to be treated, and this was not the way, she reflects. Nearly one million refugees have reached the shores of Europe mainly in Greece and Italy since January 2015, and nearly 4,000 have perished in the sea . As the summer turned to autumn, the number of arrivals on Lesbos increased dramatically, as refugees rushed to beat the impending winter weather. The number of autopsies and burials also grew. In November 2015, the mayor of Lesbos, Spyros Galinos , announced that the island had run out of space to bury the dead. Indeed, St Panteleimon the only cemetery in Mytilini had reached maximum capacity. But the dead did not stop washing up on the shore. The morgue also ran out of space. With the bodies piling up, a refrigerated container was brought in to store the dead. Over the weeks and months that followed, Warda and Moustafa established a strict procedure regarding how the bodies would be treated. At first, they were not buried according to Islamic tradition, the ones laid to rest in St Panteleimon, Warda says, explaining that they were simply shrouded in a white cloth without a ritual washing. In November 2015, when the municipality of Lesbos set aside a plot of land in a field behind barbed-wire fences and rows of olive trees in the town of Kato Tritos, Warda learned how to properly wash a body. With little other than the sound of birds and donkeys to accompany her work, Warda washed and buried dozens of women. On mound after mound, little yellow weeds dot the graves. It is here that the bodies of the most recent victims Ghalia, Zanaf and Walat Abdi will be laid to rest, bringing the total number of bodies in Kato Tritos to 90. A final resting place As men dig the graves and clear the weeds, Warda washes Ghalias body. In the early morning hours of July 13, Ghalia and her husband, Fawz, had boarded a small plastic boat heading to Lesbos. Each carried a small bag and one of their two children. Now Ghalia and her two children are on Wardas table. Fawzs body is still missing. For Shadia, to see her sister lying lifeless on the table was like living in a nightmare. Later that day, Warda reflects: I knew it was difficult for her, and she kept closing her eyes. When Im washing a woman, Im covering her intimate areas. But this time I kept the head covered as well, because I knew that it was hard for her. While Warda and Shadia finished washing the body, Ghalias two other sisters and their brothers baby sat in the shade of an olive tree. The sisters spoke little, but when they did it was in tearful whispers. Quietly, Warda opened the door to the washing room, looked at Moustafa and signalled that she had finished. Closing the door behind her, she walked out among the graves, reading each plaque as she passed. Pausing for a moment, she offered a prayer to all those she had washed and helped to bury. Occasionally, she pulled at some weeds. The white marble plaques atop these mounds are much the same as those in the cemetery of St Panteleimon the patron saint of the sick and destitute only here there are far more that read unknown. These are the refugees who have not been identified, either because they were traveling alone, were part of an entire family lost at sea, or because their bodies were too mutilated or decomposed to be identified. Their plaques display the date they washed up on shore, a symbol indicating whether they are male or female, and their 3-digit DNA number. Of the 90 bodies buried here, only 28 have been identified. READ MORE: The cemetery of unknown refugees from the Mediterranean As the three bodies are taken from the washing room to the edge of the grave, men begin reciting the Quran their voices growing louder as they lower the bodies into the ground. Ghalia and her daughter will be buried side by side, while Walat will be buried in the grave beside theirs. If Fawzs body is found, he will be placed in the grave with his son. For Warda, this burial marks the end of her journey as a body-washer. Her flight to Israel will leave later tonight. But she knows she will be back. It changed my life, really. Today, I feel that my important mission is to be there for the people who most need it for the people who are struggling to continue believing in life. It is what helps me to continue doing this, she says. Epilogue: An accident at sea On July 13, as the sun rose over the quiet island of Lesbos, Rami Alqdman stopped swimming and looked at the three-year-old girl in his arms and realised she was dead. Until then, it had been too dark to tell if she had survived the boat-wreck five hours before. Passengers in the shipwreck Survivors: Rami Alqdman, 28, Syria Mansour Ali Nasir, 60, Algeria Jouiet Mohammad, 34, Morocco Mokhtar Skif, 31, Algeria Samira Benhemine, 24, Algeria Ibrahim, Palestine (Requested only his first name be used) Dead: Ghalia Abdi, 29, Kobani, Syria Walat Abdi, 1.5, Syria Zanaf Abdi, 3, Syria Mohammed El Saadi, 20, Morocco Missing: Fawaz Abdi, 34, Syria Mohammed Ghazi Alkhaledi, 23, Halep, Syria Unknown driver of boat/smuggler, Turkish Zanaf Abdi had been travelling with her parents, Ghalia and Fawz Abdi, and her baby brother, Walat, along with nine other passengers. Together, they had boarded a plastic boat a little after midnight on the shores of Turkey, somewhere between Ayvalik and Bademli, they couldnt quite say, and set out for Mytilini, the capital of Lesbos. Their smuggler had told them that it would be a short 20-minute boat ride and that life jackets wouldnt be necessary. He wasnt wearing one either. Twenty minutes passed, and then an hour. Still, Greece was barely visible beyond the blinking lights in the distance. As the boat entered Greek waters, the wind picked up and waves started to toss it violently. The passengers grew nervous and began questioning the driver. He assured them that there was nothing to be worried about. Rami looked around and took note of where the two children were sitting. Then a wave came crashing over the side, half filling the boat with water. Before anyone could recover, a second wave hit and flipped the boat upside down, taking all 13 passengers with it. Two days after the accident, Rami and I sat on a wooden bench under the shade of an olive tree. We were at Kara Tepe refugee camp in Mytilini, where the six survivors of the wreck had been taken. As he sat there, clasping his hands together in his lap, he slowly rocked back and forth as he recalled that night. All of us became submerged under the boat, but because some of us could swim, we escaped from the sides, he explained. Hearing Ghalias screams, Rami began looking for the two children who had been sitting across from him. Everyone was screaming then. Even the driver who they havent found until now was screaming, in Turkish, that the kids were still down. READ MORE: Refugees in Greece work together and build communities Going back under, Rami searched in the dark for bodies. I tried to grab one of them and kept it with me. At the same time, something like a plastic bag hit me. I didnt know what it was but I caught it in my other hand. It turned out to be a life jacket. Rami didnt know where the life jacket had come from because he hadnt seen any aboard the boat. I held the life jacket in my right arm and the little girl in my left. I still have marks on each arm, he said, showing them. Rami was quickly swept away by the waves, Zanaf in one arm and the life jacket in the other. Eight hours later, still holding Zanafs lifeless body, he was rescued by the Greek Coastguard and Frontex in a joint search-and-rescue mission. Soon after that, the bodies of Ghalia and Walat were also pulled from the water. Mother, son and daughter then began their final journey from the coroners table, to Wardas body-washing table, and then to their graves in Kato Tritos, only a few kilometres from the beach in Mytilini where they had hoped to come safely ashore earlier that morning. The $46bn CPEC project connecting Xinjiang in China to Gwadar in Pakistan has raised concerns in India. Srinagar, India-administered Kashmir The multibillion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is being called a game-changer in Pakistan, has raised apprehensions in neighbouring India. In June 2015, barely two months after Chinese President Xi Jinping announced plans to invest $46bn to develop infrastructure and energy projects in Pakistan as part of the economic corridor, or CPEC, Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi told China that it was unacceptable. The ambitious project part of Chinas One Belt and One Road or new Silk Road project is a series of roads, railways, pipelines, hydropower plants and other development projects, being built from the restive Xinjiang province in China to Gwadar in southwestern Pakistan. The corridor, which came into operation last November, passes through Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan-administered Kashmir a territory claimed by India. Both the South Asian neighbours claim the disputed Kashmir region in full, but control parts of it. On January 17, speaking at a seminar in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: Only by respecting the sovereignty of countries involved, can regional connectivity corridors fulfill their promise and avoid differences and discord. That Modi was referring to the economic corridor was confirmed by his foreign secretary, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, two days later. We expect they respect other peoples sovereignty, he said. The CPEC passes through a territory that we see as our territory. Surely people will understand what [the] Indian reaction is. There needs to be some reflection and I am sorry to say that we have not seen signs of that. OPINION: The China-Pakistan corridor A fate-changer? Economic integration Dismissing New Delhis concerns, Nafees Zakaria, a Pakistan foreign ministry spokesman, told Al Jazeera that the economic corridor is a comprehensive and broad-based economic cooperation project. The project will contribute to [the] economic development of the entire region and not only for Pakistan and China, he said. It can be a catalyst for economic connectivity and integration in Central Asia, South Asia and West Asia. Objection by India or any other country to such an economic project is, therefore, beyond comprehension. The project promises to be an immense economic and strategic windfall for China and Pakistan. By 2050, according to a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers, China is projected to become the worlds largest economy, with a GDP of $58.5 trillion, up from $5.7 trillion in 2010. The countrys GDP growth rate has declined in recent years, however, from 7.3 percent in 2014 to 6.7 percent in 2016. The CPEC is anticipated to boost Pakistans economy, where the GDP is expected to grow by more than five percent by 2020, according to an IMF growth forecast. PricewaterhouseCoopers predicts that Pakistans GDP will reach $4.2 trillion by 2050 from the current $988bn. The 3,200km-long corridor is intended to connect the worlds second largest economy, China, with the Middle East and Central Asia, reducing the alternative sea route distance via the Malacca Strait by 10,000km. For Pakistan, the combined value of the CPECs infrastructure projects would be equivalent to 17 percent of Pakistans GDP in 2015, a report by Deloitte predicted. The report estimated that the economic corridor would create some 700,000 direct jobs between 2015 and 2030, and add up to 2.5 percent to the countrys growth rate. Indias concerns The fact that the route passes through the disputed Kashmir region seems to have worried India, which has about half a million troops stationed in its part of the territory to quell more than two decades of armed rebellion. China is using Indian land area illegally occupied by Pakistan, said Seshadri Chari, a national executive member of the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party. Beijing has been willing to address Indias concerns, though. Hua Chunying, Chinas foreign ministry spokeswoman, told the media that Beijing is committed to developing friendly and cooperative relations with others and that CPEC would not affect Chinas position on Kashmir. Suchitra Vijayan, a New York-based lawyer who has worked on Indias borderlands including Kashmir, told Al Jazeera: India doesnt want to internationalise the Kashmir issue, but with Pakistan, China, and CPEC coming in, it happens. Andrew Small, author of The China-Pakistan Axis: Asias New Geopolitics, does not believe that the offers to India to join CPEC will elicit a positive response in the near future. But he believes there is a view among a number of officials in China and Pakistan that, in the long-term, that door needs to be kept open. Small told Al Jazeera that keeping the door open does not mean that India will become enthusiastic about CPEC but that it will be neutrally disposed seeing some potential security benefits if Pakistans economy is stabilised. According to a report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute a Swedish-based think-tank Indias opposition to CPEC reflects a concern over the internationalisation of the Kashmir dispute and the growing influence of China in the Indian Ocean. It says that there is considerable concern within India that China, which has been neutral on Kashmir since 1963, can no longer be so now that its economic and security interests in these territories are growing. After the 1962 India-China war, Beijing sought to cultivate good relations with Islamabad, which has emerged as the biggest buyer of Chinese defence equipment in recent years. String of pearls New Delhi sees Gwadar a deep-sea port located in Balochistan province as part of Chinas String of Pearls bases, that extends from its eastern coast to the Arabian Sea. China is also developing ports in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh that are considered a potential military challenge to India. The Gwadar port, overlooking one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes in the Arabian Sea, has been leased to Beijing for 40 years. New Delhi fears that the port might become a Chinese naval outpost, thereby threatening Indias energy and economic security, as more than two thirds of Indias petroleum imports pass through the area. Small says that India and Pakistan can expand their commercial interactions without resolving their larger conflict a point echoed by a leading Kashmiri separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. He explains that India does not need to join CPEC anyway in the future, it could maintain its formal objections to the initiative but still deepen trade relations with Pakistan, and in the process implicitly be utilising CPEC infrastructure, energy projects, industrial zones and more. But Mihir Sharma, who is the author of Restart: The last chance for the Indian Economy, says that Indias relations with Pakistan are simply too unstable for the formers primary land connectivity corridor to Central Asia, Russia and Europe, to run through the latters territory. The risk of the investment and of trade through that corridor, in both geo-strategic and economic terms, might be too high, he said. OPINION: Indias take it or leave it choice in Afghanistan Chabahar port In May last year, Indias Prime Minister Modi travelled to Iran and announced a deal to develop Chabahar port, barely 75km from Gwadar. India announced an investment of $500m but the project has been repeatedly delayed. Many analysts have pointed out that the Chabahar port deal, which also includes Afghanistan, could be a parallel project to connect with Central Asia and Europe while bypassing Pakistan. India has committed close to $2bn in development aid to Afghanistan, and it maintains close military cooperation with Kabul as it seeks to reinforce its geostrategic interest in the region. Chabahar will provide India with land access to Afghanistan something Pakistan has denied India for years. Iran could use Chabahar about 843 nautical miles from Indias commercial hub, Mumbai to export more goods to India and the Asia Pacific region. This would open more investment opportunities to Indian firms, which could gain a foothold in Iran, which is emerging from years of sanctions. There would alos be benefits for landlocked Afghanistan, which would get connected to the Gulf, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. The Chabahar port will be linked to Zaranj city, in Nimruz province, Afghanistan, which is connected to a highway built by India in 2009. Small says that Chabahar is typically billed as an alternative and a rival port to Gwadar, and a counter-play to CPEC, but he points out: Its still entirely possible that Chabahar and Gwadar would end up functioning as [a] network. Lamberto Zannier will finish his six years as Secretary-General of the OSCE, the Organisation for Security Cooperation in Europe, in mid-2017. And the career diplomat says he is cautiously optimistic that the conflict that has dominated his tenure Ukraine can be ended peacefully. We can only improve from where we are We try to monitor, we try to assist, [we try to] help the civilians who are suffering [And lets not forget,] were at the beginning of the year, Zannier tells Al Jazeera during his visit to United Nations Headquarters in New York. But theres a lot of work [to do]. The right of the people to vote [on] the split, the return of prisoners is very complicated The trust between the two sides is very low. Zannier, an Italian lawyer with long experience in diplomacy, was the UN Special Representative for Kosovo and head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) from 2008 to 2011. He also spent years working on arms control issues and is an advocate for conflict prevention strategies. Zannier tells Al Jazeera he is glad the new UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has put conflict prevention at the heart of his agenda. As for the future of the OSCE, created to help countries navigate the end of the Cold War era in 1991, Zannier see opportunity. The opening, according to Zannier, is twofold: First, Russias long-running frustration with western security policy. [I was in Munich for the Security Conference last week, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey] Lavrov was there, really talking about the end of the western-centered world, the West weaker in a way, Zannier tells Al Jazeera. Part of is this that Russia doesnt feel it was [ever] part of the new security structure over the last 20 years, so its coming back [to the table] with a bunch of grudges. The other part of the opening: The Trump administrations mixed signals on its engagement with and support of the UN, NATO, and other multilateral organisations. Zannier tells Al Jazeera the OSCEs flexible structure might be what is needed to help countries address new security concerns. OSCE is an inexpensive option its inclusive, everyone in the region is there, Zannier says. In the future, he adds, I think we might want to look for a more solid European security architecture that might prevent further flare-ups, that can also focus on fighting terrorism or deal with problems in cyberspace, or dealing with economic issues, [ultimately] a good way of strengthening ties [on the continent]. Finally, Zannier has this advice for his eventual successor: Work on expanding the space for engagement where you can get [the] parties [to focus on] common interests, as opposed to the logic of sanctions and the logic of confrontation. Not much has changed since the movements inception six years ago, activists say. Rabat Over a thousand protesters marched through Morocco s capital city on Sunday to mark the anniversary of the countrys 2011 wave of protests, known as the February 20 Movement, that was inspired by the Arab uprisings taking place in Tunisia and other Arab countries. Protesters, representing a myriad of political affiliations, rallied under the banner of the February 20 Movement and called for an end to corruption, better housing and employment opportunities, and an end to privatisation of schools, among other demands. As the marchers made their way to the Parliament building, chants began to turn towards the government. For four months, Moroccos Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane has struggled to agree on a coalition for the national parliament, essentially leaving the country without a functioning government. Moroccans have called this the blockage. READ MORE: Where are Moroccos revolutionary activists? Nabila Mounib, general-secretary of the Unified Socialist Party, who openly supported the February 20 Movement since its inception, said that Benkirane did well to fight corruption and extortion and faced many obstacles, but was not a strong enough leader these past five years to bring about the needed coalition. We have gone full circle in our effort to bring about true democratisation with strong and independent parties, Mounib told AL Jazeera. Mounib became the first woman to lead a major Moroccan political party when she took up her post in 2012. When the breakout of protests in 2011 led the King to announce a referendum on a new constitution, she was among those who called for a boycott of what she said was inadequate reform. Many things have changed [in the past six years], but not in essence. The constitution failed to fulfil the major demand of the movement, the transition from an executive monarchy to a true parliamentary monarchy. For this reason, protesters have continued to march. The February 20 Movements demands are very much still alive. READ MORE: The fall and rise of Moroccos left Other activists concur. For Oussama El Khlifi, who was a 23-year-old unemployed cyberactivist when the movement erupted, not much has changed since then. Today, we call for the end of corruption and tyranny, true democratisation, and that power be to the people. As of now, none of these demands have been met. The movement, unique in its diversity, initially brought together various factions of the secular Left, independents, and youth from Moroccos largest Islamist association the Justice and Charity Group which is officially banned by the Moroccan monarchy, and which left the movement after only a few months. The split was made clear this weekend. A Leftist-led march was organised Sunday morning while another, separate, march was organised by the Islamist Justice and Charity later that afternoon, the latter producing the far larger crowd. Hamza Haddi, a 26-year-old leader in the Leftist march and member of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights, said that no animosity existed between the groups. The February 20 March was a popular movement, and they [Justice and Charity] have their specific demands and we have ours, but in the end, we all want the same thing, to end corruption and bring about a more just and fair society. Sammy Badran, a Fulbright researcher and PhD candidate from the University of Kansas who studies the movement, says that the ideological differences among the various factions within the movement were not, however, without effect. While they worked together initially, there were disagreements and falling outs between Justice and Charity and some Leftists prior to [Justice and Charitys] withdrawal from the movement. The fact that they demonstrated separately attests to that. Besides these two main contingencies, the February 20 Movement was often times a rallying cry for broad-based reform covering a wide range of concerns. It is a movement for everything that is wrong in Morocco, says Mounia El Hamdaoui, an undergraduate at Mohamed V University. I am here because we are living under hogra, a phrase often used to mean oppression and unfairness. Another organiser, Soukat Saida, talked about her womens association, based in Rabats sister city of Sale, and their struggle to reclaim land that was seized in 2007 for a development project. They [the government] bought us out and told us to move. Our land, our homes, and communities we were forced to leave these all behind, Saida told Al Jazeera. We want to know, for this government that claims to defend human rights and dignity, how they can tell us to just pack up and leave? Saida added. Where can we leave? We are farmers and people of the land. Where are we to go? Protest chants reflected this frustration. They lit us on fire and left us to walk naked! No work, no housing, and the corporations get everything! Last Tuesday, Benkirane announced that his Justice and Development Party, the first Islamist party to head the government since the emergence of the 2011 uprisings, will form a coalition in the coming weeks. The announcement came just days before the six-year anniversary marches. But for many protesters, government or not, a deep scepticism remains, and until the basic demands for justice, dignity, and freedom are met, activists vowed the marches will go on. For us, street protests are the only way to voice political will and concern, said El Hamdaoui. As bombing of civilian areas continues, Syrians are pessimistic over the outcome of the Geneva talks. Istanbul Om Abd al-Rahman* holds little hope for the future of Syria. She is not optimistic, she says. After losing her husband in the war and having to leave her home in Aleppo for Idlib, the 40-year-old mother of three is currently the sole breadwinner in her family. Every day she makes the dangerous 45km trip from her home in Idilb to her office at a charity organisation in western Aleppo province through areas where kidnappings and killings are rampant, leaving behind her children anxious and fearing for her safety. As she struggles with yet another day of insecurity, fear and despair, some 3000km west of Idlib, diplomats prepare to shuttle between the two five-star hotels hosting the Syrian opposition and the regime delegation in Geneva. For many Syrians like Om Abd Al-Rahman, who live in opposition-held areas, the talks, scheduled to start on Thursday, will not change much. I no longer have big hopes that any negotiations will end the war, she says. The statements of the regime and the weakness, fragmentation and infighting of the opposition killed the hope. All this does not bode well that there will be a solution in the interest of the civilians. After every round of negotiations, the regime mobilises its forces to take over more territory from the opposition, which results in more suffering for the civilians, says Om Abd al-Rahman. Syrias Geneva talks: Expectations pretty low The Geneva talks come on the heels of several rounds of negotiations in Kazakhstans capital Astana between Russia, Turkey and Iran. The talks aim to put an end to a six-year war that has killed nearly half a million people, injured more than a million, and displaced over 12 million half of the countrys prewar population. Despite continuous consultations on the implementation of the Russian-brokered ceasefire declared on December 30, air strikes by the regime and Russian forces have continued to pound opposition-held areas. These Geneva negotiations will be like Geneva 1, 2 and 3. The Syrians did not get anything from them except more killing. by Nadia Mohamed, resident of Jisr al-Shughur Abu Ali*, a 23-year-old resident of the southern Syrian city of Deraa, says that he almost died in a recent bombing of his city. Fighter jets struck close to his house and completely destroyed his motorcycle. The Russian air strikes on the city and the surrounding areas, that were carried out after a ground offensive by the opposition forces, hit civilian areas and damaged six hospitals. Abu Ali, whose family had to go to a refugee camp to seek safety from the persisting air strikes, says he does not see much point in the negotiations. We always offer concessions and it is the regime that breaches the truces. The opposition factions always observe them, but the regime never does, he told Al Jazeera. Nadia Mohamed, 43, who had to leave her home in Latakia countryside and flee to the city of Jisr al-Shughur, near the Syrian-Turkish border, concurs. She says the bombardment of the surrounding area has continued, and while air strikes near the refugee camps at the border decreased after the Astana talks in January, however, they persisted over nearby villages. Nadia and her husband have to rely on the earnings of their two sons to survive. Although the $150 they earn each month is not enough to sustain the seven members of their family, she is grateful with what she has; others have no one to provide for them, she says. These Geneva negotiations will be like Geneva 1, 2 and 3. The Syrians did not get anything from them except more killing, more of Bashar [al-Assads] crimes and Russian intervention, she says. The regime continues bombing. It hasnt even observed the Astana ceasefire, much less apply [what is to be agreed at] Geneva. Nadia believes that there is no reason for the opposition to participate in negotiations unless there are international guarantees that Assad will be removed and the situation of the Syrian people improved. To the opposition I would like to say, remember the prisoners and the refugees in the camps and do not make concessions over our blood, says Mohamed. OPINION: The FSAs demands ahead of Geneva Some 100km away from her, in Atma camp, Abu Adi* is similarly pessimistic about the Geneva talks. We as people who have been living in camps for the past five years, we havent really benefited from the negotiations, he says. Whether the opposition participates or not, it will be the same result. The 34-year-old father of two says he is having trouble feeding his family with the $150 he earns from working in cement production and wood cutting. Before the war, he says he had a small business, which provided well for his family; now he worries about the security and education of his children and the terrible conditions they endure in the overcrowded camp. In his opinion, the opposition has to work to improve the conditions of its people in terms of food, medical care of the injured and social provision for the families of the martyrs. It should also try to set up safe zones to protect the internally displaced. Osama al-Koshak, a Syrian researcher and activist, explains that these negative attitudes towards the Geneva talks with Syrians lack of faith in political negotiations. People would say, politics will not get us victory. The Palestinian Question was lost because of politics, he says. According to him, it is a widely held view that negotiations can only be effective if the opposition makes significant gains on the ground which it would then leverage on the negotiating table. Al-Koshak pointed out that today the opposition would be in a much stronger position if before the Astana talks the armed groups had undertaken offensives against the regime to put pressure on it. They had the necessary force but divisions and disagreements made it difficult for them to carry this out, he says. After the fall of Aleppo and the declaration of a ceasefire that excluded a number of extreme armed groups, infighting erupted in Northern Syria resulting in significant gains for Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (formerly al-Nusra Front), which announced the formation of coalition Hayet Tahrir al-Sham along with a number of other armed factions. The infighting further weakened the armed opposition in the run-up to the Geneva talks. Until now, there is no military body which represents the armed factions and there is no strong political body which really represents political power. This is our main problem as Syrians: There is no one to represent us who we trust, al-Koshak concluded. *The names have been changed upon the request of the interviewees. Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina denies that the countrys dirty war qualifies as genocide [EPA] Springfield, Massachusetts Fifteen years after ending its brutal internal conflict, Guatemala is beset by gang violence, drug trafficking, an intolerable crime rate and near complete impunity for the atrocities committed during the war. Retired army general Otto Perez Molina, elected on an iron fist platform by Guatemalans weary of unrelenting violence, will take office on January 14. Despite his victory, questions remain unanswered both about his past and about the methods he will use to suppress the countrys escalating disorder. The 1999 United Nations Truth Commission report condemned the US role in Guatemalas dirty war. Bill Clinton subsequently expressed regret for the US governments unconditional support for successive military regimes in Guatemala, which contributed to the brutal slaughter of more than 200,000 unarmed civilians, the vast majority of whom were indigenous Mayans. Clinton declared that US support for forces or intelligence units which engaged in violent and widespread repression was wrong, and further vowed that the United States must not repeat that mistake. We must, and we will, instead continue to support the peace and reconciliation process in Guatemala. President Obama made a congratulatory call to Perez Molina. According to the White House, the men discussed the shared responsibility for enhancing citizen security in Guatemala and underscored the importance of institutional reforms, respect for human rights, and inclusive economic growth in advancing the well-being of all Guatemalans. Given the sordid US history of meddling in Guatemala, the US must be vigilant in ensuring that these commitments are honoured. In deciding how closely to embrace the new president of Guatemala, the US should be mindful of credible allegations that Perez Molina committed war crimes. Evidence demonstrates that Perez Molina was a military commander in the Ixil Triangle during the period in which the UN found that the army had committed genocide, and 70-90 per cent of the villages in that region were razed. A particularly damning piece of evidence is a videotape of Allan Nairn interviewing General Tito, said to be Perez Molinas nom de guerre, in which he stands over the battered bodies of four insurgents. Perez Molina had ascended to the head of the military intelligence division when Efrain Bamaca Velasquez, husband of US lawyer Jennifer Harbury, disappeared in 1992. Harburys tenacious and gutsy campaign for truth and justice later revealed that Bamaca was captured, detained and tortured by military intelligence for more than two years, after which he was extra-judicially assassinated. Aside from the issue of personal culpability, Perez Molina strains credulity in his stated amnesia about the countrys well-documented bloody history. Instead of signalling his intention to reconcile with the past, Perez Molina denies that genocide occurred and conveniently ignores the UN Truth Commissions finding that 93 per cent of the war crimes were committed by the army and only four per cent were attributable to the insurgents. Perez Molinas unwillingness to confront the past bodes poorly for his conduct in the future. Perez Molina himself was trained in brutal counter-insurgency tactics at the School of the Americas; Guatemalan civilians have paid an incalculable price. Perez Molina has vowed to keep the courageous Attorney General Claudia Paz y Paz in office, where she can continue her heroic efforts to institutionalise the rule of law and bolster democratic institutions by bringing corrupt officials and war criminals to justice. Despite her incremental progress, human rights advocates fear that the attorney general will be summarily removed from office, or worse, fall victim to the Guatemalan militarys notorious willingness to disappear those who pose a threat to corruption and impunity. Advocates are further alarmed that efforts to hold the intellectual authors of Guatemalas war crimes accountable will be thwarted by the perfidious efforts of former military personal and their families to push through an amnesty for the perpetrators of atrocities, in contravention of international law. The US stands at a dangerous precipice: It can demand an inviolable commitment to human rights as a precondition for continued assistance and diplomatic ties to Guatemala, or it can risk sliding back into unconscionable complicity in human rights abuses. Starting with the 1954 coup, the US has provided finances and military training to combat any perceived threat to US economic and geopolitical interests, in defiance of its stated commitment to advancing democratic ideals. Perez Molina himself was trained in brutal counter-insurgency tactics at the School of the Americas; Guatemalan civilians have paid an incalculable price. The US is currently providing aid and intelligence to combat the drug war and gang violence that threatens to spill over onto US soil, with an unstated goal of maintaining a favourable investment climate for multinational corporations. History has a nasty habit of repeating itself. Given the iron fist platform on which Perez Molina ran, the US must demand that human rights are not the first casualty of Guatemalas imminent crackdown. Lauren Carasik is a Clinical Professor of Law and the Director of the International Human Rights Clinic and the Legal Services Clinic at Western New England University School of Law. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. It is time for the US media to acknowledge the absence of people of colour among journalists. During a White House press conference on February 16, April Ryan, an African American reporter for the American Urban Radio Networks, asked US President Donald Trump whether he is going to meet with the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), an organisation that represents African American members of the US Congress. Trump responded to Ryan by asking if she would like to set up the meeting with the CBC. Are they friends of yours? he asked. After the back and forth between the journalist and the president, many websites sought to highlight how Trumps comments might reveal racism or how he views people of colour. The exchange also highlighted another issue in the room that day, the absence of people of colour among the journalists. The elephant in the room In photos and video from the press conference, few other black faces are visible. This is a largely ignored, but well-known, elephant in the room. White House press corps of largely white faces, wrote Paul Farhi at The Washington Post in 2013. He wondered why US President Barack Obama was trying to discuss complex issues of race in the United States when the people poised to convey his remarks to the world were overwhelmingly one race white. A study by the American Society of News Editors found that in 2015 only 12.7 percent of employees at US daily newspapers were minorities. More than 88 percent of reporters and supervisors were white while 83 percent of videographers were. Overall blacks and Hispanics were represented about equally at slightly over four percent for each group. Distressingly, the data revealed that minority interns made up more than 34 percent of many large circulation newspapers, but internships were not leading to jobs for them. According to Farhi, only seven of 53 correspondents who report on the White House were African or Asian American in 2013. In the Trump press conference, it didnt seem to be that different. While other American industries, such as banking and universities, now have slick websites that showcase diversity, the White House Correspondents Associations website has an image of reporters raising their hands to ask questions. Almost all of the 29 clearly visible faces are white (and mostly male), although there is one black man at the very back holding a camera and two women of colour. Its not the WHCAs fault that it is so monochrome. In an America, where minorities account for 38 percent of the total population, according to the US Census Bureau, few of them find their way into the newsroom and even fewer find their way to prestigious beats (PDF). In a globalised world, many media appear less than globalised in their staff and local newsrooms, and they often don't reflect their own societies. by The Columbia Journalism Review noted that newsrooms have addressed the issue in fits and starts over recent decades, but those efforts have stagnated in the past 10 years. Their study showed that even in cities such as New York, where Hispanics, blacks and Asians collectively account for 65 percent of the population, The New York Times, was more than 75 percent white. Nothing could be starker. Veteran journalist Howard French called this the enduring whiteness of the American media, when he looked back at decades in the profession. He recalled the 1988 presidential campaign where Jesse Jackson, an African American candidate, was routinely referred to as street smart and flamboyant. These were code words for othering the black candidate, just as media referred to Barack Obama as articulate. He was president of the Harvard Law Review, of course, he is articulate, does anyone comment on Hilary Clinton being articulate? Detached from changing realities Lack of diversity starts with hiring. Many industries increasingly stress the importance of diversity. A PricewaterhouseCoopers ad in Britain notes that they seek to offer great opportunities for people with diverse backgrounds. Whereas, a recent job posting from a major newspaper seeking a Middle East correspondent thought that having Arab-language skills was only one of several necessary skills. Diversity wasnt mentioned. Having journalists with different life experiences and backgrounds would seem essential to a newsroom. Journalists sometimes pretend they are neutral observers above the fray. But everyone brings their bias and baggage with them. The world of elite journalism often looks like a nepotistic fraternity more than the mosaic of the world it covers. This colours coverage. Kevin Carter took a famous 1993 photo of a starving Sudanese child about to be preyed upon by a vulture. He was later criticised for not intervening to help the child. Journalists tend to shield themselves from such criticism by saying it is their job to be detached and not become part of the story. Would there be the same emotional detachment if the starving child was white? Would media write about refugees in Europe differently if more journalists were Syrian or Afghan? How much is the concept of detachment, a function of the fact that journalists in many countries often come from a relatively homogenous background? OPINION: Why we still need Black History Month in the US Eva Tapiero, a French freelance journalist, told me that the lack of diversity harms coverage. Especially because we are getting used to not being challenged at work. If everyone has the same schooling background and asks the same questions, I think it becomes harder to think outside the box. When major media tends to draw on the same schools or social circles, reproducing the last generations preconceptions, the barriers to entry for outsiders are even higher. In a globalised world, many media appear less than globalised in their staff and local newsrooms, and they often dont reflect their own societies. For instance, journalist and editor Siddharth Varadarajan noted that in India many newsrooms lack caste diversity. While UNESCO calls for gender equality in journalism, noting that media are a mirror of society, as they should be, they certainly need to reflect better the fact that gender equality is a fundamental human right, there doesnt seem to be an equally consistent call for other types of diversity to mirror society (PDF). OPINION: The media in the post-truth era Journalists and their management should take this into consideration. Instead of hiring minority reporters to cover minority communities or hiring local stringers in foreign countries, but rarely bringing foreign and diverse voices into the headquarters, they should make a better effort to increase diversity. This also applies to columnists in opinion sections. While online-only media has increased the diversity of bloggers and op/ed writers, much old media have not. Its time to acknowledge the problem and press for change. Readers and journalists have nothing to lose and they stand to gain a plethora of new perspectives and ideas for covering stories that have gone underreported. Seth J Frantzman is a Jerusalem-based commentator on Middle East politics and has lectured in American studies at Al-Quds University. He has just returned from fieldwork in Iraqi Kurdistan. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. If it was not understood before Donald Trumps election, it is certainly the case today that there is a high price to pay for the failure over the past decades to establish a two-state diplomatic agreement enabling the creation of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The reckless new US president has many faults, but responsibility for the failure to solve the conflict between the Arabs and Israel on this basis is not one of them at least not yet. Everyone is huffing and puffing about Trumps breezy dismissal of the two-state solution during the recent visit to Washington of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But only last summer the Republican Party adopted an election platform that, unlike recent predecessors, pointedly failed to endorse a two-state solution, and deferred to Israel on the parameters of an agreement. Trumps comments are the consequence, not the source of the problems that have enfeebled the two-state option. Such disenchantment is the price we all are paying for the failure to leverage unprecedented support for such an outcome with a forceful international commitment to realise it on the ground. From the breathless critical commentary surrounding Trumps manifest disinterest in the shape of a solution to the conflict, one would think that everyone has always supported the creation of a Palestinian state on territories occupied by Israel in June 1967. Nothing could be further from the truth. It took more than three decades to forge an international consensus in favour of a Palestinian state. Never forget the famous and always stillborn Jordanian option floated from time to time by various Israeli leaders, often with American support. Or the unitary Palestinian solution still formally embraced by Hamas but originated by the young Palestinian Liberation Organsations support for a democratic secular state in all of Palestine. Or Menachem Begins autonomy for the people but not the land that presaged the Oslo agreements. Each of these options claimed the attention of its supporters. Some retain a powerful allegiance to this day. Why should the stillborn two-state option, which has long dominated the peace process agenda to no result, except to entrench occupation, enjoy a shelf-life any longer than these? No framework for diplomacy For the first time since 1967, the diplomatic environment inherited by Trump is barren of any framework for diplomacy. Despair at the prospect of an agreement or even how to structure a diplomatic effort is Barack Obamas sad legacy. It is often forgotten that the peace process has not scored any achievement since 1996, with the troubled agreement on Hebron and some minor additions called for in Oslo. The only deals made between Israel and the Palestinians in the past two decades have been outside the Oslo framework and Israels partner on this track is Hamas, not Fatah/PLO. Trump is also treading a well-worn path by his declared readiness to bless whatever agreement the parties themselves conclude. The United States has always prided itself on being an honest broker. Whether it deserves the description is another matter entirely. But the year 2000s Clinton Parameters are the closest Washington has ever come to presenting for consideration its own a map dividing the land (PDF). That moment passed without consequence upon Clintons departure soon after. Nothing that has occurred since then during the George W Bush or Obama years has come close to emulating this short-lived, last-minute example. The by or any Israeli leader wants is US support for a democratic state in Palestine in which Muslims and Jews are close to parity.] Long before Trump promised Israel a veto over the pace and direction of diplomacy, Democrat and Republican alike ran fast and far from anything that hinted at an imposed solution of any shape. In a speech last November summing up his failed diplomatic effort, former US Secretary of State John Kerry observed: [T]he old saying is real: You can lead a horse to water, you cant make him drink. If theyre not prepared to take the risks everybody knows what has to be done but if theyre not ready, then theres no way to force-feed it. How is this materially different from Trumps view that: It is the parties themselves who must directly negotiate such an agreement. Well be beside them; well be working with them. It is almost certainly the case that Trumps off-the-cuff comments at his press conference with Netanyahu were not the result of any staff work worth the description. Netanyahu in a bind Nevertheless ,Trumps surprise decision what other kind of decisions does the new president make? to raise the profile, if not the details, of a one-state solution, put Netanyahu in a bind. Israel long ago annexed East Jerusalem in 1967 and the Golan Heights in 1981, and in their meeting Netanyahu asked Trump to recognise these actions. But the Israeli prime minister has no interest in conferring citizenship on two million West Bank Palestinians to the Jewish State, let alone those trapped in Gaza. The last thing he or any Israeli leader wants is US support for a democratic state in Palestine in which Muslims and Jews are close to parity. Does anyone believe that Israel would choose such an option or that Trump or any American administration would impose it? Netanyahu can live well with US support for two states. Indeed if the international community has to embrace a framework for peace, he could not do much better than the system created by Oslo more than two decades ago, improved by the much-discussed outside-in effort to engage the Arabs in a diplomatic merry-go-round. READ MORE: How Palestinians should respond to Trumps one state The great opportunity for peace, Netanyahu now explains, is not based upon bilateral direct talks that have been the core Israeli demand for decades, but a long-disdained regional approach [from] involving our newfound Arab partners in the pursuit of a broader peace and peace with the Palestinians. He knows better than anyone that a US surrender of the two-state option opens up a radioactive one-state option. More of the same works far better for Israel. OPINION: US and Israel join forces to bury Palestinian statehood The fact of the matter is that Israel has ruled the West Bank and Jerusalem as the de facto sovereign for almost half a century, exploiting the areas advantages as its own and settling hundreds of thousands of its own citizens. As Moshe Dayan, the former Israeli foreign secretary, presciently observed almost half a century ago, the challenge facing Israel is not to reach a solution to the occupation but to learn to live, and prosper, without one. Geoffrey Aronson writes about Middle Eastern affairs. He consults with a variety of public and private institutions dealing with regional political, security, and development issues. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. OMAHA Local entrepreneurs have gathered to present ways to improve Omaha during a competition designed to be a "win-win" for those in the startup community and government or corporations. The Metro Area Planning Agency, the Mayor's office and Metropolitan Community College created the JumpStart Challenge to invite entrepreneurs to come up with solutions to persistent problems, the Omaha World-Herald reported. The agency asked the entrepreneurs to come up with a way to encourage residents to commute without using a car. The Metropolitan Community College asked for assistance in creating a community within the college that would help with retention. And the Mayor's office wanted assistance with engaging the community and promoting initiatives. On Tuesday, the entrepreneurs presented their solutions to those issues, which included smartphone apps and websites. Amanda Kohler's winning idea called Nudge gave the community college a way to reach their students by sending personalized text messages to its students. Kohler said students could schedule meetings with their advisers that could help them plan out their upcoming semester. After testing her idea, Kohler said students were more likely to respond to texts rather than phone calls or emails. The winning idea for the agency would partner with companies to offer incentives to ride the bus or adopt healthier choices through a 10-day challenge. And after looking through the different departments on the city's website, Omaha-based entrepreneur Joey Fehrman decided customizing the website could help reach community. "The real problem is how do you get someone who doesn't care about government to care about government?" Fehrman said. Fehrman's idea would help people find government issues that are important to them by using an app similar to Tinder, a dating app that asks users to swipe right on the profiles of people they're interested in seeing and left on those they don't. While Fehrman's idea was a fan favorite, city officials decided to pass on the idea. The winning entries received $2,500 and a membership to the Startup Collaboration to continue developing their ideas. Pilgrims who lost loved ones in ISIL attack at Sehwan Sharif pledge to continue the shrines centuries-old traditions. Every Thursday, Asgar Brohi and his three daughters would visit a Sufi shrine in Sehwan to pay tribute to Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, one of Pakistans most revered saints. Just like many others, the labourer and his family members would head there to take part in a weekly dhamaal a Sufi dance sending devotees into a state of trance. But this Thursday, Brohi went to the shrine alone. Last week, when Brohi stopped at the gate to speak to one of his friends, he asked his daughters to walk inside. He told them that he would join them at the shrine soon. A minute later, he heard a huge blast. A suicide bomber struck the Qalandar shrine, in an ISIL-claimed attack that killed more than 80 people. Among the dead were Brohis three daughters and two other family members, including the five-month-old son of his eldest daughter, Tehmina. The suicide attacker blew his explosives when everyone gathered at the tomb of Qalandar after the Dhamaal so he could kill the maximum number of people, Brohi told Al Jazeera. READ MORE: Lal Shahbaz Qalandar and Pakistans pluralistic history I immediately ran to search for my family. I saw dead bodies, some without their heads, others without their arms and legs, he said in a weak voice. The images still float in my mind; they dont allow me to sleep at night. I will still come here Syed Muhammad Usman Marwandi, better known as Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, is a venerated 13th-century Sufi philosopher and poet who taught peace and love and is respected across South Asia. Legend has it that he was sent a bowl of milk filled to the brim by Sehwans ruler at the time, indicating that there was no room for any more people and that he could not seek refuge there. But Qalandar returned the bowl with a flower floating on the top, expressing his desire to be among Sehwans residents and spread the fragrance of love. His shrine has long been seen as a space where men and women from all classes, backgrounds and religions, irrespective of gender, can come together as one. READ MORE: Sufis return to Sehwan shrine in defiance of ISIL On Thursday evening, a week after the deadly attack, prominent Shia leaders in Lahore organised a special gathering at a shrine to honour the victims of the attack. Leaders from Karachi, Quetta, Hyderabad and Larkana, as well as people from across Pakistan attended the emotional event. With their heads down and eyes closed, hundreds swung their bodies back and forth to the drums beats. I will still come here, every week, Brohi said. My daughters were killed at a pious place, and they are martyrs, he continued, adding that he wanted to spread the message of love. This is our place where no one can judge us and we are united. Sufis will prevail. The shrine is also known as Lal (red) after Qalandars usual red attire. Sharafat Ali still has the red thread he bought last Thursday at the shrine from a young boy selling it for as little as 15 cents. The old tradition of tying threads to marbled mesh on the shrines walls is believed to have powers to get a specific wish granted. I dont have children, I went there to request for a child. Many people told me that no matter what we ask for, the wish will be granted, Ali told Al Jazeera. He also bought a body-length garland that many lay on Qalandars tomb. Ali survived the attack, even after he was stepped on during a stampede. Ive hurt my leg and I have a few scars on my head, but I survived and have been discharged from the hospital, he said. It was my luck, I could have been dead now. Cursing the suicide bomber, Ali said the attacker could have been stopped from entering the shrine and the deaths could had been averted if there was enough security. But without hesitation, Ali said he will go back when he recovers to tie the thread to where it belongs. Love can conquer all ISIL, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, claimed responsibility for the attack as they oppose the culture of grave worshipping, arguing that this may lead to the worship of anyone other than God. Other armed groups, such as the Pakistani Taliban, have also frequently targeted shrines for not conforming to their strict, literalistic interpretation of Islam. But worshippers believe that they stand by the values of harmony, tolerance and love. In a show of determination one day after the attack, civil society representatives staged a protest walk which concluded with a performance by classical dancer and social activist Sheema Kermani. Walking towards the shrine was very emotional, Kermani said. A feeling of great sadness overcame many participants, with some in tears. But then the Sufis who were with us started reciting verses praising Qalandar Shahbaz and we started doing the dhamaal; the shopkeepers started throwing flower petals on us, so an atmosphere and energy of life infused among all of us, Kermani told Al Jazeera. https://twitter.com/AQmaliha/status/833631376549126144 I felt sad, angry and fearless at the same time and nothing else seemed to matter except that the dhamaal must go on the blood of those who died cannot flow in vain. We will protest, we will mourn but we will continue our age-old traditions; the sound of the drum and the beat of the feet will not stop. Kermani explained that shrines, a blend of all subcontinental religions, are often targeted in Pakistan. Musicians at the shrines have Hindu gods painted on their instruments to signify the syncretic culture of the holy places. This is a space where men and women from all classes, all backgrounds, different religions, irrespective of gender can come together as one. These shrines are also symbols of resistance and non-conformity and anti-establishment, Kermani said. They are under attack because they symbolise a defiance to established orthodox religion. Shereena Qazi is on Twitter, Follow her on @shereenaqazi A march protesting against migrants is due to be held in South Africas capital on Friday, raising fears of violence. The South African government has called for calm after a wave of xenophobic violence in which dozens of shops and houses owned by immigrants have been torched and looted. Attacks against foreigners and foreign-run businesses have erupted regularly in recent years in South Africa, fuelled by the countrys high unemployment levels and dire poverty. In the past week, more than 20 shops have been targeted in Atteridgeville, outside Pretoria, while residents in Rosettenville, south of Johannesburg, attacked at least 12 houses. INTERACTIVE: Xenophobia in South Africa Causes, attacks and history Many locals have alleged that the targets were brothels and drug dens being run by migrants from elsewhere in Africa, including Nigeria and Zimbabwe. Nigeria on Thursday said that it had summoned South Africas ambassador to register its fears about a fresh wave of violence against immigrants. The Nigerian government this week called for the African Union to step in to stop xenophobic attacks on its citizens in South Africa, claiming 20 Nigerians were killed last year. South African authorities dismiss such numbers, saying many violent deaths in the country are due to criminal activity rather than anti-immigrant sentiment. A march protesting against migrants is due to be held in Pretoria on Friday, raising fears of violence in the city centre. I wish to appeal to all South Africans to desist from rhetoric or actions that are xenophobic, Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba told a press conference. There are renewed incidents of violence against foreign nationals in Rosettenville and Pretoria West, he admitted, blaming a lack of jobs and alleged drug peddling and prostitution involving foreigners. The UNs International Organization for Migration (IOM) said it was very concerned about the march on Friday. We condemn the attacks, looting and burning of property owned by foreign nationals and call on citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, it said. There is no evidence that foreign nationals are responsible for the rise in crime and unemployment. Gigaba said that South African authorities were in talks with organisers of Fridays march, and that the police would ensure there was no violence. The Right2Know civil action group and other campaigns have called for the event to be cancelled. Meanwhile, in the Nigerian capital Abuja, about 100 demonstrators gathered outside the offices of two South African companies, telecoms giant MTN and satellite TV provider DSTV, to protest at the violence against immigrants. An MTN spokesman was quoted by the Reuters news agency as saying that the offices were attacked and vandalised during the protest. National Database and Registration Authority in Charsadda district fired upon: three gunmen involved. At least three gunmen attacked the National Database and Registration Authority in Pakistans northwest Charsadda district, witnesses said. Local media reports said the attack was foiled when police returned fire and the attackers fled, prompting a search operation. All schools near the area are shut under further notice, a resident and a witness, Shoukat Iqbal, told Al Jazeera. It was not immediately clear if there were any casualties. On Tuesday, Pakistan Taliban Jamaat-ur-Ahrar faction claimed responsibility for the attack in town of Tangi in the district of Charsadda, where suicide bombers attacked a court complex in northwestern Pakistan, killing at least six people. A wave of recent attacks has gripped Pakistan. In one of the attacks last week, dozens of worshippers gathered at a famed Sufi shrine were killed when an Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) groups suicide bomber walked into the shrines main hall in the southern Sindh province and detonated his explosives. The death toll from that attack has since risen to 90. Court finds IMFs 2004-2007 boss Rodrigo Rato and dozens more bankers guilty of using undeclared corporate credit cards. Rodrigo Rato, a former chief of the International Monetary Fund, has been sentenced to four and a half years in jail for misusing funds when he was the boss of two Spanish banks. Spains National Court, which deals with corruption and financial crime cases, said on Thursday that Rato had been found guilty of embezzlement when he headed up Caja Madrid and Bankia between 2003 and 2012 , at a time when both groups were having difficulties. The case caused outrage in Spain, where it was uncovered at the height of a severe economic crisis that left many people struggling financially made all the worse because Bankia later had to be nationalised and injected with more than 22 billion euro ($23bn) in public funds. READ MORE: Distrust and anger at Spains bungling banks Rato, who was IMF chief from 2004 to 2007 and a leading figure in Spains governing Popular Party from 1996 to 2004, remains at liberty pending a possible appeal. He was on trial with 64 other former executives and board members at both banks accused of misusing 12 million euros ($12.7m) sometimes splashing out at the height of Spains economic crisis. They were accused of having paid for personal expenses with credit cards put at their disposal by both Caja Madrid and Bankia, without ever justifying them or declaring them to tax authorities. Corrupt system These expenses included petrol for their cars, supermarket shopping, pricey holidays, luxury bags or parties in nightclubs. According to the indictment, Rato maintained the corrupt system established by his predecessor Miguel Blesa when he took the reins of Caja Madrid in 2010. He then replicated the system when he took charge of Bankia, a group born in 2011 out of the merger of Caja Madrid with six other savings banks, prosecutors said. Blesa was sentenced to six years in jail. Rato, 67, had always denied any wrongdoing and said the credit cards were for discretionary spending as part of executives pay deal. He told the court last October that everything was completely legal. Rato will not necessarily go directly to jail if he appeals against the ruling, just like the Spanish kings brother-in-law Inaki Urdangarin, who has been left free without posting bail following his sentence of six years and three months for syphoning off millions of euros. Urdangarins temporary reprieve, announced on Thursday, made waves in Spain where people have long criticised what is perceived as the impunity of the elite. IMF bosses scandals Rato is the third former IMF chief to get into trouble with the law. His successor Dominique Strauss-Kahn was tried in 2015 on pimping charges in a lurid sex scandal, and was acquitted. Christine Lagarde, the current IMF chief, was found guilty of negligence over a massive state payout to a tycoon when she was French finance minister. Gap between rich and poor has grown faster in Indonesia than in any other country in Southeast Asia, Oxfam reports. A report on inequality in Indonesia says its four richest men now have more wealth than 100 million of the countrys poorest people. The report by Oxfam said Indonesia, with a population of more than 250 million, has the sixth-worst inequality in the world. Within Asia, only Thailand is more unequal. It blames market fundamentalism that has allowed the richest to capture most of the benefits of nearly two decades of strong economic growth, concentration of land ownership and pervasive gender inequality. In 2016, the wealthiest 1 percent of the population owned nearly half (49 percent) of total wealth, the report said. In just one day, the richest Indonesian man can earn from interest on his wealth over one thousand times more than what the poorest Indonesians spend on their basic needs for an entire year. The investment returns on the wealth of just one of the four richest, which according to the Forbes rich list include cigarette tycoons Budi Hartono, Michael Hartono and Susilo Wonowidjojo, would eliminate extreme poverty in a year. The report said extreme poverty of less than $1.90 a day in income has declined sharply since 2000 but 93 million Indonesians still live on less than $3.10, which is defined by the World Bank as the moderate poverty line. Oxfam said social instability could increase if the government doesnt tackle the gap between rich and poor. President Joko Jokowi Widodo has said that reducing inequality is a top priority for his government. A 2015 World Bank survey showed high levels of public concern about the wealth gap. READ MORE: Can board games tackle corruption in Indonesia? The report said Indonesias tax collection is the second-lowest in Southeast Asia and the tax system is failing to play its necessary role in redistributing wealth. To increase the tax take, so low spending on public services such as education and health can be increased, Indonesia needs a higher tax rate on the top incomes, higher inheritance tax and a new wealth tax, it said. Tackling tax evasion is also crucial, Oxfam said, citing International Monetary Fund data that shows $101bn flowed from Indonesia into tax havens in 2015. Security forces storm ISIL-held Mosul International Airport as they continue offensive on western half of the city. US-backed Iraqi security forces closing in on the ISIL-held western half of Mosul have stormed the citys airport and a nearby military base, state television said. Counterterrorism service (CTS) troops and elite interior ministry units known as Rapid Response forces descended on the airport early on Thursday and the nearby Ghazlani military complex, CTS spokesman Sabah al-Numan told state TV. This is one of the major achievements that the Iraqi forces were hoping to get in the first phase of going towards the Western side of the city, said Al Jazeeras Osama Bin Javaid, reporting from Erbil. This area is about 30 kms away from the western edge of the city, and Iraqi forces now say that they are in full control. They say that the two main buildings of the city have been destroyed by ISIL and they have found a number of car bombs parked on strategic locations in the entry points and along the runway of Mosul International Airport. The airport and military complex, which includes barracks and training grounds and sprawls across an area close to the Baghdad-Mosul highway was captured by ISIL fighters when they overran Mosul in June 2014. The advances come days after Iraqi forces officially launched the operation to push ISIL out of Mosuls western half. The operation to retake Iraqs second largest city was officially launched in October and in January its eastern half was declared fully liberated. A US-led coalition has been providing close air support throughout the campaign to retake Iraqs second-largest city. US special operations forces are embedded with some Iraqi units and thousands of US troops are in Iraq providing logistical and other support. US Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis was holding discussions with US and Iraqi officials, a week before he is expected to present a new strategy to President Donald Trump for defeating ISIL . Trump has repeatedly vowed to eliminate the group but has provided few details about how his approach might differ from that of the Obama administration, which had partnered with Syrian and Iraqi forces to drive ISIL out of several towns and cities. The battle for western Mosul , the groups last major urban bastion in Iraq, is expected to be the most daunting yet. The streets are older and narrower in that sector of the city, which stretches west from the River Tigris, forcing Iraqi soldiers to leave the relative safety of their armoured vehicles. WATCH: Will latest Iraqi offensive mean end of ISIL in Mosul? The presence of up to 750,000 civilians also poses a challenge . Two suicide car bombers struck army and paramilitary forces west of Mosul on Monday, killing and wounding a number of troops, two army officers said, without specifying the number of casualties. A third suicide car bomber was blown up before reaching the troops, they said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to brief the media. ISIL claimed responsibility for two attacks in an online statement, saying the attackers were British and Iraqi. In Mexico City visit, senior White House seek to cool tempers after weeks of tension between the two neighbours. Mexicos Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray has expressed worry and irritation about US President Donald Trumps trade and immigration policies during a visit by two top White House representatives. Speaking to reporters on Thursday after closed-door meetings with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security chief John Kelly, Videgaray said it is a complex time for Mexican-US relations. There exists among Mexicans worry and irritation about what are perceived to be policies that could be harmful for the national interest and for Mexicans here and abroad, Videgaray said, looking stern as he stood beside the US officials. Relationships between the two countries have gone downhill quickly since Trumps win at the US presidential election in November. Washington this week angered its southern neighbour by saying it was seeking to deport many undocumented immigrants to Mexico if they entered the United States from there, regardless of their nationality. The immigration guidelines are the latest point of tension between neighbours that have also been at odds over Trumps vow to build a wall on the border and his attempts to browbeat Mexico into giving concessions on trade. No mass deportations For their part, Kelly and Tillerson sought to cool tempers as they adopted a more measured tone than either the Mexicans or Trump, who on Thursday said a military operation was being carried out to clear bad dudes from the US. Kelly said there would be no use of military force in immigration operations, and no, repeat, no mass deportations. None of the US officials made direct references to the deportation of immigrants from third countries to Mexico, or to paying for the border wall planned by Trump, a red-flag issue for Mexico. Both sides at the Mexico City talks on Thursday pledged further dialogue on migration, trade and security issues facing both nations. Al Jazeeras John Holman, reporting from Mexico City, said Mexico has been criticised as timid in confronting issues with the US in the past, but since Trump came into office it has grown tougher. Usually, this is a quiet and cordial meeting. Thats how it has been for decades. But not under the administration of Donald Trump, Holman said. Infographic: Building Trumps border wall Earlier on Thursday, Trump continued blasting Mexico for what he claims is an unfair trade relationship with the US. Were going to have a good relationship with Mexico, but if we dont, we dont, Trump said at a White House meeting with business leaders. The talks in the Mexican capital followed the cancellation of a planned visit by Pena Nieto to the White House, after Trump followed through on his pledge to order the construction of a border wall along the US southern border and declare that Mexico will pay for the wall. The neighbouring countries have also clashed over trade, with Trump calling for a renegotiation of NAFTA, the North American free trade agreement. During his meeting with business leaders on Thursday at the White House, Trump complained about the $70bn trade deficit with Mexico and the loss of American manufacturing jobs, since NAFTA was adopted more than 20 years ago. The deals we have with other countries are unbelievably bad, Trump said. In response to Trumps threats on trade, Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo said on Thursday morning that his country could slap tariffs on US goods if renegotiations over trade fail. Guajardo said he expected NAFTA negotiations with US and Canada to conclude by the end of 2017. Eight arrests reported after isolated skirmishes as teens protest suspected rape of young black man with a police baton. Hundreds of high-school pupils have protested against police brutality in France, blocking the entrances to a dozen schools in the capital, Paris, in the latest in a series of rallies triggered by the suspected rape of a young black man with a police baton. Police reported eight arrests on Thursday, according to the Reuters news agency, after isolated skirmishes with youths who hurled objects and damaged property on the fringes of what otherwise appeared to have been a relatively peaceful demonstration. The protesters are angry over the alleged rape of a 22-year-old man during a February 2 arrest in an area north of Paris where large numbers of immigrants live. The man, identified only as Theo, remains in hospital with injuries to his anus and head. Four police officers have been suspended pending an inquiry into the incident. One has been placed under formal investigation for suspected rape and three others for unnecessary use of force. The Paris school authority on Thursday said more than 10 schools had been targeted by youths who piled up rubbish bins and other objects at the entrance gates. In one case, a deputy school director was injured when protesters hurled a fire extinguisher. The protest, which went on without authorisation by the police, comes two months before a presidential election where far-right leader Marine Le Pen, leader of the anti-immigrant National Front party, is tipped to win the first round but lose the run-off vote that takes place on May 7. Revenge for Theo! Theo has called for public calm and his family has said they have faith in the French justice system. One of the banners carried at Thursdays rally read: Revenge for Theo! READ MORE: Paris police say rape of black man an accident Social media networks showed signs of skirmishes on the fringes of the rally in the Place de la Nation square in the east of Paris, where riot police in protective gear advanced on groups of mostly hooded youths in sidestreet confrontations. A helicopter flew overhead and tear gas clouds rose into the air above that square towards the end of the rally. So far the protests have not snowballed to the extent of the unrest that 12 years ago drew global attention to the stark contrast between wealthy Paris and the suburbs that surround it. De Lima, a vocal critic of President Duterte, is facing drug trafficking charges during her term as a justice secretary. A court in the Philippines has ordered the arrest of Leila de Lima, an opposition senator and a leading critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, over illegal drug charges. De Lima, a vocal opponent of Dutertes bloody anti-drug campaign, is accused of orchestrating a drug trafficking ring when she was justice secretary during the 2010-2015 administration of Benigno Aquino. Warrants were also issued on Thursday for the arrest of the former head of the prison agency as well as a de Lima aide, who is accused of accepting bribes on behalf of the senator. De Lima has denied the charges, calling herself a victim of political persecution and saying she has long prepared herself to be the first political prisoner under the Duterte administration. In a press conference on Thursday, de Lima said that she will await her arrest at the Senate on Friday. While the issuance of the warrant of arrest is questionable, I do not have any plans to evade it, she said, calling the order premature as the court has yet to hear the response from her lawyers. READ MORE: Duterte accused of paying police to kill Duterte, 71, won a presidential election last year after promising during the campaign to eradicate drugs in society by killing tens of thousands of people. Since his inauguration on June 30, an anti-drug drive has seen more than 7,000 people killed over suspected drug links with more than 60 percent of the deaths carried out by unknown assassins. De Lima has previously called for foreign intervention to put an end to the state-inspired extrajudicial murders, which she said have been instigated by Duterte since his election to power. De Lima also led a series of Senate investigations over allegations that police officers were involved in the killings, and that hired killers were operating under orders from police. Trumped up charges De Limas supporters also insist that she is innocent, and that the charges are trumped up to silence one of Dutertes most prominent critics. In a statement to Al Jazeera, Senator Paolo Aquino condemned the political persecution of his fellow opposition Senate member. This arrest is purely political vendetta and has no place in justice system that upholds the rule of law. This is condemnable. We reiterate that an arrest based on trumped-up charges is illegal, he said citing the haste in de Limas arrest. De Lima previously claimed that she was targeted because of her criticism of Dutertes drug war policy. During her time as head of the countrys human rights body, de Lima also led the investigation into the alleged extrajudicial killings of an estimated 1,000 drug suspects in Davao, while Duterte was mayor of the city. When Duterte won as president in 2016, his feud with de Lima continued. At one point he called on her to hang herself, after he ordered prosecutors to investigate the senators alleged links to the drug syndicate. This week, de Lima branded the president a sociopathic serial killer after new allegations surfaced accusing Duterte of ordering drug killings in Davao. LAPD says it is reviewing videos after off-duty officer fires gun during confrontation with unarmed youths in Anaheim. Protests have erupted in the US city of Anaheim after a video circulating on social media captured the moment an off-duty police officer fired a shot after pulling a gun on a 13-year-old boy and other teenagers. The footage, recorded on Wednesday, shows the officer in civilian clothes dragging the boy, who demands the man release him. The 13-year-old, later identified by his parents as Christian Dorscht, challenges the man to produce evidence that he is an officer, which he refuses to do. As the confrontation escalates, some of Dorschts friends, attempt to physically free him from the officers clutch, at which point the man pulls a pistol from his belt and fires a shot, prompting a gathered group of Latino and black teenagers to flee. https://twitter.com/_javiier43/status/834496623216439296 At the end of the video, a uniformed police officer arrives at the scene but it is not clear whom he arrests. Local reports later said Dorscht and another teen were arrested following the confrontation. The incident is believed to have started after the officer accused the teenagers of walking on his lawn. The Los Angeles Police Department, or LAPD, to which the unidentified officer belonged, said it was investigating the incident, in a statement published Thursday. [Investigators] are aware there is a video of the incident and will review all video in this case, the statement said, adding: The officer is currently on administrative leave. The confrontation provoked an angry reaction on social media, with many accusing the police of racism for its perceived failure to punish the officer involved. @AnaheimPD we demand that you arrest that cop. Brown lives matter more than the green lawns of racist cops. #Anaheim Adal C. (@Adal_C8) February 23, 2017 Dozens of people in Anaheim protested against police brutality overnight on Wednesday with some attempting to march on the officers home. Police officials there said 24 people were arrested for misdemeanour charges including failure to disperse. In July 2012, protests erupted in Anaheim after the killing of 25-year-old Manuel Angel Diaz, a Latino man who was unarmed at the time. No criminal charges were filed against the officers responsible and a civil jury later cleared the pair of charges of using excessive force. The issue of excessive force used by police forces, especially against people of colour, is one of the key drivers of the Black Lives Matter movement. Southeast Community College is anticipating a tuition hike for the 2017-18 school year, but just how much the college will increase costs remains to be determined. Nebraska students attending SCCs campuses in Lincoln, Beatrice and Milford currently pay $63 per credit hour -- or roughly $2,835 each year in tuition and fees. At a meeting of the Board of Governors Tuesday afternoon, the college said it was considering a range of options depending on potential levels of state aid approved by the Legislature later this spring. The proposals vary from keeping tuition and fees flat to increasing them by 7 percent, to a total of $67.50 per credit hour. SCC President Paul Illich said the college is not leaning toward any specific scenario yet and will provide the board with more information once state aid has been set. Property valuations across SCC's 15-county district also figure into the revenue picture. The Legislature's plan could become clear after a committee hearing on Monday. In advance of next week's hearing, SCC has engaged students at each of its three campuses to gather input, according to Bev Harvey, SCCs vice president for student services. Students in Lincoln suggested a $1 tuition increase next year, along with an increase of 50 cents in fees, part of which would purchase new furniture for the student center and refinishing a gym floor used by students. They asked that 25 cents of that 50-cent increase be dedicated to the upkeep of those student center spaces, the gymnasium and the wellness center, Harvey said. A fee increase of 25 cents generated approximately $81,000 in the 2015-16 school year across all three campuses. Refinishing the gym floor at SCC's Lincoln campus is expected to cost $25,000. At Beatrice, students suggested a $2 increase to tuition only and no increase to fees, Harvey said, while the Milford student senate recommended raising tuition by $4 and adding 50 cents to the fees collected by the college. Tuition, one leg of a three-legged stool used to fund the states six community colleges, will likely be shaped by the course charted by the Appropriations Committee in the coming weeks. Two years ago, the Legislature approved $28.1 million in state aid to SCC for the current academic year, but later cut that amount by 4 percent to help close a projected budget shortfall of $910 million through the next biennium. The committee restored the $100.8 million overall appropriation to community colleges statewide in a preliminary plan for the state's next two-year budget, according to Greg Adams, executive director of the Nebraska State Community College System Were happy about that, Adams said. As far as whether that can hold, were cautiously optimistic that maybe it can. Once the state aid picture is clearer, Illich said the Board of Governors will consider a specific tuition and fees plan. Harvey said even if SCC has to raise tuition and fees by $4.50 next year, bringing its per-credit hour total to $67.50, the college would still likely be the most affordable higher education option in the state. If that happens, SCC students will pay $3,037.50 each year, slightly below the average for the six community colleges. That compares to the annual cost of $6,790 at Peru State College and $8,367 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, according to comparisons presented to the SCC board. Instead of negotiating in separate rooms, opposition wants face-to-face meetings with officials at Geneva talks. Syrias main opposition group has called for face-to-face discussions with government representatives, as a new round of talks in Geneva begins one year after meetings in the Swiss city fell apart. We ask for direct negotiations It would save time and be proof of seriousness instead of negotiating in [separate] rooms, Salem al-Meslet, spokesman for the High Negotiations Committee (HNC) umbrella group, told reporters. The talks began on Thursday. During three previous rounds of talks in Geneva last year, the two sides never sat down at the same table, instead leaving UN mediator Staffan de Mistura to shuttle between them. If the regimes side is here for serious talks, it shouldnt hesitate or run away from face-to-face talks. If the purpose of the talks are to bring peace to Syria, and to stop the bloodshed, we are ready for it, Yehya al-Aridi, advisor to the HNC, Syrias main opposition umbrella, told Al Jazeera as the talks kicked off at the United Nations headquarters. Still, the opposition official said the rebels would not quit the talks should the Syrian government delegation refuses direct negotiations. We are ready to go anywhere in the world in order to bring Syria back to life, said Aridi. De Mistura has played down expectations for major progress in the negotiations. Am I expecting a breakthrough? No, I am not expecting a breakthrough, he told journalists at the UN headquarters on Wednesday, a day before the start of the fourth round of talks aimed at finding a political solution to Syrias long-running conflict. Though the Geneva talks are seen as the most serious diplomatic effort in months, disputes over the agenda and long-standing disagreements between the opposition and the government on the future of Syria have cast doubts on whether any progress will be achieved. READ MORE: After six years of war, low hopes for Syria peace talks De Mistura said he was determined to maintain a very proactive momentum to allow for political discussions on governance, a new constitution and elections under UN supervision, based on the UN Security Council Resolution 2254. In recent days, however, the UN mediator has shied away from using the phrase political transition a term the Syrian opposition equates with the removal of President Bashar al-Assad to describe the goal of the talks. During previous rounds of UN-led negotiations, the Syrian government categorically refused to discuss Assads fate the main bone of contention between the two sides. Opposition divisions The intra-Syrian talks come on the heels of multilateral meetings facilitated by Russia, Turkey and Iran in the Kazakh capital of Astana to consolidate a fragile nationwide truce brokered by Russia and Turkey, in place since December 30. The negotiations in Astana were meant to pave the way towards political negotiations in Geneva, but the ceasefire has steadily fallen apart over the past month, while promises to establish a monitoring mechanism were not fulfilled. Officials from the opposition delegation, split between military and political representatives, similarly expressed little hope for the talks. When the adherence to the ceasefire is not there, and when there are games being played at the level of international terms of reference to political transition and a constitution [] then the negotiations are not encouraging, Aridi told Al Jazeera. Things are getting complicated further and further, with conflicting agendas. Not only from the main two banks of the conflict, but also within our bank, he told Al Jazeera. Infighting within rebel ranks has severely weakened and divided the Syrian opposition over the past month. That, coupled with uncertainty surrounding US policy on Syria under President Donald Trump, a shift in the priorities of Turkey traditionally a backer of Syrian rebel groups and Russias 2015 military intervention in support of Assad, has left the opposition with little leverage both politically and militarily. There are no solutions in sight now. The reality on the ground is getting worse, Fares Bayoush, a Free Syrian Army commander, told Al Jazeera. Omar Kouch, a Syrian analyst, said that while the presence of a ceasefire makes this round of talks markedly different, there are no indications that the fourth Geneva talks will be serious about finding a solution. Kouch said the chances for reaching a solution are slim, citing the continued government offensives on several areas across Syria, the absence of the dominant Syrian Kurdish faction the Democratic Unity Party (PYD) at the negotiating table and major divisions within the opposition. As in every round of talks, we start with a lot of hope to find a solution, but then the talks are over and nothing is accomplished. In fact, things get worse, he told Al Jazeera. With both sides seemingly unwilling to make political concessions, it is unclear how the negotiations could bridge the divide and find a solution. Still, the Syrian opposition is expected to press for the consolidation of the ceasefire, the release of prisoners, the lifting the blockades over besieged areas and securing a political transition from Assads government. The main thing is that there is no submission. We are trying very hard, to decrease the losses, said Aridi. Additional reporting by Zena Tahhan: @zenatahhan President Mohamed, also known as Farmajo, appoints political newcomer Hassan Ali Khaire as the countrys prime minister. Somalias new President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed has chosen political newcomer Hassan Ali Khaire, a former oil company executive, as the countrys prime minister. Thursdays appointment was announced shortly before Mohamed, also known as Farmajo, departed to Saudi Arabia for his first foreign trip since his election. The president has requested Somali citizens to work with the prime minister, a statement on state radio website Radio Muqdisho.net said. Mohamed took office peacefully this month after legislators selected him from 21 possible candidates. A dual US-Somali citizen with a reputation as a technocrat, he has promised to tackle hunger, corruption and violence in Somalia, which has been mired in civil war for a quarter of a century. Khaire is a dual Norwegian citizen who once worked as a primary school teacher in Norway and also for the Norwegian Refugee Council before joining British energy explorer Soma Oil and Gas. The new prime minister had resigned from his job as the executive director for Africa, to allow him to take up the job of prime minister, Soma Oil said in a statement on Thursday. He had also given up all his shares in the firm, it added. His selection is seen by some as a nod to balancing clan interests in the Horn of Africa nation. Khaire is a member of the Hawiye clan, as is former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whom Mohamed defeated in the election earlier this month. Mohamed is with the Darod clan. READ MORE: Somalia in a Snapchat, more than just violence The new president, who was inaugurated on Wednesday, has vowed to make security a priority in a country where armed group al-Shabab frequently carries out attacks in the capital, Mogadishu, and elsewhere. On Sunday, a car bomb in the capital killed at least 34. Al-Shabab earlier this week denounced Mohameds election, calling him an apostate, and vowed to keep fighting. Mohameds trip to Saudi Arabia is viewed as signaling a significant shift in Somalias regional alliances, according to some analysts. A government statement said that he would meet Saudi King Salman to discuss strengthening the countries relationship, security and aid for Somalias drought. Having travelled to Saudi Arabia for his first foreign trip as a president, the new Somali president is breaking the long tradition by Somali leaders who have paid their very first foreign trips to Ethiopia, which is called by many as the Mecca of Somali leaders, Mohamed Sheikh Abdi, a Somali political analyst based in Mogadishu, told The Associated Press news agency. This indicates that the new president now favours an alliance with Arab countries more than others. Iraqi troops launch a new assault on the Ghazlani military base near Mosuls airport against ISIL. Iraqi special forces have begun an assault against ISIL on a sprawling military base south of Mosul, adjacent to the citys airport. Two Iraqi special forces officers told AP news agency that their troops have reached the edge of the Ghazlani base on the citys southern rim on Thursday morning and that clashes there were still under way. A federal police officer said his forces are also pushing toward the Mosul airport. All officers spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to talk to reporters. The advances come days after Iraqi forces officially launched the operation to push Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group (ISIL, also known as ISIS) out of Mosuls western half. The operation to retake Iraqs second largest city was officially launched in October and in January its eastern half was declared fully liberated. A US-led coalition has been providing close air support throughout the campaign to retake Iraqs second-largest city. US special operations forces are embedded with some Iraqi units and thousands of US troops are in Iraq providing logistical and other support. US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis was holding discussions with US and Iraqi officials, a week before he is expected to present a new strategy to President Donald Trump for defeating ISIL. Trump has repeatedly vowed to eliminate the group but has provided few details about how his approach might differ from that of the Obama administration, which had partnered with Syrian and Iraqi forces to drive ISIL out of several towns and cities. The battle for western Mosul, the groups last major urban bastion in Iraq, is expected to be the most daunting yet. The streets are older and narrower in that sector of the city, which stretches west from the River Tigris, forcing Iraqi soldiers to leave the relative safety of their armoured vehicles. WATCH: Will latest Iraqi offensive mean end of ISIL in Mosul? The presence of up to 750,000 civilians also poses a challenge. Two suicide car bombers struck army and paramilitary forces west of Mosul on Monday, killing and wounding a number of troops, two army officers said, without specifying the number of casualties. A third suicide car bomber was blown up before reaching the troops, they said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to brief the media. ISIL claimed responsibility for two attacks in an online statement, saying the attackers were British and Iraqi. Turkeys defence minister says key town almost fully captured, but other reports say street battles still ongoing. Turkish armed forces and allied Syrian fighters have seized near full control of the key town of Al Bab in northern Syria from ISIL, according to multiple sources. Al-Bab, just 25km south of the Turkish border, has been the target of an over three-month assault by Turkey and rebel forces which met with fierce resistance by ISIL fighters, who had captured the Aleppo province town in early 2014. Its been a long time since we came to Al Bab but today we can say that near complete control has been taken of Al Bab and the city centre has been entered, Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Isik said on Thursday, quoted by the state-run Anadolu news agency. Earlier, Anadolu said fighters from the Free Syrian Army (FSA) group were clearing mines and explosives devices laid by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group after capturing the centre of the flashpoint town. READ MORE: Turkish army will press on to ISIL-held Raqqa, says Erdogan Most of al-Bab has been liberated, an FSA commander, speaking on condition of anonymity, also told Al Jazeera. He said the advance in the city had been slowed down because of ISILs booby traps and suicide bombings, some of which had been carried out by children as young as 13 years old. However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group tracking developments in Syrias conflict, said that more than half of Al Bab was still under ISIL control, and that battles continued. Risky work ahead Al Jazeeras Andrew Simmons, reporting from the Turkish city of Gaziantep near the border with Syria, quoted Turkish defence officials as saying that rebel forces were still facing a lot of risky work ahead, clearing mines and improvised explosive devices, as well as dealing with possible counterattacks. He also reported that FSA fighters are now trying to move into smaller villages near Al Bab. This is undoubtedly an important milestone that Turkey can now claim in its mission into Syria, its fight against ISIL and attempt to push back Kurdish-led forces, Simmons said. Now word is awaited from the US on whether Turkey and the FSA can join in the fight in Raqqa [ISILs self-declared capital in Syria]. Turkey launched its Syrian operation Operation Euphrates Shield in August, in an effort to push ISIL from its border and stop the advance of a Syrian Kurdish militia. Backed by Turkish fighter jets, tanks and special forces, the FSA fighters first cleared ISIL from Turkeys border before launching an assault on Al Bab in December. A total of 1,900 square kilometres in northern Syria has now been cleared of armed groups, Anadolu said. While Euphrates Shield has been largely focused so far on combating ISIL, Ankara is also determined to prevent the Kurdish YPG militia, which it considers a terrorist group, from linking the areas it controls along the Turkish border. Earlier in February, Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the final goal of the Turkish incursion into northern Syria is to clear a 5,000sq-km safe zone, vowing to press on towards Raqqa. The FSA commander on Thursday told Al Jazeera that after Al Bab is secured the forces will then proceed to Raqqa, adding that a military operation against ISIL fighters in Manbij is not as likely. Abd al-Majed Barakat, political adviser to the Operation Euphrates Shield, told Al Jazeera the operation has the capacity to lead the Raqqa offensive but needs the support of an international coalition, adding that he new US administration has not made clear its plans on Syria. FSA troops are being trained and prepared in camps on the Turkish-Syrian border north of Raqqa and Hassaka provinces for the operation on ISILs stronghold, he said. Additional reporting by Mariya Petkova. Mohamed Bashar, who signed peace deal with Sudan last month, killed by rival Justice and Equality Movement fighters. The leader of a breakaway faction of Darfurs main rebel and his deputy have been killed after an attack inside Chad near the border with Sudan. Mohamed Bashar and Suleiman Arko were killed during fighting with the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), Sudans intelligence agency announced on Sunday. JEM fighters aboard a 30-vehicle convoy reportedly attacked Bashars group while they were having lunch, just a few kilometres from the Sudanese border, Al Jazeeras Harriet Martin, reporting from Khartoum, said. Martin said that there had been conflicting reports about which side started the fight. Nahar Osman, an adviser of Bashar, said that his group was attacked. In an interview with the Sudan Tribune, Nahar said that five other members of Bashars group were killed, along with a Chadian security officer and two cattle keepers working nearby. JEM said Bashars forces attacked its base forcing them to fight back. Al Jazeeras Azhar Sukri said that the main body of JEM rebels appears to have been angry with Bashar for co-operating with the Sudanese government. Bashars rebel faction had signed a peace deal in Doha on April 6 with the Sudanese government to halt 10 years of fighting in Darfur. His top aide Arko led the negotiating team. It was founded by Darfuris, loyal to a prominent religious and political leader Hassan al Turabi. Blow to peace process Martin said: His [Bashars] death and the death of his deputy is very significant, Martin said, adding that was a serious blow to the peace process. She said that the main JEM group may not have forgiven Bashar for signing-up to the Darfur peace deal. Last April, JEM fighters killed a deputy commander of the breakaway faction allied with Bashar. Salah Eddin Elzein, director of Al Jazeeras Centre for Studies, said that Bashars death could also raise serious questions about the security arrangement between Sudan and Chad. If this happened within Chad, it is a serious development, Elzein said, adding that both countries have troops patrolling the border. Elzein also said that the killing of Bashar dealt a blow to the piecemeal approach of the African Union in Darfur. The death of the two top rebel leaders will also put on hold the peace agrement already signed in Doha by the rebels and the government of Sudan, he said. Dino Bouterse tells US court he offered US agents posing as Hezbollah group a base in his country in elaborate sting. The son of the president of Suriname has admitted charges in a New York court that he offered to help US agents posing as the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah a base in his country for operations against the US in an elaborate sting operation. Dino Bouterse told a federal court on Friday that he provided a false Surinamese passport to a person he believed was a Hezbollah operative. He also pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and firearms charges. The plea came a year after Bouterse was arrested in Panama on charges he conspired to smuggle cocaine into the US. He had already been extradited to the US and jailed when authorities accused him of agreeing to accept millions of dollars to allow Hezbollah fighters to use Suriname as a base for attacking US targets. An indictment said Bouterse was recorded in Greece and Panama meeting people he thought were Hezbollah members and Mexican drug traffickers. His contacts were in fact undercover agents with the US drug enforcement administration. The indictment said Bouterse agreed to be paid $2m to help Hezbollah fighters settle in Suriname with fake identities and arm them with weapons including surface-to-air missiles for attacks on the US and the Netherlands. Bouterse also told the US agents that he was interested in using Hezbollah tough guys for operations inside Suriname. Bouterses father, Desi Bouterse, was elected president by the countrys parliament in 2010. Desi Bouterse has previously said he was shocked by his sons arrest but added he was responsible for his own actions. Dino faces a prison term of 15 years to life at sentencing on January 6. Syrian government and opposition representatives are in Geneva for a new round of UN-sponsored negotiations. The Syrian opposition says the fate of President Bashar al-Assad is on the agenda of the new talks on Syrias conflict in Geneva something the government has refused to discuss. The UN mediator Staffan de Mistura has played down expectations, saying that he does not expect a breakthrough. He broke off a previous round of talks nine months ago because of an escalation in fighting. Since then, Russian intervention has helped government forces to repel rebels. So will the Geneva 4 talks come to nothing just like before? Presenter: Hazem Sika Guests: Louay Safi Former Syrian opposition leader Vladimir Sotnikov Russia East-West Centre for Strategic Studies Salman Shaikh Chief executive, Shaikh Group and former UN policy adviser When Sharon Burney saw her ofce buildings sign uprooted Wednesday, she knew it wasnt an accident. Around 8:30 a.m., the program assistant for African American Studies walked up to her of ce in Walker Hall, stopping when she saw the buildings sign knocked over. The blue sign advertises Walker as the home of UFs African American Studies department, the Center for Jewish Studies, the Humanities and the Public Sphere and the Ofce of Research. The sign, Burney said, was too far from the curb for it to have been hit by a car. She called it was an act of vandalism. With the recent incidents all mounting up that weve had week after week after week on this campus that has gone unrecognized as the hate that they are, Im concerned for my safety, the safety of the faculty and the students that come in this ofce, Burney said. Burney immediately called University Police to report the issue. Shortly after, ofcers put the sign back in place, but Burney said they didnt take the issue seriously, treating it as a drunken joke. UPD Maj. Brad Barber said ofcers took a report with information of the incident. At about 3:30 p.m., UPDs Twitter accountposted a message asking for tips. UF spokesperson Janine Sikes wrote in an email that police have increased patrols around Walker Hall in response. This incident is concerning because of an increase in hateful speech directed at certain races and religions on campus, Sikes said. Even more concerning is that some of our students, faculty and staff feel unsafe when we strive to create a welcoming, inclusive campus for everyone. The possible vandalism of the sign was the second incident this week, Burney said. On Monday, Tyra Striker, a UF telecommunication freshman, found her Black History Month-themed dorm door decoration torn down in Beaty Towers East. She said the sign was covered with images of successful black people like Viola Davis and former U.S. President Barack Obama. But Striker, 18, said she wont let someones ignorance of hate get to her. She put the decorations back up Wednesday. You run into people like that all the time, its just the way you respond to it, she said. You can respond to it by being ignorant back or you can respond to it by being the bigger person. For Burney, she said UFs administration should issue a zero-tolerance policy for hatred on campus, like the racist writing found in Anderson Hall on Feb. 13. If the writing was directed toward white people, she said she thinks a greater effort would be made to find the culprit. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now I want them to respond to acts against people of color and disenfranchised people the same way they would respond if the person was blonde hair, blue eyes and affluential, Burney said. The sign for Walker Hall, which houses the African American Studies department and the Center for Jewish Studies, was found uprooted Wednesday. About seven months into his stay at the Alachua County Jail, an alleged bank thief was caught Tuesday plotting an escape, the sheriffs office said. William Kyle Rossignol Under a mattress, inside William Kyle Rossignols cell, deputies found holes in a cement block, along with a note detailing the intended jail break, according to an arrest report. Im digging through the concrete ... under my bunk, the note read, according to the report. His cellmate told deputies Rossignol kept a piece of metal in his shoes. This, they believe, is what he used to dig through the cement, according to the report. Rossignol, 31, was booked into the jail July 26 after an arrest on charges of robbing a Wells Fargo and attempting to rob a Campus USA Credit Union at gun point, according to an arrest report and sworn complaint filed in July. On top of charges of grand theft, burglary and fleeing police, he now faces an additional accusation: attempted escape from a jail. His current and former cellmates both said they heard him talk about a potential escape, according to the report. Rossignol told police the holes were there since he moved in and denied writing the notes, according to the report. He said the notes were probably written by someone else in the jail. He currently remains in jail without bond. Contact Meryl Kornfield at mkornfield@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter at @MerylKornfield Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now The search for a 17-year-old boy off the coast of Cedar Key will continue Friday, as Levy County officials look for the remaining passenger of a single-engine airplane that went missing more than a week ago. Dylan Jerrels, who had been on the plane with his father and his fathers fiancee, was scheduled to land in Cedar Key for lunch on Feb. 12, but the plane never landed, prompting a 50-hour search led by the Levy County Sheriffs Office and the U.S. Coast Guard. The body of Jerrels father, 65-year-old Jasper Jerrel, was found three days after his plane took off from Brooksville, Florida, and was later reported missing. On Sunday, officials found the body of Jasper Jerrels fiance, Hue Singletary, along with the plane itself, which was mangled, said Lt. Scott Tummond, a spokesperson with the sheriffs office. Dangerous weather prevented further search for Jerrel on Wednesday and today, Tummond said, but the search will resume Friday. Tummond added that the sheriffs office doesnt plan on stopping until the teenager is found. We were involved from the very beginning in the search process, Tummond said. Friday, we are planning to search again. Jasper Jerrels cousin Judy Bason said she saw the plane when it was pulled from the water Monday. They brought it up on a clam boat, she said. The plane there wasnt much to it. Bason said Jerrels family is appreciative of the sheriff's office for its continuous search for Dylan. Were very hopeful, she said. He could be up on the shoreline somewhere. They are still looking. Contact Molly Vossler at mvossler@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter at @molly_vossler Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now When Jordan Chediak heard there would be free HIV testing at Santa Fe College, he didnt hesitate to stop by. After learning in his Human Sexuality and Culture class that the symptoms of the virus can lie dormant in the human body for two to four years, the decision to get tested was obvious, the 22-year-old Sante Fe mechanical engineering student said. The WellFlorida Council, Inc. offered a free oral HIV swab test, along with condoms and lube, to interested students at Santa Fe on Tuesday afternoon. Typically the service costs $30, said Dawn Blizzard, a program assistant at the Santa Fe Student Health Care Center, but WellFlorida has been coming monthly since Fall, and will continue to do so, to make it more accessible to students. People dont realize how easy it is to contract HIV, Chediak said. Why wouldnt you do something thats free and helpful to know? Alachua County has the fourth-highest rate of sexually transmitted diseases in Florida, according to Alligator archives. Blizzard said the ranking hasnt changed much, if at all, and students should take advantage of the service. The test is painless, Blizzard said. Students have nothing to be scared of. Chediak said his results would be ready in a few weeks, and he has to pick up his results in person from WellFlorida. Every student should get test- ed, he said. You might not even know you have it and could be spreading it. Contact Max Chesnes at mchesnes@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter at @chesnesmax Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now All 11 proposed amendments failed to pass during the Student Government elections Wednesday night as Impact Party claimed the executive ticket and all but two Senate seats. The majority of Impact Party members arrived at the Reitz Union Breezeway shortly after 9:30 p.m. chanting, I-M-P-A-C-T. Impact is for you and me. UF Supervisor of Elections Eric Hobbs announced the results at about 10 p.m. Student Body presidential candidate Smith Meyers, vice presidential candidate Mario Agosto and treasurer candidate Revel Lubin, who all ran unopposed, won their positions. In total, 6,869 students voted, with 4,482 ballots cast Tuesday and 2,387 cast Wednesday, Hobbs said. In Spring 2016, 10, 694 students voted, when Access Party ran an executive ticket against Impact. With Impact not running a dentistry candidate, one write-in candidate, Galia Fakhri-Medrano, won with two votes, leaving Impact with 48 Student Senate seats. Independent candidate Pulkit Kumar Dhir, one of three, won one of 10 graduate Senate seats. Kumar Dhir, who received the second highest number of votes for the graduate seats, said he wasnt able to attend the announcement because he was working on a homework assignment. Im excited, happy, Kumar Dhir said. It will denitely be hard because the majority of the people are Impact, but I look forward to pushing my ideas and having proper debates. Last Spring, students approved an amendment to allow online voting. But in Summer, SGs Supreme Court overturned the amendment, along with three others. They were voted on again this election. With 27.41 percent of students voting in favor of online voting, 11.56 percent against and 61.03 percent abstained, the amendment failed to pass. The UF Supreme Court ruled in Summer that abstained votes, which are neither a yes or a no, must be counted within the voting population against the amendment. With only 27 percent of the Student Body voting for online voting, its very clear the Student Body does not want it here at UF, Meyers said. Current UF Student Body President Susan Webster said her party absolutely advocated for online voting. It was the Impact Party leadership in the Senate that put it back on the ballot to vote for it, Webster said. It will be up to this next group of student leaders to figure out what the next steps are. Impact spokesperson Janae Moodie said she doesnt think the unopposed executive ticket attributed to the lower turnout rate. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now I just believe every vote counts, Moodie said. The SG and Student Senate Facebook and Twitter pages didnt advertise the election. Progress Party president Casey Witte said although all seven Progress candidates lost, the party wont disappear. We have a lot of work to do, Witte said. A lot of the Student Body isnt being listened to when you get down to it. Progress Party wants to give them a voice. The Impact Party walks to the Reitz Union Breezeway on Feb. 22, 2017, chanting I-M-P-A-C-T. Impact is for you and me. The Impact Party won 48 seats in the Spring 2017 election. Its fair to say that the outcome of the Student Government Spring elections were known well before it was announced. With an uncontested executive ticket, Impact Party claimed the Student Body president, vice president and treasurer positions, along with all but two Student Senate seats. With only six races where there was more than just one student running, the story of the elections could have written itself. We wish we could say we were surprised. We werent. But we at the Alligator are not going to take this space and time to point out how a one-party system is detrimental to a democratic system. We have harped for far too long on that topic. Instead, we want to discuss online voting and how it met an unnatural death long before it reached the ballot and the students. Because even though SG is mandated by the Florida legislature, it controls a more than $20 million budget, funded by the students of UF. That means theyre using your money to keep you from voting. Opposers to online voting say that if students are able to vote from anywhere their rooms, their hometowns or even across the world it would lead to coerced voting. It may lead to groups of students getting together and being told how to vote. But the problem is, that is going to happen, no matter the voting system. And for those concerned about the security of online voting, its already online. When you sat down to vote today, if you did, you sat at a public computer and typed in the same URL as everyone else. The reason UF needs online voting, other than being the only university in the SEC to not have it, is because it would increase voter turnout. Do you truly believe having about 6,869 students showing up to vote, in a population of about 50,000, is good? With a voter turnout of about 13 percent, UFs voter participation trails behind less developed countries including Afghanistan, Poland, Nigeria and India. We think its pathetic. A university cannot be truly for the students if there is a system in place that does not cater to all. With UF increasingly admitting more students in Pathway to Campus Enrollment (PaCE) and Innovation Academy, two non-traditional programs that have students spend less time on campus, we can only imagine their voices will continue to get shut out in the coming elections. Ultimately, what those students care about will not matter. We have stripped away their voices, and their vote. And SG has only itself to blame. Why do we blame SG? For one, the 11 proposed amendments on the ballot came as a surprise to us. To make matters worse, anyone glancing at the questions would have to thoroughly read and understand what the questions are asking. And even then, there are still questions. But whats more, SG did a poor job of advertising the elections. If you went on its Facebook and Twitter accounts, you wouldnt even know an election had happened. Instead of making voting as convenient as possible, somehow SG made this years voting a greater inconvenience than ever. We beg the question: Why are they OK with students being voiceless? Do they care about maintaining their power that much? But the reason behind this is moot. The fact is, unless UFs administration is willing to step in and enforce democracy at its core, nothing will change. It's great UF. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now In ancient Greek mythology, the Chimera was a powerful, fire-breathing female beast composed of parts from more than one animal. Joseph Floyd, the executive director for Active Streets Alliance, referenced the hybrid creature when describing the event it was named after. Chimera Fest, in many respects, is the three-headed creature of Greek lore, Floyd said. The weekend is a reimagining of how truly local events and organizations can come together and strengthen the efforts of all partnering events. Chimera Fest is a three-day event celebrating the convergence of creativity, innovation and art within the Gainesville community, and its hosted by Future Music Makers, Heartwood Soundstage and Active Streets Alliance. The festival, located in the SoMa District, will include the Second Annual Menagerie in Motion Kinetic Derby, the first North Florida opening of the Heartwood Music Festival and the Fourth Annual Active Streets Gainesville event. Floyd said the Active Streets Gainesville event highlights his organizations primary objective, which is building a community around and in our streets. The event, which Floyd said reached 10,000 attendees last year, will include three stages of live music curated by Future Music Makers, a food truck rally and more than 50 local businesses that all share the same purpose. The goal of the event is to highlight a shared public space, the road, in an alternative use while building the community, Floyd said. The businesses have agreed to join in a unique effort for the day to meet on the street as equals. Floyd said Active Streets Alliance is continuing to grow, and he confirmed that Chimera Fest will be expanding into 2021. I became involved in the organization to create opportunities for others to experience the Gainesville that I have, Floyd said. Its an opportunity to give back and to build and grow on the things that make Gainesville and Alachua County such a special place. Fae Nageon de Lestang, the president and co-founder of Future Music Makers, said she worked with Floyd and Active Streets Alliance many times in the past, and it was a conversation the two of them had that inspired Chimera Fest. We were talking about the difference between making a place into the kind of state that you want to live in versus moving somewhere else, Nageon de Lestang said. We thought the best way to make it all happen would be to throw all these events and partner with all these people who are helping to build our community into a more vibrant, cultural center and to have us all participate in a whole weekend versus competing with each other to throw different events. She, along with five other musicians, started the nonprofit Future Music Makers from the ground up, with the goal of providing children with the resources and skills to grow and learn through music. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Whether or not you end up being a musician, it doesnt matter, Nageon de Lestang said. Its about having the chance to try it. She said the organization provides children with a scholarship to study and receive private instruction in the instrument of their choice for six months. Afterward, those children will have a chance to film a music video playing their instrument. Future Music Makers is committed to giving out one scholarship every month in 2017. We all had the chance to have a mentor and to get to have private lessons, and that has been the most powerful and educational experiences of my life, Nageon de Lestang said. Having somebody thats on your side, thats there to push you and help you grow, to show you a side of something that you wouldnt be able to experience otherwise is why I think its so important for us to be able to provide a mentorship for children with people who are actually musicians. Heartwood Soundstage will open its doors for the first time Saturday as 24 local bands will play at the first annual Heartwood Music Festival. For every ticket spent at the concert, Heartwood will donate a dollar to the Future Music Makers scholarship. Nageon de Lestang said the preparation of the event has been beneficial for her, as it was a privilege to interact and work with people who are working so hard to build Gainesville as a cultural center. We have so many partners that are helping to put this event on, amazing organizations and people, that have worked really hard to make this happen, and all of them are trying to work towards making Gainesville a better place to live, she said. Our goal is for people to experience something that they didnt realize was available in their town and to hopefully feel passionate enough about it to get involved themselves. The festivals events will be spread throughout the weekend, with the Second Annual Menagerie in Motion Kinetic Derby on Friday and Saturday, the Heartwood Music festival on Saturday and Active Streets Alliance on Sunday. Heartwood Soundstage, Gainesvilles newest music venue and live recording studio, is set to open this weekend with the Heartwood Music Festival, a multi-stage, all-ages event that will run from noon to 2 a.m. Saturday. Heartwood Music Festival will host bands from all around the state of Florida, including popular locals. Half of the bands will play full sets on an outdoor stage, and the other half will play a short live recording session on the Heartwood Soundstage, which is located indoors. The event will also feature food trucks, a bounce house, art vendors and art installations. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for the general public. Patrons can come and go as they please, as re-entry is allowed. Dave Melosh, one of the four co-owners of Heartwood Soundstage, said the idea of the new venue came from the idea of having an audio file listening room in Gainesville. This turned into the concept of having a recording space where bands can record music in front of a live audience, which musicians will be able to do at Heartwood Soundstage. They have been planning the venue for two years and started renovating the space, which used to host Mirror Image Studios, in July 2016. This is a premium facility being built by the best woodworking company in Gainesville, Melosh said. Its going to be a really high-end place. The event is being presented by Springbok Booking & Media and Swamp Records. Melosh said Swamp Records has been a huge help in preparation and spreading the word about this event. Theyre incredible, Melosh said. That is truly an organization that theres no profit motive. Everyones in it because they love music. I think theyve managed to bridge the gap between Gainesville and the University of Florida. Christine Long, the events director of Swamp Records and a UF tourism, event and recreation management senior, said it made sense for the Swamp Records team to bring the UF community in. The other owners and Dave kind of have the Gainesville community covered, but they werent sure how they were going to get students and young people to come, she said. We have a promotions team, we have 100 people in Swamp Records, and we were like, Oh! We can have our promotions people flyer for it. Long said the bands performing inside will be playing one-song sets, which will be filmed live. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Youre not really allowed to talk in there, she said. Its an immersive experience on the inside. Put away your phone, stop talking, just watch the music and appreciate the music. Both Melosh and Long said they hope Heartwood Soundstage will be able to fill a bit of the void that the closing of The Jam, another multi-stage venue in Gainesville, left about a year ago. Melosh said although the venue will be nothing like The Jam appearance-wise, he hopes the Heartwood Soundstage will cater to a similar crowd. We hope that we have the heart of The Jam, where people are going because they love the music, he said. Blake Briand, the former owner of The Jam and a member of the band Locochino, which will be performing at Heartwood Music Festival, said he too hopes Heartwood Soundstage will provide what The Jam once did. There was definitely a shift in the scene once The Jam closed, because we were kind of filling a void that other people just werent, Briand said. Heartwood is possibly going to pick up on some of that. Briand said although nothing will ever replace The Jam completely, he thinks Heartwood Soundstage will be a pseudo-replacement, especially because of the outdoor aspect. Its kind of like getting a new pet after the old one dies, he said. You dont name it the same thing, and it never replaces the unique love you had before, but it still fills up that place in your heart. English News China stays positive yet prudent on insurers overseas equity investment: regulator Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 23 Fevrier 2017 By the end of December 2016, the balance of overseas investment of Chinas insurance industry was $49.21 billion, accounting for 2.33 percent of the total assets in the previous quarter, said Chen, adding that it still leaves great space to trigger the regulation limit, which is 15 percent. By Qiang Wei from Peoples Daily China's top insurance regulator said on Wednesday that it keeps a positive yet prudent attitude toward its insurers overseas investment, though Chinas insurance premiums reached 3.1 trillion yuan ($450.8 billion) last year, which is likely to surpass Japan as the world's second largest insurance market. Xiang Junbo, chairman of the China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC), along with three CIRC vice-chairpersons, attended a press conference held by the State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China . Great progress has been made in regulation and reform of the insurance sector last year, Xiang said. First, we have tightened the lawful supervision in an all-round manner; second, the last line of preventing risks was firmly held; and third, we have served the big picture of national development, Xiang said. Chinas premium income reached 3.1 trillion yuan in 2016, showing a 27.5 percent year-on-year growth. The increase offers China a chance to replace Japan as the second-largest premium income country after the US. Moreover, the volume of agricultural insurance has expanded from 5.18 billion yuan in 2007 to 41.71 billion yuan in 2016, ranking also second only to the US. Xiang added that the commission would give higher priority to risk prevention this year so that the insurance business could better serve social and economic development. Chen Wenhui, a vice-chairman of the CIRC, while answering a question raised by Reuters on overseas investment, said that as a regulatory department, the CIRC stays positive yet prudent toward this subject. Speaking of the positive side, the amount of useable money in the insurance industry is quite huge and global resource allocation is becoming more important, said Chen. In the meantime, Chen pointed out that Chinas overseas equity investment is still at the exploration stage. Different legal, political and cultural environment could all bring potential risks. The talent reserve for overseas investment is also insufficient. That is why China is also prudent in the matter, he explained. By the end of December 2016, the balance of overseas investment of Chinas insurance industry was $49.21 billion, accounting for 2.33 percent of the total assets in the previous quarter, said Chen, adding that it still leaves great space to trigger the regulation limit, which is 15 percent. The distribution of Chinas overseas assets also shows a prudent dynamic, the vice-chairman pointed out, adding that the market entities are mostly developed countries or regions such as the US, the UK, Australia and Hong Kong while bank deposit, bonds, stock share and funds in the open market are the main investment products. Such investment accounts for 53.4 percent and investment in foreign stocks and immoveable property makes up 44.9 percent, he said. In the next stage, the CIRC would continue the positive yet prudent attitude and encourage insurance agencies to carry out resource allocation on the global stage, said Chen. Insurance agencies first need to strengthen capacity-building for overseas investment and we will also step up the supervision and regulation, he noted. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Chongqing drives high-quality development with high-level opening up China will make more glorious achievements under leadership of CPC: Mongolian politician China enhances efforts to promote biodiversity conservation Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) LINCOLN Lawmakers are questioning a proposal that would raise Nebraska's state sales tax and steer the extra revenue into tax credits for low-income residents and property owners. The bill drew support from farmers on Wednesday during a Revenue Committee hearing but criticism from some senators who say it won't address the underlying problem. Sen. Tom Briese of Albion said he introduced the measure in response to continued pressure from farm and ranch land owners whose property values have soared while commodity prices have slumped. Briese said spending cuts alone won't contain the rapid growth. "Realistically, we aren't going to be able to slash and burn our way to deliver the property tax relief Nebraskans are demanding," he said. The bill would increase Nebraska's state sales tax rate from 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent. The extra revenue would first be used to raise the state's earned income tax credit from 10 percent of the current federal credit to 17 percent. Once that threshold is reached, the rest would go into a tax credit for all property owners. Briese said increasing the earned income tax credit would address concerns that the poor spend a larger share of their income on sales taxes than the wealthy. Committee members acknowledged that farm and ranch land owners are facing hardship but argued that the bill could shift the tax burden onto middle-income residents. "It's that working class guy, that blue collar guy, picking up the tab for this," said Sen. Burke Harr of Omaha. Sen. Lydia Brasch of Bancroft took issue with the idea of raising one tax to ease pressure on another, instead of focusing on local government spending. "To increase the sales tax, it seems like we're moving backward," she said. Some leading farm groups have endorsed the proposal as a way to lower their tax bills without disrupting state aid for local K-12 public schools. Farm and educational groups have formed a new coalition, Nebraskans United for Property Tax Reform and Education, to urge lawmakers to act this year. Jerrine Racek Harris, a fifth-generation family farmer, said property valuations have more tripled between 2007 and 2016 on three land parcels she owns in Saunders County. Racek Harris said her property tax bills have risen from $6,000 to $17,500 during that period. Concerns that not all of the unions will agree to ratify their labor agreements have caused rail shippers and other transportation industry stakeholders to push President Joe Biden to act. Media approval ratings are at an all time low and the public is routinely confronted by what ultimately turns out to be faux news. But this is not a surprise because we have been aware of this for some time. In fact, it all started with Watergate. Although I was in London in 1972 and never had a chance to vote against Richard Nixon, the Watergate scandal was all over the press in Europe so I didnt miss a bit of the sordid details. For the first time ever, however, a major news story made a big deal of the reporters behind it. The media became the star and even had a major film applauding their work sinking Nixon. All the Presidents Men was a film celebrating the two Washington Post reporters, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, who then became millionaire authors. What worried me then about Watergate was the fact that the new powerful media was demanding that all government secrets should be revealed to the public. I felt this was unwise, and I still do. Since we were still in the middle of the war in Vietnam, such disclosures would be available to our enemy. We, the people, do not really want to know everything about the government as long as they are looking out for our security. As far back as 2003, I was warning journalists that they had to get their integrity back or the Fourth Estate was in big trouble. I wrote: "At Syms, an educated consumer is our best customer. That's the slogan of the Manhattan clothier but followers of current national events should not have to rely on their own efforts to get at the truth. That is supposed to be the duty of journalists but sadly, that is no longer the case. To accurately decipher current events and their importance, readers have to educate themselves rather than rely on certain news sources. Opinions that used to be restricted to the editorial pages now cloud news articles and not only are readers recognizing that fact, they are starting to rebel. Back then, BDS, or Bush derangement syndrome was in full bloom and now TDS or Trump derangement syndrome is fully behind the fake news engulfing the mainstream media sources. If individuals only get their news from the mainstream media, they assume that the Trump administration is in disarray and chaotic. Trump supporters know that this focus on the negative is emanating from faux news reports. Recently, an article by John Nolte in the Daily Wire, listed how the MSM was caught telling 40 lies. How is the average American supposed to weed out the truth? Unless one has access to the Internet and certain new cable television stations one will be inundated with misinformation. I routinely search sites like lucianne.com and the Drudge report to read the articles posted from all sources. Invariably, news reported by The New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times, Chicago Tribune, New York Daily News, ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC, USA Today, Reuters, Associated Press, AOL, New York Magazine, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Politico and the Daily Beast will be negative and spin events to a particular narrative rather than the truth. Even William Buckleys revered National Review became a #NeverTrump conclave during the 2016 campaign and still has not had its conservative reputation completely restored. There are very few print newspapers left in the New York and California areas that are considered conservative or at least impartial. The New York Post was one of only a few that endorsed Donald Trump for president. The New York Sun, where I was once a columnist, was a beacon that tried to thwart the NYT left wing agenda, but shut down its print version in 2008. It is still available online and continues its ethical journalism and is worth a look-see. The Wall Street Journal is a mishmash of reporting ranging from impartial to biased depending on the writer. As for television, I treat all the news from the alphabet networks as suspect. While I do at times watch Fox News, not all of it is fair and balanced, especially during Sheppard Smith and Chris Wallaces airtime. Bill OReilly is as narcissistic as Obama is since every story ends up being about Bill. I once appeared on Fox and Friends and was treated much more fairly by Steve Doocy than I was on ABCs Good Morning America by a female anchor whose name escapes me. Neal Cavuto, Tucker Carlson, Stuart Varney are watchable and fair. CNN, MSNBC are not. For most covered public events, one cant beat C-Span because there are no anchors to spin what youre watching. There are also two new networks presenting a more conservative viewpoint. One America News (OAN) is mostly straight news reports from around the world supported by videos. Newsmax is another generally conservative site with at least three call-in shows hosted by Boston Herald columnist Howie Carr, Joe, Pags Pagliarulo and Steve Malzberg. Former Rep. J.D. Haworth also hosts the networks America Forum segment. Where, oh where to learn the truth about current events and politics? Its not easy especially if one is not computer literate enough to surf the Net. The good news is that children are probably more savvy than adults so grab a kid and ask for help. During the past few years, Ive found that the fake news and lies told by the mainstream media were debunked by the website conservativetreehouse.com and its intrepid editor Sundance. When all those alleged police shootings of unarmed black men were being hyped by the MSM, this site dug deeper and provided links and videos that proved that in most cases the shootings were justified and the victims were not always innocent. Despite heavy criticism, Andrew Breitbarts brainchild Breitbart.com is a good, reliable source for the truth. I ought to know since I was on board at its inception and news gathering was strictly monitored for veracity. I had to provide documentation for all my columns in the form of videos or previously published data. PJMedia.com has great columnists and is also quite picky about proving content. My former editor at the NY Sun, Michael Walsh, is a kind but stern master overseeing the content. Several of the following sites have proven to be unbiased and factual and a worth a look-see.: DailyCaller.com; AmericanThinker.com; theFederalist.com; DailySignal.com; CanadaFreePress.com; Newsbusters.com. There may be more I might have neglected to list and I apologize but these are the ones I use most frequently to get the real story. It is a sad fact that the foreign press is more apt to report facts than our own media. Consider the Sweden brouhaha that resulted when the MSM accused Trump of overblowing the crime taking over that country. CNN and other fake, fake news shows had their guests mocking the president. Meanwhile RT, the Russian news agency shows dramatic videos of the Swedish riots, putting the MSM to shame. RT and other overseas news sources, e.g., Daily Mail (UK), are available to view on Lucianne.com. Wake up, America! Youre being had. Start asking the right questions. How did the Democrats come up with that 40,000,000 uninsured Americans to pass Obamacare? When CNNs Don Lemon asks his panel about how much the Trump familys secret service is costing taxpayers, ask him wheres his research and why didnt he question that about Michele Obamas huge entourage when she traveled? We need to hold these sycophants masquerading as journalists feet to the fire. Were mad as hell and thats why we voted for Trump. The usual media suspects were aghast at President Trumps mention in his Florida rally speech regarding unrestricted acceptance of refugees: During a rally Saturday in Florida, Trump referred to several countries that have taken in a disproportionate number of refugees and that have recently been the target of attacks. Weve got to keep our country safe. You look at whats happening in Germany. You look at whats happening last night in Sweden. Sweden, who would believe this? Trump went on to refer to Paris, Nice, France, and Brussels, European cities where attacks have occurred in the past two years. Except for the fact that there was not much going on that particular night in Sweden, President Trump, who was conflating the steady descent of Sweden into a caliphate with a Tucker Carlson report on Fox News was exactly right. Europe is rapidly becoming Eurabia due to unrestricted immigration. Yet the media obsessed about the last night part, quoted allegedly confused Swedish officials, officials who have much to hide about their reckless policies, ignoring Swedens decline into radical Islamic terrorist hell. As reported on Fox Nation: Filmmaker Ami Horowitz defended his investigation of refugees in Sweden Monday night amid a backlash after President Donald Trump cited his work during a campaign speech over the weekend. "Between 2012 and 2016 the murder rate [in Sweden] is up almost 70 percent," Horowitz told "Tucker Carlson Tonight," citing the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention. "Rape between 2007 and 2015 is up a similar number, almost 70 percent. These are their statistics, not my statistics." At the Florida event Saturday, Trump said Sweden "took in large numbers" of refugees and was "having problems like they never thought possible." Trump later specified on Twitter that he was referring to Carlson's original segment with Horowitz, which aired Friday night. Trump's remarks, which implied that a terror attack had hit Sweden Friday night, was roundly criticized by Swedish officials and mainstream media outlets. No, this rise in Swedish rapes and murders didnt just happen last night, but Trump is right that it is happening and that it is tied to the rapid and unrestricted influx of refugees from Muslim countries racked by chaos and terror. As Jihad Watch reports, Sweden reflects the consequences of the Islamization of Europe: Statistics concerning ethnicity and religion when it comes to criminals are not to be found in the worlds most politically correct country with probably the fastest-growing share of Muslims: Sweden. The risk of being raped in Sweden during ones lifetime is one out of four, which is probably equal to the risk of being raped in any other country under Muslim attack. When it comes to rapes, Islamized Sweden is already in a state of war. If we want to have a hint about who is committing these tens of thousands of rapes and other types of sexual assaults yearly, we can turn to another Scandinavian country, Swedens neighbor Norway, the country most similar to Sweden. Here 100 percent of all rapes in the last five years in Oslo were committed by immigrants from non-Western countries. In Stavanger, a major Norwegian city, 90 percent of rapes are committed by immigrants. Sweden has 75,000 crimes yearly, in a population of only 9.5 million. Sweden is now the rape capital of Europe, thanks largely to an influx of Islamic refugees not content to wait for a chance at being rewarded for jihad with 72 virgins: Forty years after the Swedish parliament unanimously decided to change the formerly homogenous Sweden into a multicultural country, violent crime has increased by 300% and rapes by 1,472%. Sweden is now number two on the list of rape countries, surpassed only by Lesotho in Southern Africa. Michael Hess, a local politician from Sweden Democrat Party, encouraged Swedish journalists to get acquainted with Islam's view of women, in connection with the many rapes that took place in Cairo's Tahrir Square during the "Arab Spring". Hess wrote, "When will you journalists realize that it is deeply rooted in Islam's culture to rape and brutalize women who refuse to comply with Islamic teachings. There is a strong connection between rapes in Sweden and the number of immigrants from MENA-countries [Middle East and North Africa]." Europe in general, and Sweden in particular, have embraced the failed concept of multiculturalism and have lost much of their historical identity. Muslim refugees entering Sweden, Germany or Denmark have little desire to become Swedes, Germans, or Danes. They refuse to assimilate, instead cluster in Islamic enclaves which rapidly become no-go zones for police. For Islamic predators and terrorists, Europe is a target-rich environment. As Investors Business Daily editorialized in 2014, Sweden had already become radical Islams first caliphate in Europe: The perils of multiculturalism and open borders have reached critical mass in Sweden. There are Muslim enclaves where postal, fire and other essential services -- even police officers themselves -- require police protection. A police report released last month identifies 55 of these "no-go zones" in Sweden. These zones are similar to others that have popped up in Europe in recent years. They formed as large Muslim populations emigrating to politically correct and tolerant European states refuse to assimilate and set up virtual states within a state where the authorities fear to tread. Soeren Kern of the Hudson Institute has documented the proliferation of these zones. They are de facto Muslim micro-states under Shariah law that reject Western values, society and legal systems. In these districts non-Muslims are expected to conform to the dictates of fundamentalist Islam or face violent consequences. "A more precise name for these zones," says Middle Eastern expert Daniel Pipes, "would be Dar al-Islam -- the House of Islam or the place where Islam rules." Arguably such refugee enclaves are already appearing in American cities such as Dearborn, Michigan and Minneapolis, with its concentration of Somali refugees called little Mogadishu. Minneapolis has become a recruiting ground for ISIS, with one airport worker who had access to the tarmac at the Minneapolis airport going on to die for the Islamic State on the battlefield: Fox affiliate KMSP-TV in Minneapolis-St. Paul has reported the case of Abdirahmaan Muhumed, who, before he went to Syria to fight and die for ISIS, worked at Delta Global Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines. His job was to clean aircraft, and he had a security clearance that gave him unfettered access to the tarmac and passenger jets. The New York Daily News reports that the 29-year-old Muhumed died in the same battle as 33-year-old Douglas McCain, another Minnesotan recruited by IS. Muhumed and McCain were said to be friends in high school, with Muhumed becoming politically active in the Twin Cities Somali community. He was one of at least 16 Minnesotans, according to Reuters, who have gone overseas to fight and train with ISIS. Whats happening in Sweden and the rest of Europe may not have happened last night but it happens most nights and it could happen tomorrow night right here in your hometown Daniel John Sobieski is a freelance writer whose pieces have appeared in Investors Business Daily, Human Events, Reason Magazine and the Chicago Sun-Times among other publications. Americans elected Donald Trump President of the United States because they believe he has the skills and determination to revive a stagnant economy and resuscitate the once-vaunted American jobs-creation machine. The president is issuing executive orders and formulating new legislation to fulfill his promise to slash regulations, increase Americas energy output and fund infrastructure projects. He has convinced Carrier, GM, and other companies to keep jobs in America and induced foreign enterprises Samsung and Alibaba to consider bringing jobs to the U.S. Not surprisingly, since Trumps election optimism about the economy has soared, companies seem more willing to hire and the stock market has gained 2000 points. Americas animal spirits seem poised to spark U.S. innovation and growth. Almost half the Americans surveyed this past week think America is moving in the right direction, almost double the number of a few months ago. The president enjoys healthy job approval numbers as a result. On the Rasmussen poll his approval ratings consistently range from 51 to 59 percent, and in Foxs new poll 48 percent of respondents approve of Trumps performance, 46 percent disapprove, with Republicans and independents overwhelmingly approving of Trump. The problem for Mr. Trump is that because of the last eight-plus years of mounting national debt, overregulation and high taxes, the economy he inherited on January 20th is, to quote Trump at his epic press conference this week, a mess -- a real mess." How much of a mess? In 2016 the gross domestic product of the U.S. grew by a near-recessionary 1.6%. A just-released Gallup report entitled No Recovery reveals that the GDP per capita growth rate, a reliable measure of a countrys standard of living, has been shrinking year by year. In the 1960s, GDP per capita grew three percent per year, but now grows at only 0.5% per year and is headed to zero growth. If we do not reverse course, Gallup warns, Americans will soon see their standard of living shrink. The study concluded that The Great Recession may be over, but America is dangerously running on empty. The jobs picture is equally dismal. According to a recent Harvard study, 94 percent of the new jobs created over the last eight years were not full-time positions with benefits and a stable future but rather alternative work arrangements such as temporary, part-time, freelance, and independent contractor positions. The American public, including the three million new college graduates entering the workforce in a few months, must try to carve out careers in an economy that as recently as last November created a paltry 9000 new full-time jobs. In this new gig economy, only 44% of all American workers work at least 30 hours per week. A recent Wall Street Journal article ominously entitled The End of Employees revealed the a wide variety of companies, including Wal-Mart, Google, and Pfizer, increasingly depend on temps, vendors, and contractors to stock shelves, test self-driving cars, and perform clinical drug trials. As the WSJ article states, Rising from the mailroom to a corner office is harder now that outsourced jobs are no longer part of the workforce from which star performers are promoted. Goodbye upward mobility! New workers have seen earnings slip over the last eight years. A recent Stanford study reveals that regardless of their social class, fewer than half of todays workers have a chance to earn more than their parents did, down from 90 percent in more prosperous times. The percent of college grads working for minimum wage has skyrocketed since the official end of the recession in 2008. Good jobs have been replaced by bad ones. Since 2014, while the number of high-paying secure manufacturing jobs has decreased by 33,000, barista/server jobs increased by a half million. Such stats led US News and World Report to wonder Are We Living in a Ghost Job Market? The labor force participation rate is at or near its lowest level since the 1970s, with the number of working-age Americans not in the workforce rising from 80 million to an eye-popping 95 million in just eight short years. Many observers, including former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, claim the real unemployment rate is at least ten percent, not the official 4.7 percent. Such developments are changing the American class structure, and not for the better. Only half of Americans in recent surveys label themselves middle class, down from 61 percent in 2008. Membership in the lower classes by self-identification has ballooned from 35 percent in 2008 to close to half of Americans in 2015. Even the percentage of Americans who self-identify as upper class has dropped. Over the last eight years, more and more Americans of all strata have come to see themselves as The Forgotten Man the president referenced in his inauguration speech. As Trump begins his presidency, working-age Americans are finding it more difficult to get married, raise families and buy homes and cars. Sales of new one-family homes are no higher than in 1963, even though the U.S. population has almost doubled since then. Per capital sales of new cars are 25 percent lower than they were in the 1980s. We are not forming new households. Almost 40 percent of Americans 18 to 34 years of age are living at home, the highest in 75 years. There has also been a sharp decline in the percent of Americans owning their own homes. Other tears in the social fabric are appearing. The U.S. fertility rate has dropped to Depression-era levels, a trend which is slowing U.S. population growth. More and more people depend on government to feed themselves and their families. Between 2008 and 2015 the number of Americans receiving food stamps rose from 28 million to 46 million Americans turned to Trump not only because they believe he, not the elites -- government policy planners and bureaucrats, academics and media pundits -- can get America out of its economic malaise, but because citizens suspect that these elites have come to accept this stagnant economy as the countrys New Normal. Recently published books like Marc Levinsons An Extraordinary Time: The End of the Postwar Boom and the Return of the Ordinary Economy, and Robert Gordons The Rise and Fall of American Growth posit that Americas growth rates of four and five percent occurred only because of a life-altering scale of innovations that emerged prior to 1970 that we cant expect to continue in the future. Such a pessimistic perspective underestimates the power of American creativity. Game-changing innovation hasnt lagged because we have run out of ideas. Its being stifled by an ever-growing mountain of regulations that inhibit the birth and growth of new firms that create these breakthroughs. Economists at Goldman Sachs blame post-recession regulations for reducing availability of credit to and raising the operating costs of small firms. A recent Wall Street Journal article revealed that the alarming decline in new business formation over the last decades has cost the U.S. hundreds of thousands of companies and jobs. If new businesses were being created at the rate they were in the 1980s, we would be seeing an additional eye-popping 1.8 million new jobs and 200,000 new companies each year. To spur innovation, Trump must free new startups from the yoke of the Administrative State, the labyrinthine bureaucracy of unelected bureaucrats who create regulations out of thin air, unleash them upon the public, and ruthlessly enforce them. On February 28th, President Trump will address Congress and the nation. In that talk he should describe how his policies -- liberating Americans and businesses from the onerous weight of high taxes, suffocating regulation and ObamaCare's costly premiums and deductions, reforming immigration and expanding domestic energy production -- will boost GDP to the three to five percent per annum level and create millions of jobs. Massive tax cuts spawned the prosperity of the Roaring 20s, the 60s, and the 80s. During the Reagan era, 1984 GDP grew by 7.3 percent and in September of 1983 over a million new jobs were created. Smart immigration reform, such as Senator Tom Cottons Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment Act (RAISE), that halves the number of immigrants entering the U.S. will expand employment and career advancement opportunities for all Americans. In his speech, Trump must challenge all Americans -- the average citizen, politicians on both sides of the aisle and the business community -- to put aside their differences and join in a common effort to end the era of economic stagnation and rekindle American prosperity. President Trump should caution the country that the window for making America great again will not stay open forever. The nation has hit a tipping point in its history -- if the country does not move forward soon, it will most certainly slip into permanent decline and lose its global leadership position. The time is now for all Americans to put aside their differences and engage in a unified effort to create a prosperous future. Sociologist/Futurist Michael G. Zey, Ph.D, books include Seizing the Future, Ageless Nation, and the forthcoming Envisioning America's Future. He is a Professor at Montclair State University's School of Business. His website is www.zey.com. If the 2016 elections proved anything, it was that the classic American order still prevails. Americans still have a strong attachment to the Founders vision of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. Translating this conservative vision into Red State terms, this means that many Americans still stubbornly cling to their morals, guns, and religion. The supporters of the liberal agenda lost the election primarily because people perceived that they had abandoned this traditional narrative. The massive upset that carried the day in so many states and statehouses points to the fact that significant sectors of the population are happy with a kind of historical immobilism that confounds the agents of change who want a progressive America without the restraints of family, community, and faith. While liberals still have significant support, it is insufficient to overcome this obstacle. They now face the inconvenient truth that the traditional American order will not be defeated soon by their competing misinterpretation. The only thing left for the left to do is try to subvert the classical narrative and use it against itself. The use of the system against itself is hardly a new tactic, but it will become more dominant as the progressives struggle to find a new identity and forge a way forward. It will consist of using the institutions and tactics they have long opposed as means to promote their own opposite agenda. They will further seek to change the American narrative by weaving it into their own. They will use their freedoms to stifle the freedom of others. A typical example of this tactic is the current marriage debate. Feminists have long denounced marriage as slavery and have done everything possible to destroy the insoluble bond of matrimony through free love, contraception, and divorce. Today, feminists are enthusiastic supporters of marriage -- when it applies to same-sex unions. They proclaim their freedom to define marriage yet bring down the force of law claiming discrimination to stifle the freedom of others who disagree with them or refuse to violate their consciences by facilitating same-sex marriage through a license, flowers, photos, banquet hall, lodging, or wedding cake. This tactic is especially used in the current immigration debate. Liberals have long opposed tradition as a hindrance to freedom, a guardian of morality and an enemy of progress. However, when it comes to immigration, the immigrants traditions, language, and customs suddenly take on paramount importance as an expression of cultural diversity that must be protected at all cost. Indeed, in this twisted narrative, every tradition is protected and defended save one -- Americas own -- which must be sacrificed on the altar of diversity as hopelessly bigoted and old-fashioned. This same behavior is curiously found in liberal attitudes toward Islam -- for the most part, a radically anti-liberal religion. The religious freedom that the left denies Christians and the Little Sisters of the Poor is generously extended to Islam. Then liberals suddenly become ardent defenders of religious liberty. Thus, the same liberals who shudder at the public display of a cross have no problem protesting the burning of a Koran that contradicts all they believe. Those who criticize any notion of Christian modesty will nod understandingly at the donning of a burka. The same feminists who decry traditional American society as patriarchal and oppressive to women rally in support of Islam and its abusive treatment of them under sharia law. The court system that liberals have defied when it serves their purpose is also a helpful tool. They surprisingly become ardent defenders of the judicial order when it comes to freezing executive orders that implement prudential measures deemed necessary for the countrys security by the president. Liberals who have long been ardent supporters of the federal government in overruling states on issues like marriage now insist that sanctuary states, counties, and cities have the right to flout federal law. Nullification has now jumped to the other side of the political spectrum. While immigration seems to be the major focus, the same tactic can be seen all over the cultural landscape. Pacifists who have long opposed the very idea of the military now demand the right to have homosexuals and transgenders serve. Satanists who have hidden in the dark shadows of society are now coming out to demand the right to educate elementary school children in after-school Satan clubs. Liberal scientists politicize their purely empirical disciplines by skewing the cold hard data to make global warming the scapegoat for all societal ills. Throughout it all, there is a persistent and pervasive political correctness now joined by microaggressions that stifle free speech and rational debate. Thus, one might ask: to what avail is all this activism if the left has no plausible narrative of its own? Indeed, what is left for the left to do? The left can take the immigrant, the LGBTQI (etc.) partisans, and Satanists and turn them into a new proletariat that forces itself on everyone as it madly rushes to enter into the mainstream of the classic American narrative. The immediate target is the narrative, at least its Christian reading. However, since the latest election has proven that this classic narrative is resilient and not easily overthrown, it is left to the left to use the narrative against itself to subvert and destroy its internal integrity. The ultimate target is Americas precarious attachment to the Christian principles and a Ten Commandments morality that buttress this classic American order. It does no good to attack this Christian order directly; it only awakens reactions. It is left to the left to break this Christian order by forcing it to coexist with an anti-Christian order. This is the greatest danger of the moment. John Horvat II is a scholar, researcher, educator, international speaker, and author of the book Return to Order, as well as the author of hundreds of published articles. He lives in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania where he is the vice president of the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property. Our short tour begins in the United States, in Indiana, where a life-sized Jesus statue in front of a church was beheaded for the second time in as many weeks. The first time, the vandal left the head behind. The second time, he took the head (here). In a single day, eleven Jewish community centers received bomb threats across America, and more than one hundred gravestones at a Jewish cemetery in Missouri were vandalized (here). A New York Times op-ed titled "How can we get rid of Trump?" featured the photograph below (here). A 20-foot-long banner reading "Refugees Welcome" appeared on top of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty (here). Across the pond, when Swedish government officials visited Iran to strike deals with the mullahs, these 21st-century feminists wore hijabs, black clothes, and formless large coats while adopting meek body language (here and here). London hosted the first "Modest Fashion Week" targeting Muslim women and hosted by a make-up company that refuses to sell products to Trump supporters. And a high-end department store in the U.K. will be selling hijabs and other modest clothing to cater to the rapidly growing population of Muslim women (here and here). Germany is considering voting rights for "migrants" (here). Pope Francis pressed the West to take in more "refugees," framing it as an opportunity for "growth" (here). ISIS vowed to rid Cairo of all its Christians, stating that Christians are their "favorite prey," that Christians are no longer dhimmis, and that because they are now considered infidels, they must be slaughtered (here). Back in the states, a student at the University of Pennsylvania claimed he was traumatized when a professor denied "white privilege," the University of Washington deemed English grammar to be inherently racist, and another Christian university (this one in Texas) catered to Muslims (here, here, and here). In California, there are rumblings of universal health care that covers illegals, a bishop urged people to become social justice disrupters against Trump, and a gang member who was released from prison murdered a police officer (here, here, and here). NBC News produced two videos exploiting kids to castigate President Trump. And an MTV News political correspondent participated in an anti-Trump march (here and here). Fake hate crimes continue (here and here). And finally, a recent article in The New Republic floated the idea that President Trump has syphilis (here). I could go on. And on. And on. Early this week, a Jewish cemetery near St. Louis was vandalized. Nearly two hundred headstones were knocked over (here and here). That such a vile act would occur should shock no one. There has been a steady rise in anti-Semitic acts in America over the eight years of Obama's term in office (here, here, and here). In the face of this egregious act, volunteers were organized to set the stones aright. One of those volunteers was Vice President Pence. His presence sent a message that such acts will not go unnoticed or unaddressed (here). But Pence and the rest of the volunteers weren't the only people to step up. Muslims got in on the act. And the media were poised to feature their generosity. The AP reported: Muslim groups have launched a crowdfunding campaign for the Chesed Shel Emeth Society cemetery in University City, Missouri, with a goal of $20,000. It has raised nearly $75,000. The headline at Reuters read: "Muslims raise over $91,000 for vandalized Jewish cemetery in Missouri." Aw. Isn't that sweet? And when you learn who was behind this effort, your heart will truly swell with warm, fuzzy feelings. Reuters reports: The fundraising effort was launched by Linda Sarsour, a liberal political activist, and Tarek El-Messidi, the founding director of Celebrate Mercy, a non-profit organization that teaches the public about Mohammad, the founder of Islam. Sarsour was a supporter of U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders in his bid to become the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, and was one of the organizers of the Women's March on Washington on Jan. 21, the day after Trump's inauguration. For those not familiar with Sarsour, let me share some additional resume highlights. The Cliffs Notes are that she's a terrorist sympathizer, an Israel hater (code for anti-Semite), and taqiyya expert who gloms onto any and all movements where she thinks she can gain traction among useful idiots. Discover the Networks reports: ... Linda Sarsour is a Palestinian-American community activist who has served as executive director of the Arab American Association of New York (AAANY) since 2005. She is also a board member of the Muslim Democratic Club of New York (MDCNY), and a member of the Justice League NYC. An outspoken critic of Israel, Sarsour supports the Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions (BDS) movement, a Hamas-inspired initiative that uses various forms of public protest, economic pressure, and court rulings to advance the Hamas agenda of permanently destroying Israel as a Jewish nation-state. ... She made clear her opposition to Israel's existence as a Jewish state when she tweeted in October 2012 that "nothing is creepier than Zionism." Breitbart reports: Sarsour ... seems as if she makes it a point to attach herself to every social justice cause known to man and tie it to Palestine. For example, in November, she attached herself to the cause of blocking Dakota Access Pipeline and made sure to bring her Palestinian flag. This shameless promotion could also be seen at the Women's March as well. ... However, her biggest splash that weekend was when the level of her hypocrisy towards the cause espoused by the Woman's March was pointed out to the public. Specifically, a tweet of Sarsour's dismissing the misogynistic views of Saudi Arabia simply because the country has a paid maternity leave program, has been making the rounds on social media. ... In addition to her dismissal of Saudi subjugation of women, she has attacked a documentary calling attention to the plight of women in the Islamic world. Sarsour has been a vocal critic of the executive producer of the film, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a former Dutch Parliamentarian, ex-Muslim, and vocal critic of Islam who was also the victim of female genital mutilation. In 2011, Sarsour took to twitter and vulgarly berated Hirsi Ali; and ACT for America founder, Brigitte Gabriel, and said, "I wish I could take their vaginas away they don't deserve to be women." ... Sarsour also has a long history of criticizing Israel in ways that cross the line into anti-Semitism and terrorist sympathizing. ... She called for solidarity with Muhammad Allan, a member of the terrorist group Palestinian Islamic Jihad who has a history of recruiting suicide bombers. The Federalist reports: ... Sarsour has railed against women spotlighting misogyny in the Muslim world. She openly advocates for including sharia law in the United States[.] The Daily Caller reports: Linda Sarsour ... was recently spotted at a large Muslim convention in Chicago posing for pictures with an accused financier for Hamas, the terrorist group. ... Sarsour was implicated in Hamas activity in the West Bank in the 1990s, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). ADL cited a Nov. 2001 FBI memo detailing information provided by Sarsour's brother, Jamil, to Israeli investigators in 1998. From The Jerusalem Post: ... Sarsour has increasingly linked her Palestinian cause with struggles facing the wider Arab American community since September 11th, with the concerns of the Black Lives Matter movement, and with the responsibility to protect undocumented immigrants, LGBTQ citizens, women and girls. ... Her political philosophy places all of these groups, with all of their unique challenges, within the same category of oppressed peoples and the oppressors, the opposition, are large corporations, white Islamophobes and Zionists. ... she has repeatedly used the term Zionist as an epithet. I wish whoever organized people to set the headstones right had rejected the money from Sarsour's organization. Because her fundraiser was nothing more than Muslims using this egregious act as a public relations stunt that counted on well meaning people to be pawns. The Quran commands hate for Jews. This hate is a central value for an observant Muslim. And anyone who wants to believe otherwise is uninformed or in denial. Thank you, Vice President Pence, and all the volunteers who turned out to set the headstones right. Linda Sarsour and company can take their donations and...well, you can finish the sentence. Our national media have a knack for missing important trends. They are focused on what is seen as general confusion and a lack factual fidelity in the Trump administration. The media miss entirely the contrast in adult responsible behavior by Republicans and the increasingly irresponsible Democrats. Republicans at all levels of government are trying to solve America's problems. Democrats are, at best, indifferent; it requires only a sliver of cynicism to conclude that very liberal Democrats are actually working to make our problems worse. Here's a review of five of our most pressing problems. If I'm missing some good works from the Democrats, I'd love to hear about them. 1. Bankruptcy of Social Security and Medicare. Left uncorrected, the financial weakness of these programs either will result in default on their obligations or will drive our country into bankruptcy. From George W. Bush to Paul Ryan, Republicans have weathered a constant barrage of liberal obstruction and ridicule for their efforts to reform both programs. Meanwhile, Democrats offer nothing. Really let that sink in. They offer nothing. That's not quite true. Obama's budgets contained ever increasing budget cuts to Medicare, which would bring us dangerously close to a default of its obligations. 2. Obamacare. From its inception, critics argued that the Affordable Care Act was actuarially unsound. They were right. There's no doubt that a few people benefit from the program, but only at the expense of many other people. There is even less doubt that the program cannot continue. It has reached the predicted death spiral. Obamacare must be undone before it causes irreparable damage to our health care delivery system. Republicans were elected to repeal and replace Obamacare. The Democrat position is a modern version of "mend it; don't end it." Here's the catch: there are no Democratic Party proposals to mend their creation. Liberals are completely hands off. They offer no help with the mess the ACA created, but they say if Republicans try to fix the problem, then Republicans own whatever problems ensue. It's difficult to put the breadth and depth of this irresponsibility into words. Happily, we have Michael Ramirez to express it artistically. 3. Race relations and the police. In 2016, Harvard economics professor Dr. Roland Fryer, Jr. studied 1,000 police shootings across the country and reached what he described as the most surprising result of his career. When it comes to police use of lethal force, there is no racial bias. That's no surprise to people aware of the many studies that show police more reluctant to shoot blacks than whites for fear of appearing prejudiced. These studies are well known and well understood. Nevertheless, liberals of both races encourage the Black Lives Matter movement. Democrats have a thing for mindless movements, but this one is particularly unprincipled. It is impossible to overstate the harm BLM causes. It perpetuates the myth that police are hunting down African-Americans, and it deeply alienates everyone else. Everyone who isn't a liberal resents being caught in a pointless protest-caused traffic jam or having a restaurant meal disrupted. Even seeing this behavior on the news is jarring for most of us. Jon Gabriel's classic tweet sums it up. "My favorite part about the Obama era is all the racial healing." Dr. Fryer's study did reveal a problem. African-Americans are much more likely to be treated roughly by the police. They are more likely to be pushed around and more likely to be handcuffed. That's a problem that justifies civil protests. But those of us on the right want to know why the protests are directed against us, or against the country as a whole. Invariably the police in question work for local governments. They work for cities and countries which are, with perhaps two exceptions, run by Democrats. Democrats own this problem. They offer no solution, and they shift blame to the rest of us. That's a step beyond indifference. But wait: there's more. Democrats aggravate community-police relations by turning police departments into profit centers. The case study here is Ferguson, Mo. It's good to note that Ferguson is a black-majority city. No Republicans are involved as the city forces its police to step up the issuance of fines levied on its own mostly black citizens. The citations and fines are for all manner of minor violations, often of traffic and parking. The goal is to increase the flow of revenue to the city. This pattern is repeated in Democrat-run governments all across the country. The sense of unfairness this creates in black citizens is both real and justified. Call me cynical, but in my judgment, this is a giant leap beyond indifference. Why are local Democrats so revenue-obsessed? Here's point four. 4. Underfunded pension plans in Democrat-controlled state and local governments. Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Franklin Roosevelt had little in common, but they agreed on one thing: public employee labor unions are a corruption of the democratic process. Unions were created to balance the power of workers against large and presumably heartless employers. In this case, we are the employers, and the deck is stacked against us. Our elected representatives often depend on the contributions of both money and time from government employees. Typically, the union is negotiating with itself. The results are wage settlements higher than for comparable jobs in the private sector. If the taxpayers in blue areas want to overpay their public servants, that's none of my concern. It becomes all our concern when excessive retirement programs are put in place which cannot possibly be paid for. Some large entities as the City of Chicago/Cook County and the State of California could go belly-up. Governments could try not paying all the benefits they've promised, but that may not be legally viable. Some retirement plans are written such that once payments begin, they cannot be stopped or altered. The indifference of Democratic politicians to this time bomb springs from a childlike faith that the rest of us will bail them out. That will not happen. The sooner Democrats are made to understand that no locality is too big to fail, the sooner this irresponsible practice ends. 5. The connection between illegal immigration and California's electoral power. California declared itself a sanctuary state and now houses a quarter of the nation's illegal immigrants. The elected officials at all levels of that state government will openly defy any attempts to enforce existing federal law that could reduce the number of illegal immigrants. The massive presence of illegals distorts our representative system. There are at least 4 million illegals in California. It requires a special liberal variety of naivete to believe that none of them votes. Even if none does, they are all counted in the census, which determines congressional representation and some federal funding allocations. If only citizens were counted, California would have five fewer congressional seats and electoral votes. Those seats would go to, for example, Ohio (2), Michigan, and Pennsylvania. The Democrats who've declared California a sanctuary state know exactly what they are doing. They are indifferent to federal law, but it requires no cynicism at all to see they are actively, knowingly, benefiting themselves by doing harm to the Republic. Examples of this sort of behavior run on without end. They reflect an attitude I am no longer willing to overlook. We have one responsible adult party, and we have the Democrats. The Democrats cast most of their acts as being "for the children." I now know which children they're talking about. President Trump's promise of increased enforcement of immigration laws is already having an effect. Mexican restaurants are experiencing a downturn of business. Cesar Rodriguez, who runs a tamale restaurant on Staten Island with his mother, says customers are staying away. On a good Sunday, the Staten Island tamale restaurant run by Cesar Rodriguez and his mother makes $3,000. Since the start of the year, it has averaged only $1,500, and this past Sunday only $700. Mr. Rodriguez, who was brought to New York when he was 13 and has temporary protection from deportation under an Obama-era program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, said he thought undocumented residents were saving their money in case they were detained. They may also be reluctant to leave the house for fear of immigration agents stalking outside. "They are listening to fake news," he said. "Even if it's not true, they are afraid." Three cheers for fake news! The fear and memory of past raids seem to be keeping people from their favorite taco restaurants: Sara Saravia arrived in the United States in 1981 and quickly got a piece of advice: watch out for the men in uniforms. If they catch you, Saravia was told, you'll find yourself back in El Salvador. One afternoon, she sat in a restaurant when three men walked in. They wore uniforms. Saravia bolted. "I left my tacos on the table and took off running," she said. Illegals are so afraid to go out that they are afraid even to pick up their welfare checks. Some low-income families in New York with children who are citizens have declined to re-enroll in a program offering food assistance worth several thousand dollars, said Betsy Plum, director of special projects for the New York Immigration Coalition, an advocacy group. "There's a real isolationist reflex that's happening now," Ms. Plum said. Even Home Depot parking lots, long a haven for large flocks of illegal aliens, are starting to feel the pinch! American employers and landlords are feeling the effects of the raids. A local contractor who used to hire day laborers looking for work in front of Home Depot said men, fearing deportation, no longer congregate there. Imagine going to a Home Depot parking lot, and all you can see, as far as the eye can see, is... parked cars! What's next? Will big city Walmart parking lots suddenly become safe to walk around in? Will English once again become the language of choice in 7-11s? Ed Straker is the senior writer at NewsMachete.com. If I were Elizabeth Warren, I would have to restrain myself to avoid responding in kind to an insult delivered by her own Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer. The Hill reports: Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) is dismissing the GOP's efforts to make Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) the face of the Democratic Party. "It's not going to work," Schumer said of the strategy, according to Politico. The publication reported that Republicans are looking for someone to drive their conservative base to donate and turn out to vote. Politico quoted GOP strategists who said Warren is viewed negatively outside the coasts, adding that she could make it difficult for some Democrats who are up for reelection in 2018 in states President Trump won. The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) is launching a new set of digital ads criticizing incumbent Democrats for voting with Warren, according to Politico. Those ads are likely to be effective. Warren, an affirmative action fraudster and hard leftist, lacks appeal beyond a few urban enclaves that are deep blue. But she is very popular with the left faction that dominates Democrat politics. How will Warren respond to Schumer? If she says nothing, the accepts the contention that she is toxic to her own party's chances. I expect Schumer to issue a clarification soon, claiming that Liz is so lovable that she could well be the face of the party, and that would be just ducky. I recommend they have a powwow and jointly cook one of her plagiarized recipes from the book Pow Wow Chow, when her claimed 1/32 Cherokee heritage was enough to get her included as a Native American author (and tenure at Harvard). I hope he does. That would really help brand the Dems for the extremists they are. Before democracy, there was only force. Kings and oligarchs ruled with the supreme authority of the sharpened blade. To question power was to die. The only way to change the occupant of the throne was to kill him. Howsoever one might complicate this assessment, peasants and nobles alike always understood it. Today, we consider ourselves more civilized than the ancients. Majority rules, bloodlessly and peacefully. Imperfect as the modern system is, and indeed it has many imperfections, it is nevertheless, as Sir Winston Churchill pointed out, the worst form of government except for all the others. Every once in a while, the so-called thin veneer of civilization vanishes, as it did during the French Revolution, and brute force prevails. He who would be king achieves his ambition by becoming the most brutal SOB in the realm, slaughtering all opposition, often by torturous means, as a deterrent to would-be rivals. Between the extremes of force and democracy is treachery. While the assassin may employ treachery, his method is raw power. The assassin understands that his first and only strike must be fatal. Failure means death. But subversive treachery knows no such courage. It skulks about in the shadows and passes the dagger to dolts and unwitting accomplices, which, unfortunately, are never in short supply. Treachery wields not the blade, but the tongue. The conspirator rarely kills the king, except in the political sense. His aim is to undermine him, to weaken his authority, to foment discontent. Less a lion and more a mosquito, the cowardly denizens of the political shadows grow fat by sipping the blood of democracy and infusing it with slow-acting diseases. Their greatest fear is truth, and they will wiggle and squirm with impressive guile to conceal it. Exposed for his corruption, the political parasite will protest that he is but exercising his right and responsibility, to speak truth to power. The absurdity is lost on him, that a fearful liar should even know what truth is, much less to confront strength. Today in American politics, we are witnessing the latest evolution in the art of treachery. The political left has mastered the art of deceit. Leftists have codified their lawlessness in the form of rules for radicals. One might call them godless, except that they worship a false god, one that in the end will teach them what treachery truly is. It is a lesson the modern-day whores of Babylon will learn all too late, for their treasonous deceptions will consume them, as they would that their treachery might consume us. Have faith in what is good and true. We shall prevail. The Mexican government says it will resist efforts by the U.S. government to force better cooperation between the two nations to halt illegal immigrants coming into the U.S. For far too long. Mexico has facilitated the flow of illegals coming into the U.S. both from Mexico itself and other from Central American countries. The Trump administration's new policies, announced by DHS secretary Kelly on Tuesday, would immediately return illegals caught at the border, making them wait for their hearing in U.S. immigration courts in Mexico rather than being released to melt away into the interior of the United States. But while complaining about the new policies, Mexico appears to be preparing for the large influx of deportees. Washington Times: "I want to say clearly and emphatically that the government of Mexico and the Mexican people do not have to accept provisions that one government unilaterally wants to impose on the other," Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray told reporters in Mexico City, just ahead of meetings with Mr. Kelly and Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson. "We will not accept it, because there's no reason why we should, and because it is not in the interests of Mexico," he said, according to the Reuters news agency. Even as Mexican officials talked tough, they prepared for what could be a massive influx of Mexicans who are either kicked out of the country or flee the U.S. The Social Development Ministry has for years had a program that organized Mexicans who lived and worked outside their country and helped the communities left behind. Officials said Wednesday that they would work on reforms to "Programa 3 x 1 para Migrantes," as it's known, to prepare for the return of many of those migrants. Mexico used to account for the vast majority of illegal immigrants entering the U.S., but that has tapered off as the Mexican economy has improved and as American officials began to impose stiffer consequences on migrants, raising the risks associated with trying to sneak in. Now, the bigger problem is a surge of non-Mexicans from the Western Hemisphere who enter Mexico then travel north to reach the U.S. Mexico's role in facilitating their journey has long been a source of controversy between the two countries. Last year, American officials pointed to a surge in Haitians, thousands of whom had been living in Brazil and Chile but started heading north, saying they were enticed by lax Obama administration policies. Mexico was stopping the migrants at its southern border, then giving them temporary transit visas that lasted just long enough for them to make their way to the U.S. border, where they attempted to enter. The White House insisted Wednesday that relations with Mexico remain strong. "We have a very healthy and robust relationship with the Mexican government and Mexican officials. I think they would echo that same sentiment," press secretary Sean Spicer said. "I think the relationship with Mexico is phenomenal right now, and I think there's an unbelievable and robust dialogue between the two nations." Since the average wait for a hearing before a U.S. immigration judge is close to two years, Mexico will have to care for thousands of stateless people, many of whom will not be Mexican citizens, for a considerable period of time. Many illegals who only recently arrived in the U.S. could return to their families to await the disposition of their case. But some illegals have been in the U.S. for many years, and it's an open question how the Mexican government is going to be able to feed and house the deportees. It is hoped that many recent arrivals from Central America especially unaccompanied children and families will give up and return home. But the governments of El Salvador and Guatemala have suggested they may stop returning immigrants at their border, not allowing them back in. This would present another problem for Mexico along its southern border. No one can guess how many illegals will stay in Mexico and fight for entry into the U.S. What seems clear is that the relationship between the two countries is about to change dramatically. The U.S. government is no longer going to tolerate Mexico's blatant attempts to push illegal immigrants across the southern border, making them America's problem. What Mexico has sown these many years, it is about to reap. In 1946, a bunch of Hollywood legends including Roy Rogers, Dick Curtis, and Russell Hayden tired of travelling to far-off locations to shoot western movies, that were very popular at the time decided to build a Wild West set, in the High Desert of Southern California, where directors could shoot movies and the crew could live. They drove out to a spot 4 miles to the northwest of Yucca Valley, and two hours from Los Angeles, and started building facades and spaces to resemble a 19th-century western town. The town was named Pioneertown. The project was a huge success. More than two hundred westerns were filmed at Pioneertown, including The Cisco Kid, and it served as the backdrop for a large number of television shows, notably Judge Roy Bean and The Gene Autry Show. As the years rolled by and Hollywoods interest shifted from westerns to new ideas, business in Pioneertown dwindled and the town assumed a new rolethat of a tourist attraction. Photo credit: Helen Gordon/Flickr A visitor to Pioneertown in 2012 described her visit in an article in San Diego Reader: Strolling down Mane Street is a bizarre experience. An abandoned bowling alley stands opposite a reconstructed jail, bathhouse and bank. Carts of dynamite sit like props in the dusty street, presumably from the weekly Old West re-enactments. Unsettlingly realistic dummies slouch in rocking chairs on porches, and fake crows are tied to rails and posts. We pass a grave with a wooden sign proclaiming Welcome. It is hard to tell what is real and what has been purposefully set up to unnerve. On the day we visited, the four-block town was empty aside from locals selling handcrafted saddles and feathered dreamcatchers, and a couple of tourists who seemed as confused by the place as we were. The houses on Mane Street look more like live-in works of art than homes; some residents had installed a display of broken chinaware, 50s-era toys and colored glass in the front yard. More recently, people from the big cities artists, entrepreneurs and other eccentric personalitiesseeking respite from their stressful lives, have started coming here and staying for good. Properties around Pioneertown are selling like hot cakes. Julian T. Pinder, a Canadian filmmaker, moved to Pioneertown in 2014 from Los Angeles with his wife. They bought what was a run-down mining cabin and turned it into an airy family home. Another Pioneertown resident, a Belgian jewelry designer, and his partner, a retired jewelry-industry executive, left their home in New York and bought and restored three homes in the area, including one that came with a church. New businesses are also popping up all around. There is a state-of-the-art music recording studio here, and a vintage fashion store selling Bohemian skirts, maxi dresses, jumpsuits and leather jackets. One of the most happening spots in the town is Pappy and Harriets Pioneertown Palace that serves delicious ribs, barbecue, burgers, sandwiches, and live music. Among its regular patrons include notable musicians such as Eric Burdon and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin fame. As of 2014, Pioneertown has a population of just over six hundred. Photo credit: Catchpenny/Flickr Photo credit: Laura Hamilton/Flickr Photo credit: Laura Hamilton/Flickr Photo credit: Helen Gordon/Flickr Photo credit: Helen Gordon/Flickr Photo credit: Wayne Stadler/Flickr Photo credit: Wayne Stadler/Flickr Photo credit: Wayne Stadler/Flickr Photo credit: Matthew Field/Wikimedia Photo credit: steph1874/Flickr Sources: NY Times / www.visitcalifornia.com / Wikipedia / www.bestplaces.net Scattered throughout the island of Gotland, in the middle of the Baltic Sea, are thousands of stones with strange grooves or furrows cut into its smooth, hard surface. The grooves always occur in groups, cut side by side and are of varying length, width and depth. At first glance, it appears as if someone had been sharpening their axes or swords on them. That was the general opinion when the grooves were widely reported in the mid-19th century. Consequently, the grooves were called "sharpening stones". But soon scholars began to have doubts about their origin, since the shape and size of the grooves made them unfit for sharpening swords. Someone pointed out that stone-age swords, and even those from the Middle Ages and Viking Age, were too wide to fit into the grinding grooves. Photo credit: Soren Gannholm Another evidence or rather, the lack of it that didnt fit into the puzzle was the complete lack of stone axes and other weapons that were supposedly sharpened in the stones, in its vicinity. Archeologists have failed to retrieve any remnants of stone axes, and other waste, even at places which have been described as veritable sword sharpening workshops. Gotland is not alone with these strange marks in granite and limestone rocks. Grooves have been found at many places across Europe such as in Norway, Finland, France, Luxembourg and England, and as far away as in Australia and India. In France, the grooves have been dated to the Neolithic period, and are called polissoirs. They were made by the same culture who built dolmens (rock tombs) and erected menhirs (standing stones). But nowhere else grinding grooves occur in such large number and concentration as in Gotland. They are spread across virtually the entire island. They are found carved in isolated boulders, in the bedrock and in limestone outcrops. Since the American astronomer Gerald Hawkins suggested that the Stonehenge could have had an astronomical function, scholars have been trying to find an astronomical connection with virtually any stone age antique they cant explain. The grooves of Gotland are no different. Archeologists are now wondering whether the answer to the mystery lies in the alignment of the grooves. Many of the grooves do appear to align towards certain celestial bodies, such as the sun or the moon. The orientation of the grooves have been interpreted differently by different scholars. Some believe that the grooves are some kind of a lunar calendar, while others offer simple explanation people turned in certain directions in order not to get the sun in the eyes when grinding. So far, more than 3,600 grinding grooves have been discovered in Gotland, of which about 700 occur in the solid limestone outcrop and the rest are divided among about 800 blocks. Photo credit: Soren Gannholm Photo credit: Soren Gannholm Photo credit: Soren Gannholm Sources: Soren Gannholm / Wikipedia Nearly 70 percent of foreign-funded medical equipment enterprise talents are willing to consider work opportunities from Chinese counterparts, said a recent report. Spring Professional, an international firm specializing in recruitment of middle to senior level management and specialists, released a report on factors effecting private firms' recruitment. China's medical industry has seen fast development since 2015, when the central government released documents to support the development of local health and medical companies. However, talent has long been the bottleneck of continuous development, according to the report, adding that many high-level management talents and R&D personnel still have doubts with private medical firms in China. After the survey, the report found that talents who work at medical equipment firms were more willing to consider working for Chinese private firms (69.37 percent), while those who work for biological pharmacies were not as positive (41.67 percent). "R&D personnel need to consider investment and research cycle. Many candidates shared their concerns on Chinese private firms R&D capability and production line during the research and development period," said the report. "Chinese private firms are more market-orientated." The report also found that among those who are willing to consider working for Chinese private firms, more than 90 percent said their top priority is career development. Archived Results for Thursday, February 23rd, 2017 Older Page 1 Recent cases from North Carolina suggest that community college governance may be in need of an overhaul. Consider Martin Community College.In 2014 an anonymous letter allegedly written by a group of concerned students, faculty, and staff was sent to the state's community college system, the school's board of trustees, and lawmakers. It claimed, among other things, that cronyism, dubious financial dealings, and disastrous management decisions had for years been rampant, and had for years been ignored by school officials.Last November, the State Board of Community Colleges released a report that substantiated several of the allegations in the 2014 complaint. The situation was so dire the state board threatened to withhold MCC's funding, and it effectively pushed out the president, Dr. Ann Britt, by refusing to pay her salary; she is resigning in March.The report showed that over several years more than $5 million in state funding had not been spent by MCC. But this was not a case of fiscal prudence; state allocations are based largely on colleges' baseline operating needs - apparently, key staffing positions went unfilled and important equipment went un-purchased, leaving the school in disarray. And by fiscal 2015-16, the finances had reversed. The school was at risk of operating in the red.Furthermore, state-mandated employee bonuses had not been paid out, and the board of trustees had become impotent because of bylaws that vested authority in a small campus executive committee.Martin Community College responded by pledging to shore up its finances, reassert the full board's power, and provide greater transparency. Somewhat shockingly, according to WITN news, the trustees sought to pay Dr. Britt $200,000 "for unused vacation and sabbatical leave"-a plan later vetoed by system leaders.There are supposed to be several levels of oversight over North Carolina's 58 community colleges. At the campus level, there are boards of trustees appointed by the governor, local county commissioners, and county boards of education. All 58 boards report to the State Board of Community Colleges, which in turn reports to the state legislature. Further oversight comes from the accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.Most decision-making power is granted to trustees, due to the belief that their local knowledge will provide the best guidance. But too frequently they rely on campus leadership to steer them.Richard Cowan, a long-serving MCC board member, told system officials at their recent meeting trustees are often not given meeting materials until the day before meetings, and those materials are often missing key information.If Cowan, a trustee at a school with fewer than 800 students, is experiencing such frustration, it's possible that trustees at the state's 57 other community colleges, which in a given year enroll, combined, more than 700,000 students, have faced similar issues.Fayetteville Technical Community College, for example, is being sued by six former employees who claim they were pressured to raise student retention rates by inflating grades. They further allege that the school's president, Larry Keen, used the high grades in an attempt to secure performance funding from the state.And a recent tip to the state auditor's office uncovered a scandal at Wayne Community College. A professor provided improper benefits to a school employee, allowing him to receive course credits without attending or participating in any classes. Roughly $10,000 of state and federal funds were used fraudulently.These examples beg the question: What might be happening at other community colleges that we don't know about? Even if we assume boards of trustees are engaged and willing to tackle problems on their campuses, the fact remains that college officials control their flow of information, and may not always provide the transparency necessary for good governance. Moving up the hierarchy, the State Board of Community Colleges itself is beset with bureaucratic problems, and in recent years has served as a "rubber-stamping" body.North Carolinians should not have to rely only on the occasional bombshell from a concerned campus group or whistleblower to call their community colleges to account. There clearly is room for improvement in terms of ensuring that such colleges are being properly stewarded and that trustees and the state board are fulfilling their duties. And here, the responsibility lies ultimately with the state legislature. Perhaps it should consider these governance issues before it finalizes the community college system's biennial budget this summer. Democrat objections regarding HBCU representation delayed final vote until Feb. 20 Sen. Bill Rabon, R-Brunswick, during a Feb. 16 floor debate over House Bill 39. (CJ Photo by Kari Travis) "For me, it's more about finding people that can add value in terms of different thoughts; how to effectively manage construction costs, or how to manage online education, or how to balance a budget." "The board is too big, and at that size we really become more of a rubber stamp where the UNC General Administration manages us more than we manage them." RALEIGH A debate Thursday over legislation that would cut UNC's governing body from 32 to 24 members led to arguments over proportionate representation for the system's Historically Black Colleges and Universities.Democrats objected to a final vote on House Bill 39 , which came after a 41-4 preliminary vote in favor of the legislation, delaying any resolution until Feb. 20.UNC's current board lacks sufficient numbers of African-Americans and women, and a cut in membership would exacerbate their absence, some senators said.The board comprises 26 men and six women. Four members are African-Americans.Current law allows House and Senate leaders to select all 32 board members. Under H.B. 39 , the legislature would maintain that appointment power. The size of the board would go down as the terms of current members expired, so no one now on the board would be replaced immediately if H.B. 39 became law. Sen. Jay Chaudhuri , D-Wake, proposed an amendment which, he said, would make appointments less political. The proposal would have changed board terms from three four-year terms to a single eight-year term, mandated bipartisan representation, and allowed the governor to make a third of the board's appointments.Chaudhuri said.Majority Senate Republicans disagreed. Sen. Bill Rabon , R-Brunswick, said to Chaudhuri during floor debate.Rabon told all senators,The amendment failed, 33-11.The state Constitution charges the legislature with oversight of public education and demands UNC board members be selected with experience and diversity in mind, Rabon said.he stated.There's no lack of diverse opinions across UNC's board, member Marty Kotis said during a Feb. 15 interview with Mark Shiver on What Matters , a podcast from the Freedom Action Network.Kotis said.he told Carolina Journal.Members should be chosen based on their work ethic, skills and knowledge, he said.Board members should focus more on representing the entire system than in touting one perspective, he added.Senate Democrats also objected to the legislation's swift introduction and adoption.No UNC board members have come forward in support of the bill or have signaled a need for reforms, said Sen. Floyd McKissick , D-Durham, stating that he's unsure of what the legislature is trying to fix.McKissick said.The board has publicly declared itself neutral on the subject, member David Powers told CJ in a Feb. 14 interview.Powers and Kotis have expressed - not officially or on behalf of the board - support for H.B. 39.Kotis also noted that he's heard no opposition from other board members.A board with fewer members may enhance discussion and collaboration, Powers told CJ.said Kotis. Contact: Ford Porter Ford Porter govpress@nc.gov Raleigh: Today, Governor Roy Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein have taken steps to withdraw the state's petition for a Writ of Certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court of, the voting restrictions law overturned by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals last year.Last year, judges on the Fourth Circuit overturned North Carolina's 2013 voting restrictions law after finding that it sought to "target African Americans with almost surgical precision" in order to limit access to the ballot box. The previous administration joined in petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case on December 27th.This morning, the Governor's General Counsel and Chief Deputy Attorney General jointly sent a letter discharging outside counsel in the case on behalf of the State. Also today, the Governor's Office and the NC Department of Justice formally withdrew the State and Governor's request for the U.S. Supreme Court to review the Fourth Circuit's decision.After the Governor's Office and N.C. Department of Justice withdraw, the State Board of Elections, its individual members, and its Executive Director will remain in the case for the time being.Governor Cooper said.said AG Stein. One of the ways the college curriculum has changed for the worse in recent decades is the rise of what David Randall terms "the New Civics" in a hefty report published in January by the National Association of Scholars (NAS). This is a development that should alarm Americans who care about the integrity of higher education, not to say the future of the country.Randall, Director of Communications for NAS, observes that the old education in civics for Americans consisted of high school courses in which students learned the basics of citizenship, followed usually by a course or two in college that deepened their understanding of our law and governmental institutions.The old civics, however, has eroded badly since the 1960s.High school civics has mostly been replaced with mushy "social studies" classes that are often geared toward degrading everything about the U.S. And few colleges retain any core courses covering the old civics. A student who wanted such a course might have trouble finding one in the catalogue.What has moved in to fill the old civics void at many colleges is "the New Civics." Rather than informing students about civics, the New Civics has an entirely different purpose-turning students into activists. The main goal, the report states, "is getting students to engage in coordinated social action." Sometimes that entails direct political action (such as the recent marches against Trump's immigration order ), but mostly it involves pushing students into volunteering for projects that promote leftist causes.Randall emphasizes that the faculty and administrators behind New Civics are only interested in fostering one variety of civic engagement among students, namely "progressive." Volunteer work and protest that does not advance the collectivistic goals of the progressive movement doesn't count and is even discouraged, as Bill Felkner discovered when he tried to avoid left-wing engagement in his studies at Rhode Island College. (I wrote about his case here .)The report devotes many pages to the history of New Civics. It began in the 1970s with the advent of "service learning" courses, which substituted larger and larger amounts of student activism in the community for real academic study.Students who didn't want to have to do a lot of reading and write serious papers could sign up for these courses and get high grades just for showing up and submitting a "reflection paper" about their feelings on their community work. That was consistent with the theories of John Dewey and Paolo Freire that it is better to have students do things that will help implant leftist beliefs than to teach them bodies of knowledge through books and lectures.With that beachhead established, New Civics expanded steadily. Friendly administrators allowed it to colonize "residence life" programs, so that students were getting large doses of progressive ideology thrown at them even out of class. They also went along with the idea that certain amounts of "volunteerism" should be mandatory for graduation. Advocates for the New Civics have succeeded in diverting more and more money from other parts of the college budget into their programs.In 2012, New Civics received a huge boost when the Association of American Colleges and Universities published a document entitled. It outlined and supported the objectives of New Civics by advocating that its courses be mandatory, requiring that all courses have some "civic" component, and ensuring that every faculty member is to some degree "civically engaged."Out of a sense of ideological solidarity, many college and university leaders have happily gone along with the program laid out in. Numerous "strategic plans" now speak about the importance of "infusing civic engagement" throughout the curriculum and campus life. By adroit use of Saul Alinsky's tactics, New Civics is making progress toward a transformation of American higher education-away from the pursuit of knowledge and toward political indoctrination.Much of the report consists of case studies at four public universities: the University of Colorado at Boulder, Colorado State University, North Colorado University, and the University of Wyoming. These cases demonstrate how successful New Civics advocates have been.At CU-Boulder, by Randall's estimate, more than $25 million annually is spent on New Civics. At least sixty courses have service-learning or civic engagement components while only eleven courses teach any of the old civics material. Randall's evaluation of the university's curriculum is ominous:Students must complete the "Contemporary Societies" requirement, for example, which is "marbled throughout" with progressive advocacy courses, as well as the "Human Diversity" requirement, which has few courses that aren't suffused with ideology.The most glaring instance of New Civics at CU-Boulder is the International & National Voluntary Service Training program (INVST). It is, Randall writes, "the equivalent of a major in progressive activism," and provides "vocational training to a dedicated corps of New Civics advocates"-around 200 students each year.How bad is INVST? Listen to a bit of its Inclusion Statement and you'll see. INVST is determined to advance "anti-oppressive education" by attacking "the privileged" and the idea that "information is unbiased." It has a revealing list of "Campus Allies," including the Ethnic Studies Department, the Environmental Studies Department, the Sociology Department, and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement. Two of the courses in the program give students academic credit for designing and working on their own community service projects.Another New Civics initiative at the school is the CU Dialogues program whereby leftist speakers are invited into a wide range of classes to "generate open discussion." Through these "dialogues," New Civics advocacy is spread into subjects where there is actually some body of knowledge (such as history and economics) and others where there isn't (such as film studies and women's studies). The point of this, Randall writes, is toAnd, far as New Civics has gotten at CU-Boulder, there is more to come. The university's planning document, Flagship 2030, declares,The case studies at Colorado State and Northern Colorado show that New Civics has become well established at both, with progressive faculty and administrators pushing for more money and control. At Wyoming, New Civics has a foothold, but hasn't spread nearly as far as at the Colorado schools.What should be done?The report recommends that colleges and universities restore a true civics curriculum including courses on Western Civilization, American history with emphasis on the Founding, and a course on The American Debate, which would introduce students to the big questions we have debated since 1787.Equally important, schools should stop supporting New Civics in all its forms. Among the recommendations in this vein is that legislators prohibit giving academic credit for volunteer activity and that no public funds may be used to support community organizing or political activism.Anticipating the objection that any move against New Civics is contrary to academic freedom, Randall correctly responds, "Getting back to the old civics and getting rid of the New Civics is an important part of the bigger project of restoring our colleges and universities to places of learning. In that, there is no room for courses or programs thatThat's why New Civics must be uprooted. It is after Sunday dinner now, and I have noticed a new habit of mine. I like to write in the hours, after the gathering around the table. It may be that, I want a record of sorts, or it could be that I especially love to write when I am so content-and both may be true. I especially like to write in the morning, but a Sunday afternoon seems to work as well.Of course, I took full advantage of having that fancy china with redbirds and ribbons, though it was seventy degrees outside. At least it is still February. I fixed Jo Dees' chicken and made believers out of mama and daddy, as to its' divine nature. They agreed it was worth all of my bragging. We had collards, potatoes and cornbread too. For dessert. I fixed a red velvet cake, being it was close to Valentine's Day. It wasn't nearly as red as I had hoped, but it was good. I am not fond of using food coloring, unless I am making "sea glass" out of mason jars. I thought that cherry juice would be a nice flavor addition and make the cake red as well. I should have used a lot more, and not been so stingy with it. We ate the cake anyway , though it was maroon in color. Daddy asked why it needed to be red anyway-and he was right.Tres and Kelsey are in Rome, on vacation. They are to return this week. Tres loves to travel and has done a bit, to be so young. When he was a little boy, I called him my "wonder boy" because he was always wondering about things. He was curious and needed answers to how things worked. He grew up to have a career in research. I knew all along, he was suited for such work. I have an idea, that if we watch children closely when they are very little-and free in their thoughts, we can predict closely, a good career path for them. My own children have proven this true, at least. I told Kyle, when he was around five, that he should be a landscaper-and he is. He remembers this and we laugh about it, now. Brant and Christian are artists. They must create- and Jenny was destined to be a mother by the time she was three! They all chose play that foretold their futures, and I "kept these things, and pondered them in my heart" as mothers have been known do.I saw the beautiful "snow moon", this week. It was almost amber . It was especially pretty, when it hung low in the sky. The field turned shades of gold, in its' light. Of course, I made a wish on that beautiful "Snow Moon", for good measure.The wind, is brisk today. The pine trees do not whisper in such conditions, but produce a roar, instead-still, the sound is lulling. The only other sound is the occasional rattle of dry leaves, being swept from the far corners of the rabbit patch.I am grateful for the peace and quiet, after Sunday Dinner, today. I am grateful I saw the snow moon. I am glad it is almost time for Tres to come home-that it is almost Mamas' birthday- and that we all gathered again, for a good meal with an almost red velvet cake. Sunday is a lovely time. Madeleine McCann: finding hope in Cairns, Jodie Marshs dog and looking for my Maddie Madeleine McCann: a reporting review on the missing child. As we must, lets begin with news of the English child who went missing in Portugal by looking at the Australias Cairns Post, which features a message for Kate and Gerry McCann: Maddie McCanns parents need to move on, for their kids sake. Louise Roberts kicks off her heartfelt advice to the parents of a missing child who became the medias benchmark for all missing children by telling her readers: Only Madeleine McCann and her presumed abductors know what really happened the night she went missing, but none of them are available to reveal the brutal truth. You can wrestle with what presumed abductors know and dont know, being as they are unnamed and, as Roberts suggests, possibly unreal. As for that brutal truth, its delivered after Roberts imagines the teenage Madeleine McCann. Maddie should be 13 now, she calculates, armed with an iPhone and cocooned in family love and the carefree discoveries of teenage life in middle England. She then adds: There isnt a single clue as to whether she is alive today but the lucrative whodunit industry dogging her parents Gerry and Kate, who deny any part in her death, rumbles on. Having slammed the armchair detectives who spin the single fact child vanishes and confusingly told us that we dont know if Madeleine McCann is alive but her parents are not to be blamed for her death, Roberts advises: But its time for the McCanns to turn off the legal tap and focus on the family life they have left. Mawkish much. The time they have left suggests new horrors lurking around the corner. What they are Roberts doesnt say, so she harks back to the night of May 7 2003 and tells us: Maddie was asleep in the holiday flat alone with her twin siblings while their parents ate tapas in a bar 50 metres away. It was a spring evening in May 2007. May is in Spring. Fact! She disappeared and the guilt and the blame game began for them. There is no doubt they were remiss in leaving her alone even Gerry said it was a mistake. She adds: Former Portuguese detective Goncalo Amaral claims in his book that Maddie McCanns parents faked her abduction, but theyd be better off ignoring his terrible claims. Terrible but worth repeating to the good people of Cairns. And then Roberts tucks into the parents, who weve been watching in the media for nearly a decade. She writes: The couple are emotionally paralysed not only by her disappearance but by their consciences, never shaking off the sick feeling that they were not there when Maddie needed them. And the public has never let them forget it. The public, of course, are not journalists, who occupy a higher level. Roberts is here to inform. Not for her amateur sleuthing and a tawdry whodunnit. The McCanns faked the abduction, according to Goncalo Amaral, she says in the spirit of enlightenment and moving on, to cover up the death of their eldest daughter in their holiday flat in Praia da Luz in the countrys south. And: Maddies legacy has gone from a relentless search for clues to a ruinous, exploitative and mind-blowingly expensive war between her parents and anyone who challenges their steadfast belief that a stranger abducted her. And after the speculation, Roberts reaches her brutal truth: Its time for Gerry and Kate, trapped on a grief and reputation treadmill, to change focus. Time to get busy living, ditch the reputation management and let the chips fall where they will. As their spokesman Clarence Mitchell begins to file a no comment comment, Roberts delivers the time-honoured media motif: Maddie & Me. I speak with more than a passing interest in this case, she says. I was a reporter in London when the story broke and my son was the same age as Maddie. There but for the grace of god. She then speaks up for the McCann twins, who have some right to fade into the background and find some kind of a normal life away from the glare of scandal and innuendo. As the twins dream of a life away from the media spotlight tip: they know who you are in Cairns Roberts returns to her own Maddie. I could never imagine giving up hope to find a missing child but I would not sweat over what was said about me either, she says, knowingly. But before she goes to check on her child, Roberts, who told us of the presumed abductors and mused on whether the child is alive or dead, opines: None of it is going to bring Maddie back. Only the perpetrators know where her body is, who took her, where they took her. And why. The parents really can move on because Roberts brutal truth turns out to be that Madeleine McCann was kidnapped and is now dead. She signs off: The only winners here are lawyers and so-called authors still making a buck from the blonde preschooler with the signature blemish on the blue iris of her right eye. And the media, right, who get to press f9 on the keyboard and churn out another Our Maddie story? And now for a few words from the fragrant English rose, Jodie Marsh. Closer Magazine: Jodie Marsh goes on a bizarre Twitter rant about the McCanns after This Morning interview. You can read about that interview in which a to-deadline Madeleine McCann expert told mid-morning telly watchers he thinks she might have wandered off here. Closer magazines Emma Dodds says former glamour model Jodie Marsh was watching. She vented her frustrations at the case, shockingly even blaming Maddies parents Gerry and Kate McCann for her disappearance, despite there being no evidence that they were involved Jodie angrily tweeted that they should concentrate on finding Maddie, rather than being concerned with all this legal action. Advice is coming thick and fast for the McCanns. Its all well-meaning, of course. And before long Jodie is delivering her own Maddie & Me, tweeting: I must admit, if it were my child Id be on my hands & knees digging up the earth with my bare hands! Nothing else would matter With no children to hold tight, Jodie scouts around for something to make into her own Maddie. She finds it. My dog went missing for 10 mins the other night & I was running up the street screaming her name like a lunatic. I was beside myself, she reveals. And if I was so hysterical over my dog, the hysteria would be ten fold if it were my child. I wouldnt be suing people. Id be SEARCHING. Having heard a missing child likened to a non-missing dog, we turn to the Sun, where the headline runs: FIGHTING FOR THE CAUSE Kate McCann offers support to missing persons charity just hours after top cop claims new theory to Madeleines disappearance. Kate McCann is the brave mum who put aside her own anguish over snatched daughter Madeleine to help a pal raise money for charity. As people continued to heap more misery on her family, she has spared time to consider other missing children and adults. The charity is called Missing People. You can find out more here. Such are the facts. Paul Sorene Posted: 23rd, February 2017 | In: Key Posts, Madeleine McCann, Reviews Comment | TrackBack | Permalink (ANSA) - Rome, February 22 - Rome "is not a normal city (but) an atom bomb," anti-establishment 5-Star Movement (M5S) leader Beppe Grillo said Wednesday, deflecting criticism of M5S Mayor Virginia Raggi. "We have put in wonderful managers, extraordinary people, trustworthy, you can't expect more than that," he said. "What do you expect from the 5-Star Movement? What do you expected from Raggi?. What can she do in a situation like this? You must give us a hand, all of you". Grillo said Rome was "probably the biggest city in Europe by size, after London". Grillo has consistently defended Raggi after a string of appointments woes and amid an abuse-of-office probe, saying earlier this week that she was "a rock". Earlier, Grillo said that Raggi's failure so far to approve AS Roma's project to build a new stadium in the capital was due to prudence. "Raggi is acting in a precautionary way," Grillo said of the much-delayed project during a visit to Rome. "She will make a statement in a day or two and so this story will end in one way or another". Rome's heritage superintendency said at the weekend a horseracing course at the planned construction site could not be demolished because of its historic architectural value. M5S MP Alfonso Bonafede said Wednesday that a city resolution on the stadium project adopted by a previous administration may be annulled. A meeting between Raggi and advocates of the project, including constructor Luca Parnasi and Roma General Manager Mauro Baldissoni, has been postponed until Friday, sources said. Roma are talking to Raggi's administration to see if a slightly revised and downsized version of their original project can go ahead and give the club its long-desired private stadium. At present they share the publicly owned Olimpico stadium with crosscity rivals Lazio. Grillo also said it was "not possible that a decision on a million-cubic-metre stadium should be made by the regional government," in a blog post calling for many powers to be returned to the city of Rome. ROME - Moroccan Ambassador to Rome Hassan Abouyoub on Thursday rejected the idea of setting up camps in North Africa for asylum seekers who get sent back after being intercepted at sea while trying to reach Europe. "It is not culturally acceptable," Abouyoub told an ANSA Forum. "It is not acceptable to park human beings. I don't give lessons to Europe but the security response (to migrant flows) is not suitable and has not produced results". Abouyoub said a collective approach was needed to stop increasing migrant flows and argued that promoting development was crucial to attacking the problem at the source. "No country is able to address (this issue) on its own," Abouyoub told the forum. "It requires a collective approach of solidarity and shared responsibility". He said that the approach of Morocco, which from being a country of origin and transit for migrants has now also become a country of immigration, "is that of the Rabat Conference, based on attacking the causes at the origin, accelerating human development to reduce the flows at the source". Anna and Corby these two people are so familiar to the Billings arts scene they don't need last names. That's why Corby Skinner and Anna Paige are the perfect hosts for the new Yellowstone Public Radio show, "Resounds: Arts and Culture on the High Plains." They wont struggle finding interviews for the show. The challenge will be limiting their conversations to 30 minutes twice a month. The show is set to debut at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, airing the second and fourth Mondays of each month. Paiges expertise is in indie music, poetry and performance art. She was an integral part of the Billings Fringe Festival in 2013 and continues to stir things up with her bold poetry and powerful performances. Face of culture Skinner is the face of culture in Billings. He helped promote and book shows at the Alberta Bair Theater for many years, and continues to serve as a board member for the Cultural Partners. In recent years, Skinner returned to one of his first loves, visual art, with his moody landscapes. In his December show and sale, Skinner gave half the proceeds to Art House Cinema & Pub. He is founder and director of the High Plains BookFest and co-owner of Skinner Benoit Public Relations. Their radio show will be recorded in advance, with the first one already in the bag. Paige interviewed Terpsichore Dance Company founder Ricki Feeley and some of her dancers and Skinner focused on two of Montanas most well-known artists, Phoebe Warren and Tracy Linder. Playing to their strengths and personalities will give this show a unique spin. We dont want to be that dry, pre-scripted show," Paige said. "Thats the magic of it. When you go off the script, you get to know someone. Shaking things up Upcoming programs include Skinners interviews with author Richard Ford, artist Ted Waddell and Tippet Rise Art Center founder Peter Halstead. Paige has interviews scheduled with Art House founder Matt Blakeslee and Pub Station Ballroom founders Sean Lynch and Ann Kosempa. Were hoping to shake it up a little bit, Paige said. At the end of each radio show, they will give a rundown on whats happening in the region. The focus is on storytelling, though, not on the events. We want to tell interesting stories about the people making the art, Paige said. Theres a learning curve to the radio business that Paige and Skinner are tackling. Paige, looking to record some ambient sound at a Terpsichore rehearsal, discovered that her mic picked up every tiny noise, including a child watching her mom dance. Paige worked at her college radio station at the University of Wyoming, producing LPFM shows featuring all of her favorite music by Fugazi and Radiohead. Skinner helped put together an eight-part series for Yellowstone Public Radio about the character of violence in the months following the 1998 torture and murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay University of Wyoming student. Their experience and connections will bring depth to the broadcast. The focus of the show is to feature artists, actors, musicians and poets and writers from Yellowstone Public Radios geographic reach, which is the largest footprint in all of public radio. YPR reaches listeners north and east to the Canadian and North Dakota borders, south to Wyoming, and almost as far west as Missoula. More focus on the arts Plans are to also produce podcasts that can be stored in an archive. Paige gave up her position as a YPR board member to take on the new show. Skinner got involved after YPRs program director Ken Siebert mentioned the desire last fall during a fundraising drive to get more arts programming on the air. Guitarist Alex Nauman is working on the opening riff for the show and Paige and Skinner were brainstorming a catch phrase last week to end the program. Taking a grass-roots approach to the show, they looked to friends on social media to help them name it. We have such an authentic scene here because we dont have these bosses that tell us this is the way to build. We had to make our own cool scene, Paige said. Turkey completes citizenship procedure for Syrian refugees Final decision after April referendum, deputy premier says (ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, FEBRUARY 23 - The paperwork for granting Turkish citizenship to 2,000 Syrian refugees in Istanbul has been completed and sent to the competent authority in Ankara for final approval, Istanbul prefect Vasip Sahin announced on Thursday. However, Turkish deputy premier Veysi Kaynak immediately postponed the decision until after the April 16 referendum on a constitutional amendment to introduce an executive presidential system. "We don't want to leave it in the shadows," Kaynak said. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan first mooted the possibility of granting citizenship to Syrian refugees shortly before the failed coup last July. Parliamentary opposition parties strongly protested against the proposal, accusing the president of wanting to exploit possible additional support in the ballot box. Turkey currently hosts over 2.8 million Syrian refugees according to the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR. (ANSAmed). ISTANBUL - Prosecutors in Konya in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey on Thursday issued arrest warrants against a further 100 people on suspicion of links to Fethullah Gulen, the alleged mastermind of the July 2016 failed coup, state news agency Anadolu reports. At least 40 of the suspects have already been arrested in operations across 31 provinces, the source said. Over 44,000 people have been arrested since July 15, 2016 in relation to the unsuccessful putsch. Separately, Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag announced that he has sent a new request for Gulen's extradition to his American counterpart Jeff Sessions. The Turkish Muslim preacher and political leader is in self-imposed exile in the United States. ROME - For Italy the best route to economic cooperation with Morocco is to "make our systems work together looking at Africa", Moroccan Ambassador to Rome Hassan Abouyoub told an ANSA forum Thursday. Morocco "is too rich" to benefit from development cooperation, while it has long invested in African countries also with a view to promoting growth and intervening with respect to the root causes of migration flows. "Italy has technological potential and organisational qualities in sectors such as construction, for example, which would be a very useful accompaniment to what we have already done and invested in Africa," Abouyoub said. Morocco's banking system is present in nearly 40 African countries and its airline Royal Air Maroc flies to nearly 40 African capitals each day. We only have to gain from a joint offer towards Africa," he concluded. 13 migrants suffocate in container in Libya Overall 69 people mostly from Mali, Red Crescent says (ANSAmed) - Cairo, February 23 - Thirteen irregular immigrants "died from suffocation last Tuesday" after spending four days inside a container in Libya, Red Crescent spokesman Mohamed Misrati told ANSA on Thursday. The container was transporting "69 migrants mostly from Mali", Misrati added. The survivors included "a five-year-old girl called Aisha who is in good health" and with her father, he continued. The container travelled for four days between "two cities in Libya", Misrati said. These were the central city of Bani Walid and Khoms in the west, AP reports another official Red Crescent source as saying. "Most" of the survivors "are in poor condition" because they remained shut in the container for several days without food, water or air, Misrati said. Some had "compound fractures", he added. (ANSAmed). Eight given 15 years in prison for plotting IS linked attack (ANSAmed) - AMMAN, FEBRUARY 23 - Jordan military-run State Security court sentenced 8 people linked to the Islamic State to 15 years in prison for plotting separate attacks against targets in the kingdom including military facilities, western diplomats and electric grid linking Jordan to the West Bank, judicial sources said Thursday. The convicted men were arrested by security agencies while planning for the attacks. In one separate case, a Jordanian man was convicted of plotting an attack against Marka military airport using an explosive belt. "The defendant bought chemical substances, manufactured the belt and monitored the airport, but was arrested by security agencies before actually committing the act," the judicial source added. Moreover, three men planned to carry out attacks against any foreign planes landing at Marka airport, foreign embassies and electricity lines connecting the Jordan Valley with the West Bank," the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The third case linked four men to the Islamic State and were "instructed to attack Jordanian soldiers while returning home, film the operation in order to broadcast it." Jordan has witnessed a spike in attacks of IS in its territories during the past year in light of its strong participation in the US lead war against the group in Iraq and Syria. (ANSAmed). Greece approves asylum for 10,000 refugees The figure includes around 2,000 children (ANSAmed) - ATHENS, FEBRUARY 23 - A total of at least 10,000 refugees, including approximately 2,000 minors, are expected to remain in Greece over the coming three years after their asylum applications were granted, according to the Greek Asylum Service. The approved claims account for around a sixth of more than 60,000 migrants and refugees who are currently stranded in Greece following the decision by a series of Balkan states to close their borders last year amid a massive influx of refugees from Syria and other war-torn countries. In recent months the flow of migrants to Greece has slowed significantly following an agreement between the European Union and Turkey in March last year to crack down on human smuggling across the Aegean. Despite that agreement, dozens of boats full of migrants continue to arrive on Greek shores from neighboring Turkey. According to figures from the Greek Asylum Service, a total of 1,912 migrants lodged asylum applications in January of this year. Last year, when hundreds of thousands of migrants flooded through Greece toward other parts of Europe, a total of 51,091 people applied for asylum in Greece, compared to 13,195 in 2015, 9,432 in 2014 and 4,814 in 2013. (ANSAmed). (ANSAmed) - Rome - "The heart-wrenching image of a young boy screaming for his father just minutes after losing both his legs in an apparent assault in Idlib last week is another brutal reminder that children continue to come under attack in Syria's conflict," Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF Regional Director for North Africa and the Middle East, said Thursday. "This week, as efforts continue in Geneva to bring together all parties to Syria's six year long war in an attempt to bring peace, we appeal to all of them to show bold leadership for the rights of children," he continued. "Since the start of this year, at least 20 children have reportedly been killed in attacks and many more injured In addition, nearly 2 million children remain largely cut-off from urgently needed humanitarian assistance," Cappelaere said. "The numbers are a grim indication that the cessation in hostilities announced last December has yet to result in real gains in protection and humanitarian assistance for all children in Syria. "The immeasurable cost in lives and suffering should shame the world into taking immediate action in finding a political solution to the war. We remind all parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect children at all times, wherever they are, and no matter whose control they live under." "All over the country, children continue to suffer from constant and widespread violence and from the lack of basic necessities required to save and sustain their lives. Parties to the conflict must provide immediate, unconditional, and sustained access to all children in need across the country. Sieges must end. The removal of life saving supplies from convoys is unacceptable, as is the use of water as a weapon of war." "All parties to the conflict and those who have influence over them must act with an extreme sense of urgency to silence the guns for good." "It is high time for all parties and anyone with the interest of children in Syria at heart, to talk about the children! "The more than 10 million Syrian children suffering directly and daily the consequences of this vicious conflict want only one thing: peace to come and having their childhood back. "The parties to the conflict and those who support them owe it to the children of Syria to put an end to this war once and for all," he concluded. Two thirds of Syrians in poverty, UN humanitarian chief says 'All eyes on Geneva talks,' Stephen O'Brien adds (ANSAmed) - NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 23 - More than two thirds of the Syrian population live in either extreme or abject poverty as a result of nearly six years of civil war, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O'Brien said in a statement to the Security Council on Wednesday. For this reason, "the eyes of all of Syria, and the eyes of the world, are looking to Geneva", where the fourth round of UN-brokered talks between the Syrian government and opposition groups got underway on Thursday. Permanent Representative of Italy to the UN, Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi, lamented the difficulties encountered by humanitarian organisations operating in Syria also as a result of administrative obstacles. Cardi also reaffirmed Italy's support for UN special envoy to Syria Staffan De Mistura, saying his efforts to ensure credible and inclusive negotiations merited the full backing of the Security Council. The only way out of the Syrian crisis is a political solution based on the December 2015 UN Security Council Resolution 2254 calling for a ceasefire and political settlement in Syria, he added. (ANSAmed). ANSAmed - Today's events in the Mediterranean (ANSAmed) - ROME, FEBRUARY 23 - The following are some of the main events scheduled for today in the Euro-Mediterranean area. GENEVA - Another round of talks between the Syrian government and opposition groups. ROME - Exhibition at Accademia Egitto in Rome entitled 'Glimpses of Upper Egypt' on traditional life in southern Egypt (until 16/3). VATICAN CITY - Spanish Embassy to the Holy See - Presentation of #StandTogether, an ecumenical and international project in support of persecuted Christians. ASWAN (UPPER EGYPT) - Women's Film Fest continues (until February 26). (ANSAmed). Apostasy not in Moroccan criminal code, envoy says Council of Ulema consultative body, laws made by parliament (ANSAmed) - Rome, February 23 - Apostasy has never been included in Morocco's criminal code and so Muslims who choose to convert to another faith have never risked the death penalty, Moroccan Ambassador to Rome Hassan Abouyoub told an ANSA forum Thursday. "In Morocco the law is the constitutional monopoly of parliament," said Abouyoub. The Higher Council of Ulema, the most important religious authority in the country, "is a consultative body", he added. Abouyoub's comments came after recent news according to which the council said that apostasy is not punishable by death. (ANSAmed). CASPER, Wyo. A Casper man who stabbed his roommate to death with a sword has been sentenced to life in prison without parole. The Casper Star-Tribune reports 39-year-old Don Johns was sentenced Wednesday after he was previously convicted of first-degree murder in the August 2015 death of 49-year-old Donald Wickersham. Both men had been drinking with friends the night of the killing, but the defense and the prosecution disagree on which roommate was the aggressor in the fight. Prosecutors said Johns stabbed the man in the back and slit his throat, then packed a suitcase and left the apartment without calling 911. Wickersham was stabbed 29 times. Johns, who claims self-defense, asked the judge Wednesday to sentence him to death because he is tired of fighting to stay alive. Moroccan envoy says No to camps for turned-back migrants 'Can't park human beings' Hassan Abouyoub tells ANSA Forum (ANSAmed) - ROME, FEBRUARY 23 - Moroccan Ambassador to Rome Hassan Abouyoub on Thursday rejected the idea of setting up camps in North Africa for asylum seekers who get sent back after being intercepted at sea while trying to reach Europe. "It is not culturally acceptable," Abouyoub told an ANSA Forum. "It is not acceptable to park human beings. I don't give lessons to Europe but the security response (to migrant flows) is not suitable and has not produced results". (ANSAmed). A row of veterans seated in District Court Judge Mary Jane Kniselys courtroom Wednesday showed up in newsboy caps to support one of their own, Jeff Wiggins, one of three graduates of veterans treatment court that day. Normally I dont allow caps in court, Knisely told the veterans, smiling. She was presiding over a graduation ceremony honoring three veterans and eight others who have completed DUI court. All told, the 11 men celebrated 5,722 days of sobriety Wednesday. My entire PTSD group is here today, Wiggins said, nodding to his cap-wearing friends. They are my fallback on a weekly basis. Also present was Kristi Drake, executive director of Billings TrailNet, who called Wiggins a wonderful volunteer and a good friend for his work putting bikes together for veterans and kids. More than 100 people, most of them family members and friends of the men who chose an alternate, hands-on track for people arrested for alcohol or drug-related crimes, jammed Kniselys sixth-floor courtroom. Many rose in turn to tell the graduates how much they admired their hard work and how grateful they were for their sobriety. One graduate is now pursuing an engineering education. Another is a frequent visitor in Kniselys courtroom as a strategy for avoiding the lures of downtown casinos and bars. If you havent done this for anyone else, youve done it for your family the people sitting in this audience, the people who have carried you through the hurt and pain and are here now to carry you through joy and celebration, Billings Mayor Tom Hanel told the graduates. It is up to you to say, Im going to add to the quality of my life, whatever walk of life you came from. Knisely noted the crucial role that mentors play in CAMO court, an acronym for Courts Assisting Military Offenders. Older veterans typically pair with young offenders to help them succeed in the program. Mentors have taken an oath to leave no veteran behind, she said. I think that has been demonstrated today. Shane Wolf, project director for the Alexandria, Virginia-based National Center for DWI Courts, is in Billings to observe CAMO and the DUI court program known as STEER, for Sobriety, Treatment, Education, Excellence and Rehabilitation. Wolf said he was impressed by the community support the Yellowstone County treatment courts enjoy. It seems like they have the cooperation of the whole community, Wolf said following the ceremony. That level of mentoring and other support serves clients well, he said, instead of just sending them off to jail. Knisely and her staff had hoped for legislative help for treatment courts through vehicles like House Bill 133, tabled Feb. 10 after a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee. That bill, filed at the request of the Commission on Sentencing by Rep. Nate McConnell, D-Missoula, would have included in Montana law treatment court options and fines for people convicted of a fourth or subsequent aggravated DUI offense. This is not a program for sissies, Knisely said. Its much more difficult than warehousing people in prison. A new global agreement designed to help trade flow more freely will lower costs for business and help to raise living standards across the Asia-Pacific region, business leaders meeting in Bangkok for the APEC Business Advisory Council said yesterday. The global economy has been through a tough period. Trade growth continues to slow, said ABAC Chair for 2017, Mr Hoang Van Dung of Viet Nam. It is critical that we take action wherever we can to remove the grit from the machinery of trade, keep markets open and competitive, and deepen connections. So this new agreement is extremely welcome. Mr Hoang was speaking about the entry into force of the World Trade Organisations Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The Agreement was concluded by WTO Members at the Bali WTO Ministerial Meeting in 2013. Two-thirds of the WTO Membership must ratify the TFA before it can begin to be implemented. That threshold has just been reached. The TFA has been a long time coming. We are excited that it can now be implemented and we urge those who have not yet ratified it to do so quickly. As business people, of course, we welcome anything that makes trade easier and less costly. Consumers will also benefit from cheaper, more diverse and better goods. But more importantly, the TFA should help to unlock opportunities for our communities, said Mr. Hoang. Inclusive and sustainable growth is central to our vision for the APEC region. The TFA will help small as well as large firms, and those from developing economies, to participate more successfully in global markets, by reducing red tape, costs and technical barriers to trade. WTO analysis suggests that the TFA will deliver substantial benefits: over the next 15 years, the implementation of the TFA is predicted to add around 2.7% per year to world export growth, and more than half a percent per year to world GDP growth. Full implementation of the TFA is estimated to reduce global trade costs by an average of 14.3%. We also strongly welcome the entry into force of the TFA as an affirmation of our ongoing support for the WTO, Mr. Hoang added. The WTO remains the cornerstone of the global economy, offering the first-best way to reduce barriers to trade, promote economic growth and foster sustainable development. This agreement is a tangible articulation of the original goals of the Doha Development Agenda launched back in 2001. ABAC was created by APEC Leaders in 1995 to be the primary voice of business in APEC. Each economy has three members who are appointed by their respective Leaders. They meet four times a year in preparation for the presentation of their recommendations to the Leaders in a dialogue that is a key event in the annual Leaders Meeting. Under Viet Nams leadership, ABAC is pursuing a work programme under the theme Creating New Dynamism, Fostering Shared Future to respond to the challenge of maintaining the economic vitality of the Asia-Pacific Region and ensure it benefits all. There will be four tracks: deepening regional economic integration; achieving sustainable, innovative and inclusive growth; enhancing MSMEs competitiveness and encouraging innovation in the digital era and ensuring food security and promoting sustainable and climate smart agriculture ABAC 2017 co-chairs are David Toua and Juan Francisco Raffo, with five (5) working group chairs, namely: Sir Rod Eddington, Regional Economic Integration Working Group (REIWG); Richard Cantor, Finance & Economics Working Group (FEWG); Dato Rohana Tan Sri Mahmood, MSME & Entrepreneurship Working Group (MSMEEWG); Ning Gaoning, Sustainable Development Working Group; and Anthony Nightingale, Connectivity Working Group (CWG). For further information please contact: Mr. Tran Thien Cuong, ABAC Executive Director 2017, Tel: (84) 435742022 ext. 221 Email: [email protected] Mr. Antonio Basilio, Director, ABAC Secretariat, Tel: (63 2) 845 4564, Email: [email protected] If youre considering a subscription to the Disney Plus streaming service, you may be wondering how much it costs. The service is available on both We are in the year 1907 at Via della Scrofa 104 in Rome when Alfredo Di Lelio created the most celebrated Italian dish that bridged its history to America. Pregnant with his child, Alfredo fulfilled his wife Ines' wish of having something to eat that would give her and her unborn child energy, flavor, and heat. With such a simple recipe that requires only three ingredients of exceptional quality, fresh butter, Parmigiano Reggiano and fresh pasta with a particular thinness that cooks under 30 seconds, Alfredo unwittingly created a dish in his kitchen that later became a part of the Italian gastronomic history. The miracle happens when a mantecatore or mixer amalgamates the pasta with the sauce with his masterful mixing movements. The Fettuccine Alfredo created waves among the American elite from the time it was discovered by two Hollywood stars for almost a century later. In 1914, Alfredo converted the former shop of oils and wines into a restaurant and called it Alfredo alla Scrofa. Over the years, it gained its prominence and popularity in the capital. But in 1920, things made a giant leap when two Hollywood stars, Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, dubbed as America's sweethearts, dined at Alfredo alla Scrofa and tasted the Fettuccine Alfredo during their honeymoon in Europe. They were so captivated by the extraordinary dish that they spoke so highly of the pasta dish among their famous friends when they went back to the US and they even sealed that memory by giving Alfredo a gift of a pair of gold tableware, a fork and a spoon, with their dedication engraved on them. From then on, Alfredo alla Scrofa's historical flight to fame flew high as evidenced by the rows of black and white photos flew high as evidenced by the rows of black and white photos lining the walls of the restaurant and over 50 books of signatures of notable people from around the world. From the time of its conception to the 21st century, we continue to enjoy the famous Fettuccine Alfredo, still in the same restaurant that is now owned and run by Veronica Salvatori and Mario Mozzetti, great-grandchildren of the entrepreneurs to whom Alfredo sold the restaurant. As you dine at Alfredo alla Scrofa, witness for yourself the amazing array of photos of the celebrities who dined in the the world famous restaurant. Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, Gregory Peck, Sophia Loren, Jimi Hendrix, Tony Curtis, Ava Gardner, Walter Chiari, Salvador Dali, and so much more famous people who shared the same love for Fettuccine Alfredo. National Fettuccine Alfredo Day. O n 7 February, Veronica Salvatori and Mario Mozzetti decided to celebrate the fettuccine as a symbol of the country that has gone through almost a century of history, affirms Mario, a dish that has been tasted by some of the most important people in the world, a dish that makes America crazy without even knowing its rightful origin. So for the first time, from the time of pasta's conception, Alfredo alla Scrofa celebrated the National Fettuccine Alfredo Day along the restaurant's Italian food and drinks partners. Along with them, there were also the Parmigiano Reggiano and Beppino Occelli fresh butter, main ingredients of Fettuccine Alfredo. It was a night of celebrating and giving recognition to a very simple Italian dish that has rocked the world for almost a century. Along with them, there were also the Parmigiano Reggiano and Beppino Occelli fresh butter, main ingredients of Fettuccine Alfredo. Via della Scrofa, 104 00186 Rome, Italy Tel: +39 0668806163 Open daily for lunch and dinner With the extension of the CAR145 approval, DCAF is now able to provide B1 (airframe) and B2 (avionics) maintenance services for the Falcon 7X at its hangar located at Dubai South. With this approval from the GCAA, we are in a position to offer our expertise and services to other clients in the region that operate the Falcon 7X, said Michael Lindgren, director maintenance at DC Aviation Al-Futtaim. We are extremely proud to successfully complete all the regulatory procedures to receive our CAR145 extension and this approval is further proof of our commitment to provide our VVIP customers with the highest levels of services and maintenance support. In addition to the Falcon 7X, DCAF is able to provide line maintenance support for customers operating the Bombardier Global Express, Challenger 604/605, Airbus 320 family, and the Global 6000 and Global 5000 Vision Flight Deck aircraft types. DCAF will further expand its maintenance services on completion of a new 6,800sqm hangar which is scheduled to come online before the end of this year. The expansion will more than double the hangar capacity as well as enable DCAF to add two single-aisle aircraft maintenance bays and provide enough space for an additional workshop and equipment storage. It will also significantly increase the number and size of aircraft which can be accommodated at the facility. Five-year-old Layla was a tad shy getting her photo taken on Wednesday while her mom, Sarah Tipton, held her and her great-grandmother, Shirley Wegner, stood nearby. The promise of a lollipop teased a smile out of the little girl, who was at St. Vincent Healthcare for her weekly outpatient rehabilitation therapies, both speech and occupational therapy. Layla, diagnosed with mild autism at age 2, has been involved in both types of outpatient therapies for three years. Shes doing really well in both, Wegner said. They have very good service, the therapists are wonderful. Soon, though, Wegner and Tipton will have to take Layla elsewhere for therapy. On March 3, St. Vincent is closing its outpatient pediatric therapy program, which also includes physical therapy. Michael Skehan, chief operating officer at St. Vincent Healthcare, said ending the program is related to the hospital's larger three-year strategies, called Cost to Customer. We want to reduce our cost to customers to ensure that were providing the highest quality of care at the best price possible, he said. With the pediatric outpatient therapy program annually losing $200,000, it became necessary to make the change. Skehan said the decision came through a values-based discernment process. That included identifying that there were at least four other providers in the area who do a really good job, as we understand it, in providing pediatric therapy, he said. Though the hospital couldnt provide an exact number of patients in the program, the four therapists who work a total of three full-time-equivalent positions provide five treatments per therapist per day. That adds up to a little more than 14 patients each day. Somewhere new Wegner got the news on Feb. 1, when she took Layla for her regular morning appointments at the Yellowstone Medical Center. She was met at the door with a letter signed by Karen Costello, senior director of clinical and support services. The letter assured patients and their families that overall pediatric services would continue to be available through the hospital. It also said that the Billings area has many qualified pediatric therapy practices. I said, 'OK, find me some,' Wegner said. She was skeptical because three years before, when she and Tipton first brought Layla to St. Vincent, the other agencies had waiting lists of two to three months. An employee with St. Vs outpatient therapy department sat down with Wegner to discuss the other alternatives. Its up to them to choose which is best for their children, he said. Wegner found that she could get Layla into the occupational therapy program at Billings Clinic in three to four weeks, but would have to wait three to four months to get Layla into speech therapy. St. Vincent said it would continue with Layla in speech therapy until a slot came open in the other program. But Wegner pointed out that it would be with another therapist, and Layla would be at Billings Clinic for the occupational therapy. That kind of change can be jarring to a child with autism, she said. And then having to juggle schedules and temporarily split time between two programs is tough on parents. Layla will adjust OK, but change is difficult, and for some of the children its really difficult, Wegner said. Difficult decisions St. Vincent has had to make some difficult decisions over the past several months related to the care of children. In July it announced it would have to close its employee child care center, which was taken over in October by a couple who had a child in the program. In early November, it ended a decade-plus partnership with the Ronald McDonald House to provide free, mobile dental services to low-income and uninsured children across the region. A hospital official said the decision was necessary to focus on the hospitals core services. But, last fall the hospital launched a $2.3 million fundraising campaign to renovate and upgrade its pediatric intensive care unit. Its annual SAINTS Ball in October raised $1.15 million toward it, and it received another $1 million donation that same month from Tom and Joan Scott. Work on the renovation is underway, Skehan said. The five-bed unit will include private rooms and upgraded technology, along with improvements to the pediatric floor. I think it is part of our mission, making sure that were a viable entity and can care for as many people as we can, he said. If we can identify other organizations either to partner with or to provide those high quality services, thats OK too. Wegner, who spoke with Skehan, said she wishes the hospital would have given all of the parents more notice. That day when they gave me the letter, I have to admit a few tears were shed, Wegner said. Youre comfortable with the program and the kids are progressing and still in the middle of that process. Theyre just not done yet. When Layla started speech therapy, she had quit talking. So the therapist instructed Wegner and Tipton how to teach the girl sign language until her verbal skills could catch up. Once she started talking, Layla called her speech therapist, the bubble lady because the therapist had her blow bubbles as part of her therapy. She was always so excited to see the bubble lady, Wegner said. Concourse D represents the final major piece of infrastructure to be built at DXB as part of the $7.8 billion Strategic Plan 2020 programme, was a timely addition to the airport when it first opened its doors for passengers on February 24, 2016. The $1.2 billion facility became home to 60 international airlines that operate into DXBs Terminal 1 and connect it to 90 destinations around the world. The facility increased the annual capacity of the airport from 75 million passengers to 90 million. Concourse D is the outcome of a well-designed and meticulously planned project that was built around the evolving needs and expectations of our customers the hundreds of thousands of passengers that pass through our airport every day, said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ccairman of Dubai Airports; President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; Chairman and CEO of Emirates Group. After a successful first year of operations, it is very clear that Concourse D has achieved its goal of delighting our passengers and our business partners. This is the fourth consecutive year that the Phenom 300 achieves this mark, and it has accumulated 266 deliveries since 2013. We are elated to once again see the Phenom 300 receive such an important recognition from the market. We are very grateful to our customers for the validation of both the aircrafts original design as well as all their input, which has made this jet the best in its class, said Paulo Cesar Silva, Embraer CEO. Our customers reaffirmation of trust in us only strengthens our resolve to deliver the best customer experience. In seven years of operation, the Phenom 300 fleet is approaching the 400 aircraft mark, having sustained more than half of the light jet market share since 2012. The aircraft is in operation in 30 countries and has accumulated close to 500,000 flight hours. Embraer is continuously investing in its competitiveness with enhancements to its comfort, technology and operational efficiency. The divisions revenues for 2016 mark an increase of over 7% compared with 2015. For the first time the business generated more than 10,000 combined flying hours across its now 11-strong fleet of dedicated air ambulance jet aircraft. The fleet based at FAIs Headquarters at Albrecht Durer International Airport in Nuremberg is supported by some 190 full time staff plus 50 part-time physicians and paramedics. FAI is the worlds largest fixed wing air ambulance operator in terms of revenue. It also has line stations in Bamako and Dakar. Learjet 60 and Challenger 604 added to bolster the air ambulance fleet to 11 aircraft In January, FAI added two aircraft to the dedicated air ambulance fleet a Learjet 60 and a Challenger 604 to boost the total number of aircraft operated in this division to 11 - seven Learjet 55/60 and four Challenger 604s. In 2016, FAIs air ambulance fleet successfully performed 892 missions and airlifted more than 1,000 patients from 329 destinations in 123 countries. In total, the company transported patients across 2,540,436 nm (4,704,887 km), a distance equivalent to circumnavigating the globe more than 117 times. Despite the negative effect the oil and gas crisis in the Middle East has had on the growth of FAIs Air Ambulance Business, we achieved a very successful 2016, commented FAI chairman, Siegfried Axtmann, who acknowledged at the recent Corporate Jet Investor Conference in London that the business expects to grow a further 10% in 2017 and it will be adding additional aircraft. The Trade Facilitation Agreement will cut red tape at the border for faster, cheaper and easier trade. Thats great news for airlines, which deliver about a third of the goods traded across borders by value. And its a particularly timely reminder of the dangers of the current protectionist rhetoric that we are seeing in various parts of the world. Trade leads to growth; and growth results in prosperity. With the treaty now in force, we urge governments to move forward with early implementation so that the TFAs substantial benefits can be realised, said Alexandre de Juniac, IATAs Director General and CEO. The TFA was concluded at the Bali Ministerial Conference in December 2013. The agreement promotes trade by establishing harmonized rules for further expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods crossing borders, including goods in transit. Particularly important for the air transport industry is the commitment to accepting e-payments and electronic documentation. This aligns with the industrys goal to modernise air cargo with its e-freight program. Aviation is the business of freedom. Air cargo is a vital link in the manufacturing supply chain and between producers and consumers. We look forward to working with governments and airlines to maximize the benefits of the TFA and make air cargo an even more potent catalyst for jobs, growth, and prosperity, said de Juniac. The additional destinations take Qatar Airways total network connectivity within the Kingdom to 10 destinations, connecting travellers from Saudi Arabia to more than 150 worldwide destinations through the five-star rated Hamad International Airport in Doha. Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker said: We have been steadily growing our presence and services to Saudi Arabia for the past 20 years; both Yanbu and Tabuk as our ninth and tenth new destinations in the Kingdom will bring additional flight options for passengers connecting from Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. Passengers from Yanbu and Tabuk will now be able to travel seamlessly through our state-of-the-art Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, to popular cities in our expanding network such as Auckland, Boston and Skopje. The launch of the new destinations also provides passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia from international markets the convenience of additional gateways within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The airline will fly the A320 aircraft direct to and from Yanbu and Tabuk on a three-weekly schedule, featuring a two-class cabin configuration with 12 seats in First Class and 132 Economy Class seats. The new partnership will provide Astra Travel with access to Travelports travel content including the branded fares and ancillaries from the worlds leading airlines and low cost carriers, as well as over 650,000 hotel properties and 36,000 car rental locations in nearly 180 countries across the globe. Astra Travel will access this consumer-ready content via Travelport Smartpoint, Travelports industry leading point of sale solution for travel agents that provides rich, graphical detail in a fast and accurate single workflow. Fatma Nosseir, managing director, Astra Travel commented: Considering the constant changes and customer needs of the travel industry, all of us at Astra Travel, are fully dedicated to customer satisfaction and devoted to serving our clients efficiently. Our investment in Travelports industry leading technology solutions is an innovative move for us to grow our business in the region. Travelports Travel Commerce Platform will provide our business with opportunities to work smarter and improve our productivity and profitability, helping us to stand out from the competition. Mervat Alfy, country manager, Travelport Egypt said: Astra Travel is a key player in the Egyptian travel industry. This partnership with Astra Travel, is testament to the value that our Travel Commerce Platform brings to travel business and demonstrates how we are working with Egypts travel industry leaders to innovate together and support them in growing their businesses. Travelports presence in Egypt is steadily growing and we are looking forward to working with Astra Travel over the coming years to support them in enhancing their customer service offering and grow both their revenues and brand proposition. Drones in agriculture will prove to be the greatest advancement in ag in decades, and the type of hightech drone work I have seen at Montanas universities will help to revolutionize farming. Drones are already increasing Montanas farm profits, and are poised to dramatically decrease water usage and herbicide input, saving billions of dollars a year while keeping our environment cleaner. And thats just the beginning! Montanas high-tech drone industry brings millions of dollars into the economy across Montana. In small towns and big cities, from Alzada to the Yaak, drone manufacturers, operators, and associated industries employ dozens of people in Montana today. As a drone entrepreneur, Im concerned about recently introduced legislation to severely limit drone usage in Montana. Sen. Steve Hinebauchs bill is essentially a drone ban. As written, SB170 makes it impossible to meaningfully operate a drone in Montana. Banning or severely limiting unmanned aircraft usage in Montana will hurt our economy and cost jobs. SB170 was reportedly written to curtail rogue drone operators. As written, it isnt legal (as it steps on federal authority over airspace) and it wont likely stop any criminals either. Adding an ill-conceived and unenforceable Montana statute wont stop these lawbreakers, just the law-abiding operators and hobbyists. No American wants to be harassed or subject to surveillance by the government or anyone else. However, severely limiting drones is a knee-jerk reaction. The proposed rule would apply heavy fines to our brightest young people who dared fly a drone in Montana airspace. Drones provide so much opportunity for STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education our kids need in our increasingly high tech world. While drone operators unquestionably require defined boundaries, banning drone flights isnt the answer or a good idea. Good laws in N.D., Idaho Our neighboring states of North Dakota and Idaho, whose combined airspace is second only to Montanas, have become tech hubs for drones. The states university systems and private industry are seeing great benefit from drone development in the form of cash and economic diversification and growth. That means high-tech jobs for local kids when they graduate college and more money into the local economy through cutting-edge industry. SB170 can kill these opportunities. Rather than banning or severely limiting drone flights for Realtors, hobbyists, and school kids working on science projects; our legislature can find more reasonable and enforceable privacy rules that would protect our citizens while still welcoming millions and billions of dollars in investment to our state. North Dakota and Idaho have already blazed a trail for drones legislatively that protects privacy while promoting a growing industry. Last I checked Idaho had not become a drone surveillance state. Lets use laws like Idahos 21-213 governing UAVs as a starting point. It protects privacy and ensures a healthy drone industry. Instead of bowing to drone hysteria born of ignorance, lets work towards realistic enforceable solutions that will keep Montana on the cutting edge of a high-flying, high-tech industry. If other states have addressed drone related privacy issues without banning drones, surely Montana can too. Wildlife advocates are urging a federal judge to keep in place an injunction blocking a $57 million irrigation dam and fish passage proposed for the Yellowstone River. The Natural Resources Defense Council and Defenders of Wildlife say the dam near the Montana-North Dakota border could cause an endangered fish species to disappear from the upper Missouri River Basin. In court documents filed overnight Wednesday, the groups urged U.S. District Judge Brian Morris to reject the government's request to start construction this year. Federal officials argue the fish passage is the best hope for the dwindling population of dinosaur-like pallid sturgeon. Biologists from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks say a better option would be removing a rock weir at the dam site. The weir blocks sturgeon from reaching upstream spawning habitat. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. British lawyer Ramute Remezaite has been detained in Baku airport, and then was deported from Azerbaijan, Contact.az reports. My turn came to understand that from now on I am also a persona non grata in Azerbaijan, she wrote on Facebook. Member of the European Association of Lawyers for Human Rights, Remezaite got a visa from the Azerbaijani Embassy in London. She arrived in Baku with two colleagues at the invitation of a foreign embassy, however in the border control she was informed that there is a problem with her entry to Azerbaijan despite the existence of visa. Later she was sent back without receiving any comment. All this means that I am a persona non grata in Azerbaijan and cannot return there in the nearest future. This also means that you will not be allowed to enter that country if you defend human rights and are not silent when that countrys regime puts pressure on rights and freedoms, she writes. Lawyer Ramute Remezaite is an author of several articles about the topic of human rights violations in Azerbaijan. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan is crossing the red line by issuing international arrest warrants for European lawmakers for visiting Nagorno Karabakh (NKR), Ombudsman of NKR Ruben Melikyan told ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan continues the course of Lapshin. It sees that the Lapshin case isnt becoming a precedent at all. If after the Lapshin case 5 people refrain from visiting NKR, then instead 10 people get new motivation to visit NKR. By announcing international arrest warrants for the European lawmakers, Azerbaijan is attempting to revive the Lapshin precedent. Issuing arrest warrants for European lawmakers for visiting NKR, expressing opinion on recognizing the independence of NKR, means to cross the red line, he said. Melikyan said the issues which are raised by NKR and Armenia for many years, are actually being confirmed by the Azerbaijani actions. According to him, in reality, the people who live in NKR, people who want to inform the international community about NKR must have the opportunity of free entry and exit, and their rights must be protected. Its not the first time the European lawmakers: Frank Engel, Eleni Theocharous and Jaromir Stetina raise the issue of the rights of the Nagorno Karabakh people. They embody Europeans who havent lost their roots, who continue their activities. We are grateful they nevertheless continue their activities aimed at protecting European values from aggressive encroachments, realizing that Azerbaijan might take such illegal measures, he said. Azerbaijani media reported the country has issued international arrest warrants for MEPs Frank Engel (Luxembourg), Jaromir Stetina (Czech Republic) and Eleni Theocharous (Cyprus). PSSST, which opened on East 3rd Street last year, came under fire from some residents and activists concerned about a new wave of galleries moving into the largely Latino Boyle Heights neighborhood. Boyle Heights has become a battleground over gentrification, although it hasnt seen anything remotely like the changes that neighborhoods, including Silver Lake and Highland Park, have experienced. Still, many residents have long sensed its a neighborhood on the brink of major change. Its been a tough few years for the flagship of Phillys nonprofit theaters: PTC nearly collapsed in 2014 and its new-ish home was foreclosed on the following year. Fortunately, the new producing artistic director, Paige Price, has already turned around Theatre Aspen, where she was performing as an actor in 2007 when suddenly found herself the boss. As David Patrick Stearns reports, her Philadelphia appointment means giving up spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery but having a near year-round, locally-based audience and a theater with running water. ALBERTON Sen. Jon Tester wondered how many in the crowd had submitted a doodle on Wednesday, and a girl nudged her friend's arm. Seventh-grader Lyssah Kromrey had submitted one, and gave a small grin. A drum roll began, and the Google representatives announced Montana's winner: Kromrey. This year's theme for the ninth annual Doodle 4 Google competition was "What I see for the future..." What Kromrey sees is space. "Space just blows my mind," she said, explaining what inspired her doodle, titled "Space Journey." Her doodle is set amid a swirling celestial background. The "G" is the sun, the first "O" the earth, the second "O" an astronaut, the second "G" an alien, the "L" a UFO and the "E" a rocket taking off. "I was inspired by space because there's a lot of space technology coming in," she said, pointing out efforts to go to Mars. Kromrey isn't sure if she would want to work with space technology someday. Right now, she loves school every subject and is especially talented in music and art, her parents said. There are 53 Doodle 4 Google winners in this first round: one from each state, as well as from Washington, D.C., Guam and Puerto Rico. The winning doodles will soon show up at doodles.google.com/d4g, and you can vote once a day for your favorite doodle, starting 6 p.m. Thursday through March 1. From there, five finalists will go on to the national competition, where a panel of Google employees will choose the national winner. His or her doodle will be featured on the Google homepage March 31. The national winner will receive a $30,000 college scholarship, a trip to Google headquarters in San Francisco, a Chromebook, an Android tablet and $50,000 toward a computer lab at their school. MISSOULA The attorney for Markus Kaarma wants the Montana Supreme Court to rehear his appeal after it upheld Kaarmas conviction earlier this month. In a petition filed Tuesday, Nate Holloway asked the court to take another look at whether evidence it already ruled should not have been allowed at trial played a significant role in the jury finding Kaarma guilty. A jury convicted Kaarma in December 2014 of deliberate homicide for killing 17-year-old German exchange student Diren Dede, who was shot after entering Kaarmas Grant Creek garage that April, apparently looking to steal alcohol. Kaarma, who was sentenced to 70 years in prison and wont be eligible for parole until he has served 20 years, appealed the conviction at the end of 2015, citing a handful of factors that came up before and during the trial. In an opinion issued earlier this month, the Montana Supreme Court upheld Kaarmas conviction, and dismissed most of his complaints, including that the trial should have been moved because of intensive media coverage and that the judge should have excused a potential juror because of her relationship to police. The high court did agree, however, that Missoula police detective Guy Baker, who testified about blood spattering in the garage, should have been deemed an expert witness, which would have given Kaarmas defense team the ability to either challenge his credentials or find an expert of their own to counter his statements. But Chief Justice Mike McGrath wrote in his opinion that even though the testimony shouldnt have been allowed, the court found it was similar to other testimony, and likely didnt contribute to Kaarmas conviction. In his filing, Holloway said while the Supreme Court correctly indicated that Bakers testimony lined up with Kaarma's position at the time of the shooting, it overlooked what the detective said about Dedes. The jury was allowed to believe that Dede had retreated to a crouched position behind the vehicle, injured and bleeding, before he was shot. This alone warrants reversal, Holloway wrote in his brief. Holloway told the Missoulian on Wednesday that after reviewing the record, he found no other witness who testified to the same version of what Dede was doing at the time he was shot and killed. The inadmissible testimony prejudiced the jury against Kaarma, and indicated that Dede didnt possess a threat to him at the time, he said. To our end, that is powerful testimony that could contribute to a conviction, he said. In his opinion, McGrath wrote that the blood spatter, and Kaarma's location, were not central points to the trial and "not germane to the specific elements of the crime of deliberate homicide." Holloways petition also asked the court to re-examine a claim from the appeal that the jury was not instructed on considering burglary a forcible felony, which could have affected the standard for justifiable use of force Kaarma had to reach. Holloway said Wednesday its uncommon for the state Supreme Court to rehear appeals, but that Kaarmas appeal originally contained more issues than many other cases. They are difficult to win and difficult to get consideration for, but we also presented a lot of issues to the court, he said. Prosecutors have two weeks to respond to Kaarmas petition. If the Montana Supreme Court declines to rehear the appeal, Kaarmas next available option is to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review his case. The new initiatives from Microsoft aims to bridge the widening skill gap in the country. Mumbai: Providing a major boost to Centres skill India mission, Microsoft on Wednesday announced the launch of project Sangam based on Linkedln that would help semi-skilled white-collar employees to upgrade skills and connect with potential recruiters. The new initiatives from Microsoft aims to bridge the widening skill gap in the country. It will enable blended online and offline, teaching and learning. The project aims to connect the skill learning programmes directly with relevant jobs, by leveraging the power of LinkedIns extensive job search platform. Project Sangam will allow users to register using their Aadhaar identity, ensuring life-long access to the platform. We recognise that being able to create a more efficient way or more democratised way for new college graduates to find placements is one of the challenges in India. So this placement product would help any college graduate student from any college, not just those college that already have a reputation of access to big firms, to realise their potential based on who they are as against the college they attend. You can do your own assessment; you can make sure that your potential recruiters know who you are and what you are capable off. Doing this is just not enough. We now need to extend this (LinkedIn) to middle skill and low-skill, vocational training and for job opportunities for everyone, said Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, spoke about LinkedIn Lite and Placements in his keynote address at Future Decoded in Mumbai . LinkedIn Lite and Placements were launched by LinkedIn in India in September 2016. The app will be available in seven local languages and would also bring Aadhaar integration to the app by June 2017. With this integration, Skype users will be able to authenticate the identity of unknown callers in a variety of situations where identification verification is required, including job interviews, goods and property sale. If digital technology is only the purview of the large businesses and the start-ups, I think that is not sufficient for an economy to make progress," he said. The actress was extended a special invitation by Facebook headquarters based in UK and she happily obliged. Mumbai: After the success of her last film, 'Jolly LLB 2', Huma Qureshi has quickly moved on to her next, 'Viceroy's House'. Huma , who is currently stationed in London for the promotions of the film, has been extended a special invitation by the Facebook headquarters based in UK. The talented actress who has been extensively promoting 'Viceroy's House' in London visited the Facebook office on 22nd February and spoke about the film. On her arrival at the office, Huma was given an office tour first by the team followed by a live chat. Huma informs, I am glad that Im the first Indian actor to visit the Facebook headquarters in London. To be invited there is an honour and I feel privileged. I feel so blessed and loved to be able to get so much love from people. Huma is currently having a great time in London. She also recently attended the London Fashion Week and was on the front row of the Teatum Jones show after receiving a special invitation from the designer duo." Viceroy's House is scheduled to release on 3rd March, 2017 in London. Please pray on holy night of Shivratri to create peace in Kashmir, says Mehbooba Mufti. Jammu: Asking displaced Kashmiri Pandits (KPs) to pray for peace on Mahashivratri, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said on Wednesday that the peace will remain elusive unless and until Pandits do not feel that they will be able to live in the Kashmir Valley again. Even after we hold talks (with Pakistan), reopen roads between two sides, Kashmir will remain incomplete and peace in Kashmir is incomplete, unless and until KPs do not feel that they will able to live in Kashmir again, Ms Mufti said. That is real test to us, the chief minister told Kashmiri Pandits at the Jagti camp. Please pray on holy night of Shivratri to create peace in Kashmir so that all migrants could return to their homes and hearths with respect and dignity, she said. It is big need of the time that you return back to your roots with respect, Mehbooba said. Kashmir has lagged behind due to your migration from the Valley. You were our assets. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs all are big treasure of brotherhood and composite culture, she said. We lost it in Kashmir, it has come up in Jammu, she added. People of different religions live here (in Jammu). People speaking Dogri, Kashmiri, Gojri, Punjabi and Ladakhi live here. But we lost this composite culture in Kashmir, he said. Mehbooba said one of my KP brother was saying that Government of India should be pressed to commence dialogue with Pakistan. Even after we hold talks with Pakistan, reopen roads between two sides, Kashmir will remain incomplete and peace in Kashmir is incomplete, unless and until KPs do not feel that he will able able to live in Kashmir again. That is real test to us. I know you have lot of problems. I would have come earlier, but situation became worst last year four to five months passed off very badly, she said. The Chief Minister said, You may have many problems but there is huge mental stress among people in Kashmir. You may be feeling the difficulty due to this barbed wire, but Kashmir is laid with such wires. It is we Kashmiris who are responsible for that. We are responsible for this. When we cross Jawahir tunnel towards Jammu, the mind opens and we become free but in Kashmir, people are under huge stress. We have created the situation ourselves, the CM said. The 81-year-old Liezietsu is at present not the member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. Guwahati: Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF) president Shurhozelie Liezietsu was sworn in as the new Nagaland chief minister by Governor P.B. Acharya at the Raj Bhavan in Kohima on Wednesday. The 81-year-old Liezietsu is at present not the member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. He will have to get elected within six months from taking office. The 11 ministers, including one from BJP, also took the oath with the chief minister. Mr Liezietsu became the consensus candidate for the chief ministers post on Monday after the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland unanimously elected him as leader of its legislature party at the meeting attended by 59 MLAs. Nagaland has a 60-member assembly. Mr Liezietsu, who is the Naga Peoples Front president, succeeds Mr T.R. Zeliang who stepped down on Sunday amidst protests by various tribal organisations opposed to the state governments decision to reserve 33 per cent seats for women in urban local body elections. Mr Liezietsu had been a member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly for eight terms but did not contest the 2013 assembly elections. The ministers who were inducted on Wednesday included Kiyanilie Peseyie, Yanthungo Patton, P. Longon, C. Kipili Sangtam among others. Mr Liezietsu has held the office of the education minister in state government and has also been associated with policy making and is credited with introducing the Compact Area Development Scheme, later named Local Area Development Fund, in Nagaland. Mr Liezietsu has also authored four novels and several collections of poetry, he has also written dictionaries and books related to Tenyidie language and biographies and essays. He is also the first to have been conferred a DLit (honorary) by the Nagaland University in 2003. SEELEY LAKE Proposed legislation by Sen. Jon Tester would create new biking and snowmobiling play areas while expanding the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex by about 79,000 acres. Monday of next week well be introducing the Blackfoot-Clearwater Stewardship Act, Tester told a crowd of about 125 people at Richs Montana Guest Ranch, which borders the 1.5-million-acre wilderness area. The bill would designate 2,200 acres as the Otatsy Recreation Management Area for motorized winter activity and 3,800 adjacent acres as the Spread Mountain Recreation Area where mountain bikers want to develop a trail system. The two management areas grew out of compromises with the regions horse outfitter community, snowmobilers and traditional wilderness advocates. Those groups all backed federal wilderness protection of several other areas along the edge of the Bob Marshall and adjacent Mission Mountain wildernesses. The bill would add 39,422 acres to the North Fork Blackfoot-Monture Creek landscape north of Ovando; another 27,392 acres to the adjacent Scapegoat Wilderness; 7,784 acres to the Grizzly Basin and front of the Swan Range east of Seeley Lake; and 4,462 acres to the West Fork Clearwater addition on the east side of the Mission Mountain Wilderness. Twelve million guests came to visit Montana last year thats 12 guests for every Montanan, said Lee Boman of the Montana Wilderness Association. They didnt come here to see our Wal-Marts. They came to Montana to experience the magic of Montana, and the Blackfoot-Clearwater Stewardship Project helps ensure the magic of Montana will remain strong forever. The proposal was one of three wilderness or forest management projects Tester linked together in his 2009 Forest Jobs and Recreation Act. The other two affected logging and wilderness in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and the Kootenai National Forest. After several failed attempts to pass that bill, Tester did not reintroduce it in the previous congressional session. The proposed act "died because of political bickering and no other reason, Tester told the crowd. Later, he added breaking the bill apart made it easier to explain and build support. Well take this a bite at a time, Tester said of bringing the other two components of Forest Jobs and Recreation Act to legislation. Well see if we can get this done, and then talk to the northwest and southwest and see if we can move forward. Part of the problem was money it was taking money from one district of the Forest Service. This doesnt have that problem. The most controversial part of Forest Jobs and Recreation Act mandated that the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest complete several thousand acres of timber management every year for a decade. While the wording allowed everything from logging to fuels reduction, it still raised opposition from both Forest Service leadership and environmentalists who didnt support the apparent linkage of commercial activity and wilderness acreage. In contrast, the Blackfoot-Clearwater proposal combined its wilderness additions with a call for enactment of collaborative forest restoration projects. Those became reality through the Southwest Crown of the Continent Collaborative. That pilot project was responsible for bringing or keeping 138 jobs and $19 million in federal support, mostly based around Seeley Lakes Pyramid Mountain Lumber Co. Everyone who collaborates does so with the expectation they will get something out of it, said Pyramid Mountain Lumber Chief Operating Officer Loren Rose. We got logs on trucks. Our conservation partners got very little out of this Southwest Crown of the Continent work. But they supported it wholeheartedly. I think Montana is in a better place to show the rest of the country there is a better way, Rose said of Pyramids commitment to the wilderness portions of the earlier deal. Its time to get this done. The new bill includes a requirement that the Secretary of Agriculture complete a landscape assessment of the area within three years and set up a 10-year schedule of collaborative restoration projects. It also memorializes some recent compromises that won support from mountain bikers. We all have a lot more in common than we have differences, said Ben Horan of Mountain Bike Missoula, one of the groups that negotiated a way to share a popular area north of Ovando where horse packers, bikers and snowmobilers all have favorite places. We realized all those trail interactions have to come from a position of mutual respect. That respectful position was a byword for many of the relationships built over the past two decades in the Blackfoot-Clearwater, according to Rich Ranch owner Jack Rich, himself a member of the Montana Wilderness Association, the Seeley Lake Driftriders Snowmobile Club and the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association. Rich recalled how in the mid-1990s, the Lolo National Forests travel plan and forest plan came in conflict over whether snowmobiles could ride in the North Fork bowls of Morrell Mountain. The snowmobilers lost some key areas they had enjoyed it was over, Rich said. But a funny partnership came to be. The Montana Wilderness Association teamed up to get those areas reopened. That developed trust with the Driftriders snowmobile club that carried us through to this vision. Youve got to show empathy and integrity. The CJI wanted the Central government to come up with a scheme in this regard and allocate finance this year itself. The court warned that power supply will be cut off to these industrial units if there is no compliance in this regard. New Delhi: Taking a serious view of industries letting out effluents into rivers and water bodies resulting in pollution, the Supreme Court on Wednesday directed that all the industries to ensure that they put in place their effluent treatment plants (ETPs) and make them functional in three months. The court warned that power supply will be cut off to these industrial units if there is no compliance in this regard. A three-judge bench of Chief Justice J.S. Khehar and Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and Sanjay K. Kaul passed this order on a PIL alleging that industries are not setting up ETPs and even the ETPs are not fully operational. It was pointed out that effluents were released even from ETPs as they are not adhering to the standards. The bench said those units which release effluents above the permissible norm would also meet with a similar fate. They would then have to prove to the respective state pollution boards that they had removed the problem before they are allowed to resume operations again. The CJI observed We must start somewhere, start moving, when counsel for some states opposed any blanket order being passed on closure of industrial units causing pollution. The bench also ordered that wherever required industrial areas have their common ETPs in place within three years or face similar action. This would allow states to acquire land for these plants, including space for zero-discharge plants. The state pollution control boards and environment secretaries will ensure this and the regional benches of the NGT monitor the progress. Senior counsel Colin Gonsalves, appearing for PIL petitioner Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti, argued that lack of funds was one critical factor why these CETPs fell into disrepair over the years. The CJI wanted the Central government to come up with a scheme in this regard and allocate finance this year itself. He asked the local bodies in states to explore similar options which would involve plans of recovering the amounts from industrial and domestic users. The bench in its order directed all states to copy the Gujarat, MP, UP model of real-time monitoring of such discharge through sensors. The bench also asked all states to initiate civil and criminal action under the law against the defaulting units, wondering why not a single individual or company had so far been prosecuted for this. The bench was hearing a PIL about the plight of 300 people languishing in various mental hospitals in UP even after they have been cured. New Delhi: Expressing serious concern about the plight of mentally ill patients staying in hospitals even after they are cured, the Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre to submit a national policy for their rehabilitation within eight weeks. The Chief Justice of India, heading a three-Judge bench, said, It is a very, very sensitive issue. You (Centre) should apply your mind. When a person goes to a mental asylum and after treatment he is cured, nobody is willing to take him back to home. You should think over it. You cannot allow a person to be kept in a mental asylum or a nursing home after he or she is fully cured of the ailment. They have to be brought back to civil society. You will have to frame a policy. It is very easily achievable give us a model scheme. We will then put it to the state governments and ask them to follow. The bench was hearing a PIL about the plight of 300 people languishing in various mental hospitals in Uttar Pradesh even after they have been cured. According to reports, a woman also died in firing between the terrorists and Army jawans. Srinagar: At least 3 Army jawans were killed and 5 others were injured after terrorists attacked a patrol party in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir early on Thursday. According to reports, a woman also died in firing between the terrorists and Army jawans. Earlier in February, at least three jawans were killed in an encounter with militants in north Kashmir's Bandipora district. On February 14, militants open fire on security forces conducting searches in Parray Mohalla in Hajin area of the district, killing the soldiers. One militant was also killed in crossfire. Pulsar Suni, was taken into police custody when he reached the court to surrender himself. Suni's gang followed her in a tempo traveller and hit her vehicle from behind when it reached Athani near Nedumbassery. (Photo: file) Kochi: The prime accused in the molestation case of a popular Malayalam actor surrendered himself before the chief judicial magistrate in Kochi on Thursday. Pulsar Suni, was taken into police custody when he reached the court to surrender himself. Reports revealed that Suni, accompanied by another accused, reached the judges chambers unnoticed despite heavy police presence in the premises, but the judge was out for lunch. As the duo tried to get out, the policemen nabbed them, and were pulled out of the chambers by policemen in plain clothes. T "We have taken them into custody. We had deployed our men in the city. They managed to get them," Ernakulam Range I G P Vijayan said. Visuals aired by news channels showed the duo being forcefully taken into custody by police. Advocates of the accused made a vain bid to prevent police from entering the building and taking them into custody. They were later taken to Aluva police club for questioning. The lawyers charged the police with forcefully taking their clients into custody from the court room itself. Police allegedly entered the courtroom wearing helmets. The developments come a day after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asserted that every effort was being made to trace the key accused in the abduction and assault of the actress. The incident took place last Friday night when the actress was travelling to Kochi from her house in Thrissur. Pulsar Suni is accused of masterminding the attack along with his associates. Suni's gang followed her in a tempo traveller and hit her vehicle from behind when it reached Athani near Nedumbassery. The gang members forcefully entered her car and assaulted her inside the moving vehicle over the next three hours. They clicked her semi-nude pictures and recorded videos as the car was driven around Kochi. Finally, the attackers left her in the car near Padamughal and escaped in the tempo that was trailing behind. The Kerala police, that had been investigating the assault and molestation of the actress, had taken a person into custody on Wednesday from a flat that is believed to belong to a young actor-director from the industry. The detainee is believed to have been one of the gang members, who attacked the actress in a moving car in Kochi. If the detainee is affirmed to be linked to the case, the Police will arrest the owner of the flat. The development has put more suspicion on the Malayalam film industries involvement in the crime, since the Police have also found out that a person from the actress film unit had leaked her itinerary to the goons. A prominent Mollywood actor had also been interrogated by the police in association with the case. Four people from the actress latest film unit are reportedly under the Polices scanner. BJP spokesperson said the ruling party should focus on fulfilling the vows made to people. Hyderabad: The main Opposition Congress and the BJP in Telangana on Wednesday criticised chief minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao for using public money to fulfil his personal vows made to Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh. In a princely offering, the chief minister on Wednesday donated gold ornaments worth around Rs 5 crore to the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala, to fulfil a vow he had made for realisation of separate Telangana. After offering worship to the presiding deity (Lord Venkateswara), Mr Rao handed over a golden garland studded with fossilised shells called Shaligram Haram and a multi-layer gold necklace called Makhara Kantabharanam, weighing about 19 kg and worth about `5 crore to the temple executive officer D. Sambasiva Rao, temple sources told PTI. Its not correct for KCR to use public money for his personal vows to god. Government should make public what transparency was maintained in the making of ornaments offered, Congress leader M. Sasidhar Reddy told reporters here. Telangana BJP spokesperson Krishna Saagar Rao alleged that Mr Rao possibly is the only CM in the country who spends public money so brazenly for personal reasons. BJP doesnt have any objection to ones religious beliefs and personal vows to god. However, these vows have to be fulfilled in individual capacity and not by using public money. Those in power should have basic competence to draw a line between personal and public spending, Rao said in a statement. Alleging that the TRS government has not fulfilled any of its election promises, the BJP spokesperson said the ruling party should focus on fulfilling the vows made to people. BSP chief Mayawati is trying desperately to consolidate the dalit-Muslim votebank in her favour. New Delhi: While the fourth phase of polling in Uttar Pradeshs seven-phase election takes place on Thursday, no clear winner seems to have emerged, and there is already speculation of a hung Assembly. Lack of clarity also seems to be forcing the BJPs top leadership to raise the electoral pitch once again. On Wednesday, BJP chief Amit Shah likened the rival parties to the 26/11 terrorist, Ajmal Kasab. The people of Uttar Pradesh will rid themselves of this Kasab in this election. Dont try to infer something else. By Kasab, I mean: Ka for Congress, Sa for Samajwadi Party and B for Bahujan Samaj Party, Mr Shah said in Hindi. Some saffron leaders felt that in the absence of a wave and a clear winner, the BJP will have to play all its cards to secure an electoral victory in UP. Though the BJP, the SP-Congress alliance and the BSP have been claiming to emerge as the single-largest party, behind curtains tension has gripped leaders and functionaries of all the political parties. No one seems certain of a clear victory. The BJP has gambled on the non-Jatav votebank, and unleashed hardcore Hindutva hawks to polarise the electorate. The SP-Congress alliance on the other hand is counting on Muslim-Yadav consolidation, and return of the upper caste votebank to the Congress. Fighting back for her political survival, BSP chief Mayawati is trying desperately to consolidate the dalit-Muslim votebank in her favour. Though Union home minister Rajnath Singh, while speaking to a TV channel during campaigning, made it clear that the BJP was comfortably ahead in the race, he said that the party would have crossed 300 (seats in UPs 403-member Assembly) if the SP and the Congress did not come together. The home ministers remark indicates that the alliance did manage to dent the BJPs prospects. Mr Shahs Kasab remark comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an election rally said that the SP was providing burial grounds for Muslims in every village, while there were not enough cremation grounds. Mr Modi also went on suggest that the Akhilesh Yadav government was not supplying enough electricity to people on Diwali while providing it to Muslims during Ramazan. The Congress yet again seized the opportunity and slammed the BJP chief for his communal mindset. Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said, BJP needs to end these acronyms. Its repulsive thinking has come out. It shows the partys communal mindset. A senior BJP functionary revealed that the party was also hoping for a reverse consolidation of Hindu votes, since both the SP and the BSP were playing the Muslim card. Saffron strategists feel that the BJP must not stop playing to the gallery of its core Hindutva votebank. Meanwhile, despite talks of a hung Assembly and possibilities of post-poll alliances, Mr Shah ruled out any post-poll alliance with the BSP. There has been speculation that in the absence of a clear mandate, both the BJP and the BSP could yet again join hands to form the government in Uttar Pradesh. As the election is set to enter its fourth phase on Thursday the race is on for being the single-largest party. A BJP leader, who had been talking of 250 seats, changed his stance and told this newspaper that any party getting 175 seats will be forming the government. The requirement for a simple majority is 203. The DMK planned to create a clash in the Assembly to enable the dissolution of the Assembly. Chennai: Declaring that the DMK is the sole rival for the AIADMK, partys new deputy general secretary T.T.V. Dinakaran on Thursday invited all AIADMK leaders, including former chief minister O. Panneerselvam, who split from the party. Mr Dinakaran is the nephew of current AIADMK chief Sasikala. Mr Dinakaran, who took over as the deputy general secretary following his appointment to the post by general secretary V.K. Sasikala on February 14, had been credited with introducing Mr Panneerselvam to Jayalalithaa when the former was Periyakulam MP. In a interview to a Tamil bi-weekly after Panneerselvam started opposing Sasikala vehemently, he referred to Dinakaran as MP sir and gratefully recalled the incident of Dinakaran introducing him to Jayalalithaa. In his first media briefing, Mr Dinakaran said the partys general secretary had been nominated as per the partys constitution and she has powers to appoint anyone to any post. Asked if he would contest in R.K. Nagar bypoll, the former MP said he would be decided by the party. Defending Speaker P. Dhanapals action in the Assembly, he said the Speaker went by the rules in the Assembly and he could not be faulted. The DMK planned to create a clash in the Assembly to enable the dissolution of the Assembly. Accusing DMK working president M.K. Stalin of splitting Panneerselvam from the party, Dinakaran asserted that their dreams would be shattered. Dinakaran said he would not follow family rule in the party and none of his partymen has dominated the party so far. Admitting that he was asked to stay away from the party by former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, Dinakaran said he was made the deputy general secretary since it was required. Asked about the opposition to the AIADMK among the public, he said it was a false propaganda carried out by the DMK. Congress was relegated to the third position in the civic body tally with 31 seats followed by NCP with 9 seats. The Congress and the NCP were headed for a rout across the state including some of their strongholds like Pune. (Photo: Asian Age) Mumbai: The Shiv Sena on Thursday emerged as the single largest party in the cash-rich BMC winning 84 seats, closely followed by BJP which bagged 80 seats, as results for the 225 seats poured in. Congress was relegated to the third position in the civic body tally with 31 seats followed by NCP with 9 seats. MNS won 7 seats, AIMIM-3, SP-6, Akhil Bhartiya Sena-1 and others-4. However, the results for two seats in the 227-member House are still awaited. The Congress and the NCP were headed for a rout across the state including some of their strongholds like Pune. While the Shiv Sena slightly improved showing in Mumbai and Thane, the BJP is set to retain Nagpur, Akola and wrest Pune and Ulhasnagar from NCP and Nashik from the MNS. But, as the counting progressed into final rounds, it appears that the Sena is unlikely to touch the half-way mark of 114 seats in Mumbai, where the BJP is poised for a big leap after fighting the polls on its own. The BJP is likely to come to power in at least six civic bodies --Pune, Nashik, Ulhasnagar, Akola, Nagpur and Amravati-- out of the 10 corporations for which the elections were held on Tuesday. Apart from Mumbai, the city corporations which went to polls were Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur. In Pune, the BJP is leading on 85 out of the total 152 seats, in Ulhasnagar on 33 (78 total seats), Nashik-55 (122), Nagpur-86 (145), Amaravati-36 (87) and Akola-48 (73). The Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena consolidated 84 seats in the 227-member BMC, while BJP is ahead on 82. In the 131-member Thane civic body, the Sena has so far won 60 seats, BJP-21, Congress 3, while the MNS won 0 seats. Though the BJP made major inroads in the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and neighbouring Thane, it is not sure if Sena will be ready for a post-poll pact, after a no-holds-barred fight between the allies, which often turned a murky slugfest. The party is also doing well in the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation, as per the latest trends. NCP, in the power here in Pune since 2007, is trailing behind the saffron party. In Pune's neighbouring Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, the BJP has dented the NCP by winning 66 seats. The BJP appears to have expanded its base in Pimpri Chinchwad, despite fierce competition from the NCP. The results of 10 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, have seen the Congress plummeting to a new low with the lowest ever tally in the BMC and losing Solapur and Amravati to the BJP. Prior to this election, the Sena-ruled Mumbai and Thane in alliance with BJP, MNS had Nashik, BJP had Nagpur, Akola, the NCP had Pimpri-Chichwad, Pune and Ulhasnagar, while the Congress was in power in Solapur and Amravati. The BJP had also put up a splendid performance in municipal and nagar panchayat elections held across the state in November-January, an outcome hailed by the party leaders as endorsement of the demonetisation and other key policies of the governments at the Centre and in the state. In 2012, the NCP had won 265 seats across these 10 municipal corporations, while the Congress had won 264 seats. The Shiv Sena had won 227 seats while BJP had won 205 seats. The BJP also improved its performance in rural areas, traditionally dominated by the Congress and the NCP. The BJP is likely to win the zilla parishad polls in Latur in Marathwada, where it is leading on 30 out of the total 58 seats and is also spreading its base in Buldhana, Wardha, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli. In the zilla parishad polls in Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri districts, people have largely voted for Shiv Sena, as per the early trends. In 2012 zilla parishad elections, Congress had emerged as the single largest party in Amravati, Buldhana, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Kolhapur Latur, Nanded, Osmanabad, Sindhudurg and Yavatmal. The NCP was the single largest party in Ahmednagar, Beed, Jalna, Nashik, Parbhani, Pune, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sangli, Satara and Solapur. The BJP was the leading party in Jalgaon and Wardha, while the Sena in Aurangabad and Hingoli in 2012. The traditional Koli community, who depend on fishing for their livelihoods, fear they will be worst hit by the construction. The development comes as BJP in neighbouring Gujarat builds a 182-metre statue to Vallabhbhai Patel (Photo: AFP) Mumbai: A fitting tribute to a local legend or a grotesque misuse of money? The decision to build the world's tallest statue just off Mumbai's coast has divided the city. But the traditional Koli community, who depend on fishing for their livelihoods, fear they will be worst hit by the construction, warning that it threatens their centuries-old existence. Around 3600 crore rupees will be spent on the controversial memorial to 17th century warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone in December. At 190 metres, it will be twice the height of America's Statue of Liberty and almost 40 metres taller than the world's current tallest memorial -- a statue of Buddha in China. The Koli fishing community, Mumbai's original inhabitants and whose goddess "Mumbadevi" lends her name to the city, say the decision to build it on a rocky outcrop a couple of kilometres off the coast will sound the death knell for their traditional way of life. "The breeding ground for fish will be completely destroyed," Krishna Tandel said, unfurling a net at Machhimar Nagar bay, which is tucked behind the high-rises of Mumbai's southern financial district. The project has divided the commercial capital and highlights an obsession with statues as parties seek to appeal to regional identities. Supporters say the memorial is a fitting tribute to someone many locals consider a hero of Maharashtra. Shivaji fought the Muslim Mughal empire, is revered by the Maratha caste and trumpeted by Hindu nationalist politicians. Opponents insist it is a gross waste of money which would be better spent on improving health, education and infrastructure in the teeming metropolis of more than 20 million people. A petition on the change.org website opposing the bronze statue, which will depict Shivaji brandishing a sword while charging on a horse, has received almost 43,000 signatures. Residents say disruption caused by construction will decimate their fishing stocks - including pomfret, Bombay mackerel, seer fish, prawns, and crabs - while heavy traffic ferrying tourists from three terminals will block access to the sea and disrupt wave patterns. "We have been fishing for generations. It is our business and now our livelihoods are at stake," 32-year-old Tandel says, demanding the statue be built on land. Environmentalists agree that the project, which is due to be completed by 2021, will cause immense harm to a vibrant marine ecosystem. "There's a huge diversity of fish, fauna and invertebrates there. Fish catches, sewage, and tidal currents will change," wildlife biologist Anand Pendharkar told AFP."It's going to affect the food base of the city, it's going to affect the economy. There is going to be a huge amount of damage." Critics question why Mumbai needs such a lavish statute when the city already has several smaller Shivaji memorials. The city's airport, main train station and museum are named after the Hindu hero while there is also a Shivaji Park. IndiaSpend, a non-profit data journalism website, estimates that a micro-irrigation project could provide water to thousands of farmers in the drought-prone state for the cost of building the statue. For the same sum, dozens of decaying Shivaji-era forts could be restored instead, it says. The Bharatiya Janata Party-led Maharashtra government dismisses environmental concerns and say the project will draw 10,000 visitors every day. Shaina NC, a spokeswoman for the BJP, claims it will be an "iconic" memorial akin to the Statue of Liberty that will make its money back through tourism. Shiv Sena spokesman Sanjay Raut says the sea is the best site because Shivaji created India's first navy. The development comes as the BJP government in neighbouring Gujarat builds a 182-metre statue to Vallabhbhai Patel, who was one of the most senior figures in the independence movement. This is not the first Sufi shrine they have targeted, and its unlikely to be the last. Its obviously a tale of stark contrasts, as any number of commentators have pointed out since the suicide bombing that claimed some 90 lives on Thursday last week at the shrine of a 12th-century saint at Sehwan in Sindh. As a spiritual guide, the man known as Lal Shahbaz Qalandar represents the blurring of artificial boundaries the boundaries of faith, caste and gender and elevates the common humanity we all share. His shrine facilitates the celebration of life and love. That concept is beyond the comprehension of the obscurantist merchants of death. All forms of syncretism and secularism are to them an abomination that calls for indiscriminate bloodshed. This is not the first Sufi shrine they have targeted, and its unlikely to be the last. Of course, as the recent spate of terrorist attacks across the country reminds us, they do not restrict themselves to sites whose theological inclusivity and pluralism they despise. Yet theres cause to hope that they will be taken aback by the resilience demonstrated in Sehwan, by the caretakers of the shrine and visitors alike. The bells did not fall silent, the dhammal never stopped. Sheema Kermanis performance represented a reaffirmation of hope. Not only will life go on, but it will go on in a way that is completely at odds with the severely restricted mindset of the violent fundamentalists. Sadly, though, it cannot reasonably be claimed with any degree of certainty that the beat of the drum will ultimately triumph over the dissonance of the bomb. It will soon enough be 70 years since Pakistan came into existence, under the aegis of a founding father who clearly declared, on the eve of independence, that he did not envisage any barriers between faiths or any interference by the State in the personal beliefs of its citizens. But, as the Objectives Resolution adopted by an undemocratic Assembly barely months after his demise illustrates, Mohammad Ali Jinnahs secular ideals cut little ice with those who had used him in the preceding years as a conduit for their pseudo-religious fantasies. This year also brings another landmark anniversary. By and large, Islamist fundamentalism remained on the periphery of Pakistani politics until 1977. Sure, much had gone wrong before then, but it was the advent of Gen. Zia-ul Haqs military dictatorship that effectively sealed the nations fate. Zia posited the armed forces he unfortunately commanded as the defenders of Pakistans ideological frontiers. That role has thenceforth not only remained intact but gone largely unchallenged. Zia thrived as a fiercely motivated American puppet during the Islamist crusade against communism in Afghanistan, particularly during the Soviet occupation, while at the same time injecting obscurantism alongside the Kalashnikov-and-heroin culture into the Pakistani mainstream. Given that so many of the terrorists who have helped to destroy Afghanistan in the past 40 years came from, or via, Pakistan, it seems a bit incongruous for the latter to be making demands on Afghanistan in the same context. But at least initially, it wasnt Afghanistan that nurtured the Taliban and their various offshoots. Its all very well to demand that Kabul hand over the purported terrorists listed by Pakistan, but lets not forget how the latter responded when a previous Afghan government made similar demands. In the immediate aftermath of the massacre at Sehwan it was reported that security forces had exceeded the appalling toll at the shrine in retaliatory actions. But who exactly did they kill, without the benefit of a trial? And who exactly are the people who have been picked up for interrogation? Does their suspected Afghan nationality alone provide sufficient cause? Zias ideological frontiers mantra resounded when five social media activists, all of them sharing a liberal outlook and questioning the states priorities, disappeared last month. Four of them returned home a few weeks later, but even the two who were able to exit the country have spoken not a word about their experience. When Donald Trump claimed at the end of last week that Sweden had been rocked by a terrorist attack, some people suspected that he had mistaken Sehwan for the European nation that has accommodated 200,000 refugees without experiencing anything of the kind. Apparently not: the relentless TV watcher had apparently just misread the context of a Fox News documentary. Terrorist attacks in Pakistan, Afghanistan or Iraq are off his radar. After all, its just Muslims killing (mainly) other Muslims. It doesnt matter to him, any more than it does to the perpetrators of mindless violence. Much like the security wing of the Pakistani state, the United States ostensibly fights terrorism while at the same time nurturing it. Uprooting it puts their raison detre at stake. By arrangement with Dawn CHEYENNE A medical marijuana initiative that had been in the works since 2015 wont be on the ballot in 2018 after the Wyoming Secretary of States Office did not receive petitions by the deadline. Nonetheless, medical marijuana supporters said they will continue to push for legalization of medical marijuana in Wyoming. The deadline for the petition was 18 months after the petition began in 2015. While the Wyoming chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) helped with the signature drive, the organization was not the official sponsor of the petition. Wyoming NORML had issued a statement saying that the organization had turned in its signatures to the original sponsors, though Wyoming NORML Director Frank Latta told the Gillette News Record he thought the petition would be short signatures. However, those never made it to the Secretary of States office. Secretary of States Office spokesman Will Dinneen confirmed that signatures had not been received. The original organizers of the medical marijuana petition, known formally as the Peggy A. Kelley Wyoming Cannabis Act, were hoping to get the initiative on the 2016 ballot. When there werent enough signatures for the 2016 ballot, the effort continued with the goal of 2018. In the meantime, there was infighting among other marijuana groups, which may have hurt the potential success of the petition. Going forward Since the petition began, Wyoming NORML has new leadership and has had a presence at the Legislature this session. The group is now focused on legalizing medical marijuana. Carrie Satterwhite, a spokeswoman for Wyoming NORML, said the group will continue its efforts in the Legislature and potential ballot initiatives. We feel very confident in how things should go from here, she said. Satterwhite said she thinks infighting among other groups was a factor in public perception of the initiative. People saw the infighting as being us, she said. Theres been no fighting in our group. Weve all been on the same page. Disagreement in other groups also negatively affected the number of signatures that were actually collected, she said. But Satterwhite said the support is there for medical marijuana, giving the group reason to continue its efforts. A few years ago, nobody was even talking about it, she said. Were making strides. Latta said Wyoming NORML will have a board meeting next week to talk about the next steps. A University of Wyoming poll in October found that more Wyoming residents support legalizing marijuana now than in 2014. Support for medical marijuana (with a doctors prescription) increased from 74 percent in 2014 to 81 percent in 2016. Marijuana for personal use also saw increased support, from 37 percent in 2014 to 41 percent in 2016 though the majority of respondents are still against it. Additionally, 72 percent of Wyoming residents feel possession of small amounts of marijuana should not result in jail time, compared to 66 percent in 2014. An indication that Modi too is not certain is evident in his ploy to proclaim himself the adopted son of Varanasi. Unless one is either a senior leader of the three principal parties in Uttar Pradesh or their loyalists, the only assertion that can be made with certainty is that uncertainty prevails over the verdict. Based either on anecdotal evidence, perception or gut sense, the two scenarios for which most bets are being placed are: a hung Assembly or the BJP securing a majority. Few people talk about a Samajwadi Party-Congress victory and even lesser are willing to place a wager on the Bahujan Samaj Party. Anecdotal evidence is not always spot on but it cant be discounted. The final tally is thus anyones guess. If the electorate eventually throws up a fragmented verdict, it would be the first such after the decisive 2014 Lok Sabha elections. This would establish that the parliamentary poll did not foretell the return of homogenous verdicts but was merely due to the Narendra Modi wave. If UP returns to its pre-2007 status when no single party secured a clear majority after 1991 it would confirm that political waves remain transitory. The adage that anything which goes up eventually comes down will be reaffirmed. But a comfortable majority for either the SP-Congress alliance or the BJP would indicate a significant fundamental shift in political and social equations. For starters, a BJP victory would indicate that the partys strategy of going into state elections without a chief ministerial face is not flawed and that its success or failure depends mainly on the challenger. A BJP majority will establish that Akhilesh Yadav is no Nitish Kumar or Arvind Kejriwal and that Mr Modi as a vote-catcher can prevail in state polls too, specially when the rival does not match him in stature. Despite efforts to deflect the anti-incumbent sentiment on the rival faction, Mr Yadav is still a fair distance away from becoming symbol of regional pride. An indication that Mr Modi too is not certain is evident in his ploy to proclaim himself the adopted son of Varanasi. But, more importantly, a BJP majority will indicate expansion of its social base and spell success for the strategy initiated in the 1990s by former BJP strategist K.N. Govindacharya. In the early years of the post-Mandal phase, the idea of social engineering was introduced with emphasis on reaching out to non-represented or non-empowered sections among Scheduled Castes and OBCs. After a break of a few years when the BJP was in the wilderness, when Rajnath Singh was chief minister, the BJP initiated measures to ensure equitable distribution of reservation benefits among SCs and OBCs and end single-caste domination of benefits (for instance by Chamars/Jatavs and Yadavs in the two communities). The Hukum Singh Committee, established in June 2001, submitted its report in a short period and its recommendations were accepted by the government. Consequently, OBCs were categorised in three categories A, B and C and reservations were made separately with the C category securing 14 per cent (out of 28 per cent), highest among OBCs sub-groups. Similarly, the BJP began wooing most backward dalits, but the strategy faltered once the BJP lost power in 2002. In 2014, the BJPs massive 42 per cent voteshare was possibly greatly because B and C category OBCs Sonar, Kurmi, Giri, Gossai, Lodh, Kahar, Kevat, Teli, Nat, Lohar, etc along with most backward dalits aspired for change and found Mr Modi extremely appealing mainly because they had been denied their share of the political pie despite preferential reservation policy from Mr Singhs tenure. A majority for the BJP its importance can be gauged from the BJP allocating almost 170 candidates from non-Yadav OBCs would mark a social transition as its core vote base will expand beyond its hitherto Punjabi-Bania base. Such a verdict would also mark closure of different OBCs considering each other as natural political partners. Most significantly, Mr Modi will achieve the goal of ensuring the BJPs transition from being a Brahmin-Bania party. The strategy is similar to what was knitted by Mr Kumar in Bihar but with an essential difference. In UP, when the OBC outreach of the BJP was initiated, a significant feature of the strategy was to cull out mythological tales, which depicted these castes in significant or heroic roles. Consequently, social aspirations of the OBCs remained within the Hindutva frame echoing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sanghs arguments while drawing the tribals into their fold from the 1950s when the Vanvasi Kalyan Kendra was established. In 2014, the BJP secured 282 seats and sent a signal to Muslims that they had become irrelevant to the political process. If the BJP wins in UP, it will indicate that despite virtually no support from almost 29 per cent of people (Muslims and Jatavs), it can secure a majority. But for this to happen there must be overwhelming support from the remaining 71 per cent. In contrast to the long-term social impact of a BJP victory, a majority for the SP-Congress alliance will have more immediate impact. For starters, Mr Yadav and Rahul Gandhi will have to find ways to either shed or go around the hesitance to commit to an alliance in 2019. But this is easier said than done because the two parties have overlapping social bases, specially among Muslims. A victory for SP-Congress will underscore that the two parties got the poll arithmetic right and point to a huge erosion in support for Mr Modi, which will have considerable ramifications. Because this potential success will be largely a result of electoral and political management along with the SPs strategic transformation, Mr Yadav will have to remain focused on infrastructure-based development projects. Building roads and ensuring electricity around the clock will remain his key priorities. He claimed in an interview that the United States made roads, and the roads made the US. That would mean virtually following the path of Mr Modi as chief minister. Can anyone deny that there is an irony at every step in Indian politics? The first and least likely option in realigning the war on terrorism would be complete disengagement. Last week, as Pakistan was reeling from an onslaught of terror attacks, and analysts and ordinary people alike were wondering what this new and sudden spate of blasts meant, similar questions were being asked in the United States. It is widely understood, of course, that little is known about the course that the new Trump administration intends to take on any matter. Surprise, intentional or not, has been touted as an actual strategy, its consequence being that actual inaction cannot be distinguished from apathy or indecision. So it is with the war on terror, under whose auspices the US has bombed and droned and raided half a dozen different countries over the past decade. Those were the old days; the new days, under this very new and very belligerent administration, suggest that what was will likely no longer be. As a recent article in the American magazine Foreign Affairs (written by Peter Feaver and Hal Brands) points out, the options available to the Trump administration with regard to its routinely touted goal of defeating ISIS are limited, in part by circumstance and in part by its own rhetoric. The first and least likely option in realigning the war on terrorism would be complete disengagement. Predicated on the assumption that terrorism is rooted in complex political pathologies in Muslim societies that cannot be solved with American intervention and meddling, this approach would withdraw all troops from the region and leave the countries involved to sort out issues by themselves. As Feaver and Brands point out, the drawback of this approach is that it is too hands off. Trump likes to win, his closest adviser Steve Bannon is avowedly martial, and the drumbeat of war on ISIS was too woven into Trumps campaign for such a disengagement to occur. The exact opposite of disengagement would be complete investment. This is based on the assumption that terror could and must be rooted out by a massive deployment of US ground troops, air power and everything else. Leaving nothing or little to the governments of the actual countries where ISIS and its associated groups have gained a foothold, this approach would seek to root out illiberal forces (including not simply terrorists but also Islamists), occupy the ground for a long time and build the kind of liberal democracies that would be an antidote to the insidious encroachment of extremist ideology. In Feaver and Brands view, this is unlikely to be the course of the Trump administration because Trump himself has in his numerous speeches taken nation building off the table. The two other options described by Feaver and Brands are halfway options. The one closer to disengagement, and also to the post-2014 Obama administration, would consider limited engagement, utilising relationships with countries in the region as a means of sharing intelligence and rooting out, at least in some minimal sense, the leadership, organisation and infrastructure of specific groups like ISIS. It would assume that terrorism can be contained but never completely exterminated. Finally, closer to nation-building, another halfway measure would be a partial deployment of ground troops that attempts to eradicate terrorist groups but is also in at least a limited sense trying to root out the ideology behind terrorism. Feaver and Brands think that the Trump administration, like the Obama administration, will select one of the two halfway options. Their explanation for this is that these measures involve the least amount of political risk and expenditure. However, as the tumultuous first weeks of the administration have shown, this is not the basis on which strategy and course of action is devised. It is far more likely that Trump will choose one of the extreme options, either total disengagement or complete and outright occupation. The reasons for this have little to do with logic or the general direction of US foreign policy for the past several years and more to do with who has Trumps ear and the image of strength and intractability that Trump so desperately wishes to project. The bluster and bravado of Trumps speeches and the constant reiteration of radical Islamic terrorism as the most significant security threat, suggests it will not be hard for a hawkish military adviser to convince Trump to invest in a huge and costly occupation of West Asia. Indeed, Trump may have criticised Bushs Iraq war and pointed to a turn away from foreign nation-building, but Trump changes his mind often. Also notable is that he does not criticise the Iraq war as a critique on occupation or the use of force, but rather its inability to finish the job. The world should not be surprised if the next episode of the interminable war on terror is not a scaling back but a renewed and ruthless turn to occupation, one that would dominate and, in the minds of those orchestrating it, annihilate terrorism. If we know anything about the new American President, it is his penchant for projecting strength and authority, and as he grows into his power as President, it is unlikely that America will be enough to exercise it. By arrangement with Dawn 'Holding perpetrators responsible for violations is vitally important but accountability should be result of due process and a fair trial.' United Nations: The recent trial in Libya of members of Muammar Gaddafi's regime fell short of international standards, a new UN report has said. In the report issued yesterday, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) recognised the challenge of trying former members of the regime, especially amid armed conflict and political polarisation. They noted that the trial raised concerns such as serious violations of due process, including prolonged periods of incommunicado detention for the defendants amid allegations of torture which were not properly investigated. "Holding perpetrators responsible for violations is vitally important but accountability should be the result of due process and a fair trial," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said in a news release detailing the report's findings on the trial proceedings that examined violations of human rights during the 2011 civil uprising that toppled the long-time Libyan leader's regime. "This trial was a missed opportunity for justice and for the Libyan people to have the chance to confront and reflect on the conduct of the former regime," he said. The report also said the Libyan authorities should also ensure the surrender of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi to the International Criminal Court (ICC), in compliance with Libya's international obligations. Of the 37 members of the former regime under trial including Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, former intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi and former Prime Minister Al-Baghdadi al-Mahmudi six defendants were sentenced to death; eight given life sentences; 15 others jail terms of five to 12 years; four were acquitted on all charges; and one was referred to a mental health institution. UNSMIL and OHCHR closely monitored the case from the pre-trial phase through the court proceedings, which began in March 2014, to the verdict in July 2015. They also interviewed many of the defendants and their relatives and lawyers, reviewed the case dossier and judgement, and had extensive discussions with Libyan officials and Libyan and international experts. They noted that the public prosecutor's office, in particular, provided documentation and was available for discussion of the trial throughout the process. However, they also said that the defendants' lawyers complained repeatedly of difficulties in meeting defendants in private and accessing documentation. "The right to defence was also undermined by the fact that no prosecution witnesses were called to testify in court the prosecution's case was only briefly presented during the court sessions and the court restricted each defendant to two witnesses," the release said. "(We urge) the Court of Cassation to take into full account the due process violations identified in the report and provide effective remedies, pending the adoption of reforms needed to bring Libyan trials into full compliance with international standards," the two UN entities noted. Among other specific recommendations, the report also called for a review of the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure to ensure all crimes are clearly defined, access to lawyers during interrogation is guaranteed and other fair trial safeguards are strengthened. A recap of the incidents which have killed 136 people over the past 11 days. Islamabad: At least six people were killed in a bomb blast in Lahore Thursday, the tenth attack to strike Pakistan in just under a fortnight, with the apparently coordinated wave pointing to a resurgence in militant violence. Here is a recap of the incidents which have killed 136 people over the past 11 days: February 23 At least six people are killed and 30 injured after a blast rips through a building in an upscale shopping area of the eastern city of Lahore. No group has immediately claimed the attack. February 21 At least seven people are killed when multiple suicide bombers attack a court complex in northern Pakistan. The attack is claimed by the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA) faction of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), or the Pakistani Taliban. February 16 At least 90 devotees are killed and hundreds wounded when a devastating bomb detonates in the popular Sufi shrine of Lal Shabaz Qalandar in Sehwan in southern Pakistan. The Islamic State group claims the attack. Gunmen on motorcycles kill four policemen and a civilian in the northwestern town of Dera Ismail Khan. The attack was claimed by the umbrella TTP. An improvised explosive device claimed by JuA hits an army convoy in the restive southwestern province of Balochistan, killing three soldiers and wounding two others. February 15 A suicide bomber rides a motorcycle into a van carrying judges in the northwestern city of Peshawar, killing the van's driver in an attack claimed by the umbrella TTP. Two suicide bombers launch an assault on a government compound in the Mohmand tribal region in the northwest, killing five people and wounding seven, with the attack claimed by JuA. Later, a fourth suicide bomber blows himself up as police surround him. February 13 Fourteen people are killed and 82 injured when a powerful bomb blast tears through Lahore. The attack, apparently targeting police, is claimed by JuA. Two members of the bomb disposal squad are killed while defusing a device in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan. No group claims responsibility for the bomb. February 12 A roadside bomb kills three paramilitary soldiers in a restive northwestern tribal area bordering Afghanistan. North Korea said its main diplomatic backer was 'dancing to the tune' of the United States. Pyongyang: North Korea issued a rare reproach of China on Thursday saying its main diplomatic backer was "dancing to the tune" of the United States for halting North Korean coal imports because of its nuclear and missile programmes. The North's state-run KCNA news agency did not refer directly to China by name but in an unmistakable censure it accused a "neighbouring country" of going along with North Korea's enemies to "bring down its social system". "This country, styling itself a big power, is dancing to the tune of the US while defending its mean behaviour with such excuses that it was meant not to have a negative impact on the living of the people in the DPRK but to check its nuclear programme," KCNA said in a commentary. China said on Saturday it would ban coal imports from North Korea, which is officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), until the end of the year. The ban came about a week after North Korea tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile in its first direct challenge to the international community since US President Donald Trump took office. Trump's administration has said China should do more to put pressure on North Korea. "A neighbouring country, which often claims itself to be a 'friendly neighbour', is .. threatening that 'the DPRK will suffer the biggest loss'," KCNA said in the commentary. "It has unhesitatingly taken inhumane steps such as totally blocking foreign trade related to the improvement of people's living standard under the plea of the UN 'resolutions on sanctions' devoid of legal ground." China is North Korea's sole major ally but it disapproves of its nuclear programme and has backed UN sanctions against it. China calls for the Korean peninsula to be free of nuclear weapons. North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests, including two last year, although its claims to be able to miniaturise a nuclear weapon to be mounted on a missile have never been verified independently. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in a New Year speech the North was close to test-launching an intercontinental ballistic missile. State media has said such a launch could come at any time. A fully developed ICBM could threaten the continental United States, which is about 9,000 km (5,500 miles) from North Korea. North Korea was China's fourth biggest supplier of coal last year, with non-lignite imports reaching 22.48 million tonnes, up 14.5 percent compared with 2015. KCNA said Malaysia bore responsiblity for the death, and accused it of conspiring with South Korea. Seoul: North Koreas state media broke a 10-day silence Thursday on the murder of Kim Jong-Uns half brother, launching a ferocious assault on Malaysia for immoral handling of the case and for playing politics with the corpse. In its first comments on the airport assassination of Kim Jong-Nam, KCNA said Malaysia bore responsiblity for the death, and accused it of conspiring with South Korea. "Malaysia is obliged to hand his body to the DPRK (North Korea) side as it made an autopsy and forensic examination of it in an illegal and immoral manner", the North's Korean Jurists Committee said, in comments carried by the state-run news agency. Malaysia has not released the corpse "under the absurd pretext" that it needs a DNA sample from the dead man's family, it said in a lengthy statement that never identified the victim. "This proves that the Malaysian side is going to politicize the transfer of the body in utter disregard of international law and morality and thus attain a sinister purpose," it said. Malaysia is holding four people -- a North Korean man, a Malaysian, and women from Indonesia and Vietnam -- over the February 13 attack on Kim Jong-Nam at Kuala Lumpur International Airport as he waited for a flight to Macau. Leaked CCTV footage shows the portly Kim being approached by two women who appear to put something in his face. Moments later he is seen asking for help from airport staff, who direct him to a clinic. Malaysian police said he suffered a seizure and died before he reached hospital. An autopsy has ruled out heart failure, with investigators focusing on the theory that a toxin was applied to his face, in what South Korea has insisted was a targeted assassination. Seoul's Foreign Minister Yun Byung-Se said Wednesday in London that the killing was a chance for the international community "to take a series of steps" against the North. Yun said the assassination by the North, if confirmed, would constitute a "serious breach" of international order. "If North Korea is confirmed to have been behind the killing, the international community would view this as a state-led act of terrorism that infringes upon Malaysia's sovereignty", Yun was quoted as saying by Yonhap news agency after a meeting with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. Malaysian police say they want to talk to a total of eight North Koreans, although they think several may have fled to Pyongyang immediately after the killing. The wanted men include a diplomat from the North Korean embassy to Kuala Lumpur, as well as an airline employee. The North's statement, issued in both English and Korean, repeated Pyongyang's demand for a joint investigation, stressing it was ready to dispatch a delegation. It said Malaysia had initially claimed the death was from heart failure and that there was no need for any post-mortem examination. "The biggest responsibility for his death rests with the government of Malaysia as the citizen of the DPRK died in its land," KCNA said. "The unfriendly attitude of the Malaysian side found a more striking manifestation in the matter of transferring his body to the DPRK side. "The DPRK... will watch the future attitude of the Malaysian side." Authorities say the suspect, who is from the town of Northeim, was involved with Muslim radicals there. Berlin: Police in northern Germany say they have taken a suspected Islamist extremist into custody on allegations he was planning a bomb attack on a police officer or a soldier. Northeim police and Celle prosecutors said in a joint statement Thursday the 29-year-old German, whose identity was not given, has admitted that he wanted to lure a police officer or soldier into a trap and detonate a self-made explosive device. Authorities say the suspect, who is from the town of Northeim, was involved with Muslim radicals there. He was taken into custody Wednesday. Authorities say when officers raided his home they found chemicals and items needed for building an explosive device. The goal is to tear control of the airport and a nearby military base from Islamic State. Later attack to be launched on southwest sector. Increasingly critical humanitarian situation in the west. Children dying from malnutrition, at least 160 thousand people have fled the city. Baghdad (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Iraqi security forces this morning launched a dawn assault on the international airport in Mosul and the nearby military base of Al Ghazlani, controlled by militias of the Islamic State (IS). Iraqi state television reports that "rapid reaction forces, federal police and anti-terrorist forces are engaged in the attack". The Sunni majority northern metropolis of Mosul, the second largest city in Iraq, was the first great center to fall into the hands of the jihadists in the summer of 2014. The airport and military base is located in the southern suburbs; the attack is part of the operation launched by Baghdad to also regain the western sector. Supported by international coalition air strikes, under US command, yesterday the Iraqi troops consolidated their positions four days after the beginning of the operation of west Mosul. Analysts and experts point out that control of the city airport and the Al Ghazlani base would pave the way for an assault on the southwestern outskirts, near the Tigris River that bisects Mosul. According to a US command official there would still be "about 2 thousand" jihadists entrenched in the west. Last month, the government had managed to drive out Daesh militants [Arabic acronym for the IS] from the area east of Mosul, to the right of the Tigris, after months of intense fighting. The offensive began on 17 October last year and has taken nearly five months to overcome the jihadi resistance in the area. UN sources report that half of recorded victims are civilians: 1096 people have been killed, nearly 700 wounded on the Nineveh plain since October. Meanwhile, activists and humanitarian associations have launched a series of dramatic appeals on the fate of the civilian population. Up to 650 thousand people are likely to be caught in the fighting, among them over 300 thousand are children. Specialized agencies are preparing aid and setting up centers to accommodate up to 400 thousand people fleeing the fighting. According to the United Nations there are between 750 thousand and 800 thousand civilians who still live in the western districts of the city controlled by jihadists. So far at least 160 thousand people would have fled their homes in the city and in the suburbs. And those who stayed behind face malnutrition, premature infant deaths, lack of medicine. The health situation in Mosul west is worsening day by day, particularly after the closure of two hospitals by Daesh militias. A hospital employee of al-Jamhour confirmed the death of three children between three and six years of age "because of malnutrition and lack of medicine." Other deaths adds the source speaking anonymously, are likely "in the coming days". A resident of the Annajar district said that "some pregnant women are doing everything possible to induce labor" before the fighting reaches the heart of the western sector, making the situation "more complicated." Beijing (AsiaNews / RFA) - Thousands of veterans of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) have been demonstrating since yesterday in front of the Central Commission on disciplinary investigations (CCDI) of the Communist Party of China, in Beijing. They are protesting against the governments failure to deliver on promises made on pensions, healthcare and other demobilization benefits. The protesters, wearing the uniforms of their original units and divisions, have lined the streets surrounding the offices of the Party and invite the President Xi Jinping to take action on their grievances. "Because of an illegal regulation, we are left in poverty and hardship protest the veterans - We have no job, no income, status and no place to live." The demonstrators refer to the reforms that have affected the Chinese military and that led, in recent decades, the demobilization of millions of soldiers in the name of "modernization" of the army. These military reforms, however, have not been followed by policies aimed at the reintegration of veterans in Chinese society. The veterans underscore the strong legal basis for their protest. Clause 3 of the Regulations for military pensions obliges local governments to ensure that the standard of living of demobilized soldiers will not fall below the average. The protest, the largest in the Chinese capital since last October, is taking place under the eyes of many police officers in uniform who so far seem unwilling to disperse the crowd. However, in other parts of the country clashes and arrests were made. Many people who wanted to take part in the demonstration were stopped before reaching Beijing, suburbs and places like Aiminjie, Datong, Luliang and Harbin. Others have suffered violence and detentions. In Liulihe four veterans were assaulted by the police yesterday and now find themselves in the hospital. It provides three hours of content a day. According to Indonesias Ministry of Information and Communications, 63 million Indonesians use the internet every day. The country is ranked fifth (after the US, Brazil, Japan and the UK) in terms of use of social media like Twitter and Facebook. Jakarta (AsiaNews) The Social Communication Commission of the Archdiocese of Jakarta (Komsos Kaj) has launched a new Catholic TV programme called Hidup TV. At first, the contents were only available via radio, but now, after working on audio-visual production, the programme now can be viewed online streaming. Some local television channels want Catholic content in their lineup, but Komsos Kaj wanted something more "strategic" such as Catholic programming online. After months of trials to test how best to use web radio to carry the content, Fr Sulistyo moved to a new goal, namely a Catholic TV programme. This led some Indonesian Christians to think that the Catholic Church had opened its own local TV channel. "Of course we didnt, Fr Sulistyo told AsiaNews. This is not a regular TV station with a tower and many correspondents. But it does stream mostly Catholics programmes. We broadcast every day for three hours." The lineup includes Oase Rohani Katolik, a daily programme with Catholic reflections and Embun nature Kehidupan, on everyday life. The streaming series have been appreciated by Catholic believers, media, and priests who have expressed enthusiasm and support for the initiative. Fr Sulistyo explained however that the programmes can only be seen via the internet or with a certain parabolic transmitter. He also noted that social media are becoming increasingly important in daily life in Indonesia. The Ministry of Information and Communications claims that 63 million Indonesians are using the internet every day. The country is ranked in fifth place (after the US, Brazil, Japan and the UK) in terms of social media like Twitter and Facebook. CHEYENNE, Wyo. Online retailers who sell goods to Wyoming residents will soon be required to collect the state's sales tax on transactions as the Legislature has approved a bill moving the tax burden from residents to businesses. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reported Wednesday that the bill received wide support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives and now awaits a signature from Gov. Matt Mead. If approved, the law will be effective July 1. According to the bill, retailers that don't have a presence in the state will collect sales tax from Wyoming customers and remit that money to the state. Businesses with fewer than 200 transactions of $100,000 in sales to Wyoming customers are exempt from the law. Currently, Wyoming residents are required to pay sales tax on such purchases but few do. "It would be good for all of us, each one of us, today, to consider if there is something of a double life within us: But, sure, the Lord will eventually forgive everything, but Ill keep going as I have been If there is something saying, Sure, this is not going well, I will convert, but not today: tomorrow. Lets think about that. And let us profit from the Word of the Lord and consider the fact that on this point, the Lord is very strict. Scandal destroys. " Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Do not give scandal with a double life, that is apparently Christian, but in reality far from the teaching of Jesus and in need of conversion said Pope Francis at Mass celebrated this morning in Santa Marta, inspired by the Gospel passage (Mark 9.41 to 50) in which Jesus says: "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe [in me] to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. If thy hand offend thee, cut it off ... ". Cut off your hand, Pluck out your eye, but dont scandalize the little ones, that is, the just, those who confide in the Lord, who believe simply in the Lord.The Pope said that for the Lord scandal is destruction: But what is scandal? Scandal is saying one thing and doing another; it is a double life, a double life. A totally double life: I am very Catholic, I always go to Mass, I belong to this association and that one; but my life is not Christian, I dont pay my workers a just wage, I exploit people, I am dirty in my business, I launder money A double life. And so many Christians are like this, and these people scandalize others. How many times have we heard all of us, around the neighbourhood and elsewhere but to be a Catholic like that, its better to be an atheist. It is that, scandal. You destroy. You beat down. And this happens every day, its enough to see the news on TV, or to read the papers. In the papers there are so many scandals, and there is also the great publicity of the scandals. And with the scandals there is destruction. The Pope gave the example of a company that was on the brink of failure. The leaders wanted to avoid a just strike, but the company had not done well, and they wanted to talk with the authorities of the company. The people didnt have money for their daily needs because they had not received their wages. And the head of the company, a Catholic, was taking his winter vacation on a beach in the Middle East, and the people knew it, even if it hadnt made the papers. These are scandals, Pope Francis said: Jesus talks, in the Gospel, about those who commit scandal, without saying the world scandal, but its understood: But you will arrive in heaven and you will knock at the gate: Here I am, Lord! But dont you remember? I went to Church, I was close to you, I belong to this association, I did this Dont you remember all the offerings I made? Yes, I remember. The offerings, I remember them: All dirty. All stolen from the poor. I dont know you. That will be Jesus response to these scandalous people who live a double life. The double life comes from following the passions of the heart, the capital sins that are the wounds of original sin, hiding the passions, but following them, the Pope explained. The first Reading, in fact, tells us that they do not satisfy, and not to trust in riches, to not say, Theres enough for myself. And so Pope Francis calls us to not put off conversion: It would be good for all of us, each one of us, today, to consider if there is something of a double life within us, of appearing just, of seeming to be good believers, good Catholics, but underneath doing something else; if there is something of a double life, if there is an excessive confidence: But, sure, the Lord will eventually forgive everything, but Ill keep going as I have been If there is something saying, Sure, this is not going well, I will convert, but not today: tomorrow. Lets think about that. And let us profit from the Word of the Lord and consider the fact that on this point, the Lord is very strict. Scandal destroys. The first statement issued on the issue by the North cites the death of "its nationals" in Kuala Lumpur, without the leader's half-brother Kim Jong-un named. Malaysias actions termed "illegal and immoral" and in "total disregard for international law." Seoul (AsiaNews) - North Korea is blaming Malaysia for the death of "one of its nationals", and considers the autopsy on his body "illegal and immoral", condemning its "unfriendly behavior", encouraged by South Korea. Today for the first time in more than a week from, the North Korean state agency, the KCNA, spoke of the death of Kim Jong-nam, poisoned at the airport in Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian police suspect the involvement of North Korea and are looking for two North Koreans, one of which is a diplomat, as well as four others who have fled the country. Although Kim Jong-nam is the brother of the leader Kim Jong-un, until now the Northern media had made no mention of the event. Today KCNA mentioned it, but in general terms, talking about "a citizen of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea" traveling with diplomatic passports who died from a "heart attack." The agency says that the news of the poisoning is false and that Malaysias actions are part of a "network of conspiracy against the DPRK launched by South Korean authorities". "The greatest responsibility for his death - said the agency - weighs on the Government of Malaysia, as a North Korean citizen died on its soil". The KCNA criticizes Kuala Lumpur for carrying out an "illegal and immoral" autopsy on the body and refusing to hand over the body "under the absurd pretext" that there should be DNA evidence from the dead man's family. The refusal to hand over the body, according to Pyongyang, "proves that the Malaysian side is politicizing the transfer of remains in total disregard for international law and morality to achieve its sinister purpose". Meanwhile, the Malaysian police have asked Interpol for help to block the four North Koreans sought. Police believe that in all there are at least 11 people connected to the death of Kim Jong-nam. Four of them were arrested: Doan Thi Huong, 28, Vietnamese, who sprayed the poison in Kims face; Site Aisyah, 25, an Indonesian, who "thought" she was being filmed as part of a television series; Jalaluddin Muhammad Farid, her Malaysian boyfriend; Ri Jong Chol, 47, North Korean. The others sought are: Kwang Hyon Song, 44, second secretary of the embassy of North Korea in Kuala Lumpur; Uk Kim, 37, an employee at Air Koryo, the national airline of North Korea; Ri Ju U, 30, also known as "James", who fled; Ri Ji Hyon, 33, who fled; Hong Song Hac, 34, who fled; O Jong Gil, 55, who fled; Ri Jae Nam, 57, who fled. Police say that the first two are still in Malaysia; the others have returned to North Korea. by Sumon Corraya About 400 young students took part in a five-day seminar, which included meeting some families. The goal was to help young people be free from the slavery of consumerism, materialism, and capitalism. For Mgr Rozario, Our young people need to be like salt." Natore (AsiaNews) A five-day meeting for young people ended two days ago in Natore, near Bonpara, in the diocese of Rajshahi. Organised by the Episcopal Commission on Youth (EC-Y), the event was titled Asian vivid youth live in Good News in multiple cultures, bringing together about 400 high school and university students. Jewel Tripura, a university student, was one of them. Enthusiastic, he said We heard the Good News. Many participants told us about Jesus and the Bible. This seminar for young people has changed me and I feel a complete man. Young people are the future of the Church and there are many who are far away. We must reach out to them." Jewel is a young tribal man from Thanchi, a mountainous area. "I realised that I have to work for young people in our area, where my home is, he told AsiaNews. One of EC-Ys goals is precisely to promote the Christian faith among young people, making them aware of the present social, economic and political situation. The aim is to help them mature and become more responsible citizens as well as encourage them to play an important role in the Church and society, creating fraternal bonds with others. The seminar included study sessions as well as visits to local Christian families. "We learnt a lot from them, Jewel said. The one faith has made us feel strong unity with them." Thinking about the time shared with hundreds of his peers, Deep Gomes, another university student, said, "We built a good friendship and we learnt from each other. We are determined to do something good for the Church." According to the EC-Y, these educational activities are also a way to help young people be free from the slavery of consumerism, materialism, and capitalism, to build a society based on the principles of brotherhood and non-violence. For the EC-Ys national coordinator, "we young people have to decide now that we cannot turn inward, but live instead for the Church, for our country, and for the common good of the world." For his part, Mgr Gervas Rozario of Rajshahi, who took part in the seminar, said that "Our young people need to be like salt." Beirut (AsiaNews) Government spokesman Ibrahim Kalin Turkey has tried to defuse tensions between Ankara and Tehran, declaring that his country does not want "an escalation" of words with Iran. However the claim seems scarcely credible to the Islamic Republic, following recent events at a Monaco conference on security and to that of Astana on Syria. Adding fuel to the fire, then there are the statements made by the Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his recent official visit to Qatar and Saudi Arabia. In recent days Iran has summoned the Turkish ambassador in Tehran for clarification on the sentences pronounced by the Turkish president, who has accused the Islamic Republic of "destabilizing" the region. As recently as six months ago the Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu flew to Tehran to seek help to emerge from the economic mess that threatened his country following the economic sanctions imposed by neighboring Russia. A decision issued by Moscow in response to the shooting down of Russian jets on Syrian territory by the Turkish anti-aircraft batteries. The visit of the Turkish Foreign Minister was then followed by the official visit of President Erdogan in Iran, who was welcomed warmly. A diplomatic mission that contributed, at that time, to bringing Ankara closer to the Russia-Iran-Syria axis, involved in the six year war in the Arab country that overlooks the Mediterranean. Tensions with the Obama administration in the aftermath of the failed coup in Turkey, the cooling in relations with Europe and the failures in the Arab countries, in addition to closing with Russia, had pushed Ankara into a deep isolation. A decline from which only Iran seemed able to pull it out. New economic and trade agreements were signed in the context of Erdogan's visit to Tehran, which have helped to increase the volume of trade between Turkey and Iran. A significant jump from the previous 10 billion per year to 30 billion, while bolstering the Turkish economy. The Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu, who only six months ago was praising Iran, then declared during the Security Conference held in Monaco on February 20 that "the role of Iran in the region is destabilizing." According to the head of Ankara's diplomacy Iran is trying to "spread the Shiite doctrine in Iraq and Syria." These words have prompted the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the ambassador and communicate that "Iran's patience has limits." The Turkish turnaround comes at a crucial moment, when the Israeli statements calling on so-called "moderate Arab countries " - particularly the Sunni monarchies of the Gulf - not to consider Israel as an enemy, but Tehran. And to join the Jewish state and the Western world in an anti-Iranian alliance. On the ground the new positions of Turkey have caused a Syrian army to advance around the city of Al Bab: a clear message to Ankara that in the case of another u-turn, Damascus, Tehran and Moscow are ready to oppose a Turkish advance beyond Al Bab, to Membej. And, above all, the refusal to create a buffer zone desired by Turkey as a first step of a later territorial annexation. (PB) The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Minneapolis Division has granted an award to two employees of Sanford Health in Bismarck for helping investigate reports of child sexual and physical abuse in Indian Country. The two employees, Jessica Ahmann and Shannon Hilfer, were honored for their work at Sanford Health Dakota Children's Advocacy Center, a program that supports child abuse victims and offers forensic interviewing and medical services. Richard Thornton, special agent in charge of the FBI's Minneapolis division, presented the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award for 2016 to Ahmann and Hilfer at the hospital on Thursday. Sanford's Children's Advocacy Center is the first recipient of the award in North Dakota since the award's inception in 1990, Thornton said. We felt (the center) was more than worthy of recognition," Thornton said. In the past, FBI's Minneapolis division has given the award to nonprofit organizations, such as Ka Joog, a Somali youth organization in Minneapolis. Indian Country is "a big part of what we do," Thornton said, noting his division serves 15 federal reservations. Typically, these areas are underserved, and often there are "jurisdictional challenges" associated with tribal, Bureau of Indian Affairs, the FBI, state and local authorities. The center served 450 children in 2016 with referrals from 28 North Dakota counties and two Native American reservations. Hilfer, a forensic interviewer who's worked at the center for 10 years, was commended for her recent interviews of several child abuse and child sexual assault victims from Standing Rock Indian Reservation, Thornton said. During one interview, Hilfer was able to gain the trust of a minor from Standing Rock, who disclosed to her details of a sexual assault. "The victim also identified a second victim, who provided critical evidence to eventually charge the person," said Thornton, adding that the person sexually assaulted a total of four minors. By the end of the interview, Shannon had earned so much trust with the victim that she laid her head in Shannons lap and cried," Thornton said. Ahmann, who no longer works at the Sanford's Children's Advocacy Center, but was previously the center's doctor of nursing practitioners, was recognized for her work conducting medical exams at the center. In a number of instances, as a result of Ms. Ahmanns medical examination and/or information she obtained through informal interview, the crimes were discovered and the individuals who victimized children were held accountable and charged with their crimes," Thornton said. Sanford's Children's Advocacy Center opened in 1997 as the first children's advocacy center in the state, according to Paula Condol, the center's director. Sixty children were served there when she started in 2000. Its a huge growth in difference over the years," Condol said. There are now children's advocacy centers throughout the state, including Fargo, Minot, Dickinson and Grand Forks. When an allegation of child abuse is made, it gets reported to law enforcement or social services, who then refer the case to the center. Sanford's Children's Advocacy Center is located in downtown Bismarck. The facility has colorful artwork on the walls and a paper chain of rings hung on the ceiling that circles the entire facility. Each ring represents a child who came to the center last year. There are two interview rooms, one for a younger child and another for a teenager. The rooms are child-friendly, with comfortable chairs and some artwork on the walls. Law enforcement officers, social services and a prosecutor sit in a separate room, where they can watch the interview in real-time. The interviews are electronically recorded so they can be used for court purposes. Often, the recordings are used in plea agreements, Condol said. It becomes pretty important evidence in a case," she said. Hilfer has a master's degree in social work and has undergone thousands of hours of training in interviewing. Theyre questioned in a way thats developmentally appropriate," Hilfer said. Its a very developmentally sensitive, forensically sound way of gathering information from a child about something that happened. The center also offers comprehensive services free of charge to children and their families, such as counseling and advocacy services. It is funded through donations from the community and grants. Its a great honor to have somebody recognize the work that we do, because a lot of people dont know about us or what we do," Condol said. FBI Director James Comey will formally recognize Sanford Health Dakota Children's Advocacy Center during a ceremony at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. on April 28. For more information on the center, visit www.sanfordhealth.org/bismarck/services/dakota-childrens-advocacy-center. A legislative initiative to reform the states criminal justice system cleared the North Dakota House with little debate Wednesday. House Bill 1041 passed by an 86-4 vote. Supporters of the bill have said it would provide long-term savings to taxpayers and reduce the number of incarcerated individuals in the state. HB1041 would make a number of changes in state law. Among them is decreasing the penalty for people convicted for a first-time offense for ingesting drugs or possession of paraphernalia from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class B misdemeanor. Drug-free school zones are also reduced from 1,000 feet to 500 feet. Lawmakers in support of the changes have previously said corrections costs have risen sharply over the years and that decades of tough-on-crime policy hasnt worked. Making system changes, they say, would provide treatment for more people and reduce the number of incarcerated individuals for lower level offenses. Ashurst has acted as Australian legal counsel on the U$2.2 billion acquisition of Cristals Ti02 business by Tronox Ltd.The deal between the two titanium industry giants involved $1.67 billion in cash plus class A ordinary shares in Tronox, a NYSE listed company.Ashurst partner John Sartori (Corporate) led the team which also included partners Nick Terry and Kylie Lane, and senior associates Eliza Blandford and Lucienne Cassidy (Corporate); partners Peter Armitage and Ross Zaurrini, and counsel Alyssa Phillips (Competition); and partners Ian Kellock and Geoffrey Mann, and senior associate Bronwyn Kirkwood (Tax).Teams from Kirkland & Ellis and Willkie Farr & Gallagher were the US counsel for Tronox.The digital era is making it easier for whistleblowers to be identified meaning greater protection is needed.Thats the view of a report by the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies in London, which says journalists are less able to protect their sources due to monitoring of online and phone conversations.The report, backed by The Guardian, has been launched in the UKs House of Lords and calls for stronger protection for what is a key principle of journalism.A recent update to laws which aim to give a defence to journalists who refuse to reveal their sources, however there is concern that courts may differ in their interpretation of journalism.The UK government told The Guardian that: We believe in the freedom of the press, and would never do anything to undermine legitimate whistleblowing or investigative journalism its not government policy and never will be.However, critics say that laws created to give the government greater counter-terrorism powers may also undermine protection for whistleblowers and journalists.A year of high legal costs for HSBC in 2015 has led to a sharp decrease for 2016 according to its latest financial filing. The bank spent U$1.65 billion in 2015 but its 2016 figure was $681 million.HSBC, along with some other big names in banking, was involved in several US regulator probes, contributing to the rise in costs. Paul Fontanot A top firm has hired an industry veteran from a global accounting giant and launched a new practice in Australia. Clayton Utz has tapped Paul Fontanot to lead a dedicated national Forensic & Technology Services practice.Most recently partner at global accounting firm EY, Fontanot will join the firm in Sydney on 1 March as a partner. He was the Asia-Pacific quality and risk leader for the global accounting firms fraud investigation and disputes team.Clayton Utz becomes the first large law firm in Australia to establish its own forensic practice, a departure from the custom of outsourcing fraud investigations to firms such as EY.Fontanot has been working in Sydney since 2008. He joined EY in Johannesburg in 1998. In his two decades with the team, he worked with multinational clients to identify and manage fraud and corruption and cyber-risk.According to Clayton Utz, Fontanot is an expert in fraud and regulatory investigations, designing and implementing anti-fraud programs and corporate compliance programs, managing IT forensic analysis, preservation and data review programs, and forensic accounting.Fontanot and his new team will offer clients forensic investigation, forensic accounting, forensic technology and front-end transaction services, said Clayton Utz chief executive partner Rob Cutler. The firm sees the new practice complementing other practices of the firm, enabling the firm to better respond to changing client demands that now includes identifying and managing fraud and corruption risk.Clients are increasingly grappling with issues such as cyber-risk, the impact of global anti-bribery legislation, and contract risk in the supply chain. We can help them identify and manage that risk in a practical way, under one firm, said Fontanot.EY recently expanded its legal practice, making several senior hires around the world including former Freshfields partner Junzaburo Kiuchi, who has been appointed as EY Laws Japan managing partner. The firm has also snagged lawyers from Allen & Overy in the Netherlands, Olswang in France, CMS von Erlach Poncet in Switzerland, DLA Piper in Spain, CMS Cameron McKenna in Hungary, and a large Swiss company. A group of top lawyers and legal experts fear that there will be a human rights crisis in the UK, and argue the European Union should require membership to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in future trade deals. The UKs withdrawal from the ECHR could also result in a domino effect that spreads across Europe, wrote the group in an open letter published in The Observer.Theresa May has repeatedly stated her feelings that Britain would be better served by leaving the EHCR than it would leaving the European Union. As we enter Brexit negotiations, there is now every possibility that both these scenarios could easily come to pass, the group said.The ECHR has been the bedrock of peace in Europe since the Second World War and was instrumental in the remarkable growth of democracy in Eastern Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall. It is no coincidence that the one state that is not part of the convention, Belarus, is known as Europes last dictatorship.The letter is signed by more than 50 lawyers and legal experts. The group includes top human rights lawyers Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, Sir Geoffrey Bindman QC, and Baron Anthony Lester QC. Other notable members are Sir Paul Jenkins QC and Professor Francesca Klug.The group fears that the UK will trade away protections against torture for grubby trade deals with foreign tyrants. They urged the EU to make Britains membership to the convention a legally binding requirement for any future free trade deal with the UK.The rule of law and human rights are non-negotiable when new countries join the EU; they should be non-negotiable when countries leave and desire a free trade deal, they said. Related stories: Top firms reveal office plans in London Paul Weiss, Linklaters act on abandoned Kraft Heinz-Unilever mega-merger By Andrew Martin, Sea ice microbial physiologist, University of Tasmania NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute The discovery of seven exoplanets around a star 40 light years from our Sun has raised the possibility that they could harbour life. Why? Because the astronomers who made the discovery believe some of the planets may have liquid water. And on Earth, wherever there is liquid water, there is life. But we believe we can look much closer to Earth for potential candidates for evidence of extraterrestrial life, as we state this month in the International Journal of Astrobiology. Recent discoveries by the NASA Voyager and Cassini space missions infer the presence of liquid oceans beneath a sea ice crust on some of the moons of Jupiter and Saturn. These provide the most likely sites for finding extraterrestial life in our solar system. Just like on Earth The independent scientist James Lovelock, best known for developing the Gaia hypothesis, was contracted to NASA in the 1960s to develop atmospheric and planetary sensors for the Viking probes subsequently deployed to Mars in 1975. Following a precursory Earth-based assessment, Lovelock theorised that the red planet was likely devoid of life because of atmospheric chemical equilibrium. In contrast, Earths atmosphere is in dynamic flux due to the biological activity that takes place on the surface. Notwithstanding the continued ambiguity as to whether or not life is, or ever has been, present on Mars, Lovelock set a powerful precedent for the emerging field of astrobiology the comparative approach with Earth in the search for extra-terrestrial life. Energy and life In our endeavour to answer the question of whether we are alone in the Universe, we have a solitary clue: follow the energy. Earth is our only point of reference, and life on Earth requires energy thermal energy for melting water and chemical energy for maintaining life. Thats it. Just two forms of energy define the cosmic imperative for life as we know it. But ironically, we do not know when, where or how life originated on Earth. What we do know is that the oldest and most abundant life forms on the planet are microorganisms. Biological adaptation is not restricted by structural simplicity, because microbes occupy every conceivable ecological niche on Earth. If we accept the simple prokaryotic cell as being lifes universal blueprint, then ET is either an amalgamation of microbes or is still a microbe. Follow the energy = follow the water The mandate to follow the energy is synonymous with follow the water. The recent discovery of evidence of liquid water on the surface of Mars is therefore intriguing, but there is a lot more of it on Jupiters Europa and Saturns Enceladus. These moons are compelling targets for astrobiology because of the inferred presence of oceans beneath a sea ice crust that have persisted over geological time scales. A new interpretation of data collected by the Cassini spacecraft suggests that the ocean beneath the ice on Enceladus is not just confined to the south polar region. Like Europa, it is global. NASA/JPL-Caltech It now also appears that Europas ice shell comprises a mobile, plate tectonic-like system that overlies warm convecting ice and a salty seawater reservoir that is 30-35 times the volume of Earths ocean. Should more water equate to more life? Not necessarily. There are many biological constraints on habitability in extreme environments. Life as we know it appears to be absent on the surface of Europa and Enceladus because of ionising radiation and extremely low temperatures. Photosynthesis as we know it is also very unlikely to occur under ice that is kilometres thick. Hydrothermal vents, a habitat for deep-sea ecosystems on Earth, may or may not exist on the moons. So is this the end of comparison with Earth and end of story? Actually no, because its feasible that microorganisms that currently inhabit sea ice on Earth could also inhabit the ice water-interface and ice fissures on Europa or Enceladus. Life in extreme conditions The molecular basis for adaptation is not completely understood, but extremophiles (organisms that live in extreme conditions) must tolerate steep gradients in temperature, salinity, acidity and inorganic nutrients, as well as dissolved gas and light signatures. Stress-related fissures in the ice shells of Europa and Enceladus are complex, and our understanding of their topography is based on theoretical modelling. But fissures appear to actively exchange liquid from the subsurface oceans to the ice exteriors. The physiological demands on any microbial organisms would be exceptional, but these features could harbour small-scale, biologically permissive domains. Even brief periods of photosynthesis might be possible. Extremophiles are relevant reference organisms because they adapt to multiple stressors in ways we dont completely understand. Life on these moons may be possible, but how likely is it? The comparative approach calls for an understanding of how these microbes respond to multiple stressors and the limits to which they can be pushed. But the search for extra-terrestrial life is impeded because we lack a framework linking the capacity for adaptation with environmental variability. Future research and exploration to these moons will benefit from experimental work that defines lifes limits in the sea ice ecosystem. Ultimately, we need to characterise theoretical biological limits that are distinct from the limits imposed on Earth-based analogues. Andrew Martin receives funding from the Australian Research Council's Special Research Initiative for Antarctic Gateway Partnership (Project ID SR140300001). Andrew McMinn receives funding from Australian Antarctic Science Grants, Australian Research Council. Originally published in The Conversation. People from Malaysia planning to work in Australia are being reminded that they need to obtain the appropriate visa before travelling and that visas are not for sale.The warning from the Australian High Commission comes after a number of high profile cases where groups of illegal workers from the country have been found without the correct documentation and it is warning that people should be aware of scams offering visas for sale.'Most Malaysians are able to travel to Australia on an Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). However, the ETA is intended for tourism and does not carry any right to work in Australia,' said a statement from the Commission.The Commission also warned that there are currently facilitators in Malaysia organising flights to Australia for people wanting to work and telling them they can do so with an ETA. 'This is a scam attempting to intentionally mislead people, often for money or other personal gain. An ETA does not permit you to undertake paid work such as fruit picking in Australia,' the statement explained.'Don't be fooled by these scams. If you work in Australia in breach of your visa conditions, you may be detained and removed, and subject to a three year exclusion period. It is your responsibility to know what your visa allows you to do while in Australia,' it added.In the most recent case earlier this month nine Malaysians were found to have overstayed their visas and three others were working in breach of their visas, including the ETA.'The Australian government is determined to prevent the exploitation of foreign workers in Australia. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection through its operational arm, the Australian Border Force, targets illegal workers and employers to stop visa fraud and exploitation of foreign workers,' the statement continued.Officials believe that some Malaysians are being tricked into scams in which agents offered visas for sale for the purpose of working but when they arrive in Australia they are paid very low wages, sometimes no wages, and provided with sub-standard accommodation.Foreign nationals caught working illegally are detained and usually deported from Australia. They also face sanctions which could affect any future desire to return to Australia and could be charged for the costs of removing them from the country. Hi I'm looking for some urgent help. Has anyone been confused about how to answer the question on their visa application or citizenship application to whether they have been associated with a criminal organisation or individual? In my situation- I unfortunately have a relative that's been in trouble with the police, has been charged and convicted. I had nothing to do with their crimes, my 'association' being only that I'm their relative. I'm really scared that I will be refused my application (for PR) because of this. I'm unsure of whether I answer yes or no? Carlos Ghosn to continue as chairman of company; he will focus on stewardship of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance as its chairman and CEO. Nissan Motor Cos chairman and chief executive officer Carlos Ghosn is to hand over the top position at the Japanese carmaker to Hiroto Saikawa from April 1, 2017. Earlier, at Ghosns recommendation, the Nissan Board of Directors decided on the management change. Ghosn will, however, continue to serve as chairman, and will seek a renewal of his mandate at the company's general shareholders meeting in June 2017. He will also continue to be chairman and chief executive officer of the Renault-Nissan alliance. This planned management evolution follows Ghosn's leadership of the recent expansion of the Renault-Nissan Alliance to include Mitsubishi Motors, which positions the Alliance among the top automotive groups in terms of scale. As chairman of all three Alliance companies, and as CEO of the Renault Group, Ghosn plans to focus more of his attention on the expansion and stewardship of the Alliance, as its chairman and CEO. Ghosn said, "I am confident that the management team I have developed at Nissan over the past 18 years has the talent and experience to meet the company's operational and strategic goals. Having recently taken on new responsibilities at Mitsubishi Motors, and taking into consideration the upcoming Nissan general shareholders meeting, I have decided that the time is right for Hiroto Saikawa to succeed me as Nissan's CEO." He continued, "As Nissan's chairman, I will continue to supervise and guide the company, both independently and within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. This planned change will also allow me to devote more time and energy to managing the strategic and operational evolution and expansion of the Alliance and ensuring that all its members benefit from the competitive advantages that its scale will deliver. I am committed to supporting the Alliance as it evolves and expands, and will continue to serve each member of the Alliance wherever and whenever necessary." Saikawa currently serves as Nissan's co-CEO and a representative director. Between April 2013 and October 2016, he was Nissan's chief competitive officer. Saikawa joined Nissan in 1977, and since 1999, he has served in a variety of senior management positions, including chairman of the Management Committees of the Americas and Europe, as well as the executive vice-president of purchasing. In addition to his responsibilities at Nissan, he is the current chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). He previously served as a member of the board of directors of Renault between 2006 and 2016. Saikawa stated, "I would like to thank Mr Ghosn and the Nissan board for entrusting me with this new responsibility. Under Mr. Ghosn's chairmanship and with the support of the excellent leadership team that has been built at Nissan, my focus will be delivering our company's continued performance and development and on continuing Nissan's contribution to the success of the Alliance." Photo courtesy of Toyota. The California Energy Commission has awarded $33 million to Shell, FirstElement Fuel, and Air Liquide to construct 16 hydrogen fueling stations in California, according to an agency announcement. Shell Oil Products would receive $16.3 million to add hydrogen refueling equipment to seven retail stations in San Francisco (three), Berkeley, Walnut Creek, Sacramento, and Citrus Heights. Shell will develop the stations through its Equilon Enterprises LLC subsidiary. FirstElement Fuel will receive $15 million to build stations in Sherman Oaks, Sunnyvale, Santa Monica, Oakland, Huntington Beach, San Diego, Campbell, and Irvine. The commission is also awarding $1.7 million to Air Liquide Advanced Technologies to construct a connector station along Interstate 5 in Santa Nella. The grants come from the state's Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (ARFVTP). Applications were taken after the commission published a solicitation on April 6. In January. Royal Dutch Shell, Toyota, BMW, Daimler, Honda, and Hyundai pledged to invest $10.7 billion toward developing hydrogen fueling technology for vehicles and other uses. "Providing accessible, reliable and convenient refueling is key to mainstream adoption of fuel cell vehicles," said Craig Scott, Toyota's advanced technology vehicle senior manager. "Shell's partnership will bring the expertise and resources of a major energy company to hydrogen infrastructure efforts in California. The team of Toyota and Shell will bring us one step closer to a hydrogen society." Google will finally be releasing Google Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones in the UK this February and is now available for pre-order at EE and Carphone Warehouse. The smartphones which were released in 2016 have three available colors: black, silver and blue. Deccan Chronicle reported that UK users of this smartphone will receive a free Google Daydream VR headset and 10 free BAFTA award-winning movies. The device ranges from $632 (599) for Pixel and $758.45 (719) for Pixel XL. Google's Industrial Designer Rachel Roberts explained that the smartphones will be launched in time for London Fashion Week. She explained that the smartphones have a simple and smart design that they hope will appeal to fashionistas. Google Pixel buyers are also given the option of paying $47.40 (45) per month for unlimited mins/ texts and 7GB data. Like was mentioned, it will also have free Daydream VR headset and 10 BAFTA winning movies from the Google Play Store, Pocket-Lint reported. While Pixel XL buyers are also given the option of paying $53.71 (50.99) per month for unlimited mins/texts and 7GB data. It will also free Daydream VR headset and 10 BAFTA winning movies from the Google Play Store. According to other reports, the Google smartphones are IP58 rated. This means that they are dust proof and can go against water sprays but they are not water-resistant. Buyers can also choose between a 32GB or 128GB internal storage. It also can store unlimited photos through its Google Photos app.It also has a 12MP back camera and 8MP front camera. Since last year, Automotive News reported that Google is aking a lot of strides since last year when it had a brand new company called Wayno, the company's self-driving car project. Now, Google is expanding their platforms with Google Pixel and Pixel XL that will hit shelves on February 24 in the UK. Lawmakers finished the first half of their work Thursday morning and prepared to leave Bismarck until next week with a number of budget fights, some major policy shifts and an updated revenue forecast looming in the weeks ahead. Members of leadership gave their caucuses credit for significant progress as they hit crossover, adding that balancing the books in just over 30-plus legislative days will be the most difficult task ahead. We had to do a lot of heavy lifting in terms of agency budgets, Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner, R-Dickinson, said. We really cut them down to the bone already. Everyone is waiting for the March 9 revenue forecast, which lawmakers will use to complete their work, according to Wardner. Thats the big bear in the room, Wardner said. I dont see it being better than the current forecast. North Dakota Office of Management and Budget numbers for January showed the states general fund revenues came in nearly $21 million short for the month. The state is nearly $35.8 million short in projected revenues for the 2015-17 biennium in its last forecast from November. Sales tax revenues have been a significant factor due to lower agricultural commodity prices and a reduction in oil and gas activity. House Majority Leader Al Carlson, R-Fargo, said the Legislatures budget gap is at about $420 million at crossover, a manageable amount. Weve got an uphill battle on revenue. Its going to take some more work on the budgets, he said. A major policy consideration for the second half of the legislative session includes a state takeover of county social services funding, which has a price tag of about $275 million. A debate over the Public Employees Retirement System budget could also be brewing. Carlson's proposed amendments to the PERS budget would eliminate the nine-member Public Employees Retirement Board and replace it with a seven-member advisory board. Those board members would advise the director of PERS as well as report to the governor and North Dakota Legislative Management. We need to be in control of the process, Carlson said. I will always guard the legislative branch. Wardner said he is reserving judgment on PERS, knowing that a fight between both chambers in 2015 over the PERS budget led to a recess at the end of the session before returning more than a month later to pass a compromise. There are some significant changes in that, said Wardner, adding he needs to take a closer look at PERS. Medical marijuana will be another major policy issue in the second half. I think its in pretty good shape, said Carlson, a sponsor of Senate Bill 2344. He said one of his concerns is in permitting the smoking of medical marijuana. It does not make sense to him after millions of dollars had been spent to curtail cigarette smoking, he said. House Minority Leader Corey Mock, D-Grand Forks, said the state is in a budget crisis when state agencies are faced with cuts of 10 to 15 percent. Mock said this didnt have to happen. We have created this crisis, Mock said of state tax policy, referencing a past ballot measure to lower income taxes, which voters rejected in 2008, followed by subsequent rounds of tax cuts led by the majority party. Mock said thats been a major factor in creating a lack of flexibility in addressing this budget. On the positive side, Mock indicated he was pleased that bipartisan efforts are being made to maintain Medicaid expansion in the state. Narrowly passed in 2013, its set to expire at the end of the biennium unless the Legislature takes action. BMW and Mobileye have entered into an agreement Tuesday that aims to crowdsource real-time traffic data. The German car manufacturer will be installing software from the Israel-based tech firm to be able to do this starting with 2018 models. BMW and Mobileye enter an agreement to crowdsource real-time traffic data. The agreement between the two companies will use technology that will be able to provide information on traffic density, road conditions or hazards, weather conditions, parking, and other traffic data as it happens. In addition, it is a stepping stone into enabling safer and more efficient autonomous vehicles on public streets. 2018 BMW models will be equipped with Global Roadblock which is a new road experience management data-generation technology from the tech firm. A statement on the closed deal says, "This agreement to crowdsource real-time data using vehicles equipped with camera-based Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) technology is a critical enabler for autonomous driving through next-generation high-definition (HD) maps aimed at making driving safer and more efficient for consumers." The ADAS technology from the Isreal-based tech firm is already being used by in 313 vehicles from 25 car manufacturers. Mobileye chairman and chief technical officer Prof. Amnon Shashua has stated that the camera-dependent ADAS technology is currently making roads safer for drivers and passengers. The technology will allow the transfer of collected data to a third-party German digital mapping firm HERE. HERE will then use the data to update a real-time cloud service it runs for automated vehicles. This will help support the quick creation and updating of the needed high-definition mapping. BMW plans to produce fully autonomous vehicles by 2021 and its partnership with the Israel-based company will help achieve this goal. The car manufacturer plans to put a fleet of 40 self-driving vehicles for testing in the second half of 2017. Apart from BMW, Volkswagen has also entered into a partnership with the same tech firm on a road-navigation software system. A year ago, the well-known German automaker, Mercedes-Benz, revealed a heavily camouflaged copy of its electric Urban eTruck. And less than a year later, it's time for the truck to hit the road. Stefan Buchner, head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks worldwide, said, "Initially, a low two-figure number of Mercedes' new revolutionary zero-emission trucks will go to customers in Germany, with more to follow elsewhere in Europe later this year. We are currently talking to around 20 potential customers from the waste, foodstuffs and logistics sectors." The Urban eTruck comes with a massive 212 kWh battery pack and has an electric driving range of 125 miles or 200 km. Along with a special charger, the truck will be handed over to the customers to use for 12 months that will also be supported by the road testing department of Mercedes-Benz Trucks. The vehicles are fitted with a special charger which takes into account the increase demands on a truck, though without revealing the power capacity of the truck. So far, details are that 18 and 25-ton models will soon be offered, and will be equipped with dry box, refrigerated and platform bodies. The vehicle looks very futuristic. Its headlights are about as thin as LEDs allow, and cladding covering the whole side of the vehicle will keep its efficiency as high as possible. The interior also looks awesome since it's equipped with a vertically mounted steering and a few screens attached on the dashboard. However, the truck isn't on sale yet. The automaker will first deliver a low two-figure number of trucks to German customers, and possibly expanding across Europe. As what Buchner said, Mercedes is starting off with small series production for the Urban eTruck and final version is expected for 2020. Since by that year, the battery prices should decrease and the capacity should continue to rise. The Audi-owned design house recently revealed that it will create a new ultra low production supercar division, and now several images of its first version have been released ahead of a Geneva Motor Show world debut. Italdesign already has formed a business division to build the limited-edition supercars. The division, otherwise known as the Italdesign Automobili Speciali, plans to make five samples of the two-seat carbon-fiber supercar. It will be equipped with a 5.2-liter V-10 engine that is also used on top-end models of the Audi R8 and has the capability to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.2 seconds and a top speed of more than 205 mph. Joerg Astalosch, Italdesign CEO, told Automotive News Europe in an interview, "Other limited-edition coupes and roadsters will follow from the design house aimed mainly to collectors. We plan to launch a new one-off or ultra-low volume series every 18 to 24 months, one-offs will be small projects of up to nine vehicles while ultra-low series will be between 10 and 99 units." The car's body will measure 190 inches in length, 77 inches in width, and 47 inches in height. Each car will use a modular carbon fiber and aluminum chassis, with bespole carbon fiber bodywork. Meanwhile, it's also been reported that the automaker might also supply other Volkswagen Group brands and non-VW Group automakers with very low volume, high-quality production versions with the company bringing out the design, engineering, and production. The car looks distinctly similar to Lamborghini's latest design, the supercar has been designed to offer what is called two sides of one medal. Meaning, it combines smooth GT inspired design above the belt line and offered a more aggressive and technical look. No further detail about unnamed supercar was revealed but expect it to be around $1.6 million. The Italdesign supercar will be making its debut at Geneva Motor Show early next month. Toyota has called back all the Toyota Mirai cars due to a software bug. Cars from all around the world were recalled by the automaker. It is a very tedious task to recall all the sold car of a model. However, Toyota managed to do so without such problem. Toyota Mirai sold all around the world has been called back by the company. To be precise, 2,840 vehicles were called back. This is because it was a niche vehicle and not a lot of the model was sold. The issues were noticed in the car's powertrain. In certain situation, it malfunctions. To cite an example, after driving on a long descent under cruise control if the accelerator is jammed, it will boost the fuel cell's convertor to give out much higher voltage than the maximum allowed. In this situation, the fuel cell system will stop running and the warning light comes on, reported CNET. Toyota had not made or sold many pieces of the model. This is one of the reasons why Toyota made a quick recall. There was a risk associated also as the car might face a collision if this happens in traffic. The good news is that the problem will be fixed with a simple software reflash. This can be done very easily at any Toyota dealership. And the whole process will not take more than half an hour. The issues are expected to be fixed after this minor reflash, reported Fortune. It can be said that Toyota recalled the vehicles without creating much uproar. However, it should be noted that the automaker never used the term "recall." In the United States, the company had not officially recalled the vehicles. The whole process was termed as "customer satisfaction campaign." However, the processes of the campaign closely resemble a usual product recall. 23 February 2017 15:32 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Armenia continues serious provocations on the frontline with Azerbaijan and has increased their intensity over the last few days. Top officers of Azerbaijans Defense Ministry headed to the frontline zone on February 23 to review the situation in the contact line of the Armenian and Azerbaijani troops. The intelligence data presented to the defense minister shows that Armenia conducts regrouping of its forces, as well as holds activities to concentrate artillery systems and other large-caliber weapons near the defense line. The fact makes to conclude that the enemy has an intention to continue the escalation of the situation. During the visit, the military leadership also inspected and assessed the level of combat readiness of Azerbaijani troops deployed on the line of confrontation of troops. Azerbaijani Defense Ministry leadership gave concrete instructions to the troops to adopt strict and firm measures in all directions in order to suppress and prevent possible future provocations of the Armenian armed forces. The Armenian armed forces continue to keep tension high on frontline. The Azerbaijani troops on the frontline were 51 times subjected to fire during Armenias last day ceasefire shattering. The Armenian side used 60-82 millimeter mortar launchers and large-caliber machine guns while shelling the Azerbaijani positions. In addition, the Armenian armed forces continue periodic attempts to sabotage the Azerbaijani troops. Thus, Azerbaijans Armed Forces prevented another act of sabotage by Armenia on February 21, which resulted in losses of the Armenian side itself. As a result, the enemy was forced to retreat. Unfortunately, constant provocations of the Armenian troops on the frontline resulted in the death of an Azerbaijani soldier Khanoghlan Khalilov. He fell victim to an Armenian bullet during the shelling of Azerbaijani positions by Armenian armed forces. 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. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 12:00 (UTC+04:00) By Guy Verhofstadt Upcoming elections in the Netherlands, France, and Germany will be held in what is arguably the most febrile political environment since the European Unions creation. The post-war liberal democratic order is under threat everywhere, but particularly in Europe, where the EU is confronting challenges that include an increasingly aggressive Russia, the constant threat of terrorism, democratic disenfranchisement, and uneven economic growth. Following the United Kingdoms Brexit referendum and Donald Trumps election as US president, the question facing Europe is straightforward: Will populist and nationalist forces exert the same influence in core countries of the EU? In the Netherlands, Geert Wilders and his far-right Freedom Party are polling strongly ahead of next months election. Wilders approves of Trumps executive order barring entry to the US for anyone from seven Muslim-majority countries. Like Trumps chief strategist, Stephen Bannon, Wilders views the world through a racist prism, and he believes that he is engaged in a battle to save Western civilization from Islam. No other Dutch parliamentary party holds such views, so a Wilders-led government is still far from certain. With Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte holding his ground, Wilders will most likely be denied power in the end. Meanwhile, in France, far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen is currently ahead in the polls for the presidential election, which will be decided in two rounds in April and May. Le Pen has promised to hold a referendum on Frances membership in the eurozone, despite warnings from the Bank of France that leaving the monetary union could increase the French national debt by 30 billion ($31.8 billion) annually. She has also expressed a desire to dismantle such fundamental components of European integration as free movement for European citizens. In the UKs Brexit referendum and the US presidential election, voters from large metropolitan areas overwhelmingly supported Remain and Hillary Clinton, respectively. We will likely see a similar pattern in the French election. But while older voters have fueled resurgent British and American nationalism, Le Pen owes much of her support to younger cohorts a worrying sign of the extent to which key segments of the French electorate feel disenfranchised. A Le Pen victory would undoubtedly destabilize Europe politically and economically. With the dangerous nationalist demons of Europes past unleashed, the EU as we know it could easily disintegrate. But those who believe in liberal democracy, the rule of law, and European integration still have time to mobilize around an alternative candidate who would most likely prevail in the second-round run-off with Le Pen and, one hopes, bring about much-needed reforms and uphold Frances proactive role in Europe. In Germanys election later this year, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is unlikely to be able to mount a credible bid for the Chancellery, despite any support that it receives from Russia. But the next chancellor whether it is Martin Schulz of the Social Democrats (SPD) or still Angela Merkel will have to lead a global coalition of the willing to defend what is left of the post-war order. Such an effort should include Canada, Australia, and Western allies in Asia, but it must start by putting Europes house back in order. Europeans recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Maastricht Treaty, which marked a seminal moment in the history of European integration. As we have learned in the intervening years, the EUs powers are insufficient to address all of the challenges that now confront Europe. Germany must help to rectify this situation by offering a vision for a more confident and ambitious Europe one that can overcome internal divisions, see to its own security, and sustainably manage migration. If new movements emerge to counter the forces of nationalism and populism, this would not be a far-fetched scenario. And while former UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage, Wilders, Le Pen, and their peers continue to pose as plucky anti-establishment underdogs, this conceit is wearing thin, owing to their own success and, in UKIPs case, to financial scandals. If far-right nationalist leaders do come to power in some of the larger Western countries, they will soon discover that making populist promises is easier than keeping them as Trump is now discovering amid the alarmingly chaotic start to his administration. Trump, the Brexiteers, and their counterparts elsewhere have yet to prove that they can ensure broadly shared economic prosperity and defend global-governance systems by conducting themselves competently and professionally on the world stage. It should be obvious that, in a globalized world where individual nation-states are increasingly impotent, no heady brew of populist nationalism can deliver the change that people are demanding. Fortunately, liberal democracy still offers a progressive alternative, and a victory by Merkel or Schulz in Germany, following the defeat of Le Pen in France, could herald the emergence of a global counter-offensive. Meanwhile, new pro-European centrist movements have already sprung up across Europe, from Nowoczesna (Modern) in Poland to Ciudadanos (Citizens) in Spain. These parties do not peddle lies, and they do not owe their success to Russian-sponsored propaganda bots or social-media trolls. Now that some populists have come to power, liberals have a responsibility to hold them to account and offer an alternative vision. Belittling the people who voted for Brexit, Trump, and their European equivalents is not a sound strategy. The new global demagogues must be judged by their deeds, and vanquished with truth, reason, and respect for democracy. Copyright: Project Syndicate: Europes Critical Elections --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 11:27 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova The 8th meeting of Azerbaijan-Turkey Agricultural Executive Committee was held in Baku on February 22. Agricultural cooperation between the two countries became the primary topic on agenda of the meeting, which was presided by Azerbaijani Deputy Agriculture Minister Ilham Guliyev and head of the Foreign Relations Department of the Turkeys Food, Agriculture and Livestock Ministry Ali Recep Nazli. They discussed cooperation in such fields as plant quarantine, animal husbandry and veterinary, development of rural areas, joint agricultural research, and trade of agricultural production. Guliyev said that there is great potential for agricultural cooperation between the countries, as well as for entering foreign markets. Azerbaijan has access to the markets of Central Asia and Russia, while Turkey has access to the markets of Europe and the Balkans. In this regard, Azerbaijan and Turkey are going to jointly enter markets of the third countries he said. The Turkish-Azerbaijani Agrarian Business Forum is scheduled for February 23. The forum is expected to be attended by the Turkish delegation consisting of 200 people. Azerbaijani Agriculture Minister Heydar Asadov, Head of the Turkey-Azerbaijan Business Council of Turkeys Foreign Economic Relations Board Selcuk Akat and President of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of Azerbaijan Mammad Musayev will also take part in the event. Besides, some 150 entrepreneurs, engaged in various sectors of agriculture, will also take part in the event. The forum will cover such issues as development of cooperation, establishment of joint ventures, promotion of import and export, and mutual study of experience. The final protocol of the meeting is expected to be signed during the forum. Turkeys Minister of Food, Agriculture and Livestock Faruk Celik earlier told Trend that Turkey urges the countrys businessmen to invest in Azerbaijans agriculture, mentioning that Turkey wants Azerbaijan to become a country fully self-sufficient in the agricultural production. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Turkey amounted to $1.67 billion in January-September 2016, according to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan. The countries plan to bring the volume of trade turnover to the level of $15 billion in the coming years. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 15:22 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Camal Energy-rich Azerbaijan is interested in cooperation with Italy, the largest trade partner of the country, in the fields of industry, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, ICT and tourism. We see a great potential in these areas [of the non-oil sector] and we want to bring them to the level of the political and energy cooperation, said Niyazi Safarov. Deputy Economy Minister of Azerbaijan Safarov named the priority directions in the bilateral economic cooperation at the Azerbaijani-Italian business forum in Baku on February 20. The forum attended by representatives of about 20 Italian and 20 Azerbaijani companies considered opportunities of expanding the trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. As you know, the tourism potential of Azerbaijan is increasing yearly. We also carry out serious work on industrialization. A very favorable environment, business climate was formed in Azerbaijan for foreign investors. We offer great preferences and investment promotion mechanism. And our countries enjoy great potential [for cooperation], which was also confirmed by the Italian side, Safarov told reporters on the sidelines of the event. Italian Minister of Economic Development Carlo Calenda, in turn, stressed that Azerbaijan and Italy's Leonardo S.p.A. (formerly Finmeccanica) will sign an agreement on cooperation in the defense industry sector. The minister said that the representatives of four big Italian companies, willing to invest in Azerbaijan, are in the country today. Among those companies are the above-mentioned Leonardo S.p.A. (multinational aerospace, defense and security company), as well as Danieli & C.Officine Meccaniche SpA (multinational company designing, building and selling plants for the iron and steel industry worldwide), Ferrero SpA (manufacturer of branded chocolate and confectionery products) and Telecom Italia Sparkle S.p.A. (global telecommunication service provider), he said. Calenda further said that the energy sector and supply of Italian products to Azerbaijan are the key areas of the cooperation. Italy is one of the main partners of Azerbaijan in the energy sector. The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) project is of great importance for Italy. During the meetings in Baku, I will discuss the implementation of the project, the minister said noting that the economic relations between Azerbaijan and Italy develop in three directions. The first direction is the development of cooperation in non-oil sector. The second direction - promotion of Italian goods. For this, there are great opportunities in your country. And the third is the development of cooperation in industrial sector, as well as in the field of metallurgy, he clarified. During his Baku visit, Calenda also attended the Third Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council. Besides, he was received by President Ilham Aliyev, who praised high-level Azerbaijan-Italy cooperation in political, economic, energy, cultural and other fields, adding that the development of bilateral relations is being diversified. Italy, being one of the main economic and trade partners of Azerbaijan, as so far invested over $0.5 billion in the Azerbaijani economy, mainly in the energy sector. The two countries have stepped up cooperation in other areas as well. In late 2016, Baku Steel Company (Azerbaijan) and Danieli (Italy) have signed an agreement on the construction of a metallurgical complex in Sumgayit. The volume of investment would exceed $ 1.2 billion. The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Italy amounted to nearly $1.9 billion in 2016, around 84 percent of which accounted for export of Azerbaijani goods to Italy, according to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Rep. Kevin Cramer held a two hour-long roundtable discussion Wednesday morning at Bismarck State College on the repeal of the Affordable Care Act. A group of about 40 people, including health care professionals, insurers, long-term care representatives, advocates for patient groups and state leaders, attended the meeting to weigh in on the efforts underway to replace the act that was a signature policy of former President Barack Obama's administration. Cramer brought in Rep. Mike Burgess, R-Texas, whom he called "one of the prime architects of the repeal and replace legislation." Cramer said the group met to discuss the outlines of the timeline and the strategy for repealing and replacing Obamacare. "What was really helpful, of course, was to hear from the smartest people in the room, the people delivering the services and the people representing and advocating for those who receive the services, and the insurance companies that provide the coverage," Cramer told reporters after the meeting. "We just heard a lot of good stuff." The discussion comes nearly a week after President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress announced they would soon reveal plans to repeal and replace Obamacare. "Its important to understand we are fixing something thats really, really broken," Cramer said to reporters. The meeting also occurred around a time when town hall meetings have erupted in angry protests, as people appealed to their elected officials with concerns over losing their coverage under Obamacare. Those in attendance at the meeting included North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven and Gov. Doug Burgum. Hoeven said legislators "absolutely have to" do national health care reform. "This is about providing more coverage, better options, more options and lower cost options. So when we talk about repealing and replacing Obamacare, its done on a concurrent basis, where people have more options for coverage at lower cost. Thats what its all about," Hoeven said. At the press conference, Burgum thanked Burgess for coming to Bismarck for the roundtable discussion. Burgum said he will be in Washington, D.C., on Saturday with 30 governors to work on health care reform policy. This is a unique opportunity, because states are in a position of having to implement much of this. States are the ones affected by the overburden of federal regulation, and I think weve got leadership now working on a reform that understands that one of the ways that we can lower cost and improve options is just by taking away some of the excessive regulation that prevents innovation at the state level," Burgum said. "I know that our agency heads and the providers in North Dakota know that they could deliver better solutions at lower costs if some of these unnecessary regulations that dont impact care," he said. Burgess said he heard several different viewpoints at Thursday's discussion, and the biggest takeaway was "flexibility and regulatory relief." That flexibility, that regulatory relief, is so critical for the state being able to do things at the state level the way they know things should be done," said Burgess, who is chair of the U.S. House Health Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee. Burgess said, in the next couple of weeks, his committee will work on a reconciliation bill that will start the process of repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act. As we go through this process, we can make it a bipartisan process, and thats how we get the best result long-term," Hoeven said. Hoeven and Burgess said repeal efforts will include a "transition period," likely during 2018 and 2019, to protect those who have coverage under Obamacare. There will be a transition period. Whatever happens, there will be a phase out and phase in period to go from where things are today to what they will be in the future, Burgess said. Burgess said the larger issues he sees with repealing the act is getting buy-in from different state governors. "I come from a non-(Medicaid) expansion state, North Dakota is an expansion state," he said. Somehow, we have to make both sets of governors OK with what happens next, and that really, quite honestly, is one of the big challenges thats ahead of us right now. Cramer said he is holding a town hall in Fargo to further discuss the repeal of the Affordable Care Act. "Its going to happen, but what you see happening right now was what they failed to do with Obamacare. We just made the point that the governors are coming this week so we can work with them on how to best address the Medicaid piece," Hoeven said. We want this kind of process so that everybody has a chance to have a say and have some input and we get a good product. Lets make sure people get to actually voice what they want as part of this process so the governors, the House, the Senate, this debate is about putting together the best possible product. But its going to get done," he said. 23 February 2017 13:00 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) opened its representative office in Italy. The newly created entity will be engaged in coordinating of communication between business people, the promotion of Azerbaijani products in the Italian market, and attracting Italian investment funds in the Azerbaijani economy. AZPROMO is engaged in assisting and advising foreign-based companies interested in investigating and utilizing investment opportunities in Azerbaijan. Main objective of the company is to sustain economic growth and diversification by maximizing inflow of FDI and utilizing effectively export capacities. The attraction of Italian investments as well as deeper economic cooperation between the countries was also discussed during the Azerbaijan-Italy business forum in Baku, February 23. The event was attended by representatives of up to 20 Italian companies. Italy ranks as one of the main economic and trade partners of Azerbaijan. Italian investments in Azerbaijans economy amounted to nearly $500 million, with the lions share being directed to the oil sector. Since 2013, Azerbaijan has been Italys first crude supplier. The countries has recently expanded cooperation to non-oil sphere. In late 2016, Baku Steel Company and Danieli (Italy) inked an agreement on the construction of metallurgical complex in Sumgayit. The volume of investments in the complex is expected to exceed some $1.2 billion. The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Italy stood at almost $1.9 billion, with some 84 percent falling to a share of export of Azerbaijani production to Italy. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 14:01 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova Azerbaijan and the Islamic Republic of Iran are determined to increase their non-oil trade. Iranian ICT Minister Mahmoud Vaezi said that the two countries will work in this direction to decrease dependence on oil. Vaezi, who is also a co-chairman of Iran-Azerbaijan Joint Economic Cooperation Commission, made the remarks on the sidelines of a meeting with Azerbaijans economy minister Shahin Mustafayev in Iran's northwestern Ardabil city, IRNA reported. Heading an economic delegation Mustafayev arrived in Ardabil on February 22 for a two-day visit. Vaezi said that political and economic ties between the two countries have increased in recent years and the two sides have made serious efforts to boost mutual ties. He added that grounds have already been prepared for private sector investors from the two countries to launch mutual cooperation. Referring to his meeting with Shahin Mustafayev, Vaezi said that Azerbaijani and Iranian economic delegations held constructive meeting and good decisions were made for cooperation of the two countries private sectors. Mustafayev in turn said that economic and trade cooperation between the two countries is growing, mentioning such spheres as trade, health tourism and agriculture. Within his visit Mustafayev will also visit Iranian city of Urmia. The two countries are eager to develop their non-oil economy, integrate regional transport networks and boost mutually advantageous business projects. Such spheres as agriculture, banking sector, pharmaceutics, as well as cooperation within the international North-South transport corridor are the main areas that the two states are focused on. Iranian companies have so far invested some $1.2 billion, while some $145 million fell to a share of non-oil sector. Some 538 companies with Iranian capital are operating in Azerbaijan. The trade turnover between the countries hit some $15.77 million in January 2017, while the index of the last year stands at $9.56 million. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 13:34 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Camal Azerbaijan has invited Turkish companies to establish joint ventures in various fields in a bid to deepen the economic interaction between the strategic partners. Agriculture Minister Heydar Asadov voiced the offer during the Azerbaijani-Turkish Business Forum in Baku on February 23. Asadov stressed that the Azerbaijan-Turkey relations in the agro sector should be transformed from the segment of export-import operations to the joint production of agricultural products. Last year, Turkey exported agricultural products worth $ 100 million to Azerbaijan. This is a good indicator of the bilateral relations, but the time has come to move to a new level of relations between our countries. It would be useful to set up joint ventures for agricultural production, the minister said, stressing that the country is ready to create all necessary conditions for Turkish businessmen. We have established the necessary legal framework, and the reforms have significantly improved the business environment in the country. Only the desire is needed to develop our relations, and not only in the field of agriculture, he said. Recalling that Azerbaijan is now actively developing the pharmaceuticals field, the minister pointed to possibility of establishing joint ventures in this area. We have created a number of pharmaceutical factories, and I invite Turkish companies to invest in this sector, said Asadov. Azerbaijan plans to gradually replace foreign imports with domestic production and switch to the economic policy of import-substitution, as well as increase competitiveness of local production. Last year, Azerbaijan exported agriculture production worth $426 million, recording an increase of $73 million or 20.7 percent as compared to the figure of 2015. Turkeys Minister of Food, Agriculture and Livestock Faruk Celik, addressing the forum, mentioned that Turkey is Europe's largest center for the production of agricultural products. Given Turkey and Azerbaijan's geographical position it is possible to imagine the outcome of our cooperation [in the agro sector], he said. The volume of trade between Turkey and Azerbaijan in agricultural products does not correspond to the existing potential, according to Celik. The figure is only $ 120 million. We should increase this level and expand the range of export products, he said. Turkey will open its representative office in Azerbaijan for the development of agriculture, Asadov said at a press conference following the meeting. The office will operate under the Turkish Embassy in Baku. A special representative - Advisor to Minister of Food, Agriculture and Livestock of Turkey Faruk Celik will be appointed. The representative will be responsible for further development of relations between our countries in the sphere of agriculture," Asadov said. Celik earlier told Trend that Turkey urges the countrys businessmen to invest in Azerbaijans agriculture, mentioning that Turkey wants Azerbaijan to become a country fully self-sufficient in the agricultural production. "We know that Azerbaijan has been actively investing in the development of agricultural production lately. Companies with Turkish capital are also involved in these projects and they provide Azerbaijan with the know-how used in Turkeys agricultural sector," the minister said. He added that Azerbaijan, thanks to its fertile land, will be able to significantly reduce dependence on imports of agricultural products, if investments are provided and necessary measures are implemented. The minister stressed that Turkey is constantly looking for new export markets, regardless of their size and remoteness. "The recent crisis in Russian-Turkish relations has created problems in the agricultural export of Turkey. But it became a lesson for us to diversify our export markets. Nowadays, Turkeys agricultural sector is the largest one in Europe, and the Turkish agricultural productions value is $59.4 billion, he said. Hailing the fact that Turkey exports 1,680 names of agricultural products worth $17 billion to 192 countries, the minister said these figures are not sufficient and a lot can be done together with Azerbaijan. Previously, Deputy Agriculture Minister Ilham Guliyev said that Azerbaijan and Turkey can jointly enter markets of third countries. Azerbaijan has access to the markets of Central Asia and Russia, while Turkey has access to the markets of Europe and the Balkans. In this regard, Azerbaijan and Turkey are going to jointly enter markets of the third countries he said at the 8th meeting of Azerbaijan-Turkey Agricultural Executive Committee in Baku on February 22. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Turkey amounted to $1.67 billion in January-September 2016, according to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan. The countries plan to bring the volume of trade turnover to the level of $15 billion in the coming years. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend During his visit to Iran's Khudafarin plants, Azerbaijans Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev said that the main agenda of his trip to Iran is to evaluate the investment opportunities in agriculture and tourism sector, Mehr news agency reported Feb. 23. Last December Irans parliament has ratified the agreement signed with Azerbaijan for cooperation in construction and operation of the Khudafarin and Giz Galasi hydro power plants on the Araz River and in using energy and water resources. The agreement was signed during President Ilham Aliyevs visit to Tehran on Feb. 23. The Parliament of Azerbaijan ratified the agreement in June. The agreement proclaims the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and Iran, and equal rights for use of water and energy resources of Khudaferin and Giz Galasi hydro systems. Meanwhile, Iranian ICT Minister Mahmoud Vaezi had said that the statistics indicate 70 percent growth in Iran-Azerbaijan trade turnover. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Iran amounted to $15.77 million in January 2017, as compared to $9.56 million a year before, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 15:13 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova The Endless Corridor film has been screened in Madrid as part of the Justice for Khojaili campaign, initiated by Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva. Heads and employees of diplomatic corps, state officials, members of Congress and Senate, representatives of Azerbaijani diaspora and public figures attended the event organized by the Azerbaijani embassy in Spain, Azertac reported. In his remarks Ambassador Anar Maharramov spoke about the Khojaly genocide, one of the heinous crimes of the 20th century committed by Armenian against the Azerbaijani civilians. This bloody tragedy perpetrated in the town of Khojaly on February 25-26,1992 resulted in the murder or capture of the thousands of Azerbaijanis. More precisely, 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. The film features interviews with the survivors and spine chilling admissions from the perpetrators. As many as 1,275 innocent people were taken hostage, while the fate of 150 people remains unknown. Civilians were shot at close range, scalped, and burned alive. 'Endless Corridor" pictures two journalists, Richard Lapaitis from Lithuania and Victoria Ivleva from Russia -- the true witnesses of the tragedy, who returned to Azerbaijan 20 years after the horrific Khojaly Massacre. They journey to find the survivors they had first met in the aftermath of the Armenian attack. The film includes interviews with the survivors and spine chilling admissions from the perpetrators. So far, the movie has been submitted for more than 70 film festivals throughout the world, most part of which included it into their official programmes. In 2015, the film was presented in Istanbul, Ankara, Rome, Vilnius, London, Paris, Dublin, Berlin, Bern and Luxembourg in February as part of the Justice for Khojaly campaign, organised by Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 17:22 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova A photo exhibition dedicated to the Khojaly genocide will be held in the Old City (Icheri Sheher) on February 24-26, Trend Life reported. On February 26 the world will mark the 25th anniversary of Khojaly Genocide committed by the Armenian troops against Azerbaijani civilians in the town of Khojaly . The massacre is regarded as one of the most serious crimes not only against the people of Azerbaijan, but humanity as a whole. Some 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. Entitled "Khojaly history, frozen in the eyes", exhibition will be held on the square near "Gosha Gala", the Old City. The exhibition, organized by the Administration of State Historical and Architectural Reserve Icherisheher will feature portraits of relatives and family members of this tragedy's victims. Moreover, guest will be shown videos with participation of eyewitnesses of those bloody and terrible events. The event will start at 12:00. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 18:05 (UTC+04:00) If ever there was a project for the European Union to abet and strengthen its energy security its the Southern Gas Corridor. The SGC project that has already began to take shape as a series of pipelines which will carry Azerbaijani supplies to Europe is a unique project opening up route for Caspian energy sources. The mega project both greatly benefits Europe and highlights significance of Azerbaijan as an important country when it comes to oil and gas production, strategic location both to the Eastern and Western markets. Azerbaijan, which has promoted itself as a key geostrategic and political partner, best positioned to solve Europes energy problems. So far, Azerbaijan played important role in providing energy security for the neighborhood, and now, with respect to the implementation of the SGC project will play an important role for European energy security. Oil pipelines today connect Azerbaijan to the Black Sea and Mediterranean basis thus providing energy security for those countries. Some of the countries in Europe have about 30-40 percent of their oil from Azerbaijan, while the countrys share in meeting the EU's oil demand is 5 percent. Although as a reliable oil producer and supplier, and also as a reliable transit country, Azerbaijan established itself in the region as a partner that others can rely on, the SGC grants the country a key role. The project is deemed to change the energy map of the region. The $40 billion project, which is expected to start ferrying natural gas into the European Union by 2020, will be funded by some of the biggest loans ever granted by international financial institutions. The project, whose economic profitability and transportation capacity is powerful enough, may become a 'wide corridor' in the near future bringing more Caspian and Middle East gas to Europe. By connecting to key infrastructure in the region, such as the Ionian Adriatic Pipeline and the Western Balkans Ring, the route is planned to bring new gas supplies to South-Eastern Europe Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia as well as in the future to countries in Central Europe: Switzerland and Austria. Additionally, the natural gas can be supplied from Italy onward to France, Germany and even the UK, while possible creation of gas storages in Albania can further enhance the regions energy security and help tackle unexpected supply disruptions. Meanwhile the big picture shows that the SGC has created a new model of cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan. The project is one of the few that is being realized between Europe and non-EU country, thus turning into a huge project of regional cooperation. As politics and geopolitics emerge as central elements in gas route diversification, the SGC project created an absolutely new regional cooperation format uniting countries of Caucasus and Europe. Supported by the European Commission, this is the very platform offering benefitial interaction between Georgia and Azerbaijan and Turkey, on one hand, and countries of European Union like Greece, Bulgaria and Italy, on the other. This concept of cooperation creates absolutely new spirit in the system of relations that relies on interconnections, interdependence, predictability, reliability and partnership. The project is also a central pillar of cooperation in the newly-launched Brussels Baku talks on a new cooperation agreement. The Southern Gas Corridor is the most significant economic project of Azerbaijan, making the country more powerful. So, Bakus relations with the European institutions will considerably strengthen after the accomplishment of this project. Currently, the implementation of one of the main segments of the Southern Gas Corridor Trans-Anatolian Pipeline is complete by roughly 65 percent. Another segment, which is called South-Caucasus pipeline is close to 80 percent. And implementation the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline, which is called TAP, is around 34-35 percent. The development of the Shahdeniz Gas field, which is the biggest or one of the biggest fields in the world, is already 90 percent done. The goal is to deliver first new gas from Azerbaijan to the markets next year, and complete this project by 2020. The SGC promises to bring a new spirit in the monotone market, thus gifting Azerbaijan a deserved place among Europe's natural gas suppliers. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 11:52 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Construction of a first school was launched in the liberated Jojug Marjanli village of Azerbaijans Jabrayil region. Jabrayil Region Chief Executive Kamal Hasanov told Trend that the reconstruction of the village continues at intense pace, mentioning that ANAMA will soon complete its mine clearing operation in Jojug Marjanli. Kamal Hasanov added that the number of people wishing to return to the liberated village is growing day by day. Every day the Executive Power receives written and oral appeals from the rural population. First, 50 families will be settled, but further, with the construction of new buildings, other families will also be able to return to the village, Hasanov said. Jojug Marjanli village was fully liberated from the Armenian occupation in April 2016, when Azerbaijani Armed Forces prevented an Armenian provocation on the contact line. To protect civilian population, the Azerbaijani army 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 Leletepe hill located in the direction of Fizuli region. In late January, President Ilham Aliyev ordered to restore Jojug Marjanli. Under the order, 4 million manats were allocated for the construction of 50 private houses, a school building and relevant infrastructure at the first stage. Moreover, President Aliyev signed an order on additional measures to construct the road leading to the liberated Jojug Marjanli village and allocated 4.3 million manats from the state budget for the construction of 9 km long highway in the village. Currently, ANAMA carries out demining operation in Jojug Marjanli, while Azerbaijans road operator Azeravtoyol constructs a road leading to the liberated village. Following demining operation, the work on construction of new houses will be launched in the village. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 14:20 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Armed conflicts have caused much suffering, displacement and destruction in the OSCE area of operation, and these conflicts have no military solution, the Austrian Foreign Minister, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Sebastian Kurz said on February 22, while addressing the UN Security Council. The diplomat said all conflicts must be solved through political means. Kurz also noted his country will support efforts directed at peaceful solution to the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. As the chair-country, Austria will support all attempts to achieve a peaceful solution to the conflicts in the OSCE area, in particular, the conflicts in Georgia, Transnistria and Nagorno-Karabakh, Kurz said. 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. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 13:27 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry made a call on necessity of granting a legal appraisal to the Khojaly genocide, a bloody crime committed against the Azerbaijani citizens on February 26, 1992. "The act perpetrated in the Azerbaijani town of Khojaly is viewed as international criminal offence under the international criminal law and the Khojaly genocide should find its legal appraisal," the ministry said in a statement released in connection with the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide. From October 1991, the town of Khojaly was entirely surrounded by the Armenian Armed Forces. After the massive artillery bombardment of Khojaly, Armenians began assault on the town from various directions on the night of February 25-26, 1992. Finally, the Armed Forces of Armenia, with the help of the infantry guards regiment No. 366 of the former Soviet Union, implemented the seizure of Khojaly. The ministry noted that invaders destroyed Khojaly and with particular brutality implemented carnage over the peaceful population of the town. As a result, 613 civilians were killed, including 106 women, 63 children and 70 elderly, while 1,000 people were wounded and 1,275 people were taken hostage. The fate of 150 of them remains yet unknown. The intentional slaughter of the civilians in Khojaly was directed at their mass extermination only because they were Azerbaijanis, the ministry underlined. All those slaughters and tortures by the Armenian Armed Forces in Khojaly, including the mass killing, scalping, beheading, bayoneting of pregnant women and mutilation of bodies, were well documented by the law enforcement agencies of Azerbaijan, many independent sources, including Armenian ones, local and international media and eyewitnesses of this tragedy, the statement stressed. The ministry said that Armenias then-Defense Minister and current President Serzh Sargsyan, in his interview with the UK journalist Thomas de Waal, made a hideous revealing statement by saying before Khojaly, the Azerbaijanis thought that the Armenians were people who could not raise their hands against the civilian population. We were able to break that stereotype. The ministry noted that war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide committed by Armenia in the course of the ongoing aggression against Azerbaijan constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian and human rights law, in particular the 1949 Geneva Conventions, Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The crimes committed by Armenia against Azerbaijan also constitute a serious violation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. In its judgment of April 22, 2010, the European Court of Human Rights arrived at an important conclusion with respect to the crime committed in Khojaly, qualifying the behavior of those carrying out the incursion as acts of particular gravity which may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity, the ministrys statement said. The national legislative bodies of more than 15 countries as well as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation adopted a number of resolutions and declarations that condemn the massacre of civilian population in Khojaly and recognize the tragedy as an act of genocide and crime against humanity. Azerbaijan is confident that the consistent measures being taken at the national level, as well as the existing international legal framework, will serve to end impunity and to bring to justice those responsible for the grave offences committed in the course of Armenias aggression against Azerbaijan, the statement said. In conclusion, the ministry stated that Azerbaijan calls upon the international community to condemn and recognize the crimes against humanity and act of genocide committed by Armenia in Khojaly against the civilian Azerbaijani population. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Matthew D. Butler, 81, Fargo, under Hospice passed onto the Lord peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017. Matt was born Dec. 31, 1935, to Francis and Doris Butler in Grand Forks. After graduation from the St. Thomas Military Academy, St. Paul, Minn., he attended the University of North Dakota and was part of the Army ROTC program. Following college, he served in the U.S. Army as an armor officer before returning to North Dakota to be a part of the family business. Matt spent his life building Butler Machinery Company, the Caterpillar Dealership of North and South Dakota, into a successful company. He never considered it a job, it was his pleasure. Matt's influence doubled the operating territory of the business from only North Dakota to include South Dakota and the expansion of markets into agriculture products. His leadership created the foundation for the success Butler Machinery enjoys today. Matt's business philosophy was simple-give people a vision and then get out of their way and let them do it. Those who knew Matt would agree he didnt like wasting time. His approach to finding the love of his life was the same. After a short engagement he married JoAnn Evinger on June 2, 1962. During their 54 years of marriage they had many adventures including camping with their four children, many miles logged on motorcycle trips and travels to many countries. Besides traveling, Matts passions included piloting aircraft, riding motorcycles, and pushing speed limits in his cars. His belief in lifelong learning was seen in his need for having something to read at all times. Matt left a legacy of giving, service and love. He will be remembered for bringing intelligence, wit and humility to the many boards he served on during his life. Matt believed in serving organizations to give back to others and was known for his quiet philanthropy that touched many. Matt will be deeply missed by his loving and devoted wife JoAnn; their four children M. Daniel (Heather) Butler, Debra (Scott) Johnson, Francis (Donna Newman) Butler, and Twylah (Jim) Blotsky; their 11 grandchildren, Nathan, Trina, Ryan, Aaron, Evan, Vernon, Jake, Payton, Josh, Mason, and Isaac; one great-grandchild, Carson; and his brothers David Butler and Greg Butler. He is preceded in death by his parents Francis and Doris (Bourassa) Butler; and his sister Judy (Butler) Nikle. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25, at Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church, 5202 25th Street South, Fargo. Visitation will be held at Sts. Anne and Joachim on Friday, Feb. 24, at 6 p.m. followed by a 7 p.m. Vigil Service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to: The University of Mary, Fraser Ltd, the Matt & JoAnn Butler Foundation, or charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center. To sign the online guestbook, please go to www.boulgerfuneralhome.com. 23 February 2017 17:47 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov The Parliament of Scotland has passed a resolution on February 22 on political assessment of the Khojaly massacre of Azerbaijan. The Parliament decided to give a political assessment of the Khojaly tragedy by mutual consent of all of the parliamentary parties. The text of the resolution was posted on the Parliament website in anticipation of the 25th anniversary of the genocide. The vast majority of Scottish Parliament members supported its adoption by putting their names under the draft resolution. The resolution emphasizes mutual relations of friendship and fruitful cooperation between Azerbaijan and Scotland, and strongly condemns the fact of occupation of Azerbaijans Nagorno-Karabakh region in the 1990s. The events in Khojaly are recognized in the document as massacre against the local population of Nagorno-Karabakh. In addition, the resolution considers the actions of the perpetrators of the Khojaly massacre as war crimes and crimes against humanity. The resolution also emphasizes that Armenia has occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory and continues to ignore four resolutions on withdrawal adopted by the UN Security Council. A copy of the resolution was presented to the delegation of Azerbaijan who visited the Scottish Parliament on February 22. The town of Khojaly was situated within the administrative borders of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. Its population constituted over 7,000 people. Late into the night of February 25, 1992, Khojaly came under intensive fire from the towns of Khankendi and Askeran already occupied by Armenian armed forces. The Armenian forces, supported by the ex-Soviet 366th regiment, completed the surrounding of the town already isolated due to ethnic cleansing of the Azerbaijani population of the neighboring regions. The joint forces occupied the town, which was ruined by heavy artillery shelling. Thousands of fleeing civilians were ambushed by the Armenian forces. Punitive teams of the so-called Nagorno-Karabakh defense army reached the unprotected civilians to slaughter them, mutilating and scalping some of the bodies. 613 people were killed, including 106 women, 70 elderly and 83 children. A total of 1,000 civilians were disabled. Eight families were exterminated, and 25 children lost both parents, while 130 children lost one parent. Moreover, 1,275 innocent people were taken hostage, while the fate of 150 remains unknown. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 18:32 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov The Russian Embassy in Azerbaijan has confirmed that the rights of blogger Alexander Lapshin, who is being kept at the Baku detention center, are fully respected, and he has no complaints over conditions of detention. Blogger Lapshin will stand trial in Baku for his illegal visits to the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. Investigative actions, prescribed by the legislation of Azerbaijan, against Alexander Lapshin continue. His protection is provided by a private lawyer hired by his family, Russian Embassys press attache Denis Apashkin told RIA Novosti on February 22. On February 9, Alexander was visited by the embassy representatives, who saw at first hand that his rights are respected in full. Alexander did not express any complaints on the conditions of detention," Apashkin said. The press attache added that the next visit of the embassy representatives will take place after obtaining permission, which has already been requested by the Russian side. Moreover, representatives of the international Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have recently visited Lapshin in Baku. This was announced by the blogger's wife Catherine. Besides, Lapshin has met with his mother Bella, who arrived in Baku, a source in Azerbaijans law enforcement agencies told Trend on February 23. Upon arrival in Baku, Bella Lapshin signed a contract with the new lawyer to defend Alexander Lapshins position. The lawyer has already met with Lapshin in the Baku detention center No.1 and inquired about the blogger's well-being and conditions of his detention. Blogger Lapshin, who owns citizenships of several countries, 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. He violated Azerbaijani laws on state border in April 2011 and October 2012. 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 on April 6 and June 29, 2016. In early February, Lapshin was extradited from Minsk to Baku to stand trial in Azerbaijan. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 18:45 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov An event to honor the memory of victims of the Khojaly Genocide, committed by Armenians during the Karabakh War, was held at the Heydar Aliyev Palace on February 23. Participants had an opportunity to see photos and literature reflecting the documented facts of the Khojaly Genocide, the press-service of the Palace told Trend. Khojaly, the second largest town in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, came under intense fire by Armenia from the towns of Khankendi and Askeran already occupied by the Armenian armed forces in 1992. 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. Director of the Palace, Honored Cultural Worker Farhad Babayev, addressing the event, said that the Khojaly tragedy is one of the bloodiest in the history of not only Azerbaijan, but also of the world. He emphasized that thanks to the work done within the Justice for Khojaly international campaign significant steps were taken on informing the world about the Khojaly genocide. Parliaments of several countries officially recognized the Khojaly events as genocide and condemned Armenia's aggression against Azerbaijan. Babayev said the Justice for Khojaly campaign is aimed not only at informing the international community about the Khojaly genocide, but it is also a call not to let such tragedies happen in the world anymore. The Khojaly genocide must find its legal assessment and the perpetrators must be punished, Babayev said. Later, a film devoted to the Khojaly genocide was also screened at the event. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 10:41 (UTC+04:00) A documentary film highlighting the 1992 Khojaly Massacre premiered at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles on February 21. This is the first documentary dedicated to the Khojaly Tragedy in the United States. The Khojaly Massacre was committed by the armed forces of Armenia against the Azerbaijani civilians on February 26, 1992 in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. Called the largest massacre in the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan by the Human Rights Watch, the massacre resulted in the murder of 613 Azerbaijani civilians, including over 250 children, women and the elderly. In 2015, the European Court of Human Rights passed a ruling corroborating the facts of the massacre and naming its perpetrators. Titled Running from the Darkness, the documentary was filmed by Los Angeles filmmakers, led by a local organization J-Connect. The premiere screening was hosted at the Museum of Tolerance of the world-famous Simon Wiesenthal Center, which is one of the biggest (400,000 families) and most influential Jewish human rights organizations in the world. The Museum of Tolerance is one of the worlds largest museums dedicated to Holocaust. The screening was attended by mayors and council members of various cities of the Los Angeles County, other elected officials, consuls general and honorary consuls of various countries, representatives of the U.S. Homeland Security Department, State Department and other federal and state government bodies, renowned faith leaders representing Christianity, Judaism, Islam and other religions, mass media, influential leaders of different ethnic communities (Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino, Macedonian, Pakistani, Hispanic, Jewish, Iranian, Turkish, etc.) of Los Angeles and others. Opening the event, Director of the Museum of Tolerance Dr. Liebe Geft said that despite many tragedies the people of Azerbaijan had to endure in its recent history, Azerbaijan has been able to maintain its centuries-old traditions of interfaith tolerance and multiculturalism. Speaking afterwards, Consul General of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles Nasimi Aghayev stressed the importance of holding onto the values of interfaith tolerance and harmony in the face of hatred and tragedy, what, in his words, Azerbaijan has been able to do during the last 25 years since the Khojaly Massacre. Describing the film as a story of survival of tolerance against intolerance and stressing the need to educate wider audiences about what happened in Khojaly in 1992 so that similar tragedies do not occur again, the Consul General thanked the filmmakers for masterfully capturing the whole story of this crime against humanity. Presenting the film, the Board President of J-Connect Josh Kaplan said: At J-Connect, our organization understands history and the importance of tolerance and cooperation. We react at a base level when we see innocent people and their communities destroyed simply because of their identities. When I learned about the massacre in Khojaly, I knew then that there was an important story that needed to be told. With the world in such turmoil we felt that a story of this complexity, of this emotion and passion was important for the world to hear about in an unbiased and thoughtful manner. We partnered with One Wish Project, a film company whose mission it is to capture powerful stories and bring them to life The fact that what happened in Khojaly is unknown to most was a huge motivating factor in creating this film. We live in a world that is committed to recognizing and preventing genocide, and yet without recognition and awareness of this tragedy, our world remains at great risk for another Khojaly Then the film was screened. Based on interviews with many survivors of the Khojaly Massacre as well with U.S. elected officials, reporters, academic experts, Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith leaders of Los Angeles and an Armenian human rights advocate, the film vividly tells the horrific story of the tragedy. The documentary also highlights how Azerbaijan, confronted with Khojaly tragedy as well as the illegal occupation and ethnic cleansing of around 20% of its sovereign territory by neighboring Armenia in the early 1990s, did not allow the hatred and intolerance to take hold of itself, but on the contrary worked actively to strengthen its age-old identity and traditions of interfaith harmony and tolerance. Following the well-received screening, Consul General asked the renowned Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith leaders of Los Angeles, namely Bishop Juan Carlos Mendez, Rabbi Yonah Bookstein and Mahomed Khan, to pray for the victims of Khojaly as well as for peace and tolerance. The joint prayer in accordance with the traditions of all three Abrahamic religions was enthusiastically received by the audience. At the event, the aforementioned faith leaders were presented with Interfaith Tolerance Awards established this year by the Consulate General of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles, honoring the faith leaders profound and long-standing engagement in promoting peace, tolerance and harmony among all religions. The event concluded with the performance of Azerbaijani and European classical music. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 10:52 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Former Secretary of State of the Russian Federation, former Deputy Prime Minister Gennady Burbulis and former director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, Former Deputy Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Trubnikov will attend the 5th Global Baku Forum Burbulis will address the forum that will take place on March 16-17, Azertac reported. The 5th Global Baku Forum titled Future of foreign relations: Power and interests is organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center with support of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora. The two-day focused on topical issues such as the role of interreligious dialogue in conflict prevention, migration, multiculturalism, integration and global security. The forum's agenda also included prospects for energy and global management issues. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 10:41 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Turkey Berat Albayrak,Azertac reported. Berat Albayrak extended congratulations of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his wife Emine Erdogan to President Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva on her appointment as First Vice-President of Azerbaijan. The head of state thanked for congratulations, and asked the Turkish minister to extend his greetings to President Erdogan and his wife. President Aliyev underlined the importance of Turkey`s high-level representation at the Third Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council. The head of state expressed his confidence that the ministerial meeting will make an outstanding contribution to realization of future plans. Touching upon the upcoming referendum in Turkey, President Ilham Aliyev expressed his confidence that it will be excellently organized, reflect the will of the Turkish people and mark the beginning of a new, more stable stage in the life of the brotherly country. The head of state thanked the Turkish government for support for the successful execution of TANAP project. They hailed the excellent level of friendly and brotherly relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey against the backdrop of ongoing political and economic crisis in the world and in Europe. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 12:09 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova The Kuwaiti embassy in Baku has organized an official reception to mark the 56th anniversary of the National Day, Azertac reported. After playing the national anthems of both countries, Kuwaiti Ambassador to Azerbaijan Saud Abdulaziz Mohammad al-Shamlan al-Roumi stressed that today they also celebrated the 26th anniversary of the Liberation Day. Providing an insight into the development path of Kuwait, the ambassador highlighted his country`s achievements in economic and cultural fields. Expressing his satisfaction with the expansion of relations between Kuwait and Azerbaijan, the diplomat said that reciprocal visits and high-level meetings paved the way for the rapid development of bilateral relations. Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfaz Garayev, on behalf of the Azerbaijani government, congratulated the people of Kuwait on the occasion of the holiday. He stressed that the relations between the two countries were successfully developing in a variety of fields. Hailing political relations between the two countries, the minister said Kuwait is cooperating with Azerbaijan both in bilateral and international formats. Stressing the Declaration of 2017 Year of Islamic Solidarity by President Ilham Aliyev, Garayev also expressed confidence in further strengthening relations between the two countries. The official reception was attended by state and government officials, MPs, ambassadors of foreign countries in Baku, representatives of international organizations in the country and representatives of public. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 12:24 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic in Baku on February 23, Azertac reported. The fact that President Aliyev and Maros Sefcovic have met four times this year was stressed at the meeting. They discussed the construction of the Southern Gas Corridor, and accomplishments in this area. The two also discussed prospects for Azerbaijan-European Commission cooperation in energy area, as well as in using transport corridors and Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. Sefcovic highlighted opportunities for using new Asia-Europe transport corridor, and noted the importance of attracting European companies in the project and the European Commission`s possible support for it. Azerbaijan`s expanding the use of alternative energy sources was emphasized, and the possibility for the country to benefit from the European Union`s experience was pointed out at the meeting. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 13:42 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Karabakh horses, graceful and majestic, are heritage of Azerbaijani people. An old saying that "A brave man is known by his horse" well describes the sense of pride and love of the Azerbaijani people for their horses. Azerbaijani epic literature represents a number of legendary horses, such as Girat of national hero Koroghlu or Bozat of another hero, Gachag Nabi, which throughout history came to the rescue of their masters, keeping them away from danger. The breeds largest and purebred herds, living in the dense forests of Sheki region, are considered one of rare species in the world and the oldest one in Asia and the Caucasus. President Ilham Aliyev signed an order for preservation and development of breeding core of Karabakh breed, allocating two million manats ($1.1 million) from the Reserve Fund of the President to the Ministry of Agriculture. Under the Order, the ministry should also complete measures for creating necessary conditions for scientifically selective breeding and constructing equestrian complex of the Agdam Equestrian Farm under the Azerbaijan Scientific-Research Institute of Livestock. The Karabakh horses are valued for their resistance in mountainous terrain, mild temper and dense chestnut color. Unfortunately, the number of Karabakh horses began to decline in the backdrop of the civil and ethnic wars in the Caucasus and Karabakh region. At the beginning of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, horses constantly moved from one place to another, and it was one of the reasons for the dramatic population declines of these amazing creatures. In 2007, the Agriculture Ministry developed a program for the conservation and growing of the breed for the next 15 years. The Karabakh horse takes a pride place in various international competitions and contests, winning various prizes and medals. Karabakh breed horses were repeatedly presented at the celebration of the anniversary of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II reign in 2012. Before, the English queen received a golden horse of Karabakh as a gift in 1956. Last year 15 Azerbaijani Karabakh breed horses and a team of national dancers performed at the final night of the Royal Windsor Horse Show to celebrate the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 12:42 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with Minister of Economic Development of the Italian Republic Carlo Calenda in Baku on February 23, Azertac reported. President Aliyev hailed Italy`s active participation in the Third Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council. The head of state described this fact as another evidence of rapid development of cooperation in various areas, saying it is also very important in terms of successful implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor project. The President mentioned the signing of the Declaration on partnership between Azerbaijan and Italy. President Aliyev praised high-level Azerbaijan-Italy cooperation in political, economic, energy, cultural and other fields, adding that the development of bilateral relations is being diversified. Calenda thanked the President of Azerbaijan, on behalf of the Italian government, for the implementation of TAP project, which he said is of vital significance to his country. He said representatives of a number of Italian companies are attending this important ministerial meeting, pointing out the implementation by the two countries of vital projects covering a variety of areas. Calenda recalled Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni`s last year visit to Azerbaijan as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. President Aliyev and Carlo Calenda discussed prospects for Azerbaijan-Italy cooperation in various areas, including energy and agriculture. Italy`s importing large volumes of oil and energy products to Azerbaijan was underlined at the meeting. As a result of the meeting between President Ilham Aliyev and Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Italian Leonardo company Mauro Moretti on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, the company will sign a memorandum of cooperation with SOCAR during the Third Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 18:47 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Djibouti`s Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf will pay a working visit to Azerbaijan on February 24-26, Azertac reported. As part of the visit, the FM will also meet with his Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov on February 24. After the meeting, the FMs will hold a joint press conference. The relations between Azerbaijan and Djibouti are developing rapidly. Recently, Azerbaijan and Djibouti have reached important agreements in civil aviation, as Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) President Jahangir Askerov was on a working visit to the Republic of Djibouti on November 29-30. Moreover, an agreement was reached to open Baku-Djibouti cargo transportation flight, as well as to establish Azerbaijan-Djibouti joint cargo transportation company. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 15:13 (UTC+04:00) Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili made a phone call to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on February 23, , Azertac reported. He extended his congratulations on Mehriban Aliyeva`s appointment as First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, expressing his confidence that this appointment will have a positive impact on the strengthening of Georgia-Azerbaijan relations. President Ilham Aliyev thanked for attention and congratulations. President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili expressed their confidence that relations between the two countries will continue developing in political, economic, energy and other areas. The head of state said the Third Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council was successfully held today, and thanked Giorgi Kvirikashvili for Georgia`s high-level representation at the event. President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili also talked about future contacts and visits. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 14:50 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova The plans of Russian gas exporter Gazprom to use the TAP (Trans Adriatic Pipeline) for delivering its gas to Europe is currently in the attentional spotlight of the energy market. Gazprom's bid to tap into a pipeline meant to reduce dependence of the European countries from Russian gas is believed to go counter to the purpose of the project to diversify European gas imports. Amanda Paul, analyst at the European Policy Centre (EPC), believes that pursuing this option would lead to a situation when Russia would undermine a pillar of European energy policy and slow down efforts to develop gas from other sources, including eastern Mediterranean, Northern Iraq, Iran and Turkmenistan Gas from Turkmenistan and Iran is already far from guaranteed and likely many years away. If Russia were to start pumping gas through TAP it would probably make the prospect of gas from these states even less likely. Furthermore it could also potentially block the perspective for additional volumes from Azerbaijan, she said to Azernews. Being a part of the ambitious Southern Gas Corridor, one of the priority energy projects for the EU, TAP envisages transportation of gas from Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz gas and condensate field to the EU countries. The EU imports more than half of all the energy it consumes, while its import dependency is particularly high for crude oil (more than 90 percent and natural gas (66 percent). Majority of European countries are heavily reliant on a single supplier, while the dependence leaves them vulnerable to supply disruptions. In this regards, the European Union seeks to diversify its energy suppliers and routes. Paul went on to say that Moscow, which currently has quite a dominant position on the gas market of South eastern Europe will not want to lose this foothold as it wishes to not only control this market but also get a bigger stake in the Turkish market which is particularly energy hungry, mentioning that the involvement of the country in TAP would only benefit Russia itself. Russian gas via TAP is not in the EUs interest as a key energy goal of the EU is the diversification of routes and sources, yet there is little the EU can do about it, she said. As to the matter whether Europe will agree on Russian gas running through TAP or it will further back diversification, she said that an auction system gives equal access to any would be supplier and Gazproms deputy head Alexander Medvedev indicated that Gazprom was considering taking part. The extra gas would be for the period post-2020 when the pipeline is expanded. Gazprom Russia is believed to have sufficient upstream capacity to deliver more than 100 bcm per year of extra gas to Europe. Given that Russian plans to double its Nord Stream pipeline to Germany, it is clear that the Russians are determined to keep North and South Europe in their grasp, she noted. Meanwhile, Co-director of the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security (IAGS) Gal Luft believes that by opting to fill TAP, Russia hopes to preempt future Iranian gas entry into the European market. "They realize that sooner or later Iran will snap out of its isolation and begin to compete with them over market share in Europe," he said.told Azernews Europe is currently more than ever needs a strategy for diversification of its supply sources and gas routes, given the current nature of EU-Russia relations. Energy cooperation between Europe and Russia is quite a sensitive issue for both sides, as the EU currently relies heavily on Russian supplies, while Russia earns significant revenues from gas sales. "I believe that despite the European allergy to Russian gas, the Russian plan to inject gas into TAP will succeed. Europe has needs and in the end those needs will have to be fulfilled," Luft said. The expert believes that the latest move on TAP indicates that the attempt to shift to the Asian market hasn't panned out yet and that headlines aside Europe are still - and will continue to be for many years to come - the main destination for Russia's gas. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 17:24 (UTC+04:00) The Third Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council kicked off at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku on February 23. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the meeting. Energy ministers from the Southern Gas Corridor member-states and representatives of a number of organizations, as well as European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union, co-chair of SGC Advisory Council Maros Sefcovic were participating in the event. The Southern Gas Corridor is an issue of energy security and the energy security is national security of countries, said President Aliyev addressing the meeting. He added that the existing international cooperation in this sphere is an example of mutual trust. President Aliyev noted that the event is attended by important guests from various countries. Azerbaijan has established close cooperation with the European Commission for the implementation of SGC project, he said. We have been able to create a unique and exemplary format of international cooperation, noted the president emphasizing that the implementation of SGC project is a very important factor for future ties. Speaking about the energy policy of Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev noted that the Contract of the Century signed in 1994 has played a significant role in the implementation of future energy projects. He said that the achievements of modern Azerbaijan have become possible thanks to this contract. Emphasizing the importance of the Shah Deniz gas field in the implementation of SGC project, the president said that the capacities of this field play an important role in the popularization of Azerbaijan as a country with huge gas reserves. The head of the state noted the importance of regional cooperation under this project and gave examples of energy corridors implemented by Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey over the years. Stating the significance of an agreement signed several years ago between Azerbaijan and Turkey on the implementation of TANAP project, as well as the Trans Adriatic Pipeline project in effectuating the Southern Gas Corridor, President Aliyev noted that such meetings have a special role in the timely and qualitative implementation of the project. The president spoke about the advancements achieved since the last years meeting, noting that Shah Deniz-2 project has been implemented by 90 percent. Furthermore, important achievements have been observed with regard to TANAP and TAP projects. He added that the development of Azerbaijans Absheron gas field has commenced, which shows that the countrys gas potential is not limited to Shah Deniz. Emphasizing the activity of international financial institutions in the implementation of SGC project, the president said that active participation of Europes financial organizations in the projects implementation also would have been very important. The head of the state noted that the environmental issues, being envisaged as part of the project, are based on high standards, and wished success to the conference. Azerbaijans Energy Minister Natig Aliyev and European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic also delivered speeches at the meeting. The meeting continued with plenary sessions and round tables. The Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council held its first meeting on February 12, 2015, and the second meeting on February 29, 2016. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 11:06 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova Azerbaijans state energy company SOCAR and Japans Itochu Oil Exploration Co inked a Memorandum of Understanding on scientific and technical cooperation on February 22. The document was signed during a meeting with the Japanese delegation, which arrived in Baku to participate in the ninth meeting of the Azerbaijan-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee. Yashar Latifov, SOCAR Vice-President for Strategic Development said that Japanese companies are among the most reliable partners of Azerbaijan in the oil and gas sector. He recalled that Itochu joined the Contract of the Century in 1996 and it has been successfully cooperating with SOCAR for almost 20 years. Head of the Japanese delegation, Vice Chairman of Itochu Corporation Yoichi Kobayashi in turn said that favorable geographical location of Azerbaijan increases its role as a new energy hub. He mentioned that Japanese companies are interested in expanding cooperation in oil and gas production, trading and other areas. Being one of the largest Japanese general trading companies, Itochu became one of the first international companies to be involved in regional oil and gas projects in Azerbaijan. ITOCHUs joining to the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli (ACG) marked the first time that a Japanese or East Asian company had ever become a partner to a PSA for the region. SOCAR and Itochu maintain partnership in various projects, including Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli (ACG) and Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) international projects. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 15:42 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova Volatility continues to be a dominating tendency in the black gold market, which is caught between contradictory trends of persisting abundance of oil and joint efforts of major producers to cut output levels. Oil futures climbed nearly 1 percent on February 23 affected by American Petroleum Institute (API) data on a surprise decline in U.S. crude stocks as imports fell. Brent crude was up 40 cents, or 0.7 percent, at $56.24, while the U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude April contract rose some 41 cents, or 0.8 percent, to $54.00 a barrel, Reuters reported. The price of a barrel of Azeri Light crude oil decreased $1.23 to stand at $57.16. API data became supportive for the view that a global glut is close to end. The data showed that crude inventories fell by almost 884,000 barrels last week to 512.7 million, while expectations were for an increase of 3.5 million barrels. Market watchdogs are eagerly waiting for official data from the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration (EIA). The market is still full of doubts and concerns as though OPEC is sticking to the deal, other producers, particularly the U.S. are increasing output levels, helping stocks to swell. The OPEC deal is deemed to be successful as it has already taken nearly 1 million bpd off of the market, but against expectations, even at this point the market is still far from balance, while the current oil prices are still below expected and needed levels. Besides, there are also worries that non-OPEC members aren't cutting production as much as promised. Eleven non-OPEC oil producers that joined the OPEC deal have reportedly delivered at least 60 percent of promised curbs so far. However, the comments of Qatar's oil minister, Mohammed Saleh Al Sada raised doubts over the compliance of producers to their reduction quotas. Speaking at the International Petroleum Week in London, he said some members were producing cuts that amounted to about 50 percent of what they promised, mentioning such countries as Russia and Mexico. Compliance of non-OPEC producers is estimated at around 50 percent however, the mechanism of calculating it is not as articulated as OPEC. I think the adherence maybe more than that," he said. The Cartel in tandem with other producers aims to reduce production by around 1.8 million bpd to oust the problem of oil glut that kept prices depressed for more than two years. OPEC members are expected to come together in May, while the main focus will be on global inventories and whether output cuts have managed to lower them. Experts believe that unless OPEC extends its production cut for another six months, oil prices could easily go back to the bottom low level of $30s, where it was two years ago. Currently there is little sign that more supply will be taken off the market as OPEC officials say it is still too early to say whether oil producers will extend their output cuts. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 15:49 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova The European Commission once again hailed the importance of the ambitious Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) project, which is set to change the energy map of an entire region. Vice-President of the European Commission Marosh Shevchovich said that the project has strategic importance for the energy security and diversification plans of Europe. The official was addressing the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council Third Ministerial Meeting in Baku, February 23. Shevchovich went on to add that Europe appreciates the opportunity to have the new route, which will connect Europe with such important region as the Caspian Basin and to cooperate with Azerbaijan. The European countries implement variety of measures aiming to achieve an integrated energy market, security of energy supply and sustainability of the energy sector. Azerbaijan is an important energy partner for the EU, currently supplying around 5 percent of the EU's oil demand but the pivotal role of the country is related to its position as an enabler of the SGS. Being one of the biggest construction projects of our times SGC, covering the area of 3,500 km, is expected to bring some 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas from the Caspian region to Europe. Reflecting the importance of the Southern Gas Corridor for all countries involved in the program, a number of international financial institutions are supporting the project. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 17:17 (UTC+04:00) French Total is to take its final investment decision (FID) on development of the Absheron gas field, in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, by the end of 2017. Total's senior vice president for Europe and central Asia, Michael Borrell, told delegates at the IP Week conference on February 22, according to Natural Gas World. The first development well will be drilled at the end of this year, he said. Production would be about 150mn ft/day, or about 1.5bn m/yr, for delivery to the local market, although the 350bn m field is capable of producing more. There is also condensate. While Total has held discussions with the government about allowing exports, these have not produced a result, Borrell told NGW, so the company is focusing on the $1bn first phase only. Reflecting the difficult geology of the Caspian, the first well drilled into the reservoir in the 1990s found nothing commercial and the operator Chevron relinquished it. Under a new production-sharing agreement in 2009, Total drilled a second well, 5 km away and the other side of a fault, and that was successful, he told delegates. Subject to a FID this year on Absheron, first gas could be produced as early as 2019, said Borrell. Total is the operator of Absheron with a 40 percent interest alongside SOCAR (40 percent) and ENGIE (20 percent).Moreover, Total possesses a 5 percent share in the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline project. Being headquartered in Paris, Total is considered to be one of the world's leading energy companies. The operations of the company cover the entire oil and gas chain including exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas as well as power generation, transportation, refining, product trading. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 17:46 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Energy Minister of Azerbaijan Natig Aliyev stated that the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council is of vital political meaning. Not only is the SGC a pure economic project and enjoys great interest, but every country attaches political significance to it, he told Azertac. What makes us happy is that every year the number of countries, which participate in the SGC Advisory Council, increases. This is indicative of the growing interest in Azerbaijan and the project. The number of our partners, supporters and friends increases day by day. Aliyev further said that the Advisory Council is a platform and Azerbaijan uses it. The visit of the US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Diplomacy Robin Dunnigan to Baku shows that the White House did not change its attitude towards Azerbaijan and the SGC project, he added. US ambassador to Azerbaijan Robert Cekuta has repeatedly emphasized that the US will always support Azerbaijan in the SGC project because it is of pivotal significance not only to Azerbaijan, but also to Europe, to the USA and to global energy security. At the same time, the UK`s Prime Ministerial Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan Baroness Nicholson is also attending the meeting of the SGC Advisory Council. This is an important fact, noted Aliyev. 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. The Third Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council kicked off in Baku on February 23. Energy ministers from the Southern Gas Corridor member-states and representatives of a number of organizations, as well as European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union, co-chair of SGC Advisory Council Maros Sefcovic participated in the event. The Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council held its first meeting on February 12, 2015, and the second meeting on February 29, 2016. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 18:02 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova The Southern Gas Corridor is an issue of energy security and the energy security is national security of any country. That was stated by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, who attended the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council Third Ministerial Meeting in Baku on February 23. The event brought together the energy ministers and representatives of various organizations from the Southern Gas Corridor member-states, as well as Maros Sefcovic, Vice-President of the European Commission and co-chair of SGC Advisory Council. Addressing the meeting, the head of state said that Azerbaijan has established close cooperation with the European Commission for the implementation of SGC project. We have been able to create a unique and exemplary format of international cooperation, and the implementation of SGC project is a very important factor for future ties, he said. The ambitious SGC project, one of the European Union's priority energy projects, is assessed as a strategically important initiative that will allow Europe to secure its energy security. The project which is set to change the energy map of an entire region will bring Caspian gas to the European markets. Being an important energy partner for the EU, Azerbaijan is currently supplying around 5 percent of the EU's oil demand but the pivotal role of the country is related to its position as an enabler of the SGS. Speaking about the energy policy of Azerbaijan, President Aliyev noted that the Contract of the Century signed in 1994 has played a significant role in the implementation of future energy projects, mentioning that the achievements of modern Azerbaijan have become possible thanks to the contract. Emphasizing the importance of the Shah Deniz gas field in the implementation of SGC project, the president said that the capacities of this field play an important role in the popularization of Azerbaijan as a country with huge gas reserves. The president also spoke about the advancements achieved since the last years meeting, noting that Shah Deniz-2 project has been implemented by 90 percent. Furthermore, important achievements have been observed with regard to TANAP and TAP projects. He added that the development of Azerbaijans Absheron gas field has commenced, which shows that the countrys gas potential is not limited to Shah Deniz. Speaking at the event, Vice-President of the European Commission Marosh Shevchovich once again hailed the importance that the European Commission attaches to the project. The Southern Gas Corridor project has strategic importance for the energy security of Europe.The EU appreciates the opportunity to have new connection to the very important Caspian basin, and to have such an important partner as Azerbaijan in this effort, he said. Shevchovich added that he will encourage international financial institutions to look into the ways how they can include European financial institutions in financing of the project. He went on to say that the project will significantly benefit all the communities along the entire route of the pipeline The strong support of the United States was once again reiterated during the meeting. Deputy Assistant in the Department of States Bureau of Energy Resources Robin Dunnigan said that the project remains strategic priority for the United States. Speaking at a press conference held after the meeting Azerbaijani Energy Minister Natig Aliyev said that all financial institutions taking part in the meeting once again expressed their commitment to the project. The Council held its first meeting on February 12, 2015, and the second meeting on February 29, 2016. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Law enforcement declared the main Dakota Access Pipeline resistance camp cleared as of 2:09 p.m. Thirty-three people had been arrested by 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, after the law enforcement and North Dakota National Guard members entered the main camp about two hours earlier. Officers dressed in riot gear began entering the main Dakota Access Pipeline resistance camp and appear to be checking on structures. Authorities were using plastic handcuffs and placing those arrested into transport vans. Some of the protesters refused to walk, and had to be carried. Lt. Tom Iverson of the North Dakota Highway Patrol said there had been no reports of injuries to protesters or officers, and there had been no known use of less-than-lethal munitions. Law enforcement staged heavy equipment and Humvees on the hill above the camp, while officers dressed in the protective gear could be seen working in the area about 10:30 a.m. A helicopter and airplane also flew above the camp. About 18 National Guard members, along with equipment, joined officers moving into the camp. Iverson said there were about 200 law enforcement officers total who entered the camp. Law enforcement estimated 30 people remained in the evacuation area in the morning, but one observer put the number higher. About a dozen people have crossed the frozen Cannonball River and re-entered the camp as of 9 a.m. Thursday. Cleanup was scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. "We don't know exactly what's inside some of the remaining structures," Iverson said before officers moved into the camp. A total of 11 people were arrested Wednesday, according to a list of names provided by the Morton County Sheriff's Department. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers previously announced it would close the camp Wednesday, and Gov. Doug Burgum signed an evacuation order with a Wednesday deadline, emphasizing safety concerns and the need to clean up the camp ahead of spring flooding. Burgum said Wednesday evening that people could still leave voluntarily Thursday. Those arrested Wednesday included one member of the media, Jack Smith IV of Mic, an online news outlet. Iverson said everyone was warned to leave Highway 1806 or face arrest. One person arrested who reported a hip injury was "medically cleared" from the hospital and taken to jail, Iverson said. Most of those who were arrested were taken to the Lake Region Correctional Facility in Devils Lake. None of those who were arrested Wednesday were from North Dakota. Four are from California, while the others are from Canada, Illinois, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wisconsin. There was no new information Thursday morning about the 17-year-old girl who was "severely burned" Wednesday and airlifted to Minneapolis or the 7-year-old boy who also injured. Jessica Holdman of the Bismarck Tribune contributed to this report. 23 February 2017 11:40 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova The Iranian Parliament has allowed the country's oil ministry to export surplus gas to Europe and neighboring countries in the next fiscal year, which will start March 2017. The approval is a part of the next fiscal years budget bill which is being discussed at the parliament, IRNA reported. Under the bill, the Iranian oil ministry should take steps to export gas to the EU and neighboring countries-which are not buying oil from Iran- using the private sector potential, if the gas output surpasses 1,000 million cubic meters per day. Irans gross gas output currently stands at 820 million cubic meters per day, while the countrys commercial gas output reaches 700 million cubic meters per day. The Iranian parliament approved general outlines of the national budget bill for the next Iranian fiscal year on February 21. The draft budget bill has put the price of a barrel of oil at $50 for the next fiscal year. Some 20 percent of the countrys oil revenue will go to the National Development Fund. The draft has predicted that Irans revenue from oil exports would stand at 1,100 trillion rials (about $33.3 billion according to USD rate against Iranian national currency envisaged by the draft bill). The Islamic Republic of Iran, the country with the largest natural gas reserves in the world, strives to sell its natural gas in the European markets soon. However, the country lacks necessary export infrastructure to realize gas sales. There is no transit gas pipeline connecting Iran with the EU. The Islamic state may either construct new pipeline via Turkey or build a connector to the Trans-Anatolian pipeline - TANAP (Turkish leg of the Southern Gas Corridor). Iran also considers exporting its gas in LNG form. The country is aiming to build LNG facilities within two years. Head of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) Hamidreza Araqi previously said his country wants to increase its share in the global gas trade from the current 1 percent up to 10 percent, increasing volumes of gas export, including LNG, up to about 60-80 bcm by 2021. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 16:19 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Turkish Army and Free Syrian Army (FSA) have taken full control of downtown al-Bab from the Islamic State (IS aka Daesh) terrorists, General Staff of Turkey said on February 23. On Aug. 24, 2016, the Turkish Armed Force launched an operation to liberate the city of Jarabulus from the IS militants in northern Syria, near Aleppo. The operation was dubbed the Euphrates Shield. Syria has been suffering from an armed conflict since March 2011, which, according to the UN, has so far claimed over 500,000 lives. Militants from various armed groups are confronting the Syrian government troops. The IS, YPG and PYD are the most active terrorist groups in Syria. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 16:42 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova Resource-rich Kazakhstan has set its oil production forecast for 2017 at the level of 81 million tons. Economy minister of the country Timur Suleymanov said that the increase is mainly due to expansion of production at Kashagan field, the world's largest discovery in the last 30 years, Kazakhstan Today reported. Kazakhstan over-fulfilled its plan of energy production and increased the volume of export in 2016. The plan for 2016 was at the level of 75.5 million tons, while the actual volume stood at 78 million tons of oil. The over-fulfillment was also due to production at Kashagan, which added some 1 million tons to the output level in 2016. The country plans to produce 8.9 million tons of oil and 5.6 million tons of gas at Kashagan field in 2017 with gradual increase in output in subsequent years. Export of Kazakh oil increased up to 62 million tons, while liquefied gas production increased by some 136 tons. The country is expected to be among the main contributors to world oil output growth in 2017, according to OPEC. The adjusted Kazakh oil supply is expected to grow by 0.14 million bpd and average 1.70 million bpd. In late 2016, Kazakhstan agreed to implement modest cuts of some 20,000 bpd from November 2016 level within a deal between OPEC and non-cartel producers. The reduction was mainly implemented in fields located in the Aktobe and Kyzylorda regions. Proven oil reserves of the country as of early 2016 stood at 30 billion barrels, according to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 17:25 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Uzbekistans President Shavkat Mirziyoyev plans to pay the first state visit as head of state to Kazakhstan in March, said Uzbek First Deputy Prime Minister Achilbay Ramatov. He made the remarks at a meeting of the joint intergovernmental commission on the Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan cooperation held in Tashkent on February 23. Ramatov said the intergovernmental commission meeting is being considered as an important preparatory event to elaborate joint practical measures to fill the agenda of forthcoming high-level meetings with specific and important mutually beneficial projects. At the meeting, the Kazakh delegation was headed by First Deputy Prime Minister Askar Mamin. The Kazakh diplomatic mission in Tashkent said it is planned to discuss the bilateral strategic partnership and its further activization, trade, economic, transportation and logistics cooperation, etc. as part of the visit. Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan amounted to more than $2 billion in 2016. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 10:01 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Many tourists say they have never seen many beautiful modern and historical buildings in one place until they came to Baku. They are thrilled with the history of Baku, Azerbaijan and its natural cultural richness. Most of these tourists happily share their experiences with friends or in blogs, telling about the amazing beauty of Baku, its fantastic nature and details of their everyday life here. One of these tourists is Vyacheslav Alcopon, a photographer from St. Petersburg. After his trip to Baku, the photographer has posted dozens of lovely pictures on his social network pages. "Baku is very modern and cozy city. Not every capital can impress me, but Baku could. Azerbaijan's regions are more beautiful. People there are very friendly and open-hearted ", he added. Baku is a wonderful city on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Centuries-long history is reflected in its medieval landmarks, where the special place is given to the Old city called Icherisheher. On the other hand, it is a fast-growing megapolis with glittering skyscrapers and unusual architectural monuments of the 21st century. Oriental past and hi tech future is entwined in the way that it gives an impression of taking a journey through time. The biggest attraction of Baku is Boulevard that stretches many kilometers along the shores of the Caspian Sea. There are different kinds of attractions in the surroundings of Baku as well. The most ancient one is the Gobustan Museum of Petroglyphs not far from another landmark mud volcanoes. Another interesting touristy spots are fire monuments, flaming hill of Yanardag, temple of fire worshippers Ateshgah and the historical-ethnographic museum of Gala. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 February 2017 11:00 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli The United Arab Emirates and Azerbaijan will be much closer after opening of new flights between the two countries. Air Arabia, the low-cost airline of the UAE, will carry out Sharjah-Baku-Sharjah flights starting March, 2017. A relevant agreement was signed in January between Sky Star Travel and Air Arabia. Sky Star Travel was appointed as an official general sales agent of Air Arabia in Azerbaijan. The airline has a great networks in 125 destinations. Air Arabia manager Konstantin Kurilo, addressing the presentation of a new project of Sky Star Travel, said that as a result of successful development and sustainable socio-political stability, Azerbaijan has turned into an attractive country for tourists and investors. Since March, Air Arabia will carry out regular flights on Sharjah-Baku-Sharjah route. The flights will be implemented by Airbus 320 planes and four times in a week, he said. Travelers will be able to use direct flights en route Sharjah-Gabala and Sharjah-Nakhchivan routes. Azerbaijan has simplified visa regime for citizens of a number of Gulf countries, including the UAE, since November 10, 2015. The UAE citizens get visa upon arrival in Azerbaijan at any international airport of the country. This visa is valid for 30 days. This simplified visa system with the UAE has led to a significant increase in the number of tourists coming from the UAE to Azerbaijan. The figure increased by 10 times in January-August 2016 as compared to the same period of 2015, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and Tourism said earlier. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz This year's inductees will be honored at ASB's annual technical conference in Chicago. Four industry leaders who demonstrated a history of vision, innovation and leadership in various segments of the industry will join the Baking Hall of Fame. This years ceremony will be held during the American Society of Bakings (ASB) annual technical conference in Chicago on Feb. 27. The inductees are Albert L. (Bud) Cason of Buds Best Cookies, Birmingham, AL; Murray and Marvin Lender of Lenders Bagel Bakery, New Haven, CT; and Joe Schwebel of Schwebels Baking Co., Youngstown, OH. This year, as in previous ones, the selection committee gathered an impressive list of nominees, said John Del Campo, Baking Hall of Fame Evaluation Committee chair and general manager, baking division, Repco. All were extraordinary candidates. Its rewarding to know that so many outstanding individuals have served or continue to be active in our industry. Mr. Del Campo said this years class exemplifies the industrys diversity, which is also the theme for BakingTech 2017. We have inductees from not only the traditional bread category but also cookies and bagels, he said. The inductees bring the total members of the Baking Hall of Fame, created in 2006, up to 76. Those honored in the hall come from all sectors of the baking industry from bakeries, allied equipment and ingredient suppliers, schools, service organizations and publishers. Hall of Fame sponsors are Repco, The Long Co., Mother Murphys, Bundy Baking Solutions and Burford Corp. Mr. Cason was one of the first cookie producers to recognize the potential of contract manufacturing. In the 1970s, large consumer products goods companies were moving out of manufacturing activities to concentrate their resources on marketing, and he jumped on the opportunity. In the course of doing so, he arguably invented the mini-cookie category by being the first to master mass production of these bite-sized treats. His nomination wasnt based solely on his industry expertise but also his contributions to his community and church, where he gives generously to their causes, charities and initiatives. Brothers Murray and Marvin Lender, first-generation Americans, brought a small family bakery to national recognition. They paved the way for other bakers to add ethnic specialties to the diversity of products offered by the commercial baking industry. Bagels may not have ever become an American breakfast and sandwich staple without the Lenders. Following their bakery careers, both immersed themselves in local and national charity work. Mr. Schwebel literally grew up in his familys bakery. He combined his education in business management techniques with bakings daily disciplines by riding bread routes and working directly with customers and shoppers. He eventually turned the bakery into a regional power by leading with action-based solutions that kept the industry ahead of the ebb and flow of consumer trends. For example, when the low-carb craze threatened commercial baking in 2004, he helped establish and fund the Grain Foods Foundation. He also served on the boards of the American Bakers Association, Quality Bakers of America and AIB International before his death in 2012. The lives and careers of these individuals provide wonderful examples of excellence and leadership, Mr. Del Campo said. They represent the best qualities of compassion, forward thinking and personal judgment. To learn more about these inductees, visit www.asbe.org. 10 pipeline protesters were arrested for trespassing by 5 p.m. Wednesday, following state evacuation orders of the Oceti Sakowin camp. The pipeline protest camp was filled with fire and ceremony throughout the day, including a walk, accompanied by singing and drumming, that emptied the camp of most of its occupants. It is estimated that 50 to 75 occupants of the camp remain. Law enforcement had no plans to enter on Wednesday. "This isn't going to be over today; we all knew that," said North Dakota Highway Patrol Lt. Tom Iverson on Wednesday. He said, when police move in, they will be clearing all remaining buildings looking for evidence of criminal activity or weapons before the structures are removed. Cleanup is reportedly slated for the morning. Some protesters have reported their vehicles are stuck in sometimes knee-deep mud, as conditions at the camp deteriorated amid snow and cold. By late afternoon, some protesters have begun trickling into a travel assistance center, established as a humanitarian effort by the North Dakota Department of Human Services, North Dakota Department of Emergency Services and the North Dakota Department of Health in a warehouse on Grumman Lane in south Bismarck. At about 1:50 p.m., pipeline protesters had barricaded the entrance to the Oceti Sakowin camp and a nearby structure was set on fire. Police reported that a female burn victim was taken by ambulance to a hospital. Closing of the camp, which was founded to protest the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline under the Missouri River just north of the Standing Rock reservation, has garnered national attention. This country owes a great deal of gratitude and respect to the 300 indigenous communities and counting who united at Standing Rock to oppose this disastrous pipeline and affirm their rights as sovereign nations," said Mary Sweeters, a climate campaigner for Greenpeace, in a statement released today. "These water protectors inspired people around the world by standing up for the right to clean water and a future free from fossil fuels. Allies around the world acting in solidarity with Standing Rock cannot stop now." Several structures at the Oceti Sakowin protest camp were set on fire Wednesday morning as anti-pipeline demonstrators awoke to their last day of occupying the land. More fires were set to structures during the afternoon at individual campsites as some chose to burn their possessions rather than leave them behind. To make it easier for the last remnants of a movement, which numbered as many as 10,000 people at one point, buses were ready to give rides to those with no other means of transportation. The free service offered by the state includes personal kits, water and snacks, health assessments, bus fare for a return trip home, a food voucher, hotel lodging for one night and a taxi voucher to the bus terminal. "Amnesty" buses are prepared to provide transportation from the protest camp to the assistance center, Gov. Doug Burgum said. Bismarck Tribune reporter Blair Emerson contributed to this article. FARGO A candlelight vigil took place on campus at North Dakota State University on Wednesday night to honor six students who have died this academic year. It proves the great saying of this university: The strength of the herd is the bison, and the strength of the bison is the herd. We may be weaker for this loss, but we will be stronger with this memory, said NDSU President Dean Bresciani, fighting back tears as he addressed the mournful crowd of more than 300 people in Memorial Union Great Plains Ballroom. The vigil on Wednesday was organized by a group of students from Seim Hall dormitory government. A prayer started the ceremony and the mic was open for anyone to come and share a few words about one of the six students. Family, former classmates and several members of the Gold Star Marching Band took to the podium to tell stories and offer their support for others struggling with loss at this time. I dug my sons grave with the help of my father, my brother and his boys and a couple other friends. It was just something I had to do for closure for my son, said Paul Roney, father of Carson Dennis Roney, who died in a car crash a few weeks ago. I look out over this crowd and I see a lot of young faces He really enjoyed going to school here. He really enjoyed his Bison community being part of the herd. Of the six students who recently died, Nicholas Reitan, NDSU senior serving as a public relations executive for the universitys student government, said some of the deaths may not have been publicized. Some of those students who died were not actively attending NDSU and left early in the semester, he added. The names of all six students could not be released. So far this year, there have been two fatal car crashes that killed three NDSU freshmen. On Jan. 9, 18-year-old Brooke Nicole Schroeder, of Max, died in a crash on Interstate 94. Schroeder was studying agriculture education and was previously her high schools class valedictorian. About a month later on Feb. 11, another crash occurred on I-94 involving 18-year-old Carson Dennis Roney, from Oakes, who had plans to practice medicine in his hometown, and 18-year-old Danie Leigh Thomssen of Bismarck, who wanted to be an orthodontist and was a member of the Gold Star band. Thomssens mother, Glenda, spoke on behalf of her family and thanked students and staff for their support. There is not a doubt in my mind that they are in a better place, she said of her daughter and Roney. NDSU has hosted similar memorial services to grieve and remember former classmates whose lives were cut short on several other occasions. In 2012, more than 900 students, faculty and staff filled the Memorial Union Ballroom for a memorial service honoring four NDSU freshmen who died in a horrific three-vehicle crash on I-94. Those freshmen originally from Minnesota were Jordan Playle of Elk River, Lauren Peterson of Prior Lake, Danielle Renninger of Excelsior and Megan Sample of Rogers. In 2014, hundreds of mourners gathered at NDSU and even more at a memorial service in Sartell, Minn., to mark the life of Thomas Bearson with candlelight vigils. The 18-year-old freshmans body had been found in south Moorhead. His slaying remains unsolved. Reitan said he sees these memorial services as being reflective of how close-knit we are. There are about 14,000 students on campus he said, but the attitude you have when youre on campus is youre all part of this community. Its tough, Reitan said. Especially when theres anybody who has passed away at a young age. Everybody has that feeling that its a life that's not fully lived. They never got the opportunity to go outside of campus life and make a name and experience all that life has to offer. Reitan said the recent deaths affect some students more than others. For someone who may have just met a new friend as a freshman and to suddenly never be able to talk to them, its tough for them to process, he said. By bringing those students together, Reitan said its the quickest way we can help them process those feelings. Nine people, including a sitting North Dakota lawmaker, have been interviewed for the vacant Public Service Commission seat, according to a list provided by Gov. Doug Burgums office Thursday. The three-member commission is down one member after Brian Kalk left for a job at the University of North Dakotas Energy and Environmental Research Center in January after serving two years of his second six-year term. Burgum, will appoint Kalks successor. The following nine people have been interviewed for the position, according to an email from Burgums Chief Administrative Officer JoDee Hanson: Sheri Haugen-Hoffart Ilona Jeffcoat-Sacco Brian Kroshus Wade Mann John Schuh (Withdrew from consideration) Vicky Steiner Ryan Taylor Blair Thoreson Andrea Travnicek Steiner is a Republican state representative from Dickinson who has served in the North Dakota House since 2011. In an interview, she said shes familiar with the issues that the PSC deals with. The commission is a regulator with varying levels of authority over electric and gas utilities, telecommunications companies, railroads, grain elevators and others, according to its website. I have 30 years experience working in western North Dakota, Steiner said. Its things Im very familiar with and I live with it. Steiner would resign from the Legislature if she is chosen round out the PSC. The Legislature finished the first half of the 2017 session Thursday and will reconvene March 1. Taylor is a former Democratic state senator from Towner who served as the minority leader. Thoreson is a former Republican state representative from Fargo who lost his seat in Novembers election. Brian Kroshus is the former publisher of the Bismarck Tribune who made an unsuccessful bid for state auditor last year. Andrea Travnicek served as a senior policy advisor to former Govs. Jack Dalrymple and John Hoeven. Hansons email, dated Tuesday and forwarded to Forum News Service Thursday afternoon, said no additional interviews have been scheduled. Its not clear when Burgum will appoint Kalks successor. A Lakewood High School student was arrested Wednesday for bringing a machete on the school's campus concealed inside a trombone case. According to a media release, St. Petersburg Police school resource officers arrested Daquan Maybell, 18, after the 28-inch machete was discovered by another student who opened the case to use the trombone. Officials said Maybell claimed he brought the machete to school because he was going to do yard work immediately after school. Lakewood High School policy forbids students from bringing weapons of any kind on school property. &amp;nbsp; St. Petersburg officials admit they have no idea what they will do with the shuttered Midtown Walmart. Public meeting today on what's next after closure of Midtown Walmart Midtown Walmart shut down earlier in February City officials say they are open to ideas But they are open to ideas. The Midtown Walmart closed its doors during the first week of February, about a month ahead of schedule. Residents near the Tangerine Plaza Neighborhood Market store, located at 1794 22nd Street South, will now have to look elsewhere for groceries, goods and prescription services. Walmart officials said the closure is based on low financial performance along with a number of other factors. Shoppers in the Midtown area will have to travel to other markets or one of the closest Walmarts, at 34th Street and First Avenue N. Meanwhile, city officials are trying to decide what's next for the troubled plaza. The city is hosting a public meeting today at 6 p.m. to hear ideas from the public about what to do next with the empty storefront. The meeting is being held at the St. Petersburg College Douglas L. Jamerson, Jr. Midtown Center community room. The center is located at 1300 22nd Street South. Replacing the Walmart is bigger than Tangerine Plaza, city officials say. It is ground zero in the city's efforts to turn Midtown around and restore the hundreds of jobs lost when Walmart abruptly closed. The city had already put $2.2 million into Tangerine Plaza last year and this came three years after a string of efforts to bring Walmart to the location after Sweetbay supermarket closed. St. Petersburg Rick Kriseman said Midtown has been a revolving door for corporate America, saying retailers move in with high hopes and then leave the area after a few years. City officials say whoever ends moving into the space, a commitment to the area will be a requirement. MORTON COUNTY The Oceti Sakowin protest camp is history as of Wednesday and the camps ending was a visual drama of structures burning in a heavy wet snow with at least two propane-suspected explosions and a brief episode of defiant fireworks. The camp established in protest of the Dakota Access Pipeline was evacuated by order of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the governors office and negotiations between the camp and officials in recent days paved the way for a mostly peaceful departure. Those still in the camp gathered for a ceremony at around 1 p.m. near where the camps sacred fire burned for months. They followed the song and drumming out of the camp, slogging through ankle-deep muddy slop, many in tears as they walked up flag road, where the brilliant colors of many other tribal nations once had been displayed. Perhaps 70 refused to follow the official 2 p.m. evacuation deadline and at least nine people were arrested later in the afternoon in a skirmish with police. Police, led by the Morton County Sheriffs Department and the North Dakota Highway Patrol, were well prepared for the possibility: At least 100 officers and equipment were staged near the camp throughout the day. Highway Patrol Lt. Tom Iverson said the operation would continue as the camp was emptied voluntarily or by force. This isnt going to be over today, we all knew that, Iverson said Wednesday afternoon. He said police would carefully clear the camp, structure by structure, looking for criminal evidence and possible weapons, before structures would be removed. At least a dozen structures were intentionally set on fire, both Tuesday night and Wednesday starting early in the morning under a gray, cold sky. One fire caused a propane explosion, sending a 7-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl to a Bismarck hospital for burn treatment. People in the camp said the structure burnings were ceremonial and a way to return prayers to the earth and sky; others said burning a plywood structure was simply easier than tearing it down. People continued to move out of the camp right up until the deadline, using sleds and wagons to haul belongings to the highway. Mud made it impossible for almost any vehicle to maneuver in the camp, though at least two snowmobiles roared around on top of the sludge. Cleanup operations were suspended for the day while the evacuation was underway. Police wanted to escort the equipment operators into the camp, but camp leaders rejected the idea of armed police entering before the deadline. About 230 loads of garbage and abandoned camp equipment already have been cleared out. Tonya Olson, a Yankton Sioux, stood up on the highway and said she was leaving as ordered because she didnt want to be arrested, a concern for some who simply wanted to avoid legal trouble or who have existing records. She said she left the camp with mixed feelings. Im a little sad because were being removed. But this camp will always and forever be here. It will be in our prayers and in our minds; Im so glad that I came, Olson said. Ray Kingfisher, who helped lead the departure ceremony, stood among the camp faithful at the very end. Remember this day. Thank you all for being part of history its why were here until the very last second, he told them. This is a beautiful place. This is not going to stop us; we all know water is life. The Oceti Sakowin camp, once occupied since August by as many as 10,000 people from hundreds of tribal nations, people around the country and the world, will not be the last chapter in the pipeline protest, though it will be historic for being the largest of its kind ever formed in the country. Many leaving the camp were headed to one of three other camps inside the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. Meanwhile, the $3.8 billion pipeline is nearing completion, following a Trump administration decision to issue the final easement to cross the Missouri River/Lake Oahe near the protest camp. The Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Sioux continue to battle the project in federal court on grounds that the pipeline presents a threat to its water and sacred sites. The company says the pipeline is safe. A proposal that would have created a two-year moratorium on new wind energy development in North Dakota was stripped from legislation that ultimately passed the Senate as a study of the states energy plan Wednesday. Senate Bill 2314, as passed by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Tuesday, would have prevented the Public Service Commission from approving a wind farm application submitted in the two years starting Aug. 1 unless the commission determined that added generation was needed for the states consumers. Sen. Dwight Cook, R-Mandan, who introduced the controversial amendment, asked for the provision to be separated from a section requesting a legislative study of the long-term energy plan for the state. He asked his colleagues to defeat the division of the bill that included the moratorium language, which they did on a voice vote Wednesday. We had the discussion we needed to have, Cook said after the vote. Cook expressed concern that there is a direct relationship between the increase in wind energy production and the decline in coal production, pointing to the planned closure of the Stanton Station power plant in Mercer County. Great River Energy said it was ending operations there because of low energy prices in the region. We should all be concerned about reliability, Cook said on the Senate floor. Our coal industry is committed to going to carbonless, but its going to cost a lot of money. We could have clean, sustainable electricity with coal and maybe natural gas, but we dont have a plan yet today on how were going to get there. North Dakota will add about 1,000 megawatts of wind power in the 10 month period between May 2016 and March of this year, Randy Christmann, the PSC chairman previously told Forum News Service. The state added about 2,000 megawatts over the 10 years prior to that, he said. The study ultimately passed the Senate by a 42-4 margin. Oregon Coast Scientists Warn Warming Ocean Temps May Create Chaos Published 02/23/2017 at 4:49 AM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff (Newport, Oregon) 20 of the world's leading oceanographic researchers today released new evidence indicating how warming ocean temperatures around the globe will create some chaotic changes in that habitat by the year 2100. The deep ocean floor may see starvation and devastating ecological changes by the end of this century, and this will in turn have difficult implications for the rest of the planet. Among those researchers who were part of the study were Andrew Thurber, an Oregon State University marine ecologist and co-author. This facility does much of its work through the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, on the central Oregon coast. The study's findings were published this week in the journal Elementa. Thurber said warming ocean temperatures result in the increase of acidification and the spread of low-oxygen zones something the Oregon coast has already dealt with in the last decade with the notorious dead zones that appeared periodically. But it's the biodiversity of all the ocean's deeper depths that are at stake, from 200 to 6,000 meters below the surface. These ecosystems are only now being understood in how they affect the functioning of the planet, Thurber said. The threat begins with less food dropping to the bottom for the creatures that live there, and that at the very least will create enormous problems in the fishing industry. The numerous Earth models researchers used to make projections also pointed to difficulties with the oceans' ability to offset growing amounts of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere. Biodiversity in many of these areas is defined by the meager amount of food reaching the seafloor and over the next 80-plus years - in certain parts of the world - that amount of food will be cut in half, Thurber said. Some species will migrate, others will die, while still some others will thrive. Projections saw the seafloor temperatures increasing by as much as four degrees Celsius in some areas. While four degrees doesnt seem like much on land, that is a massive temperature change in these environments, Thurber said. It is the equivalent of having summer for the first time in thousands to millions of years. Thurber and the other scientists pointed out these regions cover about half the planet. Pointing to the massive die-off of Dungeness crab off the Oregon coast ten years ago, Thurber noted that was the result of a lack of oxygen rising closer to the surface. The same process could be accelerated in higher regions of the ocean around the world by 2100, killing off food for species there and below. Andrew Sweetman, a researcher at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and lead author on the study, said this would result in a famine for much of the deep. This ecosystem is already in heavy competition for food sources that are scarce. The first effect noticeable to humans would be the lack of fish. The North and South Pacific, North and South Atlantic, and North and South Indian oceans would be hit the hardest. Next could be levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The North Atlantic and its currents would be especially affected by warmer temperatures, acidification and lower oxygen, as this area soaks up carbon from the atmosphere and then the currents distribute it further around the world. We think of the deep ocean as incredibly stable and too vast to impact, but it doesnt take much of a deviation to create a radically altered environment, Thurber said. Where to stay on the Oregon coast - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours. More on the Oregon coast below: More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate After more than a year of opposition from a local preservation group and the Orange County Commissioner's Court, Savage Inland Marine has received the lease for a barge-fleeting operation in the Neches River, the Texas General Land Office confirmed on Wednesday. The lease allows Savage Inland Marine, a Utah-based company that purchased the local Thousand Foot Cut Towing Services fleet in May, to legally operate a barge parking lot in an oxbow south of Bessie Heights Marsh. The location in the U-shaped bend of the Neches is for transient vessels not in use or between trips. Savage, and previously Thousand Foot Cut, have been keeping barges in the area without a lease for more than a year. According to GLO Press Secretary Brittany Eck, the lease is for a total of $500,312.95 over the five-year term. Savage will pay between $81,950 and $119,983 a year, she said. The GLO added a requirement to the lease that Savage "purchase and maintain a policy providing pollution liability insurance coverage in the minimum amount of $2 million," according to Eck. Jeff Hymas, communications director for Savage Inland Marine, said the company requested a 20-year lease, but the five-year term can be renewed "as long as we are in compliance" of the lease's conditions. The company already had the required insurance coverage, he said. "We're excited to have been able to agree to terms with the GLO," he said. The Orange County Commissioner's Court, which had approved a resolution in June opposing the company's plan, voted 3-1 on Tuesday to rescind the resolution. Commissioner Barry Burton abstained from voting because of a possible conflict of interest. "I was the no vote," said Commissioner Jody Crump. "There have been multiple people contacting me, literally on a daily basis, expressing their concerns about the potential damage to the marsh," he said. Crump called the response from constituents "highly unusual," and estimated that of the 60 to 70 calls and emails he received about the barges, only two supported the deal. The Commissioner's Court had no authority to approve or deny Savage's lease application. Crump said the court got involved before Savage purchased the company, when barges were being parked illegally in the oxbow last spring. Citizens for the Preservation of Bessie Heights, an opposition group represented by Houston attorney Brandon Barchus, raised concerns about keeping chemical-laden barges in the oxbow. The oxbow is near the entrance to the Bessie Heights Marsh, a popular fishing and hunting area. Opponents have argued the barges damage the nearby riverbanks as well. According to their lease application, Savage is required to keep all barges 30 feet from the shore. The company already had leases with the owners of the shoreline property. Those owners supported the operation because they say it increases regulation and protects their land. The water in the Bessie Heights area and the river is public, requiring the submerged land lease from the GLO as well as the private leases. LTeitz@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/LizTeitz Houston-based MD Anderson Cancer Center has put its oncology collaboration with IBM Watson on hold, according to Forbes. In October 2013, MD Anderson and IBM announced the development of Oncology Expert Advisor, a clinical decision support technology powered by IBM Watson. However, this initiative was benched late last year, and MD Anderson is actively looking to other contractors to potentially replace IBM's role in the project, according to Forbes. Here are four things to know. 1. In a report titled Special Review of Procurement Procedures Related to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Oncology Expert Advisor Project, the University of Texas System Administration said the project cost more than $62.1 million. MD Anderson, which would have owned Oncology Expert Advisor, funded the project research. The $62.1 million figure includes payments made to external firms for planning, project management and development for the Oncology Expert Advisor product. It does not account for internal resources such as staff time, technology infrastructure or administrative support. 2. The report also noted that Oncology Expert Advisor did not reach many of its goals. The project focus changed multiple times and pilot tests at additional hospitals never took place, according to Forbes. "When it was appropriate to do so, the project was placed on hold," an MD Anderson spokesperson told Forbes. "As a public institution, we decided to go out to the marketplace for competitive bids to see where the industry has progressed." 3. IBM has stood by the Oncology Expert Advisor, and an IBM spokesperson told Forbes that "[t]he OEA R&D project was a success, and likely could have been deployed had MD Anderson chosen to take it forward." The Oncology Expert Advisor's recommendations for physicians agreed with experts 90 percent of the time, according to IBM. The University of Texas System Administration report likewise acknowledges that "[r]esults stated herein should not be interpreted as an opinion on the scientific basis or functional capabilities of the system in its current state." 4. The Oncology Expert Advisor, in many ways, is similar to another oncology clinical decision support technology that was trained at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. This commercial product uses the same technology, according to Forbes, and has already been deployed at hospitals in the United States and abroad. St. Louis-based Express Scripts, a pharmacy benefits manager, will cut more than 300 jobs when it closes a call center in Pueblo, Colo., in April, according to The Pueblo Chieftain. Express Scripts is closing the call center due to fewer customers using the center's services. Company spokesman Brian Henry told The Pueblo Chieftain that use of the call center has decreased as more customers use Express Scripts' online capabilities. The company will offer job search assistance to affected employees. Some workers will be offered the opportunity to relocate to another Express Scripts call center, according to the report. More articles on leadership and management: Blount Memorial in Tenn. to eliminate 100 full-time positions How CEOs should address contentious politics: 4 points to consider 12 must-reads for healthcare leaders More than 130 mayors from cities across the U.S. signed a bipartisan letter to congressional leaders in support of the ACA. The letter, which came from the U.S. Conference of Mayors, underscores the importance of patient protections provided by the ACA that have garnered bipartisan support. Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, chair of the USCM Children, Health and Human Services Committee; USCM Vice President New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu and USCM Chief of Staff Ed Somers, led a press conference call with reporters on the letter Feb. 23. The mayors who signed the letter maintain the following provisions of the health law should be retained if it is repealed and replaced: Insuring children up to the age of 26; Eliminating lifetime and annual limits; Assuring eligibility for insurance coverage even with pre-existing conditions; Guaranteeing coverage for pregnancy and breast cancer screenings; and, Providing coverage for preventive services at no additional cost The conference call comes a day after the "National Mayors' Day of Action," which involved 90 mayors across U.S. cities joining with key stakeholders, including residents, small businesses and hospital administrators to spur local action around their message. How do you evaluate the impact of a healthcare leader? Of course, there are hundreds of metrics you might use, from net operating revenue to market share to the many quality awards and designations. All of those are important, but there are other ways of assessing leadership. They may not plug neatly into a data analytics platform, but they may be even more powerful. One of those ways is something I encountered recently while having some blood drawn at the Naples Community Hospital in Florida, near my vacation home. The nurse who was attending to me asked me where I was from and I said Chicago. I asked her the same question and she told me she was from a small town in New York State. It turns out she had worked for Long Island Jewish Hospital, which has since gone through a name change and dramatic expansion. I told her I was quite familiar with Michael Dowling, the CEO of that system, which prompted her to tell me that it was such a great place to work. "They treat their people so well there. Everybody cares about each other and the reason for that is Michael Dowling. If I ever move back to the New York area I would go for a job there as fast as I could." A couple of days later I had to go back to that lab to have a second blood draw. The same nurse was there. This time she showed me a ring she had received from Long Island Jewish for her five-year anniversary. She was so proud of it and once again told me how caring the management of the hospital was to all the people who worked there. You can't buy a better testimonial. This wasn't the first time that I had heard such nice comments about the system and Michael Dowling. I am a great fan of his for a lot reasons, but the most important is the way he treats people. Believe me, that is not always the case when I have talked to alumni of other hospitals. Michael manages to convey a human touch to his organization, no small feat given its scope. Long Island Jewish is now known as Northwell Health. Based in New Hyde Park, it is the largest integrated healthcare system in New York State with a total workforce of more than 62,000 employees. It has 21 hospitals, more than 550 outpatient physician practices and a full complement of long-term care services. Mr. Dowling has won numerous awards from all sorts of organizations (the B'nai B'rith National Healthcare Award and the HIMSS-Modern Healthcare Technology Award are just two) and is called upon time and again to speak at many distinguished gatherings of healthcare leaders. The last time I heard him speak was when he won the 2011 Gail L. Warden Leadership Excellence award from the National Center for Healthcare Leadership. He gave one of most definitive and inspiring talks I have ever heard about how the industry needs to change to meet the demands of a changing marketplace and patient needs. In essence he told the distinguished audience that it couldn't afford to sit and worry about the implications of the ACA and instead step forward aggressively with new systems and plans to give patients better and more efficient care. He also told them to become more familiar with the term "customer service" because in the new developing healthcare environment, that term would be become a rallying cry for better patient care. It was a passionate talk and he was given a standing ovation by the attendees. In reality, it was simply typical Michael Dowling, a man who brings great energy and enthusiasm to every task. My purpose for highlighting Michael Dowling is because he represents the very best in enlightened leadership. He not only cares about his patients but he cares about the people who care for them and treats them with the utmost respect and dignity. This is a big reason that Northwell Health has such a stellar reputation throughout the industry. Yes, there are all sorts of awards and recognitions for all kinds of things in healthcare, but the most precious kudo that any CEO can get is what I heard from that nurse, a former employee giving unsolicited testimony on how much she loved working for that organization, and singling out the CEO for making sure employees feel treasured. Take a bow, Michael Dowling. Primary care physicians remain in high demand, and advanced practitioners are increasingly sought after, according to the Medicus Firm's 2017 Physician Placement Report, released Wednesday. The report summarizes all provider placements made in partnership with the Medicus Firm in 2016 and also evaluates trends from 2012 to 2016. Here are five findings from the report. 1. Primary care physicians are most in-demand. Hiring of internists, pediatricians and family practitioners made up 35 percent of physician placements in 2016. 2. Fewer osteopathic physicians are being hired. In fact, the hiring of DOs fell to its lowest rate since 2012, according to Medicus Firm 7.98 percent of physicians placed in 2016 were DOs, lower than the 11.74 percent of placements in 2015. 3. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are hot commodities. In 2012, just 1.32 percent of placements were NPs or PAs. In 2016, that number has grown to 12 percent of total provider placements, up from 8.3 percent in 2015. 4. Physician employment model is still going strong. The vast majority (91 percent) of physicians placed with Medicus Firm were hired as employees, which is consistent with the 2015 employment rate (92 percent). 5. Signing bonuses became larger, more common. Including physician and nonphysician placements, 87.4 percent received a signing bonus in 2016, up from 68 percent in 2015. The average amount grew from $23,663 in 2015 to $24,802 in 2016. Bermuda's attorney general filed a lawsuit against Boston-based Lahey Hospital & Medical Center last week accusing the hospital group of bribing the island's former premier Ewart F. Brown, MD, in exchange for preferential treatment in winning government healthcare contracts. In an interview this week, Dr. Brown defended his 20-year relationship with Lahey, claiming the lawsuit is racially and politically motivated, according to The Boston Globe. Dr. Brown told The Boston Globe that when he returned to Bermuda from Los Angeles in the early 1990s he discovered there were no physicians on the island who specialized in neurology, rheumatology or pulmonary services. He also found the latest mammography technology was not available there. After visiting hospitals across the U.S. trying to find one that would send its specialists to Bermuda to treat patients, he struck a consulting deal with Lahey in 1996, according to the report. The federal lawsuit filed against Lahey last week centers on its relationship with Dr. Brown, which spanned more than 20 years, including his time as Bermuda's premier from 2006 to 2010. Lahey is accused of paying Dr. Brown consulting fees in exchange for his help in securing government healthcare contracts. Dr. Brown disputes those allegations. "When you take a contract that has been fully vetted and stood the test of time for 20 years and call it a bribe, that's insulting," he said, according to The Boston Globe. The lawsuit also alleges Bermuda's public health plans paid Lahey millions to have its staff interpret CT and MRI scans that were performed at Dr. Brown's clinics in Bermuda. Dr. Brown denies those allegations. He claims patients had to wait weeks for scan results before Lahey's involvement, according to the report. In a statement to Becker's last week, Lahey spokesman Chris Murphy said Lahey will defend itself against the allegations. "We are concerned that this lawsuit is likely motivated by internal island politics, not business practices," he said. Dr. Brown told The Boston Globe he believes the lawsuit is politically and racially motivated. He claims Bermuda's attorney general Trevor Moniz is targeting him because he is aligned with the opposition party and is a successful, black businessman, according to the report. More articles on healthcare legal and regulatory issues: Surgeon sentenced to life in prison for maiming elderly patient Co-founder of Forest Park Medical Center pleads guilty in kickback case 15 things to know about Stark Law Eleven health systems in North Carolina are teaming up to establish a Medicaid managed care company, The Fayetteville Observer reports. Here are six things to know. 1. The health systems are forming the organization to compete for service under North Carolina's Medicaid reform efforts, according to the report. Hospital documents show state lawmakers want to change the Medicaid system to programs that can "provide budget predictability," the report notes. 2. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, N.C., plans to spend $11.2 million to start the company with 10 other systems, according to the report. 3. Bart Fiser, Cape Fear Valley's vice president of revenue cycle and managed care, told The Fayetteville Observer each of the company's health systems is providing money to use as "risk based capital" as the company is starting and for other startup funds. 4. Mr. Fiser also told the publication the health systems plan to spend 90 percent of revenues on providing care. 5. Albuquerque, N.M.-based Presbyterian Health Plan is slated to operate the Medicaid insurance company for the 11 healthcare systems and own 25 percent of it. 6. Mr. Fiser told The Fayetteville Observer the Medicaid managed care organization could start by July 2019. After an internal report commissioned by Pittsburgh-based UPMC pointed to its outsourced laundry provider as the possible cause of a deadly mold outbreak that temporarily shut down UPMC's transplant program in 2015, the laundry provider has been roped into at least three lawsuits. Here are nine things to know on the matter. 1. A UPMC report completed in May 2016 and made public in January says linen delivered to a UPMC hospital from DuBois, Pa.-based Paris Cleaners had "heavy" presence of a type of fungus that later infected patients at UPMC, according to Trib Live. The report also found fungus on the roof of Paris Cleaners near air intakes and noted sheets delivered to UPMC were wet, according to the report. 2. The Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council, which accredits Paris Cleaners and other laundry companies, said the council's standards "deal with processing healthcare laundry in the safest manner possible for patient safety, staff safety and employee safety." 3. Since the UPMC report was made public, Paris Cleaners was named as a defendant in at least three lawsuits brought by families of patients affected by the mold outbreak at UPMC, including one suit filed in February by a family of a sixth patient who the family says contracted a fungal infection at a UPMC hospital before he died. 4. Now, Paris Cleaners' attorneys have issued a response as part of the lawsuits, in which the company "expressly denies that any linens were contaminated with mold at its facility," according to Trib Live. 5. The cleaners' response pins responsibility on UPMC. "UPMC not Paris had a duty to ensure that appropriate linens were provided to immunosuppressed patients," the lawyers wrote, according to Trib Live. 6. UPMC issued a response, according to Trib Live, which reads: "Our ongoing monitoring and testing show no evidence of a mold outbreak. We've gone above and beyond any existing guidelines and CDC recommendations for preventing these infections. However we will address the specific allegations in this case in court and not in the media." 7. An attorney who brought the suit against Paris Cleaners on behalf of the families of patients who were infected in the outbreak also issued a response to Trib Live. "We are disappointed that Paris has chosen to point the finger at UPMC instead of accepting any responsibility despite the conditions at the laundry facility described" in the UPMC report, Brendan Lupetin said. 8. The CDC will not further investigate UPMC's mold outbreak, despite the new information about the linens. In May 2016, the CDC concluded the mold infections were caused by improper use of negative-pressure rooms. 9. UPMC still uses Paris as its laundry provider. Correction: This story was updated Feb. 24. An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that the UPMC report said a ventilation system at Paris Cleaners blew fungus onto linens that were later delivered to UPMC. That point (No. 1) has been updated with accurate information. We regret the error. In 2016, award-winning orthopedic surgeons, Bryan Springer, MD, and Walter Beaver, MD, of Charlotte, N.C.-based OrthoCarolina Hip and Knee Center launched Operation Walk Carolinas, an organization that sends surgeons to developing countries to perform joint replacements. In May, OpWalk Carolinas is heading to Cuba, where surgeons from OrthoCarolina, Novant Health and Carolinas Healthcare System hope to perform upwards of 50 joint replacements and train Cuban surgeons during their short visit. They will be performing procedures at CIMEQ hospital in Havana. Q: Why did Operation Walk Carolinas decide to go to Cuba? Dr. Bryan Springer: The mission of Operation Walk is to go to underserved areas in developing countries. Cuba has long been known to have excellent doctors and provides excellent basic healthcare. However, certain things would be considered a luxury. A typical joint replacement in the U.S. would cost $50,000 to 60,000 with the implants being the most costly portion of the surgery. In developing countries there is simply not the money to do these life changing procedures. In the U.S., a patient may wait six weeks to get a hip or knee replacement; in a developing country, it's simply not an option. As a result, many people suffer with crippling arthritis for the majority of their adult lives, living in pain and unable to work. Cuba has a tremendous need as do many places. In fact, Cuba was one of the original locations of an OpWalk Mission 20 years ago. Teams have been over the years and there continues to be a huge need. Q: What sort of legal and logistical processes will the surgeons have to undergo in order to get to Cuba? BS: Because Cuba is a communist country, the legal and logistical process has been challenging. First and foremost, it is expensive. Our trip is expected to cost about $150,000 where a typical trip to another country may be $80,000 to $100,000. All of this money is raised through donations and fundraising. Our biggest challenges have been getting approval from the ministry of health and securing a date. The hurricane this past fall was devastating to Cuba and diverted some resources and required us to reschedule our trip several times. We now have approval and have our licenses. Our next challenge is securing our visa and getting our cargo shipped and secured safely. Q: How long will the trip be? BS: We will be there a week. We arrive on a Wednesday to unpack cargo. On Thursday we will screen over 100 patients as potential candidates for surgery. We will operate on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We will do follow-up and discharge patients on Monday and Tuesday and head home on Wednesday. We plan to do about 50 joint replacements and some patient will have two joints replaced at the same time. Q: What does the follow-through look like after each Operation Walk Carolina are native surgeons typically able to master important surgical techniques as a result of the visiting physicians' impact? BS: We have a champion surgeon in Cuba who will assist in taking care of the patients. Another Operation Walk Team will go in the fall and follow up with our patients and we will follow up with their patients when we are there. In addition, education of physicians, nurses, therapists, or personnel is a very important part of our mission. While there, we will be teaching and giving lectures in the hopes of furthering the education of the healthcare professional in Cuba. Q: What did it take to get OrthoCarolinas, Novant and Carolinas Healthcare System to work together? Does this type of collaboration happen often? BS: OrthoCarolina, CHS and Novant have been and are integral to the success of Op Walk Carolinas. As mentioned above, this mission trip will cost about $150,000. We will bring a team of 50 people and ship nearly 10,000 lbs of supplies. We do not use any resources from the hospital where we work. The hospitals realize they have employees who are dedicating their time, PTO, money and expertise to make the lives of these patients with crippling arthritis better. It is wonderful to see the hospital systems, which are often competitive with each other, work together to support Operation Walk Carolinas. They have donated supplies and are 100 percent supportive of their employees being involved in this mission. In addition we have seen a tremendous amount of support from our patients that have had joint replacements here at OrthoCarolina who have donated money to our mission as well. More practice management articles: Concierge vs. conventional practices: 8 key trends 97% of patients view healthcare facility access to medical history as important 5 insights Dr. Lisa Foster joins Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center: 5 points The Government said in October it hoped to offload its remaining shares in Lloyds within a year The Government has reduced its stake in Lloyds Banking Group to less than 4% as the lender moves a step closer to full private ownership. UK Financial Investments, which manages the stake in Lloyds, cut its holding by around 1%. It means the taxpayer's stake in the bank stands at 3.89%, with more than 19 billion being returned to Government coffers since the lender's 20.3 billion bailout. It is the latest in a series of share sales by the Government, which said in October it hoped to offload its remaining shares in Lloyds within a year. The Government has progressively sold down its original 43% stake and Chancellor Philip Hammond ditched plans for a share sale to the public in October, opting instead to offload the holding to institutional investors. Economic Secretary to the Treasury Simon Kirby said: "Since the decision to sell the Government's stake in Lloyds we have now recovered over 19 billion for the taxpayer. "Lloyds' strong annual results show that we are in a good position to continue to reduce our shareholding and recover all of the money the taxpayer injected into the bank during the financial crisis." All proceeds from the sale will be used to reduce the national debt. Lloyds chief executive Antonio Horta-Osorio said: "We are pleased that Lloyds' strong financial performance in 2016 has enabled the Government to further sell down its stake in the bank to below 4%. "This means over 19 billion returned to the taxpayer; and is alongside the further 2.2 billion in dividends paid to our 2.5 million shareholders, as announced yesterday." On Wednesday, Lloyds posted its highest annual profits for a decade as it moves on from mis-selling scandals. The lender said bottom-line profits more than doubled to 4.24 billion last year from 1.64 billion in 2015, thanks largely to lower costs of compensation for payment protection insurance (PPI). Its profit haul is the biggest since 2006 and comes as it puts the PPI saga and taxpayer bailout behind it. Belfast International Airport has been searching for a replacement for the United Airlines' cancelled Belfast to New York flights Norwegian Air has announced a new low-cost service between Belfast and the US starting at just 69. Norwegian will operate three flights a-week to Stewart International Airport in Orange County, New York, 70 miles north of Manhattan. It will also add a second direct service for the summer with two flights a-week to Green Airport, Providence, which is a just ninety minutes away from Boston, the capital of Massachusetts. Fares start at 69 and can be booked from today (Thursday). It comes six weeks after the United Airlines service to Newark ended. Graham Keddie, managing director, Belfast International Airport, said: We have been working with Norwegian and government agencies to get this project across the line. It was vitally important for Northern Ireland to re-connect with the United States of America. Without a direct air link, the job of attracting new investment and expanding Northern Ireland tourism would be a lot harder. Now, Norwegian, which has one of the youngest fleets in the business, has stepped up to the mark. There is an established market and re-instating a New York service was the main objective. Securing Boston was the icing on the cake. Both symbolically and from an economic standpoint, the New York link is the best possible boost for Northern Ireland. Were set to see a reduced Corporation Tax rate to help boost our inward investment, and it would have been terribly undermined if we didnt have a direct service. Boston has close links with Belfast, and is an immense untapped tourism market for the region. Americans are in the top five of tourism spenders and if we can expand access, then our impressive visitor attractions, hotels and restaurants will prosper. This is a great day for the airport, Northern Ireland, indeed, the entire northern half of the island of Ireland. The Norwegian fare structure will be unbeatable, and we expect that that will prove hugely attractive to people living across the border who are tired of paying top dollar for trans-Atlantic services. Many people have worked to deliver this outcome which comes at a minimal cost to the public purse in terms of marketing support and route promotion. Im grateful to the positive contribution and effort made by Ministers, local MPs and senior officials. Norwegian chief executive Bjorn Kjos added: Norwegian are shaking up transatlantic travel once again with ground-breaking fares and never before seen routes. "We are delighted to announce our first ever flights from Belfast and to ensure the city maintains its crucial transatlantic links. The cost of transatlantic travel has been too high for too long so by connecting Northern Ireland with smaller US airports, we can offer some truly affordable fares, allowing as many people as possible to fly." Earlier this month, the Belfast Telegraph revealed the airline was in talks with the carrier to begin operations to replace the United Airlines New York service. Last month, the last United Airlines flight from the city to New York took to the skies. The firm was offered a 9m bailout package to retain the route, but the deal eventually fell through. United said the Newark route was not sustainable. Belfast International Airport has been searching for a replacement since then. The Boston Hearald reports that the service will begin in July carrying 189 passengers at a time. If this is a success, we will bring on more flights, said Lars Sande, senior vice president of sales. PSA Group chief executive Carlos Tavares said the tie-up would transform the fortunes of Vauxhall and Opel Unions and the Government are ramping up efforts to secure thousands of British jobs after Peugeot pointed to "speedy" cost savings as part of its potential takeover of Vauxhall and Opel. Business Secretary Greg Clark has secured a meeting with PSA Group chief executive Carlos Tavares on Friday, with Unite's general secretary Len McCluskey already scheduled for talks with the car industry boss in London the same day. The Press Association also understands that Unite attended another meeting on Thursday morning with unions representing General Motors' (GM) staff at the European Works Council in Russelsheim, Germany. It comes as Mr Tavares told analysts and reporters in Paris that the tie-up would transform the fortunes of Vauxhall and Opel by driving through "significant synergies". In a presentation on the firm's annual results, Mr Tavares said: "Why do we think we can make this happen and why do we think we can bring a solution? "Very simply, because if you look at the product plan you can see that you can, in a quite speedy way, implement significant synergies. "The amount of synergies and the speed at which you can implement those synergies is quite high because we have very many similar products." Prime Minister Theresa May sought to reassure the French motor industry boss on Wednesday of the Government's continued commitment to supporting the UK car industry, despite Britain leaving the single market as a result of Brexit. Downing Street said that in Mrs May's call with Mr Tavares, they had discussed their ''shared desire to protect and promote'' the jobs supported by the Vauxhall brand. The proposed deal has prompted fears over the future of the 3,900 workers at Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port and Luton plants who could be vulnerable in any rationalisation programme by the new owners. Sources told PA that GM and PSA were eager to ink a deal within the next two weeks to prevent the proposed tie-up overshadowing their presence at the prestigious Geneva Motor Show on March 7. GM's European operations include Vauxhall and Opel, while PSA Group owns Peugeot and Citroen. PSA Group announced on Thursday that net income jumped 831 million euros (702 million) to 1.7 billion euros (1.4 billion) last year, underscoring the scale of the company's turnaround since it was bailed out by Chinese investors and the French state three years ago. It also revealed plans to pay out a 48 euro cents dividend per share for the first time since 2011. Mr Tavares said the company was "now very, very close to becoming the benchmark of the automotive industry in terms of efficiency and effectiveness". On the proposed deal, he added that there was an opportunity to create a "European car champion" by combining Vauxhall and Opel with PSA. "If you look at it from the Opel perspective this company needs help. Making red ink every year for 10 years and burning 1 billion of euros (845 million) of cash every year for 10 years. It is not going to last forever. "If we do complete this deal, we want to keep this company German with a German brand so it can be complementary to the French brands we already have." The tie-up would cause GM to exit the UK and Europe, while transforming PSA Group into Europe's second-largest car maker with a 16% share of the market. Analysts at the Evercore ISI said PSA's swoop for GM's European business would lead to the loss of 5,000 manufacturing jobs and the closure of Ellesmere Port, alongside GM's Eisenach plant in Germany and PSA's Villaverde plant in Spain. Vauxhall is a major employer in the UK, with around 35,000 staff, including 23,000 in its retail network and 7,000 in its supply chain. Concerns over what the deal means for manufacturing jobs is an equally sensitive issue during an election year for both France and Germany. French finance minister Michel Sapin, whose government holds a 14% stake in PSA, said he spoke with Mr Tavares and won "very firm commitments" to discussions over labour. After holding talks with German economy minister Brigitte Zypries, Mr Sapin said he hoped the negotiations surrounding the deal proceeded "quickly, but without haste". He argued a tie-up could be profitable to both sides, and also acknowledged that "PSA needs German quality". While the German government does not have a stake in Opel, which employs 19,000 people in the country, Angela Merkel's government was eager to show it was watching out for the industry and its workforce. Almost 14,000 schoolchildren across Northern Ireland do not have a firm enough grasp of the English language to be able to fully participate in the curriculum, it has emerged Almost 14,000 schoolchildren across Northern Ireland do not have a firm enough grasp of the English language to be able to fully participate in the curriculum, it has emerged. These children have been defined by the Department of Education as newcomer pupils who have enrolled in a school but do not have the satisfactory language skills to participate fully in the school curriculum. The numbers have been rising quickly in recent years from 1,366 in the 2000/1 school year to almost 14,000 in 2016/17 (4.1% of the school population). The latest figures emerged in the annual school enrolment bulletin for 2016/17 which relies on enrolment data gathered in a school census last October. The bulletin notes that Northern Irelands schools are becoming increasingly more diverse with more than 13,300 pupils at schools recorded as non-white an increase of more than 3,800 pupils compared to five years prior. There are currently more than 80 first languages spoken by pupils across Northern Ireland with Polish and Lithuanian being the most common behind English. The report puts the growth in diversity in the school system down to increased levels of migration among school age children in recent years. In 2001/02 there were 1,366 newcomer children at Northern Irelands schools 0.5% of the total school population. That rose to 9,656 (3%) in 2012/13 before reaching 14,000 this academic year. One of the most diverse schools in Northern Ireland is Presentation Primary School in Portadown where during the 2015/16 academic year, some 227 of the 267 (85%) enrolled were newcomer pupils. The school provides translator services for parents and accelerated reading classes for pupils amongst a raft of services and was found to be outstanding in a school inspection by the Education and Training Inspectorate last year. Ulster Unionist Education spokeswoman Sandra Overend said much more support must be put in place to help schools ensure all newcomer pupils receive help. A spokesperson from the Department of Education said: The department funds the Education Authority to provide a regional support service for newcomer pupils called the Inclusion and Diversity Service (IDS). IDS aims to strengthen and improve support to newcomer pupils, by ensuring a consistent level of support and specialist advice is provided to all grant-aided and special schools. The IDS currently offers six types of assistance, including a help-desk to provide immediate answers to questions, emergency support for schools who are working with newcomer pupils for the first time or who need immediate support on an urgent issue, ongoing school-based support for schools wishing to access more in-depth support, and training for staff on intercultural awareness, assessment and planning and curriculum access. Meanwhile, the bulletin also shows a record low number of pupils at post-primary schools in Northern Ireland, at 140,413 the lowest level since records began more than 30 years ago. However, the number of pupils at primary schools is at the highest level since the 2000/01 academic year (171,612). The BBC was facing fresh questions last night after allegations that it regularly asks political groups to source party activists to appear in its audiences. The Alliance's Stephen Farry yesterday repeated his party's claims that Alliance wasn't alone in encouraging supporters to take part in programmes. He also claimed the BBC often asked parties to get people to fill the seats on their shows. "Let's be realistic, parties will do this," said Dr Farry on the BBC's Stephen Nolan Show. "I suspect most, if not all, political parties in Northern Ireland will encourage their members to phone in to participate in shows. "On the other side of the fence, the BBC and other organisations will come to political parties to ask them to go into audiences. "Most of the audience you will see, many of the people are from political party backgrounds put forward by political parties and questions are coming from a party political slant. That's the context." Dr Farry's comments came after the Belfast Telegraph exposed the Alliance Party phone-in plot, which saw the party's top Press adviser encouraging activists to call in to Radio Ulster's Talkback programme to ask "tricky" questions of other parties and offer "softballs" to Naomi Long. He encouraged them to use "fake names and locations", and to keep their party links under wraps. However, it isn't the first time the planting of political activists on BBC shows has landed the broadcaster in hot water. In 2013 there was public outcry when a hardline Labour supporter was said to have been planted in the audience of Question Time, only to attack then-Ukip candidate Diane James. Labour staffer Amy Rutland branded Ms James "disgusting", claiming Ukip prey on vulnerable people by "scaremongering". Yesterday Ukip said, as upsetting as the incident was, encouraging supporters to take part in programmes was done by all parties. The party's equalities spokesperson Margot Parker also backed Dr Farry's claim the BBC itself regularly asks political groups to source party supporters to appear in its audiences. However the MEP said Ukip stopped short of encouraging people to use "fake names and locations". Ms Parker said: "Broadcasters want robust debate, and the public deserves to hear politicians being put on the spot. All parties encourage supporters to take part in programmes, and broadcasters like the BBC invite parties to provide participants in order that debate is lively. All good. "But to encourage members to use fake identities and personalities to deceive the public is cheap and is what brings politics into disrepute. The Alliance party should be deeply ashamed, and whoever proposed this tactic should consider their position." The BBC declined to comment in depth on the claims, instead referring back to a statement issued earlier this week. It said: "As we have said, our radio phone-in programmes regularly attract a high volume of callers who want to ask questions or share their views live on air. "In line with our editorial and elections guidelines which we take seriously, our production teams do their best to assess and identify each caller as rigorously as possible to ensure they contribute to a fair and balanced discussion, which our presenters chair live." The BBC said that it engages with a wide variety of members of the public, commentators, political parties and others "to ensure fair and balanced representation and breadth and diversity of opinion". A whole different can of worms... Signs that the snap election has messed with the usually well-oiled party election machines continue. While the cold - both viral and weather - have played havoc, parties' election material has also generated some confusion. South Belfast constituents were left bemused by the SDLP's plans to work for special status for Northern Ireland in the event "of Britain leaving the UK". While strictly speaking possible, no doubt Theresa May is focused on leaving the EU first. A party spokesman said that such was the rush to get the leaflets out, the mistake was spotted just after they had been sent to the printers. Sinn Fein also got caught - not that us who live in glasshouses should crow about it. Their posters calling for "equality now" written in Irish and plastered at various locations contained a spelling error. The party said the error was on some posters and new materials ordered with the correct spelling. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has warned the return of the DUP and Sinn Fein as the largest Assembly parties will mean a protracted period of Direct Rule, with "hard right Tories" running Northern Ireland. In an appeal for people to "vote for change" he also argued the DUP has been "running rings around" Sinn Fein at Stormont. But while it was easy to pull the Assembly and Executive institutions down, history had shown that "getting them back is much more difficult", he said. Launching his party's manifesto with just a week to go before the March 2 election, Mr Eastwood also made clear he is encouraging nationalists to transfer their votes "across community lines" to unionists. "The public are way ahead of us here, they have been doing this for many years," he said. Responding to Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt's disclosure that he intends to give a second preference vote to the SDLP candidate in east Belfast, he said: "It doesn't make me less of a nationalist in saying I want to work with Mike Nesbitt - or the UUP chief less of a unionist to support a partnership with the SDLP. "We have unwilling partners at the minute," he told the launch event in Newtownabbey. "If we elect Sinn Fein and the DUP we are not going to have a government. We are going to have Direct Rule. "Only last May Sinn Fein and the DUP offered what they called their 'Fresh Start' - 10 months later that government has now failed. "If we are going to have government, people need to vote for the middle ground." Mr Eastwood admitted it did not take a "political wizard" to recognise that the party has had several bad election results. Expand Close Colum Eastwood at the SDLP manifesto launch in Mossley Mill yesterday Philip Magowan / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Colum Eastwood at the SDLP manifesto launch in Mossley Mill yesterday "I ran for the leadership because I recognised that," he said. The SDLP manifesto 'Make Change Happen' proposes the most extensive reform of the Stormont system since the Good Friday Agreement, including reducing the numbers of special advisers and their salaries and reviewing their roles. It suggests the First Minister and Deputy First Minister should be elected jointly by the Assembly and the Speaker elected by secret ballot. "Sinn Fein has been consistently outpaced and outmanoeuvred by the DUP, which has been running rings around them," Mr Eastwood said. Although the third party leader in as many days to unveil their manifestos, Mr Eastwood revealed that along with the DUP's Arlene Foster and Alliance chief Naomi Long, he is also suffering from flu. "I am not sure whether it is man flu or woman flu - flu of some description," he said, although then made clear that, unlike Mrs Foster, he would be taking media questions. The outgoing Foyle MLA said he was putting health and Brexit to the forefront, and remarked it was a "disgrace" that Mrs Foster's likening of republicans to "crocodiles" had been referenced more during the campaign than the health service crisis. "There are no easy solutions to health. The SDLP will never pretend there are. We must take the politics out of health - but that doesn't mean that we stay silent on the crisis," he added. Brexit, he warned, poses the "biggest threat to the economic, social and political interests of these islands". Reiterating his party's call for special status within the EU for the province, he argued: "Northern Ireland is the most exposed of any part of these islands and yet our voice faces the risk of being sidelined and silenced." The political crisis at Stormont means the inquests of 10 people shot dead by the Army in Ballymurphy in 1971 are unlikely to be resolved soon Mourners at the funeral of one of the Ballymurphy victims A coroner has expressed profound regret that an ongoing funding row is hampering efforts to progress Troubles-linked inquests in Northern Ireland. Justice Adrian Colton said preparatory work he would like to undertake simply cannot be actioned due to lack of resources. Presiding at a preliminary hearing for the long-stalled inquest for 10 people shot dead by the Army in the Ballymurphy area of west Belfast in 1971, Mr Colton said he still had no idea how much money he would have at his disposal at the start of the next financial year. The Ballymurphy case is one of around 50 historic conflict-related inquests still stuck in Northern Ireland's coronial system due a political impasse over paying for them. One year ago, Northern Ireland's Lord Chief Justice, Sir Declan Morgan, proposed that a specialist unit be set up that could deal with the cases within five years. However, politicians have so far failed to agree to stump up the 10 million needed to fund the process. The recent political crisis at Stormont, which collapsed the institutions and triggered a snap election, has rendered a resolution even less likely in the short-term. Explaining to the bereaved families why he could still not list the Ballymurphy case for hearing, judge Colton said: "Back in November, there was still a prospect that the Lord Chief Justice's proposals might be met with some favour. Clearly that is not the case now and is not going to be the case in the near future. "We are trying to do the best we can on very limited resources. "I do not know what resources will be available in April." A Catholic priest and a mother of eight were among those gunned down during three days of shooting involving members of the Parachute Regiment in Ballymurphy in August 1971. The episode is referred to by bereaved families as the "Ballymurphy massacre". The money for the historic inquests was to be accessed as part of a Government financial package addressing a range of issues related to Northern Ireland's toxic past. The suite of mechanisms to deal with the legacy of the Troubles is stuck in the starting blocks due to a dispute between Sinn Fein and the Government on the potential of state papers being withheld from families on the grounds of national security. While the row relates to the workings of a new historical investigations unit, the Democratic Unionists have refused to sign off on funding the outstanding inquests until consensus is reached on all aspects of the legacy package. The DUP has argued that inquests that focus primarily on state-linked killings should not be allowed to go ahead while investigations into paramilitary murders are not progressed. A number of relatives involved in the cases are currently taking legal action against Stormont ministers and the Government over the failure to fund the new inquest unit. Amid robust legal exchanges around delays in progressing issues such as file disclosure and identifying military witnesses, the judge stressed the context within which his office was working. "I regret to say that we are constrained in relation to what we would like to do by our existing resources," he said, as relatives watched on the from the public gallery of Belfast Coroner's Court. "There are many things that I would like to do in relation to this case and other cases and we are simply not able to do them because of resources. "That is a matter of profound regret." The SDLP's Alex Attwood said: "Despite the monumental efforts of the families and now the dedicated work of the High Court, the Ministry of Defence on behalf of the British Army continues to impede the inquest and the truth of the Ballymurphy Massacre. That is the definitive conclusion yet again to be drawn from today's preliminary hearing into the Ballymurphy Massacre. "The Court was absolutely right to give the Ministry of Defence four weeks to attend to a number of matters. The language used by the court that the actions of the MOD were verging on contempt accurately sums up the position. "Of course the failure of the British government to conduct the inquest means that the efforts of the families and of the courts are being impeded by a British Government that continues to deny truth. " Police at the scene of the explosion in the Culmore area of Londonderry yesterday Police have confirmed that a bomb that exploded at police officer's home in Ardanlee in the Culmore area of Londonderry was an Under Vehicle Improvised Explosive Device (UVIED). The security alert ended on Thursday night and residents who had been evacuated since Wednesday morning have returned to their homes. Detective Chief Inspector Michael Harvey said: "The investigation is still at an early stage but I can confirm that the device was an Under Vehicle Improvised Explosive Device (UVIED). "These are designed to kill and seriously injure people so I want to be absolutely clear that this device would have had devastating consequences if it had exploded with our colleague and his family in the car. "The violent dissident republicans who carried out this attack intended to kill him. They didnt care that his children or partner could also have been in the vehicle with him. "He is not just a police officer in a uniform he is also a father, a brother and a devoted family man who puts on his uniform every day to serve the local community that he is a part of. "It was extremely lucky that no-one was hurt and reinforces the fact that this small group of people have no regard for the safety of the local community or indeed the wishes of the vast majority of local people who want to live in a safe and peaceful society. "I would like to thank residents living in Ardanlee and all those affected by the security alert for their patience and understanding while we carried out our work." Detectives are also appealing for information about attack. DCI Harvey added: "The investigation is progressing and I would like to hear from anyone who saw any unusual vehicles or people acting suspiciously in the Ardanlee area between 5pm on Tuesday (21st) and 7am on Wednesday (22nd)." It is understood the device was spotted under the car of the officer by a member of his family who raised the alarm. Local couple Brian and Fidelis McLaughlin expressed their anger at the attack. Mr McLaughlin said: "Everyone has the right to live wherever they like no matter who they are or what they do for a living. "These Troubles are finished, they are done, we have moved on. These people need to move on because the people living around here don't want them." Kate Carroll, whose husband Stephen was the first PSNI officer murdered, said those behind the bomb attack in Derry were "cowards" who cannot be allowed to win. She said: "I understand completely the trauma this officer and his family will feel now because I thought my life was over when I opened the door to a policeman who told me Stephen had been killed. "The people who did this are cowards. Why don't they crawl out and show their faces but instead they sneak about. "I am a great believer in karma and the people who did this will get what they deserve. "I hope this won't deter anyone from joining the police. The bombers can't be allowed to win." Condemnation of the attack was widespread. Secretary of State James Brokenshire described it as "a despicable attack". "The people who planted this device intended to kill or cause really serious injury," he said. "Their murderous intent is in stark contrast to the focus of this police officer who went out this morning to serve the community." Policing Board vice chairwoman Debbie Watters said: "I am grateful that the evil intent of those responsible for leaving this device did not succeed. "This officer has had a very lucky escape but such activity reinforces the continuing threat that exists for our police officers both on and off duty." Justice Minister Claire Sugden said: "Attacks on police officers are attacks on our whole community; they generate nothing but fear and intimidation. "Their malicious and murderous attempt to bring violence back to our streets has failed before and it will fail again." The DUP's Gary Middleton said the bombers intend "to drag Northern Ireland back into the past by instilling fear and intimidation". "Our community do not want to see this type of evil activity and this deeply disturbing incident should be unequivocally condemned," he added. Ulster Unionist election candidate Julie McKee said: "The people of Londonderry want to be policed by the PSNI and not be intimidated or threatened by self-appointed gangs of armed thugs. Northern Ireland has moved on and the days of physical force republicanism must also be consigned to the past." SDLP leader Colum Eastwood described the bombers as the "enemies of the Irish people". He said: "The cowards who targeted a police officer this morning have set themselves against the people of Derry and the people of Ireland." Sinn Fein Assembly candidate for Foyle, Elisha McCallion, added: "Those responsible for this attack have nothing to offer the people of Derry or the north." Terror gang is ramping up its campaign of violence Thursday, January 5: Dissident republicans were blamed for a gun attack at a house in the Creggan area of Londonderry. A man and woman were inside the house in Ballymagowan Avenue when the volley of shots was fired. Neither were injured in the attack but they were left in a state of shock. Friday, January 6: A 21-year-old man was shot in both legs in the Turf Lodge area of west Belfast. The shooting happened at about 10pm in Ardmonagh Parade. The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries which were not life-threatening. Friday, January 13: A husband and wife, both aged in their 50s, were shot in the legs after an armed gang stormed their home in Turf Lodge. It's understood the couple were protecting their 19-year-old son after they refused to hand him over to paramilitaries. They were both treated in hospital for their injuries. Tuesday, January 17: A 26-year-old man was shot in both legs in an alleyway in the Turf Lodge area of Belfast. He was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital for treatment to his injuries. The attack took place just a few streets from where the husband and wife were shot a few days previously. Sunday, January 22: A police officer was shot twice in the arm as he left a busy petrol station (below) in north Belfast. He was rushed to Royal Victoria Hospital where he underwent surgery. Speaking hours after the shooting, PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said the main line of enquiry was violent dissident republicans. Thursday, February 9: A man in his 60s was rushed to hospital after a number of shots were fired through a window near Banbridge. The victim was injured in the attack at Tullymore Road, Poyntzpass. Wednesday, February 15: A young man, understood to be a teenager, was shot in both legs in the Falls Road area of west Belfast. It happened close to a jobs and benefits office. He was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital for treatment. Thursday, February 16: A 16-year-old was shot in the leg on Forest Street near the Springfield Road area of west Belfast. He was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital. Chief Superintendent Chris Noble described the brutal attack as child abuse. Tuesday, February 21: Police uncover five pipe bombs and ammunition in Conway Street, west Belfast. The PSNI links the arms cache to the INLA. The Justice Minister has strongly condemned yesterday's attack. Claire Sugden said it was "a sickening and cowardly" attempt to cause death or injury. "This officer serves the community of Northern Ireland and risks his life to keep people safe," she said. "I pay tribute to the officer for his vigilance and my thoughts are with him and his family at what must be a very upsetting time. "There is no place in civil society for these mindless acts of violence, and no possible justification. Attacks on police officers are attacks on our whole community. "Those intent on bringing Northern Ireland back to the dark days of violence have absolutely nothing to offer our community, and they will be brought to justice." Ms Sugden also voiced her concern at the discovery of a viable device found earlier in the day outside a home in Sion Mills. The minister added: "I would urge anyone with information on either incident to bring it to the police." Police at the scene of the explosion in the Culmore area of Londonderry yesterday The family of the police officer targeted in a bomb attack in Londonderry suffered "mammoth trauma" after discovering the device outside their home, it has emerged. The device, described as "more intricate" than a pipe bomb, went off as soon as an Army robot touched it. According to the PSNI District Commander, Superintendent Gordon McCalmont, "violent dissident republicans" were to blame for the device in the Culmore area of the city which was designed to kill or cause serious injury to the officer. He said: "We should be thankful that we are not talking about the death or serious injury of someone. Shortly after 9.30am we were made aware of a suspect device at the home of one of my colleagues. Read More "We immediately took steps to ensure the safety of the community which resulted in 12 families being evacuated from their homes. "As my colleagues were working on the device, it exploded. "My colleague is someone who goes to work with the sole aim of ensuring the safety of the community. This is in sharp contrast to individuals who left a viable explosive device in a residential area with kids and families. It is our firm belief that violent dissident republicans are responsible for this attack," he added. It is understood the device was spotted under the car of the officer, believed to be a Catholic, by a member of his family who raised the alarm. Superintendent McCalmont continued: "Colleagues are supporting my colleague right now but you can imagine the impact on someone who lives and works at the heart of our community. The trauma for him and his family is quite mammoth. "This was not a basic pipe bomb but something more intricate and it was planted there to kill and cause harm." Local couple Brian and Fidelis McLaughlin expressed their anger at the attack. Mr McLaughlin said: "Everyone has the right to live wherever they like no matter who they are or what they do for a living. "These Troubles are finished, they are done, we have moved on. These people need to move on because the people living around here don't want them." Kate Carroll, whose husband Stephen was the first PSNI officer murdered, said those behind the bomb attack in Derry were "cowards" who cannot be allowed to win. She said: "I understand completely the trauma this officer and his family will feel now because I thought my life was over when I opened the door to a policeman who told me Stephen had been killed. "The people who did this are cowards. Why don't they crawl out and show their faces but instead they sneak about. "I am a great believer in karma and the people who did this will get what they deserve. "I hope this won't deter anyone from joining the police. The bombers can't be allowed to win." Condemnation of the attack was widespread. Secretary of State James Brokenshire described it as "a despicable attack". "The people who planted this device intended to kill or cause really serious injury," he said. "Their murderous intent is in stark contrast to the focus of this police officer who went out this morning to serve the community." Policing Board vice chairwoman Debbie Watters said: "I am grateful that the evil intent of those responsible for leaving this device did not succeed. "This officer has had a very lucky escape but such activity reinforces the continuing threat that exists for our police officers both on and off duty." Justice Minister Claire Sugden said: "Attacks on police officers are attacks on our whole community; they generate nothing but fear and intimidation. "Their malicious and murderous attempt to bring violence back to our streets has failed before and it will fail again." The DUP's Gary Middleton said the bombers intend "to drag Northern Ireland back into the past by instilling fear and intimidation". "Our community do not want to see this type of evil activity and this deeply disturbing incident should be unequivocally condemned," he added. Ulster Unionist election candidate Julie McKee said: "The people of Londonderry want to be policed by the PSNI and not be intimidated or threatened by self-appointed gangs of armed thugs. Northern Ireland has moved on and the days of physical force republicanism must also be consigned to the past." SDLP leader Colum Eastwood described the bombers as the "enemies of the Irish people". He said: "The cowards who targeted a police officer this morning have set themselves against the people of Derry and the people of Ireland." Sinn Fein Assembly candidate for Foyle, Elisha McCallion, added: "Those responsible for this attack have nothing to offer the people of Derry or the north." Terror gang is ramping up its campaign of violence Thursday, January 5: Dissident republicans were blamed for a gun attack at a house in the Creggan area of Londonderry. A man and woman were inside the house in Ballymagowan Avenue when the volley of shots was fired. Neither were injured in the attack but they were left in a state of shock. Friday, January 6: A 21-year-old man was shot in both legs in the Turf Lodge area of west Belfast. The shooting happened at about 10pm in Ardmonagh Parade. The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries which were not life-threatening. Friday, January 13: A husband and wife, both aged in their 50s, were shot in the legs after an armed gang stormed their home in Turf Lodge. It's understood the couple were protecting their 19-year-old son after they refused to hand him over to paramilitaries. They were both treated in hospital for their injuries. Tuesday, January 17: A 26-year-old man was shot in both legs in an alleyway in the Turf Lodge area of Belfast. He was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital for treatment to his injuries. The attack took place just a few streets from where the husband and wife were shot a few days previously. Sunday, January 22: A police officer was shot twice in the arm as he left a busy petrol station (below) in north Belfast. He was rushed to Royal Victoria Hospital where he underwent surgery. Speaking hours after the shooting, PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said the main line of enquiry was violent dissident republicans. Thursday, February 9: A man in his 60s was rushed to hospital after a number of shots were fired through a window near Banbridge. The victim was injured in the attack at Tullymore Road, Poyntzpass. Wednesday, February 15: A young man, understood to be a teenager, was shot in both legs in the Falls Road area of west Belfast. It happened close to a jobs and benefits office. He was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital for treatment. Thursday, February 16: A 16-year-old was shot in the leg on Forest Street near the Springfield Road area of west Belfast. He was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital. Chief Superintendent Chris Noble described the brutal attack as child abuse. Tuesday, February 21: Police uncover five pipe bombs and ammunition in Conway Street, west Belfast. The PSNI links the arms cache to the INLA. 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 A DUP MP broke down in tears as he called for justice for his cousin who was murdered by the IRA. Jim Shannon was overcome in the Commons chamber as he recalled the death of his cousin, as well as personal friends who had served in the Ulster Defence Regiment. It came as MPs criticised investigations into the actions of British veterans who served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. The Strangford MP served in the Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) during the conflict. "I understand very well the concept of closure and wanting justice," he said. "I want justice for my cousin Kenneth Smith, who was murdered by the IRA." As he struggled to hold back tears, he continued: "I want justice for the four UDR men that the honourable member refers to, a few of whom I knew personally. "And yet there's no multimillion pound investigation available for that. "So I resent the idea that this seems to once more represent that one life is worth more than another. "It's not, never will be." Expand Close Sir Jeffrey Donaldson hit out at human rights lawyers for their pursuit of those who served in the armed forces, police and security services / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sir Jeffrey Donaldson hit out at human rights lawyers for their pursuit of those who served in the armed forces, police and security services An emotional Mr Shannon added: "A grieving mother doesn't change with the colour of her hair, the area she lives in or the church that she attends. "It can never do, and why should it? "As the member of Parliament for Strangford, I call for this Government to turn round and take the only thing that they can do, and make sure that our people are given the credit and given the fairness that they should have." Mr Shannon said bogus claims had been made "to destroy the reputation of our armed forces", adding: "This never can be allowed to happen." The DUP said credible claims should have been distinguished from others more quickly, and that innocent until proven guilty should always have been the fall-back position when claims were made. He went on to congratulate Tory MP Johnny Mercer (Plymouth Moor View) for his investigation into the discredited Iraq Historic Allegations Team. "Because of that, I hope that the lessons will be learned by all ... never should claims without evidence be progressed," said Mr Shannon. "Never should service personnel be left out on a limb." As he was overcome with emotion again, Mr Shannon said: "Never should we leave a man behind." After regaining his composure, he said: "The atrocities during the Troubles, was nothing more than evil murder. "There's no glory found in taking the life of 10 men in a van on their way to work. "There's no honour in wives without husbands, no honour in mothers without sons or children without a father. "There's no rally cry around bombs that took the lives of men and women, and children within the womb of women out shopping. "There's no victory in the indiscriminate slaughter of people who are worshipping in their church on a Sunday morning." He added: "The glory is the legacy of men and women who gave their all for freedom and democracy. "The honour belongs to those who have lived their lives with the sorrow of great loss, and yet chose not to retaliate. "Their rally cry is for those who quietly asked that the memory of their loved ones not to be tarnished by lies or media spin. "The victory belongs to the right-thinking people of Northern Ireland, who despite having no reason to trust and nor to forgive, have chosen to support the rule of law and justice, and now are waiting for us to give them the support they deserve in these dark hours." Mr Shannon's comments came during a debate in which the DUP called for measures to be brought forward to ensure British veterans cannot face probes into their actions during conflicts if they have already been investigated. The party wants a statute of limitations to be introduced which would apply to those who served in Northern Ireland, as well as other war zones such as Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. The party's defence spokesman, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, hit out at human rights lawyers for their pursuit of those who served in the armed forces, police and security services. In an opposition day debate on historical cases in the armed forces, Tory former defence minister Sir Gerald Howarth accused Northern Ireland Director of Public Prosecutions Barra McGrory of issuing "a fatwa" to the media to suppress criticism of his treatment of veterans. MPs also accused Sinn Fein of attempting to rewrite the history of the Troubles, turning the focus away from the IRA. Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire said there was no "moral equivalence" between soldiers who sought to uphold the law in Northern Ireland and "terrorists who sought to destroy it". He also said he recognised concerns that inquiries in Northern Ireland are disproportionately to do with cases allegedly involving the state. His colleague, Northern Ireland Minister Kris Hopkins, moved to assuage concerns relating to the reopening of cases as he said specific tests would have to be met before a proposed Historical Investigations Unit (HIU), due to be set up to look at Troubles killings, would consider acting. He said: "The legislation requiring the HIU will include specific tests that must be met in order that previously completed cases can be reopened for investigation and specifically that new and credible evidence that was not previously available to the authorities is needed before the HIU will open closed cases." He also acknowledged the current system is in need of reform. He said: "The present system is not appropriate. It is disproportionate and we need a new system which was agreed under the Stormont Agreement." Nelson McCausland said he had been left "angry and disappointed" The DUP's Nelson McCausland has said he does not regret refusing to shake the Sinn Fein finance minister's hand during a televised election debate. Mr McCausland claimed he had been left "angry and disappointed" by a number of comments made by Mairtin O Muilleoir during the programme and that to accept a handshake at that time would have been disingenuous. He also accused Mr O Muilleoir of offering his hand "for show". Alliance Party leader Naomi Long described the incident as "playground behaviour" and said it "does not inspire confidence" that the DUP and Sinn Fein will be able to work together after the election. The DUP and Sinn Fein assembly candidates were participants in a Nolan Live election debate broadcast on Wednesday. Towards the end of the show Mr O Muilleoir attempted to shake hands with Mr McCausland, however the DUP man refused. Mr O Muilleoir later Tweeted: "Never refuse the opponent's open hand after a contest no matter how deep the divisions or impassioned the debate." However, Mr McCausland said: "Mairtin O Muilleoir is a man who does things for effect. He was doing it for show." He added: "It is not a question of respect. I am not averse to shaking hands with anyone. At that moment I was angry and disappointed and was reflecting on what he had said. In particular he said 'in Sinn Fein we believe in live and let live'. "For 30 years the IRA murdered people and many republicans eulogised in the crimes. Those people weren't allowed to live so it was very hypocritical to say that." Never refuse the opponent's open hand after a contest no matter how deep the divisions or impassioned the debate. @JDowling11 taught me that https://t.co/qktFqZ1FuG Mairtin O Muilleoir (@newbelfast) February 23, 2017 Mr McCausland continued: "I was also concerned about the finance minister's numeracy skills. "He said the Gay Pride parade was the biggest parade in Belfast. I think when you count participants and supporters nothing in the city of Belfast could rival the Twelfth of July." Ms Long said that the deterioration of the relationship between the DUP and Sinn Fein over the past few months was clear to see. The Alliance assembly candidate added: "This sort of playground behaviour is beyond pathetic and does not inspire confidence these two parties will be able to resume a civil partnership after March 2." Michelle O'Neill has insisted there is no contradiction between her attendance at a vigil commemorating four IRA men in Clonoe last week and Sinn Fein's new anti-sectarian action plan which she launched yesterday. The Sinn Fein Stormont leader also accused the DUP of sectarianism as she revealed the party's 'One Community' anti-sectarian charter at its office on the Falls Road in west Belfast. "Arlene Foster promised it would be a brutal campaign, but she neglected to say it would be a brutally sectarian campaign," she said. "If anyone is in any doubt about that, they need look no further than the DUPs election campaign." Sinn Fein believes the robust measures outlined in its 10-point action plan are needed to undermine the scourge of sectarianism for the long-term. The proposals include the introduction and enforcement of legislation which clearly defines sectarianism as a hate crime. "Sectarianism is rife in our society and as leaders it's our job to show leadership on this issue. "We are the only party that has actually published an anti-sectarianism charter and we are encouraging other parties to sign up to it. "All those who go into elected office should sign up to these principles," she said. The party is calling for the "clear legal definition" of sectarianism to be given expression in a Bill of Rights and for a 'citizens' anti-sectarian charter' to be incorporated into pledges taken by public representatives who will then be bound to "pro-actively uphold and implement the commitment". But Mrs O'Neill said she doesn't believe that the proposed anti-sectarianism legislation and public pledge would have restricted her from speaking at last Thursday's IRA commemoration honouring the memory of four men who were shot dead by the SAS in 1992. "There's no contradiction in wanting a society free from terrorism and me attending a respectful, dignified commemoration to remember four young people who lost their lives at the hands of the British Government," said Mrs O'Neill. When asked if the proposals would have prevented her from attending the controversial event in her home village of Clonoe last Thursday, Mrs O'Neil said: "No, not at all. "I attended a commemoration last week of four men who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. "I think we will always have a different narrative on the past, but we need to get to a point where we can all accept or perhaps try and understand everyone's own past." Assembly candidate and Sinn Fein chairman Declan Kearney said: "There's no dispute that sectarianism infects the whole of society and it impacts both sides. "We need collective, far seeing and bold leadership." Mr Kearney said Sinn Fein had called for a shared culture of commemoration in which all sides are encouraged to remember their dead. "That needs to be done in a way that is sensitive, considerate and causes no offence," he added. Mrs O'Neill accused the DUP of failing to show leadership and of patronising their own electorate in an attempt to distract from the 'cash for ash' crisis and questions over how the party funded its Brexit campaign. "The DUP think so little of their own electorate that they believe that all it takes to distract from their 500m 'cash for ash' scandal or their Brexit dark money scandal is to wave the republican bogey man." The DUP has since confirmed - in the face of mounting pressure - that they are working to reveal the size of the donation and the identity of the donor who provided the cash to pay for a wraparound pro-Brexit advert in London's free Metro newspaper prior to the EU referendum last June. The advert is reported to have cost 250,000. Mrs O'Neill said that Sinn Fein is serious about driving out sectarianism and also warned that project fear politics can quickly become project hate on the ground. "If any other party was being subject to such vicious sectarian attacks, it would be rightly condemned. There is no acceptable level of violence when it comes to Sinn Fein or anyone else," she said. On Monday night a car belonging to an election agent for Kieran Maxwell, a Sinn Fein Assembly candidate in North Down, was destroyed in a petrol bomb attack in Bangor. And the new Sinn Fein leader in Northern Ireland and Assembly candidate for Mid Ulster claimed the DUP's approach to politics has failed to provide leadership for a society still emerging from conflict. She said: "This is no longer a one party state dominated by unionist misrule, this is a pluralist island for pluralist people. "Sectarianism has no place in any modern society or political party and the DUP need to come to terms with that reality." The Prime Minister has said she believes it is "absolutely appalling when people try to make a business out of dragging our brave troops through the courts". Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions, Theresa May said investigations into Troubles killings should reflect the fact that 90% were carried out by paramilitaries. She was speaking after a Tory former minister said it was "profoundly wrong" that British veterans are being pursued decades after their service while 1m is paid out to a terrorist". Former defence minister Sir Julian Brazier hit out at the criminal justice system for its treatment of veterans in Northern Ireland, some of whom are facing investigations for their actions during the Troubles. Sir Julian compared this to the fate of British Islamic State fighter Abu Zakariya al-Britani, a suicide bomber who previously won a 1m payout from the Government. Prime Minister Theresa May said it was "entirely wrong" if historic investigations into the Troubles focused on soldiers rather than IRA terrorists, adding that she wanted to see a fair and balanced approach taken. Sir Julian said: "Could I put it to her that for many of us, there is something profoundly wrong with a criminal justice system which can pursue veterans who risk their lives for this country 40 years on, long after any possibility of new evidence, while at the same time is capable of paying out 1m to a terror suspect." Mrs May replied: "The overwhelming majority of our armed forces serving in Northern Ireland served with great distinction and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude. "The situation we have at the moment is that there are cases being pursued against officers who have served in Northern Ireland. "What we want to see as we develop the legacy body under the Stormont House agreement is a proportionate, fair and balanced approach to that. "We recognise that the majority of individuals who suffered were actually resulted at the hands of terrorists." Earlier, Defence Select Committee chairman Julian Lewis had raised similar concerns about the treatment of Northern Ireland veterans. Mrs May responded: "I think it's absolutely appalling when people try to make a business out of dragging our brave troops through the courts. "In the case of Northern Ireland, 90% of deaths were caused by terrorists and it's essential that the justice system reflects this. It would be entirely wrong to treat terrorists more favourably than soldiers or police officers. "That's why, as part of our work to bring forward the Stormont House Agreement Bill, we will ensure that investigative bodies are under a legal duty to be fair, balanced and proportionate, so that our veterans are not unfairly treated or disproportionately investigated." Mr Lewis said Mrs May's reply "doesn't go quite as far as I and many other people would like". Mr Lewis called for a statute of limitation to be introduced for actions by soldiers in Northern Ireland prior to the date of the Belfast Agreement, given the lack of prospect for new evidence to come forward. Sinn Fein's Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill said Mrs May's comments had insulted the many victims of state forces. "The verbal attack by Theresa May on those who she claims have dragged British soldiers through the courts is dangerous and disgraceful," she said. "In the past we have had attacks, directed by the British government through its agents and proxies. No one can be above the law and everyone should be held to account." The scene after the bomb at McGurks Bar in North Queen Street, Belfast in 1971 Relatives of the McGurk's Bar bombing - one of the worst atrocities of the Troubles - have presented new evidence which they claim shows the Government and RUC were prepared to lie to Dublin about the bombing. The 1971 explosion in Belfast killed 15 people and was initially described as an IRA 'own goal', but was later proven to be a UVF attack. Relatives of the victims have insisted a deliberate campaign of disinformation was started by the RUC and British Government in order to point the finger of suspicion at the victims inside the bar instead of those responsible. Yesterday, researcher and family member Ciaran MacAirt was among those who travelled to Dublin to present new evidence to the Dail's Justice and Equality Committee. He said the new information came from a European Commission of Human Rights report that examined internment and allegations of torture in the early 1970s. "Part of that report asked the British Government why the internment policy was so discriminatory against Irish Catholics," said Mr MacAirt. "Until 1973, no members of the Protestant community had been interned, even though we now know Protestant extremists had killed 120 civilians." Mr MacAirt explained that within the report, two statements - from George Shillington, Chief Constable of the RUC in 1971, and Harry Tuzo, commander of the Army in Northern Ireland - denied any loyalist violence existed in 1972. "We now know that to be bunkum," he said. For the report the Irish government had provided a schedule of atrocities, where they listed incidents they believed to be caused by loyalist extremists. "One of those was the McGurk's Bar bombing. Within the report, the RUC and the British state refuted the central finding and said the McGurk's Bar bombing was an IRA own goal and the bomb was in transit towards a hotel," said Mr MacAirt. "That's disinformation, but the fact they said there was a target of a hotel is a new lie. "It's information not given to us by the Historical Enquiries Team, the Police Ombudsman and by the PSNI. "It's just been completely made up and fabricated." He continued: "It's one thing for our society to be misinformed by the state, but the Irish government and European Commission were also hoodwinked as well." Mr MacAirt said the presentation received cross-party support from the committee members, comprising representatives of Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, Sinn Fein and independents. At present the families are engaged in a legal action against the Chief Constable of the PSNI, George Hamilton. They are seeking new inquests for the family members and to quash a report from the Historical Enquiries Team. The next sitting of the case is due to take place on Monday, February 27. In 2011 a report by the Police Ombudsman, stated there was bias in the original RUC investigation into the McGurk's Bar tragedy. This was later reversed by the Historical Enquiries Team report. Last year the Chief Constable again changed the official PSNI position, saying he accepted there was bias. "If a false line of enquiry equates to investigative bias, on that basis I am accepting the language that the Ombudsman chose to use to present that (initial RUC) hypothesis that turned out to be incorrect," he said. A British man accused of being the "mastermind" of a major cyber attack on a German telecoms giant has been arrested. The 29-year-old was stopped at Luton airport on Wednesday by officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA), in a joint operation with the German federal police. In November a major internet outage affected Deutsche Telekom customers, numbering more than one million according to German police. At the time Germany's Federal Office for Information Security said the outage was part of a worldwide attack on internet routers that exploited unsecured maintenance ports. Following the arrest, Cologne public prosecutor Dr Daniel Vollmert said police hoped to extradite the man to Germany, where he could face a charge of attempted computer sabotage. The offence carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years. Dr Vollmert told the Press Association: "He is accused of being the mastermind behind the attack." An NCA spokesman said: "NCA officers arrested a man in his twenties at Luton airport on February 22 2017 under an EAW (European Arrest Warrant), on behalf of the German federal criminal police office (BKA) in connection to offences committed in Germany." He said the man was arrested in connection to " separate offences committed in the UK" but could give no further detail. A young British couple are in a serious condition in hospital after they were hit by a car in France. The accident happened in La Clusaz in Haute-Savoie early on Wednesday evening. It is thought they were waiting at a bus stop when they were struck by the vehicle. Police are trying to trace the driver of the car. The injured couple were taken to hospital in Annecy for treatment. A police spokesman in Annecy said: "Investigations are under way. The couple were on foot when they were hit by a car. "We are trying to establish the identity of the driver." A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are in touch with local authorities after two British nationals were taken to hospital in La Clusaz, France. "We are ready to provide support." Family members and friends await news at the airport in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, after a plane crashed in Mali (AP) Experts have found the second black box of the Air Algerie flight that crashed in a remote part of northern Mali, killing all 118 people on board. The UN peacekeeping mission in Mali issued a statement that said its specialists deployed to the site had located the second black box that may help to determine what happened to the plane, which had encountered bad weather. The Air Algerie jet was flying from Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso to Algiers in Algeria on Thursday when it went down in Mali near the border with Burkina Faso. The Burkina Faso government has flown three family members of those killed aboard the jet to the site in Mali where debris from the plane and the remains of passengers are scattered, said spokesman Victorien Sawadogo. A government helicopter transported the family members - from France, Lebanon and Burkina Faso - so they could view the results of the air disaster, he said. A psychologist is accompanying them and a second flight to the site was planned later on Saturday, he added. Burkina Faso president Blaise Compaore will meet with other family members on Saturday afternoon, said the spokesman. In Paris, French president Francois Hollande was meeting with families of victims. Nearly half of the victims were French. Spanish and Algerian officials flew to Burkina Faso on Saturday to express their condolences. "We send a message of condolences, sympathy, solidarity and availability to the people of Burkina Faso," Amar Ghoule, the Algerian minister of transportation and special envoy of president Aziz Bouteflika, told journalists after meeting with Mr Compaore. The Spanish ambassador in Burkina Faso, Fernando Maran, also expressed "the will of the Spanish government to collaborate with Burkina Faso and other countries by making available all technical and human means that they have". All six crew members of flight AH 5017 were Spanish. In Ouagadougou, a supermarket has been closed for the second day after the loss of the owner. Eight Lebanese nationals died in the crash, according to the Burkinabe press. American Birding Podcast: Lang Elliott on Natural Soundscapes The next episode of the American Birding Podcast is out! Im joined by master bird recordist Lang Elliott as he talks about his new project, a sound-recording expedition to the western US. Lang hopes to record in a wide variety of locations and habitats, and hes documenting his journey on his website, Music of Nature, and sharing his recordings in a new podcast he has launched. Also, ABA president Jeff Gordon checks in, reporting from eastern Pennsylvania where a Black-backed Oriole has been attracting birders from all over to a nondescript neighborhood outside of Philadelphia full of people who had a front row seat to a real birding phenomenon. Thanks to Naturalist Journeys for sponsoring this episode. Subscribe to the podcast at iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play, and please leave a review if you are so inclined! It definitely helps people find us. The DUP have not lived up to the basic tenets of good governance, says Michelle O'Neill. Agreements must be honoured by all sides. The election on March 2 has the potential to be a defining moment in our peace and political process. Over the past 10 years, despite the valiant efforts of Martin McGuinness, the potential of our peace has been slowly and deliberately strangled by the DUP. But now we have an opportunity to rebuild the political institutions; to return them to the core values of the Good Friday Agreement on which they were founded. That is what was endorsed by the people north and south in referenda almost 20 years ago. That is what helped bring to an end decades of conflict, discrimination, division and inequality. The institutions provided a peaceful and democratic process for constitutional change, for reconciliation and for equality. They are part of the peace process. They do not operate like the Dail, Westminster, Edinburgh, or Cardiff. Sinn Fein entered the Executive on the basis of our mandate. We took our seats and, since 2007, have jointly led the Executive under Martin McGuinness, because we believe in power-sharing, we believe in equality and because we honour our agreements. We were in the Executive because we wanted to be there and we wanted the institutions to work. No individual has done more than Martin McGuinness to work for all the people, to promote equality and reconciliation and at a huge personal cost. He acted with patience and generosity. The actions of the DUP under the watch of the British and Irish governments rendered the institutions untenable and Martin McGuinness acted. This was nothing to do with Gerry Adams and all to do with the arrogance and disrespect of the DUP. It's about RHI and other financial scandals. RHI is a scandal which is symptomatic of the DUP's approach to power. They failed to live up to the central tenets of good governance and power-sharing - integrity, respect and equality. The DUP were in the institutions because they had to be. They had no alternative and no vision beyond a unionist state. Rather than embracing diversity and parity of esteem, the DUP chose to mock and pillory the Irish language and identity. When people across the community were demanding humility, respect and action on RHI, the DUP responded with a sectarian decision to axe a bursary scheme for disadvantaged children attending the Gaeltacht. The rights of Irish speakers to a language act agreed at St Andrews were dismissed and those making the demand likened to crocodiles. The DUP blocked marriage equality and repeatedly descended into racist, sexist and homophobic attitudes and actions. They stood with the Tories on Brexit and against the majority of the people and against the interests of the economy. They have refused to identify the secret donor of hundreds of thousands of pounds for their Brexit campaign. And their mishandling of the RHI scandal and the allegations of corruption associated with the scheme is what ultimately brought the institutions down. This is not an Orange and Green issue. The cost of scandals will be paid by a generation of our citizens and impact on the public services of all. This is an issue of integrity. No government can expect to work without integrity. No administration can expect to enjoy public confidence and support if it isn't underpinned by honesty and equality. Sinn Fein has made it clear that we will not accept Arlene Foster back in office until the RHI inquiry has reported. We have told the British and Irish governments that there must be fundamental change if there is to be any return to the institutions. The DUP promised a brutal campaign and from the outset have sought to sectarianise the election, to make it an issue of who would be First Minister - despite the fact there will be no First Minister without the support of Sinn Fein. They want the election to be about the past. They want the election to be about anything other than the waste that is RHI, or the arrogance and contempt displayed to citizens. This election and the negotiations which follow are about the future. They are about rebuilding the political process and institutions operating with integrity and based on equality and respect. Genuine progressive power-sharing working in the best interests of all in society. The UUP and SDLP have attempted to present themselves as some alternative. There can be no alternative to respect and equality. There is no alternative to power-sharing and the Good Friday Agreement. After nine years, these parties stepped out of the Executive and away from the agreement and entered Opposition. They have yet to make it clear if they will return to the Executive, or hide in Opposition. If we get the votes and if the Executive is re-established, Sinn Fein will take our ministerial positions in line with the Good Friday Agreement and power-sharing. Unionist one-party rule failed, direct rule failed, arrogance has failed. Power-sharing based on equality, respect and integrity is the way forward. All of the parties and the people want the institutions up, running and delivering for all. They cannot operate on the dictate of a single party, but on the basis of the agreements. An agreement made must be an agreement implemented. We are not going into renegotiate agreements that already have been made. We are seeking to secure their full implementation. This should not be a long process. The question to all parties and both governments is simple: will you fully implement all agreements? That is what I am about. That is what Sinn Fein is about. We are moving forward to a society where there is zero tolerance of racism, sectarianism and homophobia. A society where your identities are embraced and celebrated. A society whose place in Europe is secured. We are about a new way of working within the institutions, ensuring they deliver for all our people and that they operate with equality and respect. So, what we win in the time ahead, we win for all. That is what I am asking the public to endorse when they go to the polls on March 2. Michelle O'Neill is leader of Sinn Fein in Northern Ireland. She has been an MLA for Mid-Ulster since 2007 Michelle ONeill and Peter Doran represent a new generation, but old questions remain, says Nelson McCausland. There have been significant comings-and-goings in the ranks of Sinn Fein. Michelle ONeill has been moved up and Dr Peter Doran has been moved in and Jennifer McCann has already gone. Sinn Fein can be extremely opaque, but the changes help us to understand what is going on at the heart of Irish republicanism. Dr Peter Doran is a native of Donegal and now a law lecturer at Queens University, Belfast. His profile on the Sinn Fein website makes no mention of his previous Green Party membership, but rather describes him as a life-long activist on peace issues. Most people will find it strange that a life-long peace activist is standing for a party that glorified decades of terrorism. Many Sinn Fein politicians have a background in the Provisional IRA and that gives them an authority within the party. That doesnt apply to Peter Doran and indicates that Sinn Fein are trying to broaden their base and their appeal. A university lecturer may appear more acceptable in some areas than a former terrorist. But this is hard to handle. When Dr Doran was asked to condemn the IRA murder of Edgar Graham, who had also been a law lecturer at Queens, he declined to do so. And that illustrates the problem of trying to ride two horses trying to reach new voters and, at the same time, hold on to the core republican base. He expressed sorrow, but he cant condemn an IRA murder while, at the same time, Michelle ONeill turns up in Clonoe to eulogise the organisation that carried out that murder. What is the credibility of a university law lecturer who cant condemn a murder? Meanwhile, Michelle ONeill was hand-picked by Gerry Adams and installed as the leader of Sinn Fein in Northern Ireland. There are similarities to the Sinn Fein vice-president, Mary Lou McDonald TD, in that Michelle and Mary Lou are both women in their forties and neither of them has had any involvement in the IRA. But there is a major difference. Here, Adams was probably faced with a choice between Michelle ONeill and Conor Murphy and the choice of ONeill is understandable. Murphy, as a convicted IRA terrorist, would be an easy target for unionists. Unionists would also point to the tribunal that found him guilty of discrimination and then ask if that is what Sinn Fein means by equality. But Adams knows very well that a northern version of Mary Lou would not carry the clout required for a northern republican leader. Mary Lou started out in Fianna Fail and does not have the republican pedigree of Michelle ONeill. She suits the Irish Republic, where Sinn Fein see opportunities for growth, but northern republicanism requires someone with a harder republican edge. Michelle ONeill fits that bill. Certainly, there will be some changes in personnel and that is mainly about succession-planning and the need to strengthen their Assembly team. There has been criticism of their performance by nationalist commentators and grassroots republicans. Adams will hope that the changes will enable them to up their game. Indeed, the first change was made on December 6, before Christmas and before an election was called. Jennifer McCann, who served a prison sentence for shooting a police officer, left and was replaced by Orlaithi Flynn, a 29-year-old with a Masters degree in politics. The first important fact here is that, while she was not in the IRA, her father was a veteran republican. The second and equally important fact is the date, which could suggest that Sinn Fein were already getting prepared to force an election. In the beginni ng of the book, Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope, Mark Kelly wrote that he and his wife, Gabby Giffords hoped that 2011 would be the best year of their lives. Kelly would command the last flight of the orbiter Endeavor, Giffords would begin her third term in Congress, and the two would hopefully conceive a child together. Instead, 2011 was punctuated, first with terror and grief then with a daily routine of hard work, occasional setbacks and personal triumphs. Together, Giffords and Kelly, a couple bonded deeply by love, learned what survival really meant after suffering a severe brain injury. From the moment Gabrielle Giffords and Mark Kelly found love and a new life with each other, the pretty Arizona congresswoman and the brave astronaut captured each others hearts. The couple met in 2003 when both were selected to attend a young leaders forum by the National Committee in U.S.-China relations. The next year, they met again when the group reconvened in Arizona. At the time, Kelly was 40, newly divorced and living in Houston with two daughters. Giffords was 34, living in Tucson, 18 months into her first term as the youngest woman ever elected to the Arizona Senate. I thought she was out of my league, Kelly said. She had a compelling urge to learn everything she needed to know to represent the people of Arizona. If she was working on legislation that had to do with the death penalty, then she needed to visit death row. It wasnt hard for those closest to Giffords to see how her feelings were really beginning to grow for Kelly. I remember Gabby telling me she met this fellow and then she giggled, said Robert Reich, former labor secretary and close family friend. I said, He must be tall, dark and very handsome, and she laughed and said, No. Hes short and bald, and I love him. Kelly was just the man Giffords was looking for. He was smart, supportive and sincere, all characteristics she had been searching for in someone. They were both incredibly smitten. The two wed in 2007 on a beautiful organic produce farm outside of Tucson. After the wedding, Kelly returned to her job in Houston and Giffords to her work in Arizona and Washington, D.C. as a U.S. representative. The couples commuter marriage continued until Giffords was shot on Jan. 8. 2011 by Jared Lee Loughner in a shooting spree. Since the shooting, their lives have dramatically changed, now filled with work, movies, friends and ongoing speech, yoga and physical therapy for Giffords. While the couple has to deal with their share of adjustments and challenges, the six years since the shooting have brought the two closer together; theyve learned a lot about life and love along the way. Now we live in the same place and see each other more often than we ever did, Giffords said. Its taught me how important it is for a relationship to have a strong foundation of loyalty and respect. There are a number of lessons theyve learned on their journey that have really helped keep the couple happy, healthy and moving forward. One of them is acceptance. Giffords has physical limitations and walks slower than she used to. She has nonfluent aphasia, which means she understands conversation clearly but struggles to speak in complete sentences. This experience has taught Kelly how to be a more patient person and the benefits that come with that. To communicate basic ideas might take 20 minutes as long as it used to, Kelly said. It requires a lot of patience. I never thought of myself as a very patient person, but Im a lot more now. Another major lesson theyve learned is the power of positive thinking. The injury Gabby suffered was horrific, Kelly said. It will affect her for the rest of her life. If the roles were reversed, Id be a little bitter, but she isnt. She pops up everyday looking ahead and trying to figure out how to be a positive force in the world. She doesnt get down; she realizes we cant go back in time and theres no undoing this. Theres no point in feeling sorry for yourself; all you can do is try to do the best you can do with what youve got. Finally, one of the greatest lessons theyve learned through all of this is the value of loyalty and teamwork. People come up to me all the time and commend me for hanging in there, Kelly said. I always find that odd because whats the other option? In situations like this, you dont bolt and leave the idea never occurred to me. While Giffords continues to rely on Kellys assistance, this doesnt stop her from being a supportive partner who gives as much as she receives. Before the shooting, we balanced each other because he loved to talk and I was more reserved, Giffords said. While I was in Congress, I often looked to him for his expertise in the military and science. He looked to me for my experience in politics, business and life. Now, Mark does most of the talking but we still lean on each other for expertise. Our relationship has always been based on mutual respect and adoration. Every day Giffords tackles new challenges, encouraged by the fact that Kelly will always be by her side. We can all learn a great deal from their love and the incredible lessons theyve learned along the way. Shutterstock.com While Christianity is by far the worlds largest religion, it is the most persecuted religious group in the world. There are still many places where Christians are not only persecuted, but also dispossessed and even killed for their faith. This commonly occurs as part of governmental or religious policy, and often these stories and incidences are under-reported. A new report by Open Doors USA, identified 2016 as the worst year yet for Christian persecution, ever since the organization began monitoring persecution 25 years ago. Open Doors found that persecution of Christians rose globally for the third year yet, reaching unprecedented levels in countries location in South and Southeast Asia, among other locations. The report substantiated an earlier study from the Turin-based Center for Studies on New Religions which found that during the year 2016, some 90,000 Christians were killed for their faith around the world. "Based on the specific criteria used, approximately 215 million Christians experience high, very high, or extreme persecution." The Watch List examines the pressures faced by Christians in five spheres of life including private, family, community, national and church, plus levels that were motivated by violence. Based on the specific criteria used, approximately 215 million Christians experience high, very high, or extreme persecution. Here are the top 10 countries where it is most dangerous to practice Christianity, recognized for extreme persecution. 1. North Korea North Korea is ranked as the most oppressive place in the world for Christians, number 1 on the World Watch List. Being a Christian in North Korea is considered one of the worst crimes possible. In this totalitarian communist state, Christians are forced to hide their faith completely at all times. Worship of the ruling Kim Family is mandated for all citizens so any disruption of this can place your life and your familys life in jeopardy. It is extremely dangerous for parents to teach their faith to their children until their kids are old enough to understand the dangers. Owning a Bible in North Korea is grounds for execution or deportment to a harsh labor camp, where unknown numbers die each year from torture, beatings, overexertion and starvation. 2. Somalia Since 1991, Somalia has been without an effective central government. Its dangerous for anyone to live there, but particularly dangerous for Christians. Christians have absolutely no voice in society. Because of Somalias tribal system, the country is very resistant to modern government models, including democracy. Since the downfall of Ziad Barre in 1991, Somalia has become a safe haven for Islamic militants. Christian coverts from Islam in the country face particular persecution and martyrdom is very common. A mere suspicion of someone renouncing Islam leads to a rushed public execution. 3. Afghanistan It is especially dangerous to be a Christian in Afghanistan. Followers of Christ in this country face extreme persecution. Because of this, Christians never meet together publically. Many who convert from Islam to Christianity are murdered once their extended families learn of their new faith. In 2010, the deputy secretary of Parliament called for the execution of Christian converts, after seeing baptisms of Afghan Christians on Afghan television. As a result of this, many Christians have gone into hiding. 4. Pakistan Christians in Pakistan are often treated as second-class citizens. Christian women and children can be the targets of sexual abuse; blasphemy laws are abused to attack followers and churches are monitored and sometimes attacked. While historical Christian communities exist openly and have to put up with stringent rules and constant monitoring, Christian converts from Islam suffer the most persecution from both radical Islamic groups and families and neighbors. 5. Sudan In Sudan, converting from Islam to another religion is punishable by death. Sudan also has blasphemy laws under which many Christians have been imprisoned. Under the authoritarian rule of al-Bashir and his party, there is not true rule of law in Sudan; freedom of expression has been almost entirely curtailed. There are reports that the government has attacked Christians with targeted bombings, and turned a blind eye to the killings of Christians by others. 6. Syria An estimated 700,000 Christians have fled Syria since the start of the civil war in 2011. Parts of the country have been claimed by Isis and other Islamic militants. Christians are often abducted and killed. Most churches are in ruins; however, some Christians make a deliberate choice to stay and reach out to their fellow countrymen with the Gospel. 7. Iraq Many Christians fled Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein as persecution escalated. As Islamic State has taken control of large parts of the country, Christians and other minorities have been forced to covert, pay a punitive tax or be killed. An estimated 100,000 people fled their homes in Mosul, a city in a largely Christian region in northern Iraq, as Isis advanced on the region in late 2014. In Iraq, there have been public execution-style killings of Christians by Isis, some of them recorded and broadcast for propaganda purposes. 8. Iran Islam is the official religion, and any ethnic Persian who converts to Christianity is considered apostate. Converts to Christianity from Islam make up the largest group of Christians and experience the most persecution. Other Protestant Christian communities who evangelize Muslims are the second most persecuted group. Armenians and Assyrians living in Iran are allowed to practice Christianity, but are often treated as second-class citizens. Churches are monitored and raided by the government. 9. Yemen Christians in Yemen are forced to keep their faith a secret. Tribal leaders in the country often punish people who wish to eave Islam, and al-Qaida, which is active in the country, has been known to kidnap and kill Yemini Christians. Despite major persecution, reports show that more Muslims are turning to Christ in Yemen than ever before. 10. Eritrea In Eritrea, Christians are considered a threat to the ruling Peoples Front for Democracy and Justice. The Eritrean regime is authoritarian and intolerant towards any form of association, dissent and free expression. Many Christians in Eritrea have had their houses attacked or been tortured, beaten and imprisoned. There are reports that some have been held in shipping containers in scorching conditions, and have died as a result. The persecution of Christians continues to increase around the world. Claiming Christ in parts of the world can lead to violence and death. Lets pray for Christians around the world who are persecuted, imprisoned or harmed for their faith. We ask that believers in these countries would be able to fix their eyes fully on Jesus as they undergo persecution for following Him. Lesli White is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth with a Bachelors degree in Mass Communications and a concentration in print and online journalism. In college, she took a number of religious studies courses and harnessed her talent for storytelling. White has a rich faith background. Her father, a Lutheran pastor and life coach was a big influence in her faith life, helping her to see the value of sharing the message of Christ with others. She has served in the church from an early age. Some of these roles include assisting ministry, mutual ministry, worship and music ministry and church council. The Old Testament lies worlds away from the modern reader, and its wrathful God seems even farther. Crossing from the Old Testament to the New often results in a feeling of unease because of this difference. How can the God that locked mankind out of paradise and destroyed cities be the same God who loved the world so much that He sacrificed His son for our everlasting salvation? These two versions of God certainly seem incompatible to the secular world. Consider this quote from outspoken atheist, Richard Dawkins. "The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully." These words may be harsh, but God, in the Old Testament, did destroy cities. He did destroyed entire peoples. He destroyed babies and children. This is a far cry from the ministry of Jesus, who loved and served the same enemies that the Old Testament God might have destroyed, who healed and comforted, and gently taught, where the Old Testament God might have brought down pillars of flame. The writer of Hebrews 13:8 declares that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Clearly, this verse tells us that we cannot simply forget the Old Testament. So what, then, are we to think? Can we reconcile these two opposing aspects of God? Yeswe can. But first, we have to make three realizations. God Wants the Best for Us Consider your parents. There were times, when you were a child, that they punished you, and they did so not because they were megalomaniacal, not because they were sadistic or bullies, but because they wanted the best for youbecause they loved you. Consider the doctor who, upon seeing an injured limb that threatens the life of the patient, amputates that limb. It is a terrible optionyes. But it is the only option. These considerations give us a glimpse of Gods mind. The Old Testament is all about Gods plan to use Israel to bless the entire world, to bring His Word to everyone through their prophets and missionariesthey were to be the nation that pointed all others toward God. This was an important missionthe very fate of the world depended upon it. "The very nature of mankind is to be with its creator." Scripture states Gods love for His creations over and over. The very nature of mankind is to be with its creator. Each man and woman feels it in their very bones, whether they attribute that longing to God or not. When we sin and stray from God, we separate ourselves from Him. And on death, that separation is permanent and acutely painful for all eternitybecause thats what Hell really is, separation from God. He doesnt want that for any of us. But God doesnt directly control mankind. He doesnt want automatons. So he guides, like the example of the shepherd and his sheep that appears and reappears throughout the Bible. And sometimes, as were about to see, that guidance takes on the form of wrath. Wrath and Mercy are One The very idea of the God of the Old and New Testaments being different from one another comes from a critical misunderstanding of what Gods wrath really is. Gods wrath is Gods mercy. It is love, believe it or not. God only goes to war when necessarythere is A time for war and a time for peace, as Ecclesiastes 3:8 says. Although God punishes evil, He would rather all repent, and He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, as Ezekiel 33:11 says. Sounds pretty New Testament, doesnt it? When Gods wrath does come down, it is, as weve learned, like the surgeons scalpel, cutting away the disease before it can spreadonly instead of bacteria or viruses, the nature of this disease is sin, and its effect is worse than death. If Israel had been destroyed, if the one bulwark against sin and disbelief had been taken down, the message of Christianity might not have made it out into the world, dooming everyone, everywhere. So God, in His mercy, poured out His wrath, allowing things to happen throughout the Old Testament that we now have a hard time understanding, but that were necessary, nonetheless, to stop this doom. But believe thisGod mourned over every lost life in the way that only a parent can. The Context Has Changed, Not God Today, the world seems much different from that of the fire-and-brimstone, plague-filled Old Testament. But it isnt God that has changed. Its the context. Where, before, His corrections came down at the national level, things are a lot more personal now. Its no longer just Israel spreading Gods Word against a handful of rival nationsits billions of Christians all over the world individually living out God's plan. Each of us now feels the tug of Gods "wrath" on the small scale, through a multitude of things that make us just uncomfortable to change our pathno more. God is not the author of pain, but He does use it as a tool of loving guidance, even in our contemporary world. The effects simply aren't as large-scale and dramatic as they once were. God is the Same The God of the Old Testament and that of the New are one and the same. There is no difference. Gods wrath was always love. The Bible is a story, and like any story, it has a plot that is constantly progressing. It is a tale of Gods love for His creations, of Him teaching us how to best live in a way that will result in our ultimate good. Whether God is being wrathful or comforting, angry or loving, His goal has always been the same, and will always remain the sameto save His people, to bring them into the relationship they were created to be in, and to grant them peace and happiness for all eternity. That is the true nature of god, and the lens through which we might gain some understanding of the events of the Old Testament, even in our New Testament world. Wesley Baines is a graduate student at Regent University's School of Divinity, and a freelance writer working in the fields of spirituality, self-help, and religion. He is also a former editor at Beliefnet.com. You can catch more of his work at www.wesleybaines.com. PLEASE NOTE! Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate! All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited! (One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!) Note: This is the sixth in a weekly series of explanatory posts on the officials and agencies included in the Presidents Cabinet. See the series introduction here. Department of Education / U.S. Department of Education (Public Domain) Cabinet position: Secretary of Veterans Affairs Department: Department of Veterans Affairs Current Secretary: David J. Shulkin Succession: The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is sixteenth in the presidential line of succession. Department Mission: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for providing vital services to Americas veterans. VA provides health care services, benefits programs and access to national cemeteries to former military personnel and their dependents. The department carries out its duties through three main administrative divisions: Veterans Benefits Administration; Veterans Health Administration; and National Cemetery Administration. (Source) Programs: The following programs and offices are included under the VA: Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction Advisory Committee Management Office Board of Veterans Appeals Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Center for Minority Veterans Center for Women Veterans General Counsel Inspector General Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs Office of Employment Discrimination Complaint Adjudication Office of Human Resources and Administration Office of Information and Technology Office of Management Office of Navigation, Advocacy, and Community Engagement (NACE) Office of Operations, Security and Preparedness Office of Enterprise Integration Office of Public & Intergovernmental Affairs Office of Regulation Policy and Management Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Office of Survivors Assistance Veterans Service Organization Liaison Administrations National Cemetery Administration Veterans Benefits Administration Veterans Health Administration Department Budget: $182.3 billion in 2017, which includes $78.7 billion in discretionary resources and $103.6 billion in mandatory funding. Number of employees: Approximately 340,000. Secretary Info Secretary: David J. Shulkin Previous occupation: Served as VAs Under Secretary for Health Education: Bachelors degree from Hampshire College and MD degree from Medical College of Pennsylvania. Previous Jobs Held: Chief Medical Officer of the University of Pennsylvania Health System, Temple University Hospital, and the Medical College of Pennsylvania Hospital. He has also held academic positions including Chairman of Medicine and Vice Dean at Drexel University School of Medicine and as Professor of Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Founded and served as Chairman and CEO of DoctorQuality. Notable achievements: Author of Questions Patients Need to Ask: Getting the Best Healthcare American College of Physicians (fellow) Leonard Davis Institute in Health Economics at the University of Pennsylvania (senior fellow) Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania U.S. Senate Committee on Aging (National Health Policy Fellow) Notable quotes: On his connection to the VA: Our countrys sacred obligation to fully honor our commitments to our Veterans is deeply personal to me. I was born on an Army base. My father was an Army psychiatrist, both grandfathers were Army Veterans, and my paternal grandfather served as Chief Pharmacist at the VA hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. As a young doctor, I trained in VA hospitals. I view my VA service as a duty to give back to the men and women who secured the uniquely American freedoms and opportunities we all enjoy because of the sacrifices they made. On reform and privatization of the VA: I will seek major reform and a transformation of VA. There will be far greater accountability, dramatically improved access, responsiveness and expanded care options, but the Department of Veterans Affairs will not be privatized under my watch. Previous and forthcoming posts in this series: Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of Education, Secretary of Labor, Secretary of Defense, Attorney General, Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Secretary of Homeland Security Women work in one of about 4,500 garment factories in Bangladesh, April 21, 2016. Major clothing brands have pulled out of the Dhaka Apparel Summit scheduled for Saturday, citing concerns over labor unrest in Bangladesh days after Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticized the arbitrary detention of garment workers and labor rights activists. Dutch mega brand C&A issued a news release stating that it, along with other labels including H&M and Inditex, would not participate in the second-ever summit hosted by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and featuring Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Instead, we strongly encourage the Government of Bangladesh to take immediate steps to ensure the protection of the workers rights, with special attention to the legitimate representatives of the workers who have been arrested, C&A said. We sincerely hope that BGMEA will use its influence to resolve these issues and we look forward to continuing our work with BGMEA in support of a strong and stable garment industry in Bangladesh. About 1,500 workers at garment factories lost their jobs and labor leaders were arrested after launching a strike over wages from Dec. 11 to 19 at Ashulia, the manufacturing hub near Dhaka of Bangladeshs all-important garment industry. Ten remain in jail on charges of sabotage, extortion, looting and vandalism, according to officials. H&M confirmed that it is joining the boycott. H&M believes that attending the Dhaka Apparel Summit would create confusion and send the wrong signals regarding our commitment to freedom of association and that the ongoing situation must be peacefully resolved, spokesman Inigo Saenz Maestre said. HRW deputy Asia director Phil Robertson last week called on major brands to pull out of the summit and push the government to take positive steps. Targeting labor activists and intimidating workers instead of addressing their wage grievances tarnishes Bangladeshs reputation and makes a mockery of government and industry claims that they are committed to protecting workers rights, Robertson said. A BGMEA executive refuted Robertsons statement. I do not agree with HRW. Its allegations are all fictitious and based on hearsay. I would rather ask the HRW representatives to visit garment factories. The rights of factory owners and workers have been ensured by law, BGMEA president Siddikur Rahman told BenarNews. BGMEA represents about 4,500 factories in Bangladesh. Layoffs led to protest The protests began after 121 workers were laid off from a factory, but soon turned into a movement seeking wage hikes for workers. In mid-December thousands of workers rallied to demand monthly wages increase from 5,300 taka (U.S. $66) to 16,000 taka ($200). At least 55 Ashulia factories were closed as workers rallied. When it ended, production resumed, but 1,500 workers were without jobs. Babul Akhtar, president of the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation, said the situation was unprecedented. Police arrested workers under the Special Powers Act, brought sedition charges apart from theft, looting, extortion and vandalism charges, Babul told BenarNews. The 1974 act ensured more speedy trial and effective punishment of certain grave offenses including sabotage, counterfeiting and smuggling. Md Jahangir was among those arrested. It was in the middle of the night. I heard footsteps of many at my door. They asked my wife to open the door. Once my wife refused, they started banging the door. I woke up in a hurry. I was taken to police custody and remained missing to my family for five days, Jahangir told. A police official blamed the protesters. Those who do not want Bangladesh to stand on her own are instigating these protests, Ashulia Thana officer-in-charge Mohsin Qadir told BenarNews. He estimated the number of people arrested to be about 50, pointing out that Ashulia Thania police alone arrested 16 labor leaders. Cant save a single penny Machine operator Jharna Begum said she needed a pay raise. We cant save a single penny. I cant keep my two kids with me. Things are costly here and for the betterment of the kids I have sent them to my village home, she said. Its a five-hour journey from here, so I cant see my kids very often. Worker Jorina Begum said she had cut back on her food budget, purchasing dry fish, lentils and low-quality rice. The last time she served meat to her family was on the first day of the month after getting paid. I bought a dozen of eggs and its only for my kid. The boy gets it on every alternative day, I cant allow anybody else, Jorina told BenarNews. Indian soldiers walk through the scene of a firefight in Kashmir where four suspected rebels and two soldiers were killed, Feb. 12, 2017. Three soldiers and a civilian were killed when suspected militants ambushed a patrol in Indian Kashmirs Shopian district on Thursday, the army said. Five other soldiers were injured, three critically. The militants opened fire at the army patrol party in Shopian districts Chitgram village at around 2:30 a.m., Col. Rajesh Kalia, the Indian Armys public relations officer, told BenarNews. The firing lasted about an hour, during which three soldiers Sreejit M.J., Vikas Kumar and Ghulam Muhammad Rather lost their lives and five others were wounded. A woman, Taja Begum, who was standing near a window of her house, was accidentally killed when she was hit by a stray bullet, Kalia said, adding that the unknown number of militants managed to escape. Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), the largest separatist faction in the disputed Himalayan region, has claimed responsibility for the attack. HM commanders, including Peer Saifullah Khalid and Mehmood Ghaznavi complimented the operatives for carrying out [the] successful attack on [the] army patrol, Burhan-ud-Din, the outfits spokesman, told Kashmir News Service. Claimed in its entirety by both India and Pakistan, Kashmir has been gripped by a separatist insurgency that has claimed more than 70,000 lives since the late 1980s. The Indian-controlled side of Kashmir, known as Jammu and Kashmir, witnessed a months-long violent unrest after security forces gunned down an HM leader in July 2016. More than 100 people were killed and more than 10,000 injured in almost daily clashes between anti-India protesters and security forces through early December, when the protests died down. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti condemned the attack. Violence has never been a solution to address any issue. The unending cycle of violence in the state has brought unprecedented miseries to the people and collective efforts are needed to combat death and destruction, she said in a statement released by her office. Thursdays attack is the third assault on security forces in Indian Kashmir this month. On Feb. 14, three soldiers were killed and at least 15 injured in a fire fight with militants in Bandipora district. In a separate attack in Kulgam district on Feb. 12, two solders, four militants and a civilian were killed. While the Indian Army has lost about 10 soldiers in the first two months of 2017, more than 20 suspected militants have killed in 50 days, the highest since 2010, according to the Press Trust of India (PTI). Intelligence reports suggest that about 100 Kashmiris have taken up arms against Indian security forces after the July killing of HM commander Burhan Wani, the PTI said. Conservative Muslim group Hefazat-e-Islam wants this Statue of Justice removed from in front of the Bangladesh Supreme Court in Dhaka, Feb. 16, 2017. A conservative Islamic group is calling on Bangladeshs government to remove a statue representing justice in front of the Supreme Court building in Dhaka before the art pieces official opening in April. Hefazat-e-Islam, an Islamic organization dominated by hardline Qwami teachers, students, imams and their disciples at madrassas Muslim boarding schools has threatened a countrywide march where parishioners would exit mosques after prayers to chant provocative slogans, followed by public meetings as soon as March 3. Bangladesh is home to about 400,000 mosques. Hefazat leaders said the processions would be larger than a protest in 2013 that demanded passage of a blasphemy law. The womans statue holding the scales cannot be the sign of justice. Allah is the sign of justice and the Quran is the rule of justice. Erecting a scale-holding Greek or Roman statue at the Supreme Court premises in a Muslim majority country like Bangladesh is in no way acceptable to the people, Hefazat Joint Secretary Mohiuddin Ruhi told BenarNews. Ruhi threatened to hold the march if the statue was not removed. He has suggested March 3 as a date after Friday prayers, but this has not been finalized. He spoke a day after Hefazat Secretary General Junaid Babunagari threatened a larger gathering than the one four years ago. On May 5, 2013, as many as 500,000 Hefazat activists, mostly students, flocked into the commercial hub of Motijheel a section of Dhaka to demand passage of a blasphemy law including capital punishment for all secular bloggers and atheists. The rioters set fire to buildings and vehicles for hours. Is Bangladesh an Islamic state Attorney General Mahbubey Alam told BenarNews that he did not expect the government to remove the statue by artist Mrinal Haque. There are hundreds of sculptures and statues in Bangladesh. They [Hefazat] have unlimited demands. Is this possible to listen to them, he asked. Ruhi said Hefazat had filed documents on Feb. 13 demanding the statues removal to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and to Chief Justice S.K. Sinha. This is not the first time Hefazat challenged the top court. In March 2016, Hefazat leaders attended proceedings after threatening to cripple the country with protests if the court stripped Islam of its standing as the state religion. A three-member panel of the High Court scrapped a petition to remove a 1988 amendment that made Islam the state religion without offering an explanation, leading to a Hefazat victory rally. Professor Ajay Roy, father of slain secular blogger Avijit Roy, challenged Hefazat for demanding court action last year and for demanding that the statue be taken down. Why should the statue be removed? Is Bangladesh an Islamic state? This is a secular country. The scale is the symbol of justice, Roy told BenarNews. Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, an organizing secretary of the ruling Awami League party, supported government efforts to break up the 2013 protests. The Hefazat has no popular support. They are simply trying to play politics on the pretext of protecting Islam, he told BenarNews. Diplomatic fallout from the alleged assassination in Malaysia of North Korean leader Kim Jong Uns half-brother is testing long-standing bilateral relations and raising questions about whether Kuala Lumpur will cut off ties with Pyongyang. Some analysts speculate that Malaysia could expel North Korean diplomats in Kuala Lumpur if Pyongyang refuses to hand over a diplomat sought by police for questioning over the killing of Kim Jong Nam. I dont expect the relationship to be severed, but a form of downgrade looks inevitable at this stage. I suspect the Malaysian authorities are looking into implementing international sanctions with greater vigor, Shahriman Lockman, a senior analyst at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia (ISIS), told BenarNews. Malaysia already has recalled its ambassador from Pyongyang after government sources in the United States and South Korea alleged North Korean agents were behind the assassination of Jong Nam at a Kuala Lumpur area airport on Feb. 13. At a news conference in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, Malaysian Police Chief Khalid Abu Bakar could not confirm whether Pyongyang had carried out the assassination, but said, what is clear is that those involved are North Koreans. He announced that authorities had asked the embassy on Wednesday to hand over Second Secretary Hyon Kwang Song and North Korean state-airline employee Kim Uk Il both of whom are believed to be in Malaysia and wanted in connection with the case. Malaysia must take into account all the aspects before taking further action. The worst-case scenario is we can cut diplomatic ties with North Korea. However, it is too early to predict this, Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, a professor of international relations at Universiti Utara Malaysia, told BenarNews last week before a bilateral row broke out. Bilateral trade The two Asian countries established diplomatic relations in 1973 and Malaysia remains one of North Koreas relatively few trading partners despite the communist states international isolation through sanctions over its illegal nuclear weapons program and ballistic missile tests. The volume of bilateral trade in 2015 was relatively small totaling nearly 23 million ringgit (U.S. $5 million), according to The Star. Malaysia exports rubber, palm oil and petroleum to North Korea, which sends iron, steel and chemical products to the Southeast Asian nation, the newspaper reported. North Koreans and Malaysians also are able to visit their respective countries without a visa. Those ties have taken a hit since a war of words erupted in the past five days between the North Korean ambassador to Kuala Lumpur and Malaysias government over how local authorities have handled an investigation into the death of Jong Nam. Although North Korea has not yet matched Malaysia by recalling its ambassador to Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian government might be compelled to pressure Pyongyang into handing over the diplomat, according to Shahriman. It could do this, he said, by invoking a provision of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2321 that allows member-states to reduce the number if staff at [North Korean] diplomatic missions and consular posts in other words, expel some of Pyongyangs embassy personnel. If North Korea doesnt lift the diplomatic immunity of one of their diplomats whos being sought by Malaysian police in connection with Kim Jong Nams assassination, Malaysia would probably find it compelling to invoke such kinds of provisions, Shahriman said. Angry words Bilateral ties have been somewhat hurt within the past week, particularly following comments made by Pyongyang envoy Kang Chol, said Hoo Chiew Ping, a North Korea policy analyst at the National University of Malaysia. Amid a refusal by Malaysian officials to hand over Jong Nams remains to North Korea without a post-mortem and their insistence that his next-of-kin give the authorities DNA samples as part of their investigation, the ambassador publicly accused Malaysian authorities of conducting an unprofessional investigation and colluding with Seoul over Jong Nams killing. In his public comments, however, the ambassador never referred to the dead man as Kim Jong Nam, the estranged older sibling of North Koreas leader. The envoy identified the dead man as Kim Chol, a holder of a North Korean diplomatic passport. But his reaction is understandable due to the need to express the North Korean regimes position on the issue: their need to secure a dead North Korean national, despite refusing to acknowledge [to whom] the body belongs or [whether the person is] related to the regimes leader, Kim Jong Un, Hoo told BenarNews. If the North Korean ambassador does not say anything that is in line with the regimes expectations or even slightly recognizing Kim Chol as Kim Jong Nam, his life could be in danger, she told BenarNews. Azmi Hassan, a Malaysian professor of geo-politics, said Kuala Lumpur so far had demonstrated that it was giving higher priority to solving the case, even if this meant pushing the limits of its 44-year-old bilateral ties with Pyongyang. But when the inspector general of police named a suspect who is a diplomat of the embassy, it shows Malaysias determination to find out the culprit without any regard to diplomatic relations, Azmi told BenarNews. When the sovereignty of a country is challenged, diplomatic interests becomes less important. Fadzil Aziz and Hata Wahari contributed to this report. ein Google-Unternehmen Google-Dienste anzubieten und zu betreiben Ausfalle zu prufen und Manahmen gegen Spam, Betrug und Missbrauch zu ergreifen Daten zu Zielgruppeninteraktionen und Websitestatistiken zu erheben. 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Sofern relevant, verwenden wir Cookies und Daten auerdem, um Inhalte und Werbung altersgerecht zu gestalten. Wir verwenden Cookies und Daten, umWenn Sie Alle akzeptieren auswahlen, verwenden wir Cookies und Daten auch, umWahlen Sie Weitere Optionen aus, um sich zusatzliche Informationen anzusehen, einschlielich Details zum Verwalten Ihrer Datenschutzeinstellungen. Sie konnen auch jederzeit g.co/privacytools besuchen. For far too long, Westerners have simply accepted the status quo of foreign aid, building ever-larger systems and programs for global charity even as theyre proven to squander resources and disempower the very communities they intend to assist. As films like Poverty, Inc. and the PovertyCure aptly demonstrate, when it comes to charity, we need a profound shift in our heads, hands, and hearts from aid to enterprise, from poverty alleviation to wealth creation, from paternalism to partnerships, from handouts to investments. Such a shift certainly demands a fuller appreciation for the power and potential of business and entrepreneurship. But in correcting that imbalance, lets not forget that the same principles of partnership and personal exchange ought to also extend back to the charity itself. Even as we turn our focus to creating the conditions for longer-term flourishing and prosperity, how might we reform the ways in which we continue to meet severe and immediate needs as they arise? For Gret Glyer, a young entrepreneur and humanitarian, such questions led him to develop DonorSee, a new app that seeks to bypass the bureaucratic bloat of Big Aid and bring efficiency, transparency, and accountability to global generosity. There are Peace Corps workers, aid workers, and missionaries living in every corner of the globe, Glyer explains in the video below. All of them live around vulnerable people who could use some help in meeting their basic needs. Weve designed our app to make it easier than ever before to fund-raise for these needs. Through the app, workers and volunteers in any country can quickly post a need (e.g. mosquito nets, a surgery, a school) and upload a picture with a dollar amount, similar to crowdfunding. Donors browse and choose from posted needs and then get notifications and updates as funds are raised and the need is fulfilled. Rather than entrusting funds to layers of detached middle men and bureaucrats, donors can see and interact more directly with the actual people they hope to serve. Glyer explains the approach and technology below (or watch the basic summary video here): Glyer founded the company after doing extensive humanitarian work in Malawi and Haiti. Through his work, he continued to be frustrated by the ineffective use of foreign aid, which would often go to massive infrastructure projects or government priorities instead of meeting the more direct individual needs. Kevin Williamson recently profiled Glyer, and explains the backstory as follows: Glyer can be pretty pointed on the subject of Big Aid. They should be embarrassed of how ineffective they are, by how much they spend on infrastructure instead of projects, he says. He tells of arriving in Haitian disaster areas well ahead of the Red Cross and other splendidly funded agencies. I booked a ticket and took my phone and my app, he says. After living on $600 a month in Malawi, Glyer paid $7,000 out of pocket my lifes savings, basically to develop a prototype version of DonorSee. The project is a for-profit enterprise, taking a small cut of the money that passes through in much the same way as GoFundMe and other crowdfunding services. The promise of profits allowed him to access venture-capital funding, which in turn allowed him to roll out DonorSee in 40 countries about four months ago. Sometimes, big projects and big infrastructure are needed. Glyer began his fund-raising career by gathering money to build houses at $800 a pop and has worked on big institution-building, notably a girls school in Malawi. But big institutions often become their own reason for existing: Buildings and employees and such create jobs, not only for front-line workers but for managers, senior managers, executives, human-resources officers, lawyers, public-relations and marketing personnel, and more. The technology has already been banned by Peace Corps workers, due to the various rules and requirements their workers and volunteers are obligated to follow. not only that, but they have threatened to fire any employee who uses it. Similar roadblocks and obstacles exist with many of the other aid organizations, further demonstrating how Glyers technology is offering a healthy challenge to the system. DonorSee is meeting real human needs and creating new efficiencies and mechanisms for generosity, bringing innovative ideas we should all welcome. But it is also setting a great example for other organizations and institutions not to mention consumers and givers in the way it prioritizes diligence, accountability, and stewardship in the task of charity that actually uplifts. Photo: Unsplash, Public Domain (modified) If our new Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos, is looking for a creative way to fix our public schools, she should look to homeschoolers. As Thomas Purifoy explains, homeschooling offers a model for how our schools can be run more effectively. Public education is the fount of most problems in the United States, not simply based on content, but also on structure, says Purifoy. Simply put: it is economically impossible for American public education to be successful in the long-run (or the short-run, for that matter). Purifoy offers three lessons centralized public education can learn from the free market economy of home education: Instead of getting more centralized, educational and curricular control should be pushed down to the lowest possible level (the school and the teacher herself, with significant parental control). This would require booting out the unions (that efficient perpetuator of educational mediocrity), breaking our huge schools apart and creating a whole new market-based model of education, where size/content matches local market needs, curriculum and methods are in the hands of parents/teachers, etc.. It would also require public schools to compete with each other for students (who would likely use vouchers although when I say this, it is a concession to a faulty principle, since vouchers are just another form of redistribution of wealth, albeit far superior to the current setup.) What is my proof for this? Consider one fact: there are hundreds of thousands mothers who have no educational degrees, no educational backgrounds, and almost no educational experience, who spend far less time educating their children than their public school counterparts, yet their kids consistently outperform the vast majority of public school students in the nation year after year. Read more . . . For Immediate Release, February 23, 2017 Contact: Brett Hartl, Center for Biological Diversity, (202) 817-8121, bhartl@biologicaldiversity.org Leda Huta, Endangered Species Coalition, (202) 320-6467, lhuta@endangered.org, Katie Feldman, Humane Society of the United States, (301) 258-1563, kfeldman@humanesociety.org 280 Groups Oppose Western Governors' Association's Efforts to Weaken Endangered Species Act WASHINGTON More than 280 environmental, animal-protection, faith-based, outdoor-recreational and social-justice groups sent a letter today to the National Governors Association urging the organization to oppose any upcoming legislative changes to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Specifically, the letter asks the national association not to support an ongoing effort led by the Western Governors' Association to weaken the bedrock wildlife law. In June 2016 the Western Governors' Association adopted a policy resolution led by Wyoming Republican Gov. Matt Mead that would substantially weaken the ESA if adopted; Mead is now seeking to have the entire national association adopt a similar resolution to undermine the Act at the group's annual winter meeting, which starts Friday in Washington, D.C. Republicans in Congress are looking for political cover to repeal the Endangered Species Act, and any endorsement by the national governors to allegedly improve the Act would play into their profit-driven hands, said Brett Hartl, government affairs director at the Center for Biological Diversity. Governor Mead is no friend of endangered species, and our most vulnerable animals and plants will be lost to extinction if his cynical attempt to weaken the Endangered Species Act succeeds. States have a fundamental responsibility for management of wildlife within their borders. In nearly all cases, it is only after individual states have failed to maintain healthy populations of wildlife that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protects imperiled species under the Endangered Species Act. Once a species is protected, the Act has demonstrated a 99 percent success rate at preventing species from going extinct. Scientists estimate that without the Act, 227 species would have gone extinct by 2006. Despite this track record, Mead has repeatedly echoed the false claim that the Endangered Species Act is failing. Over the last 42 years, the ESA has been one of our bedrock environmental laws that has helped save iconic wildlife such as the American bald eagle, the whooping crane, and the black-footed ferret from extinction, said Nicole Paquette, vice president of wildlife protection at The Humane Society of the United States. The facts demonstrate the effectiveness of the ESA in protecting imperiled wildlife. Members of the House of Representatives have launched more than 230 legislative attacks on endangered species since January 2011. In just the past two years, members have introduced more than 130 separate pieces of legislation and amendments designed to eliminate protections for endangered species or weaken the Endangered Species Act itself. Governor Mead's policy recommendations are focused on streamlining environmental regulations for extractive industries, rather that preventing the extinction of our nation's unique but vanishing wildlife, said Leda Huta, executive director of the Endangered Species Coalition. We know the Endangered Species Act works; we need Congress to fund it, not obliterate it. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.2 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places. The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization, rated most effective by our peers. For 60 years, we have celebrated the protection of all animals and confronted all forms of cruelty. We are the nation's largest provider of hands-on services for animals, caring for more than 100,000 animals each year, and we prevent cruelty to millions more through our advocacy campaigns. Read more about our 60 years of transformational change for animals and people, and visit us online at humanesociety.org. The Endangered Species Coalition is a national network of hundreds of conservation, scientific, education, religious, sporting, outdoor recreation, business and community organizations working to protect our nation's disappearing wildlife and last remaining wild places. For Immediate Release, February 22, 2017 Contact: Amy Atwood, (503) 504-5660, atwood@biologicaldiversity.org Pruitt Emails Show Work on Behalf of Right-wing Organizations Pruitt Did Bidding of ALEC, Koch Brothers WASHINGTON After a court order in response to a lawsuit by the Center for Media and Democracy, the Oklahoma attorney general's office today released more than 7,500 pages of emails that confirm new EPA head Scott Pruitt's close ties with the fossil fuel industry and far-right organizations. Scott Pruitt made no secret of his ties to the fossil fuel industry, but these emails show a broader network that also includes far-right organizations, said Amy Atwood, endangered species legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity. No right-wing cause seemed to be off-limits to Pruitt's public office as he focused on weakening protections for the climate and endangered species. The emails show how Pruitt used his office as Oklahoma attorney general to work on a regular basis with oil and gas company Devon Energy, American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, Americans for Prosperity, and the American Legislative Exchange Council's (ALEC) Oklahoma arm, known as the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, or OCPA. One email shows a Pruitt aide asking an Americans for Prosperity staff member how the AG's office and AFP can work together and AFP celebrating Pruitt as a true champion of freedom and liberty! for his attacks on the EPA's climate protection rules. Other emails show ties to OCPA, the far-right, secretive organization, as Pruitt spoke at OCPA and Koch-funded events. Pruitt's attacks on behalf of industry and right-wing groups were not limited to the EPA, but also included immigrants, the LGBTQ community, and health care, with one OCPA staffer thanking Pruitt for attacking Obamacare on Fox News. Pruitt's staff worked to roll back a Bureau of Land Management rule protecting public lands from fracking, as well as engaging in efforts to weaken climate protections and endangered species protections. He also worked with the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers to roll back renewable fuel standards, the emails show. Pruitt also used his position as Oklahoma attorney general to attack federal protections for the lesser prairie chicken, serving as lead counsel in a multi-state effort to remove the bird from the threatened species list. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.2 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places. News Release Contact: Jeanie Thompson, Executive Director, Alabama Writers' Forum 334-221-5013, jeaniethompson@bellsouth.net University of Alabama alumnus Brad Watson wins Harper Lee Award MONTGOMERY, Ala.-- Award-winning writer and University of Alabama alumnus Brad Watson has been selected to receive the Harper Lee Award for Alabama's Distinguished Writer of the Year for 2017. The award is made to a living, nationally recognized Alabama writer who has made a significant lifelong contribution to Alabama letters. Watson will receive the honor during the Gala Dinner at the Alabama Writers Symposium in Monroeville, Alabama, on April 20, 2017. "The honor of receiving the Harper Lee Award includes not only following the many great writers who've already received it, joining their ranks in that regard, but of course the association with Harper Lee, herself, and her great novels," Watson said. "Thank you for this most distinguished recognition and award." The recipient of numerous honors and distinctions, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and appointment as lecturer in fiction at Harvard University, Watson received an MFA in creative writing from the University of Alabama and has worked as a reporter and editor for state newspapers, including The Montgomery Advertiser. He is currently an associate professor in the creative writing program at the University of Wyoming. Watson's first novel, "The Heaven of Mercury," was a finalist for the National Book Award in 2002 and won the Southern Book Critics Circle Award in Fiction. His most recent novel, "Miss Jane," was longlisted for the National Book Award last year. His first book, the "Last Days of the Dog-men," won the Sue Kaufman Prize for First Fiction from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and his second short-story collection, "Aliens in the Prime of Their Lives," was a finalist for the Pen/Faulkner Award in Fiction. "Brad Watson is most deserving of the Harper Lee Award," said Don Noble, host of "Bookmark," Alabama Public Television's literary interview show. "He is the best Southern fiction writer of his generation." The Harper Lee Award for Alabama's Distinguished Writer of the Year, presented annually by Coastal Alabama Community College at the Alabama Writers Symposium in Monroeville, is made possible through a generous grant from George F. Landegger, chairman, Parsons & Whittemore. The Alabama Writers' Forum, a statewide literary arts organization and partnership program of the Alabama State Council on the Arts, coordinates the process to select the Harper Lee Award recipient annually from nominations from the field. To register, contact Alisha Linam at 251-575-8271 or alinam@asc.edu. For more info, visit the website for the Alabama Writers Symposium 2017. Websites: Brad Watson: http://wiltonbradwatson.com/; Harper Lee Award: http://www.writersforum.org/programs/harper_lee.html; Alabama Writers Symposium 2017: http://www.faulknerstate.edu/about/alabama_writers_symposium/; Alabama Writers' Forum: http://www.writersforum.org/; Alabama State Council on the Arts: http://www.arts.state.al.us/ For Immediate Release, February 22, 2017 Contacts: Andrea Santarsiere, (303) 854-7748, asantarsiere@biologicaldiversity.org Laura King, (406) 204-4852, king@westernlaw.org Erik Molvar, (307) 399-7910, emolvar@westernwatersheds.org Bethany Cotton, (406) 414-7227, bcotton@wildearthguardians.org Camilla Fox, (415) 690-0338, cfox@projectcoyote.org Idaho Settlement Ensures Notification for Wildlife-killing Contests on BLM Lands Cruel, Unethical Competitions Stopped for Last Two Years BOISE, Idaho The Federal District Court of Idaho today approved a settlement agreement between six conservation groups and the Bureau of Land Management ensuring public notice of any wildlife killing contests on BLM-managed public lands near Salmon, Idaho. In 2014 a vocal anti-wolf group ironically called Idaho for Wildlife applied for a BLM permit to use public lands for a three-day predator-killing contest near Salmon. The derby encouraged participants to kill as many wolves, coyotes and other wildlife as possible, promising cash prizes. Idaho for Wildlife promoted the derby as a family event and encouraged children as young as 10 to participate. This cruel, unethical and ecologically damaging contest should not occur on any lands, but particularly not on public lands belonging to all of us, said Andrea Santarsiere, a senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. We will continue to watchdog and fight these killing contests across the country to protect our nation's wildlife. The BLM initially granted Idaho for Wildlife a permit to use its lands for the event, but rescinded the permit after the environmental groups challenged it in court. After holding the contest on Forest Service lands in December 2013 and January 2015, Idaho for Wildlife declined to hold the killing contest on either BLM or Forest Service lands during the past two winter seasons while litigation was ongoing. Wolf- and coyote-killing contests are an affront to ethical hunting and are incompatible with wise management of federal public lands and the wildlife that lives there, said Laura King, an attorney with the Western Environmental Law Center. We will hold BLM's feet to the fire to ensure that the agency complies with federal law in permitting and reviewing any future contest proposed for BLM lands. Among other things the settlement requires that the Bureau of Land Management notify the conservation groups if the agency receives an application for a contest aimed at killing wolves or coyotes on Idaho's public lands in the future. Having a contest to kill as many animals as possible violates every tenet of sound wildlife management, and has no place on public lands, said Erik Molvar, executive director of Western Watersheds Project. This settlement is a step in the right direction toward ending these cruel contests, at least not allowing them to move forward before the public has an opportunity to raise legal objections. Wildlife killing contests have no place on our public lands, said Bethany Cotton, wildlife program director with WildEarth Guardians. Our public lands should be safe for all users to peacefully recreate and enjoy viewing wildlife, without risks associated with large numbers of people trying to kill animals for killing's sake. Today's news does not affect ongoing litigation the environmental groups brought against the U.S. Forest Service for allowing the contests to take place on Forest Service lands in December 2013 and January 2015 without requiring a permit. That case was argued in front of Magistrate Judge Ronald Bush on Jan. 11, 2017 and the parties are awaiting a decision. BLM will have to consider all of the opposition that was voiced before permitting any similar contests in the future, said Camilla Fox, founder and executive director of Project Coyote. We hope the court will also ensure that contests cannot take place on Forest Service land in the future without an appropriate public process. The environmental groups that challenged the contest include Cascadia Wildlands, the Center for Biological Diversity, Kootenai Environmental Alliance, Project Coyote, Western Watersheds Project and WildEarth Guardians. The groups were represented by attorneys from the Center for Biological Diversity and the Western Environmental Law Center, as well as by solo practitioner Dana Johnson. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.2 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places. Project Coyote is a national nonprofit organization and a North American coalition of wildlife educators, scientists, ranchers, and community leaders promoting coexistence between people and wildlife, and compassionate conservation through education, science, and advocacy. The Western Environmental Law Center is a nonprofit public interest environmental law firm. WELC uses the power of the law to safeguard the wildlife, wildlands, and communities of the American West. Western Watersheds Project is a nonprofit environmental group dedicated to protecting and restoring western watersheds and wildlife through education, public policy initiatives, and legal advocacy. WildEarth Guardians is a nonprofit conservation organization protecting and restoring the wildlife, wild places, wild rivers and health of the American West. KIGALI, Rwanda - Innovative research released by The MasterCard Foundation is making the case for a new approach to youth employment training strategies in Africa, as the research reveals the extraordinary lengths young people take to make a living. Ugandan youth researcher Sarah Bafumda (right) shares information from the research with Hamidah Nyanzi, a respondent in the study. Invisible Lives: Understanding Youth Livelihoods in Ghana and Uganda, released at the Young Africa Works Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, sheds light on the working lives of African youth. The report, produced in collaboration with Low-Income Financial Transformation (L-IFT), argues that international development programs favour skills training for formal sector careers over training that can be applied to multiple jobs in the informal sector. The result is that their efforts fall short of reaching the millions of unreached youth on the continent who engage in mixed livelihoods. "To reach a critical mass of young people, fundamental shifts in our approach to skills-building, access to finance and entrepreneurship support are necessary," says Lindsay Wallace, director of Learning and Strategy, The MasterCard Foundation. "Development efforts must strengthen social, education and economic systems, and promote inclusive growth that will provide the most vulnerable and marginalised young people with opportunities to improve their lives." Invisible Lives set out to explore how young people integrate mixed livelihoods into their working lives, what challenges this approach poses, and how best to design interventions for young people in the informal sector. The research used a diaries methodology to document the working lives of 246 youth, ages 18-24 years from Ghana and Uganda over a one-year period, honing in on questions around behaviour, income, economic activities, and time management. While these data speak to the realities of employment in Ghana and Uganda, the research suggests that these also reflect emerging trends across Africa. Invisible Lives highlights the extraordinary lengths that young people go to in order to achieve sustainable livelihoods. Findings of the Invisible Lives research indicate that: Young people in Africa diversify their livelihoods, undertaking a mix of informal sector employment, self-employment, and agriculture-related activities to sustain their livelihood. Agricultural production is central to young people's livelihoods, but agricultural incomes were meagre. Many young people run small enterprises that can be easily started, stopped, and restarted as needed. The most successful young people in both Ghana and Uganda, diversified their income and risk by growing multiple crops, raising a variety of livestock, and pursuing a wide range of additional activities. Both formal and informal wage employment is rare and sporadic, or elusive. While the informal sector, which constitutes about 80% of Africa's labour force, provided more wage employment opportunities for young people, they were by no means abundant. Support networks are critical for young people and they play an extensive role in their lives, not only providing support in the form of advice regarding where to look for and how to find employment, skills development, and business guidance, but also proving instrumental in accessing financial resources needed. "Respondents who participated in this study generously shared experiences from their lives over the course of a full year," explained Anne Marie van Swinderen, lead researcher on Invisible Lives from Low-Income Financial Transformation (L-IFT). "Data from the study shows us that these young people readily take up all opportunities that come their way, with enormous energy and positive spirit. Through the L-IFT diaries methodology, these young respondents and the young researchers who interviewed them, also grew a great deal, simply through the act of asking and answering questions about their diversified livelihoods." In addition to providing new information on the employment and risk-mitigation strategies of young working Africans, the research maintains that youth who participated in this study were largely invisible to both development organisations and their own governments, and did not have any access to support services, training or finance capital. The full Young Africa Works Summit agenda and list of speakers can be found here. Content that is of value and authentic will continue to grow as readers demand it, and it is custom media that is delivering this. That is why custom media is the way of the future, says Sean Press, CEO & Business Development Director, Contact Media. He believes that magazines will only stop when people stop reading. This said, people are reading differently today they have less time and it is only when content is of a substantial quality and valuable to them that they will give it their time. Mainstream publications are on the decline, as more and more information is accessible to the consumer online. In contrast, custom media provides specific information to a specific community that is not accessible online, he says. A strong statement, but the press can back it up by his publications' strong performance in the recent Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) circulation figures release. Contact Medias publications are some of the few print products that have shown growth, with its publication, Spotong not only increasing its circulation, but taking the top spot in its category. A publication for the more than 18,000 entrepreneurs and informal traders who run small to medium-sized businesses in the township sector, Spotong content is educational, informative and empowering its readers. People are looking for authentic, tailor-made experiences and relevant content, and Spotong delivers this to its target audience. Many people in this community have not had the benefit of this type of content that Spotong provides them with. It is helping them to grow their businesses, he says. This approach to content and communities is what has made Spotong as well as Contact Medias other publications so successful. The content we create is relevant to and around a predetermined community and target market. We do not hope the community comes, we cater for them specifically, we pick them specifically, he explains. This, he adds, together with well thought out content, integrated with other platforms, is what adds value to peoples lives. However, this value does not come cheap. The biggest challenge moving forward is for marketers to stop looking at cost per 1,000 in isolation, and instead focus on the disposable spend of consumers. Creating a tailor-made solution cannot be the cheapest, but customer marketing experiences will give you the most value, he stresses. Therefore, his challenge is to marketers to look at integrated marketing campaigns with different touchpoints. Clients want ROI marketing. If marketers and media owners work together to reach the clients goals, then its a win-win for everyone. I believe in win-win for all through fair value and investment. The inauguration of Uganda's first gold refinery sparked concern on Wednesday over the possibility of dirty minerals from regional conflict zones making their way into the country. Transparency International's Peter Wandera said the country's failure to regulate the mineral sector meant there were "high chances" the refinery could contribute to conflicts, such as that in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where rebels are propped up by illegal mining. "Uganda has continuously failed to implement the necessary components ... to reduce the trade in conflict minerals from the DRC," he said. Source: African Gold Refinery The Belgian-owned African Gold Refinery (AGR) has been operating in central Entebbe since 2014 but was inaugurated Monday by President Yoweri Museveni. Government has hailed it as "the first high-capacity gold refinery in sub-Saharan Africa". It currently processes 250kg of gold a week. While gold is Uganda's second export after coffee -- worth $204m in 2016 -- it produces a lot less of the mineral than leaves the country. Conflict gold "Poor monitoring of the gold mining sector makes it nearly impossible to know how much gold the country produces itself, especially because a lot of that gold is smuggled," said Wandera. "We don't have much gold reserves but it is common knowledge that some of the gold in our market comes from DR Congo and South Sudan," said opposition politician Nandala Mafabi. The owner of AGR Alain Goetz said he was aware of "the many controversies surrounding the regional gold trade" and was working hard to address them. "It is our due diligence mechanisms, compliance measures that we don't allow the bad boys into our supply chain," he said. When asked if the gold would be supplied from DRC and South Sudan, he merely said "there is no embargo on gold or minerals from South Sudan or Congo". He said investigations had shown that only 0,1% of gold mines in eastern DRC were in the hands of rebels. Rights abuses London-based watchdog Global Witness in 2016 reported that hundreds of millions of dollars of gold from eastern DRC, which may have fuelled rights abuses and violence, end up on global markets annually. It said the DRC had some $28bn worth of gold under its soil. "Preyed upon by armed groups, bandits and corrupt elites the revenues generated by eastern Congo's artisanal gold sector have all too often funded corruption or fuelled abuses and violent conflict rather than helping to relieve the region's poverty," read the report. Mineral-rich eastern DRC has been the scene of conflict for over two decades as dozens of local and foreign armed groups engage in ethnic battles and struggle for control of resources. According to the 2012 National Waste Information Baseline Report*, South Africa generated approximately 108-million tonnes of waste in 2011; of which 98-million tonnes were disposed of at landfills. The remaining air space at each landfill site in South Africa is fast approaching capacity, and so is the available space to extend landfill sites while complying with stringent waste legislation. Buffelsdraai Landfill Site Addressing this and other issues, the KwaZulu-Natal Landfill & Waste Treatment Interest Group (LaWTIG), a subsidiary of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA), will host the biennial seminar on waste treatment and disposal by landfill. The seminar, which will take place for the first time on an operational landfill site, the Buffelsdraai Landfill Site, is set to take place from Wednesday, 18 to Friday, 20 October 2017. It is dedicated to capacity building and sharing valuable knowledge on technology and practices that will ultimately improve landfilling and address the risks that it poses to the environment and human health. Methane emissions and groundwater pollution Two of the most common environmental factors associated with landfill sites, that have in the past led to unsettled views of the public, are undoubtedly methane emissions and groundwater pollution from landfill leachate. Methane is an important greenhouse gas because it has 25 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide and has been responsible for approximately 20% of the Earths warming since pre-industrial times**. Leachate is made up of toxic components coming from household solvents, industrial chemicals and organic agents. Water percolates from the surface through the landfill layers to combine with these toxic components and as a result, acidic leachate is formed. When the lining of a landfill fails, it has the potential to contaminate groundwater. The effects arising from these circumstances can be avoided by good landfill design and practice. This is the core mission of LaWTIG; protect the environment of southern Africa and its people against the adverse effects of poor waste management. Need to enhance the practice In light of these abrogating factors, as a country, we have still not implemented a solution that can completely substitute landfill as an alternative option. We have to explore the science and technology that can contribute to enhancing the practice and offsetting the negative environmental effects, says Jan Palm, president of the IWMSA. Leachate and gas management is one of the many themes to be covered during the Landfill 2017 seminar. Other themes include design, construction and operation in challenging environments, landfill barrier design and performance, South African legislation pertaining to the practice, sustainable concepts for landfill disposal of municipal and hazardous waste, waste mechanics, remediation and alternative technologies. Technology and equipment Technology and equipment play a paramount role in the efficiency of landfilling. Incorrect equipment, such as front-end loaders, have been used in the past instead of proper landfill compactors and this resulted in the equipment sinking into the landfill; using the correct equipment is crucial. At Vlakfontein landfill site in Gauteng, new barrier technology has been applied to the design which prevents hazardous compounds contaminating the subsurface environment. The barrier comprises a 1.2-metre deep multilayered solution of compacted clay, high-density polyethylene, stone and geotextiles. This technology has resulted in the landfill site being the first to comply with standards prescribed by the Waste Classification and Management regulations for Class A containment barriers, and is the first high-hazard landfill site to be developed locally in 20 years***. The upcoming seminar will host a number of well-renowned industry bodies who will contribute to a forum where a high standard of technology transfer may be experienced. For the first time, the event will be held at the fully operational landfill site of Buffelsdraai, Verulam, eThekwini. This will present the opportunity for landfill equipment suppliers to demonstrate their products in action, says Palm. Paper submissions invited IWMSA and LaWTIG are inviting all industry bodies and individuals to participate in the event by submitting their papers before Saturday, 25 March 2017. Papers can include a detailed case study related to landfill, discussion of practical experience, research, completed unpublished research, literature reviews, administrative initiatives and regulations. Successful papers will be selected following evaluation by a panel of industry experts. The seminar is a step in the right direction in terms of waste management in South Africa. Until an alternative to landfill is found, it is up to us as industry leaders to ensure landfilling is supported by the best science, technology, practices and personnel, concludes Palm. For more information about Landfill 2017 and how to submit a paper, go to www.iwmsa.co.za. *Department of Environmental Affairs (2012). National Waste Information Baseline Report. Department of Environmental Affairs. Pretoria, South Africa. **Gabriel Yvon-Durocher, Andrew P. Allen, David Bastviken, Ralf Conrad, Cristian Gudasz, Annick St-Pierre, Nguyen Thanh-Duc and Paul A. del Giorgio (2014). Methane fluxes show consistent temperature dependence across microbial to ecosystem scales, Nature, (507), 7493, 488-491. ***Engineering News (2016). Vlakfontein landfill first to meet South Africas tough new hazardous-waste requirement. The Sage Foundation recently launched a $1m enterprise fund open to non-profits in Africa with enterprising ideas to help improve the lives of military veterans, young people or women and girls. Joanne van der Walt, Sage Foundation manager, Africa The funds will be split between two rounds of $500,000, with the second round ready for release in July 2017. Applications for the first round are open until 5 April; grants between $5,000 and $35,000 will then be awarded to successful applicants. All applications that fulfil the eligibility criteria will be considered. However, Sage Foundation is especially keen to support organisations that are currently small but have ambitions to expand, grow and deliver sustainable change. It is also hoped that the fund will support needs such as capital projects, core running costs or new innovations. Innovative yet practical ideas Sage Foundations Enterprise Fund is designed to help organisations generate further income, create new initiatives or enhance existing activity, says Joanne van der Walt, Sage Foundation manager, Africa at Sage. There are some wonderful charities across Africa who have innovative yet practical ideas about how they can solve some of the socio-economic challenges their communities face each day. We want to help them turn these exceptional ideas into reality. Sage Foundations Enterprise Fund was originally announced at Sage Summit in Chicago in July 2016, part of a series of new initiatives to mobilise Sage colleagues, partners and customers around a common vision for change. As part of 2017s new Sage Summit Tour, Sage Foundation will be working with Sages network of business builders, to take action together. The Sage Foundation is powered by the 2+2+2 model. Through this, Sage Foundation donates 2% of employee time each year (five volunteer days), 2% of free cash flow in grants and two donated software licenses to eligible partners. Click here to check if your non-profit is eligible for Sage Foundations Enterprise Fund. Government allocated R26.5bn towards agriculture, rural development, and land reform in the 2017/18 budget. Spending in this sector will increase at an average of 4.7% annually and is expected to amount to R29.8bn by 2019/20. In his 2017 Budget Review, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said the government will, over the next three years, spend more than R5.5bn on conditional grants to the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme. This programme is expected to provide 435,000 subsistence and smallholder farmers with equipment, fencing, fertilisers, and seedlings and repairs to flood-damaged infrastructure. The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, on the other hand, will intensify the so-called One Household One Hectare-initiative to provide land to landless people and fast-track agri-parks in district municipalities. In addition, the department will, in areas where land has been distributed, provide mechanised irrigation, mentorship, and inputs so that redistributed land becomes productive and profitable. About R4.3bn will be spent on this programme over the medium term. Since the inception of the programme in the 2008/09 financial year, more than 4.7m hectares of land have been acquired for redistribution and 1,496 farms have been created, Gordhan said. Outlook for agriculture Although the drought over two successive seasons has led to falling output in the sector, the outlook is positive with good rains returning to parts of the country, Gordhan said. "Much depends, however, on the containment of the current spread of the fall armyworm, which threatens cereal crop production. Robust output growth in agriculture will have a positive impact on other sectors of the economy and on household consumption." Expanding agriculture and accelerating land reform In his 2017 Budget Review, Gordhan also said comprehensive land reform that promotes extensive cultivation of every hectare while at the same time resolving land rights issues under all tenure systems can significantly transform the agriculture sector. "Such initiatives can open broad new markets and employ millions of South Africans living in rural areas." Gordhan said National Treasury is also considering the feasibility of agricultural insurance for poor farmers to protect them against economic shocks and natural disasters. "It is envisaged that a pilot project will begin in the third quarter of 2017." Source: Fin24 Read this report on News24Wire.com. Progress has been made in redistributing land to residents in the Free State, says Premier Ace Magashule. He said this on Tuesday in Vrede when he delivered the State of the Province Address (SOPA). "We have made some progress in relation to the allocation of land to our people. We have acquired and allocated about 8,149 hectares of land." Deon TerBlanche via Wikimedia Commons The Premier said about 7,017 hectares of land have been allocated to smallholder farmers, while about 987 hectares have been allocated to labour tenants, farm workers and farm dwellers. "Although the land is still in the hands of the few, we call on all our people to use all constitutional means to access land. "Land grabs and all manners of lawlessness will not be tolerated. Such acts must face the full might of the law." In revitalising primary agriculture and agro-processing, Premier Magashule said the provincial government will in April this year host the Free State Agro-Processing Summit to develop a strategy that will empower residents to process agricultural production within the province. Breaking barriers in mining Although the Free State is well-endowed with mineral resources, the people of that province have not been accommodated in the ownership of mines. The Premier said government hopes that the passing of the Mineral and Petroleum Rights Development Amendment Bill into law, as well as the review of the Mining Charter will improve this situation. "The mining sector has been significantly affected by the shedding of jobs. We remain relatively optimistic of the improvement in commodity prices, which will most likely influence our mining sector, both in terms of production and preservation of current jobs." National Cabinet has committed to support the implementation of the Mabele Biofuel Refinery in Bothaville. "We will work together with national departments to ensure that this project provides the necessary injection into the economy and creates jobs. "We will also continue to provide support to the Xhariep Solar Park project. The adoption and adherence of the energy efficiency specification on all housing projects will result in the training and employment of local people for the installation of compliance elements," said Premier Magashule. Speaking ahead of the 30th Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Awards, Dirk Meyer, managing director of Corobrik said that innovation is the standout quality that differentiates design resolutions and helps define architecture as special and appreciated by one's peers. Darren Sampson won first prize. Innovation in sync with context provides the delight factor permitting architectural design to compete comfortably on the world stage. Technical skill, the ability to create memorable form that draws one in while treading softly on our planet is what puts the finishing touches to sustainable architecture. South African architecture continues to take positive strides also demonstrating an extra creative dimension unique in a country where the shaping of the urban landscape requires an appreciation of the complexities of creating an inclusive built environment, he said. The competition involves the countrys eight major universities where the best architectural students are identified based on their final theses and presented with awards at regional events. The winners of each of the regional competitions then go on to compete for the national title at the 30th Corobrik Student Architect of the Year Awards in Johannesburg in May 2017. UJ winners Dave Ledbitter, Corobriks sales manager presented prizes to the winners from University of Johannesburg. Darren Sampson won first prize of R8,500, second prize of R6,500 went to Matthew Robson and third prize of R4,500 was presented to Mxolisi Makhubo. An additional prize of R4,500 for the best use of clay masonry was awarded to Ruairidh Macleod. Ledbitter said that all the winners had shown a close affinity with their subjects and that their designs both enhanced and integrated with the communities in which they were sited. Appreciation of clay brick Speaking about trends in the profession, Ledbitter said that Corobrik had noticed a resurgence both internationally and locally in the appreciation of clay brick as a material with important flexibility in design and yet with intrinsic sustainable qualities so appropriate for advancing the affordability of government building projects. Life time aesthetics, durability and thermal efficiency are just three of the attributes of clay masonry which ensure low lifecycle costs and satisfy sustainability needs, in addition to allowing flexibility for innovative and aesthetically appealing design. These are important attributes which enable architects to create memorable and relevant additions to the built environment in South Africa using clay brick, said Ledbitter. Despite its relatively small size and urbanized environment, Singapore has a rich avifauna which has attracted interest since the 19th century. However, it was only in 1927 that the first book on the birds of Singapore was printed The Birds of Singapore Island, co-authored by John Alexander Strachey Bucknill and Frederick Nutter Chasen, and published by the Raffles Museum. Plate VIII from The Birds of Singapore Island. http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/47191313. Digitized by National Library Board, Singapore. The White-bellied Sea-eagle ( Haliaeetus leucogaster ) is a common resident bird of prey. When Singapore issued its Bird series of currency notes in 1976-1984, the White-bellied Sea-eagle was featured on the front of the highest denomination note the $10,000 note. Bucknills original collaborator for the book was Major John C. Moulton, a zoologist who was Director of the Raffles Museum and Library in Singapore from 1919 to 1923. In 1921, Moulton secured the assistance of Sir John Bucknill to produce a handbook on the common birds of Singapore which would be illustrated with attractive color plates. Bucknill was a former Chief Justice of the Straits Settlements and the Chairman of the Raffles Museum and Library Committee at that time. He was well-known for his interest in birds and had written and published several papers and books on the subject. To provide the illustrations for the book, an artist in India, Gerald Aylmer Levett-Yeats, was commissioned to paint the birds. However, the publication of the book was delayed when Moulton was transferred to Sarawak as the chief secretary to the government in 1923. Owing to the pressure of other work, Moulton had to withdraw from the project, leaving Bucknills manuscript, the completed illustrations and his own notes in the hands of Cecil Boden Kloss, the new director of Raffles Museum and Library. Plate XI from The Birds of Singapore Island. http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/47191337. Digitized by National Library Board, Singapore. The Malayan Long-tailed Parakeet (Psittacula longicauda longicauda) is Singapores only native parakeet species. A zoologist who specialized in small mammals, Boden Kloss felt that he lacked the ability and the inclination to write the book himself. The task of completing the book was taken up by Frederick N. Chasen, the curator of Raffles Museum (later its director). The scope of the book was extended to include not only the common birds of Singapore but also the less common birds. To keep the book within certain limits of size, Boden Kloss abridged the manuscript by reducing Bucknills notes on the species featured in the book. Plate XVII from The Birds of Singapore Island. http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/47191383. Digitized by National Library Board, Singapore. The Malayan Brain Fever Bird (or the Plaintive Cuckoo) (Cacomantis merulinus) is an uncommon resident cuckoo species. Bucknill and Chasen noted that this bird has a Malay name which means the deserted child because its mournful voice reminds one of the constant laments of someone bemoaning his fate. The book was finally published at the end of 1927. Sadly, both Bucknill and Moulton had passed away a year earlier in 1926. The book covers all the common birds of Singapore and features 31 attractive color plates. Every bird is described in detail, including information on the status of each bird in Singapore. Written in a popular style, one of its notable features is the absence of technical terms. As stated in its preface, the book is intended for the use of the uninitiated, both residents and visitors, who wish to know something of the birds they may see about them. Despite being written for the lay person, the book provides a valuable source of historical information for the study of birds in Singapore. Plate XXVIII from The Birds of Singapore Island. http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/47191469. Digitized by National Library Board, Singapore. A common resident, the White-headed Munia (Lonchura maja) was popularly known to Europeans in Singapore in the past as the Cigar-bird because its white head resembles a partly smoked cigar. The Birds of Singapore Island (1927) has been digitized for BHL by National Library Board, Singapore. You can view all of the illustrations from this book in Flickr, all of which have been taxon tagged with the name of the species they represent. You can learn more about BHLs citizen science Flickr tagging initiative here. References According to a survey conducted by The Wedding Expo, the average South African couple can spend R5,000 to R15,000 for their honeymoon. Amanda Cunningham, The Wedding Expo's managing director points out, "This means that, with most couples spending between R80,000 and R120,000 on their weddings, they're setting aside about 10% of their budget for their honeymoon." AsadPhotography via pixabay This is the second time The Wedding Expo has conducted this survey, surveying a sample of 436 visitors at the TicketPro Dome. Survey questions focussed on visitor demographics, expenditure patterns, travel motivations and wedding planning behaviour. Most couples are able to spend between R5,000 and R15,000 on their honeymoon, while only 15% of couples surveyed had a budget of between R20,000 and R50,000. Budgets are tight, but respondents are determined to make their rand stretch, and international honeymoon destinations are still the preferred choice. As a result, couples are seeking out value-for-money packages with all inclusive or full board offerings, says Cunningham. Sixty-seven percent of respondents look to international destinations, including islands such as Mauritius and Zanzibar. Italy, Greece, and Paris are the top European destinations. For honeymooners looking at local destinations, Cape Town is a firm favourite. According to The Wedding Expo survey, the top 10 honeymoon destinations for South African couples are: 1. Any island 2. Mauritius 3. Zanzibar 4. Cape Town 5. Italy 6. Anywhere in Europe 7. Greece 8. Paris 9. Thailand 10. Hawaii Cunninghams advice to couples is to carefully compare packages and to pay attention to the best time to travel to their destination, as seasonality impacts prices. Ethiopian Airlines Aviation Academy (EAA), ICAO TRAINAIR Plus member and IATA authorized global training centre, recently graduated 184 aviation professionals. 90 graduates are from Cabin Crew and Catering, 84 from Commercial and Ground Operations Training School and the rest are trained on Equipment and Facility Maintenance. The Academy is certified by the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, the U.S Federal Aviation Administration, the European Aviation Safety Agency, and IATA Safety Audit. The Academy provides training for pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, cabin crew, marketing personnel and leadership development trainees for Ethiopians and other nationals from Africa, Middle East and Asia. Education is the greatest equaliser in our highly-integrated world today and, for this reason, we are putting great emphasis in training young Ethiopians, and our African brothers and sisters, to enable them to develop the required global standard qualification to fly successful African airlines. We are very proud of our Aviation Academy achievements and global standard capabilities in various professions in the Aviation industry. In line with our vision 2025, we are expanding the capacity of the Academy to accommodate from 1,000 today to 4,000 students by 2025, said the Group CEO. London-based Pentagram partner and creative director Marina Willer is an iconic figure in graphic design and filmmaking, whose inspiration, she says, comes from her colleagues, her children and her RCA tutor and graphic design titan, Margaret Calvert. Before Pentagram, Willer was head creative director for Wolff Olins in London, where she worked on the design of brand identities for the Tate Modern, Serpentine Galleries, Southbank Centre, Amnesty International, Oxfam and Macmillan Cancer Support, and for some of the worlds most innovative technology brands, including SAM Labs the first ever user-friendly kit for the Internet of Things. Willer is also an award-winning filmmaker specialising in short films, currently directing her first feature film, Red Trees to be released this year. Her films have been recognised at the likes of Clermont-Ferrand, Rotterdam and Aspen Film festival. Besides speaking at conferences, Willer has been a D&AD judge, an external examiner at the RCA and is a member of the Alliance Graphique Internationale. Ahead of her talk at Design Indaba next month, she shares some advice in an article on Design Indaba's website entitled Design is not decoration: Advice from Pentagram partner Marina Willer. For more, go to her Design Indaba speaker profile, find her on Pentagram.com and/or follow her on Twitter @marinawiller. Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games returns to Johannesburg and makes its first appearance in Cape Town in August 2017. Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games is a spectacular new staging of the traditional master piece. With all the precision and thrills of the original, Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games features new staging, new costumes and choreography. The show features cutting edge technology including a giant Radiant flat screen that spans the width of the stage, special effects lighting, dancing robots and world champion acrobats. With some of the worlds most outstanding young performers directed by Michael Flatley and new music by composer Gerard Fahy, this latest iteration combines the best of tradition with all the excitement of new music and dance. Promising reviews This will be the first time the show will tour to Cape Town and will be back in Johannesburg due to popular demand since its previous run in 2015 which received rave local reviews. Pure sensation come with an open mind and expect the unexpected! Stage & Screen Lord of the Dance : Dangerous Games at The Teatro, Monte Casino was an evening filled with fancy foot work, enthralling fast paced dance routines and a plethora of costume changes Get It Joburg North Ticket prices Cape Town (Grand Arena, GrandWest) - 8 August 13 August 2017 Peak Price: R485 R655 Off Peak Price: R400 570 Johannesburg (Teatro at Montecasino) - 15 August 3 September 2017 Peak Price: R485 R655 Off Peak Price: R400 R570 Book your tickets at www.bigconcerts.co.za and Computicket. Presented by RSG, M-Net Channel 101 and Channel 24. Another Big Concerts Experience. For more tour information, visit www.lordofthedance.com or www.bigconcerts.co.za. An acceleration programme aimed at supporting women in biosciences was launched by the NEPAD Southern Africa Network for Biosciences (SANBio), with support from the BioFISA II programme, on Tuesday, 21 February 2017. SANBio is a platform for shared biosciences research, development and innovation to address health and nutrition issues of Southern Africa and it is hosted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in South Africa. The FemBioBiz Acceleration Programme has been created to develop leadership, technological and business skills in female-owned businesses in the SADC region to support deal-making and business acceleration in the Biosciences arena. While there have been attempts at improving participation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), the representation of women in technology-led enterprises and, in particular, in leadership or managerial positions or as founders of businesses is very low in the SADC Region, Dr Ereck Chakauya, SANBio network manager notes. This programme creates a platform for peer learning and will empower women to lead in health and nutrition through science and technology. In doing so, we envision that the women involved will inspire others to realise the business potential in science, remarks BioFISA II programme manager, Zvikomborero Tangawamira. The top performers will have the opportunity to meet investors, business experts and potential mentors and visit Cape Town to participate at the 2017 SA Innovation Summit. The best performer will receive a grant of R250,000 to move the business forward and a trip to attend Europes leading start-up event Slush 2017 in Finland, where international opportunities await. More information on the competition can be found at www.nepadsanbio.org under the Campaigns & Competitions section. Four Moroccan cities, led by Marrakesh, ranked among the top 10 African cities for quality of life in a new survey published on Tuesday, 21 February. Marrakesh, nicknamed the Ochre City for the walls surrounding its old medina district, clinched the top ranking, with three other Moroccan cities - Casablanca, Rabat and Fez - in the top 10. "They are cities that are not huge, where real work has been done to improve infrastructure, people's quality of life (and) housing in a stable political context," said Swiss urban sociologist Jerome Chenal, who directed the survey. The study of 100 cities, which included all of the continent's capitals and its largest urban centres, was based on criteria including social and living conditions, infrastructure, governance and environment. Johannesburg and Cape Town scored second and ninth, respectively, while Egypt also had two cities in the top 10, Alexandria and Cairo, in the first survey focusing on life in African cities for ordinary people. "Until now, rankings for Africa were done for investors and expatriates," Chenal told Afrique Mediterranee Business, the Paris-based magazine that commissioned the study. "We never asked how people lived, whether young or old, rich or poor," he told AFP. The Mauritius capital Port Louis came fourth, while Tunis was sixth in the study by Swiss research body Communaute d'Etudes pour l'Amenagement du Territoire at the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL). Nairobi and Abidjan, which are magnets for expatriates, scored only 27th and 39th, respectively. EPFL says it will conduct the study each year in the hope of standardising data on African cities. Source: AFP The SABC's relationship with ANN7, the Gupta-owned TV station, has come under intense scrutiny in Parliament, with evidence surfacing that the cash-strapped public broadcaster paid up to R1m for an episode of the TNA/Morning Live breakfast shows. On Tuesday, the ad hoc committee probing the crisis at the SABC went through various responses to its draft report. In his response, former SABC acting CEO Phil Molefe corroborated evidence that the public broadcaster footed the costs associated with the controversial breakfast briefings. Molefe said in his submission that the shows came at a huge cost to the SABC, with technical equipment for one production costing R1m or more. The SABC also covered flights, accommodation and food for production staff when the briefings took place outside Johannesburg. While the SABC carried the costs, the TNA media group exclusively earned the revenue generated from the joint briefings, said Molefe. Members of the ad hoc committee have indicated they want the deal to be reviewed and, possibly, cancelled. In his submission, Molefe makes it clear that the contract for the breakfast briefings was signed when he was no longer acting SABC CEO. It was signed by former CEO Lulama Mokhobo and then TNA CEO Nazeem Howa. In December, the committee, which is pushing to complete its final report before the end of February, had heard from former contributing editor Vuyo Mvoko that the public broadcaster carried the costs of the production while all revenue went to TNA. At the time, Mvoko said the SABC was essentially using its own money and resources to build up ANN7. However, former SABC board chairman Ben Ngubane testified in January that Mvoko was "not talking from knowledge when he claimed [the SABC] was subsidising the breakfast shows". Ngubane said the SABCs airing of joint business breakfast shows with The New Age had benefited the public broadcaster and did not cost it money. "It [broadcasting the business breakfast] came as an initiative from the news sections, which host a lot of outside broadcasts the show was flighted 16 times [before a board decision was taken to make it a regular fixture]. Because it was a regular feature we requested a business plan and the explanations were convincing and that is why we went with it," Ngubane told the ad hoc committee in January. "For us it was about fulfilling the mandate of informing the community about government." The breakfast shows usually feature high-ranking government officials. In a written submission, Ngubane took exception to being "unfairly" treated by the committee when giving his testimony and questioned the credibility of some witnesses. In its submission to the ad hoc committee, TNA dismissed the claims that it was being paid by the SABC, saying there was no cross-subsidisation of any kind between the organisations. In December, Sipho Masinga, a former IT executive at the SABC, told the inquiry that Howa, the previous head of Oakbay, presented the SABC with a three-page document that detailed plans by the Gupta company to take over the public broadcasters news department. The plan failed. The ad hoc committee was due to interrogate responses from the SABC and Communications Minister Faith Muthambi before drafting its final recommendations. Minister Pravin Gordhan and his team at National Treasury should be praised for striking the correct fiscal balance in this year's budget. Gordhan understands that fiscal rectitude is necessary for the growth and transformation of South Africa's economy. Gordhan will contain government spending and raise the tax rates to be paid by well-off South Africans. He is also planning to make it harder for South African-based businesses to shift their profits offshore to avoid paying taxes in this country. It is widely understood that there are limits to how far taxes can be raised, but in current circumstances it is preferable that Gordhan has chosen to raise taxes at the top end, rather than to increase borrowing. The latter would raise the very real risk of South Africa falling into a debt-trap, which would severely harm the prospects of our children and grandchildren. Policy sovereignty The minister's rectitude will enable South Africa to retain a degree of policy sovereignty. He knows that if the country falls deeper into debt, its ability to determine its own policy direction will be compromised. Such a loss of policy sovereignty would limit the scope for interventions aimed at fundamentally improving the structure of the economy. Gordhan has sent a clear message that governments programme of radical economic transformation must be based on sound economic and constitutional principles. He understands that policies not based on sound economic and constitutional principles will be doomed to failure. Economic transformation programmes Given South Africas ongoing problem of economic and social exclusion, Gordhan seeks to use the budget to ensure that economic transformation programmes have the widest possible impact and touch the lives of millions of poor South Africans, and do not just enrich a few. He reminded South Africa that about two-thirds of the budget each year, that is, in this years budget about R1trn out of R1-5trn total expenditure, is used for the realisation of social rights, such as, education, healthcare, social security, housing and water and sanitation services. It is also hoped that the problems that have plagued the under-resourced higher education sector for the past few years will now be well on the way to being resolved, as government has allocated considerable additional resources to this sector. Gordhan projects that the rate of economic growth in South Africa will rise from 0,5% in 2016 to 1,3% in 2017. Although this rate of growth is disappointing low, South Africans can take heart from the fact that some of the main inhibitors of growth that have haunted the economy over the past few years have receded, such as, low commodity prices, drought, industrial unrest and unreliable electricity supply. Specific targets Many would have praised Gordhan if he had used the opportunity of this years budget to announce some specific targets aimed at show improvements in the structure of South Africas economy, which remains one of the most unequal in the world. For example, he could have announced a numerical target for a reduction in income inequality or a target for increased employment levels, especially for young people. Economic growth will only be possible if South Africa can lift its rate of economic growth and investment. It is heartening that Gordhan announced the a number of important growth enhancing interventions, such as, bringing certainty to mining regulation, implementing the switch from analogue to digital television, continuing the independent power producer programme, streamlining investment approval processes and safeguarding South Africas investment-grade rating. Furthermore, the country will benefit if steps are taken to curtail overcharging and anti-competitive conduct by dominant entities. Gordhan has made it clear that anti-competitive and monopolistic practices by the banks and other large entities in the private and public sectors will not be tolerated. Gordhans budget is a good one. It strikes the right balance asking the rich to contribute a little more, while promising that government will redouble its commitment to using public resources more effectively to improve the lives of the poor and to transform South African into a more equitable society. South Africans will take heart from Gordhans budget and will hope that the budget enjoys the full support of Cabinet and government in general. Sage this week launched the Sage Foundation's new $1 million Enterprise Fund which is open to non-profits in Africa with enterprising ideas to help improve the lives of the youth, military veterans, women and girls. Joanne van der Walt Every day, across Africa inspiring non-profit leaders, volunteers and their supporters are working to make their communities better places to live. Sage Foundations Enterprise Fund has been designed to support those organisations generate further income, create new initiatives or enhance existing and proven activity. The $1 million will be split between two rounds of $500,000; with the second round ready for release in July 2017. Applications for the first round are open until April 5. Grants between $5,000 and $35,000 will then be awarded to successful applicants. All applications that fulfil the eligibility criteria will be considered. However, Sage Foundation is especially keen to support organisations that are currently small, but have ambitions to expand, grow and deliver sustainable change. It is also hoped that the fund will support needs such as; capital projects, core running costs or new innovations. Sage Foundations Enterprise Fund is designed to help organisations generate further income, create new initiatives or enhance existing activity, says Joanne van der Walt, Sage foundation manager, Africa at Sage. There are some wonderful charities across Africa who have innovative, yet practical ideas about how they can solve some of the socio-economic challenges their communities face each day. We want to help them turn these exceptional ideas into reality. Sage Foundations Enterprise Fund was originally announced at Sage Summit in Chicago in July 2016, part of a series of new initiatives to mobilise Sage colleagues, partners and customers around a common vision for change. As part of 2017s new Sage Summit Tour, Sage Foundation will be working with Sages network of business builders, to take action together. Since January 2016, Sage Foundation has been taking action to build sustainable social, economic and entrepreneurial opportunities in Sages local communities around the world. By investing and supporting non-profit partners that are helping people reach their true potential, and committed to doing business the right way. Every now and again, the Rocket Creative crew gets the opportunity to work on a project that is ultra-innovative and spectacularly trendsetting. This was the case when they were commissioned to originate an exhibition stand for Acer's Predator Gaming brand at the 2019 rAge Festival. The annual show, South Africa's biggest video games, computer, and technology exhibition, traditionally brings out all the tech-focused brands. Diminishing Morale and Dissension Within Hezbollah | Main | Wheres the Coverage? Iran Calls for Palestinian Terrorist Attacks February 23, 2017 NY Times: Hamas Seeking to Put Off War, Israelis Itching for Conflict There's a peculiar juxtaposition in yesterday's front page New York Times story, contrasting how Israel and Hamas supposedly view the possibility of renewed confrontation. The insinuation seems to be that Israelis are seeking war, while Hamas is seeking to put it off. Here's what the story says is happening "on the Israeli side": On the Israeli side, the political right talks of a new war in the spring over Hamass rearming and expresses a desire to inflict a decisive blow. Sounds like they're chomping at the bit. Then there's Hamas. The piece does note that the group's new leader is "hard-line," and that weapons are "presumably" being constructed in, and smuggled into, the Gaza Strip. But regarding attitudes toward renewed fighting, we're told that its leaders are seeking to "put off as long as possible what they see as the next inevitable war": Leaders of Hamas, considered a terrorist group by the United States and by many other countries, do not have the same backing from the West. Interviews with political and business leaders, academics and ordinary people can divine only a basic strategy: improve the lives of frustrated residents as its leaders put off as long as possible what they see as the next inevitable war, then fight when it happens. (Life could be better, Hamass critics contend, if the group spent less on war preparations.) So Hamas leaders want to avoid war, readers are led to believe, but are resigned to the fact that Israel will force it upon them never mind that Gaza's major wars tend to begin with Hamas rocket barrages or cross-border kidnapping attacks against Israelis. In unrelated news, Hamas recently released a Hebrew-language music video about launching a war and killing Jews. The video, at least, isn't shy about predicting that the hypothetical next war will begin with Hamas firing rockets at Israel. The opening line of the song, sung over animated images of a Hamas rocket attack, says, "For my Zionist enemy I've prepared all kinds of rockets that reach where he lives," and that "he will die if he doesn't immediately leave my land." Other images include Jews being sliced in half by rockets and a severed Haredi head being impaled on a sword. Check out the full video here. Posted by GI at February 23, 2017 03:09 PM In WW2, the Times covered up the genocide the Nazis were committing against the Jews. Great video about this. Downplaying the Holocaust -- Sulzberger & NY Times by Anna Blech https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2PQCNQH2lY&t=2s When it came to the Babi Yar massacre in 1941 in Ukraine, the NY Times wrote that 30,000 Russians and Ukrainians were killed. The NY Times didn't even mention that all the victims in Babi Yar were Jews. The NY Times opposed the U.S recognizing Israel in 48. The NY Times opposed Israel bombing Iraq's nuclear facility in 81. In 2014 Roger Cohen of the Times basically comes out and says Israel should do nothing while Hamas fires hundreds of rockets at Israeli civilians. Good response to Roger Cohen http://www.adl.org/press-center/c/ny-times-3.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/#.WLgI8_krLIV Posted by: Barry Meridian at March 2, 2017 06:59 AM Guidelines for posting This is a moderated blog. We will not post comments that include racism, bigotry, threats, or factually inaccurate material. Post a comment It was at 7 PM on February 17. The robbery gang came to our The-khon Village, southern Ye Township and extorted the villagers. We had to give 4 kyatha of gold and 200,000 Kyat [money] to the gang, said a villager. The-khon Village, southern Ye Township (Photo: MNA) The-khon Village, southern Ye Township (Photo: MNA) The villager continued that the community is very worried about its security, especially the nature in which the village administrator had to request gold and money from villagers for the extortion and then hand them over to the robbery gang. The Ah-kyaing-led gang has also demanded 10,000,000 Kyat from Paukpinkwin village, Yebyu Township. The money was demanded for the gangs permission to the celebration of a local Mon Buddhism monastic schools 10th anniversary, set to be held between March 13 to 17, according to Paukpinkwin villagers. The gang demanded the money from the head of the monastery. It was a week ago. They frightened that if they did not get the money, they would cause trouble at the event, said a villager from Paunpinkwin Village. The Ah-kyaing robbery gang, which has about 10 men, travel to Paukpinkwin Village often, according to Paukpinkwin villagers. On May 6, 2016, a splinter group of around 18 members led by Nai Chan Mon handed over their arms to the Light Infantry Battalion No. 280 in Tarnintharyi Region, while another group led by Nai Ah-lwin along with 20 men, also gave up their arms to Military Operation Command No. 19 in Ye Town. Although the two gangs, which were active in southern Ye Township, and Yebyu Township, already handed over their arms to the Tatmadaw [Burma army], the locals in those areas are now still very concerned for their security since the recent activity by the Ah-kyaing gang. The United Wa State Army (UWSA) soldiers march on the 20th anniversary in the Headquarters Pangsang in 2009. Sai Kyaw Nyunt, one of the joint general secretaries of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) who also serves as the secretary of the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC), said, The ethnic groups have been cheated for more than 60 years. Thats why we always have doubts. For us to sign the NCA, we must have solid promises. He emphasized that all sides need to talk and build trust with one and other at the upcoming peace talks in Naypyidaw, widely dubbed the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference, or 21CPC. I want all political parties and ethnic armed groups to attend this upcoming 21st Century Panglong Conference, said Mon National Party (MNP) Chairman Nai Ngwe Thein. Those who are responsible [for logistics] should ensure this happens. They should also consider what decisions can be made at this meeting. The ethnic Mon leader said that armed conflict is ongoing at a time when they are trying to building peace; therefore, suspicions and doubts must exist on all sides. He called on the Burmese Commander-in-Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hliang to bring about an end to the fighting. Nai Ngwe Thein said that if the Tatmadaw [Burmese military] declared a cessation of hostilities, then the ethnic groups would follow suit. According to Saw Kyi Lin, the general secretary of the Phalon-Sawaw Democratic Party (Myanmar) based in Karen State capital Hpa-an, it is impossible for just one side to stop the conflict. He said both warring parties must meet to talk peace. To date, only eight ethnic armed groups that have signed the NCA: Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA); Karen National Union (KNU); Democratic Karen Benevolent Party (DKBA); Karen National Liberation Party-Peace Council (KNLA-PC); Chin National Front (CNF); All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF); Pa-O National Liberation Party (PNLA); and Arakan Liberation Party (ALP). Another 13 ethnic armies are included in the talks but are yet to sign the accord. By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN) Myanmar is passing through some of the most agonizing moments in her history. With our hands reaching out, we appeal to all: Please heal do not wound. The people of Myanmar are deeply saddened by what looks like a relapse into darker days. Myanmar needs the worlds attention to strengthen its fragile journey to democracy. Three major events are disturbing the people of Myanmar. The report published by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on 3 February is heart-breaking and profoundly disturbing. The United Nations reports brutality and other grave human rights violations by Myanmars security forces in an area north of Maungdaw in northern Rakhine State. The UN High Commissioner portrays such inhumanity and barbarity that it is hard to read about, and hard to believe. Over the past five years, Myanmar has experienced many positive changes and has become a more open country. My country men and women believe that it is a dawn of hope. The opening of the economy and media, a functioning democracy, a smooth transfer of power all pointed towards a new Myanmar of hopes and dreams. We pray earnestly that this may not become a false dawn. Merchants of hatred are in full swing. Hatred against others of different races and religions has intensified to a very alarming level. What happened in Rakhine state needs to be stopped once for all. The situation in Kachin and northern Shan states is equally of deep concern to me, particularly with the arrest of two Kachin Christian pastors, Nawng Latt and Gam Seng, in Mong Ko, following the bombing of a Catholic church. I pray for their trial, that justice will be done and they will be released. I pray too for the thousands displaced by recent military offensives in northern Myanmar. The tragic assassination of U Ko Ni just over two weeks ago was another step backwards for Myanmar and a blow to our hopes of democracy and peace in our country. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, and my prayers for his family, and for all those with whom he worked and who continue his courageous efforts to move towards the constitutional reform so needed in Myanmar. I call on the government of Myanmar to bring an end to the military offensive against civilians in Rakhine state. Peace with justice is possible and is the only way. I call on the government of Myanmar to bring an end to the military offensives in Kachin and northern Shan states. I call on the government of Myanmar to allow unhindered access to all parts of Rakhine state, Kachin state and northern Shan state for international humanitarian aid agencies, media and human rights monitors. I call on the government of Myanmar to work with the international community to investigate the crimes reported by the United Nations, in a truly independent way that results in justice and accountability. And I appeal to the international community to be vigilant. You have welcomed positive changes. People of Myanmar seek peaceful and positive change. Merchants of hatred who lived by spilling the blood of brother against brother are active again. Myanmar needs the world community to extend all support to the present democratic government with clear understanding that violence against any population is not acceptable. I offer my prayers and solidarity to everyone in Myanmar and especially at this time in Rakhine state, Kachin state and northern Shan state who is bereaved, vulnerable, fearful, homeless, hungry, sick and to all the orphans and widows, the victims of rape and torture. Let the UNs devastating report serve as a wake-up call for us all. Let us work together to end violence and terror in our country, and to build a Myanmar where every man, woman and child of every race and religion born on Myanmar soil is recognised both as our fellow citizen and as our brother and sister in humanity. Let us build a Myanmar where hope is not an illusion, and where we can join hands, regardless of ethnicity or religion, in peace and solidarity. I pledge to renew my efforts to that end, and I extend my hand to any of my brothers and sisters of any race or religion who will join with me. Peace with Justice is possible. 2017 has been declared a year of peace by the Catholic Church. Let us continue the pilgrimage to peace not return to war. Cardinal Charles Maung Bo is Archbishop of Yangon and became Myanmars first ever Cardinal in 2015. He has long been a foremost advocate in the country for human rights, religious freedom, inter-religious harmony, peace and justice. NAB is an ethnic military alliance made up of Arakan Army (AA), Kachin Independence Army (KIA), MNDAA and Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), which has unleashed a counter-offensive on November 20 last year, in Muse Township, northern Shan State, that took the Tatmadaw by surprise. While the alliance has now withdrawn its offensive, saying that it was just a limited strike to show its military capability and send the Tatmadaw a strong message that they are a force to be reckoned with, the fallout from the conflict lingers on with sporadic skirmishes taking place until today. China wants ethnic armed groups in northern Burma to sign the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) in order to ease fighting near the Sino-Burma border, Chinas ambassador to Burma said in an interview with the state-run New Light of Myanmar on February 12. By signing the NCA, battles can be avoided and there can be guarantees for peace and stability along the China-Myanmar border, Ambassador Hong Liang recently told the state-run New Light of Myanmar, adding that in order to stop the conflict, respective parties need to be well convinced of each other. Against this backdrop, stakeholders are busy maneuvering or fine tuning their political footwork so that the unfolding scenario would work to their benefit, each in its own way. Lately, important development that should be taken into account are the Kachin-Karen Laiza Joint Statement, Was non-signatory ethnic leadership gathering, State Counselor-United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) scheduled meeting, and the Chinese involvement in the peace process. KIO-KNU Joint Statement Another extraordinary occurrence that happened was that the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) and Karen National Union (KNU) meeting in Laiza, the Kachin headquarters, and the release of a joint statement, pinpointing some paragraphs from the Deeds of Commitment signed during the tenure of ex-President Thein Sein, that armed engagement wouldnt be used to settle political disagreement. The Kachin and Karen seven point joint statement of February 16 pointed out the need to adhere to the peaceful negotiation, all-inclusiveness and rejection of the Tatmadaw calling the KIO and NAB as below: Article No. 3 of the Deed of Commitment signed on 12 February 2015, by the KNU, Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army Peace Council (KNU/KNLA-PC) and the Government of Myanmar, the Tatmadaw (Defense Services), the Union Parliament, 19 State/Regional Ethnic Affairs Ministers and 55 political parties, committed to not use force to resolve political problems but resolve political problems through political means. Article 5 of the Deed further committed the signatories to not engage in armed conflict or engage in matters that can disrupt the peace process during the period peace negotiations are taking place. Chapter 1 (g) of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (signed on 15 October 2015) is committed To convene political dialogues with all relevant participants based on ethnic peoples desires and wishes towards long lasting peace. (We) further urge that until peace is achieved, all ethnic armed organizations engaged in the peace process, not be considered terrorists but rather as partners in the search for peace. Two advisers from Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) were also present at the meeting. It was remarkable, as the KNU leader Mutu Say Poe has been at odd with KIO leadership after its signing of the NCA, together with other seven EAOs that later lead to the suspension of the KNU membership on its own initiative from the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), which it has been a part, when it was formed in February 16, 2011. Before that speculation were rife that the KNU delegation lobbied Chinese authorities to pressure the KIO into signing the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA), according to a source close to the KNU. But the KIO-KNU seven point joint statement dispelled such speculation, as the KNU was in fact agreeing to the UNFC nine point proposal saying that it would make the existing NCA stronger. According to Myanmar Times, the KNU official Padoh Saw Ta Doh Moo said, Though we have signed the NCA earlier, it would be good to have the nine point proposal by UNFC because it would strengthen the ceasefire than now it is. Prior to the meeting and making the joint statement public with the KIO, the KNU leader was said to have met the Chinese authorities at their invitation in Kunming. Chinas role The active Chinese role in Burmas peace process is indisputable, since the Kokang conflict erupted in February 2015, when Pheung Kya-shins MNDAA troops tried to wrestle back the power of Kokang Self-Administrative Zone from the Burma Armys installed administration. The conflict produced thousands of refugees fleeing to China and also caused deaths and wounded to some Chinese citizens by stray bullets and artillery from the Burma Army. The Chinese reacted strongly to the point that it even pulled out a massive military, live ammunition, exercise for a few days at the border to shock and awe the perpetrators. But since then, China has quietly corrected and calibrated its policy of non-interference, its shock and awe approach in the case of Kokang conflict, to an approach of creative involvement. Recently, Chinese authorities have invited the KNU leader Mutu Say Poe to Kunming, where the parties should have discussed matters relating the upcoming peace conference. The meeting that followed between the KIO and KNU also touched on the same theme, as the joint statement that came out shortly after indicated. Apart from that, reportedly, Chinas special envoy for Burma would also meet the UNFC on February 25, in Chiang Mai Thailand, following the UWSA initiated EAOs leadership meeting, after which a scheduled meeting between the State Counselor and the UNFC would take place sometime within early March. UWSA meeting Meanwhile, the United Wa State Army (UWSA) planned EAOs leadership meeting just started on February 21 and is said to go on until 23, where the UNFC and as well the NAB are invited for the gathering. The meeting is believed to map out on how to deal with the upcoming second 21st Century Panglong Conference. In May and November 2015, the UWSA organized two summits among ethnic leaders in Panghsang to strengthen coordination and team building. Again in March 2016, UWSA hosted another coordination meeting between the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Shan State Army South (SSA-S) over their territorial dispute. According to Ms Yun Sun, a well known analysis on Burma-China relation, China backs UWSA efforts to enhance its leadership role among ethnic groups, hoping that the group could emerge as a centripetal force to rein in and manage various ethnic minorities. Aung San Suu Kyi and UNFC meet After weeks of negotiation, State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi sent official invitation to meet the UNFC at its request, according to Zaw Htay spokesperson for the presidential office in March. Tun Zaw, UNFC joint secretary confirmed that the meeting is fixed for March 1 and already confirmed by the government side, according to the report of RFA in its February 20 report. The 21st Century Panglong Conference (21CPC) was said to be rescheduled although the exact date could still cannot be determined, as the KNU would be holding its Congress to elect its new leadership every four years, apart from the national-level political dialogue to be held in Chin State still under preparation and Arakan State also pressing to be allowed to do the same. According Frontier Myanmar recent February 20 report, Zaw Htay said the union conference or 21CPC would be delayed until the end of March, meaning it would be sometime in April. Regarding the UNFC, it is only interested to discuss policy matters and push through its 9 point proposal to be incorporated into the NCA so that it could sign it and participate in the 21CPC. It has made itself clear that it is not interested to attend the conference either as observer or any status that would be lower than the fully-fledged participants. Outlook and perspective There is no doubt that politicking or political maneuvering footwork are intensely going on among the stakeholders as 21CPC is geared to restart soon. But let us ponder a bit more to see what different stakeholders would likely be having in their mind. The State Counselor would like to push through her rigid time-frame agendas and driving hard to be able to include all non-signatory EAOs; China is also flexing its muscles to indicate that it is now ready to upgrade its sympathetic, supporting bystander stance to become a co-player, if not as an authority for a new set of game; The Tatmadaw is enduring bad press and tarnishing more than ever its own image by committing gross human rights violations in Arakan State and armed conflict ridden Kachin and Shan States, and at the same time, not knowing how to go about on whether to accommodate democratization further or put a stop to it, so that it could continue to maintain its political edge; The UNFC is trying to push through its nine point proposed agenda, in order to be able to achieve a level playing field so that it may not be handicapped in peace negotiation process; The UWSA, together with the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), are worried that if the UNFC could make a deal and enter the 21CPC, they will be left out and wont be able to further their aspirations of upgrading their administrative statuses; and The NAB primary is worried that its members would be left out from the peace dialogue process and would continue to be targeted by further military onslaught. While it might seem that accommodating such a variety of wish list and aspirations could be really daunting and a mammoth task, all the stakeholders or parties do have one thing in common, which is the absence of war and achievement of peace that would foster reconciliation and political settlement, followed by much needed development in all socioeconomic sectors. To be able to do this, as time and again been advocated, all parties concerned must first have an unwavering political will buttressing it with trust-building, a term frequently used by all contenders but rarely put into practice. As such, the best place to start the realization of political will, which is the achievement of peace, would need to create an atmosphere of trust. In turn, in order to be trustworthy an act of trust stimulation is needed. And this is none other than to stop the war of offensive initiated by the Tatmadaw first and foremost. If this could be pulled through by the Tatmadaw in good faith, all the rest would eventually fall into line. In other words, the earnest peace process negotiation within the mold of 21CPC could follow, which until today is still in a limbo. Otherwise, we all will continue to be bogged down in the vicious circle of violence and disagreement unable to resolve our differences as civilized human beings should be doing. Here Is How You Can Fast During Shivratri In A Healthy Way Wellness oi-Luna Dewan Fasting once a week is believed to be good for one's health, as suggested by several experts. However, one needs to understand that fasting is beneficial only when it is observed in a healthy way. And do you know the ways to observe fast in a healthy way? If not, then, today in this article we will be explaining about a few of the best ways to observe fast in a healthy way. Shivratri is one of the biggest Hindu festivals which is celebrated all across the country with much fanfare. There are several beliefs for observing fast during Shivratri. It is believed that one who observes this fast will have the blessings of Lord Shiva. A few women do it for the goodwill of their husband as husbands are considered as Shiva. Also Read: Stories Associated With Shivratri There are yet another group of people who observe this fast in order to control the two important natural forces that can affect human beings. As fasting the whole day can drain your energy and make you weak, here are a few tips for observing healthy fast during Shivratri. Have a look. 1. Drink Plenty Of Water: Water helps one to stay hydrated. When you are fasting, make it a point to drink lots of water as this will not just hydrate the body but it will also help in keeping one full. 2. Eat Fresh Juicy Fruits: Barring a few, most people consume fruits while they fast during Shivratri. It is best to eat fresh and juicy fruits like oranges, strawberries and pomegranate as these are filled with nutrients. It helps in keeping one full and hydrated. 3. Avoid Eating Spicy Food: If you are planning to fast during Shivratri, then eating spicy food the previous day should be avoided. This can cause acidity and stomach trouble. 4. Avoid Too Much Sugary Foods: Avoid eating sugary foods a day before Shivratri as foods rich in sugar generally make you hungry. 5. Eat Nuts: If you are allowed to eat nuts then it is always good especially when you are fasting. Rich in fibre content and other essential nutrients, nuts help in keeping the stomach full and provide energy. 6. Keep Yourself Busy: You can call it a psychological instinct or otherwise, but if you keep yourself busy during the fasting time you will not even realize that you are hungry. 7. Avoid Rich Oily Foods After Breaking The Fast: As soon as you break the fast avoid eating oily, rich foods. This will cause acidity. It is always good to break the fast with light and healthy foods. GET THE BEST BOLDSKY STORIES! Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, February 23, 2017, 7:30 [IST] Among lovers of quality animation, the release of a new film from Japans legendary Studio Ghibli is always cause for celebration. The studio has a history of producing animation of rare style, simplicity and intelligence. Theres no mistaking it: The studios latest effort, the Academy Award-nominated The Red Turtle, is positively hypnotic in its straighforward, translucent beauty. Despiteor perhaps because ofits out-of-the-ordinary qualities, however, this poetic survival tale is sure to create a stir. For starters, the film is not the work of famed studio head Hayao Miyazaki (My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away). In fact, its directed by Dutch filmmaker Michael Dudok de Wit (who gave us such award-winning shorts as The Monk and the Fish and Father and Daughter). That makes this the first non-Japanese film ever produced by Studio Ghibli. Secondly, the film contains no dialogue whatsoever. With its progression of striking yet soothing images The Red Turtle is at times more meditation than movie. But the universal story those images so effortlessly relate makes this a masterpiece of elegance and economy. The film begins with a castaway washing up on the shore of a deserted tropical isle. We are given no other information. We dont know the time period or the location or even the name of our protagonist. He struggles in the waves, and the ocean spits him up onto the shore of an empty and oppressively green island. And that is very nearly the beginning and the end of it. Hes stuck here, and hes just going to have to make a life of it. Immediately, viewers will be struck by the art stylewhich looks quite a bit different from your typical Japanese anime. This looks much more ... well, European. With his simple, black dot eyes, our protagonist could easily have wandered off the pages of Herge (creator of the Tintin books). The black outlines in anime tend to be sharp and angular. Here, they are loosealmost casual. In anime colors tend to cluster in large, bright blocks. Here, the hues bleed into one another like watercolors. The blue on blue of the ocean and the green on green of the island are differentiated in a dozen subtle shades of ombre. It comes as no real surprise to find that de Wit spent nine years laboring over this Zen-like tapestry of a film. The story isnt about pushing a narrative. Its about mood and tone. Our silent Robinson Crusoe wanders about his island, engaging in the simplest acts of survival. There is tension (like when he slips and falls into a sea cave). There is humor (in the Greek chorus of sand crabs that follow him around). There is mystery. (His every attempt to sail away from the island appears to be arrested by some unseen force.) But this is not about narrative thrust or character arc. Like a Terrence Malick film minus the ponderous pretension, this is about the steady rhythms of natureand by extension, life itself. Stripped down to its barest bones, life is little more than the metronomic in and out of the tide, the consistent pulse of a heartbeat. In time, the film takes on a more mystical tint, and our lonely islander is gifted with a companion to share his isolation. The entire rest of the film could be summed up in a couple more sentences, but its really not necessary. The few surprises the film holds are so delicate, a mere word or two about them would spoil the mood. The Red Turtle isnt a film you analyze too deeply. Its like a fable that has been pared back to its essence, stripped off all but its essentials, denuded of extraneous material. Though it contains only the most basic of elements, watching it is like witnessing the creation of a tiny miracle. By the end you may find yourself surprised at how deeply you feel its unspoken emotions: isolation, loneliness, companionship, love, separation. It is not a motion picture you watch, so much as a slow wave of sensation that you just sit back and let wash over you. Perhaps more than once. JACKSON, Mississippi -- Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant is making the third round of spending cuts since the budget year started in July, and the fifth round in the past 14 months. Bryant, a Republican, announced $43 million in cuts Tuesday, saying tax collections remain short of expectations. It is just under a 1 percent reduction for most agencies. Bryant also said he is moving $7 million out of the state's rainy day fund. Without that, cuts would be larger. He cited state economist Darrin Webb's report to lawmakers last week that Mississippi has "struggled to gain momentum" since 2000, and that Mississippi's economy continues to lag behind that of the nation and the region. "Additionally, the state economist does not foresee an uptick in revenue for the remainder of the fiscal year," Bryant wrote Tuesday in a letter to the state fiscal officer, Laura Jackson. The budget started at $6.4 billion, and Bryant had to cut $57 million in September because of an accounting error made when legislators were writing the spending plan last spring. He cut $51 million in January, and pulled just over $4 million from the rainy day fund. The latest action brings the total to $151 million in cuts during the first eight months of the fiscal year. Student financial aid and schools for the blind and deaf are exempt from the new cuts. Also exempt are the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Child Protective Services and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. Some programs were exempt from cuts in January, including the school funding formula; courts and prosecutors; and parts of the Department of Public Safety. Bryant said those are being cut one-half of 1 percent in the new round. "It is tempting to leave things along and hope for revenue collections to improve and offset the shortfall we are experiencing; however, I feel it is imperative that we take action based on the best possible information available," Bryant wrote. "If we postpone spending reductions until later, then state agencies must make relatively larger cuts and will have less flexibility/time to handle the necessary cuts." State law requires a balanced budget. Some programs, including the Division of Medicaid, had already requested millions more dollars to pay for their expenses through June 30. Lawmakers have not made final decisions about those requests. BLUE SPRINGS, Mississippi -- A Mississippi sheriff says a naked man has been rescued from a tree, where he was hanging head-down. Shawn Treadaway told a deputy Tuesday he'd climbed the tree while looking for a dog, Union County Sheriff Jimmy Edwards said Wednesday. "He had a cable with him -- I don't know if it was to lead the dog with," Edwards told The Associated Press. "He ended up falling. I guess the cable somehow got around his leg and he ended up dangling from the tree." He said Treadaway apparently had been hanging from the cable for about four hours when rescuers arrived Tuesday in Blue Springs, about 10 miles southeast of New Albany. The sheriff said he believes branches tore off most of Treadaway's clothes as he fell, and rescuers then cut off the remaining rags. He said he didn't know why Treadaway climbed a tree to look for a dog. "He was kind of in pretty bad medical condition from hanging upside-down so long, so he wasn't able to elaborate on a whole lot there," Edwards said. He said deputies didn't conduct a toxicology screen, and Treadaway was taken to a hospital in another county. "We haven't heard back on his condition yet," Edwards said. Treadaway's girlfriend went looking for help, WTVA-TV reported. She found Jerry Feathers. He said, "I was out walking my dog and just came home and a lady comes running down my brother's drive. I was thinking my brother was in trouble so I go out there to help; after about three minutes in the woods I saw this man hanging upside down in the tree butt naked." New Albany Fire Chief Steve Coker told the station that the rescue wasn't just a matter of climbing up. "We had to cut some trees out of the way, set a ladder up and do some rope rescue rigging to secure the patient, get him extricated from the cables, and lowered down to the ground," he said. Animals' needs arent partisan and shouldnt be partisan. Dragging animal welfare into the R-vs-D fray is a source of shame no matter what your political leanings. Photo by Thomas D. Mangelsen/ www.mangelsen.com 2.2K shares Traveling home to their districts, members of Congress are hearing from riled-up constituents like never before and right on the heels of a tremendously contentious election. On Capitol Hill, telephone lines are being overwhelmed repeatedly by the fresh concerns of Americans roused to action. In cities across the country, citizens are organizing, vowing to maintain vigilance on politics for a range of civic purposes. These are welcome developments. Political overreach in Washington, D.C. has come up against growing public insistence on common sense governance and resistance to dangerous ideas. Americans want to be heard. For me the tipping point has been the scattershot assault on animal protection that seems to be gathering steam in Washington, D.C. Animals dont deserve this. Their needs arent partisan and shouldnt be partisan. Dragging animal welfare into the R-vs-D fray is a source of shame no matter what your political leanings. Im speaking of the near-party-line House vote recently to reopen Alaskas national wildlife refuges to disgraceful practices a de facto war against grizzly bears and wolves. Scientists and citizens alike stood against this terrible idea, as did so many Democrats in Congress. As I mentioned yesterday on this blog, it was the most disturbing runaway vote Ive witnessed in a quarter century of advocacy for animal welfare. And make no mistake, trophy hunters and NRA lobbyists have proven that their ambitions are much larger than just Alaska. They have long had their sights and sites on the wildlife that lives on our shared public lands throughout the United States. Yes, thats national parks, too. Election 2016 was not about ending compassion for those without voices. Americans in key swing states did not vote for a radical special interest rule an unwinding of what 90 percent of Americans think is right. No way. The victors insist that the election was about making things better. Well, putting animals in greater jeopardy is a thumb in the eye of better and takes us rapidly in the other direction. Again, we are talking about killing wolf pups in their dens, scouting bears from airplanes in order to kill them, permitting the baiting of bears, trapping them with those frightful steel-jawed leghold traps and neck snares. All on land that belongs to all Americans. On places designated by Congress as refuges. What a mockery of language. As the president might tweet, disgraceful. Add in the USDAs purge of inspection reports under the Animal Welfare Act and violation notices under the Horse Protection Act. Thats nothing but a cover-up to benefit flagrant puppy mill operators, horse soring scofflaws, and other violators of the law. Talk about adding algae and silt to the swamp. And then theres the freezing of the USDA-approved anti-horse-soring rule. Burning chemicals onto the feet of beautiful animals used in shows. Or putting a sharp object between a metal shoe and the shaved-down front hooves of horses. Thats animal cruelty. Worthy of prosecution. More than 200 members of Congress from both parties called on the USDA to complete that rulemaking. Freezing that rule is like issuing a get-out-of-jail card for lawbreakers. The HSUS has long advocated citizen advocacy on behalf of animals, and we want to see even more of it now. Now is the best possible time to join with friends, family, and neighbors and make yourself heard. Compassion and humane, are words without the letters R or D in them. They are shared, unifying, and important values. They are recognized by the worlds great religions, and they are taught and practiced by our finest leaders. A great many citizens of both parties believe that how we treat animals is a measure of our own humanity. And if we look at the issue another way, we know beyond doubt that cruelty to animals begets cruelty to humans. Yet, special interests are blind to the world of difference between the Right and whats truly right. On Alaska, a number of anti-animal lawmakers disguised their intentions by claiming their motivation was the protection of states rights. Now, just watch those same shape-shifters argue that state laws to protect farm animals need to be preempted by the federal government a sure-to-arise rebirth of what animal advocates know as the King Amendment. How about this for a tweet: Outrageously inconsistent. Therell be other important votes in this 115th Congress, of that you can be sure. Animals cannot speak for themselves. But you can give voice to their interests whether they are bears or horses or cows or puppies. Take it from me, the public has got the attention of the members of Congress. Whether that translates into wise action by Congress well, that depends on you. Already have an account? Log in here A controlled burn of Dutch elm tree debris has begun in the area of Dinsdale Park. We need your support! Local journalism needs your support! As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Starting at $4.99/month you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527. Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 23/02/2017 (2082 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Its hoped that the return of a popular rooftop event will raise thousands of dollars for some important causes. This year marks the return of the Brandon firefighters rooftop camp-out, and organizing firefighter Sheldon Reynolds says hes recruited four colleagues who have never taken part before. Reynolds has participated in the event in past years, but not this time. In jest, he said he hopes the weather is chilly this year for the first-timers, like it was for the times he camped on the fire hall roof. File Brandon firefighters will once again camp on the rooftop of the No. 2 Fire Station to raise money for the Westman chapters of Muscular Dystrophy Canada and the Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba. The three-night campout will begin on March 15 and the group hopes to raise $20,000. I hope it gets colder, Reynolds joked. You get that suffer factor. Matt Tannas, Kane Doran, Kory Kimpinski and Adam Desjardin will climb onto the roof of No. 2 Fire Station at 1301 13th St. on March 15 and will spend three nights there to try to raise at least $20,000. Funds gathered from the event will go to the Westman chapters of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba and Muscular Dystrophy Canada. The money will be used for education, support services, equipment, to help local families with mobility, and for research. The Cerebral Palsy Association is a new organization to receive support from the camp-out. Reynolds said he was inspired to include the association by his neighbours daughter who has the condition. Some money will also go to the Brandon Firefighters Charity Fund, which also supports local causes. This is the fifth edition of the popular event, but the first after it took a break for two years. Reynolds said work duties and personal commitments led to a shortage of firefighters to stage the event in the last couple of years. With some new recruits on the fire department, it was time to try it again. Reynolds estimated that, altogether, the rooftop camp-outs have raised about $90,000 so far. Theyre hoping to push past $100,000 this year. Part of the money-raising effort comes from a boot drive, in which firefighters stand outside No. 2 Fire Station and other locations during the camp-out and collect donations in boots from passersby. Reynolds has some advice for the newbies on how to bring in a crowd. Youve got to draw attention to yourself up there, Reynolds said. Dont be afraid to be a bit of a fool if youve got to dance, youve got to dance. Donations to the cause can be made before and during the event at either of the citys two fire halls. In addition, Heritage Co-op will host a Buck 4 Luck March 1 to 18, in which customers can buy a paper four-leaf clover for a dollar, write their name on it and have it posted in the store. A Bud and spud event at The Great Western Roadhouse at Canad Inns will wrap up the activities on the evening of March 18. A raffle will offer the prize of a trip for two anywhere WestJet flies. Folks are asked to purchase tickets a couple of days ahead of time at No. 2 Fire Station if they can. ihitchen@brandonsun.com Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 23/02/2017 (2082 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Increasingly cramped and whittled down in population, participants in this weeks Indigenous Insight seminar found themselves in a visual re-enactment of Canadas indigenous history. With blankets laid out on the floor symbolic of indigenous shares of Canadas post-colonial land, 30 participants represented the nations indigenous people in the days Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples Council-hosted seminar. As facilitator Jessica Dumas walked participants through history in the exercise, some participants were kicked to the sidelines after contracting smallpox. Colin Corneau/The Brandon Sun Verna Shannacappo reminisces about her youth in a residential school in Brandon and Dauphin during an Indigenous Insight seminar organized by the Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples Council on Wednesday afternoon. The reserve system found several blankets removed, while a handful of participants were pushed off their blankets as the residential school system and 60s Scoop stole them from their home communities and robbed them of their culture and identities. Its this step of the exercise that participant Verna Shannacappo is intimately familiar with, having spent her formative years in the residential schools of Brandon and Dauphin. Originally from the northern Manitoba community of Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Shannacappo said that she has yet to fully heal from the residential school systems abusive environment. She explained that her participation in this weeks seminar is part of her ongoing healing journey. Hearing other peoples stories and takes on the residential school system helps, she said, adding that despite the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canadas very public efforts shes surprised by how many people remain ignorant about the residential school system. Its a work in progress, aboriginal community co-ordinator Jason Gobeil said on Wednesday, adding the only way we get there is by learning together. When Gobeil first started work with the Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples Council a couple years ago, he recalls finding a number of doors close in his face. Now, those who initially closed doors are knocking on theirs, he said, affirming that progress is made through the fostering of a greater mutual understanding. Citing the City of Brandons recent receptivity to welcoming an urban reserve as an example, he noted that support didnt come overnight and was the result of public education, such as what Wednesdays seminar was intended to continue. Joined by a few members of the Brandon Police Service, Chief Ian Grant took his time in the seminars sharing circle to clarify that building relationships is an important work in progress for not only city police, but also all members of the community. No matter how much you think you know, theres always something else you can learn and understand, Grant said after the sharing circle wrapped up. Its important for the indigenous community to understand that we want to have strong relationships, we want to understand what happened in the past, and we want to partner with you to move forward. Moving forward does not mean forgetting, he clarified a sentiment Brandon School Division trustee Pat Bowslaugh also shared during the seminars mid-day break. As an educator, she said that her greatest disciplinary tool has been encouraging students to look at situations through the viewpoint of someone else. Its through understanding the impacts of their actions on others that students can best self-regulated themselves, she said. This is the key lesson that Bowslaugh said that she hopes to see not only educators, but all of her neighbours take out of the Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples Councils ongoing efforts. Near the end of Wednesdays blanket exercise, after whittling down their symbolic land mass and population several times over, Dumas began adding space as a symbol of the positive things currently going on. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canadas ongoing work comes to mind alongside Canada signing on to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Dumas said. In Brandon, Gobeil pointed to increased community interest in learning more about its indigenous population as evidence of a positive progression. This weeks seminar was initially only planned for Wednesday, but after they found themselves fully booked within a few days they expanded into Thursday, which was promptly booked solid, too. Reflecting on the days eclectic mix of social services employees, educators, law enforcement members and various other professionals, Gobeil said that the trick now will be for everyone to share what they learned with others. Its a start, he said. Its not going to be the be-all end-all, but its got to start somewhere. tclarke@brandonsun.com Twitter: @TylerClarkeMB Silverton Mayor Rick Lewis has been appointed to the Oregon House of Representatives by Clackamas and Marion county commissioners. Following the resignation of Representative Vic Gilliam from the Oregon House of Representatives, commissioners held a joint session earlier this afternoon to interview candidates and select a replacement. The session was videotaped and will be archived in the coming days on Clackamas County's YouTube Channel and broadcast on the Clackamas County Government Channel and Capital Community Television in Marion County. Oregon law requires that a legislative vacancy be filled by county commissioners representing the district in which the vacancy exists. House District 18 includes voters in Clackamas and Marion counties. Finalists were selected by the Republican Party, as deemed by state law. For more information, members of the public may contact Clackamas County Public Information Officer Tim Heider at 503-742-5911 or Marion County Public Information Officer Jolene Kelley at 503-566-3937. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 23/02/2017 (2082 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A comprehensive review of health-care delivery tabled earlier this month called Provincial Clinical and Preventative Services Planning for Manitoba is being taken under consideration by the Pallister government, but Prairie Mountain Health officials say its too early to speculate on how this could affect health care in Westman. The report which was ordered by the NDP government in 2015 and presented by Dr. David Peachey, a Nova Scotia-based principal with Health Intelligence Inc. recommends dramatic changes to rural and urban medical services. The previous government commissioned a report to provide recommendations for ways to move Manitoba toward an evidence-based health services plan, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen said in a statement. The resulting document will be reviewed and the recommendations considered as we move forward with determining the sustainable future of health care in Manitoba. The report recommends assessments in rural communities to determine if individual hospitals should continue to operate looking at how each facility uses its beds and whether they should have emergency services. It also suggests the recruitment and retention of physicians be centralized in Manitoba rather than at regional levels. Peachey found many rural hospital beds are being used by long-term continuing care patients, prompting his suggestion to assess each facility for current and future services. PMH CEO Penny Gilson said they are still in the process of reviewing the report and its recommendations in detail. At this point, the provincial government has only indicated that the recommendations will be taken into consideration, Gilson said in a statement. It remains premature for PMH to comment on how the recommendations, without further detail, would specifically impact the region as a whole or any particular community. PMH will continue to work with the province in determining any next steps relative to the recommendations. The Progressive Conservatives have ordered their own review of health care and wait times in Manitoba, but Goertzen said he wouldnt rule out accepting some of the reports recommendations, telling reporters earlier this month there could be money found to pay the costs to switch services at specific hospitals. Money for health is tight across the country, as provinces battle with Ottawa over the funding formula. The system we have now is not sustainable and will be even less so as federal funding for health care continues to erode, Goertzen said. Our government thanks Dr. Peachey and his team for their hard work and recommendations, and will include them in our consideration of how we can make our system better and affordable into the future. edebooy@brandonsun.com Twitter: @erindebooy STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The St. George Theatre celebrates its 87th anniversary with the annual benefit gala and concert on Sunday. The headliners: Huey Lewis and The News One of America's great rock 'n' roll bands, as Huey and company enter their 38th year together, their contagious brand of music has outlasted countless trends, and is as fresh today as ever. Formed from two rival Bay Area bands in 1979, the Grammy-winners continue to thrill audiences worldwide, selling more than 20 million albums in the process, earning them the right to mark their place on the pop history map with songs like "The Power of Love" and "Back in Time" for the film "Back to the Future," "Heart of Rock & Roll", "Stuck With You", "I Want A New Drug", "If This Is It", "Hip To Be Square" "Do You Believe In Love" and "Workin' For A Livin." "The Power of Love," nominated for an Academy Award, went to No. 1 on Billboard's singles chart, and was a smash hit worldwide. One of the highlights of the show is their a cappella rendition of early rock n' roll classics such as "It's Alright", "Little Bitty Pretty One" and "Sixty Minute Man." "We are very excited to host the iconic Huey Lewis and the News as we celebrate the theatre's 87th anniversary", says Doreen Cugno, president and chief executive officer of the non-profit theatre. "The gala is such an important fundraiser for us as we strive to fulfill our mission of both restoring the historic theatre and offering the Staten Island community a wide variety of programming," Cugno adds. Each year at the Gala, the Georgie Awards are presented to recognize those friends who have made it possible for the St. George Theatre to continue and thrive in our mission. This year's recipients of the Georgie Awards are Frank Siller of the Stephen Siller/Tunnel to Towers Foundation; and David Barry, president of Ironstate Development Company and CEO of URBY -- for their outstanding contributions the community. The annual Red Carpet Gala is the principal fundraiser for the St. George Theatre Restoration Inc. and features a pre-show cocktail reception, Georgie Award presentation, followed by the concert with Huey Lewis and The News and an after- party in the grand and mezzanine lobbies with open bar, hors d'oeuvres, and dance music. The co-chairs of the evening are Dr. Joseph and Joan Motta, with Lillian Lagazzo and Vincent Innocente, assuming the roles of journal chairs. The non-profit theatre is governed by a board of directors led by Chairman Brian J. Laline, as well as a staff led by President and CEO Doreen P. Cugno. Tickets for the gala are $275 and include the pre-show reception, prime seating for the performance, and after-party. Show only tickets: $130, $85, and $65 at 718-442-2900 or Ticketmaster.com. More information: StGeorgeTheatre.com. MORE ABOUT THE HONOREES -- David Barry is the President of the Hoboken, N.J., based Ironstate Development Company and the Chief Executive Officer of Urby. Barry's innovative and visionary approach to real estate has resulted in the successful development of a multitude of creative residential and hotel projects throughout the New York and New Jersey region. Barry recently developed a concept called Urby, a series of unique residential buildings with a strong focus on simple design and unique experiential programming. The recently opened Urby Staten Island, is the largest new construction development in the borough in decades, and the first of a planned series of Urby developments set to open in other cities including Jersey City, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Harrison, NJ and Stamford, CT. Barry is also development partner in the Standard East Village and Chiltern Firehouse in London. -- Frank Siller is founding member, chairman and CEO of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which honors the sacrifice made by Stephen Siller, FDNY on September 11, 2001, and the military and first responders who continue to sacrifice life and limb. As CEO, he is responsible for strategic planning and oversight of the multi-million dollar national non-profit organization that builds smart homes for catastrophically injured service members (Building for America's Bravest program), hosts the NYC Tunnel to Towers Run, national Tunnel to Towers Runs and Mobile Exhibit to educate people across the nation on the events of 9/11 (Never Forget programs), as well as other worthwhile programs. In his role as Chairman and CEO, Frank has been recognized by myriad organizations for his unwavering dedication and service. Frank was named Honorary FDNY Battalion Chief by FDNY Commissioner Salvatore Cassano and was the recipient of a hand written note from former President George H. Bush telling Frank how proud he was of Stephen and his sacrifice on 9/11. Frank met Sgt. Brendan Morocco who was the first ever quadruple amputee to survive any war and a hometown Staten Islander. It was his extensive home building experience and meeting Brendan that inspired Frank to build Brendan a home worthy of a hero, and so the Building for America's Bravest program was born. Frank and his work at the Foundation is guided by St. Francis' words "Brothers and sisters, while we have time on earth, let us do good." The St. George Theatre Restoration Inc, founded in 2004 by the late Mrs. Rosemary Cappozalo and her daughters Luanne Sorrentino and Doreen Cugno, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of the historic theater and its development as a cultural and performing arts center for Staten Island and all of New York City by providing community outreach programs, educational programs and public performances. Wed like to start this post by mentioning we arent taking any politician position only pointing out that Mexico will use new workers who are deported from the U.S. to steal jobs from American workers. In other words, the jobs will go with the talent in many cases and unless we add a tariff to phone calls, they will be able to easily interact with U.S. consumers and business just fine. Its just one facet of a complex problem worth considering. For more, this article has some interesting thoughts such as this: Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 23/02/2017 (2082 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. WINNIPEG There is an expression in international diplomacy that serves as a counterbalance to the hostile dust-ups sometimes seen in times of conflict. Its called soft power the ways a country can show its at odds with another nations agenda, to push back in a meaningful but constructive way. Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus friendly engagement with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington last week was in line with the constructive approach. More meaningful, however, was Canadas success in moving the new Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) to approval by the European Union. CETA, dubbed the Canadian trade model, gives Canadian producers, manufacturers and exporters duty-free access for 99 per cent of goods currently under tariff in Europe. It has been extolled by Europeans and other nations as the way to go. Canada is rightly proud of this achievement. It is exemplary of soft power because, in the face of growing protectionist sentiment and threats south of the border to overturn established trade deals, our nation persisted. It never wavered on its belief in global trade tearing down, not constructing, walls in international relations. Think of it this way: our trade relations can be seen as the other liberal-democratic bookend to Canadas open arms on immigration. Trade is critically important to Canada, supporting some 60 per cent of its GDP, and 3.3 million jobs. It is just as important to Manitoba, where fully half of the GDP and the jobs of 240,000 residents are tied to trade. Trade matters. Lesser known, perhaps, is that Western Canada and specifically Manitoba have played a key role in championing trade and investing in trade-enabling assets to get the job done. Canadians today are hearing a lot about the vital connection between trade and strategic infrastructure investment. The easy way to imagine this is that trade is the heart of Canadas economy and trade-enabling infrastructure rail, air, marine and inland ports and highways and border crossings makes up the arteries that keep the blood moving, the heart pumping. Long before trade and the need for trade-enabling infrastructure landed the national attention now seen, the Western Canada Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association, of which we are a member, was leading the groundwork that established the now widely accepted connection between seamless, efficient trade links and definable returns to the economy. Those links were laid out in two reports by the Canada West Foundation, in 2012 and again 2014, commissioned by the Canadian Construction Association and based on the associations lead. In fact, based on policy developed in the 1980s by the association and then advanced with national organizations, successive federal governments starting with the Chretien Liberals in 1993 were persuaded to craft national infrastructure investment strategies, leveraging other public and private dollars with multi-year building funds. The current Building Canada Fund is the latest iteration of the concept, which stands as one of Western Canadas best exports to the rest of the country. So, back to CETA. Getting that agreement inked means Canada stands to boost exports and imports. It is an investment in the economy; the West has to be ready to meet the potential it holds. Western Canada, again, is already working on that. The association and its provincial member associations are encouraging governments, the private sector and business organizations to rally to a co-ordinated, strategic investment strategy for trade infrastructure. A proposal, called Trade Team West, has been circulating in the regions government departments, the premiers offices, business groups and associations since last summer. It has an ambitious agenda, but basically its message is this: not every infrastructure project is created equal we must invest in those that will hold the greatest economic return. We must elevate projects that enable trade. The business plan must leverage private-sector dollars, alongside public-sector seed funding. Trade Team West has had good reception. What is interesting is that its core principles, which echo those espoused for years by our industry, are increasingly getting picked up by national trade and business organizations. Last week, as the ink on CETA was drying, the Business Council of Canada sent a letter to Trudeau reiterating some of them streamlining the regulatory process for major private-sector infrastructure projects; adopting tax policy to boost competitiveness; making Canada an international trade hub. This is all good news, for Western Canada and the country. And we say good on Trudeau for holding ground and keeping trade liberalization a hallmark of the Canadian way. Its soft power, yes. But undoubtedly powerful. Chris Lorenc is president of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association and the Western Canada Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 23/02/2017 (2082 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Cutbacks needed at BSD As a senior on limited income I implore the Brandon School Division to cut back and keep tax increases to a minimum. Having such a large administrative staff is deplorable and unnecessary. Also when negotiating rather than using a percentage increase use a dollar amount which lowers the amount paid out. Receiving the same dollar amount seems fair in these times of needed restraint. Questions for the BSD The masters teacher who commented earlier in the week has piqued my interest and has left me with some questions. I assume that a teacher who gets a masters degree gets an automatic raise. If so, how much of a yearly raise? Will it also boost his or her pension? Is this one of the reasons tax increases are needed each year? How many teachers in Brandon have or will soon have a masters degree? Is there anyway to identify the teachers with a masters degree? I expect a higher quality education from a masters teacher, which is simply common sense. How will having so many masters teachers in the division improve academics, even though academic standards are already watered down? Can someone from BSD answer these questions or can someone from The Brandon Sun do some investigating? Use your other words May I join in on the misuse of the English language. I am so tired of people beginning a sentence with So. If its on the radio or TV I simply turn it off when I realize this is going to be a pattern throughout the interview. Dont get me started on the ah and um with the prime minister being the worst offender and a CBC announcer a close second. Overburdening taxpayers I totally agree with the City of Brandons proposed development fee for developers. Their developments are the reason Brandon is nearing the limit of its infrastructure capacity. If the city doesnt make the developers pay, then the costs will be passed on to us taxpayers. The burden on taxpayers is rapidly becoming overwhelming. Subsequent increases are going to drive people out of the city. They may continue to work here but they will live in smaller centres and commute. And, their paycheques will be spent in their new hometown, not Brandon. Renaming Canadian structures Currently, there is a bid to rename the Langevin Block in Ottawa because Hector-Louis Langevin is associated with Indian residential schools. Some politicians want to rename it after Louis Riel. But that is in itself contentious. To paraphrase an interesting editorial in the Winnipeg Free Press, The trick to the past is recognizing that there were different viewpoints then One wonders if, 100 years hence, politicians who are popular now will be criticized and their images removed from government buildings? I say that if indeed the block (or any other structure) is to be renamed, then the new name should be apolitical; something that will never become controversial. For instance, it could be named after a Canadian animal or bird or flower or tree; or, perhaps the name of a gemstone. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 23/02/2017 (2082 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Local municipalities believe, with government support, they are approaching a future without waste. Curbside collection from residences and deliveries to landfills will continue, but once the waste is gathered, the garbage may soon be cooked. The landfill, southeast of Minnedosa, in the Municipality of Minto-Odanah is the site of a pilot project, where garbage will be heated, transforming waste into pure recyclables like glass, aluminum, metals and ash, while producing syngas, or synthesis gas. In a test scenario, the produced syngas is flared. The gasification process planned in the Municipality of Minto-Odanah may eventually include storing the syngas and using it as energy. The process is called gasification, which has existed for more than a century in Europe. It was utilized particularly during World War II by powering motor vehicles. But gasification never caught on in Canada until now, perhaps. Brian Reynolds, owner of Celtic Power and Machining in Rapid City, has been exploring alternative fuel sources since emigrating from Wales in 1993. In its simplest description, its heating a material in a confined space, in excess of its combustion temperature, in a oxygen-starved environment, Reynolds explained. Youre heating it up to a degree that it cant burn, because theres virtually no oxygen. Gasification, essentially, breaks down waste into a usable byproduct through heat. As an example, it will take the decals of a soda can but leave the can, so what youre left with is a clean product that is recyclable, he said. You can throw a complete bicycle in there, and the tires, plastics and the seat disappears, but the metal remains; it also takes all the paint off, so its a clean, bare metal. Celtic is currently testing the machinery, which looks like a 40-foot shipping container. The family-run business connected a few years ago with Jon Lewis, chair of the Southwest Regional Development Corporation (SRDC). At the time, the collective, which lost provincial funding a few years ago, followed a recommendation from Brandon Universitys Rural Development Institute to direct much of their remaining funds toward innovation and technology. But they were stumped on what to invest in, until Reynolds sparked Lewis interest in gasification. A pilot project at this stage, SRDCs total project will cost approximately $750,000. Half of the money is in place, through commitments, both financially and in-kind, from SRDC, Celtic Power and Machining, which is manufacturing the gasification unit, and Evergreen Technologies, the landfill operators. Lewis is confident they will receive a grant this spring from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund to cover remaining costs. The board he chairs is intrigued by gasification, given the increasing costs attributed to landfill operation in licensing, environmental requirements and expansion. Submitted A prototype of the gasification unit, which looks like a standard shipping container. If funding comes through, it will turn municipal waste at the Minto-Odanah landfill into pure recyclable materials. It hit home really nicely, they were supportive, Lewis recalled. At the end of the day, were looking to get rid of the costs for municipalities going forward. Six municipalities who use the landfill will benefit: the municipalities of Minto-Odanah, North Cypress-Langford, Elton and the towns of Minnedosa, Neepawa and Carberry. Lewis thinks the technology, if successful, will garner buy-in nationwide, eventually brought to many landfills. He said they have the full support of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities. To accommodate increasing waste, a new cell has been built at Minto-Odanah landfill every seven years or so, costing about $350,000, said James Andersen, the municipalitys reeve. He felt eliminating much of this waste will mean cost savings in the long-run. We can see a huge benefit here if it should work the way everyone is telling us it should. If the pilot is successful, the partners will consider plans for the low-emission syngas, utilizing the byproduct as some form of alternative fuel. Bill Ashton, RDI director at Brandon University, is intrigued by the novel application and what it can mean. I think every municipality, big and small, struggles with the volume of waste, and the waste isnt decreasing by any means per capita, he said, being able to address that waste stream with some efficiencies, its really a great systems approach to what I think, increasingly, we all need to be thinking about. ifroese@brandonsun.com Twitter: @ianfroese An army of good drones will protect our high-value targets at all times. In February 2014 we warned of the impending urban drone wars: The police department after dealing with this incident is forced to develop a policy which entails the deployment of drones which cant fire weapons but are capable of interfering with other drones by knocking into them. After all, few municipalities will be like this one in Texas which is OK arming its drones. I predict most police departments will be concerned about lawsuits resulting from drones killing someone inadvertently. Criminals will soon realize a single flying gadget wont help them so much and will be drawn into a drone arms race requiring each side to ramp up their drone numbers in order to win any encounter. Moreover, once criminals discover the drone is a near-perfect murder weapon, they will start to invest in these devices and subsequently pull off murders without getting caught. Once again, police will have to counter with more drones which are constantly surveilling the air. Finally, many of the drone-based murders will likely take place as night as these devices have night-vision and humans do not. Gang and mob warfare will be taken to the next level as drone hits on one group will be retaliated with counter drone attacks and well potentially see drone wars in the streets between sparring groups. This future which may seem farfetched is not, as it is possible to develop drones with virtually all of these capabilities today. As battery and drone technology gets better, I am 100% certain virtually all of these scenarios will take place around the world. Within a few months of this piece being written, a terrorist in Bridgeport, CT a 10 minute drive from TMC HQ in Trumbull planned on bombing a federal building and was thankfully thwarted. In 2015, the drone wars hit the White House and thankfully no one was hurt. Weve also detailed how drones can threaten our industrial systems and how lasers are one way to take them out. Now the reality has hit home as ISIS is using drones as attack weapons fairly regularly. According to the Washington post: The incident was among dozens in recent weeks in a rapidly accelerating campaign of armed drone strikes by the Islamic State in northern Iraq. The terrorist group last month formally announced the establishment of a new Unmanned Aircraft of the Mujahideen unit, a fleet of modified drones equipped with bombs, and claimed that its drones had killed or wounded 39 Iraqi soldiers in a single week. A new source of horror for the apostates! the groups official al-Naba newsletter declared. Terrorists now know the incredible power they have to easily attack from the air. In other words protecting an open-air stadium has become near-impossible by just using back checks and metal detectors as the terrorist can just fly their payload up and over. Flying vehicles are now easily attacked as are any moving vehicle for that matter which is near the drones path. Remember the airplane that landed in the Hudson River it was geese that took it down. U.S. Special Operations Forces members inspect a drone used by Islamic State militants to drop explosives on Iraqi forces, in Mosul on Jan. 25. (Muhammad Hamed/Reuters). Source: Washington Post What is the realistic defense against drone attacks in a free and open society? There really isnt one which is as effective as current measures are to stop traditional attacks. Drones represent a new attack vector but more importantly, they allow malicious persons to utilize an inexpensive and easy to assemble device to attack their targets with a very high level anonymity. It will indeed become an increasingly scary world to live in The downside to technological progress. We just have to hope the good guys are smarter than the bad guys. If we think ahead we will need an army of good drones protecting our high-value targets at all times. These drones will seek and attack the bad drones which approach. Labour TD Alan Kelly has called for an investigation into what the Department of Transport knew in relations to The airline had signalled intentions to begin flights from Cork to America and today it announced 12 flights a week from Dublin, six from Belfast, four from Shannon and three from Cork. Deputy Kelly told the Public Accounts Committee he believed the Dublin Airport Authority had secured the flights to build the case for a third terminal. He demanded from the Secretary General of the Department of Transport full disclosure of who knew what and when over the past 15 months. I want to know if the DAA were always looking at Cork or was there a sub-line under-agenda in order to get it into Dublin. By coincidence the minister, at the same time, is just after announcing his review in relation to a third terminal as well. The mother of a six year old girl with catastrophic epilepsy has expressed her devastation after the HSE turned down her application for medicinal cannabis for her little Ava, writes Olivia Kelleher. Earlier this week Vera Twomey allowed TV3 News to air distressing footage of her daughter Ava having a seizure in a bid to highlight the severity of her condition. Ms Twomey of Aghabullogue, Co Cork now fears her daughter will die. She was left "heartbroken" today when the HSE turned down her application for medicinal cannabis for Ava. "I am just crushed. It is horrendous. Ava has been disenfranchised. The pressure is ongoing all the time. They say now that you need a paediatric neurologist (to be granted medicinal cannabis.) "They told me at the meeting that our application wouldn't be successful without a paediatric neurologist. So I am done for. Because I don't have that and I can't get that for Ava. This isn't fair. I don't know what to do." Ms Twomey was overjoyed when the Cannabis for Medical Use report recently recommended that cannabis be available for use in the treatment of severe, refractory or treatment resistant epilepsy. Ava Barry suffers from Dravet syndrome which is a catastrophic form of epilepsy. She can experience up to 23 seizures a day. In recent months her condition has improved as she has started taking cannabis oil. Vera released footage of Ava having a seizure which was aired on TV3 this week. However, Vera is concerned that she might soon need to change Ava's medication to a different form of cannabis which is not legal in Ireland. Ms Twomey said she is at the end of her tether at the decision not to grant Ava a compassionate exemption order which would allow her to use the THC form of cannabis. "I was so looking forward to the (medicinal cannabis) report because it was going to be the answer to all our prayers. I was inundated with congratulations from people and we thought it was all sorted. Ava is now in a precarious position." Ava has been taking cannabis oil legally sourced from a shop in Dublin since last October. Vera says her daughter's life has been transformed since she started taking cannabis oil. "One of the worst days we ever had with Ava was 23 seizures in 26 hours. That was before the oil.The cannabis oil is the best thing to happen to our family. "Seizures are scary and when it is happening you don't know how the child will be afterwards. Ava could come out of a seizure one day and be brain damaged. That is the reality. So while things have been better we need access to the THC form of cannabis. Without it Ava could die." In December 2016 Ms Twomey started a walk to Dublin to raise awareness of her campaign for medicinal cannabis. She called off her walk after Minister for Health, Simon Harris contacted her to set up a meeting. She also attended the Dail for the debate on cannabis. Ms Twomey and her husband Paul Barry attended a meeting with Minister Harris today. The Department of Health issued a statement after the meeting. It reaffirmed what the Minister said when the HPRA report was released a fortnight ago, namely that a pilot access programme for cannabis based treatments would be rolled out for patients with specific conditions, including severe epilepsy. "Until such time as the necessary legislative amendments have been made to facilitate the implementation of the Cannabis Access Programme, it remains open to the Minister to consider granting a licence to an Irish registered doctor for access to medicinal cannabis for named patients." An Irish man is in custody in Italy after his Chinese wife went missing on a cruise. The 45-year-old, believed to be from Dublin, was arrested at an airport in Rome after the crew realised his wife had not disembarked. Eric Williams Photography I'll take salmon, I said. What? my server asked. Salmon. Same one? Salmon! From speakers all over the room, pop music blared and clashed with clinking dishes and shuffling feet. Mfff muh fuff fuh ooo? he asked. What? I said. Poki Poki Cevicheria is one of those hip, cafeteria-style places where you walk along a sneeze guard and direct a gloved employee on what to put on our plate. I'm not generally into Chipotle- and Subway-style restaurants. I hate lines, and I hate having to shout. But Poki Poki had lured me in with something those burrito and sandwich places don't have: A poor man's sashimi dish known as the poke bowl. Poke is a raw fish salad served in Hawaii. There, the raw, cubed fish is seasoned and eaten by itself or in a bowl over rice. Over the past few years, it's become popular on the West Coast, where restaurants will put their own spin on the dish, adding different ingredients and seasoning. Poki Poki is Albuquerque's first taste of the phenomenon, and they boast their own Latin fusion take on the dish. I'm a big fan of sashimi, anything Latin and good opportunities to make bad Pokemon jokes, so I've been chomping at the bit to try this place out. It's right across the street from UNM, in the Brick Light District, and subsequently tends to draw a crowd of college kids. I wore a beanie in an attempt to fit in. Before ordering, my server gave me a handy menu that laid the process out for me in steps. Eric Williams Photography Step 1: Bowl and BaseThe bowls come in three sizes: regular ($8.95), large ($10.95) and ultimate ($14.95). Diners then choose between white rice, salad or corn chips as the base. I chose rice in a large bowl while my wife chose a mix of salad and rice. Step 2: FishFor fish, I chose the Salmon! My wife picked spicy tuna. Step 3: SaucePoki Poki isn't playing around when it comes to sauces. Each one is unique and offers whatever flavors youre in the mood for, from sweet to tangy. I nabbed the pineapple mojo while my wife had the poki sauce (Go easy, because she says they put too much). Step 4: ToppingsUp next was a huge selection of super fresh veggies and toppings. I got avocado, pico de gallo, cucumber, seaweed salad, cilantro, pickled ginger, green onions, a dollop of wasabi and some more cilantro. Step 5: FinishWe both topped it off with spicy mayo. (On the side, this time, because she doesn't love sauce the same way I do, I guess.) Eric Williams Photography Somewhere around step three, I finally raised my voice to the right volume and didn't have to repeat everything twice. What we ended up with were plastic bowls piled high and strained vocal chords. We ordered a lychee green tea with boba and a strawberry milk tea (sans boba). I couldn't escape the excruciatingly loud Beyonce song anywhere in the dining room, so I gave up and just sat by the window. My wife laughed. How'd you know it was a Beyonce song? she asked. She was clearly less perturbed than me as she sucked a ball of boba up her straw. I stuck my chopsticks into my bowl and fished around for a cube of salmon. I tossed it in and was immediately rewarded with a near-perfect, melty piece of meat. It was almost buttery smooth. I gasped. Shit, I said, That is good. The music became noticeably less grating. I took another bite, and it seemed to fade out completely and be replaced by the sound of angels tuning up. It was exactly the kind of clean protein my brain was in need of, and I could feel all my synapses fire. I snatched a bit of my wife's ground spicy tuna and was impressed, but it still couldn't touch the salmon. I went back to my bowl and started digging into the toppings. They were all just as fresh as they'd appeared, and I happily began crunching on various bright veggies. Eric Williams Photography All of this was layered nicely (despite my wife's personal tastes) with a slathering of sauce. The mayo lattice on top was spicy and tangy, giving a perfect bite to what might have been a fairly plain experience. Deeper, I came across the pineapple mojo sauce and the Latin fusion part of the meal. Its sweet and tangy fruity flavor mixed surprisingly well with the spicy mayo. I poked at my wife's bowl and managed to gather some of the poki sauce. It was an interesting Hawaiian-inspired sauce that was both sweet and salty. I had the feeling it would've gone better with the ahi tuna, though. Eric Williams Photography I rushed through the rest of the bowl hungrily and didn't come back up until the end. A dance beat was reverberating through my skull and my belly was tight and round. At another table, a hipster shouted over the music at a young woman he was sitting with. No! I said, 'She wasn't wearing shoes!' I cringed a little. And that about sums up Poki Poki. It was busy. It was loud. There was fish. I enjoyed the food, but the atmosphere irritated my chakras and made me want to get out of there as quickly as possible. If you're looking for an easy-going, laid back and relaxing lunch, you might want to wait on that bowl (or at least get a table outside). But if you're looking for some delicious, fresh brain food that you can shovel in while you run between point A and B, then this place is perfect. Just make sure to take a deep breath and steel yourself before you go in. Master Agencies are under the same pressure as the carriers: pricing depression is making it tough to hit quota. More and more deals are needed each year. That typically means that more agents are needed each year to bring in those deals. Unfortunately, the channel is aging. Many are nearing retirement. And about one-third of the VAR crowd pivoted to other tech business models (like coding). Master agencies have a habit of doing 100% pass through of commission between themselves. That worked when the carriers were paying an override for hitting bronze, silver or gold level (as in the BellSouth program). Then the masters were running off of the override. Today, we have MDF and co-marketing funds, but mostly these are used to finance road shows and events. These events are for recruiting and vendor awareness, but also face time, training and fun. But there are more and more of them. And carriers have a set budget for marketing dollars. That budget runs out fast! Those MDF monies are NOT used to float the business. Let's do the math on a pass through. It takes at least an hour to collect commission from one carrier. That person is making, say, $16 per hour, which is $24 per hour after taxes and benefits, etc. It costs about $2 to cut a check to the other agency. So a 100% pass through is actually costing your business $26! And that is despite the size of the deal. If it is a cable deal (ARPU of $350) or a OTT VoIP deal (ARPU of $400), the commission is $35 and $100, respectively because commission rates for VoIP are higher. Even if you keep 5%, that is $17 and $20 respectively. You still lose on a 95% pass through. There are a number of pass through deals. So many that it is hard to track who the underlying contract resides with. That is also a lot of W-9 IRS forms to track! Gunmen have kidnapped two Germans from a village in northern Nigeria, police said. They took archaeologist Peter Breunig and associate Johannes Behringer from Jenjela village in Kaduna state on Wednesday morning, said assistant superintendent of police Aliyu Usman, with the Kaduna police command. Police are working with villagers to try to rescue the pair, Mr Usman said. They are said to be part of a four-person team from Goethe University in Frankfurt collaborating with Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments. AP Iraq's militarised police forces have entered Mosul International Airport, taking over the runway amid fierce clashes with Islamic State fighters, according to officials. The advance is part of a major assault that started five days ago to drive IS militants from the western half of Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city. Two officers said the airport buildings are under fire from federal police forces, and troops from the US-led coalition are with the advance. Special forces troops had earlier joined the government offensive to push the militants out of the western half of Mosul, reaching a sprawling, IS-held military base on the city's southern edge as police forces advanced towards the airport. From the south, the elite counter-terrorism forces reached the Ghazlani base in the morning hours, officers said, adding that fierce clashes were under way at the base perimeter. The advances come days after Iraqi forces officially launched the operation to take Mosul's western half, with regular army and federal police forces taking part in the initial push. Since the operation began on Sunday, Iraqi forces say they have retaken nearly 50 square miles south of the city. "The counter-terrorism forces will be an additional force which will expedite the liberation of Mosul's western side," said Brigadier General Yahya Rasool. The battle for western Mosul, the extremist group's last major urban bastion in Iraq, is expected to be most daunting yet. The streets are older and narrower in this section of the city, stretching west from the Tigris River that divides Mosul into the eastern and western half. The dense urban environment is likely to force Iraqi soldiers to leave the relative safety of their armoured vehicles, and the presence of up to 750,000 civilians will also pose a challenge. Mosul fell to IS in summer 2014, along with large areas of northern and western Iraq. AP A 12-year-old boy and two teenagers have been arrested after three other youngsters were injured in a chemical attack at a school in England. The victims were taken to an east London hospital following the incident at the Sydney Russell School in Dagenham. US police investigating the killing of two teenage girls have released evidence they hope will lead to the killer's arrest. Media reports state that the evidence was found in a video clip which was retrieved from the phone of one of the victims. The bodies of the two girls, Liberty Rose Lynn German (14) and Abigail Jay Williams (13), were found on Tuesday after they failed to return from a hike. Organised searches led to the discovery of their bodies which were found outside Delphi in a wood near Deer Creek, around three-quarters of a mile from where they had been dropped off to go hiking. The words "down the hill" can be heard on the audio recording and police have said that it's enough to recognise the person's voice. Investigators said they believe the clip was recorded as a crime was about to occur. The #FBI seeks info on murder of Abigail Williams,13, & Liberty German,14, in Delphi, Indiana, on February 13, 2017: https://t.co/MD9w0s8pYy pic.twitter.com/QpPxcDxshs FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) February 22, 2017 The rest of the video and other evidence from the girl's phone will not be released because of the ongoing investigation. "Someone knows who this individual is," Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter said. "And if you're watching, we'll find you." Authorities and community leaders are offering a $41,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest. Marc Urlich, the Victorian man accused of helping his brother dump a dead man's body, gave evidence on Thursday in the hopes of avoiding a Supreme Court trial on a charge of accessory to murder. On November 19, 2015, police found 52-year-old Andrew Carville's body in a dry creek bed on Defence land in Majura. It was wrapped in a black and white rug and hidden with rocks and branches. Andrew Carville was last seen alive on November 4. Police say Milan Urlich, 29, had strangled Mr Carville. It's alleged that several days before the body was discovered, on November 13, Marc Urlich went to Canberra alone from his home in Phillip Island, Victoria. He stopped in Bombala, where police say he bought a phone and sim card. More than 26,000 workers in the ACT will be hit by Sunday penalty rate cuts announced by the Fair Work Commission on Tuesday morning, with some welcoming the decision but others disappointed. University of Canberra politics, international relations and law student Jessica O'Neill, who supports herself with a casual hospitality job, said the cut could force her to pick up an extra shift that could prevent her from finishing course work. Canberra student Jessica O'Neill, who supports herself with casual hospitality work, may be forced to take extra shifts. Credit:Jay Cronan Ms O'Neill, in her honours year at university, said she barely made enough to pay her expenses without the penalty rate cut. "It pays my rent, it pays my bills, it pays for my electricity," she said. Hosted Communications with Unified Communications (UC) has been around for a number of years and, in most circles, it is considered an acceptable and useful solution. However, last week I listen to some continue to express difficulties that they had positioning and installing hosted communications and UC solutions. I certainly want to think the IT Expo panel participants from Xact Communications, Skyswitch, Sotel and CoreDial for providing their industry experience and expertise. Interesting, the bulk of the conversation was spent on subjects that for many of us have become old hat. Questions arose as to what is Unified Communications? What is meant by mobility? How do I overcome the cost of transitioning to hosted communications? Why doesnt it work? I dont want to cover definitions in this blog because I think there are lots of resources defining hosted communications, its features and primary benefits. Instead, I want to address how to move beyond the marketing jargon to more effective value propositions and positioning statements. We all seem to understand that selling features is a non-starter for solution selling. However, it appears we need to improve our ability to link benefits to features to value. For example: Hosted Communications and may other solutions are discussed as improving productivity (benefit). The features that support this categorization are simultaneous ringing, find me/follow me, presence, instant messaging and web conferencing. It is at this point where marketing and sales falters. It is assumed that the buyer will intuitively see the value of these features and move along in the decision process. The persistent difficulty is quantifying productivity gains resulting from the acquisition and adoption of new solutions. It takes a little research but with nearly every solution that delivers productivity improvements, there is data quantifying the gain. It is usually in terms of time or number of people. In both cases, time and people can always be translated into hard dollars. If the issue is time savings then with very little effort, we can translate time into money. For example, if a given feature saves 15 minutes per day for 25% of the employees in 100-person Company X, then with the average wages of the employees we can calculate the real dollar savings for a day, month or year. According to the Social Security Administration the average wage in 2015 was $48,098.63 per year or 39 per minute. Therefore: Savings per day for Company X = cost per minute times minutes per day time the number of effected employees or Savings per day for Company X = (0.39*15*25) or $146.25 Multiplying this by the number of business days in the year results in an annual savings of $38,025 or an amount worthy of consideration by any business manager. This is real money or time freed up for employees to address other business tasks or activities which can benefit the business or its customers. That's how the discussion needs to be structured when objective information is required to move the sale along. IT, accounting and operations personnel usually understand these types of costs quite well. It is very important to for Marketing and Sales to complete the value statement by linking benefit to primary feature to actual value. While this Raven Guru Marketing blog has used Hosted Communications and UC as the solution example, this type of analysis and quantification can be applied to any solution and any size company. We do not believe it will be needed for every sale, but it certainly should be available. The Canberra Fisherman's Club is calling for more bins along the territory's waterways to prevent dead fish and other material from endangering wildlife and repelling visitors. The group is also concerned about the environmental and polluting effects of the carp virus, a $15 million federal government project that scientists hope will kill 70 to 80 per cent of Canberra's infamous carp after it is released next year. Zachary Zhao, 4, fishing on Lake Burley Griffin. The fishing community hopes the carp virus to be released next year will not negatively affect other wildlife and native species. Credit:Jay Cronan But the ACT government has rejected the push for more disposal units, while the National Capital Authority "has no ideas" about how the dead carp will be managed. NCA boss Malcolm Snow vowed to work closely with appropriate authorities to determine how to deal with thousands - possibly millions - of dead carp when they face their expected swift death from cyprinid herpesvirus. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia is severing its relationship with mortgage brokers who fail to sign up enough customers to their home loans. In a letter seen by Fairfax Media, the bank told 'inactive' brokers their accreditation with the lender had expired, effective in 14 days, due to them "not been active with Commonwealth Bank for some time". "This means you will no longer be able to submit home loan applications to the Commonwealth Bank," the letter, dated February 20, said. The bank said the move was part of a monitoring program "to ensure that [brokers] comply with our accreditation requirements and that they remain active as Commonwealth Bank Brokers". The Chinese high rollers might be deserting his casinos, but the cash will still be rolling in for billionaire James Packer. Crown Resorts has announced it will pay a bonus dividend, as well as increasing its regular payout to investors, which is expected to deliver $489 million in cash to Packer, who is its largest shareholder. For the first half, Crown announced that it will raise its interim dividend to 30 per share and pay a special 83 dividend. The bonus cash comes from the selldown of Crown's stake in its troubled Macau venture, Melco Crown, and a retreat from its global ambitions to focus on the Australian market. The extra bonus for Packer is that these dividends will be 60 per cent franked, which reduce his tax bill. Crown has said it also expects to pay a 30 per share dividend after its full-year result in August. When it comes to getting money out of the Packer boys, Mariah Carey could learn from the veteran who has served both Kerry and James John (JA) Alexander. "You only get one Alan Bond in your life," Kerry Packer famously quipped after selling the Nine TV network to the Perth billionaire for an astonishing sum. But JA has not done badly with his two Packers. In January he was elevated to the role of chairman of Crown Resorts, and on Thursday he added the chief executive title to his duties. But his golden run with the Packers stretches back to 1999 when he was appointed boss of ACP Magazines, fresh from his ouster as The Sydney Morning Herald's editor-in-chief and publisher. In 2007 he picked up his first gold bounty: a $15 million redundancy payout from the split of the old Packer flagship Publishing & Broadcasting Ltd into separate media and gambling companies. Here's something else to worry about: the legion of cyber fraudsters and identity thieves are trying to steal your frequent flyer points and they're succeeding. The scumbags have stolen some of mine and would have grabbed more if Qantas hadn't picked up the fraud. Qantas won't divulge just how common frequent flyer identity theft is, but it's common. (The airline, like the banks being a bit vague about the extent of credit card fraud, says it's a security issue, not wanting to encourage the criminals. I suspect it's also a little embarrassing.) Qantas is fighting back by beefing up its cyber security. Starting from Thursday, it's rolling out a trial of "a second-factor authentication process" geek speak for texting you a code before you can log on to your account, the same way banks SMS a security code for many online payments. Solid growth in parcel volumes has delivered a huge boost in first-half profit for Australia Post despite an 11 per cent fall in letter volumes. The company, which is transforming itself from a traditional postal service to a parcel and e-commerce firm, hiked net profit to $131 million in the six months to December 31, from just $16 million in the prior corresponding period. Chief executive Ahmed Fahour - whose salary has been the subject of considerable debate - said the result came on the back of domestic parcel volumes jumping 5.7 per cent, revenue jumping 8.2 per cent to $3.5 billion and gains from business efficiency programs. "Today over 70 per cent of our revenue and 100 per cent of our profit is derived from commercial activities in parcels and e-commerce," Mr Fahour said in a statement. Shares in listed real estate group McGrath took another hit on Thursday as it warned "challenging" market conditions were likely to continue after reporting a 72 per cent dive in half-year pro-forma profit to $2.4 million. Statutory net profit for the company, which listed in December 2015, was up from $421,000 to $2.7 million for the six months to December 31, including the benefits of acquisitions. Pro-forma revenue fell 11 per cent to $66.9 million. McGrath declared a fully franked dividend of 1 a share. The company's shares closed 4.69 per cent lower at 61, having fallen as much as 7 per cent during the day. Crown Resorts insists its $1.2 billion casino and apartment development at Barangaroo will not be affected by the ongoing detention of 14 of its staff in a Chinese jail. At its interim results announcement on Wednesday the James Packer-controlled operation also insisted its decision to "pause" its pursuit of Chinese high-rollers was not a retreat from the region and that it would return to China. Unveiling a 9 per cent slump in net profit Crown confirmed it would pursue an "efficiency drive" that would likely lead to hundreds of job losses at its Perth and Melbourne resorts along with the potential axing of sponsorship contracts. Crown has pulled its sales force out of China until it can clarify the exact nature of the allegations made against its staff but its Chinese workforce is already chasing new VIP customers in other parts of the South-East Asian region. If you halved Donald Trump's age, changed his sexual orientation, gave him a British accent and fussed with his hair only a little, you'd end up with a creature much like Milo Yiannopoulos. He could be Trump's lost gay child. In fact, Yiannopoulos, 33, has a habit of referring to Trump, 70, as "Daddy". Trump the father and Yiannopoulos the son are both provocateurs who realise that in this day and age especially, the currency of celebrity isn't demeaned by the outrageousness and offensiveness through which a person achieves it. Both are con men, wrapping themselves in higher causes, though their primary agendas are the advancement of themselves. So, you might recall that earlier this week the Assistant Minister to the Treasurer Michael Sukkar, had some super advice for today's young people concerned about the rising cost of housing and the inability to get ahead: go get a cool high-paying job, like he did! "I want to see young people, like me, leave university," he misleadingly explained to Sky News on Monday night. "I was a terrible university student but I left university because the economy was so good, I got a great start and I was able to forge a career." From that inspirational quote you might think that Sukkar had quit that fancy university with its ivory tower book-learnin' and instead used his own two hands to forge a company making bootstraps with which he then pulled himself up. What actually happened was that Sukkar got degrees in law and commerce and walked into sweet corporate jobs for large firms before entering politics where the public supplies his $200k+ salary and sweet perks - including a nice little allowance of $273 for every night he stays in a Canberra apartment, which he owns. http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/the-us-navy-needs-new-fighter-russia-china-are-blame-19409 A new naval future fleet architecture study from the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA) suggests that the United States Navy will need to develop a dedicated air superiority fighter to counter Russian and Chinese advances. Counter-air operations will require low observable manned fighters with an unrefueled combat radius of more than 500 nm, the CSBA report states . These characteristics will keep refueling aircraft out of range of enemy air defenses while enabling the fighters to reach and engage bombers in a dynamic environment inside the enemys air defense envelope. The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the Lockheed Martin F-35C Joint Strike Fighterwhich are not dedicated air superiority fighterswould not be suitable to defeat advanced adversary air defenses or enemy aircraft such as the Chengdu J-20 or other Chinese fifth-generation warplanes. In contrast to todays multimission strike-fighters, such as the F-35C, the design of these aircraft would need to focus mostly on the fighter mission rather than strike, so that they would have the speed, endurance, maneuverability, and air-to-air sensor capability needed for counter-air operations, the report states. The new fighter would not only have to engage other fighters, like the Cold War-era Grumman F-14 Tomcat , the new aircraft would have to intercept Russian and Chinese strategic bombers before they could launch their payload of anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) at a carrier strike group. But unlike the F-14, the new interceptor would have to eliminate enemy bombers inside the range of hostile air defenses. With the ranges of air-launched ASCMs increasing to 1000 nm, ships may not be able to use long-range surface-to-air interceptors such as SM-6s to engage enemy bombers before they can launch their ASCMs, the report states. CVW aircraft will need to conduct this counter-air mission. Long range ASCMs also enable an adversarys bombers to launch attacks on the incoming Maneuver Force while the bombers are still protected by shore-based air defenses: defenses that can reach out to about 500 nm, depending on the targets altitude. The CSBA reportwhich was commissioned by the U.S. Navycalls for each carrier air wing to be equipped with one squadron of the notional new stealth fighters. However, the CSBA concept calls for a pair of carriers and air wings to operate together an integrated maneuver force rather than as part of a single strike group. Within the Maneuver Force, aircraft could be shifted between the two CSGs, so one CSG supports ongoing operations, while the other rearms and makes repairs or modifications on both carriers aircraft. And with multiple CVW aircraft available, the Maneuver and Deterrence Force could provide aircraft to the joint force, such as fighters and UCAVs to support land-based bombers, and have enough strike-fighters remaining for CAP, SUW, or CAS operations closer to the CVN, the report states. To fully exploit approaches like these, the proposed fleet architecture combines the Maneuver Forces two CVWs into one large CVW. This model would require a larger air wing staff, but would be better suited for large-scale multi-dimensional war at sea. In addition to a new stealth fighterwhich the Navy is already studying as part of its Next Generation Air Dominance or F/A-XX analysis of alternativesthe study also calls for the development of a long-range unmanned strike aircraft. The Navy is taking the report very seriously as it studies how to rebuild its fleet after more than a decade of neglect. "The Navy is at an inflection point where we are back in competition, chief of naval operations Adm. John Richardson told The National Interest in an emailed statement. Many of the ideas from these studies will help us win that competition. To win, our thinking must sharp and these studies help us - they give us exactly what we want...some fresh ideas. Each study provided ideas that in some cases validated and advanced the Navy's current thinking. Some of the recommendations from the studies are so sound that we will act on them quickly. Other ideas show promise and we'll study those hard. The studies will be rolled into our program of analysis, war games, experiments, technology demonstrations, and prototyping." As a union organiser I've had the privilege of working with and alongside many of Australia's toughest workers including cleaners, dish hands, security guards, waiters and hospitality workers. They told me stories each day about the things they have missed to work night and weekend shifts their best mate's 21st birthday; Christmas lunch with the family; the birth of their niece; their children's footy games. Penalty rates are compensation for these sacrifices. Penalty rates can't give you back the time you've lost with family and friends, but they at least place appropriate value on the time you are working. But today the Fair Work Commission has decided to cut Sunday pay, grossly reducing the wages for some of the most vulnerable and insecure workers in Australia. The ruling will cut the Sunday pay by 25 to 50 per cent for retail, fast food and hospitality workers across Australia. This could amount to a $6000 pay cut for our lowest paid workers. Erin Gibbons, a casual waitress, relies on weekend penalty rates to manage her bills and living expenses. Credit:Penny Stephens The wages paid to compensate people for working nights, public holidays and weekends are respected and valued by the vast majority of Australians. As a nation, we love our penalty rates, and while it might not concern Malcolm Turnbull and his lackeys that 82 per cent of Australians support compensation for working unsociable hours according to the latest research, the 79 per cent of Coalition voters who support penalty rates should have them thinking twice. It's no wonder they are losing supporters and credibility, when they show this much contempt for their own supporters, let alone the working people of Australia. Furthermore, this announcement comes off the back of news that wage growth in the private sector is at an all-time low and that the cost of living is at an all-time high. Why then would we cut the take-home pay of so many Australians? These workers earn $19 per hour. Any pay cut no matter the amount is life-changing. Despite what the Prime Minister and his billionaire business mates like to pretend, this will devastate people who are just barely managing to scrape by. This week we saw Michael Sukkar, assistant minister to the Treasurer, tell young people to go out and get a "highly paid" job if they want to buy a house, while at the same time supporting the push to cut the wages of some of the lowest-paid people in our country. Not only does the big end of town benefit from our reduced wages, they're also calling for tax cuts. They want to have their cake and eat it while the rest of us are scrambling for crumbs. Saturday and Sunday are not like other days and only someone who has never had to work on a weekend and relied on penalty rates would argue otherwise. There is substantial evidence that shows regularly working on weekends has negative impacts on our social lives, our ability to engage in family life and our health. We also know that almost 20 per cent of the working population rely on this type of work. I might have more sympathy for the commission's decision if it was being handed down on a Sunday, but it never would be. The courts, the parliament and the boardrooms would never be open on a Sunday. Because we need to have time to be with our families and communities and anyone who misses out on this time should be properly compensated. California: There is a mysterious hole in Lake Berryessa in California. It is not a supernatural whirlpool, a demon's mouth or a portal into hell or a fourth dimension. The creepy thing probably won't suck you into it either. It is just a really big drain called a spillway. And once you see it full of spiralling water, it is hard to take your eyes off it. For the first time in a decade, January and February have brought so much rain that the lake in the Napa Valley area north of San Francisco has maxed out its water capacity. To prevent flooding, this 22-metre-wide concrete funnel is sucking down the excess. Hundreds of locals have gathered to watch the show and take photos and videos since it started on Friday. And the show isn't over. More storms are expected toward the end of the week, and the flow may continue for up to two weeks. "I went up there the other day and there were about 15 drones flying around and people taking videos," said Kevin King, an operations manager at the Solano Irrigation District, which oversees the day-to-day activities at the dam. "It's really dramatic to watch." The next managing director of Australia Post will take home millions of dollars less a year than departing boss Ahmed Fahour after the Turnbull government stripped the postal service's board of responsibility for setting the salary of its top executive. Mr Fahour surprisingly announced on Wednesday that he would resign just weeks after the revelation of his $5.6 million salary caused a national furore and drew the ire of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Following Mr Fahour's resignation, Communications Minister Mitch Fifield and Finance Minister Mathias Cormann announced plans to give the independent Remuneration Tribunal oversight of pay and employment conditions for Australia Post's managing director. The Australia Post board had previously set the managing director's pay independently. Authorities must be prepared for more foreign fighters to seek to return to Australia as advances are made against the Islamic State group in Iraq, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said on Thursday. Following talks with new US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Washington, Ms Bishop said gains made by coalition forces in the fight to retake the IS stronghold of Mosul could see more Australians in the region attempt to return home. "That is likely to be the consequence of military success in Iraq, for the example the retaking of Mosul," Ms Bishop told ABC radio. "That will mean that a number of foreign terrorist fighters will seek to flee from Iraq and the expectation is a number will seek to return home. Planning is under way for Malcolm Turnbull to stand side by side with Donald Trump on the deck of a battleship in New York Harbour to affirm the solidarity of the Australia-US alliance. But a debate has broken out among Australian government advisers about whether the Prime Minister should make the trip because it would occur within a few days of the federal budget. President Donald Trump and Australia's PM are set to meet in person for the first time. Credit:AP Mr Turnbull's planned visit is designed to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea in the first week of May, and the budget is due to be brought down on Tuesday the following week. It's a tight squeeze between the demands of the alliance and the Parliament or, as an Australian official put it: "The PM obviously has competing priorities." President Trump's schedule has yet to be confirmed, too. Tony Abbott has laid out a five-point plan for the Coalition to have a chance at the "winnable" next election, including cutting back immigration and scrapping the Human Rights Commission. In a major speech in Sydney at the launch of a new book, Making Australia Right, on Thursday evening, Mr Abbott gave the clearest signal yet he believed the Turnbull government is failing to cut through with voters, and that the contest of ideas - and for the soul of the modern Liberal Party - between the current and former prime minister has a long way to run. Mr Abbott noted nearly 40 per cent of Australians didn't vote for the Coalition or Labor in the 2016 election: "It's easy to see why". In a sign a return to the leadership was on his radar, Mr Abbott set out ideas on how to take the fight to Labor and win back Coalition voters thinking of defecting to Pauline Hanson's One Nation. He's not alone: Stars including Gisele Bundchen, Victoria Beckham and recently, Natalie Portman, all claimed to have been kept in the dark on the sex of their children in utero. "I don't know where this rumour comes from that we're going to have a boy and a girl. We ourselves don't know yet and don't want to know," he told the French outlet Paris Match (via People) in a new interview. George and Amal Clooney attend the Netflix special screening and reception of The White Helmets hosted by The Clooney Foundation For Justice with George and Amal Clooney, at the Bvlgari Hotel on January 9, 2017 in London, England. Credit:Getty George Clooney, who is expecting twins this June with his wife Amal, debunked recent headlines that they're having a boy and a girl. Clooney did admit to new-dad nerves, though. "How can we not be anxious about this immense responsibility?" asked the star. "Bringing a child into this world... even two! We are very happy, very excited, but also a bit nervous, it's normal." He, and perhaps Amal, will make a red carpet appearance soon: Clooney will receive a career award at this year's Cesar ceremony (the French Oscars) on Friday. And both he and Amal are taking extra precautions with two little ones on the way, Clooney added. "We decided to be much more responsible, to avoid the danger," he said. "I won't go to South Sudan any more or the Congo, Amal will no longer go to Iraq and she'll avoid places where she knows she isn't welcome." News that George and Amal Clooney, who married in Italy in 2014, were expecting twins broke earlier this month when US television show host Julie Chen said daytime show The Talk had "confirmed" the rumours. Ron Mason, a former member of an Aboriginal land council at Narooma, has told a murder trial that he was asked if he knew any dying Aboriginal people who might be interested in doing a contract killing. Mr Mason, 72, told a Supreme Court jury he had business dealings with Lucky Gattellari and accused murderer Ron Medich over land deals near Narooma and an Aboriginal funeral business for which Mr Mason said he sourced clients. Former Aboriginal land council member Ron Mason at the NSW Supreme Court where he testified in the murder trial of property developer Ron Medich on Thursday. Credit:Daniel Munoz Several months before the murder of Mr Medich's business associate Michael McGurk in September 2009, Gattellari took Mr Mason aside while Mr Mason, Mr Medich and Gattellari were lunching at Tuscany restaurant in Leichhardt. On that occasion Gattellari, who has been jailed over his role in organising the murder of McGurk, told Mr Mason he needed someone "bumped off" straight away as the unnamed person was costing Mr Medich $100,000 a week. A man who stabbed his wife to death had previously threatened to "slaughter" and "choke" her, his eldest daughter has told a court. Haydar Haydar, 60, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his wife and mother of his children, Salwa Haydar, 45, in their Bexley townhouse in March 2015. (From left to right) Nour, Ola and Amani Haydar outside the NSW Supreme Court where their father Haydar Haydar is standing trial, charged with the murder of their mother Salwa. Credit:Cole Bennetts On Thursday, the couple's eldest daughter Amani Haydar said her parents frequently argued and spoke about separation and divorce. Amani Haydar said her parents - he a taxi driver and English language teacher, she a drug and alcohol counsellor at St Vincent's Hospital - had "incompatible" personalities and also clashed because of their 13-year age gap. An elderly man has been extradited from Britain to NSW accused of hundreds of child sex offences stretching back decades. The man, 72, will appear in court on Thursday after NSW Police detectives escorted him on a flight from London which landed in Sydney early on Thursday. The man was taken to Mascot police station, where police said he was charged with "multiple child sex offences". Police could not immediately say how many charges were laid, but the figure is understood to be more than 300. All of the charges relate to one alleged victim, police say, and the offences are alleged to have occurred in Sydney in the 1970s and 1980s. Oxon Hill, Md. U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos urged conservative activists Thursday to help her fight against the education establishment, which she said has blocked students from getting access to school choice and quality schools. Our nations test scores have flatlined, DeVos told a roomful at the Conservative Political Action Conference, sponsored by the American Conservative Union. The education establishment has been blocking the doorway to reforms, fixes, and improvements for a generation. ... This not a Left or Right issue. This is an American issue. We need education to work for every child. ... We have a unique window of opportunity to make school choice a reality for millions of families. Its unclear how President Donald Trump and DeVos plan to move forward on their school choice vision. Trump pitched a $20 billion voucher program on the campaign trail, but that might be difficult to pass in Congress. Choice advocates are more optimistic about the prospects of extending federal tax credits to corporations and individuals that donate to scholarship-granting organizations. And DeVoswho was greeted at the conference with cheers and shouts of We love you!"criticized the Obama administrations now defunct School Improvement Grant program, saying it cost more than $7 billion, but that theres no evidence that it improved student results. Their own report, issued as they walked out the door, showed that it had zero impact on student outcomes and performance, DeVos said. They tested their model, and it failed ... miserably. DeVos also urged college students to stand up for their rights on campuses that, she said, often seek to surpress conservative viewpoints. The faculty, from adjunct professors to deans, tell you what to do, what to say, and more ominously, what to think, DeVos said. They say that if you voted for Donald Trump, youre a threat to the university community. But the real threat is silencing the First Amendment rights of people with whom you disagree ... Tweet and Snap every politician who thinks the status quo is OK and that they know better than you when it comes to your education, DeVos said. Despite her tough talk on the education establishment, DeVos had warm words for Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, in a quick interview with CNNs Kayleigh McEnany, a conservative commentator. DeVos said she and Weingarten spoke last week and agreed to do two school visits together, one to a traditional public school and another to a school of choice. I had a great conversation with Randi, DeVos said. I think its imperative that we work together to find common ground. Students represent 100 percent of our future. And she told McEnany that the role of the federal government [on K-12] should be as light a touch as possible. She said she sees the new Every Student Succeeds Act, which Obama signed in 2015, as a chance to scale back the federal footprint on education. The places where the federal government has a role [are] on special needs and on civil rights, she said. DeVos was one of Trumps most controversial cabinet picks. She needed Vice President Mike Pence to put her over the top after the Senate deadlocked on her nomination. Thousands called Senate offices urging their representatives to defeat her. Shes been mocked on late night television and derided in thousands of Facebook posts and tweets. But she had plenty of supporters in the crowd at CPAC. She should be given a chance, said Andrea Raffle, who recently graduated from Catholic University and has worked on GOP campaigns. Raffle wore a pair of red shorts covered in white elephants to CPAC. Im a huge fan of school choice. Parents are in the best position to decide where their children go to school. Transgender Rights The appearance at the conservative conference comes just a day after DeVos participated in her first big policy announcement: a rollback of the Obama administrations guidance giving transgender students the right to use the school bathroom that matches their gender identity. The Education Department and the Justice Department jointly issued a Dear Colleague letter to school districts rescinding that guidance Wednesday. According to published reports, DeVos was uncomfortable signing off, but Attorney General Jeff Sessions pressed forward. DeVos was given a choice between getting on board and resigning, the New York Times reported. The letter includes a line stating that the choice to rescind the guidance doesnt mean that the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students wont be protected. All schools must ensure that all students, including LGBT students, are able to learn and thrive in a safe environment, the letter rescinding the guidance says. The Department of Education office for civil rights will continue its duty under law to hear all claims of discrimination and will explore every appropriate opportunity to protect all students and to encourage civility in our classrooms. And DeVos put out a statement late Wednesday sounding a similar theme, We have a responsibility to protect every student in America and ensure that they have the freedom to learn and thrive in a safe and trusted environment, she wrote. I consider protecting all students, including LGBTQ students, not only a key priority for the department, but for every school in America. Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary said Wednesday that, while there were some discussions about the timing of the announcement, there was no daylight between members of the administration on the policy direction of the announcement. And he said that the administration placed a premium on states rights in making its move. DeVos echoed that theme on Thursday in response to a question from McEnany. This issue was a very huge example of the Obama administrations overreach, DeVos said. She criticized the idea of a one-size-fits-all, federal government knows best, top-down approach to issues that are best dealt with at a ... local level. During her rocky confirmation process, Democrats pressed DeVos on her commitment to LGBT rights, noting that some of her family members have donated to organizations that have opposed same-sex marriage and who support conversion therapy, the widely criticized practice of using counseling to change someones sexual preferences. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said in a Facebook post Wednesday that she was troubled that DeVos allowed the new guidance to proceed, despite her concerns. It is one thing to be ignorant of the impact of your decisions on the lives of kids, its another to be fully aware of how awful they would be and still allow them to happen anyway, she wrote. We need leaders who will stand up and fight for the safety and protection of children, not ones who will buckle under pressure. And DeVos reported discomfort didnt assuage civil rights advocates who opposed both the move to rescind the guidance and her confirmation. I am less interested with what DeVos did or didnt want, said Liz King, the director of education policy at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. When it came time to be there for students, she wasnt. Read DeVos full prepared remarks to CPAC below: Hello! Thank you for that warm welcome. I always love the energy and enthusiasm CPAC brings together every year. Im Betsy DeVos. You may have heard some of the wonderful things the mainstream media has called me lately. I, however, pride myself on being called a mother, a grandmother, a life partner, and perhaps the first person to tell Bernie Sanders to his face that theres no such thing as a free lunch. The media has had its fun with me, and thats OK. My job isnt to win a popularity contest with the media or the education establishment here in Washington. My job as Secretary of Education is to make education work for students. But today, we know the system is failing too many kids. Why? Because our nations test scores have flatlined. Because 1.3 million children drop out of school every year. Because the previous administration spent seven billion of your dollars on School Improvement Grants, thinking they could demonstrate that money alone would solve the problem. Yet their own report, issued as they walked out the door, showed that it had zero impact on student outcomes and performance. They tested their model, and it failed ... miserably. This is not an indictment of teachers. We all know good public school teachers. My mom was one. Good teachers make a real difference. Good teachers deserve to be honored and compensated accordingly. But the education establishment has been blocking the doorway to reforms, fixes, and improvements for a generation. This not a Left or Right issue. This is an American issue. We need education to work for every child. Let me ask you: Do you believe parents should be able to choose the best school for their child regardless of their ZIP code or family income? Me too. And so does President Trump. We have a unique window of opportunity to make school choice a reality for millions of families. Both the president and I believe that providing an equal opportunity for a quality education is an imperative that all students deserve. Now let me ask you: How many of you are college students? The fight against the education establishment extends to you too. The faculty, from adjunct professors to deans, tell you what to do, what to say, and more ominously, what to think. They say that if you voted for Donald Trump, youre a threat to the university community. But the real threat is silencing the First Amendment rights of people with whom you disagree. As Secretary, I dont think the Department of Education in Washington should have more power over your decisions than you do. I took this job because I want to return power in education back to where it belongs: with parents, communities, and states. We can do this, but only with your help. Defenders of the status quo will stop at nothing to protect their special interests and their gig. So we need you to engage, to be loud and to never stop fighting for what we believe. We need you to call, write, email, tweet and Snap every politician who thinks the status quo is OK and that they know better than you when it comes to your education. Together, we can make American education great again. The next generation deserves no less. I thank you, and I look forward to fighting alongside you. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos arrives to speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Thursday in Oxon Hill, Md. --Susan Walsh/AP Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 . A major fire has broken out in Brisbane's south-west, with 10 fire crews called to fight a unit fire. Firefighters were called to the Taringa apartment block, believed to contain four individual units, about 7.15am to find one residence well alight. A Queensland Fire and Emergency Service spokesman said the blaze had spread to the roof but couldn't say whether other units were threatened. Helicopter vision of the blaze shows smoke pouring quickly from the Oxford Terrace roof and spreading over that part of the city. The seat of Dalrymple will be scrapped and four new electorates created under a proposed redistribution of Queensland electoral boundaries. The Queensland Redistribution Council is due to release its proposed shake-up of electoral boundaries on Friday morning. But a map, which appears to show the proposed redistribution, was leaked on Thursday afternoon. The redistribution will change the boundaries of some seats and also increase the number of seats from 89 to 93. The map shows Dalrymple, held by Katter's Australian Party MP Shane Knuth, would be scrapped. Mr Knuth ruled out he and Mr Katter running against each other in Traeger. Mr Knuth said his seat was divided into three separate seats, "removing any opportunities to run". "It's very disappointing and particularly when both LNP and Labor submissions pushed to see the Dalrymple electorate wiped out," he said. "And there has been a strong overhaul to the other rural and regional seats just to make way for abolishing my electorate." Mr Knuth said only minor adjustments were needed in the regional areas, which would have allowed for the retention of Dalrymple. He said there would be protests among his constituents, and he would object to the changes. It is an interesting outcome for KAP to grapple with, considering they supported the creation of four more seats to give regional Queenslanders greater representation. But it is not the first time, Mr Knuth has faced electoral boundary challenges. He represented Charters Towers from 2004-2009, beating the Labor incumbent, but the redistribution ahead of the 2009 state election combined his district with One Nation MP Rosa Lee Long. He won the new seat and became the inaugural member for Dalrymple. Mr Knuth then resigned from the LNP to join the Katter's Australian Party in 2011 and then won the 2012 and 2015 elections. Mr Katter said anyone who "took the time to study Shane Knuth's history" would see he could win any seat. Mr Katter said the major parties "got their way, picking on the western guys and KAP" with the result of the proposed redistribution. "And now there's less western representation in the Queensland Parliament," he said. "Everything's been sucked into the coast. I'd argue the coastal, metropolitan areas already have enough representation in that Parliament." Mr Katter described it as blow for Mr Knuth's constituents. "They had a strong bloke that was willing to take government on, not a puppet for the major parties, and they're at risk of losing that," he said. One Nation is expected to win a swag of seats in the next election, but the redistribution will have political pundits questioning who can win what under the new boundaries. Labor will have a difficult proposition on their hands in inner-Brisbane, with Environment Minister Steven Miles' seat of Mount Cooth-tha basically vanishing, mostly absorbed by Scott Emerson's seat of Indooroopilly, renamed as Maiwar. It leaves three Labor ministers in the area - Dr Miles, Grace Grace (her seat of Brisbane Central is renamed McConnel) and Kate Jones (her seat of Ashgrove becomes Cooper) vying for two seats. It could be risky for Dr Miles to contest against Mr Emerson, particularly in suburbs such as St Lucia. "I live in the new seat of Maiwar. I'll be running for that seat," Mr Emerson told ABC radio on Friday, but wouldn't be drawn on a likely contest with Dr Miles. Dr Miles said he'd contest the next election but wouldn't say in which seat. "Regardless of what these maps mean for me, I'll be running at the next state election," he told reporters in Cairns. "Politics is tough on families. We're established in the community I'm currently representing ... I haven't yet had a chance to discuss this properly with my wife and my family." Further south, the boundaries of Logan MP Linus Power's seat will change, which an insider said could be a problem in the new demographic. Both parties will be worried about losing the incumbency factory in electorates where the boundaries change. A Labor source claimed three new seats - McAlister, Jordan and D'aguilar - were notionally Labor. But an LNP source said Labor was claiming victory far too early. "Labor is just trying to give their scared MPs a morale boost," the source said. Maude 'Lores' Bonney was a pioneering aviator. Credit:Wikipedia Commons A new Gold Coast electorate, Bonney, is named after Maude Rose 'Lores' Bonney AM. Born in 1897 in South Africa, she was a pioneer in aviation, and learnt to fly in secret before becoming the first Australian woman to hold a commercial pilot's licence in 1932. In 1933 Ms Bonney became the first woman to fly solo from Australia to England, and she died in 1994 aged 96 after spending her later years living on the Gold Coast. Cooper A new central Brisbane electorate, Cooper has been named in honour of Brisbane's first female doctor Lilian Cooper (1861-1947). Described as a tall, brusque woman who was "prone to bad language", she specialised in diseases of women and children. In 1928 she became a foundation fellow of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons. D'Aguilar Formerly Pine Rivers, D'Aguilar has been named after the D'Aguilar mountain range which includes Mount Mee, Mount Glorious, Mount Nebo and Camp Mountain. Macalister A new electorate between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, it is named after Arthur Macalister. Born in 1818 the solicitor and politician was premier of Queensland three times during his career. He first became premier in 1866 and earned the nickname 'Slippery Mac' for regularly changing his political attitudes and allegiances. The former Glass House electorate has been renamed Tibrogargan, after Mount Tibrogargan. Credit:Rachel Clun McConnel Another central Brisbane electoral, McConnel has been named after Mary McConnel who established Queensland's first children's hospital. She campaigned for 15 years for funds to build the hospital, and in 1878 was able to oversee its opening. She also founded Queensland's first public school. McMaster Formerly Burdekin, the electorate is named after grazier Sir Fergus McMaster, who was also one of the founders of the Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Ltd (or Qantas as we now know it). Born in 1879, he was knighted in 1941 and was director of a number of companies. Maiwar Maiwar (pronounced may-wah) combines parts of the existing Mount Coot-tha and Indooroopilly electorates. Maiwar is a word used by some Aboriginal people for the Brisbane River. Miller Created by merging parts of the old Yeerongpilly electorate with Indooroopilly, Miller is named after one of Queensland's earliest suffragettes Emma Miller. Born in 1839 and widowed three times, Ms Miller was a passionate unionist who became known as 'the grand old labor woman of Queensland', she championed equal pay and opportunity for women. Sir Fergus McMaster, left, and Arthur Macalister, right. Credit:Wikipedia Commons Toohey Previously Sunnybank, the electorate of Toohey takes its name from the Toohey Forest Park. The park was named after wealthy Irishman James Toohey who bought the land in 1872 with money earned in the Californian gold rush. The park was acquired by the Brisbane City Council in 1945. Hill The new North Queensland electorate is named after geologist and palaeontologist Dorothy Hill. Born in 1907, Ms Hill was the country's first female research professor and served as secretary to the Great Barrier Reef Committee between 1945 and 1955. Jordan This new Ipswich electorate is named in honour of Ellen Violet Jordan OAM. A talented musician, she was born in Ipswich in 1913. In 1961 she was the first woman elected to the Ipswich City Council, and in 1966 she became the second woman in the state to be elected into the Queensland Parliament. Ninderry This new Sunshine Coast electorate is named after Mount Ninderry. An Aboriginal expression for scrub leeches, Ninderry is also the name of a warrior who legend says was turned into the mountain. Theodore The electorate of Albert has been renamed Theodore, after Edward Granville Theodore. Born in South Australia in 1884, he became premier of Queensland in 1919, and then Deputy Prime Minister of Australia in 1929. Mr Theodore was also a state and federal treasurer before losing his seat and retiring from politics in 1931. The electorate of Sunnybank has been renamed Toohey, after Toohey Forest Park. Credit:Wikipedia Commons Tibrogargan The Glass House electorate has been renamed Tibrogargan after a boundary change, and it gets its name from Mount Tibrogargan. Local aboriginal mythology says Tibrogargan and his wife Beerwah are the parents of the other Glass House mountains. Bancroft The new electorate of Bancroft takes its name from Joseph Bancroft. Prominent in medicine during his time (1836-1894), he also made valuable contributions to stock and agricultural medical issues. Scenic Rim Formerly known as Beaudesert, public suggestions to the commission requested a change of name in line with the name of the district. Traeger The former electorate of Mount Isa has been renamed Traeger in honour of Alfred Hermann Traeger due to his contribution to those living in remote and rural areas. Born in 1895, he invented pedal-powered radio which was a vital resource to the Royal Australian Flying Doctor Service, but also revolutionary for Queenslanders living far apart. Kurwongbah Loading Establishing Karen Ristevski's cause of death will be crucial in charging her killer, one of Melbourne's top criminal lawyers says. The badly decomposed body of the 47-year-old was discovered in bushland north of the city and initial autopsy results reportedly failed to find visible signs of injury. "It's a process of elimination," defence lawyer Bernie Balmer said. "In order to charge and prosecute someone for murder you've got to eliminate all other possibilities that it wasn't an accident. Mercedes-Benz experts have cast doubt on a key claim made by Borce Ristevski, named by his own lawyer as the police's "number-one suspect" in the murder of his wife, Karen. Mr Ristevski, who has always denied involvement, reportedly told police last year that he'd taken his wife's 2004 Mercedes-Benz coupe for a drive on the day she disappeared to test a faulty fuel gauge. He said the fault rectified itself after he drove the car over a bump in the road near Calder Park Raceway so he returned home, according to reports. But a series of Mercedes mechanics said the luxury car was "not an FJ Holden" and that a faulty gauge would not be fixed by a jolt. A man has been arrested after an alleged attempt to steal cash from a car wash in Berwick sparked a dramatic two-hour police chase through Melbourne's eastern suburbs. Police began chasing a white Holden Barina at 4.18am after it left a car wash in Homestead Road on Thursday morning. The Barina involved in the police chase through the eastern suburbs, dumped in Anaconda Road, Narre Warren. Credit:Channel 9/@NearyTy_9 Witnesses, including one who attempted to stop the Barina, said the the car was driving erratically and was attempting to ram drivers during the pursuit. A second man remains on the run after the incident which resulted in no money being taken from the cash box at the car wash. Pressure is mounting on the Andrews government's Speaker Telmo Languiller to prove he lived in Queenscliff while claiming an away-from-home expense allowance. The Age revealed on Thursday that Mr Languiller had claimed almost $40,000 in expenses for living in Queenscliff at least 80 kilometres from Tarneit, the western suburbs electorate he represents. Victorian Speaker Telmo Languiller. Credit:Jason South Opposition Leader Matthew Guy and, privately, some Labor MPs, said that Mr Languiller should produce log books showing his travel. Mr Languiller on Thursday admitted his claim on taxpayers of almost $40,000 for living in Queenscliff failed "community expectations", and pledged to pay back the money. A fire at a Perth office building overnight has caused about $1 million damage. The fire started on the second floor of the office tower on Adelaide Terrace at about 7.50pm. About 50 firefighters were needed to put out the blaze, which took almost an hour to extinguish. A DFES spokesman said the cause of the fire had not yet been determined. Jakarta: The Australian government is being sued for $103 million for allegedly jailing Indonesian juveniles for people smuggling in adult prisons or holding them in immigration detention between 2008 and 2012. The class action, which began in the Central Jakarta District Court on Thursday, comes as the Commonwealth admitted in Western Australia this week that evidence used to demonstrate an Indonesian was an adult and not a child in a 2010 people smuggling case was unreliable. Muhammad Rasid who was allegedly jailed for people smuggling when he was 16. Credit:Karuni Rompies Lawyer Lisa Hiariej told Fairfax Media the class action in Jakarta was being launched on behalf of 31 boys under the age of 18 who were jailed in adult prisons and a further 84 who were held in immigration detention. She said the Australian government had refused to pay compensation even though the boys had been detained for between three months and two years and nine months. Rather than teaching students about the underpinnings of American societydemocracy, freedom of the press, the Founding Fatherscivics education in many places has veered into promoting liberal activism, according to panelists speaking yesterday at the American Enterprise Institute . AEI, a conservative think tank, hosted the event in light of the recent election, which some voices on both the left and right have cited as evidence of the need to improve civics education. For example, Richard D. Kahlenberg and Clifford Janey recently wrote in the Atlantic , How is it possible that tens of millions of Americans supported a presidential candidate who consistently rejected basic constitutional principles that previously had been accepted across the political spectrum? Rebecca Burgess, who moderated the panel and is the manager of AEIs program on American citizenship, also wrote on the subject during election season, in a piece for The Hill titled, Disgusted With Trump vs. Clinton? Blame Americas Civic Education . The hourlong discussion here opened with David Randall, the director of communications at the National Association of Scholars, a group that works on issues related to academic freedom and citizenship, giving examples of civics educators at high schools and universities encouraging students to attend protests for liberal causes. Youre hearing an awful lot about civic engagement around the country, and it seems to be being used as a synonym for organized political protest virtually all on one side of the political spectrum, he said. A majority of college graduates dont know that senators serve six-year terms and a majority of college graduates dont know what the Emancipation Proclamation is ... theres a connection between college students being educated for civic engagement but not being educated for civic literacy. Randalls group, NAS, put out a paper in January arguing that higher education institutions have redefined civics as progressive political activism. The Schools Role The conflation of activism and civic engagement happens with younger students as well, according to Juan Rangel, the former CEO of the United Neighborhood Organization, a Hispanic community-based organization in Chicago, and founder of the groups charter school network. The times give us an easy out by saying were going to create activists out of our kids, he said. Im not sure thats the role of the school. (Rangel resigned in 2013 amid allegations that he awarded insider contracts, and he recently settled fraud charges with the Securities Exchange Commission .) Rangel disagrees with the idea of taking students to rallies or protests, which he said is more to indulge the adults than it is to teach our children. The mostly Hispanic population at UNOs schools instead meet with elected officials, participate in mock elections, and visit Ellis Island to learn about the history of immigrants in the United States. The panelwhich did not include any current classroom teacherspraised ongoing efforts to require all students to pass a U.S. citizenship test in order to graduate from high school. The Joe Foss Institute has been heading up this work , which has gained traction quickly, mostly in right-leaning states . More than a dozen states plan to implement the test, which asks basic questions about U.S. history and government. As a practical matter, if you get to the end of your civics education and you cant do this, something has gone very wrong, said Robert Pondiscio, the vice president for external affairs at the conservative-leaning Thomas B. Fordham Institute. My only quibble is this should not be a high school graduation requirement, it should be an elementary graduation requirement. The panelists also took some time to praise what has become arguably the most influential advancement in history education of our time: the Broadway musical Hamilton . What Hamilton has done is just so beautiful, said Charles Sahm, the director of education policy at the Manhattan Institute, a research group committed to free-market ideas. The fact that its told in hip hop by a multiracial castit has led underprivileged minority kids to come away from the show with a changed view of America and a changed view of themselves. Many will tell you that for the first time they see themselves as Americans. ... But the phenomenon of Hamilton makes a larger pointthat American history, when told in a way that resonates, is fascinating. Related stories: Jakarta: Severe flooding is not unusual in Jakarta, a city already 40 per cent below sea level and sinking at an average of three inches a year, but rarely has it been so politicised as this past week. Torrential rain has buffeted the capital since Sunday, causing flooding at 52 locations, and claiming two lives, including a sanitation worker who was swept away while taking photos of the flooding for the Jakarta administration. The atmosphere is already febrile in the city as two gubernatorial candidates prepare to face off in a second-round election in April. However, despite the dramatic lead up to the February elections - during which the incumbent, Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, was accused of insulting Islam - post-vote surveys revealed religion was a determining factor for only about 8-10 per cent of voters. Marino, Italy: It's a common enough story in Italy: An ancient ruin -- in this case, a tract of Roman road -- is discovered during the construction of a building -- in this case, a McDonald's -- and puts a halt to the work until the site can be excavated. Rather than fret about lost time and money, McDonald's decided to sponsor the dig, and it worked with the archaeological authorities to preserve the road, built between the second and first centuries BC. As of Tuesday, visitors to the fast-food restaurant, about 20 km southeast of central Rome, could walk along the 50 metre stretch of road without even having to buy a Big Mac. Many parts of Italy contain subterranean riches, and over the centuries, countless edifices have incorporated or adapted the ruins of previous eras. Several restaurants in Rome, for example, have an important historical or archaeological lineage, like being the site where Julius Caesar was murdered, or a place where oil amphorae (jugs) were stocked in ancient times. Even the McDonald's in Termini Station in Rome includes a section of the Servian Wall, from the fourth century BC. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up to our daily newsletter for the latest local and breaking news in Bristol. The Government has reduced its stake in Lloyds Banking Group to less than 4 per cent as the lender moves a step closer to full private ownership. UK Financial Investments, which manages the stake in Lloyds, cut its holding by around 1 per cent. It means the taxpayer's stake in the bank stands at 3.89 per cent, with more than 19 billion being returned to Government coffers since the lender's 20.3 billion bailout. It is the latest in a series of share sales by the Government, which said in October it hoped within 12 months to offload its remaining shares in Lloyds, which has a major base in Bristol's Harbourside. The Government has progressively sold down its original 43 per cent stake and Chancellor Philip Hammond ditched plans for a share sale to the public in October, opting instead to offload the holding to institutional investors. Economic Secretary to the Treasury Simon Kirby said: "Since the decision to sell the Government's stake in Lloyds we have now recovered over 19 billion for the taxpayer. "Lloyds' strong annual results show that we are in a good position to continue to reduce our shareholding and recover all of the money the taxpayer injected into the bank during the financial crisis." All proceeds from the sale will be used to reduce the national debt. Lloyds chief executive Antonio Horta-Osorio said: "We are pleased that Lloyds' strong financial performance in 2016 has enabled the Government to further sell down its stake in the bank to below 4 per cent. "This means over 19 billion returned to the taxpayer; and is alongside the further 2.2 billion in dividends paid to our 2.5 million shareholders, as announced yesterday." Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up to our daily newsletter for the latest local and breaking news in Bristol. Traffic has ground to a halt across Bristol after a key route through the city centre was shut. The inbound M32 was at a standstill from the city centre all the way on to the M4 by the start of rush hour. Problems started when a pedestrian was hit by a lump of concrete, which had been blown off a nearby building by high winds, as she walked on the pavement at Bond Street South, opposite Cabot Circus at about 12.30pm. It led police to closed both Bond Street South and part of Temple Way until the building could be declared safe. This meant inbound traffic on the M32 was unable to head to the south of the city, and queues on the M32 started to build throughout the afternoon. Traffic heading towards the M32 from the direction of Temple Meads was diverted off the road at the Old Market roundabout. Queues have been building on Victoria Street, Baldwin Street, Park Row, Park Street, Jacob's Wells Road, Fishponds Road and Easton Way as drivers try to find alternative routes through the city. An accident in Ashley Down Road has also added to problems. Bus passengers are also facing long delays crossing the Centre. The road where the concrete fell is expected to remain closed until 10am tomorrow. The concrete came from Phoenix House, the Unite-run student accommodation building in Bond Street South. A spokesman for the company said: "An exterior cladding panel was dislodged by the extraordinarily strong winds associated with Storm Doris and fell to the pavement below. "It struck a passer-by, who was naturally shaken, but fortunately appeared not to be seriously injured. "Unite staff at Phoenix House provided her with initial assistance and support while the emergency services were contacted. "The pavement and road directly outside Phoenix Court have been cordoned off by Police for safety reasons and will remain closed to pedestrians while building technicians work with the emergency services and city officials to inspect the building. "However, until the extremely strong winds subside, a full inspection will not be possible and the pavement at the front of the building will remain closed. Meanwhile in Bath a massive tree was blown over in the gale-force winds and smashed the front of a car. Avon and Somerset Police were called to Unite Student Building shortly after 12.30pm today after the person was struck A police spokesperson confirmed a pedestrian had been hit by a "lump of concrete" which had fallen from a height of 40ft. The road has now been closed for safety reasons. The spokesperson said: "We were called at 12.34pm to reports of concern to welfare after debris had fallen from a building and hit someone passing below." The incident was one of a series caused by high winds from Storm Doris, which also led to disruption of rail services and damage to several buildings in the city. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Get the latest news from Bristol Courts straight to your inbox An angry crowd gathered in Bristol city centre as American-style street preachers declared Mohammed was a thief and liar and sinners would burn in hell. Three Christian men were arrested in front of the cheering on-lookers in Broadmead. A Bristol Army major and two other evangelical Christian preachers all deny using religiously-aggravated threatening or abusive words or behaviour on July 6 last year. A witness told the court Major Adrian Clark, Michael Overd, and Michael Stockwell were there to pick a fight before the police were called. Clark, 51, and Overd, a 52-year-old from Creech St Michael, near Taunton, are accused alongside American national Michael Stockwell, 50, from Selden, New York all deny the offence and say they were merely reading from the Bible. A four day trial began at Bristol Magistrates Court today. In front of a packed court room, prosecutor Ian Jackson said the preachers took a tag team approach taking it in turns to speak using a microphone on the podium outside Boots. He told the court that, whether by accident or design, the incident took place on the first day of the Muslim festival of Eid. The men preached about Islam, Buddhism, and even Jehovah's Witnesses, along with sex before marriage and sexuality, leaving onlookers shocked. The prosecutor said there began a considerable degree of hostility" from the crowd. The men had refused to turn down their amplifier after being asked by a nearby trader. Eventually the crowd began to chant go home at the preachers, before the police were called and the men arrested. The prosecutor said that minority views have a right to be expressed, even if distasteful. But he said the justification for limiting free speech was whether or not there was a threat to public order. Mr Jackson said the Crown's case is that the men crossed the line. Over an hour of footage from a body camera worn by Overd was watched by the court. During the video Stockwell said: Allah is the greatest deceiver - that's in the Quran. He also told the crowd: You will die for your sins and be cast into hell and Jesus Christ is coming back and taking vengeance." Two men who were holding hands in the crowd lifted their hands together and asked the preacher: "Does this offend you?" He replied: "Yes." Overd told the crowd: Mohammed is a liar and a thief, just like you and me. Buddha isn't on the cross - he is a liar, just like you and me. He said sex before marriage was immoral and that it used to be a shameful thing to get divorced. He added that the Bible talks of marriage between a man and a woman, and everything else is abhorrent. "David Cameron is no more a Christian than my dogs - I've got two dogs," he adds when talking about gay rights. Clark also named several other religions and stated they would all lead to "the gates and the very depth of hell. Mr Jackson said the case against Clark was formed not just of the words but the tone of the words he used when he stated: "Jesus promises to save you. He will even save a Muslim." He told the court some of the statements made by the preachers may have been in the King James Bible, translated in 1611, but that did not mean they were acceptable in 2016. Defending on behalf of Overd and Stockwell, Michael Phillips said that to take away someone's right to read from a script would be an infringement of their freedom of speech. Dimitri Lavallee said he was first alerted to the preachers when he saw a sign that stated 'evolution is a lie'. "I was personally offended," he said. "It was the day after Eid celebration and there was quite an ethnically diverse crowd and I guess a lot of people were in town buying gifts for their loved ones. He added that the crowd seemed to be aghast that the men were allowed to preach in that area in that way. Mr Lavallee said twice he spoke to a security guard as he was quite concerned that there was going to be public disorder. He described the preaching as "hate speech". "It was highly inflammatory, he said. There were there to cause distress and to provoke. They weren't there to put across a message, but there to pick a fight. "People were becoming increasingly hostile and I thought potentially there could be violence, either by the gentlemen or the passers-by." Mr Lavalle was asked by Mr Phillips whether people should change their behaviour around a Muslim calendar. "People should be culturally sensitive to others' differences," Mr Lavalle responded. Alexander Walker also stopped after he heard a preacher state "a man should lie with a woman and if he didn't, he was a sinner". "I noticed a crowd of around 30 to 40 people," he said. "They were shouting angrily and were obviously incensed by the remarks. The crowd was angrier by the preaching. I could not hear everything that was said because people were shouting. The crowd were incensed and provoked. Mr Walker added that people were trying to pull the cord of the microphone and the one man pushed one of the preachers telling him to go away. "I was concerned by the reaction of the crowd. I was almost certain that things were about to, as I said in my statement, kick off," Mr Walker told the court. He said at one stage there was between 100 and 150 people present. Under cross examination Mr Phillips asked Mr Walker: "Did you hear anything in particular that day which should be stopped? "I didn't hear any particular sentences or any particular words, but what I did hear was an agenda that was being preached inciting and provoking a crowd towards which was in my opinion going to result in violence," Mr Walker replied. Muslim Ashanal Khan began arguing with the preachers and at one point took another buskers microphone to get his message over other witnesses said he was preaching love. "I was explaining to them, to do with religion, saying not all religion was bad," Mr Kahn said. "He said something about our religion, our prophet Mohammed - he is a thief, he is a liar and why do you think people hate him?" Mr Kahn told the court. "They were saying all of us were sinners. Discriminating us, saying we are sinners and we should be proud of who we are but were not. "They wouldn't let us talk, they were talking over us." Mr Kahn was heard on cameras saying to the preachers that the bible had changed over the years. Mr Phillips asked if he was aware that was quite insulting to Christians. "Yes," Mr Kahn replied. Mr Phillips added: "You were discriminating that day because you were putting down another religion." Mr Kahn replied: "There were a lot of emotions going on. I know I shouldn't have reacted that way." "Yes, I admit what I said was wrong. I was quite mad and quite angry and I can understand how people will feel with what I said about the bible." Don Karns, an American, was original arrested and charged with the same offence, but the case against him has since been discontinued by the prosecution. The trial continues. Latest News Mortgage stress hits Australian households Learn seven ways to ease the interest rate burden, says broker New investor strengthens Invoice Finance Group Partnership will provide funding, new products for SMEs The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group ( ANZ ) has said it wants to partner with aggregators to deliver strategic insights to the broker community. Speaking at the MPA Major Banks Roundtable on Tuesday, Simone Tilley , general manager of retail broker distribution at ANZ, noted that the third party space was currently at a pivotal moment. Theres a tremendous amount of cultural change going on right now and education is at the forefront and centre of that change agenda. ANZ is hoping to partner with aggregators to understand the strategies used when permeating the marketplace, she said. In this way, the bank and aggregators can form a partnership which delivers a consistent, clear message to brokers. For the brokers, I think we need to start exchanging from an ANZ perspective more information so that were actually leading with insights. With brokers being small business owners, Tilley said she understands the difficulties brokers face when making strategic changes, optimising digital systems, and delivering energy to the customer at the same time. She said she would really like ANZ to be remembered for how it delivered change in the industry. Id love to look back and say ANZ really led the change. And not just change but the way in which weve partnered with the market and the way that weve collaborated with aggregators and brokers and genuinely been supportive. This agenda for change is prevalent within the bank as well, she added, saying that she is proud of the ANZ team and the sales culture within the organisation. This is a time where we need balance. We need to drive quantity and quality in unison and this is a real time where we slow down in order to go faster. Latest News Mortgage stress hits Australian households Learn seven ways to ease the interest rate burden, says broker New investor strengthens Invoice Finance Group Partnership will provide funding, new products for SMEs Online small business lender Prospa has secured $25m of growth funding from AirTree Ventures, an Australian tech-focused venture capital firm. The funding will be used for boosting technology, product expansion and distribution, increasing talent acquisition and further building the brand. This all comes at a time when Prospa is delivering significant growth, passing more than $250m in total loans to small businesses in Australia. The continued interest of investors such as AirTree and the scale of the funding given shows that the industry recognises how difficult it is for small business owners to access finance, said Greg Moshal , founder and joint CEO of Prospa. Were driving a fundamental change in the way two million small business owners in Australia access finance. Weve now provided over 10,000 loans and put over $250m into the Australian small business economy. All the while maintaining our ability to wow our customers, which continues to be proven through a stellar customer satisfaction score of over 90%. In addition to reaching this $250m loan milestone, Prospa has also formed strategic partnerships to offer SME loans to Westpac , Reckon and Mortgage Choice customers. These partnerships are essential to Prospas rapid growth and future success, said Beau Bertoli , founder and joint CEO. To reach more small business owners, well continue to invest in partnerships with trusted brands who share our values of putting their small business customers first. Small businesses are the driving force of the Australian economy. Weve solved a huge challenge of access to finance for them by building the best local lending platform, making it faster and easier to get a small business loan than it ever has been. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has sent out a note giving certain brokers two weeks notice for the revocation of their accreditation. The note was sent out to a segment of accredited brokers which CBA had identified as being inactive with the bank for quite some time, a bank spokesperson told Australian Broker. This was part of an ongoing review of CBA products and services. To ensure we uphold the highest level of professional standards, and continue to meet the needs and expectations of our customers, those mortgage brokers who have been inactive will no longer be accredited with us, they said. Brokers were deemed inactive if they had not written a CBA home loan in the past year or if they had only written a single mortgage. Once identified, brokers are notified that their CBA accreditation will be resigned following the banks agreement with the brokers head group. The letter provided recipients with 14 days notice, starting from the date the letter was sent, in which the bank would revoke the brokers authority to act. This means you will no longer be able to submit home loan applications to the Commonwealth Bank. Please be advised that effective immediately, we will not accept any new home loan applications from you, the note said. By freezing loan applications, this stops new loans from being written by brokers about to lose their accreditation which could cause issues for the customer. Brokers who want to appeal this decision can contact their relationship manager or head group representative. The note brings into question how independent brokers are from the banks, Mark Harris, director and owner of THE Home Loan Broker, told Australian Broker. What does this say? If I dont believe that CBA is the best fit for my client, are they essentially trying to force me into making them a choice? This is a very big heavy stick to say, Well, youll use us anyhow. I really wonder how interested ASIC would be in this. It sends a very bad message about the industry by taking our entire independence away. The note also shows absolute disrespect to brokers and potential clients, Harris said. While he understands that CBA has every right to make a decision like this under their business, he would not be encouraging the six brokers under him to use the bank. The main reason for this is what if a broker was talking to someone today and decided to do an application with Commonwealth Bank tomorrow and then tomorrow night before they got to lodge that application, the bank cancelled their accreditation? I think its appalling. Theyre not giving any notice. The note states that you cant lodge any more loans as of now and youve got two weeks to settle anything thats in the system. The decision was kind of odd given that brokers use different lenders at different frequencies, Harris said. The email was obviously alluding to their belief that if you arent actively giving them business that the customers arent going to get best practice customer service. I find that very hard to believe. No other lender believes that because no other lender does this sort of thing. Over the past two years, Harris acknowledged that he had only used CBA once when he sent through a $900,000 loan last October. The application flew through with no problems, he said. Related stories: Major targets third party in investment lending crackdown Major bank increases investor interest only rates Big four bank pulls plug on investor refinancing The U.S. departments of Justice and Education rescinded Obama-era guidance on the rights of transgender students today , lifting requirements that schools allow students to use the restrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity. The Trump administration had long signaled the shift. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Tuesday that the president believes the treatment of transgender students is a states rights issue. This is an issue best solved at the state and local level. Schools, communities, and families can find and in many cases have foundsolutions that protect all students, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said in a statement. The Obama administration issued the rule in May, arguing that the sex-discrimination protections of Title IX, the federal civil rights law, apply to gender identity. In addition to directions on school facilities, the directive called upon schools to respond quickly to harassment of transgender students, to use their preferred gender on school forms and in assigning them to sex-segregated classes and activities, and to keep their transgender status secret if they did not wish to disclose it publicly. Federal civil rights guidance carries an implied threat that schools found out-of-compliance could lose federal funding if they dont resolve their violations. The guidance was met with praise from transgender rights groups and anger from conservative lawmakers, who argued it was federal overreach. A federal judge in Texas placed the guidance on hold in August while he considered a multi-state lawsuit on the issue. Withdrawing the guidance effectively makes that case and another multi-state lawsuit moot. Some media outlets, including the New York Times, reported Tuesday that there was disagreement between DeVos and Attorney General Jeff Sessions about whether to rescind the guidance. Spicer said in the White House press briefing that the disagreement centered on the timing and wording of the announcement, not on the core decision. Sessions and DeVos issued separate statements along with the agencies letter withdrawing the Obama-era guidance. DeVoss statement emphasized a continued need to protect students from bullying and harassment. Sessions mentioned bullying, but focused more on interpretations of the federal law. I have dedicated my career to advocating for and fighting on behalf of students, and as Secretary of Education, I consider protecting all students, including LGBTQ students, not only a key priority for the Department, but for every school in America, DeVos said. The Department of Justice has a duty to enforce the law, Sessions said. The prior guidance documents did not contain sufficient legal analysis or explain how the interpretation was consistent with the language of Title IX. Legal issues and transgender students A case brought by a transgender Virginia boy against his school district is still due before the U.S. Supreme Court next month. A lower court granted Gavin Grimm an injunction against the Gloucester County school districts policy that kept him from using the boys bathroom. The Supreme Court put that ruling on hold until it has time to consider his case. The federal interpretation of Title IX has been at the heart of several cases brought by transgender students around the country against their schools. Judges whove sided with students were persuaded by the argument that, when there are two valid interpretations of a federal policy, such as Title IX protections, courts should defer to a federal agencys interpretation. Its unclear exactly how this change in federal interpretation will affect Grimms case. On Twitter, an attorney with the ACLU who is representing Grimm argued his client still has a strong chance of success in court, where his legal team will center his case on the original meaning of Title IX, rather than asking the court to defer to the federal interpretation. In other words, did Congress write Title IX around a strict definition of biological sex, or the broader concept of gender? Grimm joined transgender-student advocates outside the White House last night to protest the administrations decision. No matter what happens, the Supreme Court cannot defeat a community so full love! #GavinGrimm speaking @whitehouse to #ProtectTransKids pic.twitter.com/46Lnkw9fvn -- The Task Force (@TheTaskForce) February 22, 2017 Also at the protest was Catherine Lhamon, the assistant secretary for civil rights in Obamas Education Department, who signed the original guidance. Reactions from both sides of the debate LGBT rights advocates, like Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin, compared the administrations decision to past instances of discrimination. Other times weve heard states rights... -Abolishing slavery -Womens suffrage -Ending Jim Crow -Civil Rights Act -Marriage equality -- Chad Griffin (@ChadHGriffin) February 22, 2017 Conservative groups praised the decision. .@BetsyDeVos No girl should be forced to change in front of, or share a hotel room with, a boy. Reverse Obama Admin. abuse of federal law. -- AllianceDefends (@AllianceDefends) February 22, 2017 What does this mean for transgender students? While the about-face at the federal level may remove a layer of legal protection for transgender students, it doesnt change the ability for state and local decisionmakers to determine how to best accommodate transgender students in schools. Many states have non-discrimination laws that set requirements for how schools should recognize gender identity. And many districts were already accommodating transgender students long before the federal guidance. Lifting the federal guidance may remove political cover for some districts who would like to adopt such accommodations, which have been controversial in some communities. The complication will be most visible in states that pass laws restricting school bathroom and locker room access by biological sex. To date, only North Carolina has such a law, but legislatures in many states have floated them during the current session. Without conflicting federal guidance on the issue, students in those states will be armed with one less argument should they decide to challenge state-level restrictions in court. There is no federal data on transgender students in public schools. The Williams Institute at the University of California Los Angeles School of Law estimates that 0.7 percent of children ages 13 to 17, or 150,000 children, identify as transgender in the United States. Education Week video has previously explored this issue in a piece about a Kentucky high schools efforts to accommodate transgender students and one students experience with her own gender identity. You can view those videos below. Photo: Gavin Grimm stands on the front porch of his home in Gloucester, Va., in 2015. The high school student, who was born female but identifies as male, says its discriminatory to make him use the girls room or a single-stall unisex restroom at school. --Steve Helber/AP Related reading on transgender students: Follow @evieblad on Twitter or subscribe to Rules for Engagement to get blog posts delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams They are sending a message. A Park Slope gallery will launch a counter-offensive to Trumps war against the media this weekend, with an fund-raising exhibit of both political and apolitical artwork made on paper. The Ground Floor Gallerys exhibit Marked Urgent, opening on Feb. 24, will raise cash to protect journalists a task that is has become increasingly important as the commander-in-chief continues to slam the media, says one of the shows organizers. Branded as the opposition party and purveyors of fake news, the press has been aggressively undermined by the Trump administration in an attempt to minimize their credibility and influence over the American public, said Krista Saunders Scenna, who co-owns the Fifth Street gallery. Now, more than ever, we need to empower journalists to hold our government accountable and to provide us with the facts we need to remain informed and involved citizens. All of the pieces in the show are drawn, painted or collaged onto pieces of paper that can be used for correspondence, including letterhead, post-it notes, envelopes, postcards, memos, newsprint, and book pages. The format makes a statement by itself, said Scenna, because it can be used to write and spread news. We love the idea that it doesnt have to be political or speak to whats happening right now, she said. The medium sends that message and is political on its own. Each piece will cost $75, and $25 from each sale will go to the Committee to Project Journalists, an organization that defends freedom of the press. Scenna said that she and her co-owner chose the cause because they feel passionately about protecting the First Amendment from Trumps efforts to stomp on it. The gallery will display about 70 pieces of art in the show. Among the work is a bipartisan prayer for love, peace, equality, and unity on an envelope with an image of the Jesuss face and the Capitol building, by former Brooklynite Ian Trask. Another piece, by Park Slopes Allan Bealy, consists of a trio of envelopes addressed with the words Dear dictator, featuring collages inspired by Uruguays military rule from 19731985. The message works just as well for Trump, said Bealy. Apparently our new leader has aspirations, he said. And during the opening reception, performance artist Daniel Ayat will distribute business cards printed with questions about social anxiety and other emotions, in place of the standard name and phone number. The show will be the first in a series of efforts to raise money for groups protecting the Constitution, said Scenna. This is our first response, we will continue to be committed to supporting organizations that are helping out with the resistance in different ways throughout our season, she said. Marked Urgent: An Exhibition in Defense of Free Press at Ground Floor Gallery (343 Fifth St. at Fifth Avenue in Park Slope, www.groun dfloo rbk.com ). Opening reception Feb. 24, 68:30 pm. On display Feb. 25, noon6 pm; Feb. 26, noon5 pm. Free. Reach reporter Lauren Gill at lgill @cngl ocal.com or by calling (718) 2602511. Follow her on Twitter @laurenk_gill Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams These classes are tailor-made for Brooklyn. The Fashion Institute of Technology will soon offer two classes at the Brooklyn Army Terminal in Sunset Park so locals dont have to trek out to the distant isle of Manhattan to step up their fashion know-how. And the courses will provide busy Brooklynites a more convenient way to enroll in the institutes classes, said the schools head of continuing and professional studies. Its part of the initiative to offer folks that work and live in Brooklyn more convenient access, said Dan Gerger. These courses are meant for the non-traditional student who is working and may have a family, so hopefully folks from Brooklyn will find this easier. Pupils can choose from a course on ethical fashion or a class that delves into how to develop an apparel line that breaks down the process from design to merchandising. The ethical fashion course will equip designers with the tools they need to source sustainable materials for their products and will introduce concepts such as fair trade, supporting endangered crafts, and the environmental impact of certain manufacturing technologies, according to Gerger. Anyone can enroll in the courses, wether theyre a budding designer or a seasoned manufacturer. But the course on constructing a clothing line is geared toward those with some experience in the industry and will delve into how to style and plan a line, and how to customize merchandising to regional marks, according to Gerger. The courses, which will not confer any college credit, will run for a month during the summer with weekly three-hour sessions at the terminal. No credits, prerequisites, or experience in the fashion world are required to enroll. It will cost Brooklynites $135 to enroll in ethical fashion and $235 to learn how to develop a fashion line. The city invited the Fashion Institute of Technology to bring courses to Brooklyn as part of its effort to fix up Bush Terminal and rent space to garment manufacturers and filmmakers. Until the Economic Development Corporation opens the space in 2020, the Brooklyn Army Terminal will host the summer courses, which the institute aims to begin in June. The courses are the institutes first Brooklyn courses and will likely kick off more classes in the borough, said Gerger. We hope to do more in Brooklyn, he said. I think this is the start of something. Astros win second World Series title in six seasons behind dramatic moonshot The Astros beat the Phillies in six games to win the World Series, thanks to Yordan Alvarez's 450-foot three-run home run in the clincher. Pedestrian Hit by a Car: What to Do After the Accident When a pedestrian or cyclist gets hit by a car, it is a frightening experience. Cars are large, heavy objects that, even at low speeds, can cause severe injuries to individuals. After a car accident with a pedestrian, it is important for the pedestrian to take a few steps to ensure that they will be able to hold the at-fault driver accountable, similarly to a regular car accident. While it may be impossible for an injured pedestrian to do anything after getting hit by a car, if they are able to do the following, it may greatly improve their legal prospects. Call 911 for Ambulance and Police If an injured pedestrian, or bystander, can call 911 and request both an ambulance and the police, this should be done. The police are particularly important in order to take statements for a police report, and investigate any underlying causes for the accident, such as a DUI or other related crime. An ambulance will be able to provide limited medical care, and can aid in the decision of whether further emergency medical care is necessary. Make Sure You Get the Driver's Info Although the police will likely collect the other driver's information, if they arrive at the scene; if police do not show up before you must leave in an ambulance, it may be a good idea to try to get the other driver's information somehow. Getting the driver's full name, address, phone number and insurance information, minimally, should be done. Also, if there are witnesses, attempt to get their names, addresses and phone numbers. If you don't get this info at the scene, you may never be able to unless the police are present, or you personally know the witnesses or other driver. Take Pictures at the Scene While taking pictures of the scene of the accident may not be at the forefront of an injury victim's mind, it frequently can provide the basis to prove the severity of an accident, as well as the cause of an injury. Additionally, while somewhat unsettling, for severe injuries, detailed pictures from the scene can sometimes result in larger jury awards. Related Resources: Can the National Guard Serve as Immigration Enforcement? Along with the new executive branch's hard-line anti-immigration stance, legal questions have arisen as to how far the federal government can go in their efforts to enforce immigration laws. One such recently raised question is whether the National Guard can be used to enforce immigration laws and deportations. The executive branch currently maintains that there are no plans to use the National Guard to enforce immigration laws or form a deportation force. However, reports are indicating that the idea has been discussed, which raises questions as to whether it is legal to use the National Guard in that manner. Purpose of the Guard It is commonly understood that the purpose of the National Guard is to protect America at home and step in when there is a "state of emergency." Most frequently, the Guard provides non-military emergency relief, aid, and peacekeeping during emergencies, such as natural disasters, or extreme weather. Also, the Guard can be mobilized to protect citizens against foreign attacks or even civil insurrections and riots. What might come as a shock to many, though, is that the National Guard was called up in 2010, by President Obama, and earlier by President Bush, to help on our nation's borders. However, in the past, it has mostly been to play a supporting role, secondary to Customs and Border Protections. National Guard troops stepped into the roles of Border Patrol officers during those times when the Border Patrol did not have adequate staff, as well as served as observers, analysts, and in other high level, advisory roles. Can the National Guard Enforce Deportation Orders? In short, yes. Traditionally and from a resource management perspective (the Guard is our last line of defense at home), it would be irresponsible to use the Guard for this purpose (as there is a whole federal agency devoted to this purpose). However, the National Guard and the Coast Guard are excluded from laws that prevent using the military to enforce domestic policy. As the commander and chief of the National Guard, the president can mobilize the Guard to support federal agencies such as Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, if the need arises. Related Resources: Yardley Friends Meeting at 65 N. Main Street in Yardley will host the documentary Organic Roots on Friday, November 18 at 7 p.m. Join director Al Johnson for a showing of this film followed by a discussion of the last 50 years of this movement. Organic foods are part of our life today and a tool in our concern for... Builders' Merchant Co (BMCO) continues to support the youth of today by taking on its third apprentice - Reece Simpson. Mr Simpson recently joined BMCO working in the companys Scunthorpe depot, alongside experienced yard foreman, Ian Whitlam. He will gain valuable training in both how a yard operates and customer service, including earning an NVQ in storage and warehousing with the support of Intec Business Colleges. The Union Peace Conference or the 21st-Century Panglong Conference is the sole channel for addressing political questions by way of political means, he said, speaking at the 69th Chin National Day ceremony in Falam on February 20. We will only be able to march towards the goal of attaining peace and establishing a democratic federal Union by first going through this step the 21st-Century Panglong. He added that the emergence of a truly federal system of government, one that ensures equality and self-determination for ethnic nationals as they desire, will only be possible through the successful conclusion of the Panglong events, which the government has decided to hold every six months. The forthcoming conference, the second, was delayed amid ongoing tensions over which groups could attend and in what capacity. It is now scheduled to convene in March. President U Htin Kyaw also said that he feels happy that the Chin national-level political dialogue will be going ahead in Htantlang township from February 27 to March 1. The government had initially announced intentions to postpone dialogues in Chin and Rakhine states due to alleged concerns over geography and stability. However, in the case of Chin State the decision was reversed amid widespread objections aired by ethnic armed groups. The 69th Chin National Day event was held at the centurial park in Falam town. In addition to President U Htin Kyaw the event was attended by First Lady Daw Su Su Lwin, Chin State Chief Minister Salai Lian Luai and his cabinet, state hluttaw Speaker U Zo Bawi, chair of the Chin National Front Pu Zing Cung and representatives from political parties. Translated by Zin Linn Edited by Laignee Barron Malaysia-based low-cost airline has added Bhubaneswar to the list of destinations in India with four weekly direct flights from Kuala Lumpur. It will commence operations on April 26, 2017, making Group's 16th route into India. On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, prices rose by 2-3% in the East and South, and about one per cent in the West; while ... is entering the Brazil and China markets to grow its emerging markets (EMs) portfolio. And, is looking at further acquisitions to grow its speciality business in the US, said the drug maker's global chief executive officer, Umang Vohra. Fabric-to-fashion company Raymond has started reaching out to customers by setting up manufacturing units closer to the market, even as it remains committed to the Make in India story. Gautam Hari Singhania, chairman and managing director, Raymond group, tells Dilip Kumar Jha of his companys business plans. Edited excerpts: Unlock 30+ premium stories daily hand-picked by our editors, across devices on browser and app. Full access to our intuitive epaper - clip, save, share articles from any device; newspaper archives from 2006. Curated newsletters on markets, personal finance, policy & politics, start-ups, technology, and more. Pick your 5 favourite companies, get a daily email with all news updates on them. 26 years of website archives. Aditya Birla Group owned plans to invest Rs 500-700 crore on de-bottlenecking its Utkal alumina refinery project in Odisha's Rayagada district. "Yes, we are already working on, let say the engineering designs for that de-bottlenecking. I will just leave at that because, I think in 2017-18 we would have got the complete engineering and the de-bottlenecking sorted out. So, really it is a question of whether you put in a completely new train or just de-bottlenecking and to be clear, our preference right now is to de-bottleneck and that is why we have applied for clearances to go up to about 2.25 (million tonne) as a first range", Satish Pai, managing director, said in an earnings conference call. Infosys, the second-largest information technology (IT) firm in the country, has amended its articles of association (AoA) so that it might to go for a share buyback. On Thursday, the Bengaluru-based firm said it had sought shareholders approval, to conform to the Act 2013. Shareholders and founders of the company have sought better capital allocation. As on December 31, 2016, had Rs 35,697 crore in its kitty; sources said the company could return half of it to shareholders through buybacks or dividend. Asked if the company was planning to pay out the excess cash on its books to shareholders through a buyback, Chief Executive Officer Vishal Sikka said, All the options are on the table and we are not opposed to any of them. In the second quarter of the current financial year, the company added a little more than Rs 2,400 crore to its cash reserves, with a 7 per cent sequential growth. The biggest IT services firm in the country, Tata Consultancy Services, announced it would buy back 56.1 million shares (2.85 per cent of its equity) worth Rs 16,000 crore at Rs 2,850 per share. This is the first buyback since the company listed and the biggest in the domestic capital market. Wipro had announced a buyback of Rs 2,500 crore last year. Its Chief Strategy Officer Rishad Premji said the company may evaluate options of buyback and special dividends. The demand for a share buyback using the cash pile IT firms are sitting on gathered pace when Cognizant recently approved Elliott Managements proposal for one. The company announced it would return $3.4 billion over two years through buyback and dividend. Malcolm Frank, executive vice-president, strategy and marketing, Cognizant, recently told Business Standard shareholder activism in the sector in recent times was a result of drastic changes in the sector and its impact on businesses. The boardroom tussles at the Tata group and Infosys have raised a new fear in the minds of both executive and independent directors and key management professionals: What if they fall out of the boards favour, and if there are legal liabilities on them individually? Babulwadi, a small village located in the Rajapur Taluk of Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district, is set to host the world's largest refinery and petrochemicals complex, which might see an investment of Rs 1.5 lakh crore. PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Show Up! Confusing Grace with Outer Space Dont think, go see these shows instead! Sean Mason / CC AS 2.0 Not Available, by The Residents. Some questions receive a guarantee to shake you up/ How much marriage urges a windmill to pinch infinity?/ Is a magic hide-a-bed the final home of Spanish fire?/ Is firm corn merrier under gifts of less important love?/ We wonder/ But fantasy moves ahead/ For the iceman just took a turn for the better/ and a small object flies from his mouth/ A daring jewel scales down the belted ear system/ And you have the modular, optimistic silver original/ Welcome to the offshoots of Jupiter. Part II: The Making of a Soul, from the album, by The Residents. ...give up trying to find meaningor a semblance of meaning for that matterin all things so that you may observe their true nature. If you are needing help with that sort of thing, here are three shows whose indulgence will grant you a credibility more profound than Facebook comments about you, musical revelations by me or opaque references to the nature of the void by them. Ah, what the hell. Rather than attempt some sort of contrived musical credibility by pointing to the lush and opaque mystery that is The Residents early work, I'm going to end up telling you to give up trying to find meaningor a semblance of meaning for that matterin all things so that you may observe their true nature. If you are needing help with that sort of thing, here are three shows whose indulgence will grant you a credibility more profound than Facebook comments about you, musical revelations by me or opaque references to the nature of the void by them. In other words, put that stuff from the Cryptic Corporation away and get out into what people are beginning to refer to as the real world. Friday Courtesy of the Artist James Whiton. Perchance to Dream. He is being supported in this effort by legendary and soon to be long gone Burqueno experimental metal outfit Leeches of Lore. The whole shebang is an event sponsored by masters of the avant-garde Meow Wolf as well as local arbiters of cultural excellence, Weekly Alibi. Whiton is an ace on the bass and uses classical, rock and jazz techniques combined with a knowing musicality to express deep ruminations and cryptic celebrations of what it means to be human. His new album, produced by the wizards at Cinder Cone Records, is an edgy reflection of an important musical force in these parts. Though we here at Weekly Alibi have a horse in this race, it is important to note that Whiton's scorching awesomeness is not to be trifled with; missing this show means listing yourself as seriously out of the loop. Tickets are $10 and Whiton makes his conquering ostinatos manifest at 9pm. On Friday, Feb. 24, I am urging members of the only extant race of bipedal vertebrates on this planet to put down what they are doing (unless that means safeguarding our nation's nuclear heritage or keeping the interwebz up and running) and head on up to Santa Fe, our glorious capital city, for a concert by bass virtuoso and loop master It's no secret by now that Whiton is playing a gig at Meow Wolf (1352 Rufina) to celebrate the release of his new album,He is being supported in this effort by legendary and soon to be long gone Burqueno experimental metal outfit. The whole shebang is an event sponsored by masters of the avant-garde Meow Wolf as well as local arbiters of cultural excellence,. Whiton is an ace on the bass and uses classical, rock and jazz techniques combined with a knowing musicality to express deep ruminations and cryptic celebrations of what it means to be human. His new album, produced by the wizards at Cinder Cone Records, is an edgy reflection of an important musical force in these parts. Though we here athave a horse in this race, it is important to note that Whiton's scorching awesomeness is not to be trifled with; missing this show means listing yourself as seriously out of the loop. Tickets are $10 and Whiton makes his conquering ostinatos manifest at 9pm. View in Alibi calendar Saturday Via Youtube JBOT, otherwise and in freer times known as Jay Vance, was a 90s rocker who decided to create his own robotic backing band. The thing was, drugs got involved, the robots achieved consciousness and JBOT was made into a subservient example of how rocanrol is just one example of a realm ultimately, reliably and rockingly run by robots. Captured! By Robots is the name of the band, okay? And the robotsby the wayare named DRMBOT 0110 and GTRBOT 666 . And these are not just alternative facts. And if you want to see and hear for yourself that what I told you a couple of sentences ago is more than a far-flung rocanrol fantasy, then show up to Sister (407 Central NW) on Saturday, Feb. 25, where for merely 10 bones, you can get a taste of what our future mechanical overlords have in mind. Plus, you can for damn sure check out the opening act, ICUMDRUMS, the project of Kris Kerby, who is one of the best, most evil drummers in town, for crissakes! All of this intense metallic, rhythmic deviltry begins at 9pm, by your command. View in Alibi calendar This blog is looking for wisdom, to have and to share. It is also looking for other rare character traits like good humor, courage, and honor. It is not an easy road, because all of us fall short. But God is love, forgiveness and grace. Those who believe in Him and repent of their sins have the promise of His Holy Spirit to guide us and show us the Way. Rahul Sikka, Larsen and Toubro's Vice President and Head Africa Power Transmission and Distribution, has welcomed the decision to manufacture in Uganda with Indian skills and expertise, saying the local population needs to be empowered for long-term goals. "I have been informed by my team in India that the Government of Uganda actually came to India to source an organisation that could provide vocational skills. has nine CSTIs i.e. Construction Skills Training Institutes (CSTI) and we have been shortlisted by the Ugandan Government and this is not known to everybody because it is still just happening. So, we will be providing the Vocational Skills Training and we believe very strongly that's the way to go," Sikka said in an exclusive interview. "Whichever country we should go as Indians we should believe that the local population needs to be empowered, needs to be included in anything and everything we do because that's what's long-term and that's what sustains," he added. Responding to a poser on how is manufacturing placed to prosper here and compete with markets like China, Sikka said the objectives have to be set very clearly. "When you manufacture in Uganda, are you intending to compete with China that's the first question because sometimes that's not necessary. It's actually necessary to identify which market you want to go into. If you have, for instance, preferential status given by EU, preferential status given to you by the United States, why are you interested in competing with China? China has got a very very advanced infrastructure today for manufacturing," said Sikka. "It is easier and better to set small achievable targets, goals and go achieve them. And of course this is all something which is progressive as time passes you end up doing better and better," he added. Talking about New Delhi's contribution to the Ugandan economy, Sikka said the Indian diaspora that has stayed here has worked extremely hard and has truly been instrumental in the development of lot of aspects of the country. "In addition to that, of course I see there is a very clear desire at this point in time to do more as the gentleman from the Ministry of Trade was pointing out there is a trade imbalance and we would love to rectify that. So, there are opportunities in India. It is in our interest to encourage our brothers in Uganda to take advantage of that," he added. Agreeing to expand cooperation in energy sector, Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari, on Wednesday, said both India and Uganda have decided to grow and scale new heights in future. "We both (India and Uganda) have agreed to expand cooperation in energy sector as also in training of personnel for space programmes and peaceful uses of atomic energy," said the Vice President. Asserting that India has over the past few years emerged as one of the largest investors and trading partners of Uganda, Ansari said this has been possible due to the continuing and positive support of the Ugandan Government. "I thank the Government of Uganda for welcoming Indian entrepreneurs who have sought business opportunities in Uganda and I request that the Ugandan Government continues with such support and encouragement for our seeking business in Uganda," he said. Earlier, Honorary Consul Consulate of the republic of Uganda Madhusudan Agrawal on Wednesday hailed the visit of Vice President Hamid Ansari to the African nation, saying his visit would pave the way for more business opportunities for the Indian community. Indias experiment with commercial mining of coal could face a red flag from the industry, which is concerned about the regulated market and stiff competition from state-owned Coal India (CIL). The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has said three hospitals have been identified for overcharging for stents that have recently been brought under price control. The is investigating complaints it received on its helpline. The drug price regulator last week capped prices of bare metal stents, which are used for treating narrow or weak arteries, at Rs 7,260 and drug-elutingng and biodegradable stents at Rs 29,600. As the has no jurisdiction to curb the price of ancillary products, such as balloon-catheters and guide-wires, it is trying to ensure that manufacturers and hospitals do not create an artificial shortage. The also cannot control procedure costs at hospitals. Hospitals must first raise a demand with a company before complaining of shortage, said Bhupendra Singh, chairman, NPPA, while advising patients to lodge complaints if hospitals refused to provide stents from available stocks. The stent manufacturing industry has reacted adversely to the NPPA notification. The regulator stated none of the 52 brands of imported drug eluting stents, which release drugs to block cell proliferation, were superior to the rest. The NPPA said only five of the 52 brands of imported drug eluting stents had a landed price of over Rs 29,600. The NPPA has said a few hospitals and doctors have complained about not supplying drug eluting stents. But, manufacturers have told the authority hospitals are not raising fresh demands. The government has invoked Section 3(i) of the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO), 2013, according to which no manufacturer can withdraw a product. Also, the government has asked manufacturers to provide details of production and distribution of stents in the country for the next six months. The NPPA clarified instead of re-labeling products, it would suffice for stent manufacturers to intimate hospitals and distributors. Limited (NRL) on Wednesday inked an important framework agreement with its technology partner Chempolis Oyo of Finland to give concrete shape to the implementation of the Rs 950 crore bio-refinery project. Ajay Piramal-led on Thursday said it has formed a strategic partnership with Ivanhoe Cambridge, a real estate subsidiary of CDPQ (Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec), to provide long-term equity capital to residential developers across five major metros. The development comes after long-drawn talks. Once a success story of the burgeoning start-up ecosystem, Gurgaon-based online marketplace on Wednesday said it would cut more jobs, stop paying its founders and sell its digital wallet FreeCharge. There is a huge problem looming over start-up investors in India, and not enough is being said about it. Japanese investor has denied reports claiming that it was interested in picking up a stake in the Vodafone- Idea Cellular merger. "We would like to categorically deny SoftBank's participation in the alleged Vodafone-Idea Cellular merger in India. We underline that we have held no such discussions and media reports about the same are baseless and unsubstantiated," said in a written statement according to media reports. The denial comes in the wake of a report which claimed that the was in talks with Vodafone to pick up stake in its Indian unit. Shares of Idea Cellular shares were trading 6.89 per cent higher at Rs 120.20 on the BSE at about 3.28 pm. The stock also saw a sharp spurt in trading volumes, with over 23,000 shares traded till 3.30 pm. According to its latest nine-month earnings report, SoftBank has recorded $350 million in losses from its Indian portfolio including in that own ANI Technologies, which runs taxi aggregator Ola and Jasper Infotech, the parent company of online marketplace Snapdeal. This is the second consecutive write down by the telecom-cum-internet giant after it cut $555 million from its India portfolio in September-end last year. Softbank's has invested over $2 billion in India and its portfolio include investments in realty portal Housing.com, which was acquired by NewsCorp-backed PropTiger, cab aggregator Ola, e-commerce player Snapdeal, budget hotel aggregator Oyo, and on-demand grocery firm Grofers. Some Softbank investors had questioned Nikesh Arora's track record and investments in India, especially in like Housing.com. Many of these investments were made at the height of the start-up boom, which saw investors racing with each other to invest in Indian start-ups. China and the US saw a boom in e-commerce and as penetration of mobile grew in the country, many e-commerce listed huge valuations. Investors felt the same story would play out in India, and bet on emerging start-ups in 2014 and 2015, at huge valuations. Investors were driven by a fear of missing out as they raced to invest in start-ups and drove valuations. SoftBank, which was a relatively late entrant in India, took aggressive bets in India, investing in five start-ups in seven rounds within a year. A month after Arora came on board, SoftBank announced two big investments in India: US$210 million in taxi app Ola and US$627 million in e-commerce biggie Snapdeal, according to a report in TechinAsia. It also bet US$100 million on Indian real estate start-up Housing, an investment investors have questioned. Interestingly, SoftBank first came here in 1999, when it launched eVentures India with NewsCorp's media fund ePartners and P K Mittal of Ispat Group. According to a report in Mint, the fund invested $43 million in 14 companies, before succumbing to the 2000-01 dot-com bust. It exited three investments, wrote-off six, and sold stakes in four to Nexus Venture. In 2001, it set up a new technology investment fund called SoftBank Asia Infrastructure Fund in a joint venture with networking giant Cisco Systems. It invested in Sify Technologies and IL&FS Investsmart. In 2004, the fund managers struck out on their own and founded SAIF Partners. SOFTBANK'S INDIA PORTFOLIO InMobi, 2011 SoftBank's first investment in India, mobile advertising company InMobi was one of the first companies to enter the Unicorn club in India but it is facing stiff competition from Facebook and Google. InMobi had losses of $40.91 million in 2015-16 and $45.5 million in 2014-15. SoftBank invested $100-million in real estate portal Housing.com. It's CEO Rahul Yadav was asked to step down after a run-in with investors. After layoffs and restructuring, Housing was acquired by NewsCorp-backed realty portal PropTiger in a recent deal. Ola, April 2015 SoftBank led a $400-million Series-E fund-raising by taxi aggregator Ola, which also saw investments by DST Global, Tiger Global, Steadview Capital, Accel, ABG Capital, Mauritius Investments, Falcon Edge Capital and GIC. Snapdeal, August 2015 SoftBank led a $500-million fundraising round by e-commerce major Snapdeal, which also saw investments by Alibaba, Foxconn, Blackrock, Myraid, Temasek. As Amazon steps up its presence in India, others e-com sites are feeling the pressure. OYO Rooms, August 2015 SoftBank led a $100-million fundraising by realty portal Housing.com, which also saw investments by Alibaba, Foxconn, Blackrock, Myraid, Temasek. In April 2016, OYO again raised $100 million from SoftBank, Greenoaks, Sequoia & Lightspeed. Grofers, November 2015 SoftBank led a $120-million Series-C fund-raising by e-grocer Grofers, which also saw investments by Tiger Global Management and Sequoia Capital. Since then, Grofers has shut operations in nine cities and rival PepperTap has shut shop. Hike, August 2016 SoftBank invested in messaging app Hike, when the Kevin Mittal-led firm raised $175 million in series D round from several investors that included Tencent, Tiger Global, SoftBank, and Bharti Enterprises founded and chaired by the father of Hikes CEO. SBG Cleantech, December 2016 After announcing plans to invest $20 billion in the Indian solar sector, SoftBank won its first solar power project in India. Its joint venture company, SBG Cleantech, emerged as the lowest bidder for the 350 megawatt (Mw) project under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission. Exploring ways to optimise costs and rewrite its success story, Online marketplace has confirmed that it is undertaking layoffs within the company. co-founders Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal in an email to employees on Wednesday said they have had to take tough decisions to retain the company's profitability, which include - employee layoffs, 100 per cent salary cut for themselves, among others. The artifacts that tumble out of Scarfolk (previously), the English horror-town stuck in a ten-year loop from 1970-1980, continue their amazing run of being so very much on-point with the issues facing the UK today, case in point: The Campaign for Real British Crime. When immigrants began moving to Scarfolk in the mid-1970s, many local criminals worried that foreign offenders would threaten their livelihoods. They formed an organisation called the Campaign for Real British Crime (CRBC), which fought for the rights of UK born criminals. The CRBC demanded that the police prioritise investigations in favour of offences committed by British lawbreakers, for whom they also tried to ensure more convictions and longer prison terms. Campaigners for Real British Crime also attempted to reintroduce and encourage traditional, archaic crimes, some of which had not been committed in Britain for many years; for example, conspiring with a neighbour's goose while intoxicated, handling rhubarb and voles in suspicious circumstances, invoking demons while wearing a toupee, and committing crimes abroad when they can be carried out just as successfully at home. Select proceedings of the Chhattisgarh legislative assembly (CLA) will be aired live during the upcoming Budget Session that is set to begin from February 27. At least three army personnel and one civilian lost their lives after an army convoy was attacked by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Thursday morning. Four army personnel also got injured after terrorists attacked the patrolling party. The army retaliated to the firing but the militants managed to escape. The civilian, who was killed in cross firing that took place between the soldiers and militants, was reportedly a woman. Further details are awaited. The seven newly discovered Earth-sized planets in the ultra cool dwarf star system may only face one way towards their sun, similar to the Earth's moon, and orbit very close to it, scientists have found. Astronomers, using NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, announced the discovery of the first known system of seven Earth-sized planets around a single star - located a mere 40 light years away - that could have liquid water, and possibly host alien life. Three of these planets are firmly located in the habitable zone, the area around the parent star where a rocky planet is most likely to have liquid water, said. In contrast to our Sun, the TRAPPIST-1 star - classified as an ultra-cool dwarf - is so cool that liquid water could survive on planets orbiting very close to it, closer than is possible on planets in our solar system. All seven of the TRAPPIST-1 planetary orbits are closer to their host star than Mercury is to our sun. The planets also are very close to each other. If a person was standing on one of the planet's surface, they could gaze up and potentially see geological features or clouds of neighbouring worlds, which would sometimes appear larger than the moon in Earth's sky, said . The planets may also be tidally locked to their star, which means the same side of the planet is always facing the star, therefore each side is either perpetual day or night. This could mean they have weather patterns totally unlike those on the Earth, such as strong winds blowing from the day side to the night side, and extreme temperature changes. The discovery of the planets sets a new record for greatest number of habitable-zone planets found around a single star outside our solar system. All of these seven planets could have liquid water - key to life as we know it - under the right atmospheric conditions, but the chances are highest with the three in the habitable zone. "This is the most exciting result I have seen in the 14 years of Spitzer operations," said Sean Carey, manager of NASA's Spitzer Science Centre at Caltech/IPAC in California. "Spitzer will follow up in the fall to further refine our understanding of these planets so that the James Webb Space Telescope can follow up. More observations of the system are sure to reveal more secrets," said Carey. Following up on the Spitzer discovery, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has initiated the screening of four of the planets, including the three inside the habitable zone. These observations aim at assessing the presence of puffy, hydrogen-dominated atmospheres, typical for gaseous worlds like Neptune, around these planets, researchers said. Nearly a week after the molestation incident involving a popular Malayalam actress, Kerala Police on Thursday arrested the prime accused 'Pulsar' Suni and his accomplice V P Vigeesh as they entered a court complex to surrender in a local court in Kochi. The Court premises witnessed high drama as the police forcefully took the duo into custody from the court complex. "We have taken them into custody. We had deployed our men in the city. They managed to get them," Inspector General of Ernakulam Range, P Vijayan told PTI. The actress, who has also starred in Tamil and Telugu films, was abducted and allegedly molested inside her car for two hours by the accused, who had forced their way into the vehicle on the night of February 17 and later escaped in a busy area in Kochi. Visuals aired by news channels showed the duo being forcefully taken into custody by police as they entered the Ernakulam Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) court located in the court complex to surrender at around 1.10 PM at lunch break. The duo managed to give a slip to the police and entered the court complex wearing helmets. Suni, who reached near the court premises along with Vigeesh allegedly on a 'pulsar' bike, entered the court complex dressed as a lawyer. When the advocates who recognised them alerted the police the duo allegedly entered into the court hall. Their lawyers charged the police with forcefully taking their clients into custody from the courtroom itself. The lawyers also made a vain bid to prevent police from taking them into custody. The duo were later taken to Aluva police club for questioning. Charging the police with forcefully taking their clients into custody from the courtroom itself during lunch break, the lawyers, later, petitioned the ACJM. The Court rejected the petition seeking to produce the accused back to the ACJM court itself, observing that no such crime is pending before the Court. "Since no crime is pending against them before this court a direction to produce back them is unnecessary," the Court ruled and directed the Sub-Inspector, Central Police station, Kochi, to hand over the accused to investigating officer probing the case. The ACJM court also ordered to produce them before the court having jurisdiction. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan praised the police for taking into custody the prime accused. Vijayan, whose government had been facing flak over the delay in nabbing the accused, said "I congratulate the police. It is a commendable achievement." The leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala criticised the manner in which the accused were taken into custody from the courtroom. "There has been lapse on the part of police and this should not happen in further investigation of the case," the Congress leader, who was Home Minister in the previous Oommen Chandy government, said. Delhi Police on Thursday suspended three policemen on charges of assaulting some students and journalists when two student groups clashed at the in New Delhi a day earlier. "We have suspended two Head Constables and a Constable for assualting students and media persons," Joint Commissioner Dependra Pathak told IANS. The suspension came after Special Commissioner of Police S B K Singh addressed hundreds of students protesting outside the police headquarters here and promised action against his guilty colleagues. Singh, the senior most officer in charge of the area in North Campus of Delhi University where the violence occurred on Wednesday, said he was not aware who ordered baton charge at the campus during the clashes between activists of the Leftist All India Students Association (AISA) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-affiliated Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The officer regretted the attack on journalists and students and promised a "fair probe" by the Crime Branch to "punish the guilty". "I have asked journalists to give me video footage of the lathi-charge," he said. Singh also said that a desk would be set up to receive complaints and the video footage of Wednesday's incident. After the officer spoke, students and teachers called off the protest outside the police headquarters which caused traffic snarls for hours in one of the busiest parts of the capital. But AISA said it was not satisfied with the police assurance. Its leader Kawalpreet Kaur regretted the delay in registering a case of violence against ABVP activists. "We met the Joint Commissioner who shamefully denied us our right to get the FIR filed (against ABVP) and told us to be satisfied with the police version," Kaur said. "We will not agree to the police narrative of the incident which calls the entire violence a riot between two groups of Left and Right." Another AISA leader, Rama Naga, told IANS that students would hand over evidences to police. "We have all the evidence including photographs, videos and medico-legal report of those injured." Union Minister for Human Resource Development Prakash Javadekar said he had sought a report from the Delhi University. But the minister refused to speak about the largescale violence at the when ABVP activists first foiled a seminar where a speaker was JNU student Umar Khalid, arrested last year for sedition, and then attacked students and others taking out a protest. Many journalists were also injured. AISA supporters claimed that police stood mutely when the ABVP went on the rampage. The Delhi Union of Journalists expressed anguish over the attacks on journalists "by protesters as well as police who did not wear nametags". Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Kumar Vishwas held Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh responsible for the violence and appealed to students to debate in a democratic way in case of divergence of views. The CPI-M condemned the violence by ABVP "goons" and denounced Delhi Police, describing the Ramjas incident a "shameful example of the violent intolerance backed by the state machinery of the RSS-BJP combine". Umesh Yadav gave a brilliant exhibition of reverse swing bowling before Mitchell Starc's rearguard half-century helped Australia reach a competitive 256 for nine against India on a difficult first-day track in the first Test. On a pitch that could be termed a rank turner, it was fast bowler Umesh, who showed exemplary skills with the old ball, returning with figures of 4/32 in 12 overs reducing Australia to 205 for nine before Starc staged a recovery with a ferocious counter-attack. Starc used his long handle to good effect as he blasted the second new ball getting five fours and three sixes in his unbeaten 57 off 58 balls. En route to his ninth half-century in Tests, Starc also completed 1,000 runs in the longest format. Along with Josh Hazlewood (1 batting), he added 55 runs for the unbroken 10th wicket giving the team's total more than a semblance of respectability considering the conditions that they batted on. Among the top-order, it was young left-handed opener Matt Renshaw (68 off 156 balls), who showed technique as well as temperament despite a stomach bug that forced him to retire at the fall of David Warner's (38) wicket. Opting to bat, Australian openers Warner and Renshaw tackled the spinners well, especially Ravichandran Ashwin (2/59 in 34 overs), who not only got the ball to turn big and but also bowled tight lines. From Sunil Gavaskar to Shane Warne, everyone said that the first-day track was extremely difficult to bat on and Starc's innings ensured that Australia reached close to 275-run mark considered a par score on this track which is expected to get worse by the day. No praise should be enough for Umesh, who was introduced as late as 28th over where he was handed the semi-new ball. Te normally flamboyant Warner was cautious and paid the price as he dragged a delivery shaping away into the stumps. Renshaw, who was batting confidently till then, suffered a stomach bug, which meant that two new batsmen in skipper Steve Smith (27) and Shaun Marsh (16) were at the crease. Indians took charge from the second session as Australians went into a shell and the pitch made matters worse for them with Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja (2/74 in 24 overs) strangulating the batsmen. There weren't any partnerships with wickets falling at regular intervals. Yadav was exceptional with the old ball as he got it to reverse at 140k plus speed, running through the lower middle order. Matthew Wade and Nathan Lyon had no answer to the swinging deliveries while Wriddhiman Saha's exceptional catch got rid of Steve O'Keefe. But just as Indians were getting ready to bat for around half an hour, Starc was in a mood to counter attack, throwing his bat at everything. The second new ball helped his cause as it came on nicely to the bat as he plonked his front foot and hit the spinners through the line. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar met China's top diplomat State Councillor Yang Jiechi on Wednesday to initiate the strategic dialogue between the two countries. China and India held their upgraded strategic dialogue to shore up bilateral ties amid discussions to resolve differences over Beijing's reluctance to support Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) bid as well as a UN ban on Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar. According to a report by The Indian Express, the two-day talks between India and China failed to end deadlock between two countries on issues related to Masood Azhars listing as a global terrorist and Indias membership into the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). This strategic dialogue is the latest among over 30 dialogue mechanisms to have emerged over the years between the two countries in diverse areas. Here are some key highlights of the strategic talks: The government will launch the seventh tranche of (SGB) on Monday under which people will be able to buy securities worth up to 500 grams of the metal. This would be the last offering for the current financial year. "Government of India, in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has decided to issue SGB 2016-17-Series IV. Applications for the bond will be accepted from February 27 to March 3," the Finance Ministry said. The bonds will be issued to eligible applicants on March 17, 2017, it added. An alternative mode of investment to physical gold, the SBG scheme was launched in November 2015. It provides investors with a choice to diversify a portfolio without the need to buy the metal in physical form. So far, the government has come out with six tranches of the SGB. The bonds will be sold through banks, Stock Holding Corporation of India (SHCIL), designated post offices and recognised stock exchanges, the NSE and BSE. Government mobilised Rs 3,060 crore from five tranches. The RBI issues bonds on behalf of the government. "The (SGB) investors will be compensated at a fixed rate of 2.50 per cent per annum payable semi-annually on the nominal value of an investment," the ministry said. The tenor of the bonds will be for a period of 8 years with exit option from 5th year to be exercised on the interest payment dates. Payment for the bonds will be through cash payment (up to a maximum of Rs 20,000) or demand draft or cheque or electronic banking. The maximum amount subscribed by an entity will not be more than 500 grams per person per FY. A self-declaration to this effect will be obtained. In the case of joint holding, the investment limit of 500 grams will be applied to the first applicant only. The price of the bond will be fixed in rupees on the basis of a simple average of closing price of gold of 999 purity published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Limited for the week (Monday to Friday) preceding the subscription period. The issue price of the Gold Bonds will be Rs 50 per gram less than the nominal value. The bonds can be used as collateral for loans. The loan-to-value ratio is to be set equal to ordinary gold loan mandated by the Reserve Bank from time to time. The capital gains tax arising on redemption of SGB to an individual has been exempted. The indexation benefits will be provided to long-term capital gains arising to any person on the transfer of bond. Bonds will be tradable on stock exchanges from a date to be notified by the RBI. An off-duty cop got into a fight with a group of children who walked on his lawn, dragged a 13-year-old unarmed boy into his yard, pulled his firearm, then fired a shot. Thankfully, he missed. The incident in Anaheim, California, was captured on camera and has already led to protests. Christian alleged in the video that the off-duty cop called a girl a "cunt" when telling her to get off his property, and then tackled him first when he stood up for her. The verbal exchanges led to the off-duty cop dragging the kid towards some bushes. It's unclear from the tape if he ever identified himself as a police officer. "I'd understand if you were a cop, but you're not a cop," Christian told the off-duty officer at one point during the video. One teen came in to shove the man over the bushes after the impasse. Another took a swing but missed. That's when the off-duty cop reached into his waistband and pulled out a gun. The surrounding youth started backing offand then a shot rang out. The kid was charged with battery on an officer. KTLA has other footage. Over eight years to 2016, as Indias population surged, the use of contraceptives declined almost 35%, as abortions and consumption of emergency pillsboth with health hazards and side effectsdoubled, according to health ministry data. Despite a 14% percentage-point rise in national literacy over a decade to 2011, hazardous birth-control measures of the last resort, emergency birth-control medication and abortions, are becoming the first choice among both poorer and wealthier, better-educated Indians. The result is that Indias population, now estimated at 1.32 billion, is expected to surpass Chinas within the next six years and reach 1.7 billion by 2050, according to World Health Organization projections, even as millions of women die from unsafe abortions. While condom use declined 52% over eight years and vasectomies fell 73%indicating greater reluctance among men to use birth controlthe use of oral birth-control pills fell 30% between 2008 and 2016, the data showed. The World Trade Organizations (WTO's) landmark (TFA), which came into force on Thursday, is expected to provide a much-needed boost to beleaguered global growth. However, its success will depend on the rising tide of trade protectionism across the globe and stronger voices against trade liberalisation like US President Donald Trump. State-owned on Thursday said it expects to raise Rs 716 crore by part selling the stake in its subsidiary Can Fin Home . The board has given approval for the sale of 13.45 per cent stake in the mortgage firm. Currently, holds 44.10 per cent stake in the mortgage firm as of December 2016. Following stake dilution promoter stake will come down to about 30 per cent. The base price has been fixed at Rs 2,000 per share for Can Fin Homes. As per the base price, the bank would be able to raise Rs 716 crore by selling its part stake in the housing company. has empanelled merchant/investment bankers for sourcing prospective investors. In December last year, Canara Bank had said it has proposed to bring down stake in its housing subsidiary Can Fin Homes to 30 per cent as part of its strategy to exit non-core businesses. Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER), jointly with the Department of Business Administration, Tezpur University and North Eastern Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFi), is coming up with a Business Idea Challenge to encourage entrepreneurship in the North-East Region (NER). The annual industry-academia interface event Sampark", which will see the DoNER Ministrys involvement for the first time, brings the spirit of entrepreneurship in the region. . . The event will take place on March 3, 2017 and will be the 17th edition in the series. To encourage the students towards entrepreneurship, a Pioneering Business Idea Challenge 2017 is being organized as a part of the event. The contest is open to any student of North Eastern Region, having a business idea. The winners will not only receive prizes but also get a chance to present the ideas before the funding agencies for probable financing. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners will receive Rs.20,000, Rs.15,000 and Rs.10,000 respectively. The contest is open till 26th February, 2017 and the details are available at Tezpur University website and at dare2compete.com. . . Addressing a curtain raiser press conference at the University campus recently, Professor Subhrangshu Sekhar Sarkar, faculty coordinator, Sampark 2017 appreciated the efforts of DoNER Ministry, Government of India and said that the Ministry is very serious about promoting entrepreneurship in the NER and the event is expected to create a platform towards awareness and initiation for entrepreneurship development based on natural resources of this region. . . Sampark 2017 will have different sessions to motivate the students to be addressed by established entrepreneurs, prominent start-ups. A session on Act East Policy (One of Indias foreign policy effort to cultivate extensive economic and strategic relations with the nations of Southeast Asia) will also feature in the event. There will be an exclusive interaction where the funding agencies represented by respective heads of the NER will clarify various queries of the prospective entrepreneurs and start-ups. . . Shri Naveen Verma, Secretary, DoNER, Government of India, will be the Chief Guest. Shri S.N. Pradhan, Joint Secretary, DoNER and Shri B. Paul Muktieh, Chairman and Managing Director, North East Development Finance Corporation Ltd. will be the other prominent dignitaries to grace the event. Prof. Mihir Kanti Chaudhuri, Vice Chancellor, Tezpur University will preside over the Inaugural Session. . . The Union Finance Minister will leave tomorrow for London, UK on a five-day official visit: FM to hold business interaction with UK-India Business Council, meet his UK counterpart and the Chancellor of Exchequer ,To deliver talk at London School of Economics on Transforming India: Vision for the Next Decade" among others. . The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Aurn Jaitley will leave early morning tomorrow on a five day official visit to London U.K. from 24th to 28th February, 2017. On Saturday, 25th February, 2017, the Finance Minister will deliver a talk at London School of Economics on Transforming India: Vision for the Next Decade". . . On Sunday, 26th February, 2017, the Finance Minister Shri Jaitley will attend a reception being organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), British Council and Indian High Commission at UK. . . On Monday, 27th February, 2017, the Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley will perform Market Opening Ceremony at London Stock Exchange followed by a Roundtable Meeting with prospective issuers and leading investors and fintech leaders among others. Later in the day, the Finance Minister Shri Jaitley will have Business interaction with over 100 senior business leaders from the UK-India Business Council (UKIBC). Later, the Finance Minster will call on The Rt. Hon Boris Johnson, Foreign Secretary of UK. . . The Finance Minister will also attend a reception being hosted by Her Majesty, the Queen at Buckingham Palace in the evening on that day. . . On Tuesday, 28th February, 2017 the Finance Minister Shri Jaitley will also meet with his UK counterpart and the Chancellor of Exchequer. Thereafter, the Finance Minister will meet with CEOs at a meeting being organized by the Confederation of British Industry before leaving back for home in the evening on the same. The Finance Minister will arrive in the national capital early morning on 1st March, 2017 after completing his five day official visit to the U.K. . . Once undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers arrive on American soil, they run the risk of being stopped by law enforcement officials who are charged with investigating their status. A Feb. 17 memo released by the Department of Homeland Security reveals how great this risk will be under President . The department is planning to hire thousands of additional enforcement agents and has widened the scope of immigrants who are a priority for deportation. It also calls for an expansion of the 287(g) program that designates law enforcement officers as immigration officers, which poses a series of questions that are as of yet unanswered. What kind of training will they receive? Will they speak more languages than English? What are their competencies in areas such as cross cultural communications? US Secretary of State arrived in Mexico ahead of talks with President Enrique Pena Nieto in a bid to "soothe tensions" between the two nations, a media report said. Tillerson, accompanied by Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly arrived on Wednesday and are slated to hold meetings on security, immigration, trade and the border with Pena Nieto and other officials, the bulk of which take place on Thursday. According to sources, Tillerson will attempt to smooth over tensions sparked by brash rhetoric, plans to build a border wall, and most recently the Department of Homeland Security's new immigration guidelines, NBC News reported. The plans unveiled on Tuesday would consider almost all undocumented immigrants subject to deportation and includes sending those who enter the US illegally via the southern border back to Mexico, even if they were not from there. Mexico's lead negotiator with the Trump administration, Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray, said on Wednesday ahead of Tillerson's arrival that there was no way Mexico would accept the new rules. "I want to say clearly and emphatically that the government of Mexico and the Mexican people do not have to accept provisions that one government unilaterally wants to impose on the other," he told reporters at the foreign ministry. "We also have control of our borders and we will exercise it fully," he said. Roberto Campa, who heads the human rights department of the Interior Ministry, said the plan to deport non-Mexicans to Mexico was "hostile" and "unacceptable". However, White House press secretary Sean Spicer on Wednesday denied that Tillerson's trip to Mexico was an effort to repair any ill will created by the new president, reports NBC News. He described the relationship between the two countries as "phenomenal right now". "I would argue that we have a very healthy and robust relationship with the Mexican government and Mexican officials," Spicer told reporters during the daily press briefing. "And I think they would echo that same sentiment." Last month, a planned visit by Pena Nieto to the White House was cancelled in the wake of a fiery spat over which nation will pay for Trump's border wall. The pair later spoke by phone after the cancellation, calling the conversation "constructive and productive". Widespread anti-Trump protests were held in 18 cities across Mexico earlier this month. Cities in the US held a "Day Without Immigrants" protests to showcase the importance of immigrants. President Donald Trump, who has vowed to stop US manufacturing from disappearing overseas, will seek job-creation advice on Thursday from at least five companies that are laying off thousands of workers as they shift production abroad. Caterpillar Inc, United Technologies Corp, Dana Inc, 3M Co and General Electric Co, are offshoring work to Mexico, China, India and other countries, according to a Reuters review of US Labor Department records. Executives from the five companies are among a group of business leaders due to meet with Trump on Thursday to discuss how to help the President deliver on his promise to increase factory employment, according to the White House. About 2,300 US workers at these five companies stand to lose their jobs within the next two years as a result of offshoring, according to the Labor Department's Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Programme, which provides retraining benefits to workers displaced by global trade. Reuters obtained the information through a Freedom of Information Act request. The companies confirmed the planned job cuts to Reuters. It is not clear whether the other 19 executives due to meet with Trump on Thursday are currently offshoring work, as the TAA programme does not cover all workers who lose their jobs due to global trade. The lost jobs amount to a small fraction of the hundreds of thousands of US workers employed by those involved in the meeting. General Electric, for example, employs 125,000 US workers, financial filings show. On the campaign trail and in the White House, Trump has painted globalisation as a zero-sum game that has enriched low-wage countries while leaving the United States littered with abandoned factories and underemployed workers, and he has threatened to tax companies that offshore US jobs. The experience of companies on Trump's task force, however, shows the reality is more complex in a world where they are serving customers across the globe. Several said they were creating many new US factory jobs even as they move work to other countries. It's not clear whether Trump will opt for the carrot or the stick. Trump plans to meet business leaders to hear their reasons for "why they're going offshore", said a White House aide who spoke on condition of anonymity. Blue-collar workers who share Trump's scepticism of global trade say they will be watching closely to see if he will try to save their jobs. "I don't think he's a typical politician, so there is hope alive for middle-class families that he will do something," said Scott Schmidt, one of 222 workers at a GE engine plant in Waukesha, Wisconsin, who are due to lose their jobs later this year when the company shifts production to Canada. General Electric CEO Jeffrey Immelt is among those due to meet with Trump on Thursday. GE says it is closing its Waukesha plant because Congress has hobbled the US Export-Import Bank's ability to finance large export orders while most other industrialised nations still offer such financial support. The company says it laid off 225 workers last year at a Houston factory for the same reason, shifting production to France, the United Kingdom and Hungary. GE says it is also closing an Ohio factory and laying off 180 workers because consumers are buying fewer of the florescent and incandescent light bulbs they make there. What production remains will be handled by a factory in Hungary. Offshoring and onshoring The US lost 6 million manufacturing jobs from 2000 to 2010, roughly one-third of its total, in part due to offshoring, but the sector has added 900,000 jobs since then, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Multinational companies say labour costs now are only one factor they consider when deciding where to manufacture. An auto maker, for example, may decide to build a particular model in the country where sales are strongest, prompting parts suppliers to set up there as well so they can turn around orders quickly. The offshoring picture is also more complex than official statistics indicate as a shuttered factory in the United States does not always mean a new factory abroad. When auto-parts maker Dana Corp closes a factory later this year in Glasgow, Kentucky, that is operating at 20 per cent of capacity, one of its plants in Ohio will pick up the work, along with other factories in Mexico, India and China. Dana CEO James Kamsickas is among those scheduled to meet with Trump on Thursday. The company plans to hire nearly 700 US workers over the next three years as it expands factories in four US states, spokesman Jeff Cole said. That is little comfort to the 223 people in Kentucky who will lose their jobs. "It seems like all these CEOs and companies have turned their backs on the American worker," said Dana employee Tim Wells, one of those who will be laid off. Layoffs still planned The group also includes United Technologies CEO Gregory Hayes, who took heat from Trump last year for planning to move jobs from Indianapolis to Mexico. The company struck a deal with the incoming president in November to preserve roughly 700 jobs in exchange for $7 million in tax breaks. United Technologies says it still plans to lay off 786 workers at a separate Indiana plant and move production to Mexico this year. The company is also moving work from a facility in Arden Hills, Minnesota, resulting in a loss of 72 jobs. Most of that work is staying in the United States but some is moving to Poland, spokeswoman Bethany Sherman said, and some of the affected workers will be offered positions elsewhere. The company is adding more than 1,000 new jobs in the United States, Sherman said. Other participants include Caterpillar Chairman Doug Oberhelman, who oversees a company that is laying off 712 workers in the American South and Midwest and moving the work to China, Mexico, Italy, France and Germany as it weathers the largest sales slump in its history. A Caterpillar spokesman said it is simultaneously creating 1,300 new manufacturing jobs elsewhere in the United States. Also due to participate is Inge Thulin, CEO of 3M, which is eliminating 130 jobs in suburban Cincinnati and moving production to Mexico. The company says it has added more than 2,000 US manufacturing jobs over the last five years. The Budget proposed a plan to create an integrated public sector oil company. The cabinet secretariat had proposed merging the 13 government oil companies last year. These include Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Oil India, Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Petroleum, and Chennai Petroleum. Motilal Oswal Securities has come out with three structures for integrated company. A concern is that high share of oil marketing companies (OMCs) could create a monopoly after merger. Other concerns could be discontinuation of clarity on subsidies, impact of crude-price movements, and poor capital allocation. Scaling back of retail networks, higher bargaining power while sourcing crude, benefits of scale could amount to positives for merged entity. Downside: Large company will be difficult to manage, may lead to lower return ratios. Developments related to Reliance Jios freebies and the new tariffs effective April 01 2017, possibility of Vodafone Idea Cellular merger, and Bharti Airtels acquisition of Telenor India the telecom sector has been buzzing with activity since the last few months. triggers have also kept the telecom stocks buzzing. While the S&P BSE Sensex has gained around 12% from its recent low in December 2016, the S&P BSE Telecom index has rallied 24.4% since then. Editor's note: Here's an inspiring update on a cool project some friends of ours are doing in India. About a year ago, Boing Boing readers began contributing to help the Tibetan exile community in Mundgod, India build the region's first free Tibetan public library, with the support of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Shiwatso Library is now open for reading! "We have visitors checking out books from the Library and also coming to read," says Phuntsok Dorjee, who is one of the organizers, and was raised in one of the refugee settlements there. Phuntsok and his volunteer team really want Shiwatso Library to become a center for education for Tibetan refugee kids, beyond books alone. Perhaps you would would like to donate your used photo or video camera, or donate funds for Shiwatso Library to purchase digital cameras and audio and video recorders for the library patrons. Phuntsok's update for Boing Boing follows. Thank you for your support! Xeni The Tibetan Library project we shared with Boing Boing readers has been filled with books, thanks to your generosity. What began as small idea in 2010 has finally come to fruition this year, and we would be remiss if we do not acknowledge some of the people who invested time and resource into making it possible. With your support and the support of many others, this has been possible and now the community has a wonderful space that aims to foster learning, inspire self-empowerment and promote positive social change. The construction of the building was completed in November and with a substantial number of books received through our books donation drive, many who knew through your blog, we were ready to open our doors. We ended the year 2016 on a high note with the auspicious inauguration by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 22 Dec 2016 and we are officially opened to the public. It was a blessed day to have His Holiness at the library and to see his interaction with the children; it was a wonderful experience for everyone. We are delighted to share with you a few pictures. His Holiness' message will guide and inspire us to continue to work towards providing a space for exploring, experimenting and learning in the community. We share the translation of his message below: "A special feature of the human brain is the capacity to discern what is right and wrong and to take into account, the long and short-term advantages and disadvantages of things, and education is the key to opening the door to them. Therefore, it is very important for the concerned teachers and staff not to believe any matter immediately but to draw conclusions only after scrutinizing them thoroughly." Dalai Lama, a Buddhist Monk 22/12/2016 Since our inauguration, we have had many visitors, young and old curious and excited, drawn by their love for books and a yearning for a quiet space. For us, it is a beginning of our work to cater to the inquisitive minds of the young children and help them in their growth as an individual. We have come to realize that when access is assured, we offer the opportunity for the people and a community to flourish. We understand the profound change in the way libraries have started to mould themselves into something that is bigger and better for the people in the community they are in. The libraries are now not just a collection of books but much more that people can come for, so our next project is to evolve ourselves into a centre for learning. We are starting to build our calendar for the year consisting of activities ranging from arts and crafts, book talks, yoga & meditation, photography, music and movie nights. A library expert who is also a dear friend advised us to hold off buying new books for the moment, so we have decided to focus on the children's corner. We have de-activated our books wish list for now and have added other materials required to organize the activities we have planned for the coming months. Our Amazon India wishlist is here. We are also collecting used cameras which the children can use as part of their photography sessions. These can be either point & shoot or the DSLR versions. If you wish to donate, we request you to please contact us at shiwatsolibrary@gmail.com and we will organize a delivery address which is convenient for you. Our program to include activities based on Tibetan language, culture and music will require products that are not available in Amazon, if we would really appreciate if you could please make a donation towards that. Here is how you can make tax deductible donations from the United States. We really appreciate your help and support and wish you all the best. Previously on Boing Boing: How you can help India's first free public library for the Tibetan exile community [09/2016] Help fill the first free public library for India's Tibetan exile community with books [01/2016] Afghan ambassador to Islamabad Omar Zakhilwal has demanded authorities to reopen the Torkham border, which was shut down by Pakistan following the Sehwan attack. Zakhilwal said the closure is causing 'hardships' for people on both sides, reports The Express Tribune. "As part of the quick de-escalation of the prevailing tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as agreed in our talks with the relevant Pak authorities a couple of days ago, Torkham, Spin Boldak and other crossing points should have reopened by now but unfortunately still remain shut," the envoy said in a statement on Thursday. "In fact, formal trade and transit crossing points between our two countries, under no circumstances, should have been closed in the first place, both as per Afghanistan-Pakistan Trade and Transit Agreement (APTTA) and also Afghanistan's land-locked country transit right as per international rules," he said. Zakhilwal expressed hope that the Pakistan military would open the border "without causing further hardships". Post the suicide attack on the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan, which killed over 80 people, security forces closed the Pak-Afghan border for all sorts of communication indefinitely. Pakistan Army also moved heavy artillery towards the border in Chaman and Torkham districts. It has also accused Afghanistan of harbouring the militants who have carried out the most recent attacks in the country. The army claimed that nearly a dozen training camps and hideouts of the terrorist groups were destroyed and over a dozen terrorists - including a top trainer of suicide bombers - were also killed in two days of artillery shelling by Pakistan Army on the border. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a scathing attack at Samajwadi Party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday alleged that the Uttar Pradesh government has done nothing but only involved in advertisement. "Akhilesh Yadav government has only done advertisement and did not do any development work in the state", BJP U.P. state unit Chief Keshav Prasad Maurya told media after casting his vote here. Expressing his confidence over making victory in the UP assembly elections, he said, "In 2017 assembly elections, our party will surely achieve more than 300 seats. Farmers, youth and poor people are the reason of success." As voting for the fourth phase of the UP elections is underway, Keshav Prasad Maurya casts his vote today in Allahabad. As the polling for the fourth phase of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections began today, 10.23 percent voter turnout was recorded till 9 a.m. With Banda recording a voting of 12.2 percent, Rae Bareli saw a percent of 9.5 voting while Fatehpur and Jalaun recording a percent of 9.8 and 8.66 respectively. In this phase, over 12 districts spread over 53 constituencies, are going for polling including Bundelkhand, and the Congress-dominant Rae Bareli region. Other districts going to polls in this phase are Pratapgarh, Kaushambi, Allahabad, Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Banda, Hamirpur, Chitrakoot and Fatehpur. More than 680 candidates will be contesting the elections, and around 1.84 crore people are expected to vote in this phase. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Following BJP's success in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took it to twitter to express the party's desire of improving governance in Maharashtra. "BJP is unwavering in the resolve to serve Maharashtra with unparalleled diligence, transparency and taking the state to even greater heights," he tweeted. He also congratulated Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for achieving success in the recently concluded polls along-with other workers of the party. "I congratulate the entire team of BJP Maharashtra, CM Devendra Fadnavis and Raosaheb Patil Danve for working tirelessly among the people. Through hardwork, determination and work on the ground, BJP is now a strong force both in urban & rural Maharashtra. Congrats to Karyakartas," tweeted Prime Minister Modi. The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude towards people of Maharashtra for reinforcing their faith in BJP. Earlier today, the BJP had won 82 seats out of a total of 227 in BMC polls, whereas the Shiv Sena had emerged victorious after securing 84 seats. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Following his resignation from chairmanship of the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee, party leader Sanjay Nirupam slammed senior party leaders for indulging in 'anti-party' campaigns. "It is because of some senior party leaders who commented on working of the party and me during the campaign, those who think that they are bigger than the party itself, their internal feuds and anti-party campaigns that such a result has come," said Nirupam. Expressing loyalist sentiments towards the party, he further said that he will continue working for the Congress. "I have taken full responsibility as the chairman and I have offered my resignation. I am loyal to the party and I will continue working for it," said he. Nirupam had offered resignation following a harsh defeat for the Congress in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls in Maharashtra. The Congress managed to secure only 31 seats out of a total of 227, while the Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 84 and 80 seats respectively. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hitting back at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah over his 'Kasab' remark, Congress on Thursday said only a failed leader can use such derogatory language. "Only a failed leader can use such derogatory and cheap language," Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said. Criticising BJP president, Surjewala further said using abusive language and fake phrases is habit of Amit Shah. Condemning Shah's statement, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi on Wednesday said it was violation of the model code of conduct, adding that BJP president's statement shows the communal mindset of the saffron party. "We need to end acronyms. Through Amit Shah's statement BJP's repulsive thinking is brought out. It shows party's communal mindset which is reprehensible It was a clear violation of the model code of conduct. It was a violation of rule and law," Singhvi said. Amit Shah drew flak from the Opposition for devising 'KASAB' as an acronym for describing Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). "In the last fifteen years, the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) governments have ruined Uttar Pradesh. The two were enough for destruction, however, a third one has also arrived. The population of UP must get rid of this KASAB, and by this I mean - 'Ka' for Congress, 'S' for SP and 'B' for...," Shah said while addressing a rally in Chauri Chaura. While he didn't clearly mention the BSP, there was no denial from his side when the audience shouted 'BSP'. At least eight people have been killed and several others injured after a powerful explosion rocked an under-construction building in Lahore's busy Defence Y block area. "It was a bomb attack," the Dawn quoted Nayab Haider, a spokesman for the provincial Punjab government, as saying. Punjab government authorities initially had claimed it to be generator blast. Meanwhile, another blast has been reported near the Gulberg area. The nature of the second blast is not known. The first blast took place in a busy locality with many commercial offices and eateries. Law enforcement personnel have cordoned off the market and a search operation is underway. Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said that there was no reason to target the building as he was informed that the plaza was not inaugurated yet. The two blasts comes after a recent wave of terror attacks in Pakistan had claimed more than 100 lives. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a first, Indian actress Huma Qureshi, who is currently stationed in London for the promotions of her international venture, 'Viceroy's House,' visited the London based headquarters of Facebook. The 'Jolly LLB 2' star was at the Facebook headquarter, amidst extensive promotions of Gurinder Chadha's 'Viceroy's House' in London. On her arrival at the office, the 30-year-old went on an office tour by the team and followed by a live chat, reports Bollywood Hungama. "I am glad that I'm the first Indian actor to visit the Facebook headquarters in London. To be invited there is an honour and I feel privileged. I feel so blessed and loved to be able to get so much love from people," Huma said to a source. After garnering much appreciation from her recent release, 'Jolly LLB 2', Huma is currently having a gala time in London. 'Viceroy's House' also stars Hugh Bonneville, Gillian Anderson, Manish Dayal, Michael Gambon and is scheduled to release on March 3 in London. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Inaugurating the second Global Leadership Research Conference (GLRC-2017) on the theme 'Innovation, Sustainability and Change Elaborating on the theme of the workshop, Dr. Mathew stated that no research is useless and it all depends upon how it is being applied. He remarked that innovation brings about change and the end product of the change has to be sustainable. "The sustainability of any innovation needs to have a benchmark and that benchmark should be that an innovation should always make the society of today better for tomorrow," he opined. He remarked that innovation is just not about science, but it could be virtually in any field of life such as social innovation, scientific innovation, economic innovation and others. "In life there are no limits or boundaries, there are just self-imposed restrictions that hold back an individual. Impossible is most often not tried and the seemingly impossible things bear the best fruits in life," averred Dr. Mathew. Motivating the students, he stressed that only change is constant in the world and called upon them to think out of the box and become change agents in the society. This conference aims to provide broad coverage and dissemination of foundation research and to bring together researchers from academia, industry and practitioners to share ideas, problems and solutions relating to the multifaceted aspect of "Innovation, Sustainability and Change: Emerging Challenges and Solutions". Welcoming the distinguished gathering, Dr. Sanjeev Bansal- Director, Amity Business School and Dean, Faculty of Management Studies shared that during the two day Conference, over 248 Research Papers will be presented in five domains - Finance, HR, Entrepreneurship, IT and Travel and Tourism. He stressed that research needs no basic qualification and the two requisites for pursuing research are curiosity and passion. He remarked that change is inevitable and continuous and it is only through innovation in systems, processes, production and management that long term sustainability could be achieved. Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kaushik, Honorary Director, ICSSR - NWRC, Panjab University appreciated the relevantly themed Conference and stated that Innovation, Change and Sustainability are inter- related and one is not possible without other. He stated that employees lack enthusiasm and encouragement from within and outside in the organization to innovate and remarked that companies need to change with time and build a culture of Innovation otherwise they would have to languish in anonymity. He shared that India has climbed 15 spots, from 81 to 66 in the Global Innovation Index (GII) in 2016 but countries like Japan, Germany, China, South Korea and even Syria are ahead of us because they spend more percentage of their GDP on research and Innovation. Giving solution, he opined that educational Institutions need to collaborate with Government and Industry to motivate the youth of the country to pick up career in research. Rajesh Yadav, Additional District Magistrate (Finance and Revenue), Ghaziabad, outlined the innovative ways through which various ponds, which were encroached upon by builders and farmers during last 30 years in Gautam Buddh Nagar were revived by District Administration. He called upon the students to use their research for the betterment of human beings and society. Rahul Chakravarty- Director, FICCI stressed that Innovation is a special instrument of entrepreneurship with a capacity to create wealth. He opined that "Innovate in India" should go along with "Make in India" and to facilitate the same Government needs to create specific innovation infrastructure, promote a culture of entrepreneurship in the country and holistically strengthen the education system in the country with more vocational centres aiming at skill development in the youth. He averred that India is at the threshold of startup boom and is the third fastest growing start up ecosystem in the world and with its abundant talent and resources; India is bound to become next Google. Capt. Pavan Kumar Kaul, Director, Container Corporation India Ltd., stressed that youth are the leaders of tomorrow and will herald the much needed innovation, aiming at rapid and inclusive development. He stressed that innovation is needed in the area of food security and to enhance the output of resources and achieve the productivity of scale without hurting the environment. Need of the hour is change in thought and action and encouraged students to go out, empowering others to innovate and spearhead the growth of Indian economy. Also present during the inauguration were Mr. Indranil Roy- eminent Journalist and Dr. B Shukla- Vice Chancellor, Amity University. During the inauguration, International Journal of Control Theory and Application, International Journal of Applied Business & Economic Research and an Abstract Book of the Conference were released by the distinguished luminaries. During the day, over 85 research papers were presented in the domain of "Entrepreneurship and General Management", "Marketing and Retail", "Human Resource", "Finance" and "Computer Science and Information Technology". Ms. Priya R Desai- Management Scholar, L.N Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Mumbai while presenting her paper on "The Next Financial Crisis- Made in China", highlighted that China has been flaunting growth rate many nations would envy, despite of the debt crisis of Europe and the Credit Crisis of the US. China has been aggressively pushing to achieve its growth targets by over borrowing both internally and externally as a result; it has accumulated too much debt in a short time and is facing a financial crisis like situation. She shared that China has estimated 281% debt to its GDP with a total of 28 Trillion dollars of debt, leading to problem of deflation and falling stock prices. Adding to the grim situation is aged population of China and shrinking of world trade. She suggested initiating organic growth driven by consumption and not artificially spiked investments in order to reduce overall debt of China. The research papers presented during the day included "Significance of Creativity and Innovation for the development of Entrepreneurship" by Dr. Sandeep Kumar Institute of Science and Management, Ranchi, "Roles of Entrepreneurs in Economic Growth and Development in India" by Dr. Falguni Satsangi DEI, Agra, "Crowd funding: An Answer to Entrepreneurial Dilemma for Capital" by Mr. Amandeep Dhaliwal and Dr. Arunaditya Sahay Birla Institute of Technology Management, G. Noida, "Transforming Adversities into an Opportunity - An Entrepreneurial SME Sector Case Study of Psychotropic India Ltd." by Prof. Amit Seth, Manav Rachna University, Faridabad and others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and Uganda, in a joint statement on Friday, condemned terrorism in all its forms and stressed on the importance of international efforts to prevent and fight the menace. Vice President Hamid Ansari met and held bilateral discussions with President of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Museveni. "Vice President Ansari and President Museveni unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed that there can be no justification for any act of terrorism, irrespective of motivations, wherever and by whosoever committed. In this context, both sides underlined their shared concerns on the menace of terrorism and stressed the importance of international efforts to prevent and fight terrorism. The two leaders agreed that resolute and credible steps must be taken to eliminate safe havens and sanctuaries that provide shelter to terrorists and their activities," statement said. During the discussions, Vice President Ansari and President Museveni acknowledged the long-standing excellent historical relations that exist between Uganda and India. Both sides acknowledged the huge potential in India-Uganda bilateral relations and re-affirmed the mutual desire to strengthen economic, diplomatic, military, technical, educational, scientific and cultural cooperation between India and Uganda. In this regard, it was acknowledged that there were an estimated over 26000 persons of Indian origin in Uganda, who contribute immensely towards Uganda's economy. The two sides agreed to encourage collaboration between India and Uganda in the area of ICT development. Uganda expressed its desire to replicate some of India's schemes for Digital Inclusion while implementing its Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) project and thanked India for deputing an ICT Expert in the Office of the Minister for ICT. India agreed to share its experience and expertise in this regard. The Vice President addressed a business event, jointly organised by the Private Sector Foundation of Uganda and Federation of India Chambers of Commerce and Industry. VP Ansari visited the Source of the Nile in Jinja and paid floral tribute at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi. VP also interacted with the Indian Community in Uganda. This is India's first bilateral visit to Uganda, since 1997 and seeks to further engage India with Africa. Vice President Ansari paid three day official visit to Uganda, with a delegation comprising Minister of State, Vijay Sampla, four Members of Parliament, other Senior Government Officials and a business delegation. Vice President Ansari and Speaker Kadaga reiterated the need for closer cooperation of the Parliaments of the two countries specially in the domain of capacity building and Parliamentary exchanges. Speaker Kadaga requested for India's assistance for training of Uganda's diplomats. VP Ansari expressed India's readiness to support Uganda in this regard. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amin M. Mawji, OBE, Diplomatic Representative, Aga Khan Development hailed the growing partnership between India and Uganda, saying the relationship is building the foundation for future economic progress. Mawji said the association between the two countries has been a durable one and was not shaken by any sort of upheaval. "It has been a very durable relationship. It has been a very profitable relationship for both the communities. It is a relationship which is a foundation for future economic progress," Mawji told ANI in an exclusive conversation. Asserting that Uganda is a wonderful place to start a manufacturing industry, Mawji said there is huge pool of labour here, comprising young and talented people. "There is a huge pool of labour, young, talented and bright people coming up who provide a large market on the one hand, a pool of resources, on the other hand, for all kinds of economic activities. The opportunity here is tremendous," he said. Commenting on the trade imbalance, Mawji said Uganda has much to offer to India and so now the opportunity is to make sure that there is enough value addition within Uganda to serve the market in India. "There is an opportunity now to make sure that the resources of Uganda are used to generate products and services for other parts of the . India is a huge market, over a billion people. Uganda has much to offer, but not just to India, but to Asia and across other parts of Africa too. Mawji reiterated that India-Uganda relationship is a fruitful one and both the countries have a lot to offer each other. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will leave tomorrow for London on a five-day official visit. During his visit, he is expected to hold a business interaction with UK-India Business Council, meet his UK counterpart and the Chancellor of Exchequer Phillip Hammond, deliver a talk at the London School of Economics on 'Transforming India: Vision for the Next Decade" among others. The visit will last till 28th February. On February 26, the Finance Minister will attend a reception being organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), British Council and Indian High Commission at UK. On February 27, he will perform the market opening ceremony at London Stock Exchange followed by a roundtable meeting with prospective issuers and leading investors and fintech leaders among others. Later in the day, he will have a business interaction with over 100 senior business leaders from the UK-India Business Council (UKIBC) and will also call on British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. The Finance Minister will also attend a reception being hosted by Her Majesty, the Queen at Buckingham Palace in the evening on that day. On Tuesday, Jaitley will also meet with his UK counterpart and the Chancellor of Exchequer. Thereafter, he will meet with CEOs at a meeting being organized by the Confederation of British Industry before leaving for home the same evening. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ISE 2017, the largest audio-visual and systems integration show, was held recently in Netherlands. Casio, a major player in the industry, showcased its new projectors made with the latest technologies. At the event, the 4K integrated projectors remained the showstopper. Danyang Oram, Casio Assistant Planning Manager of Projector Division UK, "4K is a resolution that is four times of full HD resolution which gives you a much better image than a full HD, and be able to present a more detailed videos also crispier images on the edge. And also if you look at the presentation in the still images that are not moving, then a full HD projector comparing to a 4K is much different." These projectors are more environmentally friendly compared to conventional mercury lamp projectors. A Netherlands teacher said, "I am now very interested in projectors that will work with LED lights so we will substantially reduce our energy consumption. Then we won't be needing mercury for the bulbs we are now using any longer. And I hope therefore, that we, with that, can take another step to become indeed the greenest school in the Netherlands." The high-resolution and environmental friendly projectors can make the users' life more exciting and convenient. Sadatoshi Nakamura, General Manager of Projector Development, Casio, said, "We have succeeded in creating projectors using a new light source, the semiconductor light source. Particularly, we developed the hybrid semiconductor light source from a LED laser. By doing so, we have made this table-top style projector with this kind of light. This one is using interactive software, therefore it is operable by touching the 'table-top' screen. When you touch the screen, you can enlarge and reduce sizes, flip pages, or switch displays. With products like this, we are considering how it will be used by the consumers and how we can help them." In Japan, many infrastructures like the bridges are getting old. NEC has been conducting experiments to enhance the efficiency of the maintenance of bridges in the country. Akihiko Iketani, Senior Manager, Central Research Laboratories, NEC Corporation, "In Japan, we have a serious aging problem with the social infrastructures. The majority of the infrastructure is turning 50 years old which is the end of their lifecycle. Because of that, we are spending $10billion per year to maintain those aging infrastructures." NEC's maintenance staff has been examining old bridges to make repairs by using efficient system. Iketani added, "The key idea is 'Preventive Maintenance'. Instead of applying a heavy, large scale of repair, we apply small repair at the early stages. Think about curing a cancer. The earlier you detect the cancer cells, the higher the survival rate and the lower the medical fee." The engineering staff identifies the damage and diagnoses it with adequate technique. The process of repairing the road is to install sensors on it to measure the vibrations of the cars passing through above at all times. The movement of the concrete structure will be displayed via visual data. While the road appears to be a neat waveform when it is normal, when deterioration progresses, it becomes irregular and the shape changes randomly. NEC is targeting to implement this by 2018. Iketani said, "Any country can have this kind of same aging infrastructure problems. We believe that technologies and solutions that we have proved in Japan can be applied to other countries as well. NEC has the . NEC has the solution. We are ready to solve that problem." In Tokyo, where the residents consume 70 per cent of the electricity in all of Japan, efforts are being made to create a society that uses hydrogen, the next generation's energy with no CO2 or exhaust gas emissions. To electrolysis water, hydrogen will be generated from the negative pole and oxygen will be generated from the positive pole. When hydrogen enters the fuel cell, one side of the electrode splits into hydrogen atom and electric. The hydrogen atom goes through the electrolyte. Electronics develop into electricity and move to the next electrode. After mixing with the oxygen in the air, it comes out as water. Fuel cell can be charged with hydrogen and it can move automobiles. During calamities, using the electricity from the hydrogen fuel cell, people at hospitals or shelters can evacuate. Kiyofume Tobe of the Tokyo Environmental Public Service Corporation said, "In order to prevent global warming, a low carbon society must be achieved. It is very effective considering realizing a hydrogen energy society as a trump card of the low carbon society." Hydrogen will be spread out into the world and be connected to effectively maintain the environment. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress party spokesman Randeep Surjewala on Thursday said the grand old party has lost an important person post Sanjay Nirupam's decision to resign as president of the Mumbai unit. "On talking about the Mumbai Congress president Sanjay Nirupam's resignation, the party has lost someone important and only after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) results, the fate of the party will be decided," said Surjewala. "During this BMC election, money has been lavishly spent. This phase is a testing time for the Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who promise many things but don't abide on any," added Surjewala. The BJP and the Shiv Sena today secured substantial wins in the BMC election. In all ten municipal corporations and 25 zila parishads went to polls in Maharashtra. Parties that faced crushing defeats included the Congress, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Of the 227 seats up for grabs in Mumbai, the Shiv Sena has won 84 seats, the BJP 82, the Congress 31, the NCP nine and the MNS seven. Other candidates have won 13 seats. In Pune, the BJP has won 74 of the 162 seats, the NCP 34, the Shiv Sena eight, the MNS five and the Congress two. In Thane, the Shiv Sena won 42 of the 131 seats, the NCP 16, the BJP 14, while the MNS and the Congress won four and one seat respectively. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Pakistani Army claimed on Thursday that it has averted a major terrorist incident which could have targeted university students in Balochistan. Military's media wing, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement that under the Radd-ul-Fassad operation the joint forces recovered 23 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Loralai, Balochistan that were reportedly transported for targeting Loralai University buses carrying students " As part of ongoing countrywide Op Radd-ul-Fassad, FC and int agencies conducted a joint targeted op in Killi Shah Karaiz near Loralai. Balochistan on 22 Feb 17 against TTP/JuA network led by Wahab Zakhbail. 23 x IEDs were recovered during the op. Reportedly, the IEDs were transported to the area by TTP elms to target LEA vehs and Loralai University buses carrying students. Timely action of LEAs averted a maj terrorist incident," said the ISPR in a statement. The Pakistan Army announced the launch of a nationwide anti-terrorist operation on Wednesday, days after a series of bloody terrorist assaults killed dozens of people across the country. According to ISPR Director General Asif Ghafoor, the operation aims at indiscriminately eliminating residual and latent threat of terrorism, consolidating gains of operations made thus far and further ensuring security of the borders. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan and Turkey on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to continue to transform their special relationship into a strong strategic partnership. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who co-chaired the 5th meeting of the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council with and his Turkish counterpart Binali Yildirim in Ankara today said that the two sides agreed to forge cooperation in diverse fields including political, economic, defence, investment, energy, development, security, communication, education, culture and tourism. According to Radio Pakistan, while speaking at a joint conference, Sharif hoped that the Turkish private sector would take benefit of vast opportunities in Pakistan. He said as Pakistan and Turkey celebrate 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year, they would further intensify and enrich their people to people exchanges. Prime Minister Sharif said he also apprised his Turkish counterpart of the security environment in the region and Pakistan's endeavours for peace, stability and economic development. He said he also conveyed Pakistan's deep gratitude to Turkey for its consistent support on Kashmir dispute. Pakistan side reaffirmed its abiding support for Turkish position on Cyprus. Sharif said Pakistan remains committed to pursuing cooperative ties with India and Afghanistan as part of its vision of peaceful neighbourhood. He said Pakistan and Turkey have shared concern over attempts to link Islam and terrorism and resolved to intensified their joint endeavours to combat growing Islamophobia. The Prime Minister emphasized that Turkey's enemies are Pakistan's enemies. On Thursday, the Prime Minister also visited Turkish Parliament. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will visit India in April. The schedule of the visit was disclosed after visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar called on the Prime Minister at her parliament office this evening, reports The Daily Star. After the nearly 30-minute meeting PM's Deputy Press Secretary Nazrul Islam briefed reporters about the visit saying the reciprocal visit of Hasina would take place in the first half of April. During the meeting, Jaishankar said that he visit would mainly focus on mutual interests and development initiative side by side with connectivity. Pointing out mutual solution of various problems between the two neighbours, including Land Boundary and enclave problems, Hasina said: "We could solve any problem through discussion if we have good intention." She also put emphasis on increasing connectivity between the countries of this region as well as strengthening cooperation in other sectors for welfare of the people of the region. When the Indian Foreign Secretary raised the issue of SAARC which now remains stalled, the premier said: "We should not let it die down." The visiting secretary said his country would take more development projects in Bangladesh as per its (Bangladesh) need. Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka today on a two-day tour. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The security has been beefed up in Ambala on Thursday in wake of Indian Lok Dal's (INLD) call to dig Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal near Shambhu barrier. Meanwhile, the Punjab police cordoned off area near Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal in Patiala's Kapuri village near the Punjab-Haryana border. Activists of INLD will today begin their march from Ambala and enter Punjab to dig the SYL canal. The Supreme Court yesterday asked the government of Punjab and Haryana to maintain law and order in the respective state. The apex court had also refused the Punjab government's plea seeking to postpone the SYL Canal issue after March 11 and deferred the matter for further hearing till March 2. "We have already passed the decree and also ordered to maintain a status quo in the matter," the apex court observed. On January 17, the apex court had asked both the Haryana and Punjab Governments to file their respective replies on the issue within three weeks. The apex court had in November last year, termed the law passed by the Punjab government in 2004 to terminate the SYL canal water sharing agreement with neighbouring states as 'unconstitutional'. Holding that the Punjab Termination of Agreement Act, 2004 was not being in conformity with the provisions of the Constitution, the top court answered in the negative to all the four questions referred to it in a presidential reference. A constitution bench of the court ruled that Punjab could not and should not have taken a 'unilateral' decision to terminate the agreement with Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh to share of the Ravi-Beas river waters. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to hear the plea filed by the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) seeking inclusion of the Urdu language in the Entrance cum Eligibility Test (NEET). "Urdu should be added as a language or as a medium in the NEET," SIO lawyer Ravindra S. Garia told ANI. As per the official notification, the NEET will be held in 10 languages - Hindi, English, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Oriya and Kannada. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thousands of Trinamool Congress(TMC) supporters took part in a rally here against the ruling Left Front (LF) essentially over a demand of investigation for a CBI investigation of the chit fund issue. The TMCsaid, only a CBI inquiry of can unearth involvement of Chief Minister Manik Sarkar who they claimed had been promoting non-banking financial institutes, popularly known as chit funds and duping lakhs of depositors in the state. TMC youth leader Sushanta Choudhury said, "Some 142 chit funds were active in Tripura, and the chief minister of the state along with various ministers, ruling CPIM party, MLAs and leaders took part in various programmes organised by different chit funds and acted as their brand ambassadors." "This had encouraged people to deposit money which brought credibility for these chit funds and had duped around fourteen lack depositors of the state with a total amount of Rs 1172 crores," Choudhury added. Local TMC MLAs and leaders along with West Bengal MOS Panchayat and Rural Development Shyamal Santra, and MLA Sukanta Mahato took part in the protest rally that was stopped by a huge contingent of police and deployed by paramilitary force. Other demands of the TMC were the rising crime against women, unemployment, state government employees deprived from the seventh pay commission and few more. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) It seems like the political turmoil in Tamil Nadu is not going to end so soon as Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) working president M.K. Stalin will today leave for Delhi to meet President Pranab Mukherjee. "We have informed Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao about the Tamil Assembly ruckus and today, we are going to meet and explain the situation to President Pranab Mukherjee in Delhi," Stalin told media here. Stalin yesterday staged hunger strike with his party workers against state Chief Minister Edapaddi K. Palanisamy's trust vote. "Hunger protest, which we are undertaking today, is not for us but against 'benami' rule established in Tamil Nadu," he told media. Stalin, who led the state-wide strike, had earlier announced that his party will launch the strike in wake of ruckus that took place in Tamil Nadu Assembly during the floor test on February 18. In another development, the Madras High Court yesterday adjourned DMK's plea seeking to declare Palanisamy's trust vote null and void and also sought video evidence of the proceedings in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Earlier, the DMK moved a no-confidence motion against the Assembly Speaker, with Stalin accusing the Speaker of deliberately harping on his community to malign the part. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) U.S. President Donald Trump has termed Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's visit to Mexico as 'tough'. "The trip would be difficult because we have to be treated fairly by Mexico," CNN quoted Trump, while speaking to manufacturers at the White House. The comments came as Tillerson and Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly are in Mexico to sort out differences between the two countries. Their visit to Mexico City also comes months after the immigration measures undertaken under the Trump administration that had dramatic implications for the country. Kelly and Tillerson are meeting with President Enrique Pena Nieto, Mexican Cabinet ministers and military officials. Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray, reportedly, said that he wanted to "make it clear, in the most emphatic way, that the Mexican government and the people of Mexico do not have to accept measures unilaterally imposed on a government by another government." Relations between the U.S. and Mexico soured after Trump signed two executive orders for the construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, which he insisted Mexico would pay for. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag on Thursday called on the newly installed U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to extradite cleric Fetullah Gulen, whom Ankara blames for the last year's failed coup attempt. Bozdag said returning Pennsylvania-based Gulen, has lived in the U.S. since 1999, to Turkey would "contribute greatly to developing bilateral relations between the two countries," reports Anadolu news agency. In a letter to Sessions, Bozdag said: "I sincerely believe that you will deservedly fulfil this duty with your deep professional experience and distinguished career in law and that friendly relations between our countries will continue during your term." "According to bilateral agreements between us, finalizing the process of provisional arrest and extradition quickly and positively is important. Therefore, I would like to state that our sincere cooperation against all kinds of terror threat to our countries will improve our current bilateral relations," added the letter. In addition to the attempted coup, Turkey also accuses Gulen of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Cressida Dick is all set to become the first female head of the Metropolitan police, completing a remarkable career comeback by vowing to reform Britain's largest police force. According to the Guardian, the former senior Scotland Yard officer - who had quit policing to take up a job in the foreign office - won the support of the home secretary, Amber Rudd, and the London mayor, Sadiq Khan, to take on the running of a police force that dates back to 1829. Dick, 56, stood outside New Scotland Yard to say it was "an extraordinary privilege" and that she was "very humbled" to be chosen for the post, which pays 2,70,000 euros a year. Her ascent to the top job is all the more remarkable because her career in policing had seemed over. She will replace Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, with whom there had been tensions which led to her moving from the role she loved as the Met's head of counter-terrorism and departing from the force. Dick also becomes first commissioner of the Met in the modern era to get the job despite never having led a police force previously. She had applied and failed to get the top job with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, eventually landing a role as a director general in the Foreign Office. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Minister of State for External Affairs M. J. Akbar will pay an official visit to Tunisia from February 26 to 28. During his visit, Akbar will hold meetings with several leaders including, Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi, Foreign Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui, Minister of Energy, Mining and Renewable Energy, Hela Cheikhrouhou and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Sabri Bachtobji. He will also interact with the business community to be organised by the apex chamber of commerce and industry, UTICA to identify potential areas of trade and investment. He will also deliver a keynote address on India's foreign policy to be organised by the Tunisian Institute of Strategic Studies. During the visit, the minister will discuss a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues of shared common interest including the strengthening cooperate in the fertilizer sector; India has very cordial bilateral relations with Tunisia. The economic cooperation between the two countries is deepening with Indian investments in the fertilizer sector. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As the voting for the fourth phase of Uttar Pradesh assembly election began on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to the people of the politically crucial state to cast their vote. "Today is the fourth phase of Uttar Pradesh elections. I request the voters to use their voting rights and make the festival of democracy a success," Prime Minister Modi tweeted. Voting for the UP polls began in 53 constituencies spread over 12 districts including the Bundelkhand region and Raebareli. Other districts going to polls in this phase are Allahabad, Chitrakoot, Banda, Fatehpur, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Jhansi, Kaushambi, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Pratapgarh. Voting, which started at 7 a.m.,and will end at 5 p.m. Elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure free and fair polling. Inter district and inter-state borders have been sealed. Patrolling by security forces has been intensified in poll bound areas. Most of the polling centers are manned by Central Para Military Forces. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contesting 48 seats out of 53. It has left 6 seats for its ally Apana Dal. Bahujana Samaj Party (BSP) has fielded its nominees in all segments, while Samajawadi Party (SP) is contesting 30 seats and its ally Congress 25. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Honorary Consul Consulate of the republic of Uganda Madhusudan Agrawal on Wednesday hailed the visit of Vice President Hamid Ansari to the African nation, saying his visit would pave way for more business opportunities for the Indian community. "This is very good and will open a lot of opportunity for the Indian business community. It is going to pave way for a lot of business opportunities here," Consul Agrawal told ANI in an exclusive interview. Talking about the cooperation between India and Uganda in pharmaceutical sector, Consul Agrawal, who is also a vice-chairman of Ajanta Pharma Limited, said the pharmaceutical sector is majorly controlled by the Indian companies in Uganda. "The Pharmaceutical sector in Uganda is controlled by Indian companies because we produce quality products. All the top India Pharma companies are present here, including my company Ajanta Pharma Limited. They need products for treating tuberculosis, malaria which are rampant here and the third is the anti-retroviral, which is an anti AIDS-product," he added. Asserting that Ajanta Pharma Limited has leadership in almost 30 countries in Africa in malaria, tuberculosis and anti-retroviral products, Agrawal further said all the medicines supplied in Uganda are funded by global funds as poor people cannot afford to buy even the medicines which are supplied by the Indian companies. "Global fund is funding particularly malaria, tuberculosis and anti-retroviral products which are being supplied by the Indian companies," he added. Commenting on the contribution of the Indian companies to the economy of Uganda, Consul Agrawal said that government is getting 65 percent of the income tax revenue from the Indian community here. "The Indian community is practically controlling the economy here, not only in Uganda but many countries in Africa like Kenya, Rwanda," he commented. Highlighting the trade imbalance in Uganda, Agrawal said that a lot of things have to be imported from India. "If you see the trade imbalance, everything is imported here. I am promoting steel manufacturing. I am promoting dairy products to be processed. We are promoting hydroelectric power station here. Education is another biggest opportunity here. More than 10,000 students from Uganda are studying in India. There is huge potential for the raw material here," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Moderate voting of 10.23 per cent is reported in the first two hours from most places across the 53 assembly seats in the fourth phase of polls in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday, a poll official said. People were seen outside most polling stations, including Pratapgarh, Rampur Khas, Allahabad, Jhansi and Lalitpur after polling began at 7 a.m. While eight per cent voting was reported in Hamirpur, Lalitpur registered nine, Allahabad (10.8), Kaushambi (10), Pratapgarh (10.4) and in Chitrakoot polling was highest at 12.4 per cent in the first two hours. Around 11 per cent voting was reported from Mahoba, nine per cent in Fatehpur and 12 in Jhansi. Some incidents of violence were also reported. While Samajwadi Party candidate Siddha Gopal Sahu's son was shot at and seriously injured in Mahoba. In Patti Vidhan Sabha area another ruling party leader tried to intimidate a Booth Level Officer. Election Commission officials said action was taken and voting was proceeding smoothly. In Bundelkhand, people boycotted polling in some villages as a result there was zero polling in those areas. The fourth phase is especially significant for the Congress, as it managed to wrest only six seats in the last assembly polls of 2012. This time it has struck an alliance with the ruling SP which is contesting 298 seats and the Congress 105. Besides, the parliamentary constituency of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, Rae Bareli, is also voting in this phase. It is for the first time since 1998 Gandhi has not campaigned in an election. Of the total seats voting on Thursday, there are 17 where both the SP and Congress have fielded their nominees. BJP state President Keshav Prasad Maurya, BJP leader Siddharthanath Singh who is contesting from Allahabad (West), Congress' Aradhana Mishra contesting from Rampur Khas cast their votes early and claimed victory for their respective parties. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in at least a dozen places developed technical snags delaying polling for more than an hour, the poll official said. There are a total of 680 candidates in the fray in this phase, of which 61 are women. The assembly constituency with maximum number of candidates is Allahabad North with 26, while the least numbers are in Khaga and Kunda, which have six candidates each. --IANS md/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three soldiers and a civilian were killed on Thursday when security forces were attacked by militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district, police said. The forcers were returning from a search operation in Kungnoo village when they were attacked. "The victims included a lieutenant colonel and the civilian, a woman, was inside her house when a bullet hit her during the firing," the police said. Seven soldiers were also injured in the attack. "Reinforcements were immediately rushed to surround the area and track the militants," the police added. -IANS sq/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The AAP on Thursday accused the BJP governments in Gujarat and Chhattisgarh of "committing atrocities" on farmers and tribals on the orders of party chief Amit Shah, and approached the NHRC over the matter. Talking to reporters here, Delhi Labour Minister Gopal Rai said on the one hand farmers in Gujarat were being beaten up by the police for demanding water for irrigation, while on the other tribals in Chhattisgarh were facing atrocities at the hands of the administration. Accompanied by representatives from Gujarat and Chhattisgarh, Rai filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday afternoon. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said that farmers in 32 villages near Sanand city (Gujarat) had no water for drinking and irrigation whereas the industries in the area were getting adequate supply of water. "On February 14, thousands of farmers set out to meet Chief Minister Vijay Rupani with their demands but they were surrounded by the police and beaten up badly. The police even entered the village and beat up women and children," Rai said. Rai alleged the police action was carried out on the directions of BJP President Amit Shah. He added that similar atrocities were being meted out to the tribals in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region on Shah's orders. "In Uttar Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government is talking about farmer welfare. At the same time, it is brutally suppressing farmers and tribals in Gujarat and Chhattisgarh," Rai said. --IANS vv-am/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Advocating debate and shunning of violence by students, the AAP on Thursday held Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh responsible for violence at Delhi University's Ramjas College here a day earlier. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Kumar Vishwas appealed to students not to indulge in violence but instead debate in a democratic way in case of divergence of views. "If anti-national slogans are raised inside campuses of universities and colleges, which churn out talented personalities, it is the failure of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister," Vishwas said. Referring to the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) incident where anti-national slogans were raised in February last year, the AAP leader said Modi should take responsibility since the real culprits have still not been identified and arrested. "Keeping the Uttar Pradesh elections in view, now the same tactics are being used in Ramjas College to vitiate the atmosphere," Vishwas said. He urged the Uttar Pradesh voters not to get swayed by divisive tactics and vote on the basis of merit of candidates. Vishwas also targeted the Delhi Police for failing to bring the situation under control and said it was shameful that it was being used as a tool by the Centre. Hundreds of students on Thursday protested outside the Delhi Police headquarters, a day after clashes between student groups left several injured at the Ramjas College. The clashes were triggered over an invitation to JNU student Umar Khalid, who was jailed last year over sedition charges, for a literary seminar titled "Cultures of Protest" at Ramjas College. The two-day event from Tuesday was cancelled after Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad activists forced the organisers to withdraw the invite to Khalid, who they called "anti-national". --IANS am-vv/tsb/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The annual conference of the African Development Bank (AfDB) will be held in India's Ahmedabad in May, an Indian official said. "We (India) are a minority shareholder in African Development Bank and every bank has its annual conference..basically it is the shareholders meeting of the bank which will be held in Ahmedabad from May 19-24," said Amar Sinha, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Indian External Affairs Ministry at a media briefing during the visit of Vice President Hamid Ansari to Rwanda, said an official statement. "Along with it we are expecting 10 or 12 Heads of State and Heads of Government also visiting and our Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) will be inaugurating it," he added. On the sidelines of the event, India is expecting number of bilateral meets with the African leaders. On the Indian focus during the event, Sinha said: "There would be our own initiative of International Solar Alliance and we will be doing a presentation on that and the Solar Alliance document would be placed there for signature." "We now have got 25 signatures which is sufficient enough to get it implemented and get into force but since there were 121 co-sponsors in November, so all the countries that have completed their formalities for signature will have an opportunity to sign that in Ahmedabad," Sinha added. The first direct flight between Indian and Rwanda is expected to start service from Kigali to Mumbai from April 3. The bilateral air access agreement between the two countries was signed during Ansari's three-day visit to the East African country beginning February 19. The Department of Economic Affairs is the nodal ministry organising the annual meeting at Ahmedabad. --IANS rs-vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actress-director Angelina Jolie is reportedly thinking of reprising her role as the vengeful fairy in Disneys "Maleficent 2". Jolie, who was able to command $20 million in addition to profit participation for 2014's "Maleficent", will reportedly return to high-profile fare in the wake of her publicised split from actor-producer Brad Pitt, first announced in September 2016. According to sources close to Jolie, she is mulling a number of acting offers, including reprising her role in "Maleficent 2" and is in active development on two large-scale Universal projects: An adaptation of Simon Sebag Montefiore's "Catherine the Great and Potemkin: The Imperial Love Affair" and World War II espionage drama "The Spy Who Loved" (based on Clare Mulley's 2013 book), reports hollywoodreporter.com. She is also reportedly prepping what may be her next directorial: An adaptation of Alessandro Baricco's 2004 novel "Without Blood". She has also signed on as a producer on Disney children's film "The One and Only Ivan". Her most recent film and directorial "First They Killed My Father" was screened in Cambodia on February 18. --IANS nn/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Australia is expected to host the Asean-Australia Special Summit in 2018, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced on Thursday. It will be the first time that Australia will host an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit of any kind. In a joint statement with New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Turnbull confirmed that Sydney has been chosen as the host city to the event, to be held in March 2018, Xinhua news agency reported. "The summit is an historic and unprecedented opportunity to strengthen Australia's strategic partnership with Asean and deliver tangible economic and security benefits to Australia," the statement said. "This summit provides an important forum to discuss how we can continue to make our region safer and more prosperous," it further said. The Australian government said it expects that the Asean-Australia Special Summit will create an enormous economic opportunity for Sydney, increasing visitor numbers to the city for the critical global forum. --IANS soni/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has accused Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu of "torpedoing" peace negotiations in the Middle East. The first Israeli PM to visit Australia, Netanyahu had earlier criticised Rudd and another former Labour Prime Minister Bob Hawke for saying that Australia should recognise a Palestinian state, the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported on Thursday. Netanyahu had dismissed the remarks by both leaders, saying: "What kind of state will it be that they are advocating? A state that calls for Israel's destruction?" Rudd took to Facebook on Wednesday to respond to Netanyahu, and said the Israeli leader sabotaged US peace talks "by changing the goalposts" often at "five minutes to midnight". "The boundaries, internal security, external security, public finance and governance of a Palestinian state have been elaborated in detail in multiple negotiations with the US under the Clinton, Bush and Obama administrations, most recently in the Kerry Plan. Netanyahu knows these formulations like the back of his hand," Rudd said. Rudd said he was a life-long supporter of Israel and had publicly campaigned against anti-Semitism. But he added that "to support the state of Israel does not mandate automatic support for each and every policy of Netanyahu". The Israeli leader is in the middle of a four-day visit to Australia, with current Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull as his host. Turnbull called Israel a "miraculous nation" in a warm meeting with Netanyahu on Wednesday. The Israeli leader thanked Australia for defending his nation against UN resolutions. Meanwhile, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop on Thursday rejected the suggestion that Australia follow over 130 countries that recognise Palestinian statehood, instead she urged direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians in order to reach a two-state solution with "internationally recognised boundaries", the Sydney Morning Herald said. --IANS soni/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) will not be able to attend the reception of UK-India Year of Culture, a "rare invitation" of which was sent to the megastar by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh. Amitabh was invited by the royals for a special reception to launch the UK-India Year of Culture later this month. His publicist said in a statement: "Yes, Mr Bachchan has been given a rare invitation by Queen Elizabeth and Buckingham Palace to grace the UK-India Year Of Culture reception, but unfortunately due to prior commitments, he will be unable to attend." Currently, the actor is gearing up for the launch of "Sarkar 3" trailer, scheduled for the first week of March. His upcoming projects include Ayan Mukerji's tentatively titled "Dragon", Kabir Khan's production, "Thugs Of Hindostan" and "Aankhen 2". The Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena on Thursday finished neck-to-neck and were engaged in a tussle on Thursday to control India's richest and biggest civic body, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation. While the Shiv Sena emerged on the top with 84 seats, the BJP was a close second at 82, and claiming the support of at least four independents, announced it would stake claim to the key post of Mayor. Any party or combine requires 114 corporators for a simple majority in the 227-member BMC house. "The BJP core committee will meet and take a decision. We shall respect the verdict of the people," Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Thursday evening. He thanked the electorate, saying they have "reposed complete in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies of development for all". While Shiv Sena activists started early celebrations as it appeared set to retain control of the BMC, but by late evening, the BJP surpassed all expectations and became an equal contender for the post of mayor. BJP Mumbai President Ashish Shelar said the party was in a position to claim the mayor's post. But Sena President Uddhav Thackeray did not agree and said that "the Mayor will be from Shiv Sena", which emerged the single largest party. Adopting a shrill anti-BJP stance, an aggressive Shiv Sena had snapped ties with the BJP ahead of the municipal elections with Thackeray anticipating at least 100 seats, if not an outright majority. The BMC, the country's largest and richest municipal body, had an annual budget of Rs 37,000 crore in 2016-17. The Congress trailed at a distant third in Mumbai, forcing its city unit chief Sanjay Nirupam to accept moral responsibility. He told IANS that he has submitted his resignation to the party high command this afternoon. Surprisngly, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) led by Raj Thackeray, Uddhav's estranged cousin, secured seven seats in BMC though he addressed just one rally in Mumbai. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) bagged nine seats, the Hyderabad-based Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen three, and incarcerated mafia don Arun Gawli's party Akhil Bharatiya Sena (ABS) bagged one seat, his daughter Geeta Gawli being the sole winner. Across Maharashtra, however, the Bharatiya Janata Party made major gains by bagging eight of the other nine municipalities. However, Thane blocked the BJP bulldozer where the Shiv Sena bagged 67 out of 131 seats, followed by NCP with 34, BJP 23 and Congress three. The BJP raced towards victory in the Pune Municipal Corporation with 77 seats, while the NCP got 44, Shiv Sena 10, Congress 16 and MNS six in the state's cultural and IT capital. The contest was close in Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation near Pune, but later the BJP zoomed ahead with 78 seats in the 128-member house, humbling the ruling NCP, which only secured 35 seats. The Shiv Sena got nine, the MNS got one and others got the rest. In Ulhasnagar, the BJP grabbed 32 seats and Shiv Sena 25 of the total 78 seats. The NCP got four, Congress got one and independents and others grabbed 16 seats. Nagpur went the BJP way with the party bagging 91 of the civic body's 151 seats. The Congress got 23, and the NCP bagged one seat. In Nashik, the BJP appeared on way to controlling the civic body, winning 55 seats out of 112 seats. The Shiv Sena got 35 seats, while the ruling Maharashtra Navnirman Sena was relegated to just three. The Congress and NCP fared better than MNS with six and five seats respectively. The BJP captured Amravati with 45 out of 87 seats, followed by the Congress with 15 seats, AIMIM 10, Shiv Sena seven, Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party five, and five going to other parites/independents. In Solapur Municipal Corporation, a Congress bastion, the BJP captured 49 out of 102 seats, followed by Shiv Sena in 21, the Congress in 14, the AIMIM scoring nine, the NCP and the BSP scoring four each, while the Communist Party of India bagged one seat. Ditto was the position in Akola where BJP scored 48 out of 80 seats with Congress trailing at 13. The Shiv Sena bagged eight, the NCP got five and others got six seats. The BJP also scored handsomely in Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena strongholds in other 11 Zilla Parishads and 118 Panchayat Samitis across the state. --IANS qn/vd/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Critically acclaimed actress Huma Qureshi, who is garnering applause for her maiden international venture "Viceroy's House" -- which was screened at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival -- is happy that people abroad are becoming increasingly blind to colour and race when it comes to casting for films and shows. Over the past few years, Indian actors like Irrfan Khan, Anupam Kher, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone have gained visibility in foreign projects. Asked whether Indian actors are getting more meaty roles in international projects in today's times, Huma told IANS: "Totally. Colour and race-blind casting is the way to go." Directed by British filmmaker of Sikh origin Gurinder Chadha, "Viceroy's House" is set around the late 1940s during the time of Indian Partition. The film was showcased at the film festival on February 12. "We had such an outpouring of love and the film got such an emotional response," Huma said. Basking in the success of her latest Bollywood film "Jolly LLB 2" -- which entered the Rs 100-crore club on Wednesday, Huma said it was not an easy task for her to get into the character of Aalia in "Viceroy's House". "Basically, (I did) dialect training. It was important to speak like an Indian would speak English in 1947," said Huma, who has shared screen space with Indian as well as British actors like Hugh Bonneville, Gillian Anderson, Manish Dayal, Michael Gambon and late actor Om Puri in the film. "I heard speeches and interviews of Indians from 1940s, especially Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit and met a lady called Jaya Thadani who was a young girl at the time India got independence. She is the niece of Rajkumari Amrit Kaur," Huma added. Further sharing her experience of working outside India, Huma said a lot many foreigners have now moved on from the stereotypical image of Indian cinema that they had in their minds. "It definitely has. The world is looking at India with interest and is open to new stories and narratives. Many collaborations are going to emerge from this interest," Huma said. Talking about her shooting experience with Chadha, Huma said: "Very nice. (I) learnt a lot from all my team and crew. Blessed to have such an eclectic and talented bunch to work with." --IANS sas/rb/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Urban Development Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday asked the central government to clarify once and for all if it wanted to regularise unauthorised colonies across the national capital. Jain's remarks came a day after Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken attacked the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on the issue, saying it has failed to regularlise even one unauthorised colony in the past two years. Speaking to reporters here, Jain, who is also Delhi's Health Minister, said the Delhi government was ready to issue the "regularisation certificate" to some 1,640 unauthorised colonies "within 24 hours" if the Centre approved it. "In the meantime, work is going on a war footing to provide basic facilities in all these colonies till they are regularised," he said. Jain said he had written to the Centre in November 2015, asking for regularisation of these colonies. "In September last year, they sent us a large number of queries which will take years to answer even if we want to. "Even the Delhi High Court yesterday (Wednesday) took notice of that and asked the Centre to reply within four weeks if it wants to regularise these colonies at all," he said. --IANS vv-kd/gsh/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The former director of the International Monetary Fund was sentenced by the Spanish national court to four years and six months in prison for misappropriating bank funds. Rodrigo Rato on Thursday, was found guilty of misappropriating funds from the now extinct Caja Madrid bank, which he led at the time, by using credit cards for irregular and undeclared expenses. His predecessor at CM Miguel Blesa was also found guilty and sentenced to six years in prison for the same crimes, Efe news reported. Over the course of several years, the two directors spent more than 15 million euros ($15.8 million) on personal expenses. --IANS vgu/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Automotive lighting solutions major Hella India Lighting (HILL) on Thursday informed that it has been bestowed with the 'Auto Component of the Year award by a leading automobile magazine. According to the company, the award was won at the Auto Components India's first-ever awards ceremony which was recently held in Mumbai. "This coveted award not only underlines our excellence in brining many first lighting solutions to the country but also in raising the standards of safety, reliability and styling for the industry at large," Ramashankar Pandey, Managing Director of Hella India, was quoted as saying in a statement. "The award shall also go a long way in strengthening our OEM partners' confidence and our suppliers too." The company is part of the global Hella Group which develops and manufactures lighting technology, electronic components and systems for the automotive industry. HILL produces state-of-the-art technology products which are manufactured at their Derabassi plant, near Chandigarh. --IANS rv/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As authorities in Punjab and Haryana sealed the inter-state border, thousands of INLD supporters headed from Haryana's Ambala city towards the border on Thursday afternoon to dig the SYL canal at the party's call. Riding tractor-trolleys, minitrucks and other vehicles, the supporters of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) -- the opposition party in Haryana -- headed towards the Shambhu border between Haryana and Punjab, about 10 km from Ambala. INLD's Haryana unit President Ashok Arora drove one of the tractor-trolleys carrying INLD Secretary General Abhay Chautala, who had given the call for the digging the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal. At the Shambhu barrier, the cross-border point between Punjab and Haryana, hundreds of police of both Punjab and Haryana and paramilitary forces remained on high alert to stop the INLD supporters from entering Punjab. Security forces donned anti-riot gear and were equipped with riot-control vehicles and other equipment. The entire stretch of National Highway No.1 between Ambala in Haryana and Rajpura in Punjab was sealed by security forces in both the states since morning in the wake of the INLD protest. Thousands of people, especially motorists, moving inter-state faced inconvenience on Thursday because the busy highway that links Delhi with Amritsar was sealed. Traffic was diverted via other routes, a Punjab Police officer said. The NH-1 is taken daily by thousands of motorists to commute between Punjab and Delhi through Haryana. "I have already walked for three km to proceed to Ambala. I don't know if we will get any transport ahead," said Surjit Kaur, who works in Ambala and travels from her village near Rajpura town in Punjab. Border areas in Ambala and Patiala districts, in Haryana and Punjab respectively, were on high alert. "We have made adequate security arrangements. No activists will be allowed to enter Punjab," Patiala Range Deputy Inspector General Ashish Chaudhary said at the Shambhu barrier. The situation along the border was also being kept under a watch from the air by a Punjab government helicopter and several drones. The INLD activists and leaders had earlier gathered at the Subzi Mandi Ground in Ambala before moving towards Punjab. Haryana Director General of Police K.P. Singh said the state police were prepared to handle the situation. Following a Presidential Reference, the Supreme Court on November 10, 2016, held as "unconstitutional" the passage of the Punjab Termination of Water Agreements Bill, 2004, by the Punjab assembly. The legislation terminated all water-sharing agreements between Punjab and its neighbouring states, thereby jeopardising the construction of the SYL canal that would also irrigate farm lands in Haryana. --IANS js/tsb/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Iraqi forces seized control of the airport in the northern city of from militants of the Islamic State terror organisation after hours of fighting, a senior police official said. Iraqi federal police chief Shaker Jawdat said that Iraqi troops had reached the gates of al-Ghazlani barracks, located near the strategic airport, EFe news reported. Jawdat pointed out that the runways, halls and facilities are already in the hands of government forces, noting that regular forces took control of Tel al-Rayan neighbourhood, one of the two districts attacked by troops on Thursday. Iraqi security forces launched a large-scale offensive on the western suburbs of . In addition to storming the airport, the army struck the nearby camp of al-Ghazlani, and the Tel al-Raman and al-Maamun neighbourhoods. During the clashes to capture the airport, 30 IS extremists were killed and 12 were taken hostage. Iraqi joint forces on Thursday launched an offensive on Mosul airport, one of the strategic points in the western half of the city which is still in the hands of militants of the (IS) terror group. Iraqi Federal Police and Rapid Reaction Brigade stormed the airport, while the army attacked the al-Gazalani barracks, one of the most important IS locations in southwest Mosul, a senior defence official told Efe news. The troops also stormed into two districts of Tel al-Raman and Al Maamun at the same time as the raid on the airport. The operation to recapture western Mosul was launched on February 19. According to the UN, as many as 800,000 civilians live in western Mosul. Eastern Mosul was recaptured last month. The offensive to retake Mosul began in October with a push by the Iraqi army, counter-terrorism forces, federal police and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters. The IS seized Mosul in 2014. Actor Irrfan Khan on Thursday released on social media the first look of his Bangladeshi movie "Doob" ("No Bed of Roses"), which has been banned in Bangladesh. He posted: "Here's the poster of 'Doob' Eskay Movies Most of a Sarwar Farooki." The actor is also co-producing the film. In the artistic poster, his face can be seen superimposed on the image of green hills and a pathway in between. The poster gives a look of being a canvas painting. The film, which is said to be loosely based on late Bangladeshi writer and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed, hit headlines recently when it got banned in Bangaldesh. Helmed by Bangladeshi filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, the movie is said to be about Ahmed, who divorced his wife of 27 years and married an actress 33 years his junior. But the filmmaker has denied that it's a biopic. According to a variety.com report, the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation's (BFDC) Joint Venture Preview Committee approved the script of the movie on March 8, 2016, after which the film went into production. The completed film was previewed for the BFDC on February 12, 2017, and received a No Objection Certificate on February 15. But just a day later, the BFDC sent the production house a letter stating that the certificate had been cancelled due to a letter from the Bangladesh Information Ministry. Irrfan, known for his performance-based roles, had expressed shock at the decision, and said "this is a humane story that deals with complex male and female relationships in a subtle and balanced way. What harm will it cause to the society if seen?" "No Bed of Roses" is a co-production between Bangladesh's Jaaz Multimedia and India's Eskay Movies with Irrfan's IK Company as co-producer. --IANS sug/rb/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Baghdad, Feb 23 (IANS/AKI) Islamic State jihadists beheaded two Iraqi Army officers in the Shia-majority city of Karbala and posted video footage of the killings online, news site Ara News reported. The officers, Abbas Yassin Hussein and Ali Al-Daraji, were publicly executed on Tuesday on charges of what IS called "the infidel and apostate government of Iraq", according to Ara News. The Sunni extremist group also released a statement vowing to continue its fight against all US-backed forces throughout Iraq, Ara News said. Hussein and Daraji were captured near Karbala in southern Iraq during clashes earlier this week, Ara News said. --IANS/AKI mr/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Afghanistan's government warned Pakistan that it would respond to any attack on its sovereignty, with the warning coming amid rising bilateral tensions over border skirmishes last week. Afghan security forces will take action if Pakistan violates international law and threatens national sovereignty, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmad Shakaib Mustaghni said in a press conference on Thursday. Bilateral tensions rose last week following several attacks on Pakistani soil, including a suicide bombing that killed 88 people at a religious shrine, leading Islamabad to accuse Kabul of harbouring terrorists, Efe news reported. Pakistani authorities also closed the border with Afghanistan and, according to Kabul, fired more than 450 mortar rounds in the region, killing at least two Afghans and displacing hundreds of families. While the border remains closed, Mustaghni said the Afghan government always sought to resolve disputes via diplomatic channels, but he warned that tensions were not good for either party since Afghanistan stood ready to defend its territorial integrity.--IANS vgu/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Film: 'Lion'; Director: Garth Davis; Starring: Nicole Kidman, David Wenham, Dev Patel, Roony Mara and Sunny Pawar. Rating:**** Apart from the all-encompassing luminosity of little Sunny Pawar -- so young yet so wise -- the one aspect of this soul-stirring journey into the incandescent side of the diaspora is just how Indian at heart is this film about a boy from a remote village in India adopted by an Australian couple. "Lion" plays with the idea of a duality in self-identity, and in the cultural spiritual and geographical existence for its protagonist Saroo with an enrapturing earnestness. Davis and his writer Luke Davis walk that extra mile to penetrate into the deepest recesses of the diasporic heart. The film is unabashedly sentimental and, dare one say, unapologetically manipulative, specially in the first hour of playing-time when little Saroo is lost to the world. His world of his mother (Priyanka Bose) and his elder brother Guddu (Abhishek Bharate). The images of little Saroo racing in an empty train that hurls him into the unknown, and then trying to find his way through the cold almost impersonal crowds of Kolkata, are profoundly moving. The lost child is a distant cousin of Chetan Anand's 'Aakhri Khat', although he doesn't even know it. Cinematographer Greig Fraser's view of Kolkata is very different from the way the city was shot in Roland Joffee' "City Of Joy" 25 years ago. There is more of everything in the Kolkata of "Lion", including corruption, debauchery and child abuse. The images of little Saroo trying to survive in the pitiless city are harrowing and magnificent. In the sequence where Saroo phantom-feeds himself with a spoon, I was left sobbing unabashedly. Yes, "Lion" plays it high-stakes for tears, nowhere more so than in the dingy orphanage where little abused, hungry, sleepless children gather their little voices together to sing "Chanda ko dhundne sabhi taare nikal pade". Occupying centrestage in this dark and desperate world of poverty is little Saroo played with such intuitive wisdom by Sunny Pawar that he makes all the acting schools of the world appear redundant. I am afraid the spark of genius dims in "Lion" once Sunny Pawar grows up into Dev Patel who makes Saroo's cultural and geopolitical desolation seem far too cerebral and far too little reflexive. A lot of times Patel is seen playing with his flowing tresses or blinking back elegant tears. He is looking at his character's poignancy rather than getting into it. His relationships in his Australian home are way too sporadic and fleeting. That goes for Saroo's half-hearted relationship with his girlfriend Lucy (Rooney Mara) and more so with his half-brother, the psychologically disturbed Mantosh (Divian Ladwa). In the one important sequence that the two brothers share -- predictably at the dinner table -- Saroo is shown to be distinctly mean towards Mantosh triggering a psychotic response in the latter. Yes, there ought to have been more of the two brothers in the plot, and of the Australian mother Sue's valiant but failed attempts to hold together a dysfunctional family. Nicole Kidman as Sue is grossly underused. The film is edited so severely you feel it's exercising a savage economy over Saroo's emotional spaces which transcend unplumbed stretches of cultural specificity to occupy a kind of baggy free-spirited global significance that could have made for unwieldy cinema. This world of the translocated Indian urchin needed to be restrained. Garth Davis makes sure there is nothing over-done in the presentation. Very often we get the feeling the director, an exceptional storyteller, is holding back the emotional torrent to avoid creating epic volumes of sentimentality. Nonetheless we wait for Saroo to journey back to his village in Madhya Pradesh to be united with his biological mother, only to be deeply let down by the hammy reunion sobs and atrocious old lady's makeup of Priyanka Bose. From the Indian cast, Tannishta Chatterjee and Nawazuddin Siddiqui fare much better in spite of their brief roles. But clearly and without a shadow of doubt "Lion" belongs to little Sunny Pawar, a natural-born actor of such indomitable power, it's scary. Impressive even awe-inspiring in its emotional velocity, "Lion" is a film that will stay with you for a long time. --IANS skj/nv/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto will only meet with the US Cabinet secretaries visiting Mexico, if the results of the visiting US officials' meetings with their Mexican counterparts warrant it. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly are in Mexico trying to smooth the bilateral relations between the two contries and address some of the differences that have emerged. "The reception at presidential residence will take place, if it takes place, in the context of the agreements that can be reached during the course of the day," Mexican Economy Secretary Ildefonso Guajardo said on Thursday, adding that the two parties "were setting the agenda yesterday (Wednesday)". "It all depends on the agreements that are reached and whether there are important and positive things, or very clear messages that can be sent through these emissaries," Efe news quoted Guajardo as saying. The condition for a meeting with Pena Nieto is that there "are substantive elements" to discuss, the Economy Secretary said. Guajardo said he would be taking part in the meetings along with other members of Pena Nieto's Cabinet. The US State Department, for its part, said Tillerson's official agenda included a closed-door meeting with the Mexican president at 1.00 p.m. Relations between Mexico City and Washington have been tense since Donald Trump moved into the White House on January 20. --IANS vgu/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday returned fire to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on his "Gujarat donkeys" jibe, saying there was no need to be afraid of the animal that lived thousands of kilometres away. Speaking at an election rally in Bahraich, Modi said Akhilesh Yadav should worry about his state where under his watch an entire police force was pressed into action to find a "lost" buffalo. Modi was referring to state cabinet Minister M Azam Khan's lost buffalo, to track which special police teams were constituted. The Prime Minister, in fact, went a step ahead as people cheered him on and said that he himself drew a lot of inspiration from the Indian wild ass found in the Little Rann of Kutch in his home state. Modi said: "The donkey does not only work relentlessly without a break, it also is very loyal to its 'maalik' (owner)." He was obliquely referring to the people of India as his owner. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister on Monday at his Rae Bareli rally took a dig at Modi by asking megastar Amitabh Bachchan to stop promoting "donkeys of Gujarat" a sarcastic reference to a tourism promo on wild asses that features the superstar. The statement invited sharp rebuke from the Bharatiya Janata Party leaders who said that faced with an imminent defeat at the hustings, Akhilesh Yadav was speaking "absurd". The Prime Minister on Thursday also targeted the Samajwadi Party government for illegal mining, rising unemployment and poor law and order in the state. Slamming the SP-Congress alliance, Modi said this was an "unholy nexus", which was stitched up to make a last-minute bid to stay in power. "The people deserve a government which rings in all-round development and not which has let loose lumpen elements," he added. The remarks came amid the hotly contested and bitterly fought Uttar Pradesh elections that started on February 11 and would complete in seven phases on March 8. The results will be out on March 11. Pyongyang on Thursday said the death of a North Korean citizen in Malaysia last week was a "conspiratorial racket" launched by South Korea. North Korea also blamed the Malaysian side for showing an unfriendly attitude in handling the case, Pyongyang's official news agency KCNA said in a report. A spokesman for the Korean Jurists Committee said an autopsy was unnecessary as the death had been confirmed as caused by a heart stroke and the deceased man carried a diplomatic passport, the report said. The man died on the way from the Kuala Lumpur airport to hospital, Xinhua news agency reported. Malaysian police first identified him as Kim Chol from North Korea. Later, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said embassy documents showed the man was Kim Jong-nam, half-brother of Pyongyang's leader Kim Jong-un, but that was denied by the North Korea's ambassador to Malaysia, Kang Chol. The incident was "undisguised encroachment upon the sovereignty of North Korea, a wanton human rights abuse and an act contrary to human ethics and morality," the KCNA report quoted a the spokesman as saying. He claimed that South Korea "worked out the scenario" and released false reports that the man was poisoned to death. "It is regretful that only Malaysia is denying such fact," he added. The spokesman criticised Malaysia side for conducting an autopsy without any prior agreement with North Korea. Malaysian police Wednesday reiterated that a DNA test would be needed to identify the dead man from North Korea before remains could be released. But the spokesman called the request an "absurd pretext". "Malaysia is obliged to hand his body to North Korea as it made an autopsy and forensic examination of it in an illegal and immoral manner," the spokesman said, adding that this proves that Malaysia wants to politicise the transfer of the body to Pyongyang in disregard of international law and morality and attain "a sinister purpose." Four suspects, including a Vietnamese woman, an Indonesian woman, a Malaysian man and a North Korean man, have been arrested so far, according to Malaysian police. However, the cause of death is yet to be determined by lab results. Up till now, no next-of-kin of the deceased man has showed up to help authorities carry out DNA identification, a key step in determining the identity, said Malaysian officials. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Global credit rating agency Moody's Investors Service on Thursday said continuing to increase non-watch list Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) would put pressure on Axis and ICICI banks' credit profiles. On the other hand, asset quality trends for public sector banks were more benign, and the pace of deterioration was slowed in the past two quarters from the levels seen in FY2016, Moody's said In its report 'Banks - India: Q3 Earnings Highlight Pressures from Demonetisation; NPL trends mixed', Moody's said: "Both of Axis Bank Ltd (Baa3 positive, baa3) and ICICI Bank Limited's (ICICI, Baa3 positive, baa3) have seen significant additions to their NPLs from outside of their already announced watchlist accounts. "While we have been expecting asset quality to deteriorate for both, we had expected the deterioration to come predominantly from their watchlist accounts. A continuation of increasing the non-watchlist NPL trend would put negative pressure on the banks' credit profiles," Moody's said. According to Moody's, asset quality for private sector banks was likely to deteriorate. Increased NPLs from outside the watchlists of Axis Bank and ICICI Bank are pressuring their credit profiles. The earnings of Indian banks during the third quarter of the current fiscal show that the demonetisation of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes have slowed down economic activity and demand for credit, the agency said. "Overall, demonetisation has significantly impacted credit demand and deposit growth, but the effect on asset quality has been mixed, while retail payment systems -- such as card transactions and mobile wallets -have benefitted," Srikanth Vadlamani, Moody's Vice President and Senior Credit Officer said. According to Moody's, economic growth seems to be recovering from demonetisation, although gradually, which should cushion the impact on the banks' overall asset quality. The rating agency also said deposit growth for the banks would be around one-two per cent due to demonetisation as the increase would moderate going forward. Retail payment systems such as a cards and mobile wallets have seen a significant increase in transactions, and should continue to see healthy growth. At the same time, given the low base, cash will remain the dominant source of retail transactions for the foreseeable future, Moody's said. Net interest margins would also come under pressure as banks gradually adopt the marginal cost of funds lending rate (MCLR) to price their loans. So far, less than 20 per cent of the banks' variable-rate loans have been repriced to MCLR as opposed to their base rate. As the MCLR is around 85 basis points (bps) lower than base rate, Moody's expect the downward trend in net interest margins to persist. --IANS vj/in/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hours after Pakistan was hit by another bomb blast, army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday said that despite internal security threats the army was fully prepared for an effective response against the "perpetual threat from the east". In an apparent reference to neighbouring India, the army chief made the remarks as a bomb blast in Lahore claimed 10 lives on Thursday. "We all are proud to be soldiers of Pakistan and defending it irrespective of terrain or weather difficulties," he said, talking to troops at Goma and Gilgit, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations. Later, General Bajwa interacted with leaders of Gilgit-Baltistan region and assured them that the army was extending full support to all initiatives aimed at ensuring the rights of the region. --IANS ahm/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A student protest on Thursday in the wake of an alleged rape of a young man in a Paris suburb earlier this month ended in confrontations between protestors and police officials. About 1,000 school students staged an unauthorised protest in Place de la Nation in Paris, calling for "revenge" over the trauma suffered by Theo, a 22-year-old black man who was hospitalised for an anal tear after police officers allegedly sexually assaulted him with a nightstick, Efe news reported. A group of youth made graffiti, smashed shop windows and threw objects at the police, who then responded with teargas. The protesting students had previously blocked the entrances to about 20 high schools with piled up trash cans. The demonstration began peacefully, though a large number of security forces were deployed. Four police officers accused of being involved in the case were suspended pending an inquiry. The police said it carried out only a handful of arrests and called the protests "unlawful" because no prior permission had been granted, according to the local media. --IANS soni/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police said on Thursday that the incidents of violence at Ramjas College here will be investigated by the Crime Branch for "a fair probe". Special Commissioner of Police S.B.K. Singh made the announcement while addressing hundreds of students protesting outside the Delhi Police headquarters here. "I will not keep the investigation in the police station (Maurice Nagar). It will be probed by the Crime Branch for a fair probe," Singh said. His reference was to the Maurice Nagar police station which has jurisdiction over Delhi University. Singh told the protesters, many from the Left-leaning All India Students Association (AISA), that a desk would be set up to receive complaints and the video footage of Wednesday's incident. He urged the student community to cooperate with the police in the investigation. Largescale violence erupted at the Ramjas College in Delhi University campus when ABVP activists first foiled a seminar where a key speaker was a JNU student arrested last year for sedition and then attacked students and others taking out a protest. Many journalists were also injured. AISA supporters claimed that police stood mutely when the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) went on the aggression and, in some cases, ended up attacking those very students targeted by the ABVP. Singh said only one First Information Report (FIR) was filed after the incident as per law. "As both sides received injuries, we registered the FIR. But it was not filed against any individual. All evidence will be evaluated. Every aspect will be investigated before taking any action." The officer said police had conducted medical examination of 25 injured persons, including students from both the ABVP and AISA, as well as eight policemen. Singh, the senior most officer in charge of the area where the violence occurred, said he was not aware who ordered a lathi-charge on students and others at the campus. The officer regretted the attack on the media and promised to suspend the guilty police personnel. "I have asked some journalists to give me video footage of the lathi-charge. Our motive is to punish the guilty," he said. "The policemen found guilty will be suspended." Some Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University teachers also joined the protest outside the police headquarters, condemning what they said was police inaction vis-a-vis the ABVP. The two-day event at Ramjas College on Tuesday and Wednesday was cancelled after the ABVP forced the organisers to withdraw the invite to Ummar Khalid, dubbing him "anti-national". --IANS rak/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday inaugurated an international conference on "Bharat Bodh" (Idea of Bharat), organised by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and Bhartiya Shikshan Mandal. According to a Rashtriya Bhavan communique, he complimented IGNOU and the Mandal for organising the conference that brought together intellectuals, academicians and researchers to unravel various aspects of the "Bharat Bodh". Mukherjee also expressed happiness that these two collaborators have brought their respective areas of expertise and scholarship to this important three day conference. "The synergy and dynamism of these institutions should channelise the exploration of thousands of years of our journey as a civilisation and people," the communique quoted Mukherjee as saying. "Deep insights would be gained into the idea of statecraft, governance, individual-society relations, structures, purposes and methodology of education, organic relationships with nature, and correlation between spiritual and material life," he said. He added that Bharat has always been recognised "as the storehouse of knowledge and discovery - knowledge which liberates, and discovery which fathoms the deepest thoughts of humanity and co-existence. As the origin and repository of philosophical and spiritual values, rivers of wisdom flow through the collective consciousness of our great people". Quoting American author Mark Twain, the President said: "India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only." Calling the quote indeed true, Mukherjee said: "India is a land of great traditions, history and discoveries. Its people have lived in this great civilisation giving rise to a unique trait of oneness overcoming the apparent contradictions, thriving on a composite culture and yet alive to the identities of its sub-parts." Noting that India is a land of huge diversity, he said: "Yet all its people are living under one system, one flag and one Constitution. All of us are proud to be Indians and we celebrate this diversity." He hoped that the deliberations at the conference would enrich perceptions regarding the country. --IANS spk/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito on Thursday hinted that he was prepared to ascend the throne once his father, Emperor Akihito, steps down. Naruhito said he has always been inspired by his parents' sincere discharge of duties and that like them, he too wished to continue sharing the joys and sorrows of the people, Efe news reported. This is also the first time that Naruhito, eldest son of 83-year-old Akihito, has spoken publicly about his father's desire to abdicate. Akihito announced his intention to abdicate the throne in August 2016, citing failing health and old age. The Crown Prince said he fully empathized with his father's decision, and that it was taken after due consultations. The Japanese government has set up a committee to facilitate the abdication, the provision for which is not currently included in the Imperial Household Law and would require either an amendment or the creation of a special legislation. Akihito's abdication, if it goes through, will be the first in the country since that of Emperor Kokaku, 200 years ago. --IANS ksk/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hundreds of students on Thursday protested outside the Delhi Police headquarters on Thursday, a day after clashes between student groups left several injured at the Ramjas College. The demonstration was organised by the All India Students Association (AISA) demanding action against Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members accused of beating up students on Wednesday at the college. Some Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University teachers also joined the protest, condemning what they said was the police inaction when the ABVP activists went on the offensive on Wednesday. The protesters shouted slogans against the ABVP and Delhi Police. "We are an amorphous group of people from across universities and no one is leading the demonstration," Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) President Nandita Narain told IANS. "We are all equally pained. I condemn the violence on the students and teachers and the lawless behaviour of the ABVP," she added. She criticised Delhi Police for its alleged failure to stop ABVP activists from resorting to violence at the Ramjas College in the Delhi University campus. She said at least 50 students from her college, St. Stephens, were injured and came back in a distressed state at midnight from Hauz Khas police station where they were taken on Wednesday. "This is very sad since Stephens is a highly apolitical college. Police even beat up its students," she said. Thursday's protest came as Delhi Police registered a case of rioting and assault against unknown persons following violence between Left-backed AISA and RSS-affiliated ABVP activists. The clashes were triggered over an invitation to JNU student Umar Khalid, who was jailed last year over sedition charges, for a literary seminar titled "Cultures of Protest" at Ramjas. The two-day event on Tuesday and Wednesday was cancelled after ABVP forced the organisers to withdraw the invite to Khalid, dubbing him "anti-national". --IANS vn/sar/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Describing the violence outside Ramjas College here as an example of "state machinery backed violent intolerance", the CPI-M on Thursday demanded action against ABVP activists involved in the assault as also against the police for connivance. Wednesday's clashes between the RSS-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Left-leaning All India Students Union (AISA) left over a dozen people injured. The violence erupted a day after the ABVP forced the suspension of an event to be addressed by JNU student Umar Khalid, jailed last year for sedition. Police have registered a case against unknown persons for rioting and assault on public servants. The Communist Party of India-Marxist condemned the violence by ABVP "goons" and denounced the Delhi Police. "This is another shameful example of the violent intolerance backed by the state machinery of the RSS-BJP combine and its various wings against all forms of democratic protest, particularly in universities," it said. "Delhi Police played the shameful role of facilitator for the ABVP goons and stood by while the protesters were being stoned by them. "Students and teachers including from the Delhi University Teachers Association and the Academic Council who were marching to the local police station to protest were attacked by the police," it said. "The CPI-M demands that all those who indulged in violence to disrupt the seminar and attack the democratic protest should be arrested. Action must be taken against the Delhi Police personnel who connived with the ABVP." --IANS and/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AIADMK General Secretary V.K. Sasikala may opt for shifting to Central Jail in Chennai from the Bengaluru jail on age and health grounds, a party official hinted on Thursday. "It is early to say when Chinamma (Sasikala) will apply for transfer to Chennai jail as she has to make a strong case for consideration by the (Karnataka) government on health and humanitarian grounds," Karnataka AIADMK leader V. Pugazhendi told IANS from Chennai on phone. The 59-year-old Sasikala returned to the Central Jail here a week ago to serve a four-year sentence upheld by the Supreme Court after she was held guilty of corruption in a two-decade-old wealth case. A trial court had first held her guilty in September 2014 in Bengaluru. "Our priority is to ensure Sasikala gets better facilities in the cell she is staying with Elavarasi in the adjacent cell. Her well-being is more important than seeking transfer as it will take time," said Pugazhendi. Sasikala and her co-convict sister-in-law Elavarasi and nephew V.K. Sudhakaran were put in jail on February 15 after the Supreme Court refused to give them more time to surrender. When told that there was a provision in the law for a convict to seek transfer from one state to another state, Pugazhendi said in that case Sasikala was ready to apply for re-locating to the Chennai jail. "If there is precedence in such a case on merits, our lawyers are ready to move an application on Sasikala's behalf. We don't know if any convict was transferred from a Karnataka jail to a Tamil Nadu jail in the past." Karnataka Director General of Prisons H.L. Satyanarayana Rao told IANS that the jail superintendent could consider Sasikala's request on health or humanitarian grounds. "We can consider at our discretion if a request is made by the convict and the application is within the process of law," Rao said. Bengaluru Jail Superintendent Krishna Kumar, however, said it was up to the state government to consider such a transfer request. "It is the state government's discretion to consider such a request. The law says in the normal course a convict could be allowed to re-locate to another jail within or outside the state on merits," Kumar told IANS here. Kumar also clarified that Sasikala's high-profile case being sensitive and without a precedence, the government would have to weigh pros and cons of its decision to consider the grounds on which she seeks a transfer. --IANS fb/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Shiv Sena finished on top of a hung BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday but the BJP said it could take control of India's richest civic body with the backing of at least four independents. Shiv Sena activists celebrated earlier in the day as it appeared it was set to take control of the BMC but it finished with just 84 of the 227 seats. The BJP came close with 81 seats. Any party or combine will need 114 corporators for a simple majority in the BMC house. Across Maharashtra, however, the Bharatiya Janata Party made major gains in elections held for municipal bodies. The Shiv Sena victory came in Thane. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis thanked the electorate, saying they have "reposed complete in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies of development for all". Asked about a tussle for the post of Mayor, he said: "The core committee of the two parties will meet and take a decision. We shall respect the verdict of the people." BJP Mumbai President Ashish Shelar said the party had bagged 81 seats in Mumbai and had the support of four independents and that it was in a position to claim the crucial post of Mayor. Adopting a shrill anti-BJP stance, an aggressive Shiv Sena had snapped ties with the BJP ahead of the municipal elections and its leader Uddhav Thackeray had expected the Sena to win at least 100 seats, if not an outright majority. The BMC, the country's largest municipal body, had an annual budget of Rs 37,000 crore in 2016-17. The Congress trailed at a distant third in Mumbai, forcing its city unit chief Sanjay Nirupam to accept moral responsibility. He told IANS that he has submitted his resignation to the party high command this afternoon. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) of Raj Thackeray, Uddhav's estranged cousin, finished with seven seats in BMC. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) bagged nine seats, the Hyderabad-based Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen three, and incarcerated mafia don Arun Gawli's party Akhil Bharatiya Sena (ABS) bagged one seat, his daughter Geeta Gawli being the sole winner. The BJP also gained hugely in nine other major civic bodies of Maharashtra. It raced towards victory in the Pune Municipal Corporation with 77 seats, while the NCP got 44, Shiv Sena 10, Congress 16 and MNS six in the state's cultural and IT capital. The contest was close in Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation near Pune. The BJP surged with 58 seats, with the ruling NCP getting 29 seats in the 128-member house. The Shiv Sena was on way to retaining control over the 131-seat Thane Municipal Corporation getting 60 seats, the NCP bagging 31 and the BJP wining 21. In Ulhasnagar, the BJP grabbed 32 seats and Shiv Sena 25 of the total 78 seats. The NCP got four, Congress got one and independents and others grabbed 16. Nagpur went the BJP way with the party bagging 91 of the civic body's 151 seats. The Congress got 23, and the NCP bagged one seat. In Nashik, the BJP appeared on way to controlling the civic body, winning 55 seats out of 112 seats. The Shiv Sena got 35 seats, while the ruling Maharashtra Navnirman Sena was relegated to just three. The Congress and NCP fared better than MNS with six and five seats respectively. The BJP was faring well in Amravati with wins in 44 seats out of 87 seats followed by the Congress with 12 seats and Shiv Sena with seven. In Solapur Municipal Corporation, a Congress bastion, the BJP appeared in a commanding position with leads in 25 out of 102 seats, followed by Shiv Sena in 10 and Congress in six. Ditto was the position in Akola where BJP led in 20 out of 80 seats with Congress trailing at 10, the MNS in five and others in 10 seats. The BJP also scored handsomely in Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena strongholds in other 11 Zilla Parishads and 118 Panchayat Samitis across the state. --IANS qn/vd (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The son of a Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate was shot and seriously injured in Uttar Pradesh's Mahoba district on Thursday morning, police said. The attack was made on SP candidate Siddha Gopal Sahu's son. He has been rushed to Kanpur for treatment. The victim's family has accused Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Aridarman Singh's son of carrying out the attack. --IANS md/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Automobile major Tata Motors on Thursday said it is considering to raise Rs 500 crore through issuance of unsecured redeemable non-convertible debentures (NCDs). "The company is desirous of offering the sixth series of its rated, listed, unsecured, redeemable, NCDs aggregating to Rs 500 crore and in this regard is holding a meeting of its duly constituted committee of the board on March 02, 2017," the company said in a regulatory filing. According to the automobile major, the move to issue the NCDs is in accordance with the approval of the shareholders which was obtained by a special resolution at the 71th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on August 9, 2016, and the resolution of the Board of Directors passed at its meeting held on February 14, 2017. --IANS ppg/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three soldiers and a woman were killed in a militant attack in a south Kashmir village on Thursday, police said. Two officers, a Lt. Colonel and a Major, and three more soldiers were injured in the attack owned by Hizbul Mujahideen, the largest militant group in Jammu and Kashmir. The Major is reportedly in critical condition. Police said the security forces were returning from a search operation when they were ambushed near Kungnoo village of Shopian district, some 50 km from here. A soldier died on the spot while two others succumbed to their injuries later, the police said. The woman was hit by a bullet inside her house, the police said. "Reinforcements were rushed to the area to track down the attackers," a police officer said. A caller identifying himself as Burhan-ud-Din, a Hizb spokesman, told a Srinagar-based news agency that the group carried out the attack. --IANS sq/sar/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted a family dinner here in honour of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan and Begum Kalsoom Nawaz also joined the Wednesday dinner at the residence of the Turkish President, Geo TV reported on Thursday. Sharif, who arrived here on Wednesday on a three-day visit, will take part in the fifth meeting of the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) on Thursday. He will co-chair the meeting with his Turkish counterpart Binali Yildirim. A number of MoUs are expected to be signed. "(Sharif's) visit to Turkey ... would further deepen the time-tested, unparalleled and historic ties between the two brotherly countries and would impart a strong impetus to their flourishing cooperation in diverse fields," the Pakistan Foreign Office said. Sharif's delegation to Turkey includes Minister for Petroleum Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir and Sharif's Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi. Sharif will also hold talks with Erdogan on bilateral, regional and international issues and visit the Turkish Parliament. --IANS soni/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Cairo, Feb 23 (IANS/AKI) The Vatican and Egypt's prestigious Al-Azhar University have resumed dialogue sessions in Cairo that were broken off in 2011 after Pope Benedict deplored an attack on a Coptic Church in Alexandria. The Vatican's interfaith dialogue chief Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, the head of its Office for Islam, Khaled Akasheh, and a range of Al-Azhar scholars were among participants at a Wednesday seminar focussed on combining efforts to combat religious extremism and terrorism. "Dialogue must prevail between men to dissipate... differences, and is capable of overcoming discord with tolerance," Mahmoud Zaqzouq of Al-Azhar said in an opening address to the seminar. The Al-Azhar's number-two, Abbas Shuman deplored "the many crimes that are committed in the name of religion". "Islam's essential message is of goodwill and peace to all humanity," Shuman said. Tauran said that despite a number of differences, Islam was considered the closest to Christianity as an Abrahamic . Tauran attacked fanatics and extremists who he said forced others follow their distorted ideas and beliefs and cause "misconceptions". The seminar follows a meeting last May at the Vatican between Pope Francis and the Al-Azhar's grand imam, Ahmed al-Tayeb, which represented a warming of ties. --IANS/AKI mr/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Voting ended on Thursday evening in the fourth phase of assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh covering 53 seats in 12 districts with a large turnout out of the one crore electorate. With Thursday's round, polling in 262 of the 403 constituencies spread across western and central Uttar Pradesh as well as Bundelkhand region has been held. Three more rounds of voting are due. After a slow start, balloting picked up rapidly everywhere, Election Commission officials said. A total of 680 candidates were in the fray, including 61 women. But the main battle was between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance. Huge polling was reported from districts in Bundelkhand region - Mahoba, Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Hamirpur, Banda, Jalaun and Lalitpur where people stood in serpentine queues to vote. But residents of some villages boycotted the polls to protest lack of development and basic amenities. Balloting in Rae Bareli, the Lok Sabha constituency of Congress President Sonia Gandhi, was brisk through the day. Prominent among those who voted in the fourth phase were West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, Union Minister Niranjan Jyoti, BJP state chief Keshav Prasad Maurya, Congress' Rajya Sabha member Pramod Tiwari and his daughter Aradhna Mishra, the party candidate from Rampur Khas in Pratapgarh. Officials reported long queues of men and women voters in Fatehpur, the Lok Sabha constituency of Niranjan Jyoti. Polling was by and large peaceful. Skirmishes erupted in Pratapgarh between BJP and BSP activists and in Mahoba between workers of the ruling Samajwadi Party and the BSP. Samajwadi Party candidate Siddha Gopal Sahu's son was shot and seriously injured at Mahoba. The Electronic Voting Machines developed snags in at least a dozen places, disrupting the election process. The fourth phase is especially significant for the Congress as it won only six seats from among these constituencies in 2012. This time, the Congress has struck an alliance with the Samajwadi Party -- the two parties are contesting 298 and 105 seats each. The seven-phase Uttar Pradesh election began on February 11 and will end on March 8. The results from the state as also Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur will be known on March 11. --IANS md/vd/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mexico's Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray said ahead of talks with senior officials from the United States that his country would not accept immigration provisions that are unilaterally imposed by its northern neighbour. Videgaray on Wednesday made those remarks after President Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday announced major changes to US immigration enforcement earlier this week, Efe news reported. "I want to state as clearly and emphatically as possible that the Mexican government and the Mexican people do not have to accept provisions that one government may wish to impose on another," Videgaray said during a meeting in Mexico City with the Mexico representative for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. "We're not going to accept that because there's no reason for us to do so and because it's not in Mexico's interest," he added. Under the Trump administration's new guidelines, virtually all of the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US could be targeted for deportation; immigration officials, however, will still prioritize the individuals they target, with serious criminals at the top of the list. Illegal immigrants also could be immediately deported from anywhere in the country provided they have not been in the US for more than two years. Furthermore, according to one provision of a Department of Homeland Security directive, migrants who entered the US by crossing the US-Mexico border could be sent back to Mexico even if they are citizens of other countries. Videgaray said Mexico's government would do all it could to ensure protection for its people's human rights abroad, including by bringing complaints before the UN. The immigration issue will be front and center when Videgaray meets this week with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, who arrived in Mexico City on Wednesday. --IANS vgu/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As it put up a sterling performance in civic polls across Maharashtra including the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) victory resulted from a vote for transparency and demonetisation. A jubilant Fadnavis, who spearheaded the BJP's poll campaign, said the party's core committee will decide the future course of action in BMC. "All decisions for the party are taken by its core committee. Whether or not to go for an alliance will be decided when I, (Maharashtra BJP President) Raosaheb Danve, (Mumbai BJP chief) Ashish Shelar sit and look at the prevailing situation," Fadnavis told reporters in Mumbai. BJP came a close second to the Shiv Sena bagging 80 seats in the 227-member BMC, while the Uddhav Thackeray-led party emerged victorious with 84 seats. The BJP is also set to gain control of at least six civic bodies Pune, Nashik, Ulhasnagar, Akola, Nagpur and Amravati out of the 10 corporations for which the elections were held on Tuesday. The party is also doing well in the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation, according to the latest trends. The BJP also appeared to have expanded its base in Pimpri Chinchwad, despite fierce competition from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Fadnavis said the results are an ample indication that people have accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's note ban move and the state government's transparency plank. "Our consists of trust and transparency. This result is a reflection that people have accepted our style of governance. No other party in the last 25 years has got such a wonderful result," he said. "In BMC, we have got an amazing response. Our agenda of transparency and accountability been accepted by people," he said. Fadnavis said the results of BMC and other municipal corporations has made the BJP more humble and that instead of indulging in mere talk, they would concentrate on good governance. "This is a victory of demonetisation. The move was to end corruption and weed out black money. The results have proven people have faith in Modi ji's governance," he said. The party's state unit chief, Danve said they had all along known BJP would emerge as the single largest party. "We had all along known that the BJP will emerge as the single largest party. It was (PM Narendra) Modi ji and (BJP National President) Amit Shah ji's dream that BJP should be from the government from panchayat to Parliament. This dream has been brought true by Maharashtra BJP workers," he said. "This result is only due to the work done by Modi ji at the Centre and Fadnavis here," he added. BJP MP Kirit Somaiya sought to know if the Congress will provide outside support to the Sena to help them stake claim to power in the BMC. "We have been saying before the that the Congress and the Sena have agreed to a hidden understanding. After the polls, we have come to know that the Congress has started sending signals to the Sena to accept their support," Somaiya said. "We want to ask the Congress to openly come out and declare support to the Sena to stop us like they tied up with the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh," he added. The results of 10 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, have seen the Congress plummeting to a new low with the lowest ever tally in the BMC and losing Solapur and Amravati to the BJP. Meanwhile, Sena MLC Anil Parab said that the Mayor will be from the party only and that it has started talks with independents to form its government. Senior Sena leader Manohar Joshi said that they are not considering an alliance with the BJP and that the final call on teaming up with other parties will be taken by Sena president Uddhav Thackeray. Shiv Sena is currently leading in 85 wards in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls in Maharashtra, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) trailing with a lead in 52 wards, the Congress leading in 16 wards, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in six wards, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in nine wards and others in five wards, according to ANI. The total number of wards under the BMC is 227. Counting was underway on Thursday for polls to 10 civic bodies, including the cash-rich BMC, and 25 zilla parishads and 283 panchayat samitis across Maharashtra, the results of which are likely to have a bearing on relations between the BJP and the Shiv Sena. The Congress and the NCP are also in the fray in the polls, dubbed as the 'mini-general elections'. The prime focus is on the cash-rich 227-member BMC, with the ruling BJP and Shiv Sena at the forefront of this battle. The results after the counting, which began at 10 am today, will determine the fate of 21,620 candidates for 5,777 seats up for grabs in the elections, which were held in two phases. Nearly 56 per cent voters had exercised their right to franchise during the elections to the 10 municipal corporations held on Tuesday. The Mumbai civic body BMC recorded about 55 per cent turn-out. Besides, 69 per cent of the electorate cast their votes in the zilla parishads and panchayat samitis. The stakes are high for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, who led their respective parties from the front and were involved in a high decibel and no-holds-barred campaign, relegating the opposition Congress, NCP and other players like the MNS and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen to the background. Apart from Mumbai, the municipal corporations which went to the polls were Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur. In Mumbai, the country's financial capital, there are 2,275 candidates. The big poll focus is on the BMC, retaining control of which is vital for Shiv Sena as the city has remained its prime political space ever since the party's formation in 1966. The Sena has been in power in BMC for over two decades. In municipal corporations excluding Mumbai, there are multi-member wards where the electorate cast their votes for each of the category in the panel. Each panel has more than two wards. The districts where elections to 283 panchayat samitis were held are Ahmednagar, Aurangabad, Beed, Buldhana, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Hingoli, Jalgaon, Jalna, Latur, Nanded, Osmanabad, Parbhani, Wardha, Yavatmal, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Pune, Solapur, Nashik, Amravati and Gadchiroli. Dateline: Idaho A homeowner is crediting his pet squirrel with fighting off a burglar. Adam Pearl of Meridian returned home on Feb. 7 and noticed something odd. I came in the front door and I saw snow prints out in the front driveway going to the back of the house, so I thought something was awry because no one usually goes through the yard, Pearl told KIVI-6 News. Pearl was greeted by his pet squirrel, Joey, but realized that several doors that would normally be closed were open. He also noticed scratches around the lock of his gun safe. At that point, I knew somebody was definitely in here messing around, said Pearl. Pearl called Meridian Police, and officer Ashley Turner was dispatched to investigate. During her investigations Joey had run in the bedroom, just screwing around like he always does, between her legs and kind of startled her, said Pearl. She says, Whoa, what was that? And I said ahhh dont worry about that, thats just Joey, my pet squirrel, ya know. A few hours later Officer Turner returned with some of Pearls missing belongings and a surprising story. Turns out the robbery suspect police apprehended had scratches on his hands. Officer Turner asked if he got them from Pearls pet squirrel. The suspect reportedly told Turner, Yeah! Damn thing kept attacking me and wouldnt stop until I left. Pearl told reporters he rewarded Joey for his bravery with his favorite snack, Whoppers. Dateline: California Authorities in California say a man stole a van from a mortuary in Riversidebut returned it and stole a different vehicle after discovering a dead body in the back. Riverside Police said a mortuary worker parked the van outside the business around 1:30am on Sunday, Feb. 12, and went inside. Thats when 24-year-old Bobby Joe Washington allegedly stole the vehicle. He [the driver] had just picked up a decedent and returned to the mortuary to pick up some paperwork, Officer Ryan Railsback told the Riverside Press-Enterprise. He left the keys in the car, but it wasnt on or anything. The suspect got into the van and drove offwith the body still inside. About an hour later, an officer at the scene investigating the theft was told about a different theft that had just taken place. Seems Washington noticed the dead body in the back of the van, returned to the scene of the crime and tried to swap the vehicle for another. An employee allegedly tried to stop Washington and was nearly run over. The officer at the scene pursued the second stolen van for about 2 1/2 miles, at which point Washington was arrested on suspicioun of two counts of vehicle theft, one count of assault with a deadly weapon and evading a police officer. Stealing a dead body was not included on the list of charges, as police believe Washington did not intend to steal it. Dateline: Washington A woman who went to collect her late brothers rental home deposit was told the man violated the terms of his lease by dying. Debra Tolbert was hoping to use the $1,400 security deposit and last months rent to pay for her brothers cremation. Tolberts brother, Dennis Hanel, passed away last month from a heart attack after battling stage four kidney failure. But, as she told crosscut.com, property managers of Hanels West Seattle rental house informed her that her brother had violated the terms of his lease when he died and no deposit money would be returned. Washington CAN, a community organization that advocates for low- and middle-income people, has been trying to help Tolbert get the money back. For a landlord to require someone to give notice that they are going to die in order to get a deposit back is outrageous and unethical, not to mention inhumane, Xochitl Maykovish, an organizer for Washington CAN, told Crosscut. Dying is not a violation of a lease, Violet Lavatai, membership coordinator with the Tenants Union of Washington, confirmed. A landlord who does something like that has no moral compass. Anthony Narancic, owner of Real Estate Services, the property rental and management company for the property, refused to return reporters phone calls and text messages. Dateline: Ohio The tiny town of New Miami is being forced to refund more than $3 million in speeding tickets after the Butler County Court of Common Pleas determined that the local government created an unconstitutional law/ordinance that has taken peoples money without affording them the necessary due process protections. A group of three lawyers filed suit back in 2013, arguing that New Miamis automated ticketing ordinance gave vehicle owners no realistic opportunity to defend themselves. Despite the fact that New Miami is less than 1 square mile and has a population of around 2,000 people, private contractor Optotraffic gave the village two free traffic cameras. In order to ensure that the cameras produced solid income for the townwhich straddles US 127local lawmakers rewrote speeding laws to cut the criminal justice system, bypassing uniform state traffic laws and charging speeders under a civil ordinance instead. The village split all the money from its longtime speed trap with Optotraffic, with 60 percent of each fine going to the village and the rest going to the camera company. When New Miamis stationary camera program was deemed unconstitutional in 2014, the village contracted with a different company, Blue Line Solutions, to start using handheld cameras. BLS gave the village 65 percent of those ticket profits. The village will now have to pay back $3,066,523 worth of tickets. In a fiercely fought election to the 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) the countrys richest civic body both the Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) failed to reach the magic figure of 114, required for a simple majority. The Shiv Sena, which diluted its Marathi manoos plank for the first time by reaching out to all sections, won 84 seats, while its former ally the BJP, which raised the issue of transparency, bagged 82 seats, a stunning performance compared to the previous election when it had won only 32. Technically, the Shiv Sena has succeeded in retaining its supremacy in the BMC, adding nine seats to its 2012 tally of 75. The results, where none of the parties has got a clear majorty, may lead to another tussle between the two longstanding allies, with both Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP and Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray remaining non-committal on a tie-up in the BMC. The partys core committee will decide if the Shiv Sena can be seen as an ally or not. The core committee will decide what needs to be done about the BMC. I havent spoken to Uddhav Thackeray, said Fadnavis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the sisters and brothers of Maharashtra after the BJPs good showing. Extremely thankful to the sisters & brothers of Maharashtra... I congratulate the entire team of Maharashtra BJP. Through hard work, determination and work on the ground, the BJP now a strong force both in urban and rural Maharashtra, Modi tweeted. Apart from Mumbai, the city corporations that went to the polls were Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur. The BJP has won eight municipal corporations, except Mumbai and Thane. Fadnavis, who led the BJP from the front, has sailed through another big test. Of the 1,066 seats declared, the BJP has won a record 521 seats. In the 25 zila parishads, too, the party has shown a sterling performance. A visibly relaxed Fadnavis attributed the partys performance to the anti-corruption policies implemented by Prime Minister Modi and overwhelming support by voters for the partys transparency plank. On BJPs strong showing, Uddhav said, (I) cannot call it a BJP victory. You must assess it keeping in mind the money and muscle they put into the elections. In its campaign for the BMC, the BJP targeted the Shiv Sena over the poor state of Mumbai roads and other amenities as also over allegations of corruption, promising transparency and transformation if it was given control of the municipality. The Congress and the Nationalist Congres Party (NCP) were routed again after their poor show in the elections to the Lok Sabha and the state assembly held in 2014, besides municipal council elections last year. Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam even offered to resign. The Congress managed to win only 31 seats against 52 in the 2012 polls, while the NCP only nine against 14, and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena seven against 28. The election results are quite significant for the BJP and the Shiv Sena as they had parted ways over the seat-sharing issue just a few days before the BMC polls. The two parties were together ruling the BMC, which is Asias largest civic body with an annual budget of over Rs 37,000 crore. Senior BJP minister Chandrakant Patil indicated that a post-poll alliance between the BJP and Shiv Sena was the only viable alternative to rule the BMC. However, Patil reiterated that transparency will be the focal point for alignment between the two parties and thereafter in the administration. Shiv Sena legislator Anil Parab said the party president would take a final call in this regard. Immediately after the counting was over, Mumbai BJP President Ashish Shelar said Independent candidate Rahar Raja Khan had extended his support to the BJP. He hinted three other Independents may follow the suit. BJP Minister Vinod Tawde, without naming the Shiv Sena, said, It is a tight slap for those who had said that the BJP will not get 40 seats in the BMC election. As drivers attached to app-based taxi hailing platforms Uber and Ola resumed their protests, political parties have become interested in backing their demands as they eye gaining support from this significant vote bank. The Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) on Wednesday officially announced that it was extending support to the agitating drivers. Protesting against falling earnings and lack of business due to an oversupply of cars, DPCC President Ajay Maken said that the drivers should create their own app to compete against Uber and Ola. At least 10 people were killed and 30 others injured today when a powerful bomb ripped through a market in a posh locality here, the latest in a series of terror attacks that have left Pakistan on edge. The explosion, the second to hit the city within ten days, took place at the posh Z Block market of the Defence Housing Society (DHA). The blast came a day after Pakistan Army launched a nationwide military operation 'Radd-ul-Fasaad' to eliminate terrorists and consolidate gains of its counter-terrorism operations. Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique told reporters that eight people were killed and 30 others injured in the blast. However, two dead bodies were later recovered from the debris of an under-construction building where the explosive device was planted. "The death toll of the DHA blast has risen to 10 after two more persons were recovered from the under-construction building," Edhi Foundation Lahore spokesman Muhammad Younis told PTI. Among the injured, the condition of three was said to be critical. CEO of Pakistan's Airlink firm Moazzam Paracha was among those killed in the blast. "Mr Paracha was present at his under-construction restaurant (and) suffered serious injuries and was rushed to the General Hospital where he died," Younis said. "Bombay Chowpati (that serves Indian cuisine) and Alfarno Cafe restaurants were apparently the target of (the) terrorists. The device was planted in an under-construction building near Bombay Chowpati," a senior police officer said. He said these restaurants were frequented by young couples. Deputy Inspector General Lahore Police Dr Haider Ashraf said, "Apparently an explosive material was planted in an under construction building in Z block market. We are also investigating the other aspects like that of gas leakage." Punjab police spokesman Niyab Haider, however, confirmed that it was a "planed device" that caused the explosion. "It appears to be a planted device. However we are investigating from all aspects," he said. A few days earlier the same market was evacuated by law enforcement agencies after a bomb threat. Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif ordered an investigation into the blast and summoned a report from Inspector General Police. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of lives in the blast while Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar condemned the attack and sought an immediate report on the incident. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the blast. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The bodies of some 130 fighters shot execution-style or beheaded by rival jihadists have been found in mass graves in northwestern Syria, a monitoring group and rebel sources said today. The grim discovery comes nearly a week after clashes in Idlib province between the jihadist Jund al-Aqsa rebel group and Al-Qaeda's former Syrian affiliate and allied factions. At least 131 bodies were found in the last two days in two separate mass graves near the town of Khan Sheikun, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Some had been shot and beheaded. Last week the bodies of 41 rebel fighters had been found near the same town, said the Britain-based monitoring group. Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman said Jund al-Aqsa had detained the fighters and then "executed" them. Mohammad Rashid, a spokesman for the rebel Jaish al-Nasr group, also reported the deaths but put the number of bodies found at 128. According to him, 71 of those killed were fighters from his group. "Three citizen journalists and 11 commanders were among them," said Rashid. A source from the civil defence also reported that 128 bodies had been recovered from two graves inside a former army barracks that had been occupied by Jund al-Aqsa. Jund al-Aqsa, which is considered close to the jihadist Islamic State group, is reviled by most rebels in the region and is designated a "terrorist group" by Washington. Earlier this month, Jund al-Aqsa had been locked in clashes with Fateh al-Sham, the former Al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria, after tensions over influence in Idlib, a province held by rebels. Fateh al-Sham was fighting alongside several allied groups in a coalition dubbed Tahrir al-Sham, and the battles spread beyond Idlib to neighbouring Hama province. According to the Observatory, Jund al-Aqsa fighters have pulled back to Hama and to other areas. More than 310,000 people have been killed in since the conflict began in March 2011 with anti-government protests. The war has become a complex multi-front conflict, drawing in jihadist groups and armies. Congo's army has killed at least 16 former members of a rebel group after they re-entered the country's east, the military's spokesman said today. Fighting near Rutshuru began yesterday and by today the army had captured 68 former M23 rebels and 39 others surrendered, said Maj Ndjike Kaiko. "We are tracking the fleeing M23 fighters who are seeking to infiltrate Kinyandoni and into the Virunga National Park," he said. M23 launched its rebellion in eastern Congo in April 2012, becoming the latest group of Tutsi rebels dissatisfied with Congo's government. It was repulsed by UN forces and Congo's army in 2013. Many rebels fled to Rwanda and Uganda before a 2013 peace agreement was signed with the government and the group disbanded. But in January Congo's government warned that the former rebels in Uganda were re-grouping and crossing back into Congo. Uganda's government said that hundreds of members of the rebel group in January fled a military camp there where they had been awaiting amnesty, and cautioned that many had been quietly infiltrating into the general public. Congo residents said Thursday they are terrified of the group's return. Eastern Congo has been plagued by many armed rebel groups since the Rwandan genocide in 1994. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two women Maoist operatives who carried Rs four lakh reward each on their heads, surrendered before the Police in Odisha's Malkangiri district today. The two, identified as Sumitra Madvi alias Manila (35) and Jagi Madkami (33), were allegedly involved in over a dozen offences including killings and blasts, Malkangiri Superintendent of Police Mitrabhanu Mohapatra told reporters after the duo surrendered before him. Sumitra had joined the rebel cadre in 2001 and was active in Kalilmela Area Committee of Malkangiri division under Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee of the banned CPI (Maoist), he said. She was allegedly involved in the Rajulkonda attack on Police, Padia Panchayat office landmine explosion and Rammadhi murder, besides Damanjodi attack in 2009, the police said. Similarly, Jagi Madkami of Santekaguda village in Kalimela block joined the Maoist outfit in 2008. She was allegedly involved in Penta Madhi murder case in 2011 and conspiring in the Padia block office landmine explosion in 2013, they said. Odisha Government had announced a reward of Rs four lakh each on their heads, the SP said adding two women would be provided facilities as per government rules. The duo decided to give up arms and return to the social mainstream as they were fed up and disillusioned with the activities of the Maoists, the police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Voting continued on a brisk note in all 12 assembly seats in the district with 21.22 per cent voters having exercised their franchise by 11 AM amid tight security. The fate of close to 200 candidates will be decided by more than four million voters. Prominent among those to have cast their votes in the city were West Bengal Governor Keshri Nath Tripathi, Uttar Pradesh BJP president Keshav Prasad Maurya and the party's national secretary Siddharth Nath Singh. No untoward incident was reported from any of the 4327 polling booths across the district so far. About 30,000 security personnel have been deployed at polling centres to deal with any law and order situation. At some places EVMs reported technical snags which were promptly taken care of. Residents of a village in remote Shankargarh block of the trans-Yamuna region were persuaded to call off boycott of voting with the assurance that their grievances will be duly addressed. Attempts of the state's ruling Samajwadi Party to stave off anti-incumbency with the help of an image make-over and a last-minute alliance with the Congress faces a litmus test in the district where it has dropped four sitting MLAs and given up one of the seats held by it in favour of the ally. The BJP's efforts to revive itself in the state with the help of careful caste calculations and aggressive poaching of "winnable" faces play out in the district. The party has left two seats here for its ally Apna Dal which enjoys influence among the Kurmis, the most prominent non-Yadav OBC group in the state. Besides, in at least three of the seats here the BJP has fielded candidate turncoats from other parties. The BSP, which has aimed at winning over the Muslims in a big way in the ongoing assembly polls, is contesting all the 12 seats in the district. Three of its candidates here belong to the minority community. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Delhi court has sent a 22-year- old youth to seven years in jail for raping and threatening a woman. Additional Sessions Judge Praveen Kumar handed down the jail term to Southwest Delhi resident Rajender while holding him guilty of offences under sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC and also imposed a fine of Rs 40,000 on him. The special fast track court, which decided the case in one year, has also directed the Delhi District Legal Aid Services to award appropriate compensation to the woman under the Victim Compensation Scheme floated by the government. The judge rejected the contentions of the convict that the woman went to her house instead of police station after the incident, saying "I find nothing unusual in the victim going to her house first. One cannot expect every rape victim to straightaway go to police station and lodge complaint." It also turned down the claim that the 21-year-old victim had falsely implicated the youth due to an earlier scuffle between them, saying "it is not believable that a girl would falsely implicate any innocent person in a grave offence like rape just for the reason that an altercation had taken place with her." According to the prosecution, on the foggy morning of January 18, 2016, when the woman was walking towards a bus stand from her house to go to office, the accused caught hold of her from behind, gagged her and took her to the fields at a village near Dwarka. It said when she raised an alarm, he threatened to kill her, adding that she tried to run away and cried for help but the accused dragged her to an isolated area and raped her. During trial, the accused denied the allegations saying he was falsely implicated as he had an altercation with the woman two days before the incident and she was taking revenge by making the complaint. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Braving all odds, wheelchair-bound Minati Barik has emerged victorious in the Panchayat elections, becoming the second differently-abled person ever to win the Odisha rural polls. Minati, who had turned immobile as both her legs were paralysed since her birth, was a contestant for the Ward Member post from Bajapur village in Rajkanika block of Kendrapara district. She won the polls, the result of which was declared today. Minati is only the second differently-abled person ever to win the Panchayat elections in Odisha. In 2007, Suresh Choudhury, who walked with crutches, had become the first from the differently-able section to win the polls by becoming a Sarpanch from Regada Gram Panchayat in Kalahandi district, differently-abled rights activist Sruti Mohapatra said. "The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), 2007 had granted physically-challenged people the right for political participation under Article 29, which pertains to both contesting and voting in elections. "But in our country, no seat is reserved for disabled persons in any election. The government needs to wake up reserving seats and empowering people like Minati," she said. Brimming with confidence, the 24-year-old victorious Ward Member, said "I am very happy that people reposed trust in me and voted in my favour. A section of people were casting doubts on me but, I had pledged to prove that physical deficiency is no hindrance for serving the people," Minati, who campaigned on her wheelchair, said "I know the Ward Member has limited power in Gram Panchayat body. But, I believe in the adage - if there is will, there is a way. I will take up issues in the Panchayat body like drinking water problem, road condition and filling up of teachers' post in the village school." Panchayat elections were held for 848 Zilla Parishad seats, 6,665 Panchayat Samity seats, 6,801 Sarpanch and 92,029 Ward Member seats across Odisha with Minati being the lone physically challenged contestant. "Minati was born with both her legs paralysed. But, as she grew up, determination overpowered her disability. She studied up to Class X. I feel proud for her victory," Minati's father Balaram Barik said. "Minati's entry in the election field had added a refreshing air into to the poll firmament. She has become a living example that nothing is impossible," former Sarpanch of Katanabania Panchayat, Dhanjaya Das said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four members of a gang that allegedly robbed motorists after waylaying them by waving and greeting them, were arrested from west Delhi after a chase, police said today. The four alleged members of the 'Namaste' gang, identified as Nasimuddin, Sakawat, Guljar and Naim, were caught by a police team acting on a specific input near Ranibag underpass last evening, DCP (West) Vijay Kumar said. The gang used to target motorists wearing jewellery and appearing rich and follow them on scooters. They would wave, make 'Namaste' gesture and smile at them to make them stop their vehicles and then overpowered them and robbed on gun point, he said. "More than 50 gun-point robberies in different parts of Delhi have been solved with their arrest," he said. They had tried to escape by firing on the policemen but were chased and arrested, Singh said. Three firearms, two used and three live cartridges, and one button-operated knife was recovered from their possession. Naim has no previous criminal involvement while other three have criminal cases against them. Efforts are on to nab their remaining associates, the officer added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A right-wing extremist from London who described Adolf Hitler as "his God" has been jailed for five years for terrorism and hate crimes over his social media posts. Sean Creighton was sentenced at a court in London yesterday after using social media to call for Muslims and Jews to be killed. An investigation was launched after a photograph was posted online of Creighton, 45, holding an assault rifle and standing in front of a Nazi flag. The probe uncovered his wider hate campaign, including leaving offensive stickers in public and ownership of a "White Resistance Manual 2.4" document with details of weapons and explosives. Creighton was described as a "committed racist" by prosecutor Jonathan Sandiford. "He was enthralled by Nazism and Adolf Hitler, whom he told police in his interviews was his God," Sandiford told the court. In addition to homophobic and racist social media posts, evidence against Creighton included an image of Hitler posted online alongside the message "kill the Muslims". "Jews prepare to die" he wrote in another social media post, published with an image of a gun and a Swastika. Creighton told police he was "a bit of a hater who hated for the people", the court heard. Following the sentencing, Dean Haydon from the Counter Terrorism Command of London's Metropolitan Police said the force would continue to tackle different forms of extremism. "We are as committed to apprehending and prosecuting far-right extremists who commit terrorist offences and promote hatred as we are those who support and promote ISIS (Islamic State group)," he said in a statement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nine fishermen from this district were arrested for allegedly using "banned fishing nets" while fishing off Pudukudi coast here today, marine police said. The fishermen were caught by local fishers and handed over to the police, they said. The fishermen would be remanded to judicial custody after being interrogated, police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The ninth BRICS Summit will be held in China's Xiamen city from September 3-5, State Councilor Yang Jiechi said today. "The theme of this year's event is 'BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future'," he said while addressing the First Sherpa Meeting of the summit in Nanjing. China expects the Xiamen BRICS summit will promote members strengthening solidarity and collaboration, and improving global governance, deepening pragmatic cooperation to achieve mutual benefit, increasing people-to-people exchanges, and enhancing public support, and strengthening institutional mechanism and improving cooperation platform, which are the four objectives, Yang said. President Xi Jinping hopes to work with other BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) leaders to ensure the meeting is a success, Yang was quoted as saying by the state-run Xinhua agency. Yang said China is confident that the BRICS cooperation will progress to a new level and become a globally influential platform for South-South cooperation. Cooperation among the emerging-market bloc will push forward the establishment of a more fair and rational international order, he said. Yang said BRICS has become a driving force, promoting global economic growth, improving global governance, and pushing forward democracy in international relations. Facing a complicated and volatile international situation, BRICS nations should remain confidant and work together to cope with challenges and seize the opportunities for common development, he said. Yang expressed confidence that the Xiamen BRICS Summit would result in positive outcomes and create a brighter future for BRICS nations. The First BRICS Sherpa Meeting will run till tomorrow and it aims to lay the groundwork for the BRICS leaders' summit in September. The meeting attracted more than 100 participants, including coordinators from all sides, foreign diplomats, and representatives from the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Aam Aadmi Party today decided to intensify its activities in Gujarat, which goes to polls in later this year. The party's top decision-making body -- the Political Affairs Committee -- met here at the residence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who returned from a naturopathy session in Bengaluru yesterday. It is learnt that Kejriwal will address a rally on February 26 in Gandhinagar. It was also decided in the meeting to start the candidate selection process for the upcoming municipal polls in the national capital tomorrow. The top leadership of AAP has been lying low since the polls culminated in Punjab and Goa where the party contested, making its foray outside Delhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The AAP today claimed that ABVP activists themselves raise anti-India slogans and foment trouble in educational campuses, a day after violent clashes at Ramjas College here involving the RSS-backed students body. The party also hit out at the Centre and the Delhi Police, accusing them of "shielding" the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activists, who it alleged resort to violence on campuses. Reacting to yesterday's violence by ABVP volunteers at Delhi University's Ramjas College over a seminar invite to JNU students Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid, AAP leader Kumar Vishwas termed it a "diversionary tactic" by the BJP, which he said has sensed defeat in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh. "The Delhi Police is under the Centre's control, but it (the Centre) could not arrest those who raised anti-national slogans in JNU last year as it was busy forming government with PDP's Mehobooba Mufti in Jammu and Kashmir). "Their people (the ABVP) go to some campus and raise anti- India slogans and then the ABVP activists themselves resort to violence while the police works with them," Vishwas alleged. The party sought to link BJP with a Pakistan-run espionage racket and alleged that the arrested person "printed BJP banners using ISI's money." The BJP, however, had denied association with the arrested people. Eleven people were arrested from different places of Madhya Pradesh on February 9 for being part of an alleged espionage racket being run from Pakistan to collect strategic information on important Indian establishments. Citing media reports, Vishwas claimed that a member of the IT cell of the Madhya Pradesh BJP was part of the espionage racket. "He (the arrested person) has nexus with BJP workers. When the JNU incident took place, the same person undertook a protest march. "On one hand, the BJP workers are taking money from the ISI and in return selling maps of defence installations, hatching conspiracies to kill soldiers and on the other hand these (ABVP) pseudo nationalists are raising slogans of Bharat Mata ki Jai. "The pseudo nationalist's BJP posters are being printed by money provided by ISI," he said. Another AAP leader and Delhi Labour Minister Gopal Rai also lashed out at the BJP governments in Gujarat and Chhattisgarh for alleged atrocities on farmers and adivasis, respectively. Interestingly, the AAP is also contesting Gujarat polls scheduled early next year. Rai said the party has also approached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) over the alleged atrocities in the two states. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Activists are urging Unilever, a major investor in Myanmar, to speak out against the country's treatment of its Rohingya minority, which the UN has said may be "crimes against humanity." More than 10,000 people have joined the Facebook group for the campaign, known by the hashtag #WeAreAllRohingyaNow, and hundreds have signed on. A letter sent this week to Unilever CEO Paul Polman asked the company to clarify its stance on the Rohingya. "Silence in the face of genocide, whilst doing business, is simply not an option," said Britain-based campaign organizer Jamila Hanan. "Multinational corporations must start to speak out. They must be obliged to use their power and influence to help bring about a more just society in the regions in which they operate." Unilever did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Rights groups accuse the Myanmar army of burning homes, mass killings and rape in their sweeping counterinsurgency campaign in Rakhine state, where most of the estimated 1 million Rohingya live. The Muslim Rohingya have long faced systematic discrimination in Myanmar, a majority-Buddhist country. Most do not have citizenship and are considered illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, even when they've lived in Myanmar for generations. The #WeAreAllRohingyaNow group is seeking a restoration of citizenship rights denied to the Rohingya by a military government in 1982. Hanan says the group chose to target Unilever because it has been responsive to activists in the past. Unilever, with some USD 55 billion in revenue last year, is one of the world's largest consumer goods companies. The company's first factory in Myanmar opened in 2013. It now manufactures food and shampoo near Yangon. Polman is a major advocate for corporate social responsibility and has won dozens of awards in eight years at Unilever's helm. He recently signed an open letter to the UN citing concerns about Myanmar's military offensives in Rakhine State - but not on behalf of Unilever, which has kept silent on the country's politics. "We're not asking for great things," Hanan said. "We're hoping that it will lead to a statement of concern. That would be a huge step forward. It's something corporations don't do." She said the group is waiting until next week to see if Unilever responds and if it doesn't it will start contacting members of the board of directors and shareholders directly. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's largest telecom operator Bharti Airtel today announced acquisition of Norwegian Telenor's India unit in the latest consolidation move in an industry where incumbents are joining forces against the disruptive pricing by newcomer Reliance Jio. Telenor has a customer base of 44 million in seven circles of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh (East), Uttar Pradesh (West) and Assam. India business was a loss making proposition for the Norwegian firm. Airtel will not make any cash payment for Telenor's India unit but will take on Rs 1,600 crore future liability towards spectrum licence fee and mobile tower rentals. Its market share will rise to 35.6 per cent following the acquisition of Telenor, which currently has 2.6 per cent share in Indian market. The announcement came days after No.2 player Vodafone and Idea said they are considering merging their businesses to create the biggest telecom operator in the country with about USD 12 billion in sales. Anil Ambani-led Reliance Communications has already signed a pact to merge its wireless business with smaller rival Aircel. The consolidation in the otherwise crowded Indian telecom industry has been hastened by Jio's free voice call and data plans, forcing incumbents to slash tariff at the cost of profits. "The proposed acquisition will include transfer of all of Telenor India's assets and customers, further augmenting Airtel's overall customer base and network," Airtel said in a statement. Telenor India has 700-800 employees. The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approvals, will also enable Airtel to further bolster its strong spectrum foot-print in the seven circles, with the addition of 43.4 MHz spectrum in the 1800 MHz band. Airtel is India's largest wireless operator with over 269 million subscribers and a revenue market share of over 33 per cent. "As the new owner, Airtel will take over Telenor India's spectrum, licences and operations, including its employees and customer base of 44 million," the Norwegian firm said in a statement. "Telenor's operations and services will continue as normal until the completion of the transaction." According to the agreement signed between the two firms, Airtel will take over outstanding spectrum payments and other operational contracts, including tower lease. The transaction is expected to close within 12 months. (REOPEN DEL45) The transaction is subject to requisite regulatory approvals, including approvals from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Competition Commission of India. The exposure to claims related to the period Telenor owned the business, will remain with Telenor. With effect from first quarter 2017, Telenor India will be treated as an asset held for sale and discontinued operations in Telenor Group's financial reporting. Telenor entered the Indian market in 2008 and had a revenue of Norwegian Krone 6 billion (about Rs 4,800 crore) and the operating cash loss of NOK 0.4 billion from India operations. This is the six acquisition by Airtel in last five years. It acquired Qualcomm AP's India business in May 2012, Loop Mobile in June 2014 and Augere Wireless Broadband India a year later. Last year, it acquired Videocon Telecommunications and Aircel dishnet Wireless. "Airtel will ensure quality services to Telenor India's customers, while offering them the added benefits of its innovative product portfolio, access to superior voice and data services, mobile banking, VAS and domestic/ international roaming facilities. Telenor India's operations and services will continue as normal until the completion of the transaction," the company statement said. Telenor said the transaction will not trigger any impairment. "As of fourth quarter 2016, the remaining value of tangible and intangible assets in Telenor India amounted to NOK 0.3 billion (Rs 240 crore)." Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and CEO (India and South Asia), Bharti Airtel, said, "The agreement underlines our commitment to lead India's digital revolution by offering world-class and affordable telecom services through a robust spectrum portfolio spread across multiple bands." On completion, the proposed acquisition will undergo seamless integration, both on the customer as well as the network side, and further strengthen our market position in several key circles. "The customers of Telenor India will now be able to enjoy India's widest and fastest voice & data network, and a range of Airtel's world-class products and services," he said. The acquisition, he said, will create substantial long-term value for shareholders given the significant synergies, he said. Sigve Brekke, Chief Executive Officer of Telenor Group, said, "We believe today's agreement is in the best interest of our customers, employees and Telenor Group. Finding a long-term solution to our India business has been a priority for us, and we are pleased with our agreement with Airtel. "The decision to exit India has not been taken lightly. After thorough consideration, it is our view that the significant investments needed to secure Telenor India's future business on a standalone basis will not give an acceptable level of return. Hitting out at Amit Shah for 'KASAB' remark, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav today accused BJP leaders of coining petty acronyms for the fear of defeat in the the Assembly polls. The Samajwadi Party leader also took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for attacking him, saying he holds "such a high position but fights with me" and "indulges in such a petty talk which does not suit him". Referring to the acronym 'KASAB' coined by Shah for Congress, SP and BSP yesterday, Akhilesh said, "BJP people have lost the battle on the ground and so their language has changed." Taking a dig at the BJP chief, he said, "We used to study that it was 'KA se kabutar' but these people are teaching something else. This time round, people are going to set your 'kabutar' (pigeons) free." Addressing another rally at Pechpedva, Akhilesh said, "They (BJP leaders) seem to be indulging in petty talk in view of their bad showing in the elections." He wondered on what course BJP wants to take the polls and said the SP only wanted to take it on the path of development. Shah had yesterday used the acronym 'KASAB', saying 'Ka' (in Hindi) stands for Congress, 'Sa' for Samajwadi Party and 'Ba' for BSP. He had said that till KASAB is laid to rest, UP will not have development. Kasab was the Pakistani terrorist who was arrested during the 26/11 Mumbai attack and hanged in 2012. Attacking Modi, Akhilesh said, "The Prime Minister is sitting on such a high post and indulging in such a petty talk which does not suit him." Taking a dig at Modi, he said, "it seems he does not like staying in Delhi and is moving about all over UP...If he so desires, he can swap places with me." He added, "Piqued are only those who are faced with defeat...Only those who are left behind talk about the past." On Modi's remark that he is an "adopted son" of UP, the Chief Minister said, "PMji do not confuse our Uttar Pradesh... If you are the adopted son of UP, then we belong to this place...Who is going to adopt us". He said if the Prime Minister wants a debate, he should not talk about other issues. "I say this openly that if he (PM) wants a debate with me on development issues I am ready for it...We ask what you have done for UP and we will also tell what all we have done," he said. On the foreign trips of Prime Minister, he said, "The PM has toured so many countries, has he brought anything for the country he should tell?" "We in UP have tried to emulate the policing system in the US and developed UP-100...Now policemen cannot misbehave with the public," he said. On the prime minister's allegations that police stations are run by SP people, Akhilesh said he does not know that it is also run through UP-100. "We admit that there had been some shortcomings, but it will improve with UP-100 and the anomalies in the police working will be addressed," he said. Attacking the BJP, he said when SP had decided to distribute laptops they called it "jhunjhuna" (toy) but later went on to include it in their manifesto. "Why they allege that we discriminated in its distribution...You people can go out and ask whether meritorious students have not got it," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) American lawmakers are mounting efforts to tighten the government's scrutiny on surging Chinese investment in the US which they feel could be a threat to the nation's security. The efforts, which involve lawmakers from both parties, are yet to coalesce around any one plan, but the common goal is to see the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US (CFIUS) put to more aggressive use, according to The Wall Street Journal. Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer are writing legislation to strengthen the authority of CFIUS, a secretive, multi-agency body led by the Treasury that can recommend the President block foreign deals on national security grounds, the report said. "Politicians on both sides of the aisle say some of the purchases threaten national security. Some also argue that the Chinese shouldn't be able to invest here freely while US companies face restrictions in China," the daily reported. According to New York-based advisory firm Rhodium Group, the Chinese investment in the US tripled last year to a record USD 45.6 billion. Two other Congressmen -- Robert Pittenger and Chris Smith -- also asked the US to ignore well-coordinated Chinese investments that target critical and financial infrastructure. "China is seeking to engage in transactions that threaten the integrity of American markets, yet they close their own markets and systemically forbid foreign access," alleged Pittenger and Chris Smith wrote in an op-ed in The wall Street Journal. Pittenger is vice chairman of the House Subcommittee on Terrorism and Illicit Finance. Smith is a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. "While we should not shut off all Chinese investment in the US, our government must consider each transaction with a clear understanding of the associated risks," they wrote. "We must work in a unified manner to protect our country's economic principles, and we cannot afford to ignore well-coordinated Chinese investments that target our critical and financial infrastructure, and that may undermine core strategic interests and values," the two lawmakers said. They alleged that America's economic strength is at risk from strategic, well-coordinated and state-sponsored Chinese investments in American financial institutions. "Chinese spending in the financial sector has risen dramatically and is often driven by the priorities and objectives of the Chinese government," they said demanding a strict examination of Chinese government efforts to acquire US financial entities. Meanwhile, a top American Senator condemned China for completing new structures on artificial islands in the South China Sea for the purpose of holding surface-to-air missiles. "Despite claims to the contrary, China is continuing to change the facts on the ground in the South China Sea," Senator Dan Sullivan said in a statement. "Building two dozen structures designed to house surface-to-air missiles clearly violates China's previous promises not to militarise this vital region, where USD 5.3 trillion of trade - USD 1.2 trillion of it from the US - passes each year," he said. Sullivan said the US military should continue to fly, sail and operate in the South China Sea, and everywhere else international law allows. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice President Hamid Ansari today left for home after concluding his five-day visit of Rwanda and Uganda during which India signed three major bilateral agreements in Kigali and decided to boost cooperation with the two East African countries. The Vice President left the Ugandan capital tonight at the end of his three-day visit of the country. Ansari held bilateral talks with the top leadership here, including President Yoweri Museveni, Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi. India and Uganda have decided to expand cooperation in the field of energy sector and training of personnel for space programme and peaceful use of atomic energy, even as the resource-rich East African country pitched for Indian companies to manufacture automobiles locally to discourage import of cars. On the last day of his Uganda leg of the two-nation visit, the Vice President also paid floral tribute to the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Jinja, a town about 80 km from here, which is also the source of River Nile. Ansari had arrived in Kampala on February 21, after winding up his three-day Rwanda visit during which he held bilateral talks with President Paul Kagame, President of the Senate Bernard Makuza and attended India-Rwanda Business Forum. At the forum, India and Rwanda signed three MoUs to boost bilateral cooperation in areas of innovation, aviation and visa regime, which includes setting up of an entrepreneurship development centre in that country and starting of a direct flight to Mumbai. In Kigali, Ansari also paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 massacre at the Kigali Genocide Museum and hailed the "resilience and courage" demonstrated by Rwandans in putting behind the hatred and moving ahead on the path of "reconciliation and inclusion". This was the first high-level bilateral visit to Uganda from India since 1997 and first high-level visit to Rwanda. The Vice President along with wife Salma was traveling with Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Vijay Sampla, four MPs -- Kanimozhi, Ranvijay Singh Judev, Ranee Narah and P K Biju, and senior officials. The Vice President had said that this visit was part of a "conscious effort" by the Indian government to "intensify interactions" with Africa. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice President Hamid Ansari today paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the source of river Nile here in which part of his mortal remains were immersed in 1948, hailing the Father of the Nation as one of the strongest links between India and Africa. Ansari, who arrived in Uganda on February 21, planted a sapling after offering flowers at the bust of the Mahatma in Jinja, which is a hub of the Indian community in Uganda. The bust was installed by the Indian government and inaugurated by then Prime Minister I K Gujral in 1997. It sits amid cool climes and verdant surrounding, and postured in a pensive mood. The plaque below reads: "Universal apostle of peace and non-violence whose ashes were immersed in the River Nile in 1948." The vice president was received here by Jinja MP Moses Balyeku and Mayor of Jinja municipality Majid Batambuze. Asked by reporters if this place could be turned into a tourism spot, Ansari said, "This is already a world tourism spot and both the countries will continue to engage to promote this site." After paying his tribute to the Mahatma, Ansari also interacted with representatives of the Jinja local government, during which they appeared inclined to increase investment in the region - home to nearly 1,200 people of Indian origin. Ansari, who is accompanied by wife Salma, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Vijay Sampla, four MPs - Kanimozhi, Ranvijay Singh Judev, Ranee Narah and P K Biju, later also visited the source of the Nile river. Ansari is in Uganda as part of his two-nation visit to the African continent. He visited Rwanda during the first leg of his tour. This is India's first bilateral visit to Uganda since 1997 and seeks to further engage India with Africa. Gandhi's thoughts remained one of the dominating elements in Ansari's several addresses, including the one at the University of Rwanda, where he emphasized the shared link of anti-colonialism struggle and fight against discrimination. "India owes an unforgettable debt of gratitude to Africa's role in inspiring our struggle for national liberation. It was on this continent that Mahatma Gandhi developed and first practiced the concepts of non-violence and peaceful resistance that won India its freedom," he had said. Soon after departing from India, Ansari while interacting with reporters on board the special aircraft had said, "One does not have to reiterate the role played by him and he is a very strong link between India and Africa. And, we are going to the source of the River Nile in Jinja where his bust is installed." President Yoweri Museveni yesterday at a joint press conference also hailed the role of Gandhi in South Africa and the spirit of non-violence and peace that continues to inspire people in India and Africa. Incidentally, a life-size statue of Gandhi, unveiled by President Pranab Mukherjee last year in Ghana had kicked up a row, with a few students demanding its removal. Ansari had said the demand was "very local and very sporadic" and one need to reiterate his role. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking a cue from 'Namami Devi Narmade' programme of Madhya Pradesh government, Assam will now launch 'Namami Brahmapurta' campaign in the north-eastern state from March 31 to April 4, a senior official said. "To pay fitting tribute to the river's life-giving prosperity and countless blessings, a five-day long event, 'Namami Brahmaputra' is being organised under the state Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal," Assam's Joint Secretary and campaign in-charge, S Vishwanathan told reporters last evening. "Assam's life and culture are deeply influenced by the rejuvenating splashes of Brahmaputra," he said. Vishwanathan said the campaign will be launched across 21 districts along the Brahmaputra in its entire stretch from Sadiya to Dhubri. It will serve as an ideal platform to showcase Assam's tremendous potential as a state brimming with trade, tourism and culture opportunities, he added. The event will start with a spectacular opening ceremony on March 31 at the riverfront of Bharalumukh, Guwahati - land of Kamakhya Temple, one of the popular 'Shakti-peethas' in the country, the official said. It will include a soulful veneration of river Brahmaputra along with other attractions like indigenous sports, local food, exhibition of organic tea, display of handloom and handicrafts, cultural evenings, film festival, business meetings and symposium among others, he added. A grand closing ceremony will be held on April 4, in which Sonowal has invited his Madhya Pradesh counterpart Shirvaj Singh Chouhan, he said. "This five day event, epic in scale and grand in reality, shall bring along business, fun and festivities for all. Brahmaputra is not called 'lifeline of Assam' for nothing as this perennial river presents incredible business opportunities," said the official. He said the National Waterways, especially NW 2 and NW 16 shall be the drivers of economic development and prosperity. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A bag lifter has been apprehended by the CISF at a Metro station in Dwarka here. Officials said the man, identified as Deepak, was nabbed yesterday at the Dwarka Mor Metro station based on profiling by CISF personnel. They said the man had allegedly stolen a bag from the same station on February 21 and was again attempting a similar act. He was intercepted and his questioning led to the recovery of the stolen bag which was subsequently handed over to its owner, a woman. Deepak was later handed over to Delhi Police. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A prominent Bangladeshi opposition newspaper editor, on bail for charges of plotting to kill the Prime Minister's son, has been stopped from flying abroad despite having court clearance to travel, his aide said today. Shafik Rehman, a British citizen, was scheduled to fly to London to see his ailing wife Taleya Rehman there but the immigration police turned him away from the airport today, a personal aide to the 81-year-old editor told reporters. Rehman was freed on bail in September last year on a Supreme Court order, five months after he was arrested on charges of involvement in the plot to kill Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy who lives in the US. His aide Sajib Onasis said authorities returned Rehman's British passport last week after the high court granted him permission to visit abroad to see his wife but the immigration police said they were not advised about the clearance yet. An immigration police officer, however, said the officials prevented him from flying abroad as they required time to verify the court papers produced by Rehman and "once the procedure is done he will be able to catch the next flight immediately". Rehman is an adviser and speech writer of former prime minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader chief Khaleda Zia and now edits a Bengali monthly tabloid magazine called Mouchake Dhil. He was formerly the editor of Jaijaidin, a popular Bengali-language newspaper, and rose to prominence in the 1980s as a vocal critic of former military ruler Hussain Mohammad Ershad. He was arrested in April, 2016 after a US court convicted an expatriate BNP leader's son, along with two other Americans for bribing a former FBI agent to get confidential information on Joy with the intent to 'scare,' 'kidnap' and 'hurt' him. Police said during interrogation Rehman had admitted he held several meetings with those convicts and handed them over the "confidential FBI documents". But Rehman's wife at that time claimed he had collected those documents as an 'investigative journalist' to write a report. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The first international flight from Bhubaneswar to Kuala Lumpur will fly here on April 26, according to a release issued by the Air Asia. Air Asia Berhad, a low-cost airline of Malaysia, introduces new exclusive route from Bhubaneswar to Kuala Lumpur from April 26 with 4 weekly flights, a release by Air Asia said. Celebratory fares would be from as low as Rs 999 one way, it said adding that the Air Asia has started booking for the tickets from today. Air Asia on February 17 signed an MoU with Odisha government in connection with beginning of direct flights to and from the Malaysian capital. The fares from Rs 999 one way are available for booking from February 23 to March 5 2017 for the travel period from April 26 to October 27, the release said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bihar has registered a medium term growth rate of 7.6 per cent for Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) from 2011-12 to 2015-16 against the national growth rate of 6.8 per cent. This has largely been fuelled by the growth of service sector in the state. Tabling the economic survey on the first day of the Budget session in the Assembly, state Finance Minister Abdul Bari Siddique said that Bihar is one of the fastest growing state in the country despite the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) releasing a new series of GSDP with 2011-12 as the base year for estimation of both national and state incomes. "Bihar is one of the fastest growing states in India. The growth momentum of Bihar's economy, experienced in the recent decade, was continued in the last year also," Siddiqui said. "Despite the change in the base year, our growth rate is better than the national economy," he added. The GSDP of Bihar at constant (2011-12) prices in 2015-16 was Rs 3.27 lakh crore and Rs 4.14 lakh crore at current prices, the survey said while putting the per capita income at Rs 36,964 in 2015-16 at current prices. The change in the pattern of contributions of various sectors (primary, secondary and tertiary) in the GSDP shows that service sector or the tertiary sector has become the mainstay of the state's economy. Between 2011-12 and 2015-16, the share of primary (agriculture) sector has fallen by 7 percentage points from 25.2 to 18.3 per cent while the contribution of tertiary (service) sector has jumed by 6 percentage points from 54.3 to 60 per cent, he said. The secondary (industry) sector, whose share in GSDP was 18.3 per cent in 2011-12, witnessed a minor decline and was 18.1 per cent in 2015-16, the minister said. During the five year period from 2011-12 to 2015-16, the state's own tax revenue grew from Rs 12,612 crore to Rs 25,449 crore implying a high annual growth rate of 19 per cent, he said. Siddiqui said that the state's outstanding public debt was Rs 88,829 crore in 2015-16 implying a debt : GSDP ratio at 21.5 per cent which is well below the limit of 25 per cent as specified by Finance Commission. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As part of its expansion drive, Wheelstreet, a bike rental aggregator based in Bengaluru, today said it plans to launch its services pan-India shortly. "We are currently operational in 18 cities with 110- plus vendors, including Pune, Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Kolkata, Darjeeling, Jaipur and Hyderabad. "We plan to launch our services pan-India soon. There are over 40 cities in India which currently have an unorganised two-wheeler rental marketplace," Wheelstreet.In co-founder Moksha Srivastava said in a statement here. Wheelstreet is engaged in an organised two-wheeler rental marketplace that works with independent vendors enabling them to offer personalised services, including different pricing structures for the same bike, multiple pickup locations, a fleet of the latest bikes and real time availability on the platform. Commenting on the opportunity, Srivastava said the market size of bike rental segment is very huge and the total serviceable available market (SAM) is USD 4.6 billion. The serviceable obtainable market (SOM) is USD 340 million. "We see this market emerging really fast, as when we started we had only 200 bikes in Bengaluru and now there are more than 4,000 bikes. The company is launching "WS-Tours" wherein we will be aggregating tours from online travel agents and websites." Srivastava said the company had closed three rounds of funding till now. A total of Rs 3.4 crore from two rounds and an undisclosed amount in the third one has been raised by the company. It is now looking to mop up more money and is currently in talks with some VC firms for the same, Srivastava added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The ruling BJD in Odisha and opposition BJP accused each other of having an unholy nexus with the Congress in the state Panchayat elections. The first phase of results for the Odisha Panchayat elections was officially announced today. The issue was raised in the Assembly today during Zero Hour when senior BJP lawmaker Pradip Purohit accused the ruling BJD of forging an "unholy nexus" with the Congress to throttle the growth of BJP in Odisha. "I see a new political equation emerging in Odisha politics. The ruling BJD has worked in tandem with the Congress to prevent BJP's growth in the state," Purohit said while reacting on the denial of permission by Speaker Niranjan Pujari on a debate over post-poll violence. Purohit also alleged there was every possibility that the BJD would join hands with the Congress in the 2019 general elections as they have done so in the Panchayat elections this time in Odisha. While results of the Sarpanch, Panchayat Samity and Ward Members were officially declared at different block headquarters today, the State Election Commission would announce the Zilla Parishad election results on February 25. Ruling BJD member Samir Dash from Nimapara in Puri district rejected Purohit's allegations and claimed he could provide evidence of BJP candidates getting support of Congress activists in his home constituency. "Though both BJP and Congress claim to have separate identities, they join hands when it comes to contesting BJD candidates. This has happened in Zilla Parishad Zone No. 21 at Nimapara. "Here Congress supporters openly campaigned for BJP candidates. Is it not sufficient to prove that both national parties had joined hands to work against a regional party like BJD?" Dash asked. Stating that the Nimapara incident had been repeated across the state, Dash said BJP's "evil design" to defeat BJD would fail. He also alleged that BJP and Congress had joined hands in the ZP elections at Daringbadi in Kandhamal district. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Twenty-two BJP activists were today arrested for demonstrating in front of the main entrance of the state secretariat. The activists had gathered in front of 'Nabanna', the state secretariat, demanding the resignation of state education minister Partha Chatterjee in the backdrop of the Teachers' Eligibility Test (TET) examination controversy for the appointment of teachers in primary schools. The activists, many of whom were women, were carrying posters and party flags. The police first detained some of them and then arrested 22 party workers for defying Section 144 of the IPC, a police official said. The Home Department has sought a report from the police as to how so many BJP workers could assemble outside the high-security area of North Gate, which is the main entrance of the state secretariat. Security around the state secretariat was beefed up. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP today captured NCP's Pune bastion, winning a comfortable majority and coming to power in the city for the first time. The saffron party won 98 out of 162 seats in the Pune Municipal Corporation, dislodging NCP which was in power in the city since 2007. The Sharad Pawar-led party could win 38 seats this time. Seats won by other parties were as follows: Shiv Sena - 10, Congress - 9, MNS - 2, MIM - 1 and independents - 4. BJP delivered a similar blow to NCP in neighbouring Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation too, by capturing the power. In the 2012 civic elections, BJP had won only 26 seats in Pune and was at number four. Before elections, several sitting corporators from other parties, mainly from Congress and NCP, had switched their loyalty to BJP. BJP was targeted by its detractors for admitting some 'criminal elements' into party fold, and also faced disgruntlement within its ranks for the same reason. The party's campaign was spearheaded by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Fadnavis had to suffer opposition's barbs during the last phase of campaign when his rally in the city drew no crowd and was cancelled. However, going by today's results, the CM seemed to have the last laugh. District Guardian Minister and BJP MLA from the city Girish Bapat credited the victory to the efforts of party workers. NCP city unit president Vandana Chavan accepted the defeat and said her party would play the role of a strong opposition in the civic body. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP today wrested the control of the municipal corporation of the twin industrial towns of Pimpri and Chinchwad near here from the ruling NCP, by winning 78 out of the 128 seats. The saffron party thus won power in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation for the first time. Several prominent leaders from NCP had switched the loyalty to BJP before the elections. The area was traditionally a bastion of Sharad Pawar-led NCP which managed to win only 35 seats this time. Shiv Sena, BJP's bickering ally in the Maharashtra government, won only nine seats, while MNS won a single seat. Independent candidates won in five places. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP today scored a resounding victory in Maharashtra civil polls emerging as the largest party in eight of the 10 municipal corporations while finishing a close second to bellicose ally Shiv Sena in the latter's Mumbai bastion. BJP was the number one party in Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur. Shiv Sena led the tally in Mumbai and adjoining Thane. Making giant strides in the Shiv Sena citadel of Mumbai, BJP won 82 seats in the fiercely fought BMC polls, just two less than the estranged saffron ally, but both were well short of the magic figure of 114 needed to control the civic body. The hung verdict will reset the political calculations as no party is in the position to rule the country's richest civic body on its own and alliance seems inevitable. However, it is not yet clear whether the saffron allies, who share power both in Maharashtra and at the Centre, will get back together or new combinations will emerge. In the counting of votes held today, the Congress was relegated to the third position with 31 seats, whereas the NCP and the Raj Thackeray's MNS were reduced to 9 and 7 seats, respectively. AIMIM, which had made its maiden entry into the Maharashtra Assembly with two seats in the last polls, won three seats on debut in the BMC elections, Samajwadi Party six, Akhil Bhartiya Sena one and Independents four. For the 25 zilla parishads, BJP led the tally, winning 397 of the 1,509 seats for which polls were held. It was followed by NCP 336, Congress 293 and Shiv Sena 259. MNS got one and others 147. Results of 76 seats were awaited till late night. For the 2,990 Panchayat Samiti seats, BJP got the lion's share, winning 803, while NCP got 630, Congress 555 and Sena 538. MNS pocketed just two and others 281 seats. Results of the 181 seats were awaited till late night. Thanking the voters, an elated Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "Our victory is the result of people's acceptance of our agenda of transparency," and indicated that his party's core committee would explore the options before it. Asked about the future course of action, Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray said, "What is the hurry? Wait for some time. We have not yet decided if an alliance has to be made or not. We will do so soon." With BMC polls throwing no clear winner, a senior Maharashtra BJP leader said both the parties should join hands in Mumbai. "Enough of bitterness. Now, it's time to come together again," Chandrakant Patil, minister in the Devendra Fadnavis ministry said, indicating that the bickering allies in the state government could come together after today's fractured verdict. "Is there any option other than the two parties coming together, given the number of seats each one has bagged? Will they (Shiv Sena) take support of Congress?" Patil, known to have excellent rapport with the central BJP leadership, said. In January, BJP had emerged the number one party in polls for 212 municipal bodies, winning 1,207 seats followed by the Congress (919), NCP (788) and Shiv Sena (616). Shiv Sena, which has ruled the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) for the last 25 years, retained its hold on the civic body by winning 67 seats out of 131 followed by NCP 34. BJP won 23 seats, while Congress could manage to win only four. Four independents were also elected. BJP breached NCP's Pune bastion by winning 98 out of the 162 seats. It came to power in the city for the first time. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP won 40 seats in PMC, followed by Congress 11, Shiv Sena 10, MNS two and independent one. The BJP also wrested control of the municipal corporation of the twin industrial towns of Pimpri and Chinchwad near Pune from the ruling NCP, winning 78 out of the 128 seats. NCP won 35, Shiv Sena nine, independents five, while MNS had to remain content with just one. Congress did not win a single seat. In Nagpur Municipal Corporation, out of 155 seats, BJP won 101, Congress 28, independents 10, Shiv Sena three and NCP just one. The results of 12 seats are awaited. In the 122-member Nashik Municipal Corporation which was controlled by Raj Thackeray's MNS, BJP won 67, Shiv Sena 34, Congress and NCP six each, while MNS won merely five. Independents clinched four seats. BJP clinched 32 seats in the 78-member Ulhasnagar Municipal corporation, Shiv Sena 25, independents 16, NCP four and Congress just one. In Solapur Municipal Corporation, out of 102 seats, BJP won 47, Shiv Sena 20, independents 17, Congress 14 and NCP four. Of the 80 seats in Akola Municipal Corporation, BJP pocketed 48, Congress 13, Shiv Sena eight, independent six and NCP five. In Amravati civic body, out of 87 seats, BJP won 45, independents 20, Congress 15 and Shiv Sena seven. A jubilant BJP today projected its impressive show in Maharashtra's local body polls, including Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), a precursor to its "wins" in the ongoing Assembly elections, including in Uttar Pradesh. BJP President Amit Shah congratulated Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state unit chief Raosaheb Patil Danve for the "unprecedented success". Union minister Prakash Javadekar told a press conference that the party's performance in Maharashtra as well as Odisha local body polls and the losses of the Congress showed that the poor has now deserted its rival and is supporting policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The pro-poor plank used to be with the Congress but is now with us. It's a big win. The results have showed that all sections of society are voting for the BJP. The results of Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Goa and Uttarakhand state polls will be on the similar lines. The results in Punjab will also be surprising," he said. The Congress had nothing but crocodile tears for the poor while the BJP government is working for them, he said. "We continue to move towards Congress-mukt Bharat (Congress-free India)," he said. In Maharashtra, where local body poll results were declared today, the saffron party has gained a majority or emerged as the largest outfit in eight out of 10 municipal bodies, he said, adding that it has trebled its tally in the BMC where it fell short of the Shiv Sena, the largest party, by a few seats. Taking a dig at its bickering ally Shiv Sena, he said the results are a lesson to those who said BJP's strength is not enough for winning even 40 seats. It's a defeat for the critics of demonetisation and an evidence of people's endorsement for the government's policies, he said while crediting Fadnavis and Danve for the win. Another Union minister Piyush Goyal, who like Javadekar is also from Maharashtra, said BJP's win is the harbinger of its victory in the Assembly elections. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, ably supported by Mumbai president Ashish Shelar, have demonstrated that the BJP is the true representative of good governance, transparency and development," he told PTI. This was reflective in the massive victory in Mumbai where BJP's tally has risen from 31 to 81 seats and other cities, he said. "The people are with Modi and the results of Odisha followed by Maharashtra are a harbinger of an expected huge victory in Uttar Pradesh, where BJP will secure two-thirds majority," Goyal said. BJP for the first time will rule local bodies in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad and Nasik among others, Javadekar said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan today attributed BJP's success in the civic bodies and zilla parishads elections to its "malpractice rather than merit". "BJP won these elections by misusing power and money. The win is more of a result of their malpractice than merit," Chavan told reporters. Replying to questions on the loss in Mumbai, Chavan said it was not right to blame party's city unit chief Sanjay Nirupam alone. "It's a team work. It's the team than wins or loses," he said. In the all-important Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the Congress was relegated to the third position with 31 seats. Shiv Sena secured the first position by winning 84 seats, followed by BJP with 82 seats. Taking moral responsibility for Congress' poor performance in BMC, party's city unit chief Sanjay Nirupam today offered to resign from his post. Vice president of Congress' Maharashtra unit, Ratnakar Mahajan told PTI, "The results are mixed with the party doing well in Zilla Parishads while suffering reverses in the municipal corporations. It is definitely a setback." He said the results have been unexpected and need to be analysed at the organisational level. "Whether there has been a disconnect between voters and the party leaders should be seen," he said. The party lost power in Amravati, Solapur civic bodies as well as Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, where it shared power with NCP. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former captain Allan Border has slammed Matt Renshaw for retiring midway through his innings due to a "stomach bug" and feels the young Australian opener had to be "half dead" to be back in the dressing room on day one of the first Test against India here today. Renshaw chatted with umpires right after the opening stand of 82 runs ended with the fall of David Warner. He then had a conversation with incoming batsman Steve Smith and following the hand signals towards the dressing room, the southpaw was confirmed to be "retired hurt". However, Renshaw's approach did not go down well with Border. The opener came back into the middle and ended with a fighting 68 in his first ever Test match in Asia. "I hope he's lying on the table in there half dead," Border told Fox Sports. "Otherwise, as captain, I would not be happy. I don't think I've ever seen that before. He's obviously just got an upset stomach to some degree and he was probably trying to use the situation where David Warner had just been dismissed to race off the ground and go to the toilet. "What happened in the ensuring time there, I can't ever think of a situation like that that's happened before where someone's gone off because they're a bit ill," Border was not at all sympathetic. "If David Warner hadn't got out then he wouldn't have even thought about it. It's a bit of an odd situation. He probably thought he had time to race off the ground and get back on while the new batsman was coming out to the crease. "I can tell you what, if Shaun Marsh was dismissed in those last 15 minutes I would've been ropeable as captain," Border added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Britain's exit from the European Union is likely to positively impact the economic bloc's long- drawn negotiations over a free trade agreement with India, according to a leaked document drawn up by the members of the EU parliament. The document drawn up by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in the EU's influential trade committee points to British Prime Minister Theresa May's stringent visa policy towards Indian professionals as a major stumbling block to the FTA, which has been in the works since 1997. India's high import tariffs on Scotch whisky from Scotland is seen as another hurdle, which would also no longer be a factor post-Brexit, The Guardian reported. "Scotland has a major interest in an FTA with India: India has the world's largest market for whisky, which is highly protected by prohibitive tariffs. Lowering tariffs for Scottish whisky could present an important market opportunity," the MEPs note. "In case the UK (including Scotland) would leave the EU, this could possibly facilitate FTA negotiations [for the EU] as tariffs on wines and spirits constitute an obstacle. This as well as financial services, would then become a bit less of an offensive interest of the EU," they add. The European parliamentarians also suggest that despite the much-hyped India-UK ties, Britain is likely to struggle to clinch a new trade deal. "Given the important Indian diaspora living in the UK and the common past, the UK tends to attach particular importance to its economic relations to India, however, trading ties are more important with other EU member states,"say the MEPs. They point out that as a trading partner of India, Germany is the top EU country (ranked 6th), whereby the UK figures only rank 18 between Kuwait and Iran as a trading partner for India. While the UK makes up 3.4 per cent of India's overall exports, it accounts only for less than 2 per cent of India's exports. In addition, currently the UK has by far the largest trade deficit in goods with India of any EU member states accounting for 2,611 million euros, while Belgium and Germany have a large trade surplus with India. The document adds that the visas India has been seeking for its skilled workers is a "political problem" for the UK if it wants a deal: "India has a major interest in mode IV access for its service suppliers to the UK, which would also prove politically difficult (as most of the Indian service providers would certainly like to enter the UK for delivering temporary services)." The MEPs' document, leaked to the newspaper, does however see a threat to the EU's other trade talks in Britain's withdrawal. In particular, there are concerns that the negotiations with Australia and New Zealand due to start in mid-2017 could be scuppered. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The release of filmmaker Prakash Jha's upcoming production "Lipstick Under My Burkha", starring Konkona Sensharma and Ratna Pathak Shah, has hit a roadblock after the censor board refused to certify the film. Listing the reasons for denial of certificate, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in a letter, posted by Bollywood celebrities online, wrote, "The story is lady oriented, their fantasy above life. There are contanious sexual scenes, abusive words, audio pornography and a bit sensitive touch about one particular section of society, hence film refused under guidelines (sic)." The film's director Alankrita Shrivastava criticised CBFC's decision saying it is an "assault on women's rights" and she will fight till the end to get her film released. "I believe the decision to refuse certification to our film is an assault on women's rights. For too long the popular narrative has perpetuated patriarchy by objectifying women or minimising their role in a narrative. "So a film like 'Lipstick Under My Burkha', that challenges that dominant narrative is being attacked because it presents a female point of view. Do women not have the right of freedom of expression?," she said in a statement. The director said she is determined to fight the decision till the end to ensure that Indian audiences watch movie. "The real issue is the systematic suppression of women's voices and the throttling of freedom of expression." The film has won the Oxfam Award for the Best Film on Gender Equality at the Mumbai Film Festival and the Spirit of Asia prize at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Meanwhile, CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani has confirmed the the board's decision to refuse certificate to the film and said that makers can approach the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) to get the film released. "The film was not cleared by examining committee and then it went to revising committee which also declined certification. The makers can now approach FCAT and get it cleared from there," Nihalani told PTI. This is not the first time Jha has faced problem with the censor board - the director was asked to make several cuts in the film and was also given an 'A' certificate. Jha later approached the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal and got a clean chit for the Priyanka Chopra-starrer. When asked to respond to Shrivastava's claim that the decision was an attempt to curb freedom of expression, Nihalani said, "It is not the first film in the history of censor board to not get certification. We don't go out and tell which film gets certificate and which does not. It is their freedom of expression. "Prakash Jha is an experienced filmmaker and he successfully managed to get his last film 'Jai Gangaajal' released without cuts. It is his right to approach the tribunal and the court to get his film cleared." Besides Konkona and Ratna Pathak, "Lipstick Under My Burkha" also features Aahana Kumra, Plabita Borthakur, Sushant Singh, Vikrant Massey and Shashank Arora. The decision has attracted criticism from Bollywood celebrities like Farhan Akhtar, Vishal Dadlani and Renuka Shahane. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China today said it was baffled by the Philippines' top diplomat's remarks that its move to build military facilities on contentious shoal will go against the promise of President Xi Jinping to his Philippine counterpart, indicating that tensions between the two sides over disputed South China Sea have returned after a five month bonhomie. As the Philippines' voiced concern over reports that China is close to completing structures to house long range surface-to-air missiles on its man made islets near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in SCS, Beijing reportedly hit back by postponing its commerce minister's planned visit to Manila during which he was expected to sign 40 joint projects worth about billions of dollars. "President Xi has promised President Duterte they will not reclaim and build structures on Scarborough Shoal," Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay told media in Manila, reminding Beijing that its constructions violated the understanding between the two leaders. Philippines along with Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan contest China's claims over all most of the SCS. Tensions between China and the Philippines escalated after an international tribunal's decision rejecting Beijing's claim over almost all of SCS following a petition from Manila. Duterte visited Beijing last October and agreed to keep aside the SCS dispute and improve the relations. During his visit, China promised heavy investments in the Philippines to keep up with the peace. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang hit back today, saying that Beijing is baffled over his remarks. Yasay's comments do not confirm to the sound and rapid development of China-Philippine relations nor they are consistent with the overall stability of the SCS, he said. "China find them baffling and regrettable. We hope that Yasay can follow the agreement by the two Presidents and desires and wishes of the two countries and exercise prudence and truly maintain over all stability of China-Philippine relations and the region," he said. Geng played down the postponement of the commerce minister's visit, saying it was due to scheduling problems. "Last year, President Duarte paid a successful visit to China bringing about a turn around in China-Philippines relations.During that visit the two sides have signed series of agreements. Now with the jointefforts of both sides the agreements are turned into reality. This time the delay is due to scheduling issue," he said. US officials yesterday said China has nearly finished building almost two dozen structures on artificial islands in the SCS which appeared to have designed to house long-range surface-to-air missiles. Commenting on the reports, Geng said China has indisputable sovereignty over the island and the adjacent waters. "China firmly safeguards its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," he told the media. "I want to reiterate that China carrying out normal facility construction, including deploying necessary and appropriate national defence facilities, on its own territory, is exercising a right bestowed by international law to sovereign states," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China said on Thursday that the strategic dialogue with India was of "positive significance" to ties as "extensive agreements" were reached but skirted any reference to the persisting differences over issues like India's Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) bid and efforts to get Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar banned by the UN. "The dialogue has reached the goal as expected and is of positive significance to the bilateral relations," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing here, giving his assessment of Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar's talks with Chinese officials, which included the first round of the upgraded strategic dialogue. "Our overall impression is that this strategic dialogue was held in a friendly atmosphere. The two sides held (an) in-depth and comprehensive exchange of views and reached extensive agreements," he said, without elaborating. The two sides had an in-depth and comprehensive exchange of views on situation, domestic and foreign policies, bilateral relations and other regional and issues of mutual interest and reached extensive consensus, Geng said. He, however, made no reference to the persisting differences over China blocking India's admission into the NSG and efforts to get JeM chief Azhar banned by the UN. In his briefing to the media after the dialogue on Wednesday, Jaishankar had said both the issues figured in the talks. On the Chinese Foreign Ministry calling for "solid evidence" to get Azhar banned, Jaishankar had said, "In the case of Azhar, Jaish itself is proscribed under 1267. So the proof is in (the) 1267 Committee action. In this case what he has done, extent of his actions are well-documented." He had also said the "burden of proof" was not on India. "On the NSG issue, the Chinese sideunderlined that they are open to India's application for membership. They have their view of procedures and processes. These were different from where we are at the moment and most of the group is at the moment," Jaishankar had said. Without going into those issues, Geng said the two sides shared the view that with similar national conditions and the stage of objective development, China and India have extensive converging interests and huge potential for cooperation. "Sound and steady development of China-India relations is in the fundamental interest of the two countries and the peoples. The two sides agreed to maintain the momentum of the bilateral relations in the spirit of the agreements of the two leaders, work out a good programme for 2017 bilateral exchanges at various levels, advance practical cooperation, strengthen cooperation and coordination on issues," Geng said. Before the dialogue with Executive Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui, Jaishankar met Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Senior officials of the two sides also held talks on five issues, including on nuclear issues with reference to India's admission into NSG and UN and counter terrorism issues in which the issue of the ban against Azhar figured. People who suffer long-term stress may also be more prone to obesity, a new study has warned. Researchers at University College London (UCL) in the UK examined hair samples for levels of cortisol, a hormone which regulates the body's response to stress. The study showed that exposure to higher levels of cortisol over several months is associated with people being more heavily, and more persistently, overweight. has long been hypothesised to be implicated in obesity people tend to report overeating and 'comfort eating' foods high in fat, sugar and calories in times of stress, and the stress hormone cortisol plays an important role in metabolism and determining where fat is stored. The research involved 2,527 men and women aged 54 and older taking part in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, taking data over a four-year period. In the research, the scientists took a lock of hair 2 cm long from each participant which was cut as close possible to a person's scalp this represented about two months' hair growth with associated accumulated levels of cortisol. They also examined the participants' weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference and how hair cortisol related to the persistence of obesity over time. They found that people who had higher levels of cortisol present in their hair tended to have larger waist circumference measurements, were heavier and had a higher BMI. Individuals classified as obese on the basis of their BMI (30) or waist circumference (102 cm in men, 88 cm in women) had particularly high levels of hair cortisol. "These results provide consistent evidence that is associated with higher levels of obesity," said Dr Sarah Jackson, who led the research. "People who had higher hair cortisol levels also tended to have larger waist measurements, which is important because carrying excess fat around the abdomen is a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and premature death," said Jackson. "Hair cortisol is a relatively new measure which offers a suitable and easily obtainable method for assessing chronically high levels of cortisol concentrations in weight research and may, therefore, aid in further advancing understanding in this area," she added. The research was published in the journal Obesity. The Congress, which suffered a rout in Maharashtra civic polls, today said it will introspect on the reasons for the loss, even as the issue of infighting continued to haunt the grand old party. "We will introspect. We will look for the reasons why Congress party did not do as well. We need to sit down and introspect about the reasons," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said. "We will rebuild our cadre, we will look at the reasons and we will ensure that Congress party emerges out stronger as a voice of people of Mumbai," he said. However, senior party leader Milind Deora said the Congress failed to check infighting and expose the Shiv Sena-BJP's backdoor alliance and inspire the people of Mumbai. "Sadly, Congress failed to halt infighting, play up local issues, expose Shiv Sena-BJP's backdoor alliance and inspire Mumbai to vote for change," the former Congress MP from South Mumbai said. Deora later tweeted, "Congress needs to regain Mumbai's trust and re-establish relevance by replacing current urban narrative with a more credible alternative one." Congratulating the BJP and the Shiv Sena for their good performance in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, Surjewala said the two parties will now have to provide good governance and fulfil their promises made to people of Mumbai. He said the Congress, as a responsible party, will sit in opposition and continue to strive for all the issues dear to the public. The Congress was routed in civic polls in Maharashtra, with BJP winning 82 seats in the fiercely fought BMC polls, just two seats behind the estranged saffron ally Shiv Sena. Both, however, were well short of the magic figure of 114 needed to control the civic body. In the counting of votes held today, the Congress was relegated to the third position with 31 seats, whereas the NCP and Raj Thackeray's MNS were reduced to single digit figures of 9 and 7 seats, respectively. Surjewala said, "We humbly accept the verdict of the people of Mumbai. Why we were unable to win over the hearts of the people of Mumbai and why we could not win more seats despite the fact that Shiv Sena and BJP have jointly ruled over BMC for last 20 years." He said one thing is extremely clear that in BMC, Shiv Sena and BJP have ruled together for last 20 years, but the problems of people of Mumbai, be it potholes, be it drinking water, be it immeasurable traffic, be it transparency and absence of corruption, be it excessive regulatory controls has not ended. The Congress leader also took strong exception to the use of money power in Mumbai civic polls and taking away of voting rights of lakhs of people and said it is the Shiv Sena and BJP which is now to stand test of people by fulfilling promises made to them. He claimed the Shiv Sena called the BJP "Bharatiya Goonda party", which, in turn, called its estranged ally "the mafia", Surjewala wondered, "Will the 'Bharatiya Goonda party' and 'the mafia' once again run the BMC and live up to public's expectations?" To the question of Sanjay Nirupam's resignation, he said, "He (Nirupam) has offered to resign. The party will take an appropriate decision at the right time." Meanwhile, Deora also congratulated the Shiv Sena and BJP for retaining BMC, saying "For Mumbai's sake, earnestly hope the next 5 years are better than the last two decades." "Conclusion one can draw from BMC election results is that Mumbaikars seem content living with potholes, flooding, malaria and water tankers," he tweeted. He also appealed to the Congress' elected Municipal Councillors to play the role of an active, responsible opposition and ensure that Mumbai got her due. A court here today sought the case diary in connection with an FIR registered against former state Congress Vice President Brajesh Pandey in a case of sexual exploitation of a minor girl. Hearing an application for anticipatory bail of Pandey and main accused Nikhil Priyadarshi, Judge of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court Parvez Alam called for the case diary. The matter would come up for hearing next on February 27. Pandey and Nikhil Priyadarshi had filed separate applications in the court. The same court rejected separate anticipatory bail applications of the father of Nikhil Priyadarshi, Krishna Bihari Prasad Sinha, who is a retired IAS officer of Jharkhand, his brother Manish Priyadarshi and a friend Sangeet Kumar Sharma, named in the FIR registered by the victim girl in SC/ST police station last month. Pandey, Nikhil Priyadarshi and others are absconding in the case. Pandey, Nikhil Priyadarshi and others have been made accused under POCSO Act on the basis of statement of the girl, who is daughter of a former state minister and a Congress leader. The National Commission for Women has taken up the case. Bihar CID has written to Union Home Ministry for issuance of a red corner notice against Nikhil Priyadarshi, who as per complaint of the girl had lured her in the name of marriage. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The cross-LoC raids were the tactical rather than a strategic success since the old rules stood, says a new book. "Defeat Is an Orphan: How Pakistan Lost the Great South Asian War" by Myra Macdonald tracks the defining episodes in the relationship between India and Pakistan from 1998, from bitter conflict in the mountains to military confrontation in the plains, from the hijacking of a plane to the Mumbai attacks. India has come a long way from the lonely humiliation of the Kathmandu to Kandahar hijacking in 1999 to the public announcement of cross-LoC raids into Pakistan-held territory in 2016, says MacDonald, a journalist and author specialising in South Asian politics and security. "The cross-LoC raids were a tactical rather than strategic success, since the old rules stood. Pakistan was unlikely to abandon its strategy of supporting some jihadis while fighting others - the ideology of confrontation with India had become too deeply embedded to be uprooted. Nor had India escaped the requirements of 'strategic restraint'. "Beyond skirmishes on the LoC, more significant Indian military action still faced the risk of escalation into a nuclear exchange. Inside the Kashmir Valley, India still needed to find the political means of addressing Kashmiri resentment. In the event of further attacks from Pakistan, moreover, India's options for further unpredictable retaliation remained limited," the author says. "If it had international support for its cross-LoC raids, it was precisely because Indian responses to attacks by jihadis from Pakistan had been so carefully controlled since 1998, thanks to Prime Minister Modi's predecessors," the book, published by Penguin Random House, says. "It could not continue seeking ever more forceful retaliation without putting that at risk. Nor could it rely on international impatience with Pakistan - it was too useful a country for China and too worrying for the United States to abandon." According to Macdonald, Pakistan's defeat in the Great South Asian War contained a warning for India too. "Pakistan had been brought low by hubris, a chauvinist nationalism and an unhealthy obsession with its neighbour. As it emerged as the far stronger power, India needed to be wary of succumbing to similar sentiments, lest it neglect the need to tend to the domestic stability and restraint that had served it so well," she says. But in the short-run, Macdonald says, India had added a new twist to the old rules. "It had announced its cross-LoC raids without international objection and acted quickly to reassure both Pakistan and the outside world that it intended no further escalation. It had added this new twist using the very weapons that Pakistan, with its nuclear weapons and jihadis lacked - India's diplomatic and economic strength." That India was able to do so was a product of multiple factors, many outside its control, the author says. "Pakistan had failed to adjust to the more fertile environment for jihadis that emerged at the end of the Cold War and then to the international opposition to Islamist militants that coalesced after the September 11 attacks. After 2001, it had made the mistake of trying to take on India and the US simultaneously," she writes. David Bowie was posthumously awarded two of the biggest prizes at the 37th Brit Awards - British Album of the Year and British Male Solo Artist for his mournful swansong, "Blackstar." The singing great, who died of cancer in January 2016, beat The 1975, Michael Kiwanuka, Kano and Skepta to win British Album of the Year award at the ceremony, which is UK's biggest music awards show. Noel Gallagher announced the winner and presented the award to David's son, director Duncan Jones. "I lost my dad last year but I also became a dad. And I was trying to work out what I would want my son to know about his grandad. He's always been there supporting people who think they are a little bit strange or different so this award is for all the kooks and all those who make the kooks. Thanks BRITs," Duncan said. David won the British Male Solo Artist award, beating Craig David, Skepta, Kano and Michael Kiwanuka and Michael C Hall accepted the gong on his behalf from presenter Zane Lowe. Speaking about the icon, Michael - who starred in 'Bowie's "Lazarus" musical - quipped that he wouldn't have attended the BRITs even if he was alive. "If David Bowie could be here tonight, he probably wouldn't be here tonight. But I am here tonight on behalf of his family to accept this testament to a man beholden to nothing but his own imagination," he said. One Direction won the British Video award, and Liam Payne accepted on behalf of the group, who are currently on hiatus. "This is amazing, thank you so much. We cannot believe we are still winning things like this. We are taking some time out to do our solo stuff but One Direction is who we are and who we always will be. This one is for you," Payne said. Meanwhile, Little Mix dedicated their British Single of the Year award at the BRITs to their exes. The girlband - comprised of Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall - won for "Shout Out To My Ex" and thanked their own past loves in their acceptance speech. Jade said, "Thank you so much. We honestly didn't think we were gonna get it, we were just sat there chinwagging. We'd like to thank our label Sony, Syco, Simon (Cowell), our amazing A&R, our management, and us girls, because if it wasn't for our friendship, we wouldn't still be going. "And lastly cheers to our exes for helping us to do an amazing song, this one's for you lads. Little Mix, who also opened the show, beat singer Perrie Edwards' former fiance Zayn Malik's "Pillowtalk" to take home the gong. Rag'N'Bone Man, who was awarded the Critics' Choice Brit Award in December, picked up the British Breakthrough Act and declared himself speechless when his name was called out by presenters Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora. After winning the gong over his competitors Anne-Marie, Skepta, Blossoms and Stormzy, he said, "I just want to say thank you to all my fans. You've been amazing and I appreciate your votes so much. I don't know what else to say, I'm speechless but thank you so much, honestly." Emeli Sande won British Female Solo Artist, Adele was presented with the Global Success Award, British Group went to The 1975 and International Group and Male and Female Solo Artist went to A Tribe Called Quest, Drake and Beyonce. Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, The 1975 performed during the ceremony. Ed Sheeran and Stormzy wowed the crowd with a collaboration on "Shape of You", while Coldplay also teamed up with The Chainsmokers before BRITs Icon Robbie Williams closed the show. Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has recommended lodging of an FIR against Safdarjung Hospital on complaint of a woman who alleged she had delivered twin babies but was handed over only one, a charge denied by the hospital authorities. DCW had received a complaint last month from the woman who alleged that she delivered twins but only one baby was handed over to her by the Safdarjung hospital. The complainant had also alleged that her second baby was dumped in the garbage by the nurse. "As evidence, complainant submitted her ultrasound report conducted at a polyclinic centre. We had issued notices to Safdarjung hospital, polyclinic and SHO PS Safdarjung Enclave. While hospital denied the allegations, the polyclinic confirmed to us as well as to police that as per ultrasound, the woman was carrying twins," a DCW official said. "Investigation by local police remains inconclusive. Commission has found prima facie evidence to substantiate the allegations and has ordered registration of FIR," he added. DCW Chairperson Swati Maliwal had written to Special CP, Crime to register an FIR and get the matter investigated by the crime branch. "The Safdarjung Hospital has stated that a departmental inquiry was conducted which concluded that the girl had delivered a single baby. This is a very serious matter which needs to be enquired into," Maliwal said in the letter. "The Commission is of the considered view that a detailed police investigation into the complaint is required as prima facie, cognisable offences under the IPC and other laws are clearly made out," she added. Meanwhile, Dr A K Rai, medical superintendent of Safdarjung Hospital, rubbished the allegations. "The allegations are baseless and there is no substance to them. As per the Head of the Department, she only gave birth to one baby and the woman had accepted that she gave only one push. "She had come to the hospital on the 33rd day of her pregnancy with an ultrasound report. A probe was introduced but two babies were not visible. We asked her to get a second ultrasound done but she didn't come after that. She only came when she was in labour," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone today refuted reports that she would be attending this year gala Oscar ceremony. There were reports that the actress, high on the success of her debut Hollywood venture "xXx: The Return of Xander Cage", will be walking the red carpet of Oscar's this year. When asked about the same, the actress told reporters, "That's an interesting question.... But no, no." Deepika was speaking at the launch of Gillette Venus Breeze. Even though the actress hinted that this year she will not attend the Academy Awards, she is glad her Hollywood project was well received. "For me, what was really heartening was the way India embraced the film. I think just the way everyone embraced my performance, even the way I spoke in the film, that makes me really happy. "To step out of your comfort zone and work in a territory that you're absolutely unfamiliar with and not knowing what the end result might be, then to see that translate into this kind of love and appreciation, it makes me feel like it's worth taking all of those risks," she said. At the event, Deepika was joined by Soha Ali Khan and Neha Dhupia. When asked if there is a pressure on celebrities to always look good, Deepika said it's actually about the expectation people have from them. "I think it depends from individual to individual. A lot of people have a different way of handling it. I wouldn't say there is pressure, but expectations, yes. There is a lot of expectation from everyone to look a certain way," Deepika said. "For me it doesn't really matter. If I've had a long flight and I look great, then good, if I don't that's also ok. It's totally ok to not have great days, to not feel your best or have low days. You've to allow yourself that much and not be hard on yourself," she added. Neha, who was also asked the same, quipped, "Everyday (I feel the pressure). Specially when I scroll my Instagram feed and suddenly Deepika's picture pops out. It's the worst feeling in the world. And Soha's too. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi government has sought amendments in the Centre's 2008 notification to legalise over 1600 unauthorised colonies in the city, arguing that it was difficult to do it as per the existing guidlines. Urban Development Minister Satyendra Jain today said the Delhi government wants 1,639 unauthorised colonies to be regularised on 'as is where is' basis, a similar move had been proposed by the then Sheila Dikshit dispensation, but rejected by the then UPA government. "All political parties are on the same page that the 1,639 colonies need to be regularised, but why is the delay on the part of the Centre? The Centre wants more details on our proposal to legalise these colonies, leading to the delay. "The Delhi government has provided all details available with it," Jain told reporters addressing a press conference at Delhi Secretariat here. The development came a day after the Delhi High Court told the Centre to take an "in-principle decision" on the government's proposal to regularise unauthorised colonies. The court has given the central government four weeks time to take a decision on the matter. Jain said that in 2008, the decision had been taken together by the Centre and the state government. The AAP government demands the Centre to give in-principle agreement and thereafter, the city administration will distribute the certificates within 24 hours, he added. Regularisation of unauthorised colonies is a long-pending issue. The then UPA government had distributed provisional certificates to over 1200 colonies ahead of the 2008 Delhi Assembly elections. The conditions laid in the 2008 notification - in terms of the colony boundaries, covered and open areas, cost of land in colonies that had come up on government land and development charges - emerged to as bottlenecks in the regularisation process. Ahead of the 2013 assembly elections, the Sheila Dikshit government had proposed the Centre to amend the policy and grant permission to regularise the colonies. However, the then UPA government had rejected the move. Both the Centre - during President's Rule - and the Aam Aadmi Party government gradually increased the cut-off date for including the colonies in the regularisation list to January 1, 2015. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The White House on Thursday expressed "deep disappointment" over the conviction and sentencing of Indian-origin Sabrina de Sousa, a former CIA agent, by a court in Italy. "We are deeply disappointed in de Sousa's conviction and sentence," a White House official told PTI amidst news reports that de Sousa, has been taken into custody in Portugal to be handed over to Italy in coming days to serve a four-year prison for her alleged role in the 2003 kidnapping of a radical Muslim cleric. The previous Obama Administration had refused to provide her with any kind of help, much to the distress of many in the intelligence community. In response to a question, the White House said it is following "her case closely, but beyond that we have no comment on the allegations" in this case. The State Department has been following the proceedings closely and has been in touch with de Sousa, the official said. "We appreciate the efforts of the Italian Government to challenge the prosecution before the Italian Constitutional Court. The US Government takes its obligation to assist US citizens overseas seriously," the White House official said, reflecting a change in US policy towards under the Trump Administration. As a CIA agent stationed in Italy, De Sousa, 61, was involved in the alleged kidnapping of Egyptian-born-cleric Abu Omar outside a Mosque in Milan, Italy on February 17, 2003. Omar, a radical Islamic cleric was imprisoned till 2007. An Italian court convicted De Sousa in absentia along with 22 other Americans in 2009. "De Sousa was just following orders and she has since publicly criticised renditions. She would be the first to see the inside of a jail for this and that would be so wrong - she is just a scapegoat," her lawyer, Dario Bolognesi, said. De Sousa was arrested in Portugal in 2015 when she was visiting from the US to meet her ailing mother. Thereafter, she appealed before the court, which was turned down early this week. She was taken into custody for deportation to Italy. "We are requesting that the four-year sentence be turned into a programme of restricted movement, outside jail, involving social services work," Bolognesi said. The Acting State Department Spokesperson Mark Toner said that the State Department has asked its European counterparts what their next steps may be. "But we are not in a position to detail those discussions," he said. BJP national Secretary H Raja today said the Centre was ready to reconsider its proposal to establish hydrocarbon exploration and extraction project in Neduvasal in Pudukottai district if public felt that the project was against the interests of farmers. He appealed to the farmers to "not to get carried away" by the "false propaganda" by Left parties and some vested interests. "Some vested interests and Left parties were opposing and indulged in spreading false propaganda against the project, which would help to produce clean and green energy, conceptualised by previous UPA government," Raja told reporters here. Stating that this was one of the 31 projects across the country and only one in Tamil Nadu to generate green energy without affecting environment, Raja said the Centre was ready to shelve it, if the farmers feel it would affect their livelihood. He said that he along with experts will be going to Neduvasal on February 28 to meet the farmers and local people to elicit their opinion. On opposition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Isha Yoga Centre here to unveil the 112-foot conceptualised 'Face of Adhiyogi' here, Raja termed it as anti-Hindu. "This was purely anti-Hindu agitation by atheists and Left parties, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Anti-Islam Dutch MP Geert Wilders and his far-right Freedom Party suspended all public activities today pending a probe after a police agent was arrested for leaking information about him to a Moroccan gang. "Very disturbing . The Freedom Party is suspending all public activities until all facts in connection with the investigation are known," Wilders said in a Tweet, as Dutch political parties gear up for crunch elections three weeks from now. Wilders, who has courted controversy with his hardline anti-Islam, anti-immigrant stance and his incendiary insults against Moroccans and Turks, has long been under 24-hour police protection. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections throwing no clear winner as BJP has won 82 seats and Shiv Sena 84, a senior BJP leader today said both the parties should join hands in Mumbai. "Enough of bitterness. Now, it's time to come together again," Chandrakant Patil, minister in Devendra Fadnavis-led ministry said, indicating that the bickering allies in the state government could come together after today's fractured verdict. "Is there any other option than the two parties coming together, given the number of seats each one has bagged? Will they (Shiv Sena) take support of Congress?" said Patil, known to have excellent rapport with the central BJP leadership. "Instead of indulging in unscientific things, like taking Congress along, both the parties should do things which are scientific and come together to govern Mumbai," Patil said. "Devendra Fadnavis and Uddhav Thackeray should decide the power-sharing formula. Both are good friends," the minister said. Patil's remarks came even as BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari said the party will "introspect" reasons for its performance, which he said was "not as per the expectations". "We will introspect and find out reasons for our performance in Mumbai, which was not as per expectations," Bhandari said. BJP leader Vinod Tawde said his party has emerged as the overall leader in elections to 10 municipal corporations and 25 zilla parishads held recently. "The BJP is the number one party in Maharashtra," Tawde, who is also the state's Education minister, told reporters. "This result is a befitting reply to Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut, who had said the BJP did not have the 'aukat' (ability) to win even 40 seats in the BMC," Tawde said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The EU does not want Brexit to result in the return of fixed border controls between Ireland and British-controlled Northern Ireland, European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said today. "During the Brexit negotiations, the EU and Ireland must work together to minimise the impact," Juncker said after talks with Irish Premier Enda Kenny in Brussels. "We don't want hard borders between Northern Ireland and the Republic" of Ireland, he said. Ireland is set to be the only EU country to share a land border with Britain after Brexit, fuelling concerns in Dublin about the implications for trade and security. During the troubles in Northern Ireland, the border was festooned with military outposts and controls which were later removed as part of the 1998 Good Friday peace accords. Kenny said Dublin was very concerned by the implications of Brexit and wanted "the closest possible relationship between the UK and the EU." "There should not be a return to a hard border and there won't be," he said. Kenny also said Ireland wanted the language of the Good Friday Agreement, which has international status since it is lodged at the United Nations, to be included in a Brexit settlement. "We do not want to see the Good Friday Agreement damaged in any way," he said, citing provisions on Northern Ireland's right to decide its own future, including reunification. For his part, Juncker said the peace deal was "an important agreement ... The Irish and British have worked hard to have it and in no way should it become under risk." Northern Ireland voted to remain in the European Union in the June Brexit referendum but it has no separate say in its future with Brussels. British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to trigger Article 50 negotiations by the end of next month, triggering two years of what promise to be difficult and complex negotiations. Kenny and May have said previously they, too, do not want a return to the fixed border between the two major trading partners. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Every citizen of Madhya Pradesh bore a 'debt' of Rs 13,853 as the state government had a liability of Rs 1.11 lakh crore at the beginning of current fiscal (2016-17), the state government said today. "The debt of the state government increased to Rs 1,11,101.10 crore in March last year from Rs 77,413 crore in March 2014. So the average debt of every citizen of Madhya Pradesh was Rs 13,853 as of March 31, 2016," Finance Minister Jayant Malaiya told the Assembly today. Malaiya gave the information in a written reply to a question asked by the senior Congress MLA Ram Niwas Rawat. The estimate was based on the state's projected population of 8.02 crore in March 2016, he said. As per the 2011 census, the state's population was 7.26 crore. The current debt figure can be determined only after receiving details from the Accountant General (AG) of the state, the minister said. "The state government has not yet received the accounting details from the AG. The status of debt during the current financial year would only be known after receiving the details from AG," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After two decades as a yoga missionary, Philippine Environment Secretary Regina Lopez is unleashing her inner rage on the mining industry while aiming for Bhutan-style gross national happiness. Lopez has in recent months moved global commodity markets with a campaign to close roughly two-thirds of the existing mines in the Philippines, which is the world's biggest supplier of nickel ore and a major source of copper. For the 63-year-old, her sudden elevation by firebrand President Rodrigo Duterte to government last year after a lifetime of spiritual and environmental pursuits has presented an unexpected chance to bring about radical change in society. "This is a golden opportunity to do the right thing," Lopez, popularly known as Gina, told AFP in an interview on Wednesday at her bustling Manila office as she explained her determination to take on the mining industry. "Not everyone has the guts and the wherewithal to stand on big business's toes. Right now I have that platform." Lopez casts mining in a sinister light, accusing powerful business figures and politicians involved in the industry of corruption and rapaciousness. She insists mining is destroying the Southeast Asian archipelago's ecosystem, and that the natural resources on offer can be used in much more sustainable ways. "We have 7,000 islands and if we rape the islands... And 95 percent of the wealth goes out of those islands, we will never see the light of day," Lopez said. Lopez has ordered the closure or suspension of 28 mines which, if implemented, would leave just 12 in operation. She has also recommended the contracts of 75 planned mines be cancelled to protect watersheds. Mining Inc is fighting back, with a public relations blitz insisting it is a law-abiding industry that generates billions of dollars for the economy and directly supports 1.2 million people. It has appealed to Duterte, who has spoken fiercely against the industry but nevertheless also has many pro-mining figures in his cabinet, to over-rule Lopez. It is also lobbying for a congressional committee to reject her nomination as environment secretary when it conducts a confirmation hearing next month. "This is the first time we have opposed an appointee of the president," Chamber of Mines of the Philippines vice president Ronald Recidoro told AFP. "We've had to because our existence is on the line. If she is confirmed the mining industry is finished, we are done." If Lopez survives as environment secretary and gets to serve her full six-year term, she has much bigger plans for remodelling the Philippine economy -- and she is taking inspiration from the tiny Himalayan nation of Bhutan. The Buddhist kingdom famously pursues an economic development model of "Gross National Happiness", which aims to balance spiritual and material wealth while taking into account the value of the environment and culture. "I love the Bhutan model," Lopez said. "They know if they kill their air, they kill their water, they will never ever be happy. And I find that quite enlightened." Lopez has walked an unlikely path to becoming one of the most powerful women in the Philippines. She belongs to one of the wealthiest families in the country. But Lopez exchanged a life of luxury as a young lady for one as a yoga missionary with a spiritual organisation founded in India called Ananda Marga, or Path of Bliss. Lopez spent two decades in Africa, India and Portugal promoting yoga and helping the underprivileged, before returning to the Philippines to raise two children. Back home Lopez earned a reputation as a passionate advocate for the environment, most notably with the charitable arm of her family's ABS-CBN media empire. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 27-year-old man was arrested today in connection with a case in southeast Delhi's Sangam Vihar area where a SBI ATM had allegedly dispensed four notes of Rs 2,000 with "Children Bank Of India" written on them. Romil Baaniya, DCP (Southeast) said that the cash custodian was arrested today. "The accused was already identified yesterday and today we arrested him. He has been identified as 27-year-old Mohammed Isha, who is a resident of Sangam Vihar," he said. Isha was the custodian of the cash at the time it was being placed in the ATM. He is an employee of Brinks India Pvt Ltd which is responsible for the task of placing cash in ATMs, said the officer. During the course of investigation, CCTV footage of the ATM vending machine area was thoroughly scanned. Isha had done his bachelors of Arts from Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh. Rohit Kumar, who works as a customer care executive at a call centre in Chhatarpur, had gone to withdraw cash from the State Bank of India (SBI) ATM in Sangam Vihar on February 6. He got four notes of Rs 2,000 which had "Churan label" written on them in place of the official watermark. The notes also had "PK" written on them in place of the RBI stamp and the top left corner had "Bharatiya Manoranjan Bank" written instead of Reserve Bank of India. He approached police with a complaint and a case was registered. Earlier, a case under sections 489B (Using as genuine, forged or counterfeit currency-notes or bank-notes), 489E (Making or using documents resembling currency-notes or bank-notes) and 420 (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) was registered at Sangam Vihar police station. Later, the sections were finalised as 406 (Punishment for criminal breach of trust), 409 (Criminal breach of trust by public servant, or by banker, merchant or agent) and 420 (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) of IPC. Further investigation are underway. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fist time voters in poll-bound Manipur want an end to the politics of blockades and bandhs and demand better educational and job opportunities in the state. Every youth that PTI spoke to here wanted blockades to end and peace to return to strife-torn Manipur. "Since my childhood I have been hearing and reading about political unrests, blockades and shutdowns. I think the time has come when we should move forward towards creation of more jobs and educational opportunities leaving behind this era of bloodshed," said a student who did not wished to be named. "A single blockade cripples our daily life as prices soar and we hardly get fuel to run our scooters. I think we need peace and prosperity in our state. We don't want blockades and unrest," another student said. The indefinite economic blockade by United Naga Council (UNC) since November 1, 2016 in Manipur against the state government's decision for creation of seven new districts. It has severely hit supply of essential commodities including fuel. Better educational and employment opportunities is the other important demand by young voters, many of whom had to move to Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata or Bengaluru. "Most youths leave Manipur after completing their higher secondary or graduation. This is because Manipur has no proper higher educational facilities or job opportunities," said B Sarat, a first time voter. With unemployment being one of the biggest problems of the north eastern state, most youths want Manipur to be developed as an IT and education hub. "In Manipur good jobs means either government service or few private jobs where you won't earn more than Rs 7000 to Rs 10000 a month. Had there been BPOs we could have earned more," said Prashant Singh, another first timer. According to Election Commission there are 45642 voters in the state who are 18-19 years old and would exercise their franchise for the time in the March polls. With youths comprising a hefty 35 per cent of the state's population both ruling Congress and opposition BJP are trying to woo them with promises of employment opportunities. All political parties have stressed on formulating a comprehensive policy for creating jobs in the state. Congress in its manifesto has announced creating a minimum employment of at least three lakh educated youths through skill development in the next five years. BJP on the other hand promised that it would provide livelihood opportunity to at least one person per household. Bijay, a first year college student said he has decided to vote for any candidate who would provide better roads and street lights in his locality. "For me the candidate is important and not the party. The candidate whom I think is better for my area, I will vote for him," he said. Students from North East facing harassment in various parts of India is another area of concern for the first time voters. Perky, who works in Kolkata, said "I think whichever party comes to power should ask the central government to come out with a specific policy to ensure the safety of north east students and youths working or studying in various parts of the country. We are being taunted and this has to stop." Polling for the 60-member Manipur assembly will take place in two phases on March 4 and March 8. Results will be declared on March 11. A flier bound for Dubai has been apprehended at the Delhi airport for allegedly trying to smuggle out foreign currency like Dirham, Rial and Dinar worth Rs 10.5 lakh. Officials said the incident occurred yesterday noon when a man, identified as S Mohammed Firoz from Bihar's Jamui district, entered the terminal of the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) to board a flight to Dubai. They said the CISF security personnel on-duty found his movements to be suspicious and asked him to undergo a second round of frisking along with his baggage. "The passenger resisted the CISF move claiming his flight was about to depart.He was forced to break open his luggage lock from which an assortment of foreign currency like Dirhams, Rials and Dinars worth Rs 10.5 lakh was recovered," they said. The flier told the officials that these currencies were given to him by a person in his village to be handed over to a contact in Dubai. Firoz and the recovered currency was subsequently handed over to Customs authorities for further investigation, they said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA has been booked in a case of rape after a woman alleged that he drugged and assaulted her, police said on Thursday. The former Saket legislator was booked under sections 376 (Rape), 328 (Causing hurt by means of poison, etc) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC after the Delhi-based woman filed a complaint at a women's police station here on February 21. The woman has alleged in her complaint that Jolly spiked her drink before sexually assaulting her at Gurgaon's Aapno Ghar Resort on February 10. Jolly, an MLA from 2003 to 2008, said he filed a police complaint against the woman, who he alleged was blackmailing and extorting him, on February 17. He said the allegations were fabricated, meant to defame him and tarnish his political image. Jolly said the woman was a member of the BJP's women's wing and had met him alone at the resort on February 10. There she tried to extort a sum of Rs 5 lakh from him and thretated to file a rape case if he did not comply, he said. An FIR under IPC sections 384 (extortion), 120 B (criminal conspiracy) and other relevant sections had been lodged against the woman at Khidki Daula Police Station on the basis of Jolly's complaint, a senior police officer said. "When the woman and her husband came to know that I had filed a complaint against her for threatening and extorting me, she to divert police investigation and action against her, filed fabricated allegations against me," he alleged. Gurugram Police Commissioner, Sandeep Khirwar said: "We are investigating the cases and are thoroughly examining the FIRs and allegations made by and the woman. Former diplomat Sujata Mehta and Air Marshal Ajit Shankarrao Bhonsle have been appointed as members in Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) here. President Pranab Mukherjee has appointed Mehta and Bhonsle to the posts for a period of six years or until they attain the age of 65 years, an order issued by Personnel Ministry said. With these appointments, the strength of the Commission has gone upto seven. The UPSC is headed by a chairman, Prof David R Syiemlieh, can have a maximum of ten members. 59-year-old Mehta, a 1980-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, was in contention for the post of Foreign Secretary. Mehta, due to retire next month-end after completing 60 years age of superannuation, has left the service and taken the oath as the UPSC member, a senior government official said today. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar was in January given one year extension. Jaishankar, a 1977-batch IFS officer, was appointed Foreign Secretary on January 29, 2015, few days before his retirement. Born on March 30, 1957, Mehta has done her Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) in Political Science. She had served in Indian Missions in Moscow, Dhaka and at the United Nations in New York. Mehta had also served on deputation to the UN in Gaza and New York. She was Ambassador to Spain and also served as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva before returning to headquarters in July, 2013 as Additional Secretary and later Special Secretary. Mehta was appointed Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs in February, 2014 and took charge as Secretary (West) in the Ministry in January 2016. Both Mehta and Bhonsle have been appointed to the posts with effect from February 21, the official said. 60-year-old Air Marshal Bhonsle has done his Master of Science, MBA and M.Phil from National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, College of Defence Management and National Institute of Defence Studies, Japan. He has rich and varied experience in command and staff appointments during the 39 years of service in the Indian Air Force. He is the recipient of two Presidential Awards: Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM). The UPSC conducts civil services examination annually in three stages - preliminary, main and interview - to select officers for Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), among others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mohit Goel, the Director of Noida-based company Ringing Bells which had announced Freedom251 smartphones at an astonishingly low price of Rs 251 apiece, was detained on Thursday here on allegations of fraud, police said. Goel has been detained after owner of Ghaziabad-based Ayam Enterprises filed an FIR on Wednesday alleging that Ringing Bells "defrauded" it of Rs 16 lakh. Ghaziabad Deputy SP Manish Mishra said Goel has been detained for interrogation in the matter. In the FIR, Ayam Enterprises has claimed it was persuaded by Goel and others from Ringing Bells to take up the distributorship of the Freedom251 phones in November 2015. "We paid Rs 30 lakh to Ringing Bells through RTGS on different occasions. But it delivered us product worth Rs 13 lakh only. Upon follow-up, we could get products plus money totalling Rs 14 lakh," it claimed in the FIR. The owners of Ayam Enterprises claim that they were threatened with life if they asked for the rest Rs 16 lakh "again and again". Ringing Bells had begun the sale of Freedom 251 handsets, touted as the world's cheapest, via its website in February last year. It landed in a controversy, however, with some alleging it was like ponzi scheme. The firm had claimed that around 30,000 customers had booked the phone despite some glitch and seven crore people registered for it. Police today seized 2,744 kgs of ganja valued at Rs 1.30 crore near here in Andhra Pradesh and arrested four persons. Acting on a tip-off, police intercepted two trucks on way from Anakapalli near Visakhapatnam to Bengaluru. A search of the trucks yielded 2,744 kgs of of the cannabis valued at Rs 1.30 crore, an official release said here. The drivers and cleaners of the trucks were arrested, the police release said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence have seized 11.9 kgs of gold bars, smuggled from Sri Lanka and valued at Rs 3.58 crore, and two persons were arrested in this connection. Acting on tip off that the gold bars were smuggled in a car that was proceeding to Tiruchirapalli on the Pudukottai Highway, DRI officials intercepted the vehicle yesterday and seized 119 gold bars with foreign markings weighing 11.9 kilos. "The gold bars valued at Rs 3.58 crore and are seized under the Provision of the Customs Act", a DRI release said. Investigations revealed that the gold was smuggled from Sri Lanka to Tamil Nadu. "The driver of the car K Gandhi admitted that he was carrying the gold to Chennai as instructed by S Rajendran also known as Goodluck Rajendran, who has been his employer for nearly 20 years", it said. A team of officers rushed to the house of Rajendran in Chennai and recovered "incriminating evidences" at his residence in connection with the seized gold. Rajendran and Gandhi were arrested and remanded to judicial custody, it said. Rajendran was earlier arrested in connection with another case under the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After claiming there was no natural lake in the Najafgarh area, the Haryana government has now taken a U-turn by telling the National Green Tribunal that it has been accepted as a water body. The re-designation would enable the governments of Haryana and Delhi to check construction and other activities in the dried up water body and restore its natural beauty. The M L Khattar government informed a bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter that the matter however has still to be approved by the competent authority of the state government and it was under process. The state government had earlier claimed that there was no natural lake in Najafgarh but only a "low-lying area" existed. "The counsel for Haryana submits that in original application no 325 of 2015 titled as Lt Col Sarvadaman Singh Oberoi Vs Union of India & ors, the state government has taken the stand that the Najafgarh jheel (lake) has been accepted to be a water body and the government has decided to identify the said water body and approval in that behalf is under process. "He says, however, the matter still has to receive approval from the competent authority in the state government. In light of that, nothing survives in this application and the same is disposed of," the bench said. Noting the submissions, the NGT directed Delhi government to take "appropriate steps in accordance with law" with regard to the Najafgarh lake in view of the statement made by Haryana government. The submission came in response to a plea filed by an NGO Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural heritage (INTACH) seeking directions to Delhi and Haryana governments seeking revival of the 'jheel' (lake in Urdu), as almost equal parts of it fell in the two states. INTACH had alleged that the large-scale construction work done in the floodplain of the Najafgarh nallah and the lake had drained the area. It had claimed that sectors 106, 107,108 of Gurgaon were being constructed in the "high flood level" area of the lake, while some construction was also going on in the Delhi side. Located in south west Delhi and Haryana, the lake takes its name from the Najafgarh town. The lake used to be connected to the river Yamuna by a natural shallow nullah or drain called the Najafgarh nullah and the area used to be known for a natural bird sanctuary. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With an aim to create customer awareness about safe banking practices, leading private sector bank, HDFC Bank Ltd, today launched its Secure Banking programme in all its branches in the state capital. "The initiative is part of HDFC Bank's ongoing endeavour to create customer awareness about safe banking practices. The programme will be rolled out across 14 branches in Bhopal to educate customers and create awareness among general public," HDFC Bank's Zonal Head, Madhya Pradesh, Sudesh Jaisinghani told reporters. The 'Secure Banking' initiative comprises a series of workshops, which educate customers through presentations, on matters they need to be careful about, while conducting banking transactions, he said. This includes using netbanking, mobile apps, transacting at ATMs; using debit or credit cards at POS terminals, merchant outlets, and online banking, the official said. These workshops are also open to the general public. Both customers and non-customers are welcome to attend the series of workshops, which will be conducted at various branches across India on a regular basis, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Household investments in equities could touch USD 20 billion annually during the next three fiscal years, amid the ongoing structural shift in their savings, according to a Deutsche Bank report. "We estimate that in an optimistic scenario, households' annual buying of equities could average USD 20 billion/year between 2017-18 and 2019-20, two times annual average inflows into equity mutual funds over the past three years," the global financial services major said. As per the report, an unprecedented wave of inflows into domestic equity mutual funds has been witnessed over the past three years and the trend is "set to intensify further". The report noted that the architecture of the financial savings of households is undergoing a structural shift and the rising share of financial savings would help boost domestic liquidity and ease the rates environment. Besides, raise financial capital productivity; lower hurdle rates for capital-intensive projects; it would unshackle the entrepreneurial drive of small and medium enterprises/self-employed businesses and stimulate debt-driven discretionary consumption demand. During 2015-16, the share of equities and debentures in total financial assets moved up to 8.6 per cent from a low of negative 0.4 per cent in 2008-09. Official data on standalone equity penetration is not readily available. The report estimates a record-high level of 12 per cent of net financial assets going forward. Further, Deutsche Bank noted that the mid-caps should attract a disproportionate amount of funds from domestic institutional investors and should continue to outperform large-cap indices. Mid-cap stock like CESC, Petronet LNG, Shriram Trans Fin, UPL are top picks for investments. "Predominantly wholesale-funded banks/financials, such as Yes Bank, Shriram Trans Fin, are likely to be key beneficiaries of high liquidity environment," the report said. "In addition, debt-funded discretionary consumption should also get a boost from higher liquidity," it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) and mobile payment platform Paytm today signed a pact aimed at encouraging digital transactions in the state. A memorandum of understanding was signed by HSIIDC managing director Sudhir Rajpal and Paytm CFO Madhur Deora, a Haryana government release said here. Paytm will develop and promote 1,000 entrepreneurs in the state who would take Paytm services to the last mile, it said. It will provide banking services in villages of Haryana to promote financial inclusion and would assist in bringing financial products to farmers, small traders and others in rural areas. "It will also collaborate with various departments to provide online payment services to the citizens (government to citizens- G2C) such as electricity bill, gas bill. It will partner with the state government to achieve the objective of 'Digital India' and would explore potential of sharing its technical and financial expertise to support the digitisation of various schemes across departments," it further said. Speaking on the occasion, Sudhir Rajpal said the MoU would be a step forward in the endeavor of the state government to encourage digital transactions in the state. Under the MoU, Paytm would facilitate collateral free loans for MSMEs based on their transaction history on Paytm. It will collaborate with HSIIDC to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Haryana and would provide manpower for training and skill development. Also, Paytm would provide employment to 200 persons in industrially backward areas of the state. Paytm has initiated the necessary study for identifying a district in the state to launch its pilot initiative for training the local people as associates and entrepreneurs and designated a team under a senior executive to take the initiative forward. They will also take up the facility for providing collateral free loans to the MSME merchants in the State over the next three to six months. Besides, the HSIIDC has a plan to undertake the annuity distribution numbering about 75,000 through the Paytm platform as a pilot initiative. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax Hyderabad Zone, covering Telangana State, hopes to collect over Rs 17,500 crore revenue this fiscal, a senior official said today. "On the revenue front, Hyderabad Zone put together will contribute over Rs 17,500 crore this fiscal up from Rs 14,500 crore last financial year," Hyderabad Zone Chief Commissioner Sandeep M Bhatnagar said. He added that demonetisation has had no impact on tax collection. "Whatever target (of Rs 17,500 crore) the Government of India had set for this zone, is going to be exceeded," he said on the sidelines of the 74th Central Excise Day here. The zone has made all arrangements for roll out/implementation of GST and has been helping those from trade to migrate to GST, Bhatnagar said. The Chief Commissioner also explained about the concept of 'Mission Zero' programme which was initiated and implemented by the zone and has been replicated all over the country. It (Mission Zero programme) has been appreciated by all as it has brought down the pendency level to zero in areas which are close to the assesses like refund/rebate/drawback and adjudication, he said. He further said "This is the last Central Excise Day celebration and becomes more significant because we are on the cusp of GST." He also stated that this year CBEC is the single largest contributor to the national exchequer with the collection of Rs 8,50,000 crore, which is very critical to the nation building. Earlier, speaking at the event, Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) President Justice Satish Chandra advised the department to be friendly with the tax payers. He applauded departmental initiatives for introduction of mandatory pre-deposits in the entire appellant forums because of which the workload for various judicial fora have come down significantly. Ace shuttler P V Sindhu while appreciating tax reforms and upcoming GST thanked the Government for giving her an opportunity to participate in the GST campaign. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A six-member idol theft gang was arrested here today and a two feet panchaloha idol of Lord Vinayaga, believed to be about 100-years-old, recovered from them, police said today. They were arrested by a team of officials of the Idol Wing-CID attached to the Economic Offences Wing, Pon Manickavel, Inspector General of Police told reporters here. He said a search was on to nab one more member of the gang. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 26-year old civic body employee was allegedly murdered today by a cattle rearer during a drive against stray cattle here, police said. Indore Municipal corporation (IMC) worker Shubham Kushwah was stabbed to death today during the IMC's drive in Gauri Nagar area of the city. "Cattle rearer Bhaiyu Yadav had a scuffle with Kushwah during the drive and stabbed him to death," Superintendent of Police (East Zone) Avdhesh Goswami said. The accused fled the spot soon after committing the crime, Goswami said, adding that hunt was on to nab him. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Arguing that India is an "inhospitable terrain to write biographies", historian Ramachandra Guha today said biographers here work under "fear of giving offence". Citing Mahatma Gandhi's example, Guha said, the Freedom Fighter is the "only great Indian" whom anyone can criticise without their face getting blackened, their books being banned, or having to go into exile. "Because Gandhi belongs to everyone and no one. No sect, no religion, no region, no language, and no political ideology can claim him," he said. "Fear of giving offence is also something that comes in the way of liberating our robust and rich biographical tradition," he said while listing seven major issues faced by historical biographers in the country. Speaking at the Samvatsar Lecture of Sahitya Akademi's Festival of Letters here, Guha said that "biography is an underdeveloped branch of historical or literary enquiry in India". Besides, the fear of giving offence, Guha listed writers' "colossal" egos and scholarly inheritance, indifference to record-keeping and treatment of history as "social sciences", as reasons that come in the way of producing biographies. "Writing biography requires you, as a writer, to suppress your ego and sense of individual self, in favour of the individual ego of the person you are writing about," he said. The "India after Gandhi" author also suggested young and aspiring historians that a person's biography should "not be just about his work", but should also tell the "primary character's relationship with others around him". Recalling writing the biography of anthropologist and tribal activist Verrier Elwin, which was also Guha's first biographical work, the award-winning historian said "secondary characters are important" while writing a biography. "If you are going to write about Jawaharlal Nehru, you will have to write about Nehru's relationship with his wife, with his father, with his colleagues like Vallabh Bhai Patel," Guha said. He also said that writers "must look for sources other than those emanating from the primary character himself". "It is an irresistible temptation to base your work on Ambedkar, Gandhi, Nehru, Churchil or Roosevelt around their own writings. "Their writings are so voluminous that you can write the whole story from them. But must look for sources other than those emanating from the primary character himself," the historian said. He went on to advise aspiring historians to never tell readers "what to expect next" and not to be "deterred even if your subject has written a comprehensive autobiography". "Even if your subject has written a detailed and comprehensive autobiography, don't be deterred because every autobiography is a preemptive strike against a future biographer. An autobiography also has unanswered silences and missed memories, which needs to be written by a biographer," the author said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India has submitted a proposal at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to start discussions on trade facilitation agreement in services. The proposal aims at liberalising rules for movement of professionals and other steps to reduce transaction costs to boost growth of the services sector. "Today we have submitted the legally vetted paper in Geneva," Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters here. She said that the special committee of the global trade body WTO will discuss the proposal in March. India is pitching for this trade facilitation agreement in services as the sector contributes over 60 per cent to the GDP and 28 per cent to total employment. The move is aimed at developing a broader framework governing global services trade, just like a TFA on goods. A TFA in services would focus on issues like liberalised visa regime, long-term visas for business community and freer movement of professionals for the greater benefit of both India and the world, among others. The WTO's trade facilitation agreement on goods has come into effect from yesterday with its two-thirds members ratifying the pact. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indians were the largest group of granted visas to live and work in the UK last year at 57 per cent, according to official figures released in London on Thursday. The Home Office said Indians accounted for 53,575 skilled work visas granted in 2016, and US nationals were the second largest group at 9,348. "Indian nationals accounted for 57 per cent of total skilled work visas granted (53,575 of 93,244)... The information technology (IT) sector sponsored 42 per cent of skilled work visa applications, followed by professional, scientific and technical activities (19 per cent) and financial and insurance activities (12 per cent)," the Office of Statistics (ONS) said in its immigration update. Indians also accounted for over half the applications made in the sponsored skilled visa category last year at 30,556 of the total 56,058 applications. "Indian nationals were issued the largest proportion (40 per cent of the total) of skilled work visas in the 2010 cohort and, of these skilled Indian nationals, 32 per cent had received settlement after five years, while a further 12 per cent still had valid leave to remain in the UK," the ONS said. The student visa figures for India registered a very slight uptick with 11,330 granted in 2016, up from 11,160 in 2015. The latest figures will further highlight the importance of mobility of professionals and students as part of the wider India-UK relationship. "For us, mobility is key for our services sector. There has to be a system where our professionals can come to the UK and return. They contribute immensely to both the Indian and British economies," Indian high commissioner to the UK, Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha recently said. Overall, net migration to the UK dropped to 273,000 last year up until September 2016, down 49,000 from the previous year. It is still far short of the UK government's target figure for net migration to be under 100,000. The ONS figures record the difference between the number of people coming to live in the UK and those leaving. Immigration was estimated to be 596,000, including 268,000 EU citizens and 257,000 non-EU citizens which includes Indian nationals. They included the highest level ever recorded of Romanians and Bulgarians coming into the UK at 74,000, one of the major factors behind the vote in favour of Brexit last June. "This is the first release to contain long-term international migration estimates including three months of data following the EU referendum. Although we have seen a fall in net migration of EU citizens there have been continued increases in immigration from Romania and Bulgaria, so it is too early to say what effect the referendum result has had on long-term international migration," said Nicola White, ONS Head of International Migration Statistics. Infosys today said its board has approved pay hike of its Chief Operating Officer U B Pravin Rao. "The board approved the recommendations of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee for the revision of the remuneration payable to U B Pravin Rao, Chief Operating Officer and Whole-time Director, subject to approval of the shareholders," Infosys said in a BSE filing. His fixed salary per annum has been raised to Rs 4.62 crore while the variable component of his package will stand at Rs 3.87 crore, payable on achievement of targets set by the board. This is with effect from November 1, 2016. He will also be eligible for 27,250 restricted stock units (RSUs) and 43,000 stock options (ESOP) based on fiscal 2016 performance once the same is approved by the shareholders. According to Infosys' Annual Report 2015-16, Rao's remuneration stood at Rs 9.28 crore, including Rs 3.6 crore in fixed salary and Rs 5.68 crore in variable pay and long-term bonus. The board has also "recommended that approval of the shareholders be sought for the resolution appointing D N Prahlad as an independent director", it added. Prahlad was appointed Additional Director at the board meeting on October 14, 2016, the filing said. The board also recommended adoption of new Articles of Association of the company in conformity with the Companies Act, 2013, to be put up for shareholders' approval. This could include a provision for buyback. The shareholders can vote on these matters on March 2-31 and the results will be out on April 5. Over the last few weeks, Infosys has come under fire from some of the co-founders who have alleged corporate governance lapses. The founders own about 13 per cent stake in the Bengaluru-based firm. Some former employees also called for re-constitution of the board and demanded that Chairman R Seshasayee step down taking moral responsibility over issues like steep compensation hike for Sikka and hefty severance packages to ex-CFO Rajiv Bansal and David Kennedy, its former general counsel. The Infosys board and management have, however, stood their ground, denying these charges. On an investor call, Sikka had recently stated that the company's large clients have come out in its support. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israel today offered to provide latest technologies to Andhra Pradesh government for homeland security, cyber security and Internet of Things, agriculture and water management. It also offered to collaborate with the state in setting up desalination plants, a press release from the Chief Minister's Office said. These issues came up for discussion during a meeting Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had with visiting Israeli Ambassador to India Daniel Carmon at the Secretariat here today. The Ambassador requested the Chief Minister to strengthen the Israel-Andhra Pradesh Joint Working Group to improve cooperation in different fields, the release said. Carmon invited Chandrababu to visit Israel and the latter agreed to undertake the trip in the near future. Welcoming the Ambassador's offer of providing latest technologies, the Chief Minister wanted the Israeli government to set up centers of innovation and research and a university in the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israeli warplanes today shot down over the Mediterranean a drone controlled by the Gaza Strip's Islamist rulers Hamas, the army said. "An (Israeli) fighter aircraft shot down a Hamas-owned unmanned aircraft flown from the Gaza Strip to the Mediterranean," an army spokeswoman said. The drone fell into the sea without entering Israeli territory, she added. "The Israeli army will not allow any violation of our airspace and will act firmly against any attempt of this kind," she added. Hamas, with which Israel has fought three wars since 2008, did not immediately comment. In December, Hamas accused Israel of the murder Mohamed Zaouari in Tunisia. He was an aeronautical engineer described as a specialist in the development of drones who Hamas said had been working for them for 10 years. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar today arrived here on a two-day visit during which he will meet top Bangladeshi leadership and hold discussions on bilateral issues, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's proposed India visit. Jaishankar, who came here after wrapping up his China tour, will hold talks with his Bangladesh counterpart Shahidul Haque later this evening, a foreign ministry spokesman said. Ahead of the talks with Haque, Jaishankar is scheduled to call on Prime Minister Hasina and Foreign Minister A H Mahmood Ali, the spokesman said. During the talks, the Indian foreign secretary would finalise signing of a number of proposed agreements, state-run BSS agency quoted officials as saying. "The talks will include issues like storage of basin water for irrigation purpose and security cooperation," an official said. The officials said the long-pending issue of the Teesta water sharing agreement and the proposed Ganges Barrage were the major concerns of Dhaka. Another official said it might take some more time to finalise the date of Hasina's India visit but it might take place in April. Hasina was expected to travel to India in December but her visit was postponed amid speculation that it was not a suitable time to discuss Teesta water sharing issue given the preoccupation of the Indian government post-demonetisation and the unease in relations between the Centre and West Bengal, a key stakeholder in the issue. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will arrive here tomorrow to represent the Indian government at a historic reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth II to launch the UK-India Year of Culture 2017. Bilateral talks withForeign Secretary Boris Johnson and Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond are among the ministerial meetings confirmed on his agenda, during which a wide range of issues will be discussed. The extradition of embattled liquor baron, Vijay Mallya, from the UK to India may be among the topics that come up during the discussions, according to sources in London. Jaitley will also hold a series of meetings with UK-based investors and CEOs during the five-day visit. "Arun Jaitley will speak on India's current economic and financial climate, from the government's high-profile 'Make in India' campaign to its recent, radical demonetisation of Indian currency. This will be the first such speech by the Finance Minister since the presentation of the new Budget," said the London School of Economics (LSE), where the minister will officially kick off his visit on Saturday with a lecture entitled 'Transforming India: Vision for the Next Decade'. On Sunday, February 26, Jaitley will be the chief guest at a reception organised by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), British Council and High Commission of India to celebrate UK India Year of Culture. Jaitley will then attend the market opening ceremony of the London Stock Exchange on February 27 followed by a round-table with investors, issuers of Masala Bonds and tech experts, among others. He will then address CEOs and senior business leaders from the India-UK sphere at an event titled "In Conversation with Arun Jaitley" organised by FICCI and UK India Business Council (UKIBC). "Through a dialogue with James Kynge, Emerging Markets Editor at the 'Financial Times', Arun Jaitley will share his views on the investment opportunities in India, how his recent Budget will impact UK businesses, and on the future of the UK-India trade and investment relationship," UKIBC said. This will be followed by his meeting with Boris Johnson on "strategic and political issues" after which hewill head to Buckingham Palace for what is being described in London as a "grand and historic occasion". The Queen had invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the gala reception, to be attended by 200 high-profile guests, who then deputed Jaitley to attend on his behalf. "It is a huge gesture from the Queen; such a reception has not been hosted for any other country to mark Year of Culture celebrations and a galaxy of high-profile guests are expected at the event," official sources said. Among some of the highlights of the day will include the Changing of the Guard ceremony set to the tune of AR Rahman's 'Jai Ho' and special Indian-themed canapes prepared in the Palace kitchens. On his final day in London, February 28, Jaitley will attend two further investor meetings - one hosted by JP Morgan and a second by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). A meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May and Department for International Development (DfID) minister Priti Patel are among some of the other meetings that are yet to be confirmed. The protests by members of Jat community continued in Haryana as they threatened to stop payment of power and water bills if their demands, including reservation in government jobs and education, was not met. The agitators also plan to gherao Parliament on the issue, even as their protests, which have so far remained peaceful, continued for a 26th day today. A core committee meeting of the All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS), which is spearheading the protests, will be held tomorrow at Jassia village in Rohtak district. "The core committee meeting of AIJASS will be held at Jassia village in Rohtak tomorrow to take important decisions," AIJASS president Yashpal Malik said. "From March 1, the protesters will not cooperate with the government. No one will pay power or water bills and instalment of loans that they owe to the government," Malik said. Jats from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh will protest in the national capital on March 2 and submit a memorandum on the quota issue to the President, he said, adding they also plan to gherao Parliament, the date for which will be announced on March 2. A large number of members of the Jat community continued with their protests at different places in Haryana. Malik said, "Our protests remained peaceful." The two round of talks between the protesting Jats and the state government have remained inconclusive as the community members remained adamant on not calling off the stir until their demands were met. Meanwhile, Malik said February 26 will be observed as "Black Day" by Jats and the community members will wear black turbans and ribbons and arm bands to protest the government's policies. Besides seeking quota in education and government jobs under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, the demands of the Jats include the release of those jailed during last year's agitation, withdrawal of cases slapped during the protest and government jobs for the kin of those killed and injured while taking part in the stir. The main opposition party in Haryana, the INLD, has openly come out in support of the agitating Jats this time and asked the government to meet their demands. In view of the fresh Jat stir, paramilitary forces have been deployed in sensitive areas of the state, while the police are maintaining a strict vigil. Police are also keeping a vigil near the statues of various state icons in sensitive districts to thwart any act of vandalism. As many as 30 people were killed and property worth crores of rupees were damaged at many places in Haryana during last year's Jat stir which had turned violent. Rohtak and some of its neighbouring districts, including Sonipat and Jhajjar, were the worst hit by the violence. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Private carrier on Thursday announced a reciprocal codeshare partnership with Hong Kong Airlines, which will enable Indian fliers to travel seamlessly to New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand. As part of the pact, will place its marketing code "9W" on Hong Kong Airlines' flights operating between Hong Kong and Okinawa and Tokyo in Japan, Denpasar in Indonesia, Hanoi in Vietnam, Bangkok in Thailand and Auckland in New Zealand. Hong Kong Airlines in turn, will place its marketing code "HX" on Jet Airways' flights between Hong Kong and Mumbai as well as Delhi, said in a statement. Codesharing allows an airline to book its passengers on its partner carriers and provide seamless travel to destinations where it has no presence. Hong Kong Airlines currently flies to 36 major cities across the Asia Pacific region, including Gold Coast, Auckland, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Tokyo, Sapporo, Seoul, Bangkok, Bali and Okinawa. Commenting on the codeshare pact, Jet Airways Chief Commercial Officer Jayaraj Shanmugam said that Jet Airways customers will now have greater choice in terms of destinations following the partnership with Hong Kong Airlines. "It will further strengthen the choice available for our guests, especially to our first time codeshare destinations such as Okinawa in Japan and Auckland in New Zealand," he said. According to him, both business and leisure travel between India and the destinations covered under the pact has been growing at a compound annual growth rate of 12 per cent over the last five years. The pact will also allow Hong Kong Airlines to offer its passengers a daily service connecting the key business cities of Hong Kong, Mumbai and Delhi, the airline said. The codeshare will provide opportunities for both airlines to expand their reach and cater to guests across the region. "We are very happy to establish the partnership with Jet Airways. From our observation, there has been great potential in the India market as increasing travellers from India tend to transit via Hong Kong to Japan, South East Asia and even farther to Auckland," Hong Kong Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Li Dianchun said. By connecting Hong Kong with Mumbai and Delhi, the new agreement enables passengers from these key cities to travel seamlessly to a bunch of destinations in Hong Kong Airlines' network, he said. On the other hand, Hong Kong Airlines passengers can also access India easily for either business or leisure travel purpose, he added. Karnataka government today asked the striking drivers attached to cab aggregators Uber and Ola to approach the Labour Court, as their strike with charter of demands entered the second day today. "It doesn't come under our preview...Government doesn't have anything to do with the contract signed between the Ola, Uber, cab drivers and owners," Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy told reporters here. He said "As they approached us I had asked the Commissioner (Transport) to conduct meetings. Five meetings were held, Ola and Uber did not agree...So our Commissioner has advised them (drivers) to approach the Labour Court." Over one lakh drivers attached to two cab aggregators began an indefinite strike in Bengaluru yesterday, demanding better incentives and stopping attachment of new cabs which they said affects their bookings. Hitting back at Reddy, Uber, TaxiForSure and Ola (UTO) Drivers and Owners Association President Tanveer Pasha said "If the Minister is not aware of his responsibility and that of the departments that come under him, he should resign." Stating that 95 per cent of the the vehicles have stopped operating, he said just about five per cent were not taking part in the strike andare continuing to operate, without proper information. Incidents of striking drivers obstructing other drivers from operating and thereby causing inconvenience to passengers have also been reported from different parts of the city. Uber in a statement said "We're sorry that our service has been disrupted in Bangalore. We're aware of isolated reports of threats and intimidation from a small group of people. We again call on the authorities to put an end to this illegal behaviour". "We are committed to ensuring that drivers who wish to work are able to do so, and riders can get from A to B conveniently, reliably and safely," it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Katy Perry's politically-charged performance streak continued at the Brit Awards, as the star performed alongside two huge dancing skeletons seemingly dressed as Donald Trump and Theresa May. Performing current single "Chained To The Rhythm", Perry took to the stage dressed in a black pinstripe suit along with scores of dancers dressed as white houses. She was joined on stage by two skeletons who were dressed like May and Trump were during the pair's first meeting in Washington last month, reported Telegraph. The point of the stage dressing might not have been entirely clear and Perry refrained from saying anything overtly political. The figures appeared to hold hands before exploding into fire - seemingly a reference to a moment when Trump held May's hand as they walked down steps at the White House. It was not a completely smooth show as during the performance, one of the backing dancers tumbled and fell off the stage. Perry released her latest single earlier this month and has not performed at in the UK for three years. She was a dedicated supporter of Hilary Clinton during the US president elections and has been critical of Trump since his election. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actress Kelly Rutherford can finally move on from her three-year bankruptcy battle after the case was officially closed. The former "Gossip Girl" star declared she was broke in 2013, revealing her years-long international custody battle with her ex-husband Daniel Giersch over their two children, seven-year-old Helena and 10-year-old Hermes, had taken a toll on her finances, reported Cosmopolitan. Giersch fled to Monaco and France while he sorted out visa issues which had forced him to leave the US in 2012 and Rutherford, who is based in New York, was forced to fly out and see her kids. She challenged the ruling and then had to fight for her son and daughter in a Monaco court, only for a local judge to grant Giersch full custody in 2015. The legal struggle and the travel costs involved ripped through her finances, but the 48-year-old has finally been given something to smile about after her bankruptcy trustee filed his final report to end the case last week. Rutherford had listed her liabilities at over 1.6 million pounds in her original bankruptcy documents, with assets amounting to just under 19,260 pounds. She had a number of her outstanding debts discharged, and in the final financial report, it was revealed Giersch, who had been among her creditors, was only granted 130,800 pounds of the 1.2 million pounds he claimed he was owed. Rutherford split from Giersch in 2008, while she was pregnant with their second child, after two years of marriage. Their divorce was finalised in 2010. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kissandhan Agri Financial services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sohan Lal Commodity Management Pvt Ltd (SLCM Group) today announced activation of loan facility at Latur mandi in Maharashtra. "We have activated loan facility at Latur mandi. New mandi activations will help Kissandhan in reaching out to more stakeholders of the agri-community; making them strong financially," Sohan Lal Commodity Management Group Chief Executive Officer Sandeep Sabharwal said in a statement here. The company said it has also started penetrating the market at Bikaner Mandi in Rajasthan and Narela Mandi in Delhi, which is Asia's largest Mandi for rice and wheat. Kissandhan is catering to all the major agri regions of the country namely, Haryana, Maharashtra, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The plans are to explore regions like West Bengal and Bihar and extend innovative financing solution to the entire agri community. The company has already impacted about 1,67,550 farmers till January 2017 and has plans to reach out to more than a lakh of agri-community members this year. Sabharwal said, "It is our endeavour to empower the agri-community with hassle free loans. We have disbursed loans in about 31 locations against 25 diverse commodities and handled 25,038 storage receipts till now with a 100 per cent year-on-year growth since beginning. "We aim to continue and accelerate the growth rate in this financial year as well. Easy and quick availability of credit through Kissandhan will help all the stakeholders of agri value chain to get timely finance against their collateral which will further reduce the risk of distress selling." The RBI regulated non-banking finance company (NBFC), Kissandhan provides crop financing wherein storage receipts of agri-commodities are taken as collateral irrespective of the balancesheet/net worth of the borrower. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A former Sri Lankan journalist, who was allegedly abducted and assaulted in 2008 during the war against the LTTE, was today asked to appear in court next month to identify the suspects, including an army Major, arrested over his abduction. Keith Noyahr was an associate editor of the English language weekly The Nation when he was abducted in May 2008. He was severely beaten before being released. After the attack, he fled to Australia with his family fearing for his life. The suburban Mount Lavinia Additional Magistrate today instructed the police's Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to ask Noyahr to appear for an identification parade on March 3. Last week, an Army Major and four soldiers were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the abduction of Noyahr in May 2008. The role of military men was suspected as Noyahr had criticised military leaders in his writings as the defence correspondent of the daily. The abduction in 2008 came shortly after Sri Lanka's bid to be elected to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva failed. The attack on him was one of the many high profile attacks against journalists during the regime of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Sri Lanka was ranked among one of the worst countries to work during Rajpaksa's regime. Rajapaksa successor Maithripala Sirisena pledged to revive all investigations on attacks on media personnel which had been stifled under the former President's rule. The investigations include the assassination of Lasantha Wickrematunga, a high-profile Sri Lankan journalist who was critical of Rajpaksa's regime. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Kerala government will upheld "Right to Internet" by ensuring that everyone has a certain amount of free bandwidth, Governor P Sathasivam said today, adding that the focus will also be on zero corruption. Addressing the opening day of fourth session of the 14th Kerala Assembly here, he said the CPI(M)-led state government will take steps to ensure that all houses with electricity get internet connections, in a bid to bridge the digital divide. "While our efforts for 100 per cent electrification are about to be fulfilled, the next step would be to ensure that all houses with electricity have internet connection too. "My government will strive to bridge the digital divide," he said. One thousand more Wi-Fi hotspots will be provided in public areas, he said, adding that the government was also committed to providing a hospitable environment for wooing investors. "A new tourism policy to improve the investment climate in the state with regard to tourism products and services, especially in the less explored Malabar region, is also on the anvil," Justice (Retd) P Sathasivam said. To make the state's digital infrastructure robust and efficient, a fibre network capable for providing high speed broadband connectivity to government establishments and households will also be put in place, he said. "The government is committed to ensure ease of doing business and providing a hospitable environment for investment and to make Kerala number one state for 'Sustainable Responsible Industries' as well as for service industries through continuous skill development," he said. The Kerala Financial Corporation (KFC) intends to set up at least 1,000 micro enterprises per year, creating over 10,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities each year, the Governor stated. The Governor further informed the Assembly that the state government intended to formulate a comprehensive project through KFC to create a startup atmosphere, connecting innovation and entrepreneurship development centres of various colleges, Technology Business Incubators and other related agencies. Massive reforms needed in this regard will also be taken up with a focus on zero corruption, he said. The former CJI stated that the "wildly impulsive" version of demonetisation and immobilisation of cooperative sector had deeply affected the state's revenues. Besides, Kerala was also in the midst of an unprecedented drought, which it had not faced in the last 115 years, he said. The state proposes to set up 12 Hardware parks, including three mobile phone manufacturing parks, he said. The Kerala Cooperative Bank, with all modern banking facilities, will be set up in the coming year to overcome the challenges faced by the cooperative sector post demonetisation. The government will also clear projects worth Rs 10,000 crore by March and the resources will be provided by Kerala Infrastructure Fund Board (KIFB), Sathasivam added. Nagaland Chief Minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu has appointed 24 MLAs as Parliamentary Secretaries and six legislators as Advisor. Liezietsu who took oath yesterday as the new Chief Minister of Nagaland heading a 12-member Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) ministry appointed the six Advisors and 24 Parliamentary Secretaries last evening. He administered the oath of Parliamentary Secretary to the 24 MLAs last evening. T R Zeliang government also had 24 Parliamentary Secretaries. Two Parliamentary Secretaries from T R Zeliang ministry Neiba Kronu and Imtiwapang Aier were dropped and T Torechu and Tovihoto Ayemi were inducted in their place by Liezietsu. The new Chief Minister also appointed six MLAs as Advisor with the rank of a minister. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) German flag carrier Lufthansa today said beginning this summer it will fly Airbus A350-900s to connect Munich with Mumbai. From April 16, Mumbai will be the third destination worldwide to welcome the newest long haul aircraft A350s on the Munich-Mumbai route, it said in a statement. Earlier this month, Lufthansa has been flying a350-900 from New Delhi. The A350-900 aircraft is the world's most modern and environmentally friendly long-haul aircraft as it consumes 25 per cent less fuel and produces 25 per cent fewer emission, while the noise footprint is up to 50 per cent lower than a comparable aircraft models. The A350-900 plane can carry 293 passengers: 48 in Business class, 21 in Premium economy and 224 in Economy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi today said the results of the Maharashtra civil polls were "very encouraging" for his party as it won a number of seats and also opened account in the all-important Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). "For us, it has been encouraging because we won eleven seats in Solapur, ten in Amravati, two in Mumbra, three in Mumbai. Nagpur..I am yet to get information. But it has been very good. It has been very encouraging for us. We have opened an account in Mumbai, we have opened an account in Mumbra (in Thane Municipal Corporation)," the Hyderabad Lok Sabha member told PTI. "We have done very well in Solapur, Amravati. In Akola, we have won two or three seats. So, this is very encouraging, and I thank the people for making our candidates victorious and reposing confidence. Wherever we could not do better, like in Pune we could not open (our account), we will definitely identify our weakness and take it forward", he said. On BJP's big gains in the elections, Owaisi, in an obvious reference to Congress which put up a poor show in the polls, said at least now secular parties should stop blaming him for splitting secular votes. "Secular parties should do some introspection and see why are they losing elections after elections to BJP and Shiv Sena. Now the time has come for them to leave their arrogance and do self-introspection. There is no point blaming MIM every time. You (Congress) are losing your vote. You have lost every where. Now, it's the time for them to do reality check, introspection. Show humbleness instead of being arrogant even in defeat," Owaisi said. "From day one there has been no truth in this obnoxious allegation (that his party splits secular votes). Look at the results. There is definitely something wrong with them (Congress). That's why they are losing elections after elections," he added. Apart from Mumbai, the municipal corporations which went to polls in Maharashtra on February 21 were Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur. About 56 per cent voters had exercised their franchise across ten civic bodies, including the cash-rich BMC, which recorded a 55 per cent turnout. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP is set to make decisive gains in civic polls in Maharashtra even as it is locked in a neck- and-neck fight with its bickering ally Shiv Sena in Mumbai, the latest counting trends suggest. BJP put up its best ever show in BMC elections by bagging 81 seats, just 3 seats short of Shiv Sena. The Congress and the NCP were headed for a rout across the state including some of their strongholds like Pune. While the Shiv Sena slightly improved showing in Mumbai and Thane, the BJP is set to retain Nagpur, Akola and wrest Pune and Ulhasnagar from NCP and Nashik from the MNS. But, as the counting progressed into final rounds, it appears that the Sena is unlikely to touch the half-way mark of 114 seats in Mumbai, where the BJP is poised for a big leap after fighting the polls on its own. The BJP is likely to come to power in at least six civic bodies -- Pune, Nashik, Ulhasnagar, Akola, Nagpur and Amravati -- out of the 10 corporations for which the elections were held on Tuesday. Apart from Mumbai, the city corporations which went to polls were Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur. In Pune, the BJP is leading on 74 out of the total 152 seats, in Ulhasnagar on 32 (78 total seats), Nashik-32 (122), Nagpur-72 (145), Amaravati-21 (87) and Akola-31 (73). The Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena is leading on 84 seats in the 227-member BMC, while BJP is ahead on 81. In the 131-member Thane civic body, the Sena has so far won 43 seats, BJP-17, NCP-22, Congress and MIM 2 each, and Independent-1. Though the BJP made major inroads in the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and neighbouring Thane, it is not sure if Sena will be ready for a post-poll pact, after a no-holds-barred fight between the allies, which often turned a murky slugfest. The party is also doing well in the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation, as per the latest trends. NCP, in the power here in Pune since 2007, is trailing behind the saffron party. In Pune's neighbouring Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, the BJP has dented the NCP by leading on 26 seats and won on 22 seats, whereas NCP is leading only on 14 seats. The BJP appears to have expanded its base in Pimpri Chinchwad, despite fierce competition from the NCP. The results of 10 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, have seen the Congress plummeting to a new low with the lowest ever tally in the BMC and losing Solapur and Amravati to the BJP. Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) today conceded that the results so far for the ten municipal corporations, 25 Zilla Parishads and 283 Panchayat Samitis across the state have signalled a setback for the party. "The results are mixed with the party doing well in Zilla Parishads while suffering reverses in the municipal corporations. It is definitely a setback," party Vice President and spokesman Ratnakar Mahajan told PTI. He said the results have been unexpected and need to be analysed on the organisational level at the popularity level. "Whether there has been a disconnect between voters and the party leaders should be seen," he said. Mahajan said even though the elections should have been fought on local issues, it looked as if the hangover of the 2014 Lok Sabha and Assembly polls remained. "The high decibel campaign by the Sena and BJP showed as if the two parties are the only alternative to each other. Due to the aggressiveness of both parties to take on each other, opposition Congress and NCP virtually did not exist,"he said. Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti results are yet to come and Congress is expected to do well in the rural areas, he said. The party could barely manage to win 30 seats in Mumbai while it lost power in Amravati, Solapur civic bodies as well as Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad where it shared power with NCP. (REOPENS BES27) Till 6 PM , in the zilla parishads (ZP) Congress emerged as the single largest party in Ahmednagar, Nanded, Sindhudurg and Amravati. The party was also ahead in Nanded, Ahmednagar, Sindudurg, Kolhapur, Amravati panchayat samitis. NCP was the single largest party in Jalgaon, Parbhani, Osmanabad, Satara, Pune and Solapur panchayat samitis. It was ahead in Solapur, Pune, Satara, Osmanabad and Parbhani zilla parishads. Congress suffered a setback as BJP wrested Latur ZP while NCP lost Sangli to BJP. Several renowned Malayalam women artistes today hailed Kerala police for nabbing the prime accused in the molestation of a South Indian actress. Expressing happiness over the arrest of the prime accused Pulser Suni and his accomplice V P Vigeesh, noted Malayalam actress Manju Warrier said she was certain that "truth will come out". Manju, a close friend of the harassed actress, demanded a thorough probe into the criminal conspiracy angle into the incident, which created a nation-wide outrage. Veteran Malayalam actress KPAC Lalitha and dubbing artist Bhagyalakshmi also lauded the police for arresting the accused. "We are proud of Kerala Police," Bhagyalakshmi said, adding that the culprits should be given stringent punishment. Lalitha also hailed the police action against the accused. The actress, who has also starred in Tamil and Telugu films, was abducted and allegedly molested inside her car for two hours by the accused, who had forced their way into the vehicle on the night of February 17 and later escaped in a busy area here. Nearly a week after the incident, police today arrested the prime accused as they entered a court complex here to surrender. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 40-year-old man has been arrested for hatching a plot to implicate his estranged friend in a case of murder by staging a shootout in south Delhi's Pushp Vihar area. The accused Ajay Kumar had faked the shootout along with his associate Nakul Beniwal on late Tuesday. Beniwal has also been arrested. South District DCP Ishwar Singh said Ajay had got himself shot on his leg by Beniwal, only to frame Vicky, who was having an affair with his former girlfriend. The officer said that suspicion grew after inconsistencies were noticed in the statement of the prime witness in the case, who was with the accused during the crime. "Initially, she tried to mislead the police team and supported the version of the victim but later she disclosed that earlier Vicky was a friend of Ajay's. Vicky was having an affair with Ajay's ex-girlfriend. Ajay wanted to take revenge from Vicky by falsely implicating him in a criminal case," Singh said. Police have recovered one country made pistol, one empty cartridge and the car used in the crime. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ahead of elections in Manipur, the Centre today said all stakeholders will be consulted before finalising the Naga accord and the deal signed with NSCN-IM in 2015 does not compromise state's territorial integrity. "Without the consultations of all the stakeholders, final decision on Naga issue will not be taken," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju told reporters here. The Minister's statement bears significance as assembly polls in Manipur will be held on March 4 and 8. People in Manipur are very sensitive on the Naga issue and opposed to the NSCN-IM's demand for integration of Naga inhabited areas in Manipur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to campaign for the BJP in Manipur this weekend. Echoing Rijiju, Centre's Interlocutor for Naga peace talks R N Ravi said no solution will be reached at without taking the wishes of the people of Manipur including those who live in Imphal valley, who are important stakeholders. Referring to the 'Framework Agreement' signed with the NSCN-IM on August 3, 2015, Ravi said "This doesn't compromise Manipur's territorial integrity at all". "This is just a broad document under which we will work out details. It is not final agreement," he said. Ravi also said violence can never bring a solution and all stakeholders have to be taken into confidence before finalising any final peace accord with the Nagas. The 'Framework Agreement' was signed by NSCN-IM general secretary T Muivah and Ravi, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The pact set the political parameters of the final solution. The signing of the agreement came after over 80 rounds of negotiations that spanned 18 years with the first breakthrough in 1997 when the ceasefire agreement was sealed. Ravi continues to hold parleys with the leadership of the NSCN-IM for the final settlement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior Congress leader Manish Tewari has termed as an "eye wash" the detention of Mumbai attack mastermind in Pakistan and asked it to hand over the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief to India. "It (Pakistan's action) is a mere eye wash. If Pakistanis are really serious, they need to hand to India," Tewari told a group of reporters at the Atlantic Council on Wednesday. Responding to a question, he said there are enough strong evidence against Saeed both in public domain and those provided by India to Pakistan through official channels. "It is essentially an eye wash," he said citing similar experiences of the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government with other terrorists based in Pakistan who were temporarily detained, but were released later on. Tewari said the US needs to pressurise Pakistan in order to solve the problem of terrorism. "Either the US comes down heavily on Pakistan for not taking action against terrorist groups or being selective in its approach, or the democratic dispensation in Pakistan reigning in ISI and its elements." he said. "The third way is that India starts playing the Pakistani game (proxy war). But for any democratic country like India, the moral question is whether responsible and mature democracies should use non-state actors each to meet its security objectives," he added. According to him, the successive Indian governments have given a thought about it but concluded that "responsible government should not use non-state actors to serve its goals". On US President Donald Trump's comments that America would be willing to help India and Pakistan resolve its disputes, he said "It is a no go area". The Congress leader also termed this as a "red line" which no Indian government will ever contemplate. Maintaining that it is too early to comment on the Indo-US relationship under the Trump administration, Tewari said the seriousness of the White House on having strong ties would be evident through five indicators. "First being the US position on Afghanistan. Second what is their attitude on Pakistan," he said adding the optimal outcome from India's standpoint would be Trump Administration getting hard on Pakistan to dismantle terror camps there. The other three indicators are the US policies towards China, engagement in the Asia Pacific region and the attitude towards global trading regimes, he added. "Policy makers in Delhi would be looking at these four-five things," Tewari said, adding that developments on these fronts are being carefully watched in New Delhi. He believed that there is a "fundamental incompatibility" between Modi's Make in India, and Trump's America First policy. Militants of pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen terror group ambushed an army convoy, killing three personnel and wounding five others, including two officers, in South Kashmir's Shopian district today. A civilian caught in crossfire was also killed. The incident happened around 2 AM when the army personnel were returning after cordon and search operations at remote Kungnu village of Shopian district, about 60 km from Srinagar, official sources said. The sources said when the army convoy was returning to its base, it was ambushed by militants in Molu locality near Chitargam. In the gunbattle that ensued, three soldiers -- Lance Naik Ghulam Mohiuddin Rather, hailing from Bijbehara in South Kashmir, Sapper Sreejith M J, a resident of Palakkad in Kerala and Sepoy Vikas Singh Gurjar of Rajasthan -- were killed besides a woman, who was caught in the crossfire. Two officers -- Lt Colonel Mukesh Jha and Major Amardeep Singh - are among the five injured army personnel. The condition of the Major and a soldier was stated to be critical. The woman killed in the encounter has been identified as Jana Begum. Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit claimed responsibility for the ambush. A caller, who introduced himself as spokesman for the outfit, told a local agency that its operatives carried out the attack. Army has and lost nine personnel to militancy in a fortnight, including those killed in today's action. While two army jawans were killed on February five during an operation which left four Hizbul Mujahideen militants dead, February 14 saw an army Major being killed in an encounter at Kupwara of North Kashmir. The same day, three army personnel were killed when they came under heavy fire from militants hiding in house in Parrey Mohalla in Bandipora in North Kashmir. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Digital wallet company MobiKwik will pump in Rs 300 crore this year to be used mainly on loyalty initiatives and expansion of user and merchant base. The company, which competes with Alibaba-backed Paytm, expects to grow its user base in India from 55 million to 150 million and merchant base to 5 million from 1.4 million currently. "We aim to increase the number of our users to 150 million by the end of this year. A majority of the Rs 300 crore investment planned will go towards loyalty initiatives, while the remaining will be spent on expanding reach of the platform and network of merchants as well as launching more financial services," MobiKwik Vice President for Growth Daman Soni told reporters here. Asked how the company would fund the stated investment, he said it will be a mix of existing money it has and fresh funding that it plans to raise. MobiKwik is looking at raising fresh funding in three months. It has raised over USD 85 million in funding so far. Its investors include Sequoia Capital, MediaTek, GMO Venture Partners, Tree Line Asia and South Africa's Net1. Following the government's decision to scrap high-denomination notes, digital payment platforms like MobiKwik and Paytm have seen manifold growth in user addition and transactions. The company claimed that it has added 1.3 million merchants and 15 million users post demonetisation. MobiKwik today also launched its loyalty initiative 'Supercash' to offer reward points at all MobiKwik merchants, including local mom and pop stores. Additionally, they would also get discounts for transacting using Mobikwik's wallet. Besides, MobiKwik is also setting up offices across cities and plans to be present in 13 cities by the end of the first quarter of 2017. "We are also hiring to drive business growth. We should have about 1,400 people in the next few months from 250 people now," Soni said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The momentum for strengthening the Indo-US ties seems to be building at the Capitol Hill this year as the Trump administration is in the process of formulating its India policy and building a team to implement that. The ongoing trip of a record 26 influential American lawmakers to India is a reflection of this. Also the new Indian Ambassador to the US, Navtej Sarna, met several dozen powerful Congressmen from both the Republican and the Democratic parties in recent weeks. "India is one of our closest allies and biggest trading partners, and a particularly crucial participant in the fight against climate change," Congressman Don Beyer, currently on a visit to India as part of a bipartisan Congressional delegation, said in a post on Facebook. "Cooperation with India is perhaps most crucial for our future in the area of climate," Boyer said on twitter account, adding that there is a much room for progress. Republican Congressman from West Virginia David B McKinley told his support base that coal could be a major reason for strengthening India-US bilateral ties. Chairman of the Congressional Coal Caucus, McKinley is currently visiting India as part of another Congressional delegation. "Fortunately, coal is still part of India's future. They have a voracious appetite for it. Were you aware India is the third largest market for West Virginia coal? We export more coal to India than any other state," he said in a speech read out in his absentia before the West Virginia Mining Symposium. Other lawmakers too are keeping their constituencies posted on their India tour. Sarna has described the visit of 26 members of the Congress as a very important milestone and demonstrative of the high degree of interest in India, and the strong bipartisan support for the India-US relationship, based on shared democratic values and converging strategic interests. "We look forward to a more robust economic and commercial cooperation as India retains its spot as the fastest growing major economy," said Sarna, who in the last few weeks has met more than three dozen top American lawmakers. These including a dozen of powerful Senators like Senator Richard Durbin, Senate Democratic Whip, Senators John Cornyn and Mark Warner, who are co-chairs of the Senate India Caucus, two presidential candidates Senators Tim Kaine and Ted Cruz; Senator Richard Burr, Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and Senator John McCain, Chairman of Senate Armed Services Committee. From the House of Representatives, the Ambassador has met among others Kevin McCarthy, House Majority Leader; Steny Hoyer, House Democratic Whip; House India Caucus Co-Chairs Ami Bera and George Holding, Ed Royce who is Chairman of the powerful House Foreign Affairs Committee, Bob Goodlatter, Chairman of House Judiciary Committee and Michael Turner, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. Fondly recalling visits by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all lawmakers reiterated the close and ever growing bonds between world's oldest and largest democracies- underlining the strong bipartisan support enjoyed by brand India in United States. During their interaction, they expressed their personal commitment for further strengthening the bilateral ties in various spheres; including political, security and economic in the new Congress as well, sources said. During the meeting, the Ambassador also raised India's concerns on the issue of terror and regional instability; and its global impact. Sarna underlined that US and India need to stand shoulder to shoulder to fight this menace. Reconstruction of war ravaged Afghan society was a talking point an example of close and productive India-US cooperation in the region, officials said. In the economic sphere, various reforms like GST and new Make in India initiatives aimed at reducing corruption and increasing transparency and ease of doing business were discussed. Sarna also briefed lawmakers on the recent developments in the bilateral relations in the areas of defence (Major Defence Partner status, DTTI, co-production/co-development, military exercises, LEMOA), geo-strategic changes (Asia-Pacific, Middle East etc), security and counterterrorism challenges, climate change and renewable energy, trade and economic, diaspora concerns etc. A 12-member Myanmar delegation today said that they had visited Mizoram to study the federal system of the country especially how the areas inhabited by minority communities were administered. The delegation led by Oo Hla Saw, MP of Arakan National Party, told reporters that they also wanted to know how peace was achieved in Mizoram which was reeling under insurgency for 20 years. Earlier during its three-day visit to the state, the delegation, which included five Members of Parliament (Hluttaw), met state Governor Lt General Nirbhay Sharma, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and former Chief Minister Zoramthanga. The visit of the delegation, which left the state this afternoon, was organised by the Ministry of External Affairs Ministry and the Delhi-based think tank - Observer Research Foundation (ORF). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four women, including two Myanmarese nationals, were arrested for allegedly carrying heroin in separate incidents in Mizoram, Excise and Narcotics department spokesman said today. Excise and Narcotics department officials seized 65.8 grams of heroin from Mizoram-Myanmar border town Champhai and arrested three women - Vankungpuii (45), Lalrinchhungi (32), belonging to Khawmawi village in Myanmar, and Lalfakzuala (43) of Aizawl, who were carrying the contraband in a car from Myanmar last night. Around the same time, the officials also seized 26 grams of heroin in Aizawl and arrested another woman - Malsawmkimi (35) of south Mizoram's Lunglei town, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 230217CONDOLENCE MESSAGE By Aloysius Laukai The member for South Bougainville, TIMOTHY MASIU today paid tribute to the late Governor General for Papua New Guinea, SIR MICHAEL OGIO who passed away last weekend in Port Moresby. MR. MASIU told New Dawn FM that he was saddened to hear the passing away of the late GG and send his condolences to the family and relatives from Suagu village in Tinputz. He said that the late OGIO did a lot for Bougainville as a Teacher and later as a member for Parliament representing the people of North Bougainville and later as the first Governor General from Bougainville. His body will be flown to Buka this Saturday for burial at his home. Ends : As part of its expansion drive, Multi brand car service provider MyTVS has planned to double its network over the next two years, a company official said. The company, a division of TVS Automobile Solutions, currently has about 300 service touch points in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra. "We expect to close the year FY2017 with 350 centres. We have set an ambitious target to double our network in the next two years, ensuring MyTVS presence in key states across the country," TVS Automobile Solutions, President, Vinay Piparsania said. The company, today inaugurated its fully automated multi-brand car service outlet in Pudur, taking the total number of outlets to three, in Madurai district. "At MyTVS, we have endeavoured to provide professional, yet affordable car maintenance service all at a superior experience to our customers. In this regard, we have rebranded our identity with a lot of vibrancy and repositioned our service centers as service showrooms", Piparsania said. "Fitted with many special and world class equipment, we are delighted to inaugurate this state-of-the-art facility, in Madurai," he said. The Pudur facility would undertake all service related jobs including maintenance, electrical works, accident repair and parts replacement. The company on the occasion also launched a mobile application, MyTVS AutoPlanet, allowing customers to book the service and get repair estimate through it. Besides, an annual membership, 'Freedom Club' was also unveiled for customers, which is priced at Rs 6,999 for hatchback models and Rs 9,999 for sedan. The 'Freedom Club' membership would avail roadside assistance coverage including a 15 per cent labour discount on mechanical and non-insurance body repairs, it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court today asked Tamil Nadu and Kerala to file their respective lists of witnesses in the Neyyar river water dispute case pertaining to alleged stoppage of water by the latter to its neighbour. A bench comprising Justices Ranjan Gogoi and Navin Sinha asked both the states to file the lists within two weeks in the original lawsuit preferred by Tamil Nadu against its neighbour in 2012. Umapathy, the counsel for Tamil Nadu, said that the state would file the list within the stipulated time. Earlier, the apex court had framed issues, including the question whether the Neyyar can be classified as inter-state river in the matter. The disputed issues also include the question whether the supply of water to Tamil Nadu by Kerala since 1965 was only a gesture of goodwill or a legal obligation under the provisions of the State Re-organisation Act, 1956. One of the issues was whether the stoppage of water by Kerala to Tamil Nadu in 2004 was an unlawful variation of the Neyyar Irrigation Project protected under the 1956 Act. The other major issue to be considered by the apex court would be whether domestic supply of water in Kerala has a first charge over the claims of Tamil Nadu for water under the Neyyar Irrigation project. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ratna Nidhi Charitable Trust, a disability empowerment not for profit organisation based out of Mumbai has appealed to over 500 publishing houses to donate educational books to help low income schools and colleges in various districts across Maharashtra. "As a part of our 'Mission Million Books' project, we seek to distribute 1 million educational books to 10,000 low income schools and colleges in India by 2018 for free. This is our 20th year of our Book Project to promote global literacy and we will continue the good work," Rajiv Mehta, Trustee Ratna Nidhi Charitable Trust, said. He said that 'Mission Million Books' is a pan-India initiative aimed at providing the underserved with access to quality educational materials for their growth and advancement. The NGO aims to gather educational books, picture books, children's story books, blank painting books, dictionaries, Atlas, Indian comic books among other things. "We are not looking for school text books, exercise books or rough books. Regional language books for children are welcome. Magazines for children which are based on everlasting educational content will bring in cheer to first time readers in these libraries," Mehta added. In 2016, Ratna Nidhi Charitable Trust in association with Alibaba Group and Crossword bookstores launched the Mission Million Books project. The 'Mission Million Books' initiative will be organising book donation exhibitions in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Baramati, Vadodara and Ahmedabad over the next few months, from where educational institutes will be able to handpick books suitable for their libraries free of cost. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Nick Cannon has welcomed a baby boy with his former girlfriend Brittany Bell. The 36-year-old took to Instagram to announce the arrival of his son, who has been named Golden and posted his picture, where one can see the proud father cradling the little one in her arms. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning! No matter how hard the world may hit you, God always reminds us of our purpose! #TrueHappiness... "Welcome to Earth Son! Golden "Sagon" Cannon 2/21/17 #Awakened," Cannon wrote. According to E! News, the actor's former wife, Mariah Carey has sent her heartfelt congratulations to him. "Mariah has been aware of the baby for a while now and she congratulated him. They are on fine terms and continue to be good parents for their children," the source said. Cannon is already father to twins Moroccan and Monroe, 5, he had with Carey. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) North Korea's state media broke a 10-day silence today on the murder of Kim Jong-Un's half brother, launching a ferocious assault on Malaysia for "immoral" handling of the case and for playing politics with the corpse. In its first comments on the airport assassination of Kim Jong-Nam, KCNA said Malaysia bore responsiblity for the death, and accused it of conspiring with South Korea. "Malaysia is obliged to hand his body to the DPRK (North Korea) side as it made an autopsy and forensic examination of it in an illegal and immoral manner", the North's Korean Jurists Committee said, in comments carried by the state-run agency. Malaysia has not released the corpse "under the absurd pretext" that it needs a DNA sample from the dead man's family, it said in a lengthy statement that never identified the victim. "This proves that the Malaysian side is going to politicise the transfer of the body in utter disregard of international law and morality and thus attain a sinister purpose," it said. Malaysia arrested four people -- a North Korean man, a Malaysian, who was later released, and women from Indonesia and Vietnam -- over the February 13 attack on Kim Jong-Nam at Kuala Lumpur International Airport as he waited for a flight to Macau. Leaked CCTV footage shows the portly Kim being approached by two women who appear to put something in his face. Moments later he is seen asking for help from airport staff, who direct him to a clinic. Malaysian police said he suffered a seizure and died before he reached hospital. An autopsy has ruled out heart failure, with investigators focusing on the theory that a toxin was applied to his face, in what South Korea has insisted was a targeted assassination. Seoul's Foreign Minister Yun Byung-Se said Wednesday in London that the killing was a chance for the international community "to take a series of steps" against the North. Yun said the assassination by the North, if confirmed, would constitute a "serious breach" of international order. "If North Korea is confirmed to have been behind the killing, the international community would view this as a state-led act of terrorism that infringes upon Malaysia's sovereignty", Yun was quoted as saying by Yonhap agency after a meeting with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. Malaysian police say they want to talk to a total of eight North Koreans, although they think several may have fled to Pyongyang immediately after the killing. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) has signed a framework agreement with its technology partner Chempolis Oy of Finland. The framework agreement undertakes to implement the Bio Refinery Project in two phases, a release issued by NRL today said. Phase-I of the project, scheduled to be completed within six months, would involve basic engineering of the project, completion of EIA ( Environment Impact Assessment) study, obtaining EC (Environment Clearance) on modalities and logistics of sourcing bamboo feedstock, updating financial feasibility report on the project, debt financing arrangement and others, the release said. On successful completion of Phase-I, full fledged activities of physical construction of the plant shall be initiated through formation of a joint venture company. NRL's Bio Refinery is designed to produce 49,000 tonnes of bio ethanol annually, with co-production of furfural and acetic acid from locally available non-food biomass feedstock utilising technology from Chempolis Oy, Finland. Bamboo is one of the major non-food biomass resources available abundantly in the North East and is among the fastest growing plants. The plant would have a capacity to process five lakh tonnes of green bamboo on an annual basis. The bio ethanol produced would primarily be used to blend NRL petrol as mandated by the National Policy on Bio-fuels, with the surplus to be sold to other oil marketing companies. The Agreement was signed between General Manager (Marketing) B Ekka and General Manager(Finance) S D Maheshwari on behalf of NRL and Chairperson Heli Antila and Director Asia Pacific and America, Pasi Rousu from Chempolis side, the release added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) State-run power prouder NTPC today said it has installed robotic dry cleaning system for Solar PV Plant at its Dadri plant. "Robotic Dry Cleaning System for Solar panels at Solar PV plant at NTPC Dadri was inaugurated by A K Jha, Director (Technical), NTPC Ltd today," NTPC said in a statement. According to statement, this system is first of its kind in India having several unique features such as robo operation with seasonal tilt, energy independence, remote monitoring & management, self-cleaning mechanism, etc. ****** BSE Institute signs pact with Trinity College Dublin * BSE Institute Ltd has signed a pact with Ireland's Trinity College Dublin to offer collaborative programs in financial risk management and data analytics. The collaboration will also lead to opportunities of joint research and student exchange program between the two institutions, BSE Institute said in a statement today. Also, it will provide excellent opportunities to students in the field of financial risk management and data analytics. ****** Ujaas Energy unveils residential solar rooftop UjaasHome * Ujaas Energy has introduced a solar rooftop segment -- UjaasHome -- which offers small on-grid solution to consumers to produce clean energy at homes. "Ujaas Energy brings the power of the sun to your doorstep through their newly-launched segment, UjaasHome. Offering small on-grid solutions to the customer, Ujaas provides customers an opportunity to produce clean energy for their own house," the company said in a statement. ****** Emami starts commercial production at Assam plant * Home-grown FMCG firm Emami today said it has started commercial production at its newly setup plant in Assam. "The commercial production of the company's newly setup plant in Pacharia, Dolapathar, Kamrup, Assam has commenced from February 23, 2017, Emami said in a filing to BSE. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) on Thursday said it will invest Rs 7,327 crore in developing four oil and gas projects, including the Ratna field which it had got back from Essar Oil. The Board of approved an investment of Rs 4,104.63 crore in the development of R-Series fields including the revival of R-12 (Ratna), the company said in a statement. Ratna field was discovered in 1979 and put on production in 1983 which continued till 1994. The Government awarded the contract for development of Ratna and R-Series fields in 1996 to a consortium led by Essar Oil. However, the contract could not be signed due to various issues and in March last year the Government reverted the Ratna & R-Series fields to for development and production. Out of 37 structures in the Ratna-R Series field, which is located about 130-km from Mumbai, 8 structures were found to be oil bearing and only one R-12 (Ratna) field was under exploitation during the period 1982 to 1994. The remaining R- series structures are yet to be monetised, it said. said first oil is expected by 2018-19 but the peak out of 14,583 barrels per day is expected to be achieved in 2019-20. The field will produce a cumulative of 8.39 million tons of oil and 1.696 billion cubic meters of gas during the project life. ONGC Board also approved redevelopment of Santhal field in Gujarat at a cost of Rs 1,162.56 crore. The field located in Mehsana Asset in North Gujarat was discovered in 1971 and put on production in 1974. ONGC will use enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques to double recovery rate from current 17 per cent. After the project, cumulative oil production from the field is expected to be 20.46 million tons by 2029-30. The company will invest another Rs 546.15 crore in development of B-147 field in western offshore. "The field, discovered in March 1991, is a marginal field which would have been otherwise uneconomical to develop on a standalone basis. However, after creation of infrastructure in the nearby fields, there is an opportunity to develop this field by utilising existing surface facilities in an optimised cost environment," the statement said. The field will produce 0.489 million tons of oil and 0.708 billion cubic meters of gas during the project life with peak oil and gas production estimated at about 1,576 barrels of oil per day and 0.25 million standard cubic meters per day of gas. The project is scheduled for completion by November 2019. Another Rs 511.30 crore will be spent in development BSE-11 block in western offshore to produce 1,000 barrels of oil per day, 1,808 barrels of condensate a day and peak gas production of 0.34 mmscmd (Million Metric Standard Cubic Meter Per Day). ONGC said another Rs 1,002.67 crore would be an investment in 4th Phase Development of NBP field in western offshore to produce 2.08 million tons of more oil. B-147, BSE-11 block and NBP field will be completed by November 2019. To "promote communal harmony", culinary experts from the minority communities taking part in Hunar Haat here will serve only vegetarian food tomorrow to mark Mahashivratri. Around 30 culinary experts at the 'Bawarchikhana' segment of the Haat have been offering over two dozen types of non-vegetarian food. Launched on February 11, the Haat is part of the Centre's initiative to promote artisans and culinary experts from the minority communities by providing them a platform. "They (the experts) have now decided they will serve only vegetarian food on Mahashivratri. Not only this, they will serve food consumed during 'vrat' (fasting). This decision is aimed at promoting communal harmony," Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said. In what he cited as another example of the exhibition encouraging harmony, members of minority communities other than Muslims ensure they don't play music when the latter offer prayers. There are six notified minority communities in the country -- Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis and Jains. The Haat has a 'bawarchikhana' (kitchen) where cuisines from different parts of the country, including Awadhi Mughlai food from Lucknow, Dal Bati Churma and Thali of Rajasthan, Kerala's Malabari food, and Litti Chokha of Bihar are up for relishing. The Haat, to be held until February 26, is being organised through the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation under the Ministry's Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development (USTAAD) scheme. About 184 master artisans from 26 states and Union territories had showcased their traditional art and skills at about 100 stalls at the first Haat held at India International Trade Fair, Pragati Maidan between November 14 and November 27 last year. Mahashivratri, a Hindu festival, is celebrated annually in honour of Lord Shiva. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi University teacher Prasanta Chakravarty, who was roughed up during the North Campus clash, today alleged the involvement of outsiders in the violence. Chakravarty, an associate Professor with DU, said people who assaulted him during the clashes yesterday appeared to be "some kind of mercenaries" and not students. "There is absolute polarisation. It is a pattern emerging across the nation and was not limited to few universities," he told NDTV. Rejecting the allegations, DUSU vice president Priyanka Chawri, an ABVP member, claimed that "anti-India" slogans were raised by students affiliated to AISA and that they provoked ABVP activists, not more than "10-20" of which were present. "We have videos to prove that anti-national slogans were raised. ABVP was not in the picture at all," she said. Debraj Mookerjee, associate professor of Ramjas College, said there was a need to make a distinction between critical thinking and anti-national ideas and wondered why the two were being conflated. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 230217JOHN WANTS EDUCATION By Aloysius Laukai The eldest of the Masiu brothers and educationist running a FODE Centre in the Wisai area, JOHN MASIU called on the EUROPEAN UNION to help the ABG by building g a Specialized Training Centre in Konnou. Speaking as the chief of the area, MR. MASIU said that the area needs to address kids that have gone past school age due to the Bougainville conflict. He said these lost generation needs to be trained in specialized training centres to make them become useful contributers to the development of Bougainville. MR. MASIU said that EU has done good in the past by establish similar institutions like the KOROMIRA Vocational center, Burunotui etc. In her response the EU Deputy Head of Mission, MARIA CHRISTEBELL said that EU will consider the request and see if this can be possible. Ends More than 1,200 illegal immigrants have been arrested in Hong Kong and China's Guangdong Province since the Spring Festival, police said today. A total of 1,178 people, all nationals of Southeast Asian countries, were arrested for trying to enter Guangdong without legal permits, provincial border police said. Another 48 were captured in Hong Kong, but police gave no details of their nationalities, state-run Xinhua agency reported. Most of the immigrants were apprehended at bus and railway stations, ports and work places such as construction sites or factories, police added. Police in Guangdong and Hong Kong have strengthened cooperation at borders to curb illegal immigration. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The fourth phase of polling for 53 assembly constituencies of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday passed off amid stray incidents of violence, with an estimated over 61 per cent voter turnout. This phase of voting was crucial for the state's ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) and main opposition Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), both major contenders for power this time too, as they had won nearly 40 of these seats in the previous polls. "Polling was held in 53 assembly constituencies spread over 12 districts, including the backward Bundelkhand region," the office of UP Chief Electoral Officer said. The turnout was 61 per cent till 5 PM and since many voters stood in queues inside the polling stations at the appointed hour for the conclusion of the exercise, the final figure was set to go up to 63 per cent, sources said. Violence was reported in Mahoba where two rival groups clashed leading to firing in which three persons were injured. The clash took place when vehicles of SP candidate Siddhgopal Sahu's son Saket Sahu and BSP candidate Arimardan Singh's son Himanchal Singh collided, leading to firing allegedly by Singh and his supporters. Two of the injured Lala Bhaiya and Tariq were rushed to a hospital, where their condition was stated to be stable, police said. A FIR has been lodged in this connection and two persons have been arrested, they said. The pace of voting was slow in the first few hours but picked up as the day advanced. The constituencies where polling was held on Thursday included those in the backward Bundelkhand region and the Nehru-Gandhi pocket borough of Rae Bareli, represented in the Lok Sabha by Congress President Sonia Gandhi. For the first time since 1998, Gandhi gave campaigning a miss in her constituency. Other districts where polling was held amid tight security were Pratapgarh, Kaushambi, Allahabad, Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Banda, Hamirpur, Chitrakoot and Fatehpur. Backward and parched Bundelkhand region also figured in this phase. Inter-district and inter-state borders were sealed to facilitate peaceful voting and most polling centres were manned by the central paramilitary forces. 680 candidates, including 61 women, were in the fray for 53 seats. In the 2012 Assembly polls, Samajwadi Party had won 24, BSP 15, Congress six, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) five and others three seats. The maximum number of 26 candidates were from Allahabad North, while only six candidates were in the fray in Khaga (Fatehpur), Manjhanpur (Kaushambi) and Kunda (Pratapgarh). BSP fielded its nominees in all 53 seats, while BJP's candidates were in 48 constituencies, as the saffron party left six seats for its ally Apana Dal. The SP nominees contested on 30 seats and its ally Congress was in the fray in 25 constituencies. The two allies are locked in a friendly contest in two seats. Prominent contestants include sitting Congress MLA Aradhana Mishra from Rampur Khas (Pratapgarh), the daughter of party veteran and MP Pramod Tiwari, and independent MLA Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya. Raja Bhaiya, known for his muscle power, is a minister in the Akhilesh Yadav cabinet and is again contesting from his traditional Kunda (Pratapgarh) seat. In Rae Bareli, Aditi Singh is contesting on Congress ticket, BSP turncoat Swami Prasad Maurya's son Utkarsh Maurya is in fray from the Unchahar seat, while the Leader of Opposition Gaya Charan Dinkar is contesting from Naraini (Banda) seat. Senior SP leader Reoti Raman Singh's son Ujjwal Raman Singh is in the race from Karchana (Allahabad) seat. Elections for UP legislative assembly are being held in seven phases with three more to follow on February 27, March 4 and 8. The results will be out on March 11. Barring stray incidents, polling went off peacefully in all the 12 Assembly constituencies in Allahabad where nearly 55 per cent of 4.36 million voters decided the fates of 181 candidates. The turnout remained slightly lower than 55.35 of 2012 though it was still higher than that of 2007 (43.94) and 2002 (47.75). Soraon in trans-Ganga recorded the highest turnout at 61 per cent while the lowest (43 per cent) was at Allahabad (North). Significantly, the predominantly urban Allahabad (North) had registered the lower turnout, at 40.9 per cent, in 2012 as well. It did witness brisk polling between 11 AM And 1 PM. As the turnout shot up from 10 per cent to 26 per cent during this period. In Atkhariya village falling under Meja Assembly segment, BJP workers indulged in stone-pelting complaining of a sub-inspector "trying to influence voting in favour of the ruling SP". "No person has been arrested in this connection since there was no evidence to support the allegations made by the political activists. However, we sent additional forces to the affected area as a precautionary measure," Allahabad Senior Superintendent of Police Shalabh Mathur said. There was some tension in Shankargarh block of trans-Yamuna region where a group of villagers were allegedly beaten up by some security personnel at a polling centre established inside a government inter-college. Angry villagers decided to boycott polling in protest but were pacified by officials on duty. Notable among those who cast their votes today were Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court D B Bhosle, West Bengal Governor Keshri Nath Tripathi, Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya and the party's national secretary Siddharth Nath Singh. Singh is also the party candidate from Allahabad (West). has expedited efforts to acquire military equipment and weapons to combat militancy as a fresh bout of terror attacks have killed over 100 people. At least three such deals with the US this week, which involve helicopters and military vehicles that would enhance the military's capability to pursue militants in difficult terrains, Dawn reported. Earlier this week, concluded a deal with an Italian aerospace and defence firm, Leonardo SPA for purchasing an unspecified number of AW139 helicopters. Deliveries are expected to begin in mid-2017. Despite uncertainty about bilateral relations under the Trump administration, is also purchasing weapons from the US. Last year, the US Congress stopped the sale of eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan but the move did not affect the weapons needed to combat terrorists. The US media reported on Tuesday that Bell Helicopter would deliver three Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters to Pakistan this year. This will be the first of a total shipment of 12 helicopters. The remaining nine will arrive in 2018. Pakistan ordered the first three helicopters in August 2015 and placed an additional order for nine helicopters in April last year. A US Department of Defence notification said nine AH-1Z Viper helicopters would cost Pakistan an estimated $170.2 million. Pakistan's original request included the sale of 1,000 AGM-114 R Hellfire II missiles as well. Pakistan will also receive four Russian-made Mi-35M attack helicopters in 2017. The US media noted that the Mi-35M was the export version of the Mi-24 gunship and was particularly suited for operations in mountainous terrain. Pakistan Army Aviation could acquire up to 20 Mi-35Ms in the years ahead. Islamabad is also considering the Turkish Aerospace Industries T-129 attack helicopter or the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group Z-10 helicopter gunship as an alternative to the Mi-35M. The new gunships would slowly phase out Pakistan Army Aviation's obsolete fleet of US-made AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters, the media reported. Pakistan signed another $35 million deal with a US firm, Navistar Defence, for manufacturing 40 mine-resistant ambush-protected MaxxPro Dash DXM vehicles. The contract, awarded under US foreign military sales arrangement, includes manufacturing of various support items, logistics and technical support services. At least eight persons were killed and 20 injured today in a powerful explosion that ripped through a building in a defence locality in Lahore. On February 16, a suicide bomber killed 88 people at a famed Sufi shrine in Sindh province. Following the attack, the army launched an offensive against militants and claimed to have killed more than 130 terrorists across the country. The three-day South Asian Literature festival, which begins tomorrow, will not feature writers from Pakistan this year. The literature festival is being organised by the Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature (FOSWAL) at the India International Centre here. "We did not get permission from the authorities to invite delegates from Pakistan," FOSWAL Founder and President Ajeet Cour told PTI. Based on the theme of 'Beyond Borders' and 'Endeavoring for peace and tranquility in the region', the festival will see participation from the other eight SAARC countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Malaysia and India among others. Cour said the festival this year will feature more delegates and writers than its previous editions. "We have over 150 delegates coming from different SAARC countries this year. This is the highest number of delegates in the history of this festival." Facing the problem of plenty, Cour said she would have organised a "four-day" festival had she known about the large participation of delegates this time. "A good number of delegates registered themselves at the last hour and that caused a lot of difficulties. I sincerely apologise to delegates for getting less time to discuss their papers," she added. Previous editions of the festival have travelled to places like Dhaka, Kathmandu, Lahore, Islamabad, Colombo, Kandy, Thimphu and Male. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bombay High Court bench here has barred litigants and the general public from carrying cell phones, audio/video recorders or cameras inside courtrooms and said any such violation will be treated as contempt of court. "All the parties/litigants and public at large are hereby informed that they shall not take mobile phones, cameras or audio/video recording devices and shall not record anything using them inside the court halls," reads the notice issued by the court's Registrar General Mangesh Patil last week. "These articles should not at all be brought inside the court halls and the person may make his own arrangement for its safe keeping, for which the high court administration does not take any responsibility," the order reads. "The defaulters will be liable for confiscation of such device and/or fine as may be determined by the court and in addition, will also be liable for an action under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 as well as such other penal action," it says. Earlier, the high court used to impose a fine on the parties, litigants and public if mobile phone rang when the court proceedings were going on. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The expulsion of Indian-origin people from Uganda by former dictator Idi Amin during 1970s was a "mistake", President Yoweri Museveni has said. "That was our mistake and those people ended up enriching other countries where they went. Though after the new government took charge, the big business families came back, the small ones didn't return as they become prosperous there," Museveni said yesterday during his joint press conference with Vice President Hamid Ansari after holding bilateral talks. During the reign of Amin, nearly 60,000 persons of Indian-origin were expelled from Uganda. "They went to the UK and Canada and enriched those places, there is a street in a town in England, which is full of Ugandan-Indians. However, I must say that the issue was never about Indians really, as these were mostly Ugandans of Indian-origin or Indians who had come from UK. I was there then and I am here now, and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had made it clear then too about this aspect," he said. Uganda is now home to thriving Indian community of over 30,000 people. Some of the major businesses in pharmaceuticals and other sectors are owned by Indians or persons of Indian-origin. Ansari's visit is the first bilateral visit to Uganda from India since 1997. Yesterday, Ansari held bilateral talks with Museveni and the country's Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi. Later in the evening he also attended India-Uganda Business Forum and exhorted business communities from both sides to explore opportunities in not just Uganda but also East Africa Community. He described his meeting with political and business leaders as "very fruitful" and said the two sides need to engage further to boost cooperation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will visit India in the first half of April, her close aide said today after Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar called on the Bangladeshi leader here. "This will be a reciprocal visit of our Prime Minister which will take place in the first half of April," Hasina's Deputy Press Secretary M Nazrul Islam told PTI. Jaishankar, who arrived here on a two-day trip after wrapping up his China visit, called on Hasina at her office and the meeting lasted for nearly 30 minutes during which the Foreign Secretary briefed her on recent developments in India-Bangladesh relations and the region. He also discussed preparatory aspects of Hasina's proposed visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had invited her during his Dhaka visit in 2015. Hasina was expected to travel to India in December 2016 but her visit was postponed amid speculation that it was not a suitable time to discuss Teesta water sharing issue given the preoccupation of the Indian government post-demonetisation and the unease in relations between the Centre and West Bengal, a key stakeholder in the issue. During the talks, Jaishankar raised the issue of SAARC and drew her attention to its current deadlock when the premier said "we should not let it die". Hasina told Jaishankar that the two neighbours so far settled different outstanding issues like Land Boundary and enclave problems and "we could solve any problem through discussion if we have good intention", the spokesman said. Officials earlier said the long pending issue of the Teesta water sharing and the proposed Ganges Barrage were the major yet to be settled concerns of Dhaka. "Jaishankar told the Prime Minister that Dhaka-Delhi ties would be strengthened further through her visit," Islam said. Hasina, he said, also sought more discussions on the implementation of the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal) motor vehicle agreement alongside enhanced cooperation in other sectors for peoples' welfare. "The BBIN initiative should be effective and we should solve any problem regarding the initiative through discussion," the spokesman quoted the premier as saying. He said Jaishankar conveyed India's willingness to take more development projects in Bangladesh as per its need. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, PM's Principal Secretary Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque and Indian High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan Shringla were also present at the meeting. Jaishankar also met his Bangladeshi counterpart Shahidul Haque and reviewed the areas of bilateral cooperation. "Both sides noted with appreciation that there has been excellent implementation of decisions taken during the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Bangladesh," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said in New Delhi. He said both sides took stock of decisions taken during the recent meetings of various bilateral mechanisms in the areas of Security & Border Management, Trade and Commerce, Power, Energy, Shipping, Railways etc. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will travel to India on an official visit in the first half of April, her close aide said today. This was disclosed by Hasina's Deputy Press Secretary M Nazrul Islam after Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar called on the Prime Minister at her parliament office here. "The prime minister will go to India in the first half of April," Islam told the media after the meeting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited Hasina during his Dhaka visit in 2015. Hasina was expected to travel to India in December 2016 but her visit was postponed amid speculation that it was not a suitable time to discuss Teesta water sharing issue given the preoccupation of the Indian government post-demonetisation and the unease in relations between the Centre and West Bengal, a key stakeholder in the issue. Jaishankar, who came here on a two-day trip after wrapping up his China visit, called on Hasina and discussed on the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation that has been inoperative for long, local media reports said. They opined that though the activities of SAARC has been stagnant due to Pakistan, the organisation should be kept functioning, The Daily Star reported, citing its sources. Jaishankar said the government and the people of India were looking forward to Hasina's visit and her trip will strengthen the friendly ties between the two nations. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, PM's Principal Secretary Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque and Indian High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan Shringla were also present at the meeting. "Development projects will be taken on the basis of Bangladesh's demand," Nazrul quoted Jaishankar as saying. Hasina said the two countries have settled land border dispute and observed that all issues can be solved if there is good intention, her deputy press secretary said. She also sought more discussions on the implementation of the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal) motor vehicle agreement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi would inaugurate a conclave of women sarpanchs from across the country here on March 8. "The Prime Minister will visit Gujarat on March 8 to inaugurate the women sarpanchs' conclave, which will be held at Mahatma Mandir on the occasion of International Women's Day," said Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel. When asked whether Modi will also visit Bharuch to inaugurate a newly-built bridge across Narmada and a processing complex of ONGC at Dahej, Patel said the PM's other programs were yet to be finalized. "This is a unique conclave organized by the Centre on Women's day. Hundreds of women sarpanchs from across the country are invited," said Panchayats Minister Jayanti Kavadiya. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Pranab Mukherjee has directed to return the Bihar Sugarcane (Regulation of supply and purchase Amendment) Bill, 2007 to state Assembly for reconsideration. The President's message in this regard was read out by Speaker Vijay Kumar Chaudhary in the House on the opening day of the budget session today. The Sugarcane Amendment Bill approved by the state Assembly in 2007 seeks to set up state Advisory Board to fix cane price on its own in place of that fixed by the Central government. "Having considered the Bill reserved for my consideration under provisions (Article 200 read with clause (2) of article 254) of the Constitution, I do hereby direct the Governor in pursuance of proviso the Article 201 of the Constitution that the Bill be returned to Legislative Assembly of Bihar with a message to reconsider it," the President's message said. The message referred that the issue of competence of the state legislature to fix state advised price of sugarcane over and above the minimum price fixed by the Central government is pending before the Supreme Court in the case of West UP Sugar Mills Association and others Vs state of UP and others (2012) 2 SCC 773. It said "the Apex Court in view of conflict between observations made by Constitution Benches of five Judges in Tika Ramji case (AIR 1956 SC 676) and UP Coop Cane unions Federation (2004) has directed that the matter be placed before the Chief Justice of India for reference to a bench of seven benches and thus pending before larger bench for authoritative pronouncements. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 230217MASIU WELCOMES EU TEAM By Aloysius Laukai The ABG Member for Konnou and Minister for Police CIS and Justice, WILLIE MASIU today thanked the EU team visiting Bougainville for coming to his Wisai area. Speaking at the Opening of the LALUAI market, MR. MASIU said Konnou is the last electorate and least developed area where visitors rarely visit but the visit by the EU team is a moral booster for his people. He said that this shows that they are a true friends that can work with his people to bring about development and change in his constituency. MR.MASIU also called on his people to look after the market for their own benefit. He said the LALUAI area is one of the planned growth centres and the market is just the beginning of other government services to the area. MR.MASIU said that future plan of the area would also include the establishment of a Health and Education facility and also the COE office would be moved to this area. Ends Union Minister Manoj Sinha today said a probe is underway to ascertain whether it was election material or cash which was moved out of BSP office in Lucknow soon after the announcement of demonetisation. Addressing an election meeting in Sikanderpur, he said it was being looked into whether it was election material, as claimed, which was removed from the BSP's Lucknow office or cash which was moved out soon after note ban was announced. The central government will use the black money deposited after note ban for welfare works of the poor, farmers and deprived rather than doling them out, the Minister of State for Communications said. Alleging that situation under the Akhilesh government was worse than what it was during the Mulayam government, the minister said he (Akhilesh) was in the last phase of power and after completion of the election process, he will have to do with Bollywood and Hollywood in his native village Saifai. Properties of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, the mastermind behind the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, in India will be declared as national property and any delay in this regard is only because of the legal process, Sinha said. The property of Gangster-turned-MLA and Quami Ekta Dal (QED) leader Mukhtar Ansari will be "seized and declared national wealth". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab police's Special Task Force (STF) today arrested three suspected members of 'Gaggi' gang, including its leader Simaranjeet Singh who is a resident of Kaunke Kala village near Jagraon. The other arrested gang members are Baldev Singh alias Devi of the same village and Gurjeet Singh of Jangiana village of Bhadaur (Barnala). IG Police Kanwar Vijay Partap Singh said 'Gaggi' was the kingpin of the gang and Ramandeep Singh alias Romi, Navjot Singh, Gurjeet Singh, Baldev Singh alias Devi and others were other active members. He said the gang indulged in criminal activities like extortion, kidnapping and contract killing. The gang was also involved in a case of indiscriminate firing in Bhadaur area of Barnala distract on the intervening night of February 19-20, he said. One .32 bore revolver and one .315 bore telescopic rifle have been recovered from their possession besides an air gun, he said. When the gang members were intercepted by a team of STF near Beas area in Amritsar district, they fired upon the police team. "However, the STF countered the attack tactfully and successfully nabbed three members while four others managed to escape from the spot. Various police teams have been deputed to arrest those members of the gang," he said. Gaggi and other member Romi allegedly masterminded a kidnapping conspiracy in Hong Kong in October 2013 where three persons from Punjab were called and kept in captivity. Gaggi is wanted in that case while five members of the gang have been convicted by a court in Hong Kong. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A top Australian university has signed an agreement with IIT Madras to undertake joint applied research in information security, combustion and health technologies. Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Indian Institute of Technology Madras have executed an agreement to undertake joint applied research that is highly relevant to industry. Both institutions recognise that, globally, there is a paradigm shift in research focus and this initiative is a significant step towards meeting the new research challenges, according to a statement by QUT. The partnership between thetwo educational institutionsbegan in 2006 in information security, and has expanded to include collaboration in other disciplines. A joint doctorate degree programme agreement was concluded in 2016. "As a 'university for the real world', QUT has always endeavoured to focus on research that is relevant to industry and community. This initiative will help to address some of the issues that are critical to both our countries," QUT Vice-Chancellor Peter Coaldrake said. "IITM has been a pioneer in industry-driven research, and this is demonstrated by our commitment in establishing the IIT Madras Research Park that has become a driver of innovation. This partnership between our institutions will enable cutting-edge research with innovative outcomes," Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Director, IIT Madras said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tensions continued to simmer across Delhi University's North Campus today with students' groups holding protests against police "high-handedness" during the violent clashes in Ramjas College even as three policemen were suspended for "unprofessional" conduct. The case relating to yesterday's violence was handed over to the Crime Branch as criticism against Delhi Police grew louder for allegedly not containing the RSS-backed ABVP during the clash with supporters of Left-affiliated AISA yesterday which left many injured. Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said the government has sought a report from Delhi University on the violence. His ministerial colleague Kiren Rijiju said freedom of expression in the country doesn't give right to make college campuses hub of anti-national activities. Delhi Police spokesperson and Special Commissioner (South West) said three policemen have been suspended for indulging in inappropriate and unprofessional conduct during the clashes at Ramjas yesterday. He said the Crime Branch will carry out a thorough investigation including complaints by rival student groups about the incident. Ramjas College yesterday witnessed large-scale violence between members of AISA and ABVP supporters. The genesis of the clash was an invite to JNU students Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid to address a seminar on 'Culture of Protests' which was withdrawn by the college authorities following opposition by the ABVP. Classes remained suspended at Ramjas even as the authorities claimed it was due to "administrative reasons" and not because of the tense situation. Teachers at the SGTB Khalsa college claimed that a street play competition scheduled today had to be cancelled as "police had advised them against it in view of restoring normalcy and peace on campus". While students of JNU and DU who are members of All India Students Association (AISA) staged a protest at the Delhi Police Headquarters at ITO, the Congress' student wing National Students Union of India (NSUI) took out a peace march to Maurice Nagar police station, near the North Campus. ABVP, on its part staged a protest reiterating that "they will not allow any repeat of JNU like events in Delhi University". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) South Korea is using giant loudspeakers to blast of the dramatic assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un's half-brother across the border with its reclusive northern neighbour, it was reported today. Kim Jong-Nam -- the eldest son of the North's late leader Kim Jong-Il -- died on February 13 after being attacked by two women at a Kuala Lumpur airport in what is suspected to be a murder planned by Pyongyang. The North's state media remained quiet on the killing until it released a scathing denouncement of the Malaysian investigation Thursday, without identifying Jong-Nam as the victim. But the South this week employed its banks of high-decibel loudspeakers to ensure details of the death of Jong-Nam, once believed to be the likely heir, reverberated through wide swathes of the border area, Seoul's MBC TV station said. "Kim Jong-Nam... Died after being attacked by two unidentified women at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia," blared the message from the speakers and replayed by the TV station. "Malaysian authorities said four suspects are North Korean nationals including one who has been arrested," it said. of the outside world is heavily restricted and censored in the North under the Kim family, which has ruled for decades with an iron fist and pervasive personality cult. The South Korean military has for years blasted a mix of world news, propaganda messages and K-pop songs across the border using dozens of loudspeakers, which targets soldiers in the isolated state. They have a range of around 10 kilometres. Seoul's defense ministry refused to confirm the reports over the latest broadcast, citing national security concerns. North Korean state media Thursday broke its 10-day silence on the murder, launching a ferocious assault on Malaysia for its "immoral" handling of the case and for playing politics with the corpse. The propaganda broadcasts are intensely hated by Pyongyang which at one point threatened to shell the loudspeakers. The North is also known to have installed a number of loudspeakers near the border to carry out its own propaganda broadcasting in a bid to drown out the sound from the South. Jong-Nam was at one time set to take the reins of power in the isolated North; groomed by his father for a third generation succession. But he fell out of favour and lived in exile in China as his younger brother was groomed to take power following the death of their father in 2011. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Union Minister Sanwarlal Jat today pitched for consumer awareness over organic farming and consumption. Sanwarlal Jat, Chairman of State Farmers Commission, said ample awareness will create demand and also trigger supply, while addressing a state level advocacy meeting organised by Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS), a non-profit organisation to promote organic consumption in the state. George Cheriyan, Director CUTS, in his opening remarks highlighted various tasks done by the organisation for the promotion of organic farming and consumption. While referring the report of Standing Committee on Agriculture, he stated that only 0.4 percent of land is used for organic farming. He also said that there is no provision for periodic scientific evaluation of pesticides used in the country. Deepak Saxena, Assistant Director, CUTS, while giving a presentation stated the objectives of the Pro-Organic Project, which is being carried in six districts Jaipur, Dausa, Kota, Udaipur, Chittorhgarh and Pratapgarh. President of Rajasthan Gausewa, Dr J S Bhandari discussed about the importance of cow dung and urine in farming, citing benefits of same for qualitative and quantitative production. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Debutant actor Mustafa admires the energy displayed by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan while doing a film. "I like Shah Rukh Khan as the kind of energy that he brings in for a film is amazing," said Mustafa, son of film director Abbas. Mustafa, on a lighter note, said he was quite scared of actor Arbaaz Khan, who played a negative role in "Daraar", co-directed by his father. Mustafa is making his acting debut with "Machine" helmed by Abbas-Mustan. "When I was assisting them (Abbas-Mustan) we were working on the script (of "Machine") and I really liked it. I wanted to do it. But I couldn't say so to them," he said. However, he was the only actor to have been auditioned for the film by the director duo, who are known for their thrillers like "Baazigar", "Ajnabee", "Race", among others. "I was pleasantly shocked. I was called in the office, I enacted the scenes and in between I was told I am doing the film. I liked the script... It's a challenging role," Mustafa said. The romantic thriller also features Kiara Advani, who recently had a successful outing with Sushant Singh Rajput in "MS Dhoni: The Untold Story". "Doing action was difficult. Abbas-Mustan usually give equally good role to their heroes and heroines. It was exciting. I always wanted to be an Abbas-Mustan heroine," she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Somalia's new President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed today appointed a political newcomer as the prime minister, shortly before departing to Saudi Arabia for his first foreign trip since his election. Somali-born Norwegian national Hassan Ali Khaire, a former executive of British energy explorer Soma Oil & Gas, was appointed prime minister. His selection is a nod to balancing clan interests in this Horn of Africa nation. Khaire is a member of the Hawiye clan, as is former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whom Mohamed defeated in the election earlier this month. Mohamed is with the Darod clan. Khaire served as the Horn of Africa regional chief for the Norwegian Refugee Council aid group from 2011-2014. In June 2012, he was in a motorcade that was attacked by armed men on the Somalia-Kenya border, the Norwegian daily Verdens Gang reported. The incident led to criticism of the aid group's security. Mohamed, who was inaugurated on Wednesday, also holds US citizenship. His election was a key step toward establishing Somalia's first fully functioning central government in a quarter-century. The international community has praised the peaceful transfer of power. Somalia, with an estimated population of 10 million, has a diaspora of more than 2 million people scattered by a quarter-century of conflict and drought at home. Many of the more than 20 presidential candidates held dual citizenship. The new president has vowed to make security a priority in a country where Somalia's homegrown Islamic extremist group, al-Shabab, still carries out deadly attacks in the capital, Mogadishu, and elsewhere. On Sunday, a car bomb in the capital killed at least 34. Al-Shabab earlier this week denounced Mohamed's election, calling him an apostate, and vowed to keep fighting. Fighters affiliated with the Islamic State organization also have emerged in Somalia. Mohamed's trip to Saudi Arabia is viewed as signaling a significant shift in Somalia's regional alliances. A government statement said he will meet with Saudi King Salman to discuss strengthening the countries' relationship, security and aid for Somalia's drought. "Having travelled to Saudi Arabia for his first foreign trip as a president, the new Somali president is breaking the long tradition by Somali leaders who have paid their very first foreign trips to Ethiopia, which is called by many as the Mecca of Somali leaders," said Mohamed Sheikh Abdi, a Somali political analyst based in Mogadishu. "This indicates that the new president now favors an alliance with Arab countries more than others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress president Sonia Gandhi stayed away from electioneering in Uttar Pradesh as she feared electoral reverses, Union minister Venkaiah Naidu said today. Addressing an election meeting here, he said Gandhi is "aware that her party is not in a position to win". "Sonia Gandhi is not coming for electioneering as she is afraid of the defeat," he claimed. Referring to the Ram temple issue, Naidu said, for BJP it is not an issue of election but that of belief. "BJP is not seeking votes in the name of Ram Temple," he said. Attacking SP-Congress alliance, he said Congress had "betrayed" Charan Singh, Chandra Shekar, Deva Gowda and IK Gujral in the past and despite being aware of it, Akhilesh Yadav has "committed a crime" by entering into an alliance with that party. "It is like giving another chance to the betrayer, that is, Congress," he said. Charging the SP and BSP with "consolidating Muslims in the name of religion and dividing Hindus in the name of caste", Naidu said, Mayawati's appeal to Muslims to vote for her party amounted to violation of the Supreme Court directives. On Lalu Yadav making a derogatory reference to the Prime Minister, he said RJD, BSP, SP and Congress are taking the election campaign to a "very low level". "They have lost confidence after having lost public support and are saying all unfounded things," Naidu added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Momis on Nisira Resignation Anthony Kaybing 230217 Outgoing ABG Vice President Patrick Nisira has been described as a creative thinker and pragmatic leader who did a lot for his constituents and the people of Bougainville. ABG President Chief Dr John Momis made these remarks during the swearing in ceremony of the new Vice President Raymond Masono. Nisira was first appointed as Vice President in the first Momis administration in 2010 and then again in 2015 during the last ABG elections. For a young man he showed maturity and great concern for his people and he was a very good member of the Bougainville Executive Council, President Momis said. He was not a populist leader but he led by example and made his decisions in government as a matter of principle, Momis said. I must say forthwith that I did not make a mistake when I first appointed Mr Nisira as my Vice President, his contributions to the ABG especially his commitment to the executive government and to the formulation of new laws and policies such as the ABG Mining Act where he was a strong advocate for landowner rights and of recent as Minister for Referendum, Momis said. The next journey that Mr Nisira embarks on is not one that will abandon us, no he is strategically repositioning himself to further the Bougainville agenda and ensure that the dreams of the people of Bougainville are realised, he said. Our vision is to create a new nation whether an independent nation or a nation within a nation and create policies on economic development, infrastructure development and qualitative change for our people, Momis reminded Mr Nisira. Mr Nisira also thanked President Momis for having the confidence in him and appointing him as Vice President in both his administrations. It has been a privilege for me as a young man to have served under one of Bougainvilles and PNGs greatest leaders and I consider President Momis to be my political mentor, Nisira said. Nisira also urged the ABG Ministers and Members not to lose focus on the journey that Bougainville is heading towards and that is achieving a definitive political solution to Bougainvilles future. Please continue to continue to concentrate to on the aim of the ABG which is to empower Bougainvilleans to manage their own affairs, solve their own problems and work hard to realise our peoples aspirations, he said. Nisira will remain as the Member of the Halia Constituency until he formally resigns from the Bougainville House of Representatives. Ends//// The state utilities, West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (WBSEDCL) and WPDCL, today turned saviour by supplying 700MW to crisis starved CESC after its 750 MW Budge Budge power station tripped this morning. CESC said the three units of Budge Budge power station totalling 750MW tripped at 9.53 am. A WBSEDCL official claimed it has supplied 700MW when the demand was around 1250 MW since morning and in evening they have allocated 350MW to CESC till normalcy returns. With backup from state power, CESC said it was able to normalise the supply by 10.30am. Sources said, CESC group Haldia Energy generated in full capacity. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today held a high level meeting at the state secretariat with the power minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay and other senior power officials to ensure all possible help to tide over the crisis. It was learnt that Banerjee has directed power minister to look into the matter so that Madhyamik examinees and people in general face no problem. Chattopadhyay said, the Purulia pump storage power plant was pushed into generation within 15 mintues of the tripping instead of normal generation at night. CESC said Unit II (250 MW) was synchronised at 3:45 pm, followed by Unit I (250 MW) at 4:15 pm, the third unit is expected to be back by 5 pm. A CESC spokesman thanked the state utility for coming to the help of CESC with additional supply of power. As an abundant precaution, CESC had also procured 600 MW power from other sources, specially keeping the ongoing examinations in view, the utility said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Himachal Pradesh government today rejected the opposition's charge that virus-infected rootstocks imported from Italy had been supplied to apple growers in the state. Terming the allegations of the BJP asfalse and misleading, State Horticulture Minister Vidya Stokes said a malicious propaganda has been unleashed by some vested interests. "It is an attempt aimed at sabotaging the efforts of the government to bring about paradigm and radical change in the horticulture sector through the implementation of Rs 1,134 crore World Bank-aided Project for transformation and revitalisation of horticulture sector," Stokes said. The minister said the project was designed to address constraints such as low productivity, lack of assured irrigation facilities, fierce competition from abroad due to free international trade, more frequent weather-related shocks. The CSIR lab at Palampur in its report categorically and clearly reported that viruses which were suspected as per visual observations in few plants (5 numbers only) in one variety at PCDO Duttnagar had been ruled out and it was absolutely wrong to spread such ill-founded and baseless rumours in public, she said. Stokes further said that the propaganda of BJP was ill-founded andwas not based on scientific facts. The government imported latest improved varieties and root stock suitable for agro-climatic conditions of the state following competitive bidding process of the World Bank and it was ensured that planting material was disease free and for that these plants remained under quarantine for one year under the strict supervision of designated inspecting authority and the advisory issued by it was followed in letter and spirit. Denying the allegation of "tearing hurry" shown by the project authorities withoutgetting the feedback from the farmers, the minister saidthat wider consultations were held with the growers, various stakeholdersagencies and farmers bodies. Also, written feedback was taken by the Department of Horticulture from all its districts agencies regarding import of various varieties and root stocks. As a result of this assessment, almost 60000 plants have already been distributed to farmersin various clusters across the state and hadthere been no demand for these varieties, the situation would have been otherwise. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Geberit, a leading European leader in sanitary technology and bathroom ceramics, is looking to foray into b2c (business-to-consumer) retail sales in India. The Switzerland-based company, which was present in the b2b segment by catering the institutional clients, is now shifting to finished products with end clients. "We are in the premium end of the business. Our advantage is on the technical side and we are expecting 40 to 50 per cent segment in the high-rise building in places as Mumbai. We will be the premium end of the player," Geberit Managing Director Abubaker Koya told PTI. He further added: "The new segment which we are opening could be up to Rs 100 crore to 200 crore of prefabricated toilet." The industry size in India is about 15,000 crore in sanitary technology and bathroom ceramics segment and growing at about 10-15 per cent per annum. "However, the premium segment within this, where companies like Geberit are major players, has grown at a higher rate of over 20 per cent per annum." Koya added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As talks on the crisis in Syria kicked off in Geneva, the UN Special Envoy for the war-torn country acknowledged he is not expecting a breakthrough but the proactive momentum needs to be sustained. The UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said in Geneva yesterday it is critical that the momentum provided by the negotiations "outpace" those that wished to see the negotiations come to nothing. "There are spoilers, we have seen it all the time during the last talks and perhaps they may even be attempting or tempted to (do) something before or during the talks to provoke one side or the other to walk out," he said. "I am not expecting a breakthrough, but I am expecting and determined for keeping a very proactive momentum," de Mistura added, highlighting the need to "outpace" those wished to "spoil" the negotiations and see that it come to nothing. "There is a rush between us and the spoilers (...) we have to outpace those few but clear spoilers with momentum on the political track," he added. On the eve of the UN-facilitated negotiations between the parties to the conflict in Syria, de Mistura said he would be continuing to push for a resolution to the conflict based on a Security Council resolution that endorsed a road map for peace process in war-battered Middle East nation, including non-sectarian governance, a new constitution and free and fair elections. The UN envoy said that while the ceasefire remained fragile, it was largely holding and noted that "we would not have been able to have these talks if there was a breakdown of the cease-fire." UN Emergency Relief Coordinator and Under-Secretary- General for Humanitarian Affairs Stephen O'Brien reiterated to the Security Council yesterday that there is no humanitarian or military solution to the Syrian conflict. "A genuine political commitment to peace will be needed if 2017 is to offer any different prospect than the death and destruction of the past six years," he added, emphasising the need for fighting to stop. The conflict, now into its sixth year, has left hundreds of thousands of women, men and children dead and millions more dependent on aid both within the country and beyond Syria's borders. However, humanitarian actors continue face myriad challenges in reaching those most in need. He also underlined that the conflict has taken its worst toll on children: thousands have been killed and maimed or have lost their parents to the violence. Many more have suffered physical and psychological trauma, forced into early marriages and lag years behind in school. The formal education system has lost about 150,000 education personnel and one in three schools in the country have been damaged, destroyed or rendered inaccessible, and 5.82 million children and youth from pre-school to secondary school-age are in need of education assistance inside Syria. "Millions of battered and beleaguered women, men and children depend on meaningful action and the constructive engagement by the Syrian parties and their allies (...) to assure Syrians that an end to the conflict may finally be within reach," the UN relief chief said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fifteen soldiers were killed and 19 wounded in a attack by "terrorist elements" in western Niger, authorities said today. "A Niger army patrol was attacked by terrorist elements at 1500 GMT north of Tilwa (on Wednesday). We have 15 dead and 19 wounded in our ranks," said Colonel Toure Seydou Albdoula Aziz, the army spokesman. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mayawati today hit back strongly for Amit Shah's 'KASAB' acronym for Congress, SP and BSP, describing the BJP chief as a "terrorist" and saying there "cannot be a bigger Kasab" than him. "Aaj apney desh mein Amit Shah se bada yehan koi aur bhi Kasab nahin ho sakta hai, arthaat aatanki nahi ho sakta hai (There cannot be a bigger Kasab, meaning a terrorist, than Amit Shah in our country now)," she said. Addressing an election meeting here, Mayawati said such talks reflected bad mindset of the BJP leader. Shah had yesterday clubbed the BSP along with the Congress and the Samajwadi Party to come up with the acronym 'KASAB' to refer to the Pakistani terrorist who was arrested during the 26/11 Mumbai attack. The BJP chief had said the name of the 26/11 terrorist, when deconstructed, meant Congress, Samajwadi Party and Mayawati's BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party). "Until Uttar Pradesh gets rid of KA-SA-B, there will be no development in the state. 'Ka' (in Hindi) is for Congress, 'Sa' for Samajwadi Party and 'Ba' for BSP," Shah had said in Chauri Chaura, a historic town in Uttar Pradesh. Kasab, the only terrorist caught after the 2008 Mumbai terror attack by Pakistani attackers, was hanged in 2012. "Until Kasab is laid to rest, development and prosperity will continue to elude UP," Shah had said. Mayawati earlier took on Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he used another acronym to describe the three parties. "SCAM is Samajwadi, Congress, Akhilesh and Mayawati," he had said at his first rally in Uttar Pradesh. This week, Modi had described the BSP as "Behenji Sampatti (property) Party". In her riposte, Mayawati called the BJP "Bharatiya Jumla (rhetoric) Party" and used PM Modi's initials to call him "Mr Negative Dalit Man. Mayawati appealed to voters to observe fast on the polling day and break the fast only after exercising their franchise. "Once the BSP forms the government, it will generate employment and streamline the recruitment process," she said. She said the current quality of mid-day meal served in primary schools is quite bad and would be replaced with more nutritious items such as milk, biscuits, cakes and fruits. Besides, rule of law would be established, she said. Addressing another election rally in Bahraich, the BSP supremo claimed that her election rally was much larger than that of PM Modi and exuded confidence that BSP is going to form the next government in the state. "Because of wrong policies of the BJP (at Centre) and SP (at state level), there is resentment among the people of the state," she said. She alleged that SP changed the names of the schemes started by the BSP government. The BSP chief also took a dig at SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav, saying he "seems to have been affected by 'putra-moh' (blind love for son), and has even insulted brother Shivpal." Mayawati urged the Muslim voters to vote for the party, saying her party has given tickets to 99 candidates from the community. "The RSS and BJP want to end the reservation system in the country. If the BJP forms the government in the state, it would either end the quota system or make it ineffective," the BSP chief said. She also alleged that the BJP did not do anything when it was in power, and now it is indulging in politics of cremation ground and graveyard. Tripura Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Roy Burman today said his party will not let anti-Left votes to split in next year's Assembly elections. "We have to oust the Left Front government from the helm of affairs in the 2018 Assembly elections to give relief to people. We will not let the anti-Left votes to divide in any way, otherwise our mission to oust the Left Front from Tripura will not be successful," Burman said while addressing a gathering on the occasion of a civil disobedience movement of the party here. Minister of State for Panchayat in West Bengal, Shyamal Santra and MLA Srikanta Mahato also participated in the movement to press for a 11-point charter of demands including CBI inquiry in to the chit fund scam, more autonomy for tribals, jobs for unemployed youths, reduction of price of essential commodities and others. The TMC has six MLAs in the 60-member Tripura Assembly. The six had defected from Congress in June last year. Santra alleged there was a nexus between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar due to which the CBI was not coming to probe the chit fund scams in the state. He also alleged that crimes against women in Tripura was very high because the government was not interested to stop it and law and order in the state had collapsed. The Police said there was no untoward incident during the civil disobedience movement and the agitators were stopped much before the civil secretariat. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami will launch a massive 69 lakh seedling planting initiative tomorrow coinciding with former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's 69th birth anniversary. He will launch the initiative at the Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital Campus here, official sources said. He will also launch a 'Massive Greening Programme' in the cyclone Vardah affected areas. In the past too, massive tree plantation drives had been taken up by the state government on Jayalalithaa's birth anniversary. She had passed away on December 5, 2016. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AICTE vice-chairman M P Poonia today called upon the West Bengal government to set up a park to promote the state's unique heritage and art. Poonia, who came here to address the two-day 'International Symposium on Gen Next Initiative for Digital India', told PTI one the sidelines of a meet "Why can't West Bengal have a heritage park? I am going to do something for Punjab." Poonia, who advocated linking rural Bengal digitally, said "Since we know about Bengal's unique jute products, can't this sector be promoted through such parks? The state government should help Start-ups." He said once the government took steps like providing basic infrastructure and electricity, there would be no shortage of grants from the Centre. Poonia, in-charge of North-East Quality Control Programme, said "We are not just a regulator. AICTE's vision has changed in the last ten years. We are working as mentors for self-finance institutes." Poonia, who was present at the announcement of a tie-up between private JIS College of Engineering and four Russian universities, said AICTE wished to change the concept of classes starting at 9 AM and closing at 5 PM. "We want to act as facilitators to change the mindset. For us, a student should go to lab even after 9 PM," Poonia, actively involved in the ambitious SWAYAM - Information Technology platform to host Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and high quality education project said. Head of the Russian delegation and Director General, Russian Indian Science and Technology Centre, Sergey Ya Sukonin said "We aim at empowering rural Bengal to become a part of the Digital India movement." Noting that specialists in the software industry in India were very qualified, Sukonin said "I feel the exchange of experts from both ends will help us mutually. "We are looking forward towards exchange of private and state universities - both students from India as well as our students coming to India," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Proceedings on the issue of ban on Islamic preacher Zakir Naik's Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) would be held in-camera in view of the allegations made against the organisation and the confidential material to be scrutinised by a tribunal. This was decided today by Delhi High Court's Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal, who is presiding over the tribunal set up under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The tribunal allowed the Centre's plea for in-camera hearing keeping in view the scheme of the Act, the allegations against IRF of radicalising the youth and confidentiality of the material to be scrutinised during the proceedings. Further proceedings are expected to be held on March 17, 18 and 20 for recording of evidence. IRF had opposed the Centre's plea for in-camera hearing, saying it was a "garb" to deny them the material relied upon to ban the organisation. Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain, on the other hand, had then contended that the "subject matter was sensitive" and there was a possibility that it could be disclosed during the proceedings before the tribunal. IRF had earlier moved the tribunal against the November 17, 2016 notification of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) imposing the ban on it. However, since the tribunal declined to hear the matter before February 6, the foundation had moved the High Court challenging the ban. Defending its decision before the high court, the government had claimed that the organisation was banned as there was an apprehension that youths could be "radicalised" to join terror groups. IRF had opposed the contention, saying no reason was given for the ban. The Centre had said that Mumbai Police had lodged an FIR against six other members of IRF on a complaint by the father of a Kerala-based youth who had joined ISIS. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New ABG Vice President Anthony Kaybing 230217 The ABG Minister for Public Service, Raymond Masono has been appointed as the new Vice President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government following the resignation of Patrick Nisira. Mr Masono was sworn in as Vice President by Chief Magistrate Bruce Tasikul after being appointed by ABG President Chief Dr John Momis. The decision to appoint Masono came after the incumbent, Nisira had made his decision to resign the VPs post and contest the 2017 National General Election. Mr Masono is from the Carterets Island and is a first term MP in the ABG and the Member for the Atolls Constituency and Minister for Public Service. Prior to his entry into politics Masono had a distinguished career in the Bougainville Public Service and held several senior positions; including Acting Chief Administrator, Deputy Chief Administrator Policy and Director for Panguna Negotiations. I want to express my sincere gratitude on behalf of the Atolls people for the Presidents confidence in appointing me as his new Vice President, Masono said. I accept this appointment with great humility, for me personally it is a great honour to serve as the Vice President of one of the founding fathers of this nation and I want to assure the President and the people of Bougainville of my undivided loyalty and continued support to the President and ABG, Masono said. I undertake to do my very best to support the President and the government to ensure that ABGs key objectives on economic recovery, infrastructure development and law and order are realised with limited available resources, he added. Masono also paid tribute to his predecessor for his immense contribution to the ABG since he first became a member in 2005 and eventually Vice President in 2010. Masono wished Nisira well on his aspirations in the National Elections and congratulated him on taking the Bougainville issue to the next level which is the National Parliament of PNG. Apart from Masono assuming the responsibilities of the Vice President he also retained his ministry as Minister for Public Service. President Momis also announced a reshuffle in his cabinet, the ABG Finance Minister Albert Punghau has now been appointed the Minister for Implementation of Bougainville Peace Agreement formerly Ministry of Referendum, Peace and Veterans Affairs that was held by the outgoing Vice President, Patrick Nisira. For the time being President Momis has assumed the role of Minister for Finance and Treasury until such time as he announces a full cabinet reshuffle. Ends//// Caption Raymond Masono( right) being sworn in by Senior Magistrate Bruce Tasikul whilst Chief Secretary Joseph Nobetau watches. The UN Security Council is likely to vote next week on a draft resolution that would slap sanctions on Syria over the use of chemical weapons but Russia is almost certain to veto the measure, a senior diplomat said today. Britain, France and the United States are pushing for a ban on the sale of helicopters to Syria and sanctions on 11 Syrians and 10 entities linked to chemical attacks in the nearly six-year war. A joint investigation by the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has concluded that the Syrian military carried out chemical attacks against three villages in 2014 and 2015. "This is the significant response that the Security Council committed to do in the event of proven use of CW in Syria," said the diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "The US, UK and France are very clear that this is an issue of principle," he said, adding that Russia's ambassador said at a meeting last week that Moscow would block the measure. Russia has used its veto six times to shield its Damascus ally from any punitive action. China, another veto-wielding Security Council member, is expected to abstain in the vote. France and Britain presented drafts on imposing sanctions on Syria in December, but held off on action to give the new US administration time to study it. The latest draft, seen by AFP, would impose a global travel ban and assets freeze on 11 Syrians, mostly military officials including the head of Syrian air force intelligence and the commander of air operations in areas where attacks occurred. These commanders are said to have been involved in attacks by helicopters that dropped chlorine barrel-bombs on the villages of Qmenas, Talmenes and Sarmin. Syria has denied using chemical weapons while Russia has dismissed the panel's findings as "inconclusive." The Security Council is due to discuss chemical weapons use in Syria during a meeting on Friday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Formal sector workers may soon be eligible for up to Rs 20 lakh tax-free gratuity as central trade unions have agreed on the proposal in a tripartite consultation with the Labour Ministry. The central trade unions have agreed on doubling gratuity amount ceiling as an interim measure in a tripartite meeting on the proposed amendment to Payment of Gratuity Act conducted today by the Labour Ministry. The unions demanded the removal of conditions asking to have at least 10 employees in an establishment and minimum five years of service for payment of gratuity. "While accepting the maximum payment limit of Rs 20 lakh as an interim measure, the unions demanded that the ceilings/ limit with respect to number of employees and years of service should be removed," the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) said in a statement. It said, "The central trade unions have been urging the government that the ceiling in the amount of gratuity should be removed." At present, as per the Payment of Gratuity Act, an employee is required to do minimum service of five years to become eligible for gratuity amount. Moreover, the Act applies to those establishments where the number of employees is not less than 10. The statement said the application of amended provision regarding maximum amount should be made effective from January 1, 2016 as done in the case of central government employees. Besides that rate of 15 days wages for each completed year of service be raised to 30 days wages, the unions demanded. The proposed amendment to the Payment of Gratuity Act as circulated by the government along with the letter dated February 15, 2017 only deals with enhancing the ceiling of maximum amount under Section 4(3) of the Act from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh, the unions said. They pointed out during the meeting that the proposed amendment is being brought to bring the maximum ceiling amount to Rs 20 lakh in line with recommendation of 7th Central Pay Commission as accepted by the government. The relevant amendment for central government employees was notified on July 25, 2016 and the enhanced amount ceiling was made effective from January 1, 2016. The unions are of the view that the delay of 8 months for employees covered under the Payment of Gratuity Act should not result in adversely affecting the interest of the concerned employees. The employers as well as state representatives also agreed to the proposal of raising the amount of gratuity to Rs 20 lakh, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson meets with Mexican leaders today to try to calm a row over President Donald Trump's trade and immigration policies. Trump has outraged Mexico by vowing to build a wall along the border to keep out migrants, whom he branded rapists and criminals during his presidential campaign. His government on Tuesday issued new orders to the authorities to begin arresting and deporting illegal immigrants, many of them Mexicans. Trump has also threatened to put up barriers to Mexican exports, shift jobs from that country back to the United States and even halt remittances by US-based Mexicans back to their families. Now he has sent Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to Mexico City to smooth over tensions -- and discuss with Mexican Enrique Pena Nieto how to curb cross-border migration and drug-trafficking. "It's significant that the president is sending the secretaries to Mexico so early in the administration. It's symbolic of the meaningful relationship that our two nations have," White House spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters on Wednesday. "These are important meetings regarding the president's agenda to improve the quality of lives for both people of Mexico and the United States by combating drug traffickers and finding ways to bolster both our economies through a broader relationship that promotes commerce and legal immigration." Tillerson and Kelly were scheduled to meet with Pena Nieto at 1900 GMT after talks with Mexico's ministers of foreign affairs, finance and government. Trump's stance on Mexico has driven the countries' relations to their lowest point in years. Pena Nieto canceled a planned meeting with Trump in Washington last month over the US leader's vow to make Mexico pay for the wall. US government officials said Tillerson and Kelly will aim to convince Mexico that it values their bilateral ties. Spicer insisted Mexico and Washington have "a very healthy and robust relationship with the Mexican government." But Maureen Meyer, an expert at the Washington Office on Latin America, a US human rights advocacy organization, said "relations have been severely strained by the Trump administration's rhetoric and actions." "Secretary Tillerson has an opportunity to set relations on a more sound footing based on mutual respect," she said in a statement. The US immigration authorities have arrested hundreds of people across the country as part of Trump's pledge to crack down on illegal immigrants. Kelly on Tuesday issued new orders to step up the detentions. Speaking in Guatemala on Wednesday before traveling to Mexico, Kelly said "my sincere advice to any citizen considering moving to the United States in crossing our boundaries irregularly -- migration -- my best advice is to not do it. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a suspected case of dowry death, a woman along with her four-year-old daughter were allegedly burnt to death by her in-laws at Magura village, the police said today. Hearing their cries for help at around noon yesterday, neighbours rushed to their house and immediately took them to Memari hospital. The duo were later shifted to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital where both of them succumbed to their burns yesterday, they said The woman and the daughter were identified as Manira Yasmin and Kulsun Khatun respectively, residents of Magura village under Pandua police station limits. The father of the deceased, Nurula Migga, lodged a complaint alleging that his daughter was set ablaze for dowry, the police said. "Demand of Rs 50,000 was made by the victim's in-laws during her marriage and her parents could only pay Rs 25,000. The woman, thereafter, was subjected to torture and it increased after she gave birth to a girl child," the police said. The woman's parents-in-law were arrested. Her husband, works in a jewellery shop in Hyderabad. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a move aimed at increasing the number of women in Maharashtra police, ladies can now apply for police band wing in the force, an official said. "If we get sufficient applications from women candidates for the post in police band then Maharashtra will be the second state after Gujarat to have ladies in this wing," the official said. Recruitment for the post of constabulary in Maharashtra Police will be held between February 24 to March 17 throughout the state. 30 per cent posts are reserved for women candidates. A recruitment notification, issued today by the state police, appeals to women candidates to apply for police band wing. Candidates can apply online for this post. Earlier, police band used to be a male bastion. Now woman also can opt for the post, said Vijaysingh Jadhav, Inspector General of Police (Training and Special Forces). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Lawrence White and Andrew MacAskill LONDON (Reuters) - Barclays reported a surprise increase in its core capital ratio on Thursday, as the bank took advantage of its rising profits to put money aside for expected demands on its cash from legal issues and worsening global market conditions. The bank's capital ratio, a key measure of financial strength, rose to 12.4 percent against analysts' expectations it would only reach 11.8 percent. Barclays said the capital boost came from increased profits as the group nears the end of a major restructuring. "...we are well positioned to absorb headwinds over the next few years. Certain legacy conduct issues remain and we intend to make further progress on them," Chief Executive Jes Staley said in the bank's statement. Barclays faces a suit by the U.S. Department of Justice on civil charges of fraud in the sale of mortgage-backed securities during the run-up to the 2008-09 financial crisis. Barclays is so far alone among major banks in choosing to contest its case where rivals have settled. Barclays reported an adjusted full-year pre-tax profit of 3.2 billion pounds ($3.98 billion), compared with 1.14 billion a year earlier. That was below the average forecast of 3.97 billion from analysts' estimates compiled by the bank. The bank said it would close its non-core division that holds its assets earmarked for sale in June, six months earlier than expected. The bank also said it had reached an agreement with its African division on the terms of their separation that will see it pay Barclays Africa 12.8 billion rand ($988 million) to fund investments required to separate the two. Staley said the result showed progress on a plan announced last March under which Barclays will shed unwanted assets including most of its stake Barclays Africa in favour of a 'transatlantic' strategy focused on the United States and Britain. "We are now just months away from completing the restructuring of Barclays, and I am more optimistic than ever for our prospects in 2017, and beyond," Staley said in the bank's statement. ($1 = 0.8043 pounds) (Reporting By Lawrence White and Andrew MacAskill; Editing by Rachel Armstrong and Jane Merriman) (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Brenda Goh DANDONG, China (Reuters) - As Beijing tightens its grip on trade with North Korea, the economies of Chinese towns along the 1,400-km border the two countries share are floundering. On Saturday, China said it would ban all coal imports from North Korea, the latest move to enforce United Nations sanctions aimed at depriving Pyongyang of hard currency for its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes. The sanctions have had a wider impact on trade, locals on the border complain, as North Koreans struggle to finds funds to pay for goods. Even smugglers are feeling the pinch. "A few of my friends who used to smuggle goods from North Korea have gotten out of the business in the last two years because it's getting dangerous and not as lucrative," said an owner of a events hall in Kuandian, about 100 km (60 miles) north of Dandong, the largest city on the border. "I don't know whether it's related, but people are spending less these days. It's getting harder to earn money." While Beijing, North Korea's sole major ally, has previously said it would comply with UN sanctions, it has been criticised by the United States for not vigorously enforcing them. China buys 70 percent of North Korea's exports and Dandong, the main gateway for trade with the hermit state, is the best place to gauge the impact of the restrictions it has put in force. Linked to the North Korean city of Sinijiu via the Friendship Bridge, Dandong has boomed in recent years, swept up by speculation that North Korea's young leader, Kim Jong Un, would, in time, copy China's export-oriented economic reforms. More than 1,000 border trading companies set up shop in office complexes overlooking the river, while developers flocked to build new apartment blocks. But many of those firms have since folded, residents and traders say. Construction on at least two apartment complexes in Dandong has stalled and empty shopfronts are scattered across the city. "These shops couldn't carry on because they rely on the North Koreans, and there are fewer North Koreans coming here too," said a trader, who only wanted to give his name as Jin, who helps North Korean buyers procure goods such as washing machines and construction materials from China. "Three years ago we could make a profit of 30-40 percent on an order, now you can't even hope for 20 percent." COAL BAN It is not in China's interest to ditch its old ally totally. A sudden regime collapse could throw North Korea into chaos and send hundreds of thousands of North Koreans fleeing across the border, diplomats have said. But China seems to be increasingly irked by what it sees as Kim's recalcitrance on the nuclear weapons issue. Saturday's coal ban came after Beijing had announced in April last year that it would stop importing North Korean coal. But it made exceptions for deliveries intended for "the people's wellbeing" and not connected to the weapons programmes. In fact, China bought about 22 million tonnes of coal from North Korea last year, up 15 percent, with most of it arriving by sea through five ports along China's east coast. Still, the impact of the April ban had already been felt heavily in Dandong. "They've stopped letting in coal since July," said a security guard at the biggest coal yard in the inland port city, now empty barring two small mounds of coal. "All the workers were sent home by the company in October. Once the government decided, the port stopped allowing in the coal, it's not like we could do anything," he said, only giving his surname as Tang. Local management at state-owned Liaoning Greenland Energy Coal Group, which runs the yard, confirmed the suspension of coal shipments, which used to arrive by boat on the Yalu river that separates China from North Korea. It remains unclear how rigorously the latest coal ban will be enforced. Many people in Dandong complained that trade across the river had already fallen broadly. "Dandong's economy relies on trade with North Korea," said a truck driver waiting to cross the Friendship Bridge, who estimated his income had fallen by around a third as a result. "We don't have any factories that churn out goods. We don't have light industries, nor do we have heavy industry." (Reporting by Brenda Goh; Additional reporting by Meng Meng and Beijing newsroom; Editing by Alex Richardson) (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) MUMBAI (Reuters) - Japan's SoftBank Group on Thursday denied it was in talks with Vodafone Plc's Indian unit and Idea Cellular to pick up a stake in a potential merger between the two Indian wireless carriers. SoftBank's denial follows a report in The Economic Times newspaper that the Japanese firm was looking to pick up a stake in a Vodafone-Idea merged company, citing four unidentified people aware of developments. " We would like to categorically deny SoftBank's participation in the alleged Vodafone, Idea Cellular merger in India," a SoftBank spokeswoman said. "We underline that we have held no such discussions and media reports about the same are baseless and unsubstantiated." (Reporting by Sankalp Phartiyal; Editing by Rafael Nam) (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bowalley Road Rules The blogosphere tends to be a very noisy, and all-too-often a very abusive, place. I intend Bowalley Road to be a much quieter, and certainly a more respectful, place. So, if you wish your comments to survive the moderation process, you will have to follow the Bowalley Road Rules. These are based on two very simple principles: Courtesy and Respect. Comments which are defamatory, vituperative, snide or hurtful will be removed, and the commentators responsible permanently banned. Anonymous comments will not be published. Real names are preferred. If this is not possible, however, commentators are asked to use a consistent pseudonym. Comments which are thoughtful, witty, creative and stimulating will be most welcome, becoming a permanent part of the Bowalley Road discourse. However, I do add this warning. If the blog seems in danger of being over-run by the usual far-Right suspects, I reserve the right to simply disable the Comments function, and will keep it that way until the perpetrators find somewhere more appropriate to vent their collective spleen. In 2011, Brett King was promoting his book, Breaking Banks, and creating a start-up that he hoped would do to the banks what Amazon did to the retail industry and Facebook did to media. Yosuke Matsuda, president of Square Enix, one of the world's biggest game development, publishing and distribution companies, was in Delhi earlier this month to attend the first India Gaming Show. He spoke to Kakoli Chakraborty and Abhik Sen on the growing gaming market in India and Square Enix's plans. Edited excerpts: Campaigning for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections will go down in the pages of electoral history for the offensive acronyms being used freely to attack political opponents. The long haul electioneering took off on a healthy note with leaders of major parties raising issues like development, corruption, note ban and law and order. But, the serious poll plank soon gave way to personal jibes almost to the extent of calling names, giving new definitions and abbreviations to tar the image of opponents. In this quest for scoring a brownie point in the eyes of the electorate, the national leaders took lead in making headlines by hook or by crook. Taking the lead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his rallies repeatedly said 'SCAM' stood for SP, Congress, Akhilesh and Mayawati and dubbed Mayawati's BSP as 'Bahujan Sampatti Party'. Not to lag far behind, Akhilesh came out with his own take on SCAM, saying it stood for 'Save Country from Amit (Shah) and Modi'. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, however, said SCAM meant 'seva, courage, ability, modesty' attracting more criticism than making headlines. Not in the habit of taking things lying down, the BSP supremo had no qualms in giving a personal retort naming PM as "Mr Negative Dalit Man" for Narendra Damodardas Modi to brand him anti-Dalit. Akhilesh Yadav's remark on the donkeys of Gujarat asking 'Main sadi ke mahanayak se appeal karta hoon ke Gujarat ke gadhon ka prachar mat karein (I appeal to the superstar of the century to not campaign for the donkeys of Gujarat)' was taken as more loaded than witty. "Ek gadhe ka vigyapan aata hai, main iss sadi ke sabse bade mahanayak se kahunga ke ab aap Gujarat ke gadhon ka prachar mat kariye (There's an ad on TV which shows donkeys. I appeal to century's biggest star...Please stop endorsing donkeys of Gujarat)," Akhilesh had said. "What will happen if the donkeys also start getting advertised?" the UP CM had asked the audience. SP's popular 'kaam bolta hai' campaign has been facing all round flak with the prime minister asserting that it is "not kaam (work) but karname (misdeeds)" which do all the talking for the UP government. Rahul drawing on the strength of the alliance with the SP gave a filmy twist to Prime Minister's 'achche din' saying "people thought he was Shahrukh Khan of DDLJ and after three years he turns out as Gabbar Singh of Sholay". Today's resounding defeat of the Congress party in the civic polls in Maharashtra brought forth much commentary on all that is wrong with the party. But in Uttar Pradesh, and to the chagrin of the old timers in the Samajwadi Party, the Congress looks to be putting in place a strategy that could help it rebuild the party in that state in the years to come. The country's third online marketplace, Snapdeal is going through a tough time. The SoftBank-backed firm, which has been struggling to raise fresh funding, has announced that it will lay off around 600 employees and will also eliminate non-core projects to focus on "profitable growth". Snapdeal co-founders Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal have already taken a 100 per cent salary cut, while many others at the firm have "proactively" offered significant reduction in compensation. Following is all you need to know about the company's troubled times. 1. In a detailed e-mail to its employees, one of the co-founder, Kunal Bahl conceded that over the last 2-3 years, with all the capital coming into the e-commerce market, the company and the entire industry "started making mistakes". "We started growing our business much before the right economic model and market fit was figured out. We also started diversifying and starting new projects while we still hadn't perfected the first or made it profitable. We started building our team and capabilities for a much larger size of business than what was required with the present scale," he said. 2. According to sources, the company is in the process of laying off about 600 people across Snapdeal, Vulcan Express (logistics) and FreeCharge (payments). "...both Rohit and I are taking a 100 per cent salary cut. Many of our leaders have also stepped up proactively and offered to take a significant cut in their compensation," Bahl added. 3. Bahl cited examples of global companies like Apple, Tesla, Amazon, Netflix, Lego and SpiceJet that "painted themselves into a corner many times over" before they became successful. He said Snapdeal is being re-organised into a lean, focused and entrepreneurial company. 4. The lay-offs will have an impact across levels at the firm. The process is expected to begin soon and will last for few days. 5. The company had last reported an employee strength of 8,000 people. Snapdeal is locked in an intense battle with rivals Amazon and Flipkart. Here's the full text of the letter as published by website Techinasia: Dear Team, Over the last few years, we've had a phenomenal journey, with many well-timed pivots and a constant drive to work towards our core mission of building India's most reliable and frictionless commerce ecosystem. We've succeeded in many aspects of our journey, and also failed in a few. But that never stopped us from getting up and trying harder again. We probably hold the record for the company that got written off the most number of times by Internet pundits. "When obstacles arise, you change your direction to reach your goal, you do not change your decision to get there." ~ Zig Ziglar At Snapdeal, we find ourselves at an important point in our journey - we know where we want to go and now is the time to make the choices of how we will get there. Has our company and industry been going through a troubled time? Absolutely. Did we make errors in our execution? No doubt about that. Over the last 2-3 years, with all the capital coming into this market, our entire industry, including ourselves, started making mistakes. We started growing our business much before the right economic model and market fit was figured out. We also started diversifying and starting new projects while we still hadn't perfected the first or made it profitable. We started building our team and capabilities for a much larger size of business than what was required with the present scale. Ambition is critical, because that's what motivates us to give our very best every single day - to achieve the undoable. However, a large amount of capital with ambition can be a potent mix that drives a company to defocus from its core. We feel that happened to us. We started doing too many things, and all of us starting with myself and Rohit, are to blame for it. That said, there is almost no successful company on the planet, which hasn't gone through this phase in their lifetime - Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Tesla, Lego, Spicejet, you name it! Each one of them had painted themselves into a corner many times over before they became as wildly successful as they are today. A quick look at their stock prices over the last 15 years will show you what we're talking about. The formula to revive the company is uncannily similar for almost all of them - focus on only your core, stop all non-core activities, reduce costs drastically, turn profitable as soon as you can, and use those profits to spur further growth and new projects. We must do the same, and there is no doubt that with the really smart folks we have in the company, we will make it something that we are all very proud of. This also comes with some tough decisions in the short term. As part of our overall path to profitability plan that is currently in full swing, we will be reorganizing the company into a lean, focused, and entrepreneurial one. We are combining teams, reducing layers, eliminating non-core projects and strengthening the focus on profitable growth. Sadly, we will also be saying really painful goodbyes to some of our colleagues in this process. This is by far the hardest decision that we have ever taken in our lives. Our colleagues are our friends before they are co-workers, and I feel a deep sense of disappointment that we won't be able to have them continue on this journey with us. We will do what we can to help them with their transition to their next opportunity. We take this time to express our sincere gratitude to all those who are leaving us - your contributions have helped build Snapdeal in ways big and small. With time, I am confident, that we will be able to welcome back some of our colleagues who will be leaving us at this point. And that point, we will be a self-sufficient, profitable company. Daunting as it may appear in the moment, it is important that we do this now, so that we can continue on our overall mission of building a successful, profitable business that provides incredible opportunities to our customers, sellers and partners. This also means more responsibility for the team members continuing on this journey with us. We believe that every resource of the company should be deployed for driving us towards profitable growth and with this announcement, both Rohit and I are taking a 100 percent salary cut. Many of our leaders have also stepped up proactively and offered to take a significant cut in their compensation, which is an excellent sign of how galvanised the team feels in this shared quest for profitability. These are tough times, no doubt. But, I am supremely confident, that like we have done before as a team, we will prevail. The greatest companies in the world got built in many interesting patterns - we just can't tell the pattern while are in the midst of it. For now, we need to keep our heads down, focus all our energy on execution that delivers on our two focus areas - best customer and seller experience, and profitable growth. This will mean tough choices and a conscious departure from a me-too race to the edge of the cliff. Let's remember - GMV is vanity, Profit is sanity. I have seen that whenever we put our minds to a well-defined plan, which we believe in unequivocally, we make progress like nobody else can. I am glad that we have picked our path clearly - of building a profitable business over the next two years. With fierce passion and purpose, let's blaze a trail like leaders do. Thanks! Kunal & Rohit Fashion e-tailer Myntra on Wednesday said it has bagged a master distribution and management rights for Spanish fashion brand Mango in India. This is the first time that an e-commerce player will manage the omni-channel strategy for a global fashion brand. No financial details of the deal were disclosed. As part of the arrangement, Myntra will curate and facilitate setting up 25 Mango stores and list the brand exclusively on Myntra and Jabong platforms over the next five years. Mango has been working with Myntra since 2014, when the apparel brand listed on Myntra. "We have seen 100 per cent growth in business on Myntra platform in the last 3 years and that has given us the confidence for this partnership," Mango Vice-Chairman and Member of the Board of Directors Daniel Lopez told PTI. He added that India does not feature among the companys top markets as of now but this partnership will help change that. "We will be responsible for managing Mangos omni-channel presence including Mango.com, offline stores in the country (8 of them currently) as well as adding new stores through sub-franchising. We will take the number of stores to 25 and these will be across the top cities in the country," Myntra CEO Ananth Narayanan said. He added that the company expects to help grow Mangos India business 3X over the next 5 years. "Right now, Mango has about 20 per cent of its global product portfolio in India. This partnership will help Mango bring 100 per cent of its product lines -- including mens and kids wear to the Indian market," he said. Mango has a network of 2,200 stores in 110 countries. The company, which owns the MANGO Woman, Man, Kids and Violeta (plus size) lines, closed 2015 with sales of 2.3 billion euros, up 15 per cent from the previous year. It had entered the Indian market in September 2001. Norway's Telenor group has decided to leave the Indian telecom market amid growing pressure after Reliance Jio's entry. The group will sell its business with a customer base of 4.4 crores to Bharti Airtel. "After thorough consideration, it is our view that the significant investments needed to secure Telenor India's future business on a standalone basis will not give an acceptable level of return," Sigve Brekke, CEO of the Telenor Group, said. Airtel will buy Telenor's India operations in seven circles - Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh (East), Uttar Pradesh (West) and Assam. "The proposed acquisition will include transfer of all of Telenor India's assets and customers, further augmenting Airtel's overall customer base and network. It will also enable Airtel to further bolster its strong spectrum foot-print in these seven circles, with the addition of 43.4 MHz spectrum in the 1800 MHz band," Airtel said in a statement. Telenor's exit comes amid unprecedented disruption in the telecom sector with Reliance Jio's power play causing a situation of possible big mergers in the industry. Idea Cellular and Vodafone India are reportedly looking to seal their proposed merger within a month. The merged entity of Vodafone-Idea has potential to emerge as the market leader in terms of wireless subscribers. Vodafone and Idea are in the second and third spot currently, while Bharti Airtel is number one. Top five service providers have over 80 per cent of the market share of the total broadband subscribers. Vodafone-Idea entity would become the leader in the category, overtaking Bharti and Reliance Jio. Meanwhile, recent reports said Reliance Group Chairman Anil Ambani has met the newly appointed Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran to talk about the possible merger of Reliance Communications with the Tata Group. The impact of Reliance Jio aside, Telenor's decision to sell its business in India does not come as a surprise because the company had hinted at exiting the Indian market in April last year after it posted a huge operating loss of Rs 2,530 crore. Telenor global CEO Sigve Brekke had then said: "Long terms presence in India is dependent on our ability to secure additional spectrum. We are not able to compete with current spectrum portfolio we have in growing data market." "We are looking at upcoming auctions and also looking at potential trading options... Need to be pragmatic to consider other alternatives if that turns out not to be a possible to find value focused solutions. We are looking at all sustainable business model option," Brekke had added. Telenor CFO Morten Karlsen Sorby had said: "We are in India to make money, if we don't see return then we need to look at other alternatives". News / National by Staff reporter FLAMBOYANT business Philip Chiyangwa has taken Bulawayo City Council (BCC) and the Sheriff to court challenging the auctioning of his company's industrial machinery which was attached over a debt of nearly $300 000 in unpaid water bills.Dr Chiyangwa, through his company, Native Investments Africa (Pvt) yesterday filed an urgent chamber application at the Bulawayo High Court citing BCC, the Sheriff of the High Court and two businessmen who bought the attached property as respondents.The deputy sheriff auctioned two cranes valued at $300 000, for $4 800.David Mackwell and Bruce Christopher are the two businessmen who bought the two cranes at an auction conducted by Holland Auctioneers.BCC obtained a judgment against Native Investments Africa for the payment of $290 000 in water bill arrears.Acting on the judgment, the council obtained a writ of execution and instructed the Sheriff of the High Court to attach any property belonging to the Zifa president's company.Native lnvestments Africa through its lawyer Mr Byron Sengweni seeks an order blocking the Sheriff of the High Court from authorising the delivery of the two cranes to Mackwell and Christopher pending the return date of the matter.In the event that the two businessmen were already in possession of the cranes, the company wants an order compelling the two respondents to return the property to its premises within 48 hours of being served with the order.Native Investments Africa's administration manager, Mr Givas Goteka, in his founding affidavit, queried how the property valued at $300 000 ended up being sold for a song."On February 10, 2017, Native Investments Africa through its lawyers wrote to the Sheriff requesting the identities of Mackwell and Christopher and also querying how property valued at $300 000 had been sold for a paltry $4 800 and also notifying the sheriff that they were challenging the sale," said Mr Goteka."On February 21, the applicant (Native Investments Africa), which was under the impression that the Sheriff was attending the query, noticed that Mackwell and Christopher were now preparing to move the cranes from its premises."Mr Goteka said on making a follow up on the matter, the Sheriff told them that the sale had been confirmed. He said the sheriff labelled the cranes as "completely stripped" to justify the price they were auctioned for. With planned layoffs of around 500 to 600 people over the next few days, clouds of uncertainty loom over the future of online marketplace Snapdeal, once India's start-up posterboy. In an official communication to its employees, the founders admitted to some serious flaws in their strategy. Further, the founders of Snapdeal pledged to take a 100 per cent salary cut. As per the Registrar of Company records, the founders received a compensation of Rs 52.94 crore (as per form 16) each in 2014/15, significantly higher from Rs 1 crore each in the previous fiscal. The ill health of the company can easily be diagnosed from its mounting losses which significantly jumped over 120 per cent in 2015/16 to Rs (-) 2,960 crore from Rs (-) 1,319 crore in 2014/15. Its revenues, however, rose 55.3 per cent over the period. Its employees expenses, the next biggest expense head of the company after advertising expenses, shot up around 148 per cent to Rs 911 crore in 2015/16 from Rs 367.19 crore in the previous fiscal. Clearly, mounting employee expenses, proved to be the Achilles heel for the company. The company, founded in 2010, has seen 12 rounds of funding, raising a total equity funding of $ 1.7 billion, according to the data from Tracxn. It has been struggling to raise funds fresh funds recently, with $221 million raised in 2016 compared to $ 500 million raised in 2015. Snapdeal has also suffered a devaluation-valuations went down to $ 4 billion currently from $ 6.5 billion in February 2016. The top-level exits continued at Snapdeal with Anand Chandrasekharan, Chief Product Officer; Tony Navin, Head of Partnerships and Strategic Investments; Abhishek Kumar, responsible for the acquisition of FreeCharge mobile wallet; and Sandeep Komaravelly, head of mobile customer-to-customer marketplace Shopo, leaving the company. It plans to sell its digital wallet FreeCharge which it acquired in April 2015. Another acquisition which did not pay-off was Exclusively.in, a premium fashion platform which shut down within 18 months of acquiring it. Four years after buying it in 2013, Snapdeal shut down its C2C marketplace Shopo. Let see if these layoffs help Snapdeal tide over the tough times. President Donald Trump, who has vowed to stop U.S. manufacturing from disappearing overseas, will seek job-creation advice on Thursday from at least five companies that are laying off thousands of workers as they shift production abroad. Caterpillar Inc, United Technologies Corp, Dana Inc, 3M Co and General Electric Co, are offshoring work to Mexico, China, India and other countries, according to a Reuters review of U.S. Labor Department records. Executives from the five companies are among a group of business leaders due to meet with Trump on Thursday to discuss how to help the president deliver on his promise to increase factory employment, according to the White House. About 2,300 U.S. workers at these five companies stand to lose their jobs within the next two years as a result of offshoring, according to the Labor Department's Trade Adjustment Assistance Program, which provides retraining benefits to workers displaced by global trade. Reuters obtained the information through a Freedom of Information Act request. The companies confirmed the planned job cuts to Reuters. It is not clear whether the other 19 executives due to meet with Trump on Thursday are currently offshoring work, as the TAA program does not cover all workers who lose their jobs due to global trade. The lost jobs amount to a small fraction of the hundreds of thousands of U.S. workers employed by those involved in the meeting. General Electric, for example, employs 125,000 U.S. workers, financial filings show. On the campaign trail and in the White House, Trump has painted globalization as a zero-sum game that has enriched low-wage countries while leaving the United States littered with abandoned factories and underemployed workers, and he has threatened to tax companies that offshore U.S. jobs. The experience of companies on Trump's task force, however, shows the reality is more complex in a world where they are serving customers across the globe. Several said they were creating many new U.S. factory jobs even as they move work to other countries. It's not clear whether Trump will opt for the carrot or the stick. Trump plans to meet business leaders to hear their reasons for "why they're going offshore," said a White House aide who spoke on condition of anonymity. Blue-collar workers who share Trump's skepticism of global trade say they will be watching closely to see if he will try to save their jobs. "I don't think he's a typical politician, so there is hope alive for middle-class families that he will do something," said Scott Schmidt, one of 222 workers at a GE engine plant in Waukesha, Wisconsin who are due to lose their jobs later this year when the company shifts production to Canada. General Electric CEO Jeffrey Immelt is among those due to meet with Trump on Thursday. GE says it is closing its Waukesha plant because Congress has hobbled the U.S. Export-Import Bank's ability to finance large export orders while most other industrialized nations still offer such financial support. The company says it laid off 225 workers last year at a Houston factory for the same reason, shifting production to France, the United Kingdom and Hungary. GE says it is also closing an Ohio factory and laying off 180 workers because consumers are buying fewer of the florescent and incandescent light bulbs they make there. What production remains will be handled by a factory in Hungary. OFFSHORING AND ONSHORING The U.S. economy lost 6 million manufacturing jobs from 2000 to 2010, roughly one-third of its total, in part due to offshoring, but the sector has added 900,000 jobs since then, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Multinational companies say labor costs now are only one factor they consider when deciding where to manufacture. An auto maker, for example, may decide to build a particular model in the country where sales are strongest, prompting parts suppliers to set up there as well so they can turn around orders quickly. The offshoring picture is also more complex than official statistics indicate as a shuttered factory in the United States does not always mean a new factory abroad. When auto-parts maker Dana Corp closes a factory later this year in Glasgow, Kentucky that is operating at 20 percent of capacity, one of its plants in Ohio will pick up the work, along with other factories in Mexico, India and China. Dana CEO James Kamsickas is among those scheduled to meet with Trump on Thursday. The company plans to hire nearly 700 U.S. workers over the next three years as it expands factories in four U.S. states, spokesman Jeff Cole said. That is little comfort to the 223 people in Kentucky who will lose their jobs. "It seems like all these CEOs and companies have turned their backs on the American worker," said Dana employee Tim Wells, one of those who will be laid off. LAYOFFS STILL PLANNED The group also includes United Technologies CEO Gregory Hayes, who took heat from Trump last year for planning to move jobs from Indianapolis to Mexico. The company struck a deal with the incoming president in November to preserve roughly 700 jobs in exchange for $7 million in tax breaks. United Technologies says it still plans to lay off 786 workers at a separate Indiana plant and move production to Mexico this year. The company is also moving work from a facility in Arden Hills, Minnesota, resulting in a loss of 72 jobs. Most of that work is staying in the United States but some is moving to Poland, spokeswoman Bethany Sherman said, and some of the affected workers will be offered positions elsewhere. The company is adding more than 1,000 new jobs in the United States, Sherman said. Other participants include Caterpillar Chairman Doug Oberhelman, who oversees a company that is laying off 712 workers in the American South and Midwest and moving the work to China, Mexico, Italy, France and Germany as it weathers the largest sales slump in its history. A Caterpillar spokesman said it is simultaneously creating 1,300 new manufacturing jobs elsewhere in the United States. Also due to participate is Inge Thulin, CEO of 3M, which is eliminating 130 jobs in suburban Cincinnati and moving production to Mexico. The company says it has added more than 2,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs over the last five years. The full service airline Vistara will begin red-eye flights between Pune and Kolkata in March and commence operations to Port Blair from New Delhi in April. The airline, jointly owned by the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, today announced the launch of the two new flights as part of its summer schedule. The flight services between Kolkata and Pune are scheduled to begin from March 26, while those to Port Blair from Delhi are set for launch from April 15, the airline said in a release. The late-night departure from Kolkata to Pune will provide a convenient option for those wanting to catch a flight post dinner hours, while the early morning departure from Pune to Kolkata will allow a flyer avail full business hours on arrival in the city, it said. A red-eye flight departs late at night and arrives early morning. These new flights are in addition to Vistaras recently announced services to Amritsar from Delhi and Mumbai, and to Leh (Ladakh) from Delhi, both starting in March. The summer schedule of Indian carriers commences from the last Saturday of March and ends on the last Saturday of October every year. The Public Sector Oriental Bank of Commerce has signed a corporate agency agreement with general insurance provider Cholamandalam General Insurance Company, for distribution of insurance products. Chola MS will offer a wide range of non-life insurance products to customers of Oriental Bank of Commerce through its branches. The insurance products include motor, health, home and travel, a company statement said. "We are delighted to partner with Chola MS for bringing best-in-class non-life insurance products to our customers", Oriental Bank of Commerce, MD and CEO, Animesh Chauhan said. "The partnership will greatly benefit our customers and through this alliance, both Oriental Bank and Chola MS seek to fulfil the non-life insurance needs of customers," he added. On the tie-up, Chola MS, Managing Director, S S Gopalarathnam said, "We are privileged to be the general insurance partner of choice for Oriental Bank. We are committed to working together with the Oriental Bank team to ensure that customers have access to the best of insurance protection for their personal and business needs." Korean electronics firm LG has launched a new smartphone-K10 2017-with a panic button that allows users to connect to emergency number '112'. The government had mandated that all mobile phones in the country will be sold with panic button feature with the deadline now set for February 28. As per the order, pressing panic button will make a call to single emergency number '112'. "The K10 2017 smartphone comes with an emergency panic button that can be pressed to generate an alarm. We are very optimistic that consumers will appreciate this product," LG India Corporate Marketing Head Amit Gujral said. He added the device, priced at Rs 13,990, is not just aimed at women but is also relevant for students and others. The concept of a device with panic button feature was floated after brutal gangrape of a paramedical student in Delhi. The Finance Ministry approved a Nirbhaya Fund following the incident for the integration of the police administration with mobile phone network to trace and respond to distress calls with minimum response time. IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who was present at the event tweeted: "Happy to note, aligning with Government initiative, LG has implemented Industry's 1st smartphone (Make In India) fully supporting Panic Button service." The device features a 5.3-inch display, 1.5 GHz octa-core processor, 2GB RAM, 13MP rear and 5MP front camera and 2,800 mAh battery. Gujral said the company is also working on expanding its retail presence in the country and by the end of the year, its handsets will be available at about 8,000-10,000 retail points. The Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) mobile app, launched on December 30, 2016, in a bid to make digital financial services available to all, has emerged as one of the fastest growing apps. Within 10 days of launch, it has seen one crore downloads, and over 20 lakh transactions across the UPI (unified payments interface) and USSD (unstructured supplementary service data) platforms. While it is a big step towards digital inclusion, how different is it really from the existing digital payments systems? One for All BHIM is a digital payments solution app, for easy and quick transactions, based on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Those who have signed up for UPIbased payments on their bank accounts, which are also linked to mobile phone numbers, will be able to use the BHIM app to carry out digital transactions. One can easily make direct bank-to-bank payments instantly, and collect money using just a mobile number or payment address. It allows person-toperson money transfers, scheduled money collection, and transactions to be done through a smartphone. Payments can be made across all participating banks (35 in total). To make transactions using UPI, one does not require an account number, or bank details, all transactions can be done using the VPA (virtual payment address) created within the banking app. The highlight of the BHIM app is that all the UPI transactions are combined into a single app -people need not download different UPI-linked banking apps to make transactions. Other than sending, receiving, and requesting for money, one can also check their account balance and switch between accounts in case they have multiple bank accounts. Money can also be sent to non-UPI supported banks using IFSC code and account number. It supports only Hindi and English languages as of now unlike other mobile wallets that support regional languages, too. BHIM is available only on Android via Google Play. Those without access to data services, can use BHIM by dialing star99hash (USSD-based mobile banking service) on their phones. UPI-linked apps such as PhonePe and Trupay enable transfer of money without sharing any details, using only the mobile number, provided the receiver also has the same app. People can pay their utility bills, purchase gift cards, and share expenses among friends using these apps. But when sending money using the BHIM app, the amount will go directly into the receiver's bank account irrespective of whether the receiver has the BHIM app or not. "BHIM is a skeleton of what UPI does, which is sending and receiving payments. Trupay starts where BHIM stops; it provides value-added services over and above what BHIM does," says Vivek Lohcheb, Co-founder of Trupay. BHIM vs. Mobile Wallets Level of authentication: Wallets mostly rely on a phone's locking system as their security system. Even while making a payment, wallets often don't ask for any kind of pin or password. So if the phone is stolen, anyone can make transfers using the wallet by merely unlocking the screen. The BHIM app, on the other hand, has its own app password. One needs to enter the password to access the app, to proceed with a transaction, and also to check balance. The payment gateway is blocked after three wrong tries. However, with BHIM allowing just the name or mobile number as payment address, anyone can request for money. The NPCI has cautioned people about unknown payment requests one may get. There have been a few updates and 'bug fixes', but it is not known if the issue has been resolved. Charges and limits for transferring money: To use wallets for making payments and transfers, one needs to fill them with money first. The amount sent and received stays in the wallet account itself. To make transfers from a wallet to a bank account, a processing fee of 1-4 per cent per transaction is charged. With BHIM, one can directly send, receive, and request for money to and from their bank accounts. There is no need to fill up any wallet to proceed with a transaction. For those using star99hash, Rs. 0.50 is charged per transaction. It is the bank's discretion to levy charges on the customer for using BHIM; from NPCI, there are no charges levied. With wallets there is a maximum transaction limit of Rs 1 lakh per month. Transaction limit using BHIM is Rs. 20,000 per user, per day, and Rs 10,000 per transaction. The limit for USSD has currently been set at Rs. 5,000 per day. It has come as a huge advantage for merchants who can now accept payments directly into their bank accounts, and pay no transaction charges, unlike on wallets. Bank transactions and transfers through BHIM happen 24X7. Perks: Offers, discounts, and cashbacks are what draw users towards mobile wallets. In keeping with this trend, NPCI has come up with its own lucky draw schemes - Lucky Grahak Yojna for consumers and Digi-Dhan Vyapar Yojna for merchants. Lucky Grahak Yojna will give out Rs. 1,000 daily for 15,000 customers, and a weekly prize of Rs. 5,000, Rs. 10,000, and Rs. 1 lakh. Digi-Dhan Vyapar Yojna will give away a weekly prize of Rs. 2,500, Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 50,000 for merchants. Users of RuPay Card, USSD, BHIM/UPI and Aadhaar-enabled payment services are eligible for these daily and weekly lucky draw prizes. Mobile Wallets at a Loss? BHIM app is not a mobile wallet; it is an open platform which links directly to any bank account and proves to be much more useful than mobile wallets. "UPI being a more efficient platform from a user or merchant point of view, it will overtake wallets in no time now. Wallets will exist till they keep giving cashbacks. In the long run, wallets will not exist in India," Lohcheb says. Wallets have a few shortcomings. Only a fixed amount of money can stay in a wallet app, unlike BHIM. Wallets do not allow users to send or receive money from different mobile wallets; whereas there is no such restriction within the BHIM app as it uses UPI. More than one third (37%) of tourists visited Ireland for the first time in 2016 but over half (57%) have holidayed in Ireland more than once. This is is according to the 2016 Europcar Tourism Index carried out by Europcar Ireland, one of Irelands largest car rental companies with over 160,000 tourists renting vehicles from Europcar last year. The 2016 Europcar Tourism Index was conducted among 6,094 tourists who visited Ireland and rented Europcar vehicles between April and November 2016. The research finds that the top three European countries tourists hail the UK (23%), Germany (5%) and France (4%). Outside of Europe, a large number of tourists (17%) are visiting from the US, 6% from Australia and 4% venture to Ireland from Canada. Hotels emerged as the top form of accommodation for tourists in 2016 with two thirds booking a hotel for their stay in Ireland. Over half (55%) stayed in guesthouses and B&Bs, 47% chose to stay with family or friends, 26% opted for self-catering accommodation and a significant number (20%) embraced accommodation sharing via Airbnb or Couchsurfing. Of the 66% who stayed in hotels, 43% decided on a four star hotel, 31% went with three star and 9% chose five star. Most (52%) tourists paid between 101 and 200 per night for their hotel and 71% felt their hotels were good value for money. The warm Irish welcome was felt by 83% who rated hotel staff as very friendly and helpful and 68% considered their hotel WIFI to be good or very good. In 2016, 18% of Irish car renters organised a staycation in Ireland and almost one in five (19%) chose a domestic break as their main annual holiday last year. The majority (49%) of these staycationers paid on average 100 or less per night for hotel accommodation, while 40% paid slightly more between 101 and 200. Cork and Kerry were the most popular regions for 32% of staycationers to visit but the West of Ireland was also an attraction for just over a quarter (26%). According to the report, the West of Ireland is the most popular destination and 65% drive the Wild Atlantic Way. Almost two thirds (65%) drive part of the Wild Atlantic Way during their time in Ireland and most (39%) spend 2-3 days travelling the western stretch, whereas 29% opt for a day-trip. Irish pubs were classed as the best places to eat along the WAW by 76% of tourists and most (62%) tourists were so impressed with their experience of the WAW that they would like to return and drive part of it again. Not surprisingly, more than three-quarters (77%) of tourists taste Guinness during their trip. Commenting on the 2016 Tourism Index, Business Development Director of Europcar Ireland, Colm Brady said, "The results of the 2016 Index shed interesting light on tourists holidays and attitudes towards Irish culture, services and infrastructure." He added, "Similar to 2015, most of the Irish tourist base consists of our UK neighbours with the US close behind. With so many tourists hiring cars to explore the country and 65% driving some part of the Wild Atlantic Way it is reassuring to know that most (79%) feel safe when driving on Irish roads." Source: www.businessworld.ie About us Taoiseach Enda Kenny told unsettled members of his ruling Fine Gael party that he would conclusively deal with the issue of his leadership after meeting the U.S. president next month, the party's chairman said on Wednesday. Kenny - who has already said he will not lead the party into an election due as early as next year - has faced growing calls to clearly spell out his plans as support for the party slumped amid the government's mishandling of a policing scandal. One of the two top contenders to take over the centre-right party, Simon Coveney, had said a new leader should be chosen after Kenny's trip to Washington for the annual meeting with the U.S. president to mark St. Patrick's Day on March 17. "The Taoiseach has addressed the issue. He has told us he will outline his intentions effectively and conclusively shortly after his return from the U.S.," Fine Gael party chairman Martin Heydon said in a statement. Kenny stopped short of giving an exact timeline, but one source present, who asked for anonymity as the meeting was private, said there was a "clear indication" that the 20-day leadership contest would begin the week following the trip. Fine Gael Vice-Chairman Pat Deering, who warned that the 65-year-old leader would face a motion of no confidence if he did not detail his plans at the meeting, said no such motion was now needed. Kenny, Taoiseach since 2011 and the leader of his party for almost 15 years, is expected to hand over to a much younger colleague. While other ministers are weighing a run, the clear favourites are the 44-year old Housing Minister Coveney and 38-year-old Social Protection Minster Leo Varadkar. Varadkar, Ireland's first openly gay minister, has long been seen as the strongest contender to take over as prime minister. Known as a plain-speaker, supporters say he would widen the party's appeal after it lost a quarter of its seats at parliamentary elections last year. However Coveney, the son of a former Fine Gael minister, has firmly closed the gap after seeking his appointment to the newly established housing ministry last year, raising his profile by trying to tackle a severe housing and homelessness crisis. "There was a perception that a lot of people in the party were leaning towards Leo when the issue wasn't focussed in people's minds," Fine Gael Vice-President John Paul Phelan, a Varadkar supporter, told the Irish Times on Wednesday. "But this contest is completely up in the air in terms of numbers." (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie About us U.S. bank Morgan Stanley may initially move 300 staff from Britain following its exit from the European Union and is scouting for office space in Frankfurt and Dublin, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday. The Wall Street firm will eventually choose either Frankfurt or Dublin to base its enlarged European Union hub, according to the Bloomberg report, which cited three people with knowledge of the matter. Leading financial firms warned for months before last June's Brexit referendum that they would have to move some jobs if there was a leave vote, and have been working on plans for how they would do so for the past several months. More details are starting to emerge after Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed Britain would leave the European single market, ending banks' hopes they might retain "passporting" rights that let them sell their services across the EU out of their London hubs. Morgan Stanley, which bases the bulk of its European staff in Britain, will have to move up to 1,000 jobs in sales and trading, risk management, legal and compliance, as well as slimming the back office in favor of locations overseas, a source involved in the process told Reuters in January. "Our focus is on ensuring that we can continue to service our clients whatever the Brexit outcome," Hugh Fraser, a spokesman for Morgan Stanley in London, said in response to the report. "Our strong franchise and material presence in Europe gives us many options, and we will adapt as the details of Brexit become clear. Given all of this, no decisions have yet been made." (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie About us It was announced today that Ricoh Ireland have announced the opening of their new Irish headquarters on the back of a 6.5million investment. The headquarters in Airside Business Park, Swords, Co. Dublin, will welcome an additional 110 team members over the next three years as Ricoh looks to grow its Irish business to 190 people by the end of 2019. The new headquarters combined with the investment and jobs and will help Ricoh Ireland to almost double their revenues from last years 16.4 million to 32 million in the next three years. Ricoh Irelands retained earnings and growing revenue stream will fund the investment. In the last 18 months alone, the company created 30 jobs separate to the 110 new jobs announced today. Over the next three years, Ricoh Ireland will look to fill roles in the areas of technical engineering, software solutions, business development and operations management. The new headquarters will continue to focus on Ricoh Irelands core areas of business: managed document services, communications services, production print, business process services, software solutions and professional services. Ricoh Ireland employees were engaged in the design and planning of the new headquarters which was built to centre on the Four Cs collaboration, contemplation, communication and concentration with designated areas and tools to encourage each element. Speaking about the announcement, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation, Mary Mitchell OConnor said, "The workforce is rapidly changing and Irish businesses must ensure they cater for the younger generations that are currently scaling up the career ladder. Ricoh Irelands new headquarters is an excellent example of how businesses in Ireland can innovate to transform the workplace, attract and maintain talent and maximise employee productivity and engagement." CEO of Ricoh UK & Ireland, Phil Keoghan said, "Ireland has the skilled workforce and international relationships that make it a very attractive location for any organisation with a global presence. This announcement demonstrates Ricohs consistent confidence in and commitment to the Irish market." Ricoh is a global technology company, headquartered in Japan, which specialises in print, document management and visual communications solutions. It has global revenues of more than 18 billion. Ricoh has been operational in Ireland since 1980. It also has a document production centre in Glasnevin, which saw a separate 250K investment in 2016. Source: www.businessworld.ie About us News / National by Ndou Paul Haha. Purported announcement that "Malaba to act as CJ" is a spin. President only has ONE option: to follow the law!https://t.co/Hs9UTPprX4 pic.twitter.com/vXyR4nTYTr Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) February 23, 2017 @ProfJNMoyo Today the President has 1 option which is lawful, but if He chooses to wait & amendment passes. he will have another 1 option Simbarashe Washaya (@SimbaWashaya) February 23, 2017 This case is not pending before any court. The matter is res judicata! https://t.co/PrIKYXJmXD Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) February 23, 2017 Professor Jonathan Moyo, the Higher Education Minister and MP for Tsholotsho and a law student has laughed at the suggestion that Deputy Chief Justice Luke Malaba will take over as acting Chief Justice in the next five days until President Mugabe appoints a new Chief Justice.The Chronicle reported that the Deputy Chief Justice Luke Malaba will, in terms of the Constitution, take over as acting Chief Justice in the next five days when the incumbent Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku retires after reaching the mandatory age of 70.DCJ Malaba will act until President Mugabe appoints a new Chief Justice.The State controlled publication claims that, it is not clear which route the President will use to appoint the new Chief Justice since there are two legally permissible processes in place."The first is for President Mugabe to choose one candidate from the list of three candidates submitted to him by the Judicial Service Commission after public interviews. It claims that another route is for the President to wait for a constitutional amendment, currently underway, to be completed and if passed, to pick a candidate of his choice.However, Professor Jonathan Moyo dismissed some of the points indicating that Mugabe does not have two legally permissible processes in a place as the route to ammend the constitution was illegal.Professor Moyo twitted, "Haha. Purported announcement that "Malaba to act as CJ" is a spin. President only has ONE option: to follow the law!"Simbarashe Washaya suggested that, "Today the President has 1 option which is lawful, but if He chooses to wait & amendment passes. he will have another 1 option".He said the case to ammend the constitution to allow Mugabe to hand pick the Chief Justice is not pending before any court. The matter is res judicata! There will be a 3.3% increase in advertising spend in Ireland with an overall spend of 915 million during 2017. This is according to Outlook 2017, an annual document produced by Core Media which forecasts spend for the next 12 months across a variety of media including Television, Radio, Print, Online, Sponsorship and Out-of-Home. Core Media is Irelands largest marketing communications group. The report also outlines the key developments and important issues that will impact the industry this year. The research indicates that television advertising revenue will increase by 2.5% to 243 million in 2017. Live TV- watching traditional television at the time of transmission - still represents the majority of consumption. While the resilience of live TV may come as a surprise, given the number of different viewing options now available, more than three quarters of video viewing is done on the TV set at home. There is still a very high propensity to watch certain programmes live, such as sport, current affairs and one-off events, irrespective of the viewing device and these programmes tend to draw large audience. Not surprisingly, services like Amazon Prime and Netflix are seen as the biggest threat to traditional broadcasters but perceptions often differ from the reality: 24% of homes in Ireland have a subscription to Netflix and 1% claim to subscribe to Amazon Prime (it only became available in Ireland last December). While subscription numbers are important, viewing time is the key metric. Data from Ipsos MRBI shows that, on average, these services only account for 3% of daily video consumption among all adults in Ireland. For adults aged 15-34, the number increases to 6%. To put this in perspective, the combined share of viewing of these services was equivalent to just half the viewing levels achieved by UTV Ireland in 2016 (among all adults). The report predicts radio advertising spend to drop by 3.5% to 123 million this year. Despite healthy levels of listening 2.97 million adults listen every day for an average of 253 minutes in the Republic of Ireland - radio has long had to battle for its share of the advertising pie and took only 14% of advertising investment in 2016, down from 16% the previous year. Radios future success is linked to how it embraces its frenemy digital. Other media are succeeding ahead of radio, which is, after all, the original home of native content with its trusted voice and presenter endorsement. More research from the industry is required to show radios effectiveness as an advertising medium in the digital age. Advertising around online video (also known as video-on-demand) will continue to see exponential growth of approximately 27% to 30 million, while cinema revenue is expected to increase by 4% to almost 8 million. The report also shows Streaming is growing in importance. IPSOS MRBI has reported that 67% of 18-34 year-olds in the Republic stream online audio on a regular basis with an average of 40 minutes listening time per session. Putting that into numbers, in the Republic, approximately 260,000 people stream music on Spotify every single day. Thats more than the combined reach of 98FM and Spin 103.8 and three quarters of the daily reach of 2FM (335,000). At a macro level, research in the UK and Ireland has shown that streaming affects listening to CDs and MP3 players more than radio. However, it is clear that Ireland has now reached a tipping point with this new form of audio. For any youth targeted campaigns, streaming is a must have, delivering larger reach than many established radio stations. Last year was a tough one for print media with revenue down by an estimated 9.4% in the Republic of Ireland. This trend is set to continue in 2017, with further decreases of 9.5% being forecast. The report warns that paywalls of some kind are necessary. For any meaningful paywall to be effective it would have to be adopted by all news websites at the same time. As a small market, there is an opportunity here for Irish news organisations to set an example for other markets and demonstrate true innovation in their medium according to the report. The report recommends from the consumers perspective, the fee for access would need to be nominal (5 per month or 50 per year). Once subscribed, access to all participating sites should be granted. The report further recommends that one hundred per cent of the revenue generated by the paywall should go directly towards a journalism fund managed by trustees. Based on an initial annual uptake of 10% of the adult population, the fund could generate more than 17 million in revenue. While investment in online media continues to outperform the market, growth is expected to slow slightly this year, with a 13.5% increase in investment in the Republic of Ireland. This compares to a 17% year on year increase in 2016. Commenting on the Outlook 2017 report, CEO of Core Media, Alan Cox said, "We expect 2017 to build on the growth of 2016, meaning a fourth year of consecutive growth in advertising investment levels in the Republic of Ireland. This is in line with general economic growth and is good news for the industry." He added, "Technology is continuing to play a key role in the media world and is transforming a world occupied by a fascinating triumvirate the marketer, the consumer and the media owner. Understanding this evolving dynamic has never been more interesting or challenging." Source: www.businessworld.ie About us Enterprise Ireland has today announced two Competitive Start Fund (CSF) competitions worth a total of 1million in funding will open for applications to international entrepreneurs and recent graduates on Wednesday 8 March 2017. Up to twenty successful applicants will receive high-level business development support and an investment of up to 50,000 each. The CSF is designed to accelerate the growth of start-ups and enable companies to reach key commercial and technical milestones. Applications are invited from ambitious graduates and international entrepreneurs with early stage companies capable of succeeding in global markets, creating jobs and growth. The funds are open to companies active in manufacturing and internationally traded services including Internet, Games, Apps, Mobile, SaaS, Cloud Computing, Enterprise Software, Lifesciences, Food, Cleantech and Industrial Products. In addition to written online applications, companies will be asked to prepare an online video pitch. Companies must meet certain eligibility criteria and applicants may apply for either the International Entrepreneurship or the Graduate Entrepreneurship CSF, but not both. Both competitions will close at 3pm on Wednesday 22 March 2017. Speaking today, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, Julie Sinnamon said, "We are delighted to announce 1 million in funding for graduate and international entrepreneurs. A key focus of Enterprise Ireland is to encourage more entrepreneurs to start up their businesses in Ireland. In 2016, we supported thirty-three new start-ups which were established by overseas entrepreneurs and included entrepreneurs from Russia, Europe and the United States." Source: www.businessworld.ie About us The public is invited to a celebration event where Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse (CAPSA) will be receiving a state-of-the-art security system. The event will be held on Tuesday, February 28 according to CAPSA Development Director James Boyd. Boyd says the event will be held outside if weather permits. He says there is a great deal of excitement about it at CAPSA. This system is actually very important right now, Boyd explains. We are doing our addition, our therapy center and children center, and we found out our security system we have in our existing building couldnt be expanded. Weve been looking at buying a new system anyways. This came at the perfect time. On February 28th at 9:30 a.m. at the Historic Courthouse, we will be celebrating and receiving an award for this security system, valued at over $10,000. Boyd says CAPSA was one of three finalists for the new security system from Security 101 and Axis Communications, with the other two non-profits based out of Salt Lake City. He says through an online voting process CAPSA received an outpouring of local support by receiving over 60% of the votes. Boyd says domestic violence is very scary and dangerous and the leaders are always concerned about the safety of their clients, volunteers and employees. Because of the community support, Boyd says, the security system will make CAPSA safer. Boyd says another exciting event is coming up later that week, and that will be at the Beaver Mountain Ski Resort on Saturday, March 4th. Beaver Mountain is holding a Rail Jam for CAPSA as a fundraiser, he explains. People can come up on skis or snowboards, do tricks on rails. The entry is $15 and 100% of the proceeds go to CAPSA. We are fortunate to have Beaver Mountain do this fundraiser for us but weve also had CV Lawn King as well as Rescue One Studios step up to be title sponsors and help us raise more money for this event. Boyd says registration for the event will be the morning of Saturday, March 4th and the Rail Jam will begin at 11 a.m. He says anyone can come up and watch the fun for free. Julio Alvarez, 63, died when the Freightliner he was driving overturned on Interstate 84 near Tremonton Monday, February 20, 2017. A man training to drive a semitrailer has died after the truck and trailer rolled onto its side on I-84 near Tremonton. Julio Alvarez, 63, was from Palm Springs, Florida and he was hauling freight just west of Tremonton just before 3 p.m. Monday. According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, the gold Freightliner drifted into the median near milepost 38 just west of Tremonton. Alvarez apparently tried to correct the truck back to the right and over-corrected, causing the truck to tip. A co-driver / trainer was in the vehicle with Alvarez at the time and was transported to Bear River Valley Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Both were wearing seat belts but Alvarez was killed instantly. Utah Highway Patrol officers do not know if fatigue, distraction or any other issue contributed to the accident at this time but claim that speed does not appear to be a factor. The stretch of freeway where the accident occurred is relatively straight. BOX ELDER COUNTY The heavy snowpack, warm temperatures and rain have combined to cause widespread flooding through nearly all parts of Box Elder County. The Utah National Guard was called in to help Wednesday, volunteer agencies are coordinating efforts and Lt. Governor Spencer Cox took a helicopter tour over affected farms and cities. Some streets are completely covered in water, some homes are already flooded and others are hoping the sandbag barriers do their job. In all, more than 30,000 sandbags have been filled with 700 tons of sand during the past 10 days. Salt Lake County Emergency Management, with help from the Red Cross, filled 3500 sandbags and sent them north to Box Elder County. The National Guard has also aided in filling the sandbags. Twelve soldiers with the Guards 97th Troop Command and Homeland Response Force were filling sandbags at the the Box Elder County Fair Grounds by Wednesday afternoon. County Commissioner Stan Summers said he couldnt pinpoint just one community that has been hit harder than the rest. We basically went from South Willard clear up into Portage, he said. We just got some video and text from Grouse Creek that their wells are being breached out there. Summers said many employees have worked around the clock to save homes, roads and businesses. The good news is that the colder temperatures have slowed the flooding; the bad news is more precipitation is expected. Summers mentioned three things that could be done to stay ahead of the flooding: prayers, long hours and long days. He encouraged those not affected to help their neighbors. Cox said he expected to see people reaching out and helping one another during his visit, and that is what he saw. Everybody is working together, he said. We want them to know the State of Utah is behind them 100 percent. Box Elder rancher Arthur Douglas said this years flooding is the worst hes seen since the 1984 runoff affected areas throughout the state. Douglas home is currently unaffected, but he spent Wednesday helping those who were. When everything got tough, everybody chipped in and tried to do what they could do, he said. Weve faced this before. Summers said February has been a long month. This didnt start a couple of days ago, he said. Weve had flooding out west for some time. Weve really been working on this since January and it became a problem when the snow pack started to melt. Those affected by the flooding can visit this link for information on assistance, or visit this link for the latest information from Box Elder County. News / National by Staff reporter The United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have expressed worry over nose diving of Zimbabwe literacy rates.The United Nations body's Education Programme Specialist Abdoul Wahab Coulibaly said the country needs the cooperation of all people to make sure that its literacy rate does not plummet further down.Quoting recent statistics by the World Bank which revised the literacy rates that stands at 85 for females and 88 for males, Coulibaly said although the figures are still high as compared to other African countries, Zimbabwe should protect the gains it had made over the years.Zimbabwe has always been regarded as boasting of a high literacy rate in the continent and the number one in the sub-region with 94 percent literacy rate.However Coulibaly lauded Zimbabwe over the stance it has taken in the new curriculum Framework to promote local languages saying, it lays the foundation of multilingual education."UNESCO is of the view that Zimbabwe has taken the right steps in the new Curriculum Framework to lay the foundation of multilingual education. Zimbabwe already has a policy on use of the mother language in the first grades of the primary school," said Coulibaly.He said language is a bridge between cultures as much as it is a tool for communication," Languages express who we are, they structure our thoughts and identities,""There can be no authentic dialogue or effective international cooperation without respect for linguistic diversity, which opens up true understanding of every culture. This is why learning languages are at the same time a promise of peace, of motivation and of creativity," said Coulibaly. Opinion / Columnist The last two decades have seen a chronology of unplanned events forcing Zimbabweans to migrate around the world. Forced by economic and political turmoil to embark on journeys that they knew to be life changing. For most, these journeys were prioritised by the immediate needs for political, economic norms and gains. This migration, once it started, gained momentum and saw Zimbabwe lose millions of its productive demographic and the consequences were inevitable for Zimbabwe and also for its emigrants. Community and family structures were destroyed over night, this was true for those remaining and for those emigrating.Culture and tradition are in essence necessary factors in cohesive social engineering. All society needs some level of social engineering so as to thrive and develop social environments that promote community values suitable for strong family units to develop and thrive. As one of the early emigrants from Zimbabwe I have observed as our diasporan communities grappled at replicating some semblance of our community structures that served to bond families. However time and social evolution waits for no one and while in some cases this was successful, in many cases this was a failure. Shift work and menial jobs wiped away elements that promoted loyalty and respect between partners, siblings and friends.I have heard and witnessed a million tales of the suddenly independent money earning ladies that lost respect for their husbands as they became the main breadwinners in their families. Having come from a society where one of the main reasons for marriage was for financial security, this meant the writing was on the wall for many relationships. As the paradigm of power shifted even more when many people regularised their residential statuses and women pursued academic careers, the fat lady sang her unwanted song for even more relationships. Relationships, marriages and friendships suffered terribly. Our natural environment did have the social remedies for such seismic changes. Normally, relatives and community elders would have stepped in to offer counselling and mediation. Aunties and Uncles, brothers and Sisters offering one to one advice and reassurance.However in the diaspora the lack of proximity to these people left a void as huge and as devastating as a great big black hole. Men are not exempt from behaviours that have destroyed the platforms and foundations for relationships. As some men found themselves in a country that does little to promote family development they struggled to develop the sentimental appreciation of having families. When they found themselves with an unprecedented interest from white women who had an almost mythical belief of their sexual prowess, men lost it big time! To exacerbate the problem UK was experiencing mass migration from countries around the world and natural dynamics meant that there were statistically more women than men, trouble loomed in the horizon.Cheap easy sex was too available from exotic women for no money and with no strings attached. The perks of a developed country took its toll too. Cheap cars, clothes and gadgets made guys feel invincible and attractive. The assumed sense of prowess born from a background of a developing country with near impossible access to these things was devastating. As we try and integrate into this society it seems we have lost common sense as well. I have been asked many times to be counsel to families that have no one else. Families where a friend has slept with a friends wife or partner. Somehow the loneliness created by an immigrant's lifestyle has seen people develop awkward and unconventional friendships.I have seen married couples destroyed by singletons who come in the guise of friends and end up in illicit relationships with people's wives, husbands and partners. Women bringing their friends home has caused problems. Men who have brought their single and married friends home too often with disastrous consequences. Work colleagues have been a cause of many many break ups. This lifestyle has meant spending more hours awake and interacting with work colleagues than with partners and has seen weak people develop emotions for them and lead them to cheat. This poisonous cocktail of circumstances has seen a very disturbing pattern emerge.Murder is a crime of passion. The past few years has seen numerous cases come to light of Zimbabweans murdering their partners apparently motivated by emotions fuelled by infidelity. This is devastating for us as so many lives are affected. The children, the relatives, the friends and their work colleagues. The knock on effect is deep and wide with many people never recovering from this type of tragedy. The perpetrators are languishing in prisons where rape and racism are rife. Once they complete their sentences a lifetime from now they will be deported to a most probable life of destitution in Zimbabwe shunned by everyone due to taboo.Meanwhile the children sent to Forster homes where depraved physical and sexual abuse are common. The children forever tainted by the shame of a promiscuous mother or father which led to fatality! I could go on and list the names here, but for what purpose? The reason for me putting virtual paper to pen is to ask our community some important questions.PROMOTE REAL LOVE, RESPECT & HAVE DIGNITY! WHY DO WE CHEAT? WHY HAVE WE NO VALUE FOR OUR FAMILY UNITS? WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO TO STOP THESE KILLINGS? Opinion / WhatsApp Updates This is to inform all black foreigners living in Pretoria to be on alert as it has been reliably gathered that South African boys are mobilizing themselves from Mamelodi, Shoshanguve and some other locations around Pretoria to launch an attack on Sunnyside tonight.Please if you know anyone in Pretoria send this message to them you might be saving a life. 7 people had already been killed around Johannesburg today. Where to find non-partisan ballot information Thank you for your non-biased bullet points explaining the three state ballot proposals in "A look at the three state... Kautman-Jones endorses Davis Please support Meredith Davis in her re-election to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners - 8th District. I have had... Ekema Koffi Wilson MUSA The Population of Limbe has been thrown into grief and bewilderment following the sudden death of Cameroon music icon EKEME Koffi alias 'Le Magistrat De Petit Pays' on February 19 breaking Monday 20 in a snack bar in Limbe. According to The Scoop Newspaper, he bowed to death after collapsing before being rushed to the Limbe Regional hospital. Few minutes before he passed away, a brawl ensued between him and some security men guarding the business premises where he usually performed. The former student of BGS Molyko and GHS Limbe was forcefully dragged out of the Cabaret by hefty bouncers who acted in instructions from the assistant manager in the absence of the Manager. Witness account say he collapsed in the process and lkater died. It is not clear whether it is was out of the excessive force that killed him or he was simply respecting his time on earth. But the security men who forced him out of the Cabaret are now at large. Investigations have been opened by the Police and the assistant manager is helping them in carrying out the exercise. Late Ekema Koffi had long and interesting musical career that began way back in secondary school, he was integrated into the orchestra of BGS and GHS Molyko where he schooled. He has also played a key role in the FESTAC festival organized in Limbe by the City Council. Ville de Buea Archives Reports say at least one person was killed last night in Mutengene following fresh violence that erupted in the city at the flanks of Mount Cameroon. According to police sources, an unidentified group of about 200 young people attacked and vandalized the Police station allegedly permitting about four detainees to flee. There were only three officers on duty at the time of the arrest and reinforcement troops arrived the scene when the attackers had vamoosed, a police officer in the town told Cameroo-Info.net. The mob also burnt down classrooms at Government Bilingual High School Mutengene and barricaded some roads before evaporating. Wednesdays violence occurred as the South West region in general and Fako in particular is finalising preparations for the 2017 Mount Cameroon Race of Hope scheduled for Saturday February 25 in Buea. Observers have been expressing fears about this years race following months of protests and violence rocking the two Anglophone regions of the country. Some have opined that the new wave of violence in Mutengene is a bad signal for the race as some 600 athletes from within and without the country are expected to start arriving the town for the event. The Town of Mutengene In The Limelight Wilson MUSA One person in his early 30 is reported to have died in Mutengene, a town in Tiko Sub division, following acts of vandalism perpetrated by some unidentified youths. Government Bilingual High School Mutengene has been set ablaze with some classrooms brought down to ashes, the Mutengene Police Station was ransacked and four prisoners allegedly escaped. Sources say four vehicles have also been burnt down. According information gotten from a senior security official Peter Nusta, Police Commissioner in Mutengene, the men of the underworld were close to 200. They barricaded the road leading to the slaughter house in Mutenegene. Reinforcement only came at about 3am when the men had disappeared. At the time of incident only three Police officers were on duty. Unconfirmed reports say the burning down of GBHS Mutenegene is to show their anger on the fact that some Francophone students have continued going to school despite the ongoing strike action. The incident comes 24 hours before the reception of the AFCON trophy in the region which will definitely passed by Mutengene. | BY Ricki Green | How do we define ourselves? What are we passionate about? What are we proud of? What do we share with the world around us? These are just some of the questions raised in the latest episode of Canon Australias The Lab series, titled Reflect via Leo Burnett, Sydney. Reflect looked to challenge three photographers in the way they would capture a typical portrait, with a twist. Tasked with recording interview questions for an unknown subject, the three photographers asked their models a range of questions that required them to dig deep within themselves. The shooters soon realised they were the ones who needed to respond with a self-portrait ultimately a reflection of themselves. Watch what happens when Canon surprised them with the unexpected brief while one asked to be told a story that would shake him, another took off his shirt to embody vulnerability. Reflect challenges popular notions of the ubiquitous selfie are these images a vacuous representation of who we are, and could the self-portrait be the new selfie? The Lab series is designed to shift creative thinking behind the lens and challenge the creative community to think differently. Creative Agency: Leo Burnett, Sydney Vince Lagana ECD Grant MacAloon ECD Creative Director: Kieran Ots Senior Art Director: Dave Varney Group Business Director: Jonny Bucknall Senior Account Director: Natalie Tay-Uceda Producer: Cassie Collin PR: Ogilvy PR Australia Production Company: Infinity Squared Director: Melvin Montalban Producer: Morgan Taylor DOP: Aaron McLisky Offline: Arc Online: Heckler | BY Ricki Green | National advertisers are being urged to take a fresh look at regional radio in 2017 as the industry prepares to undertake more than 30 regional radio surveys across Australia this year and rolls out software to provide ad agencies with free access to the data. Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer Joan Warner said the initiatives would give media agencies easy access to up-to-date and compelling data on radio audiences across regional Australia. Says Warner: Radio is one of the most trusted and effective ways to reach consumers in regional Australia and now that new data is available, were asking advertisers to take a fresh look at what radio can deliver in terms of reach and return on investment. The Frequency online data analytics program is being rolled out from this week to media agencies and radio networks across Australia by Walk Creative, with the support of Southern Cross Austereo. The program includes data on the 35 key regional markets already surveyed, covering a population of 4.3 million, and allows detailed analysis so that advertisers can better plan and target their campaigns. New data will be automatically added as more surveys are carried out. Frequency data shows for example that 77% of 18-24 year-olds in the regional NSW markets surveyed listen to commercial radio during breakfast, while 60% of females aged 10+ in the regional Queensland markets listen during the drive shift. Warner said more than 30 regional radio surveys would be conducted in 2017, with markets to be surveyed for the first time including Ballarat in Victoria, Mt Isa in Queensland and Mandurah in Western Australia. Larger centres such as Cairns, Darwin, Wollongong, Launceston and Sunshine Coast are also scheduled to be surveyed again. Surveys in planning for first quarter of 2017 release are: Narrogin, Northam, Katanning and Merridin in the Wheatbelt region (WA) Mandurah (WA) Esperance (WA). The research will be conducted by Xtra Insights, the industrys official provider of regional radio surveys. Regional radio attracted 2.4% of all advertising expenditure in the 12 months ended June 2016, according to CEASA (the Commercial Economic Advisory Service of Australia). Click here to view a video of CRA board members Grant Cameron (director of Grant Broadcasters) and Grant Blackley (CEO of Southern Cross Austereo) commenting on the impact of the regional surveys and whats coming up for regional radio in 2017. The Frequency program currently contains survey data on the following markets: Albany Albury Bendigo Bunbury Bundaberg Cairns Coffs Harbour Colac Darwin Dubbo Geelong Gosford Griffith Hamilton Hobart Horsham Kalgoorlie Launceston Mackay Maryborough Mildura Mt Gambier Orange Port Macquarie Rockhampton Gladstone Sale Shepparton Sunshine Coast Swan Hill Toowoomba Townsville Wagga Wagga Warragul Warrnambool | BY Ricki Green | NewsMediaWorks has today announced the resignation of chief executive officer Mark Hollands after almost four years with the organisation. Under Hollands leadership, NewsMediaWorks has undertaken a series of initiatives to support Australias leading news media publishers and communicate the sectors value proposition to advertisers. These include the 2013 launch of the cross-platform readership metric emma (Enhanced Media Metrics Australia), rebranding the organisation to reflect the multi-platform nature of todays news media publishers, and implementing the News Media Index, which reports whole of industry advertising revenue. Says Michael Miller, chairman, NewsMediaWorks on Hollands time with the organisation: The board wishes to thank Mark for his important contribution to NewsMediaWorks as well as the wider news media sector. The industry body will continue to focus on helping create operational efficiencies for the benefit of all publisher members. Says Hollands: Id like to thank my colleagues, who continue to make an important and enthusiastic contribution to our industry. They share my love of this industry and respect for those who work so hard to deliver journalism to our nation every day. It has been a pleasure to work with them. The time is right to move on, however, as I have a number of personal interests in Australia and overseas that I wish to pursue. Hollands will depart the organisation on February 28. TCU, Tennessee headline college football's Week 10 winners and losers College Football Playoff contenders TCU and Georgia rolled, while Tennessee and Virginia Tech fell to lead the winners and losers from Week 10. Police previously said they were still working out the roles of each of the accused but had linked some members of the group to one Canberra victim of the scam who died by suicide in NSW last month. "Further if it is the case as you believe and as I expect that you have no residual rights over the subsequent use of the material you generated for your then clients, there is no action that you can now take that would necessarily resolve such a perception." The cable company is working with the Angolan government to boost the countrys network capabilities, and has signed in to NAPAfrica, which has over 240 connected networks, peering across Sub-Saharan Africa. NAPAfrica is co-located in all Teraco data centre facilities, offering 140Gbps of peering traffic. The partnership was first announced at AfricaCom 2016 in November, when Angola Cables unveiled Teraco as its co-location partner for its first direct point-of-presence in South Africa. Michele McCann, business development manager, Teraco, said: This is not simply about peering, the collaboration will impact Internet connectivity across several countries and improve the services of Angola Cables as well as create a platform for the country to compete on a global stage. Through our peering exchange and neutral platform we can link Angola and its neighbouring countries, as well as connecting South and North America with the hub in South Africa. This project proves that peering is not just about connectivity, it is about growing networks and enhancing business across the continent. It boosts business in Africa and that is what it is all about for the team. Angola Cables, which is involved in building the South Atlantic Cable System, the first subsea cable to run between South America and Africa, is also looking to enable super-fast connectivity between Europe and South Africa. This will run through its main hub in Lisbon, according to reports from Data Economy. Darwin Costa, IP Product Manager, Angola Cables, said: It is vital to ensure that the African traffic remains within the continent, and at the same time customers are guaranteed improved Internet connectivity. We believe that by combining strengths, Angola Cables, a growing telecommunications hub, will be able to provide links to and from South Africa from Angola, as well as to Brazil and the USA, once the South Atlantic Cable System (SACS) is in operation. 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. Welcome to the Center for Disability Resources Library Blog! Here we will welcome your comments and suggestions about books and videos that you have borrowed, materials that you would like to see purchased, or anything involving the day-to-day operations of the library or even of disabilities in general. Visit the CDR Library's web site! The next EnVision Bus Read more [...] Chinese security officials have ordered that residents in the countrys north west install GPS tracking devices in their vehicles as violent crime in the region explodes. The remarkable measure is being employed in the Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang on the back of alleged increases in killings in the area. Authorities blame the eruption of violence on separatists and Islamic extremists while experts say it is also being caused by friction between Han Chinese migrants and minority Muslin Uighur that live in the region. Website Loulan News from the propaganda officer of Bayingolins government claims that by allowing officials to keep track of all vehicles, it will be able to better monitor those with malicious intentions. There is a severe threat from international terrorism, and cars have been used as a key means of transport for terrorists as well as constantly serving as weapons. It is therefore necessary to monitor and track all vehicles in the prefecture, the website says. For those that think they can get away without installing the obligatory Beiduo satellite navigation system between February 20 and June 30, theyre sadly mistaken. The Guardian reports that if local vehicle owners fail to comply they will be unable to fill up their fuel tanks at gas stations. According to La Trobe Universitys Xinjing expert James Leibold, the measures are just the latest part in the governments bid to stamp out crime. There has been tremendous investment in both low-tech and hi-tech methods of surveillance. That does have an effect. It probably pushes resentment further underground. Of course you are going to have violent events from time to time but at the same time I think a lot of Uighurs probably realise that any attempt to resist is going to result in their death and serious troubles for their families, he said. PHOTO GALLERY Tesla is trying for the third year in a row to have its direct-sales business model approved in Connecticut. On Thursday last week, the Transportation Committee introduced a bill that clears the regulatory hurdles for the electric automaker to open dealerships in the state. Despite this, legislation still needs to be approved before Tesla can claim a key win for its direct-to-consumer sales approach. The Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association is currently engaged in a court battle with Tesla and claims that the carmaker is illegally selling vehicles from its Greenwich store. According to the president of the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association Jim Fleming, They are illegally selling cars out of that location in Greenwich. They are hardly a startup. They have great political influence. Their CEO, as you know, serves on the new presidents economic council in Washington, D.C. They want to compete with a local car dealer, who is tiny compared to a multinational corporation. However, Tesla claims that existing car dealers in the state simply want to protect their monopoly in the state. While lawmakers want to reopen the debate on Tesla sales in Connecticut, State Senator and co-chairman of the Transportation Committee, Carlo Leone, told the Connecticut Post that he is still undecided on the bill. PHOTO GALLERY Cartoon Brew: You were initially on board Rock Dog as a story consultant. How did that lead to becoming the director? Ash Brannon: The producer approached me and offered me this chance to direct, and I really resisted. I resisted for about three years of the production, honestly. Finally I signed my contract I think about a year before we finished because I knew it was going to be a hard ride. I didnt know how tough it would be going the independent route, but it was the passion for the story that really kept me and sustained me and pulled me along for the entire ride to the end. It was unusual in a lot of ways but I think the initial appeal was two-fold. One was being able to work with this Chinese artist. Zheng Jun is a fascinating musician and also the creator of the graphic novel. And I also realized it would be fun to put together my own crew here in the States for the front end, meaning storyboards and the art department and editorial, and build a really tight team that was largely unsupervised. I mean, Ill be honest with you, we had no adult supervision, and I was kind of looking for that for a change. That was a really appealing carrot to be dangling in front of me. Thats an interesting thing given your previous experience at Pixar. Was there a very obvious difference between working on films there and this? Ash Brannon: Absolutely. With Pixar youre blessed to have the infrastructure of an amazing studio full of talented artists and the distribution mechanism through Disney. [On Rock Dog], we had almost none of that. We were unsure if wed have money to pay everyone from week to week. At one point the financiers wanted to try and push the movie for a summer 2015 release, so in the middle of production we lost 12 weeks off our schedule which was about a quarter of our animation schedule. So, we encountered things that you wouldnt ever encounter at a large studio pretty much every day. You never knew what to expect. Given that it was a Chinese-American production, what were some of the cultural challenges or other issues that came up, or were you able to run it in the way that you wanted? Ash Brannon: Great question. There were very few challenges. I expected more. But once Zheng Jun, again the creator of the graphic novel, came over to L.A. we spent about two weeks together initially just to go through the story and get on the same page, and it was during those two weeks that I realized a lot of things. That I knew that we were quickly on the same page and that we had the same ideas about the story and our love for music and how we wanted to convey that love through the movie. And I also realized that Zheng Jun was going to be very generous and trusting with my approach to assembling the team and putting together the project. So they were amazingly hands-off. I think we got notes maybe one time from an executive screening of the animatic and that was the extent of it. We got the notes and they said, here you are, it was a half-a-page I believe of notes, and they said, we love it, keep going, please finish it by such and such date. And that was the end of it. So creatively I was amazed how much freedom they gave me. Can you talk about the process of translating the graphic novel to the film, especially in terms of design? What considerations did you have to make about the audience you wanted to appeal to? Ash Brannon: Well, we had to think about a lot of things. Tone was probably the first one. The graphic novels quite dark. For example, Bodis father [voiced by J.K. Simmons in the film] is torn apart by wolves I think on page eight, and that kind of cut against the idea of telling a father-son story. So we definitely wanted to lighten the mood. In terms of design, I had to look at the budget and the schedule from the get-go and really work within limitations. And so youll notice Bodi [Luke Wilson] well, Tibetan mastiffs in particular have very long hair. They look almost like lions. And, as you know, hair is a very difficult and expensive challenge in animation. So we had to design characters with very short fur. And thats one reason Bodi wears a hat. We just wanted to cover it up and make sure we could stick to our budget. Im very happy with Matthew Bates work on the character design front, and Peter de Seve also gave us some beautiful inspirational pieces at the beginning and we kicked off from there. Matthew did the final line-up and designed a beautiful set of characters that also allowed us to work within our budget. One thing that some people were initially surprised about was that the project was realized first in English, and then dubbed later for the Chinese market. Did that affect anything in terms of the animation pipeline? Ash Brannon: Its funny but the issue of Western actors was never questioned, even from the beginning. I just said, can we record Western actors speaking English, and they said, yeah, thats fine. So I wasnt going to ask twice. I was very happy to work within my language. That would have been crazy trying to direct Mandarin. Now, I know that the technology is getting to the place where they can re-animate lip sync, and we didnt do that in this case. It was more of a traditional dub for China with some amazing actors over there. But that was out of my hands. But besides the foreign localization, it really was a Chinese movie made in America. And everybody involved on it wanted to make sure we made a movie that wasnt made for one audience. They wanted it to be something that could play around the world. And so they really understood the need to make it as universal as possible. How did animation work you had Reel FX on this film, didnt you? Ash Brannon: Yes, we hired them as a vendor which is a horrible clinical kind of way to say it, but they have an amazing set of artists down there in Dallas. We did a lot of work to prepare them for the film. The entire art department is here in Venice, California. And everything was a blueprint for them, from the animatic to the model sheets, and we wanted to be very clear what we wanted from them from the outset. I would go about twice a month during the craziest part of production to work one on one with the animators, and I knew quite a few of them from other studios and so we already had some shorthand with guys like Bill Haller who supervised the animation, and I knew some of the lighting guys as well. We did a lot of remote work as well. Every day for dailies I came in at about 8:30 in the morning and we had video conferencing with the entire animation team in Dallas. And we had a Cintiq in the room so that their scenes could be played back on the screen in front of me and I could draw any notes, poses, and pose changes in real time in front of them. Between that and the video conferencing it was almost like being in the same room together. So we formed a pretty nice close knit team for the duration of production even though we were in L.A. and they were in Dallas. Reel FX has a satellite office, of course, in Santa Monica so that made it easy as well. We also had a little team from Little Zoo in Maine which did some additional work, in fact they did phenomenal work there. And then we had one animator in Australia. I dont know what crazy hours he was keeping to tune in for our dailies. What was one of the most challenging parts of getting this film made, maybe a story hurdle or just the path to the end? Ash Brannon: For me, story is everything and I didnt want to go into production until we knew the story was working. And that was actually one of the benefits of our setup. We werent already attached to a production company. We didnt have animators sitting and waiting and pressuring us to get the story right like you do often at big studios. Because we had a lot of lead time to put the reels up. And we put the entire animatic up about three times before we even started to think about layout. And at that point we identified some tent pole scenes that we knew could go forward without being touched. But this was a skeleton crew, I mean we had a maximum of four story artists at any given time. I was boarding myself and throwing boards to Ivan Bilancio, the editor. At the end of it, all the story team had to move on to other projects and it was just Ivan and myself for the last three months or so putting the finishing touches on the animatic. With some of these films that have Chinese investment, theres always a lot of discussion about whether this is the new wave of filmmaking. What do you feel like youve learned about having this kind of experience with a Chinese-American production? Ash Brannon: Of course, moneys the biggest factor and what I wanted to show is that if you put the attention on your animatic before you think about going into production, that is the way you can save your money and spend it well. The worst thing you can do is force a movie into production when the story is not baked, because then youll end up with a half-baked movie or youre going to have to re-do a lot of it, and the bills not going to be cheap. So I feel that I did convince the people involved in Rock Dog that the animatic is a blueprint to be seriously worked on and not put into production until it was ready. So I hope we see more of that, because I think it can open doors to more independent low-budget animated films that can be done with nice quality. Photo: The Canadian Press Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended his government's proposed legislation to expand border preclearance at Canadian airports and other crossings Wednesday as the opposition New Democrats pushed to stop the bill in its tracks. The NDP argued the bill doesn't take into account what it called "the climate of uncertainty at the border" created by the Trump administration's recently adopted immigration policies. But Trudeau suggested it's better to be cleared for entry into the United States while in Canada, because travellers are protected under the Canadian charter of rights, as opposed to American laws. Bill C-23, the Preclearance Act, came up for second reading in the House of Commons on Tuesday. Introduced by Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale last June, it would replace and expand provisions of the Air Transport Preclearance Agreement signed between Canada and the United States in 2001. The two countries signed a new agreement in 2015 to expand border clearance and proponents say measures included in the bill will speed the flow of people and goods across the border. Under preclearance, travellers don't have to pass through customs in the U.S., because they've already done so before departing Canada. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers do not have peace officer status in Canada and cannot make arrests and that would not change under the proposed system. If an arrest were to be made, the U.S. officer would hold the person until a Canadian law-enforcement officer arrived. However, the bill would alter powers in at least one notable respect. Currently, someone could simply walk out of a preclearance area should they change their mind about crossing the border into the U.S. Under the new system, a U.S. border officer could ask the person to identify themselves and say why they were withdrawing. If the American officer suspected the person had violated Canadian law, the individual could be questioned further or even detained. Should the officer come to believe a Canadian law had been breached, the person would be handed over to Canadian authorities. Any U.S. preclearance activities in Canada would have to be carried out in a manner consistent with Canadian law, including the charter and the Canadian Human Rights Act. New measures would be reciprocal, meaning they would apply equally to any Canada Border Services Agency officers conducting preclearance in the U.S. Critics have concerns about the legislation, arguing that it would lead to the erosion of rights of people travelling both to the United States and Canada. The bill "does not address Canadians' concerns about being interrogated, detained and turned back at the border based on race, religion, travel history or birthplace as a result of policies that may contravene the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms," NDP public safety critic Matthew Dube said in putting forward a motion that could effectively kill the bill. "What we're seeing right now is a reality where people are being discriminated against at the border," Dube told reporters. "Given that reality, we have serious concerns about these new, extra powers being given to American agents." Photo: Wikipedia Paramedics were called to British Columbia's legislature to treat a member of the house who fell ill during question period. Ralph Sultan, the Liberal member for West Vancouver-Capilano, was escorted from the chamber by several legislature members and treated shortly afterwards by paramedics on Wednesday. Sultan, who is 84, has experienced health issues in the past at the legislature. Paramedics were seen wheeling a stretcher to the area of the legislature where Sultan was waiting. Deputy premier Rich Coleman told the legislature shortly after paramedics arrived that Sultan was not feeling well during question period but was later feeling better. He says Sultan believes he was suffering from a minor flu, but will be back at the legislature soon. Photo: Devour! The world's largest foodie film festival will be coming back to the South Okanagan for the second year in a row. Devour! The Food Film Fest was created in 2009 in Nova Scotia to celebrate film, food and culture. In 2016 it made its first cross-country stopover in Osoyoos. This year, the festival is set to expand its stop in Osoyoos, bringing events throughout the South Okanagan. The first Devour! at Watermark Beach Resort was a huge success, and we are thrilled that this years festival has grown to incorporate the surrounding area, the festival's creator Michael Howell said. The South Okanagan is one of the top food and wine destinations in the country, and provides the perfect backdrop for celebrating Canadas excellent culinary and film offerings. The event is expected to last three days from May 5 to 7, highlighting food, drink and culture. Events include a film-inspired gala dinner featuring B.C. chefs, tasting tours, cooking demonstrations, a champagne brunch, cocktail reception and more. More information can be found at the Osoyoos tourism website. Photo: Netflix Neil Patrick Harris is eyeing property in British Columbia. The actor posted a message on Twitter Wednesday saying he is thinking about heading back to Vancouver for a while and asked anyone have a sweet penthouse in Yaletown that they arent using?" The How I Met You Mother TV star recently finished filming the Netflix show A Series of Unfortunate Events. Harris, who stars as the villainous Count Olaf in the Netflix show, asked that anyone who has an abode up for grabs to contact him at [email protected] Many people on Twitter responded saying he is more than welcome to crash at their place. Have a gloomy basement in East Hastings, said one person on Twitter. And another user named Lelizebeb said she is looking for a roommate. A second season of A Series of Unfortunate Events, has yet to be confirmed by Netflix. Photo: Facebook Like her two brothers before her, Juno the polar bear is going to be leaving the Toronto Zoo for an extended visit at Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park Zoo. Fifteen-month-old Juno was born in the Toronto facility in November 2015. Next week she will be moved to the Journey to Churchill exhibit in Winnipeg, where she will be given opportunities to socialize and engage with other polar bears her age. Juno is the little sister of Hudson and Humphrey, two Toronto-born polar bear brothers who spent a few years at the Winnipeg zoo before returning home last year. Upon arrival, Juno will undergo a standard 30-day quarantine before being introduced to cubs Nanuq and Siku. They are both living at the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre, and are close to Junos age. We are privileged to have an internationally award-winning Arctic exhibit that can be home to many polar bears at the same time, all of whom help us educate visitors about the impacts of climate change on their species, said Gary Lunsford, the zoos senior director of animal management and conservation. Having Juno come to Assiniboine Park Zoo will give her the opportunity to learn from and develop alongside other polar bears her age. This will be very beneficial to her as she continues to mature." Photo: Contributed The City of Vancouver is launching another court case in a bid to derail Kinder Morgan's proposed pipeline expansion. Council members have voted to go ahead with a judicial review of the provincial government's environmental assessment of the Trans Mountain project. In June, the city filed another court challenge aimed at quashing the National Energy Board's recommended approval of the $6.8-billion project. The federal government has already approved the expansion, which would triple the capacity of a pipeline that runs from near Edmonton to Metro Vancouver, and increase tanker traffic in the Burrard Inlet seven-fold. B.C. Premier Christy Clark said last month that all five of the province's conditions for approving the project had been met, including First Nations participation and the creation of world-leading oil spill response and prevention plans. Several other groups, including the Squamish Nation, the Living Oceans Society and the Raincoast Conservation Foundation, have filed their own applications for judicial review of the project. (Roundhouse Radio, The Canadian Press) Photo: The Canadian Press Long before they were called selfies, Karl Baden snapped a simple black and white photo of himself. Then he repeated it, every day, for the next three decades. Baden's "Every Day" project officially turns 30 on Thursday and he says he has no intention of stopping. The stark contemplation on mortality and aging has prompted some to dub the Boston College professor the unwitting "father of the selfie." The 64-year-old Cambridge resident grumbles at comparisons to the pouty face, self-congratulatory portraits that fill Instagram and Facebook. But he recognizes the ubiquity of the "selfie" a word that didn't become widespread until this decade has helped raise the profile of the project, which has been exhibited in art galleries in Boston, New York City and elsewhere over the years. "If it wasn't for the selfie craze, I'd probably be slogging along in anonymity as usual," Baden joked this week. "Which is sort of what I had expected." Baden quietly launched his project on Feb. 23, 1987, the day after Andy Warhol died and nearly two decades before Facebook emerged. He tries to remain faithful to that first image, posing with the same neutral facial expression and using the same 35mm camera, tripod, backdrop and lighting. "The act itself is like brushing your teeth," he said. "I'll just take the picture and get on with the rest of my day. It's not a holy ritual or anything." Approaching 11,000 photos, the changes in Baden's appearance over time don't appear dramatic. But in 2001, Baden underwent chemotherapy to treat prostate cancer and became noticeably thinner. And there's been just one day over the past 30 years where Baden admits he neglected to take a photo: Oct. 15, 1991. "It was a dumb moment of forgetfulness," he said. Photo: Twitter A chilling 911 call made by a panicked supervisor has been played in court at the trial of a man accused of murdering two co-workers and wounding others during an attack at an Edmonton grocery warehouse in 2014. Jurors heard the tape of Loblaws supervisor Michael Benti pleading with the attacker while a 911 operator tries to get him to give her information. Jayme Pasieka, 32, faces 10 charges including first-degree murder and attempted murder. He has pleaded not guilty. Several co-workers testified Wednesday, including one who said he was stabbed multiple times. Mahmoud Ayesh described Pasieka as "angry but calculated," adding it didn't seem like he was out of control. "I tried to push him off and he just continued to aim for my chest and poke me with something," said Ayesh. Others said throughout the attack, Pasieka was either yelling or speaking. "He said he hates us," testified Axamed Mektar, who was also stabbed. Several said no one at the warehouse had previous problems with the accused. Prosecutor Kim Goddard has told the jury evidence will show that Pasieka planned the attack, buying knives at a West Edmonton Mall store before going to the warehouse. "This is not a whodunit," Goddard told the jury in her opening statement. "He went there with a plan to kill anyone and everyone." Thierno Bah, 41, and Fitzroy Harris, 50, were killed. Four other men were sent to hospital with serious injuries, including one with a stab wound to the chest, one with three stab wounds to his chest and one to his kidney and another who was stabbed in the face. Photo: USGS A magnitude 4.4 earthquake rumbled off the coast of British Columbia late Wednesday night. Natural Resources Canada says it struck southwest of Port Alice on northern Vancouver island at a depth of about 10 kilometres. The federal agency says there are no reports of damage and none are expected. The U.S. Geological Survey has pegged the quake's strength at magnitude 4.8 and centred it 166 kilometres southwest of Port Hardy, B.C. The USGS also says a magnitude 4.2 earthquake struck western Washington about 54 kilometres west-southwest of Seattle. The Mason County Sheriff's Office says some alarm systems went off but there were no reports of slides or other damage. Photo: Twitter Two of Canada's friendliest provinces are in a polite tug of war over which can claim bragging rights as the catalyst of Confederation. Two Prince Edward Island federal politicians MP Wayne Easter and Senator Diane Griffin have each introduced bills intended to have Charlottetown recognized as the birthplace of Confederation. This comes after New Brunswick revealed its slogan for Canada 150 celebrations: "Celebrate Where It All Began." "It's hugely important for tourism and of course that's why the Confederation Bridge is named such," Griffin said Wednesday. "And adjacent to Province House in Charlottetown is the Confederation Centre of the Arts, which was built at the 100 year mark after the Charlottetown conference to commemorate the Fathers of Confederation." New Brunswick Tourism Minister John Ames said it was his province's then-lieutenant-governor, Arthur Hamilton Gordon, who suggested a meeting in Fredericton in 1863, but the meeting was eventually held in Charlottetown. "I agree that Prince Edward Island is the 'Cradle of Confederation,' but I'd like to augment that by saying that New Brunswick had a significant role in it, too," Ames said in a statement Wednesday. Island MP Wayne Easter introduced a private member's bill last year. "The purpose of the legislation is to place in statute the recognition extended by proclamation of the government of the Right Hon. Jean Chretien, in September 1996, namely that Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, be recognized as the birthplace of Confederation," Easter said in the House of Commons. But Griffin said she's concerned Easter's bill could die on the order paper, as did an earlier bill from another Liberal MP, Sean Casey. She introduced her own bill in the Senate last week. She laughed when told about New Brunswick's position on the birthplace of Confederation. "That's pretty neat. It shows the importance of Confederation, is what it shows," she said. "The meeting actually occurred in Charlottetown. People came down from Canada and the other Maritime provinces, so I feel pretty justified in calling Charlottetown the birthplace of Confederation." Photo: SFU Police are investigating a sexual assault at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby. A woman was attacked Tuesday evening as she walked from her class to a parking lot, RCMP say. The victim heard a noise behind her and was grabbed by a man who sexually assaulted her before running off when voices were heard nearby. The assault happened about 7:30 p.m. The suspect is described as tall, with a medium to heavy build and a deep voice. He was wearing a grey, long-sleeved shirt. Campus security are offering to escort women to their cars. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 604-294-7922 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). with files from CTV Vancouver Photo: The Canadian Press A student leaves Trinity Western University in Langley, B.C., on Wednesday, February 22, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to hear two appeals involving a British Columbia Christian university's efforts to have future graduates from its proposed law school accredited as lawyers. The cases pit religious freedom against gay and lesbian rights. The dispute stems from Trinity Western Universitys so-called community covenant, which bans sexual intimacy outside of heterosexual marriage and which critics say discriminates against people in the LGBTQ community who are looking to enter the legal profession. The university won in British Columbia, where an appeal court overturned a law society refusal to accredit its graduates, but lost in Ontario, where the law society refused accreditation. The Nova Scotia Barristers Society lost twice in court against Trinity Western and has said it doesnt plan to appeal. As usual, the Supreme Court gave no reasons for deciding to hear the cases. Photo: Contributed Toronto police say they're investigating a complaint about a small anti-Muslim protest held outside a city mosque last week. Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu says police received a complaint this week about the incident, which took place last Friday. She says the force's hate crimes unit is involved in the investigation. The demonstration, reportedly consisting of about a dozen participants, took place outside the Masjid Toronto. Images on social media showed protesters carrying signs with anti-Muslim slogans as worshippers were entering the mosque. Sidhu says police also received a second different complaint involving the mosque this week that police are looking into, but she could not provide details on the allegations involved. The Muslim Association of Canada, which runs the mosque, says it recently learned that "an inappropriate supplication that was offensive to those of Jewish faith" was made at the mosque last summer. The association has apologized for the incident and says it condemns all forms of hate and racism towards any faith group. A spokeswoman says the incident involved a junior employee at the mosque who made the supplication in Arabic. On the issue of the protest, the association has said it is thankful to Canadians who expressed their support for the mosque. The two police investigations involving the mosque come as Parliament grapples with controversy around an anti-Islamophobia motion from a Liberal MP. Conservative MPs have argued that the Liberal motion singles out one religious group over others and could potentially curtail Canadians' freedom to criticize any aspect of Islam because it doesn't define the term Islamophobia Photo: Contributed The Supreme Court of Canada says expert testimony may be admitted in drugged-driving trials without a preliminary examination of the evidence. The high court decision today in the case of an Ottawa motorist could pave the way for speedier justice in cases involving suspected drug impairment at the wheel. In May 2009, Carson Bingley cut off a driver, crossed the centre line and drove into the opposite lane, nearly striking oncoming traffic, and soon after he bumped a car in a parking lot. He failed sobriety tests administered by a drug recognition expert and admitted to smoking marijuana, but was acquitted of driving while drug-impaired despite the expert's evidence, which the judge found could be admitted without a voir dire, or preliminary examination of the evidence. An appeal led to a second trial, where a judge found that the evidence must be vetted in a voir dire and the subsequent preliminary examination led the judge to rule the expert evidence inadmissible, resulting in a second acquittal. The Crown successfully appealed again, a third trial was ordered and the Supreme Court ruling means that trial will go ahead. Photo: CTV Vancouver It appears desperate people have taken to reselling food bank donations on the streets in Vancouver. A CTV Vancouver hidden camera investigation shot a man in Vancouvers Downtown Eastside trying to sell a bag full of food for cash. "It's fresh," the seller said of the groceries, which included bananas, oranges, milk and rice. Asked where it all came from, the man replied, "It's from my food bank, man." Its not clear which food bank the groceries came from, but CEO of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Aart Schuurman Hess was not quick to judge. "When I hear that, I find it very, very unfortunate," Hess said, "We do know that families and individuals are sometimes scrambling for dollars just to pay their rents, so they're selling food just to sustain themselves." Hess said 26,500 people use their food bank services each week and resellers represent just a drop in the bucket. "Most people that access the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, they really need that food," he told CTV Vancouver. Jeremy Hunka of the Union Gospel Mission, which also operates a food bank, was also sympathetic. "People tend to things they would never otherwise consider if they feel they don't have another option, Hunka said. The Greater Vancouver Food Bank said they are not really concerned about preventing similar behaviour, noting it could make users feel scrutinized. "We've made the barrier as low as possible," Hess said. "We provide dignity and respect to our members." with files from CTV Vancouver Photo: @VSAMaintenance Highway crews are making progress in clearing a rockslide which has closed Highway 12 between Lytton and Lillooet since Saturday. The slide came down 14 km north of Lytton after warm temperatures and rain caused stability problems for slopes in the area. The stretch of road is now open to single lane alternating traffic, with closures at top of the hour for clean up. DriveBC reports the road will be open for 5-10 minutes to allow traffic through, between 7am-5pm. Photo: Contributed Manitoba's premier says the federal government needs to move beyond talking points on an influx of people who have jumped the border from the U.S. seeking asylum in Canada. Brian Pallister says Ottawa needs to stop arguing that there are fewer asylum-seekers now than there were 15 years ago and address what is going on today. The Tory premier made the comments as he announced the opening of 14 new emergency shelter spaces to house refugee claimants in Manitoba. The province is also moving paramedics to the border near the community of Emerson to help local emergency crews deal with people who make the frigid walk into Canada. Pallister reiterated that an influx of refugee claimants coming from the United States is a national issue that needs a national plan. He says the situation is an opportunity to improve how the asylum system functions and the federal government has not yet pursued it. Photo: Contributed A long-standing Penticton business is the latest to be targeted in a break and enter in downtown Penticton. The Bumwrap, on the 200 block of Main Street, was broken into at about 4:30 a.m. Thursday morning, according to owner Donny Ellis. Ellis said someone threw a rock through the front door to gain access and made off with watches and over a dozen pairs of sunglasses. They broke the glass on a display case to gain access to the Maui Jim shades. The value of the watches is estimated at $1,000, while the sunglasses were worth about $3,000. It will cost Ellis about $1,000 to fix the front door. "You feel a little bit violated, but it's almost one of those things that you expect to have happen at some point, especially with all the break ins in the area recently," said Ellis. "It's just untimely because of the time of the year." The RCMP are investigating the incident. Photo: Contributed A Penticton woman is suing the city for a tumble she took while jogging over the Andrew McCulloch trestle bridge. In a lawsuit filed Wednesday in Penticton, local fitness trainer Brenda Fenske claims she was running over the bridge on Oct. 11, 2015 when she tripped on a bolt protruding from the trestle surface. The fall resulted in a fractured and sprained left hand, soft tissue injury and abrasions. The civil claim states the injuries have continued to cause pain, wage loss and diminished housemaking capacity. Fenske alleges negligence, for failing to to keep the bridge safe or give the plaintiff or any other persons any or adequate warning of the danger posed by the protruding bolts on the premises. The claim seeks general and special damages, past and future costs of healthcare and legal costs. The City of Penticton has not filed a response to the lawsuit, none of the allegations have been proven in court. Photo: VPD Vancouver has recorded its first fatal traffic accident of 2017. A 39-year-old Vancouver man has died following a collision Wednesday morning between a motorcycle and a car. Just after 7 a.m., the southbound motorcycle collided with a blue Audi making a left turn at MacDonald Street and West Broadway. The motorcycle rider was rushed to hospital, where he died from his injuries. The two occupants of the Audi were not injured. Police are investigating the crash, and witnesses are asked to call the VPD at 604-717-3012. Photo: CBSA The Canada Border Services Agency says a pair of firearms seizures from two brothers entering Canada at Aldergrove has resulted in guilty pleas. On May 31, 2016, Jason Beverett was caught bringing an undeclared .40 calibre handgun and two loaded magazines across the line in his luggage. In a separate incident on the same day, moments after his brother was referred for an examination, Arthur Beverett was referred for a secondary examination. A search found a 9mm handgun and loaded magazine inside the toolboxes in his trailer. Both were immediately arrested and charged. Both men entered guilty pleas for making false statements and possession of a prohibited firearm late last year and were sentenced to just under $4,000 in fines and 10-year firearms bans. The joint efforts by our border services officers and criminal investigators demonstrate their collaboration and commitment to ensure the safety of Canada and its residents," said Daniela Evans with the CBSA. "We remind all travellers to declare their firearms or rather, leave their handguns at home. If ever in doubt, our officers are here to answer all your questions. Photo: Pixabay The rottweiler involved in an attack on a woman last week in Penticton has been put down, according to city of Penticton staff. Communications officer Mark Parker said animal control responded to a request from RCMP on Feb. 14 regarding an incident where a woman was bitten by her own dog and had to be evacuated out a bedroom window. City dog control attended the scene but were not asked to assist RCMP or remove the dog from the premises at that time. On Feb. 15, the dog's owner contacted animal control and voluntarily surrendered the dog to be euthanized. Photo: Wikipedia The federal budget watchdog says nearly $3 billion in planned government spending authorized by Parliament will go unspent this fiscal year. A large portion of that total almost a third is tied to the government's infrastructure program, said an analysis released Thursday by the parliamentary budget office. The Trudeau government has faced criticism over the slow movement of billions in new infrastructure spending that it promised in last year's budget. The budget office's report identified large amounts of authorized spending for this year that were "administratively frozen" in government estimates, the largest of which was $829 million allotted to Infrastructure Canada. The analysis also found that $366 million in spending this year had been frozen for National Defence, $192 million for Fisheries and Oceans Canada and $100 million for Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. These sums can no longer be spent by federal organizations in 2016-17. In most cases, some or all of that approved funding will be re-requested by the department the following year, said Mostafa Askari, assistant parliamentary budget officer. It can be reprofiled in the future, he added. "The Treasury Board identifies amounts that they don't want the departments to spend or they're sure that they're not going to spend," Askari said. "A big chunk of it is because of infrastructure. ... Obviously, they haven't been able to get all the money out and get all the infrastructure programs running." Askari said it's common for allotments to be frozen when it comes to federal departments that are involved in a lot of capital spending like Infrastructure, Defence, Fisheries and Oceans and Indian and Northern Affairs. "Parliamentarians may wish to inquire about the reasons why specific allotments have been frozen, which programs or projects have been affected and what delays in program implementation have led to the reprofiling of funds," the budget office report said. On infrastructure, the budget watchdog released a report this month that said departments had only identified $4.6 billion worth of projects out of the $13.6 billion in infrastructure money announced in last year's budget. That total was slated to be spent through March 2018. The budget watchdog warned of "a significant gap" in meeting that target. Photo: Google Maps A Nova Scotia man convicted of biting off part of a fellow mourners nose in a drunken brawl at a wake has been sentenced to six months in jail. Randall Edwin MacLean was convicted of aggravated assault last October. MacLean was drunk when he arrived at the 2014 wake for his old friend Howard Miller at a house in downtown Pictou, N.S. but he wasn't the only one. Judge Del Atwood said almost everyone present was inebriated and as will happen sometimes when a group of people have had too much to drink, a disagreement turned into a brawl. MacLean's lawyer, Joel Sellers, says that during the sentencing hearing in Pictou provincial court Tuesday, his client said he regretted what happened, but maintained that he did not intentionally bite Paul Gaudet's nose. MacLean is also facing 12 months of probation, a victim surcharge of $200, a DNA collection order and a 10-year firearm prohibition. Photo: The Canadian Press The Vancouver Pride Society has responded to demands that police be banned from marching in the city's annual Pride Parade with the suggestion that officers show up in fewer numbers and leave their uniforms at home. The society, which organizes the annual event, says its proposal was inspired by an open letter from a Vancouver chapter of Black Lives Matter, followed by six months of community consultations. The anti-racism activist group asked the Vancouver Police Department last summer to voluntarily withdraw from the march as "a show of solidarity and understanding" because the presence of uniformed officers makes some minority groups feel unsafe. The request came shortly after Black Lives Matter in Toronto blocked that city's parade until organizers agreed to demands that included barring police floats from future events. Last week in Vancouver, a group of transgender activists presented the Pride society with a petition urging it to allow police to participate in uniform, arguing that banning officers could undermine the positive relationship between the LGBTQ community and law enforcement. Police have marched in Vancouver's Pride Parade since 2002. Photo: The Canadian Press Thousands of fentanyl-laced pills described by police as "potential doses of death" and nearly two dozen guns were seized this week as officers arrested 18 people in an international investigation into organized crime, Ontario Provincial Police said Thursday. Hundreds of officers fanned out through parts of Ontario and Quebec as part of calculated, simultaneous raids on 22 locations on Wednesday, seizing pills containing the deadly opioid fentanyl and 23 firearms, OPP Deputy Commissioner Rick Barnum told a news conference. "By dismantling a criminal operation of this magnitude, we've literally prevented more than 11,000 doses of death of fentanyl and illegal guns from killing people in our communities," Barnum said. The investigation began by targeting multiple criminal groups trafficking firearms and drugs along the Highway 401 corridor between the Greater Toronto Area and Montreal, he said. Investigators then found that drugs were also being smuggled from Canada into the United States, and Drug Enforcement Agency officials in Connecticut became involved in the operation, Barnum said. The 18-month investigation known as Project Silkstone also involved the RCMP, Quebec provincial police, Montreal police and the Canada Border Services Agency. Over the course of the probe, OPP say investigators seized 11,500 pills containing fentanyl, eight kilograms of cocaine and 7.5 kilograms of ecstasy, among other drugs and drug equipment. Barnum said the fentanyl products were being produced in Montreal and moved into Ontario. He said that was further proof fentanyl is not only being sold as an opioid, but also as a cutting agent mostly for economic reasons. "We have audio recordings of drug traffickers who callously admitted that the enormous profits that can be made from fentanyl far outweighs the potential overdose deaths that can come about as a result of them dealing these drugs," Barnum said. Photo: Thinkstock.com The number of Canadians registered to purchase medical marijuana from licensed producers has exploded since the federal commercial-access program was introduced almost four years ago. The most recent Health Canada figures show that at the end of last year, almost 130,000 Canadians had signed up with the country's 38 licensed cannabis producers. That's a 32 per cent jump from the more than 98,000 registered at the end of September 2016 and up from the 7,900 granted access to medicinal cannabis in mid-2014. But the surge in demand has many wondering: do all these patients have a legitimate medical need or are some using the system to get recreational pot before it's legalized, as the Liberal government has promised to do this year? Toronto family practitioner Dr. John Goodhew, who supports cannabis use for therapeutic applications like pain, says he has seen a definite rise in the number of patients seeking prescriptions for the drug. Goodhew believes some patients have legitimate medical conditions, while others want high-quality, medical-grade marijuana to "feel good." He says he prescribes cannabis only for patients he knows well, but that it can be difficult for physicians to tease out those who want the drug just to get high. Photo: Contributed RCMP are thanking a Canada Post employee for helping solve a case involving a nude toddler who went missing in Prince George. The three-year-old boy was wearing nothing but rubber boots when he was found. Temperatures in Prince George were barely nudging zero, when RCMP Cpl. Craig Douglass says the child was spotted in the Spruceland neighbourhood. Douglass says the matter was turned over to child welfare authorities, and officers concluded no crime had occurred. Douglass says an RCMP tracking dog was brought in to trace the youngster's steps, but the animal had lost the trail until the postal worker noticed some snowy footsteps overlooked by others. "We were able to track them back. I'm sure, eventually, we probably would have got there, but the employee certainly sped things up, which was nice," says Douglass. "I know how kids move, and sometimes they just slip by," he says. Photo: Contributed Canadian tax authorities are on track to recover at least an additional $400 million this year as part of a campaign to crack down on tax evasion by big international companies and wealthy individuals, particularly those using offshore tax havens, a top official says. The Liberal government provided extra cash to the Canada Revenue Agency in last year's budget to pursue wealthy tax cheats. The agency is "ahead of plan" in terms of hitting its target, says Ted Gallivan, assistant commissioner at CRA's compliance programs branch. "I don't think raising the revenue is going to be a challenge for us because we have a strong record of generating tax revenue by identifying non-compliance," Gallivan said. The $400 million is a small fraction of the $13 billion CRA is expected to recover from its audits in this fiscal year, but it is expected to grow. The 2016 federal budget included $444.4 million over five years to help the agency crack down on wealthy tax cheats. The program is expected to garner $2.6 billion in extra tax revenue over that period. The extra money in the budget has been used to hire staff and start building the information technology infrastructure to review large international transfers of money in real time. Gallivan says CRA has been careful in spending the extra money, adding to the ranks of auditors for large multinational companies, targeting promoters of illegal tax schemes and beefing up the criminal investigation teams with lawyers at the earliest stages. "It allowed us to ramp up the pressure in many areas without decreasing the pressure in other areas," he said. University of Ottawa tax law professor Vern Krishna called the $400 million remarkable, but expressed skepticism regarding the figure, noting that the appeal process at CRA can take a long time. Gallivan said the agency is also reviewing its voluntary disclosure rules with an aim to tighten that program. The program can reduce penalties for those who notify authorities when they have failed to pay their taxes. CRA estimates the program will help identify $1 billion in income that might otherwise have been hidden this year. Photo: Contributed One of the two dispensaries operating without a temporary use permit in Penticton has closed its doors. Okanagan Cannabis Solutions opened up shop in mid-January about a month after city council denied the store a temporary use permit to operate in the city and has faced weekly $250 fines followed by daily fines of $500. A sign has now appeared on the stores front door, indicating that the store has closed its doors due to the decision from mayor and council. Due to our continuing conflict with the mayor and the city council, we are temporarily closing our doors until a resolution is reached, the sign reads. The citys development services director Anthony Haddad says the move is welcomed by the city. Its a good sign; were going to continue to work with them to ensure they do not operate in the city, Haddad said, adding that the decision to close may reflect well on the shop if it applies after promised federal legislation comes through to legalize marijuana recreationally. I think its fair to say that well definitely be looking at the history of their previous operations in the city. In December, council voted in favour of permitting two pot shops to operate in the city, while the remaining five applicants were denied, including Okanagan Cannabis Solutions and Herbal Green Apothecary. A recent B.C. Supreme Court ruling, cheered by the city, has given municipalities a stronger hand on the matter, with a decision giving cities the power to regulate pot shops. Castanet has reached out to Okanagan Cannabis Solutions previously, but the store has a no-comment policy. Meanwhile, Herbal Green Apothecary remains open on Westminster Avenue, despite a lack of a business licence. Haddad says staff will be coming to council sometime in March to begin the process of getting a court injunction on Herbal Green. Each shop has been fined between $12,000 and $15,000 in fines, according to Haddad, who says Herbal Green will continue getting the $500 daily fines. Some issues are still ongoing with Okanagan Cannabis Solutions namely a sign out front that advertises it is selling an illegal product. But Haddad says the fines have ceased for the business, as the city works with it to get the sign removed. A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the shops had paid their fines. British Columbia's environment minister has cancelled a waste discharge permit for the company operating a controversial dumping site for contaminated soil on Vancouver Island. Mary Polak says in a statement that effective immediately the permit for Cobble Hill Holdings has been cancelled because the company has failed to meet disclosure requirements on outstanding non-compliance issues. Last month, the Environment Ministry suspended the permit for the company's operations in an old quarry near Shawnigan Lake, about 25 kilometres north of Victoria. Polak's statement says the company was given 15 business days to provide three documents, including an irrevocable letter of credit, but only two of the documents were provided. Numerous protests by a residents group against the facility have been underway since 2013 when the ministry approved the permit for dumping annually up to 100,000 tonnes of contaminated soil within the Shawnigan Lake watershed. Polak's statement says her ministry is ensuring material on the property is managed in a way that does not present a risk to human health or the environment. I was very disappointed to view the poll on Syrian refugees on Castanet this morning. Over 70% of the voters support a Trump style ban on Syrian refugees in Canada. People here need to remember that most of Canada's population is based on immigrants within the last 80-90 years. I have always been proud of Canada's global reputation for being a kind, compassionate and respectful nation. Let's not fall into the hatred and segregation the United States is being plagued with right now. These refugees need safe places to support their families, and we can not make blanket generalizations about a race or religion based on the actions of few. Let's keep up Canada's great reputation. Darcy Langhorn I feel obligated to write this after seeing the Castanet poll on banning Syrian refugees and how there is a vast majority who support a Trump-style ban. If Syria was a predominantly Christian country, there would be no talk of a ban. Our doors would be open to these people who are fleeing the mass murder and the raining down of bombs that is occurring in their country. Conditions are so poor that they are risking their lives to flee. But because they are from a Muslim country, we feel that we should be banning them. Don't pretend that is not the reason behind it. I had the privilege of travelling through Syria in 1999. I found the people to be incredibly kind to me. I was 18 at the time, traveling alone and I'm female. Based on what I had experienced in other countries prior to arriving in Syria, I should have been chronically harassed, however I found the Syrians to be very open, kind, and willing to go out of their way to help me. It breaks my heart to see what has happened to their country. We are a country of immigrants. Our immigration policy is open to everybody, not just white, Christian people. Syrian immigrants go through a lengthy vetting process that can take years to complete. The immigration process does not just let in random people where we know nothing about them besides what they put on their Facebook page. There are issues with immigrants in Europe, but it is a completely different set of circumstances. Immigrants are flooding the borders and there is no vetting that takes place before they arrive. Canada gets to pick and choose who they let in and only let in those who pass the rigorous process. Put yourself in the shoes of Syrian immigrants before you want to ban them. Imagine if your children were dying because bombs were falling from the sky. Imagine if you were getting gassed by chemical weapons your own government was deploying on you. Imagine if you were dodging sniper bullets trying to secure food for your family. Imagine if you could become "disappeared" for speaking out against your government. Imagine if you had to leave everything behind because your country was too unsafe to live in. Hate breeds hate. Fear is the product that's being pushed by Trump's America and we are buying in to it. We should be welcoming Syrian immigrants who have made it to Canada, not being suspicious of them because they are Muslim. All they want a safe and secure future. Let's not forget our past. Look at the Japanese internment camps from World War II. Is that where we are heading again? Kristina Smith Fans of Thala Ajith have reasons to rejoice as the second look, teaser and trailer of actor's upcoming film, Vivegam are slated to be released soon. Directed by Siva and produced by TG Thyagarajan under his banner, Sathya Jyothi Films, the film marks the third collaboration of Ajith Siva duo after Veeram and Vedalam. Siva announced in an event held at Kongu Engineering College, Erode. "First look poster of Vivegam was not made under VFX works. Thala Ajith worked hard to get that look you see in the official first look. Vivegam will not only satisfy Thala fans, but also entertain other actor fans well. One final schedule of shoot is left out, which will be commenced soon in Bulgaria," he added. The first look poster, which had released online on January 31, features Thala Ajith in a beefed up avatar flaunting his six-pack abs for the first time with the usual salt and pepper hair style. The Vivegam poster comes with a caption Believe In Yourself. Vivegam also marks the Tamil debut of Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi and Kamal Haasans daughter, Akshara Haasan. The Company actor plays the main antagonist where as Akshara portrays the roles of Ajiths colleague in the film. Kajal Aggarwal will be seen in the role of Ajiths wife in Vivegam. The Tennessee Environmental Council is in the midst of orchestrating the largest volunteer community tree-planting event in Tennessee history. This Friday, more than 20,000 volunteer tree-planters from all 95 counties statewide are picking up their free native seedlings, including Oak, Tulip Poplar, Red Bud, American Plum and Virginia Pine, and preparing to plant them this Saturday. All 100,000 seedlings have been claimed by volunteer planters, so there are no more trees available for this event, this year. Friends of East Brainerd and the D.A.R. will be hosting an event to support troops on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Heritage House Arts and Civic Center, 1428 Jenkins Road. This is a free event with special guest Lt. Radzyminski, who has just returned from a 10-month tour in Iraq. Attendees are asked to please drop off items to be shipped overseas to our troops. Items being collected include coffee, creamers, lip balm, hand sanitizer, wipes, lotion, sunscreen and snack foods. All items must be in new packages. Also for those who have an affinity to sew, or who are adventurous to try, participants will be completing hand made hearts to send to soldiers and sailors. Speaker Beth Harwell created a task force on opioid and prescription drug abuse, and appointed Representative Kevin Brooks to serve on the panel. The task forces immediate goal will be to work on legislation, but its efforts will be ongoing to determine the best strategies for tackling the opioid epidemic, officials said. Tennessee is consistently ranked at the top of the charts nationally with regards to prescription drug abuse.This epidemic truly hits close to home in my district, said Rep.Brooks. Sadly, we have lost too many of our best and brightest in Bradley County from high school students, to college-aged, to the middle-aged. The opioid epidemic must be addressed immediately. I am thankful for the leadership of Speaker Beth Harwell and Speaker Pro Tem Curtis Johnson in forming this Opioid Task Force in Tennessee. I will offer my full support on behalf of the many families affected in Cleveland and Bradley County."In 2015, 1,451 Tennesseans died from drug overdoses, the highest annual number in the states history. In addition, the number of babies born who have been chronically exposed to opioids is high, particularly in East Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Health reports that from 2000 to 2012, the rate of babies born with exposure increased 15 fold."The Centers for Disease Control estimates that prescription opioid abuse has a total economic burden of $78.5 billion per year in the United States. There is an estimated $7.7 billion criminal justice cost across the country," officials said.I appreciate Rep. Brooks willingness to serve on this task force. I have asked the members to delve into the issue, look at pilot programs, and study where needs are the greatest. I believe we can create some comprehensive solutions to this epidemic, said Speaker Harwell.This task force presents an opportunity to have a very serious conversation about opioid and prescription drug abuse in our state. Im honored Speaker Harwell has placed her trust in me to work with my colleagues to find a solution to this devastating epidemic we face in Tennessee, said Rep. Brooks. Indiana has passed on trade offers for Paul George and All-Star forward will remain with the Pacers, league sources tell @TheVertical February 23, 2017 Larry Bird was reportedly asking for 3 key players from the Celtics and the '17 Nets pick. With that asking price, no surprise nothing got done. Pacers were only moving George for an overpay. Ainge wasn't looking to get taken to the woodshed. Despite Windhorst's report that a George trade was likely , in the end like most rumors nothing happened. The Celtics will likely revisit talks with Indiana this summer. Indonesia: Semen Padang starts exports to Australia ICR Newsroom By 23 February 2017 Semen Padang, a subsidiary of PT Semen Indonesia, has started exporting cement to Australia as the company looks to broaden its customer base beyond the highly-competitive Indonesian market. In a first shipment the company delivered 22t of cement to Sydney. "The realised export to Australia, known as a difficult market to penetrate because of its strict [import] requirements, proves that the quality of Semen Padangs products is something that the company can be proud of," Antara news agency quoted Semen Padangs Commercial Director, Pudjo Suseno, as saying after he launched the first shipment to Australia in Meratus Minahasa V.1705S from Teluk Bayur Port in Padang, West Sumatra. In 2016 Semen Padang exported 0.396Mt of cement and 90,000t of clinker to Asian countries such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Philippines and aims to supply overseas markets with 0.571Mt of cement this year. Published under Lafarge Algeria to export clinker from 2018 ICR Newsroom By 23 February 2017 Lafarge Algeria is preparing to export grey clinker from its local plants from 2018. The group already exports white cement from its Oggaz plants in the Mascara wilaya. "It is part of government policy to promote exports. There will be cement overcapacity in late 2017 compared to all the projects that are launched. We are preparing with other (cement manufacturers) to be able to export clinker from 2018, "says Serge Dubois, PR director at Lafarge Algeria. However, he emphasised that certain prerequisites must be met before exports commence. These include the availability of logistics equipment and appropriate port infrastructure designation. Therefore, the company has issued a call for expression of interest to suppliers and equipment suppliers to load clinker into ships. The LafargeHolcim-owned cement producer hopes to benefit from the increased demand in west Africa as well as reconstruction efforts in Libya. In the longer-term, Syria is also considered a viable market once it enters the reconstruction phase. Published under Remember the theme song of the classic TV comedy, The Beverly Hillbillies? It told how Jed Clampett and his family struck it rich on their homestead: And up through the ground come a bubblin crude. Oil that is, black gold, Texas tea. Wouldnt it be fun to make a similar discovery in our own back yards?But the Hillbillies ditty didnt tell the whole story. Finding crude oil is just the beginning of a complex process. Typically, its not bubblin out of the ground. Theres a lot involved in discovering where raw petroleum can be located, then extracted from the ground, refined for a wide array of uses, including gasoline and motor oil, and only then taken to market.My friend, Clarence, and I were talking about this as he shared the idea for a book hes hoping to write.(I wont elaborate on that Ill wait until its published.) But as we talked, it occurred to us that this process exploration and discovery, extraction, refining, and implementation applies to many areas of life.For instance, recently Ive learned two friends have daughters with great artistic promise. Their talents seem almost prodigious. But knowing they have innate abilities in the arts isnt enough. Theyll need to draw it out, pursue ways to develop it, and then learn how to utilize it not only for personal enjoyment but also as a potential livelihood.The same can be said of people with natural leadership abilities, people skilled in various crafts, schoolteachers, accountants, scientists, chefs and so on. What do they have a knack for and a passion? How can they start extracting those abilities that lie within, refining them, and putting them to use for the benefit of many?The psalmist wrote of God, For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:13-16).I believe this passage speaks of much more than prenatal development. It also refers to how God has uniquely designed each of us, providing unique personalities, talents and traits for use in life. Our challenge is to discover them (the crude oil the Lord has instilled in us), draw them out (with the help of others), nurture them for usefulness, and then put them to use.Theres one other important application for this process of exploration, extraction, refining and implementation. It involves the Bible, the Word of God.As a teen I read through the Scriptures, cover to cover, as a personal project. Just so I could say, Ive read the Bible. But during that endeavor, I didnt discover anything. I didnt extract anything. I certainly didnt refine, or implement anything I read. I simply read the 66 books to say that I had.Only years later, desiring to know God better and understand what being a follower of Jesus Christ means, did I begin the digging and learning, understanding and applying.The Scriptures clearly address these crucial steps: To believers in the city of Colossae, the apostle Paul wrote of discovery: the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lords people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:26-27).What are we to do with Gods truth after its been discovered? Were to extract and dig into it deeply: Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night (Psalm 1:1-1-2).Next comes the refining of wisdom and understanding of what God has entrusted to us. Paul wrote to his protege, Timothy: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).Finally, the Scriptures instruct us, dont just hold onto Gods truth and ponder it. Use it, as Paul admonished followers of Christ in the ancient city of Philippi: Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me put it into practice (Philippians 4:9).Years ago, The Navigators, a ministry of evangelism and discipleship, developed the Hand Illustration. It depicts five steps in mastering and utilizing biblical truth: Hear, read, study, memorize, meditate. This visual is helpful because if were diligent to implement each, then we cant help but do what the apostle told the Philippians. To offer a paraphrase, he was saying, Okay, you know it. Now do what it says! The Bibles not intended to remain just bubblin crude.---- On Friday, beginning at 9:45 a.m., the McDonalds restaurant at 4608 Highway 58, will give the first 14 customers to purchase a Chocolate Shamrock Shake, a limited-edition straw designed by a team of aerospace and robotic engineers. The Chocolate Shamrock Shake, one of four new seasonal McCafe beverages, has dual layers of chocolate shake below Shamrock Shake. The new recipe presented McDonald's a unique challenge to reinvent the shake experience. To deliver the ideal flavor ratio of 50% chocolate and 50% mint in each sip, versus enjoying each flavor separately with a traditional straw, McDonalds turned to engineering firms. JACE and NK Labs created the probably-more-revolutionary-th an-actually-needed Suction Tube for Reverse Axial Withdrawal (the STRAW). The STRAWs j-shape provides optimal flavor flow dynamics. Every year the Shamrock Shake is such a big hit in the Northern Alabama area, said Owner Operator Steven Overby. But with innovation to our McCafe beverages comes new and innovative ways to enjoy them. We mightve overdone it a bit with the STRAW, but its pretty cool to use it for the perfect sip of mint and chocolate flavors. Due to the STRAWs unique design, only 2,000 were produced in time for Shamrock season. The Chocolate Shamrock Shake is one of four new mint and chocolate flavored McCafe beverages now available at McDonalds locations nationwide for a limited time. Those beverages include: Chocolate Shamrock Shake: Vanilla soft serve and chocolate flavored syrup under the original mint flavored Shamrock Shake. Top it off with green sprinkles, whipped topping, and a cherry and its a match made in Shamrock heaven. Shamrock Chocolate Chip Frappe: Made with an indulgent blend of chocolate chips and a hint of coffee, topped with green sprinkles, whipped topping, and tantalizing chocolaty drizzle. Shamrock Mocha: The classic Hot Mocha just got minty. Made with sustainably sourced espresso beans from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms, steamed whole or nonfat milk, mint and mocha flavored syrup, and topped with whipped topping and delicious chocolaty drizzle. Shamrock Hot Chocolate: The delicious Hot Chocolate now with cool mint flavor. Made with steamed whole or nonfat milk, mint and mocha flavored syrup, and topped with whipped topping and chocolaty drizzle. As part of Shamrock season, McDonalds will donate $.25 from each McCafe Shamrock Chocolate beverage purchased to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) during the week of March 11-17. The iconic Shamrock Shake has been a key part of fundraising for RMHC since 1974 when the first Ronald McDonald House was opened. TWRA wildlife surveys managers recently explored a cave in East Tennessee that contains a large number of hibernating Gray Bats, a state and federally endangered species. Wildlife Surveys Managers Chris Ogle and Daniel Istvanko descended into a cave known as Rattlin' Pit in Cocke Co., which is owned by Newport Utilities. Joining them was a representative of the Southeastern Cave Conservancy. Inside the cave, the surveyors located an estimated 85,955 hibernating Gray bats, along with four Tri-colored bats, and two Big Brown bats. Because the cave contained such a large number of Gray bats, it is now considered a Tier 1 priority Gray bat hibernaculum and is the fourth largest Gray bat hibernaculum in Tennessee. According to Mr. Ogle, The Gray bat population in Tennessee is now estimated at 1.2 million, which is equal to the rough population estimate for their entire range when they were first listed as an endangered species. Gray bats are both state and federally endangered and were set to be de-listed until White Nosed Syndrome was found. Fortunately, Gray bats are not greatly impacted by WNS. Mr. Ogle reports that because the bats were waking up so quickly, they did not get to explore the cave thoroughly and will probably resurvey this cave in the winter every two years and do an emergence count in the summer. Additionally, the surveyors report band recoveries from Pearson Cave in Hawkins Co., as well as some from Virginia. Bats provide invaluable services to humans and natural ecosystems through pollination and pest control. Tennessee is home to 16 bat species and all feed almost exclusively on insects. In fact, bats are the only major predators of night-flying insects and a single bat may eat more than 50% of its own body weight in insects each night. This adds up to about 3,000 or more insects daily. NOTICE: The Hamilton County Registers Office did not publish this data. All information in the Registers Office is public information as set out in T.C.A. 10-7-503. For questions regarding this report, please call Chattanoogan.com at 423 266-2325. GI numbers, listed when street addresses are not available, refer to the location of transactions (book number and page number) in Hamilton County Register Office records. Last nights drawing for what grew to be a $435.3 million Powerball jackpot created 55,962 winning tickets in Tennessee, including two worth $50,000 each. Those were sold in Ooltewah and Munford, while the winning jackpot ticket was sold in Indiana. No additional details about the winners are available until the prizes are claimed. The Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department (TCVFD) celebrates its 38th annual awards banquet on Saturday, at 6:30 p.m. at the Chattanooga Trade and Convention Center, to recognize the service, contributions and achievements of its members. Many volunteers will be given awards for longevity and responses to alarms. Of note, Chief Duane Pitts will be honored for his 50 years of service, which began in 1966 as a young college student when he joined the department. TCVFD will recognize its chiefs, officers, and volunteers commitment that culminated in the recent upgrade to ISO class 3 rating in their area. This rating helps to decrease insurance premiums, particularly for businesses in the area. It will also celebrate the opening of the district 3 (Apison) station, and applaud the efforts, donations, and commitment of their business, community, and political leaders that made this possible. photo by Grant Dotson of Dotson Commercial photo by Grant Dotson of Dotson Commercial photo by Grant Dotson of Dotson Commercial photo by Grant Dotson of Dotson Commercial photo by Grant Dotson of Dotson Commercial Previous Next The best in Chattanooga advertising were recognized recently during the 50th annual American Advertising Awards, presented by American Advertising Federation of Chattanooga (AAF Chattanooga). The award ceremony took place on Saturday at the Camp House. The event was well attended by 145 professionals and students, said Brittany Lloyd, American Advertising Awards chair. Individuals of the local advertising and media community came out to celebrate the best of online/interactive, film/video & sound, print, cross platform and out-of home. Of the 280 total professional entries, 21 Gold ADDY awards and 40 Silver ADDYs were presented. A wide range of local advertising agencies, in-house marketing departments, and freelancers participated. Entries were judged based on creativity, originality, and creative strategy. A panel of three judges from across the nation reviewed and scored the work. The top award of the evening, Best of Show, went to the local group, Humanaut, for their Out-Of-Home Guerilla Campaign done for Organic Valley. The campaign involved a pop-up coffee shop in NYC, branding, ads, and a video. The Judges Choice award went to the Pathfinder for their video MouthTime (Chattanooga Perfect) done to promote the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce. This year, a new award, the Mosaic Award, was given to recognise work done to promote diversity and inclusion in advertising, marketing, storytelling, content, etc. The Mosaic Award went to 501 Studios for their video Tomorrow, done for Redemption School of Ministry. The Best of Show Student Entry was awarded to Joshua Yang of Southern Adventist University for his video entry, Big Brothers Big Sisters. Following is a list of the AAF Chattanooga American Advertising Awards winners: 501 Studios: 1 Gold ADAMS LITHO: 2 Gold Anne Bordash, Designer: 1 Silver Bill Cox, BC Create: 1 Silver Blue Cross Blue Shield: 1 Silver Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce: 1 Silver Humanaut: 2 Gold, 2 Silver The Johnson Group: 3 Gold, 28 Silver MayCreate: 2 Silver ndp: 3 Gold Super Chief: 7 Gold, 2 Silver Pathfinder: 3 Gold, 1 Silver The American Advertising Awards is a three-tiered advertising creative competition with the advertising industrys largest and most representative competition for creative excellence. Entry in the local Ad Club competition is the first step toward winning a national ADDY. At the second tier, local ADDY winners compete against winners from other local clubs in one of 15 district competitions. District ADDY winners are then forwarded to the third tier, the national stage of the American Advertising Awards. Five Jewish-themed, award-winning films produced in Israel, Hungary, Sweden, and Germany will be shown on five consecutive Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. beginning March 22 at the Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 North Terrace Road. These films are suitable for those 16 and older. Individual tickets are $7 per person and include complimentary popcorn and a soft drink. These films have garnered international film awards and nominations, and have received recognition at film festivals throughout the United States, Europe and Israel. For more information, contact the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga 493-0270. An event for individual and corporate sponsors of the Jewish Film Series will be held March 15 at 6 p.m. and feature a screening of the film Harmonia. In this film, Sarah, the harpist of the Jerusalem Philharmonic, is married to Abraham, the conductor of the orchestra. The story is told as the biblical story of Sarah, Abraham, Hagar, Yitzhak and Ishmael, from the book of Genesis, taking place in present day Israel. Click here for the trailer. For information about individual sponsorships, contact Ann Treadwell, program director, at 493-0270. The series schedule is as follows: March 22 The Womens Balcony 1 hour, 36 minutes Hebrew with English subtitles A close knit congregation fractures along gender lines after a catastrophe at their synagogue. The film shows the tensions and relationships between the different groups within Orthodox Judaism in Jerusalem, and provides a cautionary and universal tale about religious fundamentalism. Click here for the trailer. March 29 Fever at Dawn 1 hour, 40 minutes Swedish, Hungarian with English subtitles This is the story of a love born in the strangest of circumstances between two long-suffering survivors of the Holocaust. Their love overcomes all the obstacles in its path. The story is set in the Swedish rehabilitation camps during the autumn and winter of 1945. Click here for the trailer. April 5 1945 1 hour, 31 minutes Hungarian with English subtitles On an August day in 1945, two Orthodox Jews arrive at the train station of a European village with a mysterious box labeled fragrances. The town clerk fears the men may be heirs of the villages deported Jews and expects them to demand back their illegally acquired property, which was confiscated during the war. Other villagers are afraid more survivors will come and pose a threat to the property and possessions they have claimed as their own. (Trailer not yet available.) April 19 The Last Mensch 1 hour, 33 minutes German, Hungarian with English subtitles Born as Menachen Teitelbaum, Marcus Schwarz escaped from Auschwitz with his life, only to exterminate his Jewishness. When faced with his own mortality, Marcus sets out with an unlikely friend on a journey that will irrevocably change both of them. Click here for the trailer. April 26 AKA Nadia 1 hour, 55 minutes Hebrew, Arabic with English subtitles Maya is a happily married mother of two. She is a successful choreographer and everything seems perfect.but this life is a lie. Unbeknownst to her family and everyone around her, she has a hidden past. Click here for the trailer. An average of 25 films are reviewed by a committee of volunteers each year in order to choose six feature films. Films that have been screened at major national and international film festivals, recommended by peers throughout the United States, and brought to the committees attention by filmmakers are included in the selection process. Past selections have included Academy Award nominees and winners, as well as Israeli Ophir Award winners. Over the past 10 years the series has included films from 12 different countries. Award-winning journalist Ruth Ebenstein comes to Chattanooga to tell her story How to Laugh (and Cry) Through Breast Cancer during a brunch on Sunday at 11 a.m. During her presentation Ms. Ebenstein will Skype with her close friend and fellow breast cancer survivor Ibtisam Erekat, a Muslim Palestrina woman living in Israel. Diagnosed with breast cancer while nursing her baby, Ms. Ebenstein feared that she would die. Lumpectomy scars still healing, she joined an Israeli-Palestinian breast cancer support group, hoping to find something "good" in cancer. She found wonderful Ibtisam Erekat, a Muslim Palestinian woman whom she calls kin. Ms. Ebenstien models how to conquer the lines that divide and transform darkness into light. Ms. Ebenstein is an American-Israeli writer, historian and health activist who loves to laugh. She has published her writing on both sides of the Atlantic. In 2004, Ms. Ebenstein won a first-place Simon Rockower award, sponsored by the American Jewish Press Association, for a Bnai Brith Magazine cover story on President of the Israeli Supreme Court Justice Aharon Barak. In 2013, she won the same award for an essay that ran in Tablet about her Israeli-Palestinian breast cancer support group's trip to Sarajevo to meet other survivors who support each other across religious and ethnic lines. Through the group, Ms. Ebenstein befriended Ibtisam Erekat, a Muslim Palestinian woman whom she now calls sister. Ms. Ebenstein graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and completed an M.A. in German history magna cum laude from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She has also written a childrens book entitled All of this Country is Called Jerusalem. Ms. Ebenstein's story has been covered by the BBC, The Atlantic, and Alhurra TV. The brunch will take place at the Jewish Cultural Center. The cost to attend is $8. This program is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Chapter of Hadassah. To register call 493-0270 ext.10; rsvp@jewishchattanooga.com or visit the Federations website www.jewishchattanooga.com. This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact The Chanute Tribune office at 620-431-4100 if you have any questions Lee University faculty Chery Brendel, soprano, and Mary Beth Wickes, piano, will present a recital on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Squires Recital Hall, in Lees Humanities Center. The evenings performance will include works by composers such as Szymanowski, Rorem, Milhaud, and Bellini. Dr. Brendel received her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in voice performance from the University of Georgia, Master of Music in voice performance from Temple University, and Bachelor of Music in voice performance from Evangel University. She has performed opera, recital and oratorio in the United States as well as Germany and Italy. Operatic roles to her credit include Queen of the Night (Mozarts The Magic Flute), Fairy Godmother (Massenets Cendrillon), Kathy (Rombergs The Student Prince) and Yum-Yum (Gilbert and Sullivans The Mikado) among others. She resides in Cleveland with her husband, tenor Ron Brendel, and their daughter Anna Marie. Ms. Wickes is the director of accompanying at Lees School of Music, coordinating the staff accompanists as well as serving as a staff accompanist. She is also the accompanist for Choral Union, one of eight choirs at Lee. She served as pianist/organist and adult ensemble director at First Baptist Church for 26 years and is currently an organist at St. Lukes Episcopal Church. The event is free, non-ticketed, and open to the public. For more information about the concert, contact the School of Music at 614-8240 or by email at music@leeuniversity.edu. Christian author and speaker Rosaria Butterfield will speak in chapel service on Wednesday, March 8, at 10 a.m in Rudd Auditorium. Dr. Butterfield was once a tenured professor of English who identified as a lesbian and worked to advance the cause of LGBT equality. After her conversion to Christ in 1999, she said she came to see the sinfulness of having any identity apart from Him. Rosaria's story is a powerful testimony of God's grace that set her free, said Dr. Stephen Livesay, president of Bryan College. She speaks to today's controversial issues with passion, wit and love. Dr. Butterfields chapel presentation is open to the public along with a Q and A session to be held in the campus library the prior evening, Tuesday, March 7, at 7 p.m. This event is free. Dr. Butterfield is married to Kent Butterfield, pastor of the First Reformed Presbyterian Church of Durham, and is a home-school mother, pastor's wife, author, and speaker. She said she is helping Christians to better understand their LGBT neighbors and loved ones so that we can lovingly look past labels of sexual identity and share the gospel effectively. In 2012, she published her conversion memoir, The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert: An English Professors Journey to Christian Faith. Her second book, Openness Unhindered: Further Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert on Sexual Identity and Union with Christ was released in the summer of 2015. She writes about sexuality, identity, Christian community, and seeks to encourage all in faithful Christian living and service. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Transportation and Tennessee Clean Fuels, will hold the third annual Tennessee Sustainable Transportation Awards and Forum during Clean Air Month from May 23-24 at the Nashville Public Library.This event will bring together state experts, local leaders and community members to discuss successes and challenges facing transportation in Tennessee, said TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau.The business, environmental and regulatory sectors will be represented to discuss topics that affect everyone in our state.The forum, entitled Navigating Toward a Livable Tennessee, will highlight local transportation planning and the pursuit of place-based policies and investments for improved transportation options in our communities. The keynote will be delivered by Russ Brooks, Smart Cities director at Transportation for America, an organization focused on supporting the development of smart, sustainable, and locally driven transportation policies across the U.S. The morning address on May 24 will be delivered by Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County Mayor Megan Barry.An awards luncheon will be held on the second day of the forum, and will include remarks from Comm. Martineau and Tennessee Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Toks Omishakin. The awards recognize outstanding initiatives to improve the efficiency, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability of transportation systems in the state, consistent with ongoing efforts to improve the health and well-being of Tennesseans, provide for a strong economy, and protect our states natural resources.2017 forum panel topics will include: Behavior Change - Transportation demand management and the utilization of alternatives to single occupancy vehicles; Mobility Planning - Improved efficiency in the delivery of goods and services, reduced congestion, and improved access to alternative transportation; Energy and the Environment - Alternative fuel use for reduced emissions, improved air quality, and resiliency; and One Big Idea Overview of winning projects and ideas.The forum will also feature a showcase of alternative fuel vehicles, as well as a recognition ceremony for a new class of certified Tennessee Green Fleets. Through the Tennessee Clean Fuels Tennessee Green Fleets Certification Program, any Tennessee-based fleet can receive certification for its efforts toward reducing petroleum consumption, improving air quality, and increasing the use of alternative fuels or advanced vehicle technologies.To register for the event, click here . The events Twitter hashtag is #TnSTA and TDEC will be live-tweeting throughout the forum at @TNEnvironment.TDEC also invites Tennesseans to submit nominations for the third annual 2017 Sustainable Transportation Awards. The deadline to submit nominations is March 31. The nomination form may be accessed here Here is the weekly road construction report for Hamilton County: U.S. 27 (I-124) widening from I-24/U.S. 27 interchange to north of the Olgiati Bridge over the Tennessee River, including widening the Olgiati Bridge: Work on this project continues. The speed limit on U.S. 27 in the construction zone is 45 MPH. The contractor may have temporary lane or shoulder closures on U.S. 27 between 7 p.m.-6 a.m. On weekdays during this report period between the hours of 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the contractor will have a temporary right lane closure on eastbound MLK Blvd. between the U.S. 27 North exit ramp and Carter Street and on westbound MLK Blvd. between Chestnut St. and the U.S. 27 North entrance ramp to work on new signals. Ramp traffic will not be affected. This work is weather permitting. Additionally, beam erection on the Olgiati Bridge will get underway during this report period. As the project progresses, there may be short term temporary lane closures for the safety of the traveling public on city streets within the project area. Flaggers will assist with these closures and they will be properly signed in accordance with the Federal Highway Administrations Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. During Phase 1 of the U.S. 27 project, the contractor will be working on the northbound side of U.S. 27 on the bridges. Work will consist of demolishing and reconstructing the outside sections of the bridges along U.S. 27 North. Also on U.S. 27 South, they will be constructing a large retaining wall between the Olgiati Bridge and 6th Street. At least one lane will remain open in each direction on U.S. 27. THP will assist with traffic control on the project as necessary. Estimated project completion date is July 2019. For more info, visit the project website http://www.tn.gov/tdot/topic/US27-reconstruction-chattanooga . [Dement Construction Co., LLC/JM/CNP230] SR 317 (Apison Pike) the grading, drainage and paving on from Old Lee Highway (LM 5.58) to SR-321 (Ooltewah-Ringgold Road) (LM 7.84): Work on this project continues. During this report period the contractor may have intermittent lane closures throughout the project from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Flaggers will assist with traffic control as needed. Estimated project completion date is May. [Wright Brothers Const. Co. /Pruett/CNN279] SR-320 (East Brainerd Road) grading, drainage, installation of signals, construction of seven retaining walls and paving from east of Graysville Road to east of Bel-Air Road: Work on this project continues. During this report period, the contractor will have intermittent lane closures between 9 a.m.-2 p.m. This work may affect either direction of East Brainerd Road or side streets from Graysville Road to Hamlett Drive as the contractor installs road crossings and borings. Traffic has been switched onto the newly-constructed section from the west end of the project to the Hurricane Creek Road/East Brainerd Road intersection, allowing the contractor to work on the other side of the roadway. The contractor may have short-term lane closures to perform various operations on an as-needed basis. Flaggers will assist with traffic control as needed. Original completion date is June. Estimated project completion date is December. [Jones Brothers Contractors, LLC /Pruett/CNN383] SR-153/SR-319 (Hixson Pike) bridge repair on Hixson Pike over SR-153: Work on this project continues. The outside lanes in both directions on the bridge on Hixson Pike over SR-153 are now closed. This lane closure will be in place until late November. During this report period the contractor may have intermittent lane closures on SR-153 from 9 p.m.-6 a.m.to do work under the bridge. If there are any temporary closures needed on SR-153 as part of this project, they will take place at nighttime on Sundays through Thursdays between 9 p.m.-6 a.m. and on weekdays between 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Flaggers will assist with traffic control as necessary during these temporary closures. Estimated project completion date is May 2018. [Mid-State Construction Co. /Micka/CNQ-941] SR-58 miscellaneous safety improvements on SR-58 from Harrison Bay Road, (LM 12.86) to SR-60 (LM 26.19.): Work on this project continues. During this report period, the contractor will have intermittent lane restrictions from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Flaggers will assist with traffic control as needed. Estimated project completion is May. [Superior Traffic Control, Inc./Pruett/CNQ319] The tunnel cleaning of the McCallie Tunnel on U.S. 11 (US 64, SR-2), the Stringers Ridge Tunnel on U.S. 127 (SR-8), and the Bachman Tubes on U.S. 41 (U.S. 76, SR-8): The nighttime cleaning operation of McCallie Tunnels, Stringers Ridge Tunnel, and Bachman Tubes occurs normally on Wednesday and Thursday nights during the week with the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Work hours are between 8 p.m.-6 a.m. Tunnels will be closed during cleaning, and detours will be marked accordingly as each tunnel is cleaned. Contract completion date is June. [Diamond Specialized, Inc./Micka/CNQ174] GE Healthcare says it's moving hundreds of jobs, primarily in technology, from Barrington to Chicago. The General Electric subsidiary, which announced last year it was moving its headquarters from the U.K. to Chicago, plans to move its Barrington operations to the downtown office where GE Transportation is also headquartered. Advertisement The 500 W. Monroe St. office is currently home to 600 employees, including GE Healthcare's executive management team and GE Transportation's Digital Solutions business. GE Healthcare is the latest in a line of suburban companies moving downtown, including ConAgra Brands, Kraft Heinz and Motorola Solutions, which also moved into the 500 W. Monroe St. building last year. Advertisement The company would not disclose the exact number of jobs moving downtown from Barrington, but said the move will ultimately bring GE's total employees at 500 W. Monroe St. to over 1,000. The positions moving to Chicago include software engineers and developers, data scientists, product managers and other roles. GE Healthcare CEO John Flannery told Blue Sky the company wanted to be near Chicago's health ecosystem and its universities, startups, health care systems and other players giving the company close proximity to customers, influencers and companies that build applications on its cloud-based platform, the GE Health Cloud. "More and more, you really want to be in an area where it's not just your employees," he said. "The fundamental premise of this move is to increase the intensity of our investment in the digital platform and do it in downtown Chicago, where we think there's a really top-tier technology ecosystem." Flannery said the company was not eliminating any jobs through the move. "I think, net-net, we're going to be adding jobs on the digital side of things here," he said. Flannery said a stronger emphasis on technology will allow it to help customers manage costs, improve the quality of patient outcomes and widen access in health care. He said the company plans to invest $500 million in software by 2018. "Digital technology, data and analytics can radically change the capability of the industry to manage those issues," he said. "This is an industry at a tipping point in terms of starting to really embrace digital technology in the practice of the industry." The company said the move from Barrington should begin in the third quarter of this year. Advertisement "This move is a vote of confidence in our city, and I look forward to watching GE continue to build an exciting future here," Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a statement emailed by GE. mgraham@chicagotribune.com Twitter @megancgraham Boxes of Kraft macaroni & cheese with Heinz ketchup iconic products of Kraft Heinz, which was recently spurned by Unilever but likely is still looking for an aquisition. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune) It's the epitome of a rich person's problem: You make a $143 billion offer to buy something, only to have the bid summarily rejected and then, adding insult to injury, you're told to shove off. Essentially, that's what happened recently when Europe's Unilever, a giant maker of food, personal care and household products, unceremoniously rejected Chicago- and Pittsburgh-based Kraft Heinz's buyout bid. Advertisement The financial powerhouses behind Kraft Heinz, which include the formidable Brazilian-based 3G Capital private equity firm and investor extraordinaire Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, are standing down, but don't expect their recess to last very long. In the wake of the Kraft Heinz offer, Unilever management said Wednesday it will develop plans to boost shareholder value, which opens up a range of reorganization or asset sale possibilities. As such, Kraft Heinz soon could make another run for all, or some, of Unilever. Should that prove to be a bridge too far, it may bust a merger move on Deerfield-based rival Mondelez International, which churns out Oreo cookies, Cadbury chocolates and other well-known snacks some from a plant on Chicago's South Side. Advertisement Be assured, crafty Kraft Heinz is going to buy something big because it intends to be a survivor in a global packaged consumer food business that lives by this credo: Eat or be eaten. "We still expect a KHC-Unilever (deal) to take place," predicts industry analyst Pablo Zuanic in an industry report from New York-based Susquehanna Financial Group. Right now, Susquehanna is in the minority, as other industry observers seem to accept at face value that Kraft Heinz is walking away. Still, a dose of skepticism is warranted when considering the unusual circumstances surrounding this proposed corporate marriage. Yes, it is possible Kraft Heinz bungled matters by announcing it would press its bid for the British-Dutch concern although its unsolicited buyout offer had been rebuffed. Later, Kraft Heinz recanted and said it would back off. But this chain of events doesn't fit the modus operandi of smart, veteran deal-makers like Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway and 3G, which drove 2008's acquisition of beer king Anheuser-Busch by InBev and recently AB InBev's estimated $100 billion purchase of brewer SABMiller. It's way too clumsy. Maybe, just maybe, this Kraft Heinz and Unilever arrangement wasn't so hostile or surprising after all. Advertisement Indeed, Susquehanna Financial Group's assessment is that talks between the two companies had gone "quite far." In rejecting Kraft Heinz's $143 billion, or about $50 per share, Unilever said the offer grossly undervalued the company, which sells a wide collection of consumer staples including Dove soap, Hellmann's mayonnaise and Axe deodorant. "Our (obvious) interpretation is that negotiations broke down, but that they will resume," wrote Zuanic, who reasserted that viewpoint in an email to me. That's called food for thought. Having just been rejected by Unilever, Kraft Heinz is prohibited under British law from making another offer for six months. After that, however, a reworked Kraft Heinz bid for the entire company may resurface. Advertisement It also could make a run to bust up Unilever and bid for its food and refreshment lines. Under that scenario, the personal care or household businesses could remain with Unilever. A case can be made that Kraft Heinz needs Unilever more than the other way around. The purchase immediately would provide Kraft Heinz with a large overseas presence and the opportunity to expand many of its own domestic brands beyond North America. More to the point, the buyout would give Kraft Heinz backers the opportunity to do what they do best cut costs and fire folks. Already, Kraft Heinz has sliced and diced by eliminating corporate overhead, closing plants and erasing 700 jobs from its north suburban headquarters (before it moved to Chicago) and 2,500 jobs systemwide. More of the same is on the way as Kraft Heinz is expected to cut $1.5 billion this year and up to $1.7 billion by 2019, according to Morningstar estimates. Advertisement The company, known for Kraft cheeses and Heinz ketchup, contends those cost savings are redeployed to come back as higher profits, improved share price and investments in new technology and future products. Yet the company honchos may be running out of things to cut and need a new platform. Having 13 brands with over $1 billion in sales and 172,000 employees, Unilever is ripe for similar across-the-board reductions, including factory closings and layoffs. The specter of a Kraft Heinz type of operational bloodletting frightens many people living in Europe. Indeed, if there's a significant obstacle to Kraft Heinz's wooing Unilever, it's not necessarily paying a heftier price but convincing European regulators, who frown upon shuttering facilities and sacking workers, to approve the transaction. Should Unilever not pan out, there's speculation that Kraft Heinz will turn its sights on Mondelez. Late last year, Bloomberg reported that Kraft Heinz was kicking the snack-maker's tires but no attempt emerged. Advertisement Mondelez would give Kraft Heinz some of Unilever's inherent advantages. It offers a roster of well-known snacks, along with an overseas distribution network, not to mention employee and facility redundancies that Kraft Heinz could guillotine. That said, there is no shortage of corporate irony attached to thoughts of Kraft Heinz connecting with Mondelez. Reconnecting is more like it. In 2012, Deerfield-based Mondelez came into being when Kraft Foods split into two publicly traded companies. The spun-off North American grocery business, Kraft Foods Group, later merged with Heinz to become the current Kraft Heinz. It just goes to show. These days in the multibillion-dollar merger-crazy packaged food business, nobody shoves off for too long. Advertisement roreed@chicagotribune.com Twitter @reedtribbiz The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera on Thursday announced that it has extended its contract with Music Director Kayoko Dan for an additional five years. Her new contract is extended through May 2022. Ms. Dan joined the CSO as its first female, and youngest, conductor in September 2011. I am grateful and beyond thrilled for the extension of my partnership with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, said Ms. Dan. I will continue to lead and contribute to CSOs mission by sharing a variety of quality symphonic programs and expanding our education and community engagement efforts. I am also excited to deepen my relationship with our enthusiastic audience. I would like to thank our staff, board, musicians, and audience members for trusting me to continue serving as the Music Director of the CSO. We are thrilled that Kayoko Dan has agreed to a new, five-year contract keeping her as CSOs Music Director through the 2021/22 season, said CSO Board Chair Don McDowell. Kayokos conducting skills, instincts, and insight translate our musicians passion into balanced orchestral performances of real significance for the community. As Kayoko is an influential advocate for music and music education in Chattanooga, the CSO is especially pleased to announce the creation of an annual Kayoko Dan conducting scholarship with the 2017/18 season. Details about the scholarship will be announced at a later date. I am delighted to continue working with Kayoko over the next several seasons, said CSO Executive Director Samantha Teter. She is a great colleague, loves to share ideas, cares for the organization, and is a true asset to our community. The CSO will be celebrating its 85th year next season, and recently announced programming for the 2017/18 season. Morningstar CEO Kunal Kapoor says the record highs in the stock market should suggest caution rather than prompting a rush to buy (Chicago Tribune) In the last few years, it's become less common for a person to enter a company right out of college, learn the business from the inside and ultimately rise to the top position. But Morningstar's new chief executive, Kunal Kapoor, bucked the changing trend. He is the hometown boy at Morningstar. At age 41, he's spent 20 years at the nearly 33-year-old company that was a pioneer in democratizing investing for regular people. Founded by Joseph Mansueto in 1984, Morningstar taught do-it-yourself investors and advisers how to invest and how to pick solid mutual funds and later stocks, exchange-traded funds and other investments successfully. Advertisement Kapoor, who considers Mansueto his mentor, joined Morningstar as a data analyst and earned his MBA from the University of Chicago while working at the company. He moved into numerous operational roles as the company grew to over 4,000 employees with business in 27 countries and nearly $800 million in 2016 revenue. Kapoor became the chief executive of Morningstar in January as Mansueto, 60, left that position and became executive chairman. Kapoor said he never had his eye on the executive suite. He simply enjoyed the job and Morningstar's unique culture as an innovator and independent voice for investors trying to analyze investments. Advertisement "It's never been a desire to absolutely have a particular position," he said. "As long as I'm having fun and growing professionally, I'm satisfied." The interview was edited for length and clarity. Q: How are you like Joe? A: We are similar in many ways. We are both patient and long-term investors and business builders. We don't get stressed out a lot. We both have contrarian lenses, are approachable, and have a deep-seated interest in helping the individual investor. Independence is built into the culture here. Q: How are you different? A: We were asked that at the Morningstar town hall and we both struggled. Joe joked that I was born in India and he was born in Indiana. Q: Tell me what you value about the Morningstar culture. A: It's founded on the notion of helping the individual investors and doing things the right way. Everything we do is in an independent fashion. We've never had a problem speaking out against a bad investment idea and that's a big deal. The analysts here have no problem saying what's on their minds. We protect that jealously. Q: So say a Morningstar analyst writes about a mutual fund, warns people that it's being poorly managed, and the star rating is poor. What happens when the executives at the fund company are angry? Advertisement A: Our analysts are free to opine and the businesspeople are not involved. Q: So they can't complain to you? A: They often do complain to me, but I can't do anything about it. I ask them to talk to the analyst, and I explain why it's important to respect the walls we have. I think most people understand that's the value of working with Morningstar our independent analysis. Q: That was especially unique when Morningstar was formed 30 years ago. Most analysis was done by Wall Street firms that didn't want to offend their investment banking clients with a "sell rating" on a stock. Not only was Morningstar an independent firm, it was known for giving contrarian advice. A: We have always taken a contrarian view. And sometimes the contrarian view means we recommend sticking with managers at the worst times when their fund has not done well if we like their approach. We often recommend stocks that have fallen in price. During the worst times stocks are the cheapest. We had the highest number of five-star stocks during the last downturn. ... Today if you look at our ratings we just have a handful of stocks rated five stars. Q: So your analysts aren't seeing good deals on stocks now? Advertisement A: You want to pay a fair price when investing. I always use an analogy: Everyone loves a good sale. If they see a jacket on sale they buy it because they notice it's 50 percent cheaper than the last time they looked at it. Yet most investors have the opposite reaction. Q: Morningstar has worked hard on Morningstar.com and your fund and stock newsletters to turn that thinking around. A: I think we have more work to do. The majority don't love investing or understand it fully, and often when they do invest it's at the worst times. They tend to buy high and sell low and it's our job to continue to educate and expand our footprint to help those folks. Q: Morningstar has added some new businesses. What's the thinking? A: We just purchased a company in the private equity space and ventured into the credit rating space. Q: How does that fit into Morningstar? Advertisement A: During the last downturn the big three (credit rating firms) were proven basically not to provide great service. So we saw that as an opportunity. We've established ourselves as a rating agency and over time we want to grow our presence in that space. Q: You started at Morningstar analyzing data and mutual funds. Where did your interest in investing come from? Did you have it all the way back to when you studied environmental policy, economics and business at Monmouth College? A: As a young child, I was interested in business and the stock market and numbers in general. My dad was always interested in the stock market and it was probably his interest. Q: Did he sit you down and teach you about stocks? A: No, but he encouraged it. I can remember as a young kid deciding I absolutely needed him to buy some stocks and he humored me and bought them and I have no idea why. They didn't turn out very well, but it fed an interest. Q: Are you teaching your three children? Advertisement A: I try; at least the older two, who are 11 and 9. I've purchased stocks for them and they have something to say (about) it. Much to my chagrin they like to buy things that have gone up quite a lot. Q: You mentioned earlier that you value having fun in your career. What do you do for fun in your personal life? A: I have a young family, so that keeps me quite busy, but I like running early in the morning and family vacations that are a little different. We went to the Galapagos Islands last year, and we're going to the Amazon this year. I have a keen interest in nature and environment and work on the Nature Conservancy board. Q: Would you like to be on other boards? A: No. Between family and work I have a lot going on, and one of Morningstar's board members gave me good advice years ago: "If you are going to join a board, join where you're really passionate about the things they are going to be focused on." That was terrific advice. I don't have to be on a board just for the sake of doing it. gmarksjarvis@chicagotribune.com Advertisement Twitter @gailmarksjarvis Teachers at the city's Aspira charter schools have voted to authorize a strike, union leaders said Wednesday. "We really don't want to take it that far," said Marines Martinez, an Aspira social studies and history teacher. "It's just that we feel that Aspira is not negotiating with us seriously, and we want to show them how serious we are." Advertisement No strike date has been set. Aspira operates four campuses in Chicago with an enrollment of about 1,400 students. Like other charter schools, the operation is funded by Chicago Public Schools but operates independently. Fernando Grillo, chairman of the Aspira board, said the charter operator's negotiators were still waiting on a counteroffer from teachers after proposing a two-year offer that would have awarded base salary increases of 2 percent per year. Advertisement The offer also would preserve Aspira's practice of paying for the bulk of current teachers' required pension contributions. Grillo said that so-called "pension pickup" would be scaled back for new hires. "We're down to the length of the agreement and what the salary is going to be," Grillo said Wednesday. Teachers have demanded a 3.5 percent annual pay raise, Martinez said. Teachers also say they want to force Aspira to reveal more details about its finances. Aspira officials say they've been forthcoming about a fiscal situation that's crimped by a grim CPS budget. "We've acted in good faith," Grillo said. "What we need is a counteroffer so that we can get on with the negotiating process back at the table, (and) we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement that protects our mission." It's the second time this school year teachers at a privately run charter network have threatened a strike. In October, a last-minute deal averted a walkout by teachers at the UNO Network of Charter Schools. The Chicago Teachers Union also came close to a strike before accepting a deal with the school board in October. Aspira's roughly 100 educators are represented by the Chicago Alliance of Charter Teachers and Staff, a branch of the American Federation of Teachers that oversees the city's unionized charter school teachers. Teachers at unionized charter networks work under separate contracts negotiated with each school operator. Robert Bloch, a labor lawyer who also works with the CTU and other charter unions, is representing Aspira's teachers. Advertisement Andrew Broy, head of the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, said the potential strike is the latest signal that national teacher unions hope to undermine the ability of charters to operate autonomously. "Most of what's driving this is the political fight over charters and the desire by ACTS to have maximum leverage in negotiations," Broy said. "I don't think it's really about the management of Aspira or how well the school listens to teachers. I think it's caught up in a larger political fight." jjperez@chicagotribune.com twitter@perezjr When it comes to the pre-Lenten pastry, Chicago-area paczki fans prefer fruit and chocolate. And they likely will eat a lot this year. (Ryan Marx/Chicago Tribune) Fat Tuesday is a big holiday. In the sense of weight, sure, but also in stature, featuring blowout parties steeped in tradition and, of course, lots of food right before the dawn of Lent. In Chicago, the stature takes the form of long lines for said food, specifically paczki, the deep-fried Polish pastry that feels like a doughnut. The hook dangling from the "a" indicates a special pronunciation, in this case "POWNtch-key" or "PONtch-key," but even native speakers disagree on the pronunciation. Advertisement With the city's significant Polish population, Paczki Day has become a time-honored tradition in Chicago. Bakeries large and small now participate in the holiday, and several told us they would be producing tens of thousands of paczki per day from Thursday through Tuesday, the two respective dates for the Polish and American editions of the pre-Lenten feast. Here are 37 Chicago restaurant and bakeries celebrating Fat Thursday and Fat Tuesday with paczki of many flavors. Advertisement Alliance Bakery: The Division Street bakery wont begin serving paczki until the weekend, and it will have a half-dozen flavors, including raspberry rose, vanilla bean custard and blueberry lemon, all for $2.75 each. Preorders have already begun and must be made 48 hours in advance, so Sunday is the final day to place an order. 1736 W. Division St., 773-278-0366, www.alliance-bakery.com Andys Deli: Its a simple celebration at Andys: from Thursday through Tuesday, stop in to get paczki in one of a dozen flavors, priced at $1.49 apiece. 4021 W. Kinzie St., 773-722-1000, www.andysdeli.com Anns Bakery: This Ukrainian spot said on the phone that preorders aren't necessary but can be made for larger orders. Anns will serve paczki Thursday through Tuesday, priced at $1.20 each. Special strawberry and whipped cream paczki will cost more; at press time, the bakery wasnt sure how much. 2158 W. Chicago Ave., 773-384-5562 Bennisons Bakery: Choose from 11 different paczki flavors including special selections like praline chocolate mousse and fresh banana cream at Bennisons. Classic paczki are $1.62, per, while the special ones cost $2.49, and theyll be available in-store or via preorder through Tuesday. Same-day preorders cannot be accepted Monday or Tuesday. 1000 Davis St., Evanston, 847-328-9434, www.bennisonscakes.com Beverly Bakery and Cafe: Starting this weekend, Beverly Bakery will have paczki available in-store, with 13 flavors costing $1.75 each. Preorders have already begun, and Sunday is the last day to place those. 10528 S. Western Ave., 773-238-5580, www.beverlycoffeeroasters.com Bittersweet: Using brioche dough for a bit of a spin, Bittersweet is creating three paczki: chocolate cream, vanilla cream and lemon curd, for $3.50 each. The bakery is serving paczki starting Thursday through Tuesday, and preorders are available but require 48 hours' notice. 1114 W. Belmont Ave., 773- 929-1100, www.bittersweetpastry.com Bohemian House: BoHo will have special paczki for Tuesday only: poppy seed with white chocolate cream, orange marmalade and charred rosemary streusel ($11). 11 W. Illinois St., 312-955-0439, www.bohochicago.com Bridgeport Bakery: The bakery will have a whopping 19 flavors, ranging from classic fruit concoctions to a couple of different buttercream options. Most are $1.05, but the strawberry whipped cream and whipped-cream-filled are $1.40 and $1.30, respectively. Preorders are ongoing but must be placed by Monday to have paczki by Fat Tuesday. Bridgeport has special hours for the occasion: 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and midnight to 6 p.m. Tuesday. 2907 S. Archer Ave., 773-523-1121 Cafe Selmarie: Get your preorders in by 4 p.m. Friday at Cafe Selmarie, where they will have five varieties of paczki Tuesday only: cherry and cheese, custard-filled with chocolate topping, raspberry jam (all $2.95 each), chocolate mousse with fresh banana, and strawberry with custard ($3.95 each). 4729 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-989-5595, www.cafeselmarie.com Central Continental Bakery: The Mount Prospect staple will have three varieties of paczki traditional ($1.95), fruit-filled ($3.35) and gourmet ($3.55) for guests to enjoy, and Central Continental will offer them Thursday through Tuesday. Preorders require advance notice; 3 p.m. Monday is the deadline. 101 Main St., Mount Prospect, 847-870-9500, The Mount Prospect staple will have three varieties of paczki traditional ($1.95), fruit-filled ($3.35) and gourmet ($3.55) for guests to enjoy, and Central Continental will offer them Thursday through Tuesday. Preorders require advance notice; 3 p.m. Monday is the deadline. 101 Main St., Mount Prospect, 847-870-9500, www.centralcontinentalbakery.com Delightful Pastries: Delightful does big-time paczki numbers, cranking out 50,000 pastries this year for the holiday. Prices run from $2 to $3.25 per item, and flavors range from classic (plum butter) to gourmet (passion fruit jelly), including Delightful's signature booze-infused "Drunken Paczki." Locations and phone numbers vary, www.delightfulpastries.com Deerfields Bakery: Find a sweet 16 flavors of paczki at each Deerfields location and three pricing tiers: $1.79, $2.25 and $3.39 apiece. Locations and phone numbers vary, www.deerfieldsbakery.com Dinkels Bakery: Dinkels will serve paczki Thursday through Tuesday, with a 2 p.m. Monday deadline for the last preorders. Each will run you $1.69, except the fresh strawberry, which will be $2.89. 3329 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-281-7300, www.dinkels.com Whether you celebrate Paczki day on Fat Thursday or Fat Tuesday, or both, area bakeries are ready with thousands of the filled treats. (Maryann Pisano / Pioneer Press) Do-Rite Donuts: Donuts are close to paczki, so Do-Rite is getting in on the holiday action and serving a trio of flavors key lime, chocolate nutella and raspberry, each $2.95 Monday and Tuesday only. Preorders are available with no deadline. 50 W. Randolph St, 312-488-2483, www.doritedonuts.com Forest View: At this old-school Polish spot on Milwaukee Avenue, paczki are just $1 (except the strawberry cream at $1.50), and theyre available Thursday through Tuesday. If you need to place an order, make sure its done by the day before. 6454 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-775-7740 Firecakes Donuts: The paczki at Firecakes are a slightly smaller version of the pastry, and the doughnut shop will offer three flavors, each $2.19: raspberry with blood-orange jelly, lemon curd with powdered sugar and Tahitian vanilla custard with chocolate icing. Paczki will be available Tuesday only, and preorders should be placed by 5 p.m. Monday (delivery is available for those orders.) Locations and phone numbers vary, www.firecakesdonuts.com Genes Sausage Shop: The sausage shop will not neglect paczki, as it will offer a half-dozen flavors in-store Monday and Tuesday. Each will run you $1.99 with an exception for strawberries and whipped cream, which will cost $2.49. Any orders for a dozen or more specific paczki should be placed by 9 p.m. Friday. 4750 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-728-7243, www.genessausage.com Glazed and Infused: Another local donut shop participating in paczki, Glazed and Infused will have a trio of flavors (plum, vanilla and rose hip liquor) available in-store for $3 apiece through Fat Tuesday. Locations and phone numbers vary, www.goglazed.com Ideal Bakery: Paczki are a daily item at Ideal Bakery, so it will be simple to get one of the 11 flavors for the holiday. Theyll be available Thursday through Tuesday at $1 apiece, with some priced higher at $1.49, depending on the variety. 4765 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-685-4622 Jackalope Coffee and Tea House: The coffee shop will get in on the paczki action for one day only, Fat Tuesday, with a first-come, first-served selection of eight paczki flavors, each for $1.25. 755 W. 32nd St., 312-888-3468 Kirschbaum's Bakery: Drop by, or place a preorder at Kirschbaum's, as the bakery will start serving paczki Friday and continue through Fat Tuesday. Preset pickup days are Friday, Saturday and Tuesday, and preorders need to be submitted by Thursday for Friday pickups, by Friday for Saturday pickups, and by Saturday for Tuesday pickups. Paczki run $1.29 to $1.79. 825 Burlington Ave., Western Springs, 708-246-2894, www.kirschbaumsbakery.com Kolatek's Bakery: You can find a variety of classic (99 cents) and premium ($1.99) types of paczki at Kolatek's, where the bakery will offer the pastries Thursday through Tuesday. Preorders are available with 24 hours' notice. 2445 N. Harlem Ave., 773-637-3772, www.kolateksbakery.com La Petite Pastry: The bakery is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, so no way it was going to miss an annual tradition like paczki for Fat Tuesday. La Petite will serve 15 different varieties of paczki through Tuesday at $1.09 per pastry, $1.30 for any including fresh fruit, and $1.50 for any including whip cream. 5610 W. 63rd St., 773-735-7383, www.lapetitepastry.com Laramie Bakery and Deli: Laramie Bakery will enter the action on both Thursday and Tuesday, with paczki priced at 99 cents, $1.69 and $1.99. For Tuesday, place your order by Monday. 3012 N. Laramie Ave., 773-725-4965, www.laramiebakerydeli.com Laramie Bakery will enter the action on both Thursday and Tuesday, with paczki priced at 99 cents, $1.69 and $1.99. For Tuesday, place your order by Monday. Maries Cafe and Catering: While Maries still has to determine what the flavors and prices of its paczki will be exactly, the cafe will start serving the pastries Sunday morning and finish Tuesday. Preorders must be placed by Saturday. 3660 W. 111th St., 773-840-3344, www.mariescafeandcatering.com Montrose Deli: Another spot where paczki are not simply a holiday menu item, Montrose Deli has varieties with different price points: 79 cents for mini paczki, then 99 cents, $1.19 and $1.59 for the rest, depending on fillings. 5411 W. Montrose Ave., 773-725-6123, www.montrosedeli.com Oak Mill Bakery: The bakery will celebrate at all of its locations, with paczki Thursday through Tuesday, priced from $1.25 to $2.65 each. Tuesday preorders must be placed by Sunday, and you can find a full list of flavors on Oak Mills website. Locations and phone numbers vary, www.oakmillbakery.com Orland Park Bakery: Pick up paczki from Fat Tuesday through Easter Sunday at $1.75 apiece from Orland Park Bakery. Preorders are available, although the bakery requests at least 48 hours' notice. A full list of available paczki can be found on the bakerys website. 14850 S. La Grange Road, Orland Park, 708-349-8516, www.orlandparkbakery.com Old Warsaw Buffet: The dining hall will have paczki all day Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., priced at $1.50 per piece. 4750 N. Harlem Ave., Harwood Heights, 708-867-4500, www.old-warsaw-buffet.com Red Apple Buffet: Red Apple will have paczki at $1.50 per item Thursday, and while it requires preorders for specific orders of a dozen or more, the buffet will restock for Fat Tuesday. 3121 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-588-5781, www.redapple.restaurant Roesers Bakery: At Roesers, the bakery will have a few paczki out Thursday, but Tuesday will unleash its full array of 15 flavors. Still, the paczki-hungry will find options in the store Thursday through Tuesday, priced from $1.35 to $1.92. Preorders are available but not required. 3216 W. North Ave., 773-489-6900, www.roeserscakes.com Scafuri Bakery: Paczki will be in Scafuris cases all weekend leading up to Fat Tuesday, with a wide variety priced from $3.25 to $3.75. Preorders for Tuesday should be placed by Sunday evening. 1337 W. Taylor St., 312-733-8881, www.scafuribakery.com Stan's Donuts: The doughnut purveyor is getting in on the paczki action, with $3 paczki for Fat Tuesday only, flavored in four styles: cherry, cannoli cream-filled, chocolate cream-filled and pastry cream-filled. Preorders should be submitted by Monday. Locations and phone numbers vary, www.stansdonutschicago.com Sweet World Pastry: Starting Thursday, Sweet World Pastry will be commemorating the holiday, with a trio of classic paczki flavors for $1.29 apiece ($1.89 for the strawberry whip cream flavor, of course). For orders of more than a dozens, pre-orders are required, and Monday is the deadline. 5450 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-792-5566 Webers Bakery: Webers has plans to celebrate both days. On Thursday, all 12 flavors will be available in-store; likewise for Tuesday, but preorders for Fat Tuesday should be placed by Sunday. 7055 W. Archer Ave., 773-586-1234, www.webersbakery.com West Town Bakery: Both of West Town Bakerys locations will get in on the paczki action for Fat Tuesday, as will any of its wholesale locations, with classic varieties for $2.50 each. Preorders should be placed by Sunday. Locations and phone numbers vary, www.westtownbakery.com Billy Corgan's former bandmate said the Smashing Pumpkins frontman reminds him of President Donald Trump because Corgan's "got millions of dollars. He's got that kind of ego. He loves the bully mentality." "When the campaign was happening, I was like, 'Wow, Trump is so much like Corgan. Like, I'm sure Billy loves this guy.' Yeah, that was my thought. I was like, I know he's a Trump supporter. He has to be," David Pajo said on an episode of the Kreative Kontrol podcast posted online this week. Advertisement Pajo was a member of the early 2000s supergroup Zwan with Corgan after the Pumpkins disbanded. Zwan broke up after a few years, and Pajo said he hasn't spoken with Corgan recently. MOST READ ENTERTAINMENT NEWS THIS HOUR Advertisement "I talked to other people that spent time with Billy and they're the same way. They're like, 'Oh yeah, Trump and Billy are like two peas in a pod,' which is probably really weird for a lot of people, because he can very convincingly front that he's this sensitive liberal person, but maybe now that Trump's made it OK to not act like that, for people like him, he's gonna start shedding that," Pajo said. Corgan declined to comment to the Tribune via a representative, but in a 2012 politics chat with controversial radio host Alex Jones, the Chicago-area native said he's "not necessarily one side or the other." "I've got people in my family that are total right-wing Republicans, some of them are probably even racist, but they at least have a particular opinion that they're coming from that is rooted in their own belief system," Corgan said. Meanwhile, he praised Trump's campaign style in a 2015 Q&A in Ohio. "I think what's cool and I'm not saying I agree politically but I think what's cool is Trump's running chaos theory. He's forcing a lot of things out in the open, so they can't control this, whatever that control is," Corgan said. Earlier this month, Corgan wrapped up a 30-day trip around the country that he said reaffirmed his patriotism. He said he is planning a train trip from Chicago to Los Angeles to celebrate his 50th birthday on March 17. RELATED STORIES: Billy Corgan promises new music as he embarks on another trip around U.S. Advertisement Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin selling his gear online Billy Corgan's true Cubs fandom emerges in documentary about World Series win Watch the latest movie trailers. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox) It was no surprise Wednesday that the PrivateBank Theatre had yet another sold-out crowd for "Hamilton," Lin-Manuel Miranda's hip-hop homage to our nation's Founding Fathers. What was different was the crowd itself all students from Chicago Public Schools. About 1,900 Chicago students and their teachers from 30 CPS high schools got to skip school for one of the most memorable history lessons ever a daylong program that included performances on stage by some of the students, a Q&A session with several members of the cast and a special "Hamilton" matinee just for them. Advertisement The Chicago students had spent the past several weeks studying Alexander Hamilton and the historical events surrounding his legacy. "Are you excited to be in the room where it happens?" asked Wallace Smith, the day's master of ceremonies, who plays Hercules Mulligan and James Madison in the show. Advertisement Screams. Claps. General mayhem. Smith then asked, "How many of you have seen 'Hamilton'?" A few claps. Mostly silence. That would change. It was the Chicago debut of the "Hamilton" Educational Program, which began with the Broadway production last year. The show's producer, Jeffrey Seller, created the education experiment along with Miranda, the Rockefeller Foundation, the New York City Department of Education and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History which designed the curriculum and contributed materials the teachers have been using in the classroom. For the day at the theater, the show extends tickets for $70, and the students each pay $10 after subsidies from funders. The program will be repeated nine more times in Chicago with other classes and will serve almost 20,000 students in the coming year. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 14 "Hamilton" cast members Ari Afsar, from left, Jose Ramos and Samantha Marie Ware answer students' questions before a matinee performance at the PrivateBank Theatre Feb. 22, 2017. The day-long "Hamilton" Education Program was held for about 1900 students from Chicago Public Schools. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune) At the inaugural student performances, 26 students selected for their work dabbed, dueled and sang their way through their American history on the PrivateBank stage. When performers hesitated under the lights, the crowd cheered them on. Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center's Jovan Castillo and Julio Mendez, both 17, performed a rap battle of the Hamilton-and-Aaron Burr duel. They referenced Vice President Mike Pence, finding common ground in the disagreements between Pence and Donald Trump and Burr as vice president to Thomas Jefferson. Advertisement Their inspiration? "Our inspiration was to get tickets to 'Hamilton,'" said Castillo in a later interview. "No, no, we both do love history." A trio took the beat of rappers Lil Yachty and Kyle's "iSpy" and turned it into an ode to Philip, Hamilton's eldest child. It was a crowd hit. Chloe Johnson, a 16-year-old student at Lindblom Math and Science Academy, had worked on her spoken word piece inspired by African-American poet Phillis Wheatley for a month. After the performances, she recited again one of the lines she was most proud of: "Who would have thought a young black female prodigy would take the perils of slavery and form them into poetry." "I'm ready," she said, smiling about the upcoming matinee. "I'm ready." Smith, the emcee, said watching the student performances was electric. "I feel like a million dollars, man," he said. "It was a great reminder of why we do what we do." Advertisement A Q&A lead by director Thomas Kail followed the student performances, with cast members Smith, Chris De'Sean Lee, Ari Afsar, Chicago-native Jose Ramos and Samantha Marie Ware. "This matinee is going to be lit," Kail said. The cast members answered questions about playing historical figures, how they prepare for the show and which Chicago deep-dish pizza option reigns supreme. For lunch, the students headed to the Palmer House. "I was moved again by the ingenuity, the passion and the thoughtfulness of our youth, of America's youth," said Seller, in attendance for the morning's events and performance. "I cried. Because when I witnessed these inspired young people testify to their belief in country, testify to the ways in which our history connects with our present, it gave me hope that we are going to be better than just fine, we're going to have great days ahead." "It doesn't matter if we're at the Richard Rodgers (in New York) or the PrivateBank Theatre," said Kail. "Whenever we do these events, it's just this transfer going back and forth of empathy and community. And that's what's most important. And that's why the show exists." The program's Chicago funders include the Crown and Goodman Family, Ken Griffin, the Joyce Foundation, the Polk Bros. Foundation, the Pritzker Foundation and Pritzker Traubert Family Foundation, and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. Advertisement Back at the theater after lunch, the lights went down. Wayne Brady as Burr came out and began the first line: "How does a bastard, orphan " The students erupted. Brady barreled on. And from then on they were mostly transfixed, losing it only a little during the more provocative lines. They snapped selfies during intermission or else raised a non-alcoholic glass to freedom at intermission. There were "Ooohs" of disgust (or support?) during the Maria Reynolds scene, some students finished the Notorious B.I.G. reference "And if you don't know, now you know" in "Cabinet Battle #2" and the bravest of students shed some tears by the end of it all. "I feel like this is one of the most legendary moments that will ever happen in my entire life," said Yoquan Williams, 17, from Excel Academy of Englewood, who said he wants to do musical theater. "I just feel inspired to go out and conquer the world and do what I love to do, which is music," said Maisa Muhammad, 15, from Providence St. Mel. Maybe one of those students in Wednesday's audience will make the next "Hamilton." Or something even better. It's only a matter of time. Advertisement mgreene@chicagotribune.com A little etymology can be helpful in approaching Jessa Crispin's latest book, "Why I Am Not a Feminist: A Feminist Manifesto." The word "manifesto" arrived in English by way of Italian and has come to mean "a public declaration explaining past actions and announcing the motives for forthcoming ones." The deliberate paradox it is both feminist and against feminism simultaneously of the title of Crispin's brief, bellicose and bracing book is telling as well in terms of what it is this manifesto is manifesting. Because she's not really disavowing feminism per se, but rather the empty, toothless, "new age of shallow feminism" that by her estimation focuses on internet outrage, self-care, "labels and identity, rather than on the philosophical and political content of the movement." Or, as she puts it later, "For too long, feminism has been moving away from being about collective action and collective imagination, and toward being a lifestyle. Lifestyles do not change the world." Advertisement With her epigraph, from the Romanian philosopher E.M. Cioran, Crispin lets the reader know in no uncertain terms what they're in for: "A book should open old wounds, even inflict new ones. A book should be a danger." A call for an examination of conscience and an invitation to a "full-on revolution," Crispin's Marxist-inflected critique reminds readers that "Breaking away from the value system and goals of the dominant culture is always going to be a dramatic, and inconvenient, act." If we measure feminism's success incrementally by how many women now compete just as effectively as men in the capitalist patriarchy, then we have severely missed the point because "Women who conduct themselves as ruthlessly and thoughtlessly as their male peers are not heroes." Advertisement (Melville House) Such a manifesto seems a natural and almost inevitable progression of the work that has marked Crispin's career to date as a committed and vocal literary contrarian and influencer. She founded the immensely popular and now defunct site Bookslut in 2002 when she was living in Austin, Texas, and working at Planned Parenthood, and she currently edits the online magazine Spolia (which interestingly also has a "Manifesto" page where others might simply have an "About Us"). The jacket copy for her previous book, "The Dead Ladies Project: Exiles, Ex-Pats, and Ex-Countries," describes her as someone who "burned her settled Chicago life and took off for Berlin with a pair of suitcases and no plan beyond leaving." All this is to say that her latest book is written from the perspective of a person who is not afraid to stir stuff up and get confrontational, or as she puts it, "If you asked me today if I am a feminist, I would not only say no, I would say no with a sneer." Anybody who sets out to diagnose flaws in any movement is probably going to find a lot. So too is anybody who sets out to diagnose the flaws of the person pointing out the flaws. It's possible to come at Crispin's book with the intent of engaging in an infinite regression of flaw-diagnosing, a hall of mirrors of pointing hands. So it's worth mentioning that Crispin's book feels woolly at times and in need of better editing. It's also long on strawmen (strawwomen?) for its surprising lack of sources and specifics, and short on prescriptions for how to actually do the revolutionary work she rallies the reader to do. But more than that, it's worth considering her plea that: "We do not have to reward exploitation, we do not have to support the degradation of the planet, of our souls, of our bodies. We can resist. We must stop thinking so small." A useful attitude when dealing with such a brickbat of a text might be to let the provocations have their intended provocative effect. And then, after the initial impact has settled, decide whether the missiles have really hit their mark and whether we feel inspired to react. Hopefully, in this perplexing and paradoxical Trump-led world in which 53 percent of white women voted for a man who was caught on video talking about grabbing women by the genitalia, the reaction will be passionate and will bend toward true feminism. Kathleen Rooney's second novel, "Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk," has just been published by St. Martin's Press. 'Why I Am Not a Feminist' By Jessa Crispin, Melville House, 176 pages, $15.99 J.B. Pritzker attendsan event in his honor at Northwestern University's School of Law in Chicago on Oct. 22, 2015. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune) Congratulations to will-he/won't-he gubernatorial challenger J.B. Pritzker, who on Thursday managed to unite both sides of the contentious debate about the bathroom rights of transgender children. Both conservatives and liberals seemed to agree that Pritzker's idea that "everyone should use the other gender's bathroom" to protest President Donald Trump 's policy on trans kids was not a very good one. Advertisement The billionaire was responding to Trump's decision to undo an Obama administration directive that told schools to allow trans children to use the bathroom that matched their gender identity. But Pritzker's suggestion, made in an early morning tweet, prompted some Trump supporters to threaten violence against Pritzker or any other man who attempted to enter a woman's bathroom. And Pritzker's fellow Democrats weren't slow to point out that his idea tended to perpetuate what they say are the harmful stereotypes about the trans community. Advertisement Was not being literal. But I think today and every day we should be standing up for all our kids. #ResistTrump JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) February 23, 2017 Cue a hasty retreat by Pritzker, who insisted in a follow-up tweet later Thursday morning that he "was not being literal" when he tweeted earlier that "As a protest against Trump's rescinding protections for trans kids, everyone should use the other gender's bathroom today! #protecttranskids." "Today and every day we should be standing up for all our kids," he added later Thursday. Democratic state Rep. Will Guzzardi, who represents the Northwest Side, was among those who shot down Pritzker's suggestion that men use women's bathrooms and vice-versa in protest. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > "No disrespect @JBPritzker but it's actually about precisely *not* that," Guzzardi responded. "We just want to let kids use their own gender's bathroom." He added, "Your idea suggests that we support people going into opposite-gender bathrooms, which plays right into transphobic rhetoric." A twitter user calling herself "Latina for Trump" also weighed in with a sentiment echoed by many others. "No, we're more interested in protecting ALL KIDS AND ALL WOMEN! HOW DARE YOU ADVOCATE FOR MEN IN MY BATHROOM!," she wrote. We've yet to hear what Pritzker's cousin, Col. Jennifer N. Pritzker the world's only known billionaire trans woman made of her cousin's idea. Calls to the colonel's office were not immediately returned Thursday. Advertisement kjanssen@chicagotribune.com Twitter @kimjnews A TV camera is mounted on a tripod in front of the West Wing of the White House on Jan. 31, 2017, in Washington, D.C. (Alex Wong / Getty Images) Journalists "find a renewed sense of mission," reports The New York Times. That's nice. There is some truth to this. And it's not fake news. Advertisement With the election of Donald Trump to the presidency, journalism, in a typical pattern of self-congratulatory excess, has dusted off an old cliche to announce that it is once again "speaking truth to power." Behold. That which was lost has now been found. Advertisement But it isn't exactly like setting out on a long and frightening sea voyage to find an undiscovered country, is it? Because finding a renewed sense of anything suggests that you might have misplaced the darn thing in the first place. Losing your mission might even be worse than losing your car keys, stomping about the house and desperately demanding answers of your kids, the dog, only to realize, sheepishly, that the stupid keys are right there in your stupid hand. Yes, I've done this. And finding your mission again might be like another cliche, that of the adult finding a beloved childhood toy in a bedroom closet in his parents' home. It's right there in the dark, in a box, a stuffed animal perhaps (mine was Morgan the stuffed dog) or a firetruck, a princess doll, anything that could fit into another sequel of the "Toy Story" franchise. There are happy tears at such times of lost toys, even in the dark of a theater sitting next to your children, or in the silence of my old bedroom with a faded White Sox pennant on the wall and a dusty Morgan in my lap. But this business of finding a renewed sense of journalistic mission poses an awkward, unanswered question. Just where was that sense of mission for the past eight years? You know where it was. It was in polite hibernation, on its back, with President Barack Obama in the White House. When he was elected, there were happy newsroom tears of real joy for America's first black liberal president. It wasn't contrived emotion. It was real, and there was much bonding over a sense of accomplishment. Advertisement But there is a cost to powerful emotional connections with a politician. Love of a president can blind, but so can hatred of a president. And in the land of the blind, things tend to get lost, like journalistic mission. Now Trump is president, and news consumers can plainly see the old mojo is back, with absolute vengeance. There are eager fact checks and story after story to counter Trump's loud and vulgar bragging, his use of alternative facts, his bald lies. Trump is an extremely bad liar. But all politicians lie, and the best ones lie seamlessly to those who adore them, and expect to be defended. Think of some of the things we heard from the previous White House occupant: If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor. The IRS wasn't used to target conservative groups. The Americans who died at Benghazi were killed as the result of a video. The first I learned of Hillary's unsecured home-brew email server was from watching the news. Now journalists are at the barricades once again, like those idealistic students of Paris in "Les Miserables," protecting us against the orange-haired barbarian they so very much despise. And they also seek to protect America against his populist army, that forgotten working class that sent him to Washington and that frighten them so very much. Advertisement Trump despises his media critics, and in his raging narcissism, shrieks that what we call the establishment media is "the enemy of the American people," and this only encourages them to hunker down even deeper into their Left vs. Trump bunker. Yes, the criers of Beltway news are on the political left. But that's like saying rain is wet. Where's the surprise in this? Modern American liberal journalism might not believe religion has a place in the public square, but it has a deep abiding faith, in government to accomplish the good. And there is the danger. Because if journalists were truly intent on speaking truth to power, they wouldn't be defending the unelected rulers of America: The unelected and unaccountable federal bureaucracy is true power. The federal governmental leviathan is the faceless vanguard of the status quo. It is the vast hiding place of our modern American Kemalists, who are at once the servants of empire, and its quiet rulers, and they will not relinquish power easily. Trump was sent to Washington by the majority of the states and by his voters those folks repeatedly mocked and ridiculed as deplorables by Beltway journalism to break that status quo. Advertisement And the bureaucracy fights back, offering crippling news leaks and resistance against the White House even classified intelligence leaks from the Deep State in exchange for journalistic protection. On the popular MSNBC's "Morning Joe" program, co-host Mika Brzezinski responded to whether Trump's attacks on the status quo were the fulfillment of campaign promises. "Well, and I think that the dangerous, you know, edges here are that he is trying to undermine the media," Brzezinski said, "trying to make up his own facts. And it could be that while unemployment and the economy worsens, he could have undermined the messaging so much that he can actually control exactly what people think. And that is the that is our job." Later, she tweeted out that her comments were purposely misinterpreted, but I listened to it again and again and it was quite clear to me. Controlling what people think isn't a mere job. It's a mission. And now it's been renewed. Advertisement Listen to "The Chicago Way," with John Kass and Jeff Carlin and guest, former prosecutor Bob Milan, on his plan to use the National Guard to fight the gangs here: http://wgnradio.com/category/wgn-plus/category/thechicagoway. jskass@chicagotribune.com Twitter @John_Kass One man was killed and another person was injured early Feb. 23, 2017, in a two-vehicle crash on the West Side, Chicago police said. (Elvia Malagon / Chicago Tribune) A female driver was taken into custody late Thursday morning following a two-vehicle crash that killed a man in the West Side's East Garfield Park neighborhood, Chicago police said. About 2:05 a.m., a vehicle in the 3600 block of West Lake Street t-boned a second vehicle, causing the cars to crash into pillars of a CTA station, police said. Advertisement A man, who was in a Volkswagen, was taken to Norwegian American Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. The driver of a Kia was taken in good condition to Mount Sinai Hospital. The driver's age and gender were not known. Advertisement Police said a female driver was taken into custody, and charges were pending. Tracy Adams, a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit filed Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, by the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin, on behalf of her 17-year-old minor son, wipes a tear away during a news conference in Milwaukee. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of six black and Latino plaintiffs who say they've been stopped once or multiple times since 2010 without a citation or clear explanation. (Mike De Sisti / AP) MILWAUKEE The Milwaukee Police Department is operating a stop-and-frisk program that mostly targets black and Latino residents who are often detained without cause, the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin alleges in a lawsuit filed Wednesday. The federal lawsuit was filed on behalf of six black and Latino plaintiffs who say they've been stopped once or multiple times since 2010 without a citation or clear explanation. The lawsuit alleges the stop-and-frisk program is citywide but is concentrated in areas largely populated by minorities, including the predominantly black neighborhoods in the north of the city, creating a "deepened public fear of and alienation from" the police. Advertisement Police Chief Edward Flynn has suggested that increasing the number of stops in certain areas will disrupt and deter crime, the lawsuit alleges. It asks the court to order the police department to immediately end the program and to declare that department is violating the Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause and the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. Advertisement Flynn denies his department has a stop-and-frisk policy, though he maintains that traffic stops in "high crime areas" reduce crime. "No discussion of our crime tactics is complete without reference to the hyper-victimization of disadvantaged communities of color by high rates of violent crime," Flynn said in an emailed statement. "But MPD considers it our moral duty to confront violence where it occurs." American Civil Liberties Union attorney Nusrat Choudhury speaks at a news conference in Milwaukee, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, about a federal lawsuit the ACLU filed against the Milwaukee Police Department. The lawsuit alleges the Milwaukee Police Department's stop-and-frisk program is citywide but is concentrated in areas largely populated by minorities. (Mike De Sisti / AP) The lawsuit also names the city of Milwaukee. A spokeswoman for Mayor Tom Barret didn't immediately return a call for comment. "What we've uncovered by talking to people in the community and looking closely at plaintiff's experiences is that the Milwaukee Police Department is running a vast, unconstitutional stop-and-frisk program that subjects people to law enforcement encounters without reasonable suspicion of criminal activity and based on their race and ethnicity," said Nusrat Choudhury, an ACLU attorney. The ACLU has challenged similar police initiatives in Boston and Chicago over racial-profiling concerns. New York halted its stop-and-frisk policy in 2014 after a federal judge ruled it unconstitutional. The number of traffic and pedestrian stops in Milwaukee rose from 66,657 in 2007 to 196,434 in 2015, according to police department data cited in the lawsuit. The ACLU contends the stop-and-frisk directive began in 2008. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > Figures the ACLU obtained from the police department through an open records request found that black people comprised 72 percent of the more than 33,300 pedestrian stops officers conducted between 2010 and 2012. Blacks make up about 39 percent of Milwaukee's nearly 600,000 residents, according to 2015 Census data. The ACLU's analysis of those stops found that 41 percent lacked a clear explanation, with the reasons listed being "other," ''null," or "suspicious circumstances," ''suspicious vehicle," and "suspicious person." Advertisement ACLU attorneys also contend that the department encourages quotas for stops. They cite a May 2016 letter from the police union to department supervisors about placing officers "in a very difficult situation." "Basically, stops must be made to preserve employment, rather than to facilitate public safety," Milwaukee Police Association President Michael Crivello said in the letter, which claimed officers were being told to make two traffic stops per day or face discipline. Police department officials have denied a quota system exists. One of the lawsuit's plaintiffs is a 17-year-old boy who says he's been detained without cause three times, including once when he was visiting a friend when he was 11. Another plaintiff is 60-year-old Alicia Silvestre, who alleges that two police officers pulled her over and followed her home to look through her purse and verify she had a driver's license, which she didn't have when they stopped her. She said she was not ticketed or told why she was pulled over. The lawsuit alleges that Charles Collins and his wife were pulled over and questioned in 2014 without explanation an experience Collins, 67, said reinforced his anxiety about police. "If I go out, I gotta be on edge, I gotta be a little anxious because if I roll out as a black man, there's a good chance that I'm gonna get stopped for doing nothing," he said. Emergency responders recover a body found Feb. 23, 2017, in the Chicago River just south of the Chicago Avenue bridge. (Shane Collins / Chicago Magazine) A body seen floating in the Chicago River just south of the Chicago Avenue bridge drew a large police and fire response about 9 a.m. Thursday. A marine unit arrived on the scene after a witness saw the dead man about 9:20 a.m. in the 700 block of West Chicago Avenue, officials said. Advertisement The body could be seen floating facedown and drifting south, while bystanders and passers-by watched as police and fire officials arrived on the scene. The emergency response caused traffic delays on Chicago Avenue at the bridge. Advertisement Police said the body was pulled from the river and taken to the Cook County medical examiner's office, where an autopsy was pending. Chicago Tribune's Deanese Williams-Harris contributed. jputerbaugh@chicagotribune.com gwong@chicagotribune.com Twitter @John_Puterbaugh Twitter @GraceWong630 WASHINGTON Records from former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s divorce case show how he has been able to collect hefty benefit checks from the federal government after serving time in prison for looting hundreds of thousands of dollars from his campaign fund. Jackson, 51, receives about $138,400 a year more than he made as a freshman congressman in 1995. Most of that about $100,000 is workers' compensation and tax-free, according to Chicago attorney Barry Schatz, who is representing Jackson in his divorce proceeding. Advertisement The rest of Jackson's benefits are Social Security Disability Insurance payments, some of which may be taxable, Schatz said. The payments flow to Jackson because he has bipolar disorder and depression the issues that led to an extended leave from Congress in 2012 and those conditions have been exacerbated by a "very difficult, contentious divorce" from former Chicago Ald. Sandi Jackson, Schatz said. Advertisement "Whatever benefits Jesse Jackson Jr. has, he earned them, and as a matter of law, he's entitled to them," the attorney said. "If the government thought he wasn't entitled to them, they wouldn't be paying them." Jackson's workers' compensation benefits are for a temporary, total disability, the attorney said. His health is checked once a year or more, and should it improve, the benefits might change, the attorney said. "He's not a slacker," said Schatz, who disclosed that the ex-congressman is on medication and "not currently able to work." The president of a taxpayer watchdog group said the payments show "the system is still finding a way to take care of ex-lawmakers convicted of crimes and often in better fashion ... than many Americans with lesser financial means could expect. "Once again, the average taxpaying citizen is left to wonder if justice was done for them," said Pete Sepp, who heads the nonpartisan National Taxpayers Union in Washington. Jackson, a Chicago Democrat, spent 17 years in Congress before resigning while under FBI investigation. He pleaded guilty in 2013 to using about $750,000 in campaign cash over several years for vacations, luxury goods, celebrity memorabilia and other items. At the time he resigned in late November 2012, he was being paid $174,000 a year. Before quitting, Jackson had taken a leave for treatment for bipolar disorder and depression. Jackson's workers' compensation benefit statement gives June 1, 2012, as his "date of injury." Yet he cast 72 separate roll-call votes in the House of Representatives from June 1 to 8, 2012, not missing a single vote, House records show. Later that month, his office said he was on a leave of absence and being treated for what at first was called "exhaustion." Jackson won re-election in November 2012 with 63 percent of the vote. He did not campaign or run a TV ad, but addressed voters in a pre-election robocall. "Like many human beings, a series of events came together in my life at the same time, and they've been difficult to sort through," he said in the call. "I am human. I'm doing my best. And I'm trying to sort through them all." Advertisement Records indicate Jackson is collecting workers' compensation at the top rate given a person with a temporary total disability. The Federal Employees' Compensation Act gives workers' compensation benefits for disability "due to personal injury or disease sustained while in the performance of duty," the Labor Department said. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 15 Jesse Jackson Jr. and his wife, Sandi, depart after their sentencing hearing Aug. 14, 2013, in Washington. (Brian Cassella, Chicago Tribune) Schatz couldn't explain how the former congressman's job had caused his bipolar disorder and depression. "I can't give you an explanation as to how and why," he said. "I can tell you that medical experts have diagnosed him, and as a result of the diagnosis, he is entitled to disability payments. "If someone had a choice whether they wanted to be bipolar or not, I don't know of anybody that would want to choose to be bipolar, no matter what they were paid," he said. Ari Wilkenfeld, a Washington employment lawyer who has handled dozens of disability cases, said it would be highly unusual to collect federal workers' compensation for bipolar disorder. He said he knew of no other such cases and that his firm, Wilkenfeld, Herendeen & Atkinson, often represents federal employees. "What's remarkable here is by his getting workers' comp, it appears that Congressman Jackson's attorneys have convinced the government that his bipolar disorder was created by the rigors of being a member of Congress," Wilkenfeld said. Advertisement Details about Jackson's six-figure payments were disclosed in a court order after Sandi Jackson started a divorce proceeding last year in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. In her criminal case, Sandi Jackson, 53, was convicted for failing to report on their income tax returns most of what her husband took from campaign funds. Jesse Jackson, sentenced to 30 months in prison, spent about 22 months in correctional facilities, a halfway house and home detention. He remains on supervised release, or what used to be called parole, a federal official said Wednesday. After his release, his wife began a one-year sentence in a federal prison camp and fulfilled the obligation last October. She left the camp in September and wrapped up the last month of her term on home detention. Jesse Jackson has filed for a divorce in Cook County, separately from his wife's request in Washington. District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Robert Okun's order required Jesse Jackson to pay temporary child support for the couple's two children, 16 and 13, and revealed the ex-lawmaker's annual benefits payments of $138,400. Advertisement One court exhibit is Jackson's workers' compensation benefit statement from the Labor Department. The statement covers a 28-day period ending last Dec. 10. It shows Jackson's gross compensation was $7,699 for the period. The government also paid $977 for his health insurance in the same period, a benefit separate from his workers' compensation and disability insurance payments. The health insurance code on the statement is 105, which the Labor Department said is a Blue Cross Blue Shield Standard Self & Family Plan. The maximum rate for a federal employee's workers' compensation is 75 percent of the top salary in the U.S. government's "general schedule," or GS, which sets out pay levels for most civil service workers. In 2016, the top GS-15 salary was $133,444 a year. Such benefits are subject to annual cost-of-living increases, the Labor Department said. If a federal employee is receiving both workers' compensation and Social Security Disability payments, the benefits together each month may not exceed 80 percent of the employee's average monthly wage at the time of disability, according to a 2016 report by the Congressional Research Service. Georgetown Law professor David Super noted that workers' compensation and Social Security Disability are insurance programs, so Jackson's benefits simply reflect his years as a well-paid congressman. Jackson entered the House in 1995, when lawmakers earned $133,600 a year, and he had several pay raises while in office. Advertisement "There's an argument for designing the programs differently, more as subsistence programs," Super said, "but that's not what we've done." Jesse Jackson said in a court filing that his monthly expenses are $1,608. Sandi Jackson told the court she has no income, is late paying bills and is saddled with about $35,000 in credit card debt. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > In a court filing Feb. 1, Sandi Jackson, who lives in Washington, said her monthly expenses had climbed to $11,030. She owed about $13,700 on a Visa card, $11,000 on a Discover card and $10,500 on a MasterCard, according to credit card statements given the court. Last December, she owed more than $6,600 in mortgage payments, exhibits show. In January, Verizon sent her a letter saying, "Urgent: Disconnect Warning!" after her bill reached nearly $900 and Xfinity told her that her unpaid balance of nearly $1,100 put her at risk of having her cable TV and internet cut off. The court filings led Judge Okun to order Jesse Jackson to pay $1,529 a month in temporary child support beginning in March. At the outset of the case, Sandi Jackson tried to have the court record sealed, saying the parties may be "exposed to unnecessary harassment." Advertisement Okun refused, saying the two Jacksons were "prominent public figures" and materials in the case "will be of interest to a wide audience, a factor that favors disclosure." kskiba@chicagotribune.com Twitter @KatherineSkiba William Pacheco, 18, is accused of shooting a 17-year-old boy in the head, Chicago police said. (Chicago Police Department) An 18-year-old man is accused of shooting and critically injuring a 17-year-old boy this week in the Northwest Side's Jefferson Park neighborhood, Chicago police said. William Pacheco, 18, of the 3100 block of North Springfield Avenue in Logan Square, faces charges of aggravated battery, possession of 100 to 500 grams of cannabis, possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number and unlawful possession of a firearm. He is expected to appear Thursday in bond court. Advertisement The shooting happened about 4:45 p.m. Tuesday in the 4900 block of Milwaukee Avenue. The shooter got out of a silver minivan and shot a 17-year-old boy in the head, police said. The victim ran to the 5400 block of West Higgins Avenue, where he collapsed while someone called for help. The teen was taken in critical condition to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. Advertisement Pacheco was later identified as the shooter, according to a news release from the Chicago Police Department. Police did not give additional details about the shooting. A new sticker is placed on the door at the ceremonial opening of a gender neutral bathroom at Hale High School in Seattle on May 17, 2016. (Elaine Thompson / AP) The Trump administration announced late Wednesday it has rescinded a key Obama directive granting transgender students federal protections in public schools, though the impact in Illinois may not be as pronounced as elsewhere and many local educators said they will not roll back existing policies. The announcement by new Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and Attorney General Jeff Sessions was condemned by those who saw the Obama-era guidance as a civil rights victory. But critics of that policy, which allowed transgender students to use the bathroom and locker rooms matching their gender identities, had called it federal overreach and lauded its reversal. Advertisement The development is the latest in a contentious national battle over privacy and equality, with a school district in suburban Chicago at the forefront of the clash after giving a transgender student access to the girls' locker room and bathroom. In a significant shift, Trump's administration announced that it decided to "withdraw and rescind" the Obama administration's guidance in order to "more completely consider the legal issues involved," according to joint letter from the Education and Justice departments. The letter cited conflicting interpretations by federal courts of the Obama-era guidance. Advertisement That guidance was based on the premise that the protections of Title IX, the federal law that bans discrimination in schools on the basis of sex, extended to one's gender identity. The letter cited a rise in litigation and highlighted the role of states and local school districts in establishing educational policies. It also stated that safeguards against bullying, discrimination and harassment should remain in place. DeVos said in a statement that her department's Office for Civil Rights will continue to investigate claims of discrimination but that the issue of transgender student access is best left to states and communities. "Schools, communities, and families can find and in many cases have found solutions that protect all students," DeVos said in the statement. The news of the reversal did not faze officials in Illinois' largest and second-largest school districts, who said they plan to keep in place the guidelines they had previously adopted. Before the guidelines came down from the Obama administration, Chicago Public Schools last year announced its own policy allowing transgender students to use the restrooms and locker rooms of their gender identity. "CPS led the way among school districts on bathroom policies for transgender students and staff, and we have no intention of backing down no matter what President Trump does to discriminate against the LGBTQ community," spokeswoman Emily Bittner said. After controversy erupted in September in Elgin-based School District U-46, the district issued guidelines granting students access to the restrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity. That has not changed, spokeswoman Mary Fergus said. "We plan to uphold our guidelines as written," she said on Wednesday. Advertisement Similarly, officials in Barrington Community Unit School District 220 and Arlington Heights-based Township High School District 214 said they don't anticipate any changes to their current transgender student procedures and protocols. "As educators, it's always our responsibility to work with our students and families," District 220 Superintendent Brian Harris said. "Our kids never come in a cookie-cutter format, and we work hard to meet the individual needs of our kids on a daily basis, and this falls under that." Still, some advocates worry the reversal could have a sweeping impact. "Like other civil rights, transgender student access to education should not be left to the states," said Owen Daniel-McCarter, executive director of the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, a nonprofit that works with schools on LGBTQ issues. "Here in Illinois, we are fortunate to live in one of a minority of jurisdictions with comprehensive anti-discrimination laws that protect against discrimination on the basis of gender identity." In what has become one of the most high-profile cases on the issue, federal officials in an unprecedented 2015 decision found that northwest suburban Palatine-based Township High School District 211 violated Title IX when it denied a transgender student full access to the girls' locker room. Facing threats from the government of litigation and the loss of millions of dollars in federal aid, the district ultimately settled with the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, allowing the transgender student access to the girls' locker room last year and adding privacy stalls. But a lawsuit from a local group opposing the locker room access quickly followed. Transgender students in the district had already been granted access to the bathrooms of their choice. Advertisement Citing the pending litigation, a District 211 spokesman declined comment. The group of parents and students who sued the district and the federal government last May argued that allowing the locker room access trampled on the privacy rights of the other students, created a hostile environment and prevented students from practicing the modesty that their faith requires. The plaintiffs in the ongoing suit also said federal officials illegally changed the definition of Title IX and are overreaching in a local matters. In a call with reporters on Wednesday before the reversal was announced, lawyers representing the group in the lawsuit urged the Trump administration to repeal the guidance. "Set free America's local school officials to protect student privacy," said Gary McCaleb, an attorney with Alliance Defending Freedom. "Let them ensure that America's boys and girls have the privacy they need in locker rooms, showers, restrooms and on overnight school trips." Vicki Wilson, a District 211 parent who co-founded Students and Parents for Privacy, the lead plaintiff in the case, also spoke to reporters. "Our daughters should never be forced to undress in the presence of young men because it violates their right to privacy and harms their dignity," she said. Advertisement Illinois legal experts maintain that the state's Human Rights Act, which added gender identity as a protected class in 2006, will provide further protection for transgender students. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > The federal guidelines faced legal challenges even before Trump's election. In Texas, a federal judge last year issued an injunction temporarily blocking transgender students from using the school bathrooms and locker rooms of their choice. Earlier this month, the Department of Justice withdrew its opposition to the injunction. That decision prompted nearly 800 parents from across the country, including Naperville and Oak Park, to send a letter to Trump. They wrote in part that they were "heartbroken and scared" and that "No young person should wake up in the morning fearful of the school day ahead." The U.S. Supreme Court is soon expected to hear the case of Gavin Grimm, a Virginia transgender student who sued over access to the boys' bathroom. School districts around the state are increasingly adopting open and inclusive gender policies, said Ed Yohnka, spokesman for the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, which represents the transgender student in the District 211 case. Undoing Obama's guidelines may slow down that momentum, but it won't stop it, he said. "I don't think it changes the progress of history," Yohnka said. "This is about treating people with dignity and respect and fairness, and that progress is always going to move forward, even if it's slow." Advertisement deldeib@chicagotribune.com Twitter @deldeib African-American aldermen on Wednesday called for Mayor Rahm Emanuel to remove clauses in the city's police contract that they contend foster racist misconduct in the Chicago Police Department, an assertion the police union swiftly rejected. The City Council Black Caucus' demands come as the mayor negotiates a new police contract, talks that have been handled by the administration and union representatives, and not aldermen. Advertisement The "contract has been serving and protecting the culture of cultural racism and violence in our Police Department for far too long," said South Side Ald. Roderick Sawyer, 6th, the group's chairman. "Now is our chance to change this." The aldermen proposed 14 changes to the contract, as recommended by the Coalition for Accountability in Police Contracts, an umbrella organization for several groups including the ACLU of Illinois, Black Youth Project 100, Enlace Chicago and the NAACP Westside Branch. Advertisement Dean Angelo, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Chicago Lodge 7, noted that aldermen signed off on the current police contract. "This is the same rhetoric we've been listening to ever since the anti-police movement began, and we're expecting these type of statements to be coming out of the chambers of the City Council," Angelo said. "When we ratified our contract in October of 2014, we got a standing ovation (from aldermen) and we went back in November of 2015, they wanted my head on a stick, and we did absolutely nothing. We were thrown under the bus. They are deflecting and blaming the FOP, but this is the same populace that has ratified every agreement the union has had with the city since 1981." There are 18 black aldermen on the 50-member council, but a number are close allies of the mayor, so it's unclear if they would vote against a contract that did not include the provisions Sawyer outlined. Ald. Jason Ervin, 28th, said would not vote in favor of any police contract that does not include the changes. The recommendations call for eliminating the requirement for a sworn affidavit by a citizen before a complaint can go forward, removal of a restriction on investigating anonymous complaints, and deleting the requirement that the name and address of a complainant be disclosed to the officer against whom it's filed. Changing the requirement for a sworn statement involves more than just negotiating a deal with the FOP because the provision also is enshrined in state law. And getting the FOP to give that up without something significant in exchange will be a tall order. Other recommended changes included deleting the provision that gives officers 24 hours before they are required to give a statement after shooting somebody and another giving officers a chance to change their statements after seeing video of the incident. The aldermen and community coalition members noted that similar changes to the police contract were recommended by the mayor's Police Accountability Task Force, which he set up amid the political fallout after the late 2015 release of a police dashcam video showing a white police officer fatally shooting black teen Laquan McDonald. The shooting prompted an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, which also recommended changes to the contract. The department's report decried the contract provision that calls for a sworn affidavit. Advertisement "They found that racism was rampant in our Police Department, and so was misconduct," said Bryce Colquitt of the Workers Center for Racial Justice, which is part of the coalition seeking the changes. "The thing is the contract is being negotiated right now. We cannot miss our moment to make real change." Angelo said Wednesday that the FOP "would not negotiate in the media," and he said aldermen making such demands before serious talks on a new contract had begun "borders on bad-faith bargaining, because it's the 'my way or the highway' type of position they've taken." While Angelo said he didn't intend to negotiate publicly, he made it clear the union still will push for the sworn affidavits for complaints against officers and for the 24-hour period for an officer to give a statement. Without the affidavit, the city's police oversight agency would be inundated with too many complaints too keep up with, he said, and without complainants to be interviewed by investigators. And Angelo said Chicago's 24-hour rule pales in comparison to a 48-hour rule at other departments and a 72-hour requirement at the FBI. "The protections that are in our agreement are there for a population of people who are doing a job that nobody else wants to do," Angelo said. "They are putting their lives on the line for the law-abiding citizens of this city, and they continually do it even with all this negative rhetoric coming their way everyday." The union's current contract expires June 30. Angelo said the city is negotiating the terms of a new agreement with the sergeants and lieutenants union. The FOP has had one sit-down with the city's bargaining team to get acquainted, but Angelo said he does not expect talks to pick up until after the lodge holds its leadership elections March 10. Advertisement Asked about the push by the African-American aldermen on Wednesday, Emanuel did not specifically address the changes they are seeking in the contract. The mayor did, however, hint that the department soon would be announcing additional changes to police policy in response to the Justice Department investigation. "As it relates to the contract, I think we can all acknowledge that the next contract is going to be markedly different than the last contract," Emanuel said. "That's a bottom line, and we're going to work at the bargaining table to see those through." In other City Council action Wednesday: Aldermen approved tweaking home rental rules to limit access to the lists of people who stay in Chicago using Airbnb and similar online platforms. Under the change, people who rent out their homes would no longer have to make customer lists available to city inspectors upon request, a move that brings the city in line with U.S. Supreme Court precedent. Under the new rules, the lists only would have to be produced in response to a search warrant or subpoena. A contract for updated and expanded concessions at Midway Airport was approved, a move Emanuel pitched as a lucrative, 15-year deal that will create new jobs and increase the Southwest Side airport's concessions area by more than 50 percent. The mayor did not directly answer a question on the qualifications of a former aide who will receive a cut of the contract. A firm owned by political operative and public relations specialist Becky Carroll, who worked at the Emanuel-controlled Chicago Public Schools and ran a political action committee in support of Emanuel's re-election, will receive a 2 percent stake in future airport concessions, according to information the mayor's office gave to aldermen. Aldermen also overwhelmingly approved as the city's next top attorney Edward Siskel, a former federal prosecutor and deputy White House counsel. Siskel, who is the nephew of late Tribune movie critic Gene Siskel, handled internal investigations in the Obama White House and ran point on congressional investigations into solar technology company Solyndra and the attack on the U.S. diplomatic post in Benghazi, Libya. Advertisement bruthhart@chicagotribune.com hdardick@chicagotribune.com Ebony Lucas, a candidate for 4th Ward alderman, has been accused of conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation by the state agency that investigates allegations of lawyer misconduct. (Lucas campaign photo) As Ebony Lucas runs in the special election for 4th Ward alderman, she's billing herself as a real estate lawyer "fighting for distressed homeowners and condominium associations." Public documents detailing that work, as well as her foray into real estate investing, show that authorities have questioned the first-time candidate's honesty and conduct. Advertisement The state agency that investigates allegations of lawyer misconduct has accused Lucas of "conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation" assertions she flatly denies. The charge is related to her efforts to exert control over a Kenwood condominium building where she owns about a third of the units. Her nemesis in that condo association drama is a Florida businessman with a past drug dealing conviction whose name pops up in criminal court papers that federal prosecutors said involved international terrorism. In one of many civil lawsuits she's been involved with, a judge ordered Lucas out of the courtroom for behavior a city attorney later described as "disruptive and combative." Lucas also has been arrested twice and faced misdemeanor charges of battery, theft, criminal trespass and resisting a peace officer. In both cases, the charges eventually were dropped. Advertisement Lucas offered a defense of each incident in interviews and court documents. She said she would be vindicated in the complaint filed by the state's lawyer disciplinary agency. She chalked up the allegations of courtroom disruption as coming from a racially motivated judge. And she disputed the accuracy of the arrest records. The legal questions haven't been a major issue ahead of Tuesday's special election for 4th Ward alderman. Lucas has raised the second-most cash in the contest, in which four people are challenging Sophia King. She's a friend of former President Barack Obama whom Mayor Rahm Emanuel appointed last April to replace Will Burns, another Obama ally who left to take a job with Airbnb. Also running are two other attorneys, Gerald Scott McCarthy and Marcellus Moore Jr., and activist Gregory Seal Livingston. King has raised nearly three times as much as all the other candidates combined. Getting more than half the vote Tuesday wins the race, but if no candidate reaches that threshold, the two top vote-getters will face off in an April runoff election. Condo minutes dispute In late August, the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission filed a complaint accusing Lucas of getting a friend to draft phony meeting minutes for the condominium association of the 35-unit Drexel Commons that identified Lucas as the board's president even though she held the title of "assistant." That, in turn, allowed her to "falsely obtain access to the association's bank account" and move $75,000 to another account that she controlled, the complaint states. Lucas denied the allegations, both in her response to the complaint and during interviews with the Chicago Tribune. "I'm confident, at the end of the day, it will be dismissed," she said. Resolution is unlikely to come before Election Day. There's a meeting between the agency and Lucas scheduled for next month to see if they can resolve the case short of a formal hearing to determine what, if any, discipline is warranted. Lucas said she never falsely represented herself as the condo association's board president, and as a duly elected "assistant" to the board, she moved the money so it could be used for previously planned building repairs. Advertisement Much of the case hinges on meeting minutes the state agency contends were altered and given by Lucas and her friend to a bank employee to get signature privileges on the association bank account. Lucas told the Tribune the minutes were drawn up but "never used, which is why we disagree with the state attorney discipline agency's findings." Lucas, who owns 12 units in the building, laid blame for the attorney disciplinary complaint at the feet of Tony Osias, who has owned roughly a dozen units in the building, contending that he is trying to gain control of Drexel Commons and avoid paying assessments to maintain and improve the building. Osias told the Tribune he complained about Lucas to the attorney disciplinary agency and other authorities. Lucas said: "What I do know is that he sent them repeated emails every single day and was really, really pressing the issue. ... He doesn't want us to take legal action against him for not paying his assessments. So what he's trying to do is bully and threaten us to not take legal action." Like Lucas, Osias is in the business of buying condos in Chicago, although he often ends up selling them. Osias or his companies now own about three dozen condo units around the city, mostly in Bronzeville. Osias spent about a decade in federal prison after being convicted in 1994 for running a crack cocaine operation in North Carolina. In 2012, his name surfaced in a federal investigation of an alleged terrorist recruiting cell in Orlando, Fla., that led to the convictions of two men on charges of conspiring to defraud the government. In that case, federal prosecutors alleged in court papers that Osias prepared a false tax return for a young man who intended to use the tax refund to wage jihad in West Africa. Osias was not charged in that case. He told the Tribune that the prosecution was "fabricated" by an "overenthusiastic prosecutor," but added that he cooperated with authorities. Advertisement Osias acknowledged his 1990s drug conviction and his role in the terrorism case but said his past has no bearing on the condo association complaint. "She wants a smokescreen so that she can cause enough confusion going into the election, because she can't defend what she did," Osias said. "I made a mistake when I was 20 years old," Osias said of his criminal conviction. "Other than besmirching my good name, there is no relevance to the current situation. ... I did not create those meeting minutes." In addition, Osias and Lucas are embroiled in a civil suit over control of Drexel Commons, which also faces a separate court case over alleged city building code violations. Osias said he wants a court-appointed receiver to oversee the building, and claims Lucas is behind on assessment payments and she wants to take control of the building. Lucas said she is current on her assessments. The records are not public. Osias provided a letter from an attorney indicating that he has been depositing his condo assessments in a separate account for the benefit of the association until a lawsuit contesting who controls the association is sorted out. He also provided documentation indicating he paid $15,500 in association water bills from that account. Lucas says she's trying to get the association to resolve the code violation issues without court intervention. She contends that her efforts to get the building in sound shape is much like what she's done for other condo associations she has represented as an attorney. Advertisement Disputes with authorities In one of those cases, the city took the now-defunct Shoreline Condominium Association to court and had the building placed in a court-supervised receivership because of city building code violations. Lucas for a time represented Shoreline but later sued the association over legal fees. During a January 2016 hearing to determine if Lucas' firm, the Property Law Group, should be disqualified from representing former unit owners, Circuit Court Judge Pamela Gillespie called in a deputy during a testy exchange with Lucas and then asked Lucas to leave the courtroom, according to an affidavit in the case. An attorney representing the city filed a motion describing Lucas' behavior as "disruptive and combative." Lucas, who is African-American, later sought to have Gillespie removed from the case, contending that the judge "directed derogatory comments and behavior towards me," actions that Lucas called "racially motivated." Another judge denied that motion. Lucas also has been arrested twice on misdemeanor charges following altercations, according to police reports and court records. Advertisement In March 2013, Lucas was arrested at a state office building across from the Thompson Center after refusing an Illinois State Police officer's request to leave, according to court documents. After being told she was under arrest, she resisted being handcuffed, according to the documents. Lucas was charged with criminal trespass to state-supported land and resisting a peace officer, according to a police report that lists her last name as Wilkerson, her legal name before she divorced and remarried. The case was dropped about a month later, court documents state. Asked about the incident, Lucas said she went to the building to pick up a nephew from day care and used the ID of her cousin, the boy's mother. Lucas said police confiscated the ID and took a report, but she said she was not arrested. Lucas said she was pregnant at the time and gave birth to a son the next day. In January 2009, Lucas was arrested at an Uptown bank after "a verbal altercation about money" with another person in the lobby, according to a police arrest report. Lucas allegedly "grabbed at the victim and snatched the victim's wallet, ID, and credit card," then got in her own car and drove off, the report states. Lucas returned and "began yelling at the victim again," according to a police report. Responding officers recovered the items from Lucas and arrested her, the police report states. Lucas was charged with battery and assault. Charges were dropped later that year after the woman identified as the victim wrote a letter to the prosecutor stating her "desire to withdraw the charges." Contacted by the Tribune recently, the woman said she needed to check her file on the case to see if she was allowed to talk about it. She did not call back. Advertisement Lucas denied the altercation took place. Court documents show she initially represented herself in court on that case. Chicago Tribune's Steve Schmadeke contributed. hdardick@chicagotribune.com dyjackson@chicagotribune.com Three variations of the AR-15 assault rifle are displayed at the California Department of Justice in Sacramento, Calif. Omar Mateen used an AR-style assault rifle that he purchased legally when he killed 49 people in an Orlando nightclub. (Rich Pedroncelli, AP) ANNAPOLIS, Md. Maryland's ban on 45 kinds of assault weapons and its 10-round limit on gun magazines were upheld Tuesday by a federal appeals court in a decision that met with a strongly worded dissent. In a 10-4 ruling, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, said the guns banned under Maryland's law aren't protected by the Second Amendment. Advertisement "Put simply, we have no power to extend Second Amendment protections to weapons of war," Judge Robert King wrote for the court, adding that the Supreme Court's decision in District of Columbia v. Heller explicitly excluded such coverage. Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh, who led the push for the law in 2013 as a state senator, said it's "unthinkable that these weapons of war, weapons that caused the carnage in Newtown and in other communities across the country, would be protected by the Second Amendment." Advertisement "It's a very strong opinion, and it has national significance, both because it's en-banc and for the strength of its decision," Frosh said, noting that all of the court's judges participated. Judge William Traxler issued a dissent. By concluding the Second Amendment doesn't even apply, Traxler wrote, the majority "has gone to greater lengths than any other court to eviscerate the constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms." He also wrote that the court did not apply a strict enough review on the constitutionality of the law. "For a law-abiding citizen who, for whatever reason, chooses to protect his home with a semi-automatic rifle instead of a semi-automatic handgun, Maryland's law clearly imposes a significant burden on the exercise of the right to arm oneself at home, and it should at least be subject to strict scrutiny review before it is allowed to stand," Traxler wrote. National Rifle Association spokeswoman Jennifer Baker said, "It is absurd to hold that the most popular rifle in America is not a protected 'arm' under the Second Amendment." She added that the majority opinion "clearly ignores the Supreme Court's guidance from District of Columbia v. Heller that the Second Amendment protects arms that are 'in common use at the time for lawful purposes like self-defense.'" The NRA estimates there are 5 million to 10 million AR-15s one of the weapons banned under Maryland's law in circulation in the United States for lawful purposes. Asked about an appeal, Baker said the NRA is exploring all options. But Elizabeth Banach, executive director of Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence, said the decision is "overwhelming proof that reasonable measures to prevent gun violence are constitutional." "Maryland's law needs to become a national model of evidence-based policies that will reduce gun violence," Banach wrote in a statement. U.S. District Judge Catherine Blake upheld the ban in 2015, but a divided three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last year that she didn't apply the proper legal standard. The panel sent the case back to Blake and ordered her to apply "strict scrutiny," a more rigorous test of a law's constitutionality. The state appealed to the full appeals court. Advertisement Maryland passed the sweeping gun-control measure after the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre that killed 20 children and six educators in Connecticut. King mentioned the massacre at the start of the ruling. "Both before and after Newtown, similar military-style rifles and detachable magazines have been used to perpetrate mass shootings in places whose names have become synonymous with the slaughters that occurred there," King wrote. He listed the 2012 shootings at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado; the December 2015 shootings in San Bernardino, California; and the shootings last year at an Orlando, Florida, nightclub, where 49 people were killed and 53 injured. King also noted that enacting the law is "precisely the type of judgment that legislatures are allowed to make without second-guessing by a court." "Simply put, the State has shown all that is required: a reasonable, if not perfect, fit between the (Firearms Safety Act) and Maryland's interest in protecting public safety," King wrote. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, accompanied Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, speaks at the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Mexico City, Mexico, on Feb. 23, 2017. (Carlos Barria / AP) MEXICO CITY Seeking to tamp down growing unease in Latin America, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly pledged Thursday that the United States won't enlist its military to enforce immigration laws and that there will be "no mass deportations." Only hours earlier, President Donald Trump suggested the opposite. He told CEOs at the White House the deportation push was a "military operation." Advertisement Kelly, speaking in Mexico's capital, said all deportations will comply with human rights requirements and the U.S. legal system, including its multiple appeals for those facing deportation. He said the U.S. approach will involve "close coordination" with Mexico's government. "There will be no use of military forces in immigration," Kelly said. "There will be no repeat, no mass deportations." Advertisement Yet while Kelly and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson tried to alleviate Mexico's concerns, Trump was fanning them further, with tough talk about "getting really bad dudes out of this country at a rate nobody has ever seen before." "It's a military operation," Trump said Thursday while his envoys were in Mexico City. "Because what has been allowed to come into our country, when you see gang violence that you've read about like never before and all of the things, much of that is people who are here illegally." It was an altogether different message from Kelly and Tillerson, who traveled here to meet with top Mexican officials at a time of intense turbulence for U.S.-Mexico relations. Indeed, Trump acknowledged he had sent his top diplomat south of the border on a "tough trip." In contrast to Trump, Tillerson and Kelly emphasized a U.S. commitment to work closely with Mexico on border security, illegal immigration and trafficking of drugs and weapons issues Trump has made a central focus of his young presidency, much to Mexico's dismay. Both Tillerson and Kelly appeared to downplay any major rift between the U.S. and Mexico. "In a relationship filled with vibrant colors, two strong sovereign countries from time to time will have differences," Tillerson said. "We listened closely and carefully to each other as we respectfully and patiently raised our respective concerns." For Mexico, that patience was running short. Foreign Relations Secretary Luis Videgaray noted the "public and notorious differences" between the countries and said the Mexicans had raised the "legal impossibility" of a government making "unilateral" decisions affecting another country. Videgaray has previously raised the prospect Mexico could seek recourse at the United Nations or elsewhere for U.S. moves violating international law. "It is an evident fact that Mexicans feel concern and irritation over what are perceived as policies that may hurt Mexicans and the national interest of Mexicans here and abroad," Videgaray said. Advertisement The divergent tones from Trump and from his Cabinet officials left Mexico with an uncomfortable decision about whom to believe. Throughout Trump's first weeks, foreign leaders have grown increasingly skeptical as Trump's envoys deliver soothing messages that are then negated by the president. Mexico has been incensed that the U.S. announced without Mexico's sign-off that people caught crossing the border illegally will be sent back to Mexico even those from third countries who have no connection to Mexico. Interior Secretary Miguel Angel Osorio Chong, Kelly's Mexican counterpart, said that concern had come up Thursday, too. Both countries said it was positive that the neighbors remained committed to working through the disputes diplomatically, though there were no indications they were any closer to a resolution. As the Americans wrapped up their Mexico visit, they remained at odds with their hosts over the deportations and over the massive border wall Trump has vowed to construct at Mexico's expense. Trump spoke during the presidential campaign about using a "deportation force." His Homeland Security Department at one point considered using the National Guard to help with deportations, although the White House has said that idea has been ruled out. The Homeland Security Department didn't immediately respond to requests to clarify why Trump's remark about "a military operation" had conflicted with that of Kelly, who blamed the media for "misreporting." At the White House, spokesman Sean Spicer said Trump hadn't been speaking literally. He said Trump used the "military operation" phrase "as an adjective" to describe the precision with which immigration enforcement was being carried out. Tillerson and Kelly also met behind closed doors with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto before returning to Washington. Pena Nieto recently canceled a trip to Washington over Trump's insistence that Mexico pay for the wall. It has not been rescheduled. Advertisement In addition to sending border-crossers from third countries into Mexico, new memos signed by Kelly this week call for prioritizing deportation for anyone charged or convicted of any crime, rather than just serious crimes. That potentially subjects millions in the U.S. illegally to deportation, many Mexicans included. Those policies have stoked fears in Mexico about the possibility of deportee and refugee camps emerging along Mexico's northern border. Mexican officials were also apprehensive that a forthcoming report ordered by Trump's administration listing all current U.S. aid to Mexico is intended to threaten Mexico into compliance over immigration or the wall. Mexico has also raised concerns about Trump's pledge to overhaul the trade relationship and possibly apply steep taxes to Mexican products, a move with profound impacts for Mexico's export-heavy economy. Tillerson said the leaders had agreed the trade relationship needed to be modernized and strengthened. Associated Press writer Mark Stevenson in Mexico City and Jonathan Lemire in New York contributed to this report. House Speaker Paul Ryan led a delegation of House Republicans on a six-hour tour of the U.S.-Mexico border Wednesday, seeing firsthand by helicopter, horse and boat the security challenges of keeping out undocumented immigrants President Donald Trump wants to block with a costly wall. Ryan, R-Wis., on his first trip to the border, said in a statement afterward that U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents on the ground need "more tools and more support . . . for them to do their jobs effectively." He said Congress "is committed to securing the border and enforcing our laws" and pledged cooperation with the Trump administration. Advertisement "When you see with your own eyes the many challenges facing our law enforcement professionals along the border, it gives you even greater respect for the work that they do day in and day out," Ryan said. But he did not comment directly on the border wall that is opposed by many Democrats and some in his own party, who worry Republicans committed to reining in government spending will not find billions of dollars for a huge construction project. Advertisement Ryan's visit to the Rio Grande Valley on the southern tip of Texas began with a protest outside the U.S. Border Patrol Station in McAllen, where about 100 activists gathered Wednesday morning hoping to meet with him. But the speaker arrived early and was already in the building before they came, the Monitor of McAllen reported. Protesters have mobilized nationally to fight the Trump administration's promised crackdown on illegal immigration. The administration stepped up this week with new policies that dramatically expand the number of migrants targeted by authorities for deportation. Ryan has not formally responded to the new orders, but in January he promised at a town hall event that there would be no "deportation force." On Wednesday, the speaker was joined by House Republicans representing southern border states: Reps. Michael McCaul (Texas), chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee; John Carter (Texas); and Martha McSally (Ariz.); and Homeland Security officials. The news media were not allowed on the tour. The lawmakers heard from agents who apprehend undocumented immigrants crossing from Mexico - a majority of whom are fleeing violence in Central America - and turn themselves in to authorities. They learned how those who enter the country illegally are processed and held in detention centers. They saw the varied geography of the region. But they did not meet with residents of the communities around the border, leading to criticism from local advocates. The tour was the highest profile of several visits by members of Congress during the February recess. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, rode along with Border Patrol agents last week. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, led five GOP lawmakers on a separate tour of the Rio Grande Valley this week. Cornyn has taken a more nuanced approach than the president and some lawmakers to building a wall, saying that enforcement and technology must accompany any physical barrier. And Democrats in the Congressional Hispanic and Border caucuses met with community groups to denounce the wall as a detriment to immigrant communities. Juanita Valdez-Cox, executive director of LUPE, an advocacy group founded by activist Cesar Chavez, told the Monitor she expects negative rhetoric from Congress to escalate once Ryan returns to Washington. Advertisement "This visit is for him to be able to say that he's been here and seen the Rio Grande Valley, when in fact he is neglecting to hear the stories and concerns from the people who live here," Valdez-Cox said. "My fear is that it's a plan to be able to justify Trump's wall." McAllen is a fast-growing city of 141,000 in the Rio Grande Valley, which last year ranked as the busiest sector for illegal border crossings, largely because of a surge in unaccompanied children and families from Central America. The river snakes through the region, forming the natural border between the United States and Mexico. It serves as a reminder of the complicated topography of building a wall, since it contains rivers, mountains and other rugged terrain. Congress is beginning to assess the cost of building the president's signature campaign promise. Trump has vowed to make Mexico cover the cost, but the Mexican government has balked at the plan. At the moment, the project has no reliable price tag. Trump has estimated the cost at $8 billion. Recent congressional legislation pegged the number at $10 billion, and construction experts say it could be more than double that. Congressional Republicans seem amenable to underwriting the wall themselves - at least at first - although some budget hawks have said they want cuts to other federal spending to compensate. About 600 miles of the 2,000-mile southern border are covered by fencing that ranges in height from three feet to about 20 feet. The Trump administration in its first month has largely benched the State Department from its long-standing role as the preeminent voice of U.S. foreign policy, curtailing public engagement and official travel and relegating Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to a mostly offstage role. Decisions on hiring, policy and scheduling are being driven by a White House often wary of the foreign policy establishment and struggling to set priorities and write policy on the fly. Advertisement The most visible change at the State Department is the month-long lack of daily press briefings, a fixture since John Foster Dulles was secretary of state in the 1950s. The televised question-and-answer session is watched closely around the world, and past administrations have pointed proudly to the accountability of having a government spokesman available to domestic and foreign press almost every day without fail. Tillerson has also been notably absent from White House meetings with foreign leaders. The State Department was represented by the acting deputy, Tom Shannon, at the president's discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Because he was en route to Bonn for a Group of 20 meeting, Tillerson did not join Trump's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although the two had a working dinner the night before. Advertisement It is still early in Tillerson's tenure, and former State Department officials, from Republican and Democratic administration alike, say his performance reflects the disarray in the White House. The administration had sent mixed signals on key issues such as U.S. policy toward China and commitment to the NATO alliance even before Trump's first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, was forced to resign last week. Some of the State Department's lack of public diplomacy is probably due to the learning curve of the former oil executive turned diplomat. Other factors appear to be at play, including an aversion to freewheeling questions from reporters and the many department vacancies. But the biggest factor is the confusing lines of communication and authority to the White House, and Trump's inclination to farm out elements of foreign policy to a kitchen Cabinet of close advisers. Chief strategist Stephen Bannon attends national security meetings and recently spoke with the German ambassador, and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has been given a major role in getting Israeli-Palestinian talks on track, a job usually the preserve of the State Department. When asked about foreign policy developments, State Department officials often have referred reporters to the White House. "Tillerson isn't being purposefully sidelined; he's just caught up in an administration with too many competing power centers and a president who's unwilling or unable to decide who he wants to play the lead role in implementing his foreign policy," said Aaron David Miller, a former diplomat who advised Republican and Democratic presidents about the Middle East. "The problem is letting a thousand flowers and tweets bloom isn't the best way to run the foreign policy of the world's most consequential power." So far, most of Tillerson's diplomacy has been conducted out of sight. He has met with several visiting foreign ministers, spoken on the phone with dozens of other diplomats and met more at the Group of 20 meeting last week in Bonn. Unlike in previous administrations, the State Department has not always made brief accounts of those conversations public. After Tillerson met with European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini this month, the State Department said nothing while Mogherini held a detailed on-the-record briefing for reporters. "I think it's hard to go out and talk to the press if you don't know what to say," said Richard Boucher, a retired career diplomat and former spokesman for Republican and Democratic administrations. Advertisement "I think they're struggling to get back to square one and reassure people they aren't undercutting the foundations of what America stood for," he added. "So they don't have a lot to say and don't know how to use the press to influence getting there." In some cases, governments of countries that are not democracies have been more transparent than the State Department. Phone conversations Tillerson had with the foreign ministers of Russia and Egypt as well as a phone conversation with Saudi Arabia's King Salman came to light only when the officials told their local press about them. "It behooves the administration to give our side of any conversation," said Richard Stengel, the undersecretary for public diplomacy and public affairs from 2014 through 2016 under former President Barack Obama. "Having someone put points on the scoreboard and not taking the shot yourself seems peculiar to me." Tillerson speaks frequently with Trump and met with him before leaving Washington on Wednesday for meetings in Mexico that will include Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly. Still, the new secretary of state has maintained an extremely low profile since taking office Feb. 1. His influence appears muted, at least for now, and he suffered a public embarrassment just a week into the job when Trump rejected his choice of a deputy, Republican foreign policy veteran Elliott Abrams, as insufficiently loyal to Trump. "Tillerson is pretty clearly a decent character and would be a perfectly normal Republican secretary of state, but he's clearly hampered in all kinds of ways, including in making his own appointments," said Eliot Cohen, who was a top aide to former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice. "The Elliott Abrams example is pretty horrifying." Tillerson has a small group of aides clustered around him, including chief of staff Margaret Peterlin, a former deputy director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; R.C. Hammond, who was press secretary in Newt Gingrich's 2012 presidential campaign; Matt Mowers, a former aide to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie who worked on the Trump campaign; and Jennifer Hazelton, who worked at CNN and Fox News before joining the Trump campaign. Advertisement Asked whether the absence of top officials at State - Tillerson and U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley are the only Trump-selected officials on the job - is hampering the work of diplomacy, the department referred to earlier comments from White House press secretary Sean Spicer. "The secretary is having an ongoing and productive exchange with the president and his team that is identifying very talented individuals to serve and help the department execute its mission," Spicer said. Though the president always sets foreign policy, often it is considered better for tactical reasons to have policies explained by the State Department and the secretary of state instead of the president. Former secretaries of state were viewed as the primary public face of U.S. foreign policy, a role Tillerson has yet to fill. "I support Secretary Tillerson and believe everyone should be patient while he defines his operating style," said Jim Wilkinson, who was a senior adviser to Rice. Tillerson has not taken the usual complement of beat reporters with him on either of his foreign trips so far, opting instead for small "pools" that send reports to others. Other recent secretaries of state have made a point of orchestrating a long, symbolic first trip, showcasing their own agendas with news conferences and interviews. Advertisement State Department officials have said the daily press briefings are only temporarily shelved while the new administration gets its footing, but there has been no announcement about when they will resume or whether they will still be held every day. "The Department of State continues to provide members of the media a full suite of services," acting department spokesman Mark Toner said Wednesday. "In addition to regular press briefings conducted by a department spokesperson, reporters will soon have access to additional opportunities each week to interact with State Department officials." Other incoming administrations have called a hiatus of a few days at most before the briefings resumed. In 2001, the last time a Republican took over after a Democratic administration, there was no break at all. Boucher briefed on Monday, Jan. 22, answering questions about the Philippines, Iraq and Secretary of State Colin Powell's first day on the job. The silence from the State Department is all the more notable for the combative and sometimes adversarial stance Spicer has adopted and Trump's own denunciations of major news organizations as biased. Last week Trump used his favorite bypass of the press, Twitter, to call the press "the enemy of the American people." The former ExxonMobil chief executive has made no speeches beyond a well-received address to State Department employees on his arrival and has held no news conferences. He made only one brief, substantive remark on policy within reporters' earshot during an intensive round of meetings in Bonn last week and ignored shouted questions that other foreign ministers attending the Group of 20 session gladly answered. As is true for just about everyone else on the planet, the Europeans are trying to figure out President Donald Trump and the America's foreign policy and figure out who speaks for America's foreign policy. In Europe, political leaders have gone from panicked to confused. When Vice President Mike Pence traveled to Europe, he certainly sounded more reassuring than Trump. The Post reported that whatever reassurance he provided went only so far: "Although the vice president repeatedly stressed that he was speaking on behalf of President Trump, the two men indeed seemed as though they were separated by an ocean. "Pence offered bland mollifications, forced to calm and cajole European countries that, in the post-Cold War order, until recently never had cause to question the support of the United States. But at a campaign rally Saturday evening in Florida, Trump did the opposite, again criticizing NATO hours after Pence had extolled its virtues in Munich and offending yet another ally when he implied that there was a recent terrorist attack in Sweden, one that seemed to exist only in the president's imagination. "The study in contrasts between Trump and his No. 2 was almost as stark as the timing and substance of Pence's trip - a pacifying visit just four weeks into Trump's young, if turbulent, presidency." Put differently, does Pence (or any Cabinet-level official) matter, or does he operate outside of "official" Trumpian foreign policy that contemplates that U.S. interests may not include the security of all of Europe? Europeans are in information-gathering mode, as Bloomberg reported. European Parliament member Christian Ehler, an ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, is in the United States looking for clues as to whether the Trump-Steve Bannon outlook is "ideology" or actual policy. The report quotes Ehler as saying, "If you would come up with a situation where, let's say, Russian money is feeding right-wing campaigns in Europe and an ultra-conservative, libertarian, sometimes-xenophobic social platform would be the intellectual backbone for social media campaigns in Europe, and this would be related to personalities in the U.S. government, that would be very problematic." In other words, pro-Putin forces would be delighted to see Trump (intentionally or unwittingly) undermine Merkel, who remains the bulwark of the U.S.-E.U. relationship and the most resolute leader on the continent when it comes to Russia and defense of Europe. Jamie Kirchick writes, "With federal elections approaching this fall, it's not only Russian meddling that should concern Merkel, but American as well. Trump has made clear that he's at best indifferent, if not openly hostile to the modern European project, and [Stephen K.] Bannon has indicated that anti-E.U. populists have a friend in the White House." As Kirchick notes: "Bannon and Merkel differ profoundly in their visions of Europe. The Chancellor, who grew up in communist East Germany, innately understands Vladimir Putin's Russia as a threat to Western values and security. Fending off complaints from both her left (Greece's Syriza-led government) and right (Hungary's Viktor Orban), she has held the line on the European Union sanctions regime imposed upon Moscow for its territorial annexation of Crimea and ongoing invasion of Ukraine, which she termed as exemplifying 'the law of the jungle.' Bannon, meanwhile, like Trump, sees Russia as a potential ally in the fight against Islamic terrorism as well as a bulwark in defense of traditional values; both Bannon and Putin support the same, illiberal populists currently on the rise across Europe. 'The Judeo-Christian West really have to look at what he's talking about as far as traditionalism goes particularly the sense of where it supports the underpinnings of nationalism - and I happen to think that the individual sovereignty of a country is a good thing and a strong thing,' he said of Putin in 2014. Whereas Merkel stresses the importance of NATO as the bedrock of Western security and a deterrence against Russian revanchism, Bannon, also like his boss, appears to view the alliance as a nuisance." It's worth noting that one major accomplishment of the post-World War II international order was the full integration of Germany (completed under President George H.W. Bush) into the West as a democracy and solid defender of NATO. This job was done so effectively, Merkel now seems to be holding the Atlantic alliance together with frequent reference to U.S.-type appeals for a free press and respect for international borders and human rights. Merkel, in a way, is much more a citizen of the West than is Trump, who seems to have gone through life without any appreciation of American values and world leadership. Now, no matter how much Bannon would like to orchestrate an international wave of populism, his and this president's ability to do so remains limited. "I think they are probably so busy trying to staff the government, contain damage, get ready for the State of the Union, etc., that they have neither the time nor importantly, the ability to make much mischief," says Trump critic Eliot Cohen. "In general, we should stay out of other people's elections, other than supporting clean voting and accountability more generally." Kori Schake of the Hoover Institution agrees that Trump and his political aides would be foolish to butt into German politics. "Given their difficulties with the travel ban executive order, I'd think their time was better spent achieving their own domestic priorities," she says. "Involving themselves in Germany's elections would badly undercut the cooperative messages Vice President Pence, Secretary of State Tillerson, Secretary of Defense Mattis, and Secretary of Homeland Security Kelly all gave to Europeans last week. It would lead to comparisons with Russian election meddling invidious to the U.S." And of course an effort to help Bannon's right-wing allies could only "serve to assist Chancellor Merkel's re-election." With or without help from the United States, Russia almost certainly will continue to meddle in European nations' internal politics. The Telegraph reports, "The leader of the far-Right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has held talks in Moscow with Russian MPs close to Vladimir Putin, it has emerged. Frauke Petry also met with Vladimir Zhirinovsky, the ultra-hardline nationalist who has called for Russian nuclear strikes against the West in a show of strength. The meetings come amid growing concern that Mr. Putin is seeking to manipulate Western elections in favor of populist parties seen as more favorable to Russia's interests." The best way to interfere with Putin's plans is by shining a light on his skulduggery and exposing his flunkies in the media and elsewhere. "The best way to inoculate against it is exposure," says Schake. "As the great Justice Brandeis said, sunlight is the best disinfectant." Putin understands how critical Merkel is to the democratic Western alliance. It's her vision of a peaceful, liberal (small-l) and stable Europe, not the Trump-Bannon apocalyptic vision of revolution and destruction of Western institutions, that poses the threat to Putin. In sum, Europe is nervous and will be more nervous as both Putin and possibly Trump-Bannon seek to dislodge the linchpin of the Atlantic alliance. The outcome of the German election may be the most important political event of 2017 and Putin knows it. For many months on the campaign trail, Donald Trump sent a clear message about his fellow Republicans: Ideologically, I'm not one of them. This wasn't just true on trade, but also on safety-net programs that protect, among others, low-income whites. President Trump, he said, won't let people die in the streets and will protect Medicare and Social Security from those heartless Paul Ryan types who are forever salivating at the chance to slash them to ribbons. But now The New York Times reports that congressional Republicans believe they will be able to get around this niggling problem. Republicans have seen Trump appoint people who want to downsize the safety net like Tom Price to oversee health care and Mick Mulvaney to shepherd the budget and they think Trump can be persuaded to forget about all that inconvenient campaign talk: "On Capitol Hill, some Republicans are hoping Mr. Mulvaney and others will change the president's mind on far bigger targets and convince him that structural changes to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid the biggest drivers of deficits that are projected to rise over the next decade are needed to control the national debt and to preserve the programs without substantial tax increases ... "House Republican allies see no real contradiction in Mr. Trump's campaign promises and what they say he must now do ... Republicans have assured retirees and those nearing retirement that any changes or cuts to entitlement programs for older adults would not affect them. "Now, Republicans are retroactively applying those caveats to Mr. Trump's promises, saying the president understands that programs like Social Security and Medicare must be maintained for Americans who are currently receiving benefits but must be changed for younger Americans who may have to work longer before retiring and getting benefits." It's true that Republicans have long sold their reforms to such programs by vowing to protect those at or near retirement age. But as a video compilation of Trump promising to protect entitlements shows, Trump told audiences of all ages he would not cut their Medicare and suggested an intention to leave Medicare in its current form. (The reforms championed by Ryan and Price would result in cuts over time and would transform the program's core mission.) Trump went to great lengths to cast himself as ideologically different from his fellow Republicans on these matters. Of course, as the Times reports, congressional Republicans believe Trump will have little trouble adopting their rhetorical approach, which combines protecting current beneficiaries (older Americans make up the GOP base) with pieties about the need to "strengthen" the programs over time. And indeed, it's not hard to imagine Trump getting easily rolled by Republicans in this regard or easily persuaded, because he might shrug at the details. This dynamic will also be at play in the debates over Obamacare and other government programs that help lower-income Americans. Trump strongly signaled to working-class white voters that, while he'd repeal the Affordable Care Act, he isn't like those other mean old Republicans when it comes to government's role in expanding health care to the poor and sick. He and his advisers recently insisted that under the GOP replacement, no one will lose coverage. But they've already backed off that promise, instead signaling that they may embrace the block-granting of Medicaid, which would probably lead to cuts over time. The bottom line: The Trump/GOP replacement is likely to end Obamacare's effort to create a universal coverage guarantee. What's more, when it comes to the future of government programs for lower-income people, note that the Trump/GOP tax plan will likely feature huge tax cuts for the rich. That may lead to cuts to safety-net programs (or an explosion of the deficit, or perhaps even both). But a recent study by the liberal-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found that safety-net programs the kind often targeted for big cuts by Ryanesque Republicans lift large numbers of working-class whites out of poverty. Here a major caveat is in order: Trump promised lower-income whites safety-net help, yes, but ultimately, his biggest economic promise to them was to deliver jobs. Trump's narrative was built around the seductive vow to ensure that blue-collar jobs the manufacturing and coal jobs of the Rust Belt and Appalachia will come roaring back and restore an old economic order in which such jobs are Great Again, or at least good enough to form the basis for a prosperous future. Trump has vowed to renegotiate our trade deals, but the mere act of making that promise doesn't guarantee that he will do so in the interests of workers you'll be shocked to hear this, but the opposite might happen. Trump has promised an infrastructure plan, but we have no idea what that will look like. Major cuts to energy regulations are in the works, but the idea that those will restore the coal industry to its former glory never mind the setbacks to efforts to fight climate change and protect the environment is a cruel hoax. What happens if Trump's promised jobs fail to materialize, and he goes along with congressional GOP cuts to the safety-net programs that are designed to help all those who have been and will be economically stranded? Washington Post When I was 29, I was named deputy governor of Illinois. I served from 2003 to 2006. The job meant overseeing the budget, operations, legislation, policy and communications of the fifth largest state in the nation. I was totally unqualified. I didn't know the terrain. And, other than going to law school in Chicago, I had zero connection to Illinois. Advertisement But I worked very hard, took the job extremely seriously, and all in all, did OK. So as people who appear to be unqualified and inexperienced are being named to high-profile positions in the Trump White House, I understand what they're going through. Who wouldn't say yes to being offered a chance to do something really interesting, to serve his country, and to be given the opportunity to make a name for himself? Advertisement When I accepted the job as deputy governor, I didn't realize what type of person I was about to work for. By now, everyone knows the tragic tale of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, now serving a 14-year federal prison sentence. But at the time, he seemed like a dynamic, forceful change agent. But Rod's allergy to doing real work, understanding policy, negotiating budgets, reviewing legislation, focusing on operations and everything else that goes into responsible governing soon became clear, so I also know what it's like to work for an irresponsible, even unbalanced leader. So for those entering the Trump administration, what do you do when you have a crazy boss and the responsibilities of your job outstrip your experience? Here's how I survived. 1. Be very willing to say no. Rod and I fought all of the time. He always had a conspiracy theory or a grudge or some plan that was invariably a bad idea. It's no fun to have your boss scream at you 24/7. But, it's also how you stop stupid things from happening and how you stay out of jail. If you're not willing to fight and to be fired for it don't take the job. Yes, President Donald Trump's catchphrase could turn out to be "You're fired," but in the long run it will be far better to try to persuade him and his team to do what you believe is right and lose your job over it than to just nod your head and make bad decisions. President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with House Republicans in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017. (Evan Vucci / AP) 2. Protect your employees from the boss. I spent so much time dealing with Rod and his issues (I once had to go with him to the tailor to try to get him to focus on whether to sign or veto a piece of legislation) that it sometimes made it hard to run the state at the same time. But eventually, I came to see part of my job as absorbing the boss' anger and craziness so that my employees were free to focus on their responsibilities. It's not a fun role to play, but it can be an important one. 3. Hire as much talent as you can get your hands on. In Illinois, there was no lack of patronage hiring, so every time I had a key opening to fill, I insisted on filling it myself, reaching into my own network to find the smartest, hardest working people I could convince to work in state government. That way, as I was busy fighting with the boss, they could do good work. Yes, insisting on doing your own hiring will tick off some high-level political staffers who want to fill the spots themselves but, at the end of the day you and only you, will be judged for your performance as a leader. People like chief of staff Reince Priebus, chief strategist Steve Bannon and Trump counselor Kellyanne Conway may be upset with you for perhaps resisting their hiring suggestions, but it's possible they might easily be fired before long anyway. Don't forget who their boss is. 4. Use the freedom. Rod, both logically and illogically, saw his job as running for office, not holding office. He would constantly say, "I did my job," meaning he won the election. In some ways, his refusal to focus on actual governing was maddening, but it also was incredibly liberating. It allowed us to come up with all kinds of new ideas and policies. Some worked (like tearing down the tollbooths throughout the Illinois Tollway system and creating open road tolling), some didn't (like importing cheaper prescription drugs from Europe and Canada), but we used the freedom to try all kinds of new things and that made the work interesting and worthwhile. It seems highly unlikely that Trump or his team will want to get into the details of how any federal agency works, which creates tremendous freedom to innovate. Advertisement Bradley Tusk leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after testifying in Blagojevich trial in Chicago on Monday, June 21, 2010. (Scott Strazzante / Chicago Tribune) 5. Focus on substance. The more Trump and his core team propose policies that seem crazy to all but a handful of ideologues, the more you will need to bear down and focus on the core responsibilities of your job and your agency. The contrast between the circus in the West Wing and you just working diligently, thoughtfully and creatively will win you the respect of your colleagues, legislators, reporters and advocates. Sure, the day-to-day work isn't as exciting as the sideshow and, of course, everyone wants to be where the action is, but the more you stay focused on the task at hand, the more you'll get done. Frankly, the only reason to go into government is to try to do new and interesting things; otherwise, it's not a good use of your time. Working for Trump is going to be extremely challenging to say the least. But any high-level job anywhere is difficult. With the right mindset, one can still get a lot accomplished in the Trump administration. It won't be easy. It frequently won't be fun. But that doesn't mean it won't be worth it. Tribune Content Agency Bradley Tusk, the founder and CEO of Tusk Ventures and Tusk Strategies, served as deputy governor during Rod Blagojevich's first term as governor of Illinois. Related articles: Advertisement Maybe Donald Trump is just a weak president What it's like working for President Donald Trump Will it soon be Donald Trump vs. Mike Pence? Trump needs to fire Steve Bannon An aerial view Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 shows industry along the Calumet River in Chicago, including the S.H. Bell storage facility, multiple building and slips at left. S.H. Bell stores materials, including manganese, used in the steel industry. (Chris Walker/Chicago Tribune) (Chris Walker / Chicago Tribune) The era of belching steel mills in Chicago's Southeast Side is long gone. A legacy of pollution, however, isn't. In the region's East Side neighborhood, one toxic problem has been solved hillocks of petroleum coke, a byproduct of oil refining, have been removed. But environmental officials have discovered another problem: manganese in the air. Advertisement Manganese is a heavy metal used to strengthen steel and make it more rust-resistant. It also can damage the nervous system and cause learning difficulties in children. In the East Side neighborhood, a largely Latino community wedged between the Indiana border and the Calumet River, manganese is stockpiled on the premises of S.H. Bell Co., a Pittsburgh firm that ships the material to steel plants in Northwest Indiana and elsewhere. City and federal officials suspect Bell is the source of alarming levels of manganese dust that have been detected in air monitors. They want more air monitors installed around the Bell site to determine whether Bell is the source. Advertisement The city has been requesting the monitors for the past three years, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been seeking them since March 2015. Bell has parried the requests, insisting it is not responsible for the pollution. In an emailed reply to Tribune reporter Michael Hawthorne, the company said it "has a duty to comply with environmental regulations, and consistently invests in best available technology in order to do so." It also said in the reply that manganese is a "naturally occurring substance" and an "essential nutrient for human health." But why fight installation of additional monitors? If Bell isn't the source, then those monitors should prove its case. If the monitors confirm what environmental officials suspect, though, then it's up to Bell to remove the health threat. There are 20,000 reasons why the 20,000 people who live within a mile of the Bell site, 1,730 of them ages 5 and younger. There's history here. East Side Chicagoans fought hard to get rid of the piles of petcoke at two other bulk storage sites owned by a different company, KCBX. For decades, black dust from petcoke mounds coated windows and backyards where children played. Monitors placed at those sites to flag signs of petcoke detected manganese in the air when winds blew from the direction of the Bell site. That led to the calls from the city's health department in 2014 for monitors at the Bell site. Bell responded with requests for exemptions, which the city denied. The EPA intervened in 2015 and gave Bell a year to install the monitors. Bell didn't comply, and the EPA sued. The company's defense in that suit has varied; its lawyers have argued that Bell is financially strapped and should be allowed to tamp down the dust before being asked to install monitors. Last September, they argued the EPA's scientific basis for requesting the monitors was flawed. During that hearing, U.S. District Judge Thomas Durkin didn't seem to buy Bell's defense. "I'm very uncomfortable with the fact that a company that claims to be complying with environmental laws won't allow equipment on their property to prove it," he said. Bell has until March 1 to install the monitors or face daily fines of $1,000 to $5,000 per violation. It already owes the federal government $100,000 in penalties as a result of a settlement reached with the EPA in December calling for the installation of the monitors. If Bell continues to deny and delay, the city should strictly enforce the penalties. Advertisement Bell can avoid that by doing the right thing and installing the monitors for the sake of its corporate reputation, for the sake of the environment, and most of all, for the sake of the 20,000 people who call that swatch of the city's Southeast Side home. New Trier High School has often been both lauded and derided as the richest public school in the Chicago area. It's thought of as the school with unfair advantages, privileged students, and no diversity whatsoever. Beating our high school teams is treated as a moral victory by some opponents. But lately, the school is being criticized by pundits in Washington and conservative sites like Breitbart for the leftist "brainwashing" of students. Which one is true? Advertisement The conversation has centered around a "seminar day" on race relations called "Understanding Today's Struggle for Racial Civil Rights." New Trier's administration noted in student surveys that there was a need to learn more about race. So the school created a day of seminars on different issues related to race. The controversy comes because a group of parents found the speakers to be too liberal. They argue on their website that some speakers' social media pages support "resistance against the police." They further state that "diversity programs don't work" and suggested that the school consider canceling the effort entirely. Groups like Breitbart were quick to pick up the message and join in the criticism. Advertisement But what they fail to mention is that some of the speakers' social media pages also support conservative ideas. One speaker, "John the Author," has noted the importance of gun rights and argues for the black community to lift itself up through economic empowerment. Another speaker, O.A. Poon, published an article in 2014 titled "I had a friend who had worse scores than me and he got into a better college." These clearly are not examples of leftist brainwashing. And regardless, these criticisms miss the point. The goal of the seminars isn't to indoctrinate students it's to educate them. It's to give them a chance to struggle with and learn about the tough issues of racial equality in our society today. New Trier has taken an approach that many colleges would envy. Educators put out a call to all students to volunteer in designing the day's contents. Ultimately a team of 30 New Trier students and teachers worked for months to design a program that would be relevant to their peers. In addition to having two National Book Award winners, the program includes collegiate lecturers, police officers, activists, and free-for-all discussions led by students. Attendees get to pick which seminars to attend. As a parent of two multiracial students at New Trier, I am impressed with the school's willingness to take on these issues, even more so that New Trier is doing it in such a rigorous way. In my mind the event is already a success. Parents and residents, be they critics or supporters, are talking more about these issues now than in any other time in recent memory. That's an achievement in and of itself. Dan Seals, Wilmette Illinois Rep. Mary Flowers, D-Chicago, left, talks with members of pharmacy associations including Starlin Haydon-Greatting, right, Director of Clinical Programs for the Illinois Pharmacists Association, following the hearing in Springfield on Wednesday. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune) SPRINGFIELD State lawmakers pressed Wednesday for stronger regulation of pharmacists' hours and workload as a way to protect consumers from harmful errors, but pharmacy lobbyists largely did not budge. In the first public showdown since a Tribune investigation in December found 52 percent of 255 tested pharmacies failed to warn patients about dangerous drug interactions, top pharmacy representatives said safety improvements already in the works will give Illinois some of the nation's toughest restrictions. Advertisement At the center of a sometimes contentious hearing was legislation sponsored by Rep. Mary Flowers, D-Chicago, that calls for limiting the number of hours pharmacists work each day, restricting how many prescriptions they fill per hour and adding meal break requirements for pharmacists she said are so overloaded that consumers are in jeopardy. Pharmacists must juggle calls, track down doctors on questionable prescriptions, deal with multiple insurance issues, supervise technicians and even empty the trash on days when they may work a dozen hours and dispense 300 orders, Flowers said. Advertisement "We should require that the pharmacist be able to do his or her job," Flowers said. "But the pharmacist can't do that because he does not have the time." But Rob Karr, president of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, which represents independent and chain pharmacies, argued new proposals pushed by Gov. Bruce Rauner go "well beyond" addressing pharmacy shortcomings the Tribune uncovered. Rauner moved to require all pharmacists to counsel patients on first-time prescriptions and changes to patient medicine. The governor wants inspectors to focus more on drug interaction issues and plans to deploy "mystery shoppers" to test how well pharmacies are meeting their obligations. The proposals are in the state's regulatory process, and could take several months before they take effect. Flowers maintained the Rauner effort falls short of what is needed to be done because pharmacists are under pressure to fill prescriptions faster even as companies cut back on staffing. The Chicago Tribune tested 255 pharmacies to see how often stores would dispense risky drug pairs without warning patients. Fifty-two percent of the tested pharmacies sold the medications without mentioning the potential interaction. (Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) "Really," she added, "a pharmacist needs more than two arms with all of the jobs that he has." Among the seven pharmacy chains the Tribune tested, CVS had the highest failure rate at 63 percent. Walgreens had the lowest, at 30 percent. Independent pharmacies had the highest failure rate overall, at 72 percent. Walgreens and Wal-Mart each promised to take significant steps to improve safety nationwide. Together, their moves affect 22,000 drugstores and involve additional training for 123,000 pharmacists and technicians. Wal-Mart had a 43 percent failure rate in the Tribune's tests. Advertisement Rank-and-file pharmacists did not take a seat at the witness table during a joint hearing of two House committees, but a Teamsters official said they would have shown up in force if they did not fear "retaliation" from employers for going public. Jeff Crabtree, political director of Teamsters Joint Council 25, which represents pharmacists, outlined how pharmacists are worried about making prescription errors because they are "extremely overworked." He cited an email from one pharmacist who maintained McDonald's had better staffing levels and that only "one prescription error is too many." Pharmacy lobbyists maintained many issues are based on anecdotal information, but Rep. Melissa Conyears-Ervin (D-Chicago) contended the pharmacists' concerns startled her because consumers are not aware of the problems behind the drugstore counters. "This is people's lives we're talking about," she said. "I'm very concerned." What became clear to Flowers and pharmacy lobbyists is that more hearings and negotiations are likely to take place before she puts her legislation up for a vote. She had hoped for a vote on Thursday in committee, but that was postponed. Democratic Rep. Mike Zalewski of Riverside said he wanted to see a broader approach taken to ensure Springfield addressed the "heart of the issue" that could make pharmacies safer. Advertisement With Springfield too often absorbed in gridlock, Ald. Ed Burke, 14th, introduced a similar proposal at City Hall that would apply to Chicago pharmacies in hopes that the city may be able to put in place stronger regulations quicker. Much like Flowers' legislation, the city ordinance would limit pharmacists' work days to 8 hours, with two 15-minute breaks and a 30-minute break each day. It would also limit the number of prescriptions filled at each pharmacy to 10 per hour. And it would outlaw productivity quotas and other activities that could "interfere with the pharmacist's ability to provide appropriate professional services." "I believe we can make this the law in Chicago much faster than the state can act and our efforts would give impetus to passage of a statewide law," Burke said in a news release announcing the introduction of the ordinance. Burke's measure will head to the Finance Committee, which he chairs. Byrne reported from Chicago. Rlong@chicagotribune.com Advertisement Jebyrne@chicagotribune.com Twitter @RayLong Twitter @_JohnByrne Whether you're a serious movie buff with strong opinions on the merits of "Moonlight" and "Manchester by the Sea" or just like tuning in to the Oscars to see the red carpet fashions and who cries on stage, Feb. 26 is the big night. If you haven't decided where you're watching yet, these five spots are celebrating the 89th Academy Awards ceremony with a mix of swanky parties and casual opportunities to bet on who will take home gold. Conrad Chicago 101 E. Erie St. 312-667-6700 Take in the views of the Chicago skyline from the hotel's 19th floor at a "La La Land"-themed bash featuring a buffet, passed appetizers and champagne, and cocktails served from roaming bar carts. Enter a free best-dressed contest or buy a $5 ballot and you'll have a chance to win a stay at the hotel. Proceeds benefit the YWCA Chicago. 6:30-10:30 p.m. $75. Tickets: eventbrite.com Center on Halsted 3656 N. Halsted St. 773-472-6469 Doubling as a celebration of the LGBTQ center's 10th anniversary, the A Night with Oscar party lets you walk the red carpet and then watch the show while enjoying cocktails, a buffet dinner, a silent auction and a raffle. Enter an Oscar ballot contest for $20, with the person with the most correct picks splitting the entry fees with the Center. NBC 5's Natalie Martinez emcees and DJ All the Way Kay provides music. 6 p.m. $100-$150. Tickets: centeronhalsted.org/anwo @North Bar 1637 W. North Ave. 773-697-3563 Wear a movie-themed costume for the third annual benefit for The Arts of Life, which features food from Dimo's Pizza, popcorn and candy plus an Oscar ballot contest and a raffle. Order some drinks since the Wicker Park club donates 15 percent of its proceeds for the night to the nonprofit. 6-11 p.m. $10 ticket or $5 suggested donation at the door. Tickets: oscarts2017.eventbrite.com Commonwealth Tavern 2000 W. Roscoe St. 773-697-7965 Enter a free Oscar ballot contest awarding the person who guesses the most winners with a date night package including dinner for two, limo service and tickets to any Academy Award-nominated movie. The Roscoe Village spot also serves $5 Right Bee Cider and $5 themed cocktails including the Golden Statue, a blend of peach vodka, peach puree and champagne. 7 p.m. No cover. Advertisement The J. Parker 1816 N. Clark St. 312-254-4747 The Lincoln Park lounge serves $13 cocktails based on Best Picture nominees like the La La Land, made with vodka, pomegranate liqueur, falernum, pink peppercorns, lime and soda, and the Hacksaw Ridge, a warm blend of bourbon, apple cider, ginger, clove, cinnamon and lemon. The best-dressed attendee receives a $50 gift card and the person who guesses the most winners correctly takes home a $100 card. 5 p.m. No cover. Samantha Nelson is a RedEye freelancer. From losing our minds over tableside tricks at the Chicago Magic Lounge to finding ways to give back at the Chicago Volunteer Expo, here's what we're up to this weekend. FROSTY FUN Cure cabin fever at the third annual Frost Fest, happening this weekend on Halsted Street and Waveland Avenue. The two-day winter extravaganza boasts Lakeview's largest craft beer festival on Saturday, Feb. 25, which features beers and ciders from 50 local brewers. Chill out and dance to live music in the 5,000-square-foot heated tent while you sample up to 15 beers at one of two tasting sessions: 1-4 p.m. or 6-9 p.m. General admission tickets are $35 or $10 for designated drivers. If booze isn't your thing, grab a spoon for Frost Fest's Soup Walk on Sunday, Feb. 26, from 1 to 5 p.m. Advertisement WE'D LIKE TO THANK THE ACADEMY Slip into your comfy pants and snag your spot on the red carpet (aka a couch) for the 89th Academy Awards ceremony, airing Sunday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m. on ABC. Whether youre a true movie aficionado or just cheering on your celeb crush, anyone can appreciate a good tear-filled acceptance speech or disastrous dress choice at the Oscars. Jimmy Kimmel hosts this year, and you too can join in the celebration of some of 2016s best films and performances from the comfort of your own home. ART IN THE DARK Make date night a work of art at After Dark, a late-night event hosted in the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago on select Fridays throughout the year. Special edition "After Dark: Xtra Loud" will be held this Friday, Feb. 24, from 8 p.m. to midnight and feature psychedelic pop group Os Mutantes and the exhibit "Helio Oiticica: To Organize Delirium." Enjoy a tour of the exhibition, a live musical performance, complimentary appetizers and cocktails from their cash bar. Tickets are $40 for members and students and $50 for adults. ABRACADABRA Looking for a spellbinding weekend endeavor? Head to Uptown Underground (4707 N. Broadway Ave. 773-867-1946) for a non-traditional Chicago Magic Lounge show on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. Immerse yourself in a night of close-up "Chicago-style" magic, while professional magicians perform tricks at your table, at the bar and on stage. Tickets go for $22.50-$35.50. If you can't catch the Thursday show, see it on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Advertisement HELPING HANDS Find out where you can lend a helping hand at the fifth annual Chicago Volunteer Expo on Sunday, Feb. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The expo, hosted at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon Dr. 773-755-5100) gives guests a chance to check out over 85 nonprofit organizations from all over the city to discover volunteer opportunities that align with their passionswhether it's the environment, social justice or animals. Admission is free and pre-registration is encouraged but not required. @RianneCoale | rcoale@redeyechicago.com A 44-year-old Geneva man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for a pair of burglaries in Geneva, one involving an altercation with a homeowner nearly a year ago. Ronald D. Anderson pleaded guilty Wednesday to residential burglary for the 2016 case, as well as a 2015 burglary in which he took electrical wire from a truck sitting in a Randall Road parking lot. Anderson received 341 days of credit for time served in Kane County Jail as part of the agreement with prosecutors accepted by Kane County Judge Linda Abrahamson. Advertisement Anderson was free on bond in the 2015 case when prosecutors alleged he wore a mask while attempting to enter a garage on Cape Way in March 2016. He was initially accused of armed violence and aggravated battery, in addition to residential burglary, on allegations he charged at a homeowner who confronted him. The homeowner suffered cuts requiring medical attention. Prosecutors dropped armed violence, aggravated battery and criminal trespass to vehicle counts in the plea. Anderson has previous arrests for driving under the influence in 2006 and retail theft in 2008, court records show. Advertisement Dan Campana is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News Sharron Mayes, of Aurora, asks Kane County Sheriff Donald Kramer a question about minority hiring in the Kane County Sheriffs Department during a forum on race relations in Aurora. (Sean King / The Beacon-News) Adrienne Coleman of the Illinois Math and Science Academy in Aurora said there is an ugly truth about race in America. "From the beginning, our black and brown children are starting out at a disadvantage," Coleman said. "It's very hard to play catch up." Advertisement Coleman was among a large group that came to the Aurora Public Library's downtown facility Wednesday night for a forum on race relations that was hosted by Kane County Sheriff Donald Kramer. A multicultural education specialist at IMSA, Coleman said that some people are oppressed because of their race, while others are privileged. She said there is not only individual oppression, but also institutional oppression that takes place in schools, governments and businesses. Advertisement It's important to examine behavior and attitudes, both conscious and unconscious, when addressing oppression, she said. Everyone has bias, Coleman said, so understanding and checking that bias is important in order to see others for who they really are while remaining race conscious rather than race neutral or silent. "Don't say you don't see race," Coleman said. And when talking about race, she said, also look at other aspects of identity. "I'm black, I'm a female, I'm heterosexual, I'm educated, so it's a lot to get to know me," Coleman said. "Get to know your neighbors." Kramer said he hosted the forum because relationships between races in Kane County need to be talked about. "Everybody deserves to have dignity and respect," Kramer said. Kramer said he would have liked to have thought he wasn't racist at all but has been put in check by several people over time. If no one calls somebody out on racist or sexist statements, it doesn't get any better, he said. He brought three religious texts as props and said he'd read them all: a Quran, a Torah and a St. James version of the Bible. Advertisement "It doesn't matter that I'm a Christian," Kramer said. "I am not trying to force my values or my religion on anybody. What I'm trying to do is become tolerant of all religions." Aurora Deputy Police Chief Keefe Jackson said he grew up in housing projects on the South Side of Chicago. From the perspective of law enforcement, he knows the last few years have been tough, he said. "A lot of the things we see on TV didn't surprise me because I saw some of those things growing up," Jackson said. But policing as a profession starts from the top, and every agency is different, he said. Any Aurora police officer would tell you they'd expect to be criminally charged or fired if it was proven they acted against the law. Sharron Mayes, of Aurora, asked a question directly to Kramer. Mayes asked what Kramer had done within his own department to address the issues driving the forum, and further asked why there weren't more women and minorities in command positions. "What steps have you taken in your own office to bring about cultural diversity?" Mayes asked the sheriff. Advertisement Kramer said he inherited much of his staff when he took office about two years ago, which included no female sergeants to promote, but he's working on that, he said. While applicants are typically more white and male than the county's population, Kramer said he has made a point of hiring minorities closer to the county-wide demographics. He has hired 28 white males and six white females; eight Hispanic males and nine Hispanic females; three black males and one black female, making those hires about 62 percent white, 31 percent Hispanic and 7 percent black, according to data provided to the Beacon-News. Kramer talked about going to high schools, trying to get young men and women engaged, and the junior deputy program he created, which has drawn in minority students. It's challenging in many areas, including the Aurora area, to attract minorities to law enforcement careers, Jackson said. A lot of that chalks up to historical distrust of the police, he said. Jackson himself said he never wanted to be a police officer, until he was one. When Jackson, who has been with the Aurora Police Department about 22 years, decided to join the force, he'd been working on his master's degree, his wife was pregnant and he needed a job, he said. "Once I started in the profession, it became a different perspective," Jackson said, "Being a black officer in a community that's underrepresented by the police department, I think is a good position for me to share my experience and confront some of the biases that we have talked about." Advertisement Coleman said people need to be aware of the issues concerning race relations in America. She noted how the work of Martin Luther King has meant so much to America. Because of it, she doesn't have to sit at the back of a bus or drink from a separate water fountain. "That was his dream, that this is my reality," Coleman said. However, she said there is much work to do, and people need to take responsibility to bring about positive change for the sake of America's future. "Like me, there's an unborn child somewhere counting on you," she said. hleone@tribpub.com Twitter @hannahmleone Oswego Village President Gail Johnson (center) gave her State of the Village address Wednesday at the newly-renovated Kendall 11 GDX Theater in Oswego. (Linda Girardi / The Beacon-News) Oswego Village President Gail Johnson said the village has big plans for the future, including new projects, better marketing of the village and a new co-working space downtown. Johnson offered the glimpse into the future during her State of the Village address at the newly renovated Kendall 11 GDX Theater in Oswego. Advertisement Among developments coming soon, she said, a groundbreaking is planned next month for the new police headquarters in the village. She also noted the decision to authorize Oswego's first tax increment financing district as a way to bolster economic development in the downtown. "Almost immediately there was significant interest in our downtown redevelopment plan," Johnson said. Advertisement The village hired a new economic development director and closed on the former Alexander Lumber yard to ensure the village's control over development on a "crucial" parcel of land, she said. Johnson said the property is the gateway to Oswego from both the east and west sides. "It is a cornerstone of our downtown and premier real estate along the Fox River. We expect this single investment to be a catalyst for redevelopment throughout Oswego," she told the audience. She noted how the Village Board recently approved a strategic plan that sets priorities until year 2020, which includes looking for ways for the village to become self-reliant by increasing sales tax revenues. She encouraged people to support local businesses rather than shopping online. "It'll make a profitable difference in our community," she said. Infrastructure maintenance and expansion are also planned for Oswego. "We cannot be forward-thinking without both," Johnson said. "We have big infrastructure projects in Oswego's future." Chief among those are improvements to the Wolf's Crossing Road Corridor and exploring the feasibility of a Fox River joint water treatment facility with neighboring Yorkville and Montgomery. "Some boards just talk about their megaprojects for the future as something that someone will have to deal with someday. This board and staff are actually working on funding plans for them," she said. Advertisement Johnson said the village is in the process of ramping up its marketing by implementing a regional positioning plan that will focus on attracting businesses and bolstering tourism and attendance at community events. She also said Oswego will partner with the Oswego Library District to launch an entrepreneurship center and co-working space in the downtown library. She said Oswe-Grow will provide a channel for businesses, freelancers and entrepreneurs to work in the library space and utilize free Wi-Fi and software. She said the village is also actively seeking partnerships with the Women's Business Center in Aurora and Waubonsee Community College to offer business-focused educational programs that will be launched this spring. Johnson said one other strategic priority is to encourage a "productive and engaged workforce" that promotes volunteerism to make Oswego a better place for less fortunate residents. "We want you our residents and friends to actively participate in our local events, shop at our businesses, engage to the point of volunteering and actually feel a part of this community," Johnson said. "People become engaged when they love where they live. When people love where they live, they not only support their community, they will promote it and stay connected." Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News. CPS Latino Committee Members Resign En Masse To Protest Budget Cuts By Stephen Gossett in News on Feb 22, 2017 9:52PM Photo credit: Ken "artistmac" Smith There was a mass exodus on the Chicago Public Schools Latino Advisory Committee on Wednesday, as the majority of panel members resigned in protest of budget cuts that have disproportionately impacted Hispanic-majority schools. Fourteen of the 18 members on the committee resigned, Jose Rico, the committee chairman told reporters at a conference outside the Chicago Board of Education. "We see this not just as an assault on Latino students, neighborhoods and families, but we see this as a continuation of cuts in the African-American community and now cuts in the Latino community," Jose Rico said, via the Tribune. The exodus comes in the wake of a Sun-Times investigation that found CPS cut funds at Hispanic schools at nearly twice the rate of white-majority schools: 1.8 percent of budget at Hispanic schools compared to .9 percent at schools with more than 50 percent white students. Alderman George Cardenas (12th Ward) also chastised CPS at the presser for how it handled budget freezes. Were going to demand changes in CPS leadership and leadership structure. This cannot continue, he said, according to the Trib. A freshman at Kelly High School, in Brighton Park, reportedly said that schools she had attended had into disrepair and were not properly cleaned. A freshman from Kelly HS says school is unclean, building falling apart, cuts hurting her community's education pic.twitter.com/9J0qdx7wHF Catalyst Chicago Mag (@CatalystChicago) February 22, 2017 CPS CEO Forrest Claypool said that the cuts were the result of mismanagement on the state level, laying the blame on Gov. Bruce Rauner's veto of multi-million dollar funding bill for the district. He said that CPS was left with no good options but also promised to make efforts to address the exaggerated cuts to Hispanic schools. "While we have limited options for making this more fair, we will work with schools to smooth out the most disproportionate impacts," he said. A 24-Year-Old Trans Woman Was Fatally Shot In Englewood Tuesday By Rachel Cromidas in News on Feb 23, 2017 4:34PM Keke Collier, photo via Facebook. Keke Collier, a 24-year-old woman, was fatally shot in Englewood Tuesday morning, according to authorities. Collier, whom friends identified as trans, was found lying in the street with gunshot wounds to the chest, arm and hand, according to police, in the 7300 block of South May Street around 6:14 a.m. She was taken to Advocate Christ Hospital, where she was pronounced. Police, who initially misgendered Collier, are still investigating the shooting's circumstances, according to WLS. They say a black, male suspect with dreadlocks and a black hoodie fled from the scene of the shooting in a red car. Collier's friend Shasha Lauren told Mic that Collier may have gotten into a car with the man who later shot her. Lauren and others posted messages in mourning of Collier on Facebook in the wake of the shooting, and some also posted messages in remembrance of T.T. Saffore, a trans woman who was brutally killed in Chicago in September. Collier death is considered the fourth homicide of a trans woman in the U.S. so far this year. Friend posted photos and video from last night's candlelight vigil for Collier, who also went by the name Tiara Richmond, on Facebook: Pueblo state Senate candidates dispute claims made in 'dark money' ads Incumbent Nick Hinrichsen and GOP challenger Stephen Varela have denied claims made by outside groups spending big money on competitive races Macy's State Street Flagship Could Be Headed For A Big Downsizing By Stephen Gossett in News on Feb 23, 2017 7:45PM Getty Images / Photo: Xinhua News Agency As Macy's continues to grapple with declines in sales, the retailer is reportedly considering giving it's iconic downtown Chicago locationthe former home of the iconic Marshall Field'sa major haircut. Macy's is considering selling the upper floors of the State Street store to a company that would convert them to office space, according to Crain's Chicago. Macy's CFO Karen Hoguet told analysts on an earnings call that, along with nearing a sale its downtown Minneapolis store, the company is "working on a plan" that would downsize the Chicago store, Crain's reported. The scale-back would likely mirror a deal from 2015 in which the top four floors of a Seattle Macy's were sold and converted to offices. A spokesperson declined to confirm or deny the potential sale of space at the Chicago location (111 N. State St.), but added that the company continues to develop a strategy to downsize the space in some fashion. "We are still working on a plan for a downsized Macys on State Street store which we expect will result in a more vibrant and more productive store," Andrea Schwartz, Vice President of Media Relations for Macy's North Central Region, told Chicagoist by email. "We are not commenting on any specific property or opportunities we might be considering." "When we have announcements to make, we make them, as we have done regarding real estate in Brooklyn, Seattle, Minneapolis and other cities," she added. The upper floors at the Chicago location include several restaurants such as Burger Bar, Frontera and Walnut Roomone of the few vestiges of the space's days with Marshall Field's Last year, Macys announced plans to close 100 stores nationwidean ongoing move that local Marshall Fields diehards championed at the time based on the long-shot hope that it would hasten the return of its Chicago-beloved former tenant. Pregnant Woman, 60-Year-Old Man Among Shooting Victims In Deadliest Day Of 2017 By Stephen Gossett in News on Feb 23, 2017 3:45PM Getty Images / Photo: Brad Thompson Seven people were fatally shot and six more people were wounded in shootings across the city on Wednesday, according the Sun-Times. It's the highest single-day death toll of the year in Chicago so far in 2017. Four previous days this year saw five deadly shootings each, according to the paper's data. Among those shot and killed on Wednesday were a pregnant woman in her 20s, in Chatham, and a 60-year-old man who was gunned down in his garage, in Little Village. The as-yet-unidentified woman was shot in the abdomen and side at around 8:15 p.m. in the 7600 block of S champlain Ave. A man, 20, was found by police shot in the neck in a nearby car, according to police. Both victims were pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital, police said. In Little Village, officers responded to a call at about 7:26 a.m. after a family member found a 60-year-old man unresponsive on the garage floor. Hospital officials at Mt. Sinai found that he had been shot in the back, neck and mouth, according to police. According to various reports, family identified the man as Jose Correa and described him as a family man who had no enemies and was simply on his way to work. You are here: Home Chile became China's leading supplier of fresh fruits in 2016, overtaking Vietnam and even Thailand, local media reported on Wednesday. Chile exported 1.2 billion U.S. dollars of fresh fruit, mainly cherries, to China last year, the daily La Tercera said, citing data from Chile's export promotion agency ProChile. Thailand ranked in second place, with 1.15 billion U.S. dollars in fruit exports, followed by Vietnam, with 635 million U.S. dollars, according to the daily. Despite a 3.7-percent decline in national exports overall, Chile's fresh fruit exports to the Chinese market grew 23 percent over 2015. "In the past 10 years, our exports to China have grown 18-fold, going from 65 million U.S. dollars in 2007 to 1.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2016," said Alejandro Buvinic, ProChile's director. That growth followed the signing of a free-trade agreement between the two countries in October 2006. Likewise, "China gradually increased its presence in the domestic market, until it became our leading trade partner in 2015, a position it maintained in 2016," said Buvinic. Cherries led the list of fresh fruit exports to the Asian market, followed by grapes, plums and cranberries. Buvinic said Chilean fruits stand out in the Chinese market with 98 percent of the imported cranberries in Chinese market being from Chile, as well as 80 percent fresh cherries and plums. China's top insurance regulator said Wednesday that it would not allow the insurance sector to become a "club of the rich." Xiang Junbo, chairman of China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC), told a press conference in Beijing that this year the CIRC will address risks in key areas including corporate management, insurance products and fund application. He warned that if insurers do not refrain from risky behavior they will receive high punishment ranging from suspensions of businesses to revoking of licenses. The insurance sector should not be the "club of the rich" or a "hideout for financial titans", he said. Xiang said insurers should obey regulatory rules and bear their responsibility for society, the real economy and the public, and those who challenge the regulator's boundaries and harm public interests will be expelled from the industry. The CIRC will improve regulation of insurance companies' management structure, the development of insurance products and the operation of insurance funds this year, according to Xiang. Using insurance funds for short-term speculation and hostile management takeovers in listed firms should be addressed without mercy, he said. The "barbaric" behavior of some Chinese insurers that use leveraged money to buy shares in listed companies raised concern late last year. Triggering sharp volatility in the market, such moves annoyed corporate executives and caused individual investors to suffer. Due to their growing popularity, the total exported volume of South Korean cosmetics has increased sharply recently, reaching nearly US$4.35 billion in 2016, a 43.7 percent increase year on year. The exported volume of South Korean cosmetics to China increased continuously and accounted for nearly 40 percent of total exported volume. On the contrary, its total volume of imported cosmetics reached US$1.43 billion in 2016, a 2.58 percent increase than that in the previous year. Its trade surplus in cosmetics hit US$2.75 billion in 2016. China is the biggest destination for exported South Korean cosmetics, and the South Korean media is worried about the possible influence to its cosmetics industry due to escalating tensions between Seoul and Beijing over the former's decision to deploy the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-ballistic missile system in ROK. You are here: Home The Japanese automaker Suzuki will recall 860 imported 2008-2013 Grand Vitara in China over defective shift bars, according to China's quality watchdog. The affected vehicles were manufactured between June 10, 2008 and May 13, 2013, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in a notice on its website. Due to a flaw in the shift bars of the affected vehicles, there are concerns that the issue may cause safety problems, said the notice. The company will replace the problematic parts free of charge. The recall will start from March 10. You are here: Home A former senior official with the Chinese mainland's Taiwan affairs body stood trial in Henan Province for graft on Wednesday. The graft trial of Gong Qinggai, the former deputy head of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, was heard by Anyang Intermediate People's court. Prosecutors allege that Gong took advantage of his authority during his postings in Fujian Province to help entities and individuals aquire land, adjust plans and obtain government subsidies. Moreover, he either requested or accepted bribes valued at 53.53 million yuan (7.78 million U.S. dollars) directly or through his family. Gong made a final statement to the court, in which he pled guilty and expressed remorse. The court has ajourned to decide on the verdict. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the CPC announced in January 2016 that Gong was under investigation for suspected disciplinary violations. You are here: Home A record number of 118 foreigners were given permanent residence status in the Tibetan holy city of Lhasa on Wednesday. Permanent residence gives a foreigner in China access to health care, education, property and other benefits enjoyed by the locals. The foreigners -- including Swiss, French, and Nepalese nationals -- have been living in Lhasa for some time. A Nepalese national said it was a day worth remembering as he had wanted to be acknowledged as a resident for many years. Norgyel, an immigration police official, said the city has never before issued so many permanent residence permits at once. "The move clearly shows the authorities' commitment to improving procedures," he said. Earlier this month, China's leadership held a meeting in Beijing vowing to improve rules and process for foreigners applying for permanent residency. The move is critical for China's talent development strategy. Last year, 1,576 foreigners became permanent Chinese residents, an increase of 163 percent over the previous year. China's top legislature Wednesday started its bimonthly session, with lawmakers deliberating revisions to several laws and preparing for the annual session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) in March. Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over the opening meeting. Legislators considered a report on the work of the NPC Standing Committee, which will be submitted to the March session. They reviewed a draft agenda of the annual session, a draft list of candidates for the session presidium and secretary-general, as well as a list of observers. They reviewed a report on the qualifications of some NPC deputies and discussed appointments and dismissals. Lawmakers also deliberated revisions to the law on the Red Cross Society, the law on corporate income tax and the Unfair Competition Law. Law on Red Cross Society The draft revisions to the Law on the Red Cross Society aimed to further boost transparency and credibility of the country's Red Cross societies. According to the new draft, which was brought for a third reading, Red Cross societies in China and their staff are required to give feedback to donors on the use of their donations in line with the law. Those in charge and staff members directly responsible who fail to do so could face civil and criminal charges, it said. Meanwhile, a previous clause giving Red Cross societies the power to "rectify" illegal activities carried out by their subordinate societies and staff members was deleted from the new draft. China's Red Cross has in recent years grappled with trust issues. Revision work for the Law on the Red Cross Society began in 2015. The first reading of the draft revision suggested independent third-party agencies should audit donations, while the second draft expanded the Red Cross societies' duties in the donation of stem cells and organs. The third reading, however, specified that Red Cross societies could "participate in and promote" blood, body and organ donations, and could participate in and carry out "work related to" stem cell donations. It also said leading supervisors at all Red Cross societies must be chosen through a "democratic process." The new draft has addressed public concerns and included pertinent revisions to the existing law, Zhang Mingqi, a vice director of the Law Committee of the NPC, told lawmakers Wednesday morning. It will better safeguard and regulate Red Cross societies in performing their duties in accordance with the law, and boost its credibility, he said. At a panel discussion, Shen Yueyue, vice chair of the NPC Standing Committee, said that the revised law is expected to boost the credibility of the country's Red Cross societies and ensure their role in the humanitarian field could be fully played. Unfair competition law Lawmakers started to review a draft amendment to the Unfair Competition Law, as the country strives to build a socialist market economy. The draft revision, the first since the law came into force in 1993, was given a first reading at the bimonthly session. As the market economy has evolved and new business models have emerged, some of the law's existing clauses do not properly address unfair competition, Zhang Mao, head of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, told lawmakers. The draft under consideration expands the scope of unfair competition to cover commercial bribery, false commercial propaganda, tie-in sales without buyer consent, and deceitful prize allocation, according to the draft. It stipulated that operators can not use the names, branding or titles of established entities. Bribery or influence to affect the outcome of a deal is banned, according to the draft. The draft in particular stipulates that malicious activity on the Internet used to coerce buyers or disturb other businesses is also banned. The banned activity includes misleading, cheating or forcing users to "modify, close or unload" products or services, the draft said. It also includes products or services that are maliciously designed to not be compatible with other products or services, it noted. The draft also stated that any activity that seriously disturbs competition order but is not currently covered by laws or regulations should be reported to the State Council, according to the draft. The State Council will establish a coordination task force tasked with studying major policies against unfair competition. Violators could face fines up to 3 million yuan (about 436,170 U.S. dollars) or have their business licenses revoked, it said, adding that they could also face criminal charges or have their violations recorded in a credit record system. A draft amendment to the law on corporate income tax was also submitted to legislators for reading on Wednesday. The draft is expected to address the common complaint that businesses making large donations do not get enough tax concessions. The government has waived corporate income tax on donations made by companies from their profits, but this only applies to companies that donate 12 percent of their profits or less. The new draft stipulates that if a company's donation exceeds the 12 percent in one year, the balance can be deducted from the taxable income over the following three years. You are here: Home China will move more swiftly in legislating a long-discussed property tax law, an official said on Thursday. "It is a major task in China's tax reform determined by policymakers, and the lawmaking process will be accelerated," Lu Kehua, vice minister of housing and urban-rural development, said when answering questions on progress on the tax law during a press conference. Related government agencies and legislators are carrying out work according to the plan, Lu added. China has pushed forward the work for years, but progress has remained slow. A trial property tax has been introduced in Chongqing and Shanghai. The law will fill the gap in taxing home ownership, as China's current housing tax mechanism mainly taxes development and property sales. Foreign delegates salute their national flags at the flag-raising ceremony at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard in Karachi on Feb. 10, 2017, to mark the opening of the multinational naval exercise AMAN-17. [China.org.cn / file photo by Guo Xiaohong] Pakistan is again in the grip of terrorism. The fresh wave of violence has claimed more than 100 lives and injured hundreds of others. This is nothing new as far as the ferocity of bloodshed is concerned, as Pakistanis have been grappling with it for well over a decade. The disquieting aspect of the gory business is that it surfaced after a relative calm of several months and following repeated claims by government officials that Pakistan has made significant ground against insurgents. The most sinister part of the tragedy is that the new wave of militancy is either inspired by the Middle Eastern group Da'esh or is directly executed by operatives of this terror outfit. For example, Da'esh claimed responsibility for the attack last week at the shrine of a 13th century Muslim saint that killed more than 85 devotees. The brand of Islam espoused by violent groups like Da'esh considers mystic or Sufi traditions and their followers as heretics, and hence believes that it is religiously justified to kill them. Another major attack within the last 10 days was in the eastern city of Lahore, which killed more than a dozen people, including two senior police officers. It was claimed by Jamatul Ahrar, a Taliban breakaway faction that owes allegiance to Da'esh. The deadliest attack so far in Pakistan was also by Jamatul Ahrar, when the group hit a school in Peshawar on December 16, 2014, and killed more than 150 people, a majority of them students. When Pakistan launched a major military operation in 2014 against militants in their stronghold of North Waziristan, one of seven tribal regions along the Afghan border, the militants fled in disarray. It was a time when the star of Islamic State was in the ascendency. As the command and control system of militants fell apart, dozens of militants rushed to join Da'esh to keep them relevant. The new brand name helped them get together at a crucial time. They used the instability in Afghanistan to hide in its mountainous border region. The political tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan also helped the rebels to regroup and launch reprisals. According to various reports, Pakistani militants are an important part of Da'esh in this region. They have a lot of experience in terrorism, as they have fought with rebels from al-Qaeda and other regional groups for years. They can also use local connections to carry out militancy. This was visible during the recent back-to-back attacks in Pakistan and was a sign of the strength of the rebels, who are still powerful enough to disrupt civic life in Pakistan. These attacks are troubling, as Pakistan has been in the denial about the threat of the Islamic State. Even after the current setbacks, Pakistan blamed Afghans for failing to curb militancy. There is also a widespread view here that India was using Afghan soil to carry out subversive activities inside Pakistan. It might be true, but the important thing is to stabilize the border with Afghanistan and plug the loopholes in the security policy. Da'esh is a real threat to Pakistan and the region as a whole. It is vital for us to look into the factors that are helping this group survive and energize at a crucial stage of Pakistan's fight against extremism. There is no doubt that external factors are aggravating the situation, but domestic factors should not be overlooked. First, the issue of exhaustive administrative and religious reforms is long overdue. Second, there are people in Pakistan with sympathy for groups that espouse violence. We should identify them and hold them responsible. The bombers might by trained in Afghanistan with Indian money, but those who transport them, give them shelter and identify targets are based in Pakistan. Third, the intelligence agencies should work in a highly professional and focused manner to identify the specific threats. Fourth, politically, anyone showing any kind of support for extremists and militancy should be pointed out and punished. Fifth, security officials should think of preemptive measures to neutralize threats across the border. Finally, Da'esh and similar groups will continue to play havoc until the networks of their facilitator and sympathizers in the country are broken. Hence, this should be a time of comprehensive actions. Sajjad Malik is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SajjadMalik.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. The ethereal beauty of China's traditional poetry has spread from the latest TV reality show -- "Chinese Poetry Conference" -- to artist entrance exams. The photo shows one of Chinese art master Qi Baishi's paintings. [Photo / chinadaily.com.cn] The China Academy of Art (CAA) in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, recently required candidates applying for postgraduate education to create a painting of natural sceneries that were delineated in a poem completed in Tang Dynasty (618-907). The attempt different from the previous exams dominated by sketching and coloring is considered a bold move that mirrors the country's ongoing endeavor to revive traditional culture. Zhang Gumin, a teacher in charge of the Traditional Chinese Painting Department at the CAA, said that the exam underscores many points that can reveal the candidates' true abilities, such as understanding the meaning behind a poem, calligraphy and artistic cultivation and competence." Hu Zhiyong, a junior student in the CAA, said "the exam was so flexible that even those who had been informed beforehand could hardly pass it." The students in the test were asked to make a coordinated and meaningful painting by taking into account the elements consisting of crooked mountain paths, meandering creeks, lichens and petals in a poem. After the exam, many students complained about the sudden change. However, the uneasiness of students has inspired training centers to develop classes on ancient Chinese poetry. "It's a new lucrative business, as multiple students and parents have started consulting the issue of how to succeed on a painting test based on traditional Chinese poems," said a businessman from an entrance exam training center in Beijing. Jin Shangyi, a prominent oil painter and the former president of the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA), said "we have abandoned many times the value of traditional painting, which reflects the profound meaning of our culture." Zhu Wanzhang, a member of the theoretical committee of China Artists Association, expects the change in the exam may usher in a rejuvenation of traditional Chinese painting. But there are differing opinions. Xi Yaoyi, an art critic, said schools have no need to carry on similar exams for painting and poetry and there should be choices between the old and the new. "The last century did not merely witness the rise of traditional Chinese water painting masters, such as Qi Baishi and Huang Hongbin, but also modern artists, like Lin Fengmian and Jiang Zhaohe," Xi explained. Wuyuan, Jiangxi Province Dubbed Chinas most beautiful countryside, Wuyuan turns into a huge yellow gem in Jiangxi province during spring. The county is one of the origins of Hui culture, which nurtured countless scholars, officials and tradesmen in the old days. The remaining Hui-style houses with horse-head walls and exquisite wood, brick and stone sculptures serve as reminders of past glory years. Jiangling is the village with the most concentrated land of cole flowers. It has the best view of cole flowers which blossom upon curved terraces and resemble golden ribbons waving in the wind. Black and white houses are also inlaid into boundless cole flowers, forming a long ink painting scroll. The big Likeng has been able to preserve the appearance of the original Hui-style village. Burn marks of fallen houses remain and tell stories of past glory years as moss on the stone paths document the villages history. Because of its beauty, the village is frequently visited by art students as a popular site for painting.. On the other hand, the small Likeng is much busier. On both sides of the river, vendors sell local products which add flavor to the folk life. Flash Scientific and cultural innovation plans were major highlights of the 13 cooperative documents signed by China and Italy on Wednesday, which analysts said showcases a shared pursuit of new economic engines to offset downward pressure. The pacts were inked after the talk between President Xi Jinping and his Italian counterpart, Sergio Mattarella, on Wednesday in Beijing. Mattarella, who took office in 2015, is making his first state visit to China from Tuesday to Sunday. He is also the first top state leader to visit China in the new year. A cultural park, a park for boosting local innovation and a China-Italy design innovation base were among the visions outlined by the agreements. During their talk on Wednesday, Xi said the two countries should "keep an eye on the latest round of scientific and industrial revolution in the world" and reinforce cooperation on innovation. Additionally, China is ready to boost communication with Italy on topics including global governance and multilateralism, Xi said. This year, Italy will be a nonpermanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Mattarella said Italy is ready to step up coordination with China in global affairs, and his country supports championing an open, multilateral world trade system. Currently, Italy is China's fifth-largest trade partner within the European Union, while China is Italy's top trade partner in Asia. Italy has become one of the major destinations of Chinese investment in Europe. Sun Yanhong, associate researcher on Italian studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and secretary-general of the Chinese Association for Italian Studies, said that the two countries "share a great yearning for works on innovation" as they pursue economic restructuring. Italy in particular needs capital, and China offers a market to help revitalize its sluggish economy, Sun said. Innovation is a strength of Italy's small and medium-sized companies, and introducing their techniques and patterns will help China's shift of economic paradigms, Sun added. As a sign of the Mediterranean country's economic difficulty, the European Union pressured Rome earlier this week to further curtail its deficit. Cui Hongjian, director of the Department for European Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, said that although the sluggish economy in Europe has led to friction in China-Europe trade, win-win cooperation is the only viable pathway. Chen Xu, director of the Foreign Ministry's Department of European Affairs, said another highlight of the visit is the boosting of the link of the two countries' development strategies regarding cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative. Sun, the CASS researcher, said that Italy, with ports around the Mediterranean, has a great interest in being part of the Belt and Road Initiative. Flash The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday said the death of a DPRK citizen at Kuala Lumpur last week was an "anti-DPRK conspiratorial racket" launched by South Korea. The DPRK also blamed the Malaysian side for showing unfriendly attitude when handling the case, the official news agency KCNA reported. A spokesman for the Korean Jurists Committee said the autopsy was unnecessary as the death had been confirmed as the one due to heart stroke and the deceased man carried a diplomatic passport, according to the KCNA. The incident was "undisguised encroachment upon the sovereignty of the DPRK, a wanton human rights abuse and an act contrary to human ethics and morality," said the unnamed spokesman in a statement. The spokesman claimed that South Korea "worked out the scenario" and released false reports that the man was poisoned to death. "It is regretful that only Malaysia is denying such fact," he added. The spokesman also criticized the Malaysian side for conducting an autopsy without any prior agreement with the DPRK or its presence, in disregard of the just demand from the DPRK and international law. "Malaysia is obliged to hand his body to the DPRK side as it made an autopsy and forensic examination of it in an illegal and immoral manner," the statement said, adding that this proves Malaysia is to politicize the transfer of the body (to the DPRK) in disregard of international law and morality and attain "a sinister purpose." The victim, whom the Malaysian authorities claimed as Kim Jong Nam, the half brother of the DPRK top leader Kim Jong Un, was murdered in Kuala Lumpur last week. Malaysian police had detained a total of four suspects following the death of the 46-year-old man on Feb. 13 after being attacked by two women at a Kuala Lumpur airport, but later released one of them, a male from Malaysia. Flash The chief of staff of French far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen was placed under formal investigation on Wednesday as part of a probe into the alleged misuse of European Union funds, a local daily reported. Earlier on Wednesday, Catherine Griset was grilled by judicial police over salaries she had received for her work as Le Pen's parliamentary assistant, Le Figaro said on its website, citing a judicial source. Griset was put into custody along with Le Pen's bodyguard Thierry Legier, who was later released, it added. The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) accused Le Pen of using European Parliament funds to pay her France-based assistant a total of 298,500 euros (314,947 U.S. dollars) between December 2010 and February 2016. According to European rules, the EU parliamentary aide should work in one of the parliament's three offices in Brussels, Strasbourg, or Luxembourg. The far-right leader and European lawmaker is also accused of paying her bodyguard 41,554 euros for the October to December 2011 period, according to local reports. Le Pen, whose presidential bid is gaining momentum, dismissed any wrongdoing and described the affair as "a political plot." Pollsters say Le Pen is likely to win the first round of voting in the presidential elections on April 27. However, she would lose the run-off in May to whoever should be her opponent, although she narrowed the gap on her main rivals, conservative contender Francois Fillon and centrist ex-economy minister Emmanuel Macron. Styling herself as "the candidate of people," Le Pen has pledged to crack down on migration, send home all illegal migrants, and impose taxes on jobs being done by foreigners. If she were to win the election, she said she would propose a "Frexit" to quit the European bloc and restore internal borders and local currency. (1 euro = 1.06 U.S. dollars) Flash The prospects of the fourth round of the intra-Syrian talks slated to begin on Thursday in Geneva are not promising, in terms of achieving a breakthrough, with a change in the international climate toward the Syrian situation, analysts say. TURKEY BACK TO FAVORITE AMERICAN ALLY Analysts believe that with the advent of U.S. President Donald Trump and his remarks about his willingness create safe zones in northern Syria have apparently opened the appetite of Ankara, which has for long been craving to create such zones on the Syrian side of the Syrian-Turkish borders, with former President Barack Obama reluctant to support such a step. Late last year, Ankara allied with Russia to secure its interests in Syria, in terms of protecting key northern Syrian areas from the influence of the Kurdish fighters, and also to keep the Islamic State (IS) away from its borders. The move then was read by observers as a result of the Turkish dismay with the former American administration's inaction toward fulfilling the Turkish desires. Moreover, Ankara and Moscow brokered a nationwide ceasefire in Syria in late December of last year, which was accepted by both the Syrian government and the rebel groups, which are supported by Turkey. Two rounds of talks took place between the Syrian government and rebels in Astana last month and this month and were also the result of a Turkish-Russian understanding, with the participation of Iran, a key regional ally to the government of President Bashar al-Assad. The first round of the Astana talks achieved a breakthrough in terms of consolidating the ceasefire with monitoring mechanisms to oversee the abidance of all parties. One important aspect was also separating the rebels from the ultra-radical groups such as the IS and the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front, which was hailed by the Syrian government. Between the two rounds, Trump voiced his desire to create safe zones in Syria, remarks that turned the heads of both Russia and Turkey. The second round of the Astana talks reflected the change in the Turkish stance, analysts say. "It's obvious that that Turks are back to the lap of the Americans, as before. If we look to the second round of Astana we will sense the change," a Syrian politician told Xinhua, asked not to be named. The first change is in the Turkish representation, as it was minimized in the second round, unlike the first one, the politician said, adding that the rebel delegation wasn't also in the same representation as the first round. The opposition delegation also arrived a day after the scheduled opening day of the second round, a sign of nonchalance. Moreover, the second round of talks ended without any final statement, or fresh understanding. "I think the second round of the Astana talks have failed, they haven't signed any paper or anything It's a sign that the Turks have changed their mind," he said. RISING TENSION BETWEEN IRAN, TURKEY Tehran and Ankara are again in a war of words as their relations are getting strained after the Turkish president criticized Tehran of pursuing "Persian nationalism" in the region. Recently, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar in a bid to boost political and economic relations, and Ankara signed a defense cooperation agreement with Sunni Riyadh, a move that irks its regional rival Tehran. On top of that, in a speech in Bahrain, the Turkish president accused Tehran of meddling Iraq and Syria for, and promoting "Persian nationalism." "Some people want both Iraq and Syria to be divided. There are some that are working hard to divide Iraq. There is a secretariat struggle, a Persian nationalism at work there. This Persian nationalism is trying to divide the country. We need to block this effort," Erdogan said on Feb. 14. In response to the Turkish president's remarks, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Bahram Qasemi said, "among regional leaders, no one more so than Mr. Erdogan is aware of Iran's constructive role in the region, especially in Iraq." "It is concerning that terrorist organizations in the region are being supported directly or indirectly to destabilize neighboring countries," said the statement on Feb. 15 without direct reference to Turkey. In Munich Security Conference last weekend, the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu joined the anti-Iran rhetoric of Israeli and Saudi Arabian ministers who signaled that they would cooperate with the new Trump administration in the region against Tehran. In a speech at the conference, Cavusoglu accused Tehran over "sectarian policies" in the region. The Turkish minister suggested that some of the actions of Iran had harmed the stability in the region. "Iran wants Syria and Iraq to make Shia," he said. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and the Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim met on the sidelines of the Munich Conference, the first high level meeting between the two NATO allies since new Trump administration. "Both leaders agreed that they would not allow Iran to undermine stability in the region," according to a press note provided by the White House. Iran's reaction was not delayed. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qasemi said on Monday that the Turkish minister's remarks were"not constructive." His country was "patient," but this patience has "limits," the spokesperson said. Iran's Foreign Ministry also summoned Turkish ambassador in Tehran Hakan Tekin on Monday over Turkish leadership's remarks. "I think that the current tension between Turkey and Iran has also something to do with its back to the American ally, and also will negatively rebound on the ceasefire and the agreement reached in the first round of the Astana talks and the currently-undergoing ceasefire, not to mention the Geneva 4 talks," Ahmad Ashqar, a journalist and political analyst, told Xinhua. SAUDI ARABIA BACK TO THE SHOW After months of no remarks on Syria, and no words on the Astana talks, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations returned under the spotlight with fresh remarks reflecting the never-changing approaches. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said in Munich Security Conference On Feb.19 that solving the Syrian crisis politically is possible, adding that one of the biggest factors to do so is through help of the new American administration. "Yes, I am very optimistic about the Trump administration." He said that the Trump administration could play a role in containing Iran, which he accused of being the major supporter of terrorism in the region, including in Syria. "With regards to Syria, Iran has been a very destructive force," Al-Jubeir said, adding that "They have sent in Revolutionary Guards forces to prop up Bashar al-Assad. They have brought in Hezbollah from Lebanon. They have mobilized Shiite militias from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan to fight in Syria. Why are they doing this?" These remarks are seen as will surely affect any political settlement in Syria, as the Syrian government is supported by Iran, and the rebels are supported by Turkey and the Gulf States, which are responsible for bankrolling the opposition rebels in their quest to oust President Assad. Moreover, Al-Jubeir said on Feb.21 that the kingdom is prepared to send ground troops to Syria to fight the IS. He told the German Press Agency on Tuesday that Saudi forces could battle IS alongside US special forces assisting US-backed Kurdish-Arab fighters. Al-Jubeir said the aim of the deployment would be to ensure that "liberated areas did not fall under the control of Hezbollah, Iran or the regime," adding that recaptured areas could be handed over to rebels. If happened, the move will embolden the rebels into pursuing further in their battles, and put aside any form of understanding or political settlement with the Syrian government. U.S. MULLS SENDING BOOTS ON GROUND IN SYRIA Aside from the Saudi statement on the readiness to send troops, the United States is also said to may send troops into Syria, which will further complicate the situation. According to Gen. Joseph Votel, the commander of American forces in the Middle East, more U.S. troops could be sent into Syria to help in the fight against IS. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Friday that the deployment of troops by the United States to Syria to fight the terrorist groups in the country would adversely fan flames of extremism in the Middle East. "I believe that the presence of foreign troops in Arab territory is a recipe for those extremists to rally behind and gain new fighters from disenfranchised youth," Zarif said. INTENSIFICATION OF MILITARY SHOWDOWN The Nusra Front, which is designated as a terrorist group by the international community due to its ties with al-Qaida, unleashed a wide-scale offensive in Syria's southern province of Daraa in recent days, succeeding to make a progress against the government forces in the Manshiyeh town, whose falling in the hands of the Nusra will jeopardize the government-controlled areas in Daraa, near the Jordanian borders. The Islamic State also unleashed another attack in Daraa against other rebel groups in that area. The escalation is seen as a renewed violence that will further escalate. SITUATION MAY DEVELOP TO MORE MILITARIZATION Maher Ihsan, a Syrian journalist and political analyst, told Xinhua that with the shift in the Turkish stance toward the American ally, the re-emergence of the Gulf States as backers of the rebels, as well as the adamant stance of the Saudi-backed opposition that demand the departure of Assad will all cast heavy shadow on the Geneva 4 talks. "The situation is moving toward further military escalation... Trump is a businessman he gave the green light to Turkey to make the safe zones in northern Syria, which pushed Turkey to shift alliance again, and now Ankara is pitted against Tehran and I think the Russians will regret trusting the Turks," he said. He added that Tehran and Moscow, both allies to the Syrian government, will not surrender and will fight till the end. Regarding the Geneva talks, he said that there will be no breakthrough. Even Staffan de Mistura, the UN special envoy to Syria, didn't have high expectations of the talks in Geneva. "Am I expecting a breakthrough? No, I am not expecting a breakthrough," he told journalists at the UN headquarters on Wednesday, a day before the start of the fourth round of talks in Geneva. Still, he said he was determined to maintain "a very pro-active momentum" to allow for political discussions on governance, a new constitution and elections under UN supervision, based on the UN Security Council Resolution 2254. Flash Five Japanese people who won a recent essay contest on the topic of China-Japan friendship have been invited to China from Feb. 22-26 to share their insights on boosting bilateral ties from a non-governmental perspective. Masayuki Inoue (L) receives a souvenir from the organizer of the essay contest on Feb. 22, 2017 in Beijing. [Photo by Chen Boyuan/China.org.cn] Masayuki Inoue, Toshihiko Shibuya, Yukiyo Mishuishi, Yohei Ito and Mika Kajihara excelled in the China-initiated essay contest held last year on China-Japan relations and how Japan would benefit from the China-led Belt and Road Initiative at a time when the bilateral ties are suffering drastic fluctuations due to political factors. The contest, jointly organized by the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU) and the Japan-China Friendship Association in Japan, was aimed at Japanese nationals aged between 16 and 46. The organizers hoped the contest would cause more people in Japan to pay attention to the relationship between the two neighbors. All of the five winners speak Chinese though with varied fluency. Four of them have studied in China, one has a Chinese mother and one is married to a Chinese husband. Inoue, born in 1992, spent his undergraduate years in learning Chinese at the Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) and now works at the BLCU's Tokyo branch. He said that his Chinese friends and teachers gave him the "dreams and strength" commonly expected of a youth. "Before I came to China, I didn't have any dreams or strength. But while I was at BLCU, I was influenced by my Chinese friends, teachers, among others. And now I have both," said Inoue, adding that he is now dedicated to Japan-China friendship and ready to make contributions to non-governmental, people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Yukiyo, a sophomore majoring in international legal system, has a Japanese father and a Chinese mother. Her parentage makes her naturally refrain from taking sides in China-Japan diplomatic disputes, instead leading her to consider how the two countries could generate greater harmony. The contest received 34 submissions, a "not large" number as admitted by Ni Jian, the CAFIU Secretary-General. He said that the essay contest was the first of its kind and that future ones, which would feature larger variety, would be held. "Despite temporary difficulties in diplomatic ties, the foundation for friendship is solid on the grass-roots level, as more young people in the two countries want to take up the mission to build better ties," Ni said. He noted that in the past friendship promoters were all retired people. "If elderly people are the only ones who care, then the future is grim." The five winners all acknowledged that China's Belt and Road Initiative would do much to benefit the world and admitted that not many Japanese people know about it. CAFIU's Ni clarified that "Belt and Road" is an inclusive partnership and any country who is interested and ready to show commitment is welcome to be part of it, even though Japan is not "on the Belt and Road" geographically. You are here: Home Samsung Note 7 [File photo / Xinhua] A court in Shanghai ruled on Wednesday that Samsung should compensate a Chinese consumer whose Note 7 smartphone caught fire ten days after purchase. Samsung will give Yao, the plaintiff, 19,964 yuan (2,900 U.S. dollars) as out-of-court settlement, and repay the 5,988 yuan Yao spent on the phone, according to Jinshan District People's Court in Shanghai. Yao said that in September, Samsung China made a statement that Note 7 smartphones on the Chinese mainland had different battery cells from those on the global market and would not be recalled, which led to his purchase on JD.com on Sept. 7. On Sept. 18, the phone caught fire while Yao was playing games and burned his bed. The plaintiff accused Samsung (Huizhou) of fraud and causing economic losses. Workers walk by the No 3 and No 4 power generation units of the Hongyanhe Nuclear Power Station in Wafangdian of Dalian city, Northeast China's Liaoning province, Sept 22, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] China plans to beef up its nuclear power sector in 2017, kicking off construction of eight reactors this year with installed capacity totaling 9.9 gigawatts, the National Energy Administration said. The NEA has issued new guidelines on nuclear power development. These include Unit 1 at the Sanmen nuclear power plant in Zhejiang province, Unit 4 at the Fuqing plant in Fujian province, Unit 4 at the Yangjiang nuclear power plant in Guangdong province and Unit 1 of the Taishan plant in Guangdong, adding 6 GW of nuclear power capacity. China will also accelerate the preparations for more reactors, such as Sanmen Units 3 and 4, Ningde Units 5 and 6 in Fujian, which will in total generate 9.9 GW after being put into operation. The rollout is necessary for China's nuclear sector to develop step by step to meet high safety requirements, said Han Xiaoping, chief information officer at Beijing-based industry consultancy China Energy Net Consulting Co. "Building nuclear power stations requires at least 10 years of preparatory work, including the eight units, which are about to kick off construction soon," Han said. Han said China is at the forefront of nuclear power technology worldwide, with rich experience in building and operating nuclear power stations. After Japan's Fukushima nuclear accident in March 2011, China had set higher standards in the nuclear sector to ensure safety, he said. The country is moving to strengthen technical cooperation with Russia and the United States in the nuclear power sector and further promote cooperation with Pakistan, Turkey, Romania and Argentina. Han said it is necessary for China's nuclear power utilities to tap overseas markets, to release capacity in the context of overcapacity in the domestic power sector. He added as supply was far greater than demand in China's power sector, the country should focus on the development of low-carbon energy, especially the nuclear energy, to enhance the effective energy supply. Xu He contributed to this story. COFCO's stand at a tea exhibition in Beijing. ZHAN MIN / FOR CHINA DAILY Shares of three listed units of State-owned China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Corp rose sharply on Wednesday, after the country's biggest food supplier by volume announced further plans for mixed-ownership reform on Monday. COFCO Biochemical (Anhui) Co Ltd stocks reached their 10 percent daily limit in early trading hours, and settled at 14.66 yuan ($2.13) per share, up 6.85 percent from the opening price. Another two listed subsidiariesCOFCO Property (Group) Co Ltd and COFCO Tunhe Sugar Co Ltdalso closed more than 3 percent higher than their opening prices. On the same day, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index edged up by 0.24 percent. The group's headquarters announced goals to carry out mixed-ownership reform in all of its 18 specialized arms by 2018, and 12 of them have diversified their shareholding structures. Wu Li, an analyst at Wuhan-based TF Securities, said the operational efficiency of the agricultural products trader was expected to continue to improve, as it has been cutting costs and prioritizing its main businesses. Wu said he would remain bullish on stocks of some COFCO listed arms, especially those rolling out the employee stock ownership plan or those preparing to do so. The plan is designed to transfer shares in the company to executives and employees, to enhance a company's earning ability. Since last year, the Beijing-based conglomerate started to speed up the pace of mixed-ownership reform through different approaches, such as transformation, restructuring and pushing core assets to go public. COFCO's media office said the latest four arms that introduced non-State investment last year were in real estate, engineering technology, meat processing and packaging. The next three targets in 2017, according to the group, are subsidiaries in the fodder, liquor and tea businesses, which aim to go public. COFCO's profit surged 79 percent year-on-year to 6.15 billion yuan in 2016, and its revenue was 408.3 billion yuan in the same year. Li Jin, chief researcher at the China Enterprise Research Institute, said COFCO's reform has achieved positive results so far. The next step for the group to deepen mixed ownership reform is introducing strategic investors. A detail of a Samsonite bag is seen in a shop in downtown Rome, Italy, March 4, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] Samsonite International SA, the world's largest branded-luggage maker by market share, is pinning its hopes on e-commerce and social media to fuel growth and make China its biggest market within five years. Sales in China, which now account for more than 10 percent of its total revenue, are likely to Ramesh Tainwala, CEO of Samsonite International SA [Photo provided to China Daily] double by 2022, thanks to the explosion in online shopping and a wealthier population eager to travel, Samsonite Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Tainwala said on Wednesday. "Now that 20 percent of our Chinese businesses come from online, we expect the number to grow by about a third in a couple of years," he said. Global net sales in 2015 reached $2.43 billion. Virtual stores on Tmall and JD, the country's duopoly of business-to-customer sites, have claimed 60 percent of Samsonite's online business in China. They also sell through the digital outlets of shopping malls and department stores. To harness that growth, Samsonite will open its indigenous direct online shopping portal this year to attract more sophisticated buyers who wish to purchase bigger-ticket items via the brand, rather than a third party. There are good reasons for Samsonite to accelerate its digital deployment. According to its interim report, first-half sales in 2016 remained flat partly due to a sluggish performance in China, as consumers migrate online and dragged down sales TV home shopping and department store channels. It also spares no effort in utilizing social media campaigns to guide traffic to bricks-and-mortar stores, according to Frank Ma, Samsonite's president for China and the Philippines. For example, followers of Samsonite's official WeChat account can sign up for a promotional event in a shopping center and get a discount coupon. Ma said content marketing helps attracts customers and adds to another 5 percent to its offline sales. Seven of Samsonite's nine brands have been introduced to China, ranging from the entry-level American Tourister to the newly acquired Tumi, which targets high-end business travelers. Tainwala said he is heartened by new initiatives to merge online and offline retail, such as the partnership between Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and Bailian Group. BEIJING - China is expected to overtake the United States and become the world's biggest business travel market in 2017, the country's leading online travel agency said Wednesday. Spending on business travel in China hit $290 billion last year and will grow by at least 10 percent this year, according to a report from Ctrip Corporate Travel, a subsidiary of Ctrip. Small- and medium-sized Chinese companies will become a major source of business travel growth, spending a potential 100 billion yuan ($14.5 billion), said Fang Jiqin, chief executive officer of Ctrip Corporate Travel. He said cheaper, smarter travel management services are needed for Chinese firms to lower costs and boost efficiency. The Ctrip report also said there was room for industry consolidation in China, with 80 percent of the national market dominated by small and unprofessional business travel service providers. The forthcoming official visit to China by Italian President Sergio Mattarella marks a very significant moment in the long-standing and thriving relations between the two countries. Though not comparable in size, population or economic power, China and Italy share many historical and cultural affinities. The Republic of Italy and the People's Republic of China were born just three years apart, in 1946 and 1949, respectively. Both republics are the offspring of two ancient civilizations that had a strong influence on other cultures. Fifty years ago, Italy did what China has done in more recent times, transforming itself in less than two decades from a largely agricultural backwater into a most dynamic industrial nation. The life of the Italian and Chinese people is equally centered around the family, and finally, large numbers of Italian and Chinese migrants have historically settled in many countries of the world while preserving their original customs and traditions. President Mattarella's trip comes at a time when China and Italy's role in the international order face unprecedented challenges. He is the third Italian president to visit China after Sandro Pertini in 1981, when China was about to launch a radical plan to liberalize its economy, and Giorgio Napolitano in 2010 on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. President Mattarella will be in China from Feb. 21 to 26, and after meeting President Xi Jinping in Beijing he is scheduled to visit Shanghai, Chongqing and Xi'an. Italy and China are united by ever-growing economic, scientific and cultural cooperation, which in the last five years has been boosted by a great number of official visits and meetings at the highest institutional levels. Since the appointment of Ambassador Ettore Sequi as head of the Italian Embassy in Beijing, the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership has become "increasingly ambitious and increasingly concrete" as Mr. Sequi and the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of the PRC with responsibility for European Affairs Liu Haixing jointly described the status of the relations between the two countries at a recent meeting. Both countries have intensified cooperation in five priority fields, including energy conservation and environment protection, agriculture, sustainable urbanization, health care, aviation and aerospace. The next stage is to align China's Belt and Road initiative with Italy's national development strategies, integrate "Made in China 2025" with Italy's "Industry 4.0," and connect China's "Internet plus" strategy with Italy's technological innovation plan. As far as cultural relations are concerned, China and Italy are carrying forward a diversified program of activities aimed to enhance mutual understanding and traditional friendship between the two peoples. Italy is a major EU country with worldwide influence and China stands ready to heighten communication and coordination with Italy on the reform of the U.N. Security Council, climate change, sustainable development and other issues. The Italian president visit couldn't find a better climate in the relations between China and Italy. Both countries are committed to working together for a harmonious relationship and for a peaceful and prosperous future for all of humanity. Elenoire Laudieri Di Biase ( Twitter account: @ElaudierLaudier ), sinologist from the university of Ca' Foscari and Melbourne University, Australia, is an expert on international diplomacy and psychoanalysis. Senior analyst on China at the Nato Defense College Foundation. Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. A Walmart supermarket is seen in Yichang, Hubei province.[ZHOU JIANPING/CHINA DAILY] BEIJING - Walmart will open up to 40 new branches in China this year, while upgrading 50 outlets and improving stocking and logistics, the company announced Wednesday. Walmart opened 24 new outlets in China last year and now operates more than 400 stores across the country. Overall sales in China grew 5.4 percent year on year from last November to January, the latest financial statement showed. Last year was the best financial performance in almost five years, according to Dirk Van den Berghe, president and CEO of Walmart China. Walmart will continue to cooperate with JD.com to offer online shopping, door-to-door delivery, mobile payment and other services. The two companies signed a strategic partnership agreement last year. A man passes by a Samsung's store in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu province, Oct 10, 2016. [Photo/VCG] SHANGHAI - A court in Shanghai ruled on Wednesday that Samsung should compensate a Chinese consumer whose Note 7 smartphone caught fire ten days after purchase. Samsung will give Yao, the plaintiff, 19,964 yuan ($2,900) as out-of-court settlement, and repay the 5,988 yuan Yao spent on the phone, according to Jinshan District People's Court in Shanghai. Yao said that in September, Samsung China made a statement that Note 7 smartphones on the Chinese mainland had different battery cells from those on the global market and would not be recalled, which led to his purchase on JD.com on Sept 7. On Sept 18, the phone caught fire while Yao was playing games and burned his bed. The plaintiff accused Samsung (Huizhou) of fraud and causing economic losses. SANTIAGO - Chile became China's leading supplier of fresh fruits in 2016, overtaking Vietnam and even Thailand, local media reported on Wednesday. Chile exported $1.2 billion of fresh fruit, mainly cherries, to China last year, the daily La Tercera said, citing data from Chile's export promotion agency ProChile. Thailand ranked in second place, with $1.15 billion in fruit exports, followed by Vietnam, with $635 million, according to the daily. Despite a 3.7-percent decline in national exports overall, Chile's fresh fruit exports to the Chinese market grew 23 percent over 2015. "In the past 10 years, our exports to China have grown 18-fold, going from $65 million in 2007 to $1.2 billion in 2016," said Alejandro Buvinic, ProChile's director. That growth followed the signing of a free-trade agreement between the two countries in October 2006. Likewise, "China gradually increased its presence in the domestic market, until it became our leading trade partner in 2015, a position it maintained in 2016," said Buvinic. Cherries led the list of fresh fruit exports to the Asian market, followed by grapes, plums and cranberries. Buvinic said Chilean fruits stand out in the Chinese market with 98 percent of the imported cranberries in Chinese market being from Chile, as well as 80 percent fresh cherries and plums. PHNOM PENH - Cambodian and Chinese officials met here on Wednesday to devise plans for cooperation under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. The Cambodian delegation was led by Economy and Finance Ministry Secretary of State Vongsey Vissoth, while the Chinese side was headed by Xiao Weiming, deputy director of the western development division of the China's National Development and Reform Commission. According to a statement from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the meeting came after the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the implementation of bilateral cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative during a visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Cambodia in October 2016. The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative, proposed by China in 2013, aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes. "Cambodia highly values the bilateral cooperation between the two countries under the Belt and Road Initiative," Vissoth said, adding that the cooperation would provide great benefits to Cambodia in socio-economic development for medium and long terms. He said the cooperation under the initiative would play a role as the new engine of growth for the region and the world, and benefit both China and the participating countries. According to the statement, cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative would focus on seven priority sectors: infrastructure, agriculture, capacity building, special economic zone development, culture and tourism, finance, and eco-environmental protection. The drafted plans for bilateral cooperation would be submitted to the governments of the two countries for approval in May. Thousands of consumers visited US lingerie giant Victoria's Secret's first full assortment store in China during its Shanghai opening on Thursday, one of the latest examples of how Chinese residents' consumption has expanded rapidly, said analysts. A lingerie brand that attracts so much attention and sees quick growing revenue does not just mean the success of a single brand, said Cao Yaguang, analyst with Shanghai-based Hengle Retail Consultancy Ltd. "It shows that Chinese consumers are attaching increasing importance on products which are conventionally not basic essentials of day-to-day life, and are willing to pay for what they believe are of good quality and design. Rising purchasing power of females is one of the major reasons behind this situation," said Cao. Chen Yong, director of the Commission of Commerce for Huangpu district, said more fashion and design brands add to the glamour of a commercial complex, which benefits the overall retail market of a region. "More varieties of products help to meet consumers' fast changing and expanding demands. Fashion and design are becoming economic growth pillars," said Chen. "I came up to the store at 2pm and found out that some products of some popular colors and sizes were already out of stock. For young consumers, good design, good fabric and good quality are definitely winning our hearts and wallets," said Xu Miyun, a 22-year-old college student. According to Victoria's Secret's parent company L Brands, another flagship store in Chengdu is opening soon. The Victoria's Secret models will show up in Shanghai and Chengdu in early March to meet consumers at campaign events, the company said. The new stores in Shanghai and Chengdu offer a full range of brand products compared with the previous concept stores in China that only sold accessories. Cao Chen contributed to the story State Councilor Yang Jiechi (eighth from left) and representatives of BRICS countries pose on Thursday at the opening ceremony of the year's first BRICS Sherpa meeting in Nanjing, Jiangsu province. Yang urged BRICS nations to work together to raise the voices of developing countries in global affairs. LI XIANG / XINHUA China says joint efforts can tap bloc's potential BRICS countries should make joint efforts to maintain the openness of global economies and oppose trade protectionism amid worldwide economic sluggishness, China's top diplomat said on Thursday. This year's BRICS summit, which will be attended by leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, will be held from Sept 3 to 5 in coastal Xiamen, Fujian province, State Councilor Yang Jiechi announced at the opening ceremony of this year's first BRICS Sherpa meeting, held in Nanjing, Jiangsu province. Sherpas are senior diplomats and officials in charge of coordinating affairs ahead of the BRICS summit. With the past decade's cooperation, BRICS has become an important force to boost economic growth and improve global governance, Yang said, adding that there remains great potential for cooperation between the BRICS countries. "The advantages of complementary resources of the five countries are yet to be developed," he said. Yang proposed that the five nations work together to raise the voices of developing countries and emerging economies in global affairs. Yang cited an International Monetary Fund report that said emerging markets and developing countries contributed about 80 percent to global economic growth last year. More than 100 representatives, including diplomats and bankers, attended the Sherpa meeting, which will end on Friday. The theme of the Sherpa meeting was to deepen BRICS partnership and create a brighter future. China holds the BRICS presidency this year. In a letter to the leaders of BRICS countries on Jan 1, President Xi Jinping predicted that they will continue to make progress on cooperation and play a bigger role in international affairs in the next decade. "In accordance with an open, inclusive and win-win BRICS spirit, China will work with other BRICS countries to make the Xiamen summit a success and move BRICS cooperation to a new level," Xi said in the letter. Anil Sooklal, director-general for Asia and the Middle East for South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation, said China has chosen a very appropriate theme strengthening BRICS partnership for a brighter future for this year's meeting. This year is one of the most difficult that the world has experienced as a global community, said Sooklal, who is South Africa's Sherpa at the meeting. He cited uncertainties brought by the new US presidential administration and problems in the European Union. "This provides a major vacuum on the global stage, and BRICS is the only coherent forum the five countries are a powerful force for good in the world," he said, adding that BRICS is well placed to show global economic leadership. Sergey A. Ryabkov, Russian deputy minister of Foreign Affairs, said, "It's perfectly fine that China tries to present BRICS as an association with global reach." "BRICS is not against anyone. We have an open mind," he added. BEIJING - The Japanese automaker Suzuki will recall 860 imported 2008-2013 Grand Vitara in China over defective shift bars, according to China's quality watchdog. The affected vehicles were manufactured between June 10, 2008 and May 13, 2013, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in a notice on its website. Due to a flaw in the shift bars of the affected vehicles, there are concerns that the issue may cause safety problems, said the notice. The company will replace the problematic parts free of charge. The recall will start from March 10. A woman uses instant messaging service WeChat in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. HAN CHUANHAO / XINHUA Popular brands, including Burberry, Mulberry, British Airways and Durex, are among British companies successfully using instant messaging application WeChat in the Chinese market. Christopher Bailey, Burberry's chief creative officer, said: "WeChat opens up a huge new world of opportunity in the digital space. The exciting thing for us is the deeper and more meaningful way that we are able to tell our stories using this platform." Burberry lets users view London Fashion Week catwalk shows on the app, listen to translated interviews with executives, and snap up digital vouchers and promotions. British companies know they can reach Chinese consumers through social media. In 2016, WeChat had 768 million daily logged-in users, and 60 percent of Chinese shoppers searched Weibo, China's equivalent to Twitter, for brand information. But cracking Chinese online platforms is a tough task. Many Western brands have learnt the hard way that engaging Chinese users is not as simple as copying and pasting a translated post from Instagram or Facebook. While British people might use Facebook to connect with friends, Twitter to share an article, and Apple Pay to buy a coffee, Chinese users might rely on WeChat to do all of them, and more. Models present creations at the Mulberry catwalk show during London Fashion Week in London, Britain February 19, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] Anne-Marie Verdin, brand director at Mulberry, said: "We are constantly looking for new platforms to communicate the depth and breadth of the Mulberry brand and tell the Mulberry story to our consumers. "WeChat's advanced functionality and prominence in the daily lives of consumers means this will be a central tool to communicate with our audience in China." Despite such success stories, WeChat is not a surefire way to crack the Chinese market, according to Domenica di Lieto, CEO of Emerging Communications, a digital agency with offices in London and Shanghai. "There is a lot of misunderstanding about WeChat, people think it's the holy grail," said Di Lieto. "WeChat will only work if you've built up a following in the first place." A humidifier connected to, and controlled by, Dingdong smart speaker at a fair in Guangzhou. [Photo provided to China Daily] Dingdong A1, a made-in-China voice-activated smart home speaker brand, is squaring up to the Amazon Echo and the Google Home. Similar to Echo and Home, the conical cloud-connected speaker can answer questions, manage schedules, provide directions, play music and voice-control other household smart devices. Dingdong A1 is the flagship product of Linglong Co, a $25 million joint venture between China's e-commerce giant JD.com and Chinese voice technology company iFlytek. According to market research firm Gartner Inc, the global market for speakers with virtual assistants is expected to hit $2 billion in sales by 2020, almost a 500 percent rise over 2015. No wonder, LingLong, eager to grab market share, has loaded Dingdong with a host of features. Priced 798 yuan ($116), its unique selling point is it can speak Chineseboth Echo and Google, being English-based, cannot. When addressed as "Dingdong, Dingdong", Linglong's speaker can hear and respond to voice commands. Using JD's open-source application Jingdong Weilian, it allows users to control all connected smart devices made by manufacturers that are part of the company's ecosystem. Wei Qiang, general manager of Linglong, said market potential for smart speakers in China is huge. "We think voice is the most natural way to connect. With improved technologies, the speaker will be suitable to perform various functions." The Beijing-based company claimed that during last year's Nov 11 online shopping festival and the following two weeks, it sold around 10,700 speakers, accounting for nearly 80 percent of the total sales volume of smart speakers on the JD platform. According to Wei, the smart speaker will herald numerous life-assisting services, and will emerge as a key part of a smart home. "We need to nurture users and grow the market in China now," he said. "I believe 10 million gadgets will be sold in China in the future. "We will continue to work on the smart speakers with other leading brands worldwide such as Harman International Industries Inc. And we are also working with internet service providers to build an open voice-based service platform." Linglong, which was established in 2015, has unveiled several versions of smart speakers to meet people's various needs in different scenarios, including the portable gadget for young people's outdoor needs and one equipped with English-learning software. It is also expected to add new functions for the elderly, such as setting alarms as a reminder for taking pills at the prescribed time. Jin Di, research manager of IDC China, said the key is to build a complete ecosystem. "The voice technology is not the most important thing. Instead, the company should work on the ecosystem and try to offer more types of services, like online-to-offline services." People visit the stand of Qihoo 360 at an expo in Beijing, April 30, 2016. [Photo/VCG] Qihoo 360 Technology Co Ltd, China's largest internet security company, unveiled a new handset aimed at mobile game lovers, as it sets the ground to tap opportunities offered by internet of things (IoT). The N5, unveiled on Wednesday in Beijing, comes with a 6GB ram and a Snapdragon processor. Its vision and sound effects have been optimized for Land of Glory, a mobile game developed by NetEase Inc. The new handset allows users to play games with several accounts and provides them with a fast and pleasant playing environment, the company said. Priced from 1,399 yuan ($203) in the Chinese mainland market, the N5 is much cheaper than similar handsets of other brands, said Li Kaixin, president of Qihoo 360's mobile phone unit. He said it was difficult to maintain such a price, because the costs of mobile phone components are surging, caused by the depreciation of renminbi. "Instead of raising phone prices immediately, we will try our best to improve supply chain management," added Li. Unlike other Chinese players who are marching into the high-end smartphone market, Qihoo 360 focuses on phones that are priced around 1,000 yuan. "Qihoo 360 does not want to make money from smartphones. It aims to lure as many users as possible with affordable devices, so that it can build a smartphone-centered ecosystem for the internet of things," said Xiang Ligang, a smartphone expert and CEO of telecom industry website cctime.com. "It believes handsets will play a central role in controlling everything in future," he added. As the country's largest internet security provider, Qihoo 360 said it connects with 96 percent of Chinese netizens. Last year, it has sold over 5 million handsets. Cheng Yu contributed to the story. The advent of a new and unpredictable American administration presents a clear new security challenge to China in a region not lacking in security challenges. On the one hand, President Trump is casting doubt on the U.S.'s future commitment to financing the alliance structure built up in the region during the Cold War; on the other, he sees fit to express quite aggressive opposition to the Chinese position on the South China Sea issue. It is, of course, likely that the new President's bark will be proved to be nowhere near as bad as his bite; he knows as yet little of China, and - once better informed by his advisers - he has hurried to reassure the Chinese government that he was mistaken in casting doubt on the U.S.'s commitment to the one-China principle. But the new administration's lack of clarity regarding the region's security issues, coupled with the decision already made to withdraw the U.S. from the proposed regional trading structure in the form of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, will no doubt have encouraged the Chinese leadership that China had better make her own arrangements for ensuring regional security, rather than relying on the uncertainties of U.S. policy. It cannot, of course, be expected that China would aim at formal security structures, on the pattern of that established by the Soviet Union in the Cold War days. In effect, the Soviet Union established the "Warsaw Pact" a belt of buffer states as an extra reinforcement to its security. Its importance was in keeping NATO forces a long way from the core Soviet territory, and also to ensure that a number of ostensibly independent states could be relied upon to support the USSR in international disputes. There is no prospect of this pattern being repeated in East Asia. China has always eschewed all formal alliances, and will see no reason to change that policy. But a network of bilateral and multilateral security arrangements, with a network of sympathetic states who will be supportive of China in international disputes, may well provide a degree of reassurance against sudden eruptions of disorder. The U.S. has alliances with Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and the Philippines, and a formal though ill-defined commitment to Taiwan. China would probably like to have some kind of regular arrangement to set against that. China's relations with ASEAN have provided a degree of stability and common interest, and the Belt and Road project will serve to provide economic underpinning to these important relationships. A year ago it looked as though dissensions between neighbors over territorial issues in the South China Sea might render it difficult to achieve a regional meeting of minds on security issues. But China has been able to turn the situation to her own advantage. The turning point here was the election of Rodrigo Duterte as President of the Philippines in May 2016. There were fears that the unpredictable Duterte might take a confrontational approach to China. However, due to a disagreement with former U.S. President Obama, Duterte decided to embrace China, and expresses a wish to align his country's interests with those of China and Russia, in a clear snub to the West. What this might mean in practice for regional security is as yet unclear, but the immediate result has been a speedy replacement of tension with cooperation in the South China Sea. Now that they are no longer confronting China on the sovereignty issues, the Chinese are now allowing Filipino fishermen access to fishing grounds around the formerly disputed islands and reefs. And it is likely that funds will soon start flowing from the AIIB for much-needed infrastructural projects in the Philippines. The Philippine volte-face might have remained a unique peculiarity, were it not for other regional developments in the second half of 2016. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak's visit to China in early November suggested a degree of rapprochement which went beyond purely economic cooperation. Malaysia is set to enjoy the benefits of a funding package as part of the Belt and Road programme, which also contains a strategic element - Chinese investment in a joint venture to build a new deep-water port at Melaka. This will serve as a safeguard for Chinese shipping traffic through the strategically vital Malacca Straits, indicating that guarding vital sea lanes will no longer be seen primarily as a U.S. responsibility. This should not be seen as an attempt to establish hegemony: security of trade routes is an obvious complement to the strategic Belt and Road programme, especially as questions are now being raised over continuing U.S. commitment to the region. China is demonstrating the will to take up a share of responsibility commensurate with her growing global prominence. Tim Collard is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/timcollard.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. President Xi Jinping has urged more intensified and precise poverty relief efforts to accomplish the country's goal to pull all people out of poverty by the end of 2020. To eradicate poverty in rural areas on time is the "bottom line for China's building a well-off society in an all-round way, and also our solemn commitment", Xi said while chairing a group study session on Tuesday of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. During the session, Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, underscored the importance of stronger leadership, more funding support and better coordination between government departments and between the country's eastern and western regions. China has vowed to lift all of its people living below the poverty line out of poverty by 2020. The country's poverty line is 2,300 yuan ($334) in annual income. A total of 55.64 million people have been lifted out of poverty since 2013, and "the living standards of poverty-stricken people have significantly improved, and the situation of poverty-stricken areas has markedly improved", Xi said. Despite the great achievement, more than 40 million people still live in poverty, which means that in the coming four years, China has to pull at least 10 million people out of poverty on average every year, according to official data. Xi said that the difficulty of poverty alleviation should not be underestimated, since the people and areas that still suffer from poverty are generally poorer and face weaker backgrounds and more extreme conditions. Areas that are suffering from extreme poverty should be prioritized to ensure that the targets can be met on time, he added. Xi also underscored the importance of more targeted efforts to help the poor. Local authorities were urged to develop economic entities that can help create wealth among the poor, and roll out different measures for different people, households and villages. They should better implement support measures in education and healthcare to help poor families that suffer from serious or chronic diseases and ensure their children can receive an education, Xi said. Authorities should also incubate rural entrepreneurship and attract talent to flow back to their hometowns to aid the local fight against poverty, he said. During the group study session, the top leadership also heard reports from Liu Yongfu, head of the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development, and governors of Guizhou, Yunnan and Gansu provincesareas that still have large impoverished populations. Liu said at a work conference in December that China's financial input for poverty reduction hit a record high in 2016, with that from the central and provincial governments exceeding 100 billion yuan for the first time. The country will continue to work on a number of fronts, including promoting industrial development in poor regions, giving the poor easier access to employment services, healthcare and education, and improving infrastructure in poor regions, he said. BEIJING - China will send anti-corruption inspectors to centrally-administrated universities, discipline authority of the Communist Party of China (CPC) announced Wednesday.The new inspections will scrutinize Party committees of 29 universities, including Peking University, Tsinghua University, Beijing Normal University and Nanjing University, according to a statement released after a Wednesday meeting before the launch of the 12th round of inspections.Inspection teams will re-examine the work of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region as well as provinces of Jilin, Yunnan and Shaanxi.The new round of inspections will also cover the Office of the Central Leading Group for Cyberspace Affairs, State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development, China Railway Corporation and China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation.Attending the meeting, Wang Qishan, who heads an inspection leadership group of the CPC Central Committee, called for better problem-finding inspections.The meeting urged inspectors to not only listen to what the Party officials say, but also watch what they do during inspections, and stressed that judgements should be made on the basis of people's comments on the work of Party committees.Inspections should focus on rules implementation and discipline in elections and official selection to ensure a clean political environment, the statement said.More flexible measures should be introduced in the inspection mechanism to expose and prevent corruption within discipline authorities, it added. A scenic view of a spectacular bend in the Yangtze River between Lijiang and Shangri-La in Yunnan province. [Photo by Zhang Weiguo/For China Daily] A large information database and a pool of expert resources are being built to facilitate the sharing of resources and promote studies on the development of the proposed Yangtze River economic belt. "Many universities along the Yangtze River economic belt have carried out their own studies and research, based on different reaches of the river. Such studies are relatively separate," said Chen Yugang, professor and head of the liberal arts department at Fudan University in Shanghai. "We hope to establish an integrated study platform that will allow all the universities along the belt to share and exchange information and resources to boost the productivity of research in this field." In December, Fudan University initiated a cooperative think tank working alliance for the development of the economic belt, with the participation of 12 universities and research institutes. The alliance's main task will be to provide high-quality reports for the government and businesses to aid the development of the economic belt and promote the exchange and cultivation of talent. "So far, we have already carried out studies related to ecological restoration and environmental protection of the Yangtze River water system. Meanwhile, the alliance will also promote scientific and technological innovation and collaboration between industry and academics in the belt," Chen said, adding that more universities have been encouraged to join. The Yangtze River Economic Belt Development Institute at Fudan University is currently working as the academic service body for all members of the alliance. The development institute was jointly established by the university and the cooperation and exchange department of the Shanghai municipal government in October 2015. So far, the institute has established three multidimensional data platforms that provide accurate reflections of the social and economic conditions along the river. For example, the Yangtze River Economy and Society Development Database provides information about more than 110 cities at the prefecture-level and above in the proposed economic belt. The database includes hundreds of indicators in fields such as population, economic development and business development. To promote the development of the economic belt, the 11 provinces and cities along the river will need to address a range of problems, such as planning ecological and environment protection programs. They will also need to exploit the economic benefits provided by the river, balance development across areas, boost industrial transformation and upgrade via scientific innovation, as well as developing a regional cooperative and coordinating a working mechanism, according to Liu Chenggong, deputy Party head at Fudan University. Intensive research should be carried out to formulate comprehensive, systematic policies, Liu added. The alliance will also hold a think tank forum annually to attract wider attention to ecological protection and the economic belt's development, and to boost the development of green innovation. Workers introduce a Yangtze finless porpoise to a small pool on the shores of Boyang Lake, where the mammals are encouraged to breed in safe conditions. [Photo/Xinhua] While recent moves to protect the endangered Yangtze finless porpoise, a rare freshwater mammal, have produced some positive results, many concerns remain. "The number declined by double digits every year between 2006 and 2012, so the best hope is to first slow the rapid decline, and then gradually reverse the situation," said Zhu Jiang, head of the World Wide Fund for Nature's Yangtze River biodiversity conservation project. The Yangtze finless porpoise, the only mammal in the river, is considered rarer than the giant panda, and although it is at the top of the river's food chain, it is threatened with extinction. The porpoise's natural habitat is mainly located in the middle and lower reaches of the river and two of its lakes, Poyang and Dongting. No official data is available, but the population in Dongting Lake has remained stable and even shown signs of rising, while the number in Poyang Lake has stabilized at about 450, according to Zhu. "Thanks to the efforts of the central and local governments, NGOs and the public, awareness of the finless porpoise has been greatly increased," he said, adding that relocating the mammals to their natural habitat is a proven protection method. So far, 85 have been relocated to three reserves: one in Tian'ezhou, Hubei province; one in Hewangmiao/Jichengyuan, on the borders of Hubei and Hunan provinces; and the other at Xijiang, Anqing, Anhui province. In December, the Ministry of Agriculture released a plan that will reinforce management of the natural habitat and promote social awareness of protection. In 2014, the ministry designated the mammal as a first-class nationally protected species. However, about 100 die every year, some as a result of human activity, but many others sustain serious injuries, said Zhu, from the WWF. A survey conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the WWF in 2012 showed that the river's porpoise population stood at about 1,040, but it also showed an annual decline of 13.73 percent, twice the rate reported prior to 2006. In the same year, several researchers predicted that the finless porpoise could be extinct within 10 to 15 years. The news prompted concerns that it may go the way of the white-flag dolphin, which was officially declared "functionally extinct" in the Yangtze River in 2006 after scientists decided that the population was too small to reproduce effectively. "We face the challenge of balancing economic development and ecological protection, so there is still a long way to go before we see a rise in the number of finless porpoises in the Yangtze River," Zhu said. Zhou Lihua in Wuhan contributed to the story BEIJING - A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday called on Taiwan to reflect on multiple recent tourism accidents and take effective measures to enhance safety management and remove safety hazards."We are deeply concerned about the string of tourism accidents in Taiwan," said An Fengshan, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, at a press conference.Taiwan should ensure the safety and property of tourists and provide them better travelling conditions, An added.On Feb 13, a tour bus overturned in Taipei and left 33 Taiwan people dead and 12 injured. On Feb. 4, 21 tourists from the Chinese mainland were injured in a bus accident in Kaohsiung city in southern Taiwan. On Feb 17, heavy smoke arose from the tail of a bus carrying mainland tourists, but did not result in any casualties. More inspections ensure governments implement measures to control pollution China will put stricter reins on governments and companies, including conducting at least one more large-scale inspection and suspending production in more industries, in a bid to achieve its targets for air pollution control this year. Inspectors involved in the ongoing monthlong review have uncovered another 137 problems involving insufficient government implementation of emergency response and excessive discharging of pollutants by companies, according to a statement by the Ministry of Environmental Protection on Wednesday. For example, Jinan, capital of Shandong province, despite more than 900 companies having been found to be discharging airborne pollutants, suspended production of only 73 of them. That would cut the emission of pollutants by only 20 percent, far from enough to control air pollution, the ministry added. The ongoing monthlong inspection, headed by Minister of Environmental Protection Chen Jining and four deputy ministers, has exposed massive violations by governments and companies in Beijing, Tianjin and the provinces of Hebei, Henan, Shandong and Shanxi since it was launched on Feb 15. "The ministry will conduct one or two additional rounds of specific inspections on air pollution controls like the ongoing ones this year," said Zhao Yingmin, vice-minister of environmental protection. The monthlong inspection could facilitate the authorities in their implementation of control efforts, one of the major measures to cut air pollution this year, the ministry said. According to the national Action Plan on Air Pollution Control and Prevention, Beijing and Tianjin need to lower their concentration levels of PM2.5 - hazardous particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less - to an average of 60 micrograms per cubic meter this year. Hebei province has a target of 67. However, it will not be an easy task to reach the targets. In January, northern regions experienced deteriorating air quality, with average PM2.5 concentrations in 13 cities in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region soaring to 128 micrograms per cubic meter, an increase of 43.8 percent compared with December, said Liu Zhiquan, head of the ministry's environment monitoring department. In addition, Beijing saw average PM2.5 readings of 116 in January, up 70.6 percent compared with December, the ministry said. Zhao said that the soaring concentrations are closely related to increasing industrial production, larger coal consumption for heating in rural areas and weather patterns that did not help to disperse pollutants. "It also shows that the efforts to control air pollution in winter were not as effective as expected, so the ministry will strengthen those efforts," he said. In addition to more inspections, the ministry also issued tougher restrictions targeting polluting industries, coal consumption and vehicle exhaust emissions the northern regions. Half of the steel production in Shijiazhuang and Tangshan of Hebei, and Anyang of Henan province, was suspended for the Nov 15 to March 15 heating season, which covers more cities than the existing restrictions conducted last year, Zhao said. The production restrictions will extend to more polluting industries like electrolytic aluminum and chemical plants, and 28 major cities in the region will be banned from using coal this year, the ministry said. zhengjinran@chinadaily.com.cn A fatal blaze at a foot massage parlor in eastern China was caused by an electrical fault in a steam room, China's top work safety watchdog said on Wednesday. Flames engulfed Zuxintang Foot Massage in Tiantai, Zhejiang province, at 5:26 pm on Feb 5, killing 18 people and injuring 18 others. A preliminary investigation showed the fire started after the steam room's heating system malfunctioned, causing rising temperatures that ignited some flammable objects, according to the State Administration of Work Safety. "It was an accident caused by human error," Su Jie, a spokeswoman for the watchdog, said at a news conference on Wednesday. The management of the parlorwhich occupied the first and second floors of a six-story building in a downtown communityand the relevant local government department should take the blame, Su said. However, she added that an investigation into the case is ongoing. Police in Tiantai detained four people in connection with the incident on Feb 7, local media reported. At the news conference on Wednesday, the State Administration of Coal Mine Safety also provided an update on its investigation into an explosion at Zubao Coal Mine in Lianyuan, Hunan province, on Feb 14 that killed six people and left four others missing. Yang Fu, deputy director of the agency, said the authorities are looking into whether the mine covered up the death of a miner in the accident, which happened when 29 people were underground. He said rescuers are trying to find the missing workers and that local authorities have formed a work group to investigate the cause of the blast. "Investigators have found traces of a coal dust explosion in the shaft after entering the mine several times," Yang said, adding that the watchdog will punish those responsible if any cover-up is discovered. Police have detained a manager at the mine, surnamed Liu, who is suspected of covering up the miner's death, Xinhua News Agency reported. Three officials are also under investigation, including two vice-mayors of Lianyuan and the local production safety chief, according to the report. Robots write Spring Festival couplets for Alibaba employees in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province in January. [Photo/VCG] Through major science projects, China will continue to commercialize the fruits of its technological development with more policies and economic incentives, the Ministry of Science and Technology said on Wednesday. China is conducting 16 major science projects, ranging from high-end computer chips to large passenger aircraft. "The projects are paramount to China's scientific research," said Chen Chuanhong, head of the ministry's National Science and Technology Major Project Office. "The projects cover manufacturing, energy, medicine and other fields that will produce breakthroughs and globally competitive products," Chen said. "Our scholars and officials are working on science and commercialization at the same time, which saves time and resources, and allows products to reach the market sooner." China's technological trading volume reached 1.14 trillion yuan ($166 billion) last year, surpassing the 1 trillion milestone for the first time, according to Li Meng, vice-minister of science and technology. Information technology, advanced manufacturing, new energy, biomedicine and other high-tech fields accounted for 80 percent of total trade, Li added. "These are the fruits of commercialization of science and technology research," Li said, adding that the ministry will continue to encourage universities, businesses and local governments to provide "more comprehensive services, capital and policies to support the commercialization process". Turning science into marketable products is a "long and rigorous process" that requires "constant interaction and feedback between scientists, businesses and the government," Li said. Scientists need evaluation and investment from third-party consultants and companies, while companies advise scientists how to make products more cost-efficient and suitable for specific markets, and the government oversees the process, making sure every step is lawful and beneficial to all parties, he said. Difficulties include the lack of policies connecting these three parties and making them function in an organic manner, especially at the local level, Li said, adding that China also lacks specialized talent and professional institutes to facilitate the process. He Defang, the ministry's director of policy and oversight, said China will build new technology sharing platforms for researchers and implement new laws to protect their intellectual property. China will also encourage companies to build innovation centers, staffed with professional technical managers, to cooperate with universities and institutions, He said. "The ministry's job is to incentivize the process through laws and policies, creating a comprehensive, efficient, market-based commercialization system," he added. The ministry has launched eight investment funds, including a 10-billion-yuan fund for commercializing major science projects, he said. Former Hong Kong chief executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen was sentenced on Wednesday to 20 months in prison for misconduct in public office, making him the highest-ranking former government official in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to be sent to jail. Tsang was found guilty on Friday of misconduct for failing to declare a conflict of interest when he approved an application for a radio broadcasting license from broadcasting company Wave Media. At that time, he was in negotiations with a businessman, who was a major shareholder of Wave Media, over a rental apartment in Shenzhen, which Tsang intended to use after he retired. He was acquitted of a second count of misconduct. Tsang, 72, will also face a retrial on a bribery charge in September, in which he was accused of receiving an advantage from the businessman - a HK$3.5 million ($451,000) renovation of the apartment, allegedly at the request of Tsang's family. A charge of a chief executive accepting an advantage carries a maximum of seven years in jail and a fine of HK$500,000. Justice Andrew Chan Hing-wai stressed the seriousness of the conviction that lies in Donald Tsang's position as former chief executive of Hong Kong, and that the "breach of trust was an important and significant aspect in his criminality". The judge said he planned to sentence Donald Tsang to 30 months in jail, but took off 10 months because of his "good character and contribution to Hong Kong". Donald Tsang's defense lawyer, Clare Montgomery, asked the court not to start the retrial on a bribery charge until the appeal was settled on grounds that the new jury selected for the retrial might be influenced by the conviction. However, the judge disagreed with her, saying that on that basis, many people would have the chance to avoid a retrial. Editor's note: Starting Thursday, China Daily will publish a series of previews on the "two sessions"-the annual gatherings of the nation's top legislature and its top body of political advisers. The sessions will start in early March. In the first days of March, China will see the opening of one of its most important annual political events, known as the "two sessions" - the plenary meetings of the National People's Congress, the top legislature, and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, the top political advisory body. About 3,000 national legislators representing all regions and sectors, as well as more than 2,200 advisory members from all walks of life, will gather in Beijing to discuss major State issues and make suggestions on political, economic and social development. The upcoming sessions, from early to mid-March, come at a crucial time for China, as the country gets closer to achieving its goals through major reforms. It also comes ahead of a key political meeting - the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, in the second half of 2017. Economic development and military and foreign policies will be among the topics covered at the two sessions. Implementation of major reforms, the ongoing "building of a moderately prosperous society" by 2020, the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, and implementation of the country's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20) will be discussed. Premier Li Keqiang will deliver the Government Work Report to the NPC, summarizing the government's work last year and outlining tasks for this year. The report usually sets the GDP growth rate target, as well as other key indices including the consumer price index and employment goals. The public's well-being will figure heavily throughout the two sessions, especially poverty relief. Although China has experienced almost four decades of breakneck economic growth, over 40 million people remain under the poverty line. Improving their lives, which is key to building a moderately prosperous society, has been identified as a priority by Chinese leaders. This year's NPC session will also review the draft of the general provisions of civil law - an important step in formulating a unified Civil Code. "The draft will become the law's first chapter if it is approved in the session," said Sun Xianzhong, a civil law researcher with the Institute of Law under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Citizens' rights and their properties will be better safeguarded under the Civil Code, Sun said, adding that such legislation is a must to improve the national legal construction as well as an effective way to protect economic development. You are here: Home Flash The German government on Wednesday approved stricter measures to deport asylum seekers whose applications had been denied. The new rules extended the maximum detention time for "troublemakers" from four days to ten days, and imposed tougher sanctions for those who forged their documents. Authorities are also now allowed to browse their mobile phones and computers to identify their identities and nationalities. The new regulations are designed to deport rejected asylum seekers more quickly, according to Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere. Germany in recent months has sped up its repatriation process of rejected asylum seekers after the Dec. 19 terrorist attack on a Christmas market in Berlin which killed 12 people and wounded some 50. The Tunisian attacker, Anis Amri, was a delayed deportee. However, critics as well as rights groups said the measures were too harsh since the safety of asylum seekers cannot be assured in war-torn countries like Afghanistan and Syria. Some also blamed Chancellor Angela Merkel for having implemented the policies to regain support for the coming federal elections in September. The "two sessions" meetings are held every year in March. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about two of the most important political meetings of the year. What are the two sessions? This term refers to the annual plenary sessions of the National People's Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. The CPPCC session starts on March 3 and the NPC session starts on March 5. The term "two sessions" was coined because the wordy titles are difficult to remember. What are the NPC and the CPPCC? The NPC, with almost 3,000 deputies elected from across the country, is the highest organ of State power and the top legislature. It supervises the government and judicial system and determines major State issues. The NPC also appoints and supervises the president, the chief justice and chief prosecutor. The CPPCC is China's top political advisory body. It also facilitates China's multiparty cooperation and political consultation mechanism, led by the Communist Party of China. The CPPCC was established in 1949, five years before the NPC. What happens at these sessions? Routine tasks at the annual NPC meeting include reviewing the annual work report of the central government, which includes the official gross domestic product forecast; hearing work reports by the NPC Standing Committee, the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate; and reviewing the annual plan for economic and social development and the central and local budgets. This year, an additional task is deliberating draft provisions of a new, unified Chinese Civil Code. Members of the CPPCC National Committee gather to discuss important political, economic and social matters and make proposals. Who attends the two sessions? About 5,000 people, who are NPC deputies and members of CPPCC National Committee, attend the sessions. Among them are top leaders, renowned economists, entrepreneurs, artists, sportsmen and representatives of other sectors of society. NPC deputies can submit motions, which are legally binding once adopted, while members of the CPPCC National Committee can put forward nonbinding proposals. How are NPC deputies elected? Direct election applies in the selection of township and county-level deputies, while deputies at the prefecture, provincial and national levels are elected by lower-level deputies. Deputies are subject to supervision by the voters in their electoral districts or the units that elected them. What privileges do NPC deputies receive? The Constitution gives NPC deputies two sets of privileges designed to protect them from interference in their duties: "Deputies to the NPC may not be held legally liable for their speeches or votes at its meetings". "No deputy to the NPC may be arrested or placed on criminal trial without the consent of the Presidium of the current session of the NPC or, when the NPC is not in session, without the consent of its Standing Committee." Jiang Jingzi rides the subway in Beijing during the morning travel peak on Feb 16.Yang Dengfeng / For China Daily Wrapped up in her coat in the chilly spring air, a drowsy Jiang Jingzi walks briskly toward the parking lot outside the railway station in Cangzhou, a small city in North China's Hebei province, on the night of Feb 15. For the umpteenth time, Jiang returns home to Cangzhou late at night after leaving work in Beijing. For a whole year, Jiang has kept up a daily routine of rising at 6:10 am, taking a taxi to the railway station in Cangzhou at 6:50 am and catching a high-speed train at 7:23 am that sees her arrive in Beijing 58 minutes later. She gets to her workplace at about 9:15 am after completing the final leg on the metro. Jiang's daily journey costs her 15 yuan ($2.20) for taxis, 94.5 yuan for high-speed trains and 4 yuan for the metro. That adds up to 225 yuan a day, or almost 5,000 yuan per month. While the cost of intercity transportation might seem extortionate, Jiang has a reason to smile. After graduating in Beijing in 2009, Jiang chose to stay in the city and become a "Beijing drifter". She met her husband, who works for Beijing Hyundai Motor, at the end of 2011. By the time they were married, the couple had their own house near the East Sixth Ring Road, each spending about two hours commuting to and from work each day. In 2015, Jiang's husband was transferred to Cangzhou, leaving Jiang and their 1-year-old baby in Beijing. Six months later, Jiang decided to start her two-city life. Before that, Jiang's husband had considered finding her a new job in Cangzhou, but Jiang refused as she didn't want to give up her career in Beijing. "I'm surprised that I have been able to continue making the commute for such long time," Jiang said, as she looked through all the tickets she has collected in the past year. "I admire what she has done for me and our family," Jiang's husband said. Jiang, whose persistence has also won the support of her family, said she is mindful of the high transportation costs, but said it is all worthwhile as long as her family can be together every day. Nearly 1,000 students take lunch together in silence. [Photo by Peng Nian/for chinadaily.com.cn] No talking, no whispering, only the clatter of the stainless cutlery... this is unlike most scenes typical of a boisterous dinner rush. Students from a boarding school in Xinzhou, a rural area in Central China's Wuhan, make silence seem extra-blessed during their dinner time, absorbing themselves in eating and only eating. According to news portal cjn.cn, the 984 boarders including 94 day students in Xiangdong Elementary School, the largest rural boarding school of the city, share silent daily meals together. At 11 o'clock on Tuesday morning, while the students were still in class, 22 "life teachers", selected by parents of the boarding students and are responsible for their life, were busily arranging dinner ware on 100 tables, with each able to accommodate 10 students. Stir-fry pork and corn, fried cabbage, dried tofu with meat and lotus root soup with pork ribs, that's the lunch recipe this day. According to the school, the food ingredients are purchased from the market everyday to make sure they're fresh. In a session of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee on Tuesday, President Xi Jinping emphasized that eradicating poverty in rural areas on time is the "bottom line for China's building a well-off society in an all-round way". In fact, Chinese people's livelihood, especially those who are impoverished, has always been the President's concern. Let's take a look at what he has said during the past years regarding efforts to eradicate poverty. Chinese President Xi Jinping visits the home of villager Xu Xuehai in Desheng village, Xiaoertai township of Zhangbei county in North China's Hebei province, on Jan 24, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] Jan 24, 2017 "Making sure children of impoverished families enjoy access to high-quality education is a fundamental solution to poverty." Xi made the remarks during a tour of the city of Zhangjiakou in northern China's Hebei Province, where he inspected an impoverished village, visiting and chatting with poor families, discussing how they could shake off poverty. He stressed the importance of precision in the battle against poverty, saying that poverty alleviation should focus on targeted people and industries, and use the right tools to produce results. The Education Ministry released a notice on its website on Wednesday, stressing that parents or guardians are not allowed to educate children at home without permission from education authorities. According to the Compulsory Education Law, all school-age children must attend primary and junior middle school. Schools and local education authorities shoulder the responsibility of finding those children who do not go to school and persuading them to attend, the notice said. "For children who cannot attend school due to reasons such as poor physical health, their parents or guardians should report to the local education authorities and ask for a delay in enrollment," the notice said. "They cannot give children home schooling as a substitute for school education if they fail to gain permission from the authorities." The notice was released against a backdrop of an increasing number of students being educated at home or attending small, private teaching institutes. Research conducted by the 21st Century Education Research Institute estimated that the number of children who receive home schooling rather than attending school in China has risen from 2,000 in 2013 to 6,000 today. Wang Jiajia, who led the research, said the legality of home schooling had long been controversial in China, but that the increasing number of parents and children wanting to do so demonstrated that the unified, standardized education provided in the nations schools cannot meet everyones needs. China's proposal for boosting openness of global economies is during a time when the engine for global growth is losing power, said two senior diplomats from BRICS countries. Anil Sooklal, Director-General for Asia and the Middle East of South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation, said China has chosen a very appropriate theme - strengthening BRICS partnership for a brighter future - for this year's meeting. Sooklal made the remarks on Thursday while talking with reporters during a tea break of the ongoing the first BRICS Sherpa meeting for 2017, which is being held in Nanjing from Thursday to Friday. "As President Xi said at the World Economic Forum, it's important that we have inclusive economic growth," said Sooklal, who is South Africa's Sherpa for the meeting. This year is one of the most difficult years the world is experiencing as a global community, he said, mentioning the uncertainties brought forward by America's new administration and problems in the European Union. "This provides a major vacuum on the global stage, and BRICS is the only coherent forum. The five countries are a powerful force for good in the world," he said, adding that BRICS is well placed to show leadership in terms of global economies. Sergey A. Ryabkov, deputy minister of Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that Russia supports free trade and global trade as China has proposed. "We are great supporters of WTO system. It took long for Russia to become a member of WTO, so we cannot now sacrifice what we've done there," he said. "It's perfectly fine that China tries to present BRICS as an association with global reach," he said, adding Russia supports such moves. "BRICS is not against anyone. We have an open mind. Countries from different continents will be invited, I understand, to the next summit in the beauty of Xiamen," he said. The BRICS countries should work together to maintain the openness of global economies and oppose trade protectionism amid worldwide economic sluggishness, China's top diplomat said on Thursday. This year's BRICS summit, with the attendance of top leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, will be held in coastal Xiamen, Fujian province, from Sept 3 to 5, State Councilor Yang Jiechi announced at the opening ceremony of this year's first BRICS Sherpa meeting in Nanjing. With the past decade's cooperation, BRICS has become an important force to boost economic growth and improve global governance, he said in a keynote speech, adding that great potential remains for cooperation between the BRICS countries. "The advantages of complementary resources of the five countries are yet to be developed," he said. The BRICS countries should resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation, Yang said. He also said the five nations should work together to raise the voices of developing countries and emerging economies when it comes to global affairs. An IMF report said emerging markets and developing countries have contributed about 80 percent to the global economic growth last year, Yang explained. More than 100 representatives involving Sherpa staff, diplomats and bankers attended the Sherpa meeting, which will end on Friday. The theme of the Sherpa meeting was to deepen BRICS partnership and create a brighter future. China became the presidential country of the BRICS countries this year. In a letter sent to the leaders of BRICS countries on Jan 1, President Xi Jinping predicted that cooperation among BRICS nations will continue to progress and play a bigger role in international affairs over the next decade. "In accordance with an open, inclusive and win-win BRICS spirit, China will work with other BRICS countries to make the Xiamen summit a success and move BRICS cooperation to a new level," Xi said in his letter. KUNMING-- Forty-one highway maintenance workers have been rescued after being stranded for hours in Southwest China's Yunnan province, local officials said Thursday. The workers were cut off on Thursday morning after days of snow and rain in Pengdang township, Gongshan county. China will work with Italy to promote continuous and balanced growth of bilateral trade and investment, Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday while meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. Mattarella is making his first state visit to China since taking office in 2015 from Tuesday to Sunday. President Xi Jinping met with him and witnessed the signing of a number of agreements to boost bilateral ties on Wednesday. China will also work with the European country to strengthen exchanges, fortify mutual trust and promote pragmatic cooperation, the premier said. China is willing to link with Italy's developmental strategies and make plans for mid- and long-term cooperation, he said. He also said China will enhance policy exchanges for innovation, research and development, as well as explore cooperation in third-party markets. Now Italy is China's fifth largest trading partner in the European Union and China is Italy's top trading partner in Asia. In 2015, Chinese companies poured one third of the $23 billion investment in Europe into Italy, as bilateral trade declined by seven percent. Mattarella said his country will work with China on a new action plan for economic cooperation, expansion in fields such as infrastructure, technology, environmental protection and innovation, and take bilateral ties to a new level by 2020, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. SEOUL - The Republic of Korea on Wednesday slammed Japan for sending a senior government official to an annual ceremony, which is aimed at claiming a pair of disputed islets, called Dokdo by Seoul and Takeshima in Japan. The ROK Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it strongly protests against Japan for its unjust claims to Dokdo islets by dispatching a senior government official to the Takeshima Day ceremony. The statement urged Japan to immediately stop such events and squarely face up to history, saying Dokdo is an inherent territory of the ROK historically and geographically under international laws. Seoul has effectively taken control of the rugged islets, composed mainly of volcanic rocks, since 1954. The rocky outcroppings were incorporated into Japan during its 1910-45 colonization of the Korean Peninsula, but the control of the islets was restored by the ROK following its liberation from the colonial rule. Japan's Shimane prefecture designated Feb 22 as Takeshima Day in 2005, and has, since 2006, held an event to mark the day annually. The Japanese government, led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has sent a senior Cabinet member to the ceremony since 2013. For this year's celebration, Shunsuke Mutai, parliamentary vice-minister of the Cabinet Office, attended it as a government representative. Seoul has seen such acts as Japan's reluctance to acknowledge its wartime aggression. Seoul's Foreign Ministry summoned a minister at the Japanese embassy to protest against the dispatch of a senior official to the controversial ceremony. The diplomatic friction came at a time of frayed ties between the two countries over the so-called "statue of a girl" that symbolizes comfort women victims, a euphemism for Korean women who were lured or forced into Japanese military brothels as sex slaves before and during World War II. Xinhua (China Daily 02/23/2017 page12) You are here: Home Flash President Xi Jinping and his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella held talks Wednesday, pledging to enhance bilateral ties. Chinese President Xi Jinping (front, L) holds a welcome ceremony for his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 22, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] The two heads of state agreed to develop bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective and advance the relationship to a higher level. Xi called on the two countries to maintain high-level exchanges and close cooperation between their governments, legislative institutions and political parties. China and Italy should synergize their development strategies and innovate cooperation patterns, Xi told Mattarella, who is on a state visit to China from Feb. 21 to 26. "China welcomes Italy to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative," Xi said. Xi called for more cooperation in technological and industrial innovation and in the field of cultural heritage, promoting the building of culture centers and language teaching in respective country. The president also stressed that China was willing to work with Italy to maintain world peace, development and stability through close communication on global economic governance, multilateralism and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the UN and G20. "China supports European integration and hopes both sides foster China-Europe partnerships that feature peace, growth, reform and civilization, and build a peaceful, open, inclusive and prosperous world," Xi said. Mattarella said he came to China to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and that Italy hopes for closer high-level exchanges and cooperation in trade and culture. Italy supports an open multilateral trading system and will enhance coordination with China in international and regional affairs, Mattarella said, adding that Italy backs the development of Europe-China relations. After their talks, Xi and Mattarella witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in culture, science, education, health, trade and innovation. Prior to the talks, Xi held a welcoming ceremony for Mattarella at the Great Hall of the People. Director Lin Zhaohua (second from left) and Polish director Krystian Lupa at a media event in Beijing.[Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily] This year's Lin Zhaohua Theater Arts Festival will open with Russian director Lev Dodin's epic play, Brothers and Sisters. Chen Nan reports. The annual Lin Zhaohua Theater Arts Festival is an important cultural event in China that brings well-known foreign plays to audiences here. Initiated by established theater director Lin Zhaohua in 2010, the festival will run from March through September, with 16 productions to be staged in Beijing, Tianjin and Harbin this year. Artists from Russia, Poland, Germany, France, Italy and China are expected to participate. "Human beings and individual fates" is the theme of this year's festival. "We want the festival to speak to the reality that we're living in. By presenting great theatrical productions, audiences can be inspired to reflect on their own lives," says festival curator Qian Cheng, who is also the director of the Tianjin Grand Theater. The festival will open with Russian director Lev Dodin's epic play, Brothers and Sisters, at the Tianjin Grand Theater on March 4. The eight-hour play, which premiered in 1985 at Maly Drama Theater in St. Petersburg, has toured 14 countries in past decades. Adapted from several novels by Russian author Fyodor Abramov, the play is about people's daily lives on a farm after World War II. Dance drama Tales of the Silk Road was performed in Frankfurt in Germany, on Feb 18, 2017. [Photo/Chinaculture.org] Dance drama Tales of the Silk Road was performed in Frankfurt in Germany, on Feb 18, attracting about 2,000 audience numbers. The performance features a love story between Mogao and Yueya, whose name were inspired by two historical sites in Dunhuang. The stage and costume design brought back the scenes of common people's daily lives in Dunhuang a thousand years ago. The performance showed the history of Chinese ancient frescos, Buddhist culture and folk culture in Northwest China, which presented the prosperity and cultural exchange on the Silk Road. At the beginning of 2017, about 100 artists and performers from Lanzhou started their tour in Germany. During their 40-day stay, they have given 10 performances in eight cities across the country. Chinese dancers from Hunan province perform ethnic dances at the opening ceremony in Kyoto, Japan, Feb 18, 2017. [Photo/Chinaculture.org] The opening ceremony for the 2017 Culture City of East Asia cultural exchange activities was held in Kyoto, Japan, on Feb 18. Officials and representatives from China, Japan and Korea along with about 1,000 audience members attended the event. Chen Zhong, deputy mayor of Changsha, addressed the opening ceremony. "China, Japan and Korea are neighbors not only geographically but also culturally. The trio should deepen relations through enhanced economic cooperation and cultural exchanges," Chen said. Each city brought performances to represent their culture at the opening ceremony, including ethnic dances, traditional Chinese music and drum operas from Changsha, music opera and Korean percussion performance from Daegu. The activities will begin in China and South Korea in Changsha on April 18 and Daegu on May 8. Launched in 2014, the East Asian City of Culture campaign aims to promote cultural diversity in East Asia, allowing the three countries to foster a mutual understanding and a sense of unity in the region. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. License for publishing multimedia online 0108263 Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Lux Expose - Jimmy Choo Bejeweled [Photo/Courtesy of Jimmy Choo] Customisation is a continuing trend in fashion as more and more brands invite clients to express their individuality through their unique designs. A longstanding favourite among Hollywood's elite, Jimmy Choo has launched a new capsule collection that allows fans to choose their shoes and the decorations. "I was thinking about that giddy delight you see in children when they choose from a tray of sweets," explains Sandra Choi, Jimmy Choo's creative director. "I wanted there to be a sense of showmanship and an irresistible boldness throughout the cruise season. Designing and creativity are my passions, and I wanted to give our clients the chance to share this wonderful experience." In the newly launched 2017 collection, the iconic shoe brand puts forth a plethora of styles, including the open-toed Max, the round-toed Macy and Dundee, and the open-toed Keely mule in silk satin. With its rich colours, embellishments and fine fabrics, the collection is pure enchantment for every shoe lover. What makes it truly special is that you can add extra glamour to your pair through a menu of beautifully designed decorations, including diamonds, Swarovski crystals, pearls and furry pom-poms. Your style tells people who you are, so your personalised Jimmy Choos can also speak for you get ready to put your best foot forward. The photo shows an Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate. [File photo] According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, global transfers of arms increased by 8.4 percent between 2012 and 2016 compared with the previous five years, the highest of any five-year period since the end of Cold War in the early 1990s. The United States remains the top arms exporter during the period, accounting for nearly one-third of all exports, followed by Russia (23 percent) and China (6.2 percent). China's arms exports have jumped 74 percent over the last five years, compared with the 2007 to 2011 period, so it's no surprise that is has drawn the attention of global observers of the arms trade. Especially as the latest report from the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies said China is reaching "near parity" with Western nations in terms of military technology, leading to "an emerging threat" for Western forces deployed overseas where their adversaries might operate more advanced military systems imported from China. According to a 2014 report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, China became the third-largest supplier of arms between 2010 and 2014, and a significant percentage (just over 68 percent) of its exports went to Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. It has also improved its capabilities to substitute arms imports with indigenous products. However, despite its military advancements in recent years, China remains committed to the three principles enshrined in its arms exports regulation: They should be conducive to the self-defense capability of the recipient country; they should not damage regional and global peace, security, and stability; there should be no interference in the internal affairs of the recipient country. Its arms sales to other countries are not beyond normal trading and it still lags far behind the US in terms of total arms export. The increasing demand from Asian countries, as the latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute shows, is indeed noteworthy. Imports by Southeast Asian countries went up 6.2 percent over the periods 2007-2011 and 2012-2016, during which Vietnam's arms imports increased by over 200 percent, fueling concerns about an arms race in the Asia-Pacific area. It is impossible to turn a blind eye to Washington's role as an enabler in this. Apart from offering traditional military aid to its Asian allies including Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the Philippines, the US under the watch of Barack Obama vigorously pushed forward a rebalancing to Asia-Pacific strategy at the risk of provoking China. Such an approach has involved closer defense cooperation with its allies, ranging from frequent joint drills and freer exchanges of intelligence to exports of cutting-edge arms equipment. The rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula have also prompted regional powers to enhance their military buildup and double their defense spending. For years, China's defense budget has been around 1.5 percent of its GDP, and it is poised to keep it that way. In contrast, NATO is urging its member states to contribute 2 percent of their GDP to their defense projects. Accusing Beijing of threatening global stability or sponsoring regional arms race simply does not hold water. Fan Jishe is a researcher of US studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The article is an excerpt from his interview with China Daily's Cui Shoufeng. US President Donald Trump gesture as he walks on the South Lawn of the White House upon his return to Washington, US, after a weekend in Palm Beach, Florida, February 20, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] Donald Trump's first days as president have been busy at best and chaotic at worst. It is difficult for even the most sincere supporter of President Trump to defend every midnight tweet, hastily-written executive order or uniquely unqualified cabinet appointments. Still, for those who support him, Trump represents the final chance to save the America we love - and that's good enough for us. President Trump's 100 Day Plan for immigration reform should have been simple. Immigration is the second most important issue for American voters, economy being first. His plan called for suspending federal funds to sanctuary cities, deporting criminal illegal aliens and temporarily suspending immigration from terror-prone regions. He also declared his intent to draft legislation for more severe punishments for people illegally re-entering the United States. Predictably, the mainstream elite did not respond well to such goals. Once Trump began acting on his promises through executive orders, collegiate activists took to the streets (and social media) to share their vocal protest. Federal judges ignored historical precedent to declare Trump's immigration pause unconstitutional. The fake news media created such a toxic atmosphere around Trump that people were scared to publicly support him. Despite all of this, it is important to realize that the American majority who sympathize with President Trump's vision for the future do not care about the daily drama involved with his presidency. While we may disapprove of his style, we appreciate his passion. He cares too much about tweeting, but at least he addresses the issues most pertinent to restoring the American way of life. Americans recognize themselves as living in a land of opportunity, but increasingly, people see that opportunity as being reserved for an emerging immigrant class. From what I know, nearly 40 million, or 13 percent, of Americans are now foreign born, and our more recent immigrants frequently become immediate recipients of welfare benefits. Studies have shown that when new immigrants obtain employment, they often do so at the expense of American workers. Many Americans appreciate how President Trump's 100 Day Plan includes immigration reform which prioritizes Americans for government assistance and jobs. On a more global level, some Americans believe that unfiltered migration is an existential threat to any sovereign nation, and we understand the intent of Trump's executive orders. We see how the migrant crisis has caused crime and un-enterable Sharia Law ghettos to be formed in the once-stable Western nations of Germany, France and Sweden. We see how easy it is for people with nefarious intentions to enter new countries and begin plotting a cultural upheaval. We do not want that here, and see no shame in admitting it. Trump's rhetoric against immigration has been borderline dangerous. His opposition has called him racist and Islamphobic, but his supporters are willing to ignore the reaction of the mainstream. We understand that his politically incorrect veneer is masking something of great practical concern: maintaining the identity and independence of the United States of America. Even though Donald Trump has imperfectly handled the negative press, he is also the only man willing to endure it in order to preserve the borders, language and culture of the American people. The author is a contrarian culture writer from the United States.The opinions of the author don't represent those of China Daily website. If you want to give your thoughts over the performance of the new US administration or respond to her opinions, please contact us at comment@chinadaily.com.cn. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaks after arriving from Malaysia, at Davao International airport in Davao city in southern Philippines, November 11, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] At a news conference after the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting on Tuesday, Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay said the South China Sea issue is not the "sum-total" of relations between the Philippines and China, and the Philippines has decided to focus on the bigger picture of its relations with China. Such a laudable stance will not only help China-Philippines ties continue to sail on a healthy track but also contribute to building peace and stability in the South China Sea. In recent years, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations foreign ministers' meeting has become a venue for a few countries to play up the South China Sea disputes and instigate confrontations with China. This year, reasonable voices seem to have prevailed. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has sought to improve ties with China since taking office in July last year, which has helped ratchet down tensions in the waters. Yasay also reaffirmed that China and ASEAN would work out a framework for the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea in June or July. The fact that China and ASEAN have been working on a framework for a code of conduct shows the two sides' commitment to building peace in the waters. It also reflects their ability to properly handle sensitive issues in the region. China and ASEAN formally launched negotiations on a code of conduct in September 2013 so as to pave the way for the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which was signed between the two sides in 2002. Since then, rounds of consultations have been held with significant progress being made and some early harvest results being achieved. And last year, leaders and officials from both sides expressed confidence in working out a framework by midyear. The significance of negotiating such a framework is self-evident: The escalating of tensions over the South China Sea disputes in recent years was largely the result of a lack of binding principles to regulate the behavior of various parties in the waters. The parties concerned need to show restraint and avoid provocative moves so as to cultivate a favorable environment for the discussions. Outside intervention should be discouraged as it only muddies the waters. However, the push for an agreement on a framework for a code of conduct demonstrates that China and the ASEAN members share the political will to resolve their differences. A worker checks steel product files at a cold rolling mill of Tangsteel Group Ltd in Tangshan, Hebei province. [Photo/China Daily] Over the past more than one year, reducing overcapacity has been one of the five main tasks of supply-side structural reform for both the central and local governments. And according to Xu Shaoshi, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, the goal of eliminating 250 million tons of coal overcapacity in 2016 has been "over-fulfilled". Incomplete statistics show that in 2016, central State-owned enterprises reduced 10.19 million tons of iron and steel overcapacity and 34.97 million tons of coal overcapacity. Plus, the task of doing away with 398 "zombie enterprises" and those enterprises facing extreme difficulties has been completed. Compared with other tasks of supply-side structural reform, reducing overcapacity is easier to achieve, because it is related mainly to the relevant enterprises, and the government only needs to provide the necessary guidance. Deleveraging, however, is a more complicated task, because it could undermine local residents' efforts to increase local governments' disposable incomes, and it is very difficult for enterprises to cut costs, especially during the prevailing turbulent economic conditions. Besides, another task of supply-side structural reformmaking up for deficienciesdepends on technological progress and innovation, which can hardly be achieved in the short term. In fact, a huge amount of overcapacity eliminated in 2016 was invalid capacity. Take steel for example. According to a 2016 report jointly issued by a Chinese steel industry website Custeel and an international environmental protection NGO, the iron and steel plants that suspended production before June 2016 had invalid capacity, and 14 Chinese provinces including Gansu and Guizhou had iron and steel invalid capacity. For instance, enterprises in 26 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, excluding the central State-owned enterprises, eliminated 39.85 million tons of iron overcapacity in 2016, but 24.41 million tons of that overcapacityor 61.26 percent of the totalwas invalid iron capacity. So the real challenges of reducing overcapacity remain in 2017. Many industries suffered (or still suffer) from overcapacity because of over-investment after 2009. For instance, some new energy industries have overcapacity thanks to government promotion and fiscal subsidies over the past few years. With the changes in market demand, it has become even more difficult for traditional industries, such as iron, steel, construction materials and electrolytic aluminum, to cut overcapacity. To effectively eliminate overcapacity, we have to respect the market. The market's basic function is to effectively distribute resources and help form compatible incentive mechanisms. The function of the government is to provide, among other things, a stable macroeconomic environment, essential social security, and good education and scientific research systems, as well as predictable planning, rather than directly intervening in enterprises' micro-economic activities. Therefore, as the key player in reducing overcapacity, the government should make more efforts in the following aspects. First, the government has to respect the market and encourage enterprises to eliminate overcapacity through mergers and acquisitions as well as reorganization. Second, it should establish standards, including technical, quality, energy consumption, environmental protection and security standards, to eliminate overcapacity. Third, it should explore multiple models of reducing overcapacity, and take steps to prevent overcapacity from making a comeback when the market warms up. Fourth, it has to dispose of non-performing assets according to laws and regulations, and prevent them from casting a negative influence on society. Fifth, it should promote policies that provide fiscal and taxation support, and generate jobs for laid-off workers. And sixth, the government has to expedite the development of new technologies with independent intellectual property and new industries and new products with market competitiveness. Although reducing overcapacity through administrative means can ease the contradictions between supply and demand, it cannot fundamentally solve the problem. The fundamental solution is to establish a good mechanism through reform. And most importantly, the market should play a crucial role in resource distribution and the government should play its role better. The author is a researcher with Institute of Industrial Economics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. SHI YU/CHINA DAILY Chinese tourists keep making news, sometimes for the wrong reason. Thanks to the rapid growth in their numbers, Chinese tourists are ubiquitous in many countries; what has made them even more conspicuous is their propensity to travel in groups. Chinese tourists, especially independent travelers, are mostly huggable: they usually appear slightly befuddled, unsteady with their language abilities, erring on the side of caution in their effort to avoid causing offence, ever watchful and bashful. But some of those traveling in groups can be different: they may lack cultural sophistication, feel emboldened in a group, and, given the collective psyche of groups irrespective of which country they belong to, they can misinterpret the world around them and exhibit mob mentality. It doesn't help that in some Asian countries, Chinese tourists are seen as easy targets for scams. Sometimes tour leaders connive in the scam, and media reports say many Chinese tourists have been exorbitantly charged in places like Thailand for stepping on a beach. Some Chinese tourists have begun to fight back against the cheats, and perhaps that's what happened when a man in a group of three independent travelers was allegedly to beaten up for refusing to tip border guards in Vietnam. Despite the vehement denials from the border guards, the version given by the travelers appears true. (Years ago, I was asked to pay such an illegitimate tip at a Vietnamese border and I also refused). Such incidents should remind us how disciplined China's civil servants are. That Chinese travelers are refusing to give in to blatant corruption is welcome news. But the sad news is that arguably because of their group mentality that 28 Chinese tourists boarded a catamaran that sunk in bad weather off the coast of Malaysian Borneo during the Spring Festival holiday. If the weather was so bad as to sink a catamaran, didn't anyone among those 28 tourists question the wisdom of going out to sea? The tragic incident suggests that Chinese tourists still don't realize the importance of asking questions when in doubt and understand that people in other countries might have different standards of precaution. Befuddlement cuts in every way, and groups can amplify the effect as they have been doing in Jeju Island in the Republic of Korea. One story covered by regional newspapers said Jeju Airport staff struggled to clear the trash dumped by Chinese tourist groups. Delving into the story, it appears that goods purchased by tourists from shops outside the airport were delivered to the tourists at a spot near the departure gate, and after finding their goods were cumbersomely over-packaged, they got rid of the excessive packaging before boarding their flight. Some may argue that the tourists should have used the trashcans to dispose of the excessive packaging. Maybe a better way of solving the problem is for the Jeju Airport authorities to ask the shops that deliver goods to tourists at the airport to use minimal packaging. After all, Chinese tourists will continue to visit Jeju Island and buy goods from the shops near the airport. There have been other stories of Chinese tourists supposedly acting outrageously. But whatever the truth, a dose of perspective is in order in such cases: such isolated cases are not representative of Chinese tourists. Brawls happen everywhere (especially when people get drunk), but they should not be seen with prejudiced eyes. This is not to say such cases should be overlooked. In fact, the Chinese tourism authorities have introducted a system of points for tourists who behave badly or are involved in brawls abroad. But those people who cross a predefined threshold of points should be banned from traveling overseas for a few years. Such a measure will weed out the few troublemakers who are tainting the image of well-behaved Chinese tourists. The author is a freelance writer who specializes in culture, travel and lifestyle. Flash Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has said recently in his meeting with a high-level Chinese delegation that his country expects to have pragmatic and comprehensive cooperation with China. Duterte, also chairman of the Philippine ruling PDP-Laban party, made the remarks in his meeting with visiting Chinese delegation led by Song Tao, minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Monday. Duterte said that the Philippines expects to enhance pragmatic bilateral cooperation with China in all fields, and that his party is willing to enhance communications between the Philippine ruling party and the CPC to deepen mutual trust. For his part, Song said China and the Philippines are good neighbors, and China is ready to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries in their meeting last October in Beijing. He said that the CPC is ready to strengthen communications between the ruling parties of the two countries to build political trust so as to push the bilateral relationship to a new high. The Ministry of Agriculture recently issued a cultivation and development plan for new professional farmers. According to the plan, the overall professionalism, technological level and business capacity of new farmers will be significantly improved. Professional training that combines online and offline training programs will be carried out nationwide, which will enable all the leading new agricultural business bodies to be trained. The plan aims to cultivate 20 million new professional farmers nationwide. More than 35 percent of the overall new professional farmers should have received high school education or above. It also plans to cultivate more than 63,000 young farmers, 167,000 leading rural practical talents, and more than 50,000 leading machinery farmers and leaders of agricultural machinery cooperation. An online education platform to cultivate new professional farmers will be established and continually improved. Online training lessons are to account for no less than 30 percent of the overall training lessons given new famers. The cultivation of new professional farmers should be launched in all the agricultural regions. And a comprehensive new professional farmer education system centered on public education institutions and involving multiple resources and market players is to be established. A surface-to-surface medium- and long-range ballistic missile Pukguksong-2 is test-fired by DPRK on Jan 12, 2017. [Photo/VCG] China will not import coal from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea for the rest of 2017, the Ministry of Commerce said on Saturday. The ministry's decision to suspend coal imports is in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2321, which was adopted on Nov 30 to tighten sanctions on the DPRK in response to its fifth nuclear test in September. Beijing strongly supports the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and is willing to go to great lengths to discourage Pyongyang from developing nuclear weapons. It has not only pledged to uphold the Security Council resolutions against Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions, but also made sure its ministries carry through the sanctions. The ban on coal imports is a case in point. However, other big countries involved in the DPRK nuclear issue should shoulder their responsibilities as well, rather than just demand China do more. The Washington Post reported on Sunday that preparations were underway to bring senior DPRK officials to the US for the "Track 1.5" talks with former US officials. That may explain why many in the West still blame China for "not shouldering its due responsibility" to "act tough" on the DPRK's nuclear program. Before taking office, US President Donald Trump said that China has "total control" over the DPRK and threatened Beijing with trade barriers if it did not "resolve the problem". US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has more than once echoed those statements. Such a perception is far from true, because the DPRK is an independent country that has its own policies. During his visit to Seoul earlier this month, Tillerson also reiterated the US' commitment to the planned deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile system in the Republic of Korea, to counter the nuclear threat from the DPRK. And reports say the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier strike group, which began its "routine operations" in the South China Sea on Saturday, is likely to join the US-ROK joint drill next month. The intentions behind dubious moves go beyond keeping the DPRK in check. But making China the scapegoat for the volatile situation on the Korean Peninsula is not just unfair but also untrue. China has mobilized considerable diplomatic resources to push for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks and implement its "dual-track" proposal that includes denuclearization and commitment to the DPRK's security. The root cause of the DPRK nuclear issue lies in the strategic misjudgments made by the Pyongyang and Washington both, as well as the Cold War mentality that continues to plague the Korean Peninsula. Washington is still waiting for Pyongyang's "sudden change" while the latter believes it can seek security only by becoming a stronger "nuclear power". And the increasingly frequent US-ROK joint exercises have made things worse. The truth is that only Washington can give Pyongyang the security guarantee it wants, and playing the sanction card or deepening the US-ROK military cooperation will not end the seesaw game. Waiting for the DPRK to succumb to pressure, as experience shows, will not resolve the peninsula issue. As such, dialogues, not flexing of muscles, are still the only cure to the DPRK nuclear issue. The author is a researcher of Asia-Pacific strategy at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Birds enjoy a winter stopover at the Chongming Dongtan Nature Reserve, Shanghai.[Photo by Li Jun For China Daily] An increasing number of migratory birds, including some species on the endangered list, are overwintering at the Chongming Dongtan Nature Reserve, an important avian habitat on an island in the Yangtze River estuary. Located to the north of Shanghai, Chongming is China's third-largest island, after Taiwan and Hainan. Overdevelopment of the river in recent decades has had a disastrous effect on the local ecosystem, so Chongming has made ecology a priority. It is aided by the municipal government, which is actively promoting environmental protection, energy conservation and sustainable development. As of mid-January, 28,264 birds from 43 species had been tracked arriving at the 242-square-kilometer reserve on the eastern end of the island, treating it either as a brief stopover during migration or as a winter base, according to official data. This winter, a number of protected species, such as hooded cranes, common cranes, whistling swans and rare Chinese mergansers that had long disappeared from the region, have shown up on the wetland. The broader picture shows that 290 species have been tracked on Dongtan, and more than 300,000 birds shelter there every year, which activists attribute to the high level of eco-protection at the reserve and on the island generally. In the next three years, 10 billion yuan ($1.6 billion) will be spent to construct reservoirs, revamp the water supply, build drainage facilities and construct flood-control systems in rural areas. To protect biodiversity in the Dongtan Nature Reserve, the regional authorities have been working on wetland restoration and weeding out harmful, nonnative plants, educating the public and cracking down on poaching. Jin Weiguo, 56, a rural resident of Chongming, has been protecting the birds at the reserve for more than a decade. "When I was a child, the birds in the region blotted out the sky and the land, but the number gradually shrank, so I gave up illegal hunting and started protecting the birds, as advocated by the government," he said. Pan Yixuan contributed to this story. Transgender activists and supporters protest potential changes by the Trump administration in federal guidelines issued to public schools in defense of transgender student rights, near the White House in Washington, US February 22, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday revoked landmark guidance issued to public schools in defense of transgender student rights, reversing course on a signature initiative of former Democratic President Barack Obama. Obama instructed public schools in May 2016 to allow transgender students to use the bathrooms matching their chosen gender identity, threatening to withhold federal funding if they should force transgender children to use bathrooms against their will. The Obama guidelines had already been put on hold by a federal judge, but the Trump administration went ahead and withdrew them. The Justice and Education departments will continue to study the legal issues involved, according to the new, superseding guidance that will be sent to public schools across the country. Reversing the Obama guidelines stands to inflame passions in the latest conflict in America between believers in traditional values and social progressives, and is likely to prompt more of the street protests that followed Trump's Nov 8 election. A couple hundred people gathered in front of the White House to protest the Republican president's action, waving rainbow flags and chanting: "No hate, no fear, trans students are welcome here." The rainbow flag is the symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. White House spokesman Sean Spicer said the White House was pressed to act now because of the pending U.S. Supreme Court case, G.G. versus Gloucester County School Board. That case pits a Virginia transgender boy, Gavin Grimm, against officials who want to deny him use of the boys' room at his high school. Although the Justice Department is not a party in the case, it typically would want to make its views heard. The Trump administration action on Wednesday also withdrew an Education Department letter in support of Grimm's case. The federal law in question, known as Title IX, bans sex discrimination in education. But it remains unsettled whether Title IX protections extend to a person's gender identity. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement that the Obama guidelines "did not contain sufficient legal analysis or explain how the interpretation was consistent with the language of Title IX." He also said Congress, state legislatures and local governments were better-placed to address the issues than the executive branch. "The Department of Justice remains committed to the proper interpretation and enforcement of Title IX and to its protections for all students, including LGBTQ students, from discrimination, bullying, and harassment," Sessions said. The courts are likely to have the final say over whether Title IX covers transgender students. The Supreme Court could pass on that question in the Virginia case and allow lower courts to weigh in, or go ahead and decide what the law means. GENEVA - A senior Chinese diplomat on Wednesday welcomed the upcoming peace talks on Syria in Geneva and stressed the role of the United Nations in the mediation to end the lasting conflict in the war-torn country. The Chinese government's Special Envoy on Syria, Xie Xiaoyan, on Wednesday met with the UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. They exchanged views on the forthcoming intra-Syria talks and the Syrian political process. "The resumption of the peace talks on Syria should strictly follow the requirements of the UN Security Council resolution 2254, and put efforts on promoting mutual trust so as to achieve progresses as soon as possible," Xie said. He told the UN envoy that China hopes the representatives of the Syrian opposition team will include more parties and have a broad representation, and China is willing to cooperate closely with the relevant parties of the international community for a political solution in Syria. De Mistura said that the resumption of the Geneva peace talks is an important step in the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 2254. "It might not be the right time for an agreement, but it is the right time for talks," he told Xinhua after the meeting. The UN Envoy added that China, as a permanent member of the Security Council and an important member of the International Support Group for Syria, has maintained good relations with all parties concerned, and has been vigorously playing a positive and constructive role in the Syrian peace process. The latest round of UN-mediated peace talks on Syria is set to kick off on Feb. 23 here in Geneva. The last time Syria's warring parties convened in Geneva was in April last year, a month which saw talks being put on hold amid a humanitarian meltdown and systemic violence in the middle east country. Men run at a site hit by airstrikes in the rebel held besieged Douma neighbourhood of Damascus, Syria February 19, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] GENEVA - The UN Special Envoy for Syria said Wednesday that though he doesn't expect a breakthrough in the latest round of peace talks set to kick off on Thursday, he hopes the upcoming meetings will pave the way for future negotiations seeking to broker a political end to the five-year conflict. "Tomorrow morning we will have bilateral meetings with those who have been coming. In the afternoon I plan to have the first opportunity to give and express my welcome to them, hopefully also in the presence of the international support group," Staffan de Mistura told press here. "I'm not expecting an immediate breakthrough from this round of negotiations but the beginning of a series of rounds that should enable to go much more in depth on the substantive issues that are required for a political solution in Syria," he added. The diplomat said that he will meet with participants to discuss how to proceed, and that subsequent talks will be guided by UN Security Council Resolution 2254. He also confirmed that Russia has formally requested that the government of Syria silence its own skies during the talks in a bid to give negotiations the maximum chance of success. The upkeep of a fragile ceasefire, and the improvement of humanitarian access in the war-torn country are both seen as key factors to talks involving representatives of the Syrian government and rebel factions seeking to oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. While these factors remain unchanged from the past rounds, De Mistura reminded that upcoming talks will be set in a very different context to that in which past negotiations took place. "2017, from a geopolitical, military and from a general point of view, is very different than 2016," he explained. "We have seen that what was a ceasefire led by the United States and Russia has now been replaced by two guarantors plus one Iran, called Turkey and Russia. In other words, we are in 2017," he added. The last time warring parties convened in Geneva was in April last year, a month which saw talks being put on hold amid a humanitarian meltdown and systemic violence in the middle east country. Since the Syria conflict began in March 2011, an estimated 400,000 people have lost their lives, with millions forced to flee their homes. BERLIN - The German government on Wednesday approved stricter measures to deport asylum seekers whose applications had been denied. The new rules extended the maximum detention time for "troublemakers" from four days to ten days, and imposed tougher sanctions for those who forged their documents. Authorities are also now allowed to browse their mobile phones and computers to identify their identities and nationalities. The new regulations are designed to deport rejected asylum seekers more quickly, according to Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere. Germany in recent months has sped up its repatriation process of rejected asylum seekers after the Dec. 19 terrorist attack on a Christmas market in Berlin which killed 12 people and wounded some 50. The Tunisian attacker, Anis Amri, was a delayed deportee. However, critics as well as rights groups said the measures were too harsh since the safety of asylum seekers cannot be assured in war-torn countries like Afghanistan and Syria. Some also blamed Chancellor Angela Merkel for having implemented the policies to regain support for the coming federal elections in September. Liu Xianfa (front, left 4), Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, James Macharia, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Transport (at the centre), and the board members of Kenya Railways take a photo during the farewell ceremony for the students leaving for China on a scholarship programme, held in Nairobi Kenya, on February 2, 2017. [Photo by Edith Mutethya/chinadaily.com.cn] China Road and Bridge Cooperation (CRBC), one of the four large State-owned companies in China, and the contractor of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Kenya, is offering full scholarship to 35 Kenyan students to pursue undergraduate engineering courses in China. Under the programme, the students will undertake a bachelor's degree course in railway engineering at Beijing Jiaotong University, a top institute for railway courses in the country. The course entails mathematics, chemistry, physics, engineering, mechanics, design, theory and construction. It's a four-year course. The programme, which was launched last year with 25 students enrolling at the university, aims to sponsor 100 Kenyan high school graduates. Next year, CRBC plans to send the third batch of 40 students to study in China. Speaking during the farewell ceremony for the students, held in Nairobi, Kenya, on February 2, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Dr Liu Xianfa said the programme will create a pool of highly skilled individuals who will shape the future of Kenyan railway transport and that of the entire East African region. The ambassador told the students that they were expected to master both theoretical as well as practical knowledge.. They will also have an opportunity to learn about China's history, culture, people and development. "My hope is that your minds are set on returning to contribute to Kenya's development and to the strengthening of China-Kenya friendship," he said. Sun Liqiang, the CRBC Chairman said, the programme was a proactive implementation of the "China-Africa Ten Cooperation Plan" proposed by President Xi Jinping and his Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta. The plan aims to train 200, 000 technical personnel and provide 40, 000 training opportunities for Africans in China. Quoting a Chinese saying, "A nation is strong when its youth are strong, a nation is wise when the youth are wise", Sun said, education was the foundation and the future of a country. "I congratulate you, the 35 students, and hope you will live up to the expectations of your president and your families. Study hard and return back home to contribute to growth of your country," he said. You are here: Home Flash Chinese President Xi Jinping and French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve agreed in Beijing on Wednesday to boost bilateral ties and cooperation in global affairs such as climate change. Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 22, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] In their meeting, Xi said a healthy China-France ties meet the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples, and are conducive to world peace and development. Xi hailed the progress of ties since the two countries launched a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2014, citing efficient cooperation in various areas and enhanced cultural exchanges. "The most important reason for smooth growth of China-France relations is that we always respect each other, understand and accommodate each other's core interests and major concerns, and support one another on major issues," Xi said. He urged both sides to implement key cooperation projects, keep up momentum on cooperation in emerging areas, promote the docking of "Made in China 2025" plan with France's "Industry of the Future" plan. China welcomes France's participation in the Belt and Road initiative and supports companies of both countries to cooperate in this framework, he said. China hopes to cement law-enforcement and security cooperation with France, Xi added. He called on the two countries to jointly promote peaceful settlement of global and regional hot issues, fight against protectionism in any form and secure progress in global governance including the Paris agreement on climate change. Xi also urged both sides to beef up cooperation in G20, implement the consensus reached in the Hangzhou G20 summit last year, and promote the progress of G20 Hamburg Summit later this year. China supports EU integration, Xi said, vowing a stronger China-EU partnership and closer cooperation. In his turn, Cazeneuve hailed China's great global influence, adding that France is committed to closer cooperation with China in trade, technology, nuclear power, aviation, automobile manufacturing and infrastructure building in the Belt and Road framework. The two countries should step up cooperation in global affairs, promote multilateralism and safeguard world peace and stability. France expects greater achievements in ties with China, he added. China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang also met with Cazeneuve later on Wednesday. Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), pledged to enhance NPC's exchanges with the French National Assembly and Senate. Cazeneuve is on an official visit to China from Feb. 21-23. Besides Beijing, he will also visit Wuhan. The China-Italy Chamber of Commerce is feeling upbeat about Belt and Road Initiative-related projects, said its chairman Sergio Bertasi during Italian President Sergio Mattarella's ongoing state visit to China. Chamber Chairman Sergio Bertasi "A large part of Belt and Road Initiative-related projects will be in the Balkans/Eastern European area, which is an area well known to Italy and where Italian companies have great ties with local companies. In many countries we have also a large Italian industrial presence," he noted. The chamber is optimistic about opportunities brought about by that initiative. As the chairman said: "The initiative will be a natural area of cooperation, facilitated by the utilization of the Adriatic Sea which, with its ports, has served as a way for Italy to expand toward the East." China is Italy's fifth commercial partner for trade volume: 5 percent of Italian exports go to China. In 2016, the trade deficit decreased, with Italian exports going up by 4 percent, while Chinese imports decreased by 3 percent. Major growth was registered in exports of furniture, automotive goods, food, beverages and pharmaceutical products. "The Belt and Road Initiative could further leverage Chinese interest for investments in Italy, a hub in the ancient Silk Road," he said. According to a study published in January 2017 by Rhodium Group and the Mercator Institute for China Studies, between 2010 and 2016, Italy ranked third among European destinations of Chinese Investments abroad (12.6 billion euros, $13.3 billion), behind the UK (23.6 billion euros) and Germany (18.8 billion euros). The Chinese government has launched specific programs to tackle the new economic normality. "I recall Made in China 2025 as a formidable opportunity for cooperation between Italian and Chinese companies. In short, my expectations are that, by working together, Italy and China will equally benefit from the modernization of Chinese industry," Bertasi said. Currently, the chamber is devoted to a 2017 pet project to study the program, "Made in China 2025: Opportunities for Italian Companies", to be shared and presented to Italian companies both in China and in Italy. The effort from the CICC is focused on the promotion of its working groups, he said. Ten working groups are already in place: aviation and aerospace, energy and environmental protection, food and beverage, healthcare, industry and manufacturing, machinery, service providers, sport, Suzhou and Travel. PYONGYANG -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday said the death of a DPRK citizen at Kuala Lumpur last week was an "anti-DPRK conspiratorial racket" launched by the Republic of Korea (ROK). The DPRK also blamed the Malaysian side for showing unfriendly attitude when handling the case, the official news agency KCNA reported. A spokesman for the Korean Jurists Committee said the autopsy was unnecessary as the death had been confirmed as the one due to heart stroke and the deceased man carried a diplomatic passport, according to the KCNA. The incident was "undisguised encroachment upon the sovereignty of the DPRK, a wanton human rights abuse and an act contrary to human ethics and morality," said the unnamed spokesman in a statement. The spokesman claimed that South Korea "worked out the scenario" and released false reports that the man was poisoned to death. "It is regretful that only Malaysia is denying such fact," he added. The spokesman also criticized the Malaysian side for conducting an autopsy without any prior agreement with the DPRK or its presence, in disregard of the just demand from the DPRK and international law. "Malaysia is obliged to hand his body to the DPRK side as it made an autopsy and forensic examination of it in an illegal and immoral manner," the statement said, adding that this proves Malaysia is to politicize the transfer of the body (to the DPRK) in disregard of international law and morality and attain "a sinister purpose." The victim, whom the Malaysian authorities claimed as Kim Jong Nam, the half brother of the DPRK top leader Kim Jong Un, was murdered in Kuala Lumpur last week. Malaysian police had detained a total of four suspects following the death of the 46-year-old man on Feb. 13 after being attacked by two women at a Kuala Lumpur airport, but later released one of them, a male from Malaysia. A close-up of Bao Bao eating bamboo at the National Zoo in Washington, Feb 21, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] NEW YORK - Born and raised in the United States, Bao Bao, a 3-year-old giant panda, fails to become a US citizen and has arrived in China on Wednesday. Unlike the US citizenship policy for people, which stipulates that one becomes a US citizen if he/she is born on the US territory, the citizenship of giant pandas observes another policy. In fact, most giant pandas around the world are on loan from China, and cubs born abroad have to be sent to the Chinese breeding program to expand the gene pool before they turn four. As a result of artificial insemination, Bao Bao was born on Aug 23, 2013, at the National Zoo in Washington D.C.. It is time that Bao Bao come back to China. Unique to China and adored around the world, giant pandas have played an important role in China's diplomacy, or "Panda Diplomacy" as some nage experts call it. Before 1982, giant pandas were given away to other countries by the Chinese government as a token of friendship and goodwill. In 1941, a pair of giant pandas were given to the United States by Soong May-ling. They were the first batch of pandas given away as gifts. After the foundation of the People's Republic of China in 1949, more giant pandas were shipped abroad. Two giant pandas were sent to the former Soviet Union by the Chinese government in 1957 and 1959 respectively. In 1972, two giant pandas named Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing were given to the United States as gifts after U.S. President Richard Nixon' s visit to China. From 1965 to 1980, five giant pandas were given to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. By 1982, 23 giant pandas were shipped abroad. Most of them have died. However, the "give-away" policy was put to an end in 1982 because of the decreasing number of the endangered bear. Instead, the "on-loan" policy started. From 1984 to 1988, zoos in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and several other cities of the United States managed to rent giant pandas from China. Zoos in Japan, Britain, France, Germany and other countries also managed to borrow pandas. The rent money, which ranges from tens of thousands to millions of U.S. dollars, was used to fund the conservation and breeding programs of the endangered species. Funds from the rent combined with the Chinese government's subsidy and other conservation efforts have paid off. Including cubs, the current population count is approaching 2,060 and mature adults are estimated to constitute 50.5 percent of the total population, according to a report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2016. In the Red List of Threatened Species on Sept 4, 2016, which assesses a species' conservation status, the IUCN reported the giant panda population has improved enough for the endangered species label to be downgraded to "vulnerable." However, the threat of declining bamboo availability due to climate change could, in the near future, reverse the gains made during the last two decades, the IUCN warned. Sri Lankan Ambassador to China, Karunasena Kodituwakku said he is interested in discussions at the coming two sessions concerning China's international role. Karunasena Kodituwakku, Sri Lankan Ambassador to China In a written interview with China Daily on Wednesday, the ambassador said: "The volume of Chinas international trade and foreign direct investment in other countries is becoming a critical factor for many countries." China is likely to become the most important development partner of many emerging countries in Asia, Africa and Europe in 2017, Kodituwakku pointed out. "The Chinese government's encouragement of its entrepreneurs to go global should lead to an expansion in Chinese foreign investment in Asia, Africa and Europe," he said, adding that banks such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China will continue to finance projects in various countries. The most important challenge that the Chinese government faces in 2017, he said, is to sustain the country's economic growth in a time when large economies, such as the United States, are turning to "more inward-looking trade and investment policies", which may have a negative effect on China's trade with these countries. However, he expressed optimism over China's ability to reach its economic growth goal for this year, pointing out that its Belt and Road Initiative has attracted a number of economies to participate. Chinese aircraft leasing firms are becoming game changers in the trillion-dollar industry as it consolidates on the back of growth in the global travel market. In October, China-owned Avolon Holdings Limited agreed to buy the aircraft-leasing business of CIT Group for $10 billion in a deal that will create the world's third-largest rental fleet. Avolon, a Dublin-based lessor, is wholly owned by China's Bohai Capital Holding Co. It became a Bohai subsidiary through a $2.6 billion acquiring deal in 2015. Meanwhile, Awas, another Ireland-based lessor that is owned by private equity firm Terra Firma, attracted the attention of Chinese bidders, including ICBC Leasing, Avic Capital and CK Hutchison Holdings, according to industry insiders quoted by the South China Morning Post. "The aviation industry is entering a period of consolidation, and if Chinese firms hope to further grow their size, then some players currently ranked between number five and 25 must be willing to sell," said Peter Carroll, a Dublin-based partner at BDO, an accountancy and advisory company. The sector, which specializes in purchasing aircraft that are then rented out to airlines, has become hugely popular in recent decades as airlines have struggled to maintain large enough in-house fleets to keep up with demand. The population of leased aircraft has grown steadily, from 2 percent of the global aircraft fleet in 1980 to about 40 percent in 2014. Within this context, Chinese aviation leasing companies have expanded ambitiously, especially in Dublin, a city that manages more than 5,000 commercial aircraft, worth in excess of $130 billion, which is half of all leased planes worldwide. The city's low tax regime, generous capital allowances, and vast network of double-taxation treaties have all contributed toward the growth of the hub. During the past five years, the leasing arms of large Chinese banks, including Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Bank of Communication, Bank of China, and China Development Bank, have all established European headquarters in Dublin. Despite being newcomers, Chinese leasing companies' access to capital, thanks to their typical shareholders being large State-owned banks and insurance firms, gives them an advantage, said Duncan Batchelor, a partner at law firm Norton Rose Fulbright. He said scale matters in the industry. Brian Daly, a partner at KPMG, said Chinese companies' expansion into Dublin is linked to the fact that they are increasingly leasing aircraft to non-Chinese airlines, a trend that started in the last 6-7 years. The demand for leased aircraft is likely to grow. According to estimates from Boeing, airlines in Asia will be flying more than 16,000 planes within 20 years, almost three times the current number. But there are risks. Protectionism tendencies exhibited by the new US government and Brexit could potentially impact air travel, reducing demand for aircraft. Yvonne Thompson, a partner at PwC, added resource integration between lessors' existing platforms and target companies' platforms could be complicated. A Chinese delegation of banking and other business heads descended on a major economic and infrastructure conference in Manchester that hopes to attract Chinese money to development projects in the north of England. On a typically drizzly day in the northern city earlier this week, hundreds of British businesses people convened for the second annual UK Northern Powerhouse International Conference and Exhibition. The Northern Powerhouse was started by the previous Conservative government aimed at boosting the economy and transport links in the north. The UK government has made no secret that Chinese investment is central to its plans for the region. In November, Chancellor Philip Hammond offered Chinese investors a portfolio of 13 projects in the north worth 5 billion pounds ($6.2 billion). Jin Xu, minister counselor of the economic and commercial office of the Chinese embassy in London, led the Chinese delegation that included members from the China-Britain Business Council, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the China Chamber of Commerce UK. Jin said: "The Northern Powerhouse has attached great importance to Chinese investment. Already, the Beijing Construction Engineering Group invested in Manchester Airport. That was a really big project. We also have a lot of equipment in Liverpool harbor from China Shenhua, the largest port facilities producer in China." In 2013, the Beijing Construction Engineering Group said it would invest 800 million pounds into the expansion project at Manchester airport. Last year, BCEG was appointed as the preferred contractor for the 700 million pound Middlewood Locks rented home construction project in Salford. Jin added: "Chinese investors are looking into infrastructure, healthcare, innovation, education, tourism, and, of course, real estateprices are much lower in the north than in the London area." He was with representatives from a number of Chinese banks, including the China Development Bank, Bank of China, China Construction Bank, and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. Jin said: "They already have branches in London, and I think this is just the beginning. The banks are interested in having discussions with businesses, and some of them, such as the Bank of China, already have branches in Manchester." May Liu, international projects director at the China-UK Business Centre (Northwest), said there was a noticeable increase in Chinese interest at this year's conference. Liu said: "The northern region was previously not that well-known in China. That's changing. Today, we were approached by several businesses who visited our stall and asked about investment opportunities." Huang Qianyi, project manager for Tianjin-based Zhengxin Group, which invests in finance and technology, was at the conference looking to further ties in the north. Last year, Zhengxin Group signed a memorandum of understanding with Liverpool-based technical innovation center Sensor City to support early stage sensor-related technology companies. (Photo : Flickr/Lyn Gateley) China Seen to Strengthen Economic Reforms Advertisement China will continue to implement more economic reforms through its proactive financial and monetary policies. In a statement released after a meeting by the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the policy making body vowed to "stabilize and improve its macroeconomic policies" in order to achieve its economic and social development goals this year, the China Daily reported. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Among the key proposals made during the meeting was the strengthening of the coordination of industrial, regional, investment, consumption, price, land and environmental protection policies, as well as carry out reforms in key fields to achieve better results. Moreover, participants to the meeting agreed that as part of China's economic reforms, there was a need to promote innovation and release domestic growth capital. To sustain the strong start of the Communist Party's 13th Five Year Plan (2016-20), proposals were made to increase efforts to balance multiple economic tasks this year, including stabilizing growth, advancing reforms, carry out restructuring efforts, improving people's livelihoods and preventing risks. Moreover, the need to implement supply-side structural reforms was also proposed, as well as the improvement of people's livelihood. Delegates to the gathering also agreed on the need to improve governance as a strategy to better serve the people and strengthen the implementation of China's economic reforms. The Central Committee meeting comes at a crucial time, as the 19th CPC National Congress is scheduled to convene later the year. Two major sessions will be held prior to the Congress, which include the annual meetings of the country's top legislature and the top political advisory body. In the meantime, the Chinese government plans to establish a 30 billion RMB fund ($4.38 billion USD) as a way to encourage high value-added service exports, according to the Chinese newspaper Economic Information Daily via Forbes. This move is in line with China's efforts to reduce its focus on manufacturing and attempts to restructure towards a service-based economy. Furthermore, the creation of the fund aims to reinforce China's current approach toward service sector reform, with a specific focus on non-traditional sectors. Analysts have noted that China's economic reforms, specifically those designed for the service sector, have been slow in addressing traditional areas such as public education and healthcare since the state is deeply involved in these industries. Advertisement Tagschina, Economic Reforms, Chinese government, China Economic Reforms, China economy (Photo : Flickr/tonynetone) Chinas Economy Seen to Stabilize, Gain Momentum Advertisement China's economy is expected to maintain an "L shape," and may later transition from a steep drop to a relatively steady one. This was the forecast of Li Wei, director of the Development Research Center of the State Council, China Daily reported. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement "China's economy was quite stable in 2016. On a year-on-year basis, the producer price index and corporate profits increased and the unemployment rate declined, " Li explained during a recent forum hosted by the research center. "To a large extent, the risk of a rapid decline in China's economic growth rate is reducing while the stable factors are increasing. Thus, it is hopeful that the L-shaped growth trend may transit to a relatively smooth flat line," he added. Li predicted that China's economy in 2017 will be characterized by peaks and valleys, as there will be a slight decline in investment, but a steady increase in consumption and exports. He explained that the Chinese government's economic restructuring in 2016 has already produced positive results as reflected by key indicators. Moreover, Li anticipated the country's economy to experience "high speed" growth in the medium to long-term. For his part, Zhang Junkuo, deputy director of the center, noted that the nation's economy shows a positive and continually improving trend. However, despite the positive outlook on China's economy, Zhang said that many challenges lie ahead. According to him, the possibility of an economic downturn still exists, while recovery still has to gain more momentum. "We must keep a clear understanding and continue finding more effective resolutions," Zhang said. In the meantime, foreign investors and economists are also bullish on China's economy, as they expressed optimism on the country's growth trajectory, Xinhua reported. A 118-page report, US investment bank Morgan Stanley noted that although China may experience slower growth, the incomes of its people are rising. The bank pointed out that China's economy grew by 10 percent from 1979 to 2010. However, as the nation shifted from an export-driven to a consumer-powered economy, the country started to experience slower growth. For its part, the World Bank reported that China's per capita income has reached $8,100 and may soon pass the $12,500 in order to reach high-income status. This is a key development for China's economy, as higher incomes result in higher consumption, the bank said in its report. Advertisement Tagschina, Economy, China economy, Chinese government (Photo : Getty Images. ) On the first day of India - China strategic dialogue, both countries have evidently held their ground on sensitive issues of Masood Azhar and NSG. Advertisement On the first day of India - China strategic dialogue, both countries expectedly made no visible progress on the contiguous issues of Masood Azhar and NSG, with New Delhi suggesting that its neighbouring country is playing the role of an irritant on both the issues. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement India's Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar, who is leading the Indian delegation, refuted China's allegation of not giving enough evidences on Masood Azhar, adding that the 'burden of proof' was rather on China itself. "The extent of JeM chief Masood Azhar's actions are 'well documented' and the 'burden of proof' is not in India", Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar told reporters in Beijing. Jaishankar categorically sought to remind China that Azhar's application in UN is being supported by U.S, U.K and France, clearly implicating that New Delhi enjoys an overwhelming international support on the issue and Beijing's stance is an 'isolated one.' "We pointed out that this time around, it's not India but other countries (which backed the proposal). So, there is a body of world opinion out there (against Azhar)," he said. China repeatedly blocking India's Azhar proposal at UN last year left New Delhi completely frustrated. The frustration of the Indian government is understandable, considering that its diplomatic efforts to engage with Beijing on the issue had gone into vain. Chinese government justifies its blockade on the Azhar's application by saying there is a 'lack of consensus' on the issue, on which Jaishankar quipped "there isn't a consensus because China hasn't joined it." On the NSG issue, another issue that put considerable strain on the bilateral relationship last year, India's top diplomat claimed that China is open to India's joining but said there were procedures and processes to be completed". The diplomat, however, did not shed light on these procedures and processes. China's standard position on the NSG issue has been that non-NPT member like India is not qualified to join the elite nuclear club and signing NPT (Nuclear Proliferation Treaty) is a prerequisite. China, on other hand, raked up the Dalai Lama's recent meeting Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, since this was the first time that a serving Indian president met with the controversial spiritual leader. In response, Jaishankar assured his Chinese counterpart that Dalai Lama's recent meeting with Pranab Mukherjee at the Rashtrapati Bhavan was for non-political purpose and so Beijing should that reach too much into it. The first ever India - China strategic dialogue that started on Wednesday is an upgraded diplomatic mechanism forged by both countries for promoting greater engagement. Both Asian countries relations have been fraught with decades of suspicion and miss-trust. Advertisement TagsIndia - China Strategic Dialogue, china, China and India, Masood Azhar & NSG, Masood Azhar., S. Jaishankar (Photo : YouTube) China's second Type-001A aircraft carrier, named Shandong, is planned to be launch in the coming weeks. Advertisement China's very first home-grown aircraft carrier Shandong is expected to be launched in the next few weeks, China's Ministry of Defense revealed on Tuesday. The scaffold of the aircraft carrier has already been removed, while the red undercoat has also been painted below Shandong's waterline. The new aircraft carrier is an improved variant of the country's only operational aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, which is a rebuilt of the Soviet-era Admiral Kuznetsov-class multirole aircraft carrier. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The new Type 001A aircraft carrier has a displacement of 65,000 tons, while Liaoning has 60,000 tons. It will be powered by oil-fired broilers and steam turbines with an anticipated operational range of 3,850 nautical miles (or 7,130 kilometers) at 32 knots. Shandong could host 24 Shenyang J-15 multirole fighter jets and 10 rotary wing aircraft like the Changshe Z-18, Ka-31, and Harbin Z-9 helicopters. But more notably, the new aircraft carrier will be more 'humanized' as spaces for crews are improved. "All personnel on the carrier will enjoy a more comfortable and modern environment," Song Zhongping, a military expert, told the Global Times. After the launch, Shandong will still undergo some outfitting with all its mission systems including radars, communication gears, among others. The new aircraft carrier is expected to begin its service in 2019, joining either the North Sea Fleet or East Sea Fleet of China's People's Liberation Army Navy's. Meanwhile, just like its 'sister' Liaoning, Shandong will still feature a Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) launch system instead of the advanced catapult technology used by US aircraft carriers. Thereafter, China will finally ditch the ski-jump and develop a new carrier equipped with steam catapults. The upcoming Type-002 will soon look more like a US aircraft carrier instead of a Russian one, naval expert Li Jie said. While China is still currently building its third aircraft carrier, it already has plans to add more. "China needs two carrier strike groups in the West Pacific Ocean and two in the Indian Ocean. So we need at least five to six aircraft carriers," Yin Zhuo, senior research of the PLA Navy Equipment Research Center, said. Advertisement TagsAircraft carrier, Shandong aircraft carrier, Liaoning Aircraft Carrier Pastor Daevid Yoons passion for the Korean immigrant church is not just about an attachment to the Korean culture its a passion to see the faith being passed down through the generations. Im just an apostle to the Jews. Im not going to be the savvy church planting missionary guy, he said. Yoon came to Southern California to lead the English ministry (EM) at Inland Church last August after a 10-year stint as the EM pastor at New York Presbyterian Church. The kingdom work is expansive enough that you dont have to do everything. Theres enough work to be done in each specific area. For me, the multi-generational component is what clicked. I strongly believe in passing on the faith from generation to generation. Yoon himself is a product of a generational passing on of the gospel: he came to faith through the model of his parents. As both his father and mother were the first Christians of their respective families, he said he understood how precious the gospel is from the way his parents lived out their faith. Some might have argued that the high, rigid standards set by his parents were too legalistic. But Yoon says he personally didnt find fault with the rigidness because of the way they exemplified how much they cherished the gospel in their own lives as they persevered through the persecution they faced amongst their relatives. Sure, there mightve been a rigidness to the way they passed on the faith in terms of the standards they have. But it was because the persecution they experienced from their families allowed them to cherish their faith to the point of saying to us, You need to know this too. Im not just getting yelled at because its fun, but I really want you to know the value of this. Regardless of whether its legalistic or not at that moment, I dont think anyone can deny the preciousness of Christ in their life. Its the preciousness of Christ that needs to be passed on, and we need to be able to properly balance that the rigidness, and the gospel grace. Its been Yoons hope throughout his years in ministry to see this modeling of faith within the church, from parents to children, and from older brothers and sisters of the faith to the younger. He believes its a biblical way to carry out ministry. For instance, in the Apostle Pauls letter to the Ephesians, Yoon noted, he addresses the children as well in chapter six, which signifies that children were just as much present in the gathering of believers as the adults were. Yoon also believes having the entire family worship together what he calls the covenantal worship model also fosters spiritual conversations amongst parents and their children. He recalled a moment during one of his Sunday sermons at NYPC, when he was preaching on the sovereignty of God. He said that very phrase emphatically during his sermon the sovereignty of God and then gave a short pause, during which a four-year-old in the congregation said out loud, Mommy, what does sovereignty mean? Thats what this is about, Yoon said. Its the interactions that result from worshipping together. At the drive home, when the kids ask parents about what the sermon was about, for example. It keeps them inquisitive and informed, Yoon said. Having all ages worship together also cultivates a sense of ownership amongst the older generation to do their part to pass on the spiritual legacy to the younger members, according to Yoon. He cited the famous adage, It takes a village to raise a child, to note that the spiritual influences on young people range beyond that of their immediate family. It takes the small group leaders, retreat organizers, and mentors in the church to raise up a child in the faith, too. Yoons ideal conception of small groups for children and youth would be to have leaders in their thirties and forties, rather than those in college, he said. It allows children and teens to be aware that church will still be relevant when they grow older that even after they graduate from college, there is a place for them to serve. For the Korean immigrant church in particular, being exposed to both Korean speaking and English speaking older brothers and sisters in the faith also grants a fuller dimension of what the faith could look like, said Yoon. Though, as a relative newcomer to Inlands EM, Yoon is refraining from making drastic changes to the church for now, he says that he and the leaders are working on cultivating a family mindset and a sense of commitment amongst the church members. Having that covenantal mindset and commitment to the local church is where that passing on of the faith begins. The church is a covenantal community and it is a household of God, Yoon said. Inasmuch as you dont get to pick your siblings, you dont get to pick your church members. Youre dealt with these cards, and thats an opportunity for you to practice the gospel. Editors note: Several months after this article was published, L. Venchael Booth passed away on November 16, 2002. He is the man most responsible for founding the Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC)the denomination that provided a church base for Martin Luther King Jr. But you won't find his name noted in many history books. In fact, most black Baptists will credit King and New York preaching legend Gardner Taylor with starting the denomination. The credit, however, rightfully belongs to L. Venchael Booth, whose story is finally told in a recently released book about the PNBC. In November 1961, Booth persuaded a cluster of disaffected members of the National Baptist Convention U.S.A. to leave their massive denominationthen and now considered the mother of all black Baptist groupsand form the PNBC. The new entity they agreed to launch that chilly day at Booth's Cincinnati church has since become the second-largest black Baptist group in America. Booth doesn't strike one as a maverick or a rebel. But 40 years ago, those were fitting descriptions for a man who decided to take on what was one of the black community's most powerful institutions. "It was not folly or a desire for power that propelled me to move ahead with calling for a new convention," says the 82-year-old preacher. "It was a belief that our convention should inspire us to do greater kingdom building." Righting History The history of African American Protestantism is loaded with sensational storiesfrom AME founder Richard Allen's unceremonious departure from the white Methodist church to Church of God in Christ organizer Charles H. Mason's Pentecostal epiphany at the Azusa Street ... 1 You have reached the end of this Article Preview You have reached the end of this Article Preview To continue reading, subscribe now. Subscribers have full digital access. Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here. Two of Pakistans biggest religious riots have finally gotten their day in courtwith strikingly different results. An anti-terrorism court in Lahore has sentenced 42 Christians for rioting after two churches in Pakistans largest Christian neighborhood were bombed in 2015, reports Fides, the news agency of the Vatican. The ruling comes less than a month after the court acquitted more than 100 Muslims for rampaging through another one of Lahores major Christian communities in 2013 over one mans alleged blasphemy. The 42 Christians were roughly half of those accused of murder and terrorism after two Muslim men suspected of bombing Sunday services in Youhanabad were killed. The National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP), an initiative of Pakistans Catholic bishops, told Fides that they were disappointed that the church attackers have not been punished. Also left unpunished were the approximately 112 Muslims who were arrested for ransacking, looting, ... 1 No Federal Mandate Contact: Karen England, Privacy for All Students, 916-212-5607, kengland@capitolresource.org SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 22, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- In May of 2016, the Obama Administration issued sweeping guidelines directing all states to allow students to use bathrooms, locker rooms, and sleeping quarters on overnight trips, according to their gender identity, rather than their biological sex. Today, the Trump Administration rescinded that policy, giving the power back to the states. The administration's decision is detailed in a joint letter from the Departments of Education and Justice, reading in part: "These guidance documents do not, however, contain extensive legal analysis or explain how the position is consistent with the express language of Title IX, nor did they undergo any formal process... In addition, the Departments believe that, in this context, there must be due regard for the primary role of the States and local school districts in establishing educational policy. "In these circumstances, the Department of Education and the Department of Justice have decided to withdraw and rescind the above-referenced guidance documents in order to further and more completely consider the legal issues involved. The Departments thus will not rely on the views expressed within them." Karen England, Privacy For All Spokesperson, shared her view on the latest development, "This is an important first step in providing privacy for all students. What started in California a few years ago, and was shrugged off as a fringe issue, has now become a national dilemma. Now that power has been restored at the state level, it is up to parents, teachers, and concerned citizens to demand privacy for the children of their state." The bathroom directive issued by the Obama Administration threatened schools with a revocation of Title IX federal funds if they did not force students into sharing the most intimate facilities with the opposite sex. Privacy for All has maintained that policies that limit bathroom and locker room use to in accordance with your biological sex, do not violate Title IX. With the Trump Administration rescinding these guidelines, states are now free to assess how this issue directly affects their communities and schools, and find a solution moving forward. Privacy for All maintains that addressing this issue, in any community, should never include mixing the biological sexes in intimate facilities. We applaud the Trump Administration for the recognition of the unlawful set of guidelines, and their swift action to correct this matter. Paid for by Privacy for All Students FPPC# 1359959 27th Annual Worldwide Weekend of Prayer for the Addicted CLEARWATER, Fla., Feb. 23, 2017 / "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16 Not only is substance abuse America's number one health problem, the devastation of alcoholism and other drug addiction has impacted families and communities worldwide. Substance abuse has been directly linked to violence and sexual immorality and is a major source of income for organized crime and terrorist activities. "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12 Make a formal commitment to join with believers in Christ from around the globe this coming April. Put on the full armor of God and fervently pray in spirit and in truth. We are seeking to enlist millions of prayer warriors from around the world to join us in battle! We are not only praying for the release of those bound by substance abuse but also for people to be delivered from pornography, gambling, obesity and smoking. We are seeking individuals and groups which are willing to commit to pray weekly on behalf of the addicted and their families, and then join with multitudes of other committed Christians from around the world in prayer and fasting during the weekend of April 22 - 23, 2017. If you believe that God is calling you to intercede for the addicted please contact us. To find help for addiction through prayer and Christian ministries log on to our web site: For a personal interview with "Just Pray NO!" Founder and Author Steven L. Sherman, in the U.S.A. call: (727) 647-6467 or email: Share Tweet Contact: Steven L. Sherman, 727-647-6467, justprayno@aol.com CLEARWATER, Fla., Feb. 23, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- The weekend of April 22 - 23, 2017 has been designated as the 27th Annual "Just Pray NO!" to drugs Worldwide Weekend of Prayer and Fasting. Since April 7th, 1991 "Just Pray NO!" has united Christians from around the world in intercessory prayer on behalf of the addicted and their families."Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16Not only is substance abuse America's number one health problem, the devastation of alcoholism and other drug addiction has impacted families and communities worldwide. Substance abuse has been directly linked to violence and sexual immorality and is a major source of income for organized crime and terrorist activities."For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12Make a formal commitment to join with believers in Christ from around the globe this coming April. Put on the full armor of God and fervently pray in spirit and in truth. We are seeking to enlist millions of prayer warriors from around the world to join us in battle!We are not only praying for the release of those bound by substance abuse but also for people to be delivered from pornography, gambling, obesity and smoking. We are seeking individuals and groups which are willing to commit to pray weekly on behalf of the addicted and their families, and then join with multitudes of other committed Christians from around the world in prayer and fasting during the weekend of April 22 - 23, 2017.If you believe that God is calling you to intercede for the addicted please contact us. To find help for addiction through prayer and Christian ministries log on to our web site: justprayno.org . To learn how groups can participate in our annual prayer event, click on "Information on the Annual Worldwide Weekend of Prayer" or email: justprayno@aol.com For a personal interview with "Just Pray NO!" Founder and Author Steven L. Sherman, in the U.S.A. call: (727) 647-6467 or email: justprayno@aol.com No Federal Mandate Contact: Karen England, 775-737-6616, kengland@capitolresource.org RENO, Nev., Feb. 22, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- In May of 2016, the Obama Administration issued sweeping guidelines directing all states to allow students to use bathrooms, locker rooms, and sleeping quarters on overnight trips, according to their gender identity, rather than their biological sex. Today, the Trump Administration rescinded that policy, giving the power back to the states. The administration's decision is detailed in a joint letter from the Departments of Education and Justice, reading in part: "These guidance documents do not, however, contain extensive legal analysis or explain how the position is consistent with the express language of Title IX, nor did they undergo any formal process... In addition, the Departments believe that, in this context, there must be due regard for the primary role of the States and local school districts in establishing educational policy. "In these circumstances, the Department of Education and the Department of Justice have decided to withdraw and rescind the above-referenced guidance documents in order to further and more completely consider the legal issues involved. The Departments thus will not rely on the views expressed within them." Karen England, Executive Director of Nevada Family Alliance, shared her view on the latest development, "This is an important first step in providing privacy for all students. What started in California a few years ago, and was shrugged off as a fringe issue, has now become a national dilemma. Now that power has been restored at the state level, it is up to parents, teachers, and concerned citizens to demand privacy for the children of their state." The bathroom directive issued by the Obama Administration threatened schools with a revocation of Title IX federal funds if they did not force students into sharing the most intimate facilities with the opposite sex. Nevada Family Alliance has asserted all the while that policies that limit bathroom and locker room use in accordance with biological sex, do not violate Title IX. It is now clear that there is no federal mandate forcing schools to create co-ed intimate facilities. With the new administration rescinding these guidelines, states are now free to assess how this issue directly affects their communities and schools, and find a solution moving forward. We applaud the Trump Administration for the recognition of the unlawful set of guidelines, and their swift action to correct this matter. Nevada Family Alliance calls on all Nevada School districts to implement policies that respect the privacy of students. Schools that have implemented co-ed bathrooms and locker rooms should immediately rescind these policies and replace them with policies that protect privacy. Archbishop Admits To 'Catastrophic' Failure In Leadership Over Child Sex Abuse The Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher, has told Australia's Royal Commission into institutional child sex abuse that the response by Catholic Church to allegations amount to 'criminal negligence'. Fisher, aged 57, who succeeded Cardinal George Pell as Archbishop of Sydney in 2014, said: 'It was a kind of criminal negligence to deal with some of the problems that were staring us in the face. 'In other cases, I think there were people that were just like rabbits in the headlights, they just had no idea what to do, and their performance was appalling,' he added according to ABC. Archbishop of Perth Timothy Costelloe admitted there had been a 'catastrophic' failure in Church leadership. He said child sex abuse ran counter to what the Church claimed to be. He said: 'That leads me to reflect there has also been a catastrophic failure in keeping people faithful [like priests] to the commitments they made. I asked myself what can possibly have gone wrong, or what was missing, that could lead to, not just one, but countless people failing in this way.' They were among five Catholic archbishops currently giving evidence to the commission, which has been running for four years. They were asked how they had addressed the failures in leadership and responded that they were taking a more collaborative approach. The archbishops were grilled about what they had done to deal with those 'catastrophic failures' in leadership they had agreed were at the root of the child sexual abuse. Costelloe said that the problem had the potential to return if it was not dealt with effectively. In the past, he admitted, the Vatican had believed itself utouchable because it was 'so unique and so important'. Blasphemy Laws In Denmark Used For First Time In Over 40 Years Against Man Who Filmed Himself Burning The Quran A man who filmed himself burning the Quran in December in 2015 has become the first person to be charged under Denmark's blasphemy law in 46 years. The 42-year-old recorded himself burning a copy of Islam's holy book in his back yard, and then posted the video on the anti-Islamic Facebook group 'Yes to freedom no to Islam alongside the words, 'Consider your neighbour: it stinks when it burns.' In a statement yesterday afternoon, the Danish prosecutor Jan Reckendorff announced his decision to bring charges. 'It is the prosecution's view that circumstances involving the burning of holy books such as the Bible and the Quran can in certain cases be a violation of the blasphemy clause, which covers public scorn or mockery of religion,' he said. The case marks the fourth time in Danish history that anyone has been prosecuted under Denmark's blasphemy clause. Four people were sentenced for posting posters mocking Jewish teachings in 1938; two people were fined for carrying out a fake baptism at a masked ball in 1946; and two programme leaders at Danish Radio were exonerated in 1971 for airing a song mocking Christianity, according to Danish news outlet The Local. When the Jyllands-Posten newspaper famously published twelve cartoons in 2006 picturing the Prophet Mohammad, Danish prosecutors famously declined to invoke the country's blasphemy laws in 2006. Exclusive Michael Gove Interview: On Trump Quitting Early, Not Talking To Cameron And Being A Flawed Christian The man demonised by many in the country at large as well as at Westminster is characteristically charming. Michael Gove is also disarmingly humble. In this most personal of interviews, a rueful Gove says for the first time that it was 'wrong' for him to have stood in the bitter Tory leadership contest last summer, confirms for the first time that his old friend David Cameron is not speaking to him after Brexit, which Gove masterminded, and says 'I'm a sinner and I know it profoundly.' We start, though, with Donald Trump, famously interviewed last month by Gove in the Times, for whom the former Cabinet minister writes while serving as the now backbench MP for Surrey Heath. If Gove was too 'soft' on Trump in the interview, as some have claimed, he is not afraid to go on the attack on this occasion. The new president is 'narcissistic' and 'egotistical' enough to try and see out a full term, Gove says, but he is likely to lose the next election and, sensing that, Trump may quit early. Further, for all his support among white evangelicals, Trump is 'the least influenced by religion American president' since Nixon. And despite Gove being seen as a 'neo-conservative' who Kenneth Clarke said would 'go to war with at least three countries at once', this undeniably thoughtful politician is surprisingly critical of Trump's 'sectarian' ban on travel, migration and asylum from seven Muslim-majority countries. On whether Trump could quit early, Gove, a keen observer of American politics, says that impeachment is unlikely because of the arithmetic in the Senate. 'But there's a broader question does he have the character to see it through? On the one hand he is someone who is clearly narcissistic or egotistical enough to want to be seen as a success, and therefore he'll want to show his critics that he can meet this challenge. On the other hand though there is just a sheer unpredictability about the way in which he sometimes responds to events, that it would be impossible I think to predict with accuracy. 'My hunch is that he will see through this term and then he will lose the next election. Knowing that he might lose, he might find some means of quitting while he thinks he is ahead, though I suspect that his ego will mean he will both want to see what he can do in office and he will believe that he can prevail against whoever the Democrat opponent is.' Asked whether he approves of the travel ban, he says: 'No, I don't think it's the right thing to do. I think that as a matter of...broad principle I think it is legitimate for America that it thinks, and indeed is legitimate for the president to say that he thinks that certain people are not conducive to the public good and all the rest of it. But I think there are three problems with the travel ban: one problem is that it follows on from his commitment to have a ban on Muslims coming into the country, so any form of travel ban that looks as though it's sectarian, has problems from the beginning. The second thing is that even though the countries to which it applies are either countries which are wracked by civil war or which have significant Islamic fundamentalist forces within them, nevertheless it looks inconsistent because there are some other countries [such as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia which should be included]. 'The third thing is that the manner in which it was implemented, and the uncertainty of for example people who had green cards or people who had been interpreters who had worked in Iraq with American forces meant that it seemed at once crude and unfair. So for all of those reasons I think it was wrong. That's not to say that a Trump administration or someone in the future couldn't come up with approaches towards restricting access to the US that some people might think were wrong but which I could see the case for, but as implemented and as conceived I think it was wrong.' Trump was elected with massive support from evangelicals, particularly white evangelicals. Does Gove believe that Trump is influenced by Christians? 'Well, it's a very interesting question because I think that he's probably one of the American presidents least influenced by religion for a long time. Barack Obama was influenced by his own personal faith. George W Bush ditto. Bill Clinton, even though there were all sorts of character and ethics issues, was clearly influenced by his faith; Ronald Reagan ditto; George H W Bush a particular type of episcopalian; Jimmy Carter clearly. I think you'd probably have to go back to Richard Nixon to find an American president who was less influenced by their faith than Donald Trump. 'The second thing is that even though Mike Pence, the Vice President, is clearly someone who is very heavily influenced by his faith, if one looks more broadly at the people who [Trump] has appointed, he's tended to appoint people on the basis of either business expertise or military expertise or rather than coming from particular traditions. So it is curious. And normally one of the criticisms that's been directed at the Republican party is that a particular set of policies and assumptions have come from a particular evangelical standpoint and that's influenced the Republican party unduly, but we're now in the curious position where one of the least popular not only in his own country but in the world Republican presidents is someone who is further away from that tradition than anyone in the last 30 years.' If Gove is typically articulate on US politics, he is unusually tongue-tied when asked, lastly on Trump, why he failed to mention that the Times proprietor Rupert Murdoch was present at the interview conducted by Gove, Murdoch's favourite politician and, doubtless, columnist. Gove is careful not to confirm or deny Murdoch's presence. 'I haven't said anything about who was and wasn't in um,' he trails off. 'The best thing to say I think, in fairness is, um [long pause] in securing the interview, I think the fact that it was the Times newspaper and the fact that we had the - what's the word...I think [pause] it's probably better for me not to go into how the interview arose or how it came about but I think it's entirely fair for people to make a set of conclusions or assumptions about that. I won't comment on them if you don't mind...I haven't said anything about it at this stage.' Turning to British matters, Gove is 'broadly' happy with the way Brexit is panning out, but its architect is more than ever keen to show that he feels the pain of the 48 per cent who voted for Britain to stay in the EU. 'I mean I recognise of course that there are still lots of people obviously who voted and argued for Remain who feel anything from disorientated to devastated to still finding it difficult to come to terms with things. I think overall however, that the PM's handling it well, I think the outlook is broadly reassuring and optimistic...' Gove is hopeful that Brexit acceptance is setting in. 'I think there is an opportunity I hope it's there that the Article 50 Bill it'll face challenges in the Lords but I hope there is an opportunity for people to say OK, it's happening now, let's concentrate on the type of Brexit that we should have and the type of new relationship that we should have in the future rather than hoping that we can have a re-fight of it.' On Tuesday night, Gove took part at an event at Speaker's House, hosted by John Bercow, at which the Labour MP Hilary Benn spoke on the future of Brexit and Gove responded. 'One of the impressive things about Hilary was the way that, while not for a moment retreating from his belief that we should still be in the EU, he also acknowledged the validity of the result and then went on to engage with how the values belief in internationalism chief among them which had led him to support remain should influence how Brexit operated.' Talking of Labour figures, Gove is known to admire Tony Blair. What does he make of the former prime minister's recent intervention calling on remainers to fight back? Boris Johnson dismissed Blair as a warmongerer and called on people to 'rise up' and switch him off their television screens. Gove, in contrast, confirms that he admires Blair. 'I disagreed with the overall thrust of his speech. But I do admire him. You can't read the speech and not think this is someone who has political gifts and intellectual power, and even if I think much of what he said was misconceived, I think as an ex PM he has a right to make his case. As I say I disagreed with him on it but...Blair's record I think, in the future, will be, it'll be balanced. I think people will have a balanced view of it. At the moment I think Blair has suffered from an excessive level of enthusiasm early on in his premiership, and then subsequently not just Iraq but also his post politics business activities. I think there are legitimate criticisms that can be directed at him both as a politician and in the way that he has conducted some of his business activities, but you have to weigh against that the fact of someone who has devoted himself to public service for a considerable part of their career and achieved some very good things, so I think that taking a couple of steps back, while I disagree with him on this issue he is entitled to his view and respect for it.' On the Tory leadership last summer, Gove explains why he decided to stand, having previously agreed to run Boris Johnson's campaign. Gove's move, which was described by Rachel Johnson, Boris's brother, as that of a 'suicide bomber,' stunned Westminster, though some suspect he planned it all along. So when did he decide to run and what was the deciding factor? 'In a nutshell, I hadn't thought and I hadn't anticipated on running. I had thought -- maybe this was foolish -- that if the country voted to leave that David Cameron would not immediately stand down. And he did. I didn't myself want to run, and Boris after some you know, he reflected on it I thought it was better for the country to have someone who had advocated to leave the the EU to be presented to the country a that point. I thought that Boris had fought well during the campaign and deserved the chance to run. 'However, in the days that followed there were a number of things that happened that made me increasingly worried that while Boris was is an enormously talented figure, he wasn't the right person to be prime minister. I sort of then - on the...night before nominations had to go in talked to some friends. A number of things had happened which had shaken my confidence in Boris's candidacy not fundamentally altered my view of him as a good person but had shaken my confidence that he was the right person to be prime minister at that time. And then having decided that I didn't think he was the right person I then thought well, if we're going to have someone who had advocated to leave then I'll put myself forward. 'With the benefit of hindsight, I should have not been so quick to say that I was going to support Boris in the first place and' here Gove pauses, and takes a deep breath 'probably should never have run myself. But anyway, after what happened, I think probably the right result for the country emerged in that I think that having in Theresa May someone who had advocated Remain but was determined to honour the result was actually best in terms of bringing the Conservative party back together after what had been a difficult period. I also think that her particular style, experience and so on meant that she's handled events over the course of the last eight months better I think than I would have done, and I think any of the other candidates would have done.' Staying on Cameron, the two men's relationship is worth exploring, because unlike Johnson and Cameron Gove and the former Tory leader were genuine friends, with Gove, a lifelong eurosceptic, having persuaded Cameron to stand for the leadership in 2005 from a position to the right of one of the then favourites, the pro-European Kenneth Clarke. Gove laughs at the claim that he 'invented' Cameron, and then expands on a comment he has made before about speaking now only to one of Johnson and Cameron. Again though, he adopts an uncharacteristically hesitant tone. 'I've spoken to Boris. Again, um, David the opportunity hasn't arisen, and my view is that...what's the right thing to say? Yes, I think David was a great prime minister, I think he achieved a great deal. I think he has every right to feel that [pause] the way in which things turned out in the end...give him the right to feel, well, you know, I didn't necessarily...get the recognition or the appreciation that everything I have put into this job necessarily deserves, so my view is that I entirely respect his right to...have left Parliament, devote himself to other causes outside Parliament, and...make judgments himself about how he spends his time and who he talks to and I don't make any criticism.' On Gove's own future in Parliament, he says he has no plans to stand down as an MP, and adds that he enjoys almost all aspects of the job. 'I think I'll stay in Parliament for as long as people will have me. I certainly enjoy at the moment almost all -- not all -- almost all of the aspects of being a Member of Parliament. And you know it's a great privilege. It might be that at some future point people might grow exasperated with me or I find that my interest and appetite for being here fades but at the moment I am enjoying it so I am happy to carry on through thick and thin for a few years yet.' Some talk of this Murdoch favourite as a future Times editor. But Gove is clear: 'No, I wouldn't really want to do that, no. No. I think that there are certain things that could happen which would mean I mean I would never want to tempt fate or anything like it there are certain things that could happen which would mean that I might want to leave Parliament, but no, I am concentrating at the moment on, certainly writing I love writing but operating as an MP.' Finally, we turn to faith. It may surprise some that Gove, who has a Greek Orthodox icon prominently displayed on his House of Commons desk, is a firm believer who regularly worships in church. To those who don't know him, Gove 'came out' as a Christian in a lengthy Spectator article at Easter 2015. But in fact, he has all his life been a believer. 'I was brought up as a member of the Church of Scotland, and my mother is a still regular churchgoer. My father never really had any strong religious beliefs [but] I was brought up as a Christian.' Asked what are his Christian influences now, Gove is reflective. 'I think that there are a variety of things...I think that it may seem like an eccentric thing to say I enjoy listening to sermons and homilies, and it may be a consequence of having grown up in the Church of Scotland where the sermon is almost the centrepiece in a way that obviously the Eucharist or the Mass is in the Catholic small or large 'C' tradition. 'But I remember that when I grew up there was a minister in the church that I attended with my mother that was a chap called Douglas Sutherland, and he was a brilliant preacher and subsequent to that, there have been individuals some of whom I've heard talk even though I have never attended their church, that I have found inspirational. So for example, I have never been to Holy Trinity Brompton, but [the HTB vicar] Nicky Gumbel I've heard speak and I think that he's outstanding. 'I've also heard [the Bishop of London] Richard Chartres again he comes from a very different tradition and I think that he is a fantastic preacher. Separately, even though again I'm not a Roman Catholic, I've occasionally gone to the Brompton Oratory specifically because Fr Julian Large who is a former contemporary friend of mine when he worked at the Telegraph, is now in charge of the Oratory there, is again a great preacher. And there are individual... Christian writers as well who have had a significant influence on me, and I suspect that the greatest would probably be CS Lewis. I think that again some people find his approach not to their taste but I think that in terms of Christian apologetics I think he's fantastic. 'And there's only one other thing that I would say, which is that I was at an event with Matthew Barzun, the now outgoing American Ambassador [to the UK], and he recommended a book by Dorothy L Sayers called The Mind of the Maker which he said was the best work of the Christian apologetics that he'd read, and it was interesting that he was so enthusiastic about it, and I love Dorothy L Sayers's fiction so...I've got a copy of it.' As we draw to a close, Gove often accused of 'betrayal' and of being 'ruthless' again shows humility: 'While at different times the strength of my faith has wavered or been tested, and while I would never say that anyone should' he laughs 'look at any of the things that I've done and say this is a pattern of Christian living because I am a sinner and I know it profoundly -- nevertheless, I have held throughout to a belief in Christian doctrine, and while I worship now in a Church of England church rather than a Church of Scotland church, my views I would say were those of and again it's always very difficult to pigeon hole, to define oneself but of a straightforward, mainstream, Protestant Christian.' Follow James Macintyre on Twitter @James_Macintyre. Faithful In The Fire: The Christian Legacy Of St Polycarp Today is the liturgical feast day of a man named Polycarp. Who was he? Polycarp has become a legend of the early Church, most famous for his Christian courage and witness in the face of intense suffering. As the Church continues to suffer widespread persecution across the world today, the legacy of this saint is worth remembering. Here are three lessons from the life of Polycarp. The early Church evangelist Polycarp was made a bishop of Smyrna (modern day Izmir, Turkey) in AD 96. He is revered as an ancient Church father and saint across Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Anglican traditions. His story is particularly compelling because he lived so close to the time of Jesus and the apostles. Polycarp was converted in AD 80 by John the Evangelist, who also discipled and ordained him. His story is chronicled by Irenaeus, Tertullian and Saint Jerome. For Irenaeus, Polycarp was a precious connection to the early Church and the life of Christ himself. He wrote in a letter to Florinus: 'I could tell you the place where the blessed Polycarp sat to preach the Word of God. It is yet present to my mind with what gravity he everywhere came in and went out; what was the sanctity of his deportment, the majesty of his countenance; and what were his holy exhortations to the people. I seem to hear him now relate how he conversed with John and many others who had seen Jesus Christ, the words he had heard from their mouths.' Polycarp was also known for his battles with early heretics. He challenged Marcion, a Gnostic who undermined the authority of much the Old and New Testament scriptures. Polycarp didn't mince his words and called Marcion 'the first born of Satan'. He would go on to convert many from the heretical Gnostic tradition. Grace under pressure Polycarp was described by Ignatius as being clothed 'with the garment of grace' and would become famous for the serenity with which he faced his persecution. When at age 86 he learned that Roman authorities were to arrest him, he didn't run but waited at home. Friends urged him to flee, but after receiving a vision he insisted: 'I must be burned alive.' When soldiers came to arrest Polycarp, he let them in, saying: 'God's will be done.' When interrogated by the local proconsul, he reportedly faced questioning with unfazed wit. Threatened with fire, he warned his aggressors of the eternal fire that faces the ungodly, and said: 'Why do you delay? Come, do what you will.' Facing the fire The bishop may be best known for his final moments as he faced a fiery death being burned at the stake. When soldiers attempted to bind him to a stake he said: 'Leave me as I am. For he who grants me to endure the fire will enable me also to remain on the pyre unmoved, without the security you desire from nails.' He prayed aloud and was consumed by the fire. A witness of the moment said his death was 'not as burning flesh but as bread baking or as gold and silver refined in a furnace'. Polycarp was burned alongside 12 others. The date of his execution is unclear, being possibly in the years 155 or 156, or in 167 or 168 as Eusebius of Caesarea put it. Authorities had demanded that he recant his Christian beliefs and burn incense in allegiance to the Emperor, but Polycarp refused. 'Eighty and six years I have served him, and He has done me no wrong', he said. 'How then can I blaspheme my King and Saviour? You threaten me with a fire that burns for a season, and after a little while is quenched; but you are ignorant of the fire of everlasting punishment that is prepared for the wicked.' Polycarp has become emblematic of faith and conviction staying true in the face of great persecution. In his final moments, he reportedly said: 'I bless you Father for judging me worthy of this hour, so that in the company of the martyrs I may share the cup of Christ.' You can follow @JosephHartropp on Twitter Family Of Missing Christian Woman In Egypt Accuse Police Of Complicity In Her Kidnapping The family of an 18-year-old Egyptian Christian woman who has been missing since January 26 has accused the police of complicity in her kidnapping after they failed to act against an alleged suspect who admitted involvement. Hanan Adly Girgis was found to be missing from the family home in Esna, a village in Upper Egypt, when some of her brothers returned at night, according to World Watch Monitor (WWM). After failing to find Hanan, her brothers and their lawyer made a formal complaint to the police, accusing a neighbour, Mohamed Ahmed Nubi Soliman, 27, of her kidnapping. Prosecutors summoned Soliman and, according to WWM, he admitted a connection with the incident. However, he was released due to lack of physical evidence. The Girgis family's lawyer, Barsoum Wahba, said that there has been no progress with the case, despite protests outside the police station by friends and family of Hanan. Romany Adly Girgis, one of the missing girl's brothers, explained to WWM what happened on the night she went missing. He and other brothers were away from home watering crops on their land, leaving only one of the brothers, Rezeiky, at home with his wife, their elderly mother and Hanan. 'At about 10.30pm our neighbours cousins of Soliman told my brother Rezeiky that they saw a thief close to our livestock shed,' Romany said. 'Rezeiky took a blanket and headed to the shed to guard it for the night.' Romany said that she thinks this was a plan to ensure that Rezeiky left the women alone in the house. 'At 3am, when my brothers and I returned, we found the door open,' she said. 'Our mother was sleeping but Hanan wasn't in her room. We thought she might be asleep with my sister in-law and woke her, but Hanan wasn't there. We searched everywhere and went to relatives to see if she had gone to them but none of them had seen her.' Rezeiky explained that Hanan had no reason to leave home suddenly: 'There was no disagreement between us, she was very happy. She was engaged to a man she'd chosen to be with. They had planned to go and buy jewellery together the following day; and she had just bought new clothes for her cousin's wedding on Sunday.' He added that her clothes, jewellery, ID card and birth certificate were still in her bedroom. 'If she had run away she would have taken them with her,' he said. Crucially, the brothers found one of Hanan's slippers near the door and believe she was taken while she was still in her night clothes. 'If she wanted to leave home she would have been dressed, not in pyjamas, Rezeiky said. Romany told WWM that the neighbour 'hates' his family and explained how he thought the kidnapping took place. 'Our neighbour, Mohamed Ahmed Nubi Soliman, told us he saw a Tuk-Tuk [small taxi] stop next to our home at midnight and saw two men carry something to it. We think this neighbour is one of the kidnappers because he hates us, and, when we asked him about who the people with the Tuk-Tuk were, he wouldn't answer.' Romany alleged that Soliman is involved in illegal activities, and said that he has often caused trouble for the Girgis family. On the night of the kidnapping, Rezeiky did not find anyone at the livestock shed. "It was a plan to get him out of our house so Hanan could be kidnapped," Romany said. When the police took no immediate action, the family organised a protest outside the police station demanding that the police investigate. Romany speculated that Christians may be targeted by both the kidnapper and complicit police. 'They promised us many times that they would help return Hanan but they have done nothing," Romany said. "We don't know why they don't help us. Is it because we are Christians, or do they connive with kidnappers to take Christian girls to convert to Islam? We accuse them of apathy and complicity.' The family lawyer Barsoum Wahba added: 'There is a state of police indifference towards the case of Hanan. They did nothing to help the brothers...They said 'give us two days and we will bring her back', but these are words without actions. They aren't serious even though they know they have the capability to know where Hanan is and who kidnapped her. Because the victim is a Christian girl we see inaction. It is a farce. We want people to deal with us as human beings and not deal with us as second-class citizens. We feel we have no rights.' 'God Told Me To Give You $100': Wal-Mart Cashier Stuns Family By Paying For Their Groceries God indeed is everywhere, apparently even in the checkout counter of a supermarket. Shaminique Dasant, a cashier at a Wal-Mart branch in Columbia, South Carolina, said God appeared to have whispered in her ear, "Give her a $100 dollars," to a customer who seemed at a loss on how she could pay for her groceries with the limited money she had in her wallet, according to FaithWire. Ashley Jordan, the customer, was with her husband, Michael, and their crying one-year-old baby when they pushed their two carts full of groceries in the checkout counter. In a Facebook post, Jordan wrote they "literally dread going to Walmart and buying groceries period because my husband's whole check goes to food for our family." But that particular day turned out to be different. Jordan noted that cashiers don't usually talk much to their customers, but Dasant was "very friendly," even bantering that they must have a big family with the groceries they're buying. Dasant, for her part, told the CBS-affiliated television station WLTX that a voice inside inspired her to help the family standing in front of her. "As we're scanning and scanning, she got in front of me and it's like I saw a different face on her," Dasant said. "And I just had like a little man on my shoulder that was like, 'Give her a $100 dollars. Give her $100 dollars.'" Jordan said she was checking her wallet, trying to count all of her money, when Dasant told her, "You guys look like you need a blessing tonight." Then, Dasant slid her own credit card, and told Jordan, "God told me to give you $100." Jordan was at a loss for words for the random act of kindness she received from the cashier. "This sweet woman whom I never met in my life paid for half of my groceries! I was in complete shock because I never expected anything like that to ever happen," she said. Jordan asked for a photo of them together before they left the store, Dasant said. That photo, along with Jordan's account of Dasant's act of kindness, has gone viral with more than 35,000 reactions and 8,000 shares as of Thursday. 'I Miss My Father, But He Gave His Life For Christ': Daughter Of Murdered Missionary Jim Elliot Speaks Out The daughter of an American missionary murdered in the Amazon jungle says she believes God allowed it to happen so the world could see what a real commitment to Christ actually means. 'My father and the other four missionaries definitely knew it was dangerous, but they were willing to give up their lives in order for the Huaorani to know the truth - what we believe be the truth,' Valerie Shepard tells the BBC World Service Witness programme. Her father Jim Elliot arrived in Ecuador in March 1952 to be a missionary to the indigenous tribes in the Amazon jungle. He found out about the tribe, then called the Auca tribe, from a pejorative Quechua word for 'savages', through another missionary who had been there. He was warned they were 'violent, stone age' and knew nothing about the outside world. Shepherd says: 'It just caught his heart and he felt that those were the people he was supposed to go to.' He and the missionary pilot Nate Saint took several flights over the Amazonian jungle, looking for the tribe. He saw an elderly man waving at him from next to a house, and felt he was being invited down. The five missionaries then flew back, found a beach beside the river, landed and set up camp. After three days of waiting, two women and one young man from the tribe emerged from the jungle. 'The joy of the five men was that they were perfectly friendly and there didn't seem to be any hostility at all.' But the tribe was suspicious and began to fear they were being deceived. They decided they should kill the visitors before they were themselves killed. Ten men arrived at the beach, speared the five missionaries and left the bodies in the water. 'After my father's death my mother got to know two Huaorani women who had fled the tribe because of the violence. They said we want you, and the sister of Nate Saint, we want you to come and tell our people about God. While we lived with them, and we were there almost two-and-a-half years, I of course got to know all of the tribe and the ten men who had done the killing. 'Amazingly, I really don't remember being afraid of them. They were always laughing and they would always make my mother laugh. So I simply enjoyed being with them. Of course it was a tragedy and I often wish I had known my dad. Still do. But I really believe that God allowed this to happen so that more and more people could actually see what real commitment to Christ means. And I really don't believe their lives were wasted.' Besides Saint and Elliot, the other three missionaries who were killed were Ed McCully, Peter Fleming, and Roger Youderian. ISIS Terror Grows In Egypt As Christian Man Shot Dead And Son Burned Alive A Christian man has been shot dead and his son burned alive in Egypt, according to reports from the region. Saad Hana, 65 and his son Medhat, 45 were murdered in El-Arish, North Sinai in the latest wave of violence against Christians. Father Youssef Sobhy, of the Mar Girgis Coptic Orthodox Church in El-Arish, said three masked men assaulted the father and son at their home. 'The men knocked at the door of the home of the Christians and Medhat opened the door,' Sobhy told International Christian Concern. 'The men shot his old father, Saad Hanna, in the head and then they burned the home.' More Christians are expected to be targeted as the persecution grows, according to terror group statements. A few days ago, terror groups in Egypt aligned with Islamic State said Christian believers were their 'favorite prey'. Earlier this week ISIS released a video which called for the slaughter of Egyptian Christians, and showed the last statement from the man allegedly responsible for the Cairo church bombing in December. The 20 minute video, titled 'Kill all the Kuffar' (an abusive Arabic term for 'unbeliever') encourages fellow militants to attack and kill Christians across the country. The video also features footage a masked man the group named as Abu Abdallah al-Masri and the perpetrator of the Cairo church bombing in December that killed 28 and wounded over 40. Most of the victims were women and children. ISIS previously claimed responsibility for the attack, calling it a 'martyrdom operation' targeted at 'infidels' and 'apostates'. Jesus Turned Over The Tables. How Angry Are Christians Allowed To Get? We live in a time of rage and fury. Donald Trump is the shouter-in-chief, drowning out questions from those he finds awkward and seething on Twitter at a litany of perceived injustices. As well as being the cause of much fury, the president is a symptom of an angry society too. Like the driving winds caused by storm Doris which are whipping around the United Kingdom today, we live in a society which seems to be in a permanent state of rage. Last week a piece I wrote was posted on Facebook and I was accused of purveying fake news, told it was a 'stupid, incoherent' article and that I was 'an embarrassment.' This is pretty mild stuff for 2017. This week, Member of Parliament Dianne Abbott revealed some of the horrific racist abuse, death and rape threats she has recently received. I watched in horror as tweets reporting this were then responded to with further abuse and comments that she had brought it upon herself. We're angry. Maybe not angrier than ever, but certainly with more platforms on which to express our anger. In the midst of this angry atmosphere comes an interesting comment piece at The Guardian. The headline sums it up well: 'The left needs to take a leaf out of Jesus' book and get angry'. Writer Steven W Thrasher channels Martin Luther King, and President Obama in his support for anger being the only correct response to the current socio-politico-economic mess that we're in. 'For too long, a misinterpretation of Martin Luther King as never angry (when his speeches, marches and actions against poverty, racist labour exploitation and war were full of fury), and the too-polite Barack Obama, have lulled the left into avoiding anger and its useful productiveness in demanding change,' Thrasher argues. Ultimately he bases his thesis on Jesus cleansing of the Temple. 'He is seen with a whip in his hand,' the piece says, 'flipping over tables in a rage and driving merchants from the temple. This is the Christ who speaks to me when I look at the mess that is contemporary America.' Is Thrasher right? Is now the time for Christians and others on the left to get angry? I think the answer has to be yes... and no. In one sense, Thrasher is absolutely right to locate Jesus' righteous anger as the inspiration for his spectacular Temple protest. But was he really trying to put, 'the fear of God into capitalists, putting them on the run with a whip'? I'm not so sure. The cleansing of the Temple was an act in which Jesus railed against the merchants who had filled the outer courts the part of the temple which was accessible to people from every country and culture. In other words, this wasn't a first century Occupy Wall Street. It was something far more profound Jesus was railing against the commercial interests which prevent all people from having access to the House of God. Having said that, there is certainly something in Thrasher's argument. Anger, in its right place, is an essential part of the Christian life. That anger must be directed against injustice. The examples he gives, of Dr King, is a good one. King was angry, along with millions of African Americans who had been systematically dehumanised by racism for generations. Anger is the correct response in that situation and remains so when the ugly stain of racism remains in American life. If anger is a spur to action and if it inspires us to join in God's fight against injustice then its valid and even necessary. Jesus was angry when he turned over the tables. So long as the anger is righteous and not vindictive, it is a good emotion to have. Bruce Springsteen, in a song written amid the fury over the economic devastation wrought on Middle America by the financial crisis of 2008, covers this well. In 'Wrecking Ball' he sings, 'Hold tight to your anger, and don't fall to your fears.' That's the balance we need to strike and one which will help us to cut through much of the narcissistic fury we see around us. Samuel Rodriguez Urges Trump To Protect Families As Deportation Plans Announced Donald Trump's plans to deport illegal immigrants are prompting concern from Hispanic evangelicals with leaders urging caution. White House press secretary Sean Spicer said the guidelines would prioritise deporting criminals or those who posed some form of threat. But he added 'laws are laws' and anyone in the US without permission faced removal at any time. The controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programme, known as DACA, was not mentioned in the new guidelines. The programme grants a let off from deportation and allows work permits for those brought as minors to the US illegally. But addressing unaccompanied children fleeing violence or seeking to join families in the US the two memos published on Monday said 'regardless of the desire of family reunification', smuggling or trafficking is 'intolerable' and 'exploitation of that policy led to abuses by many of the parents and legal guardians'. Rev Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), who prayed at Trump's inauguration, said he was pleased the DACA programme was left 'intact'. He said: 'I urge this administration to continue pursuing comprehensive immigration reform legislation that includes bi-partisan congressional support. His organisation will ensure 'there is no enforcement overreach, breach of due process or racial discrimination,, Rodriguez added. 'I ask the administration to enact and fulfill the promise President Trump made not to harm families and exclusively deport those involved in nefarious activities. Please, help us keep families together.' New Mexico's Catholic bishops called the ideas 'a declaration of some form of war', according to Associated Press. Meanwhile Pope Francis caused outrage by appearing to challenge Trump's plans on twitter. @Pontifex Love you to death Pope Frenchie but your kinda a hypocrite when you have huge walls around the Vatican. Hmmm Bernice Garza (@garza_bernice) February 22, 2017 @Pontifex So, it is ok for heaven to have a gate, but not the US? Why don't you take down your wall and security at the Vatican? #PlankInEye Patrick Hooper (@P_Hoop) February 22, 2017 Sending Out The 25: Church Of England Bishops Head To Durham For Weekend's Evangelism When Jesus sent out the 72 to preach the good news he warned them they were 'like lambs among wolves'. The sleepy northern city of Durham is unlikely to offer the same level of hostility as first century Palestine. Nevertheless that is the destination for 25 Church of England bishops plus all their staff next weekend for four days of evangelism. The mass outreach team includes two of the most senior figures in the CofE in the Archbishop of York and the Bishop of Durham. And with the prospect of more than 450 community events including abseiling and late night 'Street Pastor' care for the inebriated, the Church leaders will be hoping Jesus' promise of 'nothing will harm you' will extend to them. The 'Talking Jesus Durham' event is the third mission by bishops from the northern section of the CofE after one in Blackburn in 2016 and one in Sheffield in 2015. The four days of events starts with a service led by the Archbishop of York, in Durham Cathedral on Thursday March 2 before the teams disperse across the diocese from the river Tyne to the river Tees. Dr John Sentamu said: 'Jesus came to bring the very life of God as a gift to all of us. His resurrection makes it possible for us to live the life he lived. The heart of the Christian faith is about having an encounter with Jesus an encounter which transforms and brings hope and love.' Rt Rev Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham, added: 'In this diocese, we're all about blessing our communities in Jesus' name for the transformation of us all. 'What greater blessing can we offer than an introduction to Jesus? What could be more transformative than coming to know him? Just imagine: one long weekend; 25 bishops; hundreds of events; thousands hearing about Jesus and having their lives transformed.' 'Story': The New Christian Union Mission Week Attracting Thousands University Christian Union mission weeks have a reputation. Dumped into a far-flung corner of campus, they tend to be little known by many outside the small circles involved in organising. But a new model of student evangelism is taking off with slick and engaging content based on the award-winning Humans Of New York style of storytelling. 'Story' was launched at Durham University last year and has since been taken up by 11 other universities across the UK including Bath, St Andrews, Cardiff, Exeter and Norwich. This year promotion videos shared widely on social media have been viewed tens of thousands of times with an estimated 'reach' of 92,000. Now in its second year in Durham, the event is too big for any of the city's venues and has been forced into a marquee. Dozens were even turned away on Tuesday night with more than 700 squeezing in to hear former gang leader Ryan Lennon share his faith after being jailed for orchestrating riots, violent crime and cocaine trafficking. But founder Sam Udy, part of a team running this year's event, says the interest is not as much down to the speaker's as the different attitude. 'The approach we have is asking students in Durham what their story is,' he told Christian Today. 'In a culture where your identity is defined by your answer to the question, "What do you do?", stories asks, "Who are you?" They provoke self-reflection and cut to the heart of identity. 'Whereas some people can say Christianity is 'good for you but not for me', life stories are universal everyone has one, so everyone can engage with them. That's why we ask students, "What's your story?"' Previously he said some may have seen the Christian Union as focused on converting people over caring for them. 'I'm not saying it was like that but that was the perception we tried to challenge,' said Udy. He added the event looked to do everything to the highest standard possible, from the speaker line-up to the free coffee served. 'The other thing we emphasise is excellence, he said. 'We want to do stuff that of the highest quality so we express what God is like in what we provide.' After an intensive social media-based promotion campaign the week consists of lunchtime sessions with an apologetics talk followed by Q&A. Then each evening there are interviews with people ranging from Ken Costa, an investment banker and chair of Lazard International, to Roo Panes, a folk musician and song writer. The average attendance of more than 500 each night this week comes after Story was awarded 'event of the year' by Durham's Student Union last year. 'People are fascinated how Ken Costa can call himself a Christian and lead an investment bank or how a terrorist can say he has been forgiven,' said Udy. 'Our dream is people can come and disagree with everything and still leave and say that was a great event.' Noah Strange, who is running this year's event, said: 'It's been incredible to see so many students turn out for Story 2017 - interested to share their own stories and hear stories of how the Christian faith has transformed lives. It's really exceeded our expectations. 'The interviewees have been exceptional. We ever had some guests travel from Edinburgh to hear Roo Panes get interviewed. 'Not only that but students have been exploring their questions about Jesus as they shared their own stories of life and faith.' One attendee last year, Ruby Goddard, who describes herself as an 'confused agnostic' admitted finding it 'fascinating'. In a review for a student magazine she wrote: 'What I took away most from this week (bar a lot of food, sorry) was an admiration for the sense of community inherent in the Christian Union, and the willingness of this community to listen. 'Everyone I spoke to was genuinely enthusiastic and interesting; individuals willing to share their stories with you, to ask questions and to patiently answer yours.' Syrian Man 'Tortured' There After US Church Published His Baptism Can't Sue, Court Rules A man from Syria who says he was tortured and nearly beheaded there after converting to Christianity in the US has no legal recourse against an Oklahoma church that published his name and baptism online, the State's highest court ruled yesterday. The former Muslim, identified in the lawsuit as 'John Doe' says that after his baptism in 2012 at the First Presbyterian Church in Tulsa he returned to Syria and was kidnapped by radical Muslims who learned of his baptism online. He says that he is now wanted for murderin Syria after killing a relative who aided his captors. 'Appellant asserts that he suffered numerous physical injuries and psychological damage, all proximately caused by appellees' publication of his baptism, in contravention of promises they supposedly made to him that it would be kept confidential,' the court wrote in its majority opinion, according to ABC News. But the court upheld a lower court ruling and decided that courts must refrain from 'undue interference with religious beliefs and practices' despite the plaintiff's injuries. Chief Justice Douglas Combs wrote in the majority opinion: 'Per the church autonomy doctrine, the courts lack subject matter jurisdiction over the matter.' Keith Ward, the plaintiff's attorney said that his client is considering whether to petition the court for a rehearing. He added that since the lawsuit was filed in 2014, his client has become a US citizen and now lives in Tulsa, but struggles with injuries he suffered in the attack and fears for his life every day. An attorney for the First Presbyterian Church, John Tucker said that the court's ruling was significant because it affirms the importance of religious liberty. 'This is the first case in the United States in which a court has affirmed that how a church conducts its baptisms is only the business of the church and is not subject to interference by the civil courts,' Tucker said. 'That's important, because baptism is an essential core concept of Christianity.' Turkey Has Given 'No Evidence' In Andrew Brunson Case, Says Legal Team Supporters of a US pastor who has been jailed on charges of 'membership in an armed terrorist organisation' since October say their legal defence is struggling. Rev Andrew Brunson of North Carolina has been held in Turkey since October. Brunson, 71, led a Protestant church in Izmir, Turkey, but was accused of connections to the US-based cleric Fetullah Gulen, who Turkey alleges was involved in a coup attempt last summer. The legal case for Brunson has been struggling due to lack of information provided by the Turkish authorities, Fox News reports. 'The problem we have is that his file is sealed, his Turkish attorney doesn't have access to the file, and there hasn't been any evidence that has been presented,' said Cece Heil of the American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ), a non-profit law firm supporting Brunson's case. 'It's been extremely hard to prepare any defence or to know what is at issue here,' she said, adding 'we have no idea why' Brunson was detained. 'He was a pastor in Turkey for 23 years with no problem.' Last week US Republicans and Democrats in Congress made a bi-partisan appeal to the Turkish government led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Their joint letter demanded the pastor's immediate release and deportation. 'Mr. Brunson has worked peacefully in Turkey since 1993,' the address to Erdogan said. 'There appears to be no evidence to substantiate the charges against him for membership in an armed terrorist organization. Moreover, your government has repeatedly denied regular and appropriate access to legal counsel and American consular services. 'We respectfully ask you to consider Mr Brunson's case and how the recent treatment of Mr Brunson places significant strain not only on him and his family, but also on the robust bilateral relationship between the United States and Turkey.' The letter also called for the country to 'reaffirm respect for fundamental freedoms and the rule of law'. The ACLJ also sent a letter to secretary of state Rex Tillerson urging his support. President Erdogan's rule has been increasingly authoritarian since a failed coup last year, with tens of thousands of people arrested or dismissed from their jobs. A referendum in April is set to give him sweeping powers and entrench his political position for years. Want To Enrich Your Personal Bible Study? Here Are 5 Tips To Achieve This Spiritual growth won't be achieved if Christians refuse to study God's Word. But once they do, they have to take things up a notch by putting what they've learned to practice. But how does one study God's Word? Pastor Rick Warren from Saddleback Church offers a couple of tips. But before reading the Bible, believers need to adopt a willing attitude, he said. "God has so much he wants to show us, but we must be willing to look into his Word with open eyes," he wrote on his website. Once their hearts and minds are ready, believers would be ready to develop an effective Bible study. The first step in doing this is learning how to ask the right questions. "Learning to study the Bible means learning to ask good questions from the text. There's no limit to how many questions you can ask of the Bible, because there's no limit to its wisdom and insight. The deeper you dig, the more gold you'll find," he said. Next, Warren said people should write down their observations. If people don't write down their observations about the Bible, then they won't be able to study it, he said. Warren said that true learning begins when Christians apply God's Word. He said this is the ultimate goal of Scripture to change one's life for the better. "We never settle for understanding alone. We want to apply the biblical principles to our daily living. All of our Bible study efforts really don't have any value if, in the final analysis, we don't become more like Christ," he said. He said Christians should study the Bible systematically. They cannot read one passage and jump to another one haphazardly, because doing so will only make them confused. "You can study it systematically by studying it verse-by-verse, book-by-book, topic-by-topic, or theme-by-theme," he suggested. The opposite of that is the old dip-and-skip method, where you just open up the Bible and put a finger down where you want to study." Lastly, Warren said it would significantly help if Christians read the Bible over and over again. The pastor said that there's always new insight to glean on from God's Word, and the more people read the same passage, the more they'll get out of it. Will A Christian Film Win Best Picture? Christian Today's Oscar Predictions Ah, the Oscars. The highlight of the film fan's calendar; the night when careers are made and cinematic history is written. The glitz, the glamour, the dresses. And of course, the often-woefully inaccurate pundit predictions. For people like me, it's yet another wonderful opportunity to again undermine our already-blighted reputations. This year, the ceremony contains a bit of extra intrigue for Christian viewers, as a film with an explicitly faith-affirming worldview is nominated in several of the key categories. Hacksaw Ridge, Mel Gibson's war biopic about Christian conscientious objector Desmond T Doss, is up for Best Picture, while Gibson and leading man Andrew Garfield (he of 'falling in love with Jesus' fame) are both recognised in their respective categories. Could a film about the power of Christian faith play David to some of this year's cinematic Goliaths? On Sunday night, the eyes of the world will be on Hollywood for the 89th Academy Awards. So in that foolish way that movie reviewers tend to do, let me stick my neck out and predict what I think might happen... along with a couple of moments of wishful thinking. Best Picture The nine-film shortlist for the biggest prize is as strong as perhaps it's ever been; it's hard to imagine Tootsie winning in a year like this. The list also makes for satisfying reading for the millions of fans who are outraged by the apparent whitewash of 2016, where David Oyelowo's titanic performance in Selma was among the many black contributions to cinema that went unrecognised that year. In 2017, four of the Best Picture nominees centre on characters of colour; two of them exclusively so. Yet while Moonlight is an extraordinary piece of storytelling, and Lion a heart-rending true story, it's almost impossible to see past La La Land. Damien Chazelle's musical masterpiece is a rare thing: a film that has you blinking at the screen with wonder and joy. Manchester by the Sea is the other one that could run it close, but sadly Hacksaw Ridge has no real chance in this category. Best Actor I really, really want Andrew Garfield to win. His gentle, sympathetic performance as Desmond T Doss is what elevates Hacksaw Ridge, and the act of taking on the role apparently elevated him too. For me though, this category is a three-way fight between Ryan Gosling's tap-dancing, smirking, jazz-piano-learning turn in La La Land, Casey Affleck's gritty portrayal of a man who can't quite live up to his calling in Manchester by the Sea, and Denzel Washington's strong actor-director performance in Fences. It could go any way, but I'm going to back Affleck to spring a minor upset, unless historic sexual harassment allegations against him have weighed on the minds of voters in which case Washington will win. Best Actress There are some sensational performances in this category; Ruth Negga is extraordinary in Loving, Isabelle Huppert is receiving rave reviews for the gritty Elle, and Natalie Portman's central role in Jackie keeps all eyes on her for every second of the movie. Yet while many of us would love to see Meryl Streep win just so she can give another speech, surely this is Emma Stone's year. She's marginally the stronger half of the team in La La Land, but her crowning moment in the film the four-minute ballad which features her face and voice and literally nothing else is iconic enough to help her bring home the famous statuette. Best Supporting Actor Like all the other fields, this is tight and tough one to predict. Dev Patel, Lucas Hedges and Jeff Bridges all give great performances in their respective films. However, there's a moment in Moonlight where Mahershala Ali's character realises that he is the cause of the very problem that he is trying to solve, and Ali gives a single emotional reaction so heartbreakingly powerful, it should win an Oscar all on its own. My hunch is that while Ali's role in the film is surprisingly brief, his impact is so great that he'll win the category. Best Supporting Actress For the corresponding category, I'm actually going to return to the very same scene, and predict British actress Naomie Harris to take another Oscar for Moonlight. Her performance as a drug-addicted mother is hard to watch at times, but undoubtedly a tremendous feat of acting which is equally hard to tear your eyes away from. She's far from a dead-cert though; to win she'll need to beat off competition from the heavily-backed Viola Davis taking us through the entire range of emotions (and needing to blow her nose) in Fences an understated Nicole Kidman in Lion, and Michelle Williams, strong in Manchester by the Sea. Best Original Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay Unless it simply cleans up on Sunday night, I don't think La La Land will win this one. Damien Chazelle's script is light and occasionally profound, but it's no match for the powerful, scorchingly honest Manchester by the Sea, which should win in the original category. In the adaptations, this could be the big moment for Fences, rewritten for the screen by playwright August Wilson before his death, but the honest truth is that the film isn't quite as cinematic as many had hoped. This could be another big moment for Moonlight, which while it relies more on images than words to convey its powerful story, is still a sensational piece of storytelling. Best Director Well. Could this be Hacksaw Ridge's moment? Mel Gibson certainly does a stunning job of marrying small-town melodrama and brutal war epic in a way that remains engaging throughout, and a win here would mark the completion of his Hollywood comeback after a decade on the blacklist. Yet while my heart says yes, my head says no: this is probably a two-horse race between Damien Chazelle and Barry Jenkins. The former choreographed an iconic single-shot dance routine on the LA freeway; the latter immersed viewers in the deeply difficult world of a troubled young person with an amazing use of colour and following shots. By a nose, I think the award will go to Jenkins, who has gone from total outsider to Hollywood royalty in seconds. In the rest of the awards, I reckon La La Land could scoop up several of the more technical categories, including Film Editing and Cinematography, while 'City of Stars' from the same film is surely nailed-on for best song. In the sort battle normally reserved for the Disneyland staff Christmas party, Moana and Zootopia will duke it out for Best Animated Feature and the latter will probably win (which I think would be a mistake). Finally, I think OJ: Made in America will win Best Documentary feature in a another strong field which also includes Ava DuVernay's extraordinary 13th. So there you are. I think La La Land will walk away with the highest individual number of awards on the night, but as a project that appeared as if from nowhere, Moonlight will be Oscar's most significant winner. And sadly, that probably leaves little room for Hacksaw Ridge (although don't despair, since Gibson is about to follow up his cinematic redemption with a Resurrection). But what do I know? One of the most glorious things about the ceremony is its ability to spring a surprise. So in fact, sit back and look forward to big wins from Arrival, Hidden Figures and Lion... Martin Saunders is a Contributing Editor for Christian Today and the Deputy CEO ofYouthscape. Follow him on Twitter @martinsaunders. Six people are behind bars after Wiltshire Police officers raided an underground nuclear bunker brimming with marijuana plants. Police said the Wednesday night raid uncovered a massive cannabis farm inside the Chilmark bunker. Officers found several thousand plants in various stages of growth inside. Photo from the Texas Department of Public Safety This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Police were looking for Rogelio Reyes for a decade, hoping to return him to Kansas to face charges for a deadly shooting. They finally caught a break. Customs and Border Patrol agents nabbed the 29-year-old Reyes Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, as he tried to cross the border into the United States at the Ysleta international crossing at El Paso. BORDER BUST: One of FBI's 10 Most Wanted caught in El Paso Border Patrol officials say Reyes tried to enter the United States as a pedestrian and agents stopped him for a border inspection. A quick computer query turned up a warrant for Reyes' arrest in Sedgewick County, Kansas, Border Patrol agents said. Reyes is charged with first-degree murder the Sept. 27, 2007, shooting of Avelino Ganvez in the back of the neck as he was driving a vehicle into a store parking lot. Police say Galvez survived the initial attack, but was critically injured and died several days later. Reyes is a U.S. citizen who was living in Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico. El Paso police took custody of Reyes, pending his extradition to Kansas. >>>Scroll through the gallery to see the most wanted fugitives in Texas Houston Police on Thursday afternoon released surveillance video connected to a pair of robberies that left an 18-year-old fast food worker dead when he tried to get between an armed robber and his mother, another employee. The robbers struck about 9 p.m. Wednesday while the victim, 18, and his mother were working at a Subway restaurant along the 3900 block of Broadway near the Gulf Freeway. Afterward, Crime Stoppers announced a $30,000 reward for information leading to the suspected killer's arrest. Police said the fatal shooting may also be linked to robbery of another Subway in east Houston that apparently occurred after the fatal shooting. The suspect descriptions matched in both armed robberies and video of the second robbery can be seen above. "They were the only two employees at the time. They were getting ready to close," said Detective D. Crowder with the Houston Police homicide division of the first robbery. The two assailants rushed in and pointed a gun at the victim's mother, who was toward the front cleaning up. The victim was behind the counter, police said. "He tried to intervene. When he confronted the guy with the gun, he was shot," Crowder said. The shooting victim has been identified by teachers and Houston Police Department as a Chavez High School student, Javier Flores. Flores was in the 11th grade, according to Houston Independent School District officials. "We offer our deepest condolences to the student's family and friends, as well as to the entire school community," the district said in a statement. The district added counselors have been made available to support students and staff. The robbers fled the scene in a gold or tan colored sedan. They were seen heading along the southbound Gulf Freeway. The wounded employee was taken by ambulance to Ben Taub General Hospital where he died, police said. Cash from the Subway was still on the counter when Houston police arrived. "The robbery may have been cut short by the victim," Crowder said. Although detectives are still looking for any security video in the area, the victim's distraught mother, at least initially, is their primary source for information into her son's slaying. "It's very hard for her to talk about this," Crowder said. The day after the crime, police released a sketch of the man they believe was the shooter. He is described as 5-foot-10 with a slim build. Both suspects are believed to be between 16 and 20 years old. Although the reward was initially set at $5,000, when Crime Stoppers bumped up the dollar figure Thursday evening, it was thanks to an anonymous donor. "A concerned citizen called us today and wanted to seek justice for the Flores family and donated $25,000 - a supplemental reward to our $5,000," Crime Stoppers spokesman Jeff McShan said. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. A young Oklahoma dad has gone viral after posting a moving photo to honor his wife for her bravery in carrying their daughter to full term just so they can donate her organs to another infant. The child, a baby girl they are naming Eva, is being born without a brain and because of this, she isn't expected to live past a few days. When her parents found out about their daughter's condition, the 31-year-old mother asked if her organs could be donated if she carried her to full term. FAMILY TRIALS: Mom shares photo of her son battling cancer, says he's afraid to sleep alone if he dies in sleep Royce Young posted the black-and-white photo of his wife sleeping on Facebook with a moving caption about his wife's bravery and selflessness through the entire pregnancy. "I thought back to the moment where we found out Eva wasn't perfect, and how literally 30 seconds after our doctor told us our baby doesn't have a brain, somehow through full body ugly crying, Keri looked up and asked, 'If I carry her full term, can we donate her organs?" Young writes about his wife Keri. He goes on to say how the doctor told her she didn' have to think about something like that, but his wife was serious. And now, with her belly full and the baby close to being born, the couple looks forward to the day they meet their baby girl, even if it's only for a few days. "Eva is alive and our daughter deserves to meet her mama and daddy, gave us a purpose to continue on," Young writes. "Donating was on Keri's mind from darn near the second we found out and while the experience of holding and kissing our daughter will be something we cherish forever, the gift(s) she's got inside that little body of hers is what really matters." JUST IN TIME: Police, Texas vet save puppy from heroin overdose, owners arrested He says he and his wife chose to turn Eva from a dying child into a miracle for another family's baby to survive. Though, if he could change the circumstances, he admits he would in a heartbeat. "A lot of people say things like, 'I wouldn't change anything' after a trying circumstance, but I'm not about to say that. I would definitely change this if I could. I want my daughter to be perfect," Young writes near the end of his post. "I want her to blow out her candles on her first birthday. I want to watch her bang her head on our coffee table trying to learn to walk. I want her to run up a cell phone bill texting boys. I want to walk her down an aisle." In the end, Young praises his wife for her toughness and bravery through such a difficult situation. "She's incredible. She's remarkable. She's cut from a different cloth, combining wit, beauty, courage, silliness, character and integrity into one spectacular woman. And somehow, she's my wife," Young concludes his post. Since sharing their story on Facebook on February 17, the couple has gone viral with over 6,800 shares and have received thousands of messages of support. The couple says they will continue to share their posts about Eva for the public, but ask that people respect their privacy in order to protect their toddler son, Harrison. SAVING LIVES: Thanks to the community, lost dog finds new home Photo courtesy of UT-Austin University of Texas at Austin President Greg Fenves pledged Wednesday to "redouble" the university's efforts to help students feel safe on campus, at the end of an emotional public forum on recent hate speech and racism. The two-hour town hall meeting followed a tense week at UT, the latest Texas university to grapple with racist, anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim posters or graffiti on campus. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The feud between doctors, hospitals and insurance companies over billing is beginning to look like a Three Stooges feature, and it'd be funny if patients weren't the ones getting slapped. Nowhere is there greater billing confusion than in the emergency department, where all sides have knowingly created a financial trap that could bankrupt a family, according to new research from the Center for Public Policy Priorities, a left-leaning think tank. Every person with private insurance knows by now that to get the most out of their insurance, they need to see a doctor and visit a hospital that is in their network. But more than 300 hospitals in Texas have turned over emergency departments to doctors who are not in the same networks, the study found. In fact, only four hospitals had emergency departments that also accept the same major insurance carriers. Fifteen hospitals in Houston have emergency departments that are in different networks. So even if you do manage to tell the ambulance driver which hospital is in your network, the doctors who greets you at the door are still likely to send you an outrageously high bill because they were not paid the rate they want by your insurance company. RELATED: Even with insurance, health care bills can make you feel sick Why? This is where it becomes like the Three Stooges, with everyone pointing the finger at someone else and hitting each other upside the head. Hospitals say they don't employ the doctors in the emergency room, they merely contract with a physicians group to supply those services. And that contract does not require the physicians group to accept the same insurance plans. The physicians group complains that the insurance companies won't sign a contract with them. Some even claim insurance companies won't return their calls. Insurance companies say the physicians groups charge too much and won't accept the reasonable rates on offer. And since insurers are not in the business of getting soaked by doctors, they will only pay what they think is fair, and leave the rest of the bill unpaid. The balance of the bill, therefore, comes to you. And if you were in a bad car accident, it can easily top $100,000. Since most Americans don't have $500 in the bank for an emergency, surprise medical bills are one of the largest contributing factors to personal bankruptcies. After years of complaints and horror stories, our esteemed Texas legislature passed a law allowing patients to demand that insurers and doctors mediate a reasonable bill. It should come as no surprise, though, that health care lobbyists made sure this mandatory mediation process is so complicated, and so convoluted, that you need a degree in health care finance to invoke it. CPPP found that only 3,824 consumers have used it since 2009 out of 250,000 balance bills. RELATED: Lawmaker wants to address medical billing surprises This year the legislature has promised to look at the mediation program again to simplify it. But that doesn't really solve the problem now, does it. Just like the Three Stooges, the insurance companies, doctors and hospitals are not going to solve this problem on their own. They've had plenty of time to work it out among themselves, and when I talk to people representing each of these groups, they show no willingness to compromise. When Congress rewrites the Affordable Care Act, it needs to make sure that when someone is rushed to the emergency room at their most physically vulnerable that they are not made financially vulnerable. Medicare Part B has established reimbursement rates for people over 65 visiting an ER. All health plans should be required to pay Medicare rates for an emergency room visit, and all physician groups should accept those rates. Hospitals need to only contract with doctors willing to follow the rule. RELATED: In face of high costs, why not offer Medicare to all Americans? Just like Medicare Part B, the patient will need to make a co-payment and pay 20 percent of the approved reimbursement rate. That won't be cheap, but it's better than getting a balance bill for 80 percent of the fees. It's an easy solution. Let's see if our representatives in Washington will prioritize the people's interests. Or if they allow health care billing remain a Three Stooges act. Indigo Resources and M5 Midstream will expand to three floors in JPMorgan Chase Tower. The deal, announced by the companies' real estate firm, was completed late last year and was one of the largest energy company lease deals of 2016. The companies, which share common management, will occupy 67,710 square feet under a long-term lease extension and expansion to one additional floor, Savills Studley announced. The space is being renovated for move-in by the end of the first quarter. "To have a company that is expanding is kind of unusual," said Mark Russell, executive vice president and co-branch manager of Savills Studley. "A lot of (energy) firms tend to be putting sublease space on the market or contracting." An Indigo Resources executive cited favorable lease terms now available and said the expansion will help the company grow. "This transaction will expand Indigo and M5's downtown Houston footprint and facilitate recruitment and retention of top talent within both companies," Bill Pritchard, executive chairman of Indigo Resources, said in an announcement. As a bonus, Pritchard said, not having to move from the tower that has been home base for the past decade "is a major success." Energy companies made up only 18 percent of leasing activity in 2016, according to CBRE. In recent years, the energy sector had made up just over half of leasing deals. RELATED: Sublease glut shows signs of improvement The companies will now occupy floors 55, 56 and 57 of the 75-story tower, Houston's tallest. As part of the deal, the companies' names will be added to monument signs around the building, Russell said. Some of the space had previously been subleased from Breitburn Energy Partners, which rejected its lease in the tower at 600 Travis when it filed for bankruptcy protection last year, Russell said. Breitburn has since relocated to downtown's Heritage Plaza. Russell said Indigo and M5 explored other options before signing what they consider "a fair and reasonable deal." "The preference was to stay put," he said. "We were able to do that." Indigo Resources is involved in oil and gas exploration and production, primarily in north Louisiana. M5 Midstream handled midstream projects for Indigo and other companies. The companies will have separate offices within the tower. The Indigo Resources/M5 Midstream space is leased directly from the landlord. Clark Thompson led the Colvill Office Properties team on the lease for the landlord. The building is managed by Hines. A couple was rushed to the hospital after an overnight double stabbing in Baytown, police said Thursday. Just before 1 a.m., Baytown police responded to a call in the 3400 block of Cobblestone and found a 35-year-old woman and her 46-year-old boyfriend covered in knife wounds. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Working from a 2013 five-year master plan, the Deer Park Parks and Recreation Department has renovated seven parks in recent years, including Wynfield, Nedith and Runningbrook, which were recently rededicated. In addition to new face-lifts for the city's green and play spaces, many with new equipment and other needed improvements, the city has begun installing special markers identifying each park. "At Runningbrook we replaced all the playground equipment and we introduced our park monument sign," said Parks and Recreation Director Scott Swigert. A sign marking Wynfield Park was also installed. Eventually all city parks will have similar signs. Nedith Park was also recently completed and boasts new playground equipment and spruced up character play pieces such as a caterpillar and snail. A walking path was added. Swigert said special touches his department is adding that will make each project special. "We renovated College Park last year, and it has a remote-control car rock-climbing course," he said. "At Avon Park, we put in a zip line, Runningbrook has our tallest slides, and at Wynfield we have a new swing set that allows a guardian to sit in the same swing with the child as they face each other." Georgette Ford chairs the Parks and Recreation Commission, a group of residents that works with the department to oversee and approve its projects. She participated in many of the community input meetings when the department was creating its master plan, and she said she's proud of the result. "Most of our town is made up of neighborhoods," she said. "Our vision has always been to cater to our citizens with a higher standard of living; so we try to innovate at each park." Planned trail to run through city With that in mind, Swigert said his department has plans to construct a walking trail through the city. Plans are being finalized for a 2.5-mile crushed-granite trail beginning at Park Green Park and connecting to Wynfield Park then to Tiffany Amber Park and on to Runningbrook Park, where it will end. However, Ford said her commission hopes to eventually connect all the city's parks through trails and sidewalks. Said Swigert: "We secured a $200,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife (Department) to do a walking trail; so now we are going through the process and the paperwork and working on an ecological study. Once we get through all of that in the next couple of months, then we will begin the actual design of the trail, and then we will go out for bid and hopefully have it in place by the end of 2018." The total cost of the project will be approximately $300,000, he said. The city will kick in the remaining funds. Swigert said Parks and Recreation is focused on improvements at Tiffany Amber Park and building a new park from the ground up in the developing Cottonwood Estates neighborhood. Swigert said the developer donated land for a park, per the city's ordinance, and his department has plans to spend approximately $330,000 on playground equipment, a walking path and a unique element for that space. "We're working to figure out something," he said. "Maybe we'll do a pavilion or some other type of structure." Swigert said the park improvements have brought more people out to enjoy Deer Park's green spaces. "Even though we have high usage in all of our parks, the renovations bring new excitement and new interest," he said. "In 2018, we will do an update of our plan and evaluate what has been accomplished and see then what our needs are going forward." In January, the RC Rock Crawler course at College Park received a special recognition award by the Houston-Galveston Area Council for its 2016 Parks and Natural Areas Award competition. The Parks and Recreation project, which won in the under-$50,000 category of the competition, allows drivers to guide a four-wheeler over rocky terrain. Ford said she's happy to see her hometown's commitment to keeping its 24 city-owned parks in tip-top shape. "I'm a Deer Parker for life, and for me the important thing is the quality of life we have here," she said. "I know how awesome my childhood was, and I want to continue that for the kids of Deer Park." For more information about the City's park improvements visit www.ci.deer-park.tx.us. Crosby ISD board members went live on Facebook to voice support for the Teaching over Testing Act, a bill aimed at reducing the state's emphasis on standardized testing and giving local school districts responsibility to select test providers. House Bill 1333 was authored by Jason Issac, R-Dripping Springs, and has received bipartisan support. "We've come to talk to him today about his great bill that we strongly, strongly support," said Crosby Independent School District trustee Cathi Hughes in introduction from Issac's office in Austin. Isaac believes giving the more than 1,000 school districts in Texas the power to shop around for test providers will create more competition and save money. Currently, he said, the state contract adds up to $300 million over four years. The bill also reduces the number of standardized tests students must take from 22 to 17, which is the requirement set by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. "We go too far," Issac said. "It costs too much money; it takes too much time." The Teaching over Testing Act also prevents results from the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, from being used in teacher evaluations. Isaac said there is no benchmark to test students before and after the test to measure the progress of how the teacher has done. "Teachers have told me that education is a three-legged stool," Issac said. "It involves the teacher, the parent and the student, and we've got to make sure all three of those legs are standing up straight and are measured, and that's House Bill 1333 in a nutshell." Currently, 55 percent of a school's rating relies on STAAR. The act would lower that percentage to 25 and include measurements like health and wellness and parental involvement. However, the federal government requires the test to account for least 50 percent of the rating. In a news conference announcing the act, Issac said if the bill passes, Education Commissioner Mike Morath will need to request a waiver to the federal requirement. "I have not found a single business owner in the state of Texas that hires anyone based on how they do on their STAAR test, and I haven't talked to an institution of higher education that admits anyone based on how they do on their STAAR test, so I don't know why we place so much emphasis on it and stress our kids out and our educators and administrators," Isaac said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A small community south of Conroe is reeling from an early Wednesday stabbing and officer-involved shooting that left two people dead and their 11-year-old son being marked a hero. The 11-year-old walked in on his father Medger Blake, 41, stabbing his mother Rose Blake, 38, around 5:30 a.m. in their home at 74 Chestnut Meadow Court, Montgomery County Sheriff's officials said. The home sits north of FM 1488 in the Jacobs Reserve subdivision near the W.G. Jones State Forest. The boy called 911 and could be heard begging his father to stop, at which point he locked himself in a bathroom to wait for deputies to respond. The boy, reportedly covered in blood met with deputies outside. A deputy in training sheltered the boy as two other deputies entered the home to confront the father. Deputies approached the home's master bedroom, which is where Medger Blake was waiting with a knife near his injured wife. Although deputies asked the man to drop the knife, Carlisle said he lunged for the deputies, who both opened fire on him. Medger and Rose Blake were pronounced dead on scene. A note found inside the home could provide detectives with further clues about the motive behind the stabbing, though investigators were relatively tight-lipped about its contents. The letter was addressed to an older family member and detailed issues occurring within the family along with instructions about what family members were to do in the event of a tragic situation. No other details were made available about the note. Neighbor Brian DeHaven was walking his dog as detectives were investigating the home. He met the family as they moved into the home summer 2015 and found out about the stabbing from his daughter. "They were really nice," DeHaven said. "But people get mad; you never know what comes out. You feel bad for the 11-year-old." The couple purchased the home in February 2015, records show. Officials said their 11-year-old son attended Conroe ISD schools. The two deputies who opened fire on Medger Blake were placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues. The MCSO along with the Texas Rangers and Montgomery County District Attorney's Office will investigate the officer-involved shooting aspect of the case, as they do in any similar case. MCSO's Major Crimes Division will investigate the stabbing. MCSO Capt. Bryan Carlisle said the crime scene was particularly gruesome, more so than many of the incidents he has witnessed over his 20-year career. The deputies have a long road ahead, not only legal proceedings regarding them opening fire on Medger Blake but also coping with the traumatizing situation. "They did what they had to do," Carlisle said. "Although we prepare ourselves every day to deal with tragedy, this is not something you wish for." Carlisle lauded the 11-year-old boy, saying his actions of calling 911, remaining on the line and meeting with deputies outside were heroic. Family members met with the boy as he was being interviewed at the Montgomery County Children's Safe Harbor. Most family members were from Louisiana, Carlisle said, though some came up from Houston. The investigation into the stabbing and shooting is ongoing. The names of the deputies involved were not released by press time. Meagan Ellsworth contributed to this story. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The morning after reports of shots fired at Houston's bustling Ben Taub Hospital prompted a two-hour lockdown and tense search of the building, a police investigation suggests the incident was prompted by mistaken reports. "At this point it's believed that it was an overheard and non-confirmed statement that triggered the whole thing," Houston police spokesman Victor Senties said. After interviewing all known potential witnesses, Senties said, investigators are preparing to close the case -- unless new information emerges. Police have said they do not have reason to believe the incident was an intentional hoax and that authorities responded appropriately. "It wasn't a mistake; there was a specific reason (we responded)," Chief Art Acevedo said Tuesday outside the hospital. "We had multiple witnesses that heard a man yell, 'Drop the gun, drop the gun.' Multiple people heard two large bangs. Whether or not those were gunshots is subject to further investigation." ORIGINAL STORY: Ben Taub gets 'all clear' after SWAT search finds no evidence of shooting The scare began just before 2 p.m. Tuesday when hospital staff members initiated a "Code White," the hospital's protocol for a suspected active shooter, said Bryan McLeod, a spokesman for Harris Health, the agency that runs county hospitals including Ben Taub. Barbara Mushinski, a nurse in an upstairs clinic, said colleagues on the second floor told her they heard gunshots and someone say to put down a gun. Her colleagues barricaded themselves inside a room, while Mushinski evacuated. SWAT team members and other officers spent two hours scouring the hospital's six floors and basement but found no gun, shooter, victim or evidence of gunfire such as bullet holes or spent casings. On Wednesday afternoon, Harris Health officials gave an update while standing in front of the same glass stairwell that 24 hours earlier teemed with police officers with guns drawn. "We have been unable to confirm that there was a sound of gunshots," said Dr. Ericka Brown, the system's executive vice president. After interviewing staff and beginning to review video surveillance footage, Brown said hospital leaders are "very confident" there was not a gun in the building and no shots were fired. However, Brown emphasized that the staff member or members who initiated the hospital-wide "Code White" alert did not necessarily make a mistake but acted appropriately to what they believed was a threat. "I'm not sure that there was not a threat," she cautioned. Bryan McLeod, a Harris Health spokesman, confirmed what witnesses told the Chronicle yesterday about where the "Code White" alert apparently originated -- the Ear, Nose and Throat clinic on the hospital's second floor. Brown said the alert went out throughout the hospital, warning staff to shelter in place with patients. Hospital procedure dictates that the alert precede any calls to 911, she said. While parts of the hospital were evacuated and many staff members barricaded themselves in offices, Brown confirmed that surgeons continued operations they already had started. She said law enforcement helped make that possible. Brown, who has held her position for two years, praised the response by Houston police as "outstanding." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A man was removed from a United Airlines flight bound for Houston after making multiple racist comments to a couple in front of him. According to KHOU, passengers were boarding a flight in Chicago when an unidentified man asked a Pakistani-Indian couple, "That's not a bomb in your bag, is it?" After the man repeated the question, a passenger who heard the remarks left her seat and approached flight attendants. ALARMING: Report finds hate groups rapidly rising in numbers in America The Pakistani women also left her seat to speak with flight attendants, informing them of other comments the man had made, including asking her Indian boyfriend where he was from as well as telling them, "all illegals and all foreigners need to leave the country." Shortly after, the man and a young woman accompanying him on the flight were asked by United employees to gather their belongings and leave the plane, a moment another passenger recorded. After insisting he didn't say anything and cursing over his removal, the man told the couple, "Happy flight home. I hope you stay there." "Get out of here," said another passenger to the man. "Racist aren't welcome in America. This is not Trump's America." CROWDFUNDING: Support pours in for damaged Jewish cemetery near St. Louis Several passengers cheered as the duo were removed from the plane. One passenger shouted, "Goodbye racists!" Click through above to see which hate groups are active in Texas. A Spring man tells TV personality Dr. Phil that he shot and killed his 53-year-old neighbor, Ana Weed, because "she was coming at" him with a roll of tape and her two dogs. Her family said he planned to kill her as an act of revenge because she helped his wife flee the country. Hector Campos, 43, is accused of shooting Weed outside their Spring homes Jan. 24, Chron.com reported. Her family said Weed was chasing her dogs, two schnauzers, into his yard. He said he felt threatened by a roll of tape in her hand. CONROE: Mother fatally stabbed; father killed by officers at Montgomery County home Campos told Dr. Phil that he felt attacked and that he "could not tell what her intentions were." He was arrested and released from jail the next day on a $50,000 bond. "I believe it was planned. It just isn't right. To see him get out on bail, free to roam the streets, is beyond me. I cannot believe this guys is walking," Scott Weed, Ana Weed's husband, told KHOU in late January. "My wife was squatted down holding the dog. Hector point blank shot her in the chest with intent to kill." The victims family said the it was an act of revenge because Ana Weed helped Campos' estranged wife reserve a ticket to Mexico. They claimed that he was an abusive husband, and that he repeatedly canceled his wife's travel reservations. "This is clearly an act of retaliation," Charles Johnson, Jr., a criminal defense attorney who is acting as a spokesman for the victim's family told KTRK. "That is the family's position. That is my position And Mrs. Weed paid the ultimate price." ARREST: Elderly couple set house on fire to lure police into ambush Campos' attorney, Jon Parchman, said his client was not abusive and that his wife left on a planned trip to Mexico. He said it was not premeditated, but that it was a case of self-defense. Johnson insisted that Ana Weed did not pose a threat that warranted death. "A five-foot-two woman with a roll of tape? I don't think she deserves that level of force against her," Johnson said. "These are good people who tried to do something good. She (Weed) was executed for it." Campos told Dr. Phil in an episode airing Wednesday that he doesn't know if he would change anything about that day. Click above to see part of the interview. The office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against a construction company in Hidalgo County accused of targeting Hispanics in a home building scam, it announced Wednesday. The lawsuit is targeting Briseno Construction, based in Mission. State officials said the company claimed in ads aimed at Spanish-speaking consumers that they could complete a new home in five months with no financing and no interest. An investigation revealed that home owners were required to make deposits up to 60 percent of the asking price before the company would start construction. But, they often delayed or even failed to complete the homes, officials said. In addition, several consumers said they were being fined by the local government because their homes were built without proper permits, state officials said. The construction company and its owners, Alejandra Melendez and Adelina Briseno, are charged in the lawsuit with repeat violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The Attorney General's Office is seeking a permanent injunction against the defendants, restitution for affected home buyers and up to $20,000 in civil penalties for each violation. Texas residents who believe they were victims of the alleged scam are asked to contact the Texas Attorney General's Office at 800-252-8011. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate State District Judge Michael McSpadden - who handled the case of teacher Alexandria Vera and her relationship with a 13-year-old student - sent a letter this week to area school superintendents urging them to install safeguards recommended by an expert in court. McSpadden, who sentenced Vera to 10 years in prison after hearing from experts on teacher-student relationships, sent the letter to the superintendent in the Aldine ISD, where Vera had worked, and other superintendents in the Houston area, including HISD. The letter included a four-page transcript from the court hearing outlining several suggestions from a psychologist. "There has been a dramatic increase in these teacher/student cases in Texas in the past few years," McSpadden wrote. "If you haven't already installed safeguards to protect our children and our teachers, we hope you consider these options." The suggestions, from Dr. Karen A. Lawson, include continuing education for teachers on boundaries, guarding cell phone numbers to prevent any socializing and avoiding one-on-one meetings with students. Lawson gave her opinions after the judge asked her questions during Vera's sentencing. Read a transcript of the court proceedings. Story continues below. "Teachers have told me the students have taken their cell phones off their desk in order to get their cell phone number," Lawson testified. "It needs to be guarded like money in Fort Knox." She said students tend to idolize their teachers and teachers can enjoy the attention. "The youngsters, they look up to their teacher. They love to be around them," she said. "If they can, in fact, get more contact with their teachers, they love that." That adoration leads students to tell their teachers about their problems, instead of telling someone more appropriate, such as a school counselor. In turn, the teachers can grow to like the attention. In Vera's case, she became deeply involved in other students' lives and relationships, including letting two eighth graders have sex at her home, prosecutors said in court. She was a teacher in the Aldine Independent School District. "Those are the factors that are insidious and start to happen with people, where there is a predisposition of wanting to be looked up to and engaging in that more," said Lawson, who is a licensed psychologist and a licensed sex offender treatment provider. At Vera's sentencing earlier this year, McSpadden said he does not believe Vera is a danger to other children, specifically not a classic pedophile, but that he needed to send a message to the community. The former teacher was facing the possibility of life in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child. The sentencing was complicated because the boy's family knew about the relationship and approved, the judge said. Vera pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a child, with a possible punishment capped at 30 years. She was also eligible for probation, which her lawyer argued was appropriate. Vera had faced a punishment range of 25 years to life in prison if convicted of continuous sexual assault of a child, a felony with a heightened punishment, even for first offenders. Before the hearing, McSpadden read a pre-sentence investigation prepared by court officials and several letters from supporters, including the victim's mother. Vera was arrested after officials with Child Protective Services were notified about a possible sexual relationship and found out during their investigation that Vera had gotten pregnant and had an abortion. Vera and the underage student apparently met when he was a student of hers in summer school at Stovall Middle School in Aldine ISD, according to court records. She aborted their child after the relationship was found out. The Harris County Sheriff's Office recently arrested 17-year-old Orlando David Delgado who is charged with shooting and killing a bald eagle with two of his friends. A resident in North Harris county said he heard a "loud pop" near his home and observed three males standing near a tree where the symbolic bird had nested for a few years. Mayor Sylvester Turner and Police Chief Art Acevedo expressed support Thursday for a bill U.S. Sen. John Cornyn plans to file next week to further incentivize hiring police officers with military experience something the Houston Police Department already does. Cornyn said his bill to be titled the American Law Enforcement Heroes Act would allow law enforcement agencies to be reimbursed up to $25,000 per new veteran recruit. He did not know whether each agency's grant funding through the program would be capped. Mayor Sylvester Turner made good Wednesday on his earlier hints that the fire pension trustees' failure to agree to reform terms would see the fund receive deeper benefit cuts than it had tentatively agreed to last fall. The fire fund has remained wary throughout the year-long talks, expressing hesitance even when it agreed to basic terms last October, and moving the slowest of the city's three pension groups in reaching agreed-upon language with City Hall to submit to the Legislature. With an informal deadline having been reached this week without final language in hand, Turner said, he has instructed Legislative attorneys to proceed with the final bill drafting in a way that roughly matches the fire reforms to those agreed to by the police pension, which is agreeing to its second round of cuts since benefits were hiked in 2001, causing costs to soar. Without the comprehensive data on the plan's participants he had requested, Turner added, the city must propose deeper cuts to ensure the originally projected cost savings are achieved. "I've given instructions to put in place in the fire section those terms that will be in the best interest of the city," Turner said. "If, by chance, the fire pension representatives should decide to provide us with the necessary data in order for us to verify the cost, we can always revisit. I leave that up to them." Joe Gimenez, a spokesman for the firefighters fund, called Turner's announcement "disappointing." "The mayor is, with that, unilaterally blowing up thousands of hours of discussions that they've had since last summer. I think they are very disappointed that all of that hard work appears to be going for naught," Gimenez said. "The firefighters were ready to continue their discussions. They felt like the term sheets were still coming to fruition." The fire fund remains ready to continue discussions, he said. Turner provided few details about precisely how the fire benefits will align or not align with the terms the police officers agreed to, saying simply, "We're making their plan a little bit more analogous to that of police." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate It's Nov. 14, 2014, in the first round of the PBR Canadian National Finals in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and then 23-year-old Ty Pozzobon settles onto the back of Boot Strap Bill, a hulking black bull with a white streak across his face. The gate opens, and Bill kicks and spins as the seconds begin to tick away. Pozzobon leans and rocks in rhythm with the massive bull, but as the buzzer sounds to end the 8 seconds, Bill slams the rider to the ground with a quick jump and powerful kick. The crowd looks on as the young rider rolls to his knees, but before he can stand the bull's hind hooves come crashing down, snapping Pozzobon's helmet in half as if it were fine china. The rider, now stunned, lays in the dirt on his side as the monstrous bull continues to buck, hooves crashing down around his unprotected skull. With a sudden twist, a hoof comes down on Pozzobon's head, rendering him lifeless. Pozzobon, who scored an 86 in the ride and earned him $1,200, would remain unconscious for 24 minutes after the incident, his wife, Jayd, said. He spent 10 days in a dark room recovering, and he suffered short-term memory loss, social anxiety and impaired speech during that time. This week some of the best bull riders in the world are putting their bodies on line at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, but the 25-year-old rising star from Merritt, British Columbia isn't one of them. Pozzobon took his own life Jan. 9, news that shocked friends, family, the bull riding community and fans across the globe. A few months after his brush with Boot Strap Bill, in February 2015, Pozzobon, who split his time between Central Texas and his hometown, went for a brain scan. By that time he was 25 and had reportedly suffered numerous concussions and other head injuries not to mention the broken hands, broken wrists, broken femurs and collapsed lung and family members began to notice changes in his behavior. "His head was lit up like a Christmas tree," one of his good friends, Randy Quartieri, said of the scan. Quartieri currently lives in San Antonio and first met Pozzobon at Odessa College, known for its rodeo program, in 2009. "[The doctors] said they were going to use his brain as an example to other people," Quartieri said. Jayd, a resident of Gonzales, Texas, said doctors believed her husband was suffering from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative disease brought on by repeated brain trauma, and he was suffering from "text book" symptoms of the disease: anxiety, depression and mood swings. "He was going through hell," Quartieri said. Jayd said she begged him to retire, but "passion is irrational." Pozzobon kept riding. "As a wife, it was undoubtedly nerve-wracking," Jayd said. Eventually, he was worn down by his personal battles and began to doubt himself, Quartieri said. "No one knows what he was thinking or doing," he said. "There was more going on inside him than what we know." On Jan. 9, at his home in Merritt, it finally came to an end. "Being a 25-year-old widow, I can't really explain how sick that can make you," Jayd said. "I've tried to pray about how to handle this and not let it be in vain." Pozzobon, who friends described as a selfless and thoughtful man, seems to have preempted his wife's concerns. He had made the decision to donate his brain to science after his death, and it's currently en route to a neurological research center at the University of Washington. "He did some amazing things in life," Quartieri said, "but it's no comparison to what he's going to do now." Jayd says she doesn't want to kill the sport of professional bull riding, but she hopes Pozzobon's donation helps "raise the awareness of the corroding and crippling side effects of concussions in hopes of bettering the sport of bull riding," she said. Researchers at the University of Washington hope for the same. The neurology department at the university receives about 100 brains every year, and researchers at the department investigate brain injuries sustained by athletes and military veterans, among others. "It's an incredible gift," said Dr. C. Dirk Keene, an associate professor of pathology, of Pozzobon's donation. "It's the ultimate gift to science." Keene and Dr. Christine Mac Donald, partners at the research center, will examine Pozzobon's brain and then compare their results with the types of injuries he suffered as a professional bull rider. Doing so will allow them to draw connections about the unique injuries bull riders face, which could possibly provide them with information on "new targets for therapy and intervention in the future," Mac Donald, an associate professor in neurological surgery, said. "It will also help us understand when someone should return to the sport and implications for them later in life," she said. What this information means for the sport of bull riding is still unclear. Andrew Giangola, head of communications for PBR, said his organization can examine riders' health reports, and implement certain requirements injured riders must meet before returning to competition. The problem, according to Giangola, is that PBR isn't the sole professional rodeo organization, and they can't prevent riders from competing in other events, as they are considered independent contractors with PBR, not employees. "PBR cannot possibly monitor the health and welfare of every bull rider applicant or even just the entire list of PBR permit/card holders," Giangola said in a written statement. "PBR expects and relies heavily on the expectations that independent contractors manage their careers, personal health, personal matters and well-being." However, Giangola said the "health and well-being of all bull riders at PBR events always has been and remains of the utmost importance and concern," and medical professionals are on site at every rodeo to respond to any emergency situations that may arise. Keene said there's "very little known about bull riding and the changes that happen in the brain" from injuries sustained in the sport. But because many of Pozzobon's injuries were recorded, they'll have a better picture of the sort of trauma his brain sustained and the threat to other bull riders. Quartieri, who makes a living filming bull riders and making videos for them, said he hopes to document the entire research process to cement Pozzobon's legacy. "I'll go to war trying to make something good out of this," he said. On Feb. 21, 2017, the Ty Pozzobon Foundation officially launched. In a statement announcing the foundation, Ty's mom, Leanne, cemented her family's commitment to carrying her son's memory forward. "It is our vision to all do our best to make sure something like this doesn't happen again in the sport Ty loved so much," she said. Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated Pozzobon was in a coma for a week after Boot Strap Bill stomped on his head during the 2014 PBR Canadian National Finals in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. cdowns@mysa.com Twitter: @calebjdowns 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. As Republicans in Congress look to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, theyre considering a return to high-risk pools like one in Wisconsin, which some considered a national model. The states Health Insurance Risk-Sharing Plan, or HIRSP, insured about 21,000 people whose medical conditions prevented them from getting insurance on the individual market. The program which ran from 1979 to 2014, when the federal health laws exchanges started was funded through premiums, insurance company assessments and reduced payments to providers. Pooling the high-risk individuals together and managing their needs separately was a huge factor in the states success in offering a competitive insurance market, J.P. Wieske, the states deputy insurance commissioner, told the House Energy and Commerce Committee this month. But while Wisconsin had the second-highest per-capita participation among 35 states with high-risk pools, HIRSP was too expensive for many people and left more than half a million residents uninsured, said Donna Friedsam, health policy programs director at UW-Madisons Population Health Institute. It worked well for 21,000 people, Friedsam said. But it did not solve the problem of getting most of the people in our state connected to affordable coverage. Wisconsins high-risk pool had a six-month waiting period for coverage of pre-existing conditions and a lifetime cap of $2 million, similar to high-risk pools in other states but unlike coverage under the federal health law. HIRSP lost $6.9 million in 2011, roughly a third of which was offset by a federal grant, according to the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau. The same year, programs in the 35 states lost a total of at least $272 million, according to the National Association of State Comprehensive Health Plans. The programs covered about 226,000 people. House Speaker Paul Ryan, Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price and other Republicans have called for high-risk pools as a key part of dismantling the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Instead of requiring insurers to cover people with pre-existing conditions, as the federal health law does, Ryans proposal says insurers should be banned from charging people more for such conditions if patients maintain continuous coverage. People who cant get coverage could enroll in high-risk pools, which might keep premiums lower for healthier people who buy insurance on their own, Ryan and others say. We believe that high-risk pools are a smarter way of guaranteeing coverage for people with pre-exisiting conditions, Ryan said at a CNN town hall meeting in January. High-risk pools are used in many types of insurance, said Sean Dilweg, who was Wisconsins insurance commissioner from 2007 to 2011. A high-risk pool is nothing unusual, said Dilweg, now senior vice president for government relations at Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corp. in Milwaukee. The idea is to take the most expensive members out of the system. Wisconsins program had significant deficits during the 1980s, when the Legislature set rates and some state funding was used, said Joe Kachelski, a long-term HIRSP board member and CEO of the Wisconsin Statewide Health Information Network. The program was restructured in the early 1990s to require 60 percent of costs to come from premiums and 40 percent from insurer assessments. Later, half of the 40 percent was designated to provider discounts. It was viewed as a successful program around the country, Kachelski said. If Obamacare is repealed, he said, you have to deal with the medically uninsurable somehow ... If its not high-risk pools, Im not sure what it is. It could cost $178 billion a year to adequately fund the pools nationwide, according to a Commonwealth Fund report in 2014. Ryans plan would provide $25 billion over an unspecified time period. Prices plan calls for $3 billion over three years. HIRSPs insurer assessments were passed on to some employers but not others, because the assessments didnt apply to companies that are self-insured, said Phil Dougherty, senior executive officer at the Wisconsin Association of Health Plans. The funding base for Wisconsins high-risk pool was too narrow and disproportionate, Dougherty said. For consumers, HIRSP coverage wasnt cheap. In 2013, monthly premiums for a plan with a $2,500 deductible ranged from $354 a month for a 35-year-old woman to $847 a a month for a 60-year-old man. People with household incomes below $34,000 qualified for subsidies that reduced premiums up to 43 percent. Its better than having nothing for people with significant health care problems, said Jon Peacock, research director for the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families. But its far inferior to having a working marketplace like the one that exists now. Karen Chelcun Schreiber, 59, of Madison, paid $320 a month for a HIRSP plan with a $3,500 deductible. Now, she has Unity Health Insurance, purchased off the exchange, with a deductible of $6,550. The monthly premium went from $324 in 2014 to $610 this year, she said. HIRSP didnt cover an annual MRI to screen for breast cancer. Schreiber has a relatively high risk for the cancer because of a rare genetic mutation, which led her to get her stomach removed to prevent stomach cancer. Unity covers the MRI. Im paying for it either way, she said. I guess I dont have a preference. Scott Trindl, 62, of Waukesha, was on HIRSP for about five years. After selling a credit union business in 2003, Trindl kept the insurance from his job until 2009, when he had a heart attack, racked up $50,000 in medical bills and was dropped by his insurer. On HIRSP, Trindl paid $600 a month for a plan with a $2,500 deductible. Today, he pays $400 a month on the exchange, after a tax credit, for Dean Health Plan coverage with a $2,750 deductible. He prefers the range of options on the exchange. HIRSP was a good insurance provider, but I didnt have any choice of carrier, he said. Journalists literally make news. They do not find it. They do not publish transcripts of reality. Even in their best efforts, they would not provide a copy of reality, but reality in a frame, reality enhanced, reality reconfigured by being heightened on a page or a screen, reality retouched by the magic of publication itself. Whether it is Macedonian teenagers wanting to make a buck or far-right conspiracy-minded partisans trying to roil the waters, fake news is even more a part of todays vocabulary than truthiness was a decade ago. The big difference is that the current President of the United States likes to grab headlines with reckless assertions that he then peddles to the public without evidence. Presidents have a bully pulpit. When they place troops on a battlefield, even many people who saw no point in war rally round the flag; when they have potentially cancerous polyps removed from their colons (Ronald Reagan), thousands of people pick up the phone and make colonoscopy appointments. If a President can inadvertently push people to undergo colonoscopies, what else might a President do by example or by words? When a President declares the news media the enemy of the American people, what might otherwise reasonable citizens be inclined to think? This is a delicate moment, for no one more than journalists, whose job it is to make news, as it is a carpenters to build houses. But there are rules for both crafts. To make news, with all of its inevitable departures from reality, is not to fake it. Nor is it to displace an effort to capture something about the real world for the sale of a favorite candidate or cause. Genuine news, and not fake news or hyped news or corrupt news, puts reality first; it does not subordinate honest reporting to ideological consistency or political advocacy. It does not curry favor with advertisers, or with the publishers business interests, or even with the tastes of the audience. For more than a century now, journalists have hitched their wagon to the star of trustworthy reporting. From the 1800s to the present, the dominant trend in the history of American journalism has been the professionalization of a staff of reporters who gather the news. Europe was not the same. There, one observer opined that reporting is killing journalismthat is, straightforward accounts of events of the day were taking the spotlight away from the discursive essays of political advocacy, theory, and philosophy that dominated much of the European press. Only in the 20th century would the European press begin to borrow US news techniques like interviewing and other practices that placed reporting first. But doesnt the US model of journalism deny the truth that presumed facts are just opinions in masquerade? That everything is relative, it just depends on where you start? Most college sophomores in their first philosophy class will walk in with the argument that its all relative and that no research, argument, or discussion can alter our preconceptions. Thats why we call them sophomoric. On reflection, none of those students truly believes everything is relative. If one of the students, in the middle of class, feels a powerful and distressing pain in his chest, he will be concerned about what is going on. He can ask the philosophy professor for her guidance or he can ask the student at the next desk for her advice or he could call 911. Will he choose A, B, or C? C. He will seek medical assistance. Reality seems to be insistently knocking at the door, and a premature commitment to the universal proposition that everything is relative is quickly left behind. In a pinch, the student believes in facts, in expert knowledge, in scientific training, in clinical experience. Sign up for CJR 's daily email When we want to know what is going on in the world, we do not call 911. We turn to professional news gatherers who have earned reputations for reliability. But how do we know which of the news providers around us can be trusted? Consider the following list of earmarks of journalistic quality: Willingness to retract, correct, and implicitly or explicitly apologize for misstatements in a timely manner. Zeke Miller, the Time reporter who on January 20 misreported that President Trump or his aides had removed the bust of Martin Luther King, Jr. from the Oval Office corrected his report in a dozen tweets within hours and apologized to presidential Press Secretary Sean Spicer (who accepted his apology that same evening). That is what responsible reporters and news organizations do. President Trump took years to retract his vociferous claims that Barack Obama was foreign-born and not eligible to be President, and he did not apologize. A reliance on professional ethics, including the following: Accuracy. Spell the name right. Get the address right. Theres no its all relative here. And write a story that tells what happened, not what you think about what happened. An interest in contrary evidence. Report against your own assumptions, my Columbia Journalism School colleagues tell their students. Follow the story regardless of its political implication. If you are a reporter, not a propagandist, you will follow the story even if it may injure the career of the candidate or the party you personally favor or your newspaper has endorsed. The New York Times editorial page endorsed Richard Blumenthal for the Senate from Connecticut in 2010. But Times reporters broke the story that Blumenthal repeatedly made claims on the campaign trail that implied, falsely, he had served in the military in Vietnam. (He was elected nonetheless.) That same New York Times repeatedly endorsed Eliot Spitzers bid for office in New York, including in his race for governor in 2006. But it also broke the sex scandal story that led to Governor Spitzers resignation in 2008. A real reporter prizes a truthful story over partisan advantage or political preference, come what may. Reliable journalists adopt other identifiable features, too, such as the following: Be calm and declarative. No hyperventilating. Present multiple positions or viewpoints within a story if the topic is controversial and (unlike false balance) the various sides adhere to different values but are not separated by an acceptance of consensual scientific evidence and a rejection of it. Identify your sources whenever possible. And acknowledge the gaps, inconsistencies, or insufficiencies in the information you are basing your story on. Use commonly accepted data and databases and reliable authorities. If you want to write about whether more people rode the Washington, DC metro system on the day of Barack Obamas 2009 inauguration or on the day of Donald Trumps 2017 inauguration, ask the Metropolitan Transit Authority, which collects this data. If you prefer, take President Trumps word for itbut then you are not a journalist, you are a sap. Trump has demonstrated repeatedly that he accepts figures that flatter him and refuses to acknowledge those that do not. Personal vanity is not a commonly accepted database. Pursue evidence and leads that run counter to your hunches, passions, and preferences and, when that evidence pans out, give it appropriate attention in your story. If you are hoping to write fake news yourself, mimic the above listed earmarks of evidentiary quality in news as best as you can, although you may then find yourself in danger of becoming a reporter rather than a hack. Internally and externally, reliable news seeks ways to communicate its reliability. It is important that reporters develop a reputation, based on a track record, supported by the respect of their fellow journalists, by recognition with prizes, by promotion within news organizations that themselves have a track record of reliability. Professional news reporting is not easy. Its place in the world is still youngit really cannot be said to have existed in a full-bodied way for much more than a century. Thats not a long stretch. But at its best it has proved itself a bulwark for accountable democratic government and a thorn in the side of autocrats around the world. Alexis de Tocqueville, visiting a youthful America from Paris in the 1830s, wrote of the American press that he did not admire its violent language, nor feel toward freedom of the press a complete and instantaneous love which one accords to things by their nature supremely good. I love it more from considering the evils it prevents than on account of the good that it does. I borrowed that wise thought to name a book I wrote in 2008, Why Democracies Need an Unlovable Press. We still need an unlovable press. And today when journalisms economic fragility sometimes leads it to prefer clicks to conscience, it may be particularly unlovable, but reporters maintain a fierce allegiance to its highest ideals, and this is a force with which its critics must reckon. Professional journalism is often a quick study. It is a first rough draft of history, not the last word. But it is the enemy of pride and pomposity and ignorance, and thereby a good friend of the American people. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Michael Schudson is a sociologist and historian of the news media and a professor at the Columbia Journalism School. His latest book are The Rise of the Right to Know: Politics and the Culture of Transparency, 1945-1975 and, with C. W. Anderson and Leonard Downie Jr., The News Media: What Everyone Needs to Know. IN A SURREAL SCENE near the end of Black Orpheus, the title character seeks his lost love, Eurydice, in a government building at night. Orpheus sees a janitor pushing a broom toward him from the other end of a long, half-lit hallway; he asks the man to show him the Office of Missing Persons. This is Missing Persons, he says. But there are no missing persons hereonly papers. The janitor beckons through an open door. Papers stacked several feet high lean into each other on a table. See? Only mountains of paper You wont find anyone there. On the contrary, this is where people really get lost. The scene draws an eerie portrait of the impossibility of finding information or human value in a bureaucracy bloated with paper. It came to mind recently after a singular decision by the City of Atlanta to release 1.47 million pages of documents to the press and publicon paper. Mayor Kasim Reed announced the release in a February 9 press conference, after weeks of dithering over open records requests by local media regarding a federal investigation into more than $1 million in bribes for city contracts. Reed, who said he made the decision in the name of transparency, may well have set some sort of open records record, according to government accountability experts. Its the most I can recall, said Joey Senat, associate professor at the Oklahoma State University School of Media & Strategic Communications and author of a book on open records and other areas of media law, in reference to the sheer number of pages. I dont know of another example of an American mayor releasing so many documents on paper at the same time, said Alex Howard, deputy director of the Sunlight Foundation, the Washington, DC nonprofit organization devoted to government accountability. Apart from the magnitude of the release, there are serious questions about why a major American city in the Wikipedia age would forego the digital route in such a case, the same experts noted. When you dont release something electronically, when you dont enable a search, it does have a relationship to accountability and accessibility, Howard said. At the press conference, Mayor Reed said the paper release was due to the need for redacting names and other information. Such a step is not necessary for large cities like Atlanta, given current digital capacities, said Howard. This means theyre not aware of software to make redactions, he said. Sign up for weekly emails from the United States Project RELATED: Ive had it: Family-owned paper threatens state legislator with lawsuit Reeds press conference was staged at the back of the cavernous, second-floor room in Atlantas Neo-Gothic City Hall where the City Council once met. As boxes crammed with paper towered behind him, the mayor used much of the half-hour event to distance himself from the bribery scandal, under investigation by the Justice Department and the IRS, and trumpet his record, according to an Atlanta Journal-Constitution report. Reed has a year left to his second and last term. In the days that followed, the AJC (and other local news outlets) sent a handful of staffers to the same room for hours at a time. Investigative editor Ken Foskett, in his 28th year at the AJC, said he and his colleagues ran across tens of thousands of empty sheets, apparently the result of printing empty cells on spreadsheets. There were also microscopic printouts of tables, cramming rows of data into a rectangular space the size of a finger. Some newsroom gallows humor followed: Reporters from several news outlets tweeted about paper cuts and band aids on fingers making it difficult to type. But slogging through the boxes wasnt funny. Being on the receiving end of this, it does not feel like transparency, said Foskett, who also serves on the board of Georgias First Amendment Foundation. He noted that the boxes were labeled with broad categories describing the contents withinmostly, names of people linked somehow to the investigation. Beyond that, the city provided zero description about what might be in each box. A visit to the site brought home the fantastic futility of it all. Marbled stairs lead to a wooden door that opens onto a room full of boxes, overseen by huge tapestries hanging on the high walls, depicting shepherds and their flocks. A pair of city employees sitting off to one side, paid to watch over the million and a half sheets of paper. Until when? I ask. Shoulders shrug. By the time I arrived, reporters such as AJC columnist Bill Torpy had spent hours feeling, he said, like a monkey trying to play the accordion. Some had marked certain boxes in pen with remindersand, perhaps as a warning to othersof their contents. The notes said, blank pages, blank, and tiny spreadsheets. Many said, No value. The problem is not just a procedural one for reporters. This is an insult to the people of Atlanta, said Senat, of Oklahoma State. In his press conference, Mayor Reed said the documents are being made available free of charge in the public interest. But if its exceedingly difficult for reporters to go through a set of public records due to the sheer amount of paper and the inability to search for terms electronically, then its even more difficult for members of the public to do so. Its unquestionable that when a database of documents goes online, much more people can look at it, Howard said. If your intention is to be transparent to the public, your first step should be to give maximum exposure. The Sunlight Foundation official also noted that the case raises the question of the city of Atlantas tech capabilities. Is their choice [to release the documents on paper] driven by lack of human or technical capacity, or incompetence? Howard asked. He added that his organization helps local and state governments increase their openness and accountability in a digital age. Mayors who are not stepping up to this aspect of 21st-century government are leaving something on the table, he said. CJR asked Mayor Reeds staff for an interview before publication and was instead provided an email that failed to answer a question about how much taxpayers had paid for all this paper. The same email maintained that the initial delay of the release owed to the city wanting to maintain the confidentiality of records related to that open criminal investigation. A spokesperson wrote that the city had already digitized more than 350,000 pages in a searchable format less than a week following the paper release on February 9, and would upload a total of 1 million pages by February 24. All documents will ultimately be made available online, the email continues, without offering a timeline. But as of February 21, the AJCs Foskett said, the total number of searchable digital pages was nowhere near 350,000. As for when the city would make a million pages available online, he added, Were not holding our breaths. In the end, perhaps nothing is wholly open or transparent. Even after a city staggers toward some show of transparency, reporters still have to decipher how that city makes its decisions, and who benefits most. Even 1.47 million pagesin print, or onlinecant always answer that. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Timothy Pratt is a journalist based in the Atlanta area. He has written for The New York Times, The Economist, The Guardian, and many other publications. He also lived in Las Vegas and worked for the Las Vegas Sun from 2001-2009. Vehicles that enter an intersection but fail to cross it once the light turns red would be subject to a ticket and fine under a dont block the box bill sponsored by Delegate Al Carr, D-Montgomery. The goal of the bill is to address the problem of traffic congestion, to make the states roadways and intersections safer and to increase the road capacity during busy hours, according to Carr. However, this bill makes an exception for certain cases. The bill states that a vehicle making a left turn can enter an intersection while yielding the right-of-way to any other vehicle approaching from the opposite direction and a vehicle making a right turn can enter the intersection while yielding the right-of-way to a pedestrian or bicyclist. Both Carr and Capt. Thomas Didone, director of the Montgomery County Police Department Traffic Division, pointed out a handful of intersections in Montgomery County where blocking the box affects the flow of traffic, including Georgia Avenue and Seminary Road; Connecticut Avenue and Knowles Avenue; Connecticut Avenue near Bradley Lane; and Route 355 and Route 124. Carr said it helps that this law has already been established in other states. The District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island each have a similar law. Marylands current law states if a car enters the intersection when the light is green or yellow, then that car has the right of way, according to Didone. Tori Hall, a resident of Bethesda, Maryland, told a House committee she believes this bill is just housekeeping and that most people already think of it as law. This bill would clarify what most people already think of as common courtesy and safe driving, Hall said. It makes sense to prevent gridlock and allow pedestrians and emergency vehicles to get through, Hall said. Didone said he understands that the duration of lights varies at different locations, but he believes with practice people will be able to decipher when it is appropriate to pull into an intersection. Drivers desperate to avoid being caught in the next light cycle sometimes enter the intersection whether or not theres room, Carr said. Driver frustration can escalate, creating road rage incidents and aggressive maneuvers. Didone said he wants to discourage the behavior of cars rushing into an intersection on a yellow light to avoid waiting another light cycle. (It will be) a monument change of the right-of-way for light intersections, Didone said. Delegate William Wivell, R-Washington, cast the lone vote against the bill in the House Environment and Transportation committee Feb. 9. The bill was introduced to allow a better flow of traffic, but if you look at it the other way, if someone doesnt pull forward it could block traffic that way, Wivell told the University of Marylands Capital News Service. Wivell said he believes the bill will be difficult to enforce and it wont increase the flow of traffic. I dont see the need for it and I just think it will create more problems, Wivell said. The Washington Area Bicyclist Association Executive Director Greg Billing wrote testimony in favor of the bill saying it would help prevent traffic accidents. Keeping intersections clear of vehicles is important for all road users, especially at-risk people riding bicycles or walking. The Maryland Department of Transportation has not taken a stance on the bill, according to Erin Henson, public affairs director for the agency. A violation of this provision is a misdemeanor, subject to the existing penalty of a $500 maximum fine, according to a Department of Legislative Services fiscal analysis. The bill passed second reading Tuesday in the state House of Delegates and is expected to be voted on for final passage in the chamber Wednesday. A Senate bill cross-filed with the House version is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judicial Proceedings committee Wednesday. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Maryknoll Magazine Announces 2016 Student Essay Winners; Honors Students from Delaware, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia "Caring For Our Common Home" Respects the Earth, Calls for End to Exploiting God's Gift Contact: Mike Virgintino, Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, 914-941-7636 ext 2219 MARYKNOLL, N.Y., Feb. 23, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Six middle and high school students representing Delaware, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia have received cash awards for their winning submissions in "Maryknoll" magazine's 28th annual Maryknoll Student Essay Contest. "Maryknoll" magazine is published by the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. The 2016 essay theme, "Caring for Our Common Home," referenced Pope Francis' encyclical "Laudato Si'" in which he calls on all people to respect and to stop exploiting our world and its limited and diminishing resources. "The earth cries out to us," wrote Pope Francis, "because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her." For their essays, students were asked to explain the importance of heeding the pope's call and to provide at least two examples of students, or others, engaged in activities that respect the earth. The contest received 7,261 entries from students who competed in two divisions (grades six to eight and grades nine to 12) for nearly $3,000 in cash prizes. The awards included $1,000 for each of the two first-place finalists, $300 for each of the two second-place finalists and $150 for each of the two third-place award recipients. According to Marge Gaughan, contest coordinator and "Maryknoll" magazine managing editor, students are passionate about protecting the environment, and their essays reflected many creative ideas and actions that are designed to correct centuries of abuse of God's creation. The panel of more than 50 judges comprised of Maryknoll missioners was elated to read the essays that conveyed thousands of examples of people caring for the earth. "Every year, it is a delight to read the essays submitted to the Maryknoll Student Essay Contest," said Father Emile Dumas, M.M. "This year was no exception. The essays are a good way to connect with the young folks. They renew my hope in the future of the Catholic Church in the U.S. and throughout the world. I pray for all the students and teachers who participated in the essay contest. May God continue to generously bless them! May they bring to our global village the peace, hope, joy and justice our global village needs." The essays written by the first-place winners in each category will be published in the May/June 2017 issue of "Maryknoll" magazine. All winning entries also will be published online at maryknollsociety.org/winners. The 2016 Maryknoll Student Essay Contest Awards will be presented to: Division I (grades six to eight) First Place ($1,000): The Bishop Francis X. Ford Award is named in honor of the Maryknoll missioner who died in a prison in China during 1952. Grace Smith (eighth grade), Ursuline Academy, Wilmington, Delaware. Teacher/catechist: Ms. Mary Anne Voitus Second Place ($300) Ellie Kooney (eighth grade), St. Gerard School, Lansing, Michigan. Teacher/catechist: Ms. Jennifer Jowett Third Place ($150) Tobin Doherty (eighth grade), Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic School, Vienna, Virginia. Teacher/catechist: Mrs. Cynthia Iannone Division II (grades nine to 12) First Place ($1,000): The Bishop Patrick J. Byrne Award is named for the Maryknoll missioner who died on a forced march in Korea during 1950. Meenu Johnkutty (12th grade), Kennedy Catholic High School, Somers, New York. Teacher/catechist: Ms. Susan Willis Second Place ($300) Katie Hess (12th grade), Bethlehem Catholic High School, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Teacher/catechist: Mr. Robert Gowell Third Place ($150) Joseph D'Agostino (ninth grade), St. Thomas Academy, Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Teacher/catechist: Ms. Kristin Vanyo The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers follow Jesus in serving the poor and others in need in 22 countries that include the U.S. All Catholics are called to mission through baptism and confirmation, and Maryknoll's mission education outreach in parishes and schools throughout the country engages U.S. Catholics in mission through vocations, prayer, donations and as volunteers. Maryknoll missioners share God's love and the Gospel in addressing poverty, providing healthcare, building communities and promoting human rights. For more information, visit the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers at maryknollsociety.org. Follow the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers on Twitter (twitter.com/MaryknollFrsBrs) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/maryknollsociety). Two Democratic state lawmakers have backed away from banning powdered alcohol and instead want to subject it to the same regulations as liquid alcohol. Sen. Tim Carpenter and Rep. Debra Kolste introduced a bill Monday to expand the states definition of alcohol to include powdered forms. A bill they introduced in 2015 to ban the sale of the substance in Wisconsin failed to win key Republican support. Given that half of the states have already banned it, its unlikely to be sold on a large scale anytime soon. But Carpenter and Kolste said they want to ensure powdered alcohol is covered by the same rules that applied to sale and consumption of liquid alcohol should it arrive in Wisconsin. They say it poses additional risks because it can be snorted or ingested and the compact packets are easy to hide. We have enough problems with drinking in our state, Carpenter said. The federal government approved a powdered alcohol product called Palcohol in 2015. Palcohol comes in the form of freeze-dried alcohols and cocktails meant to be mixed with liquid. Since then, states have been scrambling to ban or regulate the products before they hit shelves. At least 25 states including neighboring Michigan, Illinois and Indiana had banned the sale of powdered alcohol as of 2015, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Palcohol spokeswoman Lynne Barbour said the company supports regulating powdered alcohol the same as liquid alcohol but rejects the idea it is any more dangerous. Theyre both just alcohol, she said. Palcohol is not currently sold anywhere in the United States. While Palcohols website says the product could be on sale as soon as this summer, Barbour declined to comment on timing. Palcohol WILL come to Wisconsin, she said. The prudent action would be to regulate it so kids cant get a hold of it. The bill proposed by Carpenter and Kolste includes regulatory exceptions for the use of powdered alcohol by hospitals or for scientific research. Two Republicans, Rep. Ed Brooks and Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt, have already signed onto the measure. Republican Sen. Leah Vukmir, who Carpenter said opposed banning powdered alcohol, did not immediately respond to a message. Four other states have passed similar legislation. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Climate change is being felt in many coastal communities of the United States, not always in the form of big weather disasters but as a steady drip, drip, drip of nuisance flooding. According to researchers at the University of California, Irvine, rising sea levels will cause these smaller events to become increasingly frequent in the future, and the cumulative effect will be comparable to extreme events such as Hurricane Katrina or Superstorm Sandy. Catastrophic storms get a lot of media attention and are studied, but we wanted to know more about the non-extreme events, said Amir AghaKouchak, UCI associate professor of civil & environmental engineering and co-author of a new study, on cumulative hazards in the American Geophysical Union journal Earths Future. These diffuse floods happen multiple times a month or year, he said. They dont kill anyone, they dont damage buildings, but over time they have extremely high-cost outcomes, and it happens without us realizing it. In Washington, D.C., for instance, the number of hours of nuisance flooding per year has grown from 19 between 1930 and 1970 to 94 over the last two decades. Projections suggest that there could be as many as 700 hours of nuisance flooding per year by 2050. The capitals monuments, marinas, parks, public transportation infrastructure, roads and businesses could be affected. The UCI researchers found similar potential impacts in four other American cities: Miami, New York, Seattle and San Francisco. Climate change is driving the growth of cumulative hazards, they said. A full moon on a clear night triggering higher tides is now enough to cause flooding, because ocean levels are so high. The frequency is increasing because of sea level rise, AghaKouchak said. We call it clear-sky flooding. Theres no rain, but if you have a higher-than-usual tide, you get flooding in these coastal areas. While not catastrophic at the time, these episodes degrade infrastructure and can damage roads and building foundations. More immediately, nuisance flooding forces municipalities to expend resources to pump water out of streets. Communities suffer school closures, traffic interruptions, and reverberating waves of cost and inconvenience. Degraded sewer infrastructure results in heightened public health risks. Lead author Hamed Moftakhari, a UCI postdoctoral scholar, said that people in often-hit regions have begun the process of adapting to the problem. In a recent social science survey, people werent really interested in knowing the depth of the water. They just wanted to know how long they would be flooded, he said. Their main concern was finding out when they could get back to their schools and businesses. But public officials cant afford to take cumulative hazards in stride, said co-author Richard Matthew, UCI professor of planning, policy and design. Policymakers faced with limited capital funds frequently defer action or make incremental improvements when major investments may be critical to fortify their communities. The team created a cumulative hazards index to pinpoint which locations would experience the greatest long-term risk. This index gives officials a tool that could help them decide to move beyond the convenient but potentially very costly strategies of deferral and incrementalism and promote more transformative policies where they make sense, Matthew said. Co-author Brett Sanders, UCI professor of civil & environmental engineering, said the index is particularly useful for predicting future hot spots for nuisance flooding across the U.S., where adaptation measures are needed the most. Funding for the study was provided by the National Science Foundation. Data was provided by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration and Climate Central. Source: Earths Future, Climate change is being felt in many coastal communities of the United States, not always in the form of big weather disasters but as a steady drip, drip, drip of nuisance flooding. According to researchers at the University of California, Irvine, rising sea levels will cause these smaller events to become increasingly frequent in the future, and the cumulative effect will be comparable to extreme events such as Hurricane Katrina or Superstorm Sandy. Catastrophic storms get a lot of media attention and are studied, but we wanted to know more about the non-extreme events, said Amir AghaKouchak, UCI associate professor of civil & environmental engineering and co-author of a new study, on cumulative hazards in the American Geophysical Union journal Earths Future. These diffuse floods happen multiple times a month or year, he said. They dont kill anyone, they dont damage buildings, but over time they have extremely high-cost outcomes, and it happens without us realizing it. In Washington, D.C., for instance, the number of hours of nuisance flooding per year has grown from 19 between 1930 and 1970 to 94 over the last two decades. Projections suggest that there could be as many as 700 hours of nuisance flooding per year by 2050. The capitals monuments, marinas, parks, public transportation infrastructure, roads and businesses could be affected. The UCI researchers found similar potential impacts in four other American cities: Miami, New York, Seattle and San Francisco. Climate change is driving the growth of cumulative hazards, they said. A full moon on a clear night triggering higher tides is now enough to cause flooding, because ocean levels are so high. The frequency is increasing because of sea level rise, AghaKouchak said. We call it clear-sky flooding. Theres no rain, but if you have a higher-than-usual tide, you get flooding in these coastal areas. While not catastrophic at the time, these episodes degrade infrastructure and can damage roads and building foundations. More immediately, nuisance flooding forces municipalities to expend resources to pump water out of streets. Communities suffer school closures, traffic interruptions, and reverberating waves of cost and inconvenience. Degraded sewer infrastructure results in heightened public health risks. Lead author Hamed Moftakhari, a UCI postdoctoral scholar, said that people in often-hit regions have begun the process of adapting to the problem. In a recent social science survey, people werent really interested in knowing the depth of the water. They just wanted to know how long they would be flooded, he said. Their main concern was finding out when they could get back to their schools and businesses. But public officials cant afford to take cumulative hazards in stride, said co-author Richard Matthew, UCI professor of planning, policy and design. Policymakers faced with limited capital funds frequently defer action or make incremental improvements when major investments may be critical to fortify their communities. The team created a cumulative hazards index to pinpoint which locations would experience the greatest long-term risk. This index gives officials a tool that could help them decide to move beyond the convenient but potentially very costly strategies of deferral and incrementalism and promote more transformative policies where they make sense, Matthew said. Co-author Brett Sanders, UCI professor of civil & environmental engineering, said the index is particularly useful for predicting future hot spots for nuisance flooding across the U.S., where adaptation measures are needed the most. Funding for the study was provided by the National Science Foundation. Data was provided by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration and Climate Central. Climate change is being felt in many coastal communities of the United States, not always in the form of big weather disasters but as a steady drip, drip, drip of nuisance flooding. According to researchers at the University of California, Irvine, rising sea levels will cause these smaller events to become increasingly frequent in the future, and the cumulative effect will be comparable to extreme events such as Hurricane Katrina or Superstorm Sandy. Catastrophic storms get a lot of media attention and are studied, but we wanted to know more about the non-extreme events, said Amir AghaKouchak, UCI associate professor of civil & environmental engineering and co-author of a new study, on cumulative hazards in the American Geophysical Union journal Earths Future. These diffuse floods happen multiple times a month or year, he said. They dont kill anyone, they dont damage buildings, but over time they have extremely high-cost outcomes, and it happens without us realizing it. In Washington, D.C., for instance, the number of hours of nuisance flooding per year has grown from 19 between 1930 and 1970 to 94 over the last two decades. Projections suggest that there could be as many as 700 hours of nuisance flooding per year by 2050. The capitals monuments, marinas, parks, public transportation infrastructure, roads and businesses could be affected. The UCI researchers found similar potential impacts in four other American cities: Miami, New York, Seattle and San Francisco. Climate change is driving the growth of cumulative hazards, they said. A full moon on a clear night triggering higher tides is now enough to cause flooding, because ocean levels are so high. The frequency is increasing because of sea level rise, AghaKouchak said. We call it clear-sky flooding. Theres no rain, but if you have a higher-than-usual tide, you get flooding in these coastal areas. While not catastrophic at the time, these episodes degrade infrastructure and can damage roads and building foundations. More immediately, nuisance flooding forces municipalities to expend resources to pump water out of streets. Communities suffer school closures, traffic interruptions, and reverberating waves of cost and inconvenience. Degraded sewer infrastructure results in heightened public health risks. Lead author Hamed Moftakhari, a UCI postdoctoral scholar, said that people in often-hit regions have begun the process of adapting to the problem. In a recent social science survey, people werent really interested in knowing the depth of the water. They just wanted to know how long they would be flooded, he said. Their main concern was finding out when they could get back to their schools and businesses. But public officials cant afford to take cumulative hazards in stride, said co-author Richard Matthew, UCI professor of planning, policy and design. Policymakers faced with limited capital funds frequently defer action or make incremental improvements when major investments may be critical to fortify their communities. The team created a cumulative hazards index to pinpoint which locations would experience the greatest long-term risk. This index gives officials a tool that could help them decide to move beyond the convenient but potentially very costly strategies of deferral and incrementalism and promote more transformative policies where they make sense, Matthew said. Co-author Brett Sanders, UCI professor of civil & environmental engineering, said the index is particularly useful for predicting future hot spots for nuisance flooding across the U.S., where adaptation measures are needed the most. Funding for the study was provided by the National Science Foundation. Data was provided by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration and Climate Central. Source: Cumulative Hazard: The Case of Nuisance Flooding Twelve years ago, widespread destruction from Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast helped compel federal engineers 2,000 miles away in California to remake a 1950s-era dam by constructing a massive steel-and-concrete gutter that would manage surging waters in times of torrential storms. The nearly $1 billion auxiliary spillway at Folsom Dam, scheduled to be completed later this year, stands in contrast to the troubles 75 miles away at the state-run Oroville Dam, where thousands of people fled last week after an eroded spillway threatened to collapse a catastrophe that could have sent a 30-foot wall of floodwater gushing into three counties. Together, the two dams illustrate widely diverging conditions at the more than 1,000 dams across California, most of them decades old. The structures also underscore the challenge of maintaining older dams with outdated designs. Fifty years ago, when we were evaluating flood risk, the fundamental assessment was the climate was stable, not changing. We now know that is no longer true, said Peter Gleick, chief scientist with the Pacific Institute, a California-based think tank specializing in water issues. We need to look at the existing infrastructure with new eyes, he warned. Back in 2005, Katrinas deadly path became an arguing point for U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui, a California Democrat who was among those pushing Washington for improvements at Folsom Dam, perched 25 miles from 500,000 people living in Sacramento, the state capital. I used that, vigorously, to say we are the second-most at-risk river city in the nation, Matsui said, after the Category 5 storm swept through New Orleans. State officials now face questions about maintenance at Oroville Dam, the nations tallest at 770 feet, and why a decade ago they dismissed warnings from environmentalists that more needed to be done to strengthen its earthen emergency spillway. After years of drought, Northern California has become waterlogged this winter from heavy rain and snow. Oroville Lake is brimming, and water managers have been using the main spillway, which is lined with concrete, to lower the water level. The emergency spillway is a brush-covered hillside below a masonry lip and had never been used until last weekend. When water gushed onto it, the ground began eroding, and it was feared the intake lip could collapse and water would surge down the hill. An investigation into what went wrong could take months. John France, vice president and technical expert on dams for the engineering consulting firm AECOM, said the problems at Oroville should raise alarms across the country. Most of the dams in the United States are over 50 years old, when we didnt understand floods as well as we do now. So we have a number of dams in the U.S. that have spillways that arent large enough for the floods that they should be designed for, France said. Arguments over water, how its stored and who gets it are as old as the state, and California has often been criticized for not doing more to improve its water systems as the population edges toward 40 million. In a place known for alternating cycles of prolonged drought and biblical rainfall, the idea of asking reservoirs to store extra water for dry times frequently clashes with environmentalists, who want to see rivers flow freely. At Oroville, opened in 1968, construction crews recently patched cracks on the main spillway, and a state inspector judged the repairs sound in a February 2015 report. However, a gaping hole ripped open on that spillway two weeks ago, starting the series of events that led to use of the emergency spillway and evacuation orders for nearly 200,000 people. Since then, crews dumped thousands of tons of rocks to shore up the damaged spillways and residents were allowed to return home Tuesday, after the lake level dropped. Butte County Supervisor Bill Connolly, whose district includes the dam, has criticized dam managers for years. They never spend money unless they have to, he said. If we were a federal facility, you dont see this happening. At 340-foot high Folsom Dam, operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the huge concrete-and-steel chute being constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers is expected to add as much as 40 percent capacity to the main spillway that controls water flowing from the reservoir behind it. Its designed to allow safer releases during times of high water, precisely the challenge that led to fears of catastrophic flooding at Oroville. Rick Poeppelman, chief of the Army Corps engineering division in the Sacramento district, said extensive data about probable maximum flood levels, not available decades ago, helped prompt the decision to build the auxiliary spillway at Folsom Dam. When completed, the spillway can act like a second dam, allowing operators to release water through a series of gates and lower the reservoir level when a major storm is approaching. It includes a chute more than half a mile long. Another advantage: The new spillway gates will be 50 feet lower than those on the dam, allowing for earlier releases of water. The government needs to test the spillway this year to see how it will work. Meanwhile, there are proposals to increase the height of the dam with the potential for extreme weather. In light of the Oroville crisis, Republican state Sen. Ted Gaines said he is considering asking the federal government for a safety review at Folsom Dam, the new spillway and nearby levees, given their proximity to Sacramento. Its not an abstract concern. During heavy storms in 1986, a temporary dam broke open, sending roaring waters downstream to Folsom Dam. In response, officials released more water from the dam than flood levees that guard Sacramento were designed to handle. That time they held. Given the scare at Oroville, I dont think we are out of the woods yet, Gaines said. (Associated Press Writer Rebecca Boone in Boise, Idaho, contributed to this report.) Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. AKRON, Ohio -- An Akron man is accused of selling the powerful animal sedative Carfentanil to a woman who fatally overdosed and a man who overdosed but survived. Joe Louis Turner II, 33, is charged with involuntary manslaughter, corrupting another with drugs and trafficking, according to court records. An Akron Municipal Court judge set his bond at $100,000 during his Wednesday arraignment. He remains in custody at the Summit County Jail, records show. Turner is accused of selling the Carfentanil that killed Belinda Godfrey, 49, of Akron, police said. The drug also caused the non-fatal overdose of a 52-year-old man, according to a police report. Officers found both unresponsive Sept. 22, 2016, at an apartment building on Kent Street in Akron. Akron paramedics used Narcan, an opioid overdose antidote, to revive Godfrey and the man, according to the report. Godfrey died the following day after paramedics took her to Summa Akron City Hospital for treatment, the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office said. The 52-year-old man told investigators that he and Godfrey used heroin the night they overdosed, according to the police report. The Akron Police Department did not offer any details on the investigation that led to Turner's arrest. Turner was sentenced to two years' probation after he pleaded guilty Dec. 6, 2016 to aggravated possession of drugs. Officers found him with fentanyl and marijuana Sept. 30, 2016, Summit County Common Pleas Court records show. Carfentanil, which is 100 times more powerful than fentanyl and 2,500 times more powerful than heroin, was linked to a spike in overdose deaths last year in Summit County. Carfentanil has also been detected in Cuyahoga County and Lake County. The drug is significantly more powerful than fentanyl, the powerful synthetic opiate analgesic that has been cited as a primary reason overdose deaths have spiked the past few years in Northeast Ohio. If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments section. AKRON, Ohio - In its second week of operation, LeBron's Hard Work Club is helping more than 300 Akron Public Schools students get after-school help. Funded through a $200,000 LeBron James Family Foundation grant, the Hard Work Club is now in 28 elementary and middle schools that don't have an Akron After School program. The program is geared for fourth- through eighth-grade students in the foundation's Wheels for Education and Akron I Promise Network. The kids all get t-shirts with the Hard Work Club logo and "Chosen 1" on the backs. Out of 1,200 students currently in the foundation's program, about 600 were invited to join the club. Numbers are expected to increase as word gets out, said Keith Liechty, director, office of school improvement. However, not all eligible kids are able to attend because with the program in multiple locations, the school system can't provide transportation. "We know that's an obstacle for our families, with so many of the little kids walking in neighborhoods with elementaries," Liechty said. LeBron's Hard Work Club runs Monday through Thursday and offers kids extra help in math and reading, via programs written by the school system's education specialists. It also provides homework assistance for other subject areas, as well as snacks and fun activities. The Hard Work Club runs Monday through Thursday, through April 13, and extends the school day by 90 minutes. It offers kids extra help in math and reading, via programs written by the school system's math and reading specialists. It also provides homework assistance for other subject areas, as well as snacks and fun activities. All students have access to computers. The program is staffed by 55 Akron teachers, who, where possible, remain in schools in which they already teach. Several lead teachers travel to different schools to oversee activities. University of Akron education majors who want field experience are assisting in the Garfield cluster classrooms. The Hard Work Club also offers online tools such as MobyMax, software donated by the foundation. MobyMax allows students to try and retry questions from multiple subjects, helping them build skills while rewarding them with fun games. "The more you do and get right, the more you can play," Liechty said. "They can log in any time." In a club-wide project, students will create video trailers about themselves, and possibly enter a competition at the end of the session. LeBron's Hard Work Club was created in response to participating families asking for more after-school support for their kids during the foundation's monthly Hometown Hall meetings in each school cluster. Save Save Save Save Akron police car 3.jpg Two cousins were wounded in a drive-by shooting Wednesday in Akron, police said. (File photo) AKRON, Ohio -- Two cousins suffered non-life-threatening injuries in a drive-by shooting Wednesday in the East Akron neighborhood. A 17-year-old boy was shot in the head and an 18-year-old man was shot in the left leg shortly after 3 p.m. on Sylvan Avenue at Pardee Avenue, police said. Akron paramedics took the 17-year-old to Akron Children's Hospital and the 18-year-old to Summa Akron City Hospital for treatment. The cousins were walking on Sylvan Avenue when a silver, four-door car drove past. Someone in that car fired several shots at them, the cousins told police. No arrests have been made, police said. Anyone with information about the shooting is being asked to contact the Akron Police Department's detective bureau at 330-375-2490. If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section. Operating a vehicle under the influence, West Bagley Road: A Middleburg Heights man, 39, was arrested at about 3 a.m. Feb. 19 after police saw his Hyundai Accent slam into a curb on West Bagley at High Street. The man's car almost hit a bridge near Barrett Road and nearly collided with another car turning onto Barrett. As police pulled the man over, he drove his car into another curb. Police smelled alcohol on the man, who failed field sobriety tests. Disorderly conduct, West Bagley Road: A Middleburg Heights boy, 16, was roughed up at about 7 p.m. Feb. 18 after he made a crude comment to a female outside Mootown Creamery, 437 West Bagley. Police had received a call that about 10 boys were fighting outside Mootown. When officers arrived, only the Middleburg Heights boy remained. He said his friends had dared him to make an inappropriate remark to a female walking past Mootown. The boy accepted the challenge, which angered the female's boyfriend. The boyfriend asked the boy to repeat his comment, then pushed the boy against the front window of Mootown and placed him in a chokehold. After a brief struggle, the boyfriend and girlfriend walked away. Police are looking for the boyfriend. Neglected child, Prospect Street: Police are looking for a Berea woman, 44, who abandoned her 1-year-old boy Feb. 18. A neighbor in the woman's apartment building called police at about 2:30 p.m. that day. She said the woman's boyfriend rang her doorbell at about 5 a.m. and told her that the woman had left during the night. He said he could no longer watch the 1-year-old because he had to go to work. The neighbor walked to the woman's apartment and sat with the boy. She called the woman's cell phone several times but she didn't answer or call back. Police knew the woman from previous incidents. They said it's not unusual for her to disappear for several days at a time. The neighbor said the woman had just received an income-tax check for several thousand dollars and suspected the woman drove to Cleveland to buy and use drugs. Police contacted Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services, which took emergency custody of the boy. Breaking & entering, Front Street: About $300 was stolen at about 7 a.m. Feb. 18 from City Cell, 820 Front. Someone broke into the business but details were unavailable. Shoplifting, Front Street: A Berea woman, 36, was arrested Feb. 18 after she stole a bottle of vodka from Pick Wick Food Mart, 450 Front. Store security cameras showed the woman slip the bottle into her purse. Police, watching the video, recognized the woman from previous shoplifting incidents. They drove to her apartment, saw the vodka bottle under a blanket on her couch and arrested her. Breaking & entering, Eastland Road: A microwave oven, ice-cream maker, wet saw and window air conditioner were stolen between Feb. 17-19 from a storage trailer in Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 164 Eastland. Someone pried open a trailer door to get inside. Operating a vehicle under the influence, East Bagley Road: A Parma man, 60, was arrested at about 1 a.m. Feb. 19 after police observed his Ford E-250 van turn from Front Street onto East Bagley without signaling. The vehicle then drifted out of its lane on East Bagley. Operating a vehicle under the influence, Prospect Street: A Fairview Park man, 49, was arrested at about 10:45 p.m. Feb. 18 after police saw his Chevrolet Malibu weaving on Prospect near Aaron Street. To comment on this story, please visit Thursday's crime and courts comments page. maltese.jpg A woman in Mississippi was scammed this week by an Internet site with a Cleveland address advertising Maltese puppies. The Better Business Bureau of Cleveland advises that the best way to avoid puppy scams is to support local breeders, even if websites offer lower prices. CLEVELAND, Ohio - Mickey Carr from Gulfport, Mississippi, was excited to get her new puppy this week. She ordered the little Maltese from a website that listed a Cleveland business address. This is a picture of one of the puppies shown on the suspicious website. But a day after she wired $550 by Western Union, she got another email saying the the puppy was stuck in Illinois and almost died because of being in an improper crate. Another $600 was necessary to save the puppy's life. That's when she got suspicious. The "smartwhitemaltese.com" website is filled with cute puppy photos, a heartfelt family story, a photo of a family, and even a turquoise and pink "Teacup and Toy Pets Boutique" sign. All of the things that made Carr confident in ordering from this company before, suddenly looked suspicious. "I got an email saying the puppy was stuck at the Illinois pet inspection office," said Carr, 53. "I was told, we're sorry to say that your puppy almost died because it wasn't in the right crate. That's when I was asked to send $600 that would be refunded." By Wednesday, Carr said she was exhausted from making phone calls and sending emails that were not returned by the suspicious breeder. The business address listed is on Walden Avenue near Kinsman. "The website looked awesome. I tried to call them. They don't answer the phone. I've left several messages ... " she said, adding she believes the business owners could be living overseas. Several calls made by The Plain Dealer to the suspicious Cleveland breeder were not answered, as well. And it appears, when driving by the address, that the building is a residence with no apparent signs of being a dog kennel or breeder. No one answered the door Thursday morning. Many people nationwide get scammed by people running bogus operations out of foreign countries, posing as USA or Canadian dog breeders selling adorable little puppies. Sue McConnell, president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Better Business Bureau, said Carr's situation is typical. The BBB recently has been fielding a lot of inquiries about puppy scams. "The best advice is to buy from a local breeder ... not online even if the price is much lower," McConnell said. "Most ask you to wire funds. They get multiple requests for more money until the victim realizes they have been scammed." The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association reports that anyone can get scammed, so it's up to consumers to do their due diligence. Scams range from advertising free pets - with paid shipping - to very expensive animals, like Bulldogs or toy breeds, offered at very low prices. Criminals often use free websites, Craig's List, local newspapers, or Facebook to promote their bogus business. Lies, sob stories, pictures of adorable animals that don't exist, or even assurance of their faith and religion, IPATA has heard it all. Carr said that she also never received a photo of the exact puppy she had purchased. "Anything to get your money! They use the names of legitimate pet shippers. They pirate websites. They illegally use logos of other companies. If you see an offer that is too good to be true, it probably is. It's probably is a scam," according to the association. Tips from the BBB to avoid a puppy scam: Always visit the breeder Search for website warning signs Pick your puppy up at the kennel. Check references. Pay with check or credit card. Tips: If you have already made a payment to a scammer More tips from the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association Workers of the Escondida copper mine block a road as they strike in Antofagasta, Chile, on February 20, 2017. BHP Billiton 's decision this week to give up its legal right to replace striking workers at the Escondida copper mine in Chile is a move aimed at sacrificing some output to undermine the union's position, analysts said Wednesday. The strike began on Feb 9, after workers voted overwhelmingly to reject a wage contract offer by BHP Billiton. That led BHP to say it would not be able to meet contractual commitments, driving the copper price up on supply concerns. BHP made a surprise announcement on Tuesday, saying it would not seek to exercise its right to replace the 2,500 striking workers after 15 days - which would have been this Friday. Instead, it said it would wait at least 30 days. The company said this was to assure the safety of its workers but industry experts say it was a strategic move that puts the ball in the union's court. JIAXING, CHINA President Donald Trump and his supporters have been critical of China for supposedly stealing American jobs, but those alleged thieves say he has the story all wrong. Grappling with Trump's rhetoric, Chinese workers told CNBC that a pact has been clear to them for decades: U.S. companies come into industrial parks in China and set up factories, hiring Chinese workers for a fraction of the cost of an American worker. These U.S. companies could then sell products more competitively to American consumers, who get to purchase cheaper goods, and Chinese employees can earn wages that would push them out of poverty. Now, it appears that Trump is seeking to change that equation, so CNBC spoke with workers at American-owned firms in the factory town of Jiaxing a two-hour drive from Shanghai about the changing rhetoric on their employment. "I don't think Trump is correct. American companies come to invest here. They reap rewards and we do, too. It's a win-win," said Zhao Junlin, who said he worked for an American company. Several in Jiaxing said they were concerned about what would happen if Trump successfully moved manufacturing to the U.S. "Many business people have opened factories here and are thriving. If Trump demands that the factories go back, that could hurt them," said a man who asked to be identified as Guo. Guo told CNBC he has worked for the last three years at an American company, sewing fabric. American managers, he said, are more experienced than Chinese ones, so the American factories have a superior working environment and maintain their equipment well. Now, Guo said he is slightly worried about these kinds of jobs leaving China. For the Chinese, a lot of jobs that have shifted from the U.S. have lifted people out of poverty a reason why the country has gained wealth. But several emphasized that their success doesn't mean Americans have lost out. "Chinese people work very hard. What we do at the factories takes long hours and other people despise doing it. So I don't think we are stealing anyone's jobs," said a local worker who gave his name as Chen. If anything, Chinese workers said they worry global backlash to their economic success will move jobs to even lower cost countries. Chen, for one, told CNBC he is worried about jobs shifting to countries with a cheaper labor force. The solution, he said, was for fellow workers to gain experience and skills, allowing for a move into more specialized roles. CNBC's Barry Huang contributed to this report Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook. WHEN: Tomorrow, Thursday, February 23rd at 7am ET WHERE: CNBC's "Squawk Box" In his first interview since being sworn in as United States Treasury Secretary, Steve Mnuchin will sit down with CNBC's Becky Quick for a FIRST ON CNBC interview on "Squawk Box" (M-F, 6AM-9AM ET) tomorrow, Thursday, February 23rd live from the U.S. Department of the Treasury in Washington, D.C. Topics include: economic policy and regulation, immigration, personal and corporate tax plans, and economic growth, among others. About CNBC: With CNBC in the U.S., CNBCin Asia Pacific, CNBC in Europe, Middle East and Africa, and CNBC World, CNBCis the recognized world leader in business news and provides real-timefinancial market coverage and business information to approximately 381 millionhomes worldwide, including more than 94 million households in the United Statesand Canada. CNBC also provides daily business updates to 400 million householdsacross China. The network's 15 live hours a day of business programming inNorth America (weekdays from 4:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET) is produced at CNBC'sglobal headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and includes reports from CNBCNews bureaus worldwide. CNBC at night features a mix of new realityprogramming, CNBC's highly successful series produced exclusively for CNBC anda number of distinctive in-house documentaries. CNBC also has a vastportfolio of digital products which deliver real-time financial market news andinformation across a variety of platforms including: CNBC.com; CNBC PRO, thepremium, integrated desktop/mobile service that provides live access to CNBCprogramming, exclusive video content and global market data and analysis; asuite of CNBC mobile products including the CNBC Apps for iOS, Android andWindows devices; and additional products such as the CNBC App for the AppleWatch and Apple TV. Members of the media canreceive more information about CNBC and its programming on the NBCUniversalMedia Village Web site at http://www.nbcumv.com/programming/cnbc. For more information aboutNBCUniversal, please visit http://www.NBCUniversal.com. There was virtually no interest in soon-to-be-public Snap, either. There was only negative feedback comparing it to rival Facebook's Instagram stories, which was a copycat product that has slowed Snap's growth sharply. Cramer thought Facebook would capture the imagination of top executives in tech, but he was wrong. Instead, everyone was still talking about Amazon , and how companies are using social, mobile, cloud, machine learning and artificial intelligence to win over customers from the retail giant. "It is a limited number of companies that merit mindshare in Silicon Valley," Cramer said. Jim Cramer walked away from a week of " Mad Money " in San Francisco with a fresh perspective of trends in the technology industry. Many executives cautioned Cramer that the Snap IPO could be a bust or that shares would be parceled out in small amounts so that the stock has a big initial pop and cause it to be viewed as a second-rate Facebook. "I detected strong jealousy, however, about Facebook's ability to hire the best people in the valley," Cramer said. There also seemed to be universal love for Alphabet . Most tech executives admire its ability to hone search, its superior advertising model and impressive ancillary product. For instance, Alphabet put down thousands of miles of fiber and opened data centers for companies to tap into as an alternative to Amazon. Given that many companies live in fear of Amazon, this fiber has now become a hidden source of lucrative traffic, Cramer said, including the $400 million a year that Snap will pay to use their cloud, not arch-rival Amazon's system. "Alphabet barely gets any respect for this business. The negative research on the company barely mentions this treasure trove of payback, and I think the story is still in its early innings," Cramer said. Better yet, Alphabet's autonomous driving business, called Waymo, could dominate the business in the same way that Microsoft used to dominate software. Yet, it seemed to Cramer that Waymo isn't even factored into the estimates for Alphabet. Both Intel and Cisco Systems gained Cramer's attention, too. He realized that Intel is a much bigger competitor to Nvidia than initially thought. Cisco showed its stripes as the most transformed company in the tech industry, too. It is moving quickly to recurring revenue via subscription model for Wi-Fi, cybersecurity and through its AppDynamics acquisition. Sadly, Cramer heard nothing about Twitter , even after his interview with COO Anthony Noto. There seemed to be a large belief that either the board isn't engaged, or it would force its part-time CEO Jack Dorsey to pick one company to run, either Twitter or Square . There just aren't enough hours in the day for him to do a good job of running both companies and too many users leaving the platform for Cramer to recommend the stock, unless it gets a takeover, which seemed unlikely. Plus, some members of the board don't even Tweet. "Amazon, oddly, is the most worshipped of of the entire flock, incredibly ironic given it isn't even located there ," Cramer said. Questions for Cramer? Call Cramer: 1-800-743-CNBC Want to take a deep dive into Cramer's world? Hit him up! Mad Money Twitter - Jim Cramer Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - Vine Questions, comments, suggestions for the "Mad Money" website? madcap@cnbc.com Australian flag carrier Qantas Airways on Thursday announced better-than-expected results, sending share prices rallying to a 10-month high even as net profits tanked 25 percent from a year ago. The airline posted underlying pre-tax profit of A$852 million ($653 million) for its first half ending December 31, down from A$921 million a year earlier, but ahead of the A$800-A$850 million guidance it gave in October. Net profit fell to A$515 million. In an interview on CNBC's "Squawk Box", Qantas CEO Alan Joyce highlighted challenges of the business but said the company recorded its third best first half in its history and was "making more money than nearly all of the major carriers put together". Qantas he said, gave a 22 percent return on investor capital. "Everybody in the region is having bigger drops, 50 per cent to 80 per cent drops in the profitability," Joyce told reporters earlier. Even though Qantas saw a 7.5 percent drop in underlying profit and a 25 percent drop in net profits for the first half of the year, the company was coming off a year of record profits the year before that saw the carrier hand out its first dividend since 2009 amid an ongoing restructuring program that has borne fruit for the carrier amid challenging operating conditions in the industry. "A lot of capacity has been added around the globe. What that is doing is lowering average airfares and passing back the fuel benefits that the airlines are getting back to consumers," he said. Workers secure solar panels to a rooftop during a SolarCity Corp. residential installation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Sergio Flores | Bloomberg | Getty Images SolarCity , the nation's leading installer of rooftop solar panels and a renewable energy darling, has pitched its value to investors on a simple premise: Once customers sign up to lease a system, they will make payments to the company month after month for at least 20 years. But even when the customers look good enough on paper, it does not always work out that way. In dozens of cases over the last three years, The New York Times has found, SolarCity has reached long-term lease agreements with homeowners shortly before or even after they defaulted on mortgages. In at least 14 cases, the homeowners were already in default, or had other liens on the property, by the time SolarCity filed paperwork about the panels with the government. More from the New York Times: 7 Earth-Size Planets Orbit Dwarf Star, NASA and European Astronomers Say Inside Uber's Aggressive, Unrestrained Workplace Culture Trump Administration Rescinds Rules on Bathrooms for Transgender Students The cases raise questions about how well the company vets customers. In addition, it is unclear how many foreclosure lawsuits involve the company over all. In September, a lawyer for SolarCity, Mohammed Ahmed Gangat, filed a document in New York state court arguing that the company needed to file another document late because it had in recent months been "inundated with hundreds of lawsuits in New York, and thousands across the country, all of which have named SolarCity as a defendant in a residential foreclosure action." But when asked about that filing, SolarCity said that it was currently involved in far fewer cases 139 and that the lawyer had been mistaken. The company said the court filing had been made without the company's reviewing or approving it. Mr. Gangat is not a SolarCity employee. watch now "Out of more than 305,000 installed customers, SolarCity is currently involved in 139 such proceedings," the company said in a statement. "The litigation is not adversarial being named in the foreclosure proceeding provides us with advance notice that we need to reassign a contract, and many are immediately resolved with the relevant bank." The company is also involved in foreclosure proceedings outside the courts but said it could not say how many. Mr. Gangat did not immediately respond to calls or emails. If the lawyer's figures are correct, SolarCity, which is now owned by the automaker Tesla , may be facing a threat to its financial performance that it has not disclosed to the government and investors. The foreclosures can lead to a pause, or an end, of the lucrative monthly payments customers pay for the leases. If the lawyer's figures are false, he could face disciplinary proceedings under ethics rules, depending on the circumstances. The company said it was planning to have the document filed in court on its behalf corrected. In either situation, details of the cases identified by The Times raise questions about how well the company, relying on one credit check, vets potential customers. What SolarCity offers its customers is simple in theory: savings on their electricity bills from the solar panels glistening on their roofs. The company often pays most or all of the bill for the installation, worth $25,000 to $30,000 on average, and charges the customer an agreed-upon rate for the electricity the panels produce, typically 10 to 15 percent less than they would normally pay for power. In return, SolarCity receives steady monthly payments. watch now In the years since the company's founding in 2006, it has lowered the FICO score, the widely used credit score created by the Fair Isaac Corporation, it requires to get its solar panels. It now uses a score of 650, generally considered a "fair" rating, as the cutoff. But often, the score is assessed several months before a solar panel system is installed and registered plenty of time for financial circumstances to change. "For a consumer with a sub-700 score, it's likely that there are already some indicators of risk there, but not a severe one to that particular lender, I guess, at that point," said Rod Griffin, director of public education at Experian, a credit reporting agency. SolarCity is not the only company to find itself in the midst of such lawsuits. Sunrun, a competitor, has been named in a small number of cases. The foreclosure lawsuits do not appear to have made much of a dent in SolarCity's bottom line. When a customer loses a home to a bank in foreclosure, the company also risks losing income from its energy system unless it can reach a deal to take the system back or contract with the new homeowners. Company executives say that even after figuring in foreclosures, more than 99 percent of contracts are ultimately reassigned, relocated or paid off in advance. Executives at the company have never expressed much worry about the risks of foreclosures, boasting that customers tend to pay their electricity bills even when they are not paying anything else. "We have customers that are foreclosed," Lyndon Rive, chief executive of SolarCity, said in an interview in 2012. "They're still paying their electric bill, so they still pay us." When a customer loses a home to a bank, the ownership of the solar panels can become unclear. Banks often consider them part of the overall property as fixtures. SolarCity has argued that the panels are its "personal property." The company has succeeded in convincing some banks that the panels are not fixtures, according to court records. But several foreclosure lawyers who have not been involved with these cases said SolarCity might face an uphill battle, especially if it does not act in court to protect its ownership interest in the panels. watch now Apple is growing its team in Seattle by creating a new hub for artificial intelligence research. Apple's expansion will also bolster a relationship with researchers at the University of Washington, which on Thursday announced a $1 million endowment named after Carlos Guestrin, a member of the machine learning team at Apple. In a statement, Guestrin noted the "amazing talent" that comes out of the university who have plenty of options, with Amazon and Microsoft headquartered nearby. Luring top artificial intelligence researchers to big companies has become so competitive that some universities are struggling to keep staff, The Economist reported last year. The president of the German Bundesbank has told CNBC that he could not support the European Central Bank's recent stimulus decisions, adding that monetary policy shouldn't be accommodative for more than it is needed. "No single person is running the ECB alone, it's the governing council that decides so you have to find compromise and find a consensus around these decisions," Jens Weidmann, President of the Bundesbank told CNBC Thursday. "However as you might know, I was not very supportive of the last further stimulus that the governing council decided, because it involved further sovereign bond purchases which I view quite critically." "So the monetary policy stance that would ensue from that would be less accommodative than it currently is of course." In December, the ECB announced that it would continue its multibillion-euro bond-buying program, but at a reduced pace, with the shift expected to start in just over a month's time. The current asset purchases of 80 billion euros ($84.5 billion) a month was previously expected to finish next month; however the ECB decided in December to extend this until the end of 2017, with monthly purchases being reduced to 60 billion euros from April. Oroville Dam spillway as seen on August 19, 2014 in Oroville, California. The dam was at just 32 percent of total capacity that date due to the drought but the reservoir exceeded its capacity February 11, 2017 after heavy winter rains. The huge winter storms in California and out West produced a significant snowpack across the region and increased lake levels, setting the stage for major hydropower generation this year. Yet analysts say the boom in hydroelectricity could further depress power prices, which might be good news for rate payers but bad news ultimately for independent power producers, or IPPs. "The more hydro generation you have the less [natural] gas generation you should have," Citi analyst Anthony Yuen told CNBC in an interview. He expects hydro generation on the West Coast to be stronger year-over-year due to this year's abundant mountain snowpack. Although California hydro generation is unlikely to match the Pacific Northwest, he said it "should still be much better than prior years due to stronger precipitation there." Late February snowfall levels and water content in the Pacific Northwest "are running at or slightly above average," according to Tony Usibelli, special assistant to the director of energy and climate policy at the Washington State Department of Commerce. California's Sierra Nevada mountain snowpack stood at 188 percent of normal statewide as of Wednesday, according to the state Department of Water Resources data website. "We do expect more in-state hydroelectricity to be available in summer 2017 than last year," said Steven Greenlee, a spokesman for the California Independent System Operator, which operates the high-voltage grid for most of California. "In-state hydropower production was significantly less during the most recent drought years." California also imports hydropower electricity from the U.S. Pacific Northwest region. Washington State, both the largest producer and consumer of electricity generated from hydroelectric dams, doesn't consume all of the hydropower produced so the output is sold to utilities throughout the region. Swami Venkataraman, a Moody's senior vice president and analyst covering utilities and power, said competition from more renewable power over the last four to five years wind and solar in particular has resulted in power prices that "have been very depressed. So this is [comeback in hydro is] going to worsen that problem." In particular, the Moody's analyst said the increased hydropower generation is "definitely a negative" for IPP companies such as Houston-based Calpine , which has exposure to California gas-fired plants. "Increasing renewables penetration and more recently and temporarily increased levels of hydro generation have severely weakened the energy market," Trey Griggs, president of Calpine Retail, said during the company's fourth-quarter earnings call earlier this month. "However, we're starting to see signs of improvement in the outlook for resource adequacy markets, reflecting the increasing value of well located, reliable, dispatchable assets like ours." CNBC reached out to Calpine for further comment about hydro impacts. At the same time, some see the improved hydro outlook as particularly positive for Northern California public power utilities such as Silicon Valley Power, Sacramento Municipal Utility District as well as other public utilities with hydro-generation assets. "Utilities will definitely benefit from the lower cost of power," said Matthew Reilly, an analyst at Fitch Ratings who covers the public power utilities. "A lot of them had to purchase power on the market [in drought years] to replace shortfalls in hydro." PG&E , the large investor-owned utility based in San Francisco, also could benefit from a resurgence in hydropower. In a normal rain year, PG&E can get about 15 percent of its total power needs from hydro, according to spokesman Paul Moreno. But in a low-hydro environment such as drought years he said it was sometimes half that amount. California's hydro production usually increases during the spring snow melt but production historically peaks during summer months when there's generally more power demand. Cramer did recognize that Trump brings the most pro-business administration he has ever seen, and it would be ridiculous to claim that he has nothing to do with the rally. But when he listened to CNBC's interview with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday, he realized that Wall Street is pinning too much of the gains on the President's coattails. This rally is about a lot more than just politics, Cramer said. And when Congress doesn't move as quickly as expected, stocks are helped by American executive ingenuity and a global economy that is getting stronger. "Give credit to this market where credit is due and recognize that the bull doesn't just reside at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue," the " Mad Money " host said. If Jim Cramer only listened to the media, he would think that every single point of the stock market rally falls on the shoulders of President Donald Trump and his policies. What struck Cramer the most in the interview was just how far away Trump is from getting his tax reform plan through Congress. Mnuchin did make a bold call that there will be something big done by August, but Cramer said buying stocks on that notion is premature. "There seems to be no consensus between the White House and the Congressional Republicans on what the tax package will actually look like I'm calling Mnuchin's observation optimistic, to say the least," Cramer said. Cramer boiled it down to four reasons that weren't directly related to Trump that explain why stock market has been rallying: The first is that while Trump says he inherited a mess, job growth near the end of President Obama's term was pretty robust. When those with jobs feel more confident, they spend more, particularly in housing. Second, the end of gridlock in Washington does create tremendous opportunity, but nothing has been accomplished so far beyond approval of Trump's cabinet appointees. Ultimately Cramer expects Congress and the White House to come together on tax reform, but right now everything is up in the air. The third reason is that so far, Trump hasn't had any luck putting through his $550 billion infrastructure program to rebuild roadways and airports so Congress has yet to spend a massive amount of money to fund the potential project. Congress seems more focused on repealing and replacing Obamacare than on anything related to job creation or fixing infrastructure. The last reason and the most stunning aspect of Mnuchin's interview was what wasn't said. He didn't blast other countries for manipulating currencies. He didn't call for a trade war, and he wasn't pro-strong dollar like other Treasury secretaries. "If you look around the world, you are seeing green shoots, better growth and higher stock markets everywhere with nothing being held back by what many thought would be huge trade barriers erected by Trump immediately," Cramer said. Companies like Vale and Petrobras in Brazil are coming back to life. India, China and Russia are even having a turn in fortunes. There is a pickup in business all over Europe, and Mexico's peso is soaring. "None of this growth is because of Trump. It might even be in spite of him," Cramer said. Questions for Cramer? Call Cramer: 1-800-743-CNBC Want to take a deep dive into Cramer's world? Hit him up! Mad Money Twitter - Jim Cramer Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - Vine Questions, comments, suggestions for the "Mad Money" website? madcap@cnbc.com President Donald Trump is set to dominate the Conservative Political Action Conference this week in Maryland, where he is scheduled to appear along with an array of top White House officials. Trump will speak on Friday at the annual conservative showcase, which is run by the American Conservative Union. Vice President Mike Pence will give an address on Thursday. White House chief of staff Reince Priebus and chief strategist Steve Bannon will participate in a panel discussion. Newly confirmed Education Secretary Betsy DeVos will also speak. The other planned events have a Trump-like feel as well. Nigel Farage, the right-wing British politician who Trump joined on the presidential campaign trail in 2016, is scheduled to appear. Policy panels have titles like "If Heaven Has a Gate, A Wall, and Extreme Vetting, Why Can't America?" and "Black Lives Matter, So Why Does The Left Not Support Law Enforcement?" A panel on trade includes Ed Schultz, the former MSNBC host now who now works at state-owned Russia Today. The final speaker Saturday evening is Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, a prominent Trump backer who declared it was "pitchfork and torches time in America" at a campaign rally in October. More from NBC News: Trump takes over CPAC but will he own the conservative movement too? President Trump's cabinet: What you need to know Breitbart Editor Milo Yiannopoulos dropped from CPAC, loses book deal CPAC has always fed its audiences 9,000-10,000 are expected at the gathering this week, according to a CPAC spokesman plenty of red meat, but the Trumpian tone is distinct from previous years. After President Barack Obama's re-election, the 2013 conference was packed with speakers who supported immigration reform and emphasized outreach to minority voters, which led to tension with some hardline attendees. At the time, the ACU's chairman was Al Cardenas, a longtime ally of Jeb Bush and early backer of Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) for president. Now the ACU is run by Matt Schlapp, a former political director to President George W. Bush who takes pride in being one of the earliest Bush alums to embrace Trump. "I took a lot of guff from my former Bush colleagues who didn't see what was happening in the country," Schlapp told NBC News in an interview. He praised Trump for marrying "conservative instincts" to a populist appeal. For Trump, who has had an up-and-down relationship with the annual conservative showcase, it's a chance to take a victory lap. In 2015, his CPAC speech was focused on convincing people he was serious about running for president: "A lot of people think I'm doing this for fun," he said then. In 2016, he abruptly canceled a planned appearance, prompting CPAC's organizers to respond that "his choice sends a clear message to conservatives" on Twitter . "Entrepreneur" is an incredibly powerful word. Many people, especially those for whom the corporate world is anathema, can't imagine being anything but an entrepreneur. Unfortunately for many people who dream of owning their own business, "entrepreneur" is also an intimidating word. Why? If we play word association and I say, "entrepreneur," for some the first thing that comes to mind is a success story. If you're old school, maybe you picture Kroc, Walton, or Knight. Or maybe you skew a little younger and see the smiling face of Branson, Bezos, Gates, or Cuban. Or maybe you go more recent and Page, Brin, Cuban or Zuckerberg pops to mind. Or maybe the first thing you see is "Jobs," since Steve transcends nearly every generational and socio-economic divide. More from Jeff Haden: Don't Praise Accomplishments, Praise Effort: Science Says So An Unexpected Way to Achieve a Better Work-Life Balance Should You Know How Much Your Coworkers Make? But then again, the first thing you think of could be something from the opposite end of the success spectrum. You might picture pulling an endless string of eighteen-hour days while living on Ramen noodles, the breakfast, lunch, and dinner of entrepreneurial champions. Or you might picture all the lean months and years of hardship and sacrifice and maxed-out credit cards as you struggle to create a business no one believes in but you ... and sometimes, in your worst moments, not even you. Whether you think of incredible success or devastating failure, the word "entrepreneur" can feel like a lot to live up to or or to live with. Even successful entrepreneurs feel they don't live up to the word. I know people who have built great businesses. Huge businesses. Massive businesses. But however bright their entrepreneurial beacon shines, in their hearts they still feel their light is lost in the glow of those who made greater sacrifices or who have accomplished even more. And maybe that's you. Maybe you're afraid to start a business because you feel you could never compare to the brightest stars in the entrepreneurial firmament. Or maybe you shrink from the thought of having to work and sacrifice and struggle towards a goal you may never accomplish. Or maybe you think other people have some intangible entrepreneurial something ideas, talent, drive, skills, creativity, whatever that you just don't have. If that's the way you think ... you're wrong. Success is only inevitable in hindsight. It's easy to look back on another person's entrepreneurial path to greatness and assume every vision was clear, every plan was perfect, every step was executed flawlessly, and tremendous success was a foregone conclusion. Larry Page, Google co-founder and CEO speaks during the opening keynote at the Google I/O developers conference. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images watch now "Big crocodiles" and "demons" might not be terms typically associated with regulatory legalese, but those phrases have begun to creep into the lexicon of China's top financial regulators. As Asia's largest economy continues a push to reform its financial system and encourage greater stability ahead of the National People's Congress in March, financial watchdogs have turned to flowery language. It's a bid to rein in capital market volatility or else. In a news briefing conducted in Beijing, the chairman of the China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) said that insurers who engaged in speculation would face severe punishments. Those who did so could potentially have their licenses revoked or be "kicked out" of the industry, said Xiang Junbo, the chairman of the CIRC. He went on to say that the insurance sector could not become a "rich men's club" and reminded insurers that they had a responsibility to maintain welfare in society. The CIRC is the top insurance regulator in China, determining which providers are issued licenses to sell insurance. The comments come after a buying spree for Chinese insurers in recent years, with notable examples being the insurance unit of Baoneng Group and Anbang Insurance. The former's attempted takeover involving property developer Vanke was in the headlines for most of last year. 'Barbarians' and 'thieves' In another criticism of the insurance sector, China's insurance watchdog referred to local insurers as "barbarians" for their hostile takeover attempts. The CIRC was referring to attempts made by Foresea Life, the insurance arm of Baoneng Group, to use capital from its insurance products to launch a takeover on Vanke. Foresea Life was later suspended from selling universal life insurance by the CIRC, the Nikkei Asian Review reported. The China Securities Regulatory Commission Chairman, Liu Shiyu, had his own variation of the term. He said that these insurers had transformed from "strangers at the gate to barbarians, and finally to industry thieves," Nikkei stated. Vanke Chairman Wang Shi used the term in 2015 when he called the Baoneng Group's actions barbaric for attempting to overthrow Vanke board members, the South China Morning Post stated. Jay Directo | AFP | Getty Images The authorities will bring to justice "big crocodiles" referring to Chinese tycoons who are allegedly unfairly profiteering from the stock market, the chairman of the CSRC said earlier this month. Liu went on to invoke more colorful language during the rest of his speech. He promised that "financial crocodiles" would no longer be allowed to "suck the blood of the retail investors," Chinese financial publication Caixin reported. The comments were regarded by China watchers to be in reference to the disappearance of billionaire Xiao Jianhua over the Lunar New Year. Authorities in China have not commented directly on the matter but sources have said that the tycoon is "assisting" financial investigations on the mainland, the South China Morning Post stated. Other variations of the phrase used by regulators include "capital market crocodiles," "giant crocodiles" and "big croc tycoons." Greece's latest debt crisis could hopefully be resolved as soon as next month, the vice-president of the European Commission, Valdis Dombrovskis, told CNBC. Dombrovskis, vice-president for the euro and social dialogue, told CNBC Thursday that Greece's recovery is on target and one "final push" by dealmakers could secure the future of the mired economy by the next Eurogroup meeting scheduled for March 22. "I'm quite confident that we will be able to resolve the current situation in a short time," he said. "What we need now is a final push from EU institutions, from the IMF, from Greek authorities themselves so that hopefully it can be resolved by next Eurogroup." To delay further would be "highly unproductive" and risk Greece slipping back into "financial instability," he said. Populism in the Eurozone Dombrovskis additionally dismissed fears that the European Union could be further destabilised by further referendums on membership of the 28-country block. French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen has gained momentum ahead of this year's election by touting a possible French referendum on EU membership, much like the U.K.'s Brexit vote. Dombrovskis insisted: "It was a very clear signal just after the Brexit referendum that 27 countries are willing to stick together willing to make the EU a success." Past performance is no guide to future returns, as investors are so often told, but the French electorate runs the risk of creating a crisis worse than the fall of Lehman Brothers if it follows the U.K. in instigating a referendum on EU membership, according to analysts at Deutsche Bank. As the French presidential race heats up ahead of the first round of voting in April, the German bank has warned of the pitfalls of using the U.K.'s Brexit vote as a model for a potential "Frexit", as touted by nationalist candidate Marine Le Pen. Le Pen, who is currently leading the race according to the latest BVA-Salesforce opinion poll, has vowed to hold a French referendum on EU membership if she is successful in winning France's two-round leadership race. Pointing to the U.K., which has so far felt a relatively benign impact from its Brexit vote, Le Pen has relied on it as a basis for rallying support during her campaigning, saying: "They told us that Brexit would be a catastrophe, that the stock markets would crash The reality is that none of that happened." However, Deutsche Bank has warned of the inconsistencies of likening the two votes. An EU referendum in France, one of the founding members of the economic bloc, runs the risk of undermining the euro, the currency shared by 19 of the EU's 28 member states. "Make no mistake, there is the world of difference between tearing up bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, and, unwinding a monetary union as far reaching in scope as the EMU (economic and monetary union) project," Deutsche Bank said in a note Tuesday. "It is the difference between a benign global risk event and something that has the potential to go beyond a 'Lehman's moment'." Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny told unsettled members of his ruling Fine Gael party that he would conclusively deal with the issue of his leadership after meeting the U.S. president next month, the party's chairman said on Wednesday. Kenny who has already said he will not lead the party into an election due as early as next year has faced growing calls to clearly spell out his plans as support for the party slumped amid the government's mishandling of a policing scandal. One of the two top contenders to take over the centre-right party, Simon Coveney, had said a new leader should be chosen after Kenny's trip to Washington for the annual meeting with the U.S. president to mark St. Patrick's Day on March 17. "The Taoiseach (prime minister) has addressed the issue. He has told us he will outline his intentions effectively and conclusively shortly after his return from the U.S.," Fine Gael party chairman Martin Heydon said in a statement. Kenny stopped short of giving an exact timeline, but one source present, who asked for anonymity as the meeting was private, said there was a "clear indication" that the 20-day leadership contest would begin the week following the trip. The U.S. government has been seeking to extradite Dotcom since 2012, so far unsuccessfully, on charges of copyright infringement and other allegations including money-laundering but the latest ruling still puts that on the cards. The ruling did not determine whether Dotcom, a German national who has permanent residency in New Zealand, and his co-accused are guilty of the charges, but only whether they can be extradited to the U.S.. Earlier this week, the New Zealand High Court ruled that Dotcom and three co-accused could not be extradited to the U.S. on copyright infringement charges but there were other charges that could make such a process occur. Lawyers acting for Kim Dotcom have accused New Zealand prosecutors of acting in an "illegal" way in the extradition saga of the founder of file storage site Megaupload.com. Kim Dotcom and other special guests discuss the revelations about New Zealand's mass surveillance at Auckland Town Hall on September 15, 2014 in Auckland, New Zealand. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) claims that Megaupload has cost copyright owners $500 million while the site has generated more than $175 million. However his legal team has said that now the judges have said that Dotcom could not be extradited on the grounds of copyright infringement, the rest of the charges, which include money laundering and fraud, should be dismissed as well. "Our view is that the charges are like a house of cards. Once you get rid of criminal copyright infringement, everything falls. There is no money laundering if you have a non-copyright infringing cloud storage site," Ira Rothken, Dotcom's lead global counsel, told CNBC by phone on Thursday. Under New Zealand law, if someone else uses your website or network to infringe copyright, then you are not deemed to have infringed copyright. This "safe harbor" in New Zealand is being used by Rothken to defend Dotcom. Timeline of events: Kim started file-sharing site Megaupload.com in 2005 He was granted New Zealand residency in 2010 and has been living in Auckland since then U.S. authorities shut down Megaupload.com in 2012 and Dotcom was charged with copyright infringement and other allegations including money laundering On Jan 20, 2012, $50 million of Dotcom's assets in Hong Kong, where he founded Megaupload.com. were frozen That same year, Dotcom's house was raided by New Zealand authorities. The U.S. began extradition proceedings The extradition hearing began in 2015 and has been going through numerous courts In February 2017, the New Zealand High Court said that Dotcom can still be extradited, but not on copyright infringement charges Rothken accused the New Zealand authorities of acting "illegally" in their raid of Dotcom's home in 2012. "The search warrants were provided to the New Zealand court for alleged crimes of copyright infringement, now we know that that is a non-existent crime, it's an erroneous claim. So the search warrants were granted on a basis on which they never should have been granted," Rothken told CNBC. The New Zealand Ministry of Justice was not available for comment when contacted by CNBC. Now that the High Court has ruled that there was no copyright infringement, the lawyer said that the extradition request is likely to be thrown out when he takes it to the New Zealand Court of Appeal. "We think it will be very quick when Court of Appeal looks at this to basically say that this case can no longer be sustained and should be dismissed. We believe the remaining claims have no merit," Rothken said, adding that he will be filing an appeal notice within 15 days. Dotcom's legal team will are now also looking to unfreeze Dotcom's assets in Hong Kong and also seek "remedy" for the raid of the internet entrepreneur's house. While his legal team did not say how much they were seeking in damages, Dotcom tweeted early on Thursday that he would sue the New Zealand government for $2.4 billion. TWEET Rothken said that this was not the immediate focus, but one day Dotcom may want to bring such a claim "for the harm that was caused to him from the takedown of Megaupload.com." President Donald Trump will meet with the leaders of five companies that are shifting operations abroad to seek guidance on how to create jobs and keep manufacturing in the United States. (Reuters) Trump said he wants the federal government to be more accountable and do "more with less" at a lunch with Treasury and budget officials. (Reuters) Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in an interview on CNBC's "Squawk Box" that he expects "very significant" tax reform focused on tax cuts for the middle class and businesses enacted before Congress' August recess. (CNBC) A Mexican official called new U.S. immigration guidelines "hostile," straining already tense relations between the two countries as Trump administration officials arrive in Mexico City for talks on immigration. (WSJ) Apple came out against Trump's decision to rescind protections relating to bathroom use by transgender students in public schools, becoming the first tech company to publicly disagree with the move. (Recode) Ivanka Trump advocated on Capitol Hill for a child care expense deduction to be included in Congress' tax code overhaul, but the plan's $500 billion price tag could make it a hard sell among lawmakers. (Bloomberg) The Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, returns to Washington this week, with Vice President Mike Pence, Kellyanne Conway, Stephen Bannon, Reince Priebus and Trump lined up as speakers. (USA Today) Elon Musk's solar panel installation company, SolarCity, sold long-term contracts to homeowners just before and even after they defaulted on their mortgages, The New York Times reported. Carlos Ghosn, longtime CEO of Nissan who saved the automaker from near-collapse, will leave his current post to oversee Nissan's alliances with Renault and Mitsubishi Motors. (Reuters) The SpaceX Dragon cargo ship will try to reach the International Space Station again after incorrect data about the ship's destination prevented it from taking off Wednesday. (USA Today) As the smartphone industry continues to mature, Apple's 10th anniversary iPhone launch this fall will be highly anticipated, but not necessarily groundbreaking, Reuters reports. France's number one telecoms group Orange is not planning to buy Vivendi 's pay-TV Canal Plus, chief executive Stephane Richard said on Thursday. Until now, the two had been discussing a possible move by Orange to buy a stake in Canal Plus, which is wholly-owned by media giant Vivendi, according to sources close to the matter. "No, I don't want to buy Canal Plus," Richard said in an interview with BFM Business radio station on Thursday. "Orange and Canal Plus are important partners. Can we do more together? For sure, but on an industrial and commercial basis, not through a stake acquisition." Richard's comments highlight the difficulties the former state monopoly has faced in a rapidly-changing sector, which faces new competition from Netflix , Amazon and other new TV content providers globally. Orange's chief had said in December that Orange would consider bidding for Vivendi's pay-TV's arm if it came up for sale. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office Mark Wilson | Getty Images After Donald Trump's flip-flop on the one-China policy during his phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping early this month, the next big question for diplomatic pundits is when and where the two leaders will meet in person. Several Chinese sources said suggestions have been made that the first meeting between the two leaders will be on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Germany in July. "Beijing is in contact with Trump's team over the possibility of a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg in July," one of the sources said, adding that Washington had also expressed similar intentions. More from the South China Morning Post: Trump reaffirms one-China policy in surprise phone call with Xi Jinping Trump's one-China affirmation should fool no one especially China Donald Trump's call to Xi Jinping 'a relief' for Taiwan Diplomatic pundits also believe the G20 summit is likely to be the first opportunity for Xi and Trump to meet, even though there are still uncertainties over whether the US president will attend as his new administration appears sceptical of multinational political gatherings. Yuan Peng, vice-president of the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, said a personal meeting between the two leaders would be essential to set the tone and direction for their relationship and to establish new ways of communication. "This is the most urgent thing for both countries to work at in the near future," he said. watch now James Woolsey, a former CIA director who served as Trump's senior adviser on national security until last month, also believes the G20 would be a good time for the leaders to get together at an early date. "The key is to not get bogged down in rhetoric, but to start working together on getting things done," he said. Dr Gal Luft, the co-director of the Washington-based Institute for the Analysis of Global Security, said both leaders should meet as soon as possible "to establish personal bonds and learn to know each other". "I would argue that the first five minutes of the meeting is the most critical part because we are dealing with two alpha males here. They need to understand each other, but more important, like each other," Luft said. "Personal chemistry that will emerge, or not, from this will define the relationship and I cannot over emphasise this point. If they like each other, they can do business together and call each other when things are not right. But if the chemistry is not that good, then the relationship will develop in a totally different trajectory," he said. If Trump chooses to skip the Hamburg G20 summit, the most likely opportunity for a meeting between the two leaders would be the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Vietnam later this year. watch now Yuan at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations said: "[It] largely depends on Trump because we have made it very clear that our leader will attend both G20 and Apec. As long as Trump shows up, we will try our best to arrange bilateral talks for the leaders." A July meeting with Trump would be of special significance for Xi because the Chinese leader is eager to show a steady relationship with the US as intense jockeying for power is underway ahead of this autumn's Chinese Communist Party congress in Beijing, according to observers. China is also organising an One Belt, One Road summit in May to promote its international trade initiative , but it is unlikely Trump himself will attend. Steve Tsang, the director of the London-based SOAS China Institute, said if that if there were no major incidents or mishaps in US-China relations between now and the G20 meeting in the summer, a Xi-Trump meeting would be "a very positive development for both, particularly for Xi in preparation to the 19th Party Congress.". But this was still a big "if" at the moment, he cautioned. "We are many months away from the Hamburg summit. Will Trump leave his rather strong and worrying campaign promises over China alone in the meantime? No one knows," he said. Yuan admitted that the lack of effective communication channels with Trump's team remains Beijing's biggest challenge in handling ties with the new administration, noting that the US president appears to show little interest in using existing channels to manage diplomatic, military and economic relations. watch now "All of a sudden, if something happens, who do we contact? That's the biggest risk in the next few months. So my suggestion is for two top leaders to find some ways to meet as soon as possible because both Trump and Xi are quite unique and strong leaders," he said. Yuan added that Beijing and Washington should also try to find new areas of cooperation, suggesting Xi invite Trump to join the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and also take part in the One Belt, One Road trade initiative. Former CIA director Woolsey also believes the trade project offers an opportunity for China and the US to begin working together on mutually beneficial initiatives, such as financing and building infrastructure schemes. "If we can somehow get the people from the two governments ... into a world in which they are working together to start to get things built, a lot of the agonies will go away, or at least be damped down," he said. Apart from official channels, both sides need to find ways to establish informal means of communication, analysts suggested. watch now Here are some of the key stories CNBC is following this hour: Iraq's special forces said they began an assault against ISIS in western Mosul. They said their troops reached the southern edge of the city and that clashes were underway. Multiple armored vehicles could be seen advancing on the city. The UN-brokered Syrian peace talks resumed in Geneva on Thursday, 10 months after they fell apart over escalating bloodshed in the war-torn country. UN envoy Staffan de Mistura's first meeting was with the Syrian government delegation. The water has begun to recede in flood-ravaged San Jose, California. Many of the thousands who were evacuated returned home to find their belongings covered in mud and water. Heavy rains have saturated the once drought-stricken region. A Siberian tiger knocked a drone out of the sky in northeast China. The animals were seen chasing the drone until one successfully jumped up and knocked it down. The tigers immediately gathered around and tore into it further until they were scared off by the release of some smoke. Here are some of the key stories CNBC is following this hour: White House adviser Kellyanne Conway is speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland Thursday, defending President Trump's stance on women's rights. French students are protesting police violence that's blocking 16 Parisian schools. Barricades of bins some lit on fire are preventing students from entering the buildings. The students also put up signs condemning police brutality. A new study finds that eating more than five servings of fruits and vegetables a day can drastically reduce the risks of heart attack, stroke and cancer. Researchers are estimating that eating 10 portions of fruits and veggies a day could prevent almost 8 million premature deaths per year. Here are some of the key stories CNBC is following this hour: Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly met with their Mexican counterparts in Mexico City earlier today. The meeting came amid Mexico's mounting unease and resentment over President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. "We universally agreed on the importance of strengthening existing institutional mechanisms," Tillerson said after the meeting. "The meetings were a continuation of a purposeful and productive exchange that is setting our two countries down a pathway of great security and long-term prosperity." Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland. She told the conference that her main job as education secretary is to improve learning for students. A small gas station in Lafayette, Indiana has sold the $435 million winning Powerball ticket. The winner has yet to step forward. A total of 39 Powerball winners have come out of the Hoosier state, more than any other state in the union. Former Exxon Mobile Executive Rex Tillerson appears before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations for his confirmation hearing for the post of Secretary of State on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC Wednesday January 11, 2017. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson landed in Mexico Wednesday afternoon ahead of talks with President Enrique Pena Nieto a trip that, for past administrations, was often full of routine and breezy diplomatic interactions. But not for President Donald Trump's administration. Tillerson, the new head of the State Department, will attempt to smooth over tensions sparked by brash rhetoric, plans to build a border wall, and most recently the Department of Homeland Security's new immigration guidelines. The plans unveiled Tuesday would consider almost all undocumented immigrants subject to deportation, and includes sending those who enter the U.S. illegally via the southern border back to Mexico, even if they aren't from there. More from NBC News: What to Know About the New DHS Illegal Immigration Crackdown Town Hall Protests Revive Art of Bird-Dogging Politicians Many Public Documents Still Missing From White House Website Mexico, unsurprisingly, was not impressed. The nation's lead negotiator with the Trump administration, Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray, said Wednesday there was no way Mexico would accept the new rules. "I want to say clearly and emphatically that the government of Mexico and the Mexican people do not have to accept provisions that one government unilaterally wants to impose on the other," he told reporters at the foreign ministry. "We also have control of our borders and we will exercise it fully," he said. Videgaray said the new DHS guidelines would dominate the talks. Mexico will insist that the United States proves the nationality of any person it wants to deport to Mexico, he said. Roberto Campa, who heads the human rights department of the Interior Ministry, said the plan to deport non-Mexicans to Mexico was "hostile" and "unacceptable." White House press secretary Sean Spicer on Wednesday denied that Tillerson's trip to Mexico with Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly was an effort to repair any ill will created by the new president. He described the relationship between the two countries as "phenomenal right now." "I would argue that we have a very healthy and robust relationship with the Mexican government and Mexican officials," Spicer told reporters during the daily press briefing. "And I think they would echo that same sentiment." Tillerson had begun laying the groundwork to help strengthen the U.S.-Mexico relationship before this trip. But he has his work cut out for him. "A trip to Mexico by the secretary of state is like a layup. It's when a Big Ten school plays a small college in preseason and wins by 40 points," Richard Stengel, a former State Department official under Secretary John Kerry, said on MSNBC. "This shouldn't be a hard thing. The president has made it very hard." Last month, a planned visit by Pena Nieto to the White House was cancelled in the wake of a fiery spat over which nation will pay for Trump's contentious border wall. The pair later spoke by phone after the cancellation, calling the conversation "constructive and productive." Though Mexican leaders continue to say they will not pay for the wall, the war of words between the heads of state has largely subsided for now. Mexican leaders say Trump pledged he would stop speaking publicly about the barrier and walked back a proposal to add a 20 percent tax to Mexican products imported into the U.S. Administration officials have said the Tillerson trip will be focused on the areas where the two countries can find agreement. Paying for the wall is just one aspect of the vast range of issues facing the two countries. But the political detente has not settled passions in either country. Widespread anti-Trump protests were held in 18 cities across Mexico earlier this month. Cities in the U.S. held a "Day Without Immigrants" protests to showcase the importance of immigrants. "Clearly the relationship between Mexico and the United States is the worst it's been in 25 years," James Jones, a former U.S. ambassador to Mexico under President Clinton, told MSNBC. "At a time when we have great cooperation with Mexico both on economics, as well as national security this is something that has to be mended and I think both Secretary Tillerson and Secretary Kelly are the ones to deliver the message and to try to get it back on track," he added. Civilians under siege by Assad regime forces and its supporter foreign terrorist groups, wait for their evacuation in Aleppo, Syria, on Dec. 20, 2016. Russia is pressing world powers to provide Syria with billions of dollars for reconstruction to bolster its faltering efforts to resolve the Arab state's six-year conflict. But European and Gulf states, angered by Russia's military intervention that tilted the war in favour of President Bashar al-Assad, will only contribute if Moscow secures a peace settlement that sets the terms for an eventual political transition, western diplomats say. "They [Russia] go in, they mess it all up, they break everything and want everyone to pay for it," said a European diplomat. More from Financial Times: Russia asks world powers to pay for Syria reconstruction Brussels calls for common stand against takeover of Polish court The cost to Britain of falling immigration The issue is expected to be raised at UN-backed talks between the Syrian government and rebels that begin in Geneva on Thursday. Russia is the dominant foreign player involved in the war, but after helping broker a ceasefire between the warring parties in December, it has struggled to bring the adversaries closer to a political agreement. Mikhail Bogdanov, Russia's deputy foreign minister in charge of Middle East issues, told a meeting of EU ambassadors in Moscow last week that the reconstruction of Syria would top the agenda very soon, according to European diplomats. He said "tens of billions of dollars" would be needed, while warning that "nothing" should be expected from Russia, the diplomats said. "The Russians really do not want to inherit a completely destroyed Syria that's a problem that would stick with them as long as Iraq has been haunting the Americans," said a Middle East-based diplomat.But the Russian initiative could face resistance particularly as Russian air strikes were responsible for destruction in cities such as Aleppo. The conflict has reduced entire neighbourhoods across the country to rubble and forced millions of people from their homes. But the Russian initiative could face resistance particularly as Russian air strikes were responsible for destruction in cities such as Aleppo. The conflict has reduced entire neighbourhoods across the country to rubble and forced millions of people from their homes. EU member states have differed on whether to insist on Mr Assad's departure as an explicit condition for a settlement or back a transitional arrangement. Countries including the UK, France and the Netherlands believe the war will not end until he goes, but others argue that should not stop efforts to ease the violence. Federica Mogherini, the EU's foreign policy chief, plans to host an international conference on Syria's future in April. "Mogherini would like to use that to put the EU in the forefront of shaping the debate on reconstruction. The UK and France are very cautious about rushing into something that isn't going to hold and inadvertently propping up Assad," said another European diplomat. The Geneva negotiations follow negotiations in Kazakhstan mediated by Russia and Turkey, which supports the Syrian opposition. Russia used those talks to table a draft of a new Syrian constitution, despite the fact that work on a charter was originally part of the agenda for the Geneva process. The second round of talks in Astana wrapped up without visible progress last week and Moscow is expected to raise its draft charter in Geneva. Details of Russia's draft constitution have not been made public, but a crucial issue is how long Mr Assad would be able to cling to power. Rebels and diplomats say the draft peddled by Russia would involve a devolution of powers, with portfolios, such as the interior, defence and foreign ministries, gaining extra power. Some opposition figures are slowly warming to the idea, which would essentially put in place an Iraq or Lebanon-style power-sharing system. "It is far from ideal and not something we had aspired to, but I think it is better than war," one opposition figure said. However, others argued it is a charade the opposition should steer clear of. "It doesn't matter much if you have a new and powerful post but you don't have the intelligence forces or military behind you," said an opposition figure. Russian Middle East experts blame the Syrian government and Iran, another backer of Mr Assad, for being the biggest obstacles to a political settlement. The Kremlin believes that neither that problem nor convincing European powers to support a Russian-brokered political deal can be solved without clarity over US policy in Syria. The Obama administration, which was criticised by Syria's opposition for not doing more to end the violence, was increasingly marginalised as Russia's influence grew. US President Donald Trump has suggested his priority in Syria will be fighting Isis and not pushing for Mr Assad to step down. But his administration has increased the pressure on Iran, the main regional backer of the Syrian regime. "The Trump administration's hard line on Iran could be very useful in getting Iran to make concessions," said a former Russian diplomat. "But for that we need a clear message from Washington." Oil majors Royal Dutch Shell and ExxonMobil could see a 10 to 15 percent hit to profit margins at their Singapore refineries when the city state imposes a carbon tax in 2019, one analyst told CNBC. On Monday, Singapore announced its intention to introduce a carbon tax of between S$10 ($7.10) and S$20 ($14.10) per tonne of greenhouse gas emissions. That will impact 30 to 40 large direct emitters in the country, including power stations and refineries, the government said. "Increase in cost from this carbon tax regulation could be between $0.40 and $0.70 per barrel coming from the refining sector. By 2019, we expect gross refinery margins to be $4 to $5 per barrel, so the profit margins could be impacted by 10 to 15 per cent," said Sushant Gupta, refining and chemicals research director at Wood Mackenzie. The Southeast Asian city state is home to three oil refineries run by ExxonMobil, Shell and Singapore Refining Company. ExxonMobil and Shell both base their largest refineries globally in Singapore. Gupta said the additional financial burden from the carbon tax will reduce the refineries' ability to compete, especially against other exporters in the region such as those in China, India and South Korea. "Passing on these costs to products will be tough as those prices are set by international market Reducing energy intensity of operations will be key to remain competitive," he added. When asked by CNBC, both ExxonMobil and Shell said they agree on the need to address environmental concerns and have, in the past years, taken steps to reduce their carbon footprint. However, they stressed the importance of maintaining competitiveness while doing so. "We would emphasize the critical importance of a policy design which addresses strong economic growth and the competitiveness of Singapore companies in the international market place. It must ensure companies can compete effectively with others in the region who are not subject to the same levels of carbon dioxide costs," a Shell Singapore spokesperson said. Water sustains life, offers us refreshment and covers around 71 percent of our planet's surface, according to the U.S Geological Survey. In Nepal, some communities are looking to harness the energy water produces with micro-hydropower systems. According to the Nepal Micro Hydropower Development Association, over 3,300 micro hydro plants are providing energy to villages around the country. In one area, a local community has been making use of a micro hydropower unit since 2008. The impact has been significant. "The source of water here is really good," Taranath Poudel, president of the Nisikhola II Micro Hydropower Project, told CNBC's Sustainable Energy. , the world's second-largest reinsurer, said on Thursday fourth-quarter net profit fell 45 percent after outlays on claims from natural disasters such as Hurricane Matthew and an earthquake in New Zealand proved costly. Swiss Re proposed raising its regular dividend for 2016 to 4.85 Swiss francs from 4.60 francs in 2015 and announced a new share buyback program of up to 1 billion Swiss francs ($989.8 million). Net profit for the year fell to $3.558 billion, behind the average estimate of $3.716 billion in a Reuters poll of analysts. Swiss Re confirmed its mid-term targets. It also said Chief Underwriting Officer Matthias Weber had decided to step down, and would be replaced by Edouard Schmid, currently head of property and casualty reinsurance, as of June 30. When my husband was born in the early 1980s, his uncle celebrated by buying him five shares of Disney stock for a total of $5. The purchase was motivated by emotion as well as by practicality. "I clearly remember reflecting that Disney stock was particularly appropriate for a baby," his uncle says. The bet turned out to be a good one. My husband and I just sold the stock for $36,000, more than I have sometimes made in a year. My own relatives were fond of playing the market and were fortunate enough to have the necessary resources and education. My grandfather had been born into poverty in a crowded tenement on Manhattan's Lower East Side but he went to great free public schools, including CCNY. That enabled him to get white-collar jobs and work his way up into the middle, and then upper-middle, class. He sent his own children to college and, as soon as his grandchildren arrived on the scene, he started saving to help send us to college, too. That meant sacrifices: He and my grandmother lived frugally, cooked and entertained at home, and drove an old Buick. My grandfather, serving pancakes The money that could have gone to extravagances went, instead, into the market. My grandfather passed away several years ago at 89. Going through his office, my mother found a detailed list he kept of the securities he bought on behalf of his grandchildren and how they had appreciated. In the mid-1980s he began buying us bonds. Then, starting in 1990, he put money into PepsiCo, Boeing, Pfizer, AT&T and SunMicrosystems. Total cost: Nearly $50,000 per grandchild. By the spring of 2001, when I was a sophomore in college, each of us had a portfolio that had more than doubled in value. Not every stock appreciated to the same degree, of course. AT&T went down precipitously, and though Sun Microsystems went up during the relevant time period, my parents held onto it too long. My mother recalls that we lost about $100,000 when it bottomed out. Still, my grandfather's shrewd investments, and the fact that he prioritized the education and prospects of the next generation, were part of the reason I was fortunate enough to go to a private liberal arts school without taking on any debt. I was able to begin my career without the devastating student loan burden that limits the choices of millions of people in my generation. Thanks to him and to my parents, who also worked hard and sacrificed on their children's behalf, I was able to do what millions of my contemporaries can't: Save for my own future. An electronic Disney sign in New York. Scott Mlyn | CNBC So should you start gifting stock certificates to the children in your life? I polled the experts and they mostly say yes, though with some qualifications. Financial planner Tom Corley points out that stocks are risky since they mean you "put all your eggs in one basket." Instead, he suggests that present-givers consider contributing to, or setting up, a child's 529 plan. Those education savings accounts "allow you to invest a small amount of money in hundreds of stocks in a tax-advantaged way (no tax on gains and dividends inside a 529 Plan)," he tells CNBC. Prices are also higher than they were in the 1980s and '90s, so, Corley points out, "even $5,000 will only buy you so many stocks," any or all of which could, of course, under-perform. If you do want to invest yourself on behalf of a child, be sure to take precautions by diversifying. Sophia Bera, founder of Gen Y Planning, concurs that a 529 plan is a smarter bet these days, since it is "more diversified and can be used for qualified education expenses and has favorable tax treatment." But giving children stocks can serve an educational purpose, too. Sharon Schweitzer, founder of Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide, notes that it can help teach the child about investing and finance in general from an early age. She tells CNBC that, "as the child grows, they learn about why the stock's value goes up and down, and begin thinking of using their money to play the market instead of computer and video games." That said, consider the context and age-appropriateness of the companies you choose and the message your support for them might send. "It is important to choose a stock that reflects you, your values, and will reflect positively on the recipient," she says. "The stock selection doesn't need to be based entirely on the stock's long-term outlook. Consider Build-A-Bear, Dreamworks, Walt Disney, Nike, Hasbro, or Under Armour." Under Armour sports shoes on display. Getty Images President Donald Trump on Thursday said the companies behind two hotly contested oil pipelines must use U.S. steel in their projects. Trump ordered the Department of Commerce last month to develop a plan that would require any company that builds a pipeline within U.S. borders to use American-made materials and equipment. But he has previously stopped short of language suggesting a requirement in public statements, instead saying he would like the projects to be built with U.S. raw steel and pipes. The Commerce Department has not yet issued a report on the requirement, but Trump on Thursday said the companies behind the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines would "have to buy" pipes made from U.S. steel. "And you're going to be doing pipelines now, you know that, right?" Trump told United States Steel CEO Mario Longhi during a meeting of business leaders at the White House. "We put you heavy into the pipeline business because we approved, as you know, the Keystone pipeline and Dakota, but they have to buy, meaning steel, so I'll say U.S. steel, but steel made in this country and pipelines made in this country." Trump signed memos to move the projects forward after President Barack Obama blocked their progress amid protests by environmentalists and Native Americans. The requirement to use U.S. steel would create challenges for TransCanada because much of the pipe for its Keystone XL project has already been manufactured. "So it's something we're going to carefully look at," he said. "And when we come out with the plan, we'll come obviously out with the distribution and how it impacts people and that's something we're very focused on." "Look, as I've said before, we're primarily focused on a middle-income tax cut and simplification for business. And ... on the high end, if there are tax cuts, that they are offset with reduction of deductions and other things," Donald Trump 's new Treasury secretary told CNBC in his first televised interview since taking office. Steven Mnuchin stressed Thursday that Trump administration tax reform is about helping the middle class, despite widespread concerns that cuts will help the wealthy most. In November, Mnuchin stated unequivocally that "there will be no absolute tax cut for the upper class" because cuts will be offset by closing loopholes that help the rich. Democrats jumped on the pledge, with Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon dubbing it the "Mnuchin rule" during the Treasury secretary's confirmation hearing. However, ensuring the wealthy get no absolute tax cut could prove more difficult in practice under proposals that call for across-the-board income tax cuts. Many analyses have estimated that Trump's campaign-trail tax plan will benefit the wealthy much more than the middle class. The conservative Tax Foundation think tank previously said Trump's tax proposal during the campaign would boost after-tax income by 0.8 percent for all taxpayer groups but could raise income 10 percent or more for the top 1 percent of taxpayers. It's still unclear exactly what the tax reform plan will look like. Mnuchin said the White House and both chambers of Congress are working on a "combined plan." Trump and House Republicans released separate plans previously, though the lawmakers' proposal was more detailed and generally got better feedback from economists. Still, both plans called for reducing the top income tax rate to 33 percent from 39 percent currently. Republicans have also called for cutting the number of income tax brackets from seven to three. Mnuchin said he hopes to see "significant tax reform" by Congress' August recess. The U.S. exported a record amount of crude oil, topping a million barrels a day for a second week and filling the gap in world markets created by OPEC cutbacks. Shale and other U.S. producers sent 1.2 million barrels of crude oil onto world markets last week, up nearly 200,000 barrels a day from the week earlier and about 350,000 barrels above the four-week average, according to Energy Information Administration data. Until recently, the U.S. was exporting about 500,000 barrels a day. "OPEC's got a competitor. No doubt about it," said Kyle Cooper, a consultant with Ion Energy Group. "They certainly have to be concerned with U.S. oil producers eating into their market share." U.S. producers have also ramped up production to 9 million barrels a day last week, a level last seen in April 2016. The new production is increasing even as the U.S stockpiles continue to grow. According to EIA, oil supplies grew for a seventh week, adding a smaller than expected 564,000 barrels. "OPEC is definitely looking over its shoulder at these rising numbers of exports, and it's undermining their efforts on a daily basis," said John Kilduff of Again Capital. "Some of it's going to Asia. China is one of the more unusual buyers in there. The shale guys are filling the gap of the very cuts that were put in place by the market." The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and non-OPEC producers, like Russia, agreed to cut about 1.8 million barrels a day from the world market in an effort to stabilize oil prices. This is in contrast to a previous failed strategy to let the market set prices, which ended with oil collapsing into the $20s per barrel as producers flooded the world market. That earlier strategy was a direct response to the rise of U.S. shale production in the last decade. Oil has been holding above $50 per barrel since OPEC reached the output deal in December. The market has been giving the producers high marks for compliance with the deal, with a recent Bloomberg report quoting OPEC sources saying they have 90 percent compliance and non-OPEC 70 percent. OPEC removed about 890,000 barrels a day from the world market in January. Kilduff said he's skeptical of the compliance. "It looks like compliance is going to be well below 80 percent. Exports are on the upswing. We're seeing the tanker data," he said. Cooper said some of OPEC's compliance was easy to achieve due to planned maintenance in January. In a deeply divided country, it can be difficult to find consensus about anything other than the fact that we are living in a stressful time. While chaos and upheaval are nothing new, the way we find out about the world has changed. Instead of struggling to gather information, we are inundated with a ceaseless flow of news, social media and questionable facts. For many of us, generating and managing this information has become a full-time job, leaving little time for real-life, real-time interactions. The irony is that the human brain, which enabled us to create this technological world, still uses a convoluted, ancient operating system to process information. The human brain, which enabled us to create this technological world, still uses a convoluted, ancient operating system to process information. More on Recode: Apple condemns Trump's decision to revoke transgender bathroom guidelines Silicon Valley should be making products for Middle America, investor Jeremy Liew says Uber's CEO promises an 'urgent investigation' into a former employee's sexual harassment claims Consequently, while the cortex dreams up new, abstract ways to alter the world, structures deep in the brain monitor and regulate our body, scan the environment for danger and trigger physical fight-or-flight responses regardless of the source of the stress. Unfortunately, running away from a deadline, or punching your boss isn't a particularly helpful response in modern life. In addition, we are frequently overwhelmed by too much stimulation, and too many choices instead of too few. As a result, we find ourselves looking for patterns, trying to simplify issues and giving precedence to opinions that reinforce what we already believe to be true. It doesn't help that our brains are programmed to pay attention to rapidly changing stimuli. This predilection, which was crucial when survival depended on constantly monitoring the environment, makes it hard for us to ignore 140-character Twitter streams, television shows, social media updates from our friends and families, and even advertising. Who among us hasn't found it hard to break away from something on television, or turned to Facebook, Twitter or a newsfeed when we didn't want to do the work in front of us? As a brief respite, this may not be a problem. However, when disasters occur, when we don't agree with the politicians in power, or when we become concerned with a pending threat like global warming or economic collapse, scanning, checking, and obsessing online can interfere with our mood, and our ability to function. Scanning, checking, and obsessing online can interfere with our mood, and our ability to function. Psychological research suggests that the brain is also predisposed to attend to negative information. When media content makes us feel angry, scared or sad, we orient towardsthe disturbing story to make sure we know how to protect ourselves (It's that fight-or-flight response again). The problem occurs when the threat is far removed from us, amplified by the media and out of our control, all of which can make us feel helpless or hopeless. In response, some people try to avoid the news or social media entirely, while others try in vain to follow it constantly. Of course neither option solves the problem, since ignorance is not always bliss, and too much information particularly from single or biased sources can distort our worldview. So how can we, as individuals, satisfy our need to know what is going on in the world without being swamped by the ceaseless chatter or distracted by extraneous input? Perhaps we need to think about our media consumption the way we would any other behavior, as a habit that can be changed if we truly want to. To make lasting changes, people have to consciously create and maintain a plan of action, and may have to pick up new skills along the way. You have only to think of your last New Year's resolution to assess whether you already know how to make systematic behavior changes. If you have already failed to meet your 2017 goals, there are some simple techniques you can try. The first step is to carefully identify the thoughts and feelings you find uncomfortable, or the behaviors you want to change. For example, if you feel that you are spending too much time online, you could try keeping a log of your behavior for a few days. The key is to note specific details, including when, where and why the behavior occurred. For example, when do you feel the urge to hop online, how much time are you actually spending in a day, and what are you thinking or feeling when you get the urge to click in? Are you catastrophizing about what will happen if you don't check in, seeking social attention or approval, or worrying about whether the world is running the way you think it should? Are you anxious that you are missing something important, seeking a little bit of excitement, avoiding an unfamiliar task or feeling lonely? How do you feel after you spend time online? Like eating or smoking, turning to the internet to try to get temporary relief from negative emotions can backfire in the long run. Once you have a better sense of your media-viewing cues, you have the opportunity to respond in a different way. Think about the thoughts and feelings that are triggering your behavior, and try to find a way to address those underlying needs. Although people often find that media exposure makes them feel angry, sad or anxious, they will also use social media to try to avoid the same sorts of feelings. Colleagues and I have joked that it all comes down to what makes you feel Mad, Bad, Sad or Glad. If you find that your media viewing is associated with anger, maybe you need to reassess your news sources. So, if you find that your media viewing is associated with anger, maybe you need to reassess your news sources. Why do you continue to look at Facebook posts that infuriate you, or to watch news show that make you agitated? Maybe it would be better to find a more neutral news source, or to set limits on how you consume social media. Or set yourself the task of studying the people you disagree with, to see if you can better understand why they think or behave the way they do. This can actually be a fun way to wile away a boring meeting, as well. If media exposure makes you feel that the world is coming to an end, maybe you need to change your perspective. Find a good historical novel or movie and remind yourself that life has always been challenging, but people persevere. When you start feeling overwhelmed by other people's opinions, try spending a few hours without electronic input. Talking to older people who have successfully lived through wars, depressions and tragedies can also help you cope. Or run an experiment to see whether exercising, spending time outside or getting more sleep makes you feel better about the state of the world. When watching the tragedies and injustices of the world makes you depressed, figure out how to limit your exposure. Could you get your news updates from the radio or brief summaries of the day's events so you don't have to see pictures that give you nightmares? Can you find a local way to take action? You can't fix global warning alone, but you can clean up a park. Helping others actually activates brain circuits that promote attachment and comfort, so we all benefit. If you are using the media to feel connected to others, try to make some real-world connections. Take a walk around the office and talk to people, call someone in real time, or look for a way to meet people who like to do the same things you do (sports, books, cooking ...). And finally, even if you do succeed in changing your media-viewing behavior, remember that we all relapse from time to time. The key is to get back on track after a binge, not to blame yourself and give up on your efforts to find balance. The paradox of the modern world is that the same technology that has made our lives so much easier physically has also created new mental challenges. I choose to believe that our brains are up to the task of figuring out how to cope. Mary E. McNaughton-Cassill, Ph.D., is a professor of clinical psychology at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). She conducts research on stress and coping, has published in a variety of academic journals, and is the author of the book "Mind The Gap: Managing Stress in the Modern World." She is a recipient the University of Texas Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award and a fellow of the University of Texas System's Academy of Distinguished Teachers. Reach her at Mary.McNaughtonCassill@utsa.edu. By Mary E. McNaughton-Cassill, Recode.net. CNBC's parent NBCUniversal is an investor in Recode's parent Vox, and the companies have a content-sharing arrangement. watch now Ireland's prime minister deftly deflected a leadership challenge on Wednesday night, insisting that he will not discuss a timetable for transition to a new leader before his visit to President Donald Trump next month is completed. The resurfacing of an ugly, decade-old scandal which concerns a cover-up of corrupt policing and which has dragged Enda Kenny, Ireland's premier for the past six years, once again into its depths, led to a widespread expectation that Wednesday's private party meeting would be the scene of Kenny's announcement of his retirement plans. Yet not a single rebel challenged his unequivocal stance that the issue of party leadership would be off the table until after his annual trip to Washington D.C. watch now "This trip is crucial," Martin Heydon, chairman of Ireland's governing party, Fine Gael, told CNBC in Dublin on Thursday. "We'll be actively seeking to engage with business leaders to sell the story of what Ireland has to offer and to particularly sell the message that Ireland is very much open for business despite Brexit and all of the threats that that brings around," he added, noting that the government had very much hoped that the U.K. had voted to remain within the European Union (EU) in last year's historic vote. The St. Patrick's Day trip has caused some controversy in Ireland, with many in the media and broader public claiming that it should have been cancelled in defiant response to President Trump's notorious travel ban targeted against muslims from certain countries. watch now Indeed, although Kenny himself said he disagreed with the ban, Heydon explained that the traditional visit is a critical time for Ireland's ruler to put forth a case for both the country and the EU. Particularly given some of the "negative sentiment", President Trump had articulated in the past, the chairman added. "The idea that the leader of our country would pass up on that opportunity to me is ridiculous. It's more important now than ever that we keep dialogue open," Heydon affirmed. Turning back to Brexit, the Fine Gael official admitted that it was undoubtedly a challenge and that his party saw it as in both its interests and intention to try to make sure the U.K. maintains as close a relationship with the EU following its exit. Louisa Gouliamaki | AFP | Getty Images EquipmentShare officially celebrates expansion EquipmentShare will expand its corporate office footprint in Columbia following the success of its application for a 10-year property tax abatement. Look for U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to push for increased cybersecurity spending in government, but also for increased digital surveillance and encryption workarounds. That's the view of some cybersecurity policy experts, who said they expect Trump to focus on improving U.S. agencies' cybersecurity while shying away from new cybersecurity regulations for businesses. Trump is likely to look for ways for the National Security Agency and other agencies to assist the government and companies defend against cyberattacks, said Jeffrey Eisenach, a visiting scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and a tech advisor during Trump's presidential transition. "Cyber has to be top of mind for any view of the United States' global strategy," Eisenach said Wednesday during a discussion about Trump's cybersecurity priorities. "If you're not thinking of cyber first, I don't know what you should be thinking about." A proposed executive order from Trump on cybersecurity was leaked in January, but its formal release was postponed. Beyond the leaked drafts, it's difficult to read the tea leaves of a Trump cyber policy, other cybersecurity experts said. Given Trump's focus on fighting terrorism during his presidential campaign, he's likely to push for greater surveillance powers, said Adam Klein, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security. A foreign surveillance provision in U.S. law is set to expire at the end of the year, and Klein expects the Trump team to push for unfettered reauthorization. Trump "campaigned on vigorous counterterrorism efforts, and that is likely to lead [his] approach on surveillance and privacy issues," Klein said. Trump may move away from former President Barack Obama's attempts to balance privacy and national security, he said. The Department of Homeland Security has already talked about demanding social media passwords during border searches, Klein said. While he said he doubts the searches will happen, the discussion "suggests we're in a new era here," he added. Meanwhile, Trump and new Attorney General Jeff Sessions have both criticized tech companies' resistance to encryption backdoors, Klein noted. Both called on Apple to assist the FBI with unlocking a terrorism suspect's iPhone last year. Even if Congress doesn't pass encryption legislation, the Department of Justice could aggressively sue tech companies that refuse to break encryption, he said. While Trump initially pushed for the cybersecurity executive order, related issues now seem to be on the backburner in his administration as he focuses on a travel ban from Muslim-majority countries, building a border wall, and other issues, said Denise Zheng, director of the Technology Policy Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Drafts of the executive order assigned each cabinet official more responsibility for the safety of data within their agencies. Trump has also called for agencies to modernize their IT systems as a way to improve cybersecurity. One of the main cybersecurity issues going forward is Russian hacking and its impact on the presidential election, but that's a "tough issue" for Trump to tackle, Zheng said. Trump should focus on encouraging agencies and companies to share cyberthreat information and on modernizing government IT systems, recommended Steve Grobman, CTO of Intel Security. The government's legacy IT systems "were not designed to make use of modern security best practices," he said. To help with private-sector cybersecurity, Trump should look for ways to expand cybersecurity training programs, Grobman recommended. And instead of regulations, Trump could look at tax breaks as a way to encourage companies to improve their cybersecurity, he added. "Positive incentives, rather than punitive regulations, will help produce real results," he said. Grobman also called on the Trump administration to resist any urges to require encryption backdoors in tech products. Encryption backdoors in devices may prompt criminals to move to other encryption technologies that device makers have no control over, he said. "We need to test whether we're solving the problem with the solution that's being recommended," he added. Garvan Walshe is a former National and International Security Policy Adviser to the Conservative Party. He runs Brexit Analytics Stockholm obliged yesterday morning, carpeting the city with four inches of crisp white snow dotting the distinctly Eastern looking domes of Helgeandsholmen island. Both serve to remind us of the Nordics closeness and strategic importance to Russia. It is Sweden through whose waters most electronic communication from Moscow passes. Finland, of course, has an 830 mile (1340 km) long land border with Russia, and even Norway a short frontier crossing over which last summer Syrians found their way from Russian territory by exploiting a loophole that forbade Norwegian border guards from stopping anybody crossing the frontier by bike. Wealthy, liberal and individually small, these countries have relied on the liberal international order to secure their geopolitical interests. The UN, EU (though Norway is only affiliated) and NATO (though Sweden is not itself a member) create conditions and alliances through which the Nordic countries can defend their interests and expand their startlingly successful globalised economies. Donald Trumps election strikes at the foundation of their post cold-war security. A United States whose president wants to exploit American power to shake down allies cant be relied upon for security guarantees. Nor, even, can it be expected to uphold the rules of the international economic system in ways that safeguard the interests of their firms. Take Scania, which like most truck makers, is working on driverless trucks. Essential though these are to address a severe shortage of American truck drivers that will be made worse by Trumps hostility to immigration, they will administer another blow to another industry iconic to the working class American man. As a target for Trumpian bullying, a Scandinavian opponent of the Teamsters is hard to improve on. Together, however, the Nordics should be able to wield considerable clout. With Denmark included, their Gross National Income is $1.64 billion a year, essentially as much as Russias $1.67 billion. Sweden, in particular, has an internationally successful defence industry, and world beating cyber warfare capabilities. Despite a small population (the Nordics 25 million people amount to less than half that of large European countries), their wealth allows them to wield influence far beyond their size. Their manufacturing and service industries are of course highly advanced, and continue to receive investment. Sweden and Finland each spend 3.3 per cent of GDP on R&D, compared to the USs 2.7 per cent and the UKs unacceptably low 1.7 per cent. Their universities are world class, and well-placed to benefit from the likely extension of the Home Offices attack on university employment, already affecting non-Europeans, to EEA nationals. People there speak English at least as well as the Dutch, and it disappoints this libertarian to have to accept that they have achieved high levels of economic progress at the same time as generous social provision. Theres more than one path to growth: costs may be high, but productivity more than keeps up. In other words, the Nordic countries have got the economic fundamentals right. To be sure, they have difficulty integrating immigrants from the Islamic world, but so does everyone else (and they will continue to do so as long as Gulf oil money sustains intolerant forms of Muslim tradition). But they are nevertheless well-placed to take advantage of next level technological change. The question, however, is whether they can meet the security responsibilities of our new disordered age, where, to quote Americas most important foreign policy thinker, Robert Kagan, the greatest threat to the world order can be found in Washington, D.C. Here they need to belie their pacifist reputation. In the Cold War, their neutrality was to a great extent a strategic necessity and imposed, in particular, upon Finland. In todays hybrid cold war, Russia aims to destabilise and subvert the West rather than bludgeon it into submission. Moscow enjoys the most favourable strategic environment its had in years: Britain is distracted by Brexit, the United States led by at least an anti-Western if not an actively pro-Russian president, and France risks falling under the sway of a candidate to whose party the Kremlin has extended soft loans. At last weekends Munich Security Conference the most memorable speech was John McCains attacking his own president. Neither Defence Secretary James Mattiss attempt to reassure, nor Vice President Pences sober performance convinced. The Nordic countries have the capacity to make a larger contribution to Europes defence. They cant leave it all up to this Norwegian lady, as formidable as she is. James Frayne is Director of communications agency Public First and author of Meet the People, a guide to moving public opinion. The focus of this column is Theresa Mays conservatism for ordinary working people. Some have suggested that the task of pulling out of the EU and the pivot to a more global role is the biggest challenge since the Second World War. The longer time goes on, and new major challenges are thrown up, the more this seems like a reasonable statement. But imagine how much more difficult the Governments job would be with a competent Labour Party. For what Corbyns non-existent opposition brings is masses and masses of extra time a luxury in politics, that can rarely be expected. Not only does the Government know that Corbyns team is unable to create a clear and compelling alternative to the approach Theresa May is setting out, they can usually expect little serious scrutiny on an issue-by-issue basis. While the odd Shadow Minister might raise the occasional inconvenient question, for the most part Ministers can expect a reasonably smooth ride, assuming basic competence on their own part. In politics, everything usually takes place at huge speed. Politicians must deal with the often-unrealistic demands of the public and the permanently-unrealistic demands of the media; they must also deal with their own partys mistakes and with the perpetual motion of domestic and world affairs. While the best opposition parties like Tony Blairs before 1997 almost become the authentic voice of power, even half-competent opposition parties offer a running commentary on the failures of Government. All this helps to radically reduce the time available to politicians. Government politicians and their advisers are now able to spend nearly all their time on their actual executive job and planning for major decisions that must be taken in the future. If a serious figure were leading Labour these ministers and advisers would all be spending hours and hours each week constructing hard-edged communications campaigns, putting out rebuttals and engaging in practice for high-stakes Parliamentary events. To be fair, its not just Corbyns incompetence that provides this additional time. The Lib Dems continue to be irrelevant and UKIP are once again proving to be their own worst enemies. But the primary reason for the Governments additional time allowance undeniably comes from Corbyn. Generally speaking, a lack of opposition is a bad thing. Less scrutiny and public debate can mean that worse decisions get made. But the brutal climate of Westminster politics is hardly the perfect environment for policy making either. We should hope that the Government uses all its time to the best effect. A Uachtarain, agus a chairde President and friends. So began the Queens speech at a state banquet during her visit to Ireland little more than five years ago. An Elizabethan conquest through the medium of the Queens Irish?, asked a single-sentence letter in the Irish Times. It captured the spirit of one of the most successful visits that she has undertaken and one of the most important. It was recognised at the time as marking a high point in Anglo-Irish relations amidst a rising trend, made possible by the Belfast Agreement and the settlement in Northern Ireland. But will Brexit make it all downhill from here? This is not inevitable, but the challenges are real. We have listed some of them on this site, breaking them down into three broad categories. First, a mass of specifics arising from proximity or language or both (such as how fishing rights be allocated, in the former case, or what happens to joint projects between Irish and British universities, in the latter. Second, a set of issues related to borders, both with mainland Britain and Northern Ireland. And, third, the implications of Brexit for mutual prosperity, since Britain is Irelands largest export market within the EU, and the latters biggest trading partner. But although none of these problems are insoluble, some of them are difficult and have baleful implications. We focus today on perhaps the most serious. A cornerstone of Theresa Mays approach to the negotiation with the EU 27 is that no deal is better than a bad deal. This is a point we put ourselves the week before her recent speech did the same. None the less, trading with EU member states on WTO terms a consequence of no deal being struck would not come pain-free. For example, a consequence would be our obligation to charge tariffs at WTO rates. In most cases, these are low: a recent average was 2.3 per cent. However, rates on agricultural products are higher. About two-fifths of Irish agri-food exports come here. These include about half Irelands beef exports, the best part of two-thirds of its cheese ones, and nine-tenths of its mushroom exports. These sectors account for about 12 per cent of Irelands exports overall. It isnt scaremongering to conclude from these figures that no deal could be a disaster for Irish farming. It will be claimed in response that we would be under no compulsion to charge WTO rates at all that, instead, we could simply drop all tariffs on Irish goods. However, there are two problems were we to seek to do so one minor (at least in the eyes of some), one major. The relatively minor problem is that Ireland would have no discretion to drop its own tariffs in response, since its EU membership binds it to a common position as one of 27. This wouldnt worry some British free traders though to what degree Conservative MPs who support free markets would do so in this case were they to have constituent farmers on their backs is an unanswered question. But there is a snag, which raises the major problem. Under WTO rules, we couldnt end agricultural tariffs for Ireland alone or for any single country, come to that. We would have to abolish them altogether. And we presumably wouldnt want to do so because tariff rates are an intrinsic part of an article of Brexiteering faith: trade deals. Conservative free traders might be happy to scrap all tariffs tomorrow, but most also want to negotiate trade deals with other countries. These will necessarily include agricultural products. Far more than the ups and downs of sterling, the possibility of tariffs is the main economic question (which alert Tory MPs, such as Charlie Elphicke, are beginning to probe) raised for the Anglo-Irish relationship by Brexit. Let us now turn to some of the emotional ones returning, as we do so, to that royal visit to Ireland. To many people there, it highlighted the putting of a painful mutual past behind us. And now, just as all is well, the Brits have as much of Ireland sees it thrown everything up in the air by plumping for Brexit. Like most Leavers here, some there think the consequences can be coped with. But they are unhappy about having to deal with them. The future of trade across the border with Northern Ireland is a particularly sore point at the moment. The Irish Government is currently scouting for checkpoint sites. These may turn out not be needed, but it is worth noting that Irelands Ministers clearly believe that customs posts would be an unavoidable part in customs checks. But at the heart of British and Irish differences over Brexit is less practical problems than political psychology. The preoccupation in much of Britain with self-government isnt shared in most of Ireland; it is as bewildering to many there as Irish neutrality is to many of us. In particular, there seems to have been a classic British-Irish misunderstanding about the Single Market. We genuinely believed that Britain would not want to walk away from [it], Danny McCoy of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation said last week. Others pinned their hopes in Britain staying in the customs union. Mays speech last month put pay to that. She floated the possibility of Britain becoming an associate member of the customs union in other words, maintaining the present open border with Ireland, inter alia, at the same time as gaining the freedom to negotiate our own trade deals. This looks like a big ask. It is certainly another cause of Irish agitation about Brexit. References to frictionless new border arrangements, made during the Prime Ministers recent visit to Dublin, looked like making the best of a bad job. In public, there is a tense harmony. In private, Irish politicians are busy lobbying their EU counterparts, warning them against any action that might usher in a hard border. A recent speech by Enda Kenny (who has his own problems at the moment) cast light on Irelands fears. I am confident that the European Union will not bring us back to a border of division, he said thereby revealing a concern that it could do so if it takes a hard line over customs. It is no bad thing for Britain to have a EU member neighbour lobbying other members of the 27 for a settlement helpful to us. But it is not a role that Ireland is relishing carrying out especially at a time when its own relationship with the EU is changing. It is now a net contributor to EU funds rather than a net beneficiary. The Commission is on its back over its competitive tax rates. And now a fellow Atlanticist country, and a neighbour at that, is leaving the Union leaving the latter more corporatist and problematic as a result. Being an EU member is bound up with Irelands sense of identity, and its perception of itself as modern country. None the less, new voices are making an argument for a soft Brexit in Irelands own interest and, if necessary, Irexit. Ray Bassett, a former Irish Ambassor to Canada, has made the case. Debate has gone back and forth in the Sunday Business Post and elsewhere. Britain will not be thanked in some quarters for thrusting this debate on Ireland either. You may say that this is unfair reading of the consequences for the latter of the way in which the EU is developing. And you may add that the future of farmers in Meath or Kilkenny is none of our business. However, problems for our closest neighbour with which we share a common travel area, whose citizens are not treated by law as foreigners, and which is our fifth biggest export market are problems for us, even before Northern Ireland is not taken into account. It is right that our relationship with Ireland is high on Mays list of twelve negotiating priorities. But both countries will need help, mutual understanding and luck if any second royal visit is to be as big a hit as the first. We dont know why Jamal al-Harith, formerly named Ronald Fiddler, was in Afghanistan in 2001. We know that he claimed to have been on holiday, travelling from Pakistan to Iran an odd choice of destination at best. We know that when the Northern Alliance captured Kandahar, a journalist found him in prison there. He claimed to have been arrested by the Taliban on suspicion of being a British spy. We also know that his repatriation to the UK was cancelled, and he was instead detained and interrogated by US forces. He was then transferred to Guantanamo Bay, where he spent two years before being released back to the UK. It is at this point that the tale turns embarrassing. al-Hariths Guantanamo file, since released via Wikileaks, records that some officers believed he was not affiliated to either Al Qaeda or the Taliban, but that other intelligence reported he had travelled to Sudan in 1992 with a well-known operative for Bin Ladens organisation. The file also contains a suspicion that he was concealing other Middle Eastern travel for some reason, including to Saudi Arabia. Without sufficient evidence to charge him, and on the back of an ardent campaign by various UK politicians and newspapers, he walked free on his arrival back in Britain. In 2010, a court case brought by al-Harith and other former Guantanamo detainees seeking damages for alleged MI6 involvement in mistreatment and torture in Guantanamo was settled by the Coalition Government. He reportedly received 1 million in compensation, though as the settlement was subject to a gagging clause we will never know the precise amount. Despite his protestations of innocence or because of his Guantanamo experience, depending on your view by 2014 he was clearly a confirmed terrorist. He slipped into ISIS territory and joined the group perhaps even taking his taxpayer-funded compensation pot with him. Now it is reported that he is dead, having either carried out or attempted to carry out a suicide bombing against coalition forces in Iraq. Its a story that has left a wide variety of people shielding their faces in the hope of avoiding a huge dousing of egg. The Daily Mail lashed out at the Blair Government for securing his release and for his eventual compensation. Tony Blair retorted that the Mail had itself campaigned for his release, and that it was Camerons Coalition, not he, who signed off the compensation payout. Others wonder how the security services managed to allow such a well-known figure to join ISIS when they are supposed to be on watch for just such eventualities. Undoubtedly its a tale of a series of errors theres no other way that a taxpayer-funded millionaire known to the security services could end up as a suicide bomber in Iraq. But before allocating blame, we need to consider if each decision could have been taken any other way. Yes, it was hugely dubious that a British citizen would be in Kandahar under Taliban rule as Blair put it in 2004 at the very least, there are issues that need to be resolved, let us say, in respect of those individuals. But we have to work on the basis of evidence, not just suspicions. Military internment as a POW was already difficult given the irregular nature of Taliban forces and this particular mans presence in a jail cell further confused the question of whether or not he was an enemy combatant. Sending him to Guantanamo in the first place, and then subjecting him to a variety of tortures, was a highly dubious call. Had there been actual evidence confirming that he was a terrorist, he could and would have been tried. There wasnt, so he was packed off into a brutal limbo which failed utterly to clarify matters. Two years of enhanced interrogation the approach that works, according to Donald Trump only had one of two effects. At worst it turned him from a wrongheaded radical into an extremist (a claim his family deploy, though not one that I believe), or at absolute best it lent his pre-existing extremism the cover of victimhood. Without sufficient evidence to convict, what were authorities to do? We apply the rule of law in the West mostly and you cant go round disappearing and torturing everyone who attracts suspicion but for whom the evidence is too weak. If you do so, you still have to do something with them in the longer term as happened when al-Harith was released. On his release, the British authorities were still hamstrung by the original problem that took him to Guantanamo in the first place: the evidence wasnt conclusive enough to charge and convict him. Like it or not, they had no option but to let him go on the proviso that the security services would keep a watchful eye. That they evidently failed to watch closely enough doesnt change the fact that a law-abiding government had no option in law to imprison him further. The question of the compensation payment is just as vexed. Its all very well for Blair to criticise the Coalitions decision to settle the case, but he neglects to consider that the case arose from his decisions in the first place. If his policy with regard to the War on Terror hadnt legitimised the internment of al-Hadith and others in Guantanamo, the case would never have arisen. Similarly, if MI6 were complicit in torture as was alleged, then it was under Blair that they were doing so again, had he forbidden it then the claims could never have proceeded so far. Lord Carlisle, the former reviewer of terror legislation, told the BBC that the compensation wasnt deserved as plainly he was a terrorist, but that the Government had to pay out to avoid evidence about national security work being disclosed by the claimants in court. Again, once that dilemma existed what else could have been done within the law? There were two moments at which this farce could have been avoided. Neither of them are on his release in 2004, or at the point of the settlement in 2010, which have attracted most coverage so far. The first was when he was sent to Guantanamo in the first place. Evidently that approach driven by a desperate search for legal loopholes not only failed to extract the truth, but backfired in handing him the opportunity to bring a costly legal case. It was an unprecedented situation, but alternatives that worked better and fell within the rule of western law should have been found. The second chance to derail this sorry tale was when he escaped to join ISIS in 2014. We are supposed to have systems in place to monitor persons of interest and prevent them doing exactly that how we evaded them is yet to be explained. If anything,this is the most troubling error of the whole saga there are hundreds of others who want to join ISIS in Iraq and Syria, almost all of whom are far less well-known to the authorities than al-Harith. If they couldnt stop a former Guantanamo inmate from going, how sure can we be that they are stopping people who have never even picked up a fine for littering, and who therefore dont appear on any databases at all? SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates straight in your inbox. Close In the United States, numerous violent incident with suspects using guns has already taken numerous lives. What's more alarming is the fact that a number of cases of domestic violence involve guns. According to statistics, women are more likely to be shot dead by the hands of their partner than being killed in any other way by a total stranger. A study, conducted by Professor Susan B. Sorenson of the University of Pennsylvania, investigates the nature, frequency, and outcome of the incident was a weapon was used during a reported case of intimate partner violence. Professor Sorenson specifically determined the number of instances where the gun was used as the weapon during a reported case of domestic violence compared to other types of weapon and how all types of objects can be used as a weapon in inflicting harm towards women. In collaboration with the Philadelphia Police Department, the study analyzed data from 35,413 reported cases of domestic violence from 2013. These data were taken from the mandated forms police are required to complete at the scene of an intimate partner violence incident. The study is currently published in the Journal of Women's Health. The results of the study found that out of the 35,413 cases of domestic violence, 6,573 involved the use of feet, hands, and/or fists to inflict damage. A total of 1,866 incidents of intimate partner violence involved the use of weapons, of which 576 were guns. The study also found that 63.4 percent of the reported cases of domestic violence involved male-on-female violence. In reported incidents of domestic violence involving the use of guns, the perpetrators are less likely to inflict physical harm on the victims. Although victims are less likely to have visible evidence of physical injuries, they are more likely to be frightened. Professor Sorenson explains that when a gun enters an incidence of domestic violence, the victim, most likely a woman, will most likely back down from a fight. This is because people know that guns can cause fatal damage. Involving other types of weapon, women are most likely to take a chance to fight. See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare Close NHS top figures in the hospital industry are being investigated by the police and are permitted from contacting his patients since January. Dr. Jonathan Fielded, National Deputy Medical Director and Director of Specialized Commissioning and has been restricted to interact with his patients while police investigations are being conducted. Telegraph UK reports that Dr. Jonathan Fielden, one of the most powerful figures in the NHS has not been at work since January and is restricted to communicate with his patients. The doctor's regulator also told Fielden if changes have been made to his bail conditions. Fielden is a high-profile anesthetist and intensive care specialist that joined NHS England leadership back in 2016 and was the previous medical director at the University College London Hospitals Foundation Trust. NHS England did not reveal why Fielden was being investigated and comments "Dr. Fielden is off work for personal reasons." The GMC expects to receive information on the progress of the police investigation as well as the revised bail dates, conditions and any criminal charges Dr. Fielden is facing within 48 hours. Dr. Fielden is also responsible for several controversial budgetary decisions. Meanwhile, NHS trust in England has reported a deficit of 886m at the end of the third quarter which is 300m more than the target for the end of the fiscal year. The NHS Improvement also predicts that a year-end deficit of 750m-850m, much higher than the 580m previously described as the highest figure the health service is possible without facing major financial problems in the institution as reported by The Guardian. However, this prediction was immediately withdrawn after the financial hit the institution faced due to the most challenging winter the institution faced from October to December 2016. The deficit, regarded by the NHS as a "tragedy" was due to 200,000 more or 3.5 percent increase in the number of patients that required a major in-hospital treatment during the winter period in the UK. The NHS trusts are 300m behind the target of reducing the provider sector deficit to 580m by the end of March due to the pressure winter has brought. See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare COLUMBUS Nobody wants to take over the Columbus Community Center and its senior services, so the city is stepping back in to run the program. Columbus Public Property Director Doug Moore reported Tuesday night that no agencies responded to a request for proposals to replace Catholic Charities as the organization in charge of the center and its senior services. Lacking alternative options other than shutting the facility down city officials decided it will rejoin the list of municipal programs starting July 1. This would be our baby from here on out, Moore told city council members during Tuesday nights meeting. The city ran the senior center at its downtown location until October 2013, when an agreement with Catholic Charities moved the services to the Columbus Family Resource Center and put the religious-based nonprofit in charge of day-to-day operations. However, Catholic Charities is ending its involvement as part of a larger shift away from programming backed by government funding. The group also recently closed its mental health and substance abuse treatment facility at Columbus Family Resource Center. Attendance for activities and noon meals has surged since the senior center moved into the renovated space at 3020 18th St., where food is also prepared for home deliveries and those living at Crown Village Apartments, Realife of Columbus and Westport Congregate Housing for the Elderly. Mayor Jim Bulkley said city officials recognize the importance of these services, so theyre comfortable with the funding increase required to keep them going. The city has $93,500 budgeted this fiscal year for senior center expenses, including a $7,500 payment to Catholic Charities, about $85,000 in rent for the resource center space and insurance on the old downtown building. A preliminary budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year boosts the citys total costs to $127,356, although Moore called that a floating number that will change based on the number of people who utilize the services. The projected cost is in line with what the city paid to run the senior center before Catholic Charities took over the program, according to Moore. Federal and state dollars funneled through Northeast Nebraska Area Agency on Aging also support the services. Moore said the city plans to apply for an additional $25,000 through Columbus Area United Way, which is also located in the resource center, so more space within the building can be dedicated to senior services. They are turning people away for some programs because they dont have enough room, he said. Community center employees will likely be required to reapply for their jobs during the transition back to city control, but Moore doesnt expect to see any major changes. He told the council it would be foolish to replace current manager Cindy Branting, who was hired by Catholic Charities in August 2013 and oversaw the centers growth. Youd have about 600 elderly people out here yelling at you, Moore said. Close A new study has found that average life expectancy will rise in many countries by 2030. South Koreans are more likely to exceed 90 years and have the highest life expectancy in the world. The United States is one of the lowest among developed countries. In collaboration with the World Health Organization, researchers analysed long-term data on morality and longevity trends in order to predict how life expectancy will change in 35 industrialized countries by 2030. Fox News reported that the study was published in The Lancet journal on Wednesday. It covered 35 developed and emerging countries, which included the United States, Canada, Britain, Germany, Australia, Poland, Mexico and the Czech Republic. Majid Ezzati, lead author from Imperial College London said, "The fact that we will continue to live longer means we need to think about strengthening the health and social care systems to support an ageing population with multiple health needs." They found that among high-income and well developed countries, the United States is likely to have the lowest life expectancy in 2030. Men and women from the US are expected to live 79.5 and 83.3 years respectively. This is found to be similar with middle-income countries like Croatia and Mexico. The study said this is due to a lack of universal healthcare in the US and factors such as relatively high child and maternal mortality rates, and high rates of homicides and obesity. According to Free Press Journal, in Europe, French women and Swiss men were predicted to have the highest life expectancies. French women with an average of 88.6 years and nearly 84 years for Swiss men. The researchers predicted a South Korean girl born in 2030 should expect to live 90.8 years, while a boy could reach 84.1 years. People used to believe that 90 years is the highest life expectancy, but the new study suggests we will break the 90-year-barrier said Ezzati. Researchers said good childhood nutrition, low blood pressure, low levels of smoking and good access to healthcare, new medical knowledge and technologies were the factors that made South Korea much greater average life expectancy. See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare Close Human brains are hard-wired for laziness, according to scientists. People tend to shift their perception of reality when they have to work hard. Researchers at University College London (UCL) conducted a series of experiments to test the willingness of participants to choose the harder of two tasks. The test was a simple computer game according to eLife. A cloud of dots move either left or right and the player, or the subject of the study, will signal which direction the dots were moving in by using the levers at their left or right side. The scientists then started adding weights to the levers and the subjects began to see things differently. If the dots were moving left, but the left lever was harder to pull, the players tend to see the dots moving to the right. The same thing happens when the weight is added on the right lever. Participants shift their view of reality so they do not have to work hard. Nobuhiro Hagura, Ph.D., lead author of the study, concluded that human brains seem to be wired for laziness. Not only does the cost to act influence people's behavior, it also changes what people think. Hagura, who began the research at UCL then moved to National Institute of Information and Communications Technology in Japan, said that human brains trick the people into believing that low hanging fruit is really the ripest. Previous studies suggest that it is the motor skills that submit to the will of the visual system. However, the research recently conducted suggests that humans are mitigated by what they feel and how much hard work they have to do. Participants in the study readily changed their perception of reality when they are given the option of doing the hard work. To combat laziness, researchers suggest putting the television remote control in a place where it will be hard to get. Another trick is to sleep in one's outfit so it will be less hard work to go to the gym in the morning. See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare CENTRAL CITY A 24-year-old Columbus woman accused of stealing nearly $90,000 from her Silver Creek employer is set for a felony first appearance hearing March 1 in Merrick County Court. Chelsea Aldrich, who had not yet been formally charged Wednesday by the Merrick County Attorneys Office, was arrested Friday on suspicion of theft and first-degree forgery in connection with 32 bogus checks written on the bank account of Agroservice Inc. in Silver Creek. The forged checks, written from Aug. 1 to Jan. 31, totaled $89,988.05. Aldrich was released from custody at the Hall County Jail after posting a $100,000 bond, 10 percent allowed for release. A Merrick County Sheriffs Office investigation began Feb. 14 when authorities received a report of a theft at Agroservice in which an employee was suspected of embezzling funds. The owners of the business, Charles and Christine Starostka, hired Aldrich as a secretary in March 2015. One of Aldrichs roles was to prepare checks for the owners to authorize and sign. The business owners were alerted Feb. 13 by a representative of First National Bank & Trust company that unauthorized checks had been debited from their business account, Deputy Jake Bauer wrote in his probable cause arrest statement. The deputy said the Starostkas reported Aldrich had not shown up for work since Feb. 6. The couple reviewed the 32 checks and reported that none were presented to them for signing or approval and all were unauthorized transactions that resulted in withdrawals from the account, Bauer wrote in his statement. Bauer said in his statement that a review of Aldrichs First National Bank account records revealed deposit slips for each of the unauthorized checks that were endorsed with the suspects signature. When Aldrich was arrested Friday morning at Agroservice, the deputy wrote, an inspection of her vehicle parked outside revealed several packed bags and suitcases and several items of clothing, indicating the suspect was a flight risk. COLUMBUS Theres going to be plenty of stuff for buyers to pick through when Columbus Public Schools has its garage sale and silent auction March 4 ahead of the big move from the current high school into the new building near Lost Creek Parkway and 33rd Avenue. Its going to be a busy day for a garage sale, said Leonard Kwapnioski, the districts executive director of technology and operations, while ticking off some of the equipment and tools that wont be making the shift to the new high school next month. The sale and auction items, mostly from the STEM (science, technology, electronics and math) classes and workshops in the east end of the high school, will be available from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. March 4 unless they're sold sooner than the closing time. Auction bids must be received by 10:30 a.m. the day of the sale. There has been quite a bit of public interest in the sale. "Ive gotten six calls this morning about whats for sale, Kwapnioski said during Monday night's school board meeting. All items that are bought must be removed from the high school by 5 p.m. March 10. Construction contractors could begin arriving soon after that date to get started on the conversion of the current high school to a middle school. Officials have allowed a six-month construction window for the project. Middle school students are making the shift to the 26th Street building as part of CPS strategic K-12 blueprint for solving the current problem of growing enrollment cramping elementary schools and long-term enrollment issues at the middle and high school levels. Among the auction items being offered from the metal, construction and automotive shops are two two-post and two four-post automotive lifts, wheel balancing and alignment machines, CNC mills and lathes and plenty of welding equipment. There has also been interest in the garage doors, Kwapnioski said. In other business at Mondays meeting, the board OKd three alternate bids totaling up to $720,000 for additional work to be done in the conversion of the high school to a middle school. B-D Construction of Columbus was awarded the contract for its base bid of $2,388,718 for the school project. The company was also awarded the pact for its bids for two alternates for $291,435. The three alternate approved boosts the projects total cost to a little more than $3.1 million. That work will include such things as installing new maple wood flooring, new LED lighting throughout the gym and above the fixed bleacher seating, demolishing the existing folding wall partition and gym divider curtains, construction of two new staircases to connect the second floor with the mezzanine level and installation of a wheelchair lift. LINCOLN -- An attorney for the state argued Tuesday that a federal judge should dismiss, not stay, a petition filed by John Lotter challenging the murder conviction that put him on Nebraska's death row. Last month, Lotter, who was convicted in the case that inspired the 1999 movie "Boys Don't Cry," asked Senior U.S. District Judge Richard Kopf to stay his case so he can raise the issues over the state's method for determining death sentences in state court first. But in a brief filed Tuesday afternoon, Nebraska Assistant Attorney General James Smith said no stay should be granted because Lotter hasn't gotten the OK from the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals to file his petition. "Thus, it should be dismissed," Smith wrote. Lotter already has challenged his conviction in federal court and lost, so he must get permission to pursue any further challenges. He could be first in line for an execution warrant if he is found to have exhausted his appeals. Lotter's attorneys are seeking to avoid that by raising these two claims. * That a 2016 U.S. Supreme Court decision invalidates Lotter's sentence because judges, not a jury, ultimately decided whether he should be sentenced to death in 1996. * That it violated Lotter's rights to have a death-qualified jury, meaning jurors weren't categorically opposed to capital punishment or of the belief that the death penalty should be imposed in all cases of capital murder. Lotter's attorneys at the Death Penalty Litigation Clinic in Kansas City, Missouri, argue that these are new claims. But Smith suggested both have been raised and rejected and that a stay would simply "prolong further meaningless collateral attacks." Plus, he said, under well-established Nebraska law, Lotter cannot seek review of a claim he hasn't raised previously. In an order last month, Kopf said the case would not progress until he has ruled on the motion for a stay and asked the state to submit a brief regarding its position on it. Lotter was sentenced to death for his role in the 1993 killings of Brandon Teena and two witnesses, Lisa Lambert and Philip DeVine, at a rural Humboldt farmhouse. Channel programs News CenturyLink's New Channel Focus: First Tiered Program, Plans To Bring Third-Party IT To Partners Joseph F. Kovar Share this CenturyLink is rolling out its first tiered channel program and will shortly expand it by making a wide range of products and services from its strategic vendor partners available to channel partners who need such products to meet customer requirements, but may not have direct relationships with those vendors. CenturyLink's plans to bring third-party vendor products to its channel partner community were introduced at the company's CenturyLink Alliance Ascend partner conference being held this week in San Diego. CenturyLink has had a channel program for years, but it was a single-tier program that treated all partners equally, said John DeLozier, vice president of channel alliances for the Monroe, La.-based communications, hosting, cloud, and IT services provider. [Related: CenturyLink Merger With Level 3 Gives Partners More To Sell In The Enterprise] The new CenturyLink Ascend Metals channel program has five partner levels, ranging from bronze to diamond, differentiated according to partners' recurring revenue and sales commitment, DeLozier told CRN. As partners move up the tiers, they gain increased access to marketing assistance, market development funds, and incentives for bringing in new customers, he said. "We used to have one level," he said. "Everybody was treated the same. No distinctions. Going forward, we will never apologize for treating the best partners the best." The next major enhancement to the new CenturyLink Ascend Metals program will be the availability of a wide range of third-party products via CenturyLink to its channel partners. CenturyLink has strategic partnerships with a number of top IT vendors including NetApp, Cisco, VMware, Microsoft, Juniper, and others, and has traditionally sold products from those vendors direct to business clients, said Bill Corbin, CenturyLink's senior vice president of partnerships and channel operations. Starting in the second quarter, the company will bring those vendors' products to its channel partners via CenturyLink's Ascend Metals channel program as a way to bring additional value to the CenturyLink services those partners currently offer customers, Corbin told CRN. It is a big opportunity for CenturyLink channel partners who do not currently have relationships with those vendors, said Bill Hurley, the company's chief marketing officer. "One of the big opportunities for CenturyLink is to move more business through the channel," Hurley told CRN. "[This] is a way for us to show we're putting our money on our partners and alliances." Corbin said channel partners who bring CenturyLink business for its strategic partners' products will be compensated by CenturyLink on a commission basis. Channel partners will not need certification or training in those products, he said. Bringing its strategic partners' products to CenturyLink's channel partners should not result in channel conflicts with the vendors' own channels, Corbin said. "Our strategic partners have been begging CenturyLink to find a way to bring them to our partners," he said. "We see this not as a conflict, but as an opportunity." The ability to work with CenturyLink to bring in third-party enterprise products is a huge opportunity for partners, said Shane Stark, director of vendor and strategic relationships at Carrier Access, a Des Moines, Iowa-based solution provider and CenturyLink channel partner. Stark cited as an example the importance of working with Cisco for channel partners who have no relationship with the vendor. "Cisco's known for trainings and certifications needed to be a partner of theirs," he told CRN. "That's good for Cisco. You need to know the Cisco product, how to sell it and support it. And if you can't pass the gauntlet of training and certifications, Cisco doesn't want you. And that's fine." But for a partner like Carrier Access, which understands Cisco and similar vendors even if it does not have the necessary certifications, having access to those products through CenturyLink is a big plus, Stark said. "We know the basics," he said. "But if we want to have the full line, we would need some new high-level employees. I think it's great that CenturyLink can help its partners check the box on some of those high-level certifications." Mobility News CenturyLink Intros Mobile Management System, Key Component Of A New Channel Push Joseph F. Kovar Share this CenturyLink on Thursday unveiled its new Enterprise Mobility Management solution targeting businesses looking to better handle users' mobile devices in corporate environments. CenturyLink's new Enterprise Mobility Management, or EMM, solution, is based on IBM's MaaS360 and will be available through both the company's direct and indirect sales organizations, said John DeLozier, vice president of channel alliances for the Monroe, La.-based communications, hosting, cloud, and IT services provider. CenturyLink Enterprise Mobility Management was introduced at the company's CenturyLink Alliance Ascend partner conference being held this week in San Diego. [Related: CenturyLink Merger With Level 3 Gives Partners More To Sell In The Enterprise] CenturyLink is using the IBM platform to help customers implement enterprise-wide mobility plans, with a single system that includes consulting, on-boarding and support services, DeLozier told CRN. CenturyLink Enterprise Mobility Management manages all iOS, MacOS, Android, and Windows devices, and uses containerization to separate personal and corporate data. It lets customers deploy custom enterprise app catalogs, provides real-time alerts of security breaches from compromised devices, and helps mobile users access corporate intranets, networks, data and documents. It is available for businesses with as few as 10 users. CenturyLinks EMM system is among the first solutions to be targeted at the company's channel partners, DeLozier said. "Traditionally, CenturyLink has had more of a direct focus," he said. "The difference today is, as we come to market with new products or services, we are engaging the channel early. I ask, 'Do we want to go to the pond and fish or teach 10 people to fish?'" A complete enterprise mobile management system from CenturyLink will be a good addition to the CenturyLink services customers already get, said Shane Stark, director of vendor and strategic relationships at Carrier Access, a Des Moines, Iowa-based solution provider and CenturyLink channel partner. Carrier Access already handles several aspects of enterprise mobile management for its clients, and the applicability of the CenturyLink system depends on how well it hooks into partners' existing services, Stark told CRN. Practically every customer needs some form of mobile device management, but products vary from vendor to vendor, Stark said. "All the plans are different," he said. "We're going to see how CenturyLink's ideas and our ideas mesh together." Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. He may be fresh off a sell-out UK tour, ending with two capacity shows at the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, and have one of the most critically-acclaimed albums of the year so far but Croydon's own hip hop rising star Loyle Carner can still walk around his hometown unnoticed. With the world at his feet, the 22-year-old rapper talks to the Advertiser on a rare day off at home with his family in Purley , before he sets off on a tour around Europe and then onto Australia ahead of returning to the UK for the summer festival season. The former Whitgift School and Brit School pupil first moved to Croydon from West Norwood when he was 14, after securing a scholarship to go to the independent school in South Croydon. Anyone of the thousands of people who were in the crowds at his shows this month, or who has seen the artwork cover to his debut album Yesterday's Gone, may not realise it but the black and white photo of Carner with family and friends was taken outside the home he grew up in - and still lives in - near Purley Tesco. (Image: www.loylecarner.com) Carner (real name Ben Coyle-Larner) said: "It's a nice feeling of community here, everyone on my road seems to know each other and has cups of tea with each other. It's nice. "It's almost as far [out] as you can go while still being in London, so you have that half an hour train ride home to think about things. "You can write about it and look at things with a bit more perspective." On Carner's Twitter profile, the rapper says he is "bringing the south back". With the recent success of other Croydon musicians, like Thornton Heath's Stormzy, South London does appear to be making a comeback in the charts. "Everyone is rapping round here," Carner adds. "I started out just doing it for fun really, it was something me and all my mates were into. I used to have a lot of music on my phone, everyone was sending things to people from different areas." But Carner thinks there could be room for improvement to help other talented, aspiring youngsters go on to achieve their maximum. He said: "There's bits and bobs and community projects, but I don't think there's enough." Growing up as a teenager in Croydon, Carner remembers there wasn't much available for young people to do once school ended each day - leading to groups hanging out together around the Whitgift Centre or outside McDonald's. "Things are growing to get better, but it's about capturing that young kid's imagination," he added. "There needs to be something there to excite them." Hailed as an artist more sensitive than his Grime counterparts, Carner's critically acclaimed album, Yesterday's Gone, has been praised for opening the dialogue about men being emotional. Touching on issues such as grief and loss, the artist hones in on tragic coming-of-age events in his past, such as his step-dad's death, and pays homage to his mum, Jean. He said: "If it wasn't for her [his mum] I wouldn't be who I am. I would not be anything without her." On talking about men's emotions he said: "I think it's really important for men to be able to open up. It needs to be something that's discussed more and more." The Croydon native has also been praised for his openness about living with ADHD, and his work he does with teenagers who also have the condition. "[ADHD] is not something that's really world-wide known about, or even London-wide," he added. "It's actually a really positive thing to have, it can be used in a really positive way. If it wasn't for ADHD I wouldn't be where I am now, it shouldn't always be seen as a negative thing." Growing up in the area,Carner says the support for children and young people who have ADHD could have been stronger. "It's not as strong as it could be. When I was younger, I didn't really have any role models or people older than me [who he knew had ADHD], so I didn't really have anyone to tell me about it." Now Carner is working with teenagers who have ADHD at his cookery school he founded, Chilli Con Carner. Cooking has always been a big part of his life, he says, and was something he got into away from school. "There was always cooking in my home, I just got into it," he said. "I want to give younger people the chance to channel things and meet up. It helps them escape for the day." The cookery school, led by Carner, brings together teenagers aged 14 to 16. "I've had a massive response to it," he said, "They're brilliant kids." As well as music, Carner hopes to be able to continue on this project even when he is out of the country touring. Ahead of the European dates of the tour, he has had a chance to come home to his mum and younger brother. Despite his success, he says he still wants to be at home in Croydon with them. "I am still living at home, I have got a lot of responsibilities here still," he adds. Though, despite having two sell-out shows in London over the weekend, Carner says he can still walk around his home streets. "No one recognises me in Croydon, which is still quite nice." If his success continues at this rate, it won't be too long until he has fans shouting out his name in the street. In 2014, hackers stole about $350 million in bitcoins from Tokyo's Mt. Gox exchange. More recently, attackers successfully moved about $60 million worth of the virtual currency ether from the DAO, or Decentralized Autonomous Organization, to an account controlled by an unknown individual or group. Although most - but not all - of the funds taken in that theft were later recovered, it was another reminder that cybercriminals are targeting cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoins and other digital alternatives, have been hailed as representing the future of money and global finance. Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency, was created in 2009. Nowadays, hundreds of types of cryptocurrencies are in use, often referred to as altcoins (an abbreviation of bitcoin alternative.) New altcoins get launched every day. Theres reason for the excitement. The technology lets people and institutions shift funds instantly and without the need for a middleman. Unlike paper currencies controlled by governments, cryptocurrencies are fully decentralized and operate independently of central banks. The digital assets work as a medium of exchange using principles of cryptography to secure transactions. These various digital currencies have soared in popularity with a market capitalization now estimated to be around $13 billion. But with regulators and governments still trying to figure out appropriate legal structures and business norms governing cryptocurrencies, cybercriminals are finding clever ways to exploit that window of opportunity. Regulators still a step behind the technology A study funded by the Department of Homeland Security found that about 33 percent of bitcoin trading platforms have been hacked. Whats more, cryptocurrencies now frequently feature as preferred forms of exchange in ransomware attacks. In late 2015, a U.K. phone and broadband provider called TalkTalk received a ransom demand for 80,000 in bitcoin. Around the same time, three Greek banks were threatened with dire consequences by an entity calling itself the Armada Collective unless they paid hundreds of thousands of Euros, also in bitcoin. More recently, a number of hospitals in the U.S., such as Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, have been attacked by hackers who demanded their victims pay ransom, also in digital currencies. The common thread in these and other ransomware incidents: attackers can easily mask their true identities on cryptocurrency exchanges where they then convert their profits back into traditional currencies. As cryptocurrencies become more widespread, theres concern that criminal actors will try to use them to camouflage their illicit activities in other arenas, particularly when it comes to laundering funds. In late 2015, for instance, Dutch police arrested six people on suspicion of bitcoin-related money laundering. And early last year, they arrested another 10 people in connection with a suspected global bitcoin laundering scheme valued at $22 million. Its part of a trend that law enforcement agencies expect will gather momentum in the new year. And given the lack of independent oversight, criminals already have a head start. However, none of this is likely enough to derail the popularity of cryptocurrencies. Every new technology suffers through growing pains on its way to being accepted by the mainstream. Theres no reason to believe that cryptocurrencies will be any different. Charles Cooper has covered technology and business for the past three decades. All opinions expressed are his own. AT&T has sponsored this blog post. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has, for the second time in two years, issued recommendations to improve the security of connected medical devices. Not mandates recommendations. Which immediately raises the question: Will anything that is non-binding put enough pressure on manufacturers to spend the time and money it will take to improve device security? That, as is frequently said, remains to be seen. The FDA issued what it called guidance on the postmarket management of cybersecurity for medical devices, at the end of last year. This follows premarket guidance that the agency issued two years earlier. And while there is no legal requirement to implement them, some experts say they will still have the power to force change, noting that just because they are not mandates doesnt mean they cant have significant legal impact. All it would take to confirm that is to talk with a lawyer about the implications of best-practice recommendations in a lawsuit over harm to a patient from a device that was hacked because of poor security. But then, there is Bruce Schneier, CTO of Resilient Systems and a privacy and encryption expert, who wondered in a blog post shortly after the postmarket guidance was published what was the point. Schneier, who has called for government regulation of the entire Internet of Things (IoT) industry, wrote of the guidelines that there was, nothing particularly new or interesting; it reads like standard security advice: write secure software, patch bugs, and so on. Note that these are non-binding recommendations, so I'm really not sure why they bothered. But that got some immediate blowback in his reader comment section. Doug, said he had been in the device industry for 30 years, and that while the law regulating medical devices would not change, the interpretation and enforcement will. By knowing what the FDA is thinking, we can adapt our design, validation, and manufacturing efforts to meet these expectations. Guidance documents drive much of what we do, he wrote. The agency itself, in a statement to CSO, said the guidance, while nonbinding, is an interpretation of regulations, which are binding. It said the failure to follow the agency's Quality Systems Regulation (QSR) adulterates devices, and can result in their seizure or injunction. + RELATED: How to securely deploy medical devices + Several experts agreed that the guidance is worthwhile, and should push manufacturers in the right direction. But none of them thinks that it is time, or will soon be time, for users of such devices to relax. Obviously the stakes are high a hack of an implantable or other connected device can cause much more harm than the theft of data or identity. It could kill. And that risk, while there are no reports yet of deaths caused by it, is real. Medical devices have been rigorously designed to work properly for years. But most have not been designed with cybersecurity in mind, and many of them remain insecure to the point of potential catastrophe, as an audit of a heath organization showed in 2014 things like, lack of authentication ; weak passwords or default and hardcoded vendor passwords like admin or 1234; and embedded web servers and administrative interfaces that make it easy to identify and manipulate devices once an attacker finds them on a network. Andrew Ostashen, cofounder and principle security engineer at Vulsec, said he was at a hospital when a neonatal system, went offline from discovery scan through an assessment due to the fact the organization was not aware where the device was configured in the network. That, he said, meant that hackers would be able to take the same system offline if they got inside the organization. In this case, luckily the device was not in use at the time of the assessment. Otherwise, this could have been catastrophic, he said. And while physical harm to patients is clearly the most crucial risk to mitigate, there is also the risk of attackers hijacking a device in order to get inside a healthcare organizations network. TrapX Labs, a cybersecurity defense vendor, in a breach report at the end of last year, said hijacked medical devices are being used as a back door to hospital networks. Unfortunately, hospitals do not seem to be able to detect MEDJACK or remediate it, said Moshe Ben-Simon, cofounder and vice president of services in a press release. So, how far will the recent FDA guidance move the security needle? It wouldnt have to move much to make a difference. As Schneier noted, the new guidance does not break major new ground. It covers what most experts call good risk management and security hygiene. The FDA said in its statement that its recommendations are encompassed" by the QSR, and which include requirements for for handling complaints, audit standards, corrective and preventive action, software validation and risk analysis and servicing. The agency also calls for manufacturers to, apply the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) voluntary cybersecurity framework, which includes the core principles of Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond and Recover. But the overall focus, which calls for manufacturers to maintain the security of devices throughout their entire life cycle is significant since, as has been widely reported, those devices tend to have a development cycle of five years or more, and then useful lives of 10 to 20 years. Patch headache So following the recommendation obviously means designing in from the start the capability to patch and update vulnerabilities throughout the life cycle. The FDA also addresses what has been one complaint of manufacturers some critics call it an excuse that if they update a device, they have to go through a certification process again. The new guidance makes it clear that routine patches and updates dont need to be reported or reviewed by the FDA. Vulnerabilities dont need to be reported unless they cause deaths or other adverse events, or cant be patched within 60 days. Manufacturers are, however, required to notify users, make changes that lower risk and to be a member of an ISAO, to which they must report the vulnerability and what they did to fix it. Ted Harrington, executive partner at Independent Security Evaluators, noted that the long development cycle of such devices is primarily focused on performance and safety of their mechanical elements, not the software. The software itself can and should be evolved throughout the approval process, and must have an update mechanism to account for the evolutions in attack techniques, discovery of previously unknown flaws in operating systems and communication protocols, and other performance enhancements, he said. Of course, even a routine security update process needs security built in. Stephanie Domas, lead medical security engineer at Batelle DeviceSecure Services, said, updating mechanisms by their nature take in new code, in some format, and save it to the device to execute. This makes them enticing targets for malicious actors there have been several occasions where software updaters were hijacked for nefarious purposes. The FDA also recommended that all stakeholders in the industry join Information Sharing Analysis Organizations (ISAO) to promote the sharing of threat information within the private sector and with government as well. It said ISAOs, with adequate privacy provisions in place, can help, detect, mitigate or recover from the effects of cyber threats That last item drew some criticism from Dr. Kevin Fu, CEO of Virta Labs and an associate professor at the University of Michigan, who recommended caution and skepticism regarding ISAOs in a letter last April on a draft of the guidelines. The sharing of data is not useful if the data are not high quality, he wrote, citing one case where a report of a vulnerability in one server prompted a hospital to use an even less secure server. Regarding the overall concept of government involvement in setting security standards for medical devices, there is some debate. Shawn Merdinger, an independent security researcher, said the market can be a more potent force for improving security than government regulation. He pointed to the move last fall by short-seller investment firm Muddy Waters to publicize research by MedSec Holdings that found flaws in pacemakers and defibrillators made by St. Jude Medical Inc., which drove the companys stock price down. That collaboration was sharply criticized in some of the IT media, and St. Jude sued both Muddy Waters and MedSec, but Merdinger noted that, the bottom line at this point appears to be that St. Jude is issuing patches, ICS-CERT is issuing advisories, and nobody has been arrested or otherwise shut down on the business side. The point, he said, is that if the stock price of a company is threatened, that means executive bonuses and shareholder value is impacted. Once you start taking away peoples' boat payments, it's a whole new ballgame. And Harrington said he is not a fan of government regulation in cyber security for several reasons. It takes too long to develop, is outdated by the time it becomes enacted, is too riddled with compromise and it attempts to apply a uniform security model to organizations that are innovating and thus by definition are not uniform, he said. But, he does not think the FDAs guidance is useless. He said it can, help align the various stakeholders from device manufacturers, hospitals, patients, and the government as to what is important. It provides a common language around which the discussion of security can be centered. Ostashen said government should play a role a more aggressive role. The FDA must set up regulations as strict as those for HIPAA (Health Information Portability Accountability Act, which mandates the protection of personal health information), he said, adding that he sees cyber liability insurers refusing to pay for damages if they believe an organization was negligent for not following best practices. Medical device manufacturers need to be held accountable for being negligent, he said. Yes, the development of these devices can take five years, but secure architecture and development must be a conscious thought at the inception of the product. Overall, Domas said she applauds the FDA for, taking the issue of security in medical devices seriously. She noted that the agency has been heavily involved in medical conferences and guidance working groups. They have been soliciting feedback and buy in from the whole medical ecosystem, including medical manufacturers, hospitals, and security researchers, she said. Harrington said while it will be a long time before, end users can be fully relaxed and confident in the security posture of medical devices, I am optimistic that this will improve over time. And the FDA said, we are starting to see a change in mindset among all stakeholdersmanufacturers are realizing the importance of implementing comprehensive cybersecurity controls throughout a products lifespan. Guide your comments over to Facebook. We all know that there are millions of new cyber threats everyday, many new and undetectable. We also know about the 2014 federal mandate for healthcare. As a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, all public and private healthcare providers and other eligible professionals (EP) were required to adopt and demonstrate meaningful use of electronic medical records (EMR) by Jan. 1, 2014. Meaningful use of electronic health records (EHR), as defined by HealthIT.gov, consists of using digital medical and health records to achieve the following: Improve quality, safety, efficiency, and reduce health disparities Engage patients and family Improve care coordination, and population and public health Maintain privacy and security of patient health information So we have this law from the federal government telling the healthcare sector that they must put our medical records online, well this same government was not doing so well securing their own data. Enter the 2014 HHS wall of shame: According to the tally, the top five health data breaches in 2014 affected a combined total of nearly 7.4 million individuals. The largest breach in 2014 was the hacking attack on Community Health System, which affected 4.5 million individuals. Add these 2015 healthcare breaches: Premera Blue Cross at 11 million individuals and Anthem with 80 million individuals affected and you see the healthcare sector was not ready to go online. So lets look at how the government was doing securing its own data. The Congressional Report on the OPM government data breach on the 20 million records compromised stated: The OPM data breach was preventable. OPM leadership failed to heed repeated recommendations from its inspector general, failed to sufficiently respond to growing threats of sophisticated cyber-attacks, and failed to prioritize resources for cybersecurity. Data breaches in 2014 were likely connected and possibly coordinated to the 2015 data breach. OPM misled the public on the extent of the damage of the breach and made false statements to Congress. The OPM data breach was one of the worst data breaches ever, it impacted government and government contractors with secret and top secret clearances. It included everything about these individuals and their families, even their fingerprints and yes even FBI director James Comeys records were compromised. Whats different with healthcare breaches is that they can have an immediate impact on human life. A successful phishing attack may result in a significant security incident that adversely effects the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of information. And, most frightening of all is the potential for patient harm. Add to this ransomware attacks that have locked up major hospitals information systems which further endangers patients life! Last February, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center paid a $17,000 ransom in bitcoin to a hacker who seized control of the hospital's computer systems and would give back access only when the money was paid. The malware prevented hospital staff from using the medical devices, said Chief Executive Allen Stefanek. The impact of a significant security incident to a healthcare organization is not just financial or reputational. Such an incident may have an adverse effect on patient safety (e.g., a hacked EHR system with tampered information, or a connected medical device under the control of a hacker which may deliver a fatal dose of medicine to a patient). The HIPAA Security Rule requires the standards be applied to safeguard and protect ePHI when its at rest and in transit. There are three parts to the HIPAA Security Rule technical safeguards, physical safeguards and administrative safeguards. HIPAA is also a law, not a compliance framework. The HIPAA law also covers physical and administrative safeguards as well as the Privacy Rule and a Breach Notification Rule. Since HIPAA is a law, how do we make HIPAA compliance happen? For the purpose of this HIPAA compliance report card we will focus on the technical safeguards as outlined in NIST 800-66 Guide to implementing the HIPAA Security Rule. This HIPAA compliance report card is The Healthcare Information & Management Systems Society (HiMSS) 2016 Cyber Security Survey. The survey's Introduction states: With a total of 183 responses received between Feb. 15 and May 15, 2016, the findings from the 2016 report are highly reflective of the 2015 findings. Recognizing the relative uniformity in the results, the present report focuses exclusively on the 150 respondents representing U.S. based provider organizations (e.g. hospitals, physician offices). The decision to concentrate on this subset of respondents was based on the spate of headline news stories this past year reflecting security breaches in U.S. hospitals and other provider care sites. The findings in this report have also been parsed to differentiate respondents from hospital associated (acute care) organizations versus those from non-acute care organizations. The following IT controls are very much the same for IT General Controls Audits, The NIST Cyber Security Framework and even PCI DSS. So the bottom line is these are the foundational controls for most any IT audit and compliance framework. Lets see how well the healthcare sector did on this report. Remember we want 100% on all these controls and as you see they are not all at 100%. No As on this report card! Antivirus/anti-malware and firewalls These are industry standards that all organizations must have! The results are surprising since only 84.9% (acute) and 90.3% (non-acute) of providers are using antivirus and anti-malware software. Encryption at rest and in transit. This is a mandatory HIPAA requirement. Interestingly, only 68.1% of acute providers and less than half (48.4%) of non-acute providers are encrypting data in transit. Accountability through audit logs This provides oversight if someone has the role to look at it. Moreover, only 59.7% of acute providers and 61.3% of non-acute providers are using audit logs for each access to patient health and financial records. Patch and vulnerability management. This is like a vaccine for all critical systems! Only 61.3% of acute care providers and 41.9% of non-acute providers admit to having a patch and vulnerability management program. Intrusion detection systems. This is like an alarm system for critical data you are protecting. IDS systems, however, are underutilized with only 57.1% of acute care providers and 41.9% of non-acute providers using them. Network monitoring tools. Provides visibility as to what and who is on your network. Only 54.6% of acute care providers and 45.2% of non-acute providers are using network monitoring tools. Mobile device management Most users are mobile users, this is another place your data lives! Only 56.3% of acute care providers and 35.5% of non-acute care providers are deploying mobile device management Single sign-on Simplifies user access and maintains strong authentication standards! Only 52.1% of acute providers and 29.0% of non-acute providers are using single sign-on technology Finally, the vast majority of ePHI breaches result from the loss or theft of mobile devices containing unencrypted data and the transmission of unsecured ePHI across open networks. Breaches of this nature are easily avoidable if all ePHI is encrypted! More than 11 million healthcare records were exposed in June 2016. Cybersecurity attacks have the potential to yield disastrous results for healthcare providers and society as a whole. It is therefore of the utmost importance that healthcare providers acknowledge the need to address cybersecurity concerns and act accordingly. This survey reveals a less than stellar report card, one which reveals much more needs to be done. The healthcare sector has much more work to do to get an A on this important report card. One additional point is that we as auditors continually see the lack of an assigned security and compliance professionals in place at organizations in all sectors. How will we ever get this basic compliance to 100% when no one is assigned the role of achieving it year round vs relegating it to the IT department to do when they have time? Time from rolling out Ttchnology and fixing it is 24 x 7. Its time for all internet connected organizations that store and process our confidential data in all sectors including the government to adequately fund this critical role. Otherwise we will have no excuse on the next data breach as our report card has not met the A standard! We must focus on the fact that compliance is the minimum we must do, its all about prevention and detection and does not fully address a proactive response that could actually prevent an intruder from taking everything we have. My colleague Ira Winkler just released an excellent book on this next step above compliance. Its called in his terms, Advanced Persistent Security. It wasnt so long ago that a Chief Security Officers (CSO) job was relatively straightforward: secure the premises by focusing on facility access, guard services, and camera surveillance. Yet today, CSOs are charged with mitigating an array of interdisciplinary and intersecting risks across the enterprise. Remote access to buildings, interconnected air handling units, and remotely monitored vending machines all provide potential new entry points for threat actors. Emerging regulations, such as SEC rules that affect business continuity and transition plans, also compound the pressure on CSOs to address the complexity of this risk landscape and integrate new mitigation strategies and tactics into traditional physical security processes. Consequently, the CSOs role is evolving into a mission-critical service that spans risk areas ranging from data protection and vendor due diligence to regulatory requirements for business continuity and compliance management. Addressing the changing threat landscape Todays CSOs must manage risks spanning five multidisciplinary areas that have not traditionally intersected with the narrow scope of safety and security, covering policy development, resource procurement, and execution to mitigate threats, vulnerabilities, and risks in the following spheres: 1. Cyber and Information: Data protection, intrusion testing, data breach and recovery, economic espionage, and internal threat assessment and privacy. 2. Legal and Regulatory: Litigation support, regulatory liaison and investigation, and remediation efforts related to financial crimes, fraud and corruption, and whistleblower litigation. 3. Diligence, Business, and Geopolitical Intel: Transactional diligence, commercial diligence and intelligence, employment screening, internal investigations, and geopolitical risk assessment. 4. Governance, Risk, and Compliance: Audit expertise, risk, insurance, and reputation management. 5. Medical and Psychological: Employee counseling, crisis intervention, employee productivity, and workplace violence. Three pillars of protection Jonathan Wackrow In order to manage the responsibilities associated with these risks, CSOs can prioritize their strategic objectives and tactical actions using the following framework: 1. People: Identify and acquire key personnel to support development and growth of the organizations corporate security department. All relevant employees must be trained in security and safety initiatives and be able to implement communications plans. Further, all employees must be trained and encouraged to identify safety and security concerns and provide feedback. CSOs must also identify preferred vendors and partners to support in-house efforts to respond to changing risk environments. 2. Process: Prioritize utilization of vulnerability assessments to ascertain potential impact threats have on the organization. This, combined with benchmarking levels of security awareness, emergency preparedness, and compliance with established policies and procedures will inform specific initiatives for holistically understanding the entitys security ecosystem. 3. Technology: Employ technology solutions and security systems to assist decision-makers in better utilizing the critical information and resources at their disposal. Three steps for better leveraging the CSO At the organizational level, the CSO is an integral stakeholder. Too often, however, the CSO is overlooked, under-resourced, and underutilized. Below are three steps that companies can take to better leverage this critical resource: 1. Ensure CSOs have the resources they need. CSOs often grapple with the need to demonstrate repeatedly the ROI of increased security costs. Resource and budgetary constraints can limit a CSOs ability to effectively hire security staff and invest in new tools, but these shouldnt force a trade-off between managing risk and scaling resources in an increasingly complex world. 2. Provide CSOs access to relevant information and expertise. To succeed in this expanded role, CSOs will need access to information that helps them to identify risks that can adversely affect the safety of personnel or the security of facilities. CSOs will also need the authority to engage with individuals at all levels of the organization and the ability to go outside of the organization to find expertise when needed. By analyzing information and coordinating activities with both internal and external stakeholders, a CSO can better ensure that his/her company is prepared for the possibility of a security incident. 3. Focus on long-term, developing threats. Organizations traditionally tend to prioritize current risks over long-term, developing threats. For example, prevention programs for workplace violence and employee monitoring for pre-attack behaviors often take a back seat to promoting basic internal security awareness. Focus on short-term risks can limit a CSOs ability to understand future resource requirements. Todays strategic-level CSOs adopt a longer-term view to anticipate emerging threats and to implement proactive mitigation measures that decrease the likelihood and impact of future incidents. The bottom line At the organization level, companies should empower CSOs to play a more strategic part in overall enterprise risk management plans. By leveraging their CSOs experience, knowledge, and relationships in advance, organizations can facilitate more holistic and proactive planning. CSOs can also use the framework of people, process, and technology to prioritize identifying and remediating vulnerabilities arising from new cyber and information security concerns; emerging legal and regulatory requirements; geopolitical threats; governance and compliance obligations; and employees medical and psychological well-being. By harmonizing both organizational and CSO objectives, companies can strengthen their enterprise security posture, implement processes necessary to address threats and realize gains in both the bottom line and overall business efficiency. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., flew to the recent Munich Security Conference to reassure Americas allies that the United States is here to stay, no matter what President Donald Trump says about NATO or Russian President Vladimir Putin. The annual meeting of the worlds national security decision-makers attracted the likes of Vice President Mike Pence, U.S. national security stalwarts Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and John McCain, R-Ariz., and Murphy, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. But it wasnt entirely all work and no play in Munich. Murphy found himself at a beer hall dinner organized by Graham to discuss cures for world poverty. One of the select guests was U2 front man Bono, whose ONE Campaign focuses precisely on that issue. In a behind-the-scenes note to supporters, Murphy said he looked forward to seeing one of my heroes at dinner. So did Murphy meet Bono? Did he get a selfie? Did Im such a fan or words to that effect leave the junior senators lips? The answer, according to Murphys communications director, Chris Harris, was alas, no. But Murphy did engage in some deep-dive philosophy with Microsoft genius Bill Gates and fellow Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb. We talk about happiness how you define it, how you measure it, Murphy wrote in his note. We agree that government cannot make people happy, but if government doesn't know what actually makes people happy, then how can it choose the right things to do and the right things to leave alone? Wow, heavy! No rock n roll for these guys, just a few lidded beer steins of Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche and Schopenhauer. DeLauro heads deep in the heart of Texas Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., went deep in the heart of Texas to the U.S.-Mexico border in the Rio Grande Valley, about as far south as you can get in the Lone Star State. There, in border communities such as Brownsville, Pharr and San Juan, DeLauro saw firsthand the eye-opening reality of the border region. The engineering technology of a commercial truck crossing in one place was more than offset by the primitive, rickety condition of a 1960s-era bridge in another place that annually accommodates 7,400 buses and 2 million pedestrians. You would have thought you were in a third-world country, said DeLauro, a veteran liberal stalwart on Capitol Hill who is close to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. The Texas visit reinforced DeLauros strongly held belief that the Trump administration has it wrong on immigration and border security: Why build a wall when you havent repaired the infrastructure you already have? Why put the focus on deporting any and all undocumented workers when the U.S. economy would shrivel if they were removed en masse? For DeLauro, its personal. Her father came to New Haven from Italy at age 13, and her mother worked in a sweatshop. They could only dream I would be a Congresswoman someday, she said. Thats the American dream, and what we should not do is let someone destroy the American dream. Blumenthal reflects on anti-Semitism Reports of an upsurge in anti-Semitic incidents nationwide and in Connecticut got Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., thinking about his father. Martin Blumenthal was a Jewish refugee who left Nazi Germany in 1935 at age 17 and landed in New York with little more than the shirt on his back, according to Blumenthal. Hed seen enough of what he described as Nazi hooligans spreading hatred of Jews as part of what ultimately became Hitlers ghastly final solution. Fast forward to 2017. For Blumenthal, the parallel of Trumps tepid response to anti-Semitic incidents phoned-in bomb threats to Jewish centers, Jewish grave stones being overturned is hard not to see. The failure to condemn, not just on the rare occasion when Trump does but repeatedly and consistently, speaks volume, said Blumenthal, the states only Jewish lawmaker in Washington. People refer to dog whistles, and thats what my father saw in Germany. Trump used strong language Tuesday to condemn anti-Semitism. But Jewish advocates and others questioned the presidents sincerity, especially since one of his chief advisers, former Breitbart News chief Stephen Bannon, has drawn praise from white supremacist groups. Implicitly condoning acts of hate through an absence of words ultimately is whats most frightening, Blumenthal said. dan@hearstdc.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Hoping for a stronger voice, especially when it comes to matters of the wallet, a Western Connecticut State University senior is fighting to get more students on the Board of Regents. John Board, 23, has managed to get a bill heard this month before the Legislatures Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee. Having greater student representation in Hartford will allow students to have more influence over tuition, academics and greater Connecticut State College and University Policy, Board said. Christian Rosendahl, 20, another Western student who lives in Norwalk, said more important than lowering tuition is making sure assets are used wisely. Millennials and younger students, in my opinion, are the future, Rosendahl said. They need more representation. Whether the movement it will succeed in going any further, especially in the current legislative session, remains unclear. But students should be commended for making their case, said Sen Toni Boucher, R-Wilton, who co-sponsored the bill. Boucher said she always encourages students to participate in the political process, especially when it pertains to their education. Their input is vital to improving instruction, curriculum and addressing issues and concerns regarding their higher education experience, Boucher said. Such input is particularly important, she added, when it comes to making sure education governing bodies hear about how higher tuition costs affect students and their families. This issue may have been one of the reasons that motivated this proposal, Boucher said. Board, a former member of the Student Advisory Committee of the Board of Regents, said students deserve their say. The current 15-member Board of Regents has two student members. Board would like to double that. The governor gets to appoint nine of the regents. Legislative leaders appoint four, three of whom have to be an alumni of the system. The two student members are chosen by peers. The proposal being considered would have the two new student members of the Board of Regents selected by legislative leadership and the governor. Board doesnt want to stop at increasing the body to 17 members. My complete proposal recommends that the Faculty Advisory Committee Chairman is elevated to full voting membership, Board said. It is the right thing to do. Barbara Richards, a professor at Housatonic Community College who is vice chairman of the Faculty Advisory Committee and a non-voting member on the board, said the committee has discussed the possibility of a voting seat, or two, on the board. We are supportive of the idea, Richards said. lclambeck@ctpost.com; @lclambeck BRIDGEPORT - A city school guidance counselor was arrested after police said he threatened to shoot a man trying to park in front of his home. Jordan Soares, 27, of Dayton Road, was charged with reckless endangerment, threatening and breach of peace. He was released after posting $5,000 bond. Soares works as a guidance counselor at two elementary schools in the city, Geraldine Claytor Magnet Academy and Columbus School. School officials did not return calls for comment. School sources said Soares was still working at the schools. Police said on Tuesday evening they were called to Dayton Road for a complaint of a man waving a gun around. A New Haven man had been attempting to park in front of Soares home to visit a neighbor when police said Soares began yelling at the man to park somewhere else. Police said Soares then went into his home and came back with a 9mm handgun, pointed it at the victim and demanded he find another parking spot. A neighbor called police. In 2012, Soares was charged with third-degree assault and disorderly conduct following a fight in the Main Street Subway restaurant. The charges were later dropped. WOODBRIDGE Susan Stone listened politely as Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., outlined the steps they hope to take to protect Jewish congregations from hate crimes and violence. Ultimately, she didnt like what she heard Thursday. There are two terms you did not say, Stone told Murphy and DeLauro at Congregation Bnail Jacob in Woodbridge, whose membership includes families from Ansonia, Derby and Shelton. One is white supremacists. Thats what this is, Stone said about the more than 60 bomb threats that were called into Jewish community centers in the U.S. and Canada over four days in January and February, according to the JCC Association of North America. The other term is education, Stone said. We have a president (Donald Trump) that wants to abolish public education, but thats where you get tolerance and understanding. House Republican Leader Themis Klarides, whose district includes Derby, Woodbridge and Orange, condemned the anti-Semitic acts before a standing-room-only crowd in the temples library. These attacks and promised assaults on our Jewish community, both in Connecticut and across the country, cannot be tolerated, Klarides said. We have seen a dramatic rise in bomb threats and vandalism of Jewish grave sites in recent months and it has created a disturbing pattern. Thursdays forum, which included clergy and members from several area congregations, was chaired by Rabbi Joshua Ratner, who oversees the Jewish Community Relations Council in Woodbridge. Judy Diamondstein, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, asked Murphy and DeLauro what federal funds are available to upgrade security at the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven in Woodbridge. The JCC was evacuated Jan. 31 after a bomb threat was called in to the facility. The campus needs things like bullet-proof windows to make sure everyone is safe, Diamondstein said. But as scary as it is to be told, Theres a bomb, or Theres going to be a bloodbath, weve gotten hundreds of postcards from children and adults in various church groups who wanted to send their love. Stone was unswayed by Diamondsteins remarks. Love got the Jews exactly nowhere in the Holocaust, she said. We have to fight this. In response to Diamondstein, Murphy and DeLauro said there is money available from the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice that can help pay for security upgrades at non-profit agencies and religious centers. Murphy and DeLauro pledged to bring that funding back to Connecticut. Were looking at 64 incidents of anti-Semitism in 27 states, including two here in Woodbridge, DeLauro said. There has always been an ebb and flow to these types of incidents, but they have been increasing in the past year, along with the rise of groups with hate in their hearts. Eighth-graders from Ezra Academy in Woodbridge also attended the event. One of the students, a young boy, asked DeLauro what people could do on a local level. Use your own contacts and networks, all of us, to make phone calls and write letters to members or Congress, including Republicans, DeLauro told him. Letters and calls to district offices get action. Thursdays dialogue was comforting, said Samantha Hass, 13, who attended the meeting with her mother, Laura Hass, the Ezra Academy president-elect. They were talking to us and we were able to ask questions and we were able to give our opinion, Samantha Hass said. Hass, an Ezra Academy student, was one of the schoolchildren evacuated from the JCC of Greater New Haven after last months bomb threat. Students were ushered onto buses and taken to a nearby school. I had heard (that) other threats had been called to people in other states, Hass said in a phone interview from her familys home in Orange. There was a realization that everything is everywhere because I was part of it. Murphy said the Trump administration wants to shut down a unit that investigates acts of domestic terrorism, including hate crimes, to instead focus on terrorists affiliated with Islamic extremists. We will fight that, Murphy said, adding there are Republicans of good faith in Congress and we can work with them. The bi-partisan condemnation of anti-Semitism is also evident in Hartford, Klarides said. The hatred that drives these people cannot be ignored, she said. We must all remain vigilant and strengthen our regard for the safety of all Americans. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BRIDGEPORT A standing ovation set the tone for a town hall meeting held Wednesday by U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn. Hundreds of people packed the event, held at Bridgeport City Hall starting at 6:30 p.m. Himes faced few critical questions, and used them as segues for short speeches on immigration reform, health care, and how the Democrats might succeed in a Republican-controlled Congress with President Donald Trump at the helm. The most critical question of the night was not about policy, but Himes campaign financing. How can you claim to represent the vulnerable and oppressed, (when) youre taking all this money from special interests on Wall Street? asked one man. The questioner, who appeared to be in his 20s, did not clearly state his name. Himes acknowledged that he accepts donations from finance industry donors, and declined to make a pledge not to take such donations in the future. Im in a game, Im in a system, (where) you gotta raise money, he said. Then he launched into an attack on Trump, saying it was not time to disarm. Dozens of people lined up to ask 2-minute questions that expressed or implied frustration with Trump, covering issues such as expansion of deportation priorities, the promise to repeal the Affordable Care Act and dismissal of calls for the release of his tax returns. Himes spoke passionately in support of immigrants in the country without legal permission and who do not commit serious crimes. He pledged to vote against any repeal of the ACA, also known as Obamacare. What, if anything, happened in our last election with regards to Russian hacking, Mike Doyle asked. I wanna know, did we lose or did we not lose? Himes debunked conspiracy theories about Russian hacking of actual vote totals, but cited his place on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence as a platform to investigate Russias suspected interference in the 2016 election through hacking email servers at the Democratic National Committee. If Trump had defenders in the room, they were not holding signs, speaking, booing, or even emitting audible sighs. After an hour of softball questions, Himes paused to acknowledge how difficult town halls have become for his Republican colleagues, in contrast to his own. My Republican colleagues, the ones who have the courage to sit in front of crowds like this, are getting an earful, Himes said. My hat is off to Sen. (Chuck) Grassley (R-Iowa) and Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) and to Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). Members of Congress particularly Republicans have faced large, often angry crowds at town hall meetings nationwide as a result of the divisive political landscape under Trump. Many voters in blue Connecticut are not sitting on the sidelines, trusting their Democratic lawmakers will stand up to the commander in chief. Himes Norwalk event Tuesday drew over 1,000, causing the fire marshal to lock the doors to the meeting site. Around 2,000 reportedly attended U.S. Sen. Chris Murphys town hall in West Hartford, also held Tuesday night. Trump took to Twitter criticize the attendees in redder parts of the country. The so-called angry crowds in home districts of some Republicans are actually, in numerous cases, planned out by liberal activists. Sad!, the president wrote. In response, at least one Republican Rep. Justin Amash, R-Michigan tweeted, They are our fellow Americans with legitimate concerns. We need to stop acting so fragile. Im proud to defend liberty and the Constitution. An anti-Trump turnout in Bridgeport was not unexpected. The Manhattan developer lost Connecticuts largest city to Democrat Hillary Clinton, 6,596 votes to Clintons 32,035 votes. Still, Bridgeport has not exactly emerged as a leader in the Trump resistance, thanks in part to Mayor Joe Ganim. When Ganim first held office in the 1990s, he and Trump worked together, unsuccessfully, to bring a casino to town. After Trumps victory, Ganim, who was elected in 2015, tried to assuage the fears of some Bridgeport voters that their new president might be racist. Ganim attended the inauguration, rather than joining other Democrats who stayed home. And the mayor has more recently opposed efforts to oppose the White Houses crackdown on undocumented immigrants by designating Bridgeport a sanctuary city. Part of it, sources have said, is the mayors fear of retaliation given his highly taxed city is so reliant on federal aid. But Ganim has also said he believes he has some semblance of a relationship with Trump that could ultimately benefit Bridgeport. Look, I certainly have more of an understanding and residual of somewhat of a relationship with President-elect Trump, Ganim said in January. Im not as distant as they (other Connecticut mayors) are and Im hoping some of that residual relationship will benefit the city. People love a good startup story, especially one that chronicles the mishaps of first-time entrepreneurs and their eccentric founding team members. Case in point: HBOs Silicon Valley. The show has been a hit with viewers and critics alike, picking up a Critics Choice Award for Best Comedy Series last December and celebrating its renewal for a fourth season. The show resonates because it offers a hilarious if close-to-the-bone take on life at the center of startup culture, but the setbacks portrayed on the show are a lot less humorous when companies encounter them in real life. Startups are often scrappy and resourceful, two of the best qualities one can find in early-stage companies. But theyre also prone to potentially fatal mistakes. I frequently get calls from entrepreneurs who realize too late that theyve messed up by skipping critical steps in the development process. By the time they come to me, we need to work miracles to save their companies. Related: 11 Mistakes Standing Between You and Your First Million Many founders tend to build solutions first and find problems to solve for paying customers later. All too often, they operate using unproven business models and ignore important questions about who their ideal customers are, how much it will cost to reach those customers or how much of their initial capital must be used to support their own living expenses. Any one of these mistakes can sink a promising startup. Entrepreneurs can use the following strategies to avoid these common missteps: 1. Verify assumptions about the business model. All companies make educated guesses in their business models. But those estimations should be grounded in facts, and founders must verify those numbers as they conduct market research. Only a third of new businesses make it to the 10-year mark, and bad business models contribute to the demise of many companies. Just look at TinyOwl, which shut down most of its locations in May because of a faulty business model. The India-based restaurant delivery service had raised more than $27 million in investor funds, but it couldnt overcome the costly logistics of running the company or the oversaturation of the restaurant delivery service industry. Related: 5 Things You Should Never Assume When It Comes To Your Business Its also easy for first-time founders to get so caught up in their ideas that they dive in before vetting their concepts. Thats how companies end up with solutions that are looking for problems -- and often how they fail. Inventory costs alone can consume a startups budget as its founders search for a fit. Businesses that try to reach all demographics end up with generic, boring products. Instead, they should identify who will actually be interested in the offering and whether it fills a want or a need -- before they sink serious money into building a product. No matter how excited people are about a product they want, theyll ultimately prioritize items they need. Responding to urgent demands strengthens the business model and improves the startups chances of success. 2. Understand what it takes to reach customers. Most first-time founders operate under the If you build it, they will come mantra. But running a business isnt like Field of Dreams. Startups need to budget for marketing and lead generation campaigns in addition to product development. Companies spend five times as much money attracting new customers as they do retaining current ones. And in the beginning, everyones a new customer. By the time theyve accounted for lead generation costs, most businesses just break even on customer acquisition. Founders who ignore these crucial considerations find themselves out of cash or in deep trouble with their backers. Most investors will catch such oversights, and theyre unlikely to partner with entrepreneurs who miss such an important planning component. But some wont see the problem right away, and the relationship will deteriorate when the company has to admit its glaring mistake. 3. Account for lifestyle costs. Our culture glorifies the idea of entrepreneurs who live off ramen noodles while pouring all their energy into their companies. But once you reach the funding stage, that vision becomes less romantic. Related: How to Live Rent-Free While Building Your Business Businesses cant thrive when their founders are stressed about missing mortgage payments or feeding their families. (In fact, a whopping 82 percent of business failures stem back to poor cash management, according to a U.S. Bank study.) Investors know this, and they expect startups to include living expenses in their funding requests. They dont want founders panicking over their personal finances; they want them laser-focused on their companies. Based on my own experience, I recommend that startup budgets include at least a year of the founders lifestyle costs, preferably two. These costs should be honest, comprehensive and workable for the foreseeable future. Its impossible to dramatically increase compensation unless the business has undergone massive, consistent growth, and that usually takes at least two years. Successful startups dont deal in vague assumptions and unsubstantiated business models. Entrepreneurs must rely on fact-based decision-making to ensure their companies have the best chance of succeeding in competitive markets. Related: Don't Sink Before You Can Swim: Crucial Steps for Startups to Stay in the Black 3 Types of Insurance You Need for Your Import/Export Business The Dos and Don'ts of Using a Well-Known Business Accelerator Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Business trips are often a necessary part of being an entrepreneur and business owner. But you dont have to let these trips run your bank account dry. There are ways to deduct them, as long as you stay aware of certain legalities. Related: Deduct Your Holiday Business Travel and Dining the Smart Way In general, expensing a trip isnt easy. You cant just round up the family, book a stay at an all-inclusive resort and write the whole thing off. There are certain rules you have to follow. Specifically: 1. The trip's primary purpose must be business. It's pretty much a no-brainer that the primary purpose of any trip you expense must be business, not pleasure. In other words, you cant legally expense a trip to the Bahamas in which you have a half-day of meetings, then take five days of R&R on the beach sipping margaritas. The rule of thumb is that the number of business days must outnumber any personal days. Travel days, however, do count as business activity, as does a weekend thats sandwiched in between work on a Friday and Monday. As entrepreneur Nellie Akalp explains, "If you fly to Florida on a Thursday, have a meeting on Friday, stay the weekend, meet with clients on Monday and Tuesday and fly home Wednesday, youve actually accrued seven business days. This means you could spend another six days in Florida as pure vacation and still expense your transportation expenses. 2. Only your expenses are deductible. Its important to understand that you can only count expenses that you or a paid employee personally incur. While your spouse and kids can come along on your business trip, you cant deduct their expenses. And dont try to claim that theyre employees for the week! Many people have attempted this and the IRS looks at it with suspicion. As for yourself, not everything can be expensed. The IRS approves travel and transportation, shipping of baggage and luggage, use of a rental car, meals, lodging and other ordinary and necessary expenses that may be incurred during travel. Related: Tax Tips: 5 Rules for Deducting Business Meals 3. Keep good records. If the IRS ever decides to look into a business trip youve expensed, you want to make sure you have the records and documentation to back up your claimed expenses. Thats why meticulous recordkeeping is a must. You dont have to worry about keeping a pocketful of receipts while you are away," Akalp says. "The IRS doesnt require receipts for a travel expense thats under $75. However, just because you dont need the actual receipt doesnt mean you are off the hook for record-keeping. You still need to document all deductible expenses, including what you purchased, how much you purchased it for, and when. 4. Dont take risks. Make sure you dont take unnecessary risks. Thats the key to successfully expensing a business trip. Its not worth making up an expense or breaking the rules just to save a few hundred dollars. If the IRS ends up finding something it doesn't like, agents may open up a full-blown investigation and find other issues with your tax return. Just stick to the rules, and everything should be fine. Three destinations to consider for your next business trip 1. Dubai Where skyscrapers rise from the desert floor and man-made islands, luxury yachts and towering golden hotels line the shores, you'll find Dubai, Trip.com notes. Located at the heart of the United Arab Emirates along the Gulf on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, there's nothing small nor understated about this former fishing village turned oil-rich city-state. In addition to its gorgeous scenery, Dubai has plenty of business conference centers and opportunities for entertaining clients, which makes it a solid choice. 2. Chicago If you want to take a business trip and have some fun on the side, Chicago is a fantastic choice. Its home to a number of industries and can easily be expensed on account of visiting clients. In your free time, be sure to check out some of the many tourist destinations. 3. Toronto Home to Canadas biggest financial services and manufacturing companies, Toronto is a huge North American business hub. It also offers business travelers good shopping, wonderful food and a diverse urban experience. Related: 10 Ways to Save Time and Money While Traveling for Business Enjoy your trip. One of the wonderful things about being a business owner or self-employed professional is that you can set your own rules. If you want to choose where you take a business trip, do so. The key is to make sure you also stay above the tax rules when it comes to deducting business travel. If you do so, you can get some work done and enjoy traveling the world without overpaying. Now, thats a good deal! Related: How to (Legally) Deduct Your Next Business Trip Entrepreneurs Are Being Deported -- And They Might Be at the Center of America's Coming Immigration Fight Uber Tips for a Smooth Rideshare Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved STORY LINK GBP/EUR Recovering, but Could Take another Hit from Retail Surveys Weak GBP Recovers from GDP Worries EUR Losses Waning as Centrist Politician Throws Backing behind Macron GBP/EUR Forecast; CBI Data Could Further Weaken UK Outlook Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: The British Pound to Euro exchange rate was sold from its weekly highs on Friday afternoon as traders expected a relatively quiet week ahead for Sterling demand.Britains economic calendar will be relatively quiet until Markits February PMIs are published later in the week. The Euro, on the other hand, will be influenced by political concerns and domestic ecostats throughout the week that will cause movement in GBP EUR.[Previously Updated 23/02/2017]Fears of a far-right victory in the French elections continue to soften the Euro, allowing GBP/EUR to make modest gains.Correctional trading has helped the Pound to Euro exchange rate to recover from yesterdays mixed GDP results.Quarter-on-quarter growth, having already printed ten basis points above forecast in the first estimate, was hiked even higher to 0.7% in the second round of projections.But year-on-year growth was cut from 2.2% to 2% and investors were also concerned to see a fall of -1% in business investment.Markets were more interested in the outlook for the first quarter of 2017 than they were the figures from last year.Speaking of the fall in investment, Frances OGrady, TUC General Secretary, commented;Its very worrying to see that business investment is already falling with the challenges of Brexit ahead. If this trend continues, working people will pay the price through weaker wages and fewer jobs.A surprise alliance between French Presidential candidates Francois Bayrou and Emmanuel Macron has softened investor fears of a victory for Marine Le Pen in this years elections.Bayrou, 65, is a centrist politician and veteran of three Presidential elections. The threat from Marine Le Pens rising popularity has seen him take the extraordinary step of sacrificing his own campaign in order to throw his backing behind Macron.Macron was originally expected to be the loser of the first round of voting at the end of April, with Le Pen later defeated by Francios Fillon during the second round two weeks later.However, Fillon has been dogged by scandal after it emerged he may have paid family members, including his wife, hundreds of thousands of Euros worth of public money for work they did not do under his employment.The boost to Macrons campaign from Bayrous backing has strengthened the likelihood that he will survive to face off against Le Pen in the second round.This has boosted the Euro, as Macron offers a much more stable outlook for French politics, particularly as, unlike Le Pen, he has no plans to withdraw France from the Eurozone.Todays Eurozone data has already been released, leaving only UK reports to influence the GBP/EUR exchange rate.Retail survey figures from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) could further soften the outlook for consumer spending if they report that British businesses are seeing softer demand and activity.If the data weakens, GBP/EUR could give up the days gains, although lingering caution over the French elections could leave the Euro too weak to make much of an advance, if any. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: Pound Euro Forecasts We must rethink the U.S. response to infectious disease. Here's why. Mayor of the City of Memphis Jim Strickland, Rep. Dwayne Thompson, Rep. Raumesh Akbari, Mayor of the City of Germantown Mike Palazzolo and Shelby County Commissioner Mark Billingsley all attended a fundraiser hosted by the American Muslim Advisory Council Sunday night. AMAC is a non-profit organization that aims to connect Tennessee Muslim communities to government officials and law enforcement. The event, AMACs second annual fundraiser, reached its fundraising goal of around $80,000. As Mayor of Memphis, Im mayor of everyone, Strickland said. All races, all religions, both genders, and I feel like I have to reach out Diversity is what makes Memphis better. The government officials each spoke at the fundraiser about the importance of the Muslim community within Memphis. The theme of the night was Standing up for Justice. Commissioner Billingsley expounded on the theme with words from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King said that our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter, the commissioner said. This is a time where things are very, very important at the local level, state level and at the national level. During his speech, Mayor Strickland stressed the desire for safety, education and jobs as being something that is desired by everyone despite individual differences. Strickland also talked about Memphis value for everyone, regardless of religion or race. Rep. Raumesh Akbari of Tennessee House of Representatives District 91, a child of an immigrant herself, made a promise to the audience and advised the youth to never be ashamed of their name or background. But I want you to know, that I in my position will do whatever I can to fight against unjust and unfair laws and ignorant rhetoric, and anything that I believe is a threat to your community and our community, Memphis as a whole, Rep. Akbari said. And to the young people in this room, I dont want you ever to feel scared or ashamed of your background or your culture. Rep. Dwayne Thompson of Tennessee House of Represenatives District 96 attributed his win this year to the opportunity for him to support his ideals of equal opportunity for all Americans and freedom of religion. Khalimah Azeez Rashada, project manager for AMAC and the organizer of the fundraiser, thought it went well. With everything going on in society and the hearts of good believers be it Christian, Muslim or Jew they saw the need for an organization to promote freedom, and what our founding fathers stood for which is freedom for all religions, Rashada said. And they supported it and everyone was excited to be a part of that movement that AMAC brings to Tennessee. Three U of M police officers arrested Cedar Nordbye, associate professor of art, on Feb. 16, a half-hour before the studio art class he was teaching was scheduled to end.A Nearly a dozen confused students watched as police asked Nordbye to step into the hallway, said Mason Nolen, an 18-year-old freshmen taking the Thursday afternoon class.A aThe police were really nice,a Nolen said. aI didnat see them do it, but I could hear them handcuff him a They didnat tell us what was happening. We sat there atil our class was over.aA Nordbye was arrested for domestic assault of his wife. At press time, it is unknown if Nordbye has been or will be charged with a crime in connection to his arrest. He has not returned to teach at the University of Memphis since his arrest. An email to Nordbyeas students from the Department of Art said Nordbye would be back the week of Feb. 27.A Nordbye allegedly got into an argument with his wife at their home on Feb. 12, according to the Memphis Police Department. When his wife tried to walk away, Nordbye allegedly grabbed her from behind and slammed the left side of her face into a wooden cabinet, knocking her glasses off, police said. Nordbyeas wife had a bruise and scratch above her left eye, police said.A Nordbyeas son told police he heard the argument from his bedroom, police said. When he tried to walk out into the hallway, Nordbye allegedly pushed him in the chest back into his room, police said.A Nordbyeas wife called Memphis city police from inside their van with her son, police said. Nordbye was not at home when police arrived. Nordbye said suspects are innocent until proven guilty.A aRegardless of what someone is charged with, thereas always the possibility that the charges are completely mistaken, or that there are extenuating circumstances around the charges,a Nordbye said. aWe all have trials and tribulations of sorts that go throughout our lives. When our difficulties cross a legal threshold, it enters into a strange, different kind of world.a Nordbye said the justice system wants to get people booked, no matter if they are guilty or not. aPolice make judgments too often deciding who is guilty and who is innocent, and they treat people who are suspects as if they were convicted,a Nordbye said. aI felt like I was treated like a convicted criminal instead of a professional member of the educational academic community who has a charge brought against him.aA aI think people are falsely accused of crimes all the time and should be treated with dignity and respect,a Nordbye said. aBut the way our criminal justice system works, that is very rarely the case.aA Nordbye said U of M police should have handled his arrest differently. aI felt like the whole process was extremely humiliating and embarrassing, and it didnat need to be done that way,a Nordbye said. aIf I wouldave received a phone call saying, aHey, come down to the police station,a I gladly would have.a As far as his standing with the university, Nordbye is confident he will return. aIave spoken to members of the administration at the university, and they expressed regret on how things were handled,a Nordbye said. Richard Lou, chair of the Department of Art, would not answer Helmsman questions about Nordbyeas employment status. However, in an email to Nordbyeas students, Lou said the professor would be back.A aYour instructor Cedar Nordbye will be out this week. However, class will continue to meet at their regular meeting times,a Lou said. aIf you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.aA Mitchell Koch and Jonathan Capriel contributed to this story. Bishop of Willesden Call Me Pete Broadbent is in charge until January next year The Queens advisers will be feverishly perusing her 2017 diary after next Tuesdays retirement of Richard Chartres, Bishop of London. They wont want HM encountering his stand-in, Bishop of Willesden Call Me Pete Broadbent. Hes in charge until January next year. In 2010 he was suspended for his rudeness to the royal family after calling the monarchy corrupt and sexist, accusing the Windsors of being philanderers and referring to Prince Charles and Princess Diana as Big Ears and the Porcelain Doll. He has no chance of becoming the full-time Bishop of London but the CoE cant dislodge him until January. Apropos Bishop Broadbent: He also described William and Kate as shallow celebrities, predicting their marriage would fail within seven years. Appointed in 2001, he boycotted the Lambeth Conference in 2008 over the presence of an openly gay bishop. Couldnt Chartres, a close friend of Charles he received the KCVO from the Queen for his work at the Chapel Royal have left someone a little less controversial running the shop? Lord Mountbattens daughter Lady Pamela Hicks, 87, admits that her mother Edwina, portrayed in the new film Viceroys House by Gillian Anderson, pictured, was a man-eater. But she never bedded Indias first prime minister Jawaharial Nehru. She insists: Neither had time to indulge in a physical affair, and anyway the very public nature of their lives meant they were rarely alone. Unlike Edwinas energetic lover Coldstream Guards Colonel Harold Phillips, known as Bunny. Lord Mountbattens daughter Lady Pamela Hicks, 87, admits that her mother Edwina, portrayed in the new film Viceroys House by Gillian Anderson, pictured, was a man-eater. But she never bedded Indias first prime minister Jawaharial Nehru Ed Balls's clodhopping efforts on Strictly Come Dancing earned him previously elusive popularity and now he is cashing in on the lucrative after-dinner speaking circuit. The ex-shadow chancellor, 49, who has been signed up by the London-based agency JLA, is generously ranked as an A-grade speaker, which means he can earn as much as 25,000 for a single appearance. No wonder hes in no hurry to go back into politics! Ed Balls's clodhopping efforts on Strictly Come Dancing earned him previously elusive popularity and now he is cashing in on the lucrative after-dinner speaking circuit Urging US President Donald Trump to calm down, Sir Bernard Ingham, Margaret Thatchers press secretary from 1979 to 1990, says: After only four weeks of his presidency, I have reached the solemn conclusion that I would have shot myself by now if I was employed as his press secretary. Expect some guff from Paul Burrell after the opening of a major Princess Diana frock event at Kensington Palace. When the Queen stepped in to save Burrells bacon in 2001 after he was accused of stealing Dianas possessions he gushed: The Queen has come through for me! Little good it did her, with roly-poly chancer Burrell, 58, disclosing on Through The Keyhole that Her Majesty ate bananas with a knife and fork. When the Queen stepped in to save Paul Burrells bacon in 2001 after he was accused of stealing Dianas possessions he gushed: The Queen has come through for me! The Ukip leader is on hand to solve all your household problems The Ukip leader solves all your household problems. SALLY FROM WORKSOP: My kitchen tap is dripping and its driving me hopping mad. How should I go about mending it, please? PAUL NUTTALL: Im the man to ask, Sally, as I am a past vice-president of the Liverpool Plumbers Association, with several tap- fixing diplomas to my name! In my view, the best way to fix a dripping tap is to hold the tap in your right hand and then turn around really hard until the dripping stops. Happy to help, Sally! SALLY FROM WORKSOP: But Ive tried that, Paul, and the taps still dripping! Were you really vice-president of the Liverpool Plumbers Association? PAUL NUTTALL: I never said I was and, frankly, Im very upset very upset indeed that false information has been spread around. It must be one of my team whos to blame. What I actually said is that I greatly admire all Liverpool plumbers and that I have had occasion to employ one of them to fix my tap. Believe me, as an Olympic gold medal swimmer, I know how important water is in the home. And let me add this, Sally. I consider it a national disgrace there are so many taps dripping in homes the length and breadth of this great country of ours. Its high time this Government did something about it. JEFF FROM KINGS LYNN: How do I mend a creaking floorboard, Paul? Every time I step on it, it makes a dreadful noise and its getting on my nerves. PAUL NUTTALL: I know what you mean, Jeff. I recall how much the floorboards creaked when I sailed with Admiral Nelson on HMS Victory for the Battle of Trafalgar. And the last time I went to tea with President Trump and his lovely wife Melania, I noticed a number of floorboards in the White House that could do with a bit of work. Are you aware that Paul Nuttall actually sailed on the HMS Victory during the Battle of Trafalgar So heres what you do. Grab yourself a screwdriver, a hammer, a drill, a wrench and a few nails and screws, and Bobs your uncle. Incidentally, Jeff, it strikes me as a crying shame that UK taxpayers are being asked to stump up literally millions to fix creaky floorboards in China, Asia and Africa. Why cant they fix their own floorboards? Whatever happened to charity begins at home, thats what I want to know! JEFF FROM KING'S LYNN: But my mate Steve says that Admiral Nelson sailed with HMS Victory for the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Surely youre not old enough to remember it, Paul? PAUL NUTTALL: I never, ever said I was with Admiral Nelson at Trafalgar, Jeff, though I do know a lot of people who were. Your mate Steve has upset me greatly with his wicked, politically motivated insinuations, Jeff. But Im strong enough to get through this, not just for me, but for the party as a whole. I can put up with a tremendous amount of unfair name-calling, Jeff, but those who know me know I would never tell a fib. Lets face it, Jeff, I proved that at Dunkirk. MARY FROM TAUNTON: A zip on a favourite dress has just broken, Paul. I was wondering if you could give me a few tips on how to repair it. PAUL NUTTALL: Yes, Mary, as a former senior lecturer in Advanced Zip Studies at the University of Oxbridge, I feel particularly strongly about mending zips. Thats why Im thrilled to be elected president of the International Zip Federation and Im determined to do a first-class job. Mr Nuttall also used to work with Florence Nightingale, who was handy with zips The best way to mend your zip is to buy yourself a sewing machine, thread, an ironing board, a needle, a marking pen and a new zip. Or even quicker buy yourself a new dress. This all takes me back to the days when I was personal assistant to the late, great Florence Nightingale at the Battle of Balaclava. She was brilliant with zips, was Flo! Happy days! MARY FROM TAUNTON: Are you absolutely sure you were with Florence Nightingale at Balaclava, Paul? My friend says that would make you about 200 years old! PAUL NUTTALL: Ill sack that researcher, Mary. But fact: I sometimes wear a balaclava, particularly in cold weather, and I can produce many witnesses on doorsteps wholl back me 150 per cent. So, lets have no more of these politically motivated smear campaigns. Britain will 112 per cent not be bullied! Advertisement As that talented linguist Boris Johnson himself might say, quel horreur, quel elephant! The photographs of him jogging in London this week were barely suitable for children, old maids or anyone with a colour television. What was he wearing? A sweaty blue shirt betrayed bovine booblets. Those red and white shorts: swimming trunks or unlaundered smalls? The training shoes were so scruffy, you could almost pong them from here, and the brown fleecey had definitely seen better days. On his head was the piece de resistance: a red squashy hat, which may or may not have seen active service in The Smurfs, or as a teapot cosy. Foreign diplomats will be earnestly analysing this image of the British Foreign Secretary and scratching their brows. His predecessors Monsieur Geoffrey Howe and Monsieur Douglas Hurd did not often dress like this, Pierre, they will be saying to each other. Is the man un complet idiot? Or is it all a cunning ruse? Let the Mail help by explaining to the untutored foreigner some of Boriss fashion rules, or lack of them. For that is the thing about Boris. As has long been evident in his career and in his love life, he hates to be told what he cannot do. He does not wish to be owned by, or commit to, anything so bourgeois as convention. That was the mistake David Cameron made a year ago. He tried to boss Boris around into supporting the EU. Terrible psychology. Why should a man so well-off (he has made millions from his writing) and so well-educated (Eton and Oxford) look such a fright? Politically, vivid attire, no matter how creased, can establish a politician in the publics imagination that can be essential to winning votes Perhaps it is all a reaction against having to wear those stuffy tails and white tie for his universitys Bullingdon Club in the Eighties. Or perhaps it is testament to his happily dishevelled childhood. The Johnson family homes were never exactly paralysed by too much neatness. Photographs of the boy Boris suggest a happy little piglet a sort of Stig of the Dump. Whatever the deep-rooted reason, Boris simply cant do tidy. Even when he wears a two-piece dark suit at the Foreign Office, he manages somehow to inject an element of disorder. His collar will be fraying, or his tie will have a custard stain, or one of his shoelaces will have snapped. Whatever the deep-rooted reason, Boris simply cant do tidy. Even when he wears a two-piece dark suit at the Foreign Office, he manages somehow to inject an element of disorder Some women think: What a slob. But others think he needs a bit of looking after. Yesterday, he was photographed in his office having his tie straightened by his opposite number from Australia a glamorous middle-aged lady who clearly felt a motherly instinct to smarten him up for inspection. I doubt anyone has ever taught Boris to iron. Equally, I doubt his long-suffering wife Marina, a top lawyer, has the time or inclination to do her husbands pressing for him. Clashing colours are a very British public-school wardrobe thing, too. And politically, vivid attire, no matter how creased, can establish a politician in the publics imagination that can be essential to winning votes. (That, presumably is why he has gone running in the past with silky shorts apparently pulled on back to front, and odd socks, too.) Michel Barnier, the Frenchman leading the EUs negotiating team on Brexit, is a fastidious dresser, a veritable mannequin with gorgeous suits, perfect cuffs, not a hair out of place Think of Wellington with his boots, Churchill with his siren suits, Mrs Thatcher with her handbags. Look at Ukips politicians. They refuse to dress like the rest of the boring political elite. It helps define them as bold outsiders. Michel Barnier, the Frenchman leading the EUs negotiating team on Brexit, is a fastidious dresser, a veritable mannequin with gorgeous suits, perfect cuffs, not a hair out of place. Opposite him will be hog-snorting, crumpled-rhino Boris. Let us hope M Barnier looks at Boris and thinks: The fool! That way, he may underestimate him. It is home of the Scouse brow. So it will be of little surprise to learn shoppers in Liverpool are the nation's biggest fans of eyebrow pencils, powders and brushes. But elsewhere women covet very different beauty products. Londoners favour a day-to-night lipstick while women in Edinburgh favour a good foundation. The trends were identified by online beauty retailer Escentual.com, who analysed sales in different post codes over the last year. The company has now revealed the most popular hair, make-up and skin products in six regions across the UK. Escentual Beauty Expert Emma Leslie said: 'We're all influenced by our friends, the environment and the micro-cultures around us when making beauty purchases - that's when you see these really interesting regional patterns begin to form.' Here, FEMAIL takes a closer look at the make-up map of Britain - and the must-have products taking hold in each region... Trend-setters: The top beauty products in six different regions across the UK LEEDS: EYE SHADOW Eye shadow can be a tricky make-up tool to master but the women of Leeds are leading the way. The city has topped the list of eye shadow sales over the last 12 months. 'Leeds is a place of beauty experimentation thanks to its huge student population, and there's no better way to experiment than with the massive variety of colours, textures and finishes of eyeshadow that are available,' Emma said. 'Eyeshadow lets the women of Leeds get creative.' Hero product: Dior 5 Couleurs Designer All-in-One Professional Eye Palette, 43.50 Experimental: Women in Leeds love the Dior 5 Couleurs Designer All-in-One Professional Eye Palette, 43.50, left. Right, the Daniel Sandler Watercolour Creme Rouge Blusher, 15.50 EDINBURGH: FOUNDATION, BB CREAM AND BLUSHER The changeable weather up north calls for a more robust base. 'Foundation is the beauty weapon of choice in Edinburgh, where a need for longevity and great coverage ensures that formulas are really put through their paces,' Emma said. Figures show how the city has seen a major growth in spending on foundations, BB creams and blushers over the last 12 months. Hero product: Daniel Sandler Watercolour Creme Rouge Blusher, 15.50 Glamour girls: La Roche-Posay Autohelios Melt In Self-Tan Gel 100ml, 13.60 NEWCASTLE : FAKE TAN Glamour is the order of the day for night's out in the North East so fake tan is a natural fit for the beauty-conscious shopper. Emma Leslie said: 'Newcastle has been a big stronghold for self-tan for a few years now, and that's getting stronger if anything. 'There's been a few times this year that we've had self-tanner products sell out on a Friday because there's been a massive set of orders for next day delivery for the North-east, clearly in preparation for a big Saturday night out.' Hero product: La Roche-Posay Autohelios Melt In Self-Tan Gel 100ml, 13.60 LIVERPOOL : EYEBROW PENCIL l Bold and beautiful: Givenchy Eyebrow Couture Definer Intense Eyebrow Pencil, 18 A strong eyebrow is a mainstay of most make up looks in Liverpool. However the glamour queens could soon be dethroned by the women of Manchester, who are catching up with their spending. Liverpool also tops the list of the biggest spenders on hair products, snapping up more hair spray, oil and powder than any other region. Hero product: Givenchy Eyebrow Couture Definer Intense Eyebrow Pencil, 18 Polished perfection: Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Nail Colour 8.8ml, 15.30 ESSEX: NAIL POLISH 'It's probably not surprising that nail varnish sales are notable in Essex, a place where being preened and polished is key,' Emma said. Women in the south east are fuelling the sales of polish, even as nail products are becoming less popular elsewhere. Shoppers in Suffolk and Somerset come in second and third place on the list. Hero product: Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Nail Colour 8.8ml, 15.30 LONDON: LIPSTICK Fashion forward Londoners favourite lipstick - the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. Emma said: 'London is the nightlife capital of the world, and savvy women know that a seamless desk-to-dancefloor lies in a showstopping lipstick. 'Our research showed that Londoners are the undisputed queens of the directional lipstick wardrobe that takes them from the office to the bar.' Women in the capital also top the list of the biggest spenders on skin care. 'Londoners are experts in pollution-battling skincare,' Emma added. Hero products: Dior Addict Lipstick, Vibrant Colour Spectacular Shine, 20.40 Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate, 49.25 Recently-appointed NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, has spoken out about being childless, in an interview with Australian Women's Weekly. 'I've never made a conscious decision to choose work over other considerations,' the 46-year-old politician said. 'It's just the way it's happened in my life and I'm very happy with where I am.' Scroll down for video Recently-appointed NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian (pictured), has spoken out about her decision not to have children - she said: 'I've never made a conscious decision to choose work over other considerations' Ms Berejiklian features in the new issue of the magazine, out on Thursday. She follows in the footsteps of former Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Federal Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, by doing an editorial and shoot. The Premier admitted that twenty years ago, she 'never would have imagined life would turn out this way' but added that she has 'just taken every opportunity that's come my way'. In the interview, the Manly-born politician also spoke about the 'horrendous' situation in war-torn Aleppo, Syria, where many of her relatives live. The Premier (pictured) admitted that twenty years ago, she never would have imagined her life turning out as it has, but added that she has 'just taken every opportunity that's come my way' The Manly-born politician also spoke about the 'horrendous' situation in war-torn Aleppo, Syria, where many of her relatives live (pictured with her family) Speaking about her upbringing and family, Ms Berejiklian said she was very proud of her father, who came to Australia on his own and worked as a welder on the Sydney Opera House. For an accompanying fashion shoot, Ms Berejiklian also displayed her trademark unassuming practicality. After turning down the opportunity to wear 'crimson Armani', she instead plumped for a pink Zara jacket she had brought from home, and later changed into a black dress by her close friend Carla Zampatti. Gladys Berejiklian (pictured) was appointed as NSW's first Liberal Premier in January, after she was elected unopposed by the Liberal Party Gladys Berejiklian was appointed as NSW's first Liberal Premier in January, after she was elected unopposed by the Liberal Party. Within minutes of being appointed, Ms Berejiklian was asked by an unidentified female journalist whether being single and childless would affect her ability to do her job. 'The obvious question is do you think this is a disadvantage politically because people have kids and they have families and people identify with that like they did with Morris Iemma,' the female reporter asked. The following day, Sunrise co-host Samantha Armytage threw her support behind the Premier saying the question was 'bloody ridiculous'. A loving Gold Coast father was so determined to help his partially blind daughter that he taught himself how to make prosthetic eyes for her to wear. Liberty, three, was born with two rare eye conditions - microphthalmia and chorioretinal colobomas - which have left her completely blind in her right eye, and with an abnormally small eyeball. After she became distressed during visits to specialists, her father Dwayne Collins turned to YouTube to learn how to make eye conformer shells, which sit over her eye to give the illusion it is full sized. 'It took me about three months of practice and lots of failures before I had an eye I was happy to have her wear,' Mr Collins explained on a GoFundMe page. Sticking together: After their daughter Liberty (pictured far right) was diagnosed with two rare eye conditions, the Collins family moved back to New Zealand The family were initially seeing Brisbane ocularist Trevor Dorahy, who they adored, but being from New Zealand, they returned home. WHAT IS MICROPHTHALMIA? Microphthalmia is an abnormality in the eye, which occurs before birth. The condition makes one or both eyeballs abnormally small, to the point where for some, the eyeball may appear to not be there at all - though there is eye tissue present. Source: US National Library of Medicine Advertisement Back in their home country, Mr Collins says he went through some 'terrible experiences' where his daughter became upset during visits to specialists, which left the father-of-two determined to do more. 'I couldn't handle it anymore, so I started teaching myself,' he told Daily Mail Australia of the moment he turned to YouTube to begin learning how to create the shells himself. At the time the family lived on a farm, and Mr Collins took over the shed to make a small lab for his creations. He said while he purchased the basic machines himself, a lucky connection with a kindhearted neighbour allowed him to possess some of the more advanced technology for free. Daddy's girl: After three months of teaching himself how to make eye conformers through YouTube videos, Mr Collins was successful in fitting one into Liberty's eye socket 'My neighbour out on the farm in NZ at the time was a precision engineer,' he explained. 'He and I sat down one night over a couple of wines and we designed a few of the machines ourselves and he made them for me. 'It was a bit hard to get them myself and they were pretty expensive, so he donated his time and materials for Liberty.' Bad experience: Liberty (pictured) became upset during visits to specialists in New Zealand so her father decided to take matters into his own hands Process: Mr Collins says he can now make an eye (process pictured) for his daughter, now three, in under four hours Finished product: The father-of-two was able to make the prosthetic with the help of his neighbour, a precision engineer, who helped design and make some of his machines After three months of practicing with his equipment, and 'a lot of failures', Mr Collins felt confident enough in his work to try a homemade conformer out on his young daughter. 'I remember finishing it and thinking "this ones gonna be alright",' he said. 'I ended up having a bit of a cry to myself and went and tried it on. It was pretty awesome.' Happy girl! Liberty is pictured wearing an eye conformer created by her father WHAT IS A CHORIORETINAL COLOBOMA? A coloboma is a defect in the eye which results in a gap or hole in the ocular structure. It is a condition present from birth that may affect the eyelid, retina, choroid and optic nerve. Source: Atlas RL Eye Advertisement Fitting a cover into your child's eye socket is not a pleasant experience though, and Mr Collins admitted at times he finds it 'all a bit much'. But Mr Collins, who currently owns a maintenance and design company, now believes creating these eyes is his calling, and is raising funds to become a trained specialist. He enrolled in a five day Bespoke Ocular Prosthetic course with Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom. After he was accepted, he messaged John Pacey-Lowrie, the English ocularist who had unknowingly taught him how to make the conformers through YouTube, and shared his story with only a small hope of hearing back. 'We have since had a lot of correspondence back and forth via email and he has offered me 4 weeks one on one training at his clinic in Nottingham after I complete the university course,' he wrote on his GoFundMe page. Mr Collins says the training would make him one of only four people in Australia and New Zealand with his level of qualification, and he says he is excited to be able to help others. Donate to Mr Collins' fundraising page here These revealing pictures show how a Miss Universe star is unrecognisable from just six months ago when she was a geeky student with glasses and braces - who has still never had a boyfriend. Chalita Suansane, 22, was studying microbiology when her sister sent an application for her in the Miss Thailand competition in July last year. They didn't expect to hear anything back but judges were stunned by her long legs and innocent-looking face - and they whisked her away from classes for a makeover. Scroll down for video Chalita Suansane came 6th in the Miss Universe contest in November last year The 22-year-old won the Miss Thailand competition in July last year Pictures from her private album over the last year show her in school uniform looking almost unrecognisable She went on to win the national competition and came 6th in Miss Universe in November last year, winning millions of new fans - a world away from the unseen images of her as a student. Pictures from her private album over the last year show her in school uniform playing with test tubes, fooling around with classmates and posing for selfies with a toothy grin - unrecognisable from her in designer dresses on stage a few months later. And incredibly, Chalita - whose mother has never allowed her to have a boyfriend - has shunned full time modelling jobs to return to school to finish the last year of her degree. The images show her playing with test tubes, fooling around with classmates and posing for selfies with a toothy grin Chalita - whose mother has never allowed her to have a boyfriend - has shunned full time modelling jobs to return to school Beautiful Chalita said: 'I never thought I would ever be a model' Chalita said: 'I never thought I would ever be a model. My sister just joked that we should send in my resume for the Miss Thailand competition. 'My mother has never allowed me to have a boyfriend. I'll have one when I'm ready, when I finish studying and I meet someone right. I will have a boyfriend but right now I work every day. My date is with my school work. 'The last six months have been amazing. It's been an incredible journey.' Chalita was picked to enter the competition and ditched her thick-rimmed black glasses and had her fixed braces removed. The revealing pictures show how the Miss Universe star is unrecognisable from just six months ago when she was a geeky student with glasses and braces Judges were stunned by Chalita's long legs and innocent-looking face She embarked on a fitness regime, losing 7kg, and swapping fried food for healthy salads. She also spent hours sunbathing to get bronzed skin. Bosses kitted her out with a wardrobe of thousands of pounds worth of designer dresses - and she was pictured at the airport last November setting off for the competition with 17 suitcases. She became a star in Asia and has travelled since to the Philippines and Vietnam - being greeted by thousands of new fans - and will hit Japan later this year. She said: 'The last six months have been amazing. It's been an incredible journey' Chalita was picked to enter the competition and ditched her thick-rimmed black glasses and had her fixed braces removed But Chalita will continue her studies with her new classmates - starting again a year behind - and still hopes to some day become a specialist microbiologist developing medicines. She said: 'Studying is still important for me. When I applied for Miss Thailand my face didn't change at all. I just did a lot of exercise and lost some weight. 'The rest was down to make-up, healthy eating and sunbathing. And a few new dresses. 'My plan was always to work in microbiology. Now I'll return to school and finish my studies. Who knows what the future holds and what opportunities there are. 'I'm sure that I'll find a boyfriend eventually but there's lots of time for that.' Lorraine Kelly has claimed Prince Harry is envious of his older brother's life. In a new column about the Royal family for the Sunday Post, the TV presenter compared 32-year-old Harry's bachelor reputation with William's blissful family life. Reflecting on the Cambridges' famously happy marriage, the former GMTV and Daybreak host pointed out that William, 35, had opted for 'stability, quiet and calm' in comparison to his parents' ill-fated union. Scroll down for video Lorraine Kelly claims Harry is envious of the Duke of Cambridge (pictured with William and Kate at the Patron's Lunch to mark the Queen's 90th birthday in London, June 2016) 'Its interesting that his far more charismatic younger brother, Harry, is actually very envious of Williams life,' she wrote. 'Harry has said more than once that he wants to settle down and have a family sooner rather than later.' Lorraine added: 'Harry admires his big brother and has recently followed William and Kate in doing a great job raising awareness about mental illness, particularly among young people.' The TV host couldn't resist comparing Kate to Harry's long-distance girlfriend, US actress Meghan Markle. The former GMTV and Daybreak host points out that William, 35, has opted for 'stability, quiet and calm' in his family life, in comparison to his parents' ill-fated union 'Times have changed, and being an American divorcee is no longer seen as a heinous sin,' Lorraine wrote. 'In 1936 Edward VIII had to abdicate the throne when he married Wallis Simpson, a US citizen who had twice been though the divorce courts.' The columnist also praised Kate, 35, for 'quietly making a difference' through her charity efforts and for being an asset to the royal family. Harry lags behind William and Kate at the 2015 premiere of Spectre. Lorraine says the prince 'admires his big brother and has recently followed William and Kate in doing a great job raising awareness about mental illness' Harry Age 32 Title Prince Henry of Wales Proximity to the throne Fifth in line Relationship status Dating Children 0 Job Former Army captain; charity patron Advertisement William Age 34 Title Prince William, Duke of Cambridge Proximity to the throne Second in line Relationship status Married Children 2 Job Air ambulance pilot Advertisement The Duchess, who Lorraine says is 'growing in confidence', has gone solo for an increasing number of official events of late as well as high-profile red carpet events. Earlier this week she carried out charity work in Wales, and on February 12 she made a VIP appearance at the BAFTAs. 'Her freshness and sweet smile made most of the A-list actresses look somewhat overdone, as though they were trying just a bit too hard,' wrote Lorraine. The Windsor name is now synonymous with the grace, grit and majesty of the British Royal Family. But just 100 years ago they were the House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, the name given to the Royal Family by Queen Victoria's German husband, Prince Albert. In the spring of 1917, King George V, aware of the monarchy's precarious future, decided it was time for the family to find a British name, one that would alleviate the concerns of a public gripped by an anti-German sentiment. The man tasked with the job was Lord Stamfordham, the king's trusted private secretary. He trawled through history books but struggled to find a name untouched by the monarchy's own bloody history - passing over Tudor, Stuart and Plantagenet - before finally being struck by inspiration while working in Windsor Castle. Precarious position: King George V, pictured with wife Queen Mary in 1919, wanted the Royal Family to have a name that would raise its standing in the eyes of the British people Future of the monarchy: This year the House of Windsor celebrates its centenary. Pictured, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte The remarkable story of how this royal aide influenced - and possibly secured - the future of the Royal Family was told last night in the first of a six-part Channel 4 documentary series celebrating the centenary of the House of Windsor. The significance of Stamfordham's work was summarised in a letter from Lord Rosebery, the former prime minister, in June 1917. He wrote: 'Do you realise you have just Christened a dynasty? There are few people in the world who have done this. None, I think. It is really something to be historically proud of. I admire and envy you.' Difficult task: Lord Stamfordham, King George's private secretary, pored over history books in the hope of finding a name But before this Lord Stamfordham, who also served Queen Victoria, faced several knock backs from the King and the Prime Minister, who were both keen to avoid names with any negative connotation. In a memorandum from 15 May 1917, Lord Stamfordham wrote: 'The King bars Plantagenet and does not care about Tudor. Tudor-Stuart has been suggested.' These were later rejected by former Prime Minister Herbert Asquith. Lord Stamfordham wrote on June 11: 'Mr Asquith has advised against Tudor, with its recollections of Henry VIII and Bloody Mary. Mr Asquith was equally averse to Stuart, one of whom was beheaded and the last driven from the throne.' Another option available was Fitzroy, however this was also dismissed for a number of reasons - including its connection to Henry Fitzroy, the illegitimate son of King Henry VIII. On 20 May, Lord Stamfordham wrote: 'He does not like Fitzroy, it hinted at wealth, but that is too foreign and is not at all liked by their Majesties who also disapprove of Fritzroy and its bastard significance'. Family line: King George VI, left with his wife, passed the Windsor name to Queen Elizabeth II Seemingly losing hope, on 23 May Stamfordham despaired: 'It is disastrous. The King is all for a prompt settlement.' It would be nearly a month before a suitable solution was found. NOTES ON A NAME 20 May 1917: 'He does not like Fitzroy, it hinted at wealth, but that is too foreign and is not at all liked by their Majesties who also disapprove of Fritzroy and its bastard significance'. 11 June 1917: 'Mr Asquith has advised against Tudor, with its recollections of Henry VIII and Bloody Mary. Mr Asquith was equally averse to Stuart, one of whom was beheaded and the last driven from the throne.' 13 June 1917: 'I hope we may have finally discovered a name which will appeal to you, and that is that Queen Victoria will be regarded as having founded the House of Windsor. Advertisement The turning point was on 13 June, when London was raided by the German Gotha bombers. The city and the British people were brought to their knees by aircraft carrying the name of their own Royal Family. That same day Stamfordham finally struck inspiration while working in Windsor Castle. He outlined his proposal in a letter to the Prime Minister. 'I hope we may have finally discovered a name which will appeal to you, and that is that Queen Victoria will be regarded as having founded the House of Windsor.' The change had its desired effect almost immediately. In 18 July 1917, Colonel Unsworth wrote to Lord Stamfordham, just months after he had warned of a growing anti-royal feeling among the British people. He wrote: 'Their strong efforts to remove, in every possible way, the German influence and power from the Court will have its fruit in the affection and loyalty of their devoted subjects.' Inspiration: The glorious Windsor Castle, in Berkshire, a residence beloved by the Queen With their matching brunette locks, olive skin tone and slim figures, Spain's Queen Letizia and Argentina's First Lady Juliana Awada could easily be mistaken for sisters. But the latest photographs from the Argentinian president Mauricio Macri and his wife's official visit to Spain suggest the two women share more in common than their glamorous appearance. The Queen and the First Lady, who were seen wearing strikingly similar pastel skirt suits yesterday, appear to have become fast friends as they laughed together at the opening of the International Contemporary Art Fair in Madrid. The two women shared a laugh in Madrid today, having appeared in front of the cameras in very similar outfits yesterday Argentina's First Lady Juliana Awada and Queen Letizia attended the opening of the International Contemporary Art Fair in Madrid today The Argentinian President and his wife touched down in Spain yesterday, and were greeted at an official welcome ceremony at the Royal Palace in Madrid. The party attended the opening of the International Contemporary Art Fair in the Spanish capital today, with Queen Letizia choosing a slim fitting white dress with a flared A-line skirt and snakeskin heels for the outing. The Argentinian First Lady went for a similar shape, but her dress bore a vibrant navy and red pattern. Her double strap Mary Jane heels were also a quirkier choice than Letizia's classic courts. A crowd of well-wishers were there to greet the special guests, including a little girl who delighted Queen Letizia with a handmade gift. Juliana smiles back at Queen Letizia as the two women chat at the art fair in Madrid King Felipe and Queen Letizia are hosting Argentina's president and his wife Juliana King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain attend the opening of ARCO 2017 The couple walk together during their visit at the Contemporary Art Fair at Ifema today Queen Letizia appeared delighted by this gift handed to her by a young well-wisher in Madrid At the welcome ceremony yesterday, it was impossible to ignore the striking similarity between the knee-length belted pink coat Juliana chose for the occasion, and the slim fitting pink suit worn by the Spanish Queen. Last night the couple were guests of honour at a gala dinner, for which Queen Letizia chose floor length black velvet, and Juliana opted for a fairytale dusky pink gown. Queen Letizia of Spain and Argentina's President Mauricio Macri's wife Juliana Awada speak to a young girl during the visit Queen Letizia and Juliana Awada are all smiles as they look at a piece of paper in front of the schoolchildren Queen Letizia of Spain bends down to greet one of the children with a kiss on the cheek Letizia is seen embracing a young girl at the Contemporary Art Fair as she mingles with the crowd Spain's Queen Letizia and Argentina's first lady Juliana Awada pose for bystanders King Felipe VI of Spain, Queen Letizia of Spain, Argentina's President Mauricio Macri and wife Juliana Awada stand together The two smartly dressed couples walk side by side during their visit in Madrid, Spain today The four of them smile and laugh with one another as they share a joke at the Contemporary Art Fair The two stylish brunettes appeared deep in conversation as they strode along in Madrid in strikingly similar ensembles The Duchess of Cornwall has urged Twitter followers to stay safe as bad weather batters the country. Wrapped up warm in a woolly hat and thick leg warmers, the Duchess posed on skis for a snap posted to the Clarence House account with the message: 'Take care in Storm Doris.' The image was taken on a previous snowy day at the royals' Birkhall Estate in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Scroll down for video The Duchess of Cornwall, 69, was pictured on skis as she warned Twitter followers to take care in the bad weather as Storm Doris batters the UK Motorist driving in near blizzard like conditions near Hartside, Cumbria today as Storm Doris sweeps the country A man is blown over by Storm Doris, and then helped back to his feet by a kindly stranger in Manchester city centre Doris gathered in pace over Britain this morning, with a 94mph gust recorded at Capel Curig in North West Wales this morning as the storm made its way east, and 56,000 homes were without power in the Republic of Ireland. Dozens of flights were cancelled at Heathrow Airport, all services out of London Euston were cancelled and speed restrictions were imposed on train lines for safety, with the storm damaging buildings and sending debris flying. All services from London Euston were suspended due to Storm Doris, with a failure of electricity between Crewe and Warrington Bank Quay causing chaos on Virgin Trains - and several other lines suffering major disruption. Aer Lingus cancelled 12 flights between the UK and the Republic of Ireland in anticipation of the winds, while 36 flights out of London Heathrow were cancelled and another five at London City with other delays possible. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall (centre right) licks icing off his tie after Camilla has an accident with a piping bag It's been a busy week for Camilla who yesterday helped to launch The Great Get Together - community get-togethers across the UK in memory of the murdered MP Jo Cox. She was joined by celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall to ice cupcakes in the kitchen at Clarence House. But she committed a faux pas by dropping buttercream on Hugh's tie from a piping bag, which he promptly licked off. The Duchess showed off her culinary skills as she was joined in the kitchen at Clarence House by Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall (right) Camilla delivers a toast as she attends a reception to launch The Great Get Together alongside Peter Stewart (left) Executive Director of the Eden Project, and Brendan Cox Fortunately Camilla took the faux-pas in her stride and chose not to send him to the Tower as she, Hugh and fellow star chef Jamie Oliver decorated cup cakes with the vanilla topping and ricepaper Union flag decorations to launch The Great Get Together. Later at a reception the widower of Jo Cox, Brendan Cox, said he had been chatting to his wife's friends and family trying to work out how to mark the anniversary of her death. 'We wanted to hold something that would capture her energy, her vitality and her sense of fun. We didn't want it to be a solemn, mournful occasion, he said. 'We thought that bringing communities together to share food and celebrate what we have together was the perfect way to do this.' In a short but moving address Camilla replied: 'I don't want to make a speech. 'But I would like all of you who have got a glass in their hand to raise it and drink a toast to the Big Lunch and The Great Getogether and may it go from strength to strength. Queen Mathilde proved it is possible to be stylish and practical as she visited a temple in Laos today. The Belgian royal opted for a sensible pair of putty-coloured trainers as she climbed the steep steps from the ancient Vat Phou temple, near the southern city of Pakse. She livened-up the shoes with a knee-length multi-coloured patterned dress, which showed off her trim figure. Long way down: Queen Mathilde of Belgium climbs down the steps from a temple in Laos Vibrant: The 44-year-old royal opted for a multi-coloured dress for the day of engagements Steeped in history: The Queen was given a tour of the ancient Vat Phou temple complex Careful to keep herself protected from the sun, Mathilde, 44, also wore a straw trilby hat, complete with a brown leather band. She finished the look with a statement pair of yellow earrings, drawing out the colours of her vibrant frock. Mathilde was on the final day of a four-day tour of the country in her role as the honourary president of Unicef Belgium. The royal looked fascinated as she toured the Buddhist temple complex, where the surviving structures date to the 11th and 13th centuries. Breathtaking: The Belgian royal poses for a photo in the middle of the temple in southern Laos Practical: Putty-coloured trainers brought a sensible touch to the brightly-coloured outfit Charity trip: The Queen is visiting the country in her role as honourary president of Unicef Sun savvy: A straw trilby hat kept the sun out of the royal's face as she visited the temple Graceful: Mathilde looked elegant even as she negotiated the uneven steps from the temple She appeared pleased to be wearing practical shoes as she made her way back down the stairs from the temple with the help of a guide. On her way out from the temple Mathilde stopped to help motorists involved in a road accident, although little is known about the incident. The Queen also visited the Nongsay Primary School, in the district of Barchiang. Young supporters: Queen Mathilde with pupils at the Nongsay Primary School in Laos today Warm welcome: The royal placed her hands together in a traditional sign of gratitude Gracious: The Queen receives a baseball cap during the visit to the primary school There she spent time chatting with pupils and graciously received a school hat from a member of staff. Earlier this week, the Queen met the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Female Affairs and the Vice President. She has also visited villages to see how Unicef health outreach programmes are helping residents. A writer whose West Elm sofa fell apart has inspired the company to offer customers full refunds on that particular style of furniture after she penned a 1,600 word about its defectiveness. In a recent essay for The Awl, Anna Hezel, 28, from Brooklyn, described how her $1,200 'Peggy' sofa from West Elm started to 'disintegrate' before it ultimately collapsed, and she offered a series of similar online reviews to prove that she wasn't alone in her displeasure. Shortly after Anna's post was published, West Elm announced that it would be be offering full refunds and replacements to anyone who purchased a 'Peggy' sofa after July 2014. Unhappy customer: Anna Hezel, 28, from Brooklyn, wrote an essay describing how her $1,200 'Peggy' sofa (style pictured above) from West Elm started to 'disintegrate' before it collapsed Starting a revolution: The writer, who titled her essay 'Why Does This One Couch From West Elm Suck So Much?', explained that the couch's buttons fell off before the leg broke The couch in question has also disappeared from the company's website following the online backlash. In her essay, entitled 'Why Does This One Couch From West Elm Suck So Much?' Anna explained that she and her partner Kevin each put $600 towards the purchase of the mid-century-style sofa after they moved in together with the believe that they were investing in their new life together. She admitted that the couch was a' little uncomfortable' at first, but they opted to order some throw pillows to soften it up. However, she said that right around the time the pillows they ordered had arrived, 'the couch began to disintegrate in small ways'. Anna said that if they moved at the wrong angle a button would pop off or if they leaned back too far all of the cushions would scoot over the edge of the couch at the same time. 'I am also a survivor': After Anna's article was published, a woman named Sarah tweeted the writer a photo of the missing buttons from her 'Peggy' sofa Same boat: Anna proved that she wasn't the only unsatisfied customer when she shared other people's angry comments left on the company's social media pages 'So disappointing': This person griped that her gray 'Peggy' sofa was falling apart Listening: West Elm responded to the customer and asked her to send them her order details Bold statement: This person swore that buying the couch was the worst purchase he ever made When she asked customer service if these were normal issues with the couch, she was sent a 'button-repair kit', which arrived two months later because it was backordered. The writer noted that the instructions for the kit were nearly impossible to follow, and when she was done trying she ended up with less buttons on the couch than she had started with. Finally, the leg of the couch snapped off and fell over while they were throwing a New Year's Eve party in their apartment. 'The couch had collapsed on the floor, surrounded by startled guests who were miraculously unharmed,' she recalled. Looking good: Many people noted they were drawn to mid-century style couch because of how stylish it looks 'Worst couch I've ever bought': This woman claimed that West Elm said the buttons popping off was a known defect 'So disappointed': Another person who fell in love with the couch said it was covered in pills after only two months of use Anna admitted that she couldn't get over how much the couch had failed her, and after chatting with her friends who had purchased the same sofa, she learned that they were having issues with it as well. After scouring the internet, Anna found plenty of Yelp reviews and social media comments from people who were also unhappy with the stylish sofa. Multiple people took to photos of the couch on West Elm's Instagram page to note that it was the worst furniture purchase they had ever made, and one Yelp user named Christy claimed that the buttons on her 'Peggy' sofa started popping off within a few weeks of purchase. She said the construction of the sofa was so poor that she was embarrassed to have guests sit on it. Longtime coming: People have been complaining about the sofa on social media for years Proof: A Yelp user named Christy slammed the West Elm couch in a 700-word review while sharing a picture of its missing buttons The woman returned to her original review to celebrate after West Elm announced its decision to offer customers full refunds. 'Sweet sweet victory. We were loud enough and it worked. Don't be afraid to fight for what matters. Truly. Couches matter,' she wrote. A week after she wrote her original story, Anna reported that she noticed that the entire 'Peggy' collection, including the chair and sectional were removed from the website, and according to the company, the removal is temporary. 'We were sorry to learn of our customers experience with the Peggy Collection and have decided to temporarily remove it from our U.S. And Canada assortment online and in stores until we can better understand and resolve any issues,' a spokesperson from West Elm told Daily Mail Online in an emailed statement. 'We stand behind the integrity of our products and take customer feedback seriously. Therefore, we are offering owners of defective Peggy sofas, sectionals and chairs, a full refund or replacement for orders placed in the U.S. and Canada after July 2014. Customers with Peggy Collection related issues should contact the special support number (888) 922-7870 or email support@westelm.com.' Ivanka Trump had an early morning visit from her glam squad before she headed to the White House for some meetings on Thursday. The 35-year-old mom took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather in Washington, D.C. and donned a classic white, cap-sleeve top and black dress pants to attend her father Donald's meeting with manufacturing CEOs in the State Dining Room. Ahead of the meeting, Ivanka opted to have her long blond hair parted in the middle and blown out straight, and her make-up artist gave her long lashes and glossy lips. Sitting pretty: Ivanka Trump attended her father Donald's meeting with manufacturing CEOs in the State Dining Room in the White House on Thursday Always elegant: The 35-year-old mom took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather in Washington, D.C. and donned a classic white, cap-sleeve top Looking sharp: Ivanka's longtime make-up artist, Alexa Rodulfo, recently said that she 'always accentuate her cheekbones with contouring' A man and a woman from her team were seen leaving her home in Kalorama at 7am, and it seems that Ivanka has altered her beauty regimen since becoming First Daughter. The businesswoman admitted in the past that she would often leave her New York City apartment with her hair wet, letting it air dry during her commute to Trump Tower. However, now that she has taken on many of the duties traditionally delegated to the First Lady, Ivanka has understandably gotten some extra help in the beauty department. Elegant outfit: Ivanka paired her summery white peplum top with black dress pants All smiles: Ivanka modeled long lashes, glossy lips, and a sleep blowout for the meeting Earlier riser: Members of her beauty team were photographed leaving her Washington, D.C. home at 7am Getting started: President Donald Trump is pictured shakes hands with Gary Haugen, CEO and founder of International Justice Mission, while Ivanka greets Kristen Short Coming together: Ivanka also sat in with her father at a meeting on human trafficking that took place in the Roosevelt Room of the White House Ivanka has worked with make-up artist Alexa Rodulfo for over a decade, and during a recent interview with Hello!, she noted that her client still does her own day-to-day make-up and hair. 'I always accentuate her cheekbones with contouring and the product I use depends on the lighting and whether the makeup is for video, photos or a gala,' she explained. When the focus is on Ivanka's eyes, Alexa said she likes to make them pop with smokey brown hues. Power couple: Ivanka's husband Jared Kushner was also photographed leaving their home earlier in the day Dapper dad: The 35-year-old donned a sharp navy suit for the meeting, which he also attended as President Trump's senior adviser Secret Service: Ivanka was photographed leaving her home in a black SUV On her way: Her blond locks were seen in the second row behind the front passenger seat Proud son-in-law: Jared sat right next to President Trump during the meeting with the CEOs All ears: Ivanka took to Instagram to share a photo of herself at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, writing that it was a 'great session this morning' After her glam squad left her home, Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner were photographed leaving their residence in an SUV. Jared, 35, is his father-in-law's senior adviser, and he sat right next to President Trump during Thursday's meeting. Ivanka later took to Instagram to share a photo of herself at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, writing: 'Great session this morning with leading manufacturing CEOs on workforce development'. Later in the day, the mother-of-three sat in with her father at a meeting on human trafficking that took place in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. Busy as can be: Ivanka shared a photo of herself meeting with the Greater Baltimore Urban League on Wednesday Field trip: Ivanka also visited the Supreme Court of the United States with her five-year-old daughter Arabella on Wednesday (above) Swag: The two sat in on a hearing while they were there, and Arabella was seen leaving with a goose-feather quill (above) The day before, Ivanka took her five-year-old daughter Arabella to the Supreme Court of the United States for a field trip that was both fun and educational. Arabella not only got to take a look around the building, but she also got to watch as oral arguments were being made in a case before the eight justices who are currently on the bench. Ivanka later posted a photo of her visit to the Supreme Court with Arabella, who was carrying a goose-feather quill, and wrote about how exciting it was to give her daughter a firsthand look at the branch of government her grandfather is least fond of these days. 'Arabella and I visited the Supreme Court this morning and attended a hearing,' wrote Ivanka on the post. More than 100 women lined up to get Elizabeth Warren-inspired tattoos at a parlor in Minneapolis. The permanent markings - which are written in a hand-written style - read 'nevertheless, she persisted'. The words reference comments made by Republican Senator Mitch McConnell about the Massachusetts Senator after she was formally silenced on the Senate floor as she read a letter by Coretta Scott King. United in ink: Over 100 women got Senator Elizabeth Warren-inspired tattoos that read 'nevertheless, she persisted' at a Minneapolis fundraising event 'She persisted': The tattoos, designed by graphic designer Chelsea Brink, are written in a hand-written style Undeterred: The words reference comments made by Republican Senator Mitch McConnell about Senator Warren after she was formally silenced on the Senate floor Since the incident earlier this month the words, which the Senate Majority Leader originally used in defense of Senator Warren's silencing, have become a rallying cry among her supporters. So many women went to the fundraising event, which charged women $75 for the tattoo, that organizers Chelsea Brink, Nora McInerny and Kate O'Reilly had to turn people away, reported Minnesota Public Radio News. Proceeds from Tuesday's event at Brass Knuckle Tattoo Studio will go towards Women Winning, a group dedicated to boosting representation of pro-choice women in political office. The concept was created after O'Reilly decided she wanted a permanent reminder of the words. Heroic figure: Since the incident earlier this month the words have become a rallying cry for Senator Warren's supporters Inundated: So many women went to the fundraising event that organizers had to turn people away Charity: They charged women $75 for the tattoo and donated proceeds to Women Winning, a group dedicated to boosting representation of pro-choice women in political office She got in touch with Brink, who is a graphic designer, and asked her to come up with a motif. After NcInerny, a writer, also contacted Brink asking for a similar design the three women got together to create an event. 'It's the first tattoo I've ever considered,' O'Reilly told the radio station. 'I like the idea of flipping it around and using it in a way he didn't intend for us to.' Mary Beth Settergren, 54, also got her first tattoo at the event. She said: 'Because I think that it's really an encouraging message for women to persist, no matter what. I think it speaks to the challenges I've faced in my life.' They've bonded over a shared love of art so it was no wonder Spain's Queen Letizia and Argentina's First Lady Juliana Awada had plenty to catch up on ahead of dinner. The two women appear to have become firm friends during the Argentinian president Mauricio Macri and his wife's official visit to Spain and they chatted away while posing for photographs ahead of the event at the El Pardo Palace. There was no battle in the best dressed stakes for the pair either, as they both appeared equally glamorous, bedazzled in sequins and jewels. Argentina's First Lady Juliana Awada (left) and Queen Letizia of Spain enjoyed each other's company at another dinner in honour of the King and Queen's Argeninian guests King Felipe of Spain (second right) and Queen Letizia of Spain (second left) entertain their guests at El Pardo Palace As the two women posed for photographs ahead of the dinner they were seen happily chatting away The Argentinian First Lady, 42, opted for a flamenco-inspired white ruffle layered dress with a sheer overlay that fell to the floor, while an underskirt sat just above her knees. Juliana's bouncy curls kept the theme going with one side pushed behind her ear to reveal a glitzy pair of silver drop earrings which matched her stiletto heels. It seems the two ladies may have another shared interest - as they both added red lipstick to top off their looks. The Queen of Spain, 44, didn't disappoint in her evening wear as she wore a black and white striped sequinned knee-length dress with strap details. The Queen and the First Lady - who were wearing matching red lipsticks - appeared deep in conversation As the two men posed side-by-side Juliana gestured with her hands as she spoke with the Queen of Spain The two women shared a laugh in Madrid today, having appeared in front of the cameras in very similar outfits yesterday Letizia opted to keep her hair off her face but in a chic curled chignon at the nape of her neck to show off her black teardrop earrings. The two women were happy to chat alongside their husbands the King Felipe VI and the president Mauricio Macri. The Argentinian President and his wife touched down in Spain yesterday, and were greeted at an official welcome ceremony at the Royal Palace in Madrid. The party attended the opening of the International Contemporary Art Fair in the Spanish capital today, with Queen Letizia choosing a slim fitting white dress with a flared A-line skirt and snakeskin heels for the outing. The place where five-year-old Beth Bowen lies buried is on the edge of a churchyard, just under a chestnut tree. On the other side of the iron railings a few feet away, you can often hear the voices of children in the school playground where Beth herself once played as a pupil there. But theres another reason Beth is never alone. Next to her is the grave of her father, Richard, a man of 31 who died, quite literally, of a broken heart 18 months after losing his little girl in what should have been a routine operation. Beths mother, and Richards widow, Clare, says theres simply no other plausible explanation as to why he died so young. Richard had been healthy. There was no reason for his death other than the grief and stress he suffered from losing our child. When he died, it felt like we were putting them back together. He needed to be with her. Until recently the idea of dying of a broken heart was considered a romantic notion a desperate bid to find solace in the belief human love lasts beyond the grave. After all, it flies in the face of centuries of medical thinking that ruled the mind is separate from the body. Beths mother, and Richards widow, Clare, says theres simply no other plausible explanation as to why he died so young For Clare, there is no doubt sorrow killed Richard, a design engineer, who had never smoked or shown signs of heart problems Now a growing raft of scientific research is finding that being broken-hearted is more than a turn of phrase, and that the bereaved can be seriously physically damaged by the effects of grief. The notion was thrown into sharp focus last December when news broke of the death of Hollywood star Debbie Reynolds from a stroke the day after her actress and writer daughter Carrie Fisher died from a heart attack. Clare, a 41-year-old accountant from Cricklade, Wiltshire, says she felt an instant stab of recognition. When I heard, I felt incredibly sad. I instantly understood Debbie couldnt live with the grief of losing her child. Some people cant. Indeed, scientists are finding that the shock of losing a loved one whether a child, spouse or parent can trigger a set of physical changes which can leave the people left behind at risk if they dont monitor their health. For Clare, there is no doubt sorrow killed Richard, a design engineer, who had never smoked or shown signs of heart problems. She believes his death was the direct result of a chain of events which started when doctors advised that Beth, who had a hereditary condition that caused severe anaemia, should have her spleen removed in July 2006. The surgery was a standard treatment for Beths illness. Her mother, younger brother and grandfather all underwent the same procedure, without complications. So as her mummy and daddy kissed her as she was put to sleep for surgery, there was no reason to think she would not wake up in a few hours time. The operation should have lasted three hours. After five, the surgical team came into the waiting room in blood-stained gowns, says Clare. They told us: Something horribles happened. It transpired that Beths aorta had been cut. She died from blood loss, followed by a heart attack. In a haunting interview after her death, Richard repeatedly talked about being plagued by feelings that he had let Beth down. Your only role as a parent is to protect your child and I didnt. I couldnt, he said. The notion was thrown into sharp focus last December when news broke of the death of Hollywood star Debbie Reynolds from a stroke the day after her actress and writer daughter Carrie Fisher died from a heart attack To add to his grief, there were serious questions raised over the methods used during the operation. An inquest the following year heard surgeons had made a controversial decision to use a new cutting drill, called a morcellator, which has been untried in paediatric surgery. During a harrowing three-day hearing, Richard listened to the blow-by-blow account of his childs death. To understand what happened, he forced himself to look at autopsy pictures something Clare couldnt bear to do. During a harrowing three-day hearing, Richard listened to the blow-by-blow account of his childs death Ultimately, it was ruled that no lessons could be learnt from the case. The inquest returned a narrative verdict, recording no more than the facts of the case, and apportioning no blame. His feelings of powerlessness at not being able to get a resolution were so intense that Clare believes Richard suffered physical changes to his heart that he should not have experienced until he was twice his age. The couple were unaware that he had been born with a genetic condition affecting his arteries, which made him more susceptible to the normal triggers of heart disease. This should not have affected him until he was in his 60s, but the stress of Beths death and ensuing inquest accelerated his condition. Effectively, he did 60 years of anger and stress in six months, says Clare. The inquest was the tipping point. He didnt sleep or eat properly. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw autopsy pictures. To try and ease the stress, Richard ran up to four times a week. Sometimes he came back complaining of unexpected breathlessness and stitches. Then, on a jog up a steep hill one frosty morning in February 2008, he collapsed. Clare says: I got a call from the ambulance crew. They told me theyd tried to save Richard but hed died of a massive heart attack. I saw a consultant who talked me through Richards autopsy report. He said from a risk factor point of view, there was nothing: Richard had low cholesterol, low blood pressure, didnt smoke, didnt drink and was fit. There was nothing other than his sadness over Beths death. After Richards demise, Clare, who now has a new partner, qualified as a chartered accountant to support their two other children, William, now 13, and 11-year-old James. So why are some people so overcome by grief that it kills them? Scans by UCLA scientists have found that the part of the brain that deals with physical pain, the anterior cingulate cortex, also processes emotional pain. But while the brain first registers grief, its the heart that feels its effects, says Derek Connolly, consultant cardiologist at Birmingham City Hospital. The brain is most susceptible to the effects of emotion, but the heart controls the brain. All stress can present with chest pain. Sian Harding, professor of cardiac pharmacology at the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, said in cases like Richards, the huge surge of the stress hormone adrenaline when his daughter first died may have sparked changes in his heart. This made him vulnerable when he suffered the second major shock of the inquest. Professor Harding, who is a British Heart Foundation funded researcher, says: The heart is susceptible to adrenaline, which controls the fight and flight response. In evolutionary terms, it comes into play when youre under attack, but also when you have blood loss, because it closes down the vessels and stimulates your heart. Grief-stricken Jonathan Greenwood, 33, (left) passed away after his father, Alan, died of a heart attack Certainly Ildiko Greenwood, 59, attributes the loss of her youngest son, former British snowboarding champion Jonathan Greenwood, at the age of 33, to the fact that some people are more physically affected by profound grief. Ildikos husband of 33 years, Alan, died of a heart attack in November 2010, aged 59. Alan, who worked as a commercial driver, had just pulled over in a layby and poured himself a cup of tea, when his heart stopped beating, she says. The doctors said it was just like turning off a light. Although all her four children were distraught, Jonathan seemed to take it particularly hard. Alan and Jonathan used to have a special bond, the same sense of humour. We had a boat on the canal and they went there every weekend to work on it. They took every chance they could to be together. After his fathers death, Ildiko says Jonathan lost the will to live. When he heard the news, he burst into tears and wouldnt leave the house for two weeks until the funeral. After that, he turned from this happy guy to being this person who didnt want to do anything. He stopped snowboarding. He lost his job and stopped having relationships. Hed say: I wish I was with Dad. Every week or so, Ildiko would visit Jonathans house two miles away in Bacup, Lancashire. He went to see his GP but turned down the suggestion he try anti-depressants. On that last meeting, her son seemed unusually morbid. She says: We sat down to have a cup of tea and he started to cry. He said: I keep having this weird dream Im going to die. I hugged him and said: Dont be so silly, youre not going to die. We all have strange dreams sometimes. Sometimes when we were together I didnt want to talk about his dad dying because it upset me, but he would do so for hours if you let him. So Id try to change the subject. But I wish I had heard him out more. A week later, Jonathans sister found him dead when she popped round to see him. Ildiko adds: He was lying on the living room floor with a duvet over him. It was just like he had gone to sleep. A post mortem into his death in November 2014 proved inconclusive, but the family were told he died from natural causes. Miles Behan, consultant cardiologist at Spire Edinburgh Hospitals, says depression may have a corrosive effect on the heart: Their blood pressure may also be elevated. Stress can cause the heart to beat irregularly and the blood to clot more, so also plays a part. Indeed, more and more research is finding a direct link between grief and heart health. A 2012 Harvard study published in the journal Circulation found a persons risk of having a heart attack increased 21 times over in the day immediately following the death of a loved one and six times over in the following week. Yet death from a broken heart is most commonly associated in our minds with elderly couples who die within a short time of each other. That is what happened to Marilyn Bainess parents, who died four days apart in 2009. Marilyn, 63, an auditor, from Lichfield, in Staffordshire, remembers how her father, Raymond, 80, and mother Beryl, 76, were very much in love. When Raymond was being treated in hospital for a chest infection, Beryl took his illness and the separation very hard. When I took Mum to see Dad in hospital, she got dressed up to the nines, which was unusual. She said she wanted Dad to see her the way she was when they first met. She sat and held his hand. Marilyn remembers how Beryl cried on the way home in the car. Mum didnt want to leave the hospital at the end. She said she couldnt live without her Bab, her name for him. That evening, Beryl died. I got a phone call from my daughter, who found her, to say Mum was dead on the settee. She had sat down with her best clothes on. She had a lovely smile on her face, like a contented look. Doctors confirmed that Beryl died of ischaemia or lack of supply of blood to the heart. Fearing what the news would do to their father, Marilyn and her sister decided they couldnt tell their father until he was stronger. Yet he already knew. Professor Harding, who is a British Heart Foundation funded researcher, says: The heart is susceptible to adrenaline, which controls the fight and flight response' When we arrived at the hospital, he said: Ive had an out-of-body experience. Your mums gone. Shes looked after me for 57 years and now shes sitting there waiting for me to join her. When we told him it was true, he cried and retreated into himself. He wouldnt get up. He had no willpower. Four days later, he died overnight in hospital. He didnt want to be in a world without his wife. Pat Frankish, a psychologist with a special interest in bereavement, says deaths close together are more likely in co-dependent couples, where the loss of the partner shakes the survivors sense of identity. They find they are simply lost without that other person, she says. Thats how it for was for her parents, says Marilyn. As she left him, Mum said to Dad: I loved you at the beginning, I love you now and Ill always love you. That was the morning she died. For Clare, the sole consolation of losing her daughter and husband so close together was that in death, they were also reunited. She now knows how much she needs to look after her own health, so she stays well for the sake of Beths two younger brothers. I struggle to go to Beth and Richards graves. I cant stand between them because I cant bear to put my back to either of them, says Clare. So I deal with one at a time because the grief of losing your husband, the father of your children, your future plans and dreams, is different from losing your child. Dont underestimate the physical effects of bereavement. The consequences can be devastating. New advice that we should all be eating 10 portions of fruit and vegetables a day has sent social media users into meltdown - with many branding the latest guidance 'impossible'. Both healthy and unhealthy eaters are bemoaning the latest research by Imperial College London, which recommends doubling your five-a-day intake to 800g, or 10 80g portions. Researchers claim upping daily intakes would prevent 7,200 cancer deaths and almost 14,000 from strokes every year. A diet rich in fruit and vegetables is also linked a lower risk of developing chronic lung disease (COPD) in former and current smokers, research in the journal Thorax found yesterday But many are struggling to imagine how they could manage to eat the recommend quantities of fruit and vegetables everyday - with one even accusing the new advice of being a 'vegan plot'. Many are seeing the lighter side, as some joke that they struggle to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a month, let alone a year. One asked if 10 portions of 'bottled grapes' - aka wine - would count towards the target. The average UK intake of fruit and vegetables is four portions a day, with just a quarter of men aged 19 to 64 hitting the target, and 28 per cent of women. Researchers found that the risk of dying prematurely could be cut by a third if people ate 10 portions a day. But despite the alleged rewards of eating so much fruit and vegetables, social media users were not quite convinced about the new target. Hundreds of people have taken to Twitter to moan at the new target, which many say they will struggle to meet HOW ACHIEVABLE IS THE ADVICE? Daily Mail medical adviser and retired GP Dr Martin Scurr welcomed the new 10-a-day target - but warned it may be too costly for families on lower incomes. 'The more you eat, the better,' he told FEMAIL. 'Even people who struggle to get to five-a-day should aim for the new target because even if only get close to it, or they only reach it one or twice a week, it will still help them live longer and be fitter for it.' He said eating 10-a-day would be a 'cinch' if you start the day with an apple and banana, and pack lots of vegetables into a salad. He and his family tuck into a salad filled with 10 vegetables every day, he said. But he did warn that for large families, or those on lower income, meeting the target would be difficult - especially at this time of year when so many fruits and vegetables are out of season. 'It's alright for me because I can pop down to M&S and still buy raspberries and blueberries at this time of year but most people with large families couldn't afford to do that. It does cost you.' Advertisement Some saw the lighter side by joking they would make up the target with wine or cake, while others were more serious - worrying about how much they would need to buy for a family. But not all were disheartened by the new guidance But a fierce debate has been sparked by Iceland's President who said using pineapple as a topping should be banned There's usually a general consensus when it comes to pizza - it's probably bad for you, the more cheese the better and it's utterly delicious. But a fierce debate has been sparked over this usually popular food - after Iceland's President suggested that using pineapple as a topping should be outright banned. The incendiary remarks by this particular world leader, Gudni Thorlacius Johannesson, were made during a visit to a high school in northern Iceland. Talking to students, Iceland's president said he would like to ban pineapple as a pizza topping Thousands of people have come out against the controversial comments, with some branding it 'slander' In answering questions from students, Mr Johannesson told them that, should he be able to pass laws, he would like to ban pineapple as a pizza topping. ORIGIN OF PINEAPPLE AS A PIZZA TOPPING Despite many assuming it's a Hawaiian creation, pineapple as a pizza topping first appeared on menus in Canada in 1962. Restaurateur Sam Panopoulos decided to mix ham with pineapple on his base to see how it would turn out, according to according to Atlas Obscura. 'People said 'You are crazy to do this,'' Mr Panopoulos told the website in a 2015 profile. Advertisement He was initially met with praise online from those opposed to the pairing, with some even hailing him a hero. However, the backlash has begun - and it's fierce. Hawaiian-pizza lovers have come out in their thousands to defend their beloved topping, and even Canada's official Twitter page has gotten in on the act to defend its savoury and sweet invention. One fan proved they had a good sense of humour after they sent pineapple-topped pizzas to London's Icelandic embassy, along with the message: 'Long live the pineapple pizza'. Others simply branded the comments 'slander' and 'wrong'. Canada's official Twitter account got in on the action, making sure the world knew where pineapple on pizza first originated One pineapple fan even sent Hawaiian pizza to Iceland's London embassy in protest Yesterday, the president issued a statement on Facebook to clarify his feelings on the tropical fruit. He wrote: 'I like pineapples, just not on pizza. I do not have the power to make laws which forbid people to put pineapples on their pizza... For pizzas, I recommend seafood.' The vegetable crisis is over - and social media has erupted with happy shoppers pleased to see courgettes and lettuces back on supermarket shelves. Snow and storms in the Mediterranean caused shortages of vegetables including courgettes, lettuces, spinach, celery, peppers, broccoli, tomatoes and cucumbers. The so-called 'veg crisis' began at the end of last month and was set to last until April. Customers were limited as to how many they could buy at a time, and prices were up to three times higher than normal. But this week, the affected vegetables have appeared back on shelves, at normal prices - and social media has rejoiced. Lettuces were among vegetables affected by the crisis - with boxes being sold on eBay for as much as 50 Supermarkets including Tesco (pictured) were left with bare shelves during the vegetable crisis, as wholesalers struggled to import certain produce because of bad weather on the continent Twitter users tweeted their excitement at the news that courgettes and the other vegetables affected have returned to supermarkets at a reasonable price again Dozens of Twitter users tweeted pictures of shelves filled with courgettes and lettuces, as well as the other vegetables affected. British produce wholesaler Nick Matthews told FEMAIL: 'Prices and availability are both currently back to levels you would normally expect at this time of year - although we have been warned that the cold weather Spain experienced in January could see some further shortages around the second week in March. 'But it will be nothing to the extent experienced in January and early February. 'Juggling supply and demand throughout the last couple of months has been a huge issue for producers and we can't thank them enough for the efforts they have made to fulfill our requirements as best they can.' During the month-long vegetable crisis, prices of certain vegetables skyrocketed, with courgettes that normally cost 45p being sold for 1.90 and lettuces, normally 40p, costing 1.17. Morrisons imposed a limit of three heads of broccoli and two iceberg lettuces per customer, and Tesco limited customers to three lettuces. The vegetables affected are out of season in the UK, which means that the country has to rely on importing these vegetables to meet demand from customers. The problem became so serious that British wholesalers took the unusual step of importing produce from California - but now business is as usual, with Twitter users celebrating The crisis didn't just affect supermarkets as the online stores of the big grocers also restricted supply by listing many popular vegetables as unavailable. The sudden return to normality has affected wholesalers - who are now struggling to shift leftover stock they bought during the crisis now cheaper stock is available. Fresh produce importer Ed Bowers Burbank explained: 'Things are returning to normal with prices dropping back to more normal levels on all produce that was affected back in mid January. 'Indeed some products have fallen so much that it has affected trade to a certain extent. Prices dropped so sharply that I imagine many importers and wholesalers on the open market have all been caught out a little as prices tumbled.' Comedians have long joked about spouses avoiding sex by claiming to have a headache. But for a small minority, this is actually the case. One in 100 people suffer from headaches associated with sexual activity (HAS), also known as coital cephalalgia. Head pain that generally occurs before, during, or after orgasm, experts say that while most of these headaches are benign, some could be indicators of serious underlying conditions. One in 100 people suffer from headaches associated with sexual activity (HAS) - head pain that occurs before, during, or after orgasm (stock) The Mayo Clinic has listed two types of these headaches. The first is a dull pain that intensifies as sexual excitement increases. The second is 'a sudden, severe, throbbing headache' that set in right before, or at the moment of, orgasm. A third one, discovered by Loyola Medicine, is a headache that occurs after sex. The intensity can range from mild to extremely painful. It causes the sufferer extreme discomfort to stand and only lessens when they lie back down. 'Many people who experience headaches during sexual activity are too embarrassed to tell their physicians and doctors often don't ask,' Dr Jose Biller, chair of the Department of Neurology at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, said back in 2014. 'Headaches associated with sexual activity can be extremely painful and scary. They also can be very frustrating, both to the individual suffering the headache and to the partner.' Usually headaches are caused by disorders such as migraines or tension. But many headaches can be secondary to other conditions, some life-threatening such as tumors or meningitis. However, the majority of HAS are benign. Only a small percentage are due to serious underlying conditions, such as hemorrhages, brain aneurysms, stroke, cervical artery dissection or subdural hematomas. 'So we recommend that patients undergo a thorough neurological evaluation to rule out secondary causes, which can be life-threatening,' Dr Biller said. Many people who experience headaches during sexual activity are too embarrassed to tell their physicians and doctors often don't ask' Dr Jose Biller, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine 'This is especially important when the headache is a first occurrence.' According to the Mayo Clinic, sex headaches can occur in clusters over a few months or out of the blue. Up to half of all people with sex headaches experience them over the course of about six months. And although anyone can experience HAS, being prone to migraines increases your risk of getting one. According to Dr Biller, men are three to four times more likely to get HAS than women, possibly because men may exert themselves more during sex. Sexual activity is comparable to mild-to moderate-intensity exercise. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates first noted the association between headaches, exercise and sexual activity. And in 2004, the International Headache Society classified HAS as a distinct form of primary headache. A potential cure for HAS is to eat magnesium-rich foods like almonds, avocados, and whole grains. 'Lifestyle modifications may also help, like [lowering] blood pressure and drinking less alcohol,' Dr Ehsan Ali, a primary physician in Beverly Hills, California, told SELF. But regardless, he recommends checking with your doctor if you experience a sex headache. 'There are treatments a person can take as needed before engaging in sexual activity or on a daily basis,' Dr Ali said. 'I know might people get embarrassed by it, but they shouldn't hesitate to see a doctor - we hear anything and everything.' The five-a-day mantra to get us all to eat more healthily has been the official advice for decades. But now experts are recommending ten portions of fruit and vegetables to ward off disease. This would prevent 7,200 cancer deaths and almost 14,000 from strokes every year, they claim. Researchers from Imperial College London found ten 80g portions of fruit and veg may cut the risk of cancer by 13 per cent and heart disease by 24 per cent. Lead author Dr Dagfinn Aune said: Fruit and vegetables have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and to boost the health of our blood vessels and immune system. This may be due to the complex network of nutrients they hold. Experts are recommending ten portions of fruit and vegetables to ward off disease. This would prevent 7,200 cancer deaths and almost 14,000 from strokes every year, they claim For instance they contain many antioxidants, which may reduce DNA damage, and lead to a reduction in cancer risk. He added: I think people should try to do better than five if they can. There do seem to be benefits from a higher intake. The NHS is desperate to get people to eat their five-a-day, emphasising that fruit and vegetables can be juiced, canned or frozen. The UK average is four portions a day, with just a quarter of men aged 19 to 64 hitting the target, and 28 per cent of women. The researchers analysed data from 95 studies on fruit and vegetable intake, finding that ten servings cut the risk of dying prematurely by almost a third. The authors estimate that while five-a-day could prevent 32,000 premature deaths from all causes in the UK, ten-a-day could prevent 53,000. The study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, also identified which fruit and vegetables provided the best protection against disease. Apples, pears and citrus fruits may help protect against heart disease, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and early death. Salads and leafy vegetables have the same effect. Victoria Taylor, of the British Heart Foundation, which recommends five-a-day, said: It is inevitable that the question will be asked about whether our guidelines need to change. However, there is no nutritional benefit in a guideline that is not followed. Increasing the recommended fruit and vegetable intake to ten portions a day will not change the fact that only around a quarter of adults in the UK are achieving the five-a-day target. A woman married to a sufferer of the fatal 'elephant man' condition says the disease doesn't scare her. Angie Richards, 34, first met Brian, 33, whose bones and organs won't stop growing, on an online dating website seven years ago. He has Proteus syndrome, an ultra-rare condition made famous by Joseph Merrick who inspired the film 'The Elephant Man'. But she was never put off by his deformities - despite knowing he was only expected to live until he was 18. Now they are approaching their fourth wedding anniversary, but they are aware he could die at any time. Angie Richards, 34, first met Brian, 33, whose bones and organs won't stop growing, on an online dating website seven years ago Ms Richards, from Dover in Delaware, US, said: 'From his dating profile picture, I could tell he had something wrong but didn't know what it was, nor did I care; disease and handicap, doesn't scare me. 'Having a condition was not enough for me to think of Brian as a "no". 'I grew up in an environment where you don't care about what a person looks like, you care about who they are and how they treat others. 'Brian is very caring, loving man, early on in our relationship he drove three hours for my daughter's birthday and even made her a woodwork penguin toy - which is her favourite animal.' The food inspector added: 'He can't change his condition and didn't choose it to happen, it was just luck of the draw. 'People asking questions never bothers me, but I have to bite my tongue when they point or whisper. Mr Richards has Proteus syndrome, an ultra-rare condition made famous by Joseph Merrick who inspired the film 'The Elephant Man' (pictured after surgery to stop his seizures) 'As he grows older, things continue to change and he is gradually getting worse. Despite all of this is, he always has a smile on his face and is always optimistic, he never complains.' With only 120 documented cases, Mr Richards' condition led to cruel bullying and all prospective dates were scared off. From his dating profile picture, I could tell he had something wrong but didn't know what it was, nor did I care; disease and handicap, doesn't scare me Angie Richards, 34 Before meeting his wife online in 2010, he doubted he would ever find love. He added: 'When people meet me they normally like me for who I am, but don't like how I look. 'But with Angie, she cares about the beauty inside not what's on the outside. 'Before her I didn't have a lot of emotions. I had to shut down to protect myself but now I'm learning to be able to talk about problems and tell her when I'm in pain.' Since getting married, he has become a stay-at-home father to Mrs Richards' nine-year-old daughter Samantha, helping her with homework and doing the school runs. But in their current home, he struggles to fit down the corridors with his crutches. Mrs Richards was never put off by his deformities - despite knowing he was only expected to live until he was 18 (pictured: his feet are one of his worst affected areas) Now they are approaching their fourth wedding anniversary, but they are aware he could die at any time from the condition Ms Richards said: 'From his dating profile picture, I could tell he had something wrong but didn't know what it was, nor did I care; disease and handicap, doesn't scare me.' The family are now hoping to move away to a specially adapted home to suit his disabilities. Mr Richards was diagnosed with Proteus syndrome when he was three - the chances of being born with the condition are less than one in a million. His condition was amplified during puberty when his bones grew at an increased rate and required many surgeries. WHAT IS PROTEUS SYNDROME? Proteus syndrome, thought to affect only a few hundred people worldwide, results in bone overgrowth. The word 'Proteus' comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of change. Overgrowth becomes apparent between the ages of 6 and 18 months and gets more severe with age. In people with Proteus syndrome, the pattern of overgrowth varies greatly but can affect almost any part of the body. This overgrowth is usually asymmetrical, so corresponding body parts are not affected in the same way. Some people with Proteus syndrome have neurological abnormalities, including intellectual disability, seizures, and vision loss. Proteus syndrome results from a mutation in the AKT1 gene. This genetic change is not inherited from a parent; it arises randomly in one cell during the early stages of development before birth. The AKT1 gene helps regulate cell growth and division and cell death. A mutation in this gene disrupts a cell's ability to regulate its own growth, allowing it to grow and divide abnormally. More men are affected than women, but it is not known why. Source: National Institutes of Health Advertisement Surgeons tried to destroy the growth plate in his knee because it was growing so large, but it didn't work. It regrew and another kneecap formed above it, meaning he now has two kneecaps in one knee, making it difficult for him to bend the joint. He has undergone 41 surgeries to help his quality of life and stop his bones from growing, including toe amputations, bone removal from his knee and most recently he's had a lung removed. While he also underwent surgery to reduce his seizures - a common symptom of the condition. At school, he was bullied and called 'ugly' and 'Frankenstein's monster' which led to depression. However, when he was 18-years-old, his mother encouraged him to embrace who he was. Mr Richards said: 'I broke down in the doctor's office, crying over a massive surgery scar on my knee that looked like a gash from a gang fight. 'My mum told me, "you're just going to have to accept this is what happens" and from there I stopped caring about what other people thought. 'There's nothing I can do to get rid of it, so I either had to understand what it is and how it works or have a horrible, miserable life fearing what was going to happen.' He is unable to work, due to his feet swelling to more than double in size and having a second knee-cap grow in the one leg that means he struggles to walk. Alongside other internal issues, including heart problems, an enlarged spleen and one of his lungs that was removed two years ago. He continued: 'My feet are hard and have bumps were the toes used to be, I've been unable to wear shoes and the only way I can walk is by treading on the sides of my feet. 'Then my second kneecap also stops me from being able to bend, we're hoping that surgery will help to relieve it and the get the tendon over my kneecap. 'The older I'm getting the more issues I'm having, we don't understand what's causing a lot of them but I try to stay positive.' Anyone wanting to donate can do so here. He has undergone 41 surgeries to help his quality of life and stop his bones from growing, including toe amputations and bone removal from his knee Long term stress may make you obese, scientists warn. Those exposed to several months of work pressure weigh more than their relaxed colleagues, a study suggests. Having high levels of cortisol - dubbed the stress hormone - causes people to reach out for comfort foods, experts believe. And those products high in fat, sugar and calories are damaging their waistlines. While the hormone also determines where fat is stored in someone, with those stressed more likely to get flab around their stomachs. Those exposed to several months of work pressure weigh more than their relaxed colleagues, a new study suggests Researchers from University College London examined hair samples of 2,527 men and women. All participants were over the age of 54 and were followed over a four-year period. They took a 2cm long hair sample - the equivalent of two months of growth - as close as possible to each person's scalps. Accumulated levels of cortisol - which regulates many changes in the body including blood sugar levels, immune responses and inflammation - were also taken. They found people with higher levels of the hormone in their hair tended to have larger waist circumference measurements. While they were also heavier and had a higher body mass index, according to the researchers. Having high levels of cortisol - dubbed the stress hormone - causes people to reach out for comfort foods, experts believe Those classified as obese also had particularly high levels of cortisol, the study published in the journal Obesity found. DON'T FAT SHAME CHILDREN Singling out children for their puppy fat can leave them 'psychologically scarred' and likely to get even fatter in future, a study found last month. So-called 'fat shaming' may lead to feelings of stigma that result in comfort eating, researchers from Liverpool University said. Children labelled as being too heavy by their parents went on to weigh more as adults than children of similar weight whose parents did not label them as fat. Being told they were overweight also led the children to make ultimately unsuccessful attempts to diet. Advertisement Study author Dr Sarah Jackson said: 'These results provide consistent evidence that chronic stress is associated with higher levels of obesity. 'People who had higher hair cortisol levels also tended to have larger waist measurements, which is important because carrying excess fat around the abdomen is a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and premature death. 'Hair cortisol is a relatively new measure which offers a suitable and easily obtainable method for assessing chronically high levels of cortisol concentrations in weight research and may therefore aid in further advancing understanding in this area.' But she added that the participants were older and their levels of cortisol may differ to younger adults. It is not currently known whether chronically elevated cortisol levels are a cause or a consequence of obesity. More research is needed and if causation is proved, then targeting cortisol levels may offer a new method for treating obesity. Ignore your bad back at your own risk. Despite being a common problem across the world, scientists warn it could have grave consequences. New research suggests that sufferers are actually 13 per cent more likely to die early from any cause. And the findings could pose a significant threat, with painkillers recently found to be ineffective in treating the condition. The findings could pose a significant threat, with painkillers recently found to be ineffective in treating the condition, experts say Few studies have examined the potential reduced life expectancy associated with spinal pain in an ageing population. But researchers from the University of Sydney assessed the link between death rates and spinal pain in 4,390 twins over the age of 70. Writing in the European Journal of Pain, Study author Dr Paulo Ferreria said: 'This is a significant finding as many people think that back pain is not life-threatening. 'These findings warrant further investigation because while there is a clear link between back pain and mortality we don't know yet why this is so. 'Spinal pain may be part of a pattern of poor health and poor functional ability, which increases mortality risk in the older population. 'Policy makers should be aware that back pain is a serious issue - it is an indicator of people's poor health and should be screened for, particularly in the elderly.' New research suggests that sufferers of back pain are actually 13 per cent more likely to die early from any cause And Dr Matthew Fernandez, also involved in the study, said: 'Back pain should be recognised as an important co-morbidity that is likely to impact people's longevity and quality of life.' IBUPROFEN DOESN'T WORK FOR BACK PAIN There's no point taking ibuprofen for your back pain - it doesn't work, research earlier this month suggested. Common over-the-counter drugs only provide any form of relief to one in six patients, Australian scientists discovered. In fact, adults taking the cheap pills are actually three times more likely to suffer from stomach ulcers, their study found. Advertisement Back pain, ranked as the highest contributor to disability in the world, normally improves within a few weeks or months. It is believed to affect four in five people at some point in their lifetime, with most cases being caused by lifting heavy objects or bending awkwardly. But half see a recurrence of the problem within a year, and for some people back pain can last for years or come back in waves. In the past most patients with back pain were prescribed some form of painkiller. But recent research shows there are actually no effective drugs for the problem, and the only way to treat it is through stretching and exercises. Studies have shown paracetamol is ineffective against back pain, and more powerful opioid painkillers are both ineffective and highly dangerous. She was the smallest baby the hospital had ever seen. Eirianna Martins arrived at just 23 weeks - four months before her due date. Doctors told her mother, Entitan, that her baby was on the 'edge of survivability', with just a 17 percent chance of making it through the night. However, after spending months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), her mother finally gets to hold her daughter, feed her, and take her home. It comes days after an astonishing new government report revealed more and more premature babies are surviving against the odds - largely thanks to steroid treatment given to women with risky pregnancies. Entitan Martins from Chicago, Illinois, is finally taking home her baby daughter Eirianna after she spent four months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) Eirianna was delivered at just 23 weeks gestation, weighing only 13 ounces (pictured), and was at the 'edge of survivability', according to doctors AGAINST THE ODDS TYPICAL PREGNANCY: Gestation: 40 weeks Birth weight: 7lbs 6oz EIRIANNA: Gestation: 23 weeks Weight: 13oz Advertisement Entitan, from Chicago, Illinois, knew she would have to deliver her daughter early. While pregnant, she had developed pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage in other organs, often the kidneys. As a result, doctors told her she would have to deliver sometime after her 30th week - 10 weeks before full gestation. 'He comes in one day and says, "We're having the baby now. I'm calling your husband, we're gonna do it",' Martin told WLS-TV of the moment a doctor told her she needed to deliver. Eirianna was due in January 2017. Instead she arrived in October 2016 via c-section, weighing just 13 ounces. Hospital officials at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago, where Eirianna was delivered, said she was the smallest surviving infant to be born there. Her anxious parents couldn't even reach out and touch her as a newborn in case they accidentally injured her, according to WLS. An average stay in the NICU at Mount Sinai is 21 days. By the time Eirianna leaves, she'll have been there for over 140 days. She can now feed via bottle and looks just like any other healthy newborn. 'Oh, it's great. I mean, she looks so good. She looks like she never was a little tiny preemie,' Beckie Deir, a nurse in the NICU, told WLS. While pregnant, Entitan had developed pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage in other organs, often the kidneys, so she knew she would have to deliver early An average stay in the NICU at Mount Sinai is 21 days. By the time Eirianna leaves, she'll have been there for over 140 days As Entitan prepares to take her daughter home, she said she looked back on her daughter's survival after such an early delivery as 'a gift'. 'It feels like a miracle, like a blessing,' she said. 'I'm just grateful that we're both here. It's been a long haul.' New data recently revealed that fewer premature babies are dying in the US. A study of 4,500 babies between 2000 and 2011 showed a small, but significant, drop in fatalities for babies born between 23 and 37 weeks gestation. Entitan said of her daughter's survival after early delivery: 'It feels like a miracle, like a blessing. I'm just grateful that we're both here. It's been a long haul' There was also a decrease in the number of premature infants with neurodevelopmental problems later on in life. Researchers credit more widespread prescriptions of steroids to women during risky pregnancies to help the fetus grow faster. A typical pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, and babies born before 37 weeks are considered preterm. The real improvements were seen in children born at 23 weeks and 24 weeks. The impairment-free rates went from seven percent to 13 percent in the 23-week group and from 28 percent to 32 percent in the 24-week group. Don't worry about not enjoying sex as you get older - a new injection could rid you of all of your fears. Dubbed the 'O-shot', it has helped many patients to achieve more orgasms and a more enjoyable love life. Offered in a private clinic in London, the 1,000 jab helps to provide more natural lubrication to those who lack it, according to Dr Sharif Wakil. He claims to have personally administered the jab to 2,000 women both across the world at the Dr SW on Harley Street. Dubbed the 'O-shot', it has helped many patients to achieve more orgasms and a more enjoyable love life (stock) In an interview with The Independent, he said that it works by using blood from the patient's own arm. Put into platelets, they are then transferred into a container that produces high quality plasma. This is then injected into specific parts of the vagina, triggering an increased blood flow and the growth of healthy tissue. Many patients seek the treatment to regain their orgasms, with their older age meaning a lack of climaxing. While others suffer from conditions such sexual arousal disorder, believed to affect 5 per cent of women. Others could take the injection to rid them of pain - a common problem for those getting older as lubrication dries up. Dr Wakil told the news website: 'As we grow older, our sights get impaired so we wear glasses, our hearing might get weaker so we wear hearing aids, this is no different. 'This is a part of the female body that sees a lot of changes through life: from delivery, menopause, hormonal changes, and aging. Offered in a private clinic in London, the 1,000 jab helps to provide more natural lubrication to those who lack it 'The results in general of the "O-shot" varies, I always explain to my patients, it depends on where we are at the starting point, for example, their age, if they have medical conditions or whether they have hormonal problems.' But he is keen to point out that it isn't guaranteed to provide unlimited orgasms. WHY DO WOMEN ORGASM? It's a question which has intrigued scientists for centuries why do women have orgasms? But a team of Yale researchers last year claimed to have finally discovered the answer, and its all to do with ovulation. They believe in the past, our female ancestors only released an egg after being stimulated by a male just before or during sex. This is still the case for numerous species of mammals including rabbits, ferrets, camels and cats. Advertisement Only half of women experience almost immediate effects in their sexual lives, the others just have slight improvements. Though many of his patients are now able to experience an orgasm through penetrative sex - something that only a quarter of women are believed able to do. And despite most injections coming with side effects, Dr Wakil says he has yet to see any in the patients he has injected. This comes after research last month found that female orgasms could play a key role in fertility. The University College Cork study suggested reaching climax could increase a woman's chance of conceiving by as much as 15 per cent. Despite centuries of research, scientists have been somewhat ignorant about the underlying mechanisms of a climax. But in November, neuroscientist Adam Safron, of Northwestern University, mapped out how rhythmic stimulation alters brain activity. In a nutshell, sexual stimulation focuses neurons in such a way that women are sent into a trance. They block out everything else and concentrating solely, intensely on the sensation alone. Five HIV patients are virus-free seven months after taking a new vaccine, a staggering report claims. The treatment, developed by researchers in Spain, allowed the patients to stop taking regular antiretroviral (ARV) drugs - the current method of suppressing HIV. Scientists have yet to test the results in a large-scale clinical trial, but they say the vaccine may be a 'functional cure'. It is the first step towards success in a field that has failed to find a vaccine in the last 30 years. A new vaccine has 'functionally cured' five people of HIV and could eliminate the need for antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, new research says 'It's the proof of concept that through therapeutic vaccination we can really re-educate our T cells to control the virus,' says Dr Beatriz Mothe, from the IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute in Barcelona, Spain. 'This is the first time that we see this is possible in humans.' The search for an AIDS vaccine has generated massive investments and intensive efforts but, so far, not one vaccine has come to market. After efforts and investments attempted and failed to bring a vaccine mainstream that would prevent HIV infection, researchers decided to test therapeutic vaccines. They aim to help infected people keep the virus at bay for months or even years without ARV drugs. Dr Mothe and her colleagues used an HIV vaccine made by Professor Tomas Hanke from the University of Oxford in the UK. The study included 13 participants who had taken ARVs for a little over three years on average - all within six months of being infected. The researchers theorized that although the drugs kept down HIV levels, it limited the virus's ability to integrate into their chromosomes, leaving them with relatively small 'reservoirs' of infected cells. This should make it easier to contain the virus if the drugs are stopped, especially with the help of a vaccine, they said. Scientists injected the participants with a series of three shots of the vaccine and they stopped taking ARVs. After four weeks, eight of the patients saw the virus rebound. But the other five patients have gone six to 28 weeks without having to restart the treatment. The virus became temporarily undetectable, but it has never gone above 2,000 copies per milliliter, which is the criterion to restart treatment. It's the proof of concept that through therapeutic vaccination we can really re-educate our T cells to control the virus Dr Beatriz Mothe, IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute Of the more than 50 therapeutic vaccine trials so far, this is the first one that has bolstered the immune system in a 'meaningful' way, according to Dr Steven Deeks, an HIV/AIDS clinician and researcher at the University of California, San Francisco. He is 'cautiously optimistic' that the data will inspire others to study the approach. Immunologist Dr Daniel Douek, of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in Bethesda, Maryland, is far more skeptical. 'The results are encouraging, but it is difficult to gauge what the effect of the procedure actually was because of the uncontrolled nature of the study and the fact that the people who remain off [ARVs] are, nevertheless, viremic,' Dr Douek said. But Dr Mothe said that previous 'treatment interruption studies' - in people who started ARVs soon after becoming infected - have found that only 10 percent of their infections under control for longer than four weeks. In the Barcelona study, the rate was 38 percent. HIV notoriously dodges immune attacks - and preventive vaccination - by mutating. The researchers believe the trial's partial success may be because the vaccine contains HIV genes that code for 'highly conserved' internal structures and enzymes that cannot change much without harming the virus. Dr Deeks said: 'Should the current trends persist, it is hard to argue that the vaccine strategy did not do something, but controlled studies are needed.' For A Little While by Rick Bass (Pushkin Press 20) For A Little While by Rick Bass (Pushkin Press 20) Fiction writers with an agenda in this case, the environment are usually to be avoided, but the sheer majesty of Basss storytelling insists we make an exception. In a recurring theme of what Bass calls poisoned loneliness, his characters range from creepy to uplifting, but are always compelling. Dialogue is rare. But his remarkable descriptions of the wild and savage landscapes of Americas most remote regions speak volumes about the behaviour of the inhabitants caught between its beauty and brutality. So when a lumberjack called Wilson tries to persuade his wife that their daughters shouldnt reject their wilderness upbringing and asks her: Isnt heaven here and now enough?, you understand precisely what Wilson is talking about. Paris For One and Other Stories by Jojo Moyes (Michael Joseph 12.99) Paris For One and Other Stories by Jojo Moyes (Michael Joseph 12.99) This first collection of short stories from the blockbuster author of Me Before You will charm her millions of fans worldwide. The usual successful ingredients girl meets boy, girl gets dumped but survives are present and correct. In the title story, Nell is left in Paris on her own for what should have been a romantic weekend for two. By far the best is Thirteen Days With John C in which a bored, married womans life is transformed after she finds a mobile phone and replies to a text from the owners lover. Moyes is always good on male/female relationships. But her sneaky brilliance is in the way she discreetly includes the powerful influence that women have on each others love lives, pre, post and during a dumping. The Dolls Alphabet by Camilla Grudova (Fitzcarraldo 10.99) The Dolls Alphabet by Camilla Grudova (Fitzcarraldo 10.99) In one story, a woman brings a mermaid home to meet her brother. In another, a half man/ half spider works in advertising, but is lonely. And how about the woman who starts a craze when she unstitches her skin to reveal a new body? Bonkers or brilliant? Probably a bit of both. Grudovas style is an exotic cocktail: three parts magic realism, two parts dystopian, and a splash of extreme feminism. However, there is a playful intelligence driving these weird stories and a real talent that cant be dismissed even when she seems most eccentric. The title story is just two lines and reads: The Dolls Alphabet has eleven letters. A B C D L M N O P U. (No me neither!) Six factory workers were burnt to death Wednesday in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad after a fire broke out at an air conditioning manufacturing unit, police said. The workers were sleeping inside the factory premises when a suspected electric short circuit sparked the blaze that quickly engulfed the workshop, which was stocked with flammable material. 'Six workers were killed and their bodies were charred beyond recognition,' P. V. Padmaja, police chief of the densely populated Shamshabad locality, where the incident occurred, told news agency AFP. Indian firefighters and police look on after a fire that killed six migrant workers at a factory that manufactures air coolers and battery operated vehicles in Hyderabad on February 22, 2017 The officer said that one of the two doors in the room was bolted from outside, meaning the victims had little opportunity to escape the blaze. 'We are investigating the circumstances leading to the tragedy and have charged the factory owner for negligence,' she said. The victims were migrant workers from the impoverished eastern states of Bihar and Jharkhand. Workplace accidents are common in India because of poor safety standards and lax enforcement of existing regulations. Many workers use their workplaces as accommodation to save on living costs in big cities. Six workers suffocated to death in the western city of Pune in December when a fire swept through a bakery overnight. Thirteen workers died at an illegal garment manufacturing factory in New Delhi in November after a short circuit triggered a fire. There may have been no choice but to bail out and recapitalise the Royal Bank of Scotland eight years ago but there is no escaping the fact that having the Government as its main investor with a 71.3 per cent stake has been a shambles. In spite of several leadership changes and strategy switches the bank is tomorrow expected to unveil its ninth consecutive loss and faces a string of hurdles to its recovery. The hopelessness of driving repairs from Whitehall finally is starting to dawn at the Treasury. It has been a matter of faith that it would be a political disaster for Government if it were to seek to place RBS shares in the market and take some of the 23billion or so of taxpayer losses on the chin. Constrained: RBS boss Ross McEwan is doing his best but is hamstrung by the political anvil But running a huge international bank from Whitehall, where every major decision has to be approved by ministers, is folly. Former Chancellor George Osborne's fall-out with former chief executive Stephen Hester, who had a track record of turning around failing banks, was a mistake. Hester may have put too much faith in investment banking and been too concerned about his bonus, but no one could accuse him of being hesitant. His successor, New Zealander Ross McEwan, is doing his best but is hamstrung by the political anvil. Encouragingly there are indications from the Treasury that it recognises the problem and wants to get rid of its troublesome legacy. Among the immediate problems is the failed effort to disgorge Williams & Glyn, which has gobbled up some 2.5billion of investor funds. The other big 'known unknown' is the likely sum which it will have to pay to American regulators over the sub-prime mortgage debacle, with estimates at over 10bn. The potential exposures including the continuing wrangles over the behaviour of RBS's Global Restructuring Group can be quantified. What we also know is that RBS has an enormous corporate, SME and retail franchise and banks' customers are very sticky, staying with their lender through thick and thin. And as Lloyds is demonstrating see here can be light at the end of a dark tunnel. As soon as the chance arose in America the US Treasury lost no time in disgorging the financial stakes it took on in the crisis, returning shares in debt insurer AIG, Citibank and others to the market at a loss. This may not have gone down well on Main Street but in the end US taxpayers did get their money back and the financial sector there is roaring away. At the right price there will always be buyers for marked-down assets, especially those that are publicly traded like RBS shares. Philip Hammond has the ideal opportunity in his budget on March 8 to signal a willingness to resume the selling down of RBS shares and absorb the slings and arrows. Frisky Lloyds Let the hosannas ring out. The decade-long nightmare at Lloyds, which was once Britain's safest and most reliable bank, looks to be over. Before anyone is moved to anoint the bank's chief executive Antonio Horta-Osorio with laurels beyond his 5.5million pay cheque it is as well to reflect that with a dominant market share Lloyds ought to have a licence to print money. Instead, it has been burning it with the 17billion payouts on PPI, among other sins. Nevertheless, a profit of 4.2billion cannot be sniffed at and the long period of misery for shareholders, which began with the shotgun merger with HBOS in 2008, looks to be over. Horta-Osorio has done a good job in clearing bad debts, securing its balance sheet and coming down hard on the cost-to-income ratio. But he will find it difficult to shake off his image as the banker who cannot be trusted to behave with propriety when representing his group overseas. State Kraft Even unwanted takeovers have their uses. The view among investors is that Unilever chief Paul Polman might have been less threatened by a Kraft Heinz takeover if he didn't spend so much time swanning around the world supporting trendy causes. He is being forced back to brass tacks with a pledge to hit higher profit margins and a review of the enterprise by April. Nothing is being ruled out. It should be careful. After Cadbury spun off its underperforming Schweppes soft drinks division it became more vulnerable to a bid, which duly arrived from Kraft. The rest is history The embattled boss of Lloyds has taken a 3.2million pay cut following a year in which he was caught having an affair on a business trip. Antonio Horta-Osorio took home 5.5million last year, down from 8.7million in 2015. His bonus fell despite the bank posting its best results for a decade, with profits doubling to 4.2billion. This performance allowed it to give 2.2billion to investors with a dividend of 3.05p per share likely to be a boon to the 2.5m people who hold the stock after years in which the bank struggled. The average retail investor with 6,000 shares will get around 183. Costly: Lloyds boss Antonio Horta-Osorio, pictured with his wife Ana, took home 5.5m last year, down from 8.7m in 2015 But the successful turnaround risked being overshadowed by revelations about 53-year-old Horta-Osorio's private life. The Portuguese, who is married to wife Ana, made headlines last summer after he was joined on business trips to Singapore and San Francisco by top academic Dr Wendy Piatt, 46. Horta-Osorio racked up 3,276 during his Singapore stay, with 550 spent at the hotel spa, and Piatt was seen entering and leaving his suite with her own key. Yesterday, Lloyds chairman Lord Blackwell tried to draw a line under the scandal. Asked if he wanted to discuss the board's response, he said: 'No. We dealt with that at the time. 'Antonio didn't breach any company rules, he didn't breach the company expenses policy and the matter is now closed.' Lloyds said Horta-Osorio's pay cut was chiefly down to share price performance, as the stock plunged after the Brexit vote. Horta-Osorio was joined on business trips by academic Dr Wendy Piatt (pictured) His long-term bonus plan paid out 1.6million in 2016, down from 5.2million the previous year. The boss also took home a 900,000 fixed share award, designed as a salary top-up to beat the European Union's bonus cap. He pocketed 143,000 in benefits such as life insurance and a car allowance, and 568,000 towards his pension. His annual bonus rose from 850,000 to 1.2million thanks to improved profits. He also took a 6 per cent rise in his base salary, which increased to 1.1million, Next year it will rise by another 8 per cent more than the 2 per cent given to the rest of the bank's staff. Bosses said that the chief executive's pay had been frozen for several years as the bank fought to free itself from Government control after its 20.3billion bailout, while other employees' earnings had risen. Less than 5 per cent of the bank is now owned by taxpayers, and it is likely to be fully back in private ownership by the end of May. David Hillman, of the Robin Hood Tax campaign, said: 'Lloyds chief Horta-Osorio must be laughing all the way to the bank. 'It's high time the Government did something about this flawed and unfair culture of rewards.' Lloyds' bonus pool for staff rose 11 per cent to 393million and it set aside 2.1billion to compensate for bad behaviour. This included 1billion to cover PPI mis-selling, taking its bill for the scandal to 17billion. Traders welcomed the profit figures yesterday, sending shares up 4.4 [per cent, or 2.9p, to 69.7p. Laith Khalaf of Hargreaves Lansdown said: 'Lloyds is returning to full health after being knocked for six by the financial crisis, since which time the bank has become safer, more profitable, and a good source of dividends for shareholders.' At least seven illegal miners dead after landslide hits mining pit in remote Suriname - but 29 flooded miners survive in China Miners digging illegally for gold in the east of the South American country But 29 miners rescued from flooded pit in Sichuan province, China At least seven men have been killing after being hit by a landslide in a remote part of eastern Suriname. The deceased were believed to be illegally digging for gold at the mining pit when they were struck. The landslide took place late on Saturday within mining company Surgold LLC's exploration area in the South American country's Sipaliwini district. Tragic: People look on as excavators search for the bodies of seven men killed after Saturday's landslide at a gold mine in eastern Suriname Illegal: The bodies of the seven men are positioned on the floor in plastic body bags. The deceased were believed to have been digging for gold without permission It is a rain forest-covered region that is home mostly to Amerindians and descendants of runway African slaves, known as Maroons. 'Apparently (illegal) miners not associated with our exploration activities had been working at the foot of a 10-metre wall in the area when the slide occurred,' said Esteban Crespo, Surgold's representative in Suriname. Suriname police inspector Bertrand Riedewald said the seven dead miners were local Maroons. He said three other miners were able to escape while two more were injured. Identification: Villagers wait for the corpses to be names after the mine collapse in Money Hill, 150 km southeast of Paramaribo Carrying the dead: After finding the dead men under the landslide the bodies were wrapped up and transported back to the village, tied on the back of a quad bike A 23-year-old man who only identified himself as Roger said that he was one of the miners to have survived the landslide. 'I was carrying the fuel when I felt the sand sliding away and fell face down 20 metres into the pit', he told Associated Press. 'I was so lucky to have survived this.' Injured: Aside from the seven dead Maroon miners, three other miners were able to escape while two more were injured Searching: A crane helps fellow miners locate their dead colleagues in a rather more grim dig than they are used to Thanks to record gold prices, hundreds of tiny mining operations are proliferating along the northeastern shoulder of South America. Small-scale miners produced a record of nearly 16.5 metric tons of gold in 2009, according to Suriname's government. The miners, many of them illegal migrants from Brazil, are scattered throughout the northern Amazon basin, occasionally fleeing crackdowns by police or the military in Venezuela, French Guiana and Guyana. They are thriving in Suriname, a country rich in resources with the weakest law enforcement in the region. Aftermath: The carnage of Saturday's landslide was evident on the grounds of Surgold in the Sipaliwini district Evacuate: Workers help move the bodies of illegal miners from a mining pit which collapsed of Saturday evening Mr Crespo said the miners had illegally occupied the area since late last year and during the last few months 'activities had escalated to the current state in which there are more that 800 people in the area utilising dozens of excavators'. He said the company was 'deeply saddened' by the deaths. Surgold, a partnership between Denver-based Newmont Mining Corp. and Pittsburgh-based Alcoa Inc., has been conducting gold exploration activities within the area since 2004. Saved: In China's Sichuan province 29 miners were rescued from a flooded mine. Here the miners, wrapped in warming quilts, are being led from the mine to safety Deadly: China's mines are the most dangerous in the world and 2,600 died in coal mining accidents in 2009 alone Meanwhile all 29 miners trapped in a flooded Chinese coal mine were lifted to safety today, ending a day-long rescue drama, the local state media reported. The miners were trapped yesterday morning after the small, privately owned Batian mine in south-western Sichuan province suddenly flooded. Rescuers initially thought only 28 were trapped but, after making contact with the workers, revised the figure upwards by one. Protection: The rescued miners were given blindfolds to protect their eyes after 24 hours in the pitch black mines Celebration: The miners' plight has grabbed China and everyone is relieved by the way matters have turned out State broadcaster China Central Television showed a line of ambulances and large crowds waiting near the entrance to the mine and medics easing survivors wrapped in quilts on to stretchers after being led out of the mine. The miners were barefoot and naked, their work clothes apparently drenched by the flood, and they wore blindfolds so the sunlight would not hurt their eyes after more than 24 hours in the dark shafts. The crowd erupted into celebratory applause and shouting as each miner was brought out. Careful: The miners were mostly stripped naked after their clothes had been drenched by the floods Escape: The 29 workers had been underground for safety work when the coal mine flooded The official Xinhua News Agency said Batian had stopped production and was being upgraded to increase its annual capacity from 50,000 tons to 60,000 tons. The workers had been underground for safety work, it said. Although most of China's mining accidents occur in small, illegal mines, Xinhua quoted Lin Shucheng, chief of the provincial work safety bureau, as saying Batian's operation was legal and fully licensed. Doomed Algerian passenger plane 'may have been struck by lightning' as France sends in military to secure Sahara desert crash scene Swiftair MD-83 vanished 50mins after take-off from capital of Burkina Faso Mali president says wreckage was been found near Boulikessi desert village Plane 'made detour over fears it was flying into a storm over northern Mali' Shepherds in the area say it caught fire after being struck by lightning Believed to have broken up on impact with the ground after coming down France has sent troops to secure crash site, which is in territory dominated by al-Qaeda linked Islamist militants and Tuareg separatists The Air Algerie flight which crashed in Mali with 116 people on board may have been struck by lightning, according to shepherds who saw it come down. A ir navigation services lost track of the Swiftair MD-83 over eastern Mali around 50 minutes after it took off from Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso en route to the Algerian capital Algiers. Reports that the crew asked to change course over fears they were flying into a storm just moments before contact was lost add weight to locals' claims that a lightning strike caused a fatal malfunction. W reckage from the plane has been found near the village of Boulikessi on the Mali-Burkina Faso border, confirming the world's third major aviation disaster in a week. Scroll down for videos Vanished: Air navigation services lost track of a Swiftair MD-83 passenger plane (like one above) carrying 110 passengers and six crew members after it disappeared off the radar on its way to Algiers Tragic announcement: Algerian Transport Minister Amar Ghoul tells a press conference that the wreckage of the missing Air Algerie plane had been found near the desert village of Boulikessi in Mali Conversation: An Algerian crisis unit meets at the Houari-Boumediene International Airport in Algiers following the crash in Mali. The Air Algerie flight had been en route to the airport when it came down Air navigation services lost track of the Swiftair MD-83 around 50 minutes into the flight after the crew reportedly asked to change course over fears it was flying into a storm. The plane, which is operated by Air Algerie, was last picked up on radar at 1.55am GMT en route from Burkina Faso to Algiers. It should have landed in the Algerian capital around three hours later, but didn't arrive. RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Why did it take so long to find? Biggest piece of MH17... 'We shot down MH17 thinking it was Ukrainian cargo plane':... Share this article Share French fighter jets, U.N. peacekeepers and others hunted for the wreckage of the MD-83 in the remote region, where scattered separatist violence may hamper an eventual investigation into what happened. French officials have dispatched a military unit to secure the site, according to a message posted on the website of President Francois Hollande this morning. The plane was found about 31 miles from the border of Burkina Faso near the village of Boulikessi in Mali, a Burkina Faso presidential aide said, adding that it appears to have broken up on impact. 'We sent men, with the agreement of the Mali government, to the site, and they found the wreckage of the plane with the help of the inhabitants of the area,' said General Gilbert Diendere. General Diendere is a close aide to Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore and head of the crisis committee set up to investigate the flight. 'They found human remains and the wreckage of the plane totally burnt and scattered,' he added. Information: An arrivals screen at Houari Boumediene airport near Algiers showed doomed Air Algerie flight 5017 as 'late' as news broke of the crash yesterday afternoon Decisions: French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian arrives at the Elysee Palace in Paris yesterday for an emergency meeting about the Air Algerie crash. The decision was taken for Franme to send troops to the crash site, which is in an area dominated by al-Qaeda linked Islamist militants and Tuareg separatists Fateful path: Contact was lost with flight AH 5017 while it was still in Malian air space approaching the border with Algeria after taking off from Ouagadougou, the capital of the west African nation of Burkina Faso The list of passengers on the plane includes 51 French, 27 Burkina Faso nationals, eight Lebanese, six Algerians, five Canadians, four Germans, two Luxemburg nationals, one Swiss, one Belgian, one Egyptian, one Ukrainian, one Nigerian, one Cameroonian and one Malian. The six crew members are Spanish, according to the Spanish pilots' union. The crash comes after a treacherous week for the aviation industry in which 298 people were killed when Air Malysia flight MH17 plane was shot down over Ukraine and 48 people died in a crash in Taiwan. Airlines have also cancelled flights into Tel Aviv due to the conflict in Gaza. The flight path of AH5017 from Ouagadougou, the capital of the west African nation of Burkina Faso, to Algiers was not immediately clear. However, Burkina Faso Transport Minister Jean Bertin Ouedragor said the flight had been asked to change route because of a storm around 30 minutes after taking off. Lost: A map on Ouagadougou airport's website reportedly shows AH5017's last contact while over Mali PRODUCTION OF MD-80 AIRCRAFT MODELS ENDED 15 YEARS AGO Spanish airline company Swiftair has a relatively clean safety record, with five accidents since 1977, two of which caused a total of eight deaths, according to the Washington-based Flight Safety Foundation. The MD-83 aircraft which crashed in north Africa is believed to be around 18 years old and one of four owned by the company. The model is part of a series of jets built since the early 1980s by McDonnell Douglas, a U.S. plane maker now owned by Boeing. The jet's two engines are made by Pratt & Whitney, a unit of United Technologies. McDonnell Douglas stopped producing the MD-80 airliner family in 1999, but it remains in widespread use. According to British consultancy Flightglobal Ascend, there are 482 MD-80 aircraft in operation, many of them in the United States. A source from Air Algerie told the AFP news agency said contact was lost while it was still in Malian air space approaching the border with Algeria. The source said: 'The plane was not far from the Algerian frontier when the crew was asked to make a detour because of poor visibility and to prevent the risk of collision with another aircraft on the Algiers-Bamako route. 'Contact was lost after the change of course.' A diplomat in the Malian capital Bamako also confirmed said that the north of the country - which lies on the plane's likely flight path - was struck by a powerful sandstorm overnight. The vast deserts and mountains of northern Mali fell under control of ethnic Tuareg separatists and then al-Qaida-linked Islamic extremists after a military coup in 2012. The French-led intervention scattered the extremists, but the Tuaregs have pushed back against the authority of the Bamako-based government. Meanwhile, the threat from Islamic militants hasn't disappeared, and France is giving its troops a new and larger anti-terrorist mission across the region. A senior French official said it seems unlikely that fighters in Mali had the kind of weaponry that could shoot down a jetliner at cruising altitude. While al-Qaida's North Africa branch is believed to have an SA-7 surface-to-air missile, also known as MANPADS, most airliners would normally fly out of range of these shoulder-fired weapons. They can hit targets flying up to roughly 12,000-15,000 feet. Danger zones: This graphic shows the areas which U.S. airlines have been banned from flying from or warned to avoid by the Federal Aviation Administration because of conflicts Waiting for information: Journalists gather outside the Swiftair offices in Madrid after one of its planes operated by Air Algerie disappeared over Malian airspace in north Africa Lost contact: Swiftair, a private Spanish airline, said the plane left Burkina Faso for Algiers at 1.17am GMT The MD-83 is part of a series of long-range jets built since the early 1980s by McDonnell Douglas, a U.S. plane maker now owned by Boeing. 'Boeing is aware of the report (on the missing aircraft). We are awaiting additional information,' a spokesman for the planemaker said. The crash comes as a recovery operation got underway in Taiwan to remove plane seats and fuselage from homes after Wednesday's plane crash there killed 48 people. Yesterday the airline announced that stormy weather trailing behind a typhoon was the likely cause of the crash which also injured ten people on the plane and five on the ground. The ATR-72 operated by Taiwan's TransAsia Airways was carrying 58 passengers and crew when it crashed while trying to land in the Penghu island chain in the Taiwan Strait between Taiwan and China. Meanwhile, an international investigation has been launched after Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down by a surface-to-air missile over Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board. Concerns were first raised about the plane when it disappeared from radar screens while passing over the city of Donetsk last Thursday. The plane was travelling at 33,000 feet on a pre-determined flight path when it suddenly vanished from trackers, immediately notifying air traffic controllers of the prospect that the plane had either crashed or made an emergency landing. An Air Algerie office in Paris. The company initiated an 'emergency plan' in the search for flight AH5017 Flight radars generally monitor moving objects only, so if an aircraft disappears from the screens it either means the plane has become stationary or there has been a fault with the tracking system. Tragically in the case of MH17 the former was true - but it wasnt until body parts and plane wreckage were spotted scattered over an eight square-mile area in eastern Ukraine that a crash could be officially confirmed. In the case of the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, the latter was the true, where it is believed the radar transponder system was deliberately turned off by someone on board. That plane is believed to have crashed in the Indian Ocean, killing all 239 people on board, but the wreckage has never been found and the cause of the disaster is unknown. One of Algeria's worst air disasters occurred in February this year, when a C-130 military aircraft carrying 78 people crashed in the mountainous northeast, killing more than 70 people. Tamanrasset in the deep south was the site of the country's worst ever civilian air disaster, in March 2003. In that accident, all but one of 103 people on board were killed when an Air Algerie passenger plane crashed on takeoff after one of its engines caught fire. The sole survivor, a young Algerian soldier, was critically injured. The White House is trying to intervene in the case of a former CIA agent being extradited to Italy, where she's been convicted of kidnapping an Egyptian cleric as part of U.S.'s 'war on terror.' 'We are deeply disappointed in her conviction and sentence,' said a senior State Department official today, according to Fox News. A White House official told the network that 'the highest levels of our government are trying to intervene on her behalf.' Scroll down for video White House and State Department officials are trying to intervene in the extradition of ex-CIA agent Sabrina de Sousa (pictured) over a 2003 kidnapping in Milan 'The U.S. government's view is that this [conviction] was a violation of her diplomatic status,' the official continued. 'We're very concerned and following the case closely.' Portuguese police have detained former agent Sabrina de Sousa and are preparing her extradition to Italy, where she has been convicted in absentia, her lawyer said Wednesday. Upon arrival she'll have to serve four years in prison for crime. She would be the first CIA officer and U.S. diplomat over the controversial Bush-era rendition program, Fox News noted. De Sousa, a dual U.S.-Portuguese citizen, denies involvement in the abduction. She was one of 26 people convicted in absentia on charges of snatching Osama Mustapha Hassan Nasr from a street in Milan in 2003 and taking him to be questioned in Egypt under the controversial U.S. 'extraordinary rendition' program. Italy brought 'broad charges' against De Sousa for the plot, despite the fact that phone records obtained by Italian prosecutors show the U.S. official was around 130 miles away in Madonna di Campiglio at her son's ski trip, during the time of the abduction. The Italians contend that she was still part of the plot. 'She was detained on Monday night for imminent extradition. The bureaucratic extradition procedures being coordinated between the Portuguese and Italian Interpol offices may take a few days,' the lawyer, Manuel de Magalhaes e Silva, wrote in an e-mailed reply to Reuters. The 61-year-old De Sousa, who left the CIA in 2009, was briefly arrested in Portugal in October 2015 at the request of Italian prosecutors, who want her to serve a six-year sentence. Her passports were confiscated, but she was quickly released. Several of her appeals to Portuguese authorities against the extradition failed over the course of last year. Some of the people convicted in Italy for being involved in the rendition of the Egyptian cleric have been pardoned. Crowds of people gathered on Wednesday night to protest against an off-duty cop who was caught on camera pulling and firing his gun as he scuffled with a 13-year-old outside his home in Anaheim, California. The protests were sparked after a video that was filmed on Tuesday afternoon emerged showing the confrontation between the off-duty LAPD cop and a large gang of teens who he had apparently accused of walking on his lawn. The confrontation ends with the officer pulling his gun out and firing a shot that did not hit anyone as the teens flee. Before that, the officer was filmed struggling with one teen who he accused of threatening to shoot him, then scuffling with the entire group of teens outside his home. Cellphone video shows the shocking moment an off-duty police officer almost shot a teenager who he was scuffling with outside his home. The officer is seen as he pulled out his handgun A line of police cars is seen near protesters who took to the street after the video emerged on Wednesday Taking to the streets: Protesters then marched through the main shopping district of of Anaheim along Euclid Street The dramatic scene was documented by many on social media who posted pictures of the police and protesters Fury: Protesters march towards the off-duty officer's home in Anaheim to protest the off-duty officer's actions Banners: Protesters marched to the off-duty LAPD officer's home and stood outside in front of his lawn The unnamed officer was trying to cuff and arrest the apparently unarmed teens when it escalated into a fight. When more officers arrived, the gang of teens were detained by cops and two were arrested. It is unclear if the officer meant to fire his gun or if it went off accidentally as he grabbed one of the teenagers. He has not been arrested. At the heart of the fight are two claims: the officer says the teens threatened to shoot him, but the teen said he threatened to 'sue' him. The teens accuse the officer of calling a girl who was walking on his lawn a 'c***'. After a few minutes in the video, the man was pushed over by two other teens in the group, and shortly after he pulled a gun from his waistband with one hand while still holding onto the 13-year-old. WHAT IS SEEN IN THE SHOCKING VIDEO? Starts by showing the man pulling at 13-year-old Christian Dorscht Christian then argues with the off-duty cop, saying the man started the incident by calling a young girl in the group a 'c***', and told her to get off his lawn The unnamed cop denies doing so, and instead says Christian threatened to shoot him. The 13-year-old says he told the cop he was going to sue him, not shoot him Many people in the crowd of about 20 teens are heard telling the cop to let go of Christian The cop drags Christian towards a hedge, and when his back is against it another boy rushes at him and knocks him over in an attempt to free his friend The cop manages to hold on, and seconds later he pulls out his gun After a few moments, a shot is fired and the teens scatter Christian is still seen on video being pinned to the ground Police arrive on the scene and eventually take all the teens to the station Christian and a 15-year-old boy are the only two held and charged, before being released later in the day Advertisement After a few minutes in the video, the man was pushed over by two other teens in the group, and shortly after he pulled a gun from his waistband with one hand while still holding onto the 13-year-old. The incident took place in in Anaheim, California, near Loara High School about 2:40pm. Protesters on Wednesday night were seen in videos posted on social media shouting, 'whose streets, our streets,' 'don't shoot our kids,' 'shame on you,' and 'no justice, no peace, f*** the police.' What initially began as peaceful protests eventually gave way to violence, as protesters threw rocks and bottles at officers. One picture was posted on social media showing the words, 'f*** pigs,' spray-painted across a garage door it was claimed belonged to the officer. However, the house is not that of the cop in question. Aerial footage from the scene from KTLA showed the crowd of people, as well as a swarm of police cruisers in the area. Anaheim police report about 24 arrests for misdemeanor charges including failure to disperse. This included 10 men, 8 women, three boys and three girls. All are misdemeanor charges for variations of failure to disperse, resisting arrest, and battery on a peace officer. Late on Wednesday night, the boy's father, Johnny Dorscht, spoke out about the incident. He also identified his son, the 13-year-old boy in the video who was restrained and almost shot by the off-duty LAPD cop, as Christian Dorscht. 'I'm pretty p***ed off about what happened,' he told the Orange County Weekly. 'You could talk to anybody, my son has very good manners. He does good in school and isn't disrespectful or anything like that. 'We're going to find legal representation and be suing. This is B.S. Even the cops, when they got there, they had all the kids down. They didn't even go after the guy.' Police officers are seen forming a line on a road as the crowd of protesters is seen stood near them An intersection that was blocked by the demonstrations on Wednesday night in Anaheim is seen This picture shows police forming a line along the front of a house as protesters are seen in the street Johnny Dorscht also shared pictures with DailyMail.com showing the bruises his son suffered. They showed he had a mark above his eyebrow, as well as a series of small bruises along his shoulder and neck. Christian's mom, Alma Jimenez, also stepped forward on Wednesday night - having earlier refused to identify herself or her son. Jimenez spoke to the protesters in Anaheim. 'I just want to say how disgusted I am by that individual for the negligence he committed with my son,' she was heard saying in a video posted to her Facebook page. These pictures show a bruise on the head of the 13-year-old boy, Christian Dorscht (pictured) - the person seen being held in the video Another picture taken after Christian was released showed marks on his next that he allegedly suffered A local newspaper reporter claimed this vandalism was on the front of the garage of the cop seen in the video's house. However, that claim was denied by Anaheim Police Anaheim Police tweeting out a series of warnings telling people not to take part in destructive protests and saying they were prepared to make arrests 'My son is alive today, but if he would have not fought for his life along with those other children, he would be in a morgue right now. 'You almost killed my child. Stop shooting our kids. This is my son. He is 13 years old. He was not armed. 'He (the officer) was, he pulled out, he reached for his weapon, he intended to use it.' Amid the protest - which took place about two blocks from Disneyland - Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait said there will be a 'thorough, impartial' investigation into the incident. 'Like many in the community, I've seen the video and I'm very concerned about what it shows,' he said, according to ABC7. 'Anaheim is committed to a full and impartial investigation. Our city will move forward without delay.' In the video that sparked the protest, a large group of about 20 teens is seen in the video, as well as the off-duty cop. During the clip, which lasts about nine minutes, Christian is heard saying that the cop was upset at a girl for walking on his lawn. A video from the incident alleges the cop called the young girl a 'c***t'. A crowd of protesters (left) were seen on the street on Wednesday night as news of the incident spread. Included among them was Christian's mom, Alma Jimenez (right), who addressed the demonstrators When he then confronted the cop, the altercation got underway, according to the video. The officer was seen holding the boy around the neck and shoulders in what appeared to be an attempt to restrain him. 'I'm only 13,' Christian is heard saying at one point, as several people in the group of teens are heard saying: 'Let him go'. At one point, an elderly man with a beard and a crutch is heard saying: 'Hey Kevin.' Later in the video he identified himself as the cop's father while calling 911. The off-duty cop, who has not been named, was seen with his hands around the top of the boy's jumper, before he tried to drag him away from the rest of the group ANAHEIM POLICE'S STATEMENT Yesterday afternoon around 2:40 pm, an off-duty LAPD officer was involved in a confrontation in front of his residence with several juveniles. The confrontation began over ongoing issues with juveniles walking across the officer's property. During the confrontation, a 13 year old male is alleged to have threatened to shoot the off-duty officer, at which time the officer attempted to detain the male until APD arrived. This led to a physical confrontation between the off-duty officer and several other juveniles. During the confrontation the officer discharged his firearm one time. The circumstances surrounding the discharge of the firearm are being investigated by the APD Homicide Detail. The 13 year old male was booked at Orange County Juvenile Hall for criminal threats and battery. A 15 year old male was arrested for assault and battery and was released to his parents. Advertisement Later in the video, he began dragging the boy towards his property - at one point attempting to pull him across the top of a hedge. Christian is then heard saying: 'He tried to hit me in my nuts. That's like a little p***y move, punch a kid in the nuts.' The cop then replies: 'Because you've been resisting this whole time.' But the boy then fires back, saying he wasn't resisting and tries to offer up an explanation. 'No, I wasn't. You tackled me first. I didn't do anything to hurt you,' he said. 'All I said was, 'Respect the girl,' because you said, 'Get out of my property'.' The cop then is heard claiming the 13-year-old said he was going to shoot him, however the teen quickly responds: 'I didn't say that. Why you lying? I said, 'I'm going to sue you'.' Moments later in the clip, another boy charges the off-duty cop and knocks him over in an attempt to free his friend. But the cop does not let go, and instead reaches into his waistband and pulls out his weapon. Seconds later, a shot rings out and the group of teens quickly run away from the house. Eventually the off-duty cop was able to drag the boy across a front lawn (left), but when he made it to a hedge, two other boys knocked the officer over in an effort to free their friend (right) The LAPD officer was then seeing trying to drag the boy across the top of a hedge (pictured). When he was unable to do so, he reached for his weapon They then watch on from a safe distance as the off-duty cop continues to hold down Christian he pulled across the hedge. The 13-year-old can then be heard saying, 'You shot me, you put a gun to my face,' as the off-duty cop tells the elderly man nearby to call the police. Later in the video police arrived and arrested Christian, as well as a 15-year-old. The officer was not arrested. Christian has since been released, along with the 15-year-old. Anaheim Police released a statement about the incident on Tuesday. A man who identified himself as the off-duty cop's father was seen in the video (left), before police arrived to speak to the cop (right) 'Two juveniles have been arrested following a physical confrontation during which an off-duty LAPD officer discharged his firearm,' it read. 'Nobody was struck by the gunfire and the Anaheim Police Department Homicide Detail is investigating. 'Officers were called to the area... regarding a physical altercation between a male adult and several male juveniles. While officers were responding, additional information was received the adult was an off-duty LAPD officer, he had discharged his firearm, and was detaining at least one of the juveniles.' The video, which had been viewed more than 25,000 times, has since been removed from YouTube. Christian's family started a fundraising page to raise money to cover their legal costs. His father said any money raised that goes above the legal costs will be donated to charity. Police are expected to provide an update on Thursday during a press conference. Advertisement Entire San Jose neighborhoods were submerged by water on Wednesday during the worst floods for 100 years. 50,000 people were told to flee their homes after evacuation warnings were issued in the early hours of the morning. Most were issued a flood warning but for 14,000 the order was mandatory. The flooding began when Coyote Creek, which runs through Silicon Valley from the San Francisco Bay, burst its banks on Tuesday night. It sent dirty water pouring in to the towns below it at frightening pace. On Wednesday, residents complained that the alert had not been sent out fast enough. Some said their first warning came when they saw neighbors being rescued from their drowning homes by firefighters in dinghies. Scroll down for video Entire neighborhoods in San Jose, California, were submerged on Wednesday by contaminated flood water from Coyote Creek Resident Hein Nguyen pulls her trousers up to wade through the knee deep water on Wednesday after the flood warning was issued Cars lie stranded in the road int he middle of Welch Avenue, one of the worst hit areas, on Wednesday A man carries his daughter on his back through flood water outside their home on Wednesday Mayor Sam Liccardo labeled the city's response to the emergency situation a 'failure'. 'If the first time a resident is aware that they need to get out of their home is when they see a firefighter in a boat, that's a failure. We are assessing what happened in that failure.' Residents have been warned not to go into the water which was likely contaminated by sewage. 'People should take every precaution to stay away from the water to avoid illness or injury,' Sara Cody, Santa Clara County Health Officer said. California has been battered by winter storms for weeks after one of the wettest seasons on record. The most recent problems were brought by an 'atmospheric river' - the name given to a sudden and severe horizontal moving patch of weather. The entire state has recorded higher than average rainfall, bringing an abrupt end to its five-year drought and sparking emergency situations all over. In Southern California, flash flood warnings and wind advisories were issued last week as up to six inches of rain hammered Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Further north, the Oroville Dam threatened collapse after its reservoir rose to capacity for the first time ever. Some San Jose residents complained that the first they knew of the danger was on Wednesday when they saw neighbors being rescued from their homes in boats. Above, one home and surrounding cars is submerged in flood water A play park stands isolated in the flood water on Wednesday after the sudden downstream rush of water Cars abandoned in the street began to sink in the water as trees and street lights remained the few structures towering over the water Despite warnings from health officials not to go into the water, many residents were seen trying to save items from their sinking homes One house had its windows and doors almost covered by the murky water which city officials have said is contaminated A man pushed water down his driveway in one of the zones where residents were given a warning instead of a mandatory order to leave Engineers have been battling the punishing weather to try to fix the crumbling spillways which nearly gave way to the lake for days. San Jose's state of emergency was brought on suddenly late on Tuesday night. Water agencies have admitted they did not expect so much water to move downstream on Coyote Creek so quickly. 'The water was much higher than anybody expected. The creek spilled over the banks faster and higher than anybody expected,' city spokesman David Vossbrink told The Los Angeles Times. Residents who had signed up for emergency alerts received them and warnings were issued over social media but first responders eventually resorted to going door-to-door to get people out of the danger zone. 'It was scary,' said Irma Gonzalez, 59, whose two-story apartment complex is alongside the creek. She was awakened about 2:30 a.m. by police pounding on her door. 'They were like, "You've got to hurry up and go! Move it!"'. The Coyote Creek branches off of the San Francisco Bay and trickles down into Silicon Valley, passing through San Jose and its suburbs THE WORST OF THE RAIN IS OVER BUT MORE WET WEATHER WILL COME NEXT WEEK An interactive map shows the weather forecast in the San Jose area from Wednesday. There is no rain scheduled to fall directly on the region until the weekend and next week when it will remain light Advertisement Wednesday: There is still some rain in northern California but San Jose was dry on Wednesday which allowed the flood waters to recede Thursday: It will remain clear on Thursday with rain and snow forecast in other parts of the state but no drastic downpour is expected to worsen the situation Friday: The dry weather will continue into Friday, allowing officials to work to restoring the area to safety Saturday: Rain is scheduled to creep back in to the region over the weekend but the showers will be mostly light Huge swathes of California have been pounded with rain since Saturday, with many receiving up to six inches Resident Sandy Moll said she had prepared for about a foot of water, but the flooding spilled over sandbags stacked 3 feet high and broke down her back door. Moll told The Mercury News in San Jose she was angry at the lack of warning. 'I'm seething. It's the lack of information and forewarning when they had to have known. They never even said you need to prepare for a major flood.' Bob Benjamin, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said the water level in Coyote Creek reached a 100-year high during this week's storm. The floodwaters were receding Wednesday but the mayor said it would be at least another day before residents would be allowed to return home. Assistant City Manager Dave Sykes said officials first became aware of the rising water late Tuesday when firefighters began evacuating about 400 people from a low-lying residential area. City officials did not believe the waters would spread to other neighborhoods and did not expand the evacuation orders. A mandatory evacuation order is in place for the above zone of streets (illustrated in blue in both maps) affecting 14,000 people A flood warning is in place for the entire length of the creek, north of 280 street and south of 237 street (illustrated in orange above) About 300 people stayed in emergency shelters set up by the city, while many found other accommodations. Coyote Creek flooded after Anderson Dam in Santa Clara County reached capacity during heavy weekend rains. 'We've been pummeled by a number of storms since Jan. 9. 'We've been letting out as much water as we possibly could,' said Rachel Gibson, a spokeswoman for the Santa Clara Valley Water Project, which operates the dam. Managers of the Anderson Dam were taking advantage of a break in the storms to draw down the reservoir, which is supposed to be limited to 68 percent of capacity because of earthquake concerns but is now at 100 percent, said Jim Fiedler, a chief operating officer at the Santa Clara Valley Water District. He said it could take nine weeks to bring it down to normal levels. Inspectors in 2010 discovered the dam is vulnerable to a major quake and $400 million is being spent to make it earthquake-proof by 2024. On Nordale Avenue, cars and RVs floated in the street after waters poured through the streets overnight On Welch Avenue, one of the worst hit roads, vehicles were almost entirely under water and their trunks were popped open Trees were all that towered over the water in some parts as vehicles lay abandoned in the roads Trash bags floated through the streets and vehicles were lifted off the ground by the waters which rose suddenly Despite warnings not to drive through the water, many residents were seen out and about on Wednesday in cars that could withstand the flood Children survey the damage in one neighborhood as cars floated in the street after the overnight flood A man walks through Rock Spring Drive with supplies, his feet becoming soaked in the water, on Wednesday Residents carry sand bags at South Bay Mobile Home Park in San Jose to help neighbors protect their homes from the floods Some apartments which were above ground level were spared from the worst of the floods but their occupants are stuck inside until the water in the streets recedes In the Barazza household, members of the family pushed dirty flood water around the kitchen on Wednesday Anna Graciela stomps through flood water at her family's apartment on Wednesday after the region awoke to find entire communities submerged Flood warnings were in place until Saturday because waterways were overtaxed. Another storm was forecast Sunday. The rains have saturated the once-drought-stricken region and wreaked havoc for residents. At least four people have died as a result of the storms throughout the state in the past week. San Jose resident Daniel Martinez said he didn't think twice about what to do when police knocked on his door at 1 a.m. to warn of a flood. 'We decided to leave just to be safe not sorry,' said Martinez, a 32-year-old yogurt shop manager. He woke up his daughter, grabbed his diabetes medicine and hustled to an emergency center at a nearby high school. By Wednesday morning, he hadn't slept a wink but was trying to stay positive. 'Can't dread on it, you know. Keep your spirits up and hope for the best,' Martinez said. Hillary Clinton resurfaced today, sending out a tweet in support of the protests going on at Congressional town halls around the country and calling out lawmakers who won't face constituents. 'If you can't stand the heat, get out of the ... Congress,' she teased, linking to an editorial from the Kansas City Star that said just that. 'Representing the people means showing up, even when the exchange may not be among friends,' the paper's editorial board said. During the campaign, now President Donald Trump had made his raucous rallies a positive talking point, while mocking the poor attendance of Clinton's events. Now, he was grumbling over the widely-attended town halls, tweeting about them yesterday and questioning their legitimacy, as activists' antics at the meet-and-greets have been pre-planned. 'The so-called angry crowds in home districts of some Republicans are actually, in numerous cases, planned out by liberal activists,' he wrote on Twitter Tuesday night, finishing the statement off with his trademark, 'Sad!' Many Republican lawmakers have seen their congressional town halls swarmed by protesters in recent weeks, with anti-Trump activists urging people especially to make their voices heard this week when members of Congress are in their home districts. For example, Rep. Tom McClintock, a California Republican, had to be escorted by police out of an event the last time he appeared before constituents. Yesterday, he encountered protesters at a town hall event again. And tired were found slashed on cars parked outside his rowdy Q&A session, after the fact, according to Politico's account. Scroll down for video Hillary Clinton resurfaced today to tweet in support of protesters taking over congressional town hall - and shame members of Congress unwilling to face constituents Hillary Clinton, seen at an Oscar de la Renta last week in New York, pointed to an editorial by the Kansas City Star, which advocated for members of Congress to attend town halls Rep. Tom McClintock, a California Republican, needed a police escort to escape his last town hall. He tried again Tuesday and stood before a combative audience, while someone slashed the tires of attendees outside the venue President Donald Trump questioned the legitimacy of the protests taking place all over the country this week by pointing out they were 'planned out by liberal activists' President Donald Trump took to Twitter yesterday and called the protests 'Sad!' and the crowds 'so-called angry' Today during the White House press briefing, Press Secretary Sean Spicer suggested that town hall attendees are people, coming from the grass roots, who are upset with the president, but also protesters paid to be there by special interests, what's called 'astro-turfing' in the political world. 'Some people are clearly upset, but there is a bit of professional protester, manufactured base in there,' Spicer said. 'But obviously there are people who are upset, but I also think that when you look at some of these districts and some of these things, that it is not representative of a member's district.' The protests' planners haven't been shy about the fact that they're organized, but pushed back against any astro-turfing allegations. A new group made up of former Congressional staffers, called Indivisible Guide, launched in December and is providing activists with 'training manuals,' such as how to have a 'successful' town hall, what questions to ask lawmakers and how to track 'missing' members of Congress down. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer acknowledged that the town halls were being attended by some authentically angry constituents, though suggested there were 'professional' protesters coming to yell at Republican members of Congress too LOUISIANA: Sen. Bill Cassidy faced an angry crowd Wednesday, with one man being escorted out of the room 'The overwhelming thing that we've heard is that this is the first time so many Indivisible group members have been politically active up until the election of Donald Trump they had never called their member of Congress or attended a town hall,' Sarah Dohl, a board member for the group, told DailyMail.com. 'What we've seen over the past several weeks is Americans showing up to make their voices heard on issues we should all be concerned about,' she added. Indivisible's guides are happily being shared by other groups on the left, including President Barack Obama's Organizing for Action and Priorities USA Action, the Democrats' biggest super PAC, which benefited losing nominee Hillary Clinton in the last cycle. This week's efforts are being labeled #ReclaimRecess, with President Bill Clinton's former labor secretary, Robert Reich, even filming a PSA explaining what to do. 'This is your chance to show Trump's agenda faces a powerful resistance,' Reich said in the spot. 'The resistance has already begun and has serious momentum.' Yesterday protesters also overwhelmed a veterans town hall with Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa. IOWA: Sen. Joni Ernst, a rising Republican star, was told by constituents out a crowded town hall meeting that this was her 'last term!' VIRGINIA: Republican Rep. Scott Taylor's town hall in Virginia Beach was attended by several hundred constituents who asked him questions about President Donald Trump KENTUCKY: While Sen. Mitch McConnell was at a Chamber of Commerce lunch, 1,000 people gathered outside with signs (pictured) - while inside, some asked him questions They shouted 'your last term!' as she entered the room, according to Twitter accounts, and asked questions about Russia's interference in the U.S. election. In Virginia, Rep. Scott Taylor's town hall in Virginia Beach attracted numbers in the hundreds as constituents asked the Republican lawmaker questions about Russia as well. He also took queries about the president's unreleased tax returns and the swift dismissal of national security adviser, Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn. 'I'm frustrated, I'm angry, I'd rather be at home with my children doing the family thing, but I'm here because this is important,' one constituent, Chelsea Ballard, told the local ABC affiliate 13News. An even bigger crowd of about 1,000 greeted Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., as he attended an Anderson County Chamber of Commerce luncheon held at an American Legion post. The Senate's top Republican delivered a curt, 'thank you for your speech,' after being asked about a mission in Yemen, which left one Navy Seal dead, and whether the new president should face impeachment for it, according to the account in the Louisville Courier-Journal. Even members of Congress who decided against holding a town hall this week weren't spared. TEXAS: While Rep. Louis Gohmert, R-Texas, was attending a closed-door meeting at a restaurant, protesters gathered outside and unfurled a giant banner Activists decorated milk jugs with the visage of their 'MISSING' Republican lawmaker, Rep. Paul Cook, who they say hasn't held a town hall meeting since 2013 For instance, Indivisible members shamed Rep. Louis Gohmert, R-Texas, by showing up outside a private event where he was speaking and chanted, 'a phone call, is not a town hall.' They unfurled a giant banner that read: 'Please Meet with Us.' A Twitter account was created to track down Rep. Paul Cook, R-Calif., who activists said hadn't attended a public town hall since 2013. Yesterday, they posted a picture of milk jugs with his 'MISSING' picture on the side of it, for greater effect. In Reich's PSA for Indivisible he encouraged these kinds of attention-getting tactics. 'If they refuse to hold a town hall, hold your own and invite them,' he said. 'If your representative doesn't attend, bring a cardboard cut-out or an empty chair and let your local media know that your member of Congress didn't have the courage to show up and face constituents,' he stated. Using Trump's favorite adjective, it's the town hall no-shows, that Dohl, a member of Indivisible's leadership team, called 'sad.' 'The only thing that's sad about the local activism we're seeing is that so many members of Congress refuse to meet with their constituents face to face,' she said. Karen Ristevski's grieving relatives have spoken of their horror after her 'badly decomposed' body was found by a bushwalker under logs, suggesting her suspected murder was 'personal'. The Melbourne mother, 47, was last seen by her husband Borce Ristevski on June 29 last year when she left the family home in Avondale Heights to 'clear her head' after they argued over money. The desperate search for Mrs Ristevski ended this week when a bushwalker unearthed a body wedged beneath logs at Mount Macedon. The next day DNA testing confirmed the body was Mrs Ristevski's remains. A shovel seized from the family home has been linked to the makeshift gravesite, with a match on the soil type. What do her relatives make of the discoveries, and where do they fit in the tragedy? Scroll down for video Police have seized a shovel from the home Karen Ristevski shared with her husband Borce (pictured together) and believe soil samples from it could solve the mystery of her suspected murder Mr and Mrs Ristevski's 21-year-old daughter Sarah is pictured. Family says she had a 'special' bond with her mother, and has stood by her father Victoria's former top homicide investigator, Charlie Bezzina, on Wednesday told Nine Network's Today Show the crime scene indicated the suspected murder seemed 'personal' and 'unplanned'. No arrests have been made or charges laid. Mrs Ristevski's brother Stephen Williams said she had a 'special' bond with her 21-year-old daughter Sarah. 'She was very dedicated to Sarah,' Mr Williams told 9 News on Tuesday. A steady stream of family members have been arriving at the Avondale Heights home to comfort 21-year-old Sarah, who has suffered the unimaginable loss of her mother and had to deal with suspicion directed at her father. Mrs Ristevski's brother Stephen Williams said she had a 'special' bond with her 21-year-old daughter Sarah (mother and daughter are pictured together) Rumours claim her relationship with her mother deteriorated in the weeks before Mrs Ristevski's disappearance. There is no suggestion Sarah has anything to do with her mother's death. Early on in the missing persons investigation, a press conference was cut short when a Seven News reporter asked Mr Ristevski if he killed his wife. Mrs Ristevski's aunt Patricia Gray said the question was 'inappropriate' and Sarah was pictured crying into her father's shoulders as the family left in protest. News Corp reports Sarah has since stood by her father when he stopped cooperating with detectives for not considering other potential suspects. Relatives of Mrs Ristevski have broken their silence since her body was found in bushland. (Her aunt Patricia Gray is pictured left, and cousin Stephen Richardson is pictured right) Mrs Ristevski is pictured with her brother Stephen Williams who said he is devastated but relieved Ms Ristevski's body was found by a bushwalker under logs at Mount Macedon Her husband Borce Ristevski did not comment when he was approached by Nine News on Wednesday as he arrived at his lawyer's office Mr Williams said the discovery of his elder sister's body was 'surreal' and made him feel 'upset, anger' and 'relief'. '[The news] just confirmed what we thought and knew all along,' he told 9 News. Victoria's former top homicide investigator, Charlie Bezzina, said the crime scene indicated the suspected murder seemed 'personal' 'Hopefully things will now move on more rapidly.' Mrs Ristevski's aunt Patricia Gray said she felt 'happy' and 'relieved' her body had been recovered but was 'devastated that's how she was discarded'. 'How a person such as Karen, so full of love, life and laughter, could be left, abandoned, discarded with no thought or emotion shown is unforgivable,' she told The Age. 'I know the person who put her there didn't want us to find her, but we did,' Ms Gray told Yahoo 7. But she would not speculate on who the killer could be, or comment on suspicion aimed at Mr Ristevski. Anthony Rickard (pictured), Ms Ristevski's stepson, has called for her killer to come forward in a social media post 'As much as u have hurt me Karen I would never wish any harm to you,' he wrote (pictured) In a second Facebook comment on Wednesday, Mr Rickard said Mrs Ristevski was his 'soulmate' Asked whether he had been told anything about the body, her stepson Anthony Rickard replied: 'What's to tell?' but did not answer further questions 'Is anyone capable of doing this? How do I know?' she said. Stephen Richardson - Mrs Ristevski's cousin who lives in New Zealand, where she was born said he was thankful to police despite the heartbreaking way she was found. 'It's not a nice way to remember her, but you know the police from day one have done a great job,' he told Yahoo 7. Another cousin, Lisa Gray, said the family would continue to assist police to get Mrs Ristevski justice. 'Karen was such a beautiful, kind, generous and loving person,' she told The Age. The family (pictured left - right, Borce, Sarah, aunt Patricia Gray) appealed for information at a press conference last July A reporter asked Mr Ristevski if he was guilty and Sarah was pictured crying into Mr Ristevski's shoulders as the family left in protest The number one suspect in the police investigation is Mr Ristevski, his lawyer admitted on Wednesday. The father was spotted arriving at the criminal lawyer's office in central Melbourne and refused to answer questions as he entered the building. Mr Ristevski's lawyer, Rob Stary, briefly spoke with media as he left his office later that day. 'It's pretty clear police have him as their number one suspect,' Mr Stary told The Age. Mr Ristevski has maintained his innocence and there is no suggestion he was involved in his wife's death. Ms Gray (pictured centre facing towards the camera) said asking Mr Ristevski if he was guilty was 'inappropriate' Ms Ristevski's daughter Sarah (left) and Borce (right) are pictured leaving a press conference in July Mrs Ristevski's stepson, Anthony Rickard, urged the killer to come forward in Facebook posts on social media following the discovery of her body. 'As much as u have hurt me Karen I would never wish any harm to you,' he wrote. 'God bless u Karen I forgive u for all the pain.' Daily Mail Australia is unable to publish Mr Rickard's entire post because of legal reasons. In a second Facebook comment on Wednesday, Mr Rickard said: 'All that I've done I'm sorry for all you have done to me I forgive I wish u were living it up overseas ur the only person who showed me true love and will always have a place for u in my heart u were my one true soulmate xxx rest in piece Karen.' The 47-year-old was last seen alive on June 29 last year when she left home to clear her head Mr Ristevski has always maintained his innocence in his wife's death (pictured together) Forensic Police go through the scene after the woman's body was uncovered on Monday. Soil on the shovel matches soil at Mount Macedon where her body was found Police at the scene where a 'badly decomposed' body was found in Mount Macedon, north of Melbourne, on Monday afternoon Mr Rickard, who has previously made unsubstantiated claims about his stepmother and family conflict within the Ristevski clan, gave a cryptic comment to Daily Mail Australia just before family flocked to the house to grieve this week. Asked whether he had been told anything about Ms Ristevski's remains, Mr Rickard replied: 'What's to tell?' but did not answer further questions. Mr Ristevski's brother Vasko has also previously made unsubstantiated claims about the mother's disappearance, alleging she had run away. Mrs Ristevski was last seen leaving her home on Oakley Drive in Avondale Heights in Melbourne's northwest following an argument about money with her husband on June 29. Two detectives from the missing persons squad visited at her luxury two-storey house in Avondale Heights, Melbourne, at about 4.45pm to break the news They spent about 50 minutes inside the house speaking to family including her husband Borce and their daughter Sarah, but did not answer questions as they left A third man arrived at the Ristevski house after news of her remains being found broke Chris Ristevski, nephew of Mrs Ristevski, arrives at her home after hearing that her body was identified keeping his phone glued to his face Another man arrives at the house to console the grieving family Another woman, who said she was just a neighbour, laid flowers at the entrance Her boutique Bella Bleu closed in February last year, lender caveats put on the family home, and Borce tried to get a loan from a notorious Melbourne loan shark at least twice. Her phone reportedly pinged a tower in Gisborne, about 11 kilometres from the crime scene, on the day she went missing. Testing on a shovel seized from the Avondale Heights home found two soil types,Herald Sun reports. One matched soil behind the family home in Melbourne, leading police to begin their initial search along the Maribyrnong River. The other matched soil found in the Gisborne-Macedon area where her remains were found by a bushwalker at Mount Macedon on Monday. Flowers were delivered to the home of Mrs Ristevski throughout the afternoon The fallen tree trunks she was hidden under were so big it was not possible to see her body unless you were standing directly above them The discovery site is about 25 kilometres from the Toolern Vale area where police were searching for her last December Ms Ristevski's phone reportedly pinged a tower in Gisborne - about 11 kilometres from the site - on the day she went missing Forensic Police go through the scene where Ms Ristevski's body was found on Monday A blonde woman also rushed to the home after the news broke A woman carrying groceries was one of many to arrive at Mrs Ristevski's home on Wednesday afternoon A man pays tribute to Karen Ristevski by placing flowers outside her home A steady stream of well-wishes, including family and friends, arrived at Mrs Ristevski's home Flowers delivered to the front gate of Karen Ristevski's home are taken inside Timeline of Karen Ristevski's mysterious disappearance June 29, 2016: Karen Ristevski disappears from her house on Oakley Drive in Avondale Heights, Melbourne, at about 10am. Her husband Borce, the last person to see her alive, said she went to 'clear her head' after a fight July 11: The missing persons squad is called in to investigate July 8, 2016: Mr Ristevski questioned by detectives and denied any involvement in her disappearance July 13: Actor Samuel Johnson took to social media to plead for his friend to come home July 13: Police and SES scour bushland behind the Ristevski home, near the Maribyrnong River July 14, 2016: Mr Ristevski addresses a press conference appealing for information about her disappearance. The same day, police said CCTV did not catch her leaving the house that morning July 21, 2016: Mr Ristevski claims their home's security cameras stoped working months before her disappearance July 23, 2016: Ms Ristevski's meth-addicted step-son Anthony Rickard, 32, claimed his stepmother was planning on leaving his father July 29: Police divers search another part of the Maribyrnong River, about three kilometres from the Ristevski house September 9, 2016: Neighbour hands police CCTV possibly showing Ms Ristevski's car on the day she disappeared August 11, 2016: Mr Rickard posted a series of disturbing and unsubstantiated messages to social media which revealed his troubled relationship with his family. He claimed their marriage was 'fake', called his father a 'coward', claimed his father watched him do drugs and that he and Mrs Ristevski had an affair August 24, 2016: Mr Ristevski's brother Vasco suggested she might have fled to the U.S. or China on a fake passport December 19-20, 2016: Police drained dams and searched countryside at Toolern Vale - just south of where her body was found on Monday February 20, 2017: A bushwalker found the body under a large log on Mt Macedon, about 52 kilometres from the house, and contacted police about 12.30pm February 21, 2017: The body is confirmed to be Ms Ristevski's and police break the news to her family Advertisement Ms Ristevski was a successful boutique shop proprietor living in a luxury two-storey house Ivanka Trump attended a meeting with minority business owners in Baltimore alongside members of her father's administration on Wednesday. The First Daughter visited the Raymond V. Haysbert Center for Entrepreneurship at the Greater Baltimore Urban League, where she participated in a roundtable discussion. National Urban League President Marc Morial invited Ivanka, who has expressed an interest in working on policies to benefit women in business. Linda McMahon, who heads the Small Business Administration, and Dina Powell, an assistant to the president and senior counselor for economic initiatives, were also in attendance. Ivanka Trump attended a roundtable discussion in Baltimore, Maryland, where two people shared their experiences being homeless before they launched their businesses 'I feel like Ivanka listened very intently and asked some very intelligent questions,' Morial said, noting that she wanted to understand which programs worked The Haysbert Center offers mentoring programs, seminars, and workshops for entrepreneurs, while the Greater Baltimore Urban League's mission is to 'enable African Americans to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power, and civil rights'. Morial said he wanted to show Ivanka 'a highly successful program that is supported by the federal government that makes a difference in the success of small entrepreneurs.' 'I feel like Ivanka listened very intently and asked some very intelligent questions,' Morial said, noting that she wanted to understand which programs worked and could be implemented on a larger scale. During the roundtable discussion, the business owners shared stories about the challenges they had overcome to achieve their business goals. Two of the entrepreneurs, who had previously been homeless, discussed the public and private programs that helped them achieve, according to a White House official who requested anonymity to provide details of the event. Linda McMahon, (left) who heads the Small Business Administration, and Dina Powell (right), an assistant to the president and senior counselor for economic initiatives also attended Morial said there are about a dozen National Urban League entrepreneurship centers operated by local affiliates around the country. Collectively they serve about 10,000 people a year and are supported by public and private funding. Morial, who has been critical of President Donald Trump, said he was happy to reach out to Ivanka over a shared interest in economic development. 'We will oppose those things that we are duty bound to oppose, but we will keep our doors open to look for areas of commonality,' he said. 'I call it an intelligent approach.' Ivanka's visit to Baltimore came after she took her daughter to visit the Supreme Court on Wednesday. In a post on Instagram, she wrote: 'Arabella and I visited the Supreme Court this morning and attended a hearing. I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach her about the judicial system in our country firsthand.' Ivanka was invited by Justice Anthony Kennedy, after the two reportedly met at a lunch following President Trump's inauguration last month. Ivanka Trump, daughter of President Donald Trump, and her daughter Arabella Kushner walk down the steps of the Supreme Court in Washington earlier on Wednesday Trump attended the court session at the encouragement of Justice Anthony Kennedy, who extended the invitation when they met at the inauguration lunch Ivanka stepped away from leadership roles at the family business and her own lifestyle brand to move her family to Washington. Her eponymous brand has been dropped by major retailers after flagging sales, and her fine jewelry line was hit with a New York State lien on January 26, which accused the company of failing to pay over $5,000 in taxes. In March 2016, the New York Supreme Court ordered Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry to pay over $3 million, plus interest, to KGK Jewelry LLC over a breach of contract dispute. Ivanka's company was required to make several payments to KGK for jewelry that it delivered, but refused to pay more than once. The company argued that because KGK was one day late in returning certain computer design files and the jewelry was 'of substandard quality,' they were not obligated to make further payments. The court rejected this argument and ordered Ivanka's company to pay $3,059,590. Her most high profile outing to date was a meeting on women's economic issues that came as part of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's visit to the White House For now, her husband, Jared Kushner is the only one with an official White House position, but she has been an increasingly visible presence in recent weeks, appearing at meetings and press conferences. Her most high profile outing to date was a meeting on women's economic issues that came as part of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's visit to the White House. Trudeau's office proposed the joint effort focused on empowering women in the workforce, and the meeting was put together by aides in both countries with input from Ivanka. Female executives from both countries attended, as did the president and Trudeau. A Florida man told police that his dog shot his girlfriend while she was sleeping. Brian Murphy, 25, told officers that he let his dog, Diesel, outside Tuesday night after the canine woke him up. The pair then walked back in the home, Murphy said, adding that Diesel walked in their dark bedroom before him. A few moments later, he said he saw a flash and heard a loud bang, according to Action News Jax. Brian Murphy (left), 25, told officers that his dog Diesel shot his girlfriend, Summer Miracle (right) while she was sleeping Murphy (left) claimed Diesel jumped up on the nightstand where his gun was sitting and it went off, shooting Miracle (right) in the leg Murphy claimed Diesel jumped up on the nightstand where his gun was sitting and it went off, shooting his girlfriend, Summer Miracle in the leg, according to First Coast News. He then called 911 and put a towel on the 25-year-old's bleeding leg. Jacksonville police responded to the scene around 11.25pm at a home in the 2200 block of Patou Drive. Miracle told authorities that she was asleep when the bullet struck her in her right leg. She told police she was awakened by a throbbing pain and wasn't sure how she was shot. Miracle was taken to the hospital but her injuries did not appear to be life-threatening. A furious political blame game erupted last night over the alleged 1million paid to a British Guantanamo Bay detainee unmasked as an IS suicide bomber. Ronald Fiddler was handed taxpayer-funded compensation after claiming MI6 agents were complicit in his mistreatment by the Americans. Despite lobbying by Tony Blairs government for his release, the former web designer from Manchester this week carried out a suicide bombing in Iraq. Fiddlers family last night issued a statement saying he had not received as much as 1million. But former terror laws watchdog Lord Carlile declared that he was an enemy of the state and plainly a terrorist who should never have been given a penny. Robert Fiddler (pictured as a schoolboy of 11, left, and as a 25-year-old, right) was handed taxpayer-funded compensation after his release from Guantanamo Comfort: British suicide bomber Jamal Udeen al-Harith bought this smart 220,000 property in Manchester in April 2011 One MP told Theresa May that there was something profoundly wrong with the justice system when a terror suspect could pocket public cash while British veterans faced prosecution over service in Northern Ireland 40 years later. Mr Blair who was PM when Fiddler was released pointed the finger at the Conservatives for agreeing the compensation sum in 2010, when Mrs May was Home Secretary. Others however, said the payout had been set in train by Labour before it lost power. Downing Street, meanwhile, flatly refused to discuss Mrs Mays role, saying it was an intelligence matter. Muslim convert Fiddler, 50, was released from Guantanamo in 2004 after intense pressure from the Labour government of the time. On his return to the UK, he and other British former inmates launched a legal action over their alleged mistreatment. To avoid an embarrassing court battle, which could have revealed British complicity in rendition and torture, ministers agreed to pay millions to settle the claims. Chris Phillips, the former head of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, said some of Fiddlers share has almost certainly gone to fund Islamic State. And Lord Carlile, the former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, told Radio 4s Today programme: It should never have been paid on the merits. There was absolutely no merit in paying [Fiddler] a penny because plainly he was a terrorist and he was a potentially dangerous terrorist. Ill gotten gains: Al-Harith, who this week blew himself up in a gruesome attack on an army base in Mosul, Iraq, bought the three storey property in Stockport with taxpayer cash UK national Jamal Udeen al-Harith was photographed moments before blowing himself up in an attack on a military facility near Mosul in Iraq (pictured) The issue was the legal disclosure rules. If someone brings a civil action for damages they are entitled to disclosure of material, some of which may be national security material. In the Commons, former defence minister Sir Julian Brazier compared the treatment of Fiddler with the scandal of former soldiers facing criminal inquiries over their time in Ulster, saying: There is something profoundly wrong with a criminal justice system which can pursue veterans who risk their lives for this country 40 years on ...while at the same time is capable of paying out 1million to a terror suspect. Fiddler, who adopted the Muslim name Jamal Al-Harith, appeared grinning in an Islamic State video three days ago as he drove his explosives-laden car towards a target in Mosul. Meanwhile, the semi-detached house he purchased with 220,000 of his compensation money remained abandoned in Stockport, Greater Manchester. His wife Shukee Begum, 34, remains in hiding. Mr Blair said yesterday: He was not paid compensation by my government. The compensation was agreed in 2010 by the Conservative government. Footage shows Fiddler's reinforced vehicle setting off along a dusty road before it is blown up Former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said it was right to have requested Fiddlers release because he was being held without trial. He told the BBC: We were in a bind and you cant keep people locked up forever on the basis of suspicion. Last night Ukips defence spokesman Bill Etheridge said: These repeated compensation payments are funding terrorism. It is time to stop the thinking that there is good in everyone and realise that there are people out there that wish to do us harm. Fiddlers family said in a statement say that the 1million figure was a group settlement including costs for four innocent people including Jamal. Why wasn't he kept under surveillance? By Chris Greenwood, Jim Norton, Richard Marsden and James Tucker Theresa May was under growing pressure last night to explain how a known extremist was able to flee Britain and blow himself up on the Islamic State front line. The prime minister faced calls to lay bare what she knew about the risk former Guantanamo Bay inmate Ronald Fiddler posed to the British public. Her spokesman was forced onto the defensive as he refused 18 times to say how the 50-year-old was able to leave the country despite his extraordinary background. Al-Harith gives testimony before a Council of Europe panel in 2004 (shown right), as part of an inquiry into human rights abuses at Gauntanamo Bay Critics called on Mrs May, who was home secretary when Fiddler travelled to Syria three years ago, to reveal what assurances she was given by the security services. Fiddler was arrested in lawless southern Afghanistan and held at Guantanamo for two years as US authorities warned he was linked to Al Qaida. TIMELINE OF EVENTS 1966: Ronald Fiddler is born in Manchester to devout Christian parents originating from Jamaica 1994: He converts to Islam, changing his name to Jamal Udeen al-Harith October 2001: Al-Harith travels to Quetta in Pakistan, on a 'religious holiday'. A few day later the US invasion of neighbouring Afghanistan began Early 2002: He is arrested by American forces in Afghanistan after they discover him in a Taliban jail and later transferred to Guantanamo Bay prison 2004: After lobbying from Tony Blair's Labour government, al-Harith is released along with five others. He returns to the UK where he is released without charge, and joins three other prisoners in suing Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld 2009: His case against Rumsfield and the US government is finally dismissed on the grounds of 'limited immunity' for government officials 2014: Despite security services being fully aware of his previous detention, he is able to escape the UK to fight with ISIS in Syria 2015: His British wife Shukee Begum, along with their five children, join him in Syria before fleeing from the Isis-controlled territory Advertisement They said that his back story as a backpacking Islamic scholar simply did not add up, and that he may even have spent time with Osama bin Laden in Sudan. But there are fears Fiddler and other committed Islamists simply drop off the radar after being released from custody, pocketing huge pay-offs. His family claim he was not even fully debriefed by the security services after he told them he had already spent two years answering questions. But David Blunkett, who was home secretary when Fiddler and others were released from the US prison camp, insisted police and security services reassured him that no-one allowed to return would pose a risk to the British public. In a fearsome broadside, he questioned whether the same measures continued after the Coalition Government came to power in 2010. The former Labour MP highlighted that it was the Conservative-led government that signed off the secret bumper compensation pay-outs. But Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire, who worked alongside Mrs May in the Home Office, insisted the security services are doing an incredible job. There is ongoing monitoring that is undertaken by security and intelligence agencies. We are investing more heavily into their work, he told the BBC. The security and intelligence agencies do an incredible job and we have given them extra powers to be able to disrupt. An airman stationed at an Air Force base in Georgia has been sentenced to life in prison for the slaying of his pregnant fiancee. Charles Amos Wilson III was spared from a possible death sentence after a decision by a court-martial on Wednesday. A military jury convicted Wilson last week of premeditated murder in the August 2013 fatal shooting of Tameda Ferguson. Charles Amos Wilson III (left), an airman who was stationed at an Air Force base in Georgia, has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2013 slaying of his pregnant fiancee, Tameda Ferguson (right) He was also found guilty of killing Ferguson's unborn child. She was 8.5 months pregnant. Robins Air Force Base spokesman Roland Leach said Wednesday that the military jury gave Wilson a life sentence with no possibility of parole. Wilson's rank was also knocked down to E-1, a recruit's level, according to 13 WMAZ. He will lose all back pay and allowances and will be dishonorably discharged. In his first court-martial, Wilson was found not guilty of murder and arson charges as well as insurance fraud. The case stemmed from a fire in his rental home that killed Demetrius Hardy, a civilian employee at Robins, according to the station. A Robins Air Force Base spokesman said the military jury gave Wilson a life sentence with no possibility of parole In June, another jury found Wilson guilty of assault against a female Air Force technical sergeant back in 2012. Wilson was assigned to the 461st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Robins Air Force Base. Prosecutors said he had hoped to collect insurance payments from Ferguson's death. Robins Air Force Base released a statement regarding the sentence saying the Air Force has 'great confidence in our military justice system which holds members accountable for their actions and provides a fair and efficient process for the just resolution of cases'. 'Airman First Class Wilson's crimes are an extreme departure from the high standards the Air Force sets for its people, and he is not representative of the exceptional Airmen serving and defending our nation,' the statement read. Tories are deploying umbrellas to voters in key by-elections as Storm Doris threatens to wash Jeremy Corbyn away. Labour is facing a desperate struggle to cling on in contests being held in Copeland in Cumbria and Stoke-on-Trent Central today. The party has held the seats for decades - but senior figures fear their backers will be less motivated to come out and vote as severe gales and driving rain sweep in from the Atlantic. Anything other than comfortable wins will be a disaster for Mr Corbyn, who is under pressure because of his dreadful poll ratings. Ukip sources said party leader Paul Nuttall, pictured voting in Stoke today, is 'pretty confident' about his chances of seizing the seat from Labour Anything less than a big win for Labour in the Copeland and Stoke contests would be a big blow to Mr Corbyn (pictured leaving his London home today) Ukip sources have said leader Paul Nuttall is 'pretty confident' about his chances of seizing Stoke, despite a campaign dogged by questions over whether he had misrepresented his links to the Hillsborough disaster. Mr Nuttall said this morning that the storm would be a crucial factor. 'It could go any way. Let's just see what goes on with this weather, it's obviously going to affect the turnout,' he said. A spokesman for Mr Corbyn yesterday predicted Labour would cling on in both Stoke-on-Trent and Copeland, in Cumbria, where by-elections have been sparked by the resignations of two sitting Labour MPs. But Defence Secretary Michael Fallon insisted that an historic Tory victory in Copeland was 'within our grasp'. A spokesman for Mr Corbyn said: 'We believe we will win in both Copeland and Stoke but there is no doubt they are both tightly fought it's on a knife-edge.' But one Labour MP warned the bad weather could depress turnout, denting the party's hopes of holding on. 'It's always hard getting our people out when the weather's bad, and it looks like it's going to be shocking,' he said. 'There isn't much enthusiasm on the doorstep, so this is the last thing we need. We're in the hands of Storm Doris.' A Ukip source said: 'Weathe r could play a massive part in the result. We are putting in the biggest operation to get out the vote we have ever mounted. If we get 90 per cent of our firm pledges out then we will win.' In Copeland, Labour is defending a majority of 2,564 over the Conservatives. The Tory candidate in Stoke, Jack Brereton, and his wife Laura were joined on the campaign trail by party chairman Patrick McLoughlin (left) today Voters at a polling station in Stoke-on-Trent today. The battle is thought to be too close to call, with turnout amid Storm Doris thought to be crucial Mr Nuttall (pictured right in Stoke today) seems to have been taking style tips from his predecessor as Ukip leader, Nigel Farage Mr Fallon, who visited the seat yesterday, suggested the Tories could be on course to become the first governing party to gain a seat from the official opposition at a by-election since 1982. He added: 'It is within our grasp, but it is a hard ask for a government to win a by-election.' Andrew Stephenson, the Tory MP running the Copeland campaign, told the Telegraph that activists with umbrellas would provide a door-to-door service for elderly voters so they could get to the polling stations. He said: 'The key thing is for people to turn out. We do get very quick changes of weather up here and it can be quite unpredictable.' The Tories have piled pressure on Labour during the campaign over Mr Corbyn's strident anti-nuclear views in a constituency dominated by the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant. Labour has attempted to raise fears over the downgrading of the local maternity unit, pumping out controversial leaflets claiming babies will die if the reforms go ahead. Tory MP Will Quince, whose son was stillborn, yesterday described the leaflets as 'disgusting'. Mr Quince said that all parties, including the Tories, have run campaigns over the years that are 'hard to stomach'. But the Colchester MP said Labour's methods had 'made me angry and sad in equal measure'. 'To see a mainstream political party - a party I respected - run a campaign quoting from unnamed midwives saying 'mothers will die, babies will die, babies will be brain damaged' is simply disgusting,' he said. Mr Corbyn appeared to have landed on another planet as he walked past graffiti near his home in London today Tory MP Will Quince, with daughters Catherine, four, and Annie, said parties have run campaigns over the years which are 'hard to stomach' In Stoke, Labour's campaign has been dogged by the controversial views of candidate Gareth Snell. Mr Snell was forced to issue an apology after making a number of disparaging remarks about women on social media. He has also courted controversy by describing Brexit as a 'massive pile of s***', in a constituency where almost 70 per cent of people voted to leave the EU. But the row has been overshadowed by controversy about Mr Nuttall who was forced to apologise for a statement on his website saying he had lost close friends in the Hillsborough stadium disaster. All sides are predicting a low turnout in the constituency. One Ukip insider suggested that the Lib Dems could even spring a surprise by scooping up the pro-Remain voters in the constituency. A Chinese-American businessman at the center of a Clinton campaign finance scandal secretly filmed a tell-all video as an 'insurance policy' - because he feared being murdered. In footage provided exclusively to DailyMail.com, Johnny Chung spills details on how he illegally funneled money from Chinese officials to Bill Clinton's 1996 re-election bid. The Chinese-American Clinton fundraiser recorded the 'elaborate videotaped testimony' while in hiding in 2000. He smuggled it to trusted friends and family with instructions to release it to the media in the event of his untimely death because he believed he was at risk of being assassinated. Chung is believed to still be alive and living in China. The video was obtained by author and historian Doug Wead for his new book Game of Thorns, which traces Hillary Clinton's unsuccessful 2016 campaign and the Chinese government's long-running operation to buy political influence in Washington. Trusted: Johnny Chung's fundraising made him someone the Clinton were keen to be seen with - and to thanks. But when the businessman (left) got caught up in scandal, he feared for his life. Quite how close they were is shown in this picture - signed by Hillary Clinton Taped: Johnny Chung recorded this testimony in a tape now obtained by DailyMail.com. He is believed to still be alive in China Tentacles spread: The Chinagate scandal also saw Ng Lap Seng, a Macau billionaire tied to the Chinese government, accused of pouring $1 million into Clinton's 1996 reelection bid. Wead provided excerpts from the film to Dailymail.com. The man with whom Chung made the tape, Bob Abernethy, a friend from his church, said it was right that it was shown. In the never-before-released footage, Chung described how he feared for his life after he publicly admitted to funneling money from Chinese officials to President Bill Clinton's 1996 reelection campaign. He also claimed Democrats pressured him to stay silent about his dealings with the Clintons and said the FBI tried to enlist him in a sting against a top Chinese general at a Los Angeles airport. The video comes amid renewed interest in foreign influence in Washington, as some members of President Donald Trump's team have been scrutinized for their associations with Russian officials. The video grew out of a controversy in the mid-1990s when evidence surfaced that Chinese officials were pouring hundreds of thousands into then president Bill Clinton's reelection campaign through American straw donors. Chung, one of the main players in the 'Chinagate' scandal, was accused of giving over $300,000 to the Democratic National Committee on behalf of the head of China's military intelligence agency during Clinton's reelection bid. Chung cooperated with the Department of Justice during the investigation, and was sentenced to five years of probation for campaign finance violations, bank fraud and tax evasion in 1998. According to Wead's book Game of Thorns, Chung was persuaded to film the 'insurance' video by a former government official who visited him while he was in hiding and told him that his 'odds of survival actually increased by going public.' Chung 'received a friendly visit from a retired government official, friendly with the FBI, who perhaps felt guilty about the treatment Chung had been given after agreeing to come forward and tell the truth,' reported Wead. 'And so, with assistance from the former government official, Johnny Chung produced an elaborate videotaped testimony that was secreted to friends and family to be forwarded to the media in the case of his death.' Chung described on the tape how Democrats on the House Committee on Government Reform tried to dissuade him from testifying publicly before the committee by sending his attorney a letter telling him he could plead the Fifth Amendment. Chung said his attorney thought the letter was 'ludicrous' and a veiled threat from Washington Democrats that they wanted Chung to stay quiet. 'My attorney is a fine and good attorney in the West Coast,' said Chung. 'Besides, every good American attorney, they know how to take the fifth[the Democrats] sent a package to my attorney for one purpose.' After Chung agreed to cooperate with prosecutors on the Chinagate investigation, he feared his knowledge of the Clinton campaign finance scandal and the Chinese influence operation could make him a target for assassination. Testimony: Johnny Chung, who testified to the House Government Reform Committee, revealed how Democrats on the committee tried to dissuade him from testifying publicly by sending his attorney a letter telling him he could plead the Fifth Amendment He said he feared his knowledge of the Clinton campaign finance scandal and the Chinese influence operation could make him a target for assassination. The FBI in Los Angeles began providing around-the-clock protection for him. But just a few days before Chung was scheduled to testify before a grand jury, the FBI headquarters in Washington called off the protection detail and told Chung he would have to make the trip alone. In the secret videotaped statement, Chung claimed the Department of Justice dismissed his safety concerns with one U.S. attorney telling him to 'call 911' if he felt threatened. 'I called the FBI office and offered to [speak with] the US assistant attorney again on the phone,' said Chung. 'And he said 'Mr. Chung your case is over. As a normal American citizen what do you do if you feel your life is in danger? You just call 911.' The businessman ended up testifying, telling the House committee that he believed the Clintons 'used me as much as I used them.' Mr Chung your case is over. As a normal American citizen what do you do if you feel your life is in danger? You just call 911. U.S. Attorney's office's to Johnny Chung - making him fear for his life During the mid-1990s, Chung met regularly in Washington with key Clinton officials and other Democrats but none seemed suspicious about how the relatively unknown small-time businessman was able to cut them such large donation checks. In total he visited the White House 57 times in a two-year span eight of these meetings were 'off the books.' Most of the meetings were with Hillary Clinton or her staff. During one of these trips, Chung personally handed a $50,000 check to Hillary Clinton's chief of staff Maggie Williams. Chung even helped arrange for Bill Clinton to meet with the source of the money a top Chinese military official at a Los Angeles fundraiser. After Chung's activities caught the attention of federal authorities, Democrats quickly distanced themselves from the onetime fundraiser. During Chung's case, DNC officials claimed he misled them and urged the judge to give him a harsh sentence. But the judge declined, and even noted in the sentencing statement that it was 'strange' nobody from the DNC was prosecuted for accepting the illegal funds. 'It's very strange that the giver pleads guilty and the givee gets off free,' said U.S. District Judge Manuel L. Real. Judge Real also said the leaders of the DNC were 'two of the dumbest politicians I've ever seen' if they were not aware of the campaign funding scheme. He blasted U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno for failing to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Democratic involvement in the scandal. In the videotaped declaration, Chung said the DNC 'portrayed themselves as the victims, victimized by Johnny Chung.' Chung claimed that the FBI also wanted to enlist him in a plot to arrest Chinese General Ji Shengde at the Los Angeles airport. Trusted: Ng Lap Seng was photographed meeting then president Bill Clinton in Georgetown, in 1995. He avoided prosecution over claims he gave illegal campaign donations Awaiting trial: Ng Lap Seng was arrested in 2015 with a suitcase of cash as he entered the United States and is now under house arrest pending a trial for attempting to bring a United Nations official 'At one point the FBI called me up and the Department of Justice people, they said General Ji had come to visit the United States, he visits once a year, and also he has a son in the United States,' said Chung. 'They were thinking of taking me to theairport in Los Angeles andthe only thing I need to do is point the finger at General Ji.' Chung lived in California after his probation ended, but has since returned to China. Wead said he was unable to reach him for the book. Chung was interviewed in the video by his friend Bob Abernethy, a California software executive. The two became friends while attending the same church. Abernethy told Dailymail.com that Chung recorded the film as a form of 'life insurance' before he testified to congress. 'The reason Johnny asked me to do this interview with him was to make the information publicly available [in case of his death] and also as a type of 'life insurance' since he was very concerned about his safety,' said Abernethy. 'His concern about his safety was understandable, given that there had been three attempts on his life which required FBI protection and given his knowledge of what happened to people such as Ron Brown, who as Secretary of Commerce, was deeply involved in arranging and selling seats on - Clinton administration trade missions to China,' added Abernethy. Justified: Bob Abernethy (right), the church friend who helped Chung make the tape, said the death of Clinton's commerce secretary, Ron Brown (left), was among the factors which had made him fear for his life Brown, the point person for Clinton's trade policy with China, was killed in a plane crash in Croatia in 1996. Some speculated that he was preparing to go public with information on the illegal Chinese campaign contributions shortly before his death. Chung is one of several Chinese-Americans who were ensnared in the Clinton-era scandal that came to be known as 'Chinagate,' which involved the Chinese government illegally passing large sums of money to the Democratic National Committee. Ng Lap Seng, a Macau billionaire tied to the Chinese government, was accused of pouring $1 million into Clinton's 1996 reelection bid. Ng was accused of laundering the campaign donations through long-time Clinton associate Charlie Trie, who pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations in 1999. Although Ng avoided prosecution at the time, he reappeared at a New York airport carrying a suitcase of cash in 2015, and was arrested for allegedly bribing a United Nations official. He is currently under house arrest at his $3 million Manhattan apartment awaiting trial. The UN official who allegedly accepted the bribes, John Ashe, 61, was unexpectedly killed by a barbell while lifting weights last summer. In his book, Wead reports that the New York FBI office wanted to investigate Ng's connections to the Clintons last year, but the case was shut down by the Obama administration's Department of Justice. Game of Thorns: The Inside Story of Hillary Clinton's Failed Campaign and Donald Trump's Winning Strategy is available for pre-order on Amazon. Grinning from ear to ear, the Islamic State suicide bomber looks relaxed joyful even as he prepares to drive a truck packed with explosives into an Iraqi army base. Video footage of the final moments of terrorist Ronald Fiddler a 50-year-old British father-of-five who was raised in Manchester to devout churchgoing parents makes horrific viewing. But behind it lies another story that is as shameful as it is astonishing. For the money that paid for Fiddlers fateful journey to Syria and, for all we know, the components used for his bloody final mission came from British taxpayers. UK national Ronald Fiddler was photographed moments before blowing himself up in an attack on a military facility near Mosul in Iraq (pictured) Footage shows Fiddler's reinforced vehicle setting off along a dusty road before he blew it up A former Guantanamo Bay inmate, Fiddler also known as Jamal Al-Harith is thought to have been handed close to 1million in compensation by the British government in 2010. He was one of 16 suspected terrorists who shared a 20million payday in the long and painful shadow of the Tony Blair years. To this day, disturbing questions remain unanswered about the complicity of our intelligence agents in torture and illegal rendition of terror suspects by America and precisely what the ex-prime minister knew about it. In order to understand how a man like Fiddler ended up with a huge payout, it is necessary to look back to one of the darkest periods in our recent history the years after 9/11 and the start of George Bushs war on terror. It was on that day that Mr Blair promised to stand shoulder to shoulder with the US in defeating terrorism. This promise, of course, would lead us into the disastrous war in Iraq a conflict that cost countless lives including those of 179 UK service personnel. Documents show that Mr Blair was aware of allegations of torture at Guantanamo as early as 2002 But it also sealed our involvement in a shadowy programme of extraordinary rendition and detention led by Americas Central Intelligence Agency. Under this murky programme, individuals suspected of involvement in terror were secretly subjected to enhanced interrogation techniques torture in all but name at so-called dark sites around the world. More than 100 people were subjected to waterboarding, forced feeding and beatings or other forms of ill-treatment. The most notorious prison of all was Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where away from domestic legal constraints much of the worst ill-treatment took place. Documents show that Mr Blair was aware of allegations of torture at Guantanamo as early as 2002. But for the next two years, the UK security services and the Blair government continued to be fed information by the CIA which resulted from interrogations at Guantanamo. Indeed, detainees claim British spies also gave information to the Americans that was used in the interrogations, and that they must have known about their ill treatment but did nothing to stop it. Others even claim they were present at the time. One detainee, Binyam Mohamed, who alleges he was tortured at secret prisons in Pakistan, Morocco and Afghanistan including being beaten, scalded and having his genitals slashed with a scalpel says he realised during his questioning that some of the questions and materials were coming from British intelligence. And in 2014, a former security minister, Admiral Lord West, said British spies may even have been present at some CIA torture sessions. Whatever the truth, Guantanamo was a sickening, dehumanising place and its existence served as a recruiting sergeant for Islamist terrorists. Widely viewed as a stain on the conscience of the West, the demands for its closure including from this newspaper were overwhelming. And as time went on, the questions grew about exactly what Mr Blair and his colleagues had known, and when. Take former home secretary Jack Straw. In 2005, he had told a Parliamentary committee that the idea Britain was involved in rendition was a conspiracy theory. Al-Harith gives testimony before a Council of Europe panel in 2004 (shown right), as part of an inquiry into human rights abuses at Gauntanamo Bay But evidence suggesting Mr Straw had known of just such a rendition programme emerged later, in the form of a classified telegram he sent in January 2002. In the message sent to embassies in Washington and the Middle East Mr Straw had told officials no objection should be raised to the transfer of British nationals to Guantanamo, as this was the best way to meet our counter-terrorism objectives. Mr Blair was certainly aware of allegations of torture within months of 9/11, according to a previously secret memo sent to No 10 by the Foreign Office on January 18, 2002 relating to the treatment of Britons in Guantanamo. On it he scrawled: The key is to find out how they are being treated. Though I was initially sceptical about claims of torture, we must make it clear to the US that any such action would be totally unacceptable and very quickly establish it isnt happening. Further damning evidence against the Blair administration came following the collapse of the Gaddafi regime in Libya. Documents found in the bombed out headquarters of his torture chief indicated direct MI6 involvement in a rendition operation. In the same month as Mr Blairs notorious deal in the desert with the Libyan despot in 2004, a Libyan dissident, Abdel Hakim Belhadj, and his pregnant wife Fatima were handed over to the tyrants henchmen. Mr Belhadj claims he was subsequently tortured for six years. TIMELINE OF EVENTS 1966: Ronald Fiddler is born in Manchester to devout Christian parents originating from Jamaica 1994: He converts to Islam, changing his name to Jamal Udeen al-Harith October 2001: Al-Harith travels to Quetta in Pakistan, on a 'religious holiday'. A few day later the US invasion of neighbouring Afghanistan began Early 2002: He is arrested by American forces in Afghanistan after they discover him in a Taliban jail and later transferred to Guantanamo Bay prison 2004: After lobbying from Tony Blair's Labour government, al-Harith is released along with five others. He returns to the UK where he is released without charge, and joins three other prisoners in suing Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld 2009: His case against Rumsfield and the US government is finally dismissed on the grounds of 'limited immunity' for government officials 2014: Despite security services being fully aware of his previous detention, he is able to escape the UK to fight with ISIS in Syria 2015: His British wife Shukee Begum, along with their five children, join him in Syria before fleeing from the Isis-controlled territory February 2017: Al-Harith is killed in a suicide attack near Mosul, Iraq Advertisement Chilling faxes show then MI6 terror chief Sir Mark Allen wrote to his Libyan counterpart to say that delivering Mr Belhadj had been the least we could do for you. In the same year a second man, Sami Al Saadi, his wife and four children were lured to Hong Kong, abducted by the CIA, and flown to Tripoli. A CIA fax found in the ruins of the home of Libyas infamous security chief, Musa Kusa, read: We are ... aware your service had been cooperating with the British to effect (Al Saadis) removal to Tripoli. Last month, the Supreme Court gave the go-ahead for Mr Belhadj to sue MI6 and Jack Straw, who alongside Mr Blair has the most serious questions to answer about this period. Mr Al Saadi settled his case with the Government, who paid him 2.2million. For years, senior Labour figures either obfuscated or denied British involvement. Only in 2008 did foreign secretary David Miliband finally apologise after admitting that twice in 2002 CIA planes carrying detainees landed to refuel at the overseas British territory of Diego Garcia. But there are also claims this is only the tip of the iceberg and that the base may have been used as a secret prison. Which brings us back to Fiddlers huge compensation cheque. After the Guantanamo Bay detainees began to be released, they secured lawyers who using Mr Blairs own Human Rights Act launched claims against the government demanding compensation for British complicity in their torture. Without ever being held properly to account for what may or may not have happened, the Labour government Mr Blair had once led was swept from power in May 2010 while Mr Blair himself got rich by cosying up to despots. It was left to the new Cameron-led Coalition to clean up the mess. In November 2010 then-justice secretary Ken Clarke announced that in the interests of national security a deal had been done with the Guantanamo detainees describing the whole sordid affair a legacy issue from the New Labour years. Ministers argued they could not allow the cases to go to court for fear that details of secret intelligence material would be revealed.They later announced that in future such claims would be heard in secret courts another baleful legacy of the Blair era. Truly, the choice which Mr Clarke, Mr Cameron and then home secretary Theresa May faced was appalling: give up top secret intelligence sources in open court putting countless lives at risk or reach for the cheque book. Heaven only knows where all the money is now. Among the beneficiaries was Moazzam Begg, a 41-year-old captured in 2002 by the CIA which says he was an Al Qaeda recruiter an allegation he denies. He is now one of the main players in the charity Cage Prisoners, which its critics say promotes radical Islamist propaganda. Whats worse is that because of the effective ending of anti-terror control orders used to monitor terrorist suspects in the UK, the job of MI5 in keeping track of such individuals some of whom may well be dangerous has been made much harder. In a series of court challenges made under you guessed it the Human Rights Act these orders were watered down to the point of becoming almost meaningless, before Nick Clegg in the early days of the Coalition put the final nail in the coffin. They were replaced by an even weaker regime which allowed one suspect to disappear dressed in a burka. Throughout this period the Mail argued for the closure of Guantanamo Bay, declaring it a stain on the West and that whatever the allegations against those held there, detention without trial for years on end was indefensible. In particular, we campaigned for the release of British resident Shaker Aamer, the 42-year-old British resident who claimed UK intelligence officers were present while he was tortured and who was finally released in October 2015. Mr Straw has insisted he was never in any way complicit in the unlawful rendition or detention of individuals by the United States or any other state. Mr Blair has never commented on what he knew. The Muslim convert changed his name from Ronald Fiddler to Jamal Udeen al-Harith in 1994, before fighting for ISIS under the new name Abu Zakariya al-Britani But Whitehall officials have insisted the prime minister was given regular briefings about the CIA programmes and knew what was going on every step of the way. Sources have also suggested the actions of MI6 in Libya were signed off by Mr Straw. Yesterday a typically shameless Mr Blair attempted to divert attention from his involvement in the Guantanamo payouts by pointing out the settlement was announced by the Coalition government. Never mind the fact the Coalition had Hobsons choice or that, had Gordon Brown won the 2010 election, Labour would probably have implemented the same plan indeed it was already working on just such a scheme. In the US, the full gory details of what happened in the decade post 9/11 were revealed in a damning Senate intelligence committee report in 2014. But to its shame, and despite promises from David Cameron, there has still been no proper investigation into what Mr Blair and Mr Straw knew. A high court judge, Sir Peter Gibson, was appointed to lead a judge-led inquiry, but following the Libya revelations it was scrapped. Officially, the sorry issue was handed over to the Intelligence and Security Committee a body with none of the powers of its Senate equivalent. All of which creates the worrying impression we may never know what Mr Blair knew and when, and what he approved of during a sickening period. The picture of Fiddler is yet another reminder that the damage Mr Blair inflicted upon Britain, the Middle East and the world is by no means over. A man with one arm and a brain injury has been denied the disability pension by the government despite being unable to work. Doug Stubbs, 55, lost his arm in a motorcycles accident 18 months ago. He also suffered a stroke which left him with brain damage. Despite this, he has been denied the disability allowance, with Centrelink telling him he should get a job. Scroll down for video Doug Stubbs, 55, lost his arm in a motorcycles accident 18 months ago 'Drug addicts, alcoholics, people who are obese qualify for the DSP immediately', Mr Stubbs told the Today show. 'What have I got to do?'. The 55-year-old was told he should be able to use his remaining arm for tasks such as using a pencil or turning the pages of a book. Mr Stubbs' right hand was his dominant one before it was removed, and he now uses a prosthetic in its place. The Queensland man was recently told he is not eligible for the disability pension On Thursday he will argue his case at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal His accident left him unable to drive, and he struggled to complete many everyday activities on his own. His wife Sue is his full-time carer, and receives a carer's pension. On Thursday the couple will front the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in Queensland to argue their case. Prison bosses will be replaced if they fail to tackle drug abuse and violence behind bars and get inmates into work under a Bill published today. Liz Truss will finally hold governors to account in what has been dubbed the biggest shake-up of jails in a generation. In sweeping reforms, the Justice Secretary will give prison governors in England and Wales freedom from State control over budgets for education, employment and health. Liz Truss will finally hold governors to account in what has been the biggest shake-up of jails in a generation However, those that fail to get prisoners off drugs, boost their English and maths skills and make them fit for employment will face the axe. Every prison will be ranked in a league table for the first time. Under Miss Trusss major overhaul of the failing justice system, crisis-hit prisons will be transformed from offender warehouses to places where criminals are reformed with a rehabilitation revolution. As well as punishing people who break the law, offenders will be given the skills needed to turn their lives around, driving down the 15billion a year cost of reoffending. The wide-ranging Prisons and Courts Bill will bring together a number of reforms announced in recent months as prisons were hit by record levels of violence and suicides, riots and spiralling drug use. The Bill will introduce new powers to tackle the scourge of mobile phones sneaked into prisons by jamming them to stamp out their use to organise crime, terrorise victims and post videos on social media. Her plan involves 1.3billion investment in new prisons over five years, with plans for 2,500 officers, and more mandatory drug tests. The wide-ranging Prisons and Courts Bill will bring together a number of reforms announced in recent months as prisons were hit by record levels of violence and suicides, riots and spiralling drug use Ministers will make it easier for domestic violence victims to qualify for legal aid to fight family court battles against abusive partners. And violent husbands will be banned from interrogating their ex-wives in court after a string of cases in which abusers were given free rein to torment victims. Compensation for minor whiplash injuries in car accidents will be banned or capped under the plans, in a bid to cut fraudulent claims which push up millions of motorists insurance premiums. There will be a roll-out of virtual court hearings held via video or telephone conferencing, such as bail applications, to allow victims to take part without running the risk of coming face-to-face with their assailant. And a new system will allow those charged with less serious criminal offences such as fare-dodging to plead guilty online to save court time. Miss Truss said: Prison is about punishing people who have committed heinous crimes, but it should be a place where offenders are given the opportunity to turn their lives around. I want our prisons to be places of discipline, hard work and self-improvement, where staff are empowered to get people off drugs, improve their English and maths get a job on release. The bank of mum and dad often stays open long after the children have outgrown pocket money. But now it seems parents fear they will have to ask their offspring for some of the money back to make up for inadequate retirement savings. One in six over-40s are worried they wont have put enough aside while nearly a third say their retirement savings are not on track, according to a poll by insurance company MetLife. MetLife said they may fall short because they dipped into their savings to help their children buy a house or pay for university. The bank of mum and dad often stays open long after the children have outgrown pocket money The research found nearly half of those surveyed are worried about the financial risks they may have to take to guarantee an income for life when they stop working. Simon Massey, wealth management director at MetLife UK, said: Parents will have worked hard to support their children so perhaps they should feel entitled to rely on them if they need financial support in retirement. 'It is a bit of a role reversal when its retired parents banking on their children for money. 'It will also have an impact on how much the children can save for their own retirement which in turn can cause problems. 'Planning for the long-term and reducing the risk of running out of money in retirement is one of the key challenges for savers.' The pay packages of dozens of university chiefs have soared by more than 10 per cent within a year, research shows. They are taking home an average of 277,834, but the highest individual deal reached 451,000 three times the salary of the Prime Minister. Vice-chancellors are also spending thousands on flights mainly business and first class and hotel rooms. The figures have ignited a new row over fat cat pay and perks at a time when rank-and-file staff are receiving 1 per cent increases in wages. The pay packages of dozens of university chiefs have soared by more than 10 per cent within a year, research shows The figures were obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the University and College Union, which has accused bosses of spending students fees with impunity. In the two years between 2013/14 and 2015/16 the average remuneration package for university chiefs including salary, benefits, pension and bonuses rose by 6.7 per cent. And the average deal for last year 277,834 is an increase of 2 per cent from the previous year and 6.5 times more than the wages of university staff. A total of 23 universities increased the packages of their vice-chancellors by 10 per cent or more in 2015/16. THE 52-A-WEEK PRIVATE SCHOOL A no frills private school which will charge parents just 52 a week is set to open. The Independent Grammar School: Durham will offer families a traditional private school education without the frills. Its proposed fees of less than 2,700 a year will make it the cheapest independent school in the country. The school is a joint venture between James Tooley, professor of education policy at Newcastle University, and Chris Gray, the former principal of Grindon Hall Christian School in Sunderland, who will be its headteacher. Prof Tooley has set up chains of low-cost private schools in countries including India, Ghana, Honduras and Liberia. He said: We think we can deliver the high-quality academic teaching and learning for the amount weve said, which is 900 a term. You dont have to learn in a five-star school building to enjoy the delights of education. The school is in the registration process with the Department for Education. If approved, it will open by September, initially taking children from Reception to Year 3. There will be an inclusive admissions policy, with children of all backgrounds admitted and no selection tests. Advertisement Seven of the universities in the top ten for the largest percentage rise in salary paid two people for some of the year as they changed vice-chancellors during the academic year. Fifty-five universities now pay their vice-chancellors more than 300,000 and 11 have packages worth more than 400,000 a year, according to the study. The University of Southampton paid 697,000 to its vice-chancellors office last year, including a 252,000 golden goodbye to Professor Don Nutbeam, who was replaced by Professor Sir Christopher Snowden earlier than expected. The University of Baths vice-chancellor, Professor Dame Glynis Breakwell, received a package worth 451,000 a rise of 11 per cent on 2014/15, according to the UCU. This was 12.2 times the average pay of all other workers at the institution and 9.1 times higher than that of academic staff. University chiefs also spent an average of 7,762 on flights, down slightly on 8,560 in 2014/15. Two-thirds of flights last year were taken in business or first class. The average amount spent on hotels by university leaders was 2,982 last year a similar figure to the previous year with the University of Sheffield spending most, at 24,433. UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said: Those at the top in our universities need to rein in the largesse that embarrasses the sector and the Government needs to enforce proper scrutiny of their pay and perks. A Russell Group spokesman said: Vice-chancellor pay is decided by official university remuneration committees which include expert representatives from outside the sector. These experts understand the importance of attracting and retaining experienced individuals who are capable of managing complex international institutions. RAF pilots have been secretly assassinating British jihadists plotting UK terror attacks from bases in Syria and Iraq. Using drones and fighter jets, they have been working their way through a kill list of key targets. Neither Parliament nor public has been informed. Islamic State fighter waving a flag while standing on captured government fighter jet in Raqqa An RAF Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle believed to have been used to kill two British jihadis David Cameron caused a furore when he revealed in September 2015 that the UK had used military force in Syria without the approval of MPs. Three British fanatics were killed in drone strikes. No further deaths have been announced since then apparently on the basis that the Government later won parliamentary backing for its Syrian operations. The Ministry of Defence also said hits were hard to verify and it did not want to make martyrs out of terrorists. When we know where they are we kill them, said a senior defence source. Our priority is those plotting against the UK. David Cameron caused a furore when he revealed in September 2015 that the UK had used military force in Syria without the approval of MPs 'We have found evidence of this. We are also helping the French who dont have our capabilities. The British pilots are operating the drones from a hangar at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, 3,000 miles from Syria. In a statement, the MoD said: We and our coalition partners have been clear that if you are fighting for Daesh (Islamic State) in Iraq and Syria then you will be targeted, irrespective of nationality. 'The UK is committed to the defeat of Daesh and publishes regular updates on air strikes conducted by the RAF. UK intelligence agencies are helping to find other British jihadists, who expose their locations when they use their mobile phones. RAF jets and drones can then target them using laser-guided missiles and 500lb bombs. The defence source said UK voices had been picked up in the trenches in Syria as troops closed in on Islamic States stronghold of Raqqa. However, the disclosure that UK forces have continued to take out British jihadists abroad without any public announcement is controversial. Mr Cameron stunned MPs 18 months ago with news of the assassination in Syria of a jihadist plotting an atrocity at an event attended by the Queen. Reyaad Khan, 21 and from Cardiff, was killed along with another British fanatic, Ruhul Amin, on August 21, 2015. A third jihadist, Junaid Hussain from Birmingham, was killed by a US drone in a joint operation three days later. Mr Cameron said Khan was a clear and present danger but the Government was accused of executing a secret kill policy and critics demanded a judicial review. Shortly afterwards, Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said Britain would not hesitate to carry out more drone strikes against jihadists plotting armed attacks on our streets. Reyaad Khan, a British citizen fighting for Islamic State (IS), who David Cameron revealed was killed in an RAF drone attack in Syria That December, MPs voted in favour of the UK joining a coalition of nations carrying out airstrikes on IS targets in Syria. Defence sources said: The UK has a robust target clearance process, operates under strict rules of engagement and complies fully with international law. A Government lawyer must make sure every operation is legal and conforms to the rules of engagement, which are set out by the Attorney General, Jeremy Wright QC. He has said pre-emptive military strikes against terrorist targets overseas are required for national defence. It is understood that RAF pilots have been given orders to take out high-profile targets from other nations and not just Britons. In June last year, Sir Michael Fallon revealed around 850 people linked to the UK and regarded as a security threat were believed to have taken part in the conflict in Syria, which extends to Iraq. He said that at least 85 British jihadis and fighters involved in Syrias bloody civil war had been killed. Spy agencies have been monitoring the activity of British extremists on foreign soil and have tried to trace their locations using sophisticated technology. Reyaad Khan (left), Abu Muthanna al-Yemeni (centre), and Ruhul Amin (right) in an online video entitled There is no Life Without Jihad One of the main areas of focus has been Raqqa. Jihadi John, the IS executioner from Britain whose real name was Mohammed Emwazi, was killed in a US drone strike in the centre of the city. According to a government memorandum submitted to the parliamentary joint committee on human rights it has been a long-held position that such force can be used in self defence. This applies not only where an armed attack is underway, but also where an armed attack is imminent, it says. It adds: Where the UK determines that it faces an imminent armed attack from IS, it is entitled to use necessary and proportionate force to repel or forestall that attack in exercise of the inherent right of individual self-defence. Decisions concerning the use of force in self defence are taken by the Prime Minister in consultation with other senior ministers and advisers. Major General Rupert Jones, Britains top commander in the region, says intelligence obtained from ISs external operations hubs show chilling plans by militants to kill and maim civilians in the West. On Tuesday it emerged that a Briton paid up to 1million in compensation after being freed from Guantanamo Bay was behind a suicide bombing in Iraq. Ronald Fiddler 50 and from Manchester died on Sunday attacking an army base. A US appeals court has ruled that military-style assault weapons are not protected under the US Constitution, dealing a blow to gun rights activists. In a 10-4 ruling, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, said the 45 assault weapons banned under Maryland's law are not protected by the Second Amendment. 'Put simply, we have no power to extend Second Amendment protection to the weapons of war,' wrote Judge Robert King, adding that the Supreme Court's decision in District of Columbia v. Heller explicitly excluded such coverage. In a 10-4 ruling, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, said the 45 assault weapons (file pic) banned under Maryland's law are not protected by the Second Amendment While the Second Amendment guarantees Americans the right to bear arms, legal battles have raged for years over what the guarantee includes. The ruling upheld a law from Maryland, which bans 45 different kinds of assault weapons and sets the limit on gun magazines to 10 rounds. Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh, who led the push for the law in 2013 as a state senator, said it's 'unthinkable that these weapons of war, weapons that caused the carnage in Newtown and in other communities across the country, would be protected by the Second Amendment.' 'It's a very strong opinion, and it has national significance, both because it's en-banc and for the strength of its decision,' Frosh said, noting that all of the court's judges participated. 'Put simply, we have no power to extend Second Amendment protection to the weapons of war,' wrote Judge Robert King (pictured) Judge William Traxler issued a dissent, writing the decision 'has gone to greater lengths than any other court to eviscerate the constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms.' National Rifle Association spokeswoman Jennifer Baker said: 'It is absurd to hold that the most popular rifle in America is not a protected 'arm' under the Second Amendment.' She added that the majority opinion 'clearly ignores the Supreme Court's guidance from District of Columbia v. Heller that the Second Amendment protects arms that are 'in common use at the time for lawful purposes like self-defense.' The NRA estimates there are 5 million to 10 million AR-15s - one of the weapons banned under Maryland's law - in circulation in the United States for lawful purposes. When asked about an appeal, Baker said the NRA is exploring all options. But Elizabeth Banach, executive director of Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence, said the decision is 'overwhelming proof that reasonable measures to prevent gun violence are constitutional.' 'Maryland's law needs to become a national model of evidence-based policies that will reduce gun violence,' Banach wrote in a statement. Maryland passed the sweeping gun-control measure after 20 children and six educators were killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre U.S. District Judge Catherine Blake upheld the ban in 2015, but a divided three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last year that she didn't apply the proper legal standard. The panel sent the case back to Blake and ordered her to apply 'strict scrutiny,' a more rigorous test of a law's constitutionality. The state appealed to the full appeals court. Maryland passed the sweeping gun-control measure after 20 children and six educators were killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre. Pictured, Adam Lanza, who used a semi-automatic rifle in the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting King cited the massacre at the start of the ruling. 'Both before and after Newtown, similar military-style rifles and detachable magazines have been used to perpetrate mass shootings in places whose names have become synonymous with the slaughters that occurred there,' King wrote. He listed the 2012 shootings at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado; the December 2015 shootings in San Bernardino, California; and the shootings last year at an Orlando, Florida, nightclub, where 49 people were killed and 53 injured. King also noted that enacting the law is 'precisely the type of judgment that legislatures are allowed to make without second-guessing by a court.' 'Simply put, the State has shown all that is required: a reasonable, if not perfect, fit between the (Firearms Safety Act) and Maryland's interest in protecting public safety,' King wrote. Harry Potter is still among the most read books by teenagers Teenagers are falling dramatically behind in their reading because they stick to childrens authors like JK Rowling rather than more challenging books, a major study shows. Secondary school pupils read simple texts for pleasure such as Jeff Kinneys Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and comedian David Walliams books instead of moving onto harder texts. Youngsters also prefer to stay with Roald Dahls classics, more commonly read by primary pupils, as well as J.K.Rowlings Harry Potter series and Youtube star Zoellas novels. Experts attacked the worrying trend and called on secondary schools to build more dedicated reading time into the curriculum for 11 to 16-year-olds. The study examined the reading comprehension and habits of 848,219 children at 3,897 primary and secondary schools across the country. It was based on an analysis of software that assesses the books children read and their understanding of those stories. Researchers found that primary school children typically push themselves to read more complex books than secondary school pupils. In the final year of primary school, pupils ages typically match up with their expected reading age. However, by the first year of secondary school, aged 11-12, pupils reading age falls behind their chronological age by one year. By the time pupils reach their GCSEs, their reading age typically falls to at least three years behind. This means that many 16-year-olds are reading books expected of 13-year-olds. However, the study found that Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School was the most chosen and read book by secondary school pupils, closely followed by Walliams Gangsta Granny. The TV stars Billionaire Boy also featured in the top ten most popular titles in secondary schools, along with Dahls Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Virtually the same books feature in primary school childrens top ten titles. In addition to measuring the number of times a book was read, the study asked pupils to vote for their favourite books. In primary schools, J.K.Rowling was the favourite author with six books in the top ten including the first three positions. Rick Riordan is hugely popular among youngsters and claimed four entries in the top ten At secondary school, Zoe Suggs aka Zoellas books, Girl Online, and Girl Online: On Tour claimed the top two spots, followed by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The research was conducted by Keith Topping, professor of Educational and Social Research at Dundee University on behalf of assessment provider, Renaissance UK. Professor Keith Topping yesterday said secondary school pupils should be moving on from books such as Wimpy Kid and Girl Online to more challenging texts. Vlogger Zoe Suggs books were not as challenging as he would like given that theyre popular with secondary aged children. We wouldnt wish to tell them (children) what these more challenging books should be because that would be a very top down, didactic, authoritarian way of going about it, he said. But we can certainly give them the broad message that they need to be reading more challenging books and leave them with some freedom of motivation to seek out these books themselves. He added: The way in which children seem to some extent switched off from extending themselves in terms of their reading choices is alarming. Their reading ability does relate to their ability to perform in examinations. Professor Topping said the amount of time dedicated to reading at secondary school is really very small David Walliams, pictured at the launch of his book Billionaire Boy, is also among the favourites of secondary school readers He would encourage all secondary teachers, not just English teachers, to look closely at their pupils literacy levels and remember even the brightest students need to be stretched. Renaissance UK managing director Dirk Foch said the popularity of authors like Zoella and David Walliams continues to rise among both primary and secondary pupils. This indicates a fascinating trend in which other mediums like television and internet are increasingly influencing young peoples reading habits. He said: Most primary schools place a large emphasis on developing literacy skills. However this is rarely transferred onto secondary school, and as a result, literacy standards at secondary level are a persistent challenge. It is clear that, if we are to avert a slide in literacy standards, many secondary school pupils would benefit from dedicated reading time in secondary school. Former F1 tycoon Max Mosley has given half a million pounds to Labours deputy leader Tom Watson in the past eight months Former F1 tycoon Max Mosley has given half a million pounds to Labours deputy leader Tom Watson in the past eight months, raising further doubts over the independence of the Press regulator Impress. The latest official records show Mr Watson received 300,000 from the former Formula 1 boss on February 10. That followed a 200,000 donation registered in June and 40,000 from 2015. In the House of Commons register of members interests, Mr Watson says the money was donated via the Labour Party to support his office. Mr Watson is a founding member of the advisory committee for Hacked Off, the anti-Press pressure group. Mr Mosley, the son of the wartime fascist leader Oswald Mosley, is almost single-handedly bankrolling Impress, the press regulator set up to offer independent regulation under a State-backed scheme. However, critics have questioned whether Impress can be independent given its reliance on Mr Mosleys millions. No national or regional newspaper has yet signed up to Impress, which has admitted it will rely on 3.8million in donations over four years from the Mosley family. The majority of titles including the Daily Mail are instead overseen by the Independent Press Standards Organisation, which is funded by its members. Last night Mr Watson said: Im proud to call Max Mosley a friend and Im delighted he has made a financial contribution to Labour. His generous donation will help the party develop strong policies for our next manifesto. When the 200,000 donation emerged in June last year, Bob Satchwell, the executive director of the Society of Editors, said: Tom Watson has been one of the fiercest critics of newspapers, so the idea that his benefactor Max Mosleys Impress can be considered independent is very questionable. He added that the six-figure contribution was further evidence that Impress is the [regulator] that clearly lacks independence. Mr Mosley has previously defended his donations to Mr Watson, calling him a very admirable politician, a fearless campaigner against injustice and a good man Five years ago Mr Watson, MP for West Bromwich East, wrote the book Dial M For Murdoch about the phone-hacking scandal. His co-author Martin Hickman is now a member of Impresss board. Mr Mosley has been a key figure in the campaign to impose State-sponsored regulation on the Press after he sued the News of the World for printing photos of him taking part in a sadomasochistic orgy with prostitutes dressed in military uniform. Impress is the only regulator approved under the Royal Charter, which was agreed between the three main political parties and Hacked Off after the Leveson Inquiry recommended voluntary, independent self-regulation. MPs' BOOST FOR REGULATOR BACKED BY NEWSPAPERS Plans to force newspapers to pay their opponents legal costs even if they win in court could be axed if the independent Press regulator can prove itself, MPs have said. Most titles have already signed up to the Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso). Now the influential Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee says Ipso should be given a year to strengthen its procedures. If it can boost public awareness of its complaints system and increase resources to launch investigations, it should be established as the preferred body for self-regulation, MPs suggested. Their recommendation is likely to be seen as a victory for newspapers which have refused to sign up to Impress. The rival regulator is financially reliant on former F1 boss Max Mosley, who was the victim of a Press sting involving a sadomasochistic orgy. The MPs proposals come in response to a Government consultation on whether to implement measures contained in Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013. This could see newspapers which are not signed up to an officially recognised regulator pay the legal costs for both sides in libel and privacy actions, even if they win. But committee chair and Tory MP Damian Collins said this element should be scrapped if Ipso makes substantial progress. Advertisement Mr Mosley has previously defended his donations to Mr Watson, calling him a very admirable politician, a fearless campaigner against injustice and a good man. He added: I have the greatest respect for his commitment to public service, I agree with his aims and am delighted to be able to help. Both he and Impress officials have insisted the regulator is independent despite his financial support. Mr Mosley did not respond to requests for comment last night. Britons are often accused of being too prudish about sex. And we in turn suspect the French of being too laissez faire. But new evidence shows that our continental neighbours are shockingly unbuttoned at least when it comes to on-screen sex. New figures reveal that the French film watchdog is happy for toddlers to watch films about sadomasochism that are only deemed to be fit for adults in the UK. France was slightly more censorious when it came to the Fifty Shades films, based on EL James books about a sadomasochistic relationship The Duke of Burgundy, focuses on a sadomasochistic lesbian relationship, and was described as filth by critics - but the French watchdog handed it the equivalent of a U certificate Frances Centre Nationale de la Cinematographie has given its softest possible classification TP, or tous public to a string of shockingly sexual movies, which have been handed an 18 certificate in Britain and the strongest possible R rating in America. The Duke of Burgundy, focuses on a sadomasochistic lesbian relationship, and was described as filth by critics - but the French watchdog handed it the equivalent of a U certificate. The CNC was almost as relaxed about Lovelace, the biopic of porn actress Linda Lovelace, who has claimed in her autobiography that she was beaten, raped and abused. The film was handed 18 and R certificates from the UK and US watchdogs, but Frances CNC gave it a TP! rating its equivalent of a PG. It was slightly more censorious when it came to the Fifty Shades films, based on EL James books about a sadomasochistic relationship. The French thought the films - which show its star, Dakota Johnson, being bound and whipped - werent quite fit for family viewing. But it still deemed them fit for 12 year olds. Last year, it came under fire from family and religious groups over its decision to hand Sausage Party a 12 rating David Austin, chief executive of the British Board of Film Classification, said: The French have a different approach to classification. It suits them well, but I would get into a lot of trouble if I started using the same classifications. [They] seem to be on the liberal end of the spectrum. Mr Austin whose organisation pulled together the comparisons data - said he really couldnt comment on why the French watchdog gave a TP certificate to the Duke of Burgundy. We looked at whether we could give it a 15 [certificate] but concluded that it is so adult. The CNC did not return requests for comment. The French gave 18 ratings to just two films on a list of 28 major new releases known for their sexual content. It did not give any ratings to two of them because they were not released in France. Of the rest, it certified 16 TP or TP! the equivalent of Britains U and PG classifications. The CNC was almost as relaxed about Lovelace, the biopic of porn actress Linda Lovelace, who has claimed in her autobiography that she was beaten, raped and abused The only two films it gave an adult certificate were Nymphomaniac: Volume 2, and Love, a 3D erotic odyssey which critics said was only discernible from porn because the explicit scenes were within the context of a loving relationship. But not all French viewers are on board with the CNCs judgements. Last year, it came under fire from family and religious groups over its decision to hand Sausage Party a 12 rating. The animated film, which tells the story of a sausage called Frank trying to find the truth behind his existence, was rated 15 in the UK and R in America, because of its frequent swearing, references to drug use, and an orgy involving a taco and a hotdog. The Association of Catholic Families told parents that it was not only coarse, but also clearly pornographic. US House Speaker Paul Ryan toured the Rio Grande valley on horseback on Wednesday for a firsthand look at the US-Mexico border. His visit comes as the Trump administration steps up immigration enforcement and prepares to ask Congress to pay for a border wall. It was the first time the Wisconsin Republican had visited the border, and protesters gathered to meet his arrival in McAllen, Texas, with hand-painted signs protesting Trump policies. Ryan led a small group of fellow Republicans on the trip, including Rep Michael McCaul of Texas, who chairs the Homeland Security Committee in the House. US House Speaker Paul Ryan toured the Rio Grande valley on horseback (pictured) on Wednesday for a firsthand look at the US-Mexico border Ryan led a small group of fellow Republicans on (pictured on horseback) the trip, including Rep Michael McCaul of Texas, who chairs the Homeland Security Committee in the House His visit comes as the Trump administration steps up immigration enforcement and prepares to ask Congress to pay for a border wall In McAllen, Ryan came face-to-face with some of the challenges that arise in building a wall along the entire 2,000-mile border, which includes much remote and inhospitable terrain as well as the Rio Grande, the river between Texas and Mexico. He met with local officials and also toured the area by boat and helicopter. 'When you see with your own eyes the many challenges facing our law enforcement professionals along the border, it gives you even greater respect for the work that they do day-in and day-out. But more tools and more support are needed for them to do their jobs effectively,' Ryan said in a statement after the visit. 'Congress is committed to securing the border and enforcing our laws, and together with the Trump administration, we will get this done.' President Donald Trump has not yet formalized his request to Congress to pay for the wall he promised during his campaign. It's expected to cost $15 billion or more, making it uncertain whether Congress would approve it. Ryan met with local officials and also toured the area by boat and helicopter. The officials are pictured getting ready to board two helicopters for an aerial tour of the area In McAllen, Ryan came face to face with some of the challenges that arise in building a wall along the entire 2,000-mile border, which includes much remote and inhospitable terrain as well as the Rio Grande, the river between Texas and Mexico It was the first time the Wisconsin Republican had visited the border, and demonstrators (pictured) from La Union del Pueblo Entero gathered to meet his arrival with hand-painted signs protesting Trump policies Trump has promised Mexico will pay for the wall, but Mexico says it won't, and Trump has never spelled out how that would happen, anyway. The administration is also rolling out new policies to fight illegal immigration and subjecting millions of people who are in this country to deportation, even for minor infractions. A group called La Union del Pueblo Entero announced it was protesting Ryan's visit 'in order to show the opposition of border residents to the current presidential administration's immigration and border policies'. Several protesters reportedly asked to meet with Ryan, but he did not meet with them. There's triple ply, quilted, scented and coloured for more discerning households. But homeowners in well-to-do areas are choosing to ditch toilet paper altogether and use wet wipes instead wreaking havoc with sewers. Water companies are complaining that the fad is adding to blockages already caused by non-biodegradable wipes for babies or make-up removal, which can take 100 years to disintegrate. The upmarket HG2 postcode of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, has been identified as one area where luxury toilet roll has been blamed for a spate of blocked sewers. Homeowners in well-to-do areas are choosing to ditch toilet paper altogether and use wet wipes instead wreaking havoc with sewers Technicians armed with high pressure water jets and suction vacuums have been called out to the area 185 times over the past two years to blast away fatbergs congealed lumps of wipes, fat, and cooking oil. The problem is so bad that staff are going door to door in the area to urge homeowners to flush only the three Ps poo, pee and paper down the toilet. James Harrison, networks manager for Yorkshire Water, said: Were noticing a significant increase in the amount of sewer blockages that are impacting on the health of the sewers. Information from polyester wet wipes manufacturers can be quite confusing as some products say flushable. Kensington and Chelsea in west London has also seen posh residents blamed for the problem by switching to wet wipes. More than one in five people nationwide bought moist toilet wipes in 2016, according to market research expert Mintel. Kensington and Chelsea in west London has also seen posh residents blamed for the problem by switching from traditional toilet paper to wet wipes Thames Water is so concerned it has previously offered a wet wipes amnesty where customers can swap a packet of wet wipes for a product called Freshu an antibacterial foam to spray on toilet paper. A spokesman warned: It is a growing problem. Because they are not cheap to buy it may be more of a problem in places like Kensington and Chelsea. The market has been flooded with wipes marketed at adults, despite water companies protests. One of the leading brands is Andrex Washlets, which cost 1 for 42 two-ply wipes compared to 4 for nine rolls of Andrex Quilts toilet paper with a total of 1,440 four-ply sheets. Steve Coghlan, a marketing director for Andrexs manufacturer, said: We stand by our claims of flushability. When used responsibly (one to two sheets at a time), Andrex Washlets, which are made from 100 per cent natural fibres, do not block properly maintained sewage systems. A face-tattooed suspect has been charged with killing a toddler as he tried to rob his his drug dealing stepfather. Devonte Lamar White was arrested on Tuesday in Palm Beach, Florida, for killing 18-month old Izarion Colin in May 2014. He shot the toddler who was sitting in the backseat while trying to rob his stepfather William Robinson during the drug deal, police say. White is accused of pulling out a gun as Robinson reached for marijuana and Xanax he planned on selling to him. The two men were fighting over the gun when it fired, killing the lzarion who'd been brought to the deal by his mother Chantel Colin. Devonte Lamar White (left) was charged on Tuesday with killing 18-month-old Izarion Colin while trying to rob his drug-dealing stepfather in May 2014 At the time Robinson told police he met White at a nightclub before the shooting where he agreed to supply him with the drugs. Izarion was shot in the torso and died in hospital He brought along Colin and the children in the car to carry it out but White tried to rob him, police allege, pulling out a gun during the fight. They began to wrestle over it and it fired, shooting the toddler in the torso. He died in hospital later. White was arrested on Tuesday in Palm Beach and charged with first degree murder. His accused getaway driver Kenneth Smith was arrested back in 2014 after being seen fleeing in a black SUV by police on the day of the toddler's death. He said he didn't initially tell police it was White who'd killed the toddler because he was afraid of him, The Palm Beach Post reports. White was held without bond after his arrest on Tuesday. A lawyer testified on Wednesday, saying a prep school graduate did not receive effective counsel during his sexual assault trial, even though prosecutors said his defense team made reasonable strategic decisions. Owen Labrie, from Tunbridge, Vermont, was acquitted in 2015 of raping a 15-year-old classmate as part of a game of sexual conquest at St Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire. He was, however, found guilty of misdemeanor sexual assault and child endangerment. Labrie was also convicted of a felony computer charge that requires him to register as a sex offender for life. Labrie, who is now 21 years old, is appealing his conviction and seeking a new trial, claiming his lawyers failed to challenge the felony charge. Owen Labrie, (pictured on Wednesday) from Tunbridge, Vermont, is seeking a retrial after he was convicted of sexual assault, child endangerment, and a felony computer charge in 2015 Jaye Rancourt (pictured), who served as local counsel to Labrie's out-of-state defense team, said the prep school graduate did not receive effective counsel during the trial Labrie's appeal to the state Supreme Court is on hold while a Merrimack County Superior Court judge considers his request for a new trial based on ineffective counsel. The hearing began Tuesday and continued Wednesday. Jaye Rancourt, who served as local counsel to Labrie's out-of-state defense team, said during cross-examination Wednesday that she was virtually shut out of the case. Rancourt said she was so troubled by lead attorney J.W. Carney Jr.'s handling of the case that she considered asking for a mistrial, particularly after witnessing a conversation he had with a DNA witness in which he appeared wholly unprepared. 'That was the turning point,' she said. 'The train was off the tracks.' Under questioning from prosecutor Catherine Ruffle, Rancourt acknowledged that she did not approach either the judge or Labrie with her concerns, and said she realizes that amounts to ineffective counsel on her part. 'I didn't want to scare him. I didn't want to freak him out. This young man was on trial, he could go to prison. I didn't think it was the best time to step in and say, "I think your counsel doesn't know what they're doing,"' she said. 'Looking back, there's no question I should've come in this court room, told your honor "There's a huge problem,"' she said. 'That's my failure. I own it 100 per cent.' Rancourt claims Labrie's defense team erred in numerous ways. Samir Zaganjori (pictured) said the defense team's decisions were strategic, since further questioning of Labrie's friends, for example, could have opened the door to evidence that might hurt his case Ruffle repeatedly challenged Rancourt's claims that the defense team erred in other ways, including not challenging the computer charge during the trial and not attempting to further damage the credibility of the girl and several of Labrie's friends. Ruffle said those decisions could have been part of a reasonable legal strategy. Her first witness, Carney's co-counsel Samir Zaganjori said further questioning of Labrie's friends could have opened the door to evidence that might have hurt Labrie's case. Labrie's current lawyer, Robin Melone, has said that Labrie should not have been charged with or convicted of using a computer to lure the girl for sex because Labrie exchanged messages with the girl through the school's intranet, not the wider internet as the law specifies. Zaganjori said he believed the computer law applied because the school's system allowed access to the internet. 'I believe we gave him a very strong defense,' he said. Labrie's victim, Chessy Prout, spoke out in an interview last year about what happened to her when she was a 15-year-old freshman at St Paul's. Pictured right, Labrie in his mugshot Owen Labrie, was accused of taking part in a practice at the school known as Senior Salute where graduating seniors strive to have sex with underclassmen Labrie is currently out on appeal, but he is under a curfew that mandates he must be home between 5pm and 8am. If a new trial is granted, Labrie could again face the charges he was convicted of, however the ones he was acquitted of would not be brought back up. The call for a fresh trial comes after Labrie's victim, Chessy Prout, spoke out in an interview last year about what happened to her when she was a 15-year-old freshman at St Paul's. 'It's been two years now since the whole ordeal, and I feel ready to stand up and own what happened to me and make sure other people, other girls and boys, don't need to be ashamed, either,' Prout, who was 17 at the time of her interview and about to start her senior year at a different school, told the Today Show. She added: 'I want everyone to know that I am not afraid or ashamed anymore, and I never should have been.' Consumers will be able to switch mobile phone providers free of charge if they move home to an area where they have poor reception under current plans. The Government suffered two defeats in the Lords yesterday as peers backed to treble minimum broadband speeds and improve mobile phone coverage. Peers voted for an amendment to a new bill which will allow users to switch firms in so-called not spots - where there is sub-standard coverage or none at all. Peers voted for an amendment to a new bill which will allow users to switch firms in so-called not spots - where there is sub-standard coverage or none at all The government indicated it would not oppose the amendment backed by the Lords to help users plagued by poor signal when they move homes. Currently consumers are locked into contracts with service providers for up to two years. They typically have two weeks to get out of the contract if the service in their area is poor. But under the proposals set to become law in the Digital Economy Bill, if they move home at a later date to a not spot area, they will be allowed to change provider free of charge. Peers also succeeded in defeating the Government over minimum broadband speeds, which they said must rise significantly or they will become unfit for purpose. The amendment called for consumers to be given three times the internet download speed currently proposed. It compelled the Government to set more ambitious targets for its new Universal Service Obligation (USO). This would currently entitle consumers to a minimum broadband speed of at least 10Mbps but the Lords have called for it to be 30Mbps by 2020 in every household. It is understood the Government is likely to oppose all those amendments. Culture minister Lord Ashton of Hyde told the Lords that the USO was about setting a minimum standard, adding that the changes could breach EU directives. Peers also voted for a cap to their monthly phone bills. Ministers faced cross-party calls to accept the amendments, saying they would pave the way for world-class coverage. Peers voted to accept the amendments to the Bill, backing them by 250 votes to 206, majority 44. Currently consumers are locked into contracts with service providers for up to two years Speaking at the Bills report stage in the Lords, Labours spokesman Lord Mendelsohn said the work by Ofcom had found that introducing the Governments proposed USO would cost 1.1 billion. He said the more ambitious standards outlined in the amendments would cost 2 billion. He added that the 10Mbps speed backed by the Government would be unfit for usage in a very short time. The amendment said broadband speeds must hit 2Gb over the same timeframe. Liberal Democrat Lord Fox said: We are some distance from world class, and the objective of this amendment is to help move us along that road. Lord Mitchell, a former Labour now non-affiliated peer, added: I felt so terribly frustrated by the lack of ambition in the Governments requirements, and what theyre putting forward. Gigabytes should be king. For the Government, Lord Ashton said it shared the ambition for widespread availability of fibre optic connections. But he said he struggled to see how the targets could possibly be compliant with EU law. He added: The USO is a safety net to prevent social and economic inclusion - not a statement of ambition. We are setting the minimum, not the maximum. Lord Mendelsohn said the call for mobile caps came in response to bills which are causing stress to people in particular circumstances. The amendment called for consumers to be given three times the internet download speed currently proposed He added: Mobile phones are not luxury products and actually low income households are more reliant on their mobile phones than other households. Lord Mendelsohn argued unexpected bills could make it harder for users to budget, especially if they were on a low income and exacerbate a consumers debt problems. Responding for the Government, Baroness Buscombe said a number of operators already provided bill caps, while others had measures in place to tackle bill shock. She said there was a need to ensure that proposed changes did not risk putting people in vulnerable situations. Whether thats leaving them unable to make a vital call when they break down, or to have a contact with a friend or relative in their hour of need, she added. Lady Buscombe pointed out a person who had forgotten to pay their bill could face a frightening situation. On the issue of switching, she warned against measures that could prove too prescriptive for the needs of consumers as technologies continue to develop. The frontbencher also argued the most effective way to enable easier switching was to work with Ofcom to strengthen the regulatory landscape for the benefit of the consumer. Sajid Javid spoke to the Commons yesterday about the business rates controversy. He was a figure reduced, at least in volume. Usually there are few ministers louder, but yesterday he was low-decibel, speaking in the reasonable tones of someone who has been on an anger-management course. And so polite! The normal Javid has been known to howl down opponents, whack the despatch box as though it were his thigh, and make highly partisan arguments. Yesterday he was the height of courtesy, diplomatic to one and all, admitting interventions, quite the Listerine Dragon. Sajid Javid spoke to the Commons yesterday about the business rates controversy. He was a figure reduced, at least in volume Although Mr Javid is Local Government Secretary, he was not the only Cabinet minister present for the ill-attended mid-afternoon debate on Local Government finance. Two heavies had come along to keep an eye on him. Poor Mr Javid. Is he no longer trusted by Downing Street? The Chancellor was sitting beside him. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, David Gauke, who took a tremendous pasting from Monmouth wine merchant Tom Innes in the Mail on Saturday Mr Javid had been away on holiday, as is his wont was also there. Mr Gauke did not look entirely thrilled as he listened to Mr Javids opening sallies. (I know wine merchant Innes, by the way. He sells a rose called Chateau Fany, greatly better than its name might suggest. Tom is the gentlest of men. For him to have lost his rag with a politician is a sign of how the Governments proposed rate rises for some high street shops have driven small businesses to despair.) Back to yesterday in the Commons. Mr Javid, little pinkies at an angle, a faintly harassed smile on his face, heard representations on council funding from the likes of Louise Ellman (Lab, Liverpool Riverside), Vernon Coaker (Lab, Gedling), Steve Double (Con, St Austell & Newquay) and James Heappey (Con, Wells). All of these he found fascinating. Such good points. I thank the Hon Member. We understand things can be done better. Etc. etc. Minister in grovel mode, speaking of pilot schemes and a review. It was noticeable that at certain points both Mr Hammond and Mr Gauke muttered words of advice. Owen Paterson (N Shropshire), a senior voice of the Tory shires, was pretty rude in a coded way, saying he would vote for the Governments local-government report but without much enthusiasm. When we reached the specific matter of business rates, Mr Javid took out the violin and told us about his childhood living above the family shop in Bedminster, Bristol He told young Javid to extract his digit and make sure the review actually did some work and addressed long-standing injustices introduced in the Labour years when Blairites took money from the rural areas and spent more heavily in the inner cities. When we reached the specific matter of business rates, Mr Javid took out the violin and told us about his childhood living above the family shop in Bedminster, Bristol. Even as a child, he said, he knew it was a worrying sign when you found a bundle of red final payment reminders at the back of the drawer. He said that his late father would have been first in the queue to lobby him about apparently preferential rates being offered to online businesses and retails in out-of-town shopping centres. Charles Walker (Con, Broxbourne), about whom there is often an air of suppressed but intense violence, intervened to speak of pubs facing a 200 per cent increase in their rates. That would mean fewer bar jobs for youngsters in his constituency. Mr Javid said, without much force, that he knew pubs were important for communities. He finally got round to saying that he was working closely with my Right Hon Friend the Chancellor to help business. For with we can perhaps more accurately read under. There would, said Mr Javid, be an announcement at the Budget in a fortnights time. So it would seem that if there is a rethink on this policy, Mr Hammond will take the credit for it. While Mr Gauke turns to Mr Javid and does that gesture of threatening to poke two stiff fingers in his eyeballs. Australia Post chief executive Ahmed Fahour has resigned just weeks after his multi-million salary sparked backlash Australia Post chief executive Ahmed Fahour has announced his resignation just weeks after his multi-million salary sparked backlash. His $4.4 million salary and a $1.2 million bonus were made public by a parliamentary committee despite the government-owned business trying to keep under wraps. And on Thursday, Mr Fahour defended his job, saying running the organisation was a 'little bit more complex than running a fish and chip shop' - as he revealed he would step down from his position as CEO in July after a seven-year stint. 'I want to announce to you all today that I tendered my resignation to the board of Australia Post,' he said. 'I will continue in this role while the board conducts a search for a new CEO. I will formally step down in July, following the appointment of my successor. 'Clearly, this has been a very difficult and emotional decision for me and my family. But I have come to the conclusion that the timing is right.' Mr Fahour revealed he will step down from his position as CEO in July after a seven-year stint He insisted the intense scrutiny over his generous pay package was not the reason behind his resignation. 'I know some of you think the recent discussions about my pay may have precipitated this - that is completely not true,' he said. 'I last year began conversations with the chairman and with my management team that it is time for me to begin to think about life beyond Post, and it's time for the company to start to develop and prepare the people who work for me for one of them to become the next CEO. 'So we begun this process a while ago and this thinking certainly has been in the works for a while.' Mr Fahour said it was his choice to step down from his role just weeks after his salary emerged It comes after Malcolm Turnbull said the pay package as 'too high' after it was found Mr Fahour was earning 10 times as much as the Prime Minister. Mr Turnbull had said he acknowledged Mr Fahour had a big job overseeing a large government-owned entity, which had improved its operating business. 'In my view, I say this as someone who spent most of his life in the business world before I came into politics, I think it is a very big salary for that job,' Mr Turnbull said. The text was only four words long, but it was enough to convince Karen Ristevski's friends there was something seriously wrong: 'Have you seen mum?' The message was sent by Sarah, Ristevski's only daughter, to close friend Sharryn Hili on June 30 last year, just a day after the Melbourne mother went missing. That message would kick-start a seven-month manhunt that ended on Monday when Ristevski's badly decomposed body was found hidden beneath two logs in bushland near her Victoria home. Sharryn Hili (left), a close family friend of Karen Ristevski (right), has recalled the moment she received a text from Ristevski's daughter asking: 'Have you seen mum?' Recalling the moment she got the text, Ms Hili told 9 News that she immediately called Sarah, but discovered the 21-year-old was 'too devastated to speak.' Ms Hili said her next stop was at Ristevski's boutique, but she could find no sign of her there either. So she called Borce, Ristevski's husband, to ask whether the couple had a 'tiff' the previous evening. Ms Hili said she called Sarah (left) but she was 'too distraught to speak'. When she found no trace of Ristevski (right) at her shop, she knew something was wrong She said: 'He told me "we did have a bit of a disagreement" and he just said that she hasn't come home. 'I said she's probably just cooling off somewhere, she'll be back tonight or tomorrow.' Ristevski never returned home so the police were called in, questioning Borce who denied any involvement in her disappearance. As friends and loved ones begged for her to come home, police and SES began coming the bush around her home, including a nearby river. Meanwhile suspicion mounted around Borce, who was asked 'did you kill Karen?' by a reporter at the end of a press conference in which he appealed for help finding her. Further police searches and appeals turned up no fresh leads, so the case lay dormant until last week, when 'badly decomposed remains' were found hidden under a pair of heavy logs by a hiker. On Tuesday those remains were confirmed as belonging to Ristevski, while Borce was filmed visiting his lawyer. The search for Ristevski's body ended on Monday when a hiker discovered her 'badly decomposed remains' hidden beneath these logs Borce Ristevski, Karen's husband, was seen visiting his lawyer on Tuesday after the remains were identified as belonging to her That attorney, Rob Stary, confirmed on Wednesday that Borce is the prime suspect in her murder, but maintained that his client is innocent. Meanwhile police have seized a shovel from the couple's home which contains soil samples matching the soil in the area where Ristevski's body was found, the Herald Sun reported. Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Borce has any involvement in his wife's death, while no arrests have been made or charges laid. Gerard Baden-Clay has been blocked from accessing any part of his murdered wife Allison's $1 million estate. On Thursday her family made an uncontested application for full administration of her estate, including life insurance and superannuation policies. It was granted by Brisbane Supreme Court Justice Peter Applegarth. Gerard Baden-Clay (left) has been blocked from accessing his murdered wife Allison's (right) $1 million estate Allison's father Geoffrey Dickie, pictured with her mother Pirscilla Dickie, has been made the sole administrator of her will Allison's father Geoffrey Dickie has been made the sole administrator of her will and Baden-Clay has been barred from receiving any benefit. The mother's body was found washed up on a river bank in Brisbane ten days after her disappearance on April 21, 2012. Baden-Clay was convicted of his wife's murder in 2014, however the conviction was overturned in December 2015. In August 2016 the High Court reinstated the conviction, with family and friends expressing their relief at the time. Baden-Clay is currently serving a life sentence for her murder. Allison's body was found washed up on a river bank in Brisbane ten days after her disappearance on April 21, 2012 She has been slammed by critics for her strong and unwavering opinions, but Susan Carland continues to advocate loudly for feminist and Muslim rights. The prominent Australian-born Muslim convert threw her support behind a Saudi designer on Thursday with a photo posted to her 17,000 followers on Instagram. The photo shows Carland, 38, sitting at her laptop, which features a sticker of a Muslim woman wearing a head scarf. 'The best sticker by the coolest female Saudi designer,' Carland wrote alongside the photo she posted to Instagram on Thursday The sticker was designed by Saudi designer Ms Saffaa as part of her 'I Am My Own Guardian' movement. The art speaks to Saudi Arabia's strict and controversial Guardianship Laws which discriminate against women on the basis of their sex. 'The best sticker by the coolest female Saudi designer,' Carland wrote on Instagram. Susan Carland has shown her support for a Saudi designer with a photo posted to her 17,000 followers on Instagram on Thursday 'Change, I believe, should come from within. It must be guided and driven by the country's artists,' artist Ms Saffaa said 'I do not bargain with patriarchy' the art says Saudi Arabian law depicts women as man's possession, and has long been at the centre of feminist debate. Artist Ms Saffaa said I Am My Own Guardian 'reflects on ideas of resistance'. 'The resistance of Saudi women to patriarchy is often a silent one that goes undetected,' she said on her website. 'My work does not seek to replace male authority with female authority, but rather to give women the basic human right of controlling their own lives.' 'Can't contain my excitement, two feminist Muslim icons, Susan Carland and Hana Assafiri, are the new owners of 'I Am My Own Guardian' limited edition prints,' artist Ms Saffaa said (pictured alonside Carland and her husband Waleed Aly) Waleed Aly and wife Susan Carland arrive at the 58th Annual Logie Awards What do Saudi laws and culture involve? - All women, regardless of age, need a male guardian whether it be a husband, father, brother or uncle - Man's permission is required for travel, medical procedures and all official business - Only 13 per cent of the country's native workforce is made up of women - Gender roles are formed based on Sharia law - Women are required to wear a hijab when they are out and among men - Most Saudi homes are said to have one entrance for men and another for women Advertisement Carland has long advocated for feminist rights, especially for Muslim women. She converted to Islam almost two decades ago when she was still a teenager before marrying TV presenter and Gold Logie award winner Waleed Aly. Since finishing her PhD on Fighting Hislam Muslim women fighting sexism - Carland has advocated against sexism and preventing people from engaging in violent extremism. Slammed for her strong opinions online, Carland is no stranger to hate mail. She committed to donating $1 to Unicef Australia for every 'hate tweet' she received and has already raised $5,000. Carland shared a snipped from her 'hate mail' on Twitter on Friday. 'Hello Susan, I only wish to say that I hate you and wish nothing but the worst for you and your family,' the message read. Alongside the message Carland jokingly said: 'Surrounded by love and warmth from the wonderful people on Facebook. It goes on but the language is too vulgar to share'. 'On to cup of tea number eleventy million' Susan Carland posted alongside this photo of her with husband Waleed Aly Waleed Aly and wife Susan Carland attend the 2016 Andrew Olle Media Lecture on October 14 Carland (right) converted to Islam almost two decades ago when she was still a teenager before marrying TV presenter and Gold Logie award winner Waleed Aly (left) Relatives of Jean Charles de Menezes have voiced their outrage over Cressida Dick's appointment as Britain's first female top cop. Miss Dick, 56, made history when she was appointed as the new Metropolitan Police commissioner yesterday. The former head of UK counter terrorism policing was in charge of the Met operation which led to death of 27-year-old Jean Charles, who was shot by police at Stockwell tube station in London in 2005. His family told the BBC they had 'serious concerns' over her appointment, adding: 'The message is police can act with impunity.' New Met Police chief Cressida Dick (left) was in charge of the Met operation which led to death of Jean Charles de Menezes, 27, who was shot by police at Stockwell tube station in 2005 The 27-year-old's friends and family gave an emotional press conference in 2008 Patricia da Silva Armani, the cousin of shot Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes Miss Dick came under intense scrutiny after it was revealed he was was wrongly identified as a potential suicide bomber. But a jury cleared the police boss of any blame in his death. But Mr de Menezes' cousins Patricia Armani and Alex Pereira said her appointment was 'offensive' to his memory and sent 'the message... that police officers can act with impunity'. Ms Armani told the BBC: 'Our family is disappointed that she has now been appointed for such an important role at a time there are many more threats to public security in the form of terrorism. 'What are the guarantees that more innocent people won't be killed by the police in London?' Miss Dick is perhaps best known for her role as the senior commander in charge of the botched operation that led to the fatal shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes at Stockwell Tube station in 2005. She oversaw the operation that led to officers mistakenly identifying the Brazilian as an on-the-run suicide bomber, two weeks after the July 7 London bombings. The Metropolitan Police was successfully prosecuted for health and safety failings, but in an unusual move the jury attacked the Met but said it did not hold Miss Dick responsible. Miss Dick, pictured right being made a CBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015, was responsible for Operation Elveden, the investigation into alleged bribery of public officials by journalists Family members of Jean Charles De Menezes pictured outside The Oval in South London in 2008 The child of two academics and educated at Balliol College, Oxford, Miss Dick briefly worked in accounting before signing up the police and rising through the ranks. She joined the Met in 1983, working as the national lead for counter-terrorism and playing a big role in the security operation around the 2012 Olympics. Miss Dick became the UK's most senior female officer when she was made an Assistant Commissioner in 2009. She retired from the Met in 2014 to take up a low-profile role as a director general at the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office but is now back at the force to take on the top job. Miss Dick was awarded the Queen's Police Medal for services to policing in 2010 and a CBE in 2015. She said after her appointment: 'I am thrilled and humbled. This is a great responsibility and an amazing opportunity. 'I'm looking forward immensely to protecting and serving the people of London and working again with the fabulous women and men of the Met. Thank you so much to everyone who has taught me and supported me along the way.' She takes on the 270,000-a-year role from outgoing chief Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe (above) Miss Dick was widely seen as the leading candidate for the job after Sir Bernard's retirement was announced last year. Sir Bernard has previously praised Miss Dick as 'a fantastic leader' and 'a role model for women across the service'. Three other senior figures were also contenders - Mark Rowley, an assistant commissioner at the Met; Sara Thornton, the chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council; and Stephen Kavanagh, the chief constable of Essex Police. Ms Dick's appointment means that all three top policing jobs in the UK are now held by women - the commissioner, the NPCC head and National Crime Agency chief Lynne Owens. Muhiyidin Elamin Moye was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct The leader of the Black Lives Matter movement in Charleston was arrested after he tried to snatch a Confederate flag away from a protester on live television. Muhiyidin Elamin Moye was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct for trying to grab the flag from another man in South Carolina on Wednesday. Members of the Secessionist party were protesting outside the Sottile Theatre, where Brittany 'Bree' Newsome, who removed the Confederate flag from the state house in 2015, was scheduled to give a talk. Moye was captured on a live broadcast running across the street behind a WSCS TV anchor and breaking through a police barricade. He grabbed a Confederate flag from another man and tried to run off, dropping it at one point before he was soon tackled by a number of police officers. He was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. Moye (pictured) was captured on a live broadcast running across the street to grab the Confederate flag out of the hands of a man protesting a talk given by Brittany 'Bree' Newsome He grabbed the Confederate flag from another man in Charleston, South Carolina and tried to run off Moye was soon tackled by a number of police officers. The chaotic scene erupted outside the theater, where members of the Secessionist Party were protesting The chaotic scene erupted outside the theater, where members of the Secessionist Party held up the Confederate flag to protest Newsome's talk hosted by the College of Charleston. James Bessenger, chairman of South Carolina's Secessionist Party, asked the College of Charleston to cancel Newsome's appearance. Tension had been building over the weekend, as members of the party flew the Confederate flags over parking garages in the city in a stand against the 30-year-old activist. Their activity drew the attention of counter protesters, who flew LGBTQ flags in response and held signs that read: 'Black lives matter' and 'That flag is embarrassing'. Newsome became famous for scaling the flagpole at South Carolina's Capitol in Columbia and taking down the Confederate flag in July 2015 Newsome's talk, titled 'Tearing Hatred From the Sky', was hosted by the College of Charleston. Tensions had been mounting over the weekend over her appearance Newsome became famous for scaling the flagpole at South Carolina's Capitol in Columbia and taking down the Confederate flag in July 2015. She was arrested along with James Tyson and charged with defacing state property, although Newsome said the charges were eventually dropped and the case against her was dismissed. Newsome's famous act of protest came just days after Dylann Roof shot dead nine black parishioners in a racist attack at a Charleston church. Sen John McCain, one of President Donald Trump's harshest critics, made a secret trip to northern Syria to visit US forces stationed there and discuss the campaign for defeating the Islamic State extremists, his office said Wednesday. McCain's visit to the war-torn country occurred as a major battle nears to oust the militants from Raqqa, the capital of the Islamic State's self-declared caliphate. A statement from the senator's office did not give the dates of his travel, saying only that he made the visit last week. Sen John McCain (pictured at the Munich Security Conference on Friday) made a secret trip to northern Syria to visit US forces stationed there and discuss the campaign for defeating the Islamic State extremists, his office said Wednesday McCain's visit to the war-torn country occurred as a major battle nears to oust the militants from Raqqa, the capital of the Islamic State's self-declared caliphate. A statement from the senator's office did not give the dates of his travel. Troops pictured in Syria 'Senator McCain's visit was a valuable opportunity to assess dynamic conditions on the ground in Syria and Iraq,' the statement reads. It says the president 'has rightly ordered a review of US strategy and plans to defeat' the Islamic State group and McCain looks forward to working with the administration and military leaders 'to optimize our approach'. The Arizona Republican also quietly traveled to Syria in 2013 to meet with rebels fighting President Bashar Assad's forces. That visit took place amid meetings in Paris involving efforts to secure participation of Syria's fractured opposition in an international peace conference in Geneva. McCain, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has before voiced escalating concerns with Trump. He recently declared his administration in disarray and expressed concern over how national security decisions are being handled. During a speech Friday at the Munich Security Conference, McCain delivered a withering critique of Trump's worldview as he lamented a shift in the US and Europe away from the 'universal values' that forged the Western alliance 70 years ago. McCain on Monday welcomed Trump's selection of Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster to be his national security adviser, calling the pick an 'outstanding choice'. McCain visited Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates this week. He's pictured with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogana on Monday The Arizona Republican made his rounds this week and stopped in to visit the Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz (right) on Tuesday McCain's latest stop was in United Arab Emirates where he met with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (right) Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi It's unusual, however, for members of Congress to visit Syria, which has no diplomatic relations with the US. Rep Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, generated a backlash when she visited Syria in January and met with Assad. Gabbard, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, is an outspoken opponent of what she's called 'our counterproductive regime change war' in Syria. But Rep Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., an Air Force veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Gabbard gave Assad credibility by meeting with him. Lawmakers have accused the Assad government of war crimes and even genocide as the number of people killed during the violence in Syria continues to mount. The war, now in its sixth year, has killed hundreds of thousands of people, contributed to Europe's worst refugee crisis since World War II and given the Islamic State group room to grow into a global terror threat. McCain visited Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates this week. Retail, hospitality and fast-food workers are calling out the 'Unfair' Work Commission on social media over its decision to cut penalty rates. Over 700,000 workers will have their Sunday penalty rates slashed after the long-awaited decision was handed down on Thursday. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he would accept the ruling, but workers across the country sure aren't and they're making it known online. Scroll down for video One Twitter user employed sarcasm when he joked the Fair Work Commission was saying: 'Actually, our "eat more babies" policy will create the conditions for more babies to be born' Retail, hospitality and fast-food workers are seething over the decision to cut penalty rates People across the country are calling for the independent tribunal to be called the 'Unfair Work Commission' 'There was just a collective "get f***ed" in our lunch room,' one wrote on Reddit On Reddit, one worker said their entire lunchroom collectively said 'get f***ed' when they heard the news. Others pointed out the irony of government advice people should 'get a high paying job' to enter the property market and avoid the housing affordability crisis. 'I think we need to stop calling it the 'Fair' Work Commission,' one person commented on Reddit. 'Any politician getting a coffee from a cafe on a Sunday morning may find there is a little something extra floating in it,' another said. Many Australians have been pointing out the Fair Work Commission were unlikely to meet on a Sunday. One Reddit user put their feelings succinctly: 'Stuff this.' Reddit users were writing 'shame' on the social media thread on Thursday 'Any politician getting a coffee from a cafe on Sunday morning may find there is a little something extra floating in it,' one wrote Another user sarcastically said it was 'fantastic' news. 'I look forward to cheaper food and better service from businesses employing more staff,' the commenter joked. 'Enjoy having less consumers with less money in their pocket to spend.' Another said people cannot be expected to work the same amount of hours to the same standard for less money. Many people said decreasing wages while the cost of living skyrockets makes it 'impossible' for people like university students to survive. 'I honestly don't know how students these days are expected to survive,' one wrote on Reddit. One dark comment on social media said: 'I guess I'll go lie down in a ditch and get out of everyone's way.' Other workers have come out in support of the affected staff. 'As a nurse, this is alarming and not fair at all,' one woman wrote on Reddit. 'Hospitality and retail work is some of the most thankless work going.' She said fellow workers needed to 'shout loudly and frequently' to support affected staff. 'If you don't look after your brothers and sisters in other lines of work you can't complain when they come to f*** us over.' An electrician commented to agree. 'They have gone for the low hanging fruit to try and establish a precedent,' the commenter said. To explain the outrage, one person noted working weekends has a 'social cost'. 'Love that the answer to #penaltyrates cut is to "work more hours", great. So my regular Saturday and Sunday eight hours each can grow to how much?' one wrote on Twitter Buzzfeed journalist said the penalty rates were cut by 'a bunch of people earning six-figure salaries while expensing every meal & transport' ABC reporter Lucy Carter and Crikey reporter Josh Taylor said they both survived on penalty rates as students 'The amount of family events, birthdays and Christmases/ other holidays these people have to miss out on should be compensated,' the Reddit user wrote. Many Australians have been calling for mass strikes, or for consumers to boycott stores, restaurants and cafes that cut pay. The top trending hashtag was #penaltyrates on Twitter on Thursday afternoon as the blowback grew. In its announcement, the independent tribunal said Sunday rates would be reduced from 200 per cent to 150 for full and part-time retail workers, and dropped to 175 per cent for casuals. Hospitality workers will see similar cuts to their Sunday rates, dropping from 175 per cent of their usual wage to 150 per cent for full and part-time workers. Retail, hospitality and fast-food workers will have their Sunday penalty rates slashed after a long-awaited Fair Work Commission decision (stock image) What does the cut to penalty rates mean for YOU? Retail: Sunday rates reduced from 200 to 150 per cent of standard wage for full and part-time workers, and from 200 to 175 for casual workers. Hospitality: Sunday rates reduced from 175 to 150 per cent of standard wage for full and part-time workers, casual employees will remain the same. Fast-food: Sunday rates reduced from 150 per cent to 125 per cent of standard wage for full and part-time workers, and 175 to 150 for casual workers. Pharmacy (7am to 9pm only): Sunday rates reduced from 200 per cent to 150 per cent of standard wage for full and part-time workers, and 200 to 175 for casual workers. Public holidays: Retail and hospitality workers will have their standard wage reduced from 250 per cent to 225 per cent. Other industries will not be affected. Saturday rates remain the same and the pay cuts will be implemented in July Advertisement Fair Work Commission president Justice Iain Ross admitted the changes would be a tough pill to swallow for some workers earning 'just enough to cover weekly living expenses' Fast-food workers will also be hit by the cuts, with Sunday rates dropping from 150 per cent to 125 per cent for full-time and part-time staff, and 200 to 175 for casuals. Public holiday rates for retail and hospitality workers will be reduced from 250 per cent to 225 per cent. Saturday rates across all industries will remain the same and the pay cuts will be implemented in July. Fair Work Commission president Iain Ross said Sunday penalty rates would still be higher than for Saturdays. 'Generally speaking, for many workers, Sunday work has a higher level of disutility than Saturday work,' he said. Mr Ross said the commission took evidence from business owners that Sunday penalty rates had led employers to restrict trading hours and reduce staff levels. Sunday rates will be reduced from 200 per cent to 150 for full and part-time retail workers, and down to 175 per cent for casuals . The Australian Retailers Association welcomed the decision (stock image) He admitted the changes would be a tough pill to swallow for some workers earning 'just enough to cover weekly living expenses.' Australian Council of Trade Unions president Ged Kearney said it was a 'bad day for working Australians' who 'won't be able to survive on a 25 or 30 per cent pay cut.' 'We are on the way to seeing a whole class of working poor in this country,' she said, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. 'We are talking about people who do not earn a fortune. The retail industry made a very healthy operating profit last year. They can afford to pay people decently.' She said that for some workers the cuts would equate to a loss of $6,000 a year. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, who previously compared the likelihood of penalty rates being cut to aliens making contact with Earth, remained neutral as the decision was handed down. 'Turnbull and his MPs have been pushing to cut penalty rates for years - and now it's happened,' he tweeted. Malcolm Turnbull is pictured on Thursday at the Moriah War Memorial College in Sydney with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Mr Turnbull and Mr Netanyahu are pictured at the Commonwealth Parliamentary offices in Sydney on Thursday The Greens have promised to introduce legislation in parliament to protect penalty rates for retail, fast food, hospital and pharmacy workers. The minor party is calling on Labor and the crossbench to support a move to stop the commission's decision to cut rates on Sundays and public holidays. 'This is a body blow to the hundreds of thousands of people who depend on penalty rates to make ends meet,' industrial relations spokesman Adam Bandt said in a statement. Former coalition workplace minister Eric Abetz said the Fair Work Commission had been 'mugged by reality'. 'Today's decision will be of benefit to the tens of thousands of young Australians who want to work on weekends who have increasingly found that businesses haven't been able to afford opening their doors on Sundays,' Senator Abetz said in a statement. But it was disappointing the commission had taken more than three years to consider the matter. 'I will be seeking to establish why it took such an unusual amount of time,' Senator Abetz said, ahead of estimates hearings being held in Canberra next week. The Greens have promised to introduce legislation in parliament to protect penalty rates (pictured, MP for Melbourne Adam Bandt who tweeted in protest on Thursday) Federal Labor workplace spokesman Brendan O'Connor said the coalition had always wanted to cut penalty rates. 'Labor will keep up the fight,' he said. Labor senator Murray Watt ridiculed key business groups that pushed for the cut. 'Hey (Australian Retailers Association and Restaurant & Catering Australia) - can I make appointment to meet you about penalty rates on Sunday? Coz, you know, 24/7 economy right?' Senator Watt tweeted. The Australian Retailers Association welcomed the decision, saying that the penalty rate cuts would boost growth and reduce unemployment across Australia. 'Reducing these rates from double time to time and a half, will increase retail growth nationally and reduce the unemployment rate in Australia,' Russell Zimmerman, Executive Director of the ARA said. 'With retailers currently paying employees double time on Sundays, many retailers are forced to close their doors on this day, impeding on growth in the retail sector.' Mr Zimmerman said the slashed Sunday rates would mean that stores would be able to employ more people and be less restricted with staff numbers. The 22 Fair Work Commissioners who earn up to $350,000 a year made the final decision to slash Sunday rates for 700,000 retail and hospitality workers. The FWC's panel of commissioners, who have a base salary of $266,870 each and a total remuneration of $365,570, approved the wage decrease for 'the country's lowest paid workers,' Sydney University's Associate Professor Angela Knox told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday. 'Commissioners weight up all of the evidence and then each member would have a vote,' Ms Knox said. 'They may or may not be swayed by people who are more powerful but they are quite independent in that sense - it's unlikely.' The FWC's salaries appear to be on the other end of the pay scale compared to hospitality workers, with the two vice-presidents earning a total of $548,360 annually and the general manager receives $391,680, according to the Remuneration Tribunal in 2015. Scroll down for video The 22 Fair Work Commissioners who earn an annual salary of up to $350,000 made the final decision to slash Sunday rates for 700,000 Australian retail and hospitality workers (stock image) The commissioners are said to earn a base salary of $266,870 but take home a total of $365,570, including benefits, superannuation and allowances, according to the Remuneration Tribunal (pictured are protesters outside the FWC office in Canberra) President Justice Iain Ross (pictured), who announced the penalty rate cuts on Thursday, does not have his salary listed on documents The group's three deputy vice presidents earn $443,910 each. President Justice Iain Ross, who announced the penalty rate cuts on Thursday, does not have his salary listed on government documents. The independent tribunal announced on Thursday that Sunday rates would be reduced from 200 per cent to 150 for full and part-time retail workers, and dropped to 175 per cent for casuals. Over 700,000 workers will be affected by the decision, which Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull confirmed he would accept once it was announced. Hospitality workers will see similar cuts to their Sunday rates, dropping from 175 per cent of their usual wage to 150 per cent for full and part-time workers. Fast-food workers will also be hit by the cuts, with Sunday rates dropping from 150 per cent to 125 per cent for full-time and part-time staff, and 200 to 175 for casuals. Public holiday rates for retail and hospitality workers will be reduced from 250 per cent to 225 per cent. Saturday rates across all industries will remain the same and the pay cuts will be implemented in July. Professor Knox told Daily Mail Australia the FWC should have considered the 'broader economic climate' when making their decision. 'We know that wage growth is at all time low, so not only are these workers already the lowest paid workers in the country experiencing record low wage growth, theyve had their wages actually cut,' she said. Professor Knox said the decision could have been pressure from businesses. 'They are under legitimate pressures because their rents and energy bills are increasing and the removal of waste is a high cost unfortunately for workers, because of the way the penalty rate system operates, it is in a sense variable.' She said in most cases businesses are sympathetic with their employees because they also relied on penalty rates when they entered the industry. Daily Mail Australia has contacted the FWC for comment. Retail, hospitality and fast-food workers will have their Sunday penalty rates slashed after a long-awaited Fair Work Commission decision (stock image) Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he would accept the decision of the independent umpire on penalty rates What does the cut to penalty rates mean for YOU? Retail: Sunday rates reduced from 200 to 150 per cent of standard wage for full and part-time workers, and from 200 to 175 for casual workers. Hospitality: Sunday rates reduced from 175 to 150 per cent of standard wage for full and part-time workers, casual employees will remain the same. Fast-food: Sunday rates reduced from 150 per cent to 125 per cent of standard wage for full and part-time workers, and 175 to 150 for casual workers. Pharmacy (7am to 9pm only): Sunday rates reduced from 200 per cent to 150 per cent of standard wage for full and part-time workers, and 200 to 175 for casual workers. Public holidays: Retail and hospitality workers will have their standard wage reduced from 250 per cent to 225 per cent. Other industries will not be affected. Saturday rates remain the same and the pay cuts will be implemented in July Advertisement FWC president Mr Ross said Sunday penalty rates would still be higher than for Saturdays. 'Generally speaking, for many workers, Sunday work has a higher level of disutility than Saturday work,' he said. Mr Ross said the commission took evidence from business owners that Sunday penalty rates had led employers to restrict trading hours and reduce staff levels. He admitted the changes would be a tough pill to swallow for some workers earning 'just enough to cover weekly living expenses.' Australian Council of Trade Unions president Ged Kearney said it was a 'bad day for working Australians' who 'won't be able to survive on a 25 or 30 per cent pay cut.' 'We are on the way to seeing a whole class of working poor in this country,' she said, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. 'We are talking about people who do not earn a fortune. The retail industry made a very healthy operating profit last year. They can afford to pay people decently.' She said that for some workers the cuts would equate to a loss of $6,000 a year. Fair Work Commission president Justice Iain Ross admitted the changes would be a tough pill to swallow for some workers earning 'just enough to cover weekly living expenses' Australian Council of Trade Unions president Ged Kearney said it was a 'bad day for working Australians' (pictured protesting the cuts last year) who would face losses of $6,000 a year Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, who previously compared the likelihood of penalty rates being cut to aliens making contact with Earth, remained neutral as the decision was handed down His colleague Brendan O'Connor, Shadow Minister for Employment, was less subtle and said 'Labor will keep up the fight' in a passionate tweet Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, who previously compared the likelihood of penalty rates being cut to aliens making contact with Earth, remained neutral as the decision was handed down. 'Turnbull and his MPs have been pushing to cut penalty rates for years - and now it's happened,' he tweeted. The Greens have promised to introduce legislation in parliament to protect penalty rates for retail, fast food, hospital and pharmacy workers. The minor party is calling on Labor and the crossbench to support a move to stop the commission's decision to cut rates on Sundays and public holidays. 'This is a body blow to the hundreds of thousands of people who depend on penalty rates to make ends meet,' industrial relations spokesman Adam Bandt said in a statement. The Greens have promised to introduce legislation in parliament to protect penalty rates (pictured, MP for Melbourne Adam Bandt who tweeted in protest on Thursday) Sunday rates will be reduced from 200 per cent to 150 for full and part-time retail workers, and down to 175 per cent for casuals . The Australian Retailers Association welcomed the decision (stock image) Former coalition workplace minister Eric Abetz said the Fair Work Commission had been 'mugged by reality'. 'Today's decision will be of benefit to the tens of thousands of young Australians who want to work on weekends who have increasingly found that businesses haven't been able to afford opening their doors on Sundays,' Senator Abetz said in a statement. But it was disappointing the commission had taken more than three years to consider the matter. 'I will be seeking to establish why it took such an unusual amount of time,' Senator Abetz said, ahead of estimates hearings being held in Canberra next week. Federal Labor workplace spokesman Brendan O'Connor said the coalition had always wanted to cut penalty rates. 'Labor will keep up the fight,' he said. Former coalition workplace minister Eric Abetz said the Fair Work Commission had been 'mugged by reality' and the decision would benefit thousands of young Australians Australian Retailers Association head Russell Zimmerman said the penalty rates cut would boost growth and reduce unemployment Labor senator Murray Watt ridiculed key business groups that pushed for the cut. 'Hey (Australian Retailers Association and Restaurant & Catering Australia) - can I make appointment to meet you about penalty rates on Sunday? Coz, you know, 24/7 economy right?' Senator Watt tweeted. The Australian Retailers Association welcomed the decision, saying that the penalty rate cuts would boost growth and reduce unemployment across Australia. 'Reducing these rates from double time to time and a half, will increase retail growth nationally and reduce the unemployment rate in Australia,' Russell Zimmerman, Executive Director of the ARA said. 'With retailers currently paying employees double time on Sundays, many retailers are forced to close their doors on this day, impeding on growth in the retail sector.' Mr Zimmerman said the slashed Sunday rates would mean that stores would be able to employ more people and be less restricted with staff numbers. A millionaire Muslim woman who posed as a 'battling single mother' so she could live in public housing for 15 years is being evicted from her housing commission flat, after losing an appeal on her sentence. Rebecca Khodragha, 44, appeared at Parramatta District Court on Wednesday, in a bid to get her three month's home detention sentence lightened to community service, but the case was thrown out of court. It has since been revealed that Ms Khodragha will also be kicked out of her community housing apartment, and will have to pay back at least $86,000 to the government for the rent she should have paid. On Thursday, the Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that it had 'instructed its lawyers to commence the proceedings to terminate Mrs Khodraghas tenancy'. Rebecca Khodragha, 44, had her appeal thrown out in court on Wednesday and will now be kicked out of her housing commission apartment The millionaire Muslim woman is seen here arriving at Parramatta District Court on Wednesday flanked by lawyers and supporters 'Defrauding social housing is a crime that adversely affects the approximately 60,000 people currently on the waiting list for social housing in NSW,' a spokesman said. 'FACS takes fraud very seriously and is committed to investigating any allegations of fraudulent activity to the full extent of the law. He added: 'As a result of today's court decision, FACS will charge Mrs Khodragha for the back rent she should have paid. 'FACS will take whatever action is necessary to get back the tens of thousands of dollars which Mrs Khodragah now owes.' 'In addition, FACS has instructed its lawyers to commence the proceedings to terminate Mrs Khodraghas tenancy,' the spokesman added. Last year the married mother-of-two, whose husband owns an electrical business which rakes in more than $1 million each year, was given a sentence of three months' home detention when she was convicted of fraud. Rebecca Khodragha attempts to shield herself from photographers behind large dark sunglasses The public housing unit block where Rebecca Khodragha and her family lived. The court heard that despite the fraud conviction, Ms Khodragha is still living in public housing This week the court heard despite the fraud conviction, Ms Khodragha is still living in public housing and receives Centrelink payments. 'FACS is legally required to give Mrs Khodragha the opportunity to repay the money owed before her tenancy can be terminated,' a FACS spokesman said. The court was previously told Ms Khodrangha's husband Khaled Sabsabi owned a lucrative electrical contracting business which was registered to the housing commission address. At the same time Ms Khodrangha was claiming welfare benefits, the couple owned two other investment properties - in Lakemba and Greenacre - which they later sold for a significant profit. Justice Martin Sides said the mother-of-two had an 'absence of remorse' and 'complete lack of insight' as he dismissed the appeal. Ms Khodragha and her husband bought this Greenacre house in 2002 Ms Khodragha's lawyer, Zemarai Kahtiz told the court she made $8036.40 within six days Rebecca Khodragha as she arrives at Parramatta district court flanked by lawyers and supporter Ms Khodragha married Mr Sabsabi in an Islamic ceremony in 1991 but their wedding was unregistered and the pair have been in a Punchbowl housing commission unit in the city's south-west since that year, 7News reported. Ms Khodragha's lawyer, Zemarai Kahtiz, argued the 44-year-old's offending was from October 14 to 20, 2014 only, and not a longer period as claimed by the prosecution. He told the court she made $8,036.40 within those six days. 'That's the benefit she obtained, not $80,000 or $90,000 as the Crown sees it,' he said. 'As a result, whatever advantage obtained flows from that date'. Rebecca Khodragha dodges questions from reporters outside the Parramatta District Court on Wednesday The North Lakemba unit block where Rebecca Khodragha and her husband owned an apartment But Crown prosecutor Antony Di Francesco said Ms Khodragha pleaded guilty to obtaining the rebate and then hiding it from NSW Housing. 'Had she revealed the truth in 2015, they could have conducted an investigation and cancelled the rebates,' he said. Mr Di Francesco said by limiting the offending to a number of days 'misconstrues the nature of the charge put to Ms Khodragha to which she pleaded guilty'. Mr Kahtiz said the mother-of-two has been fired from her job at a medical centre as a result of the court case. He also said she is suffering a number of psychological conditions, including anxiety and depression. Ms Khodragha was tearful as Judge Sides threw out the appeal. According to Housing NSW, 60,000 people are on the waiting list for public housing The mother-of-two has been fired from her job at a medical centre as a result of the court case, according to her lawyer Kristen LaTour, 47, died in a Rhode Island hospital on Monday after being exposed to extremely high levels of carbon monoxide in her home last week A mother-of-three was killed by carbon monoxide poisoning caused partly by the medicinal marijuana operation she and her husband were running in their garage, police reports say. Kristen LaTour and the couple's three young children were rushed unconscious to hospital in Smithfield, Rhode Island last week after being exposed to the extremely high levels of carbon monoxide in their home. The 47-year-old died on Monday after failing to regain consciousness. She and her husband Guy LaTour had a permit to grow the marijuana. Authorities said the high levels of gas was able to leak into the home due to a blockage in the family's heating system. Building inspectors say the blockage was likely to have been caused by the medical marijuana operation being run in the LaTour's garage, according to police reports obtained by NBC 10 News. The police report states that an unauthorized hole that had been drilled into the garage wall allowed for a hose to run through to the marijuana plants. Kristen LaTour and her three young children were rushed unconscious to hospital. The children - aged 7, 9 and 11 - have since been released and are recovering at home Authorities said the high levels of gas was able to leak into the home due to a blockage in the family's heating system. Police reports indicate it could be linked to the LaTour's medical marijuana operation in their garage But the hole, in combination with fans used to vent the plant odor, stopped the house's chimney from working efficiently. The inspectors noted that the heating system's exhaust eventually blocked the chimney, causing a build up of the carbon monoxide inside the home. The home's carbon monoxide and smoke detectors had also been disabled, giving the family no warnings. Mrs LaTour and the children - aged 7, 9 and 11 - were found unresponsive by Mr Latour on February 15. The 47-year-old died in hospital on Monday after failing to regain consciousness The couple's three children were released from hospital over the weekend after spending several days in intensive care He told police he went into the garage but fell asleep. He found his family six hours later and called 911. Mr Latour was taken to hospital that same night but was released. The couple's three children were released over the weekend after spending several days in intensive care. Authorities are still investigating. A family friend set up a GoFundMe page prior to Mrs LaTour's death to help the family cover medical expenses. Israeli Prime Minister was forced to take a three-hour detour as he made the journey from Singapore to Sydney - to avoid Indonesian airspace. Benjamin Netanyahu, who was flying with Israel's national airline El Al, travelled for more than 11 hours before he arrived on Wednesday morning, The Guardian reported. The PM, who is in Australia for his historic four-day visit, travelled around the Philippines, and through Papua New Guinea - to avoid Indonesia's airspace - before landing in Sydney. The Israeli Prime Minister travelled more than 11 hours from Singapore to Sydney because the carrier was avoiding Indonesian airspace. Graphic shows the flight the PM took in comparison with a Singapore Airlines flight path Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured with his wife Sara Netanyahu as they walk down steps from their aircraft) arrived in Sydney at 6.30am on Wednesday for a four-day visit The average flight time between Singapore to Sydney is eight hours but the Israeli leader's aircraft had taken a longer route. El Al airline reportedly disallows its flights from travelling into the airspace of many Muslim countries, including Palestine, according to the newspaper. Indonesia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel because of its strong support for the Palestinian cause. For decades, international efforts have failed to work out a lasting comprehensive agreement on the core issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including borders, the fate of Palestinian refugees and security arrangements. It comes as Australia and Israel will co-operate more on technological innovation and make it easier for people to travel between both countries, under newly signed leaders' agreements. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Mr Netanyahu signed the agreements ahead of ministerial meetings in Sydney on Thursday. Both leaders said they were keen for their countries to expand their business and trade ties. Mr Turnbull said the agreement on technological innovation and research would provide a framework for Australian scientists and businesses to create industries of the future with the help of Israel's well-established hi-tech community. The air services agreement, which compliments a separate deal signed between Qantas and Israeli carrier El Al, would help foster business ties by making travel easier. Mr Netanyahu met with the Australian Prime Minister during a visit to the Moriah War Memorial College in Sydney on Thursday Malcolm Turnbull and Mr Netanyahu signed the agreements to deepen business and travel links between the countries ahead of ministerial meetings in Sydney on Thursday 'There are a number of Australian businessmen and women who are investing in innovative technology-based industries between Israel and Australia,' Mr Turnbull said at the start of the ministerial meetings. 'We want to deepen that. 'The air services agreement is part of that. There's no substitute for people getting together. 'We should be doing a lot more together. We shouldn't allow the tyranny of distance in the 21st century (to prevent that). 'There's so much scope for co-operation.' Money - it was the last thing Karen Ristevski and husband Borce argued about on the night she vanished in 2016. The pair owned two boutiques that were starting to fail and had a caveat placed over their $1.1million home, but still appeared to 'live large' - flying off on holidays in business class. But it has now been revealed that the family's money woes began more than a decade ago to a clothes business that went under, leaving them with a pile of debt. Scroll down for video Karen Ristevski and husband Borce argued about money on the night she disappeared as their two boutiques had started to fail, it is reported Photo of boutique Bella Blue ,a woman's clothing store where Karen Ristevski, 47 ,who was found dead in Mount Macedon, used to work Borce used to own Blue Laser Jean Co with his brother Vasko until it collapsed in 2000, leaving the family with a $600,000 unsecured debt Blue Laser Jean Co was a clothing manufacturer and wholesaler based in Melbourne that was established in 1987 and co-owned by Borce and his brother Vasko. At one point the firm counted department store giant Myer among its client base. But after a key supplier pulled out the business began to collapse, eventually falling apart in 2000 and leaving $600,000 in unsecured debt. The family suffered heavily as a result, The Australian reports, with Mr Ristevski losing a $290,000 loan on the business, with his wife owed $30,000. Members of his extended family were left on the hook for $55,000, while company filings indicate that investors received nothing. At the time Karen disappeared she owned two fashion companies with her husband - formalwear business Bella Bleu, which had two stores, and Warrant Brands. Before Mrs Ristevski disappeared a caveat was placed over her property, preventing it from being bought or sold, by the same company which owns one of the malls where they had a store. Despite their financial woes, friends said the couple appeared to continue 'living large' - flying off on holidays on business class flights Mrs Ristevski's body was found concealed between these logs in bushland around a 40 minute drive away from her home on Monday The legal order is typically used to secure an asset when a tenant falls into arrears, though it is not clear why it was used in this case. Mr Ristevski had been working at one of those businesses on the day she vanished - June 29, 2016. According to testimony Borce gave to investigators, the pair had fought about the takings from that store before Karen stormed off to 'cool down'. She was never seen alive again, and it was not until Monday this week that her body was discovered hidden in bushland around 40 minutes' drive from her home. The 'badly decomposed' remains were found buried in a shallow grave underneath two heavy logs and were discovered by a hiker. Borce is now the prime suspect in her death, according to his own lawyer, having been interviewed but released at the time she vanished. No charges have been laid and no arrests made. Daily Mail Australia is not alleging Mr Ristevski was involved in the crime. On Monday, a businessman revealed his chilling encounter with a stranger carrying a shovel on the outskirts of Mount Macedon near where Mrs Ritevski's body was found. Gary Salt and his wife Sandy spoke to police on Monday. He said was on his way home after a party in the area in December when his headlights illuminated the man walking out of the bush with the garden tool in hand. 'So where did you bury the body, mate?' he said from his car window, The Age reports. Mr Salt added that he spotted a 'beanie-wearing man' in his car headlights, walking out of the scrub near Macedon Regional Park alone and carrying a shovel around midnight, 7News reports. He also claims he would have no trouble recognising the man he saw. Two weeks after Egg the pug sparked a frantic search when he was allegedly stolen at knife-point, police have confirmed everyone's worst fears: the dog is dead. On Wednesday the puppy's 29-year-old owner was charged with making a false report about the kidnapping, which he claimed unfolded in Sydney Olympic Park on February 9. NSW Police have now unravelled the grim reality, confirming to Daily Mail Australia the adorable canine died at his owner's home before being disposed of. Police have confirmed Egg the adorable pug died choking on a treat - two weeks after being the centre of kidnap mystery Police said the cause of death was unknown, however Yahoo reports the dog died 'choking on a treat.' The news comes one day after the man attended Auburn Police Station to come clean about his story. Following investigations, the man was issued with a court attendance notice for false representation resulting in police investigation. Earlier this month he contacted police in a desperate plea to hunt down the three alleged kidnappers and his beloved pug. On Wednesday the puppy's 29-year-old owner was charged with making a false report about the puppy's alleged kidnapping The man had told police three men snatched his beloved pet dog at knifepoint on February 9 Bizarrely, the man even provided a description of the alleged kidnappers , who he claimed were of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern heritage, and aged about 30. He claimed two of the men were of a slim build and the third man was of a large build with a bald head and a goatee. He has since been charged with making a false report of a robbery, and is due to appear in the Burwood Local Court on April 6. The wife of a retired police officer on trial for shooting another man dead at a movie theater in 2014 has backed her husband's claim he acted in self-defense. Curtis Reeves, 74, is on trial in Florida for shooting dead 43-year-old Chad Oulson during an argument over cellphone use inside the theater. Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Susan Barthle is being asked to decide whether Reeves should be immune from punishment under the state's stand your ground statute. The 74-year-old's wife, Vivian, backed her husband up in court on Tuesday by testifying she was 'horrified' and 'scared' because of how Oulson was behaving. The wife of retired police officer Curtis Reeves (pictured in court on Tuesday) on trial for shooting another man dead at a movie theater in 2014 has backed her husband's claim he acted in self-defense She said her husband leaned towards Oulson after a notice played on the screen asking people to turn their phones off, ABC News reports. Vivian told the court on Tuesday Oulson did not do so, and said he was being 'very loud' and said either 'f***' or 'f***ing'. 'It scared me... I was horrified that somebody would act like that, especially in a movie theater,' she told the court, according to the network. She testified her husband then got up and went to tell a manager about the incident, before returning to his seat just as the previews started. Curtis Reeves, 74, is on trial in Florida for shooting dead 43-year-old Chad Oulson during an argument over cellphone use inside the theater. He is seen in the Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center in Dade City on Tuesday Chad Oulson (pictured with his widow, Nicole) was shot after an alleged argument with Reeves over the use of his phone Vivian Reeves (pictured) testified on Tuesday that she was 'horrified' and 'scared' before her husband shot Oulson According to Vivian Reeves, her husband and Oulson spoke to each other again at that moment, with the ex-cop informing him that he told management at the cinema. Oulson then replied, 'You told on me... who the f*** do you think you are?', Vivian told the court. Seconds later, Curtis Reeves opened fire and shot Oulson dead. Vivian claimed it appeared as though the 43-year-old father was climbing over his chair to get to her husband. 'It happened very quickly, and his whole upper body just came forward, and I thought that he was coming over,' she told the court on Tuesday Oulson's widow, Nicole (pictured with her husband and their daughter) - who was in the cinema with her husband at the time, said in 2014 that Chad was texting their daughter's babysitter at the time of the shooting This photo released by the attorney's office shows Curtis Reeves handcuffed in the movie theater where he shot Chad Oulson 'It happened very quickly, and his whole upper body just came forward, and I thought that he was coming over,' she told the court, according to ABC News. 'I just didn't know what happened.' She went on to say she could not remember a moment her husband ever lost his temper at her. The couple has been married 49 years. The hearing on Tuesday is part of a pre-criminal trial hearing. If the judge decides stand your ground does not apply in this case, Reeves will proceed to a criminal trial. He would still be able to plead self-defense in that case. A photo released as evidence shows the auditorium in the Grove Cobb 16 theater in Wesley Chapel after authorities say Curtis Reeves shot and killed Chad Oulson in a dispute over texting during previews January 13, 2014 The confrontation that resulted in Oulson's death occurred before the movie had even begun Vivian's testimony appeared to be contested by another witness, Joanna Turner. Turner told the court she heard Oulson say, 'I'm texting my daughter,' seconds before a shot was fired by Reeves. Other witnesses said Oulson threw popcorn at Reeves before the shooting. Oulson's widow, Nicole - who was in the cinema with her husband at the time, said in 2014 that Chad was texting their daughter's babysitter at the time of the shooting. The cinema's management forbids patrons to bring weapons into the theater Reeves entered the theater with this gun, which he then used to shoot Oulson Reeves hands are seen cuffed after he was arrested in the cinema in 2014 over the deadly shooting 'It was a couple of words. No threats. No harm. No nothing... In the blink of an eye, 30 seconds, it just shattered my world,' she said. Florida's stand your ground law states a person has no duty to retreat when faced with a violent confrontation and can use deadly force if he or she fears death or great bodily harm. Prosecutors say the 74-year-old Reeves provoked the confrontation. Reeves' attorneys say Oulson's actions made him think he was in danger of serious assault. Reeves has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder. Kellyanne Conway made her return to TV on Wednesday night during an appearance on Fox's Hannity to claim she hadn't been sidelined by the White House as reported, insisting she spent the week off air looking after her kids. 'I'm not sidelined. Somebody's trying to stir up trouble,' she told Hannity and a crowd of fans at the Conservative Political Action Conference. 'If I'm out for a few days with four kids looking at houses and schools, a lot of my colleagues aren't trying to figure out how to be a mother of four kids I assure you,' she continued. In a jibe at CNN which claimed she'd been yanked out of television for giving out false information during a handful of problematic appearances, Conway said she'd been used as 'clickbait' and there was resentment towards her 'gobbling up others' TV time.' Scroll down for video Kellyanne Conway returned to TV on Wednesday to appear on Fox's Hannity after a week off air. She used the interview to deny reports she'd been yanked out of appearances for giving bad information 'About five per cent of what I'm asked to do in this role as special adviser to the president is TV. 'We don't always need to be out there all the time. He's confident, he's his own best messenger,' she added. Hannity, who earlier hyped up the crowd by heaping praise on President Trump and the administration, echoed her comments. 'How long have you been booked on my show? It's impossible you were sidelined.' Conway also used her interview to scold the mainstream media which she said had been exercising 'presumptive negativity' towards the administration. 'Some people talk about biased and fair coverage. 'My grievance is full coverage. We want the complete story told. President Trump has actioned 23, maybe 24 executive actions but basically one of them has gotten all of the attention. 'There are such great stories to tell, facts and figures, that we just want to make sure are reaching people. It's why so many people don't like the president using Twitter, well too bad, he's cutting out the middle man.' Conway said she'd spent the week looking at schools with her four children and fulfilling other duties in her role as special adviser to the president Conway said she'd been used as 'clickbait' and agreed with Hannity that her appearance on the show had been booked for months Conway was given an enthusiastic welcome from the crowd at the convention on Wednesday While taking questions from the audience about the future of women in politics, she couldn't resist a jab at Hillary Clinton. 'There were a lot of people who said I'd like to have a female president, just not that one,' she said to cheers. Conway was being kept from giving TV interviews after she inaccurately said President Trump had 'full confidence' in his national security advisor Mike Flynn just hours before Flynn resigned, according to a report. Conway stumbled again when she said Flynn had offered to resign, when the White House and President Trump later said Trump's confidence in Flynn had eroded. Conway used the appearance to scold the media which she said wasn't delivering 'the full story' Those appearances followed an earlier misstep which may have run afoul of ethics rules for federal government workers, when Conway urged Americans to 'Go buy Ivanka's stuff.' She made the statement after Nordstrom stores pulled clothing products of the president's daughter off of its shelves. CNN reported Wednesday that Conway was 'sidelined from television appearances for making statements that were at odds with the administration's official stance,' citing White House sources. Conway's comment on Ivanka Trump products may have run against federal ethics rules that state: '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.' Conway apologized to Trump after the incident and tweeted that she had his full support. 'POTUS supports me, and millions of Americans support him & his agenda," she tweeted. One White House source told the network Conway was 'off message.' A source close to the White House said in the report, 'Clearly they're having much more of a drama-free week. Having Kellyanne off television is helping them.' On February 13, Conway said the White House had 'full confidence' in Michael Flynn hours before he announced his resignation On February 2, she appeared on MSNBC's Hardball where she referred to the 'Bowling Green Massacre' which never happened Conway said last Tuesday that she doesn't know whether the president's top White House lawyer told him that the Justice Department knew Flynn had lied about his extra-curricular conversations with a top Russian diplomat Conway also found herself rebuked for telling viewers to 'go buy' Ivanka Trump's 'stuff' White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders knocked down the report. The story is 'just not true,' she told DailyMail.com. 'She has multiple appearances this week and has been heavily involved in the planning for the joint session speech,' she added, in a reference to Trump's speech to Congress next week. Sanders in the CNN story called it a 'wild goose chase' and said Conway 'has a large portfolio at the WH and is spending significant time focusing on it.' Conway had told CNN in an interview last week that, 'I'm trying to reduce my television exposure.' Conway committed another unforced error when she cited the nonexistent 'Bowling Green Massacre' to justify Trump's travel ban. She later said she meant to refer to 'Bowling Green terrorists' who got arrested here, and said she misspoke. The Iraqi nationals had admitted to constructing improvised explosives and using them against U.S. troops in Iraq before coming here, the Washington Post reported. The federal Office of Government Ethics wrote that the White House should consider disciplinary action against Conway for her endorsement of Ivanka Trump products. A Sydney business owner says he is 'not for' the Fair Work Commission decision to cut penalty rates saying 'if you can afford to stay open that you should reward the staff'. While co-owners of Square Sandwiches in Sydney's Australia Square, Naji Kazzi, 32, and Keith Lewis, 44, will benefit from the penalty rate cut ruling, they did not support the decision. The shock ruling will see retail, hospitality and fast-food workers have their Sunday penalty rates cut reduced from 200 per cent to 150 for full and part-time retail workers, and dropped to 175 per cent for casuals. 'Most of us started out as workers, so I understand when you give up a Saturday or a Sunday night you want an incentive,' Mr Kazzi told Daily Mail Australia. 'Of course as a business owner it benefits you, but at the same time, you're one business owner, compared to 15 or 30 unhappy staff.' What does the cut to penalty rates mean for customers like Elizabeth Wood, (far left), workers like Maggie Kowalka (second left) and business owners like Keith Lewis (second right) and Naji Kazzi (far right) A Sydney business owner Keith Lewis says he is 'not for' the Fair Work Commission decision to cut penalty rates saying 'if you can afford to stay open that you should reward the staff' Fair Work Commission president Iain Ross said penalty rates had led employers to restrict trading hours and reduce staff levels, and the cuts will now mean more services and better trading hours on Sundays and public holidays. But Mr Kazzi said the lack of incentive of a bigger paycheck to encourage staff to want to come into work on the weekend and during holidays was a bigger concern. 'The last thing you want is to force them [staff] to come in otherwise you're going to have to fire them,' Mr Kazzi said. 'You want them to be happy to come in and make that extra dollar and enjoy the day.' For workers like Maggie Kowalka, 33, the promise of extra money was a huge factor in wanting to work the unsociable hours on weekends and public holidays. 'I'm not happy about it, working on the weekend is lot worse than during the week,' she said of the Fair Work decision. 'There should be something extra [for workers].' However, she did agree with Australian Retailers Association's Russell Zimmerman, who said businesses would now be able to employ more weekend staff. 'It get really busy here, so sharing responsibilities might make the workplace easier.' But Ms Kowalka added the she 'didn't really know' what the future had in store. Ms Kowalka (not pictured) said sharing responsibilities might make it easier to work when its busy Sunday rates for hospitality workers have been reduced from 175 to 150 per cent of standard wage for full and part-time workers, casual employees will remain the same Meanwhile, for customer, Elizabeth Wood, 26, she said while she felt bad for workers who sacrifice their time for the customer and for the employer on Sundays and public holiday, she could see the benefits as a consumer. 'If they're able to use the costs elsewhere, back into the business or hire more people then it could be good for customer service,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'If there were more people working, they'll be able to serve customers like me more efficiently.' What does the cut to penalty rates mean for YOU? Retail: Sunday rates reduced from 200 to 150 per cent of standard wage for full and part-time workers, and from 200 to 175 for casual workers. Hospitality: Sunday rates reduced from 175 to 150 per cent of standard wage for full and part-time workers, casual employees will remain the same. Fast-food: Sunday rates reduced from 150 per cent to 125 per cent of standard wage for full and part-time workers, and 175 to 150 for casual workers. Pharmacy (7am to 9pm only): Sunday rates reduced from 200 per cent to 150 per cent of standard wage for full and part-time workers, and 200 to 175 for casual workers. Public holidays: Retail and hospitality workers will have their standard wage reduced from 250 per cent to 225 per cent. Other industries will not be affected. Saturday rates remain the same and the pay cuts will be implemented in July Advertisement For workers like Maggie Kowalka, 33, (right) the promise of extra money was a huge factor in wanting to work the unsociable hours Australian Council of Trade Unions president Ged Kearney said it was a 'bad day for working Australians' who 'won't be able to survive on a 25 or 30 per cent pay cut' Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said the cuts would help unemployed people find work 'If they're able to use the costs elsewhere, back into the business or hire more people then it could be good for customer service,' Ms Wood (pictured) told Daily Mail Australia Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said the cuts would help unemployed people find work. 'This will have a positive impact on many of the employers who will now be able to open on a Sunday and offer more employment, in particular to those who are unemployed or underemployed,' she said. Australian Council of Trade Unions president Ged Kearney said it was a 'bad day for working Australians' who 'won't be able to survive on a 25 or 30 per cent pay cut.' 'We are on the way to seeing a whole class of working poor in this country,' she said, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. 'We are talking about people who do not earn a fortune. The retail industry made a very healthy operating profit last year. They can afford to pay people decently.' She said that for some workers the cuts would equate to a loss of $6,000 a year. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said workers had been 'kicked in the guts'. 'We are going to do our best to convince the Fair Work Commission not to implement this decision,' he said. A muscle-bound man who stood alongside Bill Shorten as an everyday retail worker 'outraged' by the cuts to penalty rates was handing out how-to-vote cards for Labor MP Emma Husar at last year's federal election. Trent Hunter, who is also a member of a NSW trade union, was chosen to speak at Mr Shorten's press conference shortly after news broke of the Fair Work Commission's decision to slash penalty rates. 'I am gutted. It is such a disgrace. I do not accept the decision as a retail worker. I rely on Sunday penalty rates. I am rostered on every single Sunday,' Mr Hunter said. Trent Hunter (centre with Bill Shorten) was handing out how-to-vote cards for Labor MP Emma Husar (right) at last year's federal election Mr Hunter (centre) stood alongside Bill Shorten (right) as an 'outraged retail worker' after penalty rates were cut on Thursday But he was seen handing out how-to-vote cards for Labor MP Emma Husar at last year's federal election (third from right) 'I will now lose $109 a week. That is insane. I rely on the penalty rates to make ends meet and to pay for my fuel, my rent and to pay for my food.' 'What this Government doesn't understand is that penalty rates aren't a luxury, they are a working right. It is a pay cut no-one deserves.' He was joined by Evelyn Kathner, a struggling retail worker from western Sydney who called on Malcolm Turnbull to try living on her wage of $600 a week. The pair were presented as two regular Australians impacted by the cuts - but Mr Hunter's apparent links to the Labor party were not made public. Labor MP Emma Husar (left) posted a photo of Mr Hunter (centre) on her official Facebook page Muscle-bound Mr Hunter was presented as a regular Australian impacted by the cuts to penalty rates - but his links to the Labor party were not made public Mr Hunter's personal Facebook page is filled with photos alongside prominent Labor members, including Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and Ms Husar, MP for Lindsay. In a majority of the tagged photos on his page he is wearing a red Labor NSW shirt. His current occupation is also listed as a grocer at Coles - ironically a position which will likely not be affected by the penalty cuts due to enterprise agreements already in place. The Fair Work Commission slashed penalty rates for hospitality, fast-food and retail workers on Sundays and public holidays, and the cuts will come into effect in July. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Shorten's office for comment. In a majority of the tagged photos on his page Mr Hunter (second from left) is wearing a red Labor NSW shirt Mr Hunter's current occupation is listed online as a grocer at Coles - ironically a position which will likely not be affected by the penalty cuts The story bears an eerie resemblance to the Fake Tradie advertisement that made national headlines in June last year. The Coalition campaign released a 30-second advertisement featuring a tradesman fuming about Labor leader Bill Shorten, who he said 'wants to go to war' with the economy and 'even someone like me who just wants to get an investment property'. However internet users quickly doubted the man really was a struggling tradesman and rushed to point out the watch he was wearing appeared to be a luxury TAG Heuer timepiece valued at $7,250. The advertisement was widely mocked and days later Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed that 'Fake Tradie' was the real deal: a ute-driving metalworker and former electrical supervisor named Andrew MacRae. A leading contender in the race for Democratic chair has claimed Donald Trump 'legitimately raises the question of impeachment'. Rep. Keith Ellison, the Muslim congressman from Minnesota who the president gave a backhanded compliment to on Wednesday, said he'd done 'a number of things' which warrant investigation. 'I think that Donald Trump has already done a number of things which legitimately raise the question of impeachment. 'On day 1, he was in violation of the emoluments clause. This is a part of the constitution which says as president, you can't get payments from a foreign power. 'The day people checked in to his hotel and started paying him, foreign dignitaries, he was in violation of that law,' Ellison said at a debate between candidates for the chairmanship on Wednesday. 'Right now it's not only about Donald Trump, it is about the integrity of the presidency. Scroll down for video Rep. Keith Ellison said on Wednesday he agreed with Democrats who want to see Trump impeached, telling a debate for the leadership of his party that the president had done 'a number of things' to raise the question 'So yeah, I think that we need to begin investigations to not go after Donald Trump but to protect our Constitution and the presidency of the United States to make sure that nobody can monetize the presidency and make profit off of it for their own gain,' he continued. Ellison had been asked by CNN's Chief Political Correspondent Dana Bash, who was moderating the Atlanta debate, whether he stood with fellow Democrats calling for Trump to face impeachment. His bold comments came hours after the president delivered him a backhanded compliment on Twitter. Ellison said the president should be investigated for possibly 'monetizing' the presidency 'One thing I will say about Rep. Keith Ellison, in his fight to lead the DNC, is that he was the one who predicted early that I would win!' he said. Ellison was laughed at in 2015 during an on-air interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos and New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman for his prediction. It came days after Trump announced his campaign and Ellison said it ought to be taken seriously by voters. 'Anybody from the Democratic side of the fence who thinks that who is terrified of the possibility of President Trump better vote, better get active, better get involved because this man has got some momentum, and we'd better be ready for the fact that he may be leading the Republican ticket,' he said on a Sunday morning broadcast of ABC's 'This Week.' 'I know you don't believe that,' responded Stephanopoulos while Haberman apologized for laughing. 'You know, George, we had Jesse Ventura win the governorship in Minnesota. Nobody thought he was going to win. I'm telling you, stranger things have happened,' Ellison replied snappily. Democrats in Washington are playing down talks the president should face impeachment over his ties to Russia, insisting that more investigations ought to be carried out before any action is taken to remove Trump from office. Trump earlier praised the congressman, telling Twitter followers how he'd been one of the first to predict his election win Ellison, a Bernie Sanders favorite, is a front-runner in the race for the new chair of the Democratic National Committee Ellison said Trump had violated the constitution if he'd accepted money from foreign dignitaries by having them stay at Trump International Hotel (above) Minority leader Nancy Pelosi said earlier this month any talk of the 'I word' - as it has become known - is premature. '[There] are grounds for displeasure and unease in the public about the performance of this president who has acted in a way that is strategically incoherent, that is incompetent and that is reckless. And that is not grounds for impeachment,' she said. California Rep. Eric Swalwell echoed her comments, telling Politico: 'We need to assemble all of the facts, and right now there are a lot of questions about the presidents personal, financial and political ties with the Russian government before the election, but also whether there were any assurances made.' Pennsylvania Rep. Brendan Boyle chimed in: 'The I word we should be focused on is "investigations."' Talk of impeachment had begun even before the inauguration when far-left California Rep. Maxine Walters said the then incoming president could face impeachment if it could be proven he colluded with Russian meddling in the election. 'If we discover that Donald Trump or his advocates played a role in helping to devise strategy if they're the ones who came up with "Crooked Hillary," if theyre the ones who came up with, "She's ill, somethings wrong with her energy," and the way that he basically described her during the campaign I think that is something that would put the question squarely on the table, whether or not he should be impeached,' she told MSNBC. A contingency of small business owners across Sydney have embraced the Fair Work Commission decision to cut Sunday penalty rates saying they 'don't think rates are cut enough'. The shock ruling, which was passed down on Tuesday, will see retail, hospitality and fast-food workers have their Sunday penalty rates cut reduced from 200 per cent to 150 for full and part-time retail workers. Rates for casuals will also be dropped to 175 per cent. While some have slammed the decision, others have celebrated it. Shadi Mireskandari Small business owner Shadi Mireskandari (pictured) said penalty rates were 'ridiculous' and too hard to sustain Ms Mireskandari said she was forced to work every weekend, because hiring someone else to come in was not an option for the small business Sunday and public holiday penalty rates for hospitality workers will be slashed (Small business owner Shadi Mireskandari pictured) Small business owner Shadi Mireskandari said penalty rates were 'ridiculous' and too hard to sustain. 'It's one of the worst parts of the job having to always work weekends because you can't afford to put anyone else on,' she said. 'It's ridiculous the amount we have to pay on weekends.' Ms Mireskandari said she was forced to work every weekend, because hiring someone else to come in was not an option for the small business. 'Sundays definitely put you off from hiring anyone,' she said. 'This change means I might be able to rely on someone else and come and go a bit on Sundays - it makes life so much easier. 'I'm very inclined to hire on Sundays now, maybe take some family time and spend it with my daughter.' Fair Work Commission president Iain Ross said penalty rates had led employers to restrict trading hours and reduce staff levels. Mr Ross said the cuts now meant small businesses could extend their weekend trading hours and offer better service to customers. Sam Arlene Sam Arlene started a new business at The Rocks in Sydney and works 24 hours a day and seven days a week to get it off the ground Ms Arlene said a cut to Sunday penalty rates would be fantastic news for both her and her fellow owner-operators Sam Arlene started a new business at The Rocks in Sydney and works 24 hours a day and seven days a week to get it off the ground. Ms Arlene said it took a lot of time and energy to run a business successfully and small business owners were being run into the ground. 'The way it currently is is not a recipe for success, it's a recipe for burnouts and fast burnouts,' she said. Ms Arlene said a cut to Sunday penalty rates would be fantastic news for both her and her fellow owner-operators. 'Just having that freedom to have someone come in on the weekend and relieve me,' she said. Ms Arlene said it took a lot of time and energy to run a business successfully and small business owners were being run into the ground Small business owners across Sydney have embraced the penalty cut decision (Small business owner Sam Arlene pictured) 'It would free me, recharge me. 'I might even have time aside to design and plan and put something fresh into the business.' Ms Arlene said people needed work, and a slash in penalty rates would allow small business owners to hire more people. She said this might ignite a spark in employment. 'People need work, one would see reason behind it,' she said. Colin Jacobus Colin Jacobus owns a boutique jewellery store in Sydney and believes the penalty rates were not cut by a big enough percentage. 'By the time you put on super and tax, my shop has to be earning quite a lot to justify Sunday rates,' he said. 'I don't think rates are cut enough. 'Shops are not earning squillions, it's not easy for us.' Mr Jacobus said he understood Tuesday's news to slash Sunday rates for retail workers was not good news for everyone, but he said it was good news for him and people like him. More than 700,000 retail, hospitality and fast-food workers will be affected (stock image) Small business owners across Sydney have embraced the penalty cut decision (stock image) 'It will certainly help a lot of businesses,' he said. While Mr Jacobus said he now had greater freedom to hire people on weekends, he said it would be an even greater help for businesses bigger than his. 'For a business hiring 10 or 15 people, that cumulative sum they would save would be huge,' he said. 'It would mean they could employ more people, which means better service for the business.' He also said it was good news for the worker. 'It means the business can employ more people, increasing overall employment making it better for the people getting the work,' he said. Mr Jacobus said people often overlooked small business owners, but said they deserved a break too. 'We're just the little guys, tiny little guys,' he said. Kayla Kellett, hospitality worker Kayla Kellett is a casual worker at a coffee shop in Sydney Ms Kellett said penalty rates encouraged her to work weekends, but 'if your boss is good to you, you come in and show your support and be good back' The 23-year-old conceded penalty rates might make a big difference to some workers Kayla Kellett is a casual worker at a coffee shop in Sydney. Although she said the slashed penalty rates meant she could earn less money for the same amount of time worked, she understood the reasoning behind it. 'If a small business is earning $2,000 or $3,000 over the weekend, they're often paying their workers the same as what they're earning,' she said. Ms Kellett said penalty rates encouraged her to work weekends, but 'if your boss is good to you, you come in and show your support and be good back'. The 23-year-old conceded penalty rates might make a big difference to some workers. 'If you're a mum and have a lot riding on your weekend pay, I understand it would make a big difference,' she said. What does the cut to penalty rates mean for customers like Elizabeth Wood, (far left), workers like Maggie Kowalka (second left) and business owners like Keith Lewis (second right) and Naji Kazzi (far right) Meanwhile, a Sydney business owner in Australia Square said he was 'not for' the decision saying 'if you can afford to stay open that you should reward the staff'. While co-owners of Square Sandwiches in Sydney's Australia Square, Naji Kazzi, 32, and Keith Lewis, 44, will benefit from the penalty rate cut ruling, they did not support the decision. The shock ruling will see retail, hospitality and fast-food workers have their Sunday penalty rates cut reduced from 200 per cent to 150 for full and part-time retail workers, and dropped to 175 per cent for casuals. 'Most of us started out as workers, so I understand when you give up a Saturday or a Sunday night you want an incentive,' Mr Kazzi told Daily Mail Australia. 'Of course as a business owner it benefits you, but at the same time, you're one business owner, compared to 15 or 30 unhappy staff.' A Sydney business owner Keith Lewis says he is 'not for' the Fair Work Commission decision to cut penalty rates saying 'if you can afford to stay open that you should reward the staff' Fair Work Commission president Iain Ross said penalty rates had led employers to restrict trading hours and reduce staff levels, and the cuts will now mean more services and better trading hours on Sundays and public holidays. But Mr Kazzi said the lack of incentive of a bigger paycheck to encourage staff to want to come into work on the weekend and during holidays was a bigger concern. 'The last thing you want is to force them [staff] to come in otherwise you're going to have to fire them,' Mr Kazzi said. 'You want them to be happy to come in and make that extra dollar and enjoy the day.' For workers like Maggie Kowalka, 33, the promise of extra money was a huge factor in wanting to work the unsociable hours on weekends and public holidays. 'I'm not happy about it, working on the weekend is lot worse than during the week,' she said of the Fair Work decision. 'There should be something extra [for workers].' However, she did agree with Australian Retailers Association's Russell Zimmerman, who said businesses would now be able to employ more weekend staff. 'It get really busy here, so sharing responsibilities might make the workplace easier.' But Ms Kowalka added the she 'didn't really know' what the future had in store. Ms Kowalka (not pictured) said sharing responsibilities might make it easier to work when its busy Sunday rates for hospitality workers have been reduced from 175 to 150 per cent of standard wage for full and part-time workers, casual employees will remain the same Meanwhile, for customer, Elizabeth Wood, 26, she said while she felt bad for workers who sacrifice their time for the customer and for the employer on Sundays and public holiday, she could see the benefits as a consumer. 'If they're able to use the costs elsewhere, back into the business or hire more people then it could be good for customer service,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'If there were more people working, they'll be able to serve customers like me more efficiently.' What does the cut to penalty rates mean for YOU? Retail: Sunday rates reduced from 200 to 150 per cent of standard wage for full and part-time workers, and from 200 to 175 for casual workers. Hospitality: Sunday rates reduced from 175 to 150 per cent of standard wage for full and part-time workers, casual employees will remain the same. Fast-food: Sunday rates reduced from 150 per cent to 125 per cent of standard wage for full and part-time workers, and 175 to 150 for casual workers. Pharmacy (7am to 9pm only): Sunday rates reduced from 200 per cent to 150 per cent of standard wage for full and part-time workers, and 200 to 175 for casual workers. Public holidays: Retail and hospitality workers will have their standard wage reduced from 250 per cent to 225 per cent. Other industries will not be affected. Saturday rates remain the same and the pay cuts will be implemented in July Advertisement For workers like Maggie Kowalka, 33, (right) the promise of extra money was a huge factor in wanting to work the unsociable hours Australian Council of Trade Unions president Ged Kearney said it was a 'bad day for working Australians' who 'won't be able to survive on a 25 or 30 per cent pay cut' Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said the cuts would help unemployed people find work 'If they're able to use the costs elsewhere, back into the business or hire more people then it could be good for customer service,' Ms Wood (pictured) told Daily Mail Australia Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said the cuts would help unemployed people find work. 'This will have a positive impact on many of the employers who will now be able to open on a Sunday and offer more employment, in particular to those who are unemployed or underemployed,' she said. Australian Council of Trade Unions president Ged Kearney said it was a 'bad day for working Australians' who 'won't be able to survive on a 25 or 30 per cent pay cut.' 'We are on the way to seeing a whole class of working poor in this country,' she said, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. 'We are talking about people who do not earn a fortune. The retail industry made a very healthy operating profit last year. They can afford to pay people decently.' She said that for some workers the cuts would equate to a loss of $6,000 a year. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said workers had been 'kicked in the guts'. 'We are going to do our best to convince the Fair Work Commission not to implement this decision,' he said. A man has pleaded guilty to murdering South Australian outback nurse Gayle Woodford. Dudley Davey, 35, faced Port Augusta Magistrates Court on Thursday where he admitted to killing 56-year-old Ms Woodford in March last year. Ms Woodford's body was found in a shallow grave three days after she went missing in Fregon, where she worked in a community health clinic. Dudley Davey, 35, (pictured) faced Port Augusta Magistrates Court on Thursday where he admitted to killing 56-year-old outback nurse Gayle Woodford in March last year Outback nurse Gayle Woodford, 56, (pictured) was killed in a rural are outside her Fregon home in March Mimili man Davey also pleaded guilty to raping the nurse and stealing an ambulance she used in her work in the state's remote Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands. About the time Ms Woodford went missing, the ambulance drove away from her home and was tracked using its GPS data before police intercepted it at Coober Pedy hours later. After entering his guilty pleas, Davey was committed to the Supreme Court for arraignment on March 20. Mimili man Davey also pleaded guilty to raping the nurse and stealing an ambulance she used in her work in the state's remote Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands About the time Ms Woodford went missing, the ambulance drove away from her home and was tracked using its GPS data before police intercepted it at Coober Pedy hours later GAYLE WOODFORD'S DEATH March 23, 2016: Outback nurse Gayle Woodford, 56, is last seen on South Australia's Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, with her disappearance prompting a search. About the same time as Ms Woodford goes missing an ambulance she used for work is driven from a local health clinic. March 24, 2016: Police use GPS data to track the ambulance and intercept it in Coober Pedy. The 36-year-old Mimili man behind the wheel, Dudley Davey, is charged with the theft of the vehicle and other driving offences. March 26, 2016: Ms Woodford's body is found in a shallow grave outside the remote SA town of Fregon where she lived. Calls emerge for greater safety provisions for remote health clinicians, with an online petition collecting more than 130,00 signatures. March 27, 2016: Davey is charged with Ms Woodford's murder. March 29, 2016: Davey makes his first appearance at the Port Augusta Magistrates Court, losing a bid to have his name suppressed. February 23, 2017: Davey pleads guilty to murder and rape charges and is committed to the Supreme Court. Advertisement Ms Woodford's death sparked a major push to improve the safety of nurses working in remote communities, with an online petition securing more than 132,000 signatures. In January a report called for clinic and accommodation alarms to be upgraded and personal alarms considered to keep remote health workers safe. The peak body representing remote health workers said staff should be accompanied on call-outs and at other times where risks had been identified, and should be better-educated about safety issues. Principals in Chicago have been told to not let federal immigration agents into schools without a criminal warrant following Donald Trump's crackdown on immigrants. The stand taken by Chicago Public Schools, the country's third-largest school system, is among the boldest of the districts that have announced measures to protect those who may be living in the country illegally. It remains unknown how much interest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will show in schools under President Donald Trump, and there is little schools can do to thwart agents who show up with warrants, but they are acting at least in part to ease concerns of skittish immigrant communities. In districts like Chicago, where nearly half of the 381,000 students are Hispanic, there is concern that immigration authorities could grab parents outside the schools and their children inside. Principals in Chicago have been told to not let federal immigration agents into schools without a criminal warrant amidst a crackdown on immigrants. Pictured is Overton Elementary School It remains unknown how much interest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will show in schools under President Donald Trump 'My 9-year-old son gets upset because he knows some of his friends in school and his father are undocumented and he is scared, and asks "Am I going to see them again,"' said Gabriela Barajas, who was brought to this country illegally as a child but is allowed to stay as part of a federal program launched in 2012. 'When I told him about (what CPS was doing) he was clapping, he was so happy.' Alma Sigala, an immigrant who has a daughter in district, said the relief is not just for the children but for the parents. 'Once the parents are inside the schools they'll feel more secure, that in some form they are protected,' Sigala said. Trump's decision to target more people for deportation than had been targeted during the Obama administration has ratcheted up worries about families being torn apart all over the country. In the note to Chicago's principals on Tuesday, Public Schools Chief Education Officer Janice Jackson urged them to not only keep immigration agents outside and to avoid sharing any student records with the agents, but to also put plans in place for the possibility of parents being detained while their children are in school. 'To be very clear, CPS does not provide assistance to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the enforcement of federal civil immigration law,' Jackson wrote. Hundreds of people took part in a protest on February 16 aimed at President Donald Trump's nationwide efforts to crack down on immigration in Chicago A boy joins others participating in a protest and marching aimed at President Donald Trump's nationwide efforts to crack down on immigration in Chicago Gabriela Baraja, right, and her sons Melvin Garcia, left, and Antonio Garcia pose for a photo at their home in Chicago on Wednesday after school principals were told not to let federal immigration agents into schools without a criminal warrant Principals around the country have been stepping up efforts to make students feel supported, according to JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. In Syracuse, New York, the school board approved a policy this month requiring schools to deny access to ICE officials until they consult with the superintendent. In Salt Lake City, Utah, on Tuesday the school district discussed a resolution. Connecticut's governor on Wednesday advised school districts in that state to refer any ICE agents to the superintendent. In New York City, principals there have been told that immigration officers many not be granted access without legal authority. The latest Trump administration guidance leaves in place Obama-era policies limiting enforcement actions at 'sensitive locations,' including schools. While those policies say agents should generally avoid apprehending anyone inside those designated areas, they do not stop agents from obtaining records or serving subpoenas. Trump's decision to target more people for deportation than had been targeted during the Obama administration has ratcheted up worries about families being torn apart all over the country Jim Bever, an Indiana principal on the board of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, said he would try to discourage immigration officials from accessing students and records, but school administrators around the country are 'a bit in the dark' and any agents would likely see a wide range of responses. Some experts say it's unlikely administrators will be tested. Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies in Washington, D.C., which supports tighter immigration policies, said schools do not seem to have reason for alarm and Chicago Public Schools and others implementing similar policies mostly appear to be 'showing off.' Among those prioritized for arrest under the new guidelines are immigrants who abuse public benefits, which Krikorian said could include free and reduced school lunches. 'It could well affect them, but again that has nothing to do with the school grounds,' he said. 'It's not like ICE goes in there and says, "Drop that tater tot, kid."' It was a 'beautiful' and unsolicited act of kindness for a cancer sufferer which epitomised murdered mother Karen Ristevski, friends say. Eight months after her disappearance, the 'badly decomposed' body of boutique fashion store owner Ms Ristevski, 47, was found wedged between two logs in bushland north-west of Melbourne on Monday. Police say she was murdered. And with her ice-addicted step-son and 'suspect' husband dominating the headlines, friends of the businesswoman have broken their silence in a bid to tell the world about the real Karen Ristevski. Scroll down for video Karen Ristevski (left) has been remembered by friends including Sharryn Hili (second right) as a 'beautiful soul' who donated a gown to a chemotherapy patient Some of those who knew the woman best described her to Daily Mail Australia as a quiet and sweet woman, a workaholic businesswoman who let her hair down at 80s music gigs and possessed a deep reservoir of kindness. That 'beautiful soul' is laid bare in a Facebook message Ms Ristevski sent a woman she attended Deer Park High School with despite not having seen her for 28 years. Mrs Ristevski hadn't seen childhood friend Sharon in 25 years, but when she found out she was suffering with cancer, she sent this kind-hearted message After a friend told Karen their former schoolmate Sharon was undergoing chemotherapy for non-Hodgkins lymphoma in November 2013, Ms Ritsevski was quick to fire off a message with a generous offer - a free gown from her upmarket Bella Bleu store. 'I was telling her about this friend that was diagnosed with cancer,' recalled friend Sharryn Hili, who has known her since Year 7. 'She hadn't seen her for over 25 years. 'But she private messaged her and said to her, look, I hear you're going through a really bad time, come into the store and pick out a dress of your choice to make you feel better.' 'She hadn't seen her for 25 years!' Ms Hili exclaimed. 'But she took the time to send her a message to make her feel better about herself'. 'That's what a beautiful soul she is. Sharon said she had no hair at the time and didn't know Mrs Ristevski that well, but added that the offer was 'really lovely' (pictured, Mrs Ristevski's boutique) Friends also recalled how Mrs Ristevski (right) was a workaholic, but liked to let her hair down during 80s nights at the Crown Casino 'If you don't see someone for 25 years, you don't think "I'm going to message them out of the blue and offer them a gown"' 'People aren't like that anymore. 'Everyone's talking about this bloody... c**p and the debts and all that. It's not about that. 'It's about her. She was a human being. It doesn't matter about all the little things along the way'. The cancer sufferer, also named Sharon, said she had no hair at the time and was touched by the offer - even though she didn't accept it. 'I didn't know her that well,' she said. 'It was just really lovely.' The message, shared with Daily Mail Australia, showed Karen offering one of her expensive gowns as 'my shout'. It was part of a trend. Ms Ristevski also donated mastectomy-friendly frocks from her designer range to actor Samuel Johnson's cancer-sufferer sister, Connie, so she could 'feel good' at fundraisers. Friends of the family also described Mrs Ristevski's very close relationship with her daughter Sarah (left), saying she would be devastated at the impact her death has had Mrs Ristevski's husband Borce (pictured with daughter Sarah) is now the number one suspect in the police investigation, according to his own lawyer The charity, Love My Sister, did not respond to requests for comment. Ms Hili said Ms Ristevski never had much time to herself - between running her boutique fashion business that often took her overseas and being a mother to a 21-year-old woman, Sarah Ristevski. But she would let her hair down at the Crown Casino, recently seeing the 80s tribute show Stand and Deliver. 'She was right into all that music. We just danced all her little feet off'. Plans for a funeral - and whether it will be public or private - are still unclear. Mrs Ristevski went missing in June last year before her body was found concealed beneath these logs in bushland on Monday But Ms Hili said Karen would hate the spotlight her grisly death has brought upon her family, including her 21-year-old daughter - who messaged her asking 'have you seen mum?' when she disappeared in late June. Ms Hili, who is raising money for Sarah in a GoFundMe page, said: 'She wouldn't like the limelight, you know what I mean. She wouldn't like all the attention. She was a quiet person.' A lawyer for Karen's husband, Borce, has conceded he is the main suspect in her death. Mr Ristevski maintains his innocence and denies any role in his wifes death. The rise of the selfie over the past few years has been well documented - but one professor has been taking them long before the term was even invented. Karl Baden, 64, from Cambridge, Massachusetts, has been taking black and white photographs of himself every day for the past 30 years. The Boston College professor has now been dubbed the unwitting 'father of the selfie', after starting the project on February 23, 1987 - exactly three decades ago today. Karl Baden, 64, from Cambridge, Massachusetts, has been taking photographs of himself every day for the past 30 years. Pictured are some of the snaps from the last three decades, beginning on February 23, 1987, top left, through to February 21, 2017, bottom right The project, which reflects on mortality and the aging process, was sparked by the death of Andy Warhol, who died the day before Baden began taking pictures of himself. He has taken nearly 11,000 snaps of himself over the past three decades - in an act that he now compares to brushing his teeth. Baden explained: 'I'll just take the picture and get on with the rest of my day. It's not a holy ritual or anything. 'If it wasn't for the selfie craze, I'd probably be slogging along in anonymity as usual. Which is sort of what I had expected.' As well as using the same camera, backdrop and lighting, he has consciously not grown a beard or mustache and keeps his hair simply styled in order to maintain the same aesthetic. Baden said: 'I have to turn all these variables into constants so that I'm not distracting from the aging process.' He has taken nearly 11,000 snaps of himself over the past three decades, beginning the project on February 23, 1987 - the day after Andy Warhol died But even though he tries to keep each photograph the same, he says he fails each time as 'there's always something that's a little different'. The changes in Baden's appearance across the three decades aren't hugely dramatic. But in 2001, Baden underwent chemotherapy to treat prostate cancer and became noticeably thinner. The cancer is now in remission and later photographs show how Baden recovered following the illness. He says the only lasting change has been his eyebrows, which never quite grew back following chemotherapy. The Boston College professor has now been dubbed the unwitting 'father of the selfie' Baden says he will continue taking the pictures for the rest of his life, but admits there has been one day over the past 30 years when he forgot. He says he had 'a dumb moment of forgetfulness' on October 15, 1991. But Robert Mann, a New York City gallery owner that exhibited Baden's work on its 10th anniversary, said he is impressed with how Baden has stuck to his process. He said: 'Watching Karl age (gracefully) in front of the camera has been an honor.' Howard Yezerski, a Boston gallery owner who has exhibited the project twice, says it reflects a number of universal themes, from death to man's obsession with immortalizing himself in some way. He said: 'It's both personal and universal at the same time. He's recording a life, or at least one aspect of it that we can all relate to because we're all in same boat. We're all going to die.' A Florida police chief and one of his officers have been charged after a 73-year-old woman was fatally shot during a training exercise. Punta Gorda police officer Lee Coel, 28, accidentally shot Mary Knowlton during a citizen's police academy demonstration back in August. Mrs Knowlton, a retired librarian and mother-of-two, later died in hospital. Coel was charged on Wednesday with felony manslaughter, while police chief Tom Lewis was charged with culpable negligence. Mary Knowlton, 73, was shot dead just 10 feet from her husband Gary (above) during a police training exercise in Punta Gorda, Florida in August Punta Gorda police officer Lee Coel (left) was charged with felony manslaughter on Wednesday, while police chief Tom Lewis (right) was charged with culpable negligence The cop was placed under arrest but Lewis was given a summons to appear in court over his misdemeanor charge. Coel posted his $5,000 bail and was released from jail at about 3pm, WINK News reports. Mrs Knowlton was randomly selected to take part in the role-playing scenario at the academy where she was pretending to be a cop. Cole was playing the role of the 'bad guy'. The gun he had was supposed to contain blanks, but it was mistakenly loaded with live rounds. Mary and Gary Knowlton were participating in a role-playing scenario at the police academy. The aim of the class was to teach people when not to shoot The aim of the class was to teach people when not to shoot. Officer Coel fired the fatal round while dressed in a gray hooded sweatshirt and black ski mask - in a bid to look like a 'criminal'. Mrs Knowlton's husband was just 10 feet away when she was shot in the shoulder and chest. Coel, who has worked for the department since March 2014, was placed on administrative leave while the incident was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. An unconventional swimming school that forces babies as young as 6 months to float on their backs fully clothed has defended its controversial methods. No flotation devices are used at the Kids Aquatic Survival School, instead babies and toddlers are thrown into the deep end, encouraged to float unaided to prepare themselves for real-life situations. But one of the schools has recently come under fire after a neighbour told the Illawarra Mercury he had to listen to hours of 'cries, screaming and gagging' from distressed children. Kids Aquatic Survival School where babies as young as 6 months learn to float on their backs fully clothed has defended its controversial methods Father-of-two Ben Cornwell says during the one-on-one, 10-minute lessons held next to his home in Figtree it 'sounds like they're torturing these kids'. 'Over the past few months, the screaming has been relentless and we have been unable to open doors and windows on sweltering 30 degree summer days.' He claims when he approached the swim school operator she was unapologetic about his concerns. 'As far as I'm concerned, I want it shut down, I just don't think this type of business should be allowed to operate in a quiet residential street,' he said. But Rachelle Beesley, owner of the Kids Aquatic Survival School franchise has defended the programme's unusual methods. 'Every child is different. But it is important to know that the children are not being traumatised,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'The parents that do our program prefer to hear their child cry for a few lessons than to never hear them cry again because they have drowned.' She added that children do cry, but pointed out that they also cry in traditional swimming lessons. 'It doesnt mean were abusing the child - were doing something that can save their life. 'We don't just push them in, we build them up to the skills so the child can learn what to do for themselves.' Father-of-two Ben Cornwell says during the one-on-one, 10-minute lessons held next to his home in Figtree it 'sounds like they're torturing these kids' Rachelle Beesley, owner of the Kids Aquatic Survival School franchise has defended the programme's unusual methods Posting on social media Kids Aquatic Survival School said traditional lessons for under 4-year-olds are 'not addressing survival skills such as back float and moving from a front to back float unassisted'. 'Aquatic accidents can be unforgiving and a child often only gets once chance at survival or a full recovery.' The pages are also filled with positive testimonials from parents who enrolled their children in the programme. 'My kids attend the swim school at Lilly Pilly and yes I do agree that my son does cry during his lesson, but let me tell you he cries and screams a lot more at home,' one mother wrote. Another added: 'My daughter attended her swim survival program and sounded like she was being tortured (no more than she does when we are at the shops or home) for a solid three weeks. 'Until one day she decided she loved it so much she would not cry during the lesson but instead when we leave.' A light plane has crashed into a paddock less than a kilometre away from an airport, just days after five people were killed in an aircraft accident. The aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing on Thursday afternoon, near the Princes Highway in Traralgon, 165 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. A man and a woman miraculously escaped injury when the plane came down, but were left 'shaken' by the near-miss. A light plane has crashed near the Princes Highway in Traralgon, 165 kilometres south-east of Melbourne 'The plane came down on the Princes Highway near the Latrobe Regional Airport at about 1.25pm,' an Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said. 'Paramedics assessed a man and woman who weren't injured, but are shaken,' she added. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau told Daily Mail Australia the plane went down one kilometre short of the aerodrom at Traralgon. The near-miss comes just days after four American tourists and their Australian pilot were killed when their plane crashed into a warehouse in Essendon. On Tuesday five people were killed when a light plane crashed into the DFO shopping centre in Essendon Australian pilot Max Quartermain, 63, and US passengers Glenn Garland, Greg De Haven, 70, Russell Munsch, and John Washburn all died in the accident. The Beechcraft charter plane was carrying them from Melbourne to King Island, Tasmania, when it suffered 'catastrophic engine failure' shortly after takeoff. According to emergency workers, and the pilot put in mayday calls before crashing into the Direct Factory Outlet (DFO) shopping centre. Five people, including a teenager, were injured when a truck collided with several cars along a motorway in Sydney's west, causing traffic to pile up for 9km. Emergency services responded to the Westlink M7 at 2.50pm on Thursday to reports of a crash involving a number of vehicles. One of the victims, a teenager, was transported to Westmead Children's Hospital, an NSW Ambulance spokesman told Daily Mail Australia. Another person was taken by ambulance to Liverpool Hospital. Five people, including a teenager, were injured when a truck collided with several cars in Sydney on Thursday The southbound lanes of the M7 at Eastern Creek in Sydney's west was closed for more than an hour None of the victims were seriously injured, but one was trapped inside a car for a period of time, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. Aerial shots of the scene shows traffic piling up as crews attended to the crash scene. Both lanes of the M7 at Eastern Creek were closed for more than an hour due to the incident before reopening at around 4.20pm. Motorists were diverted onto Wallgrove Road and advised to allow extra time for travel. One of the victims, a teenager, was transported to Westmead Children's Hospital Aerial shots of the scene shows traffic piling up as crews attended to the crash scene However, significant traffic remained in both directions until around 5.30pm. Southbound traffic backed up for 5km past the Great Western Highway while northbound traffic piled up for 9km. But Dominique Sinclair, a spokesman for the Transport Management Centre, said traffic is now back to normal. 'Traffic is moving great now,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'The M7 was closed from about 2.50pm. 'We had all southbound lanes closed until 4.20pm and heavy traffic remained in both directions until around 5.20pm.' The family of a 21-year-old man who drowned in Demi Moore's swimming pool in July 2015 have launched a wrongful death suit in Los Angeles. Edenilson Steven Valle died at a party held at Moore's Beverly Hills estate that was held while the star actress was out of town. The 21-year-old's parents have claimed in a suit filed on Wednesday that their son told people he could not swim when he arrived at the bash. The suit names Lenny Hernandez - the house manager who hosted the party - and Bessy Wong - the business manager who acts as trustee of Moores Tree House Trust - the New York Daily News reports. The family of Edenilson Steven Valle (pictured), the 21-year-old who drowned in Demi Moore's swimming pool in July 2015, have launched a wrongful death suit in Los Angeles Moore is not personally named. The lawsuit, obtained by the Daily News, alleges people who went to the party - including Valle - were forced to navigate a perilous environment that included a dark pool with an unmarked deep end and dangerous walkways. It also alleges there was alcohol at the party. The suit reads: 'House manager Lenny Hernandez knew there was drinking that night, and in fact she was serving alcohol at a party which was unsafe to host. Demi Moore (pictured, left, in January, and right, in November 2016) was not named in the suit filed on Wednesday Aerial photo of Demi's Beverly Hills home where 21-year-old Edenilson Steven Valle died in July 2015 'Police photos of the backyard show very serious lighting issues and numerous decorative rocks placed randomly for effect, creating abundant trip hazards.' It does not specify how much the family is seeking in damages, according to the Daily News. Reports from July 2015 claimed Valle slipped and fell into the pool. Moore released a statement shortly after the death, describing it as: 'an unthinkable tragedy'. Demi Moore is pictured with her daughters Scout and Tallulah at the swimming pool In his drug dealing prime, Johnny Nguyen was raking in almost $20,000 a week and spending about $2000 of that on smoking the drug ice. He was doing so much ice, about seven grams a week, that he was able to test the purity of the imported amphetamine for Sydney's notorious Vietnamese gang 5T as well as others before it was sold. 'I used to be able to test the quality of the ice. I was so experienced with taking the drug,' Mr Nguyen, 32, told Daily Mail Australia. Growing up poor in western Sydney, Nguyen had idolised his uncle, a member of 5T, which struck fear into the streets of Cabramatta, in Sydney's south-west. A police mug shot of Johnny Nguyen after he had been picked up for assault Mr Nguyen spent close to a decade as a drug user and dealer Mr Nguyen has now turned his life around and speaks about his drug using and dealing life to school students and those in juvenile detention The uncle always had new phones, nice clothes and lots of money and a young Mr Nguyen was impressed. 'My uncle was my role model. He would do things as a poor kid growing up I didn't experience,' he said. 'I had seen the life he lived and I wanted to be like him.' When Mr Nguyen was 17, his uncle needed somewhere to stash his marijuana - and he turned to his nephew. And that was where his spiral into drug-dealing and abuse started - an almost decade-long stint which would see him test the purity of ice for 5T and at one stage be left for dead after being stabbed in the head. He began associating with members of the 5T and was introduced to heroin. It was an exhilarating experience for the teenager. 'I did get a thrill,' Mr Nguyen said. 'It was adventurous and I got an adrenaline rush. I used to be able to test the quality of the ice. I was so experienced with taking the drug Former drug tester Johnny Nguyen 'You have a sense of power because they need you. You have a sense of authority, a sense of purpose. It was very addictive. 'In the beginning, it was very enticing - the money, the cars, the girls.' Dealing heroin was where he started - on the streets of western Sydney, on trains and at train stations - but there were other drugs too. 'Most drugs people wanted, I would get my hands on,' he said. Three years after he dived into the drug trade, he had moved on to ice. Sometimes he would run with the 5T gang, other times he would associate with a gang called Red Dragon, and the rest of the time he was by himself. When intense competition pushed down drug prices in Sydney's west, he turned his dealing focus to the centre of Sydney and the city's Northern Beaches. He was never staying in the one place long, and was always on the move so he couldn't be found. Johnny Nguyen with his wife and two young children A young Johnny Nguyen with his family 'WHO ARE THE 5T GANG?' The 5T gang was Vietnamese crime gang They were based in the Cabramatta and Bankstown in south-western Sydney The five Ts in their name stood for tinh (love), tien (money), tu (prison), tu (die), and toi (conviction) They made their wealth by robbing from the local Vietnamese community and selling high-grade heroin bought from China Following power struggles, the deaths of gang leaders and various Strike Forces - the reign of 5T eventually came to an end in 2001 after 15 years Source: Sydney Crime Museum Advertisement 'I was always looking over my shoulder and sizing people up,' he said. 'There was constant paranoia and I did live in fear. My life was on the line.' That was the case when Mr Nguyen went to help a friend who was being robbed and was set-upon himself. 'I was stabbed in the back of the head. They were using poles to beat me,' he told Daily Mail Australia. Mr Nguyen was left for dead. 'I really thought that was it for me,' he said. Mr Nguyen was 22 then, and luckily he survived but he knew if he kept going 'I would die'. 'Unfortunately I took it the other way. I just went in even harder,' he said. The young man became depressed and even contemplated suicide, but the drugs had taken hold. 'Ice was the killer for me. It was what had me hooked. I was a slave to it,' Mr Nguyen told Daily Mail Australia. But he always stayed one step ahead of the law, only once getting picked up for assault, a charge he said he was able to beat. Mr Nguyen's drug dealing meant he was driving around in a BMW and was able to buy two houses. Johnny Nguyen was smoking so much of the drug ice (stock image pictured) he was able to test the purity of the drug Nguyen started dealing heroin (stock image pictured) as a teenager Although something was missing. 'I was still very empty,' Mr Nguyen said. What lead him to escape his drug and gang-related hell he compares to divine intervention - just as he was seeing his gang associates arrested and jailed. Mr Nguyen bumped into a former Middle Eastern gang member - who took him to church. 'I believe my faith in God is what started the chain of events,' he said. 'It was a very difficult transition.' Mr Nguyen has now been clean for almost seven years. His family says it was nothing short of a miracle. He has a wife and two young children. He now holds monthly public speaking engagements, throughout Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, mainly for school students and those in juvenile detention. He offers a message of hope, having teamed up with Inspire180, run by Tony Hoang, a former gang member and drug dealer. On Friday, he will speak at the Potter's House Church in Prestons, south-west Sydney, at 7.30pm. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has broken a promise he made less than a year ago to respect the decision of the Fair Work Commission. On Thursday, Mr Shorten slammed the industrial umpire's decision to slash Sunday and public holiday penalty rates for Australia's lowest-paid workers in the retail, hospitality and fast-food industries. But in April last year, Mr Shorten told 3AW's Neil Mitchell he would respect the decision of the Fair Work Commission even if they slashed Sunday penalty rates. 'Well, I said I'd accept the independent tribunal and that makes a big difference between us and Labor - us and the Liberals,' he told the Melbourne radio broadcaster at the time. Scroll down for video Labor leader Bill Shorten (pictured addressing a luncheon for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) slammed the Fair Work Commission's Sunday penalty rates decision Bill Shorten told 3AW's Neil Mitchell (pictured) in April 2016 he would respect the commission On two occasions in that interview, the opposition leader answered, 'Yes', when asked if he would accept the Fair Work Commission's ruling. A copy of the transcript of the interview appears on Mr Shorten's official website. The Fair Work Commission was established by Labor in 2009, when future prime minister Julia Gillard was employment and workplace relations minister. Mr Shorten later served as the minister for those portfolios in the Gillard government. In 2013, he amended the Fair Work Act to make the Fair Work Commission review penalty rates every four years. But on Thursday Mr Shorten slammed the industrial tribunal's decision when asked about his comments in April 2016 that he would support the Fair Work Commission's ruling. Bill Shorten held a media conference in Sydney on Thursday describing the Fair Work Commission decision as a 'shocker' Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (right) shakes hands with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on the day the Fair Work Commission delivered its decision on penalty rates 'The decision is a shocker,' he told reporters. 'This is a terrible decision. It is going to absolutely cramp people's confidence and we are going to see a downward spiral, lack of confidence. This is going to be a sledgehammer that hits the economy.' Retail, hospitality and fast-food workers will have their Sunday penalty rates slashed after a long-awaited Fair Work Commission decision was revealed on Thursday. More than 700,000 workers will be affected by the shock ruling, which Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has already indicated the government will accept. The independent tribunal said Sunday rates would be reduced from 200 per cent to 150 for full and part-time retail workers, and dropped to 175 per cent for casuals. The move has been met with outrage by affected workers who are calling out the 'Unfair' Work Commission on social media over its decision to cut penalty rates. Mr Shorten, a former Australian Workers' Union leader, pledged on Thursday to reverse this decision if Labor were to be in power again. Retail, hospitality and fast-food workers will have their Sunday penalty rates slashed after a long-awaited Fair Work Commission decision (Sydney workers pictured) Malcolm Turnbull (pictured laughing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday) said he would accept the decision of the independent umpire on penalty rates The move has been met with outrage by affected workers - who are calling out the 'Unfair' Work Commission on social media 'We will do everything in our power, in the Parliament and in the courts, to remedy this bad decision,' he said. During last year's election campaign, Mr Shorten declined to promise he would intervene to protect Sunday penalty rates. His position changed last month, when he vowed to introduce legislation to protect penalty rates. The top trending hashtag was #penaltyrates on Twitter on Thursday afternoon as news spread. On Reddit, one worker said their entire lunchroom collectively said 'get f***ed' when they heard the news. Others pointed out the irony of government advice people should 'get a high paying job' to enter the property market and avoid the housing affordability crisis. One user sarcastically said it was 'fantastic' news. 'I look forward to cheaper food and better service from businesses employing more staff,' the commenter joked. What does the cut to penalty rates mean for YOU? Retail: Sunday rates reduced from 200 to 150 per cent of standard wage for full and part-time workers, and from 200 to 175 for casual workers. Hospitality: Sunday rates reduced from 175 to 150 per cent of standard wage for full and part-time workers, casual employees will remain the same. Fast-food: Sunday rates reduced from 150 per cent to 125 per cent of standard wage for full and part-time workers, and 175 to 150 for casual workers. Pharmacy (7am to 9pm only): Sunday rates reduced from 200 per cent to 150 per cent of standard wage for full and part-time workers, and 200 to 175 for casual workers. Public holidays: Retail and hospitality workers will have their standard wage reduced from 250 per cent to 225 per cent. Other industries will not be affected. Saturday rates remain the same and the pay cuts will be implemented in July Advertisement Protesters gathered outside the Fair Work Commission offices in Melbourne's city on Thursday Hospitality workers will see cuts to their Sunday rates, dropping from 175 per cent of their usual wage to 150 per cent for full and part-time workers. Fast-food workers will also be hit by the cuts, with Sunday rates dropping from 150 per cent to 125 per cent for full-time and part-time staff, and 200 to 175 for casuals. Hospitality and retail sector employees will feel the sting on public holidays too, with rates slashed from 250 per cent to 225 per cent. Saturday rates across all industries will remain the same and the pay cuts will be implemented in July. Fair Work Commission president Iain Ross said Sunday penalty rates would still be higher than for Saturdays. Mr Ross said the commission took evidence from business owners that Sunday penalty rates had led employers to restrict trading hours and reduce staff levels. He admitted the changes would be a tough pill to swallow for some workers earning 'just enough to cover weekly living expenses.' But Australian Council of Trade Unions president Ged Kearney said it was a 'bad day for working Australians' who 'won't be able to survive on a 25 or 30 per cent pay cut.' 'We are on the way to seeing a whole class of working poor in this country,' said told reporters. 'We are talking about people who do not earn a fortune. The retail industry made a very healthy operating profit last year. They can afford to pay people decently.' She said that for some workers the cuts would equate to a loss of $6,000 a year. Fair Work Commission president Justice Iain Ross admitted the changes would be a tough pill to swallow for some workers earning 'just enough to cover weekly living expenses' Australian Council of Trade Unions president Ged Kearney said it was a 'bad day for working Australians' who would face losses of $6,000 a year Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, who previously compared the likelihood of penalty rates being cut to aliens making contact with Earth, said it was a 'disastrous, kick-in-the-guts decision.' Outraged retail workers, such as Campbelltown retail worker Evelyn (pictured), spoke out against the penalty rates cuts. Evelyn challenged Mr Turnbull to live off $600 a week Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said the federal government would respect the tribunal's decision, as it had for 'many years' through 'thousands upon thousands of submissions'. She took a shot at Mr Shorten and accused him of having a 'glass jaw' when it came to the history of penalty rates discussion in parliament, pointing out he set up the four-yearly review of penalty rates when he was workplace relations minister. 'He is the person solely responsible for the fact that the Fair Work Commission was reviewing penalty rates,' Senator Cash said. 'The decision that the independent Fair Work Commission has made today is based on the evidence that was presented to it.' On Wednesday, Mr Turnbull donned a yarmulke as he visited a Sydney synagogue with visiting Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara The Greens have promised to introduce legislation in parliament to protect penalty rates (pictured, MP for Melbourne Adam Bandt who tweeted in protest on Thursday) Sunday rates will be reduced from 200 per cent to 150 for full and part-time retail workers, and down to 175 per cent for casuals . The Australian Retailers Association welcomed the decision (stock image The Greens promised to introduce legislation in parliament to protect penalty rates for retail, fast food, hospital and pharmacy workers. The minor party is calling on Labor and the crossbench to support a move to stop the commission's decision to cut rates on Sundays and public holidays. 'This is a body blow to the hundreds of thousands of people who depend on penalty rates to make ends meet,' industrial relations spokesman Adam Bandt said in a statement. Former coalition workplace minister Eric Abetz said the Fair Work Commission had been 'mugged by reality'. 'Today's decision will be of benefit to the tens of thousands of young Australians who want to work on weekends who have increasingly found that businesses haven't been able to afford opening their doors on Sundays,' Senator Abetz said in a statement. But it was disappointing the commission had taken more than three years to consider the matter. 'I will be seeking to establish why it took such an unusual amount of time,' Senator Abetz said, ahead of estimates hearings being held in Canberra next week. Federal Labor workplace spokesman Brendan O'Connor said the coalition had always wanted to cut penalty rates. 'Labor will keep up the fight,' he said. Mr Shorten described the decision to slash penalty rates a 'shocker' (protesters pictured) Former coalition workplace minister Eric Abetz said the Fair Work Commission had been 'mugged by reality' and the decision would benefit thousands of young Australians His colleague Brendan O'Connor, Shadow Minister for Employment, said 'Labor will keep up the fight' in a passionate tweet Australian Retailers Association head Russell Zimmerman said the penalty rates cut would boost growth and reduce unemployment Queensland Labor senator Murray Watt ridiculed key business groups that pushed for the cut. 'Hey (Australian Retailers Association and Restaurant & Catering Australia) - can I make appointment to meet you about penalty rates on Sunday? Coz, you know, 24/7 economy right?' Senator Watt tweeted. The Australian Retailers Association welcomed the decision, saying that the penalty rate cuts would boost growth and reduce unemployment across Australia. 'Reducing these rates from double time to time and a half, will increase retail growth nationally and reduce the unemployment rate in Australia,' Russell Zimmerman, Executive Director of the ARA said. 'With retailers currently paying employees double time on Sundays, many retailers are forced to close their doors on this day, impeding on growth in the retail sector.' Mr Zimmerman said the slashed Sunday rates would mean that stores would be able to employ more people and be less restricted with staff numbers. Council of Small Business Australia chief Peter Strong said it would make it easier for businesses to hire more staff. 'University students, people who look after kids during the week and want their own money - now they have the opportunity,' he said. 'There will be more jobs. It might not be a lot, it might be 10,000. We don't know how many but we'll find out.' The main effect could be casual employees being offered part-time work and part-time workers offered full-time jobs, he said. A British former Guantanamo detainee able to flee Britain and blow himself up for ISIS went with other jihadists on a convoy to Gaza organised by George Galloway before he was paid up to 1million by the Government, it was revealed today. Jamal al-Harith had joined other extremists including Alexe Kotey, 32, a member of the gang known as The Beatles led by executioner in chief Jihadi John. Mancunian Al-Harith, who was born Ronald Fiddler and was 50 when he became a suicide bomber in Mosul, reportedly travelled with the first Viva Palestina convoy in 2009. When asked about the claims last night, Galloway said: Ive never heard of him or knowingly set eyes on him before the recent press coverage. Jamal al-Harith had joined other extremists including Alexe Kotey, 32, a member of the Isis gang known as The Beatles led by executioner in chief Jihadi John Organiser: George Galloway, pictured being welcomed by Palestinians when the Viva Palestina aid convoy arrived in Gaza says there were 500 people with him and he had never 'set eyes' on According to The Times Mancunian Al-Harith joined hundreds of Muslims from across Britain on a convoy of around 100 vehicles carrying aid to Gaza in 2009. Also with him was Kotey, a father-of-two and QPR fan who last month was named as a member of the ISIS 'Beatles' terror cell led by executioner-in-chief Jihadi John. The 33-year-old from London was part of a group who beheaded around two dozen hostages, including Britons David Haines and Alan Henning. Kotey, is reportedly alive and living in Raqqa, Syria, has had all his assets frozen and is believed to be on a US and British 'kill list' of most wanted terrorists. His second wife fled ISIS because it 'wasn't her cup of tea' Twisted: Begum escaped ISIS territory in June 2015 and later revealed how 'single women' living under the terror group have a 'gangster mentality' and celebrate its gruesome executions The wife of the grinning British suicide bomber who attacked an Iraqi army base once told of how 'single women' living under ISIS have a violent gangster mentality and celebrate the group's barbaric ways. Shukee Begum took her five young children to Syria in August 2014 in a dangerous bid to convince her husband Jamal Udeen al-Harith, 50, who blew himself up in Mosul this week, to come home. She begged for help to return to her native Manchester months after arriving, saying the women there were even more twisted than she had expected. 'There was a gangster kind of mentality among single women there,' she told Channel 4 News. 'Violent talk... They would huddle around their laptops and watch ISIS videos and discuss them. It was just not my cup of tea.' 'You've got hundreds of families living in one hall, sharing perhaps one or two bathrooms between them, one or two kitchens between them. 'Children crying, children were sick. Everything here takes ages, except killing. That's done very quickly.' Advertisement He was part of a team of British executioners was led by Londoner Mohammed Emwazi - Jihadi John - and was also responsible for the killing of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff and US aid worker Peter Kassig. Also on the Gaza convoy with them in 2009 was Pakistani-born British citizen Munir Farooqi, who was jailed for life two years later because he ran a market stall as a recruitment centre for extremists to wage war on British troops. He at the centre of a plot to persuade vulnerable young men to fight, kill and die in a jihad, or holy war, in Afghanistan and used extremist literature and films to convert an estate agent, a former British soldier and members of a local criminal gang to Islam. In 2011 Farooqi received four life sentences at Manchester Crown Court Last night a political blame game erupted over the alleged 1million paid to a British Guantanamo Bay detainee unmasked as an IS suicide bomber. Ronald Fiddler was handed taxpayer-funded compensation after claiming MI6 agents were complicit in his mistreatment by the Americans. Despite lobbying by Tony Blairs government for his release, the former web designer from Manchester this week carried out a suicide bombing in Iraq. Fiddlers family last night issued a statement saying he had not received as much as 1million. But former terror laws watchdog Lord Carlile declared that he was an enemy of the state and plainly a terrorist who should never have been given a penny. Mr Blair who was PM when Fiddler was released pointed the finger at the Conservatives for agreeing the compensation in 2010, when Theresa May was Home Secretary, but others said the payout was set in train by Labour before it lost power. Downing Street refused to discuss Mrs Mays role, saying it was an intelligence matter. Footage said to have been captured yesterday morning shows Abu Zakariya's reinforced vehicle setting off along a dusty road The video then cuts to a plume of smoke in the distance after the car bomb is detonated Muslim convert Fiddler, 50, was released from Guantanamo in 2004 after intense pressure from the Labour government. TIMELINE OF EVENTS 1966: Ronald Fiddler is born in Manchester to devout Christian parents originating from Jamaica 1994: He converts to Islam, changing his name to Jamal Udeen al-Harith October 2001: Al-Harith travels to Quetta in Pakistan, on a 'religious holiday'. A few day later the US invasion of neighbouring Afghanistan began Early 2002: He is arrested by American forces in Afghanistan after they discover him in a Taliban jail and later transferred to Guantanamo Bay prison 2004: After lobbying from Tony Blair's Labour government, al-Harith is released along with five others. He returns to the UK where he is released without charge, and joins three other prisoners in suing Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld 2009: His case against Rumsfield and the US government is finally dismissed on the grounds of 'limited immunity' for government officials 2014: Despite security services being fully aware of his previous detention, he is able to escape the UK to fight with ISIS in Syria 2015: His British wife Shukee Begum, along with their five children, join him in Syria before fleeing from the Isis-controlled territory February 2017: Al-Harith is killed in a suicide attack near Mosul, Iraq Advertisement On his return to the UK, he and other British former inmates launched a legal action over their alleged mistreatment. To avoid an embarrassing court battle, which could have revealed British complicity in rendition and torture, ministers agreed to pay millions to settle the claims. Chris Phillips, the former head of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, said some of Fiddlers share has almost certainly gone to fund Islamic State. And Lord Carlile, the former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, told Radio 4s Today programme: It should never have been paid on the merits. There was absolutely no merit in paying [Fiddler] a penny because plainly he was a terrorist and he was a potentially dangerous terrorist. Former defence minister Sir Julian Brazier compared the treatment of Fiddler with the scandal of former soldiers facing criminal inquiries over their time in Ulster, saying: There is something profoundly wrong with a criminal justice system which can pursue veterans who risk their lives for this country 40 years on ... paying out 1million to a terror suspect. Fiddler, who adopted the Muslim name Jamal Al-Harith, appeared grinning in an Islamic State video as he drove his explosives-laden car towards a target in Mosul. Meanwhile, the semi-detached house he purchased with 220,000 of his compensation money remained abandoned in Stockport, Greater Manchester. His wife Shukee Begum, 34, remains in hiding. Mr Blair said yesterday: He was not paid compensation by my government. The compensation was agreed in 2010 by the Conservative government. Former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said it was right to have requested Fiddlers release, telling the BBC: We were in a bind and you cant keep people locked up forever on the basis of suspicion. Most wanted: The team of British executioners was led by Londoner Mohammed Emwazi - Jihadi John - who was killed in a drone strike Cruel: Kotey, who is half Ghanaian, half Greek Cypriot, pictured with his British passport, is thought to have travelled to the ISIS-held city of Raqqa, where he is believed to have become one of the four prison guards known to have caged and then executed dozens of people Aine Davis, left, a career criminal also from London, was arrested in Turkey in 2015 . He was the second 'Beatle' named El Shafee Elsheikh, 27, was exposed as one of the brutal terrorists known as The Beatles because of their British accents, who tortured and killed western hostages in Syria. His father confessed that he lost his son to fundamentalism a decade ago Fiddlers family said in a statement say that the 1million figure was a group settlement including costs for four innocent people including Jamal. Former Guantanamo inmate Moazzam Begg, said it was shocking but not surprising that Fiddler had become a suicide bomber. He said the last time the pair saw each other was in 2010, when they met a senior Conservative minister who promised a full inquiry into Britains potential complicity in torture which was later shelved. He dismissed suggestions Fiddler was driven to join ISIS by his experience in the Cuban camp. [He] was released from Guantanamo thirteen years ago after being cleared and vetted by the worlds most powerful law enforcement and intelligence agencies. The hard truth is [Fiddler] was released from Guantanamo an innocent man. What he chose to do with his life over a decade later, however unpalatable, cannot detract from that. Sapna Malik, of law firm Leigh Day, faces a seven week tribunal by Solicitor Regulation Authority A lawyer who helped the former prisoners of Guantanamo Bay win huge payouts from the government could be struck off by a professional tribunal. Sapna Malik faces allegations of misconduct over now discredited claims against the British Army for its behaviour during the Iraq War. Ms Malik and her colleague Martyn Day worked closely with Phil Shiner, of Public Interest Lawyers, who was later struck off for dishonesty on the Iraq War claims. Ms Malik, who is a partner at the Leigh Day firm, is alleged to have made and personally endorsed 'allegations that the British Army had unlawfully killed, tortured and mistreated Iraqi civilians when it was improper to do so'. According to the Times, it is Ms Malik's involvement in the cases that prompted the 2009 al-Sweady inquiry that found allegations of torture and murder linked to the British Army involvement in the Battle of Danny Boy in Iraq in 2004 were 'without foundation' and the product of lies. Ms Malik and her colleague Martyn Day worked with Phil Shiner, above, and made allegations about British Army involvement in the Iraq War which were later discredited SHINER: LAWYER WHO TARGETED TROOPS Philip Joseph Shiner was born in a semi-detached home in Coventry on Christmas Day 1956. He was the second of four children of Peter Shiner, a draughtsman, and his wife, Patricia, a teacher. He started work for a firm dealing with insurance claims but found it dull. He joined a practice focusing on environmental law. In 1999, shortly before the Human Rights Act came into force, he set up Public Interest Lawyers in Birmingham. Shiner forged strong links with Matrix Chambers, the legal home of Cherie Booth QC, the wife of Tony Blair. In 2004, he was awarded Human Rights Lawyer of the Year by Liberty. Shiners firm brought the vast majority of 3,380 allegations of wrongdoing by British troops to the Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT). It received millions of pounds of public money but failed to secure a single conviction. The lawyer had 12 charges of misconduct found proved against him by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal including cold-calling to find potential complainants in Iraq and making payments to alter evidence. Advertisement The Solicitors Regulation Authority decided in December 2015 to prosecute, and she faces a seven-week trial in April. Ms Malik and Mr Day, who was a founding partner in the Leigh Day firm, face 19 allegations of misconduct. This includes that they 'made and maintained allegations of unlawful killing, torture and mistreatment and also took steps on behalf of the Al-Sweady claimants to seek settlement in the form of damages and costs in respect of those allegations and continued acting for them when it was improper to do so' and that they entered into 'improper fee sharing arrangements' on more than one occasion. It is also alleged that they paid someone 'prohibited and improper' contingency fees. On her LinkedIn page, Ms Malik states: 'I am currently representing former Guantanamo Bay detainee, Binyam Mohamed, in a civil action against the British Security Services for alleged complicity in his torture as well as representing approximately 100 Iraqi citizens in their various claims against the British Ministry of Defence for alleged torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, unlawful assaults and negligence committed since 2003.' The firm's website says Ms Malik achieved a 'mediated settlement with the government for Binyam Mohamed, the former Guantanamo detainee'. Martyn Day is also facing the same tribunal on the 19 allegations Mr Mohamed and 11 other detainees were all paid up to 20 million by the coalition government in 2010. That included Jamal al-Harith, the Islamic State suicide bomber, but the firm says they did not represent him. Ms Malik also worked on the case of Abdel Hakim Belhaj and his wife Fatima Boudchar who won the right to sue Jack Straw and the Government over claims UK officials 'assisted and arranged' their unlawful rendition in 2004. Mr Belhaj - a long-time opponent of Gaddafi - and his then-pregnant Moroccan wife claim they were kidnapped and tortured under the dictator's regime, when Straw was the UK foreign secretary. The government went to the Supreme Court to stop the Libyan dissident suing, but in a landmark ruling, judges rejected their bid, allowing Mr Balhaj and his wife to sue. CASES THAT LED TO THE AL-SWEADY INQUIRY Khuder Al-Sweady, an Iraqi national, claimed that his 19-year-old nephew, Hamid Al-Sweady, was unlawfully killed while in the custody of British troops at Camp Abu Naji. Five of the nine men taken captive by the Army also alleged in the judicial review that they were mistreated by British soldiers while in custody at Camp Abu Naji and when later detained - for about five months - at Shaibah Logistics Base. Judges said disclosure of documents related to the claims of abuse and unlawful killings had been "lamentable". Bob Ainsworth announced an inquiry to look at the allegations. More than 600 military personnel and about 100 Iraqi witnesses were spoken to during the inquiry and thousands of documents scoured and read. The nine detainees claimed they were beaten on capture and when transported to Camp Abu Naji, strip-searched during "processing" and questioned "oppressively", with abuse shouted, threats made and guns fired. They also alleged they were hit, threatened, abused, deprived of sleep and subjected to tapes of screaming at Shaibah Logistics Camp. Source: BBC Advertisement Giving a statement following the January ruling, Ms Malik, of law firm Leigh Day which is representing Mr Belhaj, said: 'The Supreme Court has delivered an emphatic judgment upholding the rule of law, particularly in the face of breaches of rights recognised as fundamental by English statute and common law, in which British defendants are alleged to have been complicit.' Mr Day's profile on the firm's website touts his work 'negotiating settlements for approximately 1,300 injured or killed by British Army munitions' and 'achieving justice and compensation for thousands of former Japanese prisoners of war'. Above, troops in Iraq. Ms Malik and Mr Day are accused of making statements at press conferences when it was 'improper to do so' A Leigh Day spokesperson said: 'The firm represented Binyam Mohamed, one of the Guantanamo detainees who was freed in 2009. 'We did not represent Jamal al-Harith, known also as Ronald Fiddler and Abu-Zakariya al-Britani or any of the other Guantanamo detainees in their claims for compensation following their detainment at the camp.' The number of people arriving in the UK from Bulgaria and Romania has risen significantly since the Brexit vote, new figures show. But figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) also reveal a 'statistically significant' rise in citizens from so-called EU8 nations - Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia - leaving the UK. The outflow of EU8 nationals was up 12,000 year-on-year to 39,000 - the highest for five years. Immigration from the countries was 58,000, the lowest since they joined the European Union in 2004. The net inflow to the UK was 273,000 in the year to September - down from 333,000 in the 12 months to the end of June This was offset by a 'statistically significant' increase in immigration of Bulgarians and Romanians, which reached 74,000 - the highest on record. The figures reveal net migration has fallen below 300,000 for the first time in two years in the aftermath of the historic Brexit vote. The net inflow to the UK was 273,000 in the year to September - down from 333,000 in the 12 months to the end of June. The number of arrivals was down to 596,000 while emigration was up to 323,000. Theresa May has pledged that she will introduce controls on free movement rules following the Brexit vote The findings came in data on international migration released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is the first estimate of the measure - the difference between the number of people leaving and arriving in the country - covering an extended period after the EU referendum. The previous set of statistics showed net migration was running at a near record level of 335,000 in the year to the end of June. That was well above the Government's target of under 100,000. The previous figures also showed the inflow of EU citizens had hit a historic high of 284,000. The latest details, which cover individuals coming to the country for more than 12 months, show that immigration was estimated to be 596,000 in the year to September, down 23,000 from the period to September 2015. Some 268,000 of those were EU citizens, 257,000 came from outside the bloc, and 71,000 were Britons. Some 268,000 of long-term immigrants were EU citizens, 257,000 came from outside the bloc, and 71,000 were Britons Nigel Farage said his prediction that at least 350,000 people would migrate to the UK from the EU2 nations had been vindicated Emigration from the UK was up 26,000 to 323,000, including 103,000 EU citizens, 93,000 non-EU and 128,000 British citizens. The number of Romanian and Bulgarian nationals was up 19,000 to 74,000 the highest on record. Some 180,000 EU citizens arrived for work-related reasons, with approximately 63 per cent of those having a definite job to go to. RECORD NUMBER OF ROMANIANS AND BULGARIANS ARRIVE The number of Bulgarians and Romanians migrating to the UK hit a record of 74,000 in the year to September. The 'statistically significant' increase means the so-called 'EU2' nations now account for 28 per cent of immigration from the bloc. The rise was partially offset by a fall in the number of nationals from eight other Eastern European states coming in. The EU8 countries - the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia - joined the Brussels club in 2004. The outflow of nationals from these states was up by 12,000 year on year to 39,000 - the highest level for five years. Advertisement Overall the net flow from the union was 165,000 - the lowest for two years. Inflows of people coming to study decreased by 41,000 in the year to September 2016. The majority of the drop was made up of non-EU students, down 31,000. The number of visas issued over the same period to non-EU students for 12 months or more was 141,286, up 2 per cent. Separate figures released by the Home Office show that the number of European migrants and family members granted certificates confirming their right to live in the UK permanently more than tripled last year. A total of 65,195 documents and cards certifying permanent residence were granted to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and relatives in 2016. That compared to 18,064 in the previous 12 months. The status of EU citizens living in the UK has come under the spotlight following the referendum last year, and experts have warned the Government faces a huge administrative task if it attempts to register more than three million people from the bloc. EU citizens who have lived continuously in the UK for at least five years automatically have a permanent right to live in Britain. People from countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) - EU states as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway - plus Swiss nationals can apply for a document which confirms their right of permanent residence in the UK. Non-European family members of EEA citizens can apply for a permanent residence card. The latest figures show that 32,481 cards and documents were issued in the last three months of last year - a seven-fold jump compared to the equivalent period in 2015. Downing Street welcomed the reduction but said there was no room for 'complacency'. SPIKE IN NUMBER OF EUROPEAN MIGRANTS GRANTED RESIDENCY The number of European migrants and their family members granted certificates confirming their right to live in the UK permanently more than tripled last year, official figures reveal. A total of 65,195 documents and cards certifying permanent residence were granted to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and relatives in 2016. This compared to 18,064 in the previous 12 months. The status of EU citizens living in the UK has come under the spotlight following the referendum last year, and experts have warned the Government faces a huge administrative task if it attempts to register more than three million people from the bloc. EU citizens who have lived continuously in the UK for at least five years automatically have a permanent right to live in Britain. People from countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) - EU states as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway - plus Swiss nationals can apply for a document which confirms their right of permanent residence in the UK. Non-European family members of EEA citizens can apply for a permanent residence card. The latest figures show that 32,481 cards and documents were issued in the last three months of last year - a seven-fold jump compared to the equivalent period in 2015. Advertisement A spokesman for the PM said: 'Clearly we have seen a fall in net migration, which obviously we welcome, but we are not complacent about this. 'We are very clear there is more work to be done to bring net migration down to the target of tens of thousands.' Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage said the figures vindicated his prediction that more than 350,000 people would migrate to the UK from Romania and Bulgaria. 'I apologise for what I said about Romanian and Bulgarian immigration in 2014. The figure is actually much higher,' he tweeted. Nicola White, ONS Head of International Migration Statistics, said: 'This is the first release to contain long-term international migration estimates including three months of data following the EU referendum. 'Although we have seen a fall in net migration of EU8 citizens there have been continued increases in immigration from Romania and Bulgaria, so it is too early to say what effect the referendum result has had on long-term international migration. 'There has been a statistically significant decrease in non-EU long-term students immigrating to the UK while a small increase was seen in the number of study visas issued. 'It is too early to tell if this is an indication of a long-term trend.' Alp Mehmet, Vice-Chairman of Migration Watch UK, said the fall in net migration was a 'step in the right direction'. 'There is still a net inflow from Eastern Europe, especially from Romania and Bulgaria,' he said. 'These workers are generally in low-paid employment so this is where our proposal for work permits confined to those coming for skilled work would have a very useful effect on EU migration.' Immigration has been at the heart of fierce debate in both the run-up to and aftermath of the historic referendum in June. Theresa May has pledged that she will introduce controls on free movement rules following the Brexit vote. However, the shape of the new system will be the subject of tough negotiations with the EU. Muslim community leader Keysar Trad has apologised for saying an angry husband can beat his wife as 'a last resort'. The president of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils said he had made a 'clumsy attempt' to explain a verse from the Koran after facing backlash for the comments. Mr Trad made the controversial remarks after Sky News presenter Andrew Bolt quoted a verse from Islamic scripture that said: 'It is permissible for him [the husband] to beat her [the wife] light with his hands.' He said he had studied the text with 'a number of Islamic scholars' to reach a conclusion about the meaning of the verse, claiming if gifts like flowers and chocolates did not work, violence may be an option. But on Thursday, Mr Trad - who is also the founder of the Islamic Friendship Association - issued a statement saying he 'categorically' condemns all forms of violence, especially against women. Scroll down for video Muslim community leader Keysar Trad has apologised for saying an angry husband can beat his wife as 'a last resort' Australian Federation of Islamic Councils president Keysar Trad (right) said violence towards women 'is a last resort' after Andrew Bolt (left) voted a verse from the Koran on Sky News 'Acknowledging my clumsy attempt to explain a verse from the holy Qur'an, I want to categorically condemn all forms of violence, especially violence against women, I condemn and deplore it and stress my continued zeal to support women against violence,' Mr Trad said in a statement on Facebook. Koran 3:34 Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband's] absence what Allah would have them guard. But those [wives] from whom you fear arrogance - [first] advise them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them. But if they obey you [once more], seek no means against them. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted and Grand. Courtesy of Quran.com Advertisement 'I sincerely apologise if my attempt to explain the verse is understood any differently, the Qur'an is a holy book that aims to improve human relations as well as spiritual relations, the verses of the Qur'an must be read alongside other verses and Hadiths that deal with the particular topic. 'Our beloved prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings upon him said: 'The most perfect believer is one who is the best in courtesy and amiable manners, and the best among you people is one who is most kind and courteous to his wife.' Mr Trad also backtracked on his comments in an appearance on A Current Affair that aired on Thursday evening. 'I did not intend to say anything of that nature and I don't believe I said anything of that nature' he said. 'Even though it's mentioned in the verse as a last resort, it's a last resort that you never get to.' Mr Trad added: 'I don't condone any violence against your wife, your daughter, your sister, your mother. 'Not just any Muslim, I would not encourage any person. In fact, I condemn any violence against women. 'You should always honour your wife, honour your daughters, honour your sisters, honour your mother, treat them with the utmost respect and show them the greatest love.' Mr Trad is pictured with his wife Hanifeh (centre) and one of their daughters (left) Sky News host Andrew Bolt quoted a verse from the Koran which justified domestic violence It comes after Mr Trad appeared on Sky News on Wednesday morning to talk about the Isreali-Palestinian conflict. Instead, he ended up talking about domestic violence. Mr Trad had said: 'If you come home and you are really, really angry. We've seen many men act violently towards their woman. 'This verse is saying really, is playing on the psychology of the man saying violence is a last resort.' 'Before you even consider using your hand, before you consider any act of violence have you checked box number one which is counselling?' he said. 'Have you check box number two? So what does counselling entail? 'Well maybe next time you should bring her a bunch of flowers, maybe next time you should bring her a box of chocolates.' But the host of The Bolt Report interrupted him, saying: 'Maybe you should beat her if she doesn't see any sense. Beat her. That's what this says. Beat them. I'm reading the Koran.' 'I understand what you're saying but what I would say to you is a good person would never get to that step,' Mr Trad responded. Mr Bolt has this week also been critical of Muslim youth activist and ABC presenter Yassmin Abdel-Magied, who declared on Q&A that Islam was the 'most feminist religion'. Keysar Trad (right) said a husband could buy his wife flowers and chocolates before he resorted to 'using your hand' Mr Trad is pictured in 2003 at a press conference in Sydney Keysar Trad (left) clashed with journalist Hamish Macdonald (right) as he voiced his support for polygamy on the ABC's The Drum program in December In December, Mr Trad sparked controversy on the ABC's The Drum program when journalist Hamish Macdonald challenged him about his support for polygamy in Australia, where it is illegal. 'We find it polarises views...there seems to be a lot of negative views in the public but there seems to be very little concern to people having mistresses or visiting a brothel,' Mr Trad said. 'But when it is a committed responsible relationship that is proclaimed publicly it seems some of the Australian public...will make a big issue out of it.' In September last year, Mr Trad said he had been writing love poetry to woo women to find a second wife after his spouse of 30 year gave her blessing for him to find another partner. Mr Trad is pictured in August 2014. He has been criticised this week for comments made on The Bolt Report Mr Trad is pictured (left) with former immigration minister Philip Ruddock (right) He said having more than one wife or de facto partner was a 'tremendous responsibility' He said having more than one wife or de facto partner was a 'tremendous responsibility'. 'Most Muslims don't do it, just like most people around the world don't entertain the idea,' he said in September last year. 'It's like having two jobs, you have to work extra hard to provide for them and provide well for them. 'It's not for everybody. Some people relish the idea, some people don't.' Mr Trad's father had two wives in Lebanon and he grew up watching him trying to provide for his family. A doctor is facing 130 sexual assault charges, which could see an unprecedented pool of 500 potential jurors called for his trial. Jeremy Coleman, a 63-year-old immunologist based at Newcastle, north of Sydney, is at the centre of one of the largest cases of medical malpractice in New South Wales. More than 100 of his former patients are alleging he sexually and/or indecently assaulted them during the course of their treatment. Dr Jeremy Coleman is accused of sexually assaulting 100 patients from 1986 to 2013 Coleman, a prominent medical practitioner whose former clinic was in the heart of Newcastle, is yet to enter pleas to 130 charges of indecent and sexual assault, but has indicated he will contest them. The charges relate to alleged incidents spanning from 1986 to 2013. Coleman appeared on Thursday morning in Newcastle District Court to apply to have his trial moved to Sydney, but withdrew the application after being told how complicated the case would be and how difficult it would be to move it. Prosecutors expect the trial to last up to six months, with hundreds of witnesses called. Jeremy Coleman appeared in Newcastle District Court on Thursday to apply to have his trial moved to Sydney Newcastle District Court heard that an unprecedented 500 potential jurors might have to be called, from which a jury panel of 12 could be picked. The large number is due to the likelihood of potential jurors knowing one of more of Coleman's alleged victims or other witnesses to be called during the trial. However, Judge Roy Ellis has not ruled out the possibility of a judge-only trial. Coleman remains on bail and refused to comment to media as he left court. The Medical Council of NSW last year formally suspended his registration to practice, after the scope of the allegations emerged. The trial is expected to get under way on May 15, but the matter will be heard again on April 6 to provide a status update. Embattled Australia Post chief executive Ahmed Fahour has accused Pauline Hanson of racism after she heavily criticised his multi-million dollar salary. He used an interview on Network Ten's The Project to ask what gripe the One Nation leader had against him. 'Does she have a real issue with how Australia Post is performing or does she have an issue with the colour of my skin or my religion?' Mr Fahour questioned. Scroll down for videos Pauline Hanson has been critical of outgoing Australia Post CEO Ahmed Fahour Mr Fahour asked if Senator Hanson has an issue with his skin colour and religion 'If it is about the business, I am more than delighted to talk about the complexities of running a parcels online, e-commerce business. 'If it's another issue about how I support social inclusion in this country and how we make sure that this beautiful multicultural country that we live in, that we can actually live together and appreciate and love each other, if the issue is let's have a debate about that, then no problems at all.' Mr Fahour and Senator Hanson traded barbs all Thursday after he announced he was stepping down from the top job. The outgoing Australia Post boss, who is a practising Muslim, fired the first shot by using his resignation speech to say his job was a 'little bit more complex than running a fish and chip shop'. Senator Hanson, who once owned a fish and chip shop in Ipswich, south-west of Brisbane, hit back in a series of fiery tweets, declaring: 'At least my shop never suffered a $221 MILLION loss!' Earlier on Thursday, Senator Hanson took to Twitter to slam Mr Fahour's criticisms of her In another tweet, she mocked Australia Post's slow delivery service. 'The difference between my fish & chip shop & Ahmed Fahour's Australia Post? My customers didn't have to wait 3-6 business days for their meal!' Senator Hanson wrote. Senator Hanson sarcastically wondered: 'If Australia Post is still waiting for Ahmed Fahour's resignation letter to arrive in the mail?' She also added her thoughts on why Mr Fahour had decided to call it quits. 'Ahmed Fahour has quit Australia Post a week before estimates! Looks like he didn't want to face up and answer some tough questions,' the One Nation leader said. Mr Fahour has resigned just weeks after his multi-million salary sparked backlash Later on Mr Fahour told The Project he did not appreciate Senator Hanson's attacks on the business. 'I don't particularly appreciate any politician, who lives off the taxpayer, because that's what our politicians do, criticising the amazing work that our post officers and employees do for this amazing service,' he said. Mr Fahour announced his resignation on Thursday just weeks after his multi-million salary sparked backlash. His $4.4 million salary and a $1.2 million bonus were made public by a parliamentary committee despite the government-owned business trying to keep under wraps. Senator Hanson was quick to heavily criticise Mr Fahour's pay packet. 'I'm absolutely seething over this, to think that the head of Australia Post - the CEO - is getting paid $5.6 million,' she said previously. Mr Fahour said he would step down from his position as CEO in July after a seven-year stint. 'I want to announce to you all today that I tendered my resignation to the board of Australia Post,' he said on Thursday. 'I will continue in this role while the board conducts a search for a new CEO. I will formally step down in July, following the appointment of my successor. 'Clearly, this has been a very difficult and emotional decision for me and my family. But I have come to the conclusion that the timing is right.' Mr Fahour said it was his choice to step down from his role just weeks after his salary emerged Mr Fahour insisted the intense scrutiny over his generous pay package was not the reason behind his resignation. 'I know some of you think the recent discussions about my pay may have precipitated this - that is completely not true,' he said. 'I last year began conversations with the chairman and with my management team that it is time for me to begin to think about life beyond Post, and it's time for the company to start to develop and prepare the people who work for me for one of them to become the next CEO. 'So we begun this process a while ago and this thinking certainly has been in the works for a while.' It comes after Malcolm Turnbull said the pay package as 'too high' after it was found Mr Fahour was earning 10 times as much as the Prime Minister. Mr Turnbull had said he acknowledged Mr Fahour had a big job overseeing a large government-owned entity, which had improved its operating business. 'In my view, I say this as someone who spent most of his life in the business world before I came into politics, I think it is a very big salary for that job,' Mr Turnbull said. The British extremist who gave his life as an ISIS suicide bomber revealed he wanted to spit in the face of his American captors in a rare interview just days after he was released from Guantanamo Bay. Jamal al-Harith also spoke of his determination to sue for compensation after he spent two years in the jail because the US believed he was an Al Qaeda fighter and was considered a high threat' to America and other Western powers. He also revealed that the Americans were convinced he only had a clean criminal record because he worked for MI5, which he laughed about on live TV. Angry: Jamal al-Harith, told the BBC in 2004 (pictured) that he wanted to spit at his American captors who were convinced he was a dangerous terrorist Al-Harith (left) is pictured in his early years in Manchester, England, before his detention at Gauntanamo in 2002. His wife Shukee Begum is shown right - she went to Syria with their five children but fled back to Turkey The jihadi, who born Ronald Fiddler, was detained in the lawless southern Afghanistan after going there after 9/11 he was then flown to Guantanamo in 2002. The US authorities said he may have spent time with Osama bin Laden in Sudan and that his back story as a backpacking Islamic scholar simply did not add up. But he was released from the notorious prison camp in 2004 and repatriated to England by private jet and released without charge. Speaking to BBC North West Tonight soon after his return to the UK he described being frightened to leave Guantanamo because he was so used to life there - and his hatred for the Americans who held him there. Fiddler, who also converted to Islam in the late 1990s, was a gentle character changed who friends and family say changed completely after being held at Guantanamo. He said: I was very angry actually. First when they told me I was scared because I had been in a cage for so long I didn't want to leave, strange as it might sound. My first reaction was I don't want to go. That's what came to me. 'When they were taking us out I could see the British plane waiting for us - they had to walk us over the 300 metres - and we got put in front to the British Bobby and the American soldier was taking off my chains I wanted to spit in his face but you have to hold yourself inside'. Fiddler, who also converted to Islam in the late 1990s, was a gentle character changed who friends and family say changed completely after being held at Guantanamo. His sister Sharon said his conversion to Islam meant he stopped going to clubs, smoking and drinking and became 'placid' but added he had 'not changed much'. But ten years later he would flee Britain to join ISIS and blow himself up for them in Mosul this year. Describing the reaction when he came back to Manchester he said in the 2004 interview: 'People have been fine. People have stopped me in the streets giving me hugs and saying they have been praying for me saying if you can survive this long you can stay strong and keep going. There's been a lot of support. 'There have been people on the other side too but people generally have been very very supportive'. UK national Jamal Udeen al-Harith was photographed moments before blowing himself up in an attack on a military facility near Mosul in Iraq (pictured) Footage said to have been captured yesterday morning shows Abu Zakariya's reinforced vehicle setting off along a dusty road The video then cuts to a plume of smoke in the distance after the car bomb is detonated Presenter Gordon Burns asked him if he had any links to terrorism, Jamal responded: 'Youve not been arrested here, presumably you a not a terrorist? 'It's strange because just before I left (Guantanamo) as well the Americans said that they had sent my picture to intelligence agencies all around the world and nothing came back and they said 'You haven't even got a parking ticket'. The exact thing they said was you're an asset for MI5 because how can you have nothing on you. When asked if he was working for MI5 he replied: No, obviously no. Harith made it clear in the interview that he would be trying to get compensation for his detention. That year he and three other detainees launched a legal action against the US government, each demanding $10million 5.4million at the time. They claimed that British agents were complicit in their mistreatment at the Guantanamo jail because they knew it was going on. That legal action was dropped when the British Government agreed to pay the men a compensation settlement which is believed to have been up to 1million each. Describing his wish to bring litigation against the Americans he said: 'I would like to sue them but the soundings I'm getting is that it might not be possible because they see Cuba as a legal black hole because if you are a non-American in Guantanamo no International Law applies at all. The Muslim convert changed his name from Ronald Fiddler to Jamal Udeen al-Harith in 1994, before fighting for ISIS under the new name Abu Zakariya al-Britani Al-Harith gives testimony before a Council of Europe panel in 2004 (shown right), as part of an inquiry into human rights abuses at Gauntanamo Bay Maxine Fiddler, Jamal's father and Maxine Fiddler, Jamal's sister, pictured during his detention at Guantanamo 'They can more or less do what they want with you. This is what I'm being told at the moment. I will try'. JAMAL'S PATH TO GUANTANAMO AND THEN SYRIA 1966: Ronald Fiddler is born in Manchester to devout Christian parents originating from Jamaica 1994: He converts to Islam, changing his name to Jamal Udeen al-Harith October 2001: Al-Harith travels to Quetta in Pakistan, on a 'religious holiday'. A few day later the US invasion of neighbouring Afghanistan began Early 2002: He is arrested by American forces in Afghanistan after they discover him in a Taliban jail and later transferred to Guantanamo Bay prison 2004: After lobbying from Tony Blair's Labour government, al-Harith is released along with five others. He returns to the UK where he is released without charge, and joins three other prisoners in suing Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld 2009: His case against Rumsfield and the US government is finally dismissed on the grounds of 'limited immunity' for government officials 2014: Despite security services being fully aware of his previous detention, he is able to escape the UK to fight with ISIS in Syria 2015: His British wife Shukee Begum, along with their five children, join him in Syria before fleeing from the Isis-controlled territory February 2017: Al-Harith is killed in a suicide attack near Mosul, Iraq Advertisement At the time of his release, then-Home Secretary David Blunkett, insisted: No one who is returned will actually be a threat to the security of the British people. Backed by human rights lawyers, Fiddler posed for publicity photographs with fellow former Guantanamo Bay detainees Martin Mubanga and Moazzam Begg. Shami Chakrabarti, the then head of Liberty who was made a Labour peer last year, said she was delighted he was being freed. We are delighted that the five have been released, but let us not forget those that are remaining, she said. In one interview with a national newspaper after his release Fiddler said: It was very, very hard times, but I tried to think about nothing but survival. At the same time he married, set up a computer business and worked as an administrator in a Muslim school. But in 2014, Fiddler travelled to Islamic State controlled Syria via Turkey, a common route for would-be jihadists. His journey was revealed after his estranged wife, Shukee Begum, 34, managed to escape from the terrorist group with their five children. She endured a 10-month ordeal being passed between rebel groups as a hostage after trying to persuade her estranged husband to return home. Mrs Begum, a law graduate from Greater Manchester, said she was desperate as she was left with four children and pregnant with a fifth, She said: Hes my husband and all of a sudden hes not there. It didnt feel like home any more. I was trying to manage school runs, things like that. I was thinking about the childrens futures. Was he part of it Will he come back? All these things go through your mind. At that time he was based near al-Bab in northern Syria. It appears that since his wife left he joined frontline fighters. Fiddlers ability to flee the country will once again shine the spotlight on the Governments inability to effectively monitor terror suspects. Britain is handing power stations hundreds of millions of pounds to burn wood pellets from the US that do more damage to the environment than coal, a study claims. So-called 'biomass' fuel is being used in preference to cheaper alternatives without considering the fact that trees need to be chopped down and transported across the Atlantic. The problem has largely been caused by a desperate rush to meet EU renewable energy targets, according to the report written by Duncan Brack, who was an adviser to former Energy Secretary Chris Huhne. Mr Huhne, who served in the coalition government and was later jailed for perverting the course of justice, championed the energy source in office and is now European chairmen of Zilka Biomass, a US supplier of wood pellets. The Drax power station in Selby, North Yorkshire. The company received 421 million in subsidies last year to burn biomass, mainly consisting of US wood pellets Britain is a major importer of wood pellets, receiving around 7.5 million tonnes last year, mainly from the US and Canada. Drax, the countrys biggest power station, received 421 million in subsidies last year to burn biomass, mainly consisting of US wood pellets. Mr Brack told the Times: It is ridiculous for the same kind of subsidies that go to genuine zero-carbon technologies like solar and wind to go to biomass use that might be increasing carbon emissions. Its not a good use of money. For any biomass facility that is burning wood for energy, unless they are only burning stuff like saw-mill residues or post-consumer waste, their activities will be increasing carbon emissions in the atmosphere for decades or centuries. We shouldnt be subsidising that. Drax said it uses low-grade wood material which produces 16 per cent of the UKs renewable electricity, claiming this makes carbon savings of more than 80 per cent compared to coal. Wood pellets are said to be carbon-neutral, primarily because trees have soaked up carbon while they are alive and more can be planted. Pellets have become an increasingly important fuel source in the UK in recent years, accounting for more than a third of bioenergy fuels in 2014. But Mr Bracks report, written for the Chatham House think tank, points out that the process can take hundreds of years, meaning it cannot tackle climate change now, as the process can take hundreds of years. Mr Brack is urging the EU to restrict subsidies only to biomass fuels which lower emissions overall. A spokesman for Drax, which generates around seven per cent of Britains electricity from its power station in Yorkshire, said half of its power station had been upgraded to biomass from coal. She said wood was sourced from working forests which supply industry with high-grade timber. We take the low-grade material to make the compressed wood pellets used to generate electricity. Former Energy Secretary Chris Huhne championed the energy source in office and is now European chairmen of Zilka Biomass, a US supplier of wood pellets 'This includes tree tops, limbs, sawmill residues, misshapen and diseased trees not suitable for other use, as well as thinnings - small trees removed to maximise the growth of the forest. There is a widespread scientific consensus that this low-value wood is precisely the material which delivers the biggest carbon reductions. A spokesman for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, said: All biomass power plants in the UK have to meet mandatory sustainability criteria to ensure they reduce carbon emissions. Biomass conversion projects are a useful way to convert old polluting coal power stations into lower carbon electricity sources, whilst helping us maintain energy security and keeping down bills. The Stockholm suburb that was hit by violent riots on Monday is a police no-go zone where cars are torched almost every day, gangs rule the streets and fire engines have to be fitted with bulletproof glass. Residents of rundown Rinkeby, where nine out of ten residents are immigrants, have spoken out about how they live in fear, as Swedish politicians and police officers admitted that 'Trump was right'. 'The situation is here is terrible,' one resident said. 'I am scared most of the time when I leave my apartment. I have been assaulted twice and robbed once since I moved to Rinkeby. The criminal gangs can do what they want. 'What happened on Monday night is just the tip of the iceberg. Gangs control this whole area. There are riots every evening and the police can do nothing to contain the situation.' Deprived: The Stockholm suburb of Rinkeby, pictured, which President Donald Trump mentioned in his inflammatory immigration speech, is rife with crime, poverty and drugs. Pictured: Residents of Rinkeby walk through the estate Crime: Violent riots, pictured, broke out in the suburb just days after Trump's comments, prompting Swedish politicians, policemen and locals in Rinkeby to admit he was right to highlight the impact of mass immigration Run down: Youths in Rinkeby, one of the poorest districts in Stockholm, openly deal heroin and other drugs near the only train station and stolen goods are on sale by the town square Terrifying: The fire brigade and ambulances cannot enter Rinkeby without a police escort for risk of being attacked by stone-throwing youths Waas he right? Donald Trump speaks out about the unrest in Sweden in Florida The US president said Sweden, usually considered among the most peaceful and stable on earth, was suffering from social problems linked to mass migration. His comments were widely mocked. But on Monday night, police were forced to fire warning shots after rioters torched cars, hurled stones at police and looted shops in the Rinkeby district of the capital, injuring a policeman. Beat officer Hanif Azizi, who was scrambled to the scene, told MailOnline: 'When we sat in the car and saw the riots I tapped my colleague on the shoulder and said, 'perhaps Trump was right after all'.' Politician Mattias Karlsson from the populist Swedish Democrats, Sweden's second most popular party, said that the chaos was the result of mass immigration, adding: 'I am very grateful to President Trump for focusing attention on this issue.' A forgotten suburb of Stockholm, Rinkeby is where brazen youths openly deal heroin and other drugs inside the entrance to the only train station. Stolen goods are on sale at the red brick over town square. School attendance levels are of great concern in the sprawling immigrant ghetto, where a massive 89.3 per cent of residents were born outside Sweden. Unemployment rates are among the highest in Sweden, at 15.4 per cent. The recent rioting in Rinkeby has been blamed on a hardcore group of criminals from immigrant backgrounds. These gangs have no links to radical Islam or any other religious groups, police sources have confirmed. One shopkeeper said: 'There is an ongoing war between the criminals on one side and the police and regular residents on the other.' Violence: Cars are set ablaze almost every night in Rinkeby, where unemployment rates are among the highest in Sweden, or one of its equally deprived neighbouring suburbs. Pictured: Cars on fire during Monday's riot Safety: It is believed that only fire engines with bullet proof glass are assigned to the suburb, home to around 15,000 people, nine out of ten of whom are immigrants Reality: Beat officer Hanif Azizi, who was scrambled to the scene, told MailOnline, 'when we sat in the car and saw the riots I tapped my colleague on the shoulder and said, 'perhaps Trump was right after all'.' Fearful: Ahmed said he has been robbed twice since moving to Rinkeby, claiming the entire area is under the control of violent gangs and Monday's riots are just 'the tip of the iceberg'. Pictured: Locals alighting from a bus in Rinkeby Defence: But the Swedish government has rejected President Trump's criticism of its immigration policy, saying the problems in the area are caused by 'unemployment and problems with housing'. Pictured: Local residents in Rinkeby Street battle: One shopkeeper in Rinkeby spoke of an 'ongoing war' between criminals and the police while local man Ahmed, a 31-year-old refugee from the Yemen, said the situation was 'so terrible' she is scared to leave her own apartment. Pictured: An old lady walks through the snow in Rinkeby THE BOY WHO CAUSED THE RINKEBY RIOTS Maikal Hassan, 17, who started the riot Monday's riots were sparked by the arrest of the fugitive son of an immigrant single mother from Ethiopia. Maikal Hassan, 17 whose older brother was killed in a gang shooting last year was apprehended by chance during a police operation targeting drug dealers. Fellow members of his gang, known as the 'Rinkeby Network', tried to release Hassan who had been jailed aged 15 for eight counts including aggravated assault, robbery and burglary launching rocks and bottles at police. One officer drew his pistol and fired into the crowd of youths such was the level of violence the officers were subjected to on Monday night. Hassan, whose criminal career began aged 10, was taken into police custody and will be returned to prison. Advertisement Ahmed, 31, a refugee from Yemen who was placed in Rinkeby by the Swedish migration board after he claimed asylum a year ago, said: 'I fled from a country that was more like a war zone than a functioning society and ended up here. 'I am scared every day here and wish I could live somewhere else.' Ahmed added if his picture were published he would be attacked by the gangs that terrorise Rinkeby for speaking out. He is not alone. Shopkeepers told MailOnline how they regularly fall victim to the gangs of youths who openly sell heroin and other drugs inside Rinkeby's train station. 'The youths come into my shop and threaten me and my staff almost every day,' said Nouri, 44, who runs a shoe shop next to entrance to the train station where the riot erupted on Monday night. A former officer in the Afghan army, officer Nouri fled from the Taliban in 1998 and was offered asylum in Sweden. 'The gangs are always standing outside my shop,' he added. 'They come in here and grab pairs of expensive shoes and just walk out. There is nothing I can do. 'If I report them to the police they will torch the store. They are usually about 40 to 50 thugs hanging out here on the square at night. 'They sell drugs and stolen goods and are in control of the entire area. They can do what they like and there is nothing we can do about it. 'Everyone knows who they are but no one has the courage to report them to the police.' Another shopkeeper, an Iraqi man too frightened to give his name, told how his windows were smashed in the Monday night riots. 'My windows are smashed quite often,' he said. 'This is a lawless part of Stockholm. 'Gang members shoot at each other over drugs, residents are assaulted for looking the wrong way when someone is selling drugs, everything happens here. 'The situation in Rinkeby is awful. The police have lost control.' The area is so dangerous that emergency calls for ambulances and fire engines go unanswered until police can provide an escort, officials have confirmed. Victims of crime fail to report crime or volunteer themselves as witnesses due to fear of reprisals. The biggest problem here is those who are living here feel excluded from the rest of our society. People with difficult backgrounds are living here. They have no jobs and no real connection to the rest of Stockholm. They are left on their own here. Hanif Azizi, local beat officer Beat officer Hanif Azizi told MailOnline: 'We don't call this area [Rinkeby] a no-go zone ourselves [because] it stigmatizes the area and those who live here. I do not feel comfortable using that term. We call it a particularly vulnerable area. 'It is areas where we as a police force keeps extra focus and extra resources needs to be deployed here. 'The biggest problem here is those who are living here feel excluded from the rest of our society. 'People with difficult backgrounds are living here. They have no jobs and no real connection to the rest of Stockholm. They are left on their own here. 'A big part of our job is to assist fire trucks and ambulances entering the areas. We provide safety for them on a daily basis. 'We could not let the rescue services in to the area for a long time on Monday night. Several cars were on fire but we could not let them in until it was safe. 'Even the ambulances had to wait even though people were hurt. This happens often in this area.' Battlefield: Ahmed says he fled a country 'that was more like a war zone than functioning society' and yet he fears living in Rinkeby. He went as far as to claim if his picture was published, he would be attacked by gangs who terrorise the area. Pictured: Police making arrests in Rinkeby on Monday Takeover: Meanwhile shopkeepers told MailOnline how they often fall victim to gangs of youths who openly deal heroin and other hard drugs inside Rinkeby's only train station. Pictured: The aftermath of Monday's riots in which cars were set alight Intimidated: 'The youths come into my shop and threaten me and my staff almost every day,' said Nouri, 44, who runs a shoe shop near the train station where the riot erupted on Monday night. Pictured: The burned-out shells of cars which were set ablaze during the riot Victim: Nouri, a former Afghan army officer who fled the Taliban in 1998 (not pictured), says he is helpless to defend his business against the gangs who come in, grab expensive pairs of shoes and 'just walk out' Revenge: Nouri claims that if he reports the thugs to the police, 'they will torch the store'. 'They are usually about 40 to 50 thugs hanging out here on the square at night,' he adds. Pictured: Residents walk through Rinkeby in the storm Gang rule: The police confirmed claims of gangs terrorising locals and small business owners, saying calls for ambulance and fire services go unanswered until police can accompany them. Pictured: An immigrant mother walks her child through the estate He added: 'These areas do not only need police officers. We need teachers, adult role models for the kids, people who can take responsibility and stand up against crime. The residents are afraid to act and witness against crime. 'The young criminals have no adult role models. No one who tells them that what they are doing is wrong. 'When we sat in the car and saw the riots I tapped my colleague on the shoulder and said, 'perhaps Trump was right after all'.' Built between 1969 and 1971 as part of socialist Sweden's five-year plan to build one million homes, Rinkeby is a sprawling mass of high-rise apartments that are home to 60,000 people. Hump-back footbridges over the maze of roads provide perfect vantage points for disaffected youths to throw stones and bottles at blue-light flashing police cars and fire engines and ambulances. Money transfer offices dominate the few shopping centres where residents 89.3 per cent who were born outside Sweden can transfer money to family abroad. Arabic, Somali and Persian are spoken in cafes, where traditional Swedish food is rare. Clothing stores stock headscarves, Islamic cloaks and face veils. Scared: Victims of crime in Rinkeby do not come forward to report their crimes - or even volunteer as witnesses - due to fear of reprisals . Pictured: Rinkeby locals in the freezing conditions Protect and serve: Officer Azizi did admit that a 'big part' of the police's job is to escort fire trucks and ambulances into the area for protection. Pictured: A Rinkeby local trudging through the snow The far right Swedish Democrats claim that Monday's carnage at Rinkeby was a direct result of mass immigration to Sweden. The country has run a liberal immigration policy for over 20 years, accepting tens of thousands of refugees every year including huge numbers of Kurds, Iraqis and Somalis. The system reached breaking point in 2015, following the arrival of over 160,000 refugees to Sweden during Europe's refugee crisis. Mattias Karlsson from the Swedish Democrats said: 'I am very grateful to President Trump for focusing attention on this issue. 'We have huge problems with border security, immigration and law and order. This is not only in Rinkeby. 'Now we have problems in our towns and cities that we did not dream could be possible ten years ago. 'Trump was right to highlight the problems we have here in Sweden.' Change: Officer Azizi says the area needs teachers and strong role models as much as it needs policeman, people who can turn young, poor children away from a life of crime. Pictured: A mother in a Muslim veil walks through the neighbourhood Shocking: During Monday night's horrific riots, Officer Azizi turned to his colleague in their police car and ominously muttered: 'Perhaps Trump was right after all.' Pictured: A woman in traditional Islamic clothing walking through a snow-covered Rinkeby All welcome: Sweden has run a liberal immigration policy for over two decades, accepting tens of thousands of refugees every year, but the system came close to breaking point in 2015 following the arrival of over 160,000 refugees The Swedish government has rejected Donald Trump's criticism of its immigration policy, however. Migration spokesman Fredrik Lundh Sammeli told MailOnline: 'The problems that we are facing in Rinkeby are due to basic reasons like alienation, unemployment and problems with housing. 'We are not doing the debate any favours if one draws a straight line between immigration and crime. There are other reasons why there is crime in these areas. It is mainly due to unemployment.' He added: 'It surprises me that the president of America raises Sweden as an example. I think Sweden can be an example in many cases. But not when it comes to crime related to immigration. 'Sweden did a tremendous effort during the migration crisis in 2015. We do have issues to deal with because of this. But crime in our suburbs has nothing to do with the influx of immigrants. 'Sweden is a country that is working. The social differences are far greater in the US than here. 'I think the American president misses the target. We do have challenges within these areas, but they are not related to immigration.' The British suicide bomber who blew himself up for ISIS after receiving taxpayer-funded compensation was 'mentally tortured' during his time in a Taliban jail, it was reported today. Jamal al-Harith, from Manchester, sparked a row over publicly-funded payouts to those released from Guantanamo Bay after it emerged he was the grinning jihadi in an ISIS bombing video. The father-of-five had flown to Pakistan after the September 11 attacks and spent time in a Taliban jail before American forces moved in and took him to the notorious detention centre in the Caribbean. Jamal al-Harith, the British extremist given compensation for his time at Guantanamo Bay, pictured in a former Taliban jail in 2002. A journalist who spoke to him at the time said fellow inmates told how he had been 'mentally tortured' by the Afghan fundamentalist group It emerged this week that al-Harith was the smiling suicide bomber in a recent ISIS video Catherine Philp, Diplomatic Correspondent for The Times, today wrote how al-Harith was barely able to speak when she met him in a Kandahar jail shortly before he was taken to Guantanamo Bay in 2002. Al-Harith was accused of spying by the fundamentalist group and a fellow prisoner told her: 'He doesn't speak. He was mentally tortured by the Taliban.' The extremist later made suspicious claims to Ms Philp's colleague that he was arrested while hitchhiking from Pakistan to Turkey. He was said to be kept with 'political prisoners' and foreigners in the crowded jail in the war-torn country. The fundamentalist group which emerged in Afghanistan in the early 1990s were in control of the country when al-Harith travelled to the region after 9/11. They were removed from power by the US-led invasion which started in October 2001 and American forces took control of the area where al-Harith was jailed. The video which sparked the row showed al-Harith setting off in a car towards a base in Mosul A puff of smoke is then shown over a nearby hill, apparently caused by his bombing A map of al-Harith movements show how he returned to the Middle East after his release Al-Harith was taken a US military base at Kandahar Airport in January 2002 where US forces suspected him of being part of terror group al-Qaeda and later flew him to Guantanamo Bay. Al-Harith was born Ronald Fiddler into a Jamaican family and he was brought up as a Church of England child in Manchester. He later converted to Islam and travelled to Muslim countries including Pakistan and the Sudan. Speaking at the time of al-Harith's release from Guantanamo in 2004, his sister Sharon Fiddler told how his family had also heard he was arrested by the Taliban over alleged spying. She told the BBC: 'There's quite a lot of different stories that came in the news. The main story that stood out was that he was a British spy. He'd been found by Taliban people, put into a prison.' His father Lloyd said he had urged his son not to travel after 9/11 and wept when he heard he had been taken to Guantanamo. Al-Harith, pictured at the Kandahar jail in 2002, said he was been arrested by the Taliban while hitchhiking. He was later taken into the custody of US forces He was taken to this air base near near Kandahar Airport and later moved to Guantanamo In 2014, ten years after his release, al-Harith reportedly left the UK to join ISIS in Syria. His second wife, Shukee Begum, went to find him but was unable to persuade him to return home. He detonated a car bomb at an army base near Mosul earlier this week, killing an unknown number of Shiite Muslims. In a statement yesterday, his family said his treatment at Guantanamo Bay led him to join ISIS. The statement said: 'The Jamal they knew up until 2001 when he was taken to Guantanamo Bay would not have become involved with a despicable organisation such as so-called IS. He was a peaceful and gentle person. 'Whatever he may or may not have done since then they believe from their own experience he was utterly changed by the physical and mental cruelty and the inhuman treatment he endured for two years at Guantanamo.' Thousands of refugees are fleeing America and traveling to Canada in the wake of Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. The number of migrants claiming refugee status at the Canadian-US border rose to over 7,000 last year, up from 4,300 in the previous year. More than 1,400 people have claimed asylum at the border with Quebec since November alone - more than the whole of 2015. Thousands of refugees are fleeing America and traveling to Canada in the wake of Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. One man claiming to be from Turkey is arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Quebec after trying to cross the border He tried to cross into Canada with a woman believed to be his girlfriend on Thursday. In the past month hundreds have crossed land into Quebec in a bid to get asylum The unidentified woman was also taken into custody by police guarding the border. More than 1,400 people have claimed asylum at the border with Quebec since November alone - more than the whole of 2015 The latest figures suggest the rise is set to continue, with 452 refugee claims made in the region last month - more than triple the number compared to last year. Migrants are crossing illegally into Canada before seeking asylum, in order to get round the Safe Third Country Agreement introduced in 2004. Under the agreement, refugees are sent back to the US if they make claims at official checkpoints, as the majority must claim asylum in the first country they arrive in. The spike in the number of people illegally crossing into Canada has been put down to Trump's crackdown on immigration. The Turkish man stands at the crossing and waits to be met by one of the officers Two women claiming to be from Yemen are confronted by a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer as they cross the U.S.-Canada border into Hemmingford, Quebec on Wednesday A man, believed to be from Sudan, is detained by Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers after he crossed the border into Canada the same day A family of three, from Turkey also made the crossing into Hemmingford, Quebec, on Wednesday. In January alone, there have 452 refugee claims made in the region The number of migrants claiming refugee status at the Canadian-US border rose to over 7,000 last year, up from 4,316 in the previous year Lorne Waldman, an immigration lawyer based in Toronto, told CBC News: 'As the situation deteriorates in the US, the likelihood that we're going to see more people crossing is very high.' Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reinforced the country's welcoming stance towards refugees following the controversy over Trump's travel ban for citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries. A family of three from Turkey were among those who crossed the border on foot in the snow into Hemmingford, Quebec on Wednesday. The village is just across the border from upstate New York. They, along with at least three other adults, were met by Royal Canadian Mounted Police after making the journey. The group were detained by officers, in line with standard procedure for refugee claimants. They will now go before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada tribunal to apply for refugee status. A woman from Yemen was seen being detained by a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer on Wednesday while trying to gain asylum A woman, who says she is from Yemen, was seen crying after being told not to cross the border into Hemmingford, Quebec on Wednesday. She was arrested after entering Canada Posing for a Facebook selfie, this is the woman suspected of killing Kim Jong-un's brother - in an image posted online just days before the assassination. Doan Thi Huong, who is being held in Malaysia over the killing of Kim Jong-nam in Kuala Lumpur International Airport, can be seen wearing a shirt with 'LOL' emblazoned on the front. A similar white top was worn by a woman shown in CCTV footage from the terminal minutes after Jong-nam was poisoned to death. Separate photos, in a Facebook account under the name of Ruby Ruby, show her posing in a revealing red swim suit and wearing a black dress with floral patterns. Scroll down for video Suspected assassin Doan Thi Huong can be seen wearing a shirt with 'LOL' emblazoned on the front. A similar white top was worn by a woman shown in CCTV footage from the terminal minutes after Kim Jong-nam was poisoned to death Doan Thi Huong had a Facebook account under the name Ruby Ruby and posted pictures of herself wearing a revealing red swim suit The 28-year-old had posted to Facebook under the name Ruby Ruby, according to her niece, 18-year-old niece, Dinh Thi Quyen Just days before the death of Jong-nam a photo was posted on her profile showing her in a shirt with the acronym 'LOL' - similar to the one scene in CCTV images (left) of her at Kuala Lumpur after the North Korean was poisoned. She is shown right in a police image They emerged amid unsubstantiated claims that the 28-year-old may have appeared on Vietnam's version of the TV talent show Pop Idol in June. Footage shows the woman - contestant number 67816 - singing quietly before being interrupted halfway through her performance by one one of three judges and then walking off stage. She left the competition in the first round. Just days before the death of Jong-nam a photo was posted on her profile showing her in a shirt with the acronym 'LOL' - similar to the one scene in CCTV images of her at Kuala Lumpur after the North Korean was poisoned. The 28-year-old had posted to Facebook under the name Ruby Ruby, according to her niece, 18-year-old niece, Dinh Thi Quyen and photographer Keow wee Loong who knows a friend of Huong. Her profile picture shows Huong wearing a red cut-out swimsuit at a pool. Other photos are selfies taken in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a few days before Kim Jong Nam was attacked at the city's airport by two women who rubbed his face with apparent poison. The account's first post was made December 14 and the last was February 11 from an area near the airport. Other photos of the suspect are selfies taken in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and in Kuala Lumpur Malaysian police said two women allegedly involved in the assassination - Siti Aisyah (left) and Doan Thi Huong (right) - knew the poisoning wasn't a 'TV prank' Police want to question the North Korean embassy's second secretary, Hyon Kwang Song (left), as well as a North Korean airline employee called Kim Uk Il (right) North Korean Ri Ji U has also been identified for questioning in connection with the murder of Kim Jong Nam 'I want to sleep more but by your side,' it said above a photo of Huong with closed eyes and short blonde hair. Many of her 65 Facebook friends are men, including several South Koreans. A second Facebook account under the name 'Bella Tron Tron Bella' - also containing pictures of Huong - had a link to Vietnam Idol's page. It has since emerged that she was renowned for her fashion, funky hairstyles and foreign boyfriends, say family members shocked at the link between their poor rice-farming village and a crime that has gripped the world. Doan Thi Huong gained notoriety last week after Malaysian police shared CCTV images of her wearing a top emblazoned with 'LOL' - shortly after the February 13 assassination of Jong-Nam. Seoul has said from the start that Pyongyang was behind the murder, citing a 'standing order' from Kim Jong-Un (right) to kill his elder sibling Jong-Nam (left), and a failed assassination bid in 2012 Malaysian police suspect five North Koreans in the killing of Kong Jong-Nam, and seek three more for questioning, including diplomat Hyon Kwang Song She was arrested alongside an Indonesian woman, both accused of carrying out a fatal poison attack on the unsuspecting Kim ahead of his flight home to Macau. The unlikely connection between a country girl from a poor rural backwater 90 miles outside Hanoi to a high-profile assassination, has added another layer of intrigue to a crime that has captivated with its echoes of Cold War-era conspiracy and spycraft. Houng's arrest has caused fevered interest inside Vietnam, despite attempts by security officials in the communist nation to control the information flow. Her family recall a girl who broke the conservative conventions of Quan Phuong village with her dyed hair, edgy clothes and foreign boyfriends since she left aged 18 apparently to study. 'At first we doubted it was her when we saw the picture with the 'LOL' shirt,' stepmother Nguyen Thi Vy told AFP. 'But when someone bought a clearer picture here, we knew it was our Huong,' she said. 'If she committed the crime, she has to suffer, we can't do anything... but I think she must have been set up by someone.' Jong-Nam died on February 13 after being attacked as he waited for a plane to Macau Malaysia's police chief has scotched suggestions Huong and the other female suspect were duped. On Wednesday he said CCTV footage showed they were 'very aware' the substance they wiped on Kim's face was toxic, adding the pair had practised. But when she returned home during the Tet lunar new year festival in late January she gave no hint of being mixed up in serious criminality, locals said. Neighbour Maria Nguyen described Huong as someone who stood out in the small village of dozens of homes encircled by paddy fields. 'She has always been very fashionable, with colourful hair,' she said. 'Every Tet she would come back home with some different (foreign) man,' she added. Vietnamese social media has filled gaps in Huong's history with conjecture and rumours. As well as the unsubstantiated images from the television talent show, others have linked to a YouTube channel apparently showing the same young woman kissing a famous social media prankster. Kim Jong Nam was seen on CCTV at the airport moments after he was attacked at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia Shocking pictures show Kim Jong-Nam slumped in a chair having been poisoned They have fuelled the mystery surrounding a girl caught in the eye of a scandal involving North Korea, a secretive state with a long track record of carrying out assassinations and kidnappings overseas. Huong was last seen by her family just a few weeks ago during Tet, arriving broke and leaving after a few days. 'She did not have a penny in her pocket. I gave her some money to buy a bus ticket,' her stepmother added. Huong's brother Doan Van Binh said he knew little about his sister's life after she left the village. 'I encouraged her to study and earn money so that her future would be good,' he said. 'My family is very sad. We all thought she was in a good place,' he added. Meanwhile, Malaysia's national police chief Khalid Abu Bakar says help has been sought from Interpol to issue an alert for the four North Korean suspects who left Malaysia on the same day Kim Jong Nam was killed. It is not known what Interpol can do, as the four are believed to be back in Pyongyang and North Koreas is not a member of Interpol. Khalid also said there were no plans to send officers to Macau to collect a DNA sample from Kim Jong Nam's family. Kim had a home in Macau and was about to fly there when he was killed. Malaysian Police chief Khalid Abu Bakar says authorities believe five North Koreans are involved in the murder of Kim Jong-Nam in Kuala Lumpur North Korea says Malaysia's investigation into the death of one of its nationals is full of 'holes and contradictions' amid speculation that its agents masterminded the assassination. Malaysia police have not directly pinpointed North Korea as being behind the death of Kim Jong Nam, but they are searching for several North Korean suspects over his killing at a Malaysian airport this month. The Korean Jurists Committee said in a statement Thursday that the Malaysian investigation lacks fairness and has been influenced by the South Korean government, which blames Pyongyang for the death. The North has not acknowledged that the dead man is Kim Jong Nam. Thursday's statement described the man only as a North Korean citizen bearing a diplomatic passport. Yesterday North Korean diplomats called for the immediate release of the two 'innocent women' arrested in connection with the apparent poisoning last wee. A statement released Wednesday by North Korea's embassy in Kuala Lumpur dismissed the police account of Kim Jong Nam's death - that the women had coated their hands with toxins and then rubbed them on his face as he stood in front of a ticketing kiosk at a Kuala Lumpur airport. If the poison was on their hands, the statement asked 'then how is it possible that these female suspects could still be alive?' One of the women is Indonesian, the other is Vietnamese. Iraq's militarized police forces have entered Mosul International Airport, taking over the runway amid fierce clashes with Islamic State fighters, according to officials. The advance is part of a major assault that started five days ago to drive IS militants from the western half of Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city. Two officers said that after police forces pushed onto the airport grounds and seized the runway, they came under heavy fire from inside the buildings at the site, including the main airport building. The officials would not provide more details but said heavy exchanges were underway. They said troops from the US-led coalition were with the advancing forces, though they didn't specify the nationalities of the foreign forces. Iraq's militarized police forces entered Mosul International Airport on Thursday. Pictured above, Iraqi army vehicles patrol the airport road which also links Baghdad to Mosul, The advance is part of a major assault that started five days ago to drive IS militants from the western half of Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city. Pictured above, Iraqi army soldiers test their gear and ammunition ahead of the battle for the airport of Mosul Iraqi officials discovered an ISIS carbomb at a loading near Mosul airport on Thursday ISIS fighters have control of west Mosul, while the coalition backed Iraqi Army has control of east Mosul and the south of the city. Iraqi troops, including British SAS fighters, are moving in from the south. On Monday, a British suicide bomber blew himself up in Tal Kisum and ISIS fighters are concentrating defenses on a hill at Albu Saif The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters. Private broadcaster Lebanon-based Al-Mayadeen aired live footage from the Mosul airport perimeter, showing a military helicopter buzzing overheard and firing at IS positions as gunfire rattled. The carbomb that was discovered as officials made their way into the Mosul airport Special forces troops had earlier on Thursday joined the government offensive to push the militants out of the western half of Mosul, reaching a sprawling, IS-held military base on the city's southern edge as police forces advanced toward the airport. The airport lies on the west bank of the Tigris River that runs through the city. From the south, the elite counter-terrorism forces reached the Ghazlani base in the morning hours, officers said, adding that fierce clashes were under way at the base perimeter. The US troops are not supposed to be doing the actual fighting but in recent weeks have got so close to the front that they have come under attack, coalition spokesman Colonel John Dorrian said. 'They have come under fire at different times, they have returned fire at different times, in and around Mosul,' Dorrian told reporters on Wednesday. He declined to say if there had been any US casualties in the attacks, but an unnamed official later told CNN that several personnel had been evacuated from the battlefield. The advances come days after Iraqi forces officially launched the operation to take Mosul's western half, with regular army and federal police forces taking part in the initial push. Two officers said they came under heavy fire from inside the buildings at the airport. Pictured above, Iraqi army launch a rocket towards Islamic State militants during a battle with Islamic State militants near Ghozlani military complex, south of Mosul, on Thursday Heavy exchanges were underway at the airport after Iraqi forces entered the complex. Pictured above, Iraqi army launch a rocket towards Islamic State militants during a battle with Islamic State militants near Ghozlani military complex on Thursday Since the operation began on Sunday, Iraqi forces say they have retaken nearly 50 square miles south of the city. 'The counter-terrorism forces will be an additional force which will expedite the liberation of Mosul's western side,' said Brigadier General Yahya Rasool. The battle for western Mosul, the extremist group's last major urban bastion in Iraq, is expected to be most daunting yet. The streets are older and narrower in this section of the city, stretching west from the Tigris River that divides Mosul into the eastern and western half. The dense urban environment is likely to force Iraqi soldiers to leave the relative safety of their armored vehicles, and the presence of up to 750,000 civilians will also pose a challenge. The battle for Mosul, backed by the U.S.-led coalition, has already driven the militants from the eastern half the city. Pictured above, Iraqi Federal police deploy after regaining control of the town of Abu Saif, west of Mosul, Iraq, on Wednesday Two policemen sit atop of their armored vehicle as Iraqi Federal police deploy after regaining control of the town of Abu Saif, west of Mosul, on Wednesday Mosul fell to IS in summer 2014, along with large areas of northern and western Iraq. The noose has for months now been tightening around Mosul and the living conditions for civilians are fast deteriorating. Residents AFP has reached by phone spoke of dwindling food supplies forcing many families to survive on just one meal a day. Medical workers say the weakest are beginning to die of the combined effect of malnutrition and the lack of medicines, which IS fighters are keeping for themselves. A smaller than expected proportion of the east side's population fled when Iraqi forces stormed it nearly four months ago but the United Nations is bracing for a bigger exodus from the west. It had said 250,000 people or more could flee their homes on the west bank and has scrambled to set up new displacement camps around the city. Since the operation began on Sunday, Iraqi forces say they have retaken nearly 50 square miles south of the city. Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) fires toward Islamic State militants during a battle with Islamic State militants on Wednesday The battle for western Mosul, the extremist group's last major urban bastion in Iraq, is expected to be most daunting yet. Pictured above, PMF fires toward IS militants on Wednesday A landlord has been left a with $140,000 damage bill after methamphetamine cooks contaminated his property with the drug. Ron Goodwin, a full-time, Auckland-based landlord, told The New Zealand Herald the 'tenants from hell' contaminated his property so badly even the paint had to be removed. Photographs of the house in Auckland show broken fixtures, and floors covered in food and rubbish. Photos of the house at Stanmore Bay in Whangaparaoa, Auckland show broken fixtures, and floors covered in food and rubbish Ron Goodwin, a full time Auckland-based landlord, said the 'tenants from hell' contaminated his property so badly even the paint had to be removed Buckets, pots and pans, and a number clothes hangers can be seen strewn about the backyard Before it was cleaned and stripped, windows were boarded up and the garage was mysteriously full of electronic goods Before it was cleaned and stripped, windows were boarded up and the garage had been filled with electronic goods. Mr Goodwin said the couple were not working but somehow managed to pay $500 a week in rent. They held late night parties and invited over 'undesirable acquaintances', Mr Goodwin said. Goodwin's insurance company did methamphetamine testing on the property in November. He expects about $70,000 of the up to $140,000 worth of damage to be covered by insurance. Work on the house was completed in January after the tenants vacated in August. Mr Goodwin said the couple, who had three children, were not working but somehow managed to pay $500 a week in rent A landlord says up to $140,000 worth of damage was done to his Auckland property after tenants contaminated it so seriously that most fittings, architraves and even paint had to be removed due to methamphetamine A British woman has been horrifically murdered and her husband left for dead in an attack described as 'pure and hateful and pointless torture'. The couple were asleep in bed on their farm in South Africa when three men broke in through a window at 2am and tied the terrified Brits up. The gang, who struck at their home in Dullstroom in Mpualanga province, refused to believe Sue Howarth, 64, and husband Robert Lynn, 66, did not have a safe. The pair were tied up and tortured with a blowtorch at their remote farm 150 miles from Pretoria. Police said the horrific ordeal lasted several hours, in which they suffered horrific wounds before they were later both shot. Janet Brown, a cousin of the murdered woman, told MailOnline: 'A lot of the people who live in South Africa take certain precautions but, to my knowledge, Sue and Rob didn't. I suppose they didn't think they needed to.' Sue Howarth was brutally murdered by a gang of men who broke into her home in South Africa Eventually the three men bundled the married couple into their own pick up truck, with plastic bags over their heads and tape around their necks. They were driven off before Sue was shot twice in the head and Robert in the neck, as the thugs dumped the couple by the roadside to die on a mountain pass. Sue had a plastic bag jammed down her throat and Robert had a bag tied round his neck to strangle him. But incredibly retired Robert survived the brutal attack and managed to free himself and find his terribly injured wife nearby. Police said she was unrecognisable from her injuries and was in a coma. Her husband raised the alarm she was rushed to hospital but died 48 hours later. She had multiple fractures to her her skull and gunshot wounds and horrific burns from the blowtorch to her breasts. It is thought her life support machine was switched off on Tuesday morning, after doctors said she would not survive. Her husband was treated in the intensive care unit but incredibly has survived and has returned home. It was the third violent farm attack in the province this month. Close friend Claire Taylor invited local paper the Middleburg Observer into the hospital to photograph Sue in bed to show the full horror of what local farmers are going through. She said: 'She would have wanted the world to see what happened to her. What they did to her' Border collie lover Sue who is originally from Southsea, Hants, was extremely well-known in sheepdog trial circles and had three rescue collie dogs of her own. They are believed to have lived in the area for over 20 years and although they have different surnames were married. The couple lived on a farm called Marshland with their three border collie rescue dogs. Back home: Roberet Lynn recovers after the farm attack which saw his wife murdered Provincial police spokesman Brigadier Leonard Hlathis said: 'They were sleeping on Sunday when they were attacked by three men. This was violent and horrific attack and we are searching for those responsible.' He said terrified Sue was tied and burned with a blow torch and shot and beaten and that her husband was also burned and stabbed repeatedly. Doctors treated him for multiple knife wounds to his stomach hands and neck, and a bullet remains in his neck where he was shot by one of the gang. Hi-Tech Security Highlands manager Mr Johan Pierterse said the gang broke in through a window and tied up the couple, demanding cash. 'They demanded money but could not find any in the house' he said. He said the attackers then forced the couple into their own bakkie and drove them to a point on the R37 between Belfast and Stoffberg. Mr Pierterse said they threw Robert into bushes with a blindfold over his eyes. After their attackers left, he moved towards the road where he found Sue. The couple lived at a remote farm 150 miles from Pretoria, with their three border collie dogs She was near naked and was later found to have a plastic bag in her throat. A passing car saw the couple and stopped to help them. A Hi-Tech Security vehicle rushed to the scene and an officer Mr Johan Bezuidenhout removed the bag from her throat. He said: 'We arranged for an ambulance and notified the police. Howarth was already in a coma and Lynn was in a state of shock and badly injured'. The couple was taken to a local hospital in Belfast and then transported to MidMed Hospital in Middelburg. Mr Nico Uys, chairman of the Dullstroom Farmers Association and chairman of TLU Mpumalanga Safety, told Lowvelder newspaper that both were shot Mr Uys said they were no longer active farmers, werepensioners living on the farm. He added that it was clearly a planned attack. Their blue Nissan bakkie was found abandoned in Middleburg. Distraught Robert has been discharged from hospital and returned to their farm and told his local paper the Middleburg Observer he had to 'face the demons'. He said: 'I have to come to terms with losing my best friend. 'I woke up because the dogs were barking and there was a racket at the bedroom window. After I stood up, I heard glass breaking. 'I suppose that is when they started shooting at us. I assumed they missed. They were wearing balaclavas and attacked us'. He was pistol whipped with a gun and ordered to lie down. Robert said: 'They kept on asking where the money is. I told them that we don't keep money but they would not believe me.' He said gave them a couple of hundred Rand he had in a money clip and his bank cards, telling his attackers that they will be able to withdraw R1000 per day from it. Robert was taken to the living room and was covered with a blanket. Shortly after his attackers started burning him with a blow torch on his chest and legs. Three men broke into the bungalow through a window and tied the terrified Brits up His hands were tied with baling twine and robbers then started cutting him with a knife in order to get him to confess to keeping more money or a gunsafe somewhere. He said:'They were looking for things we just don't have. 'I said to them that whoever gave them their information, gave them the wrong information. One of them replied with 'No they didn't.' Robert kept on calling to his wife in the bedroom who he last saw lying in a sleeping position but said she did not answer. He said: 'The small dark one, who seemed to be the leader, smacked me over the head with his gun and told me to shut up.' Robert was put in the back of their Nissan Hardbody double cab and his attackers pulled a black bag over his head. He said:'I suppose they wanted to suffocate me but I managed to bite a tiny hole through the bag through which I could breathe.' He heard his wife moaning as she was thrown into the loading bin of their bakkie. The attackers struggled for a while to reverse the vehicle out of the parking. He said:'I thought we were going to Dullstroom to withdraw money. But then they turned towards Belfast. The attackers drove on back roads through Belfast and Siyathuthuka and onto the road towards Stoffberg. He said:'They kept on stopping and going and when they stopped for good they pulled me out of the vehicle by my hair.' The robbers walked with him into the field where he had to crawl through a barbed wire fence and was ordered to get on his knees. He said:'That was the last thing I remember. I thought I was dead after that until I looked up and saw the stars.' It took Robert some time to free his hands, after he crawled back to the road. He said: 'When I got to the road, something told me to turn right. But left made more sense because it was downhill. I turned right. 'I was not steady on my feet so I crawled most of the way. I thought I heard a cow mooing. Later I realised that it was Susan moaning. 'I crossed the road, crawling most of the way. On the other side I saw Susan, lying in a ditch. Her hands tied behind her back. She was bleeding from her head.' 'I didn't know what to do. I could see that she was in a very bad state. I could sit with her but the best thing would be to try and get help. 'So I stood next to the road. Five trucks and two cars passed me hooting their horns as they did but they did not stop'. His saviours were two friends in a bakkie, pulling a boat, who stopped as dawn broke. The couple lived on a farm called Marshlandin in Dullstroom in Mpualanga province Devestated Robert said:'Susan was a great girl. She had a great life just to end up in a ditch with her hands tied behind her back'. She moved to Dullstroom in 1996 and started the Dullstroom Stables before the farm Marchlands where she was attacked became her home. Her ashes will be flown to Southsea in England where she will be buried with her parents. She was an only child. Meanwhile Robert Lynn says he will try to pick up the pieces in Dullstroom. He said:'I am amazed how good people have been to me. But I will never be able to forget what evil people are capable of'. Close friend Claire Taylor invited local paper the Middleburg Observer into the hospital to photograph Sue in bed to show the full horror of what local farmers are going through. She said:'Sue is such a powerful person. She is so strong. She is straight shooter. 'She would have wanted the world to see what happened to her. What they did to her' she said in the intensive care unit while husband Robert was being treated 100 yards away in the surgical unit. Tragically she never recovered from her coma and died on Tuesday morning. Sue shared the farm with Claire and they both had a passion for Border Collies and are regular competitors in the South African Sheep Dog Trials. Before settling in Dullstroom, Sue was at the head of a pharmaceutical company in Johannesburg. She kept her maiden hame after marrying Robert, who was an electrical engineer for Eskom. A reward is being put together by friends of the couple to try and track down their evil attackers. A spokesman for the Democratic Alliance said yesterday: 'Sue and husband Robert were overpowered and tortured and left left for dead. 'Since the beginning of February 30 farms have have been attacked and 15 people have lost their lives in farm attacks across the country. 'We simply cannot allow these horrendous acts to continue and or our rural communities to live in fear. 'We call on the Government to employ rural safety units to protect rural communities from rural crime'. Col. Phela Mahlangu, head of the detectives at the Middelburg Cluster, said that a task team has been established to work on the case around the clock. A Syrian refugee has been convicted of terrorism in Austria after boasting about shocking crimes he committed while fighting for ISIS, including killing prisoners by injecting them with diesel. The Muslim extremist was sentenced to three years in prison by a regional court in the north-central Austrian city of Salzburg for joining a terrorist militia. The 23-year-old, who has not been publicly named, strongly denied that he had been an ISIS fighter but witnesses convinced the judges otherwise in a trial that was held in private under strict security measures. The Syrian asylum seeker was sentenced to three years in prison by a regional court in the north-central Austrian city of Salzburg for joining a terrorist militia The 23-year-old, who has not been publicly named, strongly denied that he had been an ISIS fighter but witnesses convinced the judges otherwise Independently, three of the four witnesses said that the Syrian asylum seeker had boasted in a refugee camp in the country about the atrocities he had committed. The man said several times that he had killed pro-government soldiers in Syria by injecting them with diesel. Yet the Syrian denied ever having said this to the men with whom he had shared a tent at the camp, and said that the witnesses misunderstood him as he had merely talked about television news. One of the witnesses reported the man to the camp authorities, after which he was arrested by Austrian police. Independently, three of the four witnesses said that the Syrian asylum seeker had boasted in a refugee camp in the country about the atrocities he had committed The trial in Salzburg, Austria, was held in private under strict security measures Local media reported that in his first interrogation the Syrian made a confession. But at the start of the trial the defendant changed his statements completely and claimed that he had nothing to do with ISIS. An investigation found the man had ISIS propaganda material on his mobile phone and tablet. Together with the Syrians' often incomplete explanations, the judge deemed there was enough evidence to convict him. An investigation found the man had ISIS propaganda material on his mobile phone and tablet (pictured above) A terrified mother who was stalked by her ex-partner reveals she is afraid he will kill her after he escaped jail time. Tenille Banks, from Queensland, thinks her ex-partner Adam Farnsworth will kill her despite pleading guilty to barrage of death threats and constant stalking. 'I think the next thing I thought of is ''When am I going to be next? When am I going to be on the news for being killed?''' Ms Banks said in an interview with A Current Affair after Farnsworth pleaded guilty to stalking her and walked free. Tenille Banks, from Queensland, thinks her ex-partner Adam Farnsworth will kill her despite pleading guilty to barrage of death threats and constant stalking The woman has a five-year AVO against Farnsworth, pictured, but fears it isn't enough Ms Banks has a five-year AVO out against Farnsworth but fears it is not enough. He was sentenced to six months jail, which was suspended for 12 months. A terrified Ms Banks says she is 'scared to think he is still out there' and worries he might hurt her. She said Farnsworth became violent when she was pregnant with their first child. During this time, she was scared of him and did not know what to expect at the end of a working day. 'It was like stepping on eggshells. You wouldn't know what you were coming home to, what he's going to be like, what mood he's going to be in, if he's going to be volatile or if he's going to be the happy, loving Adam,' Ms Banks said. 'I was really frightened. I thought I was going to die. He was telling me he was going to kill me. I feared for my life.' Months later she ended the relationship after building up evidence of his relentless abuse. Recorded conversations where Farnsworth threatened her made up part of that evidence. He was also captured on CCTV threatening her outside her house. Ms Banks said she thought the violence would stop if she left the relationship ' but it only got worse' she claims. Ms Banks believes the problems in her relationship stemmed from Farnsworth's drinking She tried to cut all ties but says Farnsworth still reigned terror down on her. Ms Banks said her car was damaged by her ex-partner and the 'brakes cut' after he became jealous because there was an extra car parked outside. Then when she went to have her new car serviced she claims her ex was following her every move. 'The mechanic actually found a tracking device under the back wheel of the vehicle and it was traced back to him. The SIM card was traced back to him,' Ms Banks said. But it did not stop with watching from a distance, Ms Banks says he got up close to his frightened ex-partner. 'He's also done things, like I'm sitting on the lounge watching TV and I'll see him outside my window. He's just looking in and when he sees I've seen him, he starts running away,' Ms Banks said. Ms Banks believes the problems in her relationship stemmed from Farnsworth's drinking something he had never really done before she became pregnant. Farnsworth spoke to A Current Affair outside court and denied any wrong doing. He told the court he now lived in a different state and had no plans on returning to Ms Banks' house. A horrified mother found her cannibal son eating a seven-year-old boy he had murdered and beheaded in India, it has emerged. Nazim Miyan's mother is said to have found him next to the child's corpse in an abandoned house in Amariya in northern India's Uttar Pradesh. The young victim's neck, arms and legs had been cut in to several pieces after being lured away from his friends, it has been reported. A horrified mother found her cannibal son, Nazim Miyan (pictured), eating a seven-year-old boy he had murdered and beheaded in India, it has emerged Gruesome: Nazim Miyan's mother is said to have found him next to the child's corpse in an abandoned house in Amariya in northern India's Uttar Pradesh A stunned police officer who went to the gruesome scene said: 'The body was lying on the floor with the decapitated head beside it. 'The skin on the abdomen was missing and internal body parts and bloodstains were scattered across the room.' Miyan was sitting near the corpse and surrendered to police without any resistance, he added. But he had been beaten up by locals before he could be taken away. Police recovered a knife and a shovel from the grisly scene in Pilibhit. Hundreds gathered outside a police station and demanded Miyan, in his mid-20, should be be killed. A stunned police officer who went to the gruesome scene said he found the body lying on the floor with a decapitated head beside it. The gruesome scene is pictured He has been charged with murder and abduction. Miyan, described locally as a drug addict, apparently lured Mohammad Monis into the house while he was playing outside with other children. Miyan was incoherent and said nothing about it when quizzed by investigators, said sources. He was kept in custody when he appeared in court in Pilibhit on Wednesday. 'We will try to complete the investigation of the case and submit the final charge sheet in court,' police officer Devranjan Verma told the Hindustan Times. Tragedy: Heidi Hopley, 41, had the three strong drinks at home in the evening with her partner Scott Fisher A mother-of-one collapsed and died of alcohol poisoning after having just three vodka and lemonades that would have left her five-times over the drink-drive limit, an inquest heard. Heidi Hopley, 41, had the strong drinks over two hours at home in Taunton on a night in with her partner Scott Fisher. Mr Fisher went upstairs to bed and she said she was going outside for a cigarette and in the morning he woke up alone. Ms Hopley, a therapist who worked with disabled children, was found slumped outside on the patio and an inquest found the alcoholic drinks had killed her. The hearing was told the mother to Billy Jo, 13, was not a heavy drinker but had died of alcohol toxicity. A post-mortem revealed she had 380mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood - the drink-drive limit being 80mg, an inquest in Taunton, Somerset heard. At other inquests experts have said that this level of alcohol is enough to send most people into a coma and 300mg-plus readings often lead to deaths. A woman of average weight and height would have consumed approximately 400ml of vodka - eight double measures - in two hours to reach 380mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood, according to online calculators. It is not known how much of the spirit Heidi had in each of her drinks. Senior Somerset Coroner Tony Williams recorded a verdict of accidental death and said there were no suspicious circumstances. He said: 'For some reason, the alcohol she drank that night resulted in her death. There were no suspicious circumstances at all.' The inquest heard Ms Hopley had been out with friends and family at Bridgwater Fair the night before she died, and had only had half a lager when she got home. Heartbroken: Mr Fisher went upstairs to bed and his partner Heidi (pictured together) said she was going outside for a cigarette and in the morning he woke up alone and she was dead on the patio She had arrived back at her house in North Petherton in Somerset at around 10.30pm settling down to enjoy a few drinks with Mr Fisher. They each drank three vodkas with lemonade, before calling it a night. Mr Fisher told the court he decided to go to bed at around 12.40am, with Ms Hopley saying she was going to go outside for a cigarette. He said she had been 'merry and happy' when he left her, but not drunk. The following morning, Mr Fisher woke up to discover he was alone in bed, with no indication that she had slept beside him. Medical record: Ms Hopley's GP said that the mother of one (pictured with Mr Fisher) had a history of high blood pressure, but none of heavy drinking or alcohol abuse Concerned, he got up and found her slumped outside on the patio, next to a lighter and unlit cigarette. He picked her up, carrying her indoors and called for emergency services. Despite his frantic attempts to revive her, but she was declared dead at 7.33am on October 1. Scott told the court that Ms Hopley had poured the drinks the night before and while she wasn't a heavy drinker, may have been used to that level of alcohol. Ms Hopley's GP said that she had a history of high blood pressure, but none of heavy drinking or alcohol abuse. Levels of alcohol above 300mg have been linked to toxicity and death, the inquest heard. Nothing else was found in her system that would have been considered a cause of death. The Brainwave Centre where Mrs Hopley worked caters for children with a range of disabilities, including cerebral palsy and genetic disorders. The much-loved therapist stayed there all her working life and helped to start clinics in Japan, Finland, Scotland and Ireland. Speaking when she died Chief executive Phil Edge said she was a credit to the organisation. 'The best tribute that can be paid is from the centre. She was extremely dear to them and they're absolutely devastated - they can't believe it. 'They called her the kindest girl they have ever worked with and said that she was completely dedicated to the children and families she worked with - they were always at the forefront of her mind.' At the time her father, Martin Felstead, 66, said family, friends and fellow workers were all shocked and devastated by her sudden death. 'She loved the area and the village - she's lived here most of her life and she dedicated all her working life to Brainwave.' Mrs Hopley's step sister Steph Keohane called her 'the loveliest step sister I could have wished for'. Andrew Misell from charity Alcohol Concern said: 'Since alcohol is such a common part of our lives, we tend to forget that it is a poison. 'This doesn't mean we should never drink alcohol but it does mean we need to be aware of the dangers. 'Our bodies can break down alcohol at a certain rate, but putting alcohol in more quickly than the body can get rid of it can lead, in some cases, to acute alcohol poisoning. 'Around 500 people each year in the UK are recorded as dying from alcohol poisoning. 'In the tragic case of Mrs Hopley, as the coroner has stated, it is impossible to know how much she actually drank, but the balance of the evidence suggests alcohol as the cause of death.' Former prime minister Tony Abbott has called on his successor to wind back immigration, axe the Human Rights Commission and stop 'pandering' to climate science. Mr Abbott said Malcolm Turnbull was losing votes to One Nation because he was running a 'Labor-lite' government, he told a book launch for 'Making Australia Right', edited by Jim Allan, in Sydney on Thursday night. He said to win back votes before the next election, Mr Turnbull should scale back immigration to ease housing prices, axe funding to the Human Rights Commission to stop 'financial bullying', and cut the renewable energy target to stop 'pandering' to climate change 'theology'. Scroll down for video Former prime minister Tony Abbott (right) has told Andrew Bolt the Turnbull government was drifting to defeat Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (pictured on Tuesday) rolled Mr Abbott in September 2015 'The Coalition has become Labor-lite,' he said in his speech at the book launch, in a transcript supplied to The Daily Telegraph. Mr Abbott, who was rolled by Mr Turnbull in September 2015, said there was disappointment with 'perhaps even despair' with the government. 'These criticisms aren't always fair. 'Still, unless we heed the message from people who think that we have let them down, a book like this can become the thinking person's justification for voting One Nation.' The former prime minister said it was 'easy to see why' the major parties lost votes in last year's election. 'Our challenge is to be worth voting for,' Mr Abbott said. Tony Abbott has also told Andrew Bolt his successor needed to move into Kirribilli House Pauline Hanson flying high: Tony Abbott said disillusioned Liberal voters were considering One Nation Mr Abbott later told conservative columnist Andrew Bolt the government was losing its way. 'Plainly there are lots of people who are concerned about our direction and plainly the risk is we will drift to defeat if we don't lift our game,' Mr Abbott told Sky News on Thursday night. 'I have a duty to try and ensure that our party and our government stays on the right track and plainly there are some issues right now and it's incumbent upon me to raise these issues, to exercise if you like the freedom of the backbench.' Mr Abbott's intervention is politically destabilising to Mr Turnbull, who governs with a bare one-seat majority. The comments are reminiscent of former Labor prime minister Kevin Rudd destabilising Julia Gillard in the years after she took his job in June 2010. Five years ago this week, Mr Rudd quit as foreign minister during a dramatic 1.30am media conference, in Washington DC, to announce he didn't have the confidence of Ms Gillard. Tony Abbott (pictured as prime minister in 2013) said there was despair about Turnbull Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu with his wife Sara and Mr Turnbull and his wife Lucy during a visit to the Moriah War Memorial College in Sydney, Thursday Now Mr Abbott, who like Mr Rudd was knifed as PM during his first term, said politics shouldn't be a clash of egos. 'It won't be easy but it must be possible or our country is doomed to a Shorten government that will make a bad situation immeasurably worse,' Mr Abbott told the book launch on Thursday night. 'In or out of government, political parties need a purpose. Our politics can't be just a contest of toxic egos or someone's vanity project.' During his speech at the book launch, Mr Abbott also recommended the government consider taking senate reform to the next election. 'The Senate sabotage of the 2014 budget was blamed on poor salesmanship, but my successor's difficulties with far less sweeping measures show that the problem is less the salesman than the system.' On The Bolt Report, Mr Abbott said Mr Turnbull needed to live at Kirribilli House, on Sydney Harbour, instead of having taxpayer foot a hefty security bill to live at his mansion across the water at Point Piper, in the eastern suburbs. Mr Turnbull is pictured shaking hands with former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says she does not agree with Mr Abbott's assessment that the government risks a 'drift to defeat' if it fails to lift its performance. Speaking to reporters in London on Thursday Ms Bishop said she had not seen Mr Abbott's 'so-called manifesto' to make the next election winnable for a coalition government. She said the Liberal Party welcomed policy initiatives from ministers and backbenchers and as a former party leader Mr Abbott would have ideas. But she said she rejected Mr Abbott's 'drift to defeat' view. 'I don't accept that characterisation at all.' Ms Bishop said the Turnbull government had been pursuing policies that were in the interests of the Australian people to grow the economy, create jobs and focus on national security. Liberal Party what Kevin Rudd did to the Labor Party she said she didn't see it that way. 'The government is working very well in Canberra. The cabinet is very united behind Malcolm Turnbull,' Christoper Pyne said She also rejected a suggestion in an Andrew Bolt interview with Mr Abbott on Sky News that she was not 'conservative, plain-speaking and loyal'. Ms Bishop said she had been elected by the party to be deputy leader and she owed her loyalty to the party room. 'If there's a characterisation about being conservative and plain speaking and loyal I believe I fill that characterisation.' On the West Australian election Ms Bishop said she expected the Liberal Party to win in its own right without One Nation support as Premier Colin Barnett was the only leader with a plan for the future prosperity of the state. On Friday morning, Defence Minister Christopher Pyne said the government was 'getting on with the job' and would not be distracted by the speculation. 'The government is working very well in Canberra. The cabinet is very united behind Malcolm Turnbull,' Mr Pyne told Nine Network's Today Show. He branded Mr Abbott's suggestion the federal government curtail immigration as 'catastrophic'. Mr Pyne noted the former prime minister was now a backbencher, although he was free to state his views. While Ivanka Trump's fashion line is being removed from stores across the US, companies in China are flocking to cash in on the daughter of the President's name. Since Donald Trump's inauguration, Chinese companies have been lodging applications to use Ivanka's name to sell their business. Companies selling products including nutritional supplements and a wallpaper. Ivanka Trump pictured with her husband and their children on Inauguration Day There are pages of applications to use the Chinese translation of Ivanka's name online According to Chinese media, most of the companies wishing to use Ivanka's name are under review. One of the companies sells sanitary products for women while another sold alcohol. On China's National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System, there are over six pages of companies wishing to use Ivanka's name or the Chinese translation of her name in their business. Some items from Ivanka Trump's clothing line are made in China including shoes, clothes and handbags. Ivanka Trump has several successful lines involving, clothes, jewellery and bags Made in China: Many of her products including bags are made in Chinese factories Under Chinese law, businesses are permitted to use foreign names. Chinese translations, as trademarks often lead to legal clashes. Last week, the Chinese government awarded Donald Trump rights to his own name after years of battling. He has been given a ten year trademark protection for construction services. The government of China awarded President Donald Trump valuable rights to his own name this week, in the form of a 10-year trademark for construction services. Ivanka and her family have been given lots of coverage in the Chinese media with videos of her daughter Arabella singing in Mandarin being praised by state media. Close bond: Ivanka watches her father President Donald Trump as he gives a speech Ivanka's clothing line was removed from Nordstrom stores following a decline in sales There was also a video posted to CGTN of the president's daughter attending a Chinese New Year event at the Chinese embassy in Washington DC. At the the time, the event was trending on China's twitter-like Weibo under the hashtag #TrumpsDaughterVisitsChinasEmbassy. However in the US, Ivanka's brand has suffered a big hit following her father's inauguration. Last month Nordstrom dropped Ivanka's clothing line after sales plummeted. Her father then caused controversy after using his Twitter to berate Nordstrom online for the cancellation. Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces have killed dozens of Islamic State terrorists in the western countryside of Mosul as Iraqi officials continue their work toward taking back the city. The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) are Iraq's government-sanctioned paramilitary forces, made up mainly of Shiite militiamen. Video footage from the Tal Afar countryside on Thursday shows the corpses of terrorists killed by the Hezbollah Battalion, of the PMF, also known as the Hashd Al-Sha'abi. Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces have killed dozens of Islamic State terrorists in the western countryside of Mosul Video footage from the Tal Afar countryside on Thursday shows the corpses of terrorists killed by the Hezbollah Battalion, of the PMF, also known as the Hashd Al-Sha'abi The PMF are moving their units toward Tal Afar's countryside as allies in the Iraqi Army and Federal Police continue their offensive in the western sector of Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city The video clip was published to Twitter on Thursday by a user who claims more than 33 terrorists were killed. 'A gift to all victims of Da'ish terrorism.#Iraq's Hashd killed dozens of Da'ish terrorists in a single battle west of #Mosul. 33+ corpses,' Haidar Sumeri wrote on Twitter. The PMF are moving their units toward Tal Afar's countryside as allies in the Iraqi Army and Federal Police continue their offensive in the western sector of Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city. PMF's spokesman, Ahmed al-Asadi, said on Wednesday that villages located southwest of the town of Tal Afar are still held by the Islamic State group. He didn't provide details but the move by the umbrella group of mostly Shiite militias known as the Popular Mobilization Forces is likely coordinated with government effort to recapture western part of Mosul from IS. The video clip was published to Twitter on Thursday by a user who claims more than 33 terrorists were killed PMF's spokesman, Ahmed al-Asadi, said on Wednesday that villages located southwest of the town of Tal Afar are still held by the Islamic State group. Pictured above, PMF take part during a battle with Islamic State militants on Wednesday The Shiite militias hold a small airport outside Tal Afar, which is s located some 93 miles (150 kilometers) east of the Syrian border. Meanwhile, Iraqi forces have entered Mosul International Airport, taking over the runway amid fierce clashes with Islamic State fighters, according to officials. The advance is part of a major assault that started five days ago to drive IS militants from the western half of Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city. Two officers said the airport buildings are under fire from federal police forces, and troops from the US-led coalition are with the advance. Special forces troops had earlier joined the government offensive to push the militants out of the western half of Mosul, reaching a sprawling, IS-held military base on the city's southern edge as police forces advanced toward the airport. From the south, the elite counter-terrorism forces reached the Ghazlani base in the morning hours, officers said, adding that fierce clashes were under way at the base perimeter. The PMF is likely coordinated with government effort to recapture western part of Mosul from IS. Pictured above, PMF fires toward Islamic State militants during a battle with Islamic State militants The Shiite militias hold a small airport outside Tal Afar, which is s located some 93 miles (150 kilometers) east of the Syrian border. Pictured above, PMF fires toward Islamic State militants during a battle with Islamic State militants The advances come days after Iraqi forces officially launched the operation to take Mosul's western half, with regular army and federal police forces taking part in the initial push. Since the operation began on Sunday, Iraqi forces say they have retaken nearly 50 square miles south of the city. 'The counter-terrorism forces will be an additional force which will expedite the liberation of Mosul's western side,' said Brigadier General Yahya Rasool. The battle for western Mosul, the extremist group's last major urban bastion in Iraq, is expected to be most daunting yet. The streets are older and narrower in this section of the city, stretching west from the Tigris River that divides Mosul into the eastern and western half. The dense urban environment is likely to force Iraqi soldiers to leave the relative safety of their armored vehicles, and the presence of up to 750,000 civilians will also pose a challenge. Mosul fell to IS in summer 2014, along with large areas of northern and western Iraq. Disgruntled neighbours reported an amorous couple to police for their 'extremely loud' lovemaking. Residents of an apartment block in Mactier Street in Narrabeen, on Sydney's Northern Beaches, called police after hearing a woman's screams about 11.20pm on Tuesday. When they investigated, they found the woman was visible through the windows of a neighbouring block engaged in what they described as 'extremely loud' sex with a man, the Manly Daily reported. Disgruntled neighbours reported an amorous couple to police for their 'extremely loud' sex The couple were being so loud their neighbours could make out exactly what the woman was shouting. They complained their children had witnessed the couple in action after being disturbed by the noise. But their sex session had ended by the time officers arrived at the scene. Witnesses to their behaviour were unable to pinpoint exactly which unit they occupied. Police spoke to a number of residents who live in the block, but no one came forward and admitted to being the offending couple. Officers warned residents to close their windows and blinds in the future to prevent exhibitionism, which could be considered offensive behaviour if it is visible from the street. Jade Morgan has admitted harassment after sending her ex-boyfriend up to 60 messages a day An obsessed woman who told her ex-boyfriend she was having his baby and bombarded him with 60 messages a day is facing jail. Jade Morgan, 25, subjected James Grogan to a hate campaign to try to end his new relationship after they split. She was issued with a court order banning her from contacting the 29-year-old but she carried on sending him up to 60 messages a day, including emails, Snapchat images and Whatsapp messages. In some of them, she lied to Mr Grogan that she was pregnant, and he was the father, and even sent him a baby scan she had downloaded online. She also sent naked pictures of herself, asked for sex and then wrongly claimed he had raped her. One said she would contact Mr Grogans new girlfriend about her false allegation and added: 'Fine, Ill send her screenshots and tell her you raped me and the police are investigating it.' In one day Mr Grogan, from Oldham, Greater Manchester who has moved away from the UK received 50 messages from Morgan over a nine hour period and also 27 phone calls. She also contacted his new girlfriend's mother over Facebook. In a statement to police Mr Grogan said: 'I thought after the restraining order was issues this would all be over with but it just seems to be going on and on. It's stressing me out, I'm trying to move on and I'm sick of Jade trying to ruin things for me. Her ex-boyfriend James Grogan said she would change her number but send pictures of herself so he knew it was her Social media posts left by the 25-year-old varied from claims of missing him to then saying she was strong and independent 'I had hoped the restraining order would prevent this, I live in a different country, have a new job and Jade is trying to ruin this. 'She has no reason why she can't move on with her life as well. Some days she sends 50 to 60 messages. She keeps changing her number but I know it's her because she sends me pictures of herself. 'I've never seen or been to visit her at all since the court case, I can't understand why she's so obsessed with me. I'm worried what Jade will do, she obviously knows where I live.' At Blackburn Magistrates Court, Morgan, from Accrington, who is now engaged to another man wept as she pleaded guilty to harassment on Wednesday, February 22. Magistrates said the case was so serious it had to be sent to crown court for sentencing. Morgan now faces jail after Magistrates in Blackburn decided the powers they hold were not enough to deal with her crime Chairman of the bench John Bolton told her: 'Our powers are not sufficient to deal with this. Prepare yourself, you could quite easily be sent to prison for this. I don't know how you feel but saying that anybody committed rape - I'm a man and I find that disgusting. 'A baby as well, it's not nice to be faced with that whether you were joking or serious. Your solicitor said that it's finished with so show that it's finished with. You need to keep away from electronic devices, that might be the best thing.' 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. Conservative activist James O'Keefe (above) has released what he says are 119 hours of raw audio secretly recorded inside CNN's Atlanta headquarters in 2009 Conservative activist James O'Keefe has released what he says are 119 hours of raw audio secretly recorded inside CNN's Atlanta headquarters in 2009. The audio was recorded by what O'Keefe's website, Project Veritas, describes as an anonymous source identified only as 'Miss X.' O'Keefe says the tapes show that CNN did not include a particular poll in its reporting; however, it is common for news organizations to be discerning about which polls they choose to report on. CNN did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In an interview with CNN on Wednesday, O'Keefe announced his plans to release the recordings. He said he is targeting CNN specifically because it 'has a very important role as an arbiter of news.' O'Keefe also tweeted on Thursday that he was offering a $10,000 reward to anyone who could produce video footage of malfeasance in a newsroom. 'I want to start exposing the media and their flaws,' he tweeted. O'Keefe also tweeted on Thursday that he was offering a $10,000 reward to anyone who could produce video footage of malfeasance in a newsroom 'I want to start exposing the media and their flaws,' he tweeted. 'This is the beginning of the end for the MSM. And it starts today' 'If you are an employee in a newsroom and hear or see something unethical, record it,' O'Keefe writes. 'If it's good enough, I'll pay you $10k' In a Facebook post a short time later, O'Keefe's Project Veritas said that the White House called to congratulate him on the CNN leaks 'This is the beginning of the end for the MSM. And it starts today.' He ended the tweet with the handle @CNN. 'If you are an employee in a newsroom and hear or see something unethical, record it,' O'Keefe writes. 'If it's good enough, I'll pay you $10k.' 'If you have hidden audio recordings, videotapes or documents inside of a newsroom or media institution, and the material is good enough, I will pay you $10,000,' O'Keefe says in a video released on the Project Veritas website. In a Facebook post a short time later, O'Keefe's Project Veritas said that the White House called to congratulate him on the CNN leaks. O'Keefe also released snippets of the raw audio that he says was obtained secretly from CNN in 2009 In one clip, a CNN journalist is said to be overheard making a 'mock crying' sound when discussing a news interview with an Iranian girl 'The White House just called to say that the CNN audio we just released "is so cool",' the Facebook post read. Some of O'Keefe's previous leaks have resulted in legal actions. In 2010, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of entering federal property under false pretenses after trying to tamper with the phones in Louisiana Democrat Sen. Mary Landrieu's office. He called that episode a 'huge misunderstanding' and defended his tactics, saying investigative reporters have been using hidden cameras for years. The year before, he became notorious for his selectively edited videos about ACORN, the Association of Community Organizers for Reform Now, which backed efforts to register voters in urban and other poor areas of the country. He used a hidden camera to record as he brought a young woman posing as a prostitute to the group's offices. The widely aired footage and the resulting outrage led to ACORN disbanding. O'Keefe agreed to pay $100,000 to settle a lawsuit based on the ACORN incident. Though he has said he has no formal training as a journalist, O'Keefe helped found a conservative monthly journal called The Centurion as an undergraduate at Rutgers University. After graduating in 2006, O'Keefe was paid to set up magazines and newspapers on university campuses for the Leadership Institute, which recruits potential conservative public policy and media stars. An elderly woman was injured when an avalanche of snow and ice fell on her head from a high roof. The pensioner was standing with a group of women in a street in the city of Voronezh in south-western Russia's Voronezh Oblast region when she was struck by the falling debris. The incident was caught on CCTV cameras in the city, and residents have now called for authorities to do more to clear snow from roofs. An elderly woman was leaning on a metal fence on a pavement when a large pile of snow and ice fell on her The woman was leaning on a metal fence on a pavement when a large pile of snow and ice suddenly slid from an overhead roof and landed on her. She was knocked to the ground and lost consciousness. It is not clear whether she sustained any serious injuries. Three other elderly women who were chatting nearby were unhurt. The avalance of debris slid from an overhead roof and landed directly on the woman The other women initially ran out of the way but then returned to check on the unconscious woman. The CCTV footage shows the pensioner lying motionless as the other women gather around her, glancing nervously upwards in case more snow and ice falls. All four had reportedly been waiting for a milkman to make a delivery from a nearby dairy farm. The pensioner was knocked to the ground by the snow and lost consciousness Local residents summoned a female doctor who lives in a neighbouring block of flats to administer first aid. The doctor quickly called an ambulance, which rushed the unnamed woman to hospital for treatment to her injuries. After viewing the footage, one resident, Yaska said: 'Community workers should have cleared the roofs of snow and if not they should be held responsible. But I am sure they will get away with it.' Flamboyant firebrand Milo Yiannopoulos was reportedly stressing about his hair and make-up before the press conference where he resigned from Breitbart News. Yiannopoulos, a conservative provocateur and staunch fan of President Donald Trump, resigned from the right-wing news site on Tuesday after footage emerged of him appearing to condone pedophilia. The storm cost him first a $250,000 book deal, then a prestigious speaking engagement and finally his job as technology editor of Breitbart. Milo Yiannopolous left his role as technology editor at Breitbart, the conservative website, amid a growing storm over what his comments about pedophilia Sources claim the controversial 'super villain of the internet' wanted his image right before the press conference. One told the New York Post: 'He was stressing out about hair and makeup. He was also trying to get a doctor to give him a B12 shot.' Elsewhere AWMPR, which took him on as a client, is facing a backlash. The company's website has been taken down, and a source said, 'Past clients were getting harassing calls.' AMWPR head Adam Weiss said: 'I'm disappointed that some of the left-wing activists have such little respect for freedom of speech that they choose to attack a publicist [who] was doing his job.' Until the fallout this week Yiannopoulos, 32, had enjoyed a remarkable rise since dropping out of both Manchester and Cambridge University This week, footage of a year-old podcast was unearthed, which showed him discussing the merits of gay relationships between adults and boys. He said relationships between 'younger boys' and older men could be a 'coming-of-age relationshipin which those older men help those younger boys discover who they are'. He also said: 'Pedophilia is not a sexual attraction to somebody 13 years old who is sexually mature.' He apologized to the victims of child abuse over his remarks but insisted the video clips had been edited to remove important context. Speaking out: Milo Yiannopolous quit Breitbart on Monday afternoon amid mounting controversy over what he said about 'coming of age of relationships' He added: 'I do not support child abuse. It's a disgusting crime of which I am a victim.' He said he would not be silenced and described it as a 'politically motivated witch-hunt.' He went on to rail against the media and the Left, claiming the video of his comments had been deceptively edited. 'They have reported things about me which they know aren't true and f*** you for that,' he claimed. His autobiography, Dangerous, had been due for publication next month. On Monday, Simon and Schuster announced it was cancelling the publication of the book, after more than 100 of the publisher's other authors had protested against it. Yiannopoulos reportedly received a $250,000 advance for the book. The brother-in-law of a suspected murdered Melbourne mother is connected to a property close to where items linked to her disappearance were found, it has been revealed. Karen Ristevski went missing in June last year and this week her badly decomposed body was found by a bushwalker along a dirt track off Loch Road in Mount Macedon, more than 50km away from her home, about midday on Monday. Initial autopsy results did not find any visible signs of injury on the 47-year-old's body, according to The Age. Determining her cause of death will be 'crucial' in order to prosecute someone in connection with her death, defence lawyer Bernie Balmer said. 'In order to charge and prosecute someone for murder you've got to eliminate all other possibilities that it wasn't an accident,' he told the paper. And now it has emerged Vasko Ristevski - the older brother of Ms Ristevski's husband, Borce - owned a racehorse whose former trainer's stud is at Toolern Vale, the Herald Sun reported. Scroll down for video Vasko Ristevski (pictured left), the brother-in-law of murdered Karen Ristevski (right) is connected to a property near where items connected to her disappearance were found Borce Ristevski (above with his wife) is yet to speak publicly since his wife's body was discovered on Monday Vasko part-owned the horse called Faltastic who was trained by Mark Kavanagh before it was retired. The stud is located on Blackhill Road and borders properties where detectives drained two dams during a search in December. It comes after a witness claims to have seen a man matching the description of Vasko Ristevski at an abandoned restaurant nearby around the time Mrs Ristevski vanished. Police were also called last year to investigate suspicious activity in the area where her body was later found, according to the Herald Sun. Dean, a Macedon resident, told authorities he saw two men matching Borce and Vasko's description in a small truck on Salisbury Road, about 200m from where the mother was found, in July last year. The local also said he saw bags of concrete and lime. 'I thought it was rather strange,' he said. Police were also called last year to investigate suspicious activity in the area where Ms Ristevski's (above) body was later found 'You'd go down there in a 4WD, you wouldn't go down there in a car and you certainly wouldn't go down there in a truck.' He said he called CrimeStoppers in August after many sleepless nights dwelling on whether what he saw was relevant to Ms Ristevski's case. On Monday, he approached police at the location where Mrs Ristevski's body was discovered and said he was prepared to testify about what he saw in court. Also that day businessman Gary Salt revealed his chilling encounter with a stranger carrying a shovel on the outskirts of Mount Macedon. Mr Salt said he had been on his way home from a party in December when his headlights illuminated a man walking out of the scrub near where Ms Ristevski's body was found. Ms Ristevski's body was found under a log (above) by a passerby along a dirt track off Loch Road, Mount Macedon, about midday on Monday 'So where did you bury the body, mate?' Mr Salt had jokingly asked the stranger from his car window, The Age reports. He also claims he would have no trouble recognising the 'beanie-wearing' man he saw. It comes as it was revealed a dirty shovel found in the garage of the Ristevski family home could help solve the mystery of the woman's suspected murder. Soil samples taken from the shovel have been tested and one matched earth found in the Mount Macedon where her remains were found, the Herald Sun newspaper reported. Victoria Police declined to comment, telling the paper 'the investigation is continuing and it would be inappropriate to provide a running commentary.' Borce Ristevski and his daughter leave a press conference after pleading for information in July last year Borce is yet to speak publicly since his wife's body was discovered. But his lawyer on Wednesday said while his client was a prime suspect in the suspected murder case, he maintained his innocence. But no charges have been laid in the case and no arrests made. Family members have spoken about the 47-year-old's tragic end, including Ms Ristevski's stepson Anthony Rickard who urged her killer to confess. '[It's] only a matter of time before you are spending a long time behind bars,' he wrote on his Facebook page. Ms Ristevski's brother Steve Williams has also broken his silence. 'I knew Karen wasn't coming home. I knew that from a very early stage,' he told the Nine Network. Police are urging anyone with information about her death to come forward. Khalid Baqa was arrested on a flight from Pakistan. He has a previous conviction for disseminating terrorist publications A former council worker convicted over terrorism charges was on board a passenger jet when fighter planes were scrambled to ground the aircraft, a court heard today. Father-of-six Khalid Baqa, 52, was arrested when the plane was made to land at Stansted Airport instead of Heathrow because of an unrelated security alert on February 7. The former Hackney council employee was jailed for two years in 2013 after he was caught watching terrorist propaganda at his desk in the benefits office. He also used his work computer to trawl Islamic websites and hid discs containing 26 hours of speeches by the hate preacher Anwar al-Awlaki in his car and his children's bedroom. The plane had been flying from Baqa's home town of Lahore in Pakistan and Baqa was wanted by police for insurance fraud. He was charged with one count of fraud by false representation, namely that he failed to disclose to an insurance company a previous conviction intending to make a gain. Baqa chose to have his trial at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on April 6. Baqa previously admitted two counts of disseminating terrorist publications at the Old Bailey in April 2013. Footage emerged of Baqa being escorted from the plane this month. He was not connected with the reason it was diverted and escorted to the ground The material contained footage of beheadings and executions, the explosions of improvised explosive devices, the last will and testament of one of the London bombers, footage of the 9/11 attacks and jihadi fighters in combat. He pleaded guilty on the basis that he was holding the discs for an unknown person and had not intended to distribute them himself. It was then ordered that his activities be monitored for ten years and his stash of videos were destroyed. The Metropolitan police said the plane's grounding on February 7 was unrelated to his arrest, and they had planned to pick him up at Heathrow. Baqa, of Barking, east London, today denied fraud by false representation and was granted unconditional bail until his trial at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on April 6. Setting out the latest charge, prosecutor Tom Gill told Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court: 'The defendant applied unlawfully for vehicle insurance and didn't disclose previous details of previous driving convictions.' 'He received lower payment of insurance as a result.' The plane was forced to land at Stansted after an unrelated security alert earlier this month Alison Marks, defending, said: 'The issue here is that there is a lack of dishonesty from Mr Baqa. 'The answers that he gave in his policy application, he genuinely believed those answers to be true.' It was reported at the time of his previous conviction that Baqa, the son of an English professor, came to the UK when he was two-years-old and holds both British and Pakistani passports. He is understood to have four children with his first wife, who died in a car crash in 2007, and two more children with his second wife. The Oscars are nearly upon us and tension is building. No, not for who might win the big awards on Sunday night. But over which star can win the most coveted prize for Best Celebrity Trump Hater on the Planet. This is the big one for all those hysterical Hollywood liberal snowflakes whove been frothing at the mouth since Donald Trump became President. Theyve got live TV, a billion or more people watching around the world, and a room full of 3,500 largely like-minded souls all waiting to roar on every Trump-bashing speech from the podium. Celebrities at the Oscars have got live TV, a billion or more people watching around the world, and a room full of 3,500 largely like-minded souls all waiting to roar on every Trump-bashing speech from the podium All eyes, of course, will be on Meryl Streep, the Queen of Tinseltown and self-designated Chief Trump Hater, who has spent most of this awards season making ever more dramatic denunciations of her President. I have no doubt that Ms Streep is beavering away right now on some more headline-grabbing anti-Trump bile. But its worth remembering her words at the Golden Globes: The instinct to humiliate when its modelled by someone in the public platform, she said, tearfully, filters down to everybodys life. Disrespect invites disrespect. Violence incites violence. Does it, Meryl? OK, well forgive me if I dont now examine the way your fellow stars have used their own public platforms when it comes to discouraging disrespect and violence in relation to the President? Who will win Best Celebrity Trump Hater at the Oscars? All eyes will be on Meryl Streep, the Queen of Tinseltown and self-designated Chief. Meanwhile Judd Apatow just said that after election night he felt like a person about to get raped but I didnt know how bad it would be' This week, Judd Apatow, high profile producer of movies like 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up, told a Los Angeles audience that after election night he felt like a person about to get raped but I didnt know how bad it would be. Now, I feel like Ive just been raped. I just dont know if Im going to get murdered. The crowd wildly applauded. Many of them, I suspect, had been on the recent Womens March. Yet they were happy to cheer a sickening rape analogy from a man who has repeatedly attacked Bill Cosby over claims that he raped women, and who just 18 months ago was even honoured by the Rape Foundation. The audience cheered again when Apatow crudely mocked Melania Trump: Every day shes not in the White House, is a day shes not getting f***ed by Donald Trump. And they whooped yet again when Apatow turned his tormenting turrets on Trumps 10-year-old son, Barron: He f**ing gets it. He knows his dads a f**ing a**hole! Nice stuff, right? Going after a presidents wife and young child in such a foul-mouthed, deeply unpleasant manner is, Im sure, exactly what Michelle Obama had in mind when she said, When they go low, we go high.. During the recent disgraceful riots at UC Berkeley, just as protestors were seen on TV smashing windows, throwing smoke bombs and flares and setting fires alight, Apatow tweeted: This is just the beginning. When will all the fools who are still supporting Trump realise whats at stake? The coward then deleted his tweet, explaining: I never support violence.. Yes, you do, Mr Apatow. Just as you use rape as a shameful prop for your vile humour. He wasnt the only celebrity encouraging violence on the night of the Berkeley riots. Comedian Sarah Silverman called for a coup, tweeting: WAKE UP & JOIN THE RESISTANCE! ONCE THE MILITARY IS W US FASCISTS GET OVERTHROWN. MAD KING & HIS HANDLERS GO BYE BYE. Indeed, violence seems to be a running theme of these peace-loving celebrity liberals. At the Womens March in Washington DC, Madonna shrieked: Yes Im angry, yes Im outraged. Yes, I have thought a lot about blowing up the White House! Robert De Niro has repeatedly said of Trump: Id like to punch him in the face. Last night, at the BRIT awards in London, Katy Perry had two giant skeletons of President Trump and British Prime Minister Theresa May dancing on stage and then set them on fire. On Wednesday, at the BRIT awards in London, Katy Perry had two giant skeletons of President Trump and British Prime Minister Theresa May dancing on stage and then set them on fire Rise up! The Revolution is coming! Hillary-adoring Ms Perry tweeted after the election. I think we can now see how that revolution would manifest itself. Many celebrities have raced to brand Trump the new Hitler, one of the worlds worst genocidal dictators who murdered 12 million people, including six million Jews in the Holocaust. Cher, who demanded Trump be thrown in a volcano, said his presidency would be like Germany was in the 30s. Louis C.K. agreed: The guy is Hitler. Richard Gere preferred a different dictator comparison: Hes a guy whos obviously Mussolini. Yes, obviously because Mussolini was only responsible for 400,000 deaths. Some celebrities who profess to be appalled by the disrespectful way Trump talks, have no such qualms when it comes to their own rhetoric. I think hes the f**ing most vile person on the planet, said model Chrissy Teigen. A monumental a**hole. Andy Cohen concurred, calling Trump a f**ing a**hole. Margaret Cho said Trump was like no ply toilet paper. Amanda Seyfried called him a snorting piece of garbage. The aforementioned De Niro said Trump was a punk, a dog, a pig, a cona fool, a bozo. Miley Cyrus branded him a f**ing nightmare. Elizabeth Banks said he was a fat old orange P.O.S. Rihanna stated he is an immoral pig. Jennifer Lawrence had warned, If Donald Trump becomes president, that will be the end of the world, and now says the only two words shed want to say to him are, F**K YOU! Robert De Niro has repeatedly said of Trump: Id like to punch him in the face. Jennifer Lawrence, who had apocalyptically warned, If Donald Trump becomes president, that will be the end of the world, now says the only two words shed want to say to President Trump if she meets him are, F**K YOU! Johnny Depp, with a comical lack of self-awareness, said Trump is a brat. Well you should know, Johnny boy! Much of the absurdly hypocritical hysteria surrounding Trump is driven by the fact that all these celebrities loudly backed Hillary Clinton and never imagined shed lose, so theyve gone into some kind of anaphylactic shock. John Legend said before the election: Its pretty clear that Trumps brand of politics is not a winning brand of politics. That complacent confidence turned into sneering arrogance, best summed up by Hillary herself when she branded Trump supporters a basket of deplorables. An attitude that Chris Kelly, head writer for Saturday Night Live, embraced with this stunningly offensive comment after Trump landed the Republican nomination: Donald Trump is winning because everyone youve ever been on a bus with gets to vote too. In the end, it wasnt a bus these self-satisfied luvvies needed to worry about, it was the Trump Train. Hillary and the Hollywood elites got run over by a candidate who tapped into real Americas cares and concerns, not the ones dictated from mansions in Malibu or the Hamptons. What is truly laughable is that all these Trump-loathing stars would still have you believe they stand for liberal values of fairness, tolerance, peace, respect, equality and democracy. Yet when confronted with their preferred candidate losing, theyve resorted to exactly the kind of profane, ugly trash-talking and violence-encouraging nonsense that they claim to hate in the guy who won. And anyone who dares to say anything moderately favourable or reasonable about Trump, even if they didnt vote for him or particularly agree with his politics, must be vilified, banned, boycotted, firebombed and shunned into silence. Their faux outrage isoutrageously sanctimonious. Perhaps, though, the real reason so many celebrities hate Donald Trump is that he is now more famous than all of them put together. Yesterday, the New York Times drew this conclusion after reporting evidence from data firm mediaQuant, which counts all mentions of a particular brand or personality in just about every outlet from mainstream media to blogs and Twitter, and then estimates what those mentions would cost if someone were to pay for them. In January, Trump broke mediaQuants records, receiving $817 million in coverage. This was more than the next 1000 of the worlds best-known figures - including Hillary Clinton, Kim Kardashian, Vladimir Putin and Tom Brady - COMBINED. (Their total came to $721 million.) Given the fact there are now many people on the planet than ever before, and most of us now have access to the internet and social media, the Times declared that Donald Trump is now the most famous and talked about person in history. So when Hollywood, the most fame-hungry, egotistical place on Planet Earth, rises to denounce him on Sunday night, just bear in mind that their fury might not be entirely unconnected to this one simple fact. Trump, until recently a mere reality TV host, is now getting all their A-list celebrity oxygen and the only way La La Land can get a piece of the action is to attack him. As H.G. Wells put it: Moral indignation is jealousy with a halo. Lady Colin Campbell, pictured, 67, appeared in court today accused of causing a pile-up on the A27 in West Sussex last year Socialite Lady Colin Campbell has been found guilty of causing a three car pile-up that caused a car to 'catapult through the air into another vehicle', a court heard. Prosecutors said Campbell, 67, made 'an error of judgment' by carrying out an unsafe manoeuvre in her black Audi A6 estate on the A27 near Worthing, West Sussex, on May 6 last year. But she walked free from court after being given a conditional discharge, told to pay 680 costs and three points on her licence. Speaking after the hearing she said: 'Quite frankly it sucks. If I had been someone else it would have been "not guilty". I think a conditional discharge is the best we could have hoped for.' Dramatic pictures showed her standing on the edge of the road in the aftermath of the crash. Police, firefighters and ambulance crews were called and rush-hour traffic was held at a standstill after the road was closed after debris was strewn across the carriageway. Magistrates convicted Campbell of driving without due care and attention following a one-day trial. Chair of the bench Michael Sandeman said the prosecution had proved Campbell's driving 'fell below the standard'. Her lawyer Miles Bennett revealed her only disclosed income was 64.78 pension each week. Lady Campbell complained that details of her income should not be disclosed in open court. She said: 'We shouldn't have this in front of the press.' The court was told the accident happened in a 'bright and sunny' conditions on May 6 last year. Lady Campbell, and her son had just left their home in Castle Goring, Clapham and were pulling out onto the main A27 dual carriageway. But as she pulled out in her black Audi A6 estate she was struck by a green Audi A3 being driven by Harry Court. The collision, pictured, sent one car 'catapulting through the air into another vehicle', Brighton Magistrates' Court heard Lady Campbell, pictured at the scene of the crash last May, driving without due care and attention Lady Campbell had pleaded not guilty to driving without due care and attention and arrived at Brighton Magistrates' Court clutching a book, The Fall of the Ottomans. She spoke to confirm her full name as Georgia Ariana Ziadie, Lady Colin Campbell and gave her home address. The collision occurred on May 6 last year close to her Grade I-listed 18th century Castle Goring. At the time a spokesman for Campbell said: 'I'm glad to report that she, her son and dog are safe and unscathed.' Paul Edwards, prosecuting, said Campbell was leaving her home in her Audi A6 at Castle Goring and pulled out onto the A27. He said: 'The defendant failed to give way and pulled out into the path of an Audi A3. 'It hit the outside of the Audi A6 and was catapulted through a gap in the central safety barrier and collided with a Ford Focus.' Another Audi was seriously damaged in the collision, pictured, which closed the A27 The driver of the Audi A3, Harry Court, was knocked unconscious in the smash and he and the driver of the Ford suffered minor injuries. Mr Court said: 'I was driving home after work and was travelling along just before Castle Goring when this car pulled out in front of me. 'There was no time to break. I tried to steer round it but I hit the side. I don't remember nothing else. I was knocked out.' He said he had injuries to his neck, shoulder and hip and was taken to hospital for treatment and suffered as a result for around six weeks. Eyewitness Nicholas Ward said Mr Court as driving at a 'dangerously high' speed down the road. He said Mr Court was driving so fast he called him a 't***' under his breath as he raced past. Mr Ward, a battlefield guide and author, said he was waiting to pull out when the blue Audi driven by Mr Court raced past him 'at a rate of knots.' He said: 'I remember saying: 'You t***' because it was being driven at an excessive speed. I've been driving for 40 years and I know when someone is shifting and when someone is not.' Lady Campbell, pictured left and right outside the court, spoke only to confirm her full name and address As he pulled out onto the road he saw Lady Campbell's black Audi A6 pulling out onto the road. He said: 'The Audi A3 went for a gap that just did not exist. I could see exactly what was happening and it did.' Stephen Green, a road collision expert, said Mr Court was travelling at high speeds at he collided wth Lady Campbell's car. He said: 'I'm pretty confident that 80-88mph is a reasonable estimate of the speed at that point.' He said that in his opinion Mr Court was travelling at at least 10mph above the 70mph national speed limit and possibly as high as 20mph over it. Mr Green said Lady Campbell would have had sight of the vehicle as it approached her down the dual carriageway. But he said that at a distance of 550 yards away she would not have been able to guess the speed. Lady Campbell rose to fame on the reality television show I'm A Celebrity due to her cutting put-downs but walked out of the show on 'medical grounds' following clashes with former Dragons' Den star Duncan Bannatyne and Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley. Christened George William Ziadie, she was born a girl but had a 'cosmetic malformation' of the genitals which led to her initially being brought up as a boy. Although she lived as a girl it wasn't until she was 21 and a model that she underwent surgery and became Georgia Arianna. Her current name and title comes from her ill-fated marriage with Lord Colin Campbell of 1974. Lady Campbell was on I'm A Celebrity... in 2015 during which she became well-known for her cutting put downs to other contestants She married the 27-year-old - the younger son of the 11th Duke of Argyll - one week after meeting him in New York. They divorced less than a year later and she took out a press notice announcing her title should no longer be used but is still referred to by this name on the Castle Goring website and in court records. She bought the once dilapidated castle in 2013 and it has been available for hire as a wedding venue since the summer. The now restored fort was originally designed by famous architect John Biagio-Rebecca and last year she spent time filming a programme about her home called Lady C and the Castle. North Korea has mocked China for 'dancing to the tune of the US' after bringing in sanctions because of Kim Jong-un's nuclear programme. Pyongyang issued a rare reproach of Beijing, its main diplomatic backer, for halting imports of its coal. The North's state-run KCNA news agency did not refer directly to China by name but in an unmistakable censure it accused a 'neighbouring country' of going along with North Korea's enemies to 'bring down its social system'. North Korea has mocked China for 'dancing to the tune of the US' after bringing in sanctions because of Kim Jong-un's (pictured) nuclear programme 'This country, styling itself a big power, is dancing to the tune of the U.S. while defending its mean behaviour with such excuses that it was meant not to have a negative impact on the living of the people in the DPRK but to check its nuclear programme,' KCNA said in a commentary. China said on Saturday it would ban coal imports from North Korea, which is officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), until the end of the year. The ban came about a week after North Korea tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile in its first direct challenge to the international community since U.S. President Donald Trump took office. Trump's administration has said China should do more to put pressure on North Korea. 'A neighbouring country, which often claims itself to be a 'friendly neighbour', is .. threatening that 'the DPRK will suffer the biggest loss',' KCNA said in the commentary. Pyongyang issued a rare reproach of Beijing, its main diplomatic backer, for halting imports of its coal (file picture) Donald Trump's administration has said China should do more to put pressure on North Korea 'It has unhesitatingly taken inhumane steps such as totally blocking foreign trade related to the improvement of people's living standard under the plea of the U.N. 'resolutions on sanctions' devoid of legal ground.' China is North Korea's sole major ally but it disapproves of its nuclear programme and has backed U.N. sanctions against it. China calls for the Korean peninsula to be free of nuclear weapons. North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests, including two last year, although its claims to be able to miniaturise a nuclear weapon to be mounted on a missile have never been verified independently. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in a New Year speech the North was close to test-launching an intercontinental ballistic missile. State media has said such a launch could come at any time. A fully developed ICBM could threaten the continental United States, which is about 5,500 miles from North Korea. North Korea was China's fourth biggest supplier of coal last year, with non-lignite imports reaching 22.48 million tonnes, up 14.5 percent compared with 2015. A minister branded compensation payouts to Guantanamo Bay inmates 'outrageous' today as he blamed Labour for leaving the government legally vulnerable. Ben Wallace also pledged to look into how the money was used as he fielded questions from furious MPs about the controversy. The row erupted this week after it emerged that Jamal al-Harith, from Manchester, was the grinning jihadi in an ISIS bombing video. Mr Wallace was summoned to the Commons to explain the situation today after Home Affairs Select Committee chair Yvette Cooper tabled an urgent question The father-of-five had flown to Pakistan after the September 11 attacks and spent time in a Taliban jail before American forces moved in and took him to the notorious detention centre in the Caribbean. He was among more than a dozen Guantanamo detainees who were handed settlements totalling nearly 20million to end a civil case after the coalition came to power in 2010. The government is thought to have been unwilling to produce secret evidence in open court. Mr Wallace was summoned to the Commons to explain the situation today after Home Affairs Select Committee chair Yvette Cooper tabled an urgent question. The security minister refused to give any details of the cases, saying it was the 'longstanding policy of successive governments not to comment on intelligence matters'. Seeking to turn the tables on Labour critics of the way the issue had been handled, Mr Wallace said: 'We will be outraged and disappointed by the sums of money that have been paid. 'But some of the vulnerability that led us to have to pay those damages occurred when she (Ms Cooper) was a member of the Labour government, and when those individuals brought claims against us. 'I think it is important that we recognise this is why some of these claims had to be paid out.' Mr Wallace told the Commons he would seek to ensure any agreements in place were monitored correctly, with attempts made to recover money in the event of a breach. Conservative Philip Davies said taxpayers had been 'ripped off' as he criticised those who 'celebrated the release' of Briton Jamal al-Harith, a former detainee reportedly killed in an Islamic State suicide bomb attack in Iraq. It emerged this week that al-Harith was the smiling suicide bomber in a recent ISIS video Al-Harith, pictured at the Kandahar jail in 2002, said he was been arrested by the Taliban while hitchhiking. He was later taken into the custody of US forces A civil case with al-Harith and other former detainees alleging ill treatment by MI6 while they were being held by the Americans was settled by David Cameron's coalition government in 2010. It has been claimed al-Harith, previously known as Ronald Fiddler before converting to Islam, received 1 million compensation from the UK Government - a sum denied by his family, who regard it as wide of the mark. Speaking in the Commons, Mr Davies said: 'I hope those who celebrated the release from Guantanamo Bay of Jamal al-Harith will reflect on what he's done since being released.' He added: 'Will you say if the Government is exploring any options to recover compensation paid to people from Guantanamo Bay? 'The taxpayers have been ripped off, terrorists have prospered from their appalling activities and the public is rightly disgusted by it, and they want to know what the Government is trying to do to rectify that.' Mr Wallace replied: 'You make a valid point. 'I will go from here and make sure that where we have legally binding agreements that they are correctly monitored and where there is a breach, we shall recover any monies we can.' Tory former minister Andrew Murrison asked Mr Wallace to agree to re-examine the payments made to detainees. He said the matters should be 'formally reviewed since the public will be dismayed and they will be particularly concerned if any of that money has gone to fund terrorism'. Mr Wallace replied: 'You raise an important point about the destination of what happens with any money paid to individuals.' He said the government's Criminal Finances Bill had provided more powers to track money 'destined for terrorism'. A 13-year-old girl has been left in a coma after a tree fell on her as she went to walk a neighbor's dog during stormy conditions in California. Teresa Johnston, from Irvine, Orange County, was found unconscious beneath a 40ft tree that had collapsed and fallen on her head at around 5pm on Friday. She was rushed to hospital, where she is being treated for severe brain trauma. Teresa Johnston, from Irvine, Orange County, has been left in a coma after a tree fell on her as she went to walk a neighbor's dog during stormy weather in California The teenager, pictured with her mother Vera, remains in a critical condition in hospital The teenager was put into a medically induced coma and remains in a critical condition. Teresa's family had initially feared that she had been kidnapped when she did not return home after 45 minutes and had gone out searching for her. They then discovered that Teresa had been taken to hospital following the accident. Her sister Misha, 20, described the teenager as a 'beautiful person' and 'one of the happiest people I have ever known.' She told the Orange County Register: 'She was going to go walk some dogs. She didnt even make it there. 'Three minutes from the house, probably, the tree fell on her.' Teresa was found unconscious beneath a 40-foot tree (pictured) that had collapsed on her She was put in a medically induced coma after being rushed to hospital. Pictured are the remains of the collapsed tree Teresa underwent a five-hour operation on Monday but her father Roch Johnston said the extent of the brain damage she may have suffered is not yet clear. He told KTLA 5: 'There's a lot of surgeries to go from here. Maybe [she] can't see. He absolutely said [she] might not be able to.' The family have now set up a page on You Caring to raise funds for Teresa's medical expenses. In an update on Wednesday, they said that Teresa was in 'a very unstable state'. adding that doctors were using various drugs in an attempt to bring down the brain pressure. The NYPD commissioner has revealed it cost the city $25million to protectDonald Trump between his election victory and inauguration. In a letter to New York City area members, James P. O'Neill described the challenge as being 'unique and unparalleled.' During that time, Trump spent the majority of his time in his penthouse apartment at his eponymous tower. Trump spent the majority of his time between his election victory and inauguration at Trump Tower (pictured on December 6) There were a number of protests staged outside Trump Tower after Trump's election win Mr O'Neill asked for Congress to reimburse the cost for securing Trump Tower during the presidential transition. He also requested future funding for protecting the glitzy Manhattan skyscraper and to ensure there are enough resources to keep the city safe. He said the police department now had a dual role in protecting the first family while also serving residents in the city. He wrote: 'Trump Tower, a 58-story mixed-use building in midtown Manhattan, is located along a highly trafficked corridor of Fifth Avenue in a dense urban environment that comprises large hotels, world renowned department stores, and some of the city's most iconic tourist attractions. 'Such a setting for the second residence of an American President is unique in recent history.' He added: 'Trump Tower itself now presents a target to those who wish to commit acts of terror against our country, further straining our limited counterterrorism resources.' Mr O'Neill said he expected the NYPD to spend between $127,000 and $146,000 per day protecting First Lady Melania Trump and her son, Barron, while they reside in Trump Tower O'Neill revealed that having police and fire officials protect Trump's family, home and office for the 75 days between Election Day and Inauguration Day came to a total of $25.7 million. That was less than the $35 million the police had initially estimated. O'Neill said he expected the NYPD to spend between $127,000 and $146,000 per day protecting First Lady Melania Trump and her son, Barron, while they reside in Trump Tower. This is in addition to an annual bill of $4.5 million for the city's fire department to protect Trump's wife and 10-year-old son. The pair are staying in New York until at least the end of the school year. Those costs, Mr O'Neill said in the letter on Tuesday, will 'increase significantly' whenever the president is in New York City. The police department anticipates an average daily rate of $308,000 on the days when the billionaire former reality TV host is in the Big Apple. Trump has not returned to New York City since moving into the White House on January 20. New York Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney in a statement on Wednesday the city's taxpayers should not be forced to pay for a 'national security obligation' and that 'Congress must provide city taxpayers a full reimbursement.' Senator Chuck Schumer of New York said: 'It's simply unfair to have New York City taxpayers alone bear the burden of NYPD protection at Trump Tower.' It comes after Trump's family's trips were reported to have cost taxpayers nearly as much in a month as Barack Obama's cost in an entire year. The US President's three visits to his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida since his inauguration, combined with his sons' business trips, were said to have cost $11.3m. Conservative watchdog Judicial Watch estimated Obama's travel expenses totaled an average of $12.1m in each of his eight years in the White House. Tom Fitton, Judicial Watch's CEO, said: 'The president is going to have to be sensitive to the cost of travelling around. I appreciate he wants to go home to Mar-a-Lago every weekend but it is costly to do so and the work he does there he can do elsewhere.' A Trump spokesman could not be reached immediately for comment. But he said that an announcement is coming The owner of the billboard says the organization that bought the ad does not wish to identify themselves right now A Winston-Salem boutique owner has organized a protest of the 'sexist' billboard for Sunday A billboard reading 'Real men provide. Real women appreciate it' has popped up on a major road between Winston-Salem and Greensboro, North Carolina Women are planning this weekend to protest a North Carolina billboard with a message they say is a slam on gender equality, according to media reports. A billboard on a highway between Winston-Salem and Greensboro reads, 'Real men provide. Real women appreciate it.' It's on Business 40, a heavily traveled commuter stretch of an offshoot of Interstate 40 that runs between the two cities. Winston-Salem boutique owner Molly Grace said that she sees the sign's message as an attempt to silence women who want to be seen as equals to men. Scroll down for video Women are planning this weekend to protest a North Carolina billboard with a message they say is a slam on gender equality, according to media reports. The billboard is pictured above on February 22 'It's absolutely, absolutely insulting to single mothers, to women who have careers whether they are small careers or big careers,' Grace said. Molly Grace (pictured), a boutique owner in Winston-Salem, is the woman organizing Sunday's protest Via social media, Grace is organizing a peaceful protest at the billboard at 11am on Sunday to speak out against its message. 'We are NOT protesting that the sign is capable of existing, or the people who put it up, or the ad agency, or the right to put it up. We are protesting patriarchy and sexism, and that this antiquated way of thinking about women exists at all,' a post on the group's Facebook page said. As of Thursday, around noon, more than 280 people signed up to attend the event on the page. The message's origins remain a mystery. The billboard belongs to Whiteheart Outdoor Advertising, and owner Bill Whiteheart says the organization that bought the space doesn't wish to be identified. But, Whiteheart told news outlets, an announcement is coming. He did not elaborate. The group has leased the space for 30 days, starting on Friday, but could stay there longer if they choose to renew. It costs about $2,000 a month. According to the Winston Salem-Journal, Whiteheart himself is a Republican and a former member of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners who is known for being socially and fiscally conservative. But he told the News & Observer that his company is not supporting the message. 'We dont endorse the message thats there,' he said. 'Were just the messenger.' Capitol Hill Democrats seeking an independent investigation of President Donald Trump's alleged ties to Russia are getting some back up. The Center for American Progress Action Fund is bringing on a former speechwriter for John Kerry who worked on his policy planning staff at the State Department to run its 'Moscow Project.' The effort was created to pressure the Trump administration into OKing an outside investigation. The political arm of the liberal Washington-based think tank CAP has hired Max Bergmann to head up the division, Politico reports. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Capitol Hill Democrats seeking an independent investigation of President Donald Trump's alleged ties to Russia are getting some back up. The Center for American Progress Action Fund has launched the 'Moscow Project' The Moscow Project will operate out of CAP Action's war room, which was recently taken over by Adam Jentleson, a top aide to retired Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid. Its taking its cues from a New York Times article published this month that claimed members of Trump's campaign were in constant contact with Russian officials. One Trump aide who was known to hold talks with a representative of the foreign government before Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration, ex-National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, has already resigned. Flynn was not dismissed because he was determined to have improper communications with Russia, however. Trump says he fired his aide over a misleading statement he made to the vice president about the substance of those conversations. Democratic lawmakers had been pushing for internal investigations into Russian-engineered hacking before the election since last year. The charges against Trump and his aides, including the since departed Flynn, have them sounding the alarm again. They're demanding a special prosecutor. The political arm of the liberal Washington-based think tank CAP has hired Max Bergmann to head up the Moscow Operation. He's a former speechwriter for John Kerry who worked on his policy planning staff at the State Department Legislators from the opposing party want Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a staunch Trump supporter during the Republican's presidential campaign, to recuse himself from any probe the Justice Department does on the grounds that he would be too partisan. A Feb. 15 memo distributed by CAP Action on Capitol Hill backs up those requests and calls for a 9/11 Commission-type probe in addition to House and Senate investigations. 'In past moments of crisis from Watergate to 9/11, Americans have ultimately benefited from having both congressional inquiries and independent commissions,' it said, according to Politico. 'Indeed, an independent commission would ensure that both parties have full authority to investigate. Perhaps most importantly, it is essential that the process be non-partisan in order to fully explore the Trump teams involvement.' The memo advises legislators to demand that 'a full list of all contacts between the Trump campaign, its staff, and informal advisers with Russian officials, including any Russian intelligence officials, and/or WikiLeaks' be provided. They should also ask for access to the classified transcripts and recordings of those conversations that are held by the FBI, Project Moscow insists. It's making its case in online ads that are running in House Speaker Paul Ryan's district, as well, according to Politico's report. One Trump aide who was known to hold talks with a representative of the foreign government before Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration, ex-National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, has already resigned - but they still want him investigated That includes the pre-inauguration calls between and Flynn and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, as well as Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Members of Congress deserve to be briefed on this topic, the group writes. Meanwhile, lawyers who helped protect Barack Obama from breaking ethics laws are also putting their insider knowledge to use watching over Trump through the creation of a brand new group. Under the banner of their newly formed non-profit United to Protect Democracy, Ian Bassin, an associate White House counsel to Obama, and other lawyers from the White House and Justice Department will review and investigate Trump's administration to make sure it doesn't cross an legal lines. United to Protect Democracy's said it will be a check on the 'unprecedented tide of authoritarian-style politics' in the country that threatens to undermine 'the laws and unwritten norms that prevent overreach and abuse of power.' MEANWHILE: Under the banner of their newly formed non-profit, United to Protect Democracy, Ian Bassin, (pictured) an associate White House counsel to Barack Obama, and other lawyers from the White House and Justice Department will review and investigate Trump's administration The organization takes its name from a line in Obama's farewell speech, Politico writes, and has raised $1.5 million so far. That allowed it to hire five staffers, with plans to expand. Progressive groups are already taking Trump's cabinet picks to task and tearing into the president's policies. United to Protect Democracy will file Freedom of Information Act requests and call out the White House when it thinks Trump is bullying independent federal agencies - or judges. 'As people who had the privilege of serving at the highest level of our government, we understand those guardrails, where people might come up against them and what the tools are that we have as private citizens to hold our government accountable,' Bassin told Politico. Joining him at United to Protect Democracy are Jesse Lee, the director of rapid response for the Obama White House, and Caroline McKay, a legal assistant in the Democratic president's White House. Bassin will have have help from other alums of the Obama administration, as well, and the Brennan Center for Justice They'll have help from other alums of the Obama administration, as well, and the Brennan Center for Justice, a left-wing think tank and advocacy group housed within the New York University Law School, Politico reported. 'Every day, Americans across the political spectrum are recognizing that our country is at risk of sliding toward a modern form of authoritarianism. We are already seeing signs of that happening,' the new group's website states. 'But we have stronger tools than those found anywhere else in the world to prevent this. We the People, armed with our Constitution and the rule of law, can act to stop it.' Bassin's organization is also preparing for the 'worst-case scenario' - that Trump would deny a judge's order and create a constitutional crisis. The White House has not suggested that it intends to override the judicial branch, despite Trump's smackdown of a so-called judge who rule against him, but should it move in that direction, United to Protect Democracy will be ready. German police have arrested an Islamist who was plotting to kill police or soldiers with a homemade bomb. The German man has admitted planning to lure police or soldiers into a trap and kill them with a home-made bomb, prosecutors and police said. Prosecutors said chemicals that could be used to make explosive devices were found during a search of his home in the Lower Saxony town of Northeim in central Germany. The 26-year-old is believed to be a member of a group of Salafists, ultra-conservative Islamists, they said. German police have arrested an Islamist who was plotting to kill police or soldiers (file picture) The man was arrested in the Lower Saxony town of Northeim in central Germany, pictured 'I wanted to slay them with it,' he allegedly told police after his arrest. The suspect is being held on suspicion of preparing a serious crime against the state. Chemicals needed to make a bomb were found in his flat, including acetone peroxide, and electronic components capable of detonating a device by remote control. The suspect is being held in a police facility in the university city of Gottingen while police scramble to round up his contacts and associates. Germany is on high alert following December's the Berlin Christmas Market attack, pictured Gottingen's Chief of police Uwe Luhrig stated that the fight against terrorism and radical Islamism had top priority. In a statement, prosecutors and police called the arrest 'a big success in the fight against terrorism'. German authorities are on high alert after a failed Tunisian asylum-seeker ploughed a truck into a Christmas market in Berlin on December 19, killing 12 people. This month police carried out a series of raids on properties in the university town of Goettingen - not far from Northeim - and arrested two men suspected of planning an imminent Islamist attack. An IT consultant is to appear in court in Italy in connection with his wife's suspected disappearance from a cruise ship. Daniel Belling, who lives in Dublin, Ireland, was arrested after his wife was reported missing while the couple were on a luxury cruise. The 46-year-old, who is originally from Germany, was about to board a Ryanair flight to Dublin, where he works, when he was arrested. Police are reported to have become suspicious after ship crew reported that his wife was missing. An IT consultant is to appear in court in Italy in connection with his wife's suspected disappearance from cruise ship MSC Magnifica (file picture) He was with the couple's two children at the time and attempting to fly from Rome's Ciampino airport. He was then taken to Regina Coeli Prison in Rome. He is due to appear in court in connection with the suspected disappearance of wife, Li Yinglei, also known as Angie. Li Yinglei, Mr Belling and the couple's six-year-old son and four-year-old daughter who have both reportedly been spoken to by police had ten days before his arrest embarked from the north Rome port of Civitavecchia on an 11-day Mediterranean cruise. After the MSC Magnifica anchored back in the port on Monday, the family this time without Li Yinglei disembarked. But cabin crew noticed a discrepancy between the number of passengers leaving compared to the number who boarded the ship at the start of the cruise on February 10. Crew were able to ascertain that Mr Belling's wife had boarded the ship but was not on the list of those who left. It is unclear at this stage what happened to her but Mr Belling's lawyer says his client is able to explain where his wife has gone. Indeed, Luigi Conti says Mr Belling is looking forward to the opportunity to explain matters before a judge. He will get his chance today when he is expected to appear in court in connection with the suspected disappearance of his 36-year-old Chinese wife. The 46-year-old, who is originally from Germany, was about to board a Ryanair flight to Dublin, where he works, from Ciampino Airport (pictured) when he was arrested Mr Conti was quoted in yesterday's Daily Telegraph. He said: 'I can't say anything about the circumstances of his wife's disappearance until he appears in front of the judges. 'He is keen to speak to the judges, to explain what happened. 'His behaviour after disembarking was not that of a person who was trying to flee. 'He simply headed to Ciampino airport with his children to catch the flight that he had booked when he first organised the cruise.' According to La Stampa newspaper, one of the last times Mr Belling's wife was seen was when the ship stopped in Genoa. That was on February 9 and the family were seen visiting a souvenir shop in the northern Italy port city. The cruise ship records state that Mrs Belling did return onboard after the family visited to Genoa. A Colorado judge has blocked a law that made it a crime for women but not men to show their nipples. US District Judge R Brooke Jackson said that the ordinance in Fort Collins is based on gender discrimination and issued an injunction against enforcing it. According to Jackson, the law 'perpetuates a stereotype ingrained in our society that female breasts are primarily objects of sexual desire, whereas male breasts are not.' Scroll down for video Colorado district Judge R Brooke Jackson blocked a law in Fort Collins that made it a crime for women but not men to show their nipples, stating that it is based on gender discrimination and likely unconstitutional Fort Collins council voted unanimously to keep the law in 2015, and Jackson has accused its members of falling prey to discriminatory thinking, reported CBS Denver. He wrote: 'the naked female breast is seen as disorderly or dangerous because society, from Renaissance paintings to Victoria's Secret commercials, has conflated female breasts with genitalia and stereotyped them as such.' 'The irony is that by forcing women to cover up their bodies, society has made naked women's breasts something to see.' The city's decision was based on the claim that sight of a female breast endangers children, which the judge criticized. He also called a testimony by Fort Collins Police Services assistant chief Jerry Schiager, who told courts that topless women would cause distracted driving and traffic issues, 'little more than speculation,' reported the Coloradoan. The college town is home to Colorado State University, and has no cases on record of women being charged with the crime of going topless, but the law attaches a $250 fine to women over the age of 10 who display their breasts 'below the top of the nipple'. Samantha Six (center) and Brit Hoagland (right) have sued Fort Collins over the topless ban, and the plaintiff's lawyer said he was not surprised the judge blocked the law The college town is home to Colorado State University (pictured), and has no cases on record of women being charged with the crime of going topless, but the law attaches a $250 fine to women over the age of 10 who display their breasts 'below the top of the nipple' However, the law did make an exception for nursing mothers. Two women have sued Fort Collins over the topless ban, and the plaintiff's lawyer said he was not surprised the judge blocked the law. The lawyer, David Lane, said in a statement: 'My clients take a position that any statute with the words "Women are prohibited from" is unconstitutional, and I agree with them. Apparently so does a federal judge.' The plaintiff, Britt Hoagland, said to the Coloradoan that the injunction is a 'historic victory, and a 'huge relief.' In his decision Jackson cited evidence from a testimony by the chair of Colorado College's psychology department that said sexual objectification of the female breast contributes to higher rates of sexual assault and violence. The complaint was filed in May 2016, and alleges that For Collins violated the free speech clause in the first amendment, and the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment. The plaintiff, Britt Hoagland, pictured right, said to the Coloradoan that the injunction is a 'historic victory, and a 'huge relief' Charged: Demario Hunter has been charged under the 'revenge porn' law A teen is accused of using 'revenge porn' to blackmail another teen into having sex with his three cousins. Demario Hunter, 18, of Katy, Texas, appeared in court Monday to answer charges of 'unlawful disclosure of intimate visual material,' otherwise known as the revenge porn law. He faces up to a year in prison. Hunter is accused of having sex with his ex-girlfriend, who is 19, and secretly videotaping it. He then allegedly threatened to send the video to the teen's 13-year-old sister unless his ex had sex with his three 15-year-old friends, who have been identified as cousins by KTRK. Police in Texas did not clarify if the men were related to Hunter. Accusation: Hunter appeared in court to answer charges of allegedly threatening a 19-year-old woman with sending a sex tape to her 13-year-old sister if she didn't have sex with three friends Representation: Hunter, (left), was just using a 'poker threat' says his lawyer Equator Turner (right) who claims he had no cell phone service The unidentified girl reportedly had sex with the teens, but when Hunter again allegedly tried to extort her into having sex with a fourth teen, also identified as a cousin, she balked and called police. His lawyer, Equator Turner, says it was all just empty threats. 'He's just charged with a threat right now, a threat to send something that he didn't send,' she said. Hunter faces up to a year in prison if convicted and his bail was set at $5,000 She claims the suspect didn't have cell phone service, so sending a video would have been impossible, though she didn't acknowledge the possibility of downloading a video to computer. 'It was only a poker threat,' she said. 'He didn't have the ability or the means to send off the threat. So, it was just saying that I would do it, but I don't have the ability to.' His bail is $5,000. Nancy Salem (above) was fired from her job as a preschool teacher in Arlington, Texas A preschool teacher in Arlington, Texas, was fired from her job after it was learned that she posted anti-Semitic tweets urging her friend to 'kill some Jews,' according to media reports which emerged on Thursday. Nancy Salem, who worked at the Children's Courtyard preschool in south Arlington, was accused of being a member of a pro-Palestinian organization viewed by some pro-Israel advocates as anti-Semitic. Anyone browsing Salem's Twitter feed would have been shocked to discover a number of incendiary posts. 'Have a safe trip Lulu. I love you baby girl!' she tweeted to her friend who was apparently traveling to the Middle East in May 2013. 'Kiss the Palestine ground for me and kill some Jews!' In another post, she re-tweeted a message that read: 'How many Jews died in the Holocaust? Not enough.' Salem's social media posts, all of which have since been taken down, were unearthed in a report by a pro-Israel group, Canary Mission, according to the Dallas Morning News. Canary Mission is an organization that keeps a database 'to document people and groups that are promoting hatred of the USA, Israel and the Jewish people, particularly on college campuses in North America.' Its report focused on a number of former and current students who are members of the University of Texas-Arlington's chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine, a US-based pro-Palestinian campus activist group. 'Have a safe trip Lulu. I love you baby girl!' she tweeted to her friend who was apparently traveling to the Middle East in May 2013. 'Kiss the Palestine ground for me and kill some Jews!' In another post, she re-tweeted a message that read: 'How many Jews died in the Holocaust? Not enough' The Children's Courtyard, a preschool in South Arlington, is seen in the above photo. A spokesman said: 'The offensive comments certainly don't reflect our views. Our employees are expected to uphold certain standards of personal and professional conduct' Canary Mission has accused SJP of being 'a focal point for campus anti-Semitism.' The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has long ignited fierce debate on college campuses throughout the country. The preschool released a statement this week explaining its decision for the dismissal. 'Providing a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment is of the utmost importance to us,' the statement said. Salem was accused of being a member of Students for Justice in Palestine, a pro-Palestinian organization viewed by some pro-Israel advocates as anti-Semitic. SJP released a statement on its Facebook page above in which it disavowed anti-Semitism SJP also denied claims that Salem was a member of its UTA chapter. It said that Salem was never even a student at the school 'The offensive comments certainly don't reflect our views. Our employees are expected to uphold certain standards of personal and professional conduct. Our senior leadership thoroughly investigated this matter. This person no longer works for our company.' The SJP chapter at UTA also issued its own statement on its Facebook page condemning Salem and disavowing all expressions of anti-Semitism. In its report on UTA, Canary Mission says that at least seven members of the SJP chapter have posted anti-Semitic tweets Another Twitter user commented about someone having a 'Jew nose and a triangle face' Canary Mission also unearthed an anti-Semitic meme featuring a mashup of Adolf Hitler and Adele. The tweet reads: 'Set fire to the Jews.' Underneath the caption is a photo of 'Adelef Hitler' 'SJP at UTA rejects all forms of discrimination against any marginalized groups, especially anti-Semitic rhetoric,' the group wrote on its Facebook page. The group also denied Canary Mission's claim that Salem was a member of the group. 'Nancy Salem was NEVER a member of SJP, nor was she ever a student at UTA to begin with,' the group said. 'SJP has never had any members make any anti-Semitic [sic] statements, and if found any that did we would terminate their membership immediately.' In its report on UTA, Canary Mission says that at least seven members of the SJP chapter have posted anti-Semitic tweets. 'I honestly don't feel sympathetic about the holocaust [sic]...#SorryNotSorry,' tweeted one woman said to be a member of SJP. Another Twitter user commented about someone having a 'Jew nose and a triangle face.' Canary Mission also unearthed an anti-Semitic meme featuring a mashup of Adolf Hitler and Adele. The tweet reads: 'Set fire to the Jews.' Underneath the caption is a photo of 'Adelef Hitler.' Popular Fox News contributor Alan Colmes passed away at the age of 66 on Thursday. The news of Colmes' death was reported by Sean Hannity, who called the popular broadcaster 'one of the nicest, kindest, and most generous people' in a pre-taped breaking news segment that aired on Fox News. Colmes and Hannity worked together for over 20 years, with both men joining Fox News back in 1996 when they launched their show Hannity & Colmes, which ran for 13 years on the network. That program focused on conservative Hannity and liberal Colmes giving their takes on the news of the day. Colmes is survived by his wife of 13 years Dr. Jocelyn Elise Crowley, who released a statement on Thursday asking for privacy during this time and revealing that her husband died after a brief illness. 'He was a great guy, brilliant, hysterical, and moral. He was fiercely loyal, and the only thing he loved more than his work was his life with Jocelyn. He will be missed,' read the statement. Scroll down for video Gone too soon: Alan Colmes (above with his wife, Dr. Jocelyn Crowley, in 2012) passed away Thursday morning at the age of 66 Dynamic duo: He was one of the few liberal commentators to appear on Fox News, where he was hired by Roger Ailes in 1996 ahead of the network's launch to host 'Hannity & Colmes' (above with Sean Hannity in 2006) Big get: Colmes got the chance to interview Barack Obama during his final weeks on 'Hannity & Colmes' in 2008 (above) Last photo: In this picture taken on January 13, Colmes (right in cap) interviews a mentalist known as The Amazing Kreskin (left) Colmes was on the the few liberals who appeared on the top-rated cable news network, and many of his colleagues paid tribute to him on social media after learning of his passing. Alan, in the midst of great sickness and illness, showed the single greatest amount of courage Ive ever seen. And through it all, he showed his incredible wit and humor that was Alans signature throughout his entire life. -Sean Hannity on Colmes Megyn Kelly was one of the first to comment, writing on Twitter: 'Heartbroken my friend Alan Colmes has died. He lit up the FNC halls w/his kindness & humor. Incredibly positive force. Prayers 4 his family.' 'So sad to hear of the death of Fox News colleague Alan Colmes. He and I agreed on little, but I liked him immensely. Good guy. R.I.P.,' wrote Brit Hume. 'WHAT? @AlanColmes passed away????? Noooooooooooo! Very sad. He was a good guy. Always surprised people that way,' said Ann Coulter. And in a more proper tribute, Bill Hemmer wrote: 'A wonderful man. I will miss your spirit, Alan.' Hannity meanwhile further elaborated on Colmes' illness by stating: 'Alan, in the midst of great sickness and illness, showed the single greatest amount of courage Ive ever seen. And through it all, he showed his incredible wit and humor that was Alans signature throughout his entire life.' Colmes was born in New York City and attended Hofstra University, where he worked for the college radio station. That then turned into a career for Colmes, who after graduating in 1971 worked for a number of stations before getting his big break while appearing on WABC. It was there that he hosted the morning radio program, a position that managed to land him an even bigger job at WNBC in 1987, where his shows were syndicated across the country. That was short lived however, with the network deciding to shut down the radio station the following year, at which point Colmes created his own company with other radio hosts that they called Daynet. MONICA CROWLEY REMEMBERS COLMES 'I am heartbroken at the loss of my sweet brother-in-law Alan Colmes. He passed away this morning after a brief illness, which he fought with extraordinary courage, strength and grace. 'Alan was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He took his beliefs and work seriously and at the same time lived his life full of joy, laughter and commitment. 'He loved what he did for a living, and he loved those around him---without condition. During the most heated political debates, his infectious sense of humor would come through, and before you knew it, even his staunchest political opponents were smiling. 'He was incredibly kind, generous and warm---and completely devoted to my sister and our family. He was a gentle soul and a good man. 'He was my friend. And I will miss him every day. 'Rest in peace, dear Alan.' Advertisement Colmes also earned the honor of being the final voice to sign off on WNBC as host of the last ever radio show to air on the channel. Things took a turn for Colmes in 1996 when he got a call asking him to take his act in front of the camera when Roger Ailes asked him to join a new cable news network that Rupert Murdoch was launching, Fox News. He stayed there for the next 20 years, and Fox News also distributes his radio program. The first 13 years were spent as a host on Hannity & Colmes, and after he left that position in 2008 he never returned to hosting and instead appeared as a contributor or commentator. After he left the show, then CEO Ailes said: 'Alan is one of the key reasons why FOX News has been such a remarkable success. Were sad to see him leave the program but we look forward to his ongoing contributions to the network.' Colmes appeared on a number of shows in this capacity, including Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld and Fox News Watch. And in addition to radio and television, Colmes also released a book in 2003 entitled Red, White & Liberal: How Left is Right and Right is Wrong. It was that same year that he wed his wife, who is a Professor of Public Policy at Rutgers University. Dr. Crowley also holds positions in the Department of Womens and Gender Studies, the Department of Political Science and the Center for Workforce Development at the New jersey state college. She landed there after attending some of the country's most prestigious colleges and universities, earning her bachelor's degree from Cornell, her master's degree from Georgetown and her doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her current study focuses on couples who divorce after the age of 50, and the completed findings will be presented in 2018 when she publishes her finished work entitled 'Gray Divorce: What We Lose and Gain from Mid-Life Splits.' Fan girl: Megyn Kelly paid tribute to Colmes (above on The Kelly File in 2015) on Twitter, writing about his 'kindness & humor' Too much too handle: Kelly also wrote that she was 'heartbroken' over the news (above) Quick to comment: Ann Coulter (above with Colmes on his radio show last year) had a little fun with her later friend in her tribute Kind: Coulter said that Colmes 'always surprised' people when they learned he was a 'good guy' Touching: His sister-in-law Monica Crowley, who frequently appeared alongside him on Fox News, said he 'fought with extraordinary courage, strength and grace' in the end Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com Colmes' most frequent appearances on Fox News in recent years were on The O'Reilly Factor. The liberal was frequently joined by his very conservative sister-in-law Monica Crowley during those segments. Monica remembered Colmes in a Facebook post on Thursday, writing: 'He passed away this morning after a brief illness, which he fought with extraordinary courage, strength and grace.' As I previously mentioned on the show last year, there would be times I would be taking off from the show to deal with a medical issue. This is why Ive been out recently and will be out this week as well. But I will be back taking your calls as soon as I can. -Colmes to listeners of his radio show on January 30 She went on to praise Colmes for being a true gentleman, saying: 'He took his beliefs and work seriously and at the same time lived his life full of joy, laughter and commitment. He loved what he did for a living, and he loved those around him---without condition.' Monica also wrote that he was 'kind, generous and warm, 'completely devoted to my sister and our family' and 'a gentle soul and a good man.' Hannity later called in to America's Newsroom to speak with Hemmer about his friend, revealing that he had known for some time that this day was coming and had been hoping for a miracle. He then spoke about Colmes' character. 'I just want people to remember that in terms of human decency, you know we're living in a time of incivility, Alan was civil,' said Hanniy. 'Alan was kind. He was the staunchest supporter of freedom of speech that I've every met in my life, and that was one big area we agreed on.' He then spoke about Monica, saying he had talked to her earlier and urged everyone watching to read her tribute to her brother-in-law. Angry Bill: Colmes always managed to take Bill O'Reilly's angry outbursts in stride (above on The O'Reilly Factor with sister-in-law Monica) In the beginning: Hannity and Colmes appearing on the first season of their show in 1996 (above) Questionable remembrance: 'He and I agreed on little, but I liked him immensely,' wrote brit Hume on Twitter (above) The adoration and admiration Monica had for Colmes was shared by all who knew him according to Hannity. 'Every single person I know in that [Fox News] building loved Alan. Everyone knew he was funny, nice and kind.' Hannity then added: 'And the world is a darker place today because that great human being left us.' Alan is one of the key reasons why FOX News has been such a remarkable success. Were sad to see him leave the program but we look forward to his ongoing contributions to the network. -Roger Ailes on Colmes in 2008 He also added that his thoughts and prayers were with Colmes' widow Dr. Crowley, who he said is struggling after her husband's passing. After thanking Hannity for calling in, Hemmer said: 'Life is precious. Life is short. And Alan Colmes has left all of us.' Hannity also used his tribute to Colmes that aired on Fox News to pay tribute to their old show, noting that 'when the show ended it was by far the number one show in its slot on cable news and consistently one of the top rated shows on cable.' Members of the Fox News team past and present as well as those from Fox Business Network kept the tributes pouring in throughout the morning. 'Alan Colmes was always a gentleman...always kind...a wonderful colleague,' wrote former Fox News host Greta Van Susteren. 'Devastated to hear @AlanColmes has passed. Such a sweet soul, always fun to spar with, and always ready to laugh,' wrote Fox Business Network host Kennedy. 'Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my @FoxNews colleague @AlanColmes. A very nice, genuine man I had the pleasure to work with,' wrote Meghan McCain. Covered up: Colmes sat down with author Marianne Williamson on January 12 for one of his last shows (above) Best get: In 2008 Colmes got to sit down with the nominee for vice president at the time, Joe Biden (above) Colmes first revealed that he was battling an illness of some kind last year to listeners on his radio show. He once again informed them of his situation on January 30, unaware of the fact that he had hosted his last ever show 10 days prior. That last show was on the same day as President Donald Trump's inauguration. 'As I previously mentioned on the show last year, there would be times I would be taking off from the show to deal with a medical issue,' said Colmes. 'This is why Ive been out recently and will be out this week as well. But I will be back taking your calls as soon as I can.' Colmes never returned to the airwaves. A teenage employee was killed inside a Houston Subway restaurant while trying to protect his mother who was held at gunpoint on Wednesday. Javier Flores, 18, had been working with his mother when two robbers entered the restaurant on the 3900 block of Broadway St around 8pm. The men pointed a gun Flores's mother causing the teen to intervene and confront the gunman, police said. Javier Flores, 18, was shot in the neck after he intervened when robbers held his mother at gunpoint in Subway on the 39000 block of Broadway in Houston One of the men shot Flores in the neck before fleeing towards the I-45 road in a four-door, gold-colored sedan, KHOU.com reported. The teen was rushed to Ben Taub Hospital, but was later pronounced dead. Javier Flores was a student at Chavez High School, less than two miles away from the restaurant. The mother and son were the only two working at the sandwich chain at the time of the robbery, police said. Both Javier and his mother were the only two employees working in the restaurant (pictured) at the time of the robbery 'Theyre out here working and doing what theyre supposed to be doing and then these two suspects came in and cut that short, and certainly there was nothing in there that was worth the life of the 18 year old,' Detective David Crowder told the news station. Police do not believe anything was stolen during the incident. A GoFundMe page has been created to raise money for the 18-year-old's funeral costs. Flores has been described as a hero who 'pushed his mom away from danger and ended up taking a bullet.' Police described the perpetrators as two young black males. One suspect is believed to be between 18-20 years old, 5ft 6in to 5ft 8in, wearing a dark blue hoodie and black pants. The other suspect was described as 17 years old and light blue hoodie with dark pants. The two suspects also hit another Subway on San Jacinto and Wentworth at 8.45pm police said. Tragic case: Ten-year-old Kaden Reddick died in the incident while shopping with his family A ten-year-old boy was crushed to death by a Topshop queue barrier while his mother was at a cashpoint, an inquest heard today. Kaden Reddick died ten days ago in the incident after shopping with his family at a Topshop store at the Oracle shopping centre in Reading, Berkshire. Topshop recalled at least 400 of its barrier display units from stores globally after the boy's death - including many in North America, a coroner was told. Today, the inquest was opened without any of his family present as investigations continue into what caused the death of Kaden, from Burghfield. Detective Inspector Dave Turton of Thames Valley Police said: 'Kaden attended the Topshop store at the Oracle in Reading on February 13. 'He went with his siblings, his mother, and grandmother. 'At some point while his mum was at the cashpoint going through a transaction, a display described as a queue barrier has fallen over and struck him in the head and this resulted in injuries that were fatal. Topshop recalled at least 400 of its barrier display units from stores globally after the boy's death - including many in North America, a coroner was told 'The shop owners have a number of these displays in their stores. The Arcadia group which own Topshop and similar chains acted quickly and identified 400 stores with these queue barriers in a short time. 'These stores both here and abroad were closed and these queue barriers were removed.' He said the lead investigators were the police, but there are parallel investigations by the local environmental health department and Health and Safety Executive. 'It's still very, very early days so I would envisage we would be looking at where we are in three months,' Detective Inspector Turton said. A post-mortem examination was carried out on Friday but there was still not a confirmed cause of death at the inquest opening. Kaden had been with his family at a Topshop store at the Oracle shopping centre in Reading Kaden's parents, Lisa Cooper Mallett and Ian Reddick, were not at the inquest. Senior Coroner for Berkshire Peter Bedford said they were on a 'much needed break.' No date was confirmed for the inquest to resume but the coroner adjourned it and said he would examine the situation in around three months. Medical staff had struggled briefly to try to save Kaden at the scene on as he lay on the floor of the store before deciding to rush him to A&E. However, his head injuries were so severe that he could not be resuscitated and he died at Royal Berkshire Hospital. Shoppers were left in tears at the scene. Medical staff had struggled briefly to try to save Kaden at the scene on as he lay on the floor of the store before deciding to rush him to A&E A statement issued by his family after his death said: 'Kaden was a loving, cheeky, energetic boy whose death will leave a huge empty hole in the lives of everybody that knew him. Our house feels empty without him. 'Kaden loved family holidays, with swimming being his favourite pastime. He was always the first one in any pool or the sea. It didn't matter how cold it was, he would jump in, trying to get everyone to join him. 'Kaden was a very creative boy, who loved school. He was going to be helping with making the props for the next school play, and he had set up his bedroom as a classroom to play with his siblings, labelling his room Strawberry class. 'For us the saddest part of Kaden's death is that he will never be able to fulfil his potential. He was looking forward to driving his older brothers moped, driving a car, becoming a teacher, or visiting impossibly distant countries to him such as China. It is so hard to comprehend he will never do these things.' Four people have been arrested in the death of 9-year-old Indiana boy with cerebral palsy who authorities say had been starved to the point where he weighed just 15lbs. The Vigo County Sheriff's Office says officers responded just before 4am on Tuesday to a 911 call about a child in cardiac arrest at 11321 East Lewsader Avenue near Fontanet, 60 miles west of Indianapolis. The young patient, identified as nine-year-old Cameron Hoopingarner, was rushed to Union Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Guardians: Robin Lee Kraemer (left), 53, and Hubert Kraemer (right), 56, have been charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in death after 9-year-old Cameron Hoopingarner, who's been in their care since infancy, died of starvation on Tuesday Housemates: Two other occupants of the Indiana home where Cameron lived, Sarah Beth Travioli (left), 30, and Chad Kraemer (right), 33, are facing counts of neglect of a dependent resulting in death, neglect of a dependent and failure to report child neglect At a press conference on Wednesday, Sheriff Greg Ewing said Cameron was blind and weighed less than 15lbs, which is the average weight of a three-month-old baby boy. Ewing described the neglect case as 'beyond terrible.' State police and sheriff's officials arrested four people who live at the home, including the child's two guardians, Robin Lee Kraemer, 53, and Hubert Kraemer, 56, who were charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in death. The two other occupants of the home, Sarah Beth Travioli, 30, and Chad Kraemer, 33, were booked into the Vigo County Jail on charges of neglect of a dependent resulting in death, neglect of a dependent and failure to report child neglect. Officials say none of the suspects were biologically related to Cameron and all four are unemployed, reported the Tribune Star. According to a corner's preliminary findings, Hoopingarner's cause of death was severe malnutrition and the manner of death was ruled a homicide. Ewing, who has a nine-year-old child of his own, said that this is the worst case of neglect he has ever encountered in his 26-year career as a law enforcement officer and compared photos of the emaciated child to images of Holocaust victims at the Auschwitz death camp. Hubert and Robin Kraemer had been caring for Hoopingarner since he was three days old. The special-needs boy was bedridden and never attended school. Doting parents: While Cameron was bedridden and weighed just 15lbs, Travioli and Chad Kraemer's two children (pictured) appeared healthy and well-fed Both of the couple's kids, a 3-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl (pictured) are now in protective custody It makes me mad that somebody could do this to a child, let alone a child that has physical handicaps and is blind, who was given to a guardian to take care of, he told reporters. And this is how he gets treated? This is what he deserves? To be starved to death? What kind of animals are they? Chad Kraemer and Sarah Travioli's two children, a 5-year-old girl and a 3-year-old boy, who were found inside the home were taken into protective custody, reported the station WTHI-TV. In photos shared on the couples Facebook pages, both children appear healthy and well fed. The four suspects are each being held on $250,000 bond pending their preliminary court hearing scheduled for Thursday afternoon. An upstate New York zoo's livestream of a pregnant giraffe abruptly ended after activists complained that the video contained nudity and sexual content. Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville, New York, had placed a camera in the April the giraffe's pen as she prepared to give birth to her fourth calf. More than 20million people from all over the world tuned into the livestream on YouTube on Thursday morning. However, the stream suddenly ended shortly after 7am. April the giraffe, pictured during the live stream, is preparing to give birth to her fourth calf at Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville, New York The zoo's Facebook account posted shortly after the video was taken down: 'Upset Youtube has suspended the LIVE FEED for nudity & sexual content? LET THEM KNOW You can thank Animal Rights Extremists for this issue.' Zoo owner, Jordan Patch, took to Facebook and addressed the incident as an example 'of why we cannot have nice things.' Patch said the stream was pulled after 'animal rights extremists' reported the video for nudity and sexually explicit content. While he said 'it is OK' for activists to disagree with the zoo, he believed pulling the video threatened the education of conservationism. Many outraged users have left comments criticizing YouTube's decision to remove the video The zoologist said the removal of the video took an 'educational tool away' from millions of people (Pictured: Animal Adventure Park) 'Now what that has done is pull an educational tool away from tens and millions of individuals,' Patch said. 'Not only that but we're further harming the species of giraffes.' The Facebook video has been shared more than 13,000 times and many have criticized YouTube for pulling the educational stream. One outraged YouTube user commented: 'I will no longer be a fan of YouTube. The profanity, sexually explicit, offensive material you allow on YouTube, but are pressured by ignorant extremists to take down the birth of an animal? 'Are you kidding me? You are ridiculous as are the ones who pressured you to take down the live feed. This makes me sick...such a sad state of affairs.' Patch continued on to say that zoologists and animal rights activists are 'on the same team.' 'So instead of sitting behind a keyboard or holding up protest signs, I encourage animal rights activists to get behind conservation. 'We are all on the same team. We want the best for these animals and we would love to have them in their natural environment again some day.' he added. Thousands have commented on Animal Adventure park's video expressing their support for the livestream. One animal activist said: ' I boycott circuses, and some zoos. AAP is the most humane animal park I have been too. People need to be educated on what they're objecting to.' The livestream has been back up and running since 9.45 this morning. YouTube did not directly respond to the incident, but cited its community service guidelines highlighting that videos may be accidentally removed for the wrong reasons when they are flagged. A mother-of-four from Northern California and her boyfriend have been charged with murder in the strangulation death of the woman's two-year-old son. Rebecca Thomas, 34, and Taylor Montgomery-Gutzman, 23, were arrested in late November, more than a month after Kash Thomas died inside the couple's home in the Sacramento suburb of Citrus Heights. At around 5.30pm on October 13, 2016, police responded to the 8000 block of Auburn Boulevard for a report of the two-year-old boy not breathing. Efforts to revive Kash Thomas were unsuccessful and he was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Couple charged: Rebecca Thomas, 34 (left), and Taylor Montgomery-Gutzman (right), 23, of California, have been charged with murder in the strangulation death of the woman's 2-year-old son, Kash, who was found bruised and bleeding from his mouth in October Sacramento County Child Protective Services has said the toddler's cause of death was strangulation and he also had a second-degree burn, possibly caused by a cigarette, underneath his foot. Following a five-week investigation, which entailed numerous interviews and the gathering and examination of evidence in the case, police came to the conclusion that Kash did not die of natural causes. On November 23, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Rebecca Thomas and her live-in boyfriend, Montgomery-Gutzman, who were booked into the Sacramento County Jail on counts of murder and child endangerment. CPS files obtained this week by The Sacramento Bee through a Public Records Act request detail a history neglect of both Kash and his twin brother. The siblings were born prematurely at 32 weeks on Christmas Eve in 2014 and spent several months in the hospital undergoing treatment for multiple medical problems, including trouble swallowing and breathing. Just three days after Rebecca Thomas was allowed to take her twin boys home in April 2015, she was accused by CPS of failing to properly care for the newborns. At the time of their discharge from the hospital, Thomas was instructed to feed the babies using a special tube in a calm environment, but a nurse witnessed the mother bottle feeding one of her sons in the elevator. In the wake of that incident, all of Thomas four children were taken into protective custody and the mother was ordered to undergo counselling and enrol in parenting classes. The state returned the twins into Thomas' care in May 2016. Five months later, her son Kash was found dead. According to CPS files, paramedics who responded to the family's home in Citrus Heights last October found the toddler with bruises on the side of his face and bleeding from his mouth. Prosecutors have said that Thomas and her boyfriend assaulted the child with great force. The 34-year-old mother-of-four has vehemently denied harming her son, telling The Bee in a jailhouse interview last month that she was not guilty of the charges against her. 'I love my children,' she told the paper. The woman's history of interactions with CPS stretches back to at least 2009 and includes nine separate reports documenting alleged neglect and heroin use around her two older children, one of whom was eventually placed with other caregivers. In 2012, CPS learned that Rebecca Thomas had tested positive for marijuana while delivering a baby. According to documents, Thomas admitted to smoking marijuana throughout her pregnancy, allegedly to help her cope with nausea, and also tested positive for methamphetamine, opiates and methadone seven months before giving birth. The whereabouts of Thomas' surviving twin boy are unknown at this time, but a woman from Iowa who identified herself as the boy's purported grandmother told the paper that her 21-year-old son was hoping to gain custody of the toddler, even though there are still lingering questions about his paternity. This is the dramatic moment a traumatised horse is pulled from a septic tank after becoming trapped. The five-year-old Clydesdale had fallen into a sewage pit on a hot, summer day and could not get out. Only the male's head and right front leg poke out from the pit as he remains chest-deep in human waste. Scroll down for video An State Emergency Service volunteer wrapped a towel around the horse's eyes The gelding had fallen into the septic tank and had human waste up to its chest Four State Emergency Service volunteers are called to scene at Grose Vale, in outer Sydney Four State Emergency Service volunteers were called to the scene at Grose Vale, on Sydney's north-western outskirts, to rescue the male gelding. A towel is wrapped around its eyes before ropes are attached to its body. Video footage shows emergency crews using a bridle to direct it from the pit in the ground. A green plastic mat wrapped around the horse's body is also used to haul the animal out with ropes. After several attempts, the horse is hoisted out and put on another plastic mat. 'Good boy,' a man said after the sewage-covered horse was rescued. With a few moments, it is standing on all four legs. A green plastic mat is wrapped around the horse as rescuers pull it from the septic tank The SES rescuers take several attempts to pull this horse from the very smelly pit With the use of a bridal - a rope around the horse's head - the animal is freed from the tank The horse is able to stand on its back legs after being pulled from the septic tank The horse manages to stand full upright after its dramatic rescue on the Sydney property Shocking footage has been released from inside the prison where Islamic State held and tortured dozens of women. Female prisoners were kept in cells just three feet wide, which were so cramped they could barely stretch out their arms. Turkish forces stormed the prison in the Syrian town of Al-Bab and freed the terrified women who were being held there. Turkish forces have released footage from inside the inhumane prison where women were kept as sex slaves, after they stormed the jail in the Syrian town of Al-Bab The women had been captured and kept as sex slaves, housed like animals in the tiny windowless cells behind huge steel doors. The women endured inhumane conditions, as the militants forced them to live in darkness and regularly subjected to torture, rape, and beatings. Soldiers fighting as part of Turkey's military intervention in Syria, code-named Operation Euphrates Shield, seized control of the jail, liberating the women inside. The Turkish army released footage from inside the prison, exposing the terrible conditions the women were forced to live in. Meanwhile, a former Islamic State prisoner has photographed himself returning to the cell where he was held captive by Daesh brutes for several months. While detained in his tiny cell, the Syrian man wrote a poem on the wall. The female captives were housed like animals, kept in the tiny windowless cells behind huge steel doors The women had been captured and kept as sex slaves by Islamic State brutes The town of Al-Bab, in Aleppo province, lies close to Syria's border with Turkey and Turkish forces have been battling to drive militants away. The Turkish army said 56 Islamic State militants had been killed in the town yesterday by Turkish forces and US-led coalition air strikes. A spokesman said 11 of the jihadists had been killed in air strikes by coalition forces, while the rest were killed in artillery fire and skirmishes on the ground. Turkey also said it had taken control of residential areas of Al-Bab after taking out Islamic State targets including vehicles and buildings. A former Islamic State prisoner took this photo as he returned to the cell where he was once held captive by Daesh brutes for several months. During his time held captive, he wrote this poem on the wall Turkish defence minister Fikri Isik said the forces were continuing sweeping the area for remaining insurgents, adding that the town, just 15 miles from the Turkish border, would soon be totally cleared of the extremists. 'Al-Bab is almost totally taken under control and (the forces) have entered the center,' Isik said. 'We will be able to say that al-Bab is fully cleared of Daesh once the sweeping activity is concluded.' The town was the last IS stronghold in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo, and taking back control of Al-Bab is key to wiping out the militant group from its stronghold of Raqqa, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said. Unfortunate reporters were forced out of the comfort of the studio and battered by rain, wind and waves as they reported on the 90mph gales hitting Britain. The BBC's Alison Freeman felt the full force of Storm Doris as she was lashed by rain when bosses sent her to Blackpool seafront. Vicious winds whipped up the sea as Ms Freeman desperately tried to talk about the storm while her sound cut out. Alison Freeman felt the full force of Storm Doris as she was lashed by rain when bosses sent her to Blackpool seafront this afternoon Viewers could just make out her saying that she had been in Blackpool since 'five o'clock this morning' as the camera and microphone were clobbered by the gale. Struggling to stand, the freezing reporter gave up trying to keep her wet hair out of her face during the 90 second broadcast. Confused viewers were left questioning why she was sent outside to be 'tortured'. Jo asked why ITV and BBC were both 'torturing' reporters by forcing them to report from outside during the storm Damon Green appeared to almost be swept away when ITV stationed him on the waterfront in Wallasey, Merseyside Barry Steel tweeted: 'Why oh why oh why have you a reporter standing out in the storm on Blackpool Seafront? We know what a storm looks like! Get her in!' Another viewer added: 'Why r u torturing reporters asking them to report from Blackpool's seafront??? It's stormy - I'v got it!' Others weren't too surprised to see the journalist braving the elements, describing the report as 'a tradition'. Martin Tooth said: 'No weather story is ever complete without a beleaguered TV reporter battling the elements. Well done.' Barry Steel tweeted the BBC asking: 'Why oh why oh why have you a reporter standing out in the storm on Blackpool Seafront? We know what a storm looks like! Get her in!' Others weren't too surprised to see the journalist braving the elements, describing the report as 'a tradition' The BBC weren't the only broadcaster forcing reporters outside to prove just how wet and windy it really was Another tweeter added: 'Love that the BBC has sent a reporter to stand on Blackpool seafront in the storm.' The BBC weren't the only broadcaster dispatching reporters to outside locations to prove just how wet and windy it really was. Damon Green appeared to almost be swept away when ITV stationed him on the waterfront in Wallasey. While Good Morning Britain's Juliet Dunlop could not remove her hood from her face as she was battered by wind and rain in the early hours of the morning in Blackpool. Doris gathered pace over Britain this morning, with gusts of 94mph recorded at Capel Curig in North West Wales and 56,000 homes without power in the Republic of Ireland. The storm claimed its first victim after a woman was struck by a flying piece of debris on a busy high street in Wolverhampton. Meanwhile two pensioners aged 70 and 80 were fighting for their lives in hospital after suffering neck injuries when a tree crashed onto their car while driving near Church Stretton in Shropshire this morning. Dozens of flights from Heathrow Airport were cancelled and all services out of London Euston were stopped. Speed restrictions were imposed on train lines for safety as the storm damaged buildings and roads. Rory McWhirter, pictured, 29, faces jail after admitting a fraud scam in which he registered 26 fake birth certificates to claim benefits An identity thief who registered 26 fake births in a 35,000 benefits scam was caught out when police tracked his flash BMW. Rory McWhirter - director of property firm Capital Residential Ltd - travelled across Scotland to register the fictitious home births as part of the complex fraud. The 29-year-old concocted the complicated scheme while living with his girlfriend in Dundee. Dundee Sheriff Court heard McWhirter duped people into applying for fake jobs at a Glasgow hotel through an ad on Gumtree - then used their details to get their marriage certificates, before using them to register the 'births'. In total he claimed tax credits amounting to 14,222.48, child benefits of 19,658.70 and a Sure Start maternity grant of 500 - a total of 34,381.18. McWhirter, from Edinburgh, was only caught after returning to the scene of one of his earlier false registrations in Aberdeen, where he was recognised by staff. Police were then able to track him down due to his BMW Z4 convertible car which he used to travel between offices. Around the same time, an 'organised attack' on HMRC's computer systems - which showed around 350 tax credit application form requests had been received from addresses in Dundee and Campbelltown linked to McWhirter - triggered other alarms. McWhirter presented letters to registrars at various offices throughout Scotland purporting to be from doctors confirming the births of children at home as well as marriage certificates in the names of 10 separate people who he claimed were the parents. During the meetings he acted as if he was the male named on the marriage certificate while registering the birth, the court was told. Fiscal depute Vicki Bell said he even told the Dundee Registrar he was having problems setting up the 'home birthing pool' in his living room. But in May 2015 in Aberdeen he registered two children's names and the following day at the same office he attempted to buy a copy of a marriage certificate for his brother Lockhart Brown, claiming his name was Luke Brown. The registrar recognised him and heard him provide this different name. McWhirter, who lived at this property in Edinburgh, was only caught when he was recognised by staff at the registry office in Aberdeen Miss Bell said: 'Four of the names used as claimants were traced and they advised they didn't make the claims. 'They had all, however, applied for the same job for front of house staff at a four star hotel in Glasgow advertised on Gumtree on March 2015. 'The ad required a CV and a national insurance number. 'It transpired their details had been used to fraudulently claimed tax credits. HAVE YOU BEEN AFFECTED BY THIS SCAM? Email our reporter Anthony Joseph at anthony.joseph@mailonline.co.uk or call 0203 615 1875 Advertisement 'It was then discovered that 14 claims for tax credits had been made by persons residing in Perth Road, Dundee, and in Campbeltown at flats related to the accused's company. 'In total the accused registered 22 false births for 26 children. 'During one he referred to problems with a home birthing pool and said his wife was a paediatric doctor. 'When he attended at Edinburgh registrars in June 2015 to register a birth he was seen using a silver or grey BMW car with a private plate. 'The motor car referred to led police to an address in Perth Road, Dundee, where the former co-accused opened the door. 'He provided full admissions stating he was in severe financial difficulty and needed money. McWhirter, pictured, got identity details from others by encouraging them to send in applications for fake jobs, before using the information to register the fake home births Police were then able to track him down due to his BMW Z4 convertible car (file photo) which he used to travel between offices 'He stated he considered the registration system in Scotland to be archaic and easy to create false registrations. 'His purpose had been to claim benefits pertaining to the child. 'During the search a large quantity of bank cards, computer equipment and approximately 50 birth certificates from the Republic of Ireland and documentation relating to claiming benefits were seized.' In Scotland a birth can be registered with a doctor's letter, compared to the rest of the UK where an NHS card number is provided for registration. McWhirter pleaded guilty on indictment to a charge of fraud committed between June 1, 2014 and October 22, 2015 at addresses across Scotland. McWhirter's solicitor John McLeod told the court his client was pleading guilty to the offence and was under no illusion that imprisonment was likely to be 'at the top of the list'. Sheriff Carmichael granted bail and called for social work background reports. Sentence was deferred until March 21. Have you been affected by this scam? Email anthony.joseph@mailonline.co.uk or call 0203 615 1875 A white supremacist who said Adolf Hitler was 'God', posed with a rifle in front of a Nazi flag and had a huge swastika tattooed on his chest has been jailed for five years today. 'Racist, homophobe and religious bigot' Sean Creighton, 45, worshipped the German fascist leader and posted an image of Hitler with the message 'kill the Muslims' online, Kingston Crown Court heard. The other tattoo on his chest next to his swastika is a Celtic cross with the number 1488 - the 14 refers to the 14 words the Ku Klux Klan live by: 'We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children. The 88 is code for Heil Hitler because H is the 8th letter of the alphabet. Today he admitted a terrorism offence linked to a series of explosives 'recipes' on his laptop and instructions on 'how to kill someone with a knife'. He also pleaded guilty to six counts of publishing or distributing written material likely to stir up hatred, which included putting up racist stickers and posters near his house and hundreds of 'repugnant' social media messages. One said: 'You will never catch me shedding a tear for a n****r, Jew, commie or queer.' 'Racist, homophobe and religious bigot' Sean Creighton, 45, left, who believed Adolf Hitler was 'God and had a huge swastika tattooed on his chest, right, has been jailed for a terror offence and stirring up racial hatred The extremist used Russian social network VK because it allowed him to 'post what he liked' after Facebook, which he called 'Jewbook,' blocked him more than 300 times, the court heard. He even put Combat 18-branded stickers with the words 'sink the refugee boats' on to a road sign near his home. Jailing him Judge Peter Lodder QC, told him: 'The repugnant and despicable opinions you have expressed and the material you have gathered have no place in a civilised and democratic society. Shocking: The National Front member posted Combat 18-branded stickers with the words 'sink the refugee boats' on to a road sign near his home 'You are a racist, a homophobe and a religious bigot. You are a blind devotee of Adolf Hitler and an active supporter of extremist groups including National Action, Blood and Honour, Combat 18 and the Aryan Terror Brigades and a member of the National Front. 'For 18 months up to June 2016, you used VK to spread your messages of hatred to any group that did not conform with your own narrow bigoted beliefs. 'Your 692 friends followed your profile and viewed your postings. They show a range of racial, religious and homophobic material. 'Your intention was to incite and reinforce extremist views with similar views. 'On June 29 2016, police searched your home. They found two National Front flags, two Blood and Honour flags and a National Front membership card. 'They also found stickers with the Combat 18 death's head logo which read 'sink the refugee boats,' which you had placed prominently in your area.' Judge Lodder also noted that the White Resistance Manual's express intention was to 'exacerbate existing racial tensions' and 'punish those whites who have committed treasonous acts against their own people.' Creighton, a father-of-three who lived with his parents in Enfield, north London and spend hours alone in his bedroom following fascist sites and posting hate filled messages. Jonathan Sandiford, prosecuting, said: 'He is a member of the National Front, he was enthralled by Nazism and Adolf Hitler and described him as his god.' Online profiles showed links to various groups including National Action, Combat 18, Blood and Honour, the Aryan Strike Force and the Aryan Terror Brigades. Creighton used two VK profiles: one in his own name and one called Odin's Wolf to 'manifest those beliefs and target races, religions and persons of a different sexual orientation.' Abusive: The extremist used Russian social network VK because it allowed him to 'post what he liked' after Facebook, which he called 'Jewbook,' blocked him more than 300 times, the court heard His VK profile also gave his mobile number as '1488.' The 14 refers to David Lane's infamous 14-word affirmation of white supremacy: 'We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children.' The 88 corresponds to 'Heil Hitler', H being the eighth letter of the alphabet. The 'White Resistance Manual was found on his Acer laptop when he was arrested on 16 June, contained 'viable recipes' for making explosives. The manual also gave advice on 'how to kill someone with a knife, either by severing arteries in the neck or kidney area to cause maximum damage.' One image posted by Creighton on 29 January 2016 showed 'a number of trees, from each of which is hung one or more Jewish people with the word 'Jew' placed upon them by way of a sign.' It also featured a cartoon image of Hitler and another man dressed in Bavarian clothes, 'cheerfully singing,' Mr Sandiford said. Another post on 3 June 2016 showed the caption 'no more f**king mosques' superimposed over the cross of St George and the death's head insignia of Combat 18. A photo posted on VK, not relating to any of the charges, showed Creighton posing bare-chested in front of Combat 18 death's head flag. It showed his large swastika tattoo on his left breast and a Celtic cross with 1488 in the middle on his right breast. Whilst on bail, Creighton made posts on social media calling the police 'Mickey Mouse' as they had failed to find his firearm. When his home was searched, boxes of racist stickers were found and he told police he had been pasting up National Front posters in an alleyway close to his house. In interview, Creighton told police he attended his first National Front demo when he was 16. He also expressed admiration for British Union of Fascists leader Oswald Mosley and Conservative MP Enoch Powell, known for his notorious 1968 'Rivers of Blood' speech. Creighton said: 'The only people I've had round to talk to are the nationalists. The more I've been around them, the more hatred I've had in me.' Katy Thorne, representing Creighton, said he was 'ashamed' of his 'mindless repostings' which were the result of 'his isolation and his retreat from society. 'He is spending all this time effectively locked in his bedroom on the internet. 'He admitted his views are odious and horrific to the vast majority of society.' Ms Thorne said: 'One of his offspring is mixed-race. Various parts of his life are challenging his preconceptions.' She said he 'seems to be malleable and it might be possible for him to get his way out of this way of thinking with some help.' Ms Thorne added Creighton expressed a desire in interview to remove his racist tattoos and had expressed 'heartfelt condemnation' of Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox's murder last June. Creighton, of Enfield, north London, admitted six counts of publishing or distributing written material likely to stir up hatred, one count of possession of racially inflammatory material and one count of collection of information likely to be useful to a person committing an act of terrorism. He was sentenced to five years in prison and made subject to a notification order for 15 years. Judge Lodder also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the offensive material and Creighton's laptop. Sue Hemming, of the CPS, said: 'Sean Creighton's crimes are indicative of a man who thought that his online anonymity meant that he could get away with stirring up hatred of all kinds. 'Those who seek to stir up hatred between communities, particularly where that hatred is combined with dangerous terrorist ideologies, should understand they will be prosecuted.' Commander Dean Haydon, of the Counter Terrorism Command, said: 'We are as committed to apprehending and prosecuting far right extremists who commit terrorist offences and promote hatred as we are those who support and promote ISIS. Both are intent on destroying communities and pose a real risk if they are allowed to continue.' TIM ROGERS Sandinistas celebrating in front of a Christmas tree in downtown Managua, Nicaragua. In most parts of the world, including the North Pole, Christmas comes but once a year. But in the Nicaraguan capital of Managua, the Christmas trees along the downtown streets are lit festively every night of the year even in July. The nightly ritual of lighting the trees (in this case, metal poles decorated with strings of lights and various other ornaments) serves as an eternal celebration of the Sandinista government's victory over the energy deficit inherited from the previous administration, at least according to Omar Cabezas, the ombudsman for the administration of President Daniel Ortega. To make that point even clearer, each tree is now topped with an illuminated "30" to mark the 30th anniversary of the victory of The Sandinista National Liberation Front over the repressive U.S.-backed Somoza dynasty. Nicaragua's continual Christmas theme is also appropriate because President Ortega governs Nicaragua a bit like Santa Claus. Not because he is jolly or has a tummy like a bowl full of jelly (Ortega is very serious and has kept in remarkably good shape for a 63-year-old), but because the Sandinista boss uses gifts to keep people in line, and always double checks his list of who's naughty and who's nice. (Check out a story on Nicaragua's vampire problem. ) The role of Mrs. Claus is played by First Lady Rosario Murillo, who doesn't waste much time knitting stocking caps, but is terribly efficient at keeping the elves in line while Santa naps. Most Sandinistas know the best way to avoid the proverbial lump of coal in their stockings is to stay on Murillo's "nice list," which is more exclusive than her husband's. As the head of government propaganda, Murillo is also the one in charge of the Christmas decorations. (Read a story about the Ortega sex scandal.) For some, it's a bit too much. Gonzalo Carrion, of the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights, is a bit of a Grinch when it comes to the Christmas trees. He says the thousands of light bulbs burning brightly each night are an offense to the thousands of impoverished Nicaraguans Sandinistas included who can't afford to light their own homes. "There is a lack of ethics in all this," he said. "The Christmas trees don't project the image of a humble party of the poor." The continual Christmas celebration is also symptomatic of a country "full of poets and surrealism," Carrion says. Sandinista lawmaker and union boss Gustavo Porras has no patience for such naysayers. "We are in the second phase of the revolution," he says, "and we are fighting the same enemies as always the oligarchy and the gringos." Porras, an Ortega loyalist, is a main architect in the government's constant mobilization and celebration. He insists the streets of Nicaragua belong to the Sandinistas, and must be claimed and occupied in whatever form through protests, celebrations or tree-decorating parties. Critics claim the Sandinistas' continued faux holiday cheer whether it be waving flags around the Christmas trees in traffic circles, or throwing rocks at the opposition epitomizes the ruling party's intolerance and fear. Sandinistas, however, claim it's democracy in action. "In Paris, if you get a million people in the streets it's called French democracy; but here if we put 10,000 Sandinistas in the streets it's viewed as violence or aggression," lamented presidential advisor Orlando Nunez.The Sandinistas insist the trees and everything else they do is a celebration of a historic moment in time, the Sandinista victory that represents the birth of eternal hope, just like Christmas. Except every day. An undocumented immigrant with a brain tumor has been removed from hospital and taken to a detention center where she faces deportation. Sara Beltran-Hernandez, 26, from El Salvador, was taken from the Huguley Hospital in Fort Worth to the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, on Wednesday evening. She had been hospitalized after collapsing at the detention center earlier this month and was told she needed surgery. Sara Beltran-Hernandez, 26, from El Salvador, was removed from Huguley Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, (pictured) after being diagnosed with brain tumor But her relatives found out she had been removed from the hospital after she called from the detention center. Melissa Zuniga, who is part of Beltran-Hernandez's team, said the situation is a 'nightmare'. She told the New York Daily News: 'They had her tied up from hands and ankles. 'She was brought in a wheelchair and is not being given treatment even though her nose continues to bleed and she has told them her head is exploding.' She added: 'We just want her out of there. I fear we may be too late.' Beltran-Hernandez's legal team said on Tuesday that her lawyers and family had been denied most contact with her, as well as information about her medical condition. She was hospitalized after collapsing at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, earlier this month and was told she needed surgery. However, she was taken back to the detention facility on Wednesday evening Zungia said another detained asylum seeker had called the family the day after she collapsed in the detention facility to let them know what happened. She said said she located Beltran-Hernandez at Texas Health Huguley Hospital outside Fort Worth a few days after she was admitted. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said earlier this week: 'Requests by family members to visit ICE detainees who have been hospitalized are permitted but must be approved in advance with ICE and the appropriate consulate.' Beltran-Hernandez was detained after illegally crossing the border into the US in November 2015. A judge ordered her deportation in January because she missed the deadline to file for asylum, the Daily Beast reported. A spokesperson for Immigration and Customs Enforcement said they had been in touch with Beltran-Hernandez's family regarding the process of obtaining approval to visit her at the detention center. The nine Iraqi men on trial for brutally gang-raping a German tourist on New Year's Eve will not be deported from Austria even if they are found guilty - in case they are executed when they return to their home country. The nine asylum seekers, who are all from the same family, have gone on trial in the Austrian capital Vienna accused of the New Year's Eve 2015 gang rape of a 28-year-old German teacher. According to Austrian media, the men, who will learn whether they have been convicted on March 2, will be allowed to stay in the country even if they are found guilty. Austria will not deport them back to their home country because the death penalty was reintroduced in Iraq in 2004. Austrian authorities generally oppose any such extradition to countries with capital punishment. Austrian extradition law reads: 'Extradition for prosecution of an offence subject to capital punishment under the laws of the requesting country is permissible only if it can be guaranteed that the death penalty will not be imposed.' Police escort suspected ringleader Alaa Al-J. to court to face trial for rape At the opening of the trial on Tuesday the court heard how the woman, identified only as Sabine K., was 'blind drunk' when she went with the men to an apartment. Most of the men deny the charges but DNA from six of them was found in or on her body. Prosecutors charged the Iraqi men with 'abuse of a defenceless person and rape in a very humiliating and agonising way for the victim.' The court heard how the victim arrived in Vienna on December 28 2015 to spend the New Year with a female friend in the city. Shortly before midnight on December 31 they wandered into the city centre to join milling crowds celebrating the arrival of 2016 and at 2am were seen drinking in a bar-restaurant called Cactus. Shortly before 3am Sabine's friend noticed she was no longer there and was told by another patron that the men she had been talking with had 'taken her away.' One of the suspects, Sabah Al-J., is brought into the courtroom in handcuffs The defendants, aged between 22 and 45, all arrived in Austria between May and December 2015 via the Balkan route. At the time of the attack, five of them had cemented their right to stay, the applications of the other four were still pending. Judge Petra Poschalko heard how the woman was taken by four of them to an apartment in Vienna's Rustenschacher Allee, where five other men were waiting. Sabine later said she found herself naked on a double bed being assaulted by the men one after the other. Her lawyer Karina Fehringer. told the court that she was assaulted in the dark so she could not identify the men. After the attacks, which went on for several hours, the victim needed in-patient treatment at a trauma clinic and now is under psychiatric care for post traumatic stress disorder. She had another breakdown at the weekend and was too fragile to be in court to face her attackers. Only one man, Mohamed Al-A., 31, admitted his role in the rapes and he sobbed in court as he said he was 'really drunk' on vodka at the time. One of the accused, Mohammed Al T., has a hood covering his face and looks to the ground as he is led in to court His Muslim faith may forbid him to drink alcoholic beverages, but on New Year's Eve he said he made an exception and drank vodka. 'I was really drunk,' he said, and he further admitted; 'this act is a crime in Iraq.' He was with co-defendants Nazar Al-J., Mohammed Al-T. und Alaa Al-J. in the Cactus bar, and the four men are alleged to have taken the victim back to the apartment. The other defendants - Hader Al-A., Mustafa Al-J., Nael Al-J., Marwan Al-J. und Sabah Al-J. - lay in wait for her there, the court was told. Medical experts testified she was raped multiple times and sodomised. The victim said she yelled at them, in German: 'No, I don't want this.' Then in English: 'Listen to me, just a little bit.' Her attackers conversed only in Arabic. Alaa Al-J. was said to be the rape ringleader. After it was over Mohammed Al-. escorted her to a toilet in the flat where he took a selfie with her on his mobile phone. Another suspect, Marwan Al-J, holds his hands to his face as he is led into court in handcuffs Later he and Alaa Al-J. escorted her to a nearby tram stop where they tried to stem her sobbing by saying in English: 'Don't cry.' After she went to police, a tracking app on her mobile phone led officers to the rape scene. The app showed that her ordeal lasted from 4.20am to 6.20am on January 1 2016. The court heard that with the exception of the man who confessed, none of the others have shown remorse. Several denied rape even in the face of the DNA evidence. One man claimed that the woman had been 'offered' to them by relatives: another that she was a willing participant in whatever took place. Judge Poaschalko seemed visibly angered at the shifts in their stories throught Tuesday's hearing. The court resumes again on Thursday and sentencing will be handed down on March 6. She has warned them they face up to 15 years each in jail. Advertisement Fascinating photographs have emerged documenting the failed attempts of soldiers to escape from German prisoner of war camps. The black and white images from the First World War show tunnels exposed by German officers - and prisoners after they were re-captured. Digging tools confiscated from captives can also be seen along with documentation of the high security precautions guards took. The not-so great escapes: An exposed tunnel is pictured at a prisoner of war camp in Holzminden, central Germany, after its discovery during the First World War (left). Historical images also show guarded electric fences between Belgium and Holland (right) Uncovered: The pictures also show prisoners after being recaptured and some of the digging tools that were confiscated Going underground: One image, taken at an unknown German prisoner of war camp shows a tunnel that came to the surface too early Historical images show guarded electric fences between Belgium and Holland and a room full of soldiers who were recaptured after an unsuccessful escape bid. The images have been released in the book Prisoners and Escape WW1: Those Who Were There which has been edited by Rachel Bilton and published by Pen & Sword. Each of the 11 chapters of the book have been written by prisoners who were there. When possible, the book tells where each man featured was before and after the war. Prisoners throughout the war dug tunnels, faked mental illness and even learned enemy strategy in attempts to escape prison camps. Some were successful, but many were not. 'The book looks at the escapes of a number of men, other ranks and officers from their imprisonment to their eventual freedom,' said Rachel. 'Tunnels were popular because they could be completed under the noses of the Germans and apart from digging equipment, nothing else was needed. High risk: A rope ladder is shown leading down to a tunnel hidden in a disused building. The images are featured in a new book about First World War escape bids Back to square one: A group of prisoners of war who attempted and failed to escape from a camp at Holzminden. Some of them have been identified by their surnames (from left to right) - Churchill, Lyon, Clouston, Robertson, Sharp, Bennet and Matlock 'Each camp would also contain a number of captive engineers so the skills for tunnelling were readily available, a tunnel also took them out of the camp without being seen. 'In the initial stages, when the war was fluid men were taken prisoner one day and the next were back in Allied lines fighting again. 'However, French officer Henri Giraud escaped in October 1914, having only been caught in August 1914 and he also managed to escape in World War Two. 'Gunther Pluschow escaped from a POW camp in Donnington Park, Leicestershire, England in July 1915 and returned to Germany, a mere two months after he'd been first captured. While prisoners of war were attempting to dig their way out of camps, the accommodation provided for officers was far more comfortable. A communal living space at one unnamed camp is pictured above Conditions in other ranks barracks were never comfortable but a stove like this in the summer could be a useful starting point for a tunnel In Germany during WW1 there were approximately 313,400 escapes counted and 67,565 of these succeeded. Captured escapees were sent back to camps and punished. The cavalry barracks of one camp is pictured above 'This was the only successful escape from Britain in either of the world wars.' In Germany during WW1 there were approximately 313,400 escapes counted and 67,565 of these succeeded. Captured escapees were sent back to camps and punished. 'Tens of thousands tried to escape but most were caught with only a few hundred actually making it back to Britain,' added Rachel. 'What I think is important to note is that the book documents stories of females who escaped often female efforts in the war get pushed to the side-line and yet their heroism and bravery was equal to many of the males. The most successful escape from a German camp took place in July 1918 at Holzminden officers' prisoner-of-war camp in Germany, when 75 officers attempted to make a break for freedom. Of the 75, 29 made it to the outside world. Nineteen were then recaptured, leaving just ten men heading for freedom. Neil Acourt (pictured) has admitted being part of a drugs gang but said his involvement was limited to counting cash One of the suspected killers of Stephen Lawrence has admitted being part of a multi-million pound drugs gang but denied he lived a life of luxury with the racket's ill-gotten cash. Neil Acourt, 41, said he simply counted cash for the gang, which distributed cannabis from the south east to the north east of England. Acourt, who changed his name by deed poll to Neil Stuart, is accused of leading the operation - but he denies this and also refuses to 'grass up' any of his associates. He was charged with the 1993 murder of Lawrence, but was never convicted. The 18-year-old, who wanted to become an architect, was stabbed to death in a high-profile racist attack in Eltham, south east London, on April 22, 1993. Gary Dobson and David Norris were jailed for life in January 2012 for murdering him, following a DNA breakthrough. Acourt and his father-in-law, Jack Vose, admitted being involved in their drugs racket along with others between 2014 and 2016. Lee Birks, 55, Paul Beavers, 48, Daniel Thompson, 27, and James Botton, 44, also admitted being part of the conspiracy. But today Acourt claimed he was not a ringleader of the enterprise, but merely helped count bundles of cash - up to 40,000 - before passing it on. The father-of-one refused to name others involved who have not yet been arrested, saying: 'You don't need to be known as a grass, because you are in a lot more danger.' Kingston Crown Court heard police recovered cannabis plants from his loft after his arrest last year, which he claimed were for personal use. A Newton hearing was held before he was sentenced to determine the scale of his role. Giving evidence, Acourt said he became involved after his childhood friend Botton told him he was working as a money courier, bringing cash down from the North East. Acourt, who worked cash-in-hand as a painter and decorator, and described his standard of living as 'mediocre', said he wanted to earn some extra money. Acourt (left, in 1999) was charged with the 1993 murder of 18-year-old Stephen Lawrence (right), but was never convicted He claimed to have received between ten and 15 packages of money, with the smallest amount being 7,000 and the largest 40,000. Acourt would pocket two-and-a-half per cent for each package, averaging around 500. He said he was responsible for paying the mortgage on the two-bed bungalow in Eltham, south east London, where he had lived for seven or eight years with his partner, 39, and their five-year-old daughter. The semi-detached house was owned by his partner's mother, the court heard. Explaining why the cannabis plants were in his home, he said: 'Just for personal use, so I didn't have to pay for it. I never had to pay for it. I could just get it for free.' He said it was 'a lot, lot cheaper', adding: 'It is very expensive to be honest.' Jonas Milner, defending, asked him: 'How do you describe your standard of living?' Bald Acourt, wearing a navy blue Nike jumper, trainers and blue trousers, said: 'Average, sort of mediocre. Not the best, to be honest. I would say it was nicely decorated and painted.' Asked if his house was expensive, he said: 'Not at all.' His barrister asked: 'Do you live in luxury?' Acourt replied: 'No.' He added: 'I was working, doing lots of different work, all building related. I was doing a lot of painting and decorating. Just from friends and contacts I have built up over the years.' The Daily Mail went to the extraordinary lengths of naming all five of the gang beneath the headline MURDERERS in 1997 He said the most he earned in a month was 3,000, while his partner brought in about 250 a month from cleaning work, while also training as a hairdresser. Questioned if their combined income was sufficient, he said: 'Sometimes, yes.' They would also spend money on households bills, his daughter's kindergarten which cost 10 a time, his gym membership and mobile phone contract. The family also went on an all-inclusive holiday to Menorca in 2014, which cost 2,000 for ten days, and which they paid in instalments. Asked to explain why he became involved in the conspiracy, Acourt said: 'The simple fact of the matter is I needed the money.' He denied owning the drugs, and denounced suggestions he was funnelling away proceeds from the conspiracy as 'totally ridiculous, no chance'. Acourt also said there were other people higher up the chain who still had not been arrested. Mr Milner asked: 'Are you prepared to name those individuals?' Acourt said: 'No. I am already in prison at the moment, it wouldn't be a wise thing to do.' He said Botton told him he was collecting the cash from South Shields, in the north east so Acourt asked if he could get involved. Describing the conspiracy, Acourt said: 'People would go up to the north and collect cash and come down to me. I would receive the money, organise and count the money, and pass it on to those above me. 'I knew it was for cannabis.' The cash, delivered in carrier bags, would come irregularly, sometimes with big gaps in between, he claimed. Acourt said he wore gloves while counting the bundles of 5, 10 and 20 notes, claiming he 'didn't want my finger prints on the money'. He would be told a rough figure of how much was in the packages, and after counting it twice, would make a note of how much was actually there. Questioned where he would deliver it, he said: 'Normally on the way to the gym, or a local dead end street somewhere. I liked to do it on foot, to be honest.' It's not like in Hollywood, when someone pulls up a large brief case of cash. It slowly comes down bit by bit. Neil Acourt When he was arrested, 200 cash was found in his wardrobe. Acourt held one bank account, and owned no property abroad or in the UK, the court was told. Under cross examination, Acourt denied knowing who was taking the drugs up to the North East, and said it took months for all the money to travel back. Acourt said: 'It's not like in Hollywood, when someone pulls up a large brief case of cash. It slowly comes down bit by bit.' Vose was caught with 100kg of cannabis resin in his van last February. Acourt said: 'I wasn't happy about it, to be honest. All he normally does is collect cash. One time he took drugs and it just so happens he gets arrested. I am very surprised and I am angry too.' John McGuinness QC, prosecuting, said: 'The evidence you have given to court this morning is a lie. You were at the top - the organiser.' Acourt denied this, and said: 'I am just a working guy with a family, a normal working guy.' Acourt, from Eltham, Botton, from Greenwich, Vose, from Bexley, Birks, from Orpington, Darren Woods, from Mottingham, all south east London, Beavers from Newcastle and Thompson, from South Shields all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class B drugs. The sentencing hearing continues. Artist's impression of Paul Edmunds, who denies conspiracy to supply firearms An antiques firearms dealer used his 'encyclopaedic knowledge' of legislation to import hundreds of weapons which he supplied to the criminal underworld, a court has heard. Guns and ammunition said to have been supplied by Paul Edmunds were used in two murders and more than 90 shootings in Britain. The 65-year-old is accused of making bullets which were discovered at fatal shootings and the targeting of a police helicopter during the riots in 2011. Edmunds used his knowledge of firearms law to import weapons from the USA between 2009 and 2015. Jurors at Birmingham Crown Court were told he made tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition for the handguns in three armouries at his Gloucestershire home. He then supplied some of the weapons and ammo to gang members in the West Midlands 'almost upon demand'. On Thursday, Edmunds, from Hardwicke, Gloucestershire, went on trial accused of conspiracy to supply firearms and ammunition. He also faces two other firearms charges and two counts of perverting the course of justice, which he denies. He was arrested at his home in Hardwicke, Gloucestershire, in July 2015 after a National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS) inquiry codenamed Gold Dust. NABIS noticed an increasing number of pre-war handguns at crime scenes and managed to arrest and convict an organised crime gang involved in supplying the firearms with the specially-made ammunition. Experts at NABIS realised tool markings on the ammunition matched those they had recovered over several years and collated as 'Operation Gold Dust'. Opening the prosecution case, Andrew Fisher QC said further enquiries then led them to Edmunds, who made the ammunition in his garage, attic and bedroom. Mr Fisher told Birmingham Crown Court that a crime gang had managed to evade the ban in force on handguns since 1997 by sourcing 'antique' weapons, which are not prohibited, and specially made ammunition. The QC told jurors: 'This exemption has been taken advantage of by one criminal gang in particular, here in the West Midlands, who have sourced a large quantity of these guns and specially made ammunition. 'The going rate for a gun with a supply of bullets would appear to be about 3,000 - the supply of these guns is run as a business and is well-known within the criminal fraternity.' Paul Edmunds faces a five week trial at Birmingham Crown Court as he denies the string of firearms offences and perverting the course of justice He added: 'The firearms experts at NABIS had noticed that since 2009, particularly in the Midlands, an increasing number of the police recoveries were of pre-war handguns for which there was no commercially available ammunition. 'Most of these recoveries included specially-made ammunition for these guns and upon examination that much of this ammunition had been manufactured using the same equipment. 'Microscopic examination enabled them to see tell-tale tool markings on the ammunition, rather like fingerprints, which all matched. 'Thus it appeared to them that the same person or manufacturer was supplying all the specially-made or adapted ammunition recovered from over 90 different crime scenes around the country. 'Mr Edmunds is a licensed or registered firearms dealer who is permitted to possess handguns as well as rifles and shotguns. 'Plainly he has an expertise and almost encyclopaedic knowledge of guns and ammunition. 'He has used his knowledge and status as a registered firearms dealer to get round the legislation controlling firearms and it has now become clear has been supplying guns and ammunition wholly unlawfully for many years.' The court heard police discovered tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition and tools for making bullets for almost any and every calibre of gun at Edmunds' home. Mr Fisher said: 'His premises were then searched and numerous guns were recovered, some of which were properly held under the terms of his dealer's licence but others of which were not. 'As to ammunition, his home contained in effect three separate armouries. 'The principle one was in his garage and this was the only one known to and inspected by the authorities. 'The police discovered a second one in a bedroom where he undertook some of the modifications for the specially-adapted ammunition and a third one which was more of a store in the attic. 'Upon examination it was found that all the specially-made or adapted ammunition recovered by the police in the 90 plus recoveries from crime scenes matched ammunition found at Edmunds' house. 'The 90 plus recoveries have included several fatal shootings, the shooting at a police helicopter during the riots in 2011, other shootings and many other crime scenes. 'The tools had been filed or damaged in an attempt to disguise their unique tool markings as though trying to remove one's fingerprints. 'There were many tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition and component parts. 'There were also all the necessary tools for making, loading or adapting ammunition of almost any and every calibre, current or obsolete.' The court heard Edmunds had imported hundreds of guns from the United States without putting them on his Firearms Register. Mr Fisher said the dealer spent more than $400,000, or 250,000, on firearms he imported between 2009 and 2015. Mr Fisher said he evaded controls including costs and taxes which made it cheaper for him and easier to distribute to the market. He added: 'Some of those guns were in criminal hands within a very short time after their importation. 'These guns, together with the ammunition, having been unlawfully trafficked have inevitably gone almost directly into the hands of dangerous criminals since they could not in reality be lawfully held by anyone.' Bearded Edmunds, who wore a blue and white shirt, listened to proceedings using a hearing loop. He denies conspiracy to supply firearms and ammunition, transferring prohibited weapons, possessing a prohibited air pistol and perverting the course of justice. The trial, which is expected to last five weeks, continues. Disgraced former Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. is claiming $138,400 a year from the federal government in benefit checks, it has emerged. The former Democrat politician and son of Reverend Jesse Jackson, 51, was sentenced to 30 months in prison in 2013 for taking $750,000 from his own campaign funds. Now, details of his benefits package - which he gets for bipolar disorder and depression - have emerged, leaving critics questioning how he is eligible for the money, the Chicago Tribune has reported. Ex-Democrat Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is claiming $138,400 a year in workers' compensation and disability payments because bipolar disorder and depression stop him from working Jackson, seen here exiting court after pleading guilty to spending $750,000 of his campaign's cash in 2013, served 2.5 years in prison. Critics wonder if he should be entitled to the cash The details of Jackson's payments emerged in divorce proceedings, which wife Sandi Stevens, began last year in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Most of the money - around $100,000 - comes from workers' compensation and is not taxed, Jackson's attorney, attorney Barry Schatz, said. The rest are Social Security Disability payments that he receives because of his mental health problems, which caused him to take leave from Congress in 2102, and may be taxed. The figures emerged after his wife, Sandi Stevens, began divorce proceedings. The money is paid out to those who develop illnesses or injury while on the job According to the Federal Employees' Compensation Act, workers can be given disability compensation 'due to personal injury or disease sustained while in the performance of duty.' But for someone to receive compensation from the federal government for bipolar disorder is extremely unusual, said Ari Wilkenfeld, a Washington employment lawyer. His firm, Wilkenfeld, Herendeen & Atkinson, often represents federal employees, but he says he's never seen a case where someone has claimed for the disorder. 'What's remarkable here is by his getting workers' comp, it appears that Congressman Jackson's attorneys have convinced the government that his bipolar disorder was created by the rigors of being a member of Congress,' he said. Pete Sepp, who heads the nonpartisan National Taxpayers Union in Washington, was displeased by Jackson's haul. He said the case shows 'the system is still finding a way to take care of ex-lawmakers convicted of crimes and often in better fashion ... than many Americans with lesser financial means could expect. 'Once again, the average taxpaying citizen is left to wonder if justice was done for them.' Schatz was quick to defend his client, saying that Jackson was 'not a slacker,' had 'earned' the benefits and is entitled to them 'as a matter of law'. 'I can't give you an explanation as to how and why' Jackson developed bipolar disorder as a result of his work, he said. 'I can tell you that medical experts have diagnosed him, and as a result of the diagnosis, he is entitled to disability payments. 'If someone had a choice whether they wanted to be bipolar or not, I don't know of anybody that would want to choose to be bipolar, no matter what they were paid.' Jackson's dad is Rev Jesse Jackson (pictured). One lawyer has questioned how being a Congressman led to bipolar disorder but Jackson's lawyer says the claims are legit Jackson is receiving the maximum amount given to someone suffering a temporary, total disability. He was being paid $174,000 when he resigned his position, and started off on $133,600 in 1995 as a junior Congressman. Jackson took a leave of absence due to mental illness before his resignation from office and subsequent imprisonment. His workers' compensation benefit statement gives June 1, 2012, as his 'date of injury,' although House records show that he case 72 separate roll-call votesfrom June 1 to 8, 2012. He did not miss a single vote, records say, before going on leave due to 'exhaustion'. The figures emerged after District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Robert Okun ordered Jackson to pay child support for the children he had with Stevens: Jessica, 16, and Tre, 13. He told the court that his monthly expenses are $1,608 per month. Sandi Jackson says her monthly expenses are $11,030, she has no income and is in $35,000 debt. Jackson was ordered to pay $1,529 a month in temporary child support as of March. The ex-Representative was imprisoned after it emerged that he had spent around $750,000 in campaign funds on a series of luxury items. The 3,000 purchases included a fedora that once belonged to Michael Jackson and multiple cashmere capes. He was released in September last year. The daughter of former Donald Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort appears to have been hacked, which has revealed odd texts sent to her cell phone that could represent an attempt to blackmail her father. Manafort confirmed receiving the messages, which referenced his consulting work in Ukraine included what sounds like a threat. The communications allegedly come from the iPhone of Manafort's daughter, Politico reported, and if legitimate reveal a shakedown attempt related to his dealings in Ukraine, with a threat to go to the authorities unless they could 'work things out.' A message, which was attached to a text sent to the phone, purports to be from Ukrainian parliamentarian Serhiy Leshchenko, who in the message is trying to meet with Manafort. Leshchenko has denied any connection to the messages. Former Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort confirmed that texts hacked from his daughter's phone were authentic 'Considering all the facts and evidence that are in my possession, and before possible decision whether to pass this to [Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Bureau] or FBI I would like to get your opinion on this and maybe your way to work things out that will persuade me to do otherwise, according to the note sent to Manafort's daughter. The note, which contains numerous spelling errors, begins: 'At the time of my investigation I have discovered bulletproof facts regarding the person Ukraine resident whos signature is inside the Yanukovich accounting book and who is responsible for rendering assets to you personally for your consulting services during organized meetings.' The passage may refer to alleged cash payments to Manafort for his work for a Ukrainian political party. The New York Times reported in August on a ledger that showed $12.7 million in cash payments for Manafort. Manafort denied getting any such payments at the time. Manafort says he turned over the messages to his lawyer. The messages purported to be from a Ukrainian official Ukrainian journalist and member of parliament Serhiy Leshchenko holds pages showing allegedly signings of payments to Donald Trump's presidential campaign chairman Paul Manafort from an illegal shadow accounting book of the party of former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych during a press conference in Kiev on August 19, 2016. He denies sending the messages The note also references 'One of such meetings with Donadl [stet] Trump took place on 06.17.20 with close Yanukovich affiliate governor of Cherkassy Mr.S.Tulub.' in a reference to Ukrainian official Serhiy Tulub. The note is signed 'Sergii.' A series of texts to Manafort's daughter are even more explicit. I need to get in touch with Paul i need to share some important information with him regarding ukraine investigation,' reads one, which Politico reports came from a different number. 'I actually have proofs that he received money,' according to the texts. 'If I dont get any reply from you iam gonaa pass it on to the fbi and ukrainian authorities including media,' the sender wrote. 'As soon as he comes back to me i will pass you documents. Manafort confirmed the hacked texts, but denied having set up a meeting between Trump and the Ukrainian Tulub in 2012. He said he turned the information over to his lawyer when he got it. Leschenko told the publication he has nothing to do with the addresses linked to the purported shakedown, and wrote on Facebok the correspondence is 'obviously fake." Boris Johnson showed his commitment to closer ties with Australia today - as his counterpart helped him adjust his neckware. Julie Bishop stepped in to smarten up the perenially scruffy Foreign Secretary as the pair held talks in London this afternoon. Mr Johnson initially appeared somewhat sceptical about the assistance as he tried to untwist the blue spotted tie. But he was obviously pleased with the more professional-looking results as they posed for photographs in the Foreign Office. Julie Bishop stepped in to smarten up the perenially scruffy Foreign Secretary as the pair held talks in London this afternoon Mr Johnson initially appeared somewhat sceptical about the assistance as he tried to untwist the blue spotted tie Mr Johnson did manage to smooth down his own famously tousled blond hair. The government is targeting Australia as one of the countries we can do a quick trade deal with after Brexit. Ministers have established a working group to thrash out the outlines of an agreement - although nothing can be signed until after Article 50 is invoked. But there could be a sticking point over migration - as Australia is expected to demand its citizens get the same rights to work in Britain as EU nationals currently do. Alexander Downer, 65, Australia's high commissioner, said recently that he wanted a 'non-discriminatory approach' for his countrymen after Brexit. Mr Downer said it did not make sense for a 'taxi driver in Bucharest' to have free access to Britain while it was far harder for a 'brain surgeon from Sydney' to come here. Meanwhile, Theresa May and Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull have compared notes on their contacts with US President Donald Trump since his inauguration last month. The two premiers spoke by phone this morning in a 'substantial' conversation which also covered their hopes for a trade deal following Brexit, co-operation in the fight against Islamic State (IS) and relations with Iran, said Downing Street. Reports earlier this month suggested that Mr Turnbull's first phone call with the US president was a stormy affair, with Mr Trump supposedly criticising a deal to take migrants from Australia as 'the worst ever' and ending the conversation abruptly. But Downing Street said the Australian PM was 'very positive' about his contact with Mr Trump in his conversation with Mrs May, while both agreed that her trip to Washington as the first foreign leader to visit the new president in January had been 'positive'. Mr Johnson seemed pleased with the results of Ms Bishop's intervention as they shook hands for the cameras afterwards Mr Johnson and Ms Bishop have both stressed the potential for closer economic ties between Britain and Australia after Brexit On Brexit, Mr Turnbull 'reiterated Australia's commitment to maintaining a close partnership with the UK as we leave the EU', said the Number 10 spokesman. 'Both prime ministers said they looked forward to holding preliminary conversations on a comprehensive bilateral free trade agreement in due course.' Mrs May and Mr Turnbull, who were at Oxford University together, also discussed the campaign to defeat IS in Iraq and Syria and agreed on the importance of creating conditions to bring about long-term stability in Iraq. Mrs May stressed the need for a political resolution in Syria excluding president Bashar Assad. They discussed 'the need to tackle Iran's destabilising influence in the region' and the importance of rigorous monitoring of the international deal on its nuclear programme. Mr Johnson and Ms Bishop struggled with the high winds from Storm Doris as she arrived at the Foreign Office today An Afghan asylum seeker charged with raping and murdering the daughter of an EU official will be tried as an adult, after it was found that he lied about being a minor. Hussein Khavari was arrested over the rape and murder of 19-year-old medical student Maria Ladenburger in Freiburg, south-west Germany, in December last year. He claimed he was 17, which meant he could only serve a maximum of ten years in jail if found guilty. Hussein Khavari was arrested over the rape and murder of 19-year-old medical student Maria Ladenburger in Freiburg, south-west Germany, in December last year Police say he ambushed Maria (pictured) as she rode her bicycle home after a party in the early hours of the morning, before raping her and drowning her in a river However, a report commissioned by the prosecutor's office has concluded that Khavari was at least 22-years-old at the time of the offence. Maria, who worked as a volunteer to help asylum seekers and whose father is a legal adviser to the European Commission in Brussels, was found raped and drowned on October 16 last year. Khavari, who arrived in Germany as an unaccompanied minor in 2015, was arrested after police linked his DNA to traces found at the crime scene. Police say he ambushed Maria as she rode her bicycle home after a party in the early hours of the morning, before raping her and drowning her in a river. Khavari has been in custody since his arrest. He remains silent on all charges and did not allow himself to be questioned by forensic medical experts. Investigators suspected that Khavari was lying when he said he was 17, as he had already told Greek authorities he was 17 back in 2013 before he came to Germany. Maria, whose father is a legal adviser to the European Commission in Brussels, was killed in October last year The new report on his age clears the way for prosecutors to charge him as an adult, meaning that if convicted, he could face a life sentence. Following his arrest, it emerged that he had been sentenced to ten years in jail in Greece after he threw a 20-year-old student off a cliff on the island of Corfu in May 2013. The woman was severely injured but miraculously survived the ordeal and was able to identify her attacker. Khavari was placed in youth detention and it is unclear why he was freed so soon into his prison sentence. He did not report to parole officers after his early release and authorities issued a search warrant for the Afghan migrant, but only in Greece. German authorities have slammed the Greek authorities for 'negligence', saying that if they had known about Khavari's past, he would not have been allowed into the country. Newly released FBI interviews have revealed cleric Anwar al-Awlaki's role in grooming the 'underwear bomber'. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, now 30, became known as the notorious 'underpants bomber' in 2009 after he attempted to take down a U.S. jetliner by detonating a bomb hidden in his underwear in a warped plan to carry out Islamic jihad. The plot failed when the bomb did not detonate as planned but burst into flames, setting the jihadi alight. Now new interview summaries, released by the FBI following a F.O.I battle by the New York Times, reveals how Awlaki - a radical, American-born Muslim cleric - groomed the would-be bomber to carry out the attack. Newly released FBI interviews have revealed cleric Anwar al-Awlaki's (left) role in grooming the 'underwear bomber' Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab (right) They describe how Abdulmutallab went from a shy son of a wealthy Nigerian, who went onto study at the University College London, to a radicalized Al Qaeda terrorist. Abdulmutallab, who was becoming increasingly interested in religion, had first come across the cleric via a set of his lectures on sale at an Islamic bookstore in London. A few years later, then living in Dubai, he told FBI agents that he felt 'God was guiding him to jihad.' So in 2009, he set out to the Al Queda's stronghold in Shabwah province, Yemen to try to find Awlaki. Abdulmutallab told how the radical cleric would give him daily advice about his forthcoming mission, and once told told his student that he wished he could also carry out a 'martyrdom mission' but his role in Al Qaeda was 'to support others to become martyrs.' Awlaki explained how 'the attack should occur on board a U.S. airliner' and had given him guidance on how to 'work through' the 'issues' of killing 300 innocent people. The would-be bomber was able to describe his time at the secret Al Qaeda training camp in Yemen and stay at Awlaki's home in such detail that the information was likley used in the US drone strike which killed the leading propagandist and recruiter for Al Qaeda on September 30, 2011. Awlaki was first American to be deliberately killed without an official trial or charges on the order of a president since the Civil War. Bomb: These are the remains of the underpants with the explosive used on a failed plot to blow up an airliner over Detroit on Christmas Day, 2009 Bearing arms: In this video still from a video produced by al Qaeda, a man identified by ABC News as Abdulmutallab in his training class fires a weapon at a desert camp in Yemen His descriptions were so detailed, the US government may have even used them to target the cleric during the drone strike. Abdulmutallab said Awlaki commanded such great respect that everyone at the camp referred to him a 'sheikh'. THE DEVOUT CLERIC ARRESTED FOR SOLICITING PROSTITUTES Born in New Mexico in 1971, al-Awlaki was a U.S. citizen but the family returned to their native Yemen in 1978. In 1991 al-Awlaki came back to America to study civil engineering at Colorado State University, then education studies at San Diego State University and later doctoral work at George Washington University in Washington. Authorities note that he was arrested in San Diego in 1996 and 1997 for soliciting prostitutes. Al-Awlaki's family is well-known in Yemen. His father is a former agriculture minister, Nasser al-Awlaki. The terrorist was a former imam of mosques in Denver, San Diego and Falls Church, Virginia. Two of those mosques were attended by some of the September 11, 2001, hijackers. In 2004 he travelled to Yemen, where he taught at a university before he was arrested and imprisoned in 2006 for suspected links to al-Qaeda and involvement in attacks. In December 2007 he was released because he said he had repented, a Yemeni security official said. But he was later charged again on similar counts and went into hiding. Last year U.S. administration authorised operations to capture or kill al-Awlaki. 'Al-Awlaki is a proven threat,' said a U.S. official at the time. 'He's being targeted.' Advertisement Awlaki, who also introduced him to other Qaeda trainers and bomb makers, helped teach the young recruit how to prepare a martyrdom video. The videos, which were regularly prepared by terrorists before carrying out an act of jihad, were used as weapons of propaganda online. 'Keep it short and reference the Quran,' Awlaki advised him. Awlaki also got training in how to shoot at rifle but admitted he never felt comfortable with guns. The cleric also gave Abdulmutallab advice on how to disguise his intentions, such as traveling from Yemen to an African country before booking the flight to America so as not to arouse suspicion. Once aboard, he offered one final piece of advice: 'Wait until you are in the U.S., then bring the plane down.' On December 25, 2009, Abdulmutallab boarded the Northwest Airlines Flight 253 from Amsterdam into Canada with a highly sophisticated chemical bomb hidden in his underwear. The flight and date were chosen by the jihadi himself. Abdulmutallab made numerous trips to the bathroom where he cleansed and purified himself and prayed, all the while keeping an eye on the plane's progress. 'He purified himself. He washed. He brushed his teeth. He put on perfume. He was praying and perfuming himself to get ready to die. He was preparing to die and enter heaven,' said Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Tuckel during his court hearing. When the plane flew over the US border, Abdulmutallab depressed a plunger on a syringe, setting off a chemical reaction of two high explosives in his underwear. Yet the bomb didn't work as planned. Fellow passengers described hearing a loud 'pop' and Abdulmutallab was engulfed in flames. 'There was a loud pop... smoke... a fireball... the fireball was on the defendant... he was engulfed,' the prosecutor said. Witnesses said Abdulmutallab sat expressionless while his underwear burned as other passengers screamed in terror. The newly released interviews real how Anwar al-Awlaki (left and right) a radical, American-born Muslim cleric - groomed the would-be bomber to carry out the attack Michael Zantow a passenger aboard the flight who was seated one row away from Abdulmutallab said people were alarmed by the initial loud pop of the device. He said someone yelled, 'Hey man, hey dude, your pants are on fire.' 'This guy's pants is on fire,' another passenger yelled, according to Zantow. 'I never saw any reaction at all,' Zantow said about the Nigerian terrorist. Zantow said that passengers struggled to get Abdulmutallab's seatbelt off and lifted him out of his seat and laid him down on the floor with his pants down to his knees and the device smoldering. 'It was bulky and they were burning,' Zantow said. 'It looked like my son's Pampers.' Abdulmutallab never denied the terror charges against him and later pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit terrorism and attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction. He told a court in 2011 that the bomb was a 'blessed weapon to save the lives of innocent Muslims', and issued his plea in a court outburst. Awlaki once told Abdulmutallab that he wished he could also carry out a 'martyrdom mission' but his role in Al Qaeda was 'to support others to become martyrs.' 'The United States should be warned that if they continue to persist and promote the blasphemy of Mohammed and the prophets... the United States should await a great calamity that will befall them through the hands of the mujahedeen soon,' Abdulmutallab said. 'If you laugh with us now we will laugh with you later on the day of judgement,' he said. Abdulmutallab, was badly burned in the incident, said he was 'guilty under U.S. law, but not under Islamic law,' and stated his belief that 'committing jihad against the United States is one of 'the most virtuous acts' a Muslim can perform.' He was sentenced to life in jail in 2012. During the run up to the trial, Abdulmutallab engaged in numerous interviews with the FBI. Just a boy: In this 2001 image, Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, poses with a group of fellow pupils from Lome's International School, Togo, while on a school trip to London Smiling: Abdulmutallab, front left, poses with anti-war campaigner Brian Haw in front of Britain's Parliament with a group of fellow pupils from Lome's International School, Togo in 2001 The would-be bomber admitted trying to detonate the explosive in the name of Al Qaeda while he was still on the plane. He then clammed up for a few weeks but began being cooperative again with the persuasion of the FBI who flew Abdulmutallab's relatives to the United States to encourage him to talk. Abdulmutallab told the agents that nothing could have stopped him from carrying out the attach - except from an order from Awlaki himself. Even revelations that Awlaki had been frequenting prostitutes did not take away his stature in his eyes. When the FBI first told him the news, he said they were lies. If true, the cleric's work for Al Qaeda would 'outweigh' his sins. The FBI resisted making those interviews public but this week, a federal judge turned over the 200 pages of evidence to the Times following their FOI request. Page Content Local and regional leaders from across the Mediterranean and the European Union have urged national governments and the international community to work more closely with mayors and governors to help stabilise North Africa and the Middle East. The conflict in Libya and the challenges of migration and climate change were particular concerns for the mayors, governors and regional representatives at the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM), which met in Malta on 23 February. At their principal meeting of the year, members of ARLEM, who are drawn from the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and from non-EU states in the Mediterranean region, pointed to recent cooperation with Libyan cities as evidence that, even in difficult circumstances, cities can forge partnerships that contribute to stabilisation. In a resolution on Syria, they also said they were "ready to support the Syrian people in their efforts to put an end to civil war and fight extremism and radicalisation", noting that "this help starts in neighbouring cities welcoming refugees and dealing with the humanitarian emergency". The co-chairman of ARLEM, Markku Markkula, President of the CoR, said: "We cannot truly have a secure and prosperous Europe if we have an unstable neighbourhood. The Nicosia Initiative , through which European and Mediterranean partners share their know-how and practical support with Libyan authorities, is just one example of how local and regional authorities can have a real added-value, through tools such as city diplomacy and decentralised cooperation. It is only by working together on the ground that the EU will be able to find sustainable responses to the migration crisis, human trafficking, existing wars and the threat of terrorism." His fellow co-chairman, Hani Abdalmasih Al-Hayek, mayor of Beit Sahour in Palestine, said on behalf of non-EU members of ARLEM that: "Local administrators will deliver many of the basic services that will lead to the economic and social rebirth of cities in Libya, but also in Syria. We all have a responsibility to help how we can. We also have a duty to address other threats to stability and security in the Mediterranean region, such as climate change." Carmelo Abela , the Minister for Home Affairs and National Security of Malta, which currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, said: "It is only when we have established a migration set-up managed by the authorities rather than by the migrant smugglers that we will be able to say that we are addressing migration efficiently and effectively. " He added: "The European Union is seriously committed to addressing the root causes of migration together with partner countries of origin and transit. Within an EU context, Malta has consistently argued for this and it remains a priority for our country, be it as an EU member state or as the current Presidency of the Council. Our trans-continental cooperation should be as comprehensive as possible, encompassing and giving equal importance to all five priority domains agreed upon in the Joint Valetta Action Plan." Syrian local authorities was not represented at the ARLEM meeting, but a delegation from Libya led by Abdelrauf Beitelmal, mayor of Tripoli, and Mustafa al-Baroni, mayor of Zintan, and including representatives from Benghazi, Sebha, Sirte, and Tobruk spoke at the ARLEM plenary session and also at conference focused on migration on 22 February. Mr Beitelmal said: "Local leaders have managed to maintain a significant degree of stability in many parts of Libya over the past five years, but our ability to provide services has suffered. In January 2016, we asked ARLEM members for help in six areas, from training in financial management to support for water management. Regions such as Flanders and Murcia, and cities such as Antwerp, Mechelen, Nicosia and Vila Real De Santo Antonio responded, and more support has been promised. We hope that the European Union and the international community will see this success and enable long-term cooperation. Everyone needs a functioning and stable Libya." Migration from Libya was a central topic in the conference on migration and at the plenary session. The speakers included:Bettina Muscheidt, head of the EU Delegation to Libya; Jose Carreira, executive director of the European Asylum Support Office; Vincenzo Bianco (IT/PES), CoR rapporteur on asylum and mayor of Catania, a port that has in recent years received many thousands of migrants rescued in the Mediterranean; and Peter Bossman (SI/PES), rapporteur for the CoR on the EU's migration partnerships. At the meeting, ARLEM adopted recommendations on energy and climate policy drafted by Mohamed Sadiki, Mayor of Rabat and on cross-border cooperation in the Mediterranean, drawn up by Francesco Pigliaru, President of the Sardinia Region. Morocco has been pursuing an ambitious energy transition policy for almost a decade. Sardinia hosts the managing authority of a cross-border cooperation programme created under the EU's European Neighbourhood Instrument. Among other decisions taken in Malta, ARLEM agreed to send members to Tunisia to monitor local elections this year, as part of a mission organised by the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. Note to editors Since 2015, the European Committee of the Regions has developed a close relationship with Libyan cities, with the aim of improving public services in Libya and of helping Libyan cities to enter the international community. In January 2016, at the request of Libyan cities, the CoR agreed to mobilise and facilitate partnerships between Libya and EU cities and regions. Under the Nicosia initiative , named because the idea was agreed in the capital of Cyprus, EU cities and regions have so far provided or pledged support for Libya's local authorities in the areas of water management, waste management, primary health care, public administration, language training, budgeting, fisheries, policing and counter-radicalisation. In an opinion drafted by the mayor of Rabat, Mohamed Sadiki, on " Energy and climate change in the Mediterranean region ", ARLEM urges countries across the Mediterranean to move away from fossil fuels, and calls on the EU's member states to go "above and beyond" the Neighbourhood Policy in helping the region take climate-related action. It calls on policymakers at all levels to consider the climate in all their policies, and urges diplomats to engage in more "regional dialogue", with the aim of establishing a "robust Mediterranean climate cooperation framework". At the same time, it argues that in the energy sector the EU should stop "political negotiations between whole regions" and, instead, adopt a bilateral approach. Among its recommendations for local and regional authorities, it advises them to join the Global Covenant of Mayors, a bottom-up approach to climate action in which communities make ambitious pledges in exchange for technical support and easier access to funds. The European Union's cross-border cooperation programmes in the Mediterranean have benefited both EU and non-EU regions, ARLEM states in an opinion drafted by Francesco Pigliaru, president of the Sardinia Region. However, it recommends a "prudent and gradual" approach to the development of cross-border cooperation in the Mediterranean region because of political, economic, and administrative diversity and continuing instability. It highlights that, while cross-border programmes are popular with local and regional authorities, differences in administrative capacity have affected take-up by authorities in the southern Mediterranean and help explain why local authorities are leading partners infrequently. It calls for more efforts to build up their institutional capacity and to give them more of a role in developing programmes. Contact: Andrew Gardner Tel. +32 473 843 981 andrew.gardner@cor.europa.eu President Donald Trump referred to his campaign to rid the country of criminal immigrants as a 'military operation' today while he praised the 'unbelievable' work the retired general he hired to lead the Department of Homeland Security is doing. His administration has been denying claims for the last week that it's gearing up for mass deportations and a militarization of the border. Trump boasted during a listening session with CEOs this morning that General John Kelly is 'getting really bad dudes out of this country' and doing it 'at a rate that nobody's ever seen before.' Kelly is in Mexico with Trump's Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for meetings with the country's government today. 'That's gonna be a tough trip,' Trump says he told Tillerson. President Donald Trump referred to his campaign to rid the country of criminal immigrants as a 'military operation' today he praised the 'unbelievable' work the retired general he hired to lead the Department of Homeland Security is doing In a news conference with Mexican ministers later in the day, Kelly insisted for the second time in two days that there would be 'no mass deportations' of illegal immigrants. He also said 'there will be no use of military force for immigration operations.' White House spokesman Sean Spicer clarified at his briefing that Trump did not mean a military operation in the literal sense. 'The president was using that as an adjective,' he said. He meant that it 'is being done with a high degree of precision in a flawless manor.' Kelly and Tillerson were in Mexico to repair relations between the neighboring countries. Tillerson said in a statement after his meeting with Mexico's foreign minister that they made a 'joint commitment to maintaining law and order along our shared border by stopping potential terrorists and dismantling the transnational criminal networks moving drugs and people into the United States.' 'There's no mistaking that the rule of law matters along both sides of the border,' he said. Mexican President Enrqiue Pena Nieto cancelled a trip to the White House last month after he and Trump got into a public disagreement over the American president's border wall. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer claimed Wednesday that the 'relationship with Mexico is phenomenal right now' in spite of the two presidents' tiff. But earlier in the day, Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray said his country would not comply with 'unilateral' rules the Trump administration is imposing that require them to accept all border-crossing immigrants that have been deported from the United States, regardless of what country they initially came from. 'I feel very confident that any country who has a citizen that comes into this country and that we send back, will make sure that they comply with this,' Spicer said in response. In a news conference with Mexican ministers later in the day, Kelly, left, insisted for the second time in two days that there would be 'no mass deportations' of illegal immigrants, and no military-style round ups His answer neglected cases where the deportee is a citizen of a nation other than Mexico, which is what the complaint was about. The White House also found itself in the cross-hairs this week over guidance it issued that's being cast as a roadmap for mass deportations. Spicer said that's not the case. The guidance set priorities for deportations, he said, beginning with illegal immigrants who have committed crimes in the U.S. It is true, however, that 'everybody who is here illegally is subject to removal at any time,' he said. 'If you're in this country in an illegal manner, that obviously there's a provision that could ensure that you be removed.' Kelly insisted Wednesday that there will 'be no mass roundups' in remarks in Guatemala and said that immigrants who are detained will be 'treated fairly and humanely and returned to their home countries.' Last week the administration beat back backlash after news outlets, including DailyMail.com, got their hands on a proposal to militarize immigration enforcement through the National Guard. 'That is 100 percent not true. It is false. It is irresponsible to be saying this,' Spicer said. 'There is no effort at all to round up, to utilize the National Guard to round up illegal immigrants.' DHS Head John Kelly is in Mexico with Trump's Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for meetings with the country's government today. 'That's gonna be a tough trip,' Trump says he told Tillerson, pictured on Wednesday with Mexican officials as he arrived in the country The White House said in series of smack downs that Kelly did not write the memo, nor did he direct anyone on his staff to come up with it. A concern of Trump's critics when he selected his cabinet and advisers was that it was overly reliant on military generals for what had traditionally been civilian positions. In addition to Kelly, a 45-year-veteran of the military who was once the head of US Southern Command, Trump tapped retired General James Mattis, a former chief of US Central Command, to serve in his cabinet. Like Kelly, Mattis holds the rank of a four-star Marine Corps general. To take the job as Pentagon head under Trump, Mattis had to receive a wavier from Congress. The law requires the civilian leader of the Department of Defense to be out of the service for at least seven years. Mattis retired in 2013. Trump has also placed two generals in charge of his National Security Council. First, there was Mike Flynn, a retired general who resigned last week under a cloud of suspicion. The president replaced him with an active-duty, three-star general, H.R. McMaster. The president's characterization of Kelly's operation on the southern border as a 'military operation' could give rise to new complaints about the make up of his national security team. Last week the administration beat back reports that it was planning to militarize immigration enforcement through the National Guard. Kelly didn't write that memo, the White House said, and claimed it wasn't true 'It's a military operation,' Trump said of their mission to combat gang violence by deporting criminal aliens during a meeting this morning at the White House. 'Much of that is people who are here illegally. And they're rough, and they're tough but they're not tough like our people, so we're getting them out.' Trump was meeting with manufacturing CEOs and some of his staff. Daughter Ivanka, her husband Jared Kushner, Vice President Mike Pence, Commerce Secretary nominee Wilbur Ross and economic adviser Gary Cohn were part of the State Dining Room roundtable. The White House said Wednesday that a set of meetings the vice president would attend beforehand would be a 'deep-dive conversation on the attendees' specific area of expertise. Attendees were expected to talk about deregulation, taxes, trade and infrastructure in the small group settings before they say down with the president for a listening session. Trump spent several minutes at the top of the meeting talking about his pledge to bring jobs back from Mexico before he brought up the he 'all-stars' he'd recruited to help him run the government, like Ross, Kushner, Cohn and Tillerson, who is currently abroad. 'He's in Mexico. I said, "That's gonna be a tough trip because we have to be treated fairly by Mexico," ' Trump told the business leaders seated around him. 'But he's over there with General Kelly, who's been unbelievable at the border.' Of Ross, Trump said, he's a 'great negotiator but very fair negotiator' who will make good deals for the country. 'The deals that we have with other countries are very bad. We don't have any good deals,' Trump said. 'In fact, I am try to find a country where we actually have a surplus - surplus of trade. Everything is a deficit. With Mexico we actually have $70 billion in deficits.' Continuing, he said, 'We're going to have a good relationship with Mexico. And if we don't, we don't.' Netflix has been criticized for 'glorifying and sensationalizing suicide' in its upcoming sci-fi movie starring Robert Redford. The film, called The Discovery, is set a year after the existence of the afterlife has been verified by a scientist, which he calls a 'new plane of existence' [played by Redford]. In light of that revelation, millions of people have ended their own lives to get there. Warning: distressing content A scientist, played by Robert Redford, has discovered the existence of an afterlife that can only be reached by committing suicide The scientist's son, played by Jason Segel (pictured) fights against his father's discovery The scientist's son, played by Jason Segel, finds his way to his father's secluded compound where he falls in love with a woman - played by Rooney Mara -who has a troubled past. The trailer of the movie appears to show the pair wrangling with the idea while millions of people around them commit suicide to reach the afterlife. It seems Segel is against the idea but his lover is determined to get there, as the haunting trailer shows him dragging her from the sea. The chilling movie was written and directed by Charlie McDowell, who is best known for his film The One I Love. Critics attacked the concept of the Netflix film for 'sending a very dangerous message'. Ged Flynn, chief executive of British charity PAPYRUS, told MailOnline: 'Whilst we always encourage people to speak openly about suicide to help smash the stigma that inhibits young people in particular from seeking help, there is always the risk of unwittingly sensationalizing suicide to those who are vulnerable. We fear this could happen with this current film.' Daniel J. Reidenberg, executive director of the Minnesota-based Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, told MailOnline: 'Anything that provides that imagery is a concern as it might lead others to take the same route. 'There's a risk of contagion and people who are watching who are vulnerable or who have thought about suicide or know someone who has died by suicide could see it and be led down the same route and the same path of tragedy. 'Even if you present it in a fictional way there's a risk they will over-identify or miss identify with one of the characters or plots. 'I don't think it's very thoughtful [of Netflix]. I don't think it's appropriate and they are missing an opportunity to present something that could actually save people and help them. Instead they are putting something out there that could be dangerous.' Critics attacked the concept of the Netflix film for 'sending a very dangerous message' Segel falls in love with a woman (played by Rooney Mara) who has a haunting past Critics lined up to attack the movie on social media. D. C. Lascelle wrote: 'Appalling premise. Just no. Even fictional rational that normalizes suicide is extremely irresponsible. Shame on Netflix.' Another, Diane Shipley, said: 'Netflix has a bit of an obsession with suicide-themed content right now and I feel weird about it.' The controversial movie was also denounced by Christian campaigners. In light of the revelation about the afterlife, millions of people end their own lives to get there Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, described its premise as 'twisted'. She told MailOnline: 'This film doesn't sound great and it sends a very dangerous message if it glorifies or encourages suicide.' Netflix has not responded to a request for comment. The sci-fi drama will be fully available through the streaming service on March 31. - For confidential support call the Samaritans on ,1 (800) 273-TALK visit a local Samaritans branch or see www.samaritansusa.org for details. - In the UK, contact HOPELine UK helplines services on 0800 068 41 41, text 07786 209 697, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org Shia LaBeouf has cut his anti-Trump livestream in New Mexico after shots were fired in the area. The actor cited safety fears when he shut down the He Will Not Divide Us installation in downtown Albuquerque - just four days after he moved the camera from Queens, New York, because of violence. On Thursday, he wrote on Twitter: 'We have taken the stream down after shots were reported in the area. The safety of everybody participating in our project is paramount.' Scroll down for video Shia LaBeouf (left) took down his livestream art project on Thursday, after gunshots were heard in the area of where it is set up in New Mexico. The livestream camera is pictured on the right on Monday, after it was vandalized The gunfire was heard around 2:51am, but as of 11am the camera was still off Above, the livestream video as it was seen Thursday morning on the HeWillNotDivide.us website TMZ reports that police didn't find anyone with a gun, and an all-clear was given. No one was in front of the camera at the time anyway. The shots were heard around 2:51am, but as of 11am, the camera still remained off. It's unclear whether LaBeouf and his partners plan to turn the camera back on. This is the second time that the camera has been unusable since it was installed on Saturday. The point of the protest art piece is for people to stand in front of the livestream camera and utter the words 'He will not divide us' - in reference to President Trump. Above, protesters taking part in the project in New Mexico On Monday, vandals spray painted a message over the camera reading 'Reject false idols. Do it!' The paint was eventually cleaned off and the project resumed later in the day. The point of the protest art piece is for people to stand in front of the livestream camera and utter the words 'He will not divide us' - in reference to President Trump. LaBeouf planned to keep the camera up for as long as Trump is in office. LaBeouf originally set up the camera outside the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens, New York, on Inauguration Day. LaBeouf originally set up the livestream video in Queens, New York on Inauguration Day (LaBeouf pictured on that day above), with the intent to keep it going for all of Trump's time in office. But he had to move it after the art piece prompted violence at the original site But he moved it to Albuquerque on Saturday after the first location sparked multiple violent incidents. '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,' the museum explained in a statement on February 10. LaBeouf himself was arrested in New York last month after getting into an altercation with a man during the performance. He faces a misdemeanor assault charge has an April 4 court date. LaBeouf produced the project with his artist partnership with Nastja Sade Ronkko and Luke Turner. A livestream of the video can be found at hewillnotdivide.us. A DUP MP broke down in tears today as he called for justice for his cousin who was murdered by the IRA. Jim Shannon was overcome in the Commons chamber as he recalled the death of his cousin, as well as friends he served with in the Ulster Defence Regiment. It came as MPs criticised investigations into the actions of British veterans who served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. Jim Shannon was overcome in the Commons chamber as he recalled the death of his cousin The Strangford MP said: 'I understand very well the concept of closure and wanting justice. 'I want justice for my cousin Kenneth Smith, who was murdered by the IRA.' Fighting back tears, he continued: 'I want justice for the four UDR men that the honourable member refers to, a few of whom I knew personally. 'And yet there's no multimillion pound investigation available for that. 'So I resent the idea that this seems to once more represent that one life is worth more than another. 'It's not, never will be.' An emotional Mr Shannon added: 'A grieving mother doesn't change with the colour of her hair, the area she lives in or the church that she attends. 'It can never do, and why should it? 'As the member of Parliament for Strangford, I call for this Government to turn round and take the only thing that they can do, and make sure that our people are given the credit and given the fairness that they should have.' Mr Shannon said bogus claims had been made 'to destroy the reputation of our armed forces', adding: 'This never can be allowed to happen.' The DUP said credible claims should have been distinguished from others more quickly, and that innocent until proven guilty should always have been the fall-back position when claims were made. Mr Shannon praised Tory MP Johnny Mercer for his investigation into the discredited Iraq Historic Allegations Team (Ihat). 'Because of that, I hope that the lessons will be learned by all ... never should claims without evidence be progressed,' said Mr Shannon. The Strangford MP said: 'I understand very well the concept of closure and wanting justice. I want justice for my cousin Kenneth Smith, who was murdered by the IRA.' As he was overcome with emotion again, Mr Shannon said: 'Never should we leave a man behind.' 'Never should service personnel be left out on a limb.' As he was overcome with emotion again, Mr Shannon said: 'Never should we leave a man behind.' Mr Shannon's comments came during a debate in which the DUP called for measures to be brought forward to ensure British veterans cannot face probes into their actions during conflicts if they have already been investigated. The party wants a statute of limitations to be introduced which would apply to those who served in Northern Ireland, as well as other war zones such as Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. The party's defence spokesman, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, hit out at human rights lawyers for their pursuit of those who served in the armed forces, police and security services. In an opposition day debate on historical cases in the armed forces, Tory former defence minister Sir Gerald Howarth accused Northern Ireland Director of Public Prosecutions Barra McGrory of issuing 'a fatwa' to the media to suppress criticism of his treatment of veterans. MPs also accused Sinn Fein of attempting to rewrite the history of the Troubles, turning the focus away from the IRA. Mr Shannon's emotional intervention came as MPs criticised investigations into the actions of British veterans who served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire said there was no 'moral equivalence' between soldiers who sought to uphold the law in Northern Ireland and 'terrorists who sought to destroy it'. He also said he recognised concerns that inquiries in Northern Ireland are disproportionately to do with cases allegedly involving the state. His colleague, Northern Ireland Minister Kris Hopkins, moved to assuage concerns relating to the reopening of cases as he said specific tests would have to be met before a proposed Historical Investigations Unit (HIU), due to be set up to look at Troubles killings, would consider acting. He said: 'The legislation requiring the HIU will include specific tests that must be met in order that previously completed cases can be reopened for investigation and specifically that new and credible evidence that was not previously available to the authorities is needed before the HIU will open closed cases.' He also acknowledged the current system is in need of reform. He said: 'The present system is not appropriate. It is disproportionate and we need a new system which was agreed under the Stormont Agreement.' Darren February, 32, is accused of scaling the walls of Simon Cowell's home and stealing jewellery worth almost 1 million Simon Cowell's private security guard was in the toilet when a burglar broke into the producer's home in the early hours to steal 1million in gems, a court heard. The X-Factor supremo was asleep upstairs with partner Lauren Silverman and their young son Eric when an intruder raided his 35million luxury home in Holland Park, west London. Darren February, 32, allegedly broke in through a patio door, grabbed jewellery and two passports belonging to the music mogul from an open safe before making off while private guard Simon Williams was in the lavatory. Cowell believed the burglary 'was an inside job', the court heard. A burglar broke into the house through the patio door at 1.30am dropped gloves while leaving the scene, and was recognised by police officers who saw CCTV footage of the incident. Residential security guard M'Batonha Mendes, who covered the area around Cowell's home said he chased the burglar, who dropped a brown satchel full of jewellery. Lauren Silverman and Simon Cowell were pictured at a Brit Awards after-party last night He told Isleworth Crown Court: 'There were watches, necklaces, jewellery boxes,' he said. 'When I arrived the security was already outside. I asked him if he knew of any suspicious activity in the area. 'He said he went to the toilet and when he came out and he noticed that the front door was wide open and all the lights were switched on in the house.' February was later identified by Mr Mendes in a police line-up, but his defence lawyers claim this was due to newspaper coverage. Giles Newell, defending, asked Cowell's private security guard Simon Williams about allegations raised by Mr Cowell after the burglary. He said: 'Were you aware that Mr Cowell said he thought this case was an inside job.' Mr Williams responded: 'No sir, I had not heard that.' Judge Edmunds asked why had not seen the burglary taking place live on the CCTV. The court heard February is accused of stealing 1million of jewellery from the west London property, pictured Mr Williams answered: 'There are only two places I would have been, in the kitchen making a tea or coffee, or on the loo, and I'm assuming it was the latter.' PC Tze Yang Chua, who was first to arrive at Mr Cowell's house, told jurors Mr Williams had been 'reluctant' to let them in, but did after 15 minutes or so. He said: 'He seemed to be like, we'll deal with the matter in house.' Mr Williams had earlier said it was 'protocol' that 'the home owner doesn't want police on site'. PC Yang Chua also explained that Mr Williams told him Ms Silverman and Mr Cowell had an argument overnight, and they had left the laptops outside. February, who previously committed 37 burglaries, mainly in the same upmarket area, was due to appear in the dock for today's proceedings, but instead chose not to attend. The trial continues. A schizophrenic mother, Iman Omar Yousef, 32, of Birminham, who stabbed her baby daughter to death and doused her in acid has been detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act A schizophrenic mother who stabbed her baby daughter to death and doused her in acid has been detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act. Paranoid Iman Omar Yousef, 32, was 'driven by voices' to murder three-year-old Alia Ahmed Jama on February 13, 2010. A court heard she feared Alia would be taken away so slashed her dozens of times before corroding her skin, bones and internal organs with chemicals. Yousef's family in Leicester raised the alarm when she arrived without her daughter later that day and police raided the Somalian's home in Erdington, Birmingham. Officers forced entry and discovered tragic Alia decomposed on bin bags at 4.02pm and arrested Yousef on suspicion of murder. The tot's body had dozens of stab wounds to her upper body, front and back and corrosive agent was applied after she was either unconscious or dead. In October 2010, Yousef was deemed unfit to enter a plea and detained under the Mental Health Act. The court heard Yousef had since been permitted escorted community leave from September 2014 and unescorted visits since May last year. Last Thursday, Yousef was finally deemed fit to plead and admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility at Worcester Crown Court. Paranoid Yousef was 'driven by voices' to murder three-year-old Alia Ahmed Jama on February 13, 2010 She was detained indefinitely under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act and restricted under Section 41 of the act. Sentencing, Mrs Justice Sue Carr QC said: 'Alia was found dead in an upstairs bedroom wearing only a pair of tights and was partially wrapped in black bin liners. 'There were apparent severe burns to her body. She had extensive damage to her trunk due to external application of a potent corrosive agent. 'Post mortem examination results also revealed that Alia had been stabbed repeatedly whilst lying on the bedroom floor with the blade having penetrated completely through the body. 'You accept that you killed Alia and that you intended to do so.' Mrs Justice Carr said Yousef began to suffer from schizophrenia in 2001, characterised by 'bizarre delusions and auditory hallucinations'. She said: 'Your schizophrenia went untreated for some eight years prior to the death of your daughter. 'You became paranoid and your behaviour unpredictable. You frequently moved houses and had frequent arguments with your neighbours. 'You had bizarre persecutory ideas and heard voices. 'In the time leading up to it you became increasingly fearful that your family would harm you and your daughter. 'Voices were telling you that your family was not your real family. You feared that your daughter would be taken away from you and harmed. Post mortem examination results revealed that Alia had been stabbed repeatedly whilst lying on the bedroom floor with the blade having penetrated completely through the body 'Voices told you that you could protect your daughter by killing her. 'You gave Alia some milk and put her to bed. Your voices told you to kill her to protect her and you believed them. 'You tried once, but put Alia back to bed. After Alia went back to sleep you removed her again from her bed and put her on the big bag. 'Your voices told you it was 'now or never' and you stabbed her with a knife from the kitchen. 'Your voices told you to then leave her alone and not to call the police. 'They told you to go to Leicester, where you went, dropping the knife in a bin outside a house in Leicester. In October 2010, Yousef was deemed unfit to enter a plea and detained under the Mental Health Act 'You have not been able to recall applying any form of corrosive substance to the body. 'Your offending is directly and wholly attributable to your paranoid schizophrenia. 'There is no indication that you did anything other than love your daughter and, at the time, in killing her, you believed you were protecting her.' Prosecutor Robert Price said: 'On February 12 Yousef and her daughter attended Steel House Police Station and spoke with a police constable demanding he find them a place to stay. 'She said people from Leicester had been about at her house and will get in, but she was told there was no accommodation available. 'She said 'why won't you help me, you are putting me at risk'. 'The series of concerns were entirely imaginary.' Mr Price said Alia was last seen walking home with her mum that day before Yousef arrived at her family's home in Leicester the next day. Yousef's family in Leicester raised the alarm when she arrived without her daughter later that day and police raided the Somalian's home in Erdington, Birmingham He said: 'Members of her family questioned her about the whereabouts of her daughter. 'She said she was at school. Her family pointed out it was a Saturday and she changed her tale and said she had left her in London with a friend. 'She said she had been kicked out of her house and been living in London for two weeks. 'Her family called the police. At 4.02pm officers attended Yousef's home and entered by forced entry. 'They found the body in the middle bedroom in a shocking scene. 'It is reasonable to infer from various findings she was struck on a number of occasions almost certainly with a knife.' The court heard Yousef's hallucinations and delusions were the 'lethal cocktail' that killed her daughter. Sentencing, Mrs Justice Sue Carr QC said: 'Alia was found dead in an upstairs bedroom wearing only a pair of tights and was partially wrapped in black bin liners' Giving evidence, Dr John Croft, consultant forensic psychiatrist, said: 'The mental disorder entirely explains her actions at the time.' Alwyn Jones, defending, said: 'The auditory and visual hallucinations were the lethal cocktail that led to the tragic loss of young life. 'The voices told her it would be in her interests and her daughter would be safe in death. 'There is evidence of this lady being a caring mother who was overprotective of her daughter. 'But unfortunately the illness that began to manifest itself in 2001 and she received no treatment by 2010. 'Whatever sentence the court can pass will sit alongside the knowledge of this defendant that she is responsible for the death of her own daughter and that is something she will have to struggle with.' A devote Christmas mother-of-ten has been banned from Facebook after she quoted Bible scripture about homosexuality. Elizabeth Johnston, who lives in Ohio, and blogs under the name 'The Activist Mommy' had her account frozen when she quoted Bible verses which described homosexuality as an 'abomination.' She accused the social media giant of 'muzzling' her and suppressing free speech. Elizabeth Johnston, who lives in Ohio, has been banned from Facebook after she quoted Bible scripture about homosexuality Mrs Johnston, who is married to doctor Patrick and home schools her 10 children, said the offending comment was in response to another Facebook user who claimed Christians are hypocrites for condemning homosexuality but willing to eat shellfish and pork. Speaking to the Christian Post, she said: 'Someone had written underneath one of my videos and were commenting under the thread and said something about how Old Testament law prohibits the eating of pork - one of the homosexuals' favorite arguments to make. 'I responded with just scriptural commentary [Leviticus 18:22 and Leviticus 20:13 which refer to homosexual sex as "detestable" and an "abomination"] and that is considered hate speech by Facebook. 'It was just very intellectual and it was just a commentary on what the Bible says. There was no name calling or anything like that.' After having her account suspended she re-posted her thoughts on the issue, saying 'homosexuality is unnatural and perverse, an abuse of our sexual faculties...it is shameful.' The social media giant then removed the post and froze her account for another week. Mrs Johnston said the offending comment was in response to another Facebook user After having her account suspended she re-posted her thoughts on the issue, saying 'homosexuality is unnatural and perverse, an abuse of our sexual faculties...it is shameful' Responding to that, the mother-of-ten said: 'They are muzzling me and my biblical message while Mark Zuckerberg claims Facebook is unbiased. 'Facebook is watching me very closely right now. I have been getting messages from all over from Christians with huge followings telling me horror stories of their accounts being frozen, their posts hidden, and their pages completely deleted.' Mrs Johnston, who has almost 75,000 followers on Facebook, told Premier Christian: 'Many of us are frustrated by the experience in which we report sexually explicit material and death threats, and Facebook response that it does not violate their community guidelines. 'However, a Christian stating what the Bible says about homosexuality does violate their community guidelines. Facebook just needs to straight up admit they censor people with biblical views. We're tired of the facade.' It comes after Gizmodo last year published claims by a former Facebook worker who said employees 'routinely suppressed news stories of interest to conservative readers' from the social network's influential 'trending' news section.' Facebook has yet to specifically comment on why precisely Johnson's posts were removed, but its community standards state: 'Facebook removes hate speech, which includes content that directly attacks people based on their: race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, sex, gender, or gender identity, or serious disabilities or diseases. 'Organizations and people dedicated to promoting hatred against these protected groups are not allowed a presence on Facebook. As with all of our standards, we rely on our community to report this content to us.' White supremacist Richard Spencer attended the Conservative Political Action Conference on Thursday until security kicked him out a few hours into his visit. But while he was at the annual event in suburban Washington, D.C., the notorious white-pride advocate held an impromptu press conference. Spencer told reporters that Donald Trump's election was 'a miracle' that will bring 'amazing new opportunities' to alt-right nationalism, and claimed Barack Obama's failures were in part because of his mixed parentage. He insisted that he's never met a Ku Klux Klansman, but added that he won't stand in their way. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Alt-right leader Richard Spencer told a DailyMail.com reporter on Thursday that he asked 'stupid questions' about the notorious white supremacist's sympathies for the Ku Klux Klan Spencer said on Thursday that Donald Trump's (left) election was a 'miracle' for the alt-right, and claimed Barack Obama (right) had a weak presidency because he was the product of a biracial couple Spencer talked to the media before he was kicked out of the 44th Annual Conservative Political Action Conference in a suburb of Washington, D.C. Trump's sudden rise to power, Spencer said, 'was like a miracle in many ways. Like, I don't think anyone no one predicted him. No one believed that at the very beginning of his campaign he would define himself on the immigration issue, which is fundamentally a racial issue.' 'I couldn't believe it,' he said. 'I do think there are amazing new opportunities now because he's bringing nationalism to the fore,' Spencer said of the president. 'He's bringing it into the mainstream. He's asking these existential questions' about the United States. Spencer was not invited to the CPAC event, but bought a ticket on his own and registered as a 'general' attendee The American Conservative Union, which sponsors CPAC each year, said Thursday afternoon that it had Spencer removed as soon as they realized he was present. Spokesman Ian Walters told NBC News that he was kicked out because he is 'repugnant.' Spencer's claim that immigration is fundamentally about race flies against the Trump administration's insistence that its policies reflect priorities related to jobs and terrorism. His views, even among the crop of alt-right nationalists who believe the Trump administration will be kind to their cause, are seen as far off the fringe. Spencer told reporters on Thursday that what he sees as former president Barack Obama's unremarkable incrementalism can be blamed in part on the fact that his mother was white and his father was black. 'I think he is a tragic case, actually,' Spencer said. 'I don't think anyone really understands Barack Obama.' 'There are things that he said that seemed Marxist, anti-colonialist. Yet when you look at his presidency, it was very conservative in the worst sense of the word. It was not a terribly radical presidency.' Spencer refused to discuss his level of sympathy for the Ku Klux Klan, a violent white supremacist group, but said they can 'knock themselves out. It doesn't bother me. I don't care' Spencer said Obama's grand vision partnered with milquetoast results make him 'an enigma.' 'I don't think anyone can define him. And I think that probably has something to do with the fact that he's mixed race. He kinda doesn't have a home.' 'I don't support inter-marriage between different races,' he said, citing a desire to prevent 'the destruction of all cultures. Not just white culture.' Spencer insisted on Thursday that he is 'not an anti-Semite,' but claimed that the alt-right movement is 'willing to talk about' Israel's influence on U.S. policy. 'We're actually able to think seriously and think critically about Jewish identity,' he said. Spencer rejected the 'anti-Semite' label, but declared that 'race matters. Race is the foundation of identity.' Former president Barack Obama was born to Ann Dunham (left), and his father was Barack Obama Sr. (right) Spencer said Thursday that Donald Trump's election was 'a miracle' and dismissed the label 'anti-Semite' saying that 'race matters; race is the foundation of identity' Journalists questioned him about his zeal for starting verbal slug-fests and egging on physical attackers of Jews and others.empowered by its ability to 'You're almost making the argument that whether something is true or not, we shouldn't talk about it because it might offend someone,' he told one reporter. I just I totally reject that. And like, if you're a serious person, if you're an adult, you pursue the truth. The truth does offend people.' Spencer bristled at the idea that speaking about racial 'truths' at the risk of offending people would also legitimize the Ku Klux Klan. But he told DailyMail.com that he's content to let the Klan pursue its goals in its own way. 'Sure. I mean, the Ku Klux Klan? Sure. They can go knock themselves out. I it doesn't bother me. I don't care,' he said. Asked if he identifies with the KKK, he erupted. 'I've never met a KKK dude, ask I'm not talking you ask stupid questions,' he said. He has gained notoriety for his trademark shock of platinum blond hair and extreme rhetoric, whether verbally attacking migrants as scum or threatening to ban mosques. But as he prepares to become the first far-right European leader to clinch election victory in modern times, it has emerged that even Geert Wilderss own mother is too embarrassed to vote for him. A close family member has broken ranks to warn that the firebrand politician is playing a dangerous game that could lead to violence on the streets of Holland. Dutch far right Party for Freedom (PVV) leader Geert Wilders campaigns for the 2017 Dutch election in Spijkenisse, a suburb of Rotterdam, Netherlands The mother of Geert Wilders (pictured) is said to be too embarrassed to vote for him In a strongly-worded intervention before next months eagerly-anticipated election, the politicians older brother Paul said that the Freedom Party leader is scapegoating Muslims to achieve power. He also claimed that their mother, who was born in Indonesia and moved to Holland as a child, was opposed to his divisive policies that have prompted uproar across the continent. Im pretty sure my mother has not and will never vote for my brother or his party, he said. Polls suggest that Mr Wilders, a veteran Dutch MP, is on course to win the general election after capitalising on concerns about Europes migration crisis with his controversial outbursts. The 53-year-olds central campaign message is stop Islam and after the 2015 Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack in Paris by Islamic State gunmen he declared This is war. Although tensions between Mr Wilders and his brother have been simmering for years over his career, the feud escalated last week when the politician spoke about his mother in a television interview. Geert Wilders, far right politician of the Partji voor de Vrijheid, campaigning in Holland In a furious response posted online, Paul rebuked him for using their mother for political gain and said she did not support him. Speaking this week, he said: I dont vote for my brother because I do believe he is playing a dangerous game. His primary scapegoat is Muslims. What hes aiming at is from my point of view merely political power. He added: Either youre with him or if youre not. If you do criticize him, youre out. The IT company owner said that he was now estranged from his brother and had even received death threats from his supporters after writing a series of critical posts on Twitter. Instead of making the distinction between the man and his ideas, he cut me off, he added. He also suggested that the prospect of Mr Wilders being rejected by other political leaders in the country could spark a wave of social unrest. My brother has said, in case me and my voters dont get what we want thats a free translation there could well be a revolution, he said. Thats like putting out a fire with gasoline. The scale of the family dispute emerged as Mr Wilders was yesterday forced to cancel all public appearances over claims that one of his security guards had leaked information. Due to the threat of assassination, the politician has spent more than a decade living under 24-hour protection and is known to wear a bulletproof vest and live safe houses. The countrys secret service said on Tuesday that an agent of a Moroccan background had been suspended on suspicion of leaking details to a criminal organisation. A close family member has broken ranks to warn that the firebrand politician (pictured) is playing a dangerous game that could lead to violence on the streets of Holland Geert WIlders poses for a selfie with some supporters in Spikenisse, Netherlands The protection officer had been responsible for scouting out locations that protected politicians were due to visit. The officer has been was granted provisional release pending trial. Politicians across the continent are eagerly awaiting the result of next months election, with recent polls placing him slightly ahead of the countrys current Prime Minister Mark Rutte. If Mr Wilders, a fierce critic of the EU, wins as the polls suggest it could plunge the country into a constitutional crisis. Because Holland uses a proportional representation system, its Governments are always coalitions, with the leader of the biggest party within that group becoming the Prime Minister. The Freedom Party is only expected to gain around 30 of the Parliaments 150 seats and the other major parties, including Mr Ruttes liberals, have ruled out joining up with Mr Wilders. Advertisement Thousands of commuters are facing a journey home from hell - with many being told not to bother at all - as Storm Doris continues to wreak havoc on the UK transport network. Train lines and motorways have been at a total standstill for most of the afternoon, while flights and boats routes have also been decimated, with winds whipping up to almost 100mph. For many, the journey time was looking so bleak that they were forced to make a last-minute scramble for hotels for the evening. All services from London Euston were suspended due to Storm Doris earlier in the day, as the heavy winds significantly affected the train lines A huge crush of people at King's Cross station, where all services were suspended for much of the afternoon and only resumed in the late evening Thousands at King's Cross were at the mercy of the information boards, as they were facing delays of up to several hours to get home Hundreds of passengers were also stranded at Birmingham New Street because the trains were not running At Birmingham, notices such as this were all people could rely on, as staff struggled to keep up with the level of disruption Huge crowds flood Birmingham New Street Station, where services were cancelled and delayed due to the storm This entrance to London Victoria Underground station had to be closed after a man was injured when a section of it blew off and hit him For many, the journey time was looking so bleak that they were forced to make a last-minute scramble for hotels for the evening All services from London Euston were suspended due to Storm Doris, while King's Cross and St Pancras were also at a complete standstill, although an extremely limited service resumed in the evening. At one stage, Euston had to be evacuated due to mass overcrowding, while crowds were also ushered out of King's Cross - although it later transpired this was due to faulty escalator and the station soon re-opened. A spokesman for Virgin Trains told MailOnline: 'Due to Storm Doris, our services on both the east coast and west coast are severely disrupted. We are advising customers not to travel today and to check our websites for the latest updates. 'We are aiming to return to a full service tomorrow on both routes. However this will depend upon weather conditions and we do expect trains to be busier than normal.' At Victoria, trains were also heavily affected and a man was also taken to hospital after reportedly being hit by a newly-built entrance to the Underground station. How Storm Doris caused travel mayhem on the trains Arriva Trains Wales: 50mph speed restriction and Wolverhampton-Birmingham services temporarily suspended Chiltern Railways: Trains will run at 50mph on all lines between London and Aylesbury, Birmingham and Oxford CrossCountry: Bournemouth / Reading to Manchester may be delayed, and the return direction will run as two services East Midlands Trains: Overhead wire problems in St Albans area causing cancellations with speed limits on main lines Grand Central: Some services between London and Bradford will start / terminate at Wakefield Kirkgate or Doncaster Gatwick Express: From 12pm, services will run half hourly between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria only Great Northern: Speed restriction north of Hitchin with possible disruption on line between Cambridge and Kings Lynn Great Western Railway Delays of up to 30 minutes between Reading and Guildford following a tree on the railway line Greater Anglia / Stansted Express: Possible disruption on Colchester-Clacton and Norwich-Sheringham services London Midland: Object caught on the overhead wires at Wolverhampton causing cancellations London Overground: Object on overhead wires at West Hampstead blocks Camden Road-Willesden Junction trains Southern: London Victoria to Brighton services every 30 minutes and London Bridge to Brighton services will not run Southeastern: Coastal routes between Ashford and Ramsgate and between Hastings and Battle face 50mph restriction Thameslink: No direct service from London Bridge to Brighton between 11am and 6pm TransPennine Express: Speed restriction of 50mph to all services between York and Middlesbrough / Newcastle. Virgin Trains: Only an hourly service between London and Birmingham, London and Stafford and Preston and Scotland Virgin Trains East Coast: After 9.30am, service will be reduced to two trains per hour in each direction due to restriction Advertisement Birmingham New Street was also plunged into further chaos when fire services rushed to put out an escalator that had caught fire Three fire engines were sent to the station as a precaution although the fire was quickly extinguished by an extinguisher British Transport Police on the scene at Harpenden in Hertfordshire after a tree caught on fire having fallen onto power lines A jack-knifed car transporter near Banknock on the M80 near Falkirk during early morning snowfall in Scotland today Traffic on the M9 near Falkirk during early morning snowfall, as flights were cancelled and commuters were warned of delays Traffic on the M876 near Falkirk during early morning snowfall after Storm Doris reached speeds of more than 90mph today Passengers were crammed in like sardines on board this Northern Trains service, which was overcrowded due to an infrequency of trains Queues outside Peterborough railway station in Cambridgeshire after Storm Doris reached speeds of 90mph today A weather warning sign on the M1 near Barnsley in South Yorkshire on Thursday morning as drivers are urged to take extra care FLIGHT DELAYS TODAY AT LONDON'S MAJOR AIRPORTS AS STORM DORIS AFFECTS PLANE PASSENGERS ARRIVALS DEPARTURES AVERAGE DELAY % FLIGHTS DELAYED % FLIGHTS CANCELLED AVERAGE DELAY % FLIGHTS DELAYED % FLIGHTS CANCELLED London City 22 minutes 64% 7% 45 minutes 75% 10% London Gatwick 5 minutes 24% 3% 21 minutes 61% 0% London Heathrow 5 minutes 25% 0% 17 minutes 51% 6% London Stansted 5 minutes 6% 0% 13 minutes 40% 0% London Luton 2 minutes 5% 0% 19 minutes 70% 0% Birmingham New Street was also plunged into further chaos when fire services rushed to put out an escalator that had caught fire. Further north, a failure of electricity between Crewe and Warrington Bank Quay is causing chaos on Virgin Trains - and several other lines suffering major disruption. Network Rail warned of 50mph speed restrictions for safety reasons on some services run by Southeastern, Arriva Trains Wales, Chiltern Railways, Grand Central, TransPennine Express and Virgin Trains East Coast. And social media was flooded with frustrated commuters who knew they were in for a long journey back. Some tried to warn each other to avoid their usual stations, with one person even comparing King's Cross to popular zombie television show The Walking Dead. For many, the situation was so bad that they had to check into hotels for the night. Junction 5 and junction 8 on the M80 in Scotland were closed by snowfall, with users advised by Traffic Scotland to find alternative routes. In Aberdeenshire, some schools have been closed due to the weather. Aer Lingus cancelled 12 flights between the UK and the Republic of Ireland in anticipation of the winds, while 36 flights out of London Heathrow were cancelled and another five at London City with other delays possible. Ferry services have also been affected, with Caledonian MacBrayne warning of disruption on some west coast routes. In addition, A282 at Dartford Crossing, the A14 in Suffolk and the M48 Severn Bridge were closed. Elsewhere, the snow gates have been closed in both directions on the Banchory to Fettercairn route, while Traffic Scotland warned of high winds on the Tay Road Bridge and the Erskine Bridge. As Doris hit, Peel Ports in Liverpool said the city's port has been closed due to '100mph gusts of wind', adding: 'All operations are stood down for the safety of our employees, contractors and customers of the port.' 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." Wife arrested: Kandee Weyland, 46, has been charged with murdering her estranged husband, Scott, and violating a protective order A 46-year-old woman from Maine was charged with murder after her estranged husband was found severely wounded outside his home and died of his injuries on Wednesday. Kandee Weyland, of Acton, was also charged with violating a protection order, and was being held at the York County Jail, state police spokesman Stephen McCausland said in a news release. Authorities said the womans 42-year-old husband, Scott Weyland, suffered severe injuries in the yard of his home at 1097 Milton Mills Road at 1pm Wednesday. The victim was taken to Goodall Hospital in Sanford, where he died from his injuries a short time later. McCausland said in a statement Wednesday night that they have a good idea of what happened but were awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine Scott Weylands cause of death. Scott Weyland, 46, was found mortally wounded outside his home on Milton Mills Road in Acton, Maine (pictured), on Wednesday Police interviewed several people who were alleged to have witnessed the deadly assault on Scott Weyland, reported the Portland Press Herald. According to reports, Scott Weyland's mother said that her daughter-in-law, Kandee, has recently learned that she was going to lose custody of the couple's children and killed her husband in a fit of rage. Both the husband and wife had filed orders of protection against one another in April. Scott Weyland later accused Kandee in a written statement of using the order to 'threaten and intimidate' him. The Weylands have two children, who were turned over to grandparents Wednesday night, McCausland said. The station WCSH6 reported that Mrs Weyland is due in court for her initial appearance either on Thursday or Friday. Advertisement Striking images taken across the world in urban environment's capture the full drama of the human condition. Hope, sadness, mundanity and optimism. Intimate moments set against expansive backdrops and claustrophobic spaces make up the batch of winning photographs, released as part of the CBRE Urban Photography competition. The winning image, taken by Moin Ahmed, called 'The Man's Stare' captures the entrancing visage of a train rider during a rainy day in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The pensive stare of a solitary man against a backdrop of dramatic weather was enough to win the judges vote ahead of fierce competition. Moin Ahmed, from Bangladesh, has been named as the winner of CBRE Group's Urban Photographer of the Year competition. Mr. Ahmed's image,'The Man's Stare' captures the entrancing visage of a train rider during a rainy day in Dhaka, Bangladesh Regional winners were also named. The Americas prize was awarded to Conner Schuh from the United States for his entry, 'Golden Hour on Tower Bridge,'. The image depicted a young skateboarder gliding across the Tower Bridge in Sacramento, in the United States The EMEA prize was awarded to Pedro Luis Ajuriaguerra Saiz from Spain for his entry, 'The Block'. The photograph that gives a captivating insight into daily life at an apartment complex located in Bilbao, Spain The Asia Pacific prize went to K. M. Asad from Bangladesh for his entry, 'Off to Home'. The stunning snap shows the striking image of a man riding between two train cars in Dhaka, Bangladesh Foggy walk in Portugal won the best photo taken with a mobile category. The black and white image shows the 25 de Abril Bridge peaking out behind thick clouds and fog A street performer resting coal on her tongue in India was photographed by Raju Ghosh. The image captures the fear and wonder of the onlooking crowd The band the V's were snapped by Maricia Torres in Germany. The image captures the punk atmosphere of their high-energy set in front of a baying crowd Day end of Barbers was taken by Pranab Basak in India and captures the quiet intensity of the barbers using traditional cut throat razor methods on their customers at night A street artist deep in concentration was snapped by Phillip Law in Hong Kong and captures the peaceful solitude of the lone artist working at night Nature's True Colours taken by Freddy Matthew shows a street market in India by night as workers and customers wander past - the colours of the fruit made more vibrant by the night lights Paul Suchman, CBRE's global chief marketing officer, said: 'The competition continues to serve as a source of inspiration and creativity, celebrating the richness and diversity of city life. 'The volume and broad range of images received this year underscores the power of our brief, 'Cities of Connections,' to resonate across markets and cultures. 'We are humbled to have the unique opportunity to play a role in capturing and celebrating stories of the modern urban environment.' Night Market taken in India by Barun Kr. Datta shows a fruit merchant resting against his basket surrounded by pineapples. Deep in thought, the man daydreams while another older man continues his work Heavy Snow Walk taken by Wai Yum Leung in Hong Kong captures pedestrians crossing the road in a blizzard while a van rushes onwards with full beams on. The thick snow on the floor turned to sludge juxtaposes with the fresh snow falling onto the tarmac Urban Art taken by Paulo Silva in Portugal captures the intricate architectural design of a building with vehicles parked beneath while a single person walks across the indoor bridge Chipping In by Ross Magrath taken in the UK shows a dog walking alongside a couple carrying their bag. The sweet black and white image captures the moment the man looks towards the camera while the woman stares straight ahead 1000 Bricks, taken in Bangladesh by Iftekher Mahmood shows labourers - neither carrying tools - working amid dust and rubble in the glaring heat of the day Market Trader taken by James Shannon captures a trader leaning against sacks of onions while reading the paper. The man is covered by a scarf while he thoughtfully reads the front page Look What I Captured by N Prasnad captures the moment a tourist displays his camera to an amused local to show her the image he had taken of her while surrounded by bags if materials Fish Seller taken by Sirsendu Gayen shows a woman stood behind her stall filled with large fillets and king prawns busy at work Cleaning Portholds was taken in Spain by Antonio Hernandez Santana shows a window cleaner hard at work in the heat of the day The Fish Market taken in Portugal by Paulo Silva shows a fishmonger slicing up a whole tuna to sell to his customers. Buyers watch on as the man surgically dissects flesh from bone on a stone work top In acknowledgment of all photographs submitted, CBRE, a commercial real estate and investment firm, donated 10,000 to Plan International. The donation will support the global NGOs work in advancing childrens rights and equality for girls. CBRE recently embarked on a new two-year project with Plan International called Safer Cities which will help create a safer living environment for thousands of girls in Nairobi, Kenya. This new project is an extension of the work they have been doing with Plan Internation in Sierra Leone since 2014 - where they focus on giving an education to a generation of children, particularly girls. Twelve by Gustavo Gomes in Brazil captures the intense stare of a woman as she gets into a car underneath a bridge letting lights bleed in rectangular patterns London Eye View by Tricia Kennedy is the striking image of a grey looking London as sunlight fights to burst through the clouds Hong Kong Style Tailor by Yat Chun Wong shows a tailor hard a work sat in front of his sewing machine and textiles The Yellow Umbrella by John Holt in England shows a person standing with a yellow umbrella on a sunny day surrounded by mingling tourists Tango Para Amar taken in Germany by Roy Fochtman captures the intimate moment between an older couple as they dance cheek to cheek Laughter is the best medicine taken in Brazil by Rafael Carrieri shows an elderly pair giggling with each other covering their mouths as they laugh Last walk of the day by Nakul Sharma shows Buddhist monks walking over a bridge against a dark orange backdrop at dusk Reflection taken in Hungary by Mate Ladjanszki shows a daughter blissfully following what looks to be her father as he pushes another child in a buggy. The entire scene reflected in the water The wife of a British suicide bomber has said taxpayer's cash he was given for being in Guantanamo funded his trip to Syria to join ISIS. Shukee Begum today, the wife of Jamal al-Harith, said there was not much of the money left from the financial settlement and that tax payers' money may have been used to pay for his extremist activities - including travel to Syria where he joined ISIS. She also revealed the money he received was an out of court settlement and not compensation. British suicide bomber Jamal al-Harith used taxpayer's cash he was given for being in Guantanamo to fund his trip to Syria to join ISIS In a Channel 4 News report to be broadcast tonight, Shukee Begum claims that the sum Jamal al-Harith received from the British government was 'substantially less' than the million pounds being reported and, that it was an out of court settlement and not compensation. Begum also claims that there was 'not much money left' but confirmed that tax payers money may have been used to pay for his extremist activities - including, crucially, she believes, funding his travel to Syria where he joined ISIS. Meanwhile, Sky News have claimed MI5 dropped him off their watch list when he fled the UK in 2014. Shukee Begum, the wife of Jamal al-Harith Following questions over the monitoring of al-Harith, his wife claims he was 'stopped and questioned by UK authorities for six hours on his return' from a trip to Gaza in 2009 but apart from this she believes that 'he was not monitored'. A statement to the BBC on behalf of the family said they believed the claimed figure of 1million was wide of the mark and referred to a group settlement made to four ex-detainees, including al-Harith, and included their costs. The statement said: 'The Jamal they knew up until 2001 when he was taken to Guantanamo Bay would not have become involved with a despicable organisation such as so-called IS. 'He was a peaceful and gentle person. 'Whatever he may or may not have done since then, they believe from their own experience he was utterly changed by the physical and mental cruelty and the inhuman treatment he endured for two years at Guantanamo.' The terrorist's wife will also tell Channel 4 News that when she was in contact with al-Harith, he was 'involved in the distribution of aid in al-Bab and was ideologically opposed to suicide attacks'. After his release from Guantanamo Bay in 2004 and return to the UK, she says that for nearly ten years he did not pose a threat. His radicalisation she says, began in late 2013, and was a response to 'atrocities committed by the regime in Syria.' His views became more extreme was after contact in Manchester with Raphael Hostey - known as Abu Qaqa al-Britaini - a major ISIS recruiter prior to his death in a drone strike in Syria last year. He travelled to Syria in 2014, where he joined ISIS. Last year, she flew to Syria with her five children she says to try to persuade her husband to return to the UK. Begum says her attempts to persuade him 'failed'. Al-Harith (left) is pictured in his early years in Manchester, England, before his detention at Gauntanamo in 2002. His wife Shukee Begum is shown right - she went to Syria with their five children but fled back to Turkey Angry: Jamal al-Harith, told the BBC in 2004 (pictured) that he wanted to spit at his American captors who were convinced he was a dangerous terrorist The jihadi, who born Ronald Fiddler, was detained in the lawless southern Afghanistan after going there after 9/11 he was then flown to Guantanamo in 2002. The US authorities said he may have spent time with Osama bin Laden in Sudan and that his back story as a backpacking Islamic scholar simply did not add up. But he was released from the notorious prison camp in 2004 and repatriated to England by private jet and released without charge. He was among more than a dozen Guantanamo detainees who were handed settlements totalling nearly 20million to end a civil case after the coalition came to power in 2010. The government is thought to have been unwilling to produce secret evidence in open court. Fiddler, who also converted to Islam in the late 1990s, was a gentle character changed who friends and family say changed completely after being held at Guantanamo. It has been claimed al-Harith, previously known as Ronald Fiddler before converting to Islam, received 1 million compensation from the UK Government - a sum denied by his family, who regard it as wide of the mark. Speaking to BBC North West Tonight soon after his return to the UK he described being frightened to leave Guantanamo because he was so used to life there - and his hatred for the Americans who held him there. He said: I was very angry actually. First when they told me I was scared because I had been in a cage for so long I didn't want to leave, strange as it might sound. My first reaction was I don't want to go. That's what came to me. 'When they were taking us out I could see the British plane waiting for us - they had to walk us over the 300 metres - and we got put in front to the British Bobby and the American soldier was taking off my chains I wanted to spit in his face but you have to hold yourself inside'. Fiddler, who also converted to Islam in the late 1990s, was a gentle character changed who friends and family say changed completely after being held at Guantanamo. His sister Sharon said his conversion to Islam meant he stopped going to clubs, smoking and drinking and became 'placid' but added he had 'not changed much'. But ten years later he would flee Britain to join ISIS and blow himself up for them in Mosul this year. Describing the reaction when he came back to Manchester he said in the 2004 interview: 'People have been fine. People have stopped me in the streets giving me hugs and saying they have been praying for me saying if you can survive this long you can stay strong and keep going. There's been a lot of support. 'There have been people on the other side too but people generally have been very very supportive'. At the time of his release, then-Home Secretary David Blunkett, insisted: No one who is returned will actually be a threat to the security of the British people. Backed by human rights lawyers, Fiddler posed for publicity photographs with fellow former Guantanamo Bay detainees Martin Mubanga and Moazzam Begg. Shami Chakrabarti, the then head of Liberty who was made a Labour peer last year, said she was delighted he was being freed. We are delighted that the five have been released, but let us not forget those that are remaining, she said. In one interview with a national newspaper after his release Fiddler said: It was very, very hard times, but I tried to think about nothing but survival. At the same time he married, set up a computer business and worked as an administrator in a Muslim school. But in 2014, Fiddler travelled to Islamic State controlled Syria via Turkey, a common route for would-be jihadists. His journey was revealed after his estranged wife, Shukee Begum, 34, managed to escape from the terrorist group with their five children. She endured a 10-month ordeal being passed between rebel groups as a hostage after trying to persuade her estranged husband to return home. JAMAL'S PATH TO GUANTANAMO AND THEN SYRIA 1966: Ronald Fiddler is born in Manchester to devout Christian parents originating from Jamaica 1994: He converts to Islam, changing his name to Jamal Udeen al-Harith October 2001: Al-Harith travels to Quetta in Pakistan, on a 'religious holiday'. A few day later the US invasion of neighbouring Afghanistan began Early 2002: He is arrested by American forces in Afghanistan after they discover him in a Taliban jail and later transferred to Guantanamo Bay prison 2004: After lobbying from Tony Blair's Labour government, al-Harith is released along with five others. He returns to the UK where he is released without charge, and joins three other prisoners in suing Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld 2009: His case against Rumsfield and the US government is finally dismissed on the grounds of 'limited immunity' for government officials 2014: Despite security services being fully aware of his previous detention, he is able to escape the UK to fight with ISIS in Syria 2015: His British wife Shukee Begum, along with their five children, join him in Syria before fleeing from the Isis-controlled territory February 2017: Al-Harith is killed in a suicide attack near Mosul, Iraq Advertisement Mrs Begum, a law graduate from Greater Manchester, said she was desperate as she was left with four children and pregnant with a fifth. She said: Hes my husband and all of a sudden hes not there. It didnt feel like home any more. I was trying to manage school runs, things like that. I was thinking about the childrens futures. Was he part of it Will he come back? All these things go through your mind. At that time he was based near al-Bab in northern Syria. It appears that since his wife left he joined frontline fighters. Fiddlers ability to flee the country will once again shine the spotlight on the Governments inability to effectively monitor terror suspects. Former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson was today pictured arriving at the Ecuadorean embassy, where her rumoured new beau, Julian Assange, is living to avoid extradition. The 49-year-old star yesterday alluded to a relationship between the pair, telling an Australian radio show that she has spent more time with the WikiLeaks founder than her three husbands combined. She has become an advocate for men falsely accused of rape, after at least six visits to Assange in London. Former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson was today pictured outside the Ecuadorian embassy in London, where Julian Assange is living This week Anderson said: 'I've spent more time talking to Julian than all of my ex-husband combined!' He is accused of rape in Sweden. Speaking to The Kyle and Jackie O Show, Anderson said: 'I've spent more time talking to Julian than all of my ex-husband combined!' When asked if she'd 'kissed' the Australian journalist, the model and animal rights activist burst into a giggle and said: 'It was never the intention to become romantic. It was just to join forces to do something important.' But she then added cryptically: 'Things happen, for sure.' WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange took refuge at the Ecuadorian embassy in August 2012 after being accused of rape in Sweden She also then revealed a fantasy in which she would become First Lady to 'world leader' Julian. 'He's wonderful,' Anderson gushed. 'I always thought I'd make a good First Lady. If I had to pick a world leader to stand beside it'd be Julian Assange.' 'Wouldn't that be great?' she added. The Barb Wire star, who has been visiting the 45-year-old regularly at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London where he's currently living under asylum, then defended his innocence against a rape accusation in Sweden. 'This silly ridiculous case in Sweden, people really need to look at it and see there was no crime committed, he hasn't been convicted of anything, and we need to support him,' she said defiantly. Anderson is seen visiting Assange at the embassy on February 6 (left) and January 21 (right), believed to be the last two times she's visited Other recent visits by Anderson to Assange at the embassy in London were on December 12 (left) and December 7 (right) Anderson also visited the Ecuadorian Embassy on November 13 (left) and October 15 (right). The model first visited Assange in September 2014 Speaking to RT earlier this month, she stated: 'Sweden has these very progressive laws against sexual crimes, whatever you want to call it,' she said. 'It's almost too progressive, it's almost paralysing. 'I'm going to actually start campaigning for men who have been victims of being accused of rape when they haven't actually done anything.' In 2005, Sweden expanded its definition of rape in the Swedish Sexual Crimes Act to include what is considered the 'helpless state', which would be having sex with someone who is asleep or incapable of saying no. A situation where the law typically comes into play is when someone who is drunk falls asleep, and wakes up to find someone having sex with them. Prior to the amendment, the above situation would only be considered sexual abuse. The law does not criminalise previously legal acts, but rather simply broadens the definition of rape to include more sexual crimes. A man allegedly assaulted his 60-year-old mother with a pork chop before headbutting her, simply because she did not buy him cigarettes. Terry Bernard Ball Jr., 29, is accused of committing the assault. Ball, of Athens, Georgia, was eating the pork chop at his home Monday night and got angry at his mother since she didn't get cigarettes for him, according to the Athens Banner-Herald. He allegedly hurled the pork chop, before pushing his mother and headbutting her. A Georgia man allegedly assaulted his 60-year-old mother with a pork chop. Terry Bernard Ball Jr., 29, is accused of committing the assault A police report obtained by the newspaper said that Ball's father jumped on top of his son and restrained him until police showed up. While she cleaned the kitchen, Ball's mother wouldn't talk about the incident, and just said her son was angry that she didn't get cigarettes, according to police. Authorities arrested Ball for simple battery and charged him with a probation violation, according to the Athens Banner-Herald. He had already been sentenced to 12 months' probation over a charge of simple battery that had been lodged six months earlier, the report said. In that case, he was accused of striking a man's face for no apparent reason while he was intoxicated, the newspaper reported. Travis Elwell, 23, (pictured) was sentenced last week to serve 120 days in jail for the death of Emily Javadi A Texas man who killed a woman in a drunk driving accident will be reminded of the 'extraordinary' life he took as he sits in a jail cell on the anniversary of her death for the next nine years. Travis Elwell, 23, was sentenced last week to serve just four months in jail for the death of Emily Javadi. He will also be banned from drinking for 10 years as part of his probation, and have to submit to numerous breathalyzer tests a day. Javadi was remembered by her friends and family as a confident and talented baker and violinist with a passion for people. Javadi was only 34 when she was killed while loading items into her car after a workout at Dallas' Cole Park. Elwell, who is from Mesquite, had a blood alcohol content of 0.175 and was speeding in his BMW when he crashed into her Lexus, sending Javadi flying into a metal pole. She was rushed to the hospital, but suffered injuries that caused her to die about an hour later, reported the Dallas Morning News. His sentencing was a part of a plea deal arranged between Javadi's parents and prosecutors, in which Elwell will serve one week in jail on the anniversary of Javadi's death on February 10, 2015, for the next nine years. Emily Javadi (pictured) was only 34 when she was killed while loading items into her car after a workout at Dallas' Cole Park Elwell was driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.175 and was speeding in his BMW when he crashed into her Lexus (pictured) The parents said they were not interested in seeing Elwell locked up for his life. Emily Javadi's mother Karen told DailyMail.com that they are satisfied with his sentencing, as they sought a plea deal. She said: 'Probation only in Dallas County is not uncommon. Our family has already been victimized, and we felt that had Travis Elwell avoided any jail time would have been unbearable.' Karen continued: 'We are satisfied with the outcome and hope Mr. Elwell will take advantage of the gift of time that our daughter was deprived of, and make a positive impact in this community. 'My precious child enriched our lives, we told her we loved her each day, and we will forever mourn our loss.' Attorney Nicole Knox, who was not associated with the case, said that the punishment was unique, and a 'creative way to create more of a deterrent effect.' As a part of his probation terms, he will have to use a breathalyzer to start his car, and must attend Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and speak at drunk driving support groups, reportedWFAA. Friends of Javadi's described her as someone who looked out for others, and 'extraordinary simply by being ordinary'. More than 1,000 people attended her memorial service As Javadi reached into the backseat of her Lexus, Elwell rear-ended her, sending her flying into a metal pole. She was taken to the hospital and later pronounced dead The terms are intended to keep his punishment from being too lenient, but also not negatively impact his child. The Javadis hope that he turns his life around. Friends of Javadi's described her as someone who looked out for others, and 'extraordinary simply by being ordinary'. More than 1,000 people attended her memorial service. Her memory lives on through the Emily Javadi Foundation, which gives scholarships to people who want to fulfill their fitness or entrepreneurial potential. The city of Dallas has reportedly decided to convert the avenues of McKinney and Cole, where the incident took place, to two-way streets to reduce speeding. The change came about as a result of Javadi's death. According to her LinkedIn profile, she was a supply chain analyst for Baylor Health Care System. Steve Bannon, the semi-reclusive White House brain behind President Donald Trump's long-term strategic planning, made a rare public appearance on Thursday to clobber the political press as 'corporatist, globalist media' who will fight the administration at every turn. Bannon, a former CEO of the conservative Brietbart.com news outlet, regularly dismisses most White House reporters as 'the opposition party,' a habit he renewed at the Conservative Political Action Conference. 'If you look at the opposition party and how they portrayed the campaign, how they portrayed the transition and how they're portraying the administration,' he said, pointing to the media section at the back of a cavernous ballroom, 'it's always wrong.' Bannon, press secretary Sean Spicer and chief Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway have regularly pilloried the press for misreading the president's electoral viability and mischaracterizing his policies. White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon made a rare appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Thursday, sitting alongside White House chief of Staff Reince Priebus as he clobbered the political news media Bannon and Priebus embraced and collaborated like stars in a buddy-movie comedy, dispelling media reports that they have been feuding behind closed doors 'If you remember, the campaign was "the most chaotic," you know, by the media's description, "most chaotic, most disorganized, most unprofessional, had no earthly idea what they were doing",' Bannon recalled. 'And then you saw them all crying and weeping that night, on the 8th [of November].' Bannon sat alongside Reince Priebus, the White House chief of staff who is the party loyalist yin to to his right-wing yang. The two men offered widely divergent predictions about whether traditional media outlets will come to heel after a no-honeymoon period that an administration aide told DailyMail.com on Wednesday is 'the most aggressive ever from reporters.' 'I think there's hope that it's going to change,' Priebus said. 'I mean, we sit here every day and the president pumps out all this work and the executive orders and punching through the promises that he made to the American people. So we're hoping that the media would catch up eventually.' 'But we're so conditioned to it,' he said. 'I'm personally so conditioned to hearing about why President Trump isn't going to win the election. Why a controversy in the primary is going to take down President Trump.' Trump plowed through a field of 17 Republicans on his way to the GOP nomination, and then beat Democrat Hillary Clinton by a sizable margin in the Electoral College. Priebus (center), next to American Conservative Union Chairman Matt Schlapp (right), said he's hopeful the media's treatment of President Trump will become friendlier, but Bannon (left) insisted it will get worse over time Bannon said he sees news outlets as tools of media companies that own them, few of whose interests are aligned with Trump's brand of nationalism. 'It's not only not going to get better. It's going to get worse every day in the media,' he said. 'They're corporatist, globalist media that are adamantly opposed, adamantly opposed to an economic nationalist agenda like President Trump has,' Bannon explained, giving media conglomerates credit for having 'internal logic' that makes sense for them. He predicted that backlash from what Trump has called the 'fake media' will deepen 'because he's going to continue to press his agenda.' 'And as economic conditions get better, as more jobs get better, they're going to continue to fight.' 'If you think they're going to give you your country back without a fight,' he told a packed ballroom, looking at tables of reporters in the distance, 'you are sadly mistaken.' Bannon said reporters routinely misunderstood Trump's policy goals even though they were all spelled out in his often-raucous campaign rally speeches Bannon also said reporters 'never caught' the notion that Trump's agenda could be easily discerned from his campaign rally speeches. The president's often hour-long stemwinders were chock full of policy pledges including an Obamacare repeal, U.S. withdrawals from multinational trade pacts, a wall on America's southern border, and enough pesos from Mexico to pay for it. The often raw-language and raucous events were livestreamed worldwide. 'It was all in the speeches,' Bannon said Thursday. 'He went around to these rallies, but those speeches had a tremendous amount of content in them, right?' 'I happen to believe, and I think many others do, he's probably the greatest public speaker, in those large arenas, since William Jennings Bryan.' A missing 15-year-old girl from Virginia has been found unharmed more than 100 miles away from home a week after she took off with a 21-year-old man, according to state police. Makayla 'Kayla' Mattei was discovered on Thursday in Harrisonburg, Virginia, in the company of Meiti Metsla, an Estonian national whom the teenager met online. Mattei was reported missing by her family on February 20, three days after she left her home in Dumfries, Virginia. Found: Missing Makayla 'Kayla' Mattei (left), 15, was found unharmed in Virginia Thursday in the company of 21-year-=old Estonian nationla Meiti Metsla (right) Long way from home: Mattei was last seen on February 17 leaving her home in Dumfries to go to school. A week later, police found her more than 100 miles away in Harrisonburg In the course of the week-long investigation, which was carried out by the state police with assistance from the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, detectives discovered inappropriate online exchanges between Metsla and Mattei. The girls mother, Chermene Shaw, told Fox 5 DC that she last saw Mattei at around 6.45am on February 17 when she left home in Dumfries on her way to the bus stop, but she never made it to class as Forest Park High School, where she is a ninth-grader. On Tuesday, the Prince William County Police Department issued an endangered missing child alert for Mattei, saying she might be in need of medical assistance because she is diabetic and was believed to have left home with only half a vial of insulin. Earlier today, police tracked down the missing teenager to Harrisonburg, more than 100 miles away from home, and found her to be 'safe and unharmed.' Police and FBI say the ninth-grader met Metsla online and likely left with him willingly. The 21-year-old traveled from Estonia to the US a few days before meeting Mattei Meiti Metsla was arrested on a felony charge of using a communication device to solicit certain offenses involving children. According to the FBI, the 21-year-old traveled from Estonia to the US a few days before meeting Mattei, as the station WJLA reported. Police said on Thursday they were making arrangements to reunite Makayala with her family. While President Donald Trump was ridiculed last week for suggesting there was a terrorist attack in Sweden, two nationalist politicians from the Scandinavian country are coming to his defense. Per Jimmie Akesson and Mattias Karlsson, two members of parliament from the right-wing Sweden Democrats, backed Trump's characterization of Sweden as a country that is plagued by migrant-fueled crime. Akesson and Karlsson co-wrote an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday. 'Mr Trump did not exaggerate Sweden's current problems,' Akesson and Karlsson wrote. 'If anything, he understated them.' Mattias Karlsson (left) and Per Jimmie Akesson (right), two members of parliament from the right-wing Sweden Democrats, backed President Donald Trump's characterization of Sweden as a country that is plagued by migrant-fueled crime During a rally in front of supporters in Florida last week, Trump said Sweden was 'having problems like they never thought possible.' Police were forced to fire warning shots after a group of rioters began setting fire to cars, throwing stones at police and looting shops in the Rinkeby district of Stockholm on Monday night. A police officer was injured during the clashes, Swedish public service broadcaster SVT reported. Initially, Trump was thought to be talking about terrorism in Sweden, but the president later tweeted that he was referring to a Fox News segment about crime committed by migrants from the Middle East. Morgan Johansson (left), Sweden's justice and immigration minister from the ruling Social Democrats, blasted Akesson and Karlsson for 'lying' about the problem of crime in the op-ed. He also suggested that Trump (right) should 'not get all his news from reports on Fox News' 'Riots and social unrest have become a part of everyday life,' Akesson and Karlsson wrote. 'Police officers, firefighters and ambulance personnel are regularly attacked. Serious riots in 2013, involving many suburbs with large immigrant populations, lasted for almost a week.' 'Gang violence is booming.' 'Despite very strict firearms laws, gun violence is five times as common in Sweden, in total, as in the capital cities of our three Nordic neighbors combined.' The two politicians also wrote in their op-ed that the Jews of Sweden who had once lived in the city of Malmo have fled because of the large immigrant population there. 'Anti-Semitism has risen,' they wrote. 'Jews in Malmo are threatened, harassed and assaulted in the streets.' Police were forced to fire warning shots after a group of rioters began setting fire to cars, throwing stones at police and looting shops in the Rinkeby district of Stockholm on Monday night A police officer was injured during the clashes, Swedish public service broadcaster SVT reported. An officer is seen above investigating a burned out car in Rinkeby on Tuesday 'Many have left the city, becoming internal refugees in their country of birth.' 'For the sake of the American people, with whom we share so many strong historical and cultural ties, we can only hope that the leaders in Washington won't make the same mistakes that our socialist and liberal politicians did,' they wrote. But a Swedish government minister from the ruling Social Democrats blasted Akesson and Karlsson, accusing them of lying in the op-ed. Morgan Johansson, the country's justice and immigration minister, said on Thursday that the opposition lawmakers were harming the country by exaggerating the problem of crime. 'I note that it has gone so far that the Sweden Democrats are intentionally harming Sweden by lying about how things are,' he told The Local. 'We can't let that go unchallenged. They're painting a picture of a country characterized by violence, when it's the exact opposite.' 'Not to mention the risk of being the victim of deadly violence in the US is four times higher than in Sweden.' Johansson also hit out at Fox News. He said that Trump should not rely on information he hears from the cable news network. 'I would say that perhaps the US president ought to be a bit more critical of his sources and not get all his news from reports on Fox News,' he said. Police are being hailed as heroes for saving a young suicidal man who was dangling off a bridge and it was all caught on bodycam. Cops got a call Tuesday that a young man in a bright red sweater was sitting on the ledge of the Talmadge Bridge in Savannah, Georgia. Friends said the unidentified man, 22, was threatening to jump. The bridge spans between downtown Savannah and Hutchinson Island. It is 574 feet high. Scroll down for video The young man in the red sweater was dangling 575 feet over the Talmadge Bridge in Savannah, Georgia. Friends on the bridge said he was threatening to jump Officers couldn't communicate with the man because of the high winds so they hatched a plan to suddenly grab him The plan was successful and he was brought down off the bridge An officer pins the distraught man to the ground and then he was brought to the hospital When officers from Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department arrived, they had a hard time communicating with the distraught man because of the high winds. So they hatched a daring plan to grab him - one that could have gone terribly wrong. Advanced Police Officer Matthew Good and Officer Kevin Toliver rushed over and quickly grabbed the man by the back of the shirt, yanking him off the bridge. Video shows a close-up of the scene, and the man making noises as he is brought down to the ground and pinned. He was brought to the hospital for evaluation. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he wants to build up the U.S. nuclear arsenal to ensure it is at the 'top of the pack,' saying the United States has fallen behind in its atomic weapons capacity. In a Reuters interview, Trump also said China could solve the national security challenge posed by North Korea 'very easily if they want to,' ratcheting up pressure on Beijing to exert more influence to rein in Pyongyang's increasingly bellicose actions. In his first comments about the U.S. nuclear arsenal since taking office on January 20, Trump said the United States has 'fallen behind on nuclear weapon capacity.' 'I am the first one that would like to see everybody - nobody have nukes, but we're never going to fall behind any country even if its a friendly country, we're never going to fall behind on nuclear power. Scroll down for video Vow: 'It would be wonderful, a dream would be that no country would have nukes, but if countries are going to have nukes, were going to be at the top of the pack,' Trump said Staying on top: The U.S. will not be bettered in nuclear might Trump said. The tip of the spearhead of the air-launched nuclear power available to the president is the B-2 Spirit bomber New cold war: Trump called a deal to have nuclear parity with Russia 'one-sided', which would be a challenge to Kremlin strongman Vladimir Putin, who marked Defender of the Fatherland Day in Moscow on Thursday 'It would be wonderful, a dream would be that no country would have nukes, but if countries are going to have nukes, were going to be at the top of the pack,' Trump said. The new strategic arms limitation treaty, known as New START, between the U.S. and Russia requires that by February 5, 2018, both countries must limit their arsenals of strategic nuclear weapons to equal levels for 10 years. The treaty permits both countries to have no more than 800 deployed and non-deployed land-based intercontinental and submarine-launched ballistic missile launchers and heavy bombers equipped to carry nuclear weapons, and contains equal limits on other nuclear weapons. Analysts have questioned whether Trump wants to abrogate New START or would begin deploying other warheads. In the interview, Trump called New START 'a one-sided deal. 'Just another bad deal that the country made, whether it's START, whether it's the Iran deal ... We're going to start making good deals,' he said. The United States is in the midst of a $1 trillion, 30-year modernization of its aging ballistic missile submarines, bombers and land-based missiles, a price tag that most experts say the country cannot afford. Challenge to the neighbors: Trump pointed at China as the power which should solve the ongoing crisis of its tiny dictatorship next door, Kim Jong-Un's North Korea How do you solve a problem like Korea? The Hermit Kingdom has tested the Trump administration with a missile launch held during the Japanese prime minister's U.S. visit Trump also complained that the Russian deployment of a ground-based cruise missile is in violation of a 1987 treaty that bans land-based American and Russian intermediate-range missiles. 'To me it's a big deal,' Trump said. Asked if he would raise the issue with Putin, Trump said he would do so 'if and when we meet.' He said he had no meetings scheduled as of yet with Putin. Speaking from behind his desk in the Oval Office, Trump declared that 'we're very angry' at North Korea's ballistic missile tests and said accelerating a missile defense system for U.S. allies Japan and South Korea was among many options available. 'There's talks of a lot more than that,' Trump said, when asked about the missile defense system. 'We'll see what happens. But it's a very dangerous situation, and China can end it very quickly in my opinion.' She's best known as the mother of TV's The Waltons, the close-knit rural family whose struggles through the Great Depression and World War II ran for nine seasons and a string of TV movies from 1972 on. But offscreen, Michael Learned faced drama of her own, at the hands of a violent and abusive partner. Now, she has revealed how she survived in a new interview. 'There were times where he was physically violent,' Learned, now 77, says in the latest edition of Closer Weekly. 'He put a choke hold on me. I called the cops once, but I decided not to press charges. I should have.' Abused: Michael Learned (left as Ma Walton in the 1970s, right in 2010) says she was abused by a long-term partner. The star, 77, says things changed when she stopped turning the cheek Better life: Learned (pictured top row, third from right with Waltons cast members) says there is a better life ahead for those who can escape domestic abuse Learned, who has been married four times, is not revealing the name of the man who abused her during their long-term relationship. She says she is no longer angry at the man, who has since reformed, is no longer violent, and is now 'an outstanding member of the community.' But at the time, she told the magazine, she had no idea what to do. 'I did leave at one point, but there was no one to turn to other than friends,' she said. 'There were no 12-step programs for domestic violence.' She could only be pushed too far, she said, and a turning point came when she realized she needed to make a change. 'When I learned that its not OK to turn the other cheek and let somebody abuse me, I began to get strong,' she said. She added: 'If you know theres something better out there and youre willing to [take] responsibility for your choices, you can have a better life. 'The life I have today is beyond my wildest dreams!' Learned has been married four times in total - first to Canadian-American actor Peter Donat from 1956 to 1972. He is best known for playing Bill Mulder, the father of Fox Mulder sci-fi show The X-Files during the 1990s. Her second marriage was to Glenn Chadwick, a stagehand, which lasted only two years, from 1975-1977. She was then wed to actor/screenwriter William Parker in 1979. She divorced from Parker, who wrote episodes of The Waltons, in 1988. Finally, she found long-lasting happiness with lawyer John Doherty, whom she married in 1988. The couple live together in California to this day. Changes: Learned has been married four times. Her second and third husbands were Glenn Chadwick (left) and William Parker (right), respectively. She won't reveal her abuser, saying the man has reformed and become an 'outstanding member of the community' Happy together: Learned married lawyer John Doherty (both pictured in 1994) in 1998, and lives with him in California to this day Learned married her first husband Peter Donat (left and right) in 1956. They remained married until 1972 Learned's struggles haven't only been with her abusive partner. In 1971, at the age of 32, Learned realized that she had become an alcoholic. She had raised three children with Donat and was floundering, she told spiritual website Unity in 2002. Winning the role of Olivia Walton while in a quagmire of alcoholic excess was a wake-up call, she said. She went to Donat's isolated cabin on the California coast to sober up. While playing with sand, she said she came to the realization that 'humanity is like the sand. We as individuals are tiny cells that make up the whole. 'We each have a role to fill and our own spiritual journey to complete. And as we do, we contribute to the health and wholeness of humanity.' After losing herself in blissful meditation, she said she decided to give up alcohol - and in doing so found a new lease of live. The actress - who won three Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Olivia Walton - continues to work. She is currently starring in a stage version of Driving Miss Daisy in Fayetteville, Philadelphia, and will reunite with her Waltons co-stars in Schuyler, Virginia, in March. Facing a far friendlier audience than she did at the U.S. Capitol, new Education Secretary Betsy DeVos thumbed her nose at one of the Senate's top Democrat today at the Conservative Political Action Conference. DeVos strutted onstage to cheers of 'we love you!' and gave the audience some love right back, introducing herself by name to the raucous crowd. 'You may have heard some of the wonderful things the mainstream media has called me lately,' she said. 'I, however, pride myself on being called a mother, a grandmother, a life partner of 38 years tomorrow and perhaps the first person to tell Bernie Sanders to his face that there's no such thing as a free lunch.' DeVos was referring to her contentious Senate confirmation hearing where she went before three of the body's biggest liberal names: Sens. Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Al Franken. DeVos also doubled down on a statement she made yesterday about the Trump administration's move to roll back bathroom protections for transgender students. 'This issue was a very huge example of the Obama administration's overreach to suggest a one-size-fits-all federal government approach, top down approach to issues that are best dealt with and solved at a personal level and a local level,' she told CNN's resident Donald Trump supporter Kayleigh McEnany. Scroll down for video Education Secretary Betsy DeVos got a far warmer reception at CPAC than she did on Capitol Hill and even mocked Sen. Bernie Sanders in her opening remarks CNN's resident Trump supporter Kayleigh McEnany (left) was tasked with asking Education Secretary Betsy DeVos (right) questions Thursday at CPAC MeEnany also brought up DeVos' Senate experience saying she was 'appalled by the way Sen. Warren conducted herself.' DeVos' nomination made history for being controversial. She got zero Democratic votes and two Republican senators refused to vote for her, so Vice President Pence was forced to come to Capitol Hill and cast a tie-breaking vote. Today a more defiant DeVos showed up at the annual conference of conservatives, where Vice President Mike Pence will grace the stage tonight and President Trump will speak tomorrow. 'My job isn't to win a popularity contest with the media of the education establishment here in Washington,' she said, telling the crowd she loved their energy. DeVos, a Michigan-based school choice advocate and Republican fundraiser, explained simply her stance on education at the conference. 'Do you believe parents should be able to choose the best school for their child regardless of zip code or family income?' DeVos asked the crowd, who answered in the affirmative. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos proclaimed from onstage that her job wasn't to 'win a popularity contest with the media of the education establishment' Gov. Scott Walker revealed at CPAC that he had called Education Secretary Betsy DeVos after she was blocked from entering a D.C. school, as he encountered similar protests in Wisconsin 'Me too and so does President Trump,' she said. 'We have a unique window of opportunity to make school choice a reality for millions of families.' MeEnany wasn't the only conservative vocally supporting DeVos from onstage, as the new education secretary was recently blocked from entering a D.C. school by protesters. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who faced widespread protests in Madison in 2015 over a controversial public union-killing bill, told the CPAC audience that he had called DeVos after the Washington incident. 'I called Betsy DeVos, who's a good friend of mind, and I said, "You know what? Been there, done that,"' he said. Walker shared that the activists he faced glued the door shut to a Wisconsin school so that he couldn't go inside. 'Now, the good news is that the school was not to be deterred,' Walker recalled. 'They actually took the door off the hinges and we were able to read to the kids,' he said. President Trump's Twitter trail has raised questions about his precise whereabouts inside the White House while the U.S. raid in Yemen that resulted in the death of a Navy SEAL was underway. On the night of the raid, which targeted a top Al Qaeda leader in the Arabian Peninsula leader in Yemen, Trump sent out a tweet about an upcoming media appearance. 'I will be interviewed by @TheBrodyFile on tonight at 11pm. Enjoy!' Trump wrote on January 28. The tweet got taken down about 20 minutes later. The tweet went out as the Yemen operation the first military strike Trump ordered as president was underway the Huffington Post reported. It isn't certain that the president wrote it himself. Many of his tweets are dictated to staff, and some are posted by aide Dan Scavino, the White House director of social media. Residents inspect a house that was damaged during a Jan. 29, 2017 US raid on the tiny village of Yakla, in central Yemen The publication raised the possibility that the tweet got taken down because the operation wasn't going well, and it might have appeared crass to be posting about an upcoming media appearance. The White House says otherwise explaining that it got taken down because it contained inaccurate information about when the interview would air. 'The tweet was removed because the interview was not on January 28th as indicated- 'tonight at 11pm,' a White House spokeswoman told DailyMail.com. The network informed the White House that the interview would air the following day. 'So it went up the next evening a few hours before the show aired....nothing to do with anything else but proper time/day of show airing.' The raid resulted in the death of SEAL Ryan Owens. Also killed was the eight-year old daughter of deceased terror figure and U.S. citizen Anwar al-Awlawki. The operation also resulted in civilian deaths of civilians and the destruction of a $90 million Osprey aircraft. The administration says 14 Al Qaeda members got killed and valuable intelligence was obtained. The publication said the White House didn't directly respond to inquiries about what the president was doing while the raid unfolded. Trump was on the White House grounds that night, inside the residence which would place him away from the Situation Room. 'He was obviously aware of the strike occurring,' White House press secretary Sean Spicer following the raid. 'He was kept in constant contact Saturday night of the status of the mission, both of the success that it had and the tragic loss of life that occurred to that member.' A Tweet from Trump's personal account touted an upcoming TV appearance. It was send while the raid was underway, although it isn't clear who posted the Tweet President Trump was briefed about the raid in advance by top advisors over dinner This undated photo, provide by a Yemeni tribal leader and consistent with independent AP reporting, shows a military aircraft which suffered a hard landing and had to be destroyed in a Jan. 29, 2017, raid on the tiny village of Yakla, Yemen Trump blasted Senator John McCain for talking about the success or failure of the mission The president said Navy SEAL Ryan Owens died on a 'winning mission' Trump also held a phone call with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull that day. 'Obviously, if a raid is only 20 minutes in, you should wait to see how it turns out before tweeting,' security aide to President Obama told the publication. Following the raid, it was revealed that the president was briefed on the operation over dinner, rather than holding a briefing in the Situation Room, where Obama sat during the raid that resulted in the death of Osama Bin Laden. The White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. A leading target, Qassim al-Rimi, either got away or wasn't there. Trump in a series of tweets defended the raid as a 'winning' message, and blasted Arizona Senator John McCain for challenging it. 'Trump said McCain's response only emboldens the enemy.' He said the former POW doesn't know 'how to win anymore.' 'Hes been losing so long he doesnt know how to win anymore, just look at the mess our country is in,' Trump wrote. 'While many of the objectives of the recent raid in Yemen were met, I would not describe any operation that results in the loss of American life as a success,' McCain said after the raid. Trump was briefed on the raid over a dinner attended by advisors Steven Bannon, son-in-law Jared Kushner, Defense Secretary James Mattis, and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff Gen. Joseph Dunford, the New York Times reported. Lisa Marie Presleys estranged husband has been reunited with twin daughters, Finely and Harper. In these exclusive pictures, Michael Lockwood, 55, who separated from Lisa Marie last June after a decade of marriage, can be seen packing up his SUV after a day at the beach with his 8-year-old daughters and a couple of their friends. Their outing occurred just one week after DailyMail.com reported Lisa Marie's revelation that child services had swooped to remove the girls from either parents care, amid shocking allegations that she found hundreds of distressing photographs and videos of children on his computer. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Michael Lockwood, toting a beach ball and a frisbee, looked calm and cool after a day at the beach in Malibu with his twin daughters, Finley and Harper Under the watchful eye of a minder Lockwood bends down for a kiss goodbye The woman was the the same social worker who was seen with Priscilla Presley and the girls Tuesday Lisa Marie revealed in court documents that the twins were taken by Child Family Protective Services - they are currently in the care of grandmother Priscilla Presley Friends accompanied the family on the beach outing Priscilla was seen on an outing with her granddaughters on Tuesday. Shewas also under the watchful eye of a minder from social services On Wednesday, Lisa Marie - dressed in a stylish black pantsuit, white shirt and boots - showed up at Los Angeles Superior Court with Lockwood. The judge turned down Lockwood's demand for her to pay him $40,000 a month in spousal support Wearing a trademark hat over his long blond hair, his eyes covered by shades, Lockwood can be seen smiling and carrying a Frisbee, multicolored beach ball and a drink, as the group prepares leave Malibu. At one point he bends to kiss one of his daughters in what appeared to be a relaxed family outing. But the presence of a social worker, constantly monitoring Lockwoods interactions with his own children, reveals the tense reality behind the father/daughter reunion that follows a sensational turn in Lockwood and Lisa Maries divorce. Because last week legal documents obtained by DailyMail.com laid bare the bombshell allegations leveled by Lisa Marie, 49, that saw both parents lose custody of their daughters. Lisa Marie claimed to have found a stash of disturbing photos and videos involving children on Lockwoods computer and cell phone that left her sick to her stomach. The papers also revealed pending allegations of sexual abuse and neglect on the part of Lockwood and Lisa Maries belief that he is an unsafe father. She stated that cops in both California and Tennessee had seized 80 of his devices and were still going through them to find out exactly what was on them. Lisa Marie admitted, I have no idea what else might be on those devices, but stated that she feared there are more and worse images and evidence in the so far unanalyzed devices. But Lockwood hit back hard at his estranged wife. He branded her vindictive and described himself as disgusted by her unproven allegations. Claiming that Lisa Marie had broken court rules by filing her declaration in the courts publicly accessible records he accused her of being out to destroy his reputation. Lisa Marie claims she found hundreds of disturbing pictures and video footage of children on Lockwood's computer Lockwood claims Presley broke court rules with her allegations against him But Lockwood says in court papers there are also bombshell allegations against his estranged wife The fight for custody of their 8-year-old twins will not be heard until next month The beach day followed Michael's appearance in court over spousal support, where Lisa Marie told him to 'get a job' He claimed that during their 10-year-marriage Lisa Marie had great difficulty being honest and rarely, if ever, accepts personal responsibility for her wrongdoing. He went onto hint that he had allegations of his own to level against Lisa Marie but stopped short of airing them, saying only that the allegations against both of them have not been proven. Meanwhile his lawyer, Jeff Sturman, said that Lisa Maries attorney, Mark Gross, called is office with a threat to go public unless Lockwood abandoned his bid to get $40,000 a month in spousal support and $100,000 towards his legal fees from The Kings daughter. As it turned out Lockwood might just as well have abandoned it as, yesterday DailyMail.com reported that Lockwood lost his court bid to claim the $40,000 monthly stipend or a $100,000 lump sum. The musician, who has worked with Fiona Apple and Aimee Mann among others, claimed that Presley inherited tens of millions from Elvis. But Lisa Marie left the Los Angeles court smiling after the judge denied Lockwoods demand although he did grant him $10,000 a month in attorney fees pending what seems destined to be lengthy divorce proceedings with Lockwood claiming that Lisa Marie is concealing a vast fortune by pretending to be broke while he lives a below the poverty line existence. Lockwood, 55, is seen packing up an SUV also with a friend. also under the watchful eye of the social worker Michael is holding a frisbee and a beach ball and his friend has other kids' gear they are loading into the car It was a no day the beach packing up all the stuff for the twins and their friends The judge did grant Lockwood $10,000 a month in attorney fees to be paid by Lisa Marie At one time she was said to be worth $300million. Lockwood insists that she still receives $466,000 a month - $5.6million a year - from the trust Elvis set up for her before his death in 1977. In papers filed on Valentines Day he said her tax returns showed that from 2013-2015 she also got more than $4.5million a year in dividends and capital gains and that she receives far in excess of the $100,000 a month that she claims. He said that in the same three-year period he earned an average of just $55,017 - less than on percent of her income. For the time being Elvis Presleys granddaughters are in the care of their grandmother, Priscilla, 71, with Californias Department of Children and Family Services constantly monitoring their wellbeing. Both parents are allowed supervised visitation. Pauline Hanson has denied she has a problem with Australia Post chief executive Ahmed Fahour's skin colour - but admitted she had an issue with him being Muslim. Speaking on Kyle and Jackie O on Friday morning, the One Nation leader lashed out at the embattled CEO after he asked what gripe she had against him. Kyle Sandilands rang the outspoken politician after reading in Daily Mail Australia that Mr Fahour had a dig at her fish and chip business as he resigned from his $5.6 million position. On Thursday night, Mr Fahour accused the Queensland senator of racism after she heavily criticised his controversial multi-million dollar salary. Taking to the airwaves, Ms Hanson told KIIS 106.5: 'I don't have a problem with the colour of his skin. '[But] I do have a problem with his religion if he's actually a fundamentalist and follows the Koran to the letter, which I think denigrates women.' Scroll down for video One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson (left) has admitted on radio she has an issue with Australia Post chief executive Ahmed Fahour (right) being Muslim Speaking on Kyle and Jackie O on Friday morning, the One Nation leader lashed out at the embattled CEO after he asked what gripe she had against him The outspoken politician also weighed in on the struggles of running a Post Office business in rural communities. 'Do I have a problem with the Australia Post? A lot of people are complaining about the costs of the stamps that have gone up, from 70 cents to $1,' she said. 'Post offices in the bush are shutting down. They are struggling to survive and yet this follows $5.6 million, which I think is unjustified, atrocious, and disgusting to think that taxpayers are paying that.' However, Australia Post says on its website it takes no taxpayer dollars. Her remarks comes after Mr Fahour used an interview on Network Ten's The Project to accused Ms Hanson of racism on Thursday night. 'Does she have a real issue with how Australia Post is performing or does she have an issue with the colour of my skin or my religion?' Mr Fahour questioned. Pauline Hanson has been critical of outgoing Australia Post CEO Ahmed Fahour 'If it is about the business, I am more than delighted to talk about the complexities of running a parcels online, e-commerce business. 'If it's another issue about how I support social inclusion in this country and how we make sure that this beautiful multicultural country that we live in, that we can actually live together and appreciate and love each other, if the issue is let's have a debate about that, then no problems at all.' Mr Fahour and Senator Hanson traded barbs all Thursday after he announced he was stepping down from the top job. The outgoing Australia Post boss, who is a practising Muslim, fired the first shot by using his resignation speech to say his job was a 'little bit more complex than running a fish and chip shop'. Senator Hanson, who once owned a fish and chip shop in Ipswich, south-west of Brisbane, hit back in a series of fiery tweets, declaring: 'At least my shop never suffered a $221 MILLION loss!' Earlier on Thursday, Senator Hanson took to Twitter to slam Mr Fahour's criticisms of her In another tweet, she mocked Australia Post's slow delivery service. 'The difference between my fish & chip shop & Ahmed Fahour's Australia Post? My customers didn't have to wait 3-6 business days for their meal!' Senator Hanson wrote. Senator Hanson sarcastically wondered: 'If Australia Post is still waiting for Ahmed Fahour's resignation letter to arrive in the mail?' She also added her thoughts on why Mr Fahour had decided to call it quits. 'Ahmed Fahour has quit Australia Post a week before estimates! Looks like he didn't want to face up and answer some tough questions,' the One Nation leader said. Mr Fahour asked if Senator Hanson has an issue with his skin colour and religion Mr Fahour has resigned just weeks after his multi-million salary sparked backlash Later on Mr Fahour told The Project he did not appreciate Senator Hanson's attacks on the business. 'I don't particularly appreciate any politician, who lives off the taxpayer, because that's what our politicians do, criticising the amazing work that our post officers and employees do for this amazing service,' he said. Mr Fahour announced his resignation on Thursday just weeks after his multi-million salary sparked backlash. His $4.4 million salary and a $1.2 million bonus were made public by a parliamentary committee despite the government-owned business trying to keep under wraps. Senator Hanson was quick to heavily criticise Mr Fahour's pay packet. 'I'm absolutely seething over this, to think that the head of Australia Post - the CEO - is getting paid $5.6 million,' she said previously. Mr Fahour said he would step down from his position as CEO in July after a seven-year stint. 'I want to announce to you all today that I tendered my resignation to the board of Australia Post,' he said on Thursday. 'I will continue in this role while the board conducts a search for a new CEO. I will formally step down in July, following the appointment of my successor. 'Clearly, this has been a very difficult and emotional decision for me and my family. But I have come to the conclusion that the timing is right.' Mr Fahour insisted the intense scrutiny over his generous pay package was not the reason behind his resignation. 'I know some of you think the recent discussions about my pay may have precipitated this - that is completely not true,' he said. 'I last year began conversations with the chairman and with my management team that it is time for me to begin to think about life beyond Post, and it's time for the company to start to develop and prepare the people who work for me for one of them to become the next CEO. 'So we begun this process a while ago and this thinking certainly has been in the works for a while.' It comes after Malcolm Turnbull said the pay package as 'too high' after it was found Mr Fahour was earning 10 times as much as the Prime Minister. Mr Turnbull had said he acknowledged Mr Fahour had a big job overseeing a large government-owned entity, which had improved its operating business. 'In my view, I say this as someone who spent most of his life in the business world before I came into politics, I think it is a very big salary for that job,' Mr Turnbull said. A British grandmother has bought the apartment in Portugal where Madeleine McCann vanished for half the asking price. Kathleen Macguire-Cotton, who is in her 60s, is said to have snapped up the apartment for 113,000 after it had been on the market for 255,000. She has revealed how sightseers have offered her cash to see inside, but has vowed never to let them enter apartment 5a at the Ocean Complex in Praia da Luz as a mark of respect. The apartment Madeleine McCann vanished from in May 2007 has been sold to a British gran British grandmother vowed never to let sightseers into the flat interested in Maddie (pictured) Mrs Macguire-Cotton told The Sun: 'Ive been offered money by the whole world but Im not interested. 'I dont think thats very fair to the McCann family or the people of Praia da Luz, upsetting everybody its terrible. 'It happened a long time ago and I dont have any opinions on it.' The grandmother, from Southport, Merseyside, had been staying in the apartment for years and actually bought the flat some years ago. Madeleine McCann disappeared from the apartment in May 2007. Madeleine, then aged 3-years-old, vanished from an apartment in Praia da Luz as her parents ate at the nearby restaurant Detectives are said to be working on a theory that she was kidnapped by a European trafficking gang with an apparent 9,000 sightings of her across the world since she went missing. At the early stages of the investigation journalists from Portuguese magazine Sol speculated that her parents were involved in the disappearance but allegations against them were dismissed quickly. Gerry and Kate still hold hope that their eldest daughter, who would now be 13, is still alive despite being missing for close to a decade. This could be Operation Grange's final year of searching for the missing child. They have been concentrating on the notion that she was sold by child traffickers her parents' and their first team of private investigators' initial hunch and could still be alive. So far the inquiry, launched in May 2011 on orders of then Prime Minister David Cameron, has cost more than 12million with topped-up funds set to run out at the end of March. Parents Gerry and Kate McCann were dining at a Tapas bar in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal when their eldest daughter went missing Maddie's parents Gerry and Kate McCann, who were eating tapas in a bar in the Algarve when their daughter went missing, were hit with a fresh blow of anguish this month. The Portuguese Supreme Court ruled they had not proved they were innocent in the disappearance. The McCanns accused the Supreme Court judges who ruled against them in their court fight with ex-police chief Goncalo Amaral of nonsensical 'contradictions'. Furious Gerry and Kate made it clear through lawyers that they strongly disagreed with the judges' 'erroneous' premise the lifting of their status as 'arguidos' or formal suspects did not mean they were innocent of any involvement in their daughter's May 3, 2007 disappearance. Madeline McCann who went missing in 2007 Portugal's Supreme Court issued its devastating put-down earlier this month when it backed Amaral over his hurtful 2008 book The Truth of the Lie in which he claimed the McCanns faked Madeleine's abduction to cover up her death in their Algarve holiday apartment. Judges angered the McCanns by claiming the July 2008 archiving of the first Portuguese probe into their daughter's disappearance 'was determined by the fact that public prosecutors hadn't managed to obtain sufficient evidence of the practice of crimes' by them. The couple's fight-back was laid out in a nine-page complaint revealed this week. It was lodged with the Supreme Court last Friday in a bid to invalidate its ruling rejecting the McCanns' libel appeal against Amaral and the makers of a TV documentary based on his book. The document, drafted by the McCanns' Portuguese lawyer Isabel Duarte and her colleague Ricardo Correia, says: 'The appellants understand the archiving of the case took place because during the inquiry, sufficient evidence had been collected to show the 'arguidos' had not committed any crime.' They said the removal of the McCanns' 'arguido' status had legally binding connotations and claimed the Supreme Court judges' argument 'lacked foundation and could be easily altered'. Accusing them of acting 'frivolously' and contradicting themselves with their statements about the reasons for the 2008 probe archive, they added: 'It cannot be stated that it is not acceptable that the archiving of the case is considered the equivalent to proof of innocence.' Mrs Duarte confirmed at the weekend the McCanns had lodged a formal complaint against the latest court ruling, although she declined to go into detail about why and how they were fighting it. Kate and Gerry McCann have accused the Supreme Court judges who ruled against them in their court fight with ex-police chief Goncalo Amaral of nonsensical 'contradictions' Goncalo Amaral's 2008 book 'The Truth of the Lie' claimed the McCanns faked Madeleine's abduction to cover up her death On Tuesday, the McCanns were forced to hit out at TV show for hiring an ex-police officer who told the nation what he thinks happened to their daughter. Kate and Gerry McCann hit out at ITV's This Morning for using Mark Williams-Thomas, now an investigative journalist, for voicing his 'astonishing new theory' about Madeleine's disappearance, a close friend said on Tuesday. The couple have always insisted their three-year-old daughter was snatched from a Portuguese holiday flat while they were dining in a nearby tapas bar, either by a sex fiend or during a botched burglary nearly ten years ago. But TV detective Mr Williams-Thomas, believes the unsettled youngster walked out of the unlocked apartment searching for her parents in the poolside restaurant. The McCann's spokesman Clarence Mitchell said: 'This is pure speculation and as such Kate and Gerry will not be dignifying it with any sort comment whatsoever.' Mark Williams-Thomas theorises that Madeleine McCann left her holiday flat to look for her parents on the night she went missing A source close to the pair said: 'It's baffling a television programme had him on as an authority on the Madeleine case. He's re-invented himself as a criminologist but when did he become an expert on this high profile case? Never!' The friend added: 'He said he had received a statement from the McCann's saying they were pleased there was an on-going investigation which they hoped would unearth some news but they haven't been in contact with him, neither has their spokesperson. 'It seems he was re-hashing a years-old statement that was circulated to all the media.' Former police officer, Mark Williams-Thomas, theorises that the child woke up in the middle of the night and wandered off in search of Gerry and Kate McCann who were dining at a Tapas bar in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz. Williams-Thomas went to the resort just days after Madeleine went missing on May 3, 2007 aged three and has followed the unsolved case since. Speaking This Morning as part of a new series on unsolved crimes on Tuesday he said: 'On that morning of Madeleine's disappearance, we do know she went to [her parents] Gerry and Kate and said: 'Where were you last night?' he explained. 'Because we know the twins did wake up on days prior to her disappearance. 'And I think as a result of that, Madeline was clearly aware they were in the tapas bar that was in the resort. 'Now the interesting element in that is in order to get to the tapas bar you had to actually come out of the premises, walk on a public road to go back in again. The McCann source added: 'With no disrespect to this investigative reporter he is forever trying to latch himself onto the Maddie case. He's said this all before and he once stood outside Apartment 5a reporting his same old belief. 'Allowing him on This Morning to air his views won't help the show get in Kate and Gerry's good books. But they're not going to fall out with him over this. It's all based on speculation and it's a free country and they've got enough to be dealing with.' Former GP Kate and heart doctor Gerry, both 48, of Rothley, Leics, believe Maddie could still be alive and have never given up hope of finding her. They face the heart-breaking 10th anniversary of her disappearance in 10 weeks. She would now be aged 13. Mr Williams-Thomas boasts he has 'far-reaching experience of working at the centre of high profile investigations.' The self-styled commentator boasts on his website how he has 'over the last decade reported on the biggest crime stories.' A young girl who was accused of walking on the lawn of an off-duty LAPD officer who would then fire his gun during an ensuing struggle with a 13-year-old boy has denied doing so. The incident involving the cop and the group of teens, which took place about 2.40pm in Anaheim, California, on Tuesday, sparked protests across the city after footage emerged on Wednesday. In the nine-minute video, the officer was seen in a confrontation with a large crowd of teens who he had accused of walking on his lawn. The clash escalated dramatically when the officer was seen pulling out his gun and firing a shot that luckily did not hit anyone as the teens fled. But now lawyers representing the girl and another teen who was at the scene in two separate suits has blasted the cop's claims and accused Anaheim Police of trying to 'cover up' what happened. The first suit, filed on behalf of the girl, is against the City of Los Angeles and its police chief, Charlie Beck and accuses the LAPD officer of threatening and verbally abusing the girl. The second, filed on behalf of the 15-year-old boy, is against the City of Anaheim and its police chief, Raul Quezada and claims that teen was beaten by Anaheim cops called to the shooting incident. Michael Carrillo, an attorney representing the teenage girl, said she had 'grazed' the officer's lawn when he began shouting expletives at her. Carrillo said the altercation turned physical after the boy stepped in and told the officer he shouldn't curse at a child. Cellphone video shows the shocking moment an off-duty police officer almost shot a teenager who he was scuffling with outside his home. The officer is seen as he pulled out his handgun 'She had never met this officer before, did not know him and had had no previous dealings with him, yet he came out screaming at her, saying she was on his grass and calling her a c***,' he told DailyMail.com. 'His threats and abuse and disgusting language toward her were entirely unprovoked and she was terrified and upset. If he thought these kids were on his property, why didnt he call the police to complain? 'Instead he engaged in a fight with some of the boys who came to my client's aid. 'And he ends up firing his gun which was totally unjustified. This guy is supposed to be a trained officer of the law yet he fires his gun around a bunch of kids. 'How irresponsible is that? This officer should lose his job.' He then added: 'What if the shot had hit somebody or ricocheted and hit somebody Then we would be mourning a child.' Luis Carrillo, Michael's father and a civil rights lawyer who is also representing the teenage girl and the unnamed boy, blasted the officer for being 'recklessly dangerous' when he fired the weapon. He then accused police of trying to 'cover up' what happened, Fox11 reports. Luis Carrillo (pictured), a civil rights lawyer who is also representing the teenage girl and the unnamed boy in a damages suit, blasted the officer for being 'recklessly dangerous' when he fired the weapon Luis Carrillo is seen with his son, Michael. Michael said the young girl said she only 'grazed' the off-duty cop's lawn - the act which apparently set him off A protester is seen outside the Anaheim Police Department on Thursday with a sign that reads: 'Guns are not toys, stop shooting at little boys' This picture shows the front page of one of the suits, filed on behalf of the 15-year-old boy that is against the City of Anaheim and its police chief, Raul Quezada and claims that teen was beaten by Anaheim cops called to the shooting incident 'The Anaheim officers who showed up beat up this teenage boy with no justification whatsoever,' he told DailyMail.com. 'All this boy was doing was trying to protect this girl who was being verbally abused in the most sickening way by this man who is supposed to be a responsible police officer. 'These Anaheim officers were coming to the aid of a man who fired his gun around a bunch of kids. This isnt the Wild West - you cant just go around shooting a gun when there are innocent children around.' Speaking on Thursday, Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada said the cop's weapon has been seized, before adding: 'there was insufficient evidence at the time to prove the officer's actions rose to the level of a criminal act.' Quezada also told reporters the unnamed cop shot at the ground when he discharged his weapon. LAPD Assistant Chief of Operations Michael Moore then said he is 'concerned' about what he saw in the videos. Moore confirmed the cop - who has still not been identified - is on administrative leave, which is consistent with LAPD policy for whenever as officer uses deadly force. Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada (pictured front) said on Thursday: 'there was insufficient evidence at the time to prove the officer's actions rose to the level of a criminal act' LAPD Assistant Chief of Operations Michael Moore told reporters he was concerned by the footage, and that the officer is on administrative leave Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait said he was disturbed by the video, but called on people to wait for the investigation to be completed before casting judgment. 'This has been a blow to our community,' he added. '(The confrontation) does not reflect a community where neighbors help each other every day to build a stronger city.' Although the cop has not been named, a home belonging to a man some locals believe to be the officer was vandalized. Broken windows were seen at the property, while the man's car was also allegedly targeted. A vandalized truck and smashed windows are seen at a home in Anaheim that some people believe the unnamed officer lives A line of police cars is seen near protesters who took to the streets after the video emerged on Wednesday WHAT IS SEEN IN THE SHOCKING VIDEO? Starts by showing the man pulling at 13-year-old Christian Dorscht Christian then argues with the off-duty cop, saying the man started the incident by calling a young girl in the group a 'c***', and told her to get off his lawn The unnamed cop denies doing so, and instead says Christian threatened to shoot him. The 13-year-old says he told the cop he was going to sue him, not shoot him Many people in the crowd of about 20 teens are heard telling the cop to let go of Christian The cop drags Christian towards a hedge, and when his back is against it another boy rushes at him and knocks him over in an attempt to free his friend The cop manages to hold on, and seconds later he pulls out his gun After a few moments, a shot is fired and the teens scatter Christian is still seen on video being pinned to the ground Police arrive on the scene and eventually take all the teens to the station Christian and a 15-year-old boy are the only two held and charged, before being released later in the day Advertisement The Los Angeles Police Protective League - a union supporting the officer - said footage of the incident shows he was physically assaulted by multiple individuals and had a right to defend himself. Before a shot was fired in the video, the officer was filmed struggling with the 13-year-old boy. At the heart of the fight are two claims: the officer says the teens threatened to shoot him, but the teen said he threatened to 'sue' him. The teens accuse the officer of calling a girl who was walking on his lawn a 'c***'. After a few minutes in the video, the man was pushed over by two other teens in the group, and shortly after he pulled a gun from his waistband with one hand while still holding onto the 13-year-old. The incident took place in near Loara High School about 2:40pm. Protesters on Wednesday night were seen in videos posted on social media shouting, 'whose streets, our streets,' 'don't shoot our kids,' 'shame on you,' and 'no justice, no peace, f*** the police.' What initially began as peaceful protests eventually gave way to violence, as protesters threw rocks and bottles at officers. One picture was posted on social media showing the words, 'f*** pigs,' spray-painted across a garage door it was claimed belonged to the officer. However, the house is not that of the cop in question. Aerial footage from the scene from KTLA showed the crowd of people, as well as a swarm of police cruisers in the area. Taking to the streets: Protesters then marched through the main shopping district of of Anaheim along Euclid Street Fury: Protesters march towards the off-duty officer's home in Anaheim to protest the off-duty officer's actions Anaheim police report about 24 arrests for misdemeanor charges including failure to disperse. This included 10 men, 8 women, three boys and three girls. All are misdemeanor charges for variations of failure to disperse, resisting arrest, and battery on a peace officer. Late on Wednesday night, the boy's father, Johnny Dorscht, spoke out about the incident. He also identified his son, the 13-year-old boy in the video who was restrained and almost shot by the off-duty LAPD cop. Banners: Protesters marched to the off-duty LAPD officer's home and stood outside in front of his lawn 'I'm pretty p***ed off about what happened,' he told the Orange County Weekly. 'You could talk to anybody, my son has very good manners. He does good in school and isn't disrespectful or anything like that. 'We're going to find legal representation and be suing. This is B.S. Even the cops, when they got there, they had all the kids down. They didn't even go after the guy.' Johnny Dorscht also shared pictures with DailyMail.com showing the bruises his son suffered. They showed he had a mark above his eyebrow, as well as a series of small bruises along his shoulder and neck. Christian's mom, Alma Jimenez, also stepped forward on Wednesday night - having earlier refused to identify herself or her son. Jimenez spoke to the protesters in Anaheim. 'I just want to say how disgusted I am by that individual for the negligence he committed with my son,' she was heard saying in a video posted to her Facebook page. 'My son is alive today, but if he would have not fought for his life along with those other children, he would be in a morgue right now. 'You almost killed my child. Stop shooting our kids. This is my son. He is 13 years old. He was not armed. 'He (the officer) was, he pulled out, he reached for his weapon, he intended to use it.' In the video that sparked the protest, the officer was seen holding Jimenez's son around the neck and shoulders in what appeared to be an attempt to restrain him. These pictures show a bruise on the head of the 13-year-old boy, Christian Dorscht (pictured) - the person seen being held in the video Another picture taken after Christian was released showed marks on his neck that he allegedly suffered 'I'm only 13,' Christian is heard saying at one point, as several people in the group of teens are heard saying: 'Let him go'. An elderly man with a beard and a crutch is heard saying: 'Hey Kevin.' Later in the video he identified himself as the cop's father while calling 911. Later in the video, he began dragging the boy towards his property - at one point attempting to pull him across the top of a hedge. Christian is then heard saying: 'He tried to hit me in my nuts. That's like a little p***y move, punch a kid in the nuts.' A local newspaper reporter claimed this vandalism was on the front of the garage of the cop seen in the video's house. However, that claim was denied by Anaheim Police A crowd of protesters (left) were seen on the street on Wednesday night as news of the incident spread. Included among them was Christian's mom, Alma Jimenez (right), who addressed the demonstrators The cop then replies: 'Because you've been resisting this whole time.' But the boy then fires back, saying he wasn't resisting and tries to offer up an explanation. 'No, I wasn't. You tackled me first. I didn't do anything to hurt you,' he said. 'All I said was, 'Respect the girl,' because you said, 'Get out of my property'.' The off-duty cop, who has not been named, was seen with his hands around the top of the boy's jumper, before he tried to drag him away from the rest of the group ANAHEIM POLICE'S STATEMENT Yesterday afternoon around 2:40 pm, an off-duty LAPD officer was involved in a confrontation in front of his residence with several juveniles. The confrontation began over ongoing issues with juveniles walking across the officer's property. During the confrontation, a 13 year old male is alleged to have threatened to shoot the off-duty officer, at which time the officer attempted to detain the male until APD arrived. This led to a physical confrontation between the off-duty officer and several other juveniles. During the confrontation the officer discharged his firearm one time. The circumstances surrounding the discharge of the firearm are being investigated by the APD Homicide Detail. The 13 year old male was booked at Orange County Juvenile Hall for criminal threats and battery. A 15 year old male was arrested for assault and battery and was released to his parents. Advertisement The cop then is heard claiming the 13-year-old said he was going to shoot him, however the teen quickly responds: 'I didn't say that. Why you lying? I said, 'I'm going to sue you'.' Anaheim Police released a statement about the incident on Tuesday. 'Two juveniles have been arrested following a physical confrontation during which an off-duty LAPD officer discharged his firearm,' it read. 'Nobody was struck by the gunfire and the Anaheim Police Department Homicide Detail is investigating. 'Officers were called to the area... regarding a physical altercation between a male adult and several male juveniles. While officers were responding, additional information was received the adult was an off-duty LAPD officer, he had discharged his firearm, and was detaining at least one of the juveniles.' The video, which had been viewed more than 25,000 times, has since been removed from YouTube. Christian's family started a fundraising page to raise money to cover their legal costs. Eventually the off-duty cop was able to drag the boy across a front lawn (left), but when he made it to a hedge, two other boys knocked the officer over in an effort to free their friend (right) Is that a selfie on your ear or are you just happy to see me? A puppy named Lucy born at an animal shelter in October to a homeless mutt was born with something special besides her sweet personality - a mirror image of herself on her left ear. Ashley Zeh, from the Lollypop Farm at the Humane Society of Greater Rochester in Fairport, New York, said that she put up pictures of the litter of puppies, trying to get them adopted, only to have a commenter remark on the resemblance between the markings on the black and white puppy's ear and... the puppy herself. A puppy born to a homeless dog at a shelter in upstate New York had markings on her left ear that formed a replica of her face Staff said they didn't notice the 'selfie' on her ear until they posted it online and someone mentioned it Staff said they didn't even notice it until someone else brought it up, reported Inside Edition. 'We had put up a picture of her trying to get her adopted, and someone commented, 'Oh look, shes got a dog on her ear,' Zeh told the outlet. She said all the pups in the litter had interesting markings. 'One of the puppies had this monocle eyebrow thing going on,' she said. A sibling (left) was born with a 'monocle' over her right eye; the puppies (right) all had interesting markings, say staff Momma dog Daisy (left) was pregnant when she came to the shelter in October; soon, she had eight pups to care for - they all found homes, including Daisy The adorable litter of eight was born to a stray two-year-old pooch, Daisy, who was found in terrible condition. 'She was completely covered in fleas, missing most of her fur, emaciated. It was really bad,' she said. After weeks of vet care, training and handling, all of the dogs were loving and ready for homes. The puppies were adopted quickly, including Lucy with her now-famous ear. Only a few days later, mamma dog found a new home too. She's firmly ensconced in her political job at the White House, but a group of university law professors is trying to take a shot at White House counselor Kellyanne Conway by writing a letter to the office that governs misconduct by members of the the the D.C. bar. The letter, addressed to the office of disciplinary counsel at the board of professional responsibility at the U.S. Court of Appeals, charges Conway, who served as President Trump's campaign manager, with 'conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation.' Conway hasn't practiced law for years, and previously worked as a pollster and commentator. 'Generally speaking, we do not believe that lawyers should face discipline under this rule for public or private dishonesty or misrepresentations unless the lawyer's conduct calls into question his or her 'fitness for the practice of law,'' the 15 lawyers write, in a letter published by the Washington Post. But the group claims that lawyers in pubic office have a 'higher responsibility' to avoid 'dishonest, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation than other lawyers.' A group of law professors is charging White House counselor Kellyanne Conway with 'conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation' The letter is on the stationary of Abe Smith, a professor at the Georgetown University school of law. Other signatories are from Yale, Fordham, Duke, Hofstra, Pace, Drexel, St. Louis, and Northern Kentucky University law schools. Conway is listed as a member of the D.C. bar under her prior name, Kellyanne Fitzpatrick. The pint to Conway's reference in TV interviews to the 'Bowling Green Massacre,' which didn't happen. Conway explained afterward that she meant to refer to two Iraqi who got arrested here who had admitted to building explosive devices in Iraq. The letter cites Conway's 'false statement that President Barack Obama had 'banned' Iraqi refugees from coming into the United States for six months following the 'Bowling Green Massacre.' White House counselor Kellyanne Conway speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Oxon Hill Kellyanne Conway appeared on Fox News Channel's 'Hannity' Wednesday night Conway attended George Washington University Law School It also references her urging of Americans to 'go and buy Ivanka's stuff,' a statement she made on Fox News from the White House briefing room. Conway apologized for the remark and said she apologized to President Trump for it. The letter says Conway 'misused her position,' calling it a 'clear violation of government ethics rules.' The letter also references Conway's use of the term 'alternative facts' to refer to administration claims about Trump's inaugural crowd size. Conway invoked her legal background in a speech at CPAC Thursday, where she told a story about a seminal moment where she requested the same pay for a speaking gig as a male counterpart. 'I said, that sounds great. It'll be at the Mayflower Hotel, which I can see out my office window,' Conway said as she told the story. 'I literally was a block and half from there. They said, what is your speaking fee? And I froze.' She continued: 'I completely froze because for me, even with my law degree at the time, for me free speech was not the First Amendment, it was let's go call Kellyanne, she'll come, she'll talk for free,' she said. In the end, she asked for the same money and got it. The White House didn't have immediate comment. More than 750 fires have been caused by machines sold by Whirlpool Families last night demanded full refunds for death trap tumble dryers after they were told to stop using them. More than 750 fires have been caused by machines sold by Whirlpool. The US appliance giant issued a safety alert in November 2015, admitting that 5.3 million dryers sold under the Hotpoint, Indesit, Creda, Swan and Proline brands between 2004 and 2015 were a fire risk. But it said customers could keep using the machines with restrictions until an engineer was sent out to fix them. Only now, 15 months later, has the company changed its advice and told people not to use the machines at all. Customers expressed fury at Whirlpools handling of the issue, and demanded full refunds for the ticking time bombs. Amid the consumer backlash: Lawyers are preparing civil lawsuits against the US company which could generate a compensation bill running to millions of pounds; Customers said they had waited for up to a year for their dryer to be modified; More than 48,000 people have signed a Parliamentary petition calling on the Government to force Whirlpool to recall the machines; An MP whose constituents suffered as a result of a blaze in an 18-storey block of flats suggested it may result in a police investigation; It emerged that a fire which killed two men was caused by a Whirlpool machine Customers took to Whirlpools Twitter feed and Facebook yesterday to condemn the companys approach. One tweeted: Need to get me a refund ASAP. Not having a bloody ticking time bomb sat in my house. Louise Edwards wrote: I want a full refund. Customer service is absolutely appalling given the potential danger of these dryers. The firm responded, saying: I do apologise in regards to this. Unfortunately we cannot offer a refund. The options available is the free-of-charge modification or alternatively you can purchase a discounted replacement tumble dryer. The Labour MP for Hammersmith, Andy Slaughter, condemned the delay in telling people to stop using the dryers. Now that they have admitted that these are dangerous appliances, which should be put out of use, why has it taken them more than a year to come to that conclusion? he said. Have they been putting lives at risk during that period of time? This is not just a matter of product safety and people who have been sold faulty goods this is a matter of negligence on a massive scale by a major corporation. This is not only something that civil lawyers, but also possibly the police should be looking into. The Labour MP for Hammersmith, Andy Slaughter, condemned the delay in telling people to stop using the dryers Whirlpool estimates that 3.8 million of the machines were in use when it issued the safety alert in 2015. It says 1.5 million families have registered to have their dryers fixed and 1.3 million of the machines have been modified. Using its figures, as many as 2.3 million dryers which are fire risks could be sitting in peoples homes. Mr Slaughter said: What are people supposed to do? Many people cant put washing out on a line. They will have to take everything to the laundrette, which costs money. The question is, are they going to get compensated for this? The MP said Whirlpool seemed to have managed the problem to ensure it cost as little as possible. If you sell something that is clearly defective and dangerous then you should just replace it, no questions asked, or give a full refund, he added. If it was a few thousand machines, they would probably have done just that, but because it is millions they dont want to do it for commercial reasons. The consumer group Which? has been instrumental in forcing Whirlpool to warn customers against using its faulty machines. Spokesman Alex Neill said: There are millions of potentially dangerous tumble dryers that are out there in peoples homes. Consumers have been badly let down by Whirlpools handling of the ongoing safety issue and we are urgently calling for a full product recall of all affected machines. The UK system for handling the recall of faulty and dangerous products falls way behind the way the US deals with the issue. Consumer champion Lynn Faulds Wood carried out a review of the Governments recall system which was published a year ago, but ministers have failed to act on her recommendations. Q&A BY VICTORIA BISCHOFF What has happened? Whirlpool, the maker of Hotpoint and Indesit tumble dryers, has admitted that millions of its machines are not safe to use and should be unplugged. Hundreds of families have reported fires linked to faulty machines sold under the Hotpoint, Indesit, Creda, Swan and Proline brands. What is wrong with the dryers? Excess fluff from clothes is coming into contact with the machines heating elements. In some cases this causes machines to burst in flames. Which machines are affected? Customers who bought a Hotpoint, Creda, Proline, Swan or Indesit dryer between April 2004 and October 2015 are at risk. Some 5.3 million machines are affected and there are thought to have been 750 fires since 2004. Why didnt Whirlpool act sooner? The firm issued a safety warning in November 2015, telling customers that machines may need to be repaired or replaced. It said the dryers could still be used and it would send out engineers to fix the faults. But just 1.3 million have so far been repaired. So whats changed? Customers had been told that if they cleaned the lint filter after each cycle and never left their machine unattended they could continue to use them. Now Whirlpool has decided the dryers are not safe to use after all and should be turned off until fixed. It was been forced to update its guidance by Peterborough Trading Standards, after consumer group Which? demanded a judicial review of the handling of the fiasco. What should customers do? Look for a green sticker on the dryer door or back of the machine. If there is a green dot, it is safe to use. If there isnt a green sticker, go to the Hotpoint or Indesit website (safety.hotpoint.eu or safety.indesit.eu) to register the machine for a free repair. Customers without a computer can call 0800 151 0905. Once registered an engineer will arrange a visit to fix the machine, which will take about an hour. However the wait for an appointment can be anything up to a year. What if I dont want a repair? Whirlpool is offering free repairs but wont replace the machine. Customers can ask for an upgrade to a newer model but there will be a cost. More than 45,000 customers have signed a petition calling on the Government to force Whirlpool to recall all faulty machines. If it receives 100,000 signatures, the petition will be debated in Parliament. Can I get compensation? There is no official compensation scheme. Some law firms are offering to help customers sue Whirlpool if they have had a fire. What are my consumer rights? Which? says customers can ask for a free replacement from the retailer which sold them the dryer in the first place. The Sale of Goods Act 1979 which was in force when the dryers were sold states that products must be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose. Customers can also ask for a refund, but the retailer is allowed to make deductions to cover wear and tear. Another option is to apply for a refund from your credit card provider, which is jointly liable with the retailer if something goes wrong with a purchase. Advertisement She called for the establishment of a national product safety agency, or centre of excellence, to co-ordinate the system. She also recommended funding, training and resources for Trading Standards, which has been decimated by funding cuts. Yesterday, she condemned the lack of action by ministers, tweeting: They could implement my Independent Review into Recalls: gathering dust on a shelf somewhere. A Whirlpool spokesman said no fatalities or injuries had been attributed to the faulty dryers. He said: We are now very close to having provided resolutions for all those customers who have registered so far. The Whirlpool dryer at the centre of a flat blaze that killed two men Two men were killed by a fire caused by a Whirlpool tumble dryer in a flat in 2014. A pre-inquest hearing into the deaths of Bernard Hender, 19, and Doug McTavish, 39, heard that the pair died in the fire in Llanrwst, Conwy, in the early hours of October 10, 2014. A second hearing was told the dryer was a Whirlpool TVM570. Three other incidents have involved the same model between 2010 and May 2016, the US companys head of global product safety admitted, but they did not result in any injury. Garry Lloyd Jones was the only survivor of the fire which killed his partner Mr Hender and business partner Mr McTavish. A pre-inquest hearing into the deaths of Bernard Hender (left), 19, and Doug McTavish (right), 39, heard that the pair died in the fire in Llanrwst, Conwy, in the early hours of October 10, 2014 He told the pre-inquest hearing that Whirlpool had not disclosed everything with regards to the dryers, adding that numerous incidents had occurred over a period of years. Mr Lloyd Jones said: We know there are more fires out there caused by these models. There must be more fatalities caused by them but not recorded by the authorities that way. Its been going on for years. A full inquest into the deaths has not yet been held. In another case, property designer Dennis Marinakis asked a Whirlpool engineer to come to his home and fix his dryer. Incredibly, hours later, the machine burst into flames. Mr Marinakis, 54, from south-east London, said he could have been killed by the blaze because he regularly put his dryer on before going to bed. States that have approved the use of recreational marijuana could be on a collision course with the federal government. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said he suspects that President Donald Trump's Department of Justice won't be as lenient with pot-approving states as the previous administration. 'I do believe that you'll see greater enforcement of it,' he told a reporter asking about future action. Scroll down for video White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said he suspects that President Donald Trump's Department of Justice won't be as lenient with pot-approving states as the previous administration. Voters in eight states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for recreational use in direct violation of federal law. Barack Obama instructed his Justice Department not to prosecute them. Trump has not said how his attorney general will handle the issue. As a candidate, Trump said the federal government should 'leave it up to the states' to decide how to handle pot. Yet, he also said at a conference in June of 2015 that he saw 'big problems' with the way the law was being applied in Colorado. 'If they vote for it, they vote for it,' he said. 'But, you know, they have got a lot of problems going on right now in Colorado.' Six months later Trump had changed his tune, saying at rally in Nevada, where marijuana is also legal, that he wanted to study the issue. 'There's a question as to how it's all working out there, you know? That's not going exactly trouble-free. So I really think that we should study Colorado, see what's happening,' the Republican stated. After Washington and Colorado voted yes on referendums to legalize the substance, Barack Obama's Department of Justice chose not to go after them. 'We've got bigger fish to fry,' he said in a Dec. 12, 2012, interview with Barbara Walters. 'It would not make sense for us to see a top priority as going after recreational users in states that have determined that it's legal.' Obama said he did not, at that point, support legalization and noted that it's a 'tough' topic because it's the legislative branch that sets the laws. 'I head up the executive branch; we're supposed to be carrying out laws,' he said. 'And so what we're going to need to have is a conversation about, how do you reconcile a federal law that still says marijuana is a federal offense and state laws that say that it's legal?' It took his administration until August of the following year to formally announce that it was 'deferring its right' to challenge legalization laws at that time. 'But if any of the stated harms do materializeeither despite a strict regulatory scheme or because of the lack of onefederal prosecutors will act aggressively to bring individual prosecutions focused on federal enforcement priorities and the Department may challenge the regulatory scheme themselves in these states,' a memo said. Barack Obama instructed his Justice Department not to prosecute them. Trump has not said how his attorney general will handle the issue Trump's attorney general, Jeff Sessions, must now decide, along with the president, whether he will follow in Eric Holder's footsteps or strictly enforce the law. The president campaigned on a law and order platform but has copied Obama on some aspects of department prioritization, telling Justice and Homeland Security, for instance, that they should put their resources toward deporting criminal aliens over other illegal residents. Trump could also decide that DOJ has 'bigger fish to fry,' as Obama said, and leave pot-passing states alone. Spicer said Thursday that it was a question for the Department of Justice. At the same time he made it clear to reporters that the Trump administration would abide by the intent of 2014 amendment that meant to end the prohibition on medical marijuana. 'That's very different than the recreational use, which is something the Department of Justice I think will be further looking into.' Asked about medical marijuana, Spicer said, 'The president understands the pain and suffering that many people go through who are facing, especially terminal diseases, and the comfort that some of these drugs, including medical marijuana, can bring to them.' He suggested that the administration would take a different approach to recreational marijuana use, comparing it to the opioid addiction crisis sweeping across the country. 'The last thing we should be doing is encouraging people,' he said. 'There is still a federal law that we need to abide by...when it comes to recreational marijuana and other drugs of that nature.' Advertisement Police in riot gear swept through a protester camp at the Dakota Access pipeline on Thursday, arresting 47 people and wiping out the makeshift homes they have occupied for months. Fifty police in riot gear stormed the camp with the help of the National Guard and local sheriff's departments in Cannon Ball, North Dakota, at 12.30pm. They arrested determined protesters who remained at the site despite a warning to clear it by Wednesday when activists set fires to their tents in a final act of defiance against law enforcement. By 2pm, the Oceti Sakowin Camp was completely cleared of protesters and authorities began flattening what remained of their camp. Forty seven were arrested in the raid, the Morton County Sheriff's Department confirmed. Police in riot gear swept through protester camps at the Dakota Access pipeline on Thursday, arresting 47 people and wiping the site clean of tents and signs A protester is arrested at the Oceti Sakowin camp in Cannon Ball, North Dakota, during police raids on Thursday A protester kneels before armed police who waved batons as they carried out the raid on Thursday afternoon 'Things went very smoothly. We are very happy with the operations,' she said. Members of the Army Corps of Engineers, which owns the land where the camp was built, also began entering the site for cleanup efforts. By Thursday afternoon, heavy equipment was being used to tear down structures at the site. 'It's really hard being here right now but we know we need to be here because we know that they are wrong and we are right,' said Raymond Kingfisher, 59, a protester from Seattle, Washington. Police detain Ricardo Salazar, 25, of San Bernardino, California, in the main opposition camp against the Dakota Access oil pipeline near Cannon Ball, North Dakota Some protesters were helping with cleanup efforts. Several buildings that were set on fire on Wednesday ahead of the deadline were still smoldering, sending acrid smoke across the camp. Other protesters who stayed past the deadline said they were not afraid of another confrontation with law enforcement, which has clashed multiple times with demonstrators, resulting in more than 700 arrests. 'They have been pointing a gun at our head since day one, so the feeling of fear becomes pretty normal,' said Jeremiah Barnes, 24, a protester from Oregon who has spent the past five months at the camp. Police detain a woman who was protesting against the Dakota Access oil pipeline near Cannon Ball, North Dakota 50 police in riot gear stormed the site on Thursday after giving protesters until Wednesday to clear the area Forty seven protesters who remained at the camp site despite warnings from police to evacuate by Wednesday The squads of police arrived in riot gear to storm the sites on Thursday afternoon after months of protests from activists Dozens were arrested during the raids before police wiped the site clear of protesters' belongings A protester stands with a fist raised in defiance as police tear through the camp on Thursday afternoon A protester balances on a rock at the camp site in front of police dressed in riot gear before being removed Thousands poured into the protest camp starting in August to oppose the 1,172-mile (1,885-km) pipeline that Native Americans and environmental activists say threatens the water resources and sacred land of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. But a push by President Donald Trump since he took office in January to quickly complete the $3.8 billion project has dealt a series of setbacks to those wanting to see the pipeline stopped or redirected from passing under Lake Oahe on the Missouri River. The Army Corps of Engineers and Republican Governor Doug Burgum set a Wednesday afternoon deadline to clear the camp. Protesters hold a banner after evacuating the main opposition camp against the Dakota Access oil pipeline near Cannon Ball, North Dakota Energy Transfer Partners LP said Thursday that 99 percent of the pipeline is complete after receiving all necessary federal authorizations earlier this month. Those in opposition to the pipeline used social media to generate widespread support from Hollywood celebrities, military veterans and politicians. During Energy Transfer Partners' earnings call on Thursday, one analyst said the project was 'probably a PR failure,' for the Dallas-based company. 'There is no way we can defend ourselves there,' Kelcy Warren, the chief executive officer of Energy Transfer Partners, said during the call. 'There was a mistake on my part,' he added. 'I underestimated the power of social media. I didn't realize people could just say things that aren't true and freely do it, but they did.' A new luxury home cinema sound system has been launched that costs more than the average price of a home. At a cost of 200,000 for the technology and at least an extra 65,000 to cover installation costs, you'll need a deep pocket to buy the new home cinema kit - which is the first of its kind to be launched in Britain. The total cost is more than the average value of a home in Britain, which currently stands at 205,240, according to figures published by Nationwide Building Society. Pitch perfect! The top-end home cinema includes hidden speakers that are built into the walls There is a way to create the home cinema experience for closer to 10,000, as we explain below - but it will be less deluxe than this 250,000 version. So what do you get for your money? On an exclusive visit to a London showroom to try out the new home cinema experience, there was a lot of technology jargon including a 'THX4K display digital projection' and a 'giant floor-to-ceiling multiway auto-masking system'. But it is the speakers that are the real stars of the show as they are the same type used in Hollywood's finest screening rooms - although you can't actually see them as they are built into the walls. This is the first time that the Meyer speakers have been available in Britain within a residential rather than a commercial setting. A team of installers are required to strip the walls back to the bare brickwork before being able to add the Meyer speakers. The luxury home cinema costs 200,000 for the technology and at least an extra 65,000 to cover installation costs High tech surround sound! Everything can be operated at a touch of a button from a tablet Until now, the high quality of Meyer's professional sound systems have not been available in home cinemas in this country. But the British company Cornflake included them in the design of the new home cinema, which includes 15 speakers. SPECIFICATION LIST Meyer Sound Front speakers: Acheron Designer 2no. subwoofers: X-800C Surround speakers: HMS-5 Screen: Dynamic Multiway Masking Screen Projector: JVC DLA-Z1 Processor: Trinnov Altitude 32 (16 channels) Acoustic insulation and calibration: CATS packs Acoustic fabric to walls and ceiling: Carlucci di Chivasso Cohesion CA1338/053 from Ace Contracts Advertisement Meyer Sound's Andy Willcox said: 'The goal of all this technology is to envelop the audience and transport then into the story. 'The viewer really shouldn't be thinking whether a sound is coming from an overhead loudspeaker or from the sidewall. 'Designed for optimal performance behind perforated screens, Meyer's loudspeakers were developed specifically for cinema, in collaboration with top industry and technical professionals.' Robin Shephard, chief executive of Cornflake, said: 'Demand for home cinemas is phenomenal, especially in London where many homeowners have excavated a large, and often dark, basement to create extra living space, which is perfect as a media den. 'Clients strive for acoustic and visual perfection and are prepared to invest substantially in high-end technology to ensure exquisite quality, combined with luxurious decor. Some of the private cinemas currently being built in London homes rival those found in Hollywood A-Listers' pads, complete with motion-sensor seating, air conditioning, acoustic insulation and professional calibration.' It's the first time that homeowners in Britain have had access to such a high-spec home cinema Installers strip the walls back to the bare brickwork before adding the Meyer speakers If you're looking to install your own home cinema but have a more modest budget, what are your options and how much can you expect to spend? HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN HOME CINEMA FOR 10K Yamaha RX-A3060 multichannel amplifier Oppo UDP-203 4K UHD Blu-ray player ATC C1 5.1 speaker package LG OLED65E6V OLED TV.Fact-box text Advertisement A discerning shopper should be able to put together a good home cinema kit for around 14,000, according to Simon Lucas, editor of What Hi-Fi? magazine. This could consist of a Yamaha RX-A3060 multichannel amplifier, an Oppo UDP-203 4K UHD Blu-ray player, a PMC Twenty 23 5.1 speaker package and a LG OLED65E6V OLED TV. He explains that the cost can be reduced by switching the speakers for the ATC C1 5.1 package. The price then becomes more like 9,000. Mr Lucas said: 'This system has utter authority and fidelity. In terms of picture quality, the combination of 4K Blu-ray player and OLED TV means pictures are as sharp, as detailed, as high-contrast and as out-and-out lifelike as can currently be achieved. Sound is expansive, dynamic - it can go from very quiet to very loud and back again in an instant - and loaded with detail. No matter if you want to hear a pin drop or if you want your neighbours to profoundly fall out with you, this system will deliver.' However, this system doesn't have a projector, and so how much can you expect to spend with this equipment instead of a TV? Mr Lucas suggests that for a state-of-the-art home cinema, then 4K is required - with the most affordable worthwhile 4K projector being the Sony VPL-VW520ES. However, it is around 8,000, whereas the LG OLED is more like 3,500. Mr Lucas added: 'There are pros and cons to using a TV verses a projector. Undoubtedly projectors are better value if you want a truly massive picture - to get a 100 inch TV (the Sony projector is easily capable of beautiful images at 100 inches plus) you'd be looking at something upwards of 15,000. 'But a projector needs a screen, and it needs darkness in order to work properly, and it doesn't have TV tuners, smart apps or any of the other stuff a decent TV comes equipped with.' The ancient bones of the Kennewick Man have been returned to the ground. More than 200 members of five Columbia Plateau tribes and bands gathered at an undisclosed location over the weekend to lay the remains of the man they call the Ancient One to rest. The announcement was made on Sunday by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Tri-City Herald reports. The ancient bones of the Kennewick Man have been returned to the ground. More than 200 members of five Columbia Plateau tribes and bands gathered over the weekend to lay the remains of man they call the Ancient One to rest. An attempt to recreate his face is pictured 'We always knew the Ancient One to be Indian,' said Aaron Ashley, Umatilla board member and chairman of the Cultural Resource Committee. TIMELINE OF THE 'KENNEWICK MAN' CONTROVERSY 1996: Skeleton of Kennewick Man discovered in Washington -Independent archaeologist Dr James Chatters examines remains and describes them as Caucasoid -Tests revealed the bones are about 8,500 years old -Native Americans attempted to claim the remains, which they call the Ancient One, for reburial 2002: Oregon courts rule that tribes failed to establish link between themselves and Kennewick Man 2004: Courts uphold the decision following an appeal 2014: Smithsonian researcher releases morphology-based findings that suggest skeleton was not of Native American ancestry, and may have been related to the Ainu and Polynesians 2015: Study published in Nature sequenced the genome of Kennewick Man and found he was more closely related to modern Native Americans than any other living population 2016: Barack Obama signs bill requiring the ancient bones to be returned to tribes within 90 days 2017: Bones of the Ancient One laid to rest at undisclosed location as more than 200 members of five Columbia Plateau tribes and bands gather for burial Source: The Burke Museum Advertisement 'We have oral stories that tell of our history on this land, and we knew, at the moment of his discovery, that he was our relation.' However, tribal members waited more than 20 years to be allowed to rebury the bones. Legislation signed by President Obama on December 19 required the skeleton, believed to be about 8,400 years old, to be turned over to the coalition of tribes within 90 days. Representatives of the Umatilla, Yakama, Nez Perce and Colville tribes and the Wanapum Band met at the University of Washington's Burke Museum in Seattle on Friday to claim the remains of Kennewick Man stored there by the Army Corps of Engineers. 'This is a big day and our people have come to witness and honor our ancestor,' said Armand Minthorn, of the Umatilla tribal board. 'We continue to practice our beliefs and laws as our creator has given us since time immemorial.' Kennewick Man was found on the banks of the Columbia River about 20 years ago by two college students during the Water Follies festival. The skeleton is among the oldest and most complete found in North America. Tribes immediately filed claims for the Ancient One, but a federal judge, swayed by an analysis of the shape of Kennewick Man's skull, determined that the skeleton was not Native American and allowed scientists to study the bones. But a scientific study determined the bones likely are those of an ancestor of today's Native Americans. Technology advances allowed a global team, including specialists in ancient DNA analysis at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, to compare DNA from the bones and that of modern-day populations. The Ancient One's DNA was a closer match to modern Native Americans, including the Colvilles, than any other modern peoples. Kennewick Man was found on the banks of the Columbia River about 20 years ago by two college students during the Water Follies festival. The skeleton is among the oldest and most complete found in North America The last Neanderthal may have died 40,000 years ago, but many of their genes through modern humans. While researchers have discovered Neanderthals gave us disease genes, a new study reveals how DNA originating in our ancient cousins still influences how genes are turned on or off in modern humans. Specifically, it shows that Neanderthal genes can contribute to traits such as height and even our susceptibility to lupus and schizophrenia. Scroll down for video Homo sapiens mated with Neanderthals after leaving Africa, explaining why between two and four per cent of present day non-Africans' DNA comes from our ancient cousins WHAT DID THEY FIND? Researchers analysed RNA sequences in a dataset called the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) Project. They looked for people who carried both Neanderthal and modern human versions of any given gene - one version from each parent. For each such gene, the investigators then compared expression of the two alleles - alternative forms of a gene - in 52 different tissues. Expression of Neanderthal alleles tended to be especially low in the brain and the testes, suggesting that those tissues may have experienced more rapid evolution since we diverged from Neanderthals approximately 700,000 years ago. One example uncovered by this study is a Neanderthal allele of a gene called ADAMTSL3 that decreases risk of schizophrenia, while also influencing height. Advertisement Experts know our species, Homo sapiens, mated with Neanderthals after leaving Africa, explaining why between two and four per cent of present day non-Africans' DNA comes from our ancient cousins. But there have been recent advances in understanding what the Neanderthal DNA does and whether it affects human health or is simply 'along for the ride'. Joshua Akey, co-author of the study at the University of Washington School of Medicine, said: 'Even 50,000 years after the last human-Neanderthal mating, we can still see measurable impacts on gene expression. 'And those variations in gene expression contribute to human variation and disease susceptibility.' Previous studies have found correlations between Neanderthal genes and traits such as fat metabolism, depression, and lupus risk. But understanding the mechanism behind the correlations has proved difficult. While DNA can be extracted from fossils, RNA - a nucleic acid that carries instructions from DNA for controlling the synthesis of proteins - cannot. Without this source of information, scientists can't be sure exactly if Neanderthal genes functioned differently than their modern human counterparts. But they can look to gene expression in modern humans who possess Neanderthal ancestry. This diagram shows that Neanderthal-inherited sequences are not silent remnants of ancient interbreeding but have a measurable impact on gene expression that may contribute to variation in modern humans today In the new study, researchers analysed RNA sequences in a dataset called the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) Project. They looked for people who carried both Neanderthal and modern human versions of any given gene - one version from each parent. For each gene, the investigators then compared expression of the two alleles - alternative forms of a gene - in 52 different tissues. HOW OUR ANCESTORS DROVE THE SPREAD OF STIs In today's metrosexual age, Neanderthal man has a bit of an image problem. Commonly seen as a club-wielding brute, the Neanderthal's reputation has now taken another hit for giving us an STI. Scientists believe the human papilloma virus, passed on through sex, came from the Neanderthals who interbred with humans. It means young girls now being vaccinated for HPV, which can lead to cervical cancer, have these early humans to blame. HPV16 variants A and B/C/D co-diverged with archaic and modern humans, respectively. When modern human populations left Africa and began interbreeding with Neanderthals and Denisovans, they became infected by the viral variant that had evolved with archaic humans, causing the infection to spread in Eurasia and the Americas. Illustrated above The findings, published in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution, follow recent studies showing almost everyone has a little bit of Neanderthal DNA in them up to five per cent of the human genome. That comes, it has been stated, from 'hanky panky' between ancient Homo sapiens and Neanderthals before the latter died out. Unfortunately, with a roll in the hay sometimes comes a nasty infection. The HPV16 strain responsible for most cervical and mouth cancers has been mapped back to Neanderthals and Denisovans, another form of ancient human. Modern humans who left Africa and had sex with them were infected by the viral variant they carried and we did not, and it spread right up to the present day. The study on HPV, an oncogenic or tumour-causing disease, was conducted by Ville Pimenoff at the Catalan Institute of Oncology and Ignacio Bravo at the French National Centre for Scientific Research. 'The history of humans is also the history of the viruses we carry and we inherit,' Mr Bravo said. 'Our work suggests that some aggressive oncogenic viruses were transmitted by sexual contact from archaic to modern humans.' Advertisement Rajiv McCoy, a postdoctoral researcher at the university, and the study's first author, said: 'We find that for about 25 per cent of all those sites that we tested, we can detect a difference in expression between the Neanderthal allele and the modern human allele.' Expression of Neanderthal alleles tended to be especially low in the brain and the testes, suggesting that those tissues may have experienced more rapid evolution since we diverged from Neanderthals approximately 700,000 years ago. Dr Akey said: 'We can infer that maybe the greatest differences in gene regulation exist in the brain and testes between modern humans and Neanderthals.' DNA (pictured) can be extracted from fossils and sequenced, but RNA - a nucleic acid that carries instructions from DNA for controlling the synthesis of proteins - cannot ANCIENT DNA CARRIES ADVANTAGES Modern humans carry traces of DNA from mixing with other hominids, including Neanderthals and Denisovans. By analysing the DNA of 1,500 people, including those from Europe, Asia and the Pacific isalnds, researchers identified 126 areas of the genome where this ancient DNA persists. They found genes relating to the immune system and skin function. Scientists believe these genes from our extinct cousins helped modern humans to thrive as they moved outwards from the African continent. Advertisement One example uncovered by this study is a Neanderthal allele of a gene called ADAMTSL3 that decreases risk of schizophrenia, while also influencing height. The connection between that modified protein, height, and schizophrenia still requires more investigation, but it's an example of how small differences between modern humans and Neanderthals can contribute to variation in people. Dr Akey said: 'Hybridisation between modern humans and Neanderthals increased genomic complexity. 'Hybridisation wasn't just something that happened 50,000 years ago that we don't have to worry about anymore. 'Those little bits and pieces, our Neanderthal relics, are influencing gene expression in pervasive and important ways.' The researchers now hope to investigate whether Denisovans - another species of hominins that crossbred with modern humans - are contributing to gene expression. A limestone column may hold the key to the location of a cave where a Galilean sage hid from Roman soldiers, roughly two millennia ago. The column top was found during work to restore the site of an ancient Israeli synagogue. Israeli antiquities experts believe the find could shed light on the lives of the people who lived in the area 1,800 years ago. Scroll down for video A limestone column may hold the key to the location of a cave where a Galilean sage hid from Roman soldiers, roughly two millennia ago THE SETTLEMENT OF PEQI'IN Peqi'in is known as a place where, for hundreds of years, Jews and Druze lived together peacefully. The city has an important place in Jewish tradition, famous for its cave which housed Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, and his son, Rabbi Elazar ben Shimon, after they escaped the Romans following the Bar Kokhba revolt in 132 CE. Peqi'in also plays an important role in Jewish continuity in the Holy Land. From the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, until only a few years ago, there had been a continuous Jewish presence in the city. Over time, the Jews adopted the dress and language of their Arab neighbors, in order to blend in, though keeping their own religion. But life became increasingly difficult for the Jews of Peqi'in in the early part of the 20th century. Arab riots in 1936 caused most Jewish families to flee and only a few returned. Advertisement Key Jewish texts tell of the Galilean sages that lived in Peqi'in, including Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, who is said to have hidden from the Romans. Some scholars disagree with the identification of the village as the correct location for the cave. But the team behind the column's discovery believes it will add important information to their understanding of the Jewish settlement present in the area during the Roman and Byzantine periods. The discovery was made at the site of an existing synagogue, built upon the location of an older ancient synagogue which was destroyed during an earthquake in the nineteenth century. The stone was found upside down in the courtyard of the current synagogue at Peqi'i. The inscriptions carved upon the stone slab were analysed by archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) soon after the find, who came to the conclusion that they are dedicated to donors of the earlier building. Yoav Lerer, the IAA inspector in the Western Galilee, said: 'The Talmudic and Midrashic sources tell of the Galilean sages that lived in Peqi'in, including Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, who hid from the Romans in a cave. 'However, there are those who disagree with the identification of the location of Peqi'in. Margalit Zinati, the last member of the Jewish Zinati family in Peqi'in, still lives in a house next door to the synagogue to 'keep the flame alive' 'I believe that these inscriptions will add an important tier to our knowledge about the Jewish settlement in the village of Peqi'in during the Roman and Byzantine periods.' THE FINDINGS A limestone column found in the courtyard of current synagogue at Peqi'in contains Hewbrew inscriptions dating back 1,800 years. Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority believe that they are dedicated to donors to the earlier building. But some believe they may offer proof that the ancient settlement of Peqi'in was home to Galilean sages referred to in key Jewish texts. They include Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, who is said to have hidden from the Romans in a nearby cave. Advertisement In the past year, work has been underway to restore elements of the ancient synagogue, as well as the nearby Beit Zinati visitor centre. The visitor centre will tell the 2,000 year long history of the Jews in the village and the unique story of the Zinati family the village's oldest Jewish family. Margalit Zinati, the last member of the Jewish Zinati family, still lives in a house next door to the synagogue to 'keep the flame alive'. Uriel Rosenboym, director of Beit Zinati, said: 'This is a historical discovery of unparalleled importance. 'This confirms what the late President Yitzhak Ben Zvi maintained in the early twentieth century about the Jewish settlement at Peqi'in. 'No one can argue with the written artefact. There was an ancient synagogue here and the synagogue was built in its current form in recent centuries.' Advertisement The Apollo 11 command module, which traveled more than 950,000 miles to take Americans to the moon and back in 1969, is going on a road trip, leaving the Smithsonian for the first time in more than four decades. The capsule, named 'Columbia,' went on a tour of U.S. capitals following its historic role in the mission to the moon. But it has since made its home at the Smithsonian in Washington. The Apollo 11 command module, which traveled more than 950,000 miles to take Americans to the moon and back in 1969, is going on a road trip ahead of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing in 2019. WHERE TO SEE IT The capsule will begin its tour in Houston in October of this year and spend about five months at each site, ending in Seattle where it will be for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing: July 20, 2019. The capsule also will visit: the Space Center Houston from Oct. 14, 2017, to March 18, 2018 Saint Louis Science Center from April 14 to Sept. 3, 2018 Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh from Sept. 29, 2018, to Feb. 18, 2019 The Museum of Flight in Seattle from March 16 to Sept. 2, 2019. Advertisement On Wednesday, officials announced a four-city road tour ahead of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing in 2019. The capsule will visit museums in Houston, St. Louis, Pittsburgh and Seattle as part of a new exhibit: 'Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission.' Part of the reason for the tour is that the Smithsonian is working to renovate the gallery at its National Air and Space Museum in Washington that tells the story of the Apollo missions, but that exhibit isn't scheduled to open until 2020. Smithsonian space history department curator Allan Needell says the Smithsonian didn't want to just store the capsule and instead decided that 'while we're preparing for its new home we could share it with other venues and have some broader access to it.' The command module is only a part of the spacecraft that blasted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on July 16, 1969, on an eight-day moon mission. The capsule, its interior about the size of a car, was the main work and living area for the three-man crew. And it was the craft astronaut Michael Collins piloted while his crewmates, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, descended to the moon's surface in the Lunar Module 'Eagle.' The command module was the only part of the spacecraft to return to Earth, however, and that made it an object of fascination. The tour will mark the first time Columbia will leave the National Air and Space Museum since the museum opened to the public in 1976. Before entering the collection, the command module traveled on a 50-state tour throughout 1970 and 1971 covering more than 26,000 miles. The capsule visited every state and missed only one state capital, visiting Anchorage in Alaska rather than Juneau, before it was transferred to the Smithsonian. More than 3 million people saw it and an accompanying moon rock during a tour of U.S. state capitals in 1970 and 1971. Americans often waited hours to get inside a trailer that housed the capsule during its tour. The Apollo 11 capsule sits in the restoration hanger at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, ahead of a planned four-city tour. Conservators are giving the capsule a full checkup - examining and documenting its condition before it goes on tour. The hatch served as the entry and exit point to the command module Columbia on the launch pad and after landing. It then went on display in the Smithsonian's Arts and Industries Building before the current National Air and Space Museum was built on the National Mall. The Apollo 11 capsule is currently being readied for its trip at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Conservators are giving the capsule a full checkup - examining and documenting its condition before it goes on tour. One concern for Smithsonian conservator Lisa Young is the condition of the spacecraft's heat shield, which was designed to take a beating on its re-entry to Earth's atmosphere. Layers of the heat shield were designed to burn away when the craft re-entered the atmosphere and what remains will need to be stabilized before the capsule goes traveling. Visitors who go to see the capsule on tour will also get to see other objects that were used on the lunar mission, including gloves and a visor Aldrin wore on the moon and a 'rock box' used to bring back the first samples of the moon. They'll also be able to explore an interactive, 3D tour of the inside and outside of the capsule. Astronaut Michael Collins wore the Omega Speedmaster Chronograph (left) during the Apollo 11 mission, and visitors will also see the 'extravehicular visor assembly' worn by astronaut Buzz Aldrin on the lunar surface during the historic Apollo 11 mission in July, 1969 (right) The extravehicular (EV) gloves made for and worn by astronaut Buzz Aldrin, lunar module pilot of the Apollo 11 mission in July, 1969. will be on show, along with one of two rucksacks filled with equipment to help the crew survive for up to 48 hours in the event of an emergency landing on Earth (right) The traveling exhibition previews part of a new gallery opening at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., which is slated to open in 2021. 'Destination Moon' at the museum will tell the story of human exploration of the moon, from ancient dreams to the Apollo program to the missions happening right now. The Apollo 11 command module will return to a place of honor in the new exhibition 'Destination Moon,' scheduled to open in 2021. Through original Apollo 11-flown objects, models, videos and interactives, visitors will learn about the historic journey of the Apollo 11 crewNeil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin. 'Destination Moon' will include an interactive 3-D tour, created from high-resolution scans of Columbia performed at the Smithsonian in spring 2016. The interactives will allow visitors to explore the entire craft including its intricate interior, an interior that has been inaccessible to the public until now. Low-status chimps are able to influence the behavior of their fellow chimps more than some alphas, research has found. Researchers taught low-status chimps and alpha male's a technique of opening a box containing food. They found that chimps in a group with a low-ranking female copied their technique significantly more than groups who were placed with an alpha male also using the same technique. Scroll down for video Chimps in captive groups were more likely to copy a rewarding behavior exhibited by a low-ranking chimpanzee than an alpha male. Pictured here is a low-ranking female chimpanzee named Angie The researchers said that previous research on chimps in captivity has found that they more often copy beneficial behaviors from more dominant members of their group than lower status ones. The researchers don't know why, in this study, the chimps didn't copy the higher ranking chimps as much. It's possible that in this case, chimps were keeping vigilant of potential threats from alpha males more than they were of their box-opening technique. Dr Stuart Watson, a primatologist at the University of St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland and the lead author of the study, told Science News: 'Alpha male chimps are large, powerful and prone to temper tantrums, so it makes sense to be vigilant for signs of what theyll do next. It may also be that lower status chimps can be unwilling to copy beneficial behaviors in the presence of more dominant chimps, said Dr Elizabeth Lonsdorf, a primatologist at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania who didn't participate in the research. To conduct the study, Dr Watson and his team studied 38 chimps at a research center in Texas. The researchers don't know why, in this study, the chimps didn't copy the higher ranking chimps as much. It's possible that in this case, chimps were keeping vigilant of potential threats from alpha males more than they were of their box-opening technique In each of four different captive groups, low ranking females from two groups and dominant males from the two other groups were taught the same technique for opening a puzzle-box containing fruit. They were trained to move a sliding door up or down until it locked to open one of two chambers containing the fruit. They then returned back to their own groups and used the box-opening technique in front of them for two periods of 20-minutes on consecutive days. After each demonstration from the trained chimps, the group members had eight hours of access to the puzzle-box. Chimps who watched the low-ranking chimps open the box used the same technique as their first choice more often that would be expected by chance. Two-low ranking females, each from different groups, found a way to improve the technique to obtain two pieces of fruit from the box after they watched dominant males opening it. The improved technique was even copied by an alpha male who had originally demonstrated it But this was not true of chimps who observed the higher ranking males used the technique. Although the chimps may have been able to figure out how to open the box themselves, Dr Watson said that in a separate experiment with 15 other chimps each given 20 minutes with the box, 5 of them weren't able to open it. In addition, two-low ranking females, each from different groups, found a way to improve the technique to obtain two pieces of fruit from the box after they watched dominant males opening it. They realized that the box contained two pieces of fruit - one in the upper chamber revealed by moving the door down and the other in the bottom chamber revealed by sliding the door up. These two females slid the door up and down enough to obtain both snacks. Dr Stuart Watson, a primatologist at the University of St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland and the lead author of the study, said he doesn't know if lower-ranking chimps are better at coming up with smart behaviors that others copy, but it is possible because low-status chimps get less food than others so they need to find ways to find more food The improved technique was even copied by an alpha male in one group who had originally demonstrated the technique. In the other group, two high-ranking females also copied the new technique after seeing lower status females use it. Dr Watson said he doesn't know if lower-ranking chimps are better at coming up with smart behaviors that others copy, but it is possible because low-status chimps get less food than others so they need to find ways to find more food. Dr Lonsdorf also said that wild chimp groups, younger females move to new groups when they become sexually mature, and this could bring knowledge from one group to another. A new hack has been discovered that gathers sensitive information from a desktop computer's tiny blinking LED lights. Researchers have successfully extracted a computer's secrets using a data-stealing drone that is capable of recording the Morse code-like patterns of LED indicators. However, the team has also devised a strategy to combat the hack a security measure that takes sensitive computer systems off the internet. Scroll down for videos A new hack has been discovered that gathers sensitive information from a desktop computer's tiny blinking LED lights. A hacker would first have to plant malware on the system via USB or SD card in order for the drone to pick up the information COMPUTER HACK Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have uncovered a new way to hack computers. First, malware needs to be planted on the system via USB or SD card. Then a drone flies outside and records the Morse code-like patterns of LED indicators. Hackers can translate the code into the sensitive data. Experts found they could move data as fast as 4,000 bits per second, or close to a megabyte every half hour. Advertisement The hack and solution were discovered by a team at Ben-Gurion University (BGU) in Beersheba, Israel, which explained that the hack is more complex than just flying a drone to catch the blinking light. Attackers must first have to plant malware on the system via USB or SD card in order for the drone to gather the information. 'If an attacker has a foothold in your air-gapped system, the malware still can send the data out to the attacker,' Dr. Mordechai Guri, head of research and development at BGUs Cyber Security Research Center, told Wired. 'We found that the small hard drive indicator LED can be controlled at up to 6,000 blinks per second. 'We can transmit data in a very fast way at a very long distance.' However, because the team found the attack, they thought it would only be right to find a solution. Dr. Guri and his colleagues devised a method they call 'air gap', which ultimately disconnects the sensitive computer from the internet hindering attackers' ability to gather any information from the blinking LED lights. 'If an attacker has a foothold in your air-gapped system, the malware still can send the data out to the attacker,' Dr. Guri, told Wired. 'We found that the small hard drive indicator LED can be controlled at up to 6,000 blinks per second. We can transmit data in a very fast way at a very long distance.' Exploiting the computer's hard drive indicator LED has the potential to be an even stealthier, higher-bandwidth and longer-distance form of air-gap-hopping communications. By transmitting data from a computer's hard drive LED with Morse code-like patterns of on and off signals, the researchers found they could move data as fast as 4,000 bits per second, or close to a megabyte every half hour. Researchers extracted a computer's secrets using a data-stealing drone (stock image)capable of recording the Morse code-like patterns of LED indicators. The team also devised a strategy to combat the hack a security measure that takes sensitive computer systems off the internet A separate team at the university found a hack that uses your computer headphones against you. Researcher designed a code called 'Speake(a)r, which 'retasks' a computer's outputs to inputs - allowing them to record audio even when the headphones were in the output-only jack. Pictured is the researchers test to gather information from a computer using a drone. The team found they could move data as fast as 4,000 bits per second, or close to a megabyte every half hour The team used a pair of headphones to capture vibrations in the air and converted them to electromagnetic signals to record audio from 20 feet across a room. 'The fact that headphones, earphones and speakers are physically built like microphones and that an audio port's role in the PC can be reprogrammed from output to input creates a vulnerability that can be abused by hackers,' says Prof. Yuval Elovici, director of the BGU Cyber Security Research Center (CSRC) and member of BGU's Department of Information Systems Engineering. Newly-discovered medieval burials of three women and a man in Arctic Russia may have been ritualistic sacrifices, say scientists. The 11th century graves include two females aged 18 to 20, and all four show signs of disease and abnormalities. Their burial in the crouched, foetal position - unique for such graves on the Yamal peninsula in the far north of Siberia - indicate death rituals were carried out, and that the people may have been sacrificed. Scroll down for video Two of the dead were young women (pictured) who died between the age of 18 to 20 and had 'serious diseases' and abnormalities. The graves found at site Yur-Yakha III are unlike anything seen from this era in the region, scientists said WHAT THEY FOUND Four bodies all showed signs of abnormalities - three females and one male. They were buried in the crouched, foetal position. Two females were aged between 18 to 20. The male, who was aged around 50, was set on fire after his death. Third woman's grave was robbed so only collarbone (clavicle) was left. All bodies had many medical conditions. Advertisement The body of the man, aged around 50, was set on fire after his death, said archaeologist Andrey Plekhanov, from the Arctic Research Centre in Russia's Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous region. The graves found at site Yur-Yakha III are unlike anything seen from this era in the region, he said. 'For sure there are no similar medieval burials' in northern Siberia, he said. 'Such a ritual was not previously recorded in medieval necropolises in the region. 'We can be sure that he did not die in the fire.' Third woman's grave was robbed so only collarbone (clavicle) was left. They are confident she was also a 'crouched' burial. Archeologists from the Arctic Research Centre in Russia's Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous region found the graves on the Yamal peninsula in the far north of Siberia Male remains with the traces of fire. Archaeologists believe the man, who was around 50 years old, was set on fire after his death The bodies were buried in the crouched, foetal position - unique for such graves on the Yamal peninsula in the far north of Siberia Further excavations will be carried out in the area in the hope of gaining more insight into the unknown group. 'At the moment we do not know why they were buried this way, nor the significance of this,' he said. Between them, the remains of the dead show many medical conditions including hyperostosis - excessive growth of bone tissue - shoulder dislocation, teeth anomalies, sinusitis, and spine traumas. Further excavations will be carried out in the area in the hope of gaining more insight into the unknown group A yangach (for removing snow from clothes) and a tanning scraper were also found in the burial Fragments of pottery from the funeral meal were also discovered. Two of the graves were robbed many centuries ago, but in the others important finds were made 'These people lived in very harsh conditions, they were malnourished,' he said. Two of the graves were robbed many centuries ago, but in the graves of the young women important finds were made. One of the young women was buried with a bronze bracelet emblazoned with the image of a bear, rings and pendants as well as a device for removing snow from her clothing. She also had a facemask made of animal skin. The other woman 'took only an iron knife to her afterlife', reported The Siberian Times. Archaeologists believe she probably died after giving birth. Giant oarfish described as 'messengers of the sea' have been washing ashore in the Philippines in recent days, triggering fears an earthquake is about to hit. A number of bizarre-looking creatures, which usually live at depths of 3,000ft, have been found dead along the country's coasts. Many locals and some scientists believe these so-called 'sea serpents' wash up onto shore by strong currents that precede quakes. Scroll down for video The giant sea serpent was found on a beach in Agusan del Norte in the Philippines. A killer earthquake ravaged Mindanao island and many believe that oarfish washing ashore is a sign that an earthquake will soon follow OARFISH First sighted in 1772, they are the world's longest bony fish. These mysterious sea creatures usual stay in the depths of the ocean - between about 1,000 to 3,000 feet (300 to 900 metres) below the surface. They can grow up to 50 feet (15 metres) long. Some scientists believe the deep-dwelling species might be pushed upwards by strong currents. This could be caused by movements in the continental shelf. All Oarfish sighted in shallow waters are either dead or dying. They are naturally blue, purple and red, but this colour quickly disappears when they die. Advertisement There has been examples of this happening as recently as this month. A giant oarfish was found on a beach in Agusan del Norte in the Philippines just days before a killer earthquake ravaged Mindanao island on 11 February. Five more oarfish were found around the coast in the days following the 6.3 quake. Eight people were killed and 200 injured which sparked social media discussion about the link between these creatures and natural disasters. The latest find on Saturday was of a creature on a beach in the city of Cagayan de Oro, measuring around 15 feet long. An official from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said a similar earthquake could happen in Cagayan de Oro City anytime. 'This is not to scare people but to spread awareness, to encourage the local government units to collaborate with us and for them to know what should be done', the Regional Director Marcial Labininay told Filipino website sunstar.com. Mr Labininay dismissed claims that the emergence of oarfish signals impending disaster and said it was based on superstition. Scientists have suggested this deep-dwelling species might be pushed onto the continental shelf by strong currents. Shallower waters are typically rougher which means they are more likely to suffer fatal damage. Oarfish normally feed on crustaceans and are unlikely to be able to find them in shallower waters. All the ones sighted are either dead or dying. Scientists have suggested this deep-dwelling species, which normally lives up to 3000 feet deep might be pushed onto the continental shelf by strong currents Oarfish normally feed on crustaceans and are unlikely to be able to find them in shallower waters. All the ones sighted are either dead or dying They are naturally blue, purple and red, but this colour quickly disappears when they die. Their crimson-colored dorsal fin resembles a mane. First sighted in 1772, they are the world's longest bony fish and have long been connected to myths. Seismologists from Japan refer to the beast as the 'Messenger from the Sea God's Palace', and believe they are a sign that an earthquake is coming, according to the National Geographic. Because they live so deep, humans have struggled to do much research on them. The giant oarfish was found washed up on a beach in Agusan del Norte in the Philippines Seismologists from Japan refer to the beast as the 'Messenger from the Sea God's Palace', and believe they are a sign that an earthquake is coming Its formal scientific title is Regalecus glesne, but the fish is also known as king of the herring, Pacific oarfish, streamer fish and ribbon-fish. Rachel Grant, a lecturer in animal biology at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge said there might be some truth in the claims that the appearance of oarfish could be linked to earthquakes. 'It's theoretically possible because when an earthquake occurs there can be a build-up of pressure in the rocks which can lead to electrostatic charges that cause electrically-charged ions to be released into the water,' Dr Grant told the Independent. She believed another possibility was that quantities of carbon monoxide gas are released prior to an earthquake which could affect these deep-sea creatures. This is the 18-foot-long oarfish found dead in the water off Catalina Island near Los Angeles in October 2013. The animal was so big it required 16 people to pull it ashore The oarfish's massive size spawned many a story from fisherman and sailors. Pictured is an artist's impression Not much is known about the creature. Studies had previously only been possible when the rare fish has washed ashore dead or dying. Though the species has only been sighted in a few places worldwide, it is believed to inhabit deep waters around the globe, save for the polar regions. The fish uses a form of location called amiiform swimming in which its dorsal fin, which runs the length of its sizeable body, undulates while the body itself remains straight and motionless. In the race to offer tourists the opportunity to explore space, Russia looks to be inching ahead of its rivals. The country's leading aerospace design contractor, Energia, has announced that it will start tourist flights to the moon in 2022. The firm says it will sell nine places on its Soyuz spacecraft this spring that would allow tourists to fly within the moon's orbit on the way to the International Space Station. Scroll down for video Russian space firm, Energia, could sell nine places on its Soyuz spacecraft next month, that would allow tourists to fly within the moon's orbit Vladimir Solntsev, CEO of Energia, announced the firm's plans this week. Speaking to RIA Novosti, a Russian state news agency, Mr Solntsev said: 'In particular, we are ready to sign with one of such companies an agreement in March 2017. 'The flyby around the moon with space tourists could take place within five or six years after the signing of the contract. 'The conditions are currently being discussed with potential candidates.' This dramatically moves up the timeline for Energia, who suggested in November that its tourist flights wouldn't begin until 2031. Mr Solntsev had told TASS: 'In the 2030s, we set the task of a manned flight to the moon and in 2031 we plan on landing on the moon.' The firm has not said how much the nine places will cost, or how it will select the tourists. So far, only Nasa has managed to land humans on the moon. During the course of the Apollo missions, 12 astronauts set foot on the lunar surface between 1969 and 1972. In September, Russian space agency Roscosmos revealed that it had started a series of simulations in preparation for the country's plans to permanently station 12 cosmonauts on the lunar surface. The flyby around the moon with space tourists could take place within five or six years after the signing of the contract Researchers are using a unique platform simulating the moon's gravity, built by RSC Energia in the early 1970s. The test will determine how easy it would be for cosmonauts to walk on the lunar surface and get out of a rover vehicle. After getting a clear view of the big picture, experts will move on to logistics and streamlining before starting on designs for permanent lunar bases, rovers, runway facilities, and other important aspects of the mission. Advertisement Yesterday's discovery of seven Earth-like planets in a nearby star system captivated the world's imagination. Now, Nasa has released a '3D virtual tour' of one of the planets, known as 1d, to show what a world with alien life could look like. The Trappist-1 star system sits just 39 light years from Earth, and astronomers say we'll know if it hosts life in around a decade. All of the planets in Trappist-1 are believed to have water, and three have such good conditions that they may even have large oceans similar to our own. Watch the virtual tour below The tour by Nasa is based on estimates made about 1d's climate based on its mass, radius and orbit around its star Trappist-1. In the video viewers can see the small, ultra-cool dwarf sun Trappist-1 as it breaches the horizon. Six other planet's in the star system can also be seen. Viewers can move their mouse around the screen to control the viewpoint of the tour. Those with Google cardboard or a virtual reality headset can use their tech for the full exoplanet experience. 1d is a rocky, Earth-like planet that orbits its star every four days. It has a mass around 40 per cent that of Earth's and lies in it's systems 'temperate zone', making it a prime candidate for the growth of biological life. Trappist-1's star is far redder than the solar system's sun, casting an eerie red glow glow over the surface of the exoplanet Nasa has released a new 3D visual tour of the exoplanet 1d, found in the Trappist-1 star system announced by Nasa yesterday. The tour shows the TRAPPIST-1 star looming over the horizon and the planet's rocky surface, along with six other exoplanets visible in the sky 1d is a rocky, Earth-like planet that orbits its star every four days. It has a mass around 40 per cent that of Earth's and lies in it's systems 'temperate zone', making it a prime candidate for the growth of biological life . Trappist-1's star is far redder than the solar system's sun, casting an eerie red glow glow over the surface of the exoplanet Yesterday's discovery by an using advanced telescopes in space and at far-flung locations around the world caused a frenzy of excitement among astronomers who, as a breed, are not given to hyperbole. The intriguing new planets are comparatively near neighbours, too, at just 39 light years from Earth. But that relative proximity will enable astronomers with ultra-sophisticated telescopes and scanners to focus on the planets and confirm if there is water and the benign atmosphere needed for life to thrive. Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator of Nasas Science Mission Directorate in Washington DC, said yesterday: These questions about are we alone are being answered as we speak, in this decade and the next decades. This story gives us a hint that finding a second Earth is not just a matter of if, but when. Scientists have long speculated that life-supporting planets must exist somewhere in the universe, but none has ever yet been confirmed as potentially life-sustaining. Nasa challenged viewers to find all six of the other exoplanets in the Trappist-1 system, named 1b, 1c, 1e, 1f, 1g and 1h. 1e, 1f and 1g were picked out by astronomers as the most likely of the seven new planets to have water oceans, making them prime candidates for the search for alien life outside of the solar system If users look up into 1d's sky, they can see some of the other planets in the Trappist-1 system. the planets are all visible from 1d's surface because they orbit much closer together than any of the planets in the solar system KEY POINTS OM THE NEW TRAPPIST-1 SYSTEM - Newly discovered star system is just 39 light years from Earth - Seven Earth-sized worlds are orbiting a dwarf star known as Trappist-1 - Six inner planets lie in a temperate zone where surface temperatures range from 0-100C (32-212F) - Of these, at least three are thought to be capable of having oceans, increasing the likelihood of life - Scientists say life may have already evolved on at least three of the planets - No other star system known contains such a large number of Earth-sized and probably rocky planets - They were found using the 'transit' method that looks for tiny amounts of dimming caused by a world blocking light from its star Advertisement No other star system discovered before has been found to have such a large number of Earth-sized planets. The planets likely have rocky compositions like Earth, are around the same size as our planet, and six have surface temperatures between 0-100C (32-212F). This gives these planets some of the vital atmospheric conditions needed to grow biological life. The researchers suggest that three of the seven planets, found in the system's 'habitable zone', could have oceans of water with life evolving on them already. 'We now have seven planets that we can study in detail for life, and this is something we are already doing,' lead-author Michael Gillon, an astronomer at the University of Liege, Belgium, said. 'People will hear more and more about this system in the coming months and years.' Each planet, labelled 1b-1h, was found via telescopes using the 'transit' method. This is when the orbit and other properties of planets are measured as they pass in front of their star, causing it to briefly dim. An international group of researchers used a series of space and ground-based telescopes to find the seven planets in the Trappist-1 system. Telescopes used include a telescope owned by Liverpool John Moores University in La Palma, as well as Nasa's Spitzer Space Telescope found in Earth's orbit. The researchers measured the 'transits' of planets by taking measurements of dips in the Trappist star's brightness as planets passed in front of it. Scientists hope to further explore the surfaces of Trappist-1 exoplanets like 1d in the future using telescopes that can read the planets' atmospheres for signs of life. 1d was not picked out by researchers as one of the most likely candidates for life in the new system, but its rocky mountains, pictured here, could host the first microbes to be found outside of the solar system The Trappist-1 star, an ultra-cool dwarf, has seven Earth-size planets orbiting it. This graphic shows how the outer orbiting 1h is an icy planet, while inner orbiting 1b, 1c and 1d are likely to be hot and dry. Though the researchers claim that all seven planets could feasibly have water at their surface, it is planets 1e, 1f, and 1g that are most likely to have water oceans This chart shows, on the top row, artist impressions of the seven planets of Trappist-1 with their orbital periods, distances from their star, radii and masses as compared to those of Earth. The bottom row shows data about Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. The seven planets' orbits are closer to their star than Venus, Earth or Mars, and are therefore significantly shorter Earth and the Trappist-1 system are both located in the Milky Way galaxy, which measures around 100,000 light years across. Trappist-1 is 39 light years from Earth, making it a close neighbour of our planet. Despite this, experts suggest that it would take humans hundreds of thousands of years to reach the new system using current technology The seven planets are believed to be at least a billion years old and, in theory, all could have lakes and oceans. But three are too close to the star and, therefore, likely to be too hot to have water, while the furthermost planet is too cold. It is the three planets in the middle (named TRAPPIST-1 e, f and g) that are generating the most interest as they lie in what is known as the habitable Goldilocks Zone neither too hot nor too cold for life to thrive. The surface temperatures range from zero to 100c, so water wont boil off as vapour. COULD HUMANS LIVE ON TRAPPIST-1'S PLANETS? Nasa created a travel poster design for Trappist - 1e. At 39 light years away the Trappist-1 system is relatively close to Earth considering the grand scale of the Milky Way galaxy At 39 light years away the Trappist-1 system is relatively close to Earth considering the grand scale of the Milky Way galaxy they inhabit, which measures 100,000 light years across. But researchers suggest that the Trappist-1 system is too far to ever be reached by humans, at least with current technology. 'The chances for humans reaching the system at the moment are not very good,' study co-author Dr Amaury Triaud, an astronomer at Cambridge University, told MailOnline. 'Our technology is really far from even sending a robotic probe, and the feasibility of humans surviving long term space travel is completely unknown. 'Unless we find a new physical process to harness energy I dont see us colonising these planets in our lifetime, but then maybe someone will be inspired by the system and discover the means to go there, who knows!' Fellow astronomer Professor Ignas Snellen of the Netherlands's Leiden University, not involved in the study, agrees. 'Although the star is relatively nearby that is still very very far for humans to travel,' he told MailOnline. 'It would take hundreds of thousands of years to get there, maybe more.' Advertisement In addition, planet e is very close in size to Earth and receives about the same level of light from its star. Planet f is potentially water-rich and gets about the same amount of light as Mars. Planet g is the largest: its radius is about 13 per cent larger than Earths. Measurements of the planets density suggest the innermost six are rocky, too, just like Earth. No other known star system contains such a large number of Earth-sized and probably rocky planets, another factor in encouraging life to form. The research, published in the journal Nature, was led by the STAR Institute at the University of Liege in Belgium. It used Nasas orbiting Spitzer Space Telescope in addition to ground-based facilities, including the Liverpool Telescope, operated by the Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) Astrophysics Research Institute (ARI). Dr Chris Copperwheat, an astronomer from LJMU, who co-led the international team, says: The discovery of multiple rocky planets with surface temperatures that allow for liquid water make this amazing system an exciting future target in the search for life. While an estimated three quarters of the US and UK populations believe in ghosts, Brian Cox, the popular TV professor, believes he has proof that don't exist. Professor Cox has pointed to The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) - the world's most powerful particle accelerator - to explain why spectres and phantoms are the stuff of fiction. Speaking on his BBC Radio Four programme The Infinite Monkey Cage, he said experiments carried out the LHC in Geneva, Switzerland, proved that the existence of the paranormal is 'inconceivable'. Scroll down for video Professor Brian Cox, pictured, has pointed to The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) to explain why spectres and phantoms are the stuff of fiction THE LARGE HADRON COLLIDER The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the worlds largest and most powerful particle accelerator. It first started up on 10 September 2008, and remains the latest addition to CERNs accelerator complex. The LHC consists of a 17- mile ring of superconducting magnets with a number of accelerating structures to boost the energy of the particles along the way. Inside the accelerator, two high-energy particle beams travel at close to the speed of light before they are made to collide. Nobody knows what the facility might reveal with its collisions, which are mini-versions of the Big Bang that created the universe 13.8 billion years ago. Advertisement The LHC is a 17 mile (27km) long tunnel created using super-conducting magnets that sit 100m (328 feet) under the ground. It belongs to the European Organisation of Nuclear Research (CERN), who use it to test out complex theories from particle physics. On an episode of his programme centred around the topic of the paranormal, Professor Cox said: 'Before we ask the first question, I want to make a statement: We are not here to debate the existence of ghosts because they don't exist. 'If we want some sort of pattern that carries information about our living cells to persist then we must specify precisely what medium carries that pattern and how it interacts with the matter particles out of which our bodies are made. 'We must, in other words, invent an extension to the Standard Model of Particle Physics that has escaped detection at the Large Hadron Collider. 'That's almost inconceivable at the energy scales typical of the particle interactions in our bodies.' In response, guest speaker, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, said: 'If I understand what you just declared, you just asserted that CERN, the European Centre for Nuclear Research, disproved the existence of ghosts.' Professor Cox confirmed that this was the case. The LHC is a 17-mile (27km) long tunnel created using super-conducting magnets that sits 328 feet (100m) under the ground near Geneva, Switzerland He added: 'I would say if there's some kind of substance that's driving our bodies, making my arms move and legs move, then it must interact with the particles out of which our bodies are made. 'And seeing as we've made high precision measurements of the ways that particles interact, then my assertion is there can be no such thing as an energy source that's driving our bodies.' GM pork pies could be on sale in the UK in just 10 years. Scientists have created a new breed of super pigs resistant to a killer virus that could make the GM meat common in Britain, despite fears over Frankenstein food. Scientists at Roslin Institute, which cloned Dolly the Sheep, have used gene-editing to protect pigs from a respiratory condition which costs the UK farming industry millions every year. Scroll down for video Scientists at Scotland's Roslin Institute used gene-editing techniques to create GM pigs potentially resilient to the virus Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) which costs the industry billions each year Experts trying to combat world hunger are already calling for the British Government to back the use of GM farm animals. The US has paved the way by approving a salmon engineered to grow twice as fast as normal, which less than 18 months ago became the first GM animal ruled safe to eat. The Roslin Institute in Edinburgh is leading UK research into gene-edited animals, having already produced pigs potentially resistant to African swine fever. They now have two generations of piglets bred to resist Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome, also known as blue ear disease, which costs the swine industry 120 million a year. The disease, which causes stillbirths in sows and severe breathing problems in young pigs, was targeted using a gene-editing technique which snips away a section of DNA in the eggs of female pigs. This removes the doorway for the virus, producing piglets which should not be infected. Lead researcher Professor Alan Archibald said: In terms of the changes we have made, we have removed a very small piece of the egg genes. The next stage will be to test whether the pigs themselves are resistant to the bug, which causes severe breathing problems in young pigs and breeding failures in pregnant sows 'We havent added anything that wasnt there in the first place, so consumers have nothing to worry about in that sense. Asked when the new breed could be on supermarket shelves, he said: The pigs will have to be approved by the various regulatory authorities in the UK, the US and Europe. It could take a decade, but it could be less. Billions of meals have been eaten containing GM material and there is absolutely no evidence of any harm to health. The pigs in the latest study were bred to resist disease, but there are concerns of a slippery slope with GM companies creating giant pigs and hens which have only female chicks so more eggs can be produced. BLUE EAR DISEASE Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), also known as blue ear disease, was first reported in 1987 in North America and is endemic in most pig producing countries. Vaccines have failed to halt the spread of the rapidly-evolving virus. In Europe alone it costs the industry more than 1.27 billion each year. Experts describe it as one of the greatest challenges facing pig producers today. Advertisement If gene-edited pigs were given the green light today, it could take as few as six years for meat to be sold, according to the team at the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute. To breed these animals, they used CRISPR/Cas9, a carefully targeted enzyme which cuts strands of DNA, to disable a gene called CD163. This gene is thought to play a key role in allowing the PRRS virus to target pig immune cells. The scientists have tested their technique using cells from the new breed, which were found to block the PRRS virus from causing infection in laboratory tests. The altered animals appear wholly resistant to both major strains of the virus, and the researchers plan next to see whether living pigs are resistant to infection when exposed to it. In response to the study, published in the journal PLOS Pathogens, Professor Ian Jones, professor of virology at the University of Reading, said: The authors have removed part of the virus receptor, the cellular doorway the virus uses to initiate infection. If the virus cant get in then disease is prevented. The drawbacks of this approach are that all commercial stock would have to be bred to include this mutation, which takes time and public acceptance, and there is always the worry that the PRRSV virus would mutate to use a different receptor and so gain access by a back door. 'The proposed challenge studies should help address whether this is likely or not. The research team used a gene-editing tool to cut out a small section of the CD163 gene in the pig's DNA. Pigs with the modified CD163 gene have DNA that blocks the virus from being able to cause an infection (stock image) Frankenstein pigs resistant to a killer porker bug known as Blue Ear Pig Disease have been created at the Scottish lab which produced Dolly the Sheep. The hogs are protected from an infection that costs the swine industry billions each year, according to new research. The Scottish team said they could be producing bacon, sausages and pork within a decade. Scroll down for video Experts at Scotland's Roslin Institute used gene-editing techniques to produce GM pigs potentially resilient to the virus, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), which can create havoc in swine herds. Vaccines have been ineffective at fighting it, as have breeding programmes. Early tests have revealed cells from the pigs are completely resistant to infection by both major sub-types of the disease. The next stage will be to test whether the pigs themselves are resistant to the potentially fatal bug, which causes severe breathing problems in young pigs and breeding failures in pregnant sows. 'The virus kills quite a lot of piglets before they are born, and can wipe out 100 percent of piglets on a farm as they are suckling', said Dr Christine Burkard, of the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute. 'It costs farmers in the UK and US 120 million and $650 million a year, respectively. 'These are not genetically modified pigs. We are not adding anything to the animals that was not already there, so consumers have nothing to worry about in that sense', she said. Advertisement If you fancy some chicken nuggets the next time you're in Rome, you could be treated to more than just your dinner. A McDonald's just south of the Italian capital is situated directly above an exceptionally well-preserved stretch of Roman road, complete with the skeletons of three men. The fast food chain has opened its doors, and the Roman road, to the public this week, allowing tourists to explore the area while they eat. Three skeletons were also found under the McDonalds, believed to have been buried there in the 3rd century after the road had become derelict THE ROMAN ROAD The road is believed to be connected with the Appian Way one of ancient Rome's busiest roads, which led from Rome to Brindisi on the coast. Alfonsina Russo, superintendent of archaeology for Rome, said: 'We think it was a side road that connected the Appian Way to a settlement or maybe an important property such as the villa of a rich noble or an imperial estate. 'Sadly only this section survived the rest was destroyed. 'But it's of great historical importance. 'The Appian Way was travelled by famous figures such as Horace, who recounted his journey from Rome to Brindisi in his Satires.' Advertisement The 2,000-year-old road was first discovered in 2014 while the McDonald's was being built, in Frattocchie, Italy. Archaeologists helped to excavate the site, and McDonald's itself contributed 300,000 euros (250,000/$320,000) to the dig. The paved road is believed to be connected with the Appian Way one of ancient Rome's busiest roads, which led from Rome to Brindisi on the coast. Named after the Roman official, Appius Claudius Caecus, the highway became known as 'regina viarium' which translates to 'queen of roads.' Speaking to The Telegraph, Alfonsina Russo, superintendent of archaeology for Rome, said: 'We think it was a side road that connected the Appian Way to a settlement or maybe an important property such as the villa of a rich noble or an imperial estate. 'Sadly only this section survived the rest was destroyed. But it's of great historical importance. 'The Appian Way was travelled by famous figures such as (the Roman poet) Horace, who recounted his journey from Rome to Brindisi in his Satires.' Mario Federico, head of McDonald's Italia, said: 'This is our first museum-restaurant. 'We've been able to return a stretch of Roman road to the local community and to the whole of Italy' The paved road is believed to be connected with the Appian Way one of ancient Rome's busiest roads, which led from Rome to Brindisi on the coast A McDonalds just south of the Italian capital is situated directly above an exceptionally well-preserved stretch of Roman road, complete with the skeletons of three men The road beneath McDonald's is about 45 metres (150 feet) long, and two metres (seven feet) wide. It was built in the 2nd century BC, but became disused by the 3rd century. Three bodies were also found under the McDonalds, believed to have been buried there in the 3rd century. At the restaurant, diners can look through a transparent panel in the floor to view in the ancient road, or venture down there themselves The 2,000-year-old road was first discovered in 2014, while the McDonald's was being built, in Frattocchie, Italy. Archaeologists helped to excavate the site, and McDonald's itself contributed 300,000 euros (250,000/$320,000) to the dig Pamela Cerino, an archaeologist who worked on the dig, told The Telegraph: 'The skeletons belong to three men, the oldest of whom was aged 35-40.' A fourth skeleton was also found beneath a nearby petrol station with a coin in its mouth believed to be an offering to Charon, a character in Greek mythology. At the restaurant, diners can look through a transparent panel in the floor to view in the ancient road, or venture down there themselves. The road beneath McDonald's is about 45 metres (150 feet) long, and two metres (seven feet) wide. It was built in the 2nd century BC, but became disused by the 3rd century Mario Federico, head of McDonald's Italia, said: 'This is our first museum-restaurant. 'We've been able to return a stretch of Roman road to the local community and to the whole of Italy. 'The project is a good example of how the public and private sectors can collaborate effectively on reclaiming cultural heritage.' A member of staff from McDonald's is pictured holding up an informative leaflet about the Roman road beneath the restaurant Googles new artificial intelligence (AI) tool is the latest weapon to join the fight against hate speech. Called Perspective, the system uses machine learning to identify abusive and offensive comments online in order to elevate the pressure publishers face in tracking down internet trolls. The technology was fed millions of hateful comments, which taught the AI to score other comments based on how similar they are to ones humans have deemed toxic. Googles new AI tool is the latest weapon to join the fight against hate speech. Perspective, the system uses machine learning to identify abusive and offensive comments online in order to elevate the pressure publishers face in tracking down internet trolls HOW DOES IT WORK? Perspective uses machine learning and was trained by being fed more than 17 million comments labeled by human moderators. The comments taught the AI, which words are offensive in order to spot hateful comments. As it sifts through comments online it refers back to those it used for training to see how similar they are to ones people said were toxic or likely to make someone leave a conversation. When the AI finds new examples of potentially offensive comments, or is given a correction from a human users, it is able to improve its ability to score comments. The technology can help publishers flag comments for its own moderators to review, who can then decide if it should be seemed toxic. Google also suggests that a publisher could provide tools to help their community understand the impact of what they are writing. Advertisement Today, Google and Jigsaw are launching Perspective, an early-stage technology that uses machine learning to help identify toxic comments, shared Jared Cohen, president at Jigsaw, in the announcement. Through an API, publishersincluding members of the Digital News Initiativeand platforms can access this technology and use it for their sites. Although abusive and offensive comments are shared online, they still have an impact on the real world. Google noted that 72 percent of American internet users have witnessed harassment online and nearly have personally experienced it. According to the same report, online harassment has affected the lives of roughly 140 million people in the US, and many more elsewhere. To identify toxic comments, Perspective was trained with more than 17 million comments from the New York Times that were labelled by human moderators. As it sifts through comments online it refers back to those it used for training to see how similar they are to ones people said were toxic or likely to make someone leave a conversation. And when the system comes across new examples of potentially offensive comments, or is given a correction from a human users, it is able to improve its ability to score comments. The information publishers receive from Perspective can be used for range of actions. For example, a publisher can flag comments for its own moderators to review, who can then decide if it should be labelled as hate speech. Cohen also suggests that a publisher could provide tools to help their community understand the impact of what they are writing. To identify abusive comments, Perspective was trained with more than 17 million comments from that were labelled by human moderators. As it sifts through comments online it refers back to those it used for training to see how similar they are to ones people said were toxic This would be done by letting the commenter see the potential toxicity of their comment as they write it. Weve been testing a version of this technology with The New York Times, where an entire team sifts through and moderates each comment before its postedreviewing an average of 11,000 comments every day, explained Cohen. As a result the Times has comments on only about 10 percent of its articles. Weve worked together to train models that allows Times moderators to sort through comments more quickly, and well work with them to enable comments on more articles every day. The AI will let publishers flag comments for its own moderators to review, who can then decide if it should be labelled as hate speech. Perspective is a collaboration between Google and Alphabet Inc's incubator Jigsaw Perspective is set to join the TensorFlow library and the Cloud Machine Learning Platform as one of the many new machine learning resources Google has made available to developers. When Perspective is in the hands of publishers, it will be exposed to more comments and develop a better understanding of what makes certain comments toxic, Cohen shared. Rumours the classic Nokia 3310 could be reintroduced took the internet by storm earlier this month - and now the first details of the new handset have been revealed. According to Chinese site Vtech, it will not run Android, but will be a 'feature' phone. The design is expected to stay very similar to the iconic original, although will be thinner and lighter, the site claims. Scroll down for video A comeback by the classic Nokia 3310 handset is rumoured for the upcoming Mobile World Congress, being held in Barcelona from 27 February to 2 March, 2017. However, instead of the original display, a monochrome 84 x 84 dispaly, there will be a new colour version, although it is not expected to be high resolution to keep battery life high. The handset, expected to be unveiled at MWC next week, will also come in multiple color variants including red, green, and yellow, it is claimed. An update to the Nokia 3310 is thought to be one of a number of new models that will be announced at one of the worlds largest gatherings for the mobile industry. The handset could bring a distinctly turn of the millennium flavour to proceedings at the Mobile World Congress (MWC). Once the undisputed king of the mobile market, Nokia's fortunes took a turn for the worse after its decision to support the Windows mobile operating system exclusively. With stiff competition from iOS and Android, the flagging firm's handset activities were sold in 2014 to Microsoft to allow Nokia to focus on mobile network equipment. But the Finnish company behind the latest models of Nokia, HMD Global, may be hoping to cash in on nostalgia to help its new handset compete with more high-tech offerings from smartphone favourites like Apple and Samsung. The new 3310 model is likely to cost just 59 (around 49), according to reports in Venture Beat The 3310 revamp is among four new handsets Nokia is thought to be revealing details of at the MWC, which is being held in Barcelona from 27 February to 2 March, 2017. The new 3310 model is likely to cost just 59 (around 49), according to reports in Venture Beat. Speaking on Twitter, mobile reporter Evan Blass said: 'HMD Global will launch the Nokia 3, 5 and 6 at MWC, plus a 3310 homage.' The original 3310 was released in 2000 and became one of the best-selling handsets of all time, selling more than 100 million units worldwide. As well as reliability, features like snake, programmable ringtones and customisable fascias, helped to give the 3310 its cult status THE NOKIA 6 HMD Globals Nokia 6 has 4GB RAM, 64GB of on-board storage, which runs with the latest version of Android Nougat. There are dual amplifiers that deliver a 6dB louder sound than traditional amps. Its equip with the latest generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor with X6 LTE modem designed. The body is made from a solid block of 6000 series aluminium. There is a 16MP phase detection auto focus rear camera and 8MP front camera. Nokia 6 will debut exclusively through JD.com in early 2017 in China. And will be priced at 1699 CNY or $245. Advertisement The launch of the Nokia 6 in January marks the first new smartphone carrying the iconic handset name since 2014 when Nokia Oyj chose to sell its entire unit to Microsoft. The new handset has a 5.5 inch screen of 2.5D Gorilla Glass, 64 GB of on-board storage, a 16 megapixel rear camera and a 3,000 mAh battery. The smartphone is set to hit the market early this year for about $245 (196), but the Finnish company says it is only releasing the device in China for now. As well as the 3310 revamp and more details of the already revealed Nokia 6, other stars of the show are thought to be the Nokia 5 and Nokia 3. The original 3310 was released in 2000, as a replacement for the previous fan favourite - the 3210. Like its predecessor, it was widely adopted by consumers thanks to its reputation for reliability and became one of the best-selling handsets of all time, selling more than 100 million units worldwide. The launch of the Nokia 6 in January marks the first new smartphone carrying the iconic handset name since 2014 when Nokia Oyj chose to sell its entire unit to Microsoft These classic models helped Nokia to become a byword for long lasting battery life and tough-as-nails construction that allowed handsets to be dropped and bashed about with minimal impact. As well as reliability, features like Snake, programmable ringtones and customisable fascias, helped to give the 3310 its cult status. Increased automation in the workforce has caused many to fear their jobs will soon be taken over by robots and, experts now warn even the military will be affected by the shift. The use of robots could help the US military to cut costs and would allow them to remove soldiers from potentially dangerous environments, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. Experts say the move has already begun in many ways, with newer warships like the USS Zumwalt designed to be manned by half the crew of previous destroyers, and Navy researchers experimenting with ghost fleets of underwater drones. Scroll down for video Experts point to current technologies that already aim to reduce the number of human operators, such as the guided-missile destroyer Zumwalt. It carries 147 sailors, half that of similar warships, and deploys up to three MQ-8 Fire Scout drone helicopters (pictured) WILL YOU LOSE YOUR JOB TO ROBOTS? A White House report published in December warned millions of American may lose their jobs to AI. Less-skilled and less-educated workers will be affected the most. The technology may also increase wealth inequality. However, AI will improve the country's productivity growth, which would result in higher wages and fewer work hours. New jobs will also be created for those who were replaced for robots. Humans will still be needed to engage with consumers, develop AI and supervise tasks and the technology. Advertisement As driverless cars hold potential to take over taxi and truck driver jobs, a similar scenario could play out in the military to support troops. Robots could take on a number of tasks, from managing and delivering supplies or analyzing thousands of legal documents, to quickly diagnosing diseases and assisting in the operating room, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. Just as in the civilian economy, automation will likely have a big impact on military organizations in logistics and manufacturing, Michael Horowitz, a University of Pennsylvania professor and an expert on weaponized robots told the San Diego Union-Tribune. The US military is very likely to pursue forms of automation that reduce back-office costs over time, as well as remove soldiers from non-combat deployments where they might face risk from adversaries on fluid battlefields, such as in transportation. Robots could also be used to detect and dismantle mines. Horowitz also points to current technologies that already aim to reduce the number of human operators, such as the guided-missile destroyer Zumwalt. The ship carries 147 sailors, half that of similar warships, and deploys up to three MQ-8 Fire Scout helicopters, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. Experts say the move has already begun in many ways, with newer warships like the USS Zumwalt (pictured) designed to be manned by half the crew of previous destroyers, and Navy researchers experimenting with ghost fleets of underwater drones DARPA'S SEA HUNTER WARSHIP The 132ft-long (40-metre) unarmed prototype, dubbed Sea Hunter, is the naval equivalent of Google's self-driving car, designed to cruise on the ocean's surface without a crew. The ship's projected $20 million (14.2 million) price tag and its $15,000 (10,650) to $20,000 (14,300) daily operating cost make it relatively inexpensive for the navy. The ship is about to undergo two years of testing, including to verify that it can safely follow international norms for operating at sea. First and foremost is ensuring that it can use radar and cameras to avoid other vessels. Powered by two diesel engines, the ship can reach speeds of 27 knots per hour. Advertisement These unmanned drone helicopters can pinpoint targets, map terrain, and detect bad weather. Recent reports have shown that the use of robots and artificial intelligence in the workplace is expected to grow rapidly in coming years. A report from the White House published in December warned that machines could soon replace millions of human workers. Less-skilled workers are likely to be hit the hardest, which could cause an even greater divide of wealth inequality. Recent reports have shown that the use of robots and artificial intelligence in the workplace is expected to grow rapidly in coming years. A stock image is pictured But, the report also suggests AI could improve the country's productivity growth, which would result in higher wages and fewer work hours. 'These transformations will open up new opportunities for individuals, the economy, and society, but they have the potential to disrupt the current livelihoods of millions of Americans,' the report states. 'Whether AI leads to unemployment and increases in inequality over the long-run depends not only on the technology itself but also on the institutions and policies that are in place.' Scientists have discovered a way to erase fear memory from the brain. In a ground-breaking new study, researchers in Japan created bursts of destructive oxygen to inactivate specific responses in the hippocampus of mice. This region is involved in memory and navigation, and the work may have implications for human treatments, as similar techniques have been proposed with hopes they can one day help treat PTSD and other memory-related disorders. The work may have implications for human treatments, as similar techniques have been proposed with hopes they can one day help treat PTSD and other memory-related disorders. Some have argued it can be used to create fearless 'supersoldiers.' A stock image is pictured THE STUDY The team injected the antibody, labelled with a light-sensitive molecule known as a photosynthesizer, into the hippocampus of the mice. Then, using a fear-learning task, they assessed its effect on memory formation. In the task, the mice moved between light and dark boxes, and were given an electric foot shock in the dark boxes to teach them to favour the light ones. The researchers found that applying the technique caused the mice to forget about the shocks and return more quickly to the dark boxes. Advertisement In the study, researchers from Yokohama City University, Osaka University, and the University of Tokyo modified a technique known as CALI: chromophore-assisted light inactivation. CALI uses light irradiation to generate a temporary toxic form of oxygen, which causes a small area of damage thats shorter than a typical protein-protein interaction distance. Its previously been used to investigate protein functions, but by incorporating an antibody against the outer part of the neurotransmitter receptor GluA1, they were able to carry out specific protein inactivation. Using the antibody allowed the researchers to precisely inactivate the GLUA1 receptor in cultured cells and in mice. The team injected the antibody, labelled with a light-sensitive molecule known as a photosynthesizer, into the hippocampus of the mice. Then, using a fear-learning task, they assessed its effect on memory formation. In the task, the mice moved between light and dark boxes, and were given an electric foot shock in the dark boxes to teach them to favour the light ones. The researchers found that applying the technique caused the mice to forget about the shocks and return more quickly to the dark boxes. In a ground-breaking new study, researchers in Japan created bursts of destructive oxygen to inactivate specific responses in the hippocampus of mice. The graphic illustrates how fear memory formation drives AMPA receptors into synapses Scientists have discovered a way to erase fear memory from the brain. The graphic shows how optical inactivation of AMPA receptors erases fear memory In response to illumination of the mouse hippocampus with green light, we found that mice returned to the dark boxes more quickly than control animals, said Kiwamu Takemoto, first author on the study. This showed that the fear memory had been erased by the inactivation of synaptic GluA1. The researchers also found that time played a role in the specificity of the process as well. TRAINING YOUR BRAIN TO BANISH BAD MEMORIES A recent study led by researchers from Dartmouth and Princeton has shown that people can intentionally forget past experiences by changing how they think about the context of those memories. The researchers showed participants images of outdoor scenes, such as forests, mountains and beaches, as they studied two lists of random words. The volunteers deliberately manipulated whether the participants were told to forget or remember the first list prior to studying the second list. Right after they were told to forget, the scans showed they 'flushed out' the scene-related activity from their brains. But when the participants were told to remember the studied list rather than forget it, this flushing out of scene-related thoughts didn't occur. The amount people flushed out scene-related thoughts predicted how many of the studied words they would later remember, which shows the process is effective at facilitating forgetting. To forget those negative thoughts coming back to haunt you, researchers suggest trying to push out the context of the memory. For example, if you associate a song with a break-up, listen to the song in a new environment. Try listening to it as you exercise at the gym, or add to a playlist you listen to before a night out. This way, your brain will associate with a positive feeling. If a memory of a scene from a horror film haunts you, watch the same scene during the daytime. Or watch it without sound but play a comedy clip over the top. Advertisement Mice that were given the CALI treatment 24-hours after the fear-learning task did not lose their fear memory. In recent months, there have been a number of similar efforts to erase fear and bad memories from the brain. Earlier this week, it was revealed that researchers at the University of Toronto were able to target fear neurons in mice to wipe out those memories. While they say theres potential for the same technique to be used in humans, they warn that doing so would have huge ethical implications. Measurements of ancient skulls discovered in Mexico and South America suggest early settlers arrived to the Americas in multiple waves. Researchers used a 3-D imaging technique to examine the skulls, revealing a number of distinct shapes that indicate the ancient people originated from different areas. The discovery goes against earlier assumptions that the peopling of the Americas occurred with a single migration, instead suggesting there were separate events from northeast Asia and possibly even Australia. Measurements of ancient skulls discovered in Mexico and South America suggest early settlers arrived to the Americas in multiple waves. A Paleoamerican skull from the site in Brazil is pictured WHAT THEY FOUND Analysis of skulls found in Lagoa Santa, Brazil revealed the skulls of the Paleoamericans the ancient peoples have distinct shapes that set them apart from modern indigenous South Americans. This, the researchers say, suggests they came from somewhere else. A separate study, including researchers from the same team, recently conducted a similar imaging analysis on skulls found in Mexico. While skulls from two of the regions, Sonora and Tlanepantla, could be grouped together in the analysis, the skulls from Michoacan were different. The discovery suggests those populations did not mix, for reasons that remain unknown. Advertisement Researchers from the US, Europe, and South America used geometric morphometrics to investigate skulls found in Lagoa Santa, Brazil. At 7,000-10,000 years old, the skulls are thought to be from around the time when scientists believe humans first populated South America. The new analysis revealed the skulls of the Paleoamericans the ancient peoples have distinct shapes that set them apart from modern indigenous South Americans. This, the researchers say, suggests they came from somewhere else. A separate study, including researchers from the same team, recently conducted a similar imaging analysis on skulls found in Mexico. These date back to roughly 500-800 years ago, before the arrival of Europeans. The researchers compared the measurements with those of skulls found throughout North and South America, East Asia, and Australia, according to New Scientist. The new analysis revealed the skulls of the Paleoamericans the ancient peoples have distinct shapes that set them apart from modern indigenous South Americans. This, the researchers say, suggests they came from somewhere else While skulls from two of the regions, Sonora and Tlanepantla, could be grouped together in the analysis, the skulls from Michoacan were different. The researchers say this variation is typically seen between populations that have been separated for thousands of years but, Michoacan and Tlanepantla are just roughly 300 kilometers (186 miles) apart. The discovery suggests those populations did not mix, for reasons that remain unknown. Geographical features likely were not to blame, as Mexico lacks those imposing enough to cause such a divide, but cultural and language barriers may have played a role, New Scientist reports. The findings shed new light on the origins of early Americans. Researchers from the US, Europe, and South America used geometric morphometrics to investigate skulls found in Lagoa Santa, Brazil Researchers found that the skulls from Michoacan were different. The researchers say this variation is typically seen between populations that have been separated for thousands of years but, Michoacan and Tlanepantl are just roughly 300 kilometers (186 miles) apart Its largely thought that at least one wave of immigrants from Asia crossed into the Americas through the Bering Strait. But, the new findings suggest there were other waves as well. While its not yet clear where the other immigrants may have come from, researchers say Australia could be a possibility. The findings suggest a layered population history for South America, with at least two major sources of biological variation from Asia, the authors explain in the paper published toScience Advances. The earliest (Paleoamerican) migrants were morphologically distinct from later groups, although structured gene flow among the descendants of Paleoamericans and later populations may have contributed to their assimilation in the late Holocene. Storm Doris arrived in Britain today and set about wreaking havoc. But Britain isn't the only place that has to tough it out against the elements. As these images show, when nature and man come to blows, the winner is almost always nature. One captures a man seemingly levitating as he is lifted clear off the ground by strong winds in the UK. Another somewhat comical snap depicts someone chest-deep in a flood, holding an umbrella over his head in a move of utter defiance. Here, MailOnline Travel has gathered photos - some funny, others purely inspirational - of people around the world in their noble battle against the elements. The uploader of this image captioned it: 'This is how strong wind blows at the coast of Britain' This pair appear remarkably calm (or simply unaware) of the impending doom behind them The umbrella is a nice touch here, from a person absolutely determined to defy the pouring rain A dog who is braving the winds with impressive elegance (left) and a car absolutely drowned in snowfall (right) Neither this man's beard or his eyebrows managed to withstand the freezing temperature he exposed himself to He may have come prepared with an umbrella, but sadly for this man he's forgotten how to use it A man who is soldiering boldly on despite the somewhat aggressive weather surrounding him Earlier this month in the Baiona, Spain, heavy storms battered the town and savaged umbrellas In China's Taiyuan, Shanxi Province last year, employees showed remarkable determination to reach work despite the flooding Beachgoers were at their wits end when a strong and sudden gust of wind sent these parasols bouncing and tumbling away According to the person who shared this image, it depicts a man attempting to drink water on a windy day in Iceland In January, winds in Boston were so strong this women had her glasses swept from her face right before this photo was taken Another umbrella losing its fight against the elements, this time last year in the port of Sete, France Last year in Russia, dramatic footage emerged of children and adults being blown around by winds reaching near hurricane-force levels Earlier this month, New Yorkers engaged one again in their annual battle with the heavy snow This is the heart-stopping moment that a KLM passenger plane made a dramatic landing as Storm Doris raged. Incredible footage shows the jet battling fierce winds at Leeds Bradford Airport in West Yorkshire and coming in at such an acute angle that the passengers on one side would almost have had a view directly down the runway. The aircraft bounces from wheel to wheel as it touches down then sends a huge cloud of spray up as it slows down. This is the heart-stopping moment that a KLM passenger plane made a dramatic landing as Storm Doris raged Hair-raising: Incredible footage shows the jet battling fierce winds at Leeds Bradford Airport in West Yorkshire Terrifying: The plane came in at such an acute angle that the passengers on one side would almost have had a view directly down the runway Doris swept in with 90mph winds threatening a foot of snow, heavy rain and power cuts. Dozens of flights were cancelled at London Heathrow Airport and train commuters faced delays as speed restrictions were imposed for their safety, with the storm likely to damage buildings and send debris flying. Doris gathered in pace over Britain this morning, with a 94mph gust recorded at Capel Curig in North West Wales as the storm made its way east, and 56,000 homes were without power in the Republic of Ireland. All services from London Euston were suspended due to Storm Doris, with a failure of electricity between Crewe and Warrington Bank Quay causing chaos on Virgin Trains - and several other lines suffering major disruption. Chaotic scenes were witnessed on motorways - including the M80 in Scotland, which was closed in both directions due to the snow - and forecasters warned black ice could cause further problems for drivers tonight. A crosswind or 'crab' landing sees an aircraft drifting laterally as it approaches the runway in order to track the runway centerline, thereby enabling the pilot to safely bring the plane to the ground. The KLM jet comes to a halt amid a huge cloud of spray Speaking to MailOnline Travel, Steven Draper, representative of the British Airline Pilots' Association (Balpa) and a former pilot, said of the crab landing method: 'Landing in strong crosswinds or turbulence goes beyond the capabilities of the aeroplane's automatic pilot. 'A pilot should be alert and free from fatigue when landing, and be given the opportunity to develop excellent handling skills.' Speaking to MailOnline previously, Dai Whittingham, the chief executive of the UK Flight Safety Committee, stated that while crosswinds appear dangerous, they are an everyday occurrence. He said: 'High winds in themselves are not dangerous but they can certainly be inconvenient, especially if the wind direction is across the runway. 'All pilots train to land in high crosswind conditions and will have practiced to the aircraft limits in the simulator. 'When any new aircraft is certified to carry passengers it comes with a published crosswind limit which is the maximum that has been demonstrated by a test pilot during the certification process. 'If the wind is outside that limit the crew will have to take the aircraft to an alternate airport where the wind is within limits (which means a runway that has less of a crosswind component). All pilots train to land in high crosswind conditions and will have practiced to the aircraft limits in the simulator Dai Whittingham, the chief executive of the UK Flight Safety Committee 'In practice, the wind is rarely aligned fully with the runway so there is always a slight crosswind to deal with, it is just the amount of it that varies.' Whittingham also noted that the public misconceptions about landing in strong winds is probably down to turbulence as the approaches are always bumpy. Additionally, passengers do not have the same forward view as the pilot, which makes the sensation of being buffeted in all directions all the more uncomfortable. He concluded by saying: 'There is a briefing given before all approaches to ensure that both pilots understand the type of approach, what the division of duties are, and any special considerations. 'A strong crosswind (or strong winds in general) would certainly be a briefing topic. 'Both pilots will be monitoring the situation to ensure the wind does not exceed their limits and both will be alert to the possibility that the landing may need to be abandoned. 'The pilots would also remind themselves of the correct techniques and decide on the additional safety factor to be applied to the target approach speed.' As of today, you could be booked to jet off to New York from the UK for as little as 69. The incredibly low fare is available from Norwegian Air on two new routes that it's launching in July from Belfast and Edinburgh to the Big Apple. There are only a very limited number of seats at this price - flying between July 2017 and February 2018 - and you must book by 11pm tomorrow. How low can you go? Norwegian Air has today announced new routes and fares, including a 69 one-way flight from Edinburgh to New York starting in July which you can book now A representative from Norwegian Air told MailOnline that they've already sold at least half of their 69 tickets. This being a no-frills airline, you'll have to pay extra to bring a suitcase, have a meal and choose your seats. From June 15, direct flights from Edinburgh will start landing in a choice of three US airports - New York's Stewart International Airport, Providence Airport in Rhode Island, and Bradley International Airport in Connecticut. The flights from Belfast will take off from July 1. Norwegian is launching ten new routes and 38 weekly transatlantic flights in total this June and July. As well as the services from Edinburgh and Belfast, the airline will also offer flights from Cork, Shannon and Dublin to airports in greater New York, Boston and New England. Speaking about the new fares in December, the Oslo-based airline's CEO Bjorn Kjos said: 'Our planes are very, very fuel efficient. We have a totally different set up to other airlines. The Boeing 737MAX has a very modern engine.' You'll have to fly to New York, pictured, from Edinburgh airport, and land in the state's Stewart International Airport, not JFK Trains from London to Edinburgh cost from 25 with advance bookings, and the journey takes around four hours. Mr Kjos added that avoiding primary airports like London Heathrow and New York's JFK means 'we dont pay as much and can charge cheaper fares'. If you want to fly from Edinburgh to New York in June with Norwegian when the new route commences, the lowest fare is currently 141. Extra charges for checked-baggage vary according to season but generally cost in the region of 25 for an international flight. Close competitor Wow air already operates a flight from Edinburgh airport, pictured, to New York with prices in June starting from 254 Since launching its first transatlantic routes in 2014, Norwegian set a new bar in terms of low fares. It now competes with the likes of Icelandic-owned Wow air. This airline already operates flights from Edinburgh to New York with prices in June currently starting from 254. More established airlines such as British Airways are currently offering one-way flights from Edinburgh to New York on June 15 - when Norwegian's new flights commence - starting at 1,250 one-way. The new ad campaign for Tommy Hilfiger has cemented her as a bona fide model. But on Wednesday, Sofia Richie was spotted out and about, in a decidedly model-off-duty look, enjoying a sunny day in LA before heading back to rainy London. The 18-year-old daughter of music legend Lionel Richie looked cute and casual in a black-and-yellow themed ensemble as she headed to her favorite restaurant in LA, Mauro Cafe at Fred Segal. Scroll down for video Rising star: Sofia Richie, 18, was spotted out and about, in a decidedly model-off-duty look, enjoying a sunny day in LA before heading back to rainy London Sofia - the younger sister of former reality TV star Nicole Richie - wore a black band t-shirt tucked into loose, high-waist distressed jeans with cut-off hems. Staying on-trend, she hid from the breeze under a bright yellow bomber jacket that had a black tag tied onto the zipper, which she matched to her black sneakers with yellow laces. The Hilfiger model shielded her eyes from the sun with a pair of aviator shades as she made to get inside a black Range Rover. Trendy: Sofia hid from the breeze under a bright yellow bomber jacket that had a black tag tied onto the zipper Getaway: The Hilfiger model shielded her eyes from the sun with a pair of aviator shades as she made to get inside a black Range Rover Sofia opted for a low-maintenance hairstyle, sweeping her blonde tresses up into a sleek top knot with face-framing pieces slipping out. She was later seen walking an adorable bull dog while a large Sephora bag was draped over her arm. The pup also made an appearance on the golden-haired beauty's Snapchat story. Dog mom: She was later seen walking an adorable bull dog while a large Sephora bag was draped over her arm Puppy kisses! The pup also made an appearance on the golden-haired beauty's Snapchat story On Tuesday, the young starlet took to Twitter to share with her followers that she will be in Los Angeles for one day - and that she wasn't so happy about it. 'Bye London...I'll be back in 23 hours,' she began, continuing, 'Who flys (sic) to LA for a day...stressing thinking about it.' Her last humorous Tweet before taking off read: 'Currently at the airport.. Contemplating making a run for it when my agent goes to the bathroom.' She's got 24 hours: On Tuesday, the young starlet took to Twitter to share with her followers that she will be in Los Angeles for one day - and that she wasn't so happy about it Earlier this week, Sofia attended the LOVE and Burberry London Fashion Week party at Annebel's private members' club alongside Kendall Jenner, 21, Bella Hadid, 20, Jourdan Dunn, 26, and Winnie Harlow, 22. The young cat-walker dressed to impress in all white, stepping into her role as up-and-coming model and It girl. All white: Earlier this week, Sofia attended the LOVE and Burberry London Fashion Week party at Annebel's private members' club Photos and videos from the rising star's Tommy Hilfiger campaign were released on Monday, where the cover girl - who previously walked in Kanye West's 'multiracial women only' show - can be seen canoodling with Gigi and Bella Hadid's younger brother, Anwar, 17. In the December 2016/January 2017 issue of Complex magazine, the former girlfriend of Justin Bieber addressed the fact that people take issue with the 5ft6in stunner booking top-model gigs as a new comer. 'It's not like I called and begged these designers to work with me. They felt my vibe and we were cool and that's that. People obviously don't respect some of the shoots I do because I'm short and this or that, but I really don't let that stuff get to me.' On Wednesday, Focus Features unveiled the first poster for the Charlize Theron spy thriller Atomic Blonde, which hits US/UK theaters on July 28. On it, the 41-year-old Oscar winner rocks shades, a blonde wig, and thigh-high boots while clutching a gun. The Berlin 1989-set flick - formerly known as The Coldest City - was adapted from the 2012 graphic novel written by Antony Johnston and illustrated by Sam Hart. Scroll down for video Hitting US/UK theaters on July 28! Focus Features unveiled the first poster for the Charlize Theron spy thriller Atomic Blonde on Wednesday The South African stunner portrays undercover MI6 Agent Lorraine Broughton, who's investigating a murder and must recover a list of double agents. Fans can expect Charlize to attend the March 12 world premiere of the action-packed film at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin. Atomic Blonde marks the third collaboration between the Women's Marcher and Eddie Marsan after Snow White and the Huntsman (2012) and Hancock (2008). David Leitch (John Wick) directed the Communist espionage movie - which also features James McAvoy, John Goodman, and Toby Jones. Formerly known as The Coldest City: The Berlin 1989-set flick was adapted from the 2012 graphic novel written by Antony Johnston and illustrated by Sam Hart Communist espionage movie: The South African stunner portrays undercover MI6 Agent Lorraine Broughton, who's investigating a murder and must recover a list of double agents Texas bound: Fans can expect Charlize to attend the March 12 world premiere of the action-packed film at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin The Mad Max: Fury Road alum - who relies on stylist Leslie Fremar - was last seen Tuesday having an incognito lunch at Italian eatery E Baldi in Beverly Hills. Theron will next play criminal mastermind Cipher, who corrupts Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) into working against his allies in The Fate of the Furious. F. Gary Gray's eighth installment - hitting US/UK theaters April 14 - also features Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson, and Helen Mirren. Out and about: The Mad Max: Fury Road alum - who relies on stylist Leslie Fremar - was last seen Tuesday having an incognito lunch at Italian eatery E Baldi in Beverly Hills Villain: Theron will next play criminal mastermind Cipher, who corrupts Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) into working against his allies in The Fate of the Furious Jessica Alba rocked a geek chic look as she stepped out in London on Wednesday. The 35-year-old actress and entrepreneur wore a pair of dark trousers, a brown cardigan kimono and a pair of giant specs. She added a large red scarf and a little blue quilted handbag to complete her look. Cute: Jessica Alba rocked a geek chic look as she stepped out in London on Wednesday The mother-of-two was all smiles as she walked through the streets of London by herself. She went for a natural make-up look, opting to wear a dash of mascara and some nude lippy. Her straight brown ombre locks were styled in a centre parting as she tucked one side behind her ear. She added a pair of gold hoops to complete her look. New look: The 35-year-old actress and entrepreneur wore a pair of dark trousers, a brown cardigan kimono and a pair of giant specs The Honest Company co-founder, who is mother to five-year-old Haven and eight-year-old Honor, recently spoke about her hectic lifestyle as mother and entrepreneur. She spoke to Access Hollywood about trying to balance Hollywood and motherhood at the same time. Alex Hudgens specifically asked Alba how she juggles it all, to which she candidly responded: 'I don't.' Accessories: She added a large red scarf and a little blue quilted handbag to complete her look Solo: The mother-of-two was all smiles as she walked through the streets of London by herself 'I really stopped acting when I was 27 full time, if I did do a job it was really kind of a short period of time,' she continued. The interviewer then went on to ask her if she has closed the door on acting for good: 'I love storytelling and it will always be part of me,' she said. 'I'm a creative person. I think there's different things that interest me as a performer but I also know what it's like to run a business and the business side of things is also kind of where my hearts at.' Lastly Alex brought up the topic of having more children to which Alba excitedly said: 'I love babies, I love having kids, it's just when they grow up! I'm just kidding.' Natural beauty: She went for a natural make-up look, opting to wear a dash of mascara and some nude lippy He's the hunky Australian model who's been hailed a hero after saving a group of teenagers who fell into icy water in New York's Central Park. And Ethan Turnbull has certainly caught the eye of Today Show host, Lisa Wilkinson. On Thursday, Ethan revealed to The Daily Telegraph that would 'love to see her face-to-face', after Lisa was seen going through the model's Instagram feed and gushing over his shirtless snaps. A meeting on the horizon? Male model Ethan Turnbull has told The Daily Telegraph he'd love to meet up with Today host Lisa Wilkinson face-to-face after she was seen gushing over his shirtless photos on the air 'I found that quite funny,' 24-year-old Ethan said of Lisa's headline-hitting antics, which occurred on Wednesday's edition of Today. Despite still being half a world away and appearing on Good Morning America to discuss his heroic efforts, Ethan had still managed to hear of Lisa's compliments. Lisa, 57, said of Ethan: 'Thats a bloke whos ready for a Superman suit right there. Phwoah!' Having a peak: Lisa was seen thumbing her way through Ethan's Instagram feed on air Wednesday, as her male colleagues urged her to 'settle down' 'I found that quite funny': Despite being half a world away in snowy New York, Ethan had heard about Lisa's on-air antics She also praised his Instagram feed, full of shirtless photos that show Ethan's rippling body. 'If youre a hot blooded woman under the age of 25, Id suggest following him on Instagram,' the veteran journalist recommended. It appears that many may have heeded Lisa's advice, with Ethan's follower count ballooning to 127,000 overnight. 'Phwoar!': Lisa claimed that heroic Ethan was ready for a Superman suit Of Lisa, Ethan told The Daily Telegraph that he'd like to 'actually have a chat to her rather than let her sit there gushing ... over my Instagram.' Ethan, who hails from country New South Wales and now lives in the Big Apple, was with a fellow model on Tuesday, when they pulled the group of teenagers from the freezing water. The group were standing on a frozen lake, when the ice gave way and they fell through. Ethan dived in, and one of the teenagers was pulled from the water unconscious. Double trouble! It appears Ethan has a brother, Seth, who shares a penchant for posing without a shirt Modest Ethan, who attended prestigious Sydney private school St. Joseph's Hunters Hill, told the Daily Telegraph it was simply a case of 'right place, at the right time'. Many of Ethan's admirers, including Lisa, might also be interested to know that it appears Ethan has a brother who's also a model. The overnight star is seen on Instagram posing with Seth Turnbull, who share his singling's penchant for shirtless snaps. Telling their tale: Ethan appeared on Good Morning America along with his model friend to tell millions of people about their heroic efforts First Johnny Depp sued his former managers for fraud claiming 'negligence and misconduct' and then they counter-sued him claiming his money troubles were all his own fault. Now the Pirates Of The Caribbean star is firing another assault across the bows of The Management Group (TMG) alleging their mishandling of his finances cost him $6 million in penalties and fines to the IRS between 2000 and 2015, TMZ reported Wednesday. That is apparently in addition to the $25 million Depp says TMG defrauded him out of. In legal documents seen by TMZ, the actor, 53, says he is submitting proof of TMG's poor handling of his finances to convince a judge to toss out the counter-suit against him. Legal battle: Johnny Depp wants a judge in LA to toss out a counter-suit from former managers saying it's evident they mishandled his finances because he had to pay IRS fines of $6 million TMG's counter-suit revealed the extent of the star's lavish spending that included a monthly wine bill of $30,000, $200,000 a month on private planes and a team of 40 staff at his various properties around the world that cost $300,000 a month. He also splashed out $18 million on a luxury yacht and paid more than $3 million to blast the ashes of author Hunter Thompson over Aspen, Colorado, from a specially-made cannon. His ex-managers claim they repeatedly warned Depp about his extravagances over the past two decades and told him his lifestyles was leading him towards financial ruin. He chose to ignore their advice, they claimed. In a statement, Depp's attorney hit back at the 'blame the victim' approach by TMG, stating: 'Mr. Depp did not sue his former business managers for his own personal investment decisions or the "financial distress" they wildly allege - Mr. Depp sued them for fraud and multiple breaches of their fiduciary duty, among other claims.' Luxury living: Depp, 53, filed a fraud lawsuit against TMG claiming 'negligence and misconduct' but the group counter-sued alleging his woes are the result of his lavish lifestyle TMG handled his finances from 1999 until early 2016, which was an especially lucrative period for the actor. During that time, Depps career rocketed after landing the role of Jack Sparrow in the Pirates Of The Caribbean movie franchise. Its thought starring as the lead in the five films earned him more than $250 million. Depps lawsuit, filed on January 13, accused his former advisers of defrauding him out of his fortune, taking out loans without his approval and hiding the severity of his financial problems from him. He claimed that he only realized his fortune was dwindling when he was advised to sell off his 45-acre chateau in France to pay off his debts. However, the management company claims the actor has spent more than $75 million on 14 homes including the French castle, a chain of islands in the Bahamas and several homes in California. In documents filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Tuesday, Joel and Robert Mandel claim they repeatedly warned Depp that he was overspending, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 'Depp lived an ultra-extravagant lifestyle that often knowingly cost Depp in excess of $2 million per month to maintain, which he simply could not afford,' attorney Michael Kump wrote in the cross-complaint. 'Depp, and Depp alone, is fully responsible for any financial turmoil he finds himself in today.' She had the honor of wearing the $3 million Fantasy Bra during last year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Paris. And on Wednesday, model Jasmine Tookes made the sidewalk her runway while heading to lunch at The Ivy in West Hollywood. The 26-year-old showed off her long legs in skinny jeans, adding a studded jacket and a white blouse. Gorgeous lady: on Wednesday, model Jasmine Tookes made the sidewalk her runway while heading to lunch at The Ivy in West Hollywood The model styled her skintight medium wash bottoms with a silver and black belt. Jasmine showed a hint of cleavage in a simple white top that dipped low down the center. The Victoria's Secret Angel layered a textured motorcycle jacket while toting a quilted Chanel purse. The cover girl, who hit the pavement in black heels, wore several necklaces and rings for added sparkle. Fashionable outing: The 26-year-old showed off her long legs in skinny jeans while rocking a studded jacket over a white blouse She's so good looking: Jasmine showed a hint of cleavage in a simple white top that dipped low down the center Jasmine opted to pull part of her highlighted locks back into a bun while sporting minimal makeup. The beautiful model, who turned 26 on February 1, rang in her birthday with her boyfriend Juan David Borrero and her close friends. During her getaway, the California-born beauty showed off her incredible form in barely there bikinis. Natural beauty: Jasmine opted to pull part of her highlighted locks back into a bun while sporting minimal makeup So in love: The beautiful model, who turned 26 on February 1, rang in her birthday with her boyfriend Juan David Borrero and her close friends The dark haired beauty posed up a storm while at Cabo Villas, which featured stunning views. In one shot, Jasmine showed off her perky derriere in patterned bottoms with a matching strapless top. Three months earlier, Jasmine wowed in the multi-million dollar Fantasy bra at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Paris, France. The dazzling custom-made number featured 450 carats of diamonds with over 27,000 Swarovski crystals on the bodice, according to W Magazine. Cheeky: In one shot, Jasmine showed off her perky derriere in patterned bottoms with a matching strapless top Birthday girl: During her birthday getaway, the California-born beauty showed off her incredible form in barely there bikinis He's the charismatic host of Today Extra on Channel Nine. And according to one admiring male fan, David Campbell is also 'the embodiment of sex,' as he penned a letter to the star to seek dating advice. Awkwardly laughing off the compliment, the 43-year-old proceeded to dish out tips for a successful love life, saying: 'Change it up. Don't do apps and don't do things like get on Tinder and that sort of stuff.' Scroll down for video Sex appeal: David Campbell has been hailed as 'the embodiment of sex' by a male fan who wrote to Today Extra seeking dating advice from the host himself The entertainer - who has been married to wife Lisa Hewitt for eight years - went on to encourage viewer Nathan to 'go meet real-life people'. 'How about you go out with your friends and go meet real-life people,' he advised, before riffing off a list of places to find social interaction. The viewer's letter began with: 'You are basically the embodiment of sex. I need some of that.' Dear David: The letter came from a fan named Nathan, who revealed he was feeling 'down' about being unable to find a date 'Lately I've been feeling down that I cannot find someone for myself, and it gets harder and harder each day to be confident,' the fan continued. 'Please David, be my Obi-Wan Kenobi and find me a date?' 'Best regards, Nathan from Victoria,' he signed off. Meanwhile, David also revealed the secret to his so-called sex appeal. Awkward! The TV presenter laughed off the viewer's compliment, before dishing out his top tips for a successful love life 'Meet real-life people': The 43-year-old advised against modern dating technologies such as 'apps' and 'things like Tinder' 'You could be sexy, too. All you need is confidence,' he said, admitting he's 'faked 80 per cent' of his confidence for 'most' of his life. And 'faking it' appears to have worked out well for the stage performer, who celebrated his eighth wedding anniversary with wife Lisa in November. The pair are also parents to six-year-old son Leo and 21-month-old twins Billy and Betty. Jared Leto rocked a very colorful ensemble to catch a flight from LAX Airport to Milan early Wednesday morning. The 45-year-old Oscar winner covered up in a red Gucci SS/17 Donald Duck silk bomber, which currently retails for around $2,550. The Suicide Squad star was simply getting into the fashionable spirit to attend the Italian luxury brand's FW/17 runway presentation that same day. Scroll down for video Not exactly incognito: Jared Leto rocked a very colorful ensemble to catch a flight from LAX Airport to Milan early Wednesday morning Disney dude: The 45-year-old Oscar winner covered up in a red Gucci SS/17 Donald Duck silk bomber, which currently retails for around $2,550 Jared had changed into yet another casual Gucci outfit consisting of a 'Modern' embellished jean jacket, tiger hoodie, and leather high-tops. The My So-Called Life heartthrob - who boasts 18.6M followers - Snapchatted numerous funny-filtered selfies while enjoying Milan Fashion Week. Last September, Leto got wet and wild with models Julia Hafstrom and Vera Van Herp for Gucci's Guilty fragrance campaign shot by Glen Luchford. Front row: The Suicide Squad star was simply getting into the fashionable spirit to attend the Italian luxury brand's FW/17 runway presentation that same day Grunge: Jared had changed into yet another casual Gucci outfit consisting of a 'Modern' embellished jean jacket, tiger hoodie, and leather high-tops Weee! The My So-Called Life heartthrob - who boasts 18.6M followers - Snapchatted numerous funny-filtered selfies while enjoying Milan Fashion Week 'I have a secret project that I'm talking to [designer Alessandro Michele] about doing,' the mountain climbing enthusiast teased to WWD on Wednesday. '[It] would be incredible to be able to work with him in that way.' Perhaps the Artifact director plans on including Gucci craftsmanship when he helms the Patty Hearst thriller 77 for Paramount Pictures. Modeling gig: Last September, Leto got wet and wild with models Julia Hafstrom (R) and Vera Van Herp (L) for Gucci's Guilty fragrance campaign shot by Glen Luchford The mountain climbing enthusiast teased to WWD on Wednesday: 'I have a secret project that I'm talking to [designer Alessandro Michele] about doing, which would be incredible to be able to work with him in that way' Bartholomew Cubbins: Perhaps the Artifact director plans on including Gucci craftsmanship when he helms the Patty Hearst thriller 77 for Paramount Pictures But first audiences can catch Jared playing a replicant in Blade Runner 2049, which hits US/UK theaters on October 6. Denis Villeneuve (Arrival) directs the sequel to Ridley Scott's 1982 classic sci-fi noir - which also stars Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, and Robin Wright. And the Thirty Seconds to Mars frontman's rock band will open for MUSE's 15-date tour, which kicks off May 20 at the Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach. Exciting! But first audiences can catch Jared playing a replicant in Blade Runner 2049, which hits US/UK theaters on October 6 '2049 is closer than you think!' Denis Villeneuve (Arrival) directs the sequel to Ridley Scott's (2-L) 1982 classic sci-fi noir - which also stars Harrison Ford (2-R) and Ryan Gosling (R) The Royal House of Windsor Rating: The House That 100k Built Rating: Think of branding and the Beckhams automatically spring to mind. But once it was the Royal Family who had a branding crisis. In The Royal House Of Windsor (C4) we learned how Lord Stamfordham, Private Secretary to King George V, was forced to become one of the first political spin doctors. In June 1917, German Gotha aircraft were dropping bombs on London, yet a Royal Family bearing the name Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was living at Buckingham Palace. The Royal House Of Windsor is a six-part series timed to coincide with the 100-year anniversary of the House. It boldly promised to reveal the human frailties and secrets of the family that built Britains most powerful dynasty Anti-German sentiment was high and Colonel Unsworth of the Salvation Army wrote in horror to Stamfordham of the graffiti hed seen on the walls of a second-class train carriage: To hell with the King and Down with Royalty. Stamfordham was tasked by the government with finding a new, thoroughly British name, for the Royals. Eventually, the inoffensive Windsor was settled upon. With his cosy new name the King was told to get out and meet his people. So it was that George V and Queen Mary were dispatched to tour factories and shake hands with the commoners whom they hoped might forget about their German blood. The Royal House Of Windsor is a six-part series timed to coincide with the 100-year anniversary of the House. It boldly promised to reveal the human frailties and secrets of the family that built Britains most powerful dynasty. It didnt. Most of the revelations were already very well known. But thats not to say it wasnt entertaining, not least because last nights episode covered, in great and salacious detail, the Edward and Mrs Simpson affair. STAR TURN OF THE NIGHT British actor Rege-Jean Page stole the show as Chicken George in the penultimate episode of Roots (BBC4). This 2016 remake was highly acclaimed in the U.S., so its a mystery why the BBC didnt give it bigger billing here Advertisement Years before he abdicated it was clear how much the then Prince of Wales hated the life he was born into. He wrote endless letters to his married lovers about my bloody job of which Im so sick and stating that the monarchy is out of date. The most riveting story came towards the end with a never-before seen document from July 1940 penned by a British Intelligence Officer to the Foreign Office. Her husband may have abdicated four years earlier, but the document revealed that Wallis Simpson was still desperate to become Queen at any price. In league with the Germans, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (as the couple were now styled) planned to return to Britain and seize the throne from George VI, its author claimed. It sounded like the unlikely plot-line from a naff soap opera but the report was taken seriously enough for Edwards brother to banish the couple to the Bahamas. The House That 100k Built (BBC2) was another that didnt quite live up to its billing. With property prices higher than ever, the programme the first in the third series tried to convince viewers that self-build could be the way forward At an hour and 20 minutes, the programme was too long and felt much more suited to a Sunday teatime slot. But at least we know that the Windsors have more than enough scandals to sustain the next five weeks. The House That 100k Built (BBC2) was another that didnt quite live up to its billing. With property prices higher than ever, the programme the first in the third series tried to convince viewers that self-build could be the way forward. But by the end of the opening episode I doubt a single viewer was persuaded. Alistair and Karen wanted to build a dream home in County Antrim against a backdrop of rolling hills and babbling brooks. It sounded idyllic. But the reality was a four-year headache bogged down in planning applications and soaring costs. In the end, their finished home looked like a 1970s youth hostel from the outside, but the interior was stunning. Rather inconveniently, though, the 100k house cost 143k to build and that didnt include the purchase of the land making the whole premise of the show nonsense. He's the Irish-born chef and restaurant owner, known to get quite fiery. And in Thursday's OK! magazine, Colin Fassnidge revealed tension with a My Kitchen Rules team led to him walking off set. 'It got quite physical nearly,' the 44-year-old judge confessed. 'It got quite physical': My Kitchen Rules judge Colin Fassnidge, 44, revealed in Thursday's OK! magazine, that tension on set led to the biggest brawl yet 'I (had to) take a break and let things calm down,' Colin explained to the publication. 'There were a few heated exchanges. Some of it was over the food, some of it was over me just being annoyed,' he continued. The owner of Surry Hills eatery 4Fourteen held back on revealing the team's identity as the footage of the heated exchanges may not make it to screen. Top secret: The owner of Surry Hills eatery 4Fourteen held back on revealing the team's identity, as the footage of the heated exchanges may not make it to screen Any truth? This is not the first time Colin has been at the centre of tension on set. Earlier this month, Woman's Day claimed Colin and My Kitchen Rules co-host Manu Feildel (pictured), have grown tired of one another This is not the first time Colin has been at the centre of tension on set. Earlier this month, Woman's Day claimed Colin and My Kitchen Rules co-host Manu Feildel had grown tired of one another as pictures of them looking tense during an exchange in the street emerged. An insider reportedly told the publication: 'It's not like Manu to fight in public, but he's sick of egotistical Colin thinking he deserves more respect than him and treating the crew badly. Antics: An insider reportedly told the publication: 'It's not like Manu to fight in public, but he's sick of egotistical Colin thinking he deserves more respect than him and treating the crew badly' Too big for his boots? The magazine also alleged that Colin 'thinks he's better than the others' - also implying a rift with co-host Pete Evans 'Everyone knows that Manu is the linchpin of the show and the viewers' favourite.' The magazine also alleged that Colin 'thinks he's better than the others' - also implying a rift with co-host Pete Evans. 'Power struggles' have also apparently left Pete 'incredibly jealous' of the profile and support offered to Manu by producers. The source said: 'If Pete finds out Manu is doing some extra advertising or promo work he wasn't offered, he's furious.' Slamming reports: However last week, Pete spoke about the allegations, insisting that there is no rivalry or feud with co-host Manu. 'There is just story after story which comes out full of lies,' he told WSFM However last week, Pete spoke out about the allegations, insisting there is no rivalry or feud with his co-host. During an appearance on WSFM, the Paleo enthusiast rubbished reports of a feud, claiming he and Manu often go fishing together and are entitled to have alternative opinions. 'We are entitled to our own opinions, and I am sure there are not many people who agree with everything that everybody says,' he began. Friendly: Pete added in the radio interview that he often goes fishing with Manu, and cooks food with the French chef while on the road 'That would be a very strange environment and society if everyone thought exactly the same thing - I think some world leaders have tried to do that before!' Pete explained why he wrote a lengthy post on Instagram the previous day, criticising the media, saying: 'There is just story after story which comes out full of lies.' 'I think the recent one was Manu and I don't get along, which... we go fishing together, we cook food together when we are on the road.' She playfully posed with Victoria's Secret Angel Taylor Hill while promoting the high end perfume just days earlier. And on Wednesday Hailey Baldwin was spotted arriving at the Madrid, Spain set to film once again for Carolina Herrera's new 212 VIP fragrance campaign. The 20-year-old model flaunted her sculpted abs in a cropped top and sweats track suit while being surrounded by fans. Picture perfect! Hailey Baldwin arrived at the Madrid, Spain set to film for Carolina Herrera's new 212 VIP fragrance campaign on Wednesday The daughter of actor Stephen Baldwin donned a two-piece grey and yellow Opening Ceremony ensemble. Her taut torso was on full display as a group of admirers watched on from the sidelines. A knee-length black wool coat layered over the stunner's revealing attire sheltered the star from the brisk weather. Toned tummy! The 20-year-old model flaunted her sculpted abs in an Opening Ceremony cropped top and sweats track suit while being surrounded by fans A pair of semi-sheer movie star shades shielded her hazel eyes from the sun and she rounded out her laid-back look with purple Puma trainers. Hailey skipped the cosmetics and went fresh-faced, allowing her natural stunning features and flawless complexion to shine through. Her signature golden blonde tresses were styled in relaxed waves and cascaded just past her shoulders. Bundled babe! A knee-length black wool coat layered over the stunner's revealing attire sheltered the star from the brisk weather Meanwhile the beauty took to Instagram on Monday and posted an adorable snapshot with supermodel Taylor and famed photographer Mario Testino, who was responsible for the House of Herrera photo shoot. Both ladies, dressed in pastel, rhinestone-encrusted gowns playfully smooched the Peruvian fashion photographer on the cheek. 'In Spain shooting with the best @mariotestino for @houseofherrera for #212VIP fragrance #OwnTheParty,' Hailey captioned the image of the trio. She's been dubbed the 'villain' in the upcoming series of the Real Housewives Of Sydney. But Victoria Rees hasn't always been the baddie, having had her fair share of heartache. 'Bondi's first lady', who has been twice divorced, spoke to OK! Magazine about the time she found out one of her girlfriends was sleeping with her now ex-husband. 'I'm not going to get over that': RHOS's star Victoria Rees revealed she found one of her girlfriends sleeping with husband in her own home while she was asleep upstairs 'One of my girlfriends was sleeping with my husband while I was sleeping upstairs...,' she explained to the publication. 'That I'm not going to get over', the now single housewife added. However, the mother-of-two said that not being in a relationship for the last two years has been a blessing for her. 'I have really been on my own and I'm loving it!' she says. The single life: She said that being single has been a blessing for her, explaining: 'I have really been on my own and I'm loving it!' Not ready yet: Victoria said she's been asked out on dates a few times but has no interest In a previous interview with Daily Mail Australia, the founder of Wrinkles Schminkles said she has been hassled by friends to get back out there and date. 'I've been asked out a few times but I'm not interested,' she explained. The blonde beauty revealed that one of the RHOS producers asked if she would date anyone during the series, but she said she would be too nervous. Skin care founder: Victoria has advised other single ladies: 'I think you just need to go out and live your own life and live a fantastic time' 'There are a lot of women out there that feel they need a man to complete them. But I think that's absolutely ridiculous,' she said. 'I think you just need to go out and live your own life and live a fantastic time.' The Real Housewives of Sydney premieres on Foxtels Arena channel on Sunday February 28 at 8.30pm. There was no question she meant business when she showed up on the scene. Jessica Biel was dressed to impress as she stopped by an office building in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The 34-year-old visited Century City, which makes up the business district of LA on the west side. She means business: Jessica Biel was dressed to impress as she stopped by an office building in Los Angeles on Wednesday The actor and producer looked very New York in mostly black and a light grey mid-length coat. She wore fitted black pants and a matching sweater over a loose white tee with two gold pendant necklaces of varying length to take her meetings. Biel had slingback, chunky kitten heels on foot, featuring a soft pointed toe with beige and black color blocking. She then finished off her look with some reflective shades from Steven Alan Optical. Getting things done: The 34-year-old visited Century City which makes up the business district on the west side of LA This all-business look on Biel comes after the trailer for her latest project, USA's The Sinner, was released on Friday. In the new anthology series, the real-life mom of Silas Randall, 22 months, plays a young mother who commits a terrible act of violence with seemingly no explanation. She may have looked very serious in that first-look clip, and again on Wednesday, but odds are this weekend fans will see the Accidental Love star in more festive fashion. City lady: The actor and producer looked very New York in a light grey mid-length coat, fitted black pants and a matching cardigan over a loose white tee with two gold pendant necklaces Biel will likely be on the red carpet at the 89th Annual Academy Awards on Sunday, accompanying her nominated husband, Justin Timberlake. Timberlake, 36, is up for his first ever Oscar for original song, Can't Stop The Feeling, with music and lyrics by himself, Max Martin and Karl Johan Schuster, from the animated movie Trolls. The Oscar-hopeful also provided the original score for his leading lady's feature film, The Book of Love, which opened in limited release in theaters and was made available for purchase on iTunes on January 13. The dramatic new season of Married At First Sight has already seen an explosive end to a number of 'marriages'. But twins Sharon and Michelle Marsh appear to have defied the odds, both reportedly still with their respective 'husbands'. According to Who magazine, both couples appear to be going strong, with a loved-up Sharon even revealing she wants to fall pregnant with twins. Twinning! Who magazine reports that it appears that twin sisters Sharon and Michelle Marsh (pictured on their 'wedding day') are still with their respective partners 'I'd like to start a family soon,' the Perth-based business owner told the publication. Sharon, 31, was matched with 29-year-old carpenter Nick, with the two showing an instant attraction to one another. And it appears it could be for the long haul, with the blonde beauty looking into having a legal marriage - and Nick's rural Victorian town may be the locale. Loved-up: Sharon and Nick (right) have had instant chemistry, while it has taken longer for Michelle and Jesse (left) to click 'Settling down in the country and living that peaceful sort of life... I'm at the stage where I want that,' she said. Meanwhile, it's also believed that Sharon's twin Michelle is still with her beau, Jesse. 'I hope I have twins!': Sharon says she hopes to fall pregnant in the near future The news comes despite Michelle being left less-than-impressed that 31-year-old 'husband' lived with his mother. However, Jesse later took to Instagram to deny that was his living arrangement. Doubling their luck! It looks like the twins have defied the odds, staying with the respective partners WHO magazine featured photos of the twins out shopping, with only Nick pictured joining the pair on the outing. The snaps sparked rumours that Michelle and Jesse may have split. However, the couple spent time together on Valentine's Day, and both were present at what appeared to be a Married At First Sight reunion, along with some other contestants, including Andrew, Nick and Nadia. Valentine's date: While Michelle was recently seen third-wheeling Sharon and Nick, it's believed she is still with Jesse The snap was posted to Michelle's Instagram account at the beginning of the week. Whilst Michelle and Jesse may not seem to enjoy the sparks that her twin sister and 'spouse' Nick do, Michelle insisted to WHO magazine, 'Jesse and I are very playful together. The chemistry is something that can come later.' They've been together for three years and are parents to two-year-old Eric - but Lauren Silverman and Simon Cowell appear as loved up as ever. The power couple headed to the star-studded Sony BRITs after party on Wednesday night, where Lauren wowed in a black halter neck dress. The stunning number showed off her incredible figure and had beautiful gold embroidery at the top. Scroll down for video Power couple: Lauren Silverman and Simon Cowell cosied up at the star-studded Sony BRITs after party held at London's aqua shard on Wednesday night What a stunner: Lauren's black halter dress showed off her incredible figure and had beautiful gold embroidery at the top Simon also looked smart, wearing a blue suit which had his trademark unbuttoned white shirt underneath, as he swigged beer on the red carpet. Earlier in the night, Simon took to the stage at the BRITs held at London's o2 arena alongside Nicole Scherzinger to present One Direction with the Best Artist Video Of The Year award. Liam Payne, 23, was the only member of the band to show up and accept the award but he said that 1D were still very much together, despite taking a hiatus. Time to celebrate: Simon also looked smart, wearing a blue suit which had his trademark unbuttoned white shirt underneath, as he swigged beer on the red carpet Rock royalty: He caught up with Britpop legend Noel Gallagher on the night (left) Animal instinct: He brought along his beautiful wife Sara MacDonald who wore stunning leopard print Making the most of it: X Factor champ Louisa Johnson slicked back her new pink hair as she looked leggy in an LBD Sony Music threw the party of the year tonight at aqua shard, to celebrate one of the most important events in the global music industry calendar. Held at aqua shard, VIP artists and guests arrived in style straight from the awards. Rock royalty Dave Grohl and Noel Gallagher were there on the night, and the pair were joined by radio DJ Jo Whiley. One Direction is who we are and always will be: Earlier, Liam Payne made a surprise appearance at the BRIT Awards at London's o2 arena Thrilled: Taking to the stage after Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger presented the award, he told the crowd: 'I mean this is amazing. Thank you so much! We cannot believe we are still winning these' Over the course of the evening, guests including James Arthur and Craig David enjoyed bespoke cocktails whilst overlooking the London skyline. Guests drank vanilla Tom Collins, Dark & Stormy and Cucumber Martini partnered with canapes. The mini delights served included Cornish crab on toast with sea greens; pork belly with apple gel and chopped crackling; and mini Shard burgers. Legends: Dave Grohl and radio DJ Jo Whiley partied up a storm A step back in time: X Factor star James Arthur looked rather fresh face as he made his appearance Re-e-wind: 90s icon Craig David wore all black for his appearance Presenting Lilah: Miss Parsons wore a cute LBD with bell sleeves She's been dubbed as the 'property princess' on the upcoming premiere of the Real Housewives of Sydney. But Krissy Marsh is more of a mogul. The trained property valuer and real estate agent, who was previously a model, will be auctioning off her Dover Heights home, valued at $8 million, on March 9. Not a princess: Real Housewives of Sydney is set to auction off her Dover Heights home in March This comes after it was revealed her current home in the affluent suburb of Double Bay was reported to be worth more than $3.7million. The brunette beauty and architect husband Johnnie first bought the Dover Heights house in 2003, for $1,975,000. The couple remodelled the three-storey house, which now boasts a spacious kitchen with an island bench, six bedrooms and five bathrooms, according to a report by RealEstate.com.au. Luxury home: The trained property valuer and real estate agent first bought the property in 2003 for a mere $1,975,000 Big money: According to the real estate agent Alex Lyons, the home could fetch more than $8 million at it's March 9 auction Coastal vistas: The property has a rooftop that has views of Bondi Beach 'We see things like rising damp and other disasters as an opportunity a dream come true,' Krissy said. They also imported an egg bath from Italy for one of the bathrooms, adding a touch of unique luxury. The home also boasts a swimming pool with cabana, an outdoor entertaining area and a rooftop lounge space that has stunning views overlooking beach. Outdoor entertainment: The home also boasts a swimming pool, cabana and an al fresco area Spacious: The kitchen has a sleek design with a long island bench Luxurious: Also imported was an egg bath from Italy for one of the bathrooms 'Where else in the world can you sit and look at Bondi Beach with the champagne flute on the side,' she said. Krissy and her family, sons Billy 13, Nicco, 11, and daughter Milana, 8, have relocated back to Sydney from Shanghai, China. The family will be living at their Double Bay apartment, which is worth $3.7million. Relocated: Krissy and her family have moved back to Sydney from Shanghai, China Family home: Real estate agent Alex Lyons believes the home will sell to a young family looking to enjoy home life East side living: The family will be living at their Double Bay apartment, which is worth $3.7million Real estate agent Alex Lyons, who is selling the home said: 'I think it's going to sell to a young family wanting a home for life'. The self-confessed trophy-wife revealed she had concerns about the impact of the show on her kids to The Courier Mail. 'Its still early days and I have only seen up to episode four. There are a few times I have cringed at what I have said.' The Real Housewives of Sydney premieres on Foxtels Arena channel on Sunday February 28 at 8.30pm. She's the Sydney PR maven who's know for her extravagent lifestyle. But it seems Roxy Jacenko's son Hunter Curtis has much simpler tastes. The 36-year-old took to Instagram on Thursday to show her son's hilarious reaction to Japanese cuisine. Scroll down for video First taste: Roxy Jacenko has taken to her Instagram story to share her son, Hunter's first taste of wasabi 'I tasted something ... it was yucky in my tongue!' an unimpressed Hunter is heard telling his mum. Roxy had served boxes of sushi to her toddler son and five-year-old daughter Pixie but Hunter could not stomach it. After casually dipping his finger into wasabi and licking it, Hunter shuddered. Aww mum! In the video, Roxy appears to have brought home boxes of sushi for her two-year-old son and four-year-old daughter Pixie Not tasty at all: Hunter appears to have dipped his finger into the to eat green, horseradish based sauce and tasted it, and not reacted well to it 'What just happened? What happened to your tongue?' Roxy asked to which he expressed disgust. In another video, Hunter tries sushi and is again left disappointed. 'I don't like salmon sushi,' he says bluntly. Quality time: In the following video Hunter reveals he is unimpressed at another Japanese meal staple, salmon sushi. When asked why he doesn't like it, he says to her 'Because I don't like it' 'You want some sushi? Why not?,' Roxy asks. Shaking his head, the toddler replies: 'Because I don't like it.' Roxy spoke to Daily Mail Australia about recently moving her Sweaty Betty company to the trendy suburb of Paddington and the expansion of her empire. 'Stage 1 of our offices is now complete, which is level one 27 Workstations for our Sweaty Betty PR and The Ministry of Talent teams,' she said. 'We are looking forward to partnering with a global make up brand who will outfit the space in the coming months,' she added. He was the first famous person booted out of the latest season of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! And now Tom Arnold has claimed he was paid a whopping six-figure sum for his seventeen day stint on the show. The 57-year-old comedian, best known for his role on the sitcom Roseanne, told his Twitter followers he was paid between $900,000 for his appearance, claiming that this huge pay packet was the reason he signed on. Scroll down for video A big pay day? Tom Arnold told a Twitter follower earlier this week that he signed on for I'm A Celebrity for $900,000 - although the sum hasn't been confirmed by Channel Ten Cryptic tweet: Tom wrote that that he agreed to the show to 'Feed fam?' in the cryptic message One Twitter user asked Tom, who lives in ritzy Beverly Hills, 'What convinced you to do I'm A Celeb in Australia?' to which the funnyman gave a somewhat cryptic reply. '$600k $700k Feed fam? Out of comfort zone. Scared. Embarrassed'. If he was paid $700,000 in US currency, Channel 10's fees would blow out to a whopping AU$910,000. Expensive stint: As the Hollywood drawcard for the show, the one-time Roseanna star received a hefty pay packet If Tom was paid $600,000 for his jungle stay, he would have received about AU$35,200 for every day he was on screen. The Daily Telegraph contacted Channel 10 for comment on the pay packet, to which they replied to the publication that they do not 'disclose confidential contract details'. The Twitter user also asked the star whether he would consider signing on for Dancing With The Stars, to which he replied, 'Almost did Dancing to show son I could'. Beverly Hills home: Tom lives with his wife Ashley Groussman and their two children in the upmarket Los Angeles suburb Then, seemingly referring back to I'm A Celebrity, he wrote, 'NOT seen in USA LuvedPro, Dir, Safery (sic) GuysNet (sic)'. Tom may have been saying he loved the show's producers, director and safari team. Tom comments on Twitter comes after the 57-year-old failed to strike a chord with I'm A Celeb viewers, with fans early on in the show calling for Tom to be booted for being a 'grumpy old man' and being 'lazy'. His lack of movement and love of sleeping saw fans on Twitter label blast him for not taking part in camp fun alongside other celebrities. 'Leave the jungle Tom Arnold...grumpy old man,' one viewer tweeted. 'Tom Arnold had better get a LOT more interesting REAL soon,' another fan wrote. 'I was lucky': Tom claimed that some stars had to play up for the cameras so as the bolster their reputations Although he may have been saying kind words about the show's crew, according to The Daily Telegraph, Tom previously blasted the experience. 'Its horrible, are you kidding me? Its the worst thing Ive ever been through,' he reportedly said. In another tweet, Tom called the jungle camp in which the stars are forced to stay a 'rat hole'. Funnyman: Tom starred on sitcom Roseanne alongside his now ex-wife Roseanne Barr He also claimed that some of his fellow camp mates had '2 put on a bit of a show 2 get more work.' Shortly after his appearance on the show, Tom went on rant about the program on 97.3FM's Bianca, Terry & Bob. The American comedian furiously ranted about his 'nightmare' experience, revealing Robbie Williams convinced him to appear and blaming 'stupid' producers for his Lisa Curry blow up. 'I was very grateful to have been there, and even more grateful to be out of there,' he began his impassioned rant. 'It was horrible. Horrible!' 'I used to work in a meat packing plant for three years, [the show] was actually worse than working in a meat packing plant,' he continued. Even given the knowledge he was paid well for his appearance, the hosts still couldn't work out why Tom decided to enter the show in the first place. When the hosts tried to get behind the scenes gossip, Tom continued to express his dissatisfaction at the food situation, recalling a un-aired segment in which he started eating a massive cake after it was blown up during a challenge. She's known as the founder of PR firm Sweaty Betty. And on Thursday, Roxy Jacenko lived up to her business's name, heading to the gym to break a sweat in an early morning workout. The public relations maven wore a colourful activewear ensemble, but noticeably went without her wedding ring for the exercise session. On the move: PR maven Roxy Jacenko was ready for a workout on Thursday morning, heading into a gym in Sydney's eastern suburbs without her wedding ring Her husband Oliver Curtis is currently serving a jail sentence for insider trading. On her way into the gym, the mother-of-two left her blonde locks out, and shielded her eyes with a pair of large sunglasses. Looking both fit and fabulous, 36-year-old Roxy tied up her white singlet to reveal a hint of her toned torso. The singlet was by label The Upside, and teamed with a pair of patterned blue leggings. Fit and fabulous: Roxy looked typically stylish, even though she was ready for a strenuous session with her personal trainer Stylish Roxy completed her exercise ensemble with a pair of Nike running shoes. However, there was one accessory the star noticeably went without - her wedding and engagement rings. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Roxy for comment. She explained that the nature of her workout regime means that she can not wear her rings. 'I do weights based training, can't be doing that with rings on my fingers!' Roxy stated. Ready for action: Roxy seemed fired up for her fitness session, which was conducted with a personal trainer For the morning fitness session Roxy hit the gym located in Sydney's inner-suburb of Darlinghurst. Perhaps in a hurry, the busy working mum parked her luxury Range Rover in a no-parking zone. But it appeared the star was not hit with a parking ticket, as she headed back to her flash vehicle, jumping straight into the driver's seat. The businesswoman soon took to Instagram to share a snap from the sweat-inducing session, taken by her personal trainer. Doubling down on his duties, Roxy's ripped exercise aide squatted down as he took the mirror selfie. And it appears that Roxy is a regular to her gym, posting a snap earlier in the week beside a treadmill with the caption, 'Torture Tuesdays'. Whoops! Perhaps in a hurry, the busy working mum parked her luxury Range Rover in a no-parking zone Extra endorphins! It appears Roxy got off without a ticket after her workout Oh no! Roxy's large luxury car was positioned squarely in the no-parking zone Earlier this month, Roxy, who lives with her two children Pixie and Hunter Curtis, referred to a minor wardrobe hiccup as one of many 'single girl issues.' The Sydney businesswoman's clip documented her failed attempt at trying on a fitted-floral Zimmermann frock in front of a full-length mirror. The late-night post is believed to have been uploaded when her two youngsters, Pixie, five, and Hunter, two, were asleep. Roxy noted that she was having 'single girl issues' while 'trying to get her zipper up' on her own. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, the Sweaty Betty owner revealed she never managed to get the dress up solo, adding she: 'Gave up in the end!' In the zone: Roxy's personal trainer snapped a selfie of the star performing her workout 'Pix and Hunty help me with tricky zips these days - they were in bed so I was almost a contortionist trying to get it up solo!' she explained of the situation. In the past Roxy had sent tongues wagging by choosing to not wear her engagement ring in public. Roxy's husband Oliver is expected to be released from Cooma in June on good behaviour, after one year behind bars. 20th Century Fox debuted a special prologue for Alien: Covenant during Wednesday's episode of FX series Legion. The five-minute short - helmed by Ridley Scott's son Luke - essentially served as exposition, introducing the crew of the Weyland Corp colony ship Covenant. There are seven couples total, as well as the requisite android Walter (Michael Fassbender), who's more advanced than Prometheus' menacing David model. Scroll down for video Squeee! 20th Century Fox debuted a special prologue for Alien: Covenant during Wednesday's episode of FX series Legion 'I've got your back,' Walter announced after saving Callie Hernandez's character from choking. Covenant marked the first installment of the successful sci-fi franchise to include a gay couple played by Demian Bichir and Nathaniel Dean. Danny McBride perpetuated the 'truckers in space' vibe from Scott's 1979 original as the blue-collar pilot Tennessee. 'Let's party!' the 40-year-old funnyman exclaimed. 'Last Supper': The five-minute short - helmed by Ridley Scott's son Luke - essentially served as exposition, introducing the crew of the Weyland Corp colony ship Covenant Double take: There are seven couples total, as well as the requisite android Walter (Michael Fassbender), who's more advanced than Prometheus' menacing David model (R) After saving Callie Hernandez's character from choking, Walter announced: 'I've got your back' 'I will slide right out this jumpsuit and I will colonize all over this table right now.' James Franco ominously announced he was 'feeling kind of queasy' in what's sure to be a short-lived role as Captain Branson. Billy Crudup's replacement captain character expressed his growing resentment of both Tennessee and Bronson. Wrestle and kiss: Covenant marked the first installment of the successful sci-fi franchise to include a gay couple played by Nathaniel Dean (L) and Demian Bichir (R) 'Let's party!' Danny McBride perpetuated the 'truckers in space' vibe from Scott's 1979 original as the blue-collar pilot Tennessee Doomed: James Franco ominously announced he was 'feeling kind of queasy' in what's sure to be a short-lived role as Captain Branson Hater: Billy Crudup's replacement captain character expressed his growing resentment of both Tennessee and Bronson The clip ended with a moving, pre-cryosleep toast from Bronson's wife Daniels played by Fantastic Beasts' Katherine Waterston. 'You've all sacrificed so much to be here to be apart of this,' said the 36-year-old daughter of Sam Waterston. 'It's the first-ever large-scale colonization mission to come this far into our galaxy. Were making history.' 'You've all sacrificed so much to be here': The clip ended with a moving, pre-cryosleep toast from Bronson's wife Daniels played by Fantastic Beasts' Katherine Waterston Daniels concluded: 'I just want to say I couldn't pick a better bunch of jerks to get marooned on a distant planet with. So, to the Covenant!' Daniels concluded: 'I just want to say I couldn't pick a better bunch of jerks to get marooned on a distant planet with. So, to the Covenant!' Covenant is a direct sequel to the 2012 film Prometheus, and Ridley Scott has said that there will be two more chapters before the events of the first Alien film. Prometheus' Noomi Rapace and Guy Pearce will also return for the xenomorph extravaganza, which hits UK/US theaters on May 19. Poor man's Ripley: Covenant is a direct sequel to the 2012 film Prometheus, and Ridley Scott (L) has said that there will be two more chapters before the events of the first Alien film Chantel Jeffries was pretty in a tiny pink hoodie Wednesday while shopping in Los Angeles. The 23-year-old model showed her toned legs in a long-sleeved LPA Sweater 210 worn as dress and accentuated her pins with tan thigh high heeled boots. Chantel had her long dark hair gathered in a high ponytail while shopping at The Grove outdoor mall. Pretty in pink: Chantel Jeffries rocked a short pink hoodie Wednesday while shopping at an outdoor mall in Los Angeles She accessorized with sunglasses and large golden hoop earrings. The DJ also had a tan purse slung on her shoulder. Chantel rose to fame in 2014 when she started dating Canadian pop star Justin Bieber, 23. The Wilhelmina model was with Justin in his rented Lamborghini when he was arrested in January 2014 in Miami for drunken driving, drag racing and resisting arrest. Lean legs: The model showed her toned legs in the mini sweater and thigh high boots Chantel calls herself CeeJay The DJ on social media. She recently had gigs in Orlando and New York City and performed during a New Year's Eve show in St. Bart's. She's also starred with rapper A$AP Rocky in an ad campaign for Guess. Social media star: The former girlfriend of Justin Bieber has about 2.4 million followers on Instagram Chantel, who has about 2.4 million followers on Instagram, also runs her own make-up business. She took to Twitter on Wednesday to announce she's getting into the jewelry business, too. 'Had such a great day designing my Jewlery line. I can't wait for you guys to see!,' she tweeted. He showed off his combat skills as Hector in the 2004 blockbuster Troy. And Eric Bana has called upon his swordsmanship once again, starring alongside Jude Law and Charlie Hunnam in upcoming film King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. An action-packed trailer for the movie was released on Tuesday, with the 48-year-old set to play the role of Arthur's father, King Uther. Scroll down for video Blockbuster: Eric Bana stars alongside Jude Law and Charlie Hunnam in upcoming film King Arthur: Legend of the Sword The explosive two-minute teaser begins with Eric clutching his on-screen wife and young son. But as their castle comes under attack Eric sounds out an ominous warning, telling his wife: 'I need to get you and the boy away from here.' As his parents fight for their lives, a hunky grown-up Arthur, played by Charlie, awakes from a bad dream. In character: An action-packed trailer for the movie was released on Tuesday, with the 48-year-old set to play the role of Arthur's father, King Uther Call to arms: As his parents fight for their lives, a hunky grown-up Arthur, played by Charlie, awakes from a bad dream Enemy: The 36-year-old then embarks on a quest to reclaim his birthright, which was stolen by his uncle Vortigen, and become the King of England. Jude Law pictured The 36-year-old then embarks on a quest to reclaim his birthright, which was stolen by his uncle Vortigen, and become the King of England. With a budget of over $100 million US, director Guy Ritchie has delivered a film in the mould of his previous adrenaline-fulled offerings Sherlock Holmes and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. A remodeled version of 1938 novel The Sword in the Stone, the film stars a predominantly British cast with actress Katie McGrath taking the lead female role. Action-packed: With a budget of over $100 million US, director Guy Ritchie has delivered a film in the mould of his previous adrenaline-fulled offerings Sherlock Holmes and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels Coming soon: The movie is scheduled for release in Australian cinemas next month, hitting screens on 11 March The movie is scheduled for release in Australian cinemas next month, hitting screens on 11 March. Meanwhile, Melbourne native Eric has been busy promoting one of his other projects, The Secret Scripture. Last week, Eric made an appearance on The Late Late Show with Ryan Tubridy in Dublin to promote the drama ahead of the Dublin Film Festival, which runs from 16-26 February. While his lady shut down the Brit Awards, he's hitting social events stag. And on Wednesday night, Orlando Bloom arrived at the annual Global Green 2017 Pre-Oscar party looking happy after his weekend of volunteering with UNICEF in Niger, Africa. The 40-year-old English actor suited up for the green carpet held at TAO Hollywood, posing for photos with a relaxed, easy-going air about him. Easy-going: Wednesday night, Orlando Bloom arrived at the annual Global Green 2017 Pre-Oscar party looking happy after his weekend of volunteering with UNICEF in Niger Such a guy: In true Bloom style, the father-of-one, who shares his six-year-old son Flynn with his ex-wife, Miranda Kerr, rocked a pair of black lace-up boots, foregoing classic dress shoes The Lord of the Rings star wore a white button-down with a black jacket half undone and tight black slacks to the event. In true Bloom style, the father-of-one, who shares his six-year-old son Flynn with his ex-wife, Miranda Kerr, rocked a pair of black lace-up boots, foregoing classic dress shoes. The UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador just returned from a volunteer weekend helping children in Africa on Tuesday, and apparently was in a jovial mood as he decided to hit the bash alone, ahead of the award show which will air on Sunday, February 26. Loved-up couple: Kimberly Brook and actor James Van Der Beek arm in arm Star-studded: Also on the green carpet was actor Jeff Bridges and Dianna Cohen Icons: The Against All Odds star here got close to Jane Fonda, 79 She's a man magnet: Here the Barbarella babe was seen with Bloom, who looked pleased to be near the acting legend Also in attendance were James Van Der Beek, Cody Simpson - who is set to perform - Paula Abdul, Jeff Bridges, Jenna Ortega, and more. Bloom showed reverence to Jeff on Instagram, posting a photo of him onstage with the caption 'the DUDE #globalgreen.' The actor, who has been missing in action from Hollywood for over a year (save for a guest appearance on the TV series Easy in 2016) will make his comeback this year with not one, but five movies. All together now: (L-R) Van Der Beek, Brook, singer Paula Abdul, founder and leader of Global Green USA Diane Meyer Simon and guest Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales hits theaters May 26, 2017 and is expected to be a blockbuster hit. Bloom stars in all four remaining movies, one being a made-for-TV flick. Unlocked hits UK theaters in May 5, and Romans, a drama about childhood sexual abuse, is set to release sometime in 2017. Smart Chase: Fire & Earth, an action movie based in China, is set for release in 2017 as well. I'm forever your girl: Mikey Demers looked smitten with Abdul Meanwhile, his girlfriend and pop star Katy Perry is in the U.K., taking on the Brit Awards 2017 A beauty in close up: Garcelle Beauvais wore light blue velvet and a tiara Meanwhile, his girlfriend and pop star Katy Perry is in the U.K., taking on the Brit Awards 2017. The songstress performed her new single Chained to the Rhythm live on stage, dancing alongside burning skeletons dressed as Theresa May and President Donald Trump. Blonde moments: Priscilla Monnier, left, kicked up a heel as Jordan Younger, right, looked pretty in a light peach dress Hair-raising: Cody Simpson showed up with a new hair 'do He is rumoured to be taking the reigns as Australia's next Bachelor this year. And 2017 seems to be a time for new beginnings for Matty Johnson, who this week revealed his family's plans to build a new home in Kenmore, Brisbane. Taking to Instagram to reveal the exciting news this Wednesday, the hunky male model shared a photo of himself and his mother posing on the grassy site where their new home will be built. Scroll down for video New beginnings! Matty Johnson took to Instagram on Wednesday to reveal his family's plans to build a new home in Kenmore, Brisbane In the image, Matty and his mother are seen jumping outstretched arms and elated expressions on their faces. 'Insert new home here. Mum's not excited at all! #watchthisspace,' he wrote in the caption. After winning fans' hearts with his genuine pursuit of romance with The Bachelorette Georgia Love, Matty had his heart broken when she chose Lee Elliot. Heartbreak: After winning fans' hearts with his genuine pursuit of romance with The Bachelorette Georgia Love, Matty had his heart broken when she chose Lee Elliot No announcement has been made by Network Ten as to who will replace Richie, but fans have been gunning for happy-go-lucky Matty to take on the role this year. Meanwhile, Matty enjoyed a brief romance with model Nathalie Darcas, 23, after filming last year's show. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, aspiring starlet Nathalie confirmed the former relationship, saying the buzz surrounding her connection to Matty was 'pretty weird'. Will he take on the role? No announcement has been made by Network Ten as to who will replace Richie, but fans have been gunning for happy-go-lucky Matty to take on the role this year 'We're friends now, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavours': Nathalie Darcas, 23, recently confirmed her former romance with Bachelorette star Matty Johnson 'I'm pretty used to, with work, being in the spotlight but when it came to my personal life, that was weird,' she said. 'We're friends now, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavours,' she added, confirming their split. According to Woman's Day, the couple were spotted getting cosy in public, with a friend of Nathalie's confirming to the publication in November: 'They met through Instagram and have been dating for a couple of weeks. 'They shared a kiss on their first date and try to spend as much time together as they can when they're both in Sydney,' the source finished. The growing rivalry between Keira Maguire and Steve Price reached peak level this week on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here, as they went head-to-head in another gruesome tucker trial. On Thursday's episode, the pair were seen mentally preparing themselves ahead of the trial, which was titled Dicing With Death. 'Dicing would indicate perhaps there may be knives. Let's hope that is not the case because I can't think that I could trust Keira with a knife,' Steve said dryly. Scroll down for video Creepy crawlies! The growing rivalry between Keira Maguire and Steve Price reached peak level this week on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here as they went head-to-head in another gruesome tucker trial Before the challenge began, both Keira and Steve were allowed to select one cheerleader for the contest. Steve selected Ash, while Keira asked Lisa to back her up during the stomach-churning challenge. Before the challenge began, Keira and Steve, who previously have been at war during the show, decided to call a truce. Mental preparation: On Thursday's episode, the pair were seen mentally preparing themselves ahead of the trial, which was titled Dicing With Death 'Don't get yourself worried. I won't yell at you. We will work together and we will make it happen,' said Steve reassuringly, accepting the momentary ceasefire. Before they knew it, Steve and Keira were whisked up to the tree-house studio to participate in a board game-inspired tucker trial during which the players were subjected to snakes, cockroaches and scorpions depending on where the dice landed. During the challenge, both contestants were contained within a series of perspex cages, which soon became filled with an array of wildlife. Right-hand pal: Before the challenge began, both Keira and Steve were allowed to select one cheerleader for the contest Watching from the stands: Steve selected Ash, while Keira asked Lisa to back her up during the stomach-churning challenge 'Don't get yourself worried': Before the challenge began, Keira and Steve, who previously have been at war during the show, decided to call a truce The losing duo would have to spend a night in Skull Cave. The competition became heated when Keira was subjected to an onslaught of cockroaches poured on her head. Immediately bursting into tears, Keira shook her head and gulped in fear. Insect invasion! The competition became heated when Keira was subjected to an onslaught of cockroaches poured on her head Schadenfreude alert! Meanwhile, Ash tried their best to hold back laughter Her luck didn't improve, with Keira soon landing on another cockroach box on the board-game. 'No!' she wailed as another cockroach hoard fell onto Keira's head from the heavens. Meanwhile, hosts Julia and Chris and contestant Ash tried their best to hold back laughter. Eventually, things were looking up for Keira, who rolled a winning number on the die, leaving Steve to endure a night in Skull Cave. Winner! Eventually, things were looking up for Keira, who rolled a winning number on the die, leaving Steve to endure a night in Skull Cave 'It's the fastest course to learn in Aussie accent you could ever do!' Earlier on Thursday night's episode, fans were delighted to see newcomer Carson honing his Australian accent Earlier on Thursday night's episode, fans were delighted to see newcomer Carson honing his Australian accent. 'It's the fastest course to learn in Aussie accent you could ever do!' exclaimed Carson, before delivering several lines in a convincing Down Under dialect. 'Yeah, we will go to the bottleo', he proudly said to the cameras in the diary room. 'Carson came into camp American and I think he may leave an Australian', cheered Casey following Carson's Australian accent crash-course. On ya mate! 'Carson came into camp American and I think he may leave an Australian', cheered Casey following Carson's Australian accent crash-course Later, we saw Carson once again stealing the limelight as he gave his fellow campers a lesson in stomping down the catwalk. 'You are modelling, modelling, modelling!' the sassy blond said as he stomped through the campsite. Next in the episode, viewers saw Kris and Steve chatting about Tziporah's rather unusual behaviour. Strut it out! Later, we saw Carson once again stealing the limelight as he gave his fellow campers a lesson in stomping down the catwalk Kris revealed that Tziporah seemed depressed, having noticed that she often wakes up in the night to do dishes and go for walks in the dark. Speaking to the cameras, Kris said: 'Irrespective of their thoughts of me. I don't care about that. I just want to make sure that hopefully she's OK.' Explaining the reasoning behind her biting comments and bizarre behvaiour, the brunette firecracker told the cameras: 'I have been working on myself for the last, you know, few years, the walls have been coming down, which means that thereare some fragile spots now.' A leopard never changes it's spots! Next in the episode, fans saw the the campers butting heads with Steve Price over his disdain for the stuffed leopard toy that had found its way on camp when Carson arrived Tziporah was then seen chatting privately with Nazeem, who offered to provide counsel for her during the rough patch. Next in the episode, fans saw the the campers butting heads with Steve Price over his disdain for the stuffed leopard toy that had found its way on camp when Carson arrived. 'I don't like it. Don't bring it near me,' said Steve, refusing to explain why exactly he disliked the toy. In response, the celebrities decided to prank the shock-jock by hiding the furry toy in his bed. Cheeky! In response, the celebrities decided to prank the shock-jock by hiding the furry toy in his bed Needless to say, he was less-than-impressed by the gesture and was seen jolting in shock before grimacing and tossing the faux animal aside. But the fun and games weren't over yet, with Kris, Dane and Nazeem positioning the toy above Steve's bed. This time Steve took the joke with a smile, saying 'I'm holding you responsible, Nazeem!' Rejected! Needless to say, he was less-than-impressed by the gesture and was seen jolting in shock before grimacing and tossing the faux animal aside This time Steve took the joke with a smile, saying 'I'm holding you responsible, Nazeem!' Next up fans saw another chip-eating challenge take place on camp, this time involving Kris, Dane, Nazeem and Ash scoffing down bags in secret. Eventually, Lisa came across four empty chip packets in the diary room, prompting Lisa to angrily address the entire camp in search of the mystery contraband-hoarder. To her surprise, Kris and Dane revealed that the chips were part of a secret mission, before presenting the entire camp with a platter of chip packets for everyone to enjoy. Misison accepted! Next up fans saw another chip-eating challenge take place on camp, this time involving Kris, Dane, Nazeem and Ash scoffing down bags in secret Who's the culprit? Eventually, Lisa came across four empty chip packets in the diary room, prompting Lisa to angrily address the entire camp in search of the mystery contraband-hoarder A tasty treat! To her surprise, Kris and Dane revealed that the chips were part of a secret mission, before presenting the entire camp with a platter of chip packets for everyone to enjoy Heratbreak: Next in the episode, we saw Tegan Martin come clean about her failed romance with ex Angus Hood Next in the episode, we saw Tegan Martin come clean about her failed romance with ex Angus Hood. Having moved on to a new boyfriend, Sam Croke, Tegan revealed that she wasn't sure whether she has found 'the one'. Speaking to Carson, the blonde beauty said: 'I thought my ex was the one. I was convinced we were going to get married. And I competed in Miss Universe in Miami, a few months of craziness.' Honest: Speaking to Carson, the blonde beauty said: 'I thought my ex was the one. I was convinced we were going to get married. And I competed in Miss Universe in Miami, a few months of craziness' 'It was impossible. I don't know that I would have made it through that year with anyone. I was gone all the time.' 'He just wasn't coping with that. He sort of... Said, like, is this it? Is this what life with you will be like. Like... I just sort of said, 'I don't know if I can give you enough anymore.' Like, I'm sorry, I won't be that housewife at moment.' As night approached, fans saw Ash and Steve making their way towards their evening's lodgings- Skull Cave. Into the jungle: As night approached, fans saw Ash and Steve making their way towards their evening's lodgings- Skull Cave Unimpressed: 'To be honest, the way that we ended up here, you do really feel gypped because of the roll of a dice,' said Steve as the pair hiked up the rainy mountain toward the cave 'To be honest, the way that we ended up here, you do really feel gypped because of the roll of a dice,' said Steve as the pair hiked up the rainy mountain toward the cave. 'I wanted to beat her really, because I don't really like her,' he said frankly. Back on camp, the celebrities were challenged to forfeit their dinner and rescue Ash and Steve in an act of selflessness, or to leave them in the wilderness as they selfishly enjoyed dinner. Big decision: Back on camp, the celebrities were challenged to forfeit their dinner and rescue Ash and Steve in an act of selflessness, or to leave them in the wilderness as they selfishly enjoyed dinner After much deliberation, the campers decided to forfeit their dinner. 'I knew my campmates would come through with the goods!' cheered Ash as she heard the good news. Luckily for the rest of the campers, Ash and Steve returned from Skull Cave with a hearty meal in hand. 'Tonight is a prime example of mateship. You never leave your mates stranded in a baboon-infested cave on a cold night. That is what being an Australian is all about!' beamed Nazeem. Selfless: After much deliberation, the campers decided to forfeit their dinner Surprise! Luckily for the rest of the campers, Ash and Steve returned from Skull Cave with a hearty meal in hand After dinner, the celebrities were challenged to a Pictionary-style guessing game. Next in the episode, we saw Casey speak candidly to the other campers about her childhood and rise to fame on Australian Idol. 'I have always been the second-place getter, always been the person that, you know, just does things and never gets to where I want to be. I'm always that person that is good, but not good enough,' she said. She also spoke about her biological father who abandoned her when she was young. He's hinted that his new girlfriend could be marriage material. And Ed Sheeran was prepared to walk over hot coals for high school sweetheart Cherry Seaborn - to an extent - as he offered up his shoes and left a party barefoot, when she broke her heels at the Brits on Wednesday night. The chivalrous 25-year-old saved Cherry's feet by letting her wear his trainers after they danced so hard inside Warner Music and Ciroc Vodka's London bash that she snapped her 1395 Andaloulou Nappa Christian Louboutin boots. Scroll down for video What a gent: Ed Sheeran was barefoot when he left Warner Music and Ciroc Vodka's Brits afterparty hand-in-hand with Cherry Seaborn on Wednesday, after giving her his shoes Ed escorted his lady friend out of the venue by the hand, putting his feet carefully in front of each other, protected in nothing but black socks. In his other hand, Ed carried the broken pair of shoes that had a towering heel limply swinging at the red soles. Proud Cherry, meanwhile, looked comfortable to the artist's too-big trainers and shot a gleeful smile as she followed him out. MailOnline has contacted a spokesperson for Christian Louboutin for comment. Best behaviour: Ed was playing it sensible on Wednesday night, as he hit Warner Music's Brits afterparty with girlfriend Cherry It was a more reserved appearance for Ed, who has not yet lived down those drunken pictures from the Brit Awards 2015. Ed was determined to avoid adding to the online collection of unfortunate stumbling snaps that night, when he kept a low profile at the Warner bash. The hitmaker was on his best behaviour after he was propped up on his way to taxi, leaving The Box nightclub on the same night, two years ago. Good boy: Ed was just wearing his socks after giving up his shoes for his girl after her 1395 Andaloulou shoes broke on the night Broken: Ed was kind enough to give the beauty his own shoes, instead Ed - who skipped the Brits in 2016 during a year out of the industry - had been the top performer on the night, with his hotly anticipated Shape Of You performance bolstered by a surprise appearance from Stormzy. The musician even paid tribute to his collaborator later that evening by sporting a T-shirt with the grime artist's stage name on the front. Ed and Cherry were just two of the high profile guests to arrive at Warner Music's bash on Wednesday night, also joining Brooklyn Beckham and Abbey Clancy. Well heeled: The musician was prepared to walk over hot coals for Cherry Could she be the one? He has recently said that this relationship feels like marriage material What a guy: The shoes had snapped almost clean off at the heel Too much dancing? The brunette had scratches on her knees, hinting that she may have fallen And even when they piled back into a taxi on top of each other, after the afterparty, Ed seemed poised. It was quite a contrast to the pictures of Ed stumbling to the taxi in February 2015, escorted and propped up by his security team. Ed was the biggest winner of the night in 2015, walking away with two of the four Brit Awards he was nominated for. He was named the best British solo artist and also took home the coveted best album prize for his second studio album, 'X'. Quite a contrast: The same can not be said of the same event two years ago, when Ed left the afterparty looking worse for wear Propped up: The redhead needed to be propped up by security Easy does: He'd been the big winner that night, taking home two of the four Brit Awards he was nominated for Ed referenced the embarrassing pictures when he chatted to Radio 1 DJ Nick, earlier that day, hinting that it would not be a repeat performance, this year. After all, chart topping Ed was due to fly to Germany first thing on Thursday morning. Rising at 8am the next day, chirpy Ed wrote: 'Last night was so much fun. Love to @Stormzy1 for the performance.' 'Off to Germany now X' he added, as he announced a trip to the European country one months ahead of tour dates in Munich, Mannheim, Cologne, Hamburg and Berlin. This year, Ed was not nominated because 2016 was not a music-making year for Ed, who travelled the world instead. Heading home: They called it an early night, climbing into a taxi with a giggle Heading home: The loved-up pair seemed to have had a fun night out On arrival: Ed was due to fly to Germany the next morning for work During that time, Ed rekindled his relationship with a crush he first knew from school, Cherry. When asked if his relationship with Cherry has the potential to be a 'marriage thing', Ed recently told Australian radio show The Kyle and Jackie O Show: 'I'm pretty... yeah I feel pretty good about it.' Ed also confessed he'd 'love' to start a family with his old school pal - who he's previously called 'The One' adding: 'Yeah, potentially. I would like some kids.' On the same subject, he also told Zane Lowe recently he was, 'massively' keen: 'I wanted to be a dad, like, last year. 'I'm ready, let's go - tour bus babies, little fat, chubby babies that just walk around.' Top performer: After a year out, Ed returned to the stage with Stormzy this time Holly Willoughby has history of presenting This Morning a little worse for wear after a major awards ceremony. But the blonde beauty, 36, had no such troubles on Thursday as she looked bright-eyed and fresh-faced for work despite spending the night at BRITs after parties. Taking to Instagram before the programme aired, Holly shared a snap of herself in a pretty floral frock, black tights and heels. Scroll down for video The morning after the night before: Holly Willoughby, 36, looked bright-eyed and fresh-faced following her night partying She wrote: 'The morning after the night before... today's look on @thismorning dress by @ted_baker shoes by @officeshoes' Wearing a glitzy silver dress, Holly party-hopped between the Universal and Warner Music & Ciroc afer parties along with husband Dan Baldwin. Just weeks ago, following a night at the National Television Awards, Holly was feeling so hungover that she retched twice live on air a year on from when she arrived at ITV studios wearing the same outfits as the night before. She said: 'We have made it in today, we're not in brilliant condition, but at least we're not wearing the same clothes this year.' VIP: Holly showed off her special BRITs pass on Instagram Good golly Miss Holly! Willoughby looked to be having a blast after the ceremony Thirsty work! No wonder she needed a drink at the bash - she had been stuck in traffic in a tunnel as she headed to the awards show at the 02 London Arena Let's celebrate: Holly party hopped around the Warner and Universal bashes across London with her equally jolly husband Daniel Baldwin Meanwhile, Holly's night was nearly over before it had begun as she almost missed the BRITs after getting stuck in a tunnel. Just hours after being trapped in a caravan live on This Morning, the 36-year-old took to Instagram to say that she was stuck in the Blackwall tunnel. Sharing a picture of a road sign which read: 'Blackwall tunnel southbound closed,' she captioned it with the words: 'Erm???? Now what happens? #stuck.' A Hol(ly) lot of bother! Sequin-clad Willoughby almost missed the BRITs after getting stuck in a tunnel... just hours after being trapped inside a caravan on This Morning Clearly with some time on her hands, the glamorous mother-of-three also shared a picture of herself and her husband Dan Baldwin who had fallen asleep in the car. She wrote: 'Some of us are more Brits ready than others!!!! #wakeupdan.' Making it just in the nick of time, the bubbly blonde treated her fans to a sneaky peek of her look before leaving the house. She's in trouble: Holly shared this slightly worrying picture on her way to the event Snooze fest: Clearly with some time on her hands, the glamorous mother-of-three also shared a picture of herself and her husband Dan Baldwin who had fallen asleep in the car Wearing a silver sequin mini dress which showed off her long legs, she wrote: 'Right @brits let's be having you! #warnerbrits... 'Thanks @suzanneneville for my lil sparkly number... always huge thank you to my glam girls @Patsyoneillmakeup @angiesmithstyle @cilerpeksah 'Earrrings @applesandfigs_jewellery. Heels @casadeiofficial. Clutch bag @giuseppezanottidesign.' It seems Holly was not the only one who almost missed the awards - with Emma Bunton and Caroline Flack also adding to the fray of road rage on Wednesday night. 'Stuck in traffic!': It seems Holly was not the only one who almost missed the awards however - with Emma Bunton also adding to the fray of road rage on her Instagram Not happy: Love Island host Caroline soon followed suit as she took to Twitter in a more light-hearted manner to vent her frustration at London's traffic Nice armour: She wore a silver sequin mini dress which showed off her long legs The former Spice Girl first took to her Instagram to vent her frustration, as she wrote beside a selfie of her and her fiance Jade Jones: 'Stuck in traffic!!!! #wanttoparty #gettingimpatient #brits2017' Love Island host Caroline soon followed suit, taking to Twitter in a more light-hearted mood to write: 'Stuck in annual Brits traffic ... will someone warm up my dinner pretty please :))))' However as traffic seemed to worsen, the former Xtra Factor host then resigned in her typically witty style: 'Stuck in a tunnel ! Can't find a tube ... never gonna make the brits ... might get a kebab :)' She's got the look: She completed her outfit with a pair of matching metallic ankle strap heels Exquisite: Wearing the silver sequin mini dress which showed off her long legs, Holly wrote: 'Right @brits let's be having you! #warnerbrits...' Skepta will also go up against firm favourite Bowie in the Best British Male category, while fellow nominee Craig David is convinced he won't win the award. 'David Bowie's career has been so epic,' he told BBC News. 'He influenced me and so many other artists. There's no competition.' Little Mix - and bandmember Perrie Edwards - have a battle of their own, with Perrie's ex-boyfriend Zayn Malik both nominated for Best British single - Zayn for R&B style Pillowtalk and Little Mix for their hit Shout Out To My Ex, which fans believe is partly written about the former One Direction star. Interestingly, Beyonce goes against sister Solange for the Best International Female gong, although they both face stiff competition from rising star Christine And The Queens, Rihanna and Sia. Solange, who considers Beyonce a role model, released her album A Seat At The Table just three days before her thirtieth birthday last year, to critical acclaim. She's stuck: Holly joked about getting stuck in a tiny capsule camping van on Wednesday morning, as part of This Morning Silliness: Philip seemed glad to present without his bubbly co-star It was a day of mixed fortunes for Holly after she also got stuck in a caravan live on air. Phillip Schofield giggled as Holly waved from the tiny window of the portable home, asking, 'Can you let me out now?' 'I'm going to leave her in there!' he retorted, chortling along with Alice Beer as they talked through the 10,000 'capsule' vehicle. The duo began the show with a humorous segment in which Phil had taken Holly camping. On the show, they were introducing cost-effective ways to take the family away out of term time. What's inside? The pair were showing the best ways to be a happy camper Unhappy camper: Holly was unhappy about getting stuck inside the camper Acting up: The TV presenter (right) was helping to present a segment on camping with Philip Schofield (left) As part of the segment, Holly took viewers inside one of the cosy campers to show that it could fit a bed and a TV. And while Holly and Phil were busy trying to find stay-at-home alternatives, Ferne McCann had jet-setted to Los Angeles for a glamorous Oscars feature. Drawing inspiration from the film La La Land, the former TOWIE star was sent to LA to interview waiters and wannabe actors ahead of La La Lands expected Oscar haul. La La Land: Elsewhere, Ferne McCann was sent to Hollywood for a segment on La La Land Jet set: She left viewers bemused when she broke into a song and a dance in the middle of a cafe, much like the film Her attempt to learn City Of Stars on the piano, just like leading actor Ryan Gosling did, were stifled by her false nails. Embarrassingly, the Showbusiness Correspondent then tried to break into a musical song and dance number in the middle of a cafe. After making her own musical theatre debut last April, Ferne's co-presenter Rylan Clark-Neal brought her back down to earth by telling her she sounded like Frank Butcher. The former hairdresser and reality TV star played Myrtle Wilson - the married mistress of Tom Buchanan - in the musical adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel The Great Gatsby at the Union Theatre in Southwark. Musical theatre background: Ferne made her own theatre debut last April in Gatsby BRIT AWARDS 2017 - THE WINNERS BRITISH MALE SOLO ARTIST David Bowie - WINNER Craig David Kano Michael Kiwanuka Skepta BRITISH FEMALE SOLO ARTIST Emeli Sande - WINNER Anohni Ellie Goulding Lianne La Havas Nao BRITISH GROUP The 1975 - WINNER Bastille Biffy Clyro Little Mix Radiohead BRITISH BREAKTHROUGH ACT Rag'n'Bone Man - WINNER Anne-Marie Blossoms Skepta Stormzy BRITISH SINGLE Little Mix - Shout Out To My Ex - WINNER Alan Walker - Faded Calum Scott - Dancing On My Own Calvin Harris Ft Rihanna - This Is What You Came For Clean Bandit- Rockabye Coldplay - Hymn For The Weekend James Arthur - Say You Won't Let Go Jonas Blue & Dakota - Fast Car Tinie Tempah Ft Zara Larsson - Girls Like Zayn - Pillowtalk BRITISH ALBUM OF THE YEAR David Bowie - Blackstar - WINNER The 1975 - I Like It When You Sleep For You Are Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It Kano - Made In the Manor Michael Kiwanuka - Love & Hate Skepta Konnichiwa BRITISH ARTIST VIDEO OF THE YEAR One Direction - History - WINNER Adele - Send My Love (To Your New Lover) Calvin Harris Ft Rihanna - This Is What You Came For Clean Bandit Ft Sean Paul & Anne-Marie - Rockabye Coldplay - Hymn For The Weekend James Arthur - Say You Won't Let Go Jonas Blue & Dakota - Fast Car Little Mix Ft Sean Paul - Hair Tinie Tempah Ft Zara Larsson - Girls Like Zayn - Pillowtalk INTERNATIONAL MALE SOLO ARTIST Drake -WINNER Bon Iver Bruno Mars Leonard Cohen The Weeknd INTERNATIONAL FEMALE SOLO ARTIST Beyonce - WINNER Christine and the Queens Rihanna Sia Solange INTERNATIONAL GROUP A Tribe Called Quest - WINNER Kings Of Leon Drake And Future Nick Cave And the Bad Seeds Twenty-One Pilots Advertisement They have been absent from the past few episodes of My Kitchen Rules as a new crop of teams compete to impress the judges. But Bettina 'Betty' Banks, 27, and bestie David Vu, 32, made an appearance together this week as they attended the launch of Holden Trax. The pair were spotted posing in matching Holden-branded aprons at the event, with a large blue car parked behind them. Scroll down for video They're back! Bettina 'Betty' Banks, 27, and bestie David Vu, 32, made an appearance together this week as they attended the launch of Holden Trax Glamour model Betty revealed her tattooed arms by donning a sleeveless black dress, while accessorising her look with a pair of black heeled booties. Also making an appearance was former Big Brother contestant Tully Smyth, who also donned an apron over her floral cap-sleeve frock. The boyfriend of Ian Thorpe, Ryan Channing, also attended the event and was spotted getting creative in the kitchen during a cooking demonstration with Betty and David. Pals: The pair were spotted posing in matching Holden-branded aprons at the event, with a large blue car parked behind them Fancy seeing you here! Also making an appearance was former Big Brother contestant Tully Smyth, who also donned an apron over her floral cap-sleeve frock Following the cooking session, the group sat down to enjoy a meal together. Earlier this week, Betty stirred intrigue after posting a rather cryptic post on her Instagram. The brunette beauty shared a photo of the Sydney Harbour Bridge taken from her hotel room with the caption: 'This morning, with him, having coffee. @hotelpalisade.' Shrimps on the barbie! The boyfriend of Ian Thorpe, Ryan Channing, also attended the event and was spotted getting creative in the kitchen during a cooking demonstration with Betty and David Tucking in: Following the cooking session, the group sat down to enjoy a meal together The home cook did not include herself in the post or tag the mystery man joining her for breakfast, however. Meanwhile, David has shut down claims that he has romantic feelings toward his MKR team-mate, telling The Daily Telegraph: 'We're like brother and sister.' Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Bettina Banks for comment. 'This morning, with him, having coffee': Earlier this week, Betty stirred intrigue after posting a rather cryptic post on her Instagram She is set to welcome her first child with Bradley Cooper later this year. And pregnant supermodel Irina Shayk is already getting into mummy mode with a trip to Disneyland. The Russian beauty, 31, headed to the 'happiest place on Earth' this week for some fun in the Californian sun. Scroll down for video Happiest place on Earth! Pregnant supermodel Irina Shayk is already getting into mummy mode with a trip to Disneyland - and strategically covered up her bump with her coat tied around her waist Getting into the spirit of things, Irina donned a pair of Minnie Mouse ears as she was shown around the theme park by staff. However, she strategically covered up her baby bump in all-black while wrapping her jacket around her waist. Not wanting to just leave the attractions for the youngsters, she boarded the Dumbo rollercoaster for a laidback ride. Last week, Irina was also in cover-up mode while taking driver's education courses in Westwood, California. She'll be the model mum: Getting into the spirit of things, Irina donned a pair of Minnie Mouse ears as she was shown around the theme park by staff Magical: Not wanting to just leave the attractions for the youngsters, she boarded the Dumbo rollercoaster for a laidback ride After her lessons, the model flashed the emerald stone band she's been spotted wearing on her ring finger since December. Irina was seen in the driver's seat while using the school's car. The Russian-born beauty wore black leggings with an oversized graphic T-shirt. She hit the pavement in white-laced boots with a black beanie and sunglasses during her outing in the LA neighborhood. The make-up free stunner wore her dark brunette tresses loose beneath the knitted hat. Baby on board! Last week, Irina covered up once again while taking driver's education courses in Westwood, California Baggy top: And on Tuesday, Irina Shayk covered up once more while taking driver's education courses in Westwood According to E! News' source, Bradley has been doting on Irina and 'taking her to her doctor visits.' The website's source also said that the 44-year-old actor 'has been there for her and is loving seeing the baby grow inside her.' E!'s insider added that Irina 'can't wait to be a mom' and wants 'more kids after this.' Rumors of a possible pregnancy ignited after she walked the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Paris wearing a knotted duster coat over her lingerie. Focused: Irina, who is in a relationship with actor Bradly Cooper, was seen in the driver's seat while using the school's car She's so beautiful: Rumors of a possible pregnancy ignited after she walked the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show; seen on November 30 in France at the lingerie company's fashion show The stars have yet to comment on the pregnancy rumors. Irina, who started dating the movie star in early 2015, has been seen on numerous occasions wearing an oval-cut diamond and emerald ring on her wedding finger. On Monday, the gorgeous brunette shared a behind the scenes shot from her Missoni Summer 2017 campaign. The runway star, who covered up her stomach with a white robe, wrote: '#BTS moment on set with my @missoni family!' Covering up: On Monday, the gorgeous brunette shared a behind the scenes shot from her Missoni Summer 2017 campaign while wearing a white robe He's the social media sensation who became famous for his 'perf' tagline and pouty selfies. And 'Australia's Paris Hilton' Kurt Coleman, 20, gave his fans a treat this week by posing in a striking fashion editorial. The pouty glamazon is seen posing in a series of sassy ensembles, including an embroidered button-up top and a pair of skin-tight khaki trousers. Scroll down for video Strike a pose! 'Australia's Paris Hilton' Kurt Coleman, 20, gave his fans a treat this week by posing in a striking fashion editorial Clearly comfortable in front of the camera, he struck a series of poses while staring down the barrel of the camera. At one stage he was seen donning a hooded vest and a pair of reflective polarised sunglasses with keyhole frames. He was also seen standing in front of a narrow city street with a cigarette in one hand. Stylish: The pouty glamazon is seen posing in a series of sassy ensembles, including an embroidered button-up top and a pair of skin-tight khaki trousers He's a natural! Clearly comfortable in front of the camera, he struck a series of poses while staring down the barrel of the camera Shady: At one stage he was seen donning a hooded vest and a pair of reflective polarised sunglasses with keyhole frames Grunge: He was also seen standing in front of a narrow city street with a cigarette in one hand Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Kurt revealed an image from the fashion shoot alongside the caption: 'Just being a classic beauty. Photography by @jadams_images hair always by @mowhair_skye.' Kurt has previously admitted to undergoing cosmetic procedures such as Botox and lip fillers. Speaking on the The Project last November, he admitted having the work done 'makes me love myself even more.' Looking perf! Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Kurt revealed an image from the fashion shoot alongside the caption: 'Just being a classic beauty. Photography by @jadams_images hair always by @mowhair_skye' Changing it up: Kurt has previoulsy admitted to undergoing cosmetic procedures such as Botox and lip fillers Self love! Speaking on the The Project last November, he admitted having the work done 'makes me love myself even more' Last year he brushed off criticisms if vanity after being labelled 'narcissistic' by a Sydney school teacher as she delivered a class on positive body image. Kurt, who was sent videos of her apparent tirade, told Daily Mail Australia he was saddened to have been put down by the woman in front of a whole classroom of students. 'She obviously doesn't understand my message and I am fine that she has those thoughts but do you have to broadcast it in front of the whole school?' she said. 'To me that is unprofessional.' Slammed: Last year he brushed off criticisms if vanity after being labelled 'narcissistic' by a Sydney school teacher as she delivered a class on positive body image Saddened: Kurt, who was sent videos of her apparent tirade, told Daily Mail Australia he was saddened to have been put down by the woman in front of a whole classroom of students She's hit the UK with gusto, bringing snow, hail and 90mph winds with her. And the Manchester-based set of Coronation Street was one of the worst to be hit by violent Storm Doris on Thursday, with the Webster sisters seen battling the elements in order to shoot new scenes. Brooke Vincent, who plays Sophie, covered herself up with a giant waterproof coat, which she wisely zipped up, hood on head. Scroll down for video Batten down the cobbles: Helen Flanagan fights the elements in a skimpy crop top with Brooke Vincent as Storm Doris wreaks havoc on the Corrie set... as filming is CANCELLED Co-star Helen Flanagan was a little more daring, however. Dressed in her on-screen alter ego Rosie's typically skimpy get-up, Helen chose not to secure her red puffer jacket. Using it to protect her brunette locks and freshly made-up face, the 26-year-old opted not to zip up her coat, instead displaying her toned midriff, wind and rain be damned. She wore a candyfloss coloured crop top, ripped jeans with silver sequin detailing and black ankle boots. Faces like thunder: Helen and Brooke did not look happy to be out in the storm Wet: The Manchester-based set of Coronation Street was one of the worst to be hit on Thursday, with the Webster sisters seen battling the elements in order to shoot new scenes Windswept: Brooke Vincent, who plays Sophie, covered herself up with a giant waterproof coat, which she wisely zipped up, hood on head; Helen didn't quite follow suit Lights, camera... no action: They were flanked by crew members who hurried around with massive umbrellas, holding them over the actresses to help them fight against Doris She also wore a fluffy pink undercoat beneath the huge red puffer jacket. The actress hugged herself as she strolled through the rain-sodden set with 24-year-old Brooke. Brooke sported a leather jacket and furry hood under her matching raincoat, and similar ripped jeans and black boots to her co-star. They were flanked by crew members who hurried around with massive umbrellas, holding them over the actresses to help them fight against Doris. At one point, so strong was the wind that umbrellas began to go flying around the street they were on. Us against Doris: She also wore a fluffy pink undercoat beneath the huge red puffer jacket Natural disaster: At one point, so strong was the wind that umbrellas began to go flying around the street they were on Wet wet wet: The actress hugged herself as she strolled through the rain-sodden set Miserable: Brooke sported a leather jacket and furry hood under her matching raincoat, and similar ripped jeans and black boots to her co-star Always time for a selfie: Helen took the opportunity to take a selfie in her waterproofs, uploading it to Instagram with the caption 'Out filming today on location in Storm Dorris xxx @coronationstreet' That's a wrap: Ultimately, the crew gave up, as the outdoor scenes were proving impossible to film in Doris' wake Nonetheless, Helen took the opportunity to take a selfie in her waterproofs, uploading it to Instagram with the caption: 'Out filming today on location in Storm Dorris xxx @coronationstreet.' Ultimately, the crew gave up, as the outdoor scenes were proving impossible to film in Doris' wake. The day before, the pair were dressed in much smarter attire shooting a formal scene - looking to be entering an official-looking building, suggesting something serious might be taking place in the story-line. It could be that things are going to come to a head with the drug-themed plot the Webster sisters are embroiled in. They live on opposite sides of the US, with one modelling in New York City while the other enjoys a career as a cinematographer in Los Angeles. But Ashley Graham and her husband Justin Ervin stepped out united in Italy on Thursday, when they attended Max Mara's fall/winter 2017 presentation at Milan Fashion Week. The 29-year-old curvaceous beauty, who has enjoyed a successful career as a plus-sized model, looked sensational in a plunging, figure-hugging ivory dress, which boasted a metallic gold neckline. Scroll down for video Passion for fashion: Ashley Graham and her husband Justin Ervin attended Max Mara's fall/winter 2017 presentation on Thursday afternoon She teamed her flattering crisp, sleeveless number with a smart matching overcoat, while strappy cream heels added extra height to her frame. Her raven tresses were swept back, while a natural palette of makeup and sparkling hoop earrings added the finishing touches to her polished look. The 29-year-old arrived at the hot ticket event on the arm of her handsome husband of almost seven years, who looked dapper in a fitted grey suit with a black top. Handsome couple: The couple looked stylish as they posed for snapshots outside the venue Busty: Ashley put on a busty display in a plunging ivory gown under a matching overcoat Enjoying the view! Cinematographer Justin was seen admiring his wife as she posed for shots Ashley and cinematographer Justin met at church in 2009 and tied the knot the following year. And the model recently revealed that she waited until her wedding night to have sex with her beau - and she advises other women to wait before getting intimate. She told Elle Canada magazine: 'My husband and I waited; call me crazy, but it worked. Our sex is amazing!' Standing tall: The curvaceous beauty added extra height to her frame with strappy heels Arm-in-arm: Ashley linked arms with her handsome husband as they sat in their FROW seats Sparkle: Her hair was swept back, while hoop earrings and a silver ring provided sparkle 'It made me feel like I had the power back in my dating life. He respected me more because I wasn't willing to just give it up.' 'I tell my friends to wait three months. Just see if he can wait. If he can, he's a good guy. And, again, it's not for everybody, but for me it was great. It's something I'm actually really proud of.' The couple, who wed when Ashley was 22, regularly meet up on America's east and west coasts, in between pursuing their careers. Star lineup: (L-R) Lily Donaldson, Gigi Hadid and Elsa Hosk were among the models at the show Social: The couple chatted with fellow invitees outside the venue ahead of the show Golden girl: The 29-year-old beauty's dress boasted a metallic gold neckline feature Magdalena Roze has scoffed at suggestions her and Darren Robertson are a 'food power couple.' After making her name as a weather reporter, Magdalena is dipping her toe into the world of food podcasting and has her own cook book due out next month. But despite now occupying the same industry as her celebrity chef fiance, the journalist told The Daily Telegraph on Thursday that they don't embrace the 'power couple' tag. Perfect match: Magdalena Roze has scoffed at suggestions her and Darren Robertson are a 'food power couple' She said: 'It's really not that glamorous behind the scenes! Daz and I, food is our life. He's a chef of course, so it's been his working life for the past 20 years. 'And it's always been a great passion of mine, especially since moving to Byron Bay. But I don't know about being a food power couple!' Magdalena took a step back from her career as the duo left Sydney and set-up camp in Byron Bay two years ago. The right ingredients: Despite now occupying the same industry as her celebrity chef fiance, the journalist said that they don't embrace the 'power couple' tag Fresh start: After making her name as a weather reporter, Magdalena is dipping her toe into the world of food podcasting and has her own cook book due out next month The birth of their first child, Archie, followed in December 2015 and Magdalena has since set her sights on breaking into the food industry. Her podcast, The Pass, is in its infancy having only been made available for download on Sunday, but Magdalena has already featured interviews with celebrity chefs Matt Moran and Kylie Kwong. Another authority on the subject and ready-made interviewee was waiting at home. She told the publication: 'It was hilarious, to interview Daz. It was so funny. What was really nice about it was that having had a baby a year ago, we haven't had a chance to sit down and chat.' Chop and change: Magdalena took a step back from her career as the duo left Sydney and set-up camp in Byron Bay two years ago Family of foodies: The birth of their first child, Archie, followed in December 2015 and Magdalena has since set her sights on breaking into the food industry Yes chef! Darren (R) joined My Kitchen Rules as a guest judge for the current season on the request of friend and fellow chef Colin Fassnidge (L) Darren joined My Kitchen Rules as a guest judge for the current season on the request of friend and fellow chef Colin Fassnidge. The owner of Three Blue Ducks restaurants in Sydney and Byron Bay made his debut during Wednesday night's episode, and he told The Daily Telegraph earlier this week that he will be honest in his critique of the contestants. 'If things are genuinely terrible, I haven't got much of a poker face,' he said. 'Sometimes there is a really good idea behind a (failed) dish. You can see where it was supposed to go but it falls down because of execution or a problem in the kitchen. Others are just truly terrible from neglect or someone not caring.' She has been working hard in the gym since her breast cancer diagnosis last year. And Roxy Jacenko, 36, appears to be more confident than ever with her whittled physique, having donned a skin-baring ensemble at an exclusive Hermes party this Thursday. The PR guru was joined at the party by socialite and fashion designer Pip Edwards as well as Roxy's mother Doreen. Scroll down for video Roxy Jacenko, 36, appears to be more confident than ever with her whittled physique, having donned a skin-baring ensemble at an exclusive Hermes party this Thursday (pictured L-R Roxy Jacenko, Pip Edwards) Taking to Instagram to document the swanky outing, Roxy shared a selfie of herself and Doreen pouting together in the front of a car. She followed this up by uploading several group shots taken inside the party. Roxy's ensemble featured a pair of white shorts with exposed elastic banding around the waist emblazoned with the words J'adore Dior. It's a family outing! Taking to Instagram to document the swanky outing, Roxy shared a selfie of herself and Doreen pouting together in the front of a car Body confident! Roxy has been working hard in the gym since her breast cancer diagnosis last year White on the mark! Roxy's ensemble featured a pair of white shorts with exposed elastic banding around the waist emblazoned with the words J'adore Dior She wore her bleach-blonde mane to hang loosely by her shoulders, while accessorising her look with a simple gold necklace. The entrepreneur also made sure to pose alongside Pip Edwards, who wore a black floor-length gown. Roxy recently spoke to Daily Mail Australia about recently moving her Sweaty Betty company to the trendy suburb of Paddington and the expansion of her empire. Blonde beauty! She wore her bleach-blonde mane to hang loosely by her shoulders, while accessorising her look with a simple gold necklace 'Stage 1 of our offices is now complete, which is level one 27 Workstations for our Sweaty Betty PR and The Ministry of Talent teams,' she said. 'We are looking forward to partnering with a global make up brand who will outfit the space in the coming months,' she added. And that's not all, Roxy told Daily Mail Australia the premises will even include features such as a dedicated hair and makeup space for her staff. She's been accused of copying Amy Childs' looks in the past. But now Charlotte Dawson, 23, has unveiled new images of her post-breakup makeover on Instagram - and she looks even more like the ex-TOWIE star. The Ex On The Beach alum has been recovering from her recent split with rugby player Matt Sarsfield. Scroll down for video Amy Childs' twin? Charlotte Dawson, 23, is a dead ringer for the former TOWIE star with her new hair-do and makeup Charlotte revealed photographs of her raunchy new look on Instagram on Wednesday. Wearing her voluminous red curls loose around her shoulders, the star pouted her seductive lips as she glanced into the camera. Flaunting her striking make-up on Instagram, the star wrote: 'Focusing on me myself n chuffin I'. In a separate post, the star shared an image of herself rocking a long baby blue Milk and Diamonds jumper under a trendy black corset belt. She added height to her frame with a pair of transparent golden heels. New look: Wearing her voluminous red curls loose around her shoulders, the star pouted her seductive lips as she glanced into the camera. Flaunting her striking make-up on Instagram, the star wrote: 'Focusing on me myself n chuffin I'. When Charlotte dyed her hair red last year, social media users accused her of stealing Amy's style. One user posted a Facebook comment which said: 'I thought it was Amy Childs', while another said: 'That Charlotte looks like Amy Childs'. Another added: 'Charlotte would do anything for publicity!'. Stealing my look: While its evident Charlotte is making an effort with her looks, its also clear she could easily pass for Amy with her new hair-do and makeup The real Amy Childs: The ex-TOWIE star opted for a smart casual look as she leaves the new Victoria Beckham store empty handed in Dover Street, London When Charlotte appeared on ITV's daytime show This Morning in December, one social media user said: 'Charlotte Dawson looks more like Amy Childs than Amy Childs does herself.' Furthermore it's clear Charlotte is putting on a brave face. One would have expected the Ex On The Beach star to lay low after she spoke out about her recent breakup, saying she felt like her heart had been 'ripped out'. Shortly before the split, a source told The Sun Online: 'Charlotte is convinced Matt is the one for her, she's been planning years ahead and it all seemed like Matt was of the same mind, but things have become difficult. Over? Charlotte Dawson split from her rugby ace boyfriend Matt Sarsfield, according to reports 'Charlotte loves to party and so does Matt, but he's a professional athlete and sometimes that makes things difficult. 'Charlotte really is doing everything she can to get things back on track, and it couldn't have happened at a worse time, right on top of Valentine's Day and her father Les' birthday.' The news of the break-up came weeks after the couple sparked engagement rumours. During a night out in Blackpool, they packed on the PDA as they enjoyed a date night after going out for dinner earlier in the evening with her mum Tracey in Blackpool. The reality star changed into a racier ensemble and popped her sparkler back on her ring finger as she puckered up to her hunk. Ex on the scene? The Ex On The Beach star, 23, split from the Swinton Lions player before Valentine's Day Hours earlier Charlotte headed out with a noticeably bare ring finger- after recently sparking engagement rumours with Matt. The beauty was spotted with a huge rock on her finger during a date with her beau in Buckinghamshire in December, after just one month of dating. Charlotte and Matt are believed to have begun dating in November, and confirmed the romance after Jemma Lucy quipped that she was in a relationship with the Ex On The Beach star. Her outing with the ring came just days after she hinted that she was ready to marry her handsome new beau, despite their short time together. Devastated: Charlotte - who recently marked the emotional anniversary of her comic father Les' death - is said to feel like her 'heart has been ripped out' Speaking on This Morning about her late father Les Dawson, she was asked how she would feel when she got married without her dad giving her away. She explained: 'Watching the wedding back I looked at them and it was true love, it made me feel so proud and happy to be his daughter. 'I think I've met 'The One' now, he's called Matthew, so hopefully. '(My dad will) be there down the aisle (in spirit). I've asked my mum to give me away.' She is the storm that has wreaked devastation across the UK - whipping up waves, tearing down trees, leaving houses without power and delaying trains. And it seems even TV presenters are not safe from the wrath of Storm Doris as Helen Skelton battled against a huge gust of wind outside the ITV studios in central London after hosting Lorraine on Thursday morning . The pregnant star, 33, showed off her blooming baby bump, shrieking as she was pushed forward in the violent breeze. Scroll down for video Help! Even TV presenters are not safe from Storm Doris as Helen Skelton battled against a huge gust of wind outside the ITV studios in London after hosting Lorraine on Thursday The former Blue Peter presenter - who is eight months pregnant with her second child with rugby player husband Richie Myler - flattered her changing shape in a cute ensemble as she fought the gale. Helen dressed her baby bump in a sweet, polka dot minidress and kept out the cold with a dusty pink coat. The TV host sported a pair of sensible black ankle boots with a medium heel, and thick black tights. Bumping along: The pregnant star, 33, showed off her blooming baby bump, shrieking as she was pushed forward in the violent breeze Going dotty: The former Blue Peter presenter - who is eight months pregnant - flattered her changing shape in a cute ensemble as she fought the gale Her hair, tousled by the extreme wind, was freshly highlighted and she kept her make-up simple with just a slick of baby pink gloss. Helen was quick to see the funny side of her battle with the raging storm and grinned at photographers as she kicked up one leg to steady herself. The TV presenter has been standing in for Lorraine Kelly while the veteran morning show host takes a three-week break to celebrate her 25th wedding anniversary. Mum's the word: Helen dressed her baby bump in a sweet, polka dot minidress and kept out the cold with a dusty pink coat Whoosh: Helen lifted her leg to steady herself as Storm Doris blew all around her Helen has been criticised by Lorraine's loyal fans with some taking to social media to express their disappointment with her presenting style. One fan described it as 'painful' on Twitter. Not only did Helen face fan disappointment, but she also suffered an embarrassing fall during London Fashion Week. The glamorous presenter described the tumble to Lorraine's fashion correspondent Mark Heyes. Up up and away! The TV host sported a pair of sensible black ankle boots with a medium heel, and thick black tights 'What not to do at London Fashion Week. A: don't ask for the goody bag before you sit down,' said the Cumbria-born presenter. 'B: Don't fall down the stairs, split your knee open and spill said goody bag.' Helen revealed that she had been injured when she fell. 'Don't call me Bridget Jones - I don't think I'll be invited back. My knee has been bleeding for 12 hours.' Helen is already a doting mummy to son Ernie, 20 months. Pretty as a picture: Her hair, tousled by the extreme wind, was freshly highlighted and she kept her make-up simple with just a slick of baby pink gloss Jane Fonda split from Richard Perry in January. And in the new issue of Closer Weekly, a friend says the 79-year-old actress feels a 'new freedom' now that she is 'starting over.' On Wednesday evening the beauty looked more radiant than ever as she used her celebrity for good when she spoke at the 2017 Global Green Pre-Oscars Gala held at Tao in Los Angeles. Activist! Jane Fonda, 79, used her celebrity for good on Wednesday night when she spoke at the 2017 Global Green Pre-Oscars Gala held at Tao in Los Angeles But they're still friends! Fonda split from Richard Perry in January. And in the new issue of Closer Weekly, a friend says the actress feels a 'new freedom' now that she is 'starting over.' Pictured October Fonda and Perry announced their split in January after listing their Beverly Hills mansion for $13 million. And now the star has 'rededicated herself to activism,' a source told Closer. The legend is also looking forward to re-focusing. 'I think she is looking forward to a little "me" time,' said the source. Chic: The actress looked gorgeous in an elegant black blazer as she passionately touched on the Dakota Pipeline protests and her first-hand experience at Standing Rock On Wednesday, the actress looked gorgeous in an elegant black blazer as she passionately touched on the Dakota Pipeline protests and her first-hand experience at Standing Rock. Jane looked half her age as she passionately recounted her experience with the 'amazing' people she met at the protests. The Grace and Frankie star paired her satin collared blazer with a simple black camisole. She glammed up for the evening with a pendant around her neck and large dangling diamond earrings. The 79-year-old activist looked youthful and radiant with natural makeup letting her beauty shine through. Naturally gorgeous: The 79-year-old activist looked youthful and radiant with natural makeup letting her beauty shine through. Doing good: The legendary actress was there alongside Orlando Bloom who part of the host committee for the event Her perfectly coiffed hair didn't have a single strand out of place as she continued her address to the crowd, at one point calling President Trump the 'predator in chief.' The legendary actress was there alongside Orlando Bloom who part of the host committee for the event. The Goodwill Ambassador has his own history of activism and just returned from a volunteer weekend helping children in Africa on Tuesday. Global Green is an organization that promotes sustainable design, clean energy and water reduction measures. Better together: The two stars have made a name for themselves as activists on many issues, using their celebrity status for good Pre-Oscars activism: They both got up on stage to speak passionately about their cause The nonprofit encourages building green and using environmentally-friendly sustainability practices. They use the Pre-Oscars party, as well as four other events throughout the year, as a way to educate people about climate-friendly options. Honorees at the event included Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Chairman David Archambault II, Earth Day Texas CEO Ryan Brown, polar adventurer and environmental educator Douglas Stoup, Plastic Pollution Coalition and 4Navitas in collaboration with Seimens, according to the organization's website. They have become firm friends after working together for over a decade on the X-Men franchise. And Sir Patrick Stewart reveals he has become so close to Hugh Jackman, that he took great joy in seeing him streak. The veteran British actor, 76, and his hunky Australian co-star, 48, are guests on this week's Graham Norton Show to promote new film Logan - and spoke mostly about being naked. Scroll down for video Naked truth: Sir Patrick Stewart reveals he has become so close to Hugh Jackman, that he took great joy in seeing him streak Talking about his endless nude scenes playing feral anti-hero Wolverine, Hugh admitted he always snubbed wearing a pouch to protect his modesty. He says: 'I refused to wear the little green modesty pouch as it was too awkward and embarrassing, though I was flattered that they thought me not wearing it might be such an issue!' Chiming in, Patrick quipped that during one of Hugh's onset streaking sessions the excited cast urged him to do it again - more slowly. 'Towards the end of filming on the first movie there was an unexpected and unannounced naked appearance by Hugh. He streaked through the set and we all thought, "Slow that man down, we need another look!"' Candid: The veteran British actor, 76, and his hunky Australian co-star, 48, are guests on this week's Graham Norton Show to promote new film Logan - and Patrick quipped that during one of Hugh's streaking sessions the excited cast urged him to do it again - more slowly No worries: Talking about his endless nude scenes playing feral anti-hero Wolverine, Hugh admitted he always snubbed wearing a pouch to protect his modesty Making the cut: Patrick left Hugh is hysterics as he revealed he always believed he was circumcised - until his wife and his doctor told him otherwise Keeping with the theme, Patrick went on to reveal his own very private story. The Star Trek legend admitted that he had always believed he was circumcised - until his wife - and doctor - told him a very different story. The actor explained: 'One night with my wife, as you do, we were talking about stuff and I mentioned my circumcision and she said, "Youre not circumcised." I said, "What do you mean? Thats ridiculous, I should know. All my life my mother has told me it was fashionable at the time." 'I happened to be seeing my doctor the next day for a check up so while he was "down there" I said, "By the way, my wife and I have had a little disagreement, I am circumcised arent I?" He took a closer look and said, "Not! I am Jewish and definitely know the difference! Elisabetta Canalis has congratulated her ex-boyfriend George Clooney on his baby news. The 38-year-old Italian TV presenter - who dated the Oscar winner for two years until they split in June 2011 - was delighted to hear that the Gravity star is expecting twins with his wife Amal Clooney. Elisabetta went as far as to say that George's news brought her 'joy.' Happy for the guy: Elisabetta Canalis has congratulated her ex-boyfriend George Clooney on his baby news. Pictured in 2010 Thumb's up: The 38-year-old Italian TV presenter was delighted to hear that the Gravity star is expecting twins with his wife Amal Clooney. Pictured October Speaking to Italian magazine Chi, she said: 'I'm happy [for him], really happy. This news brought me joy. 'When someone wants to have a baby and that actually happens, it's a gift. I wish him the best.' Elisabetta became a mother herself in September 2015 when she and her husband, orthopedic surgeon Brian Perri, welcomed their daughter Skyler Eva into the world. Mama: lisabetta became a mother herself in September 2015 when she and her husband, orthopedic surgeon Brian Perri, welcomed their daughter Skyler Eva into the world Her man: Here the beauty is seen with her spouse in September in Florence The arrival of Skyler came over a year after Elisabetta - who lives in Los Angeles with her family - tragically suffered a miscarriage in June 2014. George, 55, recently spoke publicly for their first time about the pregnancy and revealed he is 'really excited' about beginning his parenthood adventure with Amal, 39. He said: 'We are really happy and really excited. It's going to be an adventure. We've sort of embraced it all with arms wide open.' And his mother Nina also said that they will be having a boy and a girl. He spent the night rubbing shoulders with the biggest names in music at the star-studded BRIT Awards. But Brooklyn Beckham was back to living life as a normal teen on Thursday as he headed out with friends despite his lack of sleep. Sporting a sling after breaking his arm in a snowboarding accident, the 17-year-old son of David and Victoria Beckham was all smiles on the outing. Scroll down for video Back in the fold: He spent the night partying at the star-studded BRIT Awards. But Brooklyn Beckham was back to living life as a normal teen on Thursday as he headed out with friends Dressed down the outing, the budding photographer didn't appear fazed by the high winds brought on by Storm Doris, as he donned a flimsy grey T-shirt for the outing. He teamed the garment with distressed jeans and a pink beanie hat, finishing off the look with checkered vans. Chatting away, the star seemed to be enjoying some time with his friends - which did not include Anais Gallagher - despite her recent gushing comments about the teen. Anais - the only child of legendary rocker Noel Gallagher, 49, and socialite Meg Mathews, 50 recently told ES magazine: 'We're like brother and sister. We have a really good relationship. I like to help him out with girls.' Loving life: Sporting a sling after breaking his arm in a snowboarding accident, the 17-year-old son of David and Victoria Beckham was all smiles on the outing Best buds: Chatting away, the star seemed to be enjoying some time with his friends - which did not include Anais Gallagher - despite her recent gushing comments about the teen Stepping out: Anais - the only child of legendary rocker Noel Gallagher, 49, and socialite Meg Mathews, 50 was seen across town after she described Brooklyn as her 'brother' Brooklyn's outing came after he partied until the early hours at the Warner Music & Ciroc Brit Awards after party on Wednesday night. The budding photographer looked content as he posed for photographers while donning an all-black ensemble, despite nursing his broken collarbone. Earlier on in the night, Brooklyn made a stylish arrival to the annual music spectacle at London's O2 Arena. The rising model stole the spotlight on the red carpet in a statement tartan jacket and topped off the look with a brand new beard. The over-sized outerwear swamped his slim physique and he completed the look with all-black essentials underneath. Feeling brave: Brooklyn's outing came after he partied until the early hours at the Warner Music & Ciroc Brit Awards after party on Wednesday night following the BRITs ceremony Feeling better: The budding photographer, 17 - who broke his collarbone - looked content as he posed for photographers while donning an all-black ensemble Mingling with the stars: The son of David and Victoria Beckham looked more than comfortable in his celebrity surroundings Trendy: Earlier on in the night, Brooklyn made a stylish arrival to the annual music spectacle where he hid his injury in the over-sized outerwear New look: The teen model also sported a moustache on the red carpet The tight stuff: Brooklyn kept it simple in a tight T-shirt and jeans The eldest child of David and Brooklyn Beckham also seemed to be growing a moustache as he sported a few hairs on his upper lip. Brooklyn displayed a slight smirk on his face, which only seemed to emphasis his new look further. The wannabe photographer mingled with a slew of stars at the bash including Holly Willoughby, Charli XCX, Doutzen Kroes and Abbey Clancy. Looking fan-tache-tic! The eldest child of David and Brooklyn Beckham seemed to be growing a moustache as he sported a few hairs on his upper lip Happy display: Brooklyn sported a slight smirk on his face, which only seemed to emphasis his new look further Going solo: Brooklyn appeared to be heading into the bash alone 'I held him as a baby and now he's a big man!': His appearance at the BRITs seemed to shock former Spice Girl Emma Bunton (Far R) Wannabe: Emma sported black trousers and high heels as she posed for snaps with partner Jade Jones Frank Lampard and Christine Bleakley were also among the attendees, with Christine looking striking in a silky emerald green top and black trousers. His appearance at the BRITs seemed to shock former Spice Girl Emma Bunton who revealed on the ITV2 after show party: 'Brooklyn is here! 'Im like, "I held you as a baby and now hes a big man!" Its frightening! He looks very handsome,' the songstress gushed. Going green: Christine Bleakley looked pretty in a slinky emerald shirt teamed with black trousers as she posed with husband Frank Lampard Behind the decks: There was no relaxing for BRITs host Dermot O'Leary who spun some tunes at the bash My other half: Dermot brought along wife Dee Koppang who cut an eye-catching figure in a black dress and fluffy coat Coordinated couple: Peter Crouch sported a velvet dinner jacket while wife Abbey Clancy sported a stunning one-shouldered black and white frock All the glamour: Nicole Appleton shimmered in blue while Ashley Roberts wore a black and white patterned number and Caroline Flack an LBD with leopardprint coat The teen star seemed in great spirits despite suffering a painful accident after he hit the slopes in Whistler. He shared a video of the moment he injured himself on Instagram where he showed his impressive snowboarding ability leading up to the accident, smoothly carving through the powder in the scenic setting. After seemingly negotiating the trickiest part of the descent, he falls forwards while on an innocuous wide expanse, cracking his bone in the process. Starry affair: Ed Sheeran and Noel Gallagher were among the guests at the Warners bash Two different looks: Zara Martin sported a leather-look black and orange striped frock while party-girl Amber Le Bon wore a semi-sheer top and maxi-skirt Fringe benefits: Pixie sported a metallic ensemble with fringed skirt Model behaviour: Doutzen Kroes sported a black dress teamed with padded jacket and chunky boots In their glad rags: Natalia Vodianova looked a striking sight in a pink embroidered and feathered gown while Holly Willoughby dazzled in a sequinned mini dress Party girls: Maisie Williams, Charli XCX and Louise Thompson all looked very different with Maisie going flouncy, Charli sporty and Louise sporting a classic little black dress Unlikely pair: James Blunt had a catch up and a photo with former footballer Frank, while Niall Horan was also at the bash in a suit and trainers The video, which was viewed almost 400,000 times in the first four hours, was simply uploaded with the caption: 'Broke my collarbone at the end.' Hours later, he shared an image of his X-Ray, displaying his collarbone ripped apart, putting him out of action for the rest of the trip. The family appear to be have spent some quality time together in the winter hotspot after a hectic and fraught few weeks. Ouch: The second-generation star also shared the X-ray confirming the injury on his social media Man down: The model lost control of his body, leading to the a violent impact on the snow Slope master: Prior to his tumble, Brooklyn navigated the mountain with precision Not only was Victoria busy preparing for her A/W17 showcase in New York City, emails were then leaked of David reportedly reacting angrily to not being given a knighthood. The former England captain allegedly branded the Honours Committee unappreciative c***s in the messages, and dismissed lower awards. According to the revelations, the Honours Committee had already agreed that Beckham's nomination almost certainly proposed by his PR advisers was well 'merited' before a routine check of his tax affairs. BRIT AWARDS 2017 - THE WINNERS BRITISH MALE SOLO ARTIST David Bowie - WINNER Craig David Kano Michael Kiwanuka Skepta BRITISH FEMALE SOLO ARTIST Emeli Sande - WINNER Anohni Ellie Goulding Lianne La Havas Nao BRITISH GROUP The 1975 - WINNER Bastille Biffy Clyro Little Mix Radiohead BRITISH BREAKTHROUGH ACT Rag'n'Bone Man - WINNER Anne-Marie Blossoms Skepta Stormzy BRITISH SINGLE Little Mix - Shout Out To My Ex - WINNER Alan Walker - Faded Calum Scott - Dancing On My Own Calvin Harris Ft Rihanna - This Is What You Came For Clean Bandit- Rockabye Coldplay - Hymn For The Weekend James Arthur - Say You Won't Let Go Jonas Blue & Dakota - Fast Car Tinie Tempah Ft Zara Larsson - Girls Like Zayn - Pillowtalk BRITISH ALBUM OF THE YEAR David Bowie - Blackstar - WINNER The 1975 - I Like It When You Sleep For You Are Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It Kano - Made In the Manor Michael Kiwanuka - Love & Hate Skepta Konnichiwa BRITISH ARTIST VIDEO OF THE YEAR One Direction - History - WINNER Adele - Send My Love (To Your New Lover) Calvin Harris Ft Rihanna - This Is What You Came For Clean Bandit Ft Sean Paul & Anne-Marie - Rockabye Coldplay - Hymn For The Weekend James Arthur - Say You Won't Let Go Jonas Blue & Dakota - Fast Car Little Mix Ft Sean Paul - Hair Tinie Tempah Ft Zara Larsson - Girls Like Zayn - Pillowtalk INTERNATIONAL MALE SOLO ARTIST Drake -WINNER Bon Iver Bruno Mars Leonard Cohen The Weeknd INTERNATIONAL FEMALE SOLO ARTIST Beyonce - WINNER Christine and the Queens Rihanna Sia Solange INTERNATIONAL GROUP A Tribe Called Quest - WINNER Kings Of Leon Drake And Future Nick Cave And the Bad Seeds Twenty-One Pilots Advertisement This star clearly saved up her Weight Watchers Points as she came to party. Oprah Winfrey helped the cast and crew of her new movie A Wrinkle In Time celebrate National Margarita Day on Thursday. The 63-year-old star made a work day a little more fun in New Zealand by whipping up a big batch of the tequila-based drinks. Scroll down for video Blend it op: Oprah Winfrey helped the cast and crew of her new movie A Wrinkle In Time celebrate National Margarita Day on Thursday The talk host made sure the party got started by blending frozen cocktails up for her and fellow A Wrinkle In Time castmates Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling. As Montell Jordan's classic track This Is How We Do It blared in the background, Oprah got her groove and blend on. And proving not all heroes wear capes, the star assigned herself bartender duties to ensure there was liberal announce of 1800 Tequila and Cointreau in the margaritas. Caught on camera by Reese, Oprah explained: 'I'm making sure we have good margaritas and there is no watering down problem.' Getting the party started:The 63-year-old star made a work day a little more fun in New Zealand by whipping up a big batch of the tequila-based drinks Drinking buddies: The talk host made sure the party got started by blending frozen cocktails up for her and fellow A Wrinkle In Time castmates Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling Oprah did not say if they were skinny margaritas but hopefully they were, as just one of the Mexican cocktails is 9 Weight Watchers Points - and most people have around 25 points total a day. Oprah has, of course, recently dropped over 40 pounds since joining the program. Mindy also shared a snap of her very famous bartender, who Mindy says made her break a personal drinking rule. Getting it just right: And proving not all heroes wear capes, the star assigned herself bartender duties to ensure there was liberal announce of 1800 Tequila and Cointreau in the margaritas Knows what she likes: Caught on camera by Reese, Oprah explained, 'I'm making sure we have good margaritas and there is no watering down problem' 'Oprah-ritas': Mindy also shared a snap of her very famous bartender, who Mindy says made her break a personal drinking rule The comedian said on Instagram: 'Don't usually drink margaritas on a week night but then again they're usually not Oprah-ritas.' The party comes after about a week since the stars touched down in New Zealand to start filming A Wrinkle In Time. The Ava DuVernay-directed film also stars Chris Pine and Zach Galifanakis. The story, adapted from the 1963 Newbery Medal-winning Madeleine L'Engle novel, follows a young girl whose scientist father goes missing after working on a mysterious project that involves traveling through dimensions. They are the loved up reality couple who recently made their long-anticipated exciting move to Bali together. But it looks like there trouble in paradise for Megan Marx and Tiffany Scalon, with the pair hinting they have split on social media on Thursday. The Bachelor's first lesbian couple have parted ways in Bali, with Tiffany heading home to Perth, Australia, and Megan to an unknown tropical location. Scroll down for video Have Megan Marx and Tiffany Scalon split? The Bachelor's first lesbian couple have hinted they have split after uploading cryptic posts on Instagram about 'solitude' and 'healing' on Thursday Cryptic: Both blondes uploaded cryptic posts on Instagram about 'solitude' and 'healing' on Thursday evening Both blondes uploaded cryptic posts on Instagram about 'solitude' and 'healing' on Thursday evening, with Tiffany admitting she is 'lost in life'. Back in her hometown of Perth, Tiffany headed straight to the Mosman Dog Park near Fremantle with her beloved pet pooches. Sharing an image of herself in a bikini while cuddling her furry friends on the beach, she wrote: 'C R E A T U R E C O M F O R T S' along with the hashtags 'comfort' and 'oceanhealing' 'lostinlife'. Home and alone: Meanwhile, back home in Perth, Tiffany headed straight to the Mosman Dog Park in Fremantle with her beloved pet pooches Meanwhile, Megan, who appears to have gone on a solo cruise in either another destination or Bali, posted a picture of herself looking forlorn on a boat while drinking a glass of wine. She wrote in a caption alongside it: 'Exactly what I needed today. Nature, diving, solitude.' The couple's fans immediately went into a frenzy, speculating that the pair had parted ways. That pictures that started it all: The couple sparked speculation they were in a relationship last year when they posted this topless snap on social media 'Im broken hearted. (sic) Hard to assume but the sign says you aren't together anymore i really thought you were my #relationshipgoal,' one user wrote on Tiffany's feed. 'Omg please don't tell me you broke up,' another cried. 'Can't imagine what it's like having the world follow your relationship... Hope you are ok,' one fan asked. Affectionate display: The pair are known for uploading affectionate and saucy snap on Instagram Happy: The pair, pictured here last year, have showed no signs of trouble in paradise but have been noticeably absent from each other's Instagram feeds Another Instagram user posted a quote by poet E.E. Cummings under Tiffany's photograph, which read: 'For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), Its always ourself we find in the sea. e.e." Cummings. Tiffany replied almost straight away, writing: 'ive not heard that quote before but it resonates with me right now thankyou.' The couple's cryptic posts come after Tiffany penned a heartfelt message for PopSugar Australia earlier this month, opening up about her first same-sex relationship: 'No one has been more confused than me.' Oh no! The couple's fans immediately went into a frenzy, speculating that the pair had parted ways 'It certainly did not happen overnight,' Tiffany wrote in reference to the relationship. 'It took a lot of hiding in the shadows trying to figure out what we were. 'Megan had been with other women before but for me it was (and still is) an extremely confusing time made even harder by being in the public spotlight,' she continued. Her candid comments came shortly after fellow Bachelor contestant Keira Maguire claimed their romance is staged. Keira, 29, made the accusations in a Instagram Live video, during which she answered a series of questions from viewers. Poignant: Another Instagram user posted a quote by E.E. Cummings under Tiffany's photograph, which read: 'For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), Its always ourself we find in the sea. e.e." Cummings' One person asked: 'So Tiffany and Megan are faking their relationship?' To which the former reality TV star replied: 'Yes they are faking their relationship' and called it a 'publicity stunt.' Following the accusations, Tiffany and Megan hit back at their former friend, warning her 'not to get in touch' with them any time soon. 'I haven't heard from Keira since we were both filming and I probably don't recommend her trying,' Megan said in a recent interview in OK! Magazine. She added that she has the same advice for Keira that she does for online trolls, and that is: 'If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all.' Tiffany was slightly more forgiving, but told the publication Keira should, 'refrain from publicly commenting on things you know nothing about'. On the same page: Tiffany replied almost straight away, writing: 'ive not heard that quote before but it resonates with me right now thankyou' 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, in a statement to Daily Mail Australia. '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. '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!' New beginnings: The pair moved to Bali together in January to start a new life Megan and Tiffany officially confirmed their romance at the Maxim Hot 100 party at The Star, Sydney back in November, last year. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia at the event, Tiffany told how they confessed their love for each other on another holiday in Bali, Indonesia in June. 'While we were in the show, it was just a friendship. It probably wasn't until we were in Bali together that it was like ''Oh, this is more'',' said Tiffany. Her partner Megan also confessed she wasn't expecting to fall for another woman while filming the TV dating series, starring Richie Strahan. 'We had very different experiences when we were on the show. Obviously I found Tiffany very attractive but I was there to get to know Richie,' she said. 'But instantly we knew there was a very strong connection. I was so excited to meet her in Bali,' Megan added. The couple revealed 'no one seemed to notice' they had become more than friends during that fateful holiday - and it took 'months' for anyone to find out. In happier times: The couple's relationship was documented on Instagram 'It started in June and it wasn't until October that people noticed! So it was quite a long time,' Tiffany revealed. The pair admitted their fellow contestants had a feeling something was going on between them during filming. 'It's been interesting talking to other girls on the show, because they just knew something was going on,' Megan said. Tiffany added: 'We were on our own wavelengths. We found each other hilarious but other people didn't kind of get us. 'Like we'd do weird things and thought it was funny, but nobody else did. Advertisement Earlier in the day she turned heads at the Fendi runway show. And Kendall Jenner ensured all eyes would be on her yet again as she walked in the Moschino AW17 presentation for Milan Fashion Week on Thursday. Joined by supermodel sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid, the trio made for quite the force as they stormed the catwalk in designs appeared to be modelled on cardboard boxes as George Michael songs played in the background. Scroll down for video Terrific trio: Kendall Jenner ensured all eyes would be on her as she walked in the Moschino AW17 presentation for Milan Fashion Week alongside best friend Gigi Hadid and her younger sister Bella on Thursday Kendall was a force to be reckoned with as she took her turn down the cardboard runway in a skirt suit that complemented the sisters' quirky ensembles. Adorned with strips of reflective material designed to look like tape, the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star was a vision of beauty as she strutted past the star-studded crowd. Flaunting her enviably long legs, she donned a thigh-grazing mini skirt, whilst a pair of nude patent heels aided in giving her an extra boost as she teetered along. Posing up a storm: Kendall was equally as glamorous as she took her turn down the cardboard runway in a skirt suit that complemented the sisters' quirky ensembles Breaking the fashion mould: The most quirky item of Kendall's ensemble was a small hat positioned jauntily on the side of her head which resembled a small cardboard box wrapped in net Kendall's blazer matched her mini, whilst a thick upturned collar gave the item a demure feel. With the sleeves 3/4 length, Kendall's perfectly manicured fingers grasped a snakeprint handbag which she slung along as she sashayed past. However, the most quirky item of the ensemble was a small hat positioned jauntily on the side of her head which resembled a small cardboard box wrapped in net. Famed for their quirky and kooky ensembles, the Moschino presentation appeared to be centered on recyclable fashion, with the models strutting their stuff in eye-catching high fashion ensembles. Blonde bombshell! Gazing steely-eyed down the runway, Gigi's golden locks were worn in a stylish bouffant that drew more attention to her eye-catching features Tan-tastic! Clad in a beige trench coat, the garment cinched in at her tiny waist with a thick belt, and was adorned in shipping labels, putting a quirky twist on an undeniable classic Recycled couture: Gigi's genetically blessed younger sister Bella also dazzled on the runway, hammering home the packaging theme with a hat that looked as though it had been fashioned from wrapping paper and duct tape Brunette beauty: The most dramatic transformation, however, was Bella's raven coloured locks, which were pulled into a severe bun, whilst a blunt full fringe framed her model features, which were accentuated by a neutral make-up palette Gazing steely-eyed down the runway, Gigi's golden locks were worn in a stylish bouffant that drew more attention to her eye-catching features. Clad in a beige trench coat, the garment cinched in at her tiny waist with a thick belt, and was adorned in shipping labels, putting a quirky twist on an undeniable classic. Adding more height to her model frame, she donned a pair of leather boots, also covered in stickers as she sashayed down the cardboard runway. Thrice as nice! Kendall, Gigi and Bella also rocked uber glamorous ensembles on the runway as they made a quick change out of their cardboard box inspired ensembles into a second more conventional look Suited and booted: Kendall stormed the runway in a fitted black trouser suit with a plunging neckline that showed off her decotellage whilst she pulled a fur lined cape along the cardboard runway Adding some extra glamour, the Vogue covergirl donned a pair of large gold earrings, whilst a small satchel was slung over her shoulder. Her genetically blessed younger sister Bella also dazzled on the runway, hammering home the packaging theme with a hat that looked as though it had been fashioned from wrapping paper and duct tape. She wore a beige dolly coat that flared out to just above the knee, revealing a hint of flesh before she slipped into matching heeled boots. Catwalk Queen: Gigi commanded attention as she stormed the runway in her floor length gown which looked incredible form the from the front and behind Steady on! Gigi appeared unsteady on her feet as she seemed to get tangled in the floor length tassels of her second gown. Luckily she was able to maintain her composure and continued to storm the runway to the guests' delight Model moment: Gigi dazzled in a sheer gown adorned with floral embroidery which clung to her slender physique The most dramatic transformation, however, was Bella's raven coloured locks, which were pulled into a severe bun, whilst a blunt full fringe framed her model features, which were accentuated by a neutral make-up palette. The second ensembles were just as glamorous as the first, with Kendall swapping her skirt suit for a tailored black pant suit with a plunging neckline that showed off her decotellage. It was glamorous gowns for Bella and Gigi, who both looked equally as radiant as they took their turns on the runway among a host of other famous models which included Stella Maxwell and Romee Strijd. Twice as nice! Gigi and Bella looked incredible as they posed backstage in their second outfits of the show Working it! Bella managed to stay on her feet as she made her way down the runway for the second time, holding her hands on her hips to accentuate her hourglass curves even further All eyes on her: Stealing the spotlight, the younger of the Hadid sisters looked phenomenal in a sequinned gold mini dress with a plunging neckline that offered a look not only at her tanned and toned pins, but ample cleavage Gigi may have looked phenomenal in her second ensemble, but she appeared to run into some trouble walking in it, and at one point had to stop in order to remove her heel from the hem of the gown. Sheer in design, the garment was adorned with a scarlet paisley print which complemented her tanned complexion and golden locks. However, her velvet red shoes may have matched the glamorous nature of the dress, but left her struggling to walk during the show. Bella managed to stay on her feet as she made her way down the runway for the second time, holding her hands on her hips to accentuate her hourglass curves even further. Hanging around: Stella Maxwell paraded down the runway in a dry cleaning bag complete with a hanger on her head Fragile! Handle with care: The show also saw her dressed in a suit version of a cardboard box Glamorous: Stella looked phenomenal as she stormed the runway in a skirt suit and court heels complete with a patterned headscarf that she used to cover up her golden locks That's a wrap! Victoria's Secret model Elsa Hosk stormed the runway in a bubble wrap inspired dress and large bow Water sight! Romee Strijd donned a shower curtain inspired dress complete with a floral shower cap and mesh shoes Turning heads: The audience were transfixed as Romee dragged her green train down the runway Pulling the plug! The blonde bombshell also donned earrings in the shape of shower plugs on the night Stealing the spotlight, the younger of the Hadid sisters looked phenomenal in a sequinned gold mini dress with a plunging neckline that offered a look not only at her tanned and toned pins, but ample cleavage. Earlier in the day the trio stormed the catwalk at the Fendi show during Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2017/18 on Thursday. Kendall looked sensational in a Seventies-inspired ensemble, complete with quirky glasses, while all the girls sported sexy red leather boots. Having already walked in New York, London and Paris fashion weeks, the trio of stunners have seen and modelled most collections for all the upcoming designers. Posing up a storm: Stella Maxwell joined the models in their quirky ensembles as they stormed the cardboard runway Fergalicious! Fergie was one of the glamorous guests at the show and looked phenomenal in a khaki belted trench coat What a load of rubbish! The models stormed the runway in bin bag liner inspired dresses Three of a kind: Vogue Japan editor Anna Dello Russo, Charli XCX and Jodie Harsh were among the glamorous guests Ruling the runway! The models were a force to be reckoned with as they stormed the catwalk on the evening 'Same but different': Bella shared a sweet snap with her elder sister after walking in the quirky show Looking good! American Vogue editor Anna Wintour dazzled in a boucle skirt suit adorned with purple flecks, whilst she added some height to her frame in a pair of knee high grey snakeskin boots Model moment: Elsa Hosk and Stella Maxwell were arm in arm as they left the show together in slightly less quirky ensembles Double trouble: The pair looked in good spirits as they headed home after the fashion show Orange you glad to see me? Kendall Jenner's rumoured boyfriend A$AP Rocky was out in Milan on Thursday Vibrant: The rapper was impossible to miss in a pair of cropped orange jogging bottoms which he teamed with a large padded jacket worn over a grey hoodie and teamed with chunky white trainers Kendall led the charge of the models in her stunning red coat which was biased-cut to nip in at her tiny waist, while the wide shoulders drowned her frame slightly with stunning effect. Keeping her look entirely themed, the star sported thigh-high leather boots underneath, which added a sexy edge to the otherwise covered up look, while also matching her stylish leather handbag. While her outfit was striking enough, the main pull was in her funky accessories, complete with huge round sunglasses and a pair of perspex red hoop earrings. Red on black: Kendall and her pals Gigi and Bella are well-versed in their trade, as illustrated when they stormed the catwalk at the Fendi show during Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2017/18 earlier that morning Strutting her stuff: The 20-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star looked sensational in a Seventies-inspired ensemble, complete with quirky glasses, while all the girls sported sexy red leather boots Stunner: Kendall strutted her stuff as she walked in the exquisite clothing Out and a pout: Kendall pulled her best model gaze as she waited to walk backstage Joining her on the runway was Bella and Gigi, whose stunning good looks and lithe physiques have made them into a designer's dream, while also pushing them to the forefront of the 'Instagram generation of models'. While Gigi is famed for her wholesome California girl good looks, complete with her honeyed tresses and glowing tan, Bella is known to favour a more gothic look, with raven hair and an alabaster complexion. Bella looked incredible for the show as she went for an androgynous ensemble with a sexy white shirt dress layered beneath a tuxedo jacket. The edgy look was glammed up with white hoop earrings. Gigi meanwhile looked stunning in a sweeping black coat with a fur trim layered above a black chiffon dress with a flirty hemline. March of the models: Every single star of the runway looked chic as they strutted their stuff in their finery Stunners: Joining her on the runway was Bella and Gigi, whose stunning good looks and lithe physiques have made them into a designer's dream, while also pushing them to the forefront of the 'Instagram generation of models' Leather lady: Bella looked incredible for the show as she went for an androgynous ensemble with a sexy white shirt dress layered beneath a tuxedo jacket. The edgy look was glammed up with white hoop earrings Strutting her stuff: Gigi meanwhile looked stunning in a sweeping black coat with a fur trim layered above a black chiffon dress with a flirty hemline Strutting her stuff: Kendall wowed as she stole the show in crimson The stunning star: Was having a laugh with the models and her peers There she is: On the FROW was fashion maven Anna Wintour Blonde beauty: Backstage shots showed Gigi's getting ready process as she transformed Look at me! Gigi is currently dating One Direction star Zayn Malik Wow: The looks on the runway were certainly stand out and elegant While she was hard at work in Milan, Kendall proved it is not all work no play as she enjoyed a night on the town with her rumoured boyfriend A$AP Rocky during Milan Fashion Week on Wednesday evening. The model looked every inch the grunge goddess in an oversized unbuttoned plaid shirt, which she teamed with a pair of heavily ripped jeans as she dazzled for her trip out with her reported beau, real name Rakim Mayers. Rumours of their union have long-been rife, with an insider recently telling Hollywood Life: 'Kendall is keeping her options open when it comes to dating. Shes really enjoying playing the field and not putting all of her eggs in one basket. 'She loves spending time with A$AP Rocky, 27, because hes super creative and a great listener... But ultimately, having fun is her number one priority at the moment.' The happy pair were giddy as they departed the club during their fun night out. Striking: Kendall was undoubtedly the main attraction at the bash Striking: The collection was Seventies inspired, while laden with warm autumn hues Working it to the Max-well: Stella Maxwell stormed the runway in a crimson crochet poncho style dress that was teamed with towering scarlet thigh high boots in keeping with the rest of the gorgeous collection Blonde bombshell: The Victoria's Secret model looked phenomenal with her golden tresses styled in loose waves whilst a neutral make-up palette accentuated her flawless features on the runway Strike a pose: Stella showed off the fantastic designs backstage, posing with one of the fur bags from the collection Model moment: Stella stormed the runway amidst the host of other models on the runway, with the gorgeous girls complementing each other with their autumnal hues of scarlet, brown and gold Doing her thing: Gigi was a consummate professional as she pulled her well honed pout Look at me! Even among the world's top models, Bella shone out bright All smiles: As she headed backstage Bella dropped her famous pout to show off her beaming grin Warms for winter: The shades on show were all designed for the chillier months Engrossed: The FROW were staring at their phones as they documented the upcoming fashions Journalist Steve Price and Keira Maguire have butted heads since she entered the I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! camp as an intruder. And on Friday's KIIS FM Kyle and Jackie O Show, Kyle Sandilands spoke out in defence of the Bachelor star, slamming 62-year-old Steve's actions. 'I don't like him,' the 45-year-old told co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson, adding that 'he's picking on a weakling,' in 29-year-old Keira. Scroll down for video 'I don't like him': Kyle Sandilands, 45, slammed journalist Steve Price, 62, on Friday's KIIS FM Kyle and Jackie O Show, claiming 'he's picking on a weakling' in The Bachelor's Keira Maguire, 29 Referring to Steve's treatment of Keira on reality series I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Kyle stated: 'He's picking on a weakling.' 'I'm referring to picking on a real idiot. Keira's not an idiot idiot. 'She's just a bit emotional and hyperactive and hysterical,' the personality continued. Support: Referring to Steve's treatment of Keira on reality series I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Kyle stated: 'He's picking on a weakling' Kyle's support of Keira, comes after Thursday night's episode of the reality series that saw Steve vowing 'to knock her head off' as he faced off against the Bachelor reject in a Tucker Trial. Unlike most trials, which see two contestants work together to collect the most food stars, this episode's challenge saw Keira and the journalist compete against each other, to avoid a further trial in the ominously-named Skull Cave. Keira and Steve appeared to put on a united front when they gathered for the challenge with the show's hosts Julia Morris and Chris Brown. They were accompanied by 'cheerleaders' Ash Pollard supporting Steve, and Lisa Curry supporting Keira. 'I intend to knock her head off!' Steve did not hold back on Thursday night's episode, when he discovered he was to go head-to-head with Keira in a challenge Taking their sides: They were accompanied by 'cheerleaders' Ash Pollard (right) supporting Steve, and Lisa Curry (left) supporting Keira Julia soon revealed that the challenge would come with a twist, with the two versing each other in a snakes and ladders-style game. 'Today is a trial with a bit of a difference, you guys are going to be competing against each other,' she said. The revelation seemed to go down well with Steve, who revealed that the pair put their differences aside to take part in the challenge. 'Keira and I have had words, we've put all that on hold today [because] we thought we were competing together,' he said. Hitting back: An uncharacteristic Keira did not match Steve's competitive tone, instead sniping: 'I am actually not that aggressive!' 'Now that we are competing against each other I can't stand it and I intend to knock her head off!' An uncharacteristic Keira did not match Steve's competitive tone, instead sniping: 'I am actually not that aggressive!' 'I am actually quietly confident that I will kick his ass,' she added. The trial's chosen cheerleaders Lisa and Ash let out woops of delight when they heard Keira and Steve were competing against each other. Sofia Richie knows how to turn it on when she's walking down the runway. But during her time off, the 18-year-old keeps it as casual as can be. On Wednesday evening the ex of Justin Bieber was very dressed down as she headed to Sugarfish in Beverly Hills for a sushi dinner with a male friend. Chill: Sofia Richie was very dressed down as she headed to Sugarfish in Beverly Hills on Wednesday evening Almost chic: The daughter of music legend Lionel Richie looked cute in her rust colored velour sweat outfit The daughter of music legend Lionel Richie wore a rust-colored velour sweat outfit, but because she's a knockout model, she made the look work. The sister of reality star Nicole Richie had her blonde locks worn in a semi messy bun. And she seemed to have no makeup on. The Tommy Hilfiger model carried with her a red-and-black Louis Vuitton backpack and flashed some very masculine leather work boots with white rubber soles. Ruff life: The cover girl also shared an Instagram photo in the same outfit. She was snuggled up to a dog that looked very comfortable in her arms The cover girl also shared an Instagram photo in the same outfit only she added a ruse-colored hat with attached scarf to her head. She was snuggled up to a dog that looked very comfortable in her arms. The day before she had on a black-and-yellow themed ensemble as she headed to her favorite restaurant in LA, Mauro Cafe at Fred Segal. She likes this dog! Here the teen was seen with the same pooch in a Snapchat post On Tuesday, the young starlet took to Twitter to share with her followers that she will be in Los Angeles for one day - and that she wasn't so happy about it. 'Bye London...I'll be back in 23 hours,' she began, continuing, 'Who flys (sic) to LA for a day...stressing thinking about it.' Her last humorous Tweet before taking off read: 'Currently at the airport.. Contemplating making a run for it when my agent goes to the bathroom.' Earlier this week, Sofia attended the LOVE and Burberry London Fashion Week party at Annebel's private members' club alongside Kendall Jenner, 21, Bella Hadid, 20, Jourdan Dunn, 26, and Winnie Harlow, 22. The young cat-walker dressed to impress in all white, stepping into her role as up-and-coming model and It girl. She's the businesswoman and socialite who makes no secret of her love for designer labels. And no handbag label is more beloved by Roxy Jacenko than Hermes, with her large collection of the exclusive French brand a regular feature in her almost daily outfit selfies. A photo posted to Roxy's Instagram on Friday shows her affection for Hermes has extended to owning three of the brand's black bags in almost-identical designs, worth more than $10,000 each. Scroll down for video Does she need one for every day of the week? Roxy Jacenko has three almost identical black Hermes bags worth more than $10,000 each The revelation was made when the Sweaty Betty shared her shoe dilemma with her 150,000 Instagram followers. The social media snap shows Roxy, who recently shed 10 kilos, wearing a black miniskirt with a Dior logo T-shirt. On her feet she wears two different pairs of ankle boots, writing in the caption: 'Friday footwear decisions.' Selfie snap! Roxy has several of the exclusive Birkin bags in different shades despite its years long wait list Has it in different shades: Roxy makes no secret of her Hermes bag collection, owning the prized arm candy in shades such as blue But while the photo was clearly supposed to focus on her feet, it was hard to miss the three black Hermes placed beside Roxy. The enviable haul included two black Kelly bags, which retail between $10,000 to $15,000 each. The picture also reveals Roxy's black Birkin bag, a similar design which is notorious for its years long waiting list and starting price of $10,000. Hard to find: She is most often photographed clutching her rare crocodile skin Birkin bag, which comes with an eye-watering price of more than $100,000 Designer lover: Roxy loves her brands, rarely photographed in anything that isn't designer Roxy makes no secret of her Hermes bag collection, owning the prized arm candy in shades such as blue and orange. She is most often photographed clutching her rare crocodile skin Birkin bag, which comes with an eye-watering price of more than $100,000. The socialite showed her support for her favourite handbag designer by attending the exclusive Hermes On The Beach soiree last night. Len Deighton created a fascinating and terrifying alternative world in his 1978 book SS-GB, now adapted by BBC1 for peak-time Sunday viewing He has dined with everyone from Nazi criminals to the cream of British society; from rocknroll royalty to eminent philosophers. He has lived all over the world and known spies and traitors. Some say he would have made a successful intelligence agent himself. But he is also a man of many parts. Author, film producer and successful artist, published cook who made it cool for men to be in the kitchen and eminent historian: Len Deighton is all of these. As a writer, he changed the way the world looked at spies with The Ipcress File, the 1962 thriller about a working-class spook (un-named in the book but christened Harry Palmer for Michael Caines screen portrayal) who is as interested in getting his expenses signed as in catching enemies of the state. He also created a fascinating and terrifying alternative world in his 1978 book SS-GB, now adapted by BBC1 for peak-time Sunday viewing, set in a wartime England that has been invaded by the Germans and is under Nazi rule, with prime minister Winston Churchill executed and King George VI imprisoned in the Tower of London. Deighton, who turned 88 last weekend, has dreamt up many fascinating characters in his novels but few are more intriguing than the reclusive man himself. He has homes in Guernsey and Portugal, and is rarely seen in public. He also likes to keep himself to himself. If he has strong views about the actors mumbled dialogue in SS-GB, which has been the subject of complaints from viewers, he is not sharing them. As a writer, he changed the way the world looked at spies with The Ipcress File, the 1962 thriller about a working-class spook (un-named in the book but christened Harry Palmer for Michael Caines screen portrayal) who is as interested in getting his expenses signed as in catching enemies of the state He is just extraordinary, says SS-GBs executive producer Sally Woodward Gentle. He is a polymath; he has written brilliant history books, his novels are 20th-century classics, hes produced a cookery book and is a great graphic designer. But he really is a bit of an enigma. You never know where he is or what hes doing; what his life is about. I have known him for nearly 25 years, since I worked with him on a documentary about Edward VIII, and it has only been in the past two years that he has confided where he is when hes emailing me. He is quite mysterious. He never speaks on the phone. We either correspond by email, or his agent organises lunch for us when he is in the country. He likes being his own man, relishes his privacy and has a very close, loving family. A theme in Deightons writing is the working-class man battling against his often duplicitous or incompetent upper-middle-class superiors. He himself is proud of his working-class roots and likes to claim he was born in a workhouse (sort of true, as well see later). He once said: Ive never written books for people more clever than I am, or more stupid. Ive always tried to direct things at people like me. But he also admits that one of his driving forces has always been a monumental inferiority complex. His mother Dorothy was a cook for a well-to-do London family, while his father Leonard was a chauffeur; it was from them he gained his prodigious work ethic. When Dorothy went into labour with Len, she was turned away from her nearest hospital in Marylebone, London, as it was full. She was sent instead to an infirmary that had originally been built to care for the poor of the adjoining workhouse. Gloucester Place Mews, where he grew up, had an interesting array of residents. He had his first taste of the dangerous and exciting world of espionage when he was aged just 11, a year into World War II. His next-door neighbour, Anna Wolkoff, was the daughter of once-wealthy Russian emigres who had escaped the communist purges. A milliner to the rich and famous, she was also a member of the Right Club, a group of anti-Semitic upper-class Nazi sympathisers. Deightons mother was often hired to cook dinner for parties at Annas house. One frequent visitor to Right Club meetings at Wolkoffs home was an American Embassy employee called Tyler Kent, a code clerk, who worked closely with the U.S. ambassador Joseph Kennedy. Deighton, who turned 88 last weekend, has dreamt up many fascinating characters in his novels but few are more intriguing than the reclusive man himself. He has homes in Guernsey and Portugal, and is rarely seen in public Kent was a traitor who gained access to valuable top-secret intelligence about UK-U.S. war plans, notably private communications between the American President Roosevelt and Churchill. He then fed them to Nazi Germany via a contact in the Italian Embassy. Wolkoff compromised herself by photographing some of Kents documents, so the British security services decided to act against her. Len Deighton recalled: It was in early May 1940 that I heard cars arriving in the middle of the night. Crammed shoulder to shoulder with my parents, I leaned out of the window. There were two police cars in the mews and Special Branch officers were banging on her street door. They bundled her into a car and took her away to face charges of espionage. She was sentenced to ten years in prison. Many of the intricate details of SS-GB are derived from Deightons memories of wartime London. I used only places that I had known in the war, he says in his introduction to SS-GB. I remembered London in wartime; the dimly lit streets, gas lights that hissed and spluttered, tin baths in front of the fire, rationing that made food a constant subject of thought and conversation, and bombed homes that spewed their intimate household contents into the streets. Many of the intricate details of SS-GB are derived from Deightons memories of wartime London. Deighton said: I remembered London in wartime; the dimly lit streets, gas lights that hissed and spluttered, tin baths in front of the fire, rationing that made food a constant subject of thought and conversation' After leaving grammar school, Len worked briefly as a railway clerk at Nine Elms depot in South-West London, also featured in SS-GB, before starting his National Service in 1947 as a photographer for the RAF. He flew in Mosquito and Lancaster bombers, photographing Russian troop movements. After being discharged in 1949, he studied at St Martins School of Art with the help of a grant, and from there won a scholarship to the Royal College of Art in 1952. It was remarkable progress for a young man from such a humble background. When he graduated, Prince Philip gave him his diploma and offered some advice which Deighton took to heart. He said artists were lucky, recalled Len. Artists, he said, could wend their way through all sections of society. I took him at his word. I have found that a clean shirt and sober tie, plus a sense of humour, overcomes many social limitations. After a short stint as an airline cabin steward with BOAC (later British Airways), he began making a name for himself as a book and magazine illustrator. He started writing The Ipcress File, about a working-class British spy, and a chance meeting with a literary agent led to it being published in 1962. He started writing The Ipcress File, about a working-class British spy, and a chance meeting with a literary agent led to it being published in 1962 At first he had wanted to write a detective novel, says Edward Milward-Oliver, Deightons biographer. The spy story emerged as a convenience, since he hadnt been a policeman or a detective and was worried about committing procedural errors. He knew nothing of spying, either, but nor did almost anyone else. Britain was already spy-mad thanks to the success of James Bond, and the book was an instant bestseller. But Deightons spy was very different from the suave, public school-educated 007. More at home in a corner shop than a casino, he had no access to state-of-the-art gadgets; stifled by bureaucracy, he had to fill out forms just to carry a gun. Like Deighton, he also liked cooking and wore glasses. The success of the book and those that followed sent his life in a new direction. The Ipcress File was turned into a film in 1965. Deighton wanted his spy to be played by Harry H. Corbett (rag-and-bone man Harold Steptoe in the TV sitcom) but had to settle for Michael Caine. There were also two popular sequels, Funeral In Berlin and Billion Dollar Brain. Having had more success than he could have imagined, he changed tack. By then his short marriage to fellow artist Shirley Thompson was over. He left England for good in 1969 and travelled the world researching new books. Deighton wanted his spy to be played by Harry H. Corbett (rag-and-bone man Harold Steptoe in the TV sitcom) but had to settle for Michael Caine. There were also two popular sequels, Funeral In Berlin and Billion Dollar Brain A father of two sons, Deighton now lives with his second wife Ysabele in the Channel Islands. His fascination with men and their machines led to his World War II novel Bomber, about an RAF raid over Germany, considered by many to be his masterpiece. Controversially for those times, when memories of the war were still raw, he was unafraid to draw on German as well as Allied accounts when he wrote his histories. It was my good luck to start writing about World War II and the rise of the Nazi Party while the top generals and politicians from both sides were still alive, he later recalled. Apart from postwar military interrogators, historians ignored the Germans. Even German historians avoided them. His growing reputation even impressed Albert Speer, Hitlers Minister of Armaments, who got in touch to ask Deighton for help in writing his own book. Deightons research frequently took him to Russian-controlled East Berlin, where he mixed with real spies. One friend was fellow Brit and former Reuters correspondent John Peet, a Russian sleeper agent who had defected to Eastern Europe. Deighton certainly had the right attributes to be a spy himself. He is charming, funny and a very good listener, says long-time collaborator Sally Woodward Gentle. But Edward Milward-Oliver insists: He was never a spy. Deightons research frequently took him to Russian-controlled East Berlin, where he mixed with real spies. One friend was fellow Brit and former Reuters correspondent John Peet, a Russian sleeper agent who had defected to Eastern Europe It was finding out just how easily the UK could have lost the Battle of Britain that started Deighton thinking about the premise for SS-GB. Soon he had found documentation which revealed the Nazis plans had they been victorious including Hitlers ambition to live in Blenheim Palace, Churchills birthplace, while various stately homes were earmarked for other Third Reich ministers. All industrial sites in cities such as Birmingham and Coventry were to have been destroyed. This offered an alternative world scenario. Deighton thought hard about how to have a hero whom readers could warm to, but who was also intimately involved with the Nazi high command. I wouldnt want a Nazi as a hero, he later wrote. A notable member of the Resistance would qualify, but such heroes would all be dead or fugitives. And then I thought of a Scotland Yard detective. A man who solved crimes and hunted only real criminals could have contacts at the top, yet still be acceptable as a central character. His hero, murder detective Douglas Archer (played on screen by Sam Riley) hates the Germans but has to work with them. After considerable interest in the series, several more Deighton novels are being considered for adaptation, and there are already plans to make a second series of SS-GB. SS-GB, BBC1, Sunday, 9pm. US singer Katy Perry performs during the BRIT Awards 2017 ceremony and live show in London on February 22, 2017 A performance by Katy Perry at the Brit Awards on Wednesday saw skeletons wearing outfits matching those of US President Donald Trump and his British counterpart Theresa May. Pop superstar Perry took to the stage at London's O2 Arena to perform "Chained To The Rhythm", surrounded by dozens of white houses. She was joined on stage by puppeteers carrying two huge skeletons dressed in outfits similar to those worn by Trump and May during their meeting in Washington last month. The British premier faced criticism at home for becoming the first foreign leader to meet Trump at the White House, hours before he announced a ban affecting all refugees and anyone from seven Muslim-majority countries. At the Brit Awards one skeleton wore a dark suit and red tie, while the other was kitted out as a woman in a red suit and matching shoes. Their similarity to the world leaders did not go unnoticed, sparking a flurry of comments on social media. The performance dominated the front page of British tabloid the Daily Star, with the headline: "Katy's Brit of a horror show - Perry has a pop at Trump & May." The Mirror branded it a "controversial Brits performance" in which Perry "slams Theresa May". Perry was one of the top celebrity backers of Hillary Clinton's unsuccessful presidential campaign and earlier this month wore a "Resist" armband during a performance at the Grammy Awards. Carlos Ghosn, CEO of French automaker Renault, gestures during the presentation of the group's 2016 results at the group's headquarters in Boulogne-Billancourt on February 10, 201 Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn said on Thursday he will quit the post to focus on overhauling scandal-hit Mitsubishi Motors, but will stay on as chairman at the Japanese automaker he was credited with saving. Ghosn, 62, who also heads up French automaker Renault, will hand over the reins to Nissan veteran Hiroto Saikawa in April. Among a handful of foreign-born CEOs at Japanese firms, Ghosn earned the nickname Le Cost Killer for his aggressive restructuring at Renault and later the nearly-bankrupt Nissan in the late nineties. He appointed Saikawa as his co-CEO last year in order to focus on Mitsubishi's turnaround. Ghosn took charge at troubled Mitsubishi after Nissan threw it a lifeline in May, buying a one-third stake for about $2.2 billion as it wrestled with a mileage-cheating scandal that hammered sales. Two of the affected vehicle models were being made for Nissan, which was the first to uncover problems with the fuel economy data. Questions about Ghosn's succession have swirled around the company for years and they were reignited by string of defections by top Nissan executives in 2014. Ghosn will remain CEO of Renault -- which holds a more than 40 percent stake in Nissan under a longstanding alliance -- and chairman of all the three automakers, including Mitsubishi. "Having recently taken on new responsibilities at Mitsubishi Motors... I have decided that the time is right for Hiroto Saikawa to succeed me as Nissan's CEO," Ghosn said in a statement Thursday. - 'Pass the baton' - He later suggested his plate was getting too full running a trio of major automakers. "Theres a point in time where you have to be realistic about how much things you do and you can do well," Ghosn told Bloomberg News. "This is the trigger. There's a moment when you have to pass the baton to someone else. "Ive always said I would love to have a Japanese to be my successor and Saikawa-san is somebody I have been grooming for many years." Renault came to the rescue of a struggling Nissan in 1999 and parachuted in the Brazil-born Ghosn, who set about slashing costs and jobs in a huge corporate overhaul. The companies' fortunes have since shifted with the Japanese firm now accounting for the bulk of profits at the Renault-Nissan alliance, a group that is effectively the fourth biggest automaker in the world behind Volkswagen, Toyota and General Motors. Ghosn has a high profile in Japan and is known as a major advocate of the country's auto sector. Toyota's boss heaped praise on his rival Thursday, calling Ghosn "the man who rehabilitated Nissan". "We'd like to continue to take advantage of his abilities for the sake of the automotive industry going forward," Akio Toyoda told reporters, according to Jiji Press news agency. - 'Cosmic issues' - Independent auto analyst Maryann Keller said that while Ghosn has held the alliance together the time is right for him to now take a different role. "Its appropriate for Ghosn to step away from running the business day-to-day, and to devote all his time to thinking about the cosmic issues confronting the business," Bloomberg quoted Keller as saying. "Its a different game today. You cant play it the same you played it in 1995." And while investors sold Nissan stock on the news -- the company's Tokyo-listed shares slipped 0.58 percent to close at 1,112 yen ($10) -- analysts remained upbeat. "He (Ghosn) is a busy man," said Toshihiko Matsuno, chief strategist at SMBC Friend Securities. "He may stay a bit further away from Nissan, but as long as he has the right to represent the company the effect will be limited." Turkey's university sector has been one of the hardest hit since the July coup attempt to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan In the heart of Ankara, Turkish communications lecturer Sevilay Celenk gives a lecture to dozens of attentive students. But her lecture is not taking place on a campus, or even in a hall, but at a park, where the crowd has braced the bitter cold to hear her. Celenk is one of about 5,000 Turkish academics who have been dismissed under a controversial state of emergency imposed after the failed July 15 coup. In a show of defiance across parks in Ankara, fired academics provide free lessons once every two weeks, lecturing on various topics including class and identity. Since the coup attempt which tried to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, over 100,000 people have been sacked or suspended from the public sector under emergency decrees. The university sector has been one of the hardest hit, with many lecturers accused of havings links to US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara has blamed for the coup attempt, and also to Kurdish militants. - 'Illegal dismissal' - Celenk said that when she was dismissed in one of the emergency decrees on January 6, she felt anger at what she called a "frightening removal of any democratic, dissident, leftwing" sections of society. "I felt a healthy anger, because we are faced with a truly unjust, illegal and unfounded dismissal," she told AFP after her latest outdoor lecture to an audience including former students, on the concept of resistance. She says she has been targeted because she signed a petition along with over 2,000 other academics calling for peace in Turkey's restive southeast. Among the 330 academics dismissed earlier this month, 115 had signed the petition, local media reported. Ibrahim Kaboglu, a prominent specialist on constitutional law, was also among the latest to be sacked. "They took away our right to education, to schooling. It's a frightening process. It's like they are trying to pour concrete on our school," Ilkyaz Gencdal, a former student of Celenk's at Ankara University, told AFP after the 15-minute lecture. "Most of our classes have been left without a lecturer," Gencdal added. AFP has been told that no faculty at Ankara University will be shut down and that each department was finding replacements. The government has insisted that any mistakes will be rectified, and last month a decree was issued to set up a commission to assess appeals from people who claim they were wrongly suspended or fired. But the education ministry told AFP it would not comment on individual cases. - 'Rights won on streets' - Nuriye Gulmen was suspended last year from her job as lecturer at Selcuk University in the central Turkish province of Konya, and formally sacked in January. Since November, she has been standing every day by an Ankara statue of a woman that celebrates human rights. Gulmen has been detained 23 times by the police during her nearly 100-day protest. "Until today, wherever there has been success for workers and the public -- if they have won rights -- they have won this on the street," Gulmen said. Her next move will be to go on hunger strike until she can return to her work. She was accused of having ties to Gulen's group, claims which she strongly denies, adding that she has not been shown any evidence. Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, has denied orchestrating the coup bid. Gulmen began her protest alone but she is now joined by other fired workers including Acun Karadag, a middle school teacher who said her doctor believed her dismissal caused heart problems. But Gulmen, who has previously been accused of links to a Marxist militant group but denies links to other illegal organisations, said "there was no other path" but street protests. "We are not rich people. Our families educated us with difficulty," Gulmen said, later adding she was living on people's sofas. - Chances of appeal? - Gulmen and many other dismissed teachers and lecturers are members of the leading leftwing education union, Egitim-Sen, whose president, Kamuran Karaca, said nearly 1,300 people it represents had been sacked. Another 11,500 members were suspended last year but Karaca said all but around 70 people had been returned to their posts. He denied that his secular union -- which is financially supporting its sacked members -- had any militant or Gulen links. Karaca said the union would apply to the new commission to appeal the dismissals. But Andrew Gardner, a researcher on Turkey at Amnesty International, said he was sceptical about the commission's ability -- or desire -- to examine cases quickly. "Preventing people from going to the European Court of Human Rights seems to be the primary objective," he said. Brad Grey will give up his role as chief executive at Paramount Pictures, which he joined in 2005 Viacom announced the departure of the top executive at Paramount Pictures, which has struggled for profit and was at the heart of a recent corporate power battle. Brad Grey will give up his role as chief executive at Paramount, remaining for a time as Viacom searches for someone to take his place, according to a release. "It has been my privilege to be a part of Paramount's storied history, and I am grateful to Sumner Redstone for giving me this opportunity," said Grey, who took on his role at the company in 2005. Paramount is a historic Hollywood studio, having produced blockbusters including "Titanic," "Forrest Gump," "Ghost," "The Godfather," "Indiana Jones," "Mission Impossible," and "Transformers." However, the film studio has suffered from a lack of box-office successes in recent years, and even fielded several flops including an undated remake of the classic "Ben Hur." Viacom's staggered fiscal year ended in September, with the studios seeing revenue drop by eight percent and incurring an operating loss of $445 million. Paramount lost more money in the quarter that began in October. A clash over the future of the studios erupted into a legal battle between Viacom ex-CEO Philippe Dauman and the Redstone family. The Redstone family, through its National Amusements holding company, controls Viacom, which includes an array of television operations and the Paramount studios in Hollywood, as well as television giant CBS. Dauman wanted to bail out the studios by selling a minority stake to an outside company, a strategy the Redstones opposed. Dauman had filed legal actions claiming the aging Redstone was unable to manage his affairs and had been manipulated by his daughter Shari. Dauman eventually dropped his lawsuit as part of an agreement to leave the company, which controls Paramount, a global television empire that includes MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and other properties, with operations in 180 countries. Sumner Redstone, the 93-year-old media tycoon whose health has been questioned, in December stepped down from the board of his conglomerate Viacom. It marked a further step back for Redstone, whose failing health was an object of litigation as his daughter Shari assumed increasing control of his corporate empire. Dauman eventually resigned and was replaced by Bob Bakish, who announced Grey's departure on Wednesday. Paramount last month announced it was partnering with two Chinese film-industry companies in a deal that would provide a cash infusion for the Hollywood giant. Paramount signed a three-year agreement with Shanghai Film Group and Beijing-based Huahua Media to co-finance and co-produce all of the US studio's films, Paramount said in a statement on China's twitter-like Weibo platform. Paramount will also produce content for the group's television channels. Ahmed Fahour, Australia Post's chief executive is stepping down after press reports he is paid 10 times more than the country's prime minister The man credited with saving Australia's government-owned postal service announced his resignation Thursday after a slap down from politicians over his Aus$5.6 million (US$4.3 million) pay packet. Ahmed Fahour said he was stepping down as chief executive on the same day Australia Post reported a huge leap in half-year net profit to $131 million from just $16 million for the same period a year earlier. Politicians on all sides queued up to complain after a Senate committee revealed his wages earlier this month. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull joined the clamour, publicly calling on Fahour -- who is paid 10 times more than the Australian leader, according to local media -- to take a pay cut "in an economy where a lot of people are doing it hard". Australia Post had recently been facing a $6.7 billion public bailout, said Fahour, who took the helm of the postal service seven years ago. "The thing that is most clear in my mind is not the compensation, the thing that is most clear in my mind is to save this company," he said. "Australia Post is not just a letters and stamp business. It is today a parcels, e-commerce delivery giant." Fahour will officially step down in July. Canadian top seed Milos Raonic (pictured) advanced to the quarter-finals of the ATP Delray Beach Open in Florida after defeating Croatia's Borna Coric 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), on February 22, 2017 Canadian top seed Milos Raonic advanced to the quarter-finals of the ATP Delray Beach Open on Wednesday by defeating Croatia's Borna Coric 6-3, 7-6 (7/2). On a night when rain delayed the start of play for more than eight hours, world number four Raonic fired 12 aces on his way to victory after 94 minutes in the early minutes of Thursday morning. Raonic, who reached the tie-breaker with his 11th ace and reached match point with his last ace, booked a Friday quarter-final matchup against British eighth seed Kyle Edmund, who outlasted Taiwan's Lu Yen-Hsun 6-3, 3-6, 6-2. Also advancing to the last eight was US third seed Jack Sock, who downed Spain's Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 6-4, 6-1, and American fifth seed Steve Johnson, who eliminated Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka by the same score. Sock and Johnson will meet in another quarter-final. Thursday's matchups find Argentina's seventh-seeded Juan Martin Del Potro, in his first tournament of the year after helping his homeland win the Davis Cup, meeting Bosnia's Damir Dzumhur. Two other second-round matches Thursday will be all-American affairs, with teen star Taylor Fritz facing Donald Young and fourth-seeded defending champion Sam Querrey meeting Jared Donaldson. Lawyers representing residents near a US airbase in Okinawa: noise is a long-term source of complaint A Japanese court on Thursday awarded record compensation for thousands of residents near a US military base over aircraft noise, but rejected their demand to suspend flights at odd hours. An Okinawa court ordered the Japanese government to pay 30.19 billion yen ($266 million) in damages to about 22,000 residents near Kadena Air Base -- more than three times the highest previous award over military noise. Presiding Judge Tetsuya Fujikura rapped the government, saying the noise burden on residents had continued despite a separate 2009 ruling calling for improvement. The damage has "caused mental pain, disturbance to sleep and an increase in the risk of negative health effects from developing high blood pressure", he said, according to Jiji Press. Residents near US military bases in Japan have long complained about noise levels, particularly take-offs and landings at night and early morning. The 2009 ruling, which covered a different set of Okinawa plaintiffs, said "the government has a political responsibility to improve the noise situation" even if it has no control over the US military, Jiji said. "The government's argument was not accepted fully by the court," top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told reporters, referring to the compensation award. He did not say if the government would appeal the ruling. Residents near US military bases in Japan have long complained about noise levels, particularly take-offs and landings at night and early morning The previous record damage award was 8.2 billion yen and covered the Atsugi Air Base, south of Tokyo, that is jointly operated by the United States and Japan. In a victory for the government, however, the Okinawa court refused to order a suspension of early morning and late night flights, following previous rulings on US military noise complaints that have cited the government's inability to control American military activities. The US has several military bases in Japan and stations about 47,000 troops in the country as part of a joint security treaty. Anti-base sentiment runs high on Okinawa, which accounts for less than one percent of Japan's total land area. But the southern island in the East China Sea hosts about 71 percent of land allotted for US bases in Japan and more than half the troop total. The gap between rich and poor in Indonesia has risen faster than in any other Southeast Asian country in the past 20 years: Oxfam The four richest Indonesians are wealthier than the poorest 100 million people in the country, a study has found, highlighting how huge numbers have been left behind as the economy booms. Oxfam said that President Joko Widodo had failed to fulfil pledges to fight inequality and called on the government to urgently increase spending on public services and make corporations and the wealthy pay more tax. Indonesia has enjoyed an economic boom that has reduced the number of people living in extreme poverty but the gap between rich and poor has risen faster than in any other Southeast Asian country in the past 20 years, the Oxfam study said. "The benefits of growth have not been shared equally, and millions have been left behind," said the research, which was released earlier this week. "The widening of the gap between the rich and the rest is a serious threat to Indonesia's future prosperity. If inequality is not tackled, then reducing poverty will be much more difficult, and social instability could increase." In 2016, the collective wealth of the four richest Indonesians, all men, was $25 billion, Oxfam said. This was more than the total wealth of the 100 million poorest, out of a population of 255 million, it said. According to Forbes rich list, the wealthiest included three tobacco tycoons -- brothers Michael and Budi Hartono, and Susilo Wonowidjojo. The study said inequality has been rising since the 1997 Asian financial crisis, which led to the introduction of more free market policies. This shift allowed those at the top to capture the greatest share of the benefits of years of strong growth, it said. The study pointed to rising inequality within cities, and between urban and rural areas. Oxfam said Indonesia's taxation system had failed to play a role in redistributing wealth as it was not collecting nearly as much revenue as it should, while an underfunded education system was stopping many from getting better jobs. In January the government launched a major programme to tackle inequality that included measures aimed at helping poor farmers and fishermen, improving the tax system and providing more opportunities for vocational training. Chinese media have been told to avoid "unauthorised criticism of Trump's words or actions", according to the US-based China Digital Times Chinese authorities have blocked a prolific feminist social media account for allegedly breaking the law with posts critical of US President Donald Trump, its editors said Thursday. Earlier this month, staffers of the Feminist Voices account on China's Twitter-like Weibo translated into Chinese parts of an article by American academics calling for a March 8 "general women's strike", and posted them. The article spoke of the need for "a new wave of militant feminist struggle" against Trump's "aggressively misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic and racist policies". The post was deleted days later, and the account has been suspended for 30 days, editor Xiong Jing told AFP. Xiong said they were told in a notice that the account had "violated Chinese laws and regulations". It gave no specifics, but any suggestion in China of a call for strikes or protests typically draws an official reaction. Spurred by anger over Trump, a global strike against male violence has been proposed on March 8, which is International Women's Day. "We just posted a translation of an article about something that's happening in the US. We weren't saying that we wanted to do this in China, and in any case there's no way we could," said Xiong. "There's no need to treat us like this." Individual posts from Feminist Voices have been censored in the past, Xiong said, but this was the first time since the account was established in 2010 that it had been fully blocked. China is preparing for the March 5 opening of its rubber-stamp National People's Congress, typically a time of increased censorship and scrutiny of potential trouble-makers. As China adjusts to the mercurial Trump it also has stepped up policing of content related to him, according to a report. Last month, Chinese media were told to avoid "unauthorised criticism of Trump's words or actions", according to the US-based China Digital Times. Some of Feminist Voices' 80,000 followers have posted selfies since the shutdown holding signs with messages such as "I want to listen to Feminist Voices; Give me back my freedom, Sina Weibo". Smoke billows in the background as Iraqi forces advance on Mosul airport during an offensive to retake the western side of the city from jihadists of the Islamic State group on February 23, 2017 Iraqi forces on Thursday thrust into Mosul airport on the southern edge of the jihadist stronghold for the first time since the Islamic State group overran the region in 2014. Backed by jets, helicopter gunships and drones, forces blitzed their way across open areas south of Mosul and entered the airport compound, apparently meeting limited resistance but strafing the area for suspected snipers. "Right now thank God we're inside Mosul airport and in front of its terminal. Our troops are liberating it," Hisham Abdul Kadhem, a commander in the interior ministry's Rapid Response units, told AFP inside the airport. Map showing the latest developments in the battle for the Iraqi city of Mosul Little was left standing inside the perimeter and what used to be the runway was littered with dirt and rubble. Most buildings were completely levelled but Iraqi forces celebrated the latest landmark in the four-month-old offensive to retake Mosul. While Iraqi forces were not yet deployed in the northern part of the sprawling airport compound and sappers cautiously scanned the site for explosive devices, IS jihadists appeared to offer limited resistance. As Iraqi forces approached the airport moments earlier, attack helicopters fired rockets at an old sugar factory that stands next to the perimeter wall, sending a cloud of ash floating across the area. As they moved past the factory, an explosive device detonated next to the convoy's lead vehicle. It sent soldiers running back away from the blast but nobody was injured. The push on the airport was launched at dawn and Iraqi forces stormed it within hours from the southwest. - US forces - US troops watch a US Army C-47 Chinook helicopter take off from the village of Oreij, south of Mosul, at a temporary military base on February 22, 2017 The regional command said elite forces from the Counter-Terrorism Service were simultaneously attacking the neighbouring Ghazlani military base, where some of them were stationed before IS seized Mosul in June 2014. Control of the base and airport would set government forces up to enter Mosul neighbourhoods on the west bank of the Tigris, a month after declaring full control of the east bank. All of the city's bridges across the river are damaged. The US-led coalition has played a key role in supporting Iraqi forces with air strikes and advisers on the ground, and on Thursday US forces were seen on the front lines. The American troops are not supposed to be doing the actual fighting but in recent weeks have got so close to the front that they have come under attack, coalition spokesman Colonel John Dorrian said. "They have come under fire at different times, they have returned fire at different times, in and around Mosul," Dorrian told reporters on Wednesday. He declined to say if there had been any US casualties in the attacks, but an unnamed official later told CNN that several personnel had been evacuated from the battlefield. Iraqi security forces launched a fresh push Sunday in their four-month-old offensive to retake Mosul, the second city and the last stronghold of the jihadists in Iraq The latest push to retake Mosul, the country's second city and the last stronghold of the jihadists in Iraq, was launched on Sunday and involves thousands of security personnel. They started closing in on the airport four days ago. It is unclear how many jihadists tried to defend the airport but US officials said Monday that only around 2,000 remain in Mosul. There are an estimated 750,000 civilians trapped on the city's west bank, which is a bit smaller than the east side but more densely populated. It includes the Old City and its narrow streets, which will make for a difficult terrain when Iraqi forces reach it because they will be impassable for some military vehicles. - Letters from the east - The noose has for months now been tightening around Mosul and the living conditions for civilians are fast deteriorating. Residents AFP has reached by phone spoke of dwindling food supplies forcing many families to survive on just one meal a day. Medical workers say the weakest are beginning to die of the combined effect of malnutrition and the lack of medicines, which IS fighters have been keeping for themselves. An army plane late Wednesday dropped thousands of letters written by residents of the retaken east bank to their fellow citizens across the river. "Be patient and help each other... the end of injustice is near," read one of them which was signed "People from the east side". "Stay in your homes and cooperate with the security forces. They are your brothers, they came to liberate you," read another. A smaller than expected proportion of the east side's population fled when Iraqi forces stormed it nearly four months ago but the United Nations is bracing for a bigger exodus from the west. It had said 250,000 people or more could flee their homes on the west bank and has scrambled to set up new displacement camps around the city. Indonesian President Joko Widodo heads to Australia with cabinet ministers for a state visit Indonesian President Joko Widodo will head to Australia this weekend for his first visit as head of state to a key ally whose relationship with Jakarta has been repeatedly strained in recent years. Widodo, accompanied by a number of cabinet ministers, will visit Sydney on Saturday and Sunday for the state visit, during which he will hold talks with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, the foreign ministry in Jakarta said. It is his first official trip to Australia since being elected president in 2014. Ties between the neighbours have been rocky in recent years due to Jakarta's execution of Australian drug smugglers and Canberra's policy of turning migrant boats back to Indonesia, but improved after Turnbull took office in 2015. "This visit is very important for us because it shows how close we are as neighbours," foreign ministry spokesman Arrmanantha Nasir said Thursday. In a statement, Turnbull said that the "bilateral relationship with Indonesia is vitally important to both countries and has never been stronger". Widodo had originally been scheduled to visit in November but was forced to cancel the trip to deal with the aftermath of a violent mass demonstration against Jakarta's Christian governor. Turnbull will host a private dinner for Widodo and Indonesian first lady Iriana Widodo, said Nasir. The leaders will discuss issues including investment, terrorism and cyber-security, as well as Widodo's wish to expand teaching of the Indonesian language in Australia, he said. Widodo will also meet with Australian businessmen and Indonesians living in Sydney. The latest row between the neighbours erupted in January when Indonesia announced it was suspending some military cooperation after teaching materials deemed offensive to Jakarta were found at an Australian army base. Australia sent its army chief to Jakarta earlier this month to apologise over the affair. Forces loyal to Yemen's president, backed by a Saudi-led Arab coalition, entered the historic port town of Mokha last month as part of a push to drive Shiite Huthis out of the area Yemeni government forces made gains around the Red Sea coastal town of Mokha in heavy fighting overnight as they rebuffed a rebel counter-offensive, a military source said on Thursday. Seven loyalist troops and 16 rebels were killed in the fighting, hospital sources said. Twelve soldiers and 28 rebels were wounded. Government forces captured Yakhtul, 14 kilometres (nine miles) north of Mokha, and Jabal al-Nar, 10 kilometres (six miles) to the east, consolidating their grip on the town they overran on February 10, the military source told AFP. Twelve rebels were taken prisoner. On Tuesday, government forces had suffered a major setback in the offensive they launched in January to try to recapture Yemen's 450 kilometre (280 mile) Red Sea coastline, which had previously been almost entirely in rebel hands. Rebel forces counterattacked, killing a deputy army commander and 18 other troops. The loyalists' capture of Mokha was their biggest success in months. Despite nearly two years of military support from a Saudi-led coalition, government forces are largely restricted to the south and areas along the Saudi border. The rebels still hold the capital Sanaa and much of the central and northern highlands as well as most of the Red Sea coast. The government's next goal is the main Red Sea port city of Hodeida, a vital conduit for UN-supervised aid deliveries to rebel-held areas. Coalition air strikes on Hodeida province late on Wednesday killed seven rebels and wounded 15, military sources said. The raids targeted an arms warehouse in Bayt al-Faqih and a missile launcher in Bajil. More than 7,400 people have been killed in Yemen since the coalition's intervention began in March 2015, according to World Health Organization figures. UN humanitarian coordinator for Yemen Jamie McGoldrick has put the death toll at closer to 10,000. McGoldrick has also warned that seven million Yemenis are close to starvation. Crown Prince Naruhito (C) poses with Crown Princess Masako (L) and their daughter Princess Aiko at Togu Palace in Tokyo in a photo released on February 22, 2017 by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito has suggested he is ready to take on the duties of emperor from his father as the country prepares for its expected first imperial abdication in two centuries. Emperor Akihito, now 83, said in August that his advancing age and weakening health mean he may no longer be able to carry out his duties. While abdications are far from unknown in Japanese history, the last one was in 1817 and there is no mechanism under current law for an emperor to give up the ancient Chrysanthemum Throne. The subject is also highly sensitive issue in light of Japan's modern history of war waged in the name of Akihito's father Emperor Hirohito, who died in 1989. Naruhito, who turned 57 on Thursday, held an annual press conference two days before, telling reporters that while he had been "shaken" by his father's announcement, he was prepared to rise to the occasion. In carefully crafted language, he hinted he is increasingly aware of the responsibility that awaits him. "I would like to take it into my heart seriously and work on my duties, bearing it constantly in mind," he said. Akihito's eldest son added that he wants to "pursue a role for the imperial house that matches the needs of each era". He added that such a role "changes from one era to another as a fresh wind blows in each". Some scholars and politicians worry the issue could open a can of worms and risk Japan's monarchs becoming subject to political manipulation. Under the constitution they have only a symbolic role. Last month, a government panel said Japan could pass a one-off bill allowing Akihito to step down. The option was one of several presented by the group of experts charged with sorting out the thorny issue. They are reportedly expected to make a final recommendation in March. A fan of Haruki Murakami holds his new novel at a bookstore in Tokyo Die-hard fans of Haruki Murakami, the Japanese author perennially pegged as a contender for the Nobel literature prize, flocked to bookstores Thursday night to scoop up his new novel. Major bookstores hosted late-night events and stayed open through the early hours to celebrate the release at midnight (1500 GMT) of the hotly anticipated "Killing Commendatore". "I've been so excited about this book, I'm going to read as much as I can tonight, on the train home and as long as I can stay awake," said Taira Shibasaki, a young worker who was one of the first to get hold of the novel's two volumes. During the countdown to midnight dozens of fans waited in single file outside the flagship branch of the Kinokuniya bookstore chain in Tokyo's bustling Shinjuku neighbourhood. "I'm a big reader and I plan to read the book tonight so I can post what I think on Twitter," said Mohoko Aoyagi, a young female fan. "I'm sure there are lots of others who will do the same." Translated into some 40 languages, many of Murakami's books conjure up a fantastical world where giant frogs challenge salarymen in battle and mackerel rain down from the sky. In others, the magic is replaced by realism. But details of his latest novel were kept under wraps before the launch, adding to the anticipation among Murakami's devotees, known as "Harukists". "The author told us he wants readers to discover it (the book) without knowing anything beforehand and that's why we decided not to say anything until the publication. Even internally, very few people had access to it," a spokesman for the book's publisher Shinchosha told AFP. - 'A very strange story' - For years, international media, scholars and book lovers have listed the 68-year-old as a favourites for the Nobel, though the coveted prize has so far eluded him. Shinchosha has already printed a combined 1.3 million copies of the two-volume, 2000-page Japanese-language work in anticipation of brisk sales. No timetable for translations has been announced yet. "It's a longer novel than 'Kafka on the Shore' but shorter than 'IQ84' and it's a very strange story," Murakami said of the book during a recent prize award in Denmark, according to his publicists. Public broadcaster NHK was set to air a programme two hours before the book's release to discuss "the Haruki Murakami phenomenon". "The excitement of eager fans, the Harukists, is reaching a fevered pitch as they engage in guesswork about the book they have yet to see," NHK said earlier on its web site. Japanese writer Haruki Murakami's books have been translated into some 40 languages Murakami became a global sensation with the publication of "Norwegian Wood" in 1987 and has written several bestsellers including "1Q84" and "Kafka on the Shore". He is known to guard his privacy, rarely appearing in public, and has acquired a cult following for his intricately crafted tales of the absurdity and loneliness of modern life. The novelist peppers his work with references to pop culture. His enormous global popularity has led some at home to deride his work as being too cerebral and influenced by Western authors. Pro-Palestinian activists demonstrate against a visit by Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu, during a protest rally in Sydney, on February 23, 2017 Several hundred pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated in Sydney on Thursday against the first visit to Australia by an Israeli prime minister, branding Benjamin Netanyahu a "war criminal". A police helicopter hovered over the city as speakers slammed Canberra's strong support of Netanyahu and his government. "We are here to oppose Australia's support for Israel, for a racist apartheid nation," pro-Palestinian author and Australian lawyer Randa Abdel-Fattah told AFP. "It's disgusting to see that some of our Australian leaders have rolled out the red carpet and welcomed a war criminal into Australia," she said. "But there are so many Australians who are against this and we are raising our voices loudly and clearly today, to say (Prime Minister) Malcolm Turnbull, and (Foreign Minister) Julie Bishop, 'not in our name'," she added. A large banner was unfurled depicting Netanyahu with a moustache as Hitler and the word "Fascist" written underneath. Pro-Israel supporters were also on the streets and The Australian newspaper reported that riot squad officers removed a man who approached the crowd shouting "long live Israel". The demonstrators, organised by the local Palestine Action Group, tried to march on Netanyahu's hotel but were cut off by police well short of the city centre building over looking the harbour. Ahead of Netanyahu's arrival Wednesday, some 60 business leaders, academics, members of the clergy and former politicians signed a letter saying Australia should not welcome Netanyahu, claiming his policies "provoke, intimidate and oppress" the Palestinians. South African police officers and soldiers are seen with migrants after a 2015 raid in Johannesburg The South African government on Thursday called for calm after a wave of xenophobic violence in which dozens of shops and houses owned by immigrants have been torched and looted. Attacks against foreigners and foreign-run businesses have erupted regularly in recent years in South Africa, fuelled by the country's high unemployment levels and dire poverty. In the last week, more than 20 shops have been targeted in Atteridgeville, outside Pretoria, while residents in Rosettenville, south of Johannesburg, attacked at least 12 houses. Many locals have alleged that their targets were brothels and drug dens being run by migrants from elsewhere in Africa, including Nigeria and Zimbabwe. A march protesting against migrants is due to be held in Pretoria on Friday, raising fears of violence in the city centre. "I wish to appeal to all South Africans to desist from rhetoric or actions that are xenophobic," Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba told a press conference. "There are renewed incidents of violence against foreign nationals in Rosettenville and Pretoria West," he admitted, blaming a lack of jobs and alleged "drug peddling and prostitution" involving foreigners. - Anger grows - Nigeria this week called for the African Union to step in to stop "xenophobic attacks" on its citizens in South Africa, claiming 20 Nigerians were killed last year. South African authorities dismiss such numbers, saying many violent deaths in the country are due to criminal activity rather than anti-immigrant sentiment. The UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) has said it was "very concerned" about the march on Friday. "We condemn the attacks, looting and burning of property owned by foreign nationals and call on citizens to refrain from... taking the law into their own hands," it said. "There is no evidence that foreign nationals are responsible for the rise in crime and unemployment." Gigaba said that South African authorities were in talks with organisers of Friday's march, and that the police would ensure there was no violence. The Right2Know civil action group and other campaigns have called for the event to be cancelled. In 2008, South Africa experienced its worst bout of xenophobic violence, which left 62 people dead. In 2015, at least seven people died in similar unrest in Johannesburg and Durban as African immigrants were hunted down and attacked by gangs. On Wednesday, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said that 35 percent of the labour force was unemployed or has given up looking for work. Turkey-backed fighters push with their advance on the Syrian city of al-Bab, on February 22, 2017 Turkish-backed Syrian rebels said Thursday they had fully captured the town of Al-Bab from the Islamic State group, marking a key defeat for the jihadists after weeks of heavy fighting. As Ankara said its allies now had "near complete control" of the town, a fresh round of peace talks opened between the Syrian opposition and regime in Geneva. Al-Bab, just 25 kilometres (15 miles) south of the Turkish border, was the last IS stronghold in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo. "We are announcing Al-Bab completely liberated, and we are now clearing mines from the residential neighbourhoods," said Ahmad Othman, a rebel commander. "After hours of fighting, we chased out the last remaining IS rank and file that were collapsing after the fierce shelling of their positions," he added. Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Isik said rebels had "near complete control" of Al-Bab. Syria: Al-Bab "When the search and combing operations are over, we will be able to say that Al-Bab has been completely cleared of Daesh (IS) elements," he said, quoted by state-run Anadolu news agency. Isik reaffirmed that Turkey was now ready to join any operation by international coalition forces to take the Syrian city of Raqa, the extremist group's de facto capital. - Rebels dance in streets - An AFP correspondent could hear intermittent gunfire on Thursday afternoon as rebel units continued to clear the heavily damaged town. Most rebel fighters appeared relieved, with some dancing in the streets and others munching on a late breakfast after hours of clashes. But others were on edge, nervously discussing three bombs that had detonated that morning in areas under their control. Syrian rebels launched an offensive to capture Al-Bab last year with the support of Turkish ground troops, artillery and air strikes Several corpses of alleged IS fighters lay crumpled under a destroyed building. One rebel poached a weapon from a dead IS fighter. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said IS fighters were still present in parts of the town and that rebels were in control of less than half of it. Rebels launched an offensive to capture Al-Bab last year with the support of Turkish ground troops, artillery and air strikes. Al-Bab was IS's last remaining stronghold in Aleppo province, after a US-backed alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters seized the town of Manbij in August. The jihadist group still controls a scattering of villages and towns in the province. Turkey sent troops into Syria in August last year in an operation it said targeted not only IS but also US-backed Kurdish fighters whom it regards as terrorists Field commanders from two other rebel factions in the town also claimed the capture of Al-Bab to AFP, including Abu Jaafar, who said he expected clearing up operations would be wrapped up within hours. "Dozens of IS fighters were killed and we evacuated more than 50 families from inside Al-Bab," he said. - 'Tall task' ahead - Turkey sent troops into Syria in August last year in an operation it said targeted not only IS but also US-backed Kurdish fighters whom it regards as terrorists. The battle for Al-Bab has been the bloodiest of the campaign with at least 69 Turkish soldiers killed. The town was also seen as a prize by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces, who had advanced to just 1.5 kilometres (one mile) from Al-Bab in recent weeks. "Al-Bab is important, insofar as its taking from IS will deprive the group of a tax base and an area where it was able to congregate and plot attacks against Syrians and the West," said Aaron Stein, a senior fellow at the US-based Atlantic Council. Rebel fighters, part of the Turkey-backed Euphrates Shield alliance, advance on February 20, 2017, towards the city of Al-Bab "For Turkey, the mission, as was defined back in 2016, is now complete: Turkish forces have forced IS from the border and cut the overland route between the two Kurdish cantons" in northern Syria, he told AFP. Syria's Kurds have managed autonomous administrations in swathes of the country's north since 2012, and Al-Bab falls between the "cantons" of Kobane and Afrin. "However, Turkey will now have to grapple with the questions of prolonged occupation of a foreign country and help to oversee the transition to civilian rule, a tall task for any foreign military," Stein added. More than 310,000 people have been killed since Syria's conflict broke out in March 2011 with protests against Assad that spiralled into all-out war. A policeman stands next to the body of a bodyboarder killed by a shark off the Indian Ocean island of Reunion, on February 21, 2017 One of the greatest surfers of all time, Kelly Slater, has sparked controversy by calling for a shark cull around the Indian Ocean island of Reunion after a bodyboarder was killed there. "Honestly, I won't be popular for saying this but there needs to be a serious cull on Reunion and it should happen every day," the 11-time American world champion said in a comment posted on the Instagram account of French surfer Jeremy Flores. Slater said the latest death showed there was "a clear imbalance happening in the ocean there". Shark attacks "The French govt needs to figure this out ASAP. 20 attacks since 2011!?," he added in the post on Wednesday. Slater has been an outspoken defender of maritime life so his comment provoked strong reactions from some Instagram users, including Flores himself. "The problem here is the bull sharks, they kill everything including a lot of species of protected sharks," Flores said, adding: "One person after another is dying and some people think that is normal, but it really isn't." US surfing legend Kelly Slater is an outspoken defender of maritime life The 26-year-old man bodyboarding off Reunion was killed by a shark on Tuesday. Eight of the 20 attacks since 2011 have been fatal, despite efforts by local authorities to install nets and warn locals and tourists about the dangers. The man, a former shark spotter from the island once employed by the local surfing association, was pronounced dead after the shark bit through a major artery in his leg, off the eastern coast near Saint-Andre. US surfer Kelly Slater in action during a 2015 event off the French Polynesian island of Tahiti Surfing competitions returned to Reunion only in February 2016 after a five-year absence triggered by a shark attack on local surf champion Eric Dargent. A bus transports some 50 Afghan refugees to be deported to Afghanistan from Munich airport, southern Germany, on February 22, 2017 Eighteen Afghans deported from Germany arrived in Kabul Thursday after their asylum pleas were rejected, the third batch to be sent back in recent months as Berlin speeds up the expulsions. Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet approved new measures on Wednesday to expedite the repatriations even as controversy rages over sending people back to strife-torn Afghanistan. "An elderly man was among the deportees and the rest were young Afghans who arrived in a charter plane from Munich," Kabul airport official Taimoor Shah Hamidi told AFP. They were part of a third wave of repatriations of Afghans from Germany since December under a disputed Afghan-European Union deal aimed at curbing the influx of migrants. Nearly 80 Afghans, all men, have so far been sent back after their asylum applications were rejected by the German government. Berlin is under pressure to act as the migrant influx has boosted a right-wing populist and anti-immigration movement, and the number of far-right hate crimes against foreigners has soared. Under new measures to speed up repatriations, German immigration officials will be allowed to access smartphones and other digital devices of asylum seekers to help determine their identity and country of origin if they claim to have lost their passport. While Germany granted safe haven to most people from war-torn Syria, the government has argued that it can safely repatriate people to Kabul and other parts of Afghanistan, where German troops are part of NATO forces seeking to create stability. But the government has faced increasing opposition at the state level against sending Afghan nationals back home to an increasingly dangerous environment. In early February, 23-year-old Atiqullah Akbari suffered shrapnel injuries in a militant attack in Kabul, two weeks after he was deported from Germany. Akbari was picked up by German police in January from his home in Bavaria where he had sought refuge. Afghanistan is plagued by insecurity, poverty and unemployment, and is increasingly overwhelmed by people repatriated from Pakistan, Iran and Europe along with hundreds of thousands of others displaced by war. Yemeni fighters supporting the Shiite Huthi rebels, and carrying weapons used for ceremonial purposes, take part in an anti-Saudi rally in the capital Sanaa on January 17, 2017 Seven people detained in a rebel-held part of Yemen for using recycled boxes originating in Saudi Arabia to distribute aid have been released, the Norwegian Refugee Council said on Thursday. "We are greatly relieved by the release of our staff members and the driver," said Mutasim Hamdan, the organisation's Yemen country director. "They are in good condition, and we are pleased that they are now reunited with their families," Hamdan said in a statement. Six staff and a contracted driver, all Yemeni citizens, were detained earlier this week by authorities in the rebel-controlled Red Sea coastal district of Hodeida. Local sources told AFP the employees were accused of having accepted and distributed aid from a Saudi-led coalition, which has been fighting the rebels since March 2015. The Norwegian Refugee Council, an independent aid group based in Oslo, said it did not receive funding from Saudi Arabia for its relief operations in Yemen. It had, however, been using recycled boxes to distribute hygiene kits in Yemen. The group said when staff had opened the boxes to distribute the aid, the inside read "The campaign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for emergency response," a reference to the Saudi king. The boxes were dated January 2015 and had originally been used for food, according to the NRC. The Saudi-led coalition has carried out a deadly bombing campaign against rebel-held areas and imposed a crippling air and sea blockade, so any suggestion of cooperation with the kingdom is anathema for the rebels. More than 7,400 people have been killed since the coalition's intervention began, including around 1,400 children, according to World Health Organization figures. UN humanitarian coordinator for Yemen Jamie McGoldrick has put the death toll at closer to 10,000. McGoldrick has also warned that seven million Yemenis are close to starvation. Clooney married human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin in 2014 Hollywood star George Clooney said Thursday that he will be stopping his visits to the world's troublespots now that his wife is pregnant with twins. The actor -- who campaigns against war and famine in Africa -- told the French magazine Paris Match that he would "no longer go" to conflict-torn South Sudan nor the Congo. He said he and his Lebanese-born lawyer wife Amal Clooney -- who has been involved in a string of high-profile human rights cases -- had "decided to be a lot more responsible and avoid danger". He said she would no longer be working in Iraq "or places where she is not welcome", he was quoted as saying by the magazine, which translated his comments from English. Asked about the immense responsibility of bringing a child into the world, the actor -- who will be 56 when he becomes a father -- said "how could you not be anxious?" He had earlier told French television the couple were "really happy and really excited. It's going to be an adventure. We've sort of embraced it all with arms wide open." The Clooneys announced this week that they were expecting twins this summer and the actor said Thursday that they didn't want to know their sex. Clooney joked that the press had been saying for three years that Amal was pregnant "but this time it is true". He also waded into the row over Roman Polanski being forced to drop out of Friday's "French Oscars", the Cesars, saying it was alarming that the controversial director was still being pursued over a 40-year-old statutory rape case. Clooney, who will be awarded an honorary Cesar at the ceremony in Paris, said it was also time that 83-year-old Polanski "put an end" to the saga. Earlier this month Polanski's lawyers began a legal bid for him to be allowed to return to the United States. The maker of "Chinatown" and "Rosemary's Baby" fled the country in 1978 after fearing that a judge was about to go back on a plea bargain deal that saw him serve 42 days in jail. His victim Samantha Geimer, who was 13 when the rape took place at the Hollywood home of actor Jack Nicholson, has previously appealed to US authorities for the case to be dropped saying she wanted to move on with her life. Philippine Senator Leila De Lima fights back tears as she speaks to reporters in Manila, on February 23, 2017 An arrest warrant was issued Thursday for the highest-profile opponent of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's deadly war on drugs, but she dodged police and sought refuge in the Senate. The planned arrest of Senator Leila de Lima outraged her supporters and human rights activists, who said the government had manufactured drug trafficking charges to silence her criticism of Duterte and intimidate others. The 57-year-old lawyer, who has spent nearly a decade trying to link Duterte to death squads that have allegedly killed thousands of people, could be jailed for life if she is found guilty of drug trafficking. "I have no plans of fleeing and I have no plans to go in hiding. I will face all these charges," a tearful De Lima told reporters at the Senate in the early evening after a Manila court issued the arrest warrant. De Lima then went to her home in another part of the capital after believing she had secured an agreement with authorities to surrender on Friday morning. But, after police were seen on national television driving to her home to arrest her, De Lima quickly left and returned to the perceived safety of the Senate building. De Lima appealed late on Thursday night for police not to arrest her overnight, and committed to surrendering on Friday. More than 6,500 people have been killed since Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte launched his war against drugs in June 2016 "If they respect the Senate as an institution, they should not force an arrest tonight," she told reporters at the Senate. Police followed her to the Senate. But, signalling an apparent pause to a night of intense drama, the head of security at the Senate and De Lima's aides said police had committed to waiting until Friday morning to arrest her. - Political persecution - De Lima is accused of orchestrating a drug trafficking ring when she was justice secretary in the previous administration of Benigno Aquino. But De Lima and her supporters insist she is innocent, and that Duterte wants to crush one of his most vocal and enduring critics. Philippine President Duterte was elected after promising to eradicate drugs in society by killing tens of thousands of people De Lima this week branded Duterte a "sociopathic serial killer" as she called for ordinary Filipinos to stand up in opposition to his drug war, which has seen more than 6,500 people killed since he took office eight months ago. De Lima's Liberal Party, which ruled for six years under Aquino, voiced deep anger on Thursday at her imminent arrest. "This arrest is purely political vendetta and has no place in (a) justice system that upholds the rule of law. This is condemnable. We reiterate that an arrest based on trumped-up charges is illegal," it said in a statement. - Safety fears - The party also said it feared for De Lima's life once she was arrested, citing the police killing of another politician, Rolando Espinosa, inside a jail cell in November last year after he was arrested on drug charges. The National Bureau of Investigation said the police who raided the jail murdered him and that he was defenceless. But Duterte defended the police and vowed they would not be jailed. Duterte, 71, won the presidential election last year after promising during the campaign to eradicate drugs in society by killing tens of thousands of people. He immediately launched the crackdown after taking office in June and police have reported killing 2,555 drug suspects since then, with about 4,000 other people murdered in unexplained circumstances. Amnesty International has warned that police actions in the drug war may amount to crimes against humanity. Amnesty said Thursday that, if De Lima was arrested, it would regard her as a prisoner of conscience. "The arrest of de Lima is a blatant attempt by the Philippine government to silence criticism of President Duterte and divert attention away from serious human rights violations in the 'war on drugs'," it said. But Duterte's aides said De Lima's imminent arrest showed even the most powerful people would be brought to justice if they broke the law. "The war on illegal drugs targets all who are involved and the arrest of an incumbent senator demonstrates the Presidents strong resolve to fight pushers, peddlers and their protectors," presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said. An illustration showing the SpaceX Dragon attached to the Space Station Harmony Module An unmanned cargo ship packed with food and supplies for astronauts arrived safely Thursday at the International Space Station, a day after SpaceX aborted the process due to a GPS problem. This time, the Dragon cargo ship made a "perfect approach to the capture point," a NASA commentator said. The space station's 57-foot (18-meter) robotic arm, operated from inside the orbiting research lab by astronauts Thomas Pesquet of France and Shane Kimbrough of the United States, reached out and grabbed the Dragon at 5:44 am (1044 GMT). "We had a great capture," Kimbrough said. "Thomas did an awesome job." The gumdrop-shaped Dragon vessel is packed with more than 5,000 pounds (2,267 kilograms) of food, gear and science experiments for the six astronauts living at the orbiting space station. "Congratulations Dragon on a successful journey from Earth and welcome aboard," said Pesquet. The cargo ship was officially berthed to the space station at 8:12 am (1312 GMT), and astronauts will begin unpacking it later Thursday, SpaceX said on Twitter. The cargo launched into space Sunday aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, marking SpaceX's 10th resupply mission under a contract with NASA. SpaceX is currently working on another version of the Dragon that aims to ferry people to space as early as 2018. Since the US space shuttle program ended in 2011, the world's astronauts have paid Russia to ride to the space station aboard the Soyuz capsules. The price tag is currently $82 million per seat. Astronauts will be busy unloading goods again tomorrow, with a second shipment of supplies arriving Friday morning aboard the Russian Progress cargo carrier at 0834 GMT. French presidential election candidate for the far-right Front National party Marine Le Pen poses prior to an interview on February 22, 2017, in Boulogne-Billancourt, near Paris American white supremacist David Duke has praised France's far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen, extolling her political prowess and controversial father. "Her father is a great man, a true patriot. He raised a strong & intelligent woman who understands how to play 21st century politics," Duke said on Twitter on Wednesday, responding to a question about his views on Le Pen. Jean-Marie Le Pen, 88, is the founder of France's far-right National Front party, a five-time presidential candidate who has had multiple convictions for inciting racial hatred and denying crimes against humanity. Marine Le Pen took over leadership of the party in 2011 and has softened some of its views, increasing its appeal to a broader spectrum of voters. Promising economic nationalism and a crackdown on crime and immigration, she is targeting the type of disgruntled, working-class white voters who propelled Donald Trump to the White House. Polls currently show Le Pen winning the first round of the two-stage presidential vote in April with more than 25 percent. White supremacists including Duke, a former Ku Klux Klan imperial wizard, enthusiastically supported Trump in the 2016 US presidential race. Trump has disavowed the KKK and Duke but some have argued not strongly enough. Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray sharpened the tone as he prepared for talks following a diplomatic row over president Donald Trump's hard line on trade and immigration Mexico vowed not to let the United States impose migration reforms on it as its leaders prepared Thursday to host US officials who are cracking down on illegal immigrants. Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray sharpened the tone as he prepared for talks following a diplomatic row over president Donald Trump's hard line on trade and immigration. Trump has outraged Mexico by vowing to build a wall along the border to keep out migrants from Latin America, whom he branded rapists and criminals during his presidential campaign. His government has issued new orders to begin arresting and deporting illegal immigrants, many of them Mexicans. "The Mexican government and people do not have to accept measures that one government wants to impose unilaterally on another," Videgaray said late Wednesday. "We are not going to accept that because we do not have to do it and it is not in Mexico's interests." He said Mexico would use "all legally possible means" to defend Mexicans living abroad, including potentially appealing to the United Nations. - Strained relations - President Mexican Enrique Pena Nieto and Videgaray were scheduled to meet with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security chief John Kelly on Thursday. The US-Mexico border US officials said the talks will focus on how to curb cross-border migration and drug-trafficking and to affirm their bilateral ties. Trump's stance has strained previously good US-Mexican relations, said Maureen Meyer, an expert at the Washington Office on Latin America, a US human rights advocacy organization. "Secretary Tillerson has an opportunity to set relations on a more sound footing based on mutual respect," she said in a statement. Pena Nieto had canceled a planned meeting with Trump in Washington last month over the US leader's vow to make Mexico pay for the wall. But White House spokesman Sean Spicer insisted Wednesday that Washington has "a very healthy and robust relationship with the Mexican government." He said Thursday's talks aim "to improve the quality of lives for both people of Mexico and the United States by combating drug traffickers and finding ways to bolster both our economies through a broader relationship that promotes commerce and legal immigration." - Migration - US immigration authorities have arrested hundreds of people as part of Trump's pledge to crack down on illegal immigrants. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (R) is welcomed by US Ambassador Roberta Jacobson (L), and Mauricio Ibarra director of North American affairs at the Mexican foreign affairs ministry as he arrivesin Mexico City on February 22, 2017 Kelly on Tuesday issued new orders to step up the detentions. Speaking in Guatemala on Wednesday before traveling to Mexico, Kelly said "to any citizen considering moving to the United States in crossing our boundaries irregularly -- migration -- my best advice is to not do it." Mexico has hinted it could use border cooperation as a bargaining chip. But in a move that may pressure Mexico, Trump has ordered US government agencies to count up how much aid they are giving to that country under different programs. The United States has allocated $2.6 billion worth of aid to Mexico for fighting crime under the 2008 "Merida initiative," US officials say. - Trade - Mexico relies on the United States as a trading partner, sending 80 percent of its exports to its northern neighbor. Vowing to protect US industry, Trump has called for a renegotiation of the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada. Pena Nieto has promised to defend Mexico's interests and called for respect from the United States. "Neither confrontation nor submission: the solution is dialogue and negotiation," he said last month. Tillerson and Kelly were scheduled to meet with Videgaray and Mexico's finance and interior ministers before a news conference scheduled for shortly after 1700 GMT. They were due to meet Pena Nieto at 1900 GMT. Former chief executive of South Africa's state-owned power utility Brian Molefe, a close ally of President Jacob Zuma, is expected to be promoted into the cabinet and play a key role in government The former chief executive of South Africa's state-owned power utility was sworn in as a member of parliament Thursday in a move that could deepen a power struggle within the ruling ANC party. Brian Molefe, a close ally of President Jacob Zuma, is expected to be promoted into the cabinet and play a key role in government. He resigned from the Eskom power company in November after being implicated in a public ombudsman report detailing corruption involving the wealthy Gupta business family. The African National Congress (ANC) spokeswoman in parliament confirmed Molefe's appointment, which analysts described as a move by Zuma to weaken Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan. Strongly supported by several other ministers, Gordhan has been at loggerheads with Zuma for months, with many presidential loyalists calling for him to be ousted. According to the Eurasia Group consultancy, Molefe could become deputy finance minister. "Molefe would then be able to play a key role in undermining Gordhan," it said in a briefing note. The opposition Democratic Alliance described the appointment as a "major escalation in the civil war within the ruling party and the battle for control of national treasury". The ombudsman report revealed Molefe's extensive contact with the Guptas when they were in the process of acquiring a mine that supplies Eskom with coal. Molefe denied any wrongdoing but resigned as Eskom chief days after the release of the report. He previously served as chief executive of the state-owned logistics firm Transnet. A man crosses the footbridge to Juarez, Mexico, from El Paso, Texas, on February 20, 2017 Top US and Mexican officials were meeting Thursday in Mexico City over Washington's plans to crack down on illegal immigration and force Mexico to bear more of the burden for halting the flow. There is no question that Mexico is the main source of illegal or undocumented immigrants, and President Donald Trump says they "present a significant threat to national security and public safety." But Trump's call for an urgent crackdown raises questions about how serious the problem is. Just how many, and from where? About 11.1 million illegal immigrants live in the United States, according to the Pew Research Center, out of a total US population of 324.6 million. That's down from 12.2 million in 2007, just before the Great Recession, due to tougher enforcement and changing economic conditions. About 5.9 million are from Mexico, 700,000 from El Salvador, 525,000 from Guatemala, and 350,000 from Honduras. Are they all recent arrivals? No. Two-thirds have been in the country more than ten years, and 86 percent more than five years. Many have settled down with steady jobs and families. Do they take American jobs? Certainly immigrants take jobs, but with the US unemployment rate down to 4.8 percent, the size of the illegal immigrant population does not appear to be preventing native Americans from finding work. What is the problem, then? Border security has tightened up and the number of illegal immigrants has been steady for several years. But US officials say just holding that line is a heavy burden. The Department of Homeland Security says that the number of apprehensions of border crossers, "has significantly strained DHS resources." In fiscal 2016, which ended September 30, the Border Patrol and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agencies detained about 530,000 people and expelled 451,000. Meanwhile there are some 534,0000 immigration court cases pending around the country, more than double two years ago. President Trump says illegal immigrants are a particular source of crime. Is that true? As a whole, no. According to researcher Alex Nowrasteh at the Cato Institute, data shows that "immigrants are less crime-prone than natives, or have no effect on crime rates." First, he explained, immigrants who are criminals can be deported, and that poses a stronger deterrent to breaking the law than native Americans might face. Secondly, it is possible that many illegal immigrants, motivated to come to the country for economic reasons, are less likely to be criminals. On Monday, South Sudan declared famine in some regions, saying 100,000 people faced starvation and another million were on the brink of famine President Omar al-Bashir has ordered Sudanese authorities to assist the delivery of international humanitarian aid to famine-hit South Sudan through the country, an official said Thursday. On Monday, South Sudan, the world's youngest nation formed after splitting from the north in 2011, declared famine in some regions, saying 100,000 people faced starvation and another million were on the brink of famine. "President Omar al-Bashir has ordered Sudanese authorities to offer all necessary facilities to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches South Sudan through Sudanese territories," Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour said in a statement. Ghandour said Bashir has ordered assistance to all NGOs, aid agencies of the United Nations and also other countries trying to deliver supplies to South Sudan. Map of South Sudan locating regions hit by famine and food shortages "This is to ease the suffering of the South Sudanese people," the minister said. Aid groups have slammed a "man-made" famine caused by bloodshed in South Sudan where civil war has forced people to flee, disrupted agriculture, sent prices soaring and cut off aid agencies from some of the worst-hit areas. South Sudan has been engulfed by civil war since 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his rival and former deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup. More than 300,000 South Sudanese refugees have arrived in Sudan since the war erupted, according to the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR. Sudan's Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour said President Bashir (pictured) has ordered assistance to all NGOs and UN aid agencies trying to deliver supplies to South Sudan Over 65 percent of the refugees are children, with many of them arriving with critical levels of malnutrition, it said. UN aid officials are monitoring the Sudan-South Sudan border in anticipation that thousands more could flee to the northern neighbour due to the famine situation. A child bicycles past the Al-Nkhba School, a private Palestinian school in the Sur Baher district of Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem on February 23, 2017 Israeli police said on Thursday they had closed a private Palestinian school in annexed east Jerusalem, accusing its officials of belonging to the Islamist movement Hamas. The Al Nkhba School in the Sur Baher district had already been ordered to close by the Israeli education ministry, a decision ratified by a court. But its director reopened it without authorisation, Israeli police spokeswoman Luba Samri said in a statement. School officials are "Hamas members," she said. Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, is considered a terrorist organisation by Israel, the United States and the European Union. The school principal, whose name was not disclosed, was questioned by the police before being released, Samri said. Other staff members could be questioned, she added. On its Facebook page the school said it housed more than 250 students. It denounced the "barbaric and unexpected decision" as part of a "fierce attack" by Israeli intelligence based on unfounded allegations. "We are going to fight to the end to defend the school which got all the (necessary) permits at the beginning of the school year," it added. Artwork from Geology Museum University of Otago depicts giant penguins who may have lived during the age of dinosaurs. A giant penguin foot-bone discovered in New Zealand shows that the ancestors of everyone's favourite flightless bird waddled Earth during the age of dinosaurs, researchers reported Thursday. Before an asteroid wiped out non-avian dinos some 65.5 million years ago, in other words, super-sized penguins breathed the same air as Triceratops and the flesh-ripping Tyrannosaurus. The new find, unearthed by an amateur fossil hunter near the Waipara River in New Zealand, does not by itself prove penguin-dinosaur cohabitation. The eight-centimetre (five-inch) bone dates from about 61 million years ago, well after T-Rex and company faded from the scene. But the existence of another giant penguin fossil, found earlier nearby, is smoking-gun evidence that a shared ancestor lived millions of years earlier. "The two penguins -- from exactly the same locality -- are morphologically quite different," said Gerald Mayr, an ornithologist at Senckenberg Research Institute in Frankfurt, Germany, and lead author of a study unveiling the discovery. "This suggests that their last common ancestor lived much earlier, in the time of dinosaurs," he told AFP. This mother-of-all-penguins probably predated its evolutionary descendents by five to 10 million years, which would have put it squarely in the late Cretaceous period when dinosaurs still flourished, he added. The results were published in the journal The Science of Nature. Early penguins probably survived the catastrophic asteroid blast and subsequent change in climate because they their food sources were more surf than turf. By contrast, land-locked dinos that didn't burn up at impact probably starved to death during the decades-long winter that followed, scientists conjecture. The Waipara giant penguin stood at least 150 centimetres (five feet) tall, just shy of the average height of a female human. That's at least a head taller than the Emperor penguin, the largest of the 17 penguin species -- all in the southern hemisphere, and most in Antarctica -- alive today. "It was probably a separate species," said Mayr. But more bones must be found before it can be declared as such, and formally named. Only one other prehistoric penguin that lived in Antarctica between 45 and 33 million years ago, Anthropornis nordenskjoeldi, was bigger than Waipara. All the ancient, giant penguins discovered to date already moved with the upright, waddling gait characteristic of today's species, the study said. Nigerian students shout slogans against South Africa as they protest outside the South African Digital Satellite TV's (DSTV) Nigerian headquarters in Abuja against the recent spike in attacks targeting immigrants in South Africa on February 23, 2017 Nigeria on Thursday said it had summoned South Africa's top diplomat to register its fears about a fresh wave of violence against immigrants near Johannesburg and Pretoria. Junior foreign minister Bukar Ibrahim said the high commissioner would be "informed of (the) government's concerns on the situation" and asked to ensure action was taken. "The Federal Government of Nigeria strongly urges the South African Government to take all necessary measures to protect the lives and property of foreigners living and working in South Africa," he added in a statement. In the last week, more than 20 shops have been targeted in Atteridgeville, outside Pretoria, and at least 12 houses have been attacked in Rosettenville, south of Johannesburg. Ibrahim said reports from South Africa that Nigerians had been killed were unsubstantiated. The attacks, however, have exacerbated tensions between the two leading African countries and South African-owned businesses in Abuja were vandalised in response. The president of the National Association of Nigerian students, Aruna Kadiri, said about 100 people had "registered (their) displeasure" at the offices of mobile phone giant MTN. "We want them to leave... our country. We went to MultiChoice (satellite television provider DSTV). We also delivered that message. "We also went to the South African High Commission (embassy) where we burned their flag to pass on a message to them that we don't have a relationship any longer." Kadiri added: "All the South Africans in Nigeria should leave Nigeria within 48 hours or else we won't be able to guarantee their security." Senator Leila De Lima began her career as one of the brightest legal prospects in the Philippines, having scored the eighth highest mark in the country's annual lawyer licence exams in 1985 Philippine drug war critic Leila de Lima was a highly paid lawyer who switched focus mid-career to human rights, a decision that would draw her into the deadly world of President Rodrigo Duterte. De Lima was arrested Friday on drug trafficking charges she insisted were manufactured to silence her opposition to Duterte's anti-crime crackdown, which has claimed more than 6,500 lives in eight months. De Lima, 57, began her career as one of the brightest legal prospects in the Philippines, having scored the eighth highest mark in the country's annual lawyer licence exams in 1985. She worked as a law clerk for the House of Representatives and as a legal aide of a Supreme Court associate justice, while building a successful law practice that specialised in helping prominent politicians in election court challenges. De Lima helped now-Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jnr to unseat a senate election rival, and future senator Alan Peter Cayetano beat a suit alleging he was not a Filipino citizen and therefore not qualified to run for office. Ironically, Pimentel and Cayetano are now among the most powerful allies of Duterte, a longtime mayor of the southern city of Davao who won presidential elections last year after promising to kill tens of thousands of criminals. De Lima's life turned in 2008 when she accepted her first government post as chairwoman of the government's independent Commission on Human Rights. During two years in the job she worked with a small team of lowly paid lawyers, investigating extrajudicial killings, abductions and human rights violations by the Philippines' notoriously corrupt security forces. Another one of her main targets was Duterte, who had for years faced allegations of running death squads in Davao that killed hundreds of drug addicts and petty criminals as part of a ruthless anti-crime campaign. De Lima opened a probe into the so-called Davao Death Squads. She left the commission with the probe unfinished in 2010 to become justice secretary in the administration of Benigno Aquino, who swept to power on a pledge to fight corruption. As justice secretary she prosecuted cases linked to the misuse of huge amounts of legislators' so-called pork-barrel funds, and raided the country's biggest prison to dismantle the perks accorded to inmates convicted of drug offences. She left the cabinet in late 2015 to run for the Senate, winning a seat last year at the same time Duterte was elected president. As Duterte launched a Davao-style anti-crime crackdown across the Philippines that would go on to claim thousands of lives, De Lima was one of the few politicians willing to criticise him. "I will have to destroy her in public," Duterte said in August last year, and then proceeded to build a case alleging she was one of the nation's biggest drug traffickers. "Throughout my entire life, I never imagined myself becoming a victim of a human rights violation myself," De Lima, a divorced mother-of-two, said in October as she insisted the charges against her were absurd. Just before her arrest at the Senate on Friday morning, De Lima again insisted on her innocence while remaining characteristically defiant. "They are mistaken if they are hoping that they will silence me and stop my fight for truth, justice and against the daily killings and repression by the Duterte regime," she said. General Joe Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, speaks about fighting Islamic State jihadists during an appearance at the Brookings Institution on February 23, 2017 The Pentagon's top officer on Thursday would not say if US ground forces will deploy to Syria to fight Islamic State jihadists, observing only that he is readying a "full range of options" for President Donald Trump. General Joe Dunford's remarks come as the Pentagon finalizes a new plan to defeat IS that Trump ordered shortly after taking office. "We've been given a task to go to the president with options to accelerate the defeat of ISIS (and) other violent extremist groups," Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said when asked if more US forces would go to Syria. "We will go to (Trump) with a full range of options from which he can choose," he said, speaking at the Brookings Institution. America has approximately 500 troops in Syria, mainly special operations commandos who are training and assisting a coalition of local fighters battling IS. On Wednesday, another four-star general, Joseph Votel, who heads the US military's Central Command, told reporters that more US troops might be needed in Syria. "It could be that we take on a larger burden ourselves," Votel said, though he stressed he did not favor large combat deployments. Late last month, US media reported the Pentagon would be given 90 days to draw up a plan to set up "safe zones" in Syria, which could require thousands of additional troops. Trump's new plan to quicken the anti-IS campaign, which began late summer 2014, needs to be carried out in coordination with the State Department and other US political agencies, Dunford said. "This is an incredibly complex environment. Everything that we do and fail to do will have second- and third-order effects," Dunford said. "We don't want to bring options to (Trump) and solve one problem only to create a second problem." Dunford was also asked about Iran's influence in Syria, where it is supporting the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, and in the region in general. He said he had not seen Iranian behavior change since then-national security advisor Michael Flynn put Tehran "on notice." "I haven't detected a change in Iran's behavior ... From my perspective the major export from Iran is malign influence across the region," he said, "This is a pattern of behavior that has manifested itself over many years." Flynn was later forced to resign for not being truthful with the vice president about his discussions with Russia's US ambassador. "We have 15 dead and 19 wounded in our ranks," said Colonel Toure Seydou Albdoula Aziz, a Niger army spokesman Fifteen soldiers were killed and 19 wounded in a attack by "terrorist elements" in western Niger, authorities said Thursday. "A Niger army patrol was attacked by terrorist elements at 1500 GMT north of Tilwa (on Wednesday). We have 15 dead and 19 wounded in our ranks," said Colonel Toure Seydou Albdoula Aziz, the army spokesman. "Clean-up operations have been launched in the sector to neutralise the fleeing terrorists," he said, without divulging the number of attackers or their affiliation. Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou extended his sincere condolences to the families of victims in a tweet. The Nigeria-based Boko Haram Islamist group has waged a seven-year uprising that has claimed more than 20,000 lives, with the insurgency spilling over the West African nation's borders into neighbouring states, including Niger. The violence has left around 2.6 million people homeless, sparking a dire humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations warning the affected region faces the "largest crisis in Africa". Three Niger soldiers were killed and seven wounded on the night of New Year's Eve when Boko Haram fighters attacked their position at Baroua, in Niger's Diffa region, near the border with Nigeria. New York state Governor Andrew Cuomo promises a $25 million grant program to boost safety at schools and day-care centers considered at particular risk, by funding additional security measures and training needs New York state took fresh steps Thursday to combat a spike in anti-Semitism and hate crimes, promising a $25 million grant to boost security and a $5,000 reward for information leading to arrests and convictions. Governor Andrew Cuomo made the announcement after meeting dozens of Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders from across the state. Hate crimes shot up in 2016 mainly against Muslims, Jews, blacks, Latinos, Asians and the LGBT community, according to New York City police. Advocacy groups have also recorded an explosion in hate crimes since Donald Trump won the presidential election last November. "With the recent explosion of anti-Semitism and hate crimes, it is more important than ever before that we do everything in our power to ensure the safety and equal treatment of all New Yorkers," Cuomo said. "Any acts of bias or discrimination will be met with the full force of the law," he added. "New York is and always has been a place that celebrates diversity and religious tolerance." The $25 million grant program is designed to boost safety at schools and day-care centers considered at particular risk, by funding additional security measures and training needs. The state is also expanding a toll-free hotline, set up last November, to allow people to report bias and discrimination by text message. The authorities are also offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to arrests and convictions for hate crimes, Cuomo's office said. The Jewish Community Center Association of North America has recorded 69 bomb threat incidents at dozens of centers in 27 US states and one Canadian province since the start of the year. On Wednesday, a bomb threat targeted the Anti-Defamation League's national headquarters in Manhattan. On Monday alone, nearly a dozen Jewish community centers in the United States received bomb threats that prompted evacuations. All turned out to be hoaxes. WASHINGTON (AP) - While serving as Oklahoma's attorney general, new Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt coordinated closely with fossil-fuel companies and special interest groups working to undermine federal efforts to curb planet-warming carbon emissions, newly released emails show. More than 7,500 pages were released under court order Tuesday evening after an Oklahoma judge ruled that Pruitt had been illegally withholding his correspondence, which is public record under state law, for the last two years. Pruitt's office was forced to release the emails after he was sued by the Center for Media and Democracy, a left-leaning advocacy group. Other emails are still being held back pending further review by the judge. FILE - In this Feb. 21, 2017 file photo, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt speaks in Washington. While Oklahoma's attorney general, emails show that new Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt was in frequent contact with fossil fuel companies and special interest groups working to undermine federal efforts to curb planet-warming carbon emissions. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) The Republican-dominated Senate voted on Friday to confirm President Donald Trump's pick to lead EPA. Democrats had sought to delay the vote on Pruitt's confirmation until the requested emails were released, but Republican leaders used their slim majority to push Pruitt through. The emails show Pruitt and his staff coordinating their legal strategy with oil and gas industry executives and conservative advocacy groups funded by those profiting from fossil fuels, including the billionaire brothers David and Charles Koch. While serving as Oklahoma's elected state lawyer for the last six years, Pruitt sued federal agencies more than a dozen times to challenge stricter environmental regulations. Among the emails is a series of 2013 exchanges between Pruitt's staff and Richard Moskowitz, general counsel for the Washington-based American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers. The lawyer detailed the industry's plan to seek waivers from the federal rules boosting the use of renewable fuels and asked Pruitt to make a specific legal argument under air pollution regulations known as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The email was copied to Thomas Bates, then Pruitt's first assistant attorney general. "We think it would be most effective for Oklahoma to file a separate waiver petition that emphasizes 'severe environmental harm,' as this argument is more credible coming from a state with primary responsibility for achieving and maintaining attainment with the NAAQS," Moskowitz wrote. Moskowitz's email was then forwarded to Pruitt's deputy solicitor general, P. Clayton Eubanks, who replied that he knew little about the federal Renewable Fuel Standard and asked for further instructions about what the trade group wanted them to do. "I think it is safe to say that AG Pruitt has an interest in the issue," Eubanks wrote. "Hopefully I haven't missed the boat too much on these questions but I want to make sure I fully understand what Oklahoma's role will be." Now working at EPA, Pruitt did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. Environmentalists cited Pruitt's close ties to the fossil fuel industry in opposing his nomination. Like Trump, Pruitt has questioned the validity of scientific studies showing the Earth is warming and that carbon emissions from human activity are the primary cause. As attorney general, Pruitt's office joined a GOP-led multi-state lawsuit seeking to overturn President Barack Obama's plan to limit emissions from coal-fired power plants. During his confirmation hearing last month, Senate Democrats pressed Pruitt on political donations he had raised from energy companies such as Exxon Mobil and Devon Energy, including "dark money" funneled to groups not required to disclose their donors. Pruitt's staff was also in close contact with the American Legislative Exchange Council and Americans for Prosperity to coordinate opposition to new EPA regulations. Oil industry giant Exxon Mobil is a major donor to ALEC, while AFP is closely linked to Koch Industries, which owns petroleum pipelines. In another exchange of emails from 2013, executives from Devon, an Oklahoma City-based oil and gas company, asked Pruitt to send an official state response to new regulations on hydraulic fracturing proposed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The company provided a draft letter for Pruitt's signature, addressed to the White House office that reviews regulations. "Our goal is to have input to (the office) with a goal of its directing BLM to completely do away with the present thrust," wrote William Whitsitt, an executive vice president at Devon. Brent Rockwood, another Devon executive, chimed in with suggested edits and additions for Pruitt's filing. "Thank you for your guidance and assistance in getting this letter out," Eubanks, the deputy solicitor general, later emailed Rockwood. Melissa McLawhorn Houston, Pruitt's chief of staff, emailed a Devon executive in November 2013 asking whether it would be possible for her to take her sons to a posh restaurant at the top of the company's 50-story headquarters building. She wrote that they were "dressed like tourists" and had no plans to eat. Allen Wright, Devon's vice president for government affairs, quickly responded by having his assistant arrange a personal escort for Houston, who later followed up by inviting the executive out to lunch. "You are so sweet!" Houston responded to Wright. "Thank you again so much for your help on this! Very sweet and you'll be making 2 little boys very happy!" In an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday, Houston insisted she wasn't asking for a favor, but rather was just emailing a longtime acquaintance out of concern her family might not be appropriately dressed. She said they ended up not going and that her sons have still not made it to the top of Devon Tower. Asked about a separate email confirming an appointment for her at the building a few days later, Houston said she had no specific recollection of what that visit was about. "I've been to Devon several times," Houston said, adding that she likes the gelato sold in the lobby. ___ Associated Press reporter Jason Dearen reported from Gainesville, Florida. AP writers Ted Bridis, Seth Borenstein and Matthew Daly in Washington, Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City, Ellen Knickmeyer in San Francisco, Tammy Webber in Chicago, John Flesher in Traverse City, Michigan, Matthew Brown in Billings, Montana, and Kelly P. Kissel in Little Rock, Arkansas, contributed to this story. ___ Follow AP environmental reporter Michael Biesecker at www.Twitter.com/mbieseck PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - U.S. Sen. Susan Collins said on Wednesday she's open to using a subpoena to investigate President Donald Trump's tax returns for potential connections to Russia. Collins, a Republican who has served as a U.S. senator from Maine since 1997, sits on the Senate Intelligence Committee, which is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election. She appeared on Maine Public radio to talk about issues including the investigation. Collins was asked if the committee would subpoena Trump, who's also a Republican. She said she hopes for "voluntary cooperation" but is open to using a subpoena if necessary. FILE- In this Feb. 7, 2017, file photo, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, center, arrives at the Senate chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington. Collins said Wednesday, Feb. 22, that she's open to using a subpoena to investigate Republican President Donald Trump's tax returns for potential connections to Russia. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) "This is a counter-intelligence operation in many ways. That's what our committee specializes in," she said during the radio appearance. "We are used to probing in depth in this area." Trump's refusal to disclose his tax returns is a break with presidential tradition. He has said he would be happy to release them after the completion of an Internal Revenue Service audit. Using a subpoena to get access to the tax returns would be a more aggressive move than members of Congress have taken on the subject so far. House and Senate leaders have thus far shown no interest in taking such a step. Last week, House Republicans blocked an attempt by Democrats to use an obscure law to obtain the tax returns from the IRS. Democrats on the House Ways and Means Committee tried to frame the issue as a matter of national security, questioning whether Trump has any investments in Russia. Collins also said during the radio appearance that she and other intelligence committee members will call for former national security adviser Michael Flynn to testify before the committee. Flynn resigned following reports that he had misled officials about his contacts with Russia. Collins said the committee is in the midst of a "broad investigation" about Russian interference and it's too early to speculate about the results. She touted the "bipartisan" nature of the committee's probe and pledged: "We will get to the bottom of this." State Reps. Stephen Bloom and Will Tallman gathered with business leaders Wednesday morning to discuss what is shaping up to be a somewhat different state budget season. We have a Republican-style budget from a Democratic governor, Bloom said. Were starting this budget season from a place much closer together the whole environment is much different. The event, hosted by the Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce, took place at the Comfort Suites in Carlisle and was sponsored by Advanced Disposal. Bloom and Tallman discussed a number of aspects of the states 2017-2018 fiscal plan, which the Legislature is working through following Gov. Tom Wolfs presentation of his initial draft this month. The budget seeks to close the estimated $700 million revenue shortfall the state is experiencing in the current fiscal year, as well as reduce the roughly $2 billion structural deficit the state has experienced as it continually pushes off fixed expenses. To do this, Wolf has dropped the idea of an income tax hike that has caused controversy in the past instead opting for corporate tax reform, a severance tax for Marcellus Shale drillers and streamlining of administrative functions, among other initiatives. Wolfs pledge of no new broad-based tax increases is much more in line with the Republican philosophy than in years past, Bloom and Tallman said, although Tallman cautioned that the Marcellus Shale excise cannot be considered strictly as such, since energy producers may hike their prices in response to the added cost. More and more of our electricity is generated by natural gas, so that does affect all of us, Tallman said. The budget also includes a number of spending hikes, which have met with mixed review. Basic education funding which goes toward school districts to supplement local property taxes is proposed to increase $100 million, with another $75 million devoted to pre-K and other early childhood initiatives. Im not sure we can hold the pre-K at that increase, Tallman said. I think we are going to keep the $100 million in for basic education, but thats not guaranteed with a $2 billion hole. As with any budget, Wolfs proposal is an estimate of what can happen in the coming fiscal year. If the savings the governor envisions dont materialize, additional spending will only dip the state further into the red. If we dont hit the revenues the governor is projecting, were going to be looking at added deficit, Tallman cautioned. One proposal, likely to be the most contentious between Wolf and the GOP-dominated Legislature, is the pitch to raise the minimum wage to $12. This is an integral part of Wolfs budget, since higher wages mean more income tax revenue. Economic studies frequently conflict on the issue of whether a higher wage produces better long-term worker outcomes. Republicans have traditionally opposed increases, submitting that increased labor costs will result in employers cutting back hours and new hires. A large number of people will simply not be able to get jobs under a higher minimum wage raising minimum wage raises the unemployment rate, Bloom said. As it has been for years, the shadow looming over next years budget is the states pension system, which consists of two funds one pool for state employees, and another for local school teachers. The system is funded around 60 percent, meaning the states retirement investment pools have roughly 60 percent of the total funds they are projected to pay out in the coming years, given the current group of employees and retirees. That unfunded 40 percent, however, is estimated at about $70 billion. Future costs estimates continue to grow, even as more dollars are added to the pension funds, meaning that the ratio of funding is still projected to drop in coming years. The GOP has pushed for reform legislation that would cut off the system, putting new teachers and state workers into individualized 401(k)-style retirement plans. The criticism of this, however, is while it will stop the unfunded liability from growing, it wont help the $70 billion already outstanding, and may cause additional financial stress since new employees wont be paying into the system. Bloom said the GOP would again submit pension cut-off legislation, while looking for additional solutions. The first thing we have to do is stop digging the hole, he said. The question then is how we backfill the hole. Pension costs are a burden on school districts, which must contribute a portion of their teachers liability each year, in addition to the contributions taken out of teachers paychecks. All told, school districts are expected to fork over $4.33 billion to the retirement system next fiscal year, according to Wolfs estimates. This concern dovetails with fear over legislation, championed by some GOP senators, to eliminate local school property taxes and replace them with disbursements from a state funding pool, which would be created by an increased income and sales tax. Fred Withum, superintendent of Cumberland Valley School District, questioned the idea of taking away local control. It drives us a little batty to think that money is going to be taken out of CV and into Harrisburg for redistribution, Withum said. While both Bloom and Tallman said property tax reform is needed, they were also skeptical of removing local control. You send money across the river and its hard to get it back, Tallman said. We need to fix [property taxation]. How we fix it is an issue. School districts like Cumberland Valley would likely see their residents pay more in increased income and sales tax than they would save from property tax elimination. This would penalize CV, Withum said, even though it offers one of the states most competitive curriculums while still having the 12th-lowest per-pupil cost out of all Pennsylvanias public school districts. I agree that it would be a huge mistake to penalize our taxpayers to get other schools in other parts of the state, who arent as well managed, out of the bad financial position theyre in, Bloom said. One of the final parts of Wolfs budget that has raised interest is the proposal for municipalities who do not have their own police forces to pay a $25 per resident surcharge for state police coverage. Bloom said this proposal took the GOP by surprise, although theyre not necessarily opposed to the idea as long as the cost is kept low. The Pennsylvania State Police actually spends $297 per resident in otherwise unpoliced municipalities, Tallman said. Really, $25 is a good deal, Tallman said. Previous proposals have been in the $200 range per head. DALLAS (AP) - The CEO of discount carrier Spirit Airlines says he isn't worried about competing against new, cheaper fares from American and United. The "basic economy" fares from American and United are designed to attract the kind of thrifty fliers that have helped Spirit double in revenue in four years. Spirit has always been known as a low-fare, high-fees carrier - the fees made it one of the most complained-about airlines in the industry. At least Spirit passengers know what they're getting for what the airline calls a "bare fare," CEO Robert Fornaro said Wednesday. He said American and United customers are going to be disappointed when they find out they can't upgrade their seat or bring a rolling carry-on bag. "These pricing schemes are not new," Fornaro said in a phone interview. "Delta has been doing this for several years. We do fine competing with Delta, and I think we'll do fine competing with these guys." Delta coined the term "basic economy" to describe cheap tickets with severe restrictions. The rules vary by airline - American and United, which started selling basic-economy tickets on a few routes this week, limit buyers to carrying only a small bag that fits under their seat. Seating restrictions mean families may not be able to sit together. But compared with a regular economy ticket on the big airlines, the basic-economy fares are generally cheaper by $20 to $40 or more per round trip. Fornaro said the real purpose of basic economy for Delta, American and United is to entice customers with one fare then nudge them to buy a higher-priced seat instead. "They're not kind of being honest about what they're trying to do," he said. When customers try to buy a basic-economy ticket on United's website, they are told about restrictions on the ticket. They must either check and click "Basic Economy works for me" or select a higher-priced seat. American takes the same approach, asking customers if they want to "Accept restrictions" or "Move to Main Cabin" - a pricier ticket. "We will help our customers understand what they're buying with multiple, clear disclosures about how basic economy works," starting when they buy their tickets, American Airlines spokesman Joshua Freed said. United Airlines spokesman Jonathan Guerin said, "Basic economy lets our customers choose a fare that fits their travel needs." He said messages about the ticket's rules are clear during booking and at check-in. ___ David Koenig can be reached at http://twitter.com/airlinewriter MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama moved Wednesday to set yet another execution date for a convicted killer who has been on death row for more than 30 years and has eluded seven previous attempts to put him to death. State lawyers filed a motion to set an execution date for inmate Tommy Arthur, one day after the U.S. Supreme Court turned down his latest appeal. "Arthur has successfully manipulated the state and federal courts with meritless litigation to avoid his execution date seven times," Assistant Attorney General J. Clayton Crenshaw wrote in court papers. He requested the date be expedited "so that there may be justice in this matter once and for all." In this photo provided by the Alabama Department of Corrections, Tommy Arthur in a mugshot taken at the Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Ala. The Supreme Court is freeing Alabama to try again to execute a convicted killer who has been on death row for more than 30 years. The justices on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, turned down an appeal from inmate Tommy Arthur. In November, the court blocked Arthur's execution as he waited in a holding cell outside the state's execution chamber. (Alabama Department of Corrections via AP) The state is seeking to put Arthur to death with an injection for his 1983 murder conviction. He was found guilty of the killing of Troy Wicker as the man slept inside his Muscle Shoals home. Investigators said Arthur was having an affair with Wicker's wife and that she paid him $10,000 to kill her husband. Arthur was on a prison work-release program for the slaying of his sister-in-law at the time of Wicker's murder. Arthur maintains his innocence and has argued that a lethal injection would cause him undue agony. His lawyer, Suhana Han, was not immediately available for comment. On Tuesday, the nation's highest court ruled that his latest appeal did not merit their review. That decision came after a last-minute ruling in November that blocked Arthur's execution as he sat in a holding cell outside the state's lethal injection chamber. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall praised the federal court's decision to not hear Arthur's appeal. "The long wait for justice may be near an end for convicted killed Thomas Arthur," he wrote in a statement Tuesday. "For more than 30 years he has fought to delay his execution for the 1982 cold-blooded murder of Troy Wicker." Alabama's 15-page motion detailed each of Arthur's seven attempts to outlive his "long-overdue" death sentence and requested an execution date be set as soon as possible. NEW YORK (AP) - A woman is claiming she was barred from attending a performance at New York City's Lincoln Center because she wouldn't remove an anti-Trump sign affixed to the back of her jacket. Jenny Heinz, a longtime Metropolitan Opera and New York Philharmonic subscriber, told The New York Times (http://nyti.ms/2meuj6D ) that it happened this month at David Geffen Hall when she went to see the Budapest Festival Orchestra. The 8-by-11-inch sign read "No! In the name of humanity we refuse to accept a fascist America." She said she's been wearing it ever since she attended a protest outside Trump Tower in November. "At what point does one draw the line?" Heinz, 72, said. "We're talking about freedom of expression." Lincoln Center officials refunded Heinz's ticket, though they declined to discuss the incident with the Times. Heinz said the center's vice president for concert halls and operations told her during a meeting with her lawyer that signs were not allowed inside the performance halls or on the plaza. ___ Information from: The New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com CANBERRA, Australia (AP) - Australia's highest-paid public servant announced his resignation on Thursday, two weeks after a revelation that he made 5.6 million Australian ($4.3 million) last year sparked a public furor. Australia Post managing director Ahmed Fahour said he was quitting the national mail service on the same day the government-owned corporation posted a profit of AU$131 million for the six months through December. The figure was a big jump from the AU$16 million profit the corporation made in the same half a year earlier. The Lebanese-born former banker, 50, said he was leaving because Australia Post had transformed from a traditional mail service to a parcel and e-commerce business during his seven years at the helm. His resignation was not caused by the widespread public outrage at his high salary, he said. "Clearly, this has been a very difficult and emotional decision for me and my family. But I've come to the conclusion that the timing is right. As the half-year results show, the transformation has worked," Fahour said. Fahour said he would leave Australia Post in July following the announcement of his successor. Earlier this month, a Senate committee revealed Fahour's pay despite objections from Australia Post that making it public could damage the corporation's brand. His AU$4.4 million salary plus an AU$1.2 million bonus in the last fiscal year was more than 10 times the prime minister's salary of AU$507,000. By contrast, U.S. Postal Service Chief Executive and Postmaster General Megan Brennan's salary was $286,137 last year. Fahour said that Australia Post should not be compared to the loss-making U.S. Postal Service. "They are a letters company and, by the way, they lose $20 billion a year and have done so now for a number of years," Fahour said. "That's not the right comparison. We need to be compared to other parcels logistics companies, e-commerce companies - and those companies are global," he said. When Fahour's pay was made public, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, a former merchant banker with a personal fortune estimated at exceeding AU$200 million, said he told Australia Post Chairman John Stanhope that the salary was too high. "As someone who spent most of his life in the business world before I came into politics, I think that is a very big salary for that job," Turnbull told reporters. The highest paid Australian public servant after Fahour was Bill Morrow, chief executive of Australia's government-owned NBN Co., who was paid AU$3.6 million last year, including an AU$1.2 million bonus. NBN is rolling out Australia's national broadband network. A wealthy former CEO who fled to Africa with a $50million nest egg to avoid fraud charges was sentenced Thursday in Brooklyn federal court to 30 months in prison. The New York City judge called Jacob 'Kobi' Alexander 'foolish' for hatching his scheme and fleeing justice for so long. The sentence for Alexander, an Israeli citizen and permanent US resident, was the longest for any US defendant convicted of manipulating stock options, though far less than the maximum 10-year term. Of Alexander's two co-defendants, one received time served and the other one year. Alexander, 64, is a former Israeli military officer who made his fortune at the helm of Comverse, a once-thriving voicemail software firm with offices in Woodbury, New York. Jacob 'Kobi' Alexander, who dodged securities fraud charges by spending a decade in Africa with a $50million nest egg, was sentenced Thursday to 30 months in prison The sentence for Alexander, an Israeli citizen and permanent US resident, was the longest for any US defendant convicted of manipulating stock options. Here he attends a fundraising dinner in New York in 2005 Alexander is a former Israeli military officer who made his fortune at the helm of Comverse, a once-thriving voicemail software firm with offices in Woodbury, New York (above) 'I really don't understand how someone as brilliant and accomplished and focused and respected as you, could be so incredibly, abjectly foolish to make some of the decisions you made,' US District Judge Nicholas G Garaufis said in federal court in Brooklyn. The sentence was meant to send a message to other wealthy defendants that they 'cannot buy a new life to escape justice', Garaufis added. In a muted voice, Alexander told the judge: 'I have nobody to blame but myself for those bad decisions. I acted without honor.' Alexander's prison sentence underscored the difficulties US authorities sometimes face in winning the extradition of defendants accused of financial and white-collar crimes. The US often faces obstacles when seeking the extradition of defendants suspected of financial wrongdoing, legal experts say. Foreign courts frequently place a higher priority on violent and drug-related charges. US District Judge Nicholas G Garaufis blasted Alexander as 'foolish' for hatching his scheme and fleeing justice for so long. Here Alexander sits with his wife Hanna as he awaits the start of his extradition hearing in Windhoek, Namibia, on September 17, 2008 The sentence on Thursday was meant to send a message to other wealthy defendants that they 'cannot buy a new life to escape justice', said judge Garaufis. Alexander (left) talks with his legal team, Anton Katz (center) and Peter Hodes inside the magistrates court in Windhoek on July 9, 2007 Alexander vanished in 2006 while his lawyers were negotiating a possible surrender in an investigation for backdating stock options. Court papers alleged that from 1991 through 2005 he exercised options and sold stocks worth about $150 million, making a $138 million profit. Of that, about $6.4 million was generated by backdating options, the papers said. The company also awarded thousands of stock options to fictional employees and then transferred the awards to a secret slush fund under the name IM Fanton, which stood for phantom. The scheme allowed Alexander to award those options to real 'favored employees' and to himself without board of directors approval, court papers said. Alexander vanished in 2006 while his lawyers were negotiating a possible surrender in an investigation for backdating stock options. Here Alexander and his wife Hana listen during the start of the hearing at the magistrates court in Windhoek on November 12, 2007 In addition to his sentence, Alexander agreed to pay $60million in settlements. Here Alexander leaves the court in Windhoek on October 3, 2006 After Alexander went into hiding, he transferred $50million to Israel, fueling speculation he may have been hiding there, authorities said. He later turned up in the Republic of Namibia, where he was allowed to freely live with his family while fighting extradition. Over the years, Alexander bought a home in Namibia and invested in local businesses. There were reports that he flew in hundreds of people for his son's bar mitzvah and took up charitable causes in the capital city of Windhoek. In addition to his sentence, Alexander agreed to pay $60million in forfeiture and civil settlements, which authorities are using to compensate Comverse and its shareholders. GENEVA (AP) - Yet another sequel to chronically-fruitless Syria peace talks, or an entirely new script? After months of Syria bloodshed, stalled humanitarian aid deliveries and stop-and-start diplomacy, U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura is reconvening talks between government and opposition delegations on Thursday, in the latest bid to end the country's catastrophic six-year war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions more. Hopes are not exactly high for "Geneva IV," the fourth round of U.N-mediated intra-Syrian talks since early last year. FILE -- In this Jan. 24, 2017 file photo, U.N. Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura speaks to journalists as he arrives to attend the talks on Syrian peace, in Astana, Kazakhstan. On Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, de Mistura is reconvening talks between government and opposition delegations in a new bid to end the country's catastrophic six-year war. The talks are the first hosted by the U.N. in Geneva in 10 months and follow months of bloodshed, stalled aid deliveries and stop-and-start diplomacy -- with the United States now largely sidelined. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits, File) Battlefield gains by President Bashar Assad's forces against Western-backed rebels, a new diplomatic push led by Turkey and Russia, and uncertainty about the Trump administration's strategy on Syria - the U.S. has been largely on the sidelines in recent months - have raised questions about prospects for the latest attempt to silence Syria's guns and return the country to peace. Here's a look at some of the most fundamental questions: ___ WHO IS COMING? De Mistura said envoys from each side arrived on Wednesday, and others were expected on Thursday. Bashar al-Ja'afari, Syria's U.N. ambassador who is one of the strongest defenders of Assad's government, is again leading Damascus' delegation. A newcomer to the government team is Syrian Kurdish legislator Omar Ossi, who some opposition figures say is a member of the Kurdistan Workers Party. For decades, Turkey has fought the party seeking autonomy for ethnic Kurds in a conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. The opposition delegation is headed by a new face, Nasr Hariri, a 40-year-old cardiologist from the southern province of Daraa where the uprising that sparked the Syrian civil war began in March 2011. Detained more than 20 times before fleeing Syria, he's now a senior member with the Syrian National Coalition, one of the largest opposition groups. The 21-member delegation also includes Mohammed Alloush of the rebel Army of Islam, as well as army defectors including Fateh Hassoun, Moaatasem Shammeir, Ahmad Osman, Ziad Hariri and Khaled Naboulsi. U.N.-listed terrorist groups such as the Islamic State group and al-Qaida's Fatah al-Sham Front, which both control territory in Syria, are again excluded. ___ HOW IS THIS TIME DIFFERENT? Much has changed since de Mistura suspended the last round in April, after two short-lived truces early last year collapsed and heavy fighting resumed. The United States, under the Obama administration, and Russia had been leading the diplomatic push at the time, but now Washington's line is unclear as President Donald Trump continues to assemble his foreign-policy team. Moscow, in the meantime, has taken center stage. Thanks largely to Russian-backed air power and on-the-ground support from Iran and Hezbollah, the militant group in neighboring Lebanon, Assad's forces were able to expel rebel fighters in December from a longtime stronghold on the eastern side of the city of Aleppo, which was Syria's economic capital and largest city before the war began. The U.N.-hosted gathering also follows cease-fire talks in Astana, Kazakhstan, that were coordinated largely by Turkey and Russia. Those meetings led to a breakthrough of sorts: the two Syrian sides sat face-to-face, and de Mistura suggested that it's not clear yet whether they will again in Geneva. De Mistura says the fragile cease-fire has mostly been holding. But violations occur daily. Turkey and Russia, who support opposing sides, are working together. But Ankara is in a squeeze and distracted, fighting terrorism at home. De Mistura said: "2017 - from a geopolitical, from a military, from a general point of view - is very different from 2016 ... A year ago, what was a cease-fire led by the U.S. and Russia under their own sponsorship, has now been replaced by two guarantors, plus one - Iran - called Turkey and Russia." The patchwork opposition backed by Turkey and Saudi Arabia has also taken a new shape. It is dominated by figures who want no role for Assad in Syria's future, or even in a transitional period. But the opposition's delegation now includes some groups seen as less hostile to Assad than the High Negotiations Committee, which was the main opposition faction in previous rounds. ___ WHAT CAN REASONABLY BE EXPECTED? As before, de Mistura's team is trying to stick to a script laid out in U.N. Security Council resolution 2254 adopted in late 2015, which has called for a process of political transition. But that's among the thorniest issues, because it calls into question Assad's possible role for a country where many millions could want to seek justice for wartime killings and other horrors. De Mistura said Wednesday that he's not expecting a breakthrough, but wants to build momentum. He said he envisions Thursday's meeting as the "beginning of a series of rounds that will be able to go much more in depth into the substantive issues." James Dobbins, a senior fellow at the Rand Corp. think tank, said the talks should put consolidation of the cessation of hostilities at the top of the agenda, rather than "more irreconcilable differences over the future shape of the Syrian government." Dobbins, a former U.S. assistant secretary of state, also pointed to the importance of the United States to "engage in a serious way in this process" and that the ethnic Kurds - who have been excluded from U.N. talks in the past - should eventually be included. "If it (the process) brings all the parties to the table, and it leads to consolidating the cessation of hostilities, even if it doesn't make progress on the issues that are considered formally on the agenda, I think it could be regarded as a success," Dobbins said. "On the other hand, if a breakdown over those issues leads to a resumption in violence, I think it's a failure." PEORIA, Ill. (AP) - Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis planned to open this year's State of the City speech by thanking Caterpillar Inc. for its longtime commitment to the central Illinois town, declaring "We wouldn't be Peoria without Caterpillar." It's been that way for decades in Peoria and in other company towns across the United States. A major employer provided generations of locals with jobs and gave the cities a central identity, while executives helped keep cultural institutions, Rotary clubs and higher-end housing markets healthy. Now many of those midsize communities are looking for a new identity as more companies trade their longtime hometowns for major cities with easier access to global markets and to the lifestyle talented young workers want, with public transit, nightlife and trendy restaurants. FILE - In this Sept. 12, 2012 file photo, the Archer Daniels Midland Company plant is seen in Decatur, Ill. In 2014, Decatur, Ill., lost Archer Daniels Midland to Chicago after 40 years in the town. Many midsize communities are looking to redefine themselves as more companies trade longtime hometowns for major cities with easier access to global markets and the lifestyle that talented young workers want, with nightlife and public transit. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman, File) Caterpillar's recent decision to move 300 top headquarters jobs to the Chicago area made Peoria the latest city with a vacuum to fill. In 2014, Decatur, Illinois, lost Archer Daniels Midland to Chicago after 40 years in the town. ConAgra Foods moved 1,000 jobs last year from Omaha to Chicago. Some companies also are leaving suburban areas for downtowns, though the suburbs are still a popular choice. General Electric is moving its executives from a suburban campus in Fairfield, Connecticut, to downtown Boston, and McDonald's said last year it will relocate to downtown Chicago from a sprawling headquarters in suburban Oak Brook. A study by the virtual think tank CityObservatory.org found the number of jobs located within three miles of the city center grew by nearly 2 percent between 2011 and 2014, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Center city jobs grew slightly faster than those in the periphery in one recent seven-year period, a reversal from much of the past several decades. "I don't know that I'd call it a trend yet but it certainly is becoming one," said Tom Murphy, a former Pittsburgh mayor and senior resident fellow at the Urban Land Institute. "Maybe for the first time in history, rather than having people follow where jobs are ... we're beginning to see jobs following people instead." By a 2-to-1 margin, young college graduates are now choosing a place to live first, then finding a job, said Joe Cortright, director of CityObservatory.org. For companies recruiting top talent, "the biggest competitive advantage is to be in the city," Cortright said. The change is adding to the divide between urban and smaller communities in the U.S., especially in the Midwest, which is beset with sagging manufacturing industries. "We joke about that there's the great state of Chicago, and then there's the rest of Illinois," said Bishop Harold Dawson Jr., a lifelong Peoria resident and pastor of New Life Christian Church. Like many locals, Dawson can rattle off a list of relatives whose livelihoods in Peoria have depended on Caterpillar. The company known as CAT for short established its first plant in Peoria in 1909 and employs more than 12,000 workers in the area, even after several layoffs. The city of about 110,000 has been trying to breathe more life into its downtown and a scenic stretch along the Illinois River. But while new restaurants, coffee shops and apartments are opening, Ardis acknowledged few people would call the area "dynamic." And parts of the city's core are seeing growing poverty. The headquarters move has been a blow to the city's collective morale. "There is emotion around" the decision, said Jeff Griffin, president of the Peoria Area Chamber. "Peoria is not unique in that tragedy across the country." Griffin said he and his counterpart in Omaha talked recently about the importance of diversifying the local economy - relying on small business rather than large corporations. "Part of the big challenge is leadership needs to recognize the rules have changed," Murphy said. "They need to think about how they build their cities and the amenities they offer, and be really clear about what their competitive advantages are today, not what they were 100 years ago." A city should perhaps think about spending on public transit rather than highways, he said. Improving the atmosphere of downtown seems to be helping some midsize cities recoup from the loss of major businesses, urban experts say. In Greenville, South Carolina, where the decline of the textile industry left a huge gap in the economy, leadership arranged to remove a four-lane bridge that obstructed the view of a scenic waterfall, and added trees and cafes and sidewalks. A downtown that was once "dead" is now "beautiful and hugely successful," Murphy said. In addition to drawing tourists, the city has a booming advanced manufacturing industry, anchored by companies such as BMW. But other places, such as Decatur, are struggling to find a new identity. The city has the second-highest unemployment rate in Illinois, and Moody's Analytics warns the lack of jobs could push the city back into recession. Across the Midwest and Northeast in particular, a number of midsize cities are facing "big challenges," Cortright said. "What do we do with the Peorias?" he added. "I don't' think we know what the answer to that is." Peoria has a growing health care industry and is home to other companies such as Maui Jim sunglasses and Bump Box, a monthly delivery of skincare and other products for pregnant women. Ardis said the city just has to find more. "We're not just going to roll over and play dead," he said. ___ Follow Sara Burnett on Twitter at https://twitter.com/sara_burnett FILE - In this June 15, 2016 file photo shows Caterpillar Inc. products on display at the Caterpillar visitors center in Peoria, Ill. Caterpillar's recent decision to move 300 top headquarters jobs to the Chicago area made Peoria the latest city with a vacuum to fill. Many midsize communities are looking to redefine themselves as more companies trade longtime hometowns for major cities with easier access to global markets and the lifestyle that talented young workers want, with nightlife and public transit. (Ron Johnson/Journal Star via AP File) This Feb. 2, 2017 photo shows merchandise at the Caterpillar visitors center in Peoria, Ill. Caterpillar's recent decision to move 300 top headquarters jobs to the Chicago area made Peoria the latest city with a vacuum to fill. Many midsize communities are looking to redefine themselves as more companies trade longtime hometowns for major cities with easier access to global markets and the lifestyle that talented young workers want, with nightlife and public transit. (AP Photo/Sara Burnett) FILE - In this Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017 file photo, flags fly out the Caterpillar global headquarters building in downtown Peoria, Ill. Caterpillar's recent decision to move 300 top headquarters jobs to the Chicago area made Peoria the latest city with a vacuum to fill. Many midsize communities are looking to redefine themselves as more companies trade longtime hometowns for major cities with easier access to global markets and the lifestyle that talented young workers want, with nightlife and public transit. (Ron Johnson/Journal Star via AP) FILE - In this Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017 file photo, flags fly out the Caterpillar global headquarters building in downtown Peoria, Ill. Caterpillar's recent decision to move 300 top headquarters jobs to the Chicago area made Peoria the latest city with a vacuum to fill. Many midsize communities are looking to redefine themselves as more companies trade longtime hometowns for major cities with easier access to global markets and the lifestyle that talented young workers want, with nightlife and public transit. (Ron Johnson/Journal Star via AP File) FILE - In this Tuesday, June 30, 2015, file photo, flags fly over ConAgra Foods world headquarters in Omaha, Neb. ConAgra Foods moved 1,000 jobs in 2016 from Omaha to Chicago. Many midsize communities are looking to redefine themselves as more companies trade longtime hometowns for major cities with easier access to global markets and the lifestyle that talented young workers want, with nightlife and public transit. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File) FILE - In this June 20, 2012 file photo, earth-moving tractors and equipment made by Peoria, Ill.-based Caterpillar Inc. are seen in Clinton, Ill. Caterpillar's recent decision to move 300 top headquarters jobs to the Chicago area made Peoria the latest city with a vacuum to fill. Many midsize communities are looking to redefine themselves as more companies trade longtime hometowns for major cities with easier access to global markets and the lifestyle that talented young workers want, with nightlife and public transit. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman, File) FILE - This July 2, 2009 file photo shows the Archer Daniels Midland Company logo on a tanker truck at the ADM plant in Decatur, Ill. In 2014, Decatur, Illinois, lost Archer Daniels Midland to Chicago after 40 years in the town. Many midsize communities are looking to redefine themselves as more companies trade longtime hometowns for major cities with easier access to global markets and the lifestyle that talented young workers want, with nightlife and public transit. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman, File) FILE - In this March 6, 2009 photo, the Caterpillar Inc. corporate offices, right, dominates the skyline along the Illinois River Peoria, Ill. Caterpillar's recent decision to move 300 top headquarters jobs to the Chicago area made Peoria the latest city with a vacuum to fill. Many midsize communities are looking to redefine themselves as more companies trade longtime hometowns for major cities with easier access to global markets and the lifestyle that talented young workers want, with nightlife and public transit. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman File) PARIS (AP) - The chairman of French carmaker PSA Group wants to create a "European car champion" with the potential purchase of General Motors' European car business, and pledged to work with governments and unions worried over job cuts. After reporting a near-doubling in 2016 profits, Carlos Tavares lauded the benefits of a deal that could reshape the continent's car market and see PSA, the maker of Peugeot and Citroen cars, leapfrog the Renault Nissan alliance to become Europe's No. 2 carmaker behind Volkswagen. Speaking in Paris Thursday, Tavares said PSA's ambition to buy GM's loss-making German subsidiary Opel and its British brand Vauxhall is rooted in his company's remarkable financial turnaround. PSA, which had to be bailed out by Chinese investors and the French government just three years ago, was able to announce Thursday its first dividend payment in six years alongside the profit jump. PSA Peugeot Citroen Chief Executive Carlos Tavares delivers his speech during the presentation of the company's 2016 full year results, in Paris, Thursday, Feb.23, 2017. French carmaker PSA Group saw its profits jump last year and is giving dividends for the first time since 2011, burnishing its image as it weighs a buyout of General Motors' money-losing European operations. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) Tavares insisted that the potential deal is "nice to have" but "not a must" and laid out reasons why he thinks it would be a good idea: it could improve Opel's bottom line, expand PSA's market, and keep both companies competitive globally. He said a combined company could have sales volumes of 5 million cars. Detroit-based GM has been trying to boost prospects for its European business, which last made a full-year profit in 1999. "We believe there is an opportunity to create a European car champion, resulting from the combination of a French company and German company and without forgetting our U.K. friends," Tavares said. "Opel has been making red ink for 10 years, and burning approximately 1 billion in cash every year," he said. "We believe we can help." He insisted that Opel would remain a distinct German brand, in part to benefit from Germany's strong reputation for car engineering. He said PSA would respect existing labor agreements, though he didn't explicitly rule out job cuts. Tavares has spoken with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Theresa May and met with Opel employee representatives since the takeover discussions were announced last week. "The best way ... is to have unions and governments on your side," he said. Jobs are an especially sensitive issue in what is an election year in both Germany and France. French Finance Minister Michel Sapin - whose government is a 14-percent shareholder in PSA - said Thursday that he spoke with Tavares and won "very firm commitments" to labor dialogue. After discussing the deal with German Economy Minister Brigitte Zypries in Paris on Thursday, Sapin said he hopes the negotiations proceed "quickly, but without haste." He argued a deal could be profitable to both sides, and also acknowledged that "PSA needs German quality." While the German government does not have a stake in Opel, Merkel's government is eager to show it is watching out for German jobs and industry. "Our biggest priority now is the compliance to the current agreement regarding the production sites, the development centers - you know that some 7,000 engineers are employed in Ruesselsheim, who are over there developing the new models - and of course about employment itself," Zypries said. Opel employee representatives and union leaders in Germany say they will push to keep current jobs and factories. Britain's biggest trade union has demanded that the government protect Vauxhaull, as Britain prepares to leave the EU and PSA considers the buyout. While revenues last year were largely stable, PSA's group profit was 1.7 billion euros last year, up from 899 million in 2015, attributed in part to a faster-than-expected cost-cutting. The company also announced plans for a 48 euro cents dividend per share. Beyond Europe, Tavares acknowledged that PSA is frustrated with lost market share in China, but said PSA hopes to double sales in Iran this year after the lifting of sanctions allowed the French carmaker to revive activities there. Chief Financial Officer Jean-Baptiste de Chatillon said PSA took a "big hit" on currency volatility, especially in Britain after its vote to leave the EU sent the pound plunging against the euro. PSA Peugeot Citroen Chief Executive Carlos Tavares arrives to deliver his speech during the presentation of the company's 2016 full year results, in Paris, Thursday, Feb.23, 2017. French carmaker PSA Group saw its profits jump last year and is giving dividends for the first time since 2011, burnishing its image as it weighs a buyout of General Motors' money-losing European operations. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) The logo of French carmaker Peugeot is pictured during the presentation of the company's 2016 full year results, in Paris, Wednesday, Feb.22, 2017. French carmaker PSA Group saw its profits jump last year and is giving dividends for the first time since 2011, burnishing its image as it weighs a buyout of General Motors' money-losing European operations. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) - Explosives in a building under construction ignited Thursday, ripping through a market in an upscale neighborhood in the eastern city of Lahore, killing eight people, officials said. It was not immediately clear whether the explosives were meant to be a bomb or merely stored in the building. The news came as a shock to many in this Islamic nation, where a string of brazen attacks claimed by Pakistani Taliban over the past two weeks have killed more than 125 people. Islamabad claims that Pakistani Taliban use Afghan soil to stage terrorist attacks across Pakistan, a charge Kabul denies. Thursday's blast was so powerful that it shattered windows of nearby buildings and damaged vehicles parked outside a market in the Defense Housing Authority, said Rana Sanaullah, provincial law minister. Pakistani soldiers stand alert at the site of an explosion, in Lahore, Pakistan, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017. A Pakistani provincial minister says an explosion has killed at least eight people in the eastern city of Lahore. The violence is the latest in a string of brazen suicide bombings and other attacks over the past two weeks that have killed over 125 people. The attacks have been claimed by an array of militant groups, including the Islamic State group and a splinter Taliban faction, and have prompted a countrywide crackdown on militants. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary) Nearly 30 people were wounded in the blast that the provincial Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) said was caused when explosives inside the building ignited. Mohammad Iqbal, spokesman for the CTD, told reporters that investigators were still trying to determine the purpose of storing explosive material in the building, and whether it was an improvised explosive device or remote control device. Lahore police operations chief Haider Ashraf said the explosion took place inside a building that was under construction and where laborers were working at the time. Earlier, live local TV footage showed smoke rising from a part of a restaurant that was under construction. The explosion was so powerful it littered the parking area outside the building with broken glass and debris. Dust and smoke covered dozens of cars parked outside, their windscreens and rear windows shattered. The restaurant is located in a neighborhood called Defense Housing Authority, which includes several marketplaces and shopping areas. The area is under control of the military backed department - a common practice across Pakistan in better-off residential areas - and housing is mainly given to people working for the armed forces, though civilians can also buy plots and build homes. Recent attacks across Pakistan have been claimed by an array of militant groups, including the Islamic State group and a splinter Taliban faction, and have prompted a countrywide crackdown on militants. In just one bombing last week, which was claimed by IS and which targeted a revered Sufi shrine packed with Muslim worshippers - the majority of them Shiites - at least 90 people were killed. Pakistan has been at war with the Taliban and allied Islamic militants who want to destabilize the nuclear-armed country to install their own harsh interpretation of Islam. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, speaking to reporters during an official visit to Turkey on Thursday, asked Afghanistan to act against those militants who are using Afghan soil for terrorist attacks in Pakistan. He also said Pakistani security forces backed by the army will take all steps to eliminate terrorism. Sharif's comments came hours after the Afghan ambassador to Pakistan, Omar Zakhilwal, demanded the reopening of border crossings closed by Islamabad in the wake of the shrine bombing. Pakistan says any decision about reopening the crossings "will be taken in due course." There was no immediate comment from Kabul in response to Sharif's comments. But earlier in the day, Shekib Mustaghni, the Afghan foreign ministry spokesman, said Afghanistan was ready to seek United Nations sanctions against suspected terrorist networks and their supporters, a veiled reference to Pakistan. Kabul accuses Pakistan of aiding Taliban insurgents, particularly the Haqqani network. ___ Ahmed reported from Islamabad. Associated Press writers Asif Shahzad in Islamabad and Amir Shah in Kabul, Afghanistan contributed to this report. Bodies of alleged militants killed in an operation by security forces are tended to by workers from the Chhipa Welfare Association, at a mortuary, in Karachi, Pakistan, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017. Rao Anwar, a police official in Karachi, said eight Taliban-linked militants were killed in the raid. Pakistan said it will send paramilitary forces to crack down on Islamic militants in the Punjab province, a move that the ruling party of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had long rejected because of opposition among his Islamist supporters. (AP Photo/Fareed Khan) Police cordon off the area of explosion in Lahore, Pakistan, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017. A Pakistani provincial minister says an explosion has killed at least eight people in the eastern city of Lahore. The violence is the latest in a string of brazen suicide bombings and other attacks over the past two weeks that have killed over 125 people. The attacks have been claimed by an array of militant groups, including the Islamic State group and a splinter Taliban faction, and have prompted a countrywide crackdown on militants. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary) TOKYO (AP) - Faced with the killing of its leader's half brother in what appears to have all the trappings of a politically motivated hit, North Korea is turning up the volume on a familiar defense: Flatly deny the allegations, viciously attack the accusers. It's a position the North has been in before, from dismissing U.N. reports outlining human rights abuses or the findings to disputing who threw the first punch in the Korean War. But, while master of the message at home, rarely, if ever, has Pyongyang managed to effectively sway world opinion. FILE - In this Monday, Feb. 20, 2017, file photo, North Korea's Ambassador to Malaysia Kang Chol speaks to the media outside the North Korean Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Faced with the killing of its leader's half brother in what appears to have all the trappings of a politically motivated hit, North Korea is turning up the volume on a familiar defense: Flatly deny the allegations, viciously attack the accusers. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian, File) With evidence emerging that seems to strongly implicate some kind of North Korea connection to the killing of Kim Jong Un's estranged half brother Kim Jong Nam, the North is intensifying its public attack on the officials in charge of the investigation in Malaysia. In its first mention of the case, state-run media denied Thursday that North Korean agents masterminded the killing and said the Malaysian investigation was full of "holes and contradictions." The response came a day after Malaysian police said they were seeking two more North Koreans, including the second secretary of North Korea's embassy in Kuala Lumpur, in connection with the Feb. 13 killing of Kim Jong Nam in an airport lobby. North Korea's ambassador in Malaysia has made similar statements to reporters. But the decision to carry the story in the North's highly selective official media is significant because it reflects a level of concern in Pyongyang over the allegations and its desire to push harder with the counter-message of its own. Pyongyang's fiery and categorical denials and counter-allegations follow a well-established pattern: It has taken essentially the same tack in response to allegations leveled at it going all the way back to who started the 1950-53 Korean War (Pyongyang claims it was attacked, not the attacker). To this day, it also disputes as biased and politically motivated the findings of an international investigation into the 2010 torpedoing of the Cheonan warship that left 46 South Koreans dead - calling it "fictitious" and an "intolerable mockery." A particularly damning U.N.-backed report on human rights abuses that came out in 2014 continues to be written off by Pyongyang as based on the lies of "human scum" defectors eager to please Japan, the United States and South Korea in their plot to discredit the North's social system. More recently, it flipped the script by claiming South Korean agents had tricked a group of North Korean waitresses at a restaurant in China to defect. Obfuscating the South's claim that the group defection indicated growing dissatisfaction in the North, Pyongyang accused Seoul of violating the women's human rights by holding them against their will and is demanding their immediate return. Malaysian officials have not directly accused North Korea of being behind the killing, and Malaysia is one of the few countries with close ties to the North. But they have arrested a North Korean man working at a Malaysian company along with three other people and are searching for several more North Koreans. And, not surprisingly, Malaysia has bristled at the North's attacks on the integrity of its investigation. According to Malaysian officials, North Korean diplomats were informed of the death the day it occurred; it was not made public until a day later. The diplomats had been at the Putrajaya government hospital closest to the airport for two days before moving to the Kuala Lumpur hospital when the body was transferred there for an autopsy. Malaysian officials say that although the embassy officials made no public comments for several days, they privately demanded custody of the body and strongly objected to an autopsy. Investigators balked, saying they were following procedure as it was a "sudden and suspicious death." Three days after the killing, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is in charge of police, confirmed widespread reports in the media that the victim was Kim Jong Nam, though he carried identification with a different name. For North Korea, that's the most sensitive of sensitive topics. The North has not acknowledged the dead man is the half brother of its leader - or mentioned Kim Jong Nam's name - in any of its statements. Information about the family tree of North Korea's rulers is tightly controlled and few North Koreans are aware that Kim Jong Un even had an elder half brother. Soon after Malaysia officially pushed that button, Kang Chol, North Korea's ambassador, turned up at the morgue to demand custody of the body. He wasn't allowed in. Kang then did what North Korean diplomats almost never do - he went straight to the cameras and gave an unexpected press conference, accusing Malaysia of "trying to conceal something" and "colluding with hostile forces." He also pre-emptively said the North would "categorically reject" any autopsy carried out "unilaterally and excluding our attendance." His scorched-earth approach may have backfired. Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak vowed Tuesday that his country will not be cowed and is resolute in getting to the bottom of the killing. "Malaysia will stand firm," he said. "We will be guided by the principle of the rule of law." The North now also faces another problem: the South Korean military has reportedly started using loudspeakers to broadcast news of the killing across the Demilitarized Zone. Not many North Koreans will actually hear those broadcasts, and many of those who do won't believe them. But some just might. ___ Talmadge has been the AP's Pyongyang bureau chief since 2013. AP writers Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur and Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul contributed to this report. SHIPPENSBURG Lawmakers nationwide have been dealing with protesters and interruptions during town hall meetings in their hometowns and districts. Congressman Lou Barletta and state Rep. Mark Keller held a panel discussion on the campus of Shippensburg University Wednesday evening. Dozens gathered outside the Ceddia Student Union Building to protest the congressmans support of repealing the Affordable Care Act. Maxwell Stephens organized the protest. He says Barletta cant support helping people fighting addiction and support repealing the ACA that has given coverage to 63,000 people in Pennsylvania fighting the disease. You cant have it both ways, Stephens said. You cant support something that has no guarantee of protecting people who need treatment. Barletta says lawmakers are taking their time before they replace the Affordable Care Act. I think that I have been very clear, Barletta said. I will not vote for replacing without seeing what the replacement looks like. Barletta says more than 90 people die daily nationwide from an overdose, and more than 3,500 people died last year in Pennsylvania. He says he will never support coverage that will not protect people who are fighting addiction. ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Former U.S. Sen. Frank Murkowski in 2001 gave a speech urging colleagues to approve oil drilling in America's largest wildlife refuge. The Alaska Republican held up a blank sheet of paper to illustrate his point. The field of white, he said, was all you could see each winter on the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, implying that such a barren landscape would not be harmed by oil rigs. Sixteen years later, Murkowski's daughter is trying again. U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski is sponsoring legislation to open the refuge that takes up Alaska's northeast corner and is larger than West Virginia and Connecticut combined. With a Republican Congress and president, she's hopeful that the timing is right. undated aerial photo provided by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows a herd of caribou on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in northeast Alaska. Petroleum drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was not a consideration under President Barack Obama but it's getting renewed attention under the new administration. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via AP) "If you ask me," she told The Associated Press by phone from Washington, D.C., "it's always been a good time to open it." The coastal plain is not the apex of Alaska scenery, but it's a nursery for polar bears, muskoxen and the vast Porcupine Caribou Herd. Migratory birds from all 50 states nest there. Few people visit, but the coastal plain is part of a refuge that's the very definition of wilderness: no roads, no campgrounds, not even any established trails. Environmental groups are planning strategies to keep drill rigs out. "There are some places that are just too sacred to drill," said Alli Harvey, a Sierra Club campaigner in Anchorage. Legislation signed by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1960 created the Arctic National Wildlife "Range." Congress in 1980 changed the name, expanded the refuge to 30,136 square miles and declared much of it wilderness. However, recognizing the potential for oil, Congress also declared that 2,300 square miles of Beaufort Sea coastal plain were to be studied for natural resources. Another act of Congress can open it to drilling. The Arctic refuge has since been one of Alaska's great development-versus-environment issues, causing a stalemate that has lasted more than 36 years. Congress approved drilling in 1995, but President Bill Clinton vetoed it. Drilling has been a non-issue for the past eight years. President Barack Obama instead urged Congress to formally designate the coastal plain as wilderness. Members of the Gwich'in Steering Committee, an Alaska Native organization tied to U.S. and Canadian villages south and east of the refuge, were grateful. They say their subsistence lifestyle, and identity, are closely tied to a healthy Porcupine Caribou Herd, which uses the coastal plain for calving. "This place is so special," said Bernadette Demientieff, executive director. "We have to keep some places as is. We don't need to be tearing into everything." Most Alaskans feel otherwise. Politicians of all stripes jeopardize their re-election chances if they don't endorse "opening ANWR." The prospect is just 60 miles from the trans-Alaska pipeline, which has plenty of space for moving more oil toward refineries. The pipeline currently operates at around one-quarter capacity because production from Alaska's major oil fields has declined since the late 1980s. Alaska state government, which runs on oil revenue, is blowing through savings, hit hard by the double-whammy of lower production and low oil prices. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates the coastal plain of the refuge holds 10.4 billion barrels of oil and possibly as much as 16 billion barrels. It's North America's greatest prospect for conventional oil production, according to Sen. Lisa Murkowski. The bill sponsored by Murkowski and other Alaska congressional delegates would limit infrastructure - drilling pads, roads and pipelines - to 2,000 acres. Drilling advocates say restrictions already in place will protect caribou. No infrastructure would be allowed in areas crucial to caribou survival, such as the ice fields and uplands where caribou retreat to escape blood-sucking insects. Alaska already has demonstrated at other North Slope oil fields that development and caribou can co-exist, Murkowski said. Extended-reach drilling, reaching oil from a pad nearly 8 miles away, is now possible. "Think about how far the technologies that we have put in place have taken us, from the early days of Prudhoe and how we operated," she said. "What is coming about now on the North Slope in terms of how we access the resource - it's a world apart." But environmentalists say the 2,000-acre figure is misleading. It's akin to assessing the amount of space in a room affected by a table by measuring only the area where the legs touch the floor, said Kristen Miller, conservation director for the Alaska Wilderness League. Gravel mining, seismic testing and air pollution will take a toll, she said. Oil is spread across the entire coastal plain, she said, and infrastructure will be too. "You will have a spider web of pipelines, roads and everything else it takes to support these intensive activities," Miller said. FILE - In this Jan. 27, 2015, file photo, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chair Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, voices her opposition after President Barack Obama waded into a decades-long fight over drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, in Washington. Petroleum drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was not a consideration under Obama but it's getting renewed attention under the new administration. Murkowski and other members of the state's congressional delegation are pushing legislation to allow drilling in the coastal plain of the refuge. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE - In this July 2001 file photo shows the coastal plain of Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Petroleum drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was not a consideration under President Barack Obama but it's getting renewed attention under the new administration. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski and other members of the state's congressional delegation are pushing legislation to allow drilling in the coastal plain of the refuge. (AP Photo/Al Grillo, File) WASHINGTON (AP) - When a summer thunderstorm knocked out power to Scott Pruitt's home three years ago, the then-attorney general of Oklahoma reached out to a lobbyist for American Electric Power. Pruitt's executive assistant emailed Howard "Bud" Ground, saying "General Pruitt" wanted to know when his lights would be back on. The utility lobbyist asked for Pruitt's address and a work crew soon arrived at the Republican official's sprawling, 5,500-square-foot Tulsa home. The 2013 email exchange is one of dozens reviewed by The Associated Press that underscore the cozy ties between the new head of the Environmental Protection Agency and those that profit from burning fossil fuels. AEP generates about 60 percent of its electricity from coal, creating planet-warming carbon emissions that Pruitt is now charged with regulating. FILE - In this Feb. 21, 2017 file photo, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt speaks in Washington. While Oklahoma's attorney general, emails show that new Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt was in frequent contact with fossil fuel companies and special interest groups working to undermine federal efforts to curb planet-warming carbon emissions. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) More than 7,500 pages were released under court order this week after an Oklahoma judge ruled that Pruitt had been illegally withholding his correspondence, which is public record under state law, for the last two years. The Republican-dominated Senate voted on Friday to confirm President Donald Trump's pick to lead EPA. Democrats had sought to delay the vote on Pruitt's confirmation until the requested emails were released, but Republican leaders used their slim majority to push Pruitt through. The emails show Pruitt and his staff coordinating their legal strategy with oil and gas industry executives and conservative advocacy groups funded by those profiting from fossil fuels, including the billionaire brothers David and Charles Koch. While serving as Oklahoma's elected state lawyer for the last six years, Pruitt sued federal agencies more than a dozen times to challenge stricter environmental regulations. Among the emails is a series of 2013 exchanges between Pruitt's staff and Richard Moskowitz, general counsel for the Washington-based American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers. The lawyer detailed the industry's plan to seek waivers from the federal rules boosting the use of renewable fuels and asked Pruitt to make a specific legal argument under air pollution regulations known as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The email was copied to Thomas Bates, then Pruitt's first assistant attorney general. "We think it would be most effective for Oklahoma to file a separate waiver petition that emphasizes 'severe environmental harm,' as this argument is more credible coming from a state with primary responsibility for achieving and maintaining attainment with the NAAQS," Moskowitz wrote. Moskowitz's email was then forwarded to Pruitt's deputy solicitor general, P. Clayton Eubanks, who replied that he knew little about the federal Renewable Fuel Standard and asked for further instructions about what the trade group wanted them to do. "I think it is safe to say that AG Pruitt has an interest in the issue," Eubanks wrote. "Hopefully I haven't missed the boat too much on these questions, but I want to make sure I fully understand what Oklahoma's role will be." Pruitt did not respond Wednesday to emails requesting comment. Environmentalists cited Pruitt's close ties to the fossil fuel industry in opposing his nomination. Like Trump, Pruitt has questioned the validity of scientific studies showing the Earth is warming and that carbon emissions from human activity are the primary cause. As attorney general, Pruitt's office joined a GOP-led multistate lawsuit seeking to overturn President Barack Obama's plan to limit emissions from coal-fired power plants. During his confirmation hearing last month, Senate Democrats pressed Pruitt on political donations he had raised from energy companies such as Exxon Mobil and Devon Energy, including "dark money" funneled to groups not required to disclose their donors. Pruitt's staff was also in close contact with the American Legislative Exchange Council and Americans for Prosperity to coordinate opposition to new EPA regulations. Oil industry giant Exxon Mobil is a major donor to ALEC, while AFP is closely linked to Koch Industries, which owns petroleum pipelines. In another exchange of emails from 2013, executives from Devon, an Oklahoma City-based oil and gas company, asked Pruitt to send an official state response to new regulations on hydraulic fracturing proposed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The company provided a draft letter for Pruitt's signature, addressed to the White House office that reviews regulations. "Our goal is to have input to (the office) with a goal of its directing BLM to completely do away with the present thrust," wrote William Whitsitt, an executive vice president at Devon. Brent Rockwood, another Devon executive, chimed in with suggested edits and additions for Pruitt's filing. "Thank you for your guidance and assistance in getting this letter out," Eubanks, the deputy solicitor general, later emailed Rockwood. Melissa McLawhorn Houston, Pruitt's chief of staff, emailed a Devon executive in November 2013 asking whether it would be possible for her to take her sons to a posh restaurant at the top of the company's 50-story headquarters building. She wrote that they were "dressed like tourists" and had no plans to eat. Allen Wright, Devon's vice president for government affairs, quickly responded by having his assistant arrange a personal escort for Houston, who later followed up by inviting the executive out to lunch. "You are so sweet!" Houston responded to Wright. "Thank you again so much for your help on this! Very sweet and you'll be making 2 little boys very happy!" In an interview Wednesday, Houston insisted she wasn't asking for a favor, but rather was just emailing a longtime acquaintance out of concern her family might not be appropriately dressed. She said they ended up not going and that her sons have still not made it to the top of Devon Tower. Asked about a separate email confirming an appointment for her at the building a few days later, Houston said she had no specific recollection of what that visit was about. "I've been to Devon several times," Houston said, adding that she likes the gelato sold in the lobby. ___ Causey reported from Oklahoma City. Associated Press writers Ted Bridis, Seth Borenstein and Matthew Daly in Washington; Jason Dearen in Gainesville, Florida; Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City; Ellen Knickmeyer in San Francisco; Tammy Webber in Chicago; John Flesher in Traverse City, Michigan; Matthew Brown in Billings, Montana; and Kelly P. Kissel in Little Rock, Arkansas, contributed to this report. ___ Follow AP environmental reporter Michael Biesecker at www.Twitter.com/mbieseck MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) - Somalia's new President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed on Thursday appointed a political newcomer as the prime minister, shortly before departing to Saudi Arabia for his first foreign trip since his election. Somali-born Norwegian national Hassan Ali Khaire, a former executive of British energy explorer Soma Oil & Gas, was appointed prime minister. His selection is a nod to balancing clan interests in this Horn of Africa nation. Khaire is a member of the Hawiye clan, as is former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whom Mohamed defeated in the election earlier this month. Mohamed is with the Darod clan. Somalia's President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed speaks at his inauguration ceremony in Mogadishu, Somalia, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017. Somalia's new leader, who also holds U.S. citizenship, was inaugurated Wednesday while promising to restore dignity to the troubled Horn of Africa nation but warning it will take another two decades to "fix" the country. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh) Khaire served as the Horn of Africa regional chief for the Norwegian Refugee Council aid group from 2011-2014. In June 2012, he was in a motorcade that was attacked by armed men on the Somalia-Kenya border, the Norwegian daily Verdens Gang reported. The incident led to criticism of the aid group's security. Mohamed, who was inaugurated on Wednesday, also holds U.S. citizenship. His election was a key step toward establishing Somalia's first fully functioning central government in a quarter-century. The international community has praised the peaceful transfer of power. Somalia, with an estimated population of 10 million, has a diaspora of more than 2 million people scattered by a quarter-century of conflict and drought at home. Many of the more than 20 presidential candidates held dual citizenship. The new president has vowed to make security a priority in a country where Somalia's homegrown Islamic extremist group, al-Shabab, still carries out deadly attacks in the capital, Mogadishu, and elsewhere. On Sunday, a car bomb in the capital killed at least 34. Al-Shabab earlier this week denounced Mohamed's election, calling him an apostate, and vowed to keep fighting. Fighters affiliated with the Islamic State organization also have emerged in Somalia. Mohamed's trip to Saudi Arabia is viewed as signaling a significant shift in Somalia's regional alliances. A government statement said he will meet with Saudi King Salman to discuss strengthening the countries' relationship, security and aid for Somalia's drought. "Having travelled to Saudi Arabia for his first foreign trip as a president, the new Somali president is breaking the long tradition by Somali leaders who have paid their very first foreign trips to Ethiopia, which is called by many as the Mecca of Somali leaders," said Mohamed Sheikh Abdi, a Somali political analyst based in Mogadishu. "This indicates that the new president now favors an alliance with Arab countries more than others." ___ Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark, contributed to this story. BEIJING (AP) - China's defense ministry said Thursday it expects economic growth and a strengthened social security system to solve problems faced by former soldiers, following reports of new street protests by disgruntled veterans who say they've been denied their promised retirement benefits. The remarks came after cellphone video circulated online showing a large group of veterans in military fatigues walking through central Beijing on Wednesday and gathering outside the offices of the ruling Communist Party's corruption watchdog body. Ministry spokesman Col. Ren Guoqiang said the government and the party are concerned about veterans' issues, but didn't say whether anyone had met with the protesters or whether any new policies were planned to assist them. "The difficulties that veterans currently encounter will be gradually overcome," Ren said at a monthly news briefing. It wasn't clear what the veterans' demands were, although many have long complained about pensions, access to health care and assistance in finding new jobs. Banners identified at least some in the group Wednesday as unemployed veterans from the eastern port city of Yancheng. Reports of additional protests in Beijing on Thursday could not immediately be confirmed. Such protests have broken out around the country for decades, amplifying concerns over labor unrest and threatening to undermine rank-and-file support for Communist Party leader Xi Jinping's campaign to modernize the military by attracting better qualified and more highly motivated soldiers. The government censors information about the protests and veterans are highly reluctant to discuss their plight with foreign media for fear of being accused of disloyalty. Despite operating the world's largest standing army, with 2.3 million personnel, China doesn't have a central government body such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to handle welfare for former soldiers. Instead, cash-strapped local government offices are responsible for their welfare, and the type of benefits offered vary widely across the country. Ren said Xi's plan to reduce the size of the armed forces by 300,000 by the end of the year was proceeding as planned. The downsizing is expected to shift the emphasis away from ground forces and toward the navy, air force and rocket force. COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - A Danish prosecutor says a 42-year-old man in northern Denmark has been charged with blasphemy for allegedly burning the Quran and posting a video of it on Facebook. Jan Reckendorff says it was the first time since 1971 that a person was charged for "publicly mocking a religious community's religious doctrines or worship," adding it is punishable by imprisonment for up to four months or fine. Reckendorff said Wednesday the man, who wasn't identified, burned the Quran in his backyard and posted the video Dec. 27, 2015 on an anti-Muslim Facebook page. No date for a trial was set. PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) - A Cambodian court on Thursday sentenced a prominent land rights activist to 2 1/2 years in prison on charges of committing violence at a protest she helped lead outside of Prime Minister Hun Sen's residence three years ago. Judge Long Kes Pirum of Phnom Penh Municipal Court found Tep Vanny guilty of aggravated intentional violence in the March 2013 incident in which several government security personnel were hurt. Tep Vanny is known for demonstrating against evictions from the capital's Boeng Kak lake shore community, where the government granted a land concession to a Cambodian tycoon and a Chinese company to develop a luxury residential and commercial community. The protest at Hun Sen's residence in Phnom Penh was one in a series demanding compensation for the Boeng Kak evictions. A melee broke out when guards refused to let the protesters deliver a petition. Tep Vanny, wearing an orange prison uniform, told the court she was the victim in the case, and accused it and the police of unfair treatment. She said all the protesters in the 2013 incident were women, and were so weakened by a long walk to the prime minister's house that they were in no shape to beat up government security forces, and in fact were beaten by them. About 30 of Tep Vanny's supporters gathered outside the court complex on Thursday, shouting demands that she be released and briefly clashing with security forces. The ongoing campaign, involving protests held every Monday with demonstrators wearing black clothing, has grown to incorporate other issues, including the defense of human rights workers. Tep Vanny has another pending case against her from August 2016, when she was charged with "insult of public officials" in connection with another of the "Black Monday" protests. Hun Sen in the past year has cracked down on critics and political opponents in what is seen as an effort to strengthen his position ahead of nationwide local elections this year and a general election in 2018. The prime minister and his ruling Cambodian People's Party usually turn to the courts - seen as politically malleable - to put pressure on their opponents. The Mayor of Anaheim has said he was 'deeply disturbed' and angered by footage of an off-duty policeman pulling a gun on a teenage boy during a dispute over a hedge. But Tom Tait denounced violence and damage caused by protesters who marched through the city demanding the officer be fired and arrested. Tait said: 'The video shows an adult wrestling with a 13-year-old kid, and ultimately firing a gun. This has been a blow to our community.' The Mayor of Anaheim, Tom Tait (pictured, center), has said he was 'deeply disturbed' by the incident. But the city's Police Chief Raul Quezada (far left) defended the decision to arrest two teenagers, rather than the off-duty cop. The pair gave a press conference yesterday, along with LAPD Assistant Chief, Michael Moore (far right). Protesters march towards the off-duty officer's home in Anaheim, California On Tuesday a scuffle broke out on a residential street after the off-duty LAPD officer apparently objected to students taking a shortcut across his lawn after school. In the video the police officer, wearing casual clothes and sunglasses, grabs hold of a 13-year-old boy after accusing the youngster of threatening him. When the boy's friends try to rescue him from the cop's grasp, he pulls out a gun from his waistband and suddenly fires a shot into the ground, causing panic. Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada has defended his department's decision to arrest two of the teenagers but not the officer. Videos shot from different angles and posted on YouTube show the officer clenching the boy's sweatshirt and pulling him across the lawn as they argued about what precipitated the incident. The 13-year-old believed the officer, who was not named, had cursed at a teenage girl who had walked across his lawn. The incident has been a rude awakening for Anaheim, a city of 350,000 people which is the home of Disneyland and is often dubbed The Happiest Place on Earth. Cellphone video shows the shocking moment an off-duty police officer almost shot a teenager who he was scuffling with outside his home. The officer is seen as he pulled out his handgun Michael Carrillo, an attorney representing the teenage girl, said she had 'grazed' the officer's lawn when he began shouting expletives at her. Carrillo said the altercation turned physical after the boy stepped in and told the officer he shouldn't curse at a child. In the video, the officer said he had heard the boy say he was going to 'shoot' him, but the teen insists he said he was going to 'sue' him. At one point, the teen said, 'Let me go. ... I'm only 13.' Protesters marched through the center of Anaheim on Wednesday but some of them damaged the officer's house Graffiti was sprayed on the officer's garage door during the protests Another youth rushed the officer, who stumbled back through a low hedge, still holding the 13-year-old. A teen then took a swing at the officer. Other kids approached, and the man - still gripping the 13-year-old with one hand - pulled a gun from his waistband, crouched and fired a shot. Teens shooting video began running down the street and cursing. The 13-year-old, who is the stepson of an Anaheim police officer, was booked on suspicion of making a criminal threat and battery. A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assault and battery. Both boys, who weren't named because they're juveniles, were later released, Quezada said. The union representing Los Angeles police officers said the officer had a right to self-defense after being physically assaulted. Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada, left, and Los Angeles Assistant Chief Michael Moore take questions at a news conference regarding the incident Some properties were damaged during the protest in Anaheim If he mistakenly thought the boy said 'shoot' instead of 'sue,' he had a reasonable basis to fear for his safety, said Jon Shane, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. 'You can always be mistaken about the facts, but you must be right about the law,' Shane said. 'Shooting and suing are two different things and they clearly have two different outcomes. ... Shooting would provide a reasonable basis for imminent fear of bodily harm. The other not so much.' Carillo has filed a claim against the cities of Anaheim and Los Angeles, the precursor to a civil lawsuit, alleging the incident shows the Los Angeles Police Department was deficient in training officers. Protesters hold signs in front of the LAPD officer's home in Anaheim during the demos Attorney Carl Douglas, who is not involved in the case, called it an outrageous use of force and intimidation and questioned the officer's qualifications. 'Anyone present could have been killed because of this reckless use of force,' Douglas said. 'Because someone was walking on his grass, this officer thought the circumstances justified his walking out of his house with his gun in his waistband to confront some teenager.' The LAPD is also investigating the incident. Hundreds of people marched through suburban Anaheim streets late Wednesday, some blocking traffic and carrying signs that said 'no shooting zone.' Police arrested two dozen people, including children, after the crowd ignored orders to disperse. The city 24 miles southeast of Los Angeles was roiled in 2012 by demonstrations following the fatal police shootings of two unarmed Latino men. The deaths sparked four days of violent protests resulting in smashed shop windows and dozens of arrests. Neighbor Joe Gulrich, 76, said his house was spray-painted during the protest on Wednesday and police told him he should leave for his own safety. When he returned late at night, he found a rock had been thrown through his front window. 'He did the right thing,' Gulrich said. 'If he hadn't done that they would have ganged up on him.' Mike Gutierrez, 35, said he was concerned by the officer's handling of the incident. 'What kind of officer goes against a child?' asked Gutierrez, who lives a few blocks away. PATTAYA, Thailand (AP) - Ariya Jutanugarn and Amy Yang both shot 6-under 66 in the first round Thursday to take a share of the lead at the LPGA Thailand. Jutanugarn, a Thai ranked second in the world, had six birdies while Yang, the 2015 champion, had seven birdies and a bogey at the Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course. "In the middle, during the round, I had some time I couldn't control the ball, but I still had a lot of good shots," said Yang, who is from Taiwan. "Gave myself a lot of good opportunities out there." Ryann O'Toole, Sei Young Kim, Minjee Lee and Shanshan Feng were a stroke behind the leaders. Top-ranked Lydia Ko (70) had five birdies and three bogeys, while former No. 1 Inbee Park shot a 72 in her first action since winning the Olympic gold medal last year. "I don't feel much of the injury anymore," said Park, the winner in Pattaya in 2013. "Ball-striking was really good today. Just around the greens wasn't as sharp as I wanted. Obviously that's just going to happen. Just got to be patient." ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - Media reports say police have detained a Turkish employee of the U.S. Consulate in the southern city of Adana for alleged links to outlawed Kurdish rebels. The Dogan news agency report said Thursday the man works as a translator for the consulate and is suspected of membership of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK. The group is considered a terror organization by Turkey and its allies, including the United States. The report said police raided his home but could not find him there. Consulate officials later handed the man over to police, according to the report. The U.S. Embassy said it has a policy of not commenting on mission employees. A press officer at Adana police headquarters said she had no information and could not confirm the report. MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Relatives of an unarmed black teenager who was fatally shot by a police officer in Wisconsin will receive $3.35 million to settle a federal civil rights lawsuit, attorneys announced on Thursday. Tony Robinson Jr., 19, was shot and killed by Madison police officer Matt Kenny, who is white, in 2015. The shooting sparked protests throughout the city and calls for an examination of police use of force. Robinson's attorneys said the deal was the largest police shooting settlement in Wisconsin history. Attorney David B. Owens called it vindication for parents still grieving the loss of their oldest son. FILE - This undated file photo provided by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections shows Tony Robinson. Relatives of Robinson, an unarmed black teenager who was fatally shot March 6, 2015, by police in Madison, Wis., say they have settled a federal civil rights lawsuit for $3.35 million. (Wisconsin Department of Corrections via AP, File) "If you could bring their son back, would they give all the money back? Absolutely," Owens said. The settlement was reached by the city of Madison's insurance carrier and Robinson's family. Kenny's attorney, Jim Palmer, said it was nothing more than a business decision to avoid the costs of trial. "The Robinson family has made a number of outrageous claims that will now never be resolved," Palmer said. "The settlement serves to further cast a pall over Matt's reputation and his service to the community." Myra Longfield, a spokeswoman for U.S. Attorney John Vaudreuil in Madison, said his office and the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division are still reviewing the death to determine whether federal civil rights charges are warranted. Kenny shot and killed Robinson in an apartment house after Robinson's friend called police because Robinson was acting erratically. Kenny said he entered the house to investigate sounds of a disturbance, and Robinson started punching him. Kenny's attorney said Kenny suffered a concussion, but Owens disputes that. Owens said three of Kenny's seven shots appeared to be fired from several feet away, contradicting Kenny's account that Robinson was attacking him. "There is no way in the universe that this happened the way Matt said it did," Owens said. "We did the investigation that the city of Madison refused to do. They wouldn't have paid a dime if they thought they were going to win a trial." An autopsy showed Robinson had traces of drugs in his system, including hallucinogenic mushrooms. Kenny was later cleared of criminal wrongdoing and an internal investigation found he acted within police policies. District Attorney Ismael Ozanne declined to charge him with any crime. The Police Department did change policy to give officers the option of using a Taser when alone in situations requiring the use of force. Attorneys for Robinson's family, including Owens, appeared with Robinson's mother and other relatives at a press conference Thursday. Owens said, despite the settlement, he plans to ask federal investigators, Ozanne and the Madison Police Department to review evidence gathered for the trial. He said the department's investigation failed to question Kenny's account. Robinson's mother, Andrea Irwin, asked the public to "go in with an open mind and actually dig and do the research" on her son's death. The family's lawsuit was to go to trial February 27 before it was settled. Madison Mayor Paul Soglin said it's difficult to understand the calculations police officers must make when confronted by people impaired by substance abuse or mental health issues. "Officer Kenny was forced to make immediate decisions in dangerous circumstances which led to tragic consequences," Soglin said in a statement. Kenny now works with the department's training program and horse-mounted patrol unit often used to control crowds. Madison Police Chief Mike Koval said though Kenny has earned the right to return to active patrol, there are no plans for him to do so. Koval said the settlement has a "chilling effect" on the Police Department's reputation, even though it does not include any admission of wrongdoing. "Reasonable people can infer that if the cops had done nothing wrong, why in the world would they have settled for such an astronomical amount?" he said. "But we're not going to be defined by this settlement. That's just not how we roll." The shooting came less than a year after an officer killed 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and amid heightened scrutiny nationwide of police shootings, especially of young black men. ___ Follow Cara Lombardo on Twitter at https://twitter.com/CaraRLombardo ___ This story has been updated to correct the spelling of the district attorney's first name to Ismael, instead of Ishmael. Cornerstone Federal Credit Union will host an informal informational session Friday evening in Carlisle on its announcement to merge with Belco Community Credit Union. The session is an open dialogue between residents and the management teams at Cornerstone and Belco, Cornerstone said in a release. Board members will also be in attendance. The session will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Cornerstone, 5 Eastgate Drive, Carlisle. Residents are free to come and go as they please, and light refreshments will be served. PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) - Haiti's new president has chosen a physician and political outsider to be prime minister. President Jovenel Moise announced in a late Wednesday tweet that he and Haiti's two legislative leaders have agreed upon the nomination of Dr. Jack Guy Lafontant. Lafontant is a gastroenterologist and head of the Rotary Club in the commercial district of Petionville. Both houses of parliament will vote on whether to confirm Lafontant after he presents a plan of government. A prime minister oversees the Cabinet and day-to-day operations of government. CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - The lead lawyer for a New Hampshire prep school graduate charged with sexual assault defended his handling of the case Thursday, saying his team prevented "toxic" and damaging evidence from being presented at trial. Owen Labrie, of Tunbridge, Vermont, was acquitted in 2015 of raping a 15-year-old classmate the previous year as part of Senior Salute, a game of sexual conquest at St. Paul's School in Concord. He was convicted of misdemeanor sexual assault, child endangerment, and using a computer to lure the girl for sex, a felony that requires him to register as a sex offender for life. Though sentenced to a year in jail, Labrie, 21, has remained free under curfew while he both appeals his conviction and requests a new trial based on ineffective counsel. Owen Labrie talks with attorney J.W. Carney during a break at the Merrimack County Superior Court in Concord, N.H., Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, during an evidentiary hearing on whether Owen Labrie should be granted a retrial. Labrie, a prep school graduate convicted of using a computer to lure an underage girl for sex, returned to court for a hearing on whether his lawyers damaged his case. (Geoff Forester/The Concord Monitor via AP, Pool) A three-day hearing on Labrie's request ended Thursday with testimony from attorney J.W. Carney Jr., the lead trial lawyer. Attorneys on both sides have until March 6 to submit written arguments to the judge, who will then have 30 days to make a decision. Labrie argues that his former defense team harmed his case by waiting until he was convicted to challenge the computer charge and by missing opportunities to damage the credibility of key witnesses, including the victim and some of Labrie's friends. But Carney said he and the other attorneys made a strategic decision to limit that kind of questioning because it would have opened the door for prosecutors to bring in evidence that either bolstered the girl's account or painted Labrie as someone with a history of sexual aggression. In particular, attempting to prevent testimony about what the girl told three friends just after her meeting with Labrie became the "lynchpin" for the entire case, Carney said, because they would have corroborated the girl's claim that Labrie forced himself on her. "It would be toxic to the defense if (they) were permitted to state that before the jury," he said. Similarly, Carney said, he didn't argue that Labrie had been singled out for prosecution when other male students had engaged in similar behavior because that would have allowed testimony about Labrie's sexual past. "There were a number of references to other women Owen had dated in which he acted in ways, according to the women, that were very aggressive, that were forceful, that led to Owen having a very bad reputation at the St. Paul's campus among women as someone who'd be so aggressive that he would actually go so far as to inflict injury," Carney said. Labrie also argues that he should not have been charged with or convicted of using a computer to lure the girl for sex because Labrie exchanged messages with the girl through the school's intranet, not the wider internet as the law specifies. Carney said he reviewed the law but did not research it, and was unaware of the difference between an intranet and the internet. Earlier in the hearing, Jaye Rancourt, who served as local counsel to Labrie's out-of-state defense team, said she was so troubled by Carney's handling of the case that she considered asking for a mistrial, particularly after witnessing a conversation he had with a DNA expert in which he appeared wholly unprepared. Rancourt said it was clear Carney had never met the expert before, but Carney said they had met for more than two hours several weeks before the trial. Rancourt said she considers her failure to speak up to be ineffective counsel. Another member of Carney's team, attorney Samir Zaganjori, said waiting to challenge the computer charge until after the verdict was not "ideal representation" but he said overall Labrie received effective counsel. At the start of his testimony, Carney said he takes full responsibility for his team's actions. Asked by Labrie's current attorney, Robin Melone, if that included instances in which an attorney admitted being ineffective, Carney said, "I admit I am responsible for what they did. We may disagree regarding whether it was ineffective or not." Deputy Merrimack County Attorney Catherine Ruffle goes over documents at the Merrimack County Superior Court in Concord, N.H., during an evidentiary hearing on whether Owen Labrie should be granted a retrial. Labrie, a prep school graduate convicted of using a computer to lure an underage girl for sex, returned to court for a hearing on whether his lawyers damaged his case. (Geoff Forester/The Concord Monitor via AP, Pool) Owen Labrie and his attorney look over documents at the Merrimack County Superior Court in Concord, N.H., during an evidentiary hearing on whether Owen Labrie should be granted a retrial. Labrie, a prep school graduate convicted of using a computer to lure an underage girl for sex, returned to court for a hearing on whether his lawyers damaged his case. (Geoff Forester/The Concord Monitor via AP, Pool) Attorney Samir Zaganjori looks over documents with defense attorney Robin Melone at the Merrimack County Superior Court in Concord, N.H., during an evidentiary hearing on whether Owen Labrie should be granted a retrial. Labrie, a prep school graduate convicted of using a computer to lure an underage girl for sex, returned to court for a hearing on whether his lawyers damaged his case. (Geoff Forester/The Concord Monitor via AP, Pool) Attorney J.W. Carney is sworn in at the Merrimack County Superior Court in Concord, N.H., Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, during an evidentiary hearing on whether Owen Labrie should be granted a retrial. Labrie, a prep school graduate convicted of using a computer to lure an underage girl for sex, returned to court for a hearing on whether his lawyers damaged his case. (Geoff Forester/The Concord Monitor via AP, Pool) AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico (AP) - The sun had just risen along Puerto Rico's northwest coast when Paul Schmidt hopped off his surfboard and emerged from the water at Wilderness Beach, ending another session at a remote area that draws surfers from around the world looking for the next big wave. That day, he and only about 20 fellow surfers shared waves reaching more than 10 feet high. But Schmidt and others worry that the days are numbered for this slice of rocky beach ringed by mangrove forest and palm trees, with not a store or house in sight. Developers and local officials eager to improve the economy want to transform the area into a more traditional tourism destination, bringing a hotel and villas to a place largely untouched since Christopher Columbus landed nearby on his second voyage to the Western Hemisphere. In this Feb. 16, 2017 photo, surfers Doug Lake, left, and Danny King pose for a picture at Wilderness Beach, in Aguadilla, a lush corner in northwest Puerto Rico that has remained largely untouched since Christopher Columbus landed there in his second voyage to the New World. The area could soon become the site of a $200 million development that is pitting environmentalists who seek to convert the land into a national park against those who say the Christopher Columbus Landing resort could create jobs, generate tourism and boost real estate prices amid an economic crisis. (AP Photo/Danica Coto) "It's an untouched gem that hasn't been built up, which is just remarkable to begin with," said Schmidt, a 31-year-old from Rockaway, New York, making his annual extended surfing trip to Puerto Rico. "So many places like this have been ruined by big resorts and people trying to make money off of something so beautiful and so pure." Battles between development and preservation have long played out worldwide. But the stakes are especially high here because Puerto Rico has already lost so much of its once lush coast in the boom-and-bust economic cycles that have defined its modern history. Wilderness Beach and its surroundings, which provide habitat for endangered coral and sea turtles, is a place where many on the island, not just surfers, want to make a stand. "Everyone assumes we're here defending the beach, but it's not just the beach. It's the biological diversity that exists in this valley," said Edgardo Gonzalez, among more than a dozen protesters arrested in recent weeks for trying to block bulldozers that have begun clearing land near the town of Aguadilla. More than 22,000 people have signed an online petition demanding that the $200 million project dubbed the Christopher Columbus Landing hotel be halted until new environmental impact studies are done and more public hearings are held for a development originally approved in the mid-1990s. The director of the Puerto Rico agency that awarded those permits did not return calls for comment. Environmentalists sued this month to halt the project. They argue it will affect a turtle nesting area, threaten public access to the beach known locally as "Wildo" and generate runoff that could kill at least three species of coral on the endangered species list. They also question the validity of the permits issued and note that several hotels in the area have closed or remain empty, including one recently built by the municipality itself. A judge who reviewed the petition initially ruled they were not specific enough about potential threats, but scheduled another hearing for next week. "Why can't they just make this a state park?" asked 53-year-old Doug Lake, a surfer who moved from Los Angeles to Puerto Rico nearly 30 years ago. "Utilize what's naturally available. They're walking past the obvious." The protests and ongoing legal fight frustrates Aguadilla Mayor Carlos Mendez, who said the project will create up to 700 jobs and boost tourism, which has become a critical source of income and employment with Puerto Rico's economy mired in a deep recession for about a decade. "Right now it's so hard to get to that beach," he said, noting the developer plans two access roads to replace the single dirt road that leads to it. "We're going to open it up so everyone can enjoy it." It's a vision that appeals to Jose Mendez, a 53-year-old Aguadilla native who lives near the development. He said he's hoping for a boost in real estate prices for his blue-collar neighborhood and seeing street lights installed through the project, among other things. "This will bring progress and work," he said as he worked on a dilapidated car and gestured toward his teenage son, whom he hopes will find a job at the hotel. "None of the protesters live here. They don't know about our daily struggle." Puerto Rico developer Reinaldo Vincenty said he plans a 300-room hotel and nearly 100 villas in the project's first phase. He will develop 50 acres (20 hectares) of the 126 acres (51 hectares) he owns and build an ecotourism park on another 96 acres (39 hectares) featuring a zip line and food kiosks. Vincenty said he will wait on original plans to build a shopping center, casino and condo-hotel given the economic crisis. He said he originally expected to open the villas in August, but ongoing protests have delayed construction by at least four months. He also stressed he does not plan to close access to any beaches or surfing spots. "I'm building this hotel so thousands of people can visit," he said. "I want the entire world to get to know Aguadilla." ___ Danica Coto on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/danicacoto In this Feb. 16, 2017 photo, a no trespassing sign stands at Wilderness Beach, in Aguadilla, a lush corner in northwest Puerto Rico that has remained largely untouched since Christopher Columbus landed there in his second voyage to the New World. Developers and officials in Puerto Rico want to transform Wilderness Beach, a destination for big-wave surfing, into a more traditional tourism destination with a hotel and villas. The project has drawn opposition by people who say that one of the last few undeveloped stretches of the northwest coast should be left alone despite the economic benefits for an island mired in recession. (AP Photo/Danica Coto) In this Feb. 16, 2017 photo, surfers park at Wilderness Beach, in Aguadilla, a lush corner in northwest Puerto Rico that has remained largely untouched since Christopher Columbus landed there in his second voyage to the New World. As developers want to build in the area the stakes are especially high because Puerto Rico has already lost so much of its once lush coast in the boom-and-bust economic cycles that have defined its modern history.(AP Photo/Danica Coto) In this Feb. 16, 2017 photo, a surfer catches a wave in Wilderness Beach, in Aguadilla, a lush corner in northwest Puerto Rico that has remained largely untouched since Christopher Columbus landed there in his second voyage to the New World. Developers want to build in Wilderness Beach, which provides habitat for endangered coral and sea turtles and is a place where many on the island, not just surfers, want to make a stand. (AP Photo/Danica Coto) SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - Gloria Najar said it felt like an "apocalypse" when she returned home after being evacuated in a flood that sent waist-high water into homes and streets in San Jose. Still, as she sorted through her water-logged possessions Thursday, she said she counts herself among the lucky. The 57-year-old - one of thousands of people ordered to evacuate Tuesday - lost almost everything in her garage, but her second-floor condominium was dry. Li Truong, right, takes out some belongings from her flooded apartment with the help of friend Dung Nguyen Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, in San Jose, Calif. Thousands of people evacuated from a flood in San Jose, returned home Thursday amid warnings to be careful about hygiene and handling food that may have come into contact with flood water. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) "It felt like an apocalypse. It was unreal," said Najar, who found that her $10,000 leather couch, another pricey velvet couch, kitchen items and "other things I've had forever" were ruined in the garage. All that was left was her bicycle, her daughter's childhood tricycle and some family photographs that her now 37-year-old daughter, Katrina Santos, was spreading out to dry. "I'm telling myself these things don't matter, as long as our home is OK," Najar said. As she disposed of the damaged items, Najar said she was thinking of nearby homes that were flooded "all the way to the roof." About two-thirds of the 14,000 evacuated residents were being allowed to return home after Coyote Creek overflowed its banks then began to recede. In one of San Jose's hardest-hit neighborhoods, Khanh Nguyen lost everything. He spent Thursday hosing down and mopping up his ground floor apartment after removing his furniture, appliances and clothing, all destroyed by the flood. "I'm worried. I don't have a place to live in," said Nguyen, who for now is staying with relatives. People who went home were warned to be careful about hygiene and handling food that may have come into contact with flood water. "The water is not safe," Mayor Sam Liccardo said. "There is contamination in this water and the contamination runs the gamut." Liccardo acknowledged Wednesday that the city failed to properly notify residents to evacuate and had to resort to going door-to-door in the middle of the night to order many people to leave. Some people said they got their first notice by seeing firefighters in boats in the neighborhood. "We are assessing what happened in that failure," the mayor said. The city began alerting residents about flooding on Tuesday via social and mainstream media and sending emergency alerts to those who had signed up for it, city spokesman David Vossbrink said. Officials sent firefighters late Tuesday to evacuate about 400 people from a low-lying residential area. City officials said they did not believe the waters would spread to other neighborhoods and did not expand the evacuation orders. Flood warnings were in place until Saturday because waterways were overtaxed. Councilman Tam Nguyen asked landlords to provide three months of free rent to victims of the floods in his working-class Latino and Asian district where 350 homes were flooded. __ Gecker and AP writers Kristin J. Bender and Terence Chea contributed to this report from San Francisco. A man stands on a mud-filled street as water begins to recede from a flooded neighborhood Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, in San Jose, Calif. Thousands of people evacuated from a flood in San Jose, California, returned home Thursday amid warnings to be careful about hygiene and handling food that may have come into contact with flood water. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Residents walk through a muddy sidewalk in a flooded neighborhood Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, in San Jose, Calif. Thousands of people evacuated from a flood in San Jose, California, returned home Thursday amid warnings to be careful about hygiene and handling food that may have come into contact with flood water. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) A residents washes his furniture as floodwaters recede Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, in San Jose, Calif. Thousands of people evacuated from a flood in San Jose, California, returned home Thursday amid warnings to be careful about hygiene and handling food that may have come into contact with flood water. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Rich Thomas wears a hazard suit as he clears out his garage in a flooded complex Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, in San Jose, Calif. Thousands of people evacuated from a flood in San Jose, California, returned home Thursday amid warnings to be careful about hygiene and handling food that may have come into contact with flood water. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Cars are partially submerged and covered in mud from receding floodwaters Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, in San Jose, Calif. Thousands of people evacuated from a flood in San Jose, California, returned home Thursday amid warnings to be careful about hygiene and handling food that may have come into contact with flood water. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Crews shovel mud in a flooded street Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, in San Jose, Calif. Thousands of people evacuated from a flood in San Jose, California, returned home Thursday amid warnings to be careful about hygiene and handling food that may have come into contact with flood water. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Residents jump through puddles as they return to pick up belongings from a flooded neighborhood Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, in San Jose, Calif. Thousands of people evacuated from a flood in San Jose, California, returned home Thursday amid warnings to be careful about hygiene and handling food that may have come into contact with flood water. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) LONDON (AP) - Powerful winds battered parts of northern Europe Thursday, disrupting transportation and killing a woman who was hit by flying debris in central England. In the Netherlands, the landing gear on a small passenger plane collapsed as it landed in heavy winds at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport. Britain's West Midlands Ambulance Service said the woman suffered serious head injuries in Wolverhampton, 140 miles (225 kilometers) northwest of London. Rain, snow and strong winds of more than 90 mph (145 kph) from a weather system dubbed Storm Doris closed U.K. roads, canceled flights and for a time halted train travel to and from Euston Station, one of London's main terminals. A woman's hair flies as strong winds hit Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017. Weather forecasts predict wind and storms for the next two days in Germany. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Heathrow Airport said about one in 10 flights was canceled. An Icelandair flight from Reykjavik declared an in-flight fuel emergency after aborted attempts to land at both Manchester and Liverpool airports in northwest England. It eventually landed successfully in Manchester. The Amsterdam flight also landed safely. Nobody was injured in the heavy landing at Schiphol Airport. Video shown on Dutch news sites showed the right landing gear of the twin-prop airplane operated by Flybe collapsing as it touched down. Schiphol said in a statement that 59 people were on the plane. Flybe confirmed "an incident" at Schiphol involving flight BE1284 from Edinburgh to Amsterdam. "We can confirm that there are no injuries and all passengers have been bussed to the airport terminal," the carrier said in a statement. The landing came as powerful winds battered the Netherlands, causing traffic chaos and blowing roofs off some buildings but no other major incidents. The heavy winds in the U.K. were expected to start dying down late Thursday. Britain's weather agency, the Met Office, said a top wind speed of 94 mph (151 kph) was recorded at Capel Curig in Wales. The wind even halted filming of outdoor scenes on Britain's long-running soap opera "Coronation Street." ___ Associated Press writer Jill Lawless in London and Mike Corder in The Hague, Netherlands, contributed. Women attempt to take a selfie amid strong winds on Westminster Bridge, London, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017. Flights have been cancelled and commuters were warned they faced delays after Storm Doris reached nearly 90mph. (Stefan Rousseau/PA via AP) A plane is buffeted by the wind as it comes in to land at Leeds Bradford Airport as as flights were cancelled and commuters were warned they faced delays as winds reached nearly 90mph when Storm Doris battered many part of Britain. Thursday Feb. 23, 2017. (Danny Lawson/PA via AP) The scene in Wolverhampton city center after a woman died when she was hit by a piece of roof the "size of a coffee table" during strong winds, Wolverhampton, England, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017. Flights have been cancelled and commuters were warned they faced delays after Storm Doris reached nearly 90mph. (Matthew Cooper/PA via AP) A traffic jam is seen during early morning snowfall, on the M80 near Falkirk, Scotland, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017. Flights have been cancelled and commuters were warned they faced delays after Storm Doris reached nearly 90mph. (Andrew Milligan/PA via AP) Snow-covered sheep are seen in a field near Broughton in the Scottish Borders, on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017. Flights have been cancelled and commuters were warned they faced delays after Storm Doris reached nearly 90mph. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP) Workmen clear a fallen tree after the tree-lined avenue was damaged in Storm Doris, at Dark Hedges in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017. Flights have been cancelled and commuters were warned they faced delays after Storm Doris reached nearly 90mph. One of the beech trees that make up Dark Hedges, made famous by fantasy drama Game Of Thrones, has fallen victim to high winds that have battered Northern Ireland. (Steven McAuley/PA via AP) Workmen clear a fallen tree after the tree-lined avenue was damaged in Storm Doris, at Dark Hedges in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017. Flights have been cancelled and commuters were warned they faced delays after Storm Doris reached nearly 90mph. One of the beech trees that make up Dark Hedges, made famous by fantasy drama Game Of Thrones, has fallen victim to high winds that have battered Northern Ireland. (Steven McAuley/PA via AP) A man walks in a snow covered street in Carron Valley Scotland as flights were cancelled and commuters were warned they faced delays as winds reached nearly 90mph when Storm Doris battered many part of Britain. Thursday Feb. 23, 2017. (Andrew Milligan/PA via AP) BEND, Ore. (AP) - Police say a Central Oregon woman suffered a small bump when a stray bullet crashed into her home and bounced off her head. The Redmond Police Department says the woman watching television Monday when the shot was fired. The bullet went through a wall of her neighbor's home and a fence before entering the woman's home. It went through a picture frame and had slowed significantly by the time it hit her. Redmond police Lt. Curtis Chambers told The Bulletin newspaper (https://is.gd/g45Kii ) it was like having a small rock thrown at you. She said the incident was being overblown and declined further comment. The victim's neighbor was charged with unlawful use of a weapon, criminal mischief and reckless endangerment. Police say he wasn't shooting at anyone. ___ Information from: The Bulletin, http://www.bendbulletin.com WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump is meeting at the White House with two dozen manufacturing CEOs. Trump told the executives that his policies will create millions of jobs, though he did not outline specific initiatives to drive that job growth. The president singled out Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson, saying she was working on lowering the costs of F-35 fighter jets. Referencing his campaign rival Hillary Clinton, he asked Hewson if she thought the Democrat would have asked for savings on the contracts. For the week ending Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017. MONEY MATTERS-SHOPPING FOR HEALTH CARE Americans who gained health coverage through the Affordable Care Act may soon have to rely more on health savings accounts. While such plans may help save money on doctor visits, they can cause patients to skip care. THE WEEK IN REVIEW U.S. home sales take off in January; Wells Fargo fires senior managers in sales scandal; Nobel-winning economist Kenneth J. Arrow dies. QUICK FIX Save or splurge? We asked experts how to know whether to squirrel away your tax refund or if it's OK to treat yourself. WIRELESS & CASHLESS Popular messaging app WhatsApp is launching a revamped "status" feature, cloning features already offered by Snapchat such as full-screen photos, GIFs or short videos to designate your status. SMALL BUSINESS MONITOR The flu outbreak is sidelining employees of small businesses, raising questions at many companies about sick time. CENTERPIECE Celgene's next chapter Top biotech drugmaker Celgene expects its $7 billion-a-year blood cancer drug, Revlimid, to keep boosting sales for several years, one reason that its 2017 financial outlook is more optimistic than many rivals. MARKET PULSE American and United unveil cheaper "basic economy" fares; Italian olive oil prices are set to jump because of bad weather and insects; a Colorado town is setting up a drive-through marijuana shop. OF MUTUAL INTEREST-TAX TIME Tax time means many mutual-fund investors are paying the bill for their funds' past successes. The good news: This past year's tax bill is smaller for investors in many of the most popular funds. INSIDER Q&A-ALLERGAN'S PRICE STRATEGY Brent Saunders, chief executive of Botox-maker Allergan, talks to The Associated Press about the company's recently implemented "social contract" to limit drug price increases and increase financial aid for needy patients. $1,000 DERBY If you invested $1,000 at the start of this year in various types of stocks, bonds and commodities, how much would you have now? For questions about Money & Markets Extra modules, contact Greg Keller (212-621-7958). For technical support: Todd Balog (816-654-1096). After 6 p.m., contact the AP Business News desk (800-845-8450, ext. 1680) for content questions; 1-800-3AP-STOX for technical support and 212-621-1905 for graphics help. BEIRUT (AP) - Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas began a three-day visit to Beirut on Thursday, saying Palestinian factions are committed to preserving security in refugee camps around Lebanon. Abbas arrived in the afternoon in the first visit to Lebanon by a president since President Michel Aoun was elected in October. He will meet in the coming days with other top Lebanese officials, including the prime minister and parliament speaker. Lebanon is home to some 400,000 refugees, mainly in 12 crowded Palestinian refugee camps. A Lebanese journalist recording through her mobile phone the speeches of Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas and his Lebanese counterpart Michel Aoun, at the presidential palace, in Baabda east Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017. Abbas is in Beirut for two days visit to meet with Lebanese officials. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) Abbas read a statement after his meeting with Aoun, saying that Palestinians stand against terrorism in all its forms. "Our people in Lebanon have confirmed that they will preserve security and stability in the camps and here I assert that commitment of all Palestinian factions with this vision," he said. He added that the Palestinians, like the Lebanese, are opposed to all forms of terrorism. Over the past months, dozens of wanted people who were taking shelter in the refugee camp of Ein el-Hilweh in southern Lebanon have handed themselves over to Lebanese authorities. Ein el-Hilweh is notorious for its lawlessness and is home to some extremists who sympathize with the Islamic State group and al-Qaida. Abbas blasted Israel, blaming it for a lack of progress in peacemaking in the Middle East. "The political process is still stagnating and despite that we are extending our hands for peace in accordance with international resolutions," Abbas said. "Israel is still insisting on occupying our land and keeping our people in a large prison and this is what we will not accept." In a striking departure from longtime American policy, U.S. President Donald Trump refrained earlier this month from supporting a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While this pleased Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hard line coalition partners, Trump said that whatever solution is reached would have to be acceptable to both sides. That has raised questions about what kind of agreement could be reached. The alternative, a single binational state, could require Israel to grant citizenship to millions of Palestinians under its control, threatening its status as a Jewish-majority democracy. On Saturday, Abbas is scheduled to leave for Geneva where he will deliver a speech two days later at the Human Rights Council, according to Majdi Khaldi, Abbas' diplomatic adviser. A panel discussion provided a look at drug abuse issues in Cumberland County during a public forum co-hosted by state Rep. Mark Keller (R-Perry/Cumberland) and Congressman Lou Barletta (R-11) at Shippensburg University Wednesday. The panel featured health care professionals and law enforcement officials discussing the extent of the drug crisis and efforts to resolve it on the federal, state and local levels. The event was attended by more than 150 people, according to a release from Barlettas office. Cumberland County Coroner Charles Hall said drug overdose deaths rose by 60 percent last year in Cumberland County, from 41 in 2015 to 66 in 2016. Twenty-nine of the fatalities were the result of heroin abuse. This is a multi-faceted problem, and it is going to take multi-faceted answers, Hall said during the event. Cumberland County District Attorney Dave Freed said the number of drug-related cases handled by his office has exploded in recent years. He cited Mexico as the source of the heroin being brought into the county by dealers from Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City. When big-city dealers come here to set up shop, we knew it had reached a new level, Freed said. Justice in most of these cases is trying to treat these people who are in the throes of addiction. Freed pointed to new laws enacted by the Pennsylvania General Assembly as effective tools in addressing the states heroin and opioid epidemic. Those measures include the creation of a database designed to prevent doctor shopping by addicts and legal immunity for people who report an overdose to authorities. The Legislature has been ahead on this issue, Freed said. It is so encouraging to hear that legislation we enacted is being used and is working, Keller said. But we need to do more, and we are doing more. According to the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, there were 3,500 drug-related deaths in Pennsylvania last year. Another 2,400 addicts were saved by first responders who administered naloxone, a medication that reverses the effects of an overdose. Several panel members said raising public awareness about the extent of Pennsylvanias drug problem is also important, and they were pleased by the large turnout for the forum. We need your help. We need everyones help, Dr. Carrie Delone of Holy Spirit Medical Group told the crowd. This is not just a legislative fix or a health care fix; we need everyone working together. It is going to take all of us, and the first step is bringing awareness, Barletta said. Other panel members were Fred Scott, Shippensburg chief of police; and Kristin Varner, the RASE Project training and advocacy director. A video recording of the two-hour forum, which included questions from the audience, will be available for viewing on Kellers website at RepKeller.com. BERLIN (AP) - Fritz Koenig, a German sculptor whose work "The Sphere" became a symbol of resilience after the 9/11 attacks in New York, has died. He was 92. Koenig, a well-known artist thanks to his distinctive large statues and sculptures, created the ball-shaped bronze over a four-year period starting in 1967. Originally called "Grosse Kugelkaryatide N.Y.," the 25-foot- (7.7 meter) -high sculpture stood at the foot of the World Trade Center from 1971 until Sept. 11, 2001, when al-Qaida hijackers flew airliners into the twin towers. FILE - In this file photo dated Monday, March 11, 2002, German artist Fritz Koenig stands next to his bronze sculpture "The Sphere" after a dedication ceremony in New York. Koenig who's artwork "The Sphere" became a symbol of resilience after the 9/11 attacks in New York, died Wednesday Feb. 22, 2017 aged 92, according to news reports and Bavaria state's Ministry of Culture. (AP Photo/Beth A. Keiser, FILE) It was recovered from the rubble - heavily dented but structurally intact - and was moved to Battery Park, where it now stands alongside an eternal flame dedicated to the people who died. A plaque notes that the sculpture was conceived as a symbol of world peace. Koenig said it was a miracle that "The Sphere" had survived, noting at the time: "It was a sculpture, now it's a memorial." The artist was born in the Bavarian city of Wuerzburg in 1924. After serving in the German army during World War II, Koenig studied at the Munich Academy of Fine Art. He participated in the 1958 Venice Biennale and had his first show in the United States at New York's Staempfli Gallery in 1961. After the 1972 attack on the Munich Olympics, Koenig created a granite beam to commemorate the 11 Israeli team members and a German police officer who were killed. Another of his works stands prominently as a memorial to the people murdered by the Nazis at the former Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria. Many of his pieces can be found at the Sculpture Museum in Landsberg . The dpa news agency reported that Koenig died late Wednesday at his home in Altdorf, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) northeast of Munich. His death was confirmed Thursday by Bavaria state's Ministry of Culture. Here's a look at stories The Associated Press plans to cover in Europe on Friday, Feb. 24. Questions about coverage plans can be directed to the Europe Desk at eurdesk@ap.org. ROMANIA-GOVERNMENT RALLY - Center-left government calls supporters to a rally in a town in southern Romania where it enjoys widespread support, in a bid to boost its popularity following massive anti-corruption protests that rocked the country. UPCOMING: On merits from rally starting at 0800 GMT, photos. FRANCE-DISNEYLAND - French President Francois Hollande visits Disneyland Paris to mark its 25th anniversary, as Europe's most popular tourist attraction struggles with long-running financial challenges. UPCOMING: 130 words by 1700 GMT. Photos. MILAN FASHION WEEK-WATCH - Bottega Veneta, Missoni and Jil Sander continue womenswear previews for next fall and winter on the fourth day of Milan Fashion Week. UPCOMING: 300 words by 1700 GMT, 750 words by 2200 GMT; photos. SUNDAY EUROPE-RACISM-CENSORSHIP - With the specter of populism already hanging over a full election year on the continent, the European Parliament has decided to crack down on racism and hate speech. In an unprecedented move, special powers have been granted to the assembly president to pull the plug on live broadcasts of the legislature and purge any offending video or audio material. Trouble is, the rules on what is considered offensive are none too clear and, for some, freedom of speech is at risk. By Lorne Cook. UPCOMING: 500 words by 1200 GMT. TURKEY-IRAQ - Masoud Barzani, president of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, meets with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the fight against the Islamic State group and other issues. UPCOMING: 130 words by 1000 GMT, more on merits. RUSSIA-OPPOSITION - Russia's beleaguered opposition holds a march in central Moscow to mark two years since opposition leader Boris Nemtsov was gunned down just outside the Kremlin. UPCOMING: On merits. VATICAN-ANGLICANS - Pope Francis visits the main Anglican church in Rome and takes questions from the pews as he seeks to bridge decades of division over the Church of England's acceptance of female bishops and same-sex marriage. The visit comes as the Vatican is gearing up to host the first-ever Anglican Evensong liturgy in St. Peter's Basilica on March 13. UPCOMING: On merits. MILAN FASHION WEEK-WATCH - Marni, Stella Jean and Salvatore Ferragamo continue womenswear previews for next fall and winter on the fifth day of Milan Fashion Week. UPCOMING: 300 words by 1700 GMT, 750 words by 2200 GMT; photos. MONDAY POLAND-POPULIST HEARTLAND - Life has always been hard on Witold Pogorzelski, a farmer in eastern Poland. Fuel shortages in the communist era prevented him from transporting his produce. In the capitalist era the nearby sugar factory that provided income to him and his wife was forced to close. There has just never seemed to be a fair deal for people like him and his wife. But now, just as the 64-year-old prepares for retirement, he feels like there is finally a bit of hope. Eight-five percent of people in Kobylin-Borzymy, a modest rural community a 2 hour drive northeast of Warsaw, voted for the populist Law and Justice party in 2015. As the lure of populism challenges political establishments in many places, Poland is a front-runner. By Monika Scislowska. UPCOMING: 1,100 words by 1000 GMT, photos. BRITAIN-COUNTERFEIT GOODS - In a warehouse at London's Heathrow airport, an officer pulls open a cardboard box he suspects is filled with contraband goods. His instincts are rewarded - it's packed with sneakers that look identical to the limited edition Adidas Yeezy Boost, designed by rap star Kanye West. Annual trade in fake products is worth around 2.5 percent of total global trade, or $18 trillion - but it is the human cost that makes it one of the most insidiously dangerous criminal activities in the world today. By Lynne O'Donnell. UPCOMING: 1,000 words by 1200 GMT, photos. SPAIN-MOBILE FAIR - The latest technology is on display at the annual Barcelona Mobile World Congress. By Nick Jesdanum and Alex Oller. UPCOMING: Developing, photos. With: SPAIN-WIRELESS SHOW-QUIRKY - Five of the quirkiest gadgets featured at the Mobile World Congress, the biggest annual event for mobile technolgy. By Alex Oller. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. ITALY-STARBUCKS CEO- INTERVIEW - Interview with longtime CEO Howard Schultz as the company tackles one of its most daunting markets: Italy. As Schultz prepares to step down in April, one of his last moves is to open a coffee shop in Milan, the city that first inspired the chain. By Colleen Barry. UPCOMING: 800 words, photos. MILAN FASHION WEEK-WATCH - Armani closes six days of womenswear previews for next fall and winter on the final day of Milan Fashion Week. UPCOMING: 500 words by 1700 GMT, photos. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) - A judge entered not guilty pleas Thursday on behalf of four people charged with neglect in the death of a malnourished 9-year-old western Indiana boy with cerebral palsy. Vigo Superior Court Judge Michael Lewis set a $250,000 bond for the defendants during their initial court appearance and ordered the appointment of attorneys to represent them. The defendants are the child's two guardians, Hubert A. Kraemer, 56, and Robin Lee Kraemer, 53; their son, Chad Allen Kraemer, 33; and the son's girlfriend Sarah Beth Travioli. This photo provided by the Vigo County Sheriffs Department shows Hubert A Kraemer, 56, one of four people charged with neglect in the death of a malnourished 9-year-old Indiana boy with cerebral palsy. Cameron R. Hoopingarner was blind and weighed less than 15 pounds when officers found him Tuesday, Feb. 21, at a home near Fontanet, Ind., 60 miles west of Indianapolis, Vigo County Sheriff Greg Ewing said. The officers were responding to a call about a child in cardiac arrest. Cameron was pronounced dead at a hospital. (Vigo County Sheriffs Department via AP) The boy, Cameron R. Hoopingarner, was blind and weighed less than 15 pounds when officers found him Tuesday at the family's home near Fontanet, 60 miles west of Indianapolis, Vigo County Sheriff Greg Ewing said. The officers were responding to a call about a child in cardiac arrest. Cameron was pronounced dead at a hospital. "In my 26 years in this office, the pictures that I saw of Cameron and his condition were terrible, beyond terrible," Ewing said. An autopsy determined the boy died of starvation, Ewing said. The four defendants face charges of neglect, neglect resulting in death and failure to report child neglect. They face 20 to 40 years in prison if convicted. All four are being held in the Vigo County Jail. Robin and Hubert Kraemer had cared for the boy since a few days after his birth, the Terre Haute Tribune-Star reported As they entered the courtroom, Hubert Kraemer pushed an oxygen tank. Robin and Chad Kraemer and Tavioli cried at times, and Chad Kraemer wadded up his court paperwork in frustration at the conclusion of the hearing. "This ain't right! This ain't right!" Chad Kraemer said as the four were led out of court and back to jail. All four defendants said in court they are not employed. This photo provided by the Vigo County Sheriffs Department shows Chad Allen Kraemer, 33, one of four people charged with neglect in the death of a malnourished 9-year-old Indiana boy with cerebral palsy. Cameron R. Hoopingarner was blind and weighed less than 15 pounds when officers found him Tuesday at a home near Fontanet, Ind., 60 miles west of Indianapolis, Vigo County Sheriff Greg Ewing said. The officers were responding to a call about a child in cardiac arrest. Cameron was pronounced dead at a hospital. (Vigo County Sheriffs Department via AP) This photo provided by the Vigo County Sheriff's Department shows Robin Lee Kraemer, one of four people charged with neglect in the death of a malnourished 9-year-old Indiana boy with cerebral palsy. Cameron R. Hoopingarner was blind and weighed less than 15 pounds when officers found him Tuesday at a home near Fontanet, Ind., 60 miles west of Indianapolis, Vigo County Sheriff Greg Ewing said. The officers were responding to a call about a child in cardiac arrest. Cameron was pronounced dead at a hospital. (Vigo County Sheriff's Department via AP) JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - An Alabama consultant has admitted to lying to FBI agents about a health care contract at a county jail in Alabama, signaling that a Mississippi prison bribery probe has spilled across state lines. Michael P. Goddard of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, admitted in a plea agreement filed Tuesday in federal court that he received money from Mississippi-based Health Assurance in connection with a contract that the company had from 2007 to 2011 to care for inmates at the Jefferson County Jail in Birmingham. Health Assurance has been a focus of scrutiny concerning bribes paid to former Mississippi Corrections Commissioner Christopher Epps and others. Goddard is scheduled to appear on March 16 in federal court in Birmingham, when he could waive indictment and plead guilty to the criminal charge. He faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, although federal prosecutors agreed to recommend a lighter sentence. The plea agreement states that Goddard lied to FBI agents in an August interview, saying monthly payments he received weren't related to Health Assurance. "The defendant knew this statement was false," the plea states. Jefferson County Chief Sheriff's Deputy Randy Christian said the sheriff's office had no contact with Goddard over the contract and said the FBI has not questioned Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale or other officials. Goddard's lawyer didn't respond to a phone call and email seeking comment. In 2011, Health Assurance lost the $4 million-a-year contract. The company sued, claiming the Illinois firm that won the bid, Advanced Correctional Healthcare, had an unjust advantage by basing its bid on proprietary Health Assurance information the competitor got from Hale's office. A federal magistrate judge ruled against Health Assurance, saying there was no evidence that the information was a trade secret, or that ACH used the information improperly. Christian said Hale picked ACH because it was less expensive and Jefferson County was bankrupt at the time. Dr. Carl Reddix, whom prosecutors have described as a co-owner of Health Assurance, was indicted in July in Mississippi on six counts of bribery and one count of conspiracy to commit honest-services wire fraud. Prosecutors say Reddix passed cash bribes to Epps from 2012 to 2014 in exchange for health care contracts at four privately run Mississippi state prisons. The indictment says the bribes started at $6,000 a month, eventually rising as high as $9,500 a month. Reddix has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial May 22. His lawyer told reporters in July that Reddix was a "victim of a shakedown" by Epps. The lawyer didn't immediately respond to a phone call and email seeking comment Thursday. Epps has pleaded guilty to charges related to taking nearly $1.5 million in bribes. Five others have also pleaded guilty in Mississippi, including consultant Robert Simmons. He pleaded guilty to passing bribes on behalf of Health Assurance to a county supervisor in exchange for a jail medical contract in Mississippi's Harrison County. Hours before he was due in federal court on bribery charges in 2015, Harrison County Supervisor William Martin killed himself. Health Assurance and another Reddix-related company have done business with at least six other Mississippi counties and one other Alabama county. ___ Follow Jeff Amy at: http://twitter.com/jeffamy. Read his work at http://bigstory.ap.org/author/jeff-amy RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) - An Israeli court has ordered a senior Hamas member to complete his life sentence after he was freed in a 2011 swap of hundreds of inmates for an Israeli soldier held by the militant Islamic group, a Palestinian activist said Thursday. At the time of the exchange, Nael Barghouti had served 33 years for participating in the kidnapping and killing of an Israeli soldier, making him one of the longest-held Palestinians. Israel has since rearrested scores of Palestinians for allegedly resuming anti-Israel activities. File - In this Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011 file photo, Hamas militant Nael Barghouti waves a green Islamic flag and a Palestinian flag to the crowd after arriving in the West Bank city of Ramallah. after he was released in exchange of an Israeli soldier held by Hamas. Hundreds of other Palestinian prisoners were also released in this exchange. A Palestinian activist says an Israeli court ordered Barghouti to complete his life sentence, At the time of the exchange, Nael Barghouti had served 33 years for participating in the kidnapping and killing of an Israeli soldier, making him one of the longest-held Palestinians. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed, File) One roundup came after three Israeli teenagers were killed by a Hamas cell in 2014. Barghouti, arrested in that sweep, subsequently served 30 months for Hamas membership. He completed the sentence but was never released. Prisoner rights campaigner Qadoura Fares said that a military court reinstated Barghouti's original sentence on appeal, life plus 18 years. The Israeli military said he was sentenced "for a series of security offenses, including murder." It said that "after his release, Barghouti renewed his involvement in terrorist activity, violating the terms of his release" and the prosecution asked that his sentence be served in full. Meanwhile, the military said a jet "intercepted" a drone deployed by Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, after it took off from the territory. The military said that it prevented the drone from infiltrating Israeli airspace. There was no comment on the incident in Gaza. WASHINGTON (AP) - A Texas Republican said Thursday he was deeply disturbed by explicit signs at the Women's March on Washington last month while acknowledging that President Donald Trump's vulgar and sexually predatory comments about women triggered the display. Of the march the day after the inauguration, Rep. Mike Conaway said, "On balance, it was terrific." But the six-term congressman, an ordained deacon in the Baptist church, said he was bothered by some women's actions and believes the country needs to reclaim a moral high ground. "There was a taint to that march that just cut me to the core," Conaway said at an Agriculture Department event. "Women carrying signs and wearing costumes in the foulest, nastiest, crudest, crassest manner possible, talking about female body parts." FILE - In this Jan. 21, 2017 file photo, protesters build a wall of signs outside the White House in Washington, for the Women's March on Washington. A Texas Republican is criticizing women who carried explicit signs at the Women's March in Washington last month. Rep. Mike Conaway said women were carrying signs and wearing costumes "in the foulest, nastiest, crudest, crassest manner possible, talking about female body parts." (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File) Conaway acknowledged that many of the signs were a reaction to the October release of a recording from 2005, in which Trump made a series of comments about groping women. In the tape, Trump bragged to a TV personality that his fame allowed him to force himself on women. "The trigger for that obviously was Mr. Trump's exchange with Billy Bush, which should never have happened, it was never excused in a private conversation, but now it's perfectly all right to carry signs as badges of honor across this nation's capital," Conaway said. Conaway, the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, made his comments after speaking to the audience of department employees and farm groups about upcoming farm legislation in Congress. He closed the speech by asking the group to "hang with me for a second" while he diverged from the subject of agriculture. He spoke about the nation's founding fathers and said that only a religious and moral people could self-govern. He said, "You've got to live a moral code." Referring to the song "God Bless America," Conaway asked, "Can God bless the killing of 57 million babies in 43 years? Can he bless the coarsening of our society, the language we use, the stuff that comes out of Hollywood that we think's entertainment, the way we deify in many instances the folks that put that on?" As he ended, Conaway thanked the group for allowing him to preach. When he became chairman of the agriculture panel in 2015, he started saying prayers at the beginning of each hearing. At a question and answer session afterward, one man who did not identify himself said he had had relatives at the march and Conaway should "start by confessing your role in the problems that our country has." Some of the several hundred people in the room clapped, while others jeered at the questioner. "I am a sinner saved by grace," Conaway responded. "No better than anybody else, I sin every single day. I do things that offend God every single day. I try not to let that happen." Conaway's committee has spent the past two years reviewing the nation's food stamp program and is laying the groundwork for an overhaul. Conaway said Republicans will propose "meaningful reform" to the $70 billion-a-year program when the farm bill is up for renewal next year. A committee report issued last year suggested the panel may try to strengthen work requirements, tighten eligibility requirements or provide new incentives to encourage recipients to buy more healthful foods. ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - The Latest on an off-duty California police officer's fight with teens (all times local): 12:30 p.m. A union representing Los Angeles police officers is supporting an off-duty officer who fired his gun during a struggle with teens near his Anaheim home. Protesters then took to Euclid Street, blocking traffic and marching north toward Ball Road, where they congregated in the intersection for several minutes in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017. A Los Angeles policeman is under investigation after a video appears to show him firing a single round during an off-duty tussle with a 13-year-old boy. No one was injured but two teenagers were arrested after the incident, which spurred dozens of people to protest against police Wednesday night in the streets of Anaheim, where the officer lives and the confrontation occurred. (Joshua Sudock/The Orange County Register via AP) The Los Angeles Police Protective League says publicly available cellphone video shows the officer was physically assaulted by multiple individuals and sustained injuries in Tuesday's incident. The union says an officer has the right to self-defense no matter the age of the offender. The fight involved ongoing issues with teens walking across the officer's property and grass. No one was hurt by the gunshot. Two teenage boys were arrested in the incident and 24 other people were taken into custody when a subsequent protest erupted in vandalism and violence. The fight remains under investigation by Anaheim and Los Angeles police. Protesters march towards the off-duty officer's home in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017. A Los Angeles policeman is under investigation after a video appears to show him firing a single round during an off-duty tussle with a 13-year-old boy. No one was injured but two teenagers were arrested after the incident, which spurred dozens of people to protest against police Wednesday night in the streets of Anaheim, where the officer lives and the confrontation occurred. (Joshua Sudock/The Orange County Register via AP) Protesters then took to Euclid Street, blocking traffic and marching north toward Ball Road, where they congregated in the intersection for several minutes in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017. A Los Angeles policeman is under investigation after a video appears to show him firing a single round during an off-duty tussle with a 13-year-old boy. No one was injured but two teenagers were arrested after the incident, which spurred dozens of people to protest against police Wednesday night in the streets of Anaheim, where the officer lives and the confrontation occurred. (Joshua Sudock/The Orange County Register via AP) BRUSSELS (AP) - The head of the European Union's executive commission says he does not want a "hard border" between Northern Ireland and member state Ireland once Britain has broken away from the bloc. EU Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said Thursday that the commission and "the Irish government will work closely together during the whole process of the Brexit negotiations. We do not want to have hard borders." Once the divorce proceedings are complete, possibly sometimes in 2019, the EU could in theory have a hard border with the U.K. through Ireland. Northern Ireland is part of the U.K. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, right, and Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny address a media conference at EU headquarters in Brussels on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017. (AP Photo) Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny says that because of the specificities of the British Isles and the Northern Ireland peace accord there was agreement not to go back to a hard border that would restrict travel. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, right, speaks with Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny prior to a meeting at EU headquarters in Brussels on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017. (AP Photo) PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - U.S. Sen. Jack Reed met with constituents on Thursday to discuss their concerns in a federal courthouse room where no photos, video recording or tweeting were allowed because of court rules. Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat, met with about 100 people in the jury assembly room at the courthouse in Providence amid days of other congressional members being scolded at town halls in videos posted online. His staff said the room was chosen for the meeting, which wasn't a town hall, because of the big crowd it could accommodate and he didn't set the rules regarding what could be recorded or tweeted. Shortly before the event began, Reed's staff and the U.S. marshal told reporters they couldn't take photos or video or tweet because of the court rules. The rules place restrictions on electronic devices in the courthouse, but tweeting, taking cellphone photos and operating TV cameras are sometimes allowed. File-This May 8, 2012, file photo shows Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., pausing off the Senate floor on Capitol Hill in Washington, before a showdown on the Democratic proposal to keep federally subsidized loan interest rates from doubling for millions of college students. Democratic Sen. Jack Reed met with 100 people in the jury assembly room at the federal courthouse in Providence on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017. Reed's staff and the U.S. marshal told reporters they couldn't take photos or video or tweet inside the room because of court rules. Those activities have sometimes been allowed in the courthouse. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) Reporters were allowed to record audio, but constituents couldn't take their phones in. There has been heavy turnout and protests at meetings with other members of Congress this week. Videos of people angrily denouncing members of Congress, most of them Republicans, for supporting Republican President Donald Trump's agenda have been shared online. Reed, who recently held an open town hall meeting in a school auditorium where all sorts of recording was permitted, said he was following the court's rules and chose the large room because it was convenient. He has an office in the building, but it can't accommodate such a big crowd. Attendees had to show photo identification and go through a metal detector to get in. The discussion was mostly civil and even-toned although some attendees angrily yelled "no" when Reed said he'd meet with federal Judge Neil Gorsuch, Trump's nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court. Reed said he'll hold future meetings in places that allow recording devices. "My preference would've been to have everybody here with whatever they wanted to bring," Reed said after the event. Chief Judge William Smith said the courthouse has security protocols that bar the public from carrying in electronic devices and court officials believed those should be followed for Reed's event. The Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union took issue with how the rules were applied. "We don't think there is a legitimate basis for preventing tweeting at a meeting that is completely unrelated to judicial functions," said Steven Brown, the chapter's executive director. Reed's spokesman, Chip Unruh, said Reed makes himself accessible and has no problem with people recording his events but under courthouse rules only audio recording was allowed on Thursday. "We bent over backward to try to accommodate the press," he said. "I'm sorry the courthouse has rules and Senator Reed doesn't want to bigfoot those rules." Reed and other political leaders plan to take part in an event Saturday at Rhode Island College to rally against Republicans' promises to repeal and replace Democratic former President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act. DALLAS (AP) - A Salvadoran woman seeking asylum in the United States was returned to a Texas detention center after spending almost two weeks in a hospital, U.S. immigration officials said Thursday. Attorneys for Sara Beltran Hernandez, 26, said Thursday that they were seeking a humanitarian parole of the woman that would allow her family more control over her medical care. In a statement translated from Spanish and released to The Associated Press, Beltran Hernandez said that she had been diagnosed with a brain tumor and that a neurosurgeon would let her know Monday if it was cancerous. "I feel dizzy, with pain. Heavy eyes. Nausea. If I walk fast, I feel dizzy. Noise really bothers me. I have not eaten since yesterday (when I ate a salad) because I have no appetite. Sometimes, I forget things. The tongue is not always responsive," Beltran Hernandez told an attorney who visited her Thursday at the Prairieland Detention Center. A spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Beltran Hernandez was released Wednesday to the detention center in Alvarado, Texas, south of Fort Worth. "After she was determined by her physician to be stable, she was discharged from the hospital and returned to ICE custody at (Prairieland Detention Center). Ms. Beltran Hernandez has an appointment with a specialist on Monday (Feb. 27) who will determine the course for future treatment. Until that time, ICE medical staff is keeping her under observation," Danielle Bennett, an ICE spokeswoman wrote in an email. A spokesman for Texas Health Huguley Hospital outside of Fort Worth, where Beltran Hernandez was taken after collapsing at the detention center on Feb. 11, said he could not discuss details of any patient's care because of privacy laws. However, he said residency status does not affect the level of patient care. Bruette said law enforcement has control over who has access to a patient beyond the hospital's medical team in these situations. "A patient's residency status - whether they are an undocumented immigrant, a political refugee, a permanent legal resident, or someone born and raised here in the United States - would never impact their medical care or whether they are allowed to see family, have access to the phone, or visits from the chaplain," wrote Elijah Bruette, director of business development and community relations at the hospital. According to ICE records, the woman entered the United States illegally near Hidalgo, Texas, on Nov. 7, 2015. On Jan. 26, an immigration judge ordered her removed from the country. Attorneys appealing the woman's asylum case said earlier this week that she was fleeing domestic violence and other threats. Melissa Zuniga, a paralegal working on her asylum case, flew from New York City Thursday to help ask for Beltran Hernandez's release, saying lawyers were concerned she was only receiving Tylenol for her pain. "We are asking for immediate humanitarian parole. We can't wait for a bond redetermination hearing. She doesn't have days, she has hours ... we need her to get out," Zuniga said. "This is the 13th day she has not had this surgery, and we do not understand why." Zuniga said Beltran Hernandez told attorneys that her hands and feet were tied when she was taken back to the detention center in a wheelchair. Zuniga and the woman's attorneys also said phone calls were not allowed from Beltran Hernandez's family for an extended period of her hospital stay. Bennett said the woman was not restrained when she was transported to the detention center, and that she received phone calls from both family and her attorney of record while in the hospital. For those individuals who are willing to think about and plan ahead for death, or for families who have had to make choices regarding deceased loved ones, one of the major questions that arises is burial or cremation? The disposition of human remains has changed over the centuries. According to the Cremation Association of North America, cremation generally began during the Stone Age and was practiced to varying degrees by different cultures around the world over time. It became common practice during the early Roman Empire. A revival of earth burials occurred with the spread of Christianity, since the belief of early Christians was that cremation was a pagan practice. By about 400 CE cremation had become rare, and would remain so until an Italian professor developed a practical and dependable cremation chamber in the early 1870s. Very soon afterward, the gradual growth of cremation as an acceptable practice began in Europe and North America. Record keeping of annual statistics of the percentage of bodies that were cremated compared to the total number of deaths in the United States began in 1958. This percentage has increased every year and reached 48.6 percent in 2015. The highest rates of cremation occur in the Western and Northeastern sections of our country. The current president of the Cremation Association of North America, Timothy Borden, believes that some of the increasing popularity of cremation is due to the flexibility that cremation allows for the scheduling of memorial services, both in timing and location. For those who are unfamiliar with cremation, here are a few terms associated with this process (definitions are courtesy of the National Funeral Directors Association): Retort: The chamber in which a body is cremated Cremated Remains: The remains of a human body after cremation, comprised of ash and bone fragments; the term cremated remains is the preferred term. Columbarium: A memorial structure where inurned cremated remains are entombed; remains can be placed into private or communal niches. Apportionment: The process of dividing cremated remains into portions for separate disposition. For example, cremated remains could be divided into three portions, with one portion placed in an urn in a columbarium, another portion scattered in a favorite place and yet another carried in a locket. Inurnment: The placement of cremated remains in an urn Niche: A space in a wall or structure to hold urns containing cremated remains Would you like to learn more about the choice of cremation? Join Shawn Carper of The Cremation Society of Pennsylvania on Thursday, March 2 at 2 p.m. for a free and informal discussion about this topic. The talk will be at 555 Gettysburg Pike, Suite B-300, Mechanicsburg. Pre-registration is appreciated and can be made by calling Keystone Elder Law at 717-697-3223. Amir Khan and Manny Pacquiao are in talks over a potential fight this summer. However Press Association Sport understands each fighter is continuing to explore other options, and that negotiations are far from at an advanced stage. Khan, 30, wrote on Twitter: Currently negotiating with Manny. Coming soon. Watch this space. The 38-year-old Pacquiao added: My team and I are in negotiations with Amir Khan for our next fight. Further announcement coming soon. A fight against Pacquiao is one Khan has long sought and would prove lucrative, but he has felt misled in the past when his pursuit of a fight against either the Filipino or Floyd Mayweather has come to little. As the mandatory challenger to the WBC welterweight title being contested by champion Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman next weekend, Khan is aware he remains in contention to face the winner. He is also yet to rule out exploring a rematch with Lamont Peterson, to whom he lost controversially in December 2011, or an easier match-up after his last ended in a heavy knockout defeat by Mexicos Saul Alvarez. My first challenge required me to mix juggling with boxing, check it out! I must say this challenge was quite unique & fun! #StingChallenge https://t.co/1iVc9tAEnR Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) February 23, 2017 The likelihood of Pacquiao fighting Australias Jeff Horn his favoured opponent earlier this year appears increasingly unlikely, but has also not been entirely ruled out. There were reports earlier this week that a verbal agreement was in place for Pacquiao-Khan to take place in either Bolton or Manchester in May. The United Arab Emirates, as opposed to Las Vegas or anywhere in the UK, would instead be the likely location, though negotiations have not progressed to the point of agreeing where any potential fight should take place. Freddie Roach (Dave Thompson/PA) Pacquiaos promoter Bob Arum, who earlier this week described talks of a fight between the two as complete bull****, has since told ESPN: Manny is trying to get a fight done in the United Arab Emirates. The people there favour him fighting Amir Khan. Whether it will happen or not I just dont know because they have to come up with a large amount of money. Manny seems to believe they will come up with the money. I have some reservations whether it will happen or not. If the money comes up I will aid and abet the fight happening. Pacquiao continues to be trained by Freddie Roach but Khan left the American in September 2012 and is now under the tutelage of Virgil Hunter. Tottenham take on Gent at Wembley in the Europa League last-32 on Thursday, looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg. Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at five talking points ahead of the match. Which Tottenham will turn up? Harry Kane (Adam Davy/Empics) Mauricio Pochettinos side have been up and down in recent weeks. They have won only three out of their last seven games in all competitions, beating Fulham convincingly in the FA Cup on Sunday, three days after a poor performance against Gent in Belgium. If Tottenham hit top form at Wembley, they should win. Will Pochettino return to a back three? Mauricio Pochettino (John Walton/PA) Jan Vertonghen made his first appearance in over a month at Craven Cottage and his recovery creates a selection issue for Pochettino. He must decide whether to field a back three, with Eric Dier joining Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld, or a back four and probably leave Dier on the bench, given Victor Wanyama is now first choice in defensive midfield. And how strong will he go? Moussa Sissoko (Olivier Matthys/AP) Tottenham played a strong team in the first leg and then again at Fulham last weekend. It remains to be seen whether Pochettino rotates more at Wembley given his team host Stoke at White Hart Lane in the Premier League three days later. Moussa Sissoko, Vincent Janssen and Kevin Wimmer are waiting in the wings, as well as youngsters such as Marcus Edwards and Kyle Walker-Peters. Can Spurs keep the Wembley winning feeling? Thanks to our fantastic support, we have once again sold out @wembleystadium, for tomorrow night's game v Gent - https://t.co/appfgEPzJE pic.twitter.com/1zyvuZ5P0w Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 22, 2017 Two defeats at Wembley cost Tottenham dear in the Champions League group stages, when all the talk was about how the team had struggled to adjust at the national stadium. A victory in their final fixture, however, against CSKA Moscow means Spurs can begin to create some momentum under the iconic arch by beating Gent. The club have also sold out the 90,000 arena for the fixture. Can Gent spring another surprise? Hein Vanhaezebrouck won't forget his 53rd birthday!#UEL pic.twitter.com/jFuhI6rPnq UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 16, 2017 Gent sit eighth in the Belgian First Division A but they out-thought and out-fought Tottenham in the first leg. Danijel Milicevic and Kenneth Saief caused them problems down the flanks but Spurs were also lethargic off the ball and sloppy on it. Gent will know one away goal will leave their opponents needing to score three. Pochettinos side crashing out is certainly not out of the question. Wayne Rooney has announced he is staying at Manchester United in a statement released to Press Association Sport. Momentum has been building over the 31-year-olds Old Trafford future, with the riches on offer in the Chinese Super League a tantalising prospect. It is understood Rooneys agent Paul Stretford has been in China speaking to interested clubs but the United and England captain has confirmed he is staying put. Manchester United's Wayne Rooney. This seasons lack of game time had led the United skipper to consider his options, but the clubs all-time top scorer has decided to stay and fight for his place. A deal taking Rooney to China before their transfer window closed next week was always understood to be highly unlikely, with Beijing Guoan, Guangzhou Evergrande, Jiangsu Suning and Tianjin Quanjian reported to be among the interested parties in the CSL. Talk about Rooneys future has dominated the agenda this week, especially after United boss Jose Mourinho fuelled speculation rather than extinguish it. Youll have to ask him, Mourinho said in Tuesdays press conference in St Etienne when asked about Rooneys future. You have to ask him. Of course I cant guarantee (he will be here). I cant guarantee that Im here next week, how can I guarantee that a player is here next season? What I can guarantee is that if Wayne one day leaves the club it is not because I want him to leave the club. Thats the only thing I can guarantee. I would never push or try to push a legend of this club to another destiny. So you have to ask him if he sees himself staying in the club for the rest of his career or if he sees himself moving. It is not a question for me because I am happy to have him. Pushed on whether it was possible Rooney could leave in the next week, Mourinho retorted: You have to ask him, not me. I was very open with you in the answer. I dont want him to leave. Mourinho has got his wish for the rest of the season at least as United push for a top-four finish, as well as Europa League, FA Cup and EFL Cup glory. Whether Rooney is fit enough to be involved in Sundays EFL Cup final against Southampton remains to be seen, while questions will continue to linger over the players long-term future. China will continue to remain an option, albeit one that may well bring his England career to an abrupt end. Britons in search of fitspiration should concentrate more on HIIT and less on clicktivism at the end of their craptacular working days. These are just a few of the 300 words recently added to OxfordDictionaries.com. Fitness and well-being featured prominently as themes amongst the words added, with fitspiration (a person or thing that serves as motivation for someone to sustain or improve health and fitness), superfruit (a nutrient-rich fruit considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being) and aquafaba (chickpea water used in vegan cooking) all being added to the list of accepted words in common usage. copy of the Oxford Dictionary of English HIIT, an acronym of high intensity interval training, also made its way into the free online dictionary for the first time, whilst jelly received a new definition as an informal usage of jealous. 'Superfruit' is one of our newly added words. Try and squeeze a couple of these bad boys in your #10aday https://t.co/4C144NGFGG pic.twitter.com/XqyiivGV8o Oxford Languages (@OxLanguages) February 23, 2017 Craptactular, a blend of crap and spectacular, made its first appearance to describe something remarkably poor or disappointing, whilst clicktivism featured as a term to describe actions performed on the internet in support of a political or social cause, regarded as requiring little time or involvement, such as signing an online petition. Bronde, referring to blonde hair with sections of brown, and drunk text, denoting a text message sent whilst inebriated, often one that is embarrassing or foolish, have also made the grade with their respective entries. Oxford Dictionaries head of content development Angus Stevenson said the wide range of new terms complemented reports of recent socio-cultural trends, such as those suggesting millennials are choosing to spend less money on alcohol and more money eating exotic world foods. Some food-related additions to the online dictionary included the north-African spice mixture ras-el-hanout, the South East Asian rice noodle dish pad kee mao, and the spicy Korean paste gochujang. Despite the plethora of new words added to the online dictionary in recent years, Mr Stevenson said the additions did not automatically mean the terms would find their way into print versions of the Oxford Dictionary. He said: We still produce paper dictionaries and theyre still important to us financially, but we dont have any plans at the moment to release a new edition of any of our print dictionaries. ZURICH, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Swiss police raided several houses and searched a mosque in the southern canton of Ticino on Wednesday as part of an investigation into suspected Islamist activity, federal prosecutors said. More than 100 officers took part in the operation and arrested one man, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) said in a statement. The OAG said it was conducting criminal proceedings against two men, one with dual Swiss-Turkish citizenship and the other a Turkish citizen, based on suspicions of recruiting for Islamic State or associated groups. One of the men was detained pending further enquiries, although the OAG did not specify which one. The operation was part of an independent Swiss investigation and was unconnected to the truck attack at a Berlin Christmas market that killed 12 people in December, the OAG said. Amis Amri, the Tunisian asylum seeker who drove the truck, had several links to Switzerland, and may have obtained a gun in the country. The OAG has opened its own investigation against "unknown" persons in relation to the Germany attack. Neutral Switzerland is not a primary target for Islamist attacks because it is not part of the military campaign against groups such as Islamic State, but the security threat level has been elevated, the NDB federal intelligence service said in its annual report last year. The Swiss took a suspected Islamist leader into custody last year in their first arrest of a senior figure from a Salafist ring based in the northern city of Winterthur. Authorities said Wednesday's operation was not linked to Winterthur. Swiss authorities believe more than 70 people have travelled to the Middle East to become jihadist fighters since 2001. A Swiss court last year sentenced three Iraqis for terrorism offences, a verdict that the senior prosecutor said should send a message to jihadists not to see the country as an easy target. The three main defendants, who had denied wrongdoing, were arrested in early 2014 on suspicion of planning terrorist attacks and helping Islamic State militants enter the country. (Reporting by John Revill; Editing by Michael Shields and Gareth Jones) BRASILIA, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Brazilian Foreign Minister Jose Serra handed in his resignation to President Michel Temer on Wednesday, citing health reasons, Temer's office said in a statement. Serra, a former presidential candidate, said his health condition did not allow him to withstand the travel required by the job. He gave no details on his heath but said doctors told him a recovery would take four months. Serra said he would return to the Senate, where he has a seat, and work to push through Temer's reform agenda aimed at restoring growth to Latin America's largest economy. Serra joined the cabinet in May when Temer took over from impeached leftist Dilma Rousseff and quickly moved Brazil away from an ideologically driven foreign policy to one focused on trade promotion. Serra, 74, twice ran for president unsuccessfully and is often named as a potential candidate in 2018, though his centrist PSDB party is unlikely to field him. He came to political prominence as health minister during Fernando Henrique Cardoso's presidency (1994-2002) when he defied the international pharmaceuticals industry and allowed generic copies of brand-name drugs to be made in Brazil without the permission of the company that owns the patent. (Reporting by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Sandra Maler) SOFIA, Feb 23 (Reuters) - These are some of the main stories in Bulgarian newspapers on Thursday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. -- Centre-right GERB and the Socialists (BSP) - the two largest parties in Bulgaria, will participate in the upcoming snap parliamentary elections with consecutive-number ballots, central election commission said. BSP will participate in the elections on March 26 with ballot number 10 and GERB drew ballot number 11 (Trud, 24 Chasa, Standart, Monitor, Sega, Duma) -- Georgi Kostov, the Secretary General of the interior ministry Georgi Kostov will be dismissed, interimm Interior Minister Plamen Uzunov said. Until a new Secretary General is appointed, the post will be occupied by Deputy Secretary General of the ministry Georgi Arabadzhiev (Standart, Monitor, Sega) -- The government has decreed that state ventures and commercial enterprises have to invest 50 percent of their profits for 2016 on behalf of the state. The decree excludes health treatment facilities for inpatient aid and water and sewerage enterprises due to the fact that these have fulfilled the preliminary conditions in the water sector for the utilisation of money from European funds. The dividend must be deposited in the state budget by the end of May By Carolyn Cohn LONDON, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Forecast-beating 2016 results show British insurer RSA can thrive on its own, two years after rival Zurich Insurance walked away from a bid, it said on Thursday. Shares in the home and motor insurer, best known in Britain for its More Than brand, rose more than 5 percent after it reported a strong performance last year across most of its main businesses in Britain, Ireland, Canada and Scandinavia. Chief Executive Stephen Hester, the former boss of British bank RBS, has cut costs and sold assets since joining RSA in 2014 with a brief to turn it around following an accounting scandal at its Irish division. Zurich pulled out of a 5.6 billion pound ($7 billion) bid for the company in September 2015, due to problems in its own business, and Hester said RSA was doing fine alone. "Our shareholders are benefiting significantly from not having sold to Zurich," he told a media call. He added there were no bids on the table for RSA, and the firm "does not need a deal". "If something came along, it would need to be additive to be of interest, rather than a substitute for what we are doing," he said. Merger and acquisition talk has been swirling around European insurance markets due to strong competition in the sector and low interest rates, which have hit investment income. Italian bank Intesa Sanpaolo has said it is studying a possible combination with Assicurazioni Generali, Italy's biggest insurer. RSA has no plans to sell more of its businesses, Hester told Reuters by phone, after a recent deal to offload legacy business - closed to new policyholders - to Enstar. "There's nothing meaty on the stocks," Hester said. RSA posted a 25 percent rise in 2016 operating profit to 655 million pounds and raised its target for return on tangible equity to 13-17 percent from a previous range of 12-15 percent. Its shares were the second best performer in the FTSE 100 index at 1320 GMT, up 5.5 percent at 609 pence, after earlier hitting 617.5 pence, their highest since July 2011. RSA "has again shown real progress", RBC analysts said in a note, reiterating their "perform" recommendation on the stock. The insurer said it would pay a final dividend of 11 pence per share and total dividend of 16 pence, up 52 percent from a year earlier and above a forecast 15.1 pence. ($1 = 0.8042 pounds) (Reporting by Carolyn Cohn; Editing by Keith Weir and Mark Potter) By Harro Ten Wolde FRANKFURT, Feb 23 (Reuters) - British authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with a cyber attack that infected nearly 1 million routers used to access Deutsche Telekom's internet service, German federal police said on Thursday. Britain's National Crime Agency detained the 29-year-old Briton at one of London's airports on Wednesday, the police said in a statement. Deutsche Telekom welcomed the arrest and said it was considering bringing civil charges against the suspect. The attack on Germany's largest telecom company took place in late November. Internet outages disrupted services to as many as 900,000 people, around 4.5 percent of its fixed-line customers. It was part of a campaign targeting web-connected devices around the globe, the German government and security researchers said at the time. The man is suspected of targeting Deutsche Telekom's routers to turn them into remotely controlled "bots" for mounting large-scale attacks that disrupt access to websites and computer systems, the German federal police said. The police said the man, whom it did not name, tried to offer access to the network on the darknet, a part of the internet that cannot be accessed through normal browsers and is seen as harbouring criminal activity. Public prosecutors in the German city of Cologne have requested extradition for the man who faces up to 10 years in prison if found guilty. (Reporting by Harro ten Wolde and Peter Maushagen; Editing by Maria Sheahan and Keith Weir) CAIRO, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Egypt's Finance Ministry is recommending the implementation of a stamp duty on stock exchange transactions of 0.2 percent on both sellers and buyers, a senior ministry official told Reuters on Thursday. The official said he expects the stamp duty to come into effect before May and generate revenue of 1-1.5 billion Egyptian pounds ($63 million to $94.5 million) in 2017/18. "We will send the income tax law amendments in early March to parliament, and it will include imposing a stamp tax on bourse transactions of 4 pounds per 1,000, which will be 2 pounds per 1,000 on the seller and 2 pounds per 1,000 on the buyer," the official said. "We are targeting implementation of that tax before next May," he added. Egypt imposed a stamp duty on buyers and sellers in May 2013, collecting more than 350 million Egyptian pounds ($18.77 million) in revenue before the levy was replaced in July 2014 by a 10 percent capital gains tax. Egypt suspended the capital gains tax in May 2015 for two years, under pressure from investors. They said it was discouraging business just as Egypt was struggling to recover from a plunge in confidence after a 2011 uprising and subsequent political upheavals. The Higher Investment Council last year extended the suspension of capital gains tax for three years, until 2020 as part of efforts to draw investors back. More than 270 companies are listed on the Egyptian stock exchange and more than 500,000 investors are registered to trade there. ($1 = 15.8700 Egyptian pounds) (Reporting by Ehab Farouk; Writing by Asma Alsharif; Editing by Ahmed Aboulenein and Mark Trevelyan) MANILA, Feb 23 (Reuters) - The Philippine foreign minister on Thursday said he would tell a United Nations rights body that the killings in President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs were not state-sponsored. More than 7,700 people have been killed since Duterte unleashed the drugs war in June, about 2,500 in what police say are shootouts during raids and sting operations. Most of the rest are under investigation and activists believe many were extrajudicial killings. Police blame the killings on vigilante groups over which they have no control. Perfecto Yasay said he would address the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council, comprised of 47 nations, during a session set to run from Monday until March 24. "Our justice system does not tolerate violations of human rights, does not tolerate any state-sponsored extrajudicial killings," Yasay told reporters. "That's the truth." Last month, Duterte dismantled police anti-drug units after a South Korean businessman was killed inside the national police headquarters, but vowed to forge ahead with his war on drugs until the last day of his term. "Divisive fear-mongering" has become a dangerous force in the world, the secretary general of rights group Amnesty International, Salil Shetty, said in a statement this week. He described leaders like Duterte, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan as "wielding a toxic agenda that hounds, scapegoats and dehumanizes entire groups of people". (Reporting by Manuel Mogato; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) LISBON, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Portugal is likely to extradite former CIA officer Sabrina de Sousa next week to Italy, where she has been convicted in absentia over the kidnapping of an Egyptian cleric, on condition that she is retried, her lawyer said on Thursday. De Sousa, who is a dual U.S.-Portuguese citizen and denies involvement in the abduction, was detained by Portuguese police on Monday and is awaiting extradition in a prison in Porto. Italian prosecutors want her to serve a six-year sentence. She was one of 26 people convicted in absentia on charges of snatching Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr from a street in Milan in 2003 and taking him to be questioned in Egypt under the U.S. "extraordinary rendition" programme. The programme was one of Washington's most controversial responses to the Sept 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks. Nasr, who was on a U.S. list of militant suspects, said he was tortured under interrogation after he was transferred to Egypt. "Over the course of next week, Sabrina should be moved to Italy," said her Portuguese lawyer, Manuel de Magalhaes e Silva, adding that her arrival in Italy will pose a dilemma for the Italian judiciary and it was not clear whether she would serve time in jail. "What will an Italian judge do when he faces a detainee who has been extradited after a Portuguese court authorised it under the condition that there will be a second trial, while under Italian law that will be difficult to have?" he asked. The Portuguese Justice Ministry would not comment. A White House official said that Washington was "deeply disappointed in Ms. de Sousas conviction and sentence, and we are following her case closely... The U.S. government takes its obligation to assist U.S. citizens overseas seriously." "We appreciate the efforts of the Italian government to challenge the prosecution before the Italian Constitutional Court," said the official, adding that the State Department has been in touch with de Sousa. The CIA declined to comment on the case. De Sousa's lawyer told the RTP television channel that "the very least that is expected from the U.S. diplomacy is that it works with the criminal (authorities in Italy) for the situation to be resolved swiftly, at least via a presidential pardon." Some of the people convicted in Italy for being involved in the rendition of the Egyptian cleric have been pardoned. De Sousa, who left the CIA in 2009, was briefly arrested in Portugal in October 2015 at the request of Italian prosecutors. Her passports were confiscated, but she was quickly released. Several of her appeals to Portuguese authorities against the extradition failed over the course of last year. (Reporting By Andrei Khalip and Mark Hosenball; Editing by Dominic Evans) By Maja Zuvela SARAJEVO, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Bosnia formally submitted on Thursday its request for a revision of a U.N. court ruling that cleared Serbia of blame for genocide, prompting an angry response from Bosnian Serbs who said the move imperilled the country's postwar settlement. The ambassadors of major powers, including Russia and the United States, issued a rare joint statement urging all parties in Bosnia to pursue dialogue and avoid any unilateral actions that could exacerbate inter-ethnic tensions. The 2007 judgment by the International Court of Justice exonerated Serbia of direct responsibility for killings, rapes and "ethnic cleansing" in Bosnia during the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, though it said Serbia had failed to prevent genocide. The ICJ ruling concluded that genocide had occurred only at Srebrenica, where about 8,000 Muslims were slaughtered by Bosnian Serb forces, and not in other parts of Bosnia. The Muslim Bosniak member of Bosnia's three-man presidency, Bakir Izetbegovic, defended the decision to deliver the request at The Hague against strong opposition from his Serb and Croatian colleagues. "The request is being submitted at this very moment," he told a news conference after walking out of a session of the three-man presidency where he had refused to take part in a vote on the issue. "I think that I am on the path of truth and justice." "VERY SERIOUS CRISIS" But the Bosnian Serb chair of the presidency, Mladen Ivanic, condemned the move, saying it was now uncertain how the three-member presidency representing Bosnia's three main ethnic groups could continue to function in the future. "I fear that we have entered a very serious crisis," he told reporters after the session. Bosnian Serb politicians have threatened to block the work of the federal parliament in Sarajevo if the request is filed in The Hague. This would halt reforms Bosnia needs to draw closer to the European Union and to win a new tranche under a loan deal with the International Monetary Fund. The Bosnian Serbs have accused Izetbegovic of violating the Constitution and the 1995 Dayton agreement that ended the war. But he says he is merely supporting a bid by Bosnia's legal agent at the ICJ, who was approved by the presidency in 2002 to run all proceedings related to the lawsuit. The Bosnian Muslims hope that a revision may shed more light on crimes committed during the war, in which more than 100,000 people were killed. Bosnian Serbs see the legal move as directed against them and the reconciliation. The ambassadors from countries involved in implementing Bosnia's peace agreement met in Sarajevo on Thursday to discuss the situation. "All political leaders should refrain from unilateral actions and return to the principles of compromise, dialogue and consensus in making decisions, as well as respecting the Bosnian constitution, institutions and the rule of law," they said in their joint statement. (Writing by Daria Sito-Sucic; Editing by Gareth Jones) By John Geddie and Elisabeth O'Leary LONDON/EDINBURGH, Feb 23 (Reuters) - The Scottish government is increasingly confident it can win a new independence referendum and is considering calling one next year as Britain exits the European Union, sources close to the Edinburgh administration say. Scots voted overwhelmingly to stay inside the EU in last June's referendum, but Britain as a whole voted to leave, taking Scotland with it. British Prime Minister Theresa May plans to trigger the two-year Brexit process next month. "I believe the Scottish government is thinking very, very seriously about going for an independence referendum next year," Charles Grant, an adviser to the Scottish government's Standing Council on Europe, said on Thursday. "They feel they have enough emotion and momentum to overcome the economic downsides ... the harder the Brexit, the more likely they are to break away." Scots rejected independence by a 10-point margin in a 2014 referendum, with many voters expressing concern about how Scotland's economy would fare after leaving the UK. The British government says there is no need for a second independence referendum. But Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the circumstances this time are completely different, as Scots who voted to stay in the UK were voting to be part of an EU country, something that was no longer the case. "We have made it very clear that an independence referendum is very much an option on the table if it becomes clear that it is the best or only way to protect Scotland's vital national interests," the Scottish government said in an emailed comment for this article. Sturgeon published a draft bill for a second independence referendum last October. The divorce of Scotland and England, severing a 300-year-old trading, cultural and political union, would come on top of Britain's traumatic separation from the EU. Scottish ministers say a proposal made in December for a separate Scottish deal within Brexit has not been seriously considered. The UK government denies that is the case. One Scottish lawmaker, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: "If you don't call (an independence vote) now, it's off the cards for a generation," because economic damage from Brexit would make voters nervous of more change. Ross Greer, a Scottish Greens lawmaker whose party supports Sturgeon's independence goal, told Reuters he had had "substantive discussions with various key people" which lead him to conclude a referendum would be called for autumn 2018. The "Remain" side would be weaker this time as it could no longer tell voters to choose a certain status quo, he said, as Brexit means years of uncertainty about Britain's trading relationships. "The challenge is to agree an appropriate time for the vote itself and that involves Westminster as well," he said. A new referendum would have to be approved by the UK parliament in London. On Wednesday, UK Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell told the Scottish parliament the country would have to leave the EU whether or not it became independent, angering nationalists. (Additional reporting by Marc Jones; Editing by Andrew Roche and Robin Pomeroy) By Nate Raymond NEW YORK, Feb 23 (Reuters) - The former chief executive officer of Comverse Technology Inc, who returned to the United States last year after spending a decade in Namibia to avoid prosecution, was sentenced to 2-1/2 years in prison on Thursday for engaging in securities fraud. Jacob "Kobi" Alexander, the Woodbury, New York-based software developer's founder, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis in Brooklyn, who criticized the former executive for trying to avoid justice for so long. "I really don't understand how someone as brilliant and accomplished and focused and respected as you could be so incredibly, abjectly foolish to make some of the decisions you made," Garaufis said. The sentence was above the up to two years in prison his lawyers sought, but below the 10-year maximum he faced. Alexander, dressed in brown jail clothing, said he was "truly sorry for everything I have done wrong." "I deeply regret running away instead of dealing with the justice system like I should have," he added. The 64-year-old Israeli citizen has been in custody since he pleaded guilty to securities fraud in August, after Garaufis rejected his request for release on a $25 million bond. He is expected to receive credit for his time in jail. The case was one of the last open U.S. prosecutions arising from government or internal investigations of backdating of stock options at over 200 companies, including Comverse, which was acquired in 2013 by former unit Verint Systems Inc. In backdating, a company retroactively grants stock options on dates when stock prices were lower, making them more valuable. Concealing the practice through improper accounting is illegal, and can inflate earnings. Prosecutors said that from 1998 to 2001 Alexander participated in a scheme to use hindsight to select the effective dates for granting options for employees, resulting in misleading statements to investors. Alexander fled to Namibia with his family in July 2006 amid the investigation. Charges were announced that August against him, William Sorin, Comverse's general counsel, and David Kreinberg, its finance chief. Sorin pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one year in prison. Kreinberg was spared prison after pleading guilty. While abroad, Alexander agreed in 2009 to pay $60 million to Comverse in connection with shareholder litigation, and to waive over $72 million in claims he had against Comverse. He settled related civil government lawsuits in 2010, resulting in a $6 million penalty by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The case is U.S. v. Alexander, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, No. 06-cr-00628. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in New York; Editing by Dan Grebler and Jonathan Oatis) A group of 122 Sri Lankan women, who were allegedly harassed by their employers in Kuwait, returned to the country today, Foreign Employment Minister Thalatha Atukorale said. Minister Atukorale told a media briefing that 44 migrant workers who returned to the country had lived in safe houses after they faced various issues at their work places.The balance 78 were staying back illegally and were told to go back. All the workers had faced issues ranging from expired contracts, non-payment of wages and physical harassment at their places of employment, the minister said. The minister said the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (SLFEB) had provided them with the necessary funds and also contacted their families. Meanwhile, a Sri Lankan housemaid, who has been made to work in Kuwait since 2003 without being paid for 11 years, was paid what was owed to her in the way of salary arrears and brought back to the country yesterday with the intervention of Minister Atukorale. The woman was identified as Mohommed Aliyaar Kairuniza, 28, a resident of Batticaloa who went to Kuwait to work as a housemaid when she was 14 using fraudulent documents. After the SLFEB officials intervened, the employer had agreed to pay her salary with arrears amounting to Rs.2.5 million for eleven years. It was also reported that she had been in contact with her father for the first two years after reaching Kuwait and had transferred her salary to her father's bank account in Sri Lanka. However, her employer had informed her not to send money to Sri Lanka after her fathers demise and had promised her to pay her accumulated salaries when she wanted to return back to Sri Lanka. Kairuniza worked only for a single employer. She was unable to contact her family during that entire time and her family have not even made a complaint to the bureau regarding the matter, the minster said. (Kalathma Jayawardhane) Sri Lankas leading e-commerce site, wOw.lk, recently launched its latest social media and internal campaign #wOwLoveFest, to spread some love on Valentines Day. The focus of the campaign was to not only celebrate the love that couples share, but to celebrate love for ones self, ones team members, family, friends and the community. Commenting on the Valentines Day campaign, Naresh Sathasivam General Manager Sails and Marketing, Digital Commerce Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., the company that owns and operates wOw.lk said: This Valentines Day, we were able to run an array of contests and promotions, that enabled us to truly interact and engage with our valued customers. We applied a multi-dimensional approach to our campaign, and focused on celebrating love amongst our customers, employees and community members in need. Our Valentines Day competitions were light-hearted, upbeat and added an element of fun to the occasion, brightening up the day for all of our key stakeholders. The campaign was also in keeping with our ongoing efforts to establish higher levels of engagement on our social media and digital platforms in order to strengthen the relationship and connection that our customers have with the wOw.lk brand. Giving the perfect gift: In the run-up to Valentines Day, wOw.lk focused on making the process of buying and giving special gifts both easy and affordable. Discounts of up to 60% off were offered on a carefully curated selection of his & her gifts. A separate landing page was developed on the website for customers to learn more about the entire Valentines Day gift collection. The majority of products were available for immediate pick-up or giving the perfect gift and customers received a complementary teddy bear with every purchase. In order to offer a wide array of gifts, to suit a broad range of interests and preferences, wOw.lk also partnered with new merchants, to offer customers a unique and useful range of products for the occasion. Prizes galore in-store: All walk-in customers during Valentines week, were able to participate in an in-store lucky dip and stand the chance to win a total of four exclusive prizes. A Puma watch for him and an Elle SPIRIT watch for her (provided by Blink International (Pvt) Ltd), along with Nike Gold edition perfumes for men and women were up for grabs, along with a Helinta Beauty Care Pack (featuring aloe vera gel, face scrub, foot scrub and massage balm). One lucky winner also walked away with a dinner voucher for two worthRs. 10,000 from Mango Tree. Sharing love on social media: wOw.lk also held two social media contests, for couples and single customers alike. For the Spill & Win contest on Facebook, customers had to share the nickname that their significant other calls them (bae, baby or boo), and the person who shared the cutest nickname, walked away with a romantic getaway at Sunrise by Jetwing. Single customers were also included in the Valentines Day hype, and had to share the best and worst pick-up lines that they had ever heard and three lucky winners received SENNHEISERER earphones from Dynamic AV. Spreading love in the workplace: All of wOw.lks employees also came together to celebrate Valentines Day and were treated to delicious cupcakes and a lucky sticker competition. Each employee had a sticker placed at the bottom of their cupcake and the team member with a special sticker, won a gift voucher worth Rs. 10,000. wOw.lk team members spent some time together in the morning, taking a break from their day-to-day work to bond and catch up with their fellow colleagues and friends. Circulating love in the community: To give back to the community on Valentines Day and in keeping with the companys commitment to share love with everyone, including those in need, wOw.lk worked together with the National Blood Transfusion Service and the youth of St. Theresas Church, Thimbirigasaya (which is located near the wOw.lk head office), to run a blood donation drive. A total of 80 customers, staff members and well-wishers participated in the drive, and all collections were sent to help individuals in need of urgent transfusions due to life threatening conditions or medical emergencies. wOw.lk is owned and operated by Digital Commerce Lanka (Pvt) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dialog Axiata PLC. The company is an industry pioneer and the largest e-commerce company that caters to domestic consumers. wOw.lk continuously strives to meet the varied needs of the local online shopping community, delivering a superior virtual shopping experience with a variety of affordable products and services. Sri Lankas achievement in having the worlds 3rd best RTI Act is without doubt mainly a result of having good Rules on Fees and Appeals, as proposed by the new Right to Information (RTI) Commission. Also of help was the Commissions Regulations on proactive disclosure of Public Authorities, laying down criteria for the appointment of information officers and providing free reuse of all information obtained under the RTI Act passed last year. The fact that the Commission was able to successfully intervene with the Government to ensure that these standards were gazetted by February 3 is no mean achievement as we must surely recognize. The Commission itself was fully functional only in late December last year, with all its five members being appointed. It would have been a major task to bring out these standards in time. In the meantime, the Commission was hit with a double whammy as it is commonly called, when it was reported that the Governments National Budget for this year did not have a separate allocation for the body. Instead, funds were being passed through the Presidential Secretariat. In a statement released last week as referred to in the Daily Mirror editorial of February 17, despite these constraints, the Commission has re-affirmed its determination to function independently under the RTI Act. Given the calibre of the Commissioners, who serve on the body, we believe and hope that this promise will be strictly adhered to. In that context, it is also necessary for the RTI Commission to be given reasonable breathing space to work out its institutional arrangements. As the scarcely two-months old Commission stated, it was currently working in an interim capacity with skeletal staff. Reportedly the Commissioners themselves have been working up to now without adequate financial compensation. These thoughts come to mind when seeing the recent open letter issued by Decent Lanka to the Chairman of the RTI Commission. The host of details asked for include the decided cadre for the office of the Commission provided for under Section 13 of the Act, minimum educational requirements for all positions in the Commission, including that of the Director General, the procedure to be adopted in recruiting staff including the Director General and the time schedule for these. Questions may also arise as to whether this barely two-month old Commission should be besieged with such detailed queries so early on in its functioning. No doubt this request may have been made with the best of intentions. But often the best of intentions may not be so good for the highest principles of RTI. The RTI law and the RTI Commission came into being after the Sri Lanka media in particular, engaged in a long and protracted struggle. The media need to have a strong interest in making sure that this succeeds. Together, the Law and the Commission comprise a strong regime that could work for the betterment of Sri Lankan citizens. In Government and outside, some elements would probably wish for RTI to fail, given its potential to bring misdeeds out into the open. Therefore a negative outcome that they will be happy about must not be hastened by unwarranted pressure that makes it difficult for the RTI Commission to function. Its members who have been recognized for their commitment to the public interest may indeed throw up their hands and quit. A commentator to this newspaper said recently that the RTI law was a law against its creators. But the difference is that the creators of this law were not the politicians. Rather it was the people and the Government had no option but to give into their demands. We must hope that this promising start in bringing a good RTI Law into force will be strengthened by effective implementation. As the RTI Commission itself observed, the peoples support and cooperation is essential for this. No doubt, all well intentioned Sri Lankans would agree with that request. As a prelude to the 2017 Wedding Season, Hameedia who dressed bridegrooms for generations will offer its Customers a Bespoke Tailoring package that will award the third piece free of Bespoke Tailoring charges. The promotion will apply to orders for 2 shirts or Trousers and the Customer will enjoy the benefit of having the full bespoke charges waived off on the 3rd shirt or trouser. The promotion is tipped to run until the 15th of March 2017. This is a valuable opportunity for the fastidious gentleman avail themselves of Hameedias Bespoke and Made to Measure (MTM) services that has been a hallmark of their business. Using the latest technology and a modern manufacturing center, Hameedia ensures the best bespoke tailoring in the country. Bespoke tailoring enables customers to handpick their own fabrics not usually found in the readymade range, and have their garment stitched to fit perfectly well according to the contours of their body structure. The menswear specialist established its credentials decades ago for its impeccable master sewing capabilities and has since innovated and expanded its suite of products and services. This precise tailoring capability remains at the core of the brands success for over decades using fabrics and accessories sourced from specialists in the bespoke trade worldwide. Bespoke Tailoring has been an age old preference for men who understand the little details of classy dressing. The impeccable fit and styling of Hameedias bespoke tailoring enhances the personality of the wearer and makes a lasting impression, whilst updating his wardrobe for the festive season ahead. Hameedia was established in 1949 and has grown to become a fashionable brand in Sri Lanka. Renowned for their high quality custom tailoring under the Bespoke category and ready-made clothes for gentlemen, the Hameedia multi-brand retail stores house a collection of quality menswear brands Le Bond, Envoy, Signature, Raymond, Lee and Adidas to name a few. Hameedia also prides itself on offering exceptional standards of service to ensure that clients enjoy a positive and personalized experience at each store. With a network of over 30 outlets across Sri Lanka and a large and experienced team Hameedia has a strong local presence and has also expanded globally with outlets in the Maldives and Australia. Three Army personnel including a Major attached to the Military Intelligence Unit will be presented before an identification parade in the Mount Lavinia Magistrate's Court in connection with the assault on senior Journalist Keith Noyahr. The CID today told Courts that they had sent emails to Keith Noyahr and was trying to contact him through the Foreign Affairs Ministry seeking the possibility for Keith Noyahr to attend the identification parade. Mount Lavinia Additional Magistrate Lochana Abeywickrema Weerasinghe ordered that the suspects be further remanded till March 3. The military personnel were suspected in the abduction, causing serious and minor injuries with the use of a weapon , unlawful detention and inflicting cruel punishments on Keith Noyahr. Earlier, the CID arrested five army personnel including an Army Major, over the incident and on February 20 they were suspended from service by the Sri Lanka Army till the CID investigation was completed. Senior Journalist Keith Noyahr attached to the Nation newspaper was abducted by an armed group on May 22, 2008 and was later released after being assaulted. The CID had informed court that it had investigated a number of telephone conversations in relation to the incident and it was found the presence of suspected Army Intelligent personnel in the vicinity of the Maradana area during that time. The police also had filed more than 20 statements from witnesses. (Nirangi Abeywickrama) Malaysian investigators want to question a North Korean diplomat over the assassination of Kim Jong-Uns half-brother in Kuala Lumpur, national police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said on Wednesday. Police have put five North Koreans in the frame for last weeks killing of Kim Jong-Nam at the citys international airport and have said they were seeking three more for questioning. Among the wanted are the second secretary at Pyongyangs embassy in Kuala Lumpur and a North Korean airline employee, Khalid told reporters. We have written to the ambassador to allow us to interview both of them. We hope that the Korean embassy will cooperate with us and allow us to interview them quickly. If not, we will compel them to come to us, he said. Khalid said police believed five North Koreans were heavily involved in the murder. Four of the men fled the country on the day of the killing while one remains in custody in Malaysia. The police chief said two women also arrested over the murder were aware they were taking part in a poison attack, after reports they believed it was a prank. KUALA LUMPUR AFP Feb22, 2017 Former president Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratungas allegations that war widows face sexual exploitation by members of the army among others should be condemned publically by President Maithripala Sirisena, former president and MP Mahinda Rajapaksa said today. Issuing a statement, he said Ms. Kumaratungas allegations were a matter of grave concern and the Armys statement rejecting these allegations did not carry any weight. When a former president and commander-in-chief makes such a statement the person who should respond should be the current President and the Commander in Chief. Therefore, as a former president and commander-in-chief, I urge the President to publicly condemn the statement made by Ms. Kumaratunga, he said. Mr. Rajapaksa said the government should also seriously consider whether Ms. Kumaratunga is fit to be the head of the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) because she was using that position to tarnish the image of the armed forces of Sri Lanka. Since Ms. Kumaratunga holds the position of head of the ONUR which functions under the Presidential Secretariat, the statements she makes goes to the world as the official position of the Sri Lankan government, he said. Mr. Rajapaksa said the rape and sexual exploitation of women in the war zone both during and after the war was one of the main unsubstantiated accusations made by two irregularly set up investigations against Sri Lanka within the UN system the Darusman report of 31 March 2011 and the Navi Pillai/Zeid Al Hussein report of 16 September 2015. The latter report had a whole chapter of about ten pages devoted to the subject of rape and sexual exploitation, he said. Now, with days to go for the 34th Sessions of the UN Human Rights Council, a former President of Sri Lanka and a former Commander in Chief of our armed forces says that our armed forces are sexually exploiting war widows in the north. What we have here is a former President echoing the accusations made by our enemies in what is obviously a deliberate attempt to vilify our armed forces on the eve of the UNHRC meeting, he said. ISLAMABAD AFP Feb22, 2017- Pakistans military on Wednesday launched a nationwide anti-terrorist operation days after a series of bloody extremist assaults killed dozens of people across the country, the military said. Pakistan army launches Operation Radd-ul-Fassad (elimination of violence) across the country, a military statement said. The announcement came after army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa chaired a high-level security meeting in the eastern city of Lahore. Troops and police have been on high alert in Pakistan after last weeks wave of attacks, including one in Lahore and another on a Sufi shrine in Sindh province, killed more than 100 people. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) today staged a protest march from the Technical Junction, Maradana towards the Fort Railway Station demanding the authorities to abolish the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM). Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana Sri Lankan asylum seekers living in Hong Kong fear they are being illegally pursued by police after sheltering the US whistleblower Edward Snowden in the city. Criminal investigators from Sri Lanka are believed to have visited Hong Kong looking for them, their lawyer said. The Sri Lankan police have denied the allegations. Law enforcement authorities from mainland China or other countries have no jurisdiction in Hong Kong. The lawyer representing the men, Robert Tibbo, said that at least two officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Sri Lanka police visited Hong Kong in December looking for them. "We have become aware of Sri Lankan police taking active steps to locate my clients," he said, adding: "They identified themselves to members of the Sri Lankan community in Hong Kong. They carried photographs and files." Sri Lankan police spokesman Priyantha Jayakodi said the allegation was "a complete lie". "We have not done any investigation in Hong Kong or any other country on any refugee case," he told BBC Sinhala. However Mr Tibbo said the evidence came from Sri Lankans living in Hong Kong who were approached on the street in late December by people who carried official identification. His clients fed and housed Mr Snowden for two weeks in June 2013 when he fled the US after leaking thousands of documents belonging to the US National Security Agency (NSA). The former IT contractor subsequently left Hong Kong for Moscow. The names of the asylum seekers, Kellapatha Supun Thilina and Debagma Kankanalamage Ajith Pushpa Kumara, were revealed last year by Mr Tibbo, ahead of the September premiere of the film Snowden by the director Oliver Stone. He said that it would have been difficult to keep their identities secret after the film's release. Mr Tibbo believes the Sri Lankan government began investigating the asylum seekers shortly afterwards. The lawyer says Sri Lankan officials may have noted the disappearances of the Causeway Bay booksellers and the Chinese billionaire Xiao Jianhua - who some fear may have been forcibly taken from Hong Kong to mainland China. "With the Hong Kong government not holding Beijing accountable, and the lack of transparency, this amounts to an invitation to other governments in the world," Mr Tibbo said. "That their security forces, their police officers are welcome to come into Hong Kong and investigate and do similar things," he added. Two local lawmakers, Charles Mok and James To, have called for an investigation. "I am very concerned about this case," said Mr To, a member of the pro-democracy Democratic Party. "Nobody can come and enforce the law in Hong Kong except Hong Kong officials. Nobody can come in breach of Hong Kong law." The asylum seekers have since moved to "safer" locations and have notified Hong Kong's immigration department. They also plan to file a police report. Mr Thilina, who arrived in Hong Kong in 2005, said he was frightened by the news. "I am nervous and scared. I don't have a normal life now," he said. His compatriot, Mr Kumara, an army deserter who served as an informal bodyguard to Mr Snowden in 2013, was also worried for his safety. They are concerned about the prospect of being removed from Hong Kong and forcibly returned to Sri Lanka, where they say they could face violence and torture. Mr Tibbo represents both men, along with Mr Snowden and Vanessa Rodel, an asylum seeker from the Philippines who also gave refuge to the US whistleblower in Hong Kong. Hong Kong currently has about 10,000 asylum seekers, mainly from countries in South Asia and Africa.(BBC) TBWA\Asia TBWA\ Asias ceos and ecds across 12 asia marketsconvege in Sri lanka for two days of planning meetings, and celebrates tbwas 10th anniversary in market TBWA\Asias recently concluded first quarter management meeting kicked off in Sri Lanka, hosted by Renuka Marshall, TBWA\Sri Lanka, Managing Director and Subhash Pinnapola, TBWA\Sri Lanka, Chief Creative Officer, in the beautiful coastal town of Negombo. Said Philip Brett, President of TBWA\Asia said: Sri Lanka is a market that punches well above its weight creatively; to bring our management group together here, for the first-ever joint management\creative meeting has strengthened the appreciation of our respective roles, and a deeper sense of pride, ensuring great work will follow. Continued Renuka Marshall, TBWA\Sri Lankas Managing Director: Opening our doors to our leadership team to share the very latest thinking, process and ideas, ignited high level discussion between some of our most influential senior leaders, inspiring our agency further. Whilst TBWA\Asias leaders met, the Regional Creative Powerhouse were also present to discuss and drive the Networks creative strategy for 2017 TBWA\Leadership Said Subhash Pinnapola, TBWA\Sri Lankas Chief Creative Officer It was indeed an honour to have the full weight of the TBWA\Asias creative in our island, where this forum raises the bar across the region. The exchange and exposure to the networks strategy and direction certainly drives us to continuously deliver world class communication. Continued Nils Andersson, Regional Creative President of TBWA\Asia With the first quarter creative council meeting being in Sri Lanka, this island paradise as stated before punches well above its creative weight. As this was a joint meeting with the network leadership team, the exchange of thinking drives an appreciation of not only respective roles, but backgrounds which isevident in the work weve seen. 2017 marks TBWA\ 10th anniversary in Sri Lanka. Over the last 10 years, under the leadership of Renuka Marshall, the agency continues to be recognised as one of the markets most creatively respected agencies. At the end of 2016, the TBWA\Sri Lanka was awarded Silver in Campaign Asias Agency of the Year celebration, and was ranked #2 in Campaign Brief Asias much admired creative ranking. TBWA\Creative Powerhouse TBWA \ Sri Lanka Managing Director, Renuka Marshall Left to Right - Phillip Bret, Hon. Minister Eran Wickremaratne, Nils Andersson, Renuka Marshall and Subhash Pinnapola Left to Right - Subhash Pinnapola, Renuka Marshall and Hon. Minister Eran Wickremaratne Yemen government forces launched an offensive in January to try to recapture the Red Sea coastline. Yemeni rebels hit back at government forces advancing up the Red Sea coast killing a deputy army commander in a missile strike, a military source said on Wednesday. Army deputy chief of staff Major General Ahmad Saif Al Yafii was killed by a heat-seeking missile on the outskirts of the coastal town of Mokha, the source told AFP. The rebels and their allies had pushed back south and reached the eastern outskirts of Mokha, which the army had overrun on February 10. It was a major setback for an offensive launched by government forces in January to try to recapture Yemens 450 kilometre (280 miles) Red Sea coastline, which had previously been almost entirely in rebel hands. ADEN AFP Feb22, 2017- The secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, John Kelly, said a crackdown on illegal immigrants was needed. WASHINGTON AFP /Feb22, 2017- The Trump administration issued tough new orders on Tuesday for a sweeping crackdown on illegal immigrants, putting nearly all of the countrys 11 million undocumented foreigners in its crosshairs. The orders sent shivers through US immigrant communities, where millions of people who have spent years building families and livelihoods in the country, most of them from Mexico and Central America, were seriously threatened with deportation for the first time in decades. Rights groups labelled the move a witch hunt, warning that mass deportations would damage families with deep roots in the United States and hurt the economy. But John Kelly, the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) who issued the new orders in two memos, said they were necessary to address a problem that has overwhelmed government resources. A number of vehicle registration files had been allegedly removed by a former Commissioner Administration at the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT), Commissioner General A.H.K. Jagath Chandrasiri said. Commissioner Chandrasiri said that the DMT had requested the Transport Ministry Secretary to probe against the Commissioner-Administration in connection with the incident. The issue was raised by an NGO called Anti Corruption Association. The association had taken the matter up with the President, the Prime Minister and other Authorities and had demanded an investigation on missing number of vehicle registration files. When asked DMT Commissioner General said the former Commissioner Administration had her transfer, along with five other officials, with effect from January 1. Five officials were transferred but the lady Commissioner stayed in the office locking herself in her cabin for more than a week forcibly. She had collected many documents during her service period. I looked at her cabin because there was panic as other employees had tried to talk to her through the glass and intercom, the commissioner said. Then I saw pile of files stored in a corner of her office room and I thought the files were to be hand over to the department as it was the procedure of handing over when a person is transferred, he said. She had handed over fourteen files to the departments Chief Clerk including employee transfer files in 2013 and 2014 except vehicle registration files, the Commissioner said. However, she has taken all her files out of the department premises after office hours using a Police Vehicle (KX-2342) belonging to a senior police officer in the North Western Province. All the activities had been recorded on the Department CCTV video footages. One CCTV camera pointed at her cabin had been disabled by her at the time. She had the access to operate CCTV camera system based on her post in the department. Several Police personnel were there in the department including civil officers. According to CCTV video footages she had taken the Department files out a number of days using the same Police vehicle. She has refused to use the vehicle but instead claimed the allowance and used Police vehicles during her service, which was an illegal for a State service employee, As Commissioner General I informed her to bring back the file that taken with her but no reply had received yet. (Chaturanga Pradeep) : FIR; As the snow melts along the mountain ridges that lead into the Kashmir Valley, the summer of 2017 could be the troubled states deadliest yet. Stone-pelters have already employed a lethal new tactic to help Pakistan-sponsored jihadis. Last week several jawans and a major were killed by terrorists even as stone-pelters harried the armys counter-terrorism operation, allowing militants to escape into safe havens across the border. Terror Chief of army staff General Bipin Rawat said Kashmiri youths creating hurdles in counter-terrorism operations or displaying Pakistani or ISIS flags would be treated as anti-national: Those supporting terror activities are being given an opportunity to join the national mainstream but if they continue with their acts, security forces will come down hard on them. On cue, the Opposition undermined the army. Congress leader in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad warned Gen Rawat instead of warning the stone-pelters or their paymasters in Islamabad: To threaten Kashmiri youth like this is unjustified. The government is to be blamed for the situation in Kashmir. As winter gives way to spring in April and then to summer, the stone-pelters will be out in full force. They will again confront the Indian army. The failure to control the Pakistan-sponsored mobs last summer rests at least partly with Jammu and Kashmirs PDP-BJP government. The opposite poles in the coalition do not agree on how to deal with the violent stone pelters. Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti favours an accommodative line while the BJP wants tougher measures. But with an anaemic deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh, it has been unable to impose its will. Photo: Indiatoday.in An under-prepared army last summer used pellet guns on mobs which attacked army bunkers, severely wounding and blinding many protesters. The subsequent invective of Opposition politicians, especially from the National Conference, against Indian security forces played into the narrative of Pakistans ISI which choreographs violent protests in the Valley. According to the Indian army, at least 25 terrorist have escaped the army dragnet during a dozen anti-terror operations over the last one year due to direct interference from stone-pelting mobs. A senior army officer added: They include the encounters at Frisal and Hajan on February 12 and 14, in which, though five terrorists were killed, four managed to escape. Six soldiers, including a major, were also martyred in Frisal, Hajan and another encounter at Handwara. Gen Rawat was chosen as army chief, superseding Gen Praveen Bakshi, largely due to his experience in counter-terrorism operations in Kashmir and along the Line of Control (LoC). In his first two months as army chief, Gen Rawat says he tried to adopt a people-friendly manner. Stonepelting mobs helping terrorists escape by using diversionary tactics have, however, led to a spike in fatalities among jawans. In a change of tactics Gen Rawat has vowed to pursue them relentlessly. Violence The PDP-BJP governments handling of the violence in the Valley has been disappointing but entirely predictable. The two parties are ideological foes. The PDP is a soft separatist party, the BJP a nationalist party but with deeply polarizing elements in its hierarchy. An alliance between the two is a misfit in governing a complex state like J&K. As I wrote previously: Will the PDPBJP marriage of convenience survive Mehboobas pro-separatist ideology? In the long-term, a Mehbooba-led PDPBJP government is unlikely to overcome its constituent parties inherent ideological contradictions. The Centre is not blameless either. The funds promised after Kashmirs devastating floods have still not been released. Since Mufti Mohammad Sayeed died in January 2016, governance in J&K has meandered. Mehbooba continues to play a double game. Her government has finally proposed a scheme (which amounts to no more than a pilot project) to resettle around 40,000 Kashmiri Pandits on designated lands in the Valley. Islamisation Even if the scheme takes off and separatist violence will ensure it wont the sheer number of Kashmiri Pandits displaced since 1989 (well over 4,00,000) makes resettlement plausible only when the Valleys creeping Islamisation is reversed. Pakistan, beset with resurgent terrorism on its own soil, and uncertain about the Trump administrations stand on terrorism in south-central Asia, will use J&K to befuddle the Trump White House as it did the Obama and Bush administrations. Pakistans permanent representative to the United Nations, Maleeha Lodhi, has been lobbying furiously with the White House to soften its perceived anti-Pakistan bias. She has predictably blamed violence in J&K as a destabilising force in the region, tracing the root cause to the failure of India to hold a plebiscite in the Valley as the UN requires it to. As Lodhi knows perfectly well, the UN does not require India to hold a plebiscite in Kashmir till every last Pakistani soldier vacates Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. She is hoping the Trump administration will ignore this pre-condition at the core of the August 1948 UN resolution. It is the Modi governments job to make sure Washington takes cognizance not only of the August 1948 UN resolution on J&K but also Pakistans terror factories that continue to churn out jihadis. The US has called Pakistan the most dangerous country for the world. That is a fine distinction from calling it the most dangerous country in the world along with several others in the Middle East. It is time to put Pakistan, to borrow Hillary Clintons phrase, in the same basket of deplorables. DEAR HARRIETTE: I have decided to learn how to cook my favorite foods instead of wasting money on buying them already prepared. I make sushi for myself and was so proud that I had accomplished this on my first try. My good friend told me that this was offensive and not the authentic method of making sushi. I used riced cauliflower and had my whole confidence shattered. Am I offending an entire culture by altering an age-old recipe? -- Rollin', Washington, D.C. DEAR ROLLIN': It is time to expand your friend group! Good for you that you are trying out recipes and adding your own twist to them. Please know that you can cook food however you like. If you were entering a cooking contest, that would be one thing, but learning to cook for yourself and friends should be fun. For the purists in your life, let them eat store- or restaurant-bought sushi. Continue experimenting to see what you can prepare. Do note that there are plenty of chefs who combine elements of one cooking style with another to create their own unique dishes. It is called "fusion" cuisine. You are not alone. The thing about sushi is that you need to be precise with raw fish to ensure that you make something that is safe to eat. Go for it! DEAR HARRIETTE: My boyfriend has gotten increasingly quirky in the bedroom. It is so embarrassing to me, considering I am much more conservative on these matters. For example, biting has occurred, and I don't like this. How should I communicate that I don't like this progression in our relationship? -- Bruised, Raleigh, North Carolina DEAR BRUISED: You would think that it should be easy to talk about what goes on in the bedroom, considering how many couples are getting busy under the sheets. But the reality is that many couples rarely say a word about their desires or preferences and instead fumble around trying to figure out what works for them. This gets tricky when one partner wants to do something the other is not interested in. You must speak up. As awkward as it may seem, you have to tell your boyfriend -- when you are not in the bedroom -- what you like that he does to you and with you, and where you want to draw the line. If you really don't like biting or anything else that he does, you have to speak up, or he won't know. People are not mind readers. This is true even if your behavior would suggest, in your mind, that it's obvious that you don't like something that he is doing. Speak up and tell him what you are willing to try and what you don't want to do anymore. Be crystal clear. If he balks, be honest and let him know how this behavior makes you feel. Being subtle about your feelings won't work here. State it bluntly so that he knows your position. DEAR HARRIETTE: As an early Valentine's Day present, my ex-boyfriend left a 6-foot-tall teddy bear at my front door. An oversized card was attached along with the bear. There is no possibility of a reunion between us, and I am stuck with this gigantic stuffed animal. Should I offer it back to him? I was thinking about donating it to a children's hospital, but this bear must have cost hundreds of dollars. -- Can't Bear It, Milwaukee DEAR CAN'T BEAR IT: If you feel like having a conversation with your ex, you can offer him back the bear. Thank him for it, but say that you cannot keep it. Know that you will be putting yourself in a situation where you will have to talk and likely explain your reason for not wanting to be together all over again. It could be kind for you to talk to him if you believe that you will be able to talk straight and be heard without having any old wounds open up as a result. If you are not up for or interested in having that chat, donate it. Your idea of giving it to a children's hospital is perfect. The bear was offered to you with love, and those children need every ounce of love they can get. You will be honoring his gift even though you will not be keeping it. FYI: My husband bought a giant bear for my daughter a few years ago, and it wasn't that expensive. Even the big ones come in different prices. Don't let your guilty feelings about your ex spending money on you keep you from taking care of yourself. DEAR HARRIETTE: I am sober since a near-death experience with alcohol poisoning. I have learned to cope without a drink or shots at the bar; however, I have learned that people question my sobriety behind my back. I hate these rumors swirling, considering they aren't true. Should I confront the perpetrators of the rumor, or simply take the high road? -- Sober Sally, Dallas DEAR SOBER SALLY: One of the side effects of stopping drinking (or any other communal habit) and still hanging with people who do it is that people will talk. You cannot control their chatter, nor should you try. What you must do instead is guard your sobriety. Even though you are strong right now, you may want to consider fortifying yourself by going to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, at least for a while. You can gain insight into why people do the things they do with excessive drinking, and learn strategies for how to stay sober in the long run. These meetings are confidential, and many people have testified to their immediate and ongoing support in keeping them sober. Go to aa.org to find a meeting in your area. One of the things that 12-step programs suggest is that you be aware of people, places and things. I mention this because your hanging out at bars with your friends could be dangerous in the long run. You may want to consider choosing more neutral locations to get together with them, as you also consider widening your friend pool. Find some sober friends to be part of your inner circle. DEAR HARRIETTE: This past election spurred me to get involved in government. I have gone to town hall meetings, but I feel as though I am not doing enough. I want to seriously influence changes in my community and state. How can I finally make my voice loudly heard so I can see some changes? I can't quit my job to become a full-time politician. -- Riled Up, Jackson, Mississippi DEAR RILED UP: If there is one good thing that came of the most recent presidential election, it is that many people have awakened to the political process, and apathy is waning. We all need to pay attention to what's happening in our cities, states and nation. Not everyone is called to full-time political office. What you may not know is that there are many elected and non-elected formal roles that people can take while keeping their full-time jobs. Getting involved in local politics does start by attending the meetings. Beyond that, you can run for a range of roles, from member of the school board to alderman to city council. You can volunteer for a political campaign of another candidate and agree to canvass neighborhoods on weekends to get the message out in advance of coming elections. You can also write and call your local and national elected officials on a regular basis to make your opinions known. This is a simple step that has been in place for many years and can help officials to be clear on the convictions of their constituents. DEAR HARRIETTE: I don't want my teenage children going to the marches and protests taking place in my city. These marches are for causes I support, like women's rights, the environment and raising the minimum wage. But these marches can get dangerous and almost always have a police presence. Also, I am not sure how much of a positive impact they end up having in the long run. How can I ensure that my teenagers are in school and not out on the street with signs? -- Skipping School, New York City DEAR SKIPPING SCHOOL: I want to encourage you to rethink your position. The fact that your teenage children want to be involved in the political process and speak up about their thoughts is a good thing. It will encourage active participation in the voting process when they come of age. Of course you want them to be safe. A different approach might be to offer to go with them, letting them know that you want to protect them from harm. You can also give them instructions on how to be in a crowd, including not pushing their way into a crush of people where it can get dangerous, even when people are well meaning. You can find out from their school if any organized or chaperoned efforts are being considered as these protests pop up. Reality says you may not be able to prevent them from going. What you want to avoid is having them lie to you. Then you really won't be able to protect them. I recommend that you keep the dialogue open, talk about safety and possibly even become their chaperone. DEAR HARRIETTE: In photos, I like to pose only on a certain side (the left). This is definitely my best angle, and I've struggled with figuring out how to ask people to move or switch with me so I can look my best in photos. What is the best way to phrase this? I don't want to sound overbearing, but I do want pictures I can be proud of. -- Cheese!, Milwaukee DEAR CHEESE!: You are going to have to accept the reality that you will not be able to get your perfect photo angle in every picture without seeming arrogant and selfish. So you have to be strategic. When group photos begin to form naturally, you can scoot yourself over to the best location for you. You can even sometimes say that you want to be in a particular place because "this is my best side," but don't become obnoxious about it. Instead, practice taking photos in different ways so that you find a few poses that make you feel comfortable. Usually, a slight movement of the chin or repositioning of the shoulders can help one's overall look in a photo. You can practice by taking selfies alone or with a trusted friend. In the end, I recommend relaxing and enjoying being with the people with whom you are being photographed, rather than obsessing about your perfect side. DEAR HARRIETTE: As I am writing this, I have just gotten some free time from sorority recruitment events. After two full days of nearly nonstop events, I realized that I am falling behind on extracurriculars and schoolwork. All of my friends have made it through Greek life; however, I find it taking up all of my time. At this rate, I feel like I may have to leave my sorority. Is there any way I can try to find a balance? I tend to crash the second I don't have to be at a mandatory event. -- Greek Grievances, St. Paul, Minnesota DEAR GREEK GRIEVANCES: This could be a good thing for you, as the intense work requirements for your sorority are preparing you for what your work life may be like when you graduate. At the same time, you do need to learn to create boundaries, to be able to plan out your week or month and include everything, including your sorority. That said, it's not healthy when there is no endpoint and your studies and health are compromised. Evaluate your schedule, and carve out downtime as well as time for schoolwork and other activities. Tell your sorors that you can participate fully on some activities, but -- especially if you have to prepare for a test or do homework -- you might have to miss an event or two. DEAR HARRIETTE: I lost about 50 pounds in the past three years and now look back on old photos of myself in shock. I do not know if I feel proud of how far I have come, or ashamed that I let myself be so overweight to begin with. Additionally, showing people pictures of me before I lost weight usually opens up the Pandora's box of others not recognizing me and asking me why I decided to lose weight. Are photos of myself from the past something I should take down in my home if I don't want any questions about my weight loss? I used to think people would know not to ask unless I brought it up first. -- Transformer, Richmond, Virginia DEAR TRANSFORMER: You should not take down old pictures of yourself. They are part of who you are. Be proud of your accomplishments and your journey to reach where you are today. You do not need to emphasize your weight loss or draw people over to old photos -- advice I would also give someone who had not experienced dramatic weight loss, as it's better to steer most conversation to the present. That said, when people transform their bodies dramatically, it is natural for others to ask what they did or how they did it. For some people, the question is personal. They want to know if they can possibly do it too. For others, it's pure curiosity. I suggest that you stand proud of your efforts to be strong and committed to your health. You may want to add some current photos of yourself with friends enjoying your life. Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106 Oshkosh Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets specialty vehicles and vehicle bodies worldwide. The company's Access Equipment segment provides aerial work platforms and telehandlers for use in various construction, industrial, institutional, and general maintenance applications. 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Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe John Lowry announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for the Samuel Miller District seat on the Board of Supervisors on Thursday morning. He made the news official at a news conference in front of the Crossroad Country Store located off of U.S. 29 south of Charlottesville to approximately two dozen supporters. Lowry ran as an independent for the same office eight years ago and plans to challenge the incumbent supervisor, Democrat Liz Palmer, who was elected to her first term in 2013. Lowry first ran for the Samuel Miller District seat on the Board of Supervisors in 2009 against Democrat Madison Cummings and Republican Duane E. Snow, who went on to win his only term on the board. Lowry received 15 percent of the vote, according to the Virginia Department of Elections website. Some of the issues Lowry said he wants to focus on this time around are economic development and how the county approaches land use. During his speech, Lowry said he feels that the Board of Supervisors has been out of balance for the last four years and that leadership is needed for what he referred to as a better balance. First, we need a better balance in the use of our land, he said. Second, we need a better balance in managing the countys finances and third, we need a better balance in our approach to economic development. Lowry said he has already filed paperwork with the Albemarle County Registrars Office, which Jake Washburne, general register, confirmed it, noting his certificate of candidate qualification, statement of organization and statement of economic interests. Palmer said in an email that she appreciates Lowrys willingness to run for office. I firmly believe that competitive elections produce better outcomes, she said. As an active member of the Republican Party and having previously run for the office, I know he will run a good campaign. Lowry, 69, is retired and has lived in the county for more than 40 years. In that time, he has served on several boards, commissions and organizations in the county and previously served as chairman of the Albemarle County Economic Development Authority. Two other seats on the Board of Supervisors that are up for election this year are the Rio and Jack Jouett districts. Democratic Supervisor Brad Sheffield of the Rio District announced he would not run for re-election, and Chairwoman Diantha McKeel, an independent representing the Jack Jouett District, said she is not ready to make an announcement at this time. For the countys School Board, the same three magisterial districts are up for election this year. Chairwoman Kate Acuff of the Jack Jouett District and Graham Paige of the Samuel Miller District have both expressed interest in running for another term. Julian Waters, a senior at Western Albemarle High School, is challenging Paige. Pam Moynihan of the Rio District declined earlier in February to discuss her plans regarding re-election. Since Lowry is hoping to run under a party title, Washburne said in an email that hell need to be nominated by that party. Typically with local offices, a caucus or convention among local party members is the formal means for nomination, rather than a primary vote. Washburne added that if Lowry was passed over for the formal Republican nomination in favor of another candidate, he could still run for the Samuel Miller seat as an independent. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 7. LOVINGSTON Following the December release of a draft environmental impact statement, area residents had the chance to voice their thoughts on the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline during a comment meeting Wednesday at Nelson County High School. After about three hours, more than 100 people had made verbal comments while dozens more entered written comments about the draft statement issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which looks at potential impacts on the environment and residents from the proposed pipeline project. The natural gas pipeline, if approved, would run about 600 miles from West Virginia to North Carolina, routing through Nelson County and other parts of Virginia. FERC ultimately will decide whether to authorize the project. The agency has said it will release a final environmental impact statement this summer and will issue a final decision by fall. In an effort to collect comments in a timely manner, FERC employed four court reporters to transcribe verbal comments Wednesday. David Swearingen, branch chief of FERCs division of Gas Environment and Engineering, said the decision was based on previous turnout to public meetings in Nelson and because an activity at the high school forced the meeting to start later than originally planned. I think this meeting is the one where most of the public and community interest is coalesced, Swearingen said. While some would have preferred more of a traditional town-hall setting rather than a chance to enter comments individually, Swearingen said the format made the most sense for collecting substantive comments in a timely fashion. The atmosphere was that people were completely misunderstanding the purpose of these sessions. They thought it was an opportunity to rally support, and we were finding that it was intimidating for people, Swearingen said of previous FERC comment meetings. This way, everybody has a chance to speak their mind." Attendees went into the cafeteria, were given a number and were directed to one of four rooms to meet individually with a FERC representative and register their comments. Republican gubernatorial candidate Denver Riggleman attended the public comments meeting as someone who feels he has a personal stake in the fight, he said. Riggleman, co-owner of Afton-based Silverback Distillery, said his property was, at one point, on the proposed route of the pipeline. Though the route has been moved off his property, he said the fight still is personal, and the move doesnt mean it changes anything. Nelson County Supervisor Allen Hale said he plans to submit comments on the draft online but came to the meeting Wednesday night because the pipeline is an important issue in the county. Certainly it is a concern of a great many of my constituents, but its also a strong personal belief of mine that this is a very ill-advised project, he said. Im glad to see so many people out. People feel strongly about this, and regardless of the income, I think its important to stand up for what you believe in. Others who attended the meeting said they came to support the proposed project. I think its important for FERC and everyone else to understand that the opponents are not the only faction here, said Carlton Ballowe, a Nelson resident and president of the countys Republican committee. They may be the most passionate, they may be the most vocal. Its just like if you have a zoning hearing or something at the Planning Commission or the Board of Supervisors, its always the [Not-in-My-Backyard people] who come out. Its the NIMBYs that are loud. I dont want anyone to get the wrong impression. I believe that, in spite of the fact that Nelson County has the reputation for being the epicenter of the opposition, I honestly believe that the majority of the people in Nelson County support the pipeline. WASHINGTON Attorneys for a transgender teen who sued his school board for barring him from the boys' bathroom said Thursday they plan to continue to press his case before the Supreme Court, despite the Trump administration's decision to withdraw federal guidelines that had buoyed his lawsuit. The guidelines had instructed schools to let students use the restroom that matched their gender identity, regardless of their anatomy. Now that they have been rescinded, it is even more important that the high court weigh in to eliminate confusion and ensure that children are protected, lawyers for 17-year-old Gavin Grimm said. The Supreme Court late Thursday afternoon asked attorneys for both sides to submit letters by next Wednesday addressing where the case should go from here. The decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit that favored Grimm was based primarily on former President Barack Obama's administration's guidance that was rescinded. "If anything, the confusion caused by this recent action by the Department of Justice and the Department of Education only underscore the need for the Supreme Court to bring some clarity here," American Civil Liberties Union attorney Joshua Block said in a teleconference with reporters Thursday morning. Grimm's case against the school board in Gloucester County, Va., is scheduled for oral arguments in Washington on March 28. The Trump administration's change in policy this week drew praise and condemnation from predictable corners Thursday but also put new pressure on states and individual school districts to figure out new policies and tamp down anxiety among transgender students and their parents. Scrutiny also fell on President Donald Trump and his Cabinet after reports that top officials had disagreed over whether to rescind the prior rules. Trump, who has said he supports LGBT rights, also has said he thinks it should be up to states to decide the bathroom policy for transgender students in public schools. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who had initially objected to pulling the guidance but ultimately signed off on the decision, defended her actions at a conservative gathering in Washington. She said President Barack Obama had overreached in establishing a transgender policy for all of the nation's schools. The sudden lack of guidance left states and school districts scrambling to figure out how to fill the apparent void, and to reassure transgender children and their parents that they are safe and valued. In New York, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued what he termed a "reminder" to schools that state law protects transgender student rights regardless of federal guidance. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey spoke at a news conference alongside LGBT advocates to criticize the administration's actions. The decision had particular resonance in North Carolina, which last year passed a law requiring people in public buildings to use the restroom that matches the gender on their birth certificates. The law drew scorn from celebrities, sports leagues and major corporations, and it figured prominently in the gubernatorial election in which the governor who signed it was defeated. Lawmakers there have been locked in a battle over how and whether to repeal the law, which resulted in millions of dollars of lost tourism revenue. Both sides cited the Trump administration's actions as a reason to support their position on the law. "Because of the new federal policy, North Carolina's privacy law - HB2 - remains more vital than ever as efforts to strip away privacy protections will shift even more to the state level," Tami Fitzgerald, executive director of the NC Values Coalition, said in a statement. In an echo of the fight there, several large companies, including Apple and Microsoft, registered their displeasure with the federal action. "We support efforts toward greater acceptance, not less, and we strongly believe that transgender students should be treated as equals," Apple said in a statement. "We disagree with any effort to limit or rescind their rights and protections." The biggest question in the wake of the Trump administration's withdrawal of the guidance is whether the Supreme Court will step in to settle the issue. The justices could keep Grimm's case on the schedule, send it back to the lower courts for more work or perhaps delay consideration until the Trump administration has clarified its views on the legal issues involved. Under the last two scenarios, Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch might be confirmed and the court would be back to full strength. A seat has been open since Justice Antonin Scalia's death more than a year ago. Both Gloucester County and the ACLU are urging the Supreme Court to decide the merits of the case, about whether the protections of Title IX should be extended to cover gender identity. "I do think this is an incredibly urgent issue," Block said. But the Supreme Court generally likes to have the benefits of lower court deliberations on such important questions. The panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit in Richmond is the only appeals court to have ruled, and its ruling for Grimm was couched almost exclusively on deference to the Obama administration Education Department's interpretation of Title IX. "We think this changes the complexion of the case considerably," said Kyle Duncan, who is representing the Gloucester County School Board at the Supreme Court. "One thing [the court] absolutely should do is vacate the 4th Circuit's opinion." Rather than send the case back, Duncan agrees with the ACLU that the court should move forward. When the justices agreed to hear the case, they added a question that would allow them to get to the merits, Duncan said, and both sides highlighted that in their briefs to the court. The Trump administration gave the justices little to go on in the letter it sent Wednesday night. It said only that it is rescinding the Obama administration's guidance, and that it would "consider further and more completely the legal issues involved." It would seem unusual for the court to decide such an important area of federal law without briefing from the government. The Supreme Court is likely to be closely divided on the issue. In August, it voted 5 to 3 to stay the 4th Circuit's opinion, which meant Gloucester did not have to comply with the order that Grimm could use the boys' restroom at his high school. Justice Stephen Breyer said he was joining the conservative justices in granting the stay as a "courtesy" that would preserve the status quo while considering the school board's request to review the case. Justice Anthony Kennedy is the conservative who most often joins the court's liberals on social issues. He has written all of the court's decisions advancing gay rights. The decision to withdraw the guidance seemed likely to have its biggest impact on another case in which Texas and a dozen other states have sued the federal government over the Obama administration's original guidance. A federal judge had halted implementation of the guidance, and the case was on temporary hold at the request of the Trump administration. With the guidance withdrawn, it seemed likely the case would be moot. Another option would be to keep the preliminary injunction in place until the new guidelines are issued. The Culpeper Police Departments implementation late last year of a body-worn camera program has contributed to the need for an additional prosecutor in the Culpeper County Commonwealths Attorney Office. That was the report from top prosecutor Paul Walther at a board of supervisors fiscal year 2018 budget meeting Thursday morning. He quoted the Rolling Stones in opening remarks to the board saying, You cant always get what you want but you get what you need. Walther said his departments recommended budget from County Administrator John Egertson may not be what he wanted, but that he still appreciates it. I really need an additional attorney, Walther said, noting an increase in cases is also a factor. Reviewing police camera footage takes a lot of time, he said, resulting in increased workload for his staff. Walther added that having the recorded evidence is certainly a benefit in terms of higher conviction rates and fewer complaints. Its necessary, he said, adding that body-worn cameras usually result in more civil interactions between police and the public. Stevensburg Supervisor Bill Chase felt the cameras would reduce a prosecutors workload because the whole damn case is laid out for you. Walther said the work is involved in watching the footage in addition to law enforcement interviews. In the proposed budget for FY18, Egertson included $104,748 to hire a new prosecutor. An additional request for another secretary was not included. The Culpeper County Commonwealths Attorneys Office total recommended budget for the new fiscal year is $979,973an 18.31 percent increase from the current year. Of that, $407,732 will come from the state and about $4,000 in fees collected through the prosecutors office. Figured into all county department budgets for FY18, said Egertson, is a 5.8 percent increase in insurance costs, a 1.2 percent employee cost-of-living raise and the potential for an additional 1 to 2 percent merit raise. In other budget news from Thursday morning, the board heard very briefly from Commissioner of the Revenue Terry Yowell who said she was requesting flat funding in FY18. Thats all we need to hear, said East Fairfax Supervisor Steve Walker. Added board chairman Jack Frazier, Heads upwe like that. The board also heard Thursday from Culpeper County Registrar James Clements about anticipated election costs in the coming fiscal year. The budget for our department is determined by the number of elections, he said. An extra $7,000 in funding could be required if a state senate special election is held at years end or in early 2018. Thats because two of Culpepers state senators, Bryce Reeves and Jill Vogel, are both running for lieutenant governor in the November election. The Nov. 7 General Election will cost $18,000 to conduct, according to budget documents. On the ballot this year in Culpeper County are the races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, house of delegates, three seats on the county board of supervisors, three seats on the school board, mayor and four town council members. A primary election in June 2018 for U.S. Senate and U.S. House is also possible, costing $12,500. Clements told the board they were in no rush to update voting equipment though the county will have to by July 1, 2020, per state requirements. He said he and the electoral board have full confidence in the current touch screen voting booths and that they would wait as long as possible to update so as to determine the latest innovation of equipment. Walker agreed saying they should wait until the last minute until the state legislature decides its preference for voting equipment. I wouldnt be surprised if there are more changes by 2020, he said. Culpeper County Librarian Susan Keller gave her budget presentation Thursday with remarks about the importance of public libraries in todays modern world. Good, solid informationmaybe not from Facebook and twitteris still more important than ever, she said. Keller said patrons checked out 30,000 more items last year than the year before. Library meeting rooms are at full capacity, she said, and library programs robust. The library has also had a positive reaction to the dozen hot spots available for checkout, providing high speed Internet in the countys many rural areas. There is a waiting list for the items, Keller said, and there have been no reported technical issues. Only that people dont want to bring them back, she said. Patrons can check out the hot spots for a week at a time and if not returned on time the library can remotely disable them. Keller said they would like to get more of them in the library, but cant due to lack of funding. The proposed library budget for FY18 is $1.1 millionan estimated 5 percent increase over the current fiscal year. Of that, $148,481 will come from the state and another estimated $41,000 in local fees and fines. Finally, the board heard from Parks & Recreation Department Director John Barrett about his proposed $479,314 budget for FY18 that includes an estimated $118,000 in local revenue from fees. The community complex near Eastern View High School, in addition, has a proposed $538,044 budget for FY18. An inclusive playground at the complex for children with special needs is slated for completion by this fall, Barrett said, costing about $300,000. Donations are being sought for the project. The proposed commissioner of the revenue FY18 budget is $702,701an estimated 3 percent increase over the current fiscal year. Of that, $124,825 will come from the state. The proposed treasurers office budget for FY18 is $611,424, a 1.8 percent increase, with $127,892 coming from the state. The proposed circuit court clerks office budget for FY18 is $739,907, a 3.17 percent increase, with $307,031 coming from the state. U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, met Wednesday with Pope Francis in Vatican City, addressing the pontiffs work to address the global refugee and migrant crisis. As the pope stated so clearly, it is a moral imperative to protect and defend the inalienable rights of refugees and respect their dignity, especially by adopting just laws that protect those fleeing dangerous or inhumane situations, Kaine said in a news release Wednesday. The bilateral relationship between the U.S. and the Holy See is tremendously important and the work we are doing together to address issues such as refugees, human trafficking, conflict resolution and reconciliation helps us advance peace in the world, as we try to end suffering and cooperate on issues of common good, Kaine said. The Virginia senator also met with the Foreign Minister of the Holy See Archbishop Paul Gallagher, participated in a discussion focused on Latin American issues with Vatican officials and met with the Jesuit Refugee Service to discuss its work with refugees and asylum seekers. Privacy Overview This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. While talking to company officials during the recently conducted media rides of the new 2017 Triumph Street Triple RS in Barcelona, Spain, we found out that Triumph is planning to launch the Street Triple S in India soon. The 2017 Street Triple line-up consists of three motorcycles the Street Triple S, Street Triple R and the Street Triple RS. While the British bike maker plans to launch the Street Triple S in the country by mid-2017, the other two variants will be introduced sometime late this year. The Triumph Street Triple range has been one of the bestselling bike ranges for Triumph across the globe, with over 50,000 units being sold globally till date. It is also one of the bestselling bikes in India. The 2017 range receives cosmetic and mechanical updates along with few more bells and whistles. The motorcycle will be assembled locally with an expected price tag of Rs 8-9 lakhs. The previous Street Triple model was detuned in terms of power output and the Indian model made only 79PS of maximum power compared to the globally sold 106PS motor. Triumph have chucked the discrimination with the 2017 Street Triple range and the bikesnow developsthe same power as the ones which will be sold globally. The 2017 bike is powered by a 765cc, triple-cylinder engine which develops 113PS for the S variant, 119PS for the R variant, and 123PS for the RS variant. The Street Triple is equipped with ride-by-wire technology, two rider modes, twin traction control settings, and ABS to mention a few. The bike will take on the likes of the new Kawasaki Z900, which will also be launched soon. Source: Bikedekho.com Payments banks were now required to park 75 per cent of their total deposits in SLR securities and the balance 25 per cent in other instruments as prescribed by the RBI. Kolkata: Airtel Payments Bank (APB) is planning to sell third party financial products to boost its revenue from other income category, an official said. "As per RBI guidelines, we are not allowed to carry out lending activity. But we are allowed to sell third party financial products like other banks do", MD and CEO of APB Shahshi Arora said. Starting operations few months ago, the bank had already opened 2.5 lakh banking points across the nation with a total customer base of two million spread across geographies. "We plan to sell insurance and MF products through our network in near future. After that, we will also offer loan products of other entities like NBFCs as we are not allowed to do lending directly", he told reporters here today. Payments banks were now required to park 75 per cent of their total deposits in SLR securities and the balance 25 per cent in other instruments as prescribed by the RBI. He said that while charges were levied on cash withdrawals, other transactions were free of levies. New Delhi: Tata Motors today said its Board will meet next week to consider raising Rs 500 crore through private placement of non-convertible debentures (NCDs). "The company is desirous of offering the sixth series of its rated, listed, unsecured, redeemable, NCDs aggregating to Rs 500 crore and in this regard is holding a meeting of its duly constituted Committee of the Board on March 2, 2017," Tata Motors Ltd said in a BSE filing. "The above issuance is pursuant to the approval of the shareholders passed vide special resolution at the 71th Annual General Meeting of the company held on August 9, 2016 and the Board of Directors' resolution passed at its meeting held on February 14, 2017," it added. Tata Motors shares were trading 0.20 per cent lower at Rs 459.25 on the BSE. New Delhi: The Finance Ministry is giving final touches to infusing around Rs 8,000 crore in public sector banks (PSBs) as part of its second and final tranche for the current fiscal, 2015-16. The second round of capital infusion is almost ready and in the next few days it should go to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for approval, sources said. The entire process should be over within a fortnight and then the respective bank would start receiving funds, sources added. The second round of funding would be based on the strict parameters, sources said, adding that few banks would be eligible, and include those whose common equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital is lower than 8 per cent. Some of the banks eligible for fund infusion include IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank and UCO Bank where CET1 has been less than 8 per cent at the end of the third quarter of the current fiscal. The government has already announced fund infusion of Rs 22,915 crore, out of the Rs 25,000 crore earmarked for 13 PSBs for the current fiscal. Of this, 75 per cent has already been released to them. The first tranche was announced in July with the objective of enhancing their lending operations and enabling them to raise more money from the market. Under Indradhanush roadmap announced last year, the government will infuse Rs 70,000 crore in state banks over four years while they will have to raise further Rs 1.1 lakh crore from the markets to meet their capital requirement in line with global risk norms Basel-III. In line with the blueprint, PSBs are to get Rs 25,000 crore in each fiscal, 2015-16 and 2016-17. Besides, Rs 10,000 crore each would be infused in 2017-18 and 2018-19. In the Budget 2017-18 speech on February 1, Jaitley announced capital infusion of Rs 10,000 crore for the next fiscal beginning April 1. New Delhi: Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said more research, standards and aggregation are needed in the farm sector to enhance the income of farmers. Interacting with the members of the Indian Council of Food and Agriculture (ICFA) on the issue of 'Doubling of Farmers Income' through agro and food trade, she said agricultural research is of paramount importance. Citing the example of tobacco, she said that till date there has been no research done to find alternative crop for tobacco farmers, a statement said. The minister also said that onion is the other important crop where research is required to prevent the shortage and glut. Further, she said that the government is willing to hear suggestions and respond to all issues pertaining to exports and domestic trade. Mumbai: Ali Fazal is having the time of his life with a crop of great films up for release. The tall actor is currently in India shooting for his most awaited sequel Fukrey Returns. While he has been busy with his film shoot, one of his international collaboration, For Here Or To Go is believed to soon be releasing in America. The film was shot two years back and has Ali essaying the lead role set against the backdrop of 2008 recession and a series of comedy events that show the harsh reality of immigration issues faced by thousands of people in the US. The actor will be seen as an aspiring candidate for a lucrative job offer in the Silicon Valley, only to find himself in a lurk when his job position is dissolved owing to the recession. The film reveals a completely new concept in itself and it will have its release in the US in end of March. It's a mere confidence the film coming out at a time when the immigration issue has become a global conversation owing to the reforms in laws in the US currently which has left the world in a divided debate of what is right and what isn't. The film had premiered last year at the MAMI film festival and is soon to also see a release in India this year. When asked about it, he said, "This issue of visa and immigrations for several has been there right from the beginning and has always been sort of simmering and it was a great angle to bring this issue in front of every individual and currently, time has just been so relatable and made this film even more connective to audiences which also actually has a fun element in the narrative. This movie is made from true events and the producer brought this idea to me and I totally loved it and that is when I just said yes to this film. I hope audiences connect to it and love to this one too and find it relevant." Mumbai: Though there had been some eleventh hour speculation over a potentially roadblock on the release of Vishal Bhardwajs Rangoon, the release has finally been facilitated. As per latest reports, the team of Rangoon have been asked by the Bombay High Court to deposit a total of two crore rupees. A team from the production house Wadia Movietone Pvt. Ltd had accused the makers of Rangoon of lifting the lead character from their movie Hunterwaali, played by Australian stuntwoman Mary Evans also known popularly as Fearless Nadia, to make Kangana Ranauts character in the film, Julia. The production house alleged a blatant case of copyright infringement had happened. However, with the latest development, the film will release as per schedule, on February 24. A Casablancaesque love triangle set to the backdrop of the Second World War, the film also stars Shahid Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan in the lead roles. Mumbai: Huma Qureshi, who is currently stationed in London for the promotions of her latest release, 'Viceroy's House,' has been extended a special invitation by the Facebook headquarters based in UK. The talented actress who has been extensively promoting 'Viceroy's House' in London visited the Facebook office on 22nd February and spoke about the film. On her arrival at the office, Huma was given an office tour first by the team followed by a live chat. Huma informs, I am glad that Im the first Indian actor to visit the Facebook headquarters in London. To be invited there is an honour and I feel privileged. I feel so blessed and loved to be able to get so much love from people. Riding high on the success of Jolly LLB 2, Huma is currently having a great time in London. She also recently attended the London Fashion Week and was on the front row of the Teatum Jones show after receiving a special invitation from the designer duo." Viceroy's House is scheduled to release on 3rd March, 2017 in London. According to EOnline.com, two men in Croatia reportedly used racial slurs to insult Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx. The police in Croatia filed misdemeanor charges against the men. Police said that two men in a particularly rude and insolent manner insulted the guests and staff catering facility. However, the cops and the media in Croatia did not mention Foxxs name as a victim. Foxx then said on Instagram, I came to the table and they assaulted us! The actor was in Croatia to film his upcoming movie Robin Hood: Origins. Researchers found that people who had higher levels of cortisol present in their hair tended to have larger waist circumference measurements. (Photo: AP) London: People who suffer long-term stress may also be more prone to obesity, a new study has warned. Researchers at University College London (UCL) in the UK examined hair samples for levels of cortisol, a hormone which regulates the body's response to stress. The study showed that exposure to higher levels of cortisol over several months is associated with people being more heavily, and more persistently, overweight. Chronic stress has long been hypothesised to be implicated in obesity - people tend to report overeating and 'comfort eating' foods high in fat, sugar and calories in times of stress, and the stress hormone cortisol plays an important role in metabolism and determining where fat is stored. The research involved 2,527 men and women aged 54 and older taking part in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, taking data over a four-year period. In the research, the scientists took a lock of hair 2cm long from each participant which was cut as close possible to a person's scalp - this represented about two months' hair growth with associated accumulated levels of cortisol. They also examined the participants' weight, body mass index and waist circumference and how hair cortisol related to the persistence of obesity over time. They found that people who had higher levels of cortisol present in their hair tended to have larger waist circumference measurements, were heavier and had a higher body mass index (BMI). Individuals classified as obese on the basis of their BMI (30) or waist circumference (102cm in men, 88cm in women) had particularly high levels of hair cortisol. "These results provide consistent evidence that chronic stress is associated with higher levels of obesity," said Dr Sarah Jackson, who led the research. "People who had higher hair cortisol levels also tended to have larger waist measurements, which is important because carrying excess fat around the abdomen is a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and premature death," said Jackson. "Hair cortisol is a relatively new measure which offers a suitable and easily obtainable method for assessing chronically high levels of cortisol concentrations in weight research and may therefore aid in further advancing understanding in this area," she added. The research was published in the journal Obesity. Chennai: Singapore Tourism Board has plans to partner with the film producers in India to facilitate the shoot of Tamil and Hindi films which give prominence to Singapore locales. It has been a pretty long time since a Tamil film was shot in Singapore, after movies like Ullagam Sutrum Valiban, Ninaithala Innikum and Priya. We would like to work with Kollywood and Bollywood film producers as part of our branded content promotion," says G.B. Srithar, Regional Director - South Asia, Middle East & Africa, Singapore Tourism Board here on Wednesday. The Hindi movie Dear Zindagi - featuring actress Alia Bhatt and her co-star Shah Rukh Khan, is the latest Hindi film shot in Singapore. Films are powerful medium. Those shot in Singapore will have an emotional connect, he added. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) would however not extend any financial incentives to the movie producers but would bear some part of the expenditure and also ease the process of getting shooting permissions. During 2016, Singapore received 16.4 million footfalls including 1.01 million from India, seeing an increase by 7.7 per cent over the previous year. Tourism receipts rose by 13.9 per cent to $24.8 billion, preliminary estimates by the STB show. It anticipates 16.7 million international visitors by the end of this year. Nearly 50 per cent of its visitors are leisure travellers though Singapore has also seen an increase from the business travel segment. The Board is looking at the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) segment with attractive offerings. India is fourth major tourist market Indonesia and India altered the dynamics of tourist arrivals to Singapore, edging out China and Australia to occupy the first and fourth places respectively. China, Malaysia and Australia are placed second, third and fifth respectively. Apart from increase in tourist arrivals from India, Singapore witnessed a sharp rise in the cruise tourist arrivals too. There has been 29 per cent increase in the cruise passenger arrivals from India, which has emerged as number one in the cruise arrival market. Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi and Bengaluru are the four key source markets and the STB is engaged in efforts to improve its presence in other cities like Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Tiruchi and Amritsar. Over 1.01 million Indians who had visited Singapore last year had spent around Rs 5,293 crore there. According to Mr Srithar, about 39 per cent of the tourist receipts from the visiting Indians are for accommodation. This indicates that Indians are willing to stay in better hotels and enjoy the comforts, he said and added that demonetisation drive in India had not dampened the travelling spirit of the Indians. New Delhi: Union Home Minister and veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said that the saffron party should have given tickets to Muslim candidates for the Uttar Pradesh elections. During an interview, Rajnath said, We've given tickets to minorities in many other states. Talks must have happened here in UP as well... I was not there, this is based on what I have learnt. May be the BJP parliamentary board didn't find any winnable Muslim candidate. But I believe even Muslims should get tickets. When pressed further on whether Muslims should have been given tickets, the Home Minister said, They should have been. Whoever deserves must get tickets. The BJP has not given a single ticket to a Muslim candidate for the 2017 UP state polls. Rajnath added that had there been a Muslim candidate, 'it would not have harmed us. Muslims constitute around 20 per cent of the population in UP. On Pakistan arresting LeT founder and 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed, Rajnath called it an eyewash. This is not the first time Saeed has been detained. The Pakistani government has done this in the past too. This is just an eye-wash, Rajnath said. He also said that it would be good if Saeed was extradited to India so that he could be tried in an Indian court. New Delhi: Hitting back at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah over his 'Kasab' remark, Congress on Thursday said only a failed leader can use such derogatory language. "Only a failed leader can use such derogatory and cheap language," Congress leader Randeep Surjewala told ANI. Criticising BJP president, Surjewala further said that using abusive language and fake phrases is habit of Amit Shah. Condemning Shah's statement, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi on Wednesday said that it was violation of the model code of conduct, adding that BJP president's statement shows the communal mindset of the saffron party. "We need to end acronyms. Through Amit Shah's statement BJP's repulsive thinking is brought out. It shows party's communal mindset which is reprehensible. It was a clear violation of the model code of conduct. It was a violation of rule and law," Singhvi told ANI. Amit Shah drew flak from the opposition for devising 'KASAB' as an acronym for describing Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). "In the last fifteen years, the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) governments have ruined Uttar Pradesh. The two were enough for destruction, however, a third one has also arrived. The population of UP must get rid of this KASAB, and by this I mean - 'Ka' for Congress, 'S' for SP and 'B' for," Shah said while addressing a rally in Chauri Chaura. While he didn't clearly mention the BSP, there was no denial from his side when the audience shouted 'BSP'. Bengaluru: AIADMK General Secretary VK Sasikala, currently lodged in a Bengaluru jail after the Supreme Court convicted her in a Disproportionate Assets (DA) case, has again applied for better amenities in prison. According to a report in NDTV, Sasikala has claimed that she deserves better facilities owing to her age and poor health. The AIADMK chief, lodged in Parappana Agrahara jail, wants a cot, a table fan, a mattress and an attached bathroom, said the report. Earlier, Sasikalas requests for a doctor on call, non vegetarian food twice a week and mineral water were rejected by the jail authorities. Sasikala has also sought transfer to a jail in Tamil Nadu, where her pick Edappadi Palanisamy took over the reins as the states new Chief Minister following a story trust vote on Saturday. Presently, Sasikala is serving a sentence of nearly 4 years in jail along with her sister-in-law Ilavarasi and her nephew VK Sudhakaran. Sasikala and Illavarasi are put up in adjacent jails. The prison authorities have said that they are being provided ordinary facilities just like other prisoners. Sasikala has completed 21 days of her 4-year sentence earlier last year in the same case. However, she would have to spend an additional 13 months inside prison if she fails to pay a Rs 10 crore fine imposed on her by the apex court. On Wednesday, reports had emerged that Cyanide Mallika, a serial killer who has been in jail for several years, was shifted out of a cell adjacent to Sasikalas. This action was taken because the authorities believed Mallika could pose a life threat to the AIADMK chief. Surat: The ED has attached over Rs 1.02crore cash in new notes in connection with its money laundering probe against city-based financer Kishore Bhajiawala and his family. The agency said it has issued orders for provisional attachment of "Rs 1,02,16,000 funds, seized by the Income Tax department, in the case of Kishore Bhajiawala in post demonetisation frauds" under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had registered a criminal FIR against Bhajiawala and his sons Jignesh and Vilas based on a CBI FIR against him, which was registered after the Income Tax department first conducted searches and seized gold and cash from his premises as part of their operation in December last year to check blackmoney post the notes ban. The ED had alleged that the "Bhajiawala family has converted a huge amount of their unaccounted money, post demonetisation, into new high denomination currency and other valuables through collusion with bank officials and private persons by impersonating, forgery and by using forged documents. "An amount of over Rs 1.02 crore in new currency was seized by the I-T department from his premises during searches at his home, shop and bank lockers held by them. It was also found that the accused had hired several bank lockers in benami names to stash their unaccounted assets," the agency had said. Jignesh was also arrested by the ED in January this year. The I-T department had recovered Rs 1.45 crore cash, with about Rs 1.05 crore in new currency notes, bullion worth Rs 1.49 crore, gold jewellery valued at Rs 4.92 crore, other ornaments worth Rs 1.39 crore and silver ingots priced at Rs 1.28 crore after raids on the premises of the Bhajiawalas'. An attachment order under PMLA is aimed to deprive the accussed from obtaining benefits of their ill-goten wealth and such an order can be appealed before the Adjudicating Authority of the said Act within 180 days time. Bhopal: Every citizen of Madhya Pradesh bore a debt of Rs 13,853 as the state government had a liability of Rs 1.11 lakh crore at the beginning of current fiscal (2016-17), the state government said today. "The debt of the state government increased to Rs 1,11,101.10 crore in March last year from Rs 77,413 crore in March 2014. So the average debt of every citizen of Madhya Pradesh was Rs 13,853 as of March 31, 2016," Finance Minister Jayant Malaiya told the Assembly today. Malaiya gave the information in a written reply to a question asked by the senior Congress MLA Ram Niwas Rawat. The estimate was based on the state's projected population of 8.02 crore in March 2016, he said. As per the 2011 census, the state's population was 7.26 crore. The current debt figure can be determined only after receiving details from the Accountant General (AG) of the state, the minister said. "The state government has not yet received the accounting details from the AG. The status of debt during the current financial year would only be known after receiving the details from AG," he added. Srinagar: At least three Army jawans were killed and five others were injured after terrorists attacked a patrol party in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir early on Thursday. The army convoy was returning from an anti-terror operation at Matrigam in Shopian when heavily-armed terrorists attacked it at around 2:30 am. The army retaliated and a major operation was launched, but the attackers managed to flee. Two officers, Lt Colonel Mukesh Jha and Major Amardeep Singh are among the five injured Army personnel. According to reports, a woman also died in firing between the terrorists and Army jawans. The old woman identified as Jana Began was killed after she was hit by bullets inside her home. A police official said the militants attacked the security forces party which was going for a cordon and search operation in Chittargam area of Shopian. Earlier this month, at least three jawans were killed in an encounter with militants in north Kashmir's Bandipora district. On February 14, militants open fire on security forces conducting searches in Parray Mohalla in Hajin area of the district, killing the soldiers. One militant was also killed in crossfire. Imphal: Despite a fatwa being issued against her for contesting election, Manipur's first Muslim woman candidate Najima Bibi said she wants to continue her fight against domestic violence and work for uplift of Muslim women. "I am not bothered about my life, but as long as I live I will continue my fight against domestic violence and in favour of social uplift of the Muslim women in the society. My life has been a struggle since childhood, I am not afraid of any threats," Najima Bibi told PTI. Najima is a candidate of PRJA party of Irom Sharmila and is contesting from Wabgai constituency. Najima said she was attracted by Irom Sharmilas 16 year old fast against AFSPA and when she formed a political outfit, she decided to join her. "Iroms fight has always fascinated and inspired me. Her relentless fight against all odds is an example of how strong a Manipuri woman can be. So when she decided to join politics I decided to stand shoulder to shoulder with her. "If I become an MLA, I have policies and vision for education, women's issues, against AFSPA, for small scale employment generation and so many other things, which I want to use to help the society we live in," Najima said. But her decision to join politics and contest elections has kicked off a storm as shes facing fatwa in her home constituency of Wabagai and religious leaders in Santhel Mamang Leikai, have publicly announced that Najima Bibi will be given no "kabar" or burial ground after her death. The people of the village are even discouraged to talk to her because of her political involvement. "What is do in my lifetime is important, If I am able to work for the uplift of woman in my society, it would give me more peace. What will I do by knowing what is being done to me after my death," she said. Najima said there are certain section of people with orthodox mentality who have always come in her way of work. "When I used to travel on cycle to the meetings, people used to make fun of me. So when they made fun of me, I instead got encouraged. There is something special in what I am doing, which they cant handle, that is why they are making fun of me", she added. Najimas journey has been relentless. She fought odds at every step and today she is the first ever Muslim woman to contest the Assembly elections in Manipur. From being the only girl in her class and the first girl in the family to complete her 10th standard amidst the taunts and harassment in the school, she has come a long way. Owaisi claimed that the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister is the new "nawab" of Lucknow, who loves to listen to the praises showered by his "sycophants". (Photo: File) Bahraich (UP): Terming Prime Minister Narendra Modi as 'Bade Miyan' and Akhilesh Yadav as 'Chhote Miyan', AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday said "they will not be forgiven" for post-godhra and the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots. He also claimed that the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister is the new "nawab" of Lucknow, who loves to listen to the praises showered by his "sycophants". "Modi will not be spared for post-Godhra riots, and Akhilesh Yadav will not be forgiven for Muzaffarnagar riots," the Hyderabad MP said. Hitting out at Akhilesh he claimed, "His performance is not speaking, but his antics are. The Yadav family has virtually destroyed Uttar Pradesh during its rule." Owaisi alleged that during the tenure of Akhilesh Yadav, more than 400 riots and communal clashes took place. "But, the Chief Minister maintained a silence. The modesty of women was outraged, and the youths did not get any job, even then he says 'kaam boltaa hai' (work speaks for itself)," he said. In the quest for scoring a brownie point in the eyes of the electorate, the national leaders took lead in making headlines by hook or by crook. (Photo: PTI) Lucknow: Campaigning for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections will go down in the pages of electoral history for the offensive acronyms being used freely to attack political opponents. The long haul electioneering took off on a healthy note with leaders of major parties raising issues like development, corruption, note ban and law and order. But, the serious poll plank soon gave way to personal jibes almost to the extent of calling names, giving new definitions and abbreviations to tar the image of opponents. In this quest for scoring a brownie point in the eyes of the electorate, the national leaders took lead in making headlines by hook or by crook. Taking the lead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his rallies repeatedly said 'SCAM' stood for SP, Congress, Akhilesh and Mayawati and dubbed Mayawati's BSP as 'Bahujan Sampatti Party'. Not to lag far behind, Akhilesh came out with his own take on SCAM, saying it stood for 'Save Country from Amit (Shah) and Modi'. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, however, said SCAM meant 'seva, courage, ability, modesty' attracting more criticism than making headlines. Not in the habit of taking things lying down, the BSP supremo had no qualms in giving a personal retort naming PM as "Mr Negative Dalit Man" for Narendra Damodardas Modi to brand him anti-Dalit. Akhilesh Yadav's remark on the donkeys of Gujarat asking 'Main sadi ke mahanayak se appeal karta hoon ke Gujarat ke gadhon ka prachar mat karein (I appeal to the superstar of the century to not campaign for the donkeys of Gujarat)' was taken as more loaded than witty. "Ek gadhe ka vigyapan aata hai, main iss sadi ke sabse bade mahanayak se kahunga ke ab aap Gujarat ke gadhon ka prachar mat kariye (There's an ad on TV which shows donkeys. I appeal to century's biggest star...please stop endorsing donkeys of Gujarat)," Akhilesh had said. "What will happen if the donkeys also start getting advertised?" the UP CM had asked the audience. SP's popular 'kaam bolta hai' campaign has been facing all round flak with the Prime Minister asserting that it is "not kaam (work) but karname (misdeeds)" which do all the talking for the UP government. Rahul drawing on the strength of the alliance with the SP gave a filmy twist to Prime Minister's 'achhe din' saying "people thought he was Shahrukh Khan of DDLJ and after three years he turns out as Gabbar Singh of Sholay". Modi's claims of being the adopted son of the state who will never desert his 'mai baap" saw Congress star campaigner Priyanka Gandhi attacking the prime minister, saying there was no need for it as UP had two youths - Rahul and Akhilesh. "PM Narendra Modi had earlier too said Varanasi has adopted me and I am like a son for it and will develop it does UP need to adopt anyone from outside, are there no youth here, you have two such youth in Rahulji and Akhileshji before you who have UP in their hearts and mind," said Priyanka, turning the fight into "local versus outsider". Mayawati had her own take when she said, "People of the state have made up their mind to elect the beti of the state rather than any outsider." With his "graveyard-cremation ground and Diwali-Ramzan" comment in Fathepur rally, Modi came in for attack by opponents for trying to give communal hue to polls. If Akhilesh continued to irritate the BSP chief calling her "buaji", Mayawati called him "babua" and claimed that "BJP and its leaders have lost the glow on their faces." Akhilesh even said BBC stood for 'Buaji Broadcasting Corporation'. Modi in one of his rallies said he could see Akhilesh sweat. "His face has lost the glow, his voice has become feeble, he is afraid and looking for words while talking to Media as if he has lost the game," he said. Not one to be left behind, BJP chief Amit Shah gave a new meaning to KASAB (the Pakistani terrorist) as KA standing for Congress, SA for SP and B for BSP. "Unless Kasab is laid to rest, development and prosperity will continue to elude the poll-bound state," Shah said. Known for his witty rejoinders, RJD president Lalu Yadav asked "Modi claims he is the adopted son of UP? I want to ask who is his father in the state?" He also compared Modi with the US president Donald Trump. "Modi looks like the twin brother of US President Donald Trump as nobody knows what he will do next," quipped Lalu. While referring to Modi's mannerisms at election rallies, Lalu used a derogatory term and said the Prime Minister engaged in "empty talk". The actress' driver was arrested earlier for consipiring with the gang involved in the crime. Kochi: The prime accused in the abduction and assault of a popular Malayali actress, 'Pulsar' Suni and his accomplice VP Vijeesh, were taken into custody as they entered a local court building to surrender on Thursday in Ernakulam, six days after the incident created a nationwide outrage. "We have taken them into custody. We had deployed our men in the city. They managed to get them," Ernakulam Range I G P Vijayan told PTI. Advocates of the accused made a vain bid to prevent police from entering the building and taking them into custody. They were later taken to Aluva police club for questioning. The lawyers charged the police with forcefully taking their clients into custody from the court room itself. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan praised the police. Vijayan, whose government had been facing flak over the delay in nabbing the accused, said, "I congratulate the police. It is a commendable achievement." Meanwhile, Opposition Leader in Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala said the manner in which the accused were taken into custody from the courtroom was "improper". Police had been not been vigilant enough and this had created concern, Chennithala told reporters here. "There has been lapse on the part of police and this should not happen in the further investigation of the case," the Congress leader, who was Home Minister in the previous Oommen Chandy government, said. The incident took place last Friday night when the actress was travelling to Kochi from her house in Thrissur. Pulsar Suni is accused of masterminding the attack along with his associates. Suni's gang followed her in a tempo traveller and hit her vehicle from behind when it reached Athani near Nedumbassery. The gang members forcefully entered her car and assaulted her inside the moving vehicle over the next three hours. They clicked her semi-nude pictures and recorded videos as the car was driven around Kochi. Finally, the attackers left her in the car near Padamughal and escaped in the tempo that was trailing behind. The Kerala police, that had been investigating the assault and molestation of the actress, had taken a person into custody on Wednesday from a flat that is believed to belong to a young actor-director from the industry. The detainee is believed to have been one of the gang members, who attacked the actress in a moving car in Kochi. If the detainee is affirmed to be linked to the case, the Police will arrest the owner of the flat. The development has put more suspicion on the Malayalam film industries involvement in the crime, since the Police have also found out that a person from the actress film unit had leaked her itinerary to the goons. A prominent Mollywood actor had also been interrogated by the police in association with the case. Four people from the actress latest film unit are reportedly under the Polices scanner. Chennai: Political parties expressed dissatisfaction over the drought relief announced by Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palanisami and demanded increase in compensation, besides relief to all affected farmers without applying the land ceiling criteria. MDMK general secretary Vaiko wanted drought relief for all the affected farmers instead of those with land below five acres. He said those farmers with more than five acres had also been severely hit as the crops had withered without water for irrigation. He also pointed out that the farmers with more than five acres did not get waiver of crop loans too. Demanding the raising of compensation, PMK youth wing leader Anbumani Ramadoss said the expenses for cultivation of paddy in an acres is Rs33,475 as per a study done by Coimbatore Agriculture University, but the compensation is just Rs 5,465 per acre. A compensation of Rs 25,000 to Rs30,000 should be given, he said and pointed out that former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa had announced Rs 15,000 per acre in 2013 as drought relief. He also wanted drought relief for the agricultural farmers who did not own lands since they are also severely affected by unemployment. He said crop loans should be fully waived and a solatium of `25 lakh for the families of farmers who committed suicide. Coming out with a similar plea, CPI state secretary R. Mutharasan said the amount of compensation should be Rs30,000 per acre for farmers and Rs25,000 for agricultural labourers. Besides, over 200 farmers had committed suicide, but compensation was given only to 17 families, he said. The state should clarify about insurance amount that would be given to affected farmers. More than 1 crore labourers are unemployed due to the drought and their plight had not been considered, he complained. Since, the drought relief is an eyewash, there is no option but to exert pressure through untied protests, he said. As soon as cops showed up, a member of the TJAC started to live-stream the entire incident on Facebook a never-seen-before tactic by the TJAC. Hyderabad: Early on Wednesday, at around 3am, a dozen police SUVs moved into Nagarjuna Nagar at Tarnaka and headed towards TJAC chairman Prof. Kodandarams house. As the vehicles stopped, over 50 cops, joined by East Zone DCP Dr. Ravinder, emerged from the cars and marched towards the professors residence. High drama followed. Waiting to resist the police inside the house were Prof. Kodandaram and at least 20 associates. As soon as cops showed up, a member of the TJAC started to live-stream the entire incident on Facebook a never-seen-before tactic by the TJAC. The footage shows the DCP approaching a window and asking Prof. Kodandaram to surrender peacefully. The professor refuses and an argument breaks out between him and the top cop. You have to surrender. We have come to detain you on preventive measures, the DCP is heard saying. To which, Kodandaram replies saying, Im not a criminal to be arrested at this hour. You can come after 6 am. The police official then tells the professor that for preventive arrests there is no specific time. We can arrest you whenever we please, the DCP is heard yelling. The argument goes on for a while between police and the TJAC before suddenly, cops ram the main door with a blunt object. Prof. Kodandaram is seen walking into one of the rooms as associates shout at cops to stop the stupidity. A seemingly restless professor is also seen complaining about police brutality to someone over the phone it is still unclear who was on the other end of the line. Kodandaram then turns to the camera and asks supporters to not be intimidated by the governments actions. Chennai: DMK working president MK Stalin on Thursday reached New Delhi to meet President Pranab Mukherjee, to apprise him of the incidents that unfolded during the February 18 trust vote, won by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy. Accompanied by senior leaders including Durai Murugan, Stalin left for Delhi to meet the President this evening. After landing in Delhi, Stalin hit out at AIADMK chief Sasikala Natarajan. "In Tamil Nadu, benami rule by criminal Sasikala has been established. We have come to meet the President to apprise him of this situation," he told media persons. Stalin's scheduled meeting with the President comes days after he had urged Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao to "nullify" the confidence vote, which was won by Palanisamy after forcible en-masse eviction of DMK legislators from the State Assembly on February 18. Palanisamy had won the trust vote by a huge margin of 122-11, on Saturday. To a query by reporters at the airport in Chennai, Stalin claimed that his party's state-wide hunger strike yesterday was "so successful that the AIADMK is claiming that we are trying to topple their government." He also indicated that the ruling party may not fare well in the forthcoming local body elections. Chennai: It seems like the political turmoil in Tamil Nadu is not going to end so soon, as DMK working president M.K. Stalin will today leave for Delhi to meet President Pranab Mukherjee. "We have informed Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao about the Tamil Assembly ruckus and today, we are going to meet and explain the situation to President Pranab Mukherjee in Delhi," Stalin told media here. Stalin yesterday staged a hunger strike with his party workers against state Chief Minister Edapaddi K. Palanisamy's trust vote. "Hunger protest, which we are undertaking today, is not for us but against 'benami' rule established in Tamil Nadu," he told media. Stalin, who led the state-wide strike, had earlier announced that his party will launch the strike in wake of ruckus that took place in Tamil Nadu Assembly during the floor test on February 18. In another development, the Madras High Court yesterday adjourned DMK's plea seeking to declare Palanisamy's trust vote null and void and also sought video evidence of the proceedings in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Earlier, the DMK moved a no-confidence motion against the Assembly Speaker, with Stalin accusing the Speaker of deliberately harping on his community to malign the part. Chennai: AIADMK Deputy General Secretary TT V Dinakaran today hinted at a rapprochement with expelled leader O Panneerselvam, saying the party would "accept with motherly affection" anybody who had gone out of the "parent organisation" and wanted to return. Addressing reporters after formally taking over, he also fended off criticism that he was elevated "suddenly", saying he had been brought into the party by the late Chief Minster J Jayalalithaa in the early days itself and that he had been given various party posts and even made an MP by her. Asked about Panneerselvam's plans to conduct state-wide campaign against the present AIADMK leadership, Dinakaran said the party had faced "betrayals" in the past too, but had successfully overcome them. However, referring to the defection of MLAs and MPs to the Panneerselvam camp, he said that some had "lost their way and moved away from the mother movement." "We have the confidence that anybody who had left the mother movement will return to our fold," Dinakaran said. Asked if Panneerselvam would also be allowed to return, he said "the party will receive with motherly affection and accept anybody who had left the parent organisation." His comments come in the wake of Panneerselvam's expulsion by AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala following his revolt against her in the wake of her election as AIADMK Legislature Party leader on February 5. Panneerselvam, who had quit as Chief Minister then, had revolted against her, alleging he was forced to step down to make way for her. Sasikala was convicted by the Supreme Court in an assets case on February 14 and is lodged in the central jail at Parapana Agrahara near Bengaluru. To a question on who was his party's main rival DMK leader M K Stalin or Panneerselvam, Dinakaran insisted it was DMK as AIADMK had been founded by the late M G Ramachandran against that very party and its chief M Karunandihi. "You must have seen in the Assembly also. They tried to use Panneerselvam to topple the government but failed. You are seeing the daily dramas being enacted by Stalin. AIADMK was founded against DMK and they are our main rival," he said. He said Stalin was "dejected" that he could not "topple" the AIADMK government and was therefore doing things like staging a hunger strike or flying to Delhi to meet President Pranab Mukherjee. Stalin had earlier left for Delhi to apprise the President on the incidents that unfolded during the February 18 floor test won by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, amidst en masse eviction of DMK. Asked if he would contest the Dr Radhakrishnan Nagar bypoll, necessitated by the death of Jayalalithaa, Dinakaran said the party would decide who the candidate will be. Kozhikode: The accused in the attack on the Malayalam film actor will be punished at any cost, however powerful he is, according to Culture and SC/ ST welfare minister A.K. Balan. He told reporters here that even if the accused is a virtual god, he would be nabbed. All the accused, including the conspirators, will be caught. None will be allowed to escape. Every angle of the actors complaint will be checked and the government will ensure justice to the victim, he said. Kozhikode: Ginger farmers and head labourers from Wayanad are going to distant lands like Chhattisgarh in the quest for fertile land and better farming enviorns. Among the thousands of ginger farmers from the state now working in the leased land of Karnataka, over 200 have already started farming in the leased land in Chhattisgarh, over 2,500 km away. The majority of farmers and key farm aides travel by air while the seeds and bunch of labourers follow soon by road. Kerala Ginger Growers Association general secretary Navarang Mohanan told Deccan Chronicle that the shift in rainfall patterns in Karnataka, depleting levels of ground water, drying up of tube-wells, plummeting lease price for land and high wages had forced the farmers to go in search of greener pastures having fertile land, water availability and cheap labour. Though the trend started last year with a few testing their luck in these parts of the country, including Orissa and Jharkhand, apart from...Kozhikode...Chhattisgarh, only this year more farmers joined," he added. Ranjan Swami from Sulthan Bathery told DC that the nearest airport is at Raipur from where they have to travel another five hours by road to reach the remote village. Swami who continues his Karnataka leg of farming extended it to Chhattisgarh this year. "In Karnataka we are paying up to Rs 1 lakh per acre annually on lease fee while in Chhattisgarh it is just around Rs 8000. "The wages of Karnataka have almost trebled during the last five years which is around Rs 250 and Rs 400 for women and men respectively whereas in Chhattisgarh it is around Rs 100 and Rs 200," he added. "Even if we are paying Rs 60,000 for a 12-tonnes truck to transport ginger seeds to the farm from Karnataka, we hope it would be profitable considering the cheap cost of all other farming inputs," he added. "The climate is almost the same as in Wayanad but we were warned about recurring cloud bursts- driven torrential rains," he said. "We also get a better price up to Rs 1,000 per a sack (60 kilograms) higher than what we get in Karnataka and Wayanad," he added. "This year we would incur a huge loss in farming if the prices do not improve. Now we are getting only Rs 1,000 per sack which is much lower than what we received last year," he added. "Earlier we were able to travel once in a while to home but being in Chhattisgarh means you are far away from your native land without connectivity," he said. "We have told our kith and kin that even if something serious happens back at home, it would be tough even to inform us as the mobile signals are weak and it would take many days to reach home," he added. "We have to either stop the ginger farming or challenge our fate and emerge as winners. We have decided to fight," he added. Jaipur: A Rajasthan BJP MLA today drove to the state Assembly on a tractor to thank Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje for rolling back a power tariff hike that affected farmers in the state. Osian legislator Bhairaram Chaudhary, who drove from his residence in Vidhayakpuri today, surprised MLAs and other dignitaries gathered outside the Assembly. After stepping down from the tractor, he said the chief minister had taken a decision in favour of farmers. Not only this, she had also had regularised 432 agriculture water connection in Phalodi, he said. "I along with 500 farmers will meet the chief minister at her residence to express gratitude," he said. New Delhi: Known for her swift actions, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj helped rescue an Indian Navy officer from Yemen, whose vessel Jag Prabha was stuck in Aden. The officer tweeted, OS @SushmaSwaraj , pls help me & my wife repatriate India from Aden, Yemen. I am chief officer in indian vessel Jag Prabha, stuck in Aden. (sic). Swaraj responded by asking him if there were any Indian Navy ship close by and the number of Indian nationals on the vessel. However, keeping in mind her responsibilities, the minister also scolded the officer for disregarding the travel advisory in the sensitive region of Yemen. The officer has been rescued but his wife is still in Yemen. 6 In the past, Swaraj has helped a lot of citizens, who reached out to her on Twitter, by intimating the concerned authorities and initiating the required action. Shiv Sena workers celebrate in Mumbai as early trends suggest a victory in the BMC polls. (Photo: ANI Twitter) Mumbai: The Shiv Sena on Thursday emerged as the single largest party in the cash-rich BMC winning 84 seats, closely followed by BJP which bagged 80 seats, as results for the 225 seats poured in. Congress was relegated to the third position in the civic body tally with 31 seats followed by NCP with 9 seats. MNS won 7 seats, AIMIM-3, SP-6, Akhil Bhartiya Sena-1 and others-4. However, the results for two seats in the 227-member House are still awaited. The Congress and the NCP were headed for a rout across the state including some of their strongholds like Pune. While the Shiv Sena slightly improved showing in Mumbai and Thane, the BJP is set to retain Nagpur, Akola and wrest Pune and Ulhasnagar from NCP and Nashik from the MNS. But, as the counting progressed into final rounds, it appears that the Sena is unlikely to touch the half-way mark of 114 seats in Mumbai, where the BJP is poised for a big leap after fighting the polls on its own. The BJP is likely to come to power in at least six civic bodies --Pune, Nashik, Ulhasnagar, Akola, Nagpur and Amravati-- out of the 10 corporations for which the elections were held on Tuesday. Apart from Mumbai, the city corporations which went to polls were Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur. In Pune, the BJP is leading on 85 out of the total 152 seats, in Ulhasnagar on 33 (78 total seats), Nashik-55 (122), Nagpur-86 (145), Amaravati-36 (87) and Akola-48 (73). The Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena consolidated 84 seats in the 227-member BMC, while BJP is ahead on 82. In the 131-member Thane civic body, the Sena has so far won 60 seats, BJP-21, Congress 3, while the MNS won 0 seats. Though the BJP made major inroads in the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and neighbouring Thane, it is not sure if Sena will be ready for a post-poll pact, after a no-holds-barred fight between the allies, which often turned a murky slugfest. The party is also doing well in the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation, as per the latest trends. NCP, in the power here in Pune since 2007, is trailing behind the saffron party. In Pune's neighbouring Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, the BJP has dented the NCP by winning 66 seats. The BJP appears to have expanded its base in Pimpri Chinchwad, despite fierce competition from the NCP. The results of 10 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, have seen the Congress plummeting to a new low with the lowest ever tally in the BMC and losing Solapur and Amravati to the BJP. Prior to this election, the Sena-ruled Mumbai and Thane in alliance with BJP, MNS had Nashik, BJP had Nagpur, Akola, the NCP had Pimpri-Chichwad, Pune and Ulhasnagar, while the Congress was in power in Solapur and Amravati. The BJP had also put up a splendid performance in municipal and nagar panchayat elections held across the state in November-January, an outcome hailed by the party leaders as endorsement of the demonetisation and other key policies of the governments at the Centre and in the state. In 2012, the NCP had won 265 seats across these 10 municipal corporations, while the Congress had won 264 seats. The Shiv Sena had won 227 seats while BJP had won 205 seats. The BJP also improved its performance in rural areas, traditionally dominated by the Congress and the NCP. The BJP is likely to win the zilla parishad polls in Latur in Marathwada, where it is leading on 30 out of the total 58 seats and is also spreading its base in Buldhana, Wardha, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli. In the zilla parishad polls in Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri districts, people have largely voted for Shiv Sena, as per the early trends. In 2012 zilla parishad elections, Congress had emerged as the single largest party in Amravati, Buldhana, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Kolhapur Latur, Nanded, Osmanabad, Sindhudurg and Yavatmal. The NCP was the single largest party in Ahmednagar, Beed, Jalna, Nashik, Parbhani, Pune, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sangli, Satara and Solapur. The BJP was the leading party in Jalgaon and Wardha, while the Sena in Aurangabad and Hingoli in 2012. Mumbai: The Bhartiya Janata Party in Mumbai has had the last laugh in the civic elections! The party, which was being offered 60 seats of the total 227 by partner Shiv Sena, is well on the way to grabbing 80. It has given a tough fight to the Sena which might make it to 90 seats. On January 26, 2017, Uddhav Thackeray in a high-on-drama meeting of his party announced the Sena would not contest any elections with the BJP henceforth. He also said that BJP asking more seats than what was offered was unacceptable and hence he had decided to contest alone. Sena has a long and strong presence in Mumbai, from being born in the city, to having the Mayors chair answering to Matoshree (party headquarters) for more than two decades. The Sena has an unmatched cadre base too. But the fact that it couldnt cross the 100-seat mark, which isnt even 50 per cent of the total it contested, is a matter of worry for the party. The Sena also couldnt consolidate Gujarati votes, despite Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray inviting Hardik Patel to his house. In Gujarati belts like Borivali, Ghatkopar and Mulund, the BJP had a clean sweep. The BJP still has to make inroads in certain Marathi strong belts like Shivaji Park, Lalbaug-Parel and others. They could not win here in spite of getting strong Sena leaders contest on BJP tickets. But the BJP has grown much stronger than its last tally of 31 corporators in 2012. The Shiv Sena had been the big brother in Mumbai until 2014 when the BJP won one more seat than the Sena in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. One should recall what BJP national president Amit Shah had said after the 2014 Assembly elections the party had won more than what was offered by the Sena. History has repeated itself and the BJPs presence is growing in Mumbai -- once the heart of Shiv Sena. New Delhi: Congress president Sonia Gandhi said on Wednesday that she would remain away from campaigning this poll season, and made an emotional appeal to the voters of Amethi and Rae Bareli to vote for the Congress and defeat the forces, which snatched everything from them. Mrs Gandhi did not give any reason for her absence from campaigning in the crucial and high-stake UP elections. After she fell ill during a roadshow in Varanasi in August last year, she has limited her public engagements. Rahul Gandhi has virtually taken over the outfit and heading party meetings. Bahut chahate huye bhi kuchch kaarano se main aapke beech upasthit nahi hon pa rahin hun (Despite my best efforts, I am unable to be amongst you), she said ahead of fourth phase polling in UP Thursday. This will be the first time in nearly two decades that Mrs Gandhi will not be campaigning in the Nehru-Gandhi family pocket borough. In her appeal, she accused the Centre of purposely trying to scuttle development projects in Amethi and Rae Bareli. Toeing her sons line of describing the Modi government as suit-boot ki sarkar, Mrs Gandhi claimed that the Centre was working for a select group of corporates, while the poor were suffering. Reaching out to her electorate, Mrs Gandhi wrote, It has been a matter of pride for me and my family to represent you. Whatever we are today is because of you. We share a special bond with you and this bond is the greatest earning of my life. She also ridiculed the BJP for failing to usher in achhe din. New Delhi/Lucknow: Midway through the battle for UP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday engaged in a high-pitched war of words over donkeys and Kasab. Responding to Akhilesh Yadavs donkey barb, the PM said he was amused that Mr Yadav was afraid of Gujarats donkeys. The UP CM had on February 20 asked filmstar Amitabh Bachchan to stop promoting Gujarats donkeys, in a reference to a tourism promotional advertisement featuring the actor, with several donkeys in the background. Donkeys inspire me to work without break: PM Addressing a rally in Bahraich, Mr Modi said; Akhilesh Yadav should leave the attitude of hatred. It is fine if it attacks me but he did not even spare the donkeys. It seems he is afraid of even donkeys now. He should know that donkeys can be a source of inspiration. Donkeys inspire me to work without taking a break and without discriminating. On Thursday, the UP CM also hit out at BJP chief Amit Shah over his Kasab remark. On Wednesday, Mr Shah likened the rival outfits to 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab. By KASAB, I mean: KA for Congress, SA for Samajwadi Party and B for BSP, Mr Shah had said. Akhilesh Yadav said at an election meeting in Tulsipur that KA actually stands for kabutar and the people will set the pigeons free in the polls. Not to be left behind, BSP supremo Maywati also attacked Mr Shah, describing the BJP chief as a terrorist and said there cannot be a bigger Kasab than him. In his speech, the PM reminded the Chief Minister that it was the UPA government led by the Congress that had issued a postal stamp on the donkeys of Gujarat. Bengaluru: In a move that could severely damage the party's prospects in the ongoing U.P. elections as well as badly dent the reputation of the Congress in one of its last bastions, Karnataka, the electronic media began airing the explosive details of a diary of a Karnataka MLC K. Govindaraju who is also parliamentary secretary to chief minister Siddaramaiah. Mr Govindaraju who was in the eye of controversy and claims, just as CM Siddaramaiah does that he is being targeted because of his proximity to the CM, told Deccan Chronicle, "This diary is very mysterious. The handwriting is not mine, so I disown it." Coming a month after AICC vice president Rahul Gandhi 's bid to embarrass Prime Minister Narendra Modi with details of the Sahara-Birla diaries, this diary reportedly details payments made by Karnataka ministers to AICC leaders during and after the Lok Sabha elections. Mr.Govindraju affirmed the IT raid had indeed happened on his home and office but he also said, "It happened in March 2016. Thereafter, I replied to the IT departments queries and the matter was over," and sought to know why the media was not showing his clarification, where he had refuted all the allegations. The television expose meanwhile mirrors charges made a month ago by BJP state unit president, B.S. Yeddyurappa against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah maintaining that the latter had paid over Rs 1000 crore to the party high command to save his seat. He had also alleged that the money was carried by his parliamentary secretary, Mr Govindaraju to Delhi. Soon after Mr. Yeddyurappa public accusations, Mr Govindaraju reportedly wrote a letter to IT department asking whether they shared details of the IT raid carried out in March 2016 with any politicians. He also asked the IT department whether they shared the details of his diary with Mr Yeddyurappa. This had given more ammunition to the opposition BJP in Karnataka which said that Mr Govindaraju, by writing to IT department, had admitted his guilt. However, Mr Govindaraju categorically denied he had written any such letter to the IT department. The diary which was aired on the day that the Congress party held a 'Satyameva Jayate' rally in Bengaluru, meanwhile lists several acronyms such as K.J.G and M.B.P against which the amounts of cash have been listed. It has been alleged to be the names of Bengaluru development minister, K.J. George and water resources minister, M.B. Patil. Both have denied involvement. It also lists an 'M. Vora', RGs office and S.G's office interpreted as AICC leader Motilal Vora and Rahul and Sonia Gandhis office. One of the more curious entries is Steel Flyover payment of Rs 65 crore which Mr Yeddyurappa alleges is a kickback for the Bengaluru Steel Flyover project which was opposed strongly by civil society. Said KPCC working president Dinesh Gundurao: "When the raid happened, if I am right, the steel flyover tender was not even talked about, let alone finalised. So, how come they raise this diary and kickback issue unless it is to get political mileage in the next assembly elections. We all know it will not stand the test of law." Gundurao added "The BJP is in power at Centre. They are free to conduct an inquiry and bring the culprit to book if they find any credible evidence. Who will stop them? As far as I know, after Mr Govindaraju clarified his position, the case was closed. Instead of pursuing the investigation by the IT department, the BJP has indulged in politicising the issue. It is condemnable," he said. Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has risen as the numero uno in state politics. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won eight out of 10 civic bodies that went to polls and has taken a quantum leap in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Council elections. Thursdays results has made it clear that the party has gained ascendancy in rural Maharashtra, which was a bastion of opposition parties Congress and Nationalist Congress Party. These elections were Mr Fadnavis first real test since he became Chief Minister in 2014. Back then, his appointment was attributed to his being the blue-eyed boy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a hardcore RSS swayamsevak. His detractors also said Mr Fadnavis got the top job in the state despite lacking any ministerial experience. Therefore, Mr Fadnavis had to prove his mettle in these elections to shut up his opponents within and outside the party. Mr Fadnavis, the partys only face for local body elections, covered the whole state in 15 days, addressing six to seven rallies per day. He visited every district and city that was going to the polls. In all, he addressed 60 rallies, which is second highest in number after NCPs Dhananjay Mundes record. Infographic Out of these 60, Mr Fadnavis addressed 12 rallies in Mumbai alone. Using transparency as a main campaign plank, Mr Fadnavis also made controversial decisions by allowing history-sheeters and goons in his party at Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and Nashik. The Chief Minister was heavily criticised for opening the door to many controversial NCP leaders. But now all this is water under the bridge. These results came a day after Mr Fadnavis completed 25 years in public life. In 1992, he took oath in the Nagpur Municipal Council as a corporator at the tender age of 21. In 1997, Mr Fadnavis when became the mayor of Nagpur he was the youngest official to hold such a post and in just two years he became MLA from Nagpur city. Lotus wilts in Mundes bastion The lotus (Bharatiya Janata Partys election symbol) may have bloomed all over the state but in Parli village, Beed district it wilted. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) defeated the BJP at Parli, which has been a bastion of first Gopinath Munde and now his daughter and Cabinet minister in the state Pankaja Munde. Accepting full responsibility for the defeat, a visibly upset Ms Munde tendered her resignation from the rural development ministry portfolio. Ms Munde tweeted: We got good response in Beed district but in Parali tehsil people have voted against us. I am resigning from my rural development ministry accepting the defeat. However, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis did not accept it. I have not received her resignation yet. In such a situation, where you are winning everywhere else, it is not a big issue that we lost in few places. Therefore, no question arises of accepting her resignation even if it comes to me, the CM said. Uddhavs challenges far from over Despite being the number one party in Mumbai, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackerays leadership has been challenged by the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) giant strides in the in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls. Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will have to pass another test that of retaining the BMC, as the BJP is busy wooing independent candidates to prove its majority. After the death of Sena supremo Bal Thackeray in 2012, Mr Thackeray gained complete control of the party. Questions were raised as to Mr Thackeray leadership, as he is softer than his father. However, Mr Thackeray managed to gain success in the Assembly polls with 63 MLAs, as BJP had snapped ties at the last minute. Despite the Modi wave, Mr Thackeray managed to get his MLAs elected, highlighting his leadership skills. The leader has recently expressed that he felt cheated and preferred going it alone for the BMC polls. PCMPC shuns Pawar The Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) got its biggest blow at the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections on Thursday. The PCMC has always been Mr Pawars nephew and former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawars stronghold but the Bharatiya Janta Party, literally, demolished his long-built bastion. On Thursday, the BJP won 77 out of the total 128 seats while the NCP won only 36 seats in PCMC polls. In the Pune municipal corporation, out of the total 162 seats, the BJP won 98 and the NCP got only 38. The 2017 civic polls were crucial for Mr Pawar, especially after the BJP had received mammoth support from voters in the 2014 general and assembly elections. The BJP had won all assembly seats from Pune in 2014. It had also won four out of the seven seats in PCMC. For the past two years, the BJP successfully poached NCP strongmen and close confidante of Mr Pawar. The BJP managed to bring two affiliated MLAs and almost 20 corporators to its fold. Nepotism helped to some extent Nepotism seems to have helped the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress win some seats in the local body elections, but in a few there were instances where the party concerned suffered a blow. Two important candidates, Kamini Shewale, wife of Shiv Sena Member of Parliament, Rahul Shewale, lost, as did Vinod Shelar, brother of Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar. In the last few years, elections in many cases have become almost a family-run business. While BJP gave tickets to Neel Somaiya, son of MP Kirit Somaiya and Akash Purohit, son of MLA Raj Purohit, Sena also was not far behind. It also gave tickets to wives and sons of leaders. An example of the same is Samadhan Sarvankar, son of Sena MLA Sada Sarvankar. A senior BJP leader on condition of anonymity said, We were not only suffering from imports being given importance in the party but also nepotism, which marred our chances of getting ticket. In certain areas the workers had decided to defeat such candidates. Unless one is either a senior leader of the three principal parties in Uttar Pradesh or their loyalists, the only assertion that can be made with certainty is that uncertainty prevails over the verdict. Based either on anecdotal evidence, perception or gut sense, the two scenarios for which most bets are being placed are: a hung Assembly or the BJP securing a majority. Few people talk about a Samajwadi Party-Congress victory and even lesser are willing to place a wager on the Bahujan Samaj Party. Anecdotal evidence is not always spot on but it cant be discounted. The final tally is thus anyones guess. If the electorate eventually throws up a fragmented verdict, it would be the first such after the decisive 2014 Lok Sabha elections. This would establish that the parliamentary poll did not foretell the return of homogenous verdicts but was merely due to the Narendra Modi wave. If UP returns to its pre-2007 status when no single party secured a clear majority after 1991 it would confirm that political waves remain transitory. The adage that anything which goes up eventually comes down will be reaffirmed. But a comfortable majority for either the SP-Congress alliance or the BJP would indicate a significant fundamental shift in political and social equations. For starters, a BJP victory would indicate that the partys strategy of going into state elections without a chief ministerial face is not flawed and that its success or failure depends mainly on the challenger. A BJP majority will establish that Akhilesh Yadav is no Nitish Kumar or Arvind Kejriwal and that Mr Modi as a vote-catcher can prevail in state polls too, specially when the rival does not match him in stature. Despite efforts to deflect the anti-incumbent sentiment on the rival faction, Mr Yadav is still a fair distance away from becoming symbol of regional pride. An indication that Mr Modi too is not certain is evident in his ploy to proclaim himself the adopted son of Varanasi. But, more importantly, a BJP majority will indicate expansion of its social base and spell success for the strategy initiated in the 1990s by former BJP strategist K.N. Govindacharya. In the early years of the post-Mandal phase, the idea of social engineering was introduced with emphasis on reaching out to non-represented or non-empowered sections among Scheduled Castes and OBCs. After a break of a few years when the BJP was in the wilderness, when Rajnath Singh was chief minister, the BJP initiated measures to ensure equitable distribution of reservation benefits among SCs and OBCs and end single-caste domination of benefits (for instance by Chamars/Jatavs and Yadavs in the two communities). The Hukum Singh Committee, established in June 2001, submitted its report in a short period and its recommendations were accepted by the government. Consequently, OBCs were categorised in three categories A, B and C and reservations were made separately with the C category securing 14 per cent (out of 28 per cent), highest among OBCs sub-groups. Similarly, the BJP began wooing most backward dalits, but the strategy faltered once the BJP lost power in 2002. In 2014, the BJPs massive 42 per cent voteshare was possibly greatly because B and C category OBCs Sonar, Kurmi, Giri, Gossai, Lodh, Kahar, Kevat, Teli, Nat, Lohar, etc along with most backward dalits aspired for change and found Mr Modi extremely appealing mainly because they had been denied their share of the political pie despite preferential reservation policy from Mr Singhs tenure. A majority for the BJP its importance can be gauged from the BJP allocating almost 170 candidates from non-Yadav OBCs would mark a social transition as its core vote base will expand beyond its hitherto Punjabi-Bania base. Such a verdict would also mark closure of different OBCs considering each other as natural political partners. Most significantly, Mr Modi will achieve the goal of ensuring the BJPs transition from being a Brahmin-Bania party. The strategy is similar to what was knitted by Mr Kumar in Bihar but with an essential difference. In UP, when the OBC outreach of the BJP was initiated, a significant feature of the strategy was to cull out mythological tales, which depicted these castes in significant or heroic roles. Consequently, social aspirations of the OBCs remained within the Hindutva frame echoing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sanghs arguments while drawing the tribals into their fold from the 1950s when the Vanvasi Kalyan Kendra was established. In 2014, the BJP secured 282 seats and sent a signal to Muslims that they had become irrelevant to the political process. If the BJP wins in UP, it will indicate that despite virtually no support from almost 29 per cent of people (Muslims and Jatavs), it can secure a majority. But for this to happen there must be overwhelming support from the remaining 71 per cent. In contrast to the long-term social impact of a BJP victory, a majority for the SP-Congress alliance will have more immediate impact. For starters, Mr Yadav and Rahul Gandhi will have to find ways to either shed or go around the hesitance to commit to an alliance in 2019. But this is easier said than done because the two parties have overlapping social bases, specially among Muslims. A victory for SP-Congress will underscore that the two parties got the poll arithmetic right and point to a huge erosion in support for Mr Modi, which will have considerable ramifications. Because this potential success will be largely a result of electoral and political management along with the SPs strategic transformation, Mr Yadav will have to remain focused on infrastructure-based development projects. Building roads and ensuring electricity around the clock will remain his key priorities. He claimed in an interview that the United States made roads, and the roads made the US. That would mean virtually following the path of Mr Modi as chief minister. Can anyone deny that there is an irony at every step in Indian politics? There is a distinct sense of watching repeated replays as India and China hold a dialogue on key issues. Beijing leaves no room to believe it will act in any way to show it is receptive to New Delhis eagerness to get Masood Azhar banned by the UN. That effort is indeed now being made by countries other than India, with the United States, Britain and France taking the lead, and Pakistan itself making some moves to indicate it sees the need to act against his organisations terror links. All this doesnt seem to impress China, which will continue to veto the UN resolution. Indias entry into the NSG is a legitimate ambition of a responsible nuclear power, but here too China is stuck on old arguments over the admission of a non-NPT signatory. Foreign secretary S. Jaishankars negotiations with Chinas vice-foreign minister Zhang Yesu in Beijing this week appear to have gone nowhere, and India indicated openly that our views differ. China believes Indias Azhar and NSG demands are multilateral, not bilateral issues. While it proffers India a fanciful invitation to join the Silk Road, one which Delhi cant accept as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passes through occupied Indian territory, it also shows Beijing favours a dialogue where it stresses its own point of view but refuses to heed Indias viewpoint. Whether India should now recast its whole China strategy or simply keep the same dialogue process going is a matter of state policy. Of course, it can never do any harm to keep talking. The results of the local bodies election in Maharashtra as a whole, and Mumbais municipal body (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, or BMC, as it is widely known) specifically, on which much national attention was centred, is like the curates egg good in parts for the BJP and Shiv Sena, the chief protagonists. The BJP, which rules Maharashtra in coalition with the Shiv Sena but was unable to reach a poll understanding with the Mumbai-centric regional party, did very well in the state civic elections as a whole. It even improved its position quite handsomely in the BMC compared to the results in 2012. However, despite being the states ruling party, it could not displace the Shiv Senas number one position in the BMC. Indeed, the Sena too was able to improve on its 2012 result. It is, therefore, fair to say that Sena chief Udhav Thackeray has been able to establish his leadership after the demise of his stalwart father, the late Bal Thackeray. More, he has done so though the original Sena split and there is a rump led by his cousin Raj. However, it is evident that the regional Hindutva party, while it could best the national-level Hindutva party in the western metropolis, was unable to win a clear majority in Mumbais cash-rich civic body. It also appears no one party now seems to be able to clear the halfway mark in the BMC. The larger question is: Who will be the next mayor? BJP-Sena ties have been far from cordial for a long time. Mr Thackeray has not kept the issue of withdrawing from the BJP-led state coalition (and presumably at the Centre) beyond the pale of consideration. But will his party now approach its bete noire and competitor for the Hindu-nationalist vote for cooperation? If not, the politics of both Mumbai and Maharashtra as a whole will be fascinating. In case the Sena withdraws support from the Devendra Fadnavis government, will Sharad Pawars NCP rescue the BJP-led government on the floor of the Assembly, after being beaten comprehensively by the BJP across its stronghold in western Maharashtra in the just-held civic and local bodies polls? The NCP has, in fact, been nearly wiped off the slate in Mumbai, besides suffering heavy defeats at the hands of the BJP in other parts of the state. This may be time for the party to do some serious self-introspection. The Congress, while desirous of challenging the BJP on the all-India plane, has done much worse than in the 2012 BMC election, done in primarily by severe infighting, the partys age-old enemy. Its local Mumbai chief Sanjay Nirupam has had to resign. This party too appears to be losing its way. It has left the decision to elected MLAs The BJP has gone into the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections without a chief ministerial face. In a state where both major opponents are chief ministerial faces, the BJPs decision may appear strange but it has its own advantage. The party has fought and won the states of Haryana and Jharkhand without projecting a face while in Delhi and Assam, where the party projected a face, it had a mixed experience. In the light of varied experiences we have to understand that the BJP leadership treats the issue of projecting a chief ministerial face on the basis of political circumstances in the state concerned and, above all, raising a winability campaign is the prime concern. The present election in UP is being fought with the BJP soliciting votes for the states development with the Centres support. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has all through his massive campaign assured the voters of UP that he owes his power to the support they gave him in 2014, hence now he wants to work for the betterment of their lives. The people of UP have suffered a lot during the last two decades; they are realising that they need to fast track the development of their state which lags behind almost all major states in educational, industrial or job opportunities. For the last two decades people have voted for the face-oriented leadership of Mulayam-Mayawati-Akhilesh, but every time they have been denied their rightful share in the nations growth. The voter now wants development and understands this is not possible without Central assistance. The voter of UP has risen above politics of caste and creed. Today there is one-to-one connection between the voters of UP and the Prime Minister. The same is being reflected in every political rally Mr Modi, Amit Shah or any of the senior leaders of UP like Mahesh Sharma, Yogi Adityanath, Maneka Gandhi, Smriti Irani have addressed. The quest for development can be seen in every eye. The BJP has a strong line of leaders in UP and today under the command of Mr Shah they are fighting like soldiers to win freedom for the people of the state from the politics of scams, corruption and casteism spread by Ms Mayawati and Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav. The strategy of the BJP leadership to not to project a face and fight as a party proved to be a success even before the election process started with the ruling SP entering into a coalition with the Congress. The two parties have been sworn enemies and their need to survive forced them to come together. While on the other hand recent reports of Ms Mayawati asking her core voters to transfer votes to the BJP, if need be, to defeat the SP speaks volumes. It seems she too realises which way the wind is blowing. By not nominating a CM face, the BJP leadership has left the issue for elected MLAs. So today all local stalwarts of UP are working hard to ensure the victory of party candidates. At a time when the face-oriented parties of Mulayam Singh Yadav and Ms Mayawati or even Rahul Gandhi are facing dissident problems, the BJP is strongly marching towards victory. Hats off to the BJP leadership for taking the right decision. Praveen S. Kapoor - The writer is the media in-charge of the Delhi BJP Its a major handicap for the BJP The BJP is in the habit of hoodwinking people. The Prime Minister is coming to Uttar Pradesh and telling people that he will develop the state. Unfortunately, he does not tell people who will be the chief minister if at all the BJP comes to power, though that seems impossible. But the people of the state have a right to know whether it will be Yogi Adityanathji, Kalraj Mishraji, Murli Manohar Joshiji or Rajnath Singhji. The BJP as a party exhorts the values of transparency we would be grateful if they can practice what they preach. Local issues require local leaders to solve problems. Narendra Modiji is certainly not the chief minister face of the BJP. If you look at the BJP, they have not announced a chief ministerial candidate in Uttarakhand and Goa too. This is becoming a habit with this party. But now times have changed, the electorate needs to vote on a face. This will severely hamper its chances in all the states that have gone to the polls. In UP, when we were contesting alone, we had named Sheila Dikshitji as chief ministerial candidate. So when the alliance took place, Sheilaji herself stepped down and Akhilesh Yadav became the alliance candidate. The strategy of contesting the elections in Mr Modis name and then airdropping a leader without much mass appeal, like the BJP employed successfully in Haryana, Maharashtra and Jharkhand, will not work in a state as complex and vital as UP. Its a major handicap for the BJP. After all the BJP fought and won the election in Assam last year with Sarbananda Sonowal at the forefront. Whatever the talk of development by the BJP, it would require a credible personality so that people vote for him. Unfortunately, the BJP doesnt have anyone to show, not because of a policy decision but because it has no one to project. The fear of infighting and sabotage also prevails very heavily on the minds of the top BJP leadership. To counter any sabotage, it is taking its leaders and also the people of the state for a ride. As the BJP has not offered a chief ministerial face and is riding on the personality of the Prime Minister and its national leaders, it will have to face Central anti-incumbency. It is close to three years now since Mr Modi became Prime Minister and also a Lok Sabha member of Parliament from Varanasi. What has changed? What is it that the PM has brought to the table for the state which elected him to the Lok Sabha? There has been no employment generation, which was made a poll issue by the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections. The youth is upset, the farmers are upset as the proper price for their produce is not available. These are issues which the Centre will have to answer. Look at the price of petrol and diesel, and look at the international crude oil prices. International prices have come down, but domestic prices have not. The people of the state have seen the jumlas of the BJP. They now know and understand that under the Central leadership of the BJP there can only be pain and trouble for the common man. Now with no chief ministerial candidate to bank on, the party will certainly take a hit. Vipul Maheshwari - The writer is a lawyer and treasurer of the UP Congress Committee All of them orbit at the right distance to possibly have liquid water somewhere on their surfaces. For the first time, seven new Earth-sized exoplanets that may be able to sustain life have been discovered orbiting a star 39 light years away, astronomers said today. "They could have some liquid water and maybe life," lead researcher Michael Gillon, with the University of Liege in Belgium, was quoted as saying by science journal Nature. Astronomers have found other seven-planet systems before, but this is the first time to have so many Earth-sized worlds. All of them orbit at the right distance to possibly have liquid water somewhere on their surfaces. The planets closely circle a dwarf star named Trappist-1, which at 39 light years away makes the system a prime candidate to search for signs of life. Only marginally larger than Jupiter, the star shines with a feeble light about 2,000 times fainter than Earth's sun, the journal said. The researchers have caught only two glimpses of one of those planets, so they followed up on the faint signals with other telescopes. That process included 20 consecutive days when NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope stared at the star. The resulting data showed that what the scientists thought was a single planet was actually four that orbit their star roughly every 4, 6, 9 and 12 days. Those four joined the two innermost planets, which whirl around the star once every 1.5 days and 2.4 days. The researchers also caught a hint of a seventh, more distant planet. Gillon said that the six inner planets probably formed farther away from their star and then migrated inward. Now, they are so close to each other that their gravitational fields interact, nudging one another in ways that enabled the team to estimate each planet's mass. They range from around 0.4 to 1.4 times the mass of the Earth. "I think that we've made a crucial step towards finding if there is life out there. I don't think that before we had the right planets to discover if there was life. Here, if life managed to thrive and releases gases similar to that that we have on Earth, then we will know," said University of Cambridge astronomer Amaury Triaud. However, scientists say they need to study the atmospheres before determining whether these planets could support some type of life. Scanning the planets for methane, water, ozone and other chemicals tied to life will take another generation of telescopes, including the James Webb Space Telescope, which is scheduled to launch next year. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. People who have worked with Saikawa say he, too, is an aggressive cost-cutter, who won't shy away from tough decisions if they can improve efficiency. Newly promoted to CEO at Nissan Motor, Hiroto Saikawa will bring a gruff, tough, no-nonsense approach to leading Japan's second-biggest car maker at a time of rapid technological change in the industry. The 63-year-old takes over in April from Carlos Ghosn, who engineered Nissan's recovery from years of losses and debt through broad cost-cutting and dismantling the traditionally close ties with suppliers - the informal keiretsu network once key to Japan Inc's success. Saikawa, who joined Nissan from Tokyo University 40 years ago, has been groomed to take over from Ghosn, who was dubbed "Le Cost Killer" after making his mark at Michelin and then Renault, Nissan's main alliance partner. "There is no difference between what I think and what he thinks," Ghosn said at a news conference in October when Saikawa was appointed co-CEO of Nissan. People who have worked with Saikawa say he, too, is an aggressive cost-cutter, who won't shy away from tough decisions if they can improve efficiency. "Ghosn sees Saikawa as his equal," said one executive who worked under Saikawa when he was chief competitive officer from 2013, noting Saikawa is one of the longest-serving members of Nissan's executive committee. After Ghosn, "Saikawa is the most decorated man in terms of producing tangible results," said another senior Nissan group executive, who has also worked with Saikawa for many years. "He doesn't hold back," one of the executives said. "He's not afraid to embarrass people in a big meeting if he thinks they're not doing the job. Some people might not like him for that, (but) he's very strict, very strong and aggressive." For Ghosn, and others, that can be excused as it produces results. "People in Nissan recognize him as a strong leader; he sets a target, and he will achieve it," said a third Nissan executive. None of the executives wanted to be named given the personal nature of their comments. Saikawa was tough and direct early in his career as a "tactic to get people to deliver results," said one of the three executives, but has since dialled back somewhat. "You can tell he's changing: 10-15 years ago, he might have been gruff and almost militaristic, but now as he evolves as a leader, he's much more diplomatic ... not so harsh." PARTS PROCUREMENT Saikawa - who also heads Japan's auto industry lobby - has spent much of his career managing purchasing and supply chains, and helped Ghosn break up the keiretsu network to reduce costs and drive efficiencies. As chief competitive officer, Saikawa was tasked with reducing Nissan's manufacturing costs by saving money in raw material procurement, regulatory expenses and planning and development. Two of the Nissan executives also said Saikawa was instrumental in putting together Nissan's deal with Mitsubishi Motors Corp, the newest member of the three-way autos alliance. Nissan said in October it would take a controlling stake in Mitsubishi Motors, which is recovering from a mileage cheating scandal. Ghosn and his opposite number at Mitsubishi Motors worked out a general agreement, and Saikawa pushed it through to completion, working on the details of the new partnership, the executives said. While Ghosn will devote more time to the Mitsubishi Motors turnaround, and to Renault, where he continues as CEO, Saikawa has plenty in his in-tray: from trade ties with the new U.S. administration, and Britain's fractious exit from the European Union, to tougher vehicle emissions laws and an industry shift to electric cars and autonomous driving. While Saikawa, who has also served on the board at Renault, is cut from the same cost-reduction cloth as Ghosn, the balance, as before, will be to keep up the quality of Nissan's cars while driving cost efficiencies. "Nissan's priorities remain the same: improving profitability while gaining market share, but these remain challenging to balance in certain markets," said James Chao, Asia-Pacific chief for consulting and research firm IHS Markit Automotive. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Microsoft India concluded its flagship technology and business conference, Future Decoded, with insights into how India can digitally transform itself with intelligent technologies. The two day conference, touted as Indias largest digital transformation, had a keynote address by Satya Nadella- CEO, Microsoft on day two, with an aim to reshape the digitally poor country to being digitally rich. Here is a fun way to stay updated on what happened on Microsofts Future Decoded. Day 1: Day 2: Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Moreover, Galaxy S8 and S+ could carry a price tag of $950 (approx. Rs 64,000) and $1050 (approx. Rs 70,000) respectively. An image of Samsung Galaxy S8 models, Galaxy S8 and S8+, placed side-by-side has surfaced online revealing an on-screen home button to feature on both the devices. Leaked image of Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus Earlier leaks suggested the two models to differ in size, where the S8 model is said to feature a 5.8-inch display, the S8+ will feature a screen size of 6.2-inch display. The flagship is already speculated to ditch the physical home buttons in many reports, and now the models shown in recent leaks is adding credibility to earlier reports. However, do note that none of the smartphones in the image holds Samsungs branding on it. The on-screen home button feature is a part of Samsungs Always on Display, and thus will always remain available. Based on a listing found online, the two smartphones are rumoured to be launched in three colour variants, including Black, Gold, and Orchid Gray. Moreover, Galaxy S8 and S8+ could carry a price tag of $950 (approx. Rs 64,000) and $1050 (approx. Rs 70,000) respectively. Samsung is expected to unveil Galaxy S8 at an event in New York in March, but before that, the smartphone giant may share some information regarding the two models at the MWC later this month. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. The Mi Max 2 is supposed to pack a larger amount of memory and a slightly better battery. Chinese technology giant Xiaomi seems to be gearing up to launch the successor of its Mi Max phablet. Few online rumours suggest that the Mi max 2 will be announced in May. According to AndroidPure, the company will tweak the hardware of the device, but will incorporate the same 6.44-inch edge-to-edge display. However, the Mi Max 2 is supposed to pack a larger amount of memory and a slightly better battery. The Mi Max 2 is expected to come with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal memory. It will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor. The current variant comes with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage, but it lacks microSD card slot. The previous variant was fuelled by 4,850 mAh battery, the sequel will feature a slightly larger 5,000 mAh battery inside. There is no word on what camera sensor the company will use, but we do know that the current variant comes with a 16MP rear camera with PDAF and a 5MP front facing shooter for selfies. Xiaomi might add a fingerprint sensor and possibly, MIUI 8 wrapped under Android 7.0 Nougat OS. Xiaomi has decided to skip the Mobile World Congress (MWC) exhibition this year, so the Mi Max 2 is likely to be introduced in China at a dedicated event. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. London: A 25-year-old Bangladeshi-origin British Muslim teacher travelling on a school trip from Iceland to New York was allegedly denied entry to the US despite a valid visa, an incident that left his students shocked and distressed. Juhel Miah and a group of children and other teachers were about to take off from Reykjavik on February 16 on their way to the US when he was removed from the plane. Miah was quoted as saying that he had his luggage taken from him and was forced to stay in a horrendous hotel before school officials booked him on a flight back to the UK. We got to the airport, and as soon as we got to check in, the lady behind the desk read my passport and said youve been selected for a random security check. She took me to the room, made me stand on a stool, take my shoes off, jacket off, checked under my foot...They gave me the all clear. President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday revoked landmark guidance to public schools letting transgender students use the bathroom of their choice. (Photo: AP) Washington: President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday revoked landmark guidance to public schools letting transgender students use the bathroom of their choice, reversing a signature initiative of former Democratic President Barack Obama. Obama had instructed public schools last May to allow transgender students to use the bathrooms matching their chosen gender identity, threatening to withhold funding for schools that did not comply. Transgender people hailed it as victory for their civil rights. Trump, a Republican who took office last month, rescinded those guidelines, even though they had been put on hold by a federal judge, arguing that states and public schools should have the authority to make their own decisions without federal interference. The Justice and Education departments will continue to study the legal issues involved, according to the new, superseding guidance that will be sent to public schools across the country. Reversing the Obama guidelines stands to inflame passions in the latest conflict in America between believers in traditional values and social progressives, and is likely to prompt more of the street protests that followed Trump's Nov. 8 election. A couple hundred people gathered in front of the White House to protest the Republican president's action, waving rainbow flags and chanting: "No hate, no fear, trans students are welcome here." The rainbow flag is the symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, or LGBT, people. "We all know that Donald Trump is a bully, but his attack on transgender children today is a new low," said Rachel Tiven, chief executive of Lambda Legal, which advocates for LGBT people. Conservatives such as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who spearheaded the lawsuit challenging the Obama guidance, hailed the Trump administration action. "Our fight over the bathroom directive has always been about former President Obama's attempt to bypass Congress and rewrite the laws to fit his political agenda for radical social change," said Paxton, a Republican. Transgender legal advocates have criticized the "states' rights" argument, saying federal law and civil rights are matters for the federal government to enforce, not the states. White House spokesman Sean Spicer said the administration was pressed to act now because of the pending U.S. Supreme Court case, G.G. versus Gloucester County School Board. That case pits a Virginia transgender boy, Gavin Grimm, against officials who want to deny him use of the boys' room at his high school. Although the Justice Department is not a party in the case, it typically would want to make its views heard. The Trump administration action on Wednesday also withdrew an Education Department letter in support of Grimm's case. "I've faced my share of adversaries in rural Virginia. I never imagined that my government would be one of them. We will not be beaten down by this administration," Grimm, 17, told the protest outside the White House. COURTS MAY HAVE FINAL SAY The federal law in question, known as Title IX, bans sex discrimination in education. But it remains unsettled whether Title IX protections extend to a person's gender identity. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement that the Obama guidelines "did not contain sufficient legal analysis or explain how the interpretation was consistent with the language of Title IX." The courts are likely to have the final say over whether Title IX covers transgender students. The Supreme Court could pass on that question in the Virginia case and allow lower courts to weigh in, or go ahead and decide what the law means. Obama's Education Department undertook the guidance in response to queries from school districts across the country about how to accommodate transgender students in gender-segregated bathrooms. The Obama administration guidance also covered a host of other issues, such as the importance of addressing transgender students by their preferred names and pronouns and schools' responsibility to prevent harassment and bullying of transgender children. Thirteen states led by Texas sued to stop the Obama guidelines, and a U.S. district judge in Texas temporarily halted their full implementation. The White House previously boasted of Trump's support for LGBT rights, noting in a Jan. 31 statement that he was the first Republican presidential nominee to mention the community in his nomination acceptance speech. "Revoking the guidance shows that the president's promise to protect LGBT rights was just empty rhetoric," James Esseks, director of the American Civil Liberties Union's LGBT project, said in a statement. New York: A woman is claiming she was barred from attending a performance at New York City's Lincoln Center because she wouldn't remove an anti-Trump sign affixed to the back of her jacket. Jenny Heinz tells The New York Times it happened this month at David Geffen Hall when she went to see the Budapest Festival Orchestra. The 8-by-11-inch sign read "No! In the name of humanity we refuse to accept a fascist America." She says she's been wearing it ever since she attended a protest outside Trump Tower. Lincoln Center officials refunded Heinz's ticket, though they declined to discuss the incident with the Times. Heinz says the center's vice president for concert halls and operations told her that signs were not allowed inside the performance halls or on the plaza. Washington: The Trump administration has revoked the Obama-era regulations that extended certain protections to transgender students, allowing them to use bathrooms and locker rooms matching their gender identities. The roll-back announced on Thursday by the Department of Justice and Education Department resulted in a furious reaction from the opposition Democratic party leaders. The Trump administration cited too many lawsuits and legal loopholes in the Obama-era regulation, which required public schools to allow students to use the bathrooms corresponding to their gender identities, as one of the reasons for its roll back. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, left, on May 10, 2016, in Pyongyang, North Korea, and Kim Jong Nam, right, exiled half brother of Kim Jong Un. (Photo: AP) Seoul: North Koreas state media broke a 10-day silence Thursday on the murder of Kim Jong-Uns half brother, launching a ferocious assault on Malaysia for immoral handling of the case and for playing politics with the corpse. In its first comments on the airport assassination of Kim Jong-Nam, KCNA said Malaysia bore responsiblity for the death, and accused it of conspiring with South Korea. "Malaysia is obliged to hand his body to the DPRK (North Korea) side as it made an autopsy and forensic examination of it in an illegal and immoral manner", the North's Korean Jurists Committee said, in comments carried by the state-run news agency. Malaysia has not released the corpse "under the absurd pretext" that it needs a DNA sample from the dead man's family, it said in a lengthy statement that never identified the victim. "This proves that the Malaysian side is going to politicize the transfer of the body in utter disregard of international law and morality and thus attain a sinister purpose," it said. Malaysia is holding four people -- a North Korean man, a Malaysian, and women from Indonesia and Vietnam -- over the February 13 attack on Kim Jong-Nam at Kuala Lumpur International Airport as he waited for a flight to Macau. Leaked CCTV footage shows the portly Kim being approached by two women who appear to put something in his face. Moments later he is seen asking for help from airport staff, who direct him to a clinic. Malaysian police said he suffered a seizure and died before he reached hospital. An autopsy has ruled out heart failure, with investigators focusing on the theory that a toxin was applied to his face, in what South Korea has insisted was a targeted assassination. Seoul's Foreign Minister Yun Byung-Se said Wednesday in London that the killing was a chance for the international community "to take a series of steps" against the North. Yun said the assassination by the North, if confirmed, would constitute a "serious breach" of international order. "If North Korea is confirmed to have been behind the killing, the international community would view this as a state-led act of terrorism that infringes upon Malaysia's sovereignty", Yun was quoted as saying by Yonhap news agency after a meeting with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. Malaysian police say they want to talk to a total of eight North Koreans, although they think several may have fled to Pyongyang immediately after the killing. The wanted men include a diplomat from the North Korean embassy to Kuala Lumpur, as well as an airline employee. The North's statement, issued in both English and Korean, repeated Pyongyang's demand for a joint investigation, stressing it was ready to dispatch a delegation. It said Malaysia had initially claimed the death was from heart failure and that there was no need for any post-mortem examination. "The biggest responsibility for his death rests with the government of Malaysia as the citizen of the DPRK died in its land," KCNA said. "The unfriendly attitude of the Malaysian side found a more striking manifestation in the matter of transferring his body to the DPRK side. "The DPRK... will watch the future attitude of the Malaysian side." Pyongyang: North Korea issued a rare reproach of China on Thursday saying its main diplomatic backer was "dancing to the tune" of the United States for halting North Korean coal imports because of its nuclear and missile programmes. The North's state-run KCNA news agency did not refer directly to China by name but in an unmistakable censure it accused a "neighbouring country" of going along with North Korea's enemies to "bring down its social system". "This country, styling itself a big power, is dancing to the tune of the US while defending its mean behaviour with such excuses that it was meant not to have a negative impact on the living of the people in the DPRK but to check its nuclear programme," KCNA said in a commentary. China said on Saturday it would ban coal imports from North Korea, which is officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), until the end of the year. The ban came about a week after North Korea tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile in its first direct challenge to the international community since US President Donald Trump took office. Trump's administration has said China should do more to put pressure on North Korea. "A neighbouring country, which often claims itself to be a 'friendly neighbour', is .. threatening that 'the DPRK will suffer the biggest loss'," KCNA said in the commentary. "It has unhesitatingly taken inhumane steps such as totally blocking foreign trade related to the improvement of people's living standard under the plea of the UN 'resolutions on sanctions' devoid of legal ground." China is North Korea's sole major ally but it disapproves of its nuclear programme and has backed UN sanctions against it. China calls for the Korean peninsula to be free of nuclear weapons. North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests, including two last year, although its claims to be able to miniaturise a nuclear weapon to be mounted on a missile have never been verified independently. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in a New Year speech the North was close to test-launching an intercontinental ballistic missile. State media has said such a launch could come at any time. A fully developed ICBM could threaten the continental United States, which is about 9,000 km (5,500 miles) from North Korea. North Korea was China's fourth biggest supplier of coal last year, with non-lignite imports reaching 22.48 million tonnes, up 14.5 percent compared with 2015. Manila: A Philippine court issued an arrest warrant on drug charges Thursday for a senator and former top human rights official who is one of the most vocal critics of President Rodrigo Duterte and his deadly anti-drug crackdown. The Regional Trial Court in Muntinlupa city in the Manila metropolis issued the warrant for the arrest of Sen. Leila de Lima and other officials who have been charged by Department of Justice prosecutors with receiving bribes from detained drug lords. De Lima has vehemently denied the charges, which she said were part of an attempt by Duterte to muzzle critics of his crackdown, which has left more than 7,000 drug suspects dead. She questioned why the court suddenly issued the arrest order when it was scheduled Friday to hear her petition to void the three non-bailable charges. It was not immediately clear when de Lima would be arrested or how her followers would react. Followed by dozens of journalists, photographers and TV cameramen, she emerged from a meeting with her allies at the Senate and gave assurances in a news conference that she would face the charges and would not escape. Fighting back tears, de Lima, 57, said she would return home to be with her family and get the belongings she will take to jail. "I'm asking for your prayers that I'll be safe and secure wherever they will take me, wherever they will detain me," she said. She left with her bodyguards without taking any questions. Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said de Lima's impending arrest "demonstrates the president's strong resolve to fight pushers, peddlers and their protectors." When de Lima headed the government's Commission on Human Rights, she tried unsuccessfully to have Duterte prosecuted when he was mayor of Davao city for allegedly unlawful deaths that occurred during his anti-drug crackdown in the city. No witnesses came forward then to testify against the mayor, human rights officials said. Duterte expanded the crackdown nationwide after becoming president last June, and de Lima has continued to criticize him after winning a Senate seat last year. In one of her strongest statements against the president this week, de Lima called Duterte a "sociopathic serial killer" who has not been made to answer for more than 1,000 deaths during his crackdown in Davao city as its mayor and now for the thousands of drug suspects killed in his national fight against illegal drugs. She urged Duterte's Cabinet members to declare him unfit to serve as president. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II warned that such remarks were seditious but de Lima replied that Aguirre and Duterte are "the rebels and inciters against a constitutional order that values life and due process above everything else." Prosecutors allege that de Lima, while she was justice secretary under former President Benigno Aquino III, received bribes from detained drug lords to finance her senatorial campaign, and they say some of the drug lords would testify against her. The bribes were allegedly solicited by her former driver and lover, who was also charged. Duterte has lashed out at de Lima with foul language, calling her a sex-crazed immoral woman whose election opened "the portals of the national government ... to narco politics." De Lima said the case against her might be the "wakeup call" the country needs, referring to the absence of a public outcry in the country over the killings in the anti-drug campaign. De Lima said people were starting to fight back, citing recent accounts by a former militiaman and a retired police officer who acknowledged their roles as assassins in the Davao deaths and Duterte's alleged involvement in the killings. Stockholm: A Swedish citizen was sentenced to six months in jail Thursday for inciting people to finance the Islamic State (IS) group through Facebook, a landmark case for the country. In a Facebook account linked to Ahmad Qadan, 34, a post written in Swedish and published on August 21, 2013 said: "Help us supply our brothers at the front with weapons so they can avenge their brothers and sisters." Malmo district court judge Lennart Strinas said the case had no precedent in Sweden. "The crime that the man has been convicted of might have been at an early stage in the chain of events but it could have led to a terrorist crime," he said in a statement. Those who read the post were urged to call two named men to receive a bank account number where money could be sent, the court said. One of the named men in the post is listed as a terror financier by the United Nations and the European Union. The posts "had been published in such a way that anyone with access to the Internet could read them, even people without a Facebook account," the court said. In his testimony, Qadan denied the charges and said he took over the Facebook account in 2014 from a person whose name he did not know. The account had been opened under the name Ash-Shaami As-Suwedi. Around 300 people have left Sweden to fight with jihadist groups in Syria and Iraq, according to Swedish intelligence agency Sapo. Beirut: More than 130 people, mostly combatants, have been killed in three days fighting between jihadists close to the Islamic State group and rebels in southern Syria, a monitor said on Wednesday. The clashes pit the Khaled Ben al-Walid Army which pledged allegiance to IS in 2016-- against Islamist rebel groups including the influential Ahrar al-Sham faction, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. At least 132 people had been killed in the fighting that raged in Daraa province near the border with Jordan and the buffer zone before the Israel-occupied Golan Heights. The Khaled Ben al-Walid Army sparked the clashes with an attack on rebels in the west of the southern province. The pro-IS group has since seized three areas including Sahem al-Jolan near the border and a hill overlooking the rebel-held town of Nawa. The Khaled Ben al-Walid Army "wants to extend its influence in the strategic triangle between Daraa (city), Jordan and the Golan," Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said. Daraa province, the cradle of the 2011 uprising against President Bashar al-Assad's regime, is mostly held by the rebels but pro-government forces and IS are also present. The provincial capital of the same name is divided between army and rebel control. Syria's war has killed more than 310,000 people since it started nearly six years ago with the brutal repression of anti-regime protests. It has since spiralled into a complex war involving international players and jihadists. Dubai: Two teenage Emirati brothers were placed under judicial probation, after the judge found them guilty of having sex with a 16-year-old girl, who accused them of kidnapping and raping her. According to a report in Gulf News, the girl, who is an Egyptian, alleged that she was forcibly dragged into a car by the brothers, aged 14 and 15, along with their 31-year-old uncle. They then overpowered her and took turns to sexually assault her. The incident took place in February last year. The pulled me into the car and sandwiched me in the backseat. They drove to a desert area they undressed and raped me one at a time. One of them muzzled me while the other raped me. I tried to resist at first but then I got tired. I had met the uncle six times near my house, the girl was quoted in the report. All three accused however pleaded not guilty in a Dubai court and claimed that they had consensual sex with the girl. Their lawyer of the brothers told the court that the girl was lying and that she agreed to have sex with them in exchange of an iPhone and some money. She joined my clients in their car willingly. She was not kidnapped she also had consensual sex with them and was not forced to. Actually, the girl asked my clients to give her an iPhone and pay her money to go out with them. She had also been in contact with the suspects on WhatsApp, Hamda Makki, the lawyer had told the court. The lawyer argued that the girl had even testified in court that she had asked the accused for an iphone, proving that she went inside the car voluntarily. He further said that the girl had revealed to the older man that she had been raped by her father and that she was used to having sex with men for money. The defence argument also stated that the forensic report did not show any bruises or injuries on the girls body, weakening her claim that she was raped. The case had been going on in the courts for a while and the presiding judge confirmed a primary courts decree to place the brothers under judicial probe for engaging in consensual sex with the teenaged girl. Their uncle had been sentenced to 10 years in jail by the Dubai Court of First Instance. Baghdad: A military spokesman says Iraqi special forces have captured a key village southwest of Mosul from where Islamic State group's snipers and shelling had been slowing the government offensive. The village of Tell al-Rayan fell to the Iraqi troops amid a major push on Thursday that saw federal police forces enter the grounds of the Mosul airport as special forces fought their way into an IS-held base next to the airport. The advances are part of a US-backed government offensive to drive the Islamic State group from western Mosul. The spokesman of the Joint Military Operation Command, Brig. Gen. Yahya Rasool, told The Associated Press that IS had used Tell al-Rayan to position snipers and fire off rockets and mortar rounds to derail the advance of the Iraqi troops. Earlier, an Iraqi military spokesman says Iraqi special forces had entered a sprawling military base next to Mosul's airport on the southern edge of the city. The push came shortly after Iraqi federal police forces earlier on Thursday entered the airport grounds, taking control of the runway and exchanging fire with Islamic State militants hunkered down inside the airport buildings. The two-pronged advance is part of a US-baked offensive aimed at driving the Islamic State group from western Mosul. The spokesman of the Joint Military Operation Command, Brig. Gen. Yahya Rasool, told The Associated Press that clashes are underway inside the Ghazlani base. He didn't provide more details. Dubai: A Washington-based lawyer for a US permanent resident imprisoned in Iran has described him as a "hostage". Jason Poblete said in a statement on Thursday that Iranian allegations which Nizar Zakka confessed to authorities are "completely false." A semi-official Iranian news agency on Wednesday published remarks from a Revolutionary Guard commander saying Zakka confessed to trying to "encourage decadence" in Iranian society. Poblete demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Zakka, a Lebanese computer expert whose organization previously did contract work for the US government, and all other Westerners held by Iran. Zakka was detained in September 2015 after speaking at a conference attended by President Hassan Rouhani at the Iranian government's invitation. Zakka is serving a 10-year prison sentence and faces a $4.2 million fine after a closed-door trial. Aizawl: Four women, including two Myanmarese nationals, were arrested for allegedly carrying heroin in separate incidents in Mizoram, Excise and Narcotics department spokesman said on Thursday. Excise and Narcotics department officials seized 65.8 grams of heroin from Mizoram-Myanmar border town Champhai and arrested three women - Vankungpuii (45), Lalrinchhungi (32), belonging to Khawmawi village in Myanmar, and Lalfakzuala (43) of Aizawl, who were carrying the contraband in a car from Myanmar last night. Around the same time, the officials also seized 26 grams of heroin in Aizawl and arrested another woman - Malsawmkimi (35) of south Mizoram's Lunglei town, he said. Beijing: China said on Thursday that the strategic dialogue with India was of positive significance to ties as extensive agreements were reached. However, it skirted any reference to the persisting differences over issues like Indias NSG bid and efforts to get JeM chief Masood Azhar banned by the UN. The dialogue has reached the goal as expected and is of positive significance to the bilateral relations, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing here, giving his assessment of Foreign Secretary S Jaishankars talks with Chinese officials, which included the first round of the upgraded strategic dialogue. Our overall impression is that this strategic dialogue was held in a friendly atmosphere. The two sides held (an) in-depth and comprehensive exchange of views and reached extensive agreements, he said, without elaborating. The two sides had an in-depth and comprehensive exchange of views on international situation, domestic and foreign policies, bilateral relations and other regional and international issues of mutual interest and reached extensive consensus, Geng said. He, however, made no reference to the persisting differences over China blocking Indias admission into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and efforts to get JeM chief Azhar banned by the UN. In his briefing to the media after the dialogue yesterday, Jaishankar had said both the issues figured in the talks. On the Chinese Foreign Ministry calling for solid evidence to get Azhar banned, Jaishankar had said, in the case of Azhar, Jaish itself is proscribed under 1267. So the proof is in (the) 1267 Committee action. In this case what he has done, extent of his actions are well-documented. He had also said the burden of proof was not on India. On the NSG issue, the Chinese side underlined that they are open to Indias application for membership. They have their view of procedures and processes. These were different from where we are at the moment and most of the group is at the moment, Jaishankar had said. Without going into those issues, Geng said the two sides shared the view that with similar national conditions and the stage of objective development, China and India have extensive converging interests and huge potential for cooperation. Sound and steady development of China-India relations is in the fundamental interest of the two countries and the peoples. The two sides agreed to maintain the momentum of the bilateral relations in the spirit of the agreements of the two leaders, work out a good programme for 2017 bilateral exchanges at various levels, advance practical cooperation, strengthen cooperation and coordination on international issues, Geng said. Before the dialogue with Executive Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui, Jaishankar met Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Senior officials of the two sides also held talks on five issues, including on nuclear issues with reference to Indias admission into NSG and UN and counter terrorism issues in which the issue of the ban against Azhar figured. Lahore: Pakistani real estate giant Rafi Group made a ten-fold profit last year from its sale of hundreds of acres of land in the remote fishing town of Gwadar, acquired soon after the government announced plans for a deep-sea port there. The windfall came after 12 years of waiting patiently for the Gwadar port to emerge as the centrepiece of China's ambitious plans for a trade and energy corridor stretching from the Persian Gulf, across Pakistan, into western Xinjiang. "We had anticipated the Chinese would need a route to the Arabian Sea," Rafi Group Chief Executive Shehriar Rafi told Reuters. "And today, all routes lead back to Gwadar." Gwadar forms the southern Pakistan hub of a $57-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) of infrastructure and energy projects Beijing announced in 2014. Since then, land prices have skyrocketed as property demand has spiked, and dozens of real estate firms want to cash in. "Gwadar is a 'Made in China' brand and everyone wants a piece," said realtor Afzal Adil, one of several who shifted operations from the eastern city of Lahore in 2015. Last year, Pakistan welcomed the first large shipment of Chinese goods at Gwadar, where the China Overseas Ports Holding Company Ltd took over operations in 2013. It plans to eventually handle 300 million to 400 million tons of cargo a year. It also aims to develop seafood processing plants in a nearby free trade zone sprawled over 923 hectares (2,281 acres). The route through Gwadar offers China its shortest path to the oil-rich Middle East, Africa, and most of the Western hemisphere, besides promising to open up remote, landlocked Xinjiang. Last year, the Applied Economics Research Centre estimated the corridor would create 700,000 jobs in Pakistan and a Chinese newspaper recently put the number at more than 2 million. Authorities have completed an expressway through Gwadar, which has a 350-km (218-mile) road network. A new international airport kicks off next year, to handle an influx of hundreds of Chinese traders and officials expected to live near the port. The volume of Gwadar property searches surged 14-fold on Pakistan's largest real estate database, Zameen.com, between 2014 and 2016, up from a prior rate of a few hundred a month. "It's like a gold rush," said Chief Executive Zeeshan Ali Khan. "Anyone who is interested in real estate, be it an investor or a developer, is eyeing Gwadar." Prices, which have risen two- to four-fold on average, are climbing "on a weekly basis," said Saad Arshed, the Pakistan managing director of online real estate marketplace Lamudi.pk. Regional fishermen have held strikes during the last two years, to protest against being displaced by the port. To keep pace with the interest, urban officials are struggling to computerise land management and record-keeping. "We are trying to upgrade as fast as we can," said Zakir Majeed, an official of the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA). But Gwadar lacks basic education and health facilities, in contrast to the gleaming towers and piped drinking water of the "smart city" envisioned by the GDA. "For commercial projects, things are moving fast," Lamudi's Arshed said. "But people actually living there, that will take a long time." Port officials expect the population to hit 2 million over the next two decades, from about 185,000 now. Risk The government commissioned work on the Gwadar port in 2002, but development was held up by chronic instability in the surrounding resource-rich province of Baluchistan, where ethnic separatist rebels have chafed against a military crackdown. Since China announced the corridor plan in 2014, security has improved, with Pakistan setting up a new army division to ensure protection, while hundreds of rebels surrendered arms. Real estate firms dismiss fears the "Gwadar bubble" might still burst, pointing to China's enduring interest. "The risk is always there," Rafi said. "But our confidence comes from knowing this is not a Pakistani initiative, but a Chinese city on the Arabian Sea coast. And the Chinese will see that it is built." Glittering gowns, elegant suits and bold mini-dresses worn by the late Princess Diana will go on show from Friday on the 20th anniversary of her death in new exhibition charting her style reign. "Diana: Her Fashion Story", hosted in her London residence Kensington Palace, follows her evolution from the demure outfits of her first public appearances to the glamorous gowns of her later life. The show charts how she not only rewrote the rules of royal dressing with a more informal style but also expressed herself through her fashion choices, before her 1997 death in a car crash in Paris. "Each of the dresses is like a mini biography... They're not just what she wore but they tell stories," Libby Thompson, a curator, told AFP. Curator Eleri Lynn said: "We see her growing in confidence throughout her life, increasingly taking control of how she was represented". Some of the highlights include the discreet pale pink Emanuel blouse she wore for her engagement portrait in 1981 and the dazzling ink blue Victor Edelstein velvet dress she wore when she danced with John Travolta at the White House in 1985. So iconic is the "Travolta" dress that it sold for USD 310,000 at auction three years ago. Another gown, a silk velvet dress she wore for private events at Buckingham Palace during the 1980s, is sure to charm many visitors. Tiny fingerprints believed to belong to one of her sons -- Prince William and Prince Harry -- have been found on the material, preserved through the last 30 years. The show will also highlight how throughout her years as one of the world's most photographed women, Diana revealed herself to be a diplomatic dresser. The "Gold Falcon Gown" is a perfect example. She wore the Catherine Walker cream silk dress embroidered with gold falcons -- the national bird of Saudi Arabia -- during a visit to the country in 1986. But it was by breaking the codes of royal dressing and embracing a more practical style that Diana transitioned from the Princess of Wales into the "People's Princess" the term used by then prime minister Tony Blair after her death. She developed a more informal "working wardrobe" of chic Catherine Walker suits and tailored shift dresses to champion the causes she cared about. These outfits, designed to convey approachability, she wore on charitable outings including meeting people with HIV and visiting children in hospital. The National Green Tribunal on Wednesday issued notices to the Karnataka government and its agencies for Thursdays fire at the Bellandur lake. The principal bench headed by Justice Swatanter Kumar said, We are surprised at the apathy prevailing in the functioning of the statutory bodies and the state government. The government has conceded the fire broke out because of municipal waste being dumped in the lake, the tribunal said. What do you think you are doing? You are the authority for maintaining lakes in the city. Dont you think you have some responsibility? You are making a mockery of the environment. You cant ruin a city like Bengaluru, the bench said. It also sought a report, in two weeks, on action taken to rejuvenate water bodies. Prior to the hearing, Mahendra Jain, additional chief secretary to the Karnataka governments urban development department, submitted a report on the status of lakes in Bengaluru. We issue show-cause notices to all authorities as to why we should not direct their prosecution under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, the green panel said, expressing unhappiness over the functioning of the Bangalore Development Authority, the Lake Development Authority and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board. The next hearing is on March 20. On February 20, the NGT took suo motu cognizance of the fire at the lake, Bengalurus largest water body. With the trends indicating early lead for Shiv Sena in the BMC polls, a senior party leader today exuded confidence that there will be no need for them to forge an alliance with BJP in the Mumbai civic body. "The response of the people has been very good. There are several places where the Sena is leading. This is all due to the faith of people in the leadership of (late Sena supremo) Balasaheb (Thackeray) and Uddhav ji," Sena MP Anil Desai told reporters at the Sena Bhavan here. "People of Mumbai, with their wisdom, are ready to bring the Sena to power on its own. There will be no alliance needed (with the BJP)," he said. To a query on Maharashtra BJP president Raosaheb Danve's visit to 'Matoshree' (Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's residence) yesterday, Desai said it was a personal visit. "He had only come to invite Uddhav ji to his son's wedding. It was a personal visit and no hidden political meaning should be seen behind it," he said. Pyongyang's state media today blasted Malaysia for an "illegal and immoral" autopsy on a man believed be the half-brother of North Korea's leader, breaking a 10-day silence on the airport assassination. "Malaysia is obliged to hand his body to the DPRK (North Korea) side as it made an autopsy and forensic examination of it in an illegal and immoral manner", the North's Korean Jurists Commitee said, in comments carried by KCNA. Malaysia has not released the corpse "under the absurd pretext" that it needs a DNA sample from the dead man's family. "This proves that the Malaysian side is going to politicize the transfer of the body in utter disregard of international law and morality and thus attain a sinister purpose", it said. South Korea said Sunday that Seoul is certain that the dead man is leader Kim Jong-Un's estranged half-brother Kim Jong-Nam, and that Malaysia's investigation shows Pyongyang was behind the assassination. The North's statement -- its first mention of the death of a North Korean, but one which did not at any point name the dead man -- repeated Pyongyang's demand for a joint investigation, stressing it was ready to dispatch a delegation of its jurists. Investigators have put five North Koreans in the frame for the killing, which occured at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and have said they are seeking three more for questioning. The wanted men include a second secretary of the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur, as well as a North Korean airline employee. AIADMK Deputy General Secretary T T V Dinakaran today hinted at a rapprochement with expelled leader O Panneerselvam, saying the party would "accept with motherly affection" anybody who had gone out of the "parent organisation" and wanted to return. Addressing reporters after formally taking over, he also fended off criticism that he was elevated "suddenly", saying he had been brought into the party by the late Chief Minster J Jayalalithaa in the early days itself and that he had been given various party posts and even made an MP by her. Asked about Panneerselvam's plans to conduct state-wide campaign against the present AIADMK leadership, Dinakaran said the party had faced "betrayals" in the past too, but had successfully overcome them. However, referring to the defection of MLAs and MPs to the Panneerselvam camp, he said that some had "lost their way and moved away from the mother movement." "We have the confidence that anybody who had left the mother movement will return to our fold," Dinakaran said. Asked if Panneerselvam would also be allowed to return, he said "the party will receive with motherly affection and accept anybody who had left the parent organisation." His comments come in the wake of Panneerselvam's expulsion by AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala following his revolt against her in the wake of her election as AIADMK Legislature Party leader on February 5. Panneerselvam, who had quit as Chief Minister then, had revolted against her, alleging he was forced to step down to make way for her. Sasikala was convicted by the Supreme Court in an assets case on February 14 and is lodged in the central jail at Parapana Agrahara near Bengaluru. To a question on who was his party's main rival -- DMK leader M K Stalin or Panneerselvam, Dinakaran insisted it was DMK as AIADMK had been founded by the late M G Ramachandran against that very party and its chief M Karunandihi. "You must have seen in the Assembly also. They tried to use Panneerselvam to topple the government but failed. You are seeing the daily dramas being enacted by Stalin. AIADMK was founded against DMK and they are our main rival," he said. He said Stalin was "dejected" that he could not "topple" the AIADMK government and was therefore doing things like staging a hunger strike or flying to Delhi to meet President Pranab Mukherjee. Stalin had earlier left for Delhi to apprise the President on the incidents that unfolded during the February 18 floor test won by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, amidst en masse eviction of DMK. On the trust vote issue, Dinakaran insisted that Speaker P Dhanapal had conducted the House as per rules and charged the DMK with trying to incite violence. "Stalin wanted to incite violence and topple the government. All the AIADMK MLAs proved that the party is Amma's fortress and behaved with military discipline. So Stalin's outbursts (on the matter) are due to his dejection and failure. And that is why he has gone to Delhi," he said. The government will continue to function normally and deliver public welfare measures, said Dinakaran, appointed by Sasikala as her deputy a day after she was convicted in the Rs 66 crore Disproportionate Assets case by the Supreme Court. He also denied any influence of Sasikala or her family in the party or the government. Blaming opposition parties, including DMK, for carrying out a 'false campaign' in this regard, he said AIADMK and its led government was being run by "1.5 crore party supporters." "No individual or family has ever dominated in the past nor will we allow it to be done in the future," he added. He also denied he was 'suddenly' elevated in the party, following his re-induction last week by Sasikala, saying he had enjoyed various party posts during Jayalalithaa's time in the past and that she had even made him an MP. "Amma had asked me to stay away (from politics) for a while and I obeyed her words like a true soldier which is my duty. Chinnamma (Sasikala) re-inducted me after a plea from some party functionaries," he said. On February 15, Sasikala had announced that Dinakaran, her nephew and a former Rajya Sabha member, was being re-inducted and appointed as the party's Deputy General Secretary, a move that raised many an eyebrow. Jayalalithaa had in 2011 expelled Sasikala, her husband M Natarajan and Dinakaran, besides some of their other relatives from AIADMK for reportedly interfering in party and government affairs. Sasikala had a few months later apologised and returned, but the others remained expelled. However, she re-inducted Dinakaran and another relative S Venkatesh after they expressed 'regret' for their past action. To a query, Dinakaran said there was no "public anger" against his party or the government and assured it would continue its winning run in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as well as the 2021 Assembly polls. Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) today conceded that the results so far for the ten municipal corporations, 25 Zilla Parishads and 283 Panchayat Samitis across the state have signalled a setback for the party. "The results are mixed with the party doing well in Zilla Parishads while suffering reverses in the municipal corporations. It is definitely a setback," party Vice President and spokesman Ratnakar Mahajan told PTI. He said the results have been unexpected and need to be analysed on the organisational level at the popularity level. "Whether there has been a disconnect between voters and the party leaders should be seen," he said. Mahajan said even though the elections should have been fought on local issues, it looked as if the hangover of the 2014 Lok Sabha and Assembly polls remained. "The high decibel campaign by the Sena and BJP showed as if the two parties are the only alternative to each other. Due to the aggressiveness of both parties to take on each other, opposition Congress and NCP virtually did not exist,"he said. Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti results are yet to come and Congress is expected to do well in the rural areas, he said. The party could barely manage to win 30 seats in Mumbai while it lost power in Amravati, Solapur civic bodies as well as Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad where it shared power with NCP. JEFFERSON A farm just outside of town on Densmore Road has a rather unusual crop for the area. There are 80 acres of poplar hybrids more than 115,000 trees that can thrive in marginal soils and grow 30 feet in three years. Where the soil is the best here, the trees are pushing 35 to 40 feet in three years, said Rick Stonex, operations manager for GreenWood Resources, an investment and management firm that specializes in forestry assets. Many of those trees are currently being harvested, and the acreage is part of a federally-funded research project regarding biofuels. Were trying to find the varieties that grow the best and convert the most sugars. Anytime youre doing biofuel, your goal is to capture sugar, said Noelle Hart, a Washington State University Extension coordinator for the study. The poplar trees can be chipped and then converted into gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and ethanol, as well as other chemicals. Our focus is more on aviation fuel, said Brian Stanton, chief science officer for GreenWood Resources. The Advanced Hardwood Biofuels Northwest study includes several academic and industry partners such as Oregon State University, and has four sites throughout the Northwest and northern California. Cost of production is another critical factor of the research project. Low gas and oil prices, however, have hampered the economic viability of using poplar trees for biofuel, Stanton said. The project was formulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture during the recession, when fossil fuel prices were considerably higher, Stanton said. Oil is currently around $50 a barrel, he said, and adding that it would need to be double that for poplar biofuel to take off. Were not competitive today, but we believe we will be one day, Stanton said. And biofuel would be a hedge against stratospheric gas and oil prices. If poplar biofuel proves feasible, Hart said, an industry could spring up and create jobs. Jefferson was chosen as a research site partly because its typical of the Willamette Valley, which, because of its population base, would be a logical place to produce and distribute biofuel. The poplars at the Jefferson site were planted in the spring of 2012, then harvested in 2013 after two growing seasons. The trees there are managed as a perennial row crop, and they can be harvested every two to three years. Multiple shoots sprout from the stumps for future harvests. There is no irrigation at the Jefferson site. You dont have to replant it for six, seven cycles, so thats 20 years, said Stonex, a 1980 graduate of OSU. One acre of poplar trees can produce roughly 2,000 gallons of ethanol every three years, he added. Oregon State University is participating in the project, in part, by educating students about the potential of poplar trees and helping middle and high school science teachers with lesson plans about biofuel. But graduate students also are helping with research at the site and a forestry professor is developing the science to keep the hybrids from flowering. The latter will help the trees push more energy into growth and also keep the hybrids from cross-pollinating with native poplar trees, Stanton said. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will leave for a five-day official visit to the UK on Friday. During the visit, the finance minister will hold business interaction with the UK-India Business Council (UKIBC), and is expected to meet a host of top CEOs seeking investments in India. On Saturday, the finance minister will deliver a talk at London School of Economics on Transforming India: Vision for the Next Decade. On Sunday, he will attend a reception being organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), British Council and Indian High Commission at UK. On Monday, Jaitley will attend market opening ceremony at London Stock Exchange followed by a roundtable meeting with prospective issuers and leading investors, among others. Sami Direct, a city-based direct-selling company, is planning to launch its products in the Southeast Asian region by opening offices in Indonesia and Thailand in the near future. Recently Sami Direct, a part of the Rs 650-crore Sami Sabinsa Group of Companies, has started its direct presence in Dubai. And it plans to expand into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries over the next two years. According to Shaheen Majeed, Director of Sami Direct, The new centre in Dubai will provide better access to distributors and customers, and aims to increase sales volumes. In next one year, we will be hiring 10,000 distributors in Dubai. The Dubai centre will display all categories of products that include nutraceuticals as well as cosmeceutical products. With over 125 patents of the group, all products of Sami Direct are formulated in accordance with global standards and manufactured in the Japanese and the US facilities having Halal certifications for Dubai. On market opportunities in GCC countries, Majeed said, By having direct presence in Dubai, we are looking at a significant market share in the coming years in the growing cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals market that is likely to cross $6.1 billion by 2020. In a bid to cut down its debt pile, Diageo, the owner of United Spirits (USL), is likely to auction some of the prime properties owned by liquor baron Vijay Mallya. According to reports, some of the properties that could go under the hammer include Mallya's residence at Napean Sea Road in Mumbai, and properties across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Scotland, and Hong Kong, and is likely to fetch USL around Rs 680 crore. USL is currently having debt of around Rs 4,000 crore on its books, and is looking at all options in order to bring it down. According to the report, Mallya, who is currently residing outside the country, had the option of buying these properties at a 10% discount to the market price. However, since the deadline for buying these properties ended on February 21, USL has decided to auction these properties in order to raise some funds to pay off a part of the debt. This is the latest of setbacks for Mallya. Earlier, during this month, the government had put in a formal request to see extradition of Mallya from the UK. The ED had also attached some of Mallyas assets worth over Rs 6,500 crore in September, last year, including Mandwa Farm House in Alibag, flats in Kingfisher Tower, Bengaluru, his fixed deposits with HDFC, shares of USL, UBL and Mcdowell Holding held by him/United Breweries Holding (UBHL) and his controlled entities. Mallya, who had been banned by markets regulator Sebi from accessing the capital markets recently, has been staying out of India, and owes over Rs 9,000 crore to banks as part of loans taken to run Kingfisher Airlines. Efforts of banks to auction some of Kingfishers assets to recover loans given to Mallya have failed. A consortium of banks led by State Bank of India had tried to auction the Kingfisher Villa in Goa, Kingfishers corporate office in Mumbai, some cars owned by Mallya, brand Kingfisher and other trademarks including Flying Models, Funliner, Fly Kingfisher and Flying Bird Device, but had found no takers. SBI Caps was conducting the sale process on behalf of the banks. Britains exit from the European Union is likely to positively impact the economic blocs long- drawn negotiations over a free trade agreement with India, according to a leaked document drawn up by the members of the EU parliament. The document drawn up by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in the EUs influential trade committee points to British Prime Minister Theresa Mays stringent visa policy towards Indian professionals as a major stumbling block to the FTA, which has been in the works since 1997. Indias high import tariffs on Scotch whisky from Scotland is seen as another hurdle, which would also no longer be a factor post-Brexit, The Guardian reported. Scotland has a major interest in an FTA with India: India has the worlds largest market for whisky, which is highly protected by prohibitive tariffs. Lowering tariffs for Scottish whisky could present an important market opportunity, the MEPs note. In case the UK (including Scotland) would leave the EU, this could possibly facilitate FTA negotiations [for the EU] as tariffs on wines and spirits constitute an obstacle. This as well as financial services, would then become a bit less of an offensive interest of the EU, they add. The European parliamentarians also suggest that despite the much-hyped India-UK ties, Britain is likely to struggle to clinch a new trade deal. Given the important Indian diaspora living in the UK and the common past, the UK tends to attach particular importance to its economic relations to India, however, trading ties are more important with other EU member states, say the MEPs. They point out that as a trading partner of India, Germany is the top EU country (ranked 6th), whereby the UK figures only rank 18 between Kuwait and Iran as a trading partner for India. While the UK makes up 3.4% of Indias overall exports, it accounts only for less than 2% of Indias exports. In addition, currently the UK has by far the largest trade deficit in goods with India of any EU member states accounting for 2,611 million. Pakistans spy agency, the ISI, was suspected to be involved in the sensational murder of Air Commodore (retired) Parvez Hamilton Khokhar in Bengaluru on November 24, 2014. Born in Batala in Gurdaspur district of Punjab, he had taken part in the Indo-Pak war in 1971. Since he knew details of the bridges and ammunition storehouses in Pakistan, he was given the additional responsibility of being the test pilot during the war, though he was the Tejas project director. Given his background, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) hunted for his killers on the Indo-Pak border, but could not make any headway. Police initially suspected a son of one of Khokhars friends, who had visited him in Bengaluru just three days before the murder. The friends son had gifted him a camera as he was a wildlife photographer. Police said that following the murder, Khokhars wife Prameela sold the villa and left Bengaluru to live with their children in Delhi. Police have now summoned her to the city for recording her statement. The arrest Based on credible information, police were hot on the trail of an 11-member gang that was planning to commit dacoity near Suryanagar in Hebbagodi, south Bengaluru. The gang was arrested on February 9, 2017. Another suspect, N Satyanarayana (28), was arrested later on the basis of information given by the other men. When police grilled them, they revealed how they had burgled farmhouses, bungalows and apartments on the outskirts of the city. Police learnt that Khokhars murder was essentially a robbery gone awry. The kingpin The suspected mastermind, R Srinivas, had worked in the club of the gated community for more than six years before finding a job as a cab driver. He knew the security system and where the CCTV cameras were located. Police said he had masterminded the burglarly into Khokhars house. But he told the police that they never intended to kill him. On 20 July 2016, the gang struck at the house of one Zubair Ahmed at Lakshminarayanapura, around 600 metres from Smilee Greens Estate Club, the gated community where Khokhar lived. They stole Rs 1.05 crore worth of valuables, including diamond, gold and silver ornaments, a revolver, 21 rounds of live bullets, a Rolex watch and important documents. Ahmed, who was running a private construction company, had landed a construction deal and outsourced the foundation-laying work to another company. On July 10, 2016, while the labourers were working at the building site, the mud wall collapsed and three of them were buried alive. Police booked Ahmed. Fearing arrest, he and his family absconded. One of the gang members read the news and knew where was Ahmeds house. The men ganged up and decided to burgle the house as they were certain there would be nobody in the house and that Ahmed was rich. Senior citizens in search of a companion in their twilight years have many ways to get together, ranging from local forums to websites. At a match-making event organised by Karnataka Souharda Vedike in Malleswaram recently, there were only four women against nearly 70 men. Madhusudan of the Vedike, who has been organising the event for the past three years, said: Men are free to make such beginnings, but societal inhibitions limit womens chances. Natubhai Patel, who has been organising events for elders (re)marriage under Anubandh Foundation, said the ratio of men to women at such events indicates a crisis. I have profiles of 7,000 elderly men but only 800 women, he said, referring to restrictions at home on women getting remarried. No time for elders Patel said only children of such elderly women can provide a solution. We are encouraging children to bring their fathers and mothers to this platform. Youngsters say that they dont have time for elders, they can at least help their parents chose a companion, he said. At Malleswaram, Prabhakar Rao, a retired KSRTC engineer said his wife died eight years ago. I thought of remarriage because only a woman can offer support and care. My daughter is a good person. But I cannot burden her with this responsibility. I cared for my wife. I slept on the floor at hospitals when she was admitted there. But she didnt survive. So I am here, he said. While Rao said he was ready to marry a good person regardless of caste and creed, N K Nandish Aradhya, at 73, said he preferred a Lingayat. Aradhya said he gave everything he had to his son. Now I am left with a house and he wants that too. My daughter-in-law doesnt cook for me. I thought of coming here after realising Ineed love and care from an honest person. A 31-year-old woman who did not want to be named, said it was hard for a woman to get a suitable match after losing her husband. My husband died three years ago. I was working for a womens helpline and the stories of women in need of help gave me courage to think of remarriage, she said. The experience as a widow has also helped her crack the gender bias. I understood that I will be called a widow while a man who loses his wife remains a man in society. Besides, a woman who is single needs to be on guard all the time. But these are not the reasons for my decision to come here. I need emotional support to go on, she said. The state government plans to open a centre of the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences & Research in Hubballi next year, said Medical Education Minister Dr Sharanprakash Patil. He was speaking after inaugurating IACTSCON 2017, a conference of Indian Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons (IACTS), he said that at present, there are centres of Jayadeva Institute in Mysuru and Kalaburagi. Dr Patil said the government intends to have one centre in each divisional headquarters. He and cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr Vivek Jawali, stressed that measures need to be taken to encourage doctors to pursue cardiothoracic surgery. Dr Patil said that seats in eminent colleges in Karnataka are vacant and about 60% to 70% of seats in the country are lying vacant. One has to be really passionate because it is a long struggle. After MBBS, you have to do your MS and then MCh (super speciality degree). Even after MCh, you have to work under a senior for 10 years before you start to earn. Students are dissuaded from taking up this option because of this, Dr Jawali said. He said that if the concern is not addressed, the country will not have skilled cardiothoracic surgeons in the future. Dr Jawali is a member of an expert committee constituted by the Medical Council of India (MCI) to look into issues with growth of superspecialities. A suggestion he has proposed is to allow direct entry to MCh after MBBS. Another proposal before the MCI is to formalise the fellowships that doctors often take up to get skills in niche areas such as paediatric cardiothoracic surgeries, he said. Dr Patil said that the state government had appointed a committee to look into how superspeciality doctors could be attracted to work in government hospitals. The committee, which includes director of Jayadeva Institute Dr C N Manjunath, has submitted the report earlier this month and the government would deliberate on it, he said. The minister said that the state government will request the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to increase the number of centres for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), from the present four centres. Krishi Mela, the annual event organised by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru (UAS-B) at Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra (GKVK) has been called off this time because of extreme drought situation prevailing across the state. This is just the second time that the Mela has been put off since its first edition in 1960. The event is usually organised in October or November. According to top sources, the University took the decision to call of the event to avoid any confrontation with farmers in a situation where over 160 taluks have been declared as drought affected. During Krishi Mela, farmers from across the state are given demonstrations on growing crops and irrigation methods. Farmers are also provided information on new scientific techniques. This year, with severe rainfall defecit, the UAS-B has not had enough water to even cultivate crops on small patches of land on its campus to display them to farmers. The sprawling campus of the UAS-B, which would otherwise have patches of lush green crops, is now a barren land. Plots that gave a welcome sight with sunflowers in full bloom a year ago were lying vacant when DH visited the premises. What would we possibly show the farmers? On a few plots in the varsity, even as we sowed seeds, they died at sapling stage due to severe shortage of water. On many other plots, the seeds were not even sowed, said a senior professor of UAS-B. Of the 1,650 acres on GKVK campus, 100 acres are set aside for demonstration. The whole 100 acres are empty now. This year also, there is uncertainity about Krishi Mela as there are no standard prediction parameters for rain, said the professor. While in north Karnataka, crops are relatively better, south Karnataka is witnessing the worst-ever situation, according to experts. South Karnataka is predominantly dependent on borewell irrigation while north Karnataka depends on rains and water stored in reservoirs. Krishi Mela, however, took place in Shivamogga, Raichur, Dharwad as they had better rainfall. The four-day event here would see a footfall of over 20 lakh farmers, according to Dr Jagadeshwara, director (Extention), UAS-B. He said that this time, a one-day event was held which saw the participation of only those farmers who were given the annual awards. The varsity did not want to be embarrassed. Anticipating chaos, if the event was conducted, it was cancelled, said a source. Last time, the event was cancelled in 2012 as excess rain had destroyed the crops. It was a combination of unscientific road dividers without reflectors and poorly lit Bengaluru-Mysuru highway that snuffed out the lives of Mysuru Lokayukta SP Ravi Kumar and his driver Kiran Kumar in the car-tipper accident on Wednesday night. Had the divider been built scientifically with standard dimensions, the 10-wheeled tipper truck would not have climbed it. Since the trucks wheels are large, they can easily go over a divider that is barely six inches high and end up on the other side of the road, said a policeman requesting anonymity. In July 2016, BBMPs BJP corporator Mahesh Babu was killed in a similar fashion on the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway when a vehicle coming from the opposite direction jumped the median and hit his car. On a highway like Bengaluru-Mysuru road, where heavy vehicles ply in large numbers, low medians should be replaced with Concrete Traffic Barriers (CTB) at least near curves, says Vivek Menon, a road expert. CTBs, which are 1.2 metres high, are interlocked and deflect the vehicle back into its lane and prevent even trucks from crossing over to the other side, he added. The Bengaluru-Mysuru highway does not meet safety guidelines, especially for night driving like reflectors and reflective paint for dividers, say experts. Every stretch of the highway should have the right geometry and meet capacity requirements. This is the responsibility of the engineers who designed and stamped the drawing, experts say. In the accident, where the senior police officer was killed for no fault of his, the road engineer also should be held culpable, and not just the truck driver, said Menon. Initially, according to one version, it was the SPs official car that lost control and collided head-on with the truck, but investigating officials confirmed it was otherwise. The truck coming from Bidadi towards Bengaluru lost control near Ramohalli cross, crossed the divider and collided with the SPs car and an autorickshaw moving in the opposite direction, killing Ravi Kumar and his driver Kiran Kumar. The auto driver, whose leg was fractured, is undergoing treatment at Rajarajeshwari Hospital, said a senior police officer. No VIPs at SPs funeral Meanwhile, Ravi Kumars body was taken to his village in Sasalu in Doddaballapur taluk after postmortem at Rajarajeshwari Hospital and was laid to rest on Thursday. Relatives protested saying that since the officer came from an poor background, no VIPs attended the funeral though he was the Lokayukta SP. The Transport department will make it mandatory that all buses, both government and private, should be equipped with fire extinguishers. The decision follows a KSRTC bus catching fire near Nelamangala in Bengaluru Rural district recently which claimed the life of a woman passenger. We have been repeatedly stating that all operators should ensure that buses are equipped with fire safety measures. This time we will make it mandatory. I will speak to the transport commissioner in this regard, Transport Minister R Ramalinga Reddy told reporters in Bengaluru on Thursday. Reddy said his department will soon invite tenders to buy fire extinguishers for its fleet of 24,000 buses with four state-run transport corporations. He said a notification will be issued soon and the department will keep a tab on private operators to ensure that they follow fire safety norms. Regarding the fire incident in KSRTC bus, the minister said there is a suspicion that the fire originated in a bag containing pooja items including camphor, coconuts and oil. The bag along with other materials recovered at the fire site has been sent to the forensic science laboratory and a report is likely to be submitted within a week. He said there was no technical or mechanical fault in the bus as the fuel tank, tyres, battery and engine were found intact. Besides, there was no short circuit in the bus. However, a clear picture will emerge after the completion of the forensic examination. Reddy said passengers are prohibited from carrying inflammable materials inside buses. Random check of luggage of passengers will be carried out by conductors to ensure that the rule is followed, he added. New buses Present fleet of buses with Road Transport Corporations (RTCs): 24,000 Total buses to be added to BMTC by March end: 1500 regular and 150 Volvo Total buses to be added to three other RTCs by June end: 3,850 Existing buses to be scrapped: around 2,000 Proposal for purchase of buses next year: 1,500 vehicles Proposal for hiring private buses next year: 1,500 vehicles Three armymen and a woman were killed, while five soldiers, including two officers, were injured after militants ambushed a patrol party in south Kashmirs Shopian district in the early hours on Thursday. A police spokesperson said the armys 44 Rashtriya Rifles and police carried out a search and cordon operation at Kungnoo in Shopian, 62 km from here. The operation concluded without any arrest or recovery, the spokesman said. While returning from Kungnoo, militants attacked the army party at Mulu in Chitragam at 2 am. Eight army personnel, including two officers, were injured in the incident. Three of them succumbed to their injuries. The spokesperson said an elderly woman, identified as Taja, was hit by a stray bullet inside her house. She later succumbed to injuries. The injured soldiers have been flown to the armys 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar. The slain army personnel have been identified as Sreejit M J, Vikas Kumar and Ghulam Muhammad Rather, while the injured include Lt Col Mukesh Jha, Major Amardeep Singh, Surendra Kumar, Sumer Singh and Ajay Pal. Sources said the attackers escaped from the encounter site taking advantage of the dark. It was a well-planned ambush by the militants and a source trap cant be ruled out, a source said. While the army had gone to hunt militants in a remote village after they received information from a source, nothing was found in the area. However, on their return, the search party was ambushed, which indicates militants had prepared in advance, the source added. On Thursday, when the Bengaluru Rural police arrested a gang for house break-ins, they were in for a surprise. It turned out its members had murdered Parvez Hamilton Khokar (70), former chief test pilot and director of the Tejas light combat aircraft project. The gang had committed several robberies, burglaries and dacoities on the outskirts of the city, but the police had no clue they were involved in the sensational murder. On November 24, 2014, five of the 12 arrested had smothered Khokar to death while attempting to burgle his villa at Estate Club Smilee Green Plantation, a gated colony near Hebbagodi. Khokar, a retired air commodore with the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment, had also been a member of an IAF squadron during the 1971 Pakistan war. The arrested are R Srinivas (21), M Girish (33), V Subramani (32), N Nagaraj (28), S M Suresh (38), V Manjunath (24), N Subramani (29), N Thimmaraju (22), N Babu (26), M Babu (26) and M Ravindra (30), all residents of Anekal taluk; and N Satyanarayana (28), a resident of Madiwala. Police identified the ones involved in the Khokar case as Srinivas, Girish, Subramani, Nagaraj and Satyanarayana. What happened that night Amit Singh, Superintendent of Police, Bengaluru Rural, said, Their modus operandi was to conduct a recce and strike. That is what they did in the Khokar case. Around midnight, the gang went in a car and parked behind the colony. Satyanarayana stayed in the vehicle, while Nagaraj stealthily stood guard outside, Singh said. Srinivas, Girish and Subramani scaled the wall and tried entering the house through the main door, but couldnt. They went to the terrace, broke open the door and went in. They rummaged two rooms on the first floor and then went to the ground floor. Khokar woke up and walked out to find three men. He took them on, but they overpowered him. The gang then gagged Khokar and choked him to death. They heard the security guard blow his whistle. The killers assumed it was the police. They ran, leaving behind the Rs 20,000 they had stolen. Too scared to open the front door, they broke open the kitchen door and escaped, the officer said. The BJP has made surprising and significant gains in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur and Nashik. The Shiv Sena has, however, managed to save its bastion of Thane, where it jumped into electoral politics in 1967. At the time of going to the press, the counting process and compilation by the state Election Commission was underway. The other corporations that went to polls were Mumbai, Thane, Ulhasnagar, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur. As per the latest reports, in Thane, the Shiv Sena won 66 of the 131 seats followed by the NCP (31), BJP (21), Congress (3) and others (4). In Pune (148 seats) and the neighbouring industrial and IT township of Pimpri-Chinchwad (128 seats), the BJP emerged victorious by defeating the NCP in the stronghold of its supremo Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit Pawar. The BJP won the Pune Municipal Corporation with 89 seats, while the NCP, which held power for over a decade, won 44. The Shiv Sena bagged 10 seats, followed by the Congress (16) and MNS (6). In Pimpri-Chinchwad, the BJP surged with 58 seats, while the ruling NCP won 29 seats in the 128-member house. In Ulhasnagar, the BJP grabbed 32 and the Shiv Sena won 25 of the total 78 seats. The NCP bagged four, Congress 1 and independents and others won 16. The BJP seat in Nagpur remained with the saffron party as it bagged 91 of the 151 seats while the Congress won 23. The NCP bagged one seat at the time of filing this report. Nagpur happens to be the home town of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari. The RSS headquarters is also located here. In Nashik, the BJP took control of the civic body by winning 67 seats out of the 112, the Shiv Sena won 35 while the ruling MNS got just three seats. The Congress and NCP fared better with six and five seats respectively. The BJP was faring well in Amravati with wins in 44 out of the 87 seats followed by the Congress in 12 seats and Shiv Sena in seven. In Solapur Municipal Corporation, a traditional Congress bastion from where veteran leader Sushilkumar Shinde hails, the BJP appeared in a commanding position with leads in 25 out of 102 seats,followed by the Shiv Sena (10) and the Congress in six seats at the time of going to press. In Akola, the BJP was leading in 20 out of the 80 seats, the Congress in 10 and the MNS in 5, while the others bagged 10 seats. The Shiv Sena and BJP are quite a distance away from the magic figure of 114 in the 227-ward Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the biggest civic body of Asia, which was handed out a fractured mandate on Thursday. However, with the Shiv Sena at 84 and the BJP at 82, it has thrown open multiple possibilities and permutations and combinations. For the Shiv Sena, it is going to be the call of its president Uddhav Thackeray, while Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis the architect of the BJPs landslide victory in the civic elections may have to consult Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah. According to The Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act Mayor means the Mayor of the Corporation elected by the elected councillors from amongst themselves under section 37IB. Hence, the fate of the new mayor depends entirely on the new corporators. However, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) rules clearly specify that any party candidate who secures the maximum votes from the electorate (comprising councillors, local MPs, MLAs and MLCs) is eligible to become the mayor. The peoples mandate is clear... both the parties need to come together... that is more logical and practical, according to veteran journalist and political analyst Prakash Akolkar, who was the first to write the biography of the Shiv Sena. To reach the figure of 114, the Shiv Sena needs 30 more seats while the BJP needs 32. This has made the situation critical... such a block is with the Congress that has won 31 seats, a senior politician said, adding that the Congress is ideologically different from the BJP and the Shiv Sena. There is no question of the Congress supporting the BJP, but there is a chance of the Congress indirectly supporting the Sena to prevent BJP grabbing the mayors seat," said a political analyst. As far as the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena is concerned, it has won 7 seats, but which side Raj Thackeray would go is anybodys guess. Before the polls, Raj had dialled Uddhav seven times looking for a possible tie-up, but the latter did not pick the call... on the other hand the one-time admirer of Modi for the Gujarat model has become one of his harshest critics, a political observer said. The MNS and the NCP (9 seats) together form a bloc of 16 and that is way short.Among the 14 others include three from Hyderabad-based Owaisi-brothers Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) and they are unlikely to support either the BJP or the Shiv Sena. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday lived up to the BJPs poster boy image as the party managed to put up a neck-and-neck fight with ally Shiv Sena in Mumbai. With favourable results in his maiden electoral test, Fadnavis has strengthened his position in the party in Maharashtra. The chief minister attributed the victory to BJPs transparent politics and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BJP national president Amit Shah congratulated Fadnavis on the unprecedented success. The BJP is now set to nail Shiva Senas acerbic campaign against its government in the state and the Centre. The party leaders said their decision to go it alone proved right and the result will strengthen their political call to charter an independent course to contain a recalcitrant ally in Maharastra. Though state BJP leaders said that the Sena and BJP will share power in BMC, the central leadership hinted that it will flaunt its new-found strength to humble the coalition partner even if it joins hands at the civic level as it did after the Assembly polls. Because we live in the West, conflicts and squabbles over land owned by the federal government and the state are inevitable, and the last few years have offered a bountiful crop of controversy. Consider some of these recent headlines: Last week, the Association of O&C Counties sued the federal government to overturn a proclamation from the last days of the Obama administration that expanded the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. The lawsuit claims that President Barack Obama did not have the authority to include roughly 48,000 acres of designated timberland in the expansion, which affected land in Klamath and Jackson counties in Oregon. The timberland is part of the so-called O&C lands, a fact which adds an interesting wrinkle to the case. As you will recall, these are lands that originally were given by the federal government to the Oregon & California Railroad. The land was reconveyed to the U.S. government in 1916 precisely 100 years ago and currently is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Its not much of a stretch to say weve been battling over those lands for most of the last century. In fact, the Association of O&C Counties has another lawsuit against the BLM pending; this one involves a timber management plan that calls for only about a quarter of the logging guidelines established under the 1937 O&C Lands Act. The monument issue is of particular interest locally in part because of a proposal to establish a Douglas fir monument in Linn County. To be fair, though, that proposal was just at its beginning stages, and proponents didnt expect the monument to be declared until the second term of Hillary Clintons presidency, if at all. For obvious reasons, the Douglas fir monument now seems to be dead in the water, at least for the time being. By the way, dont mistake the Association of O & C Counties with the statewide Association of Oregon Counties; only the 18 counties in Oregon that include some of the O&C land are eligible to join the association. Of the 18 eligible counties, 17 are members of the association. Linn County, as you might imagine, is a member. (In fact, the timber lawsuit against the BLM bears some clear similarities to Linn Countys suit against the Oregon Department of Forestry.) Can you guess which county containing O&C lands is not a member of the association? If you guessed Benton County, give yourself a gold star. The simmering tensions over public lands have boiled over into this session of the Legislature, in which Rep. Carl Wilson, a Republican from Grants Pass, has introduced a bill creating a task force to study transferring federal land to state control. (A copy of the bill, House Bill 2365, is attached to the online version of this editorial.) Im not sure if this is a good or a bad idea, or how it would actually work, Wilson said during a hearing on the bill. But I have to believe Oregonians would do a better job of caring for our lands than a federal bureaucracy. Really? Linn County has a lawsuit against the state that begs to differ. Even if the federal government is willing to transfer the lands which seems unlikely Oregon does not have the necessary resources to properly manage the land, especially at a time when it's facing a $1.8 billion shortfall. Were prepared to help Rep. Wilson make the decision here: This is a bad idea. In the meantime, we still long for the day when our publicly owned forests provide good employment for people other than lawyers. (mm) With the UK legal system providing enough safeguards to industrialist Vijay Mallya take advantage of, India may have to wait long to get him extradited. Though India and the UK have a bilateral Extradition Treaty in place since 1993, it is unlikely to help New Delhi in expediting the process. The UK recently made it clear that it would strictly go by its Extradition Act, 2003, while determining if Mallya should be sent back. Just days after New Delhi formally requested London to extradite Mallya to stand trial in loan default and money laundering cases, he was seen at Silverstone in the UK at the launch of a new racing car by his Formula One team Sahara Force India. Media reports quoted Mallya saying that he felt safe in the UK, notwithstanding Indias attempts to extradite him. A source in New Delhi told DH that what Mallya must be relying upon was the complexity of the UKs legal system, which would make it difficult to get him back. Legal process The Extradition Act, 2003, of the UK puts the nations requesting the British government for extradition of fugitives into two categories Category 1 for members of the European Union and Category 2 for India and other nations which has an extradition arrangement with it. A team of British government officials met their counterparts in the Indian government here on Monday and Tuesday and explained the complexities of the UK legal system (see box). Another source said though UK officials agreed to act fast on Indias request to extradite Mallya and 15 other fugitives, they underlined that little could be done to speed up the judicial process. I feel safe in UK On Feb 9, India submitted formal extradition request to International Criminality Unit If home secretary feels request is valid, it will go to designated court If court is satisfied then arrest warrant will be issued After Mallya is arrested, extradition hearing will begin Judge must be satisfied Mallyas offence is considered criminal offence in UK Judge will have to determine that statutory bars do ot apply to this case Judge must also decide if extradition would be disproportionate or would be incompatible with human rights If judge is satisfied, case comes back to home secretary Mallya can then move high court challenging judges decision or submit representation to home secretary If extradition is still ordered, he can move Supreme Court challenging the decision If Mallya does not appeal in a higher court, he will be extradited within 28 days after home secretary decides The city of Del Mar will create 149 new metered parking spaces in the North Beach area, and adjust parking fees and hours, under a plan approved Tuesday, Feb. 21, by the City Council. The plan required approval by the California Coastal Commission. Parking fees charged by the new meters, as well as 243 existing meters, will vary from $1.50 to $3 per hour. The range is the same as the current fee structure for existing meters, according to a city staff report. However, once the new fee structure is in place, visitors will pay a maximum of $15 per day for beach parking. Currently, city officials said, there is no daily maximum, and visitors must pay hourly for their entire stay. The North Beach area, also known as Dog Beach, is across Camino Del Mar from the Del Mar Fairgrounds, and north of the mouth of the San Dieguito Lagoon. The new parking spots will be primarily on the east side of Camino Del Mar, north of the lagoon, and on the south side of Via de la Valle, said Kristen Crane, management services director. Another change is that signs prohibiting parking between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. near North Beach will have to be removed, and parking will be allowed overnight. City Manager Scott Huth said city staff tried to convince the Coastal Commission to allow a prohibition on parking in that area between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., but the panel turned down the request. Huth said cars will be allowed to park overnight to allow beach access, but sleeping or camping in cars parked at North Beach will not be permitted. Mayor Terry Sinnott said the city should challenge the Coastal Commission regarding the overnight parking issue, but other members of the council wanted to approve the overall parking plan. The council voted 4-1 to approve the plan, with Sinnott opposed, on Tuesday. One reason to move forward, said council members, is to resolve potential parking signage and permit violations by the city. According to a city staff report, Coastal Commission officials felt that Del Mar had expired permits and sign violations, and the new parking plan will resolve those issues. I think its important to be in strict compliance with the Coastal Act, said Councilman Dwight Worden. Councilman Dave Druker also was concerned about allowing overnight parking near North Beach. We have to monitor this closely and get back to the Coastal Commission immediately if we have problems, he said. Other areas of the city will continue to have parking prohibited between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., according to the staff report. Overnight parking will be allowed on Coast Boulevard from 15th to 17th streets, as well as North Beach. Druker also questioned the $15 a day limit on parking fees. Its antithetical to why we have parking meters, to have turnover, Druker said. Responding to questions by council members, city staff said they are looking into ways to reset the parking meters if someone leaves the space, so that a newly arrived visitor would have to pay parking fees. One official told the council that parking officers could reset the meters if they observe that a car has left a space with time remaining on the meter. The staff report estimated that the revenue from the new parking spaces and other fee changes will total more than $100,000 per year. Under the agreement with the Coastal Commission, the money will be designated to pay for existing services and maintenance at the beach, along with new coastal projects. The permit will last for five years, and the city will then have to reapply. In addition, the city will have to monitor its parking program, to demonstrate to the Coastal Commission that there were no impacts on visitor access to the beach, said the staff report. A Coastal Commission staff report included with the citys agenda materials contained a chart comparing parking fees charged at a number of beaches in the region. Fletcher Cove, La Jolla Shores and Newport Beach had no parking fees, while San Clemente State Beach charges $2 per hour and a maximum of $15 per day during peak season. Corona Del Mar State Beach charges up to $4 per hour and $15 a day during peak season. According to its website, parking fees at Torrey Pines State Beach, just south of Del Mar, range from $3 per day on Monday through Thursday in the winter, to $6 for one hour on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, with a maximum daily fee of $15. Construction will soon begin on SDG&Es new Sycamore-Penasquitos 230 kV transmission line, which runs from the Sycamore Canyon substation in Miramar to the Penasquitos substation in Torrey Hills. The purpose of the project is to improve reliability, deliver imported energy more efficiently to the San Diego coastal areas and integrate more renewable energy into SDG&Es system, helping to meet the state policy goals following the early retirement of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. The work is expected to be complete by June 2018. The new transmission line runs 11.5 miles underground and three miles above ground, coming from the south through Mira Mesa. This route for the project was considered the environmentally superior alternative and was approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in October last year it includes undergrounding of the line from Pomerado Road to Miramar, avoiding Carmel Valleys neighborhood 10. The northern route for the Sycamore-Penasquitos line was long-discussed as the preferred alternative for this project, coming to Torrey Hills from the east through Carmel Valley. The Carmel Valley Community Planning Board sent a letter of opposition to the CPUC due to the negative impacts the new power lines would have on homes in Carmel Valley and in the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve. The northern route included removing the wood frame structures in the canyon and replacing them with 17 new, 79-foot-tall tubular steel poles. In a somewhat surprising move in October 2016, the CPUC approved the more costly but environmentally superior southern route, coming to Torrey Hills from the south from an underground portion from Miramar, avoiding Carmel Valleys Neighborhood 10. In an email, Torrey Hills resident Rick Ferlito expressed concerns that he and his Torrey Hills neighbors were not notified about the change in the plans and did not receive information about the alternate southern route prior to the October decision. Jeff Powers, a representative for SDG&E, said that residents and the Torrey Hills Community Planning Board received at least a half dozen notices in the mail, beginning in August 2014. He said SDG&E also held several workshops including the most recent one on Feb. 15 in Miramar. SDG&E is committed to working with all affected communities before and during construction. We have and will continue to coordinate with local residents, businesses, schools, planning and civic groups and other stakeholders to reduce the impacts as much as possible, Powers said. As it relates specifically to our outreach with area residents, its important to remember that SDG&E has a representative that sits on the Torrey Hills Community Planning Board so anytime there is an issue that needs to be addressed, we are quick to address any concerns. Ferlito also voiced concerns about the aesthetics and safety of the new lines in Torrey Hills. The present high voltage lines in Torrey Hills are unsightly and extremely noisy during nights of high humidity. They also may present a problem in a large earthquake, Ferlito said. Adding additional lines to the existing towers will compound the problems. Powers said there are no new towers in the area as a part of the project and Rich Quasarano, the SDG&E representative on the Torrey Hills planning board, said that the project will simply add wires, known as a bundled conductor, to the existing lattice structure in Torrey Hills. I dont think visually youll even notice, he said. Ferlito had made a request that SDG&E consider undergrounding the Torrey Hills portion just as the Miramar portion will be he didnt believe it made sense that the business district area would be undergrounded but residential areas would not be. Powers said that as part of the CPUC review it was determined that additional undergrounding of the line in this area would result in significant impacts to the environment. The Torrey Hills Community Planning Board was additionally asked to consider supporting Ferlitos request to underground the Torrey Hills portion. As Ferlito was not present at the Feb. 21 planning board meeting, Chair Kathryn Burton pulled the item from the agenda board members said that undergrounding was unlikely at this state of the project due to the cost and impact. The alternative route is going to impact fewer people in a negative way, Burton said. Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be regulated. Judicial decrees may not change the heart, but they can restrain the heartless. A right delayed is a right denied.Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man's sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true. Martin Luther King Jr. No one is born hating another person People must learn to hate and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. Nelson Mandela We can disagree and still love each other, unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist James Baldwin There is a fine line between free speech and hate speech. Free speech encourages debate whereas hate speech incites violence. Newton Lee The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything. Albert Einstein 5 Things That You Need To Know About Vishal Bhardwaj's Rangoon Wondering What Your Favourite Bigg Boss 10 Contestants Are Doing Now? Nearly 800,000 will be invested into researching why a rare form of type 1 diabetes develops in babies. Dr Richard Oram, from the Exeter University Medical School, has been given the money as part of Diabetes UKs Harry Keen Fellowship Award. The grant, which was set up in honour of the late diabetes researcher Professor Harry Kee, will be used to investigate further why the immune system stops working in some children under the age of 12 months. Dr Oram said: I am extremely honoured to receive the highly prestigious Harry Keen Fellowship Award on behalf of all the team at the University of Exeter Medical School. Were very much looking forward to getting this important study underway. A previous study by the university showed that despite doctors believing that babies under six months could not develop type 1 diabetes, it was possible. The research team discovered a very rare group of children with the condition. Dr Oram and colleagues will now look at why the immune system behaves so abnormally among these babies, and when these changes begin to happen. The researchers hope that this understanding could improve treatment plans this early in life, which might need to be different from treatment among those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a later stage. Moreover, this knowledge could help researchers find ways of preventing type 1 diabetes from progressing within both children and adults. Dr Elizabeth Robertso, director of research at Diabetes UK, said: Dr Orams research into why type 1 diabetes develops in babies is key to knowing more about diabetes and how we can fight it. By funding critical research like this, were aiming for a world where diabetes can do no harm, and preventing yet more people developing this potentially life-threatening condition. This award highlights our commitment to investing in the future leaders of diabetes research. In November of 2016 we announced the Intel Software Student Developer Program, created to work collaboratively with students at innovative schools and universities doing great work in the Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence space. As part of this program we also announced the Intel Student Ambassador Program for AI, an exciting new program for University students to engage with Intel around their work in Machine Learning, Deep Learning and Artificial Intelligence. What is the Student Ambassador program? The Student Ambassador Program is a developer affinity program, designed to assist student experts in telling their story and share their expertise with other student data scientists and developers. Intel is working with universities across the globe to introduce this program. Those students invited into the program as Student Ambassadors are provided technical support, resources, and marketing to advance their own work through Intel software, tools, and hardware. This program is primarily targeted toward graduate students, however, undergrads and PhD students can apply should they have the combined education, skill and time to fulfill program requirements (note: this program does not provide a college internship with Intel, nor does it provide placement for employment with Intel). What are the benefits of the Student Ambassador program? The Student Ambassador Program offers many benefits for the select students who are invited into the program. These benefits include: Formal association with Intel Corporation via branded swag and the Student Ambassador title Free software, tools and libraries from Intel Direct access to their own instance on the Intel Xeon Phi powered AI cluster, to power the development and training of deep learning models Access to early disclosure information (under NDA) during monthly meetings with Intel Direct access to Intel engineers and resources to support their work and adoption and integration of Intel Architecture Sponsored travel to support speakerships and/or training by or for the Student Ambassador Sponsored funds to assist in hosting, training and speaking sessions at their campus to promote their work What are the expectations for Student Ambassadors? Student Ambassadors will continue in their role as long as the Student is able to and desires to continue as a Student Ambassador or upon their graduation, whichever comes first. During their time as a Student Ambassador each is expected to complete the following: Online posting of 2 technical articles to Intel's Developer website (software.intel.com) Creation of an online profile and posting of at least 1 project to Intel's Developer Mesh website (devmesh.intel.com) Host speaker of 1 or more Ambassador Labs, providing training about their work to a total of 125 students or more I'm interested. How do I get involved? For students or faculty interested in the Student Ambassador Program, there are multiple ways to engage with Intel and get involved: Universities can invite Intel to come on campus for a half-day workshop to discuss the program and provide initial training on deep learning and artificial intelligence technologies supporting Intel architecture. Visit this site and or contact Niven Singh for more information on setting up a workshop. For students directly interested in the Student Ambassador program we invite students to tell us a bit more about their work by posting information about their studies and or research to the Student Group on the Intel Developer Mesh website. Posting to this site helps Intel get a glimpse into the student work and helps demonstrates the students willingness and aptitude for sharing their experience with the community. After posting a project to Developer Mesh, students can complete and submit an online candidate form. How will Intel support the other students, not eligible or able to be a Student Ambassador? Intel is also able to support and sponsor student clubs at universities. With this program Intel is able to provide sponsorship funds to select university clubs. Sponsorship funds help support a club's cost for meetings and gatherings, in exchange for the club discussing and sharing information about Intel support of Artificial Intelligence. Select clubs will be provided with an AI training kit, including content and documentation to share and discuss during their meetings and gatherings. Select university clubs will be prioritized for guest speakerships by Intel or associated partners as resources are available. Those interested in being evaluated as a an Intel Student Program University Club can submit information for candidacy here. Intel is excited about the opportunity to work and engage directly with students who are shaping and advancing new work and use cases for Artificial Intelligence via campus workshops, Student Ambassadors, and University Clubs. Our aim is to provide students and developers the resources and opportunity to have a voice and influence in driving AI forward. For more such intel Machine Learning and tools from Intel, please visit the Intel Machine Learning Code Source: https://software.intel.com/en-us/blogs/2017/02/08/about-the-intel-student-ambassador-program-for-ai To most, including us here at the Digit office, Hyperloop seems to be a far fetched dream for India. However, Elon Musks brainchild, and the company behind it dont think so. Hyperloop One has been showing interest in India for a while now, and it may be finally time for us to learn more. The company just sent out an invite, promising to share its Vision for India, on February 28, just under a week from now. Present at the event will be Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Railways and Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog. They will be accompanied by Shervin Pishevar, Executive Chairman and co-founder of Hyperloop One, along with Rob Lloyd, the current Global CEO and Board Member at Hyperloop One. If you havent heard yet, Hyperloop is a pod-like land-based transportation system that can go faster than an aircraft. Hyperloop One wants to bring it to India, presumably with intimate involvement from the Indian Railways, given Prabhus presence at the event. A Hyperloop pod can travel from Chennai to Bengaluru in just about 30 minutes. Hyperloop Transportation Technologies' Bibop Gresta had earlier suggested building a link between Mumbai and Pune as well. Whats happening now? In May 2016, Hyperloop One had announced a worldwide competition to identify and select places around the world where the first Hyperloop networks can be laid. The company got a total of 35 participants, five of whom made it to the finals. These finalists will now make a presentation in New Delhi, on February 27 and 28. According to reports, Delhi-Mumbai, Bengaluru-Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai-Chennai, Chennai-Bengaluru are some of the corridors that Hyperloop One is looking to connect. There will also be a Port Connector, reports say. If successful, Hyperloops pods should be able to connect all these placed in significantly lesser time than an aircraft. The technology propels pod-shaped vehicles through a near-vacuum tube, allowing it to reach speeds close to 1200 kph. In comparison, a passenger airlines usually travels at about 800-950 kph. Who is Hyperloop One? While the concept of Hyperloop pods comes from Tesla and SpaceX founder, Elon Musk, Musk himself is not involved in the projects. Instead, two companies - Hyperloop One and Hyperloop Transportation Technologies Inc. (HTT), are involved in the development of these pods. Interestingly, both companies are interested in introducing the transportation system to India. Hyperloop One has been building a prototype of its system in the deserts of Nevada, in the United States. The Hyperloop One Global Challenge was meant to find the company partners who would license its technology and build routes in other countries. Hyperloop Ones Nick Earle, Senior VP of Global Field Operations, had earlier come to India to meet possible partners and government officials. When we look at which country could benefit the most from Hyperloop, we look for large ridership population or freight demand, GDP growth, requirement for national productivity, and the engineering and academic prowess to build this locally, Earle had said then. The company evidently finds India to be favourable now. The Nokia MWC event will be livestreamed in 360-degree videos shot on the Nokia OZO camera. Nokia's comeback under HMD Global is set to take shape at the Mobile World Congress on February 26, 2017. Ahead of the event, the company has announced its plans to livestream the event in 360 degree video on YouTube, and in 2D on Facebook. The company is also expected to showcase new connected health devices from Withings at the event. The most interesting announcement is expected to be the reincarnation of the Nokia 3310 feature phone. The company is also rumoured to introduce Nokia 3 and Nokia 5 smartphones along with a global variant of the Nokia 6. The smartphones are likely to launch in Europe first, before reaching other international markets. According to Nokiapoweruser, the press conference will be streamed in VR using the company's OZO 360-degree camera. The OZO is a $45,000 purpose-built professional camera for shooting immersive virtual reality videos. To recall, the Nokia 3 is expected to be the entry-level Android smartphone in HMD Global's lineup. The handset is tipped to feature a 5.2-inch 720p HD display, Snapdragon 425 SoC, 2GB RAM and 16GB storage. It will sport a 13MP main camera and a 5MP selfie camera. The Nokia 3 is tipped to carry a 149 price tag at the time of launch in Europe. On the other hand, the Nokia 5 is reportedly launching with a 5.2-inch 720p display, 2GB RAM and the more recent Snapdragon 430 chipset. The device will likely feature a 12MP rear camera and be priced at 199. Nokia has already introduced its first smartphone, Nokia 6, in collaboration with HMD Global in China. The MWC event will see the company announce products to take on the likes of Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo and Lenovo. The Finnish smartphone maker is also expected to announce India availability of its devices at the event. With the deal, Airtel will get Telenor India's spectrum, licenses, operations and 44 million customers Bharti Airtel, India's largest telecom operator has agreed to acquire Telenor's India operations. The deal will help Airtel expand its footprint by 44 million customers and add 700 new employees in the process. As part of this agreement, Airtel gets Telenor India's spectrum, licenses and operations. The move comes on the back of a speculation that Vodafone and Idea Cellular are formulating a plan to merge their operations. Since the entry of Reliance Jio, the telecom market has turned extremely competitive. The free plans offered by Reliance Jio have been adopted by over 100 million customers, and has forced other operators to cut rates. "We believe todays agreement is in the best interest of our customers, employees and Telenor Group. Finding a long term solution to our India business has been a priority for us, and we are pleased with our agreement with Airtel. The decision to exit India has not been taken lightly," said Sigve Brekke, Chief Executive Officer of Telenor Group. "The agreement underlines our commitment to lead Indias digital revolution by offering world-class and affordable telecom services through a robust spectrum portfolio spread across multiple bands. On completion, the proposed acquisition will undergo seamless integration, both on the customer as well as the network side, and further strengthen our market position considerably in several key circles. The customers of Telenor India will be able to enjoy Indias widest and fastest voice & data network, and a range of Airtels world-class products and services," added Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and CEO (India and South Asia), Bharti Airtel. Telenor India currently operates in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra, UP East and UP West telecom circles. Back in 2012, the company was ordered by the Supreme Court to surrender its licenses in 22 other circles. Since that order, Telenor India could never expand its India operations. Airtel or Telenor India have not yet disclosed the value of this merger but it definitely strengthens the former to take on Reliance Jio. The company has been competing with Reliance Jio on point of interconnect issue for some time now. Oil and gas explorer Nostra Terra has bought producing assets in the Permian Basin in Texas for 60,000 and has also received $100,000 for the sale of its stake in the Chisholm Trail prospect in Oklahoma. The Permian Basin assets were bought using the companys existing cash resources and the leases include a 75% working interest in nine wells across an additional 200 acres in Mitchell County, and 18 future drilling locations. Currently, two of the nine wells are producing about two barrels of oil per day, five are shut-in and there is one injection well, while a rig is scheduled for the first of these workovers, which is also being funded from existing cash resources. All three leases are held by production, so they have no expiration date and no required work programme and remain in effect so long as the leases remain in production. The AIM-listed company said it has identified further possible acquisition targets in the same area. As a result of this acquisition and its previous acquisition of a 57% to 68% working interest in four wells across 50 acres in Mitchell County, Nostra Terra now has the potential to materially increase potential production in the region and as operator of the licences Nostra Terra is in control of the pace and timing of development. The company has also received $100,000 held in escrow related to the sale of its interest in the Chisholm Trail prospect, which it sold due to the 20 fold increase in acreage costs since the acquisition of the interest. Chief executive Matt Lofgran said: "We now have a robust pipeline of potential opportunities and are poised to continue growing. Our acquisition targets range from prospects the size of today's acquisition to significantly larger ones. Shares in Nostra Terra were up 7.33% to 2.41% to 0915 GMT. Analysts at Credit Suisse bumped up their recommendation on shares of Hays , hailing the firms growth prospects, cash generation ability and the likelihood of a prolonged period of special dividends. The brokers Andy Grobler marked up his estimates for the global specialist recruitment group's earnings per share for 2017 and 2018 by 5.0% and 8.0%, respectively. Hays international operations would grow at a 9% compound rate over each of the next three years, he said, with organic earnings before interest and taxes ahead by 12% for each year. However, whereas Hays had projected that profits in Germany would double over the next five years, Credit Suisse was expecting growth of just 70%. Grobler upgraded his recommendation the shares from 'Neutral' to 'Outperform' and his target price from 160.0p to 170.0p. In Australia, the analyst said Hays was benefitting from its relationship with SEEK, providing a differentiated offering. As regards dividends, London-based Hays was projected to have 48m of net cash sitting on its balance sheet by December 2017 and to begin returning excess cash, via special dividends, at the end of this fiscal year. A focus on temp and consultancy, which accounted for 59.0% of group profit in the first half of 2017, provided a more stable cash profile than permanent recruitment. This, Grobler said, should "support a prolonged period of special dividends, even if end markets slow." Among the risks to watch out for the Swiss broker included technological disintermediation in its permanent recruitment operations. Britains second dedicated high-speed railway line sped ever closer to construction on Thursday, with the bill giving HS2 the go-ahead receiving Royal Assent. The Department for Transport said construction would now begin on schedule in the spring. Alongside assent, Thursday saw the launch of schemes totalling 70m for communities along the route between Birmingham and London. Getting the go-ahead to start building HS2 is a massive boost to the UKs future economic prosperity and a further clear signal that Britain is open for business, said Transport Secretary Chris Grayling. HS2 will be the worlds most advanced passenger railway and the backbone of our rail network. Royal Assent is a major step towards significantly increasing capacity on our congested railways for both passengers and freight; improving connections between the biggest cities and regions; generating jobs, skills and economic growth and helping build an economy that works for all. According to the Government, HS2 would create around 25,000 jobs during construction as well as 2,000 apprenticeships. It would also support growth in the wider economy, reportedly worth an additional 100,000 jobs. This journey will see businesses right along the route benefit from greater access to the skills, markets and professional services they need to succeed in todays global market, said HS2 chairman Chris Higgins. It will directly create some 25,000 jobs as well as forcing the pace of innovation in the construction industry. Throughout this process HS2 remains committed to mitigating the environmental impacts whilst continuing to engage with each individual community which is making sacrifices to enable a 21st century railway network to be built in Britain. The High Speed Rail (London West Midlands) hybrid Bill received significant support from MPs, who voted 399 to 42 in favour in the House of Commons. In the Lords, the figures were 386 to 26 in support of the Bill passing. The government also introduced a comprehensive package of compensation and assistance for those directly affected by HS2. They included the Homeowner Payment (HOP) scheme, available to property owners in rural areas who live between 120 and 300 metres from the HS2 line wherever it is not in a deep tunnel. Eligible property owners would be able apply for 7,500, 15,000 or 22,500, depending on how close they live to the proposed line. Two other funds, worth 40m, were also opened for bids - the Community and Environment Fund (CEF) and the Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF). The CEF was intended to help enhance community facilities, improve access to the countryside and conserve the natural environment, while the BLEF would support local economies in areas where businesses may experience disruption from the construction of HS2. Both funds were to be allocated at a regional level, with 15m for the central area of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Buckinghamshire Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire, 7.5m for Greater London and 7.5m for the West Midlands, including Birmingham, Solihull and Coventry. The remaining 10m would fund cross-border or route wide projects. A further 30m road safety fund was also confirmed, to go towards local road safety schemes in areas not currently accustomed to construction traffic. The Department for Transport said that would help provide a legacy of improvements for areas adversely affected by Phase One traffic. Superfast 5G mobile services, with speeds rivalling those of fully-fledged fibre optic connections, were one step closer on Thursday, with a landmark agreement announced between two of the worlds leading mobile industry bodies. The Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), which represents infrastructure and technology providers, and the GSM Association (GSMA), which represents network operators, announced an agreement to share and collaborate on spectrum management issues with particular reference to the allocation, harmonisation and market availability of new bands. In a joint statement, the pair said that in run up to the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference in 2019 (WRC-19), the partnership would be key, as it would help ensure a coherent and consistent approach in support of new spectrum allocations for mobile broadband networks based on IMT technology. The cooperation would also include addressing already-identified spectrum, which must be assigned to meet current and future demand for mobile broadband services. Following a successful joint 5G workshop at ITU Telecom World 2016 in Thailand, a memorandum of understanding (MoU), solidifying the agreement, was signed at a meeting between the GSA and the GSMA in London. Both GSA and the GSMA share a common interest in promoting advanced mobile services, said GSA president Joe Barrett. Our collaboration and combined messaging on spectrum allocation will support the global deployment of 5G to meet industry expectations of extended coverage and gigabit data rates. GSMA chief regulatory officer John Giusti said his organisation was very pleased to be working with the GSA to champion access to high-speed, high-quality 5G mobile services through the allocation of future spectrum. It is through close collaboration that we can raise awareness of the need to connect more and more consumers and businesses. The MoU would reportedly employ a multi-faceted approach to prioritise sharing studies in support of frequency bands for future 5G deployments. In addition, the two organisations would jointly identify and support key countries to facilitate the timely availability of already-allocated spectrum, carrying out in-country studies and technical analysis as required. Malaysia has been accused by North Korea of behaving in a "sinister" way after opening an investigation into the assassination of leader Kim Jong-un's brother, Kim Jong-nam . South Korea claimed that agents sanctioned by Pyongyang were involved in the murder Jong-nam, who was attacked in Kuala Lumpur Airport last week. The state-run news agency KCNA reported that Malaysia had broken international law by withholding the body from North Korean authorities. "This proves that the Malaysian side is going to politicise the transfer of the body in utter disregard of international law and morality and thus attain a sinister purpose," it said. "The biggest responsibility for his death rests with the government of Malaysia," KCNA added. Kim Jong-un's half brother had been considered to succeed Kim Jong-il, the previous leader of the 'hermit Kingdom', but was allegedly ruled out for expressing sentiments relating to the liberalisation of the country. Police in Malaysia have identified as many as eight North Korean citizens who were in the country at the time that they want to question, four of which are thought to have fled the region. Diplomatic relations between Malaysia and North Korea have worsened in the last week following the death of Jong-nam, with the former's investigators demanding permission to question a senior diplomat from the latter. The KCNA report suggested that Malaysia and South Korea had worked together in order to accelerate a campaign against north Korea. "What merits more serious attention is the fact that the unjust acts of the Malaysian side are timed to coincide with the anti-DPRK conspiratorial racket launched by the South Korean authorities," KCNA said. Stats reveal 12,000 more east Europeans left after Brexit vote Net migration to the UK fell by 49,000 to 273,000 in the year to September, official figures revealed on Thursday the first to show the impact of the Brexit vote. The fall is the first time net migration has dropped below 300,000 in two years, the Office for National Statistics said. It is still well short of Prime Minister Theresa May's target of 100,000. The ONS said immigration to the UK was estimated to be 596,000 - comprising 268,000 EU citizens, 257,000 non-EU citizens and 71,000 British citizens. The figure included the highest level ever recorded of citizens from Romania and Bulgaria known as the EU2 countries with 74,000 arriving, an increase of 19,000. This was partially offset by a decrease for EU8 countries (Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania), down 10,000 to 58,000. Around 323,000 people left the UK during the period, up by 26,000 on the 12 months to September 2015. This included a significant increase in eastern Europeans from the EU8 in the wake of the Brexit vote, the ONS said. The increase in emigration includes statistically significant increases for EU8 citizens, up 12,000 to 39,000, and non-EU citizens from the group Africa, the Americas and Oceania, up 11,000 to 39,000, the ONS said. More British citizens left the country than foreign nationals - 128,000, compared with 103,000 EU citizens leaving the UK and 93,000 non-EU citizens. Nicola White, Head of International Migration Statistics, said: Although net migration in the year to September 2016 has not seen a statistically significant change, we have seen a statistically significant decrease in net migration among EU8 citizens and non-EU citizens from the group Africa, the Americas and Oceania. This is the first release to contain long-term international migration estimates including three months of data following the EU referendum. Although we have seen a fall in net migration of EU8 citizens there have been continued increases in immigration from Romania and Bulgaria, so it is too early to say what effect the referendum result has had on long-term international migration, she said. There has been a statistically significant decrease in non-EU long-term students immigrating to the UK while a small increase was seen in the number of study visas issued. It is too early to tell if this is an indication of a long-term trend. London's FTSE 100 was up 0.1% to 7,306.28 in afternoon as investors digested a slew of corporate releases and the latest retail sales figures from the CBI. Shopping centre owner Intu Properties rallied after it said full-year underlying earnings rose 7% for 2016 to 200m, primarily due to a 3.6% growth in like-for-like net rental income, which was in line with guidance. RSA Insurance was a high riser after posting a 25% jump in full-year operating profits to 655m as it lifted its annualised cost savings target for the third time to more than 400m from 350m. Glencore rose after it said 2016 core profit increased 18% thanks to a rebound in raw material prices. Paper manufacturer Mondi advanced as it posted a 6% rise in pre-tax profits to 843m (715m) despite revenues falling by 2% to 6.6bn (5.5bn). On the downside, EasyJet, Rio Tinto and HSBC lost ground as their stock went ex-dividend. Centrica was in the red despite posting a 4% rise in annual adjusted profit. Barclays was under pressure, reversing earlier gains after it reported fourth-quarter results shy of consensus and cut its dividend, as expected, but said it would complete its restructuring six months earlier than previously planned GlaxoSmithKline was on the back foot despite posting encouraging results from clinical tests on asthma sufferers of its Relvar Ellipta inhaler treatment, as its stock went ex-dividend. Risers Intu Properties (INTU) 294.60p 6.97% RSA Insurance Group (RSA) 609.50p 5.63% Glencore (GLEN) 344.00p 5.60% Mondi (MNDI) 1,906.00p 3.76% Fresnillo (FRES) 1,556.00p 2.98% Randgold Resources Ltd. (RRS) 7,630.00p 2.62% Old Mutual (OML) 221.10p 2.22% Carnival (CCL) 4,365.00p 1.87% Anglo American (AAL) 1,333.00p 1.83% Provident Financial (PFG) 2,881.00p 1.73% Fallers easyJet (EZJ) 910.50p -6.52% Centrica (CNA) 225.40p -3.55% Rio Tinto (RIO) 3,508.00p -2.77% HSBC Holdings (HSBA) 661.10p -2.74% Barclays (BARC) 229.05p -2.59% Royal Mail (RMG) 408.90p -1.99% GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) 1,627.50p -1.57% Kingfisher (KGF) 321.80p -1.41% Whitbread (WTB) 3,815.00p -1.34% Diageo (DGE) 2,263.00p -1.27% Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Subscriber content preview By JEFF MARTIN Associated Press ATLANTA Self-driving vehicles could begin tooling down a bustling Atlanta street full of cars, buses, bicyclists and college students, as the city vies with other communities nationwide to test the emerging technology. Atlanta would become one of the largest urban areas for testing self-driving vehicles if plans come together for a demonstration as early as September. . . . Subscriber content preview AUBURN, Ky. (AP) Two Amish men from Kentucky who sued the city of Auburn's mayor and police chief over an ordinance requiring horses to wear excrement-catching bags within city limits have voluntarily dismissed their federal lawsuit. The Bowling Green Daily News reports Dan Mast and Emanuel Miller, who are members of Auburn's Swartzentruber Amish community, argued in October court filings that the ordinance violated the community's right to practice its religion. Named as defendants in the lawsuit were the city of Auburn, about 15 miles southwest of Bowling Green, its Mayor Mike Hughes and its Police Chief Larry Jones. . . . Subscriber content preview BOISE, Idaho (AP) An environmental group has filed an appeal seeking to stop the construction of two high-voltage transmission lines in southwestern Idaho. Western Watersheds Project filed the appeal late last week with the U.S. Department of the Interior's Board of Land Appeals concerning the Gateway West project. . . . Endless job growth fuels robust multifamily market Seattles fundamentals are strong, with vacancy rates hovering around 3.5 percent and rents climbing at 7.4 percent. By DAVID YOUNG JLL Young Nonstop job creation and unprecedented single-family home prices are key factors driving Seattles thriving multifamily market. In September 2016, Seattle topped the nation in home price growth with an 11 percent increase over the year prior. Meanwhile, leading tech companies such as Amazon and Google have contributed to the creation of jobs at a rate of roughly 61,000 per year since 2010. This means an increase in the number of renters in Seattle, many of whom are tech employees who can afford higher rental rates in new construction apartment buildings. Seattles evolution from a secondary market to a top tech destination has created remarkably high demand and ensures a bright future for the city, with multifamily development expected to continue. Here are some highlights for Seattle: Investor interest in core locations remains strong Alaska Way Viaduct tunneling 85 percent complete, projected opening 2019 Seattle tops the nation in single-family home price growth for the first time in nine years with 11 percent year over year growth Home values have increased nearly 60 percent since early 2012 $54 billion ST3 plan adds 62 new miles of light rail by 2036 Seattle condominium development starting; 1,012 units under construction with 75 percent in downtown core International investment increasing; $752 million in Seattle/Bellevue since 2011 Fourth fastest growing city in the nation Multifamily experiences record-breaking sales in 2016, with volume exceeding $5 billion for the first time Interest in suburban locations has picked up dramatically as investors look for affordable rental assets Demand The rate of job creation is projected to continue as Seattle establishes itself as a primary market for out-of-state companies seeking lower office rents and proximity to Seattles growing pool of tech talent. Washington was recently voted the third most innovative economy in the country and leads the nation for technology/STEM growth. NerdWallet ranked Seattle as the second-best place for STEM graduates, and it has the highest salaries for software engineers of any city in the nation. The flight to affordability is also leading to increased interest in Seattles suburban markets while higher incomes, especially in the specialized fields of high-tech and bio-tech, allow landlords to raise rental rates when leases renew. However, even as rents in new construction buildings reach record highs in Seattle, they are still perceived as relatively inexpensive compared to other cities such as San Francisco. In San Francisco, the median tech salary is only slightly higher than Seattles: $110,554 versus $108,240. But figure in Californias income tax and the yearly cost of a one-bedroom high-rise apartment $50,400 in San Francisco versus $33,600 in Seattle and Seattle workers have nearly double the disposable income as Bay Area workers. Home values in Seattle increased by nearly 60 percent between early 2012 and 2016, and in 2016 a record-low 1,600 homes went on the market in King County (7,400 homes were listed for sale in 2015), so theres no sign of relief for Seattles single-family housing market in the near future. Supply To answer the demand for rentals, 13,496 units under construction will hit the market this year. And, 10,387 new units hit the market in 2016, which is an impressive increase compared to the average 8,308 units delivered per year between 2012 and 2015 and 3,436 delivered per year between 2007 and 2011. Rent growth continues to surge with a 7.5 percent increase in 2016. In the north end, the 2016 increase was an even higher 9.3 percent, and the south end saw a 10.7 percent increase. In 2016, Seattle was the only city to be both one of the top 10 cities for rent growth and one of the top 10 cities for rental price. Market fundamentals Seattles multifamily fundamentals are strong with vacancy rates hovering around 3.5 percent 0.8 percent lower than the national average and rents climbing higher than the city has ever seen, at 7.4 percent compared to the national average of 3.8 percent. In 2016, Seattle experienced record-breaking apartment sales, with volume exceeding $5 billion for the first time. Also, there has been much more activity in the suburban markets with almost 40 percent of deals selling in Pierce and Snohomish counties. The strength of the Seattle market has extended beyond the downtown core, and now there is high demand for living in the suburban markets, as well as a significant increase in value for the properties trading in these submarkets. Whats to come? With core properties in the gateway markets such as Seattle so richly priced, investors are looking for the next neighborhood or suburb in the path of growth as a key to getting ahead of the market. The expansion of Sound Transit light rail will drive opportunities for development in these suburban markets. Aside from increasing the connectivity of the Puget Sound region, ST3 will drive new development and increase the price of real estate near the new stations. Not only will this add opportunity for suburban development for market-rate apartments, but it will act as a catalyst for further employment growth, office development and suburban migration. David Young is a managing director for the Capital Markets Group with JLL. Based in Seattle, he oversees a range of multifamily investment sales in the Pacific Northwest, and has over 28 years of experience. Other Stories: Transferable development rights: Wheres the incentive? Restrictions on incentives make transferable development rights from the city of Seattle and King County under used. By JOE STOCKTON and LARRY COSTICH Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt Stockton Costich Transferable development rights (TDR) programs in the city of Seattle and King County are great in theory but poor in practice. These programs are intended to incentivize property owners and developers to increase project density while achieving these aspirational goals of local governments: protecting agricultural and forest lands promoting affordable housing preserving landmark structures limiting urban sprawl In practice, however, restrictions on their use and transferability, as well as the cost to purchase TDR, render this worthy tool nearly worthless to developers. In 2017 and beyond, the city of Seattle and King County have the ability to invigorate the TDR market by lifting a few restrictions on use and lowering the price at which they sell these rights. Such reforms could provide the proper incentives for developers to purchase regional development rights, thereby fulfilling the citys and countys aspirational goals. How does TDR work? As the name suggests, TDR programs are market-based tools that allow development rights to be transferred between parcels of land. Those development rights sold from one property the sending site can be purchased to achieve greater density on another property the receiving site. Restrictive covenants or conservation easements are then recorded against the property title of the sending site to reflect the development rights sold. Washingtons Growth Management Act authorizes the use of TDR programs as a tool to achieve the acts goals of preserving natural resource areas and concentrating urban growth. The city of Seattle and King County have each established TDR programs and marketplaces to allow developers to increase project density. Under the citys program, development rights can be transferred from landmarked structures, affordable housing units and open space areas to receiving sites within the same zoning classification. Developers may also exceed the applicable base floor area ratio (FAR) limits for a project by purchasing the unused FAR from other properties within the same block. In 2013, King County and the city of Seattle entered into an interlocal agreement, requiring developers to purchase development credits from agricultural and forest lands in rural King County in exchange for obtaining greater density in South Lake Union and Denny Triangle development projects. As part of this agreement, developers for projects in these receiving sites must purchase regional development credits from the county to achieve 40 percent of their extra residential floor area and 25 percent of extra commercial floor area above the base FAR. So much TDR, so little use Although these TDR programs appear to offer significant public and private benefits, there are surprisingly few TDR transactions each year. City of Seattle data showed only two private intra-city transactions in 2015, while in 2016 there seems to have been only one noteworthy transaction. Similarly, King County sold TDR in five transactions in 2016 to increase density, primarily in South Lake Union and Denny Triangle. Two projects exemplify these transactions: Solterra acquired 3,851 square feet of density from the Melrose Market at a cost of $134,785, or $35 per square foot, as part of the development of the Cove apartments at 601 E. Pike, scheduled to open this spring. An office development at Ninth Avenue and Thomas Street purchased development rights to add 12,776 square feet of bonus commercial floor area and 1,029 square feet of bonus residential floor area at a total cost of $317,240, or a blended rate of $23 per square foot. In most TDR transactions, developers acquire the development rights through the TDR banks managed by the city and county. Yet, county and city purchases of TDR have far exceeded their sales, causing an oversupply of TDR maintained in their banks at artificially high prices. This stagnant TDR market is all the more surprising in light of the unparalleled level of development within the Puget Sound region and record high land costs. A few simple fixes In order to truly incentivize TDR transactions and achieve the desired goals, the city and county should remove unnecessary obstacles restricting participation in the TDR marketplace. First, the interlocal agreement between the county and the city should not limit the receiving sites to just South Lake Union or Denny Triangle. The incentives to purchase regional TDR should apply equally to all areas where the city desires increased density, such as those areas identified in Seattles Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda (HALA). Developers throughout all of Seattle could then become prospective purchasers of regional development credits, which would serve to promote the hoped-for goals of affordable housing and natural resource preservation. Second, the price for TDR credits sold through King Countys bank should be significantly reduced. King County currently prices TDR between $22,000 and $24,000 a credit, corresponding to approximately $22 per square foot of additional density. Considering increased land and construction costs, coupled with the opportunity to achieve bonus density at cheaper rates through other city incentive programs, developers are not properly incentivized to maximize their purchase of regional development rights. Profiting from selling TDR should not be the goal of the countys program. Rather, the county should sell those development rights at an affordable rate to achieve its goals of preserving designated natural resource lands within its unincorporated areas. Third, the city should liberalize the restrictions for TDR transactions within the city. Owners of landmarked and open space areas should be permitted to sell their TDR outside of their immediate zoning district to receiving sites in areas throughout the city, such as those identified through HALA. Thus, owners of sending sites could realize a potential revenue stream and therefore incentivize the acquisition and maintenance of such properties. Further, commercial or multifamily property owners should be able to sell their unused FAR to receiving sites anywhere within the same zoning district not just the same block. By expanding the marketplace, the city will increase the demand for TDR transactions, thereby promoting infill development and greater density. Finally, the city should limit the use of loopholes in its land use code that allow developers to maximize density on a project site through the use of combined lot agreements or FAR restrictive covenants, the result of which circumvents the TDR program. It has become commonplace for projects to enter into unregulated agreements with adjacent parcel owners to increase the amount of square footage applicable to the project, which in turn increases the projects density but compromises the redevelopment potential of the adjacent site. Such combined lot agreements allow a projects base and maximum FAR to be calculated using the square footage of two or more lots even though the actual project will be developed on a single lot. This practice is short-sighted in that it impedes future redevelopment on the other part of the site and may actually encourage sprawl in the long-term by eliminating urban infill sites. TDR programs in the city of Seattle and King County fall short of their lofty, but worthwhile, goals. Until the city and county properly incentivize participation, these programs will remain an underused tool to achieve their aspirational goals of preserving farmland, forest land, and historical buildings while promoting more affordable housing and open space. Larry Costich is a real estate development and transactions attorney who helps get industrial, residential and mixed-use projects built. Joe Stockton is a development attorney practicing in all areas of real estate and construction. Other Stories: India has done a better job than China in promoting satellite launch technology, which could prompt Beijing to fast-track commercialisation of its rocket launches to vie for the world's small satellite launch market, Chinese officials said on Monday. ''India can send commercial satellites into at lower costs, giving the country's competitiveness in the global race for the burgeoning commercial space businesses," Zhang Yonghe, director with the new technology department of the Shanghai Engineering Centre for Microsatellites, said. China may fast-track the commercialisation of its rocket launches after India's success , Chinese-state run media quoted Chinese officials as saying in a report, titled India's satellite launch ramps up. Zhang believes that India did a better job promoting its launch services internationally than China, the report said. Acknowledging that after reaching Mars ahead of China, India again stole a march last week by putting 104 satellites into orbit from a single rocket (See: Isro leaps into history with launch of 104 satellites in one go), Zhang said, "China will likely fast-track the commercialisation of its rocket launches to vie for the world's burgeoning small satellite launch market.'' "Wednesday's launch is India's latest triumph for its space programme," a Global Times report said. "In 2014, India became the fourth country to successfully send a spacecraft to orbit Mars, signalling a regional rivalry with China, which suffered a failure in its Mars mission in 2012," it said. "Nearly all of its 103 smaller satellites are from other countries including Israel, Kazakhstan, Switzerland and the US," it pointed out. After the Indian Space Research Organisation's successful feat, the daily, part of the ruling Communist Party of China publications, had said the achievement made Indians proud but it sought to belittle the significance saying that its impact is "limited". While praising the record launch as "India's triumph", Monday's report also said "With respect to the research and development of both military and commercial rocket launch services, India lags behind China, the US and Russia.'' The Donegal Democrat has been informed of the following deaths: - Sr. Martha Doherty, Ballybofey - John McLaughlin, The Links, Greencastle - Alfie Cassidy, Fanaghan, inver - Decky Wells, Dooballagh, Letterkenny - Roy Wilkie, Ballyholey, Raphoe - Peggy Mannion, Ardlongfield, Ballyshannon - Patrick Logue, the Bogue, Cranford - Neil Doogan, Magheraclougher, Gaoth Dobhair Sr. Martha Doherty, Ballybofey The death has taken place of Sr. Martha Doherty, 17 Blackrock Drive, Ballybofey at Aras Mhic Shuibhne Nursing Home, Laghey. Deeply regretted by her Mercy Community, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Remains reposing at 17 Blackrock Drive. Funeral from there on Friday at 10.40am to the Church of Mary Immaculate, Stranorlar for Requiem Mass at 11 am with interment afterwards in Drumboe Cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers please, if so desired, to Social Services and Care of the Aged, C/o G.Mc Cool & Son, Funeral Directors. John McLaughlin, The Links, Greencastle The death has taken place of John McLaughlin, The Links, Greencastle. Reposing at his late home. Removal from his home on Thursday, February 23rd, at 10.15am for 11am Requiem Mass in St. Marys Church, Ballybrack followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. Family time please from 11pm until 11am and on the morning of the funeral. Alfie Cassidy, Fanaghan, Inver The death has occurred of Alfie Cassidy, Fanaghan, Inver. Reposing at his daughter Anns residence in Fanaghan, Inver. Removal on Thursday morning to St. Naul's Church, Ardaghey for 11am Funeral Mass followed by burial in the local cemetery. Decky Wells, Dooballagh, Letterkenny The death has occurred of Decky Wells, Dooballagh, Letterkenny. Funeral Mass today Thursday in St. Patricks Church, Drumkeen. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, to the Irish Lung Foundation. Family from 11pm until 11am. Roy Wilkie, Ballyholey, Raphoe The death has occurred of Roy Wilkie, Ballyholey, Raphoe. Remains are reposing at his late residence from Wednesday, February 22nd. Family time from 11pm to 11am. Funeral service there on Friday 24 February at 1.30pm and burial afterwards in the family plot at Ray Presbyterian Church. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Independent Living care of Gibson Funeral Directors, Convoy. Peggy Mannion, Ardlongfield, Ballyshannon The death has taken place of Peggy Mannion, Ardlongfield, Ballyshannon. Reposing at the family home on Thursday, February 22, from 11am to 10pm. Funeral arriving on Friday to St Joseph's Church the Rock, Ballyshannon for 11 o'clock Funeral Mass of the Resurection with interment in the adjoining cemetery. Family flowers only donations in lieu, if so desired, to the North West Hospice or The Irish Cancer Society c/o of Patrick McKenna Undertakers Ballyshannon. House Private to family on the morning of the funeral. Patrick Logue, the Bogue, Cranford The death has occurred in St James Hospital, Dublin of Patrick Logue, the Bogue, Cranford. Remains reposing at the residence of his brother Bernard, Mulroy Park, Carrigart from 8pm on Wednesday, February 22. Funeral from there on Friday, February 24th to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Coole, Cranford for requiem mass at 11am followed by interment in Milford cemetery. Family time from 11pm until 11am. Neil Doogan, Magheraclougher, Gweedore The death has taken place of Neil Doogan, Magheraclougher, Gweedore, and formerly of Glasgow. Remains reposing at his late residence. Funeral mass on Friday, February 24 at 11 o clock in St Marys Church, Derrybeg with burial afterwards in Magheragallon Cemetery.Rosary both nights at 9pm. House private from 11pm until 10am and on the morning of the funeral.Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Donegal Hospice c/o any family member or Kieran Roarty Funeral Director, Gweedore. * If you wish to have a death notice included, please e-mail: editorial@donegaldemocrat.com and include a contact telephone number for verification. The Donegal Democrat has been informed of the following deaths: - Sr. Martha Doherty, Ballybofey - Roy Wilkie, Ballyholey, Raphoe - Peggy Mannion, Ardlongfield, Ballyshannon - Patrick Logue, the Bogue, Cranford - Neil Doogan, Magheraclougher, Gaoth Dobhair - James Doherty, Letterkenny - Shaun Smiley, Dungloe - Leo OGorman, Middlesex and Mountcharles Sr. Martha Doherty, Ballybofey The death has taken place of Sr. Martha Doherty, 17 Blackrock Drive, Ballybofey at Aras Mhic Shuibhne Nursing Home, Laghey. Deeply regretted by her Mercy Community, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Remains reposing at 17 Blackrock Drive. Funeral from there on Friday at 10.40am to the Church of Mary Immaculate, Stranorlar for Requiem Mass at 11 am with interment afterwards in Drumboe Cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers please, if so desired, to Social Services and Care of the Aged, C/o G.Mc Cool & Son, Funeral Directors. Roy Wilkie, Ballyholey, Raphoe The death has occurred of Roy Wilkie, Ballyholey, Raphoe. Remains are reposing at his late residence from Wednesday, February 22nd. Family time from 11pm to 11am. Funeral service there on Friday 24 February at 1.30pm and burial afterwards in the family plot at Ray Presbyterian Church. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Independent Living care of Gibson Funeral Directors, Convoy. Peggy Mannion, Ardlongfield, Ballyshannon The death has taken place of Peggy Mannion, Ardlongfield, Ballyshannon. Reposing at the family home on Thursday, February 22, from 11am to 10pm. Funeral arriving on Friday to St Joseph's Church the Rock, Ballyshannon for 11 o'clock Funeral Mass of the Resurection with interment in the adjoining cemetery. Family flowers only donations in lieu, if so desired, to the North West Hospice or The Irish Cancer Society c/o of Patrick McKenna Undertakers Ballyshannon. House Private to family on the morning of the funeral. Patrick Logue, the Bogue, Cranford The death has occurred in St James Hospital, Dublin of Patrick Logue, the Bogue, Cranford. Remains reposing at the residence of his brother Bernard, Mulroy Park, Carrigart from 8pm on Wednesday, February 22. Funeral from there on Friday, February 24th to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Coole, Cranford for requiem mass at 11am followed by interment in Milford cemetery. Family time from 11pm until 11am. Neil Doogan, Magheraclougher, Gweedore The death has taken place of Neil Doogan, Magheraclougher, Gweedore, and formerly of Glasgow. Remains reposing at his late residence. Funeral mass on Friday, February 24 at 11 o clock in St Marys Church, Derrybeg with burial afterwards in Magheragallon Cemetery.Rosary both nights at 9pm. House private from 11pm until 10am and on the morning of the funeral.Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Donegal Hospice c/o any family member or Kieran Roarty Funeral Director, Gweedore. James Doherty, Letterkenny The death has taken place at St Jamess Hospital Dublin of James Doherty, late of Dromore Lower, Letterkenny. His remains will be reposing at his Son Paurics residence at Ruskey, Manorcunningham from 7pm, Thursday evening February 23rd. Funeral on Saturday February 25th at 10.15am going to St Eunans Cathedral, Letterkenny for 11am Funeral Mass. Interment afterwards to Conwal Cemetery. Family time please from 11pm to 10am and on the morning of the funeral. Shaun Smiley, Dungloe The sudden death has occurred of Shaun Smiley, late of Fairhill, Dungloe. His remains will be reposing in McGlynns Funeral Home this evening, Thursday February 23rd from 6pm. Rosary at 9pm. Tomorrow, Friday, viewing from 3pm with removal to St Cronas Church Dungloe for 7pm, to repose overnight. Funeral Mass is on Saturday February 25th at 10am, with interment afterwards in Maghery Cemetery. Leo OGorman, Middlesex and Mountcharles The death has taken place of Leo OGorman, late of Uxbridge, Middlesex, England and formerly of 9 Bayview Terrace, Mountcharles. Remains reposing at the home of his brother Denis in Drumathumper, Frosses, on Friday from 5pm until 9pm. Memorial Mass takes place on Saturday in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Mountcharles at 10am with interment of ashes immediately afterwards in the adjoining churchyard. A one-way system will be in operation at the wake, entry via the Frosses side and exit on the Drumduff road. * If you wish to have a death notice included, please e-mail: editorial@donegaldemocrat.com and include a contact telephone number for verification. On a sweltering hot summer Sunday 58 years ago two young friends from Dungloe, decided to go for a swim in a river near the village of Lostwithiel in Cornwall. Both had been working in the area on a construction site and Sunday was their day off. Packie ODonnell, just 17, stood on the bank of the river. The water looked inviting but he was hesitant, he couldnt swim. Jump in Packie, thats the only way youll ever learn to swim, someone shouted from the bank. Packie took a leap of faith and he soon found out that water in a river is a lot colder than the sea. He also found out the river was much deeper than he realised. He was out of his depth. Standing on the bank with a group of fellow Irish workers was his old primary school pal from Dungloe, Tony McCauley. Like Packie, he was just 17 years of age, and like Packie feeling the world was at his feet until that moment of terror. It was, on reflection, a moment to define both men, as you will read later, a moment of heroism and bravery that, until today, when I have been given the huge privilege of telling this story, went more or less unspoken for almost 60 years. COULDNT SWIM Tony takes up the story: I knew Packie couldnt swim. Thats how you learn to swim someone said to him and he foolishly listened to them. What was worse he went into a hole in the river, he didnt realise the depth of the water and he was immediately in trouble. He went under for the first time. I was expecting some of the stronger swimmers to jump in and rescue him. I could swim, but wasnt what youd call, a strong swimmer. Nothing was happening, no one moved to help, they may not have realised he was in trouble. He couldnt swim. I knew this from Dungloe and I had to make a move. He went down for the second time and as he did, he let a roar out of him so loud that they said afterwards they heard it in the village, almost a mile away. I knew that once someone went down a third time there was little or no chance of saving them. I could see the top of his head, I could see his red hair just below the water line. I have to get to Packie now or hell be a gonner, was all that I could think. I jumped in and as much as he had gone out from the bank six to twelve feet, he had moved downstream too with the flow. I was no champion swimmer but I was young, fit and strong, and I got to him. I put my hand under his chin and pulled him up and to me. We made it together to the river bank. It was all in an instant, these things happen so quickly, you have no idea how quickly they happen. We lay on the bank and those around us helped us up to the dry ground. Dungloe natives Tony McCauley (left), now living in Letterkenny who saved Packie O'Donnell, now living in Birmingham from drowning in Cornwall 58 years ago (1959). Also pictured is Tony's wife Shelia and Packie's wife Bridie, Packie and Bridie's son Patrick and his wife Sally and grand-children Aoife and Niamh O'Donnell. Photo Thomas Gallagher REMARKABLE The story is remarkable in so many ways, but whats possibly more remarkable is that 58 years later, this is Tony telling the story publicly for the first time. In 58 years he mentioned it only once and only very recently, to his wife Sheila - never a word to his seven children - one of whom he said jokingly remarked earlier this week - so Dad youre a hero, and we have to buy the Democrat to read about it! And, but for the intervention of Packie ODonnell, the story might well have remained untold. Tony doesnt think it that unusual he never spoke about it: It was the natural thing to do, that was why it was put on the back burner. I was glad I was able to save Packie, of course, but that was the way it was, you didnt go around talking about it. LOST CONTACT And hes only talking about it now because Packie ODonnell wanted to talk about it. Shortly after the rescue he and Packie went their separate ways, Packie joined his brother, Manus, on a big job in north Wales working on the dams. Tony headed to London for work. They lost contact and never spoke again, until Packie, determined to put his thanks on the record, searched out Tony and found him. Packies first contact was last November with Tonys sister, Agnes, in Dungloe who he phoned and explained who he was and why he was keen to speak to Tony. The wheels were put in motion and armed with a telephone number for Tony, Packie made contact with him and they organised to meet up after Christmas as Packie put it. Last Thursday night they did just that, in the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny, the two met for the first time in 58 years. It was a lovely meeting and they did so in the love and company of their families. On Friday we spoke to both men about their meeting and their shared memories. I always felt I had to make contact with him before it was too late, I owe my life to Tony, was how Packie put it on Friday, content that they had finally met. It was a lovely night and we were there with family, too, and it was good to share the experience with them all. For me it has always been on my mind and it was one of those things I simply had to do, to say thank you and give Tony recognition for his bravery, added Packie. LOVELY GESTURE Tony told the Democrat he was taken aback but very grateful for what Packie had said and done. I appreciate his lovely gesture to me, my wife Sheila and my family in acknowledging what happened so many years ago. Packie owes a lot to the prayers of his mother who, like every Irish mother of that period, prayed for their husbands and children who, in order to seek employment, had to leave their native homes far away from all that were dear to them. I was but a conduit for those prayers and I was very glad to be present and to be able to assist in such a crucial time in Packies life. It was truly a delight for me and my wife Sheila to meet Packie and his lovely wife Bridie, together with his son Patrick, Patricks wife and their two children. It was quite obvious from their reminiscences of times past and friends gone to their eternal reward after so many years, that they were very thankful for the good life, health and happiness they were privileged to enjoy with family and friends since that fateful day in 1959 when Packie thought his life could have ebbed away. Yes there were bumps along the road with a few potholes, but how could you ever say you enjoyed life if you never experienced the challenges and difficulties that life presents? May Packie, his wife and famil, continue to enjoy life and prosperity to the full in the years ahead, said. After a 58 year gap the two lads, who went to school in Dungloe National School together, worked side by side in England for a summer they will never forget, plan to meet now on a more regular basis and rekindle the friendship of their youth and share the memories that forever link their lives inextricably. LIFE FOR BOTH SINCE 1959 Packie ODonnell spent the rest of his life working across England, Wales and Scotland and he now lives in Birmingham with his wife Bridie, who hails from Swinford. They have three children, Paul, Patrick and Sandra. He founded Barnesmore Construction, a very successful civil engineering firm which his sons now run. Packie is happily retired and loves nothing more than returning to Donegal for a visit. Packie will be 75 on March 1st. After Cornwall Tony McCauley, who will be 75 in June, worked in different parts of England, mainly in construction. He and his wife Sheila came back to Donegal in the 1980s, working with the OPW as a Clerk of Works initially and then was appointed District Inspector for Donegal. He retired in 2006, lives in Ashlawn, Letterkenny and still has a house in his native Dungloe which he says he and the family use frequently. He and his wife Sheila have seven children, Anthony, Josephine, Veronica, James, Rosemary, Gerard and Sarah, all of whom are hugely proud of their fathers bravery on a summer Sunday in 1959. Navigating the maze of social services available for children with developmental risks can be a daunting task for parents. But, it does not need to be. A guide through that maze is now just a telephone call away for parents of children from birth to eight years old. Its called Help Me Grow Alabama, and this one-stop referral center can be accessed by dialing 2-1-1 and asking for Help Me Grow. Locally, that request will put concerned parents in touch with Will Francis, regional care coordinator for the seven-county area covered by Wiregrass 2-1-1 (Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston counties). Although Francis, 27, just started with Help Me Grow Alabama in December, he is no stranger to helping people connect with social service agencies. He spent two years as a volunteer with Enroll Alabama through the Navigator organization that helps people enroll in the Affordable Care Act. I did in-person assistance through the Medical Aids Outreach, which received the Navigator grant, Francis said. I would meet people at the library. I had a two-year run with them. While there, I started volunteering here (Wiregrass 2-1-1 office). I didnt want it (Enroll Alabama) to be the end of the line for my clients. I wanted to be on the other side of it while I was with Enroll Alabama. That desire to assist others eventually led to the full-time position as regional care coordinator for Help Me Grow Alabama. It has been another learning experience for Francis, but one that he gladly embraces. I dont have children, said Francis, a graduate of Northview High School and Huntingdon College. My biggest challenge has been to find out the major milestones for children, to see if children are on track or not. Francis, whose parents have been involved in social services work for many years, credits those involved with HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters), the Family Guidance Center and Early Head Start for assisting him in getting Help Me Grow operating on a solid informational foundation. They are great resources and great people, he said of the three agencies. They are willing to help me. Help Me Grow is a national program created to assist parents in identifying developmental issues their children may be encountering. The program in Alabama is coordinated by the Alabama Partnership for Children. The goal of Help Me Grow is to ensure that every child gets the help he or she needs to reach consistent developmental milestones. This is done through developmental screenings and early intervention, if needed. The screening measures five areas of development: communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving and personal-social skills. Twenty percent of all children from birth to age eight are at risk for developmental delays. Undetected through screenings, only 30 percent of these children are being identified and connected to services, according to information provided by Help Me Grow Alabama. Developmental screening enables 70 to 80 percent of children at risk for developmental delays to be identified. Once these issues are identified, parents are given information about local agencies that can assist them. High quality early intervention services can change a childs developmental trajectory and improve outcomes for children, families and communities; and intervention is likely to be more effective and less costly when it is provided early in life. (Source: Help Me Grow Alabama newsletter, quoting the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University) Locally, Francis says Help Me Grow is already having an impact. Its dramatic how much weve been able to do, Francis said of the new referral service. We look specifically for early childhood needs and child development. When someone calls 2-1-1, we now ask if they have a child eight years of age and under. If they do, we tell them about Help Me Grow. That will give me the opportunity to talk with them. That conversation, he notes, includes asking specific questions about their childs development. When they give me a need, we follow up until that need is filled, Francis said. We run an assessment list to help them apply for services, like WIC, that they may be eligible for. We walk them through the process. Through Help Me Alabama, we can also communicate with physicians. We can refer a child for help through our screening programs. Early educational intervention is a key ingredient in Help Me Grow. I ask the parents to talk to their childs teachers, Francis said. If they have concerns at home, the more the teacher knows about those concerns will help the child. This program helps them (parents) know who to ask and what to ask. For example, a lot of children have ADHD, but their parents havent gone to the school about it. My question for the parents is this: Are their children in an IEP (Individual Education Plan)? I reassure them that the school is there to help them. Help Me Grow Alabama is funded by the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education through the Preschool Development Grant and the Alabama Department of Mental Health through a Project LAUNCH Grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association. Free screenings to be held March 14 Free developmental screenings will be held at the Main Library (445 N. Oates St.) of the Dothan Houston County Library System on Tuesday, March 14, from 10 a.m.-noon. Help Me Grow Alabama will provide free, in-person Ages and Stages Developmental Screenings for children five years old and under. The screenings measure how children play, learn, speak, behave and move. Parents will also answer questions about their child which will identify their strengths and areas where they may need more support. If concerns are raised, parents will be given information on appropriate services in the area. Will Francis can be reached directly by calling 334-836-1963 or via email at willfrancis211@gmail.com or by calling 2-1-1 and asking for Help Me Grow. Jesse and Misty Bradley are doing what good parents do the best they can for their child. The Bradleys son Logan, 4, has autism and needs behavioral treatment to help him better adjust to the world around him. The most effective form of treatment applied behavioral analysis (ABA) isnt covered by insurance and is expensive. Alabama is one of just five states that do not require insurers to cover this treatment, and while some insurers do provide coverage, the vast majority here do not. Misty Bradley estimated that applied behavioral analysis services typically cost about $55 per hour, although some clinics will give discounts to patients paying cash. Misty said she and her husband spend between $12,000 and $15,000 out of pocket on their sons care, including ABA and other services, each year, and even that does not provide him with the optimal level of care recommended. Many children would benefit from 20 to 30 hours a week, said Kara Etheredge, a board certified behavioral analyst. Requiring insurers to provide coverage for ABA would help families like the Bradleys better handle the costs of providing care for their children. Misty said providing assistance to families with autistic children now will pay dividends in the future by giving people with autism the skills they need to be independent and contributing members of society. If we dont give them what they need at a young age, when they get older theyre going to need even more help, she said. There are several bills in the Alabama Legislature this session that would require insurers to provide coverage for treatments such as ABA or spend state dollars on treatment. Senate Bill 57 would use $3,000,000 from the Education Trust Fund to provide state-funded ABA services. Senate Bill 164 would require insurers to offer up to $36,000 per year in coverage for children under the age of 9. A House bill would require insurer coverage, but does not set a ceiling on benefits. Logan was diagnosed with autism at 18 months. The Bradleys first became concerned about Logan when they noticed he did not respond to his name. Over several months, health care professionals conducted evaluations and determined that Logan had autism. The Bradleys researched Logans condition and found treatment for him, including a state-funded early intervention program that provided services until he was 3. Logan currently receives some speech and academic support from his local school system. Applied Behavior Analysis uses behavioral techniques to help children learn how to handle everyday situations. Sessions take place in classrooms and everyday environments such as playgrounds and the dinner table. Jesse Bradley said ABA has helped Logan learn how to play appropriately with others and helped him develop other skills. Hes made excellent progress, he said. Misty said her sons prognosis is uncertain at this point, but he does respond to his name and has developed a better vocabulary, although speech challenges remain. The Bradleys hope that legislation to provide insurance funding for ABA passes and that society becomes a little more accepting of families dealing with autism. You never know what someone elses child is going through, Jesse Bradley said. You often see people ranting on Facebook about kids behaviors. We go to events every once in a while and need to deal with his behaviors and it doesnt feel good to be singled out and know whats going through someones mind. The pretty yet ponderous nose of the hulking new Land Rover Discovery is pointing straight up at the sky, looking more like a rocket on a launch pad than what it is; a giant Louis Vuitton bag with a two-tonne Swiss Army knife secreted inside. Trapped in this perilously poised Disco are two terrified Italian journalists, who've paused, unwisely, half way up a boulder and now look certain to slide ignominiously backwards and crash. Everything about their situation looks illogical, even impossible, but such is the capability hidden under the shiny shell and luxe interior of this seven-seat behemoth that somehow - with the help of some serious Scottish men shouting and the Italians waving their arms - it climbs its way up the near vertical precipice to safety. The next day it's our turn to feel the fear as we point the nose of the Discovery down a sand cliff that would break your neck if you attempted it on foot. Somehow, this vastly capacious, 5m long and 1.8m-high SUV creeps its way down without smashing its face in, then powers up another dune, happily power-sliding sideways. Two days, and 600km of driving through the wind-carved stone cathedrals of Utah and Arizona throws various challenges at the new, and very important, Land Rover, and not only does it smash through all of them with ease, it does it all while you sit in a cabin that's as quiet, comfortable and filled with modern appointments (35 exclusive InControl apps, including one that allows you to configure the seats remotely "from anywhere in the world", nine USB ports, six 12V chargers, the ability to stream from your device to the headrest screens, storage for four iPads between the front seats) as you'd expect a Range Rover to be. The sense of luxury, particularly as you're cruising smoothly along sealed roads, gives no sense of just how much off-road ability lurks beneath, most of which will never be explored, or appreciated, by its owners, more than 20,000 of whom have already lined up globally - and more than 400 locally - to buy one without even seeing it in the metal. They might want to take a closer look before handing over their cash though, because, while there's no doubt you're getting a lot of car for your money - pricing starts at a showroom-bait $65,960 (you could literally spend twice as much on extra goodies, with the First Edition costing $132,560) it's the very size, and the insistence on being able to sit seven "actual adults" in comfort (the third row is a $3400 option), that causes some problems. No one likes to use unflattering terms like "Sssangyong", "Stavic" or "the Hunchback of the Midlands", but there's no denying the rear of the Discovery presents some visual challenges. From front on, it's far and away the most beautiful design this legendary vehicle has boasted in its square and awkward 27-year history, but the rear three-quarter look has something of a broken bird's wing about it. The pay-off is that, while just about everyone else lies when they claim it, the Discovery genuinely does fit seven adults in comfort; although the company's suggestion that "every seat is the best seat in the house" is almost Trumpian. Headroom, legroom and bum-support are all in new territory for third-row passengers, but you have to wonder how often people actually move seven full-size humans around, particularly when doing so entirely vaporises the boot space, which is admittedly vast when you're not doing so (1231 litres, or a whopping 2500 litres with both rear rows stowed). Designing in the availability of that headroom, which is also forced upon five-seat buyers, has come at such a visual cost. The driver's seat, clearly, is the one you'd want to be in, and we were very curious what it would feel like with what seems like, on paper, an absurd engine choice beneath the bonnet. Land Rover's weight-saving efforts, highlighted by a body in white that's 85 per cent light-weight aluminium (and yet still delivers the most torsionally stiff Discovery ever), have allowed the company to achieved a 20 per cent weight reduction, down to 2080kg, and allowed it to downsize its powerplants. This means you can now have one of its giant SUVs with a four-cylinder engine. This seems as absurd as lighting the SCG at night with candles, and it may well be the case when it comes to the base model's 2.0-litre Ingenium Td4 diesel engine, which offers just 132kW and 430Nm, but does achieve a claimed economy of 6.3l/100km. In the smallest surprise ever, this model wasn't available to drive at the global launch. Happily, though, the twin-turbo diesel Sd4 (starting at $71,560) we did try, with 177kW and 500Nm, turns out to be more than capable enough for those who will use this luxo-bus almost entirely as a city commuter and school-run shuttle. After rumors have been circulating on what Motorola will unveil at the Mobile World Congress 2017 in Barcelona, a leakage of photos confirmed on what phone will they launch. The Moto G5 and the G5 Plus photos were leaked and shown on the internet. There have been few photos of Moto G5 and G5 Plus that already leaked but if one is interested more than the images, there's a good news. They can check out the recent tweet by Evan Blass, a mobile reporter from Venture Beat. Moto G5 Plus for Verizon. pic.twitter.com/XfmzLMc8zn Evan Blass (@evleaks) February 22, 2017 Blass tweeted out a render of Moto G5 Plus' handset for Verizon. People quickly pointed out the large bezels on the smartphone. Ubergizmo expressed some doubts on the leakage of the Moto G5 Plus for Verizon. They said that there is no basis for comparison. "The fact that Verizon's branding is missing from the handset, we guess it's hard to say if this is the Moto G5 Plus and if it is indeed headed to Verizon," the article wrote. However, they said that Blass has been good at leaking information and photos so they can have his word for it. Ubergizmo also noted that the latest render of Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus does not tell or show to the users anything new. GSM Arena echoed Ubergizmo's sentiments by saying the leaked photos just confirmed previous rumors about the specs and features of the phones. Several tech websites have already said that Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus has 2,800 mAh battery that looks removable. Android 7.0 Nougat will be used as the operating system of the phone. A fingerprint sensor would also be seen on the front. Other info learned by users are Moto G5 Plus would be slightly larger than Moto G5 with a 5.2-inch screen. Moto G5 has a 5-inch display. All of the features will be seen on the Mobile World Congress 2017 next week. Stay for more updates. High winds and gusts are continuing to lash Dundalk early this morning with reports of fallen trees and hazardous road conditions locally. Almost 1700 ESB customers are without power at present due to a fault, according to ESB Networks, the area affected is described as The Marshes. Power is hoped to be restored by 10.45am this morning. The traffic lights at the Xerox Junction in town are reportedly out, so caution is advised. 8am is expected to be the peak for Storm Doris as it passes over Dundalk. Local weather expert Louth Weather, stated this morning that damage can be expected. "This storm will be relatively short lived, but will still pack quite a punch. "As we have had no storms all winter, there's more likelihood of damage being caused. Weak branches (or even trees) which have hung on will be easily blown down." Stay safe. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. A Dundalk man with two hundred previous convictions has been jailed for eleven months after he was convicted for assaulting a female taxi driver and refusing to pay a fare. Simon McDonagh (33), 9 Doolargy Avenue, Muirhevnamor, Dundalk, assaulted the driver on November 12, 2014, at Nagle Court in Maynooth. Garda Inspector Oliver Henry said he struck the woman in the face. While the woman was not present during the hearing, Garda Dan Broderick said she had made a recovery. When told that Mr McDonagh had two hundred convictions, Judge Desmond Zaidan asked. Rhetorically: Is that all. Asking why the case had taken so long to come to Court, Garda Broderick said the defendant was out of the jurisdiction. The Court heard that his first conviction was when he was a teenager and the most recent was a conviction earlier this month in Trim. He is currently serving a nine month sentence which he received on February 9 for theft. Gardai Broderick said he understood Mr McDonagh had served a sentence abroad. There were convictions for assault, obstruction of Gardai, burglary (5), theft (13), robbery, trespassing (5) Judge Zaidan asked: Nothing for manslaughter or murder. Is there any offence in Irish criminal law he has not committed. Aine Hartigan BL, representing Mr McDonagh said that he had a lack of education and serious difficulties with drugs.. cocaine and heroin. She said Mr McDonagh had paid the Gardai for the taxi fare and apologised to the Court. Give him some light at the end of the tunnel, she asked Judge Zaidan. Mr McDonagh was jailed for five months for not paying the fare and six months for assault on the taxi driver, to be served following the first five months, not at the same time. The number of SME operators who believe the sharing economy is having a positive impact on their business far outnumber those who believe it is detrimental, according to cloud accounting provider MYOB Over 1000 SME operators from across Australia were survey for the bi-annual MYOB Business Monitor, which found that the franchise sector was the most positive about the sharing economy, with 71% of franchisors and 41% of franchisees reporting a positive impact on their business. Across SME operators generally, nearly a fifth (18%) said the sharing economy was having a positive impact on their business, with only 7% reporting a negative impact. Meanwhile, close to three quarters (73%) had neither seen business disrupted or boosted by the sharing economy. According to Simon Raik-Allen, Chief Technical Advisor with MYOB, the sharing economy is an area of genuine growth and innovation in Australia. He told Dynamic Business that nearly one in three operators (31%) have participated in the sharing economy via Uber, Airbnb or a similar platform. We found that 14% owners have supplemented their income by being a provider of services such as renting their home via Airbnb or working as an Uber driver, he said. Gen Y operators were much more likely than boomers or traditionalists to have used (51%) or provided services (31%) as part of the sharing economy, particularly compared to baby boomers and traditionalists. Based on the finding of the business monitor, Raik-Allen speculated that traditionalists and baby boomers were more likely than other generations of SME operators to perceive the sharing economy as being detrimental to their operation. Amongst the business owners surveyed, 51 of traditionalists and 23% of baby boomers revealed they found the pace of technology too fast, he said. As the sharing economy is associated with technology, this can affect how traditionalist and baby boomers perceive the impacts of the sharing economy. In addition, the sharing economy is constantly changing and evolving the way we do business. This creates new and unfamiliar territories for operators who have been running their business before the digital revolution. Transcription 1 1 Liberia C4D in Education and Peacebuilding in an Emergency Context: The Role of FIGURE 1: YOUNG PEOPLE IN A RECORDING STUDIO CONTRIBUTING TO A BROADCAST [UNICEF LIBERIA] Written by C4D Network; With thanks for the contributions of UNICEF Liberia (Kezang Deki), and SFCG Liberia (Aaron Weah), and the support of UNICEF HQ Communication for Development Section This case study illustrates how radio can be used as a media platform for participatory peacebuilding and for a knowledge-building approach to address conflict drivers. At the epicentre of a global health emergency, Liberia reacted to the Ebola crisis with not only a large-scale health response, but also a cross-sector collaboration of Education, C4D and Peacebuilding. With the closure of schools denying children access to formal educational spaces, another communication channel in this case, radio had to be used instead. This case study explores UNICEF Liberia and Search for Common Ground s role in innovating the radio platform to (a) fulfil core C4D principals of participation and interaction, and (b) strengthen the curriculum to address Liberia s deep-seated peacebuilding needs. In this way, change evolved from individual education and behaviour change, to social change and institutional strengthening for radio stations and the education system. Conflict Analysis After the first case of Ebola was confirmed in Liberia in March 2014, the country swiftly became the epicentre of an unprecedented outbreak. By August, the Government of Liberia had announced a state of emergency, involving the indefinite shut down of the operations of schools across the country. The congregation of more than five children or adults was forbidden, thus displacing children from structured learning spaces. Public offices and international NGOs similarly had to shut down, save a few essential staff, while many of the remainder fled the country. This emergency was therefore not just a public health crisis, but posed a unique challenge to create an education-focused response. The crisis revealed deeply rooted issues including mistrust, heightened fears of instability and it revived and exacerbated various conflicts. Even though more than 12 years had passed since the country suffered wide-scale conflict, progress in national reconciliation and peacebuilding had been slow. Several conflict drivers remained prevalent, such as inter- and intra-ethnic disputes and grievances over land, as well as the festering of post-war dynamics between groups. A delayed reconciliation is causing mistrust between citizens and governing political elites. Even though non-governmental organizations remain a critical third party, their efforts and plans are undermined by weak institutional structures and leadership. The recent Ebola outbreak has 2 2 pushed Liberia s post-war challenges further to the brink of collapse. (Search for Common Ground Liberia1) This conflict analysis determined that peacebuilding would be an important element of the initiative, which would need to address social cohesion and peace competencies (such as tolerance, constructive dialogue, etc.) within its education-focused response. The initiative therefore tried to minimise the potential for youthled violence in communities by providing practical lessons on peacebuilding and conflict resolution in everyday situations. This approach was largely informed by the 2008 National Security Strategy, which assessed the threat to Liberia s stability at both the internal and external levels. The Security Strategy found that Liberia s internal threat of instability was increased by the high numbers of young people lacking any employment or education a shortfall which was blamed on the inconclusive nature of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Rehabilitation (DDRR) process. The radio initiative was also therefore conceived as a response to minimise this level of threat by increasing levels of responsive education. FIGURE 2: MAP SHOWING INCIDENCE OF EBOLA IN LIBERIA AS OF NOVEMBER 2014 [CREDIT: CENTRE FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION] Peacebuilding Partnerships A project of Search for Common Ground (SFCG) Liberia popularly known as Talking Drum Studio, after one of their most popular radio shows is a branch of the international NGO SFCG, that specializes in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. SFCG Liberia was established in 1997, initially working through a multi-media production studio and a community services programme. Since then, the NGO has focused on youth engagement, and on strengthening the capacity of civil society and to improve communication and decisionmaking between citizens and an increasingly centralized government 2. When the Ebola crisis hit, UNICEF collaborated with SFCG Liberia to provide technical support to the Ministry of Education in the development of peace building lessons and scaling up the airing of lessons on radio. This partnership builds on previous work on strengthening CSOs to best collaborate with government and to sufficiently support government performance. Education: Bridging C4D and Peacebuilding The Ebola crisis presented Liberia with multiple cross-sector challenges, that demanded a collaborative, cross-sectoral response. The closure of schools presented the opportunity for education to serve as the 1 Liberia profile, Search for Common Ground, 2 Strengthening The Capacity Of Civil Society To Promote Sustainable Governance, SFCG, 3 3 avenue for assisting Behaviour Change Communication and social mobilization around a number of issues: helping to break disease transmission; reducing stigma and discrimination; preventing early pregnancies, preventing child labour, and mitigating violent conflict. This cross-sector work required the collaboration of multiple programme staff in UNICEF, the Ministry of Education and in SFCG. Theory of Change If children do not have formal education spaces in which to learn about conflict issues and to have structured interactions with other children, then they are more likely to become intolerant or violent. The Ebola crisis denied children access to these formal education spaces. If children are alternatively enabled to access peace curriculum (tailored to Liberian conflict dynamics and to addressing inherited inter-group tensions) through a different structured platform radio then they could become more motivated to, and capable of, contributing to social cohesion. If this radio channel can recreate interactivity as much as possible through youth involvement in broadcast and peer learning then young students will be more engaged and develop further peace competencies of tolerance and empathy. C4D Strategies Radio Edutainment C4D and Education strategies were brought together collaboratively as an emergency response with a behaviour change approach. The closure of Liberian schools meant that children faced almost a year (9 months) without formal education during the Ebola crisis. There was thus a necessity to create channels for accessing educational content that would stimulate children s academic and psychosocial development outside of the classroom. In response, the Liberian Ministry of Education (MoE) created the Learning by Radio programme as an alternative channel of schooling for children of all ages. Radio edutainment was an attractive C4D method to address the Liberian Ebola crisis, as it offered a rich platform for tackling the multiple educational needs for out-ofschool children. The programme was aired twice daily: an hour scheduled in the morning, and another at 6pm. UNICEF s technical support to the government While the MoE launched the first phase of the program, UNICEF Liberia offered technical assistance. Although there was an initial reluctance from the MoE, which wanted to work independently, delivery of the programme soon exceeded its capacities. Answering the MoE s request for funds, UNICEF began to contribute and introduced the following elements of technical support: i. Conceptual Frameworks: UNICEF defined targets and objectives of who to engage, as well as developing a full concept note. a. Experts in media production: UNICEF collaborated with SFCG s Talking Drum Studio which had already made a number of popular radio productions in Liberia, and had a track record for work in civil society engagement; b. Specialists in curriculum building: The first materials broadcast by the MoE did not prove engaging and were low in educational quality, so UNICEF engaged specialists who prioritized the design of more innovative, creative and engaging material; c. C4D specialist technical monitoring was supported through peer-review with assessment of the quality of the lessons from creative and rights-based perspective. ii. Peacebuilding within the curriculum: The CO s Conflict Analysis confirmed the need for more systematic and direct teaching of peacebuilding and conflict resolution skills. In consultation with MoE, UNICEF therefore suggested that in addition to teaching the basic academic subjects already in the curriculum, such as maths and English literature peacebuilding also be developed into mainstream courses alongside 4 4 regular lessons. SFCG peacebuilding experts developed the 37-page peacebuilding curriculum manuscript for this, and UNICEF and MoE staff (among others) led the peer reviewing of this document. The lessons were adopted to fit the Liberian context and responded to everyday conflict issues such land, ethnicity and legacy of the civil war. Sensitisation and awareness messages were aired that targeted children, principals of schools and community leaders. iii Broader reach: Initially, the programme was airing only on private radio stations in Monrovia, as the government lacked the resources to broadcast nationwide. With UNICEF s funds, the stipulation was outlined that the programme should be scaled up to provide outreach to 44 community radio stations. iv. Broader targeting across the socio-ecological model: MoE previously conducted phase one of this program, which did not include sensitisation/awareness messages to school principals, parents and community leaders. It was observed that the involvement of these actors was critical to achieve the programme goals because children were often required to engage in household chores competing with their time for studies. Therefore, awareness targeting parents and principals, as well as community leaders, helped to prepare the community to facilitate or allow children the opportunity to engage in and learn from the radio programme. v. Participatory C4D methodologies for Education: Student participation was a key C4D philosophy that UNICEF incorporated to enhance Learning by Radio. SFCG led the development of this piece. They selected 10 students from a variety of schools (from the Islamic, Pentecostal and Salvation Army School systems) to promote both ethnic and religious diversity. Figure 3: School lessons were recreated and recorded with teachers and students in the radio studio [credit: UNICEF Liberia] These students were then used as both discussants and actors in the teaching and learning process: lessons were presented as if in a real classroom context with active student participation and brain-teaser questions. The ten students were engaged in reading and reflecting on the lessons with the view of identifying concrete examples of their personal experiences. Students asked critical questions in order to help listeners to think through the lessons and to apply them to everyday situations. Emerging Results & Impact Three-pronged Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) approach A listenership feedback session was held at each of the 44 radio stations airing the programme. These were designed to gather listeners impressions about Learning by Radio : what they saw as the positive and negative aspects, the continuity and relevance of the material and suggestions on how to improve it. In total, 486 persons participated (127 female and 359 male). Secondly, independent monitors were also recruited to monitor the community radio stations and to report on their compliance with the agreed airing schedule. This oversight mechanism proved useful and effective. Finally, focus group discussions were conducted in six counties 3, with listeners of the programme. Results 3 Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, Bong, Nimba, Grand Bassa and Rivercess. 5 5 The monitoring and evaluation processes outlined above highlighted that Learning by Radio was successful in a number of ways. The radio medium was very popular and engaged loyal listeners: the majority of listeners in feedback sessions called for the programme to be continued, and some were so familiar with the programme that they could sing the introductory theme song. These qualities contributed to a successful teaching platform, as was reinforced by the participatory elements that prompted peer-to-peer learning. As expressed by one of the students, You always remember the students speaking good English and it is challenge to be like them. We all want to learn to speak like them. The programme also was seen to be beneficial by the parents. As expressed by one of the parents Beyond the children, the materials are also good for adults; we get to learn about conflict ourselves, said one parent. As well as promoting learning and behaviour change, Learning by Radio also motivated various efforts at sharing and social mobilisation. In Nimba in north-central Liberia, students were inspired to record all the lessons on their cell phones and use the opportunity to play them for their siblings. In another notable case, one student reported that the programme inspired him to organize a peace club called Movement of Progressive Change [MPC]. His main aim was to positively resolve and settle student based conflict. As a start, he went to Radio Gbehzon and requested all 15 lessons (produced and aired under the program) and had them transferred to his memory card. He then played these lessons for his colleagues to help them understand how to handle conflict. In these ways, the reach and influence of the radio show was broadened organically. An area where the programme performed less well was in the ability to ensure relevance of programme content for rural students. Participants in the project evaluation asked to hear greater representation of rural Liberians within the material. These rural students rejected the notion that Monrovia represents Liberia, and called for the process to be decentralised or inclusive of children from rural areas. Lessons Learned Key Facilitating Factors A tripartite collaboration was the foundation of the project s success, capitalizing on the respective strengths of the Ministry of Education, UNICEF and Search for Common Ground. While it took some effort to secure commitment of the MoE for the concept of the radio programme, this was eventually achieved and the partnership arrangements eventually earned significant success. Funds from the Ebola response were a catalyst for this collaboration and for the development of an advanced C4D platform. The development process for the learning programmes was instrumental in building the capacity of community radios in conducting conflict-sensitive radio shows, which will be a legacy gained from the programme. Despite this, the C4D platform and its multi-agency collaboration did not continue beyond the crisis. This signals the intervention s heavy reliance upon funding and lack of a sufficient exit strategy. The Learning by Radio Committee comprised of MoE, UNICEF and SFCG staff, and chaired by the Assistant Minister for Early Childhood Development Bureau was key to producing high-quality academic lessons. The committee was responsible for reviewing the quality of the lessons and for guiding the process. The operation of the committee nonetheless stopped after schools resumed their normal schedules. A phased scale-up set a manageable pace in moving from airing only in Monrovia, to also involving community radios elsewhere in the country. Key challenges Intergenerational transfer of memory : Although many children were too young to have experienced the conflict themselves, there was an accelerated transfer of memory during the Ebola crisis. Without structured learning opportunities, children were increasingly inheriting their parents and grandparents stories of conflict and attitudes to difference. As key influencers, these parents and grandparents also needed support in thinking and talking about conflict, but they were repeatedly overlooked by interventions. 6 6 The indefinite closure of schools gave an uncertain timeline that made the scheduling of activities very difficult. The urgency of the situation further challenged the development of of a considered exit strategy. Conclusions In the original design of the project, it was assumed that the production of academic lessons would be quick. During implementation, however, it was realised that development of radio programme material is a rigorous exercise, requiring a significant amount of time for the quality of the output to meet required professional standards. Radio education for children requires specialised expertise that encompasses curriculum experts for content development, systematic peer review of lesson plans, as well as communication experts to supply creative inputs. Though this programme was originally designed for the Ebola intervention, it was discovered that the gap in peacebuilding and conflict resolution interventions is pervasive and requires robust intervention. People across the lifecycle from young children to adults should benefit from such these initiatives to ensure a more holistic approach to peacebuilding. Radio is a powerful medium for information sharing, though in Liberia as in many other places the airwaves are saturated with politics and social commentary. The Ebola crisis allowed Learning by Radio to show itself as valuable way of using this platform for education and behaviour change. References Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Update: Ebola Virus Disease Epidemic West Africa, November (November 2014) Kezang Deki (Education Specialist, UNICEF Liberia) and Aaron Weah (Search for Common Ground Liberia), Interviews and correspondence (April May 2016) Search for Common Ground, Liberia, Transcription 1 CR Technology Systems 2 2016 company overview 3 People change history CR was founded in 1985with the mission to be one of the leading international player in the design, engineering and manufacture of equipment and systems for the distribution and management of ELECTRICAL ENERGY. The 30 YEAR EXPERIENCE in the design of switchgear, fixed and mobile substations, photovoltaic installations, communication and automation systems, had allow CR to develop its presence in Centre and South American, European, North and Centre African and Middle Eastern markets, becoming THE MAJOR PLAYER. Products range became wider and wider, following the 3xi approach: Internationalization, Integration, Innovation. These keywords drive CR towards a growing future. FOCUS on TRADING MV/LV Switchgears 1993 Opening of the first operating headquarters in La Habana, CUBA HV/MV Substations And Mobile Substations 2005 New operating technical-sales headquarters in Melzo (Milan) FOCUS on INTERNATIONALIZATION FOCUS on INTEGRATION Inauguration of the sales branch in Tunisia, Ivory Coast and Libia. - Start of the construction of the new productive plant in Morocco. - Establishment of CR Project Service. FOCUS on INNOVATION Transfer of the activities of Melzo in the new operating headquarters in Treviglio (Bergamo) Establishment of the company, initially as a market oriented limited 3 liability company. 4 Imagination for progress Modern societies, as well as the emerging ones, face future challenges to invest in electric power and renewable energy sectors. The need to rationalize energy costs and to bring electricity to Rural Areas, makes the global investments in energy and electric power sectors necessary for the global growth. This is the reason why, CR mission contemplates higher investments in technologies for protection, control and management of electricity. FLEXYBILITY vision We strive to be in the forefront of the power distribution business by providing world-class products and solutions through technological innovation and strategic business partnership. Our challenge: Building Electricity Worldwide and to Remote Areas. TAILOR MADE SOLUTIONS PROVIDER We have a responsibility: to provide the BEST product and solution at the BEST possible price 4 5 A widespread network of people CR invests in R&D in order to sustain innovation and differentiation, with a strong commitment to sustainable development. Our goal is to create a high performance environment, which supports the implementation of our business strategy. +30 years of experience +80 people R&D programs focus on incremental and breakthrough developments to address challenges including: R&D investment avg. 8% of total revenues Integrating renewable power sources into the grid. Enhancing power network +25 Export efficiency, reliability and Customers 99% flexibility. from Countries worldwide 5 6 Global network of experienced business partners, with local presence e CR Technology Systems headquarters are located in Treviglio, in the vicinity of the Northern Italian town of Bergamo. CR has also an other production plant in Morocco, in Casablanca. CR pursues a "Global" growth strategy: we have a local presence (Cuba, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Libya) in the most strategic areas of the world, in order to meet the market's needs in the best way Production Plants (1 in Italy, 1 in Morocco) Partner (CR PRO SERVICE And PRIMELEC) Subsidiaries in the World Official Agent (Albania And Algeria) 6 7 Strategic Innovation The development is a priority for everyone in CR. The development process for CR product innovation requires investments and engages the effort of several departments. Whatever change may be going on in the world around us, one thing remains unchanged: CR s commitment to maintain the highest standards of business With the opening of the new operating headquarters located in Treviglio (Bergamo), the company aims to increase its presence and accelerate international growth. ethics and integrity. CARLO ROVELLI Chairman of the Board of Directors COLLABORATION WITH LEADING SUPPLIERS AND INTERNATIONAL TESTING LABORATORY 7 8 Strategic Committed Innovation to quality Our production facilities have been certified for many years under: ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System OHSAS 18001:2007 Safety & Health Management System ISO 14001:2004 Environnemental Management System 7 9 Revenues INTERNATIONAL SCALE AND EXPOSURE TO GROWING ECONOMIES Cuba CUBA 95% Other 5% 2013 PERU 1% LIBIA 3% SPAGNA 2% TUNISIA 1% VENEZUELA 3% Other 1% ALBANIA 2% Other South America North Africa IRAQ 12% Other 2% Albania Iraq Cuba 86% CUBA 87% 10 Forecast Acquired Orders MV Switchgears Iraq - PV Ivory Coast - Nederland Retrofit - S/S Albania - Algeria Shelters Forecast acquired non- Cuba Y-E = 20,5M Forecast acquired non- Cuba Y-E = 15M Forecast acquired non-cuba 19M - Poles - Transformer rooms Forecast acquired Cuba Y-E = 8M - S/S Antillana - P. Hicacos - Santa Cruz - Transformer rooms - HV Cable - Gecol Libia Total Acquired Forecast 2015 = 42,0M 31/03/ ,5M (of which 1,6 non-cuba) Total Acquired ,5M Forecast acquired Cuba 2016 = 21,5M Total Acquired ,5M Forecast acquired Cuba 2017 = 21,5M Order 31/12/2014 = 17,1 M 26 11 Human Resource CR identifies in honesty, membership and respect the values that distinguish our history. We are resolute to continue building our future on human respect, acting with coherence and honesty towards colleagues, clients and suppliers. Our will is to be an attraction pole for people who are brilliant, smart, resolute, creative in order to enrich and empower our social core, creating a group of highly motivated people. HR % OUR STAFF HAS GROWN with us R&D 20% 35% R&D HR 12 What we do 13 POWER TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION A Big Range Of Products SUBSTATION SOLAR PRODUCTS NETWORK MANAGEMENT (SCADA, SUBSTATION AUTOMATION) LV & MV ELECTRICS EPC SYSTEM INTEGRATION MANUFACTURING SERVICES COMPLETE DESIGNS FOR ENERGY S GENERATION, TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION MV PACKAGE SUBSTATIONS HV SUBSTATIONS AND MOBILE SUBSTATIONS LV & MV ELECTRICAL PANELS AND SWITCHGEARS DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF MV AND LV ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS RETROFITTING FOR EVERY BRAND OF MV AND LV CIRCUIT BREAKER MECHANICAL EQUIPMENTS FOR POWER STATIONS DESIGN AND SUPPLY OF LIGHTING SYSTEMS MANUFACTURING OF PHOTOVOLTAIC PRODUCTS AFTER SALES SERVICE SUPERVISION AND MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT FOR ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION AND CONTROL SYSTEMS 9 14 We focus on strategic markets for the growth and modernization of every country. Solution Partner for your Word As one of the world s leading engineering companies, we help our customers to use electrical power efficiently, to increase industrial productivity and to lower environmental impact in a sustainable way. Innovation and Quality are key values of CR, which ensures clients with high standards products and services. We apply skilled and dedicated knowledge and expertise to develop better products, listening and working closely together with our clients to offer them customized solution. TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS MV AND LV SWITCHGEAR AND SYSTEMS PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS 8 15 Main Products and Services HV SUBSTATIONS UP TO 220 kv 13 16 Main Products and Services HV MOBILE SUBSTATIONS UP TO 220 kv 13 17 Main Products and Services STC BOX MV PACKAGE SUBSTATIONS - SHELTER KIOSK 13 18 Main Products and Services METAL CLAD MV METAL-CLAD CUBICLES FOR PRIMARY DISTRIBUTION UP TO 36 kv 13 19 Main Products and Services SPECIAL CUSTOMIZED CUBICLES NORMAL CLAD 17,5 kv A 50 ka x 1 DBB 13 20 Main Products and Services ATR POWER MV METAL-ENCLOSED CUBICLES SECONDARY DISTRIBUTION UP TO 40,5 kv 13 21 Main Products and Services ATR MIX MV METAL-ENCLOSED CUBICLES SECONDARY DISTRIBUTION UP TO 36 kv 13 22 Main Products and Services RETROFITTING FOR MV AND LV CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND CUBICLES 13 23 Main Products and Services BLINDOPOWER MV BUS-DUCTS UP TO 36 kv 13 24 Main Products and Services LV PANELS POWER CENTER TYPE FOR PRIMARY DISTRIBUTION UP TO 6300A: EURO PC 13 25 Main Products and Services LV PANELS FOR MOTORS CONTROL CENTERS UP TO 3200A: EURO MCC 13 26 Main Products and Services EURO SDS LV PANELS FOR SECONDARY DISTRIBUTION 13 27 Main Products and Services SCADA DCS SUPERVISION AND CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION 13 28 Main Products and Services LV PANELS FOR ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION CONTROL, COMMAND AND AUTOMATION: EURO P&C 13 29 Main Products and Services LV PANELS FOR PROTECTION SYSTEMS IN ELECTRICAL GENERATION, T&D EURO P&C 13 30 Main Products and Services ELECTROMECHANICAL EQUIPMENTS FOR POWER STATIONS 13 31 Main Products and Services DESIGN AND SUPPLY OF LIGHTING SYSTEMS: CR-LUX 13 32 LATEST REFERENCES ( ) La Canela Klos CUBA Electric Substation 110 kv 2 X 25 MVA Engineering procurement and construction according to turnkey solutions ALBANIA Supply and installation of HTA 132 kv equipment, DC system, LV switchgear, protection and SCADA system. Value of the contract: US Maisan Refineries IRAQ Design and Supply of n.2 Mobile Substations 132/33 kv 16 MVA complete with feeders and SCADA system. 4 Bares VENEZUELA Electric Substation 40 MVA DIESEL POWER PLANT 1 Varadero CUBA Supply and Installation of HTB 110kV and 13.8 kv HTA equipment, transformer, system of protection and communication. E.S. Diesel Power Plants Arab Gulf Oil Company N35/2015/SKTM MHB SAL Arismendi 5 MYANMAR 6 LIBYA 7 ALGERIA 3 4 VENEZUELA Compact Substation up to 36KV LV Switchboard EUROPC 0.41 kv-50hz A MV Switchboard ATR-MIX 24 kv Technical advice and training activity for 20 shelters. Value of the contract: ,35 IRAQ Compact Substation 30 kv/20 ka LV Switchboard QSA 230V AC. Electric Substation 2 X 2,4 MVA to connect FUEL OIL power plants 33 LATEST REFERENCES ( ) VARADERO, Cuba HV/MV Substation indoor 34 LATEST REFERENCES ( ) VARADERO, Cuba Supply and installation of 120 km of HV 110kV underground cable 35 LATEST REFERENCES ( ) MARIEL, Cuba HV/MV Substation and secondary distribution loop 36 LATEST REFERENCES ( ) CAYO COCO / GUILLERMO, Cuba HV/MV Substation 37 LATEST REFERENCES ( ) PUERTO ESCONDIDO, Cuba HV/MV Substation indoor 38 LATEST REFERENCES ( ) SANTA CRUZ, Cuba Power plant, electric BOP and MV Substation 39 LATEST REFERENCES ( ) TALLAPIEDRA, La Habana, Cuba HV/MV Substations + MV Reactors 40 LATEST REFERENCES ( ) GUACARA-TUCACAS, Venezuela MV Substations in shelter 41 LATEST REFERENCES ( ) MAISAN REFINERIES, Baghdad (Iraq) N.2 mobile substations 132/33 kv - 16 MVA 42 LATEST REFERENCES ( ) CORPOELEC, Caracas, Venezuela N.1 mobile substations 132/13,8 kv - 10 MVA 43 LATEST REFERENCES ( ) KLOS, Albania HV/MV Substation for hydroelectric plant 44 LATEST REFERENCES ( ) MYANMAR, Birmania MV Substations in shelter 45 NEW PROJECTS Country: Venezuela Automation equipment for Electrical Substations PO Value: 1.3M Forecasted PO placement date: July 2015 Estimated completion date: February 46 NEW PROJECTS Country: Albania 110kv CEMERICE & KORCE Substation PO Value: 0.4M Forecasted PO placement date: in hands (June 2015) Estimated completion date: December 47 NEW PROJECTS Country: Iraq 33/11kV 40kA Metal Clad PO Value: 4.85M Forecasted PO placement date: December 2015 Estimated completion date: September 48 NEW PROJECTS Country: Netherlands MV Retrofit 1250 A / 4000 A PO Value: 2.2M Forecasted PO placement date: January 2015 Estimated completion date: August 49 NEW PROJECTS Country: Iraq 33kV 40kA Metal Clad PO Value: 1.8M Forecasted PO placement date: December 2015 Estimated completion date: September 50 NEW PROJECTS Country: Algeria 20 Shelters MV 33kV PO Value: 10.4M Forecasted PO placement date: July 2015 Estimated completion date: September 51 NEW PROJECTS Country: Albania 115/35/10kv Himare Mobile Substation CR Technology Systems S.p.A. PO Value: 1M Forecasted PO placement date: in hands (January 2016) Estimated completion date: June 52 NEW PROJECTS Country: Albania 35/20/10kV MV Emergency Mobile Substation PO Value: 0,8M Forecasted PO placement date: in hands (February 2016) Estimated completion date: September 2016 CR Technology Systems S.p.A. 53 Transcription 1 WORKING WITH STRUGGLING RESIDENTS 50+ TO WIN BACK OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION TO HELP YOU: Increase your income Save money on prescription drugs Pay doctors bills Buy groceries Cover other basic costs YOUR GUIDE It s hard to be a good provider if you are in crisis yourself. If you are faced with circumstances beyond your control, you need an opportunity to regroup, so you can go back to being a source of help and hope for friends and family. AARP Foundation is here for everyone, 50 years of age or older, who is struggling with problems of hunger, isolation, income, and housing. 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The monthly premium, deductible, and co-payments you pay depend on your income and resources. Who can apply: You must have Medicare and have limited income and resources. Your income must be less than $17,235 a year and your resources must be less than $13,300 if you are single. If you are married and living together, your income must be less than $23,265 a year and your resources must be less than $26,580. How to apply: To apply online, go to: www. socialsecurity.gov and click on the Medicare section. If you need help applying, call the Social Security Administration at: For help in your state, call the South Dakota Senior Health Information & Insurance Education (SHIINE), also known as the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), at: or go to: www. shiine.net. Medicaid Benefit: Medicaid helps make medical coverage more affordable and pays for services such as: hospital care (inpatient and outpatient), health center and clinical services, visits to your healthcare providers (including physician and nurse practitioner), lab tests and x-ray services, nursing home care, and prescription drug coverage (in certain cases). In addition, if you have Medicare, Medicaid may help pay for some of your Medicare costs. Who can apply: You must have limited income and resources and be 65 years of age or older, blind, and/or have a disability. In some cases, you can get Medicaid if you have high medical bills. The income 2 3 and resource guidelines can vary for the different types of Medicaid programs available. out how to apply, contact your county Department of HELP WITH YOUR HOME State Property Tax Assistance Benefit: South Dakota has many programs that provide you with tax relief. Benefits can include property tax exemptions, deferral, refunds, reductions, and/or assessment freezes. Who can apply: Each property tax relief program has its own program guidelines. Some of the rules include age, income and resources, and Veteran's status. out how to get the benefits, contact the South Dakota Property Tax Division at: or go to: htm. Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) Benefit: LIEAP provides your household with a cash grant to help you meet your home heating and cooling costs. The grants are paid either directly to you or to your energy company. Who can apply: You must have limited income to get LIEAP. In addition, you must pay your own gas Social Services (DSS), Division of Medical Services at: To find your local DSS office, go to: and/or electric bill (either directly or included with your rent). How to apply: For more information and to find out how to apply, contact the Office of Energy Assistance at: or go to: sd.gov/energyassistance. Telephone Assistance/Lifeline Benefit: Lifeline offers monthly discounts on your basic wireless or home telephone service. The discounts can include a lower phone bill or free wireless minutes. Who can apply: You can get help if you have limited income or are enrolled in one of the following programs: Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and/or Public Housing or Section 8. How to apply: To get more information, call the Universal Services Administration Company at: or go to: 3 4 HELP BUYING NUTRITIOUS FOOD Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefit: This program helps you and your family buy food needed for good health. Each month, your state will put money onto a special debit card (called an EBT Card) so that you can buy food from most grocery stores. The amount of money you get on these cards depends on where you live, your household income, and how many people live in your household. CASH INCOME Social Security Benefit: Social Security offers you a cash benefit based on your work history and the amount you paid into Social Security. The cash benefit helps you meet your needs due to loss of income as a result of retirement, disability, or death. You and your dependents or surviving spouse can receive the Social Security benefit. The benefit amount you will get depends on the earning records for the person who worked. Who can apply: To get Social Security retirement benefits, you must have met the work requirements and paid into the Social Security system. You can get the Social Security retirement benefits starting as early as age 62. However, the benefit amount you get will be reduced if you take the benefit before you reach full retirement age. To get the Social Security disability benefit, you must have become severely disabled while working. You can get this benefit at any age and must have met the work requirements. The number of quarters you will have needed to work depends on your age. How to apply: You can apply for Social Security online at: and click on Who can apply: You can get nutrition assistance if your household has limited income and resources. The program rules are more generous if there is at least one person who is elderly (60 years of age or older) or has a disability living in the household. out how to apply, contact your county Department of Social Services (DSS), Division of Economic Assistance. To find your local DSS office, go to: You can also contact SNAP at: or Retirement or Disability. You can also apply in person at your local Social Security office. To find your local Social Security office, go to: pgm/reach.htm and click on "Find an Office" or call: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefit: SSI provides a cash benefit to you every month to make sure you have a minimum level of income so that you can pay for basic needs such as: food, clothing, and shelter. Who can apply: You may get help from this program if you are 65 years of age or older, blind, or have a disability. In addition, you must have limited income and resources. Some resources such as your home, car, and certain portions of life insurance and burial accounts may not be counted when determining whether you meet the program guidelines. How to apply: You must make an appointment at your local Social Security office to apply. You can find your local Social Security office by calling: or go to: 4 5 OTHER INFORMATION Eldercare Locator The Eldercare Locator connects you to local sources of information for senior services. You can get help by calling: (hours of operation are Monday Friday, 9 am 8 pm ET) or visiting: www. eldercare.gov. Senior Information Help Line The South Dakota Division of Adult Services and Aging (ASA) can connect you to agencies in your state that provide programs and resources for older adults. Call ASA at: or To find your county ASA office, go to: elderlyservices/offices. Legal Help If you need a lawyer but have limited resources, contact the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) in your area for help. You can also contact the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS), Division of Legal Services by going to: Benefits QuickLINK If you want to get more information about what benefits you may be able to get help with and how to apply, go to Benefits QuickLINK at: quicklink. 5 Less than a year ago, the administration of President Barack Obama issued an historic guidance document instructing school administrators that anti-transgender rules, regulations, and laws are in violation of federal law including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This guidance was received the full-throated support of U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr., Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta (head of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division). Read some of their powerful statements HERE. This evening, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced this evening that they were rescinding the guidance. According to reporting by the New York Times, Sessions was eager to get rid of the protections for transgender students and Ms. DeVos was not: The question of how to address the bathroom debate, as it had become known, opened a rift inside the Trump administration, pitting Education Secretary Betsy DeVos against Attorney General Jeff Sessions. [] But Ms. DeVos initially resisted signing off and told Mr. Trump that she was uncomfortable because of the potential harm that rescinding the protections could cause transgender students, according to three Republicans with direct knowledge of the internal discussions.[] Mr. Sessions, who has opposed expanding gay, lesbian and transgender rights, pushed Ms. DeVos to relent. After getting nowhere, he took his objections to the White House because he could not go forward without her consent. Mr. Trump sided with his attorney general, the Republicans said, and told Ms. DeVos in a meeting in the Oval Office on Tuesday that he wanted her to drop her opposition. And Ms. DeVos, faced with the choice of resigning or defying the president, agreed to go along. In her press release, DeVos had this to say: We have a responsibility to protect every student in America and ensure that they have the freedom to learn and thrive in a safe and trusted environment. This is not merely a federal mandate, but a moral obligation no individual, school, district or state can abdicate. At my direction, the Departments Office for Civil Rights remains committed to investigating all claims of discrimination, bullying and harassment against those who are most vulnerable in our schools. The guidance issued by the previous administration has given rise to several legal questions. As a result, a federal court in August 2016 issued a nationwide injunction barring the Department from enforcing a portion of its application. Since that time, the Department has not enforced that part of the guidance, thus there is no immediate impact to students by rescinding this guidance. This is an issue best solved at the state and local level. Schools, communities, and families can find and in many cases have found solutions that protect all students. I have dedicated my career to advocating for and fighting on behalf of students, and as Secretary of Education, I consider protecting all students, including LGBTQ students, not only a key priority for the Department, but for every school in America. We owe all students a commitment to ensure they have access to a learning environment that is free of discrimination, bullying and harassment. Suffice it to say that the rescinding of the guidance will NOT make the legal questions go away. And, as trans advocate and activist Amy Hunter from the ACLU puts it, To be clear, protections for transgender students arent a States Rights issue. Its about enforcing a federal law -Title IX as well as dignity and respect for all students, no matter who they are. You can read the Trump administrations new guidance HERE. This is a huge blow to some of the most vulnerable people in our country. The rate of violence to and the rate of suicide among trans kids is extraordinarily high. This decision will return them to a situation where they live in fear legitimate fear of bullying and physical assaults. This is not debatable. Betsy DeVos had a choice to make: keep her job so she can promote her anti-public school agenda or stand up for transgender students. She made her choice and transgender kids will pay the price. I encourage you to read this post by my friend Peter Tchoryk, the father of a young transgender son. Published less than a day before tonights step backwards by Betsy DeVos and Jeff Sessions, its a powerful reminder of how this decision will impact real people and the children of so many parents. He finishes his powerful essay with this: [I]t does not have to be this way. For many of us, our worldview has been shaped by interpretations of religious doctrine, long-held biases, and fears built on misconceptions and misinformation. Let us challenge these interpretations and traditions rooted in biases and irrational fears. Let us adjust our worldview when we grow and learn the truth. Let us treat others as we want to be treated and stand up for equality and equity. Let us, in the words of Dr. King, develop a kind of dangerous unselfishness. I believe we have a moral obligation to do so. It is not the easiest path. It may be the hardest. To do what is difficult, in spite of the pain. To do what is right, in spite of the cost. But if we take this path if we teach our kids these simple, self-evident truths we will make this world a better, safer place for all. When it came to choosing between a difficult path and the easiest path, Betsy DeVos chose the easy way. For her. [CC image credit: Paradox | Wikimedia Commons] The deadline set by North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum for evacuating the Cannon Ball Dakota Access Pipeline protest site passed Wednesday and most protesters peacefully vacated before the 2 p.m. cutoff time. Authorities arrested 10 remaining protesters refusing to leave the campground and an estimated few dozen people are still at the site. The Chicago Tribune reported this morning that the North Dakotas governor said the remaining people will have another chance to leave peacefully Thursday. New polling released from the Pew Research Center Wednesday shows nearly half of Americans oppose building the pipeline. Despite continued public protest across the countryincluding divestment movements in several major citieslawyers for the pipeline estimated in a court filing Wednesday that oil could be flowing as early as mid-March. Yesterday, water protectors were evacuated from the main camp. This is not the end of a movement, it's a transition. We will persist #NoDAPL pic.twitter.com/0mFls9fxuy 350 dot org (@350) February 23, 2017 These water protectors inspired people around the world by standing up for the right to clean water and a future free from fossil fuels, Greenpeace USA Climate Campaigner Mary Sweeters said. Allies around the world acting in solidarity with Standing Rock cannot stop now. We must expose every institution pushing the Dakota Access Pipeline project through and projects like it. For a deeper dive: Campground evacuations: AP, ABC, CNN, Washington Post, WSJ, Time, The Guardian, LA Times, InsideClimate News Divestment: CBS SF Bay, Los Angeles Magazine, FT, Law360, DCist Polling: Greenwire Oil timing: Energywire Commentary: American Banker, John Heltman analysis For more climate change and clean energy news, you can follow Climate Nexus on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for daily Hot News. [facebook https://www.facebook.com/EcoWatch/videos/1448710808475185/ expand=1] Z Nation stepped up its game and started concentrating on character development, it was pretty silly. In one ancient episode, they're traveling through South Dakota on the way to California and they come upon a pharmaceutical storage facility. The zombies have somehow-- makes no sense-- discovered Beforestepped up its game and started concentrating on character development, it was pretty silly. In one ancient episode, they're traveling through South Dakota on the way to California and they come upon a pharmaceutical storage facility. The zombies have somehow-- makes no sense-- discovered the joys of meth (and other drugs) and are not just behaving like brain-eating zombies but also like annoying speed freaks. Even visit Jus' Chillin' in Billings, Montana? It used to be the smoothie shop run by right-wing nut Mike Lange. But it wasn't Lange's main occupation-- maybe not even his second most important occupation. He was best known for being Montana's Republican House Majority Leader-- until House Republicans fired him for being too crazy even for them-- and now he's best known for his meth-selling business. The feds say he sold at least a pound of meth in a 6month period between April and October of 2016. He can't attend sessions now because the judge has ordered that he remain in prison without bail. You know a TV newscast is going to be bad when the anchor warns you to quickly get your children out of the room. That clip up top was the GOP Majority Leader/freak screaming during a GOP caucus meeting that then-Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer should stick his budget proposal up his ass. (As you can see, most Republican legislators encouraged him by applauding... like trained seals. But they fired him as Majority Leader over it anyway.) The following year he tried running for U.S. Senate against Max Baucus and the Montana Republican Party chairman, Chris Wilcox, said the party stands behind Lange. "As far as were concerned at the state party office, hes a Republican officeholder, and we support our Republican officeholders and Republican candidates." He lost the primary. Not every Trump voter in Montana is a meth-freak. Some prefer oxycodone or fentanyl Jus' Chillin' was foreclosed on and Lange was forced to refinance his home to pay the bank $77,000 in defaulted loans. That may have been when he decided going into the drug-selling business was a good idea. No one at the Yellowstone County jail will confirm that the judge didn't grant bail because Lange was in a deep dark meth-hole and a danger to himself and everyone around him. Like many Trumpists , Lange needs to look closely and honestly into his relationship to illicit pharmaceuticals. Mike Lange (56) pleaded not guilty. And state Senator Mike Lang (no "e") pleaded with Montanans to remember that he's not Lange and not a meth-freak and never called Brian Schweitzer a "son of a bitch." Trump beat Hillary in Montana 279,240 (55.6%) to 177,709 (35.4%) and won all but 6 counties in the state, including Lange's Yellowstone County, Montana's most populous, where Trump beat her nearly two to one. The ballot measure to expand medical marijuana in the state got more votes than Trump, winning with 284,531 (57.6%). By Whitney Webb While media attention has largely drifted away from the 2011 meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in the years since the disaster, a recent and disturbing development has once again made Fukushima difficult if not impossible to ignore. On Feb. 2, Tokyo Electric Power Company or TEPCO, quietly released a statement regarding the discovery of a hole measuring 2 meters in diameter within the metal grating at the bottom of the containment vessel in the plants No. 2 reactor. Though news of this hole is indeed concerning, even more shocking was the associated jump in radiation detected in the area. According to estimates taken at the time of the holes discovery, radiation inside the reactor was found to have reached 530 sieverts per hour, a massive increase compared to the 73 sieverts per hour recorded after the disaster. To put these figures in perspective, the National Aeronautics and Space Administrations maximum amount of radiation exposure permitted for astronauts over their entire lifetime is 1 sievert. Human exposure to 5 sieverts would kill half of those exposed within a month, while 10 sieverts would prove fatal to nearly all exposed within a matter of weeks. An official with Japans National Institute of Radiological Sciences told the Japan Times that medical professionals with the organization had never even considered working with such high levels of radiation. A nearly 1-square-meter hole is seen in a walkway in the containment vessel of the No. 2 reactor at Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant. It is thought that the heat of the melted nuclear fuel caused the walkway to give way. TEPCO TEPCO initially tried to counter public fears by stating that most of the reactors nuclear fuel remained in the containment vessel despite the hole. However, on Feb. 3, TEPCO spokesman Yuichi Okamura was quoted as saying that its highly possible that melted fuel leaked through. At the time, TEPCO said that it would send a robot into the area to survey the full extent of the damage in order to definitively determine whether fuel had leaked outside of the reactor into the surrounding environment. The first robot, deployed on Feb. 16, was unable to conduct any meaningful measurements, as the extreme conditions within the reactor forced operators to abandon it within the containment vessel. The scorpion robot, manufactured by Toshiba, was meant to record images of the reactors interior and collect accurateinstead of estimateddata on the levels of radiation within. Within three hours of deployment, the device stopped responding to operators despite its stated ability to withstand high levels of radiation. TEPCO has not commented on its new plans to gauge the damage recently uncovered in the reactor in the wake of the robots malfunction. [facebook https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTEPCOen/videos/1348040575255238/ expand=1] When a second robot was sent to investigate, it also failed. One of the Worlds Worst Nuclear Disasters Grows Even worse Despite a lack of widespread media coverage and TEPCOs reassurances that things are under control, there is concern that the nuclear disaster at Fukushimaalready one of the worst nuclear disasters in human historyis quickly growing even worse. PBS News reported last year that more than 80 percent of of the radioactivity from the three damaged reactors was released into the Pacific Ocean, as 300 tons of radioactive water have leaked from the reactors every day since an earthquake and subsequent tsunami crippled the plant in 2011. The Pacific Ocean may have diluted much of the radiation, due to its massive volume, yet radiation and debris from the disaster has been detected along the western coast of Canada and the U.S. Traces of Fukushima radiation were first detected in early 2015, when trace amounts of cesium-134 and cesium-137 appeared in samples collected near Vancouver Island. Then, in December of last year, researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution detected seaborne cesium-134 along the Oregon coast. Though no link between the presence of radiation has been officially established, fisheries along the entire western coast of North America have been collapsing. Last month, the U.S. secretary of commerce reported on the failure of nine salmon and crab fisheries in Alaska, California and Washingtonall due to unexpected yet steep declines in fish populations. While scientists and government authorities alike are stumped as to the cause, fish caught along the West Coast have showed high increases in the levels of cesium for yearsas far back as 2014. Researchers have maintained that fish, however, are still safe to eat despite the fact that at least one group of doctors agrees that there is no safe level of radionuclide exposure, whether from food, water or other sources, period. The Japanese government, TEPCO and mainstream media continue to insist that this massive release of radiation into the environment has had no effect on human or environmental health. However, thyroid cancer rates have soared in Japan, with 131 children developing thyroid cancer in the six years since the disaster. That total is equivalent to about 600 thyroid cancer cases per million children, while the child thyroid cancer rate elsewhere is about one or two children per million per year. https://twitter.com/EcoWatch/status/655136288232906752 Despite the marked increase in cancer rates, TEPCO and the Japanese government insist that Fukushima radiation is unlikely to result in a greater incidence of cancer cases. However, exposure to Iodine-131, the main radionuclide released into the air and water during the meltdown, is known to increase human risk of thyroid cancer and is the most clearly defined environmental factor associated with thyroid tumors, suggesting that a correlation between radiation and exposure likely exists. This latest breach in one of the plants damaged reactors as well as TEPCOs inability to even properly gauge the extent of the damage suggests that we have yet to see the full devastating potential of the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Reposted with permission from our media associate MintPress News. At the grand opening of Teslas enormous Gigafactory in July, CEO Elon Musk said he wants to build Gigafactories on several continents. He told BBC he wanted a factory in Europe, in India, in China ultimately, wherever there is a huge amount of demand for the end product. Well, it looks like Musks factory-building plans are well underway. .@elonmusk speaking to the media at the Tesla Gigafactory. pic.twitter.com/Rh41VqNK3y This Is Reno (@ThisIsReno) July 26, 2016 The company said in its fourth-quarter investor letter on Wednesday that it is considering building up to five Gigafactories. The letter states: Installation of Model 3 manufacturing equipment is underway in Fremont and at Gigafactory 1, where in January, we began production of battery cells for energy storage products, which have the same form-factor as the cells that will be used in Model 3. Later this year, we expect to finalize locations for Gigafactories 3, 4 and possibly 5 (Gigafactory 2 is the Tesla solar plant in New York). Tesla officially flicked on Gigafactory 1s switch in January. The factory produces lithium-ion battery cells for Teslas suite of battery storage products, the Powerwall 2 and Powerpack 2, as well as the companys mass-market electric car, the Model 3. Tesla Flips Switch on Gigafactory to Accelerate World's Transition to Renewable Energy https://t.co/tpAJAUBJiO @BusinessGreen @Ethical_Corp EcoWatch (@EcoWatch) January 6, 2017 Gigafactory 1 is currently being built in phases so that the company and its partners can manufacture products while the building continues to expand. Construction is expected for completion by 2018, at which point the plant could claim the title of worlds largest building by footprint. The facility will also be astoundingly clean and energy efficient, as it will be powered 100 percent by renewables such as solar, wind, geothermal and will feature energy-storage technology. The company also plans for the building to achieve net zero energy. Tesla co-founder and chief technical officer JB Straubel once explained why Tesla wanted Gigafactory operations to be completely carbon neutral: The Gigafactory is maybe the best example we can talk about with this. You know, from the get-go, from the first concept of this factory, we wanted to make it a net-zero facility. So, you know, the most visible thing we are doing is covering the entire site with solar power. The whole roof of the Gigafactory was designed from the beginning with solar in mind. We kept all of the mechanical equipment off the roof. We didnt put extra, sorta, penetrations through the roof that we didnt need to and its a very, very clean surface that we can completely cover in solar. But thats not enough solar, though. So we have also gone to the surrounding hillsides that we cant use for other functions and were adding solar to those. Elon Musk: Tesla Battery Will 'Fundamentally Change the Way the World Uses Energy' http://t.co/vjWsbkX4AX @Act4Renewables @Ecofys EcoWatch (@EcoWatch) May 2, 2015 According to Straubel, the Gigafactory isnt even hooked up to any natural gas pipelines: The other interesting thing is we wanted to manage the emissions from the Gigafactory. Solar power can do some of that, but we took kind of a radical move in the beginning and said we are not going to burn any fossil fuels in the factory. You know, zero emissions. We are going to build a zero-emissions factoryjust like the car. So, instead of kind of fighting this battle in hindsight, we just said we are not even going to have a natural gas pipeline coming to the factory, so we didnt even build it. And it kind of forced the issue. When you dont have natural gas, you know, none of the engineers can say, Oh, but it will be more efficient, let me use just a little bit. Sorry, we dont even have it. In December, Tesla and Panasonic launched operations at its Buffalo, New York plant, now dubbed Gigafactory 2. The factory manufactures high-efficiency photovoltaic cells and modules for solar panels and solar glass tiles for Teslas highly anticipated solar roof. Musk to Put Solar Glass on Tesla Model 3, Tells DiCaprio We Must Transition From Dirty Energy https://t.co/bFOQfBuVIx @foeeurope EcoWatch (@EcoWatch) November 4, 2016 Teslas factories are all part of the companys mission to accelerate the worlds transition to sustainable energy. In last years climate change documentary Before The Flood, Musk takes Leonardo DiCaprio on a tour of Teslas massive Gigafactory in Nevada. During their chat, the Tesla CEO tells the actor and famed environmentalist that it would only take 100 Gigafactories to transition the whole world to sustainable energy. With at least five Gigafactories in the books, looks like Musks plans are slowly becoming reality. For what its worth, even DiCaprio said building one-hundred Gigafactories sounds manageable. Lawmakers in California and Massachusetts have recently introduced bills that would require their respective states to get all of its electricity from renewable energy sources. California Senate leader Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles), who introduced SB 584 last Friday, would require the Golden State to have a carbon-free grid by 2045. It would also accelerate the states current goal of hitting 50 percent renewables by 2030 to 2025. https://twitter.com/LeoDiCaprio/status/834513728355852297 De Leon actually helped pushed through the initial 50 percent by 2030 law two years ago, but as he told the Los Angeles Times the legislation did not go far enough. We probably should have shot for the stars, he said. As InsideClimate News noted, California is already well on its way: The California Energy Commission says the state got about 27 percent of its electricity from renewables last year, slightly better than the 25 percent required by law. Capacity has more than doubled over the past decade. Californias largest utilities have also said they are ahead of schedule for meeting their 2020 goal. Massachusetts legislators have also announced similar clean energy efforts. HD.3357 and SD.1932 was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Sean Garballey and Marjorie Decker and in the Senate by Sen. Jamie Eldridge. The measure would require Massachusetts to get all of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035. All of its energy needs, including heating and transportation, would have to come from renewable sources by 2050. So far, the only state that has an official 100 percent renewable energy standard is Hawaii. Hawaiis aggressive clean energy mandaterequiring the states electricity to come from renewable sources no later than 2045was enacted back in 2015. https://twitter.com/EcoWatch/status/609178587514671105 Many renewable-energy loving statesas well as town and city governmentsare ramping up their clean energy goals in spite of the federal governments favoritism of fossil fuels and indifference towards fighting climate change. This month, Nevada assemblyman Chris Brook introduced a bill to ramp up the states renewable portfolio standard to 80 percent by 2040. Nevadas current standard calls for 25 percent by 2025. Transitioning to 100 percent clean energy is not as far-fetched as it seems. Dr. Mark Z. Jacobson, a Stanford University professor and cofounder of The Solutions Project, has created a state-by-state roadmap to convert the country to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. Last year, The Solutions Project team published a study explaining how each state can replace fossil fuels by tapping into renewable resources available in each state such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, and even small amounts of tidal and wave power. The Solutions Project The authors found that converting the nations energy infrastructure into renewables is ideal because it helps fight climate change, saves lives by eliminating air pollution, creates jobs in the rapidly booming renewable energy sector and also stabilizes energy prices. It is now established that such a transition is possible state by state and country by country, Jacobson commented to EcoWatch in December. Also, as USA TODAY pointed out from a University of Texas at Austin study, wind turbines and big solar farms are the cheapest sources of new electricity generation across much of the U.S. Certainly in sun-soaked California, where solar is the cheapest form of energy in much of the state. I had the chance to take a deeper dive with Jacobson via email on Wednesday. He took the time to answer these following questions: What do you say to the critics who say it is not feasible for California, Massachusetts (or any other state) to get to 100 percent clean energy? Jacobson: They speak without having every studied the issue or examined the numbers, including the ability to keep the grid stable or the costs of energy. What are some of the specific benefits for California and Massachusetts if they transition to clean energy? Jacobson: Create more net long-term jobs than lost, stabilize energy prices because the fuel costs of wind and solar are zero, reduce the costs of energy since onshore wind and large-scale solar are the least expensive forms of new energy in the U.S. today, eliminate 13,000 air pollution deaths and hundreds of thousands of illnesses in California alone saving 3 percent of the GDP, reduce terrorism and catastrophic risk because of the more distributed nature of the grid and reduce dependence on foreign energy. What are some of the biggest obstacles (i.e. technology, politics, fossil fuel industry) for states to get to 100 percent clean energy? Jacobson: Lack of information and people with a financial interest in the current infrastructure. Once people have full information about the transition and its benefits, most are likely to support the transition. Ninety percent of the blockade to faster progress is due to individuals and companies that have a financial interest in the current infrastructure thus profit over it not happening. Are you working with any of the legislators who have proposed these 100 percent clean energy bills? If so, who? And, what role is The Solutions Project playing in helping states advance renewable energy policies? Jacobson: We provide information to all parties who request it, thus our goal is not partisan. It is purely to help facilitate the healthiest and cleanest future for Americans and the world. How do you feel about President Trump and his administrations pro-fossil fuel agenda? Does it make the push to 100 percent clean energy harder? Jacobson: The transition will occur regardless of what President Trump wants or does because costs are favorable and most people want healthy air and lower energy prices, and see all the benefits in terms of jobs, price stability, health and security that clean, renewable energy provides. [facebook https://www.facebook.com/EcoWatch/videos/1454350374577895/ expand=1] To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020. Employees make their way to work at the Samsung factory in Thai Nguyen province, north of Hanoi, Vietnam.Photo by Reuters/Kham Singapore remains the key investor, providing around a quarter of the total FDI pledges. Vietnam has received an estimated $1.55 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) disbursements during the first two months of this year, up 3.3 percent from a year ago, the government said Thursday. FDI pledges, additional funds for existing projects and investments in Vietnamese stocks, totaled $3.4 billion in the two-month period, a rise of 21.5 percent from the same period last year, the Planning and Investment Ministry's foreign investment department said in a report. Foreign direct investment is a major source of foreign exchange for Vietnam, which along with overseas remittances help improve the country's trade balance. In the first two months, the manufacturing and processing industries have attracted $2.5 billion of FDI pledges and additional funds, or 73.4 percent of the total, followed by the real estate sector and the wholesale/retail sector, the report said. Singapore remained the top investor with $881.6 million, followed by China and South Korea. FDI has gone mostly to Vietnams manufacturing and processing industries so far in 2017, which aligns with the trend observed since 2012, based on government data. In 2016 a combined $15.5 billion worth of FDI pledges and additional funds were poured into these areas, up from $15.2 billion the previous year. The industrial and construction sectors ruled the roost back in 2011 after taking over from real estate. The country received a record $15.8 billion in disbursements in 2016. Related news: > Japanese companies mainly positive about doing business in Vietnam > January brings $300 million in foreign investment to Vietnam's real estate market Search All categories Advertising General Aerospace General Agriculture General Airlines General America - Post 9/11 General Apparel General Apple Products General Architectural General Architecture Architecture Art & Entertainments Books Celebrities Country Music Dance Magazines Movies Museums Music Music Downloads News & Talk Shows Performing Arts Photography Television Web Sites Arts/Culture General Auction General Automotive Aftermarket Classic Autos Consumer Publications General Motorcycle & Bike Racing Recreational Vehicle Repair & Service Trade Publications Blogging & Social Media Blogging & Social Media Business Advertising / Marketing Books Consumer Research Direct Marketing e-Commerce Entrepreneurs Finance Franchise Human Resources Insurance Investment Management Markets Network Marketing Online Marketing / SEO 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purportedly seen in the waters around Mischief Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea in this still image from video taken by a P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft provided by the United States Navy May 21, 2015. Navy/Handout via Reuters/File Photo U.S. reports claim China has constructed military bases on artificial islands in disputed waters. Vietnam is looking to clarify media reports that claim China has nearly completed several missile launch sites on artificial islands in the East Sea, internationally referred to as the South China Sea. The structures are believed to be designed to house long-range surface-to-air missiles. Vietnam has called on other parties to act responsibly and refrain from taking military actions that may worsen the situation in the region, foreign ministry spokesman Le Hai Binh said in a statement on Thursday. Any construction activities on the islands and reefs by other parties in the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos without Vietnams permission are illegal, he added. Binh said the country has full legal grounds and historical evidence to prove its sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa. China has nearly finished building almost two dozen structures on artificial islands in the South China Sea that appear to house long-range surface-to-air missiles, two U.S. officials told Reuters. The development is likely to raise questions about whether and how the United States will respond, given its vows to take a tough line on China in the South China Sea. "It is not like the Chinese to build anything in the South China Sea just to build it, and these structures resemble others that house SAM batteries, so the logical conclusion is that's what they are for," said a U.S. intelligence official, referring to surface-to-air missiles. A Pentagon spokesman said the United States remained committed to "non-militarization in the South China Sea", and urged all claimants to take actions consistent with international law. In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Wednesday he was aware of the report, but did not say if China was planning on placing missiles on the reefs. In December last year, Vietnam also raised concerns over media reports that China had installed weapons systems on the artificial islands it had constructed in the area. In 1974, China took over the Hoang Sa islands. A brief but bloody naval battle with forces of the then U.S.-backed Republic of Vietnam ensued. Truong Sa is claimed in part by China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. Related news: > Vietnam wary of China's alleged weapons deployments in troubled waters > Vietnam protests Chinas election and patrols in flashpoint waters Vietnamese woman sworn in as head of immigrant committee in Taiwan Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen waves her hand as she boards the territory's first domestically built Tuo Jiang twin-hull stealth missile corvette at Suao Naval Base in Yilan, Taiwan June 4, 2016. Photo by Reuters/Tyrone Siu/File Photo Increased participation of immigrants in the territorys decision-making process would spur their creativity, said the newly appointed chairwoman. A female lecturer of Vietnamese origin has been chosen to lead a new immigrants' committee formed by the territorys ruling party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen attended a ceremony to establish the committee on Wednesday, the Taipei Times reported. Chairwoman Tran Thi Hoang Phuong, a Vietnamese lecturer at the National Chengchi University in Taipei will lead the 12-member panel. The committee also includes two Taiwanese- Indonesian lecturers, a Thai dancer and Taiwanese immigration officials and experts. Phuong said increased participation of immigrants in the territorys decision-making process would spur their creativity. The new panel was formed to help new immigrants, who make up the fifth-largest ethnic group in the territory, the daily quoted Tsai as saying. She added that the committee will help Taiwan become more multicultural and tolerant, while promoting cultural exchanges. Taiwan is a promising destination for Vietnamese workers looking for jobs overseas. There are around 164,000 Vietnamese citizens currently working under official contracts in Taiwan, accounting for nearly 30 percent of the countrys overseas workforce. Taiwanese Minister of Education Pan Wen-Chung said in January that Vietnamese will be among seven other Southeast Asian languages on Taiwans curriculum for elementary schools from 2018, VnExpress previously reported. Related news: > Taiwan to teach Vietnamese in elementary schools from 2018 > Taiwan arrests 40 Vietnamese for illegal entry Treasury Minister confirms sugar tax for soft drinks Sugary soft drinks are likely to be more expensive from next year as the Government has confirmed plans to introduce a sugar tax. Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan revealed the Island will follow the UK's lead by bringing in a Soft Drinks Industry Levy from 2018. The idea had previously been discussed in Tynwald, and Mr Cannan confirmed the tax will come in as part of this year's budget. It's hoped the tax will help the Government's Healthy Weight Strategy while also encouraging the Manx public to consume less sugar. Pippa Middleton is said to be furious when James Middleton was planning to propose to his girlfriend Donna Air this year. It can be recalled that Pippa and James Matthews wedding will be held this year and she cannot just let the spotlight be taken away from her. Pippa is hoping that her wedding with Matthews will be the most awaited wedding event this year but it looks like someone is getting in the scene to steal the spotlight from her. Her brother, James Middleton is said to be asking his girlfriend's hands already for marriage. With that, Pippa seemed to be not so pleased and obviously she cannot just let someone not even her own brother to take the spotlight from her. Pippa's wedding to Matthews has been considered as the biggest social event of the year. But reports were rife that James is likely to propose to his on-and-off again girlfriend, Donna Air. The two have broken up before Donna headed to Austria to deal with her personal issues. And when she got back, James realized that Donna is actually the woman for him as per Daily Mail. There will be a possibility that James Middleton will propose to Donna and he will join his sister, Pippa for the scheduled weddings this year. It has been reported that Pippa Middleton will not allow that to happen since she wants that her wedding will be the only big social event this year. Aside from James Middleton and Donna Air, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are also posing threat to Pippa Middleton. There were reports claiming that Harry will propose to his American girlfriend sooner or not later. If Harry will be engaged to Markle in the future or probably this year, then there is a chance that their wedding will be the most awaited as per The Sun. Besides, their wedding will be the same with that of Prince William and Kate Middleton held last 2011. Pippa Middleton has not given any comment yet regarding this issue that involves her brother James Middleton and girlfriend Donna Air. Besides, nothing is wrong if those weddings will be held on the same year. Kate Hudson just sent a cryptic Valentine message during the romantic holiday as she belted a song titled, "Love on the Brain." She made people wondered if she is referring to her alleged romance with Brad Pitt. Kate has been keeping people guessing with regards to her rumored romance with Angelina Jolie's ex. But when she belted out a version of the Rihanna's song, many people can't help but wonder that she referring to a mystery someone. It has been reported on Yahoo that Kate Hudson shared a Valentine's Day video of her singing the said track. With this, she fuelled the speculation once more and made people think that perhaps the report could be also true. Reports are swirling that Kate and Brad have been secretly dating after his divorce from Angelina Jolie. Kate was actually the mystery woman of Brad which reports have been pointing out before. However, neither Brad nor Kate has confirmed the speculation. Reports linking the two Hollywood stars started at the Golden Globes earlier this year. One report even claimed that Kate was spotted talking to Brad's agent before she and brad left the event's after-party together. Kate Hudson was also heard gushing about Brad Pitt to her close friends during the Golden Globes after-party. Kate reportedly shared to her friends that they have been seeing each other secretly after the actor's split from Jolie. Though the rumored pair has not appeared together in public so far, reports are rife that they have managed to squeeze in some private time together. It has been claimed also that Brad's bodyguard could attest to the affair saying that the pair has been hooking up since then. Nevertheless, Kate's mother as well as her brother denied the reports and endless speculations as per Daily Mail. In fact, her brother took to his Instagram account his disappointment over the issue. Kate Hudson and Brad Pitt's reports of dating after his divorce from Angelina Jolie won't just die down unless the two will give their respective comments to enlighten fans and the public. A new "X-Men" movie is always something to look forward to, and although it has already a lot of movie franchises under its belt, it seems like the studio is still far from stopping production. Aside from "Deadpool" 2018 movie, reports have been circulating online that a new "X-Men" movie will come after it and will seat a new director. Who could this director be? According to Collider, writer/producer Simon Kinberg might be the director for the next "X-Men" movie. However, specific details about the said movie are still unknown. Reports have been circulating on the internet that there will be another "X-Men" movie about Josh Boone's "New Mutants" film. To make things clear, the studio behind "X-Men" movie has yet to comment or release an official statement bearing the details of the next movie franchise, much less who their choice of director will be. However, Simon Kinberg might be one of the top choices since he has reportedly written a screenplay with a storyline centered on Dark Phoenix. The said "X-Men" movie possibly following "New Mutants" would reportedly be a follow-up to "X-Men: Apocalypse" with an alleged working title of "X-Men: Supernova." The follow-up movie for "X-Men: Apocalypse" will reportedly focus on Jean Grey or Dark Phoenix storyline and might be up for filming this June 2017. According to GameSpot, Simon Kinberg is not new to the franchise as he has been reportedly part of "Deadpool" and "Logan" among others. The possible plot for "X-Men: Supernova" has teased the fans at the end of "X2." Basically, the plot will unravel Jean Grey's struggle with her power that will eventually transform her into Dark Phoenix and endanger her alter-ego's existence. Speaking of Jean Grey, the actress who played the young version of the said character in "X-Men: Apocalypse," recently divulged in a red carpet interview that she is about to start shooting the next "X-Men" movie. The "Game Of Thrones" actress didn't really specify the title of the "X-Men" movie she will be working on so fans will have to standby for more details. Stay tuned to Enstars for more "X-Men" movie news and updates! The man who vandalized the Hollywood Walk of Fame star of the then-Presidential candidate, Donald Trump, last fall with a pickax and a sledgehammer has received three years of formal probation. He also has to settle the fines for the damage he caused when he assaulted the pavement. James Lambert Otis has pleaded no contest to felony vandalism on Tuesday, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, LA Daily News reported. He has been ordered to pay the fine of $3,700 to the Hollywood Historic Trust and $700 to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and was also sentenced to work for 20 days for Caltrans. Otis, the heir to the Otis Elevator Company, was caught on video using the tools to deface Donald Trumps' star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame on Oct. 26, KTLA 5 reported. The brass medallion, which was placed in the middle of the star as part of the commemoration to the previous television host, was also reportedly removed. The 53-year-old Los Angeles man spoke with LA Times about the incident after it happened. "I just sort of had enough with Mr. Trump's aggressive language toward women and his behavior, his sexual violence with women and against women," Otis said at the time, but Trump called the allegations false. Otis, drawing from previous experiences, recalled the events that happened in his family in the past about assault and sexual violence. "It all became very personal," he continued to note. Trump, who is now the President of the United States, first received his Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2007, which is located near the Hollywood Highland complex on Hollywood boulevard. He hosted the popular NBC show "The Apprentice" for 14 seasons. He was replaced by current host, Arnold Schwarzenegger, after he announced his plans to run for presidency in June 2016. The "James Bond 25" movie is eyeing Croatia as its next location when it starts filming this year. It has been more than a year since the last Bond movie "Spectre" was shown in theaters, and the spy movie makers are bent on starting filming even if the identity of the lead star is still uncertain. There is much uncertainty if current James Bond Daniel Craig would still star as the English spy in the new "James Bond 25" film. It could, however, work both ways since Sony and MGM want Craig back even for one last movie. Craig earlier said he would rather have his wrists slashed than do another movie as James Bond. "They say that shit sticks, and that definitely stuck. It was the day after filming [stopped on Spectre]. I'd been away from home for a year. Boo-hoo. It's a good gig. I enjoy it," Craig said. "Everyone's a bit tired. As far as I'm concerned, I've got the best job in the world. I'll keep doing it as long as I still get a kick out of it. If I were to stop doing it, I would miss it terribly," he added. Eon Productions is said to be negotiating the terms for the next location of "James Bond 25", according to Movie Web. This was confirmed by Dubrovnik City mayor during a press conference for the movie "Robin Hood: Origins". Several names are being floated around as to who will play 007 in "James Bond 25". Among the actors being eyed as the new Bond are Aidan Turner, Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba and Michale Fassbender. Craig has become the second actor in the history of the franchise to have played James Bond. His fans are, however, not fully satisfied with "Spectre" so they want to see him one last time in "James Bond 25", according to Yahoo. For now, fans have to be satisfied knowing that a location has somehow been chosen for the filming of "James Bond 25" this year. However, they have to bear with the suspense when it comes to who will play the lead role, and who will direct the movie, as Sam Mendes is definitely out. Prince William and Kate Middleton just received another public backlash for having a spoiled lifestyle. The couple is reportedly refusing to give up their spoiled lifestyle even if they are expected to work more this year. The royal couple has been considered as work-allergic back then since they do not do more work that they are expected to do. But although they are so busy doing charity and royal works the past days and month, it looks like nothing has changed at all. Some reported that Kate Middleton and Prince William will take on a lengthy vacation perhaps this month and that they also have a scheduled trip to Paris next month. It can be revealed that the Duchess was present during an Air Cadets event but she only has two royal engagements left this month as per The Sun. With that, it means that she has a lot of time dealing with her family at home or perhaps taking on a vacation. Kate Middleton will be visiting the children at Action for Children in Wales then she will be attending a Ronald McDonald House at Evelina London Children's Hospital. Because of that, some royal insiders concluded that Prince William and Kate Middleton are only doing a minimum amount of work, even more, should be expected from them. Aside from this, reports were also escalating that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will not give up their life in Norfolk. The Kate Middleton and Prince William are unenthusiastic to move to London since they still want to stay in their home in Norfolk. With that, they want to show the media and the public that they are really interested in working behind the scenes while attending to their two children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. However, some thought that it's not actually like that and the couple ended up receiving backlash and criticisms for living the spoiled lifestyle still. Moreover, as reported by Vanity Fair, Prince William was heard before complaining about parenthood even if they have a team of royal nannies who help them 24 hours. Prince William and Kate Middleton have never missed any issue when it comes to how they deal with their royal work. But the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also need to take some day off. February 20 should have marked Kurt Cobain's 50th birthday. Although he has been gone for almost 23 years, his daughter, Frances Bean still celebrated his dad's natal day with a very sweet tribute. Frances Bean shared a personal handwritten note for Kurt Cobain on her Instagram account. "Today would have been your 50th birthday," the message started. "You are loved and you are missed. Thank you for giving me the gift of life. Forever your daughter, Frances Bean," she continued. The 24-year-old celebrity daughter captioned the snap with "February 20th 2017. Happy Birthday." February 20th 2017. Happy Birthday. A post shared by Frances Bean Cobain (@space_witch666) on Feb 20, 2017 at 12:01am PST To recall, Kurt Cobain committed suicide in April 1994, USA Today reported. France Bean was not even two years old that time. In an interview with Rolling Stone about the HBO documentary about her dad "Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck, the visual artist said her gave up his life for his art. France Bean explained that the world demanded Kurt Cobain to be gone. Hence, she thought that this might be the reason why the Nirvana frontman felt he wanted to die and everyone would be happy if he did. However, Frances Bean imagined that if Kurt Cobain had lived, she "would have had a dad" that would have been "an incredible experience" for her. Meanwhile, on her 23rd birthday in 2015, her mother Courtney Love also remembered her former husband. Courtney Love shared a couple of old family photos on her Instagram page in celebration of France Bean birthday then. The snaps featured the 52-year-old musician, her daughter when she was still a baby and Kurt Cobain. The former frontwoman of Hole captioned the first picture with her greatest love and their precious Bean along with a sentimental message for the late hitmaker. Courtney Love revealed she felt emotional that time seeing Frances Bean all grown up. She even questioned Kurt Cobain for taking his own life knowing they have a very pretty Frances Bean. Courtney Love then admitted that she missed him, Pop Sugar reported. Filming Horror: Hindi Cinema, Ghosts and Ideologies by Meraj Ahmed Mubarki comes at a time of friction. The established Indian film studies, largely concerned with popular films (mostly Bollywood, with niche response towards major alternatesTelugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Marathi and Bengali), stands refractory with the new European cinema studies, the latter dedicated to the aesthesis of the revival of art films in Europe. The first school treats the Indian popular as a pre cinematic narrative (Prasad 1998: 69)cinema as a part of a mutating ideology governed by the political through time. The second treats extant theory as a corollary to the film textthe text not as a tool of larger sociopolitical machinery; its existence warrants its appreciation, not the other way around. Mubarki apparently pledges fealty to the former, takes up a slice of the Indian popular and posits it as axial to a shifting culturalpolitical modernity, yet his frequent incursions into disparate contexts like aesthetic theory, Anglophone studio horror and a partial refusal to relegate the film text as a stooge of the social narrative entirelyall make the book under review a moderately important addition to the canon of Indian Film Studies. As a book with clearly academic aspirations, it however faces a greater challenge from within its geo-specificity. Judging the worth of this book in scholarly terms can never be separate from mapping its context, since the near-saturation of the Indian popular film scholastics is dependent on an immensely established canon. Any new work is to be judged in retrospect. What is, for example, the popular Hindi canon? How inclusive is it regarding world cinematic elements, or elements from the parallel Indian film industries? Is the popular film genre (action, melodrama, romance, horror) hermetic or overlapping? This book, of about 196 pages spread through five chapters, seeks to understand the emergence and contemporary articulations of the genre made possible by larger social forces at work (p 1). Violence was a prominent theme in several plenaries and parallel sessions at the Habitat III (United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development) held in Quito, Ecuador, in 2016. Policymakers across the world are clearly concerned about how rapid urbanisation appears to be accompanied by a rise in violence, particularly against the poor, women and children. The fundamental premise of these debates was that inclusion in the growing markets on the one hand and strengthening policing methods on the other will eventually lead to better cities. Violence in many of these debates was conceptualised and measured through national crime records which cover murders, assaults, rapes, violent robberies, riots, acts of terror, etc. Likewise, exclusion was understood primarily in terms of access to basic services and means of consumption. How does India fare on this spectrum? Crime rate in India is in the low zone: at 87 per 1,00,000 population it compares with countries like Lebanon (59), Yemen (67) and Kazakhstan (96). Even when the under-reporting of crimes, poor policing, etc, are accounted for, this makes for a low crime rate. India does not figure very high among countries which experience entrenched protests, some of which turn violent, besides frequent acts of terror and warfare in the cities. Consider how, when Venezuela announced demonetisation of 77% of the currency in circulation there were violent protests leading to several deaths, forcing the government to withdraw the move. In comparison, even when 86% of the currency in circulation was recently withdrawn, India hardly experienced any protest. Going by these measures, India would have no reason to be concerned about violence. The central governments policy favouring bank mergers assumes enhanced efficiency of the merged banks through economies of scale and scope. An econometric analysis of Indias scheduled commercial banks, however, establishes that in the Indian banking sector, mergers may actually be detrimental to efficiency. This paper argues that public sector banks were set up to serve the welfare needs of the underprivileged and to promote financial inclusion, not to make profits. In the case of bank mergers, economies of scale and scope are being used to veil the promotion of economies of exclusion. This time last year, the European Union was initiating discussions on the migrant deal with Turkey under which migrants arriving in Greece from Turkey are returned and successful asylum applicants are resettled directly by the EU from Turkey. The deal was successful at lifting pressure from Greece and helped tame and manage the flow of migrants to the old continent. This year, the EU kicked off similar discussions with Libya. Joseph Muscat, the Prime Minister of Malta, which currently holds the EUs rotating presidency, has proposed a system under which Libyan and European boats would intercept migrant vessels in Libyan waters, returning them to Libyan ports. The migrants would be processed in Libya by UNHCR and IOM, which are funded by the EU. Successful asylum applicants would be allowed entry to Europe while the unsuccessful ones would be either resettled in Libya or repatriated to their home countries. While both deals seem similar in nature, their underlying circumstances are not. Unlike Turkey, Libya is an increasingly failed state in the midst of a bloody conflict with three rival factions fighting for control of law enforcement bodies. Even with the help of the international organizations, some analysts think it is madness to expect that Libya would be able to abide by the provisions of such a deal. Observers point out that the extension of the anti-smuggling Operation Sophia to Libyan waters was already a mistake. There are concerns that migrants brought back to Libya would not be resettled or repatriated but instead they would end up in detention camps. Detention camps actually bring us to the second issue with a possible migrant deal with Libya that is the fact that Tripoli, unlike Ankara, has never even tried to ratify international conventions on human rights. To add, it is the violation of basic rights in Libya that are one of the main reasons for migrants decision to risk a hazardous journey to Europe. Those arriving in Italy have reported being abused, starved or even raped in Libyan detention camps. Many argue that it would be simply immoral for the EU to pursue a deal that could increase the violation of human rights in this way. On top of the problems on the Libyan side, the problem also lies in Europe. Just the very fact that the EU is considering a plan of this sort shows that Europes interest in managing migration is not genuine but rather confined to basic reduction of the numbers arriving in Europe at any cost. This is in turn based on the assumption that the migrants coming from Libya (unlike those coming from Syria through Turkey) are economic migrants, who are not covered by the international human rights law in the way refugees fleeing a war are. To sum up, the EU should definitely pursue a variety of deals with its neighboring countries with the aim to manage migration flows. However, these deals should neither undermine the EUs commitment to fundamental human rights nor destabilize the already fragile governments. A deal with Libya should therefore focus on the protection of human rights and improving conditions within the country. Why a Refugee Deal with Libya is a Bad Idea and The EU Deal with Libya on Migration: a Question of Fairness and Effectiveness Commentaries by Mattia Toaldo European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR). (The study can be downloaded here) or (here) In 2014, producer Thomas Purifoy of the media company Compass Cinema contacted me about a film he was planning, to look at the scientific, philosophical, and theological case for an historical Genesis interpretation of Earth history. I thought the project sounded interesting, and agreed to suggest scientists Purifoy might interview, and to be interviewed myself. Today, nationwide, that film Is Genesis History? (hereafter, IGH) is being released in theaters. As I explain below, I must dissent from my role in the production. 1. The false dichotomy problem in Is Genesis History? Although IGH is in many respects a very beautiful film, with stunning footage and fascinating interviews, my section of the movie needs to be revised, because it presents a false dichotomy. Here is the problem. I am interviewed as saying that the origins debate is a choice between two paradigms the conventional paradigm and the historical Genesis paradigm. However, as IGH defines these two positions, the dichotomy places together what are actually fundamentally different viewpoints (see below and Figures 1 and 2). To put the matter as plainly as possible, what I say about only two paradigms is not true, and I have recommended that it be corrected by the films producer and director, Thomas Purifoy, before the DVD is released. We have spoken about this, so my statement is not a surprise to him. I must accept my share of responsibility for this error, and regret that so many people will hear me say something I do not believe to be accurate. Throughout my thirty years in the intelligent design and creation/evolution discussion, I have consistently explained that, given ones assumptions, an array of differing positions more than two, certainly exist concerning origins. While my published writings addressing the age of the Earth and cosmos are not extensive a single online article and two book chapters in every case, and in my public lectures, I have argued that multiple viewpoints exist within Christianity, and the culture at large, about origins. In hindsight, on December 1, 2015, in Mountain View, California, when I was interviewed, I should have insisted on expressing my own convictions so clearly that they could not possibly be misinterpreted; that I failed to do so is ultimately my own responsibility. I will now do whatever I can to remedy the mistake. Figure 1. Following a February 7, 2017 preview screening of IGH at the Creation Museum in Kentucky, and after seeing the films advertising and promotional materials, I became concerned about the false dichotomy, and sent a detailed (2,100 word) memo to Compass Cinema, asking that my interview segment be modified by adding narration. The company replied that IGH could not be changed so close to its release date. Given that IGH will continue to be screened, however, in churches, private schools, and homes for years to come, I have urged Thomas to revise the film before the DVD version comes out, to remove the false dichotomy. 2. The two paradigms defined and the false dichotomy that ensues In my interview segment of IGH, which occurs about 13 minutes into the film, I introduce Thomas Kuhns famous concept of a paradigm, described as a framework within which evidence is interpreted. I then characterize two competing paradigms concerning origins: the conventional paradigm versus the historical Genesis paradigm. The conventional paradigm includes deep time, i.e., the standard 13.7 billion year history for the universe, with the Earth forming at 4.6 billion years ago, and life and animals originating later and all the complexity of life [constructed] by strictly physical processes, with no intelligent design involved. This and in IGHs definition of the conventional paradigm brings together acceptance of a long time scale with an assertion of no design, thereby creating the false dichotomy. (See Figure 2.) But well before Charles Darwin wrote the Origin of Species, many natural historians and scientists held to long spans of time in Earth history, while also asserting that divine action was needed to explain (for instance) the origin of humans. The geologist Charles Lyell (1797-1875), for example, chief among Darwins most intimate circle of friends, never accepted a fully naturalistic (or no design) account of origins. Nor did Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913), co-discoverer of natural selection, much to Darwins annoyance: Wallace accepted an old Earth and evolutionary relationships, but denied that natural selection or any strictly undirected physical process alone could explain biological diversity and human uniqueness. Biology required intelligent design, whatever the time scale of events in Earth or cosmic history happened to be. Figure 2. Today a broad spectrum of opinion about time scales and intelligent design exists. Scholars and scientists such as William Lane Craig, Alvin Plantinga, Michael Behe, Hugh Ross, John Bloom, Fuz Rana, Phillip Johnson, Jonathan Wells, Stephen Meyer, Guillermo Gonzalez, John Lennox, and many thousands of others see unmistakable evidence of design in biology and the universe but also accept the standard 13.7 billion year time scale. These persons would vigorously deny that their positions are accurately represented by either the conventional paradigm or historical Genesis paradigm as defined by IGH. 3. So what is an accurate description of the current philosophical and scientific landscape of opinion about origins? We want a classification of differing positions that does not lump together what are, in fact, fundamentally opposed views about the history of the universe, the Earth, and life. No one would classify animals based solely on their color say, brown versus white versus black animals because the resulting groups would include wildly divergent types. Color is a superficial characteristic, compared to other, more important features of animals. Likewise, we should organize the range of current opinion about origins around the deepest or most significant differences that separate positions and that isnt the time scale involved. In 2006, Liberty University paleontologist Marcus Ross (also interviewed in IGH) and I published a commentary on the thinking of UC Berkeley law professor Phillip Johnson. We pointed out that in the early 1990s, Johnson had rearranged the terms of the origins debate by helping people to see that the temporal narrative or time scale of origins, while important, was not the key difference between evolution and creation: The fundamental difference between the two theories, Johnson argued, did not stem from any particular historical narrative, but rather from what kinds of causes would be allowed in scientific explanation and what would count as evidence. Epistemology namely, what can be known empirically, and what counts as a scientific explanation is what truly cuts the origins issue at its joints.1 This reading of the debate reflects what I had earlier published (in 1999 and 2002) about the question. Acceptance of methodological naturalism (MN) namely, the philosophical rule that the statements of science must invoke only natural things and processes2 separates, on the one hand, the intelligent design community, young-Earth and old-Earth creation, and those forms of theistic evolution where design is empirically detectable, from, on the other hand, textbook neo-Darwinism, all alternative theories of evolution, and theistic evolution where design cannot in principle be detected. (See Figure 1.) That divide MN or not is where the origins issue is truly joined. Notice what happens, however (see Figure 2), if we classify theories according to the time scale they adopt. What are actually entirely different theories, resting on opposing philosophies of science, end up lumped together. If we can detect design, the evidence has a chance to speak for itself. If we cannot detect design, it really doesnt matter what the evidence is, no matter how dramatic. Therefore every other question, including the time scale, lies downstream of this fundamental distinction. Readers who want to pursue this issue in greater depth should consult Marcus Rosss helpful 2005 article, Who Believes What? Clearing Up Confusion About Intelligent Design and Young-Earth Creation. Notes: (1) Marcus Ross and Paul Nelson, A Taxonomy of Teleology: Phillip Johnson, the Intelligent Design Community and Young-Earth Creationism, in W. Dembski, ed., Darwins Nemesis (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2006), pp. 261-75; p. 263. (2) Working Group on Teaching Evolution, National Academy of Sciences, Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science (Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1998) p. 42. Image: Paul Nelson and Del Tackett in Is Genesis History?, courtesy of Compass Cinema via Flickr. We provided approximately 5 months. I honestly never saw Appendix 2 in all of my searching the uk.gov website. We knew we had to prove the minimum income. We arrived in July. She started working (teacher) in August so we only had about 5 months of banking statements. Searching the returned documents, I don't see that we included any paystubs. EXACT WORDING "Appendix 2 was not submitted. It is therefore unclear how you propose your sponsor meets the financial threshold. You have declared on your supporting documents and application form that your sponsor is employed, therefore I have assessed whether your sponsor meets the financial threshold based on the salaried employment. Paragraph 2 of Appendix FM-SE stated that, in order to demonstrate income from salaried employment, you are required to submit the following specified evidence:" List of paragaph 2 requirements (a)(b)(c)(d)and(e) "These documents are specified under the Immigration Rules and must be submitted. ...he lists supporting docs we included... The supporting documents were considered, however, I am not satisfied that the documents you submitted demonstrate your sponsor meets the financial threshold. I have considered whether it is appropriate to apply evidential flexibility in your application and request that you submit any required evidence which is missing. However, as your application and supporting documents do not demonstrate that your sponsor meets the financial threshold, I therefore do not consider evidential flexibility to be appropriate in this case. It has also been considered whether your application raises any exceptional circumstances which, consistent with the right to respect for private and family life contained in Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, might warrant a grant of entry clearance to the UK outside of the Immigration Rules. Given that I am not satisfied your sponsor meets the financial requirements, I am satisfied that your refusal of entry clearance is justified and proportionate with maintaining an effective immigration control. It has therefore been decided that your application does not fall for a grant of entry clearance outside the rules." I have therefore refused your application because I am not satisfied , on the balance of probabilities, that you meet all the requirements of the relevant Paragraph of the United Kingdom Immigration Rules." ...Indicates health surcharge to be refunded... Your right of appeal You are entitled to appeal against this decision under section 82(1) of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act of 2002. If you wish to appeal you must complete the attached IAFT-6 Notice of Appeal Form..." Hi, I am an American citizen and I have been working in Sweden for the last 2 years with a Swedish Working Visa... I travel to France often for work and also to visit friends. At the moment my working visa is expired and an extension has been submitted. I'm allowed to stay in Sweden and continue working as normal... In Sweden there really is no doubt that the extension will be approved, I'm just waiting for the formalities. I normally take an early morning flight from Stockholm Arlanda to CDG and there is never Border Control (checking IDs). But, for last couple of visits I've taken an afternoon flight and Border Control has been there and checking my US Passport. The last visit they asked me for my Swedish Visa card (which wasn't valid as it was expired and I told them the extension was pending). They reluctantly let me through. I'm taking the early morning flight tomorrow and perhaps no one will be there to check my Passport. My question is, am I allowed to visit France with my Swedish Residency pending? I've been in the Schengen area (outstanding a recent trip home for Christmas) for the last 18 months or so. I'm willing to give it a shot, but I'm worried as I don't know what the Border Control (if they are there) will do. ie. a fine, send me back to Sweden, bar me from visiting a awhile, or nothing. M.C.A. said: I decided to wait, ... so later on this month I will get it eventually. The Hanabishi oven was still there. I think they have extra's but? then again I should be able to order this from any appliance store, I need to learn how to bake bread again, make my own cake or fudge bars, cookies. Unsure of the model number but it's new I've never seen this before and it had on the front a photo cooking a turkey, it's more than large enough for a turkey but not as big as a conventional oven with a couple racks. Click to expand... MCA, Heres my two pennorth re ovens for bread making before you take the plunge. Were renting and an oven came with the property. The first was a La Germania gas oven, quite an old model with 3 gas hobs; however, the hobs were so close together that it was difficult to use 2 decent size pans at the same time, never mind 3. The oven was small and had difficulty in retaining the heat. The landlord recently replaced this contraption with a separate double burner gas stove (which is fine) and a separate La Germania Gas Oven SL 100-10. My understanding is that La Germania is an Italian outfit and they do appear to sell decent quality products in some places. However, both the old oven model we had and this new oven are rubbish. Ive checked the prices online and they seem to cost between Php 8,000 to 10,000.The capacity is good at 49L, but whilst the controls for the new SL 100-10 show that it reaches temperatures of 572F, we found that in reality, this doesnt happen. The max we could get was 400F and as soon as you open the door to put your bread in, the temp drops dramatically and its difficult to get it back up. As you probably know, most breads benefit from being baked hot and fast and we aim for at least 450F.Upon closer inspection, the reasons for the low temperature were obvious; the oven is poorly insulated with the back alone consisting of a sheet of metal with large ventilation holes. We devised our own Heath Robinson contrivance to make it more effective by purchasing some oven insulation and aluminium tape to try and retain the heat. It has worked, but one shouldnt have to go to these lengths to get the temperatures claimed by the manufacturers.Sure, there are decent ovens out there such as the Bompani if youre willing to fork out the cash, but if youre budget is around the Php 4,000 - 10,000 mark, then youll need to exercise a certain amount of caution as in our experience, you cannot take the manufacturers claims of high temperatures at face value.For now, the La Germania + our insulation is working, but if we moved to somewhere that didnt have an oven and had to buy our own, we definitely wouldnt buy that model. Hence I was interested to hear how you fared with the Hanabashi. By the way, if youre going to heat up your oven to the high temperatures required for bread making, youll want to make sure youre getting maximum benefit from it; hence we find it economical to bake at least 2 loaves at a time, each being approx. 1.3kg to 1.5kg. So bear in mind that capacity is also important. At Php 4,000, the Hanabashi really is a snip; but will it work for bread making? A final thought, the cheaper gas ovens usually release the gas from the base of the oven and rarely have a fan. The result is that the heat is not being circulated evenly around the oven but concentrates heavily on the base of whatever youre baking. In the case of bread, this can burn the bottom of the loaf before the inside is baked. We had to devise yet another contraption to protect the bottom of the bread pans. Perhaps the electric Hanabashi doesn't have this problem. So, the cheaper ovens can still work, but you usually have to be inventive to get the best out of them. Ill be interested to hear your comments when you eventually make your purchase. Good luck. Hey everyone! I used to live in Portugal for 2 years and have been married to a Portuguese man for over 5 years. 3 years ago we moved to the US because it was hard to find good work in Portugal at the time. Now we both work remotely and are going to return to be closer to his mom. I have a residency card that is due to expire this November (good for 5 years). I am assuming that I can just stroll down to SEF with an appointment and get a new one yes? I do have lots of Portuguese friends and speak the language but I have doubts that they'd give me citizenship since I was gone for 3 years. I've been visiting there for over 6 years, have a bank account, NIF. Everything! We just had to leave because of work issues. What advice do you kind people have for me? Should I try to permanent or maybe after a year go for the EU citizenship? I just have no idea what they will approve me for since we had to leave. Thanks a bunch! Texas has soared through oil booms and slogged through oil busts before. Thomas Tunstall, an economic development research director at the University of Texas at San Antonio, said Wednesday that the current period of price recovery looks familiar, too though its no joy ride for people who watch the history of a cyclical industry. It was a lot more fun being in Texas when it was $100 a barrel, Tunstall said at a San Antonio Business and Economic Society luncheon at the Plaza Club. Oil peaked at $107 per barrel in June 2014 and fell as low as $26 last winter. It closed at $53.59 Wednesday. Since this summer, the industry has been moving idled drilling rigs and equipment back to work in Texas oil fields. Tunstall said he expects an uptick in drilling in South Texas this year after the 2016 industry bottom. The communities in South Texas, if youve been out there, you know theyve felt the impact of the downturn, Tunstall said. He expects it will be hard for oil prices to rise higher than about $60 per barrel for a long time, though, because a price pop than that would incentivize production all over the world, eventually pushing more oil onto the market. More Information By the numbers The top counties for property taxes paid by oil and gas companies are all in the Eagle Ford Shale, the 400-mile oil field that arcs across South Texas. 1. La Salle County: $25.8 million (76.5% of tax base) 2. Webb County: $25.5 million (31.3% of tax base) 3. DeWitt County: $19.9 million (70.3% of tax base) 4. Karnes County: $18.7 million (77.6% of tax base) 5. Dimmit County: $18.3 million (75.9% of tax base) See More Collapse Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association, released industry economic impact numbers this week that, while substantial, are a reminder that oil and gas revenue arent guaranteed year-to-year. When times are tough for the oil and gas sector, times are tough for the Texas budget, Staples said. The oil and gas industry in the last fiscal year generated $9.4 billion in state and local tax revenues and in royalties paid on state land, according to the Texas Oil & Gas Association. Thats down from $13.8 billion in state and local taxes and state royalties in fiscal year 2015. The record was $15.7 billion in 2014, when oil prices were high-flying at $100 per barrel and Texas had more than 900 drilling rigs at work in the oil fields. (There are 376 rigs drilling for oil and gas as of last week, up from a bottom of 173 in May, according to Baker Hughes). Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar has estimated the state will have $104.9 billion for general services in the next two-year budget period, at least $4 billion short of the total that budget experts have estimated would be needed to provide the current level of services to a growing population. Much of that crunch is attributed to the battered oil industry. Texas lost more than 100,000 oil and gas jobs during the bust, though the industry is inching into hiring mode. Staples said the industry added 4,700 new job between September and December. Its too early in the oil price recovery to expect a faster pace of hiring, though, he said. I think cautious optimism is the way we view the current pricing environment, Staples said. South Texas, where the Eagle Ford Shale oil field stretches for 400 miles, includes some of the communities most affected by the recent swings in oil production. The top five counties for oil and gas property tax collections were all in South Texas. La Salle County received $25.8 million last year, more than three-quarters of its tax base, from oil and gas property taxes. Webb County received $25.5 million, nearly a third of its tax base, according to the oil and gas industry group. Four of the top five school districts for oil and gas property taxes were also in South Texas, though under the current school funding formula, they do not get to keep the extra money it gets sent to the state instead. Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot. Omar Garcia, CEO and president of the industry group South Texas Energy & Economic Roundtable, said the oil and gas association report shows the industry continues to be an economic engine. During the downturn, the oil and gas industry continued to provide tax revenue to local government entities along with creating jobs and new investment throughout the Eagle Ford and South Texas region, Garcia said. Tunstall said that for now, the U.S. remains the only place where significant shale oil and gas production is happening. Mexican energy reform has opened up that countrys reserves to outside investment, and it has extensive shale reserves. However, Mexicos conventional fields and offshore oil and gas will be quicker and easier to develop than its shale. There are hurdles to shale drilling that include security issues and a lack of pipelines, and Tunstall said it may be a decade before Mexicos shale gets developed in a meaningful way. Argentinas Vaca Muerta field, though, is attracting investment from global oil and gas companies. We expect that to be the next big shale field worldwide, Tunstall said. jhiller@express-news.net Twitter: @Jennifer_Hiller This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate State Agriculture Commissioner Sid Millers call for a feral hog apocalypse has hunters across Texas up in arms about what they see as a poison being unleashed against a perfectly good source of barbecue meat. At issue is Millers approval of Kaput Feral Hog Lure to cut down on a hog population that has gotten out of control in Texas and other states. Miller touts the move as a major new weapon in the Lone Star States arsenal against the hogs. He also says it means the Texas Department of Agriculture no longer needs the $900,000 in state funding earmarked for feral hog control research. Wild hogs have caused extensive damage to Texas lands and loss of income for many, many years, Miller said. I am pleased to announce that the feral hog apocalypse may be within Texans reach. The pesticides key ingredient is warfarin, which depending on its concentration is used both as a human blood thinner and a poison for rats. Miller approved a rule change in the Texas Administrative Code allowing it to be classified as a state-limited use pesticide, which means it can be bought and applied by a licensed applicator or someone under that applicators watch. In an interview Wednesday in San Antonio, Miller described how the hogs would be lured to special feeders with 16-pound lids that deer and other wildlife wouldnt be able to open. The hogs come in and they eat the bait; and usually in one to three days, they will be eradicated, he said. He said Scimetrics, the Colorado-based manufacturer of Kaput, had asked him to help find manufacturers to make the feeders. But while Miller says the product is safe and unlikely to be accidentally ingested by people it turns the fat of the animal that consumes it blue those who hunt hogs for food and sport think the commissioner hasnt thought the move through. The stand that we take is we do not believe adding a poison into the environment is the correct answer to this, said Scott Dover of the Texas Hog Hunters Association, a statewide group that by Tuesday night, just hours after Millers announcement, had close to 2,500 signatures of people opposing the pesticide. Youve got to look at the potential down the food chain, so to speak, Dover said. The hog ingests that poison and goes off to somewhere else. Then youve got your scavenger animals, coyotes, buzzards, anything else that comes in there and eats on that animal that could potentially be contaminated with that warfarin product as well. And it may not take nearly as much to kill a coyote or a buzzard as it would the hog. Hogwash, Miller said of the hunters concerns. Theyre simply misinformed, Miller said, pointing out that the levels of warfarin in Kaput only required a caution label as opposed to the skull and crossbones label put on poisons. Warfarin sold over the counter as rat and mice bait is 0.025 percent warfarin, he said, while the Kaput hog bait is 0.005 percent warfarin, or one-fifth the strength. A human would have to consume 2 pounds of warfarin-eradicated hog liver to get the amount of warfarin thats in Coumadin, he said, referring to one of the brand names of the blood thinner. If we wanted to do it, we could just sell it over the counter with no license; but were not going to do that, he said. We want people to be responsible with it, even though were confident its not going to cause anything any harm. Miller, who at the start of the year was on the short list of President Donald Trumps choices to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is no stranger to making headlines with unorthodox moves, such as making a show of allowing cupcakes into schools when theyd never been banned and announcing the return of deep fryers at the bottom of a news release on healthy schools. Few would disagree with Miller wanting to do something about a feral hog population that in Texas as well as the rest of the U.S. has gotten out of control and shows no signs of slowing down. What started in the 1500s with a few pigs transported by European settlers as a food source has grown to about 2.6 million wayward pigs wreaking an annual $52 million worth of damage to crops and ranchlands in just Texas, home of the nations largest feral hog population. The TDA estimates landowners are spending about $7 million a year in what has been a futile fight against animals that can grow to several hundred pounds and are able to push their way through just about any fence. And with sows producing litters of about five to six pigs every nine months or so, the numbers are expanding exponentially. Some of our farmers and ranchers are near desperation in their efforts to control these destructive pests, Gene Hall, spokesman of the Texas Farm Bureau, said Wednesday in an email. Hall said the Farm Bureau was studying Millers announcement and wasnt ready to comment. Jeremy Fuchs, spokesman for the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, said his organization supported the warfarin use. We have long encouraged university researchers and the pharmaceutical industry to develop a safe and effective product to control feral swine, Fuchs said. Feral hogs are nocturnal, have extremely short gestation periods and large litters. These factors, even with other methods of control, make it difficult to effectively reduce the population of this invasive species. Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot. We believe that if used properly and in accordance with all regulations, the use of warfarin could help control the feral hog population without sacrificing safety, he said. David Haehn, founder of Belton-based Hogs for a Cause, said the TDA numbers are years old now and likely underestimate the feral hog population and its costs. Even so, hes in agreement with the hunters. Members of Hogs for a Cause hunt or trap hogs around Texas, then donate the meat to food banks and orphanages that he said appreciate the fresh meat. In addition, Haehn has had plenty of experience trying to help landowners and municipalities get rid of the hogs, and he said he doesnt see the warfarin doing much good. Helicopter hunts for hogs, which Miller as a Texas House member in 2011 helped make legal, are effective until hogs start running under trees or into brushy areas, Haehn said. While high-tech electronic trapping systems work well, they can cost upward of $4,000 and need vigilant maintenance and monitoring. In his view, its going to take a concerted effort by multiple agencies and lots of cooperative landowners, not to mention a lot of money, to really make a dent. We have ranches where weve taken over 400 hogs off, he said. The ranchers dont have the time and a lot of money to spend on hogs when theyre trying to raise cattle and everything else, and so it becomes a dilemma. But theres definitely a problem. The herd is doubling every three to five years. Warfarin has been tried as a hog control method in Australia, but without much success, Haehn said. I dont see widespread use of it, Haehn said. The larger animals cannot consume enough to kill them. The pigs arent going to die at the feeder; theyre going to be miles (away from ) the feeder when they die. What is the persistency of the chemical in the hogs? And if you spend any time trapping the animals, you know that they dont come to bait every night. Its a long-term process. What Ive found out is that for eliminating hogs, its going to take a lot of hard work. Its going to take a lot of hard work and its going to take a lot of money. lbrezosky@express-news.net President Donald Trumps sweeping crackdown on undocumented immigrants will strain an already tight U.S. job market, with one study suggesting that removing all of them would cost the economy as much as $5 trillion over 10 years. That represents the contribution of the millions of unauthorized workers to the worlds largest economy, about 3 percent of private-sector gross domestic product, according to a recent paper issued by the National Bureau of Economic Research. At an average of $500 billion in output a year, removing all such immigrants would be like lopping off the equivalent of Massachusetts from the U.S. economy, said study co-author Francesc Ortega. Its a big number, said Ortega, an economics professor at Queens College in New York, who published the study with colleague Ryan Edwards. Undocumented workers are present across the whole economy, even if they are heavily concentrated in sectors such as agriculture, construction and hospitality. Any undocumented immigrant may now be deported, according to a pair of memos issued Tuesday by the Department of Homeland Security on implementing Trumps executive orders. In the memos, the administration pledged to hire 15,000 more border patrol and immigration agents and to begin building a wall on the Mexican border. There were about 8 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. working or looking for work in 2014, with California, Texas and New York accounting for the largest share of the workforce, according to Pew Research Center estimates. Most of them are likely to be of working age, which makes them about 5 percent of the U.S. labor force and 3.5 percent of the total U.S. population. Unauthorized immigrants include those who enter the country without legal permission and those who overstay their visas. Following through on plans to deport undocumented workers would hit industries that already complain of worker shortages, said Ethan Harris, Bank of America Merrill Lynchs head of global economics in New York. The jobless rate in the U.S. was 4.8 percent in January, a level some economists consider to be full employment. The challenge is particularly high now because the labor market has tightened up not just overall but in areas in which you would think undocumented immigrants would be important, so that means that its going to be hard to fill these jobs if you deport these employees, Harris said. You have to think about indirect effects when you disrupt production in industries in which theyre a critical part of getting things done. So theres a transition cost, as well as the cost of a reduced labor force. Harris estimates that for every 1 million fewer workers in the economy, GDP would be reduced by about 0.5 percent. Although smaller than the estimate in the Edwards-Ortega study, its still a significant reduction the equivalent of $94 billion, based on the annualized pace of $18.9 trillion in fourth-quarter GDP. Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot. The Edwards-Ortega research was funded by the Center for American Progress, a Democratic-leaning policy group. White House spokesman Michael Short cited the studys funding from CAP in dismissing the report as bogus without offering specific challenges to the findings. He referred to a 2013 report from the Federation for American Immigration Reform that estimates the annual costs of illegal immigration at the federal, state and local level to be about $113 billion. Trump ran for president on promises to crack down on undocumented immigrants, some of whom he has described as competing with lawful U.S. residents for jobs and contributing to rising crime in some cities. He has said he would focus deportation efforts on undocumented immigrants who commit crimes in the U.S., but immigration advocates say the government has already targeted law-abiding people who are in the country without documentation, including some with children or other family members who are citizens. The U.S. no longer will exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said in the memos. When we started this study last summer, our interest was to study the economic role of undocumented immigrants, Ortega said. Little did we know that, a few months later, this could become a serious policy question. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Opening night at CineFestival, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Centers long-running Latino film festival, is about setting a tone. This year, filmmaker and festival producer Jim Mendiola also wanted to send a message. He chose Peter Bratts new documentary Dolores, about United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta, an icon in the struggle for civil rights for farmworkers and Chicanos, to start the conversation. Dolores screens at 7 p.m. Friday at the Guadalupe Theater. The film, set for theatrical release in the fall, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival; this is its second public screening. Fridays opening volley, Mendiola said, is a response to the election of Donald Trump and the immigration policies his administration hopes to implement. I sort of became energized, and it sort of reminded me of why art matters and why films matter and what we do (at the Guadalupe) in terms of cultural work, said Mendiola, 52. It reminded me of the origins of Chicano film and it being a resistance cinema and a cinema that was fighting for representation of people that werent represented on the screen. Thats sort of the idea for most of the programming. It was sort of a return to the basics. One of the coproducers of Dolores is rock guitarist Carlos Santana. More Information CineFestival At a glance When: Friday through March 4 Where: Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St. Tickets: $8; $15 opening night; $60-$50 all-festival pass Phone: 210-271-3151 Highlights "Bruising for Besos": Los Angeles performance artist and indie filmmaker Adelina Anthony's tumultuous love story is set in L.A.'s gay and lesbian scene. Anthony, who grew up on San Antonio's West Side, will attend the screening. 8 p.m. Saturday "Brewed in the 210": Marco Ortega's documentary will appeal to anyone who loves locally brewed craft beers. The film looks at the passion behind the suds and the impact of San Antonio brewers on the Texas craft beer scene. 8 p.m. Tuesday "Speaking in Tongues": Riveting 2016 documentary from filmmaker Kyzza Terrazus about street rappers, hip-hop poets and DJs in Mexico's underground scene. Their stories and attitude recall the feelings of British youth in the mid-1970s, when punk first arose. 6 p.m. Feb. 28 "Taco Shop": Robert Parada's 2015 comedy starring Tyler Posey about a feud between a fast-food style taco shop and the new foodie-approved food truck that has invaded the neighborhood remains timely in the ever-changing (and never-ending) taco debate. 8 p.m. March 1 "Go Fish": Rose Troche's fun, remarkably fresh and irrepressible 1994 low-budget feature is about young lesbian friends trying to set up a love-starved member of their inner circle on a date. Troche will be at the screening. 8:30 p.m. March 2 Full schedule at cinefestival.org See More Collapse Bratt is no stranger to Cinefestival. Hes participated with the films Follow Me Home (1996) and with La Mission (2009). Huertas story she will turn 87 in April is not as well known as that of the late Cesar Chavez. A tenet of the film, as Variety film critic Dennis Harvey noted in his review from Sundance, is that Huertas place in history has been clouded by sexism from critics, adversaries and even within the UFW. The relationship between Chavez and Huerta was complicated. Theirs was a stormy if highly productive relationship in which he, too, sometimes took umbrage at her unwillingness to take a deferential gender role, Harvey wrote. When people think of the UFW, Mendiola said, they think of Cesar Chavez. As important as he was, she was a co-founder and is oftentimes neglected. CineFestivals closing night March 4 is equally strong, Mendiola said, with Best of Culture Clash, a collection of rarely seen clips from the short-lived early-90s TV series featuring the three-man comedy troupe of Richard Montoya, Ric Salinas and Herbert Siguenza. Culture Clash struggled to get on the air Siguenza lamented in the Los Angeles Times in 1992 that network writers were looking to create a Bosom Beaner Buddies and didnt last long when it finally did air on Fox affiliates. That show was really ahead of its time in terms of how it dealt with politics, Latino presence, and everyone on staff was Latino, Mendiola said. It sort of confused the executives. It just sort of went away. Mendiola also is touting the acclaimed Guatemalan film Ixcanul, the Mexican punk-rock film I Promise You Anarchy by rising star Julio Hernandez Cordon and Bruising for Besos by lesbian performance artist Adelina Anthony, who grew up in San Antonio and now lives in Los Angeles. These are American stories, Mendiola added. Actor Jesse Borrego, who appeared in Bratts previous films, agrees. CineFestival has always been a treasure trove of the forgotten voice, Borrego said. Its really only forgotten in mainstream film. But the cine (fans) and the Chicano filmmaker since the 70s have been able to find our cinematic history. Festivals like CineFestival are important for filmmakers to have a place to show em. Ultimately, thats what its about. hsaldana@express-news.net Im an ardent promoter of deserving local and Texas breweries, but sometimes its nice to see the view from the top of the craft-beer world. So when Sam Calagione, founder of Delaware-based Dogfish Head Brewery, who is undoubtedly one of the most colorful figures in the American craft-beer movement, came to San Antonio, I made sure to get a few moments with him. A little background: When Calagione founded Dogfish Head in 1995, the craft beer industry was a very different scene than today. The rampant creativity in ingredients and brewing procedures popular now hadnt begun, so when the self-professed smallest brewery in the country launched with a program of brewing with uncommon ingredients, it was far from a guaranteed business model. Despite that uncertainty, they have prospered and grown into one of the top 20 craft breweries by sales volume, a fact that gives Calagione great satisfaction. Some of the most interesting beers in Dogfish Heads portfolio are their re-creations of historical, or in some case prehistorical, brews from around the world. Working together with Dr. Patrick McGovern, one of the foremost researchers in ancient fermented beverages, they have used residues from drinking and storage vessels to determine what ancient people drank. Calagione says that brewing these Reinheitsgebot-shredding recipes makes Dogfish Head not a rebel, but the most traditional brewery in the world. Depending on the timescale you use for the definition of traditional, he may very well have a leg up on the Germans, whose prized beer law dates to 1516. One beer from this series that is consistently available is the Midas Touch, a brew that calls for barley, honey, white muscat grape must and saffron. Its an interesting blend of mead and beer, with some winelike notes. It is dry, but leaves an interesting sweet sensation on the palate. In March, Dogfishs collaboration with Stone and Victory, Saison du BUFF, should be coming around. Its a saison spiced with parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Spices can work well with saison yeast aromatics, so thats not as strange as it sounds. Even so, parsley is an unusual beer ingredient and probably doesnt add as much as the sage and rosemary, but unwitting beer-recipe creators Simon and Garfunkel called for it, so its there. Dogfish Head, like pretty much every brewery these days, has a lineup of IPAs. The standard 60 and 90 Minute IPAs are good, but dont really have anything that makes them stand out. Their big brother, however, the 120 Minute IPA, has developed a cult following over the years due to its scarcity and strength. In its original form, it was around 20 percent alcohol by volume, and despite being enormously hoppy, had a syrupy sweetness that made me happy to split the 12-ounce bottle among friends. In more recent incarnations, they have dialed the strength back to 15-18 percent ABV, dependent on how far the yeast pushes the fermentation. The new version is a little drier and I find it more enjoyable. For a brewery based on what founder Calagione describes as a business model that wasnt cool, they sure have paved the way for a lot of cool beers that followed. Markus Haas is the beer writer for the Express-News. Reach him at mhaas@express-news.net. EAGLE PASS In the wake of a public-corruption scandal that has rocked Maverick County and swept out many top officials, the impoverished border community now faces a citizen revolt over a tax increase and a plan to borrow $8.5 million for county operations and road work. The latest salvo in the taxpayer uprising came Tuesday with a lawsuit in state district court seeking to force county leaders to hold a tax rate rollback election. Were asking the court to order them to do their duty and set up a process for an election, said lawyer Jose Garza, who filed the suit. County Judge David Saucedo said Wednesday the county, which rejected the petition in January, will stick to its guns. We plan to defend our position. The actions we took were based on what the law requires, he said. In a county where the unemployment rate rarely dips below 10 percent and a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line, any tax increase is politically risky. The protests began last fall, shortly after the county approved a nearly $26 million budget and a slightly higher tax rate of 58 cents per $100 in valuation. Things quickly got complicated after an alert taxpayer spotted a $3 million budget error. The mistake was soon corrected, and the budget and tax rate were then slightly reduced, but the damage was done. Since the movement to curb county spending took off, various prominent former county officials have joined the cause. In two petition drives, organizers gathered thousands of signatures from citizens opposed to higher taxes and more county borrowing. One petition called for a tax rate rollback. The other was in reaction to a county plan, announced in December, to borrow $8.5 million for projects including road work, software updates and new vehicles for law enforcement. The rollback petition stalled. But the other one succeeded, and the county has set a May 6 referendum on the debt plan. Saucedo said at a meeting last week the $8.5 million in new debt would not raise taxes. Several commissioners favor the plan. I feel we need to lend a helping hand. Ill sleep comfortably tonight. I think its good for our community, Roberto Ruiz, who represents Precinct 1, said at the meeting. Just take a ride in my precinct. I dont have pavement on my streets. I go though potholes every day, added Precinct 2 Commissioner Rosy Cantu. The increasingly harsh confrontation over county spending follows a traumatic time for border community of about 60,000 people. Starting in 2012, numerous Maverick County officials including four of the five county commissioners were indicted and sent to prison in a broad federal investigation of bribes and kickbacks that cost the county more than $1.3 million. Some believe the scandal left a deep public mistrust of county officials, even though new members sit on the county commission. Saucedo, who wasnt indicted, is the one holdover. We now have this negative image because of the federal indictments. We have this shadow over us, and they dont see what we have done, said Precinct 5 Commissioner Jerry Morales. Some think the county has created more mistrust by resisting citizens requests for tax and financial documents. The county has twice appealed Texas open records requests to the attorney general, adding months of delay. The protesters have repeatedly complained to various state officials, thus far with little result, that the county made a mess of this years budget and its handling of the rollback petition, and has ignored tax code, government and election rules. These rogue actions by county officials will surely be an interesting future case study in bad government for trainings across Texas, Ethelvina Felan, a protest leader, wrote in an email to the Texas comptroller and secretary of state. She is the plaintiff in the lawsuit filed Tuesday in Eagle Pass. Saucedo, who has taken the brunt of the criticism, said that a tax rollback would be a catastrophe for the county, forcing drastic cuts in staff and programs. Wed probably be reduced to serving the public three days a week, he said, noting projects will be postponed if the county cannot borrow money. Its political more than anything. Theres been no mention of what the school district is trying to do. They are trying to raise taxes more than the county, he said. But protesters, who include former County Judge Rudy Bowles, former County Commissioner Hooky Guajardo and former County Appraiser Victor Perry, argue that county officials have been fiscally irresponsible and disingenuous. Last fall, they note, the county had to borrow more than $1 million to make it through the fiscal year. With the long-term county debt at about $40 million, they say borrowing another $8.5 million would be foolhardy, despite assurances by Saucedo that it would not raise taxes. We are very concerned over the financial condition the county finds itself in. Theres no question there is excessive debt, said Bowles, who became county judge in 1982 by defeating the incumbent Ramon Saucedo, father of the current judge. Its gotten to where its totally out of control in our opinion. We owe so much money, I dont know how in the world were going to get a balanced budget out of it, he added. Perry, the chief appraiser for 31 years, said the commissioners cannot ignore the tax rollback movement, even though they rejected the petition after invalidating hundreds of signatures. They have two options: They can admit their mistake and lower the tax rate to .45 per $100, or they can spend $70,000 and hold a rollback election, he said. Saucedo said the petition was denied on legitimate grounds. One, a lot of signatures were ineligible, forgeries, dead persons, things of that nature. Also, we didnt go above our published rollback rate. Our tax rate went down from last year, he said. But according to an opinion by the secretary of state, there were still enough valid signatures for the petition to succeed. The county has ignored the finding, claiming a deadline had passed. If a district judge finds that the county erred in rejecting the rollback petition and orders an election, the public will decide the issue. If the rollback succeeds, it will trigger tax refunds and spending cuts. That will be the worst day in the history of Maverick County history if that were to happen, Morales, the Precinct 5 commissioner, said. But for those seeking to reduce taxes and curb additional borrowing, its a price that will have to be paid. What have they done for the people of this community over the past four years? asked Guadalupe Cardona, 75, a former city fire chief. Nothing but raise taxes and borrow money. And now they want more money, he said. jmaccormack@express-news.net A Stockdale husband and wife who molested a 6-year-old girl during video-recorded sex sessions were each sentenced Wednesday to more than 27 years in prison for producing child pornography and sharing the images on social media. U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez gave William Richard Welsh, 27, and Ashleigh Nicole Browning Welsh, 23, the matching sentences, despite her lawyers arguments for a lower term because of mental health issues. In October 2015, investigators in New Zealand came across three videos and 76 images that included the 6-year-old being sexually assaulted. They were investigating someone there who said he received the images through the Kik messenger application. Law officers traced the material to the San Antonio area and alerted U.S. Homeland Security Investigations. Agents here identified the adults in the videos and images as the William and Ashleigh Welsh. They arrested the pair in Sandia, northwest of Corpus Christi, after learning the videos and images were produced in the Wilson County town of Stockdale in 2015. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson told the judge the couple shared the images with others on the social media application who also molested kids. The group members were required to include personal identifying information in the images to prove they were not passing off someone elses images. In one image, the Welshes wrote the identifying information on the stomach of the 6-year-old girl, Thompson told Rodriguez. The pair pleaded guilty last year to three counts of producing child pornography. Rodriguez on Wednesday gave them the maximum recommended by federal sentencing guidelines, 327 months in prison on each count, then ordered the sentences to run concurrently. The juge also ordered each to serve 20 years of federal supervision afterward. William Welsh told the judge he made an honest mistake. Ashleigh Welshs lawyer, Tom Clarke, argued that she was abused when she was about 12 or 13, and has mental-health issues, including schizophrenia, is bipolar and has split personality disorder. She also abused drugs, including LSD and marijuana, Clarke said. She told me she has three other personalities in her, Clarke told the judge. She said the one by the name of Jason is the one who did this. Thompson said Ashleigh Welsh had a mental-health evaluation while in custody, and was found highly indicative of malingering. She was also found competent for trial, Thompson said. I think theres a lot of issues with her, Clarke said afterward. I thought the court might take that into account and give her the 15-year minimum, not the same (sentence) as his, but it is what it is. gcontreras@express-news.net Twitter: @gmaninfedland This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate It had been three weeks since the brown dog had slipped beneath a loose section of chainlink fence at the Leon Creek Power Plant and settled down next to a guard shack. She was a friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback and CPS Energy employee Lee West wanted to help her find a new home. So West turned to Worthwhile Animal Rescue Mission, a nonprofit started by CPS employees in 2011 under the companys umbrella. Its common knowledge among CPS Energy employees that the area near Quintana Road, where the plant is located, is a regular dumping site for unwanted pets. When West called WARM in January, Angela Rodriguez, senior manager of environmental planning and compliance, and a friend drove out to pick up the dog that plant workers had named Princess Leona. A guard had suggested Princess because of her regal posture and others came up with the name Leona, for Leon Creek, adding an a for a feminine touch. The WARM volunteers found an intelligent dog with a wrinkled forehead who cocked her head when Rodriguez spoke to her. Enticed by chunks of ham, Princess Leona climbed into Rodriguezs car for a ride from the Southwest Side facility. The rescue mission arranged for the stray to go to the Texas Independent Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue organization, which soon found her a good home in Northeast Texas. Thats what we want for every stray dog, Rodriguez said. Its another way that CPS employees can work together and share common interests. Since it started in 2011, the nonprofit has helped employees rescue 203 animals found in and around CPS Energy facilities. The employees volunteer their time. When the group hears about a stray, volunteers first determine if the animal has an owner. They consult a veterinarian to see whether the dog or cat has a microchip with an owners contact information. If there isnt any microchip or other identifying information, the animal becomes available for adoption or foster care. WARM helps CPS employees contact a no-kill shelter, such as the San Antonio Humane Society or Animal Defense League of Texas. Rodriguez said members raise funds through bake sales and holiday events for donations to local rescues to defray costs of medical treatment. Each quarter, the group sponsors lunch and learns where employees can hear from rescue groups and learn about adopting and fostering animals. I just want to help any dog (or cat), Rodriguez said. I dont want to see any dog put down because they cant find a home. Everybody can make a difference. Martha Mitchell, vice president of customer success, said that having a place where employees can call to get assistance for stray animals they run across during their work day has several benefits. We got together and chartered the organization, she said. It was kind of two-fold, one was to be a service to our own organization and the other was to be a resource to employees out in the community. Of course, the Princess Leona story was a very nice outcome for that dog, but over the span, we have helped a number of employees and a number of other animals who found themselves in similar situations. At the CPS Energy Blog, WARM president Jerry Larch, an IT process analyst, said networking is one of the key things that the group provides. Larch said he believes the groups efforts have helped lower pet overpopulation in the San Antonio. Weve seen a drop in animal euthanizations, he said, and wed like to think we played a part in that. For more information, send an email to WARM@cpsenergy.com. vtdavis@express-news.net After serving in the U.S. Army for two years as a combat medic, Amanda Berard came back to San Antonio with post-traumatic stress disorder from military sexual trauma. Prescription pill bottles kept piling up, but Berard said nothing eased her anxiety or depression. My psychiatrists and doctors have prescribed me a cocktail of pharmaceuticals that create more symptoms that almost seem worse than the conditions they are supposed to treat, Berard said. Berard now works as a pediatric home health nurse and is a graduate student at the University of North Texas, where she conducts research focused on veterans with PTSD who use cannabis as a form of health care. She traveled to Colorado to interview medical cannabis users, and after using it herself for the first time, Berard was convinced it was a better answer for her illness than the extensive list of strong pharmaceuticals she had been receiving. Wednesday, she was one of about 50 veterans who rallied at the state Capitol in support of a bill that would allow patients with debilitating medical conditions to have access to medical cannabis, if recommended by a doctor. The coalition of advocacy groups requested a meeting with Gov. Greg Abbott and delivered a petition with more than 1,400 signatures backing the bill to his office after the rally. Senate Bill 269 , authored by state Sen. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, would allow licensed medical practitioners who hold a registry identification card issued by the Department of Public Safety to recommend not prescribe medical use of cannabis to seriously ill patients and determine what strains of the plant and what dosage is best for each medical condition. Patients would need to have one of the debilitating medical conditions listed in the bill, a certification by a medical practitioner and a registry card issued by DPS. In 2015, Texas passed the Compassionate Use Act for card-holding physicians to prescribe cannabidiol, or CBD, with low amounts of THC only to epileptic patients in cases where federally approved antiepileptic drugs failed. Besides limiting use to only epileptic patients, advocates say that the law has a fatal flaw since it requires doctors to prescribe, instead of recommend, cannabis. This could result in a physician risking his or her license since the drug is still illegal under federal law, advocates say. I agree with (the governor) that children with epileptic seizures should benefit from cannabis oil, Menendez said, referring to the Compassionate Use Act, which SB 269 aims to expand. But then you have other patients like people with Parkinsons or glaucoma or cancer, why shouldnt they have the benefit of cannabis-based products as well? Menendezs bill would allow patients to lawfully use, possess or grow a limited amount of cannabis. Doctors and patients would be protected from arrest or penalties, and parents who use cannabis would be protected from any restrictions of possession of or access to their child. Independent laboratories would also be licensed and regulated to cultivate and dispense labeled and packaged medical cannabis. Dr. Lang Coleman, a neuropsychologist that was deployed as a combat medic, has formed a corporation called Alamo CBD to apply for a license to grow and distribute CBD oil in Bexar County for the Compassionate Use Progam. We bought property in Wilson County where we will build a plant to raise cannabis indoors, process the plant and distribute the medicine in the San Antonio-Austin area, Coleman said. But what we also need in our law is the ability to do research and development, to expand diagnostic categories. Before signing the Compassionate Use Act into law in 2015, Abbott said Texas shouldnt legalize marijuana or open the door for conventional marijuana to be used for medicinal purposes. An Abbott spokesman said recently that the governors view has not changed on this issue. Advocates hope to change the governors mind. We want to see the (Compassionate Use Act) expand and include additional qualifying conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, autism or PTSD, said John Baucum, political director of Republicans Against Marijuana Prohibition. One of the problems is that there is a cap in THC content in the oil. There is the fear that these kids being treated for epilepsy will get a euphoric high feeling from the THC, but the reality is that THC is therapeutic and medicinal in itself. We really need to let science lead us, not the Legislature body. During her visit to Colorado, Berard went to a dispensary, described her symptoms and the attendant recommended products to target her needs. I went back to my Airbnb, medicated myself with cannabis, and for the first time in days felt the pain and depression ease its grip, Berard said. I willingly and happily ate an entire meal without getting sick. I stopped shaking, I didn't need to keep all the curtains closed. I was actually able to enjoy being in the moment instead of being fixated on the possibility of what might happen. Ingrid Ebbers, an Army veteran who suffers from military sexual trauma and chronic leg pain from stress fractures in her tibia, knees and femurs, said that since 2004, she has taken multiple psychotropic drugs and pain medications, including hydrocodone, Ativan and Valium, among others. Each of these drugs has a list of side effects a mile long including the possibility of addiction or overdose, Ebbers said. I told my doctors that I have a family history of drug addiction and I dont want to go down that path. Texas is among the 17 states that allow use of low THC for medical reasons in limited situations, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures . A total of 28 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico now allow for comprehensive public medical marijuana and cannabis programs. I no longer needed my medications and I stopped having drastic side effects (in Colorado), Berard said. Cannabis allowed me to move throughout my days without looking over my shoulder, without reaching for a defensive tool when walking to my car alone, without isolating myself from people. For me, the most difficult part of living with PTSD is not being able to simply enjoy the present. Cannabis gave that back to me. elutz@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Late Wednesday morning, about 100 first responders spread out across an open field, some inching closer to the downed military plane that still had smoke billowing from its sides. The upside-down two-seater was there as part of an emergency training exercise among various agencies from Bexar County, Atascosa County and Joint Base San Antonio. While it had been planned for months, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff found the timing especially appropriate given the severe weather this week that caused damage and spawned several tornadoes in various parts of the county. On Wednesday, he requested help from Gov. Greg Abbott for costs associated with storm and tornado damage cleanup. Wolff also announced Wednesday he would sign an emergency disaster declaration to include surrounding cities such as Somerset, Von Ormy and others. The declaration would help in the process of applying for funds to cover damages to homes or businesses, he said. People sometimes forget we have 26 other cities in Bexar County other than San Antonio, Wolff said. We want to make sure theyre not forgotten. The joint exercises goal was to test the coordination among various agencies in an emergency situation. Organizers chose a field close to the Atascosa-Bexar County line, and the initial call came into the city of Somerset around 8 a.m. When an emergency occurs, it doesnt know boundary lines, Wolff said. A handful of firefighters in full uniform with oxygen tanks attached to their backs unfurled hoses from a parked firetruck, hauling them closer to put out the stacks of smoke. A grass fire burned earlier but had since been extinguished. Rescue crews had pulled out the two victims of the simulated crash: one injured and one fatality. A test dummy stood in for the fatality while an Air Force officer dressed in a full flight suit simulated the injured person. He was assessed by an emergency medical team. Later, military officers came by to inspect the planes ejected seats. Emergency responders have completed drills for terrorist attacks in the past, but a downed plane and subsequent grass fires could be a more plausible occurrence, particularly in rural areas, said Kyle Coleman, Bexar Countys emergency management coordinator. A lot more of these things tend to happen, he said. frahman@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The federal government on Thursday sold for $515,000 a North Side house that was once owned by the in-law of a former Mexican border state governor that prosecutors say was purchased as part of an international bribery and money laundering scheme. The owner until last year of the 4,000-square-foot house with a swimming pool in the gated Greystone Country Estates subdivision, according to deed records, was Herminia Martinez de la Fuente, the mother-in-law of former Coahuila Gov. Humberto Moreira. The home was auctioned Thursday by the Internal Revenue Service, which will put the money in its asset forfeiture fund. Federal prosecutors allege the house was actually paid for by a South Texas businessman who the government says used U.S. banks to pay bribes to Mexican officials in exchange for paving contracts. Moreira, who was arrested in Spain last year but had the charges dropped, has not been indicted in the U.S., but he is under investigation in San Antonio. During a January plea hearing of Luis Carlos Castillo Cervantes, a Mission developer who also owns a paving company in Mexico, federal prosecutors outlined their allegations against Moreira. Among the accusations they made were that Castillo, who admitted to one count of money laundering conspiracy, used the U.S. financial system to bribe Mexican officials, paid cash bribes to Coahuila officials in Mexico and wired hundreds of thousands of dollars to San Antonio to pay for Martinezs house. In a statement to the San Antonio Express-News, Moreira pointed out that many of the witnesses who have provided information against him are paid informants or are trying to get leniency from federal prosecutors. I can say, unequivocally, that I have never accepted a bribe, either directly or indirectly through third parties, Moreira said. I have always cooperated with the administration of justice, when I have been asked to do so, and I will continue to do so. During Castillos plea hearing, held Jan. 3 in Corpus Christi without any public notice, Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Hampton alleged that the Mission businessman helped one of Moreiras underlings set up a bank account in Texas, then paid him millions of dollars in kickbacks for paving contracts he received in Coahuila, according to an audio recording obtained by the Express-News. Castillo helped Jorge Juan Torres Lopez set up an account at Inter National Bank in McAllen in 2008, then paid him millions of dollars in bribes, Hampton said. Torres served as Coahuilas treasury secretary from 2005 to 2008 and as interim governor in 2011 when Moreira stepped down to become president of Mexicos ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party. Torres, a fugitive who faces money laundering and fraud charges in Corpus Christi, allegedly used the money to purchase property in the Houston area and seed a $2.7 Bermuda bank account that U.S. prosecutors have seized. In the memo line of a $184,000 check that Castillo paid to Torres, he wrote comision Coahuila, or Coahuila commission, Hampton said. Castillo also paid cash bribes to Torres in Mexico, and some of that money was later taken to Moreira, she said. Hector Javier Villarreal, who succeeded Torres as the Coahuila finance secretary and is free on bond in San Antonio while he awaits sentencing on charges of money laundering conspiracy and conspiring to internationally transport stolen funds, would have testified that in 2007 and 2008 Castillo paid Torres three cash bribes totaling 80 million pesos, about $4 million at todays exchange rate, although the peso was worth almost twice that at the time, Hampton said. Mr. Villarreal was present for two of the deliveries and knows of a third as well, she said. After Mr. Castillo delivered the last amount of money, Mr. Villarreal and Mr. Torres drove duffel bags of cash to Mr. Torress private residence, carried the duffel bags to a bedroom, and Mr. Torres opened the duffel bags and added stacks of cash to the bag until it contained approximately 40 million Mexican pesos. She said on that same evening Mr. Villarreal and Mr. Torres delivered the money to Mr. Moreiras residence in Saltillo. Mr. Torres told Mr. Villarreal that this money was Mr. Moreiras cut of the kickbacks or bribes of the inflated contracts that Mr. Castillo was awarded. Torress Corpus Christi lawyer has denied his client committed any crimes. Prosecutors also allege that it was Castillo, through his company Rodmax Inc., who purchased the house at 19211 Grey Bluff cove that was auctioned off Thursday. San Antonio federal prosecutors in 2015 filed a civil lawsuit to make Martinez forfeit her house to the U.S. government and last year she agreed to give up the property. Both the allegations in the lawsuit and Martinezs agreement with the government were sealed by a judge. Mr. Villarreal and some others have identified a particular residence in San Antonio, Texas, as the residence belonging to Humberto Moreira. IRS agents have obtained records from Chicago Title Company, and they show that on May 14, 2009, Martinez de la Fuente was a named buyer of this property ... in the Greystone Country Estates, which is a subdivision there, Hampton said. On May 14, 2009, a wire transfer of $597,266, so a few cents over the amount due at closing, was sent from Rodmax Incs INB account to the account of Chicago Title Company. This single payment by Mr. Castillo was the full purchase price, which completed the purpose of this property owned by Humberto Moreira, she added. Castillo said he didnt intend the money as a bribe, but that it was money he owed a business associate. I was never made aware that it was for the payment of a house nor that it was Moreiras either, Castillo said during the plea hearing. Martinez de la Fuentes lawyer did not respond to a request for comment Thursday. Thursdays buyer was Loren McCall-Campbell, a resident of Greystone Country Estates. She said it was a no brainer to buy the house at that price. Its a nice house. Its a nice lot, McCall-Campbell said. Im surprised the house went as low as it did. She said that since the house was purchased in 2009, it appeared to be uninhabited. A half-dozen people have been charged by prosecutors in Texas as part of the investigation into the alleged theft of hundreds of millions of dollars from the state of Coahuila and allegations that state officials laundered tens of millions of dollars in San Antonio and across South Texas. U.S. prosecutors have seized more than $10 million in bank accounts along with commercial and residential real estate on the North Side and the Rio Grande Valley that has been auctioned off for more than $30 million. Moreira eventually resigned as the head of Mexicos ruling party when news broke in late 2011 that the Coahuila government was billions of dollars in debt. In the trial last year of a mid-level trafficker for the Zetas drug cartel, a financial operative for the gang testified its members bribed Moreira, in part to get protection from state security forces, as well as to make money through the awarding of state contracts. Moreira has denied those allegations as well. jbuch@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WESLACO The stark economic and immigration policies of the Trump administration have sent a chill across the U.S.-Mexico borderlands, with leaders across the business spectrum citing concerns from Mexican partners wary of investing in the region. The flow of commerce here which relies heavily on Mexican investment has slowed amid uncertainty surrounding President Donald Trumps plan to renegotiate NAFTA and finance a border wall with a 20 percent tax on Mexican goods. We hear this rhetoric thats frightening on so many different levels because it sends a message that Mexicans are not welcome, said Steve Ahlenius, president and CEP of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. Some retail businesses that cater to Mexican nationals will tell you quietly that their sales are off anywhere from 20 to 30 percent. Mexico is the United States second largest export market and third largest trading partner, supporting 5 million U.S. jobs and $583.6 billion in 2015, according to federal figures. In the Valley, the economic fortunes rise and fall together with their sister cities in Mexico. McAllen takes in about $3.6 billion in retail sales annually, with $1.2 billion coming from Mexican consumers. The city has positioned itself as a destination for visitors from its southern neighbor, yet a push in Mexico encouraging its citizens to buy in Mexico rather than the United States is now being felt by Valley retailers. Retailers are hardly alone. Speaking at the second Border Caucus hearing in the Border Business is Americas Business series at the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council in Weslaco on Wednesday, Ahlenius was joined by manufacturers and bankers, real estate brokers and the produce industry, all deeply worried by strained economic relations with Mexico. The brisk pace of business here can be seen at the international bridges, where trucks carry manufactured goods north and south. Last year, about 220,000 trucks loaded with fresh produce from Mexico brought fruits and vegetables to supermarket shelves across the nation. In addition to its wide footprint in Texas, H-E-B operates 58 stores in Mexico, and has been buying and selling products there for more than 100 years. Now facing the prospect of a renegotiated trade agreement, the supermarket chain says its consumers are fretting over access to their products. H-E-B supports free trade, said Jody Hall, director of global sourcing for HEB. NAFTA has created greater access to fruits and vegetables in groceries at lower prices. Meanwhile, U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, was busy touring the border near McAllen, meeting with local political and business leaders on issues of security and trade. Ryan didnt address the media in his first trip to the border, which was led by the Department of Homeland Security. Ryans visit comes at time when several Congressional delegations have visited the Valley in recent days, and as House Republicans push to fund the Trump administrations wall across the Southwest border. A majority of immigrants caught entering the country illegally in recent years have crossed the Rio Grande into deep South Texas. When you see with your own eyes the many challenges facing our law enforcement professionals along the border, it gives you even greater respect for the work that they do day in and day out, Ryan said in a prepared statement. But more tools and more support are needed for them to do their jobs effectively. Congress is committed to securing the border and enforcing our laws, and together with the Trump administration, we will get this done. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, was in Laredo on Tuesday and in Del Rio on Wednesday, receiving briefings from local law enforcement agencies about their approach to improving public safety. Cornyn and several congressmen who accompanied him also met with federal judges, immigration court judges and business leaders. Millions of jobs and billions of dollars are tied to our economic relationship with Mexico, and its important for my colleagues to see firsthand how what happens here impacts the rest of the country, Cornyn said. For his part, Congressman Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville, who along with Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen, hosted the business forum in Weslaco, has been busy soothing fears in communities about the Trump administrations sweeping crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Vela is an outspoken critic of Trump and the presidents promise to build a wall and fence along the U.S.-Mexico border. That promise was a lie to the American people, Vela said. The wall is a really bad idea. Moreover the message from the White House of a possible changed economic landscape has already caused business relationships to fray. Jason Wolfe, president and CEO of NovaLink, Inc., a manufacturer with plants in Matamoros and Reynosa, said manufacturing requests have dipped lately, which he believes is a direct response to the fiery political rhetoric from the Trump administration. Wolfe cautioned against pushing away investors, while Joe Quiroga, president of Texas National Bank, said unease among his Mexican clients, many of whom invest in local real estate, is growing daily. I have depositors with $2 million to $3 million calling me to ask what the hell is going on, Quiroga said. At the end of the weve got to have some support from (Washington) D.C. to acknowledge this area. If they dont, it could be catastrophic for us. anelsen@express-news.net Twitter: @amnelsen Hello Again, I have always enjoyed history. Todays young folks dont seem to be too interested in studying history. They are more interested in the here and now and not how we got here. The history of this country is an unfinished tapestry woven through time by people from all walks of life with incredible stories. It has been my privilege to contribute to FSA Andy during Black History Month for many years now, and I will be forever grateful for having had this opportunity. When the movie, Hidden Figures, came out I had no idea what it was about but when a friend told me I had to look at the history behind this story. Katherine Johnson was born Aug. 26, 1918, and raised in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, and while she is the main character in the movie, the story is much greater. By the age of 13 she was attending high school on the historically black campus of West Virginia State College. When 18, she enrolled in the college itself, and made quick work of the schools math curriculum. She graduated with highest honors in 1937, and took a job teaching at a black public school in Virginia. Black students In 1939, West Virginia quietly decided to integrate its graduate schools, and it was then that West Virginia States president, Dr. John W Davis, selected Johnson and two male students as the first black students to be offered spots at the states flagship school, West Virginia University. Johnson left her job and enrolled in the graduate math program. At the end of her first session, she decided to leave school to start a family with her husband. She returned to teaching when her three daughters got older, but it was not until 1952 that a relative told her about positions opening at the all-black West Area Computing section at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) Langley laboratory, headed by fellow West Virginian Dorothy Vaughan. Johnson and her husband decided to move the family to Newport News, to pursue the opportunity, and she began work at Langley in 1953. After just two weeks on the job, Director Vaughan assigned Johnson to a project in the Maneuver Loads Branch of the Flight Research Division and her position soon became permanent. The next four years would be spent analyzing data from flight tests and investigating the crash of a plane caused by wake turbulence. The launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik in 1957 would change history and Johnsons future. In 1957, she had provided some of the math for the 1958 document Notes on Space Technology, a compendium of a series of 1958 lectures given by engineers in the Flight Research Division and the Pilotless Aircraft Research Division. Engineers from those groups formed the core of the Space Task Force Group, the NACAs first official foray into space travel. Johnson, who had worked with many of them since coming to Langley, came along with the program as NACA became NASA later that year. Space flight She did trajectory analysis for Alan Shepards May 1961 mission Freedom 7, Americas first human spaceflight. In 1960, she and engineer Ted Skopinski coauthored Determination of Azimuth Angle at Burnout for Placing a Satellite Over a Selected Earth Position, a report laying out the equations describing an orbital spaceflight in which the landing position of the spacecraft is specified. This was the first time a woman had received credit as an author of a research report. In 1962, in preparation for the orbital mission of John Glenn, Johnson Johnson was called upon to do the work she would become most known for. The complexity of the orbital flight required the construction of a worldwide communications network linking tracking stations around the world to IBM computers in Washington, D.C., Cape Canaveral, and Bermuda. The computers had been programmed with the orbital equations that would control the trajectory of the space capsule in Glenns Friendship 7 mission from liftoff to splashdown but the astronauts were wary of putting their lives in the care of the electronic calculating machines which were prone to hiccups and blackouts. As a part of the preflight checklist, Glenn asked the engineers to get the girl Johnson Johnson to run the same numbers through the same equations that had been programmed into the computer, but by hand, on her desktop mechanical calculating machine. If she says theyre good, Johnson remembers the astronaut saying, then Im ready to go. Turning point Of course, Glenns mission was a success and marked the turning point in the competition between the U.S. and the Soviet Union in space. When asked what her greatest contribution to space exploration was Johnson talks about the calculations that helped synch Project Apollos Lunar Lander with the moon-orbiting Command and Service Module. She also worked on the Space Shuttle and Earth Resources Satellite and authored or coauthored 26 research reports. Johnson retired in 1986, after thirty-three years at Langley. Presidential honor In 2015, at the age of 97, President Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Here at FSA, the time seems to be flying by so we want to remind you of another important deadline fast approaching. For vegetable producers, many spring planted NAP crops have a sales closing date of Feb. 28. This includes soybeans for any county that does not have crop insurance coverage for soybeans. As always contact your local FSA office for details. Thats all for now, FSA Andy After years of angry opposition, fiery speeches, and showy, going-nowhere votes, Congressional Republicans finally clenched their angry, shaking hands on the throat of the Affordable Care Act Obamacare as the Senate, then the House, voted to repeal the 2010 law one week before Donald J. Trump was sworn in as president. Well, thats the alternative reality of what they did. What they actually did was a whole lot less. In fact, the Jan. 12 Senate vote gave the green light to a later, simple-majority vote to repeal. It was a classic Senate maneuver to snuff out any chance Democrats might try to save the ACA through filibuster. The Jan. 13 House vote was less technical and more gassy. This law is collapsing while we speak, announced Speaker of the House Paul Ryan before the vote. So, in order to save it from its own death, the House must vote to kill it before things get worse. Real target The House vote didnt just kill Obamacare; in fact, that was its secondary target. The primary target of the vote was a bare bones budget bill The worst budget weve seen since Ive been in Congress, said Michigans Justin Amash, a tea party leader that proposes to add a whopping $9.7 trillion to the federal deficit. Big unknown Famously absent from either repeal and replace vote was one hint, word, sentence or paragraph on how the red-hot repealers would replace the not-yet repealed ACA. The House did promise to keep the most popular parts of the law: Children can stay on their parents health care plans until age 26 and the ban that denies anyone health care coverage because of pre-existing conditions. The Senate vote, interestingly, promised neither. Republicans, however, now claim to be working diligently on a replacement plan they say will deliver better coverage for less money and less government interference than Obamacare. Stop talking, replied Democrats, and show America what you have. More than a month after the votes, though, the replacers still have no replacement. That is understandable because, after all, theyve embarked on a near-impossible task: build a better, cheaper ship out of one theyve already set on fire while at sea carrying more than 20 million Americans. Thats going to be either a very neat trick or a very mean one. Rural ripples Whatever and whenever the new Obamacare alternative is introduced, rural America has a lot riding on it. Especially the sick, because being sick in rural America is a bad bargain compared to being sick anywhere else in America, writes Tim Size in a recent online edition of The Daily Yonder. A new study from the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC), notes Size, shows that Americans living in rural communities are more likely to die prematurely from the top five causes of death heart disease, accidents, stroke, cancer, and respiratory disease than their urban counterparts. The reasons for the divergence, he explains, are many. Here are two: Fewer than half as many doctors per 10,000 rural residents than city dwellers and only one specialist per 100,000 rural people while the same number of metro Americans have access to eight. Rural Americans accept these differences and most know these divides will never be fully bridged. Its part of todays rural reality; a bad part. What no American should accept, however, is a rewrite of the Affordable Care Act that makes health care less accessible and less affordable. Thats especially true for rural Americans who started this years repeal-and-replace race well behind everyone else. If Obamacare needs to be fixed, fix it. If it needs to be fully replaced, replace it. Break it though, and more than 20 million Americans, rural and urban, old and young, Republican and Democratic, rich and poor, sick and healthy will suffer. MASSILLON, Ohio Ohio State University Extension East Ohio Women in Agriculture Conference March 24 from 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m. at the RG Drage Career Technical Center, 2800 Richville Drive Southeast in Massillon. All women and young women, high school age, who are interested, involved in, or want to become involved with food, agricultural or natural resources production or small business are encouraged to attend. The United States Department of Agricultures #womeninag network recently released a snapshot of Ohios women in agriculture. Ohio has 31,413 women farm operators that farm 3,883,067 acres contributing 230.1 million dollars in economic impact. Details The keynote for this years conference will be Marlene Eick of Herdmark Media. The conference program features a networking fair, sixteen breakout sessions, and two new extended breakout sessions, all presented by OSU Extension educators, producers and partner agencies. Breakout sessions highlight five themes including business and finance; plants and animals; communication; home and family; and special interest. The state officers of the Ohio FFA Association will again present a special session just for high school aged participants. Such participants can also engage in any of the remaining sessions with their adult counterparts. Registered participants, community organizations or businesses interested in sponsorship information, and/or securing an information/vendor table, should contact the OSU Extension Carroll County office at 330-627-4310. Register Register for the conference online at www.regonline.com/womeninageast. Deadline for registration is March 10. The cost of the conference is $55 for adult participants and $30 for students. Conference fee includes conference participation, continental breakfast, lunch and conference handouts. A special discount is available for those women and students who also plan to attend the Northeast Ohio Small Farm Conference March 25. For more information contact the OSU Extension Coshocton County Office at 740-622-2265. JENERA, Ohio John Motter didnt get to farm with his father for very long, but it was long enough to learn some important values values like leaving the farm better than you found it, being a good steward of the land and standing up for what you believe in. Motter, now 63, lost his father, Ralph, to a farming accident when John was only 25. The loss still affects John today, but he counts those 25 years as the building blocks to his success which in December reached a new level when he was named chairman of the United Soybean Board, the national soybean checkoff. I would still like to ask him questions, but I reach back to those values that Dad instilled, Motter said. National office Motter was appointed to the United Soybean Board eight years ago, by former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. His term continues through December 2018, and he is the first USB chairman from Ohio. The goal of the checkoff is simple: increase profitability for growers. Its our mission, its the mission statement and its something we remind each other of quite often, Motter said. The checkoff is an investment by farmers and industry, and one that people should expect a return on, Motter said. Farmers fund the checkoff with half of a percent of the market price per bushel of soybeans they sell. New products The United Soybean Board uses those funds to promote the beneficial uses of soybeans, including research into new uses, and educating consumers about the importance of soy and soy protein. Motter knows the value of soybeans first-hand. He not only grows them on his 750-acre operation in Hancock and Allen counties but hes also one of the first farmers to grow an innovative type of soybean known as high oleic. Motter began growing high-oleic beans in 2011, as a specialty crop. High-oleic soy oils have zero trans-fat, splatter less than conventional oils, and retain a favorable taste, according to the restaurants and people who have cooked with high oleic. In the beginning, there were only about 12 farmers growing 2,500 acres of high-oleic beans, Motter said. Today, after becoming commercially available, there are about 350,000-400,000 acres. He expects that number will increase over the next few years, as more countries approve growth of the beans. He sees high oleic eventually reaching the target of about 18 million acres. Creating value Motter says the high-oleic beans are just one example of how the USB has worked to create more value for soybean growers and there have been others. According to USB, there are more than 800 products that contain soy, including livestock and human foods, construction and automotive supplies, rubber tires, and even the padding inside the chairs at Motters farm shop. He points to companies like Goodyear, Procter & Gamble, Sherwin Williams, and most of the major farm equipment companies, as partners who have helped the checkoff advance soy products. These are all partners making products that 20 years ago, you didnt think would have any kind of soybean in them, Motter said. He travels the country helping promote soybeans, and hes also involved with the International Soy Growers Alliance which represents the six soybean exporting countries. Those include the U.S., along with Paraguay, Uruguay, Canada, Brazil and Argentina. He said its good for exporting countries to work together, so they can speak with a united voice. You find that there are some common problems, and its good for grower groups from those countries to go into the importing countries with a united voice, he said. Gary Wilson, a retired Ohio State University Extension educator from Hancock County, said Motters leadership is special for Ohio. Its a real honor, not only for Ohio but for our county, said Wilson, who grew up farming in the same neighborhood as Motter. Wilson said that Motter helps create win-win situations for soybean growers, and is a good promoter of agriculture in general. Since about 2000, Motter has helped organize the Hancock Leadership Ag Day, a local event that takes youth and adults out to farms to discuss agriculture. Motter also served nearly 30 years on the Hancock County Fair Board, and helped raise funds for new buildings. And he served on OSU Extensions advisory board for about eight years. John Becherer, the USB CEO, said Motter has been a leader on the board and in the soybean industry. John Motter has been an ambassador for high oleic and truly connects with farmers when talking about his decision to grow 100 percent high oleic, Becherer said. We appreciate his commitment to the soybean board and to the future of the soybean industry. Making sacrifices Serving on the soybean board has forced Motter to make some sacrifices, because of competing dates and lack of time. But one area where he doesnt sacrifice is his own farm. Motter does most of the work himself, and his son, Jeremy, helps with equipment repair and welding. A daughter, Allison Lutz, died in 2015, from cancer. The farm raised hogs and beef cattle until the mid-1990s, but today is exclusively a crop operation. Motter still farms with a well-maintained John Deere 4450 that he bought new in the 1980s. Its only fault is the cabs not big enough for all of the electronics that we put on (tractors) today, he said. He does his own planting and harvesting, and still enjoys the satisfaction of watching a new crop grow and mature. In his final two years on the soybean board, Motter wants to continue promoting the value of soybeans, and get more younger farmers involved. He said the board has a good amount of age diversity, but he sees more opportunity for younger producers. Theres nothing wrong with a few gray beards in the room, but when were all gray beards, then we have a problem, he said. Motter said young farmers have a lot to be proud of, and should share their story when they get the chance. Youre doing it right why not tell them, he said. SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. Shippensburg was the site of the 2017 Winter Conference of the PA Young Farmers Association Feb. 7-9, hosted by the Shippensburg Young Farmers chapter. The Media Blitz kicked off the conference when Spokesperson for Agriculture contestant Ayla Blatt of Kutztown visited with shoppers at the local Weis Market and chose one to receive free groceries. Blatt also presented a speech later that day at the conference telling What Agriculture Means to Me. The conference continued with four educational workshops. Speakers Whats in it for me? Farmers and local government was presented by Judy Chambers, Penn State Extension educator. The second workshop was on sprayer calibration, presented by Tracey Harpster, Penn State Extension educator. An explanation of the PA Preferred program was given by Ashlee Dugan, of PDA, explaining the benefits to farmers participating and how to apply. Cassie Yost, Franklin County Extension dairy educator, spoke on the new Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) under the Food Safety and Modernization Act. Channel 27 weatherman Eric Finkenbinder compared farming to meteorology and spoke of the importance of weather forecasting to agriculture. Tours Bob Keefer opened his Hard Earned Acres in Shippensburg to the members and told about milking his 640 cows three times a day in the double-16 parlor. His anaerobic digester supplies all the electricity for his operation and home. The second tour was to Railside Farm, the Martin family, working 600 acres in the heart of the Cumberland Valley. They milk 270 cows with five Lely robotic milkers. Next years conference will be Feb. 6-8 at Seven Springs Resort, hosted by Somerset County Young Farmers. ZANESVILLE, Ohio The West Muskingum FFA chapter placed fourth in the Ag Sales Career Development Event, held at Harrison Central. This was the first time the chapter has participated in this event. Team members included: Jena Maxwell, Madisyn Faris, Joshua Stemm, and Jacob Stemm, who sold work boots from the West Muskingum Boot Company. CHILLICOTHE, Ohio The Zane Trace FFA chapter recently hosted its 39th Annual Sausage Breakfast for the community Feb. 3 in the Zane Trace High School cafeteria. Over 750 meals were served and nearly $5,000 in donations accepted during the event. FFA members worked throughout the week to prepare over 450 pounds of sausage by processing meat from nine hogs that were donated by local farmers and FFA supporters. The students worked with cafeteria staff and adult farmer volunteers to cut, season, grind and stuff the sausages in the kitchen after school hours. Members also made twenty fleece blankets to donate to Childrens Hospital and taught lessons over pork products, swine breeds and sausage preparation to nearly 400 elementary students in grades 1-3. The chapter plans to donate all of the proceeds to Childrens Hospital and the Ross County Junior Fair as it has after every sausage breakfast. Next years breakfast will be Feb. 2. Three Zane Trace FFA officers recently earned Gold Ratings on their respective officer books at the Regional FFA Evaluation Feb. 6 at the Ohio FFA Center; Secretary Alanee Fannin, Reporter Ann Shelby and Treasurer Sky Graves. They will all be recognized on stage during a ceremony at the Ohio FFA State Convention May 4-5. SULLIVAN, Ohio The Black River FFA chapter officers and State Degree applicants submitted officer books and degree applications for the regional evaluation held at Certified Angus Beef in Wooster. All officer books received a perfect score and gold rating. The treasures book was submitted by Senior Treasurer Hannah Moskal and Junior Treasurer Sora Edwards; the reporters book was submitted by Matti OFarrelly; and the secretarys book was submitted by Senior Secretary Callee Aviles and Junior Secretary Cori Aviles. John Bricker, Scott Jeffery, Eric Cordonnier, Callee Aviles and McKenzie Hendershot met all the requirements for the Ohio FFA State Degree and will be advancing to the State Evaluation for final approval. In addition, Callee Aviles also applied for a Job Placement Poultry Production Proficiency Award for her Supervised Agricultural Experience, based on her job placement at Meyer Hatchery. Her application also qualified to move onto the State Evaluation. All senior officers and degree applicants will be recognized at the Ohio FFA State Convention, in May. BERLIN, Ohio Application season for Hiland FFA members to apply for State FFA Degree, American FFA Degree, FFA proficiency awards, and officer books occurs during December to February. Hiland FFA continue the tradition of hosting record book days dedicated for members interested in applying for the highly competitive awards. Those days consist of FFA members updating records, making corrections to records, and working with Ms. Albright. It is also a chance for students to catch up on officer duties. The secretary, treasurer and reporters book were submitted along with degree and proficiency applications at regional evaluations. For each award the members needs to fill out an application and SAEs (Supervised Agriculture Experience) record book. All of the officer books received a gold rating and will be recognize at state convention. Members recently delivered fruit to their customers. The top ten fruit sale members are Marlin Hershberger, Bailey Engstrom, Cheryl Yoder, Natalie Lovell, Tallie Troyer, Diane Yoder, Tanner Neuschwander, Sierra Hershberger, Lexi Raber, and first was Sheila Troyer. CRESTON, Ohio The Norwayne FFA held a clothing drive from Jan. 30 through Feb. 10. Students brought in clothes to their first period class and all of the clothes were given to the Salvation Army of Wooster to help clothe our fellow community members. A huge part of the FFA Motto is Living to Serve, which the chapters economic development committee, the group of FFA members in charge of this event, conducted through this clothing drive. Committee members consisted of Peyton Mullet, Annie Boss, Beth Taylor, Tori Ingold, Tim Leohr, Dylon Woodrum, and Dylan Stoller. The FFA chapter ended up gathering about 8 extra large garbage bags and four boxes of clothes to bring to the Wooster Salvation Army. Our chapter members are humbled to see the amount of clothing they could donate to a greater good, as well as the number of people they could selflessly serve within their community. Fires took place on Tuesday and Wednesday By Diego Flammini Assistant Editor, North American Content Farms.com Two Minnesota barn fires between Tuesday and Wednesday resulted in the loss of both equipment and livestock. Firefighters in Meeker County responded to a fire at a turkey barn on Tuesday morning. Upon arriving at Langmo Farms, fire crews from Eden Valley, Watkins and Litchfield faced a 76 foot by 416 foot turkey barn engulfed in flames, according to CBS Minnesota. The 8,300 turkeys housed inside the barn at Langmo Farms perished in the fire. The barn itself and the tractor inside were also deemed total losses. Officials believe a propane heater stored inside the barn caused the fire. A total financial loss hasnt yet been determined. No injuries were reported. The Stearns County Sheriffs Office told CBS Minnesota a barn fire on Wednesday evening resulted in the loss of 16 calves and two goats. Firefighters received word of the fire around before 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday. CBS Minnesota reports a family member noticed the fire after arriving home. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze but the barn was deemed a total loss. Farms.com has reached out to Langmo Farms and the Stearns County Sheriffs Office for more information on the fires. Despite this Mr Patterson said he imported more of the herbicide a couple of years ago under a trial permit to test its efficacy, which he said more than stacked up against other herbicides such as propyzamide, which is used in canola. As a sheep farmer, Mr Chance was a strong voice in the agricultural industry and served as minister for agriculture between 2001 and 2008 and was in office from 1992 to 2009 as a member of the Legislative Council, representing the Agricultural Region. "You really have to trust and believe in your worker, giving them the responsibility to get the job done is incredibly powerful when it comes to retaining them." "To have the opportunity to go through this learning experience together is a huge benefit and it shows that NAB are investing in young people who want to forge a career in agribusiness," Ms Lang said. The sale averaged a cool $7966 to better last year's average by $1103 and the gross jumped almost $200,000 from the 2016 result to $470,000. So it was clear the team at Little Meadows had been doing something right. But the added benefit for being this year's winner is that Mr Beckwith and his wife Selga have also won a three-day trip for two to Sydney including tickets to attend the Angus breed judging at this year's Sydney Royal Easter Show in April. "There is the question of funding, the Liberals getting into government again and the sale of Western Power and it will need to be built once they look at it, they too will realise that $110m may not be sufficient to deliver the goods." "It also needs to be set up as a hub for farmers, for farmers to do some shopping - but if its north of Bunbury I doubt that concept would work. The future of Fauquier Times now depends on community support. Your donation will help us continue to improve our journalism through in-depth local news coverage and expanded reader engagement. Support How the Wolfpack earned straight A's for the first time this season Donald Tsang, Hong Kongs Chief Executive between 2005 and 2012, was sentenced Wednesday to 20 months in prison. A High Court jury Friday convicted Tsang of one count of misconduct in office. Hes the highest-ranking public servant in Hong Kong to ever be jailed. The nine-person jury found Tsang guilty of failing to declare a conflict of interest for a real estate transaction. It involved a businessman applying for a digital radio license from the government. When Hong Kongs cabinet approved the license application in 2012, Tsang was trying to buy or lease a penthouse for his retirement from the developer in nearby Shenzhen, China. Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China. It has its own government with elected and appointed representatives and a Chief Executive, who acts as head of state. Hong Kongs powerful Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) prosecuted Tsang. The ICAC is credited with keeping the territory among the worlds cleanest business environments. Hong Kong ranked 15 on the latest Corruption Perceptions Index. Tsang, 72, joined Hong Kongs civil service in 1967 during British rule. In 1995 he was named Financial Secretary and held the post during Hong Kongs 1997 transfer to Chinese sovereignty. He was knighted by the outgoing British rulers for his handling of the financial markets during the transfer. ____ Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog. Pizza Hut are ''surprised'' to hear that the President of Iceland wants to ban pineapple as a topping on pizza. Pizza Hut 'surprised' over Iceland pineapple gate A spokesperson for the American-owned restaurant chain has said that it's shocking to hear as the topping is used on their Hawaiian pizza and is a ''best seller''. Gareth Hopley, Head of Communications at Pizza Hut Restaurants, commented: ''We were surprised to hear that there was talk of banning pineapple as a pizza topping in Iceland as we know our customers love a Hawaiian pizza. It's actually one of our best sellers (number 5 in our top 10 list) and we sell over 440 thousand of them across our Huts every single week! ''We're really proud to be championing one of the nation's favourite toppings and for serving such a popular pizza in our restaurants for the last 44 years. We look forward to welcoming all pineapple lovers into our Huts with open arms over the coming weeks.'' President Guni Th. Johannesson answered random questions from students in a Q&A video, and when asked about his thoughts on having the fruit on the Italian treat, he claimed he was ''fundamentally opposed'' to the tangy topping, which is usually used on a Hawaiian pizza with ham. According to the Metro newspaper, he then elaborated on his point and said he would pass a ban on pineapple as a pizza topping if he had the power to pass laws on his own, according to Iceland magazine. Ever since I was a child , I have been fascinated by ghosts and the paranormal. As a teenager, I used to collect articles, photographs, and newspaper clippings of anything remotely paranormal. I still ask people I meet if they had any ghostly encounters and I recently met a man who swore he saw the Mothman at a local cemetery here in Texas. Even though the Mothman originated in West Virginia in 1967 and was considered to be an omen to warn about an impending tragedy, the collapse of a bridge that killed 46 people, sightings have been reported all over the U.S. I no longer collect articles and have since lost track of the collection altogether but I frequently travel to cities that are particularly haunted . I stay at spooky hotels, take ghost tours and immerse myself in the supernatural history of those cities. I diligently study the haunted history of places. My favorite haunted city is New Orleans. --- As a child, I was unaware of the strange history of my hometown. I grew up in Fulda, Germany, during the Cold War. It seemed like an average small town yet it wasnt average at all, in fact it played a major role during the Cold War: Fulda Gap has two lowland corridors of geographic terrain that are lower than the surrounding elevation and therefore easily passable for tanks and troops. It has a rich in history: Napoleon withdrew his armies after a defeat (Battle of Leipzig) and he escaped home to France through those corridors following a victory (Battle of Hanau). During World War II, the U.S. Army advanced eastward into Eastern Europe through Fulda Gap. --- I only found out as an adult that my hometown was considered the future battleground of World War III. In the event of war, nuclear weapons were certain to be used and the US and Russian Army would have battled the largest tank battle ever recorded in history. Soldiers from all over the world came to participate in Wargames, a simulated battle of the Fulda Gap. Fictionalized portrayals appeared in numerous novels and movies. I grew up with attack helicopters circling above and the display of nuclear warheads. As fate saw fit, I now live just miles away from Fort Hood, the largest populated military installation in the US. --- I wrote my first novel during a novel writing class. I was under the impression that the class was going to teach me how to write a novel, instead I was asked to post twenty-five pages online. The story of a mother suffering from post-partum depression had been humming in the back of my head for a while and that night I sat down and began writing LITTLE GIRL GONE. By the end of the class I had written the first draft. --- I live just miles away from a haunted place. The legend of Maxdale Bridge in Maxdale, Texas tells of a school bus full of children coming from one direction and a young couple in a car speeding toward the bridge from the other. The groundskeeper of a nearby cemetery was fishing from the bridge. The bus swerved to avoid hitting the groundskeeper as the couple was speeding across the bridge, but the bus and the car went over the bridge. The only survivors were the groundskeeper and the driver of the car. The children not only perished but completely disappeared. It is said the driver of the car later returned and, riddled with guilt, hung himself from the bridge. Supposedly the legend can be verified by putting baby powder on the hood of your car and small handprints will appear pushing your car away from the bridge to keep you safe. Voices of children can be heard and headlights appear out of nowhere. The bridge is now closed for traffic but some superstitious souls, including myself, leave candy for the children. They say if you wait sixty seconds and then turn around, the candy will have disappeared. I am no fool, I just keep walking. Once upon a time there was a tribe of little explorers, who when apart always missed the other piece of their heart, and once together were an inseperable trio. Their love was true and deep, and filled with adventure. #bornwild A post shared by Our Open Road (@ouropenroad) on Jan 8, 2017 at 9:09am PST The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has entered into a partnership agreement with the USAID East Africa Trade and Investment Hub (Hub) to ensure best-in-class manufacturing of goods destined for the US from East Africa. The Hub works to promote two-way trade between East Africa and the US under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has entered into a partnership agreement with the USAID East Africa Trade and Investment Hub (Hub) to ensure best-in-class manufacturing of goods destined for the US from East Africa. The Hub works to promote two-way trade between East Africa and the US under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).# The agreement, signed outside the African Pavilion at the ongoing MAGIC trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada, launches the East Africa Cotton, Textile and Apparel Initiative. The initiative aims to establish sustainable workforce development programmes and institutionalise environmental, social, labour and worker safety best practices in the region. The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has entered into a partnership agreement with the USAID East Africa Trade and Investment Hub (Hub) to ensure best-in-class manufacturing of goods destined for the US from East Africa. The Hub works to promote two-way trade between East Africa and the US under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).# US retailers and East African businesses will both benefit from the initiative. Working in tandem with East African governments to raise industry standards, promote job creation, and increased trade and investment will ensure a win-win for trading partners, the Hub said in a statement. The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has entered into a partnership agreement with the USAID East Africa Trade and Investment Hub (Hub) to ensure best-in-class manufacturing of goods destined for the US from East Africa. The Hub works to promote two-way trade between East Africa and the US under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).# The Hub will work through the Initiative to help East African governments and private sector entities institutionalise the best practices and standards that American apparel, footwear, and travel good sourcing companies require. The Hub expects to support the creation of 45,000 jobs across Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda in the first three years of the initiative and create jobs and further growth in the US apparel, footwear, and travel goods sector. The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has entered into a partnership agreement with the USAID East Africa Trade and Investment Hub (Hub) to ensure best-in-class manufacturing of goods destined for the US from East Africa. The Hub works to promote two-way trade between East Africa and the US under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).# Currently, East Africa is establishing itself as a key sourcing destination for global apparel, footwear, and travel goods buyers. The AGOA, which was recently renewed to 2025, and provides up to 35 per cent in duty savings for eligible countries exporting to the US, is a major incentive. The Hubs new initiative will further cement US and East African business partnerships under the Act. The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has entered into a partnership agreement with the USAID East Africa Trade and Investment Hub (Hub) to ensure best-in-class manufacturing of goods destined for the US from East Africa. The Hub works to promote two-way trade between East Africa and the US under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).# The Hub, in addition to working with AAFA on best practices, will work with governments and private sector organisations to establish and launch workforce development programmes aimed at equipping young East African men and women with the necessary technical and life skills to join the workforce in the apparel, footwear and travel goods industries. (RKS) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India The almost imminent renegotiation of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has put US-Mexico denim trade at risk. It is because nearly half of the jeans sold in the US are made in Mexico. Over 2,000 denim manufacturers spread through states of Mexico, Durango, Puebla and Guanajuato together make second largest supplier base of jeans to the US. The bilateral trade of denim products consists mainly in the Mexican plants sewing jeans from fabric imported from the US. The final products are again shipped back for sale in the US market. There are also some companies that purchase denims that are 100% made in Mexico and sell them in the US. Mexicos National Chamber of the Apparel Industry (Canaive) estimates this annual denim trade at over $8 billion. This manufacturing-trade relation provides livelihood to over 125,000 people in Mexico and another 64,000 in the US, particularly in the states of North and South Carolina and Georgia, according to the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA). The almost imminent renegotiation of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has put US-Mexico denim trade at risk. It is because nearly half of the jeans sold in the US are made in Mexico. Over 2,000 denim manufacturers spread through states of Mexico, Durango, Puebla and Guanajuato together make second largest supplier base of jeans to the US.# Hence, the call given by US president Donald Trump to renegotiate NAFTA, especially US bilateral trade relations with Mexico, has put nearly 189,000 jobs at risk. Further, it would also mean that US buyers would end up paying more if the Trump administration imposes tariffs on products imported from Mexico. Since NAFTA was signed in 1994, the US-Mexico denim trade has grown manifold mainly because the cost of labour intensive garment construction was lower in Mexico compared to the US. As per Article 2205 of NAFTA, any party can withdraw from the agreement six months after providing written notice to the other parties. So, all companies will get at least that much time in the event of the Trump administration deciding to withdraw from the deal. Meanwhile, Mexico has put in place a 90-day consultation period wherein government officials are meeting domestic industry leaders in manufacturing, textiles, and other sectors, to see what aspects of NAFTA could be improved during the renegotiation process. (RKS) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India London has topped the global ranking for new luxury retail store openings in 2016, according to a recent report. The city saw a total of 41 new luxury openings during the year, of which 15 were the respective brand's first ever store in London. Paris witnessed 36 new store openings last year, and New York and Dubai both had 31 new stores. The Global Luxury Retail report by Savills says that London has consistently been the most visited city in the world by international tourists. This makes it an important luxury retail market as approximately a third of this type of spend takes place abroad, according to the data from Exane BNP and ContactLab. For European luxury brands, London is a useful stepping stone prior to expanding into the US, while for US brands it provides a gateway to Europe both geographically and in terms of brand profile. London has topped the global ranking for new luxury retail store openings in 2016, according to a recent report. The city saw a total of 41 new luxury openings during the year, of which 15 were the respective brand's first ever store in London. Paris witnessed 36 new store openings last year, and New York and Dubai both had 31 new stores.# Forecasts by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) suggest international tourist arrivals globally will double to almost 1.8 billion by 2030, aided by further growth of low cost air travel and a rapidly expanding and mobile middle class from emerging economies. Europe will remain the largest tourist market with a projected market share of 41 per cent by 2030 and its gateway cities, such as London, will be key target destinations for the increased tourist flow. Destinations favoured by Chinese nationals, who acquire circa 40 per cent of their luxury goods abroad, are highly attractive for luxury retailers. London's appeal for luxury brands has therefore been enhanced by its rising popularity among Chinese travellers, with visitor numbers increasing 69 per cent in 2015, according to Office of National Statistics. The evolving future travel patterns of Chinese tourists will also play a major role in determining new and growth luxury retail destinations globally, adds the report. The recent weakening in the pound, which has provided an immediate discount for many overseas shoppers, has given luxury spend in London a further boost, says Savills. "A significant proportion of luxury goods are now purchased outside a shopper's home market, particularly those of Chinese consumers, reinforcing the importance of destination cities. This was apparent in 2016, when all of the key established global retail destinations saw more than 20 luxury brand store openings," said Marie Hickey, commercial research director at Savills. The role of a specific destination in brand building and enhancing the customer experience remains key, and the heritage of London and Paris saw these cities rank first and second for new luxury openings last year. With international travel expected to double by 2030, appetite among luxury retailers to expand in key markets will remain strong, though we expect to see several of the emerging luxury markets gain more market share, Anthony Selwyn, head of Central London retail at Savills. (KD) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India Drupa, the largest printing equipment exhibition in the world, held by Messe Dusseldorf, in Germany, has released its 4th annual global trends report, which gives the detailed evidence to support the thesis that globally print is recovering well from the double challenge of the 2007/8 economic crisis and the strategic shift towards digital communications.Recruited from senior managers who visited Drupa last year, almost 850 printers and over 300 suppliers representing all regions and markets participated in the survey run by Printfuture, the specialist print consultancy and market research company, according to the report. Drupa, the largest printing equipment exhibition in the world, held by Messe Dusseldorf, in Germany, has released its 4th annual global trends report, which gives the detailed evidence to support the thesis that globally print is recovering well from the double challenge of the 2007/8 economic crisis and the strategic shift towards digital communications. # Globally 42 per cent of printers described their business as in a good economic condition in 2016, with just 11 per cent reporting it as poor, a net balance of +31 per cent, the highest recorded global result of the report series. Prospects for 2017 are better with a net balance of +46 per cent.However market variances and regional variances are growing. Packaging at +39 per cent net balance and functional (industrial/decorative) at +34 per cent are strongest while commercial at +26 per cent and publishing at 23 per cent follow behind. North America once again is the strongest region with a net balance of +49 per cent, followed by Europe and Australia/Oceania at +33 per cent, Central/South America at +29 per cent, Asia at +20 per cent, the Middle East at 19 per cent, and Africa at -3 per cent, the first negative net balance of the report series. Indeed on many measures, the Middle East reported a very poor condition, while Africa and Central/South America reported fragile conditions.Looking at the underlying financial performance figures, printers reported a well-established pattern of falling prices and squeezed margins, compensated for by increasing revenues assisted by higher utilisation. In terms of conventional print, the well-established trends continued of falling run lengths and lead times and an increasing number of jobs to be handled.There was a possible pause in the historic rise in the proportion of turnover that is digital print (28 per cent of printers in 2015 reported that more than 25 per cent of their turnover was digital while the figure for 2016 was 27 per cent). Similarly digital continues to grow rapidly in Commercial print e.g. wide format print installations up from 37 per cent in 2013 to 50 per cent in 2016.Even more striking was the clear fall in the number of web to print installations globally down from 26 per cent in 2015 to 23 per cent in 2016. Turning to capital investment plans, 42 per cent spent more over the last 12 months and just 11 per cent spent less, a net balance of +31 per cent, and there was a net balance of +41 per cent in respect of plans for 2017. (GK) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India Further incentives for investment into manufacturing, IT, infrastructure and other core industrial sectors would create more employment for the youth, Sandeep Jajodia, who took over as new president of The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), has said. Jajodia is chairman & managing director (CMD), Monnet Ispat & Energy Ltd. The new ASSOCHAM team that took over this month includes Balkrishan Goenka, chairman, Welspun Group and Kiran Kumar Grandhi, vice chairman of GMR Infrastructure Ltd, as senior vice president and vice president respectively. ASSOCHAM established in 1920 will continue to play a leading transformational role both nationally and globally and the apex chamber will empower Indian enterprises by focusing on the most critical and relevant issues in a highly impact-oriented manner, said Jajodia who took over from Sunil Kanoria, vice chairman, Srei Infrastructure Finance Limited. Further incentives for investment into manufacturing, IT, infrastructure and other core industrial sectors would create more employment for the youth, Sandeep Jajodia, who took over as new president of The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), has said. Jajodia is chairman & managing director (CMD), Monnet Ispat & Energy Ltd.# Stating that the Indian economy is still in the stage of remonetisation, Jajodia said, Enough cash in both rural area and cities, along with some bold and pragmatic decisions on issues like bank NPAs would be key drivers for reverting to 8 per cent growth. Seeking further incentives from the government for investment into manufacturing, he said, A large manufacturing plant or a big infrastructure project creates lots of ancillary job opportunities which in turn give opportunity for start-ups by aspirational youth to unleash their entrepreneurial abilities. He said, the Industry is working closely with the Centre and the state governments on glide path for implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the biggest ever tax reform in the country. We hope that remaining areas of divergence among the centre and the states are resolved in the next meeting of the GST Council. (RKS) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India Imtiaz Ali is a renowned film-maker and many Bollywood stars love to work with him as his movies are different and he gives a new platform to various stories which none have ever thought of. Kriti Sanon revealed that she'd love to work with Imtiaz Ali so much so, that she'll not even read the script and will star in his films blindly! She said, Hot Lesbian Scene From Riya Sen & Kyra Dutt's Short Film 'Lonely Girl'! "I love Imitiaz Ali's sensibility and the way he brings out emotions in a different way. His characters have layers and complexities. I think for all the actors who have worked with him, those films have been their best. He is someone, who if I get to work with, I might not even look at the script." Priyanka Chopra Talks About 'Showing Off Her Bra'! Also, Kriti Sanon went down memory lane on how she made it in Bollywood and explained her struggles and confusion which she faced back in the day. "When I came to Mumbai, I was like a little lost child, who didn't know what to do. I took private workshops at home, because I had heard that acting schools were not that great. The more work you do, the better you get. Also, over time, you change, your style changes, and so does your fashion sense. That's part of growing up. Everybody is not as confident when they land here (Mumbai)." Bikini Diaries! Riya Sen Holidays In Goa With Her Girlfriends Kriti Sanon is currently shooting for her upcoming film Raabta and is paired alongside Sushant Singh Rajput. The storyline revolves around horse races and Kriti injured herself twice during the shoot as riding a horse isn't that easy. Thankfully, she has now recovered and the shoot is on full swing. Deepika Padukone also has a cameo appearance in Raabta. Amy Jackson's Mobile Hacked! Personal Pictures Leaked Online Saif On Fatherhood About baby Taimur, Saif said, "You never set your foot in the same river twice; life is constantly moving. This is a good time. I am very happy, excited and settled to have brought Taimur into this world." On Why He Refrains From Using Social Media The actor has a valid reason to explain his absence on social media. He was quoted saying, "I thought about it when it started. But if I have to keep thinking what to post to give a good impression to my fans about myself, it would make life a bit less natural for me. I would be only on a clicking spree- clicking my sons, daughter, wife, mom. Where will it stop? Any event or film I do anyways does appear on social media, doesn't it? But trying to make a comment on everything will be putting too much of pressure on myself. I can't keep thinking all the time about what is the next cool thing to say. I would rather meet people in real life and talk to them directly and spontaneously. I remember I consciously decided not to click pictures of Kareena when she was delivering Taimur. I wanted to see her face. I wanted to see that moment. If I had been immersed in my phone planning my posts on social media, I would have lost out on that moment. We are all chasing the camera. Why? Strike a balance, have your fun--- but that's not your entire life. People are dressing up for the picture, not for the party. It's good to have a party and talk to each other. But that's gone all so missing. There's a nightclub in London where you can't take pictures, I think that's quite cool." Saif Doesn't Want Taimur To Wear Designer Clothes In Childhood Talking about how he is bonding with his newborn, Saif said, "I am looking forward to reading Ramayan, Mahabharat, Vikram Aur Betal and The Great Myths to Taimur. I am looking forward to building blocks. I am looking forward to play with toy cars. I am looking forward to painting. I am looking forward to making a ship, reading it up on the Net. It's going to be so much fun. The big fun would be to make paper boats in the monsoon and have them race down the gutter in a building. And I dont want Taimur to wear designer clothes in childhood. He should be in a normal ganji and jeans. It's tempting to dress up the kid like Tom Cruise's son- but that's not happening." (laughs) Saif On Why He Wants Vishal Bhardwaj To Forgive Him Saif is quite proud of Rangoon and added, "Vishal has offered me stuff which I haven't understood and hence not done, so I hope he forgives me for that.He has been patient when I told him that I am not relating to it, he has not held it against me. I remember Sajid Nadiadwala (producer of Rangoon) telling me that Rangoon is happening. I heard the script and i was jumping up and down. Vishal is a terrific director for sure. He is simply brilliant. Times are changing but it was hard to find so much culture in my career- like what is prevalent in Rangoon. Rangoon is something we can show internationally, it's a film which I can proudly show it to my children. I will always be proud of it." Saif Says He Has Become A Lot Calmer Now Saif further said, "I feel edgy but at 46, I am a lot calmer now.I think I have inherited it from my father. My mother is restless. But my dad would happily get into a lungi-n-kurta and read, and play bridge. That does not mean that he had become lazy and was not getting anything from his life, in fact he was getting a lot in return. Reading to some people might appear as if the person is just passing his/her time, but it is not known what enlightment he is getting from it. Reading opens one's mind and makes one so mature, it even adds to your acting capabilities. 'I Would Love To Be Like Aamir Khan' The Chhote Nawab wants to take a cue from his 'Dil Chahta Hai' co-star and said, "I would love to be like Aamir Khan and do just 1 film in 1 or 2 years and be the main guy, you can then promote your film in your own way, you do interviews in your own way and not on funny shows, and you don't have to be a desperate entertainer looking to go everywhere and do eveything so that people come to watch your film. You can't even imagine the kind of publicity we are asked to do. This all takes the fun out from being an actor, and we start pretending to be all kinds of people." When there is a big film release, teasers or trailers of upcoming films are attached to the movie's print for maximum reach. In the same manner, a few trailers were attached to Hebbuli which released today. Bangara S/O Bangarada Manushya: The teaser of the film released today and will be screened in theaters from tomorrow. Shivanna plays the role of Shivaraja, who fights for a problem pertaining to the farmers. Vidya Pradeep plays the female lead. Vishal Hegde and Chikkanna play the important roles. Sharath Lohithashwa plays the negative role in the film. The film is scheduled for release in April. Saheba: The film that marks the debut of Manoranjan Ravichandran had its trailer launched today, which will be screened in theaters from today. Trailer has the glimpse of a couple of songs in which Mano has excelled in his dance moves. He does a decent job with fights as well. Shanvi Srivatsav is the female lead and veteran actress Lakshmi plays the role of protagonist's mother. Not much about the film has been revealed in the trailer. The film is scheduled for grand release in April or first half of May. This trailer is one of the best in the recent times. Director Sekar and DOP Vaidhy have excelled in their jobs. The film talks about the journey of the visually challenged hero and heroine. Kichcha Sudeep's voiceover adds intensity to the trailer. Mithra and Bhama seems to have given their career best performances. Ramesh Bhat, Avinash and Tabla Nani have played the lead roles. It is scheduled for release in March. Real Police: This film brings together actor Sai Kumar and director Sai Prakash together. The film is based on a real incident which took place in Bangalore, a couple of years ago. The film has been censored with U/A Certificate and releases in March. Star Plus' latest offering Dil Bole Oberoi, is being showered with praises. The face-off between Omkara (Kunal Jaisingh) and Gauri is also loved by the audiences and they have given a thumbs-up to their budding love story. Gauri escapes from Kaali's clutches and runs into Omkara. Together, they land in the jungle, where Kaali's men are chasing them. Omkara leaves Gauri midway and she is caught by Kaali again. (Check out the latest spoiler below). Gauri Faces The Wrath Of The Villagers In the upcoming episodes, Gauri will face the wrath of the villagers when they doubt her character for being with a man, that too, unmarried. Omkara Marries Gauri In order to protect her from the society, Omkara will marry Gauri right away by completing all the rituals, which leaves her in shock. Omkara Leaves Gauri Post their wedding, Omkara will leave Gauri alone by citing that their paths are different, while Gauri tells him that their paths can't be different from now on, since they are married. Kaali Attacks Om As we had reported earlier, Kaali and his men will attack Omkara, but Shivaay will sense that Omkara is in trouble and arrive at Bareilly to rescue him. Gauri's Plight As per the latest spoiler, the villagers will not let Gauri stay back and will force her to go to her in-laws place, since she is married. That's how Bareilly's Gauri will arrive at the Oberoi mansion. Gauri's Declaration If reports are to be believed, Gauri will arrive at the Oberoi mansion and declares that she is Omkara's wife. How will the Oberois react? Will Omkara accept Gauri as his wife? Saumya To Get Shot? As we all know that the plane in which Rudra and Saumya are travelling, has been hijacked by Mohini. Reportedly, during a scuffle with Mohini, Saumya will get shot saving Rudra. In The Last Episode... Kaali Thakur's men torture Gauri. They dig a pit and buries her neck-deep in sand. . She being an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, prays the Lord for her safety. Thakur's men distribute stones to the villagers to pelt stones at Gauri. Thakur himself begins throwing stones at her and Gauri is hurt. Soon, Gauri's mother arrives with a few kids and manage to take her away. Thakur instructs the villagers to catch Gauri and orders his men to kill her. Gauri runs away and as the fate would have it, she collides with Omkara again. The villagers run behind Gauri, but he asks them to stop. They call her characterless, but Gauri claims that she is innocent. Thakur's men try to attack her, but Omkara rescues her and fights them to the ground. On the other hand, Mohini is successful in hijacking the plane. She points a gun at Rudra, but Saumya stops her. She tricks Mohini and they are successful in trapping her. Saumya admits that Rudra is her husband, and thus she saved him. But, a furious Rudra asks her to stay away from him and his family. SINGAPORE and FOSTER CITY, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/22/17 -- Singtel subsidiary Amobee, a global digital marketing technology company serving brands such as Airbnb, Dell EMC and Lexus, today announced it has signed an agreement to acquire Turn, a leading provider of a global technology platform for marketers and agencies, at an enterprise value of US$310 million. Turn offers advanced data and analytics solutions through a data management platform (DMP), allowing marketers to better understand customer interactions across ad formats and devices. Turn further operates a demand-side platform (DSP) which provides programmatic buying capabilities that automate the process of buying digital ads in real time across video, mobile and display for major brands including KraftHeinz, Toyota and L'Oreal USA. The acquisition of Turn will expand Amobee's existing programmatic and data management capabilities. Amobee will be able to offer marketers an independent end-to-end advertising and data management platform across all channels, formats and devices, access to proprietary Amobee Brand Intelligence insights as well as advanced analytics and media planning capabilities. With this unified platform, leading brands and agencies can plan and buy media for specific audiences in a more integrated way to maximize their investments across desktop, mobile, video and social media. Samba Natarajan, Singtel's CEO of Group Digital Life, said, "With marketers increasingly shifting from traditional to digital media to engage consumers, global digital ad spend is expected to exceed US$200 billion in 2017(1). The strategic acquisition of Turn strengthens Amobee's technological edge in the rapidly evolving market of digital advertising and accelerates its growth into a significant global digital marketing player. It will also prime Amobee for expansion beyond the US and into the Asia Pacific, where the Singtel Group reaches some 640 million customers across 22 countries." Amobee's CEO, Kim Perell, said, "This acquisition makes Amobee one of the largest independent buy-side marketing technology providers globally, boosts our data analytics capabilities and understanding of consumers, and provides a strong foundation for our future growth. Effectively powering advertisers' digital marketing is about enabling them to better understand and reach their customers, and enhance the way they engage them, on a global scale. To differentiate and capitalize on the growing market opportunity, we will offer world-class technology paired with advanced data and insights." Bruce Falck, CEO of Turn, said, "Turn's vision is to help marketers understand what works, what doesn't, and why, by providing a powerful insights, analytics and programmatic buying platform. Today is a significant moment for us and a recognition of the quality of our technology platform. As a part of Amobee, we will be able to enhance the value delivered to our customers and partners on a global scale and accelerate innovation in this space." This acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and fulfillment of closing conditions, and expected to be completed within the first half of 2017. About Amobee Amobee is a global marketing technology company serving the world's leading brands and agencies. Amobee's patented Brand Intelligence technology measures digital engagement to provide a deeper understanding of audiences, their mindset and interests. Amobee's unified platform enables marketers to seamlessly plan and activate cross channel, programmatic media campaigns using Brand Intelligence, and includes ads API integrations with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Snapchat. Amobee is a wholly owned subsidiary of Singtel, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world which reaches over 640 million mobile subscribers. Amobee operates across North America, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia. www.amobee.com About Singtel Singtel is Asia's leading communications and ICT solutions group, providing a portfolio of services from next-generation communication, technology services to infotainment to both consumers and businesses. For consumers, Singtel delivers a complete and integrated suite of services, including mobile, broadband and TV. For businesses, Singtel offers a complementary array of workforce mobility solutions, data hosting, cloud, network infrastructure, analytics and cyber-security capabilities. The Group has presence in Asia, Australia and Africa and reaches over 640 million mobile customers in 22 countries. Its infrastructure and technology services for businesses spans 21 countries, with more than 370 direct points of presence in 325 cities. For more information, visit www.singtel.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SingtelNews About Turn Turn, the independent ad tech company, delivers real-time insights that transform the way leading media agencies and enterprises make marketing decisions. The Turn platform enables anonymous audience planning, data centralization, cross-device advertising, and advanced analytics, along with point-and-click access to more than 150 integrated technology partners. Turn works with the world's top brands and agencies, including DirecTV, HP, Kia, KraftHeinz, L'Oreal USA, Thomas Cook and Zales. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Turn offers its products and services worldwide. For more information, visit turn.com or follow @turnplatform. (1) Source: eMarketer September 2016 Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. HONG KONG, CHINA and SINGAPORE -- (Marketwired) -- 02/22/17 -- Finquest acquires Detecq to help global investors, M&A advisors and mid-sized Asian technology companies take advantage of booming interest in the tech sector Fast-growing global platform for mid-market direct investment and M&A in Asia adds tech sector expertise to strengthen presence and bring added values for clients Finquest, the premier platform for smart, curated introductions that accelerate cross-border direct investments and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in Asia, has acquired Detecq, a private marketplace that matches technology companies with strategic investors in Asia. The acquisition will bring Detecq's network of corporate investors, M&A professionals and tech companies, including Fortune 500 firms, into the Finquest network, creating more opportunities for clients to explore and secure deals across the expanded ecosystem. Detecq's founder Zi En Wong will join the Finquest team to expand the company's presence in the tech industry in Asia. As technological innovation continues to disrupt traditional industries, companies in the tech and non-tech sectors are increasingly turning to M&A to keep up with the accelerating pace of change. Technology has been the top target sector for M&A globally for the last few years and the trend is expected to continue. Total deal value for technology in Asia Pacific reached an all-time high of US$51.5 billion in 2015, and 2016 is expected to surpass that. As the tech ecosystem in Asia matures, more tech M&A and fundraising transactions are expected in the next few years. Buyers from Europe, China, Japan, and the US will continue to actively seek strategic tech acquisitions in Asia. With the acquisition of Detecq, Finquest will be better equipped to serve this booming market. Covering all industry sectors, Finquest capitalises on its database of more than one million organisations, cutting-edge analytic technology and team of experts to foster cross-border mid-market deals in Asia. Detecq, on the other hand, has focused entirely on the technology sector since its founding in 2015, building a strong ecosystem of venture capital firms, investment banks, tech companies and strategic buyers. According to Finquest CEO and co-founder Tanguy Lesselin, the two companies complement one another with a shared vision of the future of M&A and growth capital in Asia. "Adding Detecq's strengths to Finquest will make it much easier for the global investment community and local tech companies in Asia to connect for investment and fundraising," said Mr. Lesselin. "The acquisition will also help Finquest grow its business by serving the rising number of strategic buyers looking for investment opportunities and acquisitions in the tech space in Asia." "Joining forces with Finquest makes Detecq part of a bigger team with a shared vision and commitment to efficient, effective and confidential matching of the buy and sell side. This is a win-win for both companies and our clients, and will help us strengthen our presence in the tech M&A market." Detecq's founder Ms. Wong said. About Finquest Finquest is the premier platform delivering personalised connections to its clients in the Asian mid-market mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and direct investments space. With a unique database of more than 1 million organisations (including institutional investors, M&A advisors and mid-sized companies across all industries), as well as advanced predictive algorithms and a team of experts, Finquest makes targeted, curated and actionable connections for its clients whilst maintaining confidentiality throughout the process. With Finquest, clients can broaden their market access, creating a far more efficient deal-making environment. Finquest's clientele includes multinational corporations, privately owned mid-sized companies, private equity and venture capital funds, investment holdings, strategic buyers, family offices, M&A advisors and private banks and other financial institutions. Website: www.finquest.com About Detecq Detecq is a private M&A marketplace that leverages software to accurately match strategic investors with the right tech companies in Asia. By leveraging data and algorithms, Detecq increases the speed, coverage, and quality of both buy and sell side target identification. Website: www.detecq.com Media Contacts Willa Lau / Nadja Jiang FleishmanHillard +852 2586 7875 / +852 2586 7871 Email Contact / Email Contact The hearings of the international arbitration proceedings were held on 7 - 11 November 2016 and on 14 - 15 November 2016. All hearings were broadcast live on the ICSID website. The recordings of the arbitration hearings, which were held in Paris, have now been made available on AS Tallinna Vesi's website. The recordings are arranged by days and are accessible at the following link: www.tallinnavesi.ee All submissions of materials made during the arbitration proceedings are publicly available also on the ICSID website. Background information: In October 2014, AS Tallinna Vesi and its shareholder United Utilities (Tallinn) B.V., registered in the Kingdom of The Netherlands, commenced international arbitration proceedings against the Republic of Estonia for breach of the Agreement on the Encouragement and Reciprocal Protection of Investments between the Kingdom of The Netherlands and the Republic of Estonia. The international arbitration hearings were held in November 2016 and the decision in the matter is expected in 2017. Riina Kai AS Tallinna Vesi Chief Financial Officer Ph: (+372) 62 62 262 riina.kai@tvesi.ee 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. DUBAI, UAE, Feb 23, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Loyyal, the leading universal loyalty platform, has been invited by Smart Dubai to rejoin the Dubai Future Accelerators Program in its second cycle. The company will be working alongside Smart Dubai to focus on developing and expanding the loyalty and incentivization elements of the award-winning DubaiNOW mobile application.With the aim of making Dubai the best connected and 'happiest' city on earth, Smart Dubai regards blockchain technology as the missing piece in creating a seamless and more efficient digital economy. As a founding member of the Dubai Global Blockchain Council and a pioneer for blockchain technology in the region, Loyyal is ideally placed to collaborate with Smart Dubai to achieve its vision.Named 'Best Government Mobile App of the Year' in 2016, DubaiNOW offers customers access to a range of smart services from 22 government entities. An industry leader in blockchain and universal loyalty technology, over the duration of the Dubai Future Accelerators Program, Loyyal will be using its expertise to develop the incentivization element of the app. It aims to unite the various government entities which are featured on DubaiNOW, linking payment options, increasing efficiency, improving overall customer experience and unlocking the relationship value of these entities.It is the second time that Loyyal has taken part in the Dubai Future Accelerators Program, by-passing the application process, after its involvement in the inaugural phase of the project in late 2016. The program is an initiative by the Dubai government which was developed under the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The program brings together government agencies and a selection of the world's most innovative companies to explore the technologies of the future and their applications in resolving challenges and creating opportunities for the benefit of society as a whole and future generations to come.During phase one of Dubai Future Accelerators, Loyyal was part of a successful collaboration with Dubai Holding, which created a deployment to re-map and enhance the manner in which the group's companies interacted with each other and their customers in an innovative, cost-effective way. Through phase two, the company will continue to harness its proven expertise in blockchain and smart contract infrastructure solutions to develop improved and more unified loyalty and incentivization programs for Smart Dubai, which will connect and incentivize residents across a full range of government smart services."At the Smart Dubai Office we are consistently working on partnerships to enhance daily life experiences for all of the city's residents leading them to have happier lives. With the launch of DubaiNOW we brought over 55 different government and private sector services under one application, encouraging all the residents to use the app for more safer, efficient, impactful and seamless transactional experiences. To go one step further, we have partnered with Loyyal to develop a loyalty program rewarding all of DubaiNOW's users. This will not only help increase happiness levels in the city, but will also provide users an introductory experience in using Blockchain technology," said H.E Dr.Aisha Bin Bishr, Director General, Smart Dubai Office."These aren't just challenges for Dubai, but for the entire world. The fate of our future is reliant on partnerships with innovative governments and new technologies." said Abdulla bin Touq, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation. "The history of our city and our people has been one of discovery and vision since our inception 45 years ago," he continued. "Dubai is a platform for innovation, a place for the best minds to come together with forward-thinking leadership to forge a better future for us all.""We are deeply honored to have been asked to participate in the second cycle of the Dubai Future Accelerators Program," says Sean Dennis, Chief Happiness Officer and Co-Founder of Loyyal. "Loyyal is committed to working with the Dubai Government as it lays the foundations of a model city that the world looks towards for inspiration - promoting innovation, efficiency and happiness for residents and visitors alike. Working with Smart Dubai specifically, and being part of what will become the most connected and smartest city in the world is a huge opportunity for us and blockchain in general."About LoyyalLoyyal is reinventing how loyalty is created and rewarded. Using blockchain and smart contract technology, Loyyal has built an interoperable loyalty and rewards platform to address a highly fragmented industry, and offer multiple sectors an innovative way to incentivize customer behavior.Loyyal, a founding member of the Dubai Global Blockchain Council and the blockchain industry's Hyperledger Project, joined the very first cohort in the Dubai Future Accelerators program in October 2016. Looking to bring the future forward faster, the program has united the best organisations, entrepreneurs and government entities to test solutions for seven key civic challenges and to tackle the most complex opportunities of the 21st century. It then invests in breakthrough technologies to make innovative ideas become a reality - for Dubai, the region, and the rest of the world.For information about Loyyal, please visit www.loyyal.com or email to info@loyyal.com.About Smart DubaiThe Smart Dubai Office leads Dubai's smart city program, utilising technology innovation to improve efficiency and enhance experiences for the city, in line with its vision to make Dubai the happiest city on earth. The Smart Dubai Office works with its establishments, Smart Dubai Government and Dubai Data, and partner entities from the government and private sector to deliver its strategic initiatives and products across six city dimensions: living, economy, governance, mobility, environment and people.About the Dubai Future AcceleratorsThe Dubai Future Accelerators, the largest government-supported accelerator globally, launched by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will develop and support innovative solutions for key government entities.For information about Dubai Future Accelerators, please visit www.dubaifutureaccelerators.com.Media inquiries may be directed by email to vera.futorjanski@pmo.gov.ae.Source: LoyyalCopyright 2017 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. The bank held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) Wednesday 22 February 2017 with the agenda as previously published. Minutes of the AGM as per the points on the agenda. The chairman of the board of directors, Jens Lykke Kjeldsen, welcomed the attendees to the general meeting. 1. Election of chairperson Jacob Mller, chairman of the shareholders' committee, was elected chairman of the AGM. 2. The board's report on the bank's activities during the previous year, 3. Presentation of the annual report for approval, 3a. Approval of the bank's remuneration policy, and 4. Decision on allocation of profit or covering of loss under the approved annual report Jens Lykke Kjeldsen, chairman of the board of directors, presented the report of the board of directors on the bank's activities during the previous year. He also explained and gave reasons for the updated remuneration policy for approval by the AGM. John Fisker, CEO, presented the annual report for 2016 for approval and explained the proposed profit allocation. Comments and questions from shareholders: Anna Marie Schou Ringive from the Danish Shareholders Association commented on and praised various aspects of the annual report presented for 2016. She also asked a number of questions on the bank's view of digitalisation, initiatives with young customers, the cautiousness of the announced expectations for core earnings for 2017, expectations for fee income, whether an agreement on severance pay has been entered into between the bank and CEO John Fisker and finally on the management's assessment of areas in which the bank was not so successful in 2016. Chairman of the board Jens Lykke Kjeldsen thanked Anna Marie Schou Ringive for the kind words and answered the question on digitalisation. He stated that the bank gives high priority to digitalisation, including via its partnership with Bankdata but that the bank wants to maintain the personal contact with its customers. He also commented on the bank's initiatives with young customers. Finally, he stated that there is no agreement on severance pay with CEO John Fisker and that his service contract specifies a standard period of notice. CEO John Fisker also commented on the question of initiatives with young customers and provided information on the bank's concepts for this customer group. John Fisker also answered the questions on the announced expectations for core earnings for 2017 and the expected fee income, advising that the bank's internal budget corresponds to the upper end of the announced range for the bank's core earnings for 2017 and that the bank expects higher fee income in 2017. Finally, he answered the questions on what could have been better in 2016 and advised that the growth in the bank's loans could have been higher if no return flow on the loans portfolio for wind and solar energy had been realised in 2016. Shareholder Jens Frederik Demant, Gentofte, asked about the age limit for members of the board of directors and the shareholders' committee and whether the board intends to change the relevant provisions in its articles of association. Chairman of the board Jens Lykke Kjeldsen referred to the provisions on age limits in the bank's articles of association and chairman of the shareholders' committee Jacob Mller provided supplementary comments. The questioners were satisfied with the answers and comments given. The report of the board of directors was noted. The annual report for 2016 was adopted. The updated remuneration policy was adopted. The AGM resolved to distribute the profits for the year as follows (thousand DKK): Appropriated for ordinary dividend 164,520 Appropriated for charitable purposes 500 Transfer to net revaluation reserve under the equity method -2,159 Transfer to retained earnings 376,637 -------- Total 539,498 -------- 5. Election of members of the shareholders' committee The following members retired by rotation: Inge Sandgrav Bak, Erik Jensen, Jens Lykke Kjeldsen, Jacob Mller, Jens Mller Nielsen, Ole Christian Pedersen, Lone Rejkjr Sollmann and Egon Srensen. Inge Sandgrav Bak had advised that she was not offering herself for re-election, and Ole Christian Pedersen must retire from the shareholders' committee due to the provision on age in the articles of association. Finally, Gert Asmussen had advised that he wanted to retire from the bank's shareholders' committee and board of directors. The following members were re-elected to the shareholders' committee: -- Erik Jensen, Skjern, manager, born 1965 -- Jens Lykke Kjeldsen, Ringkbing, timber merchant, born 1950 -- Jacob Mller, Ringkbing, general manager, born 1969 -- Jens Mller Nielsen, Ringkbing, manager, born 1956 -- Lone Rejkjr Sollmann, Tarm, finance manager, born 1968 -- Egon Srensen, Spjald, insurance agent, born 1965 The following new members were elected to the shareholders' committee: -- Anette rbk Andersen, Skjern, manager, born 1963 -- Bente Skjrbk Olesen, Vemb, business owner, born 1971 -- Karsten Sandal, lstrup, manager, born 1969 -- Lise Kvist Thomsen, Virum, senior business analyst, born 1984 6. Election of one or more auditors The shareholders re-elected the auditor: -- Revisionsfirmaet PricewaterhouseCoopers, Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab 7. Authorisation of the board of directors to permit the bank to acquire own shares within current legislation until the next annual general meeting to a total nominal value of ten percent (10%) of the bank's share capital, such that the shares can be acquired at current market price +/- ten percent (10%) The authorisation proposed below for the board of directors was adopted: "The board of directors proposes that it be authorised to permit the bank to acquire own shares in accordance with current legislation until the next annual general meeting to a total nominal value of ten percent (10%) of the bank's share capital, such that the shares can be acquired at current market price +/- ten percent (10%)." 8. Any proposals from the board of directors, the shareholders' committee or shareholders 8a. Proposed amendments to the articles of association The proposed amendments to the articles of association with the following new wording were adopted: "2a. The general meeting has decided to authorise the board of directors to increase the share capital by cash payment in one or more rounds by up to nom. DKK 14,210,980 to nom. DKK 37,060,980 by subscription for new shares for which the board shall determine the price. The capital increase shall be fully paid. This authorisation shall apply until 21 February 2022. The capital increase shall take place with right of preemption for existing shareholders." and "2b. The general meeting has decided to authorise the board of directors to increase the share capital by payment in values other than cash in one or more rounds by up to nom. DKK 14,210,980 to nom. DKK 37,060,980 by subscription for new shares for which the board shall determine the price, as payment for the bank's takeover of an existing company or specific asset values corresponding to the value of the shares issued. The capital increase shall be fully paid. This authorisation shall apply until 21 February 2022. The capital increase shall take place without right of preemption for existing shareholders." 8b. Proposal to reduce the bank's share capital by nom. DKK 500,000 by cancellation of own shares The following proposal for the reduction of the share capital and the amendment of the articles of association was adopted: "The board of directors proposes a reduction in the bank's share capital from nom. DKK 22,850,000 to nom. DKK 22,350,000 by cancellation of 100,000 nom. DKK 5 shares from the bank's holding of own shares, to a nominal value of DKK 500,000. It is advised in accordance with Section 188 (1) of the Danish Companies Act that the object of the reduction in the bank's share capital is payment to shareholders, and the amount of the reduction will be used as payment to shareholders for shares acquired by the bank under previous authorisation of the board of directors by the general meeting. The share capital will consequently be reduced by nom. DKK 500,000 and the bank's holding of own shares will be reduced by 100,000 nom. DKK 5 shares. It is advised in accordance with Section 188 (2) of the Danish Companies Act that the shares in question were acquired for a total sum of DKK 140,354,200, meaning that apart from the reduction in nominal capital, DKK 139,854,200 will be paid to shareholders. The board of directors' proposed reduction of the share capital is being made to maintain flexibility in the bank's capital structure. If the proposal is adopted, it will mean an amendment to Article 2 and of Articles 2a and 2b of the bank's articles of association such that the amount of "22,850,000" in Article 2 is changed to "22,350,000" and the amount of "37,060,980" in Articles 2a and 2b is changed to "36,560,980"." 8c. Proposal for adoption of a buyback programme to implement a subsequent capital reduction The following proposal for a new buyback programme was adopted: "The board of directors proposes the establishment of a special buyback programme, under which the board of directors can permit the bank to acquire own shares up to a market value of DKK 170,000,000, but maximum up to 170,000 nom. DKK 5 shares before the next annual general meeting. This special buyback programme requires purchase of the shares at market price. It is also proposed that the board of directors be authorised to cancel or reduce the buyback programme if this is considered commercially appropriate for the bank, in the bank's long term interest, or the bank's circumstances with respect to capital otherwise so require. The shares covered by the buyback programme will be acquired by the bank for subsequent implementation of a capital reduction" 8d. Proposed authorisation for the board of directors or its designated appointee The following proposed authorisation for the board of directors or its designated appointee was adopted: "The board of directors proposes that the board of directors, or whoever the board may so designate, be authorised to apply the decisions which have been adopted at the general meeting for registration and to make such changes to the documents submitted to the Danish Business Authority as the Authority may require or find appropriate in connection with registration of the decisions of the general meeting." Yours sincerely, Ringkjbing Landbobank John Fisker Jrn Nielsen Attachment: https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=616649 Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de LINKOPING, Sweden, Feb 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- International medical imaging IT and cybersecurity company Sectra (STO: SECT B) is launching an extended image sharing solution that enables healthcare providers to digitally share medical images with patients, insurance companies and others in a rapid and secure manner. This is an extension of Sectra's existing solution for sharing and collaboration between various healthcare organizations and systems. It will allow healthcare providers to give patients increased control of their medical data and to let them take a more active role in their healthcare service. A growing number of Sectra's 1,700 customers are using Sectra's solution for cross-enterprise sharing and collaboration. The use of the solution makes information exchange much more secure, less time consuming and less expensive than previously used methods, such as CDs. This leads to an increasing amount of information being shared throughout the healthcare system, and approximately 25 million medical images are already shared every week. In turn, the access to more information gives, for instance, reviewing radiologists and other physicians a much more complete medical history of a patient when making clinical decisions. The new extension of the image sharing solution enables sharing with others than only healthcare organizations and systems, such as patients and insurance companies, allowing for a more efficient healthcare. It has been developed and tested in close collaboration with Sectra customers. "We are seeing a growing trend of increased patient engagement. Patients are becoming more keen to have access to their own medical records, for example to be able to have a deeper dialog with their physician or to bring along their medical images for treatment at another hospital. The extended capabilities of our solution will make it easier for healthcare providers to meet that demand, and thus help healthcare to become more inclusive and patient-centered," says Marie Ekstrom Tragardh, President at Sectra Imaging IT Solutions. Sectra's enhanced solution for sharing and collaboration will be showcased at ECR in Vienna, March 2-5. The product extension will be made available to customers during spring 2017. Read more about Sectra at ECR and book a meeting at http://www.sectra.com/ecr. For further information, please contact: Dr. Torbjorn Kronander, CEO and President Sectra AB, Tel: 46 (0)705-23-52-27 Marie Ekstrom Tragardh, Executive Vice President Sectra AB and President Sectra Imaging IT Solutions, Tel: 46 (0)708-23-56-10 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/sectra/r/sectra-launches-extended-image-sharing-solution-at-ecr-easier-sharing-with-patients-and-others,c2196149 The following files are available for download: World's first hybrid smartwatch with traditional hands over a full round color touchscreen Ahead of Mobile World Congress 2017, Swiss wearable brand MyKronoz today announced ZeTime, the world's first hybrid smartwatch combining mechanical hands over a full round color touchscreen. Using groundbreaking technology to enable a hole to be cut in the center of a round TFT color display allowing watch hands to pass through, ZeTime blends the classic design of a traditional timepiece with the most advanced features of a smartwatch. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223005533/en/ MyKronoz Introduces ZeTime: world's first hybrid smartwatch with traditional hands over a full round color touchscreen, available with customizable and interchangeable watch faces and straps from early September 2017 (Photo: Business Wire) Designed to be worn all day, every day, ZeTime allows users to see the time even when the smartwatch screen is powered off, thanks to 'Smart Movement' technology that enables the mechanical hands to function for up to 30 days with a single charge. "When I started in early 2013, people thought that I was mad why would I start a smartwatch company in Switzerland and enter such a challenging market? It turns out that my vision and passion have paid off as our company has sold nearly two million smartwatches since then," said Boris Brault, CEO and founder of MyKronoz. "This disruptive mentality goes beyond the company's mission to provide 'smartwatches for everyone' by striving to become an industry leader on price point, wide range, and fashionable design." "My inspiration has been to combine the best of our Swiss heritage in traditional watchmaking, with the key features of a smartwatch to persuade the majority of consumers to adopt our wearable technology. This has been accomplished with ZeTime, the perfect hybrid smartwatch. It combines the best of both worlds: watch hands of an elegant traditional timepiece with a full color touchscreen that instantly shows incoming calls, smartphone notifications, real-time fitness activity, upcoming calendar events, daily reminders and much more, right from your wrist." A classic take on wearable technology, ZeTime has a sleek stainless steel watch case inspired by the finest Swiss design, along with a variety of interchangeable digital watch faces and straps created to fit every style. ZeTime is set for action with a 3-axis accelerometer and an optical heart-rate sensor to track activity and sleep. With waterproof performance of ATM3 (up to 30 meters' depth), ZeTime provides the quality and versatility expected from traditional high-end timepieces, at a much lower price. ZeTime will be available by early September 2017 from $199.90. ZeTime: Breaking Tech Barriers to be an Elegant Daily Companion Always-on: with its traditional mechanical watch hands, powered by a smart movement, ZeTime will automatically update the time according to the location and will work up to 30 days on a single charge with its traditional mechanical watch hands, powered by a smart movement, ZeTime will automatically update the time according to the location and will work up to 30 days on a single charge Stylish practical: the 44mm stainless steel watch case and chrome mechanical hands have customizable and interchangeable watch faces and straps available in different styles including silicon, genuine leather, carbon-fiber and more. ZeTime is also waterproof to 30m (ATM3) the 44mm stainless steel watch case and chrome mechanical hands have customizable and interchangeable watch faces and straps available in different styles including silicon, genuine leather, carbon-fiber and more. ZeTime is also waterproof to 30m (ATM3) Activity sleep tracker: equipped with a 3-axis accelerometer and optical heart-rate sensor, ZeTime can track activity by monitoring heart-rate, steps, distance, calories, active minutes and sleep. ZeTime will also alert users to extended periods of inactivity to encourage them to be more active equipped with a 3-axis accelerometer and optical heart-rate sensor, ZeTime can track activity by monitoring heart-rate, steps, distance, calories, active minutes and sleep. ZeTime will also alert users to extended periods of inactivity to encourage them to be more active User-friendly: ZeTime can be controlled both by touching the full round high resolution display or by using the physical smart crown to navigate between different functions easily ZeTime can be controlled both by touching the full round high resolution display or by using the physical smart crown to navigate between different functions easily Never miss a thing: users can view incoming calls, read social networking notifications, check weather forecasts and get calendar reminders at a glance on the full round high resolution color display users can view incoming calls, read social networking notifications, check weather forecasts and get calendar reminders at a glance on the full round high resolution color display Keep control: ZeTime allows users to control their phone's functions right from their wrist, such as playing music, take a photo or make their phone ring to easily find it MyKronoz at MWC 2017 MyKronoz will be demonstrating prototypes of ZeTime at its booth at MWC (CS130 Hall Congress Square) MyKronoz will attend MobileFocus Global, the international media event, on February 27, 2017 ZeTime Product Specifications Bluetooth BLE 4.1 Dimensions (diameter/thickness) 44mm x 12.3mm Material Colors Stainless steel watch case available in Silver, Black and Pink Gold Watch band width and finishings 22mm; Silicon, leather, carbon fiber and more in multiple colors Battery type Li-iOn 200mAh Display size and resolution 1.22'; 240*240 pixels Display type TFT(Color touchscreen with hole) Sensors 3-axis accelerometer optical HR sensor Charging system Contact charging Water resistance 3ATM OS compatibility requirements Android 4.3 or iOS 8 above, supports Bluetooth 4.1 BLE About MyKronoz Founded in January 2013, MyKronoz LLC is a Swiss company based out of Geneva that designs and develops wearable devices intended to improve increasingly mobile, connected and digital lifestyles. MyKronoz strives to expand and facilitate the mobile-user experience with stylish, intuitive and functional techcessories. Now present in 40 countries, carried by major retailers and partners worldwide: Orange, Auchan, Carrefour, Best Buy, Walmart, Yodobashi, HMV, MyKronoz offers a full range of connected devices spanning across 4 product categories: activity trackers, smartwatches, analog smartwatches and watch phones. With a unique DNA mixing mobile tech and fashion, MyKronoz's goal is to cater to the needs and tastes of the world's most various user types thanks to a full iOS, Android and Windows Phone compatibility at an affordable price. For more information, visit www.mykronoz.com or follow @mykronoz on Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223005533/en/ Contacts: Hotwire PR for MyKronoz Rahat Rashid mykronozus@hotwirepr.com At the Mobile World Congress 2017, Sunpartner Technologies continues to offer complete solutions for the wearables market by announcing its collaboration with STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM). Sunpartner, which invented the solar recharging technology WYSIPS will combine its Reflect module with STMicroelectronics microcontrollers. This joint product offers manufacturers complete solutions with very low energy consumption and very long battery life. The goal: shorten time-to-market thanks to an optimized, turnkey solution that has been pre-validated upstream. Connected Devices: A Booming Market that Needs Greater Energy Autonomy While the wearables market is solidly established, users of connected bracelets, jewelry, and watches still want to avoid the hassles of daily recharging or replacing batteries regularly. To meet these needs, Sunpartner has developed a portfolio of WYSIPS solutions using transparent or invisible photovoltaic modules, which have no impact on the wearables' design. WYSIPS Reflect thus helps solve these problems of autonomy without sacrificing aesthetics or visual identity. Turnkey Energy Solutions with up to 50% More Energy The WYSIPS Reflect module, optimized for Japan Display's Memory in Pixel (MiP) technology, produces up to 30mW when exposed to the sun. Reflect enables devices to run on low-power mode almost infinitely and extends the battery life of a watch used outdoors by 30 to 50%. "Continuing to provide more features while increasing the autonomy of wearable connected devices is a challenge that we take on with every new generation of STM32 microcontrollers. The combination of STM32 Microcontrollers and Sunpartner's technology opens up new possibilities for of wearable device developers who want to add value without compromising the battery life of these objects, which run on super-fine batteries." Michel Buffa, Group Vice President and General Manager of STMicroelectronics' microcontroller division "We welcome this partnership. The fact that a world leader such as STMicroelectronics sees WYSIPS Reflect as key technology is a major recognition of our work. The markets need innovations to break the barrier of energy autonomy for wearables-which we are offering together with STMicroelectronics." Ludovic Deblois, President of Sunpartner About SUNPARTNER Technologies Sunpartner creates and integrates invisible solar components for consumer electronics (wearables, mobile phones, connected devices), building and transport markets. Their Wysips technologies capture solar energy and convert it into electricity, thereby extending battery life or freeing devices from the grid entirely. http://sunpartnertechnologies.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223005121/en/ Contacts: Sunpartner Technologies Marion CHANSON, 06 15 71 16 76 mchanson@sunpartner.fr BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE (PBSFF.PK) reported Thursday that its fiscal 2016 consolidated net profit from continuing operations climbed 14 percent to 444 million euros from 391 million euros last year. Underlying net income reached 513 million euros or 2.37 euros per share, compared to previous year's 466 million euros or 2.18 euros per share. Recurring EBITDA rose 10% to 1.02 billion euros. The company increased its revenues considerably by 17% to 3.80 billion euros from 3.26 billion euros last year. Further, the company said it recommends that the Supervisory Board proposes a dividend of 1.90 euros for 2016 to the Annual General Meeting, higher than previous year's 1.80 euros. Regarding the current trading, ProSiebenSat.1 Group noted that it has made a good start to the first quarter of 2017, supported by a German domestic economy that continues to be positive. The Group is confident of continuing to grow substantially in 2017. For the whole year, ProSiebenSat.1 is targeting an increase in consolidated revenues by at least a high-single-digit percentage. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income are set to exceed the previous year's level again in 2017. This puts ProSiebenSat.1 Group on track to achieve its mid-term financial targets for 2018, which the Group raised once again in October 2016. ProSiebenSat.1 is aiming for consolidated revenues of 4.5 billion euros in 2018, of which 1.7 billion euros shall come from the digital business. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to amount to 1.15 billion euros in 2018. ProSiebenSat.1 is currently examining various strategic options for the commerce vertical Online Travel. 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. Mobile World Congress 2017 is in Barcelona from February 27 - March 2 NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --The following event roundup from Virtual Press Office is a list of featured exhibitors for Mobile World Congress 2017, the world's largest gathering for the mobile industry, which takes place from February 27 - March 2 at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain. Mobile World Congress 2017 press kits, news releases and photos are available on Virtual Press Office's dedicated news page for the event, managed by Virtual Press Office/PR Newswire: http://mwc.vporoom.com/ Mobile World Congress 2017 press kits on Virtual Press Office AccuWeather Press Kit: mwc.vporoom.com/accuweather Over 1.5 billion people worldwide rely on AccuWeather to help them plan their lives, protect their businesses, and get more from their day. AccuWeather provides hour-by-hour and minute-by-minute forecasts with Superior Accuracy' with customized content and engaging video presentations available through smart phones, tablets, free wired and mobile Internet sites via AccuWeather.com, award winning AccuWeather apps, connected TVs, wearables, smart homes, and connected cars, as well as radio, television, newspapers, and the AccuWeather Network cable channel. Established in 1962, AccuWeather also delivers a wide range of highly-customized enterprise solutions to media, business, government, and institutions, as well as weather news, content, and video for more than 180,000 third-party websites. Aptilo Networks Hall 5 Stand 5G66 Press Kit: mwc.vporoom.com/Aptilo Aptilo Networks is a leading provider of carrier-class systems to manage data services with advanced functions for authentication, policy control and charging. The Aptilo Service Management Platform' (SMP) boasts pre-integrated functions to maximize functionality and fast-track deployments while minimizing impact on existing systems. It has become synonymous with Wi-Fi service management and Wi-Fi offload in large-scale deployments with 100+ operators in more than 70 countries, and is a critical component of Wi-Fi Calling and Venue Wi-Fi. DisplayLink Booth CS122 Press Kit: mwc.vporoom.com/DisplayLink For more information, visit displaylink.com Giesecke & Devrient Press Kit: mwc.vporoom.com/Giesecke-Devrient Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) is a leading international technology provider headquartered in Munich, Germany. Founded in 1852, the Group has a workforce of over 11,450 employees and generated sales of approximately EUR 1.83 billion in the 2014 fiscal year. 58 subsidiaries and joint ventures in 31 countries ensure customer proximity worldwide. G&D develops, produces, and distributes products and solutions in the payment, secure communication, and identity management sectors. G&D is a technology leader in these markets and holds a strong competitive position. The Group's customer base mainly comprises central and commercial banks, mobile network operators, business enterprises, governments, and public authorities. For more information, please visit: gi-de.com. Multi-Tech Systems Press Kit: mwc.vporoom.com/MultiTech MultiTech designs, develops and manufactures communications equipment for the industrial Internet of Things - connecting physical assets to business processes to deliver enhanced value. MultiTech has consistently connected customers and we've been doing so for more than 40 years. We're continuing our legacy of consistently connecting customers with the world's first commercially deployable LoRa-based suite of communications devices. MultiTech works with customers worldwide to easily enable cellular, analog, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS Machine to Machine communication capabilities for their Internet of Things applications. For more information please visit multitech.com. OneSimCard Press Kit: mwc.vporoom.com/OneSimCard For more information, visit onesimcard.com Panasonic Germany, a division of Panasonic Marketing Europe GmbH Press Kit: mwc.vporoom.com/Panasonic For more information, visit business.panasonic.eu Parallel Wireless Press Kit: mwc.vporoom.com/ParallelWireless Parallel Wireless is reimagining the wireless infrastructure market, enabling carriers to deploy any G cellular networks as easily and as cost-effectively as enterprise Wi-Fi whether for rural, enterprise, public safety, M2M, Smart Cities, or dense urban. Currently, the company in production deployment or in trials with major leading operators on six continents. Parallel Wireless' innovation and excellence in multi-technology virtualized RAN (vRAN) has been recognized with 27 industry awards. For more information, please visit parallelwireless.com Peraso Technologies Booth 7P28MR Press Kit: mwc.vporoom.com/Peraso Peraso is a fabless semiconductor company headquartered in Toronto, Canada. The company is focussed on the development of 60 GHz chip sets and solutions compliant with the IEEE 802.11ad specification. 60 GHz has been adopted for interoperability certification by the WiFi Alliance under the WiGig brand, and WiGig has seen strong industry endorsement by tech giants such as Samsung, Qualcomm and Intel. For more information, visit perasotech.com. Powermat Press Kit: mwc.vporoom.com/Powermat Our vision is to help create a world where people never again need worry about running out of power. A pioneer in wireless charging, we utilize existing principles of magnetic inductivity to wirelessly transfer electricity in a safe and effective manner. Beyond equipping venues with a wireless infrastructure, Powermat's platform allows businesses to increase relevant engagement with customers sending contextual information, alerts, offers and promotions through the Powermat app before, during and after on-site consumer interactions. Together with more than 100 partners, we are building a global wireless power ecosystem. As founding members of the Power Matters Alliance (now AirFuel Alliance) we are dedicated to creating an industry standard for smart, environmental and accessible wireless power. Everyone should live life at 100%. For more information please visit powermat.com. Safran Identity & Security Booth 6G30 Press Kit: mwc.vporoom.com/Safran For more information, visit safran-identity-security.com SecureMailbox AB Press Kit: mwc.vporoom.com/SecureMailbox By imbedding Privacy by Design principles in our cloud platform for collaboration, web-services and Apps, we can help authorities, governments and private corporations to build trust and legally compliant communication channels with their stakeholders. SecureMailbox is the first cloud service that has been awarded a Privasee SEAL for the new GDPR, General Data Protection Regulation, and the ISO/IEC 29100 privacy framework. SecureMailbox is currently used in more 160 countries. SK Telecom Press Kit: mwc.vporoom.com/SKTelecom Established in 1984, SK Telecom is the largest mobile operator in Korea by both revenue and number of subscribers. With over 29.60 million mobile subscribers including 21.08 million LTE subscribers (as of 4Q 2016), the company holds around 70 percent of the LET market in Korea. It has reached KRW 17.918 trillion in revenue in 2016. SK Telecom has led the advancement of mobile technologies ranging from 2G to 4G, and is currently setting important milestones in its journey to 5G. The company is not only leading innovation in the field of mobile network, but also providing IoT, media, home and platform services/solutions/technologies. SK Telecom is determined to play a significant role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution by achieving innovations and promoting shared growth with other players in the industry. At MWC 2017, SK Telecom will showcase new open collaborative system by 'Connect Everything' from technologies and services such as 5G, IoT and smart home. SK Telecom will also forecast the future changes in the New ICT, society and customer life, to attract the attention of the visitors. The above press kits will continue to be updated throughout the show. Please check back during Mobile World Congress 2017 for the latest news. Virtual Press Office (http://www.vporoom.com/) is a PR Newswire company. Follow us on Twitter @VPOEventZone or subscribe to our RSS feed for more trade show news. If you have questions about Virtual Press Office services, or if you would like to offer feedback on this exhibitor profile roundup, please email sales@vpoinc.com. HELSINKI, Feb 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cancon Policy papers have been published along with the European Guide on Quality Improvement in Comprehensive Cancer Control. Four Policy papers are now available online at www.cancercontrol.eu, and the fifth will be updated there soon. Policy papers were coordinated by a special Member state platform led by the Italian Ministry of Health. The papers are besides the Guide the main outcomes of EU joint action Cancon. Five Policy papers aim to answer specific "hot themes" in the implementation of a more effective cancer control. The recommendations from Policy papers are intended to strengthen the planning processes of the Member states. The topics of the Policy papers were suggested by the Member states and are targeted at the policy makers in the governments and in the EU. The topics cover public health genomics, national cancer control plans, reallocation of resources for greater care and cost efficiency, prevention outcomes, and inequalities in cancer control. The Cancon Policy papers have been prepared based on the evidence and best experience. In addition at the Member states, the European Commission Expert Working Group on Cancer, stakeholders like cancer patients, experts, and other relevant actors have been able to contribute and comment on the papers. The five Cancon Policy paper topics in full and their leaders are: 1. A Public health genomics approach to "omics" in oncology, Marc Van den Bulcke, 2. NB! Will be published soon: Common European objectives for National Cancer Control Plans, Tit Albreht, 3. Enhancing Value of Cancer Care Through a More Appropriate Use of Health Care Interventions, Roberto Giuseppe Grilli, 4. An impact evaluation system to assess prevention outcomes, Giuseppe La Torre, and 5. A Equity mainstreaming in the cancer control in Europe, Rosana Peiro. 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. - 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/ Media contacts Cancon Communications, Leena Vuorenmaa E-mail: leena.vuorenmaa@cancer.fi, available on Thursday 23rd between 9.30 and 11.30 CET More information: On policy papers: Giovanni Nicoletti, E-mail: g.nicoletti@sanita.it, Antonio Federici E-mail: an.federici@sanita.it Cancon Coordinator Tit Albreht, E-mail: Tit.Albreht@nijz.si Cancon Policy papers and the Guide are available at www.cancercontrol.eu/guide-landing-page This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/cancon-joint-action/r/cancon-policy-papers--five-hot-topics-of-cancer-policy,c2195957 The following files are available for download: BARCELONA, Feb. 23,2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading smartphone manufacturer Meizu will unveil its cutting edge technology at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2017, to be held in Barcelona from February 27th to March 2nd. Joining MWC for the first time, Meizu will showcase its latest solutions and products including a major technical achievement that promises to offer a significant enhancement in user experience. MWC visitors are invited to join Meizu's demonstration at 10:00 local time, February 28th, which will aim to show how people can get more out of the modern, fast-paced lifestyle. To experience how innovation transforms lives, visit Meizu's booth at MWC 2017 in Hall 7, Stand 7K5. For more information about Meizu, visit here. About Meizu Meizu is a global smartphone company that designs and produces smartphones created to provide a simple and intuitive mobile experience. Meizu expanded into the smartphone market in 2008 and has been committed to developing reliable smartphones and introducing cutting-edge technologies ever since. The company now carries three smartphone lines: the PRO, MX and M-series. Additionally, Meizu has developed and optimized the Flyme operating system based on user preferences. Currently, Meizu operates more than 2,000 franchised stores in China and promotes and sells its products in many other countries and regions in Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/471301/Meizu_MWC.jpg ZHUHAI, China, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Beijing, the birthplace of the bicycle share scheme, is about to introduce a new player into the marketplace. On February 22nd, the latest entrant in the sector -- itjuzi.com -- announced the launch of a collaborative effort with leading Chinese smart hardware manufacturer Zhuhai CTC Electronic Co., Ltd consisting of roll outs of stand-free bike-sharing schemes in several cities around the world. Beijing joins the roster of cities, following London in the UK and Zhuhai in southern China. The plan for Beijing calls for a test phase with 1,000 bicycles followed by a roll up to between 40 and 80 thousand bicycles within a year. itjuzi.com's bicycle share scheme, dubbed "Getb", allows the rider to charge his or her cellphone while riding, a new and unique feature setting it apart from other bicycle-sharing providers including mobike.com and ofo. A further differentiator is the ability to ride and to park anywhere, freeing the rider from the obligation of returning the bike to a fixed location, in addition to the availability of GPS and QR code scanning lock. This new technology provides a highly viable and attractive solution for what is referred to as the "last kilometer" segment of a journey, the issue of how to get to and from the closest public transport point and home or the final destination, in addition to a solution for the stressful issue of how to recharge one's phone while on the bicycle. It is not difficult to see how welcome this solution is, given that battery technology has fallen behind the increase of power consumption due to the expansion of features on smartphones. Most smartphones can no longer hold a charge through the eight hours of an average working day, putting users who depend on their phone for work or for daily chores into "impossible" situations. Being able to charge one's cell phone while on the move has become a compelling need. Itjuzi.com CEO Zhou Min explained, "According to relevant data, in the neighborhood of 3 billion phone are being carried around in the pockets and handbags of China's population every day, and there is a serious shortage of public facilities for the recharging of phones. The launch of this new shared bicycle scheme coupled with the phone recharging feature is a step in the right direction. Through the app on the rider's cell phone, it becomes very easy to locate a bicycle equipped with a charging device. In this sense, borrowing from a slogan that is currently popular in Chinese, itjuzi is the kind of shared bike 'born to charge cell phones'. Today one can spot many shared bicycle schemes on the streets of Beijing, the two most common ones being Mobike and ofo. The plethora of available schemes would normally be a sign that the market is quickly becoming saturated. Why did itjuzi choose this moment to enter the market? "Currently, there are somewhere between 180 and 250 thousand shared bikes in Beijing, but the fact is, compared to the need, the market has far to go before it has reached saturation", Zhou added. Different from what some market observers have claimed, according to Zhou's calculation, the demand for shared bicycles in Beijing during the peak spring and autumn periods can easily reach one million. itjuzi's plan calls for placing 800 thousand bicycles in 15 major cities across Europe and China, including Hamburg, Berlin, Paris, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, within one year following the formal launch in London, Zhuhai and Beijing in 2017. All shared bicycle projects follow a similar model, with the only difference being the color scheme of their respective fleets of bicycles. As more and more schemes make their appearance, each one piling even more investment into the scheme than the last one, it is no longer an issue of putting a scheme in place and watch the money roll in. The increase in competition compels every shared bicycle brand to try everything to have its service and brand stand out from the others by differentiating what can be delivered in terms of not only software but also hardware. The cellphone charging feature is a perfect example of a major and meaningful differentiating feature. In order not to reveal any trade secrets, Zhou Min declined to provide any detailed information and limited what he was prepared to reveal at this time to a photo of a bicycle and refrained from presenting any photos of the charging device itself. Due to the competitive pressure, itjuzi decided to fast track their roll out which meant giving up some aspects of the original product strategy in order to gain time to get into the market. Zhou explained that he decided that the longer approval system required by Apple did not merit the wait and the firm has gone ahead with the roll out with chargers for Android phones. Current bicycles can only provide charges for Android, with Apple following in roughly a month's time. It is quite apparent that the multiplicity of shared bicycle operators means that each one will continue to improve their offering in an effort to gain a bigger slice of the market. The inclusion of a cell phone charging service as part of the initial launch was a quick move of behalf of itjuzi to solve a real issue for the general public and one that is expected to draw attention to the brand. However, this is merely the beginning of the "arms race" in the bicycle-share market. We can expect to see innovations all across the market. Itjuzi expects to remain at the forefront as, over time, it rolls out a continuous suite of innovations. Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/470754/getbike.jpg Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - February 23, 2017) - Manganese X Energy Corp. (the "Company") (TSXV: MN) (FSE: 9SC2) (OTC: SNCGF) is pleased to inform shareholders that Dr. Luisa Moreno has accepted an appointment to its Board of Directors. Dr. Moreno is Co-founder and Managing Partner of Toronto-based Tahuti Global, a successful Global Advisory and Consulting firm supplying services to government institutions, investment firms and companies in the mineral resource sector. She has been involved in industry metals, with a major focus on technology and energy metal companies, for many years and has published reports on rare earths and other critical metals. She has also been a guest speaker on television and at international conferences and has been quoted in newspapers and industry blogs. Dr. Moreno held positions as a Senior Analyst, at Toronto based-investment banks and as an Investment Research Analyst at a global investment research firm. She holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in physics engineering, as well as a Ph.D. in materials and mechanics from Imperial College, London. "We are very pleased to have Dr. Moreno agree to join the board. Dr. Moreno's technical and economic research abilities, along with her unparalleled expertise in strategic minerals and related processes within the critical metals industry, will make her a valuable addition to the Manganese X Energy team," said Martin Kepman, CEO of Manganese X Energy Corp. "I look forward to working with Dr. Moreno as we continue to build Manganese X Energy within the manganese/EMD evolution in North America. With the addition of Dr. Moreno to our board of directors along with Peter Godbehere (advisory board member), our VP of Exploration, Roger Dahn and director Mark Billings, we are now very confident that we have formed a very well-seasoned experienced technical team, which will enable us to strive to become the first North American manganese producer to supply the North American EMD market. Our technical team will focus on metallurgical processing to produce a high grade concentrate, economical, cost saving, environmentally friendly processes which we anticipate to be very price competitive." Mr. Anthony Viele has resigned to allow Dr. Moreno to join the board as an Alternate Director and has been appointed to the Technical & Marketing Advisory Board. Granting of Options The Company is pleased to announce that the Company has granted 400,000 incentive stock options to various Directors and members of Technical & Marketing Advisory Board. The options are exercisable at $0.21 per option for a period of 3 years from the date of grant and have no vesting conditions. The options are being issued under the terms of the Company's Stock Option Plans which were approved by shareholders at the Company's Annual General and Special Meeting on April 21, 2016. The Option Plan has been submitted, in the normal course to the TSX Venture Exchange for approval and no options can be exercised prior to the receipt of this approval. About Manganese X Energy Manganese X Energy's mission is to acquire and advance high potential manganese prospects located in North America with the intent of supplying value added materials to the lithium ion battery and other alternative energy industries as well as the steel industry. In addition our company is striving to achieve new methodologies emanating from environmentally friendly green/zero emissions, while processing manganese at a lower competitive cost. For more information, visit the website at www.manganesexenergycorp.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Martin Kepman Interim CEO and Director martin@kepman.com 1-514-802-1814 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: 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. SAN FRANCISCO, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The global talent management software market is expected to reach USD 24.03 billion by 2025 according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The talent management software industry is anticipated to undergo a series of changes owing to various factors such as decreasing employment rate, changing work environment, the rise of freelancing and contract work, and a globalized workforce. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150105/723757 ) The most pertinent of the factors is the advent of new software and technologies, such as big data analytics, social media, and the Internet. Mobile platforms are also revolutionizing some important talent management stages, such as recruitment and learning & training, thus driving competition in the market. Industry leaders have been providing the products in the market for quite some time now but trends such as transparency, customization, and employee engagement are expected to be at the forefront of the new and upcoming offerings to customers. The increasing use of analytics to map the performances and predict the future outcomes has also had a positive effect on the adaptation to the technology in demand. Solution integration and the availability of middleware from vendors are also an important step forward for the industry standardization. As the industry strides toward larger adoption and rapid developments in terms of capabilities, many new trends such as Massively Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and social media adherence, for either pre-hire assessment or employee feedback management, are gaining traction in the market. Browse full research report with TOC on "Talent Management Software Market Analysis By Solution, By Deployment (Cloud, On-premise), By Application (BFSI, Retail, IT and Telecom, Healthcare, Education, Others), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2015 - 2025" at: http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/talent-management-software-market Further key findings from the report suggest: The human resource departments are responsible for decisions concerning talent management systems and are witnessing a shift toward integrated solutions Organizations, they are in search of platforms to integrate the disconnected systems As the industry is moving toward digital management and cloud-based applications, there is a looming threat of data breaches and hacking incidents Key industry participants include IBM Corp., Oracle Corp., SAP SE, Peoplefluent Inc., CornerStone OnDemand Inc., Haufe Group, Lumesse AS, DelTek Inc., Saba Software Inc., and Halogen Software Inc., among others The industry may also witness a rise in the number of small companies and start-ups that address the niche markets and provide customized solutions while being susceptible to acquisitions and mergers of smaller firms as well as the entry of technology giants to capitalize on the market opportunities Browse related reports by Grand View Research: Transportation Systems And Analytics Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/transportation-systems-analytics-market Hadoop and Big Data Analytics Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/hadoop-and-big-data-analytics-market Touch Controller IC Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/touch-controller-ic-market Touch Screen Technology Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/touch-screen-technology-market Grand View Research has segmented the talent management software market on the basis of solution, deployment, application, and region: Talent management software solution outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) Recruiting Management Compensation Management Employee Lifecycle Management Learning and Training Management Performance Management Talent management software deployment outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) On-Premise Cloud Talent management software application outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) BFSI Retail IT & Telecom Healthcare Government Education Others Talent management software regional outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany UK Asia Pacific China India Japan Latin America Brazil Middle East & Africa (MEA) Read Our Blog: http://www.grandviewresearch.com/blogs/technology About Grand View Research Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. Thecompany provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare. Contact: Sherry James Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Grand View Research, Inc Phone: 1-415-349-0058 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com Web: http://www.grandviewresearch.com CAMBRIDGE, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwired - February 23, 2017) - Device and application security specialist, Trustonic has announced that, in the four-year period since the company launched, its Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) hardware security technology has now been embedded into more than one billion devices globally. This includes smartphones from most of the leading Android device makers worldwide, as well as wearables and other industrial and consumer internet of things (IoT) devices. This news reaffirms that the Trustonic TEE is the most widely-deployed TEE technology globally. Trustonic TEE technology delivers security services to devices and applications, ensuring sensitive data is stored, processed and protected in an isolated, trusted environment within the main processor of a smartphone or any connected device. This offers security against software attacks by enforcing protection, confidentiality, integrity and data access rights. The Root of Trust also ensures that a trusted identity is preserved within the device, preventing fraudulent use or copying. Compared with other security environments on the device, the TEE also offers high processing speeds and a large amount of accessible memory. Commenting on the milestone, Ben Cade, Founder and CEO of Trustonic, said: "In just four years, Trustonic has made the security benefits of the TEE available to the global mass market. Reaching this one billion TEE landmark is significant, not just for Trustonic, but for device manufacturers, providers of digital services and consumers everywhere. TEE technology, which offers the highest levels of on-device protection for digital applications and assets, without compromising performance or convenience for the end user, has now reached critical scale. We only anticipate demand for TEEs to continue growing, particularly following Google's mandate for hardware-based protection for Android M onwards, to counter the continued rise in malware and hacking." Trustonic's TEE is the only open TEE available. Uniquely, it permits third-party applications to be provisioned after the handset or device has been deployed, which opens up vast commercial opportunities for both device manufacturers and digital service providers. The latter will have the potential to dynamically add value to the end user by offering new secure services and functionality, once the device is already in their hands. Attending Mobile World Congress? Trustonic will be demonstrating its latest technology in hall 6, stand 6I40. Come and meet the team to discuss connected device and advanced application security, hardware Root of Trust, how TEE meets Google's mandate for hardware-based security and the use of TEE technology to both protect mobile financial services, IoT, social media, premium content and enterprise and governmental implementations and provide advanced capabilities into the future. About Trustonic Trustonic is a joint venture formed in 2012 by blue chip leaders in the semiconductor (ARM) and digital security (Gemalto) industries. It is Trustonic's mission to protect, enrich and simplify people's digital lives by enabling optimum security on all smart connected devices and associated services and applications. Trustonic has already pioneered the adoption of advanced Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) security technology into the world's leading mobile devices with working solutions today underpinning Samsung Knox, Samsung Pay, Alipay and Symantec VIP. Trustonic TEE technology is available from most of the leading Android smartphone manufacturers and is embedded in more than one billion devices. Colin Eade Marketing Communications Manager +44 (0)7393 148294 colin.eade@trustonic.com FRANKFURT, Germany, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- BearingPoint and SAP combine leading technologies Abacus360 and SAP HANA on one integrated platform for Finance, Risk, and Reporting Management and technology consultancy BearingPoint, a leading provider of Risk and Regulatory Technology (RiskTech/RegTech), will offer its new software generation Abacus360 on SAP HANA and plans a seamless integration into the SAP Financial Data Base powered by SAP HANA. The aim is to map finance, risk and reporting information in an efficient and high-performing way. The new integrated platform is for 360 reporting, risk calculation, and controlling regulatory Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The platform is based on an innovative calculation engine that uses technologies like in-memory processing and grid architectures. Abacus360 facilitates a combination of regulatory data management with the Finance and Risk Data Platform of SAP, which is based on SAP HANA architecture. Stefan Schutt, Partner at BearingPoint, explains: "Extending the FRDP (Finance and Risk Data Platform) data model to data required for regulatory reporting transforms FRDP into a comprehensive overarching data warehouse for banks. By seamlessly integrating our RegTech solution on the SAP platform, SAP's FRDP becomes a leading, fully scalable Finance and Risk platform for regulatory reporting. Banks need new technological solutions capable of processing and analyzing big data in Finance, Risk, and Reporting on the fly." Dr. Nico Kohler, Global Head of Finance & Risk at SAP, comments: "The combination of SAP data management expertise through HANA technology and the regulatory processes based on BearingPoint's Abacus360 brings huge advantages for banks: less redundant data, rapid analysis of big data and easier implementation of future regulatory requirements, just to name a few. The SAP platform enables banks to use SAP modules and best-of-breed partner solutions such as Abacus360 on one integrated data platform." Key benefits of the combined Finance and Risk platform are a uniform, non-redundant data storage, fully scalable in-memory processing, and continuous maintenance. As the solution integrates reporting, risk and finance applications based on a uniform data model, it meets BCBS 239 principles for risk data aggregation and reporting. Furthermore, the solution meets the data lineage requirements through a Complete Audit Trail (CAT). The partnership between BearingPoint and SAP has been ongoing for many years. ABACUS/IIR has been integrated with SAP Bank Analyzer since 2011. With SAP Bank Analyzer 9.0, the product already runs on SAP HANA. The new generation of Abacus360 is a technological advancement of the Abacus platform, proven over more than 20 years, and offers standard reporting modules for many jurisdictions, modules for risk and valuation, simulations, and risk quantification. Moreover, Abacus360 provides comprehensive functional components for instance for regulatory analytics, which facilitate simulations, detailed ex-post analyses, and flexible evaluations across reporting due dates. A major innovation of Abacus360 is "reporting at the push of a button." With the new generation, regulatory processes become more transparent and efficient. About BearingPoint RegTech With its RegTech product line, BearingPoint is a leading international provider of innovative regulatory and risk technology solutions (RegTech and RiskTech) and services along the Regulatory Value Chain for Financial Services. Customers representing 5,000 firms worldwide, among them large international banks, a major part of the largest European banks, leading insurance companies as well as supervisory authorities and central banks, trust BearingPoint's RegTech products and services. We work closely with regulators and as a member of standardization bodies such as XBRL consortium, we actively contribute to the process of standard setting. We combine our regulatory expertise with our proven, reliable and future-oriented RegTech Solution Suite and expert consulting capabilities as well as training seminars and managed services. For more information about our products, please visit: http://www.bessgmbh.com/en/ About BearingPoint BearingPoint consultants understand that the world of business changes constantly and that the resulting complexities demand intelligent and adaptive solutions. Our clients, whether in commercial or financial industries or in government, experience real results when they work with us. We combine industry, operational and technology skills with relevant proprietary and other assets in order to tailor solutions for each client's individual challenges. This adaptive approach is at the heart of our culture and has led to long-standing relationships with many of the world's leading companies and organizations. Our global consulting network of more than 10,000 people serves clients in over 75 countries and engages with them for measurable results and long-lasting success. For more information, please visit: Homepage: http://www.bearingpoint.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bearingpoint Twitter: @BearingPoint Press contact Alexander Bock Manager Communications Tel.: +49-89-540338029 Email: alexander.bock@bearingpoint.com BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - U.K. shares recouped early losses to trade flat on Tuesday as miners advanced, helping investors shrug off mixed trading updates from Carpetright and Debenhams. Investors were also digesting the Bank of England's bi-annual Financial Stability Report accompanied by remarks by Governor Mark Carney. In economic releases, a gauge of U.K. consumer confidence deteriorated notably in the wake of hung parliament, survey results from YouGov and the Centre for Economics and Business Research showed. The headline consumer sentiment index dropped to 106.9 in June, its second-lowest level since the summer of 2013. The benchmark FTSE 100 was marginally lower at 7,444 in late opening deals after hitting as low as 7,411 in early trade. Department store Debenhams tumbled 3.5 percent after it reported falling sales in the 15 weeks to 17 June amid volatile trading, sparking fears about a slowdown in consumer spending. Marks & Spencer Group lost over 2 percent while Next Plc slid half a percent. However, floor coverings retailer Carpetright soared 8 percent after the company said it saw a 'positive trading momentum re-established in second half'. Travel and leisure firm TUI declined 2.5 percent after Barclays cut its target price on the stock. Mining stocks rallied after Chinese Premier Li Keqiang made a strong defense of his signature program aimed at bolstering the country's new economy. Antofagasta, Anglo American, Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton and Glencore climbed 2-3 percent. 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. ARVADA, CO -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- Digital Info Security Co/Digital 7 Inc. (OTC PINK: DGIF) has signed an agreement with Avonis Inc. to assist in bringing government and large company contracts to the company. Avonis has been in the business of helping companies like Digital create strategic alliances with Tier 1 government contractors to win bids on government contracts. Avonis and its management have been an instrumental part of a team that as a whole has captured over $50 million in government contracts for their client teams in recent years. The agreement will allow Avonis to take Digital 7's VTS (Virtual Tape Storage) legacy data solution and create strategic alliances to integrate VTS into government bids that are available in the coming months. In addition, Avonis, as a Verizon certified provider, will be able to provide Digital's VTS solution as part of its long term data storage solutions packages. According to Avonis president and founder, Alan DuBrow, "D7's VTS proprietary solutions are unique in both their ability to handle a wide range of legacy media data types, and ability to scale services from relatively small magnetic tape libraries like the Air Logistics Centers of the U.S. Air Force to archiving all legacy data media in an entire agency the size of the Veteran's Administration." About Avonis Inc. Avonis provides consulting in alliances, business development, and corporate development and growth strategies for small-to-medium sized businesses focused on the United States government marketplace, including Federal agencies and the Department of Defense. It also has international clients from England, Germany, and Japan. Avonis partners with leading information technology global system integrators and resellers to provide clients with access to products and services opportunities within federal agencies and the Department of Defense. Avonis is also licensed by the U.S. Department of State as an authorized broker and exporter of ITAR-regulated items to international markets. A privately-held company established in 2000, Avonis is located in the West Palm Beach, Florida area and employs both full-time employees and a network of associates across the country. To learn more, visit http://avonis-inc.com. ABOUT DIGITAL 7 Digital Info Security Co/Digital 7 Inc. (OTC PINK: DGIF) with its acquisition of Data Source Inc. (a fully owned subsidiary of DGIF) is a data management company that specializes in Legacy Data and the conversion and management of that Data. For additional information about the content found in this release or about Digital Info Security Company / Digital 7 (DGIF) or Data Source contact the investor relations department at 720-427-8938 or visit our webpage at www.digital7.biz Tags: Data management, US Government, Air force, Army, Navy, Military, Pentagon, Tape management, Tape drives, Trump cost savings, Cloud services, VTS, Virtual Tape Storage, Green Procurement Program, Disaster recovery plan, Legacy Data, government waste SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect," and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with: the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting the Company and its operations, markets, product, and distributor performance, the impact on the national and local economies resulting from terrorist actions, and U.S. actions subsequently, and other factors detailed in reports filed by the Company. James Clark 720-427-8938 jamesrclark@hotmail.com MUMBAI, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Workplace Modernization Among Top Priorities for Large and Medium Sized Organizations in Europe Hexaware Technologies Limited, a leading global provider of Application, Infrastructure, BPS and Digital services, announced that it has conducted a study titled 'Digital Workplace in Europe' in partnership with PAC, a leading market research and consulting firm. This study reveals that nearly 63 percent of European businesses are planning to invest in the modernization of workplace applications, within the next two years. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/453147/PRNE_Hexaware_logo_Logo.jpg ) Close to three quarters of IT and HR managers that were interviewed believe that their work environments have a strong or critical influence on business success. This is the first-ever study conducted on critical issues related to workplace modernization across European enterprises. PAC has surveyed more than 180 IT and HR managers from a wide range of industries on trends, investment plans and challenges. "Business transformation is an inside-out process with employees placed at the center of the journey. As many enterprises have realized its significance, they are implementing digitization at their workplaces before taking it across to their customers. PAC's 'Digital Workplace in Europe' study resonates this trend and has brought out unparalleled insights related to digital initiatives that are followed by European companies,"saysGirish Ravindran, Vice President, Infrastructure Management Services-Europe, Hexaware Technologies Limited. Approximately 10 percent of companies in Europe are in the 'early stage', 52 percent are 'on the way' and 38 percent are perceived to be in the 'advanced stage.' France and Belgium based companies are ahead of the pack, especially in mobility and cloud. Companies in Germany are not as far ahead, but they show a more than average willingness to invest. An examination of the industries shows that the digital workplace is a hot issue not only in many service industries, but also in the industrial sector, which has taken the requirements of industrial IoT (Internet of Things) into account as it expands its work environment. "The digital workplace can only be successfully implemented if it is realized as a holistic design and service concept," says Dr. Andreas Stiehler, Principal Analyst for Digital Enterprise at PAC. "In addition, businesses should be prepared to take newer paths in strategy, design, management, operations, and support. While large investments are already being made in the procurement of modern workplace technologies, the implementation of the digital workplace as a holistic design and service concept is still in its infancy." Click the link to download the full report: http://hexaware.com/resource/trend-study-digital-workplace-in-europe/ About PAC For more information, please visit: http://www.pac-online.com About Hexaware For more information, please visit http://www.hexaware.com Safe Harbor Statement http://hexaware.com/investors/ Contact: Sreedatri Chatterjee Hexaware Technologies Limited sreedatric@hexaware.com GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK: CGRW) -- a Liaison and Consultant providing turnkey solutions to licensed growers, announces the cancellation of 799,861 shares of common stock reducing the Issued and Outstanding Share Count to 101,273,573. The Float has remained unchanged at 25,762,901 since August of 2014. Delmar Janovec, CEO, states, "We are very proud of the success the company has achieved in adhering to our commitment of maintaining shareholder value through zero dilution. The stock certificate being returned to the Company has been part of an ongoing litigation which was successfully resolved to the benefit of the Company. The current market value of the shares to be cancelled is approximately $1.7 million. Janovec went on to say, "CannaGrow Holdings' entry into the Colorado Cannabis Industry has been a remarkable process. We are now poised to bring even greater shareholder value through our experience in the industry and our contacts in the local area. I look forward to completing the current construction of the three additional IGC-Ranger Series Climate Controlled Greenhouses, http://www.igcusa.com/, and the upcoming Spring Season, at the Colorado Buffalo Ranch Facility I." Shareholders and interested parties are encouraged to visit the CannaGrow Holdings Blog for more information and updates from Colorado Buffalo Ranch Facility I at (http://www.cannagrowholdings.com). CannaGrow Holdings, Inc., the Liaison and Representative for NuGro Industries, will continue in its capacity of providing oversight as the Facilities Manager, working with the State/County Agencies and Category One Botanicals, LLC, the Licensed Grower for the facilities. The completion of this project will now provide the company the basis to begin generating revenues from Licensed Growers subleasing the Turnkey facilities being built to the specifications of CannaGrow COO, Dr. John P. Janovec, and Consultant, Jason Wells. About CannaGrow Holdings, Inc.: CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. has entered the Medical/Recreational Cannabis Industry as a Lessor, Liaison, and Consultant to licensed Growers providing them with turnkey Growing Facilities in the State of Colorado. The Company intends to expand this business model within this industry as business opportunities evolve whereby providing for the highest return to its shareholders. CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. does not and will not, until such time as Federal law allows, grow, harvest, distribute or sell marijuana or any substance that violate the laws of the United States of America. CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. encourages the public to read the above information in conjunction with its year-end statement for December 31, 2015, and the quarterly statements filed in calendar year 2016, at: www.otcmarkets.com. The information contained in this press release may include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements usually contain the words "may," "could," "possibly," "feel," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "expect," or similar expressions that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the Company's uncertain profitability, need for significant capital, uncertainty concerning market acceptance of its services, competition, limited service facilities, dependence on technological developments and protection of its intellectual property. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed herein. CONTACT: CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. Delmar Janovec Investor Relations info@cannagrowholdings.com http://www.cannagrowholdings.com/ ZHANGJIAKOU, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- Adamant DRI Processing and Minerals Group (OTCQB: ADMG), a supplier of direct reduced iron (DRI) feed stock to China's steel industry today issued a letter to its shareholders. The letter updates shareholders on retooling milestones achieved since 2015 and on plans for 2017 and going forward. Dear Shareholders: Adamant DRI's Board of Directors and senior management are committed to keeping shareholders informed of management's efforts to enhance the Company's value. As many shareholders are aware, the past couple years have not been without challenges from an operational and regulatory standpoint. Environmental restrictions imposed by China's central government on mining operators as well as iron and steel producers as they seek to move industry away from coal fired technologies prevented our Company from generating more than nominal revenues resulting in operating losses over the past few years. During this period however, management remained fully committed to advancing key strategic initiatives, kept financial reports current and made investments required to meet heightened regulatory standards in order to emerge a stronger, more efficient, higher growth company. Steadfast Mission Our long-term vision, while adapted to meet recent regulatory and economic realities, remained intact: Apply advantages of rotary kiln technology and newly converted coal-to-gas plants in strategic logistical locations to win supply contracts from private and public steel manufacturer seeking quality feedstock for participants across China's massive steel industry. Key Milestones Since 2015 In order to produce Direct Reduced Iron at scale with greater energy efficiency and lower emission, a primary initiative was to upgrade from coal to natural gas powered our Jinxin facility and with advanced reduction rotary kiln technology. Jinxin is now capable of producing DRI at significant volumes. Likewise, during the industry lull of the past two years in order to meet the environmental restrictions imposed by the Chinese government, we upgraded our Huaxin facility from coal to natural gas and converted from being a conventional iron ore facility to a Direct Reduced Iron facility using advanced rotary kiln technology. As a result, we can now produce significant volumes of Direct Reduced Iron at both of our facilities with greater energy efficiency and lower emissions required to operate and successfully market our output to government owned steel making entities. Once the conversion of our first Huaxin plant was completed, we also converted our second Huaxin plant to a natural gas powered DRI facility so it is now operating and preparing to economically produce quality DRI. A key competitive advantage of our Huaxin plants is our long-standing relationship with and close proximity to the Dagang Oilfields, among China's largest onshore gas fields, which provides us with cheap natural gas. 2017 Projections In 2015 over $1.5 million was spent in production related trials and we now boast an annual production capacity in excess of 800,000 metric tons of high quality Direct Reduced Iron with metallic iron content exceeding 91%. Based on our current capacity and our offtake discussions with prospective buyers, we expect to resume sales and delivery of Direct Reduced Iron to key customers -- both state owned and private enterprises -- in the second quarter of 2017. Given our capacity and market prices, current discussions suggest a reasonable 2017 revenue goal of between $16 and $20 million based on 42-48k metric tons shipped at prices ranging from $300-$350 per ton. 2018 Projections We expect to accelerate sales and profitability as we advance through 2017 and achieve greater capacity utilization in 2018, enabling us to leverage competitive advantages and ramp up marketing efforts to drive sales. As a result, our plan calls for year-over-year revenue growth in 2018 of 100%, doubling 2017 revenue to $40-$50 million, which would still reflect modest capacity utilization of only 15-20%. Global DRI Outlook DRI utilization is still being projected to grow at a compounded annual rate in high single digits globally as it has over the past three decades, particularly in emerging markets. As a result, we expect DRI processes will continue to offer iron and steel producers a more attractive alternative to conventional iron ore methods due to its lower investment capital requirements and suitability to local raw material situations. Industry research continues to suggest DRI offers a cleaner and lower cost alternative that can add value to the growing number of operations using electric arc furnace technology. As a result, major steel mills across China and in developed markets continue to invest in natural gas driven DRI projects and electric arc furnace processes to address these proven and evolving trends. We believe our investments over the past couple of years have given us an edge over regional competitors many of whom chose not to make the necessary upgrades to remain competitive and some of whom have chosen to shut down completely or shifted to mining. Our plan assumes that those within the China steel landscape who will survive and rebound from a contraction will be those with the newest and lowest production cost profile. We have planned for that over the last two years by investing in a current capacity of 800,000 metric tons of Direct Reduced Iron production. Adamant used the opportunity presented by the deceleration in China's steel production over the last two years to invest in clean and efficient Direct Reduced Iron production capacity which we expect will win us both private and publicly funded contracts for our low cost, high metallic quality DRI. Stakeholder Rewards We look forward to rewarding all our stakeholders -- shareholders, employees, vendors, strategic partners both public and private -- for their support and confidence during this retooling period and commit to keeping all informed on our progress. Sincerely, Mr. Changkui Zhu CEO About Adamant DRI Adamant DRI Processing and Minerals Group mines, processes, produces, and sells direct reduced iron feed stock for China's massive steel industry. It sells to state owned and plans to sell to privately owned enterprise. The Company is now emerging from a 2-year retooling period during which time it converted from coal to natural gas power and implemented advanced rotary kiln technology. Company stock is traded on the OTCQB under ticker symbol ADMG. Adamant DRI is based in Zhangjiakou, the People's Republic of China. Forward-looking statements This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding prospects, statements of future expectations, future events or our future financial performance. All statements other than present and historical facts and conditions contained in this release, including any statements regarding our future results of operations and financial positions, business strategy, plans and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). These statements are only predictions and reflect our current beliefs and expectations with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risk and uncertainties and subject to change at any time. Contact: Investor Inquiries 646 801 6088 ir@adamant-dri.com CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- Crescent Point Energy Corp. ("Crescent Point" or the "Company") (TSX: CPG) (NYSE: CPG) today announces the filing of its Annual Information Form ("AIF") for the year ended December 31, 2016, with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on the System for Electronic Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR"). In addition, Crescent Point has filed its Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2016, which includes the AIF, with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval ("EDGAR") system. The AIF contains the Company's reserves data and other oil and natural gas information, as required under National Instrument 51-101. An electronic copy of the AIF may be obtained on Crescent Point's website at www.crescentpointenergy.com, on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com and on the Company's EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml. A printed copy of this document is available by contacting Crescent Point's toll free investor relations line at 1-855-767-6923 or by requesting it through Crescent Point's website. Crescent Point is a leading North American light and medium oil producer that maximizes shareholder return through its total return strategy of long-term growth plus dividend income. CRESCENT POINT ENERGY CORP. Scott Saxberg, President and Chief Executive Officer Crescent Point shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE, both under the symbol CPG. Contacts: Ken Lamont Chief Financial Officer Telephone: (403) 693-0020 Toll-free (U.S. & Canada): 888-693-0020 (403) 693-0070 (FAX) Trent Stangl Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Communications Telephone: (403) 693-0020 Toll-free (U.S. & Canada): 888-693-0020 (403) 693-0070 (FAX) Website: www.crescentpointenergy.com WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - While reporting its first-quarter financial results today, Hormel Corp. (HRL) lowered its earnings outlook for fiscal 2017, citing challenging market conditions in the turkey industry. For fiscal 2017, Hormel lowered its earnings outlook to a range of $1.65 to $1.71 per share. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect the company to report earnings of $1.71 per share for fiscal 2017. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. 'We are tempering our full year outlook for the Jennie-O Turkey Store segment given the shortfalls in the first quarter and the expected continuation of pricing pressure due to low commodity turkey prices. Improvements in our other segments are expected to offset some of the earnings headwinds from Jennie-O Turkey Store,' Jim Snee, president and chief executive officer 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. PARAMUS, NJ -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- Dr. John T. Cozzone and Dr. Luis A. Zapiach are committed to remaining up-to-date with the latest developments in plastic surgery technology and techniques. At their New Jersey practice, Art Plastic Surgery, their patients can now take advantage of a new method of addressing common signs of facial aging -- the Silhouette InstaLift. According to Drs. Zapiach and Cozzone, patients who wished to correct aesthetic concerns such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and midfacial volume loss traditionally had two main choices: a traditional facelift or a "liquid facelift" with cosmetic injectables. Now, with the introduction of the Silhouette InstaLift, the New Jersey plastic surgeons are happy to provide their patients with a solution to facial aging that does not require surgery, incisions, or an extended recovery period. The Silhouette InstaLift is designed to nonsurgically treat signs of aging by gently elevating facial tissues and restoring lost volume in the midface, explains Dr. Zapiach. Using patented dissolvable sutures that are placed in subcutaneous tissues of the face, he notes that the patient's skin can be carefully raised and repositioned for a more youthful, revitalized appearance. In addition, these dissolvable sutures -- which are composed of glycolide/L-lactide (PLGA) -- can actually boost natural collagen production within the skin, helping to enhance skin renewal over time for long-lasting results. In comparison to traditional facelift surgery and cosmetic injectable treatment plans, Dr. Cozzone highlights that the Silhouette InstaLift has some distinct advantages. Since the Silhouette InstaLift procedure is minimally invasive, he states that patients do not experience the downtime associated with surgery. In fact, the majority of individuals can resume normal daily routines relatively soon -- if not immediately -- after the procedure. As an additional benefit, Dr. Cozzone says the results of the Silhouette InstaLift are typically apparent right away, and the stimulation of continual collagen growth allows most patients to enjoy the rejuvenative effects of treatment longer than what is possible with many, if not all, injectable options. Ultimately, the two New Jersey plastic surgeons state that the Silhouette InstaLift may be the ideal facial rejuvenation option for individuals who want a more extensive enhancement than injectables and fillers, but who are not yet ready for a surgical procedure like a traditional facelift. About John T. Cozzone, MD A graduate of the College of Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, Dr. Cozzone earned his medical degree from the University of Rome. He went on to complete general surgery training at Jersey City Medical Center as well as plastic and reconstructive surgery training at Ohio State University. Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Cozzone is a senior attending physician of plastic surgery at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ and Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, NJ. About Luis A. Zapiach, MD A graduate of Rutgers University, Dr. Zapiach earned his medical degree with honors in Microbiology from the New York University School of Medicine. Afterward, he completed a residency in general surgery at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, a plastic surgery fellowship at Emory University, and additional Oculoplastic Surgery training at Paces Plastic Surgery. Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Zapiach has received numerous professional accolades throughout his medical career. For more information about Dr. Cozzone or Dr. Zapiach, visit artplasticsurgeons.com and facebook.com/artplasticsurgery. Both plastic surgeons are available for interview upon request. Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3111302 Art Plastic Surgery 1 West Ridgewood Ave., Ste. 302 Paramus, NJ 07652 (201) 251-6622 Rosemont Media (858) 200-0044 www.rosemontmedia.com VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- (TSX: TMM)(NYSE MKT: TGD) - Highlights: -- Infill drilling nearing completion with over 7,903 meters in 34 core holes completed -- Gold grades in-line with PEA block model estimates -- Significant intercepts included 151 meters of 8.98 g/t gold and 48.4 meters of 12.16 g/t gold -- Preliminary metallurgical testing complete and overall recovery improved over PEA -- Permitting well advanced and permits required for construction anticipated by Q4 2017 -- Updated Project economics to be provided in a Pre-Feasibility Study in Q2 2017 Timmins Gold Corp. (TSX: TMM)(NYSE MKT: TGD) ("Timmins" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its 100% owned Ana Paula project (the "Project") located in the Guerrero Gold Belt, in the State of Guerrero, Mexico. Ana Paula is a high-grade, open pit gold development project that was the subject of a positive Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") in February 2016. In August 2016, the Company initiated a US$9.2 million program of pre-construction activities including feasibility work, infill drilling, metallurgical testing, environmental baseline studies and permitting. The program was designed to allow construction to start on the Project in 2018. Over the past six months significant progress has been made on advancing the Project. Timmins Gold CEO, Greg McCunn, states "After joining the Company earlier this month, I am very encouraged by the progress that has been made at Ana Paula. The results from the infill drilling are validating the previous drilling campaigns and increasing the confidence and robustness of the resource model and our understanding of the lithological domains in the deposit. Metallurgical test work has significantly improved upon the work done in the PEA and validated the suitability of the 6,000 tpd plant that we purchased last year and currently have in storage awaiting the start of construction. It is our intention to provide an interim update on the robust Project economics in the form of a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) in Q2 2017, with the full Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) to be completed by Q1 2018." Infill Drilling and Mineral Resource Estimate From October 2016 to the end of January 2017, approximately 7,903 meters of infill drilling in 34 core holes has been completed at the Ana Paula deposit. The objective of the drill program was primarily to carry out infill drilling for supporting an updated Mineral Resource Estimate. Highlights include 48.4 m of 12.16 g/t Au at 136 m downhole in hole AP-16-252, and 151 m of 8.98 g/t Au at 105 m downhole in AP-16-253. The infill drilling is expected to be completed by the end of this month. The Company has retained AGP Mining Consultants (AGP) of Toronto to act as the independent Qualified Persons in updating the Mineral Resource Estimate beginning in March. AGP have also been engaged to carry out mine planning and engineering work for the Project feasibility studies. Geotechnical drilling to support the mine planning work is expected to start in early March which will greatly enhance the confidence in the pit slope design. Select significant mineral intercepts measured downhole from the infill drilling program include: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interval Width Hole From (m) To (m) (m) Gold (g/t) Silver (g/t) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AP-16-243 47.50 74.55 27.05 1.87 7.58 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AP-16-244 154.50 201.00 46.50 2.76 4.26 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AP-16-246 104.55 143.10 38.55 5.19 2.50 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AP-16-249 56.30 96.15 39.85 2.72 4.13 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AP-16-250 209.95 250.80 40.85 4.08 7.92 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AP-16-251 2.00 79.00 77.00 2.68 8.44 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AP-16-252 135.65 184.05 48.40 12.16 10.72 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AP-16-253 105.00 256.07 151.07 8.98 6.52 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AP-16-255 87.60 195.60 108.00 1.15 6.24 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AP-16-257 150.00 236.20 86.20 2.21 9.56 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AP-16-260 94.50 197.00 102.50 3.80 10.45 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AP-16-262 124.52 156.00 31.48 3.37 15.87 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AP-16-262 183.03 219.85 36.82 7.32 6.31 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AP-16-264 110.20 139.05 28.85 11.59 13.32 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AP-16-270 4.00 41.60 37.60 3.87 14.30 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AP-16-270 67.00 93.25 26.25 11.94 13.62 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AP-16-270 121.20 164.00 42.80 4.78 5.90 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AP-16-270 203.00 213.46 10.46 1.31 4.19 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- All interval widths reported are downhole, not true widths. The complete set of drill results can be accessed on-line at http://www.timminsgold.com/_resources/anapaula/update/feb23.pdf along with a map of the drill hole locations and a selection of sections through the deposit. Metallurgical Test Work Metallurgical test work for the Project is being carried out at Blue Coast Research Laboratories in Parksville, British Columbia. Metallurgical samples from drill core were compiled to represent the four types of mineralized lithological domains found at Ana Paula: -- Granodiorite -- High-grade Breccia -- Limestone-Shale -- Lower-grade Breccia All comminution, gravity, flotation and leach testing (described below) was carried out on individual domain samples and on life-of-mine composites. The average grade of composite samples for test work was 2.26 g/t gold. Comminution testing including JK Lite simulation (rotary breakage tests) were undertaken on the composite samples and individual domain samples. Simulation and bond work index results have confirmed that the 6,000 tpd Semi-Autogenous Grinding (SAG) and Ball Mill circuit that was purchased by the Company is suitable for treating the Ana Paula material. A Gravity Recoverable Gold testing program (with size-by-size analyses) was carried out. Samples consistently showed very good gravity response with gravity recovery to concentrates of 40-50%. Additionally the gravity concentrates leached very well in a simulated intensive leach reactor, with gold recoveries of 96-98%. A gravity gold recovery circuit including a concentrator and intense cyanide leaching circuit will be added to the process flow sheet. Large (approx. 30 kg) gravity tests were conducted at various grind sizes in order to generate material for downstream process testing (flotation and/or leaching). Flotation test work confirmed that Ana Paula ore consistently displays very good gold recoveries through rougher flotation, with 95% of gold recovered with a 15-20% mass pull. Leaching test work was conducted to evaluate various process alternatives to improve overall gold recovery, which was estimated in the PEA at 75%. The flowsheet selected as the basis for the feasibility studies was rougher flotation after gravity gold recovery to produce a concentrate, followed by cyanide leaching. Leach recovery was significantly improved when a pre-oxidation of the flotation concentrate was carried out ahead of leaching. Overall gold recovery in the preliminary test work showed an improvement over the PEA to 80-85% with the gravity flotation-pre-oxidation-CIL flowsheet. Further test work is underway which will form the basis of the Process Design Criteria for the feasibility studies. Feasibility Studies The Company has engaged M3 Engineering to provide feasibility study engineering including process design, mechanical, piping, electrical, instrumentation, civil, bulk earthworks, capital and operating cost estimates. It is expected that M3 will produce a PFS by the end of Q2 2017 which will be based on the updated Mineral Resource estimate and mine plan as well as the latest metallurgical testing. The PFS will provide a much higher level of confidence in the robustness of the project economics then the PEA. The PEA economic analysis showed an after tax Net Present Value (5%) of US$248 million and IRR of 43% at US$1,200/oz gold. Knight-Piesold has been engaged to carry out the engineering and design of the waste dumps and Tailings Storage Facility as well as carry out the study for the pit slope design. Environmental and Permitting The environmental base line study was completed in November 2016. In December 2016, the Company submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to SEMARNAT (Mexico's Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources), using the baseline study as its basis. The areas covered in the baseline study are climate, hydrology, hydrogeology, aquifer vulnerability, soil type, earthquake risk, geotechnical, surface water, underground water, and environmental risk. If no further information is required, SEMARNAT guides to a maximum timeline of 120 business days for approval. Up to the current date, Timmins has not received a request from SEMARNAT for further information related to its EIA submission. The next major submission to SEMARNAT would be the Change of Land Use submission, which is expected to occur in Q2 2017. The Company expects to receive construction permits in Q4 2017. Project Financing As the Company advances its engineering studies, it will also begin to investigate financing alternatives for the Project including project or corporate debt. It is expected that financing will be arranged in conjunction with the completion of the DFS by early 2018. Key Milestones Pre-Feasibility Study Q2 2017 Permitting Q4 2017 Definitive Feasibility Study Q1 2018 Project Financing Arranged Q1 2018 Construction Decision Q2 2018 Commissioning and Start Up Q4 2019 Quality Control / Quality Assurance: The drilling results contained in this news release have been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Duplicates, standards and blanks were inserted into the sampling stream at intervals of 25 samples. The sampling of, and assay data from, drill core is monitored through the implementation of a quality assurance / quality control (QA-QC) program designed to follow industry best practice. Drill core (HQ size) samples are selected by the Company's geologists and sawn in half with a diamond saw at the project site. Half of the core is retained at the site for reference purposes. Sample intervals vary from 1 to 1.5 m in length. Samples are prepared at the ALS Lab facilities in Guadalajara and analyzed using a standard fire assay with a 50 gram pulp and Atomic Absorption (AA) finish at the ALS lab in Vancouver, Canada. Any samples assaying greater than 10.0g/t Au are automatically re-analyzed using a Gravimetric finish. Check assays were sent to each lab and were cross referenced and results verified. Technical Information & Qualified Person Notes: This news release was reviewed and approved by Taj Singh, M.Eng, P.Eng, Vice-President of Engineering and Project Development of the Company, who is recognized as a Qualified Person ("QP") under the guidelines of National Instrument 43-101. About Timmins Gold Timmins Gold is a Canadian gold mining company engaged in exploration, development and production exclusively in Mexico. Its principal assets include the producing San Francisco mine in Sonora, Mexico and the development stage Ana Paula project in Guerrero, Mexico. The Company also has a portfolio of other exploration properties, all of which are located in Mexico. Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) nor the New York Stock Exchange MKT accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements and are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements which relate to future events including: estimates, forecasts and statements as to management's expectations with respect to, among other things, business and financial prospects, financial multiples and accretion estimates, future trends, plans, strategies, objectives and expectations, including with respect to production, exploration drilling, reserves and resources, exploitation activities and events or future operations. Information inferred from the interpretation of drilling results and information concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to be forward-looking statements, as it constitutes a prediction of what might be found to be present when, and if, a project is actually developed. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may", "should", "expects", "plans, "anticipates", believes", "estimates", "predicts", "potential", or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or our industry's actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. While 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, actual results will almost always vary, sometimes materially, from any estimates, predictions, projections, assumptions or other future performance suggestions herein. Except as required by applicable law, the Company does not intend to update any forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results. Cautionary Note to United States Investors The Company is subject to the reporting requirements of the applicable Canadian securities laws, and as a result it reports its mineral reserves and resources according to Canadian standards. Canadian reporting requirements for disclosure of mineral properties are governed by NI 43-101. The definitions of NI 43-101 are adopted from those given by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. U.S. reporting requirements are governed by Industry Guide 7 ("Guide 7") of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). These reporting standards have similar goals in terms of conveying an appropriate level of confidence in the disclosures being reported, but embody different approaches and definitions. For example, under Industry Guide 7, mineralization may not be classified as a "reserve" unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. In particular, the Company reports "resources" in accordance with NI 43-101. While the terms "Mineral Resource", "Measured Mineral Resource", "Indicated Mineral Resource" and "Inferred Mineral Resource" are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, they are not defined terms under standards of the Commission and generally, U.S. companies are not permitted to report resources in documents filed with the Commission. As such, certain information contained in this press release concerning descriptions of mineralization and resources under Canadian standards is not comparable to similar information made public by United States companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the Commission. In addition, an Inferred Mineral Resource has a great amount of uncertainty as to its existence and as to its economic and legal feasibility, and it cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of any economic studies beyond Preliminary Economic Assessment. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of Measured or Indicated Resources will ever be converted into Mineral Reserves, and it cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable. In addition, the definitions of "Proven Mineral Reserves" and "Probable Mineral Reserves" under CIM standards differ in certain respects from the standards of the Commission Contacts: Timmins Gold Corp. Greg McCunn CEO and Director 604-638-8980 greg@timminsgold.com Regulatory News: Eutelsat Communications (Paris:ETL) (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) today announced that SRG SSR, Switzerland's public TV and radio broadcaster, has confirmed its long-term commitment to the HOT BIRD neighbourhood with the multi-year renewal of one transponder that complements a second transponder already booked on a long-term basis. SRG SSR occupies the two HOTBIRD transponders to broadcast seven channels (RTS Un, RTS Deux, SRF 1, SRF zwei, SRF info, RSI LA 1, RSI LA 2) exclusively in HD quality to Swiss homes beyond range of quality terrestrial reception and for Swiss citizens living abroad. The capacity is also used for Hbb TV services and 26 public service radio stations. The upgrade to an all-HD satellite offer at the HOTBIRD neighbourhood was completed in February 2016 with a focus on delivering high signal quality. About Eutelsat's HOTBIRD neighbourhood Eutelsat's cluster of three high-power HOTBIRD satellites at 13 East deliver an unrivalled line-up of over 1,000 channels. The trend towards HD is accelerating, with a 25% increase in channels over the last 12 months, taking the total to over 250 and transforming HOTBIRD into a hub of exclusive pay-TV and free-to-air HD content. Over 135 million homes in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa watch channels broadcast by the HOTBIRD constellation through Direct-to-Home reception, cable, IP and DTT networks. About Eutelsat Communications Established in 1977, Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is one of the world's leading and most experienced operators of communications satellites. The company provides capacity on 39 satellites to clients that include broadcasters and broadcasting associations, pay-TV operators, video, data and Internet service providers, enterprises and government agencies. Eutelsat's satellites provide ubiquitous coverage of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, enabling video, data, broadband and government communications to be established irrespective of a user's location. Headquartered in Paris, with offices and teleports around the globe, Eutelsat represents a workforce of 1,000 men and women from 37 countries who are experts in their fields and work with clients to deliver the highest quality of service. For more about Eutelsat please visit www.eutelsat.com www.eutelsat.com - Follow us on Twitter @Eutelsat_SA and Facebook Eutelsat.SA View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223005719/en/ Contacts: Eutelsat Communications Press Vanessa O'Connor, Tel: 33 1 53 98 37 91 voconnor@eutelsat.com or Marie-Sophie Ecuer, Tel: 33 1 53 98 37 91 mecuer@eutelsat.com or Investors and analysts Joanna Darlington, Tel.: +33 1 53 98 35 30 jdarlington@eutelsat.com or Cedric Pugni, Tel.: +33 1 53 98 35 30 cpugni@eutelsat.com MINNEAPOLIS, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Magnet 360, a Mindtree company, today announced it was included in Gartner's Market Guide for Salesforce Service Providers. Gartner identified Mindtree's Magnet 360 division as a representative provider for customer analytics, sales cloud, service cloud, marketing cloud and app cloud. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140416/681203 ) The report recommends that clients should "Favor service providers that have tools, templates and accelerators that can be leveraged to reduce time and cost to deploy, increase predictability and meet or exceed TCO requirements." "By providing highly-certified Salesforce professionals with expertise across Salesforce clouds, Magnet 360 has established itself as a strategic partner for Salesforce globally. To increase and support these efforts, Magnet 360 will leverage its recently opened Salesforce Center of Excellence in Munich, Germany, to align to the expansion of Salesforce in continental Europe," said Matt Meents, CEO,Magnet 360. "Magnet 360 is committed to providing customers with Salesforce consulting from innovation to implementation and support." "Throughout their history, Magnet 360 has been one of our strongest and most committed partners. Now as a part of Mindtree, they have the scale to really grow and continue to be a strategic and important partner," said Don Lynch, SVP Global Alliances from Salesforce. The report referenced in this release is Gartner, Market Guide for Salesforce Service Providers, 17 November 2016 Gartner Disclaimer Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. About Magnet 360 Magnet 360, a Mindtree company, has been a Salesforce partner since 2004, achieving Platinum status in 2015. We help forward-thinking companies engage their most important audiences to drive the growth, retention, and efficiencies that ensure meaningful business outcomes. By leveraging the Salesforce platform and an iterative delivery model, we help businesses work smarter and deliver value to their organizations quickly. Our innovative cross-cloud solutions have been delivered to customers in a variety of industries. Most notably, we have deep expertise in financial services, healthcare, CPG, retail, manufacturing, and media. About Mindtree Mindtree [NSE: MINDTREE] delivers digital transformation and technology services from ideationto execution, enabling Global 2000 clients to outperform the competition. 'Born digital,' Mindtree takes an agile, collaborative approach to creating customized solutions across the digital value chain. At the same time, our deep expertise in infrastructure and applications management helps optimize your IT into a strategic asset. Whether you need to differentiate your company, reinvent business functions or accelerate revenue growth, we can get you there. Visit http://www.mindtree.com to learn more. Media Contact: Media Contact: Courtney Algeo Magnet 360, a Mindtree company 612-230-2689 courtney.algeo@magnet360.com VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- Tom Peregoodoff, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kaizen Discovery Inc. (TSX VENTURE: KZD) is pleased to provide an update on the company's planned exploration program at the Pinaya Copper-Gold Project in Peru, as well as an update on its exploration projects in Canada. Pinaya Copper-Gold Project Highlights -- The Declaration for Environmental Impact (DIA) for the Pinaya Project was approved by the Peruvian government on February 14, 2017. The DIA is a key permit required to commence the company's drilling program. -- Drilling program of approximately 4,000 metres is expected to commence in May or June, 2017, upon receipt of final permits and after the Peruvian rainy season ends. The 2017 drilling program is aimed at resource expansion and drill testing numerous targets of interest in the project area. -- Kaizen received ITOCHU Corporation's second-stage investment in the Pinaya Project of C$625,000 on February 10, 2017. ITOCHU's interest in Kaizen Peru Holdings - the indirect holder of the Pinaya Project - has now increased from 5% to 10%. Kaizen's ownership in Kaizen Peru Holdings is now 90%. ITOCHU's third and final tranche of C$1.25 million to increase its ownership to 20% is scheduled to be paid on the receipt by Kaizen of all permits necessary to commence exploration drilling activities. The Declaration for Environmental Impact for the Pinaya Project, which was approved in mid-February, is a significant step towards the final authorization to commence drilling activities at the Pinaya Project. The DIA allows Kaizen to use up to 20 drilling platforms and to drill as many as 55 holes totalling up to 17,200 metres. Kaizen plans to drill approximately 4,000 metres at the Pinaya Project in 2017. The DIA also enables Kaizen to excavate 95 trenches. In addition, the Certificate of Non-Existence of Archaeological Remains has been received which is also a precondition to commencing drilling. The remaining requirements needed to commence drilling activities include receipt of a permission to initiate activities and a water-use permit, both of which are expected to be received well before the planned start of the drilling program in May or June. Approximately 3,000 metres of Kaizen's planned 2017 drilling program will be focused on the expansion of the Pinaya Mineral Resource area, where recent re-logging of core drilled by previous operators has identified compelling resource expansion opportunities along strike to the north and south of the defined Mineral Resource area, and in the Antana target area. In addition, the Mineral Resource remains open to depth and Kaizen's program also will include some deeper drilling to test the depth potential of the current resource. An additional 1,000 metres of drilling is planned to test new targets within the license area covered by the DIA. Final drill target selection will be made following the conclusion of an extensive geological mapping and prospecting program expected to commence by the end of April. The planned mapping and prospecting program will include the Jayulaque and Chanka target area and follow up of the target areas in the north of the property, recently identified using geochemical data generated by previous operators. In late 2016, Kaizen engaged consulting geologist Nadia Caira, P.Geo., to conduct an extensive review of the core drilled at the project by previous operators. This review has provided Kaizen with new and valuable insights into the distribution of the mineralization within the different deposit types in the resource area and their relation to the regional structural setting. Further work, including preliminary prospect mapping and resource drilling review, was recently completed by consulting geologist Gustavo Zulliger, whose insights have been critical to finalizing the 2017 resource expansion and target testing drilling. The planned budget for the 2017 exploration program at Pinaya is C$5 million, which includes permitting and preparatory work conducted in 2016 and target generation and drilling planned for the 2017 program. As detailed below, the program is being co-funded 50% by Kaizen's joint-venture partner, ITOCHU. "We are pleased to now be in a position to soon begin drilling on the Pinaya Project," said Mr. Peregoodoff. "It has taken us considerable time to receive the necessary land-access agreements and exploration permits and to validate our social licence to operate at Pinaya. Our review of data acquired with the project suggests that the high-grade copper and gold mineralization at Pinaya continues along strike from the currently defined resource area, and we will pursue that drilling in our initial program. Additionally, the current resource area covers only a small portion of the total potential exploration area of the Pinaya Project, and we anticipate a busy 2017 field season as we explore other targets along the trend." Under the terms of the strategic financing agreement between Kaizen and ITOCHU for the Pinaya Project, outlined in Kaizen's April 1, 2016 news release, ITOCHU's third and final payment of C$1.25 million, which will bring its aggregate interest in Kaizen Peru Holdings to 20%, is conditional on Kaizen obtaining the necessary environmental, archaeological and water authorizations required to conduct exploration drilling on the Pinaya Project. Upon receipt of all permits and authorization to commence these activities, Kaizen will have met the requirements for the third installment of the ITOCHU investment. Kaizen has agreed to match ITOCHU's exploration funding for the Pinaya Project, bringing the total funding to C$5 million for the planned first phase of exploration at Pinaya. The initial C$1.25 million of Kaizen's C$2.5 million funding commitment is due on or before the earlier of (i) April 18, 2017, one year after the date of ITOCHU's initial C$625,000 investment; or (ii) completion of ITOCHU's third-tranche payment. Kaizen's second funding commitment of C$1.25 million is due on or before April 18, 2018, two years after the date of completion of ITOCHU's initial C$625,000 investment. BC projects update On February 6, 2017, Kaizen entered into a purchase agreement with Colorado Resources Ltd. (TSXV: CXO) whereby Colorado acquired a 100% interest in Kaizen's Castle gold-silver-copper property in northern British Columbia, subject to a 2% percent net smelter royalty payable to the underlying original vendor. In exchange for the sale of the Castle Project, Kaizen received 1,000,000 units of Colorado, with each unit consisting of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles Kaizen to purchase a further common share in Colorado at a purchase price of $0.60 per share for a period of 24 months. Further to Kaizen's December 21, 2016, news release, Kaizen (60%) and ITOCHU Corporation (40%), are assessing various options for the Aspen Grove Copper-Gold exploration project in southern British Columbia, including a possible sale to, or joint venture with, a third party. "As we have stated before, our current focus to grow the company is on advancing the Pinaya Project and assessing other similar gold and copper-gold porphyry projects in South America," said Mr. Peregoodoff. "We will continue to look for ways to consolidate our current project portfolio to allow our team to pursue near-term opportunities which we believe have the best potential to have a meaningful impact on shareholder value." Nunavut project update On April 29, 2016, Kaizen submitted a Section 51 application for its Coppermine Project under the Mining Regulations to the Mining Recorder for the Territory of Nunavut. Under Section 51 of the Regulations, if a claim holder is unable to do the required assessment work because the holder is, for reasons beyond the claim holder's control, waiting for a public authority to give an authorization or decision without which the work cannot proceed, the claim holder may request a one-year suspension of the work requirements. The company's Section 51 application pertains to the draft Nunavut Land Use Plan (DNLUP). In the DNLUP, the Kaizen mineral claims and prospecting permits are overlain by areas with proposed prohibitions and/or limitations on mining and exploration. Uncertainty regarding these designations will impact Kaizen's ability to continue its exploration activities at the Coppermine Project until the DNLUP is finalized. The company will continue to monitor the land-use issues affecting the Coppermine Project and will take the appropriate steps to protect its interests. About the Pinaya Copper-Gold Project The Pinaya Project covers 192 square kilometres and includes more than 25 kilometres of strike length within the Andahuaylas-Yauri Porphyry Belt in southeastern Peru. This belt hosts numerous productive and world-class porphyry and skarn systems, including Las Bambas, Tintaya, Constancia and Haquira. The Pinaya Project contains Mineral Resources within three contiguous zones over a 1.7-kilometre strike in the central part of the property. The project's estimated Measured resource totals 8.2 million tonnes grading 0.33% copper and 0.60 grams per tonne (g/t) of gold, for contained metal of 27,000 tonnes of copper and 158,000 ounces of gold. The project's estimated Indicated resource totals 33.5 million tonnes grading 0.32% copper and 0.46 g/t gold, for contained metal of 108,000 tonnes of copper and 497,000 ounces of gold. The project also has an Inferred resource of 40.2 million tonnes grading 0.36% copper and 0.30 g/t gold, containing 145,000 tonnes of copper and 388,000 ounces of gold. An independent NI 43-101 technical report for the Pinaya Project titled "Pinaya Gold-Copper Project Caylloma and Lampa Provinces, Peru" is available under the company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com and on the company's website at www.kaizendiscovery.com. The technical report, dated April 26, 2016, includes relevant information regarding the effective dates and the assumptions, parameters and methods of the Mineral Resource estimates on the Pinaya Project cited in this release, as well as information regarding data verification, exploration procedures and other matters relevant to the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this release in respect of the Pinaya Project. More information on the Pinaya Project is available at www.kaizendiscovery.com. Qualified Person Kaizen's Vice President, Exploration, Charles Forster, P. Geo., is the Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101 who has reviewed, approved and is responsible for the scientific and technical information presented in this news release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including without limitation (i) statements regarding the expected receipt of permits and authorizations to initiate the 2017 drilling program in May or June, 2017; (ii) statements regarding the size of the 2017 drilling program, and (iii) statements regarding the timing and receipt of the third payment from ITOCHU. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Kaizen Discovery, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this news release. Although Kaizen has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there can be other factors that cause results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. This news release also contains references to estimates of Mineral Resources. The estimation of Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain and involves subjective judgments about many relevant factors. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The accuracy of any such estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, the anticipated tonnages and grades that will be mined and the estimated level of recovery that will be realized, which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource estimates may have to be re-estimated based on: (i) fluctuations in gold price; (ii) results of drilling, (iii) metallurgical testing and other studies; (iv) proposed mining operations, including dilution; and (vi) the possible failure to receive required permits, approvals and licenses. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed here, as well as unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts to perform as agreed; social, political or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; limitations and availability of capital; and the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results (including the actual results of drilling and exploration activities), or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and Kaizen disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law, and Kaizen does not assume any liability for disclosure relating to any other company herein. Contacts: Kaizen Discovery Inc. Investor Relations +1-604-669-6446 info@kaizendiscovery.com TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- Rubicon Minerals Corporation (TSX: RMX)(OTC: RBYCD) ("Rubicon" or the "Company") announces that it has awarded its diamond drilling contract for exploration drilling of the F2 Gold Deposit at its Phoenix Gold Project to Boart Longyear Ltd. ("Boart"). In addition, Rubicon announces that the Company will be exhibiting at the 2017 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada annual conference in Toronto ("2017 PDAC"). Exploration Drilling Contract and Exploration Update Following a competitive bidding process, Rubicon has awarded Boart the diamond drilling contract for drilling of the F2 Gold Deposit. In 2017, the Company plans to complete 23,500 metres of orientated, diamond drilling in the F2 Gold Deposit between the 366- and 854-metre levels. This program is on track to commence with one drill in March followed by a second drill in April of this year. With regard to the core re-logging program, the Company has re-logged approximately 700 meters of drill core to-date. The team at Golder Associates Ltd. have been on site to assist with the verification of the core re-logging program and to begin the geological structural review process. Exhibiting at the 2017 PDAC Annual Conference Rubicon will be exhibiting at the 2017 PDAC in booth #3147 between March 5, 2017 through to March 8, 2017. Rubicon President and Chief Executive Officer George Ogilvie, P.Eng. will be at the booth on Monday, March 6, 2017 to engage with investors and other stakeholders. About Rubicon Minerals Corporation Rubicon Minerals Corporation is an advanced exploration company that owns the Phoenix Gold Project, located in the prolific Red Lake gold district in northwestern Ontario, Canada. Additionally, Rubicon controls over 100 square miles of prime exploration ground in Red Lake and approximately 350 square miles of mineral property interests in the emerging Long Canyon gold district that straddles the Nevada-Utah border in the United States. Rubicon's shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (RMX). RUBICON MINERALS CORPORATION George Ogilvie, P.Eng., President and CEO Cautionary Statement regarding Forward-Looking Statements and other Cautionary Notes This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" and "forward looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes", "intends", "may", "will", "should", "plans", "anticipates", "potential", "expects", "estimates", "forecasts", "budget", "likely", "goal" and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results may or may not be achieved or occur in the future. In some cases, forward-looking information may be stated in the present tense, such as in respect of current matters that may be continuing, or that may have a future impact or effect. Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations and assumptions, and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to statements regarding the details of the planned drilling of the F2 Gold Deposit. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and represent management's best judgment based on facts and assumptions that management considers reasonable. If such opinions and estimates prove to be incorrect, actual and future results may be materially different than expressed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Rubicon to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery or throughput rates; uncertainty of mineral resources, inability to realize exploration potential, mineral grades and mineral recovery estimates; actual results of current exploration activities; actual results of reclamation activities; uncertainty of future operations, delays in completion of exploration plans for any reason including insufficient capital, delays in permitting, and labour issues; conclusions of future economic or geological evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents and other risks of the mining industry; delays and other risks related to operations; timing and receipt of regulatory approvals; the ability of Rubicon and other relevant parties to satisfy regulatory requirements; the ability of Rubicon to comply with its obligations under material agreements including financing agreements; the availability of financing for proposed programs and working capital requirements on reasonable terms; the ability of third-party service providers to deliver services on reasonable terms and in a timely manner; risks associated with the ability to retain key executives and key operating personnel; cost of environmental expenditures and potential environmental liabilities; dissatisfaction or disputes with local communities or First Nations or Aboriginal Communities; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; market conditions and general business, economic, competitive, political and social conditions; the implementation and impact of the Restructuring Transaction; our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or obtain adequate financing to fund our capital expenditures and working capital needs and meet our other obligations; the volatility of our stock price, and the ability of our common stock to remain listed and traded on the TSX; our ability to maintain relationships with suppliers, customers, employees, stockholders and other third parties in light of our current liquidity situation and the CCAA proceedings. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and Rubicon disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Readers are advised to carefully review and consider the risk factors identified in the Company's annual information form dated March 21, 2016 under the heading "Risk Factors" and in other continuous disclosure documents of the Company filed at www.sedar.com for a discussion of the factors that could cause Rubicon's actual results, performance and achievements to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Readers are further cautioned that the foregoing list of assumptions and risk factors is not exhaustive and it is recommended that prospective investors consult the more complete discussion of Rubicon's business, financial condition and prospects that is included in this news release. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release Contacts: Rubicon Minerals Corporation Allan Candelario Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Development +1 (416) 766-2804 ir@rubiconminerals.com www.rubiconminerals.com TERREBONNE, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- Note to editors: An image is included with this press release on Marketwired's website. Misencil was thrilled to launch LE SERUM+, its global innovation, last October. LE SERUM+ has already been nominated for the 2017 H. Pierantoni Innovation Award, to be presented on April 2 at the International Congress of Esthetics and Spa in Paris, an event that brings together more than 30,000 beauty professionals each year. This innovative product was tested and approved by industry and delivers incredible results, with eyelashes and eyebrows up to 3 times fuller in just 15 days. What is the secret behind this tremendously effective, scientifically developed product? From the first applications of LE SERUM+, 4 super molecules making up the exclusive and patented REDENSYL complex stimulate stem cells at the base of the lashes and brows, extending their growth phase and delaying eyelash and eyebrow hair loss. The revolutionary, one-of-a-kind dual applicator is uniquely designed to apply LE SERUM+ to eyelashes or eyebrows to lengthen, thicken and strengthen them. The foam applicator tip perfectly follows the eyebrow line, while the fine brush applicator applies precisely to the base of the eyelashes to stimulate and strengthen them. As Misencil puts it so well, LE SERUM+ is ... + EYELASHES + EYEBROWS + OF YOU Compatible with lash extensions and natural lashes. You can visit misencil.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. To view the image accompanying this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20170220-MONTAGE_800.jpg Contacts: Pauline Marie Marketing Account Manager pmarie@bgbeaute.com DUBLIN, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Industrial Filtration Market Analysis & Trends - Industry Forecast to 2025" report to their offering. The Global Industrial Filtration Market is poised to grow at a CAGR of around 6.8% over the next decade to reach approximately $41.5 billion by 2025. Some of the prominent trends that the market is witnessing include growing demand from power generation industry, rapid industrialization in emerging countries, and recent technological developments of industrial filtration. This industry report analyzes the market estimates and forecasts for all the given segments on global as well as regional levels presented in the research scope. The study provides historical market data for 2013, 2014 revenue estimations are presented for 2015 and forecasts from 2016 till 2025. The study focuses on market trends, leading players, supply chain trends, technological innovations, key developments, and future strategies. With comprehensive market assessment across the major geographies such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Latin America and Rest of the world the report is a valuable asset for the existing players, new entrants and the future investors. Scope of the Report Based on filtration type the market is categorized into air, liquid. By Product Type the market is segmented by air, liquid. Further, air segment is divided into cartridge collectors & filters, bag filter, electrostatic precipitator, Ultra Low Penetration Air (ULPA), High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA), mist collectors, dust collectors, and others. Further, liquid segment is categorized into depth filter, bag filter, filter press, drum filter, and others. Depending on the technology type the market is classified into air, liquid. Further, air segment is segregated into gas phase, mechanical, and electronic. Further, liquid segment is divided into vacuum filtration, pressure filtration, gravity filtration, centrifugal filtration, and others. On basis of end user the market is segmented by metals & mining, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare & pharmaceuticals, power generation, plastic, process industry, woodworking and paper & pulp, oil & gas, cement, and food. Report Highlights: The report provides a detailed analysis on current and future market trends to identify the investment opportunities Market forecasts till 2025, using estimated market values as the base numbers Key market trends across the business segments, Regions and Countries Key developments and strategies observed in the market Market Dynamics such as Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities and other trends In-depth company profiles of key players and upcoming prominent players Growth prospects among the emerging nations through 2025 Market opportunities and recommendations for new investments Key Topics Covered: 1 Market Outline 2 Executive Summary 3 Market Overview 3.1 Current Trends 3.1.1 Growing demand from power generation industry 3.1.2 Rapid industrialization in emerging countries 3.1.3 Recent technological developments of industrial filtration 3.1.4 Growth Opportunities/Investment Opportunities 3.2 Drivers 3.3 Constraints 3.4 Industry Attractiveness 4 Industrial Filtration Market, By Filtration Type 4.1 Air 4.2 Liquid 5 Industrial Filtration Market, By Product Type 5.1 Air 5.1.1.1 Cartridge Collectors & Filters 5.1.1.2 Bag Filter 5.1.1.3 Electrostatic Precipitator 5.1.1.4 Ultra low penetration air (ULPA) 5.1.1.5 High-efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) 5.1.1.6 Mist Collectors 5.1.1.7 Dust Collectors 5.1.1.8 Others 5.2 Liquid 5.2.1.1 Depth Filter 5.2.1.2 Bag Filter 5.2.1.3 Filter Press 5.2.1.4 Drum Filter 5.2.1.5 Others 6 Industrial Filtration Market, By Technology Type 6.1 Air 6.1.1.1 Gas Phase 6.1.1.2 Mechanical 6.1.1.3 Electronic 6.2 Liquid 6.2.1.1 Vacuum Filtration 6.2.1.2 Pressure Filtration 6.2.1.3 Gravity Filtration 6.2.1.4 Centrifugal Filtration 6.2.1.5 Others 7 Industrial Filtration Market, By End User 7.1 Metals & Mining 7.2 Manufacturing 7.3 Agriculture 7.4 Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals 7.5 Power Generation 7.6 Plastic 7.7 Process Industry 7.8 Woodworking and Paper & Pulp 7.9 Oil & Gas 7.10 Cement 7.11 Food 8 Industrial Filtration Market, By Geography 9 Key Player Activities 9.1 Mergers & Acquisitions 9.2 Partnerships, Joint Venture's, Collaborations and Agreements 9.3 Product Launch & Expansions 9.4 Other Activities 10 Leading Companies 10.1 Ahlstrom Corporation 10.2 Alfa Laval 10.3 Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. 10.4 Clarcor, Inc. 10.5 Cummins, Inc. 10.6 Donaldson Company, Inc. 10.7 Eaton Corporation PLC. 10.8 Filtration Group Corporation 10.9 Fleetlife, Inc. 10.10 Freudenberg & Co. Kg 10.11 General Electric Company 10.12 Lenntech B.V. 10.13 Mann + Hummel GmbH 10.14 Parker Hannifin Corporation 10.15 Sidco Filter Corporation 10.16 Siemens AG 10.17 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/66v7vz/global_industrial Media Contact: 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 BSD Crown Ltd. (LSE: BSD) (the "Company") Notice of an Extraordinary General Meeting Ramat Gan, Israel, 23 February 2017 The Company has today issued a Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting ("Meeting"). The Meeting will be held at 9.00am (BST) on 29 March 2017 at the Hilton London Tower Bridge, 5 More London Place, Tooley Street, London SE1 2BY, United Kingdom. The Meeting is convened for the purpose of seeking shareholders' authority to approve the amendment of the Company's articles of association, the appointment of certain external statutory directors, the appointment and remuneration of auditors, and the amendment of the Company's officers' remuneration policy. In addition Yossi Willi Management and Investment Ltd. (the "Requisitionist") a Shareholder, has requisitioned an extraordinary general meeting of the Company and is proposing resolutions to seek shareholders' authority to approve the appointment of several individuals as directors of the Company and the removal from office of all of the existing directors of the Company (apart from the Company's external director (Mrs. Iris Even-Tov) who has a statutory role under Israeli law). Resolutions recommended for adoption by the Company The Board is proposing to amend the Company's articles of association in order to ensure that the Company's management is represented at all general meetings, including via tele-conference. The Board is proposing to elect at least two of Mr. Gal Chet, Mr. Yair Shilhav and Mr. Shlomo Wertheim (the "External Director Nominees") as external directors of the Company. The Board believes that the appointment of at least two of the External Director Nominees as external directors of the Company complies with the provisions and requirements under the Israeli Companies Law and that their skills and capabilities would contribute to the Company's on-going business. The Board has also determined that the External Director Nominees satisfy the requirements under the UK Corporate Governance Code to serve on the Board as independent directors and that their appointment will increase the level of independence of the Board. As required by the Israeli Companies Law, it is proposed that at least two of the External Director Nominees be elected to serve the office as external directors for an initial fixed term of three years commencing on the date their election is approved by Shareholders. If the election is approved by Shareholders, at least two of Messrs. Chet, Shilhav and Wertheim will be appointed by the Board to serve as members of each of the audit committee, compensation committee and remuneration committee. As required by the Israeli Companies Law, at least once in every three years, it is proposed to adopt the the Company's updated remuneration policy. A copy of the full English translation of the Remuneration Policy is available in the notice in respect of the Company's general meeting which has been sent to Company Shareholders today. In order to allow the Company to make further progress, finalise and publish its financial statements for the years ending 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2016 , it is recommended to approve the appointment of PWC Israel (Kesselman & Kesselman CPAs) as the Company's external auditors until the next annual general meeting of the Company and to authorise the Board, with the approval of the audit committee of the Board, to determine the remuneration of the auditors Resolutions proposed by the Requisionist The following resolutions are proposed by the Requisionist who, in the opinion of the Board, is attempting to take over the control and management of the Company: As a result of the Requisitionist's request to replace each of them, effectively requiring the re-election of Mr. Gregory Gurtovoy , Mr. Eli Arad , Mr. Nir Netzer and Mr. Arik Safran as directors of the Company. The directors will hold office until the next annual general meeting of the Company. To elect Mr. Joseph Williger , Mr. Shmuel Messenberg , Mr. Avi Zigelman and Mrs. Keren Marcus as directors until the conclusion of the next annual general meeting. Further information regarding the background and experience of certain of the directors proposed by the Requisitionist is available in the notice in respect of the Company's general meeting which has been sent to Company Shareholders today. The Board also considers that the election of Mr. Joseph Williger, Mr. Shmuel Messenberg, Mr. Avi Zigelman and Mrs. Keren Marcus not to be in the best interests of the Company and its Shareholders as a whole. The Board has taken active steps to confirm the suitability of the Requisitionist's proposed directors, seeking information about them (in respect of which no details have been provided) and requesting a meeting with such proposed directors (which request was declined by the Requisitionist through the Requisitionist's legal counsel). The Board does not know the proposed directors and does not have up to date information about them. As such, the Board cannot, without the additional information it requested but was denied, make an assessment as to the suitability of such proposed directors to act in the best interest of the Company and its Shareholders as a whole. As such, the Board considers the appointment of all of the Requisitionist's proposed directors not to be in the best interests of the Company and its Shareholders as a whole and recommends that Shareholders vote against the relevant resolutions at the Meeting. Further details of all of the abovementioned matters are contained in the notice in respect of the Company's general meeting which has been sent to the Company's Shareholders today. In addition to the resolutions proposed by the Requisitionist, which the Board considers to be an attempt by the Requisitionist to take over the control and management of the Company, it should be noted that although no decision has been taken by the Board to issue new shares in order to attempt to ensure sufficient shares of the Company held in "public hands" for the purposes of Chapter 14 of the listing rules made under section 74 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended) (the "Listing Rules"), on 16 February 2017, the Requisitionist, by its controlling shareholder Mr. Joseph Williger, filed a request for a temporary injunction against the Company preventing the Company from taking any action which may change the Company's capital, and which might include, by way of example, a non pre-emptive issue of shares in order to try and address the "public hands" position of the Company. The court has granted Mr. Joseph Williger a temporary injunction prohibiting the Company from doing the same pending a hearing. The Board is considering its options in relation to the request, which it considers to be an unjustified hindrance on the Board's ability to consider all available options to it for the benefit of the Company and its Shareholders as a whole, among other things, in order to secure the lifting of the suspension in trading of its shares on the London Stock Exchange as soon as practicably possible. The Company takes this opportunity of reminding shareholders that under the Listing Rules, in the event that the Financial Conduct Authority has the power to cancel the Company's listing where the percentage of shares in public hands falls below 25 per cent.. If the listing is cancelled there will no longer be an exchange on which the Company's shares can be readily traded. As announced by the Company on 8 February, 2017, following the acquisition (directly and indirectly) by Mr. Yossi Williger of 7.94% of the Company's issued and outstanding share capital pursuant to a tender offer, and in light of the clarification provided by Mr. Zwi Williger as to the fact that he holds (directly and/or indirectly) 9.996% of the Company's issued and outstanding share capital, the Company believes that the number of shares of the Company currently held in "public hands" for the purposes of Chapter 14 of the Listing Rules has fallen to approximately 12.6%, which is significantly below the 25% threshold required (subject to certain exceptions) under Chapter 14 of the Listing Rules. Copies of the Notice will be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be made available on the Company's website atwww.bsd-c.comand from the National Storage Mechanism atwww.morningstar.co.uk/uk/NSM. Enquiries: Gregory Gurtovoy, chairman of the board: office@bsd-c.com Panel Speeds Interconnection of Small Cells to Zinwave's UNItivity System Zinwave, a global provider of wideband distributed network solutions for in-building wireless delivery of public safety, cellular, IoT, and other services, today announced its Small Cell Point of Interface (SC-POI), a 1U interface panel that connects up to four small cells to the company's UNItivity distributed wireless platform. The 19-inch, rack-mountable panel simplifies the connection of small cells as signal sources for Zinwave's UNItivity distributed antenna system (DAS), providing the ideal combination of cellular signal sources and distribution capabilities to deliver wireless services in today's enterprises and public venues. Zinwave will be demonstrating this solution in Hall 5, Stand J51 at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223005041/en/ Zinwave's new SC-POI interfaces up to four small cells to the company's UNItivity DAS. (Photo: Business Wire) DAS solutions provide proven distribution efficiencies and real economic benefits for multi-operator, multi-frequency applications, but they require an RF source to provide cellular signals. Small cells are an ideal signal source for DAS because they are smaller, more energy-efficient, and much less expensive than traditional base stations. However, small cells are currently one- or two-frequency units, so it takes multiple small cells to deliver the multi-frequency signals needed in most modern buildings. Zinwave's SC-POI makes it easy to configure up to four small cells per panel as signal sources for the UNItivity distributed wireless platform. "Rather than competing with one another as in-building wireless solutions, small cells and DAS can work together to deliver cost-effective, multi-frequency services within buildings," said Slavko Djukic, Zinwave's chief technology officer. "While configuring small cells to feed a DAS can be a complex and messy operation, our SC-POI makes it simple and easy to deploy small cells as a DAS signal source." About Zinwave Zinwave's UNItivity platform is the only truly future-proof, universal wireless access solution on the market. UNItivity's unique wideband architecture breaks the cycle of endless DAS upgrades because it supports any frequency from 150 MHz to 2700 MHz, accommodating current and future wireless services without hardware upgrades. In addition, UNItivity's streamlined, all-fiber architecture makes it more reliable and much easier to install than traditional DAS solutions. Zinwave has a global customer base. For more information about Zinwave, please visit www.zinwave.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223005041/en/ Contacts: Story Public Relations Michael Schoolnik, 415-647-3816 Michael@storypr.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 23, 2017) - Cloud Nine Education Group Ltd. (CSE: CNI) (the "Company" or "Cloud Nine") is pleased to announce that it is conducting a non-brokered private placement of up to 4,000,000 units at $0.25 per unit for gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000. The Company has already closed a first tranche of the private placement comprised of 416,000 units for gross proceeds of $104,000. 208,000 of the units in the first tranche were issued to the Company CEO, Michael Hunter, for settlement of an existing loan he had provided to the Company in the amount of $52,000. The units issued to Mr. Hunter were issued at the same price, and on the same terms, as the other units offered in the private placement. The Company intends to issue up to 3,584,000 additional units, for gross proceeds of $896,000, in subsequent tranche(s) of the private placement. Each unit will be comprised of one common share and one-half of one transferrable warrant. Each whole warrant will be exercisable to purchase one common share at $0.50 per share for a period of 18 months from the date of issue. Closing of subsequent tranches of the private placement are subject to all necessary regulatory and stock exchange approvals. All securities issued in connection with the private placement will be subject to a four-month hold period from the date of issue under applicable Canadian securities laws, in addition to such other restrictions as may apply under applicable securities laws of jurisdictions outside Canada. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the private placement to meet customer demand for a young learner version of its ESL curriculum and for general working capital. Company CEO, Michael Hunter, expanded on the reasons for the financing stating that, "The financing will help position Cloud Nine to meet its corporate objective of becoming cash flow positive in 2017. It's important that there are sufficient resources available to capitalize on the traction we've created in Latin America and reach this critical milestone in our corporate development." Mr. Hunter's participation would be considered to be a related party transaction as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101"). The transaction will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of any shares issued to or the consideration paid by such persons will exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. About Cloud Nine Cloud Nine is a Canadian company specializing in the development and sale of its cutting-edge Cloud Nine ESL Program. The curriculum is technologically advanced and meets the needs of today's increasingly mobile student. Tablets replace textbooks and the course content includes instructional videos and internet links which learners use to supplement their in-class studies. Because the curriculum is cloud hosted, content revisions are provided instantly and at no additional cost to the monthly licensing fee students pay to access the curriculum. The licensing fee provides a competitive alternative to the costs that students have traditionally been forced to endure for printed materials, which are often outdated by time students purchase them. The Company also owns and operates Cloud Nine College, an accredited ESL school located in Vancouver. For more information regarding Cloud Nine, please contact: Michael Hunter President and Chief Executive Officer Telephone: +1.604.377.5572 mhunter@c9eg.com Forward-Looking Information This press release contains statements including "forward-looking information" ("Forward-looking statements").Forward-looking statements in this news release including statements regarding the possible completion of a private placement and the intended use of proceeds from the private placement.In making the forward-looking statements in this release, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable, including that the Company is able to obtain any required government or other regulatory approvals to complete the Company's planned private placement and operations and that the Company is able to complete the private placement. However, the forward-looking statements in this release are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and risks may include, among others, that the private placement will not complete, actual results of the Company's operations being different than those expected by management and delays in obtaining or failure to obtain required government or other regulatory approvals or financing. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to sell any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S.NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES DUBAI, UAE, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- (The next wave of monetizing Telecom Operators big data in the MENA region) Noqoush Mobile Media Group (Noqoush), the owner of AdFalcon, the first and the largest local mobile advertising and data platform in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region announces today the launch of its proprietary platform (AdFalcon Demand Manager) to help Telecom operators ride the wave of mobile advertising through monetizing their big data assets and customers profile anonymously, securely and at scale. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/471396/Noqoush_Logo.jpg ) AdFalcon Demand Manager (ADM) is a proprietary Demand Side Platform (DSP) helping Telecom operators and big data players from different verticals (e-ecommerce, retail, banks etc.) to monetize their first party data assets through targeted digital ads and across all screens (Smartphones, Tablets, Desktop and Connected TVs). "Our investment in research and big data for the past 2 years are paying off now, we have a state of the art proprietary scalable technology that can be easily utilized by Telecom operators to start making money and bank on the revolution of digital advertising at ZERO cost (no OPEX and no CAPEX)," the CEO of Noqoush Mobile Media Group Wael Quader said. "We are working with leading Telecom operators to commercially launch the service over the coming few months and working hand in hand with Media Agencies to provide them with a 360 degrees advertising service across screens to reach their right audience at scale. When we say right audience we mean real people here based on data that's coming from the most trusted sources in our region like Telcos, financial institutions, e-commerce ...etc. " "Our region is one of the most top growing regions from a digital advertising standpoint, and we believe the lack of accurate audience information is a serious barrier for advertisers to scale their investment on this medium. We are addressing the problem in a way that's 100% win-win for all parties (Telcos, Media agencies, Publishers and Advertisers). Today, Mobile operators were making zero revenue from Mobile Display ads and now with AdFalcon Demand Manager we have opened up to them a new revenue line based on a full turnkey solution from providing the technology stack to business development & sales activities. " Quader Added, "The wheel of our innovation won't stop here, we are committed to grow the digital advertising industry and provide secure and scalable solutions to all stakeholders in the region" About AdFalcon: AdFalconis the first mobile advertising and data platform in the Middle East aimed at providing a specialized mobile advertising experience to advertisers, publishers, developers and mobile users across the region. AdFalcon's state of the art technology, intelligent targeting mechanism and diversified mobile ads, aims to assist our partners in maximizing their campaigns' return on investment (ROI) and to deliver satisfying results for their brands and businesses. Headquartered in Dubai Media City with offices and presence across Jordan, Lebanon and KSA, AdFalcon is delivering ads across 23 countries in the MENA region targeting more than 200 million mobile internet users. AdFalcon is owned and operated by Noqoush Mobile Media Group. Press contact: AdFalcon: +96265885813 or info@noqoush.com SANTA MONICA, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- MomentFeed, the leader in mobile customer experience management for multi-location brands, today announced it has closed $16.3 million in another round of funding, led by Level Equity with participation from existing investors -- Signia Venture Partners, Draper Nexus and DFJ Frontier. This new round of funding will support the expansion of MomentFeed's talented team of software engineers and enable the company to add new products, features and services requested by the company's enterprise clients. It will also be used to bolster operations and add additional sales executives to focus on new clients and grow the company's network of advertising, marketing, SEO and social media agency partners. "MomentFeed has always been driven by the direct success of our clients and the value of our network and agency partnerships," said MomentFeed CEO Robert Blatt. "This funding is an affirmation of our business strategy and allows us to continue on the path of powering our clients' success. With 80% of mobile consumer interaction with multi-location businesses now happening through the digital representations of their stores, there are many more powerful capabilities that we can now add to our platform to help our clients succeed." "Solving the unique mobile customer engagement challenges faced by multi-location brands is a tremendous market opportunity and MomentFeed's capabilities, culture and business strategy have driven immense growth and very strong customer retention," said Sarah Sommer of Level Equity. "We're excited to be part of building this great company." "The relationship we have with MomentFeed has been a powerful partnership in multiple ways. They've helped us plan and put together smarter, more effective customer engagement programs. More importantly, this ongoing partnership is based entirely on our company's success in adopting new ways to reach our customers," said Kristen Pechacek from Self Esteem Brands. "While MomentFeed has gone above and beyond to educate us and ensure that we're utilizing their platform to its full potential, they also understand how important the human and behavioral component is in getting our more than 2,500 Anytime Fitness club owners to be successful." About MomentFeed MomentFeed's mobile customer experience management software enables multi-location brands to make their nearest location the best choice for every mobile customer. The modular platform helps organizations distribute consumer engagement to the store or neighborhood level, creating a mobile customer experience that is more authentic, relevant and engaging for local consumers. With a consistent customer experience across mobile search, social media, mobile advertising and customer care, the platform helps continuously and predictably capture more sales for retailers, restaurant chains, banks, auto dealers, insurance companies and other franchised and corporate-owned multi-location businesses. MomentFeed was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Santa Monica, California. For more information visit www.momentfeed.com, follow us on Facebook, and also on Twitter (@MomentFeed). Contact: Chad Torbin Speakeasy Strategies on behalf of MomentFeed 415.548.6536 Email Contact SAN DIEGO, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- ImageWare Systems, Inc. (ImageWare or IWSY) (OTCQB: IWSY), a leader in mobile and cloud-based, multi-modal biometric identity management solutions, and SAP will showcase GoVerifyID integration with the SAP HANA Cloud Platform and Fiori UX at Mobile World Congress. The event goes from February 27th to March 2nd and is held at Fira Gran Via and Fira Montjuic in Barcelona, Spain. Together, GoVerifyID, SAP HANA Cloud Platform and SAP Cloud Identity Service enables single sign-on multi-modal biometric user authentication for all SAP HANA Cloud Platform applications. GoVerifyID, combined with SAP Fiori, provides a secure, personalized user experience. ImageWare will be showcasing both its GoVerifyID consumer and enterprise products. "Simplifying the user experience while simultaneously enhancing security is the core value we offer," said Jim Miller, president and CEO of ImageWare Systems. "Integrating GoVerifyID with SAP HANA allows end users to authenticate for SAP HANA Cloud Platform Applications on their mobile devices with something as simple as a fingerprint, selfie, or passphrase. "Due to its high level of accuracy, security, and ease of use, biometric-enabled single sign-on is the next generation of authentication. We are delighted to join SAP in their booth at Mobile World Congress this year and look forward to showcasing our mobile biometric authentication to all SAP customers and prospects." GoVerifyID is ImageWare's end-to-end enterprise solution that covers the full range of biometric authentication, including: identity proofing, cloud provisioning, on-device enrollment, real-time authentication, seamless integration into existing security workflows, and a turnkey self-service portal. This mobile/cloud SaaS offering is the industry's first multi-modal biometric user authentication solution that allows customers to modify their passwords or two-factor authentication using biometrics. About ImageWare Systems, Inc. ImageWare Systems, Inc. is a leading developer of mobile and cloud-based identity management solutions, providing biometric authentication solutions for the enterprise. The company delivers next-generation biometrics as an interactive and scalable cloud-based solution. ImageWare brings together cloud and mobile technology to offer multi-factor authentication for smartphone users, mobile clients, and desktop devices. ImageWare's products support multi-modal biometric authentication including, but not limited to, face, voice, fingerprint, eye, DNA, and more. All can be combined with or used as replacements of authentication and access control tools, including tokens, digital certificates, passwords, and PINS, to provide the ultimate level of assurance, accountability, and ease of use for corporate networks, web applications, mobile devices, and PC desktop environments. ImageWare is headquartered in San Diego, Calif., with offices in Portland, OR, Ottawa, Ontario, and Mexico. To learn more about ImageWare, visit http://iwsinc.com; follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook. Additional Online Resources Read the IWS blog: https://www.iwsinc.com/category/blog/ IWS' YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjcTr2UMoDRfODCVBD3Ng3A For regular news updates, bookmark IWS' newsroom: http://iwsinc.com/latestnews/ Learn more about ImageWare's GoVerifyID: www.goverifyid.com Newsletter with Gartner Research: https://www.gartner.com/technology/media-products/newsletters/imageWare/1-33E2S2I/index.html Investor Relations Liolios Cody Slach Tel 1-949-574-3860 Email Contact MIAMI BEACH, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- Car Charging Group, Inc. (OTC PINK: CCGI) ("CarCharging"), a leading owner, operator, and provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging services, announced today that a franchisee of Wendy's, the world's third-largest quick-service hamburger restaurant chain, has deployed Blink Level 2 EV charging stations at two Wendy's restaurants in Oregon and Washington. The Blink EV chargers are located at Wendy's at 2708 W. Nob Hill Boulevard in Yakima, Washington, and 2401 West 11th Avenue in Eugene, Oregon. The Blink EV charging stations are available to the public and operate on the Blink Network, the software that manages, monitors, and tracks the Blink EV stations and all its charging data. "One of our central missions at CarCharging is to provide EV drivers with the opportunity to charge at all types of locations," said Mike Calise, CarCharging's Chief Executive Officer. "By offering our Blink EV charging stations at quality quick-service locations such as Wendy's, drivers can fuel their bodies and their electric cars at the same time." "As part of our own Company Social Responsibility initiatives, Wendy's is committed to improving our environmental footprint, so we are excited to support electric car drivers in these communities do the same by providing them with Blink EV charging stations," said Jennifer Robson, Vice President of Real Estate of Wenspok Companies. Blink Level 2 chargers are able to rapidly recharge electric cars, and accept payment with the Blink InCard or major credit card via the Blink mobile application, Blink Network website, or Blink customer support center. Blink's free membership offers drivers discounted charging fees on select public EV chargers on the Blink Network. Drivers can pinpoint Blink EV charging station locations and become a Blink member via the Blink mobile application or www.BlinkNetwork.com. In addition to these features, drivers can also initiate charging sessions via the Blink mobile application. About Car Charging Group, Inc. Car Charging Group, Inc. (OTC PINK: CCGI) is a leader in nationwide public electric vehicle (EV) charging services, enabling EV drivers to easily recharge at locations throughout the United States. Headquartered in Miami Beach, Florida with offices in Los Gatos, California and Phoenix, Arizona, CarCharging's business is designed to accelerate the adoption of public EV charging. CarCharging offers EV charging equipment and connectivity to the Blink Network, a cloud-based software that operates, manages, and tracks the Blink EV charging stations and all the associated data. The Company also provides residential EV charging solutions for single-family homes. CarCharging has strategic property partners across multiple business sectors including multifamily residential and commercial properties, airports, colleges, municipalities, parking garages, shopping malls, retail parking, schools, and workplaces. For more information about CarCharging, please visit www.CarCharging.com and www.BlinkNetwork.com Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement: This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. By their nature, forward-looking statements and forecasts involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the near future. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Car Charging Group, Inc., and members of its management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed conditions. Investor Relations and Media Contacts: CarCharging Media Contact: Suzanne Tamargo Suzanne@CarCharging.com (305) 521-0200 x 214 Wenspok Companies Media Contact: Elizabeth Curl Elizabeth@wenspok.com (509) 326-6333 TOMBSTONE, AZ -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- MCPI, Inc. (OTC PINK: MCPI) announced today that it has entered into a financing agreement with L2 Capital, LLC, Leawood, Kansas. The agreement calls for L2 to provide $3 million in financing for MCPI's mining operations and business development. John T. Bauska, President and CEO, stated, "$3 million gets us into our Phase I development, where we'll be recovering silver, gold and valuable base metals from unprocessed material already above ground. We'll leverage the proceeds from these operations to start Phase II development, re-entering historically productive mines and employing modern engineering and mining techniques to enhance production. L2 and its associates have great experience with precious metal mining companies, and we're really pleased to have them as our financing facility." The terms and provisions of the agreement are set out in the Form 8-K filed today with the SEC; the agreements are provided as exhibits.https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?action=getcompany&CIK=0001516559&owner=exclude&count=40&hidefilings=0. A link to the filing is also posted to the Company's website, at http://www.mansfieldmartin.com. Contact: Corporate Services Mansfield-Martin Exploration Mining, Inc. Information@mansfieldmartin.com 1137 Highway 80 East P.O. Box 1218 Tombstone, Arizona 85638 TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- Cordoba Minerals Corp. (TSX VENTURE: CDB)(OTCQX: CDBMF) ("Cordoba" or the "Company") and its joint-venture partner, High Power Exploration Inc. ("HPX"), a private mineral exploration company indirectly controlled by mining entrepreneur Robert Friedland's Ivanhoe Industries, LLC, are pleased announce that Cordoba has been named to the 2017 TSX Venture 50, a ranking of top performers on the TSX Venture Exchange over the last year. Each year, the ranking showcases TSXV-listed companies that have shown notable results in key measures of market performance. The companies included in the 2017 TSX Venture 50 were selected based on three equally weighted criteria: market capitalization growth, share price appreciation and trading volume. Mario Stifano, President and CEO of Cordoba, commented: "Being named to the TSX Venture 50 is a reflection of the outstanding work by our team of explorationists whose efforts during the past year contributed to a series of notable copper and gold discoveries at our San Matias Project in Colombia. We are aggressively following up on last year's exploration successes at San Matias with three drill rigs testing new high-priority targets." A video produced by the TSX Venture Exchange to mark Cordoba's achievement is available to view at www.tsxventure50.com. Cordoba also was named to the 2017 OTCQX Best 50, a ranking of top performing companies traded on the OTCQX Best Market in 2016. About High Power Exploration (HPX) HPX is a privately owned, metals-focused exploration company deploying proprietary in-house geophysical technologies to rapidly evaluate buried geophysical targets. The HPX technology cluster comprises geological and geophysical systems for targeting, modelling, survey optimization, acquisition, processing and interpretation. HPX has a highly experienced board and management team led by Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert Friedland, President Eric Finlayson, a former head of exploration at Rio Tinto, and co-chaired by Ian Cockerill, a former Chief Executive Officer of Gold Fields Ltd. For further information, please visit www.hpxploration.com. About Cordoba Minerals Cordoba Minerals Corp. is a Toronto-based mineral exploration company focused on the exploration and acquisition of copper and gold projects in Colombia. Cordoba has a joint venture with High Power Exploration on the highly prospective, district-scale San Matias Copper-Gold Project located at sea level with excellent infrastructure and near operating open-pit mines in the Department of Cordoba. For further information, please visit www.cordobaminerals.com. ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY Mario Stifano, President and CEO Cordoba Minerals Corp. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contacts: Cordoba Minerals Corp. Mario Stifano President and CEO info@cordobamineralscorp.com www.cordobaminerals.com VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- BTL GROUP LTD. (TSX VENTURE: BTL) ("BTL") is pleased to disclose that it has been recognized as a TSX Venture 50 company in 2017 (TSX Venture 50 is a trademark of TSX Inc. and is used under license). The TSX Venture 50 are the top 10 companies listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, in each of five major industry sectors - mining, oil & gas, clean technology & life sciences, diversified industries and technology - based on a ranking formula with equal weighting given to return on investment, market cap growth, trading volume and analyst coverage. All data was as of December 31, 2016. Since being founded in 2015, BTL has reached significant milestones in blockchain and distributed ledger technology with the development of its proprietary platform Interbit. Interbit is an enterprise grade platform that encompasses privacy, scalability and portability and is running some of the world's most advanced blockchain pilot projects in the finance and energy sectors. Becoming a 2017 TSX Venture 50 Company recognizes BTL's success over the last 12 months and lists BTL among the top 10 performing technology companies on the TSX Venture Exchange. "I am delighted that our hard work over the last year has resulted in us being listed among the top ten performing technology companies on the TSX Venture Exchange, thanks mainly to the exceptional team we have built here at BTL," said Guy Halford-Thompson, BTL Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. "I would like to thank and congratulate the entire BTL team and we look forward to another successful year during which we aim to further improve and deploy our Interbit platform." "TSX Venture Exchange is Canada's leading capital formation platform for growth stage companies and an important part of our country's vibrant and unique capital markets continuum," said Brady Fletcher, Managing Director, TSX Venture Exchange. "We are proud to once again recognize the success of TSX Venture 50 companies, and remain dedicated to fueling entrepreneurialism by providing a market where small and early-stage companies can take their ideas and innovations to the next level." ABOUT BTL GROUP LTD. Operating from both Canada and the UK, BTL offers blockchain solutions to businesses across multiple industries, in particular the finance, energy and gaming sectors. BTL has built prototypes that showcase the capabilities of its Interbit platform, a proprietary blockchain based interbank payment network and settlement and asset trading solution. Interbit is an open, multi-chain, asset settlement platform with a suite of APIs and smart contracts that allow businesses from across the world to provide global access to fast, secure, and auditable financial and asset trading services. With offices in Vancouver and Canary Wharf in London, BTL is positioning itself as a front-runner in the blockchain ecosystem, providing advice and knowledge to industry leaders. Website: www.btl.co Twitter: https://twitter.com/blockchainltd ABOUT THE TMX GROUP TMX Group's key subsidiaries operate cash and derivative markets and clearinghouses for multiple asset classes including equities, fixed income and energy. Toronto Stock Exchange, TSX Venture Exchange, TSX Alpha Exchange, The Canadian Depository for Securities, Montreal Exchange, Canadian Derivatives Clearing Corporation, NGX, Shorcan, Shorcan Energy Brokers, AgriClear and other TMX Group companies provide listing markets, trading markets, clearing facilities, depository services, data products and other services to the global financial community. TMX Group is headquartered in Toronto and operates offices across Canada (Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver), in key U.S. markets (New York, Houston) as well as in London, Beijing and Singapore. Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which include the commercialization of BTL's Interbit platform, further development of BTL's business relationships and the development and success of BTL's technologies and products, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur. These assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the state of the economy in general and capital markets in particular, the development of competitive technologies, the marketplace acceptance of BTL's technologies and products, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of BTL. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, BTL disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, BTL undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the matters discussed above. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contacts: BTL Group Ltd. Guy Halford-Thompson Chief Executive Officer +1 855 256 5246 guy@btl.co www.btl.co STOCKHOLM, Feb 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Autoliv, Inc. (NYSE: ALV and SSE: ALIVsdb), the worldwide leader in automotive safety systems, has filed its Form 10-K, which includes the Company's 2016 Annual Report, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Form 10-K, including the Annual Report, is available at the SEC Edgar website: www.sec.gov. As of today, the Annual Report is available in a reader-friendly, downloadable pdf-version at Autoliv's corporate website: autoliv.com. Proxy Materials Hard copies of the Annual Report and the proxy statement for the 2017 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will be available beginning in late March 2017 and can be requested on-line at autoliv.com. Shareholders of Autoliv, Inc. as of the record date, March 13, 2017, will be entitled to participate in and vote at the Annual General Meeting, which is scheduled to occur on May 9, 2017 in Chicago, IL, U.S.The Company intends to mail the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials in late March 2017. This notice will include instructions on how to access the proxy materials electronically as well as how to obtain hard copies of the proxy materials. Contact: Inquiries: Thomas Jonsson, Vice President Corporate Communications, Tel: +46-8 58-72-06-27 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/autoliv/r/autoliv-publishes-2016-annual-report,c2196830 The following files are available for download: This release is for information purposes only and does not itself, nor does its distribution in any jurisdiction in which it is received, constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities in the Company and does not constitute investment advice. Summary Purplebricks intends to launch in the United States in the second half of 2017 Purplebricks has become the most recognised real estate agency brand in the United Kingdom ("UK") in less than 3 years The hybrid real estate service, combining customer facing technology with Local Property Experts (licensed real estate agents), saves customers significant sums versus traditional agents Purplebricks has sold circa US$7.5 billion of property since its launch in the UK The Company launched its business into the Australian market in September 2016 and now services Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales. Purplebricks intends to launch in Adelaide and Perth soon Eric Eckardt has been appointed US CEO Purplebricks, a UK listed company, which is changing the way people buy, sell and let property, is pleased to announce that it intends to launch its hybrid real estate agency services in the United States in the second half of 2017. The Directors consider expansion of the Company's business and the Purplebricks brand into the US real estate market to be the next step in the Company's rapid expansion. The United States is one of the world's largest real estate markets with circa 5.5 million residential properties sold in 2016. US market dynamics The US real estate market, which Company management estimates generates some US$70 billion in annual real estate commission, remains highly fragmented. As an example the top five states by residential sales volume units (California, Texas, Florida, Illinois and Ohio) represent, on average, approximately 25 per cent of the total residential real estate transaction volume (5,450,000 in 2016 over five times as many as in the UK). This fragmentation is demonstrated by the fact the market is comprised largely of individual agents with the US Association of Real Estate License Law Officials recording more than 2 million licensed real estate agents. Details of the Company's proposed strategic expansion into the US The Directors consider that there is now a significant opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the US real estate market, and the Company intends to launch in the second half of 2017. It is intended that, initially, Purplebricks will strategically roll out in a defined number of US states, before rolling out more widely across other states. The launch will be led by a US Chief Executive Officer, Eric Eckardt, supported by Founder and Group CEO Michael Bruce and his brother and co-founder Kenny Bruce. Eric has more than 20 years of experience in real estate, finance and technology. Unlike traditional real estate agencies, the Company does not have a retail presence. Instead it offers a sophisticated online technology platform which, together with its Local Property Experts (LPEs), who are licensed real estate agents, is intended to provide US customers with a convenient and transparent means of engaging in the process of buying and selling real estate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to suit them. Purplebricks provides a service that is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the click of a button. Buyers, sellers, LPEs and real estate agents will be able to safely and securely communicate with one another through the Purplebricks platform. The Purplebricks model is intended to make LPE's, Listing Agents and Buying Agents more productive and for the customer's journey to be more convenient, transparent and cost effective. The Company is seeking to attract some of the most experienced real estate agents in the industry, who want the opportunity to run their own scalable, profitable business like many of Purplebricks' existing LPEs do in the UK and Australia. LPEs will benefit from having their own dedicated regions, supported by Purplebricks' technology and marketing infrastructure. Purplebricks expects LPEs to have strong local knowledge and a genuine desire to offer first class service to customers. The Company intends to launch with an adapted business model to fit the US market, that meets the needs and requirements of customers and will address the buy and sell side commission system that operates there. In the UK, Purplebricks' customers are offered a flat fee which is a percentage of the average fee charged by traditional real estate agents. Background on Purplebricks In less than three years, Purplebricks has become the most recognised brand in the UK real estate agency market having become known for being a fair, modern and transparent way to sell or buy a property. In support of the customer service ethos, Purplebricks is the most positively reviewed real estate agent rated Excellent and scoring 9.4 out of 10 by over 12,400 reviews on independent review site Trustpilot. To date, over US$7.5 billion1 in residential property has been sold via the Purplebricks model in the UK alone. The Company launched its business into the Australian market in September 2016 and now services Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales. The Purplebricks real estate agency model is expected to be launched in Adelaide and Perth in March and April 2017 respectively. Growth in the Company's Australian operations has occurred faster than in any of Purplebricks' UK regional launches. The Company has over 400 LPEs. Michael Bruce, Founder and Group CEO of Purplebricks, commented: "We are proud to announce our plans to launch Purplebricks in the US, a market that we estimate to be worth some US$70 billion in annual real estate agent commission. Our customer proposition of high quality service and value, delivered through the combination of technology and people, is driving irreversible change in the UK and Australian markets. We are confident that with our understanding of the US market and our experience from having already launched in two markets Purplebricks can build a significant business in what is one of the most fascinating and rewarding real estate markets in the world." For the real estate agents we recruit Purplebricks presents an exciting new platform to build scaleable, profitable businesses in their own dedicated regions, supported by our strong technology infrastructure and marketing reach. For US customers we are seeking to offer a better deal in selling and buying their homes, with a more convenient, transparent and cost effective service." ENDS 1 At current exchange rates View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223005884/en/ Contacts: Instinctif Partners David Simonson, Mark Reed, George Yeomans +44 (0) 20 7457 2020 FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Siim Karu raises the bar of hotel profitability with cutting edge technologies Siim Karu has been appointed Corporate Director of Revenue Management of pentahotels, effective 1 February 2017. In this newly created role within the group, Siim will oversee and further develop pentahotels' global revenue strategy. By using advanced information technology systems to streamline manual efforts and maximise financial income for all pentahotels worldwide, the fresh brand continues to be the trendsetter amongst the lifestyle hotel segment with its innovative approach. (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/471407/Siim_Karu.jpg ) Launched almost 10 years ago, pentahotels is recognised as being a digital native and pioneer of information technology. Siim Karu, who has been serving loyally in pentahotels' global revenue management team since 2015, is now taking on new challenges to redefine the organisational structure and set new standards in his field of expertise based on his new position. Siim Karu is enthusiastic about his new role: "Now is the time to advance our systems on a corporate level by using innovational big data strategies. Powered by our great team spirit and each team member's dedication to our daily business, we look forward to creating further successes for the brand with new ideas and technologies". pentahotels' Managing Director, Alastair Thomann, comments: "The smart use of information technology in revenue management provides us with huge competitive advantages. The brand was born in times of digitalisation, and we are experienced in using every tool available to enhance our processes. I am confident that Siim will be a dynamic and passionate leader and contribute greatly to pentahotels' strategic development with his talents". pentahotels represents a new generation of hotels. Known for its unique interior design and "neighbourhood" feel, the lifestyle brand stands for true innovation in the industry's four-star segment. With 27 hotels across seven countries over two continents, pentahotels offers individual and business travellers comfort and style in a relaxed atmosphere. The hallmark of the hotel chain is the pentalounge - a combination of lounge, bar, cafe and reception - that stands out with its "living room" look and feel. For further information and bookings, please visit http://www.pentahotels.com . Follow us on facebook.com/pentahotelsfor our latest news. Media Contacts: media consulta International Holding AG On behalf of pentahotels Aleksandar Musikic Phone: +49-(0)-30-65-000-388 E-mail: press.pentahotels@mcgroup.com Global Marketing & Communications Department pentahotels Max Siegers Phone: +49-(0)-69-256699-750 E-mail: communications@pentahotels.com https://twitter.com/pentahotels https://www.instagram.com/pentahotels/ https://www.facebook.com/pentahotels https://www.linkedin.com/company/penta-hotels https://pentahotels.live/ JAMESTOWN, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- Green EnviroTech Holdings, Corp. (OTC PINK: GETH) is pleased to announce its achievements in 2016 and the business outlook for 2017 and beyond. Last year was an extraordinary 12 months in the life of our company. Prior to 2016, the GETH team was dedicated to perfecting viable solutions for processing End of Life Tires and Waste Plastics. Over several years the team never lost their focus on the end game - to build a Processing Solution that would deliver profit for the company and exceptional financial returns to our shareholders. In 2016, we turned the corner as we perfected a first generation End of Life Tire Processing Solution that is financially viable and ready for deployment. The last 12 months have been focused on completing all of the complementary steps that are required to make a project fundable, securing partners who can help to deploy our solutions, and engaging with funding institutions who will finance projects in the USA and around the world. I joined GETH in 2016 as CEO and President of Smart Fuel Solutions, a majority owned private subsidiary of GETH. I feel enormously blessed to have arrived at the time when my talented colleagues' hard work was coming to fruition. Our team has built the platform upon which I now stand; we have reached this point because of their dedication, fortitude and perseverance. We are set to grow the company in 2017 and beyond. I have outlined below in more detail our achievements in 2016 and the business outlook for 2017 and beyond. I am very proud to be the CEO of GETH and share this letter with you. Achievements in 2016: Focus - strengthening the foundations GEN 1 End of Life Tire Processing Solution 1. Secured a process certification from an independent engineering company 2. Confirmed the financial returns from our GEN 1 End of Life Tire Processing Solution 3. Completed engineering designs of our technology for a 33,000 tons per year processing plant 4. Entered into feedstock agreements and end product offtake agreements, which mean that our GEN 1 solution is ready for deployment 5. Engaged in discussions with several different funding institutions to finance multiple projects in USA, in Mexico and around the world. Carbon Finishing Plant 1. Defined the strategy for a Centralized Carbon Finishing Plant to service all of our USA Processing Plants 2. Completed engineering design for the Carbon Finishing Plant 3. Purchased a proven system for carbon finishing of reclaimed carbon black 4. Reached agreement on a site in Ohio for the Carbon Finishing Plant 5. Obtained Letters of Intent for the off take of the products from the Carbon Finishing Plant GETH Management Team 1. Strengthened GETH team with the addition of Chris Bowers as President and CEO; Gary De Laurentiis will continue as Chairman and EVP Business Development 2. Appointed Jim Klein as VP Engineering; Wayne Leggett as VP Finance; Nick Drobac as VP Project Management GETH Strategic Partners 1. Signed strategic partner agreements with BHP Engineering LLC and Schneider Electric 2. Signed JV agreement with MEAH Global to access project capital and new technologies 3. In discussions with Impulsa Business Accelerator to develop projects in Mexico, Central and South America Financial strength 1. Converted $2,748,683 of debt into equity, of which $2,433,278 was converted @ $0.50 per share 2. Maintained low cost of operations during development stage 3. Maintained public filings on a timely basis 4. Management continued to fund the company in 2016 and made a major contribution to the acquisition of Carbon Finishing Plant equipment and engineering I am very pleased with the progress we have made in 2016; we have laid foundations that we believe will let us build plants in the USA and in Mexico and begin to generate revenues in 2017. We are particularly pleased to have achieved the process certification, secured feedstock supply and sourced end product offtake agreements as these are the ingredients that enable funding of a Processing Plant. The GETH team and our strategic partners have done a superb job of advancing the Company strategy over the last 12 months. Gary De Laurentiis, GETH Chairman added, "I am very proud of the team and what we have achieved in the last 12 months. This is the culmination of many years of hard work and we are on the cusp of achieving revenues and profits for GETH. I would like to thank all of our long term supporters and partners who kept faith with the Company during the tough times we have endured; you have helped us to reach this important point in the evolution of GETH." Business Outlook for 2017: Set the stage for growth It is critically important that we continue to make progress in 2017 and our team is committed to achieving our goals. This begins with a rigorous focus on what we need to achieve in the next 12 months. Our goals for 2017 are listed below: 1. Generate revenue 2. Build a Carbon Finishing Plant 3. Build a minimum of one GEN 1 End of Life Tire Processing Plant 4. Strengthen the organization in preparation for growth in 2018 Beyond 2017: Achieve Market Leadership As we look forward to 2017 and beyond, I am very optimistic about both the short term and long term business outlooks for GETH. Processing of End of Life Tire feedstock represents a multi-billion dollar revenue opportunity. Our 'hub and spoke' and 'copy exact' business models, combined with the deals we are discussing with our funding partners mean that we will be able to scale very quickly. Our goal over the next 5 years is to become the global market leader in processing End of Life Tires. We will pursue an upgrade and generational development strategy to keep ahead of the competition and to maintain and improve the excellent financial performance of GETH plants. As we deploy our Processing Plants around the world we will look for opportunities within the local communities to stimulate additional economic activity and address environmental and social challenges. Through this approach we will not only clean up the environment but also work to alleviate poverty. In closing, I am honored to work at this company and with its outstanding people. What they have accomplished during often difficult circumstances has been extraordinary. I would like to publicly recognize their dedication and efforts. I would also like to thank you, our shareholders for your continued support and faith; without you we could not have reached this point. To quote Winston Churchill, "This is not the end, it is not even the beginning of the end; but it is the end of the beginning." We are on the cusp of achieving something incredible. Sincerely, /s/ Chris Bowers President and CEO Green EnviroTech Holdings Corp. About GreenEnviroTech Holdings Green EnviroTech Holdings, Corp. (GETH) is a pioneer in sustainable development. Our mission is to find and implement practical, economical solutions that will clean up the environment. Our technologies will convert waste into valuable products and help to protect the planet. For more information on GETH: www.greenenvirotech.com Forward-Looking Statements This letter contains forward-looking statements that relate to future events, including our ability to raise capital, or to our future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects our current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. For a discussion of these risks and uncertainties, please see our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our public filings with the SEC are available from commercial document retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. CONTACT INFORMATION Public Relations and Media Contact: LCG Headquarter Office 702.333.4886 www.lcginfo.com JUPITER, FL--(Marketwired - February 23, 2017) - GelTech Solutions, Inc. (OTCQB: GLTC) provides 2016 review as contained in the following letter. Dear Shareholder, In 2016, GelTech Solutions continued to make advances across all business platforms and, after years of effort, is beginning to see the first signs of potentially significant revenue growth. Two markets in particular are showing great promise: Communication tower contractors who are purchasing FireIce Shield CTP Systems designed to prevent fires and damage during hot work modifications of equipment and towers, and Utilities companies planning to launch programs in 2017 that proactively incorporate FireIce and FireIce Shield products into their fire safety programs. We are also working with several industrial clients who are incorporating FireIce Shield into their manufacturing process to prevent fires and avoid costly business interruptions while processing flammable materials. In addition, there are a number of R&D projects underway, including suppression systems for lithium battery fires, shipping pouches for mailing defective personal electronic devices, and self-contained fire suppression systems for warehouses and big box retail stores, but it is too early to tell when we might expect to realize revenues from these activities. Wildland Division The 2016 wildland fire season was a combination of success and challenges. The number and size of fires in the Wildland Division's geographic portfolio were down in 2016 compared to the prior year. In particular, fire seasons in the Pacific Northwest, Middle Canada and Midwest were not as severe as they had been in the previous year, partially offset by a busier season in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern regions. By continuing to expand our geographic coverage, we hope to not only grow the business but lessen the impact of regional variances in demand. To achieve that goal: We now offer support for fixed airtanker bases, which allows for significantly more product to be delivered to a fire. We successfully completed an evaluation with a Canadian province that utilizes heavy airtankers capable of carrying 2,000 gallons of fire retardant, and expect to see additional revenues in 2017. Several additional state agencies are evaluating FireIce for their ground engine apparatus, a significant and largely untapped market for GelTech. for their ground engine apparatus, a significant and largely untapped market for GelTech. We continued testing and evaluation of our flagship FireIce HVO-F product with the intention of submitting the product for approval on the U.S. Forest Service ("USFS") Qualified Products List ("QPL"). 2016 was also a year of significant challenges: A significant western state slated to evaluate FireIce HVO-F at all of their tanker bases for the 2016 fire season encountered procurement issues and was not able to purchase our product. We are hoping to recapture this opportunity in the 2017 season. Several major states had below-average fire seasons which negatively impacted revenue. Although we project revenue based on expected weather patterns and fire seasons, it is impossible to predict fire seasons with any reasonable accuracy. Unexpectedly and without notification, the USFS removed a clause in the QPL that permitted FireIce HVO-F, used primarily by state agencies, to be field tested for performance and effectiveness as an experimental colorant in preparation for a formal QPL submission. Although states are not required to adhere to the QPL, this did cause a ripple effect in instances where states share their airtankers with federal agencies, including the USFS and Bureau of Land Management. Our team is working diligently with elected officials to resolve this issue with the USFS. Looking forward to 2017; We are currently working with several large western states to initiate evaluations in their airtankers for 2017. We are also in various stages of negotiation with four large western states and two Canadian provinces/territories for aviation operations and several smaller states for ground engine operations. We anticipate signing at least two long-term contracts with existing customers prior to the start of the 2017 fire season. We expect the new FireIce FireBoss Injection System will be completed and installed on the first aircraft by the 2Q of 2017. GelTech has made a significant investment in this technology, and partnered with a leading engineering firm in the airtanker industry in anticipation of significant market opportunities in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Europe for these systems. The FireBoss is a water-scooping airtanker, and the Injection System provides the ability to mix a full load of FireIce in-flight after scooping water. GelTech partnered with an engineering firm based in Saskatoon, SK, to develop a state-of-the-art system for fixed and portable airtanker bases, designed to mix and load FireIce product in a completely automated process. This system will be the safest and most advanced retardant loading system on the market and significantly improve tanker base efficiency. The prototype system has been tested with positive results and we anticipate deploying several first-generation units during the 2017 fire season. Utility Division We made significant strides in the Utility Division this year, in particular with one large Utility company with locations across several major U.S. cities. Although we had expected to see revenue growth in Q3 and Q4 of 2016, we are now confident we will generate significant revenues in 2017 in this segment. Independent lab testing of our Emergency FireIce Manhole Delivery System' ("EMFIDS"), designed for worker protection when working underground, showed extremely positive results and was performed and paid for by the Utility company. In addition to EMFIDS, this Utility company is actively looking to outfit their repair and first responder vehicles with our FireIce Fire Extinguishers for Class A events. The program for suppression of manhole, transformer and substation fires continues with New York and Boston and has received praise from the Commissioner of the Boston Fire Department. We are well into discussions with a number of other utilities and agencies which we are hopeful will lead to additional revenues in 2017. The products we sell in the Utility industry include FireIce Fire Extinguishers, FireIce Rapid Response Units', EMFIDS, FireIce Pro 25-lb. buckets and FireIce Eductors (which utilities are now supplying to their local fire departments). Communication Towers After a nearly two-year effort, we have begun training and delivering FireIce Shield CTP Systems to Crown Castle contractors (who also do work for other cell tower owners) in Crown's southeast region in December 2016, shortly after that region began asking contractors to include the CTP System in their bid proposals. Using a blend specially designed for application to the interior and exterior of cell towers and surrounding brush and vegetation, the FireIce Shield CTP System is designed to prevent fires during modifications of cell tower equipment and/or towers. We expect this business segment to grow significantly as we add other regions within the Crown Castle organization and other cell tower owners. We also expect the demand for this system to grow as regulatory codes become stricter and aging towers require fortification. The products we sell to cell tower contractors includes the FireIce Shield CTP System, FireIce Shield CTP 5-lb. buckets, FireIce Fire Extinguishers, 2-Liter and 2.5-Gallon FireIce Shield canisters and our newly launched reusable FireIce Shield Welding Blankets. Industrials This is a new and exciting avenue for the FireIce brand family of products. We currently are working with several industrial clients that manufacture products which are flammable during the manufacturing process or there is a high probability of fire in their operations. The opportunity ranges from FireIce for suppression to FireIce Shield products to prevent fires in areas prone to frequent fires. This business segment began to grow in the second half of 2016, and is moving from the individual plant level to the corporate level where the expectation is that the systems and methods created will be deployed throughout many if not all the plants in these companies operate. Products sold in this Division include, FireIce Shield , FireIce Fire Extinguishers, FireIce Professional 25-lb buckets with high capacity eductors and special blends developed for specific needs. Distributors Our continued push into fire prevention is leading to a more stable and growing recurring revenue stream. The most significant gains have been in the FireIce Shield line of products, ranging from Welding Blankets to 32 oz. Spray Bottles and refillable canisters with refills sold in 2-Liter, 2.5 gallon and more recently 55-gallon drums. We are gaining momentum with plumbers, welders and are even being used in five major ship repair/building yards. We expect this trend to continue throughout 2017. New Product Launches Towards the end of 2016 and continuing into 2017, we completed development of and have launched three new products: FireIce Shield Welding Blankets, ChargeSafe' case and the FireIce Shield Emergency Containment Unit. FireIce Shield Welding Blankets are a premium product that combine fire-resistant silica fabric and FireIce Shield to deliver significantly better protection from the damage caused by sparks and slag during welding and plumbing activities. ChargeSafe' is a portable zippered case used to store a personal electronic device (cellphone, e-cigarette, etc.) during charging when the risk from a lithium battery fire is highest. The FireIce Shield Emergency Containment Unit is designed to provide a safe container, filled with FireIce Shield in which an extinguished laptop or other personal electronic device can be submerged and contained after it is extinguished. 2017 Forecast and Conclusion 2016 was a year of challenges and successes. This letter pointed out several of the markets in which we are now generating revenues from a number of our key initiatives. We are hopeful these initiatives have the potential to produce enough revenue to bring the company to profitability. We continue to work closely with our customers to design, develop and manufacture great new products and deliver great customer service that leverages the versatility of FireIce and FireIce Shield. For example, one of our more recent R&D projects, the FireIce Shield Welding Blanket, began in mid-2016 and is currently being purchased by four private shipyards in the southeast and under evaluation by several other shipyards across the U.S. Although 2017 has gotten off to a slower start than 2016, taking all this into consideration, we are still forecasting revenues of between $3.0 and $3.5 million in 2017, a significant increase from 2016. The most significant revenue increases are forecasted for the second half of 2017. All in all, we are looking forward to a promising 2017, and will keep you informed as we move forward together. Regards, Michael Reger President, GelTech Solutions Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This shareholder letter contains forward-looking statements including expectations regarding significant revenue growth, growth in our business, opportunities in 2017, additional revenues in 2017 from a Canadian market, expectations for our FireIce Shield CTP System from stricter regulations, the expected completion of the FireIce FireBoss Injection System, anticipated deployment of the new prototype system, expected growth and sales of the FireIce Shield CTP System, expected trends in 2017, our belief regarding potential for profitability and our forecasted projections. Forward-looking statements can also be identified by words such as "targets," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "may," "will," "plan," "continue," "forecast," "remains," "would," "should," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, are not guarantees of future performance and involve assumptions, risks, and uncertainties. Actual performance and results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. We caution you therefore against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include the effectiveness of our products during evaluations, a slow fire season, the natural reluctance to changes in the industries for which our products are or will be sold, unanticipated failure to fulfill orders promptly, changes in environmental regulations that affect the use of our products, assumptions and estimates that we have made in our forecast are inaccurate, budgetary changes as a result of growth in our business and increased expenses from increase in sales. Further information on our risk factors is contained in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Form 10-KT filed on March 31, 2016. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this shareholder letter speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. For investor relations questions, please contact: Michael Porter Porter, LeVay & Rose (212) 564-4700 Email contact For media inquiries, please contact: Paul Christle GelTech Solutions Director of Media and Communications (800) 924-4874 Email contact ALISO VIEJO, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- OCTANe, Orange County's life sciences and technology accelerator organization, today announced the release of its inaugural OCTANe Impact Report, a comprehensive paper detailing the current state of Orange County's tech and med-tech environment. The report includes OCTANe's insights for spurring economic growth in the region while providing a comprehensive look at its progressive service portfolio. "The tech and med-tech ecosystems in Southern California are growing at an astonishing rate -- faster than most people realize," said OCTANe CEO, Bill Carpou. "The future is bright for the region and OCTANe's programs will continue to play a pivotal role in helping early-stage companies succeed." As part of the report, OCTANe's announced its commitment to long-term job creation in Orange County and has pledged to help create a total of 22,000 jobs by 2025. To date, OCTANe's LaunchPad Small Business Development Center (LaunchPad SBDC) has assisted nearly 1,500 companies by using the power of data, predictive analytics and human interaction to help attract capital. The program is the leading SBDC in the nation. Of the companies OCTANe has worked with, 321 graduated through the entire LaunchPad process and 236 received funding. OCTANe is the leader in providing greater access to capital and expertise in the Orange County ecosystem. In order to facilitate sustainable growth, OCTANe will continue to provide services -- like LaunchPad SBDC -- which assists early-stage companies with gaining access to capital, OCTANe Connect which connects key constituents through signature programs and events, and OCTANe Growth Services which provides advisory services for companies to grow and scale quickly. While OCTANe's primary mission is focused in Orange County and the greater Southern California region, it looks to scale and impact other innovation hubs such as Boston, Chicago, New York and Detroit through collaborative partnerships like the one with MassMEDIC announced in August of 2016. These collaborations would provide capital into Orange County and access to other promising technologies to local investors, both institutional and private. Find out more information on the OCTANe Impact Report here. About OCTANe: OCTANe drives technology innovation and growth by connecting ideas and people with resources and capital. Its members represent technology and medical technology executive leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, venture capitalists, academicians, and strategic advisors, all working together to fuel innovation in Southern California. The organization has helped more than 800 companies via the LaunchPad SBDC accelerator. LaunchPad-certified companies have received more than $1.7 billion in investment and equity exits. OCTANe annually welcomes more than 7,000 people to its programs and events. More than 2,000 business leaders throughout the region are OCTANe members. For more information, visit www.octaneoc.org. Media Contact: Cara Parchment cara@octaneoc.org (949) 412-7671 TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- On February 23, 2017, a modern day Saint, Her Holiness Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, will be remembered and honoured by many people throughout the world for dedicating Her life to the spiritual ascent of mankind. Born in India on March 21 1923, Shri Mataji's unique spiritual predisposition was immediately apparent to all who met Her, including Mahatma Gandhi. From a very young age She was aware of Her unique spirituality and throughout Her life demonstrated the perfect compatibility of a deeply spiritual life with the ordinary life of a housewife, mother and grandmother. While on a visit to Nargol (on the west coast of India) in 1970, Shri Mataji spent some time meditating on a deserted beach. While in deep meditation, she had a profound spiritual experience. As a result she developed a meditation technique that could trigger a process of individual spiritual transformation and taught this technique - at no cost - to others as Sahaja Yoga. Over the course of a forty-year period, Her vision for a world of peaceful, balanced, enlightened people grew from a handful of devotees to an internationally recognized meditation technique. To spread the knowledge of Sahaja Yoga, Shri Mataji travelled to many countries around the globe, communicating Her message of compassion, integration and harmony. Her generosity and powerful message of love and peace led to Her receiving a Peace Medal from the United Nations and a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. Hundreds of thousands of people in more than eighty countries around the world are continuing to practice Her Sahaja Yoga Meditation technique, at centres She established. She is remembered by Her words of wisdom, "You cannot know the meaning of life until you are connected to the power that created you." It is this connection that She sought to give to so many. For more information on free Sahaja Yoga Meditation classes and the life of Shri Mataji, please visit our websites: Worldwide - www.freemeditation.com; US - www.sahajameditation.com; Shri Mataji's Life - www.shrimataji.org, www.sahajayoga.org. Vishwa Nirmala Dharma Educational Society/Sahaja Yoga International is a world-wide non-profit organization dedicated to teaching and spreading the art of meditation around the world as well as to provide education on our collective spiritual roots. The principles on which Sahaja Yoga International is based are morality, spirituality, mutual help in our evolution, search for truth, and healing our problems using our inner potential on an individual and collective level. Free classes are offered throughout Canada and the world. Information on locations and times can be found on our website: www.freemeditation.com. Contacts: Vishwa Nirmala Dharma Educational Society www.FreeMeditation.com Arvind Ahuja 416-201-7649 arvindahuja1008@gmail.com NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - February 23, 2017) - PharmaCyte Biotech (OTCQB: PMCB) will join GW Pharmaceuticals, Abbott Laboratories and 66 other publicly traded companies in what could be the first ever cannabis exchange-traded fund (ETF) -- the Emerging AgroSphere ETF. One week ago, ETF Managers Group, headquartered in Summit, New Jersey, filed an initial registration statement with the SEC to become the first of its kind in the ETF industry (https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1467831/000114420417009539/v459698_485apos.htm). According to the filing, the proposed fund will be focused on medical cannabis and "will not invest in any companies that are focused on serving the non-medical marijuana market in the United States, Canada or any other country unless and until such time as the production and sale of non-medical marijuana becomes legal in the United States, Canada or such other country, respectively." Now ETF Managers Group will wait for the SEC to approve the fund, and, if approved, investors can own a piece of the 69 companies that make up the proposed fund all under one ETF. This, of course, means that fund managers will need to buy up shares of the companies that make up the fund, which should increase the liquidity of each of these companies. The index composition can be viewed at: https://www.solactive.com/indices/?indexmembers=DE000SLA1CR1 PharmaCyte Biotech, GW Pharmaceuticals, Abbot Laboratories, Cannabis Science Inc., Medical Marijuana Inc. and the 64 other companies that will make up the proposed ETF, will fall into one of the following three categories. The companies will either be (i) engaged in lawful medical research intended to lead to the production of government approved prescription drugs which utilize natural or synthetic versions of the cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabis based extracts, (ii) involved in the production or sale of products which are legal derivatives of industrial hemp, or (iii) involved in the supply chain of either category of company. PharmaCyte Biotech's work in medical cannabis began when it acquired an exclusive, worldwide license to use its Cell-in-a-Box technology in combination with genetically modified non-stem cell lines which are designed to activate cannabinoid molecules for development of treatments for diseases and their related symptoms. In contrast to the work being done by PharmaCyte's competitors, the company plans to combine the Cell-in-a-Box live-cell encapsulation technology with cannabinoids to develop a unique therapy for difficult-to-treat and deadly forms of cancer, such as brain cancer. Some cannabinoids are prodrugs that must be converted into their cancer-killing form. These prodrugs will be used with the Cell-in-a-Box technology in ways that optimize their anticancer properties while minimizing or even eliminating adverse side effects that normally occur with chemotherapy to treat cancer. PharmaCyte says that it plans to focus initially on developing specific therapies based on carefully chosen cannabinoid molecules rather than using complex Cannabis extracts. The company believes an understanding of the chemical and biochemical processes involved in the interaction of substances derived from Cannabis with live-cell encapsulation will provide the opportunity to develop targeted "green" approaches to treating cancers, such as pancreatic, brain, breast and prostate, among others. PharmaCyte entered into a Research Agreement with the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). The goal of the ongoing research at UNC is to develop methods for the identification, separation and quantification of cannabinoids (which will act like prodrugs) that the company says may be used in combination with its Cell-in-a-Box technology to treat various diseases, beginning with brain and pancreatic cancers. Initial studies were undertaken at UNC on behalf of PharmaCyte using "cannabinoid-like" model compounds to identify the appropriate cell type that can convert the selected cannabinoid prodrugs into metabolites with anticancer activity. UNC is now working with cannabinoid prodrugs from Cannabis to identify the appropriate cell type for the same purpose. Once identified, the genetically modified cells that will produce the appropriate enzyme to convert the cannabinoid prodrugs will be encapsulated using PharmaCyte's Cell-in-a-Box technology. The encapsulated cells and cannabinoid prodrugs identified by these studies will then be combined and used for future studies to evaluate their anticancer effectiveness. About Stock Market Media Group Stock Market Media Group is a Content Development IR firm offering a platform for corporate stories to unfold in the media with research reports, corporate videos, CEO interviews and feature news articles. This article was written based upon publicly available information. Stock Market Media Group was not compensated for the production of this article. Stock Market Media Group may from time to time include our own opinions about the companies, their business, markets and opportunities in our articles. Any opinions we may offer about any of the companies we write about are solely our own, and are made in reliance upon our rights under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and are provided solely for the general opinionated discussion of our readers. Our opinions should not be considered to be complete, precise, accurate, or current investment advice, or construed or interpreted as research. Any investment decisions you may make concerning any of the securities we write about are solely your responsibility based on your own due diligence. Our publications are provided only as an informational aid, and as a starting point for doing additional independent research. We encourage you to invest carefully and read the investor information available at the web site of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at: www.sec.gov, where you can also find all of PMCB's filings and disclosures. We also recommend, as a general rule, that before investing in any securities you consult with a professional financial planner or advisor, and you should conduct a complete and independent investigation before investing in any security after prudent consideration of all pertinent risks. We are not a registered broker, dealer, analyst, or adviser. We hold no investment licenses and may not sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. Our publications about any of the companies we write about are not a recommendation to buy or sell a security. For more information and to read our disclaimer and disclosures: www.stockmarketmediagroup.com. Contact: Stock Market Media Group info@stockmarketmediagroup.com TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- Editor's note: There is a map associated with this press release. Appia Energy Corp. (the "Company or "Appia") (CSE: API)(CSE: API.CN)(FRANKFURT: A0I.F)(MUNICH: A0I.MU)(BERLIN: A0I.BE) is pleased to announce the completion of ground gravity surveying on its Loranger property (the "Property"). The gravity surveys were carried out by MWH Geo-Surveys Ltd. ("MWH") of Vernon, BC. The purpose of the surveys was to identify clay alteration halos that are commonly associated with Athabasca Basin high-grade uranium deposits. The Property is located 28 km southeast of Cameco's Rabbit Lake mill, Athabasca Basin, northern Saskatchewan. The completed gravity surveys covered a total 45.2 km of the 94.0 km of primary structural corridors that were identified on the Property from the recently completed airborne VTEM Max EM and magnetic survey (see Appia News Release dated December 13, 2016). A number of prospective gravity lows identified on the Property; i) have similar size, shape and amplitude as gravity lows associated with high-grade uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin region, such as NexGen's Arrow deposit, Rio Tinto's Roughrider deposit, Cameco's Eagle Point deposit and UEX's Raven-Horseshoe deposits, ii) occur along or directly adjacent to the primary structural corridor, and iii) are associated with cross-cutting faults. The combination of gravity lows, conductor jogs and/or breaks, and cross-cutting faults are common features associated with Athabasca Basin uranium deposits. Mr. Tom Drivas, President and CEO of Appia comments: "We are extremely pleased with the efficient production and professionalism that MWH have provided for the Company. The gravity survey results have been reviewed by James Sykes, who has identified a number of gravity lows that share similar geophysical characteristics and structural controls associated with high-grade uranium deposits that he has worked on, such as the Roughrider and Arrow deposits. The gravity lows will be prioritized based on additional geophysical interpretations, and some of the lows will be tested during our first drill program". In addition to the gravity survey results, Black Hawk Drilling Ltd. has begun mobilizing their diamond drilling equipment to the Property. The diamond drill hole program is planned to commence in late-February. The program will consist of approximately 15 drill holes totalling 2,000 metres in length, and will be supervised by James Sykes, who has had direct and indirect involvement in the discovery of over 350 M lbs. of U3O8 in five deposits in the Athabasca Basin. Drill holes will target the most prospective anomalies identified from the recently completed airborne VTEM Max EM and magnetic surveys, and the ground gravity surveys. About Appia Appia is a Canadian publicly-traded company in the uranium and rare earth sectors. In addition to its primary listing on the Canadian Securities Exchange, (CSE:"API") the company is trading in Germany on the following exchanges: Frankfurt "A0I.F", Munich "A0I.MU and Berlin "A0I.BE". The Company is currently focused on discovering high-grade uranium deposits in the prolific Athabasca Basin on its recently acquired properties, Loranger and Otherside, as well as high-grade REO and uranium surface showings on its Alces Lake joint venture. The company currently holds the surface rights to exploration for about 60,926 hectares (150,551 acres) in Saskatchewan. The company also has NI 43-101 compliant resources of 8.0 M lbs U3O8 and 47.7 M lbs TREE Indicated, and 47.7 M lbs U3O8 and 133.2 M lbs TREE Inferred in the historic mining camp of Elliot Lake in Ontario (previously reported in the Company's news release dated August 1, 2013). The resources are largely unconstrained along strike and down dip. Appia currently has 50.5 million common shares outstanding, 61.7 million shares fully diluted. The technical content concerning the Property in this news release was reviewed and approved by Thomas Skimming, P.Eng, a Director of Appia, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This News Release contains forward-looking statements which are typically preceded by, followed by or including the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance as they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward- looking statements and shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such statements. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the map associated with this press release, please click on the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/1086752_fig1.pdf Contacts: Tom Drivas President, CEO and Director 416-546-2707 416-218-9772 (FAX) appia@appiaenergy.ca James Sykes Director of Saskatchewan Operations 306-221-8717 416-218-9772 (FAX) jsykes@uraniumgeologist.com Thomas Skimming P.Eng., Director 416-444-0900 tmsk8ing@hotmail.com DUBLIN, Feb 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Market Analysis & Trends - Industry Forecast to 2025" report to their offering. The Global Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Market is poised to grow at a CAGR of around 8.7% over the next decade to reach approximately $10.3 billion by 2025. This industry report analyzes the market estimates and forecasts for all the given segments on global as well as regional levels presented in the research scope. The study provides historical market data for 2013, 2014 revenue estimations are presented for 2015 and forecasts from 2016 till 2025. The study focuses on market trends, leading players, supply chain trends, technological innovations, key developments, and future strategies. The report is a valuable asset for the existing players, new entrants and the future investors. Some of the prominent trends that the market is witnessing include raising demand from chemical processing industry, rapid industrialization in emerging countries, and increasing market for recycled PTFE. Based on form the market is categorized into aqueous dispersion, fine powder, granular / molded powder, and micronized powder. By application the market is segmented by filled PTFE, industrial goods, polytetrafluoroethylene coating, and other applications. Depending on the end user industry the market is classified into construction, automotive, food & household, semiconductor, chemical processing, textile laminates, mechanical, medical, electronics, and other industries. Report Highlights: - The report provides a detailed analysis on current and future market trends to identify the investment opportunities - Market forecasts till 2025, using estimated market values as the base numbers - Key market trends across the business segments, Regions and Countries - Key developments and strategies observed in the market - Market Dynamics such as Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities and other trends - In-depth company profiles of key players and upcoming prominent players - Growth prospects among the emerging nations through 2025 - Market opportunities and recommendations for new investments Key Topics Covered: 1 Market Outline 1.1 Research Methodology 1.2 Market Trends 1.3 Regulatory Factors 1.4 Application Analysis 1.5 End User Analysis 1.6 Strategic Benchmarking 1.7 Opportunity Analysis 2 Executive Summary 3 Market Overview 3.1 Current Trends 3.1.1 Raising demand from chemical processing industry 3.1.2 Rapid industrialization in emerging countries 3.1.3 Increasing market for recycled PTFE 3.1.4 Growth Opportunities/Investment Opportunities 3.2 Drivers 3.3 Constraints 3.4 Industry Attractiveness 4 Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Market, By Form 4.1 Aqueous Dispersion 4.2 Fine Powder 4.3 Granular / Molded Powder 4.4 Micronized Powder 5 Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Market, By Application 5.1 Filled PTFE 5.2 Industrial Goods 5.3 Polytetrafluoroethylene Coating 5.4 Other Applications 6 Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Market, By End Use Industry 6.1 Construction 6.2 Automotive 6.3 Food & Household 6.4 Semiconductor 6.5 Chemical Processing 6.6 Textile Laminates 6.7 Mechanical 6.8 Medical 6.9 Electronics 6.10 Other Industries 7 Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Market, By Geography 8 Key Player Activities 8.1 Mergers & Acquisitions 8.2 Partnerships, Joint Venture's, Collaborations and Agreements 8.3 Product Launch & Expansions 8.4 Other Activities 9 Leading Companies 9.1 3M 9.2 Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. 9.3 Chenguang Research Institute Of Chemical Industry 9.4 Daikin Industries, Ltd. 9.5 Dongyue Group Ltd. 9.6 E.I. Du Pont De Nemours & Company 9.7 Gujarat Fluorochemicals Limited 9.8 Halopolymer, Ojsc 9.9 Jiangsu Meilan Chemical Co., Ltd. 9.10 Shanghai 3f New Materials Company Limited 9.11 Solvay Sa 9.12 Zhejiang Juhua Co., Ltd. 9.13 Whitford Corporation 9.14 Zeus Inc. 9.15 Arkema SA 9.16 AGC Chemicals Americas, Inc. For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/ghlhck/global Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 ELCORA ADVANCED MATERIALS CORP. (TSXV: ERA) (FSE: ELM) (OTCQB: ECORF), (the "Company" or "Elcora"), is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Shane Beattie as the CTO of anode development with responsibilities in the technology, testing, manufacturing and technical support of the Company's anode powder. Dr. Shane Beattie Dr. Beattie has more than 15 years of experience in energy storage and anode development. He earned his Ph.D. working with Jeff Dahn at Dalhousie University. His Post Doctoral fellowship was with Dr. Jean-Marie Tarascon at the LRCS, UPJV, Amiens, France. More recently, he was the Technical Director at Warwick University's Battery Pilot Scale-up line. Dr. Beattie will be responsible for expanding the Company's existing capabilities to include testing of pouch cells, evaluating different graphite sources, supervision of the anode facility construction and related personnel, and interfacing with clients. He brings valuable experience working with several automotive companies using Li-ion technology and with cell manufacturers. "The appointment of Dr. Beattie facilitates the development of the anode powder aspect of Elcora's vertically integrated structure and brings battery anode manufacturing and testing knowledge into the Company," said Troy Grant, Elcora's President and CEO. In addition, "His experiences and knowledge of the industry will be key to help commercialize and sell the Elcora anode products." Elcora is pleased to report that they received $500,000 in non-repayable grants and $1,300,000 in Government Loans to assist with continued Lithium-Ion battery testing and development. In addition to the $1,800,000 amount, the Company announces that it has closed the second and final tranche of the non-brokered private placement financing (the "Private Placement") announced on January 31, 2017. The Private Placement closed at a total of $2,645,823 or 9,799,343 Units. The first tranche involved the issuance of 9,326,093 units ("Units") of the Company at a price of $0.27 per Unit for gross proceeds of $2,518,045. The final tranche involved the issuance of 473,250 Units of the Company at a price of $0.27 per Unit for gross proceeds of $127,778. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each full warrant gives the holder the right to purchase one additional common share of Elcora at an exercise price of $0.34 for two years following the closing of the Private Placement. The term of the warrants may be accelerated in the event that the issuer's shares trade at or above a price of $0.60 cents per share for a period of 20 consecutive days. In such case of accelerated warrants, the issuer may give notice, in writing or by way of news release, to the subscribers that the warrants will expire 45 days from the date of providing such notice. In connection with the closing of both tranches of the Private Placement, the Company paid cash finders' fees equal to 6% of the proceeds and issued finders' shares equal to 6% of the number of Units sold. All securities issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a statutory four-month hold period. About Elcora Advanced Materials Elcora was founded in 2011 and has been structured to become a vertically integrated graphite & graphene company that mines, refines, and processes graphite, and produces graphene. The Company's products are then used to manufacture battery grade anode graphite and to develop future graphene based and/or enriched high tech products such as graphene enhanced silicon anodes for lithium ion batteries. As part of this vertical integration strategy, Elcora has secured high-grade graphite and graphene precursor graphite from its interest in the operation of the Ragedara mine in Sri Lanka which is already in production. Elcora has developed a unique low cost effective ecological processes to make high quality battery grade and battery form graphite and graphene at commercial scale. This combination means that Elcora has vertically integrated. the tools and resources required to produce graphite, micro-graphite and graphene. For further information please visit the Company's website at http://www.elcoracorp.com For further information please contact: Troy Grant, Director, President and CEO, Elcora Resources Corp., T: +1 902 802-8847 F: +1 902 446-2001. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock Exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization and reserves, exploration results, and future plans and objectives of Elcora, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Elcora's expectations are exploration risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by Elcora with securities regulators. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- Today the New IP Agency (NIA) welcomed Ericsson AB as its newest member. The New IP Agency (NIA) is an international non-profit organization that provides information, education, analysis, community services and independent testing to support and accelerate the development of a global economy based on open, advanced, virtualized New IP networks. The NIA's community of virtualization professionals is dedicated to working with today's standards to create proven methodologies that will reduce or eliminate the need for costly, time-consuming and repetitive tests. Currently, service providers duplicate interoperability tests, often for the same technologies and functions -- a process that takes up invaluable resources; adds to the sales cycle; and may reduce service providers' interest in better, newer offerings. Through the NIA's Technical Advisory Committee, Ericsson will help steer NIA's focus areas, including how service providers and vendors can work toward interoperability between the more than three-dozen standards currently operating within the virtualization ecosystem. "Ericsson is proud to join the NIA and help drive its independent work in accelerating the global development of telecoms. The new paradigm of innovative and open virtualized networks requires new ways of working with dimensioning, commissioning and support, and we are delighted to share our expertise and experience in these areas," says Martin Backstrom, vice president of the CTO Office and head of IT strategy at Ericsson AB. "Ericsson's decision to join NIA is a historic moment for our organization. Together with Cisco, Huawei and Nokia, we now count all four of the leading NFV solution providers as members, accelerating the NIA's ability to move quickly to resolve the virtualization industry's most challenging interoperability issues," said Stephen Saunders, CEO of Light Reading. Founded in 2016, NIA works with service provider and developer members on interoperability concerns amongst more than three-dozen standards and industry groups addressing virtualization. Through independent testing via partner EANTC and marketing with partner Light Reading, NIA members share knowledge and customer insight to improve product integration, performance and profitability. Ericsson joins other leading developers, including Brocade, Cisco, Dell, ECI, Huawei, Juniper, Nokia, Mitel and ZTE. A full list of the NIA's membership may be found here. For information about NIA, please contact Info@NewIPAgency.com. ABOUT THE NEW IP AGENCY The New IP Agency (NIA) (www.newipagency.com) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) (pending IRS approval) independent initiative providing information, education, analysis, community services and testing to support and accelerate the development of a global economy based on open, advanced, virtualized IP networks. Amy Averbook 917-743-2693 averbook@lightreading.com THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- SOURCE EXPLORATION CORP. (the "Company" or "Source") (TSX VENTURE: SOP) ("Source" or "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ali Zamani to the Board of Directors of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. Zamani brings extensive experience in business, finance, and governance of private and publicly-traded companies. He has served as the Managing Partner of Overlook Investments LLC since January 2016. Prior to Overlook Investments, Mr. Zamani served as a Portfolio Manager at Gefinor Capital Management and as Chief Investment Officer of the GEF Opportunities Fund from 2014-2015. From 2012-2013, Mr. Zamani was a Principal at SLZ Capital Management. Prior thereto, he was a Portfolio Manager at Goldman Sachs & Co from 2004 to 2012 responsible for managing the firm's proprietary investments in publicly traded mining and materials companies. Prior to Goldman Sachs & Co, Mr. Zamani was an Investment Banker focused on mergers and acquisitions at Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein. Mr. Zamani holds a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated magna cum laude. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Applied Minerals Inc. Ali Zamani commented, "I am excited to partner with Source Exploration as a director and investor helping unlock substantial hidden value. The Las Minas Project in Mexico has a rich mining history and I am looking forward to being a part of the Company's next drill program and maiden resource this year. I am confident that there are substantial resources at Las Minas, and more importantly, that those resources are at very economic grades." Brian Robertson, President and CEO of Source Exploration states, "We are pleased with the appointment of Ali to our Board. Ali's extensive financial markets and mining business experience as well as in-depth knowledge of our larger peers and capital discipline will further enhance the strength of our Board as we advance the high potential Las Minas property. On behalf of the Board, we welcome Ali to the Source team." About Source Exploration Source Exploration is a Canadian based mineral exploration company committed to building long-term value through ongoing discoveries and strategic acquisitions of prospective precious metals deposits in Mexico. Source is exploring the Las Minas Project, which is located in the core of the Las Minas district in the Veracruz State, Mexico. The district is host to one of the largest under explored skarn systems known in Mexico and has a strong production history that dates back to the Aztec era. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain information that may constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements about the magnitude or quality of mineral deposits, anticipated advancement of mineral properties or programs, future operations, results of exploration, prospects, commodity and precious metals prices, future work programs, anticipated financial and operational results, capital expenditures and objectives and the completion and timing of mineral resource estimates. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including the risks identified in the Company's disclosure documents available at www.sedar.com. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof and is based on the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. 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 law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Contacts: Source Exploration Corp. David Baker Executive Chairman 604-817-4211 or 604-970-8052 Source Exploration Corp. Brian Robertson President & CEO 807-474-4270 or 807-251-1816 Source Exploration Corp. Camille Turner Investor Relations 604-669-7840 or 604-970-8052 807-474-4272 (FAX) info@sourceexploration.com www.sourceexploration.com Comptel Corporation, Stock Exchange Release February 23, 2017 at 6 PM EET NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, JAPAN, AUSTRALIA, SOUTH AFRICA OR HONG KONG OR IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE TENDER OFFER WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW. Nokia Corporation ("Nokia") and Comptel Corporation ("Comptel" of the "Company") have announced on February 9, 2017 that Nokia through its wholly owned indirect subsidiary Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy (the "Offeror"), makes a voluntary public cash tender offer to purchase all of the issued and outstanding shares and option rights in Comptel that are not owned by Comptel or any of its subsidiaries (the "Tender Offer"). Nokia and Comptel have on February 8, 2017 entered into a transaction agreement setting out, among others, the terms and conditions pursuant to which the Tender Offer shall be made by Nokia through the Offeror. Pursuant to the release published by Nokia today, the Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority has today approved the tender offer document relating to the Tender Offer. According to Nokia's release, the offer period for the Tender Offer will commence on February 27, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. (Finnish time) and expire on March 29, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. (Finnish time). The Offeror reserves the right to extend the Offer Period in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer. Nokia's release referred to above, including also the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer, is attached in its entirety to this stock exchange release. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF COMPTEL Further information: Comptel Tom Jansson Chief Financial Officer tel. +358 40 700 1849 tom.jansson@comptel.com APPENDIX: Nokia Corporation's release and Terms and Conditions of the Tender Offer ABOUT COMPTEL Life is digital moments. Comptel perfects these by transforming how you serve, meet and respond to the needs of "Generation Cloud" customers. Our solutions allow you to innovate rich communications services instantly, master the orchestration of service and order flows, capture data-in-motion and refine your decision-making. We apply intelligence to reduce friction in your business. Comptel has enabled the delivery of digital and communications services to more than 2 billion people. Every day, we care for more than 20% of all mobile usage data. Nearly 300 service providers across 90 countries have trusted us to perfect customers' digital moments. For more information, visit www.comptel.com. NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, JAPAN, AUSTRALIA, SOUTH AFRICA OR HONG KONG OR IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE TENDER OFFER WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW. Forward-Looking Statements This stock exchange release contains statements that, to the extent they are not historical facts, constitute "forward looking statements'. Forward looking statements include statements concerning our plans, expectations, projections, objectives, targets, goals, strategies, future events, future revenues or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs, plans or intentions relating to acquisitions, our competitive strengths and weaknesses, plans or goals relating to financial position, future operations and development, our business strategy and the trends we anticipate in the industries and the political and legal environment in which we operate and other information that is not historical information. In some instances, they can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes", "intends", "may", "will" or "should" or, in each case, their negative or variations on comparable terminology. By their very nature, forward looking statements involve inherent risks, uncertainties and assumptions, both general and specific, and risks exist that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward looking statements will not be achieved. Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward looking statements. Any forward looking statements contained herein speak only as at the date of this stock exchange release. THIS RELEASE MAY NOT BE RELEASED OR OTHERWISE DISTRIBUTED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, JAPAN, AUSTRALIA, SOUTH AFRICA OR HONG KONG OR IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE TENDER OFFER WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW. THIS RELEASE IS NOT A TENDER OFFER DOCUMENT AND AS SUCH DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR INVITATION TO MAKE A SALES OFFER. IN PARTICULAR, THIS RELEASE IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN, AND IS NOT AN EXTENSION OF THE TENDER OFFER, IN THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, JAPAN, AUSTRALIA, SOUTH AFRICA OR HONG KONG. INVESTORS SHALL ACCEPT THE TENDER OFFER FOR THE SHARES AND OPTION RIGHTS ONLY ON THE BASIS OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN A TENDER OFFER DOCUMENT. OFFERS WILL NOT BE MADE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE EITHER AN OFFER OR PARTICIPATION THEREIN IS PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW OR WHERE ANY TENDER OFFER DOCUMENT OR REGISTRATION OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS WOULD APPLY IN ADDITION TO THOSE UNDERTAKEN IN FINLAND. THE TENDER OFFER IS NOT BEING MADE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW AND, WHEN PUBLISHED, THE TENDER OFFER DOCUMENT AND RELATED ACCEPTANCE FORMS WILL NOT AND MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED, FORWARDED OR TRANSMITTED INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW. IN PARTICULAR, THE TENDER OFFER IS NOT BEING MADE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO, OR BY USE OF THE POSTAL SERVICE OF, OR BY ANY MEANS OR INSTRUMENTALITY (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION, TELEX, TELEPHONE OR THE INTERNET) OF INTERSTATE OR FOREIGN COMMERCE OF, OR ANY FACILITIES OF A NATIONAL SECURITIES EXCHANGE OF, THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, JAPAN, AUSTRALIA, SOUTH AFRICA OR HONG KONG. THE TENDER OFFER CANNOT BE ACCEPTED, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, BY ANY SUCH USE, MEANS OR INSTRUMENTALITY OR FROM WITHIN THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, JAPAN, AUSTRALIA, SOUTH AFRICA OR HONG KONG. THIS STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE OR ANY OTHER DOCUMENT OR MATERIALS RELATING TO THE TENDER OFFER ARE FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM ONLY TO PERSONS WHO (I) HAVE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN MATTERS RELATING TO INVESTMENTS FALLING WITHIN ARTICLE 19(5) OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MARKETS ACT 2000 (FINANCIAL PROMOTION) ORDER 2005 (AS AMENDED, THE "FINANCIAL PROMOTION ORDER"), (II) ARE PERSONS FALLING WITHIN ARTICLE 49(2)(A) TO (D) ("HIGH NET WORTH COMPANIES, UNINCORPORATED ASSOCIATIONS ETC.") 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Attachment: https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=616802 Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de TOKYO, JAPAN -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- SCSK Corporation (www.scsk.jp) announced that it has completed the distributor agreement with Workspot, Inc. (www.workspot.com), the leader in next-generation Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), and will start selling Workspot's cloud-native, multi-tenant, and infinitely scalable VDI 2.0. DaaS 2.0 solution is planned to be released in 2017. 1. Background Today the number of companies adopting VDI solutions to improve security, internal control, and BCP is ever increasing. In particular, financial institutions and manufacturing companies that deal with highly confidential information, such as personal data and/or design patents, are embracing VDI. However, there are many challenges that companies face when adopting traditional VDI solutions. Some of the most common problems include high costs and performance issues, due to the complicated architecture of traditional VDI solutions. On average it can take twelve months for large enterprises to fully implement VDI solutions, large sums of money spent on a proof of concept (POC) and hiring expensive engineers to set up the environment. One of the most common issues after implementation involves performance issues that are expensive and difficult to improve. SCSK will offer the Workspot VDI 2.0 solutions, which are based on simple and highly scalable architectures, differing from complex traditional VDI solutions. 2. Product Summary Workspot VDI 2.0 is an all-in-one VDI solution, enabling IT to go from zero to client virtualization in 60 minutes. Workspot allows IT administrators to easily deploy thousands of virtual desktops in hours -- instead of weeks or months -- using Workspot's web-based management console on infrastructure that resides on premises and/or in the cloud. Workspot DaaS 2.0 reinvents traditional DaaS and delivers the benefits of running VDI workloads on any Microsoft Azure region in the world. The secret behind Workspot's speed is its cloud-native control plane architecture. By separating the control and data planes, Workspot simplifies client virtualization deployments by replacing the complex mash that is the operational front end -- including load balancing, brokering, databases, web portal, and provisioning services -- with a cloud service. By eliminating those components, Workspot VDI deploys in 60 minutes, requiring only IT generalists, rather than expensive client virtualization specialists, and fewer IT resources overall. Furthermore, the Workspot solution can work as a Mobile Desktop Management (MDM) platform which provides visibility into device usage, applies security policy on devices, and offers a remote wipe feature in case devices are lost. About SCSK SCSK provides a full lineup of services to support any area of IT solution required for businesses from system integration to IT infrastructure implementation, IT management, BPO (business process outsourcing), and IT hardware and software sales. In addition, we take advantage of the capability to support a global IT system network for customers including Sumitomo Corporation, aiming for further leaps ahead as a global IT services company. http://www.scsk.jp/ About Workspot Workspot has reinvented Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) with its cloud-native VDI 2.0 and Desktop-as-a-Service 2.0 (DaaS 2.0) solutions. With the ability to deploy thousands of virtual desktops in hours -- not weeks or months -- Workspot solves the corporate challenge of securely delivering apps, desktops and data to any device and helps organizations achieve unprecedented time-to-value for VDI implementations. A frictionless experience across mobile, Mac and PC platforms delights users with its elegance and simplicity. Based in Cupertino, California, Workspot was awarded the Best of VMworld 2016 Gold Award for Desktop and Application Delivery solutions. For more information, visit www.workspot.com. Media Contact Kate Amery kate@pulppr.com SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - February 23, 2017) - Last week, Randall Kostick, President and CEO of Zephyr Real Estate, delivered his annual State of the Company address to over 300 Zephyr agents and staff. He spoke glowingly of the company's success in 2016 and of the outlook for 2017. In 2016, Zephyr's gross sales volume was over $2.2 billion, an increase of 47 percent over the past five years in a market that grows aggressively more competitive each year. Total transactions closed showed a five-year increase of five percent. Most importantly, Zephyr maintains its position as Number One in San Francisco's market share, outdistancing larger brokerages such as Coldwell Banker and Pacific Union. Zephyr agents are among the top producers in the Bay Area. Accomplishments for 2016 included a dramatic remodeling and revitalization of their offices, creating a cohesive look for all, while maintaining the individuality of each. The Marin office, after only a year and a half, has expanded again and continues to grow with an agent roster 45 strong. Zephyr, well known for its history of giving back to the community, contributed to a large number of local charities and causes in 2016, following the passion and direction of Zephyr agents and staff through matching funds and event sponsorships. Zephyr agents continue to support the industry through leadership roles on the San Francisco Association of Realtors: Matt Fuller, Tara Donohue and Michael Barnacle; and the Marin Association of Realtors: Mark Machado and Chris Backer. A new, expanded website was launched in August with advanced features such as "Invite a Collaborator" and "It's a Match." The property search feature expanded into five more counties: San Mateo, Sonoma, Napa, Alameda and Contra Costa with the same wealth of information available in San Francisco and Marin Counties. Also in 2016, Zephyr's first digital magazine, The Collection, was instituted to support luxury sales. Zephyr's marketing and technology continues to set the pace and raise the bar in the industry. The company has just launched its new Listing Service Suite, an all-inclusive, concierge-style property marketing package for new listings. "The real estate industry continues to evolve and present new challenges, and we are competing in an environment of new technologies, new approaches and limited inventory," commented Kostick. "Zephyr will survive and thrive in the future for two reasons: We are paying attention; we are adapting." About Zephyr Real Estate Founded in 1978, Zephyr Real Estate is San Francisco's largest independent real estate firm with nearly $2.3 billion in gross sales and a current roster of more than 300 full-time agents. Zephyr's highly-visited website has earned two web design awards, including the prestigious Interactive Media Award. Zephyr Real Estate is a member of the international relocation network, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World; the luxury real estate network, Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate; global luxury affiliate, Mayfair International; and local luxury marketing association, the Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco. Zephyr has six offices in San Francisco, a new office in Greenbrae, and two brokerage affiliates in Sonoma County, all strategically positioned to serve a large customer base throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit www.ZephyrRE.com. Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2017/2/22/11G131059/Images/Randall-Kostick-Zephyr-2017-6c21bfc4af93916195e6f1ea44a1e67d.jpg Contact: Melody Foster Zephyr Real Estate San Francisco, CA 415.426.3203 Email contact NEW YORK, February 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Diesel generator comprises of diesel engine that is connected with an electric generator to produce electricity. Diesel gensets perform the basic function of providing power backup and is also used as a source for reliable and consistent power supply even in remote and far reached areas. Saudi Arabia diesel genets market grew at a moderate pace during 2011-2015, owing to growing construction activities, expansion of public infrastructure, coupled with rising retail and hospitality sectors in the country. Moreover, Saudi Arabia faced economic slowdown during 2014-2015, on account of fall in global crude oil prices. However, prices of crude oil prices across the world is estimated to recover by end of 2017, thereby driving Saudi Arabia's economy in the coming years, due to favourable government policies supporting establishments of new projects. According to Ministry of Water and Electricity, Saudi Arabia's peak electricity is projected to reach 90,000MW by 2022. Thus, increasing demand for electricity is further expected to fuel demand for diesel gensets in the country in the coming years. Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest growing nations that utilizes diesel gensets to power infrastructure of various sectors, especially in oil & gas sector. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140117/663730 ) According to"Saudi Arabia Diesel Gensets Market By Rating, By End User Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2021", the market for diesel gensets in Saudi Arabia is projected to forecast to exhibit a CAGR of 2.9% during 2016-2021, on account ofrising demand for electricity from various end user sectors such as, telecommunications, residential, manufacturing, petrochemical, ICT, commercial and industrial. Moreover,Saudi Arabia diesel gensets market was dominated by northern andcentral region, as both the region cumulatively accounted for highest volume shares in 2015, and the regions are anticipated to continue to dominate the market through 2021, owing to favourable government support that are fueling infrastructural development activities in these region, particularly in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah."Saudi Arabia Diesel Gensets Market By Rating, By End User Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2021" discusses the following aspects of diesel gensets market across the country: Diesel Gensets Market Size & Share Forecast Segmental Analysis - By Rating (Low Voltage, Medium Voltage, High Voltage, Very High Voltage), By End User (Residential, Telecom, Manufacturing, Commercial & Others) Regional Market Analysis (Northern and Central Region, Eastern Region, Southern Region, Western Region) Policy and Regulatory Landscape Changing Market Trends & Emerging Opportunities Competitive Landscape & Strategic Recommendations Why You Should Buy This Report? To gain an in-depth understanding of Diesel Gensets Market in India . . To identify the on-going trends and anticipated growth in the next five years To help industry consultants and Diesel Gensets manufacturers align their market-centric strategies To obtain research based business decisions and add weight to presentations and marketing material To gain competitive knowledge of leading market players To avail 10% customization in the report without any extra charges and get the research data or trends added in the report as per the buyer's specific needs Report Methodology : The information contained in this report is based upon both primary and secondary research. Primary research included interaction with diesel gensets manufacturers, distributors & industry experts. Secondary research included an exhaustive search of relevant publications like company annual reports, financial reports and proprietary databases. Table of Content: 1.Product Overview 2.Research Methodology 3.Analyst View 4.Saudi Arabia Diesel Gensets Market Outlook 4.1.Industry Structure & Stakeholders 4.2.Market Size & Forecast (Value& Volume) 4.3.Market Share & Forecast 4.4.Market Attractiveness Index 5.Saudi Arabia Low Voltage (5kVA-75kVA) Diesel Gensets Market Outlook 5.1.Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 5.2.Market Share & Forecast 5.3.Pricing Analysis 6.Saudi Arabia Medium Voltage (75.1kVA-350kVA) Diesel Gensets Market Outlook 6.1.Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 6.2.Market Share & Forecast 6.3.Pricing Analysis 7.Saudi Arabia High Voltage (350.1kVA-750kVA) Diesel Gensets Market Outlook 7.1.Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 7.2.Market Share & Forecast 7.3.Pricing Analysis 8.Saudi Arabia Very High Voltage (750.1kVA-3000kVA) Diesel Gensets Market Outlook 8.1.Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 8.2.Market Share & Forecast 8.3.Pricing Analysis 9.Saudi Arabia Diesel Gensets Rental Market Outlook 9.1.Market Size & Forecast (Value) 9.2.Market Share & Forecast 10.Market Dynamics 10.1.Drivers 10.2.Challenges 11.Trends & Developments 12.Policy & Regulatory Landscape 13.Saudi Arabia Economic Profile 14.Competitive Landscape 15.Strategic Recommendations About TechSci Research: TechSci Research is a leading global market research firm publishing premium market research reports. Serving 700 global clients with more than 600 premium market research studies, TechSci Research is serving clients across 11 different industrial verticals. TechSci Research specializes in research based consulting assignments in high growth and emerging markets, leading technologies and niche applications. Our workforce of more than 100 fulltime Analysts and Consultants employing innovative research solutions and tracking global and country specific high growth markets helps TechSci clients to lead rather than follow market trends. 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 TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- Equifax Canada (NYSE: EFX), a leading provider of anti-money laundering (AML) products, announced today the launch of AML Assist, a new solution designed to help Canadian financial institutions comply with the recently amended Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA) regulations. AML Assist empowers reporting entities to implement their compliance strategies and fulfill their identity verification obligations under FINTRAC's new PCMLTFA regulations and guidelines. The solution also helps reporting entities gain insight to identify risk and obtain information that will assist with record keeping requirements. By June 30th, 2017, all reporting entities must comply with the new guidelines. Those that do not comply by that date and fail to accurately report and keep a record of client identification are subject to new criminal and monetary penalties. As a registered Canadian credit bureau, Equifax is an aggregator of separate and reliable sources that can be used to help reporting entities implement the identity verification methods set out in the new guidelines. With AML Assist, customers have the option to subscribe to a Single Source verification solution, Dual Source verification solution or an automated cascade from Single to Dual Source. This is enabled by Equifax's new technology platform which has been designed to transform multiple sources of data into comprehensive insights quickly and easily. "We have worked closely with FINTRAC and Department of Finance regulators to create a solution that aligns with FINTRAC's intent and expectations," said Tara Zecevic, Vice President, Fraud Prevention and Identity Management at Equifax Canada. "Canadian businesses that are looking for a comprehensive solution that can be implemented by the guideline deadline can be confident that AML Assist delivers actionable information to strengthen AML compliance, and to ensure their methods of client authentication meet requirements and reporting obligations." About Equifax Equifax powers the financial future of individuals and organizations around the world. Using the combined strength of unique trusted data, technology and innovative analytics, Equifax has grown from a consumer credit company into a leading provider of insights and knowledge that helps its customers make informed decisions. The company organizes, assimilates and analyzes data on more than 820 million consumers and more than 91 million businesses worldwide, and its databases include employee data contributed from more than 6,600 employers. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. It is a member of Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index, and its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol EFX. Equifax employs approximately 9,400 employees worldwide. Some noteworthy achievements for the company include: Ranked 13 on the American Banker FinTech Forward list (2015); named a Top Technology Provider on the FinTech 100 list (2004-2015); named an InformationWeek Elite 100 Winner (2014-2015); named a Top Workplace by Atlanta Journal Constitution (2013-2015); named one of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies (2011-2015); named one of Forbes' World's 100 Most Innovative Companies (2015). For more information, visit www.equifax.com. Contacts: Media Contacts: Andrew Findlater SELECT Public Relations afindlater@selectpr.ca (416) 659-1197 Tom Carroll Equifax Canada MediaRelationsCanada@equifax.com (416) 227-5290 FRANKLIN, INDIANA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- IBC Advanced Alloys Corp. (TSX VENTURE: IB)(OTCQB: IAALF) ("IBC" or the "Company") a leading beryllium and copper advanced alloys company, announces that Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has awarded IBC a new contract to produce a crucial advanced beryllium-aluminum alloy component for the F-35 Lightning II Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS). The purchase order from Lockheed Martin is for azimuth gimbal housing units for the EOTS system, which IBC has manufactured for Lockheed since 2015 using IBC's high performance Beralcast beryllium-aluminum precision cast alloy. The contract was awarded as part of the U.S. Defense Department's Low Rate of Initial Production ("LRIP") Lot 11 purchase of the fighter jet. The new contract represents a 16% increase over the number of EOTS components that IBC manufactured for Lockheed Martin in the previous contract. The previous contract combined orders for both LRIPs 9 and 10 and represented a minimum contract value of more than USD $2 million. The total value of the new contract is approximately USD $2.6 million. EOTS is Lockheed Martin's affordable, high-performance, lightweight, multi-function system that provides precision air-to-air and air-to-surface targeting capability. The low-drag, stealthy EOTS is integrated into the F-35 Lightning II's fuselage with a durable sapphire window and is linked to the aircraft's integrated central computer through a high-speed fiber-optic interface. IBC expects to deliver near-net-shape castings of the EOTS azimuth gimbal housing directly to Lockheed Martin, which will then separately contract for finishing and final machining. Lockheed Martin has agreed to a long lead time procurement provision for key materials to ensure continued production. Beryllium-aluminum alloys allow the F-35's EOTS system to acquire targets at longer distances than would be the case with other materials. Beryllium-aluminum helps to dampen vibration and signal noise to the EOTS system, which enhances the electro-optical resolution range. "We are pleased and proud to have been awarded a third purchase order from Lockheed Martin for the EOTS azimuth gimbal housing on the F-35 Lightning II, and at a level that represents a significant increase over the previous two LRIP orders combined," said Major General Duncan Heinz (USMC, ret.), President, CEO, and Director of IBC. "Our proprietary Beralcast beryllium-aluminum casting alloys deliver the exceptional performance demanded by the F-35 platform and help to reduce costs for this system over traditional technologies. We look forward to serving Lockheed Martin and other defense and commercial equipment manufacturers with custom manufactured Beralcast components." The F-35 Lightning II, a 5th generation fighter, combines advanced low observable stealth technology with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. Three distinct variants of the F-35 will replace the A-10 and F-16 for the U.S. Air Force, the F/A-18 for the U.S. Navy, the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the U.S. Marine Corps, and a variety of fighters for at least 10 other countries. For more information on IBC and its innovative alloy products, go here. On Behalf of the Board of Directors: Duncan Heinz, President, CEO and Director About IBC Advanced Alloys Corp. IBC is a leading beryllium and copper advanced alloys company serving a variety of industries such as defense, aerospace, automotive, telecommunications, precision manufacturing, and others. IBC's Copper Division manufactures and distributes a variety of copper alloys as castings and forgings, including beryllium copper, chrome copper, and aluminum bronze. IBC's Engineered Materials Division makes the Beralcast family of alloys, which can be precision cast and are used in an increasing number of defense, aerospace, and other systems, including the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. IBC's has production facilities in Indiana, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Missouri. The Company's common shares are traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "IB" and the OTCQB under the symbol "IAALF". CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS This news release was prepared by management of IBC, which takes full responsibility for its contents. The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy 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. This disclosure contains a forward-looking statement regarding the revenues associate with the Lockheed Martin contract and planned production for the F-35. Although IBC believes that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking statement are reasonable, forward-looking statements, by their very nature, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on assumptions, both general and specific, which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statement. The forward looking statements made by the Company in this press release are based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. As a result, we cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize and we caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. IBC makes no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date any such statement is made, except as required by applicable law. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in IBC's filings at www.sedar.com. Contacts: IBC Advanced Alloys Corp. Jim Sims Investor and Public Relations +1 (303) 503-6203 jim.sims@ibcadvancedalloys.com www.ibcadvancedalloys.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 23, 2017) - Argo Gold Inc. (CSE: ARQ) ("Argo Gold" or the "Company") has staked 16 claim units totaling 256 hectares southeast of Wawa in Naveau Township, Sault Ste. Marie Mining Division. The newly acquired claims are 100% owned by Argo Gold. The mineral claims cover a large portion of the Centennial Stock which host several past gold producers. The property is situated at the south end of the historic Wawa Gold Mining Camp and is easily accessible from Wawa by major roads (Highway 17 and High Falls Road). The South Wawa Gold Property contains the Valentti Gold Vein which was trenched and sampled in the early 1990's with channel samples ranging up to 15.4 g/t gold over 2.6 metres. The Valentti Gold Vein averages 4 g/t gold over the 3.4 metre width and 60 metre length of the exposed vein. Argo Gold believes follow-up exploration activity is warranted at the South Wawa Gold Property particularly because there has been no drilling at the Valentti Gold Vein. The Company has not yet completed the work necessary to verify the past exploration results and since some of these results are historical in nature and some results predate National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") standards, these results should not be relied upon. In addition, a qualified person has not completed sufficient work to verify these historical results and the Company is not treating these results as current. The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in NI 43-101 and reviewed and approved by Delio Tortosa, P.Eng., a "Qualified Person" as defined by NI 43-101 and a Technical Advisor for Argo Gold. About Argo Gold Inc. Argo Gold is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the ticker ARQ. Argo Gold is focused on gold exploration projects central and northwestern Ontario. All of Argo Gold's projects are 100% owned and have indications of economic viability. Argo Gold's website is www.argogold.ca. For more information please contact: Judy Baker President (416) 786-7860 judybakertoronto@gmail.com NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. Forward-looking Information Cautionary Statement Except for statements of historic fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the CSE. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com. Owning several hotels on Idaho Street for more than 30 years, Barry Bhakta and his family contributed to Elko through their business and by participating in events and bringing their Indian culture to the community. Barry Bhakta was born in Fiji, Feb.18, 1958, three decades after his grandparents immigrated to the island from India. He grew up with his brothers Nick, David, Mike and Chuck. Upon graduating high school, Barry spent a year in Auckland, New Zealand, before he and Nick arrived in the United States. Interested in studying to become a CPA, Barry moved to Texas, while Nick purchased the Holiday Motel in Elko through Realtor Adolph Lipparelli in 1977. Barry married his wife Jessi on March 16, 1981 in Dalhart, Texas. Moving to Elko, they purchased the Best Western El Neva, now the Rodeway Inn, on April 1. They raised their children, Henry and Tejal, as they built their business. Becoming involved in the community, Barry and Jessi sponsored events such as Elko High Schools Graduation Night, National Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Mining Expo. We help the best we can, said Barry. Barry also joined the Elko Rotary Club, the Elko Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Elko Convention and Visitors Authority Marketing Committee. In 2011, he was chosen to fill a vacant seat on the board. The family also brought their culture to Elko. Jessi and other family members have performed traditional dances and cooked Indian meals and desserts at various events including the Great Basin Festival, Just Desserts, and, in 2015, hosting Rotary Internationals guest speaker Deepa Willingham. Seeing Barrys and Nicks success in Elko, their brothers moved to Elko and purchased their own motels. Today, Chuck owns the Days Inn, while David operates the Economy Inn and Mike runs the Scottish Inn, formerly the Key Motel. Over the years, the motels have been successful thanks to annual events such as the Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Mining Expo and the Motorcycle Jamboree. Three times, the Bhaktas were awarded the Gold Medal for Choice Hotels in 2010, 2015 and 2016. In 1999, Barry and Jessi added the Comfort Inn to their business and became partners in the Super 8 and Travel Lodge motels with their son, Henry. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Former House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, has suggested Congressional Republicans can make fixes to Obamacare but downplayed talk of a full repeal of the healthcare reform law. According to Politico, Boehner told a healthcare conference in Orlando the idea that a repeal-and-replace plan would blitz through Congress is just 'happy talk.' '[Congressional Republicans are] going to fix Obamacare - I shouldn't call it repeal-and-replace, because it's not going to happen,' Boehner said. The former speaker, who retired in 2015, predicted that most of the framework of Obamacare would remain in place. Last week, current House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said Republicans plan to introduce legislation to repeal and replace Obamacare following this week's recess. 'After the House returns following President's Day, we intend to introduce legislation to repeal and replace Obamacare,' Ryan told reporters at his weekly press conference last Thursday. 'It has become increasingly clear that this law is collapsing. People's premiums are getting higher and higher,' he added. 'Their deductibles are soaring. And their choices are dwindling to the point that so many families have no choice left at all.' Ryan pointed to health insurer Humana's (HUM) recent decision to pull out of the Obamacare exchanges as proof of the law's failure. The speaker did not provide specifics on the GOP's plan to replace Obamacare but claimed it would be a true patient-centered system. A recent Politico/Morning Consult poll found 27 percent of voters favor repealing parts of Obamacare, while 24 percent think the law should be repealed completely. Meanwhile, 26 percent of voters said Obamacare should be expanded and another 12 percent said the law should be kept as is. A vast majority of Republicans support completely or partially repealing Obamacare. Almost half of Democrats want to see the law expanded. The Politico/Morning Consult survey of 2,013 registered voters was conducted February 16th through 19th and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points. 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. According to the latest market study released by Technavio, the global location-based services (LBS) in the healthcare sectoris expected to grow at a CAGR of close to 33% during the forecast period. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223005570/en/ Technavio has published a new report on the global LBS in the healthcare sector from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire) This research report titled 'Global LBS in the Healthcare Sector 2017-2021' provides an in-depth analysis of the market in terms of revenue and emerging market trends. This report also includes an up to date analysis and forecasts for various market segments and all geographical regions. According to Abhishek Sharma, a lead analyst at Technavio for enterprise application research, "The adoption of connected devices among consumers in the healthcare sector is witnessing significant growth. The rapid deployment of high-speed communication networks worldwide is also driving the growth of the LBS market." Request a sample report: http://www.technavio.com/request-a-sample?report=56627 Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report including the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. The market research analysis categorizes the global LBS in the healthcare sector into three major application segments. They are: Asset management Staff management Patient management Global LBS in healthcare sector by asset management The global LBS in the healthcare sector by asset management is expected to witness significant growth and reach close to USD 4 billion by 2021. This is because of the rapid adoption of RFID in asset management to locate equipment such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, ventilators, sensitive equipment, oxygen cylinders, and infusion pumps for smooth functioning in hospitals. Global LBS in healthcare sector by staff management The global LBS in the healthcare sector by staff management is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 37%. LBS are used in hospitals to track staff and their productivity. Beaconsdeployed in a hospital's vicinity help in wayfinding, faster check-ins, real-time equipment registry, asset management, monitoring, and digital support for the impaired. Indoor LBS help track medical personnel, patients, as well as equipment through the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) associated with different devices. Indoor LBS is primarily used in hospitals to improve operational efficiency and reduce high cost in monitoring assets. It also helps to enhance staff productivity and work efficiency. Companies such as infsoft and Navizon provide LBS in hospitals to ensure operational effectiveness and process automation management. Global LBS in healthcare sector by patient management The global LBS in the healthcare sector by patient management is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 14%, during the forecast period. Real-time location system (RTLS) are used in hospitals to monitor patients' health outside and inside the hospital and to ensure the safety of babies. LBS are used to protect new-born babies and infants in the hospital and maternity departments. "The reduction in the price of RFID tags will increase the adoption of RTLS among hospitals. RTLS adoption increases the operational efficiency and improves the productivity of hospitals," says Abhishek. The top vendors highlighted by Technavio's ICTmarket research analysts in this report are: AiRISTA General Electric Company HPE ZIH Browse Related Reports: LBS market in the US 2016-2020 Enterprise Indoor Location-Based Services Market in the US 2016-2020 Location-Based Search and Advertising Market in the US 2016-2020 Become a Technavio Insights member and access all three of these reports for a fraction of their original cost. As a Technavio Insights member, you will have immediate access to new reports as they're published in addition to all 6,000+ existing reports covering segments like IT hardwareIT professional services, and IT security. This subscription nets you thousands in savings, while staying connected to Technavio's constant transforming research library, helping you make informed business decisions more efficiently. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies. Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170223005570/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 630 333 9501 UK: +44 208 123 1770 www.technavio.com VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) The Canadian technology sector got a boost today through an investment of $2.75 million from the Government of Canada that will help further develop and commercialize an innovative art reprographic technology. The funding was announced by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada. This investment will help Arius Technology to further develop its 3D painting digitization platform, called Arius3D, which uses a laser scanner and robotics system to simultaneously reproduce both the colour and the relief of paintings. This will allow museums, art historians, and artists to reproduce and create paintings down to the final brushstroke. This funding supports innovative western-based companies that develop cutting-edge technology, create jobs, and spur the economy. Support for Arius3D is one of several successful projects announced under the Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative. The program provides $100 million in repayable contributions to small- and medium-sized enterprises in Western Canada. Eligible companies can apply for funding to support activities that move ideas to market more quickly. Quotes "Canadian companies like Arius Technology Inc. are working hard to bring their innovative services to market. The Government of Canada is proud to support this project that will develop and commercialize new technology for the creative arts industry. It is through organizations like Arius that promote economic growth and create high-quality jobs in Canada." - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada "This repayable investment from the Government of Canada will enable Arius Technology to lead the transformation of the multi-billion dollar fine art industry from its 2D past into a 3D future, changing the way people from around the world experience art." - Paul Lindahl, President & CEO, Arius Technology Inc. Additional Links - Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative - Arius Technology Inc. Stay Connected Follow us on Twitter: @WD_Canada, @MinisterISED, @Arius3D WD Homepage WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378) TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388 IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL. Contacts: Ben Stanford Regional Communications Manager Western Economic Diversification Canada 604-666-7038 ben.stanford@canada.ca Aaron Davey Vice President, Marketing & Business Development Arius Technology Inc. 778-828-7871 adavey@ariustechnology.com NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- HealthiNation, a leading provider of mobile videos for health, food and fitness announced the addition of two key executives; Lauren Gelman as Editor-in-Chief and Mike Henderson as Chief Technology Officer. In addition, the company reintroduced its consumer-facing web and mobile site http://www.healthination.com, providing prominent search capabilities and expanded video titles for easier access to its collection of award-winning and medically accredited videos. HealthiNation videos are available to its viewers free on HealthiNation.com and all its social platforms. Lauren Gelman, HealthiNation's new Editor-in-Chief, is a 13-year veteran of health and wellness programming, holding prominent editorial roles at such leading brands as Everyday Health, Prevention magazine, Parents.com, Shape, iVillage and Family Circle magazine. Most recently, Gelman was the Executive Digital Director at Reader's Digest, a Trusted Media Brands, Inc. company whose brands garner 53 million unique online visitors and 40 million print readers per month. She received her Masters of Science in journalism and Bachelor of Science in journalism from Northwestern University. "We're thrilled to have Lauren join HealthiNation as Editor-in-Chief and bring her editorial vision, track record of growing brands and keen understanding of health trends," said Michael O'Donnell, HealthiNation's Chief Executive Officer. "Combining Lauren's editorial sensibility with our Chief Medical Editor, Dr. Preeti Parikh and our talented video production team will be a dynamic combination." "I'm excited to take on the Editor-in-Chief role at HealthiNation and broadcast our dynamic and compelling health content to much larger audiences, using all the distribution platforms available to us," said Gelman. Mike Henderson, HealthiNation's new Chief Technology Officer is a 15-year veteran of highly scalable consumer technology and services, including International Securities Exchange, Direct Edge and most recently as Chief Technology Officer at Influenster, a popular social media marketing and product reviews site featuring 11 million product reviews. A graduate of Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, Henderson was named "Best Technology Manager, 2016" by Tech in Motion, New York. "Mike has made an immediate impact on HealthiNation with his technical stewardship of the redesign and relaunch of HealthiNation this month and staging of new products and new distribution partners soon to be coming online," said O'Donnell. "We look forward to drawing on his experiences in building fast, consumer friendly mobile experiences." "Whether you're consuming our health videos on HealthiNation.com, our social platforms or on OTT devices like Roku, we want the user experience to be seamless, fast and fun," said Henderson. ABOUT HEALTHINATION Based in New York, NY and backed by leading venture capital firms, HealthiNation is an award-winning digital health media company that produces and distributes videos around health conditions, food and fitness. A member of the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and accredited by URAC, HealthiNation serves its videos on http://www.healthination.com and other social platforms (e.g. Facebook) and works with major advertisers to provide pre-roll video advertising opportunities before each HealthiNation video. PRESS CONTACT: David Spector HealthiNation Email Contact CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - February 23, 2017) - The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) today announced the inaugural Chicago Tech Summit, presented by Enova International. On May 10, 2017, at the Chicago History Museum, the ITA will bring together an exclusive group of innovators, executives, entrepreneurs and influencers to tackle technology trends that are having an impact on the local ecosystem and showcase how some of Chicago's best technology companies are scaling their businesses. The first of its kind event will focus on increasing collaboration amongst Chicago's growth stage technology firms. The most interesting innovations are found where disciplines, industries, and cultures intersect. The Chicago Tech Summit was designed to spur those innovations forward here in Chicago. "There is a lack of opportunity in Chicago for established executives to come together with their peers to collaborate on how to move our tech community forward," said Fred Hoch, Executive Chairman of the ITA. "The Chicago Tech Summit is an opportunity to showcase the power a collaborative community can have on the growth of Chicago's tech businesses." "Enova is a Chicago fintech leader that has never strayed far from its roots as an innovative tech startup," said David Fisher, Enova's CEO. "We are proud to be a presenting sponsor for this inaugural event that will help grow and evolve Chicago's tech ecosystem." Sessions include: Insights on how start-up and growth-stage companies can partner with Chicago's traditional industries to advance B2B innovation; In-depth look at future tech trends and the role that Chicago companies are taking in defining those industries; Insider view of the state of venture investment in Chicago For more information and to request an invite, visit chitechsummit.com. Sponsors of the Chicago Tech Summit include presenting sponsor, Enova, and silver sponsors Leopardo and Silicon Valley Bank. About ITA The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) scales Illinois tech companies. With innovative resources that connect members to the local tech ecosystem, build their talent networks and create visibility for their brands, ITA is growing the local tech community. Founded in 2005 and supporting 500+ growth and late stage tech companies, ITA has a rich history of driving business forward. For more information, visit illinoistech.org, follow @ITAbuzz on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn. Contact: Gary Hotze gary@illinoistech.org +1.312.924.1044 CHESTER, PA--(Marketwired - February 23, 2017) - Recently, more than 60 students at Chester Community Charter School (CCCS), the largest K-8 charter school in Pennsylvania, honored the legacy of influential African-Americans, at the Third Annual "Night of Dreams" program, with performances from the West Campus brass ensemble; the East campus dance team, and Sistah Mafalada, a "Moko Jumbie" African stilt walker, among others. For the past three years, "Night of Dreams" has been held in conjunction with The MLK Memorial Committee of the City of Chester, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through community service. The organization also maintains a bust statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which is located at the Crozer Public Library, in Chester, PA. The program began with a student duet performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," a song and poem written by James Weldon Johnson, in 1899, and continued with an instrumental performance, dance tributes to 1980s and 1990s hip-hop, a 1970s "Motown" fashion show, and a wax museum that included African-American historical and contemporary figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Angela Davis, Frederick Douglass, Rosa Parks and others. Dr. David Clark, CEO, CCCS, delivered remarks: "Each year, we hold this program to educate our students, our families and our community about the many contributions African Americans have made. At CCCS, we want our students to know they come from a proud heritage, and that every day they attend school, strive for excellence, and stay focused on achievement, they are making Black History." About Chester Community Charter School Chester Community Charter School opened its doors on September 9, 1998, serving 97 students from its modest, four, meeting rooms, in the lobby of the Howard Johnson Hotel, in Chester, PA. Since that time, the school has steadily 100th Day grown to include more than 3,000 students in 11 state-of-the-art-buildings, spanning three campuses. Through collaboration with the Gureghian Charitable Foundation, and CCCS' High School Search and Selection Program, more than $9.5 million in scholarships and financial assistance to prestigious private secondary schools has been awarded to 225 of the school's graduates, since 2009. http://chestercommunitycharter.org Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2017/2/23/11G131247/Images/pic4-b08f5facfc01b64c9b09348b99c63cbb.jpg Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2017/2/23/11G131247/Images/pic3-00a8c214edfeaa419b6dd7cce7e23c74.jpg Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2017/2/23/11G131247/Images/pic2-295bcfcb38d88841ada2a0cbc9c8a4f3.jpg Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2017/2/23/11G131247/Images/pic1-0f77502af6e1b9a0a051cd5b5dbd2ccb.jpg Meaghan F. Washington Millennium 3 Management, Inc. Tel: 215-751-0140 Email: mwashington@m3mpr.com Social: @M3M_PR Dr. David Clark Chester Community Charter School Tel: 610-447-0400 Email: dclark@chestercommunitycharter.org Social: @Chester_Charter MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- HPQ Silicon Resources Inc ("HPQ") (TSX VENTURE: HPQ)(FRANKFURT: UGE)(OTC PINK: URAGD) is pleased to inform its shareholders that it has completed a first tranche closing of its previously announced non-brokered private placement consisting of the issuance and sale of an aggregate amount of 9,411,766 units ("Unit") at $0.17 per Unit for gross proceeds of $1,600,000. The Net proceeds of the placement will be used for on-going R&D investments related to the development of 200 Ton/Year Solar Grade Silicon Metal PUREVAP Quartz Reduction Reactor Pilot equipment, general corporate expenses, legal expenses and placement fees. Each Unit is comprised of one (1) common share and one (1) common share purchase warrant ("Warrant") of the Company. Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the capital stock of the Company at an exercise price of $ 0.25 during a period of 24 months from the date of closing of the placement. Each share issued pursuant to the placement will have a mandatory four (4) month holding period from the date of closing of the placement. The placement is subject to standard regulatory approvals. Bernard Tourillon, Chairman and CEO of HPQ Silicon stated: "Demand for participation in HPQ private placements continues to be strong, and once again we used the over allocation allotment mentioned in our February 3, 2017 press release to meet demand. These financings are key as they provide HPQ-Silicon the resources to continue the development of the Pilot Plant project with Pyrogenesis, as well as, the necessary time required for our discussions with Government based agencies that are managing funding programs for which the Company PUREVAP QRR is eligible for. " In connection with the placement the Company paid cash finder's fee of $28,305 to Foster & Associates Financial Services Inc ("Foster") of Toronto, Ontario and $23,100 to Redplug Capital Corp ("Redplug") of Surrey, British Columbia. Furthermore the Company also issued 166,500 warrants to Foster and issued 136,000 warrants to Redplug. Each warrant, and any share purchased through the exercise of the warrants have the mandatory four (4) month holding period from the date of closing of the placement and gives Foster the right to purchase one (1) common share at 25.0 cents for 24 months and gives Redplug the right to purchase one (1) common share at 23.0 cents for 24 months. OTHER CORPORATE MATTERS - Shares For Services Program In accordance with the agreement between HPQ-Silicon and AGORACOM (see Uragold press release July 18, 2014), extended by both Parties for an additional year, from July 15, 2016 to July 15, 2017 under the same terms and conditions (previously disclose in HPQ September 16, 2016 press release), HPQ-Silicon Board has approved the issuance of 176,560 common shares at a deemed price of $0.16 per share for the outstanding debt of $28,250 for services rendered during the period from July 16, 2016 ending Jan 15, 2017. About HPQ Silicon HPQ Silicon Resources Inc is a TSX-V listed junior exploration company planning to become a vertically integrated and diversified High Value Silicon Metal (99.9+% Si), and Solar Grade Silicon Metal (99.999+% Si) producer. Our business model is focused on developing a one step High Purity and Solar Grade Silicon Metal manufacturing process (patent pending) and becoming a vertically - integrated Solar Grade Silicon producer that can generate high yield returns and significant free cash flow within a relatively short time line. Disclaimers: This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or the securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or the benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from such registration requirements. This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "in the process" and other similar expressions which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectation and assumptions, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the market, our strategy to develop new products and enhance the capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to research and development, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, and uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's on-going filings with the securities regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. 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: Bernard J. Tourillon Chairman and CEO (514) 907-1011 Patrick Levasseur President and COO (514) 262-9239 www.HPQSilicon.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 23, 2017) - Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. (TSX: AVL) (OTCQX: AVLNF) ("Avalon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of its 2017 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders held in Toronto, Ontario on February 22, 2017 (the "Meeting"). At the Meeting, all five director nominees listed in the Company's information circular dated January 10, 2017 were elected as directors of the Company. The detailed results of the vote are as follows: Director Number of Votes Cast Percentage of Votes Cast Donald Bubar In Favour: Withheld: 29,932,828 970,654 96.86 3.14 Brian MacEachen In Favour: Withheld: 29,927,482 976,000 96.84 3.16 Alan Ferry In Favour: Withheld: 29,949,291 954,191 96.91 3.09 Jane Pagel In Favour: Withheld: 29,972,222 931,260 96.99 3.01 Kenneth G. Thomas In Favour: Withheld: 29,947,401 956,081 96.91 3.09 Former director Peter McCarter has retired from business and, accordingly, chose not to stand for re-election. Avalon President & CEO, Don Bubar, thanks Mr. McCarter for his 10 years of service to Avalon, especially as a member of the Company's Audit Committee and as chair of the Company's Compensation, Governance and Nominating Committee. In addition, at the Meeting shareholders appointed Deloitte LLP as auditors of the Company and approved amendments to, as well as all unallocated options, rights or other entitlements under the Company's stock option plan. About Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. is a Canadian mineral development company specializing in niche market metals and minerals with growing demand in new technology. The Company has three advanced stage projects, all 100%-owned, providing investors with exposure to lithium, tin and indium, as well as rare earth elements, tantalum, niobium, and zirconium. Avalon is currently focusing on its Separation Rapids Lithium Project, Kenora, ON and its East Kemptville Tin-Indium Project, Yarmouth, NS. Social responsibility and environmental stewardship are corporate cornerstones. For questions and feedback, please e-mail the Company at ir@AvalonAM.com, or phone Don Bubar, President & CEO at 416-364-4938. This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "potential", "scheduled", "anticipates", "continues", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "scheduled", "targeted", "planned", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be" or "will not be" taken, reached or result, "will occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Avalon to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made. Although Avalon has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from expected results described in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to market conditions, and the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses as well as those risk factors set out in the Company's current Annual Information Form, Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure documents available under the Company's profile at www.SEDAR.com. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Such forward-looking statements have been provided for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Avalon does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. DUBLIN, Feb 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) Forecast in 14 Major Markets 2016-2026" report to their offering. Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an extremely rare haematological disorder. It occurs when there is an uncontrollable proliferation of hyper-activated macrophages and T-lymphocytes. The hyper-activated macrophages engulf haematopoietic cells resulting in a deregulated immune system, which in turn attacks various tissues in the body. The weakened body becomes susceptible to infection. This report provides the current incident population for Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis across 14 Major Markets (USA, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Netherlands, Brazil and Japan) split by gender and 5-year age cohort. Along with the current incidence, the report also contains a disease overview of the risk factors, disease diagnosis and prognosis along with specific variations by geography and ethnicity. Providing a value-added level of insight from the analysis team, several of the main symptoms and co-morbidities of HLH have been quantified and presented alongside the overall incidence figures. These sub-populations within the main disease are also included at a country level across the 10-year forecast snapshot. Main symptoms and co-morbidities for HLH include: - Autoimmune conditions - Leukaemia - Lymphomas - HSCT - Infection (especially with EBV) - Diabetes - Obesity - COPD - Heart Failure Reasons to Buy - Able to quantify patient populations in global Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis market to target the development of future products, pricing strategies and launch plans. - Gain further insight into the incidence of the subdivided types of Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and identify patient segments with high potential. - Delivery of more accurate information for clinical trials in study sizing and realistic patient recruitment for various countries. - Provide a level of understanding on the impact from specific co-morbid conditions on Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis's incident population. - Identify sub-populations within Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis which require treatment.- Gain an understanding of the specific markets that have the largest number of Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis disease patients.1. Introduction2. Cause of the Disease3. Risk Factors & Prevention4. Diagnosis of the Disease5. Variation by Geography/Ethnicity6. Disease Prognosis & Clinical Course7. Key comorbid conditions/Features associated with the disease8. Methodology for quantification of patient numbers9. Top-line prevalence for HLH10. Features of HLH patients10.1 Classification of HLH10.2 Aetiology of Secondary HLH11. Symptoms of HLH11.1 Symptoms of Primary HLH11.2 Symptoms of Secondary HLH12. Abbreviations used in the report13. Patient-Based Offering14. Online Pricing Data and Platforms15. References15. AppendixFor more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/hrbwdp/haemophagocytic Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- Canada Revenue Agency Canadians work hard for their money and the majority pay their taxes, but some wealthy individuals participate in complex tax schemes to evade paying their fair share. The Government of Canada is working hard to crack down on offshore tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance in order to ensure a tax system that is more responsive and fair for all Canadians. The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, this week tabled the Government of Canada's response to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance's report entitled: The Canada Revenue Agency, Tax Avoidance and Tax Evasion: Recommended Actions. In doing so, Minister Lebouthilier accepted all the recommendations in the report, and reiterated the Government's commitment to combat tax cheating at home and abroad and to keep Canadians apprised of these efforts. With the Government of Canada's investment of $444 million in the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the Agency is delivering concrete results.The Agency has already started the work to reassure hard working Canadians that wealthy taxpayers can't buy their way out of paying their fair share: -- The CRA is on track to recover over $13 billion this fiscal year alone from audit efforts. -- The CRA has increased the number of teams focused on large multinational corporations and increased the number of auditors assigned to detect offshore non-compliance. -- The CRA has set up a team to focus exclusively on promoters of offensive tax schemes. -- Audits of the highest risk taxpayers for four offshore jurisdictions are underway. The first two jurisdictions targeted were the Isle of Man and Guernsey. Two other jurisdictions of concern cannot be named at the moment, in order to avoid compromising these audits. So far, a total of 41,000 international financial transactions, equaling over $12 billion, have been analyzed. This announcement reinforces the Government of Canada's commitment to continue to build its capacity to crack down on tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance. The Government has the tools to correct non-compliant behaviors as well as when appropriate, impose serious penalties; and, communicate transparently its activities and results to Canadians. Quotes "The Government of Canada is taking action to crack down on tax cheats. When some choose not to pay their share, it places an unfair burden on the tax system. We are sending another strong signal to tax cheats: that this behaviour will not be tolerated and they will face the full force of the law. Our Government will continue to update Canadians on these important actions to ensure a tax system that is responsive, fair and meets the needs of all Canadians." - The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue Quick Facts -- In April 2016, the Offshore Compliance Advisory Committee (OCAC) - an independent committee composed of experts with significant legal and tax administration experience - was created to advise the Minister and the CRA on strategies to combat offshore tax evasion and avoidance. On December 5, 2016, the Minister of National Revenue received the OCAC's report on the Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP), which contains recommendations to enhance the VDP and improve it for the benefit of Canadians. The insight provided by the OCAC will help inform the CRA's next steps to ensure that the VDP is delivered in a fair and effective manner. The OCAC's report is available on the CRA website. -- In June 2016, the CRA published a first conceptual study on the tax gap. The CRA will build on this report and has committed to publishing a series of additional papers on other aspects of the tax gap over the next two to three years. -- The Agency has been tracking international electronic funds transfers (EFT) of over $10,000. Based on the information collected, the Agency is currently reviewing over 41,000 transactions, worth over $12 billion, in four jurisdictions of concern. Four additional jurisdictions will now be reviewed every year and every EFT of over $10,000 will be analyzed to identify high risk taxpayers. -- Between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2016, the CRA convicted 42 taxpayers with offshore links of tax evasion, involving $34 million in federal taxes evaded, court fines of $12 million, and 734 months of jail time. -- Overall, the CRA is currently conducting audits of over 820 taxpayers and criminally investigating 20 cases of tax evasion related to offshore accounts. Associated Links Government of Canada cracks down on tax evasion Government of Canada participates in meeting of tax administrations to share findings on Panama Papers Government Response to the Sixth Report of the Standing Committee on Finance Cracking down on offshore tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance Stay Connected To receive updates on what is new at the Canada Revenue Agency, you can: -- Follow the CRA on Twitter - @CanRevAgency. -- Follow the CRA on LinkedIn. -- Subscribe to a CRA electronic mailing list. -- Add our RSS feeds to your feed reader. -- Watch our tax-related videos on YouTube. Contacts: Chloe Luciani-Girouard, Press Secretary Office of the Minister of National Revenue 613-995-2960 Media Relations Canada Revenue Agency 613-952-9184 I went to see The Great Wall expecting to not really like the film, but when the movie ended I wanted to watch it again. I had a preconceived notion of the film, because the trailers made it seem that it was about Matt Damons character saving the Chinese from monsters attacking The Great Wall. Previews of the movie dont show the audience how much humor the film contains, the absolutely stunning visuals, nor that it has a message. The film begins by telling the audience the wall took 1,700 years to build and is 5,500 miles long. It also says we know it was built to defend China from threats some known and some are just legends. The Great Wall tells one of those legends. This beginning set the entire movie for me. Right away I knew this wasnt the movie I was expecting. Damon plays William, a mercenary searching for black powder. He is accompanied by Tovar, portrayed by Pedro Pascal. These two have excellent chemistry. They play their roles to perfection and have a lot more jokes than I ever expected in this action film. The two men end up being captured by the Chinese and then having to help fight monsters. It sounds ridiculous, but the way it is presented reminded me of Lord of the Rings or a fairy tale. The other surprise from me was Tian Jing as Commander Lin Mae. I knew there was a female lead in the movie, but I didnt expect her to be one of the main action stars. She is a powerful character and a joy to watch. She has some very acrobatic scenes that reminded me of a Cirque du Soleil performance but with a lot more violence. The film also had a moral by asking the characters why they fought in war for money and glory or to protect their brothers and sisters in arms and the rest of their country. It wasnt a preachy film, but I thought it got its point across. This movie was fun to watch from beginning to end. The Great Wall is rated PG-13 for sequences of fantasy action violence. The movie is 103 minutes long. Rating for The Great Wall: 4 popcorns out of 5 VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- Alianza Minerals Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: ANZ) ("Alianza" or the "Company") announces that an application has been made with the Peruvian authorities (INGEMMET - Instituto Geologico Minero y Metalurgico) for nine concessions comprising six properties in central Peru. These new properties target base metals mineralization in the Peruvian Polymetallic Belt, a prolific region host to deposits such as the Cerro de Pasco Mine, where zinc, lead and copper ore has been mined for over 100 years. Alianza's target properties were internally generated from a study that examined a range of criteria including metallogeny, regional geology, regional structure, private and public geochemical databases, favourable CSR conditions and local knowledge. Management is planning reconnaissance exploration programs for all six of these properties once the concession grants are completed. It is anticipated that this process will be completed in Q2 2017 and reconnaissance work will commence shortly thereafter. "Alianza is acquiring these new concessions as a result of in-house generative work that identified 30 grassroots targets," stated Jason Weber, P.Geo., President and CEO of Alianza. "We are targeting large base metal deposits and this region of Peru is known for its lead and zinc production, with mines that were first developed over one hundred years ago. We are eager to visit these targets and ground-truth our ideas." Financing Update and Amendment Alianza's financing announced on February 15, 2017 has been increased to $625,000 for a total of 5,000,000 units. The units have also been amended to include one common share and one half common share purchase warrant valid for a three year period and now exercisable at $0.20 per share. The financing is fully subscribed and will close within 10 days. About Alianza Minerals Ltd. Alianza increases the chances of success in mineral exploration by using the "Prospect Generator" business model, focussing on gold and copper exploration in Latin America and Nevada. The Company has 28.3 million shares issued and outstanding, and is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX VENTURE: ANZ). Mr. Jason Weber, BSc, P.Geo., Alianza's President and CEO is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Weber supervised the preparation of the technical information contained in this release. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. STATEMENTS IN THIS NEWS RELEASE, OTHER THAN PURELY HISTORICAL INFORMATION, INCLUDING STATEMENTS RELATING TO THE COMPANY'S FUTURE PLANS AND OBJECTIVES OR EXPECTED RESULTS, MAY INCLUDE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE BASED ON NUMEROUS ASSUMPTIONS AND ARE SUBJECT TO ALL OF THE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES INHERENT IN RESOURCE EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT. AS A RESULT, ACTUAL RESULTS MAY VARY MATERIALLY FROM THOSE DESCRIBED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. Contacts: Alianza Minerals Ltd. Jason Weber President and CEO (604) 687-3520 (888) 889-4874 (FAX) Alianza Minerals Ltd. Sandrine Lam Shareholder Communications (604) 687-3520 (888) 889-4874 (FAX) www.alianzaminerals.com CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has released new requirements for heavy oil and bitumen operators in the Peace River area to control emissions of gas that contribute to offensive odours. The requirements are set out in Directive 084: Requirements for Hydrocarbon Emission Controls and Gas Conservation in the Peace River area. Directive 084 bans routine venting during the production of heavy oil, places strict limits on flaring, ensures that gas leaks are detected and repaired quickly, and prevents odours and emissions when heavy oil is transferred from tanks to trucks. Directive 084 was developed in response to the Report of Recommendations on Odours and Emissions in the Peace River Area, which followed a three-week inquiry in early 2014 that examined odours and emissions from heavy oil operations in the Peace River area. This inquiry resulted in 20 recommendations to the energy regulator and Government of Alberta. Over the past two years, the AER has made significant changes in the Peace River area, with more frequent inspections and more interaction with the community. The Alberta Energy Regulator ensures the safe, efficient, orderly, and environmentally responsible development of hydrocarbon resources over their entire life cycle. This includes allocating and conserving water resources, managing public lands, and protecting the environment while providing economic benefits for all Albertans. FOR BROADCAST USE: The Alberta Energy Regulator has brought in strict requirements for heavy oil producers in the Peace River area. The new directive was developed in response to a 2014 inquiry held in the community to address odours and emissions. The new rules give the AER enforcement tools to ensure that operators conserve at least 95 per cent of gas that would normally be vented, flared, or incinerated. Contacts: Melanie Veriotes AER Public Affairs 403-297- 6986 Media line: 1-855-474-6356 melanie.veriotes@aer.ca TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - February 23, 2017) -Primero Mining Corp. ("Primero" or the "Company") (TSX: P) (NYSE: PPP) announced today that Mr. Ernest Mast and Primero have reached a mutual decision that Mr. Mast will depart Primero to pursue other opportunities effective no later than March 6, 2017. Upon Mr. Mast's departure, Mr. Joseph F. Conway will be appointed Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Mast will continue to assist the Company in facilitating a smooth transition in leadership. The Company thanks Mr. Mast for his service and his assistance in transitional matters. Mr. Conway is currently Vice Chairman and was previously President and C.E.O. of Primero from June 2010 through January 2016. Mr. Conway has nearly 30 years of mining and financial industry experience. He was President and C.E.O. of IAMGOLD Corporation from 2003 to 2010, growing it from a $50 million joint venture company to a $6 billion leading intermediate gold producer. Mr. Conway has a B.Sc. from Memorial University of Newfoundland (1981), and an MBA from Dalhousie University (1987). About Primero Primero Mining Corp. is a Canadian-based precious metals producer that owns 100% of the San Dimas gold-silver mine and the Cerro del Gallo gold-silver-copper development project in Mexico and 100% of the Black Fox mine and adjoining properties in the Township of Black River"Matheson near Timmins, Ontario, Canada. Primero offers immediate exposure to un-hedged, below average cash cost gold production with a substantial resource base in politically stable jurisdictions. The Company is focused on becoming a leading intermediate gold producer by building a portfolio of high quality, low cost precious metals assets in the Americas. Primero's website is www.primeromining.com. Attachment Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2017/2/23/11G131248/PR4-17_CEO_Appointment_Final-c0783048adf3b6c8ab8d1217a12726c6.pdf For further information, please contact: Evan Young Manager, Investor Relations Tel: (416) 814-2694 eyoung@primeromining.com MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The latest Military organisation to procure FlightPro is the Belgian Air Component, who will be using the software to manage all aspects of their military flying operations, including training. FlightPro's selection, after a rigorous competitive tender process, is evidence of the critical nature of the capability sought by the Belgian MoD. The deal with the Belgian Air Component secures Ocean Software's dominant global position in the Enterprise Aviation Operations Management Software space, particularly across Europe, as Belgium joins Ocean's rapidly expanding European customer list which includes the European Defence Agency, the Royal Air Force, the Finnish Air Force, Lufthansa, BAE Systems, and ST Aero. Ocean Software originally developed FlightPro in 1993 for the Royal Australian Air Force, where it is still relied upon to ensure the day-to-day operations of flying squadrons are handled efficiently and safely. FlightPro was designed to simplify the multi-dimensional, challenging task of getting correctly qualified pilots into the right aircraft at the right time for both training and military operations purposes. Historically this has required highly skilled and experienced operations personnel, usually flying instructors, to manage multiple manual processes and legacy systems in order to achieve the end goal. FlightPro simplifies and automates many of the tasks associated with this, and brings all the necessary data together within a single system, to handle everything from scheduling, training, qualification and currency management, to maintenance and reporting, as well as everything in between. Ocean Software's General Manager, Bruce Moors says, "The hard work of the Belgian Air Component and Ocean Software's team to make this happen has assured recognition of the principles behind everything we do; that is to build and deliver high quality systems. FlightPro is a proven and highly regarded product that has been developed and enhanced over more than 20 years by people who understand the extreme complexities of Aviation Operations, particularly within Military environments." The Belgian Air Component seeks to have the FlightPro Software up and running by the end of this year. The Belgian Project Officer, Steven Van der Vorst, says, "Future challenges such as 'do more with less' and increasingly complex weapon systems including the A400M, NH90 and future fighters will require ever more efficient tools such as FlightPro in order for the weapon systems to be employed effectively." About Ocean Software Ocean Software designs, develops, and delivers Enterprise Software solutions for military, government, and corporate customers around the world. Ocean's solutions are widely regarded as the gold standard in their respective classes due to their completeness, levels of support, ongoing development, trainingand documentation. Our products formthe core systems behindhighly complex operating environments including: Command and Control, Operations & Training Management Healthcare, Supply Chain Management, andeCommerce. For more information, visit www.ocean.software. About the Belgian Air Component The Belgian Air Component celebrated last year its 70th anniversary, but its roots can be traced back to 1907. Today, the Belgian Air Component, is considered as one of the most active Air Forces in the world with a pivotal role in NATO. The Belgian Air Component is a small but reliable partner for its allies, active in homeland and abroad. Besides its national duties like QRA and SAR, the Belgian Air Component participates in a broad range of operations. Outstanding technology and equipment is mandatory to achieve this. MEDIA CONTACT For high-res imagery, please contact: CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/06/17 -- Raise Production Inc. (TSX VENTURE: RPC) ("Raise" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update to its shareholders on recent activities related to the Horizontal Wellbore Production System (the "System") and High Angle Lift Solution ("HALS"). Horizontal Wellbore Production System After five months of successful testing without any issues to either downhole or surface equipment, the Company will be retrieving the System from the test partner wellbore within the next few weeks. Current commodity prices make it difficult to justify acceptable economic payout in this marginal producing wellbore. A post install inspection of all parts will be completed after the retrieval of the System. Two of the four pumps that will be retrieved have been utilized in the last two deployments and have over one year of downhole operational service without any issues. After the inspections are complete, the Company will determine the criteria for its next deployment. The current test partner has agreed to install Raise's HALS in two to three of its more prolific wellbores in SE Saskatchewan. The production results of these installs will give an indication of whether the horizontal System will be suitable in high water cut and higher total volume wells. This follows Raise's strategy of a flexible and staged approach to artificial lift for deviated and horizontal wellbores. High Angle Lift Solution (HALS) The Company has a number of pending installations for various producing companies based on the performance of multiple HALS installs since October 2016 which proved continued sustainable production increases and equipment longevity. Included below is a case study that proves the effectiveness and economics of the HALS particularly in high gas to oil ratio wells without the need for additional separation equipment. Raise's HALS addresses the production challenges and downtime associated with the current artificial lift technology, while creating an overall positive outcome in the value chain with significant economic upside. The economics, based on customer driven metrics and incremental production gain, is summarized in the table below. The highlighted column represents typical results that show the annualized estimated value. To view the table and graph associated with this release, please click on the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/1098744.pdf Concurrent with this initiative, the Company has expanded its sales force and production engineering capability with strategic hires of experienced marketing and engineering individuals who bring the needed expertise to identify and provide solutions for our customers. Future Opportunities We continue to pursue additional markets in the continental USA where activity, particularly in the Permian basins, remains robust and new technology is being embraced. We will update our shareholders as we progress in this market segment. We remain confident that we can enter and impact a significant portion of the US basins this coming year. About Raise Production Inc. The Company is an innovative oilfield service company that focuses its efforts on the production service sector, utilizing its proprietary products to enhance and increase ultimate production in both conventional and unconventional horizontal oil and gas wells. 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 news release. Certain information included in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements or information typically contain or can be identified by statements that include words such as "anticipate", "assume", "based", "believe", "can", "continue", "depend", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "if", "intend", "may", "plan", "project", "propose", "result", "upon", "will", "within" or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Such forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions that may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the ability of the Company to obtain required capital to continue to finance its product development, the successful completion of further product development and testing within predicted timelines or at all, the ability to commercialize products and operations, the ability to adequately protect proprietary information and technology from its competitors; the ability to obtain partnering opportunities; the ability to attract and retain key personnel and key collaborators; and the ability to successfully compete in targeted markets. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the included forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable Canadian securities law. Forward-looking statements are based upon the current opinions, estimates, projections, assumptions and expectations of management of the Company as at the effective date of such statements and, in some cases, information supplied by third parties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions and that information received from third parties is reliable, it can give no assurance that those expectations will prove to have been correct. By its nature, forward-looking information involves numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statement will not occur. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the possibility that testing, deployment and commercialization of the System and Rod Pumps may not be successfully completed for any reason (including the failure to obtain the required approvals from regulatory authorities) and regulatory changes. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance upon the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and such forward-looking statements should not be interpreted or regarded as guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedar.com. Contacts: Raise Production Inc. Eric Laing President and Chief Executive Officer (403) 699-7675 elaing@raiseproduction.com Susan Scullion Chief Financial Officer (403) 699-7675 sscullion@raiseproduction.com www.raiseproduction.com TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- Routemaster Capital Inc. (TSX VENTURE: RM) ("Routemaster" or the "Company") announces the resignation of Julian Bharti from the board of directors of the Company, effective immediately. Routemaster would like to thank Mr. Bharti for his contributions to the Company and wish him well in his future endeavours. About Routemaster Capital Inc.: Routemaster Capital Inc. is a Canadian investment company that carries on business with the objective of enhancing shareholder value. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the impact of changes to the Company's board of directors and the Company's operations. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward looking statements, oral or written, made by itself or on its behalf, except as required by applicable law. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. Contacts: Fred Leigh President and Chief Executive Officer +1 (416) 861-5933 MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/17 -- Government of Canada The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, are pleased to announce the Government of Canada's support for MONTREAL EN LUMIERE. Thanks to this funding, festival visitors will be able to enjoy a full program of lights, performing arts and cuisine at the 18th edition of MONTREAL EN LUMIERE. The festival runs from February 23 to March 11, 2017, and coincides with the 150th anniversary of Confederation and the 375th anniversary of Montreal this year. Canada Economic Development (CED) is making a contribution of up to $751,000 over two years. This funding, provided by the Quebec Economic Development Program, seeks to promote MONTREAL EN LUMIERE in the international market in 2017 and 2018. The funding will support the design and implementation of a completely new activity in 2017: Curling en lumiere. Canadian Heritage is providing $110,000 through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund to support indoor shows, outdoor events and the festival's Illuminart component. Quick Facts -- MONTREAL EN LUMIERE, founded in 2000, is a winter festival that hosts more than 1 million visitors in the Quartier des spectacles each year. -- The event's cultural component features 300 activities and performances and brings together more than 600 artists from 13 countries. -- In addition to music, dance, theatre and circus performances, the18th edition's eclectic program-which pays tribute to the city of Lyon- includes Illuminart, a 3.6-kilometre circuit of 25 interactive illuminated works, curling with lanes and stones featuring interactive lighting, a Ferris wheel, a zip line, an urban slide and culinary events. Quotes "MONTREAL EN LUMIERE is an excellent opportunity to come together to celebrate both the 150th anniversary of Confederation and the 375th anniversary of Montreal in a lively, enchanting atmosphere. The event showcases the creativity of our fellow Canadians, who know how to make the most of winter's undeniable charms." - The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage "The tourism industry generates major economic impacts that benefit all Canadians by creating rewarding, high-quality jobs for the middle class. By supporting the promotion of MONTREAL EN LUMIERE internationally and by giving the festival the means to offer breathtaking activities and programming, the Government of Canada is encouraging visitors from around the world to attend." - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED Associated Links MONTREAL EN LUMIERE Canada Arts Presentation Fund Quebec Economic Development Program Stay Connected Follow Canadian Heritage on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Flickr. Follow CED on Twitter @CanEconDev. 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 Media Relations Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions 514-283-8818 dec.media.ced@canada.ca New Delhi: Chief Justice of India Justice J S Khehar has written to the Finance Ministry to provide details of major tax cases pending with the Supreme Court, so that the decision in one case could have a cascading effect in disposing of several others. Listing out initiatives taken by the apex court in reducing the pendency of cases, he said "so far initiatives that we have taken, we have tried to collect data even from the Finance Ministry relating to cases where, on tax issues, where there could be a cascading effect. "So I wrote to the Secretary of the department asking him whether he can point out the cases where there is a cascading effect so that we decide one and lot of other cases of different levels can be disposed off." Justice Khehar was speaking last night at a book release function at Rashtrapati Bhavan, which was attended by President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The CJI also said he had asked the finance ministry to find out whether there were certain cases which could have major financial impact so that, "rather than the matter pending in the courts, it will decide whether the government needs that money and gets it immediately, or doesn't get it. One way or the other." In a polite snub to Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Justice Khehar said the judiciary was the body which passed orders and was functioning within its "boundaries". "There is a difference of perception between the Union Law Minister and Union Finance Minister (Arun Jaitley). I don't blame either. The reason is that I do not know what to say -- Are you on the wrong side, or are we on the wrong side? "Probably you are on the wrong side because it's us passing the order and that is the unfortunate part and sometimes it is not a pleasant experience to have an order set aside or altered or changed or modified. But for that, we assure you that we will keep within our boundary," he said. Earlier, Prasad had said that all institutions of democracy -- Executive, Legislative and Judiciary -- should function within their limits. "While upholding the majesty of our courts and independence of judiciary as integral to India's governance, which cannot be tinkered by any which ways, we also need to acknowledge that legislation must be left to those who are elected by the people to make such legislations and governance must be left to those elected to govern by the people of India," the Law Minister said at the function. He said independence of judiciary is the basic structure undoubtedly, but "separation of power is also a basic structure". "It is the job of the executive to formulate and execute, the job of the legislator to legislate and the duty of the judiciary to interpret so that it becomes sacrosanct. How they have to work in symphony and harmony, is the job that the judiciary needs to find. That's how I think that our Constitutional governance must function," Prasad said. The Chief Justice also spoke about an alternative redressal mechanism to reduce pendency of cases in various courts and said "we can deal with a little bit of our arrears if there is a re-look at litigations pending with us at all levels of all courts." He said the national litigation policy was formulated by the government and it was expected that some kind of control would come around on the litigations that come from the government. "Since the government is the largest stakeholder with us, obviously the consequences of failed litigations is largest for the government. So nobody can grudge the government for raising the claim. "But it seems that we need a further look at it and I am sure that the government will consciously examine this issue", he said and suggested a mechanism where an independent agency, may be having some retired judges or eminent persons, to take a second call on whether to go for and appealor not. "And if we can just reduce 10 per cent of these litigations, then we will be the long way ahead. Again, please don't take me wrong, it is not a matter of any criticism," he said. The CJI said the judiciary was with the government "arm in arm" but pointed out that "it's a new world, it's a commercial world and the commercial world doesn't brook delays and when you (government) say we (courts) delay, I can't say we don't delay. "We do delay but there are issues by which we can resolve these delays" and minimise them if matters are decided outside court by alternative modes, Justice Khehar said. "Why should we not push mediation? In case of government dispute, why cant we choose option of mediation. As a try, may be we may succeed and may be we may not, but there is a great success of mediation in this country," he said. In commercial world, arbitration has a big role to play. "We must have an international standard arbitral tribunal and our international centre for alternative dispute redressal is now moving forward," he said. Justice Khehar said his predecessor Justice T S Thakur had taken charge of it so that people who came to India from abroad could "rely on us for arbitration in our country rather than us going to Singapore and Malaysia and the likes." "I am happy to tell you that my discussion with the Union Law Minister on this have been very encouraging and he has expressed all support to us on this issue as well," the CJI said. New Delhi: A delegation of IT industry body Nasscom will be in Washington DC today to engage with members of the new US administration on issues like clampdown on work visas and flow of skilled manpower between the two nations. "We will be in Washington DC between February 23 and March 2," Nasscom President R Chandrashekhar said. The delegation, which is slated to meet Senators and Congressmen, will highlight and share information on direct jobs being created by Indian IT companies in the US and their contribution in making the American economy competitive. Concerns around a proposed overhaul of the visa regime by the US has prompted Nasscom to postpone its annual forecast -- for the first time -- till May. Chandrashekhar said the delegation will include senior members of the industry, including Tech Mahindra MD and CEO CP Gurnani. Any changes in the visa regime may result in higher operational costs and shortage of skilled workers for the US $110 billion Indian outsourcing industry. Indian IT sector, which contributes 9.3 percent to the country's GDP, is one of the largest private sector employers at 3.7 million people. The US accounts for nearly 62 percent of the exports, while EU is the second largest market for the Indian IT services exporters contributing about 28 percent. According to Nasscom, Indian IT industry has created 1.55 lakh direct employment in the US. Recently, a US legislation (Lofgren Bill) has been introduced that proposes doubling of the minimum wages of H-1B visa holders to US $130,000. The current H-1B minimum wage of US $60,000 was fixed in 1989 and has since remained unchanged. Any protectionist stance by the US could also spell more trouble for IT firms that are already facing strong headwinds from currency fluctuation and cautious client spending. The Ministry of External Affairs has said India's interest and concerns on the issue have been conveyed both to the US administration and the US Congress at senior levels. Analysts are of the opinion that Indian companies could easily witness around 60-70 percent rise in salaries of the H-1B visa dependent workforce, which could lead to a 5-10 percent hit on the margins, depending on the total base of employees currently on H-1B visas. Global tech titans like Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Microsoft chief Satya Nadella, Apple's Tim Cook and others have already voiced their concerns on the issue. This is the seventh column in a series presenting findings and conclusions of Nevadas 2016 Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), posted at controller.nv.gov. Here, we address the Nevada Public Employee Retirement System (PERS). PERS runs a defined-benefit (DB) retirement funding program for state and local employees. In a retirement program, people put some of their current income into a fund that is invested for maximum risk-adjusted growth of the principal so that after their working/contributing years, they may draw retirement income from it. A weakness of DB plans is that participants and the agents who govern the plan can socialize the risks of their investment decisions to taxpayers and to todays early-career participants who have no role in managing those risks and thus no opportunity to be fairly protected. So, DB retirement programs inherently raise the following profound public-policy questions: What investment management policies and practices are followed? What expected rate of return on future investments or discount rate (DR) for future liabilities is used in setting contribution and draw levels? High DRs favor retirees and todays late-career participants over taxpayers and todays early-career participants. What lengths of working and thus contributory participation time are assumed, in addition to the other estimates used? The DR and these other parameters determine the Actuarially Required Contributions for currently working plan participants. PERS leads the nation and is doing the important things right in investment management. In investing, one cannot expect to beat the market by consistently scoring higher-than-market-average returns and one can lose a lot by trying. Hence, one should seek essentially to reap market-average returns and keep investment-management costs as low as possible. This is known as index-based management. PERS has done the best job of implementing index-based management on reasonable asset allocations and has realized greater returns than much larger public pensions elsewhere. Determining the DR is highly controversial. The proper fiduciary method to set the DR is to soberly assess expected net rates of return on the investments and use that rate to determine the probabilities that the fund will be able to cover various future payout levels. Then, contribution requirements and benefit levels can be determined to satisfy the level of certainty of coverage chosen by the board overseeing the plan. Thus, the DR question is: What are the reasonably expected returns? For decades, public-sector plans have assumed returns around eight percent, although some plans have adjusted downward slightly in recent years. Our analysis in the PAFR shows economic growth rates and thus investment returns are highly likely to be much lower than historic levels for the foreseeable future. Our conclusion is that a DR of five percent, net of fees and costs, is the most reasonable. Turning to the final matter, expected life length has been climbing in the US for decades, and health status has been improving at every age, but these factors have not been reasonably reflected in the reference working lives and retirement terms assumed by pension funds, Social Security, etc. In short, today most working lives assumed in public pension plans, including PERS, mean that retirement benefits maximum levels are reached after 30 years of employment and often available at a mid-fifties retirement age. Thus, many public employees get market-level pay for 30 years of service (with Nevada local government employees getting even higher pay), followed by retirement draws of 30 years that are noticeably better than the retirement draws generally available in private employment. Thus, they get a much better deal than the private-sector taxpayers who support them. The basic duty owed by all public officials from governors, controllers and legislators to all public employees in policy-related positions is a duty to voters, taxpayers and the broad public interest. However, they often view taxpayers and early-career retirement plan participants as mainly deep pockets to allow the politicians and bureaucrats to better serve the interests of retirees and late-career plan participants. So, reforms should be evaluated mainly on whether they avoid socializing risks of DB pensions to taxpayers and early-career plan participants. Unduly high DRs significantly raise taxpayer and early-career employees required future contribution rates. So, first PERS should adopt a five percent DR and then reconsider employment and retirement life estimates. New Delhi: Snapdeal co-founders Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal have admitted to take wrong decisions which has led to the company having to take the decision to let go of around 600 employees in the next few weeks. The employees have been offered three months salary as compensation. They won't be leaving the online marketplace firm at once but in batches, sources in the firm told Firstpost. The SoftBank-backed firm, which has been struggling to raise fresh funding, is also laying off hundreds of employees and eliminating non-core projects to focus on "profitable growth". In an e-mail to employees, Bahl conceded that over the last 2-3 years, with all the capital coming into this market, the company and the entire industry "started making mistakes". "We started growing the business before the right economic model and market fit was figured out," Bahl and Bansal wrote in their email, the Times of India said. "A large amount of capital with ambition can be a potent mix that drives a company to defocus from its core. We feel that happened to us. We started doing too many things, and all of us starting with myself and Rohit, are to blame for it," they said. They said from here on, Snapdeal would focus only on its core strengths and shut all non-core businesses in a bid to drastically cut cost. Bahl cited examples of global companies like Apple, Tesla, Amazon, Netflix, Lego and Spicejet that "painted themselves into a corner many times over" before they became successful. He said Snapdeal is being re-organised into a lean, focused and entrepreneurial company. "We are combining teams, reducing layers, eliminating non-core projects and strengthening the focus on profitable growth. Sadly, we will also be saying really painful goodbyes to some of our colleagues in this process," he said. According to sources, the company is in the process of laying off about 600 people across Snapdeal, Vulcan Express (logistics) and FreeCharge (payments). "...both Rohit and I are taking a 100 percent salary cut. Many of our leaders have also stepped up proactively and offered to take a significant cut in their compensation," he said. The company had last reported an employee strength of 8,000 people. Snapdeal is locked in an intense battle with rivals Amazon and Flipkart. (With inputs from agencies) When reports emerged on Wednesday, 22 February, that the wedding of actor Akhil Akkineni and designer Shriya Bhupal had been called off, it became quite the talking point in the Telugu film industry. Akhil and Shriya got engaged on 9 December 2016, and their wedding was set to be one of the biggest events of 2017 in Tollywood, with the whos who from the elite circle of industrialists, politicians and film industry set to grace the ceremony in May. The wedding was supposed to take place in Rome and nearly 700 guests were invited. The Reddy and Akkineni families had even made all the venue and hotel bookings; however, everything changed few days ago when they informed the invitees to cancel their tickets for Rome. The couple had been dating for two years before they decided to get married. Much to everyones surprise, Akhil (22) got engaged to Shriya (26) even before Akhils elder brother Naga Chaitanya decided to settle down (Chaitanya got engaged to his Ye Maaya Chesave co-star Samantha Ruth Prabhu in January this year). The Akhil-Shriya engagement was a lavish affair with some of the most powerful and richest people in Hyderabad blessing the couple at the ceremony. Akhil is the younger son of popular actor Nagarjuna Akkineni, whereas Shriya Bhupal is the granddaughter of industrialist GVK Reddy. Ever since the news about the young couples split came to light, several rumours began circulating about what could have possibly gone wrong. Even close friends of the couple expressed their shock, while talking to the media anonymously, saying, Everything was fine until last week. God knows what went wrong. While the exact cause behind the wedding being called off is yet to be established, two versions have emerged from various sources in the know. One of the main reasons is said to be compatibility issues between the two, although its not yet clear what was the bone of contention. Some rumours even suggested that since Akhil is quite young, he might have got cold feet as their wedding date approached. The couple were spotted at an event last week and they seemed very much in love according to their friends. Incidentally, Times Of India quoted a friend of the couple saying that Akhil and Shriya Bhupal had a tiff at the Hyderabad airport recently and it snowballed into something bigger, which led to this sudden development. For now, neither Akhil nor Shriya have gone on record about calling off their wedding. Even their respective families havent issued a statement officially. Akhil is now focusing on his next film, a collaboration with director Vikram Kumar, while Shriya is said to have left for the US. The team of Rangoon is certain to be on tenterhooks at this moment as a judge is expected to pronounce a ruling in the copyright infringement case filed against the Kangana Ranaut-Saif Ali Khan-Shahid Kapoor starrer on Thursday morning, 23 February. Wadia Movietone had filed a case against the makers of Rangoon, alleging that the character of Kangana Ranaut in the film Jaanbaaz Julia was directly copied from the leading lady of their 1935 film Hunterwali, the stuntwoman Fearless Nadia. Read on Firstpost: Rangoon in copyright row; 19 scenes, Kangana's look allegedly copied from 1935's Hunterwali Moreover, they stated that 19 scenes as seen in the trailer bore a resemblance to scenes from Hunterwali, further adding that Wadia Movietone had been in talks with Rangoon director Vishal Bhardwaj and the studio UTV around 2006 for a film based on Fearless Nadia. Wadia Movietone's CEO Roy Wadia sought a stay on Rangoon's release, which is scheduled to be in theatres this Friday (24 February). However, advocates arguing for Vishal Bhardwaj and the Rangoon team said that no copyright infringement had occurred. Bhardwaj contended that Fearless Nadia was not a fictional character like James Bond. Nadia was a screen name adopted by the actress Mary Evans when she entered films, with the 'fearless' moniker being added later, thanks to her penchant for performing her own stunts. Lawyers for the Rangoon team compared 'Fearless Nadia' to the 'Dream Girl' title enjoyed by Hema Malini in her heyday, stating that no one could claim to have a copyright over a moniker. They also said that since she was active in films during the pre-Independence era, Nadia was a historical figure and there couldn't be a copyright around such a personality. You are an actor, so of course it comes with the profession. Why should anyone who chose to become an actor complain about sexual harassment? Film industry mein toh yeh sab hota hi hai. If you dont like it, dont become an actor. It's commonplace to hear statements like this whenever you hear of a actor being sexually propositioned, objectified or harassed. On 18 February, a Malayalam actress was abducted and harassed by a gang of men who forced their way into her car. A few days later, Tamil actor Varalaxmi Sarathkumar spoke out about an incident where a TV channel head made a pass at her after a work meeting. She added that this was not an isolated incident, but part of a larger mindset that treated actors as sexual objects. Read: Tamil actress Varalaxmi Sarathkumar speaks out about sexual harassment, exploitation in film industry "'You knew the film industry was like this when you joined. Why complain now?'," Varalaxmi wrote, of the kind of response she'd previously received. "But," she countered, "I didn't join the industry to be treated like a piece of meat or follow the same practices of exploitation (that other women had been subjected to)... I love acting. I work hard and it's my profession of choice... my options should not be to 'either put up with it or quit'." The refrain is one I've heard before. A producer once said in my hearing, "On screen romance ke liye off-screen chemistry samajhna zaroori hai na." Moron, off-screen chemistry is my choice. I will decide whether I want it or not. Every time someone says, If you can get intimate with your co-actor on screen why cant you get intimate with me off screen? Woh bhi professional hai, yeh bhi professional hai", I feel like saying why dont you become an actor and understand the process of acting first. The two are completely different. Intimacy in private spaces is not the same as acting intimate with lights, camera, action and a hundred people around, where often things are technically choreographed like a dance routine. There is another very important distinction: As an actress whenever I have agreed to do an intimate scene, it has been very crucial for me to know who my co-actor is. Its important for me to analyse my level of trust and comfort with him or her and feel relaxed about it. I would never agree to an intimate scene with a creep. So there is always a choice involved. The choice also starts from whether I believe that the script really needs it. If a script demands something as a part of a story we dont call it objectification unlike just adding an item number and making the actor an object of sexual desire. Similarly, when two adults meet, if they choose to get intimate it is their choice and there should be no judgment there. But if it is a condition, then there is a huge problem. One is forcing the other to have sex. That is rape. I have heard people saying, I asked for it, but she had a choice to say no. She agreed which means she also wanted it. Using ones power to get sexual favours in a workspace is rape. The person in power is responsible for setting the rules, not the one who is asking for the job. There are no two ways about it. Sometimes I have heard people saying, What can I do if she seduced me? She did it. So I gave her the job. In the workspace, one should be given a job for her skills, not for sexual favours she can offer. This is the highest level of corruption. We have to stand against it all the time. If I want to become a doctor I should study medicine. Similarly, if I want to become an actor I should know how to act. One needs to understand that even a sex worker has a choice about trading her body and cannot be raped. As professionals, we have to constantly stand against these exploitative practices. In the film industry, this is a menace that people talk about in generalities. Nobody talks in specifics. I think we should have the courage to name and shame people and talk in specifics. Sexual harassment at workplace: 69% victims did not complain to management, says survey Often the harassment is not direct. There are indirect pressures and expectations. There should be stricter laws against it. But of course in an unorganised industry such as film, it is difficult to implement laws against sexual harassment. People are scared of expressing their experiences or reporting against powerful people. They fear that they might lose out on work. That makes it easier for exploitative people. Asking for sexual favours in return for work is one of the most hostile, exploitative practices. It has to be viewed and dealt with in utter seriousness with no compromise. Sankalp Reddy, a 32-year-old filmmaker from Hyderabad, is the man of moment these days. His directorial debut, The Ghazi Attack has received rave reviews, with several critics praising him for pulling off a first-of-its-kind war drama set in the sea. The film focuses on the battle between India and Pakistan in the wake of the 1971 Indo-Pak war and the whole drama revolves around the crew of two submarines - S21 and PNS Ghazi, and how India's S21 won the battle against all odds. Directed by Sankalp Reddy, the film had Rana Daggubati, Kay Kay Menon, Atul Kulkarni in lead roles and it was hailed as a big step forward for the Telugu film industry (the film was released simultaneously in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi), where such ideas - a war-at-sea film for instance - are rarely explored. Few days after the release, Reddy admits that he's yet to come to terms with all the appreciation he has been getting. "It's been a five year journey for me to make this film. I don't think I can digest the film's success in just four days. My phone hasn't stopped ringing after the film released and within two days, I got more than 1500 friend requests on Facebook. I have strangers messaging me and praise my work. It's been surreal so far," he confesses, as he gets talking in his thick-Telangana accent. He's a man of few words, but over the course of the conversation, it becomes all the clear that the big success story isn't about how much The Ghazi Attack has collected at the box-office. It's the fact that the film got made in the first place, against all odds. Five years ago, when Reddy went to Vishakapatnam for the first time, he ended up going to the submarine museum in RK beach. That marked the beginning of his love affair with narrating a story set inside a submarinem and a quick research led him to the story of PNS Ghazi and INS Rajput. In the next few months, he revisited the submarine museum to dig out more information about the mysterious sinking of PNS Ghazi, just off the coast of Vishakapatnam in the wee hours of December 4, 1971. "The original incident involved a battle between a R-Class destroyer ship INS Rajput and Pakistan Navy's PNS Ghazi submarine. I didn't have the budget to show a ship in my film, so I changed it to a submarine named S21," he reveals. Talking about the film's budget, the original plan was to wrap up the film in Rs 10 lakhs and release it on Youtube. Later, Sankalp borrowed more money from his friends and family members, which increased the budget to Rs 25 lakhs. In the midst of all this, he approached several producers and studios in Bollywood to make it into a full-fledged feature film. "Initially, I was under the impression that an idea like this wouldn't interest Telugu film producers at all. Who makes a film about a submarine and war in first place in Telugu? I tried reaching out to a lot of actors in Bollywood back in 2013-14, but I hadn't proven my credibility to be taken seriously. The only actors whom I could establish contact with were Kay Kay Menon and Rajeev Khandelwal, but the film almost never took off," says Reddy. Despite the initial setbacks, he put together a small team who pooled in all their resources to build the set of a submarine in a building that was still under construction. Reddy's initial idea was to work with theatre actors and have very few CGI shots to give the impression of a war, but everything changed once Rana Daggubati came into the picture. "Once Rana came on board, everything became bigger - we got a bigger budget, a bigger star cast and even a bigger submarine set," he laughs, adding, "The original set that we had built was a tad small for Rana. So, we had to reconstruct the whole thing once again and increase the height by couple of feet to suit Rana's personality." For all the changes that were made in the final shooting script, there's one thing which no one wanted to tinker with. "Everything that you see in the second half remained intact. Everyone who came on board this project was impressed with the second half when the actual war begins between the two submarines. The only major change that we made was to try to accentuate the conflict between Kay Kay Menon and Rana Daggubati. Another major change was the visual effects under water. When I didn't have the budget, I wanted to have not more than 40-50 CG shots. But when Ghazi was made, it ended up having more than 600 CG shots," he says. Considering that the film was shot in Telugu, and Hindi within 60 days it sounds like a great team effort. Reddy nods in agreement saying, "All of us have been living and breathing this film for the past few months. So much that I can even tell you what each component of a submarine is supposed to do (laughs)." Prior to his debut in films, Sankalp Reddy flew to Brisbane, Australia to pursue a degree in Masters in International Business. It was then he realised that he had to change his track to something more creative. "I can't remember being obsessed with films till I turned 14. It was only when I was studying in Brisbane that I had a chance to watch lot of Hollywood films and I remember being mesmerised by the works of Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan," he recalls. For now, Sankalp Reddy can sigh a breath of relief. The Ghazi Attack is doing great business and is still in theatres. "I'm enjoying this moment. I mean, think about it which debut director gets a chance to make a film in two languages and enjoy such appreciation? It'll take me some more time to get back to normalcy (smiles)," says Reddy. This Sunday, 22 February 2017 will mark one of the most important events for the International film industry. It's time for the 89th Academy Awards and one thing is for sure: because the high-stakes event lends itself to raw emotions, there are rare moments of candor from publicly cautious celebrities. Over the years, the Academy Awards have given us some of the most hilarious, memorable and touching memories of our favourite celebrities. Here are our favourite Oscar moments from the ceremonies throughout the years: Leonardo DiCaprio finally wins the Oscar After 27 years in Hollywood, six nominations, countless articles about him not winning the Oscar and one graphic bear attack, Leonardo DiCaprio finally won the best actor Oscar for his performance in The Revenant in 2016. The world had to start looking for a new meme. "Thank you to all of you in this room," DiCaprio said, to a standing ovation, when he reached the stage. The actor thanked The Revenant co-star Tom Hardy, director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and Martin Scorsese, for teaching him the art of film. The happiest person was ofcourse, the bear from The Revenant. Halle Barry breaks down on Stage The Academy Awards has seen it all from tears to falls to memorable acceptance speeches. Halle Berry breaks into tears during her acceptance speech after winning Best Actress for her role as Leticia Musgrove in the film Monsters Ball when she became the first African-American actress to win the Oscar in 2002. Ellen's Oscar Celebrity Selfie Who can forget the famous photo taken by the then Oscars host Ellen Degeneres. Among the stars who posed with her: Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Lupita Nyong'o, Kevin Spacey, Jared Leto and Channing Tatum. Shortly after the epic selfie posted, Twitter experienced intermittent outages. The photo had been retweeted more than 750,000 times in its first 45 minutes of it being put up. After one hour, it topped the previous record-holder for most retweets a tweet from President Barack Obama after he won the 2012 election. That Obama tweet was retweeted a little more than 780,000 times. Charlie Chaplin: The never seen before standing ovation After returning to America after his 20 year exile because of supporting communism during the Cold War, Charlie Chaplin returned to Hollywood for one of the greatest moments in Oscar history. During the 45th Academy Awards in 1972, Chaplin went on stage to receive a Lifetime Achievement award and was also awarded with the longest standing ovation in Oscar history lasting around 12 minutes. This video, fortunately or unfortunately does not include the full length of the ovation. The Only Woman to win the 'Best Director' Award Katherine Bigelow became the only woman to win the directing Oscar in the 2009 Award ceremony for her film The Hurt Locker (it went to win the Oscar for Best Film as well). No other woman has won or been nominated since. Barbra Streisand announces her name by saying, "Well, the time has finally come:" Heath Ledger wins Best Supporting Actor posthumously for The Dark Knight Ledger became the second actor to win a posthumous Oscar, accepted by his family. What gave rise to the politicalisation of the Oscars: Marlon Brando declines his Award The 45th Annual Awards in 1973 saw what was the beginning of the protest against Hollywood's treatment of people of color. When Marlon Brando was awarded the Best Actor Oscar for his iconic role as Vito Corleone in The Godfather, he didnt show up to accept the statue. Instead, he sent a Native American activist named Sacheen Littlefeather in his place to decline the award. Littlefeather stood behind the podium and, to a mixed reaction of boos and applause from the audience, explained why the movie star, at the height of his career, was rejecting the Academys most prestigious individual honor. "He has asked me to tell you, that he very regretfully cannot accept this very generous award," Littlefeather, wearing traditional Apache dress, said. "And the reasons for this being are the treatment of American Indians today by the film industry." The #OscarsSoWhite controversy of last year shows that sadly Hollywood has not changed much: Benedict Cumberbatch: 'Go Away' The 87th Annual Academy Awards or the Oscars 2015 was a special night Benedict Cumberbatch. He had bagged an Oscar Nomination for Best Actor for his role as Alan Turing in The Imitation Game, but sadly lost out to Eddie Redmayne. However, it looks like Benedict was well prepared to drown his sorrows with a hip-flask that he kept taking a swig from throughout the live broadcast and mouthed 'Go Away' when the camera was on him after Redmayne bagged the award. The 2017 BRIT Awards took place in London yesterday on 22 February 2017, and Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, Skepta, the 1975, Ed Sheeran, Little Mix, and Emeli Sande performed. There was a George Michael tribute too. But the most surprising and the best performance of the evening was given by The Chainsmokers duo who partnered with Coldplay for there new single, 'Something Just Like This' which was released shortly before the performance. No-one had expected Chris Martin, who performed earlier in the George Michael tribute, to come back on stage for a performance. The Chainsmokers have a reputation for partnering with up-and-coming talents in the pop world, but this time around it looks like they looked towards the top of the charts for help. Here's their performance at BRIT 2017 awards: Coldplay and The Chainsmokers perform Something Just Like This at the #BRITs https://t.co/kMlNpX8qji pic.twitter.com/DDRoYtK9ek Coldplaying (@coldplaying) February 22, 2017 Coldplays Chris Martin took up singing duties on the upbeat, loving track, which sounds like a perfect blend of the current sound that has been working for Coldplay, with a Chainsmokers-style EDM-pop drop reminiscent of their 2016 hit single 'Roses.' The release of 'Something Just Like This' comes as something of a surprise given that the electronic duo is still busy promoting two other singles. Just last month, the NYC-based pairing dropped 'Paris,' which sees member Drew Taggart fronting the majority of the vocals for the first time on a major single. That song debuted within the top 10 in both the U.S. and the U.K., and since then it has gone on to spend a handful of weeks inside the highest tier on the charts. 'Something Just Like This' is expected to be featured on The Chainsmokers upcoming debut full-length album, which will be out at some point later in 2017. While the music video is still not out, here's the lyric video: By Mubashir Bukhari | LAHORE, Pakistan LAHORE, Pakistan A bomb blast in an upscale shopping centre in Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore killed at least 10 people on Thursday, a provincial government spokesman said, the latest attack in a surge of violence that has shaken the country. "It was a bomb blast with a huge sound impact that smashed the windows of almost all the buildings around," said Punjab government spokesman Malik Mohammad Khan.He said the blast caused a huge crater and authorities were investigating the exact "nature and motives" of the blast. Punjab police spokesman Nayab Haider said the explosion was caused by a bomb that was detonated either remotely or by timer.Pakistan has been struck by a wave of militant attacks in recent weeks which have killed at least 130 people. One attack at a Sufi shrine in southern Sindh province killed 90 people. Rescue officials said security forces cordoned off the site of Thursday's blast, in a residential neighbourhood which also houses banks and coffee shops, after what one bank worker described as a frightening explosion."We left the building and saw that the motor-bikes parked outside were on fire and all the windows in the surrounding buildings were shattered," eyewitness Mohammad Khurram told Reuters. Reports of a second explosion in the city turned out to be a tyre blow-out, a government official said. Thursday's bombing was the second attack in Lahore in two weeks. A suicide bombing on Feb. 13 killed at least 13 people at a protest near the provincial assembly. Government and military officials have vowed to hunt down militants across the country and Pakistan's border with Afghanistan has been shut down due to security concerns. After the shrine bombing, Pakistani security forces said they had killed more than 100 suspected militants in targeted campaigns across the country. (Writing by Saad Sayeed; Editing by Nick Macfie, Mehreen Zahra-Malik and Dominic Evans) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Jonathan Stempel | NEW YORK NEW YORK Warren Buffett, widely considered one of the world's best investors, is likely to tout the merits of passive investing this weekend to readers of his annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRKa.N) shareholders.The letter, slated for release around 8 a.m. EST on Saturday, will probably focus on familiar themes for the 86-year-old Buffett, with many single-spaced pages reviewing Berkshire's businesses and managers, Wall Street, the economy and perhaps even politics."The letters are written as much for sophisticated financial people as for people in high school," said Andy Kilpatrick, author of "Of Permanent Value: The Story of Warren Buffett." "It's a fun read, and when you get through it, you think, 'Wow, I could be doing better with my life and my investing.'"Buffett believes most stock investors are better off with low-cost index funds than paying higher fees to managers who often underperform. He told Fortune magazine he expects to write "a lot" about passive investing. (here)Berkshire itself might seem anomalous, with shares of the Omaha, Nebraska-based conglomerate having generated a roughly 2 million percent gain in Buffett's nearly 52 years at the helm. In 2016, Berkshire's stock price rose about 23.4 percent, easily outpacing the market, though most investors who bought its stock in recent years have achieved closer to market-average returns.Kilpatrick expects Buffett to discuss Precision Castparts, an aircraft parts maker that Berkshire bought last January for $32.1 billion, its biggest acquisition.Buffett is likely to discuss other Berkshire businesses, such as insurance and the BNSF railroad, and shower praise on Berkshire managers, perhaps including investing deputies Todd Combs and Ted Weschler. Combs alerted Buffett to Precision Castparts, and Buffett may discuss what drove Berkshire's unexpected, multi-billion-dollar investments in Apple Inc (AAPL.O) and the four biggest U.S. airlines.Buffett may also focus on his desire to spend Berkshire's huge cash pile after Kraft Heinz Co (KHC.O), which Berkshire partly owns, on Sunday scrapped a bid to buy food rival Unilever Plc (ULVR.L) that Berkshire might have helped finance. U.S. President Donald Trump may also be a focus for Buffett, who was a vocal supporter of Hillary Clinton.Buffett alluded elliptically to Trump in last year's letter, bemoaning the "negative drumbeat" from presidential candidates talking down U.S. economic prospects.Berkshire is also expected to report fourth-quarter results. Analysts expect operating profit of around $4.5 billion, or $2,717 per Class A share, down from $4.67 billion last year, Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S said. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Jennifer Ablan and Dan Grebler) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Airbus (AIR.PA) has called for a European ministerial meeting to address the latest problems engulfing the A400M military plane, saying its own viability is at stake as it seeks government help to contain fresh losses on Europe's largest defense project.The move comes a day after Airbus took a fresh writedown of 1.2 billion euros against A400M losses and urged seven NATO buyer nations to limit its exposure to heavy fines and payment delays caused by new technical snags and delays.In a letter to government buyers, the company spoke of "significant risks ahead" on the project, originally valued at 20 billion euros and now costing well over 30 billion euros, according to two people familiar with the letter's contents."We are committed to the A400M program. However we are responsible to sustain the viability of Airbus," said the letter signed by Airbus Chairman Denis Ranque and Chief Executive Tom Enders and sent to the capitals of Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain and Turkey and the UK.Noting "huge losses" on the project, Airbus called for a meeting of ministers of those nations to take stock of the situation and agree on next steps in the best interests of the program, government customers and Europe's defense industry.It also called for talks with Europrop International (EPI), the consortium responsible for providing the troop carrier's turboprop engines, which have been involved in some delays. EPI is owned by France's Safran (SAF.PA), Britain's Rolls-Royce (RR.L), Germany's MTU Aero Engines (MTXGn.DE) and Industria de Turbo Propulsores (ITP) of Spain.An Airbus spokeswoman declined comment on Thursday on details of the company's contacts with governments, but said there would be three elements to any discussions: the nations, the OCCAR pan-European procurement agency and the engine makers. Engine consortium EPI could not immediately be reached for comment.A spokesman for OCCAR had said on Wednesday the agency was in regular and ongoing dialogue with Airbus, but declined comment on the company's request for new measures.Airbus received a 3.5 billion euro bailout from the seven core purchasing nations in 2010, but has suggested it did not go far enough in limiting the company's financial exposure. Defence officials from the seven nations were expected to confer by telephone on Airbus requests as early as Thursday.Germany, the largest A400M buyer, has so far given a cool response, saying it is important that Airbus should resolve outstanding problems on the military program. (Reporting by Reuters bureaus, Writing by Tim Hepher, Editing by Richard Balmforth) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Chants of death to the dictator grow louder as Iran protests intensify The protests in Iran that were sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini have now entered the 42nd day. The demonstrations are more powerful than ever and so is the crackdown by Iranian authorities. Thousands of mourners defied heightened security measures as they made their way to Aminis burial site in Lance Naik Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Rather didn't like his uncle buying medication for his aged parents, who are suffering from psychiatric problems. A few days ago, he called his wife, Shahzada Akhtar, to ask if his parents had enough medicine to last them till the time he returned home, this weekend, from his duty. On Friday, he will return, but in a coffin. In the wee hours of Thursday morning, Lance Naik Rather was among the three soldiers killed by militants in an ambush when a patrolling party of Army and police was coming back from a search operation in Shopian district of south Kashmir. The moment the search party reached Mulu Chitragam at 2.00 am on Thursday morning, suspected militants launched the attack by firing indiscriminately at the forces' vehicles, leaving seven soldiers injured, including two officers. Three of the them later succumbed to injuries and the condition of Major Amardeep Singh, according to sources, is very critical. It was a surprising attack, one that defense analysts believe, could have been planned well in advance by luring the Army into a certain area and while they were coming back, attacking them. The fact that the search operation by the Army was carried out so late in the night also points at the possibility of a trap. While returning from Kungnoo, the search party was attacked by unknown militants at Mulu Chitragam at about 2 am resulting in injuries to six army personnel including two officers of whom three succumbed to their injuries, said a statement issued by police. The other two soldiers who died in the ambush have been identified as Sapper Sreejit M.J and Vikas Singh Gurjar, while the injured include Lt Col Mukesh Jha, Major Amardeep Singh, Surendra Kumar, Sumer Singh and Ajay Pal. A woman, Taja Begam, wife of Ghulam Mohammed Mir, of Mulu area too was hit by a bullet inside her house during the exchange of fire between militants and forces. She also succumbed to her injuries. According to her family, she woke up to the sound of gunfire in the middle of the night and curiosity drove her to the window when she was hit, though it is not clear whose bullet hit her. Militant organization Hizb-ul-Mujahideen took responsibility for the attack and put the death-toll at seven. In a telephonic statement to a local news gathering agency, Hizbs operation spokesperson, Burhan-ud-Din, said five army-men were killed and seven were injured in the attack. The attack follows a series of deadly encounters and a spike in the number of casualties among security forces is a new trend in the valley where militancy related incidents have seen a steep rise in recent months after the end of the summer unrest of 2016. More then 29 security personnel have been killed, including some in natural calamities, just in the last two months. Shopian is one of the worst militancy affected areas in the south Kashmir. Police say around 100 locals have joined militant ranks in last one year and 59 of them joined after Hizb commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani was killed. As the news of Rather's death spread, neighbours gathered in his home in Punchpora near Bijbehara town, of south Kashmir. Till Thursday afternoon the parents of the fallen soldier had no idea that their son had been killed. He served in the army for fifteen years and was to retire in the next six months. The family was preparing for the wedding of his sister. His parents are old and both have psychiatric issues. He was the only source of income to keep them going, Mushtaq Ahmad, a neighbour of Rather, told Firstpost over the phone. Shahzada Akhtar, wife of Lance Naik Rather, has to raise their three-year-old son Aahil. They were wed five years ago and after his retirement, Rather planned to open a shop in the village market. But destiny had something else in store for him. The outcry following the molestation of a prominent South Indian actress in Kochi has finally got the state government to act tough on Mollywood. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala has vowed to put an end to what it calls is a rampant criminalisation of the film industry. What happened to the actor is not a one-off incident. Criminals seem to be entrenched in this industry at many levels. The government is committed to break this network and cleanse Malayalam cinema at any cost. We are not going to spare anyone, even some of the big stars are under the scanner," said Kerala, Minister for Cultural Affairs, AK Balan. Balan also told Firstpost that the industry is currently in the grip of a lobby that involves certain actors, directors and producers who are hand-in-glove with criminals and history-sheeters. Many in the industry are suffering because they need to bow to the wishes of these people and those who do not, meet the fate of the actor who was molested. This, he said has to be tackled with an iron hand. The minister said that the government would soon start a major crackdown on these criminals with the help of people within the industry. There are plans to involve various associations working within the industry to help clean up the mess. The open comments of the minister, which indeed is a reflection of what the Pinarayi Vijayan government is gearing up to do, comes at a time when there is a strong allegation that the attack on the Malayalam actor in Kochi was a well-planned attempt by a lobby led by one prominent actor who had been hunting her down for quite some time now. Various reports indicate that Malayalam actor Dileeps name had been thrown around in this regard as the prominent actor although Firstpost could not verify it independently. For the last two years, the assaulted heroine had even been forced to seek work in movies in neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh due to this harassment. While all these are matters of investigation now, a few actors have also called for introspection at the earliest. There is no denying the fact that the Malayalam film industry is in the clutches of goonda gangs patronised by a few leading actors. There is no use pushing it under the carpet. We need to weed them out at the earliest," said KB Ganesh Kumar, leading actor, and a MLA. Highly placed sources in the state government told Firstpost that the scope of the present investigation would not stop with the molestation of this actor alone. Rather, a wider probe, which includes a thorough investigation aimed at netting the criminal elements in the industry is being planned. Minister Balan confirmed this. This is not going to end with bringing just this particular quotation gang to book. We are going to look into every aspect of the industry. Now some of the prominent actors are coming out with revelations which show the extent to which the criminal mafia has taken over the industry. We will now examine every aspect of this," he said. Fans, drugs, goons and Mollywood According to Kerala Police, the attack was a well-planned affair which was aimed at blackmailing the actress after getting her pictures in compromising positions. The prime accused Sunil Kumar alias Pulsar Suni who was arrested on Thursday has had a long run-in with the law. In spite of being a well-known history-sheeter, Kumar has enjoyed close relationships with a number of leading actors doubling up as their drivers and agents, exposing the dark underbelly of the tinsel towns unholy alliance with hardcore criminals. After the news broke, Mukesh, a top film star and a sitting MLA revealed how he had sacked Kumar when he learned about his criminal antecedents. What has startled many is how Kumar managed to stick to the industry and even gain proximity to the top group in spite of his open criminal background. It is here that industry finds no place to hide. Senior film directors claim that post-2000, the fan rivalry in the industry had been intense and it is through this route that criminals and history-sheeters started entering the film world in Kerala. Vinayan, a director who had been sidelined many times for speaking his mind says that the top Malayalam film stars are themselves to blame for the current situation. There was a time when hired goons of one superstar used to disrupt releases of the other by causing a din at the theatre. They used to pelt stones and resort to violence in the name of fan rivalry. Over time these people became trusted lieutenants and henchmen in the form of drivers, managers, agents and even producers. It is this culture that is destroying this industry, said Vinayan. Many directors and producers, in anonymity, say that the monopoly and sheer control that these superstars wield over the industry with the help of another prominent actor form the crux of the whole issue. While the two demi-gods of the industry maintain their image and position at the top, the other prominent actor, whose recent marriage had also ruffled feathers, does all the dirty work to maintain the status quo. Many call him the master manipulator who has besides cinema, interests in real estate and hospitality. He even runs a restaurant in Kochi that is doing big business. A recent quarrel between producers and exhibitors was also quelled under his leadership by floating a new association of which he was crowned the head. But the muck does not end there. In 2015, raids by narcotics division of the Kerala Police opened a Pandoras box in Kochi. The arrest of a new generation actor Shine Tom Chacko and a DJ turned actor Mithun Vilas in Kochi exposed the control the drug mafia based in Goa has had on the Malayalam film industry. A director told Firstpost that more than money, the new generation group of actors demand substance if they need to be pulled out from one shoot location to another. But even this 2015 expose was soon hushed up. Over the last few years, glorification of drugs and violence against women have been rampant themes in Malayalam movies. Top stars were endorsing it in movies. So what is the surprise when criminalisation creeps into the industry itself?" asked Biju, a national award winning director. What happened to the Malayalam actor who was molested, is just the tip of the iceberg. Perhaps the difference is that she had the courage to come out in the open. A few others have now taken courage to do the same. Well-known producer Suresh Kumar recounts how his wife Menaka, an erstwhile heroine of the industry escaped from a similar circumstance a few years ago. "She was supposed to be dropped to a hotel by this driver. But then he started taking a different route. When she started calling me in panic, the driver also perhaps got scared and he dropped her at another hotel where she had no booking and fled the scene. We even reported to the cops but nothing happened. Later we came to know the man behind this was again Pulsar Suni," said Suresh Kumar. Suresh goes on to add that the reason why Menaka escaped is perhaps because the gang was not expecting her but a couple of very young stars to get into the vehicle that day. His words only reinforce that what happened to the actor last week was certainly not a stray incident. The political connection The government may have given the call to arms for a cleansing of the industry. But many feel it is easier said than done. That many of the fringe elements associated with the industry have top political connections in the state is no secret. In the latest molestation episode itself, one of the prime accused VP Vigneesh who hails from Kannur is reported to have very close links with the ruling Communist Party of India Marxist (CPM). His brother is a prime accused in the high-profile murder of Kathiroor Manoj, a BJP worker in September 2014 at Kannur. With the roots of the cinema-political-criminal nexus running deep, the Vijayan government will have a tough time implementing its plans. Take the case of the CPM state secretarys son who is also a well known face in the industry. Many allege that he is the main provider of hired goons in the industry. That the same goons work for the party too is a well-known fact. How the LDF will tackle all this while going in to clean the industry would be the crucial question from here on. See the elements who rule the industry are too close to the top politicians in the state. How do you think the government will break this monopoly? Mere political will alone cannot get you far in this issue. Its easier said than done for the government," says CR Neelakandan, a civil rights activist in the state. The attack on the Malayalam actor is the latest crisis that has hit the industry which is still to recover from the mysterious death of actor Kalabhavan Mani. Though Manis family had all the while talked of foul play following the discovery that the actor had consumed illicit liquor, the investigation has gone nowhere in spite of the CBI taking over the case in June 2016. Sunil Kumar and his seven-member gang might end up behind bars for a few years. But the bigger fish in Mollywood who are behind this episode are likely to get away yet again. Even as notorious Inspector General of the Dantewada Range of Bastar, SRP Kalluri, handpicked by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, was recently asked to proceed on a long leave following indictment by the National Human Rights Commission in January 2017, the spate of encounter killing of Maoists has been on the rise in the Andhra-Odisha Border (AOB) and Chhattisgarh region of the Dandakaranya forests. On the other hand, the CPI (Maoists) led by its new leader Kakarala Madhavi has been striking terror amongst the security forces. Ever since she took over as the secretary of the AOB, she has also been paving a strategy for refurbishing and training, militia recruitment and strengthening the Maoist control over AOB. Kakarala and Maoists bomb expert Sonu (alias Mallojula Venugopal) have been credited with the landmine blast on 1 February in an armoured vehicle of Odisha State Armed Police which killed 5 policemen and injured 20 at Mogarguma village, near Pottangi in Koraput district, on the Sunki-Salur highway. This region is an old stronghold of the Maoists' 3rd Central Regional Committee, which has been dormant for some time now. Telangana and Chhattisgarh police sources say nearly 12 policemen and 8 Maoists have been killed in three different encounters in AOB and other regions nearby since then. The alarm has also been sounded by the Union Home Ministry last week on Maoist threat to Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao after the state police arrested a group of advocates who went on a fact-finding mission to the AOB to investigate the October 24 massacre of Maoists. Security has been beefed up for Chief Minister KCR. The Telangana Intelligence Security Wing (ISW) which reviewed the situation and added a second bullet-proof fire fighter (the composite armed vehicle which could carry 15 commandos and withstand landmine and grenade attacks) to his entourage while on district tours and doubled the commando force guarding him to 250. Telangana police have also approached the Centre to grant Z-category status to KCR but stopped short of seeking NSG commando support for him. We can take care of our CM with our Greyhounds and VIP security wing commandos, said Telangana DGP Anurag Sharma. However, the events of October 24 - when over 30 ultras including several top guns were butchered at a plenary meet - continue to haunt the Maoists. The episode was reportedly discussed at the Central Committee and other fora of CPI (Maoists) twice. It is said that an arrested Maoist Sriramulu Srinivasan, had tipped off the AP police about the October plenum meeting in the cut-off area of Odishas Malkangiri district. The 80 square kilometers stretch of no man's land in AOB is a water-locked area of 151 villages without power, drinking water or roads. It is a shame that our comrades did not take precautions after comrade Srinivas Sriramulus arrest and change the venue and dates this is a sort of overconfidence and dereliction of Che (guerrilla) procedures, said a recent circular of CPI (Maoists) which highlighted the reasons for the October massacre and fixed the blame on four top leaders. Ground Scenario In AOB Despite the setbacks of October 2016, Maoists in Andhra-Odisha Border areas are gradually gaining strength. Security forces in both AP and Odisha suspect that the Naxals have been able to recover, regroup and regain control of crucial segments of the AOB with the help of battalions from Dandakaranya in Chhattisgarh. It is said that 5 companies of PLGA (Peoples Liberation Guerrilla Army) from Sukma and Dantewada in Chhattisgarh have been deployed to various places in AOB in an effort to boost the morale of their sympathisers and cadres which were demoralised after the October massacre. It is also said that Mallojula Venugopala Rao alias Sonu of Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), the younger brother of Kishanji (from Peddapalli in Karimnagar district) and Tipparthi Tirupati alias Deoji are now in charge of the intelligence network in AOB. Both the experts in political campaigns and military actions in difficult situations and terrains have been positioned full time in the AOB since January 2017. Ramakrishna alias RK and Akkiraju Hargopal, who miraculously escaped in the 24 October episode, have been guiding both Sonu and Deoji in their new assignment from a safe hideout away from AOB. It appears both of them are in charge of operations, recruitment, training, and Kakarala Madhavi is coordinating in generating funds, managing cadres and also strengthening frontal organizations, said a senior police Intelligence official at Visakhapatnam quoting from his sources. The Naxals have been engaging in Tactical Counter Offence Campaign in AOB areas. Police Intelligence contends that the Maoists have deployed around 150 armed ultras and another 300 activists from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand to put up a show that they are still in control of the AOB. Maoist squads were still manning some crucial forest junctions in AOB. Visakha rural SP Rahuldev Sarma, however, denied that the Maoists were gaining control but said the police combing and patrolling operations had been stepped up in the forest belt. For the Maoists though, the bitter pills are their surrendered comrades. Nayeemuddin, Sambashivudu, member Sriramulu Srinivasan and even Paritala Ravindra (former TDP minister) all turned into covert informers to the police. There were some journalists who were RSU members and now have become cosy to the Congress, TDP (Telugu Desam Party) and TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samiti) parties and those in power just like the surrendered Comrades, wrote Maoist spokesman Sudarshan of AOB region in a recent statement issued in Adilabad after the Chhattisgarh landmine blast. The CPI (Maoists) has declared most of the surrendered Maoists as 'traitors' to the Maoist movement. Since 2003, nearly 1,152 Maoists activists including 81 grade 1 and grade-2 (classification by Police Intelligence) Maoist leaders have surrendered and around 74 have been arrested. Ahmedabad: Gujarat Police on Thursday foiled a bid to lockdown Tata Nano plant by detaining OBC leader Alpesh Thakor and his supporters, who were demanding jobs for local youths in industries in the state. Thakor had on Wednesday given a call to lockdown the plant at Sanand GIDC area as part of his agitation against industries which he claimed are not employing local youths. "Thakor and his around 450 supporters were detained 3 km away from the Sanand GIDC," Ahmedabad Rural SP R V Asari said. "We also detained around 250 people from different parts of the district who were headed to join a rally organised by Thakor. Around 700 people were detained and later let off," he said. The state government had deployed a large police force in Sanand and surrounding areas following the threat given by Thakor, Convener of OBC, SC-ST Ekta Manch. "Industries coming to Gujarat have to give 85 percent employment in their plants to local youths as per a government rule. However, this rule is not being followed despite lakhs of Gujarat youths being unemployed," Thakor had said. "We demand the state government put pressure on these industries to give 85 percent jobs to local youths. We will lockdown industries which don't follow this rule, he had said. Tata's Nano plant was shifted to Ahmedabad from Singur in West Bengal after it faced protests over land acquisition in the eastern state. The plant was established here when Narendra Modi was Chief Minister of Gujarat. The facility produces only a limited number of the small car and Tata Motors manufactures other models at the plant. New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday accused the BJP governments in Gujarat and Chhattisgarh of "committing atrocities" on farmers and tribals on the orders of party chief Amit Shah, and approached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) over the matter. Talking to reporters, Delhi Labour Minister Gopal Rai said on the one hand farmers in Gujarat were being beaten up by the police for demanding water for irrigation, while on the other tribals in Chhattisgarh were facing atrocities at the hands of the administration. Accompanied by representatives from Gujarat and Chhattisgarh, Rai filed a complaint with the NHRC on Thursday afternoon. The Aam Aadmi Party leader said that farmers in 32 villages near Sanand city (Gujarat) had no water for drinking and irrigation whereas the industries in the area were getting adequate supply of water. "On 14 February, thousands of farmers set out to meet Chief Minister Vijay Rupani with their demands but they were surrounded by the police and beaten up badly. The police even entered the village and beat up women and children," Rai said. Rai alleged the police action was carried out on the directions of BJP president Amit Shah. He added that similar atrocities were being meted out to the tribals in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region on Shah's orders. "In Uttar Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government is talking about farmer welfare. At the same time, it is brutally suppressing farmers and tribals in Gujarat and Chhattisgarh," Rai said. Mumbai: Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan on Thursday attributed BJP's success in the civic bodies and zilla parishads elections to its "malpractice rather than merit". "BJP won these elections by misusing power and money. The win is more of a result of their malpractice than merit," Chavan told reporters. Replying to questions on the loss in Mumbai, Chavan said it was not right to blame party's city unit chief Sanjay Nirupam alone. "It's a team work. It's the team than wins or loses," he said. In the all-important Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the Congress was relegated to the third position with 31 seats. Shiv Sena secured the first position by winning 84 seats, followed by BJP with 82 seats. Taking moral responsibility for Congress' poor performance in BMC, party's city unit chief Sanjay Nirupam offered to resign from his post. Vice president of Congress' Maharashtra unit, Ratnakar Mahajan said, "The results are mixed with the party doing well in Zilla Parishads while suffering reverses in the municipal corporations. It is definitely a setback." He said the results have been unexpected and need to be analysed at the organisational level. "Whether there has been a disconnect between voters and the party leaders should be seen," he said. The party lost power in Amravati, Solapur civic bodies as well as Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, where it shared power with NCP. The results of the urban civic body elections in Maharashtra including the all important cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) proves that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continues to be the most buoyant political force, but the Shiv Sena too is a force to reckon with, at least in Mumbai. The election result has put the friends-turned-rivals in a rather tricky relationship situation in the state and at the centre. The other significant message emanating from these results is that the Congress which has been completely reduced to margins and the downward slide that hit the grand old party in 2013 has continued in 2017 as well be it Parliamentary, Assembly, Zila Panchayat or any municipal elections. And thats something for the party's leadership including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and the core team of Congress strategists to think about. Also, important for the party would be to rethink how it appoints regional heads. More so, since Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam (a former Shiv Sainik) who now has resigned, was put at the helm despite resistance from other factions just because he was close to the Congress vice-president. A few days ago the BJP pushed Congress out from the second position in Zila Panchayat elections in Odisha and before that in Tripura by-elections. The Congress had performed poorly in all other urban civic bodies and rural Panchayat elections held last year as well, even during the peak of public hardship that was caused by demonetisation. The BJP swept the Pune polls, retained Nagpur municipal corporations and has made a handsome performance in other municipal corporations. It has all the reasons to be jubilant, but the fact that despite nearly trebling its seats, from 31 seats in 2012 to 82 in 2017, the fact that the BJP is not the single largest party has been a bit of a dampener for the party. Though its a phenomenal performance but still there is a slight uneasiness because of the fact that Shiv Sena has added two more seats as compared to the BJP. The Sena won 84 seats increasing its tally by nine seats from what it had in the outgoing Corporation. In the 227-member BMC no party has a clear majority. A fractured mandate like this is loaded with possibilities of new political alignment in the state, and by consequence at the Centre since the Sena is part of BJP-lead government both in the state and at the Centre. Given the nature of the present relationship between Shiv Sena and the BJP, there is a strong possibility the two parties may not join hands to run the BMC. There is a great deal of reluctance on either side to form yet another alliance when they actually are so bitterly opposed to each other. Since Sena is the single largest party in the BMC, it would first get the opportunity to find majority numbers and run the mega corporation. The onus is thus on Sena or Uddahav Thackeray to call up Devendra Fadnavis and other senior BJP leaders to seek support. Thackeray had been targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on almost all issues under the sun. He has been also seeing virtues in Congress or Nehru-Gandhi in particular. Will Thackeray change his course and mellow down or will he become even more aggressive against Modi and the BJP? Thackeray may seek support from his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party although both these parties have been totally marginalised. The NCP won nine seats whereas the MNS won a mere seven. If these two parties agree to support the Shiv Sena that would take Shiv Sena's numbers to 100, still 14 away from the required 114. Now in an unlikely possibility if the others which include Samajwadi Party, Asaduddin Owaisi's All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen and Independents that make up to 14 back Shiv Sena, the regional outfit would barely make the majority mark without seeking help from Congress and the BJP. The BJP will get a chance to form a government only if the Shiv Sena can't muster those numbers. And if that happens, it would then be BJPs turn to seek support from the Shiv Sena or chart out another route seeking support from MNS and NCP. But even with help from MNS, NCP and others, the BJP numbers would reach only 112. Either the Congress or Shiv Sena has to support the BJP if it wishes to run the corporation. Support from the Congress to the BJP is of course in a realm of impossibility while time will only tell if some thaw develops between the Shiv Sena and BJP when it comes to numbers. A BJP leader cryptically told Firstpost that "at the moment we are looking at all possibilities. Nothing is ruled in, nothing is ruled out. Let us see how things follow." If the alliance between Shiv Sena and the BJP in BMC does not happen again then the question is: will that impact the Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP-Sena government in Maharashtra? And if that be the case then will Sena pull out from Modi government at the Centre? Well, nobody has an answer to that. Shiv Sena is not just an original ally of the BJP (since 1989) but the two have been ideologically in sync as well. Senas departure, if at all, from the NDA government may create some turbulence in Maharastra but the Fadnavis government in all likelihood will survive. That will be with thanks from the NCP whose boss Sharad Pawar was recently honoured with the second highest civilian award Padma Vibhushan by the Modi government. Though the Sena has its representative Anant Geete as heavy industries and public enterprises minister in the Modi cabinet, the party does not have any impact at the centre. But the party's numbers, in Parliament and in the Maharastra Assembly will have an important role to play when president and vice-president elections take place in the next four months time. In the last two presidential elections, Sena had ditched the BJP to support Congress candidates Pratibha Patil and Pranab Mukherjee. The complexity of the Sena-BJP relationship gets magnified because there would be some other civic bodies where Sena and BJP might need support from each other as well. In a recent interview when Amit Shah was repeatedly asked about Thackeray's attack on Modi and the uneasy relationship between the BJP had and Shiv Sena, the BJP president cryptically suggested to wait for the results of the Maharashtra civic bodies polls. He maintained that the Shiv Sena and the BJP were going to the polls as rivals, it was only natural for Uddhav hackeray to take on the BJP as any rival would do, and in turn, the local BJP leaders responded in the same fashion. No other civic poll results have been debated and discussed nationally, as the Maharashtra civic bodies results were, particularly the results of the BMC. These results have a long-term implication for the state and for the centre. Its also the time to see how an astute politician like Sharad Pawar will play his cards. Click here for full results. Mumbai: As it put up a sterling performance in civic polls across Maharashtra including the cash-rich BMC, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said BJP's victory resulted from a vote for transparency and demonetisation. A jubilant Fadnavis, who spearheaded BJP's poll campaign, said the party's core committee will decide the future course of action in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). "All decisions for the party are taken by its core committee. Whether or not to go for an alliance will be decided when I, (Maharashtra BJP President) Raosaheb Danve, (Mumbai BJP chief) Ashish Shelar sit and look at the prevailing situation," Fadnavis told reporters here. BJP came a close second to the Shiv Sena bagging 80 seats in the 227-member BMC, while the Uddhav Thackeray-led party emerged victorious with 84 seats. The BJP is also set to gain control of at least six civic bodies -- Pune, Nashik, Ulhasnagar, Akola, Nagpur and Amravati -- out of the 10 corporations for which the elections were held on Tuesday. The party is also doing well in the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation, as per the latest trends. The BJP also appeared to have expanded its base in Pimpri Chinchwad, despite fierce competition from the NCP. Fadnavis said the results are an ample indication that people have accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's note ban move and the state government's transparency plank. "Our politics consists of trust and transparency. This result is a reflection that people have accepted our style of governance. No other party in the last 25 years has got such a wonderful result," he said. "In BMC, we have got an amazing response. Our agenda of transparency and accountability been accepted by people," he said. Fadnavis said the results of BMC and other municipal corporations has made the BJP more humble and that instead of indulging in mere talk, they would concentrate on good governance. "This is a victory of demonetisation. The move was to end corruption and weed out black money. The results have proven people have faith in Modi ji's governance," he said. The party's state unit chief, Danve, said they had all along known BJP would emerge as the single largest party. "We had all along known that the BJP will emerge as the single largest party. It was (PM Narendra) Modi ji and (BJP National President) Amit Shah ji's dream that BJP should be from government from panchayat to Parliament. This dream has been brought true by Maharashtra BJP workers," he said."This result is only due to the work done by Modi ji at the Centre and Fadnavis here," he added. BJP MP Kirit Somaiya sought to know if the Congress will provide outside support to the Sena to help them stake claim to power in the BMC. "We have been saying before the BMC polls that the Congress and the Sena have agreed to a hidden understanding. After the polls, we have come to know that the Congress has started sending signals to the Sena to accept their support," Somaiya said. "We want to ask the Congress to openly come out and declare support to the Sena to stop us, like they tied up with the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh," he added. The results of 10 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, have seen the Congress plummeting to a new low with the lowest ever tally in the BMC and losing Solapur and Amravati to the BJP. Meanwhile, Sena MLC Anil Parab said that the mayor will be from the party only and that it has started talks with independents to form its government. Senior Sena leader Manohar Joshi said that they are not considering an alliance with the BJP and that the final call on teaming up with other parties will be taken by Sena president Uddhav Thackeray. Thanks to its late charge, BJP on Thursday convincingly demonstrated to its one-time ally and now rival Shiv Sena that it is a force to be reckoned with a tally of 82 corporators against Shiv Sena's 84. Completely overturning the trend that was seen early morning when Shiv Sena was racing ahead like a marauding bull, the second half totally belonged to the BJP when it almost overtook the Shiv Sena. Ahead of the civic polls, the discourse between the two former allies went into rough weather resulting in the dissolving of an alliance that was over 20 years old. This election was indeed a 'do-or-die' situation for the Shiv Sena, particularly its chief Uddhav Thackeray. He had called off a saffron alliance with the BJP that had stood the test of time a period in which the city witnessed its worst natural tragedy, some of its worst terrorist attacks and so on. But during the Maharashtra Assembly elections of 2014, the Shiv Sena decided to go alone and saw 63 of its candidates elected to the Assembly. The performance in the Maharashtra state poll gave a filip to Thackeray's leadership and impatience among party ranks grew increasingly. There has been a lot of pressure on Thackeray from Sena leaders and cadre members about the perceived repeated humiliations the party has been subjected to by the BJP and questions have been raised about why the Sena had continued to stick by the BJP in spite of it all. After entering an alliance with the BJP in 1997, the Sena's numbers in the BMC have been on the decline as portrayed on the graph below: Things came to such a pass that Thackeray's leadership was being clandestinely questioned within the party. And on 26 January, Thackeray announced the dissolution of the alliance and it was then that he told his inner circle that the party was in a 'do-or-die' situation and the decision was taken to put the party's appeal to the test and not his own leadership, as was widely suspected. As it turned out, this election was the first in over 25 years to a feature a voter turnout above 50 percent. In fact, this year's voter turnout eclipsed the 2012 figure by a whole 11 percent. And all of this was despite the fact that the number of names that went missing from voter lists was huge 12 lakh. In 2012, the Shiv Sena had 75 corporators and picked up 10,07,000 votes, while the MNS had 28 seats and had picked up an astonishing 9,50,000 votes. This time around, the MNS was nowhere to be seen and it had to stay content with a paltry seven seats. What's clear is that the votes that went the MNS' way last time, have come back to the Shiv Sena. However, in order to achieve the magic figure of 114 seats (in order to have a majority), the Sena will either have to go for a post-poll alliance with the BJP or take support from the Congress to govern the civic body. Congress won 31 seats this year which is a drastic fall from 52 in 2012. In a scenario, if Congress agrees to back the Shiv Sena, the number will reach 115 putting Shiv Sena in the driver's seat while Congress will play the role of a kingmaker. BJP's astonishing leap towards the end of the counting has surely humbled the Shiv Sena as Thackeray till last week was claiming to be the 'boss' of Mumbai. From 31 seats last year, the BJP tally has already reached 82 while counting was still on in one seat. The BJP trajectory is a clear indication that the Mumbaikars not only gave a thumbs up to the party but also to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who was the face of the party in this round of civic poll. Shiv Sena has little to rejoice as a rejuvenated BJP under Fadnavis has swept polls also in all other prominent civic bodies like Pune, Nashik, Latur and Nagpur. With the verdict abundantly clear, it would be interesting to see if Thackeray would carry out his threat of pulling out of the state government in Maharashtra although political acumen suggests that it would be a disastrous move. Mumbai: As uncertainty loomed large in the BMC polls due to a hung house, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday exuded confidence that the party will retain the coveted mayor's post, even as he hesitated to give a definitive answer on whether there would be an alliance. As the results of the civic polls trickled in, Sena was at the top after winning 84 seats in the 227-member BMC, while its estranged ally BJP was close behind at 82. "What is the hurry? Wait for some time. We have not yet decided if an alliance is to be made or not. We will do so soon," Thackeray said at a press conference. "But I can assure that not only the mayor, even the future chief minister will be from the Sena," he said. Thackeray, however, conceded that the party had expected to win more seats. "But, whatever we have won, we have won on the merit of our Sainiks (workers). We are thankful to Mumbaikars who have kept their faith in us for the fifth consecutive time," he said. The Sena leader said the party had done better than the last polls as it had won seats even in Muslim-dominated areas this time. "I am still eating victory sweets....yet to decide if an alliance will be struck," he reiterated. When reminded of his pre-election declaration that there would be no alliance with any party from now onwards, Uddhav said, "If I have stated my stand once, then an alliance won't happen, why are you asking this question again and again?" "I have not thought about alliance (yet)....I only know we are number one party," he said. Thackeray added that the missing names from voting lists was a serious issue and action should be taken against whoever responsible for it. Although the Uddhav Thackeray-led party emerged as the single largest bloc with 84 seats, it is way behind the halfway mark of 114 required to control the 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Click here for full results. Auto refresh feeds A key point to note here is how the Shiv Sena's grip on the city has been slipping over the years In Mumbai, the least voting is recorded for the municipal body elections, while the voting percentage goes up in the case of State Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, quite paradoxical given that the citizens interface with the government is highest in the case of local government. Read full article here These elections are primarily important because they elect a government that is closest to its people, one that determines the fate of civic life in the city for the next five years. But data on voter turnout suggests that Mumbai houses a big chunk of sleeping, dormant, apathetic populace that forgets to fulfil the most basic obligation of casting their vote. Don't feel like heading out? Your vote matters more for Mumbai than you think Unfortunately, data from previous elections show a poor voter turnout in Mumbai with the percentage of voting marginally below in the last two elections. In fact, in the 2007 municipal elections, only 42 percent voters exercised their right whereas in 2012 the voter turnout was marginally higher at 44 percent. With civic issues continuing to affect the life of average Mumbaikars despite the fact that the BMC is the richest municipal body in the country, it would be interesting whether or not Mumbai will exercise its right on Tuesday or sit at home and enjoy the polling day as a holiday. And so, some offices want their employees to come to office as usual and leave office at around 3 pm. Remember, not all offices are observing today's public holiday. In fact, some offices have only given a concession to their employees to leave early from office. Also, voting doesn't stop at 5 pm, it's just that you are not allowed to join the line after 5 pm. In case you were planning your itinerary for the day. Still confused about how to make your voice heard? We've got just the guide for you. A simple guide on how to cast your vote today There are two ways to find out whether or not your name is on the voters list. Few civic polls in Mumbai have had so much riding on them as the 2017 edition. Some are calling it a 'mini referendum', while others are calling it a shakeup. It would be a crying shame if you weren't among those exercising your right to vote for your representative. And it all starts with the voters list. PINNED POST: How to make sure your name is on the voters list At Ward No 16, political parties are paying Rs 700 to polling agents. This has gone down sharply from last time, when it used to be Rs 1,200 per agent. Activists say this is on account of demonetisation. Will Mumbai buck the trend and improve voter turnout this time? The police has done nothing about it. In fact, the cops didn't allow other politicians to park their vehicles, but Tara Singh's car is still here. Tara Singh apparently wasn't there to vote. His ward is in Mulund (West) and the polling station at which he arrived is in Mulund (East), in Ward 105. He literally sat around for five minutes folding his hands and greeting people. By 11.30 am, Mumbai had registered a voter turnout of 16.4% Naturally, the dilemma that most voters face in the current election is whether to vote for the best amongst the worst or to go for a vacation. May people who did not vote in the previous election cite the lack of good candidates or empty promises as a major reason to boycott the process altogether. A recent report published by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and the Maharashtra Election Watch (MEW) found that 216 candidates contesting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections have criminal cases registered against them. Voters will need to choose between educated, seemingly sensible contestants who are out of touch with the ground reality and populist goons, trying to push their own agenda and special interests. Voters, not the politicians, could prove to be the real protagonist in the polls Second, politicians with muscle and money enjoy the benefits of reservation by fielding, what can be called, the 'great Indian family'. Read the full article here Electoral politics in India has a big fat blemish: Reservations. Constituencies are categorised as Open, SC, ST, women etc. While this was done to ensure diverse participation, it also has major negative side-effects on governance. First, politicians are majorly concerned with re-elections to prolong their careers, and in the absence of this stimulus, they do not work to impress the electorate. One must also observe the dramatic rise in assets of one-term corporators. Brazen nepotism among corporators means Mumbai is in for a 'proxy' election Unaffordable housing in Mumbai is something polls wont change Mumbai accounts for 40 percent of Indias income tax collections and 40 percent of its foreign trade. It is home to not only the headquarters of major national financial institutions but also to some of the largest and most successful international corporations. The biggest irony of this moneyed city is that a large chunk of the population cant afford a flat here. With an estimated average of about 4.5 square metres per person in 2009, the consumption of residential floor space in Mumbai is one of the lowest in the world. Shanghai is at 34 square metres per person. Read the full article here The second biggest question of the day With the BJP's thumping win in the Maharashtra Assembly Election 2014, Shiv Sena have been complaining of being pushed to the sidelines. Though leaders of both the parties have indicated that breakup in the alliance in the civic body polls will not have an impact on the state politics, challenging the ruling BJP is a huge political gamble for Uddhav. Mumbai has always been a Sena bastion, taking control of the BMC without the BJP could open up new possibilities for Uddhav and his party, but a defeat on the home turf would mean that the Sena chief has managed to alienate their core vote base who have shifted their allegiance to the BJP. For a city with the richest civic body in the country, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) sure doesn't have much power over the lives of average Mumbaikars. Which is why the fact that 55 percent of the city turning up to vote on Tuesday is a big deal, unlike argued in a previous piece. A few more reality checks are required... Mumbai's civic body is doing a fine job, can't be blamed for the city's problems Which brings up the question: which party would best the other. Traditionally, about half of Mumbai votes with its feet. The other half thinks it is a superfluous task since, with the civic body, it is the cash that counts, the cash forked out to the machinery, including the corporators they elect every five years. So, whats the point? One would like to imagine that Mumbai voters with the other nine municipal corporations made their choices on Tuesday in what is mini-general elections, on civic and specific development issues plaguing their respective cities. But the campaigns mounted by the two principal actors, Shiv Senas Uddhav Thackeray and BJPs Devendra Fadnavis were anything but that. It was a bid at political assertion. Record turnout in Shiv Sena vs BJP battle raises more questions than answers So one thing is for sure, if the surmise that its a two-way election is correct, then both the Shiv Sena and the BJP will see a huge surge in their voter base. In 2012, Shiv Sena won with 21.84 percent of total votes polled. The Congress was snapping at its heels with 21.23 percent and the MNS with 20.66 percent. BJP got only 8.64 percent. If it is a straight contest this year, this election then is about the redistribution of this big chunk of votes. (There is still the possibility that it is not a straight contest and we have assumed the most voluble contestant as the only contestants.) Even if the three parties hang on to 50 percent of their vote base, there are still about 11 lakh floating votes. Add to that the additional five lakh new voters who turned up in this election. The fate of 227 wards to be ascertained in just a few hours. According to CNN-News18, the Shiv Sena is off to an early lead in four seats, with BJP ahead in one seat The Sena is ahead in six seats, with the BJP leading in three. The Congress has the lead in two seats at this point. Shiv Sena is ahead in 12 seats, with the BJP catching up (leading in 10 seats). The Congress is ahead in three seats, while the NCP is ahead in the solitary ward. Barely 75 minutes into counting, the Shiv Sena is already claiming the civic election. Meanwhile, the BJP is believed to be expecting to win more than 125 (of the total 227) seats. As counting takes place in 111 seats, Shiv Sena has a comfortable lead in 56 seats, as against BJP's 32. Congress has finally moved into double figures with 10, while NCP and MNS follow with six and five respectively. Shiv Sena has the lead in 30 seats of Thane in addition to the massive lead it has opened up in Mumbai, but BJP can take solace from the good showing it has put up in Nagpur and Pune. BJP has been winning the Nagpur municipal corporation for the last two terms and looks good to do so again. In Pimpri Chinchwad, Ajit Pawar is on track to leading NCP to a win. Shiv Sena leads in 85 seats, while BJP crosses the 50-seat mark. Congress now leading in 18 seats, while MNS and NCP follow with 10 and seven respectively. Ideally as the results pour in, by Thursday evening, most Mumbaikars should know who their new councillor is. This is going to be very important, as for the next five years, our local ward councillor is probably going to be the only politician in the city who's going to give the average Mumbaikar the time of day. Details of your new councillors will be on the MCGM's website , ideally a few days after they are elected, along with their e-mail addresses. So the next time you see a pothole, take a photo and e-mail it to your councillor with a request for it to be fixed. No matter who wins, Mumbai's councillors must put politics aside to fix city's issues The Sena is approaching a century in Mumbai, with a lead in 90 seats, while the BJP is ahead in 54. The Shiv Sena has won six seats and the Congress has one. The results for F/South Ward are in... BJP is trailing Shiv Sena in Mumbai, Thane and Ulhasnagar, but is leading in Pune, Nagpur, Solapur, Nashik, Akola and Amravati. Clearly, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis may have failed to ignite the state capital, but the party has exceeded expectations in six other cities. BJP may trail Mumbai, but is winning six other municipal corporations Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam has offered his resignation, presumably after his party's performance in the municipal polls. Shiv Sena appears set to overhaul its 2012 performance, but so does the BJP... Ward 126: Archana Bhalerao (MNS) This was a slightly better situation as the supporters were saying 'vahini jinkli' (our sister-in-law has won). But most of the slogans were for her husband, Sanjay Bhalerao. Ward 123: Snehal More (Independent) All the supporters to whom I spoke only mentioned, "More Saheb". All the chants were for Sudhir More. A quick chat with other party supporters made me realise that it wasn't Sudhir More who won, but it was his sister-in-law Snehal More who won. Ward 124: Jyoti Khan (NCP) People only knew that Harun Khan's wife had won. They had to check their phones to tell me the candidate's name. Ward 125: Rupali Awale (Shiv Sena) When I asked supporters who won, they said, "Awale Saheb". When I asked them the name of the candidate, they said that candidate was Awale Saheb's wife. It took them a few seconds to recollect her name. Here's a list of some of the women who won: Constituencies and wards are reserved for women to empower them. But it's not implausible that male politicians from those wards make their female family members contest elections and be the face, while the real power lies in their hands. Four women won seats among those being counted in this centre, but strangely, the supporters were cheering for their husbands and not for the candidate herself. In one or two cases, the supporters couldn't even recollect the name of the woman who won, but could easily name her husband, her brother-in-law. This time the mayor will be selected from the open (male) category. Shailesh Phanse, who was touted to be the next mayor, lost in Andheri (West). Former MLA and mayor Milind Vaidya who won from Dadar and Mangesh Satamkar from Sion Koliwada are two potential candidates for the post of mayor. Who will be the next mayor? Bhai Jagtap will be named new Mumbai Congress chief after Sanjay Nirupam tendered his resignation The BJP had strategically started planning for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections, even before the 2014 Lok Sabha election took place. Even while campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections was taking place, the party's long-term target appeared to be the civic elections. They systematically activated the RSS cadre and old timers in the city. The first signs of victory came with BJP candidate Anil Shirole winning becoming MP from Pune. The BJP wave then swept the NCP and Congress away, winning all eight seats during the legislative Assembly polls held later that year. And it culminated in Thursday's win which gives them control of the city at the Centre, state and civic levels. In Ward No 220 in South Mumbai, Shiv Sena's Surendra Bhagalkar and BJP's Atul Shah had the exact same number of votes. Counting took place on three separate occasions, but threw up the same figure each time. The final winner will be picked by BMC commissioner Ajoy Mehta through a lottery system. The possibilities are immense for both, the Sena and the BJP, are likely to stake claim for power: The Sena, as the single largest party, assuming office with the help of non-BJP parties; the BJP assuming office with the help of non-Sena parties; and the Sena and BJP forming a post-poll alliance in return for a political deal in the state and central governments. But whatever the outcome, the saffron partners have belittled the Congress and the NCP. The BJP and Shiv Sena are neck and neck in the number of seats won in the BMC election. Even though the BJP picked up a lot more seats than ever before, it fell short of its goal taking control of civic affairs. The news isn't good since either party would need support to take control of the BMC, making an alliance hard to forge and sustain. BJP, Shiv Sena may not admit to it, but they need each other The minister also said that BJP has now become a pan-India party is fast spreading its wings across the country as compared to the Congress, which has been squeezed out to third or fourth place in most local body elections. The BJP leader added that the BJP has done exceedingly well in Maharashtra, Haryana and Assam where it traditionally played a second fiddle to regional parties. Jaitley also mentioned the party's performance in the local government elections in Odisha saying that "BJP is capable of winning major states on its own". Finance minister Arjun Jaitley is impressed with the performance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the local government elections in Odisha, Maharashtra and other states. Speaking to ANI, Jaitley said, "Since May 2014 India has seen many state and local elections. BJP has increased its vote in each of these elections." The results of civic body polls may not mean much from the perspective of wider politics. The trend of the outcome may be different in elections at higher levels. But they reflect strength of parties on the ground. They indicate their cadre power and capacity to find their feet after an electoral blow or two. It also is way of getting a measure of rivals. The tally in the 10 civic body polls reveals that the Congress is losing ground fast. Even the strongholds are not so anymore. Being in the same bracket as the NCP and the MNS is certainly not a happy situation. The results of civic body polls may not mean much from the perspective of wider politics. The trend of the outcome may be different in elections at higher levels. But they reflect strength of parties on the ground. They indicate their cadre power and capacity to find their feet after an electoral blow or two. It also is way of getting a measure of rivals. The tally in the 10 civic body polls reveals that the Congress is losing ground fast. Even the strongholds are not so anymore. Being in the same bracket as the NCP and the MNS is certainly not a happy situation. BMC Election 2017: BJP need not work hard for Congress- mukt India, party already on self-destruct mode "Even the seats that we lost were often lost by extremely narrow margins. This could have been very comfortable for us had those results gone in our favour," rues Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray. In Odisha,Congress got squeezed out of contest. In Maharashtra,it got pushed to 3rd or 4th place in most cities: FM Arun Jaitley (File Pic) pic.twitter.com/RqkpWW6LOV Since May,2014 India has seen many State & local elections.BJP has increased its vote in each of these elections: FM Arun Jaitley (File Pic) pic.twitter.com/KKNnHBewvB The minister also said that BJP has now become a pan-India party is fast spreading its wings across the country as compared to the Congress, which has been squeezed out to third or fourth place in most local body elections. The BJP leader added that the BJP has done exceedingly well in Maharashtra, Haryana and Assam where it traditionally played a second fiddle to regional parties. Jaitley also mentioned the party's performance in the local government elections in Odisha saying that "BJP is capable of winning major states on its own". Finance minister Arjun Jaitley is impressed with the performance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the local government elections in Odisha, Maharashtra and other states. Speaking to ANI, Jaitley said, "Since May 2014 India has seen many state and local elections. BJP has increased its vote in each of these elections." Even though BJP didn't receive a clear majority in the BMC election, its performance in the 10 municipal bodies whose results were declared on Thursday seems to have made one thing clear: it's a step closer to achieving its objective of making a Congress-mukta Bharat. BJP gets a step closer to its objective of a Congress- mukta Bharat It's been a great start to 2017.First unprecedented support in Odisha&now overwhelming blessings from ppl of Maharashtra: PM Modi (file pic) pic.twitter.com/0r2HhTFUBu Editor's note: Firstpost couldn't verify the names of 45 winners in the BMC election, hence their names have not been included in the list. The results of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election has surprised everyone including the Shiv Sena, which hoped to gain a clear majority. In the initial phase of the polls, BJP was leading but by the end of the counting, both the parties were neck to neck. The Shiv Sena on Thursday emerged as the single largest party in the cash-rich BMC winning 84 seats, closely followed by BJP which bagged 82 seats, as results for the 227 seats poured in. While the Shiv Sena did well in the Zilla Parishads, it suffered setbacks in the municipal corporations. Click here to access the list of all the winners so far. Here is the final list of winners in Mumbai civic body polls Of the 227 seats in Mumbai, the Shiv Sena has won 84, the BJP 82, Congress 31, NCP nine and the MNS 7 pic.twitter.com/gzGOJsJdHT Final tally of winners in the 2017 BMC election (result in one seat not yet confirmed) BJP-Shiv Sena are old allies, we will find a solution: Uma Bharti The results of civic body polls may not mean much from the perspective of wider politics. The trend of the outcome may be different in elections at higher levels. But they reflect strength of parties on the ground. They indicate their cadre power and capacity to find their feet after an electoral blow or two. It also is way of getting a measure of rivals. The tally in the 10 civic body polls reveals that the Congress is losing ground fast. Even the strongholds are not so anymore. Being in the same bracket as the NCP and the MNS is certainly not a happy situation. The results of civic body polls may not mean much from the perspective of wider politics. The trend of the outcome may be different in elections at higher levels. But they reflect strength of parties on the ground. They indicate their cadre power and capacity to find their feet after an electoral blow or two. It also is way of getting a measure of rivals. The tally in the 10 civic body polls reveals that the Congress is losing ground fast. Even the strongholds are not so anymore. Being in the same bracket as the NCP and the MNS is certainly not a happy situation. BMC Election 2017: BJP need not work hard for Congress- mukt India, party already on self-destruct mode Final tally puts Shiv Sena-BJP in difficult situation, alliance the only way out Mumbai: On the eve of counting, estranged ruling saffron allies, the Shiv Sena and the BJP, on Wednesday claimed they will get majority in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on their own. Elections for the 227-member BMC took place on Tuesday and counting of votes will be taken up on Thursday. Besides Mumbai, elections were also held for nine other corporations. Sources in the Sena said the party's internal survey shows it will win 110 out of the 202 seats it contested. On the other hand, sources in the BJP said the party is confident of bagging 108 seats on its own. The half way mark to rule the civic body is 114 seats. Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Maharashtra BJP President Raosaheb Danve said his party will win an absolute majority in the BMC. "Of the 10 municipal corporations that went to polls, the BJP will come to power in six, including Mumbai," he said. On the other hand, state BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari claimed the BJP will be the single largest party in the BMC. Commenting on the missing names in the voter list, he said the party will lodge a complaint with the State Election Commission (SEC) in this regard. "It was incumbent on the SEC to ensure these things didn't happen. Had these names not gone missing, the BJP would have got more seats than what we are expecting," he said. Meanwhile, Sena spokesperson Neelam Gorhe dismissed exit poll results that predicted a close contest between the Sena and the BJP in the country's largest civic body with none of them getting the majority. Gorhe said the Uddhav Thackeray-led party will defy exit poll results and get the majority on its own. The Sena and the BJP, which were allies in the BMC for over two decades, fought the February 21 polls separately. According to the Sena's internal survey, it will win maximum seats in its strongholds of South-Central Mumbai (Sewri, Lalbaug, Worli), Central-Western Mumbai (Kurla, Kalina, Chandivali, Santacruz), Western Mumbai (Bandra, Versova, Andheri), Central Mumbai (Wadala, Dharavi, Mahim, Dadar), North Mumbai (Dahisar, Borivali) and North-West Mumbai (Goregaon, Jogeshwari). At a meeting, BJP leaders discussed their possible response to emerging scenarios after the results for 10 civic corporations and 25 Zilla Parishads are declared. With inputs from PTI. With minutes to go for the ballot boxes to be opened in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election, the word out on the street is that it will be a close contest between the Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Aaj Tak-Axis exit poll puts the Shiv Sena and the BJP neck and neck with the former having a slender lead. This poll more or less suggests a hung house. It is but natural for everyone to hedge bets because we never know how the arithmetic of electoral politics has worked till the last vote is counted. But what about the arithmetic we already know, the voting pattern of the BMC election 2012? What does it tell us? Can it give us an indication of which way this election is set to go? For that, lets look how the numbers stacked up in 2012. That year, there were a 1,02,00,000 (1.02 crore) registered voters. In 2017 that number came down to 91,80,000 (91.8 lakh). That is, there was about 10,00,000 (10 lakh) fewer voters this year. In 2012, the Shiv Sena polled 10.05 lakh vote and fetched 75 seats. The Congress, the second largest party then, polled 9.77 lakh (a difference of a little over 28,000 votes) and came a distant second with 52 seats. Raj Thackerays Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) also polled a high 9.51 lakh votes but stood a distant fourth with 28 seats. But the BJP, with less than half the votes of the MNS, 3.97 lakh to be precise, grabbed 31 seats and ended up third. Even the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) pulled in 3.02 lakh votes for 13 seats. There can be multiple ways of reading this verdict, but there cannot be any divergence of opinion about two basic facts: one, it was a four-way fight between five major parties and two, (because of the multiple-cornered contests) the victory margins were very small. Lets park that thought and look at how this years election is different. We are of course talking about Mumbai though results for another nine corporations and 25 zilla parishads will also be out by mid-day or end of the day today. The reasons are not far to see. Mumbai is India richest municipal corporation in the country with an annual budget of Rs 37,500 crore. The BMC has been considered a Shiv Sena stronghold as this saffron party has been ruling it without interruption for 15 years. It is the partys only significant access to the lever of powers. For a regional party that always hogs the headlines, the Shiv Senas sway is severely restricted to just Mumbai and Thane city corporations. Even to retain these two corporations, it has been heavily dependent on its saffron ally, the BJP. The problem this year is that the BJPs political ambitions have skyrocketed. It has shown, since May 2014 and December 2014, that it is no longer content to play the part of the best political party in a supporting role anymore. This led to a bitter political falling out. On 26 January, Shiv Sena boss Uddhav Thackeray junked the alliance with the BJP claiming that his party was rotting for 25 because of the partnership. He has made this an election of personal prestige and pride. Whichever way you see it, this election is all about the Shiv Sena and Uddhav. If he wins, he will walk out of two shadows: that of father Bal Thackeray and the BJP (since 2014). He will revive the party, infuse it with new energy and hope to become a regional party of Maharashtra in the true sense (not just a Mumbai party). If he loses, the BJP will be all over him. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has already demonstrated his growing clout in state politics with a string of victories in the council elections just weeks ago. So even if the BJP turns in a strong performance and ends up as the second largest party after the Shiv Sena, he can fall back on other good performances. For Uddhav Thackeray there is nothing like a fallback. If he loses Mumbai, he cannot hide under any other number. This overarching theme of this BMC election has made it pretty much a two-party election this time round (as against a four-cornered contest in 2012). Going by the decibels levels at least, the Congress and NCP almost did not join the fight. Raj Thackeray made a late foray, almost like he suddenly remembered there was an election. Assauddin Owaissi of the MIM roared initially but disappeared out of sight closer to polling date. That pretty much makes it a Shiv Sena vs BJP fight. Straight, one-on-one fights always throw up clear winners. Recent experiences from all across the country, especially post Narendra Modi wave of 2014, show that the electorate has turned in decisive mandates. This means it is the psephologists who are confused, not the voters. Now read the 2012 vote arithmetic in this new light of the possibility of a straight contest between the Sena and the BJP. In 2012, between themselves, the Congress, NCP, MNS polled a total of 22,31,026 votes. That is nearly half the votes polled (48.4 percent). If it is a straight contest this year, this election then is about the redistribution of this big chunk of votes. (There is still the possibility that it is not a straight contest and we have assumed the most voluble contestant as the only contestants.) Even if the three parties hang on to 50 percent of their vote base, there are still about 11 lakh floating votes. Add to that the additional five lakh new voters who turned up in this election. So one thing is for sure, if the surmise that its a two-way election is correct, then both the Shiv Sena and the BJP will see a huge surge in their voter base. In 2012, Shiv Sena won with 21.84 percent of total votes polled. The Congress was snapping at its heels with 21.23 percent and the MNS with 20.66 percent. BJP got only 8.64 percent. So that is the fight this time. Shiv Sena is going in with a huge advantage: 21.84 percent as against the BJPs 8.64 percent. Its immediately apparent that the climb to electoral Mount Everest is about three times more difficult for the BJP. Arithmetic suggests that if its a two-way fight, there will be a clear winner. And the probability that it will be the Shiv Sena is far greater. What this means is simple. Uddhav Thackeray taking this away is the normal. BJP taking it way will be a stunner. For live updates on BMC election results, click here. As counting of votes concluded on Thursday, the Shiv Sena led with 84 seats, followed by BJP with 82 seats. The Sena and the BJP were locked in a battle to rule the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The Congress and the NCP are far behind the Sena and the BJP, in the 227-member BMC. The question now arises who will be the next mayor? Since the mayor will be selected from open (male) category, the current mayor Snehal Ambekar will most likely not be able to retain her post. Shailesh Phanse, who was one of the top contenders for the post, had a huge setback after he lost from Andheri (West). Former MLA and mayor Milind Vaidya, who won from Dadar, is one of the top choices for the post of mayor. Vaidya, who faced a defeat in the last election, made a come back this year. In the last election, MNS had won all the seven seats, however, this time Shiv Sena won six seats and one went to BJP. Two-time Sena corporator Mangesh Satamkar's name is also being considered for the post of mayor. He contested and won from Sion Koliwada. The Sena unit head is also the former education committee chairman. Corporator Yashwant Jadhav who won from Nagpada and Ramakant Rahate, winner from Worli, are two other contenders. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Sena MP Anil Desai told reporters at the Sena Bhavan, "The response of the people has been very good. There are several places where the Sena is leading. This is all due to the faith of people in the leadership of (late Sena supremo) Balasaheb (Thackeray) and Uddhav ji." "People of Mumbai, with their wisdom, are ready to bring the Sena to power on its own. There will be no alliance needed (with the BJP)," he said. The BJP, on the other hand, appeared to be softening its stand against Sena, and said the latter will now have to take the first step to decide the future. The stakes are high for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, who led their respective parties from the front and were involved in a high decibel and no-holds-barred campaign, relegating the opposition Congress, NCP and other players like the MNS and the AIMIM to the background. The big poll focus is on the BMC, retaining control of which is vital for Shiv Sena as the city has remained its prime political space ever since the party's formation in 1966. The Sena has been in power in BMC for over two decades. Click here for full results. (With inputs from PTI) By Abhishek Waghmare Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed an election rally on 16 February, 2017 in Barabanki, 30 km from Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, which has seen three phases of voting in a seven-phase poll for the next vidhan sabha (legislative assembly). We checked five claims made by Modi during the speech. CLAIM 1 "Lekin agar sarkar ki school mainakhilesh ji ka kaam bolta haiki 50 percent teacher ki bharti hi nahi hui hai, to garib ka baccha padhaai kahaan karega? (If, as work done by Akhilesh Yadav government shows, there is a 50 percent vacancy in teacher posts in UP, where will the children of the poor get education?) FACT: Modi is partially right. As many as 23 percent teacher posts in elementary grades (up to Std VIII) and 50 percent posts in secondary schools (Std IX and Std X) are vacant in Uttar Pradesh, IndiaSpend reported in December 2016. Of six million teaching positions in government schools nationwide, about 900,000 elementary school teaching positions and 100,000 in secondary schoolsput together, a millionare vacant, according to data tabled on 5 December, 2016 in the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament). Teacher vacancy in UP is the second worst in India for secondary schools and sixth worst for elementary schools. States With Worst Teacher Vacancies Source: Lok Sabha Note: Union territories excluded CLAIM 2: Hindustan mein sabse jyada..daliton par atyachaar agar kahin hote hai, to us pradesh ka naam hai Uttar Pradesh (If there is a region in India where crimes against lower castes are the highest, it is Uttar Pradesh) FACT: Modi is wrong. Though crimes against scheduled castes (SCs) were the highest in UP at 8,358 cases with 8,460 people affected in 2015, UPs crime rate, or crime per 100,000 SC population, was 20, less than Gujarat (26), Madhya Pradesh (37) and Goa (51), according to data from the National Crimes Records Bureau. As many as 11 states and one union territory registered worse crime rates against SCs than UP. Among the other large states, Rajasthan registered the highest crime rate against dalits: 57 crimes per 100,000 SC population, followed by Andhra Pradesh at 52, Bihar at 39, Chhattisgarh at 31 and Maharashtra at 14. Source: National Crimes Record Bureau; Crime per 100,000 scheduled caste population While the crime rate in Gujarat has always been above 25 per 100,000 SC population, it has always been below 20 per 100,000 SC population in UP. The crime rate against dalits in UP consistently fell during the tenure of former chief minister Mayawati and gradually increased during the tenure of current chief minister Akhilesh Yadav. CLAIM 3 Uttar Pradesh mein kisano ki paidavar sirf three percent khareedi jaati hai (Government procures only 3% of the farm produce in UP). FACT: The figure quoted by Modi is right for wheat but wrong for rice. Government agencies, such as the Food Corporation of India and state government agencies, procured 2.5 percent of wheat produced in UP in 2014-15 and 10.5% of rice produced that year in the state. Most of the farm output was sold by farmers to traders and commission agents in agriculture produce markets (APMCs). In Chhattisgarh, procurement of 60 percent of farm produce is done by the government at the minimum support price (MSP). In Madhya Pradesh, too, 60% is bought by the government, while Haryana is at 70 percent and Rajasthan at 50 percent, Modi said. The figures are true for Chhattisgarh for rice, close to reality for Madhya Pradesh for wheat, and close for both rice and wheat in Haryana. Modi was wrong about Rajasthan. Rajasthan farmers sold 18 percent of their wheat to government procurement agencies in 2014-15, not 50 percent as the PM claimed. Source: Understanding Price Variation in Agricultural Commodities in India: Minimum Support Price, Government Procurement, and Agriculture Markets, Shoumitro Chatterjee and Devesh Kapur, National Council for Applied Economic Research, 2016 CLAIM 4 Humne aisi Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana laaye hai ki agar prakrutik karano se kisan buaai nahin kar paaya, to bhi usko bima milega. Aisi koi yojana dekhi hai? (We started such a crop insurance schemenamed Prime Ministers Crop Insurance Schemewhere, even if natural reasons affect the crop at sowing, the farmer will be insured. Has anybody seen such a scheme before?). FACT: Modi stretched the truth. While the PM claimed that this is the first time crops are being insured against weather-related vagaries, an earlier insurance scheme had a sub-scheme named Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS), which was limited to some geographical regions but insured crops against drought, excess rains and even frost. The crop-insurance spending included three parts: National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (NAIS), Modified National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (MNAIS) and WBCIS. The PM Fasal Bima Yojana amalgamates two old schemes, NAIS and MNAIS. WBCIS is still distinct from the PM Fasal Bima Yojana. The WBCIS component was piloted in 2003 for the summer crop and in 2008 for the winter crop. The Modi government spent more than Rs 1,000 crore in its first two years 2014-15 and 2015-16 on WBCIS even before Fasal Bima Yojana was rolled out. Source: Union Budget 2016-17 Note: Actual figures for 2014-15; revised estimate for 2015-16 The government, under PM Modi, more than doubled the spending on crop insurance to Rs 13,200 crorethe highest everin 2016-17 (revised estimate), to cater to increased crop failures after consecutive drought years. The spending in 2017-18 is estimated to be Rs 9,000 crore. CLAIM 5: Jahaan BJP ki sarkarein hai, chahe Gujarat ho, Maharashtra ho, Haryana ho, Rajasthan ho, Chhattisgarh ho, Jharkhand howahaan 60-70 percent kisanonka (fayda) Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana se ho chuka hai..aur Uttar Pradesh..sirf teen percent kisanonka bima hua (In BJP-ruled states, about 60-70 percent farmers have benefitted from Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, while only 3% farmers in UP have been benefitted) FACT: Modi is correct on the data for Maharashtra and Rajasthan, while he exaggerated the numbers for Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. He is wrong about farmers who benefitted from the Fasal Bima Yojana in UP. Source: Lok Sabha, Agriculture Statistics at a Glance 2014 In Modis home state of Gujarata state with one of the highest rain deficits in the largely normal monsoon of 2016, as IndiaSpend reported in October 2016 a fourth of farmers have benefitted from the flagship crop-insurance scheme, not 60-70 percent as Modi claimed. Indiaspend.org is a data-driven, public-interest journalism non-profit/FactChecker.in is fact-checking initiative, scrutinising for veracity and context statements made by individuals and organisations in public life Mumbai: Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Thursday conceded that the results so far for the ten municipal corporations, 25 Zilla Parishads and 283 Panchayat Samitis across the state have signalled a setback for the party. "The results are mixed with the party doing well in Zilla Parishads while suffering reverses in the municipal corporations. It is definitely a setback," party Vice President and spokesman Ratnakar Mahajan told PTI. He said the results have been unexpected and need to be analysed on the organisational level at the popularity level. "Whether there has been a disconnect between voters and the party leaders should be seen," he said. Mahajan said even though the elections should have been fought on local issues, it looked as if the hangover of the 2014 Lok Sabha and Assembly polls remained. "The high decibel campaign by the Sena and BJP showed as if the two parties are the only alternative to each other. Due to the aggressiveness of both parties to take on each other, opposition Congress and NCP virtually did not exist,"he said. Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti results are yet to come and Congress is expected to do well in the rural areas, he said. The party could barely manage to win 30 seats in Mumbai while it lost power in Amravati, Solapur civic bodies as well as Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad where it shared power with NCP. BJP's victory in the Pawar bastion during the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections can be notched as one of its biggest victories ever. After the 'shat pratishad' BJP (100 percent BJP) victory in Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections, BJP wins the Pune civic body elections for the first time ever. This election election season, we saw a face-off between NCP and BJP. But as the counting started, BJP took the lead on a majority of seats clearing the picture of its victory in the first few hours. This is considered to be a big setback for the NCP-Congress alliance which ruled the civic body for the past 15 years. So what is the reason for their victory? Is it anti-incumbency? Or has BJP ridden on the Modi wave one more time? BJP had strategically started planning for this victory before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. They were campaigning for Lok Sabha elections but the target always seemed to be the civic body elections. They had systematically activated the RSS cadre and their old-timers in the city. The first victory came with BJP candidate Anil Shirole winning the Lok Sabha elections. The BJP wave swept away NCP and Congress by winning all eight seats during the legislative assembly polls. When the BJP came to power in Maharashtra, the Pune unit started focusing on the civic issues, campaigning against the NCP-Congress rule in the civic body. Agitations on various issues followed. Whether it was targeting the civic body over the failure of the BRTS project or the decision to appoint a three-member committee for the development plan for the city, BJP started ticking-off issues one by one. They then started addressing problems in the city. Pune's guardian minister Girish Bapat tried resolving the issue of garbage, dumping ground by addressing a series of meetings with the protesting villagers. Then the long pending Pune metro proposal got the Centre's nod with PM Narendra Modi attending the ground breaking ceremony. Ground survey work for Pune metro began right before the elections. Traffic is the biggest problem for Pune-ites who prefer commuting by private vehicles due to the lack of a proper public transport. Hoardings of ongoing work for Pune metro seemed to have created an impact. Pune airport at Purandar also got the nod ahead of the elections. Even when faced with strong opposition from the local villagers, the leaders made it a point to keep re-iterating that the work for Pune airport will commence soon. Riverfront development project, decision to buy new buses and approval for development plan were announced one by one ahead of elections. Pune even came in first for their proposal in Narendra Modi's smart city project. Development agenda was their prime focus. Their manifesto focused on these issues. Completion of projects that were already approved and were in the pipeline was their only agenda. They even announced a committee to ensure the implementation of their manifesto. Union ministers Manohar Parrikar, Venkaiah Naidu descended to the city for campaigning and highlighting these issues. Development agenda like during the 2014 elections was on cards for the city unit. This time the muscle and money power was also added. Photographs of goons were published with the chief minister. This move was widely criticised and it was predicted that BJP will suffer a setback due to this. Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis visited the city twice and addressed four consecutive rallies. He once had to cancel the rally due to lack of audience. BJP inducted many sitting corporators and strong leaders from other parties and declared their nominations. This caused a stir among the party loyalists but BJP state president Raosaheb Danve addressed their grievances, spending an hour in the city talking to them amidst his grueling schedule Despite all this BJP proved to be the biggest gainer in the city. They are set to become the single largest party in the civic body and might even win with a huge lead. "We will do everything that is needed to keep NCP Congress out of power," said Maharashtra State Guardian Minister for Pune district Girish Bapat. "This is a victory of our strong cadre," he added. MP Sanjay Kakade went ahead to announce that he will quit active politics if BJP doesn't win in these elections. He seems to be gaining foothold as the second power centre in the city unit. Now the challenge before the party is getting the hierarchy of the leaders straight. Also the question of who would become their alliance partner if needed also remains unanswered. But for now it's party time for BJP and the party workers are in the mood for some celebration. Chennai: AIADMK Deputy General Secretary TTV Dinakaran on Thursday hinted at a rapprochement with expelled leader O Panneerselvam, saying the party would "accept with motherly affection" anybody who had gone out of the "parent organisation" and wanted to return. Addressing reporters after formally taking over, he also fended off criticism that he was elevated "suddenly", saying he had been brought into the party by the late Chief Minster J Jayalalithaa in the early days itself and that he had been given various party posts and even made an MP by her. Asked about Panneerselvam's plans to conduct state-wide campaign against the present AIADMK leadership, Dinakaran said the party had faced "betrayals" in the past too, but had successfully overcome them. However, referring to the defection of MLAs and MPs to the Panneerselvam camp, he said that some had "lost their way and moved away from the mother movement." "We have the confidence that anybody who had left the mother movement will return to our fold," Dinakaran said. Asked if Panneerselvam would also be allowed to return, he said "the party will receive with motherly affection and accept anybody who had left the parent organisation." His comments come in the wake of Panneerselvam's expulsion by AIADMK General Secretary VK Sasikala following his revolt against her in the wake of her election as AIADMK Legislature Party leader on 5 February. Panneerselvam, who had quit as Chief Minister then, had revolted against her, alleging he was forced to step down to make way for her. Sasikala was convicted by the Supreme Court in an assets case on 14 February and is lodged in the central jail at Parapana Agrahara near Bengaluru. To a question on who was his party's main rival -- DMK leader MK Stalin or Panneerselvam, Dinakaran insisted it was DMK as AIADMK had been founded by the late M G Ramachandran against that very party and its chief M Karunandihi. "You must have seen in the Assembly also. They tried to use Panneerselvam to topple the government but failed. You are seeing the daily dramas being enacted by Stalin. AIADMK was founded against DMK and they are our main rival," he said. He said Stalin was "dejected" that he could not "topple" the AIADMK government and was therefore doing things like staging a hunger strike or flying to Delhi to meet President Pranab Mukherjee. Stalin had earlier left for Delhi to apprise the President on the incidents that unfolded during the February 18 floor test won by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, amidst en masse eviction of DMK. On the trust vote issue, Dinakaran insisted that Speaker P Dhanapal had conducted the House as per rules and charged the DMK with trying to incite violence. "Stalin wanted to incite violence and topple the government. All the AIADMK MLAs proved that the party is Amma's fortress and behaved with military discipline. So Stalin's outbursts (on the matter) are due to his dejection and failure. And that is why he has gone to Delhi," he said. The government will continue to function normally and deliver public welfare measures, said Dinakaran, appointed by Sasikala as her deputy a day after she was convicted in the Rs 66 crore Disproportionate Assets case by the Supreme Court. He also denied any influence of Sasikala or her family in the party or the government. Blaming opposition parties, including DMK, for carrying out a 'false campaign' in this regard, he said AIADMK and its led government was being run by "1.5 crore party supporters." "No individual or family has ever dominated in the past nor will we allow it to be done in the future," he added. He also denied he was 'suddenly' elevated in the party, following his re-induction last week by Sasikala, saying he had enjoyed various party posts during Jayalalithaa's time in the past and that she had even made him an MP. "Amma had asked me to stay away (from politics) for a while and I obeyed her words like a true soldier which is my duty. Chinnamma (Sasikala) re-inducted me after a plea from some party functionaries," he said. On February 15, Sasikala had announced that Dinakaran, her nephew and a former Rajya Sabha member, was being re-inducted and appointed as the party's Deputy General Secretary, a move that raised many an eyebrow. Jayalalithaa had in 2011 expelled Sasikala, her husband M Natarajan and Dinakaran, besides some of their other relatives from AIADMK for reportedly interfering in party and government affairs. Sasikala had a few months later apologised and returned, but the others remained expelled. However, she re-inducted Dinakaran and another relative S Venkatesh after they expressed 'regret' for their past action. To a query, Dinakaran said there was no "public anger" against his party or the government and assured it would continue its winning run in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as well as the 2021 Assembly polls. Polling in the fourth phase of the Uttar Pradesh elections will decide who will form the next government in the state. This round will either give the BJP a huge advantage over its rivals or bring it at par with the two other major contenders. The consensus within analysts, observers and politicians is that the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance did not live up to expectations in the third phase of polling that was supposed to give it a clear advantage. Polling for the third phase was held in areas considered Samajwadi bastions. In the 2012 elections, the SP had swept the region, winning 55 out of the 67 seats that were part of the third phase. But, this year the BJP seems to have done much better than in 2012 when it won just 10 seats. So, the SP alliance is unlikely to come close to the 2012 tally. The reason behind the below-expectation performance of the SP alliance is the shift in voting pattern. Unlike in 2012 when urban voters gravitated towards Akhilesh Yadav, this year they are rooting for the BJP. Trends indicate the BJP has retained the urban voters it had snared in 2014. So, with the SP not running away with the third phase, the ongoing round (February 23) becomes vital for the election. After this round, polling moves to neutral territory in the fifth phase and then the BJP strongholds in Purvanchal, where it is expected to notch up a decent strike rate, bagging a majority of the seats. How the three major parties perform today will decide whether the BJP goes into the next round with a lead, at par or with a deficit. In off-the-record conversations, SP and Congress poll managers concede that the election has not gone according to the script. A very senior leader Congress leader told Firstpost that the best-case scenario for the party would now be to win 175 seats, down from the 225 they were eyeing a few weeks ago. He said out of the 219 seats that have gone to polls so far (till phase 3), the alliance has a chance of winning 75-80, the BJP and the BSP 50-60 each and the RLD around 12-15. If this lead gets wiped out by the BJP in the fourth phase, it will race away from the competition. If seats in the fourth round are evenly split, the likely outcome would be a hung assembly. Contrary to the popular narrative and the surround sound in the Delhi media, the BSP is doing better than expected in the polls. On every seat it is giving a tough fight either to the SP alliance or the BJP. Its strong presence is harming both the BJP and the SP-Cong alliance. While the split in Muslim votes is harming the alliance, Mayawati's attempts to retain the non-Jatav SC votes is hurting the BJP. Aware of the possibility of losing Hindu voters to the BSP, the top leadership of the BJP has now unleashed its Hindutva politics, its brahmastra for polarising an election. The thinking within the BJP is that since it has not fielded even a single Muslim candidate, its stock has risen among Hindu voters. With a communally-loaded narrative (Shamshan vs Kabristan) and through egregious acronyms comparing the rivals with terrorist Ajmal Kasab, the BJP is making a last-gasp effort to keep Hindus away from the BSP and the SP-Cong alliance. If it succeeds in the fourth phase, the BJP might just win the biggest election of the year. New Delhi: Sixty-one percent of the nearly 2 crore voters on Thursday turned to cast their votes in phase four of Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. The Election Commission said the turnout percentage is likely to touch 63 percent as, till 5 pm, several people were still in queues waiting for their turn to vote. 53 constituencies in 12 districts went for elections in phase four. The poll percentage was 59.9 percent in the corresponding seats in the 2012 Assembly elections and 57.1 percent in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Deputy Election Commissioner Vijay Dev, in charge of Uttar Pradesh, told reporters here. With poll machinery in the state keeping up the pressure on anti-social elements, Rs 13.49 crore in cash and 3.26 lakh litres of liquor worth Rs 8.17 crore was seized in run up to this phase. So far, a total of Rs 201 crore has been seized in cash and kind including liquor, drugs and precious metals -- all used to influence voters. So far, Rs 112.5 crore in cash, 19.78 lakh litres of liquor worth Rs 56.05 crore, Rs 7.41 crore worth of drugs, and Rs 25.15 crore worth of precious metals including gold and silver have been seized by election authorities from across Uttar Pradesh. He said a "pre-poll" incident of violence was reported last night from Mahoba where SP and BSP workers had clashed, leaving two injured. While two of the accused have been arrested, the two undergoing treatment in hospital will also be placed under arrest. The SHO and chowki in charge of the police station concerned have been suspended. Azamgarh (UP): On Thursday, Union Home minister Rajnath Singh blamed SP and BSP for the dismal states of affairs of Uttar Pradesh and said the 'bicycle' has become obsolete, while the 'elephant' has grown old. "SP, BSP and Congress have pushed UP into a pool of mud, and it is out of this pool of mud that the lotus will eventually bloom," he said at an election rally. He said several allegations of corruption have been levelled against ministers in SP and BSP governments, but not a single charge was ever made against any BJP minister or chief minister or even a leader. Questioning UP CM Akhilesh Yadav's 'Kaam Bolta Hai' (performance speaks aloud), Rajnath, referring to the election symbols of the SP and BSP, said, "The 'bicycle' has become defunct, while the 'elephant' has grown old." "Akhilesh's logic is that he has not been able to perform because of his father and uncle. Despite this, he says, 'Kaam Bolta Hai.' In other words, it means 'chit bhi meri, patt bhi meri' (heads I win, tails you lose)." Rajnath also attacked Congress for first holding khaat sabha to raise voice against the state government, but later embracing the SP and "sharing the cot." "They have failed to understand that khaats (cots) are meant for sleeping, and not for holding any sabha (meeting)," he said. Enumerating Modi government's achievements, Singh said surgical strikes were an important milestone. "We always wanted to have good relationship with our neighbours, and hence during the oath taking ceremony of PM Modi, the Heads of States of neighbouring countries including Nawaz Sharif were invited." He said Sharif was invited not for a symbolic hand-shake, but to forge a strong bond between the two neighbours. "The Centre has told the Army not to violate the ceasefire, but if even a single bullet comes from the other side (Pakistan), we will not hesitate in giving a befitting reply," Singh said. Rajnath also mentioned that BJP never indulges in dividing the society, but is working to build the society. Auto refresh feeds 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. "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. 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. 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. 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)." 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? 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.' '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.' "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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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 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. 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. 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. "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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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." "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. 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. 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 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 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. 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. 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. "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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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." 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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: "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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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." 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. "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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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." 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. 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. A crucial constituency where BJP and SP both see the potential to gain from here. Atal Bihari Vajpayee has won the parliamentary constituency five times. In 2014 too, BJP won it overwhelmingly. Parth MN will file a series of ground reports on millennial voters in Uttar Pradesh, starting Monday. The author is specifically going to look at the commentary on the concerns of young voters. Political appeals made to Muslims to vote for a certain party harm the interests of Muslims, he says and adds that if a clear written agenda existed, political parties could be held accountable regarding their promises to Muslims. "However, my view is that there is a need for a political platform of Muslims which can address Muslim issues," Mumshad Qasmi said, adding that such a political platform must offer a strong leadership and united voice. However, he cautions that it cannot be like any other political party and must have an agenda which should be written and clear so that everyone, both Muslims and Hindus, can see what the agenda is. Some Islamic clerics think that establishment of Muslim parties in Uttar Pradesh and elsewhere can harm the interests of Indian Muslims. Maulana Mumshad Ali Qasmi, a leading Islamic cleric who has founded Falah-i-Darain Islamia Inter-College at Bilaspur on the outskirts of Muzaffarnagar, told me that Muslims cannot benefit by forming Muslim parties. Lashing out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'adoption' comment, Mulayam said that Modi has no idea of what he is saying because Uttar Pradesh has "adopted Samajwadi Party." Addressing the media after casting his vote in Saifai, Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav said that Akhilesh Yadav will be the next chief minister. "Developmental work has been done in UP and Akhilesh once again will be the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. There is no parivarwad in Samajwadi Party," Mulayam said. She urged voters to cast their ballots in large numbers. She also ruled out any rift in the party and said that its time for us to look forward for the betterment of people in Uttar Pradesh. Metro, Agra-Lucknow Express Highway are cited by youth when asked about Akhileshs developmental work. The Highway is top class, they say, and it was constructed in mere 22 months. A few months back, work for the Lucknow-Baliya highway has begun, which will make eastern UP more accessible. Even the BJP leaning youngsters are not critical of him. The ones tilting towards the BJP prefer Modi than Akhilesh. Irrespective of the criticism or perceived failure of demonetisation, Modi remains a tall leader here. Popularity of the chief minister among the youth of the state is undisputed. They identify with Akhilesh Yadav and believe he deserves another chance. The youth perceive Akhilesh as one of them. Kanpur MP and BJP's margdarshak mandal member, Joshi still thinks that he continues to be a strong and has potential to do things, than just being a mute margdharshak. He was seen on the dais with PM Narendra Modi in an election rally in Kanpur. Though nobody in BJP has bothered to link Kanpur outcome with Joshi's influence but then in politics hope and aspiration never dies. Rajnath Singh has his own standing as an MP from Lucknow where polling is underway, as Union Home Minister and as a former UP chief minister. It is thus important for him that BJP makes an impressive performance in his parliamentary constituency and outside where he has been campaigning extensively. "In the first five hours of polling, the turnout was over 28 percent," a spokesman of UP Chief Electoral Officer said. Polling was going on peacefully in these areas, he said. Besides BSP surpemo Mayawati, Home Minister Rajnath Singh with his family cast their votes in Lucknow while Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav voted in Saifai (Etawah). Lucknow's Nazia Khan (see the image), 24, is currently looking for a job but in 2014 when her conservative family did not want to spend money on her education, the scheme ensured she did her BA. The teachers at Lucknow University also say the scheme has aided the education of girls from poor families. The scheme was first launched in 2004 under Mulayam, but its implementation was not immediate. Mayawati shelved the scheme, and Akhilesh revived it in 2012. Young girls in Lucknow speak of Kanya Vidya Dhan to endorse their claim that Akhilesh has been good for Uttar Pradesh. It is a scholarship scheme for girls from economically downtrodden families, which they can avail after 12th standard. Unemployment is going to be a major point on which the young would be voting. Eastern UP has not many industries and Lucknow youngsters are not confident of making a living here. Many said they'd migrate for better jobs. But the drawbacks of the state are blamed on the old guard. Akhilesh has successfully managed to turn the anti-incumbency away from him on to his father and uncle. However, one of the factors that is not working for Akhilesh is security of women. The 1090 helpline number has been introduced but girls say it works inconsistently. They admit the law and order situation had been better under Mayawati whereas gunda raj has been on the rise under SP rule. Rahul Gandhi is hardly a factor. And the alliance is not hurting SP. Those supporting congress even now are never likely to desert them. And Akhileshs young supporters may not be excited about the alliance but are not angry enough to vote against him. The transfer of votes should not be a problem. Parth MN will file a series of ground reports on millennial voters in Uttar Pradesh, starting Monday. The author is specifically going to look at the commentary on the concerns of young voters. Also, Lucknow has a sizable Shia population, out of which a good chunk has traditionally voted for the BJP. Vajapayee enjoyed great popularity among the Shias. But the anti-Muslim narrative by some of the BJP elements has ensured the Shias have drifted away. The Shia Ulema has declared support to Mayawati. The elder Shia generation wont vote for SP because of Azam Khan, but the youngsters seem to be willing to ignore him for Akhilesh. Ashutosh Tondon, son of Lalji Tondon, a BJP leader of yore, and who enjoyed respect among Shias, is contesting from Lucknow east, a seat which they are hoping to retain. BJP has thrown its might behind him. In the urban constituencies, the caste and religious identities, while undoubtedly exist even among youth, are being blurred and Akhilesh will gain from it. It means the upper caste youngsters could vote SP. But at the same time, Muslims wont desert them. But with roughly 30% upper caste vote in Lucknow, BJP always remains in the race. With generations voting for a party, most youngsters could follow their parents. Though Mulayam's words exuded confidence, his body language suggested that he lacked the vitality, vigour, enthusiasm and force that is usually associated with him during election time in Uttar Pradesh. Mulayam, prompted by Sadhna, showed a mark of indelible ink on his finger and proclaimed that the SP was returning to power with a majority on its own. Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav and his second wife Sadhna Gupta rarely, if ever, make a public appearance together; let alone make a political statement. The Yadav family homeland of Saifai witnessed a fresh chapter in the first family's history on Sunday when the two landed there together, within hours of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav casting his vote. Lucknow Cantt has about 25% of the total registered voters are Brahmins, around 12.5% thakurs, 10% Muslims and rest includes Vaishyas, OBC and Dalits. This time the Samajwadi Party is unlikely to keep Kurmis and Mauryas under its fold. Of late they have been losing the support of non-Yadav obc voters, especially Mauryas and Kurmis of the region to BJP. Conversely, another point of view was that because of social media, the electorate is getting increasingly cagey about expressing their views. A senior professor, speaking about the youth, said they are aware how a single tweet about them can expose their inclinations. They are intimidated considering the vitriol on social media. People haven't been this reluctant to express their inclinations since emergency, he says. Also a reason why opinion polls getting it wrong. The impact of social media in urban Lucknow is noticeable. The BJP tilting youngsters often cite WhatsApp forwards when asked about demonetization. The SP has also upped its game on social media with a full-fledged team operating from the Vikramaditya Marg. The lack of effective use of social media is another reason why Mayawati is struggling in urban areas and among urban youth. When it comes to the Muslim votes, she has gone out of the way to seek support of Maulavis who, she thinks, have the ability to influence the Muslim voteshare. But the youngsters do not take Maulavis seriously. Also, voting Mayawati in urban areas is perceived as helping BJP. Moreover, the urban Dalit youth is not homogenous. In rural Lucknow, Dalit youngsters firmly stand by Mayawati. It makes BSP a player in the two reserved seats. The chamars wont desert Mayawati but Dhobis, Pasis etc keep drifting. The extreme backward castes are inclined towards BJP. Mayawati is a clear third in Lucknow in spite of a 20% Dalit vote share. The base vote is substantial but there is no add on vote and she too seems to be aware of it. Shah made these comments while seeking to draw a parallel between the rival parties and the Mumbai attack perpetrator Ajmal Kasab. "Until and unless Kasab is laid to rest, development and prosperity will continue to elude the poll-bound state. In other words, it means that the state may have to languish further, if there is no respite from these political parties," he said. Elaborating on the acronym at an election meeting, he said, "Ye Uttar Pradesh ki janata is baar ke chunav mein is Kasab se mukti paa le. Main phir se bolta hu Uttar Pradesh ki janata is baar ke chunav mein is Kasab se mukti paa le. Kasab se mera matlab kuch aur mat nikaliyega. Kasab se mera matlab hai- KA se Congress, SA se Samajwadi Party aur B se BSP. (In this election, people of UP should get rid of Kasab. I say it again, people of UP should get rid of Kasab. Do not take any other meaning when I say Kasab. What I mean by KASAB is -- KA for Congress, SA for Samajwadi Party and B for BSP.)" BJP chief Amit Shah kicked up a storm on Wednesday when he dubbed SP, BSP and Congress as 'KASAB' , adding yet another acronym in the Uttar Pradesh poll campaign, and said development will elude the state till "Kasab is laid to rest". Dialling up their offensive against the Samajwadi Party and Congress alliance, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh called the tie-up a "thug bandhan" (coalition of cheats). Addressing an election meeting in Dhanghta, he attacked SP and BSP, alleging that "many corrupt leaders" are present in both the parties. SP and Congress formed the alliance about a month back, just ahead of the Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. "There is a wave in favour of the BJP and it will make its government after elections," he said. When asked whether Ram Temple is one of the poll issues, Keshav said, "Ram temple is a matter of faith for us. We have mentioned it in our manifesto as well. As far as Uttar Pradesh ke Ladke are concerned, the youth of UP will give them a reply." Speaking to CNN-News18 , BJP state president Keshav Maurya said, "Even SP and BSP are accepting that they are fighting against BJP. BJP is here to form the government." When asked about the graveyard comment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi , Keshav said, "There is nothing wrong in whatever the prime minister has said. He just showed us the reality that light comes during Ramzan and Eid and not during Diwali." While local Congress leaders claim that Priyanka was occupied with some family matters but thats no explanation for ordinary locals. In the last Assembly election, she had held about three dozen rallies in six assembly segments Raebareli and slightly less number in four assembly segments of Amethi parliamentary constituency, held by her brother Rahul. In the parliamentary election, she was managing Raebareli and Amethi. But people here were in for a surprise of a different kind. They are in fact a bit intrigued by her absence. Last time they had enough of Priyanka Gandhi in 2012 assembly elections, who was here for about a fortnight, had gone to almost every big nukkad in six assembly segments of her mothers parliamentary constituency, spoke there, waved hands, spent moments with womenfolk, party workers and other sundry voters in all strata of society. It is highly mystifying to people in Raebareli. They had seen it in TV news, read it in newspapers that Priyanka Gandhi was the one who finally saw to it that Congress alliance deal with Samajwadi Party was sealed. They had also come to know through media reports and from whatever political gossip they had heard that she was now poised to take a bigger role, campaign all over Uttar Pradesh than just nurturing twin family constituencies, Raebareli and Amethi. The Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance in Raebareli is struggling because they've not managed to crack a deal. It's a pocket borough of Gandhis but they were routed in 2012 assembly elections and SP had done well here. With both parties claiming the high ground, the end result is Congress and SP both fielding candidates at two of the five seats, defying the alliance. The crack in the alliance has handed out advantage to BJP and BSP on a platter. The BJP is likely to gain the most, with Modi being the X-factor. He remains popular among the youth, especially in rural Raebareli, because he "took on black money and corruption through demonetisation". Here, one is a reserved seat, and out of the remaining four, 2 tickets have gone to OBCs. In its attempt to coax the OBCs, BJP seems to be neglecting its traditional votebank of Brahmins and Baniyas, perhaps indicative of the fact that they now take them for granted. With three crucial phases gone and four more to go, it's all about numbers in Uttar Pradesh. Raebareli has a sizeable OBC population and the BJP is increasingly playing its politics around them. The state president is Keshav Prasad Maurya and Raebareli district president is Dilip Yadav. "The districts which are in fray in the fourth phase is the land of hermits and bandits. People have Ramayan in their blood, so whether people will appreciate this sort of political discourse (Amit Shah's Kasba comment) is a matter of concern." Though crimes against Scheduled Castes (SCs) were the highest in UP at 8 Bundelkhand: Sampat Pal, a 52-year-old activist-turned-politician, known for her association with the Gulabi Gang, is back in contention as a Congress candidate for the ongoing Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. After tasting failure in the 2012 elections, she is set to contest again from the Manikpur constituency. The exploits of the Gulabi Gang a battery of women dressed in pink saris known for their vigilante style of justice in the boondocks of Bundelkhand had catapulted Pal to international fame, when Bollywood gave the nod to a film starring Madhuri Dixit in the lead role, titled Gulaab Gang (2014). Pal then went on to participate in the TV reality show Big Boss season 6, and became a household name. Brussels-based author Amana Fontanella-Khan penned her story in the book 'Pink Sari Revolution'. Her brand of activism hit the headlines when she took a police station in-charge to task over a dispute related to the public distribution (ration) system. She, along with a group of women dressed in pink saris, carrying wooden sticks (lathis) in their hands, attacked the police official and an administrative officer. This incident drew the attention of Fatehpur-based social activist Jaiprakash Shivhare, who later named the group Gulabi Gang and virtually became Pals mentor. The sudden rise to fame opened the political doors for Pal. Though she was initiated into electoral politics by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, she lost the support of her gang, that split into two factions over her decision to enter politics. Shivhare and Pal, too, parted ways over her decision. After she became popular in the media, the French and Italian governments invited her to their countries. Pal met Sonia Gandhis mother when she visited Italy. The latter gifted her a ring and addressed her as daughter. This is how Pal got connected to the Congress president and her political journey began, claimed one of the co-founders of the Gulabi Gang, Bhagwat Dwivedi. On ground zero, Pal is busy campaigning on issues like installation of tube-wells, water supply, electricity, roads, education for children, etc and hopes to win this time, as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has appealed to Samajwadi Party voters to support her. And, if she wins the election, Pal hopes to build a film city in Manikpur. Incidentally, she is also acting in a film these days. If I win this time, Ill ensure English medium education for children from villages, especially girls. Next is employment and growth in income for farmers; we dont need subsidies, Pal told Firstpost, in an interview during her rally at Chitrakoot. She dubbed the Madhuri Dixit-starrer Gulaab Gang as a fake film, claiming that her character was wrongly portrayed. It was a bakwaas aur farzee (useless and fake) film as my character was wrongly portrayed. I never used a sickle... we use lathis. Im acting in a film based on my life and journey, in which Im playing the role of actor Rajpal Yadavs mother. I hope to get elected this time and my dream is to build a film city in Manikpur, the crusader, who hails from Banda, asserted with confidence. According to the Gulabi Gang, it has four lakh women members across the state and around 25,000 of those are from Manikpur. We joined her in 2008 to form a group to fight the drought in Bundelkhand. Today, the focus of Gulabi Gang is not to demand security for women but rather to empower them. Whenever we receive a call from a woman in distress, we contact our district-level commanders to take the call and contact senior administrative and police officials. The movement is growing strong and once Pal becomes an MLA, itll receive a big push, added another co-founder, Ajay Singh. With three phases gone, no clear trend visible and all big talking points exhausted, it was expected that the campaign language in Uttar Pradesh would sink lower and lower. In the latest in the series of verbal attacks on rivals from politicians, BJP president Amit Shah has found an acronym for the Congress, the Samajwadi Party and Mayawatis BSP: KASABKa for Congress, Sa for Samajwadi Party and Ba for Bahujan Samaj Party, he explained at a rally. Kasab, of course, was the lone Pakistani terrorist caught alive in the 2008 Mumbai attack and subsequently hanged after conviction. The war of acronyms is something unique to this election. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi got creative with the word SCAM, using it to describe Samajwadi Party, Congress, Akhilesh and Mayawati. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi rebutted it with his own expansion of the letters: Service, Courage, Ability and Modesty. Akhilesh Yadav came up with Save Country from Amit Shah and Modi. After the prime minister called BSP the Behenji Sampatti Party, Mayawati came up with her own expansion, using the first letters in Narendra Damodardas Modis name to come up with Negative Dalit Man. However, one must read deeper into this apparently juvenile game. Nothing in politics is done without a deeper strategic motive. Its obvious by now that the BJP has been consciously giving the election a BJP vs all spin. All the acronyms are designed to emphasise the point. In their speeches the partys leaders are not trying to convey the impression that they are expecting a post-election situation where they have to find an ally to form the government. With an alliance with the Samajwadi Party or the Congress ruled out, BSP is the only option. Both have been in alliance earlier too. But the party has shown no sign of going soft on it. Going by the way the campaign has shaped up so far, the BJP has succeed in the way it wanted the election to go. If it wanted Modi to be the focal point of the opposition attack, it has succeeded. It is evident in the way all leaders, including Akhilesh, Rahul and Mayawati, have been virulent in their attacks on the prime minister. Perhaps they have walked into a trap set by the BJP and dont even realise it. Even in the acronym game, the former is setting the agenda and the latter are following it. One wonders why they even need to respond. The BJP is adept at the polarisation game and I don't mean just communal polarisation. By making it an us vs all battle, the BJP is trying to put itself in the pole position in state politics. The 2014 general election, where it won a whopping 73 out of 80 seats and secured a vote share of around 43 percent, already put it in that position. Its effort now would be not to slip too far from that position. It helps when it projects itself as the main contender everywhere. The BJP has been using all the cards it is known to use in this election, from attempts at communalising the polls remember the prime ministers samshan-kabristan remarks and Amit Shahs call for ban on slaughter houses to harping on the development theme. The emphasis on the latter is getting thinner through the long election though. The aim is to seduce the same people who voted for it in 2014. It might be difficult this time given that it is an Assembly election, but staying at the pole position vis-a-vis others can only be good for it in the long term. So expect more acronyms and name-calling in future. Its no random, spur-of-the-moment remark; its part of a strategy. By Mukta Patil Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, while addressing a rally at Muzaffarnagar on 2 February, 2017, and in this interview to The Hindu on 22 February, 2017, has claimed that his government is now providing 24-hours-a-day electricity supply to cities and 16-18 hours a day to villages. At another rally on 9 February, 2017, in Kosi, Yadav claimed the government was providing 22-24 hours of electricity a day in cities while villages were being provided with 14-16 hours' supply a day. Not only do the claims vary from rally to rally, they also do not match official figures given to FactChecker by Purvanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Limited (PVVNL), the state-owned distribution company that supplies power across eastern Uttar Pradesh. While cities were provided with round-the-clock power, district headquarters and larger towns received 22 hours of electricity and villages received 18 hours, said Chandrajeet Singh, chief engineer at PVVNL. Only 30 km south-east from Muzaffarnagar, where Yadav made the claim of 16-18 hours of power to villages, is Sambalhera, where local resident Mohammed Taleem said they received electricity only for 10-12 hours a day. Similar stories emerged across the state as we checked Yadavs claims. The Samajwadi Party (SP), which is seeking re-election in UP, has promised 24-hour power supply to domestic consumers in both urban and rural areas if it is voted back to power. In Robertsganj, the district headquarters of Sonebhadra district of eastern UP, residents should be getting 20 hours of electricity. Instead, they get 14-15 hours, interspersed with power cuts. They say they are providing it (electricity), but most of the times it is when we dont need it, said Ajit Kumar Shrivastava, Robertsganj resident and a small kirana (grocery) store owner. Right now, because it is election time, the supply has been good for the past one month, said Shrivastava. Before that, we hardly had power for 14 hours sometimes as little as eight hours. About 240 million Indians had no access to electricity in 2015. During Prime Minister Narendra Modis speech at the Wembley stadium in London on November 13, 2015, he said: As many as 18,000 villages need electricity. There are not even electricity poles. In the next 1,000 days we will ensure they get it. Of 18,452 unelectrified villages in India, 5,438, or almost 30 percent, are yet to be electrified. Less than half the rural households in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Nagaland and Jharkhand get electricity. No more than 48 percent of Uttar Pradeshs approximately 30.1 million households are electrified. Uttar Pradesh has more unelectrified rural households than Bihar. In other large states, such as Maharashtra and Rajasthan, almost 75% of rural households have electricity, official data show. Since 2012, when the Samajwadi Party came to power, UP has had a power deficit, although it is reducing, according to the annual load generation balance report by the Central Electricity Authority (which looks at anticipated energy requirement against availability for the upcoming year). This is despite the fact that over half of the rural households in Uttar Pradesh are still without access to electricity. These electricity shortfalls are also directly in conflict with Yadavs statement on power supply at the Muzaffarnagar rally, where he claimed: Hum de rahe hain, kyunki hamare paas jyaada hai, (We are giving it since we have it in excess). These politicians remember villagers only during voting time; otherwise they will not even glance at us, said Draupadi, a resident of Mathura Pura in Jhansi district where villagers cook and children study by the light of kerosene lamps. Only 26 of Mathura Puras 326 households are electrified. We have somehow lived our entire life like this but what about our children? asked Draupadi, who uses one name. Will they also grow up like this? (This story has been produced in partnership with Khabar Lahariya, a rural, video-first digital news organisation, with an all-women network of reporters in eight districts of Uttar Pradesh. The author is an analyst with IndiaSpend and FactChecker.) Riga: Canada said on Thursday it is open to meeting with the US to discuss revisions to their Nafta trade pact with Mexico, which US President Donald Trump has called a bad deal and vowed to renegotiate or scrap. "Prime Minister Trudeau has said from the start we would be happy to sit down at the table" with the US, Canada's Trade Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne told reporters in Latvian capital Riga. He said the 23-year-old tripartite North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has been amended before, adding: "E-commerce did not even exist when it was last amended and there are a number of things we can look at." "But to be clear: there has been no formal notification with respect to starting a process to renegotiate NAFTA," he concluded. Throughout his campaign and since his November election, Trump has voiced his determination to put "America first" and rip up Nafta, arguing that it was a bad deal that has led to the loss of manufacturing jobs to Mexico. Renegotiating Nafta will not be simple and Trudeau, a fervent supporter of free trade, has emphasised the importance of the tripartite pact for his country's economy and warned against protectionism. The economic ties between America and Canada, which share the world's longest common border, run deep: three-quarters of Canada's exports go to the US, and Canada is the top destination for exports from about 30 US states. Champagne spoke in Latvia after the Baltic state became the first European Union member to ratify the new Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (Ceta) betweenvCanada and the EU. He said he hopes "Ceta will become a reference point in the world... This is the most progressive trade agreement ever negotiated by the EU or Canada." "In an age of rising protectionism and anti-trade rhetoric in the world it sets a new gold standard for progressive trade that works for everyone," he told reporters alongside Latvia's Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics. China denied on Thursday that it had increased its troop presence on the border with North Korea after the murder of the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Malaysia. Reports routinely circulate at times of heightened tension on the Korean peninsula of China sending troops to the border, which China always denies. South Korean and U.S. officials say the North Korean leader's half brother, Kim Jong Nam, was assassinated by North Korean agents. North Korea has not acknowledged his death. Some Hong Kong media last week reported that China had sent more soldiers to the border after Kim was attacked at Kuala Lumpur airport on Feb. 13. "As for the reports you mentioned of the People's Liberation Army increasing troops on the Chinese-North Korean border, they are totally baseless and completely fabricated," defence ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang told a monthly news briefing. He did not elaborate. Kim had spoken out publicly in the past against his family's dynastic control of the isolated, nuclear-armed state. He had been living in the Chinese territory of Macau under Beijing's protection. China is reclusive North Korea's most important remaining ally, but China has been angered by its missile and nuclear tests and has signed up for several rounds of U.N. sanctions against North Korea at the same time as pushing for a diplomatic resolution through talks. Taipei: China is trying to block Taiwan from diversifying its foreign direct investments, including to India, because Beijing wants the East Asian island nation's investments to be restricted to mainland China, a Taiwanese minister has said. The self-ruled island nation is seeking to diversify its investments under a new foreign policy billed as "New Southbound Policy" that seeks to engage more closely with 18 Asia-Pacific countries, including India. "Beijing will try to block our New Southbound Policy only because they will like to see Taiwanese investments to go to mainland China and not to diversify our outgoing investments," Taiwan's First Deputy Minister for Mainland Affairs Council Cheng-yi Lin said in response to a question by IANS during an interaction with a group of journalists here on Wednesday. "Our relationship with mainland China and our New Southbound Policy are equally important for Taiwan and we are not competing with the PRC (People's Republic of China)," Lin stated. The 18 countries with which Taiwan seeks to have closer investment ties include India and five other South Asian nations, the 10 member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), and Australia and New Zealand. The policy was adopted after President Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) assumed power in 2016. According to the guidelines of the new policy, it "is a crucial part of Taiwan's economic and trade strategy". "As an important member of both Asia and the Asia-Pacific region, Taiwan must respond to changing global conditions and the trend toward regional integration by making appropriate adjustments," the guidelines state. "The New Southbound Policy has been adopted in order to identify a new direction and a new driving force for a new stage of Taiwan's economic development, and to create future value." "We can offer another dimension of the story to the Taiwan economic development, also Taiwan contributing to the region," Minister Lin said. The island nation is the world's 22nd-largest economy and was dubbed one of the four Asian tigers in the late 20th century, the others being Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea. Lin's comments come in the wake of a visit to India of a Taiwanese delegation that included three women parliamentarians earlier this month resulting in a sharp reaction from Beijing. During the course of the visit, China lodged a protest and asked India to honour its commitment to the "One China policy". Beijing also said that New Delhi should be cautious in dealing with Taiwan. New Delhi responded saying that no political meaning should be read into the Taiwanese delegation's visit. "Such (Taiwanese) informal groups have visited India in the past as well for business, religious and tourist purposes," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said following Beijing's remarks. "I understand that they do so to China as well. There is nothing new or unusual about such visits and political meanings should not be read into them." In his interaction with the media on Wednesday, Lin said that mainland China has been benefiting from Taiwan's investments since 1990. "Any other country in the region too should have the opportunity to have Taiwanese investments," he said. "For example, India." Lin said that compared to other countries in Southeast Asia like Vietnam, Malaysia or Indonesia, Taiwanese investments in India have been "very low". Beijing: Chinese authorities have blocked a prolific feminist social media account for allegedly breaking the law with posts critical of US President Donald Trump, its editors said on Thursday. Earlier this month, staffers of the Feminist Voices account on China's Twitter-like Weibo translated into Chinese parts of an article by American academics calling for a 8 March "general women's strike", and posted them. The article spoke of the need for "a new wave of militant feminist struggle" against Trump's "aggressively misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic and racist policies". The post was deleted days later, and the account has been suspended for 30 days, editor Xiong Jing said. Xiong said they were told in a notice that the account had "violated Chinese laws and regulations". It gave no specifics, but any suggestion in China of a call for strikes or protests typically draws an official reaction. Spurred by anger over Trump, a global strike against male violence has been proposed on 8 March, which is International Women's Day. "We just posted a translation of an article about something that's happening in the US. We weren't saying that we wanted to do this in China, and in any case there's no way we could," said Xiong. "There's no need to treat us like this." Individual posts from Feminist Voices have been censored in the past, Xiong said, but this was the first time since the account was established in 2010 that it had been fully blocked. China is preparing for the March 5 opening of its rubber-stamp National People's Congress, typically a time of increased censorship and scrutiny of potential trouble-makers. As China adjusts to the mercurial Trump it also has stepped up policing of content related to him, according to a report. Last month, Chinese media were told to avoid "unauthorised criticism of Trump's words or actions", according to the US-based China Digital Times. Some of Feminist Voices' 80,000 followers have posted selfies since the shutdown holding signs with messages such as "I want to listen to Feminist Voices; Give me back my freedom, Sina Weibo" At the end of the almost seven-hour India-China strategic dialogue in Beijing, we are nowhere close to solving the issues that have driven a wedge between the two Asian giants and triggered a deep diplomatic chill. As the Indian delegation led by Foreign Secretary Subramanyam Jaishankar, co-chair of the upgraded dialogue, emerged from the meeting on Wednesday after hectic parleys with China's Vice-Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui and his team, it was evident that both sides have not budged even an inch from their stands. In fact, what struck one was the combative approach adopted by India on areas of divergence. The post-dialogue media briefing carried unmistakable tones of indignation that India feels on account of Chinese official position on a number of topics including membership to the Nuclear Suppliers' Group, UN terrorist tag on Masood Azhar, China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and mounting trade imbalance. On each of these issues, India was rather blunt in blaming China for being obtuse and indulging in obstructionism. On Azhar, India said China's move to prevent UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee from censuring the Pakistan-based terrorist was in direct contravention of Beijing's stated standpoint on terrorism. Countering the charge that New Delhi needed to show "more proof", Jaishankar held that the burden of proof does not lie with India because the latest motion to tag Azhar as a terrorist at the United Nations was moved by the US, UK and France. Indicating that China's move was political in nature, Jaishankar said: "We pointed out that this time around, its not India but other countries (which mooted the proposal). So, there is a body of world opinion out there (against Azhar)." India complained about the yawning trade deficit and demanded more access in areas of IT and pharmaceuticals, put pressure on China on NSG membership and reiterated that the CPEC, which runs through Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir, violates India's sovereignty. There was extra stress on 'violation of sovereignty' an unmistakable reference to China's position on South China Sea. Turning down China's invitation, Jaishankar said India won't be able to attend the Silk Road summit because CPEC is part of this initiative. "Since they (China) are a country who have been very sensitive to sovereignty concerns, it was for them to say how a country whose sovereignty has been violated can come on an invitation." On trade deficit, as Livemint points out in its report, India and China have done business worth $70 billion but almost $53 billion of this is Chinese imports to India. The Chinese have taken some measures but clearly these havent addressed the problem in a substantive way, Jaishankar said. However, as has been noted, there was very little progress on these areas except a reiteration that both nations must work towards strengthening the ties a diplomatic way of saying that there is a lot of work to be done. Now, let us tackle some key questions. Is India right in feeling indignant and hard done by? Absolutely. Masood Azhar's notoriety has been highlighted globally. On India's entry into the exclusive NSG, most members are aware that New Delhi's non-proliferation record is impeccable unlike Pakistan, whom China is trying to push through. India has no first-use policy and has shown itself to be a responsible power. The CPEC cuts through areas that we consider as our integral part and India, like many other nations, is bearing the brunt of China's blatant maneuvering of world trade rules. Therefore, should we not expect China to see reason and veer around to our position? Are we not justified in demanding China's upholding of principles that govern its stand on terrorism and sovereignty? The answer, sadly, is no. India's concerns on divergence are just and correct. But morality, ethics and impartiality have no breaing on foreign policy. Reapolitik and geo-strategy are never based on idealism. These are formed on the bedrock of self-interest and shaped by both hard and soft power that a country wields. It is also related to how it sees itself in respect to other major powers. India's combative approach vis-a-vis China is unproductive because it does nothing to mitigate the levels of distrust between nations. A fair question arises. Why should it be incumbent on India to lessen the distrust? Once again, the answer lies in realpolitik. As I had explained in my piece on Wednesday, (India-China strategic dialogue: Keep calm and talk on, let the Dragon play the big brother for now) it is more profitable for India to keep communicating with China and maintain a cordial relationship because right at this curve in history, we lack the crucial leverages to make Beijing act in accordance to our wish. Like any other revisionist power, China acts out of self-interest and it is far more profitable for Beijing to keep Pakistan in good humour and see to it that CPEC project is completed soon than pander to our areas of concern. Hardening of stance at this point will not benefit us. We must focus on areas of convergence and quietly work towards solving the areas of divergence because any animus between India and China will be deleterious to bilateral ties and only one country stands to benefit if Sino-India relationship deteriorates further: Pakistan. In this connection, it will be instructive to notice the curve US-China relationship has taken ever since Donald Trump was elected to the White House. Trump and senior members of his cabinet made some initial noises about checking Chinese aggression. The US President went on record saying that 'One China' policy is not sacrosanct. His secretary of state Rex Tillerson told a Senate Confirmation Committee that US will not let China militarize or access artificial islands on South China Sea. Both have had to climb down since. In Trump's case, humiliatingly so. The POTUS has had to place a telephone call to China's President Xi Jinping and reiterate faith in 'One China' policy. Why? The simple reason is that global connectivity in terms of trade and geopolitics has reached a stage where it is not easy to drastically revise foreign policies. In an article in Project Syndicate called 'Why Trump Can't Bully China', Kenneth Rogoff, Professor of Economics and Public Policy at Harvard University, writes: "If the Trump administration tries crude tactics with China, it will be in for a rude surprise. China has financial weapons, including trillions of dollars of US debt. A disruption of trade with China could lead to massive price increases in the low-cost stores for example, Wal-Mart and Target on which many Americans rely." It is important that India does not make the same mistakes it has been committing. Standing eyeball-to-eyeball with China won't be profitable. It must use policy of leverage, people-to-people movement and areas of convergence to nudge Beijing towards recognizing its viewpoint. This is a Test match, not a T20 encounter. United Nations: India has welcomed an initiative by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to create a new office for counter-terrorism and stressed the nations should not allow "turf battles" to "hobble" the proposal. "Every day our collective conscience is being ravaged by terrorists in some part of the world or other. It is in this background of growing concerns, that we greatly appreciate the Secretary General's initiative to promptly address the need to enhance coordination of the UNs counter-terrorism efforts," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said. Guterres mooted the proposal to move the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) Office and the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre out of the Department of Political Affairs and create a new office for counter-terrorism. This office would be headed by a new Under Secretary General. The UN Chief said the only objective of the new body is to improve efficiency in combating terrorism and not to change the different mandates in the field of counter-terrorism. Akbaruddin said India welcomes the initiative and fully supports the proposal for the creation of the Office of Counter-Terrorism, assuring all possible support in taking the proposal to its fruition. He, however, said that nations should not let differences impact the initiative and dent its credibility. "So let us not allow turf battles to hobble this initiative if we have to maintain its credibility," he said during an informal meeting on strengthening of the capability of the UN system in implementing Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy on Wednesday "As terrorism thrives on and is sustained by its trans-boundary networks for ideology, recruitment, propaganda, funding, arms, training and sanctuary, no single nation alone can tackle this menace decisively. There is no stronger case for more multilateral action, more coordination and more cooperation on any matter amongst all stakeholders than on terrorism," he said. Akbaruddin said India envisages the Under Secretary General for counter-terrorism to be able to take positions and speak on behalf of "all of UN" and develop a comprehensive narrative on terrorism including on all issues relating to counter-terrorism. He added that there are differing mandates of various UN bodies and if the counter-terrorism coordinator is to have credibility, the individual needs to be seen as the UNs voice on counter-terrorism issues. "Such differentiation of mandates is only known to those in this room or those who use this building as a workspace. It will never be comprehensible to the ordinary people at large," the Indian envoy said. South Korea is using giant loudspeakers to blast news of the dramatic assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un's half-brother across the border with its reclusive northern neighbour, it was reported on Thursday. Kim Jong-Nam the eldest son of the North's late leader Kim Jong-Il died on February 13 after being attacked by two women at a Kuala Lumpur airport in what is suspected to be a murder planned by Pyongyang. The North's state media remained quiet on the killing until it released a scathing denouncement of the Malaysian investigation on Thursday, without identifying Jong-Nam as the victim. But the South this week employed its banks of high-decibel loudspeakers to ensure details of the death of Jong-Nam, once believed to be the likely heir, reverberated through wide swathes of the border area, Seoul's MBC TV station said. "Kim Jong-Nam... died after being attacked by two unidentified women at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia," blared the message from the speakers and replayed by the TV station. "Malaysian authorities said four suspects are North Korean nationals including one who has been arrested," it said. News of the outside world is heavily restricted and censored in the North under the Kim family, which has ruled for decades with an iron fist and pervasive personality cult. The South Korean military has for years blasted a mix of world news, propaganda messages and K-pop songs across the border using dozens of loudspeakers, which targets soldiers in the isolated state. They have a range of around 10 kilometres (six miles). Seoul's defense ministry refused to confirm the reports over the latest broadcast, citing national security concerns. North Korean state media on Thursday broke its 10-day silence on the murder, launching a ferocious assault on Malaysia for its "immoral" handling of the case and for playing politics with the corpse. The propaganda broadcasts are intensely hated by Pyongyang which at one point threatened to shell the loudspeakers. The North is also known to have installed a number of loudspeakers near the border to carry out its own propaganda broadcasting in a bid to drown out the sound from the South. Jong-Nam was at one time set to take the reins of power in the isolated North; groomed by his father for a third generation succession. But he fell out of favour and lived in exile in China as his younger brother was groomed to take power following the death of their father in 2011. Lahore: At least 10 people were killed and 30 others injured on Thursday when a powerful bomb ripped through a market in a posh locality here, the latest in a series of terror attacks that have left Pakistan on edge. The explosion, the second to hit the city within ten days, took place at the posh Z Block market of the Defence Housing Society (DHA). The blast came a day after Pakistan Army launched a nationwide military operation 'Radd-ul-Fasaad' to eliminate terrorists and consolidate gains of its counter-terrorism operations. Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique told reporters that eight people were killed and 30 others injured in the blast. However, two bodies were later recovered from the debris of an under-construction building where the explosive device was planted. "The death toll of the DHA blast has risen to 10 after two more persons were recovered from the under-construction building," Edhi Foundation Lahore spokesman Muhammad Younis said. Among the injured, the condition of three was said to be critical. CEO of Pakistan's Airlink firm Moazzam Paracha was among those killed in the blast. "Mr Paracha was present at his under-construction restaurant (and) suffered serious injuries and was rushed to the General Hospital where he died," Younis said. "Bombay Chowpati (that serves Indian cuisine) and Alfarno Cafe restaurants were apparently the target of (the) terrorists. The device was planted in an under-construction building near Bombay Chowpati," a senior police officer said. He said these restaurants were frequented by young couples. Deputy Inspector General Lahore Police Dr Haider Ashraf said, "Apparently an explosive material was planted in an under construction building in Z block market. We are also investigating the other aspects like that of gas leakage." Punjab police spokesman Niyab Haider, however, confirmed that it was a "planed device" that caused the explosion. "It appears to be a planted device. However we are investigating from all aspects," he said. A few days earlier the same market was evacuated by law enforcement agencies after a bomb threat. Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif ordered an investigation into the blast and summoned a report from Inspector General Police. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of lives in the blast while Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar condemned the attack and sought an immediate report on the incident. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the blast. By Mehreen Zahra-Malik | LAHORE, Pakistan LAHORE, Pakistan Pakistani real estate giant Rafi Group made a ten-fold profit last year from its sale of hundreds of acres of land in the remote fishing town of Gwadar, acquired soon after the government announced plans for a deep-sea port there.The windfall came after 12 years of waiting patiently for the Gwadar port to emerge as the centrepiece of China's ambitious plans for a trade and energy corridor stretching from the Persian Gulf, across Pakistan, into western Xinjiang. "We had anticipated the Chinese would need a route to the Arabian Sea," Rafi Group Chief Executive Shehriar Rafi told Reuters. "And today, all routes lead back to Gwadar."Gwadar forms the southern Pakistan hub of a $57-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) of infrastructure and energy projects Beijing announced in 2014.Since then, land prices have skyrocketed as property demand has spiked, and dozens of real estate firms want to cash in. "Gwadar is a 'Made in China' brand and everyone wants a piece," said realtor Afzal Adil, one of several who shifted operations from the eastern city of Lahore in 2015.Last year, Pakistan welcomed the first large shipment of Chinese goods at Gwadar, where the China Overseas Ports Holding Company Ltd took over operations in 2013. It plans to eventually handle 300 million to 400 million tons of cargo a year.It also aims to develop seafood processing plants in a nearby free trade zone sprawled over 923 hectares (2,281 acres). The route through Gwadar offers China its shortest path to the oil-rich Middle East, Africa, and most of the Western hemisphere, besides promising to open up remote, landlocked Xinjiang. Last year, the Applied Economics Research Centre estimated the corridor would create 700,000 jobs in Pakistan and a Chinese newspaper recently put the number at more than 2 million.Authorities have completed an expressway through Gwadar, which has a 350-km (218-mile) road network. A new international airport kicks off next year, to handle an influx of hundreds of Chinese traders and officials expected to live near the port.The volume of Gwadar property searches surged 14-fold on Pakistan's largest real estate database, Zameen.com, between 2014 and 2016, up from a prior rate of a few hundred a month."It's like a gold rush," said Chief Executive Zeeshan Ali Khan. "Anyone who is interested in real estate, be it an investor or a developer, is eyeing Gwadar."Prices, which have risen two- to four-fold on average, are climbing "on a weekly basis," said Saad Arshed, the Pakistan managing director of online real estate marketplace Lamudi.pk. Regional fishermen have held strikes during the last two years, to protest against being displaced by the port. To keep pace with the interest, urban officials are struggling to computerise land management and record-keeping. "We are trying to upgrade as fast as we can," said Zakir Majeed, an official of the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA).But Gwadar lacks basic education and health facilities, in contrast to the gleaming towers and piped drinking water of the "smart city" envisioned by the GDA."For commercial projects, things are moving fast," Lamudi's Arshed said. "But people actually living there, that will take a long time." Port officials expect the population to hit 2 million over the next two decades, from about 185,000 now. RISK The government commissioned work on the Gwadar port in 2002, but development was held up by chronic instability in the surrounding resource-rich province of Baluchistan, where ethnic separatist rebels have chafed against a military crackdown.Since China announced the corridor plan in 2014, security has improved, with Pakistan setting up a new army division to ensure protection, while hundreds of rebels surrendered arms.Real estate firms dismiss fears the "Gwadar bubble" might still burst, pointing to China's enduring interest."The risk is always there," Rafi said. "But our confidence comes from knowing this is not a Pakistani initiative, but a Chinese city on the Arabian Sea coast. And the Chinese will see that it is built." (Writing by Mehreen Zahra-Malik; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Praveen Menon | KUALA LUMPUR KUALA LUMPUR Malaysia is considering expelling North Korea's envoy to the Southeast Asian nation or shutting its embassy in Pyongyang, as tensions escalate over the killing of the estranged half-brother of the North's leader Kim Jong Un, a senior government official said.Kim Jong Nam, 46, was killed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Feb. 13 with what police believe was a fast-acting poison, as he prepared to board a flight to Macau where he lived in exile with his family under the protection of Beijing.North Korea's ambassador said last week his country "cannot trust" Malaysia's handling of the probe, and also accused the country of "colluding with outside forces" - a veiled reference to bitter rival South Korea.A senior Malaysian government official who is familiar with the discussions said Ambassador Kang Chol's comments have angered Malaysia and it was preparing a response, which could including declaring the ambassador "persona non grata".Such a move would be the strongest response Malaysia could take against a foreign diplomat, and would mean Kang Chol would have to leave the country.The source said Malaysia was also considering other options. The country, which has until now been one of the few nations to maintain friendly ties with the isolated North, could close its embassy in Pyongyang, or end visa-free travel for North Koreans entering Malaysia. If the criticism from North Korea did not stop, all diplomatic and trade ties could be cut, the source added.The Malaysian foreign ministry did not answer phone calls seeking comment.Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said earlier his week that the ambassador's comments casting doubt over Malaysia's investigation were "diplomatically rude". "The statement by the ambassador was totally uncalled for ... But Malaysia will stand firm," Najib told reporters on Tuesday."CROSSED THE LINE" Malaysia is among the few foreign countries that North Koreans can travel to easily, thanks to a visa-free policy for visitors that is largely reciprocated by Pyongyang. Since the 1980s, North Korea has used the Southeast Asian nation as a hub to promote its strategic and business interests, legitimate and otherwise, some analysts say.But the tensions with Malaysia may further isolate North Korea.Pyongyang's nuclear arms and weapons programmes have alarmed the West, most recently its test of a ballistic missile earlier this month in its first direct challenge to the international community since Donald Trump became U.S. president.Malaysian police on Wednesday named a North Korean diplomat and a state airline official who they said were wanted for questioning over the killing of Kim Jong Nam.In all, police say they have identified eight North Korean men, one Vietnamese woman and one Indonesian women in connection with the killing. They said at least four of the suspects have fled the country and are most likely in Pyongyang. North Korea has not responded to Malaysia's allegations of the possible involvement of its diplomat in the case. Attempts by Reuters to contact the North Korean embassy by phone were unsuccessful, and reporters were not allowed to enter the embassy to seek comment.South Korean and U.S. officials believe the killing of the elder half-brother of Kim Jong Un was an assassination carried out by agents of the North.North Korean diplomats spent hours last week trying to talk Malaysian officials out of conducting an autopsy on Kim Jong Nam's body, sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters, but Malaysia rejected the requests.The body is still at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur, as the autopsy has yet to be completed.On Thursday, Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said that the North's ambassador had breached diplomatic norms with his comments."He crossed the line. To me, this is a diplomatic irregularity," he was quoted as saying in The New Strait Times. (Additional reporting by A.Ananthalakshmi and Rozanna Latiff; editing by Alex Richardson) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. SEOUL North Korea on Thursday blamed Malaysia for the death of one of its citizens there last week and accused the government of an "unfriendly attitude" in a scenario drawn up by South Korea, which has said Pyongyang agents assassinated the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.Malaysia had initially told North Korea that the person bearing a diplomatic passport had died of a heart attack at Kuala Lumpur airport on Feb. 13, Pyongyang's state-run KCNA news agency said.KCNA said Malaysia quickly changed its position and started to complicate the matter after reports surfaced in South Korea that the man was poisoned to death, citing a spokesman for a state committee."What merits more serous attention is the fact that the unjust acts of the Malaysian side are timed to coincide with the anti-DPRK conspiratorial racket launched by the South Korean authorities," KCNA said.DPRK is short for the North's formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "The biggest responsibility for his death rests with the government of Malaysia as the citizen of the DPRK died in its land," the report said.Malaysian police on Wednesday named a North Korean diplomat along with a state airline official who are wanted for questioning over the murder of Kim Jong Nam, the 46-year-old older half-brother of Kim Jong Un. Malaysia's police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said both officials were in Malaysia but could not confirm if they were in the North Korean embassy.So far, police have identified a total of eight North Koreans suspected of being linked to the killing. One is in custody. Malaysia has denied North Korea's request for the body to be handed over to its embassy directly, saying it would be released to the next of kin, though none has come forward. The KCNA dispatch accused Malaysia of breaking international law by conducting autopsies on a person bearing a diplomatic passport. (Reporting by Jack Kim and Christine Kim; Editing by Chris Reese and Grant McCool) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. SEOUL North Korea issued a rare reproach of China on Thursday saying its main diplomatic backer was "dancing to the tune" of the United States for halting North Korean coal imports because of its nuclear and missile programmes.The North's state-run KCNA news agency did not refer directly to China by name but in an unmistakable censure it accused a "neighbouring country" of going along with North Korea's enemies to "bring down its social system"."This country, styling itself a big power, is dancing to the tune of the U.S. while defending its mean behaviour with such excuses that it was meant not to have a negative impact on the living of the people in the DPRK but to check its nuclear programme," KCNA said in a commentary.China said on Saturday it would ban coal imports from North Korea, which is officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), until the end of the year. The ban came about a week after North Korea tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile in its first direct challenge to the international community since U.S. President Donald Trump took office. [nL4N1G6387]Trump's administration has said China should do more to put pressure on North Korea. [nL4N1G40BO] "A neighbouring country, which often claims itself to be a 'friendly neighbour', is .. threatening that 'the DPRK will suffer the biggest loss'," KCNA said in the commentary."It has unhesitatingly taken inhumane steps such as totally blocking foreign trade related to the improvement of people's living standard under the plea of the U.N. 'resolutions on sanctions' devoid of legal ground."China is North Korea's sole major ally but it disapproves of its nuclear programme and has backed U.N. sanctions against it. China calls for the Korean peninsula to be free of nuclear weapons. North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests, including two last year, although its claims to be able to miniaturise a nuclear weapon to be mounted on a missile have never been verified independently.North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in a New Year speech the North was close to test-launching an intercontinental ballistic missile. State media has said such a launch could come at any time. A fully developed ICBM could threaten the continental United States, which is about 9,000 km (5,500 miles) from North Korea.North Korea was China's fourth biggest supplier of coal last year, with non-lignite imports reaching 22.48 million tonnes, up 14.5 percent compared with 2015. (Reporting by Jack Kim; Editing by Robert Birsel) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Islamabad: Hours after Pakistan was hit by another bomb blast, army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday said that despite internal security threats the army was fully prepared for an effective response against the "perpetual threat from the east". In an apparent reference to neighbouring India, the army chief made the remarks as a bomb blast in Lahore claimed 10 lives on Thursday. "We all are proud to be soldiers of Pakistan and defending it irrespective of terrain or weather difficulties," he said, talking to troops at Goma and Gilgit, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations. Later, General Bajwa interacted with leaders of Gilgit-Baltistan region and assured them that the army was extending full support to all initiatives aimed at ensuring the rights of the region. The army launched a countrywide operation against militants on Wednesday following a series of terrorist strikes across the country, stating that the action was aimed at uprooting the terrorists and consolidating the gains made through other military operations in recent years. Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday said the enemy was taking advantage of the turmoil in Afghanistan and using its soil to orchestrate terrorist attacks in the country. "Terrorism is a common enemy of both Pakistan and Afghanistan and both the countries would need to work together to combat terrorism," Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said. He said Pakistan remains committed to peace and stability in Afghanistan and emphasised the need for effective border management to stop cross-border movement of terrorists. Zakaria said the government was taking concrete steps to deal with terrorists. He said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has issued instructions to deal with the terrorists with absolute resolve, which the country's Armed Forces and other Law Enforcement Agencies' personnel were pursuing. The spokesman said Pakistan was the biggest victim of terrorism and has paid a heavy price in terms of lives and economic losses. On the Kashmir dispute, Zakaria noted that the people in the Kashmir Valley continue to suffer "atrocities at the hands of Indian forces". He said Indian troops have "killed 22 innocent Kashmiris" in the first two months of 2017, which was "condemnable". "The entire Pakistani nation supports Kashmiris' indigenous movement for self-determination and the government will continue to extend its moral, political, and diplomatic support to them till the resolution of Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UNSC Resolutions," the spokesman said. An old saying in Spanish went: Tomate con sal, jamon de pobres., which roughly translates as Tomatoes with salt: ham for the poor, and refers to the superb flavor offered by a simple dish for a rock-bottom cost. But perhaps its no surprise that the refrain has fallen out of use, given that supermarket tomatoes no longer taste like tomatoes. In 2014, 170 billion kilograms of tomatoes were produced around the world, according to the United Nations. And the truth is, most of them taste like cardboard. Indoor-grown tomatoes at a farm in France. AFP / PHILIPPE HUGUEN Producers get paid per kilo, not for the flavor, says Antonio Granell, a researcher at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology of Plants in Valencia. Granell is one of the planets foremost hopes for recovering the flavor and aroma of tomatoes. He is part of a team that has just finished sequencing the complete genome of 398 different varieties of the fruit. By examining all of them, the scientists identified the genetic code responsible for the 13 chemical compounds that give them their taste. These compounds are abundant in traditional varieties, but have nearly disappeared in their commercialized counterparts. The finding is so hopeful that it recently made the cover of Science magazine. Not using this technique is like going to bingo instead of going to work Antonio Granell, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology of Plants Now we have the tools to design the taste of the tomato a la carte, explains Granell. For decades, commercial producers have selected tomatoes based on their size, firmness and color the main characteristics demanded by distributors. Along the way, tomatoes lost their taste. If, for example, you try to increase the sugar content, the tomatoes get smaller. And since the farmers are paid per kilo, the taste turns into an acceptable inconvenience, says Granell. He says there are two paths to bringing tasty tomatoes back to supermarkets. The longer route is through using genetic markers: scientists select plants with desirable characteristics (sweet, for example), which are drawn from crosses between different varieties, both traditional and modern. To accelerate the process, scientists are guided by the molecular markers associated with these characteristic, such as certain DNA fragments. If the markers are in the new plants, sweeter tomatoes will grow. Antonio Granell (l) with colleague Jose Luis Rambla. UPV But Granell proposes a shorter path: the new and revolutionary CRISPR Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats technology, which is able to simply and quickly cut and paste multiple DNA sequences. With CRISPR you can change just one letter of the billion letters in a tomatos genome. And its not making genetically modified fruit. Its not putting the genes from cockroaches into tomatoes. The final product is 100% tomato, he says. There is one letter less, that could have disappeared because of a spontaneous mutation, which is how nearly all varieties of citrus fruits have formed. Granell has already eaten his share of CRISPR modified tomatoes. His laboratory is a pioneer in using this technology on the fruit. With traditional methods of vegetable improvement we rely on chance, which is where the desirable mutations come from. With CRISPR we know what we are doing. Not using this technique is like playing bingo instead of going to work, he adds. To date, the European Commission has not clarified the legal status of organisms produced by CRISPR. Now we have the tools to design the taste of the tomato a la carte Antonio Granell Lluis Montoliu, researcher at the National Biotechnology Center of Spain, applauds Granells proposal. CRISPR allows scientists to modify the genome with efficiency and ease, obtaining similar mutations, that are sometimes even indistinguishable from what happens in the natural world in different wild varieties, says Montoliu. There are precedents. In the United States they have already approved mushrooms that have a harder time spoiling due to the deactivation of certain oxidants that are involved in the process. In other words, it hasnt gotten in the way of their commercialization because it doesnt represent any kind of additional risk for consumers, given that it isnt considered a genetic modification. Montoliu is a member of the Panel of Ethics at the European Research Council, in charge of reviewing projects that the council could potentially finance. In Sweden, he notes, the plant varieties that come from CRISPR are not considered genetically modified organisms. Instead they are mutants, obtained in a different way, but mutants nevertheless, just like so many other natural varieties. Recent front cover of Science magazine. Fred Michel The European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies, an advisory body for the European Commission, published a report about genetic editing in 2016. It requested more studies on the subject before taking an official stance. On January 18, two days before Trump became president, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) presented draft regulations that declared that all animals whose genomes were edited will have to be examined for safety and efficacy in an approval process similar to that of new medications. Its clear that its an unstoppable revolution in biotechnology and it can be extraordinarily beneficial for society, says Montoliu. We shouldnt go back to prohibition simply because of a poorly understood precautionary measure, an endless loop that wants to keep something banned while at the same time there is no evidence that it is harmful, which could reduce it to absurdity. If negative data arent expected, dont exist, or are unable to be found in the tomatoes or in the humans who consume them, the fact that they are trying to impede the consumption of tomatoes edited with CRISPR, which at the most will improve the taste, makes me think please, lets not waste our time and let us enjoy an exquisite tomato salad, he says. English version by Alyssa McMurtry. BERLIN A wrought iron gate with the chilling inscription "Arbeit macht frei" ("Work sets you free") was returned to Germany's Dachau concentration camp on Wednesday, more than two years after it was stolen.The theft in 2014 of the symbol of suffering inflicted by Hitler's Nazis on Jews and others caused outrage around the world. Police in Norway found it in December after an anonymous tipoff. More than 41,000 people died at Dachau, and more than 200,000 people had been imprisoned at the camp by the time it was liberated at the end of World War Two.Bavaria's culture minister said the theft had been an attack on the integrity of the memorial site at the camp. "This gate was deliberately taken. Dachau has global symbolic significance. This is the healing of the wound," minister Ludwig Spaenle said at the official ceremony to bring it back and place it in the camp's permanent exhibition. A replica of the gate, 1.87 metres (6.14 feet) high and weighing 108 kg (238 lbs), was installed in 2015 in time to mark the 70th anniversary of Dachau's liberation by U.S. soldiers in April 1945. The replica will remain in place.Police in Norway found the stolen gate in a wooded area near the city of Bergen, partly covered with branches. Forensic experts examined it, but it had been outdoors too long to retain evidence such as fingerprints, a spokesman said. "There were no technical clues to follow up. The case has been closed," Paal Duley, a senior police officer in Bergen, west Norway, told Reuters.The Nazis set up the camp in Dachau, outside Munich, just weeks after Hitler took power in 1933. Initially designed to incarcerate political foes, it became the prototype for a network of concentration camps at which some 6 million Jews were murdered. Television footage showing piles of bodies and starved inmates from the camp were among the first images the world saw of the Holocaust. A sign bearing the same slogan at the Nazi death camp in Auschwitz, Poland was stolen in 2009, but was also later recovered. (Additional reporting by Alister Doyle in Oslo and Reuters TV; Writing by Madeline Chambers; Editing by Mark Trevelyan) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Johan Ahlander | STOCKHOLM STOCKHOLM Sweden hit back on Thursday at criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, defending its generous immigration policies and saying the diversity from thousands of asylum seekers would build a stronger society.Sweden's image as a safe and stable society has come under close scrutiny in recent days after Trump appeared to refer to an attack there that had not happened and then tweeted that generous immigration policies were not working."The next time I hope the president, if he's going to speak about Sweden, is better informed about what the conditions really are here," Swedish Justice and Migration Minister Morgan Johansson told Reuters in an interview.Swedish unemployment figures continue to fall and public finances are in sound order, despite record number of immigrants, Johansson said. This official view is not without its critics, however.The leader of the nationalist Sweden Democrat party, vying for second place in the polls after seeing their support surge in recent years, wrote on Wednesday that far from overplaying the negative effects of immigration, Trump had understated them. "Riots and social unrest have become a part of everyday life. Police officers, firefighters and ambulance personnel are regularly attacked," Jimmie Akesson wrote in a Wall Street Journal article co-signed by Mattias Karlsson, the leader of the party's parliamentary group. "Gang violence is booming." Akesson also said official crime statistics show a sharp rise in sexual attacks against women between 2014 and 2015. This is true but the wider context is more complex, said Stina Holmberg of the Swedish Crime Prevention Council. The council's 2015 Crime Survey confirms that sexual crimes rose in that period, but only after trending downward from 2005 to 2012 before rising, she noted.The figures do not show soaring crime of rising lawlessness among immigrants, she added."We have very, very few cases of any of them (asylum seekers) committing crimes," Johansson said. "If you think that we have given protection to 143,000 Syrian refugees since 2011 you hardly ever see any of them in the crime statistics." Still, unemployment rates for foreign-born citizens are about three times higher than for those born in Sweden. Housing and social problems are rife in some areas that have taken in a large part of the refugees.Johansson conceded there remained much to be done. "We have to work even harder with integration so that these people can be a part of society," he said."If it is anything that we know as Europeans, with our history, is where you can end up if you're playing different religious or ethnic groups against each other. It will never end well." (Additional reporting by Simon Johnson; Editing by Tom Heneghan) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Tom Miles and Laila Bassam | GENEVA GENEVA Syrian peace talks in Geneva resumed on Thursday after breaking down 10 months ago as the battle for Aleppo escalated, with the U.N. mediator hoping to corral the warring sides into a rare face-to-face meeting.The aim is to end almost six years of war by agreeing on the future governance of Syria, where the position of President Bashar al-Assad is stronger now than a year ago after government forces gained control of Aleppo with Russian military backing.After meeting Assad's top negotiator at the talks, Russia's envoy to the United Nations said demands from rebels and their Western and Arab backers for Assad to step down were "absurd"."The delegation of the (Syrian) government arrived in Geneva with constructive instructions to reach progress at these talks," Ambassador Alexei Borodavkin told reporters. "The agenda of these talks is not yet ready, as far as I understand," he said. He was hoping for progress on creating a government of national unity, drafting a constitution and scheduling elections, as mandated by a U.N. resolution, he said. The scope of the talks has been cut back to core political questions since last year, after an initiative by Russia, Turkey and Iran took thorny military issues off the Geneva agenda and assigned them to a separate process in the Kazakhstan's Astana."Geneva is where the politics are. Astana is absolutely suitable as a place to strengthen the ceasefire," one Western diplomat said.The Astana talks ushered in a shaky ceasefire which excludes hardline jihadist groups such as Islamic State, and fighting continued in various parts of Syria on Thursday. Air strikes hit rebel-held areas in Deraa and Hama provinces and insurgents fired rockets at government targets, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. But the overall level of violence in western Syria was less than in previous days.Pushing towards Raqqa, Islamic State's de facto capital in Syria, Turkey-backed rebels seized the centre of al-Bab, one of the militants' strongholds, 30 km (20 miles) from the border.The Western diplomat said the opposition was aware that eastern Ghouta, a besieged rebel area on the outskirts of Damascus, was vulnerable to a government offensive. But opposition negotiators were not going to give in to pressure from rebels on the ground and walk out of talks, as in previous rounds. U.N. mediator Staffan de Mistura plans to welcome the delegations later on Thursday, raising the prospect that he might bring the warring sides together in one room. "The plan is to have some kind of opening ceremony in which he welcomes the parties," the Western diplomat said.Geneva talks in April last year never brought the negotiators together face-to-face and de Mistura had to meet the delegations separately. (Writing by Robin Pomeroy; Editing by Louise Ireland) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Alexandra Alper and Noe Torres | MEXICO CITY MEXICO CITY Mexico gave a cool reception to visiting senior U.S. officials due to a controversy over deportations of illegal immigrants, with one minister playing down the chances that a planned meeting with President Enrique Pena Nieto on Thursday will go ahead. The U.S. government is seeking to deport many illegal immigrants to Mexico if they entered the United States from there, regardless of their nationality, prompting a fiery response from Mexican officials.Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray on Wednesday called the measures "unilateral" and "unprecedented." The new U.S. immigration guidelines are likely to top the agenda of meetings in Mexico City with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly. They are the latest point of tension between the two neighbours, which have also been at odds over U.S. President Donald Trump's vow to build a wall on the border and his attempts to browbeat Mexico into giving concessions on trade.Mexican Economy Minister Idelfonso Guajardo said a meeting on Thursday between the U.S. dignitaries and Pena Nieto at the Los Pinos presidential residence, which the Department of Homeland Security previously announced, depended on the substance of the talks."The meeting at (Los) Pinos will happen, if it happens, in the context of the agreements they reach," and if there are clear messages to be sent through the envoys, Guajardo told Foro TV.As the U.S. officials visited Mexico's foreign ministry, a small group of protesters shouted slogans outside, holding banners that said "The secretaries are not welcome," and "Stop Donald Trump, Hate, Racism, Ignorance." Pena Nieto pulled out of a planned summit with Trump in Washington last month because of disagreement over the Republicans' effort to build a border wall to stem illegal immigration. 'TOUGH TRIP' Trump himself said the U.S. officials' visit would not be easy. "Thats going to be a tough trip. Because we have to be treated fairly by Mexico. Thats going to be a tough trip," Trump said at a meeting of business leaders in the White Housein which he said the U.S. trade deficit with Mexico was $70 billion."And that doesn't include the drugs that pour across the border like water," he said, praising Kelly for a "military operation" to chase "really bad dudes" out of the country.The latest public U.S. data shows a $60 billion goods trade deficit with Mexico in 2016. Some 40 percent of Mexican exports to the United States contain U.S. made parts, economists say. Other Washington officials tried to downplay the tensions.White House spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters on the eve of the meetings that the U.S. relationship with Mexico was "phenomenal" and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin made conciliatory comments on about tradeKelly and Tillerson dined with Videgaray and Mexico's defence chief on Wednesday night. Mexico relies heavily on exports to its neighbour. But stakes are also high for the United States, not least because Mexico has warned a breakdown in relations could affect extensive cooperation on the fight against narcotics and on stemming the flow of Central American migrants that reach the U.S. border. Mexico plans to seek more information on Trump's executive orders on Thursday and raise the issue of illegal weapons that flow south across the border, according to notes from a senior official that outlines Mexico's planned talking points at the meeting. As part of its response to the new deportation measures, Videgaray said Mexico's foreign ministry would get involved in legal cases in the United States where it considered the rights of Mexicans had been violated.The visit, which includes meetings military, finance and interior officials, will focus on border security, law enforcement and trade, according to the state department.Slapping tariffs on U.S. goods would be a "plan B" for Mexico if renegotiations over a new mutually-beneficial trade deal fail, minister Guajardo said ahead of the talks. He said he expected North American Free Trade Agreement negotiations with both the United States and Canada to begin this summer and conclude by the end of this year.Treasury Secretary Mnuchin said on Thursday he did not see any changes to NAFTA in the short-term"I think there's a win-win result for us and Mexico on this. We've got to do things that are good for us and good for them," Mnuchin said on Fox Business Network.But hopes for a thawing in relations remain dim. "The relationship... is at such a historic low that it would be wishful thinking to assume that new concrete agenda items to advance [it] will come at this point," Jason Marczak, director of the Atlantic Council's Latin America Economic Growth Initiative said. (Additional reporting by Gabriel Stargardter, Christine Murray, Adriana Barrera and David Alire Garcia; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel and Alistair Bell) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Humeyra Pamuk and John Davison | ISTANBUL/BEIRUT ISTANBUL/BEIRUT Turkey-backed rebels have seized the centre of the town of al-Bab from Islamic State, Turkish state media and rebels officials said on Thursday, marking a likely breakthrough in Ankara's drive to wipe out the militant group in northern Syria.Turkey launched its Syrian operation, dubbed "Operation Euphrates Shield", in August in an effort to push Islamic State from its border and stop the advance of a Syrian Kurdish militia.Taking control of al-Bab, an Islamic State stronghold 30 km (20 miles) from the Turkish border, would deepen Turkish influence in an area of Syria where it has effectively created a buffer zone and would allow the Ankara-backed forces to press on towards Raqqa, Islamic State's de facto capital in Syria.The Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters, a loose coalition of Syrian Arabs and Turkmen, have been attacking al-Bab since December, aided by Turkish warplanes, tanks and special forces.Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency, citing its correspondent in al-Bab, said the rebels had seized control of the town centre and were now clearing mines and explosive devices laid by the jihadists. Some 1,900 square kilometres (734 square miles) in northern Syria has now been cleared of militant groups, it said."We had reached the city centre yesterday but there was a suicide attack so we had to withdraw a little bit. And today we attacked again. I can say that 85-90 percent of the city is under control," a fighter from the Sultan Murad Brigade who is in al-Bab told Reuters by telephone. "They have dug tunnels all under Bab and those who have remained are all suicide bombers. The whole of the city is mined. I can say that every metre is mined." Another fighter with an FSA group contacted via a social networking site said there was "complete calm" in al-Bab. The fighter said he was speaking from the city centre.Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Isik told Anadolu the rebels had entered the town centre and that most of the town itself was now under their control.However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said that more than half of al-Bab was still under IS control, and that battles continued.There was no immediate comment from the Turkish military. STILL FIGHTING Earlier, a Turkey-based rebel official from a group previously involved in fighting in Aleppo province said the rebels had taken control of al-Bab, although pockets of IS militants were still fighting. "There has been cleaning up of the last remaining areas of (IS) control, and there were street battles," Zakaria Malahifji of the Fastaqim faction told Reuters, adding that all the strategic areas of the city had been captured. Turkish officials have repeatedly said that the al-Bab operation was taking longer than anticipated because of numbers of civilians still in the town and the care being taken not to harm them. It dropped leaflets on the town as long ago as December urging civilians to seek shelterWhile Euphrates Shield has been largely focused so far on combating Islamic State, Ankara is also determined to prevent the Kurdish YPG militia, which it considers a terrorist group, from linking the cantons it controls along the Turkish border.Turkey fears that advances by the YPG could enflame a Kurdish insurgency at home.President Tayyip Erdogan has said the next target for the Turkish offensive should be Raqqa but that the YPG should not be involved. (Additional reporting by Tom Perry; Writing by David Dolan; Editing by Daren Butler and Gareth Jones) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Humeyra Pamuk and John Davison | ISTANBUL/BEIRUT ISTANBUL/BEIRUT Turkish-backed rebels have seized the centre of al-Bab town from Islamic State, Turkish state media and rebels said on Thursday, in a boost to Ankara's drive to defeat the militant group in northern Syria.Turkey launched its "Operation Euphrates Shield" in August in an effort to push Islamic State from its border and stop the advance of a Syrian Kurdish militia.Taking control of al-Bab, an Islamic State stronghold 30 km (20 miles) from the Turkish border, would deepen Turkish influence in an area of Syria where it has effectively created a buffer zone and would allow the Ankara-backed forces to press on towards Raqqa, Islamic State's de facto capital in Syria.The Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters, a loose coalition of Syrian Arabs and Turkmen, have been attacking al-Bab since December, aided by Turkish warplanes, tanks and special forces.Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency, citing its correspondent in al-Bab, said the rebels had seized control of the town centre and were now clearing mines and explosive devices laid by the jihadists. Some 1,900 square kilometres (734 square miles) in northern Syria has now been cleared of militant groups, it said.A war monitor, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said later on Thursday that Euphrates Shield forces had taken full control of al-Bab and of two neighbouring towns, Qabasin and al-Bezah. "We had reached the city centre yesterday but there was a suicide attack so we had to withdraw a little bit. And today we attacked again. I can say that 85-90 percent of the city is under control," a fighter from the Sultan Murad Brigade who is in al-Bab told Reuters by telephone. "They have dug tunnels all under Bab and those who have remained are all suicide bombers. The whole of the city is mined. I can say that every metre is mined."Another fighter with an FSA group contacted via a social networking site said there was "complete calm" in al-Bab. The fighter said he was speaking from the city centre.Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Isik told Anadolu the rebels had entered the town centre and that most of the town itself was now under their control.However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said that more than half of al-Bab was still under IS control, and that battles continued. There was no immediate comment from the Turkish military. STILL FIGHTING Earlier, a Turkey-based rebel official from a group previously involved in fighting in Aleppo province said the rebels had taken control of al-Bab, although pockets of IS militants were still fighting. "There has been cleaning up of the last remaining areas of (IS) control, and there were street battles," Zakaria Malahifji of the Fastaqim faction told Reuters, adding that all the strategic areas of the city had been captured. Turkish officials have repeatedly said that the al-Bab operation was taking longer than anticipated because of numbers of civilians still in the town and the care being taken not to harm them. It dropped leaflets on the town as long ago as December urging civilians to seek shelterWhile Euphrates Shield has been largely focused so far on combating Islamic State, Ankara is also determined to prevent the Kurdish YPG militia, which it considers a terrorist group, from linking the cantons it controls along the Turkish border.Turkey fears that advances by the YPG could enflame a Kurdish insurgency at home.President Tayyip Erdogan has said the next target for the Turkish offensive should be Raqqa but that the YPG should not be involved. (Additional reporting by Tom Perry; Writing by David Dolan; Editing by Daren Butler and Tom Heneghan) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Inaki Urdangarin, brother-in-law to King Felipe VI of Spain, will not have to go to prison for now. A Palma de Mallorca court has decided to allow him to continue living in Switzerland on condition he presents himself before local authorities on the first day of every month. He will also have to inform the court of any change of residence, not matter how temporary. Inaki Urdangarin enters court on Thursday. LUCIA BOHORQUEZ The judges overseeing the case have also dismissed the prosecutions request that Urgandarin post bail of 200,000 in order to avoid preventive detention. The decision comes after a two-hour deliberation in which judges had to assess the prosecutions claim that Urdangarin was a flight risk following last weeks adverse ruling against him in the Noos case. Urdangarins wife, Cristina de Borbon was cleared of the criminal charges against her Urdangarin has been sentenced to six years and three months in prison for fraud, influence peddling and tax crimes in a case that has also ensnared his wife, the Spanish royal Cristina de Borbon, the younger of King Felipe VIs two sisters. But the decision may be appealed before the Supreme Court, which could then take months to enter a final judgment. The prosecutor in the Noos case on Monday had suggested that he might request immediate prison for Urdangarin. However, Pedro Horrach had also added that he might agree to letting him be released on bail until any appeals are filed before the Supreme Court and the conviction is made final. Diego Torres got a prison term of over eight years for his role in the Noos case. BALLESTEROS (AFP) In statements to the Onda Cero radio station, Horrach said that he has complete autonomy and independence to request provisional remedies, and that the Anti-Corruption Office typically requests prison for individuals who have been given jail terms of more than five years. Provisional prison, both at the pre-trial and post-trial stage, is regulated by law. Judges may only apply it when there is a risk that the individual will flee the country, destroy evidence or commit new crimes in the interim. In the case of Urdangarin and his associate Diego Torres who was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison the court has to estimate the risk of their fleeing the country while the Supreme Court hands down a final decision in the case, a process that could take several months. Last week, the Palma de Mallorca court found Urdangarin to be one of the masterminds behind a scheme that obtained no-bid contracts from regional governments in Valencia and the Balearic Islands, as well as from the city of Madrid. He was found guilty of embezzlement, fraud, influence peddling and tax crimes. The court has also fined him 512,000. His business partner Diego Torres has been sentenced to eight years and six months in prison, and a 1,723,843.10 fine for his role in creating the Noos Institute, a non-profit foundation that served as a recipient of government contracts that were secured without public tenders, thanks to Urdangarins influence as a member of the royal family. The partners were also found to have overcharged for their services and then funneled some of the funds into private accounts. Urdangarins wife, Cristina de Borbon, has been cleared of the criminal charges against her, but was handed down a fine of 265,088 to cover money she spent on personal purchases that came from Noos sources. English version by Susana Urra. A 91-year-old woman died on Wednesday in the western Spanish province of Badajoz after being stabbed by her husband. She was the fifth fatality in a four-day period that marks a particularly bad record for gender violence in Spain. Protesters chanted against gender violence in Madrid on Wednesday. Isabel Valdes On Tuesday, two women were murdered in the Valencia region, and another one was stabbed to death in Barcelona province by her husband. All three suspects had restraining orders and had been repeatedly reported for episodes of violence. A day earlier, another woman died in the Galician province of Pontevedra in Spains north-west following a explosion that was allegedly caused by her husband. How many more murdered women will it take before somebody does something? This brings the total death toll to 16 this year, the worst figure since 2001. On Wednesday, around 1,000 marchers converged on Madrids central square, Puerta del Sol, to show support for half a dozen women from an association called Ve-la Luz who have been camped out there for 13 days to demand that legislators make gender violence a matter of State. Protesters chanted slogans such as This is not an isolated case, its called patriarchy or We want to be alive. Their demands include activating a crisis cabinet meeting to deal with a recurring situation. Last year, 44 women died at the hands of their former or current partners, according to official records. Politicians only dropped by unofficially, to ask us whether we wanted an Aquarius [soft drink]. They sit in their armchairs and live in a world removed from reality, a reality that affects all of us women, said Gloria Vazquez, president of Ve-la Luz. We are sick and tired of the minutes of silence. We need to scream out to the world that we are being assassinated. Since the conservative Popular Party (PP) came to power in late 2011, the budget allocation for the prevention of gender violence has been cut by 19%, going from slightly over 31 million in 2010 to 25.2 million in 2016. Ending gender violence is everyones responsibility, and thus getting the 2017 budget passed is also everyones responsibility, said Health Minister Dolors Montserrat in reply to a congressional question about how this budget reduction may be affecting women. The head of the Observatory against Domestic and Gender Violence, Angeles Carmona, has expressed consternation over the recent murders, And the women of Ve-la luz say they will not budge from Puerta del Sol until they get some answers. How many more murdered women will it take before somebody does something?, they chanted into their loudspeakers. English version by Susana Urra. Xiaomi recently sent out the invites for the launch of its home-baked Pinecone processor. According to recent reports, Xiaomi is expected to launch two processors V670 and V970, in collaboration with Beijing Pinecone Electronics. Earlier, Xiaomi paid $15 million to acquire mobile processor technology from Datang subsidiary Leadcore Technology Ltd. The V670 is said to pack 8-cores with four high power Cortex-A53 cores and four Cortex-A53 low-power cores clubbed with ARM Mali-T860 MP2 as GPU. On the other hand, the V970 is expected to feature 8-cores with four Cortex-A73 and four Cortex -A53 cores paired with Mali G71 MP12 GPU. While the V670 will be made on a 28nm process, the V970 is expected to be made on a 10nm FinFET process with the help of Samsung Electronics, and might arrive only by the end of this year. If the information circulating turns out to be true, the company will test their first chipset with the entry to mid-range level smartphone. With this, the Chinese handset maker will join the like of Samsung, Huawei and Apple who makes their very own chips. The Xiaomi Pinecone SoC announcement is set for next Tuesday, February 28th, takes place at Beijing National Convention Center and starts at 2PM China Time (11:30 AM IST). Source 1, 2 A sedentary lifestyle and excessive sugar intake have more adverse effects on men than women, according to a new study. Men also experienced a decline in a protein... Read More The French will be able to degust their favorite condiment as early as this Christmas, after supply shortages have left some restaurants and avid consumers out of stock.... Read More Mexico has come out swinging against the latest migration policies of the US administration, with an angry foreign minister slamming Donald Trumps plans to ramp up controls against undocumented migrants in the country, a move which could see a massive surge in deportations. Rex Tillerson arrives in Mexico City. REUTERS More information Mexico rechaza las imposiciones migratorias de Estados Unidos With half of the estimated 11 million undocumented migrants in the United States being Mexicans, the proposals are hugely significant for Mexico. It has to be made clear in the most emphatic manner possible that the government and the people of Mexico are not required to accept provisions that one government wants to impose on another. We are not going to accept, said Mexicos Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray in the run-up to a critical visit from US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security chief John Kelly on Thursday. The Mexican government has been walking a political tightrope in its dealings with its powerful northern neighbor, with repeated missteps by embattled President Enrique Pena Nieto and his cabinet in the lead-up to Trumps presidential victory forcing the Mexican administration to take a cautious approach, hoping for the situation to calm down. The wall is only one part of a broader relationship we have with Mexico US government source But the tyrannical attitude of the new US president toward Mexico and in particular his plans to build a wall along the border between the two countries, which he insists Mexico will pay for has seen the Mexican government abandon its wait-and-see approach before the upcoming meeting with Tillerson and Kelly. The strong words from the Mexican foreign minister were, however, in stark contrast to those of White House spokesperson Sean Spicer, who described the visit by the two US secretaries as a very encouraging start to a working relationship with an incredible neighbor to the south. I would argue that we have a very healthy and robust relationship with the Mexican government and Mexican officials, and I think they would echo that same sentiment, Spicer said. It is a sign of the importance that the Trump administration places on its relationship with Mexico that Thursdays visit will be Kellys first overseas trip and Tillersons second. The Mexican administration has also pulled out all the stops for the visit with the two US secretaries set to meet not only with Videgaray but also with Pena Nieto and with the Mexican interior, finance and defense and navy ministers. Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto has made some missteps in his dealings with Donald Trump. Efe Details of the meetings agenda released by the US Department of State and the Mexican Foreign Affairs Ministry are vague, with talks set to focus on border security and cooperation in application of the law and trade. Both sides, however, have talked down the idea that the talks will focus on the wall. The wall is only one part of a broader relationship we have with Mexico, sources within the US government said, while admitting there were clear differences over the question of payment. English version by George Mills. A Barcelona nightclub that offers free admission, a drink on the house and 100 to female revelers prepared to prove they are wearing no underwear has prompted a boycott campaign by a group of female lawyers angry at what they see as continued sexism in advertising . The offending poster invites "unmarried women" to male stripper event. The management of the Bailodromo Cana Dulce, a club in Barcelonas La Sagrera district has dismissed criticism of their policy, saying: If people dont talk about you, you dont exist. This is just a bit of fun in a very family-oriented place where everybody knows everybody else. It all started one night when a girl who was getting married decided to do a striptease, and I had this idea to advertise the club, explains one of the clubs promoters. He adds that the offer, which has been limited to Saturday nights this month, has so far only been taken up by two women: One of them asked her husbands permission, hitched up her skirt and when we saw that she had no underwear on, we gave her 100. The management at the club says its mainly Latino clientele has not complained about its initiative, adding that as a result of the media coverage it has received some 20 phone calls from people to confirm that the offer will be running this Saturday. The womens legal group that has called for the boycott, Dones Juristes, set up a website in December to encourage the public to report sexist advertising, and says it will be looking into whether it can have the Bailodromo Cana Dulces advertisement removed, as well as calling for a boycott of the club. Nudity is normal, we see it on the television all the time Bailodromo Cana Dulce This is one of the worst cases we have seen; the message insults and humiliates women, says the organizations Marisa Fernandez. She says since Dones Juristes set up the website it has received many complaints, but that most companies deny accusations of sexism. The management of Cana Dulce said it didnt intend to offend anybody, playing down the matter, and saying: Nudity is normal, we see it on the television all the time. English version by Nick Lyne. Breitbart News, the conservative news outlet that gained a reputation for being associated with fringe, right-wing politics also known as the alt right, may be changing at least some of its stripes, the FOX Business Network has learned. People at the news outlet say that an effort is underway to make Breitbart more mainstream, by hiring reporters to cover news and devote less space to political commentary that has been its forte, particularly during the course of the long and contentious 2016 political year where Breitbart openly sided with President Donald Trump. The people, who spoke to FOX Business on the condition of anonymity, say the changes wont be overly dramatic and concede that editors for the publication are walking a fine line: Breitbarts brand of conservative commentary, particularly on controversial cultural issues such as immigration, as well as its almost manic support of Trump, has brought it a huge following among aspects of the conservative movement. But the stridency of the websites politics, as well as the controversy created by its former Tech Editor Milo Yiannopoulos, has come at a price. People inside Breitbart say while the website may in fact be profitable, it is also suffering from a business standpoint with advertising dollars shrinking significantly. Because of that, Breitbart is in the middle of a modest transformation: it has recently hired journalists from mainstream publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The Hill, and elsewhere and is seeking to cover more straight political news, which editors believe will be more appeasing to advertisers. (Breitbart) is leaving so much money on the table given how much traffic we generate, said a person close to the website who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Thats why they have to change to cover more mainstream news and appeal to a broader audience to attract the ad dollars that should be coming in but arent. A spokesman for Breitbart, Chad Wilkinson, didnt respond to an email request for comment. Breitbart is privately held and doesnt release financial statements so little information is available on its financials. However people inside the publication say the divergence between its web traffic and its ad revenues is fairly significant. In November of 2016, the website generated about 20 million unique viewers, representing a significant increase in website viewership over the past year, according ComScore, which tracks industry website performance. Since November, after the election, website traffic has tapered off but according to other metrics it remains strong. Breitbart is touting statistics from the tracking service Alexa that make it the 29th most trafficked site in the United States, surpassing PornHub and ESPN which is owned by Disney (NYSE:DIS). But advertising money hasnt followed. According to a report in USA Today, several advertisers including Kellogg (NYSE:K) decided to pull ads from the website in recent months over concerns about Breitbarts right-wing content. Breitbarts Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow recently told The Hill that the website will be focusing on more intense news coverage of the Trump White House, and has been staffing up for that coverage. One reason for that is obviously access to Steve Bannon, who resigned as Breitbarts executive chairman to join the Trump campaign and is now a senior adviser to the president. Still, it is unclear how much of a change Breitbart can make given its ingrained culture and whether it will matter to advertisers. Breitbart was launched in 2007 by conservative firebrand Andrew Breitbart, as a web aggregator, and a few years later he remade it as a news outlet, that would counter what he believed was a left-wing bias in the traditional media. Breitbart mainly reflected mainstream conservative views; it was staunchly pro-Israel and anti-big government. It attracted talented writers who also reflected Breitbarts world view. In 2012, Breitbart died unexpectedly of a heart attack turning over the leadership to Bannon, and it was then that critics say the website took a more nationalistic turn particularly with its stance against unfettered immigration, and later support for Trump who made immigration reform a key campaign theme. The Trump candidacy and Breitbarts advocacy of it produced an upside and a downside. Web traffic grew but some writers left the publication over its unabashed support of Trump, who made controversial comments about Mexican immigrants. Then came corporate Americas pushback of the site after Breitbart became associated with a political movement known as the alt-right, according to people at the website. It was Bannon who famously called the website the platform for the alt-right, which is considered a fringe hyper-nationalistic political movement that some critics believe is both racist and anti-Semitic. Bannon has since sought to clarify his remarks, and stated in an interview with the Wall Street Journal that he has zero tolerance for racism or anti-Semitism. But people inside Breitbart say the label has stuck with many advertisers. Complicating matters the recent the controversy surrounding Yiannopoulos and his comments on pedophilia. Known by many of his followers as Milo, Yiannopoulos was Breitbarts Tech Editor but he is best known as a provocative cultural commentator. He was ousted from Breitbart earlier in the week when a tape emerged that appeared to show him supporting inter-generational sex. Yiannopoulos says his comments were taken out of context and he doesnt endorse under aged sex. Still, people at Breitbart told FOX Business that they believed the remarks and the controversy it sparked (Yiannopoulos lost a lucrative book deal and a high-profile speaking engagement at the upcoming Conservative Political Action Committee conference) would make it even more difficult to generate ad revenue, which is why they pushed for his resignation. (Breitbart) was already in trouble with advertisers over Bannons alt-right remarks, but Milo made the battle much more difficult, said a person close to the company. Despite the gun laws in place, cities such as Chicago are still struggling to curb their violent crime epidemic. 'Black Guns Matter' Founder Maj Toure has proposed a unique alternative to the conventional reaction of calling for even stricter gun laws. Toure suggests providing more access to guns along with proper training. More so than just giving young urban people, of all races, firearms, giving them education about second amendment rights, giving them more education about conflict resolution and de-escalation tactics cause thats completely missing in urban areas like the city of Chicago, Toure told the FOX Business Networks Stuart Varney. Toure cited New Hampshire, where a license is no longer required to carry a concealed, loaded gun, as an example. To not sound cheesy, but, an armed society is a polite society. And we see it in states like New Hampshire, very low, you know, firearm crimes, that just became constitutional carry yesterday. Toure says the organizations proposal has received positive reactions. We get an amazing reception from, you know, the people in these urban communities. According to Toure, there has even been positive feedback from law enforcement largely due to the proposals education aspect. Because of the way were doing it, were dealing with, like I said, conflict resolution, de-escalation, training, safe, responsible gun ownership, even dealing with, you know, teaching young people, you know, if you see a firearm, what to do and what not to do. When Varney points out that his proposal is the opposite of the gun law proposals officials traditionally put forward in reaction to violent crime, Toure responded,Im saying the opposite cause the facts of the matter are its not working. If the things that they were trying, you know, Mr. Emanuel over there in Chicago, yesterday they had their most deadliest night, 24 hours, the deadliest night, and they have all the laws on the law books. President Donald Trump, who has vowed to stop U.S. manufacturing from disappearing overseas, will seek job-creation advice on Thursday from at least five companies that are laying off thousands of workers as they shift production abroad. Caterpillar, United Technologies, Dana, 3M and General Electric, are offshoring work to Mexico, China, India and other countries, according to a Reuters review of U.S. Labor Department records. Executives from the five companies are among a group of business leaders due to meet with Trump on Thursday to discuss how to help the president deliver on his promise to increase factory employment, according to the White House. About 2,300 U.S. workers at these five companies stand to lose their jobs within the next two years as a result of offshoring, according to the Labor Department's Trade Adjustment Assistance Program, which provides retraining benefits to workers displaced by global trade. Reuters obtained the information through a Freedom of Information Act request. The companies confirmed the planned job cuts to Reuters. It is not clear whether the other 19 executives due to meet with Trump on Thursday are currently offshoring work, as the TAA program does not cover all workers who lose their jobs due to global trade. The lost jobs amount to a small fraction of the hundreds of thousands of U.S. workers employed by those involved in the meeting. General Electric, for example, employs 125,000 U.S. workers, financial filings show. On the campaign trail and in the White House, Trump has painted globalization as a zero-sum game that has enriched low-wage countries while leaving the United States littered with abandoned factories and underemployed workers, and he has threatened to tax companies that offshore U.S. jobs. The experience of companies on Trump's task force, however, shows the reality is more complex in a world where they are serving customers across the globe. Several said they were creating many new U.S. factory jobs even as they move work to other countries. It's not clear whether Trump will opt for the carrot or the stick. Trump plans to meet business leaders to hear their reasons for "why they're going offshore," said a White House aide who spoke on condition of anonymity. Blue-collar workers who share Trump's skepticism of global trade say they will be watching closely to see if he will try to save their jobs. "I don't think he's a typical politician, so there is hope alive for middle-class families that he will do something," said Scott Schmidt, one of 222 workers at a GE engine plant in Waukesha, Wisconsin who are due to lose their jobs later this year when the company shifts production to Canada. General Electric CEO Jeffrey Immelt is among those due to meet with Trump on Thursday. GE says it is closing its Waukesha plant because Congress has hobbled the U.S. Export-Import Bank's ability to finance large export orders while most other industrialized nations still offer such financial support. The company says it laid off 225 workers last year at a Houston factory for the same reason, shifting production to France, the United Kingdom and Hungary. GE says it is also closing an Ohio factory and laying off 180 workers because consumers are buying fewer of the florescent and incandescent light bulbs they make there. What production remains will be handled by a factory in Hungary. OFFSHORING AND ONSHORING The U.S. economy lost 6 million manufacturing jobs from 2000 to 2010, roughly one-third of its total, in part due to offshoring, but the sector has added 900,000 jobs since then, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Multinational companies say labor costs now are only one factor they consider when deciding where to manufacture. An auto maker, for example, may decide to build a particular model in the country where sales are strongest, prompting parts suppliers to set up there as well so they can turn around orders quickly. The offshoring picture is also more complex than official statistics indicate as a shuttered factory in the United States does not always mean a new factory abroad. When auto-parts maker Dana Corp closes a factory later this year in Glasgow, Kentucky that is operating at 20 percent of capacity, one of its plants in Ohio will pick up the work, along with other factories in Mexico, India and China. Dana CEO James Kamsickas is among those scheduled to meet with Trump on Thursday. The company plans to hire nearly 700 U.S. workers over the next three years as it expands factories in four U.S. states, spokesman Jeff Cole said. That is little comfort to the 223 people in Kentucky who will lose their jobs. "It seems like all these CEOs and companies have turned their backs on the American worker," said Dana employee Tim Wells, one of those who will be laid off. LAYOFFS STILL PLANNED The group also includes United Technologies CEO Gregory Hayes, who took heat from Trump last year for planning to move jobs from Indianapolis to Mexico. The company struck a deal with the incoming president in November to preserve roughly 700 jobs in exchange for $7 million in tax breaks. United Technologies says it still plans to lay off 786 workers at a separate Indiana plant and move production to Mexico this year. The company is also moving work from a facility in Arden Hills, Minnesota, resulting in a loss of 72 jobs. Most of that work is staying in the United States but some is moving to Poland, spokeswoman Bethany Sherman said, and some of the affected workers will be offered positions elsewhere. The company is adding more than 1,000 new jobs in the United States, Sherman said. Other participants include Caterpillar Chairman Doug Oberhelman, who oversees a company that is laying off 712 workers in the American South and Midwest and moving the work to China, Mexico, Italy, France and Germany as it weathers the largest sales slump in its history. A Caterpillar spokesman said it is simultaneously creating 1,300 new manufacturing jobs elsewhere in the United States. Also due to participate is Inge Thulin, CEO of 3M, which is eliminating 130 jobs in suburban Cincinnati and moving production to Mexico. The company says it has added more than 2,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs over the last five years. (Additional reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Ross Colvin and Bill Rigby) American CEOs were back at the White House Thursday, and this time it was manufacturing chiefs making the trip, as business leaders continue to embrace the chance for a seat at the table in D.C. Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and cabinet members were on hand for talks covering deregulation, tax reform, trade, infrastructure, job training and the workforce of the future, according to the White House. The meeting included the CEOs from Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW), United Technologies (NYSE:UTX), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT) and a host of others. Today we have 24 CEOs from the largest manufacturing companies in the country and even in the world. They represent--people in this room--nearly $1 trillion of sales and two million employees, large majorities of which are in the United States. They share our commitment to bring manufacturing back and to create jobs in this country, Trump said. Since Inauguration Day, Trump has made a weekly habit of meeting with heads of industry, business owners and economic advisers. The presidents C-suite get-togethers are already proving to be much more frequent than those of his most recent predecessors. In his first two months in office, Trump has gathered business leaders from a range of sectors seven times, while former President Barack Obama hosted two such meetings in his first year, and former President George W. Bush huddled with business leaders three times during his second year in the White House. Following Thursdays meeting, Dow Chemical CEO Andrew Liveris told reporters he and other leaders in attendance were very encouraged by Trumps pro-business policies. Some of us have said this is probably the most pro-business administration since the founding fathers. There is no question that the language of business is occurring here at the White House, Liveris said, adding that the country needs to offer more apprenticeship programs and technical education programs for students who want to work in the manufacturing industry. Trump hosted automotive and manufacturing CEOs in separate meetings during his first week as president. Trump also has held meetings with small business owners and members of his Strategic and Policy Forum, which is led by Stephen Schwarzman, the CEO of private-equity heavyweight Blackstone (NYSE:BX). The group also includes J.P. Morgans (NYSE:JPM) Jamie Dimon, General Motors (NYSE:GM) Mary Barra and Walt Disneys (NYSE:DIS) Bob Iger, among others. Working Together for Business While the CEOs at Thursdays meeting would stand to gain from the floated border adjustment tax, a piece of the GOPs tax reform plan that would essentially equal a tax on any imported goods while exports would be tax free, some of the nations top retail executives, including AutoZone (NYSE:AZO) president and CEO Bill Rhodes, JCPenney (NYSE:JCP) CEO Marvin Ellison and Target (NYSE:TGT) CEO Brian Cornell, met with Trump at the White House last week to voice their concerns on the debated measure. Trump has in the past called the potential reform too complicated, so it is unclear whether it has White House support. Retailers, many of which are already struggling to attract shoppers away from online sales, have complained that it would force them to pass the cost to consumers. Executives who have attended have largely publicly applauded the sit-downs with President Trump, voicing optimism over the impact of potential reforms to the tax code and federal regulations. Ford (NYSE:F) CEO Mark Fields, who visited the White House twice during Trump's first week, has said the Trump administrations policy agenda encourages all of us as CEOs as we make decisions going forward, despite past criticisms from Trump over the auto industrys production footprint in Mexico. Fields again took a seat at the table Thursday. Harley-Davidson (NYSE:HOG), whose leaders traveled to the White House earlier this month, said its team had a constructive meeting with President Trump. He was very interested in how Harley-Davidson has been such a successful American manufacturer for more than 114 years and it was a good opportunity for us to share our perspective on the future of U.S. manufacturing and how it can help unify the country, Harley-Davidson said in a statement to FOX Business. We left that meeting with a sense that the president wants to promote the ongoing growth of American manufacturing and that he appreciated what we had to say. Joy Weatherup Anthis, owner of JWA Construction Management in DeWitt, N.Y., was among the 10 small business owners who attended a roundtable with Trump in January. She said the president was receptive to the groups concerns about regulations, the lack of skilled labor and other issues that hinder growth. We havent had many presidents who really have a strong business background, so I think thats a good thing for American companies. - Management consultant Van Conway on President Trump Frankly, I found it refreshing, Weatherup Anthis told FOX Business. I feel like the administration is convinced that we need change. If they dont reach out [to businesses], then they dont know what the issues are. Some executives and business owners have faced blowback from customers for any perceived involvement with the White Houses economic agenda. One of those executives is Uber CEO Travis Kalanick, who dropped out of Trumps advisory council after customers and employees complained. Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) and SpaceX chief Elon Musk resisted pressure to leave the White House Strategy and Policy Forum. In a tweet before a meeting in early February, Musk said he would express his objections to Trumps immigration policy, but he wouldnt leave his seat at the table. Advisory councils simply provide advice and attending does not mean that I agree with actions by the Administration, Musk wrote, adding that his focus is on pushing for sustainable energy and opening up space exploration. I understand the perspective of those who object to my attending this meeting, but I believe at this time that engaging on critical issues will on balance serve the greater good. Casey Patten, the owner of D.C. sandwich shop Taylor Gourmet, was targeted by boycotters and received threats after attending a White House roundtable of small business owners, according to reports. But from a brand perspective, the benefits of meeting with the president could outweigh any immediate negative attention for mom and pop, said Jasmine Hu, assistant professor at Notre Dames Mendoza College of Business. Research has shown business leaders of smaller companies want to take a more active role in connecting with politicians because its a way to promote their companies reputations and expand the business, she explained, adding those who sit down with the president can play a bigger role in helping shape decisions coming from the White House, which will likely trickle down to the overall business climate and impact customers who shop at their stores. From a fundamental perspective, when business leaders are involved, they are more likely to support the collective decisions made during those meetings. So, President Trump is more likely to get support from those business leaders, Hu said. Weatherup Anthis believes Trumps meetings create a sense of optimism for businesses as they seek ways to grow. Small business is really what drives our economy. The fact that he wanted to start by meeting with small business owners, I think that was really smart, she said. All Eyes on the Oval Office Since Trumps surprise election last November, both Wall Street and Main Street eyes have been keenly focused on how the newly-minted president will execute on his campaign promises of lower taxes, less regulation and more fiscal spending in the form of infrastructure investments. U.S. stocks have surged more than 13% since Election Day as Wall Street investors are awash with optimism, banking that Trumps crusade against anti-business policies will pay off. As manufacturing leaders gather at the White House Thursday, shares of GM and Ford are up 19.2% and 10.4%, respectively, since Trumps election victory in November. Boeing is up 23% over the same period. General Electric (NYSE:GE), whose stock retreated in the 12 months before the election, has gained 3.1%. Retailers have also seen a boost. The SPDR S&P Retail ETF, which tracks the retail sector, is up 5% since Trump's election. Though America appears to be divided in the early days of Trumps presidency about the way hes going about bringing policy change, its important to note the best way to understand what American businesses need is to go directly to the source, said Van Conway, CEO of consulting firm Van Conway Partners. From a branding perspective for the companies involved in the meetings, Conway said he doesnt see any downside because everyone now has the ability to put their wants and needs on the table. He was a CEO and he wants to hear from other CEOs to get their input, Conway said. We havent had many presidents who really have a strong business background, so I think thats a good thing Actor Bradley Whitford did not hold back in his response to Ivanka Trump's call for "religious tolerance." The actor, best known for his "West Wing" role, slammed President Donald Trump, calling him a "racist" while also tweeting that Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner enable hatred. "Your father is a racist birther. Steve Bannon an anti-Semitic opportunist," Whitford tweeted. "You and your husband are enabling hatred." He also added, "F--k your shoes," referring to Ivanka Trump's clothing and accessories lines. Whitford's tweet came one day after Ivanka Trump, who converted to Judaism, tweeted about acts of anti-Semitic vandalism at a Jewish cemetery in St. Louis on Monday. "America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance. We must protect our houses of worship & religious centers. #JCC," she tweeted. Ivanka Trump has yet to respond to Whitford's tweet. For whatever reason, many a customer has backed out of a restaurant reservation at the last minute. But Australias restaurant industry is hitting back against no-show diners who cost business owners millions in lost income by putting these customers on a one-year black list. Dimmi, the country's largest online restaurant booking network which is used by 4,000 eateries, lets its restaurant partners to blacklist diners who dont honor their online bookings. Since launching the policy in February last year, 38,000 diners have been black-listed-- up from just over 31,00 in 2015-2016. Dimmi says its restaurants have seen a 25 percent decrease in no-shows over the past 12 months. DANGEROUS DINNERS? 9 RESTAURANT HORROR STORIES FROM REDDIT Part of its success is due to the introduction of the Dimmi Payments system, which stores customer credit card details in order to deter no-shows and take prepayments where applicable. Dimmi founder and CEO Stevan Premutico says the black-listing only applies to the restaurant where the original booking was made and lasts for a year. It can be overridden at the discretion of the restaurant. The restaurant will mark you as a no-show and you will be restricted from making another reservation at the restaurant again, Premutico said. Were not saying that life doesnt happen. Sometimes the babysitter bails, you feel unwell or something comes up. Thats just life. What we are asking for people to do when that happens is to call and cancel, so the table can be rebooked. No-show bookings have a $57 million impact of the Australian restaurant industry, according to Premutico, and account for about 3 percent of all reservations. Because the profit margins are so small in the industry also around 3 per cent a couple of no-show tables can mean the restaurant doesnt make a profit that night. The majority of people dont understand the significant impact this is having on the industry, Premutico said. They think somebody else is going to make up that booking, but thats typically not the case." The owner of Sydneys Nel, Nelly Robinson, says he has heard every excuse in the book from patrons who fail to show up for their booking, from Ive just been called into a last-minute meeting to I broke my knee cap on the way to our reservation. FOR THE LATEST FOOD FEATURES FOLLOW FOX LIFESTYLE ON FACEBOOK The best, though, he says was from someone who said Im at Wentworth Avenue in Parramatta Nel is based on Wentworth Avenue in Sydneys CBD. Premutico said the best excuses hes heard are Its too hot and Ive been called up for jury duty. I had one the other day from a bloke who booked at a Chinese restaurant and said I thought it was an Italian restaurant, he said. Premutico advises that if you plan on canceling a booking, give 24 hours notice as a common courtesy. But even four hours notice can still beenough time for the restaurant to re-book the table. A New York City food critic has apparently had it with outspoken chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain hawking food stalls and carts at the expense of larger establishments. Bourdain has traveled the world, sampling food at some of the most expensive eateries as well as partaking in humble street food in dozens of cities. He's also well-known for being a major supporter of food trucks and, recently, he's been advocating to get more permits for trucks in his hometown of New York City. But New York Post critic Steve Cuozzo doesn't think these food trucks deserve any more street space, and, furthermore, they're taking business away from traditional brick-and-mortar shops. "Since Bourdain first romanticized it on TV, street food has become the Holy Grail of gallivanting chefs who prowl the Third World in search of obscure, peasant-wrapped dumplings before bedding down for the night in five-star hotels," Cuozzo opined. He continued, "Bourdains great and deserved popularity infected New Yorkers with a craving to track down their own favorite street epiphanies...But, agh the flies, bird droppings and unpalatables you cant see. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene punishes indoor eateries for hand-wash signs that are an inch too far from the sink." ANTHONY BOURDAIN REVEALS HIS BIGGEST FEARS Bourdain was recently featured in a video for the Street Vendor Project encouraging the New York City Council to nearly double the number of permits for food carts and food trucks from New Yorks current 4,235 to 8,000 by 2023. There is nothing more vital to a citys health than good street food and more of it, Bourdain says in the video. More permits, not less. Cuozzo strongly disagrees with the "Parts Unknown" host, writing "...although I get a kick out of watching rich Wall Street guys stand in the cold for 20 minutes to buy lukewarm tacos. Most of whats cooked and sold on the street is meh at best." He adds that the food-trucks draw business away from brick-and-mortar businesses, cause unavoidable smells and clog up the city's already crowded streets. ANTHONY BOURDAIN SAYS HE WOULD NEVER DINE WITH DONALD TRUMP Bourdains love of street carts is well-known. He once proclaimed La Guerrerense, in Ensenada, Mexico, the best in the world. In 2019, Bourdain is set to open Bourdain Market on the Hudson River in Manhattan. Details have been scant, but he told the New York Times to, think of an Asian night market, he said. Eating and drinking at midnight. This isn't the first time the notoriously foul-mouthed chef has gotten into it with another culinary personality. In the past, he's taken several digs at Food Network star Guy Fieri, over his signature spiky hair style and flamboyant clothing. Kerrygold, an Irish butter made with grass fed cow's milk, is no longer welcome in Americas Dairyland-- and Wisconsonites are now crossing state lines to find it. According to a Wisconson law enacted in the 1970s, the state only allows Grade A milk products to be distributed within its borders, reports Milwaukee Magazine. But Kerrygold, the number-one imported butter brand in the U.S., isnt issued a letter grade like American-made dairy products. Wisconsin has since banned the sale of the gold-and-silver foiled butter but Kerrygold is legal in all other states. THE TRUTH ABOUT BUYING AND STORING BUTTER "Under Wisconsin legislation, retail butter for sale in Wisconsin must bear either a Wisconsin or federal grade mark, explained Kerrygolds parent company, Ornua North America, in a statement issued to the Irish Farmers Journal. This effectively excludes Kerrygold butter being sold in Wisconsin because Kerrygold butter is graded, produced and packaged in Ireland. Lisa Miller, the marketing director at Ornua, adds that while Kerrygolds inspection process is a little bit different from the process here, the standards are universally very high." HOW TO MAKE BULLETPROOF 'BUTTER' COFFEE Still, Wisconsin dairy distributors who violate the law could face fines of $1000 or more-- and up to six months in jail. The state's ban has already outraged some of Kerrygolds biggest fans. Jean Smith, who lives in Waukesha and drinks butter-infused tea every morning, told Milwaukees WTMJ news that she want[s] to please ask whoever it is that's preventing me from getting butter in our stores here to stop it. Smith has also admitted to making regular trips to Nebraska to stock up on her preferred brand. I'm hauling Kerrygold back in my suitcase and my coolers," she told WTMJ. Many butter fans have expressed their disappointment on social media. wont be travelling anytime soon to Wisconsin - ban on @kerrygold butter - a great taste of #Ireland - really whats that about?........ pic.twitter.com/jjmOICwOk1 Hugh Gillanders (@HughGillanders) February 22, 2017 Unfortunate, but hopefully temporary. Sure a solution can be found. Wisconsins Kerrygold butter ban makes headlines https://t.co/TiCL5wfnlm Brian Kilgallen (@Mossyvet) February 22, 2017 FOR MORE FOOD & DRINK FEATURES, FOLLOW FOX LIFESTYLE ON FACEBOOK But Kerrygolds enthusiasts may not want to follow in her footsteps just yet, because Ornua has already announced the company's intentions to work out a way to bring Kerrygold back to the state. "We are currently working with the Wisconsin authorities on a solution which will enable consumers throughout the state enjoy the great taste of Kerrygold butter," Ornua's statement said. The brand has yet to announce a timeframe for when its products may be available in Wisconsin. A representative for Kerrygold was not immediately available for comment. The family of a 13-year-old Orange County girl who was left with life-threatening injuries after a tree fell on her during a storm on Friday said she is still in an unstable state, with doctors continuing to work on relieving pressure on her brain. Teresa Johnston was on her way to walk dogs in her Irvine, California, neighborhood when a 40-foot tree collapsed and hit her, the Orange County Register reported. She was going to walk some dogs, Johnstons 20-year-old sister, Misha, told the news outlet. She didnt even make it there three minutes from the house, probably the tree fell on her. Johnston was discovered by a neighbor and rushed to Orange County Global Medical Center in Santa Ana where she has been placed in an induced coma. The family has been updating their supporters on a YouCaring page dedicated to Johnstons recovery. As of Feb. 22, Johnston was described to be very unstable according to the post, with doctors attempting to use various treatments in an attempt to relieve pressure on her brain. Our dear Teresa is still in very critical condition, a post by the family read. Even though the surgery went well, the edema in the brain is still not decreasing and there is not much room left even without part of her skull. The medical staff has been working hard to keep Teresa stable. They put her back in heavier induced coma. We pray really hard that the brain stops swelling! Members of Irvines University Park neighborhood held a candlelight vigil on Sunday for Johnston, who was described as the sunshine of the neighborhood, by one attendee. She is a beautiful person, Misha told the Orange County Register. One of the happiest people I have ever known. Fridays storm had left 1,500 people without power in Orange County, with the hardest hit areas including Costa Mesa and Santa Ana, the news outlet reported. Heavy rain and predictions of winds up to 60 mph had caused many airlines to cancel flights. If youre a man, poor performance in the bedroom can take a serious toll not only on the quality of your sex life, but also on your feelings of confidence and overall manliness. Just ask Herschel Chalk, a mens health advocate based in Cincinnati who struggled with erectile dysfunction (ED) for years after two battles with prostate cancer. It was very frustrating, Chalk, 70, told Fox News of his plight with ED. For a woman, its mental, but for a man, its physical, and many times we feel like were not the whole, complete man. 9 FOODS THAT CAN HELP BOOST YOUR LIBIDO NATURALLY But after beginning to use a penile implant a surgically input device that offers on-demand erections complete with sensation more than a decade ago, Chalk feels like himself again. I dont have to worry about [ED], he said. With the implant, if I say were gonna have a good time, were gonna have a good time because you can easily pump it up. It works. It gives you joy. Rising ED rates Despite improvements in the manufacturing and surgical application of penile implants over the past decade, too few men consider them as a viable option, Chalks urologist Robert J. Cornell, a board-certified urologist in general and prosthetic urology in downtown Houston, told Fox News. Cornell said more than 30 million American men suffer from ED, and each year, 75,000 new men are diagnosed with the condition due to prostate cancer. The ED rates are particularly bleak for prostate cancer survivors like Chalk, who beat his second round of the disease in 1998. Of the 100,000 men who underwent a prostarectomy last year, 50 percent suffered from ED prior, and among those who didnt before surgery, 60 percent will develop the condition post-operatively. Prostarectomies, wherein the prostate gland is fully or partially removed, can lead to ED. THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON PORNOGRAPHY For one-third of those men, ED medication fails, Cornell said. For many patients, like Chalk, other ED solutions available also prove unsuccessful or uncomfortable. I tried everything they had on the market, Chalk said. I tried the pills, I tried a vacuum erection device, I tried the shots, and none of it worked for me. Low penile implant use And yet, a 2015 study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that despite the rise in ED rates, popularity of penile implants appears to be waning. Study authors, from Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, found that while the number of men with ED jumped by 165 percent during the 10-year study, penile implant use fell. About 4.6 percent of men with ED got a penile implant in 2002, and only 2.3 percent of men underwent the procedure in 2010. Researchers drew their results from the public Medicare files of about 1.8 million men. Each year, fewer than 20,000 penile implant procedures are done worldwide, Cornell said. SWEDISH POLITICIAN WANTS WORKERS TO GET PAID SEX BREAKS FOR HEALTH Penile implants are not noticeable physically or sensationally to men or their partners. The devices consist of a pump, two cylinders and a reservoir that are implanted in the body. Typically, the surgery, which is done under general anesthesia, takes 30 minutes, Cornell said. The procedure can lead to scrotal swelling, and he advises men to wear a jock strap for a week and avoid exercise for about a week, but typically patients return to work within one week. Using the penile implant Using the penile implant is simple, Cornell said. When activated by pressing on the pump, the reservoir fills with fluid (instead of the blood the penis typically uses to form an erection) and transfers it to the cylinders in the penis, thereby inflating them. When a man wants an erection, he simply reaches into his scrotal sack, the underside of the penis, and squeezes the pump. He will remain erect even after ejaculating until he presses on a deflation valve at the base of the pump to return the fluid to the reservoir. 5 UNEXPECTED BENEFITS OF DRINKING YOU NEVER KNEW Despite having an average infection rate of less than 2 percent, some men may be deterred from the procedure because it can result in a penis that is one-quarter of an inch shorter, Cornell said. Rarely, penile implants can injure adjacent structures. Why men arent getting them Dr. Tobias Kohler, a urology professor at the SIU School of Medicine, told Fox News he thinks the reason why more men dont get them is simply a lack of awareness. Its paid for by Medicare, and so all men are eligible for it, Kohler said. If youre healthy enough to climb a flight of stairs, youre healthy enough to get an implant and use it. Kohler said that, among those men who do get penile implants, 95 percent report that they would recommend it to a fellow male friend, and about 93 percent of women would recommend it to a friends partner. 7 SURPRISING HEALTH BENEFITS OF BEING IN A HAPPY MARRIAGE About 70 percent of penile implants last 15 years or longer, Kohler added. Chalk, who is on his second penile implant in about 14 years, said surgery for ED isnt for everyone, but he wants men to know they have options. [The implant] gave me back all my confidence because I knew it was gonna work every time I wanted it to work, Chalk said. It was just the fact of knowing that I was able to perform was the main thing. Rodrigo Rato, who headed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 2004 to 2007 has been found guilty of misappropriation of funds in a high-profile case that rocked Spain, coming as it did during the countrys tough economic crisis. Rodrigo Rato and Miguel Blesa in court. SERGIO BARRENECHEA (AFP) More information Bank execs who returned money in Spains credit card case could avoid jail Rato, also a former finance minister with Spains ruling Popular Party (PP) and a former Caja Madrid chairman, is one of 65 officials found guilty over their use of black complimentary credit cards, which were handed out to dozens of officials at two struggling banks. Also among those found guilty was fellow former Caja Madrid Miguel Blesa, who received a six-year sentence. The sentences for other defendants ranged from three months to six years. From 1999 to 2012, former executives and board members at Caja Madrid, which later merged with other failed lenders to form Bankia, were given credit cards that drew money from a bank fund. These amounts did not show up on any bank documents or job contracts, nor were they reported in tax returns. The 65 defendants (there were originally 66, but one of them has since passed away) used these cards liberally to pay for personal expenses, racking up bills worth 15.5 million on everything from gourmet restaurants to designer clothes and expensive trips. Some of the board members had previously claimed that their credit cards were a supplement because of their dedication to the bank, and that the Tax Agency was aware of their existence. They were not opaque and they were not black, said the defense lawyer for Jesus Pedroche, a board member for the Popular Party (PP). English version by George Mills. ATLANTA The road back to the nostrils of the nations children will likely take longer than the makers of the influenza vaccine FluMist would have liked. And that, some observers worry, could put in jeopardy the future of the countrys only non-injectable flu vaccine, a product thought to be an important component of the response to future flu pandemics. Once a darling of pediatricians and parents, the nasal mist vaccine was not recommended for use in the United States this winter because studies showed it offered limited protection in recent years. On Wednesday, officials from MedImmune, the division of AstraZeneca that makes the vaccine, reported on their efforts to fix the vaccine during a meeting here of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Policy, the expert panel that counsels the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on vaccine use. Read more: FluMist mystery on experts agenda: Why was it so weak, and only in US studies? It was the ACIP that last June decreed that FluMist should not be recommended for use this flu season a move that effectively denied the product access to its most important market. Though MedImmune officials wrote a letter to a scientific journal late last year suggesting they may have pinpointed the problem, the presentation to ACIP revealed there are still big questions. Its not clear to me what the reason for the lack of vaccine effectiveness has been. There are a number of hypotheses that are being pursued, ACIP member Dr. Robert Atmar said after the presentation. Atmar is interim chairman for infectious diseases at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and a vaccines researcher; in the past, he has studied this vaccine. The vaccine is administered as a mist that is puffed up a nostril. It contains live but attenuated weakened viruses that work by initiating infection, which in turn alerts the immune system to recognize and respond to those viruses during flu season. Because the vaccine viruses have been weakened, they do not make recipients sick with flu. FluMist is a quadrivalent vaccine, meaning it protects against four different types of flu viruses. The problem with FluMist, which began in 2013, specifically relates to one component of the vaccine the influenza A virus known as H1N1. H1N1 is a family of viruses that has been infecting people for much of the last century. But in the flu pandemic of 2009, a distant cousin a flu virus that had been circulating in pigs pushed out the previous H1N1 viruses. The replacement viruses officially called H1N1pdm09 in an attempt to minimize confusion do not appear to work as well in the nasal mist vaccine. MedImmune scientists have tried two different versions of the new H1N1 viruses in the vaccine, with similarly disappointing results. But company officials told the committee that a new candidate has been identified that appears to function more like the pre-2009 H1N1 viruses. Dr. Jeffrey Duchin, head of communicable diseases epidemiology with the Seattle and King County health department, described that news as hopeful. Its more important that they find a strain that works than they find out what was wrong with the strain that didnt work, in my opinion, said Duchin, a non-voting member of the committee representing the National Association of County and City Health Officials. But Atmar remained concerned. If that is what the problem is, then the steps theyre taking may address it adequately. But if theyre wrong, then we may still have problems with their quadrivalent vaccine. There are a number of factors that further complicate the path back to a recommendation for use from the ACIP. Paradoxically, studies conducted on FluMist outside the United States didnt show the same poor findings or at least not to the same degree. Canadian vaccine advisers last year dropped their assessment that FluMist was superior to injectable vaccine in children, based on its recent performance there. But they did not recommend against its use. Britain and Finland also continue to use the vaccine. But any hopes that vaccine effectiveness data for this flu season from those countries might cast FluMist in a better light have been dashed because H1N1 is a non-player this flu season in North America or Europe. Another influenza A virus, H3N2, has been the dominant flu pest this winter. ACIP members noted that until there is a flu season in which H1N1 viruses again play a big role, there wont be a clear way to test whether replacing the vaccine virus has fixed the problem. There is no way to predict when H1N1 viruses will next make up a significant portion of flu activity. The officials said MedImmune is testing the new H1N1 vaccine virus in ferrets the best animal model for flu and in cell cultures derived from human respiratory tract cells. Read more: Contentious flu vaccine policies at hospitals are based on flawed research, study says That led to a discussion of what kind of evidence might persuade the committee to give FluMist another chance if it turns out to be several years before there is enough H1N1 flu activity to test the updated vaccine. Atmar worried that if the committee moves too soon, it could undermine its credibility. We dont want the public to lose confidence if the vaccine ends up being recommended again and the problem hadnt been solved, he said. But the sustainability of the vaccine was clearly also on some minds. Dr. Bruce Gellin, director of the National Vaccine Program Office and a non-votin member of the committee, asked how long MedImmune could stay in the flu vaccine business without an ACIP recommendation for use in the US. Dr. Raburn Mallory, senior director for clinical development of vaccines, gave a diplomatic but vague answer, saying the company is committed to protecting children from influenza. AstraZeneca declined STATs request to interview Mallory after the meeting. We remain committed to FluMist Quadrivalent and working with the CDC and ACIP, AstraZeneca said in a brief emailed statement. We look forward to continuing conversations with the ACIP as data becomes available in the coming months. Earlier this month the company said it expected to make vaccine available in the US for the 2017-2018 flu season. It did not repeat that prediction at or after the ACIP meeting. The question of how long a company can to remain in vaccine production when its major market remains out of reach hangs over these discussions, Atmar acknowledged. Thats a reality, he said. Thats a real concern. And Im sure thats something theyre thinking about. Last week, The Wall Street Journal revealed that members of the intelligence community -- part of the deep state, the unseen government within the government that does not change with elections -- now have acquired so much data on everyone in America that they can selectively reveal it to reward their friends and harm their foes. Their principal foe today is the president of the United States. Liberty is rarely lost overnight. The wall of tyranny often begins with benign building blocks of safety -- each one lying on top of a predecessor -- eventually collectively constituting an impediment to the exercise of free choices by free people, often not even recognized until it is too late. Here is the back story. In the pre-Revolutionary era, British courts in London secretly issued general warrants to British government agents in America. The warrants were not based on any probable cause of crime or individual articulable suspicion; they did not name the person or thing to be seized or identify the place to be searched. They authorized agents to search where they wished and seize what they found. The use of general warrants was so offensive to our Colonial ancestors that it whipped up more serious opposition to British rule and support for the revolutionaries than the "no taxation without representation" argument did. And when it came time for Americans to write the Constitution, they prohibited general warrants in the Fourth Amendment, the whole purpose of which was to guarantee the right to be left alone by forcing the government to focus on bad guys and prohibit it from engaging in fishing expeditions. But the fishing expeditions would come. In 1978, Congress passed the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which was intended to rein in the government spying on Americans that had been unleashed by the Nixon administration. FISA established a secret court and permitted it to issue warrants authorizing spying on agents of foreign governments when physically present in the United States. People born in foreign countries who are here for benevolent or benign or even evil purposes have the same constitutional protections as those of us born here. Thats because the critical parts of the Constitution that insulate human freedom from the governments reach protect persons, not just citizens. But FISA ignored that. And FISA was easy for the government to justify. It was a pullback from Richard Nixons lawlessness. It required the feds to seek a warrant from federal judges. The targets were not Americans. Never mind, the argument went, that FISA has no requirement of showing any probable cause of crime or even articulable suspicion on the part of the foreign target; this will keep us safe. Besides, the government insisted, it cant be used against Americans. That argument was bought by presidents, members of Congress and nearly all federal courts that examined it. We dont know whether the authors of this scheme really wanted federal spies to be able to spy on anyone at will, but that is where we are today. Through secret courts whose judges cannot keep records of their own decisions and secret permissions by select committees of Congress whose members cannot tell their constituents or other members of Congress what they have learned in secret, FISA has morphed so as to authorize spying down a slippery slope of targets, from foreign agents to all foreigners to anyone who communicates with foreigners to anyone capable of communicating with them. The surveillance state regime today permits Americas 60,000 military and civilian domestic spies to access in real time all the landline and mobile telephone calls and all the desktop and mobile device keystrokes and all the digital data created and used by anyone in the United States. The targets today are not just ordinary Americans; they are justices on the Supreme Court, military brass in the Pentagon, agents in the FBI, local police in cities and towns, and the man in the Oval Office. The British system that arguably impelled our secession in 1776 is now here on steroids. Enter the outsider as president. Donald Trump has condemned the spying and leaking, as he is a victim of it. While he was president-elect, the spies told him they knew of his alleged misbehaviors -- vehemently denied -- in a Moscow hotel room. Last week, his White House staff was shaken by what the spies did with what they learned from a former Trump aide. Trumps former national security adviser, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, himself a former military spy, spoke to the Russian ambassador to the United States in December via telephone in Trump Tower. It was a benign conversation. He knew it was being monitored, as he is a former monitor of such communications. But he mistakenly thought that those who were monitoring him were patriots as he is. They were not. They violated federal law by revealing in part what Flynn had said, and they did so in a manner to embarrass and infuriate Trump. Why would they do this? Perhaps because they feared Flynn's being in the White House, since he knows the power and depth of the deep state. Perhaps to send a message to Trump because he once compared American spies to Nazis. Perhaps because they believe that their judgment of the foreign dangers America faces is superior to the presidents. Perhaps because they hate and fear the outsider in the White House. The chickens have come home to roost. In our misguided efforts to keep the country safe, we have neglected to keep it free. We have enabled a deep state to become powerful enough to control a powerful president. We have placed so much data and so much power in the hands of unelected, unaccountable, opaque spies that they can use it as they see fit -- even to the point of committing federal felonies. Now some have boasted that they can manipulate and thus control the president of the United States by selectively revealing and concealing what they know about anyone, including the president himself. This is a perilous state of affairs, brought about by the maniacal passion for surveillance spawned under George W. Bush and perfected under Barack Obama -- all with utter indifference to the widespread constitutional violations and permanent destruction of personal liberties. This is not the government the Framers gave us. But it is one far more dangerous to human freedom than the one from which they seceded in 1776. The New York Times describes 11 million people those who are living in the country illegally as sleepless with anxiety, waiting for the fists pounding on the door, the agents in black, the van ride, the cell. Who has thrown such fear into this community? How about the Left, aided and abetted by the liberal media, which has purposefully distorted President Trumps immigration policies, characterizing them erroneously as a radical departure from past practices? In a feverish blast to donors sent out yesterday, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee claims that Donald Trump plans to add thousands of immigration agents and begin deporting almost all undocumented immigrants. That is, excuse the expression, fake news. Trump is doing no such thing. In fact, he recently hinted that he would most likely abide by President Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, allowing the 740,000 people covered by that initiative to stay in the country. In addition, the new guidelines rolled out by Homeland Security indicate that people who have lived in the country for two years or more will not be vulnerable to expedited removal. Trump also has made it clear that he would prioritize deporting criminals. The hysteria over recent ICE operations is a great example of how Trumps policies are being misrepresented. Last week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials arrested 680 individuals, stoking fears that the Trump administration is increasing the arrests and deportations of undocumented immigrants, as The Times reported. Another news organization proclaimed that panic and terror isrunning through immigrant communities in the U.S. following raids carried out across at least six states as part of Donald Trumps pledge to crack down on illegal immigrants. But the head of ICE in LA said, "These operations take weeks and sometimes months of planning, so this operation was in the planning stages before the current administration came out with the executive orders." In other words, the raids had nothing to do with Trump. Click to read Liz Peek's full column in The Fiscal Times. The Trump administration Wednesday revoked federal guidelines issued by former President Barack Obama that allowed public school students to use restrooms and other facilities corresponding to their gender identity. A document submitted to the Supreme Court by the Solicitor General's office said that the Obama-era directive issued this past May did not "undergo any formal public process" or explain how the directive was "consistent with the express language of Title IX," the federal law outlawing sex discrimination in education and activities. "This is an issue best solved at the state and local level," Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said. "Schools, communities, and families can find -- and in many cases have found -- solutions that protect all students." "Congress, state legislatures, and local governments are in a position to adopt appropriate policies or laws addressing this issue," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement. "The Department of Justice remains committed to the proper interpretation and enforcement of Title IX and to its protections for all students, including LGBTQ students, from discrimination, bullying, and harassment. In a letter to the nation's schools, the Justice and Education departments said the earlier guidance "has given rise to significant litigation regarding school restrooms and locker rooms." The agencies withdrew the guidance to "in order to further and more completely consider the legal issues involved." Anti-bullying safeguards would not be affected by the change, according to the letter. "All schools must ensure that all students, including LGBT students, are able to learn and thrive in a safe environment," it said. It was not clear what immediate impact the change would have on schools, as a federal judge in Texas put a temporary hold on the Obama guidance soon after it was issued -- after 13 states sued. Even without that hold, the guidance carried no force of law. But transgender rights advocates say it was useful and necessary to protect students from discrimination. Opponents argued it was federal overreach and violated the safety and privacy of other students. The White House said "returning power to the states paves the way for an open and inclusive process to take place at the local level with input from parents, students, teachers and administrators." The reversal is a setback for transgender rights groups, which had been urging Trump to keep the guidelines in place. Advocates say federal law will still prohibit discrimination against students based on their gender or sexual orientation. Still, they say lifting the Obama directive puts children in harm's way. "Reversing this guidance tells trans kids that it's OK with the Trump administration and the Department of Education for them to be abused and harassed at school for being trans," said American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten. Activists protested the move Wednesday outside the White House. "Respect existence or expect resistance," read one placard. Conservatives hailed the change, saying the Obama directives were illegal and violated the rights of fixed-gender students, especially girls who did not feel safe changing clothes or using restrooms next to anatomical males. "Our daughters should never be forced to share private, intimate spaces with male classmates, even if those young men are struggling with these issues," said Vicki Wilson, a member of Students and Parents for Privacy. "It violates their right to privacy and harms their dignity." White House spokesman Sean Spicer denied media reports that DeVos, who has been criticized for her stance on LGBT issues, had opposed the change but was overruled by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Spicer said any disagreement was merely over wording and timing. "There is no daylight between anybody," Spicer said, adding that DeVos was "100 percent" on board with the decision. Legal experts said the change in position could impact pending court cases involving the federal sex discrimination law, including a case to be heard by the Supreme Court in March involving Gavin Grimm, a transgender teen who was denied bathroom access in Virginia. The justices could decide not to hear the case and direct lower courts to decide that issue. In a phone interview with the Associated Press, Grimm said of the Trump action: "It's not positive. It has the possibility of hurting transgender students and transgender people. We're going to keep fighting like we have been and keep fighting for the right thing." A patchwork of state laws could continue to emerge as a result of the change. Fifteen states have explicit protections for transgender students in their state laws, and many individual school districts in other states have adopted policies that cover such students on the basis of their gender identity, said Sarah Warbelow, legal director of the Human Rights Campaign. Just one state, North Carolina, has enacted a law restricting access to bathrooms in government-owned buildings to the sex that appears on a person's birth certificate. Lawmakers in more than 10 states are considering similar legislation, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Fox News' Shannon Bream and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly vowed Thursday that the United States will enforce its immigration laws humanely, in coordination with Mexican officials and without using the U.S. military. "There will be no use of military forces in immigration," said Kelly during a statement to the press at the Mexican Foreign Ministry. "At least half of you try to get this right." Kelly was addressing reports that quoted President Trump describing recent deportations as "a military operation." The White House later claimed Trump was describing the efficiency of immigration enforcement operations, not the personnel involved. KELLY SAYS US WON'T HAVE MASS DEPORTATIONS Kelly and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson are in Mexico City to meet with their Mexican counterparts and President Enrique Pena Nieto after Mexican officials denounced several Trump administration policies. While the White House touted the relationship Wednesday as "phenomenal," Tillerson acknowledged problems. "In a relationship filled with vibrant colors, two strong, sovereign countries from time to time will have their differences," he said. The Mexican government has been far more forthcoming in its objections. Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray described recent U.S. policy proposals and rhetoric as an irritation prompting aggressive and negative feelings. Mexico recently rejected the Trump administration's plan to allow the potential deportation of non-Mexicans to Mexico. "We do not agree on the different measures that recently were stated by the government of the United States that affect Mexico," Mexican Interior Secretary Miguel Angel Osorio Chong said at the joint press statement. "We have expressed our concern about the increase of deportations and possibly of the citizens of other countries being sent back to our territory, so that they can wait for the legal resolution." According to the administration, both countries have agreed to avoid discussing Trump's plan to build a border wall at Mexico's expense. The Trump administration also wants to alter the $1.5 billion trade relationship between the US and Mexico and renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA. Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo has said that if those talks fail, the Mexican government would consider tariffs on U.S. goods sold in Mexico. In addition to Kelly and Tillerson, several senior U.S. lawmakers have also visited the region in recent days. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., toured the southern border, while Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee met with Mexican officials in Mexico City. Earlier Thursday, Senators Ben Cardin, D-Md., Jeff Merkeley, D-Ore., Edward Markey D-Mass., Robert Menendez, D-N.J., Jack Reed, D-R.I. and Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.) told Tillerson and Kelly in a letter that "President Trump's commentary - both during the campaign and since his inauguration - is damaging this critical bilateral relationship and endangering U.S. national security." U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly said Wednesday on a visit to Guatemala that there won't be mass deportations by the Unites States, but he strongly discouraged any Guatemalans from considering the journey north. The executive orders issued by President Donald Trump on border security and immigration enforcement will result in people trying to enter the U.S. illegally being caught at the border, where they will be "treated fairly and humanely and returned to their home countries," Kelly said. "There will be no mass roundups," he said. But those caught "will be returned to their country much quicker than has been the case for the last decade or so." Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Raul Morales said after President Jimmy Morales' meeting with Kelly that "the most important thing is that they have told us that there will not be mass deportations, and that they will be focused precisely on those people who represent a security threat or who have committed a crime." Kelly focused on discouraging Guatemalans from making what he called the "very, very dangerous" trip through Mexico trying to reach the United States. "My sincere advice to any citizen considering moving to the United States and crossing our boundaries in irregular migration, my best advice is to not do it," he said. "It's an extremely dangerous journey and the very, very considerable amount of money you have to pay the 'coyotes' will be lost because we are beefing up, that is to say reinforcing our turn-back efforts on the border." Kelly did not address policies published Tuesday that suggest U.S. immigration agents could deport Central American migrants to Mexico if they entered from that country. President Trump routinely accosts the press corps, foreign leaders, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Sen. Lindsey Graham R-S.C. He has yet to verbally pistol-whip most congressional Republicans. Sure, he lit up Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Marco Rubio, R-Fla., during the campaign. Remember handles like Lyin Ted and Little Marco? Who can possibly forget the absolutely baleful rhetoric Trump unleashed on House Speaker Paul Ryan? For now, Schumer remains a favorite foil of Trump. The president even got hooks into Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., over a meeting on opioid addiction which never happened. But one wonders how long Trump can hold his tongue if Congress doesnt start to produce some of the legislative results he wants let alone needs. Its now late February. Other than some executive orders (albeit controversial ones) and un-doing a few Obama-era provisions, Congress hasnt sent the the president much meat on which to chew. One can certainly point at Senate Democrats for slow-walking Cabinet nominees and siphoning valuable hours of Senate floor time. But frankly, its not like the Republican-led Congress had big ticket items ready for the president to sign. The marquee topics are tax reform and repealing and replacing ObamaCare. These will take time despite some of the high-minded talk from the campaign trail that lawmakers could address things overnight. Were hearing the Trump administration could have plans on both ready sometime in March. So far, theres been minimal intra-tribal warfare on the polar ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. But Trump must tread carefully. Sure, he enjoys bedrock supporters like Reps. Chris Collins, R-N.Y., and Lou Barletta, R-Pa. But many congressional Republicans only boarded the Trump train as a matter of convenience. Many jumped on late. Others went along tepidly because of voters in their districts. Some arent with the Trump program even now. But they quietly sit on their hands because they know Republicans have a shot at tax reform and retrenching ObamaCare. This particular cohort of congressional Republicans winces at ill-conceived executive orders, phone calls to Australia and various pre-dawn tweets. Could this dam break? To some Republicans, repeal and replacement of ObamaCare is taking too long. Tax reform is struggling. Challenges to keep the government open and raise the debt ceiling (the total amount of red ink that the federal government can carry at any one time) lurk around the bend. The national debt now kisses $21 trillion. Its not clear where Republican leaders will unearth the votes to hike the debt ceiling if theres no concrete plan in place to reduce spending in a significant fashion. Most congressional Republicans didnt invest deeply in Trump. If there arent results, they cant blame President Obama or Hillary Clinton or House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. Schumer? Perhaps a little. Midterm elections loom next fall. These Republican lawmakers will only stay on the bus so long before they start to bail. After all, they need a foil, too. What about that mandate for Trump to govern? Clinton clocked the president in the popular vote by nearly three million clicks. Could they levy their grievances against Trump? They can blame the rocky, early days of his administration. Chaotic press conferences. Hawking Ivanka Trumps jewelry on Fox. And Sweden. #StandwithSweden. Its conceivable some congressional GOPers could dump Trump to build distance between themselves and the president. But, speaking of Sweden, others may very well hunker down in their own version of the Stockholm Syndrome, accepting their captor. You see, the electoral consequences of the midterm election might not be that dire for Republicans. Start with the Senate. Only eight Republicans face re-election next year compared to a staggering 25 Democrats. Many of those Democratic seats are hard to hold as they represent red states or turf Mr. Trump carried: Sens. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo.; Jon Tester, D-Mont.; Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D.; Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.; Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.; Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.; Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio; Joe Donnelly, D-Ind.; Bob Casey, D-Pa.; Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.; and Angus King, I-Maine. Meantime, only two GOP senators are remotely vulnerable: Sens. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., and Dean Heller, R-Nev. Some Democrats are cautiously optimistic about the seat now occupied by Cruz. At this writing, Democrats might consider it a victory to keep GOP gains to two or three seats. In the House, Republicans represent 23 seats Clinton carried last fall. The current House breakdown is 238 Republicans and 193 Democrats with four vacancies. As things stand now, Democrats would have to run the table and capture 23 seats for an outright majority. That is a tall order. So, if youre the Republican brain trust and things start to spill off the rails with Trump, who cares? Can Democrats truly tie GOPers to Trump in a way that makes any electoral difference? Most Democratic voters are concentrated in the liberal archipelagoes which hug the coasts. There arent even many swing voters available for Democrats to flip in House districts they need to win. Many congressional Republicans outperformed the president in their districts. Thus, we may have a version of the Congressional Stockholm Syndrome. Members willing to just go along, believing it holds little consequence for them at the ballot box. Will the midterm election focus on results and the possible toxicity of Trump? It might. But due to built-in GOP advantages, it might not matter what happens on either end of Pennsylvania Avenue. Capitol Attitude is a weekly column written by members of the Fox News Capitol Hill team. Their articles take you inside the halls of Congress, and cover the spectrum of policy issues being introduced, debated and voted on there. Sen. John McCain made a secret trip to northern Syria to visit U.S. military officials and Kurdish fighters and to discuss the campaign for defeating the Islamic State, his office said Wednesday. McCain, R-Ariz., made the visit to the war-torn country as U.S.-coalition forces prepare for a major battled to oust militants from ISIS de facto capital of Raqqa. A statement from the senator's office did not give the dates of his travel, saying only that he made the visit last week. "Senator McCain's visit was a valuable opportunity to assess dynamic conditions on the ground in Syria and Iraq," the statement reads. It says the president "has rightly ordered a review of U.S. strategy and plans to defeat" the Islamic State group and McCain looks forward to working with the administration and military leaders "to optimize our approach." Officials told The Wall Street Journal that the visit was arranged with help from the U.S. military. It comes as the Trump administration debates plans for an increased military campaign against ISIS. President Trump had previously asked the U.S. military to present him with a new plan to destroy ISIS. The report is supposed to be finished by the end of the month. U.S. officials familiar with the visit told the Journal that McCain traveled to Kobani, which sits along the Syria-Turkey border and has been controlled by Kurdish forces since 2012. McCain, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and one of Trumps biggest critics, recently declared Trumps administration was in disarray and expressed concern over how national security decisions were being handled. During a speech Friday at the Munich Security Conference, McCain delivered a withering critique of Trump's worldview as he lamented a shift in the U.S. and Europe away from the "universal values" that forged the Western alliance 70 years ago. McCain on Monday welcomed Trump's selection of Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster to be his national security adviser, calling the pick an "outstanding choice." McCain first visited Syria in 2013 to meet with leaders of the Free Syrian Army, which is backed by U.S. forces and is the opposition to Syrias President Bashar al-Assad. The trip is believed to be his first since then, according to The Wall Street Journal. Hes also believed to be the first U.S. lawmaker to travel to Kurdish-controlled region of Syria since the U.S. made it its base for special-forces operations. It's unusual, however, for members of Congress to visit Syria, which has no diplomatic relations with the United States. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, generated a backlash when she visited Syria in January and met with Assad. Gabbard, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, is an outspoken opponent of what she's called "our counterproductive regime change war" in Syria. But Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., an Air Force veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Gabbard gave Assad credibility by meeting with him. Lawmakers have accused the Assad government of war crimes and even genocide as the number of people killed during the violence in Syria continues to mount. The war, now in its sixth year, has killed hundreds of thousands of people, contributed to Europe's worst refugee crisis since World War II and given the Islamic State group room to grow into a global terror threat. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Click for more from The Wall Street Journal. One of former President Barack Obamas pet projects -- to drag federal bureaucracy into the digital age -- morphed into a rogue operation that disregarded information security policies, used unauthorized software and information systems on government networks, and exposed sensitive information to potential hackers, according to a watchdog report. Many of the most egregious security violations took place long after the Obama administrations 2014 admission of one of the worst cyber-security losses in history: the theft by China-based intruders of 4.2 million personnel files from its Office of Personnel Management -- a revelation that set off a wide-ranging review of all federal cybersecurity. The report, issued Feb. 21 by the Inspector Generals office of the General Services Administration (GSA), puts the spotlight on a runaway digital services operation known as 18F. The unit was established in 2014 as part of Obamas Digital Government Strategy of 2012 -- and apparently made up its own information security rules as it went along, resulting, according to the report, in widespread violations of fundamental GSA information technology security requirements. Officials supervising the unit say those problems are now being fixed. Subsequently, 18F became part of a broader high-tech initiative established the following year and known as the Technology Transformation Service within GSA, which is the services and facilities management pump at the center of the governments vast and sprawling bureaucracy. Both 18F and the Technology Transformation Service were supposed to bring the outside-the-box thinking and whiz-kid talent of Silicon Valley to stodgy Washington; both grew out of yet another Obama initiative, the Presidential Innovation Fellows program established in 2012. Originally focused on website and software development for government agencies, 18F fast grew into an in-house information services contractor for the federal bureaucracy, using GSA funds which were supposed to be repaid through fees to the new unit. In April 2016, the Technology Transformation Service, with 18F included, was given a broader mandate to transform the way government builds, buys and shares technology. By July, according to an earlier Inspector Generals report, 18F was doing $31 million worth of business with 31 federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security. However much money it made, however, 18F was losing more -- one of the original reasons the Inspector Generals watchdogs got involved. In an initial report last October, the IGs staffers warned that the hot-shot start-up had lost more than $31 million from its launch in 2014 through the third quarter of 2016 -- and had always been operating in the red, with revenue projections for its services running tens of millions of dollars ahead of actual revenues. One major reason was ballooning staff rolls: 18F had grown from a 33-person start-up in April 2014 to more than 200 people by March 2016 -- a more than 500 percent increase. That October IG report also quoted one 18F official as saying, to be frank, there are some of us that dont give a rip about the losses involved in its growth spurt. GSAs then-regional administrator for the West Coast, Andrew McMahon, is quoted in the October report as agreeing, Sure, in the end, I could care less. (According to his LinkedIn website, McMahon, who describes himself as a co-founder of 18F, left GSA in January 2017.) CLICK HERE FOR THE OCTOBER REPORT How 18F was running its fast-growing, money-losing business is a big part of the problem. According to the most recent IG report, one method was to ignore virtually all GSA information security safeguards for the wares it was encouraging agencies to buy. Those safeguards involve planning and testing unauthorized systems, then submitting a system security plan for review, and getting a signed authorization to operate that must be periodically reviewed. According to the Inspector Generals office, 18F just ignored all that, and disregarded GSA IT [information technology] security policies for operating and obtaining information technology, and for using non-official email. The unit also created and used its own set of guidelines for assessing and authorizing information systems that circumvented GSA IT -- and short-circuited the information security of the GSA network. In all, the watchdogs found, 100 of 116 software items on 18Fs inventory of software were unauthorized, ranging from collaborative note-taking and data-sharing tools, to website monitoring tools and social media marketing dashboards. All were banned from GSA use by June 2016. By that time, the watchdogs had already found out from 18F itself that unauthorized use of, among other things, another online messaging and collaboration app, Slack, had potentially exposed sensitive information over a five-month period ending in May. The breach involved over 100 GSA Google Drivesreportedly accessible by users both inside and outside of GSA, the watchdogs noted in an alert to GSA management. The breach potential exposed such things as personally identifiable information and contractor proprietary information, the inspectors said. They issued a May 12 brief -- 2016 Management Alert Report -- as a warning flare about the data breach, with recommendations that GSA stop that practice. CLICK HERE FOR THE MANAGEMENT ALERT REPORT Even so, the alert noted, the 18F users waited five days to report the situation, which itself was another breach of info-security policy -- which says that one hour is the top limit for delay. Compounding the issue, the report says that 18Fs executive director and its director of infrastructure co-authored a blog post saying that they had done a full investigation of the breach issue, and declared that to the best of our knowledge no sensitive information was shared inappropriately. By August, the Inspector Generals investigators had found otherwise. But, as the inspectors noted, as of February 2, 2017, [presumably, the date when their report was finalized internally], the 18F blog post had not been updated to reflect any of that. A GSA spokesperson did not answer an email question from Fox News about whether the blog post had been removed or recanted. Instead, the spokesman declared that GSA considers IT security a top priority and takes the GSA Inspector Generals report seriously. The spokesman added that the agency notes that there were gaps in compliance with our CIO [Chief Information Officer] security requirements but wanted to emphasize that the issues raised in the most recent report were promptly addressed. It appears 18F was long used to working without much reference to GSAs Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), who was, among other things, supposed to sign off on all information systems adherence to federal security policies. According to the most recent report, no fewer than 18 information systems operated by 18F for more than a year ending in July 2016 lacked proper CISO authorizations for their use, and eleven of them had never been authorized. One system 18F was operating without required sign-off was a recruitment and applicant tracking information system containing applicants resumes and contact information. Rather than get security clearances from the CISO, 18F apparently had a better idea: make up its own information security assessment and authorization system. In February 2015, the latest report says, 18Fs then-Deputy Executive Director Aaron Snow -- who became executive director in May of that year -- proposed a new set of procedures titled, Guidelines for Granting Authority to Operate 18F-Hosted Open Data Systems. If approved, they would have allowed the unit to authorize the use of essentially public information systems without full security vetting. The guidelines were not approved by GSAs information security brass. But in February 2015 18F began using them anyway, the report says. How that came to be is apparently still something of a mystery. According to the report, 18Fs director of infrastructure told the watchdogs that he received approval of the guidelines from Phaedra Chrousos, who at the time had oversight of 18F in her position as head of GSAs Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technologies (OCSIT). (OCSIT and 18F were both subsequently rolled into the new Technology Transfer Service, which Chrousos also headed, until she stepped down in July 2016.) According to the report, Chrousos told us that she remembered the directors request for her signed approval of the guidelines shortly after she became head of OCSIT in early 2015. She said she did not recall signing them, but probably would have done so. When the Inspector Generals staffers asked the Technology Transfer Service to search for any record of the guidelines, the officials told us that they could not verify the existence of the signed document. Using its own rules apparently still did not make things happen fast enough for 18F, so, according to the watchdog report, it also implemented a pre-authorization policy that allowed information systems it decided were low-risk to operate without any security assessment or subsequent OK. To make things happen even quicker than that, 18Fs director of infrastructure appointed himself as the 18F Information Systems Security Officer -- the person responsible for implementing the GSA rules that 18F was apparently already ignoring. The appointment was never revealed to the overall agencys CISO, who is responsible for appointing such officials. Review of its business contracts was something else that 18F apparently felt was dispensable. According to the latest watchdog report, the renegade unit entered into contracts and other agreements for information technology purchases worth $24.8 million, and never got approval from GSAs Chief Information Officer, as required under a formal Memorandum of Agreement with the unit. How did it all happen? Many of 18Fs top brass and external supervisors claimed not to know. According to the report, GSA regional administrator McMahon, who was also a GSA Senior Technology Adviser, told the watchdogs that 18F was not permitted any flexibility regarding compliance with GSA information technology policies. When the Inspector Generals investigators asked 18F Executive Director Snow why there was a breakdown in 18Fs info-tech security policy compliance, his reply was, I honestly dont know. Former OCSIT head Chrousos told the Inspector Generals staffers that 18F was not sufficiently integrated into the GSA IT environment, but when asked how, as 18Fs overseer, she had allowed the unit to operate without higher information security clearance, she said that she is not an IT engineer and therefore left technical matters to the director of infrastructure. The Inspector Generals staffers put much of the blame for the 18F debacle down to management failures, and they specifically pointed the finger at Chrousos and Snow in particular for failing to provide adequate oversight and guidance to subordinates. Ultimately, their report says, Chrousos and Snows indifference to GSA IT policies contributed to the compliance breakdown. Both Chrousos and Snow declined to respond to emailed Fox News questions about the report; in Snows case, he said, due to urgent family matters. He had already told the Washington Post, however, that this report is not about security. Its about compliance. And thats why government falls so far behind the rest of the world when it comes to technology. The Inspector Generals report also blamed GSAs current Chief Information Officer, David Shrive -- who told them he was not in a position to see what 18F was doing before the May 2016 Management Alert Report -- for failing to fulfill his responsibilities for the agencys information technology security program. CLICK HERE FOR THE MAY REPORT Shive had not answered emailed questions from Fox News about the report by the time this story was published. Both Chrousos and Snow have left their roles. Chrousos announced her departure as head of the Technology Transformation Service in June 2016, after just two months on the job, while Snow left 18F four months later. The new head of the Technology Transformation Service, Rob Cook, told Fox News that the he had already made substantial changes in the way his organization was operating. In the past, he said, there was less care taken about complying with the rules than in getting the work done. If we are going to transform government, we have to play by the rules while changing the rules. The organization that was supposed to bring dramatic change to the federal world of high-tech is now treating its role as more of a partnership -- especially with the bureaucracys own legal and technology staff. Among other things, Cook said, that means painstakingly seeking security OKs for all the high-tech tools it uses -- and not using them until the approvals are granted. George Russell is Editor-at-Large of Fox News. He is reachable on Twitter at @GeorgeRussell and on Facebook at Facebook.com/George.Russell Two leading Swedish politicians have a message for President Trumps critics: Hes right. Per Jimmie Akesson and Mattias Karlsson, both leaders of the Sweden Democrats, penned a Wall Street Journal op-ed on Wednesday supporting Trumps characterization of a Muslim immigrant-led crime crisis in Sweden. Mr. Trump did not exaggerate Swedens current problems, Akesson and Karlsson wrote. If anything, he understated them. Mr. Trump did not exaggerate Swedens current problems. If anything, he understated them. Per Jimmie Akesson and Mattias Karlsson, in Wall Street Journal op-ed Trump was ridiculed by many after he gave a speech Saturday citing Sweden among a list of European countries affected by the scourge of Islamic terror. Referring to the massive number of Middle Eastern refugees that have poured into the country, Trump said Sweden was having problems like they never thought possible. Some Swedish politicians openly derided Trumps portrayal of the country but riots in a heavily immigrant suburb of Stockholm on Monday evening put an end to most of the mockery. Riots and social unrest have become a part of everyday life, Akesson and Karlsson wrote. Police officers, firefighters and ambulance personnel are regularly attacked. Serious riots in 2013, involving many suburbs with large immigrant populations, lasted for almost a week. Gang violence is booming. Despite very strict firearms laws, gun violence is five times as common in Sweden, in total, as in the capital cities of our three Nordic neighbors combined. They added: Anti-Semitism has risen. Jews in Malmo are threatened, harassed and assaulted in the streets. Many have left the city, becoming internal refugees in their country of birth. The Sweden Democrats duo ended the op-ed with a warning for the United States. For the sake of the American people, Akesson and Karlsson wrote, with whom we share so many strong historical and cultural ties, we can only hope that the leaders in Washington wont make the same mistakes that our socialist and liberal politicians did. CLICK TO READ THE FULL OP-ED IN THE WALL STREET JOURNAL. The morning that Donald Trump changed their lives, Jose Eduardo Paz and Raul Garcia were waiting at their usual spot in the parking lot of a Home Depot store in south Los Angeles in the hope of picking up a few hours of work. Paz, a Honduran national, has been in the United States for 14 years, while Mexican Garcia has lived here for 26 years. Neither have residency or work permits, but both have children born in the United States. They say they have been detained a few times over the years by the police, and then released because they have not committed any serious offenses and are clearly established in the city. But next time, they say, things will be different. President Trump has put the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States on notice, meaning that being picked up by the police could lead to a swift deportation with no appeal. Obama deported a whole bunch of people, but he wasnt as abusive Jose Eduardo Paz, undocumented immigrant in Los Angeles People feel more persecuted and unsafe, says 38-year-old Paz. Before this, I could fly with my passport to Miami to see my brother. I had work in Las Vegas on weekends and on Monday morning I could be back here. He says that since the roundups began, I darent go, in case there are checkpoints at the California border. This has taken my freedom away. Under the Trump administration, US immigration law hasnt changed per se, but is instead being applied more stringently via a presidential executive order and a memorandum published on Tuesday that has confirmed the worst fears of undocumented immigrants. Obama deported a whole bunch of people, but he wasnt as abusive, says Paz. With Obama, you had to do something wrong. Now they can deport you for whatever reason. Raul Garcia and Jose Eduardo Paz on Tuesday morning in Los Angeles. On February 9, a woman living in Arizona with three children was deported despite having committed no other offense than working with a fake Social Security number. Her case was not even heard by a judge. As Paz and Garcia point out: They can deport all of us, because everybody has done that to be able to work. Saul Cabello, an immigration legal adviser working in Los Angeles, says that after reading the presidential memorandum it is clear that anybody without papers who is picked up by the police will no longer be released on parole pending a hearing. People are going to be arrested and deported, he says, adding: Be more careful than ever before. Keep your head down as much as you can. Immigration lawyer Alex Galvez says Trumps memorandum gives immigration officers a wider margin than before in deciding who to deport. Before this, immigration officers on the street could decide not to process you if they detained you. But now, anybody who falls into the hands of immigration has to be processed. Officers have no discretion. Your fate is in the hands of the judge. Regarding expedited deportation without a court order, Galvez thinks that thats not going to be possible. Its a violation of due process. People have the right to fight their deportation, its a constitutional right. If Trump doesnt honor those rights were going to have a lot of complaints, says Galvez. Saul Cabello, immigration adviser, with Trump's new rules. P. X. S. But Galvez says he is concerned about the dangerous language within the memorandum, allowing immigration officers to arrest somebody if they have reasonable grounds for suspicion, which he says will encourage racial profiling, a practice that was ruled illegal when Trumps friend Joe Arpaio, sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona, introduced it in 2010. It seems to give a free hand to counties and cities prepared to take part in deportations, a green light for the police to act as immigration officers. The federal government has given a green light to all the Arpaios in the United States. Back at Home Depot, a police patrol drives into the parking lot, and after a moments it leaves again. Sometimes they say hi, says Paz. Local police officers in big cities with large undocumented populations do not arrest people just because they do not have papers. This is what Trump wants to change, says Galvez, and he is calling on the countrys security forces to collaborate in helping carry out mass deportations. The millions of other undocumented immigrants like Paz and Garcia know that from now on, they will have to be more careful. Keeping out of the way of the police is nothing new. The danger now is that the authorities will come actively looking for them in the Home Depot parking lot, where they can easily be found. Garcia says he has lived through four different administrations, each with its own migratory policy, which gives him a certain perspective. I have faith that nothing is going to happen. Ive been here for 26 years. Trump will be around for four. When he goes, well still be here. English version by Nick Lyne. A three-man team has completed the first journey by kayak around the South Shetland Islands, an archipelago off Antarctica, traveling more than 100 miles by sea without any kind of external aid. Chileans Cristian Donoso and Exequiel Lira, along with Spaniard Roger Rovira returned to continental Chile this week after kayaking for 11 days around the islands in extreme weather conditions. They said the desire to become the first to travel around the archipelago by kayak and see the beauty of that remote region were their top motivation. Their adventure started on Jan. 26. "It's a little visited area, with lots of islets and difficult access for large boats, and so everything had an aura of the unexplored," expedition leader Donoso, who has rowed more than 930 miles in the Antarctic, told EFE. For 11 days, the trio covered 12-18 miles per day, making their way among the islands of Livington, Greenwich, Barrientos, Robert, Nelson and King George. The group had to deal with winds of more than 20 knots and waves over 16.5 feet in one of the most inhospitable and desolate parts of the planet. The expedition had no outside help of any kind, a constraint that forced the sportsmen to be self-sufficient and handle any difficulties that cropped up on their own. Each man carried two flares, two satellite telephones, a life jacket with radio, a knife, a whistle and all the items they would need during their expedition, including a tent, a small cooker and bags. "We had to have all the necessary resources within the limited room in the kayaks. Nevertheless, you can never be 100 percent sure, so it's important to be very flexible and have lots of imagination to improvise solutions with limited means," Donoso said. Hypothermia posed the greatest risk on the expedition and the men were equipped with waterproof suits, thermal shelters, thermoses with hot water and survival blankets in case any of them fell into the frigid ocean. Despite the fact that the air temperatures didn't get below freezing, the heavy windgusts created a windchill factor of 5 degrees F and it was the wind, not the cold, that was the main navigational problem. "The winds were one of the expedition's main difficulties. In Antarctica, weather predictions are not very exact and the coast is very rugged, so the wind can make landing the kayaks even more difficult," Donoso said. After sailing for between five and six hours each day, the men looked for a place to land, erect their tent and melt ice to make water. The rest of the day they spent exploring the area around their camp and looking at the local wildlife. "In Antarctica, the fauna evolved without the presence of humans and so they're not afraid (of us). This doesn't happen anywhere else in the world. It's like being on another planet," said Donoso, for whom this was the third kayak trek he had made in Antarctic waters, although he's made more than 40 expeditions in other inhospitable regions, such as Alaska and Patagonia. "I'm not looking to feel the adrenaline. The risk doesn't attract me. I'm looking to connect with that wild environment and flow with it. For many people, doing something like this is scary but it makes me immensely happy," he said. The South Shetland Islands lie about 75 miles north of the Antarctic Peninsula and are claimed by the United Kingdom, Chile and Argentina, although according to the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, the islands' sovereignty is neither recognized nor disputed by the signatories. Air travel for dogs has long been a hotly debated topic among pet owners. While some swear they would never ship their beloved pets like cargo, others counter that it sometimes simply cannot be avoided. Airlines cater to animal-friendly travel with special programs, ranging from JetBlue's JetPaws to United Airlines' PetSafe. In October, the Department of Transportation ruled airports that service more than 10,000 passengers annually must install one animal relief area in each terminal after security, and New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport is opening a "Pet Oasis" in the ARK, a $65-million terminal for animals." But even with modern advances, accidents do happen. They're very rare, with 23 deaths, 20 injuries, and zero losses reported in the U.S. from January to October 2016 (the last month for which data is available), according to the Department of Transportation. That's a small number of the estimated 2 million pets that travel on commercial flights each year. But as any animal lover knows, it only takes one tragic incident to turn a family upside down. Take Kathleen Considine, a Portland-based bartender who has been making headlines after her Facebook post detailing the death of her 7-year-old golden retriever, Jacob, went viral. Jacob had been traveling from Detroit, Michigan, to Portland, Oregon, when his one-hour layover in Chicago turned into 20 while United Airlines waited for a plane that could fit his crate. The airline said Jacob showed "no signs of distress" while in their care, but he died on the emergency vet table hours after landing from gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome, a bloating condition that causes the stomach to dilate and twist into an abnormal position, and is commonly caused by stress. As the issue comes to the forefront yet again, we asked Brian Brophy, MVB, a veterinary surgical resident at the University of Pennsylvania, what dog owners need to know before putting a pet on a plane. What are signs a dog may show after a flight that signal it needs to be treated by a vet? General signs of distress include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. If the dog collapses or shows signs of difficulty breathing (excessive panting, purple or blue-tinted gums), that's an emergency and the dog should be evaluated immediately. How long of a flight can dogs safely handle? Every situation is a little bit different. A lot of the determination about how long of a flight animals can handle depends on the environment they're traveling in. Pets that are small enough to travel in the cabin are obviously able to be monitored more closely by their owners, and are in a climate-controlled setting. Extreme heat and cold are usually the most significant risks to animals when they travel in cargo, so it's probably ideal to avoid flying during seasonal extremes if you can. If it can't be helped, shorter trips for animals in cargo are preferable. Would you advise owners avoid flights with layovers for their pets? A lot of airports now have areas where you can walk your dog safely during layovers without having to exit security. If you are traveling a long distance, it may be a good idea to check ahead at your layover airport to see if this is the case. Plan to budget yourself a little extra time for checking in on your pet and/or walking them, if you're going to have a layover. What precautions should pet owners take before putting their animals on a plane? Talk to your vet in advance, since each individual pet will tolerate flying a little bit differently. Sedatives and anti-anxiety medications can be very helpful but must be used carefully, especially if your pet has any underlying health conditions. If your pet takes medications for any other health problems, work out a plan ahead of time to ensure they're receiving them at appropriate times. Two teenage boys in Utah are accused of luring a 14-year-old girl to a ditch where they robbed her and shot her in the head, leaving her critically wounded. At a hearing in juvenile court Wednesday, a judge ordered the 16-year-olds to be held until another hearing next week. The defendants' names have not been made public because they are juveniles, but Cache County Attorney James Swink said he wants to try them as adults. Police in Smithfield have not provided a motive for the attack on Deserae Turner, who is in a medically induced coma, but one of the boys said they were driven by greed. They told police they lured Turner to the ditch last week by promising to sell her a knife. Instead, they shot her and then took her cellphone, iPod and $55, prosecutors said in charging documents. Deserae was reported missing on the evening of Feb. 16, when she didn't return home from school. She was found early Friday in a dry canal about 90 miles north of Salt Lake City with a gunshot to the back of her head. The documents say the boys originally planned to stab Deserae with knives of their own. After they arrived, one boy decided instead to use a gun he had brought, prosecutors said Tuesday. They took money, tossed her backpack in a trash bin and destroyed her cellphone and iPod, prosecutors said. The teen who brought the gun gave the spent shell casing to the other boy when he asked to keep it "as a memento," the charges state. Officers later found it displayed on his bedroom windowsill. The teen who took the casing home told police that he saw his friend shoot a girl he didn't know, though investigators say text messages between the boys indicate they planned the robbery and shooting together. The teen accused of pulling the trigger gave police a written note for Deserae's family that said, "I am so so so sorry," authorities said. Smithfield, with a population of nearly 11,000, is one of several small bedroom communities around Logan, the largest city in the northern part of the heavily Mormon state. Deserae attended the area's only middle school. The suspects do not have any serious criminal history, and both had no known problems at Smithfield's only high school, court and school officials say. "What's hard for the community to process is why something like this would happen," said Tim Smith, spokesman for the Cache County School District, where all the teens went to school. "These types of events aren't typical for our valley." Jill Parker, a county employee who is acting as a spokeswoman for Deserae's family, said they are doing the best they can. She declined to say why the family might believe their daughter was targeted. Friends have set up a fundraising webpage that had brought in more than $30,000 as of Wednesday afternoon. The GoFundMe page says Turner is "fighting as hard as she can!" and adds that "every little bit will help their poor family with their ongoing family expenses as they go through this tough battle." The Associated Press contributed to this report. An Anchorage-area school has banned the display of the Confederate flag after some students posed with a version of the flag for photos inside the school. Chugiak High School Principal David Legg sent an email to parents Tuesday banning the flag from the school. He also made an announcement at school Tuesday, The Alaska Star reported. The announcement comes weeks after five students posed with a version of the Confederate battle flag that also depicted the silhouette of a woman and flames. The photo was widely circulated on social media, drawing complaints of racism. TEACHER FORCED TO RETIRE AFTER DISPLAYING CONFEDERATE FLAG DURING CIVIL WAR LESSON "Students, parents, staff and other community members have been significantly impacted both by this widely known event and by less obvious but equally disruptive underground currents in the community," Legg wrote in his email to parents. He did not go into specifics about what other circumstances he was alluding to. In his statement, Legg also reminded students that they must receive school approval before making any displays or presentations on campus. The Anchorage School District investigated the incident but took no actions. In a statement released Wednesday, the district said Legg has the authority to choose what's best for the school. "A recent incident involving the Confederate flag at Chugiak High School caused a substantial disruption to the school environment," according to the statement. "Our schools are safe learning environments for all students and ASD supports the principal's decision to ensure a safe and productive environment at his school." The flag may still be displayed for educational purposes. Police in riot gear began arresting the last remaining protesters at a makeshift camp in North Dakota on Thursday after they defied several orders to leave the area. Its unclear if any protesters remained at the camp after the police officers raided it. The raids came after the eviction orders were unenforced for at least a day. Hundreds left peacefully on Wednesday after the 2 p.m. deadline, and 10 were arrested hours later after they taunted cops. But out of the tens of thousands that once called this prairie home, Gov. Doug Burgum said late Wednesday that 50 remained. But hours later, 18 National Guardsmen and dozens of law officers entered the camp from two directions, along with several law enforcement and military vehicles. A helicopter and airplane flew overhead. Officers checked structures and began arresting people, putting them in vans to take to jail. About two dozen people were arrested in the first half hour of the operation, according to Levi Bachmeier, a Burgum adviser. North Dakota originally offered protesters a carrot. If they agreed to leave peacefully, they would receive a hotel room and bus ticket to anywhere in the U.S. As of Wednesday night, none had taken it. They also offered a courtesy or ceremonial arrest for anyone needing a picture for their Facebook page. Again, no takers. A 17-year-old girl and 7-year-boy old were burned after protesters set fire to the last remnants of the camp. They both required medical attention and one was air lifted to Minneapolis because her injuries were severe. ARRESTS MADE IN NORTH DAKOTA, AS GROUP OF PIPELINE PROTESTERS REMAIN AT CAMP Now the cleanup efforts begin. The camps span more than 1,000 acres, which had been, according to state officials, sensitive wildlife habitat. Now, because of an early thaw and thousands of water protectors it is a wet, muddy cesspool of human waste and hazardous fuels after protesters turned the native grassland into a dumping ground. According to the Col John Henderson of the US Army Corp of Engineers, crews have already removed some 250 truckloads of trash, but his agency plans to spend upwards to $1.2 million of taxpayer money to rehabilitate the area. "To ensure that none of this garbage and waste and debris and structures and vehicles ended up in the reservoir. That would be an absolute environmental catastrophe, Henderson said. Most of the protesters who spoke to Fox News said fighting the pipeline was a life-changing experience. They didnt want the moment to end. PIPELINE PROTESTERS SET FIRES AHEAD OF CAMP CLOSING "I went home for a little bit but I came right back because I missed all of the people here. I missed the feeling. said protestor Clarence Rowland, bundled up in a red sweater and purple hat as he walked around the few remaining tents in one of protestor camps. Fellow protestor Genevieve Hock said she learned so much by being part of the demonstrations. "We don't have to all have our own houses and cars Hock said. We can work together and share resources and honestly live better and work less." Includes reporting by The Associated Press. A Maryland police officer who was the first to respond to a gas explosion and fire that killed seven people and injured dozens of others at an apartment complex last year has received his department's highest honor. Montgomery County Officer Jeff Hughes received the department's Medal of Valor Wednesday for his bravery. Hughes was working off duty for the Flower Branch apartments in Silver Spring the night of Aug. 10 when the explosion occurred. Hughes ran to help a family out of the rubble and then went to adjacent buildings to pull fire alarms and get more than 100 people out. Searchers eventually recovered seven bodies from the rubble left behind by the explosion, which was caused by a natural gas leak and shook homes more than a mile away. CPAC The Conservative Political Action Conference is being held Wednesday through Saturday outside Washington. For the last eight years, conservatives used their signature annual gathering to blast the Obama administration. Now, the GOP is in charge -- and this weeks Conservative Political Action Conference is the movements first big chance since President Trumps victory to hone their agenda. READ: Here's the List of Speakers, Events at CPAC 2017 COMING UP TODAY ON FNC 9:10 am ET: Kellyanne Conway, interviewed by Mercedes Schlapp at CPAC 1: 05 pm ET: A Conversation with Reince Priebus and Steve Bannon at CPAC 7:30 pm ET: VP Pence delivers remarks at CPAC. Watch live on FoxNews.com CONWAY: I HAVENT BEEN SIDELINED Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway has been one of the most visible people from President Trump's inner circle, so when she went a few days without being heard from, there was speculation that the White House sidelined her from making TV appearances. She appeared on 'Hannity' Wednesday night to set the record straight. KELLYANNE CONWAY TELLS 'HANNITY' THAT TRUMP IS HIS OWN BEST MESSENGER 'TUCKER CARLSON TONIGHT' DEM (AND EX-CIA): SPY PLOT AGAINST TRUMP IS OUT OF CONTROL ISIS ON THE RUN Iraqi special forces on Thursday seized a key runway at the Mosul International Airport which was once in ISIS controland are pushing to into the adjacent airport building. The airport has been an ISIS stronghold and its loss would be a major setback for the militants. BACK FROM THE DEAD? A newly released poll shows that registered voters in the U.S. are divided down the middle on their feelings towards ObamaCare. According to the Politico/Morning Consult poll, prior to President Trump taking office, a majority of those polled had an unfavorable opinion on the health law. WINNING TICKET SOLD Powerball announced early Thursday that a $435M winning ticket was sold in Indiana. The numbers are 10-13-28-52-61 and Powerball 2. LAPD POLICE OFFICER IN TROUBLE Protests erupted in Southern California Wednesday night after a video surfaced online that appearing to show an off-duty LAPD police officer firing his gun during a scuffle with a group of teens. The police officer claimed that one of the teens threatened him. The teens mother denied the charge. Kick off the Sunday shoes: Dancing in public is now legal throughout Henryetta. City leaders voted Tuesday to abolish an ordinance on dancing, the Tulsa World reported. The dance ordinance, with a penalty of $25, prohibited dance halls within 500 feet of a church or public school. In February, resident Joni Insabella decided to host a dance above her store, which is within 500 feet of a church. The city's Chamber of Commerce posted about the event and called Insabella a rule breaker on Facebook and accused her of getting special treatment, because of her husband, who's the city's attorney. WOMAN SAYS BILLBOARD'S MESSAGE SLAMS GENDER EQUALITY "We wanted just a good, clean, fun event. As I said, we know we're in the Bible Belt. We weren't having alcohol or anything. We just wanted it to be fun for the community," Insabella said. After the event was canceled, Mayor Jennifer Clason decided to look over the ordinance. Clason, the city's first female mayor, said when the dance ban resurfaced it received national attention for its similarity to the 1980s film "Footloose," which tells the story of a small town banning dancing and rock music. She said prior to the cancelled event, she'd never heard of the ordinance preventing dancing. Previously, dances were held at the city's churches and schools without repercussions, said Clason. A Dallas teacher was arrested after he reportedly threatened to kill the staff if he didnt get a raise, police said. Omar Alanis, 29, was a world history teacher at Seagoville High School and reportedly used his school email account to message the principal and other administrators that they should pay him and another teacher the Master Teacher Salary and back-pay them from August of last year, Fox 4 News reported. He told them that they should make sure they were paid unless they dont want to burn alive. POLICE FORCED TO END 'HIGH FIVE FRIDAY' AT CHILDREN'S SCHOOL Police documents show Alanis has been employed with the school district since August. Police said Alanis sent a second email adding that those who dont comply with his demands would be put down immediately by Dallas PD. He attached an image of officers with weapons. According to Fox 4 News, Alanis went missing for a week after the threats came to light, but returned a week later. He spoke to police on Saturday and admitted several times to sending the threatening emails. Alanis told police that he was standing up to the administration to bring change in regards to pay. UTAH TEENS ACCUSED OF ROBBING, SHOOTING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL ORDERED HELD IN CUSTODY Alanis was charged with making terroristic threats and has been put on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. He was released from jail after posting a $1,500 bond, Fox 4 News reported. His family said he is receiving mental help and that he wasnt in his right mind when he sent those emails. You know, theres a back story to that, Arlene Alanis told Fox 4 News. As far as were concerned, hes not mentally stable at this point. He had some sort of mental breakdown. She added: He was very unlike himself when I saw him. I was just like thats not my brother. Were getting our brother the help he needs. Hes not a terrorist. Theres no need for anyone to be afraid of him. Click here for more news from Fox 4. Edward Nalbandians Lie about Armenias Membership in the Customs Union (video) Here is another publication by Sut.am website, which deals with prevention of misinformation In his interview to German Deutsche Welle agency, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian has addressed Armenias decision to join the Customs Union (and later the Eurasian Economic Union) in 2013. This decision caused failure of the Association Agreement with the EU. Answering to the comment by Deutsche Welle, according to which the failure of signing the agreement coincided with Armenian Presidents visit to Russia, the Foreign Minister noted that it is not quite true. We are currently conducting talks and are actually in the final stage of (negotiations over) the association cooperation with the EU. At the same time, we have always stated that Armenia would like to be in the Customs Union According to the minister, Armenias membership in the Customs Union and in the Eurasian Economic Union was not possible because of not having a common border. However, according to him, the issue was solved with the help of experts. Nevertheless, Edward Nalbalndians statement is a clear distortion of reality and facts. Thus, in March 18, 2013, RA President Serzh Sargsyan noted that The Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area Agreement is almost complete, and God help us to finish and sign it this year. Then, Sargsyan added, Head of the Eurasian Economic Commission Board is coming to Armenia, and, most probably, the Armenian Government will sign a memorandum of cooperation with the board of the Eurasian Economic Commission. In fact, in March 2013, Serzh Sargsyan indicated that at that moment Armenia had only one desire, namely association with the EU. In terms of the EAEU, only memorandum of cooperation was mentioned. At the end of August, 2013, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh Kocharyan gave an interview to Armnews, during which he brought a number of arguments about the undesirability of Armenias membership in the Customs Union. He also clearly indicated in his interview that Armenia realizes that in case of membership in the Customs Union, it will not be able to join any other free trade area. He added that association with the European Union is a more appealing option for Armenia in terms of attracting investments. The Deputy Minister even stated that When you join the Customs Union, you are no longer sovereign. The aforementioned statements of Serzh Sargsyan and Shavarsh Kocharyan clearly show that before September 2013, official Yerevan did not have any intention to join the Customs Union. Hence, Edward Nalbandyans statement does not reflect the reality, to say the least. A man has been charged with murdering a south Georgia teacher and beauty queen who disappeared more than 11 years ago, authorities said Thursday. Ryan Alexander Duke has been arrested in connection with the death of Tara Grinstead, Georgia Bureau of Investigation spokesman J.T. Ricketson said. Authorities said Duke was arrested Wednesday evening after a tipster came forward with new information this week. "This gentleman (Duke) never came up on our radar through the investigation," Ricketson said. Asked if more arrests were possible, he said, "That's a very good question. Again, we have several more interviews to do." Grinstead was 30 years old when she vanished on Oct. 22, 2005 from her home in the farm town of Ocilla, about 165 miles south of Atlanta. Her house was found locked, with her cellphone inside. Her dog and cat were home and her car sat parked in the driveway. But Grinstead's purse and keys were gone. A latex glove the type worn by police officers and medical workers was found in her front yard. Grinstead was reported missing two days later when she failed to show up for work at Irwin County High School, where she taught history. Investigators said Duke had attended the high school and graduated in 2002, three years before Grinstead's disappearance. Ricketson declined to say how Grinstead and Duke knew each other and would not say if authorities know what became of Grinstead's body. Connie Grinstead, the missing woman's stepmother, told reporters she thanked God "for answered prayers." "We always believed that it would be solved," she said, reading a statement at the courthouse news conference. "We just did not know when." Grinstead competed in several Miss Georgia pageants and was crowned Miss Tifton in 1999. She had spent the day of her disappearance spent the day helping contestants in a Miss Sweet Potato pageant in nearby Fitzgerald and then attended a cookout with friends in Ocilla. After she vanished, volunteers searched the area and set up a Tara Command Center with a telephone tip line and a website, http://www.findtara.com. Rewards of $100,000 were offered for Grinstead's safe return or for information leading to an arrest and conviction if she was harmed. Family members appeared on nationally televised crime shows to plead for information. Still, the case stumped investigators for more than a decade as years passed with no sign of Grinstead's whereabouts and no arrests. A probate judge in Grinstead's home county declared her dead at her father's request in 2010, more than five years after she vanished. Police chased numerous leads that went nowhere. A Georgia man posted a YouTube video in 2009 claiming to have killed 16 people, including a "beauty queen" whose description matched Grinstead's. But the video turned out to be a hoax. The Irwin County sheriff in 2011 searched the area of a bridge crossing a creek after receiving a tip, but found nothing. In 2015, investigators acting on another tip drained a pond in Ben Hill County but later said they found nothing useful to the case. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation launched an investigation with help from the local police and sheriff's departments. The GBI interviewed an ex-boyfriend who had dated Grinstead for six years, as well as other male friends she had, but no one was charged. "So many people have been hurt by this," Grinstead's stepmother said. "We hope with time this community can have closure and start to heal from this." The Associated Press contributed to this report. A Texas teen admitted to fatally shooting a bald eagle Tuesday that was known for years in the Houston neighborhood. The 17-year-old reportedly admitted to police that he shot the bird with a high-powered pellet rifle. The Dallas Morning News reported that the bird did not die after the first shot, and required several additional pellets. The suspect and three men reportedly walked up to the carcass and plucked a feather out before leaving in a white van. I watched the eagle for over five years and thought it was my responsibility to just stand guard over the eagle, where no none would take it away or (have any) disregard of it, Dale Jozwiak told the paper. FoxNews.com did not identify the teen because he is considered a minor. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department charged him with a class A misdemeanor for hunting without a landowners consent, the report said. Bosnia has asked the United Nation's top court to reconsider its 2007 ruling that cleared Serbia of genocide during the 1992-95 Bosnian war. Bakir Izetbegovic, the Muslim Bosniak member of Bosnia's tripartite presidency, said a request to appeal the ruling was filed Thursday to the International Court of Justice. The submission came despite opposition by Bosnian Serb presidency member Mladen Ivanic, who argued that it should be dismissed as illegitimate because he did not consent to it. Bosnia initially sued neighboring Serbia before the international court in 1993 over its backing for the Bosnian Serbs' war effort. The UN court ruled in 2007 that a 1995 massacre in the Bosnian city of Srebrenica of 8,000 Muslims by Bosnian Serbs was genocide, but that Serbia was not responsible for the killings. Iraqi federal police forces backed by U.S. air support entered Mosul International Airport and took control of the runway from the Islamic State, an official said Thursday. Thursdays advance is part of a major assault that started five days ago to drive ISIS militants from the western half of Mosul, Iraqs second-largest city. Two police officers said the airport buildings were under fire from Iraqi forces. They would not provide more information but said the U.S.-led coalition is with the advancing forces. Reuters reported Monday that Iraqi forces were closing in on the airport after pushing ISIS fighters back at a nearby hill. The troops were working on regaining the west side of the city and overtaking the airport completely would be a major blow to militants. Mosul fell to ISIS in the summer of 2014, along with large swaths of northern and western Iraq. ISIS is estimated to have between 1,000 and 3,000 fighters in Mosul, Col. John Dorrian, the Baghdad-based spokesman told Pentagon reporters Wednesday. Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, a top U.S. commander in Iraq, said Monday the Iraqi forces are an "increasingly capable, formidable and professional force." "Mosul would be a tough fight for any army in the world, and the Iraqi forces have risen to the challenge," he said in a statement. Ground units pushed into a belt of villages outside the country's second-largest city Sunday and plumes of smoke rose into the sky early in the morning as U.S.-led coalition jets struck militant positions southwest of Mosul and militarized Iraqi police fired artillery. US TROOPS HAVE COME UNDER FIRE IN AN AROUND MOSUL, OFFICIAL SAYS The United Nations warned that hundreds of thousands of civilians trapped inside their homes in Mosul "are at extreme risk," with dwindling fuel, food and water and scarce electricity. Iraq declared eastern Mosul "fully liberated" last month after three months of fierce fighting, but the militants have continued to stage attacks there, including two suicide bombings against government forces on Sunday. The battle for western Mosul promises to be even more daunting, as the half of the city west of the Tigris River has older, narrower streets and is still heavily populated. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of the latest operation on state TV. He said government forces were moving to "liberate the people of Mosul from [ISIS] oppression and terrorism forever." Police units quickly entered the village of Athba, about 3 miles southwest of Mosul's international airport, encountering only light resistance. Separately, the Iraqi Army's 9th Division moved into the village of Bakhira, also southwest of the city, the Ministry of Defense said. Citing witnesses in western Mosul, the United Nations said nearly half of all food shops were closed and bakeries had shut down for lack of fuel and an inability to purchase costly flour. Prices of kerosene and cooking gas have skyrocketed, and many of the most destitute families are burning wood, furniture, plastic or garbage for cooking and heating. US TOOPS IN IRAQ OPERATING CLOSER TO FRONT LINES "The situation is distressing. People, right now, are in trouble," Lise Grande, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Iraq, said in a statement. "We are hearing reports of parents struggling to feed their children and to heat their homes." Peter Hawkins, of the U.N. agency for children, said: "Three out of five people now depend on untreated water from wells for cooking and drinking as water systems and treatment plants have been damaged by fighting or run out of chlorine." The humanitarian agencies were gearing up to aid 250,000 to 400,000 civilians who may flee because of the fighting, the statement said. The U.N. estimates 750,000 civilians may be left in western Mosul. Iraqi special operations forces, regular army and federal police units are taking part in the offensive along with government-approved paramilitary forces, mainly consisting of Shiite militias, which are operating on the city's outskirts. Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson and the Associated Press contributed to this report. A blast in Pakistan left six people dead Thursday, Reuters reported, citing a local television station. Its unclear what caused the first explosion. But Reuters reported, citing a Pakistan official, the second explosion was caused by a tire blowout and not a bomb. The first explosion occurred at an upscale restaurant in Lahore, Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said. He said the blast wounded at least 15 people. Pakistan has been on edge over latest in a string of brazen suicide bombings and other attacks over the past two weeks that have killed more than 125 people. The attacks have been claimed by an array of militant groups, including the Islamic State group and a splinter Taliban faction, and have prompted a countrywide crackdown on militants. In just one bombing, which was claimed by the Islamic State and which targeted a revered Sufi shrine packed with Shiite worshippers, at least 90 people were killed. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Now this is what you call workplace innovation. A Swedish politician is pushing to give employees an hour-long paid break to go home and have sex. Per Erik Muskos, a member of the Swedish Social Democrat party, made the proposal during a council meeting in the northern city of Overtornea. Mr Muskos said hes backing the measure because he believes midweek sex breaks will improve wellness and boost childbirth in the northern region he represents. Childbirth should be encouraged, he told the Stockholm-based newspaper Aftonbladet. When sex is also an excellent form of exercise with documented positive effects on wellbeing, the municipality should kill two birds with one stone and encourage employees to use their fitness hour to go home and have sex with their partner. He said everyday stresses in life can put a strain on relationships, arguing Swedish couples dont get enough quality together, which makes it difficult for them to express their love. I believe that sex is a scarce commodity in many long relationships. Everyday life is stressful and the children are at home. This could be an opportunity to have their own time. CLICK TO READ MORE FROM NEWS.COM.AU In the nearly eight months hes been held in a bleak intelligence facility in Caracas, Joshua Holt has not been able to argue his case before a judge. He has been in court just once, on July 4, 2016, when the 24-year-old Mormon from Utah was charged with illegal possession of weapons. Amid Venezuelas deep political turbulence - and increasing tensions with the U.S. - his lawyer said she is taking the case to foreign courts. We have asked support to the Venezuelan Penal Forum to denounce [Holts case] internationally, said lawyer Jeannette Prieto. MOTHER ASKS TRUMP TO HELP FREE SON JAILED IN VENEZUELA Holt was arrested on June 30 alongside his Venezuelan wife, who is also incarcerated without trial. His hearing has been delayed five times, [the intelligence agency] Sebin has denied his wifes relatives their visiting rights. I have more than three weeks without seeing him, Prieto told Fox News. They let me in whenever they want, sometimes they make me wait for hours at the buildings entrance just to tell me that I am not allowed to see him, she said. Prieto has enlisted the help of the Venezuelan Penal Forum, a non-governmental organization, to bring the case before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). She said she will also report it to the UNs Human Rights High Commissioner and the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. COURT HEARING FOR U.S. MAN HELD IN VENEZUELA POSTPONED YET AGAIN Holt traveled to Venezuela in early 2016 to marry a woman he met online while looking for Spanish-speaking Mormons to help him improve his Spanish. Venezuelan officials allege he was using his wife's apartment to stockpile weapons and have suggested his case is linked to other unspecified attempts by the U.S. government to undermine President Nicolas Maduro's socialist rule. Holt is being held in a prison run by Venezuela's intelligence police, which also holds a number of activists that the opposition considers political prisoners. Prieto said Holt is currently experiencing a dental issue and is being denied treatment. Since his arrest he has suffered from a host of ailments, including kidney stones and hemorrhoids. According to Prieto, court officials tell her the hearings have been delayed because the judge in the case, Elena Cassiani, was reassigned and no replacement has yet been appointed. STUDY: VENEZUELANS LOST 19 LBS. ON AVERAGE OVER PAST YEAR DUE TO LACK OF FOOD When the hearing does take place, a judge will rule whether the charges can be fully dropped or if the case merits to a trial. He could also be released pending trial, Prieto said. "He is a political hostage, said Alfredo Romero, director of the Venezuelan Penal Forum. Not only because of the arbitrary detention and human rights violations, but because the government uses his case for political purposes, accuses him of being some kind of spy," he said. Togo's Names Glenn Lunde Chief Concept Officer Seasoned Restaurant And Retail Executive To Lead Marketing, Brand Strategy, And Concept Development At Togo's SAN JOSE, Calif. - Feb. 22, 2017 // PRNewswire // - Togo's Eateries, LLC, the "West Coast Original" known for its big, fresh and meaty sandwiches, has named Glenn Lunde Chief Concept Officer (CCO). Lunde joins Togo's with more than 25 years of experience in the restaurant and retail business. He will lead marketing, brand strategy, and concept development for Togo's. "Glenn has a proven track record of building national franchises into sustainable, profitable operators that achieve long-term success. He will be a valuable leader for our brand repositioning and concept development efforts," said Tony Gioia, CEO at Togo's. "I envision Glenn's role expanding over time, and it is my pleasure to welcome Glenn to the Togo's family." A C-level marketing executive for the past 15 years, Lunde has led restaurant and retail franchises through turnaround situations, market expansions, and profitable growth. Before joining Togo's, Lunde served as CMO at Grocery Outlet, a $1.8 billion grocery retailer with over 270 locations, each run by an independent owner-operator. Prior to that, he was CCO at Einstein Noah's Restaurant Group, a 900-unit company where he led menu architecture, culinary innovation, store design, and marketing efforts. Earlier in his career, Lunde served as CMO of Panda Restaurant Group for more than seven years. His leadership in brand, menu, and concept innovation development helped grow the restaurant chain from 779 units to over 1,500 units, yielding nearly $2.0 billion in annual sales. He also served as CMO of Round Table Pizza and VP of Marketing at Taco Bell. He worked on numerous projects that continue to be a foundation of those businesses today. "As a Bay Area native, I've been a huge Togo's fan for decades, and I believe the brand has a ton of untapped potential," said Lunde. "I am excited to work with the Togo's corporate team and franchisees on identifying, testing, and pursuing new opportunities to grow our business and thrill customers." About Togo's Eateries, LLC Togo's was founded in 1971 by a young college student with a large appetite and little money looking to make sandwiches the way he liked them big, fresh and meaty. Keeping in the spirit of the original, Togo's products are still made with only the highest quality ingredients; including fresh-baked Artisan breads, hand sliced premium pastrami, turkey and roast beef, as well as Hass avocados and cheeses. Togo's proprietary brand of old-fashioned Pastrami, 98 percent fat-free slow-roasted turkey, and Togo's all natural chicken set the brand apart from other sandwich shops. With more than 300 locations open and under development throughout the West, Togo's is a franchise-based business that offers online ordering and catering services. For more information, call 877.718.6467 or visit www.togosfranchise.com. For general information on Togo's Eateries, LLC., please visit www.togos.com. SOURCE Togos Eateries, LLC ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus 2017 Successful Hands Grant Program To Award Over $15,000 In Grants And Product Prizes To Massage Therapy Students February 23, 2017 // Franchising.com // The Successful Hands Grant Program supports massage therapy students and their schools. In 2017, program sponsors Biofreeze, Massage Envy and Bon Vital will award eight $1,000 grants to massage therapy students. In addition, each winners school will receive a $500 grant and a $500 product package. Since its inception in 2014, this grant program has awarded over to $40,000 to students and their schools. Massage Envy franchised locations are collectively the largest employer of massage therapists and estheticians and partner with accredited schools to nurture and grow the next generation of therapeutic service providers, said Jen Bonfilio, Divisional Vice President, Employee Brand at Massage Envy. Thats why we are excited to sponsor this grant program and to support the passionate community of professional therapists who bring wellness to millions of people. The grant application process requires students to complete an essay of 200 words on What being a successful massage therapist mean to me. Applications must be received by October 15, 2017 and are accepted online at www.SuccessfulHandsGrants.com. Winners will be notified no later than December 1, 2017. I believe this program continues to be successful because of the wonderful support it receives from so many in our profession, starting with the highly respected individuals serving on the selection committee, added Lynda Solien-Wolfe, Vice President Massage and Spa, Performance Health. This years committee members are Julie Keller Callaghan, Editor-in-Chief/Publisher, American Spa Scott Dartnall, President and CEO, One Concept Mae Manacap-Johnson, Senior Editor, Pulse; International SPA Association Karen Menehan, Editor in Chief, MASSAGE Magazine Michelle Medaris, Associate Editor, Massage Today Leslie Young, ABMP, Vice President Communication We are truly grateful for their work on the committee. Last year, we received over 750 applications. And although choosing just eight winners is a challenge, Ive been told its an uplifting experience to read what these students are doing to make our world a better place. We encourage all massage therapy students to participate in this program and wish them all the best of luck, concluded Ms. Solien-Wolfe. Communication materials to aid schools in sharing this program with their students are also available at www.SuccessfulHandsGrants.com. Like us on Facebook www.Facebook.com/SuccessfulHandsGrants About Massage Envy Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national franchisor, and through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of therapeutic massage and skincare services. With its membership model, Massage Envy believes total body care is an integral part of everyones well-being journey. The Massage Envy franchise system is, collectively, the largest employer of massage therapists and estheticians with more than 25,000 dedicated professionals that provide best-in-class service to over 1.65 million members. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has more than 1,150 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 100 million massages and facials. The company was recently ranked No. 1 Best Franchise with an initial investment of $500,001 and up by Forbes. For more information, visit www.MassageEnvy.com, or follow us on Twitter @MassageEnvy and Facebook www.facebook.com/MassageEnvy. About Performance Health Performance Health is a global health, wellness and self-care company. The Performance Health brands include Biofreeze, TheraBand, Cramer, Bon Vital', Perform, and TheraPearl. Biofreeze Pain Reliever is the #1 clinically recommended topical analgesic. Millions of users rely on Biofreeze to relieve back, neck, shoulder, joint and arthritis pain. No other topical analgesic is backed by as much supporting research in todays marketplace for cold therapy pain relief. Bon Vital is dedicated to delivering the highest quality massage therapy and body care products to massage and spa professionals and their clients. SOURCE Massage Envy ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus 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 Google Ad 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 Snack Franchise Kono USA Closes Six Multi-Unit Deals for 24 New Locations Strong First Quarter Brings Footprint to 80-plus Mobile Carts, Kiosks Open or in Development MANALAPAN, N.J. - February 23, 2017 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Snack options in malls and local events are poised to take an unconventional spin with the rapid expansion of Kono USAs The Original Kono Pizza and Kono To-Go - Fresh Eats, Treats & Sweets franchise brands. In the past two months, the franchisor has signed six multi-unit franchise deals with different entrepreneurial teams across the United States. All told, the multi-unit agreements call for 24 new units, bringing the brands total footprint to 80-plus mobile carts and mall kiosks open or in development nationwide. Details include: Arizona - seven units throughout the Phoenix-Tempe area with franchisee Pat Bhakta Texas - four units in the Corpus Christi market with franchisee Veronica Altamirano Virginia - four units in the Washington, D.C. - Virginia area with franchisee Daniel Brunn Massachusetts - one unit in Boston with Guarang Patel and Bhaumik Shah California - four units in San Francisco area with Niloo Dehghanian, as well as four additional units in San Francisco with franchisee Arshdeep Dhillon A majority of these new units are expected to open by the end of the year. The Kono To-Go model is perfectly suited for high traffic venues, bringing its innovative menu offerings directly to consumers in shopping malls, airports, festivals, sporting events and more. With increased attention from franchise prospects and venues alike, the company expects to sign 50-75 additional franchise agreements this year in both existing, emerging and new markets nationwide. Kono USA Co-Founder Carlo Ruggiero, said, Our Kono franchises are rapidly expanding and leaders in the snack space are taking notice. Were seeing an influx of inquiries from franchise investors of all types and regions of the U.S. who are looking to join our emerging brand, snag their market before its sold out and grow with us. Its Kono time! The growing franchise has popularized a new snacking experience with customizable pizza and dessert options, all served in freshly-baked dough cones. Each snack cone is filled with high-quality ingredients inspired by original Italian recipes and baked in just three minutes in the brands proprietary oven. Consumers are more often looking for unique snack options they cant make at home or easily find in a grocery store. Thats why our concept has taken off and is doing well in existing markets, added Kono USA Co-Founder David Ragosa. Kono menu options provide portability, customization, quick convenience and of course plenty of satisfying choices. About Kono USA In 2013, entrepreneurs David Ragosa and Carlo Ruggiero introduced the already popular European pizza-in-a-cone concept to America by establishing Kono USA and offering The Original Kono Pizza franchise opportunity. In 2015, the company expanded its portfolio to include Kono To-Go, reflecting diverse and portable product offerings of treats, eats and sweets in addition to pizza cones. All products are filled with fresh, quality ingredients inspired by original Italian recipes and baked in just three minutes in a proprietary oven. There are currently more than 80 The Original Kono Pizza or Kono To-Go locations operating or in various stages of development across the United States. For more information about The Original Kono Pizza or Kono To-Go franchises, visit franchise.konousa.com or call (855) 566-6872. To learn more about The Original Kono Pizza and Kono To-Go, visit http://franchise.konousa.com/. Contact: Angelic Venegas Fishman Public Relations (847) 945-1300 ext. 230 avenegas@fishmanpr.com SOURCE Kono USA ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus New U.K. Treasury chief Jeremy Hunt has reversed most of an economic package announced by the government just weeks ago, including a planned cut in income taxes. Hunt said Monday he was scrapping almost all the tax cuts announced last month by the Conservative government of Prime Minister Liz Truss, and also signaled that public spending cuts are on the way. It was a bid to soothe turbulent financial markets spooked by fears of excessive government borrowing. The move raises questions about how long the beleaguered prime minister can stay in office, though Truss insisted she has no plans to quit. She vowed to lead the Conservatives into the next general election, but many in the party want her gone. 5th WALL THEATRE Gottwald Playhouse, 600 E. Grace St., Richmond. 804/359-2003; 5thwalltheatre.org The Pumpkin Pie Show: 20th Year Anniversary, by Clay McLeod Chapman. Feb. 23 -24. $20. ARENA STAGE 1101 Sixth St. SW, Washington. 202/488-3300; arenastage.org Watch on the Rhine stars Marsha Mason in a suspenseful drama, set in Washington, D.C., on the brink of U.S. involvement in World War II. Fichlander Stage. Through March 5. $40-$90. CREATIVE CAULDRON ArtSpace Falls Church, 410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church. 703/436-9948; creativecauldron.org Blues in the Night, a Tony-nominated musical featuring 26 classic songs. Through March 5. $20-$30. FOLGER THEATRE 201 E. Capitol St. SE, Washington, D.C. 202/544-7077; folger.edu/theatre As You Like It, Shakespeares comedy about love, laughter and mistaken identity. Through March 5. $35-$75. FORDS THEATRE 511 10th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202/347-4833; fords.org "Ragtime," based on E.L. Doctorows novel, confronts both the unbridled optimism and the stark reality of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. March 10 to May 20. $20-$73. KENNEDY CENTER 2700 F St. NW, Washington. 800/ 444-1324; kennedy-center.org Jason and Theaster Gates: Looks of a Lot, featuring Jason Moran and American Social Practice installation artist, Theaster Gates. Eisenhower Theater. Feb. 24. $25 and up. Washington National Opera: Dead Man Walking, based on Sister Helen Prejeans real-life memoirs, which also inspired the 1995 film. Feb. 25 to March 11. $45-$300. Shear Madness, a whodunit comedy set in Georgetown. $50 and up. LOW PLAYERS LOW Community Center, 110 Sweetbriar Park Road, Locust Grove. 540/972-6385; lowplayers.org "Always Patsy Cline" chronicles the friendship between Patsy Cline and a fan, Louise Seger from Houston, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk bar in 1960. March 10, 11, 18 at 7:30 p.m. and March 12 and March 19 at 2 p.m. $29 adults, $25 students. RICHMOND TRIANGLE PLAYERS 1300 Altamont Ave., Richmond. 804/346-8113; rtriangle.org Choir Boy is a coming-of-age tale about a young man who wants to lead his prep schools gospel choir. Through March 18. RIVERSIDE DINNER THEATER Off U.S. 17 in Falmouth. 540/370-4300; riversidedt.com Million Dollar Quartet follows the 1956 recording session with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis. Through March 5. $45$69. SHAKESPEARE THEATRE COMPANY Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202/547-1122; shakespearetheatre.org King Charles III, a modern history play about Prince Charles accession to the throne following the death of his mother. In association with Seattle Repertory Theatre and San Franciscos American Conservatory Theater. Through March 12. SIGNATURE THEATRE 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. 703/820-9771; signature-theatre.org Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing, starring Emmy and Tony winner Debra Monk, is based on the real-life story of Elva Miller. Feb. 28 to March 26. MAX Theatre. "Midwestern Gothic" tells the story of a small town and a young girl whose wild and twisted imagination drives her to create more and more bizarre diversions. March 14 to April 30. ARK Theatre. STAGE DOOR PRODUCTIONS Kitt Creative Studios, 810 Caroline St., third floor. stagedoorproductions.org "Lend Me a Tenor" is a comedy by Ken Ludwig. PG-13 for mature themes. Feb. 24-26 and March 3-4. $10-$15. UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON Dupont Hall, Klein Theatre, 1301 College Ave. Fredericksburg. fredtix.com Steel Magnolias is a heartfelt comedy about a tight-knit group of ladies who frequent a beauty shop in a small Louisiana town. Through Feb. 26. Sign-interpreted performance on Feb. 25. VIRGINIA REPERTORY THEATRE Hanover Tavern, 13181 Hanover Courthouse Road, Hanover. 804/282-2620; va-rep.org "Dancing Lessons," about an awkward professor with Aspergers Syndrome who seeks lessons from his neighbor, an out-of-commission Broadway dancer. Feb. 24 to March 26. $28-$38. Theater Gym, 114 W. Broad St., Richmond. 804/282-2620; va-rep.org Violet tells the story of a young facially scarred womans quest for beauty amidst the image-obsessed landscape of the 1960s. Through March 11. Recommended for ages 13 and up. Contains adult language. $20-$35. Compiled by Gail Choochan An attempted theft in 2014 from the Toys R Us in Fredericksburgs Central Park came back to bite a Philadelphia woman with a history of stealing from stores. Naiesha JanetMar Reddy, 29, already had numerous theft and assault convictions from Pennsylvania on her record before pleading guilty in December to three charges in the local Toys R Us case. Three other charges were dropped. Fredericksburg Circuit Judge Gordon Willis on Thursday ordered Reddy to serve five years for the attempted Toys R Us theft, twice as much prison time as she got for the Pennsylvania convictions. Reddys total sentence amounted to 23 years, with the judge suspending 18 years. According to evidence, Reddy and others traveled from Pennsylvania to the Central Park store on Nov. 26, 2014. Reddy was caught and did not make off with anything, but others involved apparently did. No details about those individuals were offered in court. Reddy was charged by Fredericksburg police in July while still serving time on the Pennsylvania convictions. Thursday in court, prosecutor David Sands said Reddy and others like her are professional thieves who feed off of companies like parasites. He described how Reddy owns a house in Philadelphia in which stolen items were stored. This was a business, Sands said. He noted Reddys previous convictions in Pennsylvania. She has five retail theft convictions and two others for assault, all of which happened between 2006 and 2012, according to court records. She was sentenced to a total of just more than two years and five months on those charges. Reddy is still serving prison time for those convictions. Defense attorney Alan Polsky said Reddy was a good person when she wasnt committing thefts. He also said she was not involved in any theft-ring conspiracy. Polsky pointed out that Reddy accepted responsibility for the crime and that she also was shot by a co-defendant, apparently for cooperating with police. The shooting changed her outlook on life, he said. Reddy also spoke before sentencing. Im not the person he says I am, she said of the prosecutor. She added that she did go to the Toys R Us to steal but it was only those who came with her who stole from the store. The Great Recession is over and Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins wants his his budget to return to what it was before the hard times hit. We had six positions frozen in 2009 and we would like some of those to be released, Jenkins told the Board of Supervisors during a fiscal 2018 budget work session Thursday. In particular, the sheriff is asking for two additional patrol officers, a new drug detective and another school resource officer. Right now, both county high schools, both middle schools and Emerald Hill Elementary School (because of its distance from town) have resource officers, but other schools share them. I would like to see a resource officer on every campus, Jenkins said. Pearl Sample and A. G. Richardson elementary schools sit side-by-side. The sheriff is also asking the supervisors for $255,000 to lease 18 new patrol cars for a three-year period. That would be more economical than buying 12 vehicles (the number needed annually to maintain his fleet) per year, Jenkins said. Under the proposed budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1, the Sheriffs Office would get its extra resource officer and $200,000 for vehicles. Culpeper County Fire and Rescue Association President Anthony Clatterbuck asked the Board of Supervisors to fund both a full-time training coordinator and a full-time administrative/public relations employee. He said the part-time training coordinator is now being asked to do some administrative work, despite the fact that there are training sessions almost every night and on weekends. Clatterbuck also asked that any county fire and rescue operating funds that are left over at the end of the year be returned to the association to help with capital needs. This is what happens with unused school operating funds, Clatterbuck said. Supervisor Steve Walker liked the idea, calling it an incentive not to overspend. Commonwealths Attorney Paul Walther asked for an additional person to help deal with viewing video from the body cameras now worn by town police officers. While the supervisors have a handle on all these requests, what to do about the countys proposed pre-trial program has them stymied. This fiscal year, Culpeper applied for a state grant to implement the program, which judges support and which would help alleviate jail overcrowding. Initially the county was told the money was coming, but then funds for the program were cut from the state budget. Now, according to Criminal Justice Services Director Anthony Lawson, that money is again out of the proposed state budget. Whats more, Lawson said he was told by officials in Richmond that if Culpeper went ahead and implemented the program on its own, the county would never be eligible to participate in any state money pool that becomes available. Were in a Catch-22, Lawson said. It isnt fair for the state to punish us for being proactive. Supervisor Sue Hansohn suggested that Culpeper go ahead and fund the $360,000-a-year program, but could get no support from her peers. Instead, the supervisors decided to write to Gov. Terry McAuliffe asking that the funds be returned to the state budget and for assurance that Culpeper will be eligible for future funding even if the county starts the program on its own. For the past three years, Culpeper has spent almost $1 million annually farming out inmates because of jail overcrowding. A pretrial services program would allow many low-risk, non-violent inmates who cant make bail to be released while awaiting trial. Lawson said it would take only about 30 such releases to make the program break even. The driver of a van that crashed this summer and left six passengers dead pleaded guilty to reckless driving and one count of involuntary manslaughter. Wenceslao Cruz-Marquez, a 51-year-old Chicago resident, had faced charges of reckless driving and six counts of involuntary manslaughter. He was sentenced to one year on the reckless driving conviction with all of the time suspended, according to Caroline County Circuit Court records. Cruz-Marquez was given a 10-year sentence on the manslaughter conviction with all but three years and four months suspended. The other manslaughter charges were dropped. Cruz-Marquez was driving a 1998 Dodge van carrying 15 passengers when it crashed on Interstate 95 near Ladysmith in Caroline County at about 12:30 a.m. on June 18, according to Virginia State Police. The group left from North Carolina and was headed to New Jersey. The van was headed north when it ran off the left side of the road and veered back across two travel lanes before ramming a 2016 Toyota Camry in the right lane. The Toyota spun out while the van continued off the road to the right. Cruz-Marquez overcorrected to the left and the van overturned five or six times, police said at the time. Six passengers in the vanfour men, one woman and a juvenile, ranging in age from 5 to 40were ejected and died at the scene, according to police. Cruz-Marquez and nine other passengers were taken to area hospitals for treatment. Only the front passenger seat and the drivers seat had working seat belts, and the 5-year-old victim was not strapped into a booster seat as required by state law, according to police. Police also said that driver fatigue was likely a factor in the crash. This article was updated to show that Cruz-Marquez also pleaded guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter. A Stafford County jury has recommended a 14-year prison sentence for a man who was part of a home-invasion robbery last year during which a woman and her 10-year-old son were tied up and robbed. Kenneth Edward Selvage, 25, of Richmond was convicted this week of nine offenses, including robbery, burglary, abduction by force and conspiracy. He will be formally sentenced on April 24 in Stafford Circuit Court. According to the evidence presented by prosecutor Ed Lustig, two men with guns and wearing masks kicked down the back door of Danielle Lucas home in the 1900 block of Sierra Drive early on the morning of Feb. 10, 2016. The intruders used zip ties to restrain her and her son while threatening and robbing them. Lucas said one of the robbers told her that if she didnt comply, Im going to kill you and I dont mind doing it. The robbers ransacked the home and took such things as a purse containing $1,400, hats and the childs Xbox. One of Selvages two co-defendants, Steven Randall Williams, later told police that he had purchased drugs from Lucas boyfriend, Bryan Butler, and figured there would be money in the house. Butler was in jail at the time of the robbery. Lucas admitted in testimony that she was assisting Butler in his drug business while he was locked up. Lucas didnt recognize Williams that morning because his face was covered. But police got a break in the case in late March when Williams girlfriend, Shyanne Rose Donahue, overdosed on heroin at Williams southern Stafford residence. While investigating the overdose, according to the evidence, authorities found items stolen in the Lucas robbery. Williams and Donahue admitted involvement in the robbery and implicated Selvage, the evidence states. Williams has already pleaded guilty to multiple charges for his role in the incident and will be sentenced April 28. Donahue has a trial set for April 25; she is accused of being the getaway driver. Following the 4 a.m. robbery, Lucas son managed to free himself and run to his nearby grandmothers home. Police were called, and the first responding deputy helped free Lucas from her restraints. Selvages attorney, Alex Raymond, put on no witnesses, but argued that the case could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in part because the co-defendants had incentive to lie. ITS A TYPICAL Thursday morning in Bees Stained Glass, where owner Virginia Stumpf is experimenting with creating hand-painted pieces of fused glass. Surrounded by tools ranging from saws to paint brushes, the artist examines an image of a crab she has painted on a colorful piece of glass thats headed back into the kiln. It is only one piece of artwork in a studio filled with more colored glass than 10 cathedrals. The Colonial Beach artist whos been melding art and glass since 1986 has already created a handful of products she hopes will be part of a new initiative getting started at three state parks in the Northern Neck. Those parksCaledon in King George County, Westmoreland in Westmoreland County and Belle Isle in Lancaster Countydecided that the items sold in their gift shops could use an infusion of local talent. As a result, the parks put out a call to artists in the area for pieces that capture the feel of the region. In a session in December and one coming up this Sunday, representatives of each park are viewing and judging artwork from artists interested in selling their wares in the parks. Decisions on what items will be sold at each park will be made soon, with items showing up for sale perhaps as early as this spring. In a call-for-artists letter, the parks noted that artwork for sale should be focused on Northern Neck flora and fauna, area history, local rivers, outdoor recreation, boating, conservation and local Native Americans. There was a special call for wine-inspired items for Caledon, which has a yearly art and wine festival. Suggested wares include jewelry, pottery, paintings, stained glass, carvings, sculptures, photography or any other creative medium. Parks officials said the effort is aimed at having more items for sale relevant to the experience visitors have enjoyed in the park and the region. They say its also an important way to support the local economy and local artists. The letter suggests items would be sold on consignment, 30 percent going to the park, 70 percent to the artist. The second of the two call-for-artists meetings is Sunday, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Murphy Hall in Westmoreland State Park. Park staffers will be on hand to view and judge artwork to see if it meets the parks criteria. Im getting this word out a little late, as artists who want to bring items to be judged Sunday must respond by the end of business today. They can do that by emailing Annette.Bareford@dcr.virginia.gov to RSVP for Sundays session. Stumpf, who showed several pieces at the earlier call-to-artists meeting, hopes to soon sell several of her items in some or all of the three parks. Her creations range from coasters to cheese trays to coral baskets, each displaying an array of beautiful colors in fused glass. She paints most of the pieces by hand with images of crabs, fish, oysters or some other objects that would feel right at home in the Chesapeake Bay region. Asked how a former orbital analyst at Dahlgren becomes an artist who works in stained glass, Stumpf explained that one simple stained glass class in the 1980s at the King George library put her on that path. Before she knew it, Stumpf said, she was teaching classes there herself. She turned out pieces in her basement until she and eventual business partner Ed Clair got help from several of her family members to build a studio by her home across from the Colonial Beach Dragway. Through the years, Bees Stained Glass gradually came to sell not only the glass pieces that she and Clair create, but also the glass, solder, paints and other supplies and equipment needed to do that work. They repair Tiffany-style lamps, do custom stained glass pieces, make trays and wine racks from melted bottles, create sun-catchers, manufacture unique stepping stones and occasionally include things like ships wheels and other wooden pieces in their art. Well try just about anything, said Stumpf, who enjoys having the word Bee and images of it on everything from her aprons to the mailbox out front. She notes that joining the Northern Neck Artisan Trail and connecting with customers and fellow stained glass artists online has helped increase her business for the studio thats generally open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information go to beesstainedglass.com. PM to his Georgian counterpart: We will try to find new ways of bolstering cooperation (video) The Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan-led government delegation arrived in Tbilisi for an official visit at the invitation of Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili. After the official welcoming ceremony, Karen Karapetyan and Giorgi Kvirikashvili held a face-to-face interview, during which they discussed issues on the agenda of the Armenian-Georgian relations and the prospects for development. The Premiers private talks were followed by an expanded meeting of the official delegations of the two countries. Greeting the Armenian partners, Giorgi Kvirikashvili said that the Armenian-Georgian relations are marked with positive trends and went on to note that reciprocated high-level visits may help promote multifaceted relations. We are ready to deepen regional cooperation, boost trade and use the existing potential," he said, adding that Georgia attaches great importance to the further deepening and development of cooperation with friendly Armenia. Thankful for the warm welcome, Karen Karapetyan pointed out that Armenia and Georgia have deep historical roots. We have entered a new stage of cooperation in bilateral relations. Armenian-Georgian cooperation continues to develop in an atmosphere of mutual trust, which is the key to strengthened relationship. Our delegation is ready to discuss topical issues of bilateral economic cooperation, both in terms of regional development, and we will try to find new ways of bolstering cooperation, the Head of the Armenian Government said. Pleased with the ongoing high-level political dialogue between the two countries, the Prime Ministers noted that economic exchanges fall behind the existing potential of cooperation, despite the recent increase in bilateral trade indicators. The interlocutors discussed a broad range of issues of interaction in trade, energy, transport, agriculture, tourism and culture. The parties expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation in the energy sector and stressed the need to further ties in the transport and communication sector. Karen Karapetyan and Giorgi Kvirikashvili expressed confidence that economic cooperation can promote the growth of bilateral trade. In this context, they stressed the importance of regional cooperation in the energy sector. The Prime Ministers highlighted the establishment of a free economic zone in Meghri, and the possibility of using it as a platform to increase access to the markets of third countries. Coming to cultural and historical ties, the interlocutors stressed the importance of preserving the wealth of cultural heritage. *** After the extended meeting, attended by the Prime Ministers of Armenia and Georgia, the sides signed a healthcare cooperation agreement between the RA Ministry of Healthcare and the Georgian Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Affairs. The RA Ministry of Agriculture-affiliated State Food Security Service and the National Food Agency of Georgia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation. King George County officials are getting serious about collecting personal property taxes from auto owners. Theyre considering an ordinance that would fine residents who dont register their vehicles within 30 days of moving to the county. The fine would be $250 per vehicle and could be assessed yearly until people register their passenger cars or pickups, mopeds or motorcycles with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. After auto owners register with the state, they have to pay personal property taxes on the vehicles to the locality in which they liveand thats what King George officials are after. Thats a lot of money were losing, Supervisor Jim Howard said in September, when the Board of Supervisors first discussed the penalty. King George Countys tax on personal property is $3.50 per $100 of assessed value. That means the taxes on a vehicle worth $15,000 would be $525. Commissioner of Revenue Judy Hart brought the issue before the board last fall, saying the one complaint she hears most often from the public is about people who live in the county and have out-of-state tags. Some have lived here for many years and still havent gotten proper license tags, Hart said. Others agreed, saying they heard the same complaints in the summer and fall of 2015 as they campaigned for office. Its clear, they said, that a number of people who live in King George still have Maryland tags. They just dont register properly, and thats unfair to those who do register and pay the fees, said Supervisor John Jenkins Jr. When Jenkins looked into the civil fee, which is allowed under the state code, he said Orange County was the only locality in the region which imposes the maximum fine of $250. Deborah Williams, commissioner of revenue in Spotsylvania County, said her office doesnt have an ordinance in place, but is looking into various ways to notify new residents who move into the county from other states. In most cases, she said, they wait to register with DMV when their current out-of-state tags are about to expire. In King George, Hart has worked with the Sheriffs Office to notify residents about their tax obligations. Shes gotten the best results from phone calls, saying, Theyll just ignore what I mail them. She asked the supervisors to pass along information about violators. Give me addresses, if you know any, and Ill hunt em down, Hart said. Before King George can amend its ordinance and impose the fine, it has to have a public hearing to gather comments from residents. That hearing probably will be held in March. The hit movie Hidden Figures, a story about black, female mathematicians crucial role in Americas space race with the Soviet Union, is inspiring several local events. To complement local screenings of the Oscar-nominated film and book clubs ongoing community read of the book on which it is based, Central Rappahannock Regional Library will host a panel discussion tonight by distinguished AfricanAmerican leaders. Panelists will share their stories of life in the Fredericksburg-area community from World War II through the civil rights era and beyond. Their stories parallel, in ways large and small, those of the women profiled in Hidden Figures, both the book and film, the library said. The books Virginia author, Margot Lee Shetterly, will come to Fredericksburg on March 4 and give a free talk and book signing from 3 to 5 p.m. at the University of Mary Washingtons Dodd Auditorium. That event, hosted by the library and UMW, is also open to the public Her best-selling work, Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race, paints a vivid and personal portrait of the groundbreaking human computers at NASAs Langley Research Center in Hampton. For decades, these women crunched the numbers that supported pivotal advances in powered flight and the early days of the U.S. space program. Quietly, gracefully and gradually, Langleys AfricanAmerican math whizzes and engineers broke down the aeronautics centers lines of race and gender as they worked with colleagues to solve daunting challenges of air and space flight. Shetterlys book, a New York Times reviewer wrote, is clearly fueled by pride and admiration, a tender account of genuine transcendence and camaraderie. The public is invited to tonights Our Stories discussion, which is free, at 7 p.m. in the librarys headquarters theater at 1202 Caroline St. Refreshments will be served. It is part of the librarys Rappahannock Reads program. The discussion will be moderated by DeShawn Robinson-Chew, founder of She-EO LLC, which encourages female entrepreneurship through Camp SheEO and SheEO Academy. A 2016 graduate of Leadership Fredericksburg, Robinson-Chew is an adjunct professor at Northern Virginia Community College and Hampton University. After the discussion, she will oversee a short audience Q&A session. The nine Our Stories panelists are: Ambassador Pamela E. Bridgewater: A Fredericksburg native, Bridgewater is a graduate of Walker-Grant High School. She served as deputy assistant secretary of state for African Affairs and held other domestic assignments in the Department of State. She was the first AfricanAmerican woman to serve as consul general in Durban, South Africa, and was the longest-serving U.S. diplomat in South Africa during its transition from apartheid. Daisy HowardDouglas: The Westmoreland County educator, author and storyteller is the founder and director of the Westmoreland Weavers of the Word Storytellers Guild, a group that performs at schools, churches, museums and libraries, sharing traditional tales from the AfricanAmerican experience. She serves on many local boards, including the Westmoreland County Board of Education. Dorothy S. Hamn Jackson: A lifelong resident of Brooke in Stafford County who attended Walker-Grant High, Jackson is a Stafford history expert and helped plan Staffords 350th anniversary celebration. She is retired from the Defense Intelligence Agency. Johnny Johnson: An educator, artist and graduate of Virginia State College and Howard University, Johnson came to Fredericksburg to teach art at Walker-Grant High. He also taught at James Monroe High, Mary Washington College and Germanna Community College. At 81, he still takes on art students. A community activist, he was a leader of Fredericksburgs Council on Human Relations and the Fredericksburg Area Community Relations Organization in the 1960s and 1980s, respectively. Sandra Manigault: Co-founder of The Manigault Institute, she is a public speaker, writing coach and a former high school and college math teacher. Recently retired from Northern Virginia Community College, Manigault is the author of The Book For Math Empowerment, the novel Vanessaa Love Story and two other books. Donald Manigault: An educator, abstract artist and president of The Manigault Institute, he has helped thousands of young people and adults achieve their educational and personal goals. Cynthia D. Montague: A Stafford native, she was instrumental in the integration of its public schools. Montague and and her sister, Doretha, were the first AfricanAmericans to attend a white-only school in Stafford. The AfricanAmerican History Mural in the countys historic Rowser Building describes that event on its Path to Freedom panel. Montague is a senior program assistant at the National Education Association. Xavier R. Richardson: A Fredericksburg native, Richardson is executive vice president for corporate development and community affairs at Mary Washington Healthcare. He is president of the Mary Washington Hospital and Stafford Hospital foundations, and serves as secretary to the University of Mary Washington board of visitors. Frank M. White: Born in Staffords White Oak area, White graduated from Walker-Grant High and served in the Air Force, including as a race relations facilitator. After retirement, he counseled veterans at the Fredericksburg Employment Commission. A member of the regions Civil War Sesquicentennial and Trail to Freedom committees, White helped create Staffords Rowser Building mural and historical markers for six AfricanAmerican churches in the county. Also today, in celebration of Black History Month, Stafford County invites the public to a 5 p.m. event in its Rowser Building, at 1739 Jefferson Davis Highway. Local historian Frank White will discuss contributions that AfricanAmericans have made to Staffords history, and lead a tour of the building and its storytelling Path to Freedom mural. Janet Payne, former fine arts coordinator for Stafford County schools, will speak about the renowned artist Palmer Hayden, who was born in the Widewater area of Stafford. *UPDATE: Makayla Mattei, 15, who was reported missing and endangered to Prince William County Police on February 20, was located safe and unharmed in the Harrisonburg area a short time ago. Makayla was found in the company of Meiti Metsla, 21, who has since been arrested for a Prince William County police felony charge of using a communication device to solicit certain offenses involving children. During the investigation into Makaylas disappearance, detectives learned of inappropriate online conversations involving Meiti Metsla. Arrangements are being made to reunite Makayla with her family in Dumfries. The Prince William County Police Department would like to thank the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Virginia State Police for their assistance in this investigation. The Virginia State Police issued an endangered missing child alert for a 15-year-old girl missing from Prince William County on Tuesday night. Mattei was in need of medication that she was not in possession of, according to police at the time the alert was issued. The alert also said that she was "believed to be in danger." Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Perriello called last months Womens March on Washington a visual reminder that we are the majority in the country and in Virginia during a stop in Fredericksburg Wednesday. But something did concern him at the march, he told about 60 people at the University of Mary Washington. Most of the participants he spoke with did not even know about this years race for governor. My goal in this race is to convince people that state elections matter, Perriello, a former one-term congressman from Charlottesville, said to applause. This is not just our first chance to defeat [Republican President] Donald Trump at the polls, and we will defeat Donald Trump at the polls this November. This is our chance to keep Virginia as a firewall against that kind of hate and division and for the inclusive Virginia that we all want. Perriello emphasized his vision of a more inclusive Virginia in a 10-minute speech to a largely Democratic audience, before taking questions for about an hour. A campaign press release referred to the stop as a town hall meeting and took aim at GOP congressmen, including Rep. Rob Wittman, R1st District, who have not met requests for town halls in the wake of Trumps inauguration. Perriellowho is challenging Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam for the Democratic nominationanswered questions about nonpartisan redistricting reform, Trumps immigration policies, gun control and other issues. Most attendees seemed to admire the candidate for governor, a far cry from the contentious town hall meetings then-Congressman Perriello hosted during the tea party movement eight years ago. One questioner asked how he would address gerrymandering to reduce the size of Republicans in the House of Delegates. Republicans have not won a statewide election since 2009, but hold 66 of the 100 seats on the House of Delegates. Perriello said vetoing partisan redistricting maps will be the single most impactful thing I will do as governor. He noted that some Democrats also want to rig the system in their partys direction. I think thats the wrong approach because its bad for democracy, its bad morally, but also we should not be afraid of a level playing field, Perriello said. Progressive values are the majority values in Virginia now, very clearly. Earlier, he noted that Virginia was the only Southern state to vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton over Trump in Novembers presidential election. Another questioner asked how, as governor, Perriello would respond to Trumps hard-line immigration policies, including the 90-day ban on immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries. Federal judges have halted that ban. The candidate replied that he will do whatever he can within constitutional powers, but said his options are limited. Americans, he said, need to be absolutely fearless about calling out hate and bigotry. Donald Trump ran the most viciously racist campaign of my lifetime, and I think we have to be honest about that, Perriello said. That doesnt mean we assume every Trump voter supports that. He also touched on gun control in response to a question from a woman who said, half-jokingly, that she wished former Democratic President Barack Obama had gone door to door to take all the guns. I dont want to go to a grocery store with someone openly carrying a firearm, she said. Perriello, who received the National Rifle Associations endorsement while in Congress, said he thinks the debate about guns has shifted toward building an arsenal to take on your own government. He said he will try to make the case for stronger background checks and other measures to keep guns out of the hands of criminals. The Second Amendment right to own firearms, he said, is not inconsistent with the ability to have common-sense gun reform. A candidate in the University of Virginias Student Council election is facing criticism for her alleged support of President Donald Trump. This week, students at UVa are voting for their representatives in Student Council and the Honor Committee. An anonymous flier circulating on Grounds this week claims that Kelsey Kilgore, who is running for Student Council president, is unsuited for the office because she is among other things a Trump supporter. This political stance is not inherently disqualifying, however, the Student Council president must represent the entire UVa community, reads the letter. Kilgore must answer to the hundreds of students of color, Muslim students, undocumented students and other groups that are personally at risk due to Trumps presidency. The letter, signed Concerned Students at UVa, continues: So far, she has provided no explanation or qualification to her politics despite how her political leanings directly threaten progress that has been made by both students and administrators at UVa. Kilgore the daughter of former Virginia Attorney General Jerry Kilgore has a campaign page and a personal page on Facebook. Neither one references Trump, the election or the flier. The letter also cites concerns about the third-year students experience and her campaign spending. Documents obtained by The Cavalier Daily, UVas student newspaper, show Kilgore has outspent her opponent, fellow third-year student Sarah Kenny, by a ratio of about 10-to-1 although these numbers are only projections. We vehemently oppose Kilgores candidacy, and urge you to do the same, reads the letter. On Monday, the UVa College Republicans posted a screenshot of the letter on its page, along with a statement saying its members were disappointed (but not surprised) that some students believe Kilgore is unfit to hold office because of her personal political beliefs. We value diversity of ethnicity, religion, race, sexual orientation, gender and thought, reads the statement. We would invite the Concerned Students at UVa (if we knew who they were) to do the same. The club rescinded its endorsement of Trump during election season but said that Kilgore is entitled to her own views. As one of our members, Ryan Wilson, said, truly unbelievable that weve reached a point where private support for the President of the United States is somehow made out to be a disqualifying view in a student election, read the statement. Erich Reimer, a Student Council representative for the School of Law, said in a statement that he is "personally supporting Kelsey Kilgore because I believe she will be an even-handed voice that, while conservative herself, will look out for all students on campus regardless of background or belief." On Wednesday, the flier began making the rounds on the internet, as Campus Reform, a right-leaning publication focusing on higher education, shared the screenshot on its website. Kilgore declined to comment to Campus Reform and did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday afternoon. UVa student elections will end at 4 p.m. Thursday. SO THE Virginia General Assembly wants to celebrate the 2019 quadricentennial of itself to the tune of $10 million. But Gov. Terry McAuliffe says a great celebration can be had for half that, with the rest going toward other funding priorities, such as determining the mental-health conditions of inmates at local jails. Whats the correct priority here for taxpayer dollars? It was 1619 that the first Virginia House of Burgesses convened in Jamestown. That legislative body evolved into todays General Assembly, making it what historians call the oldest continuous law-making body in the New World. So the anniversary is certainly worth celebrating. Plans for 2019 events also include a commemorationa better choice of word than celebration in this caseof the arrival of the first documented Africans in Jamestown, among them about 50 men, women, and children. Thus the practice of slave ownership in the New World had its origins. That dubious distinction aside, Virginia rightfully remains proud of its Historic Triangle formed by Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg as the place where American history begins. In 2007, the quadricentennial of the Jamestown settlers arrival in 1607 was marked there. Leaders of the Republican-led Senate and House of Delegates say the $10 million for the 2019 events is worth every penny and will more than pay for itself in tourism and tax revenues. They say McAuliffe is just unhappy with some of the lawmakers budget moves and is challenging the 2019 program cost to make a political point. Well, yes and no. In the budget he announced last December, the governor called for a little more than $4 million to go toward mental-health screenings at local jails in light of the 2015 death of Jamycheal Mitchell, who suffered from a history of mental illness. Mitchell was found dead in his cell at Hampton Roads Regional Jail, having been held there for four months on charges of petty larceny (shoplifting $5 worth of junk food) and trespassing at a 7Eleven. Mitchells death was blamed on starvation and heart problems. He was supposed to have been transferred to Eastern State Hospital if a bed had come open, but it didntfor four months. According to jail documents, Mitchell was in good health prior to his death. In any case, stealing snack food shouldnt end in death in a jail. When McAuliffe learned that lawmakers had eliminated from the budget the $4.2 million he had allocated for training jail staffers who would conduct the screenings, he suggested cutting the Jamestown events funding instead. There is no question given the chronicled shortcomings in Virginias mental-health protocol and facilities that much work needs to be done. It took the suicide of state Sen. Creigh Deeds son, Gus, who had attacked his father before taking his own life, to bring legislative reform on the issue to the forefront in Virginia. At the time of the Deeds incident, no psychiatric hospital bed could be found for Gus. Then, Mitchells death put a spotlight on a jails inability to ensure him a transfer for proper treatment. Perhaps a more authoritative diagnosis at the jail would have gotten him a hospital bed sooner. Gov. McAuliffe is making a justifiable point here. Whether its the 2019 festivities or some other spending that could be construed as suspect, he is pointing out lawmakers reluctance to fund the necessary practice of identifying mentally troubled inmates. Mitchells death is an indicator of a problem that demands a solution. The governor is right to pursue a restoration of the eliminated funding however he sees fit. If lawmakers insist that a decent 2019 celebration cant be had for $5 million, then they need to find funds somewhere else, or let the governor find it for them. Hell be ready to look for it in the budget they present to him before the assembly adjourns Saturday. Protests disrespectful to president, people It saddens me to see all of the protests. We vote; one candidate wins, while the other loses. We then all put our trust in our president to lead our great nation to the best of his ability. I was raised to always have respect for our president, no matter what party he belongs to. So when I saw protesters at the inauguration dressed in black with masks covering their heads, it gave me the impression of ISIS. If that wasnt bad enough, they burned cars and smashed store windows. What was even more troublesome was that the Democratic Party did not denounce these protesters. And again at Berkeley, a masked group showed up starting fires, destroying property and fighting with the police; still no announcement from the Democratic leadership denouncing nor condemning this. Maybe it is because they feel they can no longer afford losing any more of their party. As far as I am concerned, any one individual who feels the need to put on a mask to perform such acts is nothing but a coward! Show your face and condemn such actions, Sen. Tim Kaine! John Parke Partlow Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy First-term Irmo Mayor Barry Walker announced Sept. 26 that he had tested positive for the coronavirus. The mayors wife, Susan, also got COVD-19, Walker said on social media. As you know Im a kidney patient and require weekly dialysis, Walker wrote. This virus compromises my immune syste Read moreWhat You Missed: Irmo Mayor Barry Walker gets COVID-19 Free Freightnet Membership List your company in the Freightnet directory. It's Free, it's Easy and your company can be displayed in front of potential freight buyers within 24 hours. Story Highlights 50% in U.S. now view China favorably Current rating is China's best since February 1989 Democrats view China far more favorably than Republicans do WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Americans have been feeling more positively toward China in recent years, and now 50% say they have a favorable opinion of that country -- up from 44% in 2016 and 41% in 2012. This is the highest for this measure in Gallup trends since a 72% reading in February 1989, months before the Chinese government's violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters at Tiananmen Square sent its U.S. favorable rating tumbling to 34%. After remaining low for about a decade following the Tiananmen Square incident, Americans' favorable rating of China rose to the low 40s in 2001 -- the same year China joined the World Trade Organization -- and remained in the 40s until now. China's favorable rating was only 38% in 1985 but registered 72% in Gallup's next reading, in February 1989, taken days after President George H.W. Bush returned from a diplomatic visit to China. Democrats and Independents Explain China's Image Upgrade Since settling into favorable ratings near 40% in 2001, China's image has generally improved among Democrats and -- to a lesser extent -- political independents, while it has sagged among Republicans. Partisan divergence has been especially wide since 2011, when Democrats' favorability toward China first crossed the 50% mark; during the same period, Republicans' has been no higher than 40%. Although President Donald Trump is known for his tough stance toward China on trade, Republican skepticism about China clearly predates Trump's rise in the Republican Party after he announced his candidacy for president in 2015. Today, 58% of Democrats and 53% of independents view China favorably, well exceeding the 38% of Republicans with this perspective. However, the six-percentage-point rise in China's overall favorability in the past year, from 44% to 50%, is explained by increases among both Democrats and Republicans. Bottom Line In the three decades that followed the Tiananmen Square massacre, more Americans viewed China unfavorably than favorably. But the balance has shifted, and now 50% view the world's most populous nation favorably and 48% unfavorably. Although Republicans still hold a more negative than positive view of China, the 38% currently viewing that nation favorably is up from 28% in 2016; and now, a majority of independents -- along with a majority of Democrats -- share that view. U.S.-China relations have never been entirely smooth. Tensions over Taiwan, nuclear arms and human rights are always close to the surface, and various military as well as espionage incidents have complicated matters further over the years. Trump's election as U.S. president adds more complexity to these relations. Shortly after winning the 2016 election, he flouted convention by speaking directly to Taiwan's leader, but then recently affirmed the United States' commitment to a One-China policy that means not recognizing Taiwan. What all this, as well as Trump's intentions on trade, portends for the future of U.S.-China relations is unclear. However, it may be helpful for the new administration to know that Americans are feeling relatively positively toward China right now, and thus may be less receptive to a hard-nosed approach to U.S.-China relations. Historical data are available in Gallup Analytics. Story Highlights 66% of Americans have a favorable view of May May is most popular among older Americans 91% of Americans have a favorable view of Great Britain in general WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Two-thirds of Americans have a favorable view of British Prime Minister Theresa May. The leader of the British Conservative Party is more popular among Republicans (74%) than among Democrats (65%). Majority in U.S. Have Favorable Opinion of Prime Minister Theresa May Favorable Unfavorable Heard of, no opinion Never heard of % % % % U.S. adults 66 13 10 12 Republicans 74 4 13 9 Independents 59 17 8 15 Democrats 65 16 8 11 Gallup, Feb. 1-5, 2017 May came to power in July 2016, following former Prime Minister David Cameron's resignation. Cameron resigned after a referendum calling for Great Britain to exit the European Union, the Brexit vote, passed in June 2016. The former prime minister had campaigned in opposition to the referendum. May Has Broad Popularity Across Key Subgroups Across nearly all major subgroups, a majority view May favorably. The prime minister is most popular with Americans aged 65 or older, with 79% of this group expressing a positive view of her. It is possible her high favorability among this group could be due to conservative policies and the popularity of these policies among the oldest segment of American society. British Prime Minister Theresa May Most Popular Among Older Americans Favorable Unfavorable No opinion/Never heard of % % % U.S. adults 66 13 22 Men 66 15 19 Women 65 11 24 18 to 29 56 15 28 30 to 49 60 15 24 50 to 64 70 11 20 65 and older 79 9 12 Postgraduate 73 18 9 College graduate only 67 18 14 Some college 69 10 20 No college 60 10 31 Gallup, Feb. 1-5, 2017 These results are from Gallup's Feb. 1-5 World Affairs survey. Gallup has periodically measured U.S. public opinion of British prime ministers on an infrequent basis over the past several years. Americans generally have had significantly more positive than negative opinions of British prime ministers. On average, 62% of Americans have had a favorable view of British prime ministers, while 11% have had an unfavorable view. With less than a year in office, May's image is more positive than her predecessor's. Three years into his administration in September 2013, 49% of Americans viewed Cameron favorably and 10% unfavorably. A little over a year into Tony Blair's administration, in December 1998, 58% of Americans viewed him favorably and 8% unfavorably. Blair's favorable rating in the U.S. peaked at 78% in March 2003. Great Britain Continues to Have Positive Image in U.S. May's popularity in the U.S. reflects Americans' favorable views of Great Britain. Currently, 91% of Americans have a positive image of Great Britain, second only to Canada on the list of 21 nations tested in this year's survey. Americans' views of Great Britain have been steady over time. The country's favorable rating in the U.S. has not dropped below 81% since Gallup first began asking about attitudes toward Great Britain in 1989. Bottom Line Theresa May has taken office during a tumultuous period in British politics, following Brexit. Some have seen this referendum as a rejection of the status quo and a reflection of simmering resentment among the British public with the current state of politics. In this respect, there have been parallels drawn between the EU referendum and the election of Donald Trump. This, combined with May's conservative ideology, likely makes her more popular with Republicans in the U.S. Overall, Great Britain is popular with the American public, given its shared language, customs and historically close ties. This popularity translates to positive attitudes toward the country's prime ministers as well. The high levels of favorability among Americans reflect the "special relationship" between the U.S. and Great Britain. Historical data are available in Gallup Analytics. Readers, we need your help to prove a merry Christmas for victims of domestic violence. THURSDAY "Rethinking Grand Strategies in U.S. Foreign Relations," 1:30 p.m., First Congregational United Church of Christ, 4515 SW West Hills Road, Corvallis. Christopher McKnight Nichols, Oregon State University associate professor of history, will discuss the 2016 Rethinking Grand Strategy conference recently held at OSU and share the issues raised by the 20-plus historians in attendance. "Islamophobia and the Muslim Ban," 5 p.m., LaSells Stewart Center, 875 SW 26th St., Corvallis. Zahra Billoo is a civil rights attorney and the executive director of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations. FRIDAY "Blind Ambition: Overcoming a Pediatric Brain Tumor to Become a Paralympic Hopeful," 11 a.m., Room 112, Kearney Hall, 1491 SW Campus Way, Corvallis. Patricia Walsh will share lessons learned as an award-winning engineer and world-class athlete. With a degree in computer science from Oregon State University, Walsh was one of the first blind engineers at Microsoft. Registration: Goo.gl/lryYM4. "Against the Fascist Creep: Reading by Alexander Reid Ross," noon, Room 206, Memorial Union, 2501 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis. Author and organizer Ross will discuss his new book on the rise of the alt-right and white nationalism and what communities can do to resist. "Straight from Silicon Valley," noon, Room 1001, Kelley Engineering Center, 2500 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis. Sharada Bose, chief operating officer of Way.com, an online marketplace for services, will speak. She has both a bachelor of science degree and a master of science degree in computer science from Oregon State University, and is a recipient of the Oregon Stater Award from the College of Engineering. Bose will speak at 1 p.m.; a question-and-answer session on the role women play in technology will follow at 2 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Information: 541-737-3617. Author reading: Essayist Elena Passarello, 7:30 p.m., rotunda, Valley Library, 201 SW Waldo Place, Corvallis. Passarello will read from her new book, Animals Strike Curious Poses. The reading will be followed by a question-and-answer session and book signing. WEDNESDAY Western Regional Graduate Program Winter Seminar, noon, Room 260, Strand Agricultural Hall, 170 SW Waldo Place, Corvallis. David Rupp of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute will present Western U.S. Hydroclimate Response to Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gases. MARCH 2 Hydrothermal Vent Day Lectures, 3:30 p.m., Room 210, Learning Innovation Center, 165 SW Sackett Place, Corvallis. Oregon State University and Hydrothermal Vents: The Discovery that Launched 1000 Ships. Three short lectures. The first describes the 1977 discovery, which opened new fields of biology, chemistry, geology, and planetary science. The second and third lectures describe recent discoveries. Sponsored by Oregon State Universitys College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences. Information: mfisk@coas.oregonstate.edu. After emphasizing that immigrants to the United States will have to undergo severe vetting," President Trump recently added that we will only accept immigrants who love us. And when asked what he would do about the surge of anti-Semitic activities since his election, he responded that you are going to see a lot of love." Am I feeling the gentler and kinder side of America coming back? Roll time back by 50 years: 1967 was the year I first landed in America, a lucky winner of a scholarship from the USAID Leadership Program launched to train young Vietnamese students for future nation-building." Little did I know then that the communists would take over Vietnam a few years later, and that I would spend my professional career in the United States rather than with the people of Vietnam. Lesson No. 1: Very few humans have control of their own destiny, and refugees have even less. Swept under by historical tsunamis, we land on shores we never dreamed of, and pick up our lives again. I was very lucky and forever grateful for that chance. America has been a wonderful home for me. Yet Vietnam and the people I left behind will always be in my heart. But President Trump, dont you worry! What is there not to love about America? After all, one only has to believe in the following words: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." All American schoolchildren and all immigrants live on the promises of these beautifully written words learned in their first civic class. Idealistic as they should be in a Declaration of Independence, although they sound a bit utopian when compared to the course of history. Sadly, we now know that these truths are not so self-evident, that some men are created more equal than others, and that too often, when we claim our own unalienable rights, we are likely stepping on someone elses rights. Some lives seem to matter more than others. The four Liberties declared by FDR in 1941 and so beautifully painted by Norman Rockwell remain elusive for many in their daily struggle for survival. And the pursuit of happiness? As my hair turned gray over the years, I realized that to pursue happiness means never to find it: by definition, when we are after something, we dont have it. It will always be in front of us, running one step ahead of us. So I returned to the Buddhist roots of my childhood: I have to cultivate happiness within myself. I will not find it by chasing it, or by building golden towers. And certainly not by walking a path lined with consumer goods or blessed by the prosperity gospel. But I hope this does not make me less American, Mr. President. Tears roll down my cheeks when I sing the lyrical words by another immigrant, Irvin Berlin: God bless America, land that I love," But it is the sentence that follows that resonates even more, in these challenging times: Stand beside her, and guide her, through the night with a light from above. There are many ways to love America. Perhaps the best way is with the dreams and the heart of an immigrant or a refugee who knows that, unfortunately, not all lives are equally endowed with unalienable rights. Ambivalent as we may be, what we love about America is that those dreams are still worth living for. For the last month, members of 350Corvallis and I have stood outside local banks, in opposition to the banks support of the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota. On Feb. 17, nearly 100 citizens, including Allied Students for Another Politics, Campus Walkout and the Corvallis-Albany IWW, marched downtown and held a rally outside Wells Fargo to protest its funding of the pipeline. Many large banks are invested in the pipeline, and now the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers appears to have approved the permit to drill under the Missouri River. The pipeline threatens the water supply of hundreds of thousands of people including the First Nations people of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe. If you have money in or do business with these banks, you are helping fund the pipeline! We provide "Move Your Money" packets which include: Why move your money, How to move your money and a sample letter to let the bank know why you are closing your accounts. Banks in Corvallis that are funding the pipeline are: Bank of America, Wells Fargo, US Bank, and Chase Bank. To date, people like you have withdrawn over $67 million from these banks and others invested in the pipeline. Seattle recently withdrew $3 billion and closed its Wells Fargo account. In order to stop the pipeline, "Move Your Money" to a local credit union or bank, and ask your city to do the same! This is one small step that can have a huge impact. Martha Clemons Corvallis (Feb. 20) Scientists have gotten better at predicting where earthquakes will occur, but theyre still in the dark about when they will strike and how devastating they will be. In the search for clues that will help them better understand earthquakes, scientists at the University of Pennsylvania are studying a phenomenon called ageing. In ageing, the longer that materials are in contact with each other, the more force is required to move them. This resistance is called static friction. The longer something, such as a fault, is sitting still, the more static friction builds up and the stronger the fault gets. Even when the fault remains still, tectonic motion is still occurring; stress builds up in the fault as the plates shift until finally they shift so much that they exceed the static friction force and begin to slide. Because the fault grew stronger with time, the stress can build up to large levels, and a huge amount of energy is then released in the form of a powerful quake. This ageing mechanism is critical in underlying the unstable behavior of faults that lead to earthquakes, said Robert Carpick, the John Henry Towne Professor and chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics in Penns School of Engineering and Applied Science. If you didnt have ageing, then the fault would move very easily and so youd get much smaller earthquakes happening more frequently, or maybe even just smooth motion. Ageing leads to the occurrence of infrequent, large earthquakes that can be devastating. Scientists have been studying the movement of faults and ageing in geological materials at the macroscale for decades, producing phenomenological theories and models to describe their experimental results. But theres a problem when it comes to these models. The models are not fundamental, not physically based, which means we cannot derive those models from basic physics, said Kaiwen Tian, a graduate student in Penns School of Arts & Sciences. But a Penn-based project seeks to understand the friction of rocks from a more physical point of view at the nanoscale. In their most recent paper, published in Physical Review Letters, the researchers verified the first fundamental theory to describe ageing and explain what happens when load increases. The research was led by Tian and Carpick. David Goldsby, an associate professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science at Penn; Izabela Szlufarska, a professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; UW alumnus Yun Liu; and Nitya Gosvami, now an assistant professor in the Department of Applied Mechanics at IIT Delhi, also contributed to the study. Previous work from the group found that static friction is logarithmic with time. That means that if materials are in contact for 10 times longer, then the friction force required to move them doubles. While scientists had seen this behavior of rocks and geological materials at the macroscopic scale, these researchers observed it at the nanoscale. In this new study, the researchers varied the amount of normal force on the materials to find out how load affects the ageing behavior. Thats a very important question because load may have two effects, Tian said. If you increase load, you will increase contact area. It may also affect the local pressure. To study this, the researchers used an atomic force microscope to investigate bonding strength where two surfaces meet. They used silicon oxide because it is a primary component of many rock materials. Using the small nanoscale tip of the AFM ensures that the interface is composed of a single contact point, making it easier to estimate the stresses and contact area. They brought a nanoscale tip made from silicon oxide into contact with a silicon oxide sample and held it there. After enough time passed, they slid the tip and measured the force required to initiate sliding. Carpick said this is analogous to putting a block on the floor, letting it sit for a while, and then pushing it and measuring how much force it takes for the block to start moving. They observed what happened when they pushed harder in the normal direction, increasing the load. They found that they doubled the normal force, and then the friction force required also doubled. Explaining it required looking very carefully the mechanism leading to this increase in friction force. The key, Carpick said, is we showed in our results how the dependence of the friction force on the holding time and the dependence of the friction force on the load combine. This was consistent with a model that assumes that the friction force is going up because were getting chemical bonds forming at the interface, so the number of those bonds increase with time. And, when we push harder, what were doing is increasing the area of contact between the tip and the sample, causing friction to go up with normal force. Prior to this research, it had been suggested that pushing harder might also cause those bonds to form more easily. The researchers found that this wasnt the case: to a good approximation, increasing the normal force simply increases the amount of contact and the number of sites where atoms can react. Currently, the group is looking at what happens when the tip sits on the sample for very short amounts of time. Previously they had been looking at hold times from one-tenth of a second to as much as 100 seconds. But now theyre looking at timescales even shorter than one-tenth of a second. By looking at very short timescales, they can gain insights into the details of the energetics of the chemical bonds to see if some bonds can form easily and if others take longer to form. Studying bonds that form easily is important because those are the first bonds to form and might provide insight into what happens at the very beginning of the contact. In addition to providing a better understanding of earthquakes, this work could lead to more efficient nano-devices. Because many micro- and nano-devices are made from silicon, understanding friction is key to getting those devices to function more smoothly. But, most important, the researchers hope that somewhere down the line, a better understanding of ageing will enable them to predict when earthquakes will occur. Earthquake locations can be predicted fairly well, Carpick said, but when an earthquake is going to happen is very difficult to predict, and this is largely because theres a lack of physical understanding of the frictional mechanisms behind the earthquakes. We have long way to go to connect this work to earthquakes. However, this work gives us more fundamental insights into the mechanism behind this ageing and, in the long term, we think these kinds of insights could help us predict earthquakes and other frictional phenomena better. This research was supported by a grant from the Earth Sciences Division of the National Science Foundation. Reference: Kaiwen Tian, Nitya N. Gosvami, David L. Goldsby, Yun Liu, Izabela Szlufarska, Robert W. Carpick. Load and Time Dependence of Interfacial Chemical Bond-Induced Friction at the Nanoscale. Physical Review Letters, 2017; 118 (7) DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.118.076103 Note: The above post is reprinted from materials provided by University of Pennsylvania. 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. 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. How to install Skype Lite and how is it different from the original Skype app Features oi -Rohit Skype Lite is specially designed for Indian market where internet connectivity is still an issue Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella during the company's Future decoded tech conference announced Skype Lite, a new low-data version of the original app. Designed exclusively for the Indian market, Skype Lite is more data friendly variant of the original video calling app, and also offers a slew of new features. Besides, the new app is also said to get Aadhaar integration feature by June 2017 that will add some new features to the Android mobile app. In this article we are going to tell you how you can install the new app and how it's different from the original Skype app. Let's get started. What's Skype Lite? As we mentioned, Skype Lite is the lighter variant of the original Skype app and is built to address the low-bandwidth and poor connectivity issues that consumers in India face during messaging and calling. The new app facilitates audio, video and instant messaging services at lower bandwidths on slower networks such as 2G and 3G on Android smartphones. How to Install and sign up for Skype Lite? Skype Lite is available for Android platform and you can head to Google Play Store to download and install the app. Post installing the app on your Android smartphone, you can sign up via your mobile number, email id or your Skype name. Just enter one of these and the password to start messaging or make a video or a voice call to your contacts. Users who have never registered on Skype before, you need to create a new account to use the messaging services. It is worth mentioning that the app is only available for Android platform. What new it brings to the table? Skype Lite is built from the ground up at company's Hyderabad center and comes powered by Microsoft cloud services. As the name suggests, Skype Lite would be light on bandwidth and memory usage to allow users to send messages, make video and voice calls even on a 2G network. Compared to original Skype Android app, which is around 38MB in size (size varies from deice to device), Skype Lite is just 13MB in size while still offering all the functions of the main app. . In fact, Microsoft declares Skype Lite the company's fastest and smallest app to date. Skype Lite can be set to default messaging app and has the ability to intelligently filter the unwanted promotional messages from the general text and skype messages in your inbox. The application also has a dedicated data tracking feature that allows you to monitor data usage on the app. If you are on a limited cellular data plan, you have the option to compress the size of images before you share them with your contacts. SEE ALSO: Microsoft announces Made for India Skype Lite for Android users Microsoft has also added a dark theme in the settings menu that changes the app background to dark, making it easy for you to use the app in no light conditions, especially during night time when bright light from your smartphone's display puts stress on your eyes. One of the highlight features of Skype Lite is the Bot integration. The app has India-focuses bots that can reply instantly when you ask something in messaging format. For instance, the app has Horoscope bot to offer you Horoscope information, a Skype support bot to help you out in using the app and some interactive bots like Meme cat, Your face, etc that are quite fun to use. Moreover, Microsoft will soon bring Aadhar integration to the app by June 2017, which will allow app users to authenticate the identity of unknown callers in situations where identification is required, for instance; job interviews, documents scanning, goods and property sale, etc. The new Skype Lite supports seven Indian languages including Gujarati, Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu. Verdict The app seems quite promising and effective for markets like India where poor internet connectivity is still a major concern no matter what telecom operators claim for their network reach. Skype Lite is fast, is low on storage and offers a slew of features including Bot-integration and the upcoming Aadhar integration been the highlight ones. We will also test the video and call quality of Skype Lite to better understand the app. Stay tuned on GIZBOT for more updates on Microsoft. Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals Best Mobiles in India HP to open 250 outlets this year to expand its reach in India News oi -Priyanka The Omen series will available starting 15 March and it will include 5 notebooks and 1 desktop model PC maker HP is planning to expand its reach in the country, as the company is planning to add 250 outlets this year. "Right now we have 450 stores in the country and we are going to add 250 more stores this year," Ketan Patel, Senior Director, Personal Systems Business, HP Inc told Gizbot. The company has also announced its foray into gaming section in India with the launch of OMEN series of products. It had earlier been launched in parts of the US and China among other places. SEE ALSO: LG to launch 8 to 10 devices this year, says Amit Gujral Regarding its competition with the existing players in the segment, he said, "This product is for gaming community and HP never had in this segments so the people had choices of other brand now we coming in this segment and the kind of engineering, reliability, performance, after sales services, the kind of retail network in India and the great legacy which customers are looking at and the entire range is very unique that we are giving to everykind of gamer." "We are open to launch more product and configrations but as of now only this product and it also depends on the feedback we will get," he replied when asked about launching more products. The Omen series will available starting 15 March and it will include 5 notebooks and 1 desktop model. The prices of the cheapest model stands as Rs.79, 990, while the top-end model will sell at Rs. 1,39,990. According to Gartner, the overall, HP's market share stood at 20.4 per cent in 3Q 2016 with th projects from the government, banking and the manufacturing sector. Best Mobiles in India BlackBerry BlackBerry Mercury, which hit the tech headlines a few weeks back is all set to be launched at the MWC 2017. The device was confirmed at the CES 2017 last month. Made by TCL, this smartphone has been teased to be designed in-house by BlackBerry. The launch will happen on February 25, at the pre-MWC event. The name Mercury isn't the final moniker but just a codename. For now, we know that the Mercury will arrive with a 4.5-inch display, 3GB RAM, Snapdragon 625 processor, and a 3,400mAh battery. It is likely to bring the iconic QWERTY keyboard and feature the fingerprint scanner embedded in the keyboard's space bar. Also Read: BlackBerry Mercury rumor roundup LG LG has already confirmed that its flagship G6 smartphone will be announced at an event on February 26. So long, we have seen many renders and leaks of this smartphone revealing its design, looks, specs, and features. The LG G6 has a good scope right now as the Galaxy S8 will not be launched at least for another month. This time, we expect the LG flagship to arrive with a 5.7-inch QHD+ display with an unusual aspect ratio of 18:9. The device is teased to be water resistant, fitted with heat pipes for better heat dissipation, and arrive with a dual-lens 13MP rear camera. Nokia Nokia branded smartphones are one of the highlights of this year's MWC. Made by HMD Global, we expect an array of phones to be launched on Sunday. The list includes Nokia 3, Nokia 5, and the iconic Nokia 3310. The flagship Nokia 8 and Nokia P1 are not expected to be launched at the event in Barcelona. Withings owned by Nokia has already announced that the event will be live streamed. The company is also expected to launch health-related devices at the event. Also Read: 5 things we like about the Nokia 3310 Samsung Samsung is of course hosting an event on February 26 at MWC 2017, but it won't unveil the Galaxy S8. The company is likely to announce the Galaxy Tab S3 equipped with a stylus and keyboard at the event. The render of this tablet shows LTE symbol on the status bar, tipping the support for LTE connectivity. For now, we know that this tablet will feature a 9.7-inch Super AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 820 processor paired with 4GB RAM and 32GB storage capacity. Besides the Galaxy Tab S3, the company will also let out when the Galaxy S8 will be unveiled, which should fall sometime in March. Lenovo/Motorola Lenovo owned Motorola is hosting a press conference on February 26 where the company is expected to announce the Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus smartphones. We do expect the company to announce 12 new Moto Mods as well, going by the recent reports. The Moto G5 Plus has been surfacing in rumors and speculations revealing all the possible details. Lately, we even saw the Moto G5 in full glory. Also Read: Motorola Moto G5 and G5 Plus: price, specs and launch date Huawei Huawei has big announcements to make at the MWC 2017. The company is all set to unveil its flagship P10 and P10 Plus at the tech show. The P10 Plus is believed to be the curved screen display variant of the P10. The potential specs we expect include a 5.5-inch QHD display, in-house octa-core Kirin 960 processor, 4GB RAM and two variants of storage. There is a 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant also in the speculations. Besides this, Huawei will take the wraps off the Watch 2 with support for LTE and the MediaPad T3 tablet at the tech show. Sony Sony is all set to announce its flagship Xperia X2 smartphone on February 27. Sony might launch one to four phones at the show and the Xperia XA (2017) is also expected to be in the list. The other two phones are said to have the model numbers G3112 and G3121. One of the devices from Sony is said to feature MediaTek's P25 SoC. HTC As of now, there is no confirmation from HTC regarding the MWC 2017, but we can expect the company to unveil the HTC teaser video showing devices such as HTC Vive headset and a few others. If there is going to be any smartphone, we can expect the lately leaked One X10 and a few mid-range Desire phones to be announced. Gionee Gionee has already sent invites for the launch of A1 and A1 Plus smartphones to be launched at the MWC 2017 show on Monday. These phones were also leaked in live images. Going by the rumors, we expect the Gionee A1 to feature a 5.5-inch FHD display and run on Android 7.0 Nougat. It is likely to feature 4GB RAM, a fingerprint scanner, physical home button, and 64GB storage capacity with support for expandable storage. We can get to know more details about both A1 and A1 Plus at the launch event. Alcatel Alcatel is hosting an event on Monday to launch a slew of five smartphones. One of these phones is the company's flagship model Idol 5. There are rumors that the Idol 5 Pro could also be unveiled at the event with modular functionality similar to that of Moto Z. Moreover, MWC is the usual time when Alcatel would unveil the Idol series phones. Acer At the MWC 2017, Acer has revealed that it will be launching a couple of smartphones and a wearable device as well. The company's EMEA President confirmed that they will launch these products at the event next week. Moreover, it was assured that these smartphones will be worthy enough to make a statement in the Android smartphone market. Asus Asus is likely to announce the ZenFone Go 3 smartphone priced competitively at the event. The smartphone is said to arrive with a 5-inch HD display and make use of a Snapdragon 410 SoC along with 32GB RAM. The device is believed to have a 13MP main snapper and a 5MP selfie camera as well. Apart from this phone, we expect the company to unveil the sequel to the Chromebook Flip likely to be called Flip C101. However, there is no official confirmation regarding the same. Also Read: Asus ZenFone 3 Go press renders with alleged price details leaked online Oppo Oppo has already confirmed that it will announce the 5x smartphone photography technology at the MWC. This technology will give users the ability to capture highly detailed images. The company is yet to clarify if this tech will debut on any specific smartphone. We need to wait until Monday to know more. ZTE/Nubia ZTE has confirmed that the company will unveil a Gigabit Phone next week in Barcelona, but there has been no press conference arranged for the same. ZTE has scrapped the Hawkeye phone from Kickstarter campaign, so we can expect the same to be relaunched with different specs. Moreover, a smartwatch based on Android Wear has been hitting the rumors lately, but this is yet to be confirmed. The company's sub-brand Nubia has sent invites, so we can expect that it will unveil new devices. Sony Xperia X2 press render leaks ahead of MWC 2017 launch News oi -Abhinaya Prabhu Sony Xperia X2 press render is out. Most Android smartphone manufacturers are all set to take the wraps off their flagship devices for this year at the MWC 2017. Sony is also one of them and the company is believed to unveil the Xperia X2 flagship at the event debuting on Monday. Today, we have the official render of the Xperia X2 as the same has hit the web. The specifications that this phone might come packed with are not known for the moment. If the leaked image is genuine, we can get to know some interesting details about the smartphone. Apparently, Sony has removed the logo from the front panel on this phone. The removal of the logo will increase the screen real estate and pave way for minimal bezel around the screen. From the image, we can infer that there is curved glass at the top. At the right bottom, we can see the volume rocker and power keys. Devices expected to launch at MWC 2017 Specs wise, the Sony flagship is rumored to feature a 16MP selfie camera at the front. It is likely to arrive with 64GB internal storage capacity that can be expanded further using a micro SD card and use a 3,000mAh battery that can keep it running. Apart from the Xperia X2, there are speculations that Sony will also unveil the Xperia XA (2017). It is believed that the company will announce up to five devices at the upcoming event. Let's wait for a few more days to see the mystery unravel. Stay tuned to GizBot for more MWC 2017 updates. Source Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Inherent Resolve Strikes Target ISIS in Syria, Iraq From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release SOUTHWEST ASIA, Feb. 22, 2017 U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today. U.S. Central Command continues to work with partner nations to conduct targeted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria as part of the comprehensive strategy to degrade and defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS. Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports. Strikes in Syria Coalition military forces conducted 23 strikes consisting of 36 engagements in Syria: -- Near Raqqa, 10 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units; destroyed three fighting positions and three tactical vehicles; and damaged two bridges. -- Near Dayr Az Zawr, nine strikes destroyed seven modular oil refineries, two workover oil rigs and a pump jack. -- Near Palmyra, four strikes destroyed a tactical vehicle, a heavy machine gun and a pump jack and damaged a tank. Strikes in Iraq Coalition military forces conducted nine strikes consisting of 57 engagements in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq's government: -- Near Baghdad, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit. -- Near Beiji, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed 11 vehicles, a front-end loader and a weapons cache; and damaged a bridge. -- Near Mosul, four strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; destroyed three mortar systems, three vehicles, two improvised bombs, two command-and-control nodes, a supply cache, an artillery system, a front-end loader, an excavator, a tactical vehicle and a medium machine gun; damaged 13 supply routes and a tunnel; and suppressed 13 mortar teams and an artillery team. -- Near Rawah, a strike engaged two ISIS staging areas and an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an anti-air artillery system and a storage facility. -- Near Tal Afar, two strikes destroyed an excavator and a vehicle-borne bomb. Part of Operation Inherent Resolve These strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to destroy ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The destruction of ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria also further limits the group's ability to project terror and conduct external operations throughout the region and the rest of the world, task force officials said. The list above contains all strikes conducted by fighter, attack, bomber, rotary-wing or remotely piloted aircraft; rocket-propelled artillery; and some ground-based tactical artillery when fired on planned targets, officials noted. Ground-based artillery fired in counterfire or in fire support to maneuver roles is not classified as a strike, they added. A strike, as defined by the coalition, refers to one or more kinetic engagements that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a single or cumulative effect. For example, task force officials explained, a single aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone ISIS vehicle is one strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against a group of ISIS-held buildings and weapon systems in a compound, having the cumulative effect of making that facility harder or impossible to use. Strike assessments are based on initial reports and may be refined, officials said. The task force does 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address OIR Official: 'Conditions Have Been Set' for ISIS Defeat in Western Mosul By Lisa Ferdinando DoD News, Defense Media Activity WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2017 Iraqi forces are advancing into western Mosul and making steady gains in efforts to liberate the area from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, the spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve said today. The ISIS-controlled area is "shrinking steadily with each passing day," Air Force Col. John Dorrian told Pentagon reporters in a news briefing from Baghdad. "The main effort is to isolate the remaining enemy remnants in the west part of Mosul," he said, noting the terrorists will "either surrender or they're going to be killed there." Iraqi forces have encountered moderate resistance in their approach, Dorrian said. The coalition continues to pound ISIS targets in precision strikes, destroying 23 ISIS mortar and artillery pieces in the first three days of operation, he said. That is setting the conditions for Iraqi forces to retake the Mosul airport and begin moving toward more dense urban terrain, the colonel said. "Conditions have been set for ISIS's defeat through their significant effort to reduce their command and control, their weapons and their financial resources," Dorrian said. 'Extraordinarily Difficult Fight' Expected He commended the Iraqi forces for their progress, but noted they have a number of challenges ahead of them. Those challenges include the tedious and extremely dangerous task of clearing each of the more than 100,000 buildings in west Mosul, Dorrian said. The narrow streets in the oldest parts of the city will make it difficult for the Iraqis to move their vehicles, he said, but that also means the terrorists will not be able to move vehicle-borne explosive devices. "We do expect it to be an extraordinarily difficult fight," Dorrian said. Removing ISIS Leaders From Battlefield Part of efforts to defeat the terrorists is to "take every opportunity that we can to remove ISIS leadership figures from the battlefield," he said. A coalition precision airstrike Feb. 13 in Mosul killed Haqi Ismail Hamid al Emri, a legacy al-Qaida in Iraq member who had a leadership role in ISIS security networks in Mosul, Dorrian said. Additionally, he said, precision strikes in January in Mosul killed Abu Abbas al Qurayshi, who coordinated the movement of vehicle bombs and suicide bombers inside Iraq; and Abdullah Yasin Sulaymani al Jaburi, who was responsible for anti-aircraft defense assets within Mosul. ISIS Feels Pressure in Raqqa Syrian Democratic Forces continue advancing from the north and east of the key Syrian city of Raqqa, Dorrian said. Coalition partners on the ground in Syria have liberated more than 300 square miles and more than 100 villages since Feb. 4, when they began reclaiming and clearing the land east of the city, he said. "We're now seeing signs that ISIS fighters [and] its leaders in Raqqa are beginning to feel the pressure," he said. They are becoming "increasingly paranoid" and have intensified measures to control the population and destroy televisions, mobile phones and satellite dishes in order to maintain control of access to information about their losses, he said. "These are not the actions of an enemy who feel they're winning," Dorrian explained. In addition, he said there are reports of ISIS executing fighters who try to abandon the fight or are suspected of collaborating with forces trying to liberate the city. ISIS leaders are also reportedly moving their own families out of Raqqa, but detaining civilians who attempt to flee, Dorrian said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Air Force Delivers Army Helicopters to Europe From a U.S. European Command News Release STUTTGART, Germany, Feb. 22, 2017 Air Force Air Mobility Command C-5 Galaxy transports delivered AH-64 Apache helicopters to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, today and are expected to deliver UH-60 Black Hawks to Latvia at the end the month as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve. "The speed of the [combat aviation brigade's] arrival ensures we have additional combat firepower and support if needed at the time and place of our choosing," said Army Col. Todd Bertulis, U.S. European Command's deputy director of logistics. "Through the Air Force's rapid and global strategic reach, we have the ability to reinforce our rotary assets in hours. The continued rapid and responsive logistics efforts of Operation Atlantic Resolve should assure our European allies in maintaining a Europe that is whole, free, prosperous and at peace." Strategic Airlift Capability The Air Force's strategic airlift capability provides global air transportation and enables Eucom to move the helicopters from their home stations rapidly. The Apache helicopters are based out of Fort Bliss, Texas, and the Black Hawks are based at Fort Drum, N.Y. They are being deployed to Europe on a nine-month rotation in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, a U.S. effort designed to reassure European allies in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Some helicopters are being airlifted to various areas across Europe, and some equipment is moved by rail. The combat aviation brigade will bring nearly 2,200 troops and about 50 Black Hawk, 10 Chinook and 24 Apache helicopters to Germany, Latvia and Romania. Portions of the brigade arrived in Europe via ship at Bremerhaven, Germany, in mid-January. Its operations will include medical transport missions, training and exercise support and various aviation operations throughout Europe to improve interoperability and strengthen relationships with NATO allies, Eucom officials said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Exercise Allied Spirit to return to Hohenfels By 7th Army Training CommandFebruary 22, 2017 GRAFENWOEHR, Germany (Feb. 22, 2017) -- Approximately 2,770 participants from 12 nations will participate in Exercise Allied Spirit VI at the 7th Army Training Command's Hohenfels Training Area in southeastern Germany, March 8-31, 2017. There will be about 1,250 participants from the NATO and Partnership for Peace countries of Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Hungary, Germany, Italy, Macedonia, Latvia, the Netherlands and Slovenia. About 1,520 participants will come from the United States' 173rd Airborne Brigade, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Oklahoma National Guard, Michigan National Guard and an Army Reserve unit from Minnesota. Allied Spirit VI is unique in its ability to provide a hands-on laboratory to prepare forces in Europe to operate together by exercising tactical interoperability and testing secure communications within NATO Allies and partners. In this exercise, Latvia will command the brigade headquarters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Department of Defense Press Operations News Transcript Presenter: Colonel John Dorrian, Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman February 22, 2017 Department of Defense Press Briefing by Col. Dorrian via teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq CAPTAIN JEFF DAVIS: All right. We run the trains on time around here. It is 11 o'clock sharp. Good morning. J.D., I want to make sure you can hear us and we can hear you. COLONEL JOHN DORRIAN: I've got you loud and clear, Jeff. Thank you. CAPT. DAVIS: Ladies and gentlemen, we're pleased to be joined today by Colonel John Dorrian, coming to us live from Baghdad, the spokesperson for Operation Inherent Resolve. J.D., we'll turn it over to you for your opening comments. COL.DORRIAN: Great. Thanks, Jeff. Good morning, all. We'll start in Syria and move on to Iraq. The Syrian Democratic Forces continue their advance along two axes north and east of Raqqa. Our SDF partners on the ground have liberated more than 800 square kilometers and more than 100 villages since they began reclaiming and clearing the land to the east of Raqqa on February 4th. We're now seeing signs that ISIS fighters, its leaders in Raqqa, are beginning to feel the pressure. Specifically, they're becoming increasingly paranoid. They've increased population control measures in Raqqa by seeking to remove or destroy televisions, searching houses for mobile phones and satellite dishes in order to maintain control of news and access to information about their losses. These are not the actions of an enemy who feel they're winning, and that's because they're not. We're seeing reflections of pessimism among mid-level commanders and this world view is spreading to the rank-and-file fighters. We're also commonly seeing reports of ISIS arresting and executing their fighters who try to abandon the fight or are suspected of collaborating with forces trying to liberate areas that ISIS controls. We're hearing typical reports that ISIS leaders understand their fate in Raqqa and they're moving their own families out of Raqqa and into towns and villages in the countryside, even as they detain civilians who attempt to do the same. Moving to Iraq, the Iraqi security forces have begun their advance into west Mosul with the Iraqi federal police advancing from the south and the Iraqi army advancing to their west, further isolating the enemy inside the city. Along the way, the ISF have encountered moderate resistance, which we expect to stiffen as they approach the more densely populated areas. The ISF is moving through ISIS disruption zones, where they encounter indirect fire from ISIS mortars and artillery pieces, and small-arms fire from ISIS fighting positions. As of close of business yesterday, the coalition had destroyed 23 mortar and artillery pieces that the enemy would have used to complicate the ISF advance in the first three days of operations. We used air and artillery strikes, including HIMARS, to take these enemy weapons off the battlefield. This sets conditions for the ISF to retake Mosul airport and then begin moving toward a more dense urban terrain. We do expect a very tough fight in west Mosul, but the area that ISIS controls around the city is shrinking steadily with each passing day. Conditions have been set for ISIS's defeat through their significant effort to reduce their command and control, their weapons, and their financial resources. As always, we take every opportunity that we can to remove ISIS leadership figures from the battlefield. I'm going to give you a quick update on some of the more recent ones around Mosul. In Iraq, Haqqi Ismail Hamid al-Mmri, a Daesh terrorist leader, was killed by a coalition precision airstrike February 13th in Mosul. He's a legacy al-Qaida Iraq member and had a leadership role in ISIS security networks in Mosul, further loosening the grip of ISIS on the population of the city. Al-Mmri's death is the most recent of the coalition's steady pressure on Daesh leaders in Mosul. Since the beginning of 2017, our precision airstrikes have also remove Abu Abbas al-Quaryshi, a Daesh terrorist leader who coordinated the movement of VBIEDs and suicide bombers in Iraq, and Abdullah Sulaymani al-Jaburi, another Daesh leader responsible for anti-aircraft defense assets within Mosul. Abu Abbas al-Quaryshi, a Daesh terrorist leader and nearly a dozen of his associates, were killed in the same coalition precision airstrike on January 12th in Mosul. The legacy al-Qaida Iraq operative coordinated and facilitated the movement of VBIEDs and suicide bombers around Iraq. He was involved in multiple high-profile and mass-casualty attacks, including attacks in Baghdad Province killing innocent civilians. The death of al-Quaryshi will degrade Daesh's operations in Baghdad Province and disrupt the facilitation of VBIEDs and suicide bombers inside Iraq. Because of his extensive connections, it will be difficult for the terrorist group to replace him in their command structure. And finally, Abdullah Sulaymani al-Jaburi, a Daesh terrorist leader responsible for the group's anti-aircraft defense assets within Mosul, was killed by a coalition precision airstrike January 4th in Mosul. His death will degrade Daesh's ability to defend the extremist control of Mosul from the coalition's persistent airstrikes on their leaders and their -- and the advancing Iraqi security force's liberation of the city. With that, I'll be delighted to take your questions. CAPT. DAVIS: I know everyone's going to want to know how to spell those. Adrian, we'll put the -- we'll pin the rose on you for that, you'll have the spellings for everybody after this. We'll start with Bob Burns from the Associated Press. Q: Thank you. Colonel Dorrian, could you give us a description of what's happening out west of Mosul in the Tal Afar area where Shiite militias are operating? And could you say to what extent, if any extent, they are coordinating their operations, the Shiite militias, with the Iraqi government or U.S. support for the operations in Mosul? COL. DORRIAN: Yeah, Bob, the militia groups, the Popular Mobilization Forces that are operating on the west side of the city, they continue to hold the territory that is in that part of the western area there. And what that does is it blocks the enemy from being able to egress the city of Mosul and move into places like Tal Afar and toward the Syrian border. So we are not coordinating directly with them, we're coordinating with the government of Iraq. The government of Iraq, however, does provide direction to the Popular Mobilization Forces that are operating in that area. We don't coordinate directly with them, the government of Iraq does. Q: Follow-up question on that. Is -- could you talk a little bit more about the Tal Afar area, what's going on there? I mean, that city is held by Daesh, right? And how is that developing in terms of the advancement on -- on Tal Afar? COL. DORRIAN: Yeah, Bob, the -- you are correct that Tal Afar is largely Daesh-held. That territory will be cleared as a -- you know, later. Right now, the priority is to liberate Mosul. So the Popular Mobilization Forces that are operating in the vicinity of Tal Afar have not entered the city and where we are right now is -- the main effort is to isolate the remaining enemy remnants in the west part of Mosul and then they'll be in a position where they either surrender or they're going to be killed there. Q: Thank you. CAPT. DAVIS: Phil Stewart from Reuters Q: Hey there, colonel. Good to see you. So two things, have you seen any evidence of Iranian commanders on the battlefield in recent days? And if so, what detail could you provide? And secondly, I wanted to ask you a bit about the -- the issue of having more troops. I know that General Votel had mentioned that as an option. What are the pros and cons of -- I know that General Townsend -- I think General Townsend had mentioned by, with and through during the visit by Secretary Mattis. What are the pros and cons of having U.S. forces substitute roles for local ground forces in Iraq or Syria? Thanks. COL. DORRIAN: Phil, we've -- we've not seen a significant number of Iranian military personnel. Again, our cooperation, our advice and assistance when we're present with forces in the field that is with Iraqi forces. So, I'm not aware of any significant Iranian presence, although, I do know that, you know, some of the groups that are operating in the west do have ties with Iran. COL. DORRIAN: All these things are the purview of the government of Iraq, and, you know, our position is that every entity that's fighting Daesh in Iraq should be doing so in cooperation with and with the permission of the government of Iraq. So, I'm not aware of any significant presence there, but that fundamental principle we do all of our operations in cooperation with the government of Iraq and our expectation is that others would as well. With regard to more troops, one of the things that General Townsend's been very clear on is that we're working by, with and through the Iraqi Security Forces in Iraq and then our partners in Syria. And that fundamental principle isn't going to change. So, at different times when more forces are required in order to execute various tasks, for example, additional troops were brought in for some of the high level tasks that would be required to liberate Mosul, then General Townsend goes through the chain of command to ask for them. Those are considered by General Votel and then the request goes to the secretary of defense and ultimately the president for approval. We have -- we've done that a number of times. General Townsend's been very clear that if he needs additional capabilities, requirements or authorities that he will request those through the chain of command. And he expects that we'll continue to be supported. Q: Will it be for high-end capabilities end then that -- that -- that he would seek more U.S. forces? COL. DORRIAN: You broke up just a little bit. You're asking high-end capabilities -- I -- I only caught a part of the question. Q: If I understood you correctly, you had said that it would only be for high-end capabilities then that -- that -- that you would seek additional U.S. forces. Is that correct? COL.DORRIAN: No, let me -- let me clarify that point. We'll ask for anything that we need. (Laughter.) And we'll do so through the chain of command. But what -- what I would say, though, is that as we -- we take on some of the tasks that need to be done here, if we need something else, we're going to ask for it. You know, leading up to the -- the -- the Mosul campaign, we brought in additional advisers, we brought in additional security and we brought in additional forward air controllers. So, all those types of capabilities we'll ask for anything that we think we need and that will be done through the chain of command. I don't want to speculate as to what we're going to ask for or what the status is on any ongoing asks because I don't get deep inside into that until decisions are made and it comes back out the other end and then there's an announcement made. So, to be clear, where we are now is the things that we've -- that we need, we've asked for them and received them. And we do have with the president a -- a executive order to go back and take about 30 days and deliver to him options to accelerate the campaign. We've provided our input to General Votel. And General Votel, my understanding, has provided those to the chain of command. So at this point, where we are with that is we're awaiting decisions and then I'm sure there will be a Washington-based announcement when those decisions are made. CAPT. DAVIS: Okay. Next we'll go Tara Copp with Stars and Stripes. Q: Hi, Colonel Dorrian. Just to follow on Phil's question, General Votel seemed to indicate in the piece in The New York Times that the U.S. is considering additional forces, specifically for Syria to advance the Raqqa fight. If I hear you correctly on Mosul, pushing towards Mosul is what precipitated needing additional forces in Iraq. So is it, I guess, accurate to understand that the same request would be made for Syria? COL. DORRIAN: Yeah, as far as what the content of any request would be, I've seen the reports of General Votel's comments. I don't have anything to add to them, I think you probably should follow those up with CENTCOM or with the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Q: Okay. And then separately, could you give us a breakdown of the 450 U.S. forces that are currently with ISF? We understand that that's a separate number than the number of special forces that are with CTS. So could you breakdown what the 450 is, their roles? Are there special forces there? What does that include? COL. DORRIAN: Well, with regard to the 450, those are advisers at every level of command all over Iraq. We don't do a breakdown to each localized region or within each specialty, so I'm afraid I'm not able to give you more fidelity on that. What I would say is that our adviser teams have a variety of capabilities and that depends where they are. They have experts in infantry, they have security people, they have intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, they have forward air controllers. All of those capabilities reside with our advisers. And then certainly, we have experts in infantry and tactics and that sort of thing. So all those types of capabilities reside with our advisory teams and those are distributed throughout Iraq. Q: Just one quick follow. Would it be accurate to say that the lion's share of the 450 are still made of special forces or is it more conventional forces? COL. DORRIAN: No, it's 450 conventional. CAPT. DAVIS: Next, we'll go to Ryan Browne from CNN. (Inaudible) -- audio there. Can you just try to say that again for us, J.D.? COL. DORRIAN: Yup. I was just saying with regard to what our special operations forces are doing, we don't do a deep dive on that, what their specific locations are and exactly what they're doing at any given time. That's just a longstanding policy. We're not gonna get into that. CAPT. DAVIS: Okay. We'll go to Ryan Browne from CNN. Q: Hello, colonel. Thank you for doing this. Just a quick follow-up on that last exchange. You said that 450 advisers at every level in Iraq of conventional forces. So of the 5,000-odd U.S. forces in Iraq, only 450 are performing advisory function? Is that correct? COL. DORRIAN: Yeah, that's correct. Q: Thank you. And on the idea of high-level tasks that we were talking about earlier, my understanding with the SDF's move on Raqqa, the goal is to actually have local forces kind of -- entering the city, breaking the city's defenses. So can you talk a little bit about what capability gaps that local force might have compared to the ISF, which, you know, we've equipped with artillery and has their own aircraft, and you know, can do combined arms operations? I mean is this a really relatively fresh, locally generated force expecting to achieve a similar tactical objective in Raqqa compared to Mosul? So could you kind of talk a little bit about what capability gaps might exist there? COL. DORRIAN: You know what? As far as capability gaps, I don't think I want to get too deeply into that. I've seen General Votel's comments on that and I think I don't have anything to add. I would say that to date what we're doing is we're providing small arms, ammunition, supplies, and equipment to the Syrian Arab Coalition. This is the Arab element of the SDF. And that's the extent of what capabilities that they have from us. And so that's really about all I can give you right now. Q: And on the Iraq side, we're providing a full spectrum of capabilities, correct? I mean, can you just -- that small arms compared to what we're providing the Iraqis I guess would be artillery and things of that nature? COL. DORRIAN: Well, we have capabilities that we provide the Iraqis. And they also have capabilities that they purchase for themselves, you know, through foreign military sales. So the Iraqi Security Forces have a burgeoning air force. They have 14 F-16s and they're going to have several more. So that's about the highest-end capability that you can get in this area. And I think it's, you know, certainly something they've brought to bear to great effect in the operations over Mosul. You know, last month I believe they dropped 95 munitions in Mosul. And they've, you know, gotten increasingly capable. They also have artillery. They have armor. They have armored vehicles. And they have heavy equipment. These are all the types of things that they've brought to bear in the earlier liberation battles, and continue to use as they go into Mosul. CAPT. DAVIS: Next, Courtney Kube from NBC News. Q: Hey, J.D., one quick clarification from your opening statement. One of the leaders that you mentioned, I think it was the last guy -- I didn't write any of their names down, sorry -- you said was involved in anti-aircraft in Mosul. What kind of anti-aircraft weapons does ISIS have in Mosul? COL. DORRIAN: You know, they have small aircraft anti-aircraft artillery pieces. As far as the breakdown of what those are, I don't have that. But they do have the capability to threaten aircraft that are low to the ground; not a tremendous number of them. But when they're found, certainly we're going to eliminate a threat like that because that's a significant threat. We're not going to allow something like that to exist anywhere on the battlefield where a capability like that's found. Q: And then, you also mentioned some HIMARS that were used, I think, for Southwest Mosul. Does the U.S. have HIMARS inside of Mosul that are operating inside of Mosul right now? COL. DORRIAN: No, we don't. Our HIMARS are operating at various locations around Iraq and certainly well within distance of being able to fire into Mosul with a tremendous amount of precision. This is a capability with GPS-aided munitions that they're really able to strike targets with a tremendous amount of accuracy and very little collateral damage. So, it's a -- a key capability, something that is one of the accelerants that over the past several months has been brought in to Iraq in order to get the campaign with a capability that's for precision strike as we got ready to go into Mosul, so. It's -- it's a really good capability for us to have. Q: And then, my real question is about some media reports yesterday about a guy who blew himself up allegedly in Mosul named Abu Zakariya al-Britani. He was apparently a detainee at Guantanamo until about 15 years ago or 12 years ago when he was released. Do you -- do you have any confirmation that he was in fact -- that he killed himself in a suicide bomb in Southwest Mosul? Do you know anything about it? Do you know if it was in fact the same guy who was a detainee at Gitmo? COL. DORRIAN: You know what, Courtney? I'm afraid I don't. We received the same reports that you did, saw those in open press and we asked those questions, but we -- we're unable to confirm at this point. We don't have any information indicating that individual was a Gitmo detainee. So, you know, if we get anything new, new information, by all means, we'll share it but I don't have anything for that. CAPT. DAVIS: Okay, and next to Laurie Mylroie with Kurdistan 24. Q: Hi, Colonel Dorrian. I got two questions. One is that, U.S. authorities have begun to talk about a longer term presence in Iraq to keep this Islamic radicalism at bay, defeat it after, you know, so it doesn't come back after ISIS is defeated. Moqtada al-Sadr has said this will be a violation of Iraqi sovereignty and he will oppose it. Does that concern you? COL. DORRIAN: Well, any presence that the United States or any coalition nation has in Iraq right now is -- we're going to work these through the coalition and we've been invited here to help them defeat Daesh. So, the presence of U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq is something that the government of Iraq is well aware of, approved, supports. And right now the -- they are quite pleased to have us involved in helping them liberate Mosul. What the -- their decision will be in the future is a matter for the government of Iraq and certainly, you know, we'll examine that with them and -- and figure out what the best way forward is. Speaking as a U.S. officer, I would say we do have a strategic partnership agreement between our two countries and the security element of that is something that will exist for as long as the Iraqis want it to exist. There was a recent announcement on that by the vice president. He confirmed that we have a strategic partnership agreement and we'll just have to let that play out. In the meantime right now, we're focused on defeating an enemy that's an existential threat to Iraq and Syria and threatens every peace loving nation in the world. I think we'll work on that task first and then worry about what the long term presence will be once that task is done. Q: Thank you. And my second question involves the casualties and medical issues that are coming out of the Mosul offensive. And last week the Erbil Health Directorate reported that this was putting tremendous strains on -- on local facilities that most of the wounded by the Mosul offensive get treated in their bill. There's a shortage of -- of medicines, as a result. Is that an issue that you're addressing? COL. DORRIAN: Yeah, these are -- these are matters for the government of Iraq to address. There is a tremendous outpouring of international support to help them deal with the -- the challenges of liberating Daesh, liberating the country from Daesh and all of the medical problems that are created by this dangerous enemy. The coalition -- many of the coalition nations do provide capabilities, but that's not something that works through the military end of it, really. That's more of an international aid effort. So I think probably, the U.N. and many of the non-government organizations that are operating in Iraq would have more information and insight on all that. I know that there are a number of them here, they're doing an incredibly good job of taking care of people but its something that the capacity of the international community is gonna be challenged because the fight to liberate Mosul and all the rest of Iraq from this enemy is certainly something that's taking its toll. Q: The Erbil Health Directorate report said that Iraq is not coming through, in providing the aid and -- and medicine and medical supplies that Erbil needs. And is it these international organizations that should be addressing the problem, then, rather than you? COL. DORRIAN: Well, as I said, any nation on Earth that had an enemy like ISIL setting up shop in their country is gonna struggle with capacity issues to keep up with all the people that they're murdering, raping, killing, injuring, harming. So the government of Iraq is working this very hard, as is the international community. And they'll continue to do so. CAPT. DAVIS: Kasim Ileri with Anadolu News Agency. Q: Hey, John, hi. Last week, some reports came out of Turkey saying that in his meeting with General Dunford, Turkey's general chief of staff, General Akar has offered two options for contribution, about contribution of Turkey to Raqqa operation. One was, inserting forces through Tel Abiad down to Raqqa, the other was moving over through Manbij to help coalition retaking Raqqa from ISIS. Has anything about this come down to your level, at this time? COL. DORRIAN: At this -- at this point, I don't have any details to offer with regard to those ongoing discussions. Certainly for many weeks now, we've been saying that there were ongoing discussions at a military-to-military and at political levels between the United States, many of the -- the coalition nations and -- and Turkey. They have been a key partner in Syria, they're a long time NATO ally and have done an incredible job of reducing the enemy's capabilities and their ability to threaten the world by moving up through Syria and into Turkey and then onward into Europe. They've done an incredible job of mitigating that threat. And this is something that we're -- we're very thankful to have. As far as details on the way ahead with regard to their involvement, I don't have any new details to offer. I'm aware of the reports that you've seen there. Q: And also, you said that you have already submitted your assessment about the 30-day review and then the plan to accelerate the fight against ISIS. Is there -- I don't -- I'm not asking about specifics of course, but can you say that there is -- you know, you have an assessment about the role of Turkey in Syria, particularly in Raqqa, in your assessment that you have submitted to General Votel? COL. DORRIAN: No, at -- at this point, I do not. No, I don't. CAPT. DAVIS: Next up, the gentlemen here. Q: Ragip Soylu with Daily Sabah. Colonel, I have a question on al-Bab. What is the coalition's assessment on the situation al-Bab? For example, what percentage of the city is liberated currently? COL. DORRIAN: Yeah, we're aware that Turkish forces -- Turkish partner -- and their partner forces have entered the city of al-Bab. There's extraordinarily difficult fighting there. The enemy still has a significant number of fighters and it doesn't take very many when they've had the opportunity to dig the fighting positions and create the capabilities that they have with regard to vehicle-born improvised explosive devices. And then all the indirect fire and things like that that they've been doing for quite some time. So, it's a very difficult fight there. The coalition has continued conducting strikes to eliminate threats from the battlefield for the Turkish forces and their partners there, but this is something that -- it's just a very difficult ongoing fight. Q: Second question, would you please tell us whether any U.S. soldier embedded in Turkish-backed forces in northern Syria are providing assistance? COL. DORRIAN: The -- the question was are there any U.S. special forces in northern Turkey? Is that the question? Q: In northern Syria embedded with Turkish forces. COL. DORRIAN: Yeah, as far as what forces we have there, we do have about 500 U.S. forces in Turkey. Those are -- a good, significant portion of them are special operations forces, but we do have some support forces there to assist them with various tasks. That's -- that's what we have there. We don't really do any further breakdown about what their whereabouts are or anything like that. I hope that answers your question. CAPT. DAVIS: I want to make -- just to clarify here, I think you said 500 troops in Turkey. I think you meant 500 troops in Syria. Is that right? COL. DORRIAN: I apologize. You have 500 in Syria. I'm sorry. CAPT. DAVIS: Next, we'll go with Lucas Tomlinson, Fox News. Q: Colonel, you mentioned earlier that you had not seen a significant number of Iranian personnel inside Iraq, around Mosul. How many are we talking here? COL. DORRIAN: Yeah, Lucas, I didn't say there were a significant number. I am not aware -- I'm not aware of any interaction. I have heard anecdotally that there is some Iranian influence with some of the groups that are present in the west of Mosul, but I don't have any idea how many there are there. Q: Are you concerned that as ISIS is defeated in Iraq, Iran's influence inside Iraq grows? COL. DORRIAN: I think that would be speculative in nature. So I don't know -- I don't know what their influence will be once Daesh is defeated. Q: Is there any concern in the coalition that even the potential for more U.S. troops going into Iraq and Syria would bring more foreign fighters to those two countries? COL. DORRIAN: Well, I think that would be speculative in nature because, first off, as far as the number of fighters that we have here, I can neither confirm nor deny whether we've been asked to increase the number, so I don't really even want to touch that question because it's just pure speculation. CAPT. DAVIS: Okay. Next, Paul Shinkman with U.S. News. Q: Yeah, hi, colonel. Just to follow up again on the 450 number. Can you tell us what -- so is it safe to say that the others of the 5,000 Americans in Iraq are in a support role? They're doing force protection and that kind of thing? COL. DORRIAN: Well, we have -- we have people here that are artillery. We have security. We have headquarters staff, people like me. You know, all those types of people -- we have transportation, explosive ordnance, disposal -- just pretty much every type of capability that you need to sustain a force and to provide our advice and assistance is present here. Q: Do they have the capacity to support more advisers if there were to be more advisers in Iraq? Would there need to be proportionately more of these forces to support them? COL. DORRIAN: That's a -- it's a speculative question. If we need capabilities, we'll ask for them, and we'll ask for everything that we need to support them. But we don't -- you know, I'm not going to speculate as to whether we could use more and what we would need in order to have more. It's just pure speculation. Q: And just a follow-up on the casualties in Mosul, can you give us some sense of what those rates are looking like right now for the Iraqi Security Forces? Are they fairly steady? Have they been increasing as the conflict there has gone on? COL. DORRIAN: Well, you know, the Iraqi Security Forces don't release casualty figures. I can tell you now, they're experiencing light to moderate resistance because they're outside the city. We would expect that the fighting would be much tougher as they move into the city. Right now, they're -- they're moving from south to north and they've approached an area that overlooks the Mosul International Airport and that, we would expect, would be one of the things that would go next. Q: And just lastly, can you -- can you say what forces are sustaining the most casualties? Is it still largely the counterterrorism forces or the -- are conventional forces also taking a lot of casualties? COL. DORRIAN: No. I cannot and I will not. CAPT. DAVIS: Next, TM Gibbons-Neff, with the Washington Post. Q: Thanks, colonel. Talking about civilian casualties, there's been some reports out about coalition strikes in January around Raqqa and Mosul that civilian causality claims have surpassed those of Russia's bombing campaign in Syria. Can you comment on that? And then, moving on to west Mosul, the density of the -- the urban terrain? And I'm wondering if the coalition, by pushing advisers to lower levels, whether that -- those be forward air controllers JTACs, that you're changing your approach to airstrikes, whether that be a process or a collateral damage assessment? COL. DORRIAN: Okay. Well, with regard to civilian causalities, our record speaks for itself. We only use precision guided munitions. We coordinate every single strike with the government of Iraq. We put a tremendous amount of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities on targets and we develop them very carefully and do that coordination very deliberately before we strike. And we've done, I think, a pretty remarkable job. It's probably the most -- well, it is without question, the most precise air campaign that's ever been done. But even with all of that, there are civilians on the battlefield and there are instances where unfortunately, civilians are killed. So we've done a very laudable job with regard to doing everything that we can to reduce civilian casualties and collateral damage and we will continue to do to so. The government of Iraq has made clear that the protection of civilians is a centerpiece and a fundamental principle of their campaign. We agree a thousand percent with that, because the -- the manner in which Mosul is liberated is just as important as its liberation. So we're gonna do everything we can to protect civilians, just like the Iraqi Security Forces have done. And that's really about all there is to that. With regard to, the urban terrain and our JTACs, certainly, whenever you're operating an urban terrain, one of the things that you have to be mindful of is that when you're conducting airstrikes, that's going to affect a lot of different things that affect the manner of which those airstrikes are done. So all the discussion that I had to avoid civilian causalities, all those things we will continue to sustain. But whenever you're in dense urban terrain, a lot of the time we'll make adjustments in the types of munitions, the fusing on the munitions, the size of the munitions that we use, in order to make sure that its only Daesh fighters who are being killed. We'll do everything that we can to make sure that the enemy is targeted with a tremendous amount of precision. So, we'll continue to do that throughout the campaign in the western part of Mosul. One of the things that we do in order to do that is to use joint terminal attack controllers, people on the ground that are a part of the advise and assist teams. And they have the ability to call in airstrikes with a tremendous amount of precision and to do so in a manner that's very responsive, probably more responsive than by doing that in some of the strike cells. So, these -- these JTACs are empowered when the commander on the ground directs it, and they have the ability to observe targets properly and to target things properly. They have the ability to call in strikes as well. And this is something that maintains a very high level of precision, but it also increases the amount of responsiveness for the -- the teams on the ground so they can call in fires a little bit more efficiently. Q: I'm just going to follow up on that. So to me, that says that you have JTACs at the tactical level as in there -- right there next to their Iraqi counterparts who are taking fire, so they can eyes both on the target and the aircraft when it releases munition. Is that correct? COL. DORRIAN: There are instances where that's the case. It's not in all instances, but yes, you are correct. We are doing that. CAPT. DAVIS: Okay. Next to Jim Michaels with USA Today. Q: Colonel, just coming back to Syria for a moment. (CROSSTALK) COL. DORRIAN: If I could, just a quick second. If I could just go ahead and make sure that I'm clarifying that point properly. The joint terminal attack controllers are forward air controllers. They are not doing direct action where they are on the front -- front lines. They are still with those command elements. And so I wanted to make that piece abundantly clear. We -- our forces that are doing those types of tasks are a part of the advisory -- advice and assistance teams. And they are not the main effort. They are not doing the fighting for the Iraqis. They're supporting the Iraqis as they do the fighting. So, sorry to add that on, but I just wanted to make sure that we're very clear on that point. (CROSSTALK) Q: I don't understand. (inaudible) -- he explain how both things are true? How is it -- could he just elaborate a little more? (CROSSTALK) COL. DORRIAN: I didn't hear any of that. CAPT. DAVIS: He asked for more elaboration on that and -- Q: He said they were down -- at first, he said they were down -- (inaudible) -- in the very front lines with the troops on the ground. Then he said that they were with -- only with the command elements. Is it -- how -- can you just reconcile those two statements? COL. DORRIAN: What I'm saying is those forces are a part of the advice and assistance teams, and the advice and assistance teams stay with the -- the command elements. And so there are various levels of command. There's division, brigade, battalion level. That is -- they are with the commanders making those calls and the commander -- the senior U.S. person on the ground is the one who's authorized to work with them and make that call. Q: So are the command elements watching then? Are the command elements forward then? Is that what you're telling us? Because I think TM, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think he specifically asked whether these JTACs were forward and actually watching the aircraft, and they were -- they were watching the aircraft and ammunitions and the targets. So are the command elements forward and that's who they're with? COL. DORRIAN: Okay. I think I might have just lost audio. I'm gonna go ahead and try to answer that in case you can hear me. What I'm telling you is somebody in the U.S. forces that are acting as advisers is in charge, the senior person on the ground. And that is the person that can tell the Iraqi -- or the forward air controller can authorize that person to release weapons. Q: Can you hear us? CAPT. DAVIS: We can still hear you loud and clear. COL. DORRIAN: I've got nothing. CAPT. DAVIS: We hear you loud and clear. COL. DORRIAN: (Off mic) CAPT. DAVIS: One, two, three, three, two, one. COL. DORRIAN: Okay. Can somebody talk to me? I think I can hear you now. CAPT. DAVIS: We can hear you. Can you hear us? We hear you just fine. COL. DORRIAN: Okay, we're back on. Very good. I've got you loud and clear. So I answered a question, I'm not sure whether you heard me. CAPT. DAVIS: Well, let's make sure this answered to your satisfaction. Courtney, I think -- go ahead. Q: JD, I think there's just confusion here because I think TM specifically asked about whether these JTACs are forward and are actually -- have eyes on their targets and the aircraft. And I think it was all of our impression that you said that's the case, but then they're back with the not on the front lines and they're with the command element. So are the command elements actually forward and they're actually able to see the targeting? I mean, are we -- is this just like a language thing here? COL. DORRIAN: (inaudible) -- command elements -- I think it is. Command elements are close enough to direct the battle. So I don't want to give you the impression they're far removed from the front. They're not are removed from the front, they're very close to the front, close enough to observe what's going on and provide good advice and assistance. So the forward air controllers are with those elements very close to the front, providing that capability to the commanders on the ground. CAPT. DAVIS: All right. Next to Luis -- I'm sorry, were you done, Jim? He's had a multi-part question he wasn't done with. Q: Yeah, just a -- (inaudible) -- follow on that. Is this new FAC capability that's resident in the advise and assist mission, is that a new capability? COL. DORRIAN: No. No, that is a capability that's existed in advise and assist teams throughout the campaign in Mosul. Q: And then, onto Syria. Are there any indications that the Syrian regime forces are moving closer to Raqqa? Or are they basically holding in their positions outside the city? COL. DORRIAN: Yeah, we've not seen Syrian regime forces moving toward Raqqa. They are operating in areas around Palmyra. They're operating in areas near al-Bab. And then other -- other areas around Syria. CAPT. DAVIS: And to Luis Martinez with ABC News. Q: John, a couple of follow ups. Are you talking -- when you talk about these command elements, are you referring to the special operations advise and assist teams, or more these conventional forces that you were talking about earlier? And does that mean that you now have advisers down below the brigade level, at -- at the battalion level? We only heard about one occurrence before that, you say it's now more common. COL. DORRIAN: Well, I'm not going to get into the details of where our special operations forces are and what their capabilities are. What I'm talking about there is our conventional forces. And they're operating at every level including division, brigade and battalion level at times. It's more common at the higher levels, but this is a capability and it's an authority that General Townsend has had. He said from his first Pentagon press brief that when he needed to have them at a lower level that he would do so. And that is something that we routinely do. Q: And then, if I could go back to the concept of the battle for Mosul being difficult. What's your estimate of how many ISIS fighters there are still in western Mosul? And what indicators do you see that the fight there is going to be tougher than potentially it was in eastern Mosul? COL. DORRIAN: Well, you know what, I've -- I've heard estimates as low as a thousand and as high as 3,000 on the west side of Mosul. I think what we have to do is let the Iraqi Security Forces get in there and begin clearing areas. And I think it will become clear relatively quickly. We do expect it to be a very tough fight because the very narrow areas, the very narrow streets in some parts of the city, the ancient parts of the city, are going to make for a very tough going. That means you probably -- the Iraqi Security Forces won't be able to go in there with vehicles. But at the same time, the enemy won't be able to move vehicle-born improvised explosive devices, which was their weapon of choice on the eastern side into those areas. So, we'll -- we'll let the Iraqis go in there and we'll assist them and advise them and provide our strikes and intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance as they go. We do expect it to be an extraordinarily difficult fight. The enemy has not given up. They are, in some cases, demoralized. And we do see situations where they've conscripted fighters or that they've either executed or punished fighters who don't want to do what they've been told to do by the ISIL leadership. This is something that we expect to see continue as the enemy continues to lose territory and fighters and resources. But it's going to take some time. And just like there were 100,000 -- or excuse me, yeah, about 100,000 buildings on the eastern side of Mosul, there's probably well over 100,000 on the western side over a more compressed area. So this puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the Iraqi security forces as they advance into the city because these buildings have to be cleared from rooftop level through every room, every closet, all the way down to ground level, including the tunnels that get dug between buildings. It's very, very dangerous and tedious, and the Iraqi security forces have done a really good job of protecting civilians as they've conducted those clearing operations and that's something we expect them to continue. Q: Thank you. CAPT. DAVIS: Okay. A follow-up to Tara Copp. Q: All right, real quick on the Iraqi F-16s. There are 14 total F-16s in the Iraqi air force at present or is that just 14 that are active in the Mosul campaign? COL. DORRIAN: That's 14 that they have so far. They'll have over 30 by the time they get all the ones that they intend to purchase. That's just how many they have right now. Q: And then given the -- COL. DORRIAN: -- daily basis, to very good effect. Q: Could you repeat that last part please? We didn't catch it. COL. DORRIAN: I was gonna say and they are flying them everyday to very good effect. Q: Given the sensitivities for civilian casualties and the tighter fight in western Mosul, are the Iraqi F-16s going to be used in part of the airstrikes there? Are the U.S. forward air controllers actually working with these Iraqi F-16s in the fight for western Mosul? COL. DORRIAN: Well, the -- the Iraqis are increasingly capable. They have the ability to target with precision, just like our -- our fighter pilots do. I was speaking with one of our commanders that works closely with the Iraqi air force and the advisers who help them conduct their operations, and what I'm hearing is that they're very capable of hitting the targets that they intend to hit. They are targeting with precision inside Mosul and doing a very good job. So they -- they will, you know, continue to be very capable. The Iraqis have their own ability to call in airstrikes, and so, you know, they also have forward air controllers. CAPT. DAVIS: Okay and -- I'm sorry, sir, in the back. Q: Mark Irons, EWTN News Nightly. Colonel, can you update us on the humanitarian efforts that are taking place in this operation? In particular, what is being done to help persecuted Christians? COL. DORRIAN: Well, you know what, what I would say is that that task, what we are here to do is to assist the Iraqi security forces in defeating ISIL and ISIL is probably the number one persecutor of anyone that doesn't follow their ideology, including Christians. So that is probably what the coalition military force role is in that. We're helping the Iraqi security forces to defeat this enemy that threatens every single person in Iraq who's not a part of their movement and a part of their twisted ideology. So that -- that's -- that's what our role is. CAPT. DAVIS: Okay. Barbara? Q: Colonel Dorrian, going back to the U.S. troops that at times are moving closer to the front lines, can you tell us -- and I'm not asking specifics, I only am asking -- have any of them come under fire or have any of them been wounded? COL. DORRIAN: Barb, they have come under fire at different times, our forces that have -- that have been in Mosul and other places around Iraq. Yes, they have been under fire at different times. What I would tell you, though, is that they are directed to try and be positioned where that is a rarity and unlikely to occur. Sometimes, it will happen. And believe me, our forces are quite capable of defending themselves and they will do so very, very robustly, but that is not the intent for them to have to do that. We're doing the best we can to help them provide their advice and assistance, but not become the main effort or get involved in fighting the enemy for our partners. Our partners are fighting the enemy and we're supporting them with our advice and assistance. That's the way this is supposed to work. Q: If I could ask you to be specific, because you said "Mosul and other places." At the moment, I'm only really asking about the U.S. troops that have occasionally now gone further forward to the front, closer to the front in Mosul. And this is a very recent event, so -- that this has happened. So, can you tell us, just to make sure I'm absolutely clear on what you're saying, they have come under fire. They have engaged in returning fire. Can you tell us how many times, again in this effort to get closer in Mosul? And have any of them been wounded? COL. DORRIAN: Wow, we're really unpacking -- unpacking the questions, Barb. They have -- they have come under fire at different times. They have returned fire at different times in and around Mosul. That has happened at different times. I don't have a number of times that that has happened. I don't know that I could provide one if I did know it. And then we -- we do not brief wounded in action. So we don't release information on that. That would give enemy real-time battle damage and we're just not going to get into that kind of insight. I understand those figures are later available through the Department of Defense, but that's not something that we're going to do and get into the business of from here in real time or near real time. Q: So they've been in combat operations, although that was not the intent. They have been in combat now. COL. DORRIAN: Barb, absolutely. Yes, I mean, that's -- when someone is shooting at you, that is combat. Yes, that has happened. Q: (inaudible) -- in Mosul as well, right? (inaudible) Q: Yes, can we get Phil's clarification? (CROSSTALK) COL. DORRIAN: It is not the intent. The intent is to stay away from the front. (CROSSTALK) Q: (inaudible) -- Phil's clarification please? CAPT. DAVIS: I think they're asking you, J.D., if there was -- if there are U.S. troops in western Mosul? Q: No, no, if the -- if the -- what he was saying about people being involved in combat (inaudible) and returning fire. Q: So they would have to be in western Mosul to be able to fire at western Mosul, right? So I think that's a pretty easy one. (CROSSTALK) COL. DORRIAN: You know what, there were several people talking at one time there and I -- I didn't really get exactly what the question is. CAPT. DAVIS: Have U.S. troops come under fire in western Mosul? COL. DORRIAN: I would have to -- I would have to check that. I don't have anything from operational reporting on that, at this time. CAPT. DAVIS: Yeah, I'm sorry, we're well over an hour folks. Go ahead. Q: I said one more follow-up. This is to TM's earlier question about the civilian casualties in Raqqa. I think it was Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Air Wars who put those numbers out. They said it was 91 civilians killed by U.S. and coalition strikes in January and 48 by Russians in the same time frame. I know you guys, the numbers tend to lag, but given it's the end of February, can you give us any sense if -- if you're even moving in the direction that that might be correct? And it might look like there was an unusually high number of civilian casualties by U.S. and coalition in January. COL. DORRIAN: You know what, I -- I just can't get ahead of our -- our reporting and our investigations. I think what we'll have to do is just compile our reports. We'll keep them and continue to be very transparent about releasing information once it's available. One of the things about this is they're -- they're -- the investigations that we conduct sometimes take some time. And so there's a little bit of latency in the reporting. So I think it would be pure conjecture on my part if I were to opine one way or the other. I think what we'll do is, we'll just owe you that report when its time to do that at the beginning of the month and -- and just to do it that way. Q: (Off mic) if I ask one more question in this briefing, I'm gonna call it an exclusive interview with NBC News, just saying. Thank you. I'm just kidding. CAPT. DAVIS: Hey, J.D., we're sorry we've kept you late and I hope you didn't miss dinner as a result. Thank you for your time and we look forward to seeing you again, soon. COL. DORRIAN: Thanks very much, Jeff. http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/1091450/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USS Hue City Arrives in Tallinn Navy News Service Story Number: NNS170222-08 Release Date: 2/22/2017 10:00:00 AM By Ensign Nicholas Vandiver, USS Hue City (CG 66) Public Affairs TALLIN, Estonia (NNS) -- Guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) arrived in Tallinn, Estonia, for a scheduled port visit to enhance U.S.-Estonia relations as the two nations work together for a stable, secure, and prosperous Baltic region and Europe, Feb. 22. While in port, Hue City is scheduled to host distinguished military and civilian visitors for an on-board reception dinner. Hue City Sailors are scheduled to visit local schools as part of a community relations program (COMREL), as well as host shipboard tours to local students. "Hue City looks forward to spending time in Estonia supporting our NATO ally," said Capt. Dan Gillen, Hue City's commanding officer. "It is essential that we continue to strengthen our working relationships with our allies. This visit also provides a chance for the crew to get out in Tallinn and experience Estonia." Strengthening alliances during the port visit to Tallinn demonstrates the shared commitment to promote safety and stability within the region, while seeking opportunities to enhance the enduring relationship with allies like Estonia. Following the port visit, Hue City will be continue to conduct maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG). GHWBCSG is comprised of the staff of CSG-2; aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77); the nine squadrons and staff of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8; Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 staff, guided-missile destroyers USS Laboon (DDG 58) and USS Truxtun (DDG 103), and Danish guided-missile frigate HDMS Peter Willemoes (F 362); and Mayport-based USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and Hue City. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NMCB 1 Ready, Relieves NMCB 11 Navy News Service Story Number: NNS170222-06 Release Date: 2/22/2017 8:55:00 AM By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class M. Jang, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1 assumed charge of the Seabee's Europe and Africa Naval Construction Force missions from NMCB 11 during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Mitchell, Naval Station Rota's Seabee camp, Feb. 20. Rear Adm. Louis V. Cariello, director of Energy and Environmental Readiness Division, spoke to the battalions before presiding over the transfer of authority. "It is an absolute pleasure for me to be here today," said Cariello. "It is great to be back with our Navy's expeditionary force -- an expeditionary force that represents, quite honestly, a bridge between our 'blue-water' Navy and our forces ashore; critical to our operations around the globe. It is one thing to be a really good battalion and to be able to execute effectively. It is another thing to achieve a standard of excellence that makes you a great battalion." Cariello went on to thank NMCB 11 for a great deployment for the past six months and welcomed NMCB 1, who will be taking over. Cmdr. Jim Brown, commanding officer of NMCB 11, expressed confidence in the battalions before he exchanged salutes to signify the transfer of authority. "My command philosophy is pretty simple: be ready, be willing, and be able," said Brown. "And my quote is a William Faulkner quote: ['Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.'] We've done a phenomenal turnover. Past battalions used to conflict and compete. We don't do that anymore. We are one team, one fight. We are just trying to be better than ourselves." Brown then exchanged salutes with Cmdr. Lance Flood, commander of NMCB 1, in the presence of Cariello to signify the official transfer of authority. As NMCB 11 returns to its homeport in Gulfport, Mississippi, the oncoming battalion will continue the ongoing projects and achieve the Seabee mission by supporting the base. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Bahraini police clash with protesters in Nuwaidrat Iran Press TV Wed Feb 22, 2017 6:8PM Bahraini police have once again clashed with protesters condemning the killing of a young activist by the Manama regime forces. Witnesses said on Wednesday that residents of the village of Nuwaidrat, south of the capital, Manama, staged a protest on Tuesday night to protest the death of Abdullah al-Ajouz. Ajouz was pronounced dead on Monday in custody after he sustained a number of gunshot wounds before he was arrested earlier in the day. There were no immediate reports of any casualties in the Tuesday clashes with police. The clashes come as the regime continues to crack down on opposition. Police have arrested 20 people over the past two weeks. According to the police media center, the 20 people, aged between 20 and 65, were arrested between February 9 and February 19. The detainees, who include four women, were arrested on alleged terrorism-related charges. In a latest move to further suppress political dissent in the island country, the lower house of the Bahraini parliament on Tuesday approved a contentious amendment to the constitution, under which civilians could be tried in military courts. However, the bill has yet to be endorsed by the 40-member Consultative Council (Majlis al-Shura), the upper house of parliament, whose members are appointed directly by King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifah. Trail of Nabeel Rajab adjourned Also on Wednesday, a Bahraini court postponed until March 22 the trial of prominent human rights activist Nabeel Rajab. The activist was arrested last June over tweets he posted in 2015 criticizing the Manama regime for torturing prisoners at a local jail and for its involvement in the deadly Saudi aggression against Yemen. Rajab was accused of "spreading false news and rumors and inciting propaganda during wartime," allegations denied by the defendant. Bahrain has witnessed anti-regime protests on an almost daily basis ever since a popular uprising began in February 2011. The demonstrators are demanding that the Al Khalifah family relinquish power and let a just system representing all Bahrainis be established. Scores of people have been killed and hundreds of others wounded or detained amid Manama's crackdown on dissent and widespread discrimination against the country's Shia majority. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemeni fighters reach outskirts of Mocha, in serious blow to Riyadh Iran Press TV Wed Feb 22, 2017 3:30PM In a major blow to the Saudi-led coalition supported by Washington, Yemeni fighters have reached the eastern outskirts of the port city of Mocha, which was overrun in early February by forces loyal to the former president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi. Latest media reports said on Wednesday that the Yemeni forces, backed by fighters from the Houthi Ansarullah movement, had reached the outskirts of the strategic coastal city in Ta'izz province following violent clashes the previous day with mercenaries fighting for Saudi Arabia against Yemen. The advance comes despite the fact that Saudi warplanes conducted several airstrikes to support the troops loyal to Hadi and mercenary soldiers. The latest round of battle for Mocha was a serious setback for an offensive launched by the pro-Saudi forces in January to try to recapture Yemen's 450-kilometer Red Sea coastline. Hadi loyalists and mercenary soldiers overran Mocha on February 10. For nearly two years, the regime in Riyadh has provided military support for pro-Hadi forces. However, their control is still largely restricted to southern Yemen and some areas along the Saudi border. Local media reports earlier said several high-ranking pro-Saudi commanders were among those killed in a medium-range ballistic missile attack carried out by Yemeni forces on an area close to the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Riyadh has failed to accomplish its declared objectives in the bloody campaign it launched against Yemen in March 2015. Saudi Arabia began the military aggression in an attempt to undermine Ansarullah and reinstall Hadi, who is a close ally of the regime in Riyadh. Over the past months of bombardment, Saudi airstrikes have taken a heavy toll on Yemen's facilities and infrastructure, destroying many hospitals, schools, and factories. The United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, Jamie McGoldrick, said last month that the campaign had claimed the lives of 10,000 Yemenis and left 40,000 others injured. McGoldrick told reporters in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, that the figure was based on casualty counts given by health facilities and that the actual number might be higher. However, local sources say the Saudi war has so far claimed the lives of at least 11,400 Yemenis. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Africa court blocks government bid to abandon ICC Iran Press TV Wed Feb 22, 2017 11:8AM A South African court has blocked the government's decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), ruling that the move is "unconstitutional and invalid." "The cabinet decision to deliver the notice of withdrawal... without prior parliamentary approval is unconstitutional and invalid," said Judge Phineas Mojapelo in a ruling issued in the North Gauteng High Court on Wednesday. The judge further declared that the president and ministers "are ordered forthwith to revoke the notice of withdrawal," delivering a major setback for President Jacob Zuma's administration. The opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) Party, which was one of the groups that had filed the court case, welcomed the judgment. "The withdrawal by the South African government from the ICC was irrational and unconstitutional," said DA legislator James Selfie. "We would like South Africa to stay in the ICC because we believe that it is consistent with our constitution and with the legacy of Nelson Mandela." The ICC, which was launched in July 2002 and has 124 member states, is the first UN-affiliated legal body with permanent international jurisdiction to prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The Hague-based institution has in recent months faced threats of abandonment by numerous African countries, with objections focusing on its apparent bias against Africa. South Africa had formally notified the United Nations late last year of its plan to withdraw from the Rome Statute the 1998 treaty establishing the ICC following a dispute over Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir's visit to the country in 2015. Authorities in Johannesburg at the time refused to detain Bashir despite an ICC arrest warrant issued against him over alleged war crimes, arguing that he had immunity as a head of state. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China to put missiles on S China Sea islands: US officials Iran Press TV Wed Feb 22, 2017 9:53AM US officials accuse China of intending to deploy long-range surface-to-air missiles on its artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea. China has almost completed the construction of concrete storage structures on Subi, Mischief and Fiery Cross reefs, which are part of the Spratly Islands chain, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing unnamed US officials. Featuring retractable roofs, the buildings appear to be 20 meters (66 feet) long and 10 meters (33 feet) high, an official said. "It is not like the Chinese to build anything in the South China Sea just to build it, and these structures resemble others that house SAM batteries, so the logical conclusion is that's what they are for," said another US official. The officials said that Washington might view the move as a military escalation in the region, but an equal military response was out of question. "The logical response would also be political something that should not lead to military escalation in a vital strategic area," he said. The US has for long accused China of undertaking a land reclamation program in the South China Sea for military purposes. The new US administration has sent warships to challenge China's sovereignty claims over most of the waters, which serve as a gateway for around a third of the world's annual maritime trade. The Philippines, one of the several countries that have overlapping claims with China, said Tuesday that any weapons deployment to the Chinese islands was "very unsettling" for the Southeast Asian countries. A Pentagon spokesman told Reuters that Washington remained committed to "non-militarization in the South China Sea," echoing President Donald Trump's stance on the issue. Trump has repeatedly attacked China's growing influence in the region, pledging to prevent Beijing from building what he calls a "massive military complex" in the sea. Despite the unofficial claims, US Secretary Rex Tillerson tried to de-escalate the tensions between the two countries in a phone conversation with Yang Jiechi, China's state councilor who outranks the foreign minister. "Secretary Tillerson and State Councilor Yang affirmed the importance of a constructive bilateral relationship," the State Department said Tuesday. Speaking to Chinese media, Yang said he hoped the two sides could "uphold the principles of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation." During his Senate confirmation hearings, Tillerson had stated that China should stop its island-building activities in the South China Sea and lose access to the ones it has already built. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Army soldiers, allies kill Saudi mercenaries off Yemen coast Iran Press TV Wed Feb 22, 2017 9:23AM Yemeni forces have launched an operation against Riyadh-backed militiamen loyal to the former government, killing scores of them, including the commander of Saudi-led Emirati troops in Yemen. The media bureau of the operations command in Yemen announced on Wednesday that a host of Saudi mercenaries died and sustained injuries when Yemeni troopers launched a medium-range ballistic missile at their gathering close to the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, the al-Masirah television network reported. The report added that several high-ranking pro-Saudi commanders were among the slain militiamen in the missile attack that hit the city of Mokha in Ta'izz Province. Nasser Moshabib al-Atibi, the commander of Emirati troops in Yemen, was among those killed. Arabic-language Here Aden news agency later reported that Major General Ahad Saif al-Yafei, the the second-in-command of the Saudi-backed military forces, had been killed in the missile attack. Emirati officials have not made any comments on the report yet. Separately, Yemeni soldiers and allied popular forces struck a position of Saudi mercenaries in al-Hanani area of Maqbanah district in the country's southwestern province of Ta'izz, leaving scores of pro-Saudi gunmen dead and injured. Meanwhile, Yemen's army spokesman Brigadier General Sharaf Luqman praised the "stinging and painful" retaliatory missile attacks against Saudi Arabia. Even though the assaults do not match Saudi regime's indiscriminate airstrikes in number, they have accurately hit the designated targets inside Saudi Arabia, Luqman pointed out. Saudi strikes claim more civilian lives In another development, Saudi fighter jets also carried a string of airstrikes against residential neighborhoods across Yemen on Wednesday, leaving several people killed and injured. Six civilian lost their lives when Saudi warplanes bombarded Jabal al-Ahmar mountainous area in the al-Humaydat district of Yemen's northern province of al-Jawf. Saudi aircraft also launched more than 20 airstrikes against other regions in Yemen, with no immediate reports of casualties and the extent of damage caused. Saudi Arabia has been engaged in a deadly campaign against Yemen since March 2015 in an attempt to reinstall the former president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, who is a close Riyadh ally. The airstrikes have taken a heavy toll on the impoverished country's facilities and infrastructure, destroying many hospitals, schools, and factories. The United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, Jamie McGoldrick, says the Saudi campaign has claimed the lives of 10,000 Yemenis and left 40,000 others wounded. McGoldrick told reporters in Sana'a last month that the figure was based on casualty counts given by health facilities and that the actual number might be higher. However, local sources say the Saudi war has so far claimed the lives of at least 11,400 Yemenis. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No concessions on future Palestinian state: Jordan, Egypt Iran Press TV Wed Feb 22, 2017 7:16AM Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and King Abdullah II of Jordan say there could be no concessions on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, reaffirming their support for a so-called two-state solution to the decades-long conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. The two leaders held a meeting on Tuesday in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, where they "discussed ways to push the stagnant Middle East peace process, especially in light of US President Donald Trump's administration coming to power," Egypt's presidential spokesman said in a statement. The statement further said the so-called two-state solution that would lead to the establishment of "a Palestinian state... with East Jerusalem (al-Quds) as its capital is a nationalist principle that cannot be conceded." The two statesmen also vowed to defend the rights of the Palestinian nation, and stressed the need for the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in order to restore peace and stability to the Middle East region. Earlier this month, Trump backtracked on Washington's firm support for a "two-state solution" to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying he would support any solution favored by both sides. "Looking at two-state or one-state, I like the one that both parties like. I'm very happy with the one both parties like. I can live with either one," Trump said during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Cairo meeting came days after Israel's Haaretz newspaper reported that Netanyahu had dismissed a regional peace initiative at a secret summit meeting with former US secretary of State John Kerry in the Jordanian resort town of Aqaba. The Jordanian monarch and Egypt's Sisi were in attendance as well. The report added that Kerry had outlined a proposal that included recognition of Israel and resumption of peace negotiations with the Palestinians. Netanyahu did not agree to the plan, saying members of his coalition administration would not approve it. During the secret meeting, Abdullah and Sisi tried to talk the Israeli prime minister into accepting the proposal, but Netanyahu presented a plan of his own and demanded that a regional summit be arranged to include senior figures from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other Arab countries. The last round of Israeli-Palestinian talks collapsed in 2014. Among the major sticking points in those negotiations was Israel's continued settlement expansion on Palestinian territories. Since the inauguration in January of Trump, who is a steadfast supporter of Israel, the regime in Tel Aviv has stepped up its construction of settler units on occupied Palestinian land in a blatant violation of international law. Less than a month before Trump took office, the United Nations Security Council had adopted Resolution 2334 in December, calling on Israel to "immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem" al-Quds. About 600,000 Israelis live in over 230 illegal settlements built since the 1967 Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem al-Quds. Palestinians wants the West Bank as part of a future independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem al-Quds as its capital. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU Envoys Approve Visa Liberalization For Georgia Rikard Jozwiak February 22, 2017 BRUSSELS -- European Union ambassadors have agreed to endorse visa liberalization for Georgia, a key step toward visa-free travel for Georgians to the Schengen zone. Meeting in Brussels on February 22, the ambassadors from EU member states also agreed to endorse a visa-suspension mechanism, which has been drafted as a condition for the implementation of visa-liberalization agreements for Georgia and Ukraine. It is now expected that ministers from all 28 EU member states will rubber-stamp both items, most likely on February 27. EU diplomats have told RFE/RL that they believe Georgians will be able to travel to Schengen Area countries by the end of March and that the suspension mechanism will enter into force at the same time. The European Commission recommended visa-free travel for Georgian citizens in December 2015, but the proposal first met with skepticism among some EU members -- most notably Germany, which voiced concern over crimes allegedly committed there by Georgian criminal gangs. The European Parliament overwhelmingly backed visa liberalization for Georgia in a vote earlier this month. Last week it endorsed the suspension mechanism, which is designed to ensure that visa-free arrangements can be suspended quickly in certain cases, such as an upsurge in baseless asylum applications or imminent security threats posed by third-country nationals. Diplomats will meet in Brussels on February 28 to discuss visa liberalization for Ukraine. EU diplomats expect that visa liberalization for Ukraine will enter into force in June. Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/eu-envoys-approve- gerogia-visa-liberalization-/28324676.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkish Coast Guard Vessels Enter Greek Waters Near Imia Island Sputnik News 18:52 22.02.2017 The Greek navy and coast guard monitored that Turkish coast guard vessels entered Greek territorial waters near the disputed islet of Imia in the southeast Aegean, according to local media reports. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Turkish coast guard vessels entered Greek territorial waters near the disputed islet of Imia in the southeast Aegean, local media said Wednesday. The breach was monitored by the Greek navy and coast guard, the Kathimerini newspaper reported. The Aegean dispute has been a major source of tension between Greece and Turkey since the 1970s, bringing the two countries to the brink of military confrontation in 1987 and 1996. The dispute revolves around a set of issues involving the delimitation of territorial waters, airspace, demilitarized zones and the status several Aegean Sea islands. Talks to resolve the issue began after 1999, when Turkey agreed to resolve the bilateral dispute as part of its accession deal with the European Union. The 1996 standoff was triggered by a dispute during a Turkish-Greek cargo ship salvaging operation on the Imia islet, which lies with around just 4.5 miles off the Turkish coast. Turkey claimed sovereignty over the islet for the first during the incident. Tensions were again stoked last month, when a Turkish missile boat approached the islet before being blocked by the Greek coast guard. The incident took place after Greek Supreme Court's ruling against the extradition of eight Turkish soldiers involved in a failed coup against the Turkish government last year. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yerevan Considers Russian Base 'Very Important Component' of Armenia's Security Sputnik News 15:35 22.02.2017(updated 15:36 22.02.2017) Armenian Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan told Sputnik that Russia's base in Gyumri is "a very important component" of Yerevan's security strategy. YEREVAN (Sputnik) The 102nd Russian military base in the Armenian city of Gyumri is as vital component of national security, Armenian Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan told Sputnik Wednesday. "We consider its [military base's] presence as a very important component of our country's security system," Sargsyan said. He also characterized the Gyumri base as the significant element within the military and political spheres of the Armenian-Russian cooperation as well as an important factor of deterrence. Sargsyan pointed out that after extension of the agreement on its location, the base became responsible not only for the security "within the perimeter of the former USSR external border," but also for the security of Armenia as a whole. The official added, that the increase of the base's staff numbers is not relevant at the present moment. "Increase in the number of staff can never be a goal in and of itself, it should respond to the specific challenges of a specific situation," Sargsyan said. The Russian 102nd Military Base is located in the Armenian city of Gyumri, and is part of the Joint CIS Air Defense System. On August 20, 2010, Russia and Armenia prolonged the agreement on the base location until 2044. The treaty also stipulates the expansion of the base's geographical and strategic responsibility. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Moscow Supports Search for Mutually Acceptable Solution to Karabakh Conflict Sputnik News 15:26 22.02.2017(updated 15:27 22.02.2017) The Russian foreign minister said there was no alternative to the current format of co-chairs of the Minsk Group on Nagorno-Karabakh. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Moscow speaks for the search for mutually acceptable ways to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on the basis of earlier adopted decisions, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday. "Of course, we exchanged views on the situation in the Transcaucasus, including the current state of affairs of the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement. Russia is in favor of continuing to seek mutually acceptable solutions to this conflict, in full conformity with those documents, which were signed with the participation of the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents in recent years and the leaders of the three co-chair countries of the OSCE Minsk Group Russia, the US and France," Lavrov said after talks with Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian. He said there was no alternative to the current format of co-chairs of the Minsk Group on Nagorno-Karabakh. The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, populated mostly by ethnic Armenians, proclaimed its independence from Azerbaijan in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 19921994, during a military conflict with the self-proclaimed republic supported by Armenia, Azerbaijan lost control over the region. The conflict escalated in April, with Armenia and Azerbaijan accusing each other of provocations and attacks. On April 5, Baku and Yerevan signed a ceasefire in Moscow following Russian mediation, yet hostilities continued. On June 20, 2016, the presidents of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia met in St. Petersburg where they reaffirmed their commitment to achieve steady progress in political settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and agreed to increase the number of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) monitors working in the conflict zone. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Norway to Ditch Tanks, Stop 'Russian Aggression' With Missiles Sputnik News 14:14 22.02.2017(updated 14:16 22.02.2017) The ongoing overhaul of Norway's defense capabilities still has many question marks hanging over it. For instance, the Norwegian Armed Forces may relinquish its use of heavy tanks and instead rely on missiles to be fired at enemy lines from afar. In any case, Russia is still considered the most likely adversary. While billion-investments in combat aircraft, patrol aircraft and submarines have already been earmarked in Norway's recent long-term defense plan, the shape of the Norwegian Army and the Home Guard has yet to be fully mapped out. The prospects of merging the Nordic country's land forces will be assessed by an expert committee that is also expected to put forward its military budget proposals. The committee, which is headed by Brigadier Aril Brandvik, has already identified four key problems with the current land force and is likely to present a wholly new concept of land defense. Only one of the three options currently on the table retains the existing defense structure with tanks and armored vehicles. The other two possibilities instead rely on lighter and mobile materiel, as well as closer interaction with other branches of troops, Norwegian newspaper Klassekampen reported. Previously, the Brandvik-led committee identified the weak points of the Norwegian defense as follows: low ability to react, low mobility of the forces, low combat strength due to infrastructure issues and low endurance that makes it virtually impossible to carry on in a lasting conflict. "So far it has not been concluded that the current concept cannot be maintained in the future, but it has some weaknesses that must be rectified if we are about to continue with it," Aril Brandvik told Klassekampen. Norwegian national broadcaster NRK has taken a look at the three options in more detail. In one of the concepts called "Sink and stop," the Russian advancement in Norwegian Lapland will be stopped in a decisive battle in Troms County. It is the only one that is based on heavy equipment, such as tanks. In the concepts dubbed "Refusal" and "Active conflict," which are less reliant on logistics and heavy materiel, a Russian assault on Norway will be stopped using long-range missiles, fired from fighter jets, ships or ground, in combination with mobile forces, all of which are significantly lighter than today's mechanized brigade. Previously, the committee rejected the concepts "Silence" and "Stop at the border." The former implied guerilla warfare and was ruled out as "unacceptable," whereas the latter was considered "completely unrealistic." According to Brandvik, scenarios which demand heavy investment in long-range weapons systems and the restructuring of existing departments are the most costly. This may prove crucial given Norway's financial difficulties in meeting the common NATO goal of defense expenditure exceeding 2 percent of the GDP. The goal of boosting NATO member states' defense outlay, which was recently stressed anew by the Trump administration, may leave a serious dent in Norway's state coffers, as the nation's military expenses keep growing in lockstep with its GDP. In 2024, Norway's military outlay is projected to be 48 percent higher than the 49 billion NOK ($5.9bln) spent today, provided that Norway chooses to comply with the NATO guidelines, the Norwegian economic daily Dagens Nringsliv reported. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UAE Signs $700Mln Anti-Tank Missile Contract With Russia Sputnik News 10:20 22.02.2017 Russia and the United Arab Emirates signed a contract on delivering anti-tank missiles for the Emirati army. ABU DHABI (Sputnik) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a more than $700-million anti-tank missile delivery contract with Russia, a spokesman of the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX-2017) in Abu Dhabi told Sputnik. "Yes, this deal is for the UAE Armed Forces. The deliveries under the transactions announced by the official IDEX representative are intended only for the UAE Armed Forces," Muhammad Badri said Wednesday. IDEX-2017 spokesman Brig. Gen. Rashid Shamsi disclosed the contract earlier in the course of the arms fair. The 13th biennial IDEX expo began on Sunday and will last through Thursday. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Armenia's Cooperation With NATO 'Not Against Strategic Alliance With Russia' Sputnik News 10:09 22.02.2017(updated 10:10 22.02.2017) Armenia's defense minister told Sputnik that Yerevan's cooperation with NATO does not threaten its relations with Russia. YEREVAN (Sputnik) Armenia's cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is not directed against its strategic alliance with Russia, Armenian Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan told Sputnik. "Our relations with NATO were always build completely openly for our allied countries and partners. We have never made a secret of this, and this cooperation could never and never will be directed against the interests of our strategic alliance with Russia," Sargsyan said. Armenia takes part in the NATO Resolute Support mission to train, advise and assist Afghan security forces launched on January 1, 2015 as a follow-up on the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) combat mission, which completed at the end of 2014. Armenia also participated in ISAF mission sending up to 131 soldiers to Afghanistan. Armenia will continue arms procurement dialogue with Russia, Sargsyan told Sputnik. "Contracts have been implemented in advance on a range of [orders], which is also pleasing. We will continue dialogue with Russia about the possibility of acquiring weapons on the Russian market," Sargsyan said. He expressed "deep respect and a desire to increasingly develop this cooperation," lauding Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) membership allowing Yerevan to buy weapons at the same price as the Russian Armed Forces. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Armenia's Decision to Deploy Iskander Missiles to Depend on 'Developments' Sputnik News 09:26 22.02.2017(updated 10:05 22.02.2017) Armenian Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan explained in an interview with Sputnik what role Russia-supplied Iskander missile systems might play. YEREVAN (Sputnik) Iskander missile systems supplied by Russia in 2016 are owned and managed by the Armenian Armed Forces, Armenian Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan told Sputnik. "The fact that Iskanders were delivered to Armenia I think is obvious, because everyone clearly saw them. The fact that they belong to the Armenian Armed Forces I can confirm with absolute certainty," Sargsyan said. The minister said other questions are classified as "top secret," including "when, how much, what payment terms and others." "We do manage them, we are own them. This is where I can open the veil of secrecy for you," Sargsyan said. Armenia's decision whether to deploy Russia's Iskander missile systems in the country will be tied to "developments," Sargsyan said. "I can present the algorithm. The function and characteristics of this weapon enable to cause irreparable damage to the infrastructure of the country against which it is used. So, the decision to use Iskanders will be closely linked to the development of the situation," Sargsyan said. The defense minister noted that although the Iskander systems were considered to be a deterrent weapon, they could be used as "a guaranteed strike weapon if the necessity arises." "It is obvious that the situation may dictate revision of such approaches," he added. Iskanders were first demonstrated on September 21 at a military parade in Yerevan marking the 25th anniversary of Armenia's independence. They were reportedly adopted by Armenia's Armed Forces earlier and were put on combat alert during the escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh in April 2016. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi Frigate Was Hit by Drone Boat, Not Suicide Bomber: US Navy Sputnik News 03:27 22.02.2017(updated 08:18 22.02.2017) A top US Navy official is reporting that a Houthi vessel responsible for an attack on the Saudi frigate Al Madinah in late January was actually the work of a drone boat filled with explosives, instead of a suicide bomber, as previously reported. Vice Adm. Kevin Donegan, who heads the US Naval Forces Central Command and commands the US Fifth Fleet based in Bahrain, told Defense News, "Our assessment is that it was an unmanned, remote-controlled boat of some kind." Donegan said that this is the first recorded use of this kind of weapon, and indicates foreign aid to the Houthis, a Yemeni armed political opposition faction with longstanding claims to the territory. The commander is worried, "first that it is in the hands of someone like the Houthis. That's not an easy thing to develop. There have been many terrorist groups that have tried to develop that, it's not something that was just invented by the Houthis. There's clearly support there coming from others, so that's problematic." He added, "The second is the explosive boat piece you don't need suicide attackers to do a suicide-like attack. There are certain terrorists that do things and they get martyrs to go and do it. But there are many others that don't want to martyr themselves in making attacks like that and that's pretty much where the Houthis are. So it makes that kind of weaponry, which would normally take someone suicidal to use, now able to be used by someone who's not going to martyr themselves." Donegan believes that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is involved in the attack on the vessel, though he does not necessarily think Tehran built the weapon. Cameras on the ship's hangar deck captured the attack, showing a small boat ramming the rear of the frigate and exploding. Two Saudi sailors were killed and three were injured when the Al Madinah was bombed, and the US responded by dispatching the USS Cole off the coast of Yemen, in a sign of support to the Saudis. Riyadh launched a new offensive in January against the Houthis, in support of Yemen's beleaguered government, attempting to drive the rebels from Red Sea coastal regions. In western Yemen, the Houthis have brought the ongoing civil war to a waterway vital to international commerce, the Bab el Mandeb strait, which sits at the Red Sea's southern edge. The strait hosts nearly all maritime traffic that occurs between the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Humanitarian agencies seek $1 billion to provide life-saving aid to millions northeast Nigeria - UN 22 February 2017 As relief organizations increase response to the humanitarian emergency in the north-east of Nigeria, timely donor support amounting to a little over $1 billion is required to sustain life-saving assistance to millions people devastated by Boko Haram-linked violence, the United Nations relief aid wing has said. "If the resources do not arrive in time, one in five children suffering sever acute malnutrition could die," said Peter Lundberg, the Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria in a press release issued yesterday by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). "The likelihood of a child with severe acute malnutrition surviving is nine times less than a properly nourished child," he added. According to OCHA, the eight-year-long conflict has left some 8.5 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in the worst-affected states of Nigeria's north-east. In the coming months, around 5.1 million people will face severe food insecurity in the region, where some 1.8 million people have been displaced and millions are exposed to violence and abuse. "Food assistance alone will cost $1 million a day to avoid famine in a region where 450,000 children under five will suffer from severe acute malnutrition this year," said Mr. Lundberg. "Sustained and timely financial support is needed to maintain the scale-up in operations desperately needed in the north-east of Nigeria." During a recent visit by representatives of 12 donor countries and agencies to Borno state, in the run up to the 24 February Humanitarian Conference on Nigeria and Lake Chad region, they lauded the scale-up of humanitarian operations in the north-east and emphasized the need for more funding, a stance the humanitarian community in Nigeria concurs with. "We are grateful to our donors who have enabled us scale up the response and appreciate their continued commitment. We look forward to receiving the needed resources to implement the 2017 Humanitarian Response Plan for Nigeria," Mr. Lundberg said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tackling hunger crises in South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria and Yemen requires $4.4 billion - UN 22 February 2017 Sounding the alarm on behalf of more than 20 million people in South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, and north-east Nigeria facing devastating levels of food insecurity, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres joined other top United Nations officials today calling for "strong and urgent" action from the international community to help the already-fragile countries avert catastrophe. "Famine is already a reality in parts of South Sudan. Unless we act now, it is only a matter of time until it affects other areas and other countries. We are already facing a tragedy; we must avoid it becoming a catastrophe," said the Secretary-General, stressing: "This is preventable if the international community takes decisive action." Briefing the press at UN Headquarters in New York alongside the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O'Brien, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator, Helen Clark, and by video conference, the Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Ertharin Cousin, Mr. Guterres said the UN needs at least $4.4 billion by the end of March to avert a catastrophe. "Despite some generous pledges, just $90 million has actually been received so far around two cents for every dollar needed. We are at the beginning of the year, but these numbers are very worrying," he said: "The lives of millions of people depend on our collective ability to act. In our world of plenty, there is no excuse for inaction or indifference." In South Sudan, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners aim to assist 5.8 million people this year; in Somalia, 5.5 million people and in Yemen 8.3 million. In north-east Nigeria, humanitarians are reaching more than two million people with food assistance. These four crises are very different, but are all preventable. "They all stem from conflict, which we must do much more to prevent and resolve," he said, urging all members of the international community to step up and do whatever is in their power, whether that is mobilizing support, exerting political pressure on parties to conflict, or funding humanitarian operations. "Saving lives is the first priority, but we are also looking to build longer-term resilience to shocks," Mr. Guterres said, noting that UNDP Administrator and the Emergency Relief Coordinator will set up a steering committee to link the UN Development Group and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee for humanitarian assistance to ensure a coordinated long-term approach. Speaking next, Mr. O'Brien, who is also the UN Under-Secretary-General for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, reemphasized the ongoing effort to ensure that development and humanitarian partners will work together to tackle these crises. "We want to help people survive," he said, "but we also want to help them build more durable solutions so they will not be left in vulnerable situations." He went on to stress that almost 1.4 million children are at imminent risk of death from severe acute malnutrition this year, as famine looms in the four countries, an issue spotlighted yesterday by UNICEF. He said that catastrophe can be averted if action is taken now. The funding noted by the Secretary-General must be made available by the end of March to make a difference. "We are ready to scale up [] with brave and committed aid workers already in place." Miss Clark noted that the way forward on the four crises would very much reflect the "new way of working" among relief and development agencies agreed by the 2016 UN World Humanitarian Summit, which stressed that "the priority is saving lives and part of saving lives is building resilience for the future." For her part, Ms. Cousin said that in each of these four countries, "the plans are in place and the people are prepared to perform the work that is necessary. What we need is the resources and the access." "Acting now, before we reach the height of the lean season in these countries will ensure our ability to provide the support that is necessary to avoid what we all see on the horizon, which is a famine in each one of these countries if we fail to act," she stated. Carla Mucavi, the Director of UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Liaison Office in New York, and Justin Forsyth, the Deputy Executive Director of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), also attended the briefing. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Sudan Accused of Blocking Aid, Despite Famine By Waakhe Simon Wudu, Ayen Bior February 22, 2017 The head of the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) says the government there should make sure that aid agencies can reach people who are starving. On Monday, three U.N. aid agencies declared famine exists in two counties of South Sudan. UNMISS chief David Shearer said the government was still blocking aid by delaying paperwork that allows agencies to distribute relief items. In addition, he said, soldiers have erected several military checkpoints approaching famine-stricken areas. Shearer said that in recent days he'd had to intervene on behalf of UNMISS workers who were trying to access places where people were starving. He said the government blocked the mission from reaching Wau Shiluk when the U.N. wanted to assess humanitarian conditions in the area. Shearer said peacekeepers were also blocked from traveling to Kajo-Keji County of Yei River State, where fighting between government and the armed opposition forced hundreds of civilians to flee into the bush. "I would be delighted if we were able to see a reduction in a number of those violations and to say to the security council the situation is getting better," Shearer said. "I think that will be positive on both sides on the government and U.N. side. I would like to see a greater degree of compliance with the agreements that have been signed some time ago." President Salva Kiir and SPLA-IO leader Riek Machar agreed to allow unfettered access to aid workers and peacekeepers to all areas under their control in previous cease-fire agreements. South Sudan Deputy Information Minister Akol Paul Kordit said lawmakers of the Transitional National Assembly had yet to draft "practical measures'' to ensure that aid agencies were not blocked from reaching people in need of help. "The parliament shall convene another session to discuss the speech of the president, and once the speech is discussed, the parliament shall then form or refer the speech to specialized parliamentary committees, whereby sections of the speech, including that of easing the access to humanitarian organizations, will be addressed by relevant parliamentary committee," Kordit said. Bureaucratic snags Shearer said the government's process of issuing clearances for UNMISS officials entering South Sudan was tedious and overly bureaucratic. The South Sudan government signed a "status of force agreement" with the United Nations in 2011 that allows the U.N. to deploy peacekeepers in the country and guarantees freedom of movement for U.N. peacekeepers. The UNMISS chief said the mission was still waiting for the government to approve the visas of additional peacekeepers deployed to South Sudan. "There are some problems within the bureaucracy of the government, which is not allowing them to be able to get into the country," Shearer said. "This is a real problem and it interferes with our effective operation of our forces." On Tuesday, Kiir said his government would ease access for humanitarian aid agencies, but he did not elaborate. Kordit said the government would look into the complaints from UNMISS. "We will look into this and assess and examine it, and once truth is found in it, then the government will definitely take appropriate measures," Kordit said. Aid agencies say time is running out because heavy rains are expected to hit parts of the country over the next few months, making it difficult to distribute aid in areas most affected by the famine. Nicolas Peissel, a South Sudan project coordinator for Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, said that although they are seeing an increase in donations since Monday's declaration of famine, doctors still struggle to reach people in need. He said it's become impossible for MSF to open new hospitals or clinics, or even refer patients to other health facilities for care in parts of Unity State where famine was declared, due mostly to insecurity. Emergency intervention "In the past few weeks, we have encountered extremely high levels of malnourishment above the yearly expected rate and we have set up an emergency intervention to provide health care to malnourished children in those counties of Maynedit and Leer," Peissel said. MSF has identified high levels of malnutrition in Dablual and Mirniyal in northern Mayendit county. Peissel said a quarter of patients under age 5 had global acute malnutrition and at least 8 percent had severe acute malnutrition. Deepmala Mahla, a South Sudan country director for Mercy Corps, a global humanitarian organization, said aid agencies could save lives and stop the famine from spreading if they received more money for food assistance and medicine. But she added that humanitarians would have to come up with other ways to respond to long-term recovery assistance. "For example, we give a family or a village food supplies or food rations for a few weeks. That is not sustainable," Mahla said. "In addition to that, we can help them plant vegetables or a staple crop so that they have a safety net or something to keep the family going on. And these sorts of relief efforts, if they are compounded with recovery, then we can think of a sustainable future where this population will not stay in cyclical problems of food insecurity, but stay out of it." On Wednesday, Britain announced a new support package for Somalia and South Sudan. International Development Secretary Priti Patel said $125 million would go toward relief work in Somalia and another $125 million for humanitarian work in South Sudan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South African Court Blocks Government's ICC Withdrawal Push By Anita Powell February 22, 2017 South Africa's High Court ruled Wednesday that the government cannot withdraw from of the International Criminal Court without parliamentary approval. Constitutional activists briefly celebrated the legal victory Wednesday, and in the next breath warned that the High Court ruling does not mean South Africa's fight over the International Criminal Court is over. An October notice of intent to withdraw from the war crimes court was made by South Africa's Cabinet, but the High Court ruled only parliament can make such a call. The Cabinet is composed of stalwarts from the ruling African National Congress, so their decision to withdraw from the ICC did not allow the opposition to effectively argue. That October decision prompted the opposition Democratic Alliance to lead this case to court. Victory for activists Executive director Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh leads the Southern Africa Litigation Center that was involved in the case as a supporting respondent. The advocacy group has long argued South Africa should remain in the court. "I do not think it means that South Africa will now say that it will remain with the International Criminal Court. And much the opposite would be true," she said. "South Africa is determined to leave the International criminal Court, and I think thy are going to follow the necessary procedures that it takes in order to remove themselves procedurally and substantively, in the correct way." She says those who want to leave the court will have to start over and take their case to parliament, where it is likely the ANC will fight to withdraw. South Africa announced its intent to leave the court in 2015, citing the government's decision to give Sudan's wanted president diplomatic immunity during an African Union summit. South African officials declined to move on his ICC arrest warrant. Centre for Constitutional Rights director Phephelaphi Dube notes this ruling allows another, critical, group to contribute to the debate. "Now that that process is before parliament, parliament will be forced to open up the process to the public, so in that sense, then the public can then make their comments," said Dube. Political issue The legal experts said the issue eventually will come down to politics. The ANC dominates parliament, and it has come out strongly in favor of withdrawal. But the opposition will fight back hard, says Shadow Minister of International Relations and Cooperation's Stevens Mokgalapa of the Democratic Alliance. "We will definitely be quoting this judgement as a basis for non-withdrawal from the ICC. And we will continue to challenge, through parliamentary processes, any effort to withdraw from the ICC," said Mokgalapa. Gambia, recently reversed its decision to leave the court, but Dube says she does not think that will convince other African nations to stay, especially after an AU decision last month it would support any member's bid to leave the court. "One wants to be positive about it, but I think at the same time, for a very long time a lot of African states, and including the African Union, have been of the view that the ICC is unfairly targeting African countries," said Dube. She says the ruling gives South Africa, and possibly other nations, pause to think about whether they really want to go through this lengthy and complicated process. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Conflict, Growing Authoritarianism, Threaten Human Rights in Africa By Jill Craig February 22, 2017 During the Nairobi launch of Amnesty International's annual global report, Muthoni Wanyeki, the group's regional director for East Africa, the Horn, and the Great Lakes, said there has been a "backtracking" in global human rights, giving examples from some of the 11 countries she monitored. "Obviously, none of us would deny that we're seeing a growing or higher-than-usual intolerance of dissent, whether we're talking about the hardening of positions in Burundi, Eritrea, Ethiopia, under the state of emergency, Kenya even in terms of sort of the more informal attacks on human rights defenders, South Sudan, the mass detentions there, Sudan, and Tanzania," said Wanyeki. Growing authoritarianism, conflict, increased crackdowns on free protests, political tensions and repression, and xenophobia are just some of the threats to human rights in Africa, according to Amnesty. Wanyeki says the fragility of some African states is especially worrisome, as some leaders try to hold on to power. "Not too long ago, we were celebrating the end of many conflicts within Africa. We're now at the 10-year period, the transition period, so the two constitutional terms of five years, and what are we seeing? No transition. We're seeing attempts to change things, etcetera, and is 10 years really enough to deal with all the grievances, all the feelings of exclusion, that brought that conflict about?" Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International's deputy regional director for West and Central Africa, said that in every country where his team conducted research, there were banned protests, demonstrators who had been arrested, and even eight or nine who were killed. "So I think we're seeing a growing crackdown on free protests," said Cockburn. "And I think the other kind of major trend we have is in the spread of conflict across the region. So civilians have been killed in countries around Lake Chad, regions around Boko Haram, around the Sahel, in Central African Republic, but also in areas we didn't used to see." With respect to South Africa, Wanyeki argued the country should be leading the way in human rights, but has fallen short. "The political tensions, the xenophobia toward migrant workers, toward asylum seekers is of great concern because basically it is losing its moral authority to provide leadership on the continent," said Wanyeki. Activist Boniface Mwangi attended the Nairobi launch, paying special attention to the Kenyan report, which discussed the extrajudicial killings of a lawyer, his client and their driver in June, and violations by security agencies during counterterrorism operations, among other issues. "But I think we need to go beyond reporting, that's my call," said Mwangi. "We need to do more than this. Amnesty's doing a fantastic job, but what can we do to ensure that people don't just die and become a statistic for next year's report?" Amnesty says there are some success stories from the continent. Chad's former president and the former DRC vice president were convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity, South Africa's Supreme Court criticized the government for allowing Sudan's president, who has a warrant out for his arrest, to leave the country after a 2015 visit, and Kenya's high court struck down the government's decision to close the Dadaab refugee camp. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tension Rising Between Regional Rivals Turkey and Iran By Dorian Jones February 22, 2017 Tensions are on the rise between Turkey and Iran. A growing war of words between the countries' diplomats has brought to the surface simmering competition for influence in the region. "Iran is an important neighbor to us. We have always been in dialogue with Iran. But it does not mean we will ignore Iran's efforts in penetrating the region," said Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin in the latest thinly veiled threat between the countries during his weekly news conference. Kalin was responding to comments by Ali Akbar Velayati, a key adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who told Turkish soldiers to leave Iraq and Syria, or the people would "kick them out." "They are very serious, I mean the competition between Iran and Turkey, everyone knows it, it's like two elephants in a small room," warns political consultant Atilla Yesilada of Global Source Partners. "Iran is clearly an expansionist country, their goal of building a Shia circle all the way from Tehran to Lebanon is no secret, at least from the Turkish perspective." Experts say religious sectarianism underscores the tensions between predominantly Shia Iran and mostly Sunni Turkey. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan likes to present himself as a protector of Sunni Muslim rights and has accused Iran of pursuing a policy of religious sectarianism, a charge Tehran denies. Earlier this month, Erdogan accused the Tehran-backed Hezbollah movement of being a terrorist organization. Danger of overreach But there are voices in Turkey questioning whether Ankara is in danger of overreach. "What is our military strength, what is our foreign policy strength, what is our intelligence strength," asks former senior Turkish diplomat Aydin Selcen, suggesting Ankara should consider tempering its confrontational stance. "Are we a regional power? Yes. Are we a global power? No. Are we a regional power which can have its way in all issues? No, we have to work with other regional powers like Iran." Erdogan has been turning to other Sunni countries in the region for support. This month, he visited Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States for talks observers say focused on curtailing Iran's influence. Analysts suggest Ankara's assertive stance could be influenced by U.S. President Donald Trump. "With Trump, flexing his muscles against Tehran, Ankara may have sensed an opportunity to bring this antagonism into the open and to finally resolve this longstanding low level conflict in Syria and Iraq space," suggests consultant Yesilada. Proxy wars But he warns Ankara could pay a heavy price. "That of course is also very costly, for one thing we have a gas deal with Iran, we have great hopes of economic cooperation. And finally of course Iran is not a country that easily gives up on its strategic advantages and currently it holds the upper hand in Iraq and Syria," said Yesilada. The repercussions for Ankara are not likely to be confined to trade, with Tehran being an expert in fighting proxy wars. Regional reports say Tehran is seeking to court Kurdish insurgent group the PKK and its affiliates across the region. "Iran may use the Kurdish card. Turkey has been accusing Iran in the past of somehow harboring and assisting the PKK," claims political columnist Semih Idiz of the Al Monitor website. "But there is a dilemma. Iran has its own problem with its own restive Kurdish minority, is it could get its own hands burned." Turkey, the United States and the European Union consider the PKK a terrorist organization. Iran unshackled Despite the dangers of confronting Tehran, analyst Yesilada suggests Ankara believes it has little choice. "Iran, unshackled from international sanctions from its nuclear expansion, will hem Turkey in and we will be unable to trade with our Arab partners, once it completes its Syria and Iraq project," predicts Yesilada. Analysts suggest Iranian-Turkish tensions are set to continue to rise as they jockey for influence. Both countries, historic regional powers, have a long history of managing their conflicting interests and balancing rivalry, and cooperation is often how bilateral relations are characterized. Idiz predicts the latest bout of tensions will test that balancing act. "We are coming to a very decisive moment in Syria and Iraq and these [Iranian-Turkish] tensions are a product of that. But the two countries have a tradition of trying not to allow differences to boil over. But what this latest diplomatic exchange has done has shown everybody that the two countries are very much on different sides in the Middle East. The danger is if some kind of accident, if there is a clash between Iranian and Turkish-supported forces, then things could get out of hand given both countries have very nationalistic populations," said Idiz. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ernst Roehm Ernst Roehm was born in Munich on 28 November, 1887. He joined the German Army in 1906 and during the First World War was wounded three times and reached the rank of major. After the war Roehm joined the Freikorps and served under Franz Epp in Munich in 1919. He remained active in right-wing politics and in 1921 he recruited Adolf Hitler to spy on the German Worker's Party (DAP), and soon thereafter Roehm also joined the GWP. The arrival of Roehm was an important development as he had access to the army political fund and was able to transfer some of the money into the party. Roehm took part in the Beer Hall Putsch and after its failure was one of those imprisoned and put on trial. Although found guilty of treasonable acts, he was released in April 1924 and dismissed from the German Army. In 1924, after Rohm was released from prison, he worked with Hitler to refound the Nazi Party. Hitler appointed him commander of the Sturmabteilung (SA). In that capacity Rohm founded the Frontbann, a new edition of the pre-putsch Combat League. Hitler soon realised that an updated version of the Freikorps strategy would be a political dead end. In December 1924 he removed the SA from the Frontbann - and Rohm, who categorically demanded that the National Socialist movement recognise `the primacy of soldiers over politicians', felt that he had been overridden. Hence they parted ways in the spring of 1925. Ernst Rohm was one of the most prominent of a number of early Nazi party members who was a homosexual. Rohm's homosexuality became public knowledge in 1925, when Rohm appeared in court to charge a hustler with theft. Roehm had, by contemporary standards, been remarkably candid about his homosexuality. Michelle Scott wrote "He was also a homosexualist, an open advocate homosexuality, really one of the first militant gay activists. Rohm refused to hide his homosexuality. He was even a member of an organization that pushed for the public acceptance of homosexuality. ... macho-style butch homosexuals .., pursued a Greek/Hellenic ideal of warrior pederasty. ... The other Nazi gays ... were of the usual discreet and covert class." Rohm resigned from the Nazi Party in 1925. When offered the post of military adviser to the Bolivian army in December 1928, he promptly accepted. The German government sponsored Rohm's position, and he was promoted to Oberst in the German Reichswehr. In 1930, Adolf Hitler personally assumed command of the stormtroopers as the new Sturm Abteilung (SA) Oberste SA-Fuhrer. In January, 1931, Hitler sent a personal request to Rohm to return to Germany, upon which Rohm was offered the position as Stabschef (Chief of Staff) of the entire Sturmabteilung. Hitler needed Rohm's military skill and could rely on his personal loyalty. In 1931 the public prosecutor's office in Berlin began investigating Rohm for `unnatural sexual offences'. Although Rohm admitted being `bisexually inclined' and having `often had to do with young boys in that direction', he refused to admit engaging in criminal intercourse `as defined by Paragraph 175' -- the standard argument advanced by all accused men, and one that was hard to refute. The case was therefore dropped. On March 7th, 1932, the leftwing Welt am Montag printed three letters written by Ernst Rohm. Two days later they appeared in the Munchener Post. Soon they were reprinted as a pamphlet, two of them even in facsimile form. Their authenticity seemed beyond doubt. The letters in question, which dated from 1928-29, were extremely intimate in tone. Rohm discussed his sexual affairs with men. This resulted in a national scandal. The Munich Post attacked "the disgusting hypocrisy that the party demonstrates -- outward moral indignation while inside its own ranks the most shameless practices prevail," and said that "every knowledgeable person knows that inside the Hitler party the most flagrant whorishness contemplated by paragraph 175 (defining homosexuality as a criminal offense) is widespread." Portions of the Captain's correspondence with his medical advisers on the subject of young men are printed in Not To Be Repeated (Ray Long & Richard R. Smith - 1932 - $3). The SA acquired the reputation of a fraternity devoted to homosexual excesses. As Chancellor, Hitler initially took the position that Captain Roehm's notorious and self-admitted unnatural conduct had no bearing upon politics. But the Nazi Party had a virulently antigay policy. As Chief of Staff of the SA, Roehm was responsible for the development of SA into a powerful organization. In just over a year Rohm expanded the SA from 70,000 to 170,000 members. By 1934 the SA had grown to 4,500,000 men. SA members were required to take a personal oath of fidelity to Roehm. Throughout the period of Hitler's rise to power, Ernst Rohm represented the militant wing of the Nazi Party. On 01 December 1933 a law was enacted "to secure the unity of Party and State." This law provided that the Nazi Party was the pillar of the German State, and was linked to it indissolubly; it also made the Deputy of the Fuehrer (then Hess) and the Chief of Staff of the SA (then Roehm) members of the Reich Cabinet. A series of conflicts had arisen between the more extreme elements of the National Socialist Party's uniformed Sturmabteilungen and the Reichsheer. Roehm advocated the absorption of the Reichsheer into his own uniformed force, to form an army more representative of the new National Socialist state. Hitler had to resolve the growing rift and decided in favor of the Reichsheer. On 30 June 1934 Roehm and several score others were executed without legal process of any kind as a threat to the security of the state. All Germany knew of his bull-like philandering with effeminate young men. According to official communiques there was no one in bed with Captain Roehm when Chancellor Hitler burst in, but in the adjoining bedroom Nazi Police Chief Edmund Heines of Breslau was nabbed with a young storm trooper between the sheets. At the time of the Purge, Captain Roehm was in Wiessee, twenty miles from Munich. He was brought back along with others who had evoked the displeasure of the Fuehrer. Heines and his male favorite were shot at once, but Hitler did not know what to do with Roehm. According to John Gunther, foreign correspondent of the Chicago Daily News, this is what happened: "He (Hitler) did not know what to do with Roehm. The chief of staff was clapped in prison and told to shoot himself. He refused, saying that if anyone shot him, it would have to be 'Adolf himself.' He was not killed till five p.m. the next day, about thirtysix hours after his arrest. No one knows the precise circumstances. Probably the jailers came to Hitler again and again, with the words, 'He won't kill himself. . . . What shall we do ... ?' And one can imagine Hitler's final irritated, desperate order to get rid somehow of the man who was his only friend, get him out of the way, shoot him, kill him. ..." After long hours of bickering delay Prisoner Roehm was shot in the back next day by a firing squad. When Roehm's policies conflicted with those of the Nazi leaders, he was removed, murdered, and replaced by Victor Lutze. This drastic action was accomplished without revolt or dissension in the ranks of the SA, and with no change in its objectives or program. The SA remained "a reliable and strong part of the National Socialist Movement. After the elimination of the forces of the opposition, the Nazis felt it necessary to dispose of nonconformists within their own ranks. Needless to say, Hitler made use of this opportunity to rid himself of numerous political opponents as well as the embarrassing SA leaders. During the Roehm purge of 30 June 1934, many people were murdered who had nothing to do with the internal SA revolt but were just "not liked very well". Hitler was fully apprised of Roehm's homo-erotic proclivities. Rohm was a homosexual in a time and place where such things could be expecially dangerous. As children in the late-imperial period, the stormtroopers had witnessed the first German debates over homosexuality and political life. As young adults, they verbally and physically battled over these definitions, bringing conflicts over homosexuality and masculinity into the center of Weimar Germany's most important political debates. Roehm's love for young men down into their teens allowed the fawning Himmler and Goering to use that fact to remove Hitler's protection from him. Later, under the Nazis homosexual prisoners were confined to death camps where, forced to wear pink triangles, they constituted the lowest rung in the camp hierarchy. James Steakley wrote "For public relations purposes, and especially to quell the outrage felt throughout the ranks of the SA, Hitler justified his blatant power play by pointing to Rohm's homosexuality. Hitler, of course, had known of Rohm's homosexuality since 1919, and it became public knowledge in 1925, when Rohm appeared in court to charge a hustler with theft. All this while the Nazi Party had a virulently antigay policy, and many Nazis protested that Rohm was discrediting the entire Party and should be purged. Hitler, however, was quite willing to cover up for him for years until he stood in the way of larger plans." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China leadership pledges stability, progress in key reform areas People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 08:31, February 22, 2017 China's top leadership on Tuesday pledged to stick to the basic tone of "seeking progress while maintaining stability" in 2017, aiming for more progress from supply-side structural reform. The pledge came from a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, during which attendees discussed the draft government work report, scheduled to be submitted to the upcoming fifth session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC). The meeting was chaired by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee. The meeting highlighted the significance of 2017 as the 19th CPC National Congress will convene. Acknowledging that China has scored a strong start for the 2016-2020 period, the meeting called for further efforts to balance multiple economic tasks in 2017, including stabilizing growth, advancing reforms, pushing restructuring, improving people's livelihood and preventing risks. At the macro level, China will continue to implement proactive fiscal policies and prudent monetary policies, according to a statement released after the meeting. Reforms in key areas will be deepened, while the role of innovation will be boosted to facilitate economic upgrading, said the statement. China will also intensify efforts to tap the potential of domestic demand and strengthen internal growth momentum. Other tasks include pushing supply-side structural reform in the agriculture sector, widening opening-up, promoting green development and improving government services for people's well-being. The meeting came ahead of China's annual two sessions in March, during which lawmakers and political advisors will gather in Beijing to discuss the social and economic policies for the year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China Shows Off Future Trimaran Frigate Sputnik News 22:32 22.02.2017(updated 01:23 23.02.2017) China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is reportedly designing a trimaran boat that could serve as both an export vessel and a naval frigate. You Yue, deputy director for China Shipbuilding Trading Company's business development in Western Asia and Africa, said, "We are in the development and design phase of the projectThe plan form is fixed but many details remain," according to Defense News. The trimaran hull gives the frigate the ability to have a much greater width than common monohull designs. The radar signature will be reduced by the shape of the superstructure and hull, as well. The design was modeled this week at Abu Dhabi's IBEX expedition, and showcased many possible features for the vessel. You noted, however, that it is not necessarily an accurate representation of a ship currently being built. PLAN's multihull ship could be in 105 feet wide and 466-feet long, according to information displayed alongside the model. A "marine electric propulsion system" is to be given to the power plant, with a 5,000 nautical-mile range at 16 knots, and 30-day endurance at 25 knots. The China shipbuilding spokesman explained that these numbers could differ in a production ship, with speeds likely passing 30 knots, and that the company was considering an all-MTU diesel-propulsion plant, driving three waterjets. The military variant of the trimaran showcased a vertical launch system for surface-to-air missiles ahead of the superstructure as well as chaff launchers behind the gun. Models also offered included a 76 mm to 100 mm gun, surface-to-surface missiles in canister launchers amidships, close-in weapon systems, and other weaponry typically found in smaller warships. The trimaran is said to be lighter than the Type 054A frigate currently used by PLAN. Above decks featured a double hangar, along with side doors designed to launch small boats, though below the flight deck there are no stern doors and no mission bay. PLAN will probably not begin construction on the first trimaran frigate before 2018, as the design has not yet been finalized. The CSSC consortium, comprised of over a dozen Chinese industry shipbuilders, also showcased designs for export vessels, mostly based on existing designs from the Chinese Coast Guard or the Navy. A variant of PLAN's 25,000-ton Type 071 LPD landing ship dock was the largest, and CSSC's West Asian and African project manager, Shen Yue, pointed out that customers could choose features that were different from the Chinese Navy's LPDs, including a combat-management system, and a different power plant. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ex-Hong Kong Leader Sentenced on Corruption Charges By Joyce Huang February 22, 2017 Hong Kong's former chief executive Donald Tsang, the highest-ranking ex-official to be charged in the city's history, has received a prison term of 20 months for misconduct in public office. Analysts say the Wednesday verdict has reaffirmed the former British colony's judiciary independence and rule of law while serving as an example for China's anti-corruption campaign. They also expect Tsang's conviction to have little impact on the city's upcoming chief executive election in March, which they mock as a "small-circle" race to be rigged by the top leader in China. Guilty verdict Wrapping up a six-week trial, the court found Tsang guilty of having failed to disclose a conflict of interest. Tsang had deliberately concealed private rental negotiations with property tycoon Bill Wong between 2010 and 2012 while his cabinet discussed and approved a digital broadcasting license for a now defunct radio company, Wave Media, in which Wong was a major shareholder. High Court justice Andrew Chan praised Tsang for his four-decade-long dedication to public service before reducing the sentence by 10 months. "Never in my judicial career have I seen a man fallen from so high," Chan said during sentencing, as Tsang stood in the dock with his teary family in the public gallery. Chan concluded that Tsang had breached the trust placed in him by both the people of Hong Kong and the people of China. Expressing her sorrow, Tsang's wife Selina Tsang told reporters outside the courtroom that the family will file an appeal. "Today is a very dark day. The entire family is disappointed and upset," she said. In addition, Tsang is slated to face a retrial in September for a bribery charge that the jury failed to reach a verdict on last week. Rule of law Analysts say the verdict has testified to the independence of the city's legal system while sending a warning to all public office holders who abuse their power, be they in Hong Kong or China. "It's also important that the maintenance of the rule of law and an independent judicial system is the best way to prevent or to fight [against] corruption," said Richard Tsoi, a democratic movement activist in Hong Kong. The trial, in particular, has served as a satire to those corrupt officials in China, many of whom enjoy political protection, said radical lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung, known as "Long hair." "If the case of Donald Tsang happens in China, I don't think he needs to face the court anyway, [especially] if he's a friend of Mr. Xi Jinping," Leung said. Warning for corrupt officials The lawmaker also said he believed Tsang's verdict might spell bad news for C.Y. Leung because there have been calls by lawmakers for the city's anti-corruption watchdog to investigate payments received by the incumbent chief executive from an Australian firm in 2014. Most observers, however, do not see any negative impact from Tsang's case on the upcoming leadership election slated for March 26. Media speculation has been that the campaign of one of the race's hopefuls, John Tsang, may be slightly tainted given his close relationship with Donald Tsang (no blood relation) an argument both Leung and Tsoi disagreed with. Little impact on March election They said John Tsang's bigger rival, Carrie Lam had also worked under Donald Tsang. And both candidates were among more than 40 political figures who wrote letters in support of the ex-leader. In addition, both are seen as being pro-China, although John Tsang is fairly accepted by pro-democracy representatives in the 1,194-membered election committee, which will vote on the city's next chief executive. During the campaign, local media have also coined John Tsang as Donald Tsang 2.0 and Lam as C. Y. Leung 2.0 to demonstrate their pro-establishment nature while their recent approval rates are close at 38 percent and 35 percent respectively. But such a political labeling means nothing in the leadership race as China will always have the final say on the results, said Zhang Jian of Shanghai Institute for International Studies. "Beijing's attitudes play a key part in determining the election's results. The final [victor] will be the candidate whom Beijing supports openly or under the table, " Zhang said. In other words, Lam is expected to win the race unless Beijing has changed its mind, lawmaker Leung said. "It seems that Carrie Lam has a better chance. But well, who knows? Because it's all decided by one person, Mr. Xi Jinping," he added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kim's death impacts North Korea's image in China People's Daily Online (Global Times) 13:43, February 22, 2017 Detailed and updated information about the death of Kim Jong-nam, an elder half-brother of North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un, has been widely available on the Internet and closely followed by the Chinese public, despite cautious coverage by Chinese mainstream media. Chinese readers seem to be convinced that the death of Kim Jong-nam is not a case of simple murder, but a serious political incident, a special neighbor for the Chinese people, therefore the news is sensational and intriguing for some Chinese readers. "We surely care about news about North Korea and we also care about its influence on China," a 65-year-old Beijing resident surnamed Jiang told the Global Times on Tuesday. "North Korea is a special country to Chinese people, especially to those of my age, because we were instilled with a notion that Sino-North Korean friendship has been built on the blood of both countries' people and soldiers, and North Korean movies and music were also very popular in the past," Jiang said. But there are also people who didn't pay much attention to the details of the incident, as they believe it is irrelevant to China. A 22-year old female student surnamed Wang at Peking University told the Global Times that "the incident is not very important, at least for China, so Chinese media should not report this too much." "I don't know why we need to pay immense attention to a North Korean who died in Malaysia. All I feel is that Malaysia is very unlucky," she said, explaining that previously their planes went missing or got shot down, and a marine accident occurred a few weeks ago. "Now because of Kim Jong-nam's death, North Korea, South Korea and even the US will mess with it." While some Chinese media, such as Caixin Media and news portals sina.com and guancha.cn, followed the case by translating reports from foreign media and provided analysts' opinions, mainstream media have been very cautious about reporting the incident in the beginning. Online discussion on the killer Foreign media's reports point to the possibility that the North Korean government killed Kim Jong-nam. Chinese netizens pointed out that China did not have the responsibility to protect him when he was not in Chinese territory. "The Chinese government provided protection to him because he was a sensitive figure living in Macao, while at the airport in Malaysia he didn't even have a bodyguard," a Net user named "Red Devil" commented on guancha.cn. "China so obviously has nothing to do with this case," another netizen named Cangyu further said. "If China wants to make use of Kim Jong-nam in the future, he would not have been allowed to leave China." "Additionally, South Korea's intent should be taken into consideration. The South Korean media and government were so prepared that they already confirmed everything before the Malaysian government confirmed the victim's identity and the result of the investigation," Cangyu said. Although currently Malaysia has confirmed the identity of the victim, North Korea is unwilling to accept it. According to Xinhua, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on Thursday that the deceased North Korean man was Kim Jong-nam. At a press conference, when asked if the man was confirmed to be Kim Jong-nam, Zahid relied, "yes, certainly yes." Malaysian police had earlier also identified the deceased man as Kim Chol, based on his passport. But North Korea's Ambassador to Malaysia Kang Chol insisted that the victim is "Kim Chol" rather than Kim Jong-un's elder brother, Xinhua reported. Fading image In recent years, North Korea's image in China has been damaged seriously due to its repeated nuclear tests and missile launches which is destabilizing for the region. North Korea is not seen as a "close ally" on Chinese social media anymore. Most people treat it as a normal neighbor, and some even deem it as a troublemaker who causes China embarrassment in the international community. "There is no need for China to defend North Korea, this kind of response from North Korea shows that they are not innocent," a 30-year-old white-collar worker surnamed Wu in Shanghai told the Global Times on Tuesday. "It is so sad that Pyongyang refuses to cooperate with China when the latter has offered to help," a Net user named Bingbing commented on Sina Weibo. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Malaysia seeks to question North Korea embassy official over Kim's killing Iran Press TV Wed Feb 22, 2017 7:0AM Police in Malaysia seek to question a senior official in the North Korean Embassy in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, in connection with the murder of the North Korean leader's half-brother in the city last week. Police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said on Wednesday that investigators sought to question the second secretary of the embassy, as well as an employee of the North's state airline Air Koryo. "We have written to the [North Korean] ambassador to allow us to interview both of them. We hope that the Korean Embassy will cooperate with us and allow us to interview them quickly. If not, we will compel them to come to us," Khalid said. According to him, police "strongly believed" that four other suspects, who fled Malaysia on February 13 the day of Kim Jon-nam's murder had arrived in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang. Three suspects were also believed to still be in Malaysia. Kim was attacked by two female assailants as he was walking through the departure hall at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport last Monday. He died en route to the hospital. Khalid said five North Korean suspects, who were "heavily involved" in the murder, provided the two female assassins with a toxic substance. The women, who have been arrested, were trained how to wipe the poison on Kim's face, according to the Malaysian police chief. The presumed assassination was captured by CCTV cameras at the airport. The footage, recently released by a Japanese broadcaster, shows one woman holding the victim from behind and the other wiping the poison on his face. Meanwhile, the killing of Kim has sparked a diplomatic row between Kuala Lumpur and Pyongyang. The Malaysian government summoned the North's ambassador, Kang Chol, after he accused officials in Kuala Lumpur of conspiring with "hostile forces" during the investigation. He said the investigation was being "politicized by Malaysia in collusion with South Korea." Malaysia has also recalled its ambassador from Pyongyang. North Korea has demanded that Kim's body be handed over. Malaysia has refused, demanding DNA samples from a next of kin. Jong-nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, had been living in exile in the Chinese city of Macau. It was not clear why he was in Malaysia. He was traveling under an alias. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Malaysia Urges North Korea Embassy Official to Testify on Kim Jong Nam Murder Sputnik News 06:33 22.02.2017(updated 06:54 22.02.2017) Malaysia opposes to joint investigation of the killing of North Korean leader's half-brother Kim Jong Nam and urges a representative of the North Korean Embassy and an employee of the country's airline to give testimony on the murder. TOKYO (Sputnik) Malaysia urges a representative of the North Korean Embassy and an employee of the country's airline to give testimony on murder of North Korean leader's half-brother Kim Jong Nam, Malaysia's Royal Police Chief Khalid Abu Bakar said Wednesday. "One of them is an attache at the North Korean Embassy, and the other is an Air Koryo employee," Bakar said at a press conference, broadcast by Bernama-TV. The police have also said that Malaysia does not agree to hold joint investigation of the murder. "We can maintain contacts with the relatives of the deceased without North Korean Embassy," the police head was quoted as saying by the Yonhap news agency. The Malaysian police also called on Pyongyang to transfer four suspects in Kim's murder. On February 13, Kim Jong Nam, travelling under the name of Kim Chol, was killed at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport while waiting for his flight. Malaysian investigators said that Kim might have died from poison which allegedly was forcibly applied to his face. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Still India's Most Dependable Defense Partner Sputnik News 16:22 22.02.2017 India is the largest buyer of Russian weapons, taking home 38 per cent of Moscow's exports. Washington's efforts to increase defense selling to India under make in India program are shrouded in doubts with the Donald Trump administration pushing for protectionism and saving American jobs. New Delhi (Sputnik) Russia remains India's most dependable military hardware supplier and strategic partner in the last five years despite New Delhi's attempts to diversify its purchase of weapons from the US, Europe and Israel. Not only that, the scenario may not change in the medium term with Moscow staying on top of the list of defense suppliers to New Delhi. Between 2012 and 2016, Russia supplied 68 per cent of India's arms import, as per the survey by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) a Swedish think-tank notable for its data and research on conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament. During the same period, the US increased its supply of arms to India, but nonetheless remained a distant second at 14 per cent, followed by Israel at 7.2 per cent. The SIPRI report also says that Russia will maintain its lead in supplying weapons to India. New Delhi is on a weapons buying spree and will remain as the top most importer as the government seeks to modernize its arsenal amid rising tensions with neighbors China and Pakistan. "Based on existing orders and weapons, Russia will remain, by far, the main supplier of major arms to India for the foreseeable future. However, India expects increasing deliveries due to several major orders from France (another traditional supplier) and from the US, South Korea and Spain all of which only recently became suppliers of major weapons to India," said the SIPRI report. The dependence on overseas weapons suppliers and Russia will not change in the medium term even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been making increasing efforts to indigenize defense production and create a manufacturing base under his flagship "Make in India" initiative to cut costs and boost job creation. His government has earmarked $250 billion for the domestic defense industry. According to SIPRI, India is also the largest buyer of Russian weapons, taking home 38 per cent of Moscow's exports. It is also the largest buyer of Israel's weapons with a 41 per cent share of its exports. For the UK, India is the second largest buyer, with 11 per cent share of its exports. But, New Delhi is not even in the top three buyers of US weapons despite the previous Barack Obama administration designating India as its major defense partner. In fact, Washington's efforts to open manufacturing facilities are shrouded in doubts with the Donald Trump administration pushing for protectionism and saving American jobs. According to the SIPRI report, 47 per cent of US weapons went to countries in the Middle East. Globally, the five biggest arms exporters were the US, Russia, China, France and Germany, together accounting for 74 per cent of the total volume of trade in weapons in the last five years. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address All JCPOA-related sanctions against Iran lifted: Foreign Ministry IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Mashad, Khorasan Razavi Prov, Feb 22, IRNA -- The main goal of the nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers, was removal of nuclear sanctions and economic obstacles imposed against the country, says the foreign ministry deputy. "All the sanctions based on the nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), were expected to be removed and have all been lifted," Abbas Araqchi foreign ministry's Deputy for Legal and International Affairs told a conference on the Islamic Republic's foreign diplomacy on Wednesday. Of course, there remain to be obstacles still in place, but they are not related to the JCPOA, Araqchi said. "Only nuclear sanctions were expected to be lifted and we were neither allowed to nor was it right to negotiate on removing other sanctions," he said. While some non-nuclear sanctions are still in place but all the nuclear ones have been removed, Araqchi stressed. According to the foreign ministry official,, one of the goals achieved by the JCPOA was lifting oil sanctions against the Islamic Republic. "Before the imposition of sanctions Iran used to sell 2.5 million barrels of oil a day but under the sanctions the number reduced just to be one million barrels a day," Araqchi said. Over the last year, implementation of the nuclear deal saw many hurdles on its way, but we stood against all of the obstacles, he said. 2044**1771 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Son Of Top Iranian Dissident Cleric Taken Into Custody RFE/RL February 22, 2017 The son of one of the founding fathers of the Islamic republic has been arrested to serve a six-year prison sentence for releasing a decades-old audiotape in which his father denounced the mass executions of political prisoners in 1988. Ahmad Montazeri was summoned to the special clerical court on February 22 and later announced that he would remain in custody, according to a statement on Montazeri's website and Telegram feed. Montazeri, a 60-year-old Islamic cleric, is the son of Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri, who was once the designated successor to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of Iran's 1979 revolution. In August, Ahmad Montazeri released a 40-minute recording of his father from 1988, arguing with leading members of the judiciary about the executions. According to Amnesty International, Iranian officials executed some 5,000 political dissidents at the end of the country's 1988 war with Iraq. Hossein Montazeri was one of the few Iranian leaders to speak out against Khomeini's order to execute the prisoners. In November 2016 the special court for clergy sentenced Ahmad Montazeri to 21 years in prison on charges of "acting against national security" and "releasing a classified audio file." But the court reduced the term to six years in view of his lack of previous convictions and the fact that his brother was killed in an attack by a Marxist group that Tehran views as a terrorist organization. Montazeri's younger brother, Saeed Montazeri, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that his brother had appealed the sentence. He said it wasn't clear if the appeal was successful. He said Montazeri's arrest seems to be related to their father's audiotape. "We don't know officially, but it must be related to the same issue as there hasn't been any other," he said in a telephone interview. Hossein Montazeri, who was put under house arrest for several years, became the spiritual father of Iran's opposition movement. He died in 2009. Ahmad Montazeri has been outspoken in his criticism of the Iranian establishment. With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/iran-son-top-cleric -montazeri-jailed/28324836.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mosul: What's Next? By Jamie Dettmer February 22, 2017 The battle for Mosul has been bloody and slow for Iraqi soldiers and civilians alike. Since Iraqi forces launched an assault to retake the city, Islamic State's last major urban stronghold in the country, last October, Iraqi troops have had to endure rockets and mortars, suicide-bombings and sniper fire, as well as unconventional small drone attacks. With Iraqi forces now focused on the western half of the city after a months-long slog to secure east Mosul, questions about what will happen to the city after IS fighters have finally been ousted are becoming more urgent. Added to the concerns about how Mosul will be governed, and how sectarian groups can be reconciled, are questions about what will happen to IS. Earlier this week, U.S. officials, including Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, made clear to reporters in Iraq that there won't be a hasty withdrawal of more than 9,000 American and coalition forces from the country after Mosul's capture. "I think the government of Iraq realizes it's a very complex fight and they need the assistance of the coalition even beyond Mosul," Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of the joint task force task charged with coordinating anti-IS coalition forces, told reporters in Baghdad. "The Iraqi political leadership recognize what they are up against and the value of the coalition," Mattis said at a news conference. Coalition power The value of the coalition has been demonstrated in the battle for Mosul. The coalition has carried out thousands of air strikes on IS targets and trained tens of thousands of local ground forces, Iraqi and Kurdish. In the push for the densely populated west Mosul, coalition "advisers" are taking on more frontline roles especially when it comes to directing airstrikes in order to minimize civilian casualties. No one expects IS to disappear after losing Mosul. And coalition counter-insurgency expertise could well prove crucial. Kurdish intelligence officials believe the jihadist terror group will wage a relentless suicide bombing insurgency using remote and rugged terrain as bases, including the Hamrin mountains in northeast Iraq. They believe hundreds, if not thousands, of IS fighters have escaped Mosul in the last few months, and they don't discount the influence of the terror group's leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Brutal asymmetrical warfare could continue and worsen rapidly if Baghdad fails to reconcile the country's competing religious sects. The Shi'ite-dominated Iraqi government's failure to do so in the past was a major factor in the rise of Islamic State. That explains how, in 2014, a few hundred jihadist fighters seized control of Mosul in a few hours. Many of the city's Sunni Muslims welcomed them at the time because of their anger at Baghdad and the perceived sectarian abuses of the government. Avoiding past mistakes The central government has been careful to keep Shi'ite militias from fighting inside the city. But once the battle for Mosul is over, the conflicting agendas of the main sectarian groups Arab Sunnis and Shi'ites and the Kurds -- risk conflicting badly, fear analysts. In a paper last year for the Center for Middle Eastern Strategic Studies, a think tank based in the Kurdistan capital Irbil, Salahaddin University history professor Othman Ali warned that "divergent and clashing interests" will result, at best, in "a significant amount of uncertainty for the post-IS Mosul." At worst, they risk sectarian divisions flaring up quickly, especially over how Mosul should be rebuilt and governed. Before the assault on Mosul was launched, and while sectarian groups bickered over who should participate in the assault and its timing, Kurdish leaders argued that there needed to be agreements on what would happen to Mosul after being retaken. Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani told an economic conference in Irbil: "All the political and religious components should have deserved roles in the political process and determination of the future of the region and how they want to be governed." "If we try to resolve everything before Mosul, Daesh (IS) will never get out of Mosul," U.S. envoy Brett McGurk remarked days before the battle for the city began. The worry now is that the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi will, under pressure from Iraqi Shi'ite leaders and Iran, reimpose a government structure for the city and the surrounding Nineveh Province similar to what existed before IS seized Mosul meaning that the whole city will remain as a governorate of a Shi'ite-dominated state apparatus. Kurds and minority groups have called either for decentralized administration for the province, to provide Mosul's various religious and ethnic groups with some degree of self-rule, or for breaking up the province into smaller provinces. The latter proposal is favored by the Kurdistan Regional Government, which lays claim to a chunk of the province. Future rule Many in the minority religious communities Christians, Yazidis, Kakais, and Shabaks have been campaigning for their villages to come under KRG rule. Adding to the complexity, outside powers like Turkey and Iran are eager to try to shape the future of Mosul. Turkey has three main aims: to shrink the sanctuaries in northern Iraq of Turkey's outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK; to safeguard the rights of Turkmen communities in northern Iraq; and to block Iran from expanding its influence via the Shi'ite militias of the Popular Mobilization Units, currently fighting to the west of the Mosul. "Only an effective coalition presence in Mosul after the defeat of IS and the desire of the concerned parties for compromise will prevent another wave of bloody encounter in Mosul in the post-IS era," warns Othman Ali. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Myanmar Rohingya Not Returning, Despite Halt in Crackdown By Maaz Hussain February 22, 2017 Many Rohingya Muslims who fled alleged killings and other rights abuses during a Myanmar military crackdown in northern Rakhine state say they are not willing to return to their homes, despite last week's announcement that the military operation in the region has ended. Quoting Myanmar's national security adviser, Thaung Tun, a statement from the office of State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi last week said the situation in northern Rakhine had been stabilized and the clearance operation by the military had been halted. But many Rohingya say that despite the end of the military operation, the situation in Myanmar, also known as Burma, remains hostile for them. "That military operation might have ended, but the oppression of the Rohingyas in Burma has not ended," Dil Mohammad, 30, a Rohingya refugee living in a shanty colony in the Cox's Bazar district of Bangladesh, told VOA. "Rohingyas still cannot freely go for livelihood-related activities like fishing, farming and collecting firewood in Burma. If some Rohingyas are found in such work, they are being arrested by police. "Life continues to be full of hardships for all Rohingyas in Burma. In such a situation, I shall not return to Burma. I think as many as 96 or 97 percent of the new refugees in Bangladesh will not return to Burma." Rohingya community leader Nurul Islam said most of the Rohingya who fled Myanmar during the recent military crackdown were so petrified by the killings and torture they witnessed that they are too scared to go back to their homes in Rakhine. "Since violence subsided in Rakhine in the past weeks, some Rohingya from Bangladesh began returning to their homes," said Islam, the Britain-based chairman of the Arakan Rohingya National Organization, who is in Cox's Bazar now. "They are mostly those who had left part of their families in Rakhine while suddenly fleeing violence. They are going to Burma mostly to wind up their livelihood-related activities there and to bring the rest of their families back to Bangladesh. "The military crackdown may have been halted, but crackdowns on the Rohingya in Burma are continuing in many other ways. All Rohingya refugees are aware of the risks and hardships they will face in Burma. So, Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh are largely not willing to return to Burma." Abuse allegations After nine policemen were killed in Rakhine on October 9 in an armed attack blamed on Rohingya insurgents, Myanmar's military launched a "clearance operation" in the area to ferret out the insurgents. Soon after the operation started, Rohingya began fleeing the area, accusing soldiers, police and local Buddhist groups, who accompanied the forces during the raids, of abuses, including rapes, killings and arson. Up to 100,000 Rohingya, as estimated by the community's leaders, crossed into Bangladesh. Earlier this month, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights said the action of the security forces in northern Rakhine very likely constituted "crimes against humanity." A week later, two senior U.N. officials working among the Rohingya refugees said more than 1,000 Rohingya might have been killed during the four-month security operation in northern Rakhine. However, quoting a military report, Myanmar presidential spokesman Zaw Htay said last week that fewer than 100 people had been killed during the operation. The Myanmar government has also consistently denied allegations of widespread abuses against the Rohingya people during the military operation. A question of status A controversial 1982 law renders the members of the Rohingya community ineligible for citizenship. The community was excluded from the 2014 census because the government refused to identify them as "Rohingya" and they refused to be enlisted as "Bengalis." In recent weeks, the authorities have resumed the process of issuing National Verification Cards (NVCs) to Rohingya community members in Rakhine. Those who are holding the NVCs are identified as residents of Myanmar whose status of citizenship is under scrutiny. Rakhine-based Rohingya rights activist Aung Aung said Rohingya were being coerced by authorities to accept NVCs and those who refused to accept them had been arrested, in some cases recently. "For a Rohingya, holding an NVC virtually means he is not a citizen of Myanmar but a declared Bengali immigrant," Aung told VOA. "So most Rohingyas are not willing to accept NVCs. In recent weeks, in many villages, the security forces are not allowing the Rohingyas to move out of their villages if they cannot produce their NVCs. With this new restriction on movement, the Rohingyas are unable to perform many livelihood-related activities in Rakhine, which has brought new miseries to them. "In such a situation, we fear we will see the exodus of more Rohingyas from Arakan in the coming days. It's easy to understand why no Rohingya refugee from Bangladesh will be keen to return home, despite [the fact that] the military brought a halt to the security operation some weeks ago." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan Army Launches Nationwide Anti-terror Operation By Ayaz Gul February 22, 2017 Pakistan has launched its first ever nationwide military operation "to eradicate the threat of terrorism," in response to a recent surge in suicide bombings and militant attacks that killed scores of people in the country. Army spokesman Major-General Asif Ghafoor said the offensive will also cover the most populous province, Punjab, which is seen as a recruiting ground for extremist groups fighting the state and helping insurgents in Afghanistan as well as in the India-ruled portion of the disputed Kashmir region. "(The) operation aims at indiscriminately eliminating residual latent threat of terrorism, consolidating gains of operations made thus far and further ensuring security of the borders," a military statement quoted Ghafoor as explaining. Punjab a powerful province Punjab is Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's native province and political stronghold where some of the country's major Islamic parties are also headquartered. These religious groups have long opposed calls from secular and liberal parties, for undertaking security operations in the province. Sharif's ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N party has long relied on support from Islamic parties in wining national elections and fears of losing the crucial base are also cited among factors that have hampered army operations in Punjab. Although major Islamic parties are not linked to extremist violence in Pakistan, critics and even officials have at times admitted there are institutions among tens of thousands of seminaries the religious groups are running in the province, which are promoting sectarian hatred and producing students with militant mindsets. Locating weapons a priority These young men, observers believe, often end up joining ranks of violent groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, commonly known as Pakistani Taliban, waging a bloody insurgency against the state. TTP has killed tens of thousands of Pakistanis in its decade long insurgency. But one of its offshoots, Jamaat-Ul-Ahrar, has claimed responsibility for most of the terrorist attacks Pakistan has experienced within the past two weeks. General Ghafoor said that "countrywide de-weaponization and explosive control are additional goals of the operation the military launched Wednesday. Pakistani troops have also been engaged since June 2014, in major ground and air offensives against TTP bases in volatile semi-autonomous tribal areas near the Afghan border. Militant violence reduced The military says it has killed thousands of militants, destroyed their terrorist infrastructure and cleared most of the border region, leading to a significant reduction in years of deadly militant violence in Pakistan. But Afghan and American military commanders, while acknowledging Pakistan's counterterrorism successes, maintain the security operations have spared militants linked to the Afghan Taliban and the notorious Haqqani network involved in deadly attacks in Afghanistan. Pakistani intelligence agencies are accused of using some of the home-grown militant organizations for fueling Muslim insurgency in Kashmir and helping the Afghan Taliban in its violent campaign against the U.S.-backed Afghan government. Pakistani officials dismiss the assertions and say security operations in tribal areas have targeted all terrorist organizations. Islamabad vows it does not allow its soil to be used against any country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Seoul Accuses Kim Jong-un via Loudspeakers of Plotting Half-Brother's Killing Sputnik News 13:52 22.02.2017 South Korean military informed the North Korean population that it was their state's leader Kim Jong-un who masterminded the murder of his half-brother Kim Jong-nam, broadcasting it through loudspeakers near the border line, Yonhap reported Wednesday, citing a South Korean military official. TOKYO (Sputnik) The killing of Kim Jong-nam took place on February 13 in Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur International Airport, as he was waiting for his flight to Macau. Kim Jong-nam, who had been residing primarily in Macau, had been his half-brother's rival in gaining North Korean leadership after their father's death. The late half-brother was known to disapprove Kim Jong-un's regime and to favor reforms. "We have made broadcasts through 34 loudspeakers along the inter-Korean border to inform North Korean soldiers and civilians that their leader Kim Jong-un was behind the killing of his elder half brother Kim Jong-nam," the official said, as quoted by Yonhap news agency. On Sunday, Malaysian authorities confirmed that they were working with Interpol to apprehend alleged accomplices in the murder of Kim Jong-nam. A day later, ambassador of North Korea to Malaysia Kang Chol called for a joint Pyongyang-Kuala Lumpur investigation into the murder of Kim Jong-nam, however, on Wednesday, Malaysian police said Kuala Lumpur opposed holding joint investigation and called on Pyongyang to transfer four suspects in Kim's killing. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In Syria And Ukraine, Russia Positions Itself As Solution To Problems It Created David Patrikarakos February 22, 2017 The world is becoming ever more tumultuous. But amid the general storm one country can be relied upon to maintain a sanguine -- and sanguinary -- course: Vladimir Putin's Russia. The Russian president has, with stolid determination, taken advantage of the world's focus on the political upheaval in Europe and the United States to quietly advance his foreign-policy agenda. On January 29, after months of (relative) quiet in Ukraine, separatist forces backed by Russia launched a large attack against the city of Avdiyivka, just north of Donetsk airport in the country's east. At least four Ukrainian soldiers were killed in a single day, and the entire Ukrainian military was put on alert across the front. Since then, increased fighting and heavy casualties has again shaken faith that a cease-fire, and a permanent peace, can be established. Putin's main foreign-policy goal is clearly the destabilization of Ukraine -- and he continues to do so while barely provoking a squeak of protest from the international community. And it appears that foreign-policy goal No. 2, Russian interference in Syria, is escalating, too. It was almost a year ago, following a series of defeats for Western-backed rebel groups in Syria, that Putin declared that "the objectives [that were] set for the Defense Ministry to be generally accomplished" in Syria. He would, he further announced, be withdrawing the "main part" of the Russian expeditionary force that had been deployed to the country to prop up Moscow's client, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and to protect its naval facility at Tartus. The vow to withdraw proved premature, as Russia actually increased its presence and ramped up its bombing of Syria's rebels and civilians alike with an almost gleeful abandonment. But, on December 29, 2016, coinciding with a Russian and Turkish-brokered cease-fire following the recapture of Aleppo, Putin again ordered Russian forces to leave the region. Again the time seemed ripe. Following the regime's recapture of the rebel stronghold of Aleppo and several other key victories it was clear that Assad would not be overthrown; the rebels would not win. For Moscow it was "Mission Accomplished." The beginning of 2017 accordingly saw what appeared to be a genuine withdrawal from the Mediterranean of a naval group led by the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov. Valery Gerasimov, chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia, announced that "in accordance with the decision of the supreme commander of the Russian armed forces, Vladimir Putin, the Russian Defense Ministry is beginning the reduction of the armed deployment to Syria." However, right away there were signs that once again Russia was not pulling back from Syria. Shortly after that, two U.S. officials told Fox News that Russia had deployed four new fighter jets, the Su-25 (similar to the U.S. Air Force's A-10), which is used for close air support and has reinforced armor to protect them from ground fire. Russian air strikes, it seems, are not going to be stopping any time soon. Permanent Stalemate The escalation is not particularly large but it is significant. As Jonathan Spyer, director of the Rubin Center for Research on International Affairs who has reported extensively from Syria and Iraq, tells RFE/RL: "Russia is there to defend the Assad regime and ensure its continuation, and it can be expected to ensure sufficient forces to achieve this goal. Russia's presence ensures that rebel victory is no longer a possibility in the Syrian war. At the same time, Russia's end goal may well not be the forcible reunification of the entire country by Assad/Iran, but rather a semi-frozen conflict in which the regime survives." A semi-frozen conflict -- words that echo in both Syria and Ukraine. Any idea that Assad could regain all of Syria is absurd to the point of fantasy. But this bothers his backers Iran and Russia not one whit. Both would be happy to see a loose, truncated "Assadistan" that secures Iran's land bridge to Hizballah in Lebanon, through which it can better fight Israel by proxy for geopolitical mastery of the Middle East. Russia, meanwhile, will be satisfied with securing its naval facility and proving to the world and its own people that it can protect its client; that it is the only superpower capable of winning wars in the Middle East; and that it alone is "fighting terrorism," while positioning itself as the primary peace broker. The message will be heard, as unequivocal as it is loud: Moscow is a global player once more. The narrative does not need to be true. Because of course Russia's stated aim -- that it entered the Syrian conflict to fight jihadism, notably in its most virulent manifestation, the Islamic State (IS) group, is largely a lie. The "global war" on jihadism is perhaps the great military trope of our age. And it is both a trope that withstands scrutiny and a war that needs fighting -- unyieldingly and relentlessly. It also, however, provides the perfect cloak for a state with imperial ambitions within which to envelope itself. As Spyer further notes, Russia has done little to fight IS. Indeed, most of its efforts have been directed against more mainstream Syrian rebel groups fighting Assad. The primary ground partners of the Western coalition in the war against IS are the Syrian Defense Forces, which is essentially an offshoot of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), plus a few others. In truth, neither the Russians, nor Assad, nor the Iranians, nor their Sunni rebel enemies are majorly involved in the war on terror in Syria. A 'Superpower' Returns Nonetheless, Russia's strongman will brag about how he was able to bring disparate groups to the negotiating table to seek a permanent peace. A deal will be (or has already been) cut between Turkey, Iran, the Syrian government, and perhaps even the Trump administration in the United States. In Ukraine, Russia brags that it has pushed for a diplomatic solution to that crisis through the Minsk peace process. Even if Russia were to find permanent diplomatic solutions, either in eastern Ukraine or in the Middle East, it would be only finding solutions to problems it played a leading role in creating. With a declining economy and a population in desperate need of placation, Russia's global ambitions will almost certainly grow unchecked for the foreseeable future. Yet as the geopolitical wheels turn it is highly likely that Russia may see improved relations with the United States and several major European powers, a reward for "fixing" these crises. This is bad news for global stability and for the liberal, Western system that has largely upheld the international order since World War II, as it only encourages Russia's crimes. But most immediately it is bad news for the people of Syria, whose suffering seems set to continue. For them, the only foreseeable future is one of more misery -- and more death. The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-us-congressmen-durbin- quigley-lethal-weapons-fight-russia/28325263.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Defense Chief Says New Weapons Tested In Syria Campaign RFE/RL February 22, 2017 Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has expressed satisfaction with Moscow's military campaign in Syria and says it has been a good test of new weapons and special-forces units. In a speech to the lower house of parliament on February 22, Shoigu said that 162 new Russian weapons systems had been tested in Syria and that "only 10" failed to perform up to expectations. Shoigu told the State Duma that 1,760 combat missions had been flown in Syria since Russia launched a campaign of air strikes in support of President Bashar al-Assad's government in September 2015. He said that "nearly 90 percent" of Russia's military pilots had gained combat experience in Syria. Western governments have criticized the Russian air campaign, saying that it has largely targeted rebels rather than Islamic State (IS) militants and has caused substantial civilian casualties. Russia has given Assad's government crucial military and diplomatic support throughout the six-year war in Syria, which has killed some 300,000 people and driven many more from their homes. The Russian air campaign has helped turn the tide of the conflict in favor of Assad, whose forces were under severe pressure and losing ground at the time. Shoigu also said the mission by Russia's only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, to the eastern Mediterranean was a success despite the loss of two fighter jets. He said the experience would help avoid "mistakes" in the future. He said Russia's special forces "have demonstrated their considerable efficiency" in the conflict and "played a key role in liquidating terrorists, destroying important enemy facilities, and directing air strikes." The exact number of Russian troops in Syria has not been made public, but experts put the figure at around 4,000. Shoigu did not discuss casualties in Syria, which represents Moscow's biggest military campaign abroad since the Soviet war in Afghanistan in 1979-88. Asked by lawmakers about "information warfare" and "counterpropaganda," Shoigu said that "information-operations troops have been set up." "Propaganda should be smart, intelligent, and efficient," he told the Duma. The Russian campaign in Syria, where the United States leads a coalition conducting air strikes targeting IS extremists, has added to tensions with the West following Moscow's seizure of Crimea in 2014 and support for separatists fighting Ukrainian government forces in eastern Ukraine. Western governments say Russia is also using propaganda, cyberattacks, and other methods to interfere in politics and increase its influence abroad. U.S. intelligence agencies said in January that they have concluded that Russia used hacking, leaks, and other methods to interfere in the U.S. presidential election in November. With reporting by Interfax, TASS, and AP Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/russia-defense-shoigu -syria-weapons-tested/28325207.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Message for Tokyo? Russia Deploys Bastion-P Coastal Defense System in Kamchatka Sputnik News 17:10 22.02.2017(updated 17:17 22.02.2017) Russia has deployed the first battery of its Bastion-P next-generation mobile coastal defense system in the southern Kamchatka Peninsula, Izvestia reports. Experts say the deployment will help protect Russia's strategic nuclear submarines, and can help send an important message to Tokyo about the on-going Kuril Islands dispute. On Wednesday, Izevstia reported that the first battery of the Bastion-P costal defense system entered service with the 520th Separate Coastal Missile and Artillery Brigade. The battery is now based in the Yelizovsky District, which runs along the southeastern tip of the peninsula. Navy headquarters told the newspaper that the deployment took place late last year. Prior to the deployment, the area was defended by the Redoubt coastal defense system, a Soviet-era design developed in the 1960s and produced until the mid-1980s. In the Far East and elsewhere, these mobile systems are now being replaced by the Bastion system, with complete rearmament in the Far East expected to be completed in the near future. Deliveries of the K-300P Bastion-P to the Russian military began in 2010. The system is designed to engage surface ships, carrier battle groups, landing craft and convoys, as well as ground-based targets. It is armed with the P-800 Oniks supersonic anti-ship missile, which is capable of cruising at speeds of up to Mach 2.5. The Oniks has a maximum range of between 120-300 km, and can cover up to 600 km of coastline. The weapon has the unique ability of soaring up to 14 km into the air before swooping down and skimming as little as 5 meters above the sea surface during its final stage of flight. A typical Bastion-P battery includes four launch vehicles, armed with two missiles each, command and control, support and loading vehicles. When accompanied by a secondary support vehicle, the system can remain on active standby for up to 30 days at a time. Once deployed, the Bastion-P's missiles can be prepared to fire within five minutes, and within 2-5 second intervals. Speaking to Izvestia about the deployment, former Navy deputy commander and retired Admiral Igor Kasatonov explained that the military is presently undergoing comprehensive rearmament. This "applies not only to the construction of new ships, submarines, and bases, but takes into account the need to protect them, and to ensure their ability to deploy unhindered. All these tasks are provided by anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems," including the Bastion system. Respected military analyst Vladislav Shurigin, meanwhile, told the newspaper that the Kamchatka deployment is undoubtedly meant to shore up the defense of Russia's strategic nuclear submarine fleet. "Kamchatka is the most important base for Russia's submarine fleet in the Pacific," he said. "During the Cold War, the US Navy planned not only to strike at the bases in Kamchatka, but to block the Soviet strategic missile submarines from exiting their bases using anti-submarine warfare ships, aircraft and attack subs," the expert recalled. "According to some sources, the US even considered landing marines in the area." The 520th Separate Coastal Missile and Artillery Brigade, then known as the 21st Coastal Missile Regiment, was charged with protecting the Soviet subs from enemy attacks until they could safely submerge, and with disrupting any landing parties that might come their way. Their mission remains much the same today, Shurigin indicated. At the moment, there are two submarine divisions in Kamchatka the 10th and 25th. Together, they form the 16th Submarine Squadron. The 25th division includes the Pacific Fleet's strategic submarines. In 2010 and 2012, the fleet was supplemented by two Borei-class subs, the newest class of Russia's nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. Three more Borei-class subs are expected to be delivered to the Pacific Fleet by the end of the decade. Last week, speaking at a ministerial board meeting, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported that the combat strength of the Eastern Military District had grown by over 10% in 2016. The number of battalion-level tactical groups was increased to 20, and troops received 723 pieces of heavy armaments, military and special hardware. Some observers couldn't help but get the sense that reports of the Bastion-P's deployment coming out now may also be connected to Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida's remarks last week that the disputed Kuril Islands would be subject to defense by the US security umbrella in the event that they were transferred to Japan. Last Tuesday, speaking to parliament and asked what would happen if one or more of the islands were transferred, Kishida indicated that they would fall under the Japanese-US Treaty on Mutual Cooperation and Security, which obliges both parties to mutual defense. "All Japanese regions are covered" by the treaty, he said. Also last week, Japan launched a formal protest against Russia after Moscow named five formally unnamed islets in the Kurils. Russia responded to the protest by pointing out that the islands are Russian territory, and that giving them names is the country's sovereign right. The dispute over the Kurils started shortly after the end of the Second World War. Moscow and Tokyo never signed a permanent peace treaty due to a disagreement over the status of the four islands, which dot the sea stretching from Kamchatka in the north to the northern-most Japanese island of Hokkaido in the south. Late last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Tokyo and met with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The leaders agreed to establish economic cooperation on the islands, ostensibly with the aim of creating favorable conditions for peace talks. However, in spite of Tokyo's hopes, Moscow has since reiterated that Russian sovereignty over the islands is not subject to negotiations. Therefore, some observers believe that the two countries' differing positions, combined with the regular spats over the islands popping up now and again, will make signing a peace treaty very difficult, no matter what possible economic benefits might exist. Last November, Russia deployed Bal and Bastion coastal missile defense systems to the Kurils. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia hails successful anti-terror operation in Syria Iran Press TV Wed Feb 22, 2017 4:55PM Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has praised Moscow's counter-terrorism military campaign in Syria, citing its success in testing new weapons and eliminating terrorists wreaking havoc in the Arab country. "Special operations forces have demonstrated their high efficiency. They have played a key role in liquidating the terrorists, destroying critically important enemy facilities and directing airstrikes," Shoigu told the State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, in Moscow on Wednesday. The Russian military had tested 162 types of weapons against militants in Syria, among them long-range cruise missiles carried by navy ships and strategic bombers, he said. The Russian planes had also performed 1,760 sorties and conducted 5,682 airstrikes against terrorists' infrastructure in Syria since the beginning of the operation in the Middle Eastern state in September 2015, the Russian defense minister added. He further noted that Russia's air raids had killed 3,119 militants and destroyed 40 training camps, 475 command posts and 45 ammunition plants used by the Takfiri elements. Almost 90 percent of all Russian military pilots have gained combat experience in the skies over Syria, Shoigu pointed out. Moscow launched its campaign against Daesh and other terror outfits in Syria at the Damascus government's request. Russia's strikes have helped Syrian forces advance against foreign-backed militants operating in the Arab country since 2011. Russia's campaign averted Syria breakup Elsewhere in his comments, Shoigu stressed that the Russian operation had prevented Syria's disintegration and allowed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's troops to win some key ground. "The breakup of the Syrian state has been prevented, a civil war has been practically stopped," he said. 'Moscow awaits Washington's offer on Syria cooperation' In a relevant development on Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a news conference in Moscow that his country was waiting for the US to come up with proposals on possible cooperation in Syria. "We have said what we are ready to talk. And we are waiting for clarification from Washington. We are ready to review any other proposals on cooperation in Syria," he said. Last month, US President Donald Trump said that he would "absolutely do safe zones in Syria" for refugees with the declared aim of protecting the war-stricken refugees. Referring to the assertion, Lavrov said that Russia is open to dialogue with the US on safe zones but believes that any such plan needs to be coordinated with Damascus. The top Russian diplomat also said that he had briefly discussed the issue with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during a meeting in Germany last week. He added that the US official had told him that the subject was still being worked out. "Of course we will advocate any initiatives of such kind related to Syrian territory to be agreed with the Syrian government," he said. Syrian army gains more ground against terrorists Separately on Wednesday, the Syrian army and its allies wrested control over a district on the outskirts of the city of Aleppo. The media bureau of operations command for the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement announced the liberation of the Souq al-Jibs neighborhood. The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also confirmed the recapture of the area. The advance was said to be the Syrian army's first from its lines in Aleppo, which was fully liberated last December. Meanwhile, the media bureau of Syria's Joint Operations Command released footage showing the Syrian forces retaking a hill in the Maqabir district in the south of the city of Dayr al-Zawr. Furthermore, the Syrian fighter jets targeted positions held by Daesh in the area, killing and injuring several Takfiri elements. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US may deploy more troops to Syria: Commander Iran Press TV Wed Feb 22, 2017 3:1PM The top US commander for the Middle East says more American troops may be needed in Syria to step up the so-called campaign against the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group in the war-torn country. General Joseph L. Votel, the head of the US Central Command, made the announcement on Wednesday while speaking to reporters accompanying him on a trip to the Middle East region. Asked by CBS News if further US troops would be dispatched to Syria, Votel said, "Perhaps," stressing that he was "very concerned about maintaining momentum." The local US-backed forces in Syria "don't have as good mobility, they don't have as much firepower, so we have to be prepared to fill in some of those gaps for them and we take the burden on ourselves for that aspect of the fight," he added. Washington has currently about 500 Special Operations troops in Syria. However, their activities have been limited to what the Pentagon describes as training and assisting Kurdish forces in their battle against Daesh and other terrorist groups. The US-backed Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) are said to be engaged in operations to drive terrorists from Raqqah, the de facto capital of Daesh in Syria. They dominate the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a multi-ethnic anti-Damascus alliance. During his final week in office, former US President Barack Obama announced plans to arm the YPG, but he left the ultimate decision to the administration of Donald Trump. This is while Turkey views the YPG as a terrorist group and has objected any initiative to provide weapons to the outfit. In an alleged bid to stop the advance of Kurdish forces and push Daesh from Turkey's border with Syria, Ankara has been leading a major military intervention in Syria since August 2016. Earlier this month, Turkey's Hurriyet daily reported that Turkish military chief Hulusi Akar had presented his American counterpart, Joseph Dunford, with two plans for an alleged potential operation to "liberate" Raqqah from Daesh. Syrian army troops and allied fighters have been fighting foreign-sponsored militancy in the Arab country since 2011. The crisis has exacerbated by the meddling of the US and its regional partners. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli warplanes bombard military positions outside Damascus: Reports Iran Press TV Wed Feb 22, 2017 11:9AM Israeli military aircraft have reportedly carried out an overnight airstrike against Syrian army positions in the strategic and mountainous Qalamoun region, which lies north of the capital Damascus along the border with neighboring Lebanon. A Syrian military source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said an Israeli fighter jet crossed into Syria's airspace at around 3 a.m. local time (0100 GMT) on Wednesday after circling the skies of Lebanon's Beqaa Valley and flying above the eastern city of Baalbek, al-Masdar News reported. The source added that the airstrike hit Jard Nalhleh area of Qalamoun, located about 330 kilometers (205 miles) north of Damascus. The Lebanese and Arabic-language online newspaper el-Nashra later reported that a convoy transporting weapons was the target. No injuries were reported. The Israeli media outlets alleged that the weapons shipment was destined to fighters from the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement, who are fighting alongside Syrian government soldiers against foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants. The aerial attack came a fortnight after Israeli tanks shelled an open area in the occupied Golan Heights, without causing any casualties. Israeli jets have time and again carried out sorties inside the Syrian territory under various pretexts. On January 13, a huge explosion rocked Mezzeh Military Airport, less than eight kilometers southwest of Damascus and caused a large fire. There was no immediate report of casualties though. Syrian state TV quoted the army command as saying that the rockets, which it said were fired from an area close to the Sea of Galilee in the north of the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories, hit the airport's compound. The Syrian army vowed to take revenge for the "flagrant" attack and "amputate the arms of the perpetrators." "The Syrian army command and armed forces warn Israel of the repercussions of the flagrant attack and stresses its continued fight against terrorism," it said in a statement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address De Mistura: Intra-Syria Talks in Geneva Impossible Without Ceasefire Holding Sputnik News 18:56 22.02.2017(updated 20:00 22.02.2017) UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura stated that the intra-Syria talks in Geneva would be impossible without holding the ceasefire in Syria MOSCOW (Sputnik) The ceasefire in Syria is holding by and large, the intra-Syria talks in Geneva would be impossible if it were to break down, UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said Wednesday. "Even if, frankly, there [are] still some difficulties, it is still fragile, but it is holding by and large. We would not have been able to have these talks if there was a breakdown of the ceasefire. There are spoilers, we know it, we have seen it all the time during the last talks, and perhaps they may even be attempting or maybe tempted to do something before or during the talks in order to provoke one side or the other to walk out or to not accept talking but we will try to control it," de Mistura told a press conference on the eve of the intra-Syria talks in Geneva. De Mistura also stated that ussia announced on Wednesday that it had formally requested that the Syrian government "silence their skies" in the areas of the country where the ceasefire is holding during the intra-Syria talks. "Today, the Russian Federation at the ceasefire task force did announce to everyone and every country present and to myself that they have formally requested the government of Syria to silence their own skies in the areas touched by the ceasefire during the intra-Syria talks. We have been requesting those who have the influence on the opposition to try themselves also to do the same," de Mistura told a press conference ahead of the beginning of the intra-Syria talks in Geneva on Thursday. UN Special Envoy for Syria said that some representatives of the new US administration told them they wanted to revisit their strategy on Syria and countering terrorism. "I was in Washington recently and I was able to meet some representatives of the new administration and in fact in particular I did meet the Secretary of State [Rex] Tillerson. And I must say in all fairness any new administration requires some time before devising a new strategy. They have announced that they want to revisit their strategy regarding the fight against Daesh, ISIL [terrorist group banned in Russia] and that by implication what they're doing in Iraq and Syria," de Mistura told a press conference a day before the official beginning of the new round of intra-Syria talks. The United Nations is not yet in the position to speak on behalf of the United States on the issue of its position, the UN official said. "I do know that they are very much interested in fighting Daesh, I know that they are having instructions from president [Donald] Trump to actually develop a new strategy or new options of a strategy," de Mistura added. UN Special Envoy for Syria said that the Astana platform on Syria is a very positive initiative, the United Nations hopes that there will be more meeting in that format. "We mean what we say, Astana has been and is a very positive initiative, there've been now Astana-2, Astana-3, and we will hope that there will be more of Astana," de Mistura said. The incident where a humanitarian aid convoy heading to the region of Al-Waer in Syria's Homs had to be diverted due to fighting on the ground will be investigated by the United Nations, according to de Mistura. On Tuesday, a source told Sputnik that a planned delivery of UN humanitarian aid to Al-Waer was derailed the previous day due to an attack of opposition and Nusra Front group (banned in Russia) on the convoy. Later the same day, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said that the convoy had to return to Homs over escalation of fighting on the ground. "The circumstances about sniping, attacking and diverting 22 trucks were analyzed by the [humanitarian] task force, and there was a decision to actually one, make an inquiry about it and two, take this as an example of how dangerous these days any type of initiative that may be aimed at spoiling the ceasefire," de Mistura said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Aerospace Forces Have Eliminated Over 3,000 Militants in Syria in 2017 Sputnik News 13:03 22.02.2017(updated 16:51 22.02.2017) The Russian Aerospace Forces have eliminated more than 3,000 militants, including 26 warlords, in Syria, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday. The aircraft have made 1,760 sorties in 2017. The minister underscored the key role of special task forces in the fight against terrorists. The aviation carried out 5,682 airstrikes on terrorist infrastructure. As a result, 40 training camps, 475 command posts, 45 ammunition plants were destroyed, and 3,119 militants eliminated. "The Special Operations Forces of the Special Purpose Military Units have demonstrated their high efficiency. They played a key role in the elimination of terrorists and destroying critical enemy targets and adjusting our aircraft strikes," Shoigu said at the lower house of Russian parliament's government hour. Since 2011, Syria has been engulfed in a civil war, with government forces fighting against numerous opposition and terrorist groups, including al-Nusra Front and Daesh, banned in a range of countries, including Russia. A ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey late last year has practically put an end to Syria's nearly six-year civil war, Sergei Shoigu said. "The collapse of the Syrian state has been prevented, the civil war was virtually stopped," Shoigu stated. Moscow has been conducting a counter-terrorist campaign in Syria since September 30, 2015, at President Bashar Assad's request. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in December that the Syrian government and armed opposition groups had reached an agreement on a nationwide ceasefire in Syria and on readiness to start peace talks. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No Breakthrough Expected in Upcoming Syrian Peace Talks By Lisa Schlein February 22, 2017 The U.N.'s chief mediator for the intra-Syrian talks says he does not see any imminent breakthrough on the horizon. On the eve of a new round of Syrian peace talks, Staffan de Mistura, the U.N. special envoy for Syria, downplayed expectations, but said that there was a "political momentum" to move ahead on efforts to end the long-standing civil war. Syria's warring parties last met in Geneva nearly nine months ago. That round of talks broke down because of repeated violations of a cease-fire agreement. De Mistura acknowledged that the successful resumption of the failed negotiations hinged largely on the warring parties abiding by the current cease-fire. He said Russia, which had worked out the agreement with Turkey in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, was using its influence to see that the fragile cease-fire held. "Today, the Russian Federation after the cease-fire task force did announce to everyone and every country present, and to myself, that they have formally requested the government of Syria to silence their own skies in the areas attached by the cease-fire during the intra-Syrian talks," de Mistura said. He added that he has asked other countries with influence on the opposition parties to have them stick to the cease-fire and not provoke the other side. "They do not have airplanes but they can do something similar in terms of reducing any type of provocation on any side to give a better chance to the intra-Syrian talks not to be affected by breakdowns." The U.N. envoy warned that there were, what he called "spoilers," who would try to provoke one side or the other to walk out of the talks or to refuse to participate. "We will try to control it," he said. "It is time to talk and fight on the table, through the table, but not in the field." Syria's nearly six-year-long civil war has killed around 400,000 people, displaced more than 6 million inside Syria half of them children and prompted nearly 5 million to flee into neighboring countries. An estimated 13.5 million people need humanitarian assistance. Role of women De Mistura said the more inclusive the talks, the better the chance of success. The envoy noted that he was unable to get the assent of the parties to include women, who make up 52 percent of the Syrian population, in the talks. Therefore, he said, he has established a Syrian Women's Advisory Board to participate in the talks in a consultative capacity. "The first meeting of today was with a group of seven women Syrian women," he said. "All of them united by one fact: They're being either detainees or tortured or abducted. Or they have their mothers, daughters or wives of detainees or abducted people. "Detainees are those by the government thousands and abducted are those by the opposition," he said. "We should never forget the suffering of so many Syrians on one side and the other, too, during this conflict." Role of U.S. De Mistura said he was not sure what role the United States would play in the negotiations, but understood that the new Trump administration needed time to devise a new strategy. "They have announced that they want to revisit their strategy regarding the fight against Daesh, IS, and that by implication what they are doing in Iraq and in Syria. So, I would say let us wait for that," said de Mistura, using acronyms for Islamic State. He noted, however, that the U.S. official who had attended previous intra-Syrian talks also would be present at this round. "So, I am convinced that they will be very supportive with whatever we try to do," de Mistura said. Upcoming talks The U.N. envoy said he will be meeting with the participants Thursday morning in a series of bilateral talks to discuss how to proceed with the negotiations. In previous rounds, the parties held indirect talks, with de Mistura shuttling from one delegation to the other. It is not clear if this system will continue, or if the delegations will agree to meet face to face. De Mistura said the agenda will focus on three items: the establishment of a credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance; the drafting of a new constitution; and free and fair elections under U.N. supervision. The envoy said he will not agree to any preconditions and fully expected the talks to be serious and substantive. "Am I expecting a breakthrough? No, I'm not expecting a breakthrough. But I am expecting and determined for keeping a very proactive momentum," he said. "We have to outpace those few but clear spoilers with the momentum on the political track, and I think we can aim at that." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran Sends Military Students to Syrian Front By Sirwan Kajjo, Mehdi Jedinia February 22, 2017 Iran is increasingly using Syrian battlefields as a proving ground for fresh military officers in training, according to Iranian media reports and Syrian opposition figures. Tehran-based Imam Hossein University, a school affiliated with The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said it recently deployed military leadership students to fight in Syria as part of an educational program designed for future officers, according to state-run media. Tehran says its forces are in Syria to protect the Zeinab Shrine in Damascus, a Shi'ite holy site. But since 2011, Iran has been a major backer of the Syrian regime in its war with rebel groups across the country, at first sending advisers, then forces from the IRGC expanding far beyond the shrine area. Students dispatched to Syria Morteza Saffari, a senior IRGC commander who heads "the brass hat division" at Imam Hossein University, said at least 100 students from the school have been dispatched to Syria for training in combat situations. "Some of the students sent for two-month training sessions got martyred (killed), many were injured and some have been deployed in Syria for a longer period," he told Iran's Danshjoo news agency in a recent interview. The Syrian conflict is the first one since the Iran-Iraq war in the late 1980s where Tehran has committed combat troops and suffered casualties. The state-controlled Tasnim News Agency said that about 1,000 Iranian soldiers have been killed in Syrian fighting in support of the Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad. A vital training ground for battle Syria has become a vital battlefield training ground for the IRGC, analysts say. "The handling of the Syrian crisis presented the first example of real life training opportunity for Iran's military," said Hooshang Aryanpour, a Washington-based retired Iranian general. And Iranian officials say that despite growing causalities in their ranks in Syria, the country's military continues to benefit from engaging in battles there. "We have gained technical and tactical advancements, militarily and in terms of intelligence collection," Brigadier General Hossein Salami, deputy commander of the IRGC, said in a television interview late last year. Iranian forces helped take Aleppo Rebel leaders say Iran's role was evident in decisive battles in Aleppo where Syrian troops and their Iranian allies including the Lebanese Hezbollah ousted rebel forces in December of last year. "The IRGC and Hezbollah militiamen were the ones who retook eastern Aleppo from us," said Riad al-Asaad, a commander with the rebel group, the Free Syrian Army. "IRGC had brought many reinforcements to Aleppo, mainly new officers and students from its military academy." Iran also has relied on military students to help lead battles around Homs and Damascus where the IRGC is believed to have conducted full-scaled operations with foreign militias against rebels. "The use of Shiite Afghans and Pakistanis, as well as Hezbollah and Iraqi Shiite militias in this conflict, was an unprecedented military experience for Iranian military units," Daryoush Bourbour, a retired Iranian special forces commander told VOA. Iran testing military equipment Besides training its military forces, Iran has used the Syrian conflict to test its military equipment, according to analysts. "Iran has tested many of its novice and newly-designed military equipment in Syria, and has tested them on a large scale," said Bourbour. Iran's arms industry is the largest and most sophisticated among its neighboring countries, analysts say. Tehran has been increasing its military expenditures in recent years. Iranian lawmakers last month approved plans to expand military spending to five percent of the country's annual budget. The plans include developing the country's long-range missile program. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tsai pledges to maintain status quo across Taiwan Strait ROC Central News Agency 2017/02/22 22:27:19 Taipei, Feb. 22 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen () on Wednesday reiterated her administration's commitment to maintaining the status quo with China. "Our goodwill will not change" but "we will not bow to pressure," Tsai said at a banquet for members of the diplomatic corps in Taiwan at the Grand Hotel in Taipei. Since last May, Tsai said, Taiwan has been cooperating with the United States, Japan, the European Union, and Southeast and South Asian countries in the areas of trade, economics, and regional security. She said Taiwan hoped to engage in substantive and meaningful participation in the international community and she thanked Taiwan's allies for their support in that regard. As part of the government's efforts to revive the domestic economy, Tsai said, her administration is working to simplify the visa application procedure to attract more foreign visitors and talent. (By Ku Chuan and Kuo Chung-han) Enditem/pc NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Why Turkey Wants to Obtain Russian-Made S-400 Air Defense Systems Sputnik News 15:57 22.02.2017 Turkey urgently needs to deploy its own independent air defense system to cope with modern security threats, retired Turkish Brigade General Nejat Eslen told Sputnik, stressing that the Russian-made S-400 Triumf is one of the best anti-aircraft systems in the world. The Russian-made S-400 Triumf is one of the best air defense missile systems to date, retired Turkish Brigade General Nejat Eslen remarked in his recent interview with Sputnik Turkiye. "We know that the S-400 missile [system] is right on the cutting edge," Eslen said, "And we know how useless Patriot [surface-to-air missile] systems currently deployed on a temporary basis in Turkey are. We know that the area which they can protect is extremely limited." "We can say that the S-400 air defense system is one of the best in the world," the retired brigade general emphasized. It was reported Monday that Ankara and Moscow are negotiating the potential purchase of the S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system by Turkey. "The negotiations are underway and the question of financing is being discussed right now," Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov said. For its part, the Turkish Foreign Ministry signaled Tuesday that the talks on S-400 deliveries are progressing successfully. "Talks with Russia on the S-400 are moving forward positively," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told the Turkish newspaper Sabah. Speaking to Sputnik, Eslen underscored that Turkey urgently needs to bolster its air defenses. "Turkey doesn't have a missile defense system with the ability to detect large and medium-altitude targets. It poses a serious challenge to Turkey's security because there are countries in Turkey's in neighborhood which possess ballistic missiles. At the same time, they also have air defense systems. In addition, there is an Israeli air defense system in the region," Eslen pointed out. For its part, Turkey hosts an early warning radar system in Kurecik which is part of the US missile defense system. "All of the above indicates that Turkey is located in a troublesome region and that it urgently needs its own air defenses," the Turkish military expert stressed. Eslen recalled that previously the US and NATO had forced Ankara to revoke the tender on long-range missile systems on the eve of the G20 meeting. Turkey planned to purchase these systems from China, he said, adding that he doesn't exclude that Washington and NATO may exert pressure on Ankara to abolish the S-400 purchase. He stressed that the tender had almost been awarded to China but that Ankara had cancelled it. "In my opinion, that situation led to serious problems [between Turkey] and China. Now we are likely to face pressure from the West again," he said. "They would tell us: 'You are a member of NATO, your defense system should be integrated into that of the Alliance. Russia's air defense systems [don't meet NATO's requirements] and can't provide such integration.' They can use these arguments as an excuse," Eslen explained suggesting that NATO will do whatever it takes to prevent Ankara from purchasing Russian anti-aircraft weapons. "We must understand that this pressure is likely to be exerted on Turkey by the US, the West and take proactive measures [to resist it]," he said. The retired brigade general argues that Turkey needs an independent air defense system. He referred to the fact that Greece a NATO member state has acquired its missile systems from both NATO and Russia. Indeed, Greece deployed a Russian S-300 anti-aircraft system, sold to Cyprus about 20 years ago to the Greek island of Crete. Eslen wonders why NATO has not yet raised the issue of Greece's using a Russian-made air defense system. The Turkish military expert admitted that no system could provide 100% security; however, it could be deployed in the most critical areas to tackle the security problem. He drew attention to the fact that currently Russia and Turkey maintain a successful relationship and highlighted the importance of sustaining the balance of power in the Middle East. According to Eslen, Russo-Turkish, US-Turkish and US-Russian relations have a tremendous impact on each other. "If the equilibrium is upset, [the players] will have to pay a high price," he warned. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MOD signs 146 million contract to upgrade RAF's long-range missile 22 February 2017 Minister for Defence Procurement Harriett Baldwin has today announced a 146 million contract with MBDA to regenerate an air-launched missile, alongside her French counterpart Laurent Collet-Billon. The shared deal with MDBA will see the UK's Storm Shadow and France's SCALP missiles updated so they remain fit for purpose and ready for operational use. During an inward visit by Laurent Collet-Billon, the Minister confirmed the strong partnership with France in a series of meetings at Lancaster House. The collaboration is providing a 50 million saving for both sides. The contract will keep the missile in service for the next decade and beyond and help to sustain around 60 UK jobs. Storm Shadow is a combat-proven, long-range, precision cruise missile, already in service with RAF Tornados, deployed recently against Daesh in Iraq. Minister for Defence Procurement, Harriett Baldwin said: "Storm Shadow is a proven and vital missile for the RAF, and this 146 million upgrade will ensure it is always ready for whenever our Armed Forces might need it to defend our way of life." "This contract is an important part of the Government's 178 billion plan to ensure our armed forces have the right equipment at the right time." The midlife refurbishment programme has been developed in co-operation with the French Government who will be updating their own similar missile known as SCALP. By taking advantage of the similarities, this collaboration not only reaffirms the strong defence relationship as outlined under the Lancaster House Agreement, but has also resulted in a 50 million saving for both the UK and France. The regeneration will consist of a midlife refurbishment of current missile parts such as the turbo-jet engine, an upgrade of the navigational system, and a like for like replacement of items such as the cabling, seals and gaskets. The work will sustain around 60 jobs at MBDA in Stevenage and Bolton, in a variety of roles including software and systems engineering. Over 40 jobs will also be sustained through the supply chain. Chief Executive at the MOD's Defence Equipment and Support Organisation, Tony Douglas said: "The contract to regenerate Storm Shadow, a combat-proven, all-weather precision missile, provides a clear example of the MOD and UK industry working effectively together with our counter parts in France; providing our UK Armed Forces with the best equipment possible while sustaining dozens of UK jobs." Storm Shadow is designed to target substantial buildings and structures, such as military facilities, control centres, bunkers, missile sites, airfields and bridges, which might otherwise require the use of several aircraft over the course of numerous missions. France is the UK's most important European Ally, with both countries' defence budgets together account for almost half of all European defence spending. This deal is the most recent example of collaboration in a long history of cooperation on defence and security. The 146 million investment in Storm Shadow will sustain the missile until its planned out of service date in 2032. Laurent Collet-Billon, Delegue General pour l'Armement said: "This deep-strike missile mid-life update was jointly prepared. It represents a new step in the Franco-British cooperation roadmap and strengthens the Franco-British strategic partnership in the armament field." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Weapons withdrawal not observed in Ukraine: OSCE Iran Press TV Wed Feb 22, 2017 4:23PM The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) says a newly-agreed truce in Ukraine does not look "too good," emphasizing that the withdrawal of heavy weapons has not taken place as cited in the agreement. "It looks like activities are continuing. I don't have a last-minute confirmation, but it doesn't look too good," said Lamberto Zannier, the secretary general of the OSCE, which is tasked with monitoring truce agreements in eastern Ukraine. "What we see is in various areas a continued 'kinetic activity,' as we call it, with light weapons mainly used, but in some cases also explosives, which means that they're also using mortars or some other heavier weapons that are a violation of (the) ceasefire," he said at the United Nations headquarters, after he addressed the UN Security Council on Tuesday. On February 20, a ceasefire came into force for eastern Ukraine after it was brokered in Munich over the weekend. The deal also cites the withdrawal of heavy arms from the front line. The truce was largely holding on the day with each side confirming that the other was complying. However, the OSCE head said the situation remained "confused" and warned that a new wave of fighting may erupt. The armed conflict in eastern Ukraine has killed more than 9,600 people since it began in 2014, according to the United Nations Human Rights Office. The warring sides reached another deal, dubbed Minsk II, at a summit attended by the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany in the Belarusian capital, Minsk, in February 2015. The new ceasefire deal is the latest effort to implement the Minsk agreement, which aimed to put an end to the deadly fighting. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Interview: U.S. Lawmakers Call For Lethal Weapons For Ukraine Christopher Miller February 22, 2017 KYIV -- Two U.S. lawmakers say the time has come for the United States to supply Ukraine with lethal weapons to better defend itself against Moscow-backed separatists, saying that a "confrontational" Russian President Vladimir Putin shows no sign of easing the pressure on Kyiv. In an interview in Kyiv on February 22, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (Democrat-Illinois) told RFE/RL that the conflict in eastern Ukraine, where government forces have been fighting the separatists for nearly three years, has "reached a point now where we have to be honest." "What [the Russians] continue to do in eastern Ukraine, in Donetsk, gives no indication they're backing off," he said. "We have to give to Ukraine the tools and weapons they need to protect their own people." Durbin -- who is the second-most-senior Democrat in the Senate and sits on the Senate Judiciary, Appropriations, and Rules Committees -- noted the reluctance of former President Barack Obama's administration to provide Kyiv with lethal aid for fear of escalating the conflict. The United States has provided nonlethal assistance, including military training. But now, Durbin said, "We have to look at the reality." "Putin continues to be confrontational," he added. Among other things, Durbin cited Putin's recent order formally accepting "passports" and identity documents issued by the separatists who control parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine. "That says to me he has no plans of leaving [Ukraine] soon," he said. Russia denies involvement in the war in eastern Ukraine, despite what Kyiv and Western countries say is overwhelming evidence that Moscow whipped up separatist sentiment in 2014 and has sent substantial numbers of troops and weapons across the border to support separatist forces. U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (Democrat-Illinois), who spoke to RFE/RL along with Durbin, said that lethal arms were necessary "because it is a new world and there's new technology out there, and [the Ukrainians] are competing against an advanced force." Durbin and Quigley, each of whom stopped in Ukraine while on separate tours through Eastern Europe and the Baltics to voice support for the regions, said they were not satisfied with President Donald Trump's position on Ukraine. Quigley described Trump's stance on Ukraine as "somewhat schizophrenic," adding that the president's position "depends who you are listening to and what you are watching." Senior U.S. officials including Vice President Mike Pence and Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, have both recently delivered strong statements of support for Ukraine and called out Russia for its aggression here. Trump has spoken admiringly of Putin and said he hopes badly strained relations with Moscow will improve, and suggested during the campaign that he would consider lifting sanctions Obama imposed on Russia over its interference in Ukraine. Since his inauguration on January 20, he has said little about Ukraine beyond a tweet saying: "Crimea was TAKEN by Russia during the Obama Administration. Was Obama too soft on Russia?" Durbin said Trump's administration was delivering "two different messages." "We have the tweets of the president in conflict with statements made by the secretary of defense, the vice president, the secretary of state, the ambassador to the United Nations," he said. He added, "We have to have consistency of message so the world knows our values and what we're prepared to stand up for." On February 21, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko called for Western states to toughen sanctions against Russia in response to Putin's order recognizing separatist-issued documents, which the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv said was "incompatible" with the goals of the tenuous peace deal known as the Minsk agreements. Durbin and Quigley said they would appeal to Congress, where they said there was bipartisan support for helping Ukraine, to do so. Durbin praised Ukraine's fighting forces for their "extraordinary courage on the lines resisting this Russian invasion" and lauded the government in Kyiv, which he said was making progress on crucial reforms. "There is still much work to be done," he said. "We hope they have equal commitments to stop the Russians in the east and to stop corruption in the rest of their nation." Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-us- congressmen-durbin-quigley-lethal-weapons fight-russia/28325263.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kiev to Restore Air Defense System, Spend $333Mln on Arms Procurement in 2017 Sputnik News 17:29 22.02.2017 Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said that the restoration of the Ukrainian air defense system in 2017 will become a vital priority for the country. KIEV (Sputnik) Ukraine is planning to allocate almost $333 million on the development and procurement of weapons in 2017, while the restoration of national air defense system will become the main priority for the country, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Wednesday. "This year 9 billion hryvnas will be allocated to the development and procurement of the new and modernized weapons and military equipment. Ukraine has never done that before," Poroshenko said at a session of the Ukrainian senior military officials. The restoration of the Ukrainian air defense system in 2017 will become a vital priority for the country, the president added. Kiev is clashing with eastern Ukrainian militia in the Donbas region, with its military budget at a post-Soviet high and coming to around 5 percent GDP in 2015. In 2016, Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak said the budget had quadrupled since 2014 as the military rearmed with the aim of fully upgrading by 2020. The country has also been receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in defense and security assistance from the United States. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Never miss the latest local news again by signing up to our Daily Newsletter Political leaders in Cheltenham have welcomed the news that 22 million will be used to build a 'cyber hub' in Cheltenham, near GCHQ. The money has been allocated to Gloucestershire by Whitehall as part of a number of 'growth deals' and the county has been told it will receive 29m for three projects. The Cyber hub in the Springbank area of town will get the lion's share, with 4.5 m earmarked for housing in Longford near Gloucester and 2.6m for a Gloucestershire College campus in the Forest of Dean. But while Alex Chalk, MP for Cheltenham and Steve Jordan, the leader of Cheltenham Borough Council have welcomed the investment, a local borough councillor is not quite so enthused. Mr Chalk, who lobbied his colleagues in the Conservative Government to place one of two national cyber innovation centres in Cheltenham, was overjoyed that the money has been found for supporting infrastructure. He said: "This really is fantastic news. The Cyber Innovation Centre is a unique opportunity for Cheltenham. The cyber sector is already worth 20 billion to the UK each year. A dedicated 'Cyber Hub' site, supported by civilian start-ups and supply businesses, will put Cheltenham at the heart of the country's cyber-economy. It'll be a huge boost for local jobs and investment. "I've been championing the development of a Cyber Hub in the town since before my election in 2015. It's taken nearly two years to get here and this is a real vote of confidence in our town.'' The leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, Councillor Steve Jordan, also welcomed the investment in Cheltenham by Whitehall: He said: "The proposed West Cheltenham development of a cyber zone is of both national and local importance and I am delighted that this had been recognised though the award of Growth Deal funding. This funding will be vital in putting in place the essential infrastructure to enable this development to integrate into the existing local community. (Image: Mikal Ludlow) Mr Jordan (LD, All Saints) added: "The site is set out in the Joint Core Strategy (JCS) which goes out to consultation next week, and debate will take place on future delivery with the appointed planning inspector later this year." Tim Atkins, the council's managing director for place and economic development, said: "This award is the result of some great collaborative work between Gfirst LEP, Cheltenham Borough Council and the county council, with considerable support from the Cheltenham Development Taskforce. "This is a most welcome announcement which fits into the larger strategic jigsaw involving the JCS, which encompasses the need for employment land and opportunity to further develop cyber expertise. This cyber hub will put Cheltenham at the forefront of cyber developments nationally." But Councillor Peter Jeffries, (LD, Springbank) said he was concerned the wishes of neighbours of the cyber park have been ignored. (Image: Mikal Ludlow) He said: "I think investment in Cheltenham is a good thing, but this has already been agreed, but in the JCS process, in the Local Plan process in this decision today, where has the voice of Springbank residents been heard. It hasn't- it's been ignored. "The irony is that this is a cyber hub - and will essentially be a new industrial estate but you don't need an industrial estate for cyber- it can be done anywhere. "And if the people who will be most affected by this development, the residents of west of Cheltenham in Springbank and Hester's Way, which is a pocket of less privilege in the town, are to truly benefit there have to be real opportunities for good jobs for them - with serious work with schools in the area and not just a token outreach effort." /NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/ VANCOUVER, Feb. 22, 2017 /CNW/ - Lithium X Energy Corp. ("Lithium X", or the "Company") (TSXV: LIX) (OTCQB: LIXXF) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters co-led by Canaccord Genuity Corp. and GMP Securities L.P. (the "Underwriters"), pursuant to which they have agreed to purchase, on a bought deal basis, 7,900,000 Shares of the Company (the "Shares") at a price of C$1.90 per Share (the "Offering Price"), for aggregate gross proceeds of C$15,010,000 (the "Offering"). In addition, the Company has granted the Underwriters an option (the "Over-Allotment Option"), to purchase up to 1,185,000 additional Shares at the Offering Price for a period of 30 days after and including the closing date. In the event that the Over-Allotment Option is exercised in its entirety, the aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering will be C$17,261,500. The net proceeds of the Offering are expected to be used for exploration and development work on the Company's Sal de Los Angeles lithium project in Salta, Argentina and for general working capital purposes. The Shares will be offered by way of a short form prospectus to purchasers in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, in certain offshore jurisdictions, and in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to applicable exemptions under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"). The Shares have not been and will not be registered under the 1933 Act and they may not be offered or sold in the United States or to a US person unless and exemption from registration is available. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell the Shares in the United States or to US persons. The Offering is expected to close on or about March 14, 2017. Closing of the Offering is subject to certain conditions typical for a transaction of this nature and the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. In connection with the Offering, Eventus Capital Corp. has been appointed as a special advisor to the Company. About Lithium X Energy Corp Lithium X Energy Corp. is a lithium exploration and development company with a goal of becoming a low-cost supplier for the burgeoning lithium battery industry. Lithium X owns 50%, and has the option to acquire up to 80% of the Sal de Los Angeles lithium brine project in the prolific "Lithium Triangle" in mining friendly Salta province, Argentina. Lithium X's Arizaro project consists of 33,846 hectares located in one of the world's largest salars thought to contain elevated lithium brine values. Lithium X is also exploring a large land package in Nevada's Clayton Valley, contiguous to the only producing lithium operation in North America Silver Peak, owned and operated by Albemarle, the world's largest lithium producer. Lithium X is listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol LIX. For additional information about Lithium X Energy Corp., please visit the Company's website at www.lithium-x.com or review the Company's documents filed on www.sedar.com. Join the Company's email list at http://lithium-x.com/subscribe. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "Paul Matysek" Paul Matysek Executive 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 news release. This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "believes", "aims to", "plans to" or "intends to" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including the business of the Company, the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, competitive risks, and delay, inability to complete a financing or failure to receive regulatory approvals. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE Lithium X Energy Corp. White Rock - Asiamet Resources Ltd. ("ARS" or the Company) is pleased to announce the results of a comprehensive review of all historical exploration data collected within a 3 kilometer radius of the BKM deposit in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia where the Company is currently advancing feasibility studies for the development of a 25,000 tpa SX-EW copper mine. The review assessed the base and precious metal potential at each of the Beruang Kanan West (BKW), Beruang Kanan South (BKS) and BKZ Polymetallic Prospects (BKZ). Significant copper, zinc and associated base and precious metal mineralization warranting near term drill testing is present on each of the key prospect areas. These prospects are shown on the project location map in Figure 1 and historic results for each prospect area are summarized below. BKS Copper Prospect A well-defined high tenor copper in soil anomaly measuring 800m x 600m is located less than 1km south of BKM and is coincident with copper mineralized sheeted veins and a strong near surface IP geophysical anomaly of similar intensity to the near surface signature at BKM. Historic rock chip sampling reported highly anomalous gold, silver and copper values, including a rock chip outcrop sample assaying 12.3% Cu, 18.2g/t Au and 41g/t Ag Scout hole KBK-028 (151.3m EOH) drilled in 2007 reported: 26.5m @ 0.43% Cu from 2.5m, (including 10.5m @ 0.88% Cu from 14.5m) This hole also intersected near surface high grade gold mineralization as follows: 3m @ 11.5g/t Au from 11.5m, (including 1.5m @ 21.8g/t Au from 11.5m) Three scout holes were drilled in 2015 totaling 194.8 meters. The first drill hole BKM30350-01 intersected a barren dyke and was not assayed. Drill holes BKM30500-01 and BKM30625-01 locally intersected moderate to strong copper mineralization, including: BKM30500-01 10.0m @ 2.52% Cu from 19.5m depth Includes 2m @ 7.45% Cu from 19.5m depth 3.0m @ 1.45% Cu from 43.5m depth 3.5m @ 1.04% Cu from 58.5m depth BKM30625-01 1.0m @ 3.83% Cu from 7.5m depth 2.0m @ 0.67% Cu from 12.5m depth BKW Copper Prospect Multiple copper mineralized sheeted vein zones with wide spread alteration similar to BKM are observed within a 2.5 sqkm area, including exposures along the BKM access road. Three well defined copper in soil anomalies occur coincident with these sheeted vein zones, the largest measuring 1.7km x 1km. Copper in soil anomalies are coincident with chargeability anomalies identified in IP geophysical surveys. The most prominent chargeability anomaly which replicates the BKM signature is greater than 1 km in strike length. Historic rock chip sampling of these sheeted vein zones yielded highly anomalous copper values, with individual rock chip samples assaying up to 7.1% Cu. No previous drilling on two anomalies noted above, and only one hole drilled off the margin of a third extensive (1.7km by 1km) copper in soil anomaly. BKZ Polymetallic Prospect Located less than 800m north of BKM a well-defined zinc-lead-copper in soil anomaly measuring 400m by 200m occurs coincident with massive sulphide-bearing outcrops. Massive base metal sulphide-bearing outcrops are exposed along the main creek with rock channel sampling returning exceptional high grade polymetallic results including 11.5 meters @ 16.50% Zn, 6.16% Pb, 0.48% Cu, 0.55g/t Au and 106g/t Ag. A total of 12 line kilometers of IP and ground magnetic geophysical surveys were completed and six scout holes were drilled in 1999 totaling 871 meters. Three holes (BKZ-1,2 and 3) tested the coincident soil/rock geochemistry and IP chargeability anomaly. Mineralization occurs within a zone of pervasive alteration, containing barite, carbonate and gypsum after anhydrite. True thickness is estimated at 50 meters, and mineralized outcrops indicate at least 100m of strike extent. Significant drill intercepts are summarized in Table 1. Table 1: Historic significant drill intercepts at BKZ Prospect Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Zinc (%) Lead (%) Copper (%) Silver (g/t) Gold (g/t) BKZ-1 6.00 56.00 50.0 2.91 1.01 0.12 25.2 0.52 Including 6.00 14.00 8.0 9.47 4.87 0.26 96.5 0.56 BKZ-2 8.20 15.50 7.3 3.65 1.31 0.09 38.5 0.53 Including 8.20 10.20 2.0 8.75 3.29 0.12 56.0 0.80 BKZ-2 17.60 49.60 32.0 2.19 0.91 0.10 12.1 0.26 Including 19.60 21.60 2.0 9.20 3.39 0.19 41.0 0.65 Including 33.60 35.60 2.0 6.75 1.74 0.38 22.0 0.26 Including 39.60 41.60 2.0 2.93 5.34 0.05 18.0 0.24 BKZ-3 14.60 19.10 4.5 8.33 4.26 0.08 79.6 0.54 BKZ-3 20.95 58.95 38.0 3.13 1.02 NSA 12.7 0.26 Including 20.95 46.95 26.0 4.00 1.39 0.07 17.0 0.31 Notes: Grade intercepts are calculated as a weighted average grade (uncut). NSA-No Significant Assay True widths are interpreted to be between 80-100% of the reported lengths, unless otherwise stated. The BKW and BKS prospects display similar characteristics to the BKM deposit and represent potentially highly attractive resource expansion targets immediately adjacent to the proposed BKM mine. The BKZ prospect represents a potential stand-alone high value polymetallic target. An initial scout drill program is proposed for each area in Q2-Q3, 2017 to confirm the width and continuity of the mineralization. Any potentially economic areas will be fast tracked to resource delineation drilling as this may have a material impact on mine life and development planning for the BKM project. Stephen Hughes, Asiamets Vice President - Exploration commented: Asiamet has always been very excited by the substantial exploration potential in the wider BK area however it has been critical for the Company to focus its efforts on progressing the development of the BKM deposit over the past two years. As the feasibility study on BKM is now in full swing and advancing to plan we have taken the opportunity to re-assess and prioritize those targets with the potential to materially impact the BKM mine life and development schedule. With elevated base and precious metals extending over more than five square kilometers in the soils and high grade mineralization reporting from a number of discrete zones associated with favorable geology we are looking forward to more fully testing these targets and demonstrating the wider Resource potential of the BK area. Qualified Person Data disclosed in this press release have been reviewed and verified by ARSs qualified person, Stephen Hughes, P. Geo, Vice President Exploration of the Company and a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101 and for the purposes of the AIM Rules. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Peter Bird, Deputy Chairman and CEO For further information, please contact: -Ends- Peter Bird Deputy Chairman and CEO, Asiamet Resources Ltd. Telephone: +61 3 8644 1300 Email: peter.bird@asiametresources.com Tony Manini Executive Chairman, Asiamet Resources Ltd. Telephone: +61 3 8644 1300 Email: tony.manini@asiametresources.com FlowComms Limited Sasha Sethi Telephone: +44 (0) 7891 677 441 Email: Sasha@flowcomms.com Asiamet Resources Nominated Adviser RFC Ambrian Limited Andrew Thomson / Oliver Morse Telephone: +61 8 9480 2500 Email: Andrew.Thomson@rfcambrian.com / Oliver.Morse@rfcambrian.com VSA Capital Limited Andrew Raca / Justin McKeegan Telephone: +44 20 3005 5004 / +44 20 3005 5009 Email: araca@vsacapital.com Optiva Securities Limited Christian Dennis Telephone: +44 20 3137 1903 Email: Christian.Dennis@optivasecurities.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Companys current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as plan, expect, project, intend, believe, anticipate, estimate, suggest, indicate and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions may or will occur. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: the actual results of current exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; and fluctuations in metal prices. There may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. To view the graphic in its original size, please click here Figure 1: Location map showing Beruang Kanan project area, and the four main prospects BKM, BKW, BKS and BKZ To view the graphic in its original size, please click here To view the graphic in its original size, please click here Figure 2: (Left) Massive sulphide Galena-Sphalerite mineralization. (Right) Galena-Sphalerite mineralization in quartz VANCOUVER, Feb. 23, 2017 /CNW/ - Euromax Resources Ltd. ("Euromax" or the "Company") (TSX:EOX) (OTCQX:EOXFF) is pleased to provide an update with respect to its wholly owned Ilovica-Shtuka copper gold project in Macedonia, (the "Project"). Permitting Two key milestones have been achieved towards the granting of the exploitation permit. The first is the merger of the Company's two exploitation concessions, Ilovica 6 and Ilovica 11 (over which the Ilovica-Shtuka Project footprint extends), that has been approved by the Macedonian Ministry of Economy and submitted to the Government for ratification. The second milestone is the approval of the Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment by the Macedonian Ministry of Environment within the process of the urbanization of the mine footprint. An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) produced by Golder Associates to international standards and requirements has also been prepared. This follows the Macedonian Environmental Impact Assessment published last year and will facilitate project financing and requirements of various project stakeholders. The ESIA will be published on the Company's website during March 2017. Capital Expenditure Mine Planning and Contract Mining Following additional mine plan work completed during 2016 aimed at achieving a mine schedule with the required detail to start planning of operations, the Company initiated a Contract Mining tender process in November 2016. The tender was aimed at covering the first 7 years of mine life (i.e. the 2-year construction and pre-strip period plus 5 years of operation). As a result of this tender process, the Company has received indicative offers from three international companies for the provision of Contract Mining Services. The Company is currently evaluating these bids, seeking clarifications and assessing the economic impact. However, the average cost per tonne mined of material during production from the bids received is US$ 1.79/t of material moved with capex of approximately US$ 58.5m (including prestrip costs), compared to the Company's Feasibility Study Technical Report (February 2016), which indicated US$ 1.62/t and capex of US$ 100.7m (including prestrip costs) over the same period. Engineering, Procurement and Construction Contract ("EPC") The Company has agreed to a binding Memorandum of Understanding (the "MoU") with Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc. ("Ausenco") for further initial detailed engineering and design and a framework to allow Ausenco to proceed through a two-step process to ultimately provide the Company with a Lump Sum Turnkey Price for the construction of the process plant and related infrastructure for the Project. The first step is for Ausenco, on an open book basis, to provide the Company with a Guaranteed Maximum Price ("GMP") based on an agreed scope of work within 90 days of commencing the work to do so. Following the delivery of the GMP, provided only that the GMP is at or below the Project capital expenditure as per the Company's Feasibility Study Technical Report, Ausenco would proceed with the second step in preparing and negotiating with the Company a Lump Sum Turnkey EPC contract for the development of the Ilovica-Shtuka Project, the substantial terms of which are included in the MOU. As per the MOU, the cost of Ausenco's work to deliver the GMP will be settled through the issuance of Euromax shares to Ausenco, at a premium to the share price immediately prior to delivery and announcement of the GMP. Based on the current market price, the amount of common shares to be issued to Ausenco in connection with the MoU would be less than 5% of those currently issued and outstanding. The commencement of Ausenco's work towards the GMP is contingent upon Euromax independently funding an agreed amount. The proposed issuance of common shares to Ausenco is subject to the final approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange. Commenting on the announcement, Steve Sharpe, President & CEO stated: "The strong support of the Macedonian authorities has yet again been shown by the approval of the merger of Concessions and Strategic EIA. The achievement of these Key Milestones, sets a very clear path to the timely development of the Ilovica-Shtuka Project. The offers for Contract Mining have come in at rates far lower than we had anticipated. With the potential for a US$40 million capex reduction, they seem a very compelling alternative to the owner operated mining plan presented in the Feasibility study. Finally, the faith in the project shown by Ausenco's willingness to not only guarantee a maximum price for the Project at or below the Feasibility Study Price, but further, to undertake the detailed engineering and design work required to deliver this price commitment in exchange for equity, issued at a premium, is not only a resounding endorsement of the technical and economic viability of the project, but also a definitive indicator of their confidence and ability to optimize and deliver value for the Euromax shareholders. In addition to a fixed price, Ausenco's ability to provide schedule and plant performance certainty will significantly enhance our ability to optimize and deliver the financing plan for the Project". About Ausenco Ausenco is a private, diversified, engineering, construction and project management company, majority owned by Resource Capital Funds ("RCF"), providing services to the global resource and energy sectors. Ausenco's experience in precious and base metal projects ranges from conceptual studies for new project developments to execution with EPC or EPCM delivery. Ausenco has delivered a number of projects under Lump Sum Turnkey contracts which provide cost, schedule and performance certainty often required by financiers and investors. Ausenco is currently completing the process plant and other support infrastructure for a gold project in Nova Scotia under a Lump Sum Turnkey contract and is often pioneering the entry into new jurisdictions and/or innovative technologies focused on the delivery of superior shareholder returns. About Euromax Resources Ltd. Euromax has a major development project in Macedonia and an exploration services company in Bulgaria. We are focused on building and operating the Ilovica-Shtuka copper/gold project in Macedonia, as well profitably deploying the wealth of exploration experience within our Bulgarian Exploration Services subsidiary. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information, such as statements relating to the development of the Project. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Euromax to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. There are no assurances that the Project will be placed into production. Factors that could affect the outcome include, among others: the inability to raise the funds necessary to achieve the milestones or complete development of the Project and inability to raise the funds necessary to advance exploration activities; the actual results of development activities at the Project ; project delays; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; future prices of metals; actual metal recovery; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; political instability, terrorism, insurrection or war; delays in obtaining governmental approvals, necessary permitting or in the completion of development or construction activities. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to Euromax's filings with Canadian securities regulators available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although Euromax has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and Euromax disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. For more information, please visit www.euromaxresources.com or contact: SOURCE Euromax Resources Ltd. Toronto, February 23, 2017 - Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. ("Noble" or the "Company") (TSX-V:NOB, FRANKFURT: NB7, OTC.PK:NLPXF) announces that, following the 1:5 share consolidation that took effect on January 18, 2017 (the "Consolidation"), it has converted all the debentures issued in the November 2016 private placement (the "Debentures") into 4,866,666 post-Consolidation common shares (the "Shares") and 4,866,666 warrants ( the "Warrants") of the Company. The interest accrued on the Debentures was paid in cash to the Debenture holders. Under the Debentures, the Company had the option, after the completion of the Consolidation, to convert the principal amount of the Debentures at any time prior to maturity into units of the Company (the "Units") at a conversion price of $0.075 per Unit. Upon Company's election to proceed with the conversion, each Unit split into one Share and one Warrant, each Warrant entitling the holder to purchase a Share of the Company at a price of $0.075 for a period of five years. The Shares and Warrants are subject to hold periods. Following the conversion of Debentures, the Company has 40,816,389 issued and outstanding post-Consolidation common shares. Wawa-Holdsworth Project (MacDonald Mines Operator) MacDonald reports that Havenan Brothers completed 62 kilometres of line cutting at the Wawa-Holdsworth Project in order to conduct magnetic and electromagnetic surveys on the property. The Company intends to utilize this data to map, model and highlight prospective drill targets. The Wawa-Holdsworth Project is comprised of 18 contiguous patented mining claims covering approximately 285 hectares, located 20 kilometres northeast of Wawa, Ontario. Three gold targets have been identified on the property: ..Lode Gold in traditional quartz veins, known as the "The Soocana Vein", ..an oxidized cap at surface developed over a massive pyrite zone (Algoma Iron Formation) known as the "The Oxide Sands", and ..the precursor to the Oxide Sands - a massive pyrite zone (Algoma Iron Formation) at depths, known as "The Massive Sulphide". The Company believes that there is potential to find additional high-grade gold mineralization at the Wawa-Holdsworth Project. About Noble Mineral Exploration Inc.: Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. is a Canadian based junior exploration company holding in excess of 70,641 hectares of mineral rights in the Timmins - Cochrane areas of Northern Ontario. The Company also holds a portfolio of diversified exploration projects at various stages of exploration Gold in the Wawa area of Northern Ontario, and Uranium in Northern Saskatchewan. More detailed information is available on the website at www.noblemineralexploration.com. Cautionary Statement: 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. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. The foregoing information may contain forward-looking statements relating to the future performance of Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. Forward-looking statements, specifically those concerning future performance, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from the Company's plans and expectations. These plans, expectations, risks and uncertainties are detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with the TSX Venture Exchange and securities regulators. Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contacts: H. Vance White, President Phone: 416-214-2250 Fax: 416-367-1954 Email: info@noblemineralexploration.com Investor Relations Email: ir@noblemineralexploration.com Copyright (c) 2017 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Vancouver, February 23, 2017 - Nexus Gold Corp. . ("Nexus" or the "Company") (TSX-V: NXS, OTC: NXXGF, FSE: N6E) is pleased to report it has increased its phase one diamond drill program by an additional 1000 metres at its Niangouela Gold Project located in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The Company originally planned a 1000 metre phase one diamond drill program on its 178 square kilometre Niangouela concession. The increased 1000 metres of diamond drilling is designed to test the primary quartz vein and associated shear zone at depth and along strike. The current program is targeting areas of gold anomalies identified from rock samples and Rotary Air Blast (RAB) drilling that was conducted by the Company in December 2016 and January 2017. "Early work is progressing extremely well at Niangouela, we are very pleased with what we are seeing on the ground. Additionally, we are still discovering the size and scope of the primary quartz vein and the shear zone. It's a large concession with a lot of artisanal activity. We have a lot of ground to cover," said Senior Geologist, Warren Robb. "Now that we have established a base of operations and have crews up and running we will begin to initiate work at the Bouboulou concession", continued Mr. Robb. "Our plan is to drill both properties over the coming months with the goal of establishing the extent of mineralization at both sites." Bouboulou Phase One Diamond Drill Program The current work program at Niangouela has assisted the Company in understanding and streamlining its exploration efforts in Burkina Faso. The Company has based its operation out of the city of Yako which will also serve as its base for the upcoming diamond drill program on the Bouboulou property located six kilometers south of Yako. The objective of the program is to further define and understand the characteristics of the four mineralized zones on the property - Koala, Rawema, Bouboulou 2 and Pelgtanga. An initial phase consisting of a 2000 metre diamond drill program is anticipated to begin shortly. More information on the Bouboulou project is available on the Company's website - www.nexusgoldcorp.com. $2 Million Private Placement Closed The Company is also pleased to announce that it has completed a non-brokered private placement of 16,668,219 units (each, a "Unit") in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.12 per Unit for gross proceeds of $2,000,186. Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company and one-half-of-one common share purchase warrant (each full warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional share at a price of $0.18 until February 23, 2019. "The demand for this financing was extremely strong," commented President & CEO, Peter Berdusco. "The participation included over 100 subscribers, the majority of them international, and is a direct testament to the growing interest in our Company and properties. These funds allow us to continue to pursue significant assets and execute our work programs in West Africa," continued Mr. Berdusco. In connection with completion of the offering, the Company has paid $15,536 and issued 528,050 common shares and 393,492 Warrants to certain finders who introduced subscribers to the offering. All securities issued pursuant to the offering are subject to a statutory four-month hold period. About the Niangouela Gold Concession The 178 sq km Niangouela gold concession is located on the Boromo Greenstone Belt (as is the Company's Bouboulou Gold Concession), and is proximal to the Kalsaka deposit and the Sabce Shear Zone. It is accessible by road and has one major orpaillage (artisanal workings). In December 2016 the Company conducted an 802m rotary air blast (RAB) drill program that delineated an approximately 1,000 metre quartz vein and a 500 metre secondary strike, running oblique to the main vein. This vein has now been identified in trenches, artisanal workings and through RAB drilling. It remains open in all directions. A total of 11 rock chip and grab samples were taken during the initial exploration phase. Eight of the 11 samples returned values of 1 gram-per-tonne ("g/t") gold or better. Best results of the 11 include sample NG005, taken directly from the primary quartz vein at 46 metre depth (accessed via an artisanal mining shaft),which returned a value of 2,950 g/t gold. Sample NG006 was collected from the artisanal dumps of the sheared intrusive and returned a value of 23.9 g/t gold. Sample NG007 contained coarse visible gold, and was taken from material extracted from the eastern shaft from a depth of approximately 60 metres, returned values of 403 g/t gold. Sample NG008 was taken from the western shaft, 10 to 12 metres west of the eastern shaft, and consisted of a single large piece of primary quartz vein containing host rock inclusions and a cluster of visible gold. NG008 returned values of 49.8 g/t gold. About The Bouboulou Gold Concession The Bouboulou Concession covers an area of 38.3 square kilometres and is located approximately 100 kilometers north by northwest of the capital city of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Exploration on the permit area has been conducted by Boliden (1997 - 1999), Riverstone Resources (2005- 2011) and Roxgold (2011 to 2012). Exploration has consisted of Rotary Air Blast Drilling, trenching, geological mapping, Airborne EM and magnetometer and Radiometrics and reverse circulation and diamond drilling. Highlights of the previous exploration programs include; surface rock sampling and trenching returning gold grades from 1.09 to 19.16 g/t gold. Four zones of gold mineralization have been identified on the Property termed Koala, Rawema, Bouboulou 2 and Pelgtanga. Previous drilling highlights Bouboulouinclude 40m of 1.54 g/t Au (including 20m of 2.55 g/t Au), 35m of 2.20 g.t Au (including 12m of 5.45 g/t Au), 4m of 12.83 g/t Au, and 6m of 4.62 g/t Au (including .03m of 81.32 g/t Au). Please see the Nexus Gold Corp. website for a more detailed look at historical drill results at Bouboulou. The Property is situated at the north end of the Boromo Greenstone Belt underlain by an alternating sedimentary-basalt-sedimentary-volcanic progression which strikes generally northeast-southwest, and is bisected by the Sabce Shear Zone, which hosts numerous artisanal gold zones over its 120 kilometre length plus the Bissa Mine operated by Norgold. About Burkina Faso Burkina Faso is a landlocked nation, located in West Africa. It covers an area of roughly 274,000 square kilometres and has an estimated population of more than 16 million people. The country has a stable political setting with a pro-mining and foreign investment stance. Burkina Faso is the fastest growing gold producer in Africa, and was the 4th largest gold producer in Africa in 2012. Eight new mines have been commissioned there over the past six years. The country has excellent geological potential. The Greenstone Belts that host all of the major deposits in Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire continue northward into Burkina Faso.Burkina Faso has undergone less than 15 years of modern mineral exploration, remaining under-explored in comparison to neighbouring Ghana and Mali; both of which host world-class gold mines in the same belts of Birimian rocks. About the Company Nexus Gold Corp. is a Vancouver-based gold exploration and development company operating in some of the world's premier mining districts. The Company is currently concentrating its efforts on two gold projects located in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The Bouboulou gold concession is a 38-sq km advanced exploration target where previous drilling has confirmed multiple zones of gold mineralization. The Niangouela gold concession is a 178-sq km project featuring high grade gold occurring in and around a primary quartz vein 1km in length and associated shear zone. For more information on these projects, please visit the Company website at www.nexusgoldcorp.com. Warren Robb P.Geo., Senior Geologist is the designated Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and is responsible for the technical information contained in this release. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Nexus Gold Corp. Peter Berdusco President and Chief Executive Officer 604-558-1920 www.nexusgoldcorp.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. Copyright (c) 2017 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. TORONTO, Feb. 23, 2017 /CNW/ - Iron Ore Company of Canada ("IOC") issued a media statement today stating that it will proceed with the development of the Wabush 3 pit at its mine near Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador. Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corp. (LIORC") is fully supportive of the IOC decision to develop Wabush 3 due to the favourable project economics. The LIORC royalty applies to the Wabush 3 deposit. The IOC media statement follows. Media Statement IOC will proceed with the Wabush 3 project following the approval of a CAD$79 million investment. Wabush 3 is a new pit that will be developed within IOC's existing mine operations to extend the life of the mine, reduce operating costs and increase production of quality grade iron ore concentrate and pellets. IOC Chief Executive Officer and President Clayton Walker said "This value-driven investment will deliver significant benefits for our business, employees and surrounding communities in Labrador West and Sept Iles for many years to come, by increasing the life of the mine and allowing us to offer continued employment opportunities. "The Wabush 3 pit is IOC's best option to access low-cost, quality ore and provides a compelling opportunity to make our business more competitive by reducing operating costs during a period of increasing iron ore price volatility. "I would like to thank IOC employees, Unions, Union leadership and members of the community for the ongoing support they have demonstrated, which helps to build trust in our ability to create a viable business for future generations." The Wabush 3 pit will be developed adjacent to Luce pit. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has released the Wabush 3 Open Pit Mine Project from the Environmental Assessment process and construction is expected to start in the second quarter of 2017. First ore from production mining is expected in the second half of 2018, helping IOC ramp up annual capacity from 18 million tonnes towards 23 million tonnes. Wabush 3 will be fully integrated into IOC's overall Labrador City Operations, and will utilize its existing maintenance, ore delivery, processing and tailings management facilities as well as other aspects of IOC's current infrastructure and activities in the region. IOC is committed to modernizing its assets and operating model to achieve safer and more stable production, with the objective of being a lower cost producer of quality grade iron ore concentrate and pellets for the steel industry, and make IOC the premier mining organization in North America. SOURCE Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corp. UTSA will open its home schedule this weekend with five games in three days when it hosts the annual UTSA Classic at Roadrunner Field.The Roadrunners (4-5) will begin play in the event at 3 p.m. on Friday against New Mexico (4-6) followed by a 5:30 p.m. matchup with Incarnate Word (3-7). On Saturday, the squad will host the Lobos again at 3 p.m. and I-35 rival Texas State (6-2) at 5:30 p.m. before closing the weekend with a 12:30 p.m. tilt against the Cardinals on Sunday.UTSA is coming off Wednesday's doubleheader sweep at Sam Houston State by scores of 4-1 and 14-6. In game one,dazzled in the circle, as the junior carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning. The junior got all the offensive support she needed from's three-run homer in the third inning. In the nightcap, the Roadrunners pounded out 21 hits for their best day at the plate since 2004.The big offensive night pushed UTSA's team batting average to .309, which ranks second in Conference USA, while its .460 slugging percentage is tops in the circuit. In all, the Roadrunners rank among the league's top five in nine offensive categories including home runs (1st; 7), doubles (3rd; 14), triples (3rd; 3), total bases (3rd; 125), RBIs (4th; 43), hits (4th; 84) and runs (5th; 46).leads the team and ranks second in C-USA with her .500 batting average, while Rodriguez's three homers are tied for third in the league.Fellow freshmanranks second on the squad with a .364 average to go along with a team-high five stolen bases in as many attempts. Coming off a 4-for-5 outing in game two on Wednesday at Sam Houston State, seniorchecks in with a .346 average to complete one of the top hitting outfields in the conference.In the circle, Fox andhave thrown all but 1.1 innings this season for the Roadrunners. The pair have combined for five complete games, including a shutout of Lamar on Feb. 17 by Merrill.UTSA leads the all-time series against Incarnate Word, 16-3-1, including an 11-0 mark at Roadrunner Field. Meanwhile, New Mexico holds a slight 4-2 edge in the all-time series against the Roadrunners, while UTSA and Texas State have split their 78 previous meetings. The Trump administration Wednesday told public school districts across the nation that they no longer have to allow transgender students to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity.The word came in a statement from Education Secretary Betsey DeVos that she was withdrawing a directive issued under President Barack Obama that required school districts to let transgender students use whichever bathroom conformed to their gender identity or risk the loss of federal funding.At the same time, the Trump administration told the Supreme Court that the Obama administration bathroom directive had been withdrawn. The court was scheduled to hear a challenge to the directive next month.The Trump withdrawal of the Obama directive drew immediate criticism from gay and lesbian groups, which accused him of backtracking on a campaign pledge to protect transgender students."What could possibly motivate a blind and cruel attack on young children like this?" asked Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign, which bills itself as the nation's largest civil rights organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. "These transgender students simply want to go to school in the morning without fear of discrimination or harassment. The consequences of this decision will no doubt be heartbreaking."But new guidance from the Trump administration cautioned that transgender students are still protected from bullying and other discrimination."Please note that this withdrawal of these guidance documents does not leave students without protections from discrimination, bullying, or harassment," the Department of Education said in a "dear colleague" letter to be sent to school districts."All schools must ensure that all students, including LGBT students, are able to learn and thrive in a safe environment," the letter said. "The Department of Education Office for Civil Rights will continue its duty under law to hear all claims of discrimination and will explore every appropriate opportunity to protect all students and to encourage civility in our classrooms."The new directive comes nine months after Obama threatened to withhold federal money to schools that didn't allow students to use bathrooms matching their gender identity."I've made this clear and the president's made it clear throughout the campaign that he is a firm believer in states' rights and that certain issues like this are not best dealt with at the federal level," White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters at his daily briefing Wednesday.During the campaign, Trump initially said transgender people should be able to use the bathroom of their choice, though he later backtracked and said states should decide."People go, they use the bathroom that they feel is appropriate," Trump said in April. "There has been so little trouble." Later, he said: "I just think it should be states' rights. I think many things actually should be states' rights, but this is a perfect example of it."Thirteen states _ Texas, Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia and Wisconsin _ had sued Obama over the guidance.Last week, Trump's Justice Department asked to withdraw a motion filed by Obama last year over a temporary injunction blocking his guidance."They can try to call this states' rights or religious freedom but it's actually nothing more than mean-spirited bullying of children," said Zac Petkanas, senior adviser for the Democratic National Committee. "I hope Donald Trump feels like a real tough guy using the most powerful office in the world to pick on struggling kids who already face torturous harassment and mistreatment nearly every day of their lives."Various advocacy groups had said that Attorney General Jeff Sessions and DeVos disagreed on whether to rescind the Obama guidance, but Spicer denied those reports."The conclusions everybody in the administration is agreed upon," he said. "There is no daylight between anybody, between the president, between any of the secretaries."Neither Obama nor Trump singled out North Carolina, which last year enacted a law overturning a city ordinance protecting LGBT rights. Texas is considering a similar bill that would require those in public schools and government buildings to use the bathroom that corresponds with their "biological sex."The North Carolina legislation, known as HB2, barred Charlotte from letting transgender people use public bathrooms that correspond to their gender identity _ not necessarily their birth sex. Republicans, and some Democrats, in the General Assembly voted in favor of addressing the bathroom issue and more in HB2.Federal agencies launched a review of the law's implications and whether it conflicted with federal standards and laws such as Title IX, which makes up part of North Carolina's federal allocations for public education.The Obama Justice Department sued the state, calling the law a violation of civil rights. North Carolina's new governor, Roy Cooper, proposed a compromise to repeal it, but Republican legislative leaders said they wouldn't support the repeal."This administration, and this president, has vowed to be an ally of the LGBTQ community; yet this action is a direct contradiction to that declaration," said Matt Thorn, executive director of OutServe-SLDN, an organization pushing for LGBT equality for the military.In January, the White House announced Trump would leave in tact an Obama executive order that protected gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in the workplace."President Trump continues to be respectful and supportive of LGBTQ rights, just as he was throughout the election," the White House said in a statement. "The president is proud to have been the first ever GOP nominee to mention the LGBTQ community in his nomination acceptance speech, pledging then to protect the community from violence and oppression." Under pressure from Democrats and Republicans including Gov. Rick Snyder, a proposal to gradually eliminate the state's 4.25% income tax was scrapped Tuesday for a plan that would cut the tax to 3.9% over four years and leave it at that level.State Rep. Lee Chatfield, R-Levering, who sponsored the bill, said the goal all along was to provide tax relief for Michigan families and deliver on a promise made in 2007 -- before the last recession -- to reduce the state's income tax to 3.9%."The initial goal was always to deliver on the promise first made in 2007, and we think this substitute (bill) solves that problem," he said. "There will be income tax relief felt all the way across Michigan."The House moved the substituted bill to a final vote that could happen as soon as Wednesday.The vote would come less than a week after a 90-minute committee hearing on gradually eliminating the state's 4.25% income tax, which is the state's primary source of revenue for the general fund.The new version of the bill would reduce the income tax, beginning on Jan. 1, 2018, by 0.1% each year for the next three year and by 0.05% in the fourth year to get to 3.9%. The lost revenue in the first year, which comes three months into the fiscal year, would be $195 million; in the second year, it would be $463 million; in the third year, it would be $780 million, and by the fourth year, $1.1 billion.Republicans said it's an ideal way to spur the state's economy. "As Republicans, we believe the less tax burden on the people of our state, the more our budget will grow and the more our economy will grow," Chatfield said.Democrats and others argue that the bill blows a $1.1-billion hole in the budget without any plans to replace the money."I still see this as a billionaire tax giveaway," said state Rep. Jon Hoadley, D-Kalamazoo. "When we make major policy changes without figuring out where that money is coming from -- you would never run a business that way."We're talking about a tax cut that could potentially decimate the services people care about, like the police on their streets and kids in the schools. I've seen no plan on how to fill these critical needs."Snyder wasn't convinced that the new plan was better than the old proposal."He still has a billion dollars worth of concerns, as he has seen no plan as to how this will be paid for," said Snyder's spokeswoman Anna Heaton.University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel, who was at the Capitol on Tuesday, said the proposal wasn't "conservatism. It's radicalism.""We're concerned not just for the university, but the state as a whole. The state is doing well and continues to recover, but this is a time to continue to invest in our collective future," he said."Our fear is that if the resources available to state government are constrained by such a large tax cut, we won't be able to maintain accessibility to a great higher education at the same cost now. Families are already struggling to pay for college, and we don't want to make those challenges greater. It's not just higher ed, it's community colleges, it's schools, it's infrastructure we've promised our fellow citizens we're going to take care of. It's the aid we return to our cities that allows them to provide services to our fellow citizens."He urged the Legislature to "slow down" and look at the consequences.The House Tax Policy Committee voted last week to send the bill to the full House of Representatives, despite it not having unanimous support from Republicans and no support from Snyder, who told the GOP it should be more thoughtful and deliberative before taking such a drastic course of action.State Treasurer Nick Khouri told lawmakers last week that Michigan has the lowest income tax rate of the five Great Lakes states and ranks 14th best in the nation in relative tax burden.State Rep. Jim Tedder, R-Clarkston, chairman of the Tax Policy Committee, said the House wants to cut the tax now and let the Appropriations Committee figure out how to fill the budget hole.Other supporters of the bill said now is the time to cut the income tax, when the state budget is stabilized with surpluses and Snyder has suggested adding $260 million to the state's rainy day fund, bringing that total to $1 billion. If the state's taxpayers have more money in their pockets, said Chatfield, it will lead to more economic activity. And besides, Chatfield said, in the last seven years, lots of tax cuts have gone to businesses, but working people have been left out of any tax benefits.Opponents said every aspect of the state's budget will be affected, from revenue to local units of government that go to police and fire protection to environmental safeguards and testing to schools.Democrats tried to add amendments to the proposal that would implement a graduated income tax and keep the tax rate at 4.25% for anyone who makes at least $70,000 a year. Those amendments failed.There are seven states without an income tax -- Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wyoming -- but most make up the difference with higher sales or property taxes or much higher state revenues from taxes on coal mining (Wyoming) or oil drilling (Alaska). Some foreign-born Californians are canceling their Medi-Cal coverage or declining to enroll in the first place, citing fears of a Trump administration crackdown on immigrants.Among those dropping coverage are people in the country legally but concerned about jeopardizing family members who lack permanent legal status, according to government officials, immigration attorneys and health care advocates.Others worry they will be penalized in the future for using public benefits such as Medi-Cal, the states version of the federal Medicaid program that provides health coverage to low-income residents.Were hearing from a lot of counties that theyre getting calls from immigrant families who are receiving benefits, or whose children are citizens and may be receiving benefits, asking to be disenrolled, said Cathy Senderling-McDonald, deputy executive director of the County Welfare Directors Association of California in Sacramento, which represents human services directors from the states 58 counties.Senderling-McDonald stressed that the reports are anecdotal but are coming from across the state. Its not just one or two counties, she said.Many immigrants are dropping out even though they are legally entitled to and eligible for the benefits theyre receiving, she said.In reality, experts say, terminating benefits might not help since the immigrants names are already in the system.The Community Health Initiative of Orange County, a nonprofit group that helps local residents apply for health coverage, has worked in the past month with two immigrant families that have withdrawn applications for Medi-Cal coverage.In one case, a Santa Ana mother had applied in January for full Medi-Cal benefits for her daughter, an unauthorized immigrant, said Aaron Reyes, the groups director of programs and policy.But the mother called back about a week later and told them to scrap the application, even though California provides full Medi-Cal coverage to all low-income children, regardless of immigration status.She said she heard that Trump was going to deport people, and that theyre going to use the names of people who are getting services, he said. We told her there was currently nothing like that going on, but she didnt want to take any chances.In the other case, a Buena Park mom submitted an application last month for Medi-Cal and food stamps for her daughter, a green-card holder. A few weeks later, she called back to cancel the application.The parent said she was afraid of Donald Trump and didnt want any problems, Reyes said.President Trump has made cracking down on unlawful immigration a focal point of his presidency. In addition to fraying relations with Mexico over his plans to build a wall along the southern border, he has vowed to get tough on unauthorized immigrants already here. Two weeks ago, immigration authorities rounded up hundreds of people in deportation raids across the country, including in California.Trumps administration also has drafted an executive order that would, if implemented, exclude potential immigrants likely to need certain types of aid and deport those already in the United States who have used social services, according to a Washington Post analysis of the order. It also would require social service agencies to report immigrants receiving benefits to federal authorities.The overall climate has been terrifying for immigrant families, said Tanya Broder, senior attorney at the Los Angeles-based National Immigration Law Center. We have literally heard from people who dont know whether to continue cancer treatment. I encourage them to continue getting the care they need while they can get it.Broder wants immigrants to know that at this point, the rules have not changed. The executive order has not been filed.Melissa Rodgers, director of programs for the San Francisco-based Immigrant Legal Resource Center, emphasized that immigrants who are currently receiving health care and nutrition benefits for which theyre eligible are not breaking the law in any way.The most recent statistically credible statewide enrollment data from Californias Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) are about four months old, so they dont yet show any possible Trump effect on enrollment.Department spokesman Adam Weintraub said the federal government hasnt imposed any significant changes on Medi-Cal since Trumps inauguration.But, he said, DHCS cannot speculate as to any potential changes to the Medicaid program that may occur under a new administration.Weintraub added that the department takes its responsibility to safeguard personal health information seriously and shares only details about an applicants immigration status with the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and only for the purposes of administering the Medicaid program.Two weeks ago, Ale Ricardez, program manager for San Diegans for Healthcare Coverage, spoke with a woman who had taken the first steps to rescind her familys Medi-Cal application.Everyone in the family is a citizen except the womans husband, who has work authorization and is in the process of getting his green card, Ricardez said.She was concerned that they would risk the immigration process for her husband if they continued with the application, she said.Ricardez told the woman that her family is legally entitled to the benefits as long as they qualify, but that didnt change her mind, Ricardez said.While some immigrants are canceling their coverage, others arent even signing up.Alice Ting, an enrollment worker at Asian Pacific Health Care Venture, a group of clinics in Los Angeles and El Monte, received two calls in the past two weeks from nervous immigrants asking if they should cancel their Medi-Cal. Ultimately, they decided to remain enrolled after she explained they qualified, she said.Another trend has grabbed her attention even more: She used to get daily phone calls from Chinese immigrants inquiring about how to apply for Medi-Cal. Ive noticed recently its decreased, she said.Jan Spencley, executive director of San Diegans for Healthcare Coverage, has witnessed a similar trend.We are seeing people who are not enrolling who are eligible, and people ending coverage who have it, Spencley said. People are not enrolling unless they have to.Advocates and immigration experts warn that dropping health coverage or not signing up might compromise public health, let alone an individual or familys health.Letting fear lead to actual serious bodily harm, thats really not the way to go, Rodgers said. If people need health care, they should get it.At the same time, Rodgers and others arent making promises about the future, because they dont know what it holds.We dont want to say, This isnt going to happen, dont worry, and then have something bad happen, Reyes said. For us, its important to be as accurate as possible, which is really challenging right now. , J.D. Mesnard has seen lots of controversial legislation pass into law with scarcely any notice. He has also watched as bills that appeared mild or harmless have blown up, bringing the state embarrassing media attention.Its the latter scenario that Mesnard is seeking to avoid in his new role as speaker of the House. Arizona has repeatedly drawn negative press during debates over matters such as illegal immigration and gay rights. Like other Arizona Republicans, Mesnard believes the national media routinely distort the intent and practical effects of social conservative bills. Nevertheless, he recognizes that having bills portrayed as harsh or intolerant has done no favors for the state. At the moment, he believes, social conflict is too hot to handle. There has been a conscious effort to keep us out of these divisive, controversial issues, Mesnard says. We want to have tax cuts and deregulation and make that the narrative about Arizona.To put it simply, one very red state is cutting back on the red meat.In Arizona, as in other Republican-dominated states, there have been prolonged battles in recent years that pitted establishment-oriented Republicans -- those aligned with the chamber of commerce and large corporations -- against GOP legislators backed by the Tea Party and championing hard-line social issues. In Arizona, that battle is over for now. The establishment has won. The legislature has been more careful about the bills being introduced, says Glenn Hamer, president of the state Chamber of Commerce. Im not aware of any mainstream legislators in the state who are eager to move off the road of economic development and education.Arizonas evolution may be instructive for the country as a whole. Nationally, the Republican Party is entering into a period in which it will be forced to rethink the principles for which it stands. President Trump won office in part by bringing along Democrats who were unhappy with the status quo, but who were also open to his unorthodox approaches to budgeting and trade. Its not clear yet how far his party will go to back up his plans. Especially sensitive at the moment is the presidents harsh crackdown on immigration. Even some of the most conservative Republican officeholders in Arizona have no desire to follow him down that road. They have been there before.Arizona became the flashpoint for the national immigration debate in 2010 with passage of Senate Bill 1070, which required residents to show proof of citizenship if law enforcement officers had reason to suspect they were in the country illegally. Key parts of that legislation were ultimately ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. Today, most Arizona lawmakers, including the states two Republican U.S. senators, are favoring a softer approach, or at least a softer tone. If anything, the immigration issue probably hurt Trump in Arizona, says Victor Riches, president of the Goldwater Institute, a free-market think tank in Phoenix. I think the bulk of people in Arizona would be happy not to hear of immigration again.Arizona Republicans have in mind the states rapidly changing demographics, which have both political and economic resonance. Under GOP Gov. Doug Ducey, the state has stepped up its trade relations with Sonora, the Mexican state to the south. Arizonas economy cant survive without immigration, says Steven Slivinski of the Center for the Study of Economic Liberty at Arizona State. Arizonas probably going to stick to conservatism thats opportunity-based, not so much bashing niches in the population.Theres no telling at this point how Trump will fare during his time in office, or what his ultimate impact on the party will be. But it may be possible to start thinking about a post-Tea Party Republicanism. Much of what drove the Tea Party and other conservative activists in recent times came in opposition to President Obama and his policies. Obama is now safely out of office. There was a lot about the Tea Party movement that was reactionary, Mesnard says, and the reaction was to Obama.Arizona is just a single red state among many. But the shift in approach there suggests one potential path for the Republican party as a whole. Theyve come out the other side on some of the social issues that are still playing out in other states, says Jonathan Williams, vice president of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a conservative group that brings together legislators and business interests and has similarly shifted its focus away from social issues. Both policy results and electoral results point to Arizona being a model for conservatives around the country., with few exceptions, for more than half a century. For years, its been home to a string of polarizing politicians, especially on immigration. Gov. Jan Brewer, who drew national attention when she wagged her finger in Obamas face on an airport tarmac, became a fixture on cable shows, warning about the perils of illegal immigration. She was term-limited out in 2014. State Sen. Russell Pearce, SB 1070s primary sponsor, was recalled from office a year after its passage amid ethics complaints. Most sensationally, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, whose hard line on immigration made him a national figure and a Trump ally, lost his bid for a seventh term last November.Arpaios defeat was ascribed by many Republicans to an ongoing FBI investigation, but its symbolic importance was not lost on anyone in Arizona politics. Neither is the fact that voters, on the same ballot, approved a statewide increase in the minimum wage. Or that Trump, while he carried Arizona with a plurality, won by a margin of less than 4 percentage points. In 2012, Republican Mitt Romney carried Arizona by 9 points.Currently, both chambers of the Arizona Legislature and all the statewide offices are held by Republicans. But the state may not be as red as it looks from the outside. Arizona Republicans believe theres a chance they could lose power in 2018 or 2020, at least in the state Senate, and their fear of the state slowly turning purple helps explain their move back toward the middle and their avoidance of social issues. Right now, its the business party, says Doug Berman, a senior research fellow at the Morrison Institute for Public Policy. Republicans still have a decided advantage, but theres a center of gravity thats moved quite a bit away from Trumpism in Arizona politics.Democrats have been touting the idea for many years now that the rising share of Latinos in Arizona (currently above 30 percent) will inevitably turn the state blue. It hasnt happened yet. Social conservatives are convinced that many Hispanics are with them on the issues, even if theyre put off by the GOPs immigration politics. Still, many other newcomers -- notably transplants from California -- are more liberal on social issues than Arizona natives. That may be one reason why Ducey, who was hailed as a conservative reformer on the cover oflast year, is happy to have the legislature concentrating on fiscal matters.Ducey loves to brag about the states ability to attract and grow businesses and welcome a large and steady influx of newcomers from elsewhere. Like other Arizona politicians, hes learned from experience that having cable news trucks parked at the Capitol complex, covering the latest controversy, can make the state look bad. He wants to keep Arizona one of the most welcoming states in the country. Toward that end, Ducey has made the reputation of the state one of his top three priorities, along with K-12 education and economic growth. Theyre not issues that cherry pick or inflame, says Ducey. Theyre issues that unite people into broad majorities.The states softened approach on social issues shouldnt fool anyone into thinking Arizonas going to become a bastion of moderation anytime soon. This is, after all, the state that just last year declared ideological war on its cities, passing a blanket preemption law that puts state aid to localities at risk if a city or county has any laws on its books that dont align with what the attorney general decides is state policy. Even before that law was enacted, the legislature had preempted local governments on everything from plastic bag bans to gun control. It passed a bill in 2015 taking away local authority to regulate Uber and similar shared economy companies. Enforcing preemption bills, especially weapons compliance, was very difficult to get through the courts, says state Sen. John Kavanagh, who is sponsoring a bill this year to block municipalities from issuing their own identification cards. So, we hit them in their pockets.Arizona has been on the cutting edge of the school choice movement, with a robust scholarship tax credit program and the nations first education savings accounts. Since the recession, Arizona has made the deepest cuts to higher education, on a percentage basis, of any state in the country. Last year, Ducey signed a bill largely taking the state out of the business of regulating anonymous campaign contributions from nonprofit groups. Were concerned that will become the model of how to enshrine dark money, in terms of lack of disclosure, says Catie Kelley, an attorney at the Campaign Legal Center in Washington., Arizona politics has two structural elements that have made its legislature one of the most conservative in the country. One is term limits; the other, perhaps surprisingly, is public financing of campaigns. Those two features have allowed many free agents, untethered to traditional GOP leaders or the business community, to crash the party and win.But the tide has shifted. It isnt just the legislative leadership that professes a desire to shy away from bills that court controversy. Many rank-and-file members do as well. The business lobbyists will tell you that. They will also inform you that none of the legislators who were with them on tough votes have been defeated in a recent primary. In terms of the things Arizona had that were bringing in the trucks from CNN and Al Jazeera, thats really been replaced by a focus on meat-and-potato issues, says Hamer, the chamber of commerce president. Comedy Central has had to find other states.While social conservatives such as Kavanagh know that now is not their moment, they are confident they have the votes in hand to respond if a new issue should flare up. The desire to use legislation to respond to perceived threats posed by immigrants, for example, has not completely abated. Last month, state senators introduced a bill that would fine charities that assist refugees who settle in the state. But most of the prominent social issue debates over the past few years have been driven by outside events, such as court decisions on same-sex marriage, the sudden increase of awareness about transgender issues or reports about Planned Parenthoods handling of fetal tissue. I see my caucus as no less socially conservative than they may have been six or eight years ago, says Steve Yarbrough, the new Senate president. Its still in our DNA.Yarbrough sponsored the states religious freedom act, which national media outlets criticized as opening the door to discrimination against gays. His bill, SB 1062, was vetoed in 2014. In retrospect, that may have signaled the beginning of the states shift in direction. Yarbrough believes his bill was mischaracterized but knows that it attracted attention in a way the state no longer seeks. He recognizes the current lack of appetite in Arizona for pursuing issues that cause controversy or confrontations. Its more a difference of where the emphasis is, Yarbrough says.Arizonas most contentious bills -- 1070 and 1062 -- are still referred to around the Capitol that way, solely by their number. Secretary of State Michele Reagan is a former legislator who supported both bills. Nevertheless, she recognizes that their media reception left wounds. Its almost like you have to retire the number 1070, like a jersey, she says. Its become so tainted.Reagan notes that she and her family moved to Arizona years ago because it was a great place to start a business. Last year, the state ranked sixth on themagazine list of best business states. There are a lot of misconceptions about Arizonas immigration approach, Reagan says. But, like many other public officials, she recognizes that when outsiders think about Arizona, harsh policies are often what leap first to mind. Its the job of statewide leaders who care about economic development to dispel the myths, she says.Hence the effort to concentrate on fiscal matters, with a renewed stress on education and a growing interest in safety-net spending and the costs of mass incarceration. Arizona Republicans are ready to turn the page after years of political upheaval. Theyve gone back to an old-school approach, concentrating on policies they believe will continue to draw companies, retirees and workers from other states. Its a winning playbook, Ducey says, and its the path forward for Republicans and conservatism. On Monday, in the morning, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC departed Brisbane for an official visit to the Gold Coast. Following, at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation Headquarters, Ashmore, the Governor received a briefing on the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, met staff and toured operations. In the afternoon, the Governor toured Carrara Stadium, undertook a Gold Coast Light Rail journey from Southport Station to Griffith University Station, and then toured the Commonwealth Games Village. Following, the Governor visited and met staff at Yatala Pies before returning to Brisbane. On Tuesday, in the morning, at Government House, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC and Mrs Kaye de Jersey hosted an Australian Citizenship Ceremony at which His Excellency presided and addressed guests. On Wednesday, in the afternoon, at Government House, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC and Mrs Kaye de Jersey hosted a reception in support of organisations of which they are Patron, where the Governor addressed guests. Description GIS - 23 February, 2017: The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development is inviting Business and Trade Associations, Professional Bodies, Trade Unions, NGOs, Civil Society Organisation and all stakeholders, and the public at large to submit suggestions and proposals in view of the forthcoming Budget exercise 2017/2018. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development is inviting Business and Trade Associations, Professional Bodies, Trade Unions, NGOs, Civil Society Organisation and all stakeholders, and the public at large to submit suggestions and proposals in view of the forthcoming Budget exercise 2017/2018. The priorities of the Government for the next Budget are; employment creation; poverty alleviation; boosting private investment; modernisation of infrastructure; achieving a higher level of human development and improving the quality of life for all. The vision of the Government for the future of Mauritius is for a country of growth, in which every child, citizen and place matters. The deadline for submissions of suggestions and proposals is scheduled for 31st March 2017 on the following addresses: email to prebudget@govmu.org ; through Mauritius Finance on the website ( ); People Budget Talks ofon the website ( www.mauritiusfinance.com Facebook ( www.facebook.com/mauritiusfinance ) or Twitter (@mauritiusfinance ) and orand ; Description GIS - 23 February, 2017: The Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to Mauritius, Mr Nedilson Ricardo Jorge, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Jugnauth, today at the Treasury Building in Port-Louis. The Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to Mauritius, Mr Nedilson Ricardo Jorge, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Jugnauth, today at the Treasury Building in Port-Louis. In a statement, Mr Nedilson Ricardo Jorge said that the meeting with the Prime Minister was very cordial and that the Brazilian Government convey their congratulations to Mr Pravind Jugnauth for his appointment as Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius. The Brazilian Resident Ambassador highlighted that discussions were centred on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and maintaining the existing cordial relations. The possibility of Visa waiver for Mauritian nationals visiting Brazil has also been discussed as well as creating the ideal conditions for both governments to open their skies for flights between the two countries. Mr Nedilson Ricardo Jorge pointed out that the necessary will be done at his end to ensure that the Brazilian government and private companies cooperate with the Mauritian Government in terms of investments in sectors such as agriculture and tourism, mostly through joint ventures. Its easy to say you want to share data in municipal government, everyone will say yes until they say no, but how did you get the buy-in and authority to accomplish this kind of agreement?The buy-in started at the top. From the beginning, the governor, deputy governor and I all agreed we must use data to drive decisions. We concluded that technology needs to be at the business table at all times. We are no longer the back-office operatives. We are the core drivers with business for major transformational work.I got a seat at the table with all of the business leaders and agency directors to discuss the major transformational efforts the governor was focused on around health and human services. When we pulled together the transformational leadership group, I was considered a partner and peer with the other 12 agencies, including education, corrections, health and human services, aging, veterans affairs, and others.I spent a lot of time with the directors, understanding their problems and emphasizing the value of data and the ways it will transform how we provide efficient services as a government.Always looking to learn from others, I met the CIO of Indiana at a conference, and we scheduled a visit. Ten people from my team and the governor's office came to learn about their analytics capabilities, the Management Performance Hub, and the journey it took to get there. The biggest lesson learned? It took them 18 months to get agencies to agree to share data. He said if they could start all over again, they would do one enterprise agreement, instead of multiple one-on-one agreements with each agency. But, he added, that seemed almost impossible to get 15 lawyers to agree on one thing.With the groundwork and executive support already in place, everyone had come together around the value and urgency of data sharing. We brought this enterprise agreement idea to the transformation leadership team and emphasized the need for accelerated, holistic data interoperability. Why dont we take this lesson learned from Indiana and create an enterprise agreement or an MOU? And everyone was on board. We started moving really fast, because you never know when the landscape could change.The deputy counsel in the governors office was chosen to chair the task force. A CIO in one of the agencies with a JD degree stepped up to help. We brought 15 agency lawyers into a room, and got this done in seven months. That beat Indiana by almost a year. We had complete buy-in all the way from the governor to the agency directors, and we had shown a 360-degree view of how different systems could share data. We showed them the power of data sharing, through Google Concept, and they got it.While we were doing the legal negotiation, we also solidified the business case, deliberately built a culture of collaboration, and got leadership buy-in, which were all critical. And while we dont shy away from learning from other places, we also give credit to who we learn from. We publicly give Indiana a lot of credit for the success we have seen thus far.During this time, Governor Bruce Rauner issued an Executive Order creating the Department of Innovation and Technology, which moved us from a commoditized shared service to a cabinet-level position. He put my position, the state CIO, as the data steward with access and responsibility for all the data in the executive branch. This was a strong signal from the top of the importance of this work.With this enterprise approach, somebody has to actually make decisions about allocating risk and interpreting federal rules around privacy, so who was the chair or leader of that legal group?We had the then-deputy general counsels from the governor's office and Department of Human Services at that time to drive the initiative. But we didnt leave it just in the hands of the lawyers. We included the business side and the technology side in on these conversations. Three of the CIOs from the departments had JD degrees, so they were able to bring their technical, business and legal expertise to the table.Indiana decided to tackle infant mortality as a test case for data sharing not only because it was a serious issue but because the governors office thought it would motivate people to share data whats your view on whether to negotiate an agreement with a specific use case in mind or just start with a concept that were going to share data to make everybody (departments) better?We took the latter approach and pursued an umbrella agreement to improve services across the board. And then, based on the specific use case or problem were trying address, we may get into specific approvals, not necessarily agreements, that may be needed for a particular dataset.For example, if a dataset is coming from a system that is funded by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, you would need to go through that approval process.What we did in the enterprise agreement or eMOU [Memorandum of Understanding], we have construct which is like FOIA [Freedom of Information Act] agreements. If you get a FOIA you have 10 business days to respond, whether you give the data, ask for extra time with a valid reason, or deny with a specific, valid reason. In the eMOU, we said that if we are going to be accountable like this to the external public who is asking for data, we need to be accountable when internally we are looking for data. So when we have a specific request, a department has 10 business days to disapprove this with a valid reason and the state CIO can overturn your decision if your reason is not valid and you cannot show a legal reason why you are not giving this data. Then the agency has the option to raise it to the governors chief operating officer, where the agency can bring their reason for not sharing, but a lot of this happens within 48 hours.And in the case that they dont respond within 10 days, then it is automatically approved and deemed that you have to share the data. Everyone agreed to that, knowing the fact that we need to move fast in order to transform government and services.My experience is that the folklore around federal privacy laws like FERPA and HIPAA can in some cases be worse than the law, so if you have that last legal review run by the agencys lawyer who claims to own the expertise interpreting FERPA, is that an issue in Illinois?With the leadership that Governor Rauner has shown as well as the eMOU team, we are all pushing in the same direction. For example, when Health and Family Services (HFS) lawyers push back, I can talk with the department director and she can review this and come back with a very neutral decision or reason why they should change their view or why I should change mine. We are very open to that kind of discussion.Whatever we do, we want to ensure our work remains when leadership changes.In your role as data steward, is there already or are you planning to create a place where all this data is centrally stored?No, we are not planning that. We are planning, however, to create a 360 degree model that keeps the data where it belongs, but allows us to just show it on the front end. When we do the predictive analytics work, agencies can go in and see the data right at its source, without having to extract and potentially expose data to security or privacy risk.We have the infrastructure ready, a data analytics team ready, the tools are ready, and we are going to start working on the predictive aspects of it with this approach.How are you thinking about access, not just where the data is kept, but access for the analytics purposes?We are focusing on infrastructure and security before we jump into analytics or bringing data out of secure locations. For over a year we have gone through an extensive exercise of encrypting every piece of PII (Personally identifiable information). We are at almost 97-98 percent, and working on the last two or three percent. So, I dont want to recreate that risk. Thats why we are very diligent about figuring out how we want to manage this. While we do that, we need to show the businesses that this is working and has value. So we focus on these 360-degree views, which is more of a front-end view without bringing data outside of their systems.Our philosophy is to create 360-degree views for our customers, whether its the Department of Children, a family, a senior, an offender, or a business without pulling data out of their systems. We can literally connect data crawlers that can go back into systems and create a valuable view for the business people. We dont need to expose the data or put it at risk. For predictive analytics work, we will not bring PII out, but make it as anonymized as possible. It is all about big chunks of data as opposed to specifics regarding an individual, a family, or something like that.Taking that approach is going to help us lead with value while keeping security and privacy at the forefront.Also, as part of the Governors Advisory Board on Data Analytics, we have subcommittees on Cybersecurity and Data-Driven Value Creation, made up of people doing this work in the private sector for large companies. They have been strong partners, helping us make sure that we are building this the right way.Who is responsible for cleaning the data for analytics use?Ultimately, the business is responsible. We have the State Data Practice (SDP) which has a CDO, assistant CDO, data architect, data scientists and other data analysts. Thats the team that is going to be working with the individual agency to clean the data before they use it.Government has a tremendous asset to be realized: data. As stewards of it, we took an accelerated, multi-pronged approach to harness its value, learning and leveraging everything that we could. From the top down, the State Data Practice creates the standards and enterprise services around data. From the bottom up, the Analytics Center of Excellence is a virtual team of data practitioners across the state that share best practices, lessons learned and various assets such as tools and training. Within verticals like Health and Human Services, we have data interoperability efforts, called Innovation Incubators. Doing one thing at a time doesnt serve our citizens well. Change cant wait! Possible uses Crowdsourced buses Technology leaders in Singapore want to visualize their island city-state in exquisite detail. Theyre planning a Virtual Singapore , correct in every nuance: not just buildings and roads but also doors, windows, park benches and lampposts.More than just a 3-D rendering, it will be an intelligent representation. Want to see just the roof surfaces on buildings 10 stories or taller? That will happen. It may look like just another video image, but the platform actually knows the three-dimensional position of the point in space, said Ronnie Lee, deputy director of Singapores Geospatial Specialist Office. It can give you a 360-degree point of view from any position, so it becomes a kind of virtual drone.The $73 million project launched at the end of 2014. Initial rollout is slated for 2017 with completion expected in 2020. The effort is supported by Singapores National Research Foundation in collaboration with French multinational software company Dassault Systemes with support from various government agencies.To build the base imagery, the Singapore Land Authority used aerial light detection and ranging (lidar) to image the city, while vehicle-mounted lidar recorded details at ground level. The geospatial team uses the GML standard to define the elements of the city and employs FME software for data conversion.As a research project, Virtual Singapore is somewhat open-ended in terms of specific future implementations. Planners are working with diverse government agencies to see how they might best make use of the simulated city.One area of interest involves the rise of the Internet of Things and smart cities communications. In a densely packed urban environment, where it may be difficult to make the needed connections between sensors and other devices, a good 3-D visualization could help urban architects deploy those resources effectively.We could perhaps create a map of where the urban canyons are, those places where your GPS may not be able to receive proper satellite signals, Lee said. If we are going to have autonomous vehicles, we are going to need communications devices on lampposts, but those will be affected by the buildings around them. With this map we can study mitigation measures.A virtual city might also help transportation authorities to do planning in richer, more complex ways. We are doing a traffic simulation and instead of looking at two-dimensional dots, we are looking at virtual cars or trucks or taxis. Then we visualize the traffic from the sky and from the pedestrian view, or we can add in pedestrians or bicycles and scooters, Lee said.Putting them all into the same model allows us to assess their behaviors and think about how we can govern the different uses, he said. We can develop tools that allow planners to select an area and to put together things that are usually looked at separately. So you get a more complex analysis.The research team already is implementing one practical application for the virtual city, using it to explore the impact of sustainability efforts in Yuhua, an older housing estate that the city has identified for green-style upgrades.We went to the site and looked at the solar panels and modeled them in Virtual Singapore. Then we worked with local authorities to get data from energy bills," Lee said. "When we put that information together, we can show how much energy is captured by the solar panels for the day or the week or the month. We can show how the energy powers the common areas and visually demonstrate the positive advantages of deploying solar panels.This helps to drive community buy-in for the sustainability push, while also validating the citys investments. Planners also are using the tool to draw hypothetical deployments of bike racks around the community, to solicit community input as to where these might be mounted most effectively.The biggest challenge thus far has been in determining the level of detail that ought to go into the virtual rendering.We want this to deliver on an Internet Web browser so that many people can have access. But what you can deliver through the Web is sometimes limited, Lee said. Its possible to model every door, window, lamppost and tree, but the more you put in the more costly it is and the harder it is to maintain. So you have to make choices about which details to include.Even as Singapore officials wait for the virtual map to be completed, they are pursuing other smart city initiatives meant to improve the quality of life on this crowded island.Take for instance Beeline, a smart mobility micro-transit platform developed by the citys GovTech office in collaboration with Land Transport Authority and launched in late 2015. Bus riders can use the app to pre-book travel and even to propose new bus routes.If 10 riders each buy five days' worth of tickets on a proposed route, the city will work with a private bus company to launch that new route.The idea is to give the city a new ability to shift on the fly, based on actual consumer demand.Transportation is usually quite top down. I know where the metro lines need to go; I need to know where my bus lines need to go. You do broad brush strokes and you have bus lines that never change for years, said Feng-Yuan Liu, director of the Data Science Division in Singapores GovTech division.With metro lines, you cant rip it out and change it, but with bus lines we can be a lot more flexible, he said. Its not going to change day by day, but over months and weeks, you want your bus lines to evolve and to adapt, almost like an evolutionary, biological approach.The app user base includes 5,000 active riders and 100 bus drivers. GovTech reports it has sold 37,000 tickets through Beeline.In addition to communicating with riders and bus lines, the Beeline team also has been working with local businesses. For cities looking to get smarter about public transportation, input from big employers can be a significant guidepost, Liu said.We work with them to better understand where their employees live and what kind of transportation needs they may have, he said. This way the bus service can be more closely aligned with that actual need. On Feb. 22, the San Francisco Mayors Office of Civic Innovation tweeted a job alert to aid in its search for a CIO and director of the city and county Department of Technology the position vacated by Miguel Gamino last year . According to city officials, Ken Bukowski now serves as interim CIO.After losing Gamino to New York City, where he now serves as its chief technology officer, San Francisco has been on the hunt for the perfect candidate to fill the position on a permanent basis one who possesses outstanding leadership qualities that will bring stability and credibility to the city, according to the brochure outlining the job description and qualifications.The posting emphasizes senior-level and management experience, but notes that experience can be drawn from either government or private-sector backgrounds. Of the top 15 largest cities in the United States based on population, San Francisco is currently the only one without a CIO leading its tech operations.The deadline to submit a resume is Feb. 28, 2017. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a compelling cover letter, comprehensive resume and current salary via email to apply@ralphandersen.com Roughly three months after it began, Gov. Terry McAuliffes Cyber Vets Virginia initiative to retrain veterans to work in the tech sector is expanding with the addition of two academies this spring, said state officials who hope the program will grow even further.Announced on Veterans Day 2016, the Virginia governors plan focuses on filling vacant cyber and tech jobs. As recently as November, the state was believed to have 17,000 vacant cyber-related positions. But Karen Jackson, the states secretary of technology, said the number of empty posts has now more than doubled to 36,000.Obviously, thats a real eye opener," Jackson told. "The world is your oyster right now if you happen to be a cyberprofessional. Part of that, we think, is a heightened awareness on the part of non-tech companies that they need cyberworkers the hospitals, the manufacturing companies moving into the IT sector.According to a 2016 Business-Higher Education Forumprepared by Burning Glass Technologies, there were 348,975 postings for cybersecurity jobs nationwide from Oct. 1, 2016, through May 31, 2016.During this period, Virginia had the second highest posting count in the nation at 36,342 jobs, trailing only California.Currently, demand is so high that the state has zero unemployment in cyber-related jobs, Jackson said, adding, The problem is trying to push enough people into the pipeline to chink away at some of those openings.Maxwell Shuftan, director of SANS CyberTalent Solutions, which includes overseeing the academies, attributed the boom to breaches at major companies like Target and Home Depot, and to the rise of the Internet of Things.When you see a500 company experiencing that kind of breach, it sort of gets the attention of everybody, Shuftan said.Debbie Hughes, the Business-Higher Education Forum's vice president of higher education and workforce, also credited hypergrowth in the area of companies hiring for positions, all the investment that has been made, all the publicity around cyber.And despite warnings that degrees are required and no entry-level cyberjobs exist, she said veterans could be uniquely qualified to find work after training. With the veterans, its awesome you can take this pool of folks who already have this work experience and then supplement them in and get them into the jobs that are hardest to fill, Hughes said.On March 20 and again on April 24, veterans will have their chance. Those are the start dates for the SANS Institutes two new entirely scholarship-based VetSuccess Immersion Academies Following a screening process to assess skills and aptitude, vets will have the chance to take as many as three SANS courses on topics including security essentials, hacker tools, incident handling, intrusion detection and network penetration testing. After finishing each, participants will take exams for Global Information Assurance Certification before beginning the next course and, should they not pass, theyll get a second try.Established in 1989 as a cooperative research and education organization, SANS programs now reach more than 165,000 security professionals worldwide. In a statement made Jan. 30 when the academies were announced , Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs John Harvey Jr. called the states partnership with SANS a big win and said it will boost opportunities for veterans and service members.Enrollment for SANS first academy in McLean, Va., which will last four to five months, drew 82 applicants when organizers expected only 40 to 50. Enrollment for the second academy in Virginia Beach is open through March 17, and so far 35 people have applied for about the same number of spots.Joseph Robbins, a 2015 academy graduate whos working as a cybersecurity analyst for ISHPI Technologies, praised the academys training for getting him the job, in a statement. Without the academy, Id have finished my degree and would still be looking for a job, Robbins said.Moved by the overwhelming response from applicants, Shuftan said the institute may add seats to the first academy, and it's contemplating holding a third academy this fall.We know from a large perspective were making a small dent in a number thats hundreds of thousands [of empty positions] throughout the year, Shuftan said. Getting 100 people through in a year and placed isnt going to change that, but its still something that we think is impactful," Shuftan said, referencing a rough number of total academy graduates per year.After completion, Jackson said, veterans should find it increasingly easy to either enter the workforce or continue their education to a graduate or postgraduate degree. As long as they work in Virginia, she said jokingly. We want them to stay here.This highlights a longstanding issue for public agencies that find it difficult to hire and keep talent because they typically dont pay as much as the private sector. In Virginias case, Jackson said the state has set up a scholarship program, covering veterans education costs on a one-to-one ratio if they go to work for the state paying one year of tuition in exchange for one year of service.But Hughes suggested compensation isnt the only reason employees may stay in the public sector.People who are going into the public sector, especially in cybersecurity, have already made a decision that its not about the money. Its about driving the mission and making folks feel connected to the work, feel important, and making them feel like theyre contributing to something important, she said. With so much turmoil in Washington and around the country these days, its easy to get caught up in the crises of the moment. These are, indeed, worth our attention but so are longer-running developments that threaten the health of our representative democracy. I want to lay them out in one place, so that the most serious problems confronting our system dont slip from our attention. First, it has become very hard to make our system work. Our country is so large, so complex and, at the moment, so polarized and divided that its tough to make progress on the challenges that beset us. In more ways than not, Congress reflects the country that elected its members; all the contrary sentiments and manifold cross-currents that characterize our communities come to rest on Capitol Hill. Ideally, that is where they should be reconciled where discerning key facts, negotiating, and consensus-building lead to a common way forward. Congress has failed us repeatedly in this regard, but we need at least to recognize the magnitude of its challenge. Still, this does not excuse what I consider to be Congresss chief failing: in the face of difficult problems, it has become timid. Its members dont like to make hard choices. So they dont come close to living up to their responsibility to be a co-equal branch with the presidency. They may criticize the president, but they also defer to him to set the agenda and to make policy. From national security and foreign affairs to the nations mounting debt to entitlement reform to the long-term economic dislocation that has led so many Americans to feel forgotten, Congress has had little impact. Which is why its not surprising that we face a third long-term crisis: people have lost confidence in the institutions of government. This has been building for at least two generations, from the war in Vietnam and the turmoil it engendered back home, through Watergate, Iran-Contra, the war in Iraq, Hurricane Katrina, and the inability of Congress and presidents of both parties to enact comprehensive budgets and significant domestic reforms. Yet no matter how understandable this lack of trust might be, it is a serious problem for our government and for the democratic system it embodies. Restoring public confidence will take hard, sustained work, starting with high standards of conduct at all levels. Once public confidence is lost, it cant be regained through rhetoric, only through exemplary performance. But this wont happen unless we address the fourth challenge: our elections system needs thoroughgoing reform. At pretty much every level, its throwing democracy off-kilter. House districts have been gerrymandered to create so many safe seats that many members need only be responsive to their base. Our voting system is fragile and in disrepair, with its patchwork of procedures, obsolete machinery, and legislative attempts to limit access to the franchise in the name of ballot security. We need to ensure the fairness, integrity and efficiency of our voting infrastructure and procedures or risk undermining one of the cornerstones of our democracy. Which is also threatened by our fifth challenge: the powerful and pervasive influence of money on the political process. Our system is awash in money, which is spent to influence elections and gain favorable results. Many Americans feel money is what really runs Washington as opposed to the ideas and principles we were taught in civics class. Despite efforts at reform, the money problem is worse than ever too many Americans feel theyve become an afterthought in the political process. Yet if they have, its not just money thats to blame. My final concern is that too many of us have become disengaged from and indifferent to the political process. That may be changing at this particular moment, but as a historical trend, its unarguable. As citizens, we have to learn how to solve problems in a representative democracy. We have to learn to work with people who hold different views, forge common ground with them, and hold our representatives to account not alone for their political views, but for their ability to get things done. To make representative democracy work, we, as citizens, have to up our game, too. Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government; a Distinguished Scholar, IU School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Practice, IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years. Force India thinks rumours of official protests in Melbourne over an argument about suspension systems could be right. A spat has broken out between Mercedes and Red Bull on one side and Ferrari on the other over the legality of 'active suspension'-mimicking systems. "I think it's possible we'll have a protest," Force India technical boss Andy Green said at the launch of the team's 2017 car, according to Speed Week. So far, the FIA has declared the Red Bull and Mercedes-like concept to be technically legal, but Ferrari does not agree. Green commented: "We see the situation relatively calmly, because we're on the safe side with our suspension. "But in general the situation is unsatisfactory. And I can well imagine that a team will protest in order to create clarity," he said. "At the moment we don't know how much of the suspension is allowed to move into the area of aerodynamics. We are waiting for an explanation from the FIA, but unfortunately at the moment we don't have it." Asked whether Force India is working on a Mercedes and Red Bull-like concept just in case it does get a full green light, Green is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport: "We have a few ideas in this direction. "But we're waiting until we know how the tyres behave and whether the FIA rewrites the definition. We hear that they're working on it." (GMM) Valtteri Bottas has a "good chance" to take on triple world champion Lewis Hamilton in 2017. That is the view of F1 legend Alain Prost, while other observers wonder if Mercedes newcomer Bottas is up to the challenge of a head-to-head with Hamilton at the sport's dominant team. "I think Valtteri has a good chance against Lewis," quadruple world champion Prost told the Finnish newspaper Ilta Sanomat. "Mercedes' philosophy is such that there is no first or second driver, and from Valtteri's point of view that's good. "For sure it's hard to beat Lewis because he's been at Mercedes for many years, but Valtteri at least has a chance, sure," he added. (GMM) The ZDF report , based on research ZDF commissioned at the University of Heidelberg, found that some 20% of trucks operating in eastern Europe have effectively circumvented NO x reduction technology, causing around 14,000 tonnes more NO x to be emitted per year than would be the case if all trucks that say they use AdBlue were doing so. The additional 14,000 tonnes of NO x would make it twice the size of the Volkswagen Dieselgate scandal of 2015, noted environmental NGO T&E. In the wake of a report by the German television station ZDF identifying widespread aftermarket manipulation of NO x emissions control technologies on trucks, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) is calling for government action to preclude such manipulation. The key NO x reduction technology for trucks is Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), which requires the controlled dosing of a diesel exhaust fluid called AdBlue to enable effective NO x reduction. The ZDF report showed that AdBlue emulator devices are being installed by truck operators in order to by-pass or stop the AdBlue injection system. If there is no AdBlue injection, there will be no NO x reduction in the SCR. This saves truck operators the cost of AdBlue refills at the environmental expense of higher NO x emissions. The truck operator may also qualify for lower motorway taxes or other benefits by officially running a Euro VI truck, which in practice will not be operating as it was designed to, because the truck operator chose to fit one of these devices. There are many websites of suppliers and marketers offering such devices, in several EU member states and also outside the European Union, at a range of prices and capabilities. ACEA issued a statement noting that European truck manufacturers have invested heavily in complex exhaust control technology that is delivering heavy-duty vehicles which meet the stringent Euro VI emission standards. The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) strongly condemns the advertising, sale and use of any aftermarket device that can be used by truck operators to turn off emission control systems. ACEA Secretary General Erik Jonnaert ACEA had raised its concerns in 2012 with the European Commission and the member states, but no action was taken. The issue of aftermarket devices was also raised by Denmark several years earlier, but the general view at that time was that this should be a matter for national enforcement. ACEA now calls on the European Commission and member states to: Ban the advertising and sale of any aftermarket device (hardware or software) that can by-pass vehicle emission control systems or enable the removal of important parts of the emission control system. Apply random road-side enforcement by police who are authorised to stop and check vehicles, so that truck operators are aware that if they are caught using one of these devices they will face a substantial fine, or their vehicle will be treated in the same way as if vehicle safety systems were defective. The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) is the Brussels-based trade association of the 15 major car, van, truck and bus producers in Europe. The ACEA commercial vehicle members are DAF Trucks, Daimler Trucks, Iveco, MAN Truck & Bus, Scania, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, and Volvo Group. EIA commissioned the study to better understand Chinas consumption of methanol and its derivatives. The estimates developed in the study have now been incorporated into EIAs historical data and forecasts of petroleum and other liquids consumption in China. China is the global leader in methanol use and has recently expanded its methanol production capacity. Now, a study commissioned by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) from Argus Media (a global provider of analysis on energy and commodities), finds that since the early 2000s, Chinas consumption of methanol in fuel products has risen sharply. The report estimates consumption to have been more than 500,000 barrels per day (b/d) in 2016. Annual methanol consumption in China, 2000-16. Source: EIA and Argus Media group, China Methanol to Energy Study, January 2017. Click to enlarge. Background. Beginning with its February Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), EIA incorporated revisions to historical international liquids consumption data into the STEOs international liquid fuels market balances. After completing a re-assessment of energy use for a broad range of countries for the period 2013-14, EIA updated its historical data, with the largest changes occurring in China and other non-OECD countries. These changes were driven by an analysis of methanol use in China and the incorporation of more detailed information on the refined product markets in China and other non-OECD countries. The main effect of this change on the forecasted STEO liquid fuels market balances is that the higher consumption in 2014 raises the baseline to which the STEO forecast benchmarks. As the assumed annual growth rates for forecast liquid fuels consumption have remained unchanged for 2015-18, the higher baseline 2014 data raises overall consumption through the forecast period. EIA recently completed a re-assessment of energy use in China. This review consisted of a closer look at the refined products markets in China, and also a sectoral analysis of energy use. The sectoral analysis of energy use suggested that previous data for liquid fuel use in Chinas transportation sector were underestimated. EIA research indicated that part of the reason for the underestimation of transportation sector consumption of liquid fuels stemmed from the use of methanol and its derivatives that were increasingly added into Chinas gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) streams. As a result, EIA commissioned Argus Media group to complete a study to evaluate the energy use of methanol and its derivatives in China. Methanol in China. Methanol, like ethanol, is an alcohol with inherent issues such as its solubility in water and corrosiveness. Methanol or its derivative products can be added to fuels such as gasoline and liquefied petroleum gases (LPG). Similar to how ethanol is currently blended into motor gasoline in the United States, methanol is blended into gasoline in China. Most of Chinas methanol supply is from domestic production. About two-thirds of Chinas methanol feedstock is produced from coal and the remainder from coking gas (a by-product of steel production) and natural gas. China has abundant coal resources, and for more than a decade the country has increased its capacity to manufacture methanol using coal as a feedstock. Smaller amounts of Chinas methanol supply are imported from the Middle East, Southeast Asia, South America, and the United States. Methanol is a clean-burning, high-octane fuel component, as the oxygen present in methanol aids in more complete fuel combustion. Blending methanol with gasoline allows refiners to extend Chinas gasoline supply and increase the octane level of its gasoline. However, methanol has only one-half the energy per unit of volume as gasoline and requires more fuel consumption on a volumetric basis to provide the same amount of energy. Chinas largest city, Shanghai, and 13 of Chinas 23 provinces have approved local standards for methanol blends ranging from 5% to 100% methanol. China has a national quality standard for methanol blends of 85%, and a national standard for a 15% blend of methanol in gasoline is pending approval by the government. The methanol derivative methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is also blended into gasoline in China to increase octane levels. Consumption of MTBE and other derivatives in China was estimated at 230,000 b/d in 2016. Starting in the 1990s, MTBE was used as an oxygenate and octane enhancer in reformulated gasoline sold in the United States, with domestic production exceeding 200,000 b/d from 1998 to 2002. However, concerns over groundwater contamination led an increasing number of states to ban it. Following enactment of provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that were interpreted as reducing or eliminating legal defenses available to MTBE blenders, its use was soon phased out in the United States. Methanol can also be converted directly to gasoline, and in China this conversion occurs much less often than the blending of methanol or its derivatives into gasoline. China built its first methanol-to-gasoline (MTG) plant in 2010, and since then, another 10 MTG plants have come online. MTG units involve high capital costs and are only cost-competitive when oil prices are high. Lower oil prices since late 2014 have reduced Chinas MTG plant operating rates and have created uncertainty for investment in new MTG plants. For blending into liquefied petroleum gases such as propane, China uses methanol to create a derivative known as dimethyl ether (DME), a compound that has the same molecular formula as ethanol but a different chemical structure. Despite an official ban on the use of DME in LPG cylinders, some DME has been blended into LPG delivered to Chinas residential sector. Over the past two years, two factorsstronger enforcement of the DME ban and lower price competitiveness of DME relative to LPGhave reduced the level of DME blending. Shell, in partnership with ITM Power, opened the first hydrogen station to be situated on a forecourt in the UK. The new hydrogen station has been supplied by ITM Power and is the first fully branded and public hydrogen refueling site in the UK. It is the first of three hydrogen stations Shell plans to open in the UK in 2017. The hydrogen refueling station is located at Cobham services on the M25, the nations busiest refueling station. The station is ITM Powers fourth public hydrogen refueling station to be opened in the UK. The opening of Shells first UK hydrogen site follows the success of sites in California, and in Germany where Shell is part of a joint venture with the ambition to open a network of up to 400 hydrogen sites by 2023. Shell is in the process of assessing the potential of future projects in the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Austria, France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. In addition, Shell is a founding member of the Hydrogen Council, announced at Davos in January 2017, comprising energy companies, OEMs and technology partners with a collective pledge to accelerate investment in the development and commercialization of the hydrogen and fuel cell sectors. Shells Cobham site opened in 2012 and was built for the 150,000 vehicles that travel on the M25 on a daily basis. The site received more than a million customer visits in 2016. There is no job that is more important right now, this next week, than your job, Schwarzenegger told the workers. Stride Rite, a childrens shoe store in the Friendly Center, will close next month. A saleswoman who answered the phone at the store on Friday afternoon said the store will close March 26. All merchandise is discounted at 50 percent, she said. Stride Rites parent company, Michigan-based Wolverine Worldwide, has been closing stores over the last couple of years, particularly those dedicated to selling its Stride Rite brand. Most of the Wolverine Worldwide stores that closed in 2014 and 2015 were Stride Rite stores, according to a report last year in a Michigan newspaper. The company planned to close 100 stores last year, according to the article, which attributed the closures to a difficult global retail and consumer environment. Stride Rite follows a long list of retailers that are closing up its brick-and-mortar shops. The Limited, which also had a store in the Friendly Center, closed all of its stores last month. T-shirt company has new home Home State Apparel, maker of the home. T-shirt and other home state pride accessories, has moved from 620 S. Elm St., Suite 250, to 3019 Pacific Ave. The company said it had outgrown the Elm Street space. Get discounts during event Mark your calendars now. Platos Closet (2310 Battleground Ave.) and Once Upon a Child (1566-B Highwoods Blvd.) are hosting their annual Pick, Pop, Shamrock event March 18. Customers get to pop a balloon at the checkout counter, and whatever discount is on the shamrock in the balloon is the amount they get off their purchase. Discounts will range from 15 to 50 percent. The event will be held throughout the day. Earlier this week, I wrote about Guilford College's addition of about 3 acres (and an apartment complex) to its campus. GTCC is expanding, too. The colleges trustees last week approved the purchase of more property around its High Point campus. Guilfords expansion is pretty straightforward: It needs more residence hall space, and the complex literally right next door to campus gives the college more dorm rooms. GTCCs expansion has a little bit more going on. Take a look at the map I put together. (It's at the top of this blog post.) GTCCs High Point campus is on the left, between South Main and South Hamilton streets. The green circles are properties that the college already owns. The numbered tracts are what trustees OKd for purchase last week eight tracts that add up to about an acre and a half. The first thing GTCC is doing here is expanding the footprint of its High Point campus. The college has been buying up old industrial property for several years now. (I wrote about one purchase back in 2013.) GTCC's master plan calls for the college to own everything in a rough square bordered by South Main Street, Ilderton Dodge, South Centennial Street and East Ward Avenue. GTCC doesnt own everything in the square yet, but these eight parcels get the college closer to its goal. The second thing the college wants to do here is build a walkway from the Macedonia neighborhood (to the east) to campus. Residents have already made their own path it goes along Clay Avenue (an old street just south of the tracts marked 1-2-3-4) and through the old R.K. Stewart industrial site. But this DIY footpath (the red line on my DIY map) isnt lighted or paved, and the college wants to do better. Heres college spokeswoman Carla Kucinski on the proposed walkway: Guilford Technical Community College is working with the City of High Point to develop a walkway from South Centennial Street to Hamilton Street. For many years the Macedonia community has used a makeshift trail up Clay Avenue over the old railroad and along the former R.K Stewart building. Much of the path was through woods or unmaintained areas and the fencing that blocked the path was cut or pushed down whenever the prior property owners repaired it. Once GTCC purchased and cleaned up the R.K. Stewart site staff recommended working with the City of High Point to re-evaluate the area and consider replacing the path with sidewalk to enhance the area and provide an amenity to the neighborhood. The proposed path would follow the same general route but would require that the right of way for the rail line and Clay Avenue be abandoned so that the physical modifications to the area could be done as needed for a reasonable flat walkway between the two roads. GTCC and the City of High Point are in the process of addressing the property ownership issues required to facilitate the walkway development. The walkway is under design at this time. So thats whats going on in High Point. I don't know of any immediate plans to develop the newly purchased property (other than the footpath), but it's clear that GTCC wants to expand its High Point campus at some later date. What a larger campus will look like and when it will happen, well, your guess is as good as mine at this point. Want to make sure you see these blog posts? Like me on Facebook, and follow me on Twitter. Have something to say? Email me at john.newsom@greensboro.com. A North Carolina advocacy group argued before the N.C. Court of Appeals Thursday that it should be allowed to sell solar energy to a church in Greensboro. The court allowed oral arguments to be offered after the N.C. Utilities Commission banned NC WARN, an advocacy group, from selling energy to Faith Community Church. Duke Energy claims we knowingly violated the law, said Jim Warren, executive director of NC WARN. Were making a strong legal argument that the law does allow us to do what were doing. In June 2015, NC WARN installed solar panels at Faith Community Church, located on Arlington Street, and sent the church bills for the energy produced. The N.C. Utilities Commission ruled that NC WARN violated state law that reserves the right to sell electricity to Duke Energy and other regulatory agencies. This is a case where NC WARN is basically trying to set themselves up as a utility to sell energy to the church using solar panels on the roof, said Randy Wheeless, spokesman for Duke Energy. The Utilities Commission felt that was NC WARN setting up as a public utility but not wanting to follow the rules and regulations of being a public utility. Wheeless said the rules and regulations guide utility companies on how much they can charge customers, customers rights and to whom a person could complain if the utility company does something a customer feels is inappropriate. The commission fined the advocacy group $200 per day that NC WARN provided energy to the church, which equaled $60,000. The fine is temporarily suspended, pending the appeals courts decision. The commission ruled that if NC WARN were to donate the solar panel equipment to the church and give the church a refund with 10 percent interest for money the group charged, the fine would be lifted. Before that ruling, NC WARN officials had told the church they would donate the equipment if the ruling did not come out in their favor. Warren said his nonprofit was not trying to become a public utility but was trying to test whether other clean-energy organizations could come to North Carolina and do what NC WARN did. NC WARN, the N.C. Utilities Commission, Duke Energy and other electric companies in North Carolina argued their sides before Appeals Judges Donna Stroud, Chris Dillon and Hunter Murphy. Wheeless said attorneys for NC WARN were questioned by the judges on why the nonprofit did not go in another direction and set up the solar panels for the church and a payment plan for the church to pay back the nonprofit. That would allow NC WARN to pay for the solar panels without billing the church for the energy they used. Warren said the appeals court expects to publish its opinion within two months. Both Warren and Wheeless said they felt strong arguments were offered for their sides. Warren said if NC WARN were to lose this appeal, its arguments would be made to the N.C. Supreme Court. Wheeless said Duke Energy believes the Court of Appeals will take the same position as the utilities commission but that the power company is taking each case a step at a time. The year 2016 was memorable for many of the wrong reasons. One notable dishonor claimed: the hottest year on record. On what is now an ominous streak, 2016 broke 2015s record, which broke 2014s. In Wilmington, the average temperature was 2.4 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the citys previous 30-year average, according to The New York Times. While a global phenomenon, climate change uniquely threatens North Carolina. Rising sea levels endanger the Outer Banks and the Wilmington riverfront. Warmer oceans spur hurricanes of greater intensity. And in October, Hurricane Matthew proved a devastating reminder of this phenomenons immediacy. The greenhouse effect naturally stabilizes Earths climate but our unnatural rate of CO2 emissions will send our planets temperatures to unsafe highs. There is no time to stall or debate the reality of our connection to climate change. So when Scott Pruitt, the presidents choice to head the Environmental Protection Agency, says, The human ability to measure with precision the extent of (anthropomorphic impact on climate) is subject to continuing debate, we cant be complacent. Clean, renewable energy that doesnt emit CO2 is a good investment for North Carolina. Call your legislators tell them to support renewables. Lets make this year a cooler one. Eric Schwartz Raleigh This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A bold, bright orange exclamation mark on a glass plaque announces a new addition to Richards womens clothing offerings. Since late January, when Greenwich-based womens fashion brand Olivine Gabbro closed its Greenwich Avenue storefront and formed a partnership with Mitchells stores, the brands designs have been on display on the second floor of Richards, a few blocks away. Olivine Gabbros debut New York Fashion Week show last fall set off a nonstop flurry of activity for Grace Kang, Olivine Gabbro designer and creative director. She hoped exposure gained from participating in one of the worlds premier fashion industry events would prompt company growth, she said at the time, and things seem to be falling into place as she hoped. Her decision to work with Mitchells meant scaling up production from roughly 30 garments bi-weekly to around a 100, she said at her launch event in Richards Thursday. An in-house team once sufficed, but the growth led to her working with a manufacturing facility in Manhattan. This year also brought her second New York Fashion Week appearance, in which she used only Greenwich moms whove been her clients as models, as well as another red carpet event where her designs will be under the spotlight. Harpers Bazaar Executive Fashion and Beauty Editor Avril Graham will, for the second time, wear an Olivine Gabbro design to the Academy Awards on Sunday. As if the designer wasnt busy enough, shes also planning a fashion show at Greenwichs Brunswick School, where she will style the mother models while their young sons will be outfitted in Vineyard Vines and older males by Richards. Were so lucky to have all this opportunity and exposure, Kang said. For years, Richards has been referring clients to Kang and her team at Olivine Gabbro, she said, and her business partner and aunt, Sue Neumann, said theyve long admired Richards success. Thus, the budding relationship between the two family-owned brands seems like a natural fit, they said. They want to help build us and our brand, Kang said, which were really grateful for. How Mitchell stores will incorporate Olivine Gabbros designs is still in flux, but for now, Greenwichs Richards hosts the brands core collection and offers its team space to meet with clients while Kang has a trunk show at the Mitchells in Westport. Her core collection also appears in Mitchells Wilkes in San Francisco with the opportunity to expand to more stores. MBennett@greenwichtime.com, 203-625-4411; Twitter @Macaela_ Fifteen people, including three University of New Hampshire students from Connecticut, were arrested Wednesday on criminal mischief charges related to a Super Bowl celebration last month. After the New England Patriots come-from-behind victory in the Super Bowl, about 3,000 people celebrated in downtown Durham streets. Three vehicles were damaged by people climbing on the cars that created dents on the vehicles roofs and trunks. On Wednesday, Durham, N.H. police arrested 15 people, including a dozen University of New Hampshire students. Among the UNH students arrested were Nicole Grabe, 19, of Fairfield; Michael DeAngelis, 20, of Trumbull; and Sophia Benedetti, 20, of Danbury. Durham Deputy Police Chief Rene Kelley told the Union Leader, police obtained video surveillance of the incident and detectives were able to track the suspects down. Kelley said there was no other property damage reported to them stemming from the large gathering of students, but one female was hit in the mouth with a bottle. Durham town administrator Todd Selig told the Union Leader the students lit sparklers and fireworks, which led to smoky conditions. Selig described the scene as celebratory. After about 45 minutes, police asked those in attendance to clear the street and they complied, Selig told the Union Leader. Students at UNH typically leave their residence halls and apartments to take to the streets in downtown Durham after high profile sporting events, Selig said. All 15 arrested were released on $1,000 personal recognizance bail, and are scheduled to be arraigned March 9 County Superior Court. To read the Union Leaders story on the arrests and see the mug shots of those arrested: http://www.unionleader.com/crime/Police-charge-15-people-with-criminal-mischief-in-UNH-post-Super-Bowl-celebration-02222017 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A $65 flight to Europe? If you act quickly, you can get one of Norwegian Airs heavily discounted $65 flights to Europe to promote its new regular trans-Atlantic service. The discounted flights that went on sale Thursday are from such airports as Bradley International in Windsor Locks and Newburgh-Stewart in New York. The cheap flights are also from T.F. Green Airport outside Providence, R.I. There are $65 flights to Edinburgh, Scotland from Bradley International Airport. From Stewart, you can fly to Edinburgh or Dublin and Belfast, Ireland. The special price is to help promote the start of the airlines flights out of Bradley, Stewart and Green. Norwegian Air is the second airline to offer regular international flights out of Bradley. Last fall Aer Lingus began service from the Connecticut airport. On Thursday afternoon, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy will hold a news conference with representatives from Norwegian Air International to formally announce that the airline will soon establish operations at Bradley With the addition of these flights, travelers flying internationally for business or pleasure have even more convenient travel options in the Greater Hartford region, Governor Malloy said. Bradley International Airport is recognized by many as being faster and less stressful than other nearby airports - and with the addition of new flights to Europe, as well as new destinations around the country, that reputation only improves. So, whats the catch with the $65 flight? The number of flights are limited. The $65 price is only one way, meaning you have to pay the full price of airfare back to Bradley or Stewart. That cost ranges from $446 in the summer to $224 in the fall. A check of Norweigan Airs website Thursday morning showed $65 flights from Hartford (BDL) to Edinburgh and a Stewart showed a limited number of flights in July and August and many more in September through February 2018. GREENWICH U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-4th, told a Greenwich audience Wednesday he has been a vocal critic of the nations new president but remains willing to work with him if he keeps to certain campaign promises. The Democratic congressman, in the midst of a town hall meeting tour of his district, visited the Retired Mens Association of Greenwich to discuss the month-old presidency of Donald Trump. Speaking before a packed audience that included his father, Himes said he understood the fears and objections people had regarding Trump, but said he would join the new president on efforts to invest in infrastructure and reform the tax code. There are elements of my party that say, Now is the moment to do what Mitch McConnell said he would do ... (to Barack Obama) and do nothing but make sure this guy is a one-term president, Himes said. But Im not there yet. To me it would be political malpractice and I would not be serving you if the president came up with a trillion dollar plan to improve our roadways, our railways and our networks and I said, Sorry I cant work with you. But Himes said the responsibility was on the Trump administration to steady the ship or else the window to work with Democrats would close. While saying he is optimistic, Himes said those who have studied history recognize the mechanisms of authoritarianism being mobilized like efforts to delegitimize the media and the judiciary and putting enough flak into the air so we dont know what is true and what is not true. But Himes said he didnt want to be alarmist or give people the idea the country was marching toward fascism. He has been encouraged by seeing the courts act as a check on Trumps executive order travel ban, he said, and by aggressive reporting from the media, and by his colleagues in Congress, where Himes is on the Intelligence Committee, investigating potential ties between Russia and members of the Trump campaign. I think theres some chance we might all tire as Americans of the antics of the current presidential administration and, as we tire, his popularity within the Republican Party will decline. That will allow for the formation of a bipartisan check in the Congress, Himes said. That sort of paints a picture toward a more functional politics where we can get some things done. He called out the Trump camp for seeking to divide the country to gain office. Donald Trump and his people held up the other whether it was Muslims or immigrants or gay people as part of the problem to be isolated and excluded, Himes said. He told people, Theyre the ones that took away your stuff. The slogan Make America Great Again sounds positive and optimistic but its really not. Its looking back to a very white America with no gay people because they were in the closet and black people didnt really have the vote. Its a pretty sinister message. But Himes said Trump and his camp are not solely responsible for the current political climate in the country in which ideas are completely replaced by outrage. Ive only been in politics eight years but I do know that calling someone deplorable is probably not the best way to win their vote, Himes said, referring to Democrat Hillary Clintons description of Trump supporters as a basket of deplorables during the presidential campaign. It also indicates that we Democrats need to think about ... We need to better understand that all America, even here in social progressive Greenwich, is on a journey and its a fairly recent journey, he said. When I was growing up in school people made fun of gay kids and gay people. No one does that in schools anymore. The high school has an LGBT club and that was inconceivable when I was in high school in the mid-80s. The point is were on a journey and Democrats have mocked people who havent completed that journey. He said both parties were guilty of missing the profound economic change in the country and not acknowledging the difficulty people have with massive social changes occurring. That our politics are badly broken, is a source of worry, he said, because American politics has been the way to solve issues that have spurred violence in other countries. We have nasty arguments in the House of Representatives and our politics are tough but were not beating each other up in the streets, Himes said. Were not throwing Molotov cocktails when we get angry about things are going. Our broken politics really, really matter. Himes appearance before the RMA came a night after he had close to 1,300 turn out for a town hall meeting in Norwalk. First Presbyterian Church was packed, with close to 300 people, far larger than the typical RMA crowd for its weekly speaker series. Despite bringing in extra seating, the event was still standing room only. Though Greenwich is traditionally a Republican town, it is not a Trump stronghold. Clinton won the Greenwich vote in Novembers election, only the third time a Democratic presidential candidate has done that in the last 50 years. Reached Wednesday afternoon, Greenwich Republican Town Committee Chairman Stephen Walko said the first month of the Trump administration has prompted a range of responses from Greenwich Republicans, from those concerned about the direction of the country to those elated by the moves Trump has made and eager to correct what they see as past mistakes from Washington. We have a big tent here in Greenwich and people are more engaged than ever, Walko said, adding that social media has had a big impact, both in the Trump campaign and in the response to him. He added, Certainly there has been more people involved and vocal than ever before. Were getting daily updates on the presidency instead of weekly ones. I think its a positive thing to see people so involved on both sides of the issue. During a question-and-answer period Wednesday, Himes stressed his commitment to protecting Medicare, Social Security and the Affordable Care Act, though he said the latter needs repairing in places it has not worked well enough. He also touched on topics like financial service deregulation, which he is concerned about. The full video of the speech will be available, along with other past RMA speakers, at www.greenwichrma.org. kborsuk@scni.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate HARTFORD Gov. Dannel P. Malloys administration is gearing up to close the states traditional rest areas, including the Danbury information center on Interstate 84 that has been offering travelers a break since 1971. The proposed state budget Malloy recently submitted to the general Assembly eliminates $1.1 million in funding for rest stops over the next two years by removing funding for 12 state workers who maintain the rest stops. Judd Everhart, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation, said the governors plan calls for complete closure of the buildings in the rest areas. He said its not yet known if the parking lots will be gated to block entrance from the highway. It hasnt been determined if there would be gates at the entrances, or whether parking would still be allowed or whether the port-o-lets would remain, Everhart said. I dont think that will be known for certain until the General Assembly passes a budget and the governor has signed it. The seven rest areas in Danbury, Southington, West Willington, East Willington, Wallingford, Middletown and North Stonington have been in use for decades, providing rest for travelers and even picnic tables for a meal. Faced with budget cuts, the DOT last fall closed the rest rooms and buildings within the rest areas to late night and overnight use. Welcome centers at rest areas in Danbury, West Willington and North Stonington were closed several years ago, ending a tradition of providing travelers with a state employee who could answer questions, show off local attractions and distribute pamphlets. Portable toilets were installed after rest area hours were reduced to replace the closed indoor rest rooms, and complaints from users soon flowed into DOT. Newspapers published stories about upset visitors and the poor impression of the state the closed rest area building projected. The Danbury rest stop is a scenic area, nestled behind rows of trees and highlighted by planted flowers. No longer needed State officials suggested the rest areas have become obsolete and said travel services are available at many points along the states highways. There are commercial services within a few miles of every state-operated rest area, including some commercial truck stops, Everhart said. The 12 rest area attendants who would be cut by the budget proposal do not interact with the public, Everhart said. The workers empty trash containers, keep the grounds clean and maintain the buildings, he said. In its December budget proposal to Malloy, the DOT offered closing the rest areas as a cost-cutting option, but warned there could be consequences including vandalism. Everhart said the rest area closure has no impact on the service centers along highways such as Interstate 95 and the Merritt Parkway, where travelers can buy gas, food and other offerings. Those facilities are owned by the state but run by a private company. Connecticut finds itself in a stare-down with President Donald Trump over immigration enforcement, with the state defying the administrations deportation rules and crackdown on sanctuary cities. Despite being threatened with the loss of federal funding, Hartford and New Haven refuse to budge as declared sanctuary cities. Bridgeport could be next to adopt the designation. And then there is the state itself, which this week recommended to local police chiefs a no-engagement policy toward undocumented immigrants. The edict came down from Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer delivered a stern rebuke of Malloy on Thursday, saying that the Democrat was turning a blind eye to the problem of illegal immigration during his regular briefing in the West Wing. The idea that Governor Malloy would not follow the law as enacted by Congress or by the Connecticut legislature in any fashion seems to be concerning, right? Spicer said. The idea that you can decide which laws to agree or not to agree with or to follow or not follow undermines our entire rule of law. I would suggest that is not a great sign to be sending to the people of Connecticut (or) the people of this country, in particular a governor who chooses not to follow the duly passed laws of this nation. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 5 1 of 5 Michael Dwyer / Associated Press file Show More Show Less 2 of 5 YouTube / WhiteHouse.gov Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 YouTube / WhiteHouse.gov Show More Show Less 5 of 5 Spicer was responding to a question from Hearst Connecticut Media, which was invited to participate in the briefing via Skype. He was asked about memos released Wednesday by Malloys administration advising police chiefs not to take any special action against undocumented immigrants, including honoring immigration detainer requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for non-violent offenders. Malloy, who was already scheduled to meet with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence this weekend during a working session of the National Governors Association in Washington, bristled at Spicers remarks. This is the gang that cant shoot straight, quite frankly, Malloy told Hearst. They dont understand the Constitution. They dont understand the separation of powers, the 10th Amendment. Theyre going give me advice? Give me a break. Malloy said Trumps administration is blurring the lines between state and federal government with its recent executive order giving immigration and customs enforcement agents broader latitude to detain undocumented immigrants. He said that a 2013 state law known as the Connecticut TRUST Act spells out very specific conditions for holding or not holding undocumented immigrants. The person must already be a convicted felon, gang member or on a terrorist watch list. This is not an executive order drawn up in crayon, Malloy said of the guidelines released by his administration Wednesday. Malloys administration also discouraged local police departments from entering into law enforcement partnerships with ICE, which is a voluntary program known as a 287(g). The federal government cant order us to carry out their obligations, Malloy said. Malloys administration contends that holding undocumented immigrants for non-violent offenses could undermine community policing efforts and make immigrants less likely to report crimes. The governors office further advised public schools to steer all federal immigration inquiries to school superintendents, which drew sharp criticism from Danburys Republican mayor, Mark Boughton. What it does do is scares little kids from going to school, said Boughton, who is exploring a run for governor. I think thats deplorable and reprehensible. Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, a Democrat who was previously Malloys general counsel, stood by the current immigration enforcement policies of his city and the state. At the next press conference, Sean Spicer should identify which federal law he thinks Connecticut is ignoring, Bronin said. I dont think hell find one. Connecticuts Trust Act, which was passed by Republicans and Democrats in the Connecticut General Assembly, makes clear that we wont protect criminals or terrorists, but we also wont target people solely because of their immigration status. Connecticuts approach is fully consistent with federal law, and it also happens to be the right way to protect public safety. Connecticut has the widest wealth gap in the nation, with its largest cities reliant on tens of millions of dollars in federal aid annually. Spicer said Thursday that Trumps executive order threatening to cut off federal tax dollars from sanctuary cities applies to both those that have declared themselves as such and those that have tried to fly under the radar. With respect to sanctuary cities, I think this is an area that the American people by huge amounts support, Spicer said. They recognize their tax dollars shouldnt be spent supporting programs and activities to which people are not entitled to. And so I think the president has been very clear on this that if you are a sanctuary city, declared or undeclared, if you are providing benefits or services, we are going to do everything we can to respect taxpayers and ensure that your states follow the law. nvigdor@hearstmediact.com; 203-625-4436; http://twitter.com/gettinviggy The following excerpt is from the Staff of Entrepreneurs book Start Your Own Import/Export Business. Buy it now from Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound Youll need insurance for many aspects of your import/export business, from employees to cargo. Read on to find out more. Related: Hiring the Perfect Sales Rep for Your Export Business Insuring your employees Once you hire employees, youll need to think about caring for them. Workers compensation insurance laws vary among states; check with your insurance agent for details in your area. Workers comp covers you for any illness or injury your employees might incur on the job. If your employees work in your home office and get injured there, your homeowners insurance may refuse to pay on the grounds that its actually a workers comp case. Check with your insurance agent regarding what you need, then make an informed decision. Export credit risk insurance Thanks to the Export-Import Bank of the United States, you can purchase several types of export credit risk insurance designed specifically for the newbie exporter and small- to mid-sized enterprises. These policies protect you in the event that your foreign buyer decides not to pay you for either commercial or political reasons. The Ex-Im Bank (and the United States) hope policies such as these will encourage both you and your financial institution to take on higher-risk foreign markets. Your menu options at Ex-Im are the following: Small-business policy. This multibuyer policy requires that you insure all your export credit sales with Ex-Im; its designed to free you from the first-loss deductible of most commercial policies. To take advantage, you must have an export credit sales volume of less than $5 million in the past three years before application, your company must qualify as a small business under the Small Business Administrations definition of the term and you must have been in business at least one year with a positive net worth. How do you find out if you qualify? Call the SBAs Office of Size Standards at (800) 827-5722, or check its website. Umbrella policy. This policy boasts the same coverage and eligibility as the small-business policy above, but it allows you as an export management company or export trading company to act as an administrator or intermediary between Ex-Im and your clients. Short-term single-buyer policy. This one, which covers a single or repetitive sale, is for the exporter who doesnt want to insure everything with Ex-Im. A special reduced premium is offered to small businesses. Cargo insurance When it comes to cargo insurance, to mangle a well-known advertising maxim, Dont let your merchandise leave home without it. The cost of the insurance usually runs about 1 percent of the insured value, although this varies with the type of goods and method of shipping. Related: 4 Online Marketing Tactics to Advertise Your Import/Export Business What do you get for your money? Peace of mind, for one thing, as with all insurance. And, in the event of a cargo misadventure, your insurance coverage should include enough to repay you for not only lost or damaged products but for your extra time and trouble and those lost profits. Youll want to purchase all-risk insurance, which covers your cargo against everything except mans inhumanity to man -- war, strikes, riots and civil commotion -- and inherent vice in the cargo. What is vice, you ask? It refers to any sort of plague or pestilence that might attack your cargo, such as boll weevils in those gorgeous cotton blankets or E. coli on your Texas steaks. You might also want to consider general average insurance. This protects you in the event of someone elses cargo loss. Say the ship carrying your containers runs afoul of stormy weather. The captain decides to jettison a portion of the cargo to save the rest, and they dump somebody elses stuff into the briny deep. Fine, you say. Not quite. According to maritime law, even though your merchandise has made it to port safe and sound, you cant take possession until youve paid for your share of the loss. Lets look at another scenario. Say the other party in your transaction has purchased insurance -- for example, the exporter whos shipping to you CIF (cost, insurance and freight) but youve got a funny feeling that their coverage isnt too reliable. Not to worry. You can purchase a contingent policy, which is about half the price of regular insurance and will serve as backup insurance in the event of a catastrophe. As a newbie trader, your best bet will be to purchase insurance through your freight forwarder, who has a blanket policy, or directly from the air carrier. As you grow, you may wish to purchase a blanket policy of your own, which will cover you for everything you ship over the course of a year. Avoiding insurance claims Out on the high seas, your cargo may be subjected to rough and stormy weather. On the docks, it can be equally buffeted about by tough longshoremen. What can you do to help ensure your cargo doesnt become a marine insurance claim? 1. Pack with dock loading and unloading procedures in mind. Your cargo may be slung around (or skewered) by anything from a forklift to a sling or net, and then, if it survives that, left outdoors to rot. Often, cargo is stored on port decks or out on airplane cargo tarmacs, without any covering. If youre unfamiliar with overseas port operations and dont have the right packaging, you can lose cargo. 2. Pack to expect Mother Natures worst. Container loads can shift during heavy seas and storms. Someone elses cargo can smash into yours -- or vice versa. A sea voyage may be good for a humans health, but it can be murder on merchandise. Think heat and humidity, salt air (which is incredibly corrosive), rain and sea spray. When any or all of this gets into your containers, you can end up with rust, blistering, mold, mildew and moisture damage. Related: The Major Players You'll Work With When Running an Import/Export Business 3. Pack to expect human natures worst. Some people just cant resist somebody elses goods. Theft can be a problem, especially when containers are left on the docks for a long time. With all these potential disasters in mind, pack smart. Use adequate packaging materials; make sure your merchandise is cushioned against blows. Waterproof everything possible. Have package exteriors shrink-wrapped. Use waterproof lining on interiors. Coat exposed metal parts on machinery, for example, with grease or some other rust arrester. Use heavy strapping and seals. Discourage theft by eliminating trademarks or content descriptions on container exteriors. Related: 3 Types of Insurance You Need for Your Import/Export Business Hiring the Perfect Sales Rep for Your Export Business 4 Online Marketing Tactics to Advertise Your Import/Export Business Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Cyber criminals do not discriminate -- every business, regardless of size and reputation, is a potential victim. In fact, small businesses and startups are seen as more appealing to them because they are more vulnerable and usually do not have the security mechanisms of bigger companies. In 2015 alone, number of data breaches in the U.S. increased to about 781, about 500 percent more than the number recorded in 2005. The number of records compromised stood at about 169 million, up more than 250 percent from 2005. This resulted in a financial cost of about $205.94 million. Looking at global numbers, about 707.5 million records were compromised (that is about 22 records every second) in 2015 alone, with this number rising to more than 5.8 billion since 2013. Regardless of how small or inconspicuous you may think your business is, havingcyber security measures in place to protect your businesss data is a non-negotiable responsibility of every business owner and startup entrepreneur. Here are a few ways you can go about it. 1. Conduct sufficient screening and background checks. While hackers catch most of the dissension for cyber breaches -- and rightly so -- a good number of breaches stem from internal sources. About 14 percent of global data breaches in 2015 came from within the businesss network firewall. Extensively screen all prospective employees. This goes beyond conventional calling references. Evaluate their knowledge of cybersecurity measures as well as their browsing patterns. It also helps to allow an initial trial period, during which their access to sensitive data is blocked or limited, while you monitor them for any suspicious network activity. 2. Leverage a disaster recovery service. Any catastrophe, natural or intentional, such as hacking, can destroy your business database, in worst-case scenarios, causing a total or near-total shutdown of the enterprise. This can also cost your business financially. For Fortune 1000 companies, the average cost of infrastructure failure is $100,000 per hour. Disaster recovery services are built to ensure that your business data is always available to you especially in the event of an attack. It is designed to protect and restore data, servers or entire data centers. In case of outage, your systems can be recovered and restarted locally or in a cloud, enabling you to continue running your business applications until you can safely get back up and running. In todays competitive business world, the rising cost of downtime and the competition to always be online has made disaster recovery service a viable IT business solution. 3. Eliminate password vulnerability. Many people still use very predictable and clumsy passwords for sensitive records, such as their online banking account login information. See this list of some of the worst possible passwords people use to get a better sense of how vulnerable many of our accounts are. The general rule to follow is to use a mixture of numbers, letters and symbols of no less than eight characters. This is good, but you can take it a step further. A study conducted by Linkoping University in Sweden reported that 68 percent of online users reuse passwords, while 28 percent of users never change their passwords. Microsoft advises to never use personal information (such as your birth date), a rearrangement of commonly spelled words or a word constituting letters close to each other on the keyboard. Consider using words or phrases that you like, and make them at least 12 characters long. Have a unique password for each of your accounts. Create a master document that has all your accounts information on it and password this document too. You can also have a hand written copy of this master document stashed away in a safe place. Make it compulsory for your employees to change all their accounts passwords regularly, at least every 90 days. This will help protect your server from internal intruders and work place breaches and will maximize global data security across your business. 4. Use a multi-step authentication process. While a strong password helps to mitigate the threat presented by hackers, an extra verification and confirmation process while logging in to any of your accounts can only make it better. Consider adopting a two-step verification process while logging into any of your online accounts on any device. The extra confirmation layer could be your biometrics, a security key or phrase or a unique one-time code sent your mobile number. Use this method to protect key banking, email, network and social media accounts, and get your employees to do the same. Most email providers, financial institutions and some other online services usually offer this feature as an opt-in. 5. Keep all your software up to date. Hackers are always toying with new ways to breach security systems. This forces software companies to constantly work on improving the security measures on their product offering so that it is always safe against new and old threats. All you have to do to have these new security measures working for you is to update all your software. Your computer and networks are only as safe as their most recent software update. 6. Be careful with links. Never click a link you get via email or IM if you cannot trace it back to its origin or if you were not expecting it. Even if it is from a known source, it helps to verify by calling the sender first to be sure. Oftentimes you may find out that their account has been hacked. Related: 6 Security Measures Every Startup Should Take in 2017 Security Awareness Training is Essential for Small Businesses Got Effective Cybersecurity Practices? Be Aware: The FTC Is Watching You. Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved With worldwide venture capital activity for 2016 down by 24 percent -- and total deal funding down from $141 billion in 2015 to $127 billion in 2016, according to a KMPG report -- seeking venture capital has become a lot like playing the lottery. A lucky few strike gold, but most go home empty-handed. Related: Seeking Venture Capital? This T.I.P. -- a Team, an Idea and a Plan -- Is Crucial to Follow Of course, raising VC funds makes sense in certain scenarios. Entrepreneurs frequently cite guidance and support as major reasons for taking such capital. VC investors are typically subject-matter experts who know where the industry is headed and what its consumers value. But the VC route doesnt just bring knowledge and capital. VCs, through their work, are connected to similar entrepreneurs in the space. They can open doors to partnerships and talent that make rapid growth possible. For many entrepreneurs, that promise of rapid growth is at the heart of their decision to take VC cash. Those in new or changing markets, for instance, need to capture market share as quickly as possible. In such situations, bootstrappers cant compete. Canadas Venture Capital & Private Equity Association, in collaboration with the Business Development Bank of Canada, found that over a five-year period, VC-backed companies posted nearly threefold greater sales growth, realized almost 50 percent greater employee growth and were 15 percent more likely to survive than their peers. The hard truth about venture capital To be sure, there are good reasons to take venture capital. But in San Francisco, where I live and run my business, everyone wants to be Mark Zuckerberg. Here, entrepreneurs are expected to raise VC funds, and its downsides are rarely discussed. Shows like Shark Tank make entrepreneurs think VC money works miracles for businesses, when in fact, less than 1 percent of companies are built that way. With those realities in mind, my company chose not to take venture capital. Were not trying to create a massive, fast-scaling operation, so we would have been of little interest to investors anyway. Related: 7 Reasons You Should Stop Looking for Venture Capital If any of these three situations apply to your company, you should probably skip VC funding as well: 1. Youre starting a service-based company. If your business is service-based, youll have no need for (and no luck) pitching to VC investors. My partner and I envisioned our company, Yeti, as a profitable business that relied on our technology-development skills. We knew it would never go public, and to this day, the acquisition offers we receive come from larger companies interested in our expertise or portfolio -- not investors looking to make millions off our brand. The VC model works best for product-based companies poised for parabolic growth. At least for a time, these companies scale production without adding infrastructure and personnel. Service-based businesses, on the other hand, must grow their employment roster at a rate similar to that they grow their customers at. Such circumstances make service-based companies poor candidates for VC funding. 2. You cant afford to pay back a high-interest VC loan. Venture capital isnt free money. If youre successful, investors want to see tenfold returns. If youre not, they may recoup the funds by liquidating your company. VCs play a high-risk, high-reward game, so they rightfully want to be heavily involved in decisions about their investments growth. Related: An Entrepreneurs Guide to Navigating Various Funding Options Is that pressure bad for entrepreneurs? Not necessarily. On one hand, taking VC money can create financial wiggle room for cash-starved startups. Back in fall 2009, for example, WhatsApp's co-founders wanted to create an instant messaging app, but they struggled to scrape together seed funding. After partnering with Sequoia Ventures, however, WhatsApp turned its idea into an app that acquired a billion monthly active users and counting. On the other hand, VC-backed entrepreneurs have little time to prove themselves and equally little say in structural business choices. Because were not VC-backed, my co-founder and I are free to explore business initiatives without a growth-at-all-costs mindset. 3. Youre focused on incremental growth in small markets. Not every business is destined to become the next Snapchat or Twitter. In fact, most arent, and thats okay. Many companies -- particularly service-sector companies or brick and mortar businesses in rural or suburban markets -- are best served by steady, linear growth. Yeti is growing fairly quickly, but were nothing like VC-backed startups, which grow at 15 percent to 20 percent or greater monthly recurring revenue. Were not taking over large markets, we pay people well and our growth rate is safe and profitable. Were able to spend the time needed to tinker with new technologies while delivering great service to clients. All of that is by design. If we had VC backers, theyd be upset that we weren't on track to go the IPO route or get acquired any time soon. Yes, our company isnt growing like a VC-backed venture. And, yes, weve had to rely on homegrown networks and learn lessons the hard way. But weve built a profitable business, forged numerous partnerships and created a culture to reflect our values. And we've done it without VC funding. Related: 105 Service Businesses to Start Today So before you take money with outstretched arms, think carefully. Consider your growth goals, the importance of autonomy and the risks and rewards of VC investment. VCs may promise millions in startup capital, but vision for your business might not align. Related: What Nobody Tells You About Taking VC Money What to Get Right When Raising Money: 5 Insights for Startups From a Former VC Jay Z lanzara una firma de capital de riesgo Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Wont get the wrong order, at least. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images Americans say theyre visiting restaurants less frequently than they did even during the holidays, and the reason is that it just costs too much. Thats the reality outlined in a discouraging new Reuters/Ipsos survey, in which a third of respondents said they no longer eat out as much as they did three months ago. Two-thirds of them singled out cost as the reason, underscoring the increasingly Herculean task the struggling industry faces now that meal-kit delivery is a cottage industry, and tech companies like Amazon have invented magical supermarkets with no checkout lines. Over half the respondents said that, just in general, they eat at restaurants because its more convenient. Remove hassles like shopping and hour-long prep from the equation, and these people are left essentially blowing $30 on a meal that cant be eaten while binge-watching on Netflix. Its just more bad news for the restaurant industry, whose growth has been gridlocked for a while. Obviously, not even an act of God could prevent fast-food chains from growing, so their literal store numbers are up, but their profits arent, by and large. A better indicator might be that restaurant foot traffic hasnt increased industrywide by more than one percent since 2009, the year nobody ate out because of the financial crisis. The result is this deadly duo thats creating a historic gap between the prices at grocery stores and the cost of restaurant meals: The consumer price index for eating at home is down 1.9 percent on the year, while eating out is up 2.4 percent. It's long been rumored (on quite a few occasions) that Samsung will make the much anticipated Galaxy S8 and S8+ official at an event in New York on March 29, with the new flagships' release date being April 21, at least for markets other than South Korea. And today a new report from the company's home country comes to confirm those dates, with one important difference. Whereas it's said that Samsung initially wanted to launch the Galaxy S8 in Korea a week earlier than the global release date of April 21, it's now decided against that. As such, both the S8 and S8+ are set to go on sale worldwide on April 21. This has allegedly been done "in order to have stable supplies" of the devices for the flagship-hungry masses. On the other hand, LG has been assumed to try and out its G6 as soon as possible, so that it has quite a long period where it's on the market undisturbed by competition from the S8 duo. At one point however we heard that the G6 would only launch in the US on April 7, thus giving it just a couple of weeks before Samsung's competitors would arrive. That could still be the case, but in South Korea LG is expected to release the G6 on March 10, following its introduction at Mobile World Congress this Sunday. Pre-orders for the G6 will be taken starting on March 2. Samsung hasn't yet decided when to start taking pre-orders for the Galaxy S8, apparently, though judging by what it's done in the past that could happen on April 13. Source A couple of days ago LG put out a press release detailing some of the features (and specs) for its upcoming G6's three cameras (of which two are on the back). At that point the company mentioned that there will be a new camera UI featured in the G6, complete with a unique square capture mode. This will take full advantage of the handset's 2:1 screen aspect ratio by showing you two square pictures or videos side by side, because they fit perfectly. Not being able to contain its excitement about this prospect and what it means for easy media posting to Instagram (even though the social network has had support for non-square pictures for a while now), LG has outed the video you can see below. So the company's endless teaser campaign for the G6 continues, ahead of its unveiling this Sunday, on February 26, at an event in Barcelona. LG is in fact providing some competition to the various leaks and rumors about the G6 that have popped up recently. Speaking of which, just a few hours ago some neat press renders of the handset got leaked, showing it in black. Thanks for the tip, Remus! These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. Haiti - Politics : Prisons tour by the Minister of Justice Wednesday, while more than 40 prisoners have died since the beginning of the year in prisons in Haiti, in appalling circumstances, https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20157-haiti-flash-minustah-calls-on-authorities-to-take-urgent-measures.html Camille Jr. Edouard, the Minister of Justice visited prisons to inquire about the situation in which prisoners live [including lack of toilets in cells, food shortages, unsuitable water, care, presence of rats and insects in the cells, promoting the spread of diseases, insecurity and under effective of penitentiary agent https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20013-haiti-flash-nightmare-at-the-national-penitentiary.html ] Minister Edouard, accompanied by: Himmler Rebu, Jean Danton Leger, Secretary of State for Public Security, of Jean Danton Leger, Government Commissioner for the Court of First Instance (TPI) of Port-au-Prince and Jean Gardy Muscadin, the Director of the Directorate of Prison Administration (DAP) visited the National Penitentiary and the Croix-des-Bouquets Civil Prison. During these visits, the delegation met with the staff of these prisons, whose very high overcrowding rate https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20013-haiti-flash-nightmare-at-the-national-penitentiary.html causes a promiscuity which contributes to the deterioration of hygiene conditions for the detainees. Minister Edouard reiterated his firm determination to continue working on alternatives to incarceration and a better distribution of prisoners in prison centers... See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20157-haiti-flash-minustah-calls-on-authorities-to-take-urgent-measures.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-20064-icihaiti-justice-3-prisoners-die-of-hunger-in-the-prison-of-les-cayes.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20020-haiti-justice-a-law-proposition-to-improve-the-lives-of-prisoners.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20013-haiti-flash-nightmare-at-the-national-penitentiary.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-13410-haiti-justice-haitian-penitentiary-system-welcome-to-hell.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19870-haiti-flash-new-wave-of-deaths-at-the-national-penitentiary.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - FLASH : Registrations at Concours national de la Chanson Francophone Are you a talented performer or composer ? Do you sing in French ? Register for the French national song contest in Haiti and send your songs before March 1st 2017. The French Embassy in Port-au-Prince, in partnership with the French Institute in Haiti (IFH), the Alliances Francaises (AF) in Haiti, the Alexandre Dumas French High School (LAD), the Swiss Embassy in Haiti, the Embassy of Canada in Haiti, the Haitian Bureau of Wallonia Brussels International, and the Organization Internationale de la Francophonie, organize the Contest called "Concours national de la Chanson Francophone" (National Francophone song contest), aimed at rewarding French-speaking musicians. The contest is open to artists of any style in two categories: Author composer interpreter. Interpreter. A candidate can register in both categories. In this case, the artist must make two different entries. The contest takes place in 2 stages : 1. Pre-selection: Submission of electronic applications (before 03/01/2017) containing: 2 French songs in MP3 format, which should not exceed 5 minutes each. 1 CV with presentation of the candidate and a letter in French explaining the choice of his 2 songs. A photocopy of an identity document. VCity of residence, telephone and e-mail address. Upon receipt, a confirmation email will be sent to you. Send your file by email to: inscription@institutfrancaishaiti.org The file can also be deposited at the reception of the IFH or at the reception of the nearest AF (Cap-Haitien, Gonaives, Jacmel, Jeremie, Les Cayes) or LAD (only for high school students) by in an envelope by indicating "concours de chanson francophone". Incomplete applications will not be considered... The candidates selected by the listening committees (1 listening committee / AF +1 committee at the LAD + 1 at the IFH or 7 committees) will be personally notified. There will be 2 selected by the Committee, ie 14 candidates in total. They must confirm their participation and transmit the choice of the song interpreted during the final. 2. Final : The selected artists will be invited all expenses paid (national transportation + accommodation + expenses, according to modalities chosen by the Organizing Committee of the competition) to participate in rehearsals with professional musicians at the French Institute in Haiti on Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 March / 2017. The final will be held on Thursday, March 23 at 7 pm at the French Institute in Haiti. During this final, the songs should be interpreted by a maximum of 1 person, accompanied by professional musicians. The order of the artists will be established during the final. The jury will be composed of Haitian artists and music professionals, as well as representatives of the French-speaking partner embassies, IFH, AF, LAD and OIF. Their decisions, like those of the listening committee, will be final. Participating artists will see their talents rewarded : 1st Prize category Author - composer - interpreter : - a possibility to record two songs at the IFH audio studio; - a 3-month subscription to teh offer "evasion" of Canal + Haiti - a Surtab electronic tablet; - an invitation to participate in the first part of the Francophone Song Contest of the following year (2018). - a possibility to record two songs at the IFH audio studio; - a 3-month subscription to teh offer "evasion" of Canal + Haiti - a Surtab electronic tablet; - an invitation to participate in the first part of the Francophone Song Contest of the following year (2018). 1st price interpreter category : - a possibility to record two songs at the IFH audio studio; - a 3-month subscription to teh offer "evasion" of Canal + Haiti - a Surtab electronic tablet; - an invitation to participate in the first part of the Francophone Song Contest of the following year (2018). By entering this contest, you agree to be bound by these rules. Any breach of these rules will be sanctioned by the disqualification of the candidate. The organizers reserve the right, in the interests of the event, without notifying the candidates, to cancel the event and / or to modify the modalities, without any compensation for damage being requested. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping politics... Funeral of 20 detainees Tuesday was held the funeral of recently deceased 20 inmates in extreme conditions at the National Penitentiary of Port-au-Prince. Recall that human rights organizations and the Minustah have asked the Haitian authorities to assume their responsibilities, without great results... https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20157-haiti-flash-minustah-calls-on-authorities-to-take-urgent-measures.html See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20178-haiti-politics-prisons-tour-by-the-minister-of-justice.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20020-haiti-justice-a-law-proposition-to-improve-the-lives-of-prisoners.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20013-haiti-flash-nightmare-at-the-national-penitentiary.html Investiture of the new Government Youth This Thursday morning at the Royal Oasis Hotel in the presence of the highest authorities of the country took place the investiture ceremony of the 4th edition of the Government Youth of Haiti (GJH). This edition of the Youth Government of Haiti, composed of 28 young people, comprises as many men as women https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20079-haiti-politics-list-of-members-of-the-new-youth-government-of-haiti.html Jerry Tardieu against biological weapons Deputy Jerry Tardieu (Petion-ville) met with a delegation of World Parliamentary Action to discuss the ratification of a Biological Weapons Convention Development Plan of the PNH Wednesday, at the police academy, in the framework of the implementation of the Development Plan (2017-2021) of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) in the presence of representatives of friendly countries of Haiti, was held the first meeting of the year of the "Committee for Implementation and Monitoring" (COMOS). Michel-Ange Gedeon, the Director General of the PNH and his team, have advocated several projects including, among others: border police, coast guards, penitentiary institutions... Bill of Deputy Bodeau discussed in the Senate Wednesday, the Law proposal of Deputy Gary Bodeau (Delmas) and Quaestor of the Bureau of the Lower House, on the creation, organization and operation of the National Service of Management of the Solid Residues (SNGRS) was put in discussion in the Senate. Program of Development of Suppliers The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Haiti and the Haitian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIH) are supporting the second training course of 33 Haitian consultants in the Supplier Development Program (PDF) launched in 2013 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-8133-haiti-economy-launch-of-suppliers-development-program.html . Let's recall that the PDF aims to encourage competitiveness between businesses and strengthen the value chains of strategic economic sectors in order to create decent jobs in Haiti. HL/ HaitiLibre Login or sign up to follow actresses, movies & dramas and get specific updates and news Login Sign Up New Ad-free Subscriber Login Email Password Password Username Your E-mail will only be used to retrieve a lost password. Stay logged in Help Published on 2017/02/22 | Source Actor Lee Dong-wook is going around 7 Asian cities to meet his fans. Advertisement Lee Dong-wook's Asian Tour "For My Dear" will be going around Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan and of course, Korea. Starting with Seoul on the 12th of April, the fan meeting will take place in Taiwan and Singapore in April, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Thailand in May and Japan in June. Other cities are still in negotiation and it is possible that the fan meeting will spread. Lee Dong-wook starred in the tvN drama as a Death Eater and made a successful impression on many fans. Meanwhile, Lee Dong-wook is currently working on ads and photo collections. DLNR STATEMENT ON ETHAN FERGUSON News Release from DLNR, March 6, 2017 The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announced today that it has terminated the employment of DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Officer Ethan Ferguson. DLNR has no further comment on this matter. WHT: Ferguson had been on paid administrative leave since being charged with the offenses on Jan. 8, 2016 * * * * * DLNR STATEMENT REGARDING CONVICTION OF ETHAN FERGUSON News Release from DLNR February 22, 2017 (with clarifying info in parenthesis) The Department of Land and Natural Resources has not received the record of conviction for Ethan Ferguson. At such time this record is received and reviewed, a decision will be made on Mr. Fergusons job status (which is currently on PAID administrative leave). Several news organizations have asked about Fergusons mother in connection with this matter. Hawaii Government Employees Association President Jackie Ferguson-Miyamoto, had nothing to do with his hiring as a Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officer and we have no record of her being listed as a reference. (IQ Test: Do you believe this?) DOCARE has implemented changes to its vetting process for all new hires. This includes extensive background and reference checks, additional evaluation and training for both officers and supervisors, and closer monitoring by supervisors. (They imply a mistake was made, and yet they still havent stopped paying the convicted rapist.) * * * * * WHT Jan 16, 2016: State confirms it knew rape suspect had been fired by Honolulu Police Department -- "HPD, however, says it told the state that Ferguson who reportedly falsified reports and lied to superiors about transporting a juvenile female runaway shouldnt be hired." * * * * * Jury finds HGEA Presidents Son guilty of sex assault HTH Feb 22, 2017: A jury found a Department of Land and Natural Resources enforcement officer guilty Wednesday of raping a teenage girl on a Hilo beach on New Years Day 2016. It took the panel of seven men and five woman less than three hours to convict 40-year-old Ethan Ferguson of two counts of second-degree sexual assault and three counts of fourth-degree sexual assault. Hilo Circuit Judge Greg Nakamura ordered Ferguson to return for sentencing at 8 a.m. April 24. Deputy Prosecutor Haaheo Kahoohalahala asked the judge to revoke Fergusons $13,000 bail, describing him as a flight risk. The judge denied the motion. The girl, now 17, and her family left the courtroom quickly after the verdict was read, while Ferguson hugged his wife and mother. (The HGEA President was sitting in the courtroom watching this trial.) Ferguson was fired for misconduct after almost 12 years as a Honolulu Police Department officer before being hired in 2013 by DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement. His mother, Jackie Ferguson-Miyamoto, is president of Hawaii Government Employees Association, the union representing DOCARE officers (which of course has nothing to do with him getting hired at DLNR). Ferguson was on paid administrative leave by DLNR pending the outcome of the trial (and now?). read Jury finds state cop guilty of sex assault * * * * * DLNR Cop Accused of Raping GirlMy Mommy is HGEA President HTH Feb 14, 2017: The teen testified she thought she was being escorted to Fergusons vehicle when he told her he wanted to talk to her in the shade. She said he took her to a grassy area with trees. We stopped by the trees and he told me I had three options, which was money, drugs or sex, the girl said. She said she didnt have any money or any drugs other than the marijuana hed already taken and that she was a virgin and didnt want to have sex. He put his tongue in my mouth and I told him this wasnt happening, the alleged victim said. She said at some point, he put her on the mat, pinned her down with his body, pulled up her tank top and bikini top, performed sex acts on her and forced her to perform a sex act on him. I wanted it to stop. I was crying, she said. The teen said Ferguson gave her the still-full pipe back before he left without her. He kind of laughed and said I could finish smoking that bowl now, she said. Ferguson, who is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of his trial, was fired for misconduct by the Honolulu Police Department prior to his 2013 hiring as a state law enforcement officer. His mother, Jackie Ferguson-Miyamoto, is president of the Hawaii Government Employees Association, the union representing DLNRs Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers. (Buried lede!) read HGEA Connection * * * * * Australian Taxation Office employees have one of the shortest working weeks in the Australian Government, finishing each day at 4:51pm. But when they were asked to work an extra nine minutes a day to increase productivity, they rejected the proposal. ATO staff have finished work at 4:51pm for a number of years even though management acknowledge the hours are not in line with the rest of the bureaucracy. However, the ATO also acknowledged that many staff work outside of these hours. The ATO enterprise agreement 2011 nominally expired on 30 June 2014. Under the ATO enterprise agreement 2011, standard hours of duty are 8.30 am to 12.30 pm, 1.30 to 4.51 pm. The ATO commenced bargaining a new agreement in June 2014. The first offer made to staff included a proposal to increase the length of the working day from seven hours and 21 minutes to seven hours and 30 minutes. This was included in the ATOs proposal to staff in late 2015 to ensure the productivity improvements to underpin a pay offer were in line with the requirements of the bargaining policy at that time. HC contacted the ATO for comment and a spokesperson said subsequent offers that they have put to a staff vote maintained conditions that their employees told them mattered most to them, including the standard working day (that is, removing the proposal to increase the length of the working day). We are currently seeking feedback from staff to inform the Enterprise Agreement process and ensure our engagement and communication approaches meet our employees needs. It is hoped that the survey results will assist in paving a way forward, said the spokesperson. We remain committed to reaching an agreement that provides a good outcome for staff, the ATO, the Government and the Australian taxpayer. This includes ensuring that we can meet our service commitments to the community. However, the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) said the idea that ATO staff all exited at exactly 4:51pm was "ludicrous". "Our members are working longer hours than ever, including unpaid overtime, because of over 4,000 jobs that have been slashed from the ATO in recent years," CPSU national secretary Nadine Flood was quoted as saying by The ABC. "This proposal was taken off the table well over a year ago. "Clearly it wasn't the sticking point to reaching a new agreement because there have been two more emphatic 'no' votes from Tax Office staff since." chief executive of Australia Post , Ahmed Fahour, has resigned following a pay dispute with the Turnbull government.Details of his $5.6 million wage for 2016 provoked criticism from the Prime Minister and a range of high-profile figures including One Nation leader Pauline Hanson who said she was absolutely disgusted.At $5.6 million, Fahour's wage for the past 12 months is more than 10 times that of the Prime Minister.Turnbull made it clear earlier this month that he had complained to the Post board chairman about Fahours remuneration, which led to a public backlash.Fahour said the time had come to give someone else a chance in the role.The main reason why I am hanging up the footy boots at Australia Post is Ive done seven years in this job the average CEO in this country is lasting around three years, Fahour said.Seven years is a long time ... particularly as it is a 24-7 job.Fahour also responded to Hansons comments by saying that running Australia Post is a "little bit more complicated than running a fish and chip shop".Fahour will stay on in the post until a new successor is appointed.John Stanhope, Chairman of the Australia Post Board, said that Fahour's legacy as CEO will be felt for many years to come."By any measure, Ahmed has done an astounding job in transforming the business," said Stanhope."When he started, he was set the challenge to 'write the next chapter in the history of Australia Post' and he certainly rose to that challenge."Now, with the business entering the next phase of its transformation, Ahmed's decision to resign provides opportunity for a new leader to continue the development of Australia Post into a leading international eCommerce player."Stanhope added that the Board would begin the search for a new CEO immediately. The Board will consider both internal and external candidates, and they are expecting to announce Fahour's successor in the coming months.Australia Post today also announced a $197 million half year profit before tax which follows the organisation returning to profit in 2016. You've reached your limit - Register for free now for unlimited access To read the full story, just register for free now - GET STARTED HERE Already subscribed? Log in below The whole purpose of employing somebody is that they work to their full potential. This is a fact thats often forgotten in the workplace, said Dr Jenny Brockis, medical practitioner and author of the book Future Brain. Employers hire somebody after seeing their CV and think they are capable of performing to a certain level. Thats the expectation when they come to the workplace. But sometimes that doesnt always happen if there is something else going on, she said. It could be that they have got a physical ailment which is getting them down. Or it could be something thats worrying them and they are feeling stressed, she said. If we dont take care of our brain, we dont cope as well with other things that deviate us from working to our true potential, Dr Brockis added. Its one thing that hasnt been thought about much before because the focus has been on finding somebody whos physically fit. So workers are encouraged to sign up for gym memberships, attend yoga classes and things like that, she said. Thats all well and good, but its not necessarily enough to make sure that somebody is actually thinking well and applying their knowledge in the way that you want them to. Lets face it, the whole purpose of having a business is that you want people to perform, to be productive and to make a profit. The first step to building a brain-friendly office is to raise awareness why its important to have a healthy brain, she said. Dr Brockis explained that its no good just saying to people we want you to exercise, eat well and make sure you get enough sleep. Rather, its about ensuring that people understand the benefits of that. Employees need to see that that is what the business lives by, so they need to see that the person at the top, the managers and the leaders are actually doing it themselves, she said. The second step is to ensure that people feel mentally safe because thats the brains primary objective is to keep us safe. From an evolutionary point of view that was good because it meant we didnt get eaten by the sabre-tooth tigers, said Dr Brockis. But today, hopefully, we dont have many of those in the office. However, she said that there are many circumstances where employees feel unsafe at work. This isnt so much about physical safety, but a lack of mental safety. We have to deal with toxic relationships, difficult people, misinterpretation of instructions, and being uncertain about things, said Dr Brockis. All of those things make us feel unsafe and that induces a stress response where we feel more stressed. You dont think straight. Brain health at work is about ensuring that people feel safe. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc meets with Chairwoman of the Russian Federal Council Valentina Ivanovna Matvienko on February 21st (Photo: VNA) Meeting with Chairwoman of the Russian senate Valentina Ivanovna Matvienko in Hanoi on February 21st, he said he believes that Matvienkos official visit to Vietnam, made at the invitation of NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, will greatly contribute to cooperation between the two parliaments, governments and peoples. The two countries boast a time-tested friendship, and Vietnam always prioritises the enhancement of the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, he said. He also noted with satisfaction the political relationship with special trust, which has been consolidated through delegation exchanges, particularly at high levels. Both sides have also maintained close coordination at international meetings. Expressing his delight at the growing ties between the two legislatures, PM Phuc welcomed efforts by the foreign ministries to devise and effectively implement prioritised tasks for 2017 to boost bilateral relations in a more substantive, effective and comprehensive manner. Relevant ministries and sectors of Vietnam and Russia should work together more closely and effectively carry out the Vietnam - Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), thereby making breakthroughs to raise bilateral trade to USD10 billion by 2020, he said. He asked the Russian parliament to supervise the FTA realisation and help to soon issue internal documents necessary for the deal to be implemented in line with Russias legal regulations. He also told the Russian side to support the early signing of an agreement on food safety control to facilitate Vietnams export of agricultural and aquatic products to Russia. His country hopes the Russian parliament, authorised agencies, and relevant localities to assist the implementation of a Vietnamese light industry zone project, investment projects of the TH True Milk group, and investment activities of other Vietnamese businesses there, the host leader said. Aside from oil and gas cooperation projects, Vietnam also supports Russias involvement in its energy projects (hydropower and renewable energy) and infrastructure projects (railway, metro). At the meeting, PM Phuc affirmed his country always considers Russia as a prioritised partner in military technique cooperation, and it wants to expand collaboration in defence-security with Russia. He thanked the Russian parliament and Government for helping the Southeast Asian nation in manpower training and planning to increase the number of scholarships for Vietnam to 1,000 each year. The two sides should continue considering the establishment of a Russian university in Vietnam while pressing on with teaching Russian here. Vietnam will actively support the organisation of the Russian Culture Days in Vietnam this year, the leader said, adding that it is providing e-visas for Russian citizens and hopes that the number of Russian tourists to Vietnam will keep rising in the time ahead. Speaking highly of locality-to-locality cooperation through the connection of the Russian Federal Council, the PM hoped that this connection will remain effective to help with partnerships in mining, energy and people-to-people exchange. He also thanked and asked Russia to continue giving fabourable conditions for Vietnamese people to live and do stable, legal and long-term business in the country, and integrate into local society. For her part, Chairwoman Matvienko congratulated Vietnam on its socio-economic and diplomatic achievements, stressing that her visit to Vietnam aims to tighten cooperation with the Vietnamese NA and people in the spirit of the comprehensive strategic partnership. Vietnam posts a high growth rate in Asia-Pacific, which illustrates the right directions in its socio-economic development solutions, she said. Highlighting the two peoples traditional relationship and friendship, she also voiced her delight at the vigorous growth in bilateral ties. She asked both sides to continue capitalising on their respective potential to maximise the strategic partnership. They should increase delegation exchanges, especially at high levels. Meanwhile, the two Governments need to work more closely to improve the effectiveness of joint programmes and projects in all spheres, especially economics and trade, so as to bring bilateral relations on par with their potential. Matvienko called for more cultural and people-to-people exchanges, diversify economic and trade partnerships to optimise the Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union FTA. Russia wants to bolster affiliation with Vietnam in oil refinery, petrochemistry, and liquefied gas which are Russias advantages, she noted, suggesting the two sides promote cooperation in agriculture and trading agricultural products since both are potential markets. The Chairwoman underlined the traditional cooperation in education-training as a number of Vietnamese people used to study in Russia. She said her country is willing to assist Vietnam to teach Russian in the ASEAN nation and wants Vietnam to facilitate the organisation of the Russian Culture Days here. Russia attaches importance to its enterprises investment and business projects in Vietnam. It hopes that the local Government and relevant agencies to create optimal conditions for them to operate smoothly, helping to intensify the countries cooperation in a result-oriented fashion, she added./. This article is reviewed by a team of registered dietitians and medical doctors with extensive, practical clinical and public health experience. All articles are produced independently. When you click our links for purchasing products, we earn an affiliate commission. Learn more about how we earn revenue by reading our advertise disclaimer. Ritual Prenatal Multivitamin An enjoyable experience with the noteworthy cit rus Its a reasonably price ($30 each container) Utilized science-based ingredients Future Kind+ Vegan Prenatal Multivitamin Vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and non-GMO Can use for preconception, pregnancy & lactation Contains Iron, Folate, Omega-3, and more Beli Prenatal Multivitamin Can be used by both men and women Gluten-free, allergen-free, soy-free, and non-GMO 30-day money-back guarantee first month 15% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL A prenatal vitamin is a processed supplement that contains all of the recommended minerals and vitamins to ensure a healthy pregnancy. The levels of both minerals and vitamins are appropriate for those trying to conceive, those who are pregnant, and those who are breastfeeding. Each prenatal vitamin contains a dose of essential nutrients, including folic acid or folate, choline, iron, Vitamin D, and calcium. Its almost impossible to find all these nutrients in the levels needed from a single diet; thats why a prenatal vitamin is more than necessary. As with all multivitamins, prenatal supplements come in different forms, including liquids, gummies, soft gels, and capsules. Each type has its good side and its bad side. Gummies, for instance, have a good taste and are easier to ingest, but theyre iron deficient. A high-quality OTC (over-the-counter) supplement could be equally effective as a prescription alternative based on your average nutritional requirements. Its advisable for women to try out different supplements before settling for the one that doesnt have adverse effects like constipation or nausea. When Do You Need Prenatal Vitamins? The best time to start incorporating prenatal supplements is before conception for all women of childbearing age, not on birth control. The folate content greatly lowers the risks of neural tube conditions such as spina bifida. A fetuss neural tube develops into the spinal cord and the brain within the first month of pregnancy. Spine formation in the womb occurs even before you notice youre expectant. Thus, folate is essential for the babys neural tube development. Thats why most specialists recommend that you start taking supplements as soon as you notice youre pregnant. Others will recommend that you begin consumption at least a month or two before pregnancy. A study[1] from 2016 showed that a whopping 45 percent of pregnancies within the US are unintended. Taking prenatal vitamins at least three months before pregnancy will prevent a host of problems such as preterm labor, congenital defects, miscarriages, and so on. Keep taking prenatal vitamins post-delivery, more specifically when breastfeeding. You dont need to take prenatal vitamins if youre not expectant and youre on birth control. When To Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins? If youre pregnant, its not too late to start taking prenatal vitamins. However, its strongly recommended that you begin taking prenatal vitamins the moment you find out youre expecting to provide important vitamins for good nutrition for a healthy pregnancy. Pregnant women require a relatively higher amount of vitamins and minerals as they support their developing fetus. Theres no specific time of day for taking prenatal vitamins. When you remember to take your vitamins, simply do it without fail. Your body will still absorb all the nutrients from the supplements regardless of when you take them. However, for optimum absorption with the least side effects, take it with a meal[2]. The Line Up At A Glance The 8 Best Prenatal Vitamins for Pregnancy Ritual Prenatal Multivitamin See Ritual Prenatal Multivitamin Reviews For those who obsess about how clean and potent their supplements are, this vegan prenatal multivitamin from Ritual is one of the best options. Promotes brain health via these key nutrients: folate, choline, and Omega-3 DHA Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO Promotes bone support through its Magnesium, K2, and D3 content Fairly easy to digest, and swallow Zero synthetic ingredients Extravagantly expensive compared to most other brands Theyre a subscription service, meaning that you need to wait until the next month if your supply runs out. Ritual supplements were established by Katerina Schneider. It began with a couple of dietary supplements and later on expanded to incorporate vitamins for kids, teens, women, and men. With Ritual prenatal vitamins, youre assured of almost-instant results. This is due to the highest quality of traceable ingredients in each capsule. Theyre regarded as traceable because the manufacturers can share their suppliers, the kinds of nutrient forms they use, the dosages, and other important information you may want to know. Ritual Vitamins are void of all nine allergens. Theyre also 100% vegan and gluten-free. Beli Prenatal Multivitamin 15% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL See Beli Reviews Both men and women can benefit from Beli prenatal vitamins. It can be used before, during, and after pregnancy and are gentle on the stomach. Overwhelming positive online reviews Free shipping within the US Both men and women can benefit from pre-and post-natal vitamins Keto-friendly, gluten-free, allergen-free, soy-free, vegan, and non-GMO 30-day money-back guarantee on the first months purchase Do not ship outside the US Can only be bought via the brands online store Beli vitamin supplements may help improve fertility, embryo development, and the formation of the babys central nervous system in women. The Belibaby pills are designed to be easily digestible and have a minty smell to keep new moms from feeling nauseated. High-quality iron, methylation folate, B vitamins, and TRAACS minerals are all included. All of these substances are good for your stomach. Choline, essential for a babys brain and spinal cord development, is the key element in Belibaby womens formula. Folate, magnesium, iron, and zinc are among the other components. The flagship ingredient in the Belibaby for Men mix is shilajit, an adaptogen demonstrated to boost sperm count and overall sperm quality. Zinc, vitamin D, vitamin E, and folate are among the nutrients found in this keto-friendly, gluten-free, allergen-free, vegan, non-GMO vitamin. Care/of Prenatal See Care/of Reviews Care/Of Prenatal gives you special capsules complete with 22 key nutrients that will benefit you and your unborn baby. Promotes easy digestion with its organic yeast content and unique design Highly convenient services Fairly convenient services Each capsule contains a naturally occurring folate, e.g., methylfolate Their health claims may be [3] unreliable or misleading unreliable or misleading Inaccurate shipping and orders Care/Of is a splendid option for ladies who want a personalized nutrient plan. Prior to gaining access to their services, Care/Of will present you with a fun and relatively interactive quiz that theyll use to draft vitamin pill packs specifically for you. Unlike other prenatal vitamins, Care/Of gives you special capsules complete with 22 key nutrients that will benefit you and your unborn baby. Trustpilot gives Care/Of an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars. The moment you place an order of Care/Of Vitamins, you get 30 days worth of supplements. Care/Of understands that their products are not scientifically proven, and they try to be as open as possible about it to their customers. Persona Prenatal Vitamin See Persona Reviews The Persona Prenatal Vitamin is designed to cater to all your health needs. The organic ginger content helps to relieve your nausea. Certified nutritionists are always on call to answer your queries The organic ginger content helps to relieve your nausea Zero animal testing Gluten-free, non-GMO Programs are 100% customizable Zero artificial colors and chemical-based fillers No third-party testing Eight Better Business[4] Bureau Complaints in the past three years Persona was established in 2016 and had an exceptional 4.3 out of 5 stars rating on TrustPilot. The Persona vitamin pack is designed to cater to all your health needs. The team behind this extraordinary supplement is strongly determined to promote good health and well-being for anyone who uses their products. Persona is founded on four core values: Education, Care, Personalization, and Transparency. Persona Nutrition frees you from the stress and confusion that comes with buying prenatal vitamins. They do the research, the sourcing, the packaging and oversee the delivery to your doorstep. The best part about their packaging is how personal they are. They may include a handwritten note along with other heartwarming gestures. Mama Bird AM/PM Prenatal Multi+ See Best Nest Wellness Reviews Mama Bird AM/PM Prenatal Multi+ contains a high vitamin concentration and is the best organic, vegan-friendly prenatal vitamin. Extensively researched Extremely easy to digest Attractive scent No discernible taste Contains a high vitamin concentration Considerably expensive compared to most other brands Youve probably bumped into this brand plenty of times in the supermarket or pharmacy. Mama Bird is the best organic, vegan-friendly prenatal vitamin alternative for consumers who dont want anything fancy or costly. Mama Bird Prenatal Multi+ contains an impressive variety of pro-vegan nutrients in a single dosage. Its composed of ingredients such as calcium, iodine, iron, zinc, choline, and a wide host of vitamins, including Vitamin A, B12, D, and D3. When nutrients are in the right amounts, prenatal multivitamins are essential for a healthy baby and mom. The rich blend of probiotics, pregnancy-friendly botanicals, and digestive enzymes set it aside from the rest. All these work together to alleviate nausea symptoms. Another reason to buy a bottle of Mama Bird is its methyl folate content. Its a type of folic acid in naturally occurring form and of higher bioavailability (7x that of folic acid[5]) than synthetic folic acid. It is packed in dosages of 600 mcg in each pill. Garden of Life Prenatal Multi Shop Amazon See Garden of Life Reviews Garden Of Life Prenatal Multi can prevent nausea and is perfect for ladies with diet restrictions or allergies. Superb list of ingredients (folate, Vitamin D3, C, K, Zinc, Calcium, etc.) Offers 30-day money-back guarantee Prevents nausea with a special combination of peppermint and ginger Zero artificial preservatives Excellent customer support Exceptional taste You need to take a gummy thrice a day, which may be a problem to remember Fairly expensive Garden of life contains a total of 27 whole-food ingredients. Each nutrient is fully vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free. This prenatal vitamin is perfect for ladies with diet restrictions or allergies. Garden of Life is great, but it still lacks some vital vitamins (e.g., choline) that are common among other prenatal vitamins. This makes it crucial for the pregnant woman to continue with a balanced diet full of calcium-rich foods if she chooses this daily prenatal vitamin. Each bottle of Garden of Life Raw Prenatal contains 180 gummies. You dont have to worry about consuming Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or toxins since all the ingredients are certified organic. Garden of Lifes prenatal formula is perfect for ladies who are trying to conceive or breastfeed their newborn. Garden of Life doesnt cause that annoying stomach upset thats associated with most other varieties. Nature Made Prenatal Multivitamin Shop Amazon See Nature Made Reviews Nature Made Prenatal Multivitamin contains a wide variety of vitamins, incorporates DHA and other high-quality ingredients. Widely available in most grocery shops Contains zero preservatives, flavors, and artificial colors Reasonably priced Wide variety of vitamins Easy to swallow Attractive packaging Only available in most parts of the US Nature-made is one of the best prenatal vitamins with Docosahexaenoic Acid( DHA). Its a fairly affordable brand that incorporates DHA (a type of healthy fat found in salmon, cod, and other types of fish) with a host of other essential ingredients like iron, folic acid, and all the eight B vitamins, as well as the fat-soluble vitamins. This unique combination of high-quality ingredients works together to give the best in terms of prenatal care. If you pass up seafood meals often for fear of throwing up or fear of feeling nauseous, Nature Made Prenatal is just for you. A single bottle contains 90 soft gels, which are fully packed with high folic acid and the recommended 200 milligrams of DHA. The high DHA content helps in brain development. Their simple form also makes them easy to swallow and digest. Whats more, they dont have the same fishy taste as most prenatal vitamins with DHA. Pink Stork Total Prenatal Vitamin Shop Amazon See Pink Stork Reviews Pink Stork Total Prenatal Vitamin is a liquid prenatal supplement that contains high-quality ingredients. Also, it can help with nausea. High-quality ingredients Helps with nausea and morning sickness Non-GMO and gluten-friendly Vegan-friendly Tested by third-party labs The rich iron content gives it a metallic taste And finally, we have Pink Stork. If youre not so much into tablet prenatal, try out a liquid prenatal supplement instead. What better option than Pink Stork? You can consume it on its own, or you could add it to a juice or soft drink. We recommend the latter since it has a fairly strong taste when taken on its own. Similar to all the ingredients on this list, Pink Stork offers all the critical nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy. In fact, it promises the complete daily requirements of the most essential nutrients. Pink Stork is vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and non-GMO. The brand claims the iron content in this supplement is non-constipating. How To Choose The Best Prenatal Pills? Ingredients This should be the first and most important feature to look out for when purchasing prenatal vitamins. Seek out a prenatal vitamin that contains iron (18 milligrams) and folic acid of approximately 600 and 800 micrograms. The RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for iron for expectant mothers stands at 27 milligrams. Youre more likely to meet your needs faster if you take iron-rich foods and supplement them with a high-quality prenatal vitamin. Types of Pills Prenatal vitamins come in four forms: liquids, gummies, capsules, and tablets. Be clear on the dosage before deciding which ones best for you. Keep in mind that the one you pick will be the only kind you take for the whole month. Its important to note that gummies (and other vitamins) dont often include all the critical elements that are needed to see you through your pregnancy. That means you need to go for liquid or tablet prenatal vitamins for the full effect. Third-Party Testing Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has zero control over vitamin content, its difficult to determine the accuracy of the ingredients promoted by different companies. One of the best ways to ensure the prenatal vitamins youve purchased are worth your buck is to check if the firm conducts third-party testing. Third-party verification assurances show that a company is sure of its doses and contents. They shouldnt mind if further research is done on them in such a case. Cost Most ladies might go for a highly-priced supplement with the assurance that theyre spending on a high-quality product. Unfortunately, thats not always the case. Sometimes, generic brands are just as good as popular kinds. If you really have to go for the costly kinds, ensure you have insurance that will cater to the hefty costs. What Ingredients Are Included in Prenatal Vitamins? Iron Iron is critical for the healthy development of the fetus and the placenta. It also helps in multiplying the number of red blood cells in the mother. Expectant mothers should take approximately 30 milligrams[6] per day of iron supplements to stave off iron-deficiency anemia. Folic Acid Folic acid plays a critical role in the development of the fetus brain and spinal cord, and it also helps to keep it safe from neural tube defectsthe CDC advocates for the consumption of 400 micrograms[7] of folic acid among expectant women. Folic acid is also necessary for the formation of healthy red blood cells and for the prevention of anemia. By taking methylated folate, you may bypass the enzymatic defect in processing folic acid and thus avoid associated birth defects and have a better pregnancy outcome. Methylated folate is the natural form of folate found in foods, whereas folic acid is synthetic, and both forms are found in prenatal nutrients. Vitamin D and Calcium These two ingredients are essential in the formation of the fetus skeleton. Pregnant and lactating women should have about 800 milligrams[8] of calcium per day for healthy bone development. This amount should satisfy the needs of 50% of this population. The National Academy of Sciences recommends 1,000 mg of calcium per day for pregnant or lactating women. Pregnant or lactating women should get 600 IUs[9] or 15 micrograms of Vitamin D per day. Iodine Iodine aids in the functioning and development of the thyroid gland, and iodine deficiency may trigger hyperthyroidism in the baby or the mother. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should take[10] daily doses of iodine ranging between 220 and 290 mcg. Zinc A zinc deficiency often leads to slow growth, and a healthy supply of this nutrient aids in the normal development of your baby and increases its birth weight. Pregnant moms need 11 mg, and breastfeeding moms need 12 mg of zinc per day to protect the fetus or infants cognitive, physical, and immune development. Vitamin A Vitamin A ensures normal eye development, and a deficiency of this nutrient often leads to night blindness. Pregnant women must consume at least 770 mcg of Vitamin A every day. Other compounds to consider in a prenatal vitamin include Vitamin B12, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and omega-3 fatty acids. Your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) should advise you on the way forward and recommend a suitable vitamin preparation. Final Thought Taking prenatal vitamins may increase[11] fertility and boost egg quality. There are a lot to learn about them and huge decisions to make, but picking a quality prenatal vitamin should be your topmost priority. Prenatal supplements should in no way replace a healthy diet. They only ensure that you and the unborn baby are getting that extra vitamin boost for conventional growth and development. If youre not sure what prenatal vitamin you should take, stay in constant communication with your doctor. Frequently Asked Questions When Should I Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins? As soon as you confirm your pregnancy. Since the first few weeks are critical for your fetuss development and well-being, you need to supplement your diet with prenatal vitamins for all-around nutrition. It is wise for all women of childbearing age to take a prenatal multivitamin if they are not on birth control. What Time Should I Take Prenatal Vitamins? Theres no specific time for taking prenatal vitamins. Take them whenever you feel its convenient. If you get regular rounds of morning sickness, take the vitamins after a meal or later in the day. For optimum absorption and minimal side effects, however, take it with a meal. What are the Benefits of Prenatal Vitamins? Whether or not you eat healthily, prenatal vitamins should be an integral part of your diet. They help you to stay well-nourished and ensure the well-being of your growing fetus. Its worth noting that its still important to eat healthily and mindfully throughout the course of your pregnancy. How Should You Consume Prenatal Vitamins? Prenatal vitamins come in various forms and sizes. If you take the tablet form and you get stomach distress from it, try chewable or liquid supplements instead. However, since gummies are significantly deficient in iron, a vital nutrient, you may need additional supplementation. Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (R) meets with Chairwoman of Russias Federal Council Valentina Ivanovna Matvienko on Feb. 22nd (Photo: VNA) At the meeting with the Vietnamese Party leader in Hanoi on February 22nd, Matvienko also reiterated that Russia treasures the time-honoured friendship and the comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam, stressing that Russia will exert all efforts to realise cooperation agreements in all spheres between the two nations, thereby creating substantive progress in bilateral ties. She promised that the Russian parliament will closely coordinate with the National Assembly of Vietnam at international forums for the sake of peace, stability and respect for international law. General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong said the official visit of the Russian Federal Council Chairwoman is very important to the expansion of the countries traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party, State, National Assembly, Government and people consider developing the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia as one of the top priorities in Vietnams foreign policy. Vietnam has closely followed and is pleased with the enormous achievements Russia has attained in national development and defence. It also supports Russia to play a greater role in ensuring global and regional peace and stability, he noted. The General Secretary highly valued mutual visits by the countries parliamentary leaders, adding that the Communist Party of Vietnam attaches importance to promoting relations with political parties, including the ruling United Russia, along with the State, parliament and people of Russia./. Tran Van Liem, former general director of Vinashinlines, was sentenced to death (Photo: VNA) The duo are Tran Van Liem, former general director of Vinashinlines, and Giang Kim Dat, former acting head of Vinashinlines sales department. For other defendants in the case, Tran Van Khuong, the companys ex-chief accountant, was sentenced to life imprisonment also for embezzlement, while Giang Van Hien, father of Giang Kim Dat, was given a 12-year jail term for money laundering. The court demanded the recovery of over VND260 billion (USD11.56 million) misappropriated by the defendants to return to the Vietnams Ship Building Industry Corporation (Vinashin), the parent company of Vinashinlines. The court held that there are sufficient grounds to confirm that during the process of purchasing and leasing ships, Liem, Dat and Khuong had abused their position and power to appropriate more than VND260 billion of Vinashinlines. Liem misappropriated VND3.1 billion (USD138,000), while Dat embezzled around VND255 billion (USD11.34 million) and Khuong, USD110,000. Liem was pinpointed as the ringleader in the case, while Dat was a proactive accomplice and Khuong was an accomplice./. A woman who was attacked and injured by a loose dog in a public park has lost a 60,000 damages claim for personal injuries against South Dublin County Council. Circuit Civil Court President Mr Justice Raymond Groarke told Joanne Stewart (52) that it would be excessive and unreasonable to impose an obligation on the local authority to ensure that no dog, other than those on a lead, ever got into the park. It was not the intention and effect of the Control of Dogs Act that the council was under an obligation to police the park 24 hours a day, he said. Ms Stewart, of St John's Wood, Clondalkin, claimed that in September 2012 she was walking her dog on a lead in Corkagh Park when she felt a "massive tug on the back of her left knee and right arm". She said she had been knocked down and hurt herself on the sharp edge of a path margin. She got up to be faced with a tan boxer dog with a white chest. Fracture Ms Stewart told the court she felt a severe pain in her right arm and could not move it. She later attended hospital, where X-rays revealed a fracture in her right elbow. She underwent surgery and suffered pain in her arm for several months. Ms Stewart told the council's barrister, John Doherty, that her wound had left a visible scar and she still had difficulty when trying to extend her arm. She claimed that, according to the Control of Dogs Act 1986, the council was, in the circumstances, the owner of the dog and had permitted it to run loose in the park. Mr Doherty told the court that the council, which denied negligence, could not be considered as the dog owner, who was a person unknown and who obviously had been in breach of the council's by-laws. He said there was a dog run that permitted owners to take animals off their lead, but that area was secure and away from the location of this incident. The authority also denied there was a footpath defect. Judge Groarke said he was satisfied that the council, in law, was not the dog owner. An elderly man has told how making regular trips to hospital in Dublin will become more difficult if all-out strike action at Bus Eireann goes ahead. Toby Kavanagh, from Portlaoise, Co Laois, is one of 110,000 regular Bus Eireann passengers and commuters who face daily disruption after last-ditch talks to avoid industrial action collapsed. Axed It has also been confirmed that the Dublin-Clonmel, Athlone-Westport and Dublin-Derry routes could be axed to make immediate savings of 1.1m. While many support the staff's decision to strike, commuters fear the negative impact it will have on their health, work-life balance and relationships. Mr Kavanagh has to make regular visits to Dublin for check-ups. He said passengers were hoping strike action could be avoided. "There's a lot of people dependent on Bus Eireann to come up to Dublin," he said. "They're not able to walk to the train station. Hospitals are the main places people need to get, so I don't know what we're going to do. "The train is awkward for me because I need to get off at the hospital." Stephen Meehan, who lives with his girlfriend in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, commutes to Dublin and will be one of many affected by the Dublin-Derry route being axed. "I get up every morning and, when I get on, the bus is nearly full," he said. "By the time I get on there's only a couple of seats left, so I'm not sure where they are losing money on that route. "It will mean I'll have to drive up now and try to find parking somewhere. It will be extra expenditure for me as well in terms of petrol and stuff, so I'm very worried about it, yeah." A woman who is originally from Hungary and travels to Omagh, Co Tyrone, on a weekly basis to visit her boyfriend, said: "If the buses go on strike I will have no way of getting there." State transport chiefs said competition on intercity and motorway routes was not solely to blame for Bus Eireann's woes. Scrutiny "The notion that there is saturation on the intercity corridors served by Expressway services and that the National Transport Authority grants licences to operators at the drop of a hat do not stand up to scrutiny," said NTA chief executive Anne Graham. "In fact, since 2011 we have rejected almost as many applications for licences on these key routes as we have granted." The Oireachtas Transport Committee heard that 875,000 pensioners and others were eligible for free travel passes, and when companions and husbands and wives were taken into account there were potentially 1.4 million people in the scheme. Irish film director Jim Sheridan has insisted the Home Sweet Home movement achieved something despite homelessness figures continuing to spiral. Recent statistics show a record number of people are now homeless, with more than 7,000 on the streets. Sheridan said he had no regrets about getting involved with the occupation of Apollo House. He also told how he even offered to put up homeless people in his own house after an eviction order was passed by the High Court. "I offered that when the judge threw us out," he said. "I said: 'I can put some of them up in my place' but Brendan Ogle said that would be a farce, that that wasn't the issue, that it was how do we force authorities to take the responsibility for the homeless crisis." Sheridan, who grew up on Sheriff Street in Dublin, said he didn't feel he or the other campaigners were naive in getting involved in the HSH movement. Scary He is filmed for the Inside Apollo House documentary saying: "It was scary, the first few days particularly... the fear came from me, that I don't want to be held responsible if people are dying, so I thought the best way to deal with that was to go in with a camera to show we were as responsible as we could possibly be." The documentary tells the story of how activists took over the Nama-controlled office block and transformed it into a shelter for the homeless. "The homeless figures went up last month but we did achieve things," Sheridan said. "We got beds, accommodation for couples, 90 people looked after. "We got new places opened but, you know what, we raised awareness and now we really have to do something about the homeless. "But we definitely did achieve some practical things and put homelessness on the map and that's what we intended to do." Inside Apollo House airs on TV3 tonight at 10pm A taxi driver who was slashed on the hand and had a knife put to his throat has said he is afraid to go back to work. Adeniya Adedeji (43) was set upon in a terrifying attack in an estate in Newbridge, Kildare, at around midnight on Tuesday. His iPhone 6 Plus was stolen along with 75 in cash. "I was waiting at the taxi rank. It was a very quiet night and this guy got into the back and said 'take me to High Street'," said Mr Adedeji. "I drove into the estate and he asked me to pull in, and suddenly he brought out a knife and put it to my neck. "He was swearing and shouting 'give me your money'." The Nigerian national said the man shouted racial slurs and slit his hand, to "show he was not kidding". Dangerous He said it would be "scary" to go back to work now. "It was terrifying - this is the first time this thing is happening to me," he said. Mr Adedeji, who lives in Kildare town, said the majority of people he had driven were very kind and friendly, but admitted he sometimes experienced racism. The robber is described as being 5ft 10in tall and of average build. He got in the taxi on Main Street in Newbridge. Mr Adedeji's phone was fitted with the Find My Phone app, which track the device's movements. After stealing the iPhone, the thief travelled to a neighbouring village from Newbridge, and yesterday travelled from Newbridge back to Athgarvan, according to the app. The tracker was disabled at noon yesterday. A gardai spokesperson told the Herald: "Gardai at Newbridge are investigating an incident in which a taxi driver was robbed of a sum of money and a smartphone." Newbridge Taxi Association chairman Noel Powell called for CCTV on taxi ranks. "There's a lot of trepidation because taxi drivers don't realise how dangerous the night is going to be," he said. "There's a few guys who have got into fisticuffs with people and have gone to garda stations - it an ongoing thing. "I do believe that if there was cameras put up there the guys would think completely differently because they realise they're being recorded getting into the car." Mr Powell said that, after a few drinks, there were people that would take advantage of a lone taxi driver on a rank, especially if they were foreign. President Michael D Higgins had led tributes to writer and broadcaster Frank Delaney, who passed away yesterday in the US aged 74. Born in Tipperary, he had a busy career as a journalist before becoming a significant voice in the literary world. National Public Radio in the United States described him as "the most eloquent man in the world". "It is with great sadness that I have heard of the passing of Frank Delaney, acclaimed novelist, broadcaster and journalist," Mr Higgins said of the broadcaster. "RTE had the benefit of his considerable talent and skills and he was widely appreciated as the BBC correspondent in Dublin. "Frank Delaney went on to create a space to discuss arts and literature, winning both critical acclaim and substantial audiences for his broadcasts as well his writing. "He was recognised as an important scholar on the work of James Joyce and an influential Irish voice in the UK and further afield. Condolences "Sabina and I want to express our condolences to his wife Diane, his sons Francis, Bryan and Owen, their extended family, his colleagues and his wide circle of friends." A best-selling author of 21 books, both fiction and non-fiction, he interviewed a great number of authors for his BBC and international television and radio shows, including Bookshelf, The Book Show and The Frank Delaney Show. He worked as a newsreader and journalist for RTE in the 1970s and became BBC correspondent in Dublin in the mid-70s. He moved to England in 1980, where he inaugurated the award-winning book show Bookshelf for the BBC. He wrote documentary films for BBC's Omnibus and wrote and presented The Celts series. His first book, James Joyce's Odyssey, became a best-seller in 1981 and he wrote a number of novels, many about Irish life. In 2010, he launched a series of podcasts called Re: Joyce, a page-by-page guide to Ulysses. He moved to the US in 2002 and lived with his wife Diane Meier in Connecticut. Imelda (right) with Kim, whose pilot father gave the tip An Irish waitress working in the US has told how she was given an envelope containing 2,400 from a "guardian angel" to pay for a trip home to Co Mayo. Imelda Murphy Sprenger, from Ballinrobe, was hard at work in Nick's Pizza & Pub in Crystal Lake, Illinois, when she stopped to talk to Kim, a customer she knew. It was then that the customer gave Imelda the envelope. It was from Kim's father, Leo, a pilot Imelda had served for several years. Inside was the 2,400 tip. "I didn't know what to think because my birthday and Christmas had passed," said Imelda, who is the daughter of Joe and Mae Murphy. Wedding However, it was not the first time Leo had given Imelda a generous tip. He once left her 950 so that she could travel back to Ireland for her sister's wedding. Since then, Imelda, who has lived in Chicago for 22 years, has grown close to Leo's family. The Mayo woman said Kim "was a little nervous" before she handed her the money. "She gave me this envelope and I'm like, 'What's this?' and she said, 'Oh, this is from your guardian angel'. "I read in the letter, it was like this beautiful butterfly card. It said, 'Imelda, here's hoping this helps on getting you back to Ballinrobe in 2017'. "The most beguiling thing about this is that no one knows where I live." The good news was first shared on the restaurant's Facebook page. "I don't know how to explain what happened with our very special Imelda Murphy Sprenger. She received a $2,500 tip/gift from a guardian angel. "Magic happens again." The State Aviation Service of Ukraine has denied a statement of MP Mykola Skoryk that the airspace for private planes has been closed. "This information is untrue. The airspace is opened," the press service of the authority told Interfax-Ukraine. Earlier on Wednesday Skoryk said that the Ukrainian State Air Traffic Services Enterprise (UkSATSE) under an order of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) closed airspace for private planes allegedly intended not to allow businessman Dmytro Firtash to return to Ukraine. Grain and oilseeds harvest of Industrial Milk Company (IMC) in 2016 grew by 12% compared to 2015, to 717,000 tonnes. The holding said in a press release on Thursday that milk production in 2016 fell by 22%, to 15,000 tonnes. The decrease in milk production volumes was associated with the implementation of the project on optimization of the cattle herd. As a result of the project, the average milk yield in the IMC increased by 2% compared with 2015, to 5.6 tonnes per forage cow. Potato harvest last year rose by 31%, to 21,000 tonnes. Sales in the crop planting segment totaled 691,000 tonnes (9% down on 2015), including around 502,000 tonnes of corn (17% down). The decline in sales in the crop farming segment was due to lower carry-over stocks of corn at the beginning of 2016. 80% of sales in the crop farming segment (about 556,000 tonnes) was exported. According to the report, improvement of cultivation technology, along with favorable weather conditions have led to significant yields growth of almost all crops: corn gross yield grew by 24%, to 8.1 tonne per ha, soybeans by 31%, to 3.4 tonnes per ha, potatoes by 38%, to 40.4 tonner per ha, and for wheat it fell by 5%, to 4.8 tonnes per ha. IMC focuses on cultivation of grains, oilseeds and potatoes. It is one of the largest milk producers in Ukraine. It owns a storage capacity of 554,000 tonnes of grains and oilseeds. Its land bank is 136,600 ha in Poltava, Chernihiv and Sumy regions. Ukrainian Energy and Coal Industry Minister Ihor Nasalyk does not see grounds for revising the forecast balance of electricity for 2017, he said at a meeting with the public on Thursday. "There are no grounds for revising the annual balance If now the share of NPPs [nuclear power plants] increased to 59%, there would not be a chance to do it in June. We would have 50% of nuclear generation. For the year we will see the same 53% [the share in the forecast balance of electricity]," he said. Nasalyk said that the minimum equipment of thermal power plants (TPPs) was decreased to 300 MW from 700 MW as the state of emergency was introduced. The volume was replaced by nuclear generation only thanks to the repair schedule with extra generating capacity for this period. "In June we would not have this surplus. We would have to use TPPs [and increase their share]," he said. RwS Bank (Kyiv) seeks to have the UAH 544.3 mln credit portfolio by late 2017. This will be 13.9 times more than as of early 2017, Board Chairman Vladyslav Kravets has said. "The business model of RWS Bank envisages servicing of corporate clients, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) focusing on money services, document transactions, factoring, overdrafts and cash collection services. It is planned that in 2017 the credit portfolio of the bank would expand to UAH 544.3 million from UAH 39.2 million," he told Interfax-Ukraine. The banker also said that the financial institution will actively promote the e-banking service and by 2019 it will be transformed into one-touch bank in volumes of e-transactions. The bank also intends to actively introduce technological solutions aimed at work with micro businesses, among which is the connection to the specialized platforms with outsourcing services. The bank also plans to introduce a digital channel for providing credits by 2019. This is the service allowing clients to receive credits remotely. The bank is mulling the creation of a financial supermarket. This is a business model foreseeing the integration of products and services between the bank and other financial institutions and financial servicing companies, Kravets said. He said that by the middle of this year RwS Bank intends to start issuing MasterCard International payment cards. The trade acquiring service would be launched after joining to the participants of the Ukrainian Payment Prostir national payment system. This year the financial institution intends to introduce the mobile banking system. Commenting on plans to develop the regional chain, Kravets said that in 2017 the bank intends to open branches in Lviv, Odesa, Mykolaiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Zaporizhia and Uzhgorod. At present the bank's chain includes three branches in Kyiv and one each in Vinnytsia and Lviv. As reported, the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) early November 2016 annulled the status of a transitive bank for RwS Bank which was created on the basis of insolvent Omega Bank. Lithuania will consistently maintain the non-recognition policy of the illegal annexation and occupation of Crimea, maintain the EU and international sanctions against the Russian Federation, Lithuanian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on the third anniversary of the occupation of Crimea dated February 21, 2017. "Lithuania strongly supports Ukraines sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. In support of Ukraine, we will consistently maintain the non-recognition policy of the illegal annexation and occupation of Crimea that began three years ago. We will aim to maintain the EU and international sanctions against the Russian Federation in response to the illegal annexation of the peninsula until Russia withdraws from the illegally occupied territory of Ukraine, said in a statement on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania. The statement notes numerous violations by Russia, as an occupying force, of human rights and freedoms in the occupied Crimea. "We condemn the ongoing restrictions by Russia, as an occupying power, of fundamental human rights and violations of the freedoms of media, expression, peaceful assembly, religion, and belief, as well as the persecution of the Crimean Tatars." In addition, strong concerns are expressed over the illegally imprisoned Ukrainian citizens in Crimea, the detention and interrogation of journalists, who speak up for Ukraine's territorial integrity, as well as the ban on international human rights organizations monitoring the human rights situation in Crimea. Growing numbers of Crimean Tatar activists and human rights activists illegally held in detention, acts of intimidation, abduction and torture, the ban of the activity of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, the closure of Ukrainian schools and houses of worship, continued repressions against the Crimean Tatar minority, the entrance ban to Crimea on Crimean Tatar leaders. Lithuanian Foreign Ministry calls actions of the Russian Federation towards Ukraine as those that pose threats to security and stability in Europe as a whole. "The illegal actions of the Russian Federation not only undermine bilateral and multilateral agreements on ensuring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, but also pose threats to security and stability in Europe as a whole," a message says. Alongside this, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry reminds of international condemnation and non-recognition of Russian occupation of the Crimean peninsula, in particular of the United Nations General Assembly's resolution No. 68/262 dated March 27, 2014. It also reminds of a resolution on the human rights situation in the autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol adopted by the General Assembly on December 19, 2016 and the International Criminal Courts preliminary conclusion dated November 14, 2016, designating the situation in Crimea as an international armed conflict, clearly recognize that the military aggression, which was unleashed by the Russian Federation against Ukraines Autonomous Republic of Crimea three years ago and currently expanded to eastern Ukraine, constitutes a serious breach of international law, the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. The Verkhovna Rada has passed a bill on joining to the Protocol on Sustainable Tourism to the Carpathian Convention, a treaty to foster the sustainable development and the protection of the Carpathian region. A total of 239 lawmakers backed bill No. 0131 on Wednesday. The Protocol on Sustainable Tourism to the Carpathian Convention was signed in Bratislava on May 27, 2011. According to the explanatory note to the bill, its adoption is required for the signing of the protocol. This will allow developing tourism in the Carpathian Mountains, influencing on the economic development in undeveloped regions, helping to diversify economic operations on these territories, creating a possibility of using resources to preserve diverse natural resources and their effective use and influencing on maintenance and restoration of the historic and cultural heritage of the region. Ukraine is fulfilling all its international obligations on the disengagement of heavy weapons, but faces provocations, Ukraine's representative in a security subgroup of the Trilateral Contact Group Yevhen Marchuk has said. "Ukraine and the OSCE initiated the disengagement of heavy weapons and establishment of a cease-fire regime three times each in February. In general, most heavy weapons were disengaged, but after Avdiyivka everything was demolished. The negotiation process was driven almost to the top," he said on 112.Ukraine TV channel on Wednesday evening. Marchuk noted that Russia theoretically supports the idea of disengagement. "The Ukrainian side provided information on the location of heavy weapons to the OSCE on February 8, and we had completed all the procedures until February 20 [...] On February 20 the enemy shelled us 62 times, 85 shells were recorded on February 21 [...] From January 1 until February 22 illegal armed formations broke the cease-fire regime 3,129 times having fired the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) positions with 37,840 mines and missiles [...] On the one hand, Russia recognizes ORDLO (authorities of some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions) documents, on the other hand it provokes Ukraine to withdraw from the negotiation process," he said. NEWTON Eagle Rock Camp, founded back in 2011, is a non-profit organization that provides a unique resource for military families, which includes veterans and active servicemen/women. We help military families reconnect through a therapeutic camping retreat, Lynn Marilla, founder and executive director of Eagle Rock Camp, said. The retreats, which take place at Camp Harrison in Boomer, teach adults and their children how to cope with the cognitive changes a veteran can have. After the retreat is over, we have a two-year continuum of care where we keep in touch with the families and make sure the family has made progress, Marilla said. The program has 60 alumni families, eight who are local to Catawba County, who have attended camp and most of those families now volunteer for Eagle Rock. We originally found Eagle Rock Camp from a set of friends that we know who are local and they suggested that we go, Stephanie Gill, an alumna of the program, said. Now, I volunteer at camp and my husband does too, occasionally. Gills husband was in the Army National Guard for 15 years and was deployed in Iraq. He was deployed there during the invasion, Gill said. Hes been out for seven years this April. The Gills have two children a daughter and son who are 8 and 6 years old. It was hard as a family to be able to cope with the issues my husband was faced with, Gill said. Our kids dont understand a whole lot of it, because we dont have a lot of military families around us like we would if we were on an Army base. Once youve been deployed, you change, and anybody changes with a traumatic experience. Even if you were in a car accident, it could change you. Looking for ways to help their family reconnect, the Gills decided to give Eagle Rock Camp a try. When we first got to the camp, my husband did not like it and wanted to go home, Gill said. By the second night, he was like, can we stay longer than a week? which was great to hear. Parents and children are able to learn more about one another, themselves and how to help one another. Now, my son will notice when his daddy is having a moment, and he will talk him down, Gill said. Camp really helped us bond as a family and learn new things about one another. The camp also gives the opportunity for military families to connect with other families dealing with similar situations. It has been two years since we attended camp, and we still are in touch with those families that we went to camp with, Gill said. Since the family attended Eagle Rock Camp, they have been able to reconnect with one another and improve their relationships. Our life two years ago compared to our life now is day and night, Gill said. I wish we had went to Eagle Rock sooner. The retreats are now held in Boomer at Camp Harrison, where families can zipline, go horseback riding and many other activities. The staff at Camp Harrison are amazing and Lynn is great about getting everything together, Gill said. According to the 2015 N.C. Veteran Annual Report, there are more than 11,000 veterans living in Catawba County, and North Carolina is eighth in veteran population in the nation. The community needs to come together to help our veterans, Marilla said. We need to raise awareness for veterans mental health. To learn more about Eagle Rock Camp, call 704-257-6382 and to purchase a ticket for the documentary, visit gathr.us/screening/19225. HICKORY Students at Clyde Campbell Elementary School welcomed a special guest Wednesday morning to their school U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry. McHenry, N.C. District 10, represents Catawba County and several other surrounding counties in Washington D.C., where he is serving his seventh term in Congress. We are excited to be able to provide this opportunity and educational experience for our kids, Principal Adrienne Dula said. Students in the sixth grade at Clyde Campbell welcomed the Congressman to learn more about U.S. politics and McHenrys role in the Congress. I represent eight counties total in our congressional district and that is based off the population of those counties and it equals about 710,000 people. I am your voice in Washington, he said to the students. McHenry opened the discussion asking students questions about U.S. politics, the three branches of government, and the formation of a bicameral legislative branch. Students shouted answers waiting and awaited a chance to be called upon to offer their answers to McHenry. After a brief civics lesson, McHenry opened the floor for a question and answer session. Students questioned McHenry on polices, personal activities, and his opinions on the Trump presidency. One student asked McHenry what the most difficult part of his job is; to which McHenry replied it is the schedule. I live here by Lake Norman and my wife and I commute back and forth together to Washington. We are in Washington probably 40 weeks out of the year, Monday through Thursday, he said. Another student questioned McHenry on his opinions on the executive order President Trump signed regarding a travel ban, specifically on Syrian immigrants. I think it is important that we know who is coming to our country, and when they are coming from countries that do not have governments or have bad governments, we have to make sure we know who they are. We are a welcoming country and we should be a welcoming country but we should know who they are and make sure that it is safe, he said. McHenry encouraged the students to make good decisions for themselves and become educated when it comes to making choices. The important thing for every one of you, for now and the rest of your life, is to make decisions and choices for yourself. Dont let anyone else do it for you; we are Americans, we dont like that, McHenry said. McHenry wrapped the discussion with a simple request for students: Make informed decisions, and Dont be a dum-dum. This domain has expired. If you owned this domain, contact your domain registration service provider for further assistance. If you need help identifying your provider, visit https://www.tucowsdomains.com/ NSDC official discusses defense cooperation expansion with UAE, Turkey, some Asian countries at IDE 2017 First Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine Oleh Hladkovsky who headed the Ukrainian delegation to the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2017 (the United Arab Emirates) has discussed expansion of defense cooperation between Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey and some Asian countries, the press service of the NSDC reported on Wednesday. According to the report, at the exhibition Hladkovsky met Prime Minister of the UAE Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, high-ranking officials in the defense sector of the country and heads of defense agencies of some Asian countries. The parties discussed the potential of defense cooperation in the areas of joint defense research and development (R&D) and joint production of defense goods. "We have what to offer to the UAE and the world community. Along with purchase and sale of defense goods, our countries should focus on joint research and opening of joint enterprises," he said. According to the report, at the IDEX 2017 Hladkovsky also held talks with top officials of Turkey's Hladkovsky and discussed Ukrainian-Turkish defense cooperation in aircraft building. Antonov State Enterprise President Oleksandr Kotsiuba took part in the meeting. The IDEX 2017 is held from February 19 through February 23 in Abu-Dhabi. It is the only international defense exhibition and conference in the MENA region demonstrating the latest technology across land, sea and air sectors of defense. Ukraine exhibits new robototronics, promising armored vehicles and guided missile and artillery armament. Specialists and journalists have showed their interest to the tactical unmanned multipurpose vehicle Phantom with the anti-tank missile system Barrier exhibited at IDEX 2017. Chaotic events in Delhis Ramjas College over the last few days have turned the spotlight on the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-affiliated students group which clashed with Ramjas students and members of the Left leaning All India Students Association on Wednesday. The ABVP has been involved in several disruptive incidents across the country. And it has done so with impunity. If it doesnt want a senior journalist to address students in Allahabad University, it gheraoes him. It gets classes suspended in Jodhpur University after a talk by a professor from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). It beats up a film studies student who refuses to chant Jai Narendra Modi. It blackens the face of a television anchor in Pune because it doesnt care for the use of swear words. Read: Ramjas protest: Teachers, students, journalists beaten up in clash with ABVP The ABVP is not alone in indulging in these bouts of violence. Across India, student groups are on the boil. In JNU, students have been demonstrating against the administration for months. Kerala has witnessed violence by members of the CPI(M)-led Students Federation of India. Delhi University elections see regular clashes between the ABVP and the Congress-led National Students Union of India. Last August, several students were injured when the two groups clashed over university elections in Vadodara. In Raiganj in Bengal, two factions of the Trinamul Chhatra Parishad clashed with each other earlier this month. Some of the protests are led by independent student bodies. In Kolkatas Jadavpur University, students gheraoed their vice chancellor for three days on the campus in January following in the footsteps of Presidency University students who occupied the VCs office for four days in 2015. Often, a students group is given free rein in a state where its parent body is in power. That could explain why the ABVP has upped the ante in the last two years, ever since the BJP came to power. It is, however, making its present felt not just in BJP-ruled states such as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, but also in Karnataka, Kerala, Bengal and elsewhere. Earlier limited to the North, the ABVP has been growing across the country. According to a BJP leader, around 10 lakh members were enrolled in 2014, bringing its total strength to 33 lakh. In Delhi, it has 38,000 members. It has made inroads where it hardly existed earlier winning elections in Kannur University in Kerala in 2016 and at the College of Jute Technology in Calcutta in 2015. It also won an office-bearers post in JNU in 2015; the last time it had done so was in 2002, when the BJPs Atal Bihari Vajapyee was the Prime Minister. Read: Ramjas - the new battleground a year after JNU turmoil It is clear that these student bodies have long ceased to engage in anything meaningful for students themselves. They have turned campuses into political battlegrounds, often with undesirable consequences. They behave in many ways as the sword arm of their parent bodies on campuses. Political patronage and protection explain why the police just look away when student bodies go on the rampage on one pretext or the other as in Ramjas. This undermines the very concept of student politics which should be all about debate, discussion and protest but not gratuitous violence. Bishaka de Sarkar is a senior journalist The views expresed are personal Mahashivratri, the Hindu festival observed annually in honour of god Shiva, will be celebrated with pomp and grandeur this year too on February 24. Commemorating the festival, the devotees fast through out the day. This year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil a 112-ft tall face of Adiyogi the Source of Yoga, designed and consecrated by Sadhguru, founder, Isha Foundation, on Mahashivratri on February 24 at the Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The iconic face symbolises liberation, representing the 112 ways in which one can attain to ones ultimate through the science of yoga. PM Narendra Modi will unveil a 112-ft tall face of Adiyogi the Source of Yoga, at the Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. As the city soaks in the festival of Mahashivratri, in reverence of lord Shiva, heres looking at some events happening in the Capital. The Hindi play, Mahadev, based on the life of the lord. Mahadev: Revisit the tales from Shivas life with this Hindi play, Mahadev by Sanskriti Theatre Group. Directed by Rajeev Raj Gupta, the two-hour long mythological play showcases the tale, where king Daksha, father of Sati, hosted a grand yajna, wherein all gods were invited, with the exception of Shiva. The play deals with Shivas ordeal of seeing Satis lifeless body, Satis rebirth as goddess Parvati and her marriage to Lord Shiva. Where: Shri Adhyaya Katyayni Shakti Peeth Temple Chhatarpur When: 1.30pm onwards Experience an offering to Lord Shiva this Mahashivratri by renowned Kuchipudi dancers Raja Radha Reddy. An Ode to Lord Shiva: Experience an offering to lord Shiva this Mahashivratri by renowned Kuchipudi dancers Raja Radha Reddy with an all night concert series. The concert shall commence with Rudrachamakam the vedic chants of Shiva, followed by performances by artists, such as Gundecha Brothers, Raja Radha Reddy, Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, Pt. Rajendra Gangani, Aditi Sharma, Shashrek Amabardar, among others. Where: NatyaTarangini Performing Art Center, Pushp Vihar, Sector-6, Saket When: 8.30pm onwards Experience divinity coupled with meditation at Zorba The Buddha, Mehrauli-Gurgaon road. Dance of Shiva : Experience divinity coupled with meditation in a night of dance and celebration at Zorba The Buddha, Mehrauli-Gurgaon road, on Friday. The evening will see facilitators Ashwin Bharti, Ma Prem Bhakti take the attendees through the ancient Prana Urja Breathwork that lets one connect to the centre of our being and to the third eye, i.e connecting ourselves with the centre of our intuition. Where: Zorba The Buddha, Mehruali-Gurgaon road When: 5.30pm onwards The Sopan Festival of young musicians and dancers is presented by the Sahitya Kala Parishad. A dance and music festival: The Sopan Festival of young musicians and dancers, presented by the Sahitya Kala Parishad, Department of Art, Culture and Languages, Government of Delhi NCT, will help you soak in the festive spirit. Artist Himanshu Srivastava will showcase myths with Kalabhairava ashtakam, through the storytelling technique of Katha vachani. Where: Central Park, Rajiv Chowk When: February 24-28, 6.30pm onwards SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON BJP president Amit Shah is the biggest Kasab who terrorised the country, Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati said on Thursday, hitting back for a controversial comment linking terrorist Ajmal Kasab to names of the saffron partys opponents in Uttar Pradesh. Shah invoked Pakistan terrorist Ajmal Kasab while addressing public meetings in Azamgarh and Gorakhpur on Wednesday. Until Uttar Pradesh gets rid of K-A-S-A-B, there will be no development in the state. Ka (in Hindi) is for Congress, Sa for Samajwadi Party and Ba for BSP. Kasab was the only Pakistani attacker caught alive after the 2008 Mumbai attack and was hanged in 2012. On Thursday, Mayawati said invoking the Pakistani terrorist in a public meeting reflected on the mentality of BJP leaders. The BJP is aware of the fact that it is on slippery ground in UP and the BSP is coming to power. To cover their desperation, the BJP leaders are making obnoxious comments, she said. Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mayawati said, The people of UP should send the adopted son to Gujarat and elect their own daughter (Mayawati) to lead the state. Modi had claimed himself to be the adopted son of UP at a rally earlier. Uttar Pradesh is voting in seven-phase polls with the BJP fighting against a Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance and the BSP. A large number of people converged on the rally ground to hear Mayawati who has represented Ambedkar Nagar in Lok Sabha four times (1989, 1998, 1999 and 2004). Having a sizable Dalit population, it is considered a strong fort of the BSP but the party failed to open its account in the district in the last assembly elections. On Thursday, Mayawati was elated over large turnout of women and asked them to serve food to men only after they cast their vote. The safety of the women and their welfare will be my top priority after BSP forms government, she said. Addressing women, Mayawati said, To attend my rally women completed their domestic chores early in the morning and boarded bus, tractor, trollies and various vehicles to reach here. They braved odds to attend the rally as they are aware of the fact that their dignity and honour will be protected only under the BSP government. Rule of law will be enforced in the state and strict measures will be taken to check atrocities on women. The girls and women will able to move freely out of their home after sunset. The criminals will be put behind bar, she said. She also promised cheap electricity, water and ration to the families below poverty line. Instead of allowance, the BSP government will give employments to youths, she said. Eyeing a comeback, the BSP chief has fielded senior leaders on five assembly seats in the district. While state unit president Ramachal Rajbhar is contesting from Akbarpur, former minister Lalji Verma is in fray from Katheri and Tribhuvan Dutt from Alapur seat. To win the support of Muslim community, who have a considerable presence on all the seats, Mayawati said only the BSP was in a position to stop the BJP from grabbing power. The SP is a divided house due to the infightings in the Yadav family and if Muslims support SP, their vote will go waste, she claimed. Announcing waiver of Rs 1 lakh loan for the farmers, she assured her supporters that the BSP government will reinstate the policy of allotting patta to the landless. The land sharks who have grabbed the patta given under BSP government will be sent to jail, she said. Terming the SP-Congress alliance as unholy she said, The SP government harassed minority community and jungle raj prevailed in the state. Congress leaders overlooked the wrong policies of the SP government and opted for pre-poll alliance to serve their vested interest. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Collapse of caste calculations Jhansi is Bundelkhands biggest city. It goes to polls on February 23rd. Just an evening talking to voters here gave me an inkling that all the easy theories being peddled back in Lucknow or Delhi about which caste is where -- Brahmans and non Yadav OBCs with BJP, Yadavs and Muslims with SP, Dalits with BSP -- do not translate as easily on the ground. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) here has a Kushwaha candidate - a non Yadav OBC who is getting his community votes as well as of Muslims, breaking stereotypes of which community is where. But as we drove from Jhansi, through Bundelkhand, the complexity of this election became even more apparent. Take the Mahoba town seat, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate is a Brahman, the SP candidate is a Sahu (OBC), and the BSP candidate is a Thakur. So conventional logic should suggest that Brahmans will vote for the BJP. But we met a Chaurasia - a Brahmin - who said he was voting for the SP candidate and not the person from his caste. Ashish Tiwari, another Brahman, sitting in a chai shop, nodded and said he too will vote SP. Why? Because Akhilesh gave me a laptop. We met a Bania contractor, Rajender Gupta, who said he will vote BSP. Why? Banias have always supported BJP. But look what they did with notebandi to us. They havent even given tickets to Banias in Banda or Mahoba. But dont interpret this to mean that other upper castes might not be with BJP. The cliche is you can understand UP only through caste. What may be equally true is you can totally misread UP if you only look at it through caste, and pre-conceptions of which caste group is where. It is dictated by specific circumstances, for all politics is local. Banter in Banda On the election trail, you meet journalists in the most unlikely of places. We bump into two fellow reporters from Delhi at Bandas Comfort Inn hotel during lunch; they had taken the opposite route from Allahabad into Bundelkhand. As we stepped out and began talking to the hotel manager, election chatter inevitably picked up. The Banda seat was held by Congress Vivek Singh, now a candidate of the alliance. He faces a still challenge from BJPs Prakash Dwivedi and BSPs Madhusudan Kushwaha. The hotel manager told us the BJP will make it. How? The Muslims will split between SP and BSP. Woh bat gaye, ham nikal gaye. They split, we make it. But another gentleman was not as convinced, and said the Muslims will stay with the alliance. He asked, instead, What about Banias? Will all Banias stay with the BJP after notebandi? The manager, as he finished his plate of french fries, laughed and said, Yes, yes, they will be with the BJP. And we will win. We talked about how it seemed that only Muslims and Yadavs were voting for the alliance. The manager was called Malhotra. I asked the other person his name. Let it be. I am with cycle. So you can guess - I am either Muslim or a Yadav, he replied with a laugh and turned to Malhotra, We will make the government, not you guys. Just see. While we often capture the contestation and the bitterness in elections, we often fail to capture how people can, in such civil terms with a light touch, disagree with each others political choices. The banter at Banda was a reminder the battle is only inside, not necessarily outside, the polling booth. Paid media In Chitrakoot, I saw the board of a prominent Hindi newspaper and thought this was the best spot to pick local wisdom. The bureau chief was friendly and said the district had two seats. The Chitrakoot seat, he said, was witnessing a straight battle between the BSP and SP candidates. In the Manikpur seat, the battle was between the Congress and the BJP - the Congress candidate here is Sampath Pal of the Gulabi gang fame. The journalist, who will have to remain unnamed for reasons which will soon become clear, also predicted that the Bundelkhand would give the BSP at least ten seats. The alliance will get five and the BJP four. At a time when I have been changing my mind every 24 hours about who has the edge in this election, his confidence was striking. But the conversation took an interesting turn when he referred to paid news. Was the paid news phenomena still alive? He replied, Not at our level. But at the top. He then showed the Jhansi edition of a paper which had the images of leaders of one party, from a rally, displaying their symbols as front page lead. Yeh kya hai? What is this? Dont you think they are advertising the symbol? All papers have done deals. The ways in which the media - especially the Hindi media - is shaping this election in ways good and bad is probably one of the major untold stories of 2017. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations Volodymyr Yelchenko has called on the OSCE to pay increased attention to the situation of human rights in the temporarily occupied Crimea, where the Russian government is committing brutal repressions. He made such a statement at a meeting of the UN Security Council on the priorities of the Austrian presidency of the OSCE. "We encourage the OSCE to pay close attention to the rights of people in the occupied territory of Crimea, where Russia is conducting unprecedented repressions," Yelchenko said. He said "instead of full and good faith implementation of the Minsk commitments, Russia resorts to political and military provocations, blackmail and political pressure." In addition, the permanent representative said that the continued aggression of Russia against Ukraine and its negative effects are among the main threats to security in Europe. As the Uttar Pradesh election enters the final lap, the BJP is giving it all. Almost all ministers who can speak Hindi have been packed off to Uttar Pradesh, where the party is trying to replicate its performance of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and regain prominence in state politics after being sidelined by regional players. On poll duty, four senior ministers JP Nadda, Piyush Goyal, Smriti Irani and Narendra Singh Tomar were all staying in a luxury hotel in Lucknow two days ago, sources said. Voting was on for 53 seats, including those in Rae Bareli, the parliamentary constituency of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, in the fourth phase on Thursday. The ministers are supplementing Prime Minister Narendra Modis efforts who has increased the number of poll rallies he would address in Indias largest state. The competition is stiff and stakes high. The ruling Samjwadi Party has for the first time gone into polls with a partner, the Congress. Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party is keen to make a comeback in the state. Home minister Rajnath Singh, who hails from Uttar Pradesh and seen as a potential chief ministerial candidate, has been crisscrossing the state for several weeks now. He had a busy Wednesday as he visited Tarabganj, Sahajnava, Ghanghata, Isouli and Sultanpur among other places. He, too, has been camping in Lucknow. Small industries minister Kalraj Mishra, a prominent Brahmin face from Uttar Pradesh, was busy campaigning in Jalalpur, Kapilvastu and Mahadeva. While only a few senior ministers campaigned in Goa, Uttarakhand and Punjab, which voted earlier this month, UP is a different ball game. A sense of urgency is palpable and the party is mobilising all its resources. It even shifted its polls cell, operated by mid-rung leaders, from Delhi to the state capital Lucknow. Only one senior person has stayed back in Delhi. Everyone else is in Lucknow, a source in the party said. For the BJP, the outcome in UP will decide the direction its government will take at the Centre. A win in the bellwether state will embolden it to go ahead with economic reforms. The party wants to put the bruising defeat in Bihar behind it and as Rajnath Singh told HT UP will compensate for the loss in Bihar. It will also help improve the ruling coalitions tally in the Rajya Sabha, where it is in minority, and put it in a more comfortable position ahead of the presidential poll in July. Poll duties, however, are not at the cost of the government work. On Wednesday, all ministers were in the Capital for a cabinet meeting. The party will be missing the services of external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, a good orator and a crowd-puller, who is recuperating from a surgery. Otherwise, all senior ministers are taking turns to the campaign roster. The maximum campaign duty naturally has been given to people who belong to the state, a source said. The outcome of the push will be known on March 11 when results of all the five state polls, including Uttar Pradesh, will be declared. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Hitting out at Amit Shah for KASAB remark, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday accused BJP leaders of coining petty acronyms for the fear of defeat in the the Assembly polls. The Samajwadi Party leader also took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for attacking him, saying he holds such a high position but fights with me and indulges in such a petty talk which does not suit him. Referring to the acronym KASAB coined by Shah for Congress, SP and BSP yesterday, Akhilesh said, BJP people have lost the battle on the ground and so their language has changed. Taking a dig at the BJP chief, he said, We used to study that it was KA se kabutar but these people are teaching something else. This time round, people are going to set your kabutar (pigeons) free. Addressing another rally at Pechpedva, Akhilesh said, They (BJP leaders) seem to be indulging in petty talk in view of their bad showing in the elections. He wondered on what course BJP wants to take the polls and said the SP only wanted to take it on the path of development. Shah had yesterday used the acronym KASAB, saying Ka (in Hindi) stands for Congress, Sa for Samajwadi Party and Ba for BSP. He had said that till KASAB is laid to rest, UP will not have development. Kasab was the Pakistani terrorist who was arrested during the 26/11 Mumbai attack and hanged in 2012. Attacking Modi, Akhilesh said, The Prime Minister is sitting on such a high post and indulging in such a petty talk which does not suit him. Taking a dig at Modi, he said, it seems he does not like staying in Delhi and is moving about all over UP...if he so desires, he can swap places with me. He added, Piqued are only those who are faced with defeat...only those who are left behind talk about the past. On Modis remark that he is an adopted son of UP, the Chief Minister said, PMji do not confuse our Uttar Pradesh... if you are the adopted son of UP, then we belong to this place...who is going to adopt us. He said if the Prime Minister wants a debate, he should not talk about other issues. I say this openly that if he (PM) wants a debate with me on development issues I am ready for it...we ask what you have done for UP and we will also tell what all we have done, he said. On the foreign trips of Prime Minister, he said, The PM has toured so many countries, has he brought anything for the country he should tell? We in UP have tried to emulate the policing system in the US and developed UP-100...now policemen cannot misbehave with the public, he said. On the prime ministers allegations that police stations are run by SP people, Akhilesh said he does not know that it is also run through UP-100. We admit that there had been some shortcomings, but it will improve with UP-100 and the anomalies in the police working will be addressed, he said. Attacking the BJP, he said when SP had decided to distribute laptops they called it jhunjhuna (toy) but later went on to include it in their manifesto. Why they allege that we discriminated in its distribution...you people can go out and ask whether meritorious students have not got it, he added. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi again turned to Bollywood to counter Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he accused of resorting to hate politics out of fear of losing the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. Gandhi had called Modis 2.5-year tenure a retrograde journey from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, the 1995 Shah Rukh Khan hit, to Gabbar Singhs Sholay at his poll rallies. I have only one thing to say, tu na Hindu banega na Musalman banega, insaan ki aulaad hai insaan banega, he said on Thursday, at a party rally in his Lok Sabha constituency. The lyrics eulogizing communal harmony are from a song from yesteryear movie Dhool ka Phool. The reference was made as the Congress and Samajwadi Party (SP) alliance accused the BJP leader of playing the Hindutva card to polarize voters in the sensitive state. Gandhi taunted Modi that his anxiety increased after the Congress and the ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) formed a coalition to contest the seven-phase UP assembly polls together. He was happy till the formation of the Congress-SP alliance. His mood changed thereafter and so has his expression. He is resorting to spreading hatred, he said at the Ramlila grounds in Amethi, which votes in the fifth phase on February 27. The alliance is up for a friendly fight in the Amethi assembly constituency with the SPs rape-accused minister Gayatri Prasad Prajapati contesting against the Congresss Rani Amita Singh. SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, who was unhappy with the tie-up, was scheduled to campaign for his close aide, Prajapati, when the Congress vice president was touring the region. But the SP founder saved the alliance an embarrassment by cancelling his visit on Wednesday. Gandhi reciprocated the gesture by not uttering a word against Prajapati or any other SP candidate fielded against his partys nominees. The two parties are up against each other in four of 10 assembly seats within the Rae Bareli and Amethi parliamentary segments, which Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her son, the vice president, represent in the Lok Sabha. Instead, the Congress leader used the occasion to target Prime Minister Modi. He took a jibe at Modis frequent reference to Sardar Patel at rallies. Gandhi said the BJP is bankrupt of leaders of the stature of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Subhas Chandra Bose and Bhimrao Ambedkar. I also know that your leaders had bowed their heads and tendered an apology to the British. Now, you need leaders like Patel. You can make use of them, if you want to. But do not divide them. You want to associate Patel with the RSS. You will never be able to do so, he said. Gandhi accused the Prime Minister of cancelling projects that he had initiated for the development Amethi and Rae Bareli. Moves to cancel a mega food park, Hindustan Paper Mills and shift a proposed Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) out of Amethi have hurt the people, he said. Congress president Sonia Gandhi too had made a similar accusation against Modi of blocking funds for welfare schemes in Rae Bareli and Amethi, the Nehru-Gandhi bastions. She said as much in an open and emotional letter to voters of these constituencies on Wednesday. Her son stressed the need to promote local brands and promised a Congress-SP alliance government in UP will encourage the youth to set up manufacturing units. Modijis jacket has a made-in-China tag. When he goes to the US next time, the tag on his jacket will be made in UP, he said. Gandhi was on a whirlwind tour of Amethi, where he sought votes for Rani Amita Singh, wife of Congress Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh. Singhs estranged wife Rani Garima Singh is contesting on a BJP ticket. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Minister Narendra Modi is turning to hate politics because he fears losing the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said on Thursday at a party poll rally in his Lok Sabha constituency. Gandhi taunted the BJP leader that his anxiety increased after the Congress and the ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) formed a coalition to contest the seven-phase UP assembly polls together. He was happy till the formation of the Congress-SP alliance. His mood changed thereafter and so has his expression. He is resorting to spreading hatred, he said at the Ramlila grounds in Amethi, which votes in the fifth phase on February 27. Read | Modi replies to Akhilesh: Proud to slog more than a donkey for my 1.25 billion people The alliance is up for a friendly fight in the Amethi assembly constituency with the SPs rape-accused minister Gayatri Prasad Prajapati contesting against the Congresss Rani Amita Singh. SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, who was unhappy with the tie-up, was scheduled to campaign for his close aide, Prajapati, when the Congress vice president was touring the region. But the SP founder saved the alliance an embarrassment by cancelling his visit on Wednesday Gandhi reciprocated the gesture by not uttering a word against Prajapati or any other SP candidate fielded against his partys nominees. The two parties are up against each other in four of 10 assembly seats within the Rae Bareli and Amethi parliamentary segments, which Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her son, the vice president, represent in the Lok Sabha. Instead, the Congress leader used the occasion to target Prime Minister Modi. He took a jibe at Modis frequent reference to Sardar Patel at rallies. Gandhi said the BJP is bankrupt of leaders of the stature of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Subhas Chandra Bose and Bhimrao Ambedkar. Read | Bundelkhand diary: Caste complexities, political banter and paid media I also know that your leaders had bowed their heads and tendered an apology to the British. Now, you need leaders like Patel. You can make use of them, if you want to. But do not divide them. You want to associate Patel with the RSS. You will never be able to do so, he said. Gandhi accused the Prime Minister of cancelling projects that he had initiated for the development Amethi and Rae Bareli. Moves to cancel a mega food park, Hindustan Paper Mills and shift a proposed Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) out of Amethi have hurt the people, he said. Congress president Sonia Gandhi too had made a similar accusation against Modi of blocking funds for welfare schemes in Rae Bareli and Amethi, the Nehru-Gandhi bastions. She said as much in an open and emotional letter to voters of these constituencies on Wednesday. Her son stressed the need to promote local brands and promised a Congress-SP alliance government in UP will encourage the youth to set up manufacturing units. Modijis jacket has a made-in-China tag. When he goes to the US next time, the tag on his jacket will be made in UP, he said. Gandhi was on a whirlwind tour of Amethi, where he sought votes for Rani Amita Singh, wife of Congress Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh. Singhs estranged wife Rani Garima Singh is contesting on a BJP ticket. Read | In election campaign push, BJP packs off Hindi-speaking ministers to UP SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The fourth phase of polling for 53 assembly constituencies, spread over 12 districts of Uttar Pradesh, passed off peacefully on Thursday, barring a few incidents of violence, with 60.37% voter turnout. In 2012 the polling percentage in these districts was 60.20. This phase of voting was crucial for the states ruling Samajwadi Party and main opposition BSP -- both major contenders for power this time too -- as they had won nearly 40 of these seats in 2012 The turnout was 60.37% till 5 pm and since many voters stood in queue inside the polling stations at the time for closure of the exercise, the final figure was set to go up, said chief electoral officer T Venkatesh. While, Lalitpur recorded the highest voter turnout of 71.44%, Allahabad registered the lowest --54.48%. Read | In election campaign push, BJP packs off Hindi-speaking ministers to UP Violence was reported in Mahoba where SP and BSP supporters clashed, leaving four people injured. The clash took place when vehicles of SP candidate Siddhgopal Sahus son Saket Sahu and BSP candidate Arimardan Singhs son Himanchal Singh collided, leading to firing, allegedly by Singh and his supporters. Two of the injured -- Lala Bhaiya and Tariq-- were rushed to a hospital, where their condition was stated to be stable, police said. Saket too is reported to have been injured in the clash. The pace of voting was slow in the first few hours but picked up as the day advanced. The constituencies where polling was held included those in the backward Bundelkhand region and the Nehru-Gandhi pocket borough of Rae Bareli, represented in the Lok Sabha by Congress President Sonia Gandhi. Other than Bundelkhand districts of Chitrakoot, Banda, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur and Mahoba, polling was held in Fatehpur, Kaushambi, Allahabad, Pratapgarh and Rae Bareli. Read | Modi spreading hate politics as he fears losing UP elections: Rahul Gandhi in Amethi (With inputs from agencies) Alia Bhatt is at the top of her game in Bollywood, but even as she goes through a golden period, the actor asserts that she expects ten times more from herself. HT catches up with the 23-year-old star to talk about her career, her love life, her new film, Badrinath Ki Dulhania with Varun Dhawan, and the recent molestation case involving a Malayalam actress. Peoples expectations for your performances have gone through the roof Yes, people keep saying that to me, but remember I expect a lot from myself, too. I probably expect ten times more from myself. Its not like I feel pressurised, or work hard and do certain films only because of what people expect from me. You are your best critique, and so, I am not going to sit around and watch myself perform at a basic level. Even when I am being basic, I want to be fabulous. I am constantly competing and challenging myself. Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt in Badrinath Ki Dulhania. Does that pressure become too much to handle with a new films release? There are expectations from Badrinath Ki Dulhania anyway, but before a new films release, I try to forget all [the hit movies] that happened earlier. Once the movie releases, I cut myself off. I cant stay attached to that feeling of my film doing well and me getting all the love because it will then become a part of who I am, and we know how people can become when they become successful. I dont want any of that happening to me. So, for me, it feels like my first film is being released. Alia Bhatts last release, Dear Zindagi also starred Shah Rukh Khan. As a female film star, you must be shocked about the molestation case in Kerala. Does it worry you? We always have our security apparatus around us. Whenever I am going to work, I always have somebody with me. But its very scary. It could be anybody. Honestly, I dont want to talk much about it so I dont bring more attention to the issue anyone who is in that space wouldnt want that right now. As a girl, I take a huge offence to it. Its a very sad thing. I have a very simple question: Why are women going through this? We shouldnt. The year itself started on a bad note with the Bangalore molestation case. Watch Badrinath Ki Dulhania trailer What do you think is the way out? Education about ethics, society and sex is the only way we can impart knowledge to this country and to the people who dont understand what they are doing or are criminal in their behaviour. Its the only way we can make sure that this country is a safe place for women to live in. The rate at which it (crime against women) is going up is scary. We are so cultured in our behaviour with everyone, that it [such behaviour] comes as a shocker. Why are we like this with women? I dont understand it; its beyond me. Alia Bhatt is rumoured to be dating Sidharth Malhotra. (HT Photo) Recently, your picture with Sidharth Malhotra (alleged boyfriend) at a party set tongues wagging We had left [from the party] at the same time, and since my car had not come [to the porch in time], I stepped into his vehicle. He dropped me to my car, and then I went home. I had to attend my grandmothers birthday, so I had to go home. The photo comes after a number of stories about the two of you breaking up and then patching up a few times Those who think that we have patched up should just feel happy (smiles). But is he more special than just a friend to you? Sid is extremely and immensely special, and he will always be that way. I am not saying he is just a good friend either. But I dont want to talk about who he is [to me]. And there is no mystery; its just that I dont want to talk about it. Alia Bhatt made her Bollywood debut with Student Of The Year. After you and Sidharth left from a party together, the talk is that, you two have come out in the open (about your relationship) We are very comfortable (with each other). And, I dont care (what people think). Lets put it that way. I am not trying to project anything false, but I am not going to go out and talk about it in any way because its personal. I dont want people to use anything that I say against me. Its not like I left in Sids car for the first time. I dont know why people are suddenly saying that we have come out in the open because I have been doing this for quite a long time. I dont think its wrong to go in anyone elses car. I have also gone in Shah Rukhs car, and that doesnt mean anything. Watch Tamma Tamma Again I Badrinath Ki Dulhania Do you feel powerful with all the success and accolades that have come your way? I dont take anything for granted. Its not like I dont feel grateful for the space that I am in. But, I dont take all of it (success) too seriously. The minute I do that, it will start affecting the choices I make, and the way I interact with people and conduct myself. I will start nitpicking everything thinking that I should behave in a certain way because people expect me to be like that. I dont want to change because of the love and appreciation that I am getting. Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan also starred in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. You started your career at 19. Is there a fear of burning out? Yes, there is, and thats why I am taking it easy right now. I just have one film this year. I have signed two more Dragon and Gully Boy. I am not going crazy about work right now. After Badrinath Ki Dulhania releases, I will go on a four-month break during which I will do nothing. And, this is not scaring me. I am not going to do a film just because I have four months off. I will chill and learn to play the piano, Kathak, horse riding and cooking. To learn cooking, I want to travel to places such as Paris, France. I want to be a student for four months. Watch Humsafar song I Badrinath Ki Dulhania Keeping up with the theme of your new film, Badrinath Ki Dulhania, is marriage on your mind? I dont really think about getting married because I shouldnt be doing that anytime soon. I am only 24. I have at least five or six years more for marriage. I can start thinking about it then. Its not at all on my mind right now. But, yes, I do want to have babies and settle down some day. I also want to continue acting. I will not stop working as long as people want to see me on screen. Alia Bhatt was lauded for her performance in Udta Punjab. You worked with Varun for the third time in Badrinath Ki Dulhania. Is this why the chemistry between the two of you is so palpable? I would like to believe that both of us are good actors, which is why our chemistry is also good. Its also got to do with how well our characters are written, and how Shashank (Khaitan; director) worked with both of us. Also, we are like children. We are constantly going neck-to-neck with each other in real life too. So, whenever we work together, we try to make sure everything is fabulous without trying too hard. And, I am not taking our chemistry for granted. We depend a lot on each other to make sure that (chemistry) it comes across. Watch Badri Ki Dulhania (Title Track) Have you finally settled in your new home in Juhu? I havent been at (the new) home on a regular basis. But, its fully functional and designed now. There were minor issues such as plumbing etc. But, now, everything has fallen into place. I am finally fully settled. There are no alarming situations any longer at home (laughs). Sometimes, it does feel strange to have your own space. But, now, that strangeness is also going away. I look forward to going home and spending some alone time with myself. But, I havent had even that kind of time for a while now. Nowadays, I go home only to sleep. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan on Thursday shared the first poster of his Bangladeshi movie - No Bed of Roses - which has been banned in Bangladesh. He tweeted: Heres the poster of Doob Eskay Movies Most of a Sarwar Farooki. Irrfan dons an intriguing look in the poster where his body is a terrain of hills and trees. The actor is also co-producing the film. Irrfan Khan plays the lead in the film said to be based on the life of Humayun Ahmed. (Twitter) In the artistic poster, his face can be seen superimposed on the image of green hills and a pathway in between. The poster gives a look of being a canvas painting. The film, which is said to be loosely based on late Bangladeshi writer and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed, hit headlines recently when it got banned in Bangaldesh. Helmed by Bangladeshi filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, the movie is said to be about Ahmed, who divorced his wife of 27 years and married an actress 33 years his junior. But the filmmaker has denied that its a biopic. According to a variety.com report, the Bangladesh Film Development Corporations (BFDC) Joint Venture Preview Committee approved the script of the movie on March 8, 2016, after which the film went into production. The completed film was previewed for the BFDC on February 12, 2017, and received a No Objection Certificate on February 15. But just a day later, the BFDC sent the production house a letter stating that the certificate had been cancelled due to a letter from the Bangladesh Information Ministry. Shooting in Rewari with ' fairy queen ' oldest working steam engine 1855 pic.twitter.com/UL2j7LYHHz Irrfan (@irrfank) February 10, 2017 Irrfan, known for his performance-based roles, had expressed shock at the decision, and said this is a humane story that deals with complex male and female relationships in a subtle and balanced way. What harm will it cause to the society if seen? No Bed of Roses is a co-production between Bangladeshs Jaaz Multimedia and Indias Eskay Movies with Irrfans IK Company as co-producer. Follow @htshowbiz for more The buzz around Kangana Ranauts Rangoon, which also stars Shahid Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan, is growing louder as the film readies for a release on February 24. While her role as an action heroine in the Vishal Bhardwaj film is generating a lot of interest, this is not the first time female actors have taken up roles that require them to perform action sequences. Remember Rekha in Khoon Bhari Maang (1988) or Hema Malini in Andha Kanoon (1983)? Rekha in a still from Khoon Bhari Maang. More recently, Deepika Padukone made her Hollywood debut with the action-packed international hit xXx: Return of the Xander Cage. Heres a look at female actors who dared to cast themselves in roles that required them to perform action sequences: Kangana Ranaut Rangoon, one of Kangana Ranauts most anticipated films, is a period film set in the World War II. The film portrays the struggles and life of Mary Ann Evans: The buzz is that it is loosely based on the 40s action star Fearless Nadia. Rumours suggest that Kangana will be seen performing the action scenes on her own without a body double in the film. Taapsee Pannu Taapsee played an undercover agent in the Akshay Kumar-starrer Baby where she left a powerful impact with a small but effective combat scene opposite Sushant Singh. Taapsee is now gearing up for the release of Naam Shabana, a prequel to Baby. She will be seen doing some action sequences that are reportedly new to Bollywood. Taapsee has trained extensively with French stunt director Cyril Raffaeli, known for his work in blockbuster movies including The Incredible Hulk, Brotherhood of the Wolf, The Transformers. Kriti Sanon Kriti Sanon will soon be seen with Sushant Singh Rajput in Raabta. While the film is a romantic flick, Kriti will do an action sequence. Reports suggest that she bruised herself while performing the stunts on sets. Katrina Kaif Tiger Zinda Hai is set to release towards the end of 2017. The film will see Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan reunite for their sequel to Ek Tha Tiger. Katrina was seen throwing in some kicks and punches in that movie as a Pakistani spy in the 2012 film. We hope she will be in action mode for Tiger Zinda Hai as well. Deepika Padukone Deepika was seen performing action in two of her old releases, Chandni Chowk to China, where she flaunted her sword-fighting skills, and in Bajirao Mastani, where she reportedly shot the war scene wearing a 20kg-heavy armour. She was recently seen throwing punches and kicks in the hit xXx along with Hollywood star Vin Diesel. Follow @htshowbiz for more Bollywood actor-turned-director Pooja Bhatt has revealed that a man has been posing as her agent and taking funds from event companies on her behalf. Pooja Bhatt poses with her dad and filmmaker Mahesh. The 44-year-old Jism filmmaker says she is horrified by this incident and plans to take police action against the man named Prashant Malgewar from Solitude Lifestyle Inc. Horrified that a man called Prashant Malgewar-Solitude Lifestyle Inc is masquerading as my agent and taking funds from event cos on my behalf, Pooja tweeted. Horrified that a man called Prashant Malgewar-Solitude Lifestyle Inc is masquerading as my agent & taking funds from event co's on my behalf Pooja Bhatt (@PoojaB1972) February 23, 2017 This is a very DANGEROUS trend. Strict action needs to be taken against Prashant Malgewar(Soulitude Lifestyle Inc) as this amounts to FRAUD. Prashant Malgewar is NOT my agent or representative. He is a fraudster who needs to be booked for claiming he does, she further wrote. This is a very DANGEROUS trend. Strict action needs to be taken against Prashant Malgewar(Soulitude Lifestyle Inc) as this amounts to FRAUD Pooja Bhatt (@PoojaB1972) February 23, 2017 Prashant Malgewar(Soulitude lifestyle INC) is NOT my agent or representative. He is a fraudster who needs to be booked for claiming he does. Pooja Bhatt (@PoojaB1972) February 23, 2017 Pooja wondered how reputed companies could not call the mans bluff and gave him money without even asking for a signed invoice from her. A man walks into a reputed event cos office, claims money on my behalf & no-one there asks for authentication or a signed invoice from me? A man walks into a reputed event co's office,claims money on my behalf & no-one there asks for authentication or a signed invoice from me? Pooja Bhatt (@PoojaB1972) February 23, 2017 Have to file a complaint against Prashant Malgewar (Soulitude Lifestyle Inc) New Delhi with both Mumbai Police and Delhi Police for fraud. Have to file a complaint against Prashant Malgewar(Soulitude Lifestyle Inc)New Delhi with both Mumbai Police & Delhi Police for fraud. Pooja Bhatt (@PoojaB1972) February 23, 2017 Follow @htshowbiz for more Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) has asked Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers to jointly with Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) prepare and submit to parliament a draft law on measures to limit usage of Russian telecommunications equipment at critical infrastructure facilities. The draft law should be submitted to parliament within three months time. The task is included in the decision of the NSDC on December 29, 2016, titled "On threats to cyber security of the government and urgent measures to neutralize the threat," according to the document, which was posted to the president's website. The SBU and the State Service of Special Communication and Information Protection are instructed during 2017 to identify and eliminate the use of software products made by the aggressor state [Russia] in state institutions. The use of Russian-made software has been banned in previous government orders. The Cabinet is also asked to prepare and submit to parliament a draft bill on strengthening responsibility for non-compliance of laws to safeguard information in information-telecommunication systems and abide by demands made by the SBU and the State Service of Special Communication and Information Protection. In addition, the NSDC requests the Cabinet to submit a draft law to parliament that provides law enforcement agencies with the authority to demand compliance by telecommunications operators and providers the demands on emergency fixation and storage of computer data necessary to solve crimes, for a period up to 90 days to three years. The draft law should establish demands to telecommunications operators and providers to provide information to law-enforcement agencies for identifying providers of services and the route used to transmit information, as well as to block transmissions by operations and providers of information by court order. As earlier reported, at the NSDC meeting on December 29, 2016 Ukrianian President Petro Poroshenko said some 6,500 planned cyber attacks had been identified over the last two months at offices of five government institutions and 31 state information resources. The president said Russian special services were involved in the attacks. Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn, credited with reinventing the once nearly bankrupt Japanese automaker, said on Thursday he is quitting his post to focus on overhauling rival Mitsubishi Motors, but will stay on as chairman. Ghosn, 62, who also heads up French automaker Renault, will hand over the CEO title to Hiroto Saikawa, who is currently co-chief executive with Ghosn, on April 1. Among a handful of foreign-born CEOs at Japanese firms, Ghosn earned the nickname Le Cost Killer for his aggressive restructuring at Nissan starting in the late nineties. Last year, he appointed Saikawa, Nissans then number two executive, as his co-CEO at the maker of the Altima sedan and X-Trail sport utility vehicle so he could focus on crisis-hit Mitsubishis turnaround. Japans number two automaker threw Mitsubishi a lifeline in May when it announced plans to buy a one-third stake in the automaker for about $2.2 billion, as it wrestled with a mileage-cheating scandal that hammered sales. Two of the affected vehicle models were being made for Nissan, which was the first to uncover problems with the fuel economy data. Nissans management change announced Thursday will be formalised at Nissans annual shareholder meeting in June, it said. Having recently taken on new responsibilities at Mitsubishi Motors, and taking into consideration the upcoming Nissan general shareholders meeting, I have decided that the time is right for Hiroto Saikawa to succeed me as Nissans CEO, Ghosn said in a statement. Ghosn will remain CEO of Renault -- which holds a more than 40 percent stake in Nissan -- and chairman of the three automakers. Nissan Motor Co CEO Carlos Ghosn delivers a speech during a presentation at the Tokyo Motor Show. (AP file photo) The reshuffle would allow Ghosn to focus on the groups alliance with Renault and Mitsubishi, and was not linked to health or any other problems, Nissan spokeswoman Keiko Hoshino told AFP. As Chairman of all three Alliance companies, and as Chief Executive Officer of the Renault Group, Mr Ghosn wishes to focus more of his attention on the expansion and stewardship of the alliance, Nissan said. Renault came to the rescue of a nearly bankrupt Nissan in 1999 and parachuted in the Brazil-born Ghosn, who set about slashing costs and jobs in a huge corporate overhaul. In 2014, a string of defections by top Nissan executives reignited longstanding questions about who would succeed Ghosn as chief executive. On Thursday, Nissans Tokyo-listed shares slipped 0.67 percent to 1,111 yen ($10) in morning trade. Analysts said the impact of Ghosns announcement would be limited. He (Ghosn) is a busy man. He may stay a bit further away from Nissan, but as long as he has the right to represent the company the effect will be limited, said Toshihiko Matsuno, chief strategist at SMBC Friend Securities. But as the announcement came just before the stock market opened, investors sold the stock as a reaction based on first impressions. The Rs 2,000 note might just become Prime Minister Narendra Modis Achilles heel in his mission to crack down on black money, as higher denominations allow currency criminals to pump in larger amounts of fake notes into the system. Higher denomination notes everywhere in this world have lured counterfeiters as it is cost effective, and easier to carry. The reason is simple more black and fake money can be pushed into the system through less notes. The recent case of fake Rs 2,000 notes at a State Bank of India ATM might be just the beginning of the new high-denomination fake currency, even though the government has introduced more checks, to decipher a fake note from a real one. You can never make a statement that counterfeiting of currency can be stopped, but by increasing security features, the design of a currency can be an impediment to faking it, said a former Reserve Bank of India official. A quick search on the web would throw up the US reduced its denomination from 12 to seven, since World War II era denominations of $500, $1,000, $5,000, $10,000 and $1,00,000 were weeded out. Larger the denominations, the impact on money laundering and fake currencies is higher. Larger the notes, easier it is for drug traffickers, gun dealers, and smugglers to carry large sums of money. Larger denominations carry more value, its easier to print them, and are cost effective That is one reason why there is a strong argument why RBI should phase out Rs 2,000 note, said Rajiv Kumar, economist and director at Pahle India Foundation. The government, however, cannot do without larger denominations. There has to be a balance in the amount of cash floating in the economy Smaller the note, more difficult is it to handle. It is easier to carry five Rs 2,000 notes, compared to 100 Rs 100 notes, said Mohit Bahl, partner and head of forensic services, at consultancy firm KPMG. Though it is counter intuitive for the government to introduce Rs 2,000 notes while scrapping Rs 1,000 to crack down on black money hoarding, says MM Joshi, former chairman of the central board of direct tax, but he adds: The process of remonetisation was easier with a higher denomination note than the ones scrapped. Lower denomination notes make it difficult for black money holders to keep in large amounts, Rs 2,000 will make it easier. The government should revisit the Rs 2,000 notes once the economy is back to normal, and the process of remonetisation is over, Joshi added. Bahl pointed out that the most difficult part in the process of counterfeiting currency, is to push the fake money into the system, and with fewer notes that, too, becomes easier. That goes against Modis attempt to curb black money.... Indian telecoms consolidation story continues. On Thursday, Bharti Airtel said that it will fully acquire Norwegian telecom operator Telenors local arm, including its subscribers, infrastructure and spectrum, but will not pay any in cash to the later in the deal. Telenor has decided to exit India, the country, which was once its big bet. The decision to exit India has not been taken lightly. After thorough consideration, it is our view that the significant investments needed to secure Telenor Indias future business on a standalone basis will not give an acceptable level of return, said Sigve Brekke, CEO of Telenor Group Thats a sharp turn from what Brekke said in 2012, when he was the managing director of the Telenor India. He said that for Telenor it was critical to be in India as Europe was flat. Last year Telenor wrote off Rs 1,879 crore as impairment, which means the investments it made in India will never see return-on-investment. Brekke told analysts on a call, last year, We are in India to make money... If we cannot see that return through either an auction, participation in an auction, or through a spectrum trading deal, we need to look at alternatives. Telenors accumulated losses since it started operating in India stands at $2.87 billion. The Norwegian firm entered India in 2008, as a joint venture partner with Unitech Wireless, owned by Sanjay Chandra-promoted Unitech Group. Unitech eventually exited the business, and Telenor was on its own. The Airtel-Telenor announcement comes after Vodafone announced merger with Idea Cellular, and speculations are rife about Tata Teleservices being in talks with Reliance Communications, owned by billionaire Anil Ambani. Telenor, once Indias fastest growing telecom operator in 2011-12, slowly lost its steam and had become a regional player, after the break of the 2G-spectrum scam. It had consolidated its operations citing uncertainties in the telecom business. What followed was a series of management rejig. The operator has been in talks with multiple telecom operators for over one year -- Idea Cellular was also a potential acquirer. Finding a long term solution to our India business has been a priority for us, and we are pleased with our agreement with Airtel, said Brekke. The telecom industry has been thrown into a tizzy after Reliance Jio, owned by Mukesh Ambanis Reliance Industries launched its operations in September 2016, whose free internet offers has started a price war and a bunch of legal and regulatory fights between operators. Industry sources confirmed that it is unlikely that there will be job losses. Telenor has 700 permanent employees, according to a source. Meanwhile, Airtel, which has 33% market share with 269 million subscribers will add another 44 million subscribers to its kitty through Telenor. The transaction is expected to get completed in the next 12 months after necessary approvals are taken. While Airtel will not make any cash payment for the acquisition, it has agreed to make all future payments of spectrum and mobile phone towers, sources said. The acquisition of additional spectrum through this transaction, which made an attractive business proposition, has further enhanced our already solid spectrum portfolio. The proposed transaction will also create substantial long term value for our shareholders given the significant synergies, said Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and CEO (India and South Asia), Bharti Airtel. He added that the acquisition will strengthen Airtel in seven highly populated states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, UP (East), UP (West) and Assam. Airtel adds 43.4 MHz spectrum in the 1800 MHz band in the circles. On completion, the proposed acquisition will undergo seamless integration, both on the customer as well as the network side, and further strengthen our market position in several key circles, Vittal said. If all mergers and acquisitions go through India will have four large telecom operators. Vodafone-Idea Cellular will be the largest operator, Bharti Airtel-Telenor will be the second, followed by Reliance Communincation-Tata Teleservices-MTS-Aircel, and then Reliance Jio. State-owned BSNL will be the fifth operator. After the announcement, Airtels stock prices hit a five-month high, with an 11% jump. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON At an election meeting in Uttar Pradesh where the BJP is campaigning hard to wrest power from the SP its president, Amit Shah, came down heavily on gundagardi (hooliganism). He promised swift action, saying, the day the BJP came to power in the state, there would be no hooligan left because the BJP will hang them upside down and set them right. Whether the BJP wins UP or not will of course be known only on March 11 but Shah has been presented an opportunity of coming true to his words. Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) have been running riot in Delhis Ramjas College and their gundagardi has been in full display for over two days now. The ABVP, essentially a students body, has every right to participate in campus activities but it did not come to Ramjas to attend the seminar being organised by the English department and the colleges English Literary Society. Young students were excited and looking forward to an engaging discussion on dissent in politics, state, literature and sexuality. Instead, students were cowering in fear, because the goons the ABVP is affiliated to the RSS and participates in joint activities with the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, BJPs official youth wing went completely out of control. At one point, stones were thrown into the seminar room, shattering glass panes. The electricity too was turned off and everyone in the room was trapped in darkness. Students, organisers and speakers were forced to duck behind chairs because the only exit had been blocked by the goons. Here are more details: The ABVP members forced their way in, shouting slogans, looking for anti national Umar Khalid, a JNU student who was booked for sedition along with Kanhaiya Kumar. The students body has no business doling out certificates in patriotism or forcing the college into calling off the rest of the event. Khalid has the right to speak at a place of his choosing. The Delhi Police, in fact, has not even been able to file a chargesheet against him within the stipulated 90 days. A year has gone by since he was booked. It is surprising that the police did little to control the hooligans, who managed to show up again the next day and this time roughed up students and journalists, including my colleague Heena Kausar. Universities are temples of knowledge, where dissent can be voiced peacefully but no, the ABVP had neither respect for an idea exchange nor fear of the law. There are many witnesses to the hooliganism the BJP president promised strict action against. The teachers and students can testify, as can journalists and the policemen who, in Delhi, report not to the Arvind Kejriwal government but to the home ministry. The ABVP did not just take law into its hands. It stands guilty of transgressing other boundaries: stifling the freedom to expression and the freedom to dissent. It would be important for Shah to remember that hooliganism is an IPC offense. It cannot be viewed through the prism of political ideology or electoral gain, nor can state boundaries define or redefine its essential meaning. Hooliganism in UP is no different from gundagardi in Delhi. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In both the United States and in India, its striking to see how political leaders are framing the independent media as an anti-national force of opposition. Donald Trump built his entire campaign on demonising the supposedly liberal and elitist media, stoking the passions of his conservative base. He seems set to conduct his presidency the same way. He dismisses reports he dislikes with that now ubiquitous and meaningless phrase (so often tweeted in caps lock): FAKE NEWS. And last week he borrowed from the unimaginative phrasebook of all authoritarian leaders in branding the media both his enemy and the enemy of the people. Trump is far more prolific and committed in his abuse of the media than an often taciturn Narendra Modi. But though the Indian prime minister has claimed that he lives in fear of the distortions of the press, the actions of his government and its allies in targeting certain journalists and networks suggest that the media has more to fear from him. His desire to launch a Chinese-style university to train journalists in the arts of propaganda reflects poorly on his commitment to an independent press. Read: White House says media delegitimizing President Donald Trump, wont take it The parallels between Trumps and Modis relationships to the media are clear. Both leaders enjoy using Twitter to circumvent traditional channels. Both try to limit journalistic access and to centralise the flow of information (Modi has been far more successful here than Trump has so far). Both have a large following of fervent supporters who are convinced that the media (that they disparage as liberal in America, secular or indeed sickular in India, and as presstitutes in both countries) is biased against their dear leaders. And both seek to delegitimise the media to insulate their rule from criticism and to distract the public on questions of policy. In response, the likes of CNN, the New York Times, and the Washington Post have taken up the task of questioning and challenging Trump with gusto. But these outlets have also lapsed into a self-congratulatory mood. As the acerbic critic Hamilton Nolan has observed, a news anchor like CNNs Jake Tapper has assumed an almost heroic mantle for the simple of act of doing his job. Similarly, Indian media personalities have been keen to drape virtue around their celebrity, casting themselves as intrepid warriors battling to safeguard the soul of the nation. I am naturally a little suspicious of these self-righteous icons basking in the media limelight. There are, of course, many journalists who deserve adulation for the bravery of their work, for doggedly pursuing stories in the face of intimidation, threats, even violence. But we should never forget that the establishment media, like the organs of government, is an institution of power. Neither rulers nor journalists are worthy of slavish devotion. Read: US Vice President Pence defends Trumps media attacks I came of age politically when I was in university here in the United States, during the build up to the Iraq War. At the time, I was incensed by the cynicism and manipulations of the administration of George W. Bush, and I was saddened by the apathy of my peers. But I reserved a good deal of my frustration for the media. It seemed to me that the establishment media, including TV networks like CNN and the paper of record the New York Times, were falling lockstep behind the White Houses drive to war. They didnt do enough to question the administrations claims, they adopted the presidents talking points, and they even seemed excited by the prospect of the invasion. Though the war was dreamed up by neoconservative ideologues in Washington, I blamed the media for its execution. The media helped beat the drums, fan the flames, and obscure the humanity of Iraqis. A quiescent public then let its government start a monstrous war that has so poisoned these early years of the 21st century. Read: Trumps alternative reality news conference amazing moment: US media Ive been thinking about this period 15 years ago as that same establishment attempts to grapple with the Trump administration. The White House as a matter of tactics may now vilify the media, but not long ago that media was a meek handmaiden to power. The lesson here is that while a free press is of course necessary, it is not in itself sufficient. We can only demand rigor and professionalism from our journalists. The harder task lies, largely through education, in developing an engaged, civic republican culture among the public. With authoritarian politics on the rise, the future of democracy in both India and the United States rests on a citizenry willing to challenge and be challenged by the whirring narratives of the information age. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Dehradun: India is losing its tigers at the same pace as last year. So far, 17 tigers have died within two months the same number reported during the period last year, says the official website of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Uttarakhand has reported three deaths which was only one in 2016. Infighting, as per forest officers, was the reason for the three deaths. Incidentally, all the three were earlier spotted with a tigress in the region. All three tigers were spotted within an area of 8-10 sq km with the same tigress. Territorial fighting killed all them all, Parag Madhukar Dhakate, conservator of forest Terai West, told Hindustan Times. The latest tiger death was reported on February 22 from Terai West forest division. Prior to this, another tiger was found dead in the same division on February 15 and the first reported on January 19. Six deaths and equal number of tiger skin seizures were reported last year in Uttarakhand. But, theres also not denying the fact that space crunch pose threat to tigers that claim territory. Be it any forest, protected or division, the rising tigers numbers in the limited space will lead to mortality. Infighting is one of the main features among the big cats to protect territory, Wildlife Institute of India senior scientist Bivash Pandav said. The latest Phase IV tiger monitoring in western circle of Uttarakhand that includes Terai divisions and Ramnagar have reported 119 adults, up from only 79 in 2014. The All India Tiger Estimation 2014 reports 340 tigers in Uttarakhand of which nearly 220 are in Corbett Tiger Reserve. In 2016, the country lost 99 tigers and 22 skins were seized. Seventeen tigers have died and one tiger skin seizure made so far this year. From conservation perspective, when tiger numbers are increasing, then certainly some will also die. Our responsibility is that they should not fall victim to poaching or poisoning. Death in inevitable for all living beings, National Tiger Conservation Authority member secretary BS Bonal said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Tariq Ahmad Dar, the sole convict in the 2005 Delhi serial bomb blasts case, was released from Tihar Jail No 3 on Wednesday night. Dar was granted bail on Monday in a case of money laundering but was not released immediately. The court had asked the jail authorities to explain the delay in the release from jail on Wednesday. A Tihar Jail official explained the delay, saying it was because of a case pending against Dar in Bangalore. After Dar was granted bail in Delhi, we were waiting for clearance from Bangalore jail authorities. But we got no response from their side. So we consulted our legal team and released Dar on Wednesday after intimating the Bangalore jail authorities, the official said. Read: Who is 2005 Delhi serial blasts mastermind Tariq Ahmad Dar? Dar, who is over 40 years old, will go back to Kashmir on Friday. He will return to Delhi for his next court hearing on March 10. His family said that he may plan to appeal against his conviction in Sections 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in Delhi High Court. After getting released from jail around 10pm on Wednesday, Dar went to a friends house where he couldnt sleep the whole night. The first thing I want to do is meet my daughters Rehmat, 13, and Fatima,11. Fatima was born when I was in prison. Then I will visit my father-in-laws grave. He supported me when I was in jail, said Dar. Dar, who was working for a pharmaceutical firm when he was arrested, spent most of his time in the jail by reading autobiographies and religious books. Also, he taught other jail inmates who were preparing for their exams. Dar, an MBA graduate, began pursuing MA (English) while being in jail. I often taught other jail inmates whom I shared the ward with. I told them instead of wasting time why not read books and utilise the time we have, Dar said. Read: 2005 Delhi serial blasts: Court awards 10-year jail term to mastermind, 2 acquitted He was shifted from one jail to another inside Tihar every three months. Jail no 3 was the place where he spent the first and the last three months of his 12-year term at Tihar. His family, especially his wife Ruqiya, came to meet him once in every six months. Dar was at a loss as to how the family was bearing the huge travelling and accommodation expenses. When he asked them, all he got was assurances that he neednt worry about it and that he will come out of the jail soon. He never allowed his daughters to travel till Delhi to meet him. He didnt want them to see him in prison. My family has suffered a lot. People would look at my daughters and shout Hai! Iska baap jail main hai (Look, their father is in jail). My wife handled everything. But they never told me about their problems, said Dar. Dar recollected that he was returning from work on November 10, 2005 when he was picked up by police. He was going to Srinagar when his Alto car was stopped at Pampore. He claimed he was tortured for 55 days before being sent to Tihar Jail. Read: 2005 Delhi serial blasts: What happened that day Rats were put in my trouser. I was made to drink urine. My legs were stretched. They made sure that I wouldnt get sleep, Dar claimed. He says that the future is uncertain for him now. What troubles him, above all else, is that the real culprits are still at large. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) ended their protest against anti-nationals on Thursday warning that any repeat of last years events in JNU will not be tolerated. The members of the RSS backed students body were holding the protest a day after violent clashes in Delhi Universitys North Campus over literature festival at Ramjas College. We had to stage this protest as we cannot allow anti-nationals to turn DU into JNU. Even in future anyone does anything of this sort we will again raise the issue and protest, said Satendra Awana, ABVP member and former DUSU president. Around 40 ABVP members had gathered at the Arts Block at 12pm amid heavy police presence. Yesterday students raised slogans of Kashmirs azadi, disrespected Bharat mata and also the national flag. We will not tolerate such activity in the campus and our protest is against that. We will be protesting at arts faculty, Amit Tanwar, DUSU president, told HT. What azadi do they want from when India is a free state- question @ABVPVoice @htdelhi @htTweets pic.twitter.com/ow71OQpxky Shradha Chettri (@Shrads_chettri) February 23, 2017 As more students joined in to take part, NSUI members started gathering at Chhatra Marg on the other side for a peaceful demonstration. We have not called for a protest but a peaceful march. We believe in non violence and stand for freedom of speech and expression. We would like to request everyone not to politicise the matter, said Amrita Dhawan, NSUI president. At ITO police headquarters, nearly 300 JNU and DU gathered holding placards and demanding against ABVP members who had allegedly resorted to violence on Wednesday. Meanwhile, classes were suspended at Ramjas College on Thursday. The college management, however, said it was for administrative reasons. Classes have been suspended from 9.30 am because of the flower show and not because of Wednesdays violence. Earlier a notification said no classes will be suspended from 12.30 pm but then it was changed to 9.30am, says a teacher at Ramjas College. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON After months of protesting and demanding their salaries and other pending dues, agitated sanitation workers have adopted a new way to protest. On Thursday, they took their shirts off to highlight how they could no longer afford basic amenities like clothes, and also draw attention to the fact that they have allegedly not been provided proper uniforms for 20 years. The protesters vowed to intensify their efforts against the Delhi government after their second attempt to gherao the office of chief minister was foiled by police. The group of partially clothed sanitation workers marched from Rajghat till Delhi Secretariat on Thursday. The workers, member of MCD Swachhata Karmchari Union, gathered at the Rajghat around 11am and started shouting slogans against the Delhi government and the municipal corporation. Agitated workers lay on ground and climbed the barricades. MCD workers protest in New Delhi on Thursday. (Sonu Mehta/HT PHOTO) However, they failed in their attempt to break the barricades placed by the police to stop the protesters from reaching the Delhi Secretariat because of heavy deployment of police. After an hour of protest, Sanjay Gehlot, president of MCD Swachhata Karmchari Union, decided to meet the deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia. But when we reached the secretariat, Sisodia was not there, said Gehlot. The protestors expressed disappointment over their failure to meet deputy CM Manish Sisodia on the issue. He did not meet us on purpose. The government is not serious about our issues. We will not withdraw the agitation unless a permanent solution is found, said the protesters. The workers are demanding 100 crore from Delhi government to clear their pending salaries. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Italian Ambassador to Ukraine Davide La Cecilia believes that Russia's recognition of the documents of separate regions of Donetsk and Luhansk regions (ORDLO) won't help in resolving the conflict in Donbas. He said all countries that recognize Ukrainian sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence can not recognize these passports. And the fact that these documents were recognized by President [Russian President Vladimir Putin] does not help resolve the conflict, he told reporters in Kyiv on Thursday. The ambassador also noted that the only way to resolve the conflict in Donbas is the implementation of the Minsk agreements. The OSCE and the G7 ambassadors are doing everything possible so that this conflict be over as quickly as possible, he said. The only way, he said, in this case can be the Minsk agreements. And of course, everyone hopes that the conflict will be resolved as soon as possible, but the first step should be the cease-fire, Cecilia said. Eyeing the Municipal election, which is scheduled for April, and to boost public transport, the Aam Aadmi Party government has come up with a fresh policy to give free rides and concessions in its buses. The policy, if approved by lieutenant governor Anil Baijal, will make travelling in both DTC as well as cluster (orange) buses free for senior citizens, students up to 21 years of age, disabled persons, war widows, national award winners and freedom fighters. Read: Delhis commuting woes set to ease as 100 new GPS-enabled buses hit the roads Besides, women and students above 21 years of age will have to pay 75% less for their bus journeys. The proposal, aimed at encouraging people to use public transport, will make travelling in buses completely free for MLAs too if they opt to use them. If the L-G gives his nod then people will get to avail the scheme in just two weeks from now as sources said the government wants to roll it out before the model code of conduct is imposed for the MCD election. Dates for the elections are likely to be announced by mid-March. Unlike its previous attempt where the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government had decided to slash DTC fares by 75% for a month for everyone, the new proposal includes only four categories of those who will be eligible for discounted fares. Those belonging to EWS category, who have a monthly income of less than Rs20,000 will have to pay just Rs250 for a monthly pass instead of the existing rate of Rs1,000. Similar, discounts will be given to ration card holders, women and students above 21 years of age, transport minister Satyendar Jain said on the sidelines of a foundation laying ceremony for an old-age home in Kanti Nagar. Read: 10,000 cabs, 431 buses: New faces of Delhis air-conditioned public transport In a first, the government is also going to make the new passes valid for all AC and non-AC bus categories including those under the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and the Delhi Integrated Multi-modal Transit System (DIMTS) which operates the cluster buses. Others, however, will get a monthly pass for all types of buses at Rs1,000 and a daily pass will be available at Rs50. The policy will be put up at the next cabinet meeting and after that it will be sent to the LG for his approval, said sources. In January, the AAP government had proposed a flat fare of Rs5 in all non-air-conditioned DTC and cluster buses, and Rs10 in all air-conditioned buses for a month. But it was rejected by the L-G as the finance department had raised objections to it. At present, a ride in an AC bus can cost anywhere from Rs10 to Rs25 and Rs5 to Rs15 in non-AC buses. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A day after violence broke out outside Ramjas College in Delhi University, two student groups have planned protests at Delhi Police Headquarters near ITO and North Campus on Thursday. The All India Students Association from Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University are jointly protesting at the police headquarters. They are demanding the arrest of Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members, who allegedly clashed with students on Wednesday. Congress-backed National Students Union of India has also called for a peace march from DU Arts Faculty to Maurice Nagar police station. Here are live updates: 4.42 pm: Protesting students demand that either separate FIRs be registered or police should give in writing that no separate FIRs will not be taken. Students say they will approach court with this letter. 4.40 pm: After reading the contents of the FIR, which states that there was a clash between ABVP and Left Wing students, protesters unhappy. They says it is biased as ABVP students had created the ruckus. 4.33 pm: Protests continue over four hours after students arrived at ITO. The protesting students are still pressing for their demands and no agreement has been reached so far with the police. 4.02 pm: The case against violence on campus transferred to the Crime Branch. Students can air grievances to the DCP crime branch directly. 3.15 pm: Special CP law and order, SBK Singh, says Delhi Police will invite a public notice soon. Thereafter, students can submit their complaints to the police. The evidence will be attached to one FIR. 2.55 pm: Students also want all those who were alleged victims of violence on Wednesday to be able to file separate FIRs. The police are maintaining that this is excessive and not permissible under law. 2.45 pm: The point of contention is that the students want separate FIRs against every single ABVP member and policeman who allegedly engaged in violence at Ramjas College. The police are saying that instead of separate FIRs, the complaints can be clubbed together in a single FIR. 2.25 pm: Dialogue begins between police and students at ITO. Students demand separate FIRs by victims who were beaten. 2.10 pm: ABVP end their protest at North Campus warning that any repeat of last years events in JNU will not be tolerated. 2.05 pm: Students demand that Delhi Police top cops should come outside the police HQ and talk to them instead of a delegation going inside. 2 pm: Protesting students threaten to block the ITO intersection if their demands are not met in an hour. 1.52 pm: Protesting against violence at Ramjas College on Wednesday, NSUI students sing Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram outside Arts Faculty. 1.48 pm: ABVP members spill onto the street near Shri Ram College of Commerce. NSUI protesters still at Chhatra Marg on the other side. 1.32 pm: Even as ABVP students protest at Arts Faculty, NSUI students are gathering outside. They plan to hold a peaceful demonstration. We have not called for a protest but a peaceful march. We believe in non violence and stand for freedom of speech and expression. We would like to request everyone not to politicise the matter, says Amrita Dhawan, NSUI president. 1.15 pm: Taking a dig at PM Narendra Modis remark at an election rally in Fatehpur, Umar Khalid says BJP wants to make Uttar Pradesh a samshan. Just like they want to make the JNU and North Campus a samshan, he says. 1.10 pm: Umar Khalid addresses protesters. If I would have spoken at Ramjas, only few could have heard me. But because of the furore now whole nation is hearing me. Police have not even been able to file a chargesheet against me and they say I am an anti-national and I have links with terrorist organisations, he says. 1.05 pm: Teachers at SGTB Khalsa College says their street play competition has been cancelled just now after repeated threats from DUSU. 1.01 pm: Controversial JNU student Umar Khalid arrives at ITO. 12.57 pm: ABVP members at north campus start protesting. They say they are against anti-nationals and will continue to protest. 12.50: Protesters sit outside PHQ. But traffic flow on Vikas Marg is normal. 12.40 pm: Students protesting at ITO say they are trying to meet Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik and give a memorandum to him demanding an FIR. Kawal Preet Kaur of Faculty of Arts, DU says they will not vacate the place till the commissioner gives them an assurance. Read: Ramjas - the new battleground a year after JNU turmoil 12.30 pm: Protesters at ITO say they will not vacate the place till the police register an FIR. We are here because of police inaction so we wont go till an FIR is registered against ABVP members and the police, who assaulted students. We are at police headquarters because Maurice Nagar police station is partial. They favour ABVP, says Akash Deep student of Shradhanand College of DU. 12.17 pm: Police deployed at Ramjas College a day after the incident. No one is allowed to enter. 12.10 pm: At ITO, protesters start protest march amid slogans against Delhi Police and ABVP. Demand police to register FIR against ABVP students. Read: Ramjas protest: Student clashes a throwback to colleges violent past 12.07 pm: Around 40 ABVP members gather outside DUSU office at north campus. They are going to protest outside Arts Faculty. Heavy police deployment across the campus. Dependra Pathak, Delhi Police spokesperson, says protests on Wednesday could have been handled better. 11.50 am: More than 300 students from JNU and DU have gathered at ITO holding placards. JNU, DU protest at ITO: Students raise slogan of "Delhi police sharm karo" Demand arrest of ABVP "hooligans". @htdelhi @htTweets pic.twitter.com/KJsVmROBuC Abhinav Rajput (@Abhinavrt) February 23, 2017 11.45 am: DU vice-chancellor Yogesh Tyagi says he wants students to know that violence will not lead to anything positive. I request that people and students should not lose their cool. They should maintain peace in the campus, which is very important. #DU vice chancellor Yogesh Tyagi speak on the #RamjasCollege incident. Say the proctor office will look into the matter @htdelhi @httweets pic.twitter.com/ezgDDfBMiu Shradha Chettri (@Shrads_chettri) February 23, 2017 11.25 am: Delhi Police has deployed water canon at the protest site. 11.15 am: Students start gathering outside PHQ. Protests likely to start around 11.30 am. 10.59 am: More than 200 police personnel deployed outside police headquarters. A large number of women cops are standing guard. 10 am: ABVP also plans to gather at Arts Faculty to counter the protest by NSUI at 1 pm. Yesterday students raised slogans of Kashmirs azadi, disrespected Bharat mata and also the national flag. We will not tolerate such activity in the campus and our protest is against that. We will be protesting at arts faculty, Amit Tanwar, DUSU president, tells HT. 9.30 am: Classes suspended at Ramjas College. Though management says it is for administrative reasons. Classes have been suspended from 9:30 am because of the flower show and not because of Wednesdays violence. Earlier a notification said no classes will be suspended from 12:30 pm but then it was changed to 9:30am, says a teacher at Ramjas College. How it started? Violence erupted on Wednesday after students from DU colleges and JNU congregated outside Ramjas College to hold a protest march against the RSS-backed ABVP student group. They were demanding action against the ABVP members, who had allegedly heckled and thrown stones at students gathered for a seminar at a conference hall on Tuesday, where controversial JNU student Umar Khalid was invited to speak. Before the march took off past 2pm on Wednesday, ABVP members reached the spot and clashed with the demonstrators despite heavy police deployment. Read: Dear Amit Shah, rein in ABVP and act on your promise to set gundas right Policemen tried to picket out the two groups, but blows and stones had left many wounded already. Many of the protesters were detained, while a case of rioting, obstructing a public servant from discharging his duty, and causing hurt was registered against unknown people later in the evening. The New Delhi Municipal Council has sent notices to Khan Market property owners to conduct a structural safety study and submit a certificate to the civic body. The move comes after two incidents of roof collapse in Connaught Places C and L blocks on February 2 and 11 respectively, raising questions on safety of these central Delhi markets. The notices have been issued under Section 258 (1) of the NDMC Act-1994. All the shopowners and residents will have to provide these safety certificates by March 6. It will be a self declaration by the owners, attested by a structural engineer that a particular shop or flat space doesnt deviate from the sanctioned building plan and items on rooftop are there with necessary permission, a senior NDMC official said. There are 156 shops and 74 residential spaces in Khan Market, which was set up as a neighbourhood market in 1950 and is now one of the most expensive commercial spaces in the world. Of the 74 residential spaces on the first and second floors, 44 are engaged in commercial activities housing 30 restaurants, while another 10 eateries are located on the ground floor. On February 14, NDMC had also asked Connaught Place traders to submit similar documents. The CP traders, however, have submitted a memorandum asking for more time. Meanwhile, the Khan Market Traders Association isnt happy about this safety certificate diktat. The units on the first and the second floors are flouting all norms, and have overloaded the roofs. Why do people in the ground floor have to submit these even though we are not violating any norms? Khan Market was initially meant for shops on the ground floor and residential flats on the first floor. In 2000, residential flats on the first floor were converted into commercial complexes. In the past few years, most restaurants have come up on the first and above floors. These need to be regulated, Sanjeev Mehra, president of the Khan Market Traders Association said. According to him, this was an extra burden for most compliant shop owners because of this NDMC move. We are meeting with a structural engineer on Wednesday to discuss the process. We will decide the next course of action after that. Experts from IIT-Roorkee were hired by New Delhi Municipal Council two years back for advice on retrofitting of the old structures of this market established in 1950. However, we are yet to even see that particular report, Mehra said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Drivers of Ola and Uber called off their 13-day strike on Thursday after the Delhi government and the two companies assured them of fulfilling most of their demands. Sarvodaya Drivers Association of Delhi (SDAD), the union that was leading the strike and claims to represent 1.5 lakh drivers in Delhi-NCR, said it has called off the strike till February 27 as the app-based cab aggregators have sought time till then to resolve the issues. Read: How Ola, Uber opted to wait and watch till Delhi cab drivers strike lost steam The development comes after the Delhi government on Thursday called a meeting with striking drivers and representatives of Uber and Ola. The meeting lasted for almost four hours. SDAD president Kamaljeet Gill said, The companies have agreed to increase the existing fare of Rs 6 per kilometre. Besides, they have agreed that the penalty of R 500 wont be imposed on drivers under the Driver Denied Duty (DDD) rule. Gill warned of a fresh stir if the demands are not fulfilled by their employers by February 27. While Ola refused to comment on the issue, an Uber spokesperson said, We participated in the meeting convened by the Delhi government and reiterated that individual drivers can come to us at any time to raise concerns. We condemn the violent protests carried out by striking unions which not only affected passengers but also kept drivers away from earning an honest living. For almost two weeks, thousands of Uber and Ola drivers have been demanding better benefits, accident insurance, relaxation in working hours, higher pay and an increase in the per kilometre rate, which is currently R 6 far less than autorickshaws and government prescribed rates for AC and Non-AC radio taxis. The companies assured drivers union to work on their demands shortly and will give their assurance to the High Court on February 28, when it will hear drivers and cab aggregators. The Delhi government has assured the drivers of their welfare, particularly those harassed without having been given an opportunity to be heard by the companies, the government said in a statement. Read: Little money, long hours: Spare a thought for Delhis Ola, Uber cab drivers On the demand of removal of toll charges at borders, the government said it will take a sympathetic view on it. The government will raise the issue with municipal corporation. Commuters in Delhi-NCR faced a harrowing time booking cabs as drivers of Ola and Uber had gone on indefinite strike in favour of their demands on February 10. However, the strike seemed to be losing steam over the last three days as most of striking unions members started plying their cabs. A day after students clashed near Ramjas College in Delhi Universitys North Campus, the Delhi Police suspended three police officers and transferred the case to crime branch for a fair probe. Head constables Raghunath and Ashok Tyagi, and constable Sachin, were suspended based on video footage and other information provided by students, said a senior police officer. The action was taken after a joint protest by students from Delhi University (DU) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) at the police headquarters at ITO, seeking action against members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Maurice Nagar police for the violence on Tuesday. Read: Ramjas College protest highlights: Clashes between ABVP, DU students, cops crack down A section of students from DU and JNU had alleged on Wednesday that Maurice Nagar police station which has jurisdiction over Delhi University shielded the ABVP hooligans engaged in the campus violence. SBK Singh, special CP (law and order), said that he will not entrust the investigation with Maurice Nagar police station and that Crime Branch will probe the case. Delhi Police will invite a public notice soon. Thereafter, students can submit their complaints to the police. The evidence will be attached to one FIR, said Singh. Police said students could provide information related to the incident to the Crime Branch DCP. An FIR related to the incident had been lodged at the Maurice Nagar police station on Wednesday. However, the protesting students were unhappy as they wanted all the victims of Tuesdays violence to be allowed to file separate FIRs. Singh said police had conducted medical examination of 25 injured persons, including students from ABVP and AISA, as well as eight policemen. He said he was not aware who ordered a lathi charge on students and others at the campus. Read: Ramjas clashes: Delhi Police admits mistakes, transfers case to crime branch The officer said he regretted the attack on the media and promised to suspend the guilty police personnel. I have asked some journalists to give me video footage of the lathi charge, so that we punish the guilty, he said. Reacting to the incident, Delhi Police spokesperson Dependra Pathak said, We agree that there were mistakes from our men. The incident could have been handled in a better way. There was no need to snatch mobile phones. We have told all the police officers that if people make videos, let them do it, he said. Pathak said that the officers on duty were told not to use force against the students. The two-day event at Ramjas College on Tuesday and Wednesday was cancelled after ABVP forced the organisers to withdraw the invite to Ummar Khalid, dubbing him anti-national. Earlier on Thursday, the Delhi Police also said that it had constituted a committee comprising additional DCPs and other senior officers to look into the allegations of cops assaulting students and journalists during the protest outside Ramjas College on Wednesday. The protest had turned violent as two groups of students, one led by ABVP members and the other led by members of AISA and SFI, clashed. Both the sides had lodged cross complaints and sought action by the police. Read: ABVP ends campus protest, says wont allow JNU repeat It was alleged that the Delhi Police stood and watched as violence marred a peaceful protest because of which teachers, students and journalists were wounded and mobile phones were snatched by police on Wednesday. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In a sharp contrast to the events on Wednesday that saw students and police indulge in violent clashes near Ramjas College, protests by students on Thursday remained largely peaceful, thanks to adequate deployment of police force, better planning and some luck. We were lucky that ABVP chose Delhi University as the venue to protest and the rival group chose Delhi Police headquarters, so they did not come face to face, said a senior police officer. But the police did not take a chance even at the Delhi Universitys Arts Faculty, where students from ABVP and NSUI had gathered in response to the violence on Wednesday. We ensured that the NSUI student activists were restricted to a barricaded and heavily guarded area outside the faculty, said Jatin Narwal, DCP (North). Read: Ramjas clash: Crime branch to probe violence on DU campus, 3 cops suspended Additional force had been rushed outside the university premises on Wednesday night and they will not be removed unless the situation normalizes, police said. The ABVP students were allowed to protest at the Vivekananda statue, behind the locked main gates of the faculty. When they marched away from the statue, raising slogans, they were stopped much ahead of where the NSUI students were staging a peace march. We deployed more than 500 police personnel in and around the North Campus. The police deployed there were warned against any high-handed behaviour. Suspending three policemen in connection with the violence must have served as a lesson, said Dependra Pathak, special CP and Delhi Police spokesperson. Outside Delhi Police Headquarters, more than 200 police personnel were deployed to prevent protesting students from turning unruly or disrupting traffic. Read: Teachers, students, journalists beaten up in clash with ABVP The police, however, remained on the back foot all through the protest, not making any attempts to stop students from raising slogans or making videos. Pathak said the police had been specially instructed not to use physical force against the students unless absolutely necessary and to allow people to shoot videos. Raising slogans like ABVP murdabaad and Delhi police khabardar, around 500 students from different colleges of Delhi University (DU) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) gathered outside police headquarters on Thursday, a day after clashes broke out near Ramjas College. Amid heavy police deployment of 200 personnel for the 500 protesting students, the protestors demanded action against Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members for violence and police for inaction at DUs North Campus on Wednesday. The Wednesdays clash was triggered after an invite to JNU students Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid to address a seminar in Ramjas College was withdrawn by the college authorities following opposition by the ABVP. Read: Ramjas clashes: ABVP ends campus protest, says wont allow JNU repeat As the day unfolded with several rounds of negotiations between the students and police; the students kept chanting slogans like, Aar ho ya par ho aaj FIR ho (We demand an FIR today) and ABVP ki gundagardi, nahi chalegi nahi chalegi (ABVPs gundaism will not be tolerated). However, the protesting students insisted that most students who were injured on Wednesday should be able to file separate FIRs. A police officer at the spot said that instead of separate FIRs, all complaints can be clubbed together in a single FIR. Special CP law and order, SBK Singh, tried to pacify the students by saying that Delhi Police will invite a public notice soon. Thereafter, students can submit their complaints to Crime Branch police station (where the case has been transferred). The complaints and the evidences will be attached to one FIR. Protesting students then demanded to give in writing separate FIRs will not be registered, which was again refused by the police. Kawalpreet Kaur of Faculty of Arts, DU, said they will decide their future course of action on Monday as the college is closed since Friday for Shivratri. She said students will approach court if the police do not accept their demands. JNU student Umar Khalid also joined the protest. Taking a dig at PM Narendra Modis remark at an election rally in Fatehpur, Khalid said that BJP wants to make Uttar Pradesh a shamshan. Just like they want to make the JNU and North Campus a shamshan, he said. Read: DU turns fortress day after violence, over 500 cops guard campus If I would have spoken at Ramjas, only a few could have heard me. But because of the furore, now whole nation is hearing me. Police have not even been able to file a chargesheet against me and they say that I am an anti-national and I have links with terrorist organisations, he said. Reacting to the suspension of police officers, Kawalpreet Kaur said that the suspension is an eyewash, as only junior officers, whose job is just to follow orders, have been suspended. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A day after students clashed in Delhi Universitys North Campus, the Delhi Police transferred the case to the Crime Branch and admitted that the incident could have been handled better. The move to transfer the case followed a joint protest by students of All India Students Association (AISA) from DU and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) at the police headquarters at ITO, seeking action against members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) for the violence on Tuesday. Delhi Police will invite a public notice soon. Thereafter, students can submit their complaints to the police. The evidence will be attached to one FIR, said Special CP (law and order), SBK Singh. Police said students could provide information related to the incident to the Crime Branch DCP. An FIR related to the incident had been lodged at the Maurice Nagar police station on Wednesday. The protesting students were unhappy as they wanted that all the victims of Tuesdays violence should be allowed to file separate FIRs. Earlier on Thursday, the Delhi Police also said that it had constituted a committee, comprising additional DCPs and other senior officers, to look into the allegations of cops assaulting students and journalists during the protest outside Ramjas College on Wednesday. The protest had turned violent as two groups of students, one led by ABVP members and the other led by members of AISA and SFI, clashed. Both the sides had lodged cross complaints and sought action by the police. Read: Ramjas clashes: ABVP ends campus protest, says wont allow JNU repeat It was alleged that the Delhi Police stood and watched as violence marred a peaceful protest because of which teachers, students and journalists were wounded and mobile phones were snatched by police on Wednesday. Reacting to the incident, Delhi Police spokesperson Dependra Pathak, said: We agree that there were mistakes by our men. The incident could have been handled in a better way. There was no need to snatch mobile phones. We have told all the police officers that if people make videos, let them do it, he said. Pathak said that the officers on duty have been told not to use force against the students. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON After the success of the Aamir Khan starrer Dangal, which was loosely based on the story of wrestlers Geeta and Babita Phogat, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation has decided to rope in the sisters as brand ambassadors to promote the concept of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The Phogat sisters will highlight the South Corporations achievements apart from its works to improve garbage management Geeta is Indias first female wrestler to win a gold medal in the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Apart from the Phogat sisters, the civic agency will appoint one Paralympic player as a brand ambassador to highlight its achievements. The SDMC will use their photographs for print and outdoor campaigns and their voices in audio clips to be aired on radio channels. Their photos will be placed on the official website of SDMC, said a senior SDMC official. The proposal was approved by the standing committee on Thursday. The administrative approval will be given on Friday. The sisters symbolise women empowerment and inviting a paralympic player will help us to get associated with social cause, said Shailendra Singh, standing committee chairman. New headquarters The south corporations headquarters will be built on nine acres of land located behind Pragati Maidan at Indraprastha Estate. The SDMC standing committee on Thursday cleared the layout plan. The building plan will be approved soon and the building is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2018. SDMC commissioner Puneet Goel said, The SDMC will engage NBCC to construct the headquarters. The same agency is constructing the exhibition-cum-convention centre at Pragati Maidan. Presently, the north and south corporations operate from the 28-storey Civic Centre. The North Corporation, which claims to be the owner of the Civic Centre, has been demanding a rent of R 864 cr from the South Corporation for using the building since 2012. The construction of SDMCs headquarters will end the dispute as SDMC will shift most of its offices to this place, said Singh. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Let us count the ways that Hafiz Saeed is detained by his government. The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief has been placed under house arrest nearly a half-dozen times starting since 2001. The terrorist chieftains return to detention is just the latest such event, none of which have ever resulted in Saeed being prosecuted. The real question is why Pakistan is going through these motions again. Traditionally, Saeed has had to pay faux penance only after a major terrorist attack against India, resulting in an international outcry which Islamabad feels necessary to appease. However, that does not seem to be the case now as the LeT has been relatively quiet on the external front. The glass half-full explanation is that Pakistan is beginning to accept that the cost-benefit of supporting terrorist outfits like the LeT the cost being pariah status around the world and rising militancy at home, versus the benefits bring an ability to anger but not substantially harm India is now weighing heavily on the cost side. It would be nice to believe that is what the Pakistani defence minister meant when he said Saeed was being arrested in the national interest. If this is the case, then Pakistan should now begin dismantling the LeTs network of training camps, seminaries, hospitals and financial assets. There is no evidence of such activity yet. Read | Pakistan court asks authorities to respond to Hafiz Saeeds petition challenging detention The more likely, half-empty, explanation is a combination of other concerns. An external one is a desire to lower Pakistans terror profile at a time when the United States is ruled by a president who has sworn to wipe radical Islam off the face of the earth and even China is clamping down on its ethnic Muslim population. It would be nice to think that a more bellicose government in New Delhi also contributed. An upcoming United Nations debate on terrorism finance and a fear of Pakistan being blacklisted is also being cited, though the specific UN resolution would not require Saeeds detention. A domestic concern is Saeeds sure but steady movement towards making the LeT, a terror organisation with a large welfare network attached, into a full-fledged political party. This could make the LeT a direct challenge to the present Pakistan establishment who would like to use the LeT to further their policies but would baulk at giving it a seat at the high table. Read | Burden of proof against Masood Azhar not on India, Jaishankar tells China Based on past practice, no one in India should take heart from Saeeds detention. Islamabad and Rawalpindi both denounce the Tehreek-e-Taliban and its allies who wage war against the Pakistani State, but have always safeguarded the LeT because it targets India. Until it is proven otherwise, assume Saeeds is on yet another State-sponsored holiday to ensure he can remain an instrument of State-sponsored terror. The issue of Russia's return to the G8 countries (Group of Eight) can be discussed only after the settlement of the conflict in Donbas, the Italian ambassador to Ukraine Davide La Cecilia has said. First of all it is necessary to wait for a peaceful settlement of the conflict, with particular attention to abidance of the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine, he said. Until the conflict is resolved, the G7 countries will not be able to give some kind of answer, he told reporters when asked about the possibility of the return to the G8 countries in Kyiv on Thursday. The ambassador also noted that sanctions can exert pressure against Russia, but it is necessary to focus on the result - the solution of the conflict in Donbas. All 169 students completing a postgraduate diploma in rural management (PGDRM) at the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) have been placed during the current placement season, with the highest salary at Rs 46.50 lakh and the minimum at Rs 4.5 lakh. Recruiters who visited the institute founded by Dr Verghese Kurien, father of White Revolution in India, included NGOs, co-operatives and development agencies with NGO salaries averaging at Rs 9.37 lakh per annum and those of corporates at about Rs 10.57 a year. Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF - Amul) was the top recruiter with 19 candidates. Bihar Rural Livelihood Promotion (BRLPS) offered 11 jobs, followed by Pidilite Industries Ltd (Rurban Division) and ICICI-Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd (Government Business Group), taking nine and eight students, respectively. IRMA received 220 job offers from 92 recruiters for its batch graduating in April 2017. About 22 students accepted offers by non-government development organisations and government development organisations, including SRIJAN, Gujarat State Womens Sewa Co-operative Federation, and Rajasthan Grameen Ajeevika Parishad. UNICEF, for the first time, participated in IRMAs placements making offers to five students of which four were placed in UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. PGDRM is officially recognised as equivalent to MBA. IRMA alumni are scattered all over the globe, in industry, development-sector, government services such as IAS/IPS, in public service such as politics and academia. All schools affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will now have to depute guards on school buses and fit the vehicles with closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs), GPS systems, sirens and grilles on windows. Additionally, such school buses would need to have one well-trained lady attendant and, if possible, a parent overseeing the driver and conductor. Indias largest board revised guidelines on Thursday, asking authorities to fortify security on school buses and holding the management and head of the institutions responsible for any lapse, which could lead to cancellation of affiliation. According to officials, the guidelines were issued on the directions of human resource development minister Prakash Javadekar after a school bus accident in Uttar Pradesh in January that killed 12 schoolchildren. The circular is applicable for all 18,000 CBSE-affiliated schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas. The windows of the bus should be fitted with horizontal grills with mesh wire. The school buses should be fitted with speed governors with max speed limit of 40 km/h. GPS and CCTV arrangement should be made compulsorily in each school bus and is in working condition at all the time, reads the circular. School buses will have to be fitted with alarm bell and siren and the vehicles cannot have curtains or films on the windows. The school authorities are also directed to voluntarily evolve an arrangement, that in each school bus at least one parent should be present who can oversee the conduct of the driver and the other staff present in the bus. For security of the students, a transport manager will have to be designated inside the bus. A driver who has been fined more than twice in a year for any kind of offence cannot be employed by school authorities. A driver who has been fined even once for over speeding, rash driving cannot be hired too. School bus drivers are restricted from having interaction with the students and bus staff beyond a limit, states the circular. Schools will also have to provide one mobile phone inside the bus which can be used during an emergency. Students will be asked to give their feedback on the transport facility, especially about the driver and the conductor. CBSE officials said the circular has been issued after taking into account the order of the Supreme Court , Motor Vehicle Act, and directives of the state governments. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the 90 years celebration of Shri Ram College of Commerce (University of Delhi) at Vigyan Bhawan, on February 20, 2017. Arun Jaitley, union minister for finance and corporate affairs, Vijay Goel, minister of state for youth affairs and sports, Justice Arjan K Sikri, judge, Supreme Court of India, Prof Yogesh K Tyagi, vice chancellor, University of Delhi, Ajay S Shriram, chairman, and Dr RP Rustagi, principal of the college. Starting its journey from a small rented building in the Old City in 1926, the college is now located at North Campus, University of Delhi. It was recently awarded an A+ by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). At the inauguration, Shriram welcomed the guests and recalled the contributions made by the several stakeholders to carry forward the agenda of excellence through 90 years. DUs vice chancellor congratulated the college on the occasion and urged the students to pursue their goals with greater vigour. The finance minister fondly recalled his association with the college and how the college has transformed his life. He later released a commemorative medallion to mark the occasion and presented the first copy to the President. Speaking on the occasion, the President highlighted the importance of learning that reflects a realistic and practical approach to life in general. He noted that for decades, the college has met the essential requirement of connecting education to the needs of an emerging nation and also developed the livelihood and professional skills in the fields of business and economics. The sharp ideological differences that have become synonymous with Jawaharlal Nehru University in the recent past on Wednesday found an echo in the relatively less political campus of Delhi University on Wednesday. The cancellation of an event by Ramjas literary society led to a protest and counter-protests before eventually ending in violence something the students had not witnessed in the recent past. The students and professors were thrashed, misbehaved with and even harassed, allegedly by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad |(ABVP) supporters. There have been clashes between students before but what we saw on Tuesday and Wednesday is different. Teachers were attacked. If they have differences, they can protest. Why resort to violence? said Delhi University Teachers Association president Nandita Narain. A student of Mata Sundri College, who came to the march in support of Ramjas, was reportedly asked to shout Bharat Mata ki Jai and when she refused, she was beaten up. After the protest, I was on my way back home. I am not a part of any student union or party. I was however stopped by the ABVP members and asked to say Bharat Mata ki jai, when I refused, one woman with them slapped me. They even kicked me. When I asked the police to intervene, they refused to help, she said. Another student, Burhan and DUs English department faculty member Prasanta Chakraborty were taken to the hospital after they were beaten up. I was beaten up by 15 people, possibly ABVP members... I was at the site, in solidarity with the protesting students, Chakraborty told HT. ABVP, however, denied allegations of indulging in violence. They said they were attacked by students from the other group. It was us who were actually beaten up. We were protesting because these people had raised slogans against the nation demanding azadi (freedom) for Kashmir on Tuesday. How could we tolerate that as residents of this country, Amit Tanwar, DUSU president and member of ABVP said. Both the sides filed cross complaints though no FIR has been filed so far. Anirban Kar, a faculty member at Delhi School of Economics, said, Two years ago, when we organised a documentary on Muzaffarnagar riots, the ABVP supporters came and disrupted us. There is a pattern of such ruckus since the ABVP came to power. It is as if we have lost the right to express or question. Even on Tuesday, the march was peaceful until ABVP supporters started pelting stones. Just over a year after Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) was rocked by turmoil over allegations of anti-national slogans raised on its campus, a new war zone has been created in Delhi Universitys Ramjas College. Ramjas College was hit by violence on Wednesday after an event organised by its Literary Society faced the ire of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The RSS-backed organisation objected to the participation of JNU student Umar Khalid. Members of the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) and ABVP disrupted the event on Tuesday even before Khalid reached the campus. Khalid was invited by the colleges Literary Society to speak on The War in Adivasi Areas. Following protests organisers cancelled the invite to Khalid and Shehla Rashid, another JNU student. Teachers said the protesters hurled stones at the conference centre, where the event titled Cultures of Protest was being held, and cut off electricity supply. Ramjas principal Rajendra Prasad said the lecture was cancelled because of protests as well as advice from police that the situation could become unmanageable. Vinita Chandra, who teaches English at Ramjas, said some of the students had held a peaceful counter-protest on Tuesday. On Wednesday, again students were attacked by ABVP members inside the college. They threw chairs at teachers and students. Hit students on the head. We were holed up inside the college for hours before police escorted us out in the evening, she said. On Wednesday, students planned to take out a march against ABVP. The march was joined by students from different colleges, students from JNU and was led by Left-leaning students groups. But the march turned violent. ABVP members said they were protesting against the alleged anti-national slogans raised at the college on Tuesday, a charge denied by teachers from Ramjas. This anti-India sloganeering will not be tolerated in DU. We have lodged a complaint with the police and college principal. Allegations of violence are a lie, said Amit Tanwar, DUSU president. Save DU, a campaign run by students and teachers announced they will hold a protest march on Thursday at the police headquarters at ITO. Delhi Police must immediately register an FIR and arrest all the ABVP rioters. Delhi Police must suspend those officials who attacked peaceful protesters and silently watched ABVPs violence, they said. Trench coat-inspired dresses seem to be the new fad every fashionista is opting for. From actor Deepika Padukone turning heads in a Michael Kors trench dress at the New York Fashion Week to Kajol upping her style game in a printed trench dress, the takers for this stylish outfit has grown manifold. In Delhi . Feeling the heat ? ;) A post shared by Kajol Devgan (@kajol) on Feb 17, 2017 at 11:47pm PST Fashion experts agree that the trench dress is indeed the hot new trend. Its cool and contemporary. The concept of outerwear turning into a dress is catching up and these beautiful ladies are giving us style inspirations with their bold looks, says designer Urvashi Kaur, adding, I like the way Indian designers are giving the trench dresses an interesting twist with prints and motifs they really add to the look. The other reason why trench dresses are doing well is because it is perfect for the Indian body type. Designer Rina Dhaka says, Trench dresses flatter all body types, and if paired with heels, look sassy. @deepikapadukone for @michealkorss makeup @hungvanngo hair @renatocampora #NYFW2017 A post shared by Shaleena Nathani (@shaleenanathani) on Feb 15, 2017 at 8:15am PST However, like all outfits, it has to be styled right. The length of the dress should be short so that you can show off your legs. Keep the accessories to a minimum and wear heels, says stylist Vikram Seth. In Paula K #Berlinale2017 @aasthasharma612 #ViceroyHouse @antepazanin @dajanapajkic A post shared by Huma Qureshi (@iamhumaq) on Feb 12, 2017 at 8:22am PST SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Haryana government on Wednesday constituted a body under the chairmanship of divisional commissioner of Gurgaon to evaluate the status of areas in the Aravallis covered under sections 4 and 5 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1900. The body aims to provide a clear picture of the ground reality in the 1.25 lakh-hectares of the Aravallis. We will be able to complete the process within two months. We are taking the help of revenue records to determine the status of the areas, said D Suresh, divisional commissioner, Gurgaon. The districts involved in this exercise are Gurgaon, Faridabad, Panchkula, Ambala, Yamunanagar, Mewat, Palwal, Rewari, Mahendragarh, Karnal, Jhajjar, Rohtak and Bhiwani. Apart from the divisional commissioner, the body includes the deputy commissioner, divisional forest officer, district revenue officer, district development and panchayat officer. The committee can obtain all relevant government records from departments and agencies concerned to examine the status and land use of the areas marked as forests as on October 25, 1980. We are using the revenue records to determine the land use status. Although we asked the Haryana Space Applications Centre (Harsac) for satellite image of the area in 1980s, they failed to provide it to us. Thus, we are now dependent on the revenue records, which are in a poor state, said Suresh. He added that there are certain parameters laid by the Supreme Court in the BS Sandhu vs Government of India & Others judgment of 2014 that they are to go by. We have been asked to follow that order and evaluate the status of PLPA land, he added. Around 1,00,000 hectares fall under the Aravallis in southern Haryana. More than 25,000 hectares are identified as forest under sections 4 and 5 of PLPA and around 62,000 hectares have been identified as Natural Conservation Zones (NCZs). Another 12,800 hectares have been kept under the yet to be decided category. According to environmentalists, this exercise will dilute the forest cover of the region as the revenue records do not paint a clear picture. There is hardly any mention of forest land in the revenue records. Going by the revenue records, the state will lose 90% of the forest land, said Vivek Kamboj, an environmentalist. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Stating that the issue of land in Gwal pahari village is a very complex matter, divisional commissioner, Gurgaon, D Suresh on Thursday set aside the previous order of former Gurgaon district collector TL Satyaprakash. Suresh was hearing the appeal of the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) against Satyaprakashs order. It is a complex matter. It has seen a series of orders for and against in the past four decades and even now one can challenge my order if not happy. I have set aside Satyaprakashs order on facts presented before the court by the MCG. It is an open court and I have done this in my quasi-judicial capacity, said Suresh. The Gurgaon-Faridabad Road, along which Gwal Pahari village is located, is an upcoming real estate destination in the Aravalli region. The chunk of land in the village has been mutated in the name of the MCG and, on that basis, the corporation has been sending notices to individuals to vacate it. The corporation said notices were sent earlier too after a land survey by the tehsildar concerned. The survey was carried out after Gwal Pahari village came under the jurisdiction of the municipal corporation in 2010. In July 2014, while hearing petition of an SEZ, former financial commissioner of revenue (FCR), Haryana, Yudhvir Singh Malik, had set aside the mutation no. 3110 in favour of MCG as it was forged, fabricated and antedated. Later, MCG got mutation no. 3249 sanctioned in its favour. In January this year, an administrative inquiry, conducted by Satyaprakash, on the directions of the chief secretary and the chief minister had found that that mutation no. 3249 was sanctioned in favour of MCG without following due process of law and in gross violation of the orders of two FCRs as well as restraint order from the civil court. Satyaprakash had sent the report to the government for legal opinion. In Thursdays hearing, representatives of the parties concerned sternly fought their arguments. The land owners lawyer vehemently argued that there is a stay from civil court on dispossession and ownership of the land was never decided, and hence, the MCG has no claim. A lawyer arguing on behalf of an individual land owner said, The contentious mutation no. 3249 is the basis for MCG to claim ownership of the Gwal Pahari land recorded in the name of individuals and companies in the jamabandi. No civil court ever decided it in favour of the corporation. We are surprised that the divisional commissioner admitted repeatedly that this is a very complex matter as title and ownership is not yet decided. We will decide about further action later. However, a top Haryana government official told Hindustan Times, It seems the four-decade old dispute of title and owners will see an end soon. But it is still surprising why no appeal was made by the MCG against the orders of Yudhvir Malik and SS Dhillon, who had quashed MCGs mutation before Satyaprakash. MCG commissioner V Umashankar refused comment. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A 27-year-old BTech graduate, employed in a private firm in Gurgaon, has landed in the police net for not turning up on the day of his wedding with a science post graduate. The groom Pradeep, 27, resident of Khera Khurrampur village, 25 km from Gurgaon, along with his family members, were booked for dowry harassment, criminal breach of trust, and criminal intimidation. According to the police, Pradeeps marriage was fixed two years ago with 23-year-old Priyanka (name changed), resident of a village in Dharuhera, 42 km from Gurgaon, in Rewari district. On February 13, the brides family had conducted some pre-marriage rituals at the grooms residence and the wedding was fixed for February 15. The brides uncle Rajesh alleged that after the rituals, the grooms family members said that Pradeep was not happy with the marriage. They said that he (Pradeep) is demanding a car worth Rs5-7 lakh and Rs5 lakh cash. We pleaded with them that it was beyond our capacity and they agreed to persuade the groom. We made all preparations for the wedding, but on the fixed date the grooms family claimed that he refused to get married and he has gone missing, Rajesh mentioned in the police complaint. He said the brides family gifted costly jewellery, beds, LED, scooter, clothes and utensils on February 13 and made preparations for a baraat (wedding procession) of around 600 people on February 15. Rajesh claimed that both families met at Farrukhnagar police station but the grooms family refused to budge from its stand. Outside the police station, they also threatened us with dire consequences, he claimed in the police complaint. We have arrested Pradeep and he is on a one-day police remand. Action will be taken against other accused also after investigation, said inspector Satender Singh, SHO, Dharuhera police station. Pradeep, his father, mother, and sister were booked under the Dowry Prohibition act 1961, and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 406 (criminal breach of trust), and 506 (criminal intimidation). SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Two men were killed and one seriously injured when unidentified opened fire at a property dealers office in Farrukh Nagar town, 25 km from Gurgaon. Both the deceased were property dealers and were sitting inside the office of Ved Saini, a property dealer, at Fazilpur crossing when the assailants opened fire around 1 pm. Another property dealer survived, but sustained grave injuries. A few others who were injured were initially taken to a health centre in Farrukhnagar, but were later referred to the civil hospital as their condition worsened. Both the deceased and the injured hailed from Bhadsa in Jhajjar. The attackers, who arrived in a Scorpio, also fired in the air to threaten locals before driving off. Police said the attack could be the fallout of a financial dispute. Two mobile phones and multiple empty shells were recovered from the crime scene. One of deceased has been identified as Sandeep, 29. He was shot in the head, chest and arm and succumbed to his injuries on the spot. The other has been identified as Ram Avtar, 30, who died in a hospital. The one who survived has been identified as Sunil alias Seenu. He was critically injured and was admitted to the Civil Hospital, Gurgaon. Two persons died in the firing incident. One was critically injured and is likely to be operated upon at the hospital. Preliminary investigation suggests that the attackers were to pay a lump-sum to the victims in lieu of a property deal. They had paid a part of the amount and had asked for a meeting to pay the rest. However, the victims had no clue what was coming, Tanya Singh, assistant commissioner of police, Pataudi, said. She said Sunil told the police that the accused owed Rs 36 lakh for a property deal. Police teams have been dispatched to trace and nab the attackers, the officer said. A large number of locals gathered at the scene after the incident. Soon, a posse of policemen reached the spot. They sounded an alert and stepped up checking to nab the culprits. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Leader of the Petro Poroshenko Bloc faction Ihor Hryniv considers any initiatives for the transfer of Ukrainian territory under rent to the country-occupier unacceptable, the press service of the Petro Poroshenko Bloc party Solidarity said. "We have a valid constitution and one doesn't need to invent things that are contrary to the Constitution of Ukraine. Crimea is Ukrainian territory. We do not sell our land and are not going to give anything for rent. Crimea is Ukrainian territory and the invaders should leave it," Hryniv said. "This is not simply a private initiative. This initiative, unfortunately, was commenced by Victor Pinchuk as well. But he is a businessman, not a politician, whom we can somehow forgive such errors or statements, but we mustn't forgive such political illiteracy to a deputy of the Verkhovna Rada," he said. He noted the inadmissibility of consideration of this issue exclusively in a pragmatic plane, for example, to discuss options for how much money it is possible to rent out Crimea. Three soldiers and a woman were killed when militants ambushed an army patrol in Shopian area of south Kashmir, police said on Thursday, the third such strike against troops in Jammu and Kashmir in less than 10 days. While the army did confirm the strike, it didnt say anything about casualties. A spokesperson said details were being ascertained. Two senior officers were among the injured, sources told HT. Six men of the 44 Rashtriya Rifles were injured when militants fired at an army patrol in Mulu Chitragam area of Shopian on Thursday morning, police said. Local sources put the number of injured at eight. Three soldiers later succumbed to their injuries, police sources said. The men came under fire at around 2am as they were returning after a search operation in Kungnoo. A woman suffered bullet injuries in the exchange of fire. She died on way to hospital, sources said. This is the third time in 10 days that the army has come under attack in Kashmir. A major was killed and three militants gunned down in north Kashmirs Handwara on February 14. The same morning, three soldiers and a militant were killed in a gunfight in Bandipora, 57km away from Handwara. Following these attacks, army chief Bipin Rawat had warned that those who hinder counter-insurgency operations or display flags of Pakistan and the Islamic State in Kashmir would be considered as anti-national and would face action. A civilian was killed in Kulgam as locals protested the killings of militants on February 13. The state government has also asked local youth not to run towards the site of gunbattle and has declared three-kilometer area around an encounter site as a no-go zone in Srinagar, Budgam and Shopian districts. Security forces say locals rushing to site of gunfights help militants to escape. The restrictions will not apply to ambulances, medical and paramedical staff as well as government employees. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON This city thats also known as Prayag is a great place to be during election time. The people here arent in awe of leaders; successive generations having downed countless cups of caffeine with past prime ministers at the legendary coffee house in Civil Lines. They dissect powerful politicos with ingrained irreverence. Their view of politics enlightens and educates within the bounds of civility. They shrug away cants. Rhetoric impresses them little. What adds flavour to political discourse is the Allahabadi pidgin, high on mirth and imagery. In local lingo, such coinages are called tanchada. Sample this: kantaap is a tight slap on somebodys ear; a half-wit is a dabloo (w) dhakeel. A guy perfect in every which way is celebrated as lallantaap. If somebody calls you a Khochad here, better be informed that youre being a kill joy or an absolute dud. For instance, a senior Congress leader from Madhya Pradesh is rated a Khochad here. So is a top gun of the Aam Admi Party. Read: UP elections 2017: All parties say theyre winning. Heres how they reason In fact, I instantly took after a young man I met in Allahabad several elections ago when he introduced himself as Murli Manohar Joshis LatakFirst. Now what on earth does that mean, I asked. I was his first hanger on sir, a sidekick if you want, he explained. When Joshiji rode a yezdi mobike, I used to ride his pillion. To me this man who has since matured with experience and age is a real lallantaap. He has kept contact with me all these years, his short telephonic calls laced with sparkling Allahabadi chinook. He told me this time that Narendra Modi was Domodar ka Bitwa (Damodars son) to many in Allahabad. Remember the PMs full name --Narendra Damodardas Modi -- and youd understand the indulgent cheek. The beauty of such slang is that it isnt offensive. It qualifies more as soft sarcasm. Or humour. Consider this: when badgered about the sorry state of his party in Uttar Pradesh, a Congressman replied: Hamen kam na samjhen. Bina langot ke kushti lad gaye thei Bihar mein. Chaar seat se badhkar char mantralaya kharbot liye. The Congress indeed had just four legislators in the previous Bihar assembly. As a partner in the grand alliance that swept the 2016 polls, it has four ministers in the coalition in power. Kharbot here means grabbing something; like jhanwali dena is another word for being deceptive, cunningly smart or Machiavellian. The expressions may come across as corny to the stiff upper-lipped. But theyre way more refined than the language deployed by leaders across parties in the ongoing campaign. Read: Fact check on Modis UP election campaign: Truths, half-truths and tall claims For instance, the PMs katta and dupatta analogy to highlight rapes and goondaism under the Samajwadi Party rule did not go down well in Allahabad. Neither did Akhilesh Yadavs donkey jibe on Amitabh Bachchan. The actor has family roots in the city. He was also its MP once. Such lowbrow sniper fire misses the target in Allahabad. It hits more the shooters. Qualifying them to be Khochads. What sells here is the spin -- of Pidgin. Vice-president Hamid Ansari paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on Thursday at the source of the river Nile in Jinja in Uganda where a part of his mortal remains were immersed in 1948. Ansari hailed the Father of the Nation as one of the strongest links between India and Africa. Ansari, who arrived in Uganda on February 21, planted a sapling after offering flowers at the bust of the Mahatma in Jinja, which is a hub of the Indian community in Uganda. The bust was installed by the Indian government and inaugurated by then Prime Minister IK Gujral in 1997. It sits amid cool climes and verdant surrounding, and postured in a pensive mood. The plaque below reads: Universal apostle of peace and non-violence whose ashes were immersed in the river Nile in 1948. The vice-president was received by Jinja MP Moses Balyeku and mayor of Jinja municipality, Majid Batambuze. Asked by reporters if this place could be turned into a tourism spot, Ansari said, This is already a world tourism spot and both the countries will continue to engage to promote this site. Ansari, who is accompanied by wife Salma, Union minister of state for social justice and empowerment Vijay Sampla, four MPs -- Kanimozhi, Ranvijay Singh Judev, Ranee Narah and PK Biju -- later also visited the source of the Nile river. Ansari is in Uganda as part of his two-nation visit to Africa. He visited Rwanda during the first leg of his tour. This is Indias first bilateral visit to Uganda since 1997 and seeks to further engage India with Africa. Vice-president Hamid Ansari with his Ugandan counterpart Edward Ssekandi at a business meeting in Kampala on Wednesday. (PTI) Gandhis thoughts remained one of the dominating elements in Ansaris several addresses, including the one at the University of Rwanda, where he emphasized the shared link of anti-colonialism struggle and fight against discrimination. India owes an unforgettable debt of gratitude to Africas role in inspiring our struggle for national liberation. It was on this continent that Mahatma Gandhi developed and first practised the concepts of non-violence and peaceful resistance that won India its freedom, he said. Soon after departing from India, Ansari, while interacting with reporters on board the special aircraft, had said, One does not have to reiterate the role played by him and he is a very strong link between India and Africa. And, we are going to the source of the river Nile in Jinja where his bust is installed. President Yoweri Museveni on Wednesday also hailed the role of Gandhi in South Africa and the spirit of non-violence and peace that continues to inspire people in India and Africa. Incidentally, a life-size statue of Gandhi, unveiled by President Pranab Mukherjee last year in Ghana, had kicked up a row, with a few students demanding its removal. Ansari had said the demand was very local and very sporadic and one need to reiterate his role. After twelve years, Rafiq Shah finally walked into his home at Shuhama on the outskirts of Srinagar on Wednesday. He was acquitted in the 2005 Delhi serial blasts case last week. Weeks after the blasts, Shah a 22-year-old post-graduate student of Islamic Studies at Kashmir University was picked up from his home late one night. Accused of detonating a bomb in a bus, it took Shah and his lawyer well over a decade to prove that he was attending classes at the university on the day of the terrorist act. Celebrations broke out soon after his arrival, with friends, relatives and well-wishers rushing to meet him at his house. Shah agreed to be interviewed by HT early on Thursday morning. Some excerpts: Youre home after 12 long years. How does it feel? It feels really good to return home to my family and friends. Srinagar has changed considerably. Among the many I want to thank are people who stood by me and my family during these long years of struggle. They did not forget me after I was taken away. I want to thank each and every one of them. My family members had to go through a lot after my arrest. With their only son behind bars, my parents had to shoulder many responsibilities they did not expect to. They had to take care of the family and, at the same time, keep in touch with my lawyer with an eye on my legal battle. Also read: Kashmir alienated by Delhi Police jailing the wrong man in 2005 blast Tell us about the time spent in Tihar jail. Life in jail is very, very hard. I utilised my time and Alhamdulillah (praise be to God) managed to continue my studies. I had to stay away from my family, but did not let my time go waste. I read a lot, including religious texts, during these years. There was a library in the jail but I depended primarily on my own collection. Though there was no restriction on reading, procuring books was a problem. There were many Muslim men including those from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in Tihar. They said they faced the same fate as mine. We fellow inmates would discuss a variety of topics, and these times were well spent. I met many (famous) inmates, including Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and CPI (Maoist) leader Kobad Ghandy. Even hours before his execution, Guru did not know that he would be hanged. It was only the night before that we came to know about work being taken up on a war footing at the phansi (hanging) courtyard. That scared us all because such a development could only mean an imminent execution. As far as my custodial torture is concerned, its already on record. What happened on the night you were picked up? I was picked up from here. Policemen climbed the gates of our house, and they took me away without even allowing me to wear my shoes. I was taken to the Cargo (an infamous interrogation centre in Srinagar) and later to Delhi. It was only there that I came to know why I was picked up. Before that, I was kept in the dark. I thought it was probably just another routine interrogation, as its always done in Kashmir. Also read: Who will return the 12 years of my life? Srinagar man freed in 2005 Delhi blasts case asks Why was Rafiq Shah, and not a neighbour or a classmate who was picked up? One of the reasons was my efforts towards launching student activism at Kashmir University. The institution was not as politically vocal in the mid-1990s. However, by 2004-05, we had started raising our voices against atrocities committed in Kashmir. Arresting me was probably akin to issuing a warning to the states student community. What would you like to tell the policemen who arrested and tortured you on the basis of fabricated evidence? I have often heard policemen say: Satyamev Jayate. But where is that satya, that truth? Its clear what role the police played in our case. I think they are an implementation force, and we do not know from which corridor of power they get their instructions. I sympathise with victims of the serial blasts they have suffered, and their near-and-dear ones will never come back. However, that does not authorise the police to arrest anybody with a Kashmiri name and brand him as a mastermind of the attack. This way, they make the people believe that we are the culprits. I request the people who are demanding our execution to view our case and read the court judgment. Being a Kashmiri is not the same as being a terrorist. Also read: Police miserably failed to nail accused in 2005 Delhi blasts, says court verdict Your views on the Kashmir issue vis-a-vis your case. The Kashmir issue is there, and cases like mine will keep happening till its settled. Innocent people like me will keep getting arrested, perhaps to create a threat. So, what next? Many things are going on in my head right now. I have to plan for the future, and I will continue with my studies. But I also want to do something for the whole of humanity especially those suffering injustice. Everybody has a right to justice, whether they are free or locked up inside a jail. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A senior Bihar Congress leader, Brajesh Pandey, resigned as partys state vice-president after a minor accused him of sexually abusing her in what has emerged as one of the biggest scandals to hit the party in the state in recent times. Pandey landed in further trouble after revealing the name of the girl in his resignation letter. The police said they might file another FIR against Pandey for revealing her name. Pandey resigned on Wednesday after the minor, the daughter of a Congress leader and former minister, named Pandey among several people who had allegedly abused her over a period of time. The Congress is part of the ruling alliance in Bihar led by the JD-U of chief minister Nitish Kumar. Read: Sex scandal takes toll of Bihar Congress Pandey, who had unsuccessfully contested from Govindganj constituency in East Champaran in 2015, has pleaded innocence in his resignation letter. Bihar Congress spokesperson Harkhu Jha said Pandeys resignation had been accepted. The girl has demanded a probe by a senior police officer apprehending that the case might be scuttled or diluted due to the involvement of politically well-connected people, including Pandey. The Congress leader has been booked under the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) on the basis of a supervision note submitted by the CIDs womens cell deputy superintendent of police Mamta Kalyani. The main accused in the case, Nikhil Priyadarshi, is a leading businessman in the automobile sector and the son of retired IAS officer, who was earlier booked in a loan default case. Priyadarshi is on the run. We have asked the home ministry to issue a red corner notice against Priyadarshi so that he cannot escape from the country, said additional director general of police (headquarter) Sunil Kumar. He also refuted reports that police had gone slow in the case due to political pressure. The minor told HT that she feared for her life as her charges had the potential to implicate and damage many bigwigs. If I dont get justice, I will be left with no option but to commit self-immolation, as there is no point living like this. I have pulled myself out of depression and overcome the suicidal tendencies that gripped me, she said. The girl claimed that she was lured by Priyadarshi, who promised marriage, but later realised that he, along with others, was running a sex racket. Read: Cong leader in for more trouble, probe picks up speed in sex assault case The relationship initially was in good faith, as Nikhil introduced me to his family. Later, he also had physical relations with me. But after that he started exploiting and threatening me, saying he had video clips of mine. He introduced Brajesh Pandey, a senior Congress leader, to me as mantriji. Besides, hed call many senior IPS officials and other bureaucrats as bhaiya while talking with them over phone, she said. The girl said she is not the lone one to have been exploited by Nikhil. There are many others, but they may not be able to come out in public like me and lodge protest. I had requested the police to look into Priyadarshis e-mails, which, I am sure, will help identify many of the bigwigs and his sordid connections. My fight is for all those women and girls who have been tormented by him, she added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The BJP on Thursday said the results of the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls were an answer to those who have been opposing demonetisation and asserted that the result would be repeated in five states where assembly polls are being held. Putting up its best ever show in the BMC elections, the BJP bagged 82 seats, just two short of Shiv Sena. A party needs 114 seats to stake claim to the mayors post. Below are the highlights of the tumultuous day: 7.20pm: Through hardwork, determination & work on the ground, BJP is now a strong force both in urban & rural Maharashtra. Congrats to Karyakartas, tweets PM Narendra Modi. I congratulate the entire team of @BJP4Maharashtra, CM @Dev_Fadnavis & @raosahebdanve for working tirelessly among the people. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2017 7.10pm: Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray suspects foul play in missing voters names, demands probe. 7pm: BJPs Atul Shah won ward no. 220 of BMC after lottery in presence of Municipal Commissioner. 6.29pm: Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray says, We are number one in Mumbai..Not in a hurry for alliance. Also demands probe after voters names found missing, suspects foul play 5.16pm: Suspense on one seat. Atul Shah and Surendra Bagalkar tie after recounting in south Mumbai 5.09pm: In Mumbai, NCP wins more seats (9) than Raj Thackerays MNS (7) 4.50pm: Results for 119 of 131 seats in Thane -- Sena won 58, BJP 21, NCP 33, Cong 3, MIM 2 4.40pm: Shiv Sena supporters celebrate outside chief Uddhav Thackerays residence Matoshree in Mumbai: ANI 4.15pm: Recounting on in 2 wards 4.13pm: BJPs Mumbai chief Ashish Shelar declares win on 81 seats, claims support of 4 independents 4.07pm: In Ulhasnagar, BJP wins 32, Shiv Sena 25, SAI 8, NCP 4, Congress 1, RPI 2 ULHASNAGAR ELECTION RESULT BJP SS NCP Congress OTHERS 33 21 4 1 8 Updated till 5 PM; Visit us at @htmumbai 4.04pm: Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar claims they have won 85 seats including 81 of BJP and 4 independents 4.03pm: BJP ka pradarshan achha raha. Mumbai ne development,transparency ko chuna;Is path par hum mitrpaksh ko saath lekar chalenge, says BJPs Kirit Somaiya 4.02pm: Results for 99 of 131 seats in Thane -- Sena won 51, BJP 17, NCP 26, Cong 2, MIM 2 THANE ELECTION RESULT BJP SS NCP Cong Others 17 51 26 2 3 Updated till 5 PM; Visit us at @htmumbai 4.01pm: Congress and Shiv Sena worked together to defeat us but we still did well, says Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar 3.54pm: I accept decision of people of Mumbai. Will keep working for the party, says Congress Sanjay Nirupam 3.52pm: State BJP chief Raosaheb Danave says, Pankaja Munde need not resign, will convince her to change decision. 3.51pm: Parli poll outcome is unexpected for me. I take responsibility and resigns as minister, says Pankaja Munde 3.42pm: After BJPs poor performance in ZP elections in Beed, Pankaja Munde offers to resign as minister 3.40pm:Results for 225 seats out - Sena 84, BJP 80, Congress 31, NCP 9, MNS 7, SP 6, AIMIM 3, Ind 5. Recounting on two seats BMC ELECTION RESULT BJP SS Cong NCP OTHERS 82 84 31 9 21 Updated till 7:30 PM; Visit us at @htmumbai 3.35pm: Solapur civic body, which was controlled by the Congress since 1964, now going to BJP 3.28pm: MNS and NCP protest against BJPs win in Mulund 3.26pm: Sujata Phatak from MNS complains of counting errors in Mulund, an eastern suburb of Mumbai 3.25pm: Results of 72 wards of 151 in Nagpur Municipal Corporation out. BJP wins 54, Congress 14, BSP 4. 3.23pm: BJP leading in 30 wards in Amravati 3.10pm: Seats won in BMC BJP: 69 Shiv Sena: 77 Congress: 27 NCP: 08 MNS: 04 SP: 06 AIMIM: 03 Others: 05 3.06pm: Counting of 85 seats in Thane over. Sena wins 34, BJP 22, Congress 15, NCP 4, AIMIM 2, SP 6, MNS 1, others 1 3.04pm: BJP leading in Latur, setback for Congress 3.01pm: BJP establishes comfortable lead in both Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad PUNE ELECTION RESULT BJP SS NCP Cong OTHERS 77 10 44 16 11 Updated till 5 PM; Visit us at @htmumbai 2.58pm: Shiv Sena managed to win only 4 seats in its earlier bastion K-East ward (Bandra-Andheri). BJP won 7 seats, Congress 3 and NCP 1 2.57pm: Firecrackers being burst to celebrate Senas win led to a minor fire outside Uddhav Thackerays home in Bandra PIMPRI CHINCHWAD ELECTION RESULT BJP SS NCP Cong OTHERS 38 6 19 0 2 Updated till 5 PM; Visit us at @htmumbai 2.41pm: AIMIM gets its first candidate, Gulnaz Qureshi, elected from ward number 92 in Bandra. 2.39pm: 10 people detained for causing hindrance to counting police 2.30pm: Shiv Sena leading in 92 wards, BJP in 77 wards, Congress in 29 wards, NCP in 7 wards, MNS in 6 wards & others on 14. Source: ANI 2.17pm: In a major upset, NCPs Rakhi Jadhav defeats BJPs Bhalchandra Shirsat, Senas Mangal Bhanushali 2.15pm: Of the 62 seats counted in Thane, Sena won in 32, BJP 16, NCP 9, MIM 2, Congress 2 and Ind 1 2.10pm: Tough fight between BJPs Atul shah and Senas Surendra Bagalkar, both of whom won 5,496 votes. Recounting begins 2.05pm: AIMIM loses all 8 seats from Byculla, Dongri and Pydhonie 2.02pm: Shiv Sena wins 8 wards in Bandra, Santacruz and Khar in western suburbs of Mumbai 2pm: Sena wins 20 seats, BJP 12, NCP 6,Cong 2, MIM 2 and independent 1 in Thane 1.56pm: Counting of 85 seats over. The results -- Shiv Sena wins 34, BJP 22, Congress 15, NCP 4, AIMIM 2, SP 6, MNS 1 and others 1 1.53pm: Shiv Senas Muslim candidate Haji Mohammed Halim Khan wins from ward number 96 In Bandra 1.49pm: The Sena is leading on 28 seats, whereas the BJP is way behind with 8 seats and NCP 7. 1.40pm: AIMIM wins two seats in Mumbra in Thane 1.37pm: Samajwadi Party wins six seats in Mankhurd-Shivajinagar 1.36pm: BJP ahead in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Solapur, jolt to Ajit Pawar and Sushil Kumar Shinde 1.35pm: Sena wins 8 out of 14 seats in Bhandup, Vikhroli and Kanjurmarg. BJP bags 4 1.31pm: Recounting ordered in fight between ex-MLA Atul Shah and Surendra Bagalkar in south Mumbai 1.22pm: Underworld don-turned-politician Arun Gawlis daughter Geeta wins from ward 212 (Byculla) in central Mumbai 1.18pm: Congress city president Sanjay Nirupam takes responsibility of defeat. Offers to resign 1.15pm: Shiv Senas sitting corporator and leader of the House Trushna Vishwasrao loses to Congress Sufiyan Vanu 1.13pm: Shiv Sena sweeps Marathi heartland -- Parel, Lalbaug and Dadar. Bags 11 out of 13 seats. MNS wiped out. Congress and BJP win one seat each. 1.10pm: Scuffle between Shiv Sena and BJP workers at Dadar 1.09pm: BJP likely to win in a big way in other civic bodies like Nagpur, Pune, Akola, Amravati 1.09pm: BJP leading in six out of 7 seats in Sena stronghold in Goregaon in north Mumbai 1.08pm: Shiv Sena leading in 90 seats, BJP in 60 1.06pm: Former mayor Milind Vaidya makes a comeback, wins Mahim seat for Shiv Sena 1.03pm: Yashodhar Phanse and Devendra Amberkar Sena candidates lose from Andheri west. BJP wins both these seats 1.02pm: Congress candidate Rajendra Narwankar, retired BMC assistant engineer, wins from ward no 216. Source: ANI 12.58pm: MNS suffers a huge setback as it loses all seats in Dadar-Mahim belt. Shiv Sena reclaims with 5 wins out of 6. The lone seat went to Sheetal Gambhir Desai, who incidentally is the daughter of Suresh Gambhir, former Sena legislator. 12.53pm: MNS opens account in Mumbai, Dilip Lande wins in Kurla 12.50pm: BJP wins 2 out of 3 south Mumbai seats 12.49pm: In Ulhasnagar: Shiv Sena 17, BJP 17, NCP 4 , RPI 2 12.48pm: Maha elections: Asaduddin Owaisis AIMIM wins 5 seats in Solapur Municipal Corporation. Source: ANI 12.43pm: Former BJP MLA Atul Shah and city BJP chief Ashish Shelars brother Vinod lose to Sena candidates, Sena MP Rahul Shewales wife Kamini loses to BJP. 12.41pm: City BJP chief Ashish Shelars brother Vinod loses to Senas Swapnil Tembvalkar 12.36pm: BJP and Shiv Sena are leading in a majority of 10 civic bodies in Maharashtra. BJP is leading in Pune, Nashik, Nagpur and Amravati. NCP may manage to retain power in Pimpri Chichwad . The Congress is leading in Akola but likely to lose power in Solapur and Amravati. In Ulhasnagar, it seems to be a close contest between BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP. 12.33pm: Mayor HS Patil and his daughter-in-law Sneha Patil lose to ex-deputy mayor and BJP candidate Mukesh Mokashi in Thane 12.30pm: It is a clear victory of transparency in Mulund, says BJP MP Kirit Somaiyas son Neil, who won from one of the wards 12.28pm: Clean sweep for BJP in Mulund. Wins all six seats in the ward. 12.26pm: In Thane: Sena leading on14 seats, BJP 10 and NCP at 7 12.25pm: Shiv Sena leading in 85 wards, BJP in 52, Congress 16, MNS p, NCp 6 and others 5: ANI 12.21pm: BMCs richest candidate Parag Shah (BJP) wins 12.18pm:Sitting Congress corporator and BMC opposition leader Pravin Chheda lost 12.12pm: Sena leading in 14 seats in Thane, BJP 10 and NCP at 7 12.10pm: Sena candidates leading in more than 80 seats in Mumbai 12.09pm: City BJP chief Ashish Shelars brother Vinod trailing against Senas Swapnil Tembwalkar 12.08pm: Ex-Shiv Sena mayor Shraddha Jadhav wins consecutively for the 6th time from ward no. 202 #BMCPolls2017: Ex-Shiv Sena Mayor Shraddha Jadhav wins consecutively for the 6th times from ward no. 202. ANI (@ANI_news) February 23, 2017 12.05pm: Nagpur: BJP leading in 24 seats, while the rival Congress is leading only in 9 seats. In Akola, BJP is leading on 7 seats, Congress 3 and Shiv Sena and NCP one each. In Amravati, the BJP is leading on six seats, Congress is leading on one seat. 12.03pm: Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation civic poll: Shiv Sena: 12 , BJP: 12, NCP: 4 11.57am: First list of winners declared, Shiv Sena wins 8 seats 11.54am: Shiv Sena leading in 75 wards, BJP in 40 wards, Congress in 11 wards, MNS in 6 wards, NCP in 4 wards and others on 2: ANI 11.51am: Shiv Sena party workers celebrate outside party office as initial trends indicate their lead: ANI #BMCPolls2017 : Shiv Sena party workers celebrate outside party office as initial trends indicate their lead. pic.twitter.com/x9u3AiovOk ANI (@ANI_news) February 23, 2017 11.50am: Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation civic poll: Shiv Sena: 12 , BJP: 8, NCP: 4 11.48am: Shiv Sena leading in Marathi heartland Dadar in six out of eight wards 11.47am: Early trends show BJP leading in Pune, may wrest power at PMC on its own 11.40am: In Thane: Sena leading in 15 seats, BJP 7, NCP 4 and MNS 2 11.37am: Shiv Sena leading in 57 wards, BJP in 34 wards, Congress in 8 wards, MNS in 5 wards, NCP in 4 wards and others in 1 ward: ANI #BMCPolls2017: SS leading on 57 wards, BJP on 34 wards, Congress on 8 wards, MNS on 5 wards, NCP on 4 wards and others on 1 ward. pic.twitter.com/oZvgUxxxDG ANI (@ANI_news) February 23, 2017 11.33am: Shiv Sena is likely to emerge as the largest party in Mumbai civic body 11.28am: MaharashtraCivicpolls: Counting of votes for 151 wards in Nagpur underway; BJP leading on 16 wards and Congress on 4 wards: ANI #MaharashtraCivicpolls: Counting of votes for 151 wards in Nagpur underway; BJP leading on 16 wards and Congress on 4 wards. ANI (@ANI_news) February 23, 2017 11.25am: Maharashtra trends: BJP ahead in Pune, Solapur, Nagpur, Nashik, Amravati & Akola 11.23am: Shiv Sena leads in 46 seats, BJP in 32, Congress 10, MNS 5, NCP 2 11.21am: Results of round 1 in ward 2 BJPs Jagdish Ojha : 1,534 votes Senas Bhalchandra Mhatre: 1,157 votes Bhawar Kumawat (Congress): 272 11.15am: Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation: BJP: 4 , Shiv Sena: 8, NCP - 4 11.10am: Congress Pravin Chheda and BMCs richest candidate Parag Shah at a school in Ghatkopar 11.05 am: Shiv Sena leading in 36 wards, BJP in 24 wards, Congress in 6 wards, MNS in 4 wards and NCP in 2 wards: ANI #BMCPolls2017: Counting underway; SS leading on 36 wards, BJP on 24 wards, Congress on 6 wards, MNS on 4 wards and NCP on 2 wards. pic.twitter.com/s6D3NyvDhA ANI (@ANI_news) February 23, 2017 10.56am: Shiv Sena leading in all seats in F-south ward (Chembur, Kurla and neighbouring areas) 10.55am: Shiv Sena leads in 27 seats, BJP 19, Congress 6, NCP 2 10.50am: Early trend: Shiv Sena leading in six seats, BJP in 3, Congress in 2 10:45am: BJPs Harsh Patel leading by 1,284 votes against Shiv Senas Biren Limbachiya in Ward 55. Tejasvi Ghosalkar from Sena leading in Kandarpada Ward 1. 10:40am: Before the voting began, Maharashtra BJP President Raosaheb Danve said his party will win an absolute majority in the BMC. Of the 10 municipal corporations that went to polls, the BJP will come to power in six, including Mumbai, he said. State BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari claimed the BJP will be the single largest party in the BMC. Sena spokesperson Neelam Gorhe dismissed exit poll results that predicted a close contest between the Sena and the BJP in the countrys largest civic body with none of them getting majority. Gorhe said the Uddhav Thackeray-led party will defy exit poll results and get majority on its own. 10:36am: Positive about our winning; Both brothers (Raj & Uddhav Thackeray) can't come together: Manohar Joshi, Senior Shiv Sena leader #BMCPolls2017 pic.twitter.com/QPT5OLfk67 ANI (@ANI_news) February 23, 2017 10:23am: Counting underway in Mumbai. Shiv Sena takes early lead in wards 200 and 202 even as the BJP leads on ward 218, reports ANI. 10:00am: Counting starts for 227 wards in the BMC polls. The increase in the percentage of voter turnout as compared to the 2012 BMC polls is also not an indicator of a clear trend. Reason: The voters list has been substantially downsized since 2012. Although the voter turnout jumped to 55.53%, as compared to 44.75 % in 2012, the voters list shrunk to 91.8 lakh from 1.02 crore. The actual number of voters this election were just 4.94 lakh more than in 2012. Deepak Pawar, a faculty member of the department of politics in the Mumbai University, said, Usually, a significant jump in voter turnout means the irregular voter, tired of the current system, has voted, which translates into a strong anti-incumbency vote. But in this case, with the absolute number of voters having barely changed, anti-incumbency is definitely not the case. Polling agents in a line to outside a counting centre at Dr Antonia High School in Dadar, Mumbai, on Thursday. (Kunal Patil/HT Photo) He said with the fight being cutthroat and one of prestige for both the Sena and the BJP, both parties tried to mobilise their cadre to ensure every voter in their respective strongholds, even the reluctant ones, are made to vote. This may have resulted in the highest spike in the wards dominated by both parties, Pawar said. HT looks at four possible scenarios that could play out after the results for the countrys richest civic body are announced: SENA, BJP MAKE A COMEBACK FOR THE GOOD OF MUMBAI The polarised poll battle in the city between the Shiv Sena and the BJP and the predictions of the exit polls points to a close contest between the saffron allies. In such a scenario, if both parties get similar tallies, there may be little choice but to have a post-poll alliance. In such a scenario, the name-calling and slandering will be left behind for the greater good. Like in the KDMC, the allies will share the mayors post for two-and-a-half years each and come out with a common minimum programme to whitewash the high octane differences during the campaign. SENA SPRINGS A SURPRISE, STEALS THE LEAD If the Sena manages to retain its existing strength (75 seats) and wins much of the Marathi vote bank lost to the MNS in the last election (28 seats), to come out on top, it will be within striking distance of wresting Mumbai on its own. In such a scenario, it will get smaller parties, independents on its side. This will also lead to a situation where the Sena-BJP will be allies in the state and the Centre, but opponents in the BMC. BJPS DEVELOPMENT AGENDA SCORES OVER SENA If the high voter turnout is really a vote for change and the BJPs winning streak continues, it may emerge as the single-largest party in the Mumbai civic body. If the party manages a three-fold jump in its existing tally of 31 corporators, it will try to grab power in the BMC on its own. The party has some understanding with independent candidates already, who can join it immediately post polls. It will also try and get support of smaller parties like the MNS and the NCP. SENA LEADS IN BMC AND TAKES TACIT SUPPORT OF CONGRESS If one goes with the assumption of a close contest between the saffron allies, there is a likelihood that other parties, including the Cong, will be marginalised. With all the main parties contesting polls independently, the chance of many independents winning seats also gets diminished. In such a scenario, if the Sena takes the lead and requires support of another party, Cong may agree to give tacit support by abstaining from voting to widen the divide between the Sena and the BJP. Toy and stationery shops in Punjabs Nabha town are selling near-identical specimens of the new Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 currency notes for just a few bucks even as the government tries its best to staunch the flow of bogus bills. The purpose behind the currency notes appears to be fun if one goes by the labels on them, but they can easily take anyone for a ride. The size, contours and colour combination are so perfect that they dont raise suspicion at first glance. A Rs 500 note was lying on the refrigerator, which I gave to the newspaper hawker. He came back after an hour and told me that I had given him a fake note. My grandson told me that he had bought it from a stationery shop for Re 1, a senior citizen told this reporter. When this correspondent checked in the market, the notes were being sold at a few stationary and toy shops. The notes were labelled as Children Bank of India, Churan Lable and had other funny words on them. Since people are not fully accustomed to the feel of the new notes, they can easily be fooled. There is a good demand for these notes. Children and adults both buy them. I have sold around 15 packets, said a shopkeeper. Nabha deputy superintendent of police Jaskeerat Singh, who saw these notes, said he will check what his department can do to check their sale. However the labels are clear, the matter is serious since its easy to use them in transaction at petrol pumps or dark places like street food vendors who set their stalls in the evening, the DSP told Hindustan Times. The police will require the directions from higher authorities in seizing these notes from the market, he added. Political leaders from opposition parties in the state said the claims of the Narendra Modi government that demonetisation will to purge the economy of black money and counterfeit bills have fallen flat. If toy making companies can make such specimens, anti-social elements are bound to do a much better job to produce the counterfeits, Randeep Singh Nabha, Congress MLA from Amloh, said. The government should have printed the currency notes using advanced safety features at least, said AAP leader Gian Singh. Similar Rs 2,000 notes were dispensed from a State Bank of India ATM in south Delhis Sangam Vihar, which appeared genuine at first glance but a closer look revealed deliberate errors. Fake bills seized December 2016: An engineering graduate from Chitkara University was nabbed in Mohali for printing Rs 2,000 fake currency notes amounting to Rs 80 lakh. But police could recover just Rs 42 lakh from three of the accused - Abhinav Verma (21) an engineering graduate; Suman Nagpal (54) a property dealer of Ludhiana and Vishakha Verma (23) of Kapurthala who was pursuing MBA from Manipur. December 2016 Railway police in Bathinda arrested 3 people and recovered locally-printed counterfeit currency notes worth Rs 5,100one Rs 2,000 banknote, six new Rs 500 notes and one fake Rs 100 note. The accused Paramjit Singh owned a photo studio in Faridkot and printed fake Rs 100 notes on his scanner and printer and used them to purchase things for his daily needs. December 2016 Sangrur Police arrested four men and recovered Rs 4.15 lakh in fake currency notes of Rs 2,000 and Rs 100 near Bhawanigarh in the district A customer care executive of a call centre in Chhatarpur withdrew Rs 8,000 in denominations of 2,000 from the ATM on February 6 and found to his horror that four bills were issued by the Children Bank of India and Bharatiya Manoranjan Bank. Not the Reserve Bank of India, which is the issuing authority of cash in the country. The notes were Guaranteed by the Childrens Government in place of Guaranteed by the Central Government, Churan label instead of the latent image, and a PK logo took the place of the RBI seal among some of the other obvious deviations. Elated by BJPs good show in civic polls in Odisha and Maharashtra, finance minister Arun Jaitley took potshots at the Congress, saying it has become a crowd around a fading dynasty. The Congress partys stiff opposition to demonetisation has cost the party dear as the governments decision got overwhelming support from the poor, the senior BJP leader said in a Facebook post. The BJP registered an unprecedented win in municipal elections in Maharashtra and made significant gains in eastern state of Odisha. Hitting out at the current Congress leadership, Jaitley said that if the current representative of the dynasty lacks the ability to lead the party or the country, the party suffers. It becomes a crowd around a fading dynasty. This now seems obvious in the case of the Congress. The Congress, he said, has lost its image as a responsible political organisation. From a natural party of governance, it has moved to the fringe. Its policies have alienated its constituency of the poor aam aadmi, he added. Jaitley further said parties which adopt dynastic succession as an alternative to merit-based leadership creation suffer from a natural disadvantage. Tall leaders do not grow in such parties. The strength of the party overlaps with the charisma of the current generation of the dynasty, he said. Referring to note ban decision, the minister said the Congress stand on demonetisation of high value currency is costing it dearly. The poor have overwhelmingly supported demonetisation. The Congress party has lost its traditional constituency of the poor electorate to the BJP, the minister said. He said the disruptive role played by the Congress in Parliament has projected it more as a fringe rather than a mainstream political party. Dubbing the Congress as anti-reformist and anti-growth, Jaitley in the post titled The squeezing out the Congress Party said it refuses to accept the reality that it is out of power now and scandals continue to tumble out from its rule between 2004 and 2014. Taking a dig at the current Congress leadership, he said the strength of the party overlaps with the charisma of the current generation of the dynasty. He noted that the Congress got squeezed out in Odisha while it got pushed to the third and fourth places in most cities in Maharashtra. The finance minister stepped up his pitch, saying the Congress is not even a major contestant in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. It is struggling to survive by becoming the tail-ender in an alliance in these states, he added. Jaitley said many in the Samajwadi party were wondering if it is worth leaving 103 seats for the Congress in UP. Is the Congress willing for an introspection as to why this is happening? Having denied to the Congress the position of being the ruling party, the electorate is now well on its way to deny it a role even as a principal opposition, he quipped. Buoyed by BJPs performance in Maharashtra civic polls, the results of which were declared today, Jaitley said it shows the BJP is now capable of winning major states in its own right. The first message of these elections is the BJP has become a pan-India party which is now fast spreading its roots even in the eastern and southern states. The forthcoming election for the Karnataka assembly will reassert this, he asserted. The drug addict who beheaded a seven-year-old boy and ate his flesh in Pilibhit recently, committed the crime after failing to sexually abuse the victim, police said on Thursday. The deceased boy, Mohammad Monis, was reportedly playing outside his house with other children in Amariya area on Tuesday afternoon when the accused, Nazim Miyan, lured him into the house of a relative and committed the crime, officials said. Nizam, who is in his early 20s, used to live in the same locality with his family. He surrendered to police after the crime. He (Nazim) was sitting beside the body of my childhe had blood on his hands and face. He is a monster who else will have the heart to kill an innocent child and eat his flesh, said Mohd Naeem Qureshi, the victims father. Monis was the youngest of Naeems eight children. Nazim promised to give him Chinese dates. Monis was very fond of them, so he followed him, said Naeem. Pilibhit superintendent of police Devranjan Verma said, He apparently tried to molest the boy before killing him and disfiguring his body. Police slapped charges of unnatural offences, murder and other sections of the Indian Penal Code and under POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act) in the FIR against Nazim. The FIR was filed based on a complaint lodged by Naeem. After killing the boy, Nazim allegedly consumed some flesh from the body. Nazim had blood on his face and it seems he ate the flesh of the child, said the police officer. Neighbours said that despite being a drug addict, he was soft spoken and a friendly person. He (Nazim) used to greet everyone and was soft spoken. I never saw him creating a ruckus or disrespecting anyone, said Md Mobeen Raza, a resident of the same locality. Nazim has no criminal record. But he appeared calm like a hardened criminal when we arrested him, said the SP. Nazim was sent to judicial custody on Wednesday. He confessed to his crime but investigators are trying to take him on remand for further interrogation. We are trying to find out if Nazim molested other children of the locality, the SP added. Meanwhile, residents of the area took out a rally demanding death sentence for Nazim. They also submitted an application to the district administration in this regard. Amid the evolving situation over Brexit, finance minister Arun Jaitley will woo global business leaders and foreign investors during his five-day visit to the United Kingdom during February 24-28. On February 27, Jaitley will have a business interaction with over 100 leaders from the UK-India Business Council. During his visit, the Union minister will attend the market opening ceremony at the London Stock Exchange followed by a Roundtable meeting with foreign investors. Jaitley will hold round table meetings with prospective issuers and leading investors and financial technology leaders among others, a finance ministry release said. The finance minister will also deliver a lecture at the London School of Economics on the theme Transforming India: Vision for the Next Decade on February 25. The visit comes amid the political upheaval over Britain exiting European Union, that has been popularly dubbed Brexit. UK Prime Minister Theresa May is trying to engage with major trading and investment partners to cement ties for when Britain leaves EU and thereafter. India, on the other hand, is trying to step up foreign investment inflows in infrastructure to shore up economic growth. UK is the fourth biggest investor country with foreign direct investment totalling $24.37 billion since April 2000. It is Indias 14th biggest trading partner; exports and imports totaled $8 billion during April-November 2016. Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine deputy Serhiy Taruta has appealed to the High Administrative Court of Ukraine demanding that it void the resolution of parliament to appoint Valeriya Gontareva head of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU). Taruta together with the civil organization National Good of Ukraine, representing the rights of account holders of liquidated banks, say in the claim that Gontareva's appointment in June 2014 was illegal because parliament violated constitutional norms and three Ukrainian laws. "There are more than enough grounds to dismiss Gontareva. The procedure under which she was appointed contains numerous egregious violations. This person has already inflicted such damage, billions of dollars worth. She should be sacked immediately and tried in court," Taruta told the Kyiv-based news agency Interfax-Ukraine. Kerala will launch a registry of sex offenders, the first of its kind in the country, governor Justice (retd) P Sathasivam said in state capital Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. The registry will contain all identification details of sex offenders and would be kept in the public domain, he said while detailing plans to check atrocities against women in the state. It will be the first in the country, he said. Addressing the opening day of the fourth session of the 14th legislative assembly, Sathasivam also said the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government will set up a comprehensive relief fund for victims of sex crimes. The announcements come days after an actress was allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted in a moving car while returning from a shooting site in Kochi. Though the Nirbhaya cell under the department of social justice has been functioning commendably in the state, Kerala lacked a comprehensive victim relief fund. Although some of the victims get some amount of money, the relief due to them for the damages they suffer are delayed due to this shortcoming, Sathasivam said. The government will set up a comprehensive victim relief fund to provide interim relief for victims of sex crimes, both children and adults, he said. Sathasivam also said the increasing impunity of sexual offences due to lack of social deterrence is a growing concern all over the country. To address the issues of women, the LDF government has decided to create a separate department for women, which is in the final stage of operationalisation, and will set up all women police stations at the taluk levels, he said. The government also plans to make the visit of a lady police officer to every panchayat mandatory on a pre-announced date and time, he said. The government has already started the first womens battalion this year and is committed to increase the womens share in the force by 15% and believe that it should be at least 50%, Sathasivam added. The Congress-led UDF members came to the floor with banners that read no safety for women in the state, against the backdrop of the recent sexual assault of the actress. They protested when the governor said all necessary measures would be taken for the safety of women. However, the governor continued the address and said my government will brook no travesty to their dignity and shall not pardon any action from anyone that is calculated to be an affront to women. An Indian Air Force (IAF) cargo oil tanker landed at the Imphal airport on Thursday, bringing in petroleum products to fuel-scarce Manipur, where assembly polls are slated early next month. The cargo oil tanker landed around 10.30am and took off after unloading, airport officials said. This is the second time a cargo oil tanker of the IAF has flown in petroleum products to Imphal as the ongoing indefinite economic blockade has cut off all regular transportation of essential commodities, including fuel in the poll-bound state. The blockade, which began on November 1 last year, was imposed by the United Naga Council along the highways of the landlocked state in protest against the state governments creation of seven new districts. The Election Commission had on Wednesday said sufficient petroleum products are available in the state to ensure smooth transportation of polling personnel for the March assembly election and that the economic blockade in Manipur would not impact the poll process. Four legislators, including a woman BJP minister, were injured on Thursday when a clash broke out inside the Gujarat assembly between opposition Congress and the ruling party members during the budget session proceedings. Speaker Ramanlal Vora adjourned the House after the violent showdown. Two Congress MLAs- Baldev Thakor and Paresh Dhanani- were suspended by Vora for the entire budget session that concludes on March 31. Other 46 Congress MLAs have been suspended for a day. The chaos unfolded after Congress MLA Paresh Dhanani raised the issue of farmers suicide in the state. Both the parties blamed each other for the incident and the MLAs reportedly dislodged microphones and damaged other interiors of the House. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Congress MLA Baldev Thakor of hitting minister of state for women and child welfare Nirmala Wadhwani, the Opposition party maintained it was BJP MLAs Praful Pansuriya and Kanti Amrutiya who used foul words and later launched an attack on their legislators. BJP minister Nirmala Wadhwani address mediapersons after receiving treatment. (HT Photo) The act of Thakor has been captured on CCTV cameras. While marshals tried to control him, he came rushing and hit Wadhwani. In the process, two other MLAs were also injured, deputy chief minister Nitin Patel said. They (BJP) should have allowed live telecast of assembly proceedings. But it is being not done. The CCTV footage will reveal that not a single Congress MLA attacked anyone. Instead, Pansuriya and Amrutiya used unparliamentary language and in the chaos, Thakor was injured, Congress MLA and national spokesperson Shaktisinh Gohil said. To divert attention from real issues like gang rape by BJP men, suicide by farmers and unemployment being raised by the Congress, the BJP stoop to such a low level, he added. In its bid to corner the BJP, Congress has been on the offensive from the first day of the budget session on various issues, including the Naliya gang rape of a 24-year-old married woman who has accused BJP workers among other men. Read| Naliya gang rape: Victim faces FIR; govt orders judicial probe into case A seven-year-old sloth bear and her two-month-old cub were electrocuted when they were looking for food in the Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradeshs Sidhi district. The mother succumbed to her injuries, but the male cub has survived. Officials from the MP forest department said the sloth bears were caught in a high-voltage trap set up by six poachers from the areas tribal population who were hunting animals for meat. All six have been arrested for violating the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and are in judicial custody. The population of sloth bears in the wild has been threatened over the years owing to loss of habitat and poaching. The species is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. The incident took place in the first week of February, when both mother and cub were looking for food at the southern end of the tiger reserve. The mother survived the electrocution and we kept her in intensive care, but last week she succumbed to her injuries. The trap paralysed her waist down, said Dileep Kumar, field director, Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve. Her cub recovered quickly from the shock and we approached NGO Wildlife SOS for help. Kumar said the forest department used sniffer dogs to trace the accused. The dogs followed the trail from where the poaching incident took place, all the way to the doorstep of the poachers. We found similar equipment from the crime scene at their residence and they confessed to the offence, he said. We have increased patrolling across the reserve and set up camera traps across the park to avoid such incidents. After the mothers demise, the chief wildlife warden of the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department issued written orders to transfer the young bear to Wildlife SOS Agra Bear Rescue facility in Uttar Pradesh. After completing the required paper work, the cub was transferred on Wednesday. The male bear is under a lot of trauma and will be kept under constant medical observation, said Dr Amol Narwade, veterinarian, Wildlife SOS. Spread across 466 square kilometre area, the Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve has 365 sloth bears, 15 tigers and over 30 free roaming leopards. We are shocked these poachers resorted to this terrible method and electrocuted this endangered sloth bear, said Geeta Seshamani, co-founder Wildlife SOS. It is essential to have such offenders convicted to set an example for others to learn. Forest officials demand policy changes Senior forest officials from MP said poaching incidents had increased over the past two years, especially in the Sidhi district. We have already written to the chief secretary of MP to implement policy changes under the MP forest act to increase deterrence in such cases. The agricultural department has also been informed to tell the tribal population that hunting animals for meat is a serious offence, said RP Singh, assistant principal chief conservator of forests (APCCF)-wildlife, Madhya Pradesh forest department. Sloth bear: Vulnerable and endangered Sloth bear or the labiated bear is a nocturnal animal native to tall grasslands across India, Sri Lanka, southern Nepal and Bhutan. With a dusty black, shaggy coat and curved claws, the animal can grow up to six feet tall. Known to live up to 25 years, they mostly consume ants, other insects and fruits. The species is marked as Vulnerable under International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Bihars ruling Janata Dal (United) on Thursday suspended its legislator Mewalal Choudhary for alleged gross irregularities in the appointment of staff when he was the vice chancellor of the Bihar Agriculture University (BAU) in Bhagalpur district. JD(U) spokesperson Sanjay Singh told reporters here that the lawmaker from Tarapur in Munger district, had been suspended from the party. The party has decided to suspend him as charges of irregularities against him in the appointment of staff in BAU were found to be true, Singh said. Choudhary said he was not given chance to explain his side of the story. I was suspended without a show-cause notice to me. But I respect the decision of the party, he said. Two days ago, a case was lodged with the Sabour police station against him and others. Choudhary was the vice chancellor of the BAU till 2015 before he contested the assembly election from Tarapur district on a JD(U) ticket. Police said a probe committee, headed by retired Patna high court judge justice Syed Mohammed Mahfooz Alam, constituted in 2015, had indicted Choudhary for anomalies in appointment. The panel found that many appointments during his tenure were made by ignoring the candidates performance in written test and academic records. READ:Bihar university moves for FIR against ex-VC over job scam Those selected were given high marks by the screening committee in interview and PowerPoint presentation (PPT), sources said, adding that even Ph.D. degree-holders and NET qualified candidates were ignored for the posts of assistant professor and junior scientist. BAU sources said the university had in 2011 issued an advertisement seeking applications for 281 posts of assistant professor-cum-junior scientist. The appointments were made against only 161 vacancies under general category in 2012. The inquiry was ordered on the basis of complaints received by the chancellors office about irregularities in the agriculture university. READ: FIR against ex-vice chancellor of Bihar Agriculture University The complaints said candidates who secured low marks in academics were given high scores in interview and presentation to favour them. Likewise, many others with high scores in academics were shown to have fared poorly in interview and presentation, it was alleged. An RTI reply provided to an applicant also corroborated the charges of irregularities in the appointment. The BAU provided the RTI reply nearly after three years. Bihar Agricultural University is an autonomous institute under the Bihar government, established in 2010 under Indian Council of Agricultural Research, situated at Sabour, in Bhagalpur district of Bihar, which is 230 kms east of Patna. North Korea blamed Malaysia on Thursday for the death of one of its citizens there last week and accused it of an unfriendly attitude in a scenario drawn up by South Korea, which has said Pyongyang agents assassinated the North Korean leaders half-brother. Malaysia had initially told North Korea that the person bearing a diplomatic passport had died after suffering a heart attack at Kuala Lumpur airport on Feb. 13, Pyongyangs state-run KCNA news agency said. KCNA, citing a spokesman for a state committee, said Malaysia quickly changed its position and started to complicate the matter after reports surfaced in South Korea that the man was poisoned to death. What merits more serous attention is the fact that the unjust acts of the Malaysian side are timed to coincide with the anti-DPRK conspiratorial racket launched by the South Korean authorities, KCNA said, using the Norths formal name of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. KCNA, in the first official media report of the killing, did not name the person who died on the way to the hospital or acknowledge that he was the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, referring to him only as a citizen of the DPRK. The biggest responsibility for his death rests with the government of Malaysia as the citizen of the DPRK died in its land, the report said. On Wednesday, Malaysian police named a North Korean diplomat along with a state airline official who are wanted for questioning over the murder of Kim Jong Nam, the 46-year-old older half-brother of Kim Jong Un. Malaysias police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said both officials were in Malaysia but could not confirm if they were in the North Korean embassy. So far, police have identified a total of eight North Koreans suspected of being linked to the killing. One is in custody. Malaysia has denied North Koreas request for the body to be handed over to its embassy directly, saying it would be released to the next of kin, although none has come forward. The KCNA report accused Malaysia of breaking international law by conducting autopsies on a person bearing a diplomatic passport. Read| Kim Jong Nams murder: Malaysia names N Korean diplomat wanted for questioning The main accused in the abduction and molestation of a popular Malayalam actor was arrested in Kochi on Thursday as he tried to sneak into a judges chamber to surrender. There was a heavy police presence in the court premises but Sunil Kumar, alias Pulsar Suni, and his aide, Vijesh, also an accused, managed to reach the chamber of the chief judicial magistrate (CJM) unnoticed, sources said. The CJM was out for lunch. As Kumar and Vijesh tried to get out, police nabbed them. Their lawyers alleged that they were pulled out of the chamber by policemen in plain clothes. Read| Malayalam actor molestation: Rivals may have hired criminals to ruin career Kumar, said sources, was taken away to an undisclosed destination for questioning in the case that again raised questions about the safety of women in the country. The 30-year-old actor, who has worked in more than 75 movies, was allegedly abducted on the way from Thrissur to Kochi on February 17 and molested by a seven-member gang. In her complaint, the actor said Sunil Kumar told her to co-operate as they were doing a quotation work. He also threatened to inject her with drugs and take her to a secret hideout, she said. The quotation mafia is the Kerala equivalent of supari gangs criminals for hire. It is unclear who hired the gang but accusations are that the motive was to derail the actors career. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A Mizoram MLA swapped his political duties for a doctors when a woman in his constituency required an emergency procedure on Wednesday. Dr K Beichhua, a qualified MBBS graduate from the Regional Medical College in Imphal, decided to carry out the operation when he heard that the surgeon at Saiha district hospital was away on a training programme in Imphal. I was informed that a 35-year old woman was having severe abdominal pain and needed to be operated immediately. The womans stomach had a large perforation (hole) and if the operation had not been performed, she may have died, Dr Beichhua told Hindustan Times, adding he left his political engagements and rushed to perform the surgery. The woman is reportedly fine now. I visited her on Thursday and she was laughing, Dr Beichhua said. The 52-year-old MLA completed his medical degree in 1991, and was a general practitioner for about 20 years before entering politics and joining the Mizo National Front (MNF) in 2013. I have performed hundreds of operations during my career, but the last one was in December 2013 after I got elected as an MLA, he said. Dr Beichhua, whose wife is also doctor, had unsuccessfully contested from Saiha as an independent candidate in the 2008 assembly polls. In 2013, he contested on a MNF ticket and defeated the sitting Congress MLA, S Hiato, by a margin of 222 votes. N Chakhai, the officiating deputy commissioner of Saiha district, said Dr Beichhua brought up the surgery at a district development and coordination committee meeting on Thursday while talking about the shortage of doctors. The Saiha civil hospital has seven doctors, but only one surgeon, who was away at a training camp in Imphal when the patient developed complications and required the operation. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A 24-year-old woman, who was allegedly gang raped by nine men, including BJP members, in Naliya town of Gujarats Kutch, has been accused of criminal breach of trust and cheating by her former husband. The first class judicial magistrate SS Brahmbhatt asked Gujarat police earlier this week to file an FIR against the woman under sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 419 (cheating by personation) and 504 (insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) based on a complaint filed by her ex-husband. Kalpesh Momaya, a resident of Kutch, had moved court and alleged that his former wife cheated him by decamping with jewellery and cash to the tune of Rs 25,000 a day after they got married on January 31, 2016. They got divorced the next month and she remarried her first husband. Momaya has also named the parents of the woman, a resident of Mumbai, and one Ismile Bhukhara of Kothara village in Abdasa taluka of Kutch in the complaint. An FIR will be registered against the rape victim once we receive the written copy of the court order, Kutch (West) superintendent of police Makrand Chauhan told Hindustan Times. The gang rape is also being investigated by Kutch (West) police under the supervision of CID (crime). A couple of days after the local courts order, the Gujarat government on Wednesday announced to hold a judicial probe into the rape case. We are committed to ensuring that all guilty are punished and no one is spared, chief minister Vijay Rupani said in the state assembly after opposition Congress members voiced the demand, forcing frequent adjournments of the House. The Congress has tried to corner the Bharatiya Janata Party over the gang rape case as four of the nine accused are BJP members, including two councillors. Read| Cong seeks HC probe after BJP leaders accused of gang rape in Gujarats Naliya According to the FIR filed by the woman in January this year at Naliya police station, she was raped on different occasions for more than a year since August 2015. She had come to her mothers house at Kothara village from Mumbai looking for work. She got a job at an LPG distribution agency in Naliya run by BJP member Shantilal Solanki. She alleged that in August 2015, Solanki called her to his home to give her salary. He allegedly spiked her cold drink and assaulted her with the help of two others who took turns to rape her. They also filmed the sexual assault and used the tapes to blackmail her and rape her multiple times. She also alleged that Solanki along with 65 other men ran a sex racket in which they had exploited at least 35 women. Besides Solanki, BJP workers Govind Parumalani, Ajit Ramvani and Vasant Bhanushali have been named in the FIR. Ramvani and Bhanushali are councillors of Gandhidham municipality. All four have been suspended from the primary membership of the BJP. The case took a political turn after Congress hit the streets demanding a fair probe into the incident. The Congress, which has claimed to have sex CDs of BJP leaders in connection with the same case, took out a rally from Naliya to Gandhinagar this week. The opposition party has also frequently disrupted assembly proceedings till the announcement of a judicial probe. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON An NSCN-IM militant and a civilian were killed during an encounter between the Army and the banned outfit in the wee hours on Thursday at Khoupum old village in Manipurs Noney district, police said. Jawans of the Gurkha Regiment were carrying out a search operation in the village at around 3.30 AM when they were fired upon by the NSCN-IM militants. The jawans returned fire and the gunbattle continued for around 45 minutes in which one NSCN-IM militant was killed, police said. A villager, identified as 50-year-old Anjina Rongmei was killed by a stray bullet, they said. Earlier, police had said that the encounter took place in Tamenglong district. Noney district is among the seven new districts created by the state government. Noney was created by bifurcating Tamenglong district. Two days back, a security personnel was injured when suspected militants fired at a police party deployed for the visit of deputy chief minister Gaikhangam in Tamenglong district. The administration of the new president of the United States, Donald Trump, will continue supporting Ukraine and may even strengthen cooperation with Kyiv, Ukrainian diplomat, former Ambassador of Ukraine to the U.S. Oleksandr Motsyk has said. "The role of Congress and the public in the U.S. is huge, and we can see today that the new administration has supported all the priorities the previous administration had supported," Motsyk said during the presentation of the analytical study "Ukrainian prism: Foreign Policy in 2016" in Kyiv on Thursday. He noted that certain concerns about the future of relations between Kyiv and Washington were present after the elections in the U.S. "Fortunately, everything is unfolding the way it should be [...] We hope that the new administration will go even further in supporting Ukraine," the diplomat said. At a time when the Indian IT industry is jostling with the introduction of Lofgren Bill in the US that might put an end to H1B visas, Union electronics and information technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday urged the visiting EU parliamentarians to open bigger doors for the Indian IT professionals. The IT ministry is looking to work with European nations and eyeing opportunities in these nations . At the same time, the government is working to get recognition of professional degrees from India in those countries, Ravi Shankar Prasad told HT. Indian IT sector contributes 9.3% to the countrys GDP and employs 3.7 million people every year. The US has introduced the Lofgren Bill, which proposes the minimum wages being doubled to $130,000. The current H1-B minimum wage of $60,000 was fixed in 1989. The uncertainty after the introduction of the bill has led to drop in value, and fall in employment. During his meeting with the US lawmakers on Tuesday, the minister had told them to keep Indian IT industrys contribution in mind while deciding on the immigration policy. A delegation from industry body Nasscom is also scheduled to meet the US lawmakers on Friday. Prasad said that the EU Parliamentarians were impressed with the digital initiatives of the country. The EU parliamentarians were impressed with the digital delivery of services in the country including Aadhaar, hospitals, and Digigaon, Prasad said, adding the delegation was also looking forward to work with India in the field of cyber security. He also said that the delegation was also interested to know about the negative impacts of digitisation such as cyberbullying. Claiming that the EU delegation was impressed with electronics manufacturing, Prasad said that EU was one the biggest contributors of FDI in the country and the government was looking to have a multi-lateral approach with the Union. The delegation was led by Vicky Ford, a EU parliamentarian elected from the UK. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Gujarat police on Thursday foiled a bid to lock down Tata Nano plant by detaining OBC leader Alpesh Thakor and his supporters, who were demanding jobs for local youths in industries in the state. Thakor had on Wednesday called for the closure of the plant at Sanand GIDC area as part of his agitation against industries which he claimed are not employing local youths. Thakor and his around 450 supporters were detained 3km away from the Sanand GIDC, Ahmedabad Rural SP RV Asari said. We also detained around 250 people from different parts of the district who were headed to join a rally organised by Thakor. Around 700 people were detained and later let off, he said. The state government had deployed a large police force in Sanand and surrounding areas following the threat given by Thakor, convener of the OBC, SC/ST Ekta Manch. Industries coming to Gujarat have to give 85% employment in their plants to local youths as per a government rule. However, this rule is not being followed despite lakhs of Gujarat youths being unemployed, Thakor had said. We demand the state government put pressure on these industries to give 85% jobs to local youths. We will lockdown industries which dont follow this rule, he had said. Tatas Nano plant was shifted here from Singur in West Bengal after it faced protests over land acquisition in the eastern state. The plant was established here when Narendra Modi was chief minister of Gujarat. The facility produces only a limited number of the small car and Tata Motors manufactures other models at the plant. Fresh cases of sexual assault have been slapped against a non-teaching staff member of a pre-school who was earlier arrested for allegedly abusing a three-year old girl. The new cases were registered following complaints by more parents of similar offence. Police on Thursday said they have also booked the school management under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) for failure to report the offence. Additional cases were filed against the accused who worked as a supervisor at the school as more parents came forward to report similar incidents of sexual assault by him on their children, police said, adding his house was searched. POCSO case:6 FIRs against arrested accused under investigation-house searched. Sec 21:POCSO Act initiated against school Management. @CPBlr Hemant Nimbalkar IPS (@crimebangalore) February 23, 2017 The man was arrested on February 18 and a case was registered under provisions of the POCSO act following a complaint from the parents of the three-year-old girl. The incident came to light when the child complained to her parents that the man had misbehaved by touching her private parts. A group of parents who had earlier staged a protest near the school yesterday met city police chief Praveen Sood seeking a speedy probe and action against the school management. Based on the complaints from parents, police had earlier taken the principal and members of the school management into custody for questioning. Parents have alleged that the principal and the management members did not initiate action against the accused and tried to defend him initially. They have also claimed that CCTV footage would not be available as the accused was in-charge of CCTV operations at the school. The controversy over columnist Shobhaa Des fat-shaming of a policeman over Twitter has put the focus on the Mumbai Polices social media cell, which won praise for a smart riposte to her gaffe. New to social media (its Twitter account was launched in December 2015), Mumbai Police have already created a buzz with their online campaigns and traffic advisories. And often the responses are laced with humour and panache. It has 1.7 million followers on Twitter. Earlier this week, De tweeted a photo of a fat policeman with the caption, heavy police bandobast in Mumbai today, referring to security arrangements for the citys civic elections. We love puns too Ms De but this one is totally imisplaced. Uniform/official not ours. We expect better from responsible citizens like you. https://t.co/OcKOoHO5bX Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) February 21, 2017 The Mumbai Police tweeted back that they got the pun but that the policeman was not one of theirs, finishing the tweet with a jibe that they expected better from a responsible citizen like her. Its Twitter account is operated by a group of police officers and an online agency, Hat media, which helps them with content and creative campaigns. The teams main brain comprises Deven Bharti, joint commissioner of law and order, assistant police inspector Ashwini Koli of the Web Development Cell and Hat medias Sunchika Pandey. Read| Seven times Shobhaa De proved she is the queen of controversy on Twitter At any given time, there are six others who monitor the tweets Mumbai Police are tagged (to). A traffic police officer is also stationed as many complaints are traffic related, said Pandey. When asked about Des post and the reaction of Twitter, Pandey said, Senior officers felt that somebody of Des stature should have been responsible. Before the tweet, the Mumbai policemen were working for 40 hours relentlessly to ensure that the election proceedings are carried smoothly. The social medias virtual control room is at the Mumbai Police headquarters in South Mumbai where officers armed with laptops and desktops trawl the internet for information and surveillance. Pandey and the team get together regularly to decide on campaigns, graphics and design. These are then sent to police commissioner Datta Padsalgikar for approval. The other part of the social media cell is to react to tweets that tag Mumbai Police. It is like a two way communication process for us. We get to know a lot of information from people and we too can reach out to them. Our CCTV cameras and policemen cannot reach everywhere and hence this medium provides us with lot of inputs, said Bharti said. Everyone is not well verse with the complaint proceedings and our team helps them out. Read| If madam wants, she can pay for my treatment, says cop mocked by Shobhaa De SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Gita from Kanpur will pay a lower premium for health insurance products than sister Sita in New Delhi or cousin Nita in Mumbai. She gains from differential pricing that private insurers intend to introduce for their health insurance products, charging less from people living in smaller cities, where medical bills are significantly lower than the metros. So, the Kanpur teachers premium for a health insurance could be 15-20% lower than her sisters living in New Delhi or Mumbai. The move is expected to increase health insurance cover in smaller towns, where people often avoid buying such products because they find the price too steep. Currently only 17% of Indias population has some form of health insurance. In 2014, Indias top six metros collectively reported 25% of all health insurance claims and received 30% of the total payouts. Besides, the average claim in the major metros varied between Rs 45,000 and Rs 35,000. The average claim size in states such as Bihar and Kerala, on the contrary, was between Rs 10,500 and Rs 15,000. The data bring out the disparity between cost of healthcare in metros and rest of India. Typically, the premium depends on treatments provided, the age of the customer and her claim history. But the city where the customer resides has not been taken into account while fixing the premium. Several companies such as Bajaj Allianz and Apollo Munich Health Insurance have started adopting differential pricing for health insurance premium. Sources said ICICI Lombard and Reliance General Insurance too are looking into it. The rationale behind adopting differential pricing was to make sure that people living in high-cost zones do not cross-subsidise for their counterparts in low-cost zones by paying the same premium. We divided the country into two zones depending on medical costs and our past claims experience, said Abhijeet Ghosh, the head of health insurance at Bajaj Allianz General Insurance. Therefore, our customers will now pay a premium that will commensurate to the cost of treatment she is exposed to in case of a medical exigency, he explained. Rakesh Jain, the CEO of Reliance General Insurance said his company is exploring the strategy of selling a product at different prices as part of its larger bouquet. We want the best medical treatment without any compromise for our customers. But for a patient, who has to be moved to a bigger city for treatment, Bajaj Allianz said she will have to share 20% of the payment on the admissible claim amount. According to industry estimates, more than 78-80% of healthcare expenses are funded by Indians out of their pocket and in most cases they dip into their savings or sell off assets. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Some of the top educational institutions in the country like Delhis Ramjas college have seen violent clashes in recent years with right wing student organisations creating ruckus to oppose those they perceive as anti-nationals. Cases have been registered against students and university authorities have taken action against faculty who invited the so-called anti-national speakers. The common refrain in all these incidents is that the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad will not allow anti-national forces on campuses and will take the law into its own hands. Heres a look at the violent ways of the ABVP on campuses: Jai Narain Vyas University (JNVU), Jodhpur (Rajasthan) Earlier this month, a case was registered against JNU professor Nivedita Menon for reportedly saying that Indias claim over Kashmir was false, that soldiers join army for livelihood not patriotism. This evoked a violent protest from the ABVP. The university suspended professor Rajshree Ranawat for inviting Menon for the February 3 function. Vice-chancellor RP Singh also hinted that her services could be terminated after the inquiry committee submits its report. Central University of Haryana, Mahendragarh (Haryana) On September 20, 2016, ABVP activists held violent protests after university students performed eminent writer Mahasweta Devis play Draupadi, which had a scene portraying armymen committing rape. A video clip of the rape scene was reportedly circulated by ABVP members among ex-servicemen and villagers. The ABVP demanded sedition case against those who portrayed the soldiers in bad light and termination of services of the faculty members. The university issued a warning to two faculty members including assistant professor Snehsata Manav, who read the epilogue highlighting rapes and extra-judicial killings of oppressed people. I am being victimised in the name of the pride of armed forces, Snehsata told HT. Jadavpur University, Kolkata (West Bengal) The prestigious Jadavpur University witnessed clashes between ABVP supporters and Left wing affiliated students twice in 2016. In February 2016, ABVP supporters barged into the university campus and tore up posters put up by Leftist students supporting Azad Kashmir and three months later they did not allow them to stage a documentary on Muzaffarnagar riots. Justifying their action, Subir Haldar, ABVP state vice-president, said: We will deal strongly with anti-national forces and the students are with us. If there is aggression from the Leftists we will counter it in a fitting manner. University of Hyderabad (Telangana) In August 2015, ABVP activists clashed with students affiliated to Ambedkar Students Union in the University of Hyderabad campus following the latter taking out a rally against hanging of Mumbai bomb blast accused Yakub Menon. The incident led to the suspension of five Dalit research scholars and became a national issue when Rohith Vemula committed suicide in his hostel room in January last year. ABVP activists continued with their aggression in the name of anti-national forces and attacked research scholar Amol Singh (25) from Patiala in Punjab for attending a meeting to express solidarity with Kashmiri youth injured by pellets. No ABVP member has been arrested for any of these assaults. Central University of Jharkhand, Ranchi (Jharkhand) The university in March 2016 suspended an associate professor Dr Sreya Bhattacharji for inviting a former JNU professor, who the ABVP had branded as anti-national. The local unit of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) had threatened to create ruckus if MN Panini arrived at the campus to speak at a function to commemorate the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. Panini, however, did not turn up after the vice-chancellor requested him to cancel the visit. But, the university suspended Bhattacharji who had invited him. Her suspension was later revoked. (With inputs from Salik Ahmed in Jaipur, Srinivasa Rao in Hyderabad, Sanjoy Dey in Ranchi, Hardik Anand in Rohtak, and Avijit Ghoshal in Kolkata) The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the dismissal from service of two senior Navy officers who are facing criminal prosecution in the Navy War Room leak case. A bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra found no reason to interfere with the 2013 Armed Forces Tribunal order that rejected Commander VK Jha and Commander Virendra Ranas case that the department could not have discharged them without issuing a show cause notice. Justice Misras bench said the tribunal came to the conclusion after the members perused the official files. Jha and Rana were dismissed from Service in October 2005 after the Navys board of enquiry found both were involved in the alleged leak of over 7,000 pages of sensitive information from the Naval war room. The findings were corroborated by intelligence reports. The officers moved the AFT, contending they should have been tried through court martial proceedings. They accused authorities of not conducting appropriate proceedings, a plea which was quashed by the AFT. The tribunal held the matter was extremely sensitive and did not warrant issuance of a show cause notice. Rana and Jha are also facing trial after the Navy handed over the entire matter to the CBI. The agency had arrested about seven persons totally. A final report was filed against them, accusing the two of leaking information. They have been charged under the Official Secrets Act. For the first time in the history of Pune, the Bharatiya Janata Party won an absolute majority, capturing the bastion of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress by bagging 96 seats in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). The BJPs tally is likely to cross 100 seats. It was ahead by five seats at the time of going to press. This is the first time that Pune will have a mayor from the BJP. The NCP which controlled the civic body for 10 years bagged only 29 seats as against its previous strength of 51. The Congress could not reach double digits as it won nine seats. The Shiv Sena won 11 seats as against its previous tally of 15 seats. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena MNS, which was the main Opposition party in the previous house, with 29 seats, could win only three this time around. The total number of seats in the PMC is 162. Several prominent Congress and NCP leaders suffered defeat. Pune NCP president Vandana Chavan also a Rajya Sabha member resigned from the post citing a moral responsibility in the wake of the defeat. We will continue to work for Pune, said Chavan, late on Thursday. The BJPs performance assumes significance as Opposition parties had severely criticised the BJP for welcoming party members who have criminal backgrounds. Opposition parties also targeted the BJP over demonetisation during the election. The BJP was embarrassed after chief minister Devendra Fadnavis left a public rally after seeing vacant seats. Following this, Fadnavis was mocked on social media. The BJP has made remarkable inroads into NCP strongholds, which are on the periphery of the PMC. It admitted several NCP leaders to the party a few days before the election, which worked in its favour. The election outcome also indicates that party has gained in the traditional strongholds of the Congress. BJP candidates won a majority of the reserved seats, widening the partys base. The party won seats in unexpected areas, including Muslim-dominated pockets. The Fadnavis government had taken major decisions concerning the city, such as granting approvals to the development plan (DP), sanctioning Metro lines and the international airport and forming the Pune Metro Regional Development Authority (PMRDA) over the past few months. This pleased voters, said guardian minister Girish Bapat. BJP workers celebrated their victory by carrying out marches and distributing sweets all over the city.The party also captured power in the neighbouring Pimpri-Chinchwad , which was controlled by former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. Prominent NCP leaders in this region had defected to the BJP, which benefitted the party, helping it bag 78 seats. The NCP won 29 seats. The Congress failed to make a dent in this industrial township, whereas the Shiv Sena bagged nine seats as against its earlier strength of 14. During the last elections, the NCP had emerged as the winner in Pimpri-Chinchwad, with 83 seats. It secured power in Pune with the help of the congress. While the BJP and the Shiv Sena contested independently, the Congress and the NCP formed an alliance but failed to win seats. In another major setback to the Congress, the party lost Solpaur to the BJP. The BJP is now set to elect its mayor with the help of independents in Solapur, which was the bastion of former Union minister Sushilkumar Shinde. Read With huge gains in Mumbai, BJP proves it is here to stay BMC polls: BJP wins over Congress-NCP ruled rural bodies SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged as a major force in Vidarbha in a repeat of its performance in the 2014 state election, by capturing all the municipal corporations in the region Nagpur, Amravati and Akola with a comfortable majority.The saffron surge was visible from the beginning, with the party grabbing the most seats in the three municipal corporations. Its immediate rival, the Congress, lagged far behind. The BJP swept the Nagpur civic body polls the home turf of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union minister for transport Nitin Gadkari by bagging 101 of 151 seats. The BJP led an alliance to rule the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) with 64 seats of its 145 strength in 2012 elections. The BJP workers were so confident of their win, they had started celebrating on Thursday morning itself. On the other hand, the Congress suffered a major setback when its city president and Opposition leader in NMC, Vikas Thakre, was defeated by Dilip Diwe the brother of Gadkaris former private secretary by 800 votes. With Congress bagging only 28 seats, this was the partys worst performance. The home of former Union minister and seven-time Lok Sabha member Vilas Muttemwar also the hub of Congress activities in the city looked deserted as the results poured in. Muttewar ran the party through his proxy and loyalist Vikas Thakre. The BJP won all four seats from prabhagh 15 in west Nagpur, which once housed the Fadnavis residence. However, the face of the party and Gadkaris trusted lieutenant, Bandu Raut, was defeated by the city youth Congress chief Bunty Shelke from prabhag18 where Gadkari stays. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS) headquarters also falls under this division. Other parties were disappointed as they won only a few seats. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) bagged 7 seats. The Shiv Sena and NCP gained only two seats each. Both parties won six seats each during the 2012 elections. The MNS failed to bag a single seat. In the Akola Municipal Corporation, BJP bagged 48 seats, retaining its rule with an absolute majority in the 80-member house. The Congress won 13 seats while the Shiv Sena got 8. In the Amravati Municipal Corporation elections, the BJP wrested power from Congress-NCP alliance by getting 45 of 87 seats. The Congress obtained 15 while the Sena got 7. Earlier, BJP candidate Reeta Padole, was elected unopposed in the elections. Political pundits said the victory vindicated the leadership of Fadnavis and Gadkari, who handled the election campaign as seasoned politicians. Chief minister Fadnavis held a record number of rallies in the region. The BJP also got maximum seats in zilla parishad elections, emerging as the majority in Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Buldhana and Wardha. It can wrest control of the Yavatmal and Amravati zilla parishads from the Congress-NCP alliance, with the help of the Shiv Sena. Not just in cities, BJP emerges party no.1 in Maha rural areas The Shiv Sena barely retained its citadel, the results for the Mumbai municipal polls showed on Thursday. But it was the BJPs show, as the party stunned everyone by improving its tally from 31 to 81 seats. The Congress was almost wiped out in the countrys financial capital. Here are five things that the civic election verdict tells us: 1.The Senas three-decade hold on Mumbai has now weakened with ally BJP winning almost as many seats in the countrys richest civic agency the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The Senas clout across the Marathi vote bank is also slipping and the BJP is emerging as its biggest contender. 2. The score in Mumbai and a clear lead in seven cities out of the 10 civic bodies that went to the polls show the BJP has captured the urban mandate in Maharashtra. The party has consolidated its 2014 assembly win and gained across all civic agencies. It also pocketed big victories in district council polls that govern rural areas, where it formerly stood a poor fourth. 3. The BJPs win has come at the cost of the Congress, followed by the Sena in Mumbai. On the whole, the BJP has eaten into the Congress space in all big cities. The Congresss internal rivalries, poor discipline and organisational mess, according to political pundits, is at the root if its defeat in Mumbai. 4. Demonetisation was not a factor in these polls. The countrys financial hub, most of the big cities and even rural areas didnt punish the BJP for the governments decision to recall 500- and 1,000-rupee notes, thereby wiping out 86% of the cash in circulation. Maratha reservation, the other big issue that rocked Maharashtra last year, did not have an impact either. 5. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who helmed his partys campaign, consolidated his position in the BJP as well as the state polity with this victory. The BJPs performance will give Fadnavis an upper hand over Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. The victory could give more stability to his government as the Sena is unlikely to pull out at this stage from the ruling coalition. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has confirmed the disappearance of the deputy head of the Petro Poroshenko Bloc parliamentary faction Oleksiy Honcharenko. It has been reported that the MP had gone missing in Odesa and all measures for its investigation are being taken. "Law enforcement agencies are taking all measures for the search for he is a people's deputy, and the SBU's joined the search," SBU spokeswoman Olena Hytlianska told Interfax-Ukraine on Thursday. In the past three decades of Mumbai politics, ever since the Shiv Sena grabbed power in the BMC as the messiah of the Marathi manoos, no chief minister directly took on the saffron party and won in the bargain. On Tuesday, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis did just this, something that political veterans, including former Congress chief ministers Vilasrao Deshmukh and more recently Prithviraj Chavan, failed to do. In an aggressive political campaign, which he helmed single-handedly, Fadnavis not only took on the Thackerays he called the Sena a party of extortionists but also put up a score to match that of the sons-of-the-soil party. This is the closest any party has come to the Senas tally in the BMC since the 1997 polls. Not just Mumbai, under Fadnavis leadership, the BJP has managed to consolidate its wins in the 2014 assembly polls by spreading its footprint across all recently held polls, starting with municipal councils and now followed by big city corporations and district councils that govern rural areas. In absolute numbers, the BJP upped its overall seat tally in the 10 civic bodies as well as 25 district councils significantly and emerged as the top party in state. Despite having no governing experience when he took over as chief minister, Fadnavis has proved he has electoral and organisational acumen. More importantly, because of his clean image and vision for development, he can be projected as the partys face. In these polls, he and the party also poured in resources with ward-level surveys being undertaken to select candidates in Mumbai, said a senior BJP leader. Fadnavis, the BJPs face for the polls, held 62 rallies in the state, including 11 in Mumbai, in the past 15 days of the campaign. The party poached on winnable candidates, conducted in-depth surveys to gauge the mood of the people, poured money into its advertising and social-media campaigns and at Fadnavis insistence, made anti- corruption an important poll plank along with development. He also cleared every single candidate, which the party had put up in these polls. The partys victory in Maharashtra just as BJP heads into difficult state assembly battles in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, among others, will help Fadnavis bolster his position in the party and the state policy. He has led the party to victory into what was once seen as a Congress-NCP stronghold. Within the party, while the CM does not have a team of loyalists backing him, his position as the states supreme leader will now be cemented. The win will also help him gain more confidence of the BJPs top brass. It is clear that unless there is an un expected disruption, Fadnavis will lead his party and call shots in the 2019 Assembly polls. The victory is also likely to curb Sena chief Uddhav Thackerays rebelliousness with the party unlikely to pull out of the government in the face of such a mandate favouring the BJP. And it keeps nay sayers and opponents like Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) under check for claiming the BJP government has lost confidence of its people. You can take it in writing that there is no danger to my government. I will stay for five years, Fadnavis had told HT in an interview during the campaign. And he had also predicted his partys results and the numbers in the Mumbai civic polls. As the results came in on Thursday, Fadnavis words are now ringing true. It would seem that this self assuredness comes from some astute political arithmetic. The big challenge for CM will now be to deliver on the high expectations of the citizens. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The BJP has put up a spectacular show in Mumbai and Maharashtra. It increased it tally remarkably to 81 and won seats almost equal to the Shiv Sena, which bagged 84. Its victory is remarkable considering the fact it had won 31 seats in last Mumbai civic polls in 2012. Whether it gets to make its mayor in Mumbai or not is a different issue, but the party has managed to establish as a competitor to the Shiv Sena and decimated the Congress in Mumbai. The party first won 15 of the 36 Assembly seats in 2014 elections, and now has won 81 of the 227 seats in the civic body. Across Maharashtra, the BJP is leading in eight out of other nine civic bodies that went to the polls on February 21. It is leading in Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Ulhasnagar, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Amravati and Akola civic bodies and likely to win power their on its own or with the help of other parties like Sena. In a nutshell, it has managed to get a strong mandate in urban Maharashtra. Major credit of this victory goes to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was the partys face in the poll campaign. He campaigned across the state and put in a lot of effort. Fadnavis becomes stronger with Thursdays verdict and can run his government without much headache till 2019, when the state Assembly elections are scheduled. After Thursdays victory, he will have complete control over his government. The Shiv Sena which has managed to retain its core Marathi vote bank in Mumbai-Thane will probably gauge the mood in Mumbai and the state and create less trouble for him. Read more: BMC election results: After bitter campaign, Shiv Sena, BJP end up neck-and-neck in Mumbai BMC election results: After bitter campaign, Shiv Sena, BJP end up neck-and-neck in Mumbai SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Congress leaders were hoping to retain their leading positions in the rural bodies of the district councils and panchayat samitis, especially in the wake of demonetisation and the resultant hardships faced by people. Though the party enjoys a stronghold in rural areas and deep-rooted support from the cooperative movement, it was drubbed to the third and fourth position in the rural and urban bodies. While the Mumbai unit of the party was struggling owing to infighting among its key leaders, the party failed to put up a united front at the state level too. A lack of coordination, coupled with leaders interested in safeguarding their own bastions, and the partys failure to live up to the expectations of its traditional vote banks of Muslims, tribals and the Maratha community led the Congress to fare poorly in the state. The party did not seize upon opportunities such as demonetisation, unrest among the Maratha community, the governments failure to provide respite to farmers during the drought and the states extension of minimum support price for agricultural produce. The state unit staged protests against demonetisation only when central leadership announced nationwide protests. The party had an opportunity to fight for the farmers facing a cash crunch as the district central cooperative banks were denied permission to transact in banned notes after demonetisation. The partys failure to bank on the discontent among the Marathas helped the BJP to divide protesters from the community to defuse the aggression witnessed during first few rallies. This developed a feeling of distrust among traditional Congress supporters, said a leader from the party. The party faced a drubbing in the 2014 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections when it won only two and 42 seats, from the state where the Congress was founded in 1885. The central leadership has always counted on Maharashtra, which has stood by the party since its inception. State chief Ashok Chavan and former chief minister Narayan Rane ensured a victory for the party in their district. However, the Congress had to face defeat in Latur, Yavatmal, Sangli and Satara areas represented by key party leaders such as Amit Deshmukh, Manikrao Thakre, Patangarao Kadam and Prithviraj Chavan. The partys Mumbai unit was divided by factionalism, with differences surfacing immediately after the appointment of Sanjay Nirupam as its head. These fights did not die down even during the elections. Senior leaders openly indulged in mud-slinging, without considering its effect on the partys prospects. Key party leaders Gurudas Kamat, Priya Dutt and Arif Naseem Khan campaigned for their own supporters by conspicuously abstaining from party rallies. This resulted in Nirupam offering to quit even before the results were fully announced on Thursday. Political analyst Hemand Desai said, The 130-year-old party could win at least 31 seats in Mumbai, but its performance elsewhere in the state is worrisome. It would have been pushed to wall had the demonetisation issue not been in the news. The partys lack of coordination and its failure to throw its weight behind candidates are the major reasons for this debacle. State party chief Ashok Chavan said he accepted the blame for the partys poor performance. It is true that we have lost badly even in the district council. It is time to introspect before the 2019 general election. We will have to strengthen our district level units. Leaders at the district level will have to take corrective steps.The general elections are fought on entirely different grounds, but party leaders will have to pull their socks, Chavan told HT. BMC polls: BJP wins over Congress-NCP ruled rural bodies SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Allies-turned-foes Shiv Sena and BJP were neck and neck in the fight for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls on Thursday after months of acrimonious campaign for Indias richest civic body, rife with verbal volleys, name-calling and graft charges. The Shiv Sena was narrowly in the lead, winning 84 seats, followed closely by the BJP with 82. A party needs 114 seats to stake claim to the mayors post. Results of 225 out of 227 electoral wards had been announced till evening with counting for two constituencies still underway. The results are likely to lead to another round of tussle between the two erstwhile partners that would have to either join hands or aggressively compete for tacit support from other parties and independents to win power. We have the support of a few independents, and are confident of emerging as the party with the highest number of seats in the BMC, BJP Mumbai chief Ashish Shelar said. Among other parties, the Congress has won 31 seats, a far cry from the 52 seats that the party won in 2012. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has won in nine wards, the Samajwadi Party in six, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena in seven, and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in three. Besides, four seats have gone to independent candidates, while the Akhil Bharatiya Sena has clinched one. This was the first BMC election since 1997 to see the Shiv Sena and the BJP contesting independently, making it a prestige issue for both the parties. The regional party was fighting to hold on to its home turf while the BJP fresh from its success in the 2014 assembly polls was seeking to make deeper inroads into the countrys financial capital. Two constituencies where counting was still on were Kalbadevi in south Mumbai where BJPs Atul Shah was in close contest with Senas Surendra Bagalkar, and Kandivali in the north where BJPs Surekha Patil was leading Senas Anupama Ambekar. Following the Congress dismal performance, city party chief Sanjay Nirupam offered to resign, taking blame for the lackluster performance of the party. The party also maintained it would neither support the Sena nor the BJP. The Congress hold on Mumbai has been consistently loosening since the 2014 Lok Sabha polls with the party grappling with factionalism and infighting. The Sena posted victory in several of its bastions. For starters, the party managed to reclaim its citadel of Dadar and Mahim, which it had to cede to the Raj Thackeray-led MNS in the 2012 civic polls. The party also picked seats in Bhandup, Dahisar, Parel, Lalbaug, Bandra East, Santacruz, Khar and so on. Senior Sena leaders such as Mangesh Satamkar, sitting Mayor Snehal Ambekar, and former Mayors Milind Vaidya, Vishakha Raut, and Shraddha Jadhav all emerged successful. However, several of the partys strong candidates had to also face defeat. These include Sena standing committee chairman Yashodhar Phanse and senior leader Devendra Ambedkar who jumped from Congress to Sena just before elections. Both candidates lost to the BJP. In a setback to Sena Member of Parliament (MP) Rahul Shewale, his wife Kamini Shewale lost to BJPs Anita Panchal. Panchal and her husband Dinesh Panchal were former Sena members who defected to the BJP before elections after their parent party decided to field Rahul Shewales wife instead of Anita Panchal. The BJP, on the other hand, made an entry in Shiv Senas bastion, the Marathi heartland of Dadar, with the election of Sheetal Gambhir, daughter of former Sena legislator Suresh Gambhir. The party also registered a victory in Andheri West, Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Goregaon, Borivali, Sion Koliwada and so on. BJPs Makrand Narvekar and his sister-in-law Harshita Narvekar won from Colaba and Cuffe Parade, respectively. Party MP Kirit Somaiyas son, Neil Somaiya, also emerged successful from Mulund, prompting his father to call it a victory of transparency, a stick that Somaiya was constantly beating the Sena with. Besides the BMC, the BJP was also doing well in at least seven of the nine municipal corporations where counting has been underway since morning. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON As thousands could not find their names on the electoral roll and were denied the right to exercise their franchise on Tuesday, a blame game started between the Election Commission of India (ECI), the state election commission and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). While the state election commission clarified on Wednesday that it was the ECI that prepared the list and so they had no role to play in it, the ECI put the blame on BMC for the goof up. JS Saharia, state election commissioner, said that SEC should not be pulled up for the missing names of voters from the list. I cant say why the names were missing as it was not prepared by us. ECI prepares and revises the voters list at regular intervals. They provide us with the updated list that we use to conduct elections for local bodies, he said. In the updated list released on January 5 this year, the ECI has added 2.39 lakh new voters, he further added. During the polls for the Mumbai civic body, a large number of people complained that their names were missing from the list. Political parties claimed that lakhs were deprived from exercising their voting right, but it is still unclear how many voters were actually affected. However, officials from the ECI said that the uproar over the missing names was because of the goof up by the BMC while preparing the list of voters at the booth level. We had provided them with the voter list at the booth level. The list was used without making any changes for years. The BMC changed the order and serial numbers of voters this time. The voters could not find their names on the list of their routine booth, despite having their names on the roll because of the changes made by the civic body, he said. He also said that the political parties could not distribute the slips with the booth details as the BMC had made changes to the serial number even after the list was given out to the candidates. The official said that the website had crashed and the mobile application also added to the woes of the voters. Some of the applications introduced by the SEC and some NGOs proved to be helpful. Reacting to the controversy, Sanjay Deshmukh, additional municipal commissioner, said that there was a possibility that citizens might not have checked their names after the list was reworked, which could have let to this confusion. We have followed the directives of SEC, Deshmukh said. However, according to the BMC sources, SEC asked for a change in the serial number in the eleventh hour, which is why the names could have been missing. READ MORE BMC polls: Shorter electoral list helped Mumbai record highest voter turnout in 25 years BMC polls: Voting made easy, for the youth, by the youth After BMC elections, Mumbai schools get new duty of clearing up the mess BMC elections register highest voter turnout in 25 years: What this indicates BMC polls: Can the high turnout translate into civic engagement? SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Shiv Sena aced across the Marathi heartland, the Parel-Lalbaug-Dadar belt, by bagging 11 of the 13 seats in the area. The two remaining ones were claimed by the Congress and the BJP. Sheetal Gambhir Desai, the daughter of former Sena legislator Suresh Gambhir, won it for the BJP. Supriya More, the winner from Congress, is the wife of corporator Sunil More, who started his career with the Sena. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, which had six seats in 2012, drew a blank this time. This showed how Maharashtrians have turned their backs on the Raj Thackeray-led outfit. According to political experts, this asserts the Senas importance. The voters share an emotional and political attachment with the Shiv Sena and this has been proved once again, said Surendra Jondhale, political analyst. The BJP was not able to replace the void left by the MNS which has been marginalised, said Jondhale. In addition, there was an undercurrent among the Maharashtrians that BJP means Shah and Modi. So they resented the domination by Gujaratis and voted overwhelmingly for the Sena. The Sena faced challenges, which were overcome by its shakha network and dedicated party workers. Old Sena workers stepped on the streets to support Uddhav Thackeray. At Parel, where the Sena debuted in the state Assembly in 1970, it faced a setback days before nominations were filed, when senior party corporator Nana Ambole defected and fielded his wife Tejaswini on a BJP ticket. Similarly at Dadar, the Sena was forced to field two former mayors Vishakha Raut and Milind Vaidya, to face the challenge thrown by the MNS. The rebellion faced by Sena candidates Samadhan Sarvankar and Shraddha Jadhav, was effectively tackled as rebels failed to dent the Sena votebank. According to Sindhu Masurkar who defeated Tejaswini Ambole in a high profile fight, the victory signifies the might of the Sena. Individuals do not matter as people here are attached to the Sena and Balasaheb, said Masurkar. He said the victory was a slap across the faces of traitors who defected to other parties, she added. The defeat is also a setback for Sena-turned-Congress legislator Kalidas Kolambkar, as he was able to get just one Supriya More elected to the BMC house. In addition, his rival Shraddha Jadhav was able to win the elections. BMC polls: Focus on Marathi votes pays off in Mumbais Parel-Lalbaug belt The city showed how clearing the electoral rolls of repeated voter names could play a major role in improving the turnout percentage. Compared with the 2012 polls, the turnout leapt by 10.78% this time. The electoral rolls were inflated with repeats in the names of voters, ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Had the Election Commission of India (ECI) not deleted the Absent, Shifted and Dead (ASD) voters over the last three years and followed the old list of 1.03 crore voters, the percentage would have gone up by a mere 5%, according to officials in the Commission. There were 4.9lakh more voters in the 2017 polls. The ECI deleted 10.97 lakh voters names in 2015 and 3.17 lakh in 2016 and this shrunk the electoral rolls from 102.86 lakh in 2012 to 91.80 lakh in 2017. About 4,000 booth level officers identified the deleted names under the ASD category. They went from door to door matching the names with the voters in the summary revision drive undertaken by the commission. The list of names removed was much larger than the names added during the drive. There is no doubt that the voters response was overwhelming this time. There are various reasons for this. Three were additions to the list too. The rise in the number of voters proves this, as the rise is double in percentage when 4.9 lakh more people voted this time, said an official from the ECI. The official further said that the deletion had been done scientifically by the officials visiting homes, providing due hearing and with the consensus from political parties. He said that the allegations of missing names of actual voters was baseless as the names that were removed were removed for a reason. He said that the many complaints of missing names were due to a goof up by the BMC while it made booth-level lists. Another official from the ECI said that there were about 6 lakh more voters in Mumbai that need to be deleted. The electorate ratio comes to 68.41% of the citys population, which is 1.25crore. With this parameter, the number of voters should be about 85.51 lakh, against the existing 91.8 lakh, which means that about six lakh more need to be deleted, he said. Uttar Pradesh governor and former BJP MP Ram Naik had complained to the ECI a few years ago, alleging that the large number of repeated voters resulted in a drop in the polling percentage of the city. The ECI had taken cognisance and directed its state unit to take massive drives to delete repeated names. Following it, the ECI had deleted more than 60lakh voters ahead of the 2014-Lok Sabha elections. It led to an uproar, as many voters could not find their names on the lists. While hearing a number of petitions, the Bombay high court had upheld the procedure followed by the ECI. If the ECI claims are to be agreed upon, the predictions of certain political parties getting benefits may also prove to be a half-truth. Though the BJP has been claiming to have the total rise in percentage in its favour, it could also prove beneficial for other parties, according to the observers. If there are 11lakh names that have been deleted, there are also cases of voters who could not vote because their names were missing. Had they voted, the percentage would have gone up further. It is our experience that rise in percentage always works in our favour and we will benefit from it tis time too, said BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari. Sharad Kumar, state coordinator, Association for Democratic Reforms, said, The rise in the number of the voters is solely due to the collective effort put in by commission, civic bodies, NGOs and students. I do not believe that cleaning the electoral rolls had any part to play in it. READ MORE Will BMC poll results lead to patch-up between Shiv Sena and BJP? BMC election results today: What are the possible scenarios BMC polls: Voting made easy, for the youth, by the youth BMC polls: Can the high turnout translate into civic engagement? BMC elections register highest voter turnout in 25 years: What this indicates Mumbai belongs to the Shiv Sena, and Sena to Mumbai, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray thundered in the partys Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park last year. But barely four months later, the party, which sowed its seeds in Mumbai and rose to national fame, got a huge jolt with the results of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on Thursday, with the realisation that Mumbai is not exclusively the Shiv Senas bastion anymore. For the first time in 25 years, any party has come uncomfortably close to the Shiv Senas strength in Mumbai. It is also the first time in over two decades there is a possibility of the mayors office being occupied by a party other than the Shiv Sena. The Shiv Sena ended up with a tally of 84 seats in the February 21 election to the BMC, with the BJP closely trailing with 82 seats. During the state Assembly elections too, the BJP and Shiv Sena, which contested independently, ended up neck-and-neck in Mumbai, with the former winning 15 Assembly seats and the latter 14. Surendra Jondhale, head of Mumbai Universitys department of politics and civics, said, It is a significant political setback to the Shiv Sena. The BJPs electoral strategy, the chief ministers aggressive language gave political relevance to the BJP. Plus, there was some amount of anti-incumbency sentiment against the Shiv Sena. The close fight is the evidence of that. Undoubtedly, Mumbai is not a Sena bastion anymore and the bargaining power of the Shiv Sena has significantly reduced in the city. Jondhale said the Shiv Sena will seek to establish itself as a party that grows on its own strength more forcefully in the 2019 state Assembly polls. The tiff with the BJP will continue and both political parties will try to carve their independent paths for 2019, he said. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, however, maintained he was happy with the partys victory and the BJPs success was nothing compared to the money and power they threw into this election. There was money and power on one side, and the Shiv Senas hard work and Mumbais blessings on the other side. For 25 years, the Sena worked with the BJP for it to grow. It will take some time for a complete defeat, the Sena chief said. The Sena reclaimed its bastions of Dadar and Mahim from the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which won the seats in 2012, and posted a strong victory across the citys Marathi-dominated areas such as Parel, Lalbaug, Bhandup, Dahisar, Bandra East, Santacruz East, Khar and so on. The party also got its first Muslim corporator elected with Haji Mohammed Halim Khan, who defected to the Sena from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in search of candidature, winning from Bandras Behrampada. However, the Shiv Sena managed a strike rate of just 37% this election, contesting all 227 seats, unlike in the earlier civic polls when it managed to win more than 50% of the contested seats, contesting in an alliance. It also ceded space to the BJP, with the latter whipping up erstwhile Sena strongholds such as Andheri East, Jogeshwari and Goregaon. While senior Shiv Sena leaders such as Ashish Chemburkar, Mangesh Satamkar, sitting mayor Snehal Ambekar, and former mayors Shraddha Jadhav, Milind Vaidya and Vishakha Raut, posted victory, a number of the partys strong candidates also suffered a defeat. These include Devendra Amberkar, who jumped from the Congress to the Sena just before the elections, and standing committee chairman Yashodhar Phanse. Both candidates lost to the BJP. In a setback to Sena Member of Parliament (MP) Rahul Shewale, his wife Kamini lost to BJPs Anita Panchal. Panchal and her husband Dinesh Panchal were members of the Sena, who defected to the BJP before elections, after their parent party decided to field Rahul Shewales wife instead of Anita Panchal. Shiv Sena MP Gajanan Kirtikar said, The Shiv Sena has held on to its voters, while the BJP has increased its base by occupying more of the space vacated by the Congress and NCP than the Shiv Sena could. The BJP had the advantage of having its own government in the state and the Centre and that gave the party an edge. READ MORE BMC polls: Voters angry as names go missing from lists in Mumbai SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Bombay High Court on Thursday allowed filmmaker Vishal Bhardwajs movie Rangoon to be released for public viewing as per schedule on Friday. The court however, directed Bhardwaj and the producers of the film to deposit Rs2 crore with the high court by way of guarantee till the final disposal of the case. Bhardwaj, and the producers of the Kangana Ranaut starrer were dragged to court earlier last week by Roy Wadia of the production firm Wadia Movietone Pvt. Ltd. Wadia had filed a commercial suit earlier last week against Bhardwaj and others, claiming, among other things, that Ranauts character in the film drew heavily from that of Fearless Nadiathe protagonist of its 1935 film Hunterwali. He had sought damages and as interim relief, urged the court to stay the release of the film. Justice KR Shriram, who had been hearing day-long arguments over the last three days, however, refused to issue such injunction on the films release and listed the plea for further hearing on its remaining issues. On the previous hearings, Movietones counsel, senior advocate Navroz Seervai had argued that back in 2005-06, his client had discussed with UTV, which was in turn forwarded to Bahrdwaj, a script based on Nadias biography. Though the project fell through, Bhardwaj seems to have lifted material from that script. Bhardwaj, through his counsel senior advocate Ravi Kadam, had rubbished all allegations of plagiarism and argued that even if one was to believe the allegations that Ranauts character in the film drew inspiration from that of Fearless Nadias, the allegations of copyright violations can still not hold water, for Nadia was a real person, a historical figure who lived through real events and that there cant be any copyright claims to a historical event or person. Vishal Bhardwaj denies claims that Rangoon was plagiarised SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The recognition of the documents of separate regions of Donetsk and Luhansk regions (ORDLO) by the Russian Federation is a step contrary to the Minsk agreements, Polish Ambassador to Ukraine Yan Pieklo has said. Poland from the very beginning has upheld this position: Russia is the aggressor and it is necessary to continue the sanctions, if it does not fulfill the Minsk agreements, Pieklo said. Concerning ORDLO ID papers, Polish position is very critical - it is a step not in the direction of the Minsk agreements, but in the opposite direction, he told journalists in Kyiv on Thursday. As reported, on February 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the decree 'on recognition in the Russian Federation the documents and car registration plates issued to Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons permanently residing in the territories of the separate areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam has offered to resign from the post, accepting the responsibility for the setback party in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election. The party is unlikely to win even half of its existing tally of 52 seats. Nirupam said he sent the resignation letter to the party leadership in Delhi on Wednesday evening, a day before the results of the civic body election. He also demanded action be taken against party leaders who worked against the interest of the party. Nirupam said if action was not taken in time, it will lead to the huge loss to the party in the future. Although Nirupam did not name anybody, he pointed at senior party leader and former union minister Gurudas Kamat, who had questioned formers leadership days ahead of the elections. Kamat had announced to withdraw from the election process and later participated in campaign in only a few wards where his supporters were contesting the election. He also had said it was not possible for him to actively participate due to the negative approach of the city unit chief. I tried my level best to win maximum seats for the party, but a few leaders were active with the intention of defeating me. This has badly reflected on the prospect of the party. The leaders preferred media platform to put up their grievances instead of expressing them on the right platform within the party. It is high time action was taken against such a leader to restrict the further damage to the party, Nirupam said, during his press conference at his residence in Andheri. Congress leader Bhai Jagtap, whose name could be considered for the post, said that no official decision has been taken by the party on the resignation offered by Nirupam as yet. Read more: BMC poll results Live: Results for 199 seats out, Sena wins 77, BJP 69 Sanjay Nirupam: Do you want goons, extortionists or a good party like Congress for Mumbai? SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON How important is it to follow ones passion and give in to ones dreams? Indispensable, if you ask Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon, the Bollywood actors who presented Hindustan Times scholarships to 25 students from various city schools. Both actors studied engineering before they opted for the unconventional profession of acting. Speaking in front of hundreds of students at the seventh edition of Hindustan Times Scholarship Programme 2016-17 on Wednesday, they emphasised the importance of making gut decisions, as they cited their own life experiences to drive home the point. Rajput said he dropped out of Delhi Technological University when he realised that he wanted to be an actor. All of us act all the time. I decided that I will make sure I get paid for it, he said. Sanon, on the other hand, said her transition from an engineering student to an actor was more gradual. While pursuing my BTech, I didnt know what my passion was. I tried modelling, more as a hobby than a profession, for a while. When I acted for a TV commercial, I really liked it. Finally, I came to Mumbai leaving behind two job offers, she said. They also tried to assuage the sense of insecurity among students and their parents, when the former choose unconventional career paths. When a student said she was not sure if her passion of playing squash will take her anywhere, Rajput said, People told me that its very important to have money, recognition and relevance. I had none, but my passion kept me going. Now I have all the three. Sanon suggested that children should talk to their parents and convince them about their ambition. Show them how passionate you are. But keep doing what they want you to do on the side, she said. The actors also advocated restructuring the education system to make it easier for students to realise their aspirations, although they had different approaches from each other towards formal education. Rajput said, I was a bright student, but I didnt understand much of what was taught in the school. The kids are made to learn things which are not useful in future. Education must be structured around kids passions. However, Sanon pointed out that very few students realise their passion at an early age. In school, the students should be taught a wide variety of subjects. If you havent studied psychology, how will you know if you like it or not, she asked. Read HT Scholarship Programme 2015-16: Mumbais 50 brightest young stars shine The Bombay high court on Thursday said that a criminal proceeding cannot be quashed merely on the ground that the police station conducting the investigation lacks jurisdiction. The court has refused to interfere with the investigation being conducted by Aurangabad police station in a dowry case, although the alleged acts of cruelty purportedly took placer either at Kandhar in Nanded district or in Mumbai. At this stage, when investigation is underway, the impugned FIR cannot be quashed and set aside on the alleged ground that, as no part of offence is committed within the territorial jurisdiction of Aurangabad police Station, the investigating officer has no jurisdiction to probe the matter, said the division bench of Justice SS Shinde and Justice KK Sonawane. The bench refused to quash criminal proceedings initiated by the wife of a police constable, residing at MIDC Police Colony in Andheri (East), against him and his family members only on the ground that the police officer investigating the case did not have the jurisdiction to investigate it. The constable and his family members had approached high court seeking to quash the FIR registered at Cantonment police station in Aurangabad on the basis of complaint lodged by the constables wife. They contended that the allegations of harassment for dowry and threats were all false and also questioned the power of the investigating officer to probe the offence. This was because, the petitioners claimed, as none of the alleged acts had taken place at Aurangabad which was within the jurisdiction of Cantonment police. The petitioners contended that according to the complaint, the alleged acts of cruelty had taken place either at Mumbai or at Kandhar in Nanded district, and therefore the police either at Mumbai or Kandhar should have investigated the offence, but not the Cantonment police. The high court, however, refused to interfere with the ongoing investigation saying that the law does not permit any interference in the investigation by exercising inherent powers available to high court under Section 482 of CrPC. Section 156(2) of CrPC contains an embargo that no proceeding of police officer shall be called in question on the ground that he has no territorial jurisdiction, said the bench while rejecting the petition. Bombay high court allows Rangoons release, asks Vishal Bhardwaj to deposit Rs2 crore Provoked in the name of religion: Bombay HC grants bail to 3 murder accused The Bharatiya Janata Party is marching ahead in all municipal corporations in the in Vidarbha region Nagpur, Amravati and Akola early trends in these municipal corporations show. Its rival, the Congress, was far behind. Information available at 2pm shows the BJP is likely to retain its hold over the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, where it is leading in 70 seats. The BJP was ruling the corporation with 64 seats out of its 145 strength after the previous elections. Party workers were seen celebrating at several areas. The Congress now leads in only 20 seats, after counting picked up tempo this afternoon.The counting of votes began at 10am for 151 seats . In the Akola Municipal corporation elections too, the BJP is leading in 36 seats, the Congress in 9 and Shiv Sena and NCP are leading in one each seat. There are 80 seats in the Akola Municipal Corporation. In 2012, the BJP had won just 23 seats. In the neighbouring Amravati, the BJP has taken a decent lead in 28 seats; the Congress is far behind, leading only in six seats. Earlier, the BJP candidate, Reeta Padole, was declared unopposed in the elections. The special MCOCA court has ordered an inquiry into an allegation that Lt Col Shrikant Prasad Purohit an accused in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case forged a court order to spend six years in a hospital instead of jail. In his plea, co-accused major Ramesh Upadhyay has sought a probe against Purohits long stay at a hospital. Upadhyay claimed that the copy of the court order that the jail authorities received did not have some of the important directions that contained in the actual order. This allowed Purohit to stay in the jail hospital for longer. In April 2011 the special court had passed an order on receipt of a medical report from the jail authorities in Taloja directing them to admit Purohit in hospital. Superintendent and medical officer of Taloja central prison are directed to admit the accused 9 Prasad Purohit in the prison hospital for his further treatment for a specific period, subject to he being given adequate security coverage, stated the alleged original order. It added, In view of the submission by the special public prosecutor, the registrar is directed to send copies of the order to: 1) Commissioner of police, Navi Mumbai 2) Inspector General (prisons), Mumbai 3) DG Maharasthra state at Mumbai, 4) DG Nia, New Delhi, Ministry of Home affairs. But, the order received by the jail authorities which Upadhyay obtained through Right to Information (RTI) neither mentioned treatment for a specific period nor did it have the second paragraph of the order that stated that copies of it be sent to other authorities. Upadhyay also stated that as per the circular dated September 21, 2012, Purohit had to be kept in Anda cell and he needed specific exemption from the jails superintendent if he was to be kept elsewhere. The petitioner alleged that rules were ignored to help Purohit evade his jail time. The special public prosecutor Avinash Rasal, said, The court has recorded the Upadhyays statement. It has also examined another co-accused Sameer Kulkarni in the case and has called for an inquiry. 2008 Malegaon blast On September 29, 2008, around 9.30 pm, a bomb exploded near Bhiku Chowk, in Malegaon. The blast took place by an improvised explosive device fitted upon a LML Freedom motorcycle. Six persons were killed and 101 injured in the incident that was probed initially by the Maharashtra ATS and then, taken over by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2011. The ATS charged 13 persons for the crime. These included Pragya Thakur, Shrikant Purohit, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Ramesh Upadhyay, Sudhakar Chaturvedi. It also charged Jagdish Mhatre for procuring the arms, Rakesh Dhawade for assembling the bomb, Ajay Rahirkar, the treasurer of Abhinav Bharat, Samir Kulkarni, Shyam Sahu, who provided multiple SIM cards, Shivnarayan Kalsangra, Abhinav Bharat member Pravin Mutalik, and Ramchandra Kalsangra, who as per ATS, planted the bomb, and who is yet to be arrested. The NIA in turn absolved of all charges, Pragya Thakur, Shivnarayan Kalsangra, Shyam Sahu, and Pravin Mutalik alias Takkalki. Also read: 2008 Malegaon blast: Bombay HC reserves order on accused Lt Col Purohits bail SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A complaint has been filed by an NGO against destruction of mangroves along Palm Beach Road, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, on Wednesday. Local residents brought the destruction to the notice of Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW), which filed a complaint on the forest departments helpline number 1926 on Wednesday morning. A thick patch of mangroves has been hacked and according to the pictures we took from the site, it can be clearly seen that a patch has been burnt to remove the trees, said Pawan Sharma, founder, RAWW. Considering that a festival like Mahashivratri is around the corner, a lot of devotees enter thick forest areas with contraband substances during this time. We have spotted encroachments within the mangrove cover as well. According to state mangrove cell, there are 1,471 hectare of mangrove forests in government-owned land in Navi Mumbai, which are protected by the law. After a public interest litigation (PIL) by Bombay Environment Action Group an NGO in Mumbai in 2005, the Bombay high court had banned destruction of mangroves across the state and construction within 50m of them. After environment group Vanashakti filed another PIL, the HC banned all reclamation and construction on wetlands in 2014. Officials from the state mangrove cell said they surveyed the site as soon as they received the complaint on Wednesday. Prima facie, it does not seem like a violation as the cell has recently permitted a power distribution company to set up high tension wires there. Mangroves needed to be pruned there to avoid untoward incidents but they were not allowed to hack trees, said Makarand Ghodke, assistant conservator of forest, Mumbai Mangrove Conservation Unit. I will personally visit the location on Thursday and check if contractors employed by the power distribution company have violated environmental laws. Environmentalists said mangroves along the Palm Beach Road are the most vulnerable. This area is being desperately sought after by the land mafia. To start construction they remove mangroves during the night, said Stalin D, director, Vanashakti. The land falls under the CRZ I and lies on one end of the creek, so even a small construction can lead to flooding during the monsoon. READ MORE 80% fall in mangrove destruction in 1 year, says study by Maharashtra government After Versova mangrove destruction case, Mumbai suburban collector ready with action plan SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A month after the vice chancellor of University of Mumbai (MU) announced the decision to take the entire assessment process on a digital platform nothing seems to have moved in that direction. MU exams will begin in less than a month and so far no workshop has been held to train teachers in on-screen assessment, neither has any process been initiated to ensure proper infrastructure in place to conduct assessment on such a large scale. On-screen assessment involves of scanning answer sheets and assessing the scanned copies on a computer, to avoid any tampering of answer sheets. At present, it is only applicable to the engineering section where the answer booklets are first scanned at the exam centre and then the scanned sheets are available for examiners to assess on computer, with the help of passwords shared with them. At a press conference in January this year vice-chancellor Sanjay Deshmukh said the aim is to replicate the same process for all courses from April 2017. Apart from orientation for teachers, the university also had plans to hold workshops for the teachers who will have to assess papers as per the on-screen format this semester onwards. Repeated texts and calls to Deshmukh went unanswered. College principals said they are also unsure if the on-screen assessment project is aimed for the current semester. We have not yet heard from the university about any workshops for the teachers. Neither have we received any circular informing us about this new feature. Theres still no clarity if the same will be applicable this semester, said Marie Fernandes, principal of St Andrews College, Bandra. Deshmukh had also mentioned that the new examination center in MUs Kalina campus will be equipped with enough computer sets for examiners and moderators to conduct on-screen assessment without trouble. However, this building is still under construction and theres no hope of completion until the next four-five months. One of the biggest difficulties that this process might face, said a principal, is the enormity of the project with more than 19.5 lakh answer booklets that will need to be scanned and checked. On-screen assessment was easier for the engineering section because of the limited number of students and answer booklets. For all university students, not only will the scanning process be time consuming, but even assessment will be difficult for the teachers, said the principal of a suburban college. MA Khan, MU registrar, said, We are trying to change the process of manual assessment to online assessment this semester itself. Work should begin soon. Also read: After marking law students absent by mistake, Mumbai University declares results again SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON 1. BMC polls: BJP on top, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis becomes stronger The BJP has put up a spectacular show in Mumbai and Maharashtra. It increased it tally remarkably to 81 and won seats almost equal to the Shiv Sena, which bagged 84. Its victory is remarkable considering the fact it had won 31 seats in last Mumbai civic polls in 2012. Read 2. BMC poll results: Suspense over one seat in south Mumbai as candidates tie There was suspense and drama over one seat in South Mumbai in which BJP candidate/ex-MLA Atul Shah and Shiv Senas Surendra Bagalkar are tied. It is 220 C ward in South Mumbai. Read 3. BMC election results: After bitter campaign, Shiv Sena, BJP end up neck-and-neck in Mumbai After an acrimonious campaign rife with verbal volleys, name-calling and graft charges, allies-turned-rivals Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ended up neck-and-neck in the contest for the countrys richest civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Read 4. Seven times Shobhaa De proved she is the queen of controversy on Twitter Columnist and author Shobhaa De landed in yet another Twitter controversy after she fat-shamed a policeman on duty during the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections on Wednesday. While the Mumbai Police gave it back to her politely, other Twitter users slammed her for what they said was insensitive comments by the socialite. Read 5. In MP: Poachers trap electrocutes endangered sloth bear, NGO rescues her cub A seven-year-old sloth bear and her two-month-old cub were electrocuted when they were looking for food in the Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradeshs Sidhi district. The mother succumbed to her injuries, but the male cub has survived. Read The Ghaziabad police on Thursday detained for questioning the director of Noida-based company Ringing Bells which had announced Freedom 251 smartphones at a price of Rs 251. The police said that the company director Mohit Goel was called in for questioning in connection with an FIR lodged by another firm. So far, he has not been arrested. There is some dispute with the distributor for not paying an amount of about Rs 12 lakh. The talks are on between the two parties regarding returning the money and an arrest has not been made, said Manish Mishra, circle officer (city). He added that the FIR against Goel was filed at Sihani Gate police station on Wednesday. Homebuyers have joined hands with farmers to protest against the Greater Noida authority for allegedly sheltering realtors who are failing to clear land dues and deliver flats on time. We will protest against the Greater Noida authority outside its new office in Knowledge Park-4 after March 11 with the support of farmers. We are forced to protest because the authority is yet to list details of defaulting builders on its website for buyers use. Also, the authority is not taking strict action against the builders on time. As a result, they are cheating new buyers, Abhishek Kumar, the president of Noida extension flat owners welfare association (NEFOWA), said. Farmers said that they will protest against the authority because their issues related to abadi land and land compensation, acquired for realty projects, are yet to be resolved. Homebuyers recently met Union home minister Rajnath Singh, Congress leader Ajay Maken and also protested outside the Prime Ministers office in Delhi, demanding action against builders for not delivering projects on time. Many realty projects in Greater Noida have been delayed up to around six years. Also, eight defaulting realtors have not done any work on the site for last few years. These builders were supposed to begin construction within one year of buying the land. Had the authority acted against the builder, many buyers would not have invested their hard-earned money to buy flats in these projects. Also, had there been transparency in making realtors details public online, many buyers could have taken an informed decision, Varun Mahajan, a buyer, said. One Greater Noida builder who was arrested by Delhi Polices Economic Offences Wing (EOW) at Indira Gandhi Airport for fraud and cheating, three days ago, continued to sell flats despite being a defaulter of the Greater Noida authority. Why did the authority allot group housing land to inexperienced persons who did not have the expertise in realty sector and construction? Had the authority played its role properly, buyers would not have been cheated, Kumar said. On September 6, 2016, the authority had listed defaulters names on its website. But under pressure from the builders, the Greater Noida authority, after a week, removed the list. Many builders paid their dues, so they were not defaulters anymore. We removed the list from the website because it was harming the financial credibility of each realtor who wanted to raise funds to finish a project. We want realtors to pay their dues and deliver flats to buyers. But at the same time, we are also acting against those who are not in a position to revive a project. If a buyer wants details about any builder, they can visit our office and contact me for the same, Deepak Agarwal, the chief executive officer of the Greater Noida authority, said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Government in March to approve program of aviation industry development until 2020 - Groysman The Cabinet of Ministers intends in March to approve the program of development of the Ukrainian aviation industry for the period until 2020, Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has said. "The program of development of the aviation industry until 2020 has been developed. The program is designed not only by officials, but real production workers, institutions, and we in March will approve this program," the premier said at a press briefing after a meeting on aviation issues at PJSC FED (Kharkiv). Groysman noted investments in modern technologies are important in this area. According to him, both public and private companies work in the field of aircraft building, whose efforts need to be combined. Higher education in India is widely believed to be in crisis. The University system, in particular, is dogged not only by issues of access and quality but also suffers profoundly from failures of administration. In recent years, several vice-chancellors have been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Chandra Krishnamurthy, erstwhile VC of Pondicherry, had to ingloriously quit sometime in 2016. Her forced resignation, it must be pointed out, was not only a result of an agitation by students and faculty. Rather, the tipping point followed from the findings of a high-level probe, which found her guilty of academic fraud: involving claims about books she had not written and for listing a fictitious D. Litt degree in her CV. Earlier, in Bengal, Abhijit Chakrabarti, vice-chancellor of Jadavpur University, was compelled to exit office. While his failure to meaningfully respond to a molestation case sparked a loud and energetic student agitation, he added fuel to the fire by getting students beaten up by the local police. This January, in an act of foresight or pre-emption, the Rajasthan University vice-chancellor J P Singhal tendered his resignation a day before the High Court was to decide his fate over a petition filed by two Jaipur-based activists. The petitioners were questioning the academic worth of the VC, who had barely completed seven months in office. One could perhaps dismiss these instances as anomalies, given that hundreds of vice-chancellors do survive their full terms. On the other hand, one could also argue that such inglorious exits are a mere sampling of an alarming and deeper malaise. Vice-chancellors, especially those in charge of central universities in India, it must be understood, enjoy considerable, if not, overwhelming powers. They call the shots not only in terms of promotions, hiring, granting leave, deciding on a host of minute academic and administrative matters but, significantly as well, are relatively insulated from most pressures by students and faculty. And how little disdain and respect they need show to deliberative bodies such as academic councils or executive councils was made most palpable by former Delhi University vice- chancellor Dinesh Singh. In a show cause notice issued to him by the human resources ministry on March 17, 2015, for example, one of the chief allegations was that he introduced the Four Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) without clearance from the academic council, executive council, university court and the visitor who, in this case, is President Pranab Mukherjee. Read: Bengal: VC of Jadavpur University resigns Contempt for internal dissent within the university was taken to the next level in the drama that recently unfolded at Hyderabad Central University (HCU). Here the VC Appa Rao Podile, who has also admitted to having plagiarised, is widely believed to have successfully used the police and other strong arm tactics to sort out his disagreements with the students and faculty members. In what is now well documented, the travails of HCU extend from caste oppression, violence, lock downs, suspensions and beatings; all crowned, furthermore, by a Bollywood style spectacle involving the disappearance and equally sudden re-appearance of the VC. This is undoubtedly grim and disturbing stuff. Several studies have argued that the fate of the demographic dividend in post-liberalisation India critically rests on balancing three legs: a) employment; b) education and c) access to debt/loans. Some indication of what the future storm will look like when any one of the legs fall short is indicated in the now portentous mobilisation of the youth amongst Jats, Gujjars, Patels and Mahars. These farming communities have correctly grasped how critical education and not simply skill development has become for the new jobs of the digital economy. More so, when a desired shift from rural to urban India is also a part of their aspirational longings. While thus far the demands of these farming communities and castes are couched in the language of access through reservation quotas within existing universities, it is a matter of time before this will quickly escalate into an even more aggressive demand for quality and meaningful education. Given that the current Narendra Modi-led NDA government has shown no inclination to discontinue the previous UPA practice of granting vice-chancellorships as political practice, the top down slide of university education might helplessly continue. But this is playing with fire, especially when quality education as is well known cannot be generated overnight. Read: A first: Bihar VC aspirants told to give property details The Modi government, however, must also be faulted for adding a second more troubling ideological thrust to some of its appointments. The notable case in point being that of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), which has earned the NDA governments wrath for having a critical and immensely respected Left scholarly legacy. The current JNU vice-chancellor, it must be noted, is essentially an electrical engineer by training and, bluntly stated, has a CV indicating an academic lightweight especially when contrasted to the richer and heftier academic accomplishments of many within the JNU faculty. Put differently, the government has thought it fit to have JNU headed by a person not from the scholarly rigours of fundamental sciences or the social sciences but instead with a mere technical background. Sadly, the consequences are for everyone to see. JNU students and faculty remain in protest mode having to deal with, as many reports suggests, a hostile administration that shows scant respect for the universitys unique academic cultures of dissent, debate and dialogue. Clearly, while the JNU vice-chancellor can perhaps expect to override challenges from his students and faculty, given the trust and support he enjoys with the government, it nonetheless begs the important question of whether this is how India wishes to handle its higher education challenge? Read: Pondicherry varsity vice chancellor sacked after allegations of plagiarism On the other hand, if the office of the vice-chancellor is genuinely going to be turned around to be part of the education solution, then the government should urgently set about attempting two major structural changes. First, evolve a credible metric for assessing the vice-chancellors performance in terms of enabling his/her university to generate quality academic output. At the moment, strangely enough, while faculty and students are subjected to a range of evaluations the very top position is beyond any assessment. Secondly, the selection of a vice-chancellor should also be dependent, at least in part, on an electoral college comprising only academics that is his or her peers. This should somewhat attenuate the current bureaucratic and political hold on the system. The education stakes in India are very high, needs urgent solutions and failure is not an option. Rohan DSouza is associate professor, Graduate School of Asian and African Area Studies, Kyoto University. The views expressed are personal Visiting ones neighbour usually means catching up with the latest mohalla gossip, sharing the good and the bad that has happened in each others family life and musing about the times gone by. But when it comes to India and Pakistan, a visit to each other assumes an altogether different meaning. I was overcome with feelings of trepidation and worry when I received an invitation to visit Lahore to attend a conference in 2009. It is supposed to be a dangerous place if newspaper reports are anything to go by. I must confess that I was in for a pleasant surprise the moment I, along with my family, crossed the Radcliffe Line at Attari. We were welcomed with open arms and unbelievable warmth and affection across the border. We stayed in the beautiful city of Lahore for a couple of days, went to Nankana Sahib to pay our obeisance, and visited the mental health facility at Emanabad. We have so much in common, be it the jokes or problems of day-to-day life. The man on the street is as distressed by the scourge of terrorism there as all of us are here. To my surprise, I did not meet even a single person during my stay who voiced feelings inimical to India. We came back home with wonderful memories of the neighbouring country. Of late, we have been hearing about Pakistan being the hotbed of terrorism and the plans of some nations to ban the entry of its citizens. The other day, my 12-year-old son asked me: Papa, how can Pakistan be our enemy when the uncles and aunties whom we met there were so good? Some questions, indeed, are extremely difficult to answer. I tried explaining that what we hear in the media is more to do with politics, and the situation on the street could be different. My son shot off another query: Democracy, we have read, is the government of the people, by the people and for the people. Why are governments of the two countries not friends just like the friends we made in Lahore? I gave up. The world is not so simple. There are good and bad people on either side of the border. I was reminded of the lyrics of a popular song penned by Javed Akhtar: Panchhi nadiya pawan ke jhonke Koi sarhad na inhein roke Panchhi nadiya pawan ke jhonke Koi sarhad na inhein roke Sarhadein insaanon ke liye hain Socho tumne aur maine Kya paya insaan hoke The world is one family. The sooner we realise, the better it will be for mankind as a whole. (The writer is a Jalandhar-based freelance contributor) Governor Ramnath Kovind , on Thursday, underlined the gains accruing from the complete prohibition policy of the ruling grand alliance government in Bihar . He was addressing a joint sitting of the two houses on the opening day of the budget session of the state legislature. In his address, the governor set the tone for the tasks which lay ahead for the government, while underlining the targets visualised . Prohibition has made the society stronger, healthier and self-restrained, which has a direct bearing on the state s development, said Kovind, in his one-and-half hour address. It has improved economic condition of families while reducing crime and family feuds, he added The governor said compared to figures for the April 2015 to January 2016 period, cases of murder came down by 22 % in the past financial year. Similarly, cases loot decreased by 18%, dacoity 23%, riots 33%, kidnapping for ransom by 42% and road accidents declined by 17%, he said. The 17-page speech listed the state governments achievement in the fields of law and order, health, women empowerment, governments seven resolves, education, agriculture and irrigation. BJP, the main opposition party in the state, did not find the governors speech very encouraging. The claim of in the governors speech of a fall in organised crime, prepared by the state government, does not present the real picture and is misleading. After prohibition was enforced, crime has increased since last May. They should have given figures for the post-April period, said senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi. Kovinds speech reiterated the governments commitment to growth with justice for all and emphasis on kanoon ka sashan (rule of law). Kovind also spoke about the state governments policy of zero tolerance of corruption, saying nine cases had been registered under the Bihar Special Courts Act of 2009 and seizure of unaccounted property amassed in these cases was underway. So far, in eight cases, unaccounted properties of public servants have been seized and the State Vigilance Investigation Bureau, in the past one year, laid 110 traps against corrupt officials and arrested 121 persons, he said. Expressing the governments commitment to womens empowerment, he said, The state government, in fulfilment of one of its seven resolves, has reserved 35% positions for women in all state government jobs. So far, 2,414 women have benefitted from this decision, Kovind said. The governor, in his address, also claimed that owing to improvement in medicare, female mortality rate in Bihar has fallen to 208 in 2013 from 371 in 2005. The governor also highlighted the achievements in road, social forestry, agriculture and minorities welfare sectors. However, the governors assertion that a total of 5,175 graveyards had been fenced, drew sharp criticism from BJP. Fencing of graveyards is welcome, but we would like to know what happened to state governments Muktidham Yojna, countered Modi. The plan concerns construction/ renovation of crematoriums. Taking note of the failure on the part of the investigating officer in finding the whereabouts of the main accused despite six-day remand as per police file, the court of duty magistrate Karanvir Singh Maju extended the remand of Harmehtab Singh Rarewala alias Farid, the co-accused in the murder of Akansh Sen, nephew of Himachal Pradesh CM Virbhadra Singh. On February 9, a BMW had run over Sen in Sector 9, with Rarewala reportedly in the passenger seat. The police had requested for three-day remand. The prosecution claimed that Rarewala had yet again resiled (retracted) from his previous statement and was not cooperating with the police in investigation. The police needed more time to take him to Amritsar where the main accused Balraj Singh Randhawa was hiding at a friends house, the prosecution added. BALRAJ HIDING AT FRIENDS HOUSE IN AMRITSAR: RAREWALA Investigation officer Poonam Dilawari submitted an application which stated that interrogation Rarewala disclosed, under Section 27 of the Indian Evidence Act, that Balraj was hiding at one of his friends residence near Swaran Mandir (the Golden Temple) in Amritsar. It was also submitted that remand was also required to locate the SIM of his mobile from Bengaluru. The magistrate also questioned the IO on why Rarewala was never taken to Bangalore in these six days, to which the IO said, He was taken to Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Sahnewal but he has been continuously resiling from his statements. The magistrate observed that the court was of the opinion that Two-day police remand is sufficient to trace the whereabouts of accused Balraj Singh Randhawa from Amritsar. IF HE FURTHER RETRACTS, TAKE HIM TO AREA MAGISTRATE The court also directed the IO to get the medical examination done of Rarewala at the local civil hospital and make a DDR entry. The court also said that if Raewala retracted (resiled) again from his statement in Amritsar, he should be taken to the local area (Ilaqa) magistrare then and there. I HAD ENMITY WITH SHERA Talking to HT outside court, Rarewala admitted to an old enmity with Shera. He broke my nose and attacked me at my house two months prior to this (February 9) incident. I had informed the police then (two months ago), he said, adding they had gone for trips together. Four of Rarewalas friends were also present in court. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Top leaders of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), including Abhay Chautala, 18 other MLAs and two MPs, were arrested by Punjab Police at Shambhu barrier on the Punjab-Haryana border on Thursday after they, along with several supporters, entered the state to undertake digging of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal. They were rounded up for violating prohibitory orders and were sent to Patiala jail in judicial custody till February 27. A case under Section 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was registered against Abhay and 73 other party leaders, who courted arrest, after the police refused to allow them to enter the state. Also read | SYL face-off: Section 144 invoked in Patiala, Ambala districts The INLD leaders had threatened to march into Punjab along with their shovel-carrying supporters towards the contentious canal, but heavy force was deployed to thwart their attempt. Punjab Police responded by constructing a 10-feet high wall of iron barricades and deployed about 5,000 armed personnel to stop the protesters from marching into the state. INLD supporters began to symbolically start the digging work for SYL at Shambu on Thursday. (Ravi Kumar/HT Photo) When the INLD workers reached the Punjab-Haryana border at the Shambhu barrier, they were clearly outnumbered by the police. They first tried to climb up the barricades to cross into Punjab, but failed and symbolically started the digging work of the SYL Canal right there. As slogans of SYL being their legal right rent the air, Abhay delivered a short speech. He accused the Centre of being biased against Haryana, saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not implementing the court decision on the SYL canal. After his speech was over, Abhay and his supporters turned to go back, but suddenly stopped to have a brief consultation with party leaders. He then changed his mind and decided to court arrest by entering Punjab. Police officials held brief parleys with the protesters before making an announcement on loudspeaker that whosoever enters Punjab will be arrested for breaching the prohibitory orders. Abhay and other party leaders did not resist the arrest and were taken to the Shambhu Serai where a temporary control room of Punjab Police had been set up. Also read | SYL face-off: Centre intervenes as tension builds up over INLDs threat After his arrest, Abhay warned that his party would not allow any Punjab leader who is opposed to the SYL Canal to travel through Haryana. Earlier in the morning, INLD supporters started gathering at the new grain market in Ambala City for the Jal Yudh Sammelan. Though the number of workers at the venue was modest at the start, it began to swell rapidly after 12.30pm. The venue was packed by the time Abhay arrived. After a quick round of speeches, they started marching on National Highway-1 (also known as GT Road) towards the Punjab border, about 2km from the rally spot. The party leaders were ferried in tractor-trailers. Though Haryana Police had made heavy bandobust, they did little to stop protesters from entering Punjab. No traffic was allowed on the highway from Rajpura onwards and traffic to Ambala was diverted through Sirhind via Landran. They were stopped by Punjab Police which had deployed 10 companies of paramilitary, anti-riot squads at all entry points, besides using a helicopter and drones to keep vigil to avert any untoward situation, director general of police (DGP law and order) Hardeep Dhillon, along with inspector general, Patiala, B Chandra Sekhar, was in command of the operation. Meanwhile, Punjab Police also didnt allow All India Sikh Students Federation and Bains brothers-led Lok Insaaf Party workers to reach the Punjab-Haryana border as they had announced to take the INLD head-on. As the Indian National Lok Dal workers have started converging at Ambala vegetable market before marching towards Punjab to dig Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal, the Punjab Police have sealed the Punjab and Haryana border. Mounting tension is visible on both the sides of Punjab and Haryana border as police personnel are on their toes and in a state of high alert. Also Read | SYL face-off: Centre intervenes as tension builds up over INLDs threat Haryana has deployed heavy force at Haryana side of Shambu Barrier, to stop the INLD workers from entering Punjab. The place where INLD supporters are gathering is some 2 km from Shambu barrier of Punjab. To confront and oppose the INLD marchers, the activists of the All India Sikh Students Federation, have converged at Sanaur, a town of Patiala, where police have been deputed in heavy number to not let anyone reach Kapuri or Shambu. Also Read | SYL face-off today: SC cracks whip,wants peace maintained Punjab Police are expecting that INLD workers will conclude their public rally at 1.30 pm after which they will start their Punjab march. The worry of Punjab police is in case Haryana police avoid acting tough with the INLD workers, the situation may take tense turn forcing Punjab to use force. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Supreme Court told the Punjab Government on Wednesday that the Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal (SYL) has to be constructed and declined to accept the states contention that there should be a political solution of the problem. We are at a stage where the decree has to be executed, a bench headed by Justice PC Ghose told senior counsel Ram Jethmalani who argued for Punjab. The court asked governments of Punjab and Haryana to maintain law and order in their respective states. The status quo, restraining Punjab from returning land meant for the canal to its owners was also reiterated. The Centre was directed to maintain surveillance in view of the impending march by INLD activists, which could trigger a law and order problem. Also Read | SYL face-off: Centre intervenes as tension builds up over INLDs threat During the hearing, Centre rebutted Punjabs charges that it did not take a proactive approach to resolve the dispute over water-sharing of Ravi-Beas rivers. I (Centre) cant sit in judgment over the decree...If both the states approach us only then we can mediate... solicitor general Ranjit Kumar said. Jethmalani urged the Centre to act as an arbitrator. He said the water sharing agreement was signed in 1981 and the water flow has significantly decreased in the rivers. He added it was not possible to execute the agreement now. He informed the bench about the INLD protest and said over a lakh people planned to march into Punjab with spades to start digging at the SYL canal construction site. He blamed the Haryana government for granting permission for the march. Lets hope good sense will prevail. Violence will not take place... Jethmalani said. The senior counsels apprehension was addressed by Haryana government counsel, senior advocate Shyam Diwan. He said his client was committed to maintaining law and order. Once again the bench declined Jethmalanis request to fix the next hearing on March 11, after the poll results, and listed the matter for a hearing on March 2. The court took on record Punjabs affidavit expressing its inability to recover land that has already been returned. Jharkhand governments decision to enter liquor retail business could upset Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumars anti-liquor campaign in the tribal state. The decision, however, has irked several ministers in the Raghubar Das government and women organizations, who have been fighting for ban on sale and consumption of liquor. The Jharkhand cabinet on Tuesday approved an excise and prohibition departments proposal paving the way for the Jharkhand beverage corporation limited (JBCL) to control the retail business of foreign liquor and beer from August 1, 2017. State drinking water and sanitation department minister Chandra Prakash Choudhary told Hindustan Times, I had opposed the decision in the cabinet meeting. It is not a welfare scheme that government will take over. Everyone should understand that alcohol has been a curse to our society. I would oppose the decision. Choudhary, an AJSU legislator from Ramgarh, said two-three BJP ministers had also tried to convince the CM that the decision would impact Jharkhands image. Das, however, is treading the same path, that his counterpart, Mamata Banerjee has charted for West Bengal and has run into opposition for legislators of other parties. The Jharkhand decision has also drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, trade bodies and several womens organizations, who have been demanding ban on sale and consumption of liquor, as in Bihar. Former chief minister and JMM working president Hemant Soren said, Now government will open liquor outlets in villages, which will ultimately impact the lives of poor tribals in Jharkhand. I appeal to the rural residents of the state to not allow liquor outlets in their villages. Soren said women organizations would have to come forward to launch a struggle against governments liquor campaign. Congress workers also burnt the effigy of Jharkhand government at Albert Ekka Chowk in protest against the governments decision of selling liquor. Nithish Kumar had inspired several women organizations through his rallies in Jharkhand for prohibition last year. The organizations carried out aggressive campaigns across the state for last several months demanding ban on sale and consumption of liquor. The decision is shocking. When voices for complete ban on sale and consumption of liquor is resounding across the state, how could the state think of selling liquor on its own. We will oppose it, said Rani Kumari, president of Nari Shakti Sena, locally known as Gulabi Gang. The organization has been spearheading an anti-liquor campaign and awareness drive against and sale and consumption of liquor in the state. Women suffer the most economically and socially. Government claims to have launched several projects for womens empowerment but when it comes to banning liquor, it does just the opposite, she said. A survey conducted by the Registrar General of India (RGI), which was released on June 8 last year, said 23.4% of men above 15 years in Jharkhand drink alcohol, which is the second highest in the country after Chhattisgarh. The figure for Chhattisgarh is 33%. Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries have also lodged their protest the governments move, saying it would put 1500-2000 people associated with the business out of jobs. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Popular Malayalam actor Dileep on Wednesday slammed a section of media for targeting him in connection with the alleged abduction and harassment of a noted South Indian actor by a gang of men last week. Dileep, who recently got married to Malayalam actor Kavya Madhavan, said he did not have any contact, directly or indirectly, with any of the accused involved in the heinous crime. I appeal to the authorities to carry out a complete and honest investigation into the incident and bring the culprits to book and ensure that maximum punishment is given to them at the earliest, he wrote on his Facebook page. Dileep said he was being crucified for forming Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK) for producers, theatre owners and distributors recently after splitting Kerala Film Exhibitors Federation (KFEF) in protest against a strike called by the latter in December last damaging the film sector in the state. Responding to reports that a popular Malayalam actor living in Aluva was questioned by police probing the case, the 49-year-old actor, who stays in that city, said, I would like to tell those who have been misled by such reports that it is not me. Not a single policeman has visited my home in mufti (civilian dress) or uniform. They have not even contacted me over phone. I can assertively say that they have not visited even a single actor living in Aluva, he said. Describing as sad the ordeal undergone by the actor on the night of February 17, Dileep said bringing the real accused involved in the crime before law and ensuring that they get maximum punishment was his need as well as that of the society. Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop The Land Court of Vienna, having considered the request of Spain for the extradition of Ukrainian businessman Dmytro Firtash, on February 23 decided to release him without additional bail, according to a report by Firtash's lawyers. According to the report, the businessman surrendered his foreign passport. As reported, the chairman of the group of companies Group DF Firtash Council has been arrested in Austria March 12, 2014 at the request of US authorities. During the previous US administration Ukrainian businessman accused that he bribes totaling $ 18.5 million, would receive a permit for the extraction of titanium raw materials in India for subsequent sale of finished products in the United States. As reported, chairman of Group DF Dmytro Firtash was arrested in Austria on March 12, 2014 at the request of U.S. authorities. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the accused attempted to pay a bribe worth $18.5 million to receive a permit for mining operations in India. Actor Keerti Gaekwad Kelkar is returning to television after a gap of six years. She will replace Dipika Kakar on COLORSs popular show Sasural Simar Ka. Dipika, who played the lead character Simar on the show for six years, has decided to move on to give more time to her personal life. Yes, its true. Im leaving the show because I need some time off for my personal life. But I am refraining from talking about in at length because I dont want anyone to feel and say that its some sort of a stunt to get a pay hike, Dipika had told HT in an interview in January. Deepika Samson played the protagonist on the show for six years. Keerti played the antagonist on Zee TVs Choti Bahu. She was also a part of the second season of Nach Baliye in 2006, in which she participated with her actor husband Sharad Kelkar. Keerti and Sharad on Nach Baliye. When asked about the challenges that would come with playing Simar, Keerti told TOI, I wanted to return to television with a good project. The show will bring its focus back on the mother-daughter relationship; I believe that I suit the role perfectly since I am also a mother. That being said, Keerti says that the role is challenging in its own way. She explained, Though the character of Simar is already established, the challenge lies in adding some freshness to it. I wouldnt have taken it up if it wasnt so challenging. I am nervous and excited at the same time to face the camera after so long. Follow @htshowbiz for more More than 130 people, mostly combatants, have been killed in three days fighting between jihadists close to the Islamic State group and rebels in southern Syria, a monitor said Wednesday. The clashes pit the Khaled Ben al-Walid Army -- which pledged allegiance to IS last year -- against Islamist rebel groups including the influential Ahrar al-Sham faction, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. At least 132 people had been killed in the fighting that raged in Daraa province near the border with Jordan and the buffer zone before the Israel-occupied Golan Heights. The Khaled Ben al-Walid Army sparked the clashes with an attack on rebels in the west of the southern province. The pro-IS group has since seized three areas including Sahem al-Jolan near the border and a hill overlooking the rebel-held town of Nawa. The Khaled Ben al-Walid Army wants to extend its influence in the strategic triangle between Daraa (city), Jordan and the Golan, Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said. Daraa province, the cradle of the 2011 uprising against President Bashar al-Assads regime, is mostly held by the rebels but pro-government forces and IS are also present. The provincial capital of the same name is divided between army and rebel control. Syrias war has killed more than 310,000 people since it started nearly six years ago with the brutal repression of anti-regime protests. It has since spiralled into a complex war involving international players and jihadists. A 23-year-old man, who has roots in Chand Purana village, was shot dead by unidentified people in Abbotsford city of Canada on Monday. The deceased identified as Satkar Singh Sidhu was born and brought in Canada and was into the business of installing close circuit television (CCTV) cameras. Also read | Indo-Canadian gang member killed in rising trend of violence Also read | Moga-based man, son stuck in Saudi Arabia The incident took place when Satkar was waiting outside his home in the car for his brother when three men came in a car and started firing at him. He died on the spot. Satkar is survived by father Baldev Singh, mother and younger brother Balkar Singh. As per the information, Baldev and his wife had migrated to Canada in the 1990s. He reportedly works in a mill there. A British journalist with the BBC faces up to five years in a Thai jail after a lawyer brought a criminal defamation case against him over an investigation into fraud on a popular tourist island. Rights groups say the case exposes how Thailands defamation and computer crime laws scupper investigative journalism and make it difficult to expose wrongdoing in an endemically corrupt country. The prosecution was sparked by a 2015 report by Jonathan Head, the BBCs Southeast Asia correspondent, looking at how two foreign retirees were scammed out of their properties in Phuket. Head appeared in a Phuket court on Thursday alongside one of the victims, British national Ian Rance who is a joint defendant in the prosecution. Both pleaded not guilty. The man bringing the prosecution is Pratuan Thanarak, a Phuket lawyer who featured in the BBCs report looking at how Rance lost lucrative properties. Rance retired to Phuket in 2001, married a local woman with whom he had three children and bought some $1.2 million worth of properties. Under Thai law foreigners cannot own land. But many get around that by placing properties in the name of a company they own or with locals they trust. In 2010 Rance discovered his wife forged his signature to remove him as director and sell the properties with the help of a network of money lenders and property agents on the island. She was jailed for four years over the scam and he has fought through the courts for years to get the properties back. The BBCs Head reported that Pratuan, the lawyer, admitted to notarising Rances signature without him being present. Pratuan filed a defamation case alleging the reports caused him to be defamed, insulted or hated, according to a copy of the complaint seen by AFP. Rance and Head face one charge of criminal defamation, which carries up to two years in jail. Head faces an additional charge under Thailands Computer Crimes Act, which has a five-year maximum jail penalty. Both defendants have had to surrender their passports to the court leaving Head unable to work across Asia as he fights what could be a two year court battle. In a statement the BBC said it stands by its journalism and that they intend to clear the name of our correspondent. Unlike most countries where defamation is a civil crime, in Thailand it is a criminal offence. Private citizens can launch their own cases and they are not forced to pay costs if they lose. Rance said his dream to invest his retirement savings in Thailand had turned into a nightmare. US President Donald Trumps administration on Wednesday revoked landmark guidance to public schools letting transgender students use the bathroom of their choice, reversing a signature initiative of former Democratic President Barack Obama. Obama had instructed public schools last May to allow transgender students to use the bathrooms matching their chosen gender identity, threatening to withhold funding for schools that did not comply. Transgender people hailed it as victory for their civil rights. Trump, a Republican who took office last month, rescinded those guidelines, even though they had been put on hold by a federal judge, arguing that states and public schools should have the authority to make their own decisions without federal interference. Read: Donald Trump expected to revoke rules on transgender bathrooms, says draft document The justice and education departments will continue to study the legal issues involved, according to the new, superseding guidance that will be sent to public schools across the country. Praise and criticism Reversing the Obama guidelines stands to inflame passions in the latest conflict in America between believers in traditional values and social progressives, and is likely to prompt more of the street protests that followed Trumps November 8 election. Around a hundred people gathered in front of the White House to protest the Republican presidents action, waving rainbow flags and chanting: No hate, no fear, trans students are welcome here. The rainbow flag is the symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, or LGBT, people. We all know that Donald Trump is a bully, but his attack on transgender children today is a new low, said Rachel Tiven, chief executive of Lambda Legal, which advocates for LGBT people. Conservatives such as Texas attorney general Ken Paxton, who spearheaded the lawsuit challenging the Obama guidance, hailed the Trump administration action. Transgender activists and supporters protest against changes made by the Trump administration in federal guidelines issued to public schools in defense of transgender students rights, near the White House in Washington. (Reuters Photo) Our fight over the bathroom directive has always been about former President Obamas attempt to bypass Congress and rewrite the laws to fit his political agenda for radical social change, said Paxton, a Republican. Transgender legal advocates have criticized the states rights argument, saying federal law and civil rights are matters for the federal government to enforce, not the states. White House spokesman Sean Spicer said the administration was pressed to act now because of the pending U.S. Supreme Court case, GG versus Gloucester County School Board. That case pits a Virginia transgender boy, Gavin Grimm, against officials who want to deny him use of the boys room at his high school. Although the Justice Department is not a party in the case, it typically would want to make its views heard. The Trump administration action on Wednesday also withdrew an Education Department letter in support of Grimms case. I have faced my share of adversaries in rural Virginia. I never imagined that my government would be one of them. We will not be beaten down by this administration, Grimm, 17, told the protest outside the White House. Courts may have final say The federal law in question, known as Title IX, bans sex discrimination in education. But it remains unsettled whether Title IX protections extend to a persons gender identity. Attorney general Jeff Sessions said in a statement that the Obama guidelines did not contain sufficient legal analysis or explain how the interpretation was consistent with the language of Title IX. The courts are likely to have the final say over whether Title IX covers transgender students. The Supreme Court could pass on that question in the Virginia case and allow lower courts to weigh in, or go ahead and decide what the law means. Obamas education department undertook the guidance in response to queries from school districts across the country about how to accommodate transgender students in gender-segregated bathrooms. The Obama administration guidance also covered a host of other issues, such as the importance of addressing transgender students by their preferred names and pronouns and schools responsibility to prevent harassment and bullying of transgender children. Thirteen states led by Texas sued to stop the Obama guidelines, and a US district judge in Texas temporarily halted their full implementation. The White House previously boasted of Trumps support for LGBT rights, noting in a January 31 statement that he was the first Republican presidential nominee to mention the community in his nomination acceptance speech. Revoking the guidance shows that the presidents promise to protect LGBT rights was just empty rhetoric, James Esseks, director of the American Civil Liberties Unions LGBT project, said. The last ten days have been particularly violent for Pakistan, as the country grapples with one terror attack after another. The combined death toll in the last ten days stands at 126 right now. Attacks on government officials and buildings were claimed by the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar group, a breakaway faction of the Pakistani Taliban, which announced its Operation Ghazi, named after Abdul Rashid Ghazi who was killed in the 2007 Lal Masjid faceoff. In a video released on February 13, the outlawed terror group said they would deliberately target legislative bodies, Pakistan army, NGOs, women rights groups and liberal activists, among others. The other attacks targeted crowded markets, rallies and a Sufi shrine and were claimed by a whole host of terror groups. Here is a closer look at Pakistans ten days of terror: February 23: Two blasts rock Lahore; five killed, 21 wounded A powerful blast shook an upscale market in Pakistans eastern city of Lahore, killing five and wounding more than 20 people. Initially, reports on Pakistani TV channels said the blast was caused by an exploding generator, but later reports suggest that the damage was due to a bomb explosion. Security forces have cordoned off the area. February 21: Suicide bombers attack court complex in Charsadda On Tuesday, suicide bombers attacked a court complex in Tangi , in the northwestern town of Charsadda, killing at least six people. Rescue operations are underway, even as the authorities hunt for a suicide bomber who is still lose within the court complex. A spokesman for the Pakistani Talibans Jamaat-ur-Ahrar faction claimed responsibility for the attack, telling journalists that the fight was still going on. February 18: Suicide bomber triggers blast at Lal Shahbaz Qalander shrine At least 90 people died after an Islamic State (IS) suicide bomber blew himself up at the Lal Shahbaz Qalander dargah in Sehwan, 132 km from Jamshoro and around 140 km from Hyderabad. The attack happened while devotees were in the middle of dhamaal, a sufi ritual where the devout remember the saint through music. The Islamic State subscribes to a hardline, orthodox version of Wahabbi Islam and dubs Sufi practices as un-Islamic. Pakistans army chief, General Qamar Bajwa said that the deaths will be avenged. The army and paramilitary forces launched a crackdown, killing over 100 militants in Karachi and other parts of Sindh, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. February 15: Two suicide attacks in Peshawar Two separate attacks on government officials claimed 7 lives in the northwestern city of Peshawar. In Ghalanai, which falls in the Mohmand tribal region, five people died after an explosion occurred at the main gate of the tribal headquarters. The Jamaat-ul-Ahrar group, a breakaway faction of the Pakistani Taliban, claimed the attack in a statement released to the press. At least two people was killed and more than 18 injured after a suicide bomber targeted a government van in a separate attack. The attacker rammed his motorcycle into the van, deliberately targeting the government officials.The outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack. February 14: Two policemen die while defusing bomb in Quetta A Pakistani bomb squad officer and another policeman were killed trying to defuse a bomb in the southwestern city of Quetta. Both men died on the spot, their bodies blown up. The Sunni Muslim militant group Lashkar-e-Jhangvis Al Alami faction claimed responsibility for the deaths. February 13: Deadly blast rips through Lahore rally, 16 killed A suicide bomber rammed his motorcycle into a police vehicle during a rally at the Punjab assembly building, where hundreds of pharmacists had gathered to protest changes in a drug sale law. At least 16 people were killed and more than 83 wounded. Five policemen numbered among the dead. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a Pakistani Taliban-linked armed group, claimed responsibility for the attack. A spokesman for the group warned in a statement that the blast was just the start. Pakistan arrested over 30 people in connection with the blasts and launched an operation against militants in Punjab province. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Female giant panda Bao Bao arrived at her new home in Chinas southwestern province of Sichuan, after leaving the Smithsonians National Zoo in Washington, where she was born. Following a 16-hour flight in a FedEx crate, she received a warm welcome late on Wednesday from fans wearing panda masks at the Dujiangyan Base of China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP). Bao Bao stood on her hind legs to sniff the walls of her 40-square-metre (431-square-foot) cage, before tucking into a meal of bamboo shoots. In this photo released by China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Pandas, a worker feeds giant panda Bao Bao as she arrived at the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Center in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province. (AP) She will be quarantined there for a month before meeting visitors, said base director Wei Rongping, as officials make efforts to accustom her to her new home. Born on August 23, 2013, Bao Bao shot to international stardom as the panda cam at the National Zoo documented her birth and childhood for millions of fans worldwide. In this photo released by China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Pandas, american-born Bao Bao looks out from a cage as she arrived at the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Center in Chengdu. (AP) The National Zoo said her return was in line with an agreement with the Chinese Wildlife Conservation Association. It requires that panda cubs born at the zoo be sent to China by the age of four, for breeding and research purposes. U.S.-born giant female panda Bao Bao walks at her new home, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, in Chengdu, Sichuan province. (REUTERS) Bao Bao is the offspring of Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, the National Zoos second pair of giant pandas, loaned from China in 2000. The Zoo received its first pair of giant pandas in 1972 as a gift from the Chinese government to commemorate a landmark visit by President Richard Nixon. The murder of a 23-year-old Indo-Canadian this week in the town of Abbotsford, a suburb of Vancouver, is the latest violent incident marking what has been described as the Townline Hill conflict, a result of an ongoing confrontation between rival Indo-Canadian gangs. The killing of Satkar Singh Sidhu on Monday is the fifth homicide that is connected to the conflict in Abbotsford since 2014, according to a spokesperson for the citys police department, Constable Ian MacDonald. He also attributed nearly 50 major incidents to the ongoing conflict, that involves youth of the area. The conflict was linked originally to the Townline Hill neighbourhood of the city, but appears to have spread across a larger area and even spilled over into Edmonton, in the neighbouring province of Alberta, where two young men, Navdeep Sidhu and Harman Mangat, were shot dead last month. These arent exactly turf battles as many of those involved in the gangs live on the same streets but the violence is over controlling drug lines and obviously profit, Constable MacDonald explained. As much as 95% of the gang members are of South Asian origin, and mainly Indo-Canadian. Police first became aware of the violence when low level fights erupted between youth that involved knives, bats and clubs. By 2014, those evolved into a more dangerous form as they started to bring guns to the fights, MacDonald said. Weve seen escalation of violence. Its unbelievably tragic, Staff Sergeant Lindsey Houghton, spokesperson for the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit British Columbia or CFSEU-BC, said. The genesis of the conflict lay in teenagers getting into fights over petty matters such as someone looking at anothers girlfriend the wrong way or the perception of being verbally disrespected, he said. Over time, it grew into organised criminal activity involving drug trafficking. The latest casualty, Satkar Sidhu, is believed to have been targeted and the crime is being investigated by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team or IHIT. Late last year, Abbotsford police chief Bob Rich sent a letter to parents of some young men identified as gang members, in which he noted, If he stays involved in gangs, he is at serious risk of being killed. As a member of one of these gangs, your sons actions are causing other people to die. In addition, if you have other younger sons in your house, experience has shown us that they are at risk of being pulled into gangs by their older brother. Constable MacDonald said the Abbotsford Police Department was taking three different tacks to tackling the conflict. The first is enforcement, along with the CFSEUBC, which also includes deployment of plainclothes officers. Local authorities have also installed 13 surveillance cameras in the locality, a move that has been overwhelmingly endorsed by the community. Finally, is the outreach programme of connecting with the youth and their parents. Indo-Canadian gang violence has been a feature of Vancouver and its suburbs since the 1990s and this phenomenon formed the basis for Indo-Canadian director Deepa Mehtas 2015 film, Beeba Boys. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Indian nationals accounted for nearly 60% of the skilled work visas granted by the UK last year even as immigration fell to the lowest levels since 2014, according to new figures released by the British government on Thursday. Indians accounted for 53,575 of the 93,244 skilled work visas granted by Britain or 57% for the year ending September 2016. Indian and Chinese nationals also accounted for the highest number of non-visitor visas, the Migration Statistics Quarterly Report showed. Indian nationals were way ahead of others in the skilled work visa category in Britain, with US nationals the next largest group with 9,348 visas or 10% of the total. The information technology sector sponsored 42% of skilled work visa applications, followed by professional, scientific and technical activities (19%) and financial and insurance activities (12%). In the sponsored skilled work visa segment, the top three countries were India, the US and Australia. Immigration, particularly from European Union member states, was one of the key factors behind the UKs vote last year to exit the bloc. Prime Minister Theresa May has pledged to clamp down on the number of non-EU workers and students coming to Britain. President Donald Trumps America First rhetoric has triggered fears in Indias $150 billion IT services industry that he could clamp down on the H-1B visa programme used extensively by firms to send Indian experts to the US. The EU has said it is ready to accommodate more Indian IT professionals. Indians were also the largest group among skilled work visa holders in Britain who had been granted settlement five years after being granted visas in 2010. Of these skilled Indian nationals, 32% received settlement and a further 12% had valid leave to remain in the UK. The report included only three months of data following the EU referendum. The estimate for immigration to the UK in 2016 was 596,000, compared with 619,000 a year earlier. This was the lowest immigration estimate since June 2014. The number of students coming to the UK continued to fall. The number for 2016 was 134,000, a significant reduction from 175,000 in 2015. This was also the lowest estimate recorded since 2002. Chinese nationals accounted for 76,225 or 39% of the 194,608 student visas in 2016, followed by Americans (13,701) and Indians (10,798). Ukrainian businessman Dmytro Firtash, who was released on Thursday by a court on a bail of EUR125 million and a promise to remain in Austria as part of a case over his extradition to Spain, was immediately re-arrested as part of a case over his extradition to the United States, according to Austrian media reports, which were confirmed by the businessman's lawyers. The court is to decide on a measure of restraint for Firtash in the "American" case on Friday, February 24. Ivanka Trump expanded her research on economic policy Wednesday with a visit to a program for business owners in Baltimore. The first daughter visited the Raymond V Haysbert Center for Entrepreneurship at the Greater Baltimore Urban League, where she participated in a roundtable discussion with minority business owners, mostly from the Baltimore area. National Urban League president Marc Morial invited Trump, who has stressed her interest in working on policies to benefit women in business. He said he wanted to show her a highly successful program that is supported by the federal government that makes a difference in the success of small entrepreneurs. I feel like Ivanka listened very intently and asked some very intelligent questions, Morial said, noting that she wanted to understand which programs worked and could be implemented on a larger scale. During the roundtable, the business owners shared stories about the challenges they had overcome to achieve their business goals two said they had previously been homeless and discussed the public and private programs that helped them achieve, according to a White House official who requested anonymity to provide details of the event. Morial said there are about a dozen National Urban League entrepreneurship centers operated by local affiliates around the country. Collectively they serve about 10,000 people a year and are supported by public and private funding. Also participating in the roundtable were Linda McMahon, who heads the Small Business Administration, and Dina Powell, an assistant to the president and senior counselor for economic initiatives. Morial, who has been critical of President Donald Trump, said he was happy to reach out to Ivanka Trump over a shared interest in economic development. We will oppose those things that we are duty bound to oppose, but we will keep our doors open to look for areas of commonality, he said. I call it an intelligent approach. Trump stepped away from leadership roles at the family business and her own lifestyle brand to move her family to Washington. For now, her husband, Jared Kushner, is the only one with an official White House position, but she has been an increasingly visible presence in recent weeks, appearing at meetings and press conferences. Her most high profile outing to date was a meeting on womens economic issues that came as part of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus visit to the White House. Trudeaus office proposed the joint effort focused on empowering women in the workforce, and the meeting was put together by aides in both countries with input from Ivanka Trump. Female executives from both countries attended, as did the president and Trudeau. Arabella and I visited the Supreme Court this morning and attended a hearing. I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach her about the judicial system in our country firsthand. #SCOTUS #SupremeCourt #ImportantLessons #MotherDaughter A post shared by Ivanka Trump (@ivankatrump) on Feb 22, 2017 at 8:48am PST Trumps visit to Baltimore came after she took her daughter to visit the Supreme Court on Wednesday. In a post on Instagram, she wrote: Arabella and I visited the Supreme Court this morning and attended a hearing. Im grateful for the opportunity to teach her about the judicial system in our country firsthand. Malaysia is considering expelling North Koreas envoy to the Southeast Asian nation or shutting its embassy in Pyongyang, as tensions escalate over the killing of the estranged half-brother of the Norths leader Kim Jong Un, a senior government official said. Kim Jong Nam, 46, was killed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on February 13 with what police believe was a fast-acting poison, as he prepared to board a flight to Macau where he lived in exile with his family under the protection of Beijing. North Koreas ambassador said last week his country cannot trust Malaysias handling of the probe, and also accused the country of colluding with outside forces a veiled reference to bitter rival South Korea. A senior Malaysian government official who is familiar with the discussions said ambassador Kang Chols comments have angered Malaysia and it was preparing a response, which could including declaring the envoy persona non grata. Such a move would be the strongest response Malaysia could take against a foreign diplomat, and would mean Kang Chol would have to leave the country. The source said Malaysia was also considering other options. The country, which has until now been one of the few nations to maintain friendly ties with the isolated North, could close its embassy in Pyongyang, or end visa-free travel for North Koreans entering Malaysia. If the criticism from North Korea did not stop, all diplomatic and trade ties could be cut, the source added. The Malaysian foreign ministry did not answer phone calls seeking comment. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said earlier his week that the ambassadors comments casting doubt over Malaysias investigation were diplomatically rude. The statement by the ambassador was totally uncalled for ... But Malaysia will stand firm, Najib told reporters on Tuesday. Envoy crossed the line Malaysia is among the few foreign countries that North Koreans can travel to easily, thanks to a visa-free policy for visitors that is largely reciprocated by Pyongyang. Since the 1980s, North Korea has used Malaysia as a hub to promote its strategic and business interests, legitimate and otherwise, some analysts say. But the tensions with Malaysia may further isolate North Korea. Pyongyangs nuclear arms and weapons programmes have alarmed the West, most recently its test of a ballistic missile earlier this month in its first direct challenge to the international community since Donald Trump became US president. Malaysian police on Wednesday named a North Korean diplomat and a state airline official who they said were wanted for questioning over the killing of Kim Jong Nam. In all, police say they have identified eight North Korean men, one Vietnamese woman and one Indonesian women in connection with the killing. They said at least four of the suspects have fled the country and are most likely in Pyongyang. North Korea has not responded to Malaysias allegations of the possible involvement of its diplomat in the case. Attempts by Reuters to contact the North Korean embassy by phone were unsuccessful, and reporters were not allowed to enter the embassy to seek comment. South Korean and US officials believe the killing of the elder half-brother of Kim Jong Un was an assassination carried out by agents of the North. North Korean diplomats spent hours last week trying to talk Malaysian officials out of conducting an autopsy on Kim Jong Nams body, sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters, but Malaysia rejected the requests. The body is still at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur, as the autopsy has yet to be completed. On Thursday, Malaysian defence minister Hishammuddin Hussein said that the Norths ambassador had breached diplomatic norms with his comments. He crossed the line. To me, this is a diplomatic irregularity, he was quoted as saying in The New Strait Times. Malaysia has requested Interpol to put an alert out to apprehend four North Korean suspects in the murder of Kim Jong Nam, Malaysias police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said on Thursday. The estranged half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was killed in Kuala Lumpurs main airport last week, in what South Korean and US officials say was an assassination carried out by North Korean agents. Khalid on Thursday said two women - one Vietnamese, one Indonesian - arrested last week had been paid for carrying out the fatal assault on Kim Jong Nam using a fast-acting poison, but declined to say if they were working for a spy agency. Police are also holding one North Korean man, but are seeking another seven in connection with the murder. Three of them -- a diplomat, a state airline official, and another man -- are believed to still be in Malaysia. The other four are believed to have fled Malaysia on February 13, the day of the killing. Khalid said a request had been made to Interpol to put out an alert to apprehend the four suspects, who they believe have already made their way back to North Korea. Khalid also said the police had sent an official request to the North Korean embassy requesting to interview the embassys second secretary and the airline official, having released their names on Wednesday. If you have nothing to hide, you should not be afraid to cooperate, you should cooperate, Khalid added. Khalid said an arrest warrant will not be issued for the second secretary, as he has diplomatic immunity, but that the process of the law will take place if the airline official does not come forward. Police have still to receive DNA samples from Kim Jong Nams next of kin, Khalid said. He also denied that Malaysian police officers had been sent to Macau, the Chinese territory where Kim Jong Nam and his family had been living under Beijings protection. North Koreas ambassador has said the Malaysian investigation cannot be trusted, and the embassy issued a statement on Wednesday saying that the three suspects that have been detained should be released. The Vietnamese suspect in the killing of Kim Jong-Uns half-brother was renowned for her fashion, funky hairstyles and foreign boyfriends, say family members shocked at the link between their poor rice-farming village and a crime that has gripped the world. Doan Thi Huong gained notoriety last week after Malaysian police shared CCTV images of the 28-year-old at a Kuala Lumpur airport -- wearing a top emblazoned with LOL -- shortly after the February 13 assassination of Kim Jong-Nam. She was arrested alongside an Indonesian woman, both accused of carrying out a fatal poison attack on the unsuspecting Kim ahead of his flight home to Macau. The unlikely connection between a country girl from a poor rural backwater 150 km outside Hanoi to a high-profile assassination, has added another layer of intrigue to a crime that has captivated with its echoes of Cold War-era conspiracy and spycraft. Houngs arrest has caused fevered interest inside Vietnam, despite attempts by security officials in the communist nation to control the information flow. Her family recall a girl who broke the conservative conventions of Quan Phuong village with her dyed hair, edgy clothes and foreign boyfriends since she left aged 18 apparently to study. Facebook page of Doan Thi Huong. (AP Photo) At first we doubted it was her when we saw the picture with the LOL shirt, stepmother Nguyen Thi Vy said. But when someone bought a clearer picture here, we knew it was our Huong. If she committed the crime, she has to suffer, we cant do anything... but I think she must have been set up by someone, she added. Malaysias police chief has scotched suggestions Huong and the other female suspect were duped. On Wednesday, he said CCTV footage showed they were very aware the substance they wiped on Kims face was toxic, adding the pair had practised. But when she returned home during the Tet lunar new year festival in late January she gave no hint of being mixed up in serious criminality, locals said. Neighbour Maria Nguyen described Huong as someone who stood out in the small village of dozens of homes encircled by paddy fields. She has always been very fashionable, with colourful hair, she said. Every Tet she would come back home with some different (foreign) man, she added. Vietnamese social media has filled gaps in Huongs history with conjecture and rumours. Unsubstantiated photographs are doing the rounds of a woman who looks similar to Huong auditioning for a television talent show. A New York City landlord has been accused of stabbing his tenant to death following an apparent dispute over unpaid rent. The police, responding to a 911 call of a person stabbed in front of a home in the Bronx, on Wednesday night found the tenant, 44-year-old Zakir Khan, with multiple stab wounds. Khan was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The police said Khan and his landlord, 51-year-old Taha Mahran, had been arguing over rent money. Mahran has been charged with murder, manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon. Its unclear if he has an attorney who can comment on the charges. A Muslim woman has filed a lawsuit in a court in New York alleging that police officers forced her to remove her hijab and snapped photos of her after a false arrest. Rabab Musa, 34, alleged in the Manhattan supreme court lawsuit that she was unlawfully arrested in September last year as she left a Starbucks in Midtown. She claimed she was paraded around a Midtown police station by police officers who snapped photos of her after ordering her to take off her hijab, according to the lawsuit. Police took her to the Midtown South Precinct station house, where she was forced to remove the hijab in violation of her rights and the hijab was confiscated, she said in the court papers, according to the New York Daily News. Musa was quoted as saying that she was placed in a holding cell with men. Police officers then took Musa to a Brooklyn police station, where she claimed she was strip-searched. However, a police source told the daily that she was not strip-searched. Police urged her to confess to what she did, with no further explanation, the suit alleged. Musa said she was released after six hours without being charged. The law department is reviewing the suit, the report said. The case comes after a 38-year-old hijab-wearing police officer sued the New York Police Department (NYPD), alleging that fellow officers bullied her by calling her terrorist, Taliban while others tried to tear the headscarf off her head. Danielle Alamrani, according to the lawsuit, started getting harassed, bullied, and even beat up, when she began wearing a hijab to work in 2008. The cases come amid a spike in incidents of intimidation and assault targeting hijab-wearing women across the globe. Pyongyangs state media on Thursday blasted Malaysia for an illegal and immoral autopsy on a man believed be the half-brother of North Koreas leader, breaking a 10-day silence on the airport assassination. Malaysia is obliged to hand his body to the DPRK (North Korea) side as it made an autopsy and forensic examination of it in an illegal and immoral manner, the Norths Korean Jurists Commitee said, in comments carried by KCNA. Malaysia has not released the corpse under the absurd pretext that it needs a DNA sample from the dead mans family. This proves that the Malaysian side is going to politicize the transfer of the body in utter disregard of international law and morality and thus attain a sinister purpose, it said. Read| Kim Jong Nams murder: North Korea blames Malaysia for death of its citizen South Korea said Sunday that Seoul is certain that the dead man is leader Kim Jong-Uns estranged half-brother Kim Jong-Nam, and that Malaysias investigation shows Pyongyang was behind the assassination. The Norths statement -- its first mention of the death of a North Korean, but one which did not at any point name the dead man -- repeated Pyongyangs demand for a joint investigation, stressing it was ready to dispatch a delegation of its jurists. Investigators have put five North Koreans in the frame for the killing, which occured at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and have said they are seeking three more for questioning. The wanted men include a second secretary of the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur, as well as a North Korean airline employee. Paris teenagers have blockaded 16 high schools in the city with burning garbage cans and makeshift barricades to protest the alleged rape of a young black man with a police baton and other police abuse. A crowd of protesting students, some hooded and carrying flares, also marched on the Place de la Nation in eastern Paris on Thursday. Images on social networks showed some carrying a banner reading Vengeance for Theo, the name of the alleged victim. A man throws a projectile at riot police during a protest by students against police brutality in Paris on Thursday. (AFP) A Paris school district spokesman said extra security measures were taken after 16 of the regions 103 high schools were blocked on Thursday, and 12 others otherwise disrupted. The Paris police headquarters said officers were monitoring the situation but reported no arrests. Four officers have been charged in the suspected violence against Theo last month, which prompted violent protests in poor suburbs around Paris. Senator John McCain, one of President Donald Trumps harshest critics, made a secret trip to northern Syria to visit US forces stationed there and discuss the campaign for defeating the Islamic State extremists, his office said on Wednesday. The Arizona Republicans visit to the war-torn country occurred as a major battle nears to oust the militants from Raqqa, the capital of the Islamic States self-declared caliphate. A statement from the senators office did not give the dates of his travel, saying only that he made the visit last week. Senator McCains visit was a valuable opportunity to assess dynamic conditions on the ground in Syria and Iraq, the statement reads. It says the president has rightly ordered a review of US strategy and plans to defeat the Islamic State group and McCain looks forward to working with the administration and military leaders to optimize our approach. McCain, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has voiced escalating concerns with Trump. He recently declared his administration in disarray and expressed concern over how national security decisions are being handled. During a speech on Friday at the Munich Security Conference, McCain delivered a withering critique of Trumps worldview as he lamented a shift in the US and Europe away from the universal values that forged the Western alliance 70 years ago. McCain on Monday welcomed Trumps selection of Army Lt General HR McMaster to be his national security adviser, calling the pick an outstanding choice. McCain also quietly travelled to Syria in 2013 to meet with rebels fighting President Bashar Assads forces. That visit took place amid meetings in Paris involving efforts to secure participation of Syrias fractured opposition in an international peace conference in Geneva. Its unusual, however, for members of Congress to visit Syria, which has no diplomatic relations with the United States. Representative Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, generated a backlash when she visited Syria in January and met with Assad. Gabbard, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, is an outspoken opponent of what shes called our counterproductive regime change war in Syria. But Representative Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill, an Air Force veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Gabbard gave Assad credibility by meeting with him. Lawmakers have accused the Assad government of war crimes and even genocide as the number of people killed during the violence in Syria continues to mount. The war, now in its sixth year, has killed hundreds of thousands of people, contributed to Europes worst refugee crisis since World War II and given the Islamic State group room to grow into a global terror threat. The Trump administration on Wednesday ended federal protection for transgender students that allowed them to use public school bathrooms and locker rooms matching their gender identities. The Justice and Education departments said in a letter being sent to school districts nationwide that the Obama-era guidance caused a spike in lawsuits over how the guidance should be applied. It will now be up to states and school districts to interpret federal anti-discrimination law and determine whether students should have access to restrooms in accordance with their expressed gender identity and not just their biological sex. This is an issue best solved at the state and local level, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said. Schools, communities, and families can find and in many cases have found solutions that protect all students. Although the earlier directive carried no force of law, transgender rights advocates say it was necessary to protect students from discrimination. Opponents argue it was an example of federal overreach. Heres a look at the issue and what could happen next: WHAT IS THE FEDERAL GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS? About 150,000 young people 0.7% of those between the ages of 13 and 17 in the United States identify as transgender, according to a study by The Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law. The Obama administration last May told public schools to grant bathroom access even if a students chosen gender identity isnt the same as whats in their record. The Obama administrations guidance was based on its determination that Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in education and activities, also applies to gender identity. President Barack Obamas guidance was not legally binding but sent a warning that schools could lose funding if they did not comply with the administrations interpretation of the law. Republicans immediately pushed back, arguing it was an example of the Obama administration meddling in local matters. Thirteen states sued to challenge the directive. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Wednesday the Obama administration did not adequately explain its interpretation of Title IX. Congress, state legislatures and local governments are in a position to adopt appropriate policies or laws addressing this issue, he said. WHAT COULD HAPPEN NOW THAT THE GUIDANCE IS WITHDRAWN? The change in position will have no immediate impact on schools, as a federal judge in Texas temporarily blocked the Obama guidance in August. But it could have consequences for unresolved court cases dealing with Title IX. They include a case set to be heard by the Supreme Court in March involving a transgender teen who was denied a choice of bathroom access in Virginia. The high court could decide not to hear the case and direct lower courts to decide that question instead. Similar lawsuits are still playing out across the country. WHAT MIGHT THE CHANGE MEAN FOR SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS? Even without the guidelines, advocates say federal law will still prohibit discrimination against students based on their gender or sexual orientation. The ACLU said schools remain free to provide the same treatment to students even without guidance. To cloak this in federalism ignores the vital and historic role that federal law plays in ensuring that all children (including LGBT students) are able to attend school free from discrimination, Vanita Gupta, who was head of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division when the guidance was issued, said in a statement. HOW DO STATE LAWS VIEW THE ISSUE? A patchwork of state laws dealing with the bathroom issue will continue to emerge. Fifteen states have explicit protections for transgender students in their state laws, and many individual school districts in other states have adopted policies that cover such students on the basis of their gender identity, said Sarah Warbelow, legal director of the Human Rights Campaign. In the states that protect transgender rights, the general approach is to let individuals decide for themselves their gender identity. Thats also how the Obama guidance viewed gender identity for students who are too young for reassignment surgery. Just one state, North Carolina, has enacted a law restricting access to bathrooms in government-owned buildings to the sex that appears on a persons birth certificate. But so far this year, lawmakers in more than 10 states are considering similar legislation, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Russia's hybrid military forces violated the ceasefire in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, 41 times from 00:00 to 18:00 on Thursday, February 23, which resulted in wounding two Ukrainian soldiers. "In total, there have been 41 attacks. Two of our soldiers have been wounded," the press center of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) headquarters wrote on Facebook on Thursday. The villages of Zaitseve and Kamianka in the Donetsk sector came under mortar fire. Grenade launchers and large-caliber machine guns were used to shell the villages of Novhorodske, Pisky, Verkhniotoretske, Luhanske, and Zaitseve, and the town of Avdiyivka. Novhorodske was also under sniper fire. The town of Popasna and the village of Novozvanivka in the Luhansk sector came under mortar fire. Grenade launchers and large-caliber machine guns were used to fire on the villages of Troyitske, Krymske, and Novo-Oleksandrivka. Further, Novozvanivka was attacked by an enemy infantry fighting vehicle, and Troyitske came under fire launched from anti-aircraft systems. The occupation forces stationed in the Mariupol sector used mortars of various calibers to shell the village of Taramchuk, while grenade launchers, large-caliber machine guns and small arms were used to fire on the villages of Vodiane, Pavlopil, Hnutove, and Shyrokyne. Shyrokyne also was under sniper fire. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted a family dinner in honour of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Ankara, media reports said on Thursday. Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan and Begum Kalsoom Nawaz also joined the Wednesday dinner at the residence of the Turkish President, Geo TV reported. Sharif, who arrived here on Wednesday on a three-day visit, will take part in the fifth meeting of the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) on Thursday. He will co-chair the meeting with his Turkish counterpart Binali Yildirim. A number of MoUs are expected to be signed. (Sharifs) visit to Turkey ... would further deepen the time-tested, unparalleled and historic ties between the two brotherly countries and would impart a strong impetus to their flourishing cooperation in diverse fields, the Pakistan Foreign Office said. Sharifs delegation to Turkey includes minister for petroleum Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, minister for commerce Khurram Dastgir and Sharifs special assistant on foreign affairs Tariq Fatemi. Sharif will also hold talks with Erdogan on bilateral, regional and international issues and visit the Turkish Parliament. Baloch leaders will approach India, Iran, Afghanistan or any country in their pursuit of Balochistans independence from Pakistan, leading dissident leader Mir Suleiman Ahmedzai said on Thursday. Addressing a seminar in the House of Lords attended by British MPs and others, Ahmedzai, the Khan of Kalat, came down heavily on Pakistan and called it a cradle of terrorism in the region. We are a proud nation. We reject foreign domination by the Punjabis. Pakistan was allowed to occupy Balochistan historically. The international community, particularly the British crown, should help us regain our independence, he said. Mentioning various treaties since the early 19th century, Ahmedzai said Balochistans independence and sovereignty was reaffirmed by British representatives on several occasions. Letters to that effect were sent to his father and grandfather. Ahmedzai, 52, has said in the past that the Khanate of Kalat, the largest princely state in the erstwhile Balochistan Agency, was acceded to Pakistan by his grandfather in March 1948 by the barrel of the gun. The Khan of Kalat is considered one of the most popular Baloch dissident leaders. His writ reportedly runs across Baloch-inhabited regions of Afghanistan and Iran. Ahmedzai has lived in Britain since he left Pakistan in 2006. According to Ahmedzai, the $46-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is considered by the Baloch as the China Punjab Economic Corridor as it will largely benefit the people of Punjab, Pakistans most populous and prosperous province. Pakistan, he said, is terrorising its own people. Copies of several historical documents supporting the cause of independence of Balochistan were distributed at the seminar, which was followed by questions. The MPs who attended included Bob Blackman and Nigel Huddleston, who is chair of the Democracy Forum that organised the seminar. Baloch dissidents, many of them living in self-exile in Europe, were enthused when Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of rights violations in Balochistan last year. Ahmedzai had welcomed Modis remarks and said India could do a lot diplomatically to address the rights abuses. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A woman has claimed that she was barred from attending a performance at New York Citys Lincoln Center because she refused to remove an anti-Trump sign affixed to the back of her jacket. Jenny Heinz, a longtime Metropolitan Opera and New York Philharmonic subscriber, said it happened this month at David Geffen Hall when she went to see the Budapest Festival Orchestra. The 8-by-11-inch sign read No! In the name of humanity we refuse to accept a fascist America. Jenny Heinz holding the anti-Trump sign. (NYT Photo) She said she had been wearing it ever since she attended a protest outside the Trump Tower in November. At what point does one draw the line? Heinz, 72, said. We are talking about freedom of expression. Lincoln Center officials refunded Heinzs ticket, though they declined to discuss the incident with the Times. Heinz said the centres vice president for concert halls and operations told her during a meeting with her lawyer that signs were not allowed inside the performance halls or on the plaza. Some Gettysburg veterans cried foul when the 72nd Pennsylvania placed its statue at the Bloody Angle. West of Hancock Avenue, just north of the Copse of Trees that marks the High Water Mark of the Confederacy, stands the monument of the 72nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, topped by a statue of a member of the regiment gripping a musket by the barrel, as though hes about to club an unseen foe. That fearsome pose reflects the struggle that took place here along a low stone wall on July 3, 1863, during the climax of the Confederate attack remembered today as Picketts Charge. So desperate was the fighting on that spot that the corner where the stone wall makes a 90-degree turn became known as the Bloody Angle. This iconic monument has stood on that spot since July 4, 1891, but few of its admirers are aware of the controversy it once inspired, or have ever heard of the court battle that the regiments survivors fought to install it there. Some veterans had argued that the 72nd Pennsylvania had not really fought at the Angle and didnt deserve to be honored at that forward position. One embittered former soldier asked, What is the value of a Monument on the field anyhow, when it attempts to enforce a lie? The 72nd Pennsylvania belonged to the Philadelphia Brigade, officially the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, II Corps, Army of the Potomac. The brigades four regimentsthe 69th, 71st, 72nd and 106th Pennsylvaniahad been raised almost entirely in Philadelphia, yet the unit was originally known as the California Brigade because its founder, Oregon Sen. Edward Baker, had wanted it to represent the Western states. The 72nd Pennsylvania (originally the 3rd California) was mustered in in August 1861, with Colonel De Witt Clinton Baxter in command and Theodore Hesser serving as lieutenant colonel, and was spared the debacle of Balls Bluff in October that cost Baker his life. General Charles Burns replaced Baker at the head of the brigade. The regiment participated in the Siege of Yorktown during the 1862 Peninsula Campaign but received its real baptism of fire at the Battle of Seven Pines (Fair Oaks). It fought at Glendale and made the July retreat from Malvern Hill to Harrisons Landing, on the James River. I am entirely satisfied with the conduct of my brigade, wrote Burns, who had been shot in the face at Savages Station but continued fighting with a handkerchief pressed to the wound. The brigade served as a rear guard following the Second Battle of Bull Run, but had a much hotter time at the Battle of Antietam, fighting in the notorious West Woods. At Fredericksburg in December the brigade, now under the command of Brig. Gen. Joshua T. Owen, advanced toward Maryes Heights and halted amid the dead and wounded from the battles earlier attacks. It remained there, under fire, until relieved that night. At Chancellorsville in May 1863 the brigade served as pickets to cover VI Corps troops as they recrossed the Rappahannock River after being stymied during the fighting at Salem Church. About a month after his victory at Chancellorsville, General Robert E. Lee began moving his army north toward Pennsylvania, followed by the Army of the Potomac. Late at night on June 14, 1863, the 72nd Pennsylvania left with its division from Falmouth, Va., and started the long trek north. On June 28, the day Maj. Gen. George Meade replaced Joseph Hooker in command of the Army of the Potomac, the brigade reached Frederick, Md. During the march, the unit also received a new commander, 28-year-old Brig. Gen. Alexander Webb. Theodore Lyman, who would later join Meades staff, once described Webb as a thorough soldier, wide-awake, quick, and attentive to detail. Webb was also a strict disciplinarian, howevera characteristic that did not endear him to his men. The II Corps reached Gettysburg near dawn on July 2 and assumed a position along Cemetery Ridge. Around 6 p.m. the Georgians of Brig. Gen. Ambrose Wrights Brigade crossed the Emmitsburg Road, captured guns from the 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery, and continued on toward Cemetery Ridge, where the Philadelphia Brigade waited. But by this point the gray tide had just about crested. Members of the brigade, including the 72nd Pennsylvania, counterattacked, helping to drive the Rebels back, and recaptured the guns. Colonel Baxter fell wounded, and Hesser assumed command. Dawn of July 3 found the brigade back on Cemetery Ridge. The 69th Pennsylvania held a position along a stone wall that ran north and south in front of a soon-to-be famous copse of trees. A space along the wall to the regiments right left room for Lieutenant Alonso Cushings Battery A of the 1st U.S. Artillery. At the other side of the space, where the wall turned at a 90-degree angle to the east, was the 71st Pennsylvania, with two companies in the rear to support Cushings battery. The 72nd was farther back, just behind the crest of the ridge. Around 1 p.m. the Confederates unleashed a ferocious artillery barrage, with the Union guns answering in turn. Anthony McDermott, a private with the 69th Pennsylvania, found it somewhat a relief when the guns stopped firing and the Confederate divisions across the field began moving out of the woods and advanced in his direction. No holiday display seemed more imposing, nor troops on parade more regular, than this division of Picketts Rebels, he wrote. Closer and closer they came, even as shell and shot began taking their toll. Bracing for the onslaught, Webb had the 72nd move up to the crest of the hill. The Southerners continued their inexorable advance, subjecting the Pennsylvanians to severe fire as they approached the wall and the men in the 71st Pennsylvania began to break. Webb wrote his wife three days later, When my men fell back I almost wished to get killed, I was almost disgraced. At this point the 72nd Pennsylvania still held its position near the crest. As the Confederates approached the wall, Webb went over to the 72nd and urged them forward. So did Captain Charles H. Banes, the brigades adjutant. The regiment reportedly did not move. Webb said he attempted to grab the fag from the color-bearer and personally lead the regiment forward, but the man refused to let go. Frustrated, Webb moved over to the 69th Pennsylvania. What happened next remained in dispute for years. In 1864 the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania incorporated the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association to hold and preserve, the battle-grounds of Gettysburg. As postwar monuments began springing up on the battleground, the GBMA sought to ensure that they were accurately placed. John Bachelder took on the lions share of that task. A painter and illustrator from New England who had reached Gettysburg shortly after the battle, Bachelder embarked on a lifelong task of documenting what had happened there. He and the GBMA decreed that regimental monuments would have to be placed where each unit was in line of battle when it entered the fighting. Storm clouds began gathering in 1887, after the Pennsylvania legislature passed a bill appropriating $125,500 for Gettysburg monuments for the states regiments. By this time, the 72nd had a monument on Cemetery Ridge, but regiments that had already erected a private monument on the battlefield could receive $1,500 for a second state-funded one, with positions to be determined by five state commissioners working in tandem with five representatives from each regiment. In the fall of 1887, the state commissioners selected a location for the 72nd Pennsylvanias monument east of Hancock Avenue, 283 feet back from the stone wall, and marked the spot with a stake. No one could recall later whether any representatives from the 72nd were present for the site selection. The regiments veterans were not happy. We feel that the reputation of the regiment has been assailed by this decision.. wrote monument committee secretary Sylvester Byrne to the GBMAs Samuel Harper on July 11, 1888. The survivors even purchased land in front of the wall, where they could erect their monument if necessary. Battle lines were being drawn. One critic who sided with the GBMA was the 69th Pennsylvanias McDermott. He opposed any change in the monuments location and arranged to meet at Gettysburg in the fall of 1888 with regiment representatives and state monument commissioners to express his objections. When McDermott failed to show, the veterans and the commissioners took a train to Harrisburg and met that night at a hotel. The regiments representatives presented their case, then withdrew so the commissioners could talk. General J.P.S. Gobin, one of the commissioners, eventually emerged from the meeting to tell the veterans he had granted their request to place a monument Twenty feet in the rear of the wall, midway between the Sixty-ninth and the Seventy-first regiments. The commissioners later said they offered this position provided that the GBMA approved. John Reed, the chairman of the regiments monument commission, and the others from the 72nd did not recall any such caveat. In any event, on December 12, 1888, when Reed and some of his fellow veterans went to the spot near the Angle and began to dig a foundation for their new monument, the GBMA had Reed arrested for trespassing on its land. Faced with the GBMAs intransigence, the 72nd Pennsylvania decided to take its case to court. On January 7, 1889, it fled suit in Adams County. The GBMA, represented by lawyer David Willsthe man who had hosted Abraham Lincoln at his house the night before the president delivered his immortal Gettysburg Address challenged the suit and had it dismissed. The veterans responded by taking their case to the state Supreme Court, which sided with them and returned the case to Adams County. The two sides began gathering testimony they would present to William A. McClean, who had been appointed as the suits master. They argued their cases before him on October 3-4, 1890. James Wilson of Company F was one soldier who testified that the 72nd had fought at the Angle. We had quite a little dispute before we came to the stone wall, he recalled, we fought hand to hand and clubbed guns, any way at all; each man picked out his man, that lasted a very short time and they fell back, what was left of them. After the battle Wilson recalled seeing the regiments dead strewed all the way from the crest to the stone wall. William H. Good, formerly a private in Company K, remembered Webb gesturing with his sword during the fighting but couldnt hear him above the tumult. Then, he said, the 72nd headed down to the wall and over it. It got so warm on that side of the stone fence that some were shooting this way and some were shooting the other and it got to be a regular jumble. It was a rough and tumble fight after the firing chiefly ceased, in lineafter we charged over the stone wall. At that point, Good said, a soldier named Murphy had the colors and he carried them over the wall. But other witnesses disputed that the 72nd had moved forward as a body to the stone wall. One of them was Alexander Webb, who earned the Medal of Honor at Gettysburg. That advanced position on the crest was, in my opinion, the right place for their monument, and always has been in my opinion, he said. Webb recalled how he tried to take the fag from the 72nds fag-bearer, a soldier named Finnessey: The color bearer and myself stood together, I holding on to the staff and he did not move forward with me. I ordered him forward, he moved in his place but did not carry the colors out of the regimental line. And brigade adjutant Banes testified, The fight was all over when they went down to the front. McClean reviewed the testimony and ruled the GBMA did not have the authority to approve or disapprove the monuments position once the state-appointed commissioners who met in Harrisburg agreed to move it forward. Furthermore, in his opinion, the regiments soldiers beyond all doubt had done a portion of their best fighting in and about the location asked for by the plaintiffs for their monument, twenty feet in rear of the stone fence. The Adams County court affirmed the decision, but the GBMA tried one more time, fling an appeal with the state Supreme Court, which dismissed it. On July 4, 1891, members of the 72nd Pennsylvania reunited on the Gettysburg battlefield to dedicate their new monument at its prominent spot near the Angle. Engraved on one side of the monument were these words: During Cannonading Which Preceded the Charge the Regiment was in Line 60 Yards to the Left and Rear of This Monument When the Rebels Forced the Troops from the First Line the 72nd Fought its Way to the Front and Occupied the Wall Comrades, Reed told the dedication attendees, in your struggle in this angle on July 3d, 1863, the God of battles was with you, in your legal contest the Goddess of justice smiled upon you. In writing to Bachelder that November, Colonel Arthur Devereux of the 19th Massachusetts Infantry, who had testified against the 72nds claims, said he was willing to concede the legal victorywhich he called a travesty of truth but noted he was still bitter. I am getting reconciled to the 72s monument, he wrote. It blazons their shame and the story will be told to all comers and they might have seen the waters of oblivion roll over it but for their own action. The survivors of the 72nd saw it differently. As far as the Pennsylvanians were concerned, they had won their second battle of Gettysburg. Pennsylvania resident Tom Huntington is the author of Searching for George Gordon Meade: The Forgotten Victor of Gettysburg and Guide to Gettysburg Battlefield Monuments: Find Every Monument and Tablet in the Park. Originally published in the June 2014 issue of Civil War Times. To subscribe, click here. Half Moon Bay, CA (94019) Today Mainly cloudy. A few peeks of sunshine possible. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 57F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A steady rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low 46F. S winds shifting to WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. A Mexican man has apparently taken his own life just thirty minutes after being deported from the United States. Guadalupe Olivas Valencia, 45, jumped from a bridge at the border and committed suicide after he was deported from US for the third time. He was found unconscious next to a plastic bag and died in hospital a short while later. The death of the Mexican man came as the Trump administration issued new guidelines for deporting illegal immigrants from the US. A plastic bag similar to those US customs officers put migrants' belongings in was next to the man. Witnesses declared that Guadalupe Olivas was shouting that he did not want to come back to Mexico. He jumped off a bridge located just yards from El Chaparral, the main border crossing point between the US city of San Diego and Tijuana in Mexico. He died of a heart attack and concussion, he was from Sinaloa. US immigration laws have become tougher The US released two memos aimed at speeding up the removal of illegal migrants. One memo, from Homeland Security chief John Kelly, enforces an existing provision of the US Immigration and Nationality Act which allows US authorities to send some illegal people back to Mexico, regardless of where they are from. It is unclear if the US has authority to force Mexico to accept foreigners, but Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray stated Mexico would not accept the "unilateral" immigration proposals. US policies against immigrants have become tougher and many Mexicans have complained about it. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Mr Kelly are due to arrive in Mexico later on Wednesday. Luis Videgaray said the new border guidelines would be the main point for discussion during those meetings. An estimated 11 million illegal immigrants live in the US, many of them from Mexico. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. On Friday, February 24, at 11.00, the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency's press center will host a press conference "Anti Asset-Grabbing: Socio-Legal Mechanism." The facts of illegal takeover of private property and cultural heritage of Odesa historical monuments, with the participation of "black notaries" and people posing as patrons, will be made public. The participants will include chairman of the public movement "For the whole Odesa" Andriy Sydorenko; an activist of the public movement "For the whole Odesa" Neonila Tkachenko; a victim of an illegal takeover of property Olesia Buchbinder; an activist of the public movement "For the whole Odesa" Oxana Kukhtenia (8/5a Reitarska Street). Registration requires press accreditation. Details by phone: (095) 589 8734. M argaret Thatcher ended up strutting the corridors of power after relaunching her political career walking the corridors of a sixth-floor Chelsea mansion flat. In 1953 Mrs Thatcher, then 28 and two years married, was juggling her career as a lawyer with her political ambitions and caring for twins Carol and Mark, who were less than a year old. The scene was the familys flat in Swan Court, Chelsea Manor Street, part of the Cadogan Estate. Now the two-bedroom, two-bathroom property, built in 1930, is for sale for 1,235,000 through Strutt & Parker. In the lobby, residents still use the oak letter box where the future PM more than likely posted the letter to Tory grandee Donald Kaberry, in which she expressed her determination to return to active politics after having the twins. 1,235,000: the two-bedroom flat where the Thatchers once lived in Swan Court In 1949, Margaret Roberts met businessman Denis Thatcher at a social event in Dartford, Kent, a safe Labour seat where she had moved to stand for election. She was 23 and he was 33. They married in December 1951. She would not be prime minister till 1979, but she was on her way. She moved into Deniss bachelor pad in Old Chelsea. It was light with a fine view of London, as she would write in her memoirs. Accessed via well-maintained oak-trimmed corridors with thick carpet, number 112 is a long, rectangular, 1,200sq ft flat. A corridor runs up the middle. To the left is a small dining room, then a larger sitting room. Theres a hatch into the dining room from the hall and just opposite is the small kitchen, from which Margaret or Denis might have dashed with meals. Original bronze-handled Crittall windows run down the east-facing side of the flat. The young wife must have leant out to admire the sprawl of Chelsea roofs. Today you can see the Shard. Hands on: Margaret Thatcher does the decorating but the wallpaper she put up in Chelsea has gone / Rex On the other side of the corridor is a large bathroom, a loo, and two bedrooms. The flat is still laid out as it was in 1951, though the wallpaper hung by Margaret is gone. In 1957, the couple moved to Farnborough, where, from 1959, Margaret was based while MP for Finchley. The sale is due to a death after a long tenancy and the flat now needs a total refurb. People rarely sell up in this well-built, discreet block, with 24-hour porterage. Last year, actor John Cleese sold a flat he owned there. Because of its 24-year lease, the Thatchers old home is offered at a bargain price for the area. The new owner will be able to extend the lease, perhaps for about 600,000, but they will save on stamp duty. With a redesign, this could easily make a three-bedroom flat with one en suite, while the kitchen and living areas could be opened up. WHAT YOU COULD DO WITH THE PLACE Chelsea interior designer Fiona Barratt-Campbell would create a master suite with bedroom, dressing room and en suite, and also knock through the current master bedroom, living room, and take out the hall wall to form a big kitchen-living-dining area. A second bedroom with its own bathroom could replace the current kitchen and dining area. She would use a Farrow & Ball palette of greige, taupe and natural linen, with chevron woodblock floors and Carrara marble bathrooms. Vienna The new year begins with a decision of enormous impact for the future of Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG just one year after repositioning itself on the market as Vienna House. The entire equity stake will be acquired by Vienna House Capital, the Austrian subsidiary of Thailand's U City PCL (U City), with expected effective date of Summer 2017. The signing took place on 23 February 2017. In the coming months, the transaction will be prepared, subjected to an antitrust review and approved for closing. The deal will strengthen the capital structure of Vienna House to secure further investments in growth, in the business architecture and in pioneering services. At the same time, Vienna House Capital signed the purchase agreement for seven European hotel properties and one operating company owned by Warimpex and partially by UBM. All of the hotels involved are already under management by Vienna House. With the closing, these hotels will be incorporated into the Vienna House Group. U City is a listed Thai commercial property company. In September 2016, U City made its first strategic step into Europe through its acquisition of a prime office building in London. The largest shareholder of U City with 35.64 percent is BTS Group (BTSG), one of Thailand's top publicly listed companies with a market capitalisation of EUR 2.7bn and four business units: mass transit (Skytrain), media, real estate and services. Both companies are headquartered in Bangkok and own hotels in Thailand. Piyaporn Phanachet, CEO of U City, explains the European investment: "This is an acquisition with synergy, which expands our Asian hotel portfolio with a pan-European one and exposure to both established and fast-growing markets in the continent. We look forward to continuing our solid growth together with Vienna House and its existing management." "We have found exactly the strategic partner we were looking for: A strong shareholder who I have known for some time, who shares our vision of the hotel business and who supports our economic goals," says Rupert Simoner, CEO of Vienna House, explaining the desired changes. "In this way, we remain one of the last independent European hotel companies a fact we are very proud of and can focus on reaching our growth targets in brand management, company positioning and portfolio expansion. Vienna House now owns around half of its current portfolio of 34 hotels a step that is very important to me from an entrepreneurial point of view," Simoner adds. The existing lease and management contracts with Vienna House remain valid without change. Together with Chief Operating Officer Martin Ykema and Chief Financial Officer Johanna Weichselbaumer, the whole team will continue its work and secure the development of Vienna House unchanged. Vienna House thus remains an Austrian company with headquarters in Vienna. "Vienna House owes an enormous thanks to the two representatives of the previous main shareholder, Franz Jurkowitsch and Georg Folian," says Simoner and adds: "The two founders and I maintain a friendly relationship characterised by enormous mutual respect and appreciation. I look forward to developing more hotel projects together with Warimpex and UBM." Vienna House fills a niche between private and chain hotels. This allows the company to act creatively and flexibly and to make changes. Vienna House demonstrated this not least with its successful market entry and brand management. The goal now is to grow to 50 hotels in Europe by the year 2021. Further worldwide hotel openings are being considered in countries with a high affinity for individual and zeitgeisty European hospitality. About U City PCL and BTS Group Holdings: U City PCL is a listed Thai commercial property developer with 30 years of experience and a market capitalization of THB 16.8bn (EUR 453mn). U City's strategy is to acquire or develop recurring income properties near mass transit lines both locally and overseas. On 20th April 2015, BTSG acquired a 35.64%, stake in U City when it sold land plots and a hotel to U City in exchange for shares of the company. www.ucity.co.th; press contact: Mr. Thanutch Tintabura, [email protected] BTSG is a listed Thai conglomerate with a market capitalization of THB 102.0bn (EUR 2.7bn) and the 26th largest company in Thailand by market capitalization. BTSG is a constituent member of the SET50 Index (blue chip), MSCI AC Asia Pacific Index and FTSE4Good Emerging Index (companies that demonstrate strong environmental, social and governance practices). www.btsgroup.co.th; press contact: Daniel Kastner, [email protected] Betina Welter Head of PR & Brand Communication +43 1 333 73 7355 Vienna House It looks like you've reached a page that doesnt exist (anymore). Please use the navigation or search above to find content on Hospitality Net. Go back to home Baz Luhrmanns epic retelling of the birth of hip hop in New York is about to return to Netflix to complete its first season. The Get Down left off midseason in 1977 as the cast members were just beginning to bring their South Bronx sound to the masses amid political turmoil in New York City. The new teaser promises even more progress and growth for The Get Down crew. Netflix isnt the only one tackling the early days of hip hop. VH1 just began a TV series based on their TV movie The Breaks, although that one is set a little over a decade after the events of The Get Down. The second set of six episodes from The Get Down is set to drop on April 7. Are you going to be watching? Listen to the shows official soundtrack to get yourself ready. Music Generation Laois, in conjunction with Laois School of Music, has just announced its inaugural 'Brass Evening', which will take place next Monday (27 February) at 5pm in the Laois School of Music, Portlaoise. This event is open to anyone interested in exploring music, from young children to young adults to silver surfers. The workshop promises to be fun, interactive and provide an interesting insight to the brass world of music. Musical instruments will also be available to anyone considering taking up a brass instrument. The evening will provide an introduction to the world of brass with strong emphasis on enjoyment and active music-making. The workshop will be led by Anthony Flannery, a faculty instructor with Music Generation Laois and special guest Niall O'Sullivan, an internationally-acclaimed Irish trumpeter. Niall OSullivan is a cross-genre trumpet star who started his musical career in the Artane Boys Band, Dublin. Niall has sold out venues across Ireland and the USA, and most recently performed as a guest artist for Josh Grobans Irish tour. He has performed on numerous occasions with the RTE National Symphony and Concert Orchestras, and featured as a soloist for Sunday Miscellany Live at Christmas where his rendition of Damian Rices The Blowers Daughter could be heard in homes throughout Ireland on Christmas morning. Niall has also performed with some of the biggest names in music including Amy Winehouse, Michael Buble, Tom Jones, Dionne Warwick, Jose Carreras and has recorded with multi Grammy winning legend Larry Carlton, Danielle de Niese and Kim Criswell. He is also an international performing artist for Schilke Trumpets, Chicago. Music Generation Laois tutor, Anthony Flannery said: We are delighted to run this inaugural Brass Evening and hope to introduce people to the world of brass. This event will be interactive and brass instrumentals will be available to all participants. I would encourage anyone interested to register their interest now and partake in what will be a fantastic event. The evening will culminate with performances by The Laois Brass Ensemble, student performances and special guest, Niall O'Sullivan. The workshop is now open for registration. Remember, this event is open to all. Please contact Anthony to register your interest or if you have any queries. Below is a proposed schedule for Brass Evening with Anthony Flannery and Niall O'Sullivan (but please note the below running order may be altered) 17.00-17.30 Introductions from Anthony Flannery and Niall OSullivan Topics include: Group warm-up The importance of warming up, breathing and practicing The fundamentals of brass playing, both solo and in an ensemble 17.30-18.45 Open masterclass 19.00-19.45 The Laois Brass Ensemble 8.00pm Brass Concert -performances by the Laois Brass Ensemble, student performances and special guest, Niall O'Sullivan in The Laois School of Music, Portlaoise For information and registration queries contact Anthony Flannery by email on [email protected] Music Generation Laois is a performance music education programme for children and young people in County Laois. Music Generation Laois is based in the Arts Office, Laois County Council, and delivers engaging music programmes in schools and centres, across 8 programme strands: Choral, Uilleann Pipes, Orchestral, Harp, Brass, Stampede (World) Drumming, The Music Box a Music Programme for children and young people with special needs, and a School of Rock and Pop. Since it was established in 2012, Music Generation Laois has invested over 75,000 in an instrument bank and in 2014 over 1500 children and young people participated in the programme. Young people have access to weekly tuition and instruments at subsidised costs, augmented by once- off workshops, masterclasses, concert attendance and performances. Music Generation Laois is part of Music Generation Irelands National Music Education Programme, initiated by Music Network and co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds together with, The Department of Education and Skills and Local Music Education Partnerships. Locally, Music Generation Laois is managed by Laois Music Education Partnership and funded by Laois County Council, Laois-Offaly Education and Training Board and Laois Partnership Company. In this age of Brexit, deep-fried American fascism and the ongoing global shitstorm in which we are all to one degree or another submerged, Sleaford Mods may well be the band we need and deserve. The rough n ready duo from the English Midlands deliver searing truths in guttural quasi-chants, the energetic ranting upholstered with beats so tinny they might be dribbling from the speakers of a 10 year-old Nokia. On Army Nights, frontman Jason Williamson it would be an overstatement to describe his gruff yelps as singing splices fever-dream imagery and pretend fart-sounds. Its a striking juxtaposition, the frontman blending zeal and humour, political outrage and scatological clowning to impressive effect. His playful anger has the perfect launch pad in Andrew Fearns tinfoil grooves, which clitter and clatter impishly, as Williamson swerves from irreverent to incoherent to occasionally incandescent. It is all part of the grand Sleaford design. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Houston Spaceport is receiving a $1 million grant to help build roadways and utilities needed to attract aerospace companies and, ultimately, pave the way for space flights from Ellington Airport. The grant won't cover all infrastructure expenses, but officials said it signals support from the federal government. The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration announced the award to the city of Houston on Wednesday. "The momentum behind Houston Spaceport continues to build," Mario Diaz, director of the Houston Airport System, said in a statement. "There is limitless potential for aerospace activity at Ellington Airport and that fact is now being recognized on a broad scale, both by our partners within the U.S. government and representatives from the private sector." The Houston Spaceport became the country's 10th commercial spaceport in June 2015. A few months later, NASA signed a Space Act Agreement to officially provide expertise and credibility. Progress continued with last year's opening of the 53,000-square-foot Houston Aerospace Support Center. This is designed to be a co-working facility with incubation space for early-stage companies, more permanent offices for developing companies and larger facilities for those wishing to manufacture or assemble products. Clear Lake-based Intuitive Machines was the first business to open a location there in August 2016. It uses the facility to assemble and test its drone systems. President and CEO Steve Altemus was happy to hear about the grant. "I'm excited to see movement and momentum start to be generated around the spaceport," Altemus said. "I've believed in it since its inception, since the beginning of the idea." Moving forward, the spaceport hopes to soon begin construction on a new traffic control tower that will have a mission-control area for future flights. It also is seeking funding to build a taxiway along its 8,000-foot runway, which will provide access to the runway to future spaceport hangars and support the development of land. Bob Mitchell, president of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, said the grant can help attract other commercial space companies. "This is one more step in making the spaceport a reality," Mitchell said. Chile's fresh fruit exports to the Chinese market grew 23 percent over 2015.[Photo: sohu.com] Chile became China's leading supplier of fresh fruits in 2016, overtaking Vietnam and even Thailand, local media reported on Wednesday. Chile exported 1.2 billion U.S. dollars of fresh fruit, mainly cherries, to China last year, the daily La Tercera said, citing data from Chile's export promotion agency ProChile. Thailand ranked in second place, with 1.15 billion U.S. dollars in fruit exports, followed by Vietnam, with 635 million U.S. dollars, according to the daily. Despite a 3.7-percent decline in national exports overall, Chile's fresh fruit exports to the Chinese market grew 23 percent over 2015. "In the past 10 years, our exports to China have grown 18-fold, going from 65 million U.S. dollars in 2007 to 1.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2016," said Alejandro Buvinic, ProChile's director. That growth followed the signing of a free-trade agreement between the two countries in October 2006. Likewise, "China gradually increased its presence in the domestic market, until it became our leading trade partner in 2015, a position it maintained in 2016," said Buvinic. Cherries led the list of fresh fruit exports to the Asian market, followed by grapes, plums and cranberries. Buvinic said Chilean fruits stand out in the Chinese market with 98 percent of the imported cranberries in Chinese market being from Chile, as well as 80 percent fresh cherries and plums. Kenneth Arrow, whose study of how the various parts of an economy work toward equilibrium won him the Nobel Prize in 1972 and established him as one of the founders of modern economics, has died,. He was 95. Arrow died at his home in Palo Alto, Calif., on Tuesday, the New York Times said, citing his son, David. With John R. Hicks, a professor at Oxford University, Arrow was honored by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1972 "for their pioneering contributions to general economic equilibrium theory and welfare theory." Arrow was 51 at the time, which stands as the youngest age of any recipient of the Nobel for economics. Arrow, who held professorships at Stanford and Harvard universities, explained general equilibrium as the principle that even far-flung outposts of the economy, such as mortgage-backed securities and automobile sales, influence each other. "Repercussions can go on for a very long time and in different routes," Arrow said in a 2009 interview with the Atlantic magazine. "That's where the world of general equilibrium comes from - and it's also the idea that the things tend to balance out. The central picture we have is that prices will adjust so that balancing occurs." Hicks died in 1989 at 85. His 1939 "Value and Capital" was a seminal work in equilibrium theory and influenced Arrow during his graduate studies in the 1940s. For his doctoral dissertation, Arrow looked at what Hicks' theories didn't answer. "My aim was to rewrite Hicks, taking account of the deficiencies I had found in his work," Arrow said in 2007. "Also perhaps to bring it into closer contact with the cyclical business-cycle problems we had just emerged from, which were devastating to the country as a whole and my family in particular." That reference was to the Great Depression, which cost Arrow's father his job. His doctoral dissertation was published in 1951 as "Social Choice and Individual Value." Taking issue with Hicks' assumption that a company can have a single point of view, Arrow explored the effects of divergent opinions among shareholders and how well voting represents the will of the majority. The dissertation introduced Arrow's so-called impossibility theorem, which would become a pillar of the economic field known as social choice theory. The theorem holds that no system of voting perfectly reflects the public's will when three or more candidates are being considered. Arrow was active in how economic theory was applied to current affairs. He was a leading voice among economists warning about the looming peril of climate change. He submitted a friend-of-the-court brief in 2010 supporting President Barack Obama's health care overhaul as it was challenged in state courts. In 2006, he signed an endorsement from economists for a boost in the minimum wage. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate CANNON BALL, N.D. - Most of the Dakota Access pipeline opponents abandoned their protest camp Wednesday ahead of a government deadline to get off the federal land, and authorities moved to arrest some who defied the order in a final show of dissent. The camp has been home to demonstrators for nearly a year as they tried to thwart construction of the pipeline. Many of the protesters left peacefully, but police made some arrests two hours after the deadline. Earlier in the day, some of the last remnants of the camp went up in flames when occupants set fire to makeshift wooden housing as part of a leaving ceremony. Authorities later said about 20 fires were set and two people - a 7-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl - were taken to a Bismarck hospital to be treated for burns. Their conditions weren't given. After the deadline passed, as many as 75 people outside the camp started taunting officers, who brought five large vans to the scene. Police took about 10 people into custody for failing to heed commands to leave, authorities said. With darkness falling, Lt. Tom Iverson said police would not enter the camp Wednesday evening, and he offered no timetable for doing so. Levi Bachmeier, an adviser to Gov. Doug Burgum, said about 50 people remained in the camp at dusk. Hours before, about 150 people marched arm-in-arm out of the soggy camp, singing and playing drums as they walked down a highway. It was not clear where they were headed. One man carried an American flag hung upside-down. Authorities sent buses to take protesters to Bismarck, where they were offered fresh clothing, bus fares home and food and hotel vouchers. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers set the deadline, citing the threat of spring flooding. At the height of the protests, the site known as Oceti Sakowin hosted thousands of people, though its population dwindled to just a couple of hundred as the pipeline battle moved into the courts. The camp is on federal land in North Dakota between the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation and the pipeline route that is being finished by Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners. When complete, the project will carry oil through the Dakotas and Iowa to a shipping point in Illinois. Some of the protesters were focused on moving off federal land and away from the flood plain into other camps, said Phyllis Young, one of the camp leaders. "The camps will continue," she said. "Freedom is in our DNA, and we have no choice but to continue the struggle." New camps are popping up on private land, including one the Cheyenne River Sioux set up about a mile from the main camp. Law enforcement officers and first-responders were on hand from several states. A massive effort to clean up the camp has been underway for weeks, first by protesters themselves and now with help from the Army Corps in removing debris. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Even if critically sick patients are vigilant enough to choose a hospital approved by their insurance plan, many could face thousands of dollars in surprise medical bills because the physician who treated them was not part of the coverage. A study shows it is happening at more than 300 Texas hospitals, including 15 in Houston, where not a single emergency room doctor is covered by one or more of the state's largest insurers - even if the hospital is. "For patients it feels like bait and switch," said report author Stacey Pogue, senior policy analyst at the Austin-based Center for Public Policy Priorities. The study, released Wednesday, looked at data from preferred provider organization insurance plans, or PPOs, from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Humana and United-HealthCare in both employer-sponsored and individual market plans. The information was compiled last summer. The Chronicle is not naming the Houston hospitals at this time because they have not had a chance to comment. Texas has been slammed in other recent studies as one of the worst states in the nation for surprise medical bills from emergency room care. Last week, economists with the Federal Trade Commission reported that Texans had a more than one-in-three chance of learning after the fact that some of their treatment had fallen outside an insurer's network. Often, emergency room doctors are contracted for their services and bill separately, Pogue said. Patients typically have no way of knowing if individual providers or the treatment being ordered are part of their overall coverage. "How would you know? You do what your doctor tells you to do," Pogue said, adding that rarely is a patient in the midst of crisis going to second-guess medical treatment. That happened to Kathy Holtwick. On the morning of Oct. 4, the 64-year-old felt terribly sick, pain shooting through her head and shoulders, her breath coming in gasps, her body soaked in sweat. Her husband, Daniel Hernandez, took her to a nearby urgent care clinic, but no doctor could see her immediately. So he rushed her to First Choice Emergency Room in Rosenberg. Despite the urgency of the moment, she called customer service for their Maryland-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan to make sure the free-standing emergency room was in-network. It was. Doctors were alarmed at her worsening condition and immediately ordered an air ambulance, not wanting to risk being delayed by traffic. "They didn't give us any other options. They said, 'Get in the ambulance and go,' " she said. A helicopter whisked her to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, where a cardiologist found she had a 90 percent artery blockage. She was later told that in her condition she might have had only a 90-minute window of survival. All of her treatment was covered except the air ambulance. That bill arrived for $29,000. Holtwick is fighting the charge, hoping for some relief. So far the bill has stuck, with her insurer pointing to words within her policy: "air ambulance not covered." She had no idea. Even if she had, she is dumbfounded by the notion she would argue with doctors trying to save her life and ask for other transportation. She is also furious. "I've been stressed out of my mind," she said. "It is worse than the actual thing that put me in the hospital." Surprise medical bills are sometimes called "balance bills." The study said they can pop up "when insurers and doctors fighting over prices jointly pass the buck to a patient who received the out-of-network care unknowingly." Pogue said she was especially shocked as she sifted through the data to find the number of in-network hospitals that did not have a single in-network emergency room doctor available. It is not happening just in emergency rooms, the report found. For example, patients with a scheduled colonoscopy can confirm that their surgical center is in-network as is the gastroenterologist who will perform the procedure. But even if they go the extra step to ask who else will be involved, they might not get full information on which anesthesiologist or pathologist will be part of the treatment. Texas lawmakers decided to tackle the problem in 2009 and revisited it again in 2015. They established a mediation system. So far, patients have been overwhelmingly successful. But it only works if they know about it and how to use it. The Center for Public Policy Priorities study also found that since 2009, only 3,824 out of an estimated 250,000 with eligible complaints have used it. Pogue said not only do few people know they must request mediation through the Texas Department of Insurance, they also must have the savvy to decode complicated medical bills. "It puts all of the burden of figuring out the system on the patient," Pogue said. "The scope of the problem and the difference in the number of people who could get help is outrageous." Houston-based Weingarten Realty Investors, which owns neighborhood shopping centers throughout the city, will add a 30-story residential tower to its flagship retail property next to River Oaks. The plan, announced Wednesday, to bring high-end high-rise living to the River Oaks Shopping Center is the result of years of deliberation over how to maintain the property's relevance in a retail and development landscape that favors centers that combine shops with housing, hotels and offices. The new tower is likely just the beginning of what could be the continued redevelopment of the West Gray property. "I think it will become denser over the next 10, 20 years certainly," Weingarten senior vice president Gerald Crump said. "It is possible you could end up with office, hotel or further residential units." Weingarten, which has owned the shopping center for more than four decades, will own the tower as well, but apartment builder Hanover Co. will develop it. It is being designed by Ziegler Cooper Architects to house more than 300 units and an estimated 10,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. The tower will go up on a site just larger than an acre on the north side of West Gray near Driscoll Street. A portion of the existing center that now houses the restaurants Cafe Ginger and Local Pour will be demolished to make room for the new building, which will be a $150 million investment, Weingarten estimates. There are no plans for Local Pour or Cafe Ginger to be relocated within the center. They are expected to stay through early 2018. Tower construction is tentatively scheduled to begin within the first few months of next year with completion estimated in 2021. The tower will have eight levels of parking and two more below ground, with approximately 215 spaces to serve the retailers and another 550 for residents. Apartments will fill the top 22 levels. Crump said the tower will allow tenants to live next to high-end shops, restaurants and a grocery store. He said the units will offer 360-degree views of the city. The building is still in its early design phase. Crump said company officials have been meeting with retail tenants to discuss the project and they plan to talk with residents who live nearby as well. A low-rise condominium complex built in the late 1970s sits directly behind the development site. Texas Anderson, a real estate agent with Greenwood King Properties, is listing a unit in the condo complex, a somewhat rare property today. "They're not as dense," Anderson said. "They have greenery and pools. Builders aren't doing that too much." When asked how a 30-story building next to the site could affect property values, she noted how the tall buildings added to Rice Village didn't slow demand for homes around it. "I'm optimistic," Anderson said. The River Oaks tower will likely resemble other modern glass buildings that have started to pepper Houston's urban landscape, but Crump said the company will "rely heavily on our architect to work on a design that is integrated the best it can be with our existing shopping center." Houstonians have been sensitive to changes made to the River Oaks Shopping Center. The 1930s property, built as a series of sprawling Art Deco buildings next to the exclusive River Oaks neighborhood, has had alterations over the years and in some parts it's been redeveloped. It was designated a city of Houston landmark in 2007. "That set of structures is a definite historical resource - one of the first shopping centers of its type from what I remember," said native Houstonian and architect Joe Webb. Yet Webb said he is intrigued by the idea of adding residential, which he said "could provide a very interesting synergy for the center and the area." The River Oaks Shopping Center comprises 320,000 square feet along both sides of West Gray east of Shepherd Drive. Retailers include Brasserie 19, Sur La Table, Talbots and a two-story Barnes & Noble. The property also includes a Kroger and additional retail set slightly apart from the rest of the center. The independent River Oaks Theatre is another longtime tenant. Crump said River Oaks is one of the oldest shopping centers of its kind and must evolve over time to stay relevant. When the company took over the property in 1971, the center had been in decline. "It had some pawn shops and lower-end thrift stores. Weingarten turned it around," Crump said, adding that the company intends to be "collaborative with the community" regarding the new development. In a conference call with analysts Wednesday, Weingarten president and CEO Drew Alexander said the shopping center has been "our flagship property for some time." "It's the third-oldest shopping center in the United States and we consider it quite special," he said. Crump reiterated the company's commitment to owning the property for the long term. Despite a current glut of new apartments in the urban core, Houston is a resilient market, he said. "We're not merchant developers and we're not really as concerned about timing the market as the merchant developer would be," Crump said. "We're going to own this many years to come." In another sign of the company's interest and intentions for the area, it recently purchased two nearby properties: a midrise office building at 1934 West Gray and a small office property across the street at 1939 West Gray. Crump said there are no immediate plans for the properties, which he called "long-term, strategic acquisitions." Theatre Under the Stars artistic advisor Sheldon Epps has announced plans to leave the company, leaving the presenter of musical theater in search of a new artistic leader, as well as a new vision. Epps will stay with the company until it finds a permanent artistic director. The search, conducted by Albert Hall and Associates, is in its early stages and will continue until a director is hired. A well-known freelance theater director and the former artistic director of the Pasadena Playhouse, Epps was hired last spring as artistic advisor, an interim position, after the departure of much of TUTS' top leadership. He quickly shook up the company, changing its season in a move he said was to reflect modern-day audiences, as well as bringing in New York-based actors and directors for productions such as "In the Heights" and "Into the Woods." Though Epps was never committed to a permanent position, his hiring was seen, both within TUTS and in the broader Houston community, as a symbol of change. Under his tenure, a more traditional 2016-17 lineup was discarded in favor of shows that were more modern and included more actors and writers of color. The artists involved in those shows were also of a different professional breed - several top Broadway actors and directors have graced the Hobby Center stage in the past year. Additionally, Epps is one of the few artistic leaders of a major arts company in Houston who is not white, and he arrived to the city with a history of tackling issues of diversity head-on. The position of artistic director has new significance for TUTS. Discarding the "one boss" model set by former CEO John Breckinridge and artistic director Bruce Lumpkin, TUTS instead has moved to a two-leader model common in many nonprofit theaters, which means the executive and artistic leaders are equals in the company hierarchy. The company hired executive director Hillary Hart, general manager of the Guthrie Theater, last December. Leaders at TUTS, including Epps himself, had said Epps could potentially transition into a more permanent role. But now Epps says his ambitions are set on directing shows across the country, something he would not be able to do as a full-time leader at TUTS. "I want more freedom to focus on the artistic side of my career," he said. Epps had split his time between Houston and Pasadena, Calif., since his arrival at TUTS, and had expressed that he did have freelance commitments elsewhere. In a previous interview, however, he described his relationship as a "courtship" that could potentially lead to a permanent role. TUTS' upcoming year is filled with challenges and opportunities. The first is finding another vision in the wake of Epps' departure. The second is, with Epps' push for better artistic quality, both finding the resources to support hiring Broadway talent and balancing that with fostering the local theater scene. The third is filling its second stage with new and interesting programming - the smaller, edgier Zilkha Hall series was formerly called TUTS Underground, though Hart said TUTS is not necessarily planning on doing away with the name. Hart said the organization - the TUTS board of directors, not Hart, is overseeing the hiring process - values diversity and will seek to find a candidate who is equally committed to those values, though TUTS is not specifically looking for a candidate who is non-white or fits any other demographic. "Equity, diversity and inclusion matters a lot," said Hart. "We're an incredibly unique and diverse community. It is important for the organization to be able to reflect that." Epps' departure won't mean he's never coming back to Houston, however, said Hart. Epps will direct the upcoming production of "Dreamgirls." It may not be his last artistic involvement with TUTS. "I don't expect he will be a stranger to us," she said. As we rush to privatize parks, zoos and even our schools, let's also privatize protection from natural disasters like storm surge along the Texas coast. Hurricanes are not new for any coastal city, and definitely not new for Galveston. At what point can major corporations like ExxonMobil, Kinder Morgan and LyondellBasell no longer tell shareholders that a hurricane was "unforeseeable" and "unexpected"? Since we all know that a hurricane will come, let's have an actual discussion about the expectations we legitimately place as a community on industry and homeowners along the coast. Most of the time our region acts as if we're disconnected from the very reason Galveston and Houston were originally placed here access to an inland port and an open ocean. The natural world drove those early settlements because land and water were important to commerce they still are. But as industry grows, so do community expectations on ensuring clean air and water and neighborly behavior. We wouldn't let a homeowner throw trash over a fence, and we have to scale up that same type of ethic when thinking about industry and fenceline communities. Sometimes it seems our region has tried mightily to ruin the quality and very land we live on, but that would be jumping to conclusions. Our shared history of growth, economic development and independence is grounded in the very land and water we have to share. Before taxpayers are asked to fund the Ike Dike with a $4 billion to $6 billion project, let's first look to the private sector to see what solutions might be available. Harvey Rice: Environmentalists skeptical of Ike Dike First, smart industry players along the Ship Channel and around our coastal zones currently have already armored their borders with 10- to 15-foot concrete walls a kind of Galveston seawall but with a lot less ice cream. What would be the cost for them to build to 25 feet to protect their facilities from what, at this point, is a known environmental disaster should any storm surge occur? Second, let's ensure that our elected officials reflect on this new world we live in where every city must have a disaster preparedness plan, accounting for the very real threats both manmade and natural. If our community has already recognized that these plans are crucial in the event of a hurricane, let's make sure that major industrial players ones that could wreak environmental havoc on our natural world have also invested in a plan to shut facilities down, armor the walls and maintain assets appropriately. Should these plans be public? Yes, because shareholders should know if a company along the coast has prepared for the hurricane we all agree will come. Third, let's discuss risk assessment and mitigation with insurance. Insurance never works perfectly. It can't. It is built on the laws of averages and probabilities and likelihoods. But if you are on the coast, and loving the life, then you have to recognize that you've built in harm's way. Rather than invest in an engineering jobs program like the Ike Dike, let's invest in better science to handle the spills and appropriately account for risk assessments between industry, government and the community. As a community, we have often decided that we have a shared burden to help in the context of a recovery, but let's make sure that industry and community are taking their own steps to avoid the disaster in the first place. We can't avoid all the disaster from a hurricane, and each one creates a tremendous drain on economic activity and community spirit. But though we should fear nature and the next coming storm just as we should stand in awe of the power and beauty of our natural world let's think twice about the huge natural disruption known as the Ike Dike. Jen Powis is an attorney focused on nonprofit governance and advocacy in the environmental and conservation space. Her firm, The Powis Firm, PLLC, provides general counsel services to nonprofits across the state. Bookmark Gray Matters. It's like a Galveston seawall but with a lot less ice cream. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A Conroe-area man was fatally shot by Montgomery County sheriff's deputies Wednesday morning after stabbing his wife while the couple's 11-year-old son called 911 and pleaded with him to stop, authorities said. The sheriff's office said the boy walked in on his father, 41-year-old Medger Blake, stabbing his mother, 38-year-old Rose Blake, around 5:30 a.m. in their home at 74 Chestnut Meadow Court. The home is located north of FM 1488 in the Jacobs Reserve subdivision near the W.G. Jones State Forest. The boy called 911 and could be heard begging his father to stop, authorities said. He then locked himself in a bathroom to wait for deputies to respond. The child, reportedly covered in blood, met with deputies outside. A deputy in training sheltered the boy as two other deputies entered the home to confront the father. Deputies approached the home's master bedroom, where Medger Blake was waiting with a knife near his mortally wounded wife, according to Capt. Bryan Carlisle of the sheriff's office. Carlisle said deputies asked the man to drop the knife, but that Blake lunged at the deputies, who both opened fire. Medger and Rose Blake were pronounced dead at the scene. A note found inside the home could provide detectives with further clues about the motive behind the stabbing. The letter was addressed to an older family member and detailed issues occurring within the family along with instructions about what family members were to do in the event of a tragic situation. No other details were made available about the note. A neighbor, Brian DeHaven, was walking his dog as detectives were investigating at the home. He said he'd met the family as they moved into the home in the summer of 2015. "They were really nice," DeHaven said. "But people get mad; you never know what comes out. You feel bad for the 11-year-old." The couple purchased the home in February 2015, records show. Officials said their 11-year-old son attended Conroe ISD's Collins Intermediate School. Intermediate Principal Shelli LeBlanc sent a note to parents Wednesday, letting them know counselors would be on campus to help their children process the events. The two deputies who shot Blake were placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Their names were not immediately released. "They did what they had to do," Carlisle said of the deputies. "Although we prepare ourselves every day to deal with tragedy, this is not something you wish for." The sheriff's office, along with the Texas Rangers and the county district attorney's office, will investigate the deputies' actions. The MCSO's major crimes division will investigate the stabbing. Carlisle praised the couple's son for calling 911, remaining on the line and meeting with deputies outside. "He's a hero in my mind," Carlisle said. Family members met with the boy as he was being interviewed at the Montgomery County Children's Safe Harbor. Most family members were from Louisiana, Carlisle said, though some came from Houston. Meagan Ellsworth contributed to this report. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Montgomery County Commissioner James Noack basked in a warm glow of conservative praise as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and two Republican state senators commended him for drumming up local support for tax relief legislation. "The action by Montgomery County is one of the biggest breakthroughs in bringing property tax reform to all Texans," Patrick said at a news conference Monday, referring to a resolution passed by county commissioners last week. Noack, in sponsoring the resolution, "had the courage to be the leader on this when his own association has been against him," Patrick said. The Texas Association of Counties, along with other groups representing local governments, opposes SB2, which would require voter approval of any property tax increase exceeding 4 percent. City and county governments generally take a dim view of state laws that limit their ability to raise revenue. Now, it seemed, someone was breaking from this orthodoxy. Support from a "major taxing institution" such as Montgomery County creates "a great day for Texas taxpayers," declared Sen. Paul Bettencourt of Houston, a sponsor of SB2. Montgomery County commissioners, however, had not actually endorsed SB2. Nor had they urged passage of HB538, HB44, or House Joint Resolution 41, other measures targeting various aspects of the property tax system. These measures were cited in the "whereas" clauses of the resolution, which commissioners adopted unanimously Feb. 14. But the crucial "be it resolved" section states simply that Commissioners Court "calls upon the Texas Legislature to provide significant and meaningful relief to Texas individuals, families and businesses." Who could argue with that? Noack told me on Thursday that he never intended to create the impression that the resolution endorsed specific legislation. Yet that's how it was portrayed in every news account I could find. And a news release from Noack's office, issued before commissioners voted, stated flatly that the resolution would support the four measures mentioned in the "whereas" clauses. It was clear, in discussion of the resolution among commissioners before the vote, that it didn't endorse any particular bill. And if the wording of the document is ambiguous, Noack's personal position is clear: "I believe I am the only commissioner in the state to openly support SB2," he said. "Our taxpayers are demanding relief." It's axiomatic that local elected officials oppose state-level restrictions on their taxing power. In backing SB2, Noack is arguably ceding to state legislators some of the authority bestowed on him by voters in his own community. But he doesn't see it that way. The legislation wouldn't remove local officials' ability to raise taxes beyond a specified level, but would simply require that voters agree, Noack said. His resolution is not the first example of questionable tactics by backers of SB2. A Jan. 30 report in the Dallas Morning News debunked a comparison frequently cited by Bettencourt, indicating that city and county tax collections had increased by more than twice the level of Texans' household incomes over the past decade. Bettencourt's analysis is flawed, according to experts consulted by reporter J. David McSwane, because they compare an aggregate figure - "every single dollar of property taxes collected from businesses and homeowners" - with a median. Apples-to-apples comparisons indicate income and taxes have increased at about the same pace since 1990, McSwane wrote. (Bettencourt insisted his figures were valid.) Misleading numbers are not necessary to make the case that Texas' property tax system is flawed. Bettencourt, Noack and others often cite the bait-and-switch quality of a system that enables local officials to boast that they have not increased the tax rate, even as their revenues rise due to higher property appraisals. Confronted by angry taxpayers, appraisal district officials and City Council members dodge accountability by pointing fingers at one another. "Every time we take one more dollar from taxpayers, we should be forced to raise the tax rate," Noack said. The Texas Association of Counties has suggested several alternative approaches to tax reform that it says are preferable to SB2. A thoughtful discussion of these ideas and others, rather than flawed comparisons or confusing local resolutions, might lead to a more useful debate - and ultimately to better policy. Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) holds a welcome ceremony for his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 22, 2017.(Xinhua/Li Xueren) President Xi Jinping and his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella held talks Wednesday, pledging to enhance bilateral ties. The two heads of state agreed to develop bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective and advance the relationship to a higher level. Xi called on the two countries to maintain high-level exchanges and close cooperation between their governments, legislative institutions and political parties. China and Italy should synergize their development strategies and innovate cooperation patterns, Xi told Mattarella, who is on a state visit to China from Feb. 21 to 26. "China welcomes Italy to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative," Xi said. Xi called for more cooperation in technological and industrial innovation and in the field of cultural heritage, promoting the building of culture centers and language teaching in respective country. The president also stressed that China was willing to work with Italy to maintain world peace, development and stability through close communication on global economic governance, multilateralism and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the UN and G20. "China supports European integration and hopes both sides foster China-Europe partnerships that feature peace, growth, reform and civilization, and build a peaceful, open, inclusive and prosperous world," Xi said. Mattarella said he came to China to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and that Italy hopes for closer high-level exchanges and cooperation in trade and culture. Italy supports an open multilateral trading system and will enhance coordination with China in international and regional affairs, Mattarella said, adding that Italy backs the development of Europe-China relations. After their talks, Xi and Mattarella witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in culture, science, education, health, trade and innovation. Prior to the talks, Xi held a welcoming ceremony for Mattarella at the Great Hall of the People. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The family of a death row inmate who died at Harris County Jail while in Houston to challenge his conviction is suing county officials for his wrongful death by suicide two years ago. Sharon Moon, Antonio Williams' mother, on Tuesday filed the lawsuit in federal court on behalf of herself and her son's children. The family asserts that former Sheriff Adrian Garcia, County Judge Ed Emmett and the former assistant district attorney who tried Williams' case should be liable for failing to protect him and inflicting the cruel and unusual circumstances of his imprisonment in isolation at the county facility. The suit singles out former Harris County Assistant District Attorney Lance Long for conspiring "to pressure witnesses to lie about their identification of Mr. Williams as the perpetrator of the capital murder," and it specifically holds him accountable for Williams' wrongful imprisonment. Long, now a prosecutor in Jefferson County, in an interview characterized the writs from witnesses recanting their prior sworn statements as desperate attempts, years after the fact, to seek post-conviction relief by a man who had exhausted his options. The Harris County Attorney's Office plans to file a response to the lawsuit on behalf of the sheriff's office, the county judge and the county itself, said First Assistant County Attorney Robert Soard. Officials at district attorney's office on Wednesday were not available for comment. 'Scared to tell the truth' Williams, who was 34 when he died, was sent to death row in 2007 for capital murder in the August 2006 shooting deaths of Vincent Williams, 18, and Yolanda Styles, 22, in northwest Houston. Testimony at trial revealed that a gunman with an assault rifle fired about 30 rounds at the victims amid what police at the time called a bloody war to gain control of drug trafficking in the neighborhood, which had just experienced an influx of people who had fled New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Williams also had relocated to the Houston area from Louisiana. Two witnesses testified that Williams was the gunman, but they later recanted, saying they were pressured to lie by prosecutors and investigators. The two women who saw the shooting from a second-floor patio said they were told to identify Williams despite their claims that the killer was a man named Keith who had dreadlocks with blond tips, according to court documents in Williams' defense. Williams had a close-cropped haircut at the time of the incident, according to evidence introduced at trial. These witnesses later rolled back their statements. "I was scared to tell the truth," a neighbor, Sharonda Cooper, said in a sworn affidavit in November 2014. "The reason I was scared was because I had a pending injury to a child case and I was scared my children would be taken away if I did not help the State." Cooper said she sought Houston Police Department's cold case squad to tell them Williams was not the shooter because her testimony weighed on her since the 2007 trial. She cited Long, the lead prosecutor, for pushing her to name Williams. "Mr. Long and the investigators pressured me to testify that Antonio was at the scene and was the shooter. They stated to me that if I helped them out, they would help out," she said. But Long said that one of the two witnesses identified Williams to police before he became involved in the case as a prosecutor. Long said it was also important to keep in mind that Williams faced charges in three additional homicides and one attempted homicide at the time of his conviction. Charges against Williams in the shooting death of Dion Barnes, 33, on June 17, 2006; the death of Christopher Harris, 15, of New Orleans, six weeks later; and that same week, the fatal shooting of his friend Terrell "T-Rock" Ball, 25, never proceeded to trial once Williams got a death sentence in the August 2006 slayings. Patrick McCann, who filed the wrongful death suit on behalf of the Williams family, said, "Whatever other sins Mr. Williams may have committed, it never justifies a prosecutor bending the rules. We prosecute people for what they've done, not who the prosecutor thinks they are. If Mr. Long believed Mr. Williams was good for the other cases, he should have prosecuted those and not forced someone to lie about the charges he brought here." Shoelaces used in suicide At the time of Williams' suicide in 2015, he was being held at the county jail during a series of hearings challenging his death sentence and conviction. He had been assigned to 23-hour administrative segregation because he was a death row inmate. "The problem with putting a young man like Mr. Williams in total isolation," McCann said, "is it almost fosters the kind of desperation that led him to take his own life. On top of that, allowing a person in a jail to have access to things like shoelaces to hurt themselves seems - even to a layperson - against good sense." Williams was taking psychotropic medications for depression, but he had no one checking his health or well being at the jail, according to the allegations. Court documents indicate Williams was found hanging by shoelaces from the exposed ledge of an inset grate at about 1 a.m. on Feb. 19, 2015, and he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. A Sheriff's Office spokeswoman at the time said she did not know why Williams would have had shoelaces in his cell. Brian Rogers contributed to this report. Just hours after an anonymous bomb threat jolted the New York headquarters of the Anti-Defamation League, Houston religious leaders gathered together at the local ADL to denounce the string of 69 similar hoax calls that over the past month have plagued Jewish community centers here and elsewhere. The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center in southwest Houston was one of 11 centers nationwide targeted Monday morning with phoned-in bomb threats, but the menacing call was just the latest in a series of anti-Semitic hate incidents in the Houston area. "The recent incidents in our beloved city of Houston do not reflect upon Houston or suggest that Houston is a haven for hate," ADL regional director Dayan Gross told reporters Wednesday as he stood surrounded by the imams, bishops, rabbis and other faith leaders who form the local Coalition for Mutual Respect. "Hate crimes can take place anywhere, and the measure of a community is not whether they occur but how a community responds," he continued. Center evacuated Although the local community has offered support, initially the White House faced criticism for its failure to respond to the four waves of threats that started Jan. 9. Then on Tuesday, President Donald Trump described the calls as "horrible and painful and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil." That was followed on Wednesday by Vice President Mike Pence paying a surprise visit to a St. Louis-area Jewish cemetery where earlier in the week vandals toppled more than 100 headstones. In Houston, Monday morning's threat forced authorities to evacuate the Braeswood center until mid-afternoon, when law enforcement finished sweeping the building and determined the call was a hoax. Since then, police have continued to investigate but so far have found no connections between the local threat and other menacing calls. "We have no information leading us to be able to make any linkages between the incidents," Gross said. Uptick in anti-Semitism Tracing the call could prove challenging, as the caller's voice and number were masked so that the threat appeared to originate from within the community center. In early February, the local ADL announced an alarming uptick in anti-Semitic incidents. In the past month, swastikas appeared on a fence in Sienna Plantation, white nationalist fliers popped up on Rice University campus, students at Cypress Ranch High School were caught giving a Nazi salute, and racist fliers circulated in Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. "Clearly, ADL is still needed here. It's been a long time since we've seen so many incidents so close together," Gross said at the time. "We need to work together to maintain Houston's track record as a city that handles its unparalleled diversity better than almost any other city in the world." Wednesday's speakers echoed that sentiment. "We're standing shoulder to shoulder, side by side asking you all to expose hate to the light because it can't stand the light of day," said Bishop Michael Rinehart of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. "It hides in dark corners. Do not be silent. Silent works to the advantage of the perpetrators." A northwest Houston teenager accused of killing a bald eagle was charged with violating a state hunting ordinance rather than the more severe federal regulations aimed at protecting America's national symbol. Orlando Delgado, 17, was charged Wednesday with hunting without the landowner's consent after allegedly shooting a bald eagle Tuesday along a stretch of White Oak Bayou near the 9200 block of Vinetree Lane. He could have been charged with violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. But, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, officials with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declined to pursue a prosecution in federal court because of Delgado's age. Nicholas Gonzalez, a spokesman for the National Audubon Society in New York, was not familiar with the local incident. However, he said: "We fully support the enforcement of those federal laws that protect those birds." He called them some of the "most important conservation laws on the books right now." On Tuesday, a man who lived in the area went outside to investigate after hearing a loud popping sound coming from along White Oak Bayou near his home. The homeowner said he saw three males, including one holding a rifle, standing near the base of a tree where residents knew an American bald eagle had been nesting for "a few years," Harris County sheriff's officials said. The man walked up and saw the bald eagle on the ground, then called 911 and waited for Harris County sheriff's deputies. But Delgado and two other people returned to the scene before the deputies arrived. One of them pulled a feather from the eagle's body before all three drove away in a white pickup, officials said. A U.S. Postal Service employee told the witness that he knew where the truck was - parked outside a house about two blocks away. Deputy A. Ebrahim questioned Delgado, who admitted shooting the eagle with what authorities said was a "high-powered" Gamo-brand pellet gun. After the first shot failed to kill the bird, Delgado admitted shooting it "several more times," deputies said. Deputy Ebrahim contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service along with game wardens with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. When the federal officials declined to prosecute because Delgado is 17, the state game wardens filed the hunting violation charge against him, deputies said. Both offenses are misdemeanors, but if Delgado had been convicted under the federal law, he could have sentenced to a $100,000 fine, a year in prison or both. Under the state law, he could face a $4,000 penalty, a year in prison or both. Fernando Ramirez contributed to this report. A veteran police canine named Jake may need to retire following a shooting in which he was injured Wednesday after biting an HPD officer during the pursuit of a pair of juvenile robbery suspects. The K-9 is expected to survive his gunshot wounds, but Houston police officials said the injuries combined with his age, 9, could mean the end of his law enforcement career. The incident that led to the dog's injury began shortly before noon and briefly triggered the lockdown of a nearby school. It started when HPD officers were patrolling an apartment complex in the Greenspoint area of north Houston when they spotted a car that had been taken in an armed robbery. Police said two people inside the car - later identified as juveniles, one male and one female - then fled, leading police in a short pursuit that ended when they struck an HPD vehicle along the 1500 block of Gears Road. The pair tried to run, said HPD Executive Assistant Chief George Buenik. "When they bailed, (the female juvenile) was arrested promptly. She had a pistol on her - a real gun," Buenik said. The male juvenile ran toward a nearby wooded area. Police later searched the car and found a replica pistol that resembles a working firearm. HPD officials said they believe the weapons may have been used in a carjacking. Police also found stolen items in the vehicle. Officer L. Castillo was one of the HPD officers who ran after the carjacking suspect into the heavily overgrown area near where the car was abandoned. At some point during the foot chase, Jake attacked Castillo, HPD officials said. "The K-9 bit the officer and latched onto his thigh," Buenik said at the scene. "At that point, the officer discharged his weapon two times, striking the dog." Castillo, who joined HPD in January 2009, was rushed to the North Houston Medical Center for treatment. Jake was initially taken to the Aldine Animal Hospital and was later transferred to the BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Spring, HPD officials said. Buenik did not know what charges the juveniles could face. He said the department will examine the circumstances that led to the officer-involved shooting. "We will look to see what happened (and) why it happened," Buenik said. "We will certainly make any training adjustments if needed." Andrew Kragie and Shelby Webb contributed to this report. The Houston Police Department released video surveillance footage and photos on Thursday of three suspects wanted for at least four robberies in the last month, three at the same Payless Supermarket on Martin Luther King Boulevard in south Houston. In the footage, the suspects can be seen entering the store as customers, then threatening employees with pistols while stealing cigarettes and money from the register. Police believe the suspects live in the neighborhood of Martin Luther King Boulevard, according to the news release. Duane Buck, the Houston murderer who was sentenced to death after a psychologist testified he would be a continuing threat to society because he is black, will return to Harris County for a new punishment hearing, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. The case, which has made national headlines for years, could be a harbinger of how the country's highest court deals with death penalty cases with racial overtones, experts said. It also comes at a time when two members of the Supreme Court, Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer, have argued the court should take another look at the constitutionality of the death penalty because of indications that it is being applied arbitrarily throughout the country. Calling racism a "toxin" that can poison even in small doses, Chief Justice John Roberts led a 6-2 majority to send Buck's case back to Harris County. "When a jury hears expert testimony that expressly makes a defendant's race directly pertinent on the question of life or death, the impact of that evidence cannot be measured simply by how much air time it received at trial or how many pages it occupies in the record," he wrote. "Some toxins can be deadly in small doses." Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg reiterated Wednesday that Buck was a killer who was convicted 20 years ago with a lengthy criminal history involving weapons possession, drug dealing, aggravated assault and domestic violence. Like other capital murder retrials, Ogg said her office will review Buck's case, including speaking with the victims' families and looking over mitigation evidence, before deciding how to proceed. "Racially charged evidence has no place in any courtroom and this administration will not tolerate its presence," she said. "We remain committed to seeking justice for the victims of Duane Buck's heinous criminal acts, and will do so without what Chief Justice Roberts described as the 'strain of racial prejudice' present at the 1997 trial in which Buck was convicted." The 53-year-old could be resentenced to death again or given a life sentence. His lawyers applauded Wednesday's decision and said it clears the way for Harris County to sentence him to life in prison. "Today, the Supreme Court made clear that there is no place for racial bias in the American criminal justice system," said Christina Swarns, Buck's attorney and litigation director of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Kate Black, senior staff attorney at Texas Defender Service, which also represented Buck, agreed. "This decision gives Harris County the opportunity to put the ugliness of the racial bias that affected Mr. Buck's original trial behind it." Black said. "What it's done is show that the Supreme Court has deep concern about race in the death penalty." Other opponents of the death penalty also praised the decision. "Today's decision in Duane Buck's case reflects a welcome and necessary commitment by the Supreme Court to rejecting death sentences grown from the poisonous soil of racial discrimination," said David Cole, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union. "Mr. Buck's death sentence was based on expert testimony that showed blatant racial bias." He said the decision has broad implications, "given the myriad ways racial bias determines who receives capital punishment in the United States." Defense not 'competent' Buck was sentenced to death for the July 1995 slaying of his girlfriend, Debra Gardner, and her friend, Kenneth Butler. Police reports at the time showed Buck shot his own sister and Butler after he barged into Gardner's home with a rifle. He then chased his girlfriend outside, and shot her as her young daughter watched. At trial, his attorneys called psychologist Walter Quijano to the stand as their own expert witness without reading his report in which he claimed Buck was more likely to remain a threat to society because he was black. Quijano then reiterated that position from the stand. After Quijano's flawed methodology was exposed in other cases, other defendants who had been sentenced to death after his testimony were given new punishment hearings. But because Buck's own lawyers called Quijano to the stand, his request for a new punishment phase has long been denied by appellate courts. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court reversed that by ruling that Buck's attorneys were ineffective and that race played a part in the jury's decision. "No competent defense attorney would introduce evidence that his client is liable to be a future danger because of his race," Roberts wrote in his opinion. "By acknowledging that Mr. Buck's trial counsel's injection of racially biased evidence into the capital sentencing proceedings was unconstitutional, the Court has reaffirmed the longstanding principle that criminal punishments - particularly the death penalty - cannot be based on immutable characteristics such as race." Roberts also blasted Quijano for engaging in stereotypes. "Dr. Quijano's testimony appealed to a powerful racial stereotype - that of black men as 'violence prone,' " he wrote. Calls to Quijano's office went unanswered Wednesday. One of Buck's trial prosecutors, his sister, a former Texas governor and more than 100 civil rights leaders, elected officials, clergy, former prosecutors and judges, and past American Bar Association presidents have supported Buck's claim that his racially biased death sentence cannot stand. Standard of review Kenneth Williams, a professor of law at South Texas College of Law Houston, called it a powerful decision. "It will have an impact on the death penalty here in Texas," he said. "And it's obviously good news for Mr. Buck and those who oppose the death penalty, or at least those who want to have a fair process." Ever the law professor, Williams said the ruling also changed the standard of review for other death penalty appeals. "It's kind of a technical issue," he said. "They found that the 5th Circuit of Appeals had been using an incorrect standard in determining whether an inmate had a right to have his appeal considered, so that part will have a big impact on inmates here in Texas." Nicole Casarez - the professor at the University of St. Thomas credited with the exoneration of Anthony Graves, an innocent man who spent 18 years behind bars, including a dozen on death row - said Quijano testified against Graves as well. She said the psychologist did not do the same damage that was inflicted on Buck, but it could have been an issue. "It's good for criminal justice to have the U.S. Supreme Court acknowledge that race can be used in proceedings and that it's not to be tolerated," she said. Roberts was joined by Justices Anthony Kennedy, Ginsburg, Breyer, Sonia Sotomayer and Elena Kagan. Future danger The dissent, written by Justice Clarence Thomas and joined by Justice Samuel Alito, argued that the heinousness of the crime, not any testimony about race, led jurors to determine that Buck would be a future danger. Future dangerousness is a threshold question of whether the death penalty is appropriate in a case. "What people have to understand is that the court is not taking a position about whether a new hearing would result in a different outcome," said Geoffrey Corn, a professor at the South Texas College of Law Houston. He said the Supreme Court has to imagine hearing that information as it was presented. Then they have to imagine whether there was a reasonable probability that the outcome might have been different. WASHINGTON - Hundreds of thousands of dollars flow every month from Russia to its former soldiers living in the United States, usually unseen and unchecked. But now U.S. investigators are examining whether this river of pension benefits intended for Russian military veterans is somehow mixed up in efforts to undermine last fall's U.S. election and put Donald Trump in the White House. Investigators have tried to determine if Russia's Federal Security Service, the intelligence agency known as the FSB, funneled payments disguised as pension benefits to U.S.-based operatives who hacked top Democrats' emails and took other measures to discredit Hillary Clinton. "If you are the Russian FSB and you want to pay these hackers, you have to figure out how to make your payments in a way that won't raise red flags," said Peter Harrell, a deputy assistant secretary of state for sanctions from 2012 to 2014. "You want to hide them in a large volume of transactions." A former highly regarded British MI6 officer, Christopher Steele, first made the allegation as part of a series of reports, made public last month, after months of private spying on the Kremlin for political opponents of Trump. Much of Steele's 35-page dossier, quoting uncorroborated information from supposed high-level Kremlin sources, lays out a covert Russian plot to hack Democrats' emails and take other steps to discredit Clinton and boost Trump. It says Trump aides knew of the operation at least as early as last June. Steele is believed to have gone into hiding after an ex-KGB chief, whom some theorize was among his Kremlin sources, died under suspicious circumstances in Moscow. No paper trails Steele's reports have added fuel to investigations by Congress, the FBI and intelligence agencies. But President Trump, facing questions about those and other Russia-related allegations, has dismissed the dossier as "garbage" and "fake news." Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued similar denunciations. While many of the dossier's assertions may never be substantiated, media reports over the last two weeks about the timing of electronic intercepts of conversations by Trump aides with Russians have lent a measure of credibility to Steele and his reports. The purported scheme to mask payments as pension benefits could offer U.S. investigators one possible avenue for confirming a portion of Steele's reports. The dossier says diplomatic staff based in the U.S. were involved in recruiting and compensating Russian emigre hackers inside this country and other Russian operatives. Their payments, it said, were authorized by consular offices in cities such as New York and Washington and in Miami, where only an informal consular arrangement exists. Two sources told McClatchy that an informal working group of intelligence agencies are scrutinizing the pension system as part of the election plot. McClatchy reported Feb. 14 that a senior diplomat in Russia's embassy in Washington, identified in Steele's dossier as having played a key role in coordinating the pension "ruse," was under scrutiny by federal investigators when he left the United States last August, according to two sources familiar with the inquiry. Diplomat Mikhail Kalugin, now back in Moscow and out of investigators' reach, has said he had been long scheduled to return home at that time and denied having any role in paying U.S. pro-Trump operatives. In early 2015, the Kremlin, its intelligence agencies and Russian banks faced a worsening predicament. President Barack Obama had imposed a series of sanctions to punish Russia, its banks and a long list of individuals and Russian institutions over Moscow's support for separatists who seized control of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula. While the sanctions were tightened in the summer of 2015 to prohibit large Russian banks from doing business in the United States, money transfers were still permitted. But Russian banks might have shied from wiring money for the FSB for fear of further sanctions, said Harrell, now a senior fellow for the Washington think tank Center for a New American Security. By using the existing stream of relatively modest payments to thousands of Russian emigres, it "would be pretty easy to layer some illicit payments to hackers," he said. The simplest way to move funds, Harrell said, would be to wire them through Western Union, where there is less of a paper trail than if the hacker opened a bank account. But the pensioners also could have acted as intermediaries, he said. A pensioner could have cut a deal with the FSB that left no trail for investigators, Harrell said. "He says, 'OK, I'll give my cash to this hacker. You give my brother in Moscow $2,500 a month." Or the pensioner could earn a monthly fee for simply turning over his pension money to the operative, he said. Harrell worked with the Treasury Department and intelligence agencies to craft financial sanctions that sought to thwart bad actors such as Iran and North Korea and also change the behavior of more powerful world players, including Russia. 'Hide the illicit' Louise Shelley, director of the Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center at George Mason University in suburban Washington, said the pension system would be an attractive option for the Russian FSB amid the current sanctions. "You want to hide the illicit in your legal financial flows," said Shelley, who is an expert on Russian money laundering. "You're looking for points that aren't going to arouse suspicion." The tougher sanctions on Russian banks, and limits on lending to some key Russian energy conglomerates, date to 2012 and have targeted many of Putin's closest associates and financial institutions. But as a result of the sanctions, and similar actions by European nations, most Western banks scrutinized even routine Russian transactions. Nikolay Lakhonin, a spokesman for the Russian Embassy in Washington, declined a request to discuss how pension payments are distributed in the United States. He provided a statement from Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova that dismissed the dossier as "mind-boggling heresies" and "simply unbearable nonsense." Nor would the U.S. Embassy in Moscow answer questions about the pensions. Town halls Regarding "Constituents host Texas Town Hall Without Ted Cruz," (Chron.com, Wednesday) we're in the middle of a one-week "district work week" when many members of Congress are looking to connect with their constituents. Health insurance is a priority issue for Congress, and the evolving plans in Washington are cause for alarm. House Speaker Paul Ryan said last week that legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act will be introduced as soon as Congress returns from break - jeopardizing health insurance for millions of Texans. Congressional leaders have indicated they plan to make radical cuts to Medicaid that could cost Texas billions, and some in Congress are proposing turning Medicare into a voucher program, eliminating the guarantee of health care for older Americans. It's clear that the Texas congressional delegation needs to hear from folks in their districts about how lifesaving health care programs impact them and others in their community. Many members of Congress are holding listening sessions and town hall meetings this week, but even if your representative does not hold formal events, it's a great week to drop by the district office or give them a quick call. Find out who represents you in Congress and get their district contact information at Texas' "Find Your Incumbent" website: www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us Bee Moorhead, executive director,Texas Impact, Austin Rest break? Regarding "Demonstrators to rally, urge Culberson to meet with constituents" (Chron.com, Wednesday), why aren't these politicians doing what they are paid to do by us the taxpayers? Have they forgotten who provides their paycheck, wonderful insurance and benefits? This recess is and always has been to get out and speak to the people. Don't let them forget it! John Moore, posted via Facebook Going virtual According to his website, Rep. John Culberson, R-Houston, who last November defeated Democrat James Cargas and whose historically safe district voted Democratic in the presidential election has scheduled a "Telephone Town Hall" for March 1. A virtual town hall is no substitute for the real thing. The congressman and his staff will surely wield full control of the proceedings, and one-at-a-time phone questions rob Seventh Congressional District constituents and the congressman of getting a full sense of the level of approval or, more likely, disapproval in the room. Duncan Monserud, Houston Giant panda Bao Bao is carried out of the cabin at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, Feb. 22, 2017. A charter flight carrying Bao Bao, a giant panda born in the United States, landed in Chengdu, after a 16 and a half hour flight. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) A known cartel member, not long out of prison for a drug offense, is stopped for a traffic violation traveling south toward Mexico. The smell of marijuana smoke is strong. Based on the smell, the officer legally searches the vehicle. She finds no illegal drugs but discovers a hidden compartment stacked with cash and a list of names and dollar amounts. The driver has no legitimate employment and can't explain the cash. The officer writes the driver a ticket, hands back the cash and watches taillights disappear. As wrong as it sounds, this would be how Texas officers would have to handle this situation if recent efforts to change asset forfeiture procedures in Texas are successful. Proponents of reform allege rights are being trampled by cash-hungry authorities and that we can be saved from this affront to liberty only by requiring that someone be convicted of a criminal offense before property could be forfeited. This is simply not true. Civil asset forfeiture has a long history of serving important purposes in the fight against crime, and important safeguards already protect us from government overreach. Asset forfeiture removes the tools of crime from criminal organizations, deprives wrongdoers of the proceeds of crime, recovers property for compensating victims and deters crime. In almost all cases, the person whose property is seized is convicted of a crime. Even in the rare case when a conviction is not obtained, authorities must file a separate lawsuit and bear the burden of proving that the seized money or property was illegally used or obtained. Some critics claim that under current law "innocent owners" - those who may have loaned a vehicle to a drug offender, for example - must undertake some higher burden than criminal defendants in order to recover their property. In reality, officers rarely seize property owned by someone other than the person accused of a crime. When they do, property is frequently returned to these owners without going to court when officers establish that the owner did not know that the property was being illegally used. And if a property owner is required to go to court, the law requires only that it be shown - by the lowest burden of proof - that the owner did not know of the property's illegal use. In addition, there are compelling reasons why a criminal conviction should not be necessary to seize criminal property. In the case of the cartel member above, there may be overwhelming evidence that money is in fact "drug money," but there may not be a crime currently being committed. Current law allows prosecutors to prove that contraband was used or intended to be used for an illegal purpose. To require a conviction would reward drug dealers who keep their cash separate from their dope, even if proof of the money's illegal source is evident. Requiring a criminal conviction also ignores the fact that sometimes convictions cannot be obtained because a suspect dies or absconds. Criminals should not benefit because they flee. Furthermore, requiring a conviction could penalize offenders who might otherwise be treated more leniently. Low-level drug offenders are often given the opportunity to "work off" their cases by assisting law enforcement in other investigations. Prosecutors may agree to drop some charges in exchange for guilty pleas, or some offenders may be eligible for diversionary programs that allow offenders to complete rehabilitation requirements and avoid conviction. If any of these offenders were arrested with "drug money," these concessions by prosecutors are less attractive if we know that, without a conviction, the offender will be rewarded with the ill-gotten gain of drug proceeds. As with all laws, there have been times when Texas' forfeiture laws have been abused. The examples most frequently cited - such as frivolous expenditures of forfeited funds by law enforcement agencies - made good prosecutors cringe, and those same officials worked with our Legislature to outlaw those practices. But public perception of asset forfeiture in Texas is becoming removed from reality. When Rockwall Sheriff Harold Eavenson recently lamented to President Donald Trump of efforts to strip law enforcement of this important weapon, he jokingly but rightly pointed out that drug cartels will "build a monument" to those leading the fight against asset forfeiture. Drug cartels are financial organizations above all else, and often it is not the arrest of a low-level mule that hurts them but the money and property they lose. We should not handicap our law enforcement and give back valuable assets to those who would poison our streets. Brown is the Grayson County district attorney. At a White House meeting earlier this month, Rockwall County Sheriff Harold Eavenson complained that an unnamed Texas state senator wants to reform civil forfeiture. In response, President Donald Trump joked they could "destroy his career." Civil forfeiture, which allows police to confiscate property from people who have never been criminally charged, is no laughing matter. Thankfully, it's not just one Texas senator who wants to curb civil forfeiture. Legislators from both parties have introduced 15 reform bills. Let's be clear: Not one of the 15 bills would prevent police from seizing or forfeiting the property of any actual criminal - meaning someone who is charged and convicted of a crime. Nor would any piece of reform legislation hinder the ability of law enforcement agencies to seize illegal drugs and other forms of contraband. Instead, by replacing civil forfeiture with purely criminal forfeiture, lawmakers can end the perverse incentives that enable law enforcement to focus on generating forfeiture revenue, instead of apprehending actual criminals. Under the current system, once property is forfeited, police and prosecutors typically can keep up to 70 percent of the proceeds for their own use, bypassing the usual checks and balances of government budgeting. According to a report by the Institute for Justice, Texas law enforcement collected over $540 million in forfeiture money from 2001 to 2013, or $41.6 million each year on average. Tellingly, 25 percent of all forfeiture spending went toward salaries and overtime in 2012, roughly 17 times what was spent on drug prevention and treatment programs. In an encouraging display of bipartisanship, the most comprehensive forfeiture reform bills have been authored by members from both parties. In the Senate, Republican Konni Burton of Colleyville introduced SB 380, while the House companion bill, HB 1364 has been sponsored by Democrat Senfronia Thompson of Houston. If enacted, their legislation would abolish civil forfeiture entirely and "ensure that only criminal forfeiture is allowed in this state." Property could only be forfeited after the government secured a criminal conviction. However, if an owner died or cannot be extradited to face prosecution, Burton and Thompson's bills would allow forfeiture to proceed without a conviction. Crucially, in order to restore legislative oversight for forfeiture funds, any proceeds from confiscated property would be re-directed away from law-enforcement agencies and toward the county general fund. The other 13 bills are narrower, but still offer meaningful reforms. Republican Rep. Matt Schaefer of Austin has authored a bill that would increase protections for innocent, third-party owners, whose property was used by someone else to commit a crime. A bill by Republican Sen. Don Huffines of Dallas would distribute forfeiture money to compensate crime victims. Democratic Sen. Juan Hinojosa of McAllen introduced legislation that would raise the standard of proof needed to forfeit property. His bill, along with Burton and Thompson's, would prevent Texas agencies from transferring seized property to federal agencies, thereby closing a loophole that has let law enforcement bypass state law. A poll by the nonprofit Texas Public Policy Foundation found that 88 percent of Texan voters oppose forfeiture without a criminal conviction. Last year, the platforms for the Republican and Democratic parties endorsed forfeiture reform, making it one of the few issues where both parties can find common ground. And since 2014, 19 states, plus the District of Columbia, reformed their laws, including New Mexico and Nebraska, which both outlawed civil forfeiture. Reforming forfeiture is not about opposing the police. Instead, it's about protecting the constitutional rights of innocent property owners and re-orienting law enforcement to pursue actual criminals. Miller is the managing attorney of the Texas Office of the Institute for Justice. During the Senate debate on Sen. Charles Perrys anti-sanctuary cities bill, one of the major points of contention involved where local and state police officers, if theyre tasked with federal immigration enforcement, could and could not do their jobs. Democrats objected that the bill, which the Senate eventually approved on a party-line vote, should include broader protections for undocumented immigrants when they are at certain public places. Essentially, the bill would force Texas police officers to honor every federal immigration request by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold on to immigrants in the country illegally until federal officials give further instructions or take them into custody. It also would ban local law enforcement agencies from enacting policies prohibiting their officers from asking about someones immigration status if they have been stopped with probable cause. Particular to this debate, however, is a provision in the bill that says it does not apply to public schools, hospital districts or to victims of or witnesses to crimes. Over Democratic objections, the Republican sponsor of the legislation argued that only those exemptions were adequate, lest the bill get watered down to the point it became ineffective. In a sign of Senate Democrats unity on this issue, all 11 members signed on to a bill Tuesday that would create buffer zones around hospitals, places of worships, courthouses, and public schools and colleges. Senate Bill 997, sponsored by Houston Sen. Sylvia Garcia, would extend to local and state police a 2011 federal directive that bars federal agents from conducting immigration operations at these places. Currently, nothing stops local police from detaining people at these locations unless the employing law enforcement agency has itself voluntarily adopted such a policy, she said. We dont want police officers carrying out federal immigration law in places that are supposed to be safe. There are more than a few parts of Senate Bill 4, as it passed the Senate, which the House likely will not tolerate. Consider an amendment by Perry, which made it into the bill, that would make it a Class A misdemeanor for an elected or appointed official to intentionally or knowingly ignore SB 4. The charge carries a penalty of not more than one year in a county jail and/or a fine not to exceed $4,000. Democrats said that effectively could turn some Texas lawmen into criminals and potentially force them out of their jobs. Another roadblock may come in the form of Garcias bill, which will not get far in the conservative Senate, but could offer a blueprint for House Democrats to argue to their more mainline Republican colleagues in the lower chamber that Senate Bill 4 is much too extreme. While Republicans face the best prospects in recent memory to get a sanctuary cities ban to the governors desk, the legislation has several hurdles to pass before that happens. The House certainly relishes its role in bucking the Senate. As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. Panda Bao Bao, just months old. (Photo provided by the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center) Giant panda Bao Bao, born on Aug 23, 2013 through artificial insemination in the United States, has returned to China. Here are photos showing Bao Baos growth history. Under a bilateral agreement between the Smithsonian's National Zoo and China, panda cubs born at the zoo to pandas on loan from China belong to China and should be returned before they reach the age of four, so they can join a breeding program. (Photo provided by the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center) One of the run-away winners of the night was the Warehouse Group which managed to secure three organisational awards for its efforts in corporate social responsibility, talent development and management, and HR technology. The firms head of employment relations, Julie Simpson, also received two individual awards one for HR Specialist of the Year and another for HR Person of the Year. Thank you very much, said Simpson, upon accepting her first award. I love what I do and I love working at the Warehouse Group. The full list of winners is below: Emerging HR Practitioner of the Year: Amy Bonham Nineteen awards were presented, compared to just 13 handed out in 2016, with the Diversity and Inclusion Award being introduced for the first time. One of the run-away winners of the night was the Warehouse Group which managed to secure three organisational awards for its efforts in corporate social responsibility, talent development and management, and HR technology. The firms head of employment relations, Julie Simpson, also received two individual awards one for HR Specialist of the Year and another for HR Person of the Year. Thank you very much, said Simpson, upon accepting her first award. I love what I do and I love working at the Warehouse Group. Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1972, the relationship between China and Jamaica has continued to strengthen over the past four decades. In an effort to reaffirm Chinas commitment and support for the economic development of the island, the Ex-Im Bank of China inked a deal worth US$326 million for the construction of the Southern Coastal (four-lane) Highway Improvement Project. This will be constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company. The signing ceremony took place on February 16th at China Ex-Im Banks headquarters in Beijing. Mr. Liu Liange, the banks Vice-Chairman and President, expressed his confidence in the growing partnership between the two countries as it exemplifies the fruitful nature of this particular south to south relationship. Over the past several years we have had a very good cooperation with Jamaica and I want to take this opportunity to express our thanks for your governments support my colleagues have reported to me that your people are always very efficient, very positive, very responsible, and we appreciate that very much. We know geographically, that Jamaica is very important in the region. We value our relationship and I can see that there is a very bright future ahead. China Ex-Im Bank is ready to continue this important and close cooperation, noted the President. In response Jamaicas Minister of Finance and the Public Service, the Hon. Audley Shaw expressed gratitude on behalf of his government. I want to say Mr. President that we are pleased to be here in China for the signing of this agreement. I would like to express our governmentsappreciation for your willingness to work with us to ensure that we enter into an economically feasible arrangement. We are very grateful for your accommodation. And I would like to reiterate the point that our relationship started with you, the Ex-Im Bank; and we expect and hope, that you will continue to be our driver and our protector in spearheading the programme of expanding the relationship between Jamaica and China. Minister Shaw was accompanied by the Minister of Transport and Mining the Hon. Michael Henry; Jamaicas Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary to China, His Excellency Antonia Hugh and Investment Ambassador & Senior Advisor, Senator Aubyn Hill. During their week-long visit, the Jamaican delegation engaged in a number of high profile meetings including the highpoint discussions with Chinas Finance Minister, Mr. Xiao Jie. Both Finance Ministers remarked on Jamaicas strategic importance in the western hemisphere especially as it relates to joint development ventures of industrial and agro-parks to better facilitate and service export markets in the Caribbean and Latin American region. Minister Shaw also met with Zhang Xiangchen, Chinas Vice Minister of Commerce. In the discussions, the Vice Minister raised the possibility of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate the systematic encouragement of more Chinese firms to participate in Jamaicas growth and development. China Harbour Supports Island wide Infrastructure Development The past six years has witnessed the progress of the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Development Programme (JDIP), the Major Infrastructure Development Programme (MIDP) and the successful completion and opening of the North-South Highway which was constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC). The delegation also met with the Mr. Tang Qiaoliang, President of CHEC; Dr. Hu, Deputy General Manager of CHEC Americas and Ding Wen, China Harbours Marketing Deputy General Manager. A meeting was also held with Mr. Hu Huaibang, Chairman of the China Development Bank, regarding the financing of additional investment projects. If you're planning your next career move, it's probably a good idea to focus on these jobs. LinkedIn revealed Canada's most promising jobs of 2017, and also highlighted skills needed for each position. (Check out the video above for the ranking.) The networking website collected the information from more than 12 million Canadian profiles, and determined the ranking based on salary, job growth and career advancement. Advertisement For those looking to make a change, the website recommended keeping online portfolios updated, learning new skills, and most importantly simply starting the search. Follow The Huffington Post Canada on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Also on HuffPost A snow sculpting contest on a Nova Scotia First Nation was not only an opportunity for one family to build a powerful memorial to a slain relative, but also to cast a spotlight on Canada's missing and murdered indigneous women. Mirya Obomsawin's grandmother was inspired by something in her home for the competition on the Indian Brook First Nation Sipekne'katik First Nation in Mi'kmaq. Advertisement "She has a candle holder and it has the three women sitting around it with their legs crossed," Obomsawin told The Huffington Post Canada on Wednesday. "She's the one who said it could represent missing and murdered indigenous women." (Watch an interview with Obomsawin in the video above.) She and her mother spent the weekend crafting the sculpture out of snow in the front yard. The three women are all wearing red dresses, a reference to the REDress project an art exhibit that hangs red dresses to draw attention to the gendered and racial nature of crimes against aboriginal women in Canada. Obomsawin's grandmother's sister was killed in 1975 in the United States. Anna Mae Pictou-Aquash was a protester with the American Indian Movement, an indigenous civil rights campaign. She was found shot in the head in rural South Dakota. Advertisement "She's my great aunt but I never had a chance to meet her," Obomsawin said. "Ever since that happened, [my grandmother] has been involved in speaking out about missing women. It's always been happening. Just now they're talking about it more, but it's always been around." Just in case the snow melted or the judges didn't have enough time to go around to every house, Obomsawin snapped a photo on her sculpture and posted it on Facebook. It struck a chord, and was shared thousands of times on the social networking website. "I'm still in shock from the response I've been getting from it," she said. "Everybody from the States and out West are saying how beautiful it was, and [they] thank me for making it. And I was like, 'Wow, OK.'" The sculpture didn't win the contest, but Obomsawin says the response is reward itself. Advertisement The federal government has ordered a national inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women, and Obomsawin and her family are hoping it brings progress. The mother expressed sadness that she still has to fear for her daughters' safety in 2017 more than 40 years after her great aunt was killed. "Being an aboriginal woman today, it is like we're at the bottom of the food chain. My daughters yesterday, I was having a talk with one of them because they didn't come in at the right time, and I tried to explain to them that if they don't come home, it makes me scared," she said. "I asked them if they know what it means, the three sculptures I did outside ... I explained it to them and they started crying and asked me, 'What's wrong with the world, Mom?' And I couldn't come up with an answer." Follow The Huffington Post Canada on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Also on HuffPost Mothers singing to babies is an age-old practice found across all cultures and traditions. Now U.S. research finds it is actually an important way to create bonds and stimulate children. Shannon de l'Etoile, professor of music therapy and associate dean of Graduate Studies at the University of Miami Frost School of Music, initially set to look at how infants behave in response to their mothers' singing, also called infant-directed singing, compared to other mother-baby interactions such as reading books and playing with toys. Advertisement In addition the research looked into the role that infant-directed singing plays in creating the intricate bond between mother and child. For her initial study, de l'Etoile filmed 70 infants responding to six different interactions: mother sings an assigned song, "stranger" sings an assigned song, mother sings song of choice, mother reads book, mother plays with toy, and the mother and infant listen to recorded music. The babies showed high cognitive scores during infant-directed singing, suggesting that song is just as effective as reading books or playing with toys for engaging and maintaining babies' attention, and far more effective than listening to recorded music. Advertisement The promising results led de l'Etoile to carry out a second study that focused on the mother's role during infant-directed singing by measuring the make-up of the song and the mother's voice. The results suggested that when infants had a high level of engagement during song, their mother's instincts were higher, with mothers intuitively knowing when to adjust pitch, tempo or key or the song to stimulate and regulate their child's response when the child's level of engagement declined. De l'Etoile then looked at the acoustic range in the singing voices of mothers with post-partum depression. The results showed that although the children were still engaged, the tempo of the singing did not change and was more robotic. However de l'Etoile added that for mothers with postpartum depression singing to their child can offer a distraction from negative emotions and thoughts, while children are given much-needed sensory stimulation. In conclusion de l'Etoile commented, "The tempo and key certainly don't need to be perfect or professional for mothers and infants to interact through song. In fact, infants may be drawn to the personalized tempo and pitch of their mother, which encourage them to direct their gaze toward and ultimately communicate through this gaze." Advertisement Also on HuffPost Canadas iconic The Bay department store is in the top 10 of a list of companies targeted for boycott by anti-Trump activists. The #grabyourwallet campaign site which ranks companies that do business with U.S. President Donald Trump or his relatives lists Hudsons Bay Co. as the seventh most boycottable company, thanks to its carrying of daughter Ivanka Trumps product line. Advertisement Interestingly, the number-one most boycottable store on the list is Macys, which according to news reports is in talks to be bought by Hudsons Bay Co. A movement to protest The Bay has been growing in Canada in recent weeks under the #baycott hashtag. Activists wearing Donald Trump costumes plan to protest outside two Bay locations in Greater Toronto this weekend, CBC reports at the Eaton Centre downtown and at Mississaugas Square One mall. Advertisement I have been quite vocal about not shopping there until they stop carrying the brand, said Amanda St. Jean, one of the 14 protesters who have so far committed to being at The Bay protest, as quoted at Global News. I wrote to the CEO in November and never received a response. The Bay has so far held firm in the face of criticism, telling media that the company respect[s] our customers right to choose the brands that work for them. Other retailers have not held so firmly. Neiman Marcus and Burlington Coat Factory have dropped Trump products, while Sears and Kmart both recently announced they will only make Trump products available in their online stores. Advertisement Nordstrom found itself the target of Twitter attacks by President Trump himself after dropping the Ivanka Trump product line. 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 Shannon Coulter, a co-founder of the #grabyourwallet campaign, says she became motivated to boycott Trump brands after the October leak of Access Hollywood footage showing then-presidential candidate Donald Trump making disrespectful remarks about women. Something changed for me when the Trump tapes came out, Coulter, a marketing professional from the San Francisco area, told The Independent. Those words were just ringing in my ears. Analysis firm Captiv8 estimates that there have been nearly half a million social media engagements involving the #grabyourwallet campaign, meaning likes, retweets, comments and so forth. Advertisement The #baycott campaign has been somewhat slower so far. Analytics company Keyhole told Global News the campaign has gathered upwards of 1,300 posts and some 800 unique users. Based on that, it estimates that The Bay has lost 1,200 to 1,500 customers so far due to the boycott. Also on HuffPost "I am very Catholic, I always go to mass, I belong to this association and that one; but my life is not Christian, I dont pay my workers a just wage, I exploit people, I am dirty in my business, I launder money A double life. And so many Christians are like this, and these people scandalize others. How many times have we heard all of us, around the neighbourhood and elsewhere but to be a Catholic like that, its better to be an atheist." For police in Canada's wild North, sometimes the weather conditions call for a bit of creativity. And officers in northern Manitoba have come up with a pretty creative solution to transport prisoners from places where their traditional vehicles can't go. RCMP in The Pas have introduced a couple of so-called "prisoner pods" that can be hitched onto the back of an ATV or snowmobile. Advertisement They're very versatile and can be used for "ATV/snowmobile collision investigations, missing or lost hunters, remote crime scene investigations, transportation needs during or after major snow storms and a variety of other uses," the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Manitoba wrote on their Facebook page. The pods are heated, and lighted and equipped with a special seat to secure prisoners, which can be removed in order to transport injured patients. What really sets the pods apart, however, is that they can be equipped with either wheels or skis, meaning transporting prisoners and patients in remote locations in the middle of the winter will be much easier. Advertisement "We're able to help people that are, you know, off the beaten trail, so to speak," RCMP Sgt. Brent Mattice told CBC News. The pods were debuted at last week's Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival, and have caught the interest of locals, said The Pas' mayor Jim Scott. "There's a lot of outdoor activity that takes place out here, and whenever there's activity, there's sometimes problems," Scott told CBC. "Some people get in lots of trouble, like they'll be stuck out in the bush in their snow machine, and it gets pretty cold." The prisoner pods are similar to the "Snowbulance" a vehicle already in use around The Pas, that helps emergency workers transport injured and sick people in remote locations. Advertisement Follow The Huffington Post Canada on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Also on HuffPost Ding Yimu (R) introduces Hehong to foreign businessmen. (zj.people.cn/Hu Yuzao) Ding Yimu, born in 1963, is a French man who has lived in the village of Hehong in Ninghai County, Zhejiang province for 16 years. Ding, recognizable by his omnipresent glasses, is now an entrepreneur and village official. Ding got his MBA degree in the U.S., and then stayed to earn his fortune on Wall Street. He then quit his job and spent two years traveling around the world. Eventually, Ding settled down in Ninghai, his wife's hometown, where the couple started their own stationery and household appliance business. At present, Ding's two companies have an annual output value of about 100 million RMB. On Feb. 29, 2016, Ding became one of the village leaders, taking the position of assistant to the village head. Since beginning the job, Ding has injected fresh blood into the village's governance. In order to protect several pieces of ancient architecture, he borrowed a strategy that has found success in France and proposed a new regulation: villagers can either build new houses or else redecorate their old residences without damaging the external structure. He is now planning to develop tourism in the village and receive foreigners who are interested in Chinese village life. Ding talks with locals in Hehong, Zhejiang provice. (zj.people.cn/Chen Jinlian) Ding believes that ideas are worth little if they are not put into practice. On Feb. 16, 2017, he created a sensation when he brought a group of businessmen from the U.S. and Japan to look at possible investment opportunities in the village. The neat cobblestone roads and well-preserved ancient residences received praise from the visitors, and some indicated real interest in investing. Ding's own hometown is a small village near Provence in southern France. He grew up in a 400-year-old house, of which he has fond memories. "My parents, brother, sister and I repaired the house with our own hands," he recalled. Ding has been to many places in China including Shunde, Kunshan and Shanghai. Over the years, he has seen many high-rise buildings replace old houses. But he is happy to see that in recent years, more and more Chinese people are choosing to protect valuable ancient structures. Ding loves ancient houses. (zj.people.cn/Chen Jinlian) "Ancient houses can be regarded as 'living fossils,' which are part of our cultural memory. We have to protect and keep the memory for future generations," Ding commented while standing in an abandoned courtyard house. He hopes to transform it into a Western-style bar and hotel. According to Ding, backpacker culture is very popular in France. "I think we can develop more ordinary [bed and breakfast hotels] in the village, run by locals, to make it more convenient for young people and backpackers to travel through villages." Oh, boy. Asia's Best 50 Restaurants 2017 list was released this week to much fanfare, however, some people in the culinary industry are slamming the selections. Six out of the top 10 chefs featured in this list are white men, reports Next Shark, and people aren't having it. Advertisement Matt Goulding, co-founder of the online journal Roads & Kingdoms and author of Grape Olive Pig: Deep Travels Through Spain's Food Culture, took to Twitter to criticize the annual list. Six out of 10 of #Asias50Best chefs are white males. Seems just a bit...off. https://t.co/suuNhSDSHN Matt Goulding (@mdgoulding) February 22, 2017 "Six out of 10 of #Asias50Best chefs are white males. Seems just a bit...off," Goulding tweeted. Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain echoed Goulding's sentiments, going so far as to call the list "beyond ludicrous." Advertisement @mdgoulding: Six out of 10 of #Asias50Best chefs are white males. Seems just a bit...off. https://t.co/ENve9o3MbX Beyond ludicrous . Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) February 22, 2017 He added, "A final nail in coffin of this utterly discredited 'Best Of List... Apparently Asian chefs hard to find. In Asia." A final nail in coffin of this utterly discredited Best Of List. https://t.co/ENve9o3MbX Apparently Asian chefs hard to find. In Asia . Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) February 22, 2017 According to World's 50 Best website, the list looks at the regions of India & Subcontinent; South-East Asia South; South-East Asia North; Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau; mainland China and Korea; and Japan. Despite the massive geographic areas where culinary experts searched, as one Twitter user sarcastically noted, it's "pretty hard to find more than 4 Asian restaurants run by Asians." Advertisement @Bourdain@mdgoulding in all fairness Asia is small and not very populated. Pretty hard to find more than 4 Asian restaurants run by Asians. East End Gooner (@Randomatic79) February 22, 2017 To make matters worse, not only does the list lack diversity in terms of people of colour, it also lacks women. Out of the 50 chefs featured, only two of them are women, Taiwan's Lanshu Chen and Thailand's Duangporn Bo Songvisava. As Toronto restaurateur Jen Agg noted in The New York Times in 2015, "High-end kitchens have long been regarded as a male domain, with culinary students worshiping brutal but allegedly brilliant men, best exemplified by the 'bad boy' chef Marco Pierre White and made popular by the ludicrous character portrayed by Gordon Ramsay." Chef Gordon Ramsay in 2013. Agg wrote that sexual harassment is a common occurrence in the culinary world, exemplified by Toronto pastry chef Kate Burnham, who filed a human rights complaint against three senior chefs at Toronto restaurant Weslodge in 2014. Burnham alleged that she was verbally harassed and had her breasts and crotch touched at work. Advertisement "Sexism, bullying and rage continue to plague many high-adrenaline, male-dominated kitchens," noted The Globe and Mail's Zosia Bielski in 2015. According to the World's 50 Best website, the list is "a snapshot of the opinions and experiences of almost 1,000 international restaurant industry experts" and created by "Asias 50 Best Restaurants Academy, an influential group of over 300 leaders in the restaurant industry across Asia, each selected for their expert opinion of Asias restaurant scene." Also on HuffPost anyaberkut via Getty Images smart phone with empty screen I was recently asked what Return On Investment (ROI), a client might receive from investing in Email Etiquette Training. The quick answer is that I'm confident that Email Etiquette Training conservatively gives the average professional more than 6 extra days of productivity per year. If participants see a facilitator speaking at a conference it may be a bit less - or if they experience a customized corporate training environment it may be a bit more. Advertisement Depending on the employees' responsibilities, this result can have a tremendous impact on training ROI; not to mention how it improves their professional relationship, brand reputation and efficiency. Let me show you how I come to my 6 productive days conclusion. My Hypothesis: Saving 6 Days, 15 minutes at a time Studies demonstrate the average business professional spends approximately 90% of their time writing and reading business email. I've seen first-hand that learning to write better emails helps participants get more done in less time, and it helps organizations and individuals improve their reputation by: Writing / formatting messages in a professional manner Getting to the point - quickly / learning how to bottom-line messages Getting and giving all the information that is required - when it is needed Not having to send multiple email asking for information that hasn't been received Not being misunderstood as bossy, rude or hostile No longer clogging up their managers inbox by overusing To... Cc... and Reply All... And more... I've studied how participates in Email Etiquette Training can save between 15 and 30 minutes per day. But, let me be conservative here and say they only save 15 minutes a day (or 1 hour and 15 minutes per week), of extra productivity. Advertisement The average American works approximately 1,700 hours per year. Based on an 8-hour workday, that equals 42.5 weeks per year, (considering vacation, statutory holidays, sick days etc.). Saving 1 hour and 15 minutes per week for 42.5 weeks gives us 53.13 recovered / saved hours per year (3,187.56 minutes). That equals more than 6 additional - more productive days per year... per employee. What If Email Training Saves 20 or 30 Minutes Per Day? If Email Etiquette Training saves 20 minutes per day (an extra 5 minutes), employers will enjoy nearly 9 days of additional productivity per year... per employee... almost 2 free weeks of productive work. At 30 minutes per day I estimate employers will enjoy over 13 days of additional productivity per year... per employee. Conclusion: Email Etiquette Training Return On Investment Email Etiquette Training is a Win for the employee, a Win for the department and a BIG WIN for the organization overall. The additional 1, 2 (or more), weeks of productivity per year has no cost - other than the training. Chances are, any training costs will be recovered within the first week simply in additional productivity and added brand value / reputation. Happy communicating, mentoring, motivating... and training. Click here to learn more about Bruce Mayhew Consulting. We facilitate courses including Email Etiquette, Time Management, Leadership, Generational Differences and More... Since Justin Trudeau became Prime Minister, I estimate that there have been over 56,000 "police reported incidents" of cannabis possession in Canada. "Police reported incidents" is a term used by Statistics Canada, and is essentially synonymous with "arrests" in practical terms. Police virtually never file a report if there is no arrest made. Note that these are not cases where people are being arrested for a more serious crime, and the police also find a joint in their pocket. These are "federal statute incidents reported by police, by most serious offence." So in all these "incidents," cannabis possession was the most serious "crime" being committed. Advertisement In the majority of cases, these possession arrests do not lead to charges. However, being arrested results in a police record, is humiliating for the person being arrested, wastes police resources, and reduces public respect for police. Also, the possession laws are primarily enforced against minority and first nation Canadians. Bill Blair himself called the disproportional enforcement of cannabis laws "one of the great injustices in this country," and complained about "the impact that it has on minority communities, aboriginal communities and those in our most vulnerable neighbourhoods." Yet still arrests continue. Statistics for 2016 won't be available for a few more months, but I derived the 56,000 figure as an educated guess based on numbers from 2015 and previous years. Advertisement For all other cannabis "crimes" of growing, selling or transporting, there were slightly over 9,000 arrests in 2015, compared to 10,700 in 2014. That's a 16% drop. Looking back to 2002-2005, the last years of the previous Liberal government, we see that the current rate of these "other" cannabis arrests represents a big drop, down to about half of the arrest rate from that period. So while possession arrests have bounced up and down a bit, but generally held steady over the past 15 years, from a low of 43,000 to a high of 57,880, all other cannabis arrests have been dropping, and are now about half the rate of 2005. I don't believe that this drop in arrests is due to any change in police policy, but rather due to the fact that there's now many legal medical growers and users, which has reduced the number of people available for the police to arrest. Advertisement Estimating cannabis arrest rates under Trudeau I used the following method to estimate the number of possession arrests under Trudeau. In 2015, the rate of possession arrests was 135.8 a day. So in the 58 days following Trudeau's election victory on November 4, there were 7876 arrests for cannabis possession. For 2016 and the beginning of 2017, I am going to generously assume there was another 15% drop in the rate of possession arrests. (We'll get the real numbers in a few months.) So instead of 49,677 arrests, I'm estimating 42,140 for 2016, which is 115 arrests a day. I'm writing this on February 22, so that's 53 days days into 2017. At the rate of 115 a day, that's an additional 6,095 arrests so far this year. Add up all these numbers, and that's 56,111 cannabis possession arrests since Trudeau was elected. And that number is getting bigger at a rate of about 115 people every day. By the time Cannabis-Canadians are celebrating 4/20 on April 20th, there will have been over 5,500 additional arrests. Advertisement It is time for action. Trudeau can easily end arrests for possession under 30 grams, by simply removing this amount from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. "For most Canadians, especially in the north, arrests and charges for small amounts of cannabis are a sad reality." The Liberals could also do the same for cultivation of a small number of plants. If cultivation of just 6 plants or less was removed from the CDSA, then every Canadian could produce their own supply. If the Liberals are serious about eliminating the black market, then allowing personal cultivation should be an immediate priority. Advertisement Some big cities in Canada, like Toronto and Vancouver, have already dramatically reduced cannabis possession arrest rates over the years. But for most Canadians, especially in the north, arrests and charges for small amounts of cannabis are a sad reality. We don't need more studies or more delays, we need action, and an end to arrests now. Want to help make a difference? Join me in Overgrowing Canada with cannabis plants! Because of low electricity prices, remote mountainous areas in Sichuan province are becoming home to an increasing number of Bitcoin mining companies. The cutting-edge virtual currency has already begun to affect local people's lives. Mabian Yi Autonomous County, located at the southwestern edge of Sichuan, nurtures a prosperous bitcoin "mining" industry. A network company named Tianjia owns 1,500 mining machines working simultaneously to procure the digital currency by solving complicated equations. The machines can obtain as many as 10 Bitcoins after working non-stop for 24 hours, according to the operation manager of the mining site. The company has hired maintenance workers to patrol the mining site around the clock. To save on costs and electricity, Bitcoin mining sites are mostly built inside hydropower stations, which makes them relatively inaccessible. Nevertheless, locals are becoming more and more interested in the virtual industry, as well as related regulations issued by the Central Bank. Kangding, located in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture on the western edge of Sichuan, is the site of over 20 Bitcoin mining companies. The industry has become so popular that nearly everyone living and working in the region has some opinion on the matter. Sichuan's sales volume of Bitcoin machines has led the country since 2015, contributing over one-third of the country's total sales volume. The world's largest Bitcoin machine vendor has only two fixed stations in the world; one is in Kangding. Sichuan has abundant water resources, leading one industry insider to warn that Bitcoin workers must remain vigilant so that water doesn't flush away profitable opportunities, especially during the wet season. But during the dry season, the water-dependent mining sites have to migrate elsewhere, because electricity prices can sometimes double. Christopher Furlong via Getty Images This is what it has come to: young asylum seekers and refugees are now having to beg the government not to turn their backs on desperate children. "We are the lucky ones - the ones that got here safely. And each of us has a voice. We use our voice now to say this: please don't put the lives of young refugees like us at risk," they plead to the Prime Minister. Advertisement Earlier this month, Home Secretary Amber Rudd sneaked out the shameful news that the government is ending the UK's commitment to helping unaccompanied child refugees. So now, ministers are putting "the lives of young refugees like us" at risk, the letter reads. What these children are asking for is that the government stands up to its pledge of helping 3,000 children - under five per each constituency. As it stands, the government is saying the UK can only afford to take in 350 children. After the Calais camp was demolished last year, 200 children were brought here under Section 67 of the Immigration Act, the Dubs Amendment, a law that passed only after widespread public support was mobilised in a national campaign to strong arm the government. Just 900 children have arrived in total. But there are right now 25,000 in refugee camps in Greece, recovering from a freezing winter, with deteriorating mental and physical health, forced to sleep in the streets as centres helping children are full. How many of these children have we helped? Seven. None of these was under Section 67. The situation in Italy is the same. Advertisement This is a national embarrassment for us all. In the midst of World War Two, 10,000 Jewish and other children were rescued from Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia. Is the country so much poorer now than then? The result of inaction is stark: Europol estimates 10,000 children have disappeared from Europe, with many thought to have fallen into the hands of traffickers who will turn them into modern-day slaves. Despite the risks, as European governments look forward to elections, they are poised to fend off anti-immigration parties by hardening their stance on refugees. It is therefore more important than ever that the UK, which has a long and proud tradition of helping refugees and those seeking asylum, takes a lead. By failing to protect vulnerable child refugees, the UK is fuelling illegal immigration and exacerbating human suffering. If children do not have safe routes to the UK, they will end up in the hands of traffickers and smugglers, hell-bent on using them for sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse. "Many of us have been traded like cattle between groups of smugglers on our journeys. Many of us boarded over-filled rubber boats to get here. Many of us know someone who died on the journey," the letter continues. But as it stands leading charities and NGOs that I've spoken to are scared. In the words of one: "Our main concern is that the UK thinks its role is done in the response to the refugee and migrant crisis in Europe - there is much more to be done." Advertisement This is not what British people want. In my own constituency thousands of people have written to me to express their disgust at their Government's inertia in the face of this deepening humanitarian crisis. Despite that, everywhere you seem to look doors are being shut to refugees. Our country can do better. Laura Abigail G So that's February 20th over with. My feet hurt and my body aches, but it was worth it. It seems a long way since last October when a message appeared in my Facebook stream right after the Tory Party Conference, asking if anyone wanted to do something about the current toxic climate. I didn't need persuading. I was aware that racism and xenophobia have been a problem in the UK for a while, most of it based on disinformation, manipulation and outright lies. But this time I felt that something new was going on. This time the politicians who were supposed to condemn it and lead the country seemed to have decided to actively pander to it. Suddenly it was okay to admit to being racist. It was okay to lie to people to pick up more votes or sell a newspaper. People were being attacked in the streets for speaking another language. Even British people who looked a bit "foreign" were now being told to go home. Things that weren't acceptable a year ago seemed to have suddenly become acceptable and even mainstream. Advertisement As a migrant myself, I found all this alarming and depressing. After all, the UK is - and has been for centuries - a country shaped and enriched by migration. Fish and chips were brought to you by a Belgian who decided that the population of Dundee should eat more potatoes, and a Jewish migrant was convinced you should definitely have fish with that. The famous portrait of Henry VIII was painted by a German. Saatchi & Saatchi, Marks and Spencer, EasyJet, Tesco and Selfridges were founded by refugees and migrants. The Ritz is Swiss, Thunderbirds was produced by an Ukrainian migrant. The list goes on and on, but you rarely see these contributions acknowledged in the public debate about immigration. . That was why One Day Without Us appealed to me. Too often migrants are criticised and blamed for problems they didn't cause. Too many politicians and newspapers talk about migrants and don't give them the chance to speak for themselves. This was an opportunity to empower and celebrate migrants and give them a platform to make their voices heard. That is what I have spent the last four months working on, and that was what last Monday was all about. By the end of the day well over 140 events had taken place. Nearly all of them were organised by migrants in their local communities, many of whom had never done this before. In London alone we had about 25 activities and events going on, including a mass lobby at Westminster calling on our politicians to guarantee the rights of residence of EU citizens. We had a flag mob outside Westminster in which hundreds of people brought their national flags to show the diversity of nationalities living in the UK. The Tate Britain and the Tate Modern organised two tours showing works created by migrant artists. In Cardiff, more than 200 people formed a human chain and celebrated the city's migrant communities with a music festival. In Edinburgh there was a candle-lit vigil. In Leeds there was a march with lots of dancing and partying. In Bath people wrote messages of support for migrants while Aberystwyth had a picnic. All across the country people took part in celebrations and demonstrations of unity and solidarity. The highpoint of the day took place at 1pm, when people all over the country linked arms and went online to let the world know the central message of One Day Without Us; that migrants are part of our past, our present and our future. Advertisement In addition to these events, there were less visible activities. Hundreds of people took the day off work. Others invited migrants from across the world into their homes for a meal. Employers gave their migrant staff the day off or organised a party for them. New friendships were formed. Men and women who had previously felt marginalised and threatened felt confident once again that they belong to the country where many of them have lived most of their lives. It has taken a lot of hard work to bring this about and all of it has been done by volunteers like me, working on the campaign whenever we could. We had few resources and virtually no budget, and many of us had no experience. For my part, I'm proud to have been part of such a campaign. I'm proud of all the people across the country who decided to get involved in something like this, from the British nationals, migrants and refugees who organised events and activities across the country to the people who came out to support them. I'm proud of the businesses who showed that they care more about the security and wellbeing of their employees than they did about making money, and of the people who invited strangers into their homes and took part in a political adventure that was not like anything this country had seen before. I'm grateful to the many organisations and individuals who worked with us to make this happen and gave us their support in many different ways. All this has made the hard work of the last four months worthwhile, and we don't think it's over yet. Our mailbox and social media are overflowing with messages from people from all over the country thanking us for organising a day like this, and many of them want the networks they've created to continue. We want that too. We see February 20 not as an ending, but as a turning point and the beginning of a new conversation about migrants and migration. Advertisement Channels of communication between China and the U.S. have hardly been affected by U.S. President Trumps controversial remarks, even though the method of communication has changed from what it was under the Obama administration, experts said. Different governmental sectors from both sides established communication channels under Obamas leadership. Though Trump has not abandoned these channels, the most [effective] communicative approach is direct contact with Trump himself and those high-ranking officials he trusts, Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, told Thepaper.cn. Lis remarks come after Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechis phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Feb. 21, during which Yang urged pragmatic cooperation between the two nations. High-level contact between China and the U.S. has been frequent in February, ever since Trump sent a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping on Feb. 8, extending his greetings ahead of the Lantern Festival. In the intervening weeks, several high-ranking officials from both sides have met and arranged phone calls, including Tillerson and Chinese Foreigner Minister Wang Yi. China and the U.S. should work together to adjust and tailor existing communication channels to the current situation. One determining factor for the development of Sino-U.S. relations is establishing better communication so that misunderstandings and miscalculation can be avoided, said Yuan Peng, vice director of the Chinese Institute of Contemporary International Relations. THIMPHU, BHUTAN - NOVEMBER 18: The village Chimi Lhakhang in the Punakha Valley with its temple, monastery is renowned for its fertility blessings, phallus or penis symbols, where pilgrims go for praying for children, fertility, on November 18, 2012 in Chimi Lhakhang near Thimphu, Bhutan. There exist stories about tourists and their pilgrimage to get pregnant after their visit. (Photo by EyesWideOpen/Getty Images) THIMPHU, Bhutan (RNS) For centuries, Buddhists in this tiny landlocked Himalayan kingdom have had a special devotion to the most unusual of objects: the phallus. Painted on the walls of their homes, hanging from the eaves of their houses and seen in vehicles and on rooftops, images of the phallus are an essential part of Bhutans traditional ceremonies. Bhutanese believe the scandalous yet integral image aids in fertility, offers protection from evil and dispels malicious gossip. Advertisement Now, Bhutans phallic worship is getting a second look. The age-old tradition is being reconsidered to preserve its rich narratives, as artistic inspiration and as a tool for religious belief. In fact, the phallic symbol is suddenly again in vogue, contrary to the popular belief that modern Bhutanese are discomfited by the graphic paintings of an erect penis. A young Bhutanese female author has written a new book, Phallus: Crazy Wisdom from Bhutan, a filmmaker is working on a film that explores phallic culture and an artist has carved a provocative phallus with dragon. I not only saw phalluses of all kinds from one village to the other but I found the stories behind its symbolism equally intriguing, said the author, Karma Choden. It is like a new art form is found. We are now giving our own spin to spirituality, culture and ritual. The popularity of phallic worship is attributed to the 15th-century Buddhist teacher, Drukpa Kunley, popularly known as the Divine Madman. A 2011 study titled Bhutans Pervasive Phallus by French historian Francoise Pommaret and Bhutanese scholar Tashi Tobgay, says the belief in the phallus ability to ward off evil spirits and transform them into protective deities is traced to Drukpa Kunley, who subdued demonesses with his thunderbolt. Advertisement His unconventional teachings, often fraught with sexual overtones, are said to have simplified Tantric Buddhism. The best wine lies at the bottom of the pail, he is quoted as saying, and happiness lies below the navel. The Divine Madman also supposedly said that if what he utters is nonsense, enjoy it. If you think what I have said is profound, practice it, he said. Choden, the author, said Bhutanese can be creative when it comes to phallic paintings and carvings: All kinds of phalluses have recently emerged some smiling, some angry, and some downright obscene, she writes. Kinley Tshering, the general secretary of the Journalist Association of Bhutan, said instead of shunning the otherwise risque images of phalluses, a younger generation is embracing this symbol in new ways. They are redefining the idea of phalluses, Tshering said, not just as an image or symbol of ritualism but as an idea in itself. For example, Bhutanese filmmaker Tashi Gyeltshen will be exploring the idea of phallus in his next film, The Red Phallus. Phallus is the object and idea that creates and destroys; it is about life and death, the duality of existence, Tshering said. Advertisement On the other hand, another young filmmaker, Phuntshok Rabten, said modern Bhutanese arent sure what to make of the ubiquitous symbol: We neither understand the profundity of traditions, nor are we truly modern like Westerners. Still, the phallus remains a staple of Bhutanese culture. Drukpa Kunleys silver-handled bamboo phallus, believed to have been brought from Tibet, can be found in the Chimi Lhakhang monastery, which was built in 1499 to honor the eccentric Buddhist teacher. The silver-handled bamboo phallus is believed to possess divine power to help childless couples procreate. An animist ritual, which predates the arrival of Buddhism in Bhutan, is still practiced in western Bhutan. During the festival called Lhabon, or calling the gods, one community uses a ladder that has its edges carved in a shape of a phallus. They believe the deities, who will bless them with prosperity and good health, descend on a rope tied to the ladder. Meanwhile, in the eastern district of Lhuntse, an ancient festival called Wayo is meant to shed sexual inhibitions. During the festival, symbols and images of male and female genitals are used and verses filled with sexual innuendos are recited. Rabten, the filmmaker, said he sees the phallus as a mirror of the mind: The multiplicity of reactions it evokes, from mirth to profundity, represents the rigidity of ones perspectives. Advertisement Anthropologist Tandin Dorji said modern education, instead of broadening the thought process, is actually compressing the openness thats always been a feature of Bhutanese culture. This article also appears on the Cato At Liberty website U.S. policy is equally generous to unaccompanied children (UAC) from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua -- but today's child migrants are not coming from Nicaragua. Explaining why Nicaraguan UAC are not part of the recent surge may help explain why so many are coming from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras -- the so-called Northern Triangle. Advertisement Nicaragua has low rates of violent crime, gang membership, and fewer family connections to the United States than the Northern Triangle. If U.S. policy was the main reason why there is a sudden surge of UAC, it should also pull UAC from Nicaragua. This suggests that other factors like the high levels of violence and strong family connections are the main reasons why UAC from the Northern Triangle are coming and why Nicaraguan UAC are absent. Nicaragua has a much lower homicide rate than El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. According to the United Nations, there has been a dramatic increase in murder rates across Central America since 2006 -- except in Nicaragua. Nicaraguan gang membership is low compared to other nations in Latin America. The numbers are so low they don't merit close recording and only one major Central American gang even has a substantial presence there: Los Perrones. Advertisement Only about one percent of Nicaraguans in 2010 said that crime was the most important issue facing their country. By contrast, 44 percent of El Salvadorans, 35 percent of Guatemalans, and 25 percent of Hondurans said crime was the most important issue facing their respective countries. Lower homicide rates and gang membership have made Nicaraguans feel much safer than citizens of the Northern Triangle. This also explains the recent large percentage increase in asylum seekers from Northern Triangle countries in other Central American nations, although the numbers remain small. Nicaragua is also a destination for migrants from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. In 2012, there were 14,597 Hondurans, 3,291 El Salvadorans, and 1,387 Guatemalans living in Nicaragua. There is not a history of Nicaraguan unlawful immigration to the United States -- it's not even on the top ten list. There are more Ecuadorian unlawful immigrants to the United States than unlawful Nicaraguan immigrants. As I explained here, the timing and flow of UAC from El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala is consistent with the theory of stage migration -- one or both parents migrate first and then send for their children later. After an increase in unlawful immigrant adults from Central America and the destruction of circular migration because of more effective border enforcement in the United States, their children are coming up to reunite with them. Of all immigrants in the United States, both legal and illegal, there are about 1.3 million from El Salvador, 900,000 from Guatemala, and 500,000 from Honduras. By contrast, there are only about 260,000 immigrants from Nicaragua. The few family connections between Nicaraguans and Americans have helped to keep the UAC numbers small. Nicaragua is part of the Central America-4 Border Control Agreement that allows nationals from El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua to move freely across those four nations. Border controls between those nations do not constrain Nicaraguan migration to the United States. Liberalized Mexican immigration laws have also lowered the costs of all migration from Central America. Advertisement Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei has carried out the worlds first field test of fifth-generation cellular network (5G) technology using a 3.5 GHz band, which is expected to become the global 5G standard. Huawei also tested the connection between instrument and chip manufacturers, Thepaper.cn reported. Huaweis announcement comes after Qualcomm, an American competitor, successfully tested its 5G connection on Feb. 21. The latter's connection is based on New Radio (NR) work in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), an international mobile telecommunications standards organization. According to 3GPPs official website, the standards for 5G technology will be set this year. Global telecom giants including Qualcomm, Huawei and Ericsson have all been carrying out research and tests of the new technology, competing for a leading role in setting those standards. The international community has reached a consensus that a unified 5G standard should be established. Currently, all the telecom giants have offered their technological patents to 3GPP, hoping that their standards will be the ones adopted, an anonymous expert told Thepaper.cn, adding that the competition to set the 5G standards could affect national interests. Chinese companies have gained ground in the 5G battle, where the U.S. and EU have long been leaders. During the No.87 RAN1 meeting held by 3GPP in 2016, the polar code, created by Chinese companies, was defined by participants from around the world as the control channel encoding scheme for the application of 5G in eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband) scenarios. United Way office at library connects residents in crisis with resources Goal of program to connect families in need with the resources and guide them through application processes. Twenty-five provinces in China have already formulated and issued detailed regulations on residence permits, which tend to narrow the gap in social welfare provided for the people with hukou and migrants, according to the Ministry of Public Security. The Interim Regulation on Residence Permits was enacted on Jan. 1, 2016, demanding that provinces formulate detailed regulations according to local economic and social situations. Up till now, 28.9 million permits have been granted to applicants across China. The social benefits provided in different provinces vary, but most have added some benefits to those outlined in the national regulations. For example, Shanxi province offers local housing support, while Henan province stipulates that people over 60 can ride the bus for free. Many provinces also updated the application procedure, making the process more convenient by utilizing online resources. Heilongjiang province provides digital residence permit service, allowing applicants to register online and download digital permits any time and anywhere. In China, people with "hukou", namely registered permanent residence, enjoy better educational opportunities, employment support, care for senior citizens and social welfare at the registered place. The new residence permit system allows migrants to have the chance to have a better life in the city. Roger Waters Eyes The Wall Protest Concert On U.S. Mexico Border Roger Waters is considering staging a performance of Pink Floyd's 1979 classic "The Wall" on the US-Mexico border as a protest against the immigration policies of US President Donald Trump. Waters has previously used the album as a protest tool, famously performing the work in Berlin in 1990 to commemorate the end of the Berlin wall in the previous year. Speaking to the Agence France-Presse news agency in London late last week, Pink Floyd co-founder Rogers noted that he felt the message behind The Wall was just as relevant today. There will first need to be an awakening against these far-right policies. The sewers are engorged by greedy and powerful men as I speak to you, Waters told AFP. Music is a legitimate place to express protest, he added. Musicians have an absolute right, a duty, to open their mouths to speak out. Rogers has been a vocal critic of Trump since the election. His performance at Goldenvoice's Desert Trip festival last year included visual displays with an anti-Trump message, linking the controversial businessman turned politician with racist and fascist themes and imagery. via Celebrity Access Share on: Stephen Hemman of the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools speaks to School Committee members, faculty and town officials on Wednesday. Hemman presented four different options that included completely dissolving the district and partially dissolving it. PreviousNext Dissolving Adams-Cheshire May Not Be Financially Effective Hemman said making any changes to the district agreement would likely be a lengthy process. CHESHIRE, Mass. The potential closure of an elementary school has had officials in Adams and Cheshire mulling the possibility of breaking up the Adams-Cheshire Regional School District. But the options for changing the 50-year-old agreement or dissolving it all appear cumbersome and financially ineffective. "Whenever you make changes, you need to look at all of the aspects of it and people need to sit down with calm heads and figure out what they want to do and what they want to accomplish," Stephen Hemman, assistant executive director of the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools, said Wednesday night. "They need to think about what things will look like 5, 10, 15, 20 years from now ... because once you make certain decisions it is awfully hard to revisit those." Hemman addressed a forum with School Committee members, town and school officials and a handful of parents Wednesday at Hoosac Valley High School to discuss different ways the communities could alter their longstanding agreement. Superintendent Robert Putnam set the presentation up after Adams Selectman and former School Committee member John Duval spoke last week about possibly dissolving the regional school district so both communities could keep their elementary schools. Cheshire officials have also discussed the possibility of maintaining their own school. Hemman said the district could dissolve completely and both communities could create their own K-12 districts but noted it would probably only complicate things for the towns and be more expensive. "I can tell you it would be next to impossible, and if you think you have money problems now, try to create your own district on a K-12," he said. "It is difficult." He said any lingering responsibilities such as debt would have to be negotiated between the two communities. Also, each community would have to prove to the state Department of Education that it could properly fund a separate district and provide a satisfactory education. Hemman said the towns could enter into a tuition agreement with another school district but this would mean the communities would not have any say in how much they pay to send children to the new district. A second option would partially dissolve the district: Cheshire and Adams would be responsible for their respective elementary schools and both communities would share a regional agreement with Hoosac Valley High School. Although there would be the option to share certain services such as the central office administration, they would need to create three separate school committees - one for each elementary district and a third for the regional high and middle school. Hemmen said it would become cumbersome when negotiating with the unions. Currently, the district has six bargaining units. Splitting the district would multiply this to 18. It would also generate three sets of insurance systems and three sets of state reportings. "It becomes very awkward to operate," he said. "You have three school committees, three of everything. It does work, maybe not the best but it does work." Hemman said the process itself would be lengthy and the communities would have to submit an educational plan to the Department of Education by Dec. 31. iciHaiti - National Carnival : Closing of the Miami Consulate The Consulate General of the Republic of Haiti in Miami informs the Haitian community and the public in general that the Mission will be closed on Tuesday 28 February and Wednesday 1 March 2017, in its entirety on the occasion of the festivities of the National Carnival 2017. The activities at the Consulate will normally resume on Thursday, March 2, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20116-haiti-flash-national-carnival-2017-public-holidays.html IH/ iciHaiti iciHaiti - Social : HRC visits Carbaret Women's Prison Tuesday, a Haitian Red Cross (HRC) delegation led by Ms. Margareth Emeran, accompanied by senior officials from the organization, including Humanitarian Diplomacy Officer Pericles Jean-Baptiste and the Protection Officer Miss Sherline Daudier, visited the 230 women detainees in the Cabaret civilian prison (Department of the West, in the Arcahaie), who live in difficult prison conditions, to give them among others underwear and talk with them and the penitentiary staff. The delegation took note of the grievances of the detainees in order to discuss them with the partners of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). IH/ iciHaiti Details added (first version posted on 10:42) Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 Trend: Under the international criminal law, the act perpetrated in the Azerbaijani town of Khojaly is viewed as international criminal offence and the Khojaly genocide should find its legal appraisal, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry said in a statement released due to the 25th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide. Feb. 26, 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide, the statement said. From October 1991, the town was entirely surrounded by the Armed Forces of Armenia. On the night of Feb. 25-26, 1992, following massive artillery bombardment of Khojaly, the assault on the town began from various directions. In the result, the Armed Forces of Armenia, with the help of the infantry guards regiment No. 366 of the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), implemented the seizure of Khojaly. Invaders destroyed Khojaly and with particular brutality implemented carnage over its peaceful population, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry said. As a result, 613 civilians were killed, including 106 women, 63 children and 70 elderly. Another 1,000 people were wounded and 1,275 people were taken hostage. To this day, 150 people from Khojaly remain missing. The intentional slaughter of the civilians in Khojaly was directed at their mass extermination only because they were Azerbaijanis. The mass killing, scalping, beheading, bayoneting of pregnant women and mutilation of bodies by the Armed Forces of Armenia in Khojaly were well documented by the law enforcement agencies of Azerbaijan, numerous independent sources, including Armenian ones, local and international media and eyewitnesses of this tragedy, according to Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry. The statement noted that Armenias then-Defense Minister and current President Serzh Sargsyan, in his cynical admission of culpability, was quoted by the UK journalist Thomas de Waal, as saying, before Khojaly, the Azerbaijanis thought that ... the Armenians were people who could not raise their hands against the civilian population. We were able to break that [stereotype]. The overall assessment of the causes and consequences of the war unleashed by Armenia against Azerbaijan makes it absolutely clear that the intentional slaughter of the civilians and defenders of Khojaly was not an isolated or sporadic act, but was part of Armenias widespread and systematic policy of notorious ethnic cleansing and practice of atrocities, the statement said. War crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide committed by Armenia in the course of the ongoing aggression against Azerbaijan constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian and human rights law, in particular the 1949 Geneva Conventions, Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, said the statement. The crimes committed by Armenia against Azerbaijan also constitute a serious violation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry added. In its judgment of April 22, 2010, the European Court of Human Rights arrived at an important conclusion with respect to the crime committed in Khojaly, qualifying the behavior of those carrying out the incursion as acts of particular gravity which may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity, the Azerbaijani ministrys statement said. The national legislative bodies of more than 15 states, as well as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation adopted a number of resolutions and declarations on condemning in strongest terms the massacre of civilian population in Khojaly and recognizing the tragedy of Khojaly as an act of genocide and crime against humanity, according to the statement. Azerbaijan highly values the solidarity of the international community on the establishment of truth and justice in respect to acts of genocide and crimes against humanity perpetrated in Khojaly by Armenia, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry noted. Azerbaijan is confident that the consistent measures being taken at the national level, as well as the existing international legal framework, will serve to end impunity and to bring to justice those responsible for the grave offences committed in the course of Armenias aggression against Azerbaijan, the statement said. While remembering the 25th anniversary of Khojaly genocide, Azerbaijan calls upon the international community to condemn and recognize the crimes against humanity and act of genocide committed by Armenia in Khojaly against the civilian Azerbaijani population, including children, women and elderly, the statement noted. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 By Anakhanum Hidayatova Trend: Armed conflicts have caused much suffering, displacement and destruction in parts of the OSCE area, and there can be no military solutions to these conflicts, Austrias Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Sebastian Kurz said. He was giving speech at the UN Security Council meeting. We have to find ways to enable political solutions [to the conflicts], he said. As chair-in-office, we will assist all efforts to achieve progress on the other conflict situations in the OSCE area, in particular regarding the Transnistrian Settlement Process, the conflict in Georgia and the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, Kurz said. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum Details added (first version posted on 10:50) Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 Trend: Azerbaijan and Italy's Leonardo S.p.A. (formerly Finmeccanica) will sign an agreement on cooperation in the defense industry February 23, Italian Minister of Economic Development Carlo Calenda told reporters on the sidelines of the Azerbaijan-Italy business forum in Baku Feb. 23. The minister said that the representatives of four big Italian companies, willing to invest in Azerbaijan, are in the country today. He added that among those companies are the above-mentioned Leonardo S.p.A. (multinational aerospace, defense and security company), as well as Danieli & C.Officine Meccaniche SpA (multinational company designing, building and selling plants for the iron and steel industry worldwide), Ferrero SpA (manufacturer of branded chocolate and confectionery products) and Telecom Italia Sparkle S.p.A. (global telecommunication service provider). Calenda called energy and supply of Italian products to Azerbaijan as other areas of cooperation. Italy is one of the main economic and trade partners of Azerbaijan. Italys investments in Azerbaijani economy amounted to about $500 million. Azerbaijan and Italy have recently intensified cooperation. Baku Steel Company and Italys Danieli signed an agreement on the construction of a metallurgical complex in Azerbaijani city of Sumgayit in late 2016. Investments in the complex will exceed $1.2 billion. According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Italy amounted to nearly $1.9 billion in 2016, around 84 percent of which accounted for export of Azerbaijani goods to Italy. The issuance of Egypt's largest ever eurobond and the first triple-tranche instrument to come out of Africa will support the country's extensive economic reform progamme. The $4 billion bond, also the largest ever public bond issuance on the continent, was issued in three tranches - $1.75 billion 6.125% notes due 2022, $1 billion 7.50% notes due 2027 and $1.25 billion 8.50% notes due 2047. The government was initially targeting to raise $2 billion but orders from the US, the EU and a number of Gulf states were said to have reached in excess of $13 billion. The offering was initially scheduled to take place in November 2016 but was postponed because of market volatility caused, among other things, by the US presidential election. The notes are part of a wider $10 billion global medium-term note programme, initially agreed upon in 2015, to support the country's economic turnaround. According to reports, the yields associated with the three tranches were better than expected, showing renewed investor confidence in the Egyptian government. Bloomberg data has found that emerging market sovereign debt is presently priced at around 4.9%. Both this eurobond and a previous placement in November were carried out to ensure the Central Bank has enough reserves Mahmoud Bassiouny, Matouk Bassiouny "The terms of this issuance show that Egypt is becoming a more competitive jurisdiction to invest in," said Mahmoud Bassiouny, head of finance and projects at Matouk Bassiouny, and legal advisor to the issuer on Egyptian law. The notes were issued in US dollars because Egypt needs to build up foreign currency reserves, said Camille Abousleiman, partner at Dechert who advised the government of Egypt on English and US law. The country's foreign reserves amounted to $36 billion before the 2011 crisis, and dropped to roughly half that amount four years later. They currently stand at $26 billion. "This is an IMF requirement," he said. "One of the conditions of the IMF's programme for Egypt was for the country to increase availability of foreign currency and implement a reform program - among other benefits, this would attract foreign investment." Bassiouny said that many of the government's debt obligations are denominated in US dollars and Egypt's main imports are paid in US dollars. "Both this eurobond and a previous private placement in November that we also worked on were carried out to ensure the Central Bank [CBE] has enough reserves to be comfortable," he said. This particular issuance, and the one in November are to be used to support an ambitious infrastructure reform plan required and partly financed by the IMF. The previous issuance was a $4 billion private placement carried out by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) in coordination with the CBE the MoF issued bonds to the CBE, which then used them as collateral on a repo transaction. The IMF's $12 billion loan, for which a second installment was released just days ago to help with Egypt's wide-scale reform programme, is conditional on the country easing capital controls, reducing its reliance on international subsidies and introducing flexible exchange rates. This latter point was partially achieved when Egypt launched a currency devaluation drive in November. Egypt first returned to the international capital markets in 2015 with the issuance of a $1.5 billion bond after a five-year hiatus. The content you are trying to view is exclusive to our subscribers. To unlock this article: Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 By Seba Aghayeva Trend: Georgias President Giorgi Margvelashvili will visit Azerbaijan. He will attend the 5th Global Baku Forum, to be held in Baku on March 16-17, the countrys State Committee on Work with Diaspora told Trend Feb. 23. The Georgian president is expected to deliver a speech during the forum. The 5th Global Baku Forum, which is organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center with the support of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, will be attended by presidents of several countries, former heads of states and governments, famous politicians and public figures. Apacer is glad to release the high-quality, reliable SSD AS681 ARMOR allowing your PC to operate with the fastest speed. Apacer views promoting the popularity of high-speed transmission as its own mission and rolls out the latest SSD, which adopts the next generation SATA III transmission interface. It provides excellent performance of read/write speed reaching 545/520 MB/s(960GB). ARMOR is perfect for gaming desktop, and laptop. 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ARMOR boasts built-in advanced Wear Leveling and ECC (Error Correction Code) functions and supports Windows 7 TRIM command. These not only extend SSD life and improve operation stability, but also maintain long-term performance. AS681 ARMOR has 3-year global warranty and users can enjoy ultimate read/write speed to their hearts content! (L-R) Chris Papa, Dell EMC Channels General Manager; Ronnie Latinazo, Dell EMC Country General Manager; Nerisse Ramos, ePLDT Group Chief Operating Officer; Nico Alcoseba, PLDT VP & Head of Disruptive Business Group strengthen their partnership to better offer valuable business solutions to customers in the Philippines. ePLDT, Inc., an industry-leading enabler of digital business solutions to enterprises in the Philippines, recently penned a strategic partnership with Dell EMC to align their strengths and technical expertise in offering transformational business value to clients in the country. With the partnership, ePLDT and Dell EMC will be able to simplify enterprise processes for customers through robust solutionsfrom a single vendor consortium with a single point of contact. According to ePLDT Group COO Nerisse Ramos, digital transformation is shaking up enterprises in the country, making dynamic digital infrastructure imperative to staying ahead of the competition. For ePLDT to accelerate the delivery of these solutions, engaging in a partnership with like-minded IT innovators such as Dell EMC is more important than ever. As one of the premier system integrators in the country, ePLDT leverages on continuous product and service innovation to give customers a competitive advantage in the market, Ramos said. This is why the partnership with Dell EMC is a strategic fit. Together, we will deliver solutions that are relevant and meaningful to enterprises and empower businesses with best practices that are at par with international standards. Chris Papa, Dell EMC Channels General Manager, emphasized both the companies commitment in architecting unique IT solutions geared towards helping customers achieve their business objectives and more. He said, Dell EMC is passionate about providing our customers with a comprehensive IT ecosystem from edge to core to cloud. Our partnership with ePLDT, an industry leader in digital innovation and one of the premier system integrators in the country, further expands our leadership in navigating Philippine IT landscape, identifying the right solution to address customers needs, and help them innovate and move idea or concept to a robust deployment. Dell EMC is a subsidiary of Dell Inc., which offers a trusted foundation for businesses to transform IT through the creation of hybrid cloud and transform business through the creation of cloud-native applications, and big data solutions. Know more about ePLDT, Inc. through its website at www.epldt.com. FEU Diliman signs up to be a part of Lenovos Think University. (Seated L-R) Janine Librea, LE-Commercial Segment, Anna Abola, Marketing Communications Manager of Lenovo Philippines, Albert III R. Cabasada, Executive Director, Ann V. Hidalgo, Director for Administration of FEU Diliman. (L-R Standing) From FEU Diliman: Christine Magturo, Ma. Cecilia A. Michael, Lucila S. Sison, Maribel B. Ruiz. Lenovo Philippines launches its latest project, Think University which aims to provide schools with the latest technology to help in crafting the minds of the students and give the school, administrators, and teachers an up-to-date method of communicating and interacting with its students. Recently, Lenovo signed with Colegio San Agustin Binan and FEU Diliman, donating 10 units each of ThinkCentre Tiny. The universities were qualified to join the program when they availed a specific number of computer units from Lenovo. Lenovo believes in empowering the youth through education. Think University is one of our avenues in helping our youth experience a richer kind of learning. We hope that our devices will help these universities and colleges in delivering the right response to the changing needs of the students, said Michael Ngan, Country General Manager, Lenovo Philippines. Higher learning institutions in Philippines should consider joining Lenovos Think University in order to have a technological competitive advantage with regards to re-designing curriculum and classroom instruction, said Christine M. Magturo, Systems Administrator, FEU Diliman. Colegio San Agustin Binan inks agreement with Lenovo for Think University program The donation of the ThinkCentre Tiny will help the school in providing additional fund and the chance of a free laptop for those teachers enrolled in getting a Masters Degree (MBA). Lenovos Think University brings many privileges to those who participate in it, said Sheree Rosario-Gaylican, Senior High school ICT Strand Coordinator, CSA Binan. The ThinkCentre Tiny is a truly powerful enterprise desktop, featuring the latest Intel platform. Lenovo provides the latest web-based desktop management platform and when it comes to reliability, think high thanks to Citrix, VMware and Microsoft protocol certifications plus innovative ICE technology. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Turkey Berat Albayrak Feb. 23. Albayrak extended congratulations of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his wife Emine Erdogan to President Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva on her appointment as first vice-president of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The president thanked for congratulations, and asked the Turkish minister to extend his greetings to President Erdogan and his wife. President Aliyev underlined the importance of Turkey`s high-level representation at the Third Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council. The president expressed confidence that the ministerial meeting will make an outstanding contribution to realization of future plans. Touching upon the upcoming referendum in Turkey, President Aliyev expressed his confidence that it will be excellently organized, reflect the will of the Turkish people and mark the beginning of a new, more stable stage in the life of the brotherly country. The president thanked the Turkish government for support for the successful execution of TANAP project. The sides hailed the excellent level of friendly and brotherly relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey against the backdrop of ongoing political and economic crisis in the world and in Europe. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Hollywood came together to show their support for the trans community and speak out against the Trump administration's withdrawal of Obama-era federal protections for transgender students in public schools, supporting their ability to use the bathrooms and facilities which correspond with their gender identity. The guidelines were spelled out in a letter to public schools last year, based on the Obama administration's recognition that Title IX, the federal law that bans sexual discrimination in school, should include gender identity. The Trump administration's first letter to schools has rescinded the bathroom guidelines without offering a replacement, in order to "further and more completely consider the legal issues involved"; a move that civil rights groups have deemed dangerous for the future safety of trans students. James Esseks, the American Civil Liberties Unions LGBT project director, criticised the President and called on school districts to continue protecting the rights of their transgender students. "Revoking the guidance shows that the presidents promise to protect LGBT rights was just empty rhetoric. But the bottom line is that this does not undo legal protections for trans students, and school districts can and must continue to protect them and all students from discrimination," he said in a statement. "School districts that recognise that should continue doing the right thing; for the rest, well see them in court. We will continue to fight for the rights and dignity of transgender youth, especially now that the Trump administration has decided to turn its back on them." Many entertainers have equally spoken out against the rollback, reacting in devastation to news that will inevitably put the trans community at further risk. Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Roisin OConnors email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} After the #BritsSoWhite storm in 2016 many people thought this years awards ceremony would step up its game and begin representing all aspects of British music. But from the moment the late David Bowie was awarded the prize for Best British Male it became clear that nothing much has changed. Bowie's award was collected by Michael C Hall of Six Feet Under who said, rather perfectly: If David Bowie could be here tonight he wouldnt be here tonight. Recommended David Bowie wins British male solo artist at the Brit Awards Performance-wise things were a little improved on the past couple of years. Little Mix and Bruno Mars made for tough acts to follow in the live performances; the girl group stormed onto the stage for their smash hit Shout Out To My Ex for which they would later win the award for Best Single, while Bruno Mars added some much-needed funk to a so-far overly polite evening. Katy Perry brought the woke stage of her career to the ceremony and performed her new single Chained to the Rhythm featuring giant puppets of US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Theresa May. It was arguably the most political moment of an incredibly tame night - where the next-best thing was Matty from The 1975 encouraging pop artists to speak out over important issues. It was just unfortunate that Perry seemed to put even less effort into this performance than she did at the Grammys. Rag n Bone Man made history with his win for Best British Breakthrough, becoming the only artist to win that award alongside the Brits Critics Choice pick; this came shortly after his album Human became the biggest-selling male debut of the decade. David Bowie: A life in albums Show all 27 1 /27 David Bowie: A life in albums David Bowie: A life in albums David Bowie 1967 David Bowie: A life in albums Space Oddity 1969 David Bowie: A life in albums The Man Who Sold The World 1970 David Bowie: A life in albums Hunky Dory 1971 David Bowie: A life in albums The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars 1972 David Bowie: A life in albums Aladdin Sane 1973 David Bowie: A life in albums Pin Ups 1973 David Bowie: A life in albums Diamond Dogs 1974 David Bowie: A life in albums Young Americans 1975 David Bowie: A life in albums Station To Station 1976 David Bowie: A life in albums Low 1977 David Bowie: A life in albums Heroes 1977 David Bowie: A life in albums Lodger 1979 David Bowie: A life in albums Scary Monsters 1980 David Bowie: A life in albums Let's Dance 1983 David Bowie: A life in albums Tonight 1984 David Bowie: A life in albums Never Let Me Down 1987 David Bowie: A life in albums Tin Machine 1989 David Bowie: A life in albums Tin Machine II 1991 David Bowie: A life in albums Black Tie White Noise 1993 David Bowie: A life in albums Outside 1995 David Bowie: A life in albums Earthling 1997 David Bowie: A life in albums Hours 1999 David Bowie: A life in albums Heathen 2002 David Bowie: A life in albums Reality 2003 David Bowie: A life in albums The Next Day 2013 David Bowie: A life in albums Black Star 2016 Skepta arrived onstage without the crowd that accompanied Kanye Wests legendary takeover at the 2015 awards, railing against the establishment at one of the most establishment events around, delivering a ferocious Shutdown - with just some brief disappointment that he didnt bring on any other stars of the London grime scene. But boundless energy, swift flow and that sheer, unadulterated energy was enough to thrill everyone present. Again the international categories (rushed through by the presenters) were the most diverse and relevant winners: Drake, Beyonce and A Tribe Called Quest won Best International Male, Best International Female and Best International Group respectively... but Beyonce and ATCQ couldnt even be bothered to send in a video thank you. It was worryingly indicative of how interest in the Brits has waned over the past five years. Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Recommended Everything you need to know ahead of the Brit Awards 2017 Chris Martin performed a tribute to the late George Michael with the question of why this particular artist was chosen for such a momentous task - before it became clear that this was something of a Chris Martin Show; the Coldplay artist returned shortly after his tribute for a brand new track with The Chainsmokers. Ed Sheeran, returning after his years hiatus from social media, delivered pitchy versions of Castle on the Hill and Shape of You with some help from an on-form Stormzy but the beats were basic, Sheeran was breathless and the whole thing felt flat. It seems fitting that Robbie Williams, the most Brit-awarded artist in history, closed the show. Because despite the fanfare that arrived with the awards shake-up, nothing much has changed and the Brits remain irrelevant. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyArts email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Stephen Colbert continues his crusade against Donald Trumps administration, his rating improving dramatically thanks to the new President of the United States. Last night, The Late Show host talked about The Washington Post's decision to change its sub-header to Democracy Dies In Darkness following Trumps comments on the media being the enemy of the American people. So, The Washington Post has officially entered its goth phase, Colbert said. Its a strong message that they are going to hold Trump accountable. A message he will hear about the moment Fox & Friends report on it. The host then joked about the other choices The Washington Post were considering, including No, You Shut Up, Come At Me Bro, Were Going Balls Out, and We Took Down Nixon - Who Wants Next. Watch the segment below. Meanwhile, Colbert - along with many other late night hosts - joked about Trumps recent impromptu press conference in Florida in which the President seemingly made up a terrorist attack on Sweden. 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 Evidently [Trump] did not even bring his meds with him, Colbert said. It was a robust one hour and 17 minutes long so beefy you could eat it with a fork, but youre going to want to use a spoon do you can get every drop of the crazy. Watch here. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyArts email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The Washington Post has unveiled a brand new slogan which seems to be a direct retaliation to Donald Trump's war against the world's media. Democracy dies in the darkness is the brand new refrain that has been added to the masthead of the Post's online homepage as well as its social platforms, including Snapchat, Bustle reports. Kris Corrati, a spokeswoman for the paper, suggested that the slogan outdates Trump's association with US politics. This is actually something we've said internally for a long time in speaking about our mission," she said. "We thought it would be a good, concise value statement that conveys who we are to the many millions of readers who have come to us for the first time over the last year. 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 On the same day the Post announced the slogan, President Trump declared the media the enemy of the American people, following infamous run-ins with The New York Times and CNN which his administration boycotted for a mere eight hours just last month. Freedom of speech has been a vital part of the first amendment for over 200 years and this slogan is an effective way of highlighting that very notion - regardless of whether it targets Trump or not. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Current targets for reducing damaging greenhouse gas emissions are not enough to prevent catastrophic loss of the worlds coral reefs, marine biologists have warned. Rising sea surface temperatures are having a devastating effect on coral reefs, many of which are forecast to see severe coral bleaching for an unparalleled fourth year in a row. Temperature rises mean bleaching events, which can kill coral, will occur with increasing frequency, unless drastic action is taken to stop global climate change, studies suggest. In Australia, a heatwave which has caused record-breaking temperatures and wildfires, has also meant no relief for the Great Barrier Reef, which was ravaged by heat-induced bleaching last year, killing swathes of the coral. The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) has called for government action to address the problem which is expected to worsen as temperatures rose above 47C in parts of Australia. Satellite thermal imaging of the area has revealed that waters are unusually warm, and the reef has been put on red alert for further significant bleaching. AMCS Great Barrier Reef Campaign Director Imogen Zethoven said: Signs of new coral bleaching in February, plus the likelihood of extensive severe bleaching and even mortality in the next four weeks, is extremely concerning. Last year we witnessed the worst bleaching event on record for our reef. Tragically between 50 and 85 per cent of corals perished between Cape York and Lizard Island. Over the entire reef, 22 per cent of corals are dead. The society has called on the Australian government to end its support for the coal industry and begin a rapid move to renewables. Last month, Japans environment ministry reported that over 70 per cent of the countrys largest coral reef was dead after sea temperatures were between one and two degrees Celsius higher than normal. Coral bleaching occurs when stresses such as higher water temperatures cause the corals to expel symbiotic photosynthetic algae, draining them of all colour and eventually causing them to die. The current global coral bleaching event is the longest and most widespread ever recorded (AFP/Getty) Coral bleaching is not uncommon, and bleaching events usually occur somewhere on the planet every year. However, the increasing frequency of the shocks mean the coral does not have adequate time to recover. The current global coral bleaching event is the longest and most widespread ever recorded. A 2016 study into the phenomenon predicted that annual severe bleaching events could become the norm by 2043. Dr Gareth Williams of Bangor University, who worked on the study, told The Independent that though the situation was terrifying, action can be taken to help prevent catastrophic loss of coral. He said: Theres a double edged sword at the moment, and humans are at the root of both problems. Evolutionary processes mean [the coral] is designed to take environmental shocks. Key processes help them to recover between these events. But many of our local impacts such as fishing and pollution are eroding those critical recovery functions. And the second problem, which is more terrifying, is that the speed they are getting hit with environmental shocks is increasing. Even if those recovery mechanisms are in place so that the reef can recover in between shocks, the shocks are coming so close together theres not even time for these processes to kick in. Dr Williams said that the problem was not just confined to reefs close to human activity, but warming seas are also having an impact on coral in some of the planets most isolated areas. If you go to some of the worlds most remote reefs, away from direct human impacts such as fishing and pollution, they are still suffering the effects of these warmer conditions, he said. The critical thing here is that we have to tackle global climate change. But what will save coral reefs is a planet-wide multi-government co-ordinated effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Theres huge danger in thinking we can climate-proof coral reefs. Thats a dangerous idea. We have to start tackling the root cause of this, and the root cause is global climate change. 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Show all 10 1 /10 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A group of emperor penguins face a crack in the sea ice, near McMurdo Station, Antarctica Kira Morris 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Floods destroyed eight bridges and ruined crops such as wheat, maize and peas in the Karimabad valley in northern Pakistan, a mountainous region with many glaciers. In many parts of the world, glaciers have been in retreat, creating dangerously large lakes that can cause devastating flooding when the banks break. Climate change can also increase rainfall in some areas, while bringing drought to others. Hira Ali 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Smoke filled with the carbon that is driving climate change drifts across a field in Colombia. Sandra Rondon 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Amid a flood in Islampur, Jamalpur, Bangladesh, a woman on a raft searches for somewhere dry to take shelter. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable places in the world to sea level rise, which is expected to make tens of millions of people homeless by 2050. Probal Rashid 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Sindh province in Pakistan has experienced a grim mix of two consequences of climate change. Because of climate change either we have floods or not enough water to irrigate our crop and feed our animals, says the photographer. Picture clearly indicates that the extreme drought makes wide cracks in clay. Crops are very difficult to grow. Rizwan Dharejo 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Hanna Petursdottir examines a cave inside the Svinafellsjokull glacier in Iceland, which she said had been growing rapidly. Since 2000, the size of glaciers on Iceland has reduced by 12 per cent. Tom Schifanella 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A river once flowed along the depression in the dry earth of this part of Bangladesh, but it has disappeared amid rising temperatures. Abrar Hossain 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A shepherd moves his herd as he looks for green pasture near the village of Sirohi in Rajasthan, northern India. The region has been badly affected by heatwaves and drought, making local people nervous about further predicted increases in temperature. Riddhima Singh Bhati 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A factory in China is shrouded by a haze of air pollution. The World Health Organisation has warned such pollution, much of which is from the fossil fuels that cause climate change, is a public health emergency. Leung Ka Wa 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Water levels in reservoirs, like this one in Gers, France, have been getting perilously low in areas across the world affected by drought, forcing authorities to introduce water restrictions. Mahtuf Ikhsan He added: The Paris agreement is good example of a co-ordinated effort to try and curb greenhouse gas emissions, and if we stick to it, it will reduce greenhouse gases, but even if we adhere to it, it wont buy that much more time for reefs. Its optimistic at best. We need to go beyond the Paris agreement. But of course we have to start somewhere. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The call for more diversity in fashion and beauty campaigns has not gone unnoticed, with many brands taking strides to become more inclusive but, LOreal Paris UK is taking things one step further. With the help of ambassador Helen Mirren, the brand, which have long been advocates of body positivity, are partnering up with The Princes Trust to launch the All Worth It initiative a three year project which will offer up to 10,000 young adults confidence training all over the UK. Inspiring body positivity quotes Show all 12 1 /12 Inspiring body positivity quotes Inspiring body positivity quotes Ashley Graham "And cellulite, I have not forgotten about you. I'm going to choose to love you even though you want to take over my whole bottom half. You're a part of me and I love you." Inspiring body positivity quotes Danielle Brooks "Sometimes I don't like what I see, but I have the power to change the way in which I relate to my body both physically and mentally." Inspiring body positivity quotes Iskra Lawrence "Stop comparing yourself to anybody else. The [pictures of] movie stars, even the Disney characters, thats not real. Thats not attainable. You cant be anybody else. You are you. You cant be them. So you really just have to start embracing yourself and accepting so-called flaws that society has given the name flaws. Its just our body, our patchwork quilt. Inspiring body positivity quotes Beyonce "The most alluring thing a woman can have is confidence." Getty Images Inspiring body positivity quotes Kate Winslet "Nobody is perfect. I just don't believe in perfection. But I do believe in saying, 'This is who I am and look at me not being perfect.' I'm proud of that." Getty Images Inspiring body positivity quotes Rihanna "You just want something that someone else has, but that doesn't mean what you have isn't beautiful, because people always want what you have and you always want what they have - no one is ever 100 per cent like, 'Yes, I'm the bomb-dot-com - from head-to-toe!" REUTERS Inspiring body positivity quotes Tess Holliday "Never compare yourself with others and celebrate what makes you, you." Inspiring body positivity quotes Demi Lovato "Instead of looking in the mirror and focusing on your flaws, look in the mirror and appreciate your best features... everyone has them." Inspiring body positivity quotes Kim Kardashian-West "See this little dimple of cellulite here? It was so worth it for that cookies 'n' cream ice cream!" Inspiring body positivity quotes Jennifer Lawrence "It should be illegal to call someone fat." Inspiring body positivity quotes Mindy Kaling "Insults about the way I look cant be the thing that harms me and my heart the most. It has to harm me the least. If I have a daughter, Im going to tell her that. Far too many women are much more hurt by being called fat or ugly than they are by being called not smart, or not a leader." Rex Features Inspiring body positivity quotes Selena Gomez "Im learning that you can be comfortable and still look beautiful. AFP/Getty Images Alongside Mirren, the campaign features one of the most representative casts weve seen yet with men and women of all ages, body types, races and abilities. From Hijabi beauty blogger Amena; beauty blogger Jordan Bone who is in a wheelchair, author Katie Piper who survived a sulphuric acid attack, plus-size model Jada Sezer and an apparently pregnant Cheryl, the campaign includes a diverse troupe of inspirational figures. Self-confidence is a life-long battle, affecting people young and old. Its for this reason that I am so happy to be here today, Mirren said at the launch event. Nowadays, I think social media is affecting peoples confidence, but we need to remember that the essence of being human has not changed. We need to hold on to that fact. Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyEats email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Few things are as comforting in the winter as sheltering from the bleak weather in the dark wood and creaking floorboards of a pub with a beer and some good company. You cant really find this atmosphere anywhere else, whether in a dive bar in New York or a bistro in Paris. That's what father-daughter duo publican and writer George Dailey and photographer Charlie Dailey - who was born above her dad's pub - have captured in their book Great Pubs of London. The book celebrates some of the capitals most historic pubs, many of which have been trading for over 400 years and are intrinsically woven into our history and culture, Charlie Dailey tells The Independent. Great Pubs of London - In pictures Show all 18 1 /18 Great Pubs of London - In pictures Great Pubs of London - In pictures Sir Ian McKellan in the front bar of The Grapes, Wapping. Charlie Dailey Great Pubs of London - In pictures The area behind the bar crammed with ith part of landlord Kevin Morans collection of militaria, The Nags Head, Belgravia. Charlie Dailey Great Pubs of London - In pictures A cosy seating area in the front bar of the Nags Head, Belgravia. Charlie Dailey Great Pubs of London - In pictures The stairwell, which dates from the early 18th-century, The George Inn, Borough. Charlie Dailey Great Pubs of London - In pictures The view towards the bar in the oldest part of the building that dates from the 17th-century, The George Inn, Borough. Charlie Dailey Great Pubs of London - In pictures The first floor dining area, The Lamb and Flag, Covent Garden. Charlie Dailey Great Pubs of London - In pictures The view from behind the central bar, The Flask, Highgate. Charlie Dailey Great Pubs of London - In pictures The view from behind the bar, The Dove, Hammersmith. Charlie Dailey Great Pubs of London - In pictures The pewter bar and historic 400- year-old flagstone floor, The Prospect of Whitby, Wapping. Charlie Dailey Great Pubs of London - In pictures The stunning marble and mosaic vaulted room, The Blackfriar. Charlie Dailey Great Pubs of London - In pictures The main bar, The Blackfriar, Blackfriars. Charlie Dailey Great Pubs of London - In pictures The main bar at The French House, Dean Street, Soho. Charlie Dailey Great Pubs of London - In pictures The front bar area with a gilded bust of John Lennon, The Cross Keys, Covent Garden. Charlie Dailey Great Pubs of London - In pictures The view into a snug in the main bar area, Cittie of Yorke, High Holborn. Charlie Dailey Great Pubs of London - In pictures The vaulted main bar, Cittie of Yorke, High Holborn. Charlie Dailey Great Pubs of London - In pictures The vaulted cellars, which were once part of a Carmelite monastery. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. Charlie Dailey Great Pubs of London - In pictures A view into the ground-level main bar, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street. Charlie Dailey Great Pubs of London - In pictures An exterior view of The Grapes from the river, Wapping. Charlie Dailey As pubs are places for telling stories and tall-tales, the book dabbles in this too. Its not certain, for instance, whether the casks on the wall in the Cittie of Yorke in Holborn, central London, are just decorations from the early twentieth century or really from the Tudor era. The Prospect of Whitby, meanwhile, was first built in 1520 in Wapping was once famed for its bare-knuckle and cock fights, and was visited by writer Charles Dickens and diarist Samuel Pepys. Dailey captured over 100 pubs around the capital to help illustrate her fathers words. But the moment that stuck most with her was at a pub in the east of London. The most memorable encounter has to be photographing and chatting with Sir Ian Mckellen in his own pub, The Grapes in Limehouse, recalls Dailey. He very kindly agreed to write the forward and sit for portraits to support our project. It is a riverside pub steeped in history where our great explorers would have drunk before embarking to uncover the new world and Dickens often visited for an ale or two. Sir Ian was extraordinarily generous with his time and genuinely enthused by our book. It was a great day for me. Two pubs spring to mind as my favourites, she goes on. The French House for the warmth of Leslie the owner and her fabulous staff. A wonderful pub in the heart of Soho that has the feel of a genuine community filled with artists and bohemians. The Nags head in Belgravia was also a real surprise to me. It photographed like a fabulous film set, the walls crammed with antique military memorabilia and a menagerie of fascinating treasures. Walking into the magnificent Cittie of York and photographing the mesmeric vaulted main bar, with Rembrandt-esque light flooding in from the high windows and knowing that Dylan Thomas once sat here writing was a thrill. It was an unexpected pleasure and I hope some readers will look at our historic pubs in a new light after reading our book. The experience of shooting the pubs, says Dailey, certainly changed her view on the watering holes. No longer were they just grimy, old mans drinking dens. Dads research and constant discussions opened my eyes to the fact that in our midst, we have places where Shakespeare, Dickens, Byron, Blake, Shelley and Keats once drank and presumably drew inspiration. Where great explorers would drink before setting off into the unknown, where militaristic battles were planned, celebrated and commiserated. In essence, these establishments are imbued with some of our most fascination history and characters. And while Londoners are spoiled for choice when it comes to places to meet and socialise, elsewhere in the country pubs take on a deeper significance. In the countryside in particular though, the village or local pub can be the heart of the community and the only place people can gather, chat and switch off," she says. But as pubs are closing at a rate of 27 a week, the book also has feels like it is trying to capture something that is slowly dying. There is an obvious challenge for many pubs, says Dailey. Property prices and extreme taxes make it very hard for pubs to keep trading. There are many organisations campaigning to protect our pubs and many have been in touch to say our book will really help their cause. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} We all know that the technology industry has a gender problem. But how do you move the needle from awareness to action? Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook's chief operating officer, and Girls Who Code, a non-profit tech group, have an idea: take the fight to the states. On Friday, both will host the first-ever Girls Who Code Governor's Summit at Facebook's headquarters in Menlo Park, California. The guest list includes Gov. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, Gov. Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds of Iowa. Many organizations aimed at improving gender equality in the tech field have focused on changing the culture at tech companies in the past. But this is the first time an effort is aimed at the state level. What's great about having these governors and state officials involved is that they set the educational agenda for their states, Sandberg said. And, she said, reaching young kids as Girls Who Code has done on a smaller scale is key to improving tech's gender problems long-term. Fallin, Raimondo and Reynolds all spearhead programs in their states to increase access to computer science education through programs expanding broadband access or even directing all schools to include some computer science education. The point of the summit, in part, is to compare notes and come up with standards and organized ways of measuring efforts that aim to support girls and women who are interested in tech and science. We can't afford to have half of America's brain power not engaging, said Raimondo, who has directed all Rhode Island schools to teach computer science classes by December 2017. The conversation comes at a time when despite a lot of discussion about the problem the gender gap in tech is getting worse. In 1984, 38 percent of all computer science jobs were held by women. Today, that number is 18 percent, according to a survey done by Accenture and Girls Who Code last year. Data from the Census Bureau show a similar decline. Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code, said she found that number chilling. We've had our heads down for the past six years. How is this getting worse? Girls Who Code, which launched in 2012, has since put at least 10,000 young girls through the program only some of whom have since entered college and are majoring in computer science. Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty Saujani said she saw that study as a rallying cry, to step up her efforts and use states' growing interest in computer science to collect good data and get to the heart of what may be contributing to that decline. What's the gender makeup of those classrooms? We know anecdotally it's normally 70 percent boys and 30 percent girls, she said. Working with states, she said, lets her group and others very closely watch the diversity and gender numbers in schools and find out what is going on. One reason behind the gap could be what Saujani calls the high school trap in which girls may not see their peers or role models interested in science, or told that it's a boy thing. Others looking at the problem think we're not starting early enough. We need to be thinking long-term and making long-term investments, said Raimondo. That's why we're teaching computer science in kindergarten. Another reason could be that making such a change on a bigger scale takes time. Many of today's most visible programs launched to get girls interested in coding have started within the past decade. Think of Title IX, for example: look at how long it took to work its way into the system, said Jessica Rovello, chief executive of Arkadium a technology publishing company that boasts an executive staff of more than 50 percent women. To go all those years and then, in this last Olympics, have all these women start winning gold medals. That's how the dots were connected there. Rovello is not involved in the summit, but has worked on different initiatives to get more women into technology jobs. Besides getting more girls interested in tech, she thinks that there should be cultural changes at companies. Initiatives can fill out the pipeline. Once you have them in the business, though, you have to figure out: how do you keep them in the business? she said. At Arkadium, she's taken steps to ensure, for example, that all her employees are trained to acknowledge their own biases and feel comfortable communicating. And, she said, companies must continue seeking out qualified female candidates. I think that qualified women and minorities are there if you care to look and find them, she said. Recommended London girls school lets pupils identify as male or gender neutral (Arkadium works on The Washington Post's games section.) At the other end of the pipeline, Saujani said she thinks that it's possible to close the tech gender gap in a decade if advocates can direct the energy, focus on gathering good data and setting metrics, and follow through on their goals. The summit attendees already have plans to reconvene in six months at the National Governors Association, to compare notes and recruit more states to their cause. We have the wind at our back, Saujani said. We have their attention policy is being sought out right now about how to get to every child interested in computer science. We need to be addressing some of the barriers that are keeping girls out of field at the same time. Washington Post Details added (first version posted on 13:08) Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Minister of Economic Development of the Italian Republic Carlo Calenda Feb. 23. President Aliyev hailed Italy`s active participation in the Third Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council. The president described this fact as another evidence of rapid development of cooperation in various areas, saying it is also very important in terms of successful implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor project. The president mentioned the signing of the declaration on partnership between Azerbaijan and Italy. President Aliyev praised high-level Azerbaijan-Italy cooperation in political, economic, energy, cultural and other fields, adding that the development of bilateral relations is being diversified. Calenda thanked President Aliyev, on behalf of the Italian government, for the implementation of TAP project, which he said is of vital significance to his country. He said representatives of a number of Italian companies are attending this important ministerial meeting, pointing out the implementation by the two countries of vital projects covering a variety of areas. Calenda recalled Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni`s last year visit to Azerbaijan as minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation. President Aliyev and Calenda discussed prospects for Azerbaijan-Italy cooperation in various areas, including energy and agriculture. Italy`s importing large volumes of oil and energy products to Azerbaijan was underlined at the meeting. As a result of the meeting between President Aliyev and Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Italian Leonardo company Mauro Moretti on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, the company will sign a memorandum of cooperation with SOCAR during the Third Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Barclays has reported a sharp rise in pre-tax profit to 3.2bn for 2016 up from 1.1bn in 2015. City analysts had been expecting profits of 3.97bn. Barclays said it continued to sell off assets around the world so it could focus on its core UK and US markets. On Wednesday the bank announced a separation agreement with its Africa unit. "A year ago we laid out our intention to accelerate the restructuring of Barclays and refocus our business as a transatlantic, consumer, corporate and investment bank, anchored in London and New York," Jes Staley, Barclays chief executive said in a statement. "We have made strong progress against this agenda in 2016." The company also reduced the amount it paid out in redress to customers 2.7bn to 1bn, but said further conduct issues remain. Barclays faces fraud charges in the US over the sale of mortgage-backed securities in the run-up to the 2008-09 financial crisis. Revenue increased 7 per cent to 22bn and the bank continued to cut costs, which fell to 13.4bn from 15bn in the previous year, it announced on Thursday. The increase in profits led to a surprise increase in its core capital ratio the key measure of a bank's strength and ability to withstand financial shocks. 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. Mr Staley, who took the top job at Barclays a year ago, did not comment on the impact of Brexit on its business. Barclays has been one of the most positive of any of the major banks about Britain's exit from the EU and has confirmed it will keep its global headquarters in London. In January he said: "I don't believe that the financial centre of Europe will leave the City of London. There are all sorts of reasons why I think the UK will continue to be the financial lungs for Europe. "The bulk of what we do will continue to occur in London in my view." For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The chief executive of one of the largest private prison corporations in the world has said that US President Donald Trumps newly-announced immigration policies, have the potential to support business. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unveiled two memos on Tuesday detailing wide-ranging directives focused on both interior enforcement and cracking down on security along the US-Mexico border. The memorandums would, among other things, enable federal authorities to more aggressively detain undocumented immigrants. On a call with investors, cited by online publication The Intercept, George Zoley, the chief executive of GEO Group, said: With the respect to detention services, in support of border security, we would continue to be the largest provider of detention services to the three largest government agencies He added that some of the policies that are under discussion have the potential to create "additional bed capacity that we havent contemplated yet." GEO Group is not the only private prison operator that has hailed Mr Trumps policies. Like GEO Group, private prison companies such as CoreCivic, which was formerly known as Corrections Corporation of America, saw an immediate and sustained stock bump when Mr Trump was elected and investors largely expect that the rally is likely to continue. CoreCivic shares are up 138 per cent since the 8 November election, and shares of Geo Group, which reported earnings on Wednesday, are up 89 per cent, according to Reuters data. Eric Marshall, portfolio manager at Hodges Capital Management in Dallas, said that while the "easy money" has already been made in private prisons, the stocks could still rise another 10 to 20 per cent in the next year. 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 When coupled with the above average rate of crossings along the southwest border, these executive orders appear likely to significantly increase the need for safe, humane, and appropriate detention bed capacity that we have available, CoreCivc chief Damon Hininger noted in an earnings call cited by The Intercept. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Nissan said Carlos Ghosn will step aside as chief executive after leading the firm for 16 years, allowing him to concentrate on deploying his cost-cutting expertise across its alliance with Renaultand newly added Mitsubishi Motors. In handing over the helm to Hiroto Saikawa, a company veteran of 40 years, Ghosn ends years of speculation over when he would relinquish the top job at Japan's No. 2 cer maker amid investor concerns that he was stretching himself too thin. The change in leadership is aimed at making the best use of the greater scale that Mitsubishi brings to lower costs at a time when cer makers are under pressure to expand and compete in new technologies such as self-driving cars. Known as 'Le Cost Killer' from his earlier career at Renault, Ghosn burnished his reputation by engineering Nissan's comeback from years of losses and debt. Unafraid to trample over long-standing business customs, he became a hero in Japan and one of the auto industry's best known executives. Ghosn, 62, will continue to be chairman at Nissan, a position he also holds at Renault and Mitsubishi. He also leaves in his place a man cut from very similar cloth. Saikawa is a veteran cost-cutter with much of his career spent in managing purchasing and supply chains. The 63-year old was named the company's chief competitive officer in 2013, became co-CEO last November and also currently heads Japan's auto industry lobby. "The timing is a bit surprising," said Takeshi Miyao, Asia managing director at consultancy Carnorama. "It appears Ghosn has decided very quickly that Saikawa is the right person to lead the company." Brazilian-born, of Lebanese descent and a French citizen, Ghosn began his career at Michelin in France, moving on to Renault, where he oversaw a turnaround of the car maker. He joined Nissan in 1999 after Renault bought a controlling stake and became its CEO in 2001. Nissan is the strongest of car makers in the alliance, long outperforming Renault in terms of vehicle sales and profits, while Mitsubishi still needs an overhaul after a mileage cheating scandal last year. 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. Bringing Mitsubishi into the fold has put the three-way alliance on par with Toyota and Volkswagen - all producing around 10 million vehicles annually. That has brought an opportunity to benefit from scale but also the challenge of balancing the interests of all three automakers. "Ghosn is likely to focus on strengthening and raising profitability at all the alliance members so that they are not overly dependent on Nissan," said Miyao. "Even if the alliance as a whole produces 10 million cars, if 3 million of those cars are not profitable it will be difficult for the alliance to continue." Reuters Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} One of Britains most senior former European Commission officials has warned that Brexit negotiations could lead to a complete breakdown of relations between the UK and the European Union. In an interview with Business Insider, David Wright, the former deputy director general for financial policy at the commission, said that the strident tone ahead of Britains divorce negotiations with the EU, and the red lines likely to dominate once Article 50 is triggered, could make an agreement between both parties impossible. "Brexit was a dagger in my heart," Mr Wright, who spent more than 30 years working at the EU commission, told Business Insider. Recommended Leaving EU customs union will mean border queues warn experts "It's not a bit neutral, or a bit negative, but for the EU and the UK it's potentially extremely disruptive. There's a risk of a complete breakdown, certainly it's looking more probable," he added. The Government said that it plans to trigger Article 50, the EUs formal exit clause, by the end of next month. The House of Lords began debating the bill giving Prime Minister Theresa May the authority to take that step earlier this week. "There's so much complexity. To resolve all of it in two years is absolutely impossible. Politics in the EU are not black and white like in the UK," Mr Wright said. Hedge fund managers and financial services firm in the UK found themselves in an increasingly precarious position following Britains decision to leave the EU. Ms Mays hard Brexit will almost certainly result in the loss of crucial passporting rights, which allow financial firms to sell their services freely across the rest of the EU. Mr Wright urged the UK government to provide more clarity on the future of financial services. "The US isn't going to change its financial services laws for the UK, so the danger is [that] the UK is pulled towards US rulemaking approaches and away from EU parallelism," Mr Wright said. Jeremy Hunt admits Brexit could mean the end of the EHIC card "Some of the bills on the table could castrate the US regulators, he said. Ms May has sought to rid the UK of the obligation to offer free movement for EU citizens, by saying that Britain will leave the single market and instead negotiate access for some UK industrial sectors as part of a free trade agreement. 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 Economists remain gloomy about the prospects for Brexit, despite the robust performance of the British economy since last June. The Office for Budget Responsibility in November forecast a sharp slowdown in UK growth to 1.4 per cent in 2017. It will update its forecasts alongside the Budget on 8 March. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The British government said on Thursday it has further reduced its stake in Lloyds Banking Group, a day after the bank posted its highest profit since before the 2007-2009 global financial crisis. UK Financial Investments, which manages the government's stake in the lender, said in a statement it has reduced its stake in the bank to 3.89 per cent. Lloyds, which was rescued with a 20.5bn taxpayer bailout, is close to a complete recovery from its crisis-era past after more than doubling its profit last year and setting aside a lower amount to cover misconduct issues. The bank has paid more than 17bn in compensation to customers wrongly sold PPI. The long-running scandal now appears to be drawing to a close. At the current sell down rate, Lloyds should be fully returned to private ownership by May. The Government still holds a more than 70 per cent stake in Royal Bank of Scotland, which has been hit by a string of charges and scandals that have suppressed the share price and made an imminent disposal look unlikely. Reuters For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Pamela Anderson has said she will start campaigning for men who have been falsely accused of rape. The former glamour model who has previously fought publicly for women's rights criticised Sweden for being almost too progressive in its legislation against sexual assault. She defended her friend, the WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who has been living in Ecuadors embassy in London since 2012 to avoid extradition to the Scandinavian country. Recommended Pamela Anderson concerned for Julian Assange health in embassy visit Mr Assange faces a rape accusation in Sweden, which is not set to expire until 2020. The WikiLeaks chief has denied the charge, maintaining that extradition to Sweden could lead to him being send to US to face charges for posting a raft of secret documents online. Sweden has these very progressive laws against sexual crimes, whatever you want to call it," Ms Anderson told Russian broadcaster, RT . Its almost too progressive, its almost paralysing," she said, announcing that she would start to push for the rights of men who have been wrongly accused of rape. We all of course gravitate towards vulnerable people and we consider that to be women and children, first and foremost, which is important, but theres also a lot of men who are in a vulnerable situation. Defending her friend Mr Assange, she said: When you read the actual case, and you read everything about it, theres no crime thats been committed. 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 Sweden, where victims are strongly encouraged to come forward with rape allegations, has the highest incidence of reported rapes in Europe, . According to one Brussels-backed 2009 study, more than 5,000 rapes are reported in Sweden every year, compared to a few hundred in nations of a comparable size. The country broadened its definition of rape in 2005, which is thought to have led to an increase in the number of recorded incidents in the years immediately following the change. According to some Ecuadorian politicians, Mr Assange may soon be asked to leave the embassy One presidential candidate, who will fight in the election next week, has promised that he will "cordially ask" Mr Assange to leave if he wins. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The urgency of the refugee crisis is being "squeezed" out of the political spotlight due to the dominance of discussion surrounding Brexit and Donald Trump, the Shadow Brexit Secretary has warned. Keir Starmer, Labour MP and shadow minister for exiting the EU, said values of compassion for refugees were being "challenged in a way they haven't been for decades", and urged britons to reclaim the discussion and reassert values the UK has shown in the past towards people fleeing from conflict. Speaking at a charity event on Wednesday organised by grassroots refugee organisation CalAid, a day ahead of a major cross-party debate on the Dubs Amendment, Mr Starmer said: The values of everyone who is concerned about the refugee crisis are probably being challenged in a way they havent been challenged for decades. We need to stand up for what we believe in. The spotlight is no longer on refugees. The political space has been squeezed by discussion on Brexit and Trump and we need to reclaim it. "Our history in the UK is a proud history in relation to refugees, and we should be proud of it and reassert those values. We must fight for what we believe in in terms of the rights and freedoms of refugees." In an interview with The Independent following the event, Mr Starmer, who has been tipped to be the next Labour leader, said the Dubs Amendment must be re-established, adding that while the numbers are important, the Government's decision to end the scheme was a "shocking" rejection of principles. Dubs needs to be reasserted and re-established. The principle of taking unaccompanied children from in Europe is really important," said Mr Starmer. Its one thing to argue what the number should be, but to say youre going to end the scheme altogether, to depart from the spirit of the Dubs Amendment, is simply shocking. I do understand the argument that the Government has got to have a realistic number. I do understand that youve got to say children you come to the UK need to be properly supported and therefore the number has to be realistic and achievable. "But this is more than just the numbers which we were arguing about, this is the principle of whether we do it at all. Thats whats been the most shocking aspect: the ending of the scheme full stop. When asked whether he believed some people in the UK are less tolerant of refugees due to concern over existing problems within communities, Mr Starmer rejected the concept that large swathes of the country were intolerant, saying it was important to "match up both sides of the debate". I dont accept the proposition that people in the UK are intolerant or unfair, or dont want to do the right thing, whether its in relation to refugees or other groups," he said. "I think people in the UK feel that theyre not being listened to and a whole host of other things, and we need to listen to what theyre saying about that, but Im not going to accept the proposition that were not a tolerant and fair society. We need to recognise that people do have concerns about elements of their lives in which they felt they didnt have the influence they thought they could have. Those are real issues that need to be addressed. "But I dont think they are addressed by abandoning our values and our tolerance, and we equally need to re-assert the obligations we have to refugees which are there as international obligations that we absolutely should adhere to. In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Show all 12 1 /12 In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugee children at the Moria camp in Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees queuing for food at the Kara Tepe camp in Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees' tents at the Kara Tepe camp in Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees at the Oxy transit camp in Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees waiting to board ferries to the Greek mainland in Mytilene, Lebos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees waiting to board ferries to the Greek mainland in Mytilene, Lebos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees waiting to board ferries to the Greek mainland in Mytilene, Lebos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos The graves of drowned refugees in Mytilene, Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos A building used to house unaccompanied children at the Moria camp in Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees queuing to register at the Moria camp in Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees at the Moria camp in Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees arriving on smugglers' boats from Turkey in Lesbos "I dont think its easy, but we have to match up both sides of the debate." The Labour MP's remarks came the day before a debate in Parliament on the UK's role in helping unaccompanied children in Greece and Italy, which will see Immigration Minister Robert Goodwill asked to layout the Home Offices plans for ensuring children with a legal right to be in the UK are able to be transferred quickly and safely. It will be Mr Goodwill's first full debate on this issue since a written ministerial statement announced the intention for the Dub scheme to end after having transferred 350 children. Last year, more than 30,000 unaccompanied children arrived in Greece and Italy. Speaking ahead of the debate, co-leader of the Green Party Jonathan Bartley told The Independent the cancellation of the Dubs Amendment was an absolute scandal, and warned that vulnerable child refugees were being lumped together with economic migrants and even traffickers. What's happened in the last few weeks about the Dubs Amendment is an absolute scandal and it's so important that we make our voices heard. It's as if the refugees sleeping on the streets of Calais have been completely forgotten, Mr Bartley said. We are the fifth richest economy in the world. It is an absolute scandal that less than 50 miles from our coast is a refugee crisis. The whole frame politically at the moment is around sacrificing everything at the altar of freedom of movement. And that seems to include sacrificing the most vulnerable children. Traffickers, asylum seekers, refugees, economic migrants all seem to get lumped together in the same brackett, with no distinction made, and it is the children who are caught up in that storm of Brexit fallout. The debate has to go beyond making economic arguments, it has to be an appeal to people's emotions and hearts. It isn't just about compassion it's about basic human rights. Refugee advocates and charities have also spoken out ahead of the debate about the importance not to dismiss the scores of homeless unaccompanied minors still in France, amid a discussion focused on refugees in Italy and Greece. The night before Thursday's debate in the Commons, a solidarity sleep-out took place outside Downing Street, organised by charities help Refugees and Voices of refugees, aimed at speaking out for the rights of child refugees sleeping rough in France. One of the organisers, Benny Hunter of Help Refugees, told The Independent: The debate is specifically about kids in Greece and Italy, and we wanted to make sure the voices of children in France are not left out of that conversation. These are kids who have been ruled out or considered not eligible for the Dubs Amendment, or have had their appeals for family reunification rejected, sometimes on arbitrary grounds. Most importantly, they need an avenue to appeal that decision. Dozens of people attended the 'solidarity sleep-out' outside Downing Street on Wednesday night to speak out for homeless child refugees in France (Tam) Mr Hunter described a child he has been working with, now homeless in Paris, who was interviewed by the Home Office while living in the Jungle, but has since heard nothing about his legal routes to the UK. Ive visited his uncle and aunty in Leeds, and they are visibly related. They are distraught. They text and phone me regularly. I helped them write a letter to the Home Office, but we have heard nothing. Its very distressing, said Mr Hunter. The child also phones me, asking if he should go back to Calais. Thats one story that I know but there are so many of these kids. When the Dubs Amendment passed through the House of Commons last year following pressure on the Government from Lord Alf Dubs, it was hailed as a humanitarian success that would see 3,000 lone children from European refugee camps brought to the UK. Recommended Charities unite in anger as government quietly scraps refugee promise But no figure was agreed at the time, and two weeks ago the Home Office unexpectedly announced the scheme would end after 100 more children reached the UK, bringing total numbers to 350. Faced with a furious backlash from human rights campaigners and other senior figures, the Government defended its decision arguing the programme could incentivise children to travel to Europe. Home Secretary Amber Rudd also attributed the closure to a lack of local funding, a claim furiously disputed by several local councils who said they had written to the Ms Rudd to urge approval of more child asylum seekers. Ministers have since announced the Home Office will review asylum applications from child refugees in France, after it emerged up to 400 unaccompanied minors had made their way back to Calais in recent weeks and were sleeping on the streets. It is unclear however how many of the decisions will be overturned. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Footage filmed by passengers showed the Bombardier Q400s right wing dipping sharply as it came into land in high winds. Flight 1284 from Edinburgh to Amsterdam had already been affected by the poor weather created by Storm Doris and had suffered a delay of 90 minutes to its scheduled take off time. The aircraft came to a halt on the side of the runway after the incident and emergency services attended. No one was injured. A spokesperson for the airline told The Independent: Flybe can confirm that there has been an incident involving one of our aircraft, flight no BE1284. The aircraft departed from Edinburgh at 1410 local time bound for Amsterdam. The incident occurred at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport at approximately 1659 local time. We can confirm that there are no injuries and all passengers have been bussed to the airport terminal. Our primary concern is for the welfare of the passengers and crew. It came just hours after Flybe flight 783 from Glasgow to Birmingham made an emergency landing after the pilot was forced to shut down one of its engines mid-air due to a technical fault. The airline said the plane suffered a technical fault that resulted in the captain electing to shut down the number one engine as a safety precaution. Engine shutdowns are fairly routine, and all twin-engined planes are designed to keep flying safely even if one engine fails at the worst possible time, on take off. Elsewhere, more than 100 flights have been cancelled or diverted due to high winds. An Icelandair Boeing 757 flying from Reykjavik to Manchester had been holding while waiting for a weather improvement, but once the fuel fell below the legal minimum, the captain declared an emergency and made a safe landing. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Families have spoken of their fear and frustration after a Supreme Court ruling upheld Government policy to deny foreign spouses visas on the basis of income. The court, which is the most senior in the country, ruled against a case brought by campaigners against policy introduced by the Coalition Government in 2012, which allows Britain to restrict entry to the overseas spouses of UK citizens. British people who are married to nationals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), can see their spouses applications to join them in the UK if the British spouse earns less than 18,600 per year. Couples are also required to have more than 60,000 savings. The policy was introduced in order to reduce the possibility that foreign migrants could be a burden on taxpayers. However, critics and those affected say it is an arbitrary and prejudiced ban which has forced more than 15,000 children to be separated from their parents. They say that the visa requirement is a breach of European human rights legislation which enshrines the right to a family life. Despite this, the Supreme Court upheld that the Government was acting legally in having the policy in place. Families have told The Independent they now face bringing up their children as single parents, divided from their spouses, as a result of the ruling. Soma Dina met her husband when she was studying at university in Nigeria in 2008 and they subsequently married in 2012. The couple now have two children aged two and four. Soma returned to the UK when she was pregnant with their first child and began a postgraduate university course at the University of Derby. She says that because she did not have a steady income as a student, her husband was refused right to remain. She told The Independent: He has missed several milestones in mine and our kids lives. It brings tears to my eyes each time i think about it. My kids are two and four and miss their dad so so much. "My kids are growing so fast and it hurts that their father is not present physically to witness all the feats they achieve. My marriage has suffered so much strain and I fear that I may lose the very thing that means so much to me. It is so heartbreaking for me and my children. "I am pleading with the government to have mercy on myself and others in my situation and kindly hear our cry. Each time my kids see an airplane, they ask if daddy is coming to visit. What do I answer each time they ask? Its extremely heartbreaking. She added: We are not migrants or foreigners. We are like every other British citizen who happened to fall in love with a non British citizen. You just can't help who you fall in love with. Elle Osili-Wood met her husband, an Australian national, at a pub quiz through mutual friends. They fell in love in married in October 2015. She is a freelance broadcaster and journalist who usually brings in earnings above the threshold. However, she had taken time off to travel in the all-important 12 months immediately proceeding an application and was recorded as having earned no income for the portion she was not in the country. As a consequence, she was determined not to meet the required 18,600 income for her husband to join her in the UK. The couple have recently lived in Australia for a period and are still trying to get approval to move back to the UK. She told The Independent: When we actually read the [visa] rules, we were astounded at just how arbitrary many of them are. We had to sell our home and move to Australia for six months (we've just arrived home) to meet the 62,500 savings requirement. Even with all the stress and worry, the worst part has actually been feeling unwelcome in my own country. I work, I pay taxes, I'm law abiding - I never thought I'd be fighting my government for the right to live with the person I love. "In addition, Teresa May is clearly targeting couples like us because we're an easy way to meet her ill advised immigration targets. Michael Richard Baines, 31, from Hackney in London, met his wife through family members and they married in 2013. She is a Ghanian citizen and because Michael works as a care worker, he does not meet the 18,600 salary threshold for her to be allowed to join him in the UK. He told The Independent: The decision, made by the Supreme Court today, is a complete tragedy for people - couples, married or not, who are finding themselves in this situation where they cannot be together simply because they could not stop themselves for falling for someone who is non British or non European. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Anti-fascist protesters are calling for the closure of a London art gallery which has been accused of showcasing neo-Nazi artwork and hosting openly racist speakers. LD50 Gallery recently hosted an exhibition about the so-called alt-right movement which unashamedly supports Donald Trump and has been accused of racism, white supremacy, anti-Semitism, and misogyny. Other have claimed it shares an ideology with far-right parties like the French National Front. The gallery in the trendy east London area of Dalston, has been accused of providing a platform for fascist, neo-Nazi and Islamophobic speakers and individuals who promote white supremacy and eugenics by the Shut Down LD50 campaign. The campaign accuses LD50 of in the last year being "responsible for one of the most extensive neo-Nazi cultural programmes to appear in London in the last decade." In the summer, it held a Neo-reaction conference which included a talk by Brett Stevens, a white supremacist who has lauded the bravery of Anders Breivik - the Norwegian white supremacist who killed 77 people in 2011. Mr Stevens' writing was said to be an inspiration to Breivik. After the attack, Mr Stevens, who edits a far-right website called Amerika, wrote: I am honoured to be so mentioned by someone who is clearly far braver than I, no comment on his methods, but he chose to act where many of us write, think and dream. The gallery has also hosted, Peter Brimelow, a high profile American anti-immigrant activist. He has been described as the new David Duke the former Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). Mr Brimelow founded website VDare, which the Southern Poverty Law Centre describe as a nonprofit that warns against the polluting of America by non-whites, Catholics, and Spanish-speaking immigrants. 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 Local activists, artists and academics will be protesting against the gallery on Saturday and handing out around 2,000 leaflets in the area in an attempt to make local people aware of the gallerys affinities. Andrew Osborne, who has played a key role in the campaign, told The Independent he was shocked to find out there was a hub of alt-right activity in one of the most ethnically diverse London neighbourhoods. Mr Osborne, a fine art technician at the Royal College of Art, claimed the gallery has leaked the identity of artists who exposed its activities to the far-right neo-Nazi website, Amerika. It immediately seemed liked the leaking of details had malicious intent and was very intimidatory," he said. "We also feel like it was something out of the alt-right playbook." But Lucia Diego, who runs the gallery, denied the allegation artist's details were leaked. "I made available a copy of a public thread on my website and many people copied or downloaded it including Amerika etc.," she told The Independent. Mr Osborne said that "the gallery has had a hidden programme for a while which has only more recently been revealed, adding: We think they were somewhat emboldened by Trump winning the presidency and they started to host these things more explicitly. Ms Diego said there was nothing secret about the conference and claimed the gallery sent invitations to their gallery subscribers. Recommended Milo Yiannopoulos to launch media company after Breirtbart resignation Nevertheless, this contradicts Mr Stevens comments on his blog, Amerika, where he says the neoreaction conference was hosted behind a veil of secrecy to prevent the usual suspects (Leftists and other neurotics) from attacking. Amerika, which is directly linked to on the gallerys main homepage, rejects the term Nazi, saying the best way to defeat leftists is to reject their terms. Mr Osborne suggests that while East London might seem like a bizarre place for such a gallery it plays into the trope of alt-right hipsters. Dalston seems like the right place if you want to build a cool platform, which is exactly what the alt-right is trying to do by re-branding classic neo-Nazism. He said quite a few artists he knew had exhibited there but always assumed the alt-right link was ironic. He voiced his concerns about the number of students who have looked around the gallery and said the silence in the art world had been deafening. The gallerys Twitter is private but Mr Osborne claims he has seen people responding to them who are on the alt-right. Gallery owner, Ms Diego, said in a statement published on the LD50 website that the programme was intended to create a dialogue between two different and contrasting ideologies and that the conferences audience was very liberal. Nevertheless, a recording of Mr Brimelows talk reveals many of the audience members who contributed to the discussion were sympathetic to his views. One even expressed their support for Mr Duke, a holocaust denier. Last week, Ms Diego described the left as more like a fascist organisation than the real fascists in a Facebook exchange with artist Sophie Jung which indicated her support for President Trump. Im not even sure if I disagree with the Muslim ban. I see it also as a temporary measure in order for America to get sorted while they transition to another form of government, Ms Diego said in their private conversation. 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 Ms Jung took a screen-shot and shared the statement on her Facebook page. "The Facebook thread in which artists discussed all these issues was made public by one of the artists in order to shame me publicly in front of everyone" Ms Deigo said. In a lengthy statement, Ms Diego defended the gallerys programme. She said: We feel that the exceptionally aggressive, militant and hyperbolic reaction this has provoked vindicates our suspicion that at some point, as a society, we have drifted into a cultural echo chamber. She added that the reaction of campaigners was evidence that those who disagreed with the left were publicly vilified, delegitimated and intimidated with menaces. She said: Our position has always been that the role of art is to provide a vehicle for the free exploration of ideas, even and perhaps especially where these are challenging, controversial or indeed distasteful for some individuals to contemplate." Mr Osborne said neighbours in the area had expressed their interest in the campaign event, which kicks off at 11 am in Dalston on Saturday. He said they had not contacted the police about the gallery because they were keen for it to be a community campaign. We think actually its a safety issue for the people of Dalston, he said. Details added (first version posted on 10:41) Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 Trend: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev participated in the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council Third Ministerial Meeting that kicked off in the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku Feb. 23. The meeting brought together the energy ministers and representatives of various organizations from the Southern Gas Corridor member-states, as well as Maros Sefcovic, vice-president for Energy Union, co-chair of SGC Advisory Council. Addressing the meeting, President Aliyev said that the event is attended by important guests from various countries. He noted that Azerbaijan has established close cooperation with the European Commission for the implementation of SGC project. We have been able to create a unique and exemplary format of international cooperation, said the president emphasizing that the implementation of SGC project is a very important factor for future ties. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Plans to build the UKs first retirement home for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people have been announced by Manchester City Council. There are currently 7,000 people over 50 that identify as LGBT, according to the authority and the number of over-65s is expected to rise in the next two decades. Heterosexual people would be welcome to stay in the accommodation, although the majority at least 51 per cent of residents will be belong to the LGBT community, the council said. Recommended British LGBT Awards shortlist includes leading activists and stars One report by the LGBT Foundation commissioned by the council found that older LGBT people were more likely than both their heterosexual peers and younger generations of LGBT people, to be single and to live alone. They were also less likely to have children and see their family regularly. More than 55 per cent of lesbian, gay and bisexual people surveyed by the LGBT foundation thought that their sexual orientation would have a negative impact on them as they aged. The new housing complex is set to be affordable, with specially trained staff based on site. No specific location, opening time or capacity has yet been announced It is imperative that we move now to create the housing necessary to support older people and meet demand before its too late, Bernard Priest, the council's deputy leader, said in a statement. This scheme will provide that support for group of people who would otherwise struggle to find the appropriate accommodation. 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 Councillor Bev Craig, the councils lead member for LGBT women, said: Prejudice and discrimination can be a real problem facing older LGBT people. People shouldn't have to face the prospect as they get older of being surrounded by people who may not accept their sexuality or gender identity. Older people should never feel isolated by who they are, or who they love. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Storm Doris has lashed the UK with winds of up to 94mph and brought heavy rain and snow, causing widespread travel disruption. The storm has left thousands without power and trees have crushed cars and blocked roads and railway lines. Meanwhile, the strong gusts of wind have caused dangerous flying conditions for pilots, resulting in some cancellations and hair-raising footage of difficult landings. Pilots battled to keep aircraft steady as they approached runways across the UK. At Leeds Bradford Airport one plane was seen being buffeted as it made a rough landing. The footage shows disquieting wobbles beset the craft as it comes in to land. Heathrow has flagged up around 80 flights as cancelled and is urging people to check the status of their flights before arriving at the airport. Planes take off from Manchester airport in windy conditions during Storm Doris The airport said the bad weather has resulted in at least 10 per cent of its flight schedule being reduced. Aer Lingus has cancelled 19 of 111 scheduled flights between the UK and the Republic of Ireland. 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 One woman has been killed after suffering head injuries from debris falling on a road in Wolverhampton. In Galway on the west coast of Ireland, wind speeds hit 87mph, while a 94mph gust was recorded in Snowdonia in north Wales. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A woman has been killed by a piece of debris blown into the street as a storm battered the UK with winds of up to 94mph. Storm Doris described by meteorologists as a "weather bomb" uprooted trees, grounded planes, caused chaos on the roads and forced the closure of the Port of Liverpool. Temperatures are set to plummet as the storm leaves an icy trail in its wake, but winds will drop as it moves out to the North Sea, said the Met Office. Recommended Storm Doris has grounded scores of planes and slowed many trains The unnamed victim was killed when an object said to be the "size of a coffee table" was blown into the street in Wolverhampton city centre. Passer-by Rebecca Davis, 40, a teacher from the city, saw medics trying to save the woman's life. She said the victim, who looked to be aged "between 20 and 30", appeared to have been hit by something looking like a piece of roof which had fallen off a building nearby. "I think the wind broke it and caused it to fall. I don't know if it was hit by something else or just the wind did it," she said. She added that while the woman had been hit "right outside Starbucks", it was unclear if the debris had fallen from the coffee shop or from a nearby building. The scene of the tragedy in Wolverhampton (Express & Star/YouTube) (Express & Star/ YouTube) "I don't think anyone else was hurt. It was a big piece about the size of a coffee table but I think it just hit her," she said. Starbucks said in statement: "We are shocked and saddened by this terrible incident. "We are supporting the police with their investigation and our store will remain closed until further notice." In pictures: Storm Doris hits the UK Show all 17 1 /17 In pictures: Storm Doris hits the UK In pictures: Storm Doris hits the UK A fallen tree brought down by high winds from Storm Doris lies across a main road in Isleworth in London, Britain Reuters In pictures: Storm Doris hits the UK Emergency personnel attend the scene in Cardinal Place, Victoria aftera man is thought to have been injured by a section of falling debris PA wire In pictures: Storm Doris hits the UK Commuters waiting at King's Cross Station in London, as flights have been cancelled and commuters were warned they faced delays after Storm Doris reached nearly 90mph on its way to batter Britain. PA wire In pictures: Storm Doris hits the UK A bin blown onto the tracks at Waterloo station in London, as flights have been cancelled and commuters were warned they faced delays after Storm Doris reached nearly 90mph on its way to batter Britain PA wire In pictures: Storm Doris hits the UK A car damaged by a tree which left two men injured, on the A49 north of Church Stretton in Shropshire PA wire In pictures: Storm Doris hits the UK The scene in Wolverhampton city center after a woman died when she was hit by a piece of roof the 'size of a coffee table' as Storm Doris has claimed its first victim PA wire In pictures: Storm Doris hits the UK A double decker bus blown onto its side by Storm Doris in Walton Highway near Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, as flights have been cancelled and commuters were warned they faced delays after Storm Doris reached nearly 90mph on its way to batter Britain PA wire In pictures: Storm Doris hits the UK A double decker bus blown onto its side by Storm Doris in Walton Highway near Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PA wire In pictures: Storm Doris hits the UK Spikes protude from a colourful umbrella as a woman struggles against the elements on the seafront at Seaham, in County Durham, north east England EPA In pictures: Storm Doris hits the UK ESB workers attend to power lines damaged by a fallen tree as allmost 46,000 Irish households woke up to no electricity after violent gusts battered large swathes of the country through the night PA wire In pictures: Storm Doris hits the UK A children's play area is crushed by fallen trees in Stoke-on Trent, as Storm Doris battered swathes of the country PA wire In pictures: Storm Doris hits the UK A plane comes in to land at Leeds Bradford Airport as flights have been cancelled and commuters were warned they faced delays after Storm Doris reached nearly 90mph on its way to batter Britain PA wire In pictures: Storm Doris hits the UK People make their way across Westminster Bridge while gusts of winds sweep across the capital in London EPA In pictures: Storm Doris hits the UK Queues outside Peterborough railway station after Storm Doris reached nearly 90mph on its way to batter Britain PA wire In pictures: Storm Doris hits the UK A tree which has fallen onto a van in St Anne's Road in Aigburth, Liverpool, as Storm Doris battered swathes of the country PA wire In pictures: Storm Doris hits the UK A rainbow over the Nottingham Wheel in the Old Market Square, as Storm Doris reached nearly 90mph on its way to batter Britain PA wire In pictures: Storm Doris hits the UK Waves crash over the lighthouse in Newhaven, East Sussex PA The Met Office said a top wind speed of 94mph was recorded in Capel Curig, North Wales, on Thursday morning. The storm is set to leave frost and wintry showers and a plunge in temperatures of 7C, reaching around 3C in the south and dropping to freezing in some cities overnight. Warnings of strong winds and heavy rain in North Wales, the Midlands, the East and the North West have also now been extended to include the London area. There were reports of trees felled by the winds across the country, with one trapping a man in a van on the A374 in Cornwall, and others collapsing on to houses in London and Wigan. As Doris hit, Peel Ports in Liverpool announced the city's port had been closed due to "100mph gusts of wind". The company said: "All operations are stood down for the safety of our employees, contractors and customers of the port." Network Rail said the violent weather had caused "significant disruption throughout the country", with an enforced speed limit on some lines. With fallen trees, objects caught in overhead wires, heavy rain, flooding and debris on the tracks causing delays across many services, a spokesman said employees are "doing all we can to keep the network running". Flights were also affected, with a Heathrow spokesman warning of a "10 per cent reduction" in the airport's schedule. A number of roads were closed including the M6 Thelwall Viaduct in both directions between junction 20 and 21 in the North West and the QE2 Bridge in Dartford, Kent. In Scotland snowfall saw the M80 closed in both directions, as well as schools shut and some ferry services cancelled. Up to 15cm (6 inches) of snow was expected to fall across parts of Scotland and north-east England, bringing treacherous, blizzard-like conditions. And in Ireland almost 46,000 households woke up to no electricity after violent gusts battered large swathes of the country throughout the night. Press Association contributed to this report Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} MPs have launched an investigation into a controversial benefits rollout that has punished the working poor. The Work and Pensions Committee launched an inquiry this week into Universal Credit after receiving compelling evidence. The new system was introduced in 2013 and is slowly replacing Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance, Working and Child Tax Credits and Housing Benefit. Recommended Minister who helped create Universal Credit leaves government While it promised to simplify the complex benefits system process, it prompted a fierce reaction. The Child Poverty Action Group claimed tens of thousands of low-paid working families could lose up to 200 per month when the first wave of changes came into play in April last year. University of York professor Peter Dwyer questioned why the government wanted to be associated with punishing the working poor? A Guardian investigation meanwhile claimed thousands were running up rent arrears and debts because of the minimum 42-day wait for a first payment. Labour MP Frank Field, the chair of the committee, said: Huge delays in people receiving payments from Universal Credit have resulted in claimants falling into debt and rent arrears, caused health problems and led to many having to rely on food banks. Universal Credit explained It is bad enough that UC has a built-in six-week wait between someone applying and them receiving their first payment, but we have heard that many have to wait much longer than this. The committee is encouraging people to share their experiences with Universal Credit, and submit written accounts, by 20 March. A first inquiry into Universal Credit, opened in December 2015 and its report published the following March, said the new system could be revolutionary and congratulated the Government for developing this innovation. But it also suggested there was a lack of preparation and said the Department for Work and Pensions will be learning on the job. Mr Field added: "We have therefore felt compelled to investigate UC yet again. We will examine what its impact is on claimants and those local bodies which deal with them, and what Government needs to do to ease the pressure on those worst affected." A DWP spokesman said: The best way to help people pay their rent is to help them into work, and under Universal Credit, people are moving into work faster and staying in work longer than under the old system. Our research shows that the majority of UC claimants are comfortable managing their budgets, and after four months the proportion of surveyed UC claimants who were in arrears fell by a third. We are aware there have been some issues as we roll out this full scale reform to the benefits system. However, by working with local authorities and landlords, were providing extra support to those claimants who need it and are sorting out any issues as quickly as possible. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Theresa Mays record as Home Secretary has been thrown into doubt over claims she weakened surveillance on an extremist who fled the country to become an Isis fighter and suicide bomber after his release from Guantanamo Bay. The Prime Ministers official spokesman refused to discuss whether monitoring of Jamal al-Harith had stopped in 2014, at which point Ms May had been running the Home Office for four years. But two ex-Labour home secretaries, David Blunkett and Jack Straw, attacked Ms Mays handling of terror suspects, including Harith. The 50-year-old suicide bomber is said to have received 1m, while Ms May was Home Secretary, from the Government in compensation for his detention at Guantanamo Bay. Isis has claimed Harith, born Ronald Fiddler in Manchester, blew himself up in an explosives-laden vehicle in a village south of Mosul. The terror group said there had been many casualties, though this has not been officially confirmed, and released a picture of a grinning Harith, who also went by the name Abu Zakariya al-Britani. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday took the unusual step of issuing a statement denying his administration had paid compensation to Harith, a claim made by a national newspaper, and pointing out that the money was handed over in 2010 under a Conservative government. With focus shifting on to Ms Mays tenure at the Home Office, her spokesman refused to answer questions on the matter at two separate briefings. Iraqi forces launch push to retake western Mosul from IS No 10 declined to comment on the compensation payments, whether they were necessary, if Ms May had agreed with them or tried to stop them. The spokesman also refused to say why the Prime Minister as Home Secretary had allowed Harith to travel to Syria. Ms Mays spokesman said to each question: It is an intelligence matter. He later added: It is being reported as a matter of fact about this man, but there is no independent confirmation of the identity of this man who is believed to be dead in Mosul. Lord Blunkett suggested in a statement that monitoring of the released Guantanamo detainees had stopped when Ms May was Home Secretary. He said: I am not aware as to the length of time such monitoring continued after I left the Home Office at the end of 2004. It is clear however that in 2010 under the new Coalition government, when the compensation awards were actually given, continuing contact and awareness of these individuals must have been present. What happened between then and 2014 is of course a matter of speculation that can only be answered by the present Government. Meanwhile Jack Straw followed up the attack, telling The Independent: One of the things that she [the Prime Minister] did do was weaken the ability of Government to keep terror suspects under effective surveillance. He pointed out that Ms May had abolished control orders introduced by Labour and replaced them with orders under the Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Act, known as TPIMs. While security officials confirmed that Harith and other Guantanamo detainees had been kept under surveillance after their release, they noted that the scale of it depended on the extent of the threat they posed to the public. One senior source said: There is a finite amount of resources and a valued judgement has to be made on how these resources are allocated. As far as I am aware there was no indication that he was involved in a terrorist plot in this country. Richard Barrett, the former head of counter-terrorism at MI6, said: This guy came out of Guantanamo Bay ten years before he left for Syria. That would be a hell of a long time to keep someone under close surveillance, almost impossible, and against his civil liberties. When he came back from Guantanamo Bay the assessment was made by the British and Australian services that he posed no threat and for the ten years that he was in the UK and maybe even for a period after that, he did not pose any direct threat to the British public in the way that we would understand it. Jamal al-Harith, a former inmate at Guantanamo Bay, gestures after his testimony to Europe's top human rights body in Paris in 2004 (AP) Mr Blair decided to make a statement on the matter after a news story in which a Tory MP attacked his flawed judgement over Harith, in particular citing the compensation paid to him. Hariths family have since denied that he received 1m in compensation, claiming the figure was a group settlement including costs for four innocent people including Jamal. The Manchester man was seized by American forces in Pakistan in 2001 before being sent to Guantanamo Bay, the US prison in Cuba for terrorist suspects. Interrogators found he provided useful information about the Talibans methods, and he was released after two years. He later joined Isis and is said to have blown himself up at an Iraqi army base in Mosul this week. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} An ex-home secretary has raised fears that a British suicide bomber handed up to 1m of taxpayers money paid to him in compensation to Isis. David Blunkett said the Government needed to be clear over whether restrictions on the money given to Jamal al-Harith had been robust enough to stop it getting into the hands of the extremist group which he eventually joined. The former Labour cabinet minister also repeated concerns over whether surveillance on Harith had been weakened in 2014 by then-Home Secretary Theresa May allowing him to flee to Syria, where Isis is waging a bloody war. Recommended May accused of letting Isis suicide bomber slip through the net Ms Mays spokesman has refused to answer questions on how Harith managed to slip through the net, or on whether Ms May approved of the compensation given to him in 2010, at the start of her tenure in the Home office. Mr Blunkett said: We need to examine whether the money laundering requirements in these cases have been robust enough, not because we know that any of this money has been transferred out of the country, but because we need to reassure people. He added: We need a logical and rational response and I hope that the Government will give that, because they havent over the last 24 hours. Harith, 50 when he died, is said to have received 1m while Ms May was Home Secretary, from the Government in compensation for his detention at Guantanamo Bay. Isis has claimed the bomber, born Ronald Fiddler in Manchester, blew himself up in an explosives-laden vehicle in a village south of Mosul. Islamic State video purports to show fighting in Mosul The terror group said there had been many casualties, though this has not been officially confirmed, and released a picture of a grinning Harith, who also went by the name Abu Zakariya al-Britani. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday took the unusual step of issuing a statement denying his administration had paid compensation to Harith, a claim made by a national newspaper, and pointing out that the money was handed over in 2010 under a Conservative government. With focus shifting on to Ms Mays tenure at the Home Office, her spokesman refused to answer questions on the matter at two separate briefings. No 10 declined to comment on the compensation payments, whether they were necessary, if Ms May had agreed with them or tried to stop them. The spokesman also refused to say why the Prime Minister as Home Secretary had allowed Harith to travel to Syria. Ms Mays spokesman said to each question: It is an intelligence matter. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Ministers acted on Thursday to limit the fallout over fears that a British suicide bomber handed Isis up to 1m of taxpayers money paid to him by government in compensation. Security minister Ben Wallace told the House of Commons he would ensure any agreements relating to the pay-outs to Jamal al-Harith and others are monitored correctly, with attempts made to recover money in the event of a breach. Earlier in the day ex-home secretary David Blunkett said the Government needed to be clear over whether restrictions on the money had been robust enough to stop it getting into the hands of the extremist group Harith eventually joined. The situation has called into question Theresa Mays record as Home Secretary, given that Harith was both paid the money and allowed to flee to Syria on her watch. Recommended May accused of letting Isis suicide bomber slip through the net Speaking to MPs on Thursday Mr Wallace replied: I will go from here and make sure that where we have legally binding agreements that they are correctly monitored and where there is a breach, we shall recover any monies we can. A civil case with Harith and other former detainees alleging ill treatment by MI6 while they were being held by the Americans at Guantanamo Bay was settled by David Cameron's coalition government in 2010. It has been claimed Harith, previously known as Ronald Fiddler before converting to Islam, received 1m compensation a sum denied by his family. Conservative Philip Davies said taxpayers had been ripped off as he criticised those who celebrated the release of Harith, who was reportedly killed in an Isis suicide bomb attack in Iraq. 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 Ms Mays spokesman has until now refused to answer questions on how Harith managed to slip through the net, or on whether Ms May approved of the compensation given to him in 2010, at the start of her tenure in the Home Office. Mr Blunkett said on Thursday morning: We need to examine whether the money laundering requirements in these cases have been robust enough, not because we know that any of this money has been transferred out of the country, but because we need to reassure people. He added: We need a logical and rational response and I hope that the Government will give that, because they havent over the last 24 hours. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A Conservative MP has caused anger after she urged people to stop being so sentimental about Syrian refugees fleeing the conflict to Europe. Pauline Latham, the MP for Mid Derbyshire, said that Syrian refugees who had made it to Europe were not under threat and were in safe countries. She said taking in refugees was acting as pull factor and that it would be best for them to stay in their home region. The comments, which the MP later said were "misconstrued" and a "poor choice of words", came in a debate in the House of Commons about the Governments closure of the Dubs scheme on child refugees. The Government had been expected to take 3,000 unaccompanied child refugees in from camps in Europe but instead closed the scheme after 350. Ministers said they believe the scheme was acting as an incentive for children to travel to Europe as refugees. Ms Latham said that reported poor conditions in the camps, such as rat infestation, were not a matter for the UK. We do need to provide as much as we can to keep the people in the [Middle East] region because what most Syrians want to do is to go home once it is safe to do so. If theyve come here they will not be able to go home as easily, she told MPs. I would like to say that although I understand the sentiments of what people say we should stop being so sentimental and we should actually be looking at what the best thing to do for these families and children [is] which is to keep them in the region and thats what this government are doing. The MPs comments elicited shouts of anger from other MPs in the chamber. SNP Chris Law, who was speaking straight after Ms Latham said he was shocked, actually, to hear the last comments about sentimentality. Many children in Greece find themselves in detention centres where theyre made to sleep in crowded, dirty, rat infested cells, often without mattresses and are deprived of basic sanitation and privacy, he said. It is reported that some boys are even turning to prostitution to keep themselves alive. If I am sentimental for bringing this up then I am very proud to be so because these are some of the basic facts. Ms Latham interjected to respond: If were talking about Greece and being rat infested and no mattresses, whose fault is that? Thats Greeces fault and they should be helping those children. Mr Law replied: A simple fact of the matter: the world is a small place and we all belong in it. Chris Law said he was proud to be branded sentimental (House of Commons) Labour MP Stella Creasy said Ms Latham should tell herself whatever [she] has to tell herself to sleep at night. The member of mid Derbyshire talks about other countries and their responsibilities she is right, I agree with her, France, Greece, Italy, we should all be doing more. But because one country is not doing enough does not absolve us of doing our bit we could do, and that is the problem, she argued. She later added: Whatever the member for mid Derbyshire has to tell herself to sleep at night about this issue, let her tell herself that. Stella Creasy called on MPs to reject Ms Lathams comments (House of Commons) Let us not as a house decry these children but stand up for them, because that is the best tradition, that is what will keep them safe and that is what will do justice to this House and this country. Ms Latham said in a statement issued after the debate that her comments had been misconstrued. She added that she had used a poor choice of words. "I fear I have been misconstrued in my speech today. I claimed we must think logically and not sentimentally in order to do what is best for the children. As I stated, 'we should stop being so sentimental and we should actually be looking at what the best thing to do [is] for these families and children'," she said. "I admit this was not the best choice of words from me, and what I meant is that we should analyse the issue objectively to provide the most useful help and ensure the greatest level of safety for the children, not that we should not care. I visited a Jordanian refugee camp out of concern for refugees, not a lack of it." In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea Show all 7 1 /7 In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A baby being taken on to MSF's Bourbon Argos ship from a boat carrying 130 migrants and refugees Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A refugee boat carrying 101 people being rescued by MSF's Bourbon Argos Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A refugee boat carrying 101 people being rescued by MSF's Bourbon Argos all images by Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A baby among refugees on a boat carrying 185 people off the coast of Libya Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea Migrants and refugees sleeping after being rescued by MSF's Bourbon Argos ship Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A crew from MSF's Bourbon Argos ship rescuing a boat carrying 130 migrants and refugees off the coast of Libya, at sunrise Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A woman in a stretcher being lifted onto MSF's Bourbon Argos ship from a boat carrying 130 migrants and refugees off the coast of Libya Lizzie Dearden In the debate on Thursday, MPs from all parties including the Conservatives were critical of the Governments early closure of the scheme. On Wednesday, charity representatives told MPs on the Home Affairs Select Committee that people traffickers were likely to benefit from a 20m windfall due to the closure of the scheme as children turned to illegal means of getting to the UK. Others warned of severe confusion on the ground among the children over what the UKs policy was. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Michael Gove has revealed he believes clearly narcissistic Donald Trump will not win a second term in office in the White House. The ex-Cabinet minister who interviewed the President said he believed Mr Trumps ego and determination to succeed would mean he would fight through to the next election, before losing to the Democrats. He made the comments in an interview with Christian Today, in which he also slates Mr Trumps infamous travel ban as sectarian and inconsistent. The former education secretary also reveals he has not spoken to David Cameron since the leadership contest, which saw the implosion of Mr Goves political career, and admits he should not have stood as a candidate in the first place. The Tory MP made headlines round the world with his interview with Mr Trump, but giving his view on whether the President has the character to see through his term in office, he said: On the one hand he is someone who is clearly narcissistic or egotistical enough to want to be seen as a success, and therefore he'll want to show his critics that he can meet this challenge. Trump attacks media during rally On the other hand though there is just a sheer unpredictability about the way in which he sometimes responds to events, that it would be impossible I think to predict with accuracy. My hunch is that he will see through this term and then he will lose the next election. Knowing that he might lose, he might find some means of quitting while he thinks he is ahead, though I suspect that his ego will mean he will both want to see what he can do in office and he will believe that he can prevail against whoever the Democrat opponent is. The erstwhile leadership hopeful stepped back into the spotlight as a journalist when he won the first interview with Mr Trump for any foreign writer. With his piece commissioned by The Times, Mr Gove did not confirm or deny media mogul Rupert Murdoch's presence at the interview with the US President, saying: I think its entirely fair for people to make a set of conclusions or assumptions about that. I won't comment on them if you don't mind ... I haven't said anything about it at this stage. But Mr Gove also shed new light on the fall-out from the leadership contest in which he politically knifed Boris Johnson after initially supporting his bid, and the referendum in which he abandoned his friend Mr Cameron to campaign to Leave the EU. He said: With the benefit of hindsight, I should have not been so quick to say that I was going to support Boris in the first place and probably should never have run myself. But anyway, after what happened, I think probably the right result for the country emerged. Mr Gove confirmed that he has spoken to Mr Johnson since the contest, but adds: David the opportunity hasn't arisen, and my view is that...what's the right thing to say? Yes, I think David was a great prime minister, I think he achieved a great deal. I think he has every right to feel that the way in which things turned out in the end give him the right to feel, well, you know, I didn't necessarily get the recognition or the appreciation that everything I have put into this job necessarily deserves. So my view is that I entirely respect his right to have left Parliament, devote himself to other causes outside Parliament, and make judgments himself about how he spends his time and who he talks to and I don't make any criticism. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Four in every 10 European doctors working in Britain are considering leaving the UK following the Brexit vote, a new survey has found. The British Medical Association (BMA) polled 1,193 doctors from the European Economic Area working in the UK and found 42 per cent are thinking of leaving the country, with a further 23 per cent unsure. Among NHS staff in England, 59,796 are from the European Union, according to NHS Digital, including 10,267 doctors around 6.6 per cent of the UK medical workforce. Dr Mark Porter, the BMAs chairman of council, said many doctors from the EU felt unwelcome and uncertain about whether they and their families will have the right to live and work in the UK after Brexit. He warned that an exodus of European staff could spell disaster for the NHS when it is already at breaking point and facing crippling staff shortages. These are the people who staff our hospitals and GP surgeries, look after vulnerable patients in the community, and conduct vital medical research to help save lives, said Dr Porter. Many have dedicated years of service to healthcare in the UK, so its extremely concerning that so many are considering leaving. The numbers behind the NHS crisis European doctors told the BMA they felt less committed to working in the UK due to the result of the EU referendum, and said they felt less appreciated by the Government since the vote. Before the referendum, European doctors rated how appreciated they felt by the UK Government at seven out of 10. After the Brexit vote, this dropped to four out of 10. Dr Porter called on Theresa May to ensure long-term stability across the healthcare system by providing certainty to medical professionals from the EU about their future in the UK. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said the NHS should train and hire more British doctors after the country leaves the EU and has pledged to increase the number of medical school places by 25 per cent from 2018. I think people will ask whether it is right when we are turning away bright British youngsters from medical school who might get three A* [at A-level] but still cant get in at the same time we are importing people from all over the world, he told the Mail on Sunday. West Sussex GP Dr Birgit Woolley, originally from Germany, has worked in the UK for two decades but said the Brexit vote had left her increasingly uncertain about her future in Britain. It is unsettling that in a country that I have contributed to for 20 years and consider home, I am now seen as a foreigner and have to prove that I deserve to live and work here, she said adding that she was considering a move back to Germany. I feel supported by my patients, with even those that voted leave telling me, 'You can stay because you're a doctor. We like you. We didn't mean you.' But the reality is that the government does not appreciate what EU nationals like me have contributed to the UK and only sees us as bargaining chips. Brexit racism and the fightback Show all 9 1 /9 Brexit racism and the fightback Brexit racism and the fightback Demonstrators protest against an increase in post-ref racism at London's March for Europe in July 2016 PA Brexit racism and the fightback These cards were found near a school in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, the day after the EU referendum Twitter/@howgilb Brexit racism and the fightback Getty Brexit racism and the fightback Romford, Essex, June 25 @diamondgeezer Brexit racism and the fightback A worker at this Romanian food shop was asleep upstairs at the time of this arson attack in Norwich on July 8, but escaped unharmed. Hundreds later participated in a love bombing rally outside the shop to express their opposition to racism and their support of the shop owners. JustGiving/Helen Linehan Brexit racism and the fightback This neo-Nazi sticker was spotted in Glasgow on June 26 Courtesy of Eoin Palmer Brexit racism and the fightback But after news emerged of neo-Nazi stickers appearing in Glasgow, some in the city struck back with slogans of their own. Courtesy of Eoin Palmer Brexit racism and the fightback Getty Brexit racism and the fightback More signs began to appear in some parts of the UK, created by people who wanted to show their opposition to post-referendum racism Courtesy of Bernadette Russell Commenting on the survey, Professor Jane Dacre, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said: The Government, the NHS and the public need to value and support all NHS staff, wherever they are from. Currently a quarter of NHS doctors are from overseas, and the NHS has benefited from their talents, abilities and commitment to working with us in the UK we must continue to support them, despite the insecurity caused by the Brexit situation. A Department of Health spokesperson said: As the Government has repeatedly made clear, overseas workers form a crucial part of our NHS and we value their contribution immensely. We want to see the outstanding work of doctors and nurses who are already trained overseas continue, but at the same time we have been very clear that we want to give more domestic students the chance to be doctors, given the enduring popularity of this as a career. Details added (first version posted on 10:41) Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 Trend: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev participated in the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council Third Ministerial Meeting that kicked off in the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku Feb. 23. The meeting brought together the energy ministers and representatives of various organizations from the Southern Gas Corridor member-states, as well as Maros Sefcovic, vice-president for Energy Union, co-chair of SGC Advisory Council. Addressing the meeting, President Aliyev said that the event is attended by important guests from various countries. He noted that Azerbaijan has established close cooperation with the European Commission for the implementation of SGC project. We have been able to create a unique and exemplary format of international cooperation, said the president emphasizing that the implementation of SGC project is a very important factor for future ties. Speaking about the energy policy of Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev noted that the Contract of the Century signed in 1994 has played a significant role in the implementation of future energy projects. He said that the achievements of modern Azerbaijan have become possible thanks to this contract. Emphasizing the importance of the Shah Deniz gas field in the implementation of SGC project, the president said that the capacities of this field play an important role in the popularization of Azerbaijan as a country with huge gas reserves. The head of the state noted the importance of regional cooperation under this project and gave examples of energy corridors implemented by Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey over the years. Stating the significance of an agreement signed several years ago between Azerbaijan and Turkey on the implementation of TANAP project, as well as the Trans Adriatic Pipeline project in effectuating the Southern Gas Corridor, President Aliyev noted that such meetings have a special role in the timely and qualitative implementation of the project. The president spoke about the advancements achieved since the last years meeting, noting that Shah Deniz-2 project has been implemented by 90 percent. Furthermore, important achievements have been observed with regard to TANAP and TAP projects. He added that the development of Azerbaijans Absheron gas field has commenced, which shows that the countrys gas potential is not limited to Shah Deniz. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Jamal al-Harith, the former Guantanamo Bay inmate who carried out a suicide attack in Mosul, travelled from Britain to join Isis at a time when Theresa May was claiming success in efforts to block the jihadi trail to Syria. Speaking in November 2014, Ms May declared: Since I became Home Secretary... I have revoked the British citizenship of 27 people because their activities were not conducive to the public good, the overwhelming majority because of terrorist activities. "And since I updated the criteria for using the royal prerogative in April 2013, I have refused or cancelled 29 passports to disrupt the travel of people planning to engage in terrorist-related activity overseas. But Harith was able to slip out of the country, join Isis and become one of its fighters in April 2014, a full year after the royal prerogative security initiative Ms May had claimed credit for. And, it has subsequently emerged, Hariths wife, Shukee Begum, along with their five children, also joined her husband in Syria in 2015 before returning to England. Current and past security officials wanted to stress that Harith, a Muslim convert born Ronald Fiddler, had returned to Britain a from Guantanamo Bay a decade ago and had not taken part in any terrorist plots in this country before going to Syria. It appeared that he had used some of the compensation he received from the British Government said to be 1m to settle into a life away from Islamist extremism. These circumstances, they hold, mean that the spending of tightly stretched resources on close surveillance on him could not be justified. And indeed, subjecting him to that treatment could have been viewed as harassment. Isis posted a picture purporting to be of Harith grinning in a bomb-laden car shortly before the attack Richard Barrett, the former head of counter-terrorism at MI6, said: The assessment was made by the British services that he posed no direct threat for the 10 years that he was in the UK to the British public. "That would be a hell of a long time to keep someone under close surveillance, almost impossible I would have thought, and against his civil liberties, for that matter. However, Harith, with his background of time spent in Afghanistan and Pakistan and his supposed knowledge about the Taliban information that the American authorities claim he traded in return for his release after two years should have been on the watch-list for those travelling in and out of the country. As the uprising against Bashar al-Assad gained strength across Syria, so did the flow of foreign jihadis across the Turkish border. Going into Syria to report on conflict with the help of smugglers, we journalists would see cars, and, at times, busloads of young men making the journey with the seeming connivance of Turkish authorities. At the time David Cameron was among the international leaders crying Assad must go and the rebels were receiving support from Western as well as regional Sunni states.. But pressure grew on Saudi Arabia and Qatar to halt funds from their countries going to Isis and the al-Qaeda-linked Jabhat al-Nusra as the groups began carrying out atrocities, and there was increasing alarm about the numbers of young Muslims from the West joining the extremist groups among the rebels. The 10 developed countries suffering the most deaths from terrorism Show all 10 1 /10 The 10 developed countries suffering the most deaths from terrorism The 10 developed countries suffering the most deaths from terrorism 10: Greece AP The 10 developed countries suffering the most deaths from terrorism 9: Denmark Shutterstock The 10 developed countries suffering the most deaths from terrorism 8: Austalia Getty Images The 10 developed countries suffering the most deaths from terrorism 7: Sweden Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.se The 10 developed countries suffering the most deaths from terrorism 6: Mexico Reuters The 10 developed countries suffering the most deaths from terrorism 5: Germany Anthony Faiola/The Washington Post The 10 developed countries suffering the most deaths from terrorism 4: Israel AP The 10 developed countries suffering the most deaths from terrorism 3: US Getty The 10 developed countries suffering the most deaths from terrorism 2: France Getty The 10 developed countries suffering the most deaths from terrorism 1: Turkey AP There was a rising number of British nationals among the European jihadi contingent and, in response to the charge that they were not doing enough to stop them crossing the border, the Turks claimed that London often failed to provide adequate information and in enough time for them to act. In addition, there was also criticism from other quarters about the performance of the UK authorities on this issue. This was strongly denied by the Cameron Government and Ms Mays November 2014 speech was one of a series that sought to illustrate how it was being tough on terrorism. I have excluded hundreds of people in total from Britain, she said. I have excluded 61 people on national security grounds and 72 people because their presence here would not have been conducive to the public good. "In total, I have excluded 84 hate preachers, 74 organisations are at present proscribed because they are engaged in or support terrorism. But while stopping extremists from coming into Britain may well have prevented more attempted attacks in this country, the exporting of jihadis from here continued. It is unclear how Harith organised his Syrian trip, but according to reports it was done through the internet the same medium used by others since to make the journey there. The security and intelligence services have, it is claimed, been slow in recognising cyber threat posed by Islamists, although substantial resources are now being put into the field, including the opening this month of the National Cyber Security Centre in London. Jamal al-Harith, a former inmate at Guantanamo Bay, gestures after his testimony to Europe's top human rights body in Paris in 2004 (AP) The traffic in those wanting to join Isis from the UK and the West has dwindled, mainly due to the large numbers of their fighters being killed in Syria and Iraq. There is certainly a dropping-off in numbers; but this may just mean the violence will be elsewhere, was the view of Robert Emerson, a security analyst. Groups like Daesh [Isis] can still indoctrinate and instigate attacks on the internet and we know that they are asking their followers to carry out attacks at home rather than go to the Middle East. So there is the real danger is that the next Jamal al-Harith will not seek to travel, but carry out his bombing in this country. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The long-running Conservative proposal for a British Bill of Rights has once again been shelved for several more years. The policy, which proposes a legal document to replace the Human Rights Act, was originally floated before the 2010 election by David Cameron. Liz Truss, the Justice Secretary, has now, however, confirmed that the Government will again delay looking at creating such a Bill until after Brexit, which is unlikely to take place until 2019. Another general election is also due in 2020. The 2010 Coalition agreement said the Government would investigate the creation of the new bill. But in 2012, a commission set by the Government failed to reach unanimous conclusions and the idea was kicked into the long grass. The proposal was resurrected before the 2015 general election and Mr Camerons majority Conservative government said it was committed to the idea but consistently refused to publish a timescale. Now the plan has been delayed again because the Government wants to only do one constitutional reform at a time. Ms Truss said in an interview with Parliaments The House magazine: Given that we are leaving the European Union and we will have the Great Repeal Bill going through Parliament, clearly that is going to signify a major constitutional change. So the British Bill of Rights, whilst it remains a commitment, is not something we can do at the same time as we are putting through that Great Repeal Bill. That is going to affect the constitution. Its important we only do one constitutional reform at a time. Ms Trusss announcement confirms reports that Downing Street sources believed the Government currently has too much on its plate to implement the bill. In April last year, Theresa May, then Home Secretary, said Britain should withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights, arguing that it adds nothing to our prosperity. Human rights attacks around the world Show all 10 1 /10 Human rights attacks around the world Human rights attacks around the world China Escalating crackdown against human rights activists including mass arrests of lawyers and a series of sweeping laws in the name of national security. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Egypt The arrest of thousands, including peaceful critics, in a ruthless crackdown in the name of national security, the prolonged detention of hundreds without charge or trial and the sentencing of hundreds of others to death. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Gambia Torture, enforced disappearances and the criminalisation of LGBTI people; and utter refusal to co-operate with the UN and regional human rights mechanisms on issues including freedom of expression, enforced disappearance and the death penalty. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Hungary Sealing off its borders to thousands of refugees in dire need; and obstructing collective regional attempts to help them. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Israel Maintaining its military blockade of Gaza and therefore collective punishment of the 1.8 million inhabitants there, as well as failing, like Palestine, to comply with a UN call to conduct credible investigations into war crimes committed during the 2014 Gaza conflict. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Kenya Extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances and discrimination against refugees in its counter-terrorism operations; and attempts to undermine the International Criminal Court and its ability to pursue justice. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Pakistan The severe human rights failings of its response to the horrific Peshawar school massacre including its relentless use of the death penalty; and its policy on international NGOs giving authorities the power to monitor them and close them down if they are considered to be against the interests of the country. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Russia Repressive use of vague national security and anti-extremism legislation and its concerted attempts to silence civil society in the country; its shameful refusal to acknowledge civilian killings in Syria and its callous moves to block Security Council action on Syria. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Saudi Arabia Brutally cracking down on those who dared to advocate reform or criticise the authorities; and committing war crimes in the bombing campaign it has led in Yemen (pictured) while obstructing the establishment of a UN-led inquiry into violations by all sides in the conflict. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Syria Killing thousands of civilians in direct and indiscriminate attacks with barrel bombs and other weaponry and through acts of torture in detention; and enforcing lengthy sieges of civilian areas, blocking international aid from reaching starving civilians. Getty Images The Human Rights Act, which a British Bill of Rights would replace, enshrines the ECHR rights into British law and extends their applicability to all public authorities, such as the police. In December, it was reported that Ms May would fight the 2020 election on withdrawing from the convention. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A minister has claimed the government ended its resettlement scheme for child refugees because it was incentivising people to take dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean. The government was intensely criticised when it announced two weeks ago that it would be closing its scheme, brought in under via the Dubs Amendment, having provided homes for 350 unaccompanied child refugees, far below the 3,000 indicated by government sources. Immigration Minister Robert Goodwill told the House of Commons: "The whole point of the Government's approach is to help people in the region to prevent them making that perilous journey. "In the majority of cases these aren't orphan children, these are children whose parents are sending them forward into a very hazardous journey. "And indeed, one looks at the mortality in the Mediterranean where those children make that journey, pull factors - I've got to say - encourage people to make those journeys and many people sadly end in a watery grave." Labours Alison McGovern said the government had slammed shut the door on the worlds most vulnerable children. The Dubs Amendment was introduced in the House of Lords by Alfred Dubs, a Czech Jew whose family fled to Britain in the 1930s. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A car bomb has exploded in the Malian town of Kidal, killing at least two UN peacekeepers. The attack has destroyed the Malian Solidarity Bank, the only operating bank in the town, and set fire to a UN armoured vehicle. At least three people are known to have been wounded in the blast. A spokesperson for the United Nations peacekeeping mission has confirmed that two UN peacekeepers have been killed in the blast. An anonymous intelligence officer in northern Mali said that the dead included two Senegalese peacekeeping troops. A statement from the UN peacekeeping mission confirmed: "The explosion caused the death of two Senegalese blue helmets and also caused a number of serious injuries among the ranks of the Malian national guard and MINUSMA." Eye-witnesses said that a car packed with explosives parked in front of the bank, guarded by UN peacekeeping troops, before being detonated by a suicide bomber. The bank building collapsed after the explosion at around 0645 local time (GMT), prompting fears of more casualties inside. Resident Ibrahim Maiga said: A vehicle in front of the bank is in flames after the explosion. There is a huge amount of bank smoke in the sky hanging over the town. The attack comes two weeks after separatist Tuareg rebels ended a five-month ceasefire with the Malian military. They began their rebellion in 2011, demanding an independent homeland called Azawad. After being deployed in January, French troops defeated Islamist rebels in northern Mali, but insurgent attacks have continued. The French-led offensive succeeded in scattering the al Qaeda-linked fighters across Mali and into neighbouring countries. However, the country has seen an increase in rebel operations in recent months, with attacks on UN peacekeepers and the deaths of two French journalists last month. Kidal was seized by the Tuaregs after a French offensive drove Islamists out of the town. Since then, a peace pact made in June allowed the army to return. The rebels are still inside the town, but have to return to their barracks under the supervision of UN peacekeepers, stop carrying arms in public and dismantle all roadblocks. The recent increase in attacks has increased concerns for the stability of the region. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Police may be given power to arrest anyone involved in a peaceful demonstration that is merely suspected of turning violent. Republican senators in Arizona voted for SB1142 this week, which proposes expanding the states racketeering laws to also include rioting. It will permit police to arrest people who are at least involved in planning a protest. Wouldnt you rather stop a riot before it starts? asked former police officer and Senator John Kavanagh during the debate, according to the Capitol Times. Do you really want to wait until people are injuring each other, throwing Molotov cocktails, picking up barricades and smashing them through businesses in downtown Phoenix? You now have a situation where you have full-time, almost professional agent-provocateurs that attempt to create public disorder. A lot of them are ideologues, some of them are anarchists. But this stuff is all planned. Fellow Republican Senator Sylvia Allen added: I have been heartsick with whats been going on in our country, what young people are being encouraged to do. Protests call for stricter gun-control laws in Washington DC Show all 12 1 /12 Protests call for stricter gun-control laws in Washington DC Protests call for stricter gun-control laws in Washington DC Protesters hold up signs and flags to show solidarity with House Democrats after they staged a sit in over gun-control laws on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on June 23. 2016. Andrew Caballero/AFP/Getty Images Protests call for stricter gun-control laws in Washington DC A lone protester wears tape printed with the U.S. flag on her mouth while attending an open hearing of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence where intelligence chiefs, including Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, testified at the U.S. Capitol February 25, 2016 in Washington, DC. Clapper said that the group known as the Islamic State, or ISIS, has become a greater global threat than al-Qaida ever was. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Protests call for stricter gun-control laws in Washington DC U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) waves to supporters along with House Democrats after their sit-in over gun-control law on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., June 23, 2016. Yuri Gripas/Reuters Protests call for stricter gun-control laws in Washington DC Supporters of House Democrats taking part in a sit-in on the House Chamber shout encouragement from outside the U.S. Capitol on June 22, 2016 in Washington, DC. Led by civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) Democrats, have maintained control of the House chamber since this morning demanding a vote on gun control legislation. Pete Marovich/Getty Protests call for stricter gun-control laws in Washington DC U.S. House Democrats walk out on the East Front on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., after their sit-in over gun-control law, June 23, 2016. Yuri Gripas/Reuters Protests call for stricter gun-control laws in Washington DC A poster for the gun-control law support is left on the ground on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., June 23, 2016. Yuri Gripas/Reuters Protests call for stricter gun-control laws in Washington DC U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) (R) applauds as Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) (L) waves to supporters along with House Democrats after their sit-in over gun-control law on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., June 23, 2016. Yuri Gripas/Reuters Protests call for stricter gun-control laws in Washington DC Supporters of House Democrats taking part in a sit-in on the House Chamber shout encouragement from outside the U.S. Capitol on June 22, 2016 in Washington, DC. Led by civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) Democrats have maintained control of the House chamber since this morning demanding a vote on gun control legislation. Pete Marovich/Getty Protests call for stricter gun-control laws in Washington DC U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) (R) and Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC) (L) walk out with House Democrats on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., after their sit-in over gun-control law, June 23, 2016. Yuri Gripas/Reuters Protests call for stricter gun-control laws in Washington DC U.S. House Democrats walk out on the East Front on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., after their sit-in over gun-control law, June 23, 2016. Yuri Gripas/Reuters Protests call for stricter gun-control laws in Washington DC U.S. House Democrats walk out on the East Front on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., after their sit-in over gun-control law, June 23, 2016. Yuri Gripas/Reuters Protests call for stricter gun-control laws in Washington DC Protesters hold up signs and flags to show solidarity with House Democrats after they staged a sit in over gun-control laws on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on June 23. 2016. Andrew Caballero/AFP/Getty Images Americans have recently protested after a Los Angeles police officer fired his gun while surrounded by teenagers. Police also made arrests when 75 demonstrators refused to leave a Dakota Access pipeline protest camp. Many of the 230 protesters arrested during Donald Trumps inauguration last month, some who faced charges of felony rioting, claimed they had done nothing wrong. Democrats in Arizona accused their rival politicians of trying to stifle First Amendment rights, and pointed out there were already laws criminalising actual rioting. Senator Steve Farley said: [It] will have a chilling effect on anybody, right or left, who wants to protest something the government has done. Republicans voted by 17 to the Democrats' 13 in favour of the bill on Wednesday. It will now go to the House of Representatives for approval. The Independent has contacted Arizona GOP chairman Jonathan Lines for further comment. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A prominent activist associated with a central pro-Palestine movement was behind a crowdfunding campaign for a vandalised Jewish cemetery that has raised tens of thousands of dollars, it has emerged. Linda Sarsour a Palestinian-American Muslim rights campaigner who has spoken in support of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) action group co-founded the fund after more than 100 headstones in Missouri's 123-year-old Chesed Shel Emeth graveyard were toppled. The damage to the ancient cemetery came amid reports that 11 Jewish community centres across the US had received hoax bomb threats. Linda Sarsour speaks onstage during the Women's March on Washington on January 21, 2017 in Washington, DC (Getty) Ms Sarsour, along with fellow activist Tarek el-Messidi, started a fund that has raised over $110,000 (88,200) far exceeding its initial $20,000 (16,000) target to repair the damage. "Through this campaign, we hope to send a united message from the Jewish and Muslim communities that there is no place for this type of hate, desecration, and violence in America," they wrote. "We pray that this restores a sense of security and peace to the Jewish-American community who has undoubtedly been shaken by this event." The organisers said any of the money not spent on the cemetery would go towards other Jewish sites that had been vandalised. In an interview with Haaretz, Ms Sarsour she was a critic of the State of Israel. I always will be. I have come out in full support of BDS. She told the paper she supported former Bernie Sanders to become the Democrats nominee for President because he was a candidate who sees the humanity of the Palestinian people, because I am Palestinian. Ms Sarsour co-organised the Women's March on Washington DC in January, one of hundreds of international demonstrations against misogyny after Donald Trump entered the White House. Since an apparent surge in anti-Semitism in the US, other Muslim groups have offered their support to American Jews, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which has offered a $5,000 (4,100) reward in exchange for information about the bomb threats made against the Jewish centres. It is the duty of American Muslims to offer support to the Jewish community and any minority group targeted in the recent spike in hate crimes nationwide," CAIR national executive director Nihad Awad said. We hope this reward will aid in the swift apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrators. 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 Donald Trump spoke against anti-Semitism on Tuesday. Anti-semitism is horrible, and its going to stop, he said. He added that anti-Semitism was age-old, and theres something going on that doesnt fully allow it to heal. Sometimes it gets better and then it busts apart. But we want to have it get very much better, get unified and stay together," he said. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Education Secretary Betsy DeVos slammed former President Barack Obamas guidelines protecting transgender students from discrimination at public schools as government overreach. Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, Ms DeVos said she supported President Donald Trumps action this week rescinding Mr Obamas anti-discrimination directive. This issue was a very huge example of the Obama administrations overreach to suggest a one-size-fits-all, federal-government approach, top-down approach to issues best dealt with at a personal level, at a local level, she said. The Trump administration announced Wednesday evening their directive that orders US public schools to disregard the Obama administrations guidelines, which said that preventing transgender students from using bathrooms that aligned with their gender identities violated the Title IX anti-discrimination law. Earlier reports indicated that the billionaire Republican-party donor was at odds with Attorney General Jeff Sessions. She later issued a statement in support of the Trump administrations directive. This is an issue best solved at the state and local level, she said. Schools, communities, and families can find and in many cases have found solutions that protect all students. 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 At CPAC, she echoed that sentiment. Its our job to protect students and to do that to the fullest extent that we can and also provide students, parents, and teachers with more flexibility about how education is delivered and how education is experienced; and to protect and preserve personal freedoms, she said. Marisa Keisling, the executive director of the National Centre for Transgender Equality, condemned the Trump administrations actions as a mean-spirited attack on hundreds of thousands of transgender students. This administrations action sends a harmful message to transgender young people that their government does not support them, and that it is fine to single out those who are different, Ms Keisling said. That message is sure to empower bullies. But it does not change the legal and moral duty of schools to support all students. Ms DeVos, 59, has worked for more than two decades promoting charter schools and school voucher programmes in Michigan and other states. She has earned criticism from LGBTQ groups for donations made to the conservative Christian group, Focus on the Family, which has pushed efforts to change sexual orientation or gender identity commonly referred to as conversion therapy. I have never believed in that, Ms DeVos said during her confirmation testimony. She added that she fully embrace[s] equality and that all students, no matter their age, should be able to attend a school and feel safe, and be free of discrimination. She faced intense opposition during the Senate confirmation process, barely earning enough votes to make it to President Trumps Cabinet. Two Republican senators broke with their party and voted against Ms DeVos. With the Senate deadlocked at 50-50, Vice President Mike Pence had to cast the tie-breaking vote. Despite her historically narrow confirmation to serve in the Presidents Cabinet, she managed to take a jab at the press for portraying her as unqualified for her role in charge of the education department. The media has had its fun with me, and thats OK, she said. My job isnt to win a popularity contest with the media or the education establishment here in Washington. My job as Secretary of Education is to make education work for students." Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Sebastian Gorka, who was propelled from Breitbart alongside Stephen Bannon into the White House to advise President Donald Trump on terrorism, did not like being attacked on social media by an academic called Michael Smith. So he called him and allegedly threatened him with a lawsuit, but he might not have known that Mr Smith in South Carolina was recording the call, obtained by Newsweek. Mr Gorka apparently phoned Mr Smith on his personal mobile phone rather than from his White House office or mobile phone on which the calls would be logged. Recommended Top Trump aide defends wearing medal linked to Nazi sympathisers Mr Gorka, whose views about Islam are widely deemed to be extremist, asked if they had ever met, and Mr Smith confirmed they had not. "Why is this vitriol popping out of you, every day now?" Mr Gorka asked. "I look at your Twitter feed once or twice a day and its half a dozen tweets about me, and Ive never even met you." "Wow," Mr Smith responded. "Are you defeating jihad by monitoring or trolling my Twitter feed?" Mr Smith countered that he was a private citizen, being phoned by a White House official, and that he considered Mr Gorka to be unqualified to work in the White House and to be a "charlatan". Mr Gorka describes himself of Twitter as an "Irregular Warfare Strategist" and is the author of Defeating Jihad. In his book, he describes how radical Islamic terrorists are driven by passages from the Koran, rather than government repression, civil war or other factors. Ibrahim Hooper, communications director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, told The Independent that Mr Gorka was a "conspiracy theorist". "In a recent interview, he wouldn't even say whether the President considers Islam to be a real religion," he said. "He's not just a consultant that goes on CNN and the networks. He's in the White House formulating policy." Mr Gorka, a Hungarian-born and British-educated terrorism specialist, invited Mr Smith on the phone to the White House for a cup of coffee and asked him to bring "all the evidence" to prove Mr Smith had directly contributed to White House terrorism policy and to discuss their opposing views. Mr Smith has been a frequent contributor on television and to think tanks about terrorism, and his particular focus is the use of social media by Isis and al-Qaeda. In Foreign Policy Magazine he was included in a list of "100 Leading Global Thinkers". After Mr Gorka opened his calendar and invited Mr Smith to his office on 8 March, the phone call escalated as the White House adviser said it was "weird" how Mr Smith attacked him. "Ive never met you and Ive never attacked you," he said, clearly becoming more frustrated. "And your Twitter feed is an incessant berating of my professional acumen. Put yourself in my shoes, Mr. Smith. Have you done that? How would you like it if someone youve never met, daily and professionally attacked you?" Mr Gorka withdrew his invitation the same week, citing further attacks against him and the President by Mr Smith. Mr Gorkas expertise on Islam has been strongly criticised by publications like The Washington Post and Wall Street Journal. "He thinks the government and intelligence agencies dont know anything about radicalisation, but the government knows a lot and thinks hes nuts," former CIA expert Cindy Storer, one of his critics, told the Journal. Mr Gorka was arrested in January last year when he tried to pass through a security checkpoint at Reagan National Airport in Washington DC with a loaded handgun. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Representative Keith Ellison of Minnesota, one of the top candidates to lead the Democratic National Committee, has called for impeachment investigations of President Donald Trump over his potential conflicts of interest. "I think that Donald Trump has already done a number of things which legitimately raise the question of impeachment," he said on Wednesday night at CNN's Democratic debate in Atlanta, before accusing President Trump of violating the Constitution's Emoluments Clause, which prohibits the President from receiving payments from foreign governments. Mr Trump has received much criticism after hosting foreign diplomats at his hotel in Washington DC but has promised to avoid violating the Constitution by donating his earnings to the US Treasury. Mr Ellison said that discussions about impeaching Mr Trump help protect the integrity of the presidency. "We need to begin investigations not to go after Donald Trump but protect the presidency of the United States to make sure nobody can monetize the presidency and make profit off it for his own game, he added. Thousands attend Women's March on Washington Show all 18 1 /18 Thousands attend Women's March on Washington Thousands attend Women's March on Washington Protesters gather outside the White House at the finish of the Women's March on Washington on January 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. Large crowds attended the anti-Trump rally a day after U.S. President Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th U.S. president. Getty Thousands attend Women's March on Washington Protesters hold up signage near the Washington Monument during the Women's March on Washington January 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. Large crowds are attending the anti-Trump rally a day after U.S. President Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th U.S. president. Drew Angerer/Getty Thousands attend Women's March on Washington Protesters gather during the Women's March on Washington January 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. The march is expected to draw thousands from across the country to protest newly inaugurated President Donald Trump. Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Thousands attend Women's March on Washington Protesters arrive at the Capital South Metro station for the Women's March on Washington on January 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. Following the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States, the Women's March has 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. Jessica Kourkounis/Getty Thousands attend Women's March on Washington Protesters arrive on the platform at the Capital South Metro station for the Women's March on Washington on January 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. Following the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States, the Women's March has 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. Jessica Kourkounis/Getty Thousands attend Women's March on Washington Demonstrators protest during the Women's March along Pennsylvania Avenue January 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. Hundreds of thousands of protesters spearheaded by women's rights groups demonstrated across the US to send a defiant message to US President Donald Trump. Joshua Lott/AFP/Getty Images Thousands attend Women's March on Washington WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 21: Protesters attend the Women's March on Washington on January 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. Following the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States, the Women's March has 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. Jessica Kourkounis/Getty Thousands attend Women's March on Washington A marcher holds a sign during the Women's March on Washington January 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. The march is expected to draw thousands from across the country to protest newly inaugurated President Donald Trump. Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Thousands attend Women's March on Washington A woman chants while attending the Women's March on Washington on January 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. Large crowds are attending the anti-Trump rally a day after U.S. President Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th U.S. president. Mario Tama/Getty Thousands attend Women's March on Washington Protesters attend the Women's March on Washington on January 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. Large crowds are attending the anti-Trump rally a day after U.S. President Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th U.S. president. Mario Tama/Getty Thousands attend Women's March on Washington Protesters march in Washington, DC, during the Women's March on January 21, 2017. Hundreds of thousands of people flooded US cities Saturday in a day of women's rights protests to mark President Donald Trump's first full day in office. Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images Thousands attend Women's March on Washington A protester gestures toward the White House on the Ellipse near the South Lawn of the White House during the Women's March on Washington January 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. Large crowds are attending the anti-Trump rally a day after U.S. President Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th U.S. president. Drew Angerer/Getty Thousands attend Women's March on Washington A protester, holding a Donald Trump doll wearing a pink cap, marches in Washington, DC, during the Womens March on January 21, 2017. Hundreds of thousands of people flooded US cities Saturday in a day of women's rights protests to mark President Donald Trump's first full day in office. Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images Thousands attend Women's March on Washington Protesters take to the National Mall to demonstrate against the presidency of Donald Trump Washington, DC on January 21, 2017. Hundreds of thousands of protesters spearheaded by women's rights groups demonstrated across the US to send a defiant message to US President Donald Trump. Dominick Reuter/AFP/Getty Images Thousands attend Women's March on Washington Protesters march during the Women's March on Washington on January 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. Large crowds are attending the anti-Trump rally a day after U.S. President Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th U.S. president. Mario Tama/Getty Thousands attend Women's March on Washington Demonstrators gather on The Ellipse during the Women's March on Washington January 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. Hundreds of thousands of protesters spearheaded by women's rights groups demonstrated across the US to send a defiant message to US President Donald Trump. Zach Gibson/AFP/Getty Images Thousands attend Women's March on Washington Demonstrators march down Pennsylvania Avenue during the Women's March on Washington January 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. Hundreds of thousands of protesters spearheaded by women's rights groups demonstrated across the US to send a defiant message to US President Donald Trump. Zach Gibson/AFP/Getty Images Thousands attend Women's March on Washington Protester's signs are left near the White House during the Women's March on Washington on January 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. Large crowds are attending the anti-Trump rally a day after U.S. President Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th U.S. president. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) Mario Tama/Getty Democrats will vote in Atlanta on Saturday for their next chair from a field of eight candidates. Mr Ellison is considered the front-runner of the group with a slight ever over former Labor Secretary Tom Perez. In a recent survey from The Hill, 240 of the 447 voting DNC members declared which candidate they plan on supporting. Mr Ellison lead with 105 supporters over Mr Perezs 57. The remaining candidates have less than a dozen supporters each and more than 50 voters said they were undecided. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Republicans are planning to prevent an investigation into President Donald Trumps alleged conflicts of interest and his ties to Russia. Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler will send a proposal to investigate the President to the House Judiciary Committee, which has 14 days to act before Mr Nadler can bypass them and take the proposal for a vote in the full House. The resolution will most likely be killed by the Republican-led committee, preventing the bill from moving forwards. Recommended Jason Chaffetz investigates media leaks instead of Russia controversy By avoiding a full House vote, it spares many Republicans from having to defend their vote not to investigate the President. Many Republicans have been urged by town hall attendees to vote in favour of such an investigation. "Unless the resolution is reported by the committee within 14 legislative days, either favorably, unfavorably or without recommendation, then it can be brought up on the House floor immediately thereafter, so the committee plans to address this resolution next week," said one House Judiciary Committee aide in a statement to Politico. The panel vote on Tuesday has been planned for a busy news day, just hours before President Trump will give his first address to Congress, effectively burying the vote among a sea of headlines. Blocking the resolution next week might be tough for certain Judiciary Committee Republicans. One of them is Jason Chaffetz, the Chairman of the committee on oversight and government reform, who has been criticised for not investigating Mr Trump. He has only pursued investigations against Counselor to the President, Kellyanne Conway, for pitching Ivanka Trumps brand during a television interview. He is instead focused on looking into media leaks about Mr Trump's ties to Russia, as opposed to the President's alleged ties themselves. The vote will come shortly after a wave of town halls which were flooded with angry, frustrated voters, who shouted down politicians like Mr Chaffetz, Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn and Senator Tom Cotton. The President insisted the protests were organised by "thugs and liberal activists". White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said some people were "clearly upset" but added that there was a "bit of professional, manufactured base in there". The President has also been accused of corruption as his real estate empire has not been liquidated and put into a blind trust. Instead, his two sons are running the business and he retains branding rights and royalties for existing business which he will return to after the Presidency. He has still not released his tax returns, and Ms Conway said in a recent interview that he had no plans to do so because he won the election. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has congratulated President of the Republic of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid. On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Estonia Independence Day, said President Aliyev in his congratulatory letter. On this remarkable day, I wish you robust health, success in your activities and the friendly people of Estonia lasting peace and prosperity, added the president. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The MTAs new Supreme-branded MetroCard launched this week at select stations in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, and the exclusive drop is causing a bit of frenzy for New Yorkers. The website Mass Appeal reported that potential resellers broke into an MTA machine on Tuesday night to steal the coveted MetroCards, citing a Reddit post in a group dedicated to buying and selling Supreme merchandise. The user claimed that a group of hypebeasts successfully broke into a machine at 125th street and made off with up to 80 MetroCards. Uncle_raunchi/Reddit (Uncle_raunchi/Reddit) He and his friends broke open the machine and started gathering shit, and then the MTA guys came in, shut it down, and cleaned it up in 20-ish minutes, the post reads. Everyone who was there got like 80 cards. But an MTA spokesperson confirmed to The Independent on Wednesday that there have been no reports of any machines being broken into. In fact, officials have never had a report of MetroCard machines ever being breached, the MTA spokesperson said in an email exchange. The exclusive cards are currently available for a limited time at stations including Broadway-Lafayette, Queens Plaza, Marcy Avenue, Atlantic Avenue, Prince Street, Spring Street, Union Square, and the 125th Street 2/3 train. The cards can be purchased at any value and are being resold on eBay for as much as $1,000. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} For 12 years, the New York-born comedian and broadcaster played the wishy washy liberal who appeared daily alongside the blustering conservative bruiser of Sean Hannity, the co-host of Hannity & Colmes, which ran between 1996 to 2009. Mr Colmes was frequently the target of Mr Hannitys ire. On Thursday, it was announced that Mr Colmes had died at the age of 66 after a short illness, and Hr Hannity was among those to pay tribute to his former colleague. He was one of lifes most decent, kind and wonderful people youd ever want to meet, Mr Hannity said in a statement. Fox News anchor Bill Hemmer had first announced the news during the morning's broadcast. We have, yet again, some sad news to report here at the Fox News Channel, said Mr Hemmer. Fox News contributor and frequent guest here in Americas Newsroom, Alan Colmes, has passed away. Fox News anchor berates Donald Trump's chief of staff: 'You don't get to tell us what to do' Fox spokeswoman Dana Klinghoffer also confirmed his death. Fox also aired a statement from his family saying that he had died on Thursday morning, and asked for privacy. Mr Colmes is survived by his wife, Jocelyn Elise Crowley. Mr Colmes was a New York City native who worked for years in radio and stand-up comedy before joining Fox in 1996. Mr Colmes also was an author, his books including Thank the Liberals and Red, White & Liberal. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A Black Lives Matter protester was arrested after trying to grab a Confederate flag from a man outside a lecture on direct action. The incident was captured during a live TV broadcast in Charleston, South Carolina, as the man pushed through a barricade to snatch the flag, seen by activists as a symbol of racism and a relic of America's past. Bree Newsome, the woman who was arrested for removing the Confederate flag from South Carolina's state house before it was taken down permanently in 2015, was due to give the talk on Wednesday. Footage shows the protester, named locally as Muhiyidin Moye, dashing across a street to rip the flag from the other man's hands. But he fails to take it and is tackled by police. ABC4 reported he was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. Last year the US Department of Veterans Affairs banned the large-scale display of Confederate flags in cemeteries it oversees, after members of Congress voted for the move. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Thousands of conservatives have flocked to Washington to toast the beginning of the Trump era characterised by America First nationalism that has been at the centre of the new administrations tumultuous first month in the White House. The annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) this year will seek to define the direction of the right wing agenda now that they control both executive and legislative branches of government. The conference hits on familiar tones of mainstream conservatives: the Affordable Care Act must be repealed, reproductive rights should be determined by the states (or abolished), and American borders should remain closed. Former UK Independence Party (UKIP) leader Nigel Farage is due to speak on Friday evening, where he will likely tout his Brexit victory. On Thursday, speakers in the Potomac Ballroom of the Gaylord Convention Centre, embraced Trumpism of the 21st century, while praising Reaganism of the 1980s. The audience erupted into applause when videos of UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and President Ronald Reagan appeared ghosts of a bygone era of conservatism. Panels also take a more aggressive tone against progressive politics: Black Lives Matter, so why does the Left not support law enforcement?; Face, Not Feelings: Snowflakes, Safe Spaces, and Trigger Warnings; and If Heaven Has a Gate, a Wall, and Extreme Vetting, Why Cant America? The President is expected to address the conference on Friday morning after appearing to make amends with the ACU following last year's cancellation seen as a snub by conservatives. Kellyanne Conway, senior adviser to Mr Trump and former campaign manager, credited his position on the fringes of conservatism during his candidacy with placing the party where it stands now. Every great movement ends up being a little bit sclerotic and dusty after a time, and I think they need an infusion of energy, Ms Conway said. In the case of candidate Trump, and President-elect and nominee Trump, he went right to the grass roots and brought you along. He made people feel from the beginning you were part of this movement. She declared that Friday, when Mr Trump speaks, will be TPAC. But Mr Trumps quick rise to the presidency galvanised a movement of white supremacists recently referred to as the alt-right who celebrate his hard-line stance against Mexican immigration, as well as his actions to bar immigrants from majority-Muslim countries. The latter was blocked in court and Mr Trump is expected to sign a fundamentally similar executive order soon. Trump meets to talk about jobs, makes CEO tell story about him playing golf CPAC organisers were quick to distance themselves from the once-fringe alt-right group, which has risen to mainstream prominence. There is a sinister organisation that is trying to worm its way into our ranks and we must not be duped, American Conservative Union director Dan Schneider told attendees. Just a few years ago, this hate-filled left-wing fascist group hijacked the very term alt-right. That term has been used for a long time in a very good and normal way. The ACU notably uninvited Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos, well-known for views that many consider racist, misogynist, and transphobic, following unearthed audio that revealed the blogger apparently endorsing child sex abuse. Mr Schneider continued his disavowal of the movement, rebuking white supremacist Richard Spencer, and cited a meeting he hosted in November where attendees made Nazi salutes. They are anti-Semites. They are racist. They are sexist, Mr Schneider said of the alt-right. They hate the Constitution. They hate free markets. They hate pluralism. Mr Spencer, who was briefly in attendance at CPAC before being ushered out by security guards, tweeted that the speech was really lame. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trumps approval ratings have nosedived in South Carolina a state in which the Republican President won with a 14 percentage point margin over Hillary Clinton in the election three months ago. His approval rating in the state has crumbled to 44 per cent, roughly matching average national polls. The billionaire President has performed poorly in opinion polls during his first weeks in the White House. His attempted travel ban on seven predominantly Muslim countries, caused international outcry, and the public has ridiculed his confused statements over refugees in Sweden, while one of his senior advisers, Kellyanne Conway, referred to a massacre in the US, that never actually happened. Mr Trumps persistent attacks against the media and businesses he disagrees with have also drawn widespread criticism, while his administrations dealings with Russia, which saw the resignation of his national security adviser Michael Flynn has meant early senior staff shakeups in the early days of his administration. The Winthrop University poll revealed opinions of Mr Trumps performance are closely split along racial and gender lines in South Carolina. Almost 60 per cent of white voters approved of the President, compared to just seven per cent of African Americans. Meanwhile, just over half of men still supported the President, while 54 per cent of women did not. Mr Trump made his first visit to the state as President less than one week ago, where aircraft manufacturer Boeing unveiled its latest 787 Dreamliner at its Charleston factory. Mr Trump took the opportunity to promise to keep jobs in the country. The survey revealed the key concern for voters in South Carolina was immigration, followed by the economy and then race relations. A national survey by pollsters Quinnipiac, released today, found that 38 per cent of Americans approve of Mr Trumps performance so far, while 55 per cent disapprove. 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 figures are a fall from those taken by Quinnipiac just after the Presidents inauguration, in which 42 per cent approved of his job performance, while 51 per cent disapproved. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} New York City spent $308,000 (248,000) every day protecting Donald Trump's Trump Tower residence between his election and his inauguration. Police commissioner James O'Neill said the city spent $24m (19.3m) to provide security at the skyscraper over the three-month period, and he foresees spending up to $145,000 (117,000) a day when only First Lady Melania Trump and her son Barron are in town as the 10-year-old attends school. "We are seeking full federal reimbursement for all costs incurred related to security for President Trump and his family at Trump Tower," Freddi Goldstein, a spokeswoman for mayor Bill de Blasio, said. 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 "Trump Tower itself now presents a target to those who wish to commit acts of terror against our country, further straining our limited counterterrorism resources," Mr O'Neill added. Mr Trump's spokespeople could not be reached immediately for comment. It comes after Mr Trumps familys trips were reported to have cost taxpayers nearly as much in a month as Barack Obamas cost in an entire year. The US Presidents three visits to his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida since his inauguration, combined with his sons business trips, were said to have cost $11.3m (9.1m). Conservative watchdog Judicial Watch estimated Mr Obamas travel expenses totalled an average of $12.1m in each of his eight years in the White House. Mr De Blasio asked the US government in December for up to $35m (28m) to cover security costs for protecting Mr Trump in his home atop the 58-story skyscraper, which is located on Fifth Avenue near Central Park, an area popular with tourists. At $24m, the final cost was less than that. Mr Trump spent most of his time from Election Day on 8 November until his inauguration on 20 January at his penthouse apartment in Trump Tower. In addition to the police protection, the Fire Department incurred $1.7m in costs during the time period Mr Trump was in New York, according to Mr O'Neill. On days when first lady Melania Trump and the couple's son, Barron, are the only ones in the city, security going forward will cost between $127,000 and $145,000 per day, less than when the president is in residence, Mr O'Neill said. When Mr Trump is in town, the cost of police protection will go back up to $308,000 daily on average, Mr O'Neill said. It will cost about another $4.5m (3.6m) per year for the New York City Fire Department to protect the building, he said. "We anticipate these costs will increase significantly whenever the president is in New York City," he said. Mr Trump has not been back to Manhattan since his inauguration. New York Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney said in a statement on Wednesday that the city's taxpayers should not be forced to pay for a "national security obligation" and that "Congress must provide city taxpayers a full reimbursement." After Mr Obama was elected, Chicago spent $2.2m (1.8m) to protect his home, according to reports. And when the 44th President visited New York four times during 2016, it cost the city $4.1m ($3.3m) in overtime, the New York Daily News reported. Additional reporting by agencies Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trumps former campaign manager was reportedly the subject of a blackmail attempt An apparent hack of a phone of the daughter of political consultant Paul Manafort, suggests that he was the victim of a blackmail attempt while serving as Mr Trumps presidential campaign chairman last summer. Politico said that the undated communications, which are allegedly from the iPhone of Mr Manaforts daughter, also include a text that appears to come from a Ukrainian parliamentarian named Serhiy Leshchenko, seeking to reach her father. The message says that he has politically damaging information about both Mr Manafort and Mr Trump. I need to get in touch with Paul i need to share some important information with him regarding ukraine investigation, the sender says in the text message. I actually have proofs that he received money...If i dont get any reply from you iam gonaa pass it on to the fbi and ukrainian authorities including media...As soon as he comes back to me i will pass you documents. Trump appears to change stance on transgender rights Politico did not say where the information came from, but both before and since the inauguration of Mr Trump, there have been repeated leaks that claim to suggest a link with Russia between either the New York tycoon or senior members of his team. To date, there has been no evidence to support the claims and Mr Trump has repeatedly denied the accusations. One of such meeting with Donadl Trump took place on 06.17.2012 with close Yanukovich affiliate - governor of Cherkassy - Mr. S. Tulub, the note attached to the text reads. Considering all the facts and evidence that are in my possession, and before possible decision whether to pass this to [the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine] or FBI I would like to get your opinion on this and maybe your way to work things out that will persuade me to do otherwise. Mr Leshchenko denied the correspondence, telling the news site: Ive never written any emails or messages to Manafort or his family. I dont know their contact details. The website said Mr Manafort did confirm the authenticity of the texts hacked from his daughters phone. He said that he had received similar texts to his own phone number from the same address appearing to be affiliated with Mr Leshchenko. He said he did not respond directly to any of the texts, and instead passed them to his lawyer. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A seven-year-old boy put Republican Senator Tom Cotton on the spot during a raucous public meeting by asking why President Donald Trump wanted to cut public broadcasting services to build a border wall with Mexico. Closing a stormy town hall meeting in Springdale, Arkansas, Mr Cotton pointed to the crowd and asked for one last question. "I'm Toby," a young voice from the crowd piped up. "Donald Trump makes Mexicans not important to people who are in Arkansas who aren't Mexicans, like me, my grandma and all my family," Toby said. "And he's deleting all the parks and PBS Kids just to make a wall. He shouldn't do all that stuff for just a wall." Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Show all 22 1 /22 Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Kanye West and President-elect Donald Trump speak with the press after their meetings at Trump Tower December 13, 2016 in New York. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Kanye West and President-elect Donald Trump speak with the press after their meetings at Trump Tower December 13, 2016 in New York. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Kanye West and President-elect Donald Trump speak with the press after their meetings at Trump Tower December 13, 2016 in New York. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Kanye West and President-elect Donald Trump speak with the press after their meetings at Trump Tower December 13, 2016 in New York. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Kanye West and President-elect Donald Trump speak with the press after their meetings at Trump Tower December 13, 2016 in New York. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Kanye West and President-elect Donald Trump speak with the press after their meetings at Trump Tower December 13, 2016 in New York. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Kanye West and President-elect Donald Trump speak with the press after their meetings at Trump Tower December 13, 2016 in New York. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Kanye West and President-elect Donald Trump speak with the press after their meetings at Trump Tower December 13, 2016 in New York. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Kanye West and President-elect Donald Trump speak with the press after their meetings at Trump Tower December 13, 2016 in New York. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Kanye West and President-elect Donald Trump speak with the press after their meetings at Trump Tower December 13, 2016 in New York. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Singer Kanye West arrives at Trump Tower December 13, 2016 as US President-elect Donald Trump continues to hold meetings in New York. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Singer Kanye West arrives at Trump Tower December 13, 2016 as US President-elect Donald Trump continues to hold meetings in New York. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Singer Kanye West arrives at Trump Tower December 13, 2016 as US President-elect Donald Trump continues to hold meetings in New York. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Singer Kanye West arrives at Trump Tower December 13, 2016 as US President-elect Donald Trump continues to hold meetings in New York. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Singer Kanye West arrives at Trump Tower December 13, 2016 as US President-elect Donald Trump continues to hold meetings in New York. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Singer Kanye West arrives at Trump Tower December 13, 2016 as US President-elect Donald Trump continues to hold meetings in New York. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Singer Kanye West arrives at Trump Tower December 13, 2016 as US President-elect Donald Trump continues to hold meetings in New York. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Singer Kanye West arrives at Trump Tower December 13, 2016 as US President-elect Donald Trump continues to hold meetings in New York. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Singer Kanye West arrives at Trump Tower December 13, 2016 as US President-elect Donald Trump continues to hold meetings in New York. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Singer Kanye West arrives at Trump Tower December 13, 2016 as US President-elect Donald Trump continues to hold meetings in New York. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Kanye West meets Donald Trump in Manhattan Singer Kanye West arrives at Trump Tower December 13, 2016 as US President-elect Donald Trump continues to hold meetings in New York. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images The constituents in the town hall cheered and applauded Toby as he spoke. His concerns come as the White House is reportedly considering eliminating funding for public broadcasting and arts programmes. Such a move would hit NPR and PBS through cuts to the corporation for Public Broadcasting (CBP), which makes a direct grant to PBS and funds local radio stations which pay NPR to use its programmes. When the Republican senator asked Toby how old he is, he said: "I'm almost eight, but I'm seven." Mr Cotton replied: "Toby thank you for coming, I know a lot of seven year olds, this isn't their idea of fun. But I appreciate you being here. "I just want to say that whatever your background, whatever your heritage, whatever your race or ethnicity or religious belief, part of the fabric of America is that we are a melting pot. We are all one people." At one point he was interrupted by a man in the crowd, who shouted: "Prove it!" Mr Cotton continued: "And we want Mexico to be a healthy strong partner. We want to help them deal with the problems they've got with drug cartels and crime and grow their economy." He was then interrupted again, by a man who shouted: "He just wants to watch PBS!" But Mr Cotton added: "We also have to protect our own citizens from that. And that's where the law comes in." The heckler then shouts: "It costs almost nothing for PBS!" Mr Cotton told the crowd he had another appointment before leaving the event, which he had extended by half an hour to take additional questions. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A woman interrogated a Republican senator over his party's support for repealing the Affordable Care Act after telling him she currently pays just $29 (23) a month on care for her dying husband. One of President Donald Trump's first actions in the Oval Office was to sign an executive order beginning the dismantling of the act, known as Obamacare, which insures some 30 million Americans. It is the administration's policy to "repeal and replace" it. Video of a town hall event in Arkansas shows the woman, her voice choked with emotion, demanding that Sen Tom Cotton explain how he will better her current coverage. She said: "My husband with dementia, Alzheimer's, plus multiple other things, and you want to stand there, with him at home, expect us to be calm, cool, collected. What kind of insurance do you have?" 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 She added: "We're going Medicare my way, not your way, my way. I've got a husband dying, and we can't affordlet me tell you somethingif you can get us better coverage than this, go for it. "We have $29 per month for my husband. Can you beat that? $29 a month, and he's a hard worker. $39 for me. I have sent you one message after the other, sir, about our family." Mr Cotton said: "I'll be happy to meet with you and hear more about your story." Mr Cotton has said his party needs to come up with an alternative to Obamacare before repealing it. He told CNN last month: "I don't think we can just repeal Obamacare and say we're going to get the answer two years from now. This is a very complicated problem." Separate footage of the event showed a large proportion of attendees rising to their feet when another woman asked anyone affected by the Affordable Care Act to stand up. Police in Arkansas said there were 2,000 people at the debate in Springdale High School, according to CNN. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} US states are making a stand after President Donald Trump's decision to rescind federal guidance that said transgender pupils should be able to use school toilets and changing rooms that match their gender identity. New York's top lawyer criticised the move as "cruel" while a Los Angeles schools boss said her city "embraces all students". The Obama administration instructed public schools last year to allow transgender children to use the bathrooms that matched their gender identity, and threatened to withhold federal funding if they were forced to use other restrooms against their will. 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 While the Trump administration's new letter to schools says the guidelines have been lifted, anti-bullying safeguards will remain in effect. States and school districts will now have the power to interpret whether federal sex discrimination law applies to gender identity. New York state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said: "President Trump's decision to rescind anti-discrimination protections for transgender students is yet another cruel move by an administration committed to divisive policies that roll back the clock on civil rights. "Transgender individuals deserve to live in dignity, without fear of bullying or discrimination. I will do whatever it takes to protect transgender and all LGBTQ New Yorkers, no matter what happens in Washington." Last year the outspoken Mr Schneiderman announced he would "fight @realDonaldTrump, his dangerous appointees, and their radical agenda". Bob Ferguson, the Washington state Attorney General, said: "While the Trump administration has taken a disappointing step backward, the civil rights of transgender individuals will continue to be protected under Washington state law." Washington is one of nearly 20 states to offer "explicit civil rights protections" for transgender people, his office said in a statement. Superintendent Michelle King, of the Los Angeles unified school district, said students "will remain protected regardless of the new directive". She added: "The district embraces all students and remains committed to affirming a safe, productive learning environment for everyone." However, the Gloucester County school board in Virginia, which is currently fighting a Supreme Court case on whether it can ban a transgender male pupil from the boys' toilets, welcomed the new letter, saying it was "pleased" states' "primary role" in setting local policy had been recognised. And Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who led opposition to the Obama ruling, said the former president had tried to "bypass Congress and rewrite the laws to fit his political agenda for radical social change", according to Reuters. White House press secretary Sean Spicer said President Trump was "a firm believer in states' rights and that certain issues like this are not best dealt with at the federal level". The previous rules had led to legal confusion among states, according to the letter sent to schools by the education and justice departments. The New York Times reported that education secretary Betsy DeVos resisted signing off on the new order because she was uncomfortable about potential harm to pupils. Attorney General Jeff Sessions pushed her to accept it and Mr Trump sided with him, it was claimed. During his confirmation hearing, Mr Sessions told senators he still opposed same-sex marriage and the Supreme Court's decision in Roe vs Wade, the landmark case that guaranteed women's right to have abortions. Recommended Chinese feminists barred from social media after criticising Trump In January Mr Trump promised not to repeal an Obama-era ruling that order banned companies doing business with the federal government from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The White House said at the time: "President Trump continues to be respectful and supportive of LGBTQ rights, just as he was throughout the election." But activists have criticised his latest move. James Esseks, the American Civil Liberties Unions LGBT project director, said: "Revoking the guidance shows that the presidents promise to protect LGBT rights was just empty rhetoric. But the bottom line is that this does not undo legal protections for trans students, and school districts can and must continue to protect them and all students from discrimination." Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 Trend: Fourth-year Process Automation Engineering undergraduates of Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) Rahim Rahimli and Mammad Jabrayilov will study during a spring term of this year at Piraeus Technology University (PUAS) in Athens (Greece). Before their trip to Greece, BHOS rector Elmar Gasimov met with the students and their parents. The rector said that it is an important event for BHOS. He congratulated the students on their attainments and wished them to achieve new successes. Gasimov emphasized that BHOS management always supported the Higher School students in their life and studies as well as in their efforts to succeed in their career. Gasimov said that he is proud to see that BHOS students represent young intellectuals of Azerbaijan. Gasimov spoke about a number of projects and programs implemented at BHOS in order to strengthen the Higher Schools international relations. He reminded that BHOS signed a cooperation agreement with Piraeus Technology University within the Erasmus+ program in 2016. The rector told that this cooperation should be enhanced and more Higher Schools students would study abroad. I am confident that our undergraduates will honorably represent Azerbaijan in Greece, he said. Rahimli and Jabrayilov expressed their gratitude to Gasimov for opportunities created for students at the Baku Higher Oil School. The students parents also thanked BHOS management. Having said that they are proud of their sons achievements, the parents emphasized that this success would not be possible without excellent conditions for study at BHOS and constant support provided by the Higher Schools management to students. Both students shall go to Greece on February 26. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A popular feminist social media account in China has been gagged, apparently for voicing opposition to Donald Trump. The Feminist Voice in China has been banned from Sina Weibo, a website similar to Twitter, for allegedly violating Chinese law. The punishment came six days after the group posted a translation of a Guardian article, written by US-based feminist academics, which called for a militant feminist struggle in answer to the US Presidents aggressively misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic and racist policies. Recommended China says policies unaffected by Trump plan to bring jobs to US We are guessing that its because we sent out some tweets calling for a womens strike action against Trump, said Feminist Voice editor Xiong King, speaking to Radio Free Asia. We have had large numbers of posts deleted in the past, but this is the first time we have been completely prevented from posting. The manager at Sina Weibo said we had broken the law, or regulations, and that we were being prevented from posting for 30 days, but they weren't very specific. Ms Xiong said Weibo sent a private message, saying the account, which boasts 80,000 followers, was temporarily blocked. Weibo reportedly blamed recent publications [that] violated the states relevant laws. Li Maizi, a leading figure in Chinas feminist movement, also told The Independent: I think the major reason is the authorities need to control the public opinion on Weibo. "Nowadays, there are a lot of feminism public accounts on Weibo and Wechat. Feminism Voices (The Feminist Voice in China) is one of the most powerful accounts, calling for people to care about various feminism issues, and [it is] very effective. But in the authorities' eyes, there are too many active accounts among Weibo, so it's not good for controlling." Beijing-based feminist activist Ye Haiyan also told RFA the ban was part of an ever-widening crackdown on rights activists and human rights lawyers nationwide. 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 Chinas Communist Party and military have previously admitted to waging an ideological war online, which has included censoring social media. Nervousness has also surrounded the seemingly uneasy relationship between China and Donald Trumps America. The property magnate has blamed China for creating a global warming hoax and for stealing jobs in the US. The 70-year-old broke with decades of protocol when he accepted a congratulatory phone call from the Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, and angered Beijing by questioning the one China principle. His chief strategist Steve Bannon reportedly claimed war between US and China in the South China Sea was inevitable within 10 years. The Independent has contacted Weibo for comment. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito has turned 57 saying he is ready to become emperor after his father Emperor Akihito, who could abdicate as soon as next year, and that like him, he will be an emperor who shares the pain and joy of the people. A government panel is debating how to allow the 83-year-old Emperor Akihito, who has had heart surgery and prostate cancer treatment, to step down after he said in August that he feared age might make it hard for him to fulfil his duties. The last time an emperor abdicated was in 1817 and current law does not allow it. In January, media reports said the government was considering steps that would allow Emperor Akihito to abdicate and for Crown Prince Naruhito to ascend the throne on 1 January, 2019. The government could submit a special abdication law to parliament as early as this spring. Crown Prince Naruhito said on Thursday that he was profoundly moved when Emperor Akihito suggested he would like to step down. I accept the Emperor's thinking with sincerity and will bear it in mind all the time as I carry out my duties, Crown Prince Naruhito said. He added that he would continue in the footsteps of Emperor Akihito, who has worked hard to heal the wounds of the Second World War, waged in the name of his father, Emperor Hirohito. As a symbol of the state and the people of Japan, I will share their pain and their joys, praying for their happiness, Crown Prince Naruhito said. 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 prince, who married former diplomat Masako Owada, has one daughter, 15-year-old Aiko, who is not allowed to ascend the throne because female inheritance is not permitted. Crown Prince Naruhito is followed in the succession by his brother, Prince Akishino, and Prince Akishino's 10-year-old son, Hisahito. The government panel looking into the abdication has avoided some of the more heated issues, such as whether women should be allowed in the current male-only succession amid concerns about a shortage of successors to the throne. Crown Prince Naruhito said he is open to discussing ways to have the imperial succession fit the modern era. The role of the imperial family changes from one era to another, as a new era brings in a fresh breeze, he said. Photos of the family released to commemorate Crown Prince Naruhito's birthday show him sitting formally with Masako and Aiko and the Crown Prince touched on a period last autumn when Aiko was absent from school for some six weeks. For a time she was unwell, which caused some worry, but thanks to support from her mother, she has now returned to her usual school life, Crown Prince Naruhito said. An Imperial Household Agency spokesman said there was nothing special to announce about Aiko's health Some experts say Emperor Akihito's possible abdication is a wake-up call to the larger issues of ageing and a shortage of successors in Japan's 2,000-year-old monarchy issues that reflect concerns about the country's ageing and declining population. Reuters For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} At least eight people have been killed and more than 30 others injured in an explosion that hit a busy shopping area in Pakistans second-largest city. Local authorities initially said the blast was caused by an electrical generator but police said it was a bomb the latest in almost a fortnight of continuous terror attacks. Nayab Haider, a spokesperson for Punjab police, the explosion was caused by a planted bomb that was either set on a timer or remotely detonated. Pakistani security officials cordon off the site of a bomb attack in Lahore on February 23, 2017. (AFP/Getty Images) Security forces cordoned off the area in Defence Y Block, which houses restaurants, banks, offices and shops, preventing people from entering or leaving amid suspicions the bomber was still at the scene. The force of the explosion blew out the windows of surrounding buildings and cars, spraying them with shrapnel as people fled. Television footage showed smoke rising from part of a restaurant that was under construction in the Defense Housing Authority complex. It is controlled by the military-backed department, with housing mainly given to people working for the armed forces. A witness working in a nearby bank told Reuters he felt the building shake. We left the building and saw that the motorbikes parked outside were on fire and all the windows in the surrounding buildings were shattered, Mohammad Khurram said. Forensics officers were deployed to the scene as the wounded were taken to nearby hospitals, where volunteers including Punjab's health minister donated blood for the wounded. In pictures: Pakistan hospital attack Show all 10 1 /10 In pictures: Pakistan hospital attack In pictures: Pakistan hospital attack A man reacts after his relative was killed in a bomb blast in restive Quetta EPA In pictures: Pakistan hospital attack Residents light candles to honour victims of the blast in Quetta during a candellight vigil in Peshawar Reuters In pictures: Pakistan hospital attack People carry the coffin of a victim of suicide bomb attack at a hospital for burial in Quetta REUTERS In pictures: Pakistan hospital attack Pakistani victims injured in a suicide bombing are treated at a hospital in Quetta AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Pakistan hospital attack A lawyer who was injured in a bomb blast wait to receive medical treatment in restive Quetta EPA In pictures: Pakistan hospital attack A doctor treats an injured lawyer at the scene of a bomb blast in restive Quetta EPA In pictures: Pakistan hospital attack People comfort a man mourning the death of a family member who was killed in suicide bombing, at a funeral in Quetta AP In pictures: Pakistan hospital attack People transfer an injured man from the blast site in Quetta Rex Features In pictures: Pakistan hospital attack Pakistani security officials and lawyers gather around the bodies of victims killed in a bomb explosion at a government hospital premises in Quetta AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Pakistan hospital attack The scene following a bomb blast outside a hospital in Quetta Naseer Ahmed/Reuters A second explosion was reported shortly afterwards in the Gulberg district of Lahore, local media said, but officials said the false alarm was caused by a blown tyre. More than 130 people have been killed in a wave of terror attacks that started on 13 February, when the Talibans Jamaa-ul-Ahrar faction announced the start of a new campaign of violence against the government, security forces, the judiciary and secular political parties. It has claimed responsibility for the bulk of attacks, including a bombing and shooting that killed a child at a court in Charsadda and another blast in Lahore, but the deadliest single incident was orchestrated by Isis. The terrorist group, which has an affiliate called Wilayat Khorasan operating in Pakistan and neighbouring Afghanistan, killed around 90 people who had gathered for a religious ceremony at a Sufi shrine. Isis attack, the deadliest in Pakistan for years, was followed by a nationwide crackdown by the military that resulted in the deaths of more than 100 alleged terrorists in 24 hours. The operation sparked warnings from humanitarian groups for Pakistani authorities to adhere to international law. The violence has also worsened relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, who have accused each other of harbouring terrorists and each sent lists of named militants allegedly residing in the neighbouring country. Additional reporting by agencies For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Child refugees who were formerly residents of the Calais "Jungle" have recorded a desperate plea for Prime Minister Theresa May to help them after suffering months in limbo since the demolition of the camp. The youngsters, many of whom have family in Britain, can be heard begging the UK Government to let them come to Britain, with pleas of "I have my brother and sister in the UK. Please help me" and "Please keep your promise". Recorded by refugee charity Care4Calais, the video endeavours to give a voice to child refugees in France who had hoped to come to the UK legally, after hundreds were rejected by the Home Office in the months since October with little or no reason given. The children, most of whom are aged between 14 and 17, are among around 1,900 unaccompanied minors who were removed from the Jungle during its demolition and subsequently dispersed to accommodation across France, where they were told they would be processed for the chance to seek asylum in the UK. While Home Office officials visited many of the centres in the months that followed, interviews were reportedly carried out quickly and without care, with the interviewers in some cases not even taking the phone numbers of the children's family, leaving no way of establishing ties. Hundreds of children were subsequently rejected with little or no reason given. Shortly afterwards, the UK Government announced that it is to end the Dubs Amendment scheme, which sought to bring vulnerable child refugees in Europe to safety in the UK, sparking furore from human rights campaigners and charities. One child recorded in the film, 16-year-old Elias, tells of how he recently broke both of his legs trying to cross to the UK. I am a minor. Please, I need help from the Government," he says. I broke two of my legs to try get to the UK. Please help me, I want to ask for asylum in the UK. Thank you. Benny Hunter, a volunteer from charity Help Refugees who has been working with Elias, told The Independent: I met Elias in Le Havre where he was sent after the closure of the camp in Calais. He was living with other minors in an apartment block barely looked after by the state and provided with very little food. It's horrific that he has been so injured by his desperate attempts to reach the UK. Elias is a bright and always upbeat teenage boy. His positivity seems to have even withstood his injury but I can imagine the pain that he is internalising and what will happen to him and the other children if they continue to try to reach the UK by clandestine routes. Charlotte Maxwell, the volunteer who produced the video, told The Independent: I was working with the minors in Calais during the demolition and they were all promised they would undergo a proper process to seek asylum in the UK and be considered under the Dubs Amendment. They were made that promise. When it closed I got all these phone calls from minors saying it didnt make sense because they were in the same situation as many of those who were accepted. The Government didnt offer any real reasons to either them or their families in the UK. Journalists come and go on this issue, but I realised it might be really useful to get the minors to record a message themselves and have their voices heard." For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Human rights in France are at a tipping point as the government expands police powers in the wake of a wave of Isis-inspired terror attacks, a report has warned. Parliament has voted to extend the countrys ongoing state of emergency five times since 130 people were massacred by militants in Paris in November 2015. It affords security services exceptional powers including the ability to place anyone deemed to be a security risk under house arrest, dissolve groups thought to be a threat to public order, carry out searches without judicial warrants and block any websites that encourage terrorism. Amnesty International chose to unveil its annual world report in Paris, where the group warned that human rights were being eroded. France remembers 86 victims of Nice lorry attack Secretary General Salil Shetty said security measures approved by all French political parties had put the country at a tipping point. It's absolutely the responsibility of the government to protect the people, but it has to be proportionate, he added, speaking out against traumatising house raids...all pointing towards one religion. Mr Shetty said Amnesty was very worried about ongoing security crackdown, which has seen more than 4,000 houses searched without a judges order and at least 400 people handed assigned residence orders. The world is watching France, he added. The state of emergency is currently in place until 15 July, after Frances national elections, where terror and security is high on the agenda for mainstream candidates and the far-right National Front. Bernard Cazeneuve, the Prime Minister, said the move was absolutely necessary to protect the country from further terror attacks. The former interior minister said the state of emergency has fully proven its effectiveness with 4,194 house searches leading to 517 suspects arrested, 434 kept in custody and almost 600 firearms seized, including 77 weapons of war under the powers. In pictures: Paris attacks Show all 25 1 /25 In pictures: Paris attacks In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks French police with protective shields walk in line near the Bataclan concert hall Reuters In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks Rescuers evacuate an injured person on Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire AFP In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks French Vigipirate troops mobilize next to Place de la Bastille AFP In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks French soldiers mobilize near to the Place de la Bastille AFP In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks Wounded people are evacuated outside the scene of a hostage situation at the Bataclan theatre EPA In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks People react as they gather to watch the scene near the Bataclan concert hall Reuters In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks French police secure the area outside a cafe near the Bataclan concert hall Reuters In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks Rescuers workers evacuate victims near the Bataclan concert hall AFP In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks French Prime Minister Manuel Valls and French President Francois Hollande attending an emergency meeting at the Interior Ministry AFP In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks Spectators invade the pitch of the Stade de France after explosions were heard outside AP In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks A man lies on the ground as French police check his identity near the Bataclan concert hall Reuters In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks Police officers man a position close to the Bataclan theatre AFP In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks Wounded people are evacuated from the Stade de France in Paris EPA In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks Two men evacuate the Place de la Republique square in Paris as a police officer looks on AFP In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks Football fans are evacuated from the Stade de France stadium In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks An armed police officer Dan Gabriel In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks The Stade de France is evacuated after reports of an explosion In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks A member of the French fire brigade aids an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks Wounded people are evacuated from the Stade de France in Paris In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks Police are seen outside a cafe in 10th arrondissement of the French capital Paris, In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks Rescuers assist an injured man on Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire, close to the Bataclan concert hall AFP In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks The scene at a restaurant in 10th arrondissement In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks The Bataclan theatre - where around 100 people are thought be held hostage In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks The Stade de France as it was evacuated In pictures: Paris attacks Paris attacks Forensic experts inspect the site of an attack outside the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis AFP But Amnesty accused authorities of using vague evidence to launch operations and impose restrictions disproportionately restricting freedom of movement and the right to private life. The UN Committee against Torture raised concerns regarding allegations of excessive use of force by police carrying out searches, while a group of special rapporteurs warned excessive and disproportionate restrictions were being imposed on fundamental human rights. They recommended the introduction of judicial oversight for counter-terror measures and electronic surveillance, which give authorities the power to collect, read and store communications and metadata without authorisation or review by a judge but the call was ignored. A new law was passed in June granting the interior minister the power to impose administrative controls on anyone returning from Syria, Iraq and other conflict zones who is believed to be a threat. Hundreds of people were prosecuted for allegedly glorifying terrorism, often for comments posted on social media in possible freedom of speech violations. Several other European nations including the UK were criticised for embedding measures once viewed as exceptional into ordinary criminal law. Amnestys report also raised concern over Frances treatment of refugees, including more than 6,500 migrants and asylum-seekers evicted from the Calais Jungle in October and relocated to reception centres elsewhere. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders has suspended all appearances on his election campaign amid a scandal over alleged security leaks that could compromise his safety. The leader of the anti-Islam Party for Freedom (PVV) called allegations against an official extremely disturbing and launched a complaint to the Prime Minister. If I can't blindly trust the service (DBB) that has to protect me, I can no longer function. This is unacceptable, he wrote in a tweet directed at Mark Ruttes official account. Geert Wilders: 'I will never be silent' News extremely disturbing. Until all the facts of the DBB corruption investigation are known, the PVV is suspending public activities. Police have detained an official responsible for protecting Mr Wilders on suspicion of leaking classified information to a Dutch-Moroccan criminal gang. Investigators said the suspect, who has not been named, is of Moroccan descent and serves on the DBB team responsible for security surrounding top politicians, royalty and diplomats in the Netherlands. The revelations emerged after Mr Wilders labelled some Moroccans scum as he launched his election campaign, just months after he was convicted of inciting discrimination with a chant calling for fewer, fewer migrants from the country. He has lived under 24-hour protection in anonymous safe houses for more than a decade following a series of death threats. 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 National police chief Erik Akerboom told BNR Nieuwsradio an investigation was seeking to establish what information was leaked, but said that so far he did not believe that Mr Wilders' safety had been compromised. He said the suspect was not part of the inner circle responsible for the politicians security, adding: Our highest priority is, of course, his security. And we first of all have done everything to ensure that is and remains guaranteed. Recommended Geert Wilders rises in Dutch polls after hate crime conviction It came three weeks before the Netherlands holds parliamentary election on 15 March, with polls showing Mr Wilders party neck-a-neck with the liberal Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy. Mainstream parties have insisted they will not form a coalition with the PVV because of its anti-Islam stance and policies on immigration and religion. The partys manifesto includes proposals to close Dutch borders to all migrants and refugees from Muslim nations, banning the Quran and shutting all mosques as part of the total de-Islamification of the Netherlands. Founded in 2006, the PVV has enjoyed increasing success while capitalising on concerns about immigration during the refugee crisis and a wave of Isis-inspired terror attacks in Europe, holding seats in the Dutch House of Representatives, Senate, provincial parliament and the European Parliament. Additional reporting by agencies For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Support for the right-wing Alternative for Deutschland party in Germany is polling at its worst rate in seven months. A poll by the Forsa research group, for broadcaster RTL and Stern Magazine, showed the anti-migrant and Eurosceptic AfD had dropped to an 8 per cent share. Chancellor Angela Merkels conservatives meanwhile are polling at 34 per cent and her closest rivals, the Social Democrats (SPD) are hot on her heels with 31 per cent. The research however, conducted between 13 February and 17 February, only polled 2,502 of the population. It comes ahead of the federal election later this year. Forsa head Manfred Gullner said: At the moment the AfD is hardly able to score points with the refugee crisis, which it has been using to get voter support, and the chaotic leadership of US President Donald Trump, who was at first celebrated, is tending to cause alarm given the crises around the world. The poll also revealed, that if Germans were voting for their chancellor, 39 per cent would punt for Angela Merkel one more point than last week. Former European Parliament President Martin Schulz, who has boosted the SPDs popularity since nomination as candidate in late January, was down one point to 36. It also found the far-left Linke remained on 8 per cent and the Greens stayed on 7 per cent. Mr Gullner also said internal strife was proving an issue for the AfD. "The few moderate AfD supporters have emigrated to the SPD because their chancellor candidate Martin Schulz is thought to be capable of displacing Angela Merkel, who they hate so much," said Mr Gullner. The anti-migrant group, founded in April 2013 and chaired by former businesswoman Frauke Petry, beat Ms Merkels CDU to third place in the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state election last year. It has scooped up almost a quarter of the vote in some parts of the country. The AfD last recorded 8 per cent in a Forsa poll seven months ago. The last time it polled this badly in research by the Institute Allensbach, which also published poll results this week, was in December 2015. Reuters Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The EU does not want a "hard border" between Northern Ireland and the Republic as a result of Brexit, Jean-Claude Juncker has said. The European Commission president was speaking after meeting with Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny in Brussels. According to RTE, he said: "During the Brexit negotiations, the EU and Ireland must work together to minimise the impact. We don't want hard borders between Northern Ireland and Ireland." However, the Irish Government has begun identifying possible locations for checkpoints along the border with Northern Ireland, as fears grow of a "hard Brexit". Preparations are underway for the return of a hard borderdespite Theresa Mays insistence that the move will not be necessary even after EU withdrawal is completed. Internal documents uncovered by the Irish Examiner showed officials in Dublin fears that full red and green channel customs points may be needed. Those checks would be introduced in Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim, and Donegal, with the M1 motorway between Dublin and Belfast also likely to be a focus for customs officials. The potential move was then confirmed by Michael Noonan, the finance minister, in evidence to an Irish parliamentary committee. Mr Noonan pointed out that both London and Dublin said they did not want to introduce a hard border, but that would require the agreement of the EU as well. Even though it is the intent of the two jurisdictions involved, we still have to get it across the line in Europe and that might be five or six years down the line, he said in a later interview. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The Russian military is building a replica of Berlins Reichstag building as a playground for teenagers to attack at a patriotic theme park. The countrys defence minister Sergei Shoigu said the mock version of the German parliament, just outside Moscow, would be used during the youth armys military drills. The Yunarmia, or Young Army, created in 2015 to encourage patriotism among schoolchildren, provides physical training and teaches basic military skills. How the Reichstag looked two months after the Soviet army captured the building (Fred Ramage/Keystone/Getty) Mr Shoigu told the Duma, Moscows version of parliament, it was being built so the youngsters could storm a specific location, not something abstract. It is not clear whether the replica building will be available for the public to explore. The Reichstag was famously captured by the Soviets in 1945 and is an icon for its annual Victory Day celebrations on 9 May. The building, opened in 1894, was famously burned down in a suspected plot by the Nazis in 1933, but once again became the countrys parliament in 1999. Mr Shoigu also said the Patriot Park, due to be opened this year, will also feature a replica of a Soviet forest guerrilla base, arms exhibits and military shows. The initiative comes at a time of strain between Russia and the West over the war in eastern Ukraine and Syria. The Independent has contacted Germany's Federal Foreign Office for comment. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The US should expect a "strong slap in the face" if it underestimates Iran's defensive capabilities, a commander of the country's elite Revolutionary Guards has warned. Since taking office, President Donald Trump promised a tougher approach on Iran and warned the Islamic Republic it was playing with fire after its recent ballistic missile test. "The enemy should not be mistaken in its assessments, and it will receive a strong slap in the face if it does make such a mistake," General Mohammad Pakpour said, in quotes reported on the Guards' website. Michael Flynn: We're officially putting Iran on notice His comments come as the Revolutionary Guards concluded three days of exercises with rockets, artillery, tanks and helicopters, weeks after US President Donald Trump warned he had put Tehran "on notice" over a recent missile launch. "The message of these exercises... for world arrogance is not to do anything stupid," Mr Pakpour said. "Everyone could see today what power we have on the ground." The Revolutionary Guards said they test-fired "advanced rockets" and used drones during the three-day exercises, which were held in central and eastern Iran. 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 response to Iran's ballistic missile test, the US Treasury Department issued new sanctions on 13 people and 12 companies. Iran was also one of the countries included in Mr Trump's ban on travel to the US from seven predominantly Muslim countries. Earlier this week, another Revolutionary Guards general warned any attack on Iran would turn it into a "graveyard for aggressors". The US statesmen should be very wise and avoid threatening Iran, Hossein Salami, deputy head of the Revolutionary Guards added. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has issued an order on additional support to development of Karabakh horse breed in the country. Under the order, 2 million manats was allocated to the Ministry of Agriculture from presidents reserve fund for preservation and development of breeding core of Karabakh horses, completion of measures for creation of condition for scientifically selective breeding and construction of equestrian complex of the Aghdam Equestrian Farm under the Azerbaijan Scientific-Research Institute of Livestock. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Iraqi forces claim to have made a major gain in the fight to push Isis out of the country by seizing control of Mosuls airport with the location set to be used as a staging post as troops push into the west of the city. The units also fought their way into the Ghazlani military base close to the airport as part of a two-pronged assault from the south-west of Mosul. Civilians could be seen running away from villages as clashes continued and smoke clouds rose in the blue sky, according to reports. The Iraqi flag was once again flying near the airports airfield, even as Isis mortars continued to barrage the advancing forces. Clashes continued throughout the day after the morning assault, but Iraqs elite counter-terrorism forces pushed on towards Isis-held enclaves in the western part of Mosul, where the next part of the fight will take place. Recommended Victory over Isis in Mosul could mean defeat in Deir Ezzor Mosul is the last major stronghold for Isis fighters in Iraq, with the jihadis having taken control of the city in a blitzkrieg offensive in June 2014 before going on to attack large parts of northern and western Iraq. The east side of Mosul was declared liberated by Iraqi forces in late January after a three-month long operation, when Iraqi units incurred high casualty rates due to the Isis deployment of large numbers of suicide car bombs. Civilians also paid a high price and thousands were rushed to nearby Irbil hospitals with injuries. West Mosul holds the citys old town with narrow streets where commanders say the fight will be tough, with the potential for another drawn-out fight as Isis bed-in using guerrilla tactics. However, the US-backed Iraqi forces will take heart from the apparent speed the majority of the airport was taken off around four hours after the offensive started. The east and west sides of the city are split by the Tigris River and west Mosul is almost completely surrounded by an array of forces. Its 750,000 residents are running out of food, fuel and have no clean water, so are drinking dirty liquid from wells. Families told The Independent theyve been burning furniture to heat their homes and that the price of food has shot up. Potatoes are grown locally and are still fairly cheap, but one kilo of onions is now more than $10, one egg costs $1, a kilo of sugar is $18 and 20 litres of cooking gas costs $80, according to residents. These prices are unaffordable for a population that has spent two and a half years already suffering under harsh militant rule where smoking is banned and women must cover from head to toe. Some families are so hungry, poor and scared that they have sought to flee Isis rule in western Mosul by boat, under cover of darkness. The high number of civilians will pose a challenge to Iraqi forces, while the dense urban environment will likely force Iraqi soldiers to leave the relative safety of their armoured vehicles. Counter-terrorism service (CTS) troops advance towards Ghazlani military complex, south of Mosul, Iraq (Reuters) Air strikes in support of the Iraqi operation have increased in recent weeks as the push for the west side of the city drew near. On the east side of the city, Iraqi forces have made an effort to protect civilian lives and many buildings remain intact, despite rubble and rubbish littering the streets. However, some homes and buildings were destroyed by Isis car bombs, snipers, rockets, or were caught between the battle lines and are peppered with bullet holes. On Sunday, after weeks of preparations, Iraqi forces officially launched the operation to take Mosuls western half, with the Iraqi regular army and federal police forces taking part in the initial push. Since then, the military says they have retaken nearly 50 square miles south of the city. The assault on the airport marked the first time the Iraqi special forces, which played a key role in securing the eastern half of the city, joined the fight for western Mosul. Counter-terrorism service (CTS) troops advance towards Ghazlani military complex, south of Mosul, Iraq (Reuters) The counter-terrorism forces will be an additional force, which will expedite the liberation of Mosul's western side, Brigadier General Yahya Rasool told AP. In eastern Mosul, Isis fighters continue hurling mortars into civilian neighbourhoods from their hold outs across the river in western Mosul, causing dozens of daily injuries or deaths; as well as sending over drone mounted explosives to wreak carnage. During a recent attack inside Mosul, soldiers suddenly stopped their patrols on a quiet residential street and began shooting towards the sky rapidly to shoot down a hovering Isis drone that was ready to drop its explosives upon them, causing carnage. The volley of firing stopped and the drone fell to the earth. This time they had been lucky but it is likely that before Isis is defeated, the group will continue to come up with new ways to terrorise the conquering forces; before once again slipping back underground as an insurgent force, unless the root causes that gave rise to the militants are solved. 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 Ahmed Atiya, a civilian escaping from an area where fighting was taking place today in south west Mosul, told news agency Reuters, Daesh [Isis] fled when counterterrorism Humvees reached al-Mamoun. We were afraid and we decided to escape towards the Humvees. During its rise Isis made gains in both Syria and Iraq, with the jihadis de facto capital of Raqqa in Syria the other major urban target for anti-Isis forces. In another blow to the group, Turkish-backed rebels have seized the centre of the Isis-held town of al-Bab, Turkish state media and rebels said. Turkey launched its Operation Euphrates Shield in August in an effort to push Isis from its border and stop the advance of a Syrian Kurdish militia, who are fighting the jihadis. Taking control of al-Bab about from the Turkish border, would deepen Turkish influence in an area of Syria where it has effectively created a buffer zone and would allow the Ankara-backed forces to press on towards Raqqa, Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency, citing its correspondent in al-Bab, said the rebels had seized control of the town centre and were now clearing mines and explosive devices laid by the jihadists. Some 730 square miles in northern Syria has now been cleared of militant groups, it claimed. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Iraqi security forces closing in on the Isis-held western half of Mosul have launched a major offensive on the city's airport and fought their way into a nearby military base. Federal police and an elite interior ministry unit known as Rapid Response stormed the airport and engaged in gun battles with Isis fighters who used suicide car bombs to try to stem the advance. Around four hours after the start of the offensive, state television reported that the airport had been captured. The Rapid Response Forces and federal police are fully in control of the airport of Mosul, state television said in a flash on its screen. Recommended Victory over Isis in Mosul could mean defeat in Deir Ezzor Isis fighters deployed bomb-carrying drones to attack the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Forces advancing from the southwestern side of the city. We are attacking Daesh (Isis) from multiple fronts to distract them and prevent them from regrouping. it's the best way to knock them down quickly, said federal police captain Amir Abdul Kareem, whose units are fighting near Ghozlani military base. After ousting the militant group from eastern Mosul last month, Iraqi forces have sought to capture the airport to use it as a launchpad for an onslaught into the west of the city. The campaign involves a 100,000-strong force of Iraqi troops, Kurdish fighters and Shia militias and has made rapid advances since the start of the year, aided by new tactics and improved coordination. In pictures: Mosul offensive Show all 40 1 /40 In pictures: Mosul offensive In pictures: Mosul offensive A doctor carries an Iraqi newborn baby at a hospital in Mosul, Iraq July 18, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi girls play at a yard of a school in Mosul, Iraq July 18, 2017alal Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A woman on crutches who is a relative of men accused of being Islamic State militants is seen at a camp in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq July 15, 2017. Picture taken July 15, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A displaced girl, who fled from home carries a doll at Hamam al-Alil camp south of Mosul, Iraq July 13, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi federal police members and civilians celebrate in the Old City of Mosul on 9 July 2017 after the government's announcement of the "liberation" of the embattled city. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's office said he was in "liberated" Mosul to congratulate "the heroic fighters and the Iraqi people on the achievement of the major victory" AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A picture taken on 9 July 2017, shows a general view of the destruction in Mosul's Old City. Iraq will announce imminently a final victory in the nearly nine-month offensive to retake Mosul from jihadists, a US general said Saturday, as celebrations broke out among police forces in the city. AFP In pictures: Mosul offensive Members of the Iraqi federal police raise the victory gesture as they ride on a humvee while advancing through the Old City of Mosul on 28 June 2017, as the offensive continues to retake the last district held by Islamic State (IS) group fighters. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Smoke billows as Iraqi forces advance through the Old City of Mosul on 26 June 2017, during the ongoing offensive to retake the last district held by the Islamic State (IS) group. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi man wearing the green scarf of the Shi'ite faith kisses an Iraqi Army soldier on safely reaching the Iraqi forces position as Iraqi civilians flee the Old City of west Mosul where heavy fighting continues on 23 June 2017. Iraqi forces continue to encounter stiff resistance with improvised explosive devices, car bombs, heavy mortar fire and snipers hampering their advance. Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A picture taken from the inside of an Iraqi forces armoured vehicle shows residents walking through a damaged street as troops advance towards Mosul's Old City on 18 June 2017, during the ongoing offensive to retake the last district still held by the Islamic State (IS) group. Military commanders told AFP the assault had begun at dawn after overnight air strikes by the US-led coalition backing Iraqi forces. They said the jihadists were putting up fierce resistance. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi Army soldiers advance in a destroyed street after an Iraqi forces airstrike targeted an Islamic State sniper position 17 June 2017 in al-Shifa, the last district of west Mosul under Islamic State control. IS snipers, as well as car and suicide bomb attacks continue to hinder the Iraqi forces efforts to retake the final district. A series of airstrikes by Iraqi helicopter gunships attempted to hit multiple Islamic State sniper positions in al-Shifa. Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier frisks a displaced Iraqi man at a temporary camp in the compound of the closed Nineveh International Hotel in Mosul on 16 June 2017 which was recovered by Iraqi troops from Islamic State group fighters earlier in the year. A screening centre set up in the compound's fairgrounds sees a constant stream of Iraqis fleeing the battle for Mosul, awaiting their turn to be checked by the Iraqi forces who are searching for suspected Islamic State (IS) group members. The small fairground lies at the end of a pontoon bridge across the Tigris recently opened to civilians that is the only physical link between the two banks of the river. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqis staying at the al-Khazir camp swim in a river near the camp for internally displaced people, located between Arbil and Mosul on 11 June 2017. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi government forces drive on a road leading to Tal Afar on 9 June 2017, during ongoing battles to retake the city from Islamic State (IS) group fighters. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi policeman carries a poster bearing an image of Mosul's iconic leaning minaret, known as the "Hadba" (Hunchback), on 22 June 2017. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqis stand in line to receive food aid in western Mosul's Zanjili neighbourhood on 7 June 2017, during ongoing battles as Iraqi forces try to retake the city from Islamic State (IS) group fighters. Living conditions in Mosul have again deteriorated since the start of the Iraqi government's offensive on the city in October in which they retook a large part of the west of the city. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Displaced Iraqis carry lightbulbs and sacks as they evacuate from western Mosul's Zanjili neighbourhood as government forces advance in the area during their ongoing battle against Islamic State (IS) group fighters on 13 May 2017 AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) flashes the victory gesture as he patrols in western Mosul's al-Islah al-Zaraye neighbourhood on 13 May 2017 AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi army soldiers from the 9th armoured division on a truck flash the sign of victory as they drive back from Mosul to the town of Qaraqosh (also known as Hamdaniya) Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Members of Iraqi forces flash the sign of victory on their vehicle as they advance towards Hammam al-Alil area south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi security forces gestures in Hammam al-Alil, south of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi children, one flashing the sign of victory, greet Iraqi army's soldiers from the 9th armoured division in the area of Ali Rash, adjacent to the eastern Al-Intissar neighbourhood of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Peshmerga forces look at a tunnel used by Islamic State militants near the town of Bashiqa, east of Mosul, during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier takes a photograph with his phone as his comrade stands next to a detained man, whom the Iraqi army soldiers accused of being an Islamic State fighter, who was fleeing with his family in the Intisar disrict of eastern Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iranian Kurdish female members of the Freedom Party of Kurdistan (PAK) hold a position in an area near the town of Bashiqa, some 25 kilometres north east of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi families, who fled their homes in Hamam al-Alil, gather on the outskirts of their town Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Displaced people walk past a checkpoint near Qayara, south of Mosul, Iraq AP In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi families who were displaced by the ongoing operation by Iraqi forces against jihadists of the Islamic State group to retake the city of Mosul, are seen gathering in an area near Qayyarah In pictures: Mosul offensive A boy who just fled Abu Jarbuah village is seen with his family at a Kurdish Peshmerga position between two front lines near Bashiqa, east of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi child eats a pomegranate upon the arrival of Iraqi forces in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive People who just fled Abu Jarbuah village sit as they eat at a Kurdish Peshmerga position between two front lines near Bashiqa, east of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A couple who just fled Abu Jarbuah village are escorted by Kurdish Peshmerga soldiers Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Women carry a boy over a wall as civilians flee their houses in the village of Tob Zawa, Iraq AP In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier and a civilian ride a motorbike as smoke rises behind them, on the road between Qayyarah and Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi forces, wearing a skull mask, waits at a checkpoint for people fleeing the main hub city of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier sits at a checkpoint in an area near Qayyarah Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi men prepare food portions for Iraqi forces deployed in areas south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi forces celebrate upon the arrival of vehicles bringing food to them Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi childen smoke cigarettes upon the arrival of Iraqi forces in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi forces distributes drinks to children in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty Losing Mosul could spell the end of the Iraqi side of militants' self-styled caliphate in Iraq and Syria, which Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared from the city after sweeping through vast areas of Iraq in 2014. US special forces in armoured vehicles positioned near Mosul airport looked on as Iraqi troops advanced and a helicopter strafed suspected Islamic State positions. Counter-terrorism service (CTS) troops fought their way inside the nearby Ghozlani base, which includes barracks and training grounds close to the Baghdad-Mosul highway, a CTS spokesman told Reuters. Iraqi forces launch push to retake western Mosul from IS The airport and the base, captured by Isis fighters when they overran Mosul in June 2014, have been heavily damaged by US-led air strikes intended to wear down the militants ahead of the offensive, a senior Iraqi official said. The US military commander in Iraq has said he believes US-backed forces will retake both of Isis's urban bastions - the other is the Syrian city of Raqqa - within the next six months, which would end the jihadists' ambitions to rule and govern significant territory. Iraqi commanders expect the battle to be more difficult than in the east of Mosul, however, in part because tanks and armored vehicles cannot pass through narrow alleyways that crisscross the city's ancient western districts. Militants have developed a network of passageways and tunnels to enable them to hide and fight among civilians, melt away after hit-and-run operations and track government troop movements, according to inhabitants. Reuters For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Israel has been accused of coercing thousands of Eritrean and Sudanese migrants to leave the country at grave personal risk, a report by Human Rights Watch says. In a report issued on Tuesday, the international rights organisation said Israeli authorities have coerced almost 7,000 Eritrean and Sudanese to return to their homes, where they may face serious abuse. The report says that some returning Sudanese have faced torture, arbitrary detention, and treason charges at the hands of the anti-Israel Sudanese government, while returning Eritreans also risk harassment. For the past several years Israel has been placing thousands of Eritrean and Sudanese migrants in hardscrabble detention centers in the Negev desert. Citing statements by senior Israeli officials including former Israeli Interior Minister Eli Yishai, Human Rights Watch says the aim of the policy is to make life so intolerable that the migrants leave Israel on their own volition. "Destroying people's hope of finding protection by forcing them into a corner and then claiming they are voluntarily leaving Israel is transparently abusive," said report author Gerry Simpson. "Eritreans and Sudanese in Israel are left with the choice of living in fear of spending the rest of their days locked up in desert detention centers or of risking detention and abuse back home." Since 2006 some 50,000 Eritreans and Sudanese have entered Israel illegally via the Sinai desert, causing great consternation in the mainly poor Israeli neighborhoods where they have settled. Neighbourhood residents say the migrants engage in petty crime and help turn the areas into slums - claims that have placed great pressure on officials to act to limit the number of migrants in the country. Like many economically advanced countries in Europe and elsewhere facing their own migrant influxes, Israel offers poor African migrants relatively good opportunities to improve their economic standing. Many are now employed in menial jobs in the hotel and restaurant industries in Tel Aviv and the Red Sea resort city of Eilat. African Asylum seekers covered with blankets near the Nitzana border crossing with Egypt in the Negev Desert. (Menahem Kahana) (MENAHEM KAHANA / Staff) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dubbed the migrants "infiltrators" and some Israeli politicians have called them a threat to the country's Jewish fabric. But Israeli rights groups have urged a more sympathetic approach to asylum requests. To coax the detainees and other migrants to leave, Israel offers to pay their airfare and offers other stipends. It says those who accept the funds and repatriation do so freely. The report said about 6,750 Sudanese and Eritreans left Israel from January 2013 through July 1 this year. Israeli figures from August show the number has risen since to about 8,000, said Gerry Simpson, senior HRW researcher and author of the report. He accused Israel of "mass refoulement" forcing people entitled to refugee protection under international law to risk their lives through repatriation. Simpson said HRW saw Israel's policy as amounting to "coercive measures" and part of a policy of "unlawful forced return, torture and other serious harm, affecting thousands of Eritreans and Sudanese". Israeli Interior Ministry spokeswoman Sabine Haddad said Israel was dealing with the challenge of the migrants in a legal and appropriate way. "The growth in the voluntary repatriation of the migrants by three times from 2013 to 2014 proves that the policy is working," she said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Russia is open to the concept of safe zones in Syria, but only if they are approved by Bashar al-Assad. Sergey Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, said he had briefly discussed the US-backed plan with Donald Trumps administration and was told specifics were still being worked out. We believe that any such initiatives concerning the territory of Syria need to be coordinated with the Syrian government - otherwise it would be hard to implement them, he said at a news conference. Donald Trump open to working with Moscow to fight Isis in Syria Having described our understanding of what we can talk about, we are waiting for clarifications from Washington. "We are also ready to discuss other proposals concerning our cooperation in Syria." Syria's state news agency said that any attempt to establish safe zones in the country without coordination with Damascus would be a violation of national sovereignty. Mr Lavrov met Rex Tillerson, the US Secretary of State, at the Munich Security Conference in Germany following a speech where he called for a post-West world order. Russia has been at loggerheads with the US, Britain and much of the West over its support for Assads government in the Syrian civil war. The countrys air power and deployment of military advisors on the ground has been key to reversing gains made by rebels, including in the battle for Aleppo. In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Show all 19 1 /19 In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Syrian boys cry following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Aleppo Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian defense ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov speaks to the media in Moscow, Russia. Konashenkov strongly warned the United States against striking Syrian government forces and issued a thinly-veiled threat to use Russian air defense assets to protect them AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Syrians wait to receive treatment at a hospital following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Alepp Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov speaks at a briefing in the Defense Ministry in Moscow, Russia. Antonov said the Russian air strikes in Syria have killed about 35,000 militants, including about 2,700 residents of Russia AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Jameel Mustafa Habboush, receives oxygen from civil defence volunteers, known as the white helmets, as they rescue him from under the rubble of a building following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Aleppo Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civil defence members rest amidst rubble in a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force in the town of Douma, eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A girl carrying a baby inspects damage in a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force in the town of Douma, eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civilians and civil defence members look for survivors at a site damaged after Russian air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civilians and civil defence members carry an injured woman on a stretcher at a site damaged after Russian air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Volunteers from Syria Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, help civilians after Russia carried out its first airstrikes in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria The aftermath of Russian airstrike in Talbiseh, Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Smoke billows from buildings in Talbiseh, in Homs province, western Syria, after airstrikes by Russian warplanes AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian Air Forces carry out an air strike in the ISIS controlled Al-Raqqah Governorate. Russia's KAB-500s bombs completely destroy the Liwa al-Haqq command unit In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Caspian Flotilla of the Russian Navy firing Kalibr cruise missiles against remote Isis targets in Syria A TASS/ITAR-TASS Photo/Corbis In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russia claimed it hit eight Isis targets, including a "terrorist HQ and co-ordination centre" that was completely destroyed In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A video grab taken from the footage made available on the Russian Defence Ministry's official website, purporting to show an airstrike in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A release from the Russian defence ministry purportedly showing targets in Syria being hit In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russia launched air strikes in war-torn Syria, its first military engagement outside the former Soviet Union since the occupation of Afghanistan in 1979. Russian warplanes carried out strikes in three Syrian provinces along with regime aircraft as Putin seeks to steal US President Barack Obama's thunder by pushing a rival plan to defeat Isis militants in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Caspian Flotilla of the Russian Navy firing Kalibr cruise missiles against remote Isis targets in Syria, a thousand kilometres away. The targets include ammunition factories, ammunition and fuel depots, command centres, and training camps A TASS/ITAR-TASS Photo/Corbis Vladimir Putin characterised the launch of his intervention in 2015 as an operation against Isis and jihadis but observers have accused the Russian air force of committing war crimes by bombing civilian areas controlled by opposition groups. Barack Obama strongly criticised Russias tactics but Donald Trump has been more evasive on the issue, having repeatedly praised the Russian President during his campaign and vowed to improve relations strained by Syria and Ukraine. The US President has supported the idea of safe zones to prevent refuges from leaving Syria, telling a rally of supporters in Florida they would be funded by Gulf nations. Were going to have the Gulf states pay for those safe zones, they have nothing but money, Mr Trump said. And were going to do it that way instead of taking massive numbers, tens of thousands of people into our country. Donald Trump supported the idea of 'safe zones' at a supporters' rally in Florida Getty Images) (Getty Images) He discussed the plan with King Salman of Saudi Arabia in January, who reportedly agreed that safe zones were the best way forward in Syria and Yemen, although no concrete plans have emerged. Mr Putins foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, said the American and Russian presidents discussed possible cooperation on fighting terrorism along with economic issues in a phone call last month. The Obama administration assessed the prospect of no-fly zones in Syria to protect civilians from Syrian government air strikes but Russias intervention raised the threat that moves to enforce restrictions could trigger a military confrontation between the two countries. Concerns have also been raised about the logistics of installing the ground forces and air power needed to protect such areas and the cooperation it would require between warring factions. Safe areas were previously set up in Bosnia in the 1990s war, intended to protect Muslim communities from Serb attacks in six designated districts sheltered by UN peacekeepers and air power. A UN report at the time said the goals included limiting loss of life and property, deterring aggression, demonstrating international concern and involvement, setting the stage for political negotiations and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid. One of the zones was Srebrenica, where a Bosnian Serb militia slaughtered thousands of men and boys in an 11-day campaign of genocide in July 1995. Additional reporting by agencies For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Syrian peace talks sponsored by the United Nations have resumed in Geneva after they fell apart amid escalating bloodshed nearly a year ago. UN Syria envoy Steffan de Mistura held his first meeting with the delegation of the Syrian government this morning and later met the head of the opposition delegation and a senior member of the largest opposition group. The talks mark the latest bid to end the country's six-year civil war, in which hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and millions displaced. However, Mr de Mistura has played down expectations for the talks, saying he was "not expecting a breakthrough". Remarkable rescue of Syrian girl trapped under rubble Opposition groups believe they will feature in a "greater role" in this round of talks, reflecting the changing dynamics inside Syria. Factions are drifting away from the exiled opposition leadership and moving closer to ultra-conservative groups such as Ahrar al-Sham and the al-Qaeda linked Jabhat Fateh al-Sham. In December, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces were able to expel rebel fighters from their longtime stronghold on the eastern side of the city of Aleppo, which was Syria's economic capital before the war began. Mr de Mistura said Russia had asked the Syrian regime to halt air strikes during the Geneva talks. Speaking ahead of the meeting, an opposition delegation member said they hoped to achieve "at least something at the human dimension: lifting the siege in certain areas, getting aid to those who are besieged." He also hoped there would be serious work on the issue of political transition, a sticking point of past talks. "The world has to end this saga. The world has to end these brutalities," said Yahya al-Aridi. In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Show all 30 1 /30 In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian family arrives at a checkpoint, manned by pro-government forces, at the al-Hawoz street roundabout, after leaving Aleppo's eastern neighbourhoods Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian woman, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, reacts as she stands with her children in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood, after regime troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian pro-regime fighters, gesture as they drive past resident fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian rebels withdrew from six more neighbourhoods in their one-time bastion of east Aleppo in the face of advancing government troops, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian rebels withdrew from six more neighbourhoods in their one-time bastion of east Aleppo in the face of advancing government troops, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian residents, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, arrive in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood , after regime troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian pro-regime fighters, gesture as they drive past residents fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian residents, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, arrive in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood, after regime troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian residents, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, arrive in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian pro-regime fighter speaks with a child, as residents flee violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood. Syrian rebels withdrew from six more neighbourhoods in their one-time bastion of east Aleppo in the face of advancing government troops AFP/Getty Images In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Smoke rises as seen from a governement-held area of Aleppo, Syria Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian soldiers targeting rebels-held areas in the eastern neighborhoods in Aleppo, Syria. According to media reports, the army is now holding on 99 percent of Aleppois eastern neighborhoods EPA In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian pro-government forces patrol Aleppo's eastern al-Salihin neighbourhood after troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian soldiers rest following the battle at al-Sheik Saeed neighborhood in Aleppo, Syria EPA In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian pro-government fighter walking past closed shops in the Bab al-Nasr district of Aleppo's Old City. Once renowned for its bustling souks, grand citadel and historic gates, Aleppo's Old City has been rendered virtually unrecognisable by some of the worst violence of Syria's war Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria The crucial battle for Aleppo entered its 'final phase' after Syrian rebels retreated into a small pocket of their former bastion in the face of new army advances. The retreat leaves opposition fighters confined to just a handful of neighbourhoods in southeast Aleppo, the largest of them Sukkari and Mashhad Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian civilans arrive at a checkpoint, manned by pro-government forces, at the al-Hawoz street roundabout, after leaving Aleppo's eastern neighbourhoods. Syria's government has retaken at least 85 percent of east Aleppo, which fell to rebels in 2012, since beginning its operation Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian civilians flee the Sukkari neighbourhood towards safer rebel-held areas in southeastern Aleppo Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrians celebrate in the government-held Mogambo neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, after rebel fighters retreated into a small pocket of their former bastion in the face of new army advances Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrians celebrate in the government-held Mogambo neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, after rebel fighters retreated into a small pocket of their former bastion in the face of new army advances. The fall of Aleppo would be the worst rebel defeat since Syria's conflict began in 2011, and leave the government in control of the country's five major cities Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian refugee Aliya inside the tent where she lives with her husband and ten children in a camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian refugee women and children outside the entrance to their tents in the refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA Wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA Wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee woman outside the entrance to the tent where her family live, in the refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A vehicle drives past a mosque at night in Idlib, Syria. Picture taken with a long exposure Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Damaged buildings stand in the rebel-controlled town of Binnish in Idlib province, Syria Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria The night sky is seen through damaged windows in the rebel-controlled town of Binnish in Idlib province, Syria Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Damaged buildings stand in the rebel-controlled area of Maaret al-Numan in Idlib province, Syria Reuters Mr de Mistura also met with a group of Syrian women who came to push for the discussion of the fate of detainees and abducted people in the Syrian conflict. They held a symbolic moment of silence together. "There are thousands and thousands of mothers, wives, daughters who are hoping that at least this aspect will be one of the benefits of any negotiation," he said. The talks come after ceasefire discussions in Astana, Kazakhstan, which were coordinated largely by Turkey and Russia, who have backed opposite sides in the bloody civil war. In those meetings, the two sides sat face-to-face and a fragile ceasefire has since mostly held, though daily violations have occurred. Russian President Vladimir Putin has voiced hope for the success of a political settlement in Syria, saying it will help defeat the terrorist malaise. Mr Putin said at a meeting with Russian seamen today that Moscow's goal in Syria is to help stabilise what he called the legitimate government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and fight international terrorism. Russia has conducted their air campaign in Syria since September 2015, helping turn the tide in Mr Assad's favour, and earning the ire of a number of Western governments, particularly France. Mr Putin claimed the Russian military action had helped create conditions for talks between the government and the opposition in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana. He voiced hope that the process launched in Astana will be developed at the Syria peace talks in Geneva. After meeting Mr Assad's top negotiator at the talks, Russia's envoy to the United Nations said demands from rebels and their Western and Arab backers for Mr Assad to step down were absurd. The delegation of the (Syrian) government arrived in Geneva with constructive instructions to reach progress at these talks, Ambassador Alexei Borodavkin told reporters. The agenda of these talks is not yet ready, as far as I understand, he said. He was hoping for progress on creating a government of national unity, drafting a constitution and scheduling elections, as mandated by a UN resolution, he said. The UN's children's agency urged all parties at the Geneva talks to put Syria's children first in attempting to bring about an end to the civil war. Since the start of this year, at least 20 children have reportedly been killed in attacks and many more injured, including a one-day old baby girl injured when her home was shelled in rural Damascus," Unicef's regional director Geert Cappelaere said. "In addition, nearly two million children remain largely cut off from urgently needed humanitarian assistance. The numbers are a grim indication that the cessation in hostilities announced last December has yet to result in real gains in protection and humanitarian assistance for all children in Syria." For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The United Nations has condemned Israels impending demolition of a school and homes in a West Bank village. Officers distributed dozens of military stop work orders in the Bedouin community of Khan al-Ahmar, which lies between two Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said almost every structure is under threat, affecting the homes and livelihoods of almost 140 people, of whom almost half are children. Khan al-Ahmars primary school, which was built in 2009 with international support and has around 140 pupils from surrounding Bedouin communities, is among the buildings that could be destroyed. Robert Piper, the UNs aid and development co-ordinator for the Occupied Palestinian territories, said the pressure on residents to move to a planned relocation site is unacceptable and must stop. The entire existence of this communityis under threat, he added. I am gravely concerned about Israels continued pressures to force these Bedouin from their homes, destroying their livelihoods and their distinct culture. Many of these Palestinian refugee families have already had their homes demolished several times within the last couple of years. I urge the Israeli authorities to halt all plans and practices that will directly or indirectly lead refugees to be displaced once again. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (Cogat) told The Times of Israel that orders were given to cease construction but said residents were invited to a hearing about the buildings on Thursday where they would be able to present their case. The process frequently signals the start of demolitions but no date has been given. Bulldozers demolish Bedouin homes and structures in the illegal village of Umm al-Hiran in the Negev Desert, southern Israel (EPA) Destruction operations frequently draw protests and security crackdowns, including in the Bedouin village of Umm al-Hiran, where police shot dead an Arab driver whose car ran over and killed an Israeli officer. Police and Israeli politicians initially claimed the incident was a terrorist car-ramming attack but are reportedly set to reverse the judgement amid evidence police opened fire unnecessarily and caused the driver to lose control of his car. If there was a mistake, we have to say we erred, but I will wait for the official report, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, said. Khan al-Ahmar is one of 46 communities in the West Bank deemed to be at risk of forced transfers by Israeli authorities, in what the UN says would be a grave breach of international law under the Geneva Convention. Thousands of Palestinian homes have been destroyed by Israeli authorities on the grounds they were built illegally without a permit, with a spike being recorded in East Jerusalem since Donald Trumps election victory. The UNRWA said permission is largely impossible to obtain from Israel due to the discriminatory planning and zoning regime it imposes in areas of the West Bank and East Jerusalem under its control. The developments in Khan al-Ahmar are not unique, said Mr Piper. The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Show all 10 1 /10 The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Medics evacuate a wounded man from the scene of an attack in Jerusalem. A Palestinian rammed a vehicle into a bus stop then got out and started stabbing people before he was shot dead AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Israeli ZAKA emergency response members carry the body of an Israeli at the scene of a shooting attack in Jerusalem. A pair of Palestinian men boarded a bus in Jerusalem and began shooting and stabbing passengers, while another assailant rammed a car into a bus station before stabbing bystanders, in near-simultaneous attacks that escalated a month long wave of violence AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Getty Images The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Palestinians throw molotov cocktail during clashes with Israeli troops near Ramallah, West Bank. Recent days have seen a series of stabbing attacks in Israel and the West Bank that have wounded several Israelis AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Women cry during the funeral of Palestinian teenager Ahmad Sharaka, 13, who was shot dead by Israeli forces during clashes at a checkpoint near Ramallah, at the family house in the Palestinian West Bank refugee camp of Jalazoun, Ramallah AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies A wounded Palestinian boy and his father hold hands at a hospital after their house was brought down by an Israeli air strike in Gaza Reuters The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Palestinians look on after a protester is shot by Israelis soldiers during clashes at the Howara checkpoint near the West Bank city of Nablus EPA The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies A lawyer wearing his official robes kicks a tear gas canister back toward Israeli soldiers during a demonstration by scores of Palestinian lawyers called for by the Palestinian Bar Association in solidarity with protesters at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City, near Ramallah, West Bank AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Undercover Israeli soldiers detain a Palestinian in Ramallah Reuters The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Palestinian youth burn tyres during clashes with Israeli soldiers close to the Jewish settlement of Bet El, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, after Israel barred Palestinians from Jerusalem's Old City as tensions mounted following attacks that killed two Israelis and wounded a child Thousands of families live in fear of demolitions at any moment, and entire communities exist in chronic instability. When schools are demolished, the right to education of Palestinian children is also threatened. This creates a coercive environment that forces certain Palestinian communities to move elsewhere. The international community must work together to provide assistance and protection to vulnerable communities and insist that international law is respected. It comes at the end of a long legal battle by the between the Israeli government and settlers to enforce a previous demolition order for the village, which reached Israels High Court last year. Three new conservative members including a settler were elected to join the court on Thursday, as part of a push by Israels ultranationalist justice minister for it to represent right-wing Israelis. The 15-member court, widely seen as a liberal bastion, has drawn criticism from Ayelet Shaked, and other pro-settlement politicians over rulings supporting Palestinian property rights in the West Bank and its occasional reversal of Israeli laws it deemed illegal. Britain is among the countries to voice alarm over the demolitions, amid a surge in plans for new settlement construction by Israel, which is regarded as illegal under international law. Additional reporting by agencies For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Syrian women liberated from Isis control have been filmed burning their veils as they reclaim their freedom. Footage released by local media showed a group of jubilant women removing their face veils and stamping on them before setting fire to the fabric with a lighter and smoking cigarettes in celebration. The women had been liberated from an area around Deir Ezzor in eastern Syria by Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) with support from the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), who are leading an ongoing offensive in the province. Human Security Centre (HSC) director Julie Lenarz told The Independent the women were only able to remove their veils as the SDF and YPG, unlike other rebel groups in Syria, do not enforce religious dress codes. These people were under the control of Isis who forced women to wear religious clothing, men were banned from smoking, children were not supposed to be playing and dancing in the street, she said. These are women who would have worn a headscarf or Muslim clothing but not a full face veil, so they see it as a real liberation. Ms Lenarz said it was common to see such footage coming from Arab areas liberated by the SDF. The HSC estimates about 70 per cent of opposition groups in Syria also follow an Islamist or Jihadist ideology, such as al-Nusra or Ahrar al-Sham, so they will still enforce the wearing of religious dress like Isis, she said. This footage from the ongoing offensive around Deir Ezzor is the first time SDF has entered that particular area. The US-backed advance into the province is part of an operation to encircle and ultimately capture its de facto capital of Raqqa to the north of the country. It came as Iraqi forces recaptured eastern Mosul from Isis last month, and launched a new offensive on the group in densely-populated western Mosul this week. However, some are concerned the militant group will race to Deir Ezzor, 340 miles to the west, if it is ousted from Mosul to support insurgent forces there. According to a military source, the SDF alliance has recaptured some 15 villages from Isis militants in their incursion into the province, with their main aim to cut Isis supply lines from Raqqa to Deir Ezzor. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A Russian MP has reportedly skipped a meeting in regional parliament, asking his assistant to bring a cardboard cut-out of himself instead. According to local channel 47news, Vladimir Petrov wanted to draw his colleagues attention to the fact that many do not participate in parliamentary life opting to stay silent and press buttons as they are told. Recommended Russia builds replica Reichstag so teens can recreate 1945 victory The event occurred at a parliamentary meeting for the Leningrad region. The action sparked anger among fellow MPs, with some asking for Mr Petrovs assistant to be detained. Can we all bring cardboard versions of ourselves to meetings or is just him? Does this mean that his vote will still be considered? MP Andrei Lebdev said, asking for the cardboard cut-out to be turned against the wall. (47news (47news) However, the vice-governor of the Leningrad region Oleg Koval put the photograph out next to him with the words This is my Petrov. Mr Petrov could not attend the meeting due to a broken leg, according to 47news. 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 Regional parliaments of Russia are the legislative bodies of power in the country. The federal structure of Russia includes 83 regional parliament. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} As Trump struggles to get his Mexican border wall off the ground, another group of immigrants are making themselves at home at the opposite end of the country, in Americas 49th state with no one to stop them. Thirty years ago, polar bears were rarely spotted on Alaskas Arctic coast. But in recent years, they have been coming ashore in such high numbers that a whole new tourism industry has exploded around the phenomenon. As a result, the tiny Inupiat Eskimo village of Kaktovik on Barter Island just off Alaskas frigid north coast is fast becoming the polar bear capital of the United States. The overwhelming evidence points towards climate change as the key driver behind these creatures seeking solace on mainland Alaska, due to the Arctic icepack retreating further and further each summer. Ryan Wilson, a marine biologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Services polar bear programme, tells me that a reduction in sea ice affects the bears access to prey. But there is a particularly enticing opportunity to scavenge for food in Kaktovik, a subsistence-living community that harvests a quota of bowhead whales each summer. Unable to hunt, its thought bears head to shore in hope of scavenging for food instead. Up to 80 polar bears have been recorded converging to feast on the remains of a single harvest a highly unusual gathering given polar bears tend to be solitary predators, and rarely move in a group. Unsurprisingly, the allure of spotting the vulnerable species in large numbers is drawing more tourists to Kaktovik each year. This village of 290 residents saw more than 1,000 visitors in 2015. Last year, tourism increased by around 50 per cent. I arrive to find that, like other similarly remote Alaska Native villages dotted along the Arctic coast, Kaktovik is little more than a smattering of ramshackle dwellings huddling together on the icy tundra. Looking around, I find it hard to imagine how its structures withstand the bitter winters, let alone provide much defence against hungry polar bears. But Alaska Native communities have thrived here for centuries, long before the construction of a tiny airstrip in 1947 connected Kaktovik to the outside world. I am eager to learn more about the local way of life, but while not unfriendly, this fiercely private community keep their cards close to their chests for now at least, tourists dont typically have much contact with locals beyond direct tourism providers, and a contingent of youth ambassadors who brief incoming tourists on bear conservation and safety. Two male polar bears wrestle in the shallows near Kaktovik (Sarah Reid) My polar bear safari guide, Ketil Reitan, is one of six local operators with permits to run boat safaris from mid-July until the sea ice reforms in early October. We dont need to travel far to see bears today, as half a dozen are clearly visible on a sand island just a few hundred metres from the village. Reitan kills the motor a safe distance from land, where a huge mother polar bear, her fur turned a sandy grey from rolling around in the bloody remains of a whale killed several weeks prior, stands guard over her three fuzzy young cubs, who are scampering among the driftwood. Nearby, two robust sub-adult males wrestle in the freezing water, thick layers of blubber beneath their snow-white fur keeping them warm and buoyant. Watching these alpha predators at play, its easy to assume the species is thriving. But the reality is grim. One of 19 polar bear populations spread across the worlds five polar range states (Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia and the US), the southern Beaufort Sea population that frequents Kaktovik is one of three that are decreasing in number, having dropped from around 1,500 bears in the early 2000s, to just 900 in 2010, according to the most recent data available. Tourist boats maintain a safe distance from the bears (Sarah Reid) And the decline appears set to continue, according to a 2015 assessment for the International Union for Conservation of Natures Red List, which projected a reduction of over 30 per cent in the worlds total polar bear population by 2050. Things were looking up for polar bears last September, thanks to the co-signing of the Circumpolar Action Plan (designed to protect polar bears) by all five polar states. But the new US presidents stance on climate change has cast fresh doubt over the future of these Arctic giants. Meanwhile, Earth reached its hottest year on record in 2016 and, after China, the US remains the worlds highest emitter of greenhouse gases, which is believed to be the major cause of global warming. Not only that, but the sea ice that typically encircles Barter Island for nine months of the year is taking longer to reform every autumn. A 2016 study co-authored by Wilson found polar bears in the southern Beaufort Sea who have started to swim to shore each spring over the past few decades are spending an average of 36 days longer on land than they did in the late Nineties. And as the number of bears and the duration of their visits increases in the Alaska Native community, so do concerns for public safety. A mother polar bear watches over her cubs (Sarah Reid) Kaktovik has a daily polar bear patrol manned by local volunteers, who use non-lethal force (shotguns loaded with cracker shells and non-penetrating lead shots known as beanbags) to drive bears away from peoples homes. But as the bears become bolder, this small community has been forced to rethink bear management strategies. The bears are becoming habituated to cracker shells and beanbags if they are hungry, says Mike Pederson, deputy director of the local boroughs department of wildlife management. There have yet to be any human deaths in Kaktovik as a result of a polar bear attack, but Pederson tells me there have been some close calls. We are now identifying other tools we can utilise to keep the community and polar bears safe. Adjusting to a tourism hotspot appearing in their backyard has also presented challenges for one of the worlds most remote communities. The increase in tourism puts pressure on Kaktoviks meagre resources such as the limited number of seats on planes that residents require for travelling to medical appointments. Social impacts of polar bear tourism aside, it can be argued that the environmental impact notably the emissions generated by tourists who travel to the Arctic for polar bear viewing is counterproductive to the bears survival. The Inupiat-Eskimo village of Kaktovik is struggling to manage an increase of polar bears coming to town (Sarah Reid) Having flown halfway across the planet for the privilege myself, I cringe at the carbon cost of my own trip. Responsible wildlife tourism, however, is widely credited for inspiring tourists to protect the fragile environments they visit. My trip certainly left me with a profound feeling of responsibility to do more to protect the polar bears threatened Arctic habitat climate scientists say using less energy and reducing waste are key to keeping the worlds CO2 levels in check. As the world marks International Polar Bear Day on 27 February, heres hoping it inspires more people to take responsibility for the part we all play in the survival of polar bears, and the planet. Travel essentials Getting there British Airways (ba.com) flies to Anchorage from about 788 return, from where connecting flights are available to Fairbanks with Alaska Airlines (alaskaair.com) from about 141 return, and then on to Kaktovik with Ravn Airlines (flyravn.com) from about 616 return. Staying there Kaktoviks two hotels, the Marsh Creek Inn (marshcreekinn.net) and Waldo Arms Hotel (waldoarmshotel.com) charge about 260 per person, per night. Includes all meals. Visiting there The writer visited as a guest of Northern Alaska Tour Company (northernalaska.com) and the Adventure Travel Trade Association (adventuretravel.biz). An all-inclusive, one-day polar bear viewing tour from Fairbanks with Northern Alaska Tour Company costs about 1,447. For independent visitors, Kaktovik Tours offers (kaktoviktours.com) two separate three-hour polar bear viewing sessions over two days for about 579. More information travelalaska.com Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA on Thursday announced plans to offer transatlantic flights on 10 new routes between the United States and Europe starting at 69, ramping up pressure on U.S. and European rivals. Norwegian's 69 fares will be for one-way tickets from UK and Irish destinations to New York, Providence and Hartford in the United States. "I pay for what I want, you pay for what you want. We don't pay for what everybody else on the plane wants," Norwegian Air spokesman Anders Lindstrom said of its fares. The burgeoning competition on transatlantic routes has also prompted action by more established European airlines. Recommended US pilots want to block expansion of Norwegian transatlantic flights British Airways-owner IAG is planning to start low-cost transatlantic flights from Barcelona this year and CEO Willie Walsh said this month that the Norwegian carrier's model had pushed IAG to look at new ways to operate. IAG reports annual results on Friday. Meanwhile, Air France, part of Franco-Dutch group Air France-KLM, is also pushing forward plans for a new low-cost unit, in a project dubbed Boost, while Lufthansa is expanding long-haul budget flying through its Eurowings business. Norwegian Air's expansion strategy has helped it to more than double revenue since 2012. Last year revenue rose 16 percent to 26 billion Norwegian crowns ($3.12 billion) and the company has placed orders for 260 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus, which it will receive over a period of several years. The company said that thousands of one-way tickets will be offered at 69 (or $65 starting from the US), with fares on the next pricing tier starting at $99. By comparison, prices for a one-way ticket from New York to Dublin in mid-June with other airlines range from about $655 to $2,755 on the Expedia travel website. To keep costs low, Norwegian said it will fly from smaller U.S. airports with lower fees, using narrow-body Boeing 737-MAX aircraft, which are due to be delivered later this year. The planned U.S. destinations are Stewart International Airport in Orange County, New York, T.F. Green Airport in Providence, Rhode Island, and Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Connecticut Norwegian will continue to fly wide-body Boeing 787 Dreamliners to larger U.S. airports, the company said. (Reporting by Alana Wise in Washington and Jeffrey Dastin in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Victoria Bryan in Munich and Terje Solsvik in Oslo; Editing by Himani Sarkar and David Goodman) Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 By Azad Hasanli - Trend: Azerbaijan is interested in cooperation with Italy in industry, agriculture, pharmaceutics, ICT and tourism, Niyazi Safarov, Azerbaijani deputy economy minister, told reporters on the sidelines of the Azerbaijan-Italy business forum in Baku Feb. 23. The Azerbaijan-Italy business forum kicked off in Baku Feb. 23. The representatives of around 20 Italian companies attended the business-forum. "Azerbaijans tourism potential is growing from year to year, Safarov added. Azerbaijans business sphere is very favorable for foreign investors. We offer great preferences and the investment encouraging mechanisms. Azerbaijan and Italy have great potential for cooperation, which was also confirmed by the Italian side." He added that the expansion of trade and economic cooperation was the main topic of the event. "We see great potential in the countrys non-oil sector and we want to bring it to the level of political and energy cooperation," Safarov said. Italy is one of the main economic and trade partners of Azerbaijan. Italys investments in Azerbaijani economy amounted to about $500 million. Azerbaijan and Italy have recently intensified cooperation. Baku Steel Company and Italys Danieli signed an agreement on the construction of a metallurgical complex in Azerbaijani city of Sumgayit in late 2016. Investments in the complex will exceed $1.2 billion. According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Italy amounted to nearly $1.9 billion in 2016, around 84 percent of which accounted for export of Azerbaijani goods to Italy. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The moment she said, Are you Juhel Miah?, and I said, Yes, all the members of staff, all the pupils and all the people on the plane were looking at me. Being escorted off a plane is an alarming experience. When it happens in a foreign country in front of the people you work with, the sense of humiliation is magnified. Juhel Miah is a maths teacher from Neath who found himself ejected from a New York-bound plane at Reykjavik airport. He told BBC Wales: I knew everyone was looking at me thinking Im something that Im not. Recommended Why dark tourism is more important than ever in grim political times Mr Miah was one of the teachers taking a half-term school trip to the US. Wisely, the organisers had bought Icelandair tickets via Reykjavik much cheaper than non-stop flights. He had applied for and been granted an Esta the online electronic visa for the US that most British visitors to America require. His details, along with those of everyone else on board the Icelandair flight to JFK, had been submitted in advance to the US authorities. Their names and other data had been checked against watch lists of people regarded as threats to America. Evidently no problem was identified with Mr Miah, because he was given a boarding pass for the flight. But at some point a bureaucrat flagged a possible issue and the order went through to Icelandair: that particular Boeing is not going until Juhel Miah is off the plane. The unfortunate member of the airlines ground staff who was obliged to tell the bewildered Brit and escort him back to the terminal would not have known why. The Department of Homeland Securitys motto seems to be: Never apologise, never explain. Unlike your credit rating, you have no right to see your security status as recorded by the many agencies in the US that take an interest in prospective visitors. But plenty of people will conclude that the reason Mr Miah was unceremoniously bundled off was because he happens to be a British Muslim. Right now the US should be celebrating all the benefits of tourism: making connections, embracing diversity, breaking down barriers. Instead, there is an unwarranted climate of suspicion aimed squarely at Muslim travellers. But whatever your faith, skin colour or surname, you need to be aware that you could be arbitrarily barred from America. Certainly you should never hand over any money for flights to the US before you have applied for an Esta (via the official site rather than one of the many scam websites). Your application could be rejected for all sorts of reasons, leaving you to choose between the onerous and expensive business of applying for a full US visa, involving a visit to the Embassy in London or the Consulate in Belfast, or another destination. Assuming you are one of the large majority of travellers granted an Esta, dont presume any entitlement to enter America or even a US-bound plane. You must provide more details for Advance Passenger Information, which the transatlantic airline is required to collect. That could result in you being barred at the departure gate or, as Mr Miah discovered, when you are all strapped in and ready to go. Even if you are not hauled off the plane, dont start celebrating when it takes off; when you arrive, the US border officials may not like the cut of your jib, or your use of social media, and could put you back on the plane back to Reykjavik. America seems to be turning itself into a mirror image of East Germany, with three differences: First, it is obsessive about who comes in rather than goes out; second, the parts previously played by Cold War border guards have been outsourced to airline officials overseas; third, while an East German visa was hard to get, at least it guaranteed you entry to the DDR. Ban first, ask questions later: welcome to the new American way of life. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Melissa Roy will take couch surfing in a stranger's house over a hotel room any day. She wishes that people would be a little more trusting. Instead of warily asking locals for directions and walking away, she stays in their homes, views the world through their eyes, and swears it's the best way to travel. However, Roy knows that trusting people isn't always easy to do. After a tumultuous childhood in Indiana, all she wanted to do was leave everything and everyone behind. (Melissa Roy (Melissa Roy) She set herself a goal of visiting 100 countries and all seven continents by age 30 and did it. She also did it all on her own dime a rarity in an age of sponsored Instagram travel celebrities and branded #wanderlust. Now 31 years old and at 109 countries, she hopes to one day see them all. After what she calls a traumatic childhood involving restraining orders and custody battles, Roy longed to explore new places. I just never liked being at home, she said. I always wanted to be out and get my mind off things. She spent her sophomore year of college studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and knew that she'd found her calling. (Melissa Roy (Melissa Roy) While most students went home for their winter break, Roy worked her way through South America. I just traveled everywhere, she said. Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Brazil, Machu Picchu I got the travel bug and it never went away. She loved it so much that she did a Semester at Sea during her senior year. You live on a giant cruise ship with 1,000 students and you circumnavigate the world, she said. We went to 12 countries in 100 days and saw all of the world wonders. After graduation, she invested in the stock market and took acting jobs in order to finance more adventures. Even her commercials contain odes to her love of travel, like when she played Alec Baldwin's assistant as he walks through an airport and boards a plane. (YouTube/ Melissa Roy (YouTube/ Melissa Roy) I would go back to LA, work in Hollywood, do commercials, save up the money, and then travel, she said. By the time she turned 29, she'd been to 66 countries. That's when she decided to aim higher and reach 100 countries by her next birthday. I was having a midlife crisis about turning 30, and I'm like, 'I haven't gotten married, I haven't had kids, I need to do something really cool before I turn 30 what should I do?' she said. That's what sparked it. (Melissa Roy (Melissa Roy) Roy moved through countries quickly. She spent about four or five days in each one. She found free accommodations in locals' homes around the world through Couchsurfing. Couchsurfing is good because you get a local's perspective, she said. It's like having a VIP host in a country. By befriending her local hosts, she maximized her short stay in each destination. Engaging with locals for three days is a fuller experience than staying for two weeks, she said. She became certified as a Divemaster in Panama. (Melissa Roy (Melissa Roy) She visited Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and other countries in the Middle East, but couldn't secure a visa to Saudi Arabia. I'm determined to find a way, she said. She also crossed the notoriously tense border from Colombia to Venezuela on foot. The border has been shut down several times over the last few years due to rising tensions amid Venezuela's political and economic crises. I like really off-the-beaten-path kind of places, she said. One year and 34 countries later, she celebrated her 30th birthday in Antarctica. Antarctica was unforgettable, she said. It's everything you would dream about. (Melissa Roy (Melissa Roy) She hopes to eventually see every country in the world but there's no hard deadline for that. I don't want to start living a normal life where you have kids and a mortgage and a husband and a desk job, she said. I just want to keep doing this, because I love this life. Read the original article on INSIDER. Follow INSIDER on Facebook. Copyright 2017. Follow INSIDER on Twitter. (Insider) Read more: Bill Maher takes credit for conservative firebrand Milo Yiannopoulos' downfall: 'You're welcome' The remarkable life of far-right politician Marine Le Pen Here's how much the relaunched Nokia 3310 will cost Read the original article on Business Insider UK. 2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Perhaps anticipating the possible election of a dangerous rogue president, the founding fathers of the United States put in place two vital curbs on presidential power: congress and the judiciary. The tripartite check and balance system usually works quite well. Sometimes too well, as when a hostile Congress blocks every move of a particular president simply because they dislike him, without regard to his policies. But on the whole the three-way system works, and the Senates power of veto over presidential appointments to the Supreme Court is an especially important safeguard. This vital constitutional role of the Senate shines an acute spotlight on the processes by which Senators are elected, especially since the justices dont have to retire. One person one vote is a noble ideal, and its astonishing that it had to wait until the 1920s before it replaced one man one vote. The right to universal suffrage has not gone unquestioned. Winston Churchill said: The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter. (Although he tempered this on another occasion with: Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.) Against Democracy, by Jason Brennan, quotes a finding that 40 per cent of Americans do not know whom the United States fought in the Second World War". Lest I be accused of national snobbery, we British have an equally lamentable grasp of reality. Imagine the votes that might be cast by the 19 per cent of us who think it takes one month for our planet to orbit the sun. Or the 27 per cent who think humans coexisted with dinosaurs. And, to return to the US, lets not forget the 40 per cent who think the entire universe began after the domestication of the dog. Am I being elitist? Of course I am. You have a problem with that? Do I need to rehearse the point it has been repeated almost to the point of cliche that when you need an operation you choose without hesitation an elite surgeon? Or that when you board a plane you hope your pilot is a highly qualified expert? Trump denies team had contact with Russia during election campaign Perhaps the most despicable thing said in the recent Brexit campaign, even worse than the 350m lie, was the exhortation to mistrust experts. You are the expert: the voter. Well, Im not. Its a scandal that I was invited to vote. I dont have a degree in economics, history or civics and, unless you do, you too are no expert on the advisability of leaving the European Union. So, yes, where really important and complex decisions are concerned, lets hear it for elitism. Proposals of a driving test for voters are greeted with howls of protest, although a serviceable precedent already exists in the citizenship test taken by immigrants to the US. Other unpopular suggestions have included the idea that holders of a college degree should have two votes. Monstrous! Are we not all created equal? Yes indeed. Why, then, in senatorial elections, does a citizen of Wyoming have the equivalent of 66 votes, as against a Californians one vote? That's how it works out if you calculate the relative weight of an individuals vote in electing a senator. Why does an Oklahoman have 10 votes compared to a New Yorkers two? Of course we know the historical justification for giving every state two senators regardless of population, and it deserves respect. Nevertheless, when you put it like this when you reflect that a single North Dakotan has 50 times as much clout as a Texan in senatorial elections, and when you reflect on the huge influence of the Senate doesnt it give you pause? Such calculations can be done too, for the electoral college in presidential elections and they yield similar, if less dramatic, inequalities. A decent objection to the driving test idea is that it discriminates against the poor and disadvantaged a persuasive and perhaps fatal objection. But if discriminating on the basis of educational achievement or economic level is obnoxious, at least a case needs to be made for why discriminating on the basis of the state you happen to live in is less so. To say the least, the precedent is there, and it is embarrassing. Two votes for a PhD seems downright modest compared with 66 votes just because you happen to live in a particular state. And the precedent for departing from the one person, one vote principle is not merely fulfilled but massively, manyfold up to 66-fold fulfilled. As for the driving test, the objection that it discriminates against disadvantaged voters would not apply to candidates for election. If we demand a qualified surgeon or airline pilot, would it really be so terrible to discriminate against an ignorant amateur for president? If the citizenship test for immigrants were adopted as a minimal qualification, how confident are we that presidential and vice-presidential candidates themselves could pass? We have it on the authority of his ghost writer that Donald Trump has never read a book in his adult life, and his disdain for constitutional legality is most charitably attributed to ignorance. As for Sarah Palin... Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Two presidents on from George W Bush, it may be hard to recall the transatlantic tensions that stemmed from the US prison camp at Guantanamo and the lengths to which UK governments went to secure the release of British citizens. How acutely sensitive the whole subject remains, however, has become apparent in recent days, as some of the prime decision-makers sought to justify themselves following the death of a former British detainee in an apparent suicide bombing in Iraq. It is still not fully established that the man concerned really is Jamal al-Harith once known as Ronald Fiddler or precisely how he died. But the acute embarrassment caused by the subsequent activities of a former Guantanamo detainee one of those for whose freedom UK ministers had pleaded was plain for all to see. Not least because, it is claimed, he had received, if not actually 1m in compensation, then a pretty handsome settlement courtesy of UK taxpayers. So George W was right, the inference goes, and British ministers, yet again, were wrong. You can understand why the politicians concerned might feel aggrieved to be thus charged, and so they did. First we had Tony Blair, prime minister at the time, say that he would not usually comment on retrospective criticism of his premiership, but that in this case the very same people now calling him soft on terrorism the Daily Mail had then been lobbying hard for UK detainees release. Blair was followed by his then-Home Secretary, David Blunkett, in print and on the BBC, who had once upon a time given a pledge that no returned detainee would pose any threat to the UK. Yes, he had given such a pledge, he said, which was designed to reassure(!) the British public. And anyway, as it turned out, he added, Harith had indeed posed no threat to the British public. Both also went to some lengths to dissociate themselves from the money. Blunkett alluded to the services of greedy lawyers in an effort to explain why even if it was a million, and he wasnt saying it was Harith probably received considerably less. Blair, for his part, said the settlement was nothing to do with him; the money had been agreed by the Coalition government in 2010. Guantanamo release: Former Afghan detainees' families relieved Nor was this the end. The questions now came from Yvette Cooper, chair of the Home Affairs Committee, who wanted to know how much money there really was, what had happened to it, whether any of it had made its way to Isis, and whether any attempt had been made to reclaim it. This last question had a nice touch of the absurd. After all, if the authorities had lost track of Harith to the point where he was able to leave for the Middle East untracked, why would they know where the money had gone, let alone have the capacity to recover any of it? As the answers from a hapless Ben Wallace, minister for national security, inadvertently showed, however, the real nub of the Harith case and of many others should be sought elsewhere. The question is less How much money was paid, to whom, and when? than Why? Why was the British government of whatever complexion, in whatever year paying cash compensation to former Guantanamo detainees? After all, if anyone was liable for what had happened to these men, surely it was the US administration? And if the US refused as it consistently did to pay even a cent, why was the British government such a pushover? It is in the answers to this question that the real scandal lies, at least so far as the UK is concerned, and that scandal goes far beyond Harith and his fellow British detainees. A clue, but only a clue, is to be found in Wallaces non-answer to the compensation question. Unlike former home secretaries, he said, he could not comment, because the Government was bound by the confidential terms of the settlement. Again, what he does not say is why; why was everything kept under wraps? The truth is that the compensation paid to Harith and others was less in respect of any injustice or deprivation they had suffered than to keep the whole matter out of court. And in whose interests was it to keep it out of court? Not Hariths, to be sure. The purpose was to conceal any involvement by the UK security services. And anyone who protests that there was no such involvement needs to ask why the government of the day judged that it was worth a million, give or take, to pre-empt a lawsuit that would be heard in open court. The sums had to be high enough to buy the victims silence. They were tantamount to hush money. Nor is this an isolated instance. It is not only Harith who was denied his day in court. All Guantanamo-related cases have been settled at the taxpayers expense to the detriment not just of transparency, but of justice. Indeed, almost any case where intelligence information is germane has been hampered to a greater or lesser degree by the protection afforded by the government to the intelligence services. Before the inquest into the 7/7 London bombings, the presiding judge, Lady Justice Hallett, fought a battle royal to get even some intelligence evidence heard. The nine-year delay before the inquest/inquiry was held into the radiation death of Alexander Litvinenko was largely caused by repeated objections from the intelligence services. In the end, some intelligence evidence was heard, but only by the presiding judge in camera, on condition that it was excluded from his judgment. What quality of justice is this, where perhaps the most pertinent evidence is stifled? It so happens that a new test of relations between the courts and the intelligence services is imminent. As Ben Wallace noted, while answering Yvette Coopers Commons questions, the Coalition government changed the law to allow intelligence evidence to be heard by a court in private precisely in the hope of forestalling compensation awards such as Hariths. The case in question - two parallel cases in fact - concerns Abdel Hakim Belhadj, a prominent opponent of the Gaddafi regime, who, with his family, was abducted back to Libya from exile in an operation reportedly masterminded by MI6. Rather than settle for compensation, Belhadj chose to pursue a civil claim through the courts. Meanwhile, a criminal investigation mouned by Scotland Yard appeared to have come to an end last summer, when the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to bring charges against a former senior MI6 officer. Both cases remain live, with Belhadj having launched a judicial review the CPS's decision earlier this month. His lawyers may now apply to see classified documents related to the case. The questions now are whether the Government or the intelligence services will fight to prevent this; whether, if they do, they will win, and what happens in the civil suit. In one respect, the scales of justice are more evenly balanced than they were when Harith received his cash, because the position of the intelligence services vis-a-vis the courts is clearer. The advance, though, is marginal: for even if justice results, it will still not be seen to have been done. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Jamal al-Harith, also known as Ronald Fiddler, appears to have been a career jihadist. In his twenties he allegedly travelled to Sudan with a member of al-Qaeda. In his thirties he was found in Afghanistan in a Taliban prison. Shortly after, he was transferred to Guantanamo Bay where he would spend the next two years. A decade later he left the UK to fight with Isis. And in 2017, at the age of 50, he blew himself up in a car bomb in Iraq. Its a compelling story. One that demands answers: why was he freed from Guantanamo? Why werent the security and intelligence services monitoring him more closely? Why wasnt he prevented from travelling to Syria? And why did he leave his wife and five children and kill himself fighting for Isis? There are many gaps in Jamals story, and we may never know what led him to fight and ultimately die in Iraq. What is clear is that the outcome of his journey was never certain. Iraqi forces launch push to retake western Mosul from IS The majority of those with a history of extremism do not re-engage in violence. The recidivism rate for Guantanamo detainees is just under 18 per cent. That compares favourably with a reoffending rate of around 45 per cent for ordinary crime in England and Wales. Of course, the potential impact of a terrorist attack is significantly greater than that of a robbery or assault. Nevertheless, just because someone was held in Guantanamo does not mean they are automatically at high risk of future involvement in terrorism. Claims by Tim Loughton MP that he was clearly a security risk all along overlook the fact that the risk someone poses can change dramatically. Risk can be influenced by global events, national politics, the evolution of militant networks, and what happens in someones personal life. Determining whether an individual is likely to pose a risk next year is difficult, knowing what they may do in ten years time is virtually impossible. But the question remains: why wasnt he monitored more effectively? Surveillance demands considerable resources. As many as two dozen people are needed to keep someone on 24 hour watch. That means only a fraction of those considered to pose a risk can be subject to round the clock monitoring. There are challenges facing electronic surveillance too. Important safeguards limit the types of information that can be monitored. Whilst the sheer volume of electronic data can make it difficult to identify people who may warrant further investigation. In pictures: The rise of Isis Show all 74 1 /74 In pictures: The rise of Isis In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters of the Islamic State wave the group's flag from a damaged display of a government fighter jet following the battle for the Tabqa air base, in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters from Islamic State group sit on their tank during a parade in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters from the Islamic State group pray at the Tabqa air base after capturing it from the Syrian government in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters from extremist Islamic State group parade in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis kidnapping A video uploaded to social networks shows men in underwear being marched barefoot along a desert road before being allegedly executed by Isis Getty Images In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis kidnapping Haruna Yukawa after his capture by Isis In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis kidnapping Khalinda Sharaf Ajour, a Yazidi, says two of her daughters were captured by Isis militants Washington Post In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Spokesperson for Isis Vice News via Youtube In pictures: The rise of Isis A pro-Isis leaflet A pro-Isis leaflet handed out on Oxford Street In London Ghaffar Hussain In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Isis Jihadists burn their passports In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis controls Syrian Aid A man collecting aid administered by Isis in Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis controls Syrian Aid A woman collecting aid administered by Isis in Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis controls Syrian Aid Local civilians queue for aid administered by Isis. Since it declared a caliphate the group has increasingly been delivering services such as healthcare, and distributing aid and free fuel In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces detain men suspected of being militants of the Isis group in Diyala province In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Mourners carry the coffin of a Shi'ite volunteer from the brigades of peace, who joined the Iraqi army and was killed during clashes with militants of the Isis group in Samarra, during his funeral in Najaf In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi Shiite Turkmen family fleeing the violence in the Iraqi city of Tal Afar, west of Mosul, arrives at a refugee camp on the outskirts of Arbil, in Iraq's Kurdistan region In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi A photograph made from a video by the jihadist affiliated group Furqan Media via their twitter account allegedly showing Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi delivering a sermon during Friday prayers at a mosque in Mosul. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared an Islamist caliphate in the territory under the group's control in Iraq and Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Islamic extremists destroying mosques in Iraq Shiite's Al-Qubba Husseiniya mosque explodes in Mosul In pictures: The rise of Isis Islamic extremists destroying mosques in Iraq Smoke and debris go up in the air as Shiite's Al-Qubba Husseiniya mosque explodes in Mosul. Images posted online show that Islamic extremists have destroyed at least 10 ancient shrines and Shiite mosques in territory - the city of Mosul and the town of Tal Afar - they have seized in northern Iraq in recent weeks In pictures: The rise of Isis Islamic extremists destroying mosques in Iraq A bulldozer destroys Sunni's Ahmed al-Rifai shrine and tomb in Mahlabiya district outside of Tal Afar In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces celebrate after clashes with followers of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi, in front of his home in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces arrest a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces arrest a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi at his home after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces arrest a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis A vehicle burns in front of a home of a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi woman holds her exhausted son as over 1000 Iraqis who have fled fighting in and around the city of Mosul and Tal Afar wait at a Kurdish checkpoint in the hopes of entering a temporary displacement camp in Khazair In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees Displaced Iraqi women hold pots as they queue to receive food during the first day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, at an encampment for displaced Iraqis who fled from Mosul and other towns, in the Khazer area outside Irbil, north Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria A militant Islamist fighter waving a flag, cheers as he takes part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa. The fighters held the parade to celebrate their declaration of an Islamic "caliphate" after the group captured territory in neighbouring Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters wave flags as they take part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa province Reuters In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters travel in a vehicle as they take part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa province In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Fighters from the Isis group during a parade with a missile in Raqqa, Syria. Militants from an al-Qaida splinter group held a military parade in their stronghold in northeastern Syria, displaying U.S.-made Humvees, heavy machine guns, and missiles captured from the Iraqi army for the first time since taking over large parts of the Iraq-Syria border In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters during a parade in Raqqa, Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Fighters from the Isis group during a parade in Raqqa, Syria. Militants from the splinter group held a military parade in their stronghold in northeastern Syria, displaying U.S.-made Humvees, heavy machine guns, and missiles captured from the Iraqi army for the first time since taking over large parts of the Iraq-Syria border In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters hold a military parade in their stronghold in northeastern Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters during a parade in Raqqa, Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria A member loyal to the Isis waves an Isis flag in Raqqa In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi anti-government gunmen from Sunni tribes in the western Anbar province march during a protest in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. The United Nations warned that Iraq is at a "crossroads" and appealed for restraint, as a bloody four-day wave of violence killed 195 people. The violence is the deadliest so far linked to demonstrations that broke out in Sunni areas of the Shiite-majority country more than four months ago, raising fears of a return to all-out sectarian conflict In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces hold up a flag of the Isis group they captured during an operation to regain control of Dallah Abbas north of Baqouba, the capital of Iraq's Diyala province, 35 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Iraq Isis fighters parade in the northern city of Mosul In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Volunteers, who have joined the Iraqi army to fight against the predominantly Sunni militants from the radical Isis group, demonstrate their skills during a graduation ceremony after completing their field training in Najaf In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Kurdish Peshmerga troops fire a cannon during clashes with militants of the Isis group in Jalawla, Diyala province In pictures: The rise of Isis Lieutenant General Qassem Atta speaks during a press conference Iraqi Prime Minister's security spokesman, Lieutenant General Qassem Atta speaks during a press conference about the latest military development in Iraq, in the capital Baghdad. Iraqi forces pressed a campaign to retake militant-held Tikrit, clashing with jihadist-led Sunni militants nearby and pounding positions inside the city with air strikes in their biggest counter-offensive so far In pictures: The rise of Isis A police station building destroyed by Isis fighters An exterior view of a police station building destroyed by gunmen in Mosul city, northern Iraq. Iraq's new parliament is expected to convene to start the process of setting up a new government, despite deepening political rifts and an ongoing Islamist-led insurgency. Iraqi President Jalal Talabani issued a decree inviting the new House of Representatives to meet and form a new government In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Iraq Smoke billows from an area controlled by the Isis between the Iraqi towns of Naojul and Tuz Khurmatu, both located north of the capital Baghdad, as Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga forces take part in an operation to repel the Sunni militants In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An elderly Iraqi woman is helped into a temporary displacement camp for Iraqis caught-up in the fighting in and around the city of Mosul in Khazair In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi Christian woman fleeing the violence in the village of Qaraqush, about 30 kms east of the northern province of Nineveh, cries upon her arrival at a community center in the Kurdish city of Arbil in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi woman, who fled with her family from the northern city of Mosul, prays with a copy of the Quran AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Iraq The body of an Isis militant killed during clashes with Iraqi security forces on the outskirts of the city of Samarra Reuters In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi civilians inspect the damage at a market after an air strike by the Iraqi army in central Mosul EPA In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Members of the Al-Abbas brigades, who volunteered to protect the Shiite Muslim holy sites in Karbala against Sunni militants fighting the Baghdad government, parade in the streets of the city AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Shia tribesmen gather in Baghdad to take up arms against Sunni insurgents marching on the capital. Thousands have volunteered to bolster defences AFP/Getty In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis A van carrying volunteers joining Iraqi security forces against Jihadist militants. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki announced the Iraqi government would arm and equip civilians who volunteered to fight AFP/Getty In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters of the Isis group parade in a commandeered Iraqi security forces armored vehicle down a main road at the northern city of Mosul In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq An Islamist fighter, identified as Abu Muthanna al-Yemeni from Britain (R), speaks in this still image taken undated video shot at an unknown location and uploaded to a social media website. Five Islamist fighters identified as Australian and British nationals have called on Muslims to join the wars in Syria and Iraq, in the new video released by the Isis In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Al-Qaida inspired militants stand with captured Iraqi Army Humvee at a checkpoint belonging to Iraqi Army outside Beiji refinery some 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of Baghdad. The fighting at Beiji comes as Iraq has asked the U.S. for airstrikes targeting the militants from the Isis group. While U.S. President Barack Obama has not fully ruled out the possibility of launching airstrikes, such action is not imminent in part because intelligence agencies have been unable to identify clear targets on the ground, officials said In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants attacked Iraq's main oil refinein Baiji as they pressed an offensive that has seen them capture swathes of territory, a manager and a refinery employee said In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants from the Isis group parading with their weapons in the northern city of Baiji in the in Salaheddin province In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq A smoke rises after an attack by Isis militants on the country's largest oil refinery in Beiji, some 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of the capital, Baghdad. Iraqi security forces battled insurgents targeting the country's main oil refinery and said they regained partial control of a city near the Syrian border, trying to blunt an offensive by Sunni militants who diplomats fear may have also seized some 100 foreign workers In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group stand next to captured vehicles left behind by Iraqi security forces at an unknown location in the Salaheddin province. For militant groups, the fight over public perception can be even more important than actual combat, turning military losses into propaganda victories and battlefield successes into powerful tools to build support for the cause In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq An injured fighter (C) from the Isis group after a battle with Iraqi soldiers at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters from the Isis aiming at advancing Iraqi troops at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters from the Isis group taking position at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters from the Isis group inspecting vehicles of the Iraqi army after they were seized at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq One Iraqi captive, a corporal, is reluctant to say the slogan, and has to be shouted at repeatedly before he obeys Sky News In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Iraqi captives held by the extremists Sky News In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Iraqi captives held by the extremists Sky News In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group force captured Iraqi security forces members to the transport In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group transporting dozens of captured Iraqi security forces members to an unknown location in the Salaheddin province ahead of executing them In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq A major offensive spearheaded by Isis but also involving supporters of executed dictator Saddam Hussein has overrun all of one province and chunks of three others In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group executing dozens of captured Iraqi security forces members at an unknown location in the Salaheddin province In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Isis militants taking position at a Iraqi border post on the Syrian-Iraqi border between the Iraqi Nineveh province and the Syrian town of Al-Hasakah In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Isis rebels show their flag after seizing an army post AFP/Getty Images In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Isis militants waving an Islamist flag after the seizure of an Iraqi army checkpoint in Salahuddin Getty Images In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Demonstrators chant slogans as they carry al-Qaida flags in front of the provincial government headquarters in Mosul, 225 miles (360 kilometers) northwest of Baghdad. In the week since it captured Iraq's second-largest city, Mosul, a Muslim extremist group has tried to win over residents and has stopped short of widely enforcing its strict brand of Islamic law, residents say. Churches remain unharmed and street cleaners are back at work Notwithstanding the practical and legal restrictions around monitoring terrorism suspects, there are important ethical questions. Keeping al-Harith under surveillance for years would have been a significant breach of his civil liberties. Some would argue he forfeited his human rights when he became involved in extremism. Yet, al-Harith was never proven guilty of a criminal offence, and persistently maintained his innocence. The way he ended his life may cast doubt on his claims, but it was not possible to know what he would go on to do. Under these circumstances, subjecting him to years of surveillance seems likely to undermine the principles the fight against terrorism is supposed to protect, and makes it easier for opponents to accuse the West of hypocrisy. There will be important lessons from Jamal al-Hariths case. As they are learnt, policy-makers, academics, and journalists should avoid imposing neat narratives onto complex processes. Nor should they assume it will always be possible to know that someone will make the terrible choice to use violence. Not only does this make it important to continue to improve risk assessment processes, but also to recognise the need for resilience. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Marine Le Pen has been doing a little Trumping in Beirut. Yes, all the way from Paris she came to ride her French presidential election campaign through the sectarian thickets of Lebanon by refusing to wear a veil to meet the Sunni Muslim Grand Mufti. Given the nonsense she spoke to the (Christian) president of Lebanon and the schoolgirl interview she granted to the countrys (Christian) French-language newspaper, many Lebanese and a few Christians, too concluded that this wretched lady embarked on her visit with the sole aim of insulting the countrys Muslims. Of course, it was a publicity stunt. Marine Le Pen doesnt care about the votes of Lebanese Christians who hold French passports her Front National (FN) anyway wants to get such dual nationals to choose their country of citizenship, so the poor old Christians of Lebanon whom Le Pen supposedly loves may have to abandon their country of origin if they want France to protect them from the Muslim hordes. No, her refusal to wear a veil a mere headscarf to show respect to the Sunni Mufti, Sheikh Abdel-Latif Derian was intended for her domestic audience in France. Muslims want to subjugate women. It was the old message. To hell with Lebanon. Which is surely why she was accompanied on this pantomime by more French than Lebanese journalists. Had the Mufti been given some decent advice, he might have declined to see this ghostly relic of the French Mandate, the post-World War One military protection which the League of Nations forced upon Lebanon. The latter began when a one-armed French general sent his tanks against Arab cavalry west of Damascus and ended not long after Lebanon was forced to endure a year of rule by Vichy France whose anti-Semitic leader, Marshal Philippe Petain, would surely have approved of Le Pens visit. Marine Le Pen walks out of meeting with Lebanon's Grand Mufti after refusing to wear headscarf No wonder the Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt on a trip to Francois Hollande in Paris, where Le Pen should have stayed denounced her visit as an insult to the Lebanese people. I hope France will make a better choice than this right-wing fascist, he said in his deceptively mild voice. But the infamous veil was essential for another reason it successfully covered the far more sectarian interference of Le Pen in the Lebanese-Syrian crisis that has afflicted Lebanon, on and off, for 40 years. Her first visit to a head of state was to Michel Aoun, the newly installed Lebanese president whose reputation, until he arrived at the Baabda palace above Beirut, was not dissimilar to that of Donald Trump himself. Once a fierce enemy of the Hafez al-Assad regime in Damascus, he was later to declare himself a friend of Syria and so desperate was he to become president allied himself with Syrias militia ally, the Lebanese Shiite Hezbollah. Thus when Marine Le Pen repeated her support for Hafezs son Bashar in his battle against Isis, she met little resistance from Aoun of whom more later. But Aouns Sunni Muslim Prime Minister Saad Hariri, who still blames the Syrians for the murder of his late father Rafic, turned on the FN leader for confusing the Muslim faith with Islamist fundamentalism. Moderate Muslims, who were in an overwhelming majority, were the first victims of terrorism, he told her sharply. And a clutch of Christian leaders whom Le Pen presumably thought would take her side upbraided her for suggesting that France should support President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian war. This was the detonation behind Jumblatts excoriation of this sad jewel of right-wing French politics. Not that this affected the florid style of the FN presidential contender who went on to give an interview of unparalleled insensitivity to LOrient Le Jour, the earnest francophone daily which serves Lebanons minority Christian community. Like a child careening through the undergrowth of an old battlefield, Marine Le Pen marched knee-deep through the buried wreckage of civil war. She praised the Syrian government as the only alternative to an Isis victory, urged her own government to re-open the French embassy in Damascus and even drew comparisons between Lebanon and Syria and post-war France and Germany. Would she like to meet Assad himself, Le Pen was asked? Of course, she replied. Because I want everyone to be around the table. If France and Germany could make peace, I think that Lebanon and Syria are able to make peace. And I think its possible to make peace because of the struggle against a common enemy. This common enemy is obviously the Islamic StateI said from the start of this conflict and I was the only one to say it at the time that to help in the downfall of Bashar al-Assad was to allow Isis to take over Syria. The parallels were false, of course. While it was intriguing to see how the Le Pen brain equated Lebanon with France and Syria with ex-Nazi Germany, the post-war peace in Europe was concluded not in the face of a common enemy but to ensure that Europeans never went to war again. 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 But Le Pen ploughed on. In Syria, I think that those who staked [their hopes] on a moderate opposition which was unconnected to any Islamist fundamentalism have had to conclude that this opposition, if it exists [sic], was derisory and could not provide an alternative to Bashar al-Assad. In geopolitics, you must often make the choice of the least bad, and for me the least bad is Bashar al-Assad. I am French and I consider that he was not a danger to France. Le Pens remarks were doubly painful for the Lebanese. Firstly, because Levantine Christians, while dependent on Assads protection inside Syria, do not necessarily support the government indeed, tens of thousands of Lebanese Christians still demand the end of the Assad regime and loathed Le Pens use of the word derisory. Secondly, however, Le Pen scratched the ugly surface of the Wests own compromised policy towards Assad which originally demanded his overthrow (or promised his imminent demise) and then grudgingly (a la Boris Johnsons cringe-making performance to the Lords international affairs committee) accepted that he is going to remain in power. In other words, Assad is the only rampart against Islamist fundamentalism in Syria. Le Pen even thought that Lebanon, burdened with a million Syrian refugees, should send them home as soon as the war is over. It was another attempt to stitch her flagrant anti-immigration politics onto Lebanon; and it came badly undone since Le Pen clearly did not know that tens of thousands of Lebanese are related to Syrians and have extended Syrian families. Indeed, a vast throng of Lebanese regarded themselves as Syrians before Le Pens beloved France decided to carve Lebanon out of Syria and create a border between the two after the First World War. This was all very strange. After all, several FN supporters joined the right-wing Christian militias during the 1975-90 Lebanese civil war; and one of them is currently a bodyguard for Le Pen herself. Didnt they tip her off that Lebanon might not be quite the place to play domestic French politics? Not by chance did one Christian Lebanese writer compare her waffle about French protection to the Seventh Crusade and the solemn charter of French King Louis IX, who promised the Christian Maronites of Lebanon the special protection which we give to the French themselves. Perhaps she thought that President Aoun was the Christians special protector. Another strange idea. In 1990, then Lebanese General Michel Aoun believed he was the president of Lebanon (albeit unelected) and declared that prime minister Selim Hoss was the Pontius Pilate of Lebanon suggesting that he, Aoun, might have a more lofty role in the Biblical story. But he enjoyed a comparison to Napoleon when he launched a war of liberation against Syrian troops in Lebanon, then ran to hide in the French ambassadors residence as the Syrians stormed the Baabda palace. Asked by a journalist in his Paris exile if he didnt feel responsible for the Lebanese soldiers and civilians who had been killed in his earlier conflict with Syria, he replied: Cest la guerre. Which sounded more than a little mad. When he eventually achieved the presidency, these Trump-like characteristics briefly ceased. But then, setting off for Egypt this month, Aoun stated publicly that Hezbollah was part of Lebanons defence against Israel, since the Lebanese army was weak. The Lebanese army will be less weak if it receives $3bn (2.4bn) worth of arms promised by France and paid for by Saudi Arabia but why should the Sunni Saudis bankroll an army which is supposed, according to Aoun, to fight alongside the Shiite Hezbollah which is also fighting alongside the Syrian forces of Bashar al-Assad whom the Saudis still want to overthrow? Aouns assertion was in total contravention of UN Security Council resolution 1701, which put UN troops on the Lebanese-Israeli border to safeguard the countrys sovereignty. When the UNs representative in Beirut objected, she was told that the Lebanese foreign minister who just happens to be the son-in-law of President Aoun declined to see her. All of this passed Le Pen by. But one thing is certain. Unless she becomes the president of France which still seems highly unlikely President Assad of Syria will treat Mlle Le Pen with a great deal of caution. He and his allies including Russia are still winning their war against Isis and Nusrah and other opposition fighters without any help from France. Who wants the Front National on their side? Powerful winds from Storm Doris have battered large areas of the British Isles Almost 46,000 Irish households woke up to no electricity after violent gusts battered large swathes of the country through the night. Counties Dublin, Kildare, Donegal, Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim all suffered large outages. Power crews worked through the night in difficult conditions to restore connections. Bernadine Maloney, of electricty networks supplier ESB, said they were battling to fix more than 100 separate stoppages across the country. "It'll be well into the day until we have everything assessed and power restored," she said. "The worst-affected areas are the north of Dublin and in the north-west of the country. "It's pretty widespread." Numerous roads across Leinster, Connacht and Munster were blocked to traffic after the storm felled trees and left debris in its wake. AA Roadwatch warned motorists to slow down, with high-sided vehicles especially vulnerable on open or exposed roads. A "Status Orange Wind Warning" - the second most severe - issued by national forecaster Met Eireann for Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Dublin, Kildare, Longford, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, Westmeath and Meath was predicted to remain in place until midday. Some rail services were also delayed due to fallen trees on the lines while cross-channel ferry passengers were advised to contact their operator to check if crossings were cancelled. In Northern Ireland, around 8,000 homes were left without electricity but that number was expected to rise during the day. Trees and branches falling on to overhead electricity lines is the main cause of the damage, said NIE Networks. NIE Networks spokeswoman Sara McClintock said the company is making arrangements to move staff and equipment to where they are most needed, with repair work due to begin as soon as it is safe to do so. "We are already in position to get customers back on supply as quickly as humanly possible consistent with safety, and to keep customers regularly updated and informed," she said. "Our local incident centres have been open from early morning and additional repair teams are being drafted in to the areas where they are most needed." Transatlantic traffic has tripled at Dublin Airport, according to its managing director Low-cost transatlantic flights will link four cities in Ireland and Northern Ireland to the US East Coast. Norwegian Air will serve Dublin, Shannon Cork and Belfast from July. The carrier is promising fares from 69 euro or 69 to secondary airports in the New York and Boston areas. With extra charges for meals and hold baggage, its chief executive has been quoted as saying tickets should on average cost about 284 euro (240) to 331 euro (280) for a return. Nineteen weekly flights will depart from Ireland while five will leave from Belfast International. Those between Dublin and New York will operate daily while services from Belfast, Cork and Shannon will be less frequent. The US airports served are Stewart International, which is less than 90 minutes from New York City, and TF Green, which is 90 minutes from Boston. The smaller airports carry significantly lower landing charges than traditional hubs such as JFK, which Norwegian said enabled it to offer more affordable fares. Routes will be operated on new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with a single economy class. The airline said it was state-of-the-art and offered longer range and more seats. Norwegian CEO Bjorn Kjos said: "With the first ever transatlantic flights from Cork and new services from Dublin and Shannon, we are shaking up transatlantic travel with ground-breaking fares and never before seen routes. "The cost of transatlantic travel has been too high for too long so by connecting Irish cities with smaller US airports, we can offer some truly affordable fares, allowing as many people as possible to fly. "We are delighted to announce our first ever flights from Belfast and to ensure the city maintains its crucial transatlantic links." Dublin Airport managing director Vincent Harrison said the volume of transatlantic traffic has tripled since last year, with 19 new services added since 2011. Norwegian originally intended launching services from Cork and Shannon last year, but a delay in getting approval from the US authorities prevented this. Shannon Airport managing director Andrew Murphy said: "It reaffirms yet again Shannon Airport's status and contribution as the premier gateway between this side of the island and the US." Tourism Ireland chief executive Niall Gibbons said: "As an island, the importance of convenient, direct, non-stop flights cannot be overstated - they are absolutely critical to achieving growth in inbound tourism." Belfast International has been working to find a replacement to United Airlines, who ended its New York route in January. United had claimed the Belfast-to-Newark service was not profitable enough. Belfast International director Graham Keddie said: "This is a great day for the airport, Northern Ireland, indeed, the entire northern half of the island of Ireland." Thousands of families and business owners across the island of Ireland have been left for a night without power after a violent Atlantic storm. Repair crews restored electricity to more than 62,500 customers within hours of Storm Doris sweeping across large swathes of the Republic and Northern Ireland. But almost 8,000 homes and businesses were awaiting reconnection as darkness fell. About 1,000 individual faults in the Republic cut supplies to pockets stretching from Castlebar and Sligo across to Drogheda/Dundalk, including parts of Roscommon, Leitrim, Longford and Cavan. A spokeswoman for the ESB Networks said crews would work into the night to return power to another 17,000 homes and businesses. "Crews will be out again from early Friday morning to continue the work of repairing the network and restoring power to all customers," she said. "Crews based in areas of the country less impacted by the storm have travelled to assist colleagues in the most affected areas." As the storm moved in during the early hours, gale-force winds reached speeds of up to 87mph on the west coast. Across the border in Northern Ireland, the worst-hit areas were Fermanagh, Armagh and Down with the highest number of faults around the Mournes in Newcastle, Kilkeel and Rostrevor. About 950 homes and businesses expected to see through the night with no power. Sara McClintock, NIE Networks' Communications, said power had been restored to more than 22,500 customers during the day. "Our teams will be working into the night to restore power," she said. Counties Dublin, Kildare, Donegal, Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim all suffered large outages. Schedules at Dublin Airport were also disrupted during the day as airlines cancelled at least a dozen flights in and out of the UK as Storm Doris moved over the Irish Sea. Ferry operations were also called off. Most of the damage was caused by falling trees and branches hitting power lines. Numerous roads across Leinster, Connacht and Munster were blocked to traffic after the storm felled trees and left debris in its wake. AA Roadwatch warned motorists to slow down, with high-sided vehicles especially vulnerable on open or exposed roads. One lorry overturned on the northbound side of the M1. Some rail services were also delayed due to fallen trees. Energy authorities warned people to keep clear of broken power lines and poles and to be extra vigilant with children and pets. They were also urging people to report damage. More than 850m was generated from sales of Irish hotels last year bringing to 2.4 billion the value of the hotel transactions seen during the five year between 2011 and 2016. Consequently about one in every three Irish hotels have changed hands over the period. This makes "Ireland unique in terms of the sheer volume of hotel sales in recent years compared to other markets," says Tom Barrett, head of Hotels & Leisure at Savills Ireland. He was commenting on a study from property consultants, Savills Ireland. The larger cities saw most of the action with as many as 80pc of Cork City hotels changing hands over the five years compared to 47pc of those in Dublin. Limerick was also active with 56pc of them sold while 33pc of Galway City hotels were bought. Last year was the second largest year during the last five boosted by two especially large deals. Major sales include the former Burlington Hotel which was bought by German asset manager DekaBank for 182m. The vendor US private equity giant, Blackstone, acquired the Burlington for 67m in 2012 and is reported to have invested about 20m on its refurbishment. The four star Gresham Hotel on O'Connell Street was bought by Spanish company, Riu Hotels, for about 91m. Other Dublin sales include the Temple Bar Hotel for 55m and The Fitzpatrick Lifestyle Portfolio, consisting of the Morgan, Spencer and Beacon hotels for a combined price of 150m. Outside of Dublin the largest regional transactions included The Radisson Farnham Estate for over 27m and Lyrath Estate for 23m. "With such an intense level of activity over the past five years, we expect the volume of sales to normalise in the coming years," Mr Barrett says. Meanwhile rival agents CBRE has forecast that a number of significant hotel properties will be brought to the market throughout the country this year. "However, the volume of hotel sales activity is expected to ease somewhat compared to the record sales volumes of the last two years, now that deleveraging is winding down and many hotels have already re-traded out of NPL (loan) portfolios," says CBRE's John Hughes. "We continue to see strong demand from a range of domestic and international buyers for Irish hotel properties. This is particularly the case in Dublin where hotel values continue to increase on the back of exceptional trading performance," he adds. Tom Barrett says that the continued strong performance in the Irish hotel market and the much talked about undersupply in Dublin, makes a strong case for more bedrooms to meet demand. "Hotel development, like many areas of the property sector, stopped during the downturn, so there is a big element of catch up in Dublin. This, coupled with air traffic surpassing all previous records in 2016 - with further growth expected this year - means there is a real need for new bedroom stock in the right areas" He estimates that new supply will remain small in 2017 with only about 180 new bedrooms brought to the market by way of extensions to existing hotels. The most significant is the addition of 73 bedrooms to the North Star Hotel on Amiens Street in Dublin 1. In 2018, Savills expect approximately 1,500 net new bedrooms. Dalata, Ireland's largest hotel operator, will open two new hotels, a Clayton on Charlemont St in Dublin 2 with 178 bedrooms and a Maldron on Kevin Street Upper in Dublin 8 with 150 bedrooms. A 202 bedroom Aloft Hotel is under construction as part of a mixed use scheme in Dublin's Liberties, an area that is benefiting from major urban regeneration. Oakmount, headed by Paddy McKillen Jnr and Matt Ryan, will also open a 41 bedroom hotel in the trendy Ranelagh area of the city, which will bring roof top dining to Dublin 6 - similar to the Dean Hotel which opened in 2014 The following year, 2019 could see delivery of more than 2,000 bedrooms in Dublin including the new 402 bedroom Terminal 2 linked hotel at Dublin Airport and extensions to a number of existing airport hotels. John Hughes is a bit more optimistic about short-term supply as he expects 300 hotel bedrooms will come on stream in Dublin during 2017 and a further 1,700 new hotel bedrooms are due for completion in the capital in 2018 between new builds and extensions. "At least another 3,000 hotel rooms are scheduled to be delivered in the city by 2020. With the market likely to cool a little once there is a meaningful improvement in hotel provision in the capital," he adds. Kirsty Rothwell, Head of Trading Assets, Cushman & Wakefield, said; "With a requirement of approximately 6,000 new hotel bedrooms in Dublin city, there is certainly a need to develop more hotel rooms at a fast pace, to ensure that the supply constraint will not affect Dublin tourism." An interesting trend from the Savills report is the number of Dublin aparthotels in various stages of the development cycle. There are 10 potential new developments raging in size from 50 to 250 bedrooms. Many of these schemes secured their planning permission in 2016 which indicates an ongoing and active move towards expanding this previously limited section of the Dublin hospitality offering. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 By Anvar Mammadov Trend: Azerbaijan has invited Turkish companies to establish joint ventures in various spheres, Azerbaijani Agriculture Minister Heydar Asadov said. He made the remarks Feb. 23 during the Azerbaijani-Turkish business forum in Baku. Last year, Turkey exported agricultural products worth $100 million to Azerbaijan, Asadov said. This is a good indicator of the Azerbaijani-Turkish relations, but it is time for us to get to a new level of relations between our countries. He added that Azerbaijan is ready to create all the necessary conditions for Turkish businessmen. We already have the necessary legal framework, and reforms have significantly improved the business environment in Azerbaijan, the minister said. Asadov went on to add that Azerbaijan is actively developing the sphere of pharmaceutics and is interested in establishing joint ventures in this area. We have already started to create a number of pharmaceutical plants, and I invite Turkish companies to invest in this sector, said Asadov. Farmers will share average windfalls of more than 10,000 if they back plans to create a 1.5bn business involving Glanbia's Irish consumer brands. Almost 15,000 Glanbia Co-op farmers will split a 105m windfall under a plan hatched to create a new 1.5bn business that will include Glanbia plcs consumer brands such as Avonmore and Kilmeaden. The deal will create Irelands biggest dairy company. Glanbia plc the 5.2bn stockmarket-listed company that is 36pc-owned by the Co-op revealed plans yesterday to create a new entity called Glanbia Ireland. Under the plan, the Co-op would pay 112m to Glanbia to secure a 60pc stake in Dairy Ireland, whose assets would then be transferred to Glanbia Ireland which include Glanbias Irish consumer foods business, as well as its Irish agribusiness unit. Glanbia Ingredients Ireland, a joint venture between Glanbia and the Co-op, will also become part of Glanbia Ireland. At least 66pc of the Co-op members will have to vote in favour of the deal for it to be approved. Glanbia shareholders also have to agree to the plan. That vote could take place by May and the deal could be cemented by June. Glanbias Dairy Ireland business generated revenues of 616.2m last year and earnings before interest, tax and amortisation (EBITA) of 30.7m. Glanbia Ingredients Ireland has revenue of 836m. Glanbia Co-op will have to sell a 3pc stake of its 36.5pc holding in Glanbia plc to fund the transaction. Those proceeds will also be used to help create a 40m members support fund. It will also hand over a 2pc stake to its own members. Glanbia Co-op said that about 5.9 million Glanbia plc shares will be split between its 14,773 members. Based on a price of 17.13 per share, that will see members with an average shareholding receive about 6,600 worth of shares. For active dairy farmers, the average windfall will amount to nearly 10,800. Glanbia shares rose to 17.84 yesterday. The newly-created Glanbia Ireland will process over 2.4 billion litres of milk a year, and export to more than 60 countries. The plc and the Co-op tried to do the same deal back in 2010, but it didnt secure the 75pc approval of Co-op members that was required. Glanbia ceo Siobhan Talbot told the Irish Independent that the landscape has changed significantly since then, and that she was confident the transaction will succeed this time around. An awful lot has changed since 2010, she said, pointing to the 2012 deal the plc and the Co-op did to create Glanbia Ingredients Ireland. At a fundamental level, the growth ambitions of our supply base and the Glanbia organisation itself has evolved an awful lot in that intervening period. Ms Talbot was speaking as Glanbia reported strong full-year results, with revenue from wholly-owned businesses rising 2.7pc to 2.8bn, and group EBITA rising 12.6pc to 349.8m. There are fears that three of the countrys six regional veterinary laboratories which are used for disease surveillance, are facing closure. (Stock picture) Over 300 farmers held a rally in Sligo yesterday as farm leaders warned the Government that a shutdown of regional veterinary laboratories (RVLs) could harm the country's reputation for safe food. There are fears that three of the country's six regional veterinary laboratories which are used for disease surveillance, are facing closure. Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture, Andrew Doyle has said he is among those waiting on payments under the agri environment scheme GLAS. Some 8,000 farmers are still waiting on payments under the scheme, despite Department commitments to issue payments in October. Speaking in the Seanad this week, the Minister admitted that there is a GLAS is an overhang. Indeed, he said he had not been paid himself. I have been told that it is an IT issue. Minister Doyle said there is a dedicated team of officials on the sixth floor of Agriculture House going through these cases one by one to get them through. It is not in the Department's interest to hold on to anybody's money because they have to explain further down the line to both the European Commission and the Court of Auditors that have targets to hit regarding their payments, he said. IFA Rural Development Chairman Joe Brady has said farmers are angered by the failure of the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to make a case in Brussels for all outstanding GLAS payments to be made. Joe Brady said ongoing delays in GLAS payments are inexcusable, There is a way to solve this issue by making all outstanding payments now and resolving any issues that arise at a later date. It is very disappointing that the Minister has not pursued this option. Farmers who have undertaken work have been treated very badly and the explanations for the delays are wearing very thin. Joe Brady said progress in making payments has been very sluggish since the beginning of the year and IFA estimates that it will take at least another three months to make all payments unless urgent action is taken. IFA is again calling on Minister Creed to intervene with imaginative ways of making payments. Farmers due payments are suffering through severe cash flow difficulties and expect the Minister to act now, Joe Brady concluded The price for hoggets is 5 to 5 plus and factories are scouring the country for them, that was the message from ICSA sheep chairman John Brooks this week. By yesterday morning, Kepak Athleague had added 20c/kg to last weeks base price and were out of the stalls at 4.85/kg plus a bonus of 5c/kg for hogget; in second place on this weeks table are Kildare Chilling who are quoting 4.75 plus their 10c/kg bonus. Also upping the ante yesterday morning were Moyvalley Meats as they kept in contention with an increase of 10c/kg leaving them all in on 4.80/kg. While technically tying with Moyvalley at 4.80, the two ICM plants come in third as their price, which is also up 10c/kg at 4.80, is composed of a base of 4.70 plus a 10c/kg bonus. Dawn Ballyhaunis are somewhat tailed off this week as they stick to last weeks base of 4.60/kg. While the ICMs might be struggling to keep up with Kepak and Kildare on lamb/hogget prices, they have reeled in last weeks leader, Kildare, in the cull ewe stakes as they match Kildares 2.50/kg plus 10c/kg bonus with their own base of 2.60/kg. Back in third and unchanged from last week are Kepak on 2.50 plus their 5c/kg bonus, which leaves Dawn Ballyhaunis in fourth at 2.50/kg. John Lynskey of the IFA says the official quotes for cull ewes translates into prices of 2.70-2.80/kg on the ground and he noted that ewe prices had kicked on. While the trade may have turned, we are still a long way off 5.50/kg to 24kgs which was the official factory quote for this time last year. That official quote translated into 5.80/kg on the ground, so there is a way to go but the climb back has started. The mart trade last week was dominated by smaller numbers and prices that were steady to possibly improved. However, factory activity over the weekend has seen mart sales start this week stronger as evidenced by the figures from yesterdays sales at both Athenry and Kilkenny. Ultimately, its all about the numbers. The most recent Bord Bia figures show a 9,000hd increase in total sheep slaughtering to 50,000hd for the week ending February 11 and an overall increase of 38,000hd (14pc for the year to date). The gradual increase in prices since February 11 indicates a slight slackening in supplies while demand remains unchanged. Prices in the UK for that week show the equivalent of 4.46/kg as being the price dead weight for lamb, while in France trade is reported as slow. Mart roundup 1 ROSCREA Michael Harty of Roscrea described trade last week as tougher. The lack of significant movement in factory prices continued to weigh on buyers minds, and was reflected in a small turnout of sheep on the day. Lamb/hogget prices for the 50-55kg animal hit a top of 107/hd off a base of 100/hd. 2 MOUNTBELLEW Numbers were also back at Mountbellew last Saturday. Prices for stag ewes improved due to the tightening in numbers to sit between 100-118/hd. Quality hoggets also improved slightly, with ewes from 56-57kgs hitting 127/hd, while back at 51.3kgs the price was 113/hd. Ewes with lambs at foot saw prices range from 167/hd to 207/hd. 3 DOWRA Also smaller in number was Dowra last weekend, with Patsy Smith commenting that the trade was possibly sharper as a result. Heavier store hoggets sold for 70-90/hd, while lighter hoggets, as well as horned and mountain hoggets, made from 45/hd to 70/hd. Fat ewes sold to a top of 95/hd off a base of 70/hd, while cull ewes made 40-70/hd. 4 CARNEW Trade was improved at Carnew last Thursday with heavy hoggets up by between 3-5/hd, with other classes also better by 2-3/hd. Hoggets over 50kgs made 106-111/hd, with the 45-49kg animal on 97-107/hd. Hoggets in the 40-44kg weight bracket saw prices in the 88-100/hd range. Store hoggets made 77-95/hd, while cast ewes sold for 68-116/hd. In the lambing section, in-lamb ewes made 120-160/hd, while ewes with lambs at foot averaged 140-225/hd 5 ATHENRY Reports from Athenry mart yesterday indicated that the trade for lamb/hogget jumped significantly with my source telling me that while the numbers were small the trade was on fire. Prices reported as having been paid for hogget/lamb included 42kgs at 100/hd, 45kgs at 108, 53kgs at 123/hd, and two lots of 48-49kg lamb not overly well done at 112-113/hd. 6 KILKENNY Yesterdays sale in Kilkenny also saw improvements with manager Michael Lynch reporting that lambs were up 2-3/hd. This translated into factory lamb in the 40-50kg weight bracket making 90-104/hd, with the heavier 50-60kg butcher type lamb making 100-114/hd. Cast ewes made 90-117/hd. Irish companies have invested more in France than Chinese firms, the French foreign minister has said. Jean-Marc Ayrault said that France's business environment is one of the most trade and investment friendly, and one of the most open. He told exporters at a gathering in Dublin that the stock of Irish investments in France, at 5bn, is larger than China's, with almost 300 Irish companies there employing more than 20,000 people. "It is larger than the Chinese investment stocks in France. So the Irish are doing better than the Chinese," the minister said. The largest Irish firms in France include CRH, Smurfit Kappa, ABP Food Group, DCC and Glen Dimplex. "Each one of those companies have several thousand staff and sometimes dozens of sites on the French territory," he told the Irish Exporters' Association. "But there are more and more Irish small and medium enterprises who are choosing France because they are then able to more easily penetrate this vast market, or because they wish to get closer to the larger French companies with whom they manage to sign strategic contracts." Mr Ayrault later told the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) that the Brexit negotiations need to be rational and coherent, but without punishment. "It is in no one's interests to start in an aggressive atmosphere," he said. "That would bring nothing good. But you cannot benefit from the advantages of EU membership without abiding by its obligations, so choosing to leave is a serious choice that has consequences." He said the Irish situation would be assessed to see how it will be taken into account "in this context". And he stressed the principles of the Good Friday Agreement must be protected. The Deepwater Horizon oil rig is seen burning in the aftermath of the explosion Companies hunting for oil off Ireland's coast will soon have to make sure they can cover the huge clean-up cost that would mount up if a catastrophe such as the Deepwater Horizon disaster was to unfold. The Government is fleshing out how much insurance cover explorers will need to meet the likely costs of such a potential disaster. It also wants procedures put in place to make sure that compensation would be paid promptly. The Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment is introducing the new measures on foot of an EU directive introduced following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster in the US. The Deepwater Horizon rig was owned by BP. A blowout there caused 11 deaths and saw three million barrels of crude oil pour into the Gulf of Mexico. The disaster cost BP about $62bn (59bn) in clean-up costs, compensation and fines. Following the disaster, the European Union found that the regulatory framework applying to the safety of offshore oil and gas operations in Europe didn't provide adequate assurance that risks from offshore accidents in the EU were minimised. A new directive included financial liability indemnity and insurance requirements that must now be adhered to by petroleum undertakings, operators and owners. "The Deepwater Horizon incident demonstrated that the costs of responding to, and economic recovery from, extreme-scale offshore accidents have the potential to overwhelm the resources of the liable party," the Department noted in a document it prepared as it seeks a consultant to determine how much insurance cover operators around Ireland will require. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 By Elena Kosolapova Trend: Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (Kazakh railways) and Ozbekiston temir yollari (Uzbek railways) discussed the possibility of Uzbek export and import through Kazakh ports of Aktau and Kuryk via Trans-Caspian international transport route, Kazakh railways company said in a message. The meeting between the railways companies of two countries was held in the framework of the 16th meeting of the Joint intergovernmental Commission on bilateral cooperation in Tashkent on Feb. 22. Within the meeting, the sides discussed issues of further cooperation in railway transport and reached an agreement on granting discounts on transportation of Kazak grain and flour and goods in 45 feet refrigerators, and transit of Uzbek fruits and vegetables and other agricultural products via the territory of Kazakhstan. Moreover the subsidiary of Kazakh railways, KTZFreight transportation and Ozbekiston temir yollari signed an agreement on electronic exchange of data on goods imported into the territory of Kazakhstan. In 2016 rail freight transportation between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan increased to 19 million tons. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route runs through China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and then through Turkey and Ukraine to Europe. The first test container train from China arrived at the Baku International Sea Trade Port on Aug. 3, 2015. The agreement to create the Trans-Caspian International Transportation Consortium was signed in April in Baku by the railway authorities of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kazakhstan. New competitive tariffs were introduced for the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route since June 1, 2016. Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova What does it mean to be a Millennial? Guns or Knives agency boss Zara Flynn is 35, so out of curiosity she did a Google search to find out. The first four answers that came up were "idiots", "the gayest generation", "lazy, entitled narcissists" and "killing". As Flynn says herself, it would be laughable if it wasn't for the fact it's what most people believe. Taking a closer look at what other stereotypes are out there reveals more inaccuracies. For instance, Millennials are meant to be broke. Yet, 'Fortune' magazine said they have overtaken the Boomers and Generation X as the predominant generation in the US workforce. Ireland counts 595,000 working Millennials, or a third of the national workforce. The World Advertising Research Centre (WARC) predicts that one in two of the global workforce will be Millennials by 2020. Is it fair to describe Millennials as "spoilt and lazy"? Flynn says US consultancy CEB polls 90,000 American employees every year. It found Millennials to be the most competitive cohort: 59pc of Millennials said competition is "what gets them up in the morning", compared with 50pc of Boomers. The 'Economist' said 58pc of Millennials compare their performance with their peers, as against 48pc of other generations. How vain are Millennials? Flynn says there has been a surge in youths pushing for social justice, with issues like marriage equality and repeal of the 8th amendment. Young people believe they can bring about real change by making their voices heard, contradicting the 'me, me, me', selfie generation. It's often suggested that Millennials have trust issues. They saw what happened to their parents' and grandparents' jobs, investments and retirement funds after the bank crisis, so who could blame them? It's not just Millennials. Last year's Edelman Trust Barometer labelled Ireland as a "mistrusting nation". Millennials are silly spenders? Flynn points to a Standard Life survey that shows a 15pc surge in pension coverage among workers between 25 and 34. They are either more aware of the pension options out there or more copped-on in providing for their futures. We are constantly told that Millennials insist on getting quick, short-form content, otherwise they just skip it. But "great work is great work", Flynn insists. Over 1.5 million viewers watched Emmet Kirwan's seven-minute short film 'Heartbreak' about a teenage single mother for its emotional resonance. So what does all this mean for Irish marketers? Hype around the stereotypical notions about Millennials is unhelpful and distracting. This year may be wildly different to 40 years ago, but youths still have similar traits. People are just people - living under new circumstances. They have access to knowledge at a level unseen by other generations, maturing with the world literally at their fingertips - and it's a world available to everyone. A recent Nielsen report revealed Americans aged 18 to 34 are less obsessed with social media than their older peers. Adults 35 to 49 spend an average of six hours, 58 minutes a week on social media - 39 minutes more than 'social-media obsessed' Millennials. Flynn says brand owners must recognise common human traits and not single out different generations. "It's important not to get caught up in the buzz and fads," she says. The term 'teenager' was first coined in the 1940s. But traits of independence, adventure and rebellion are not confined to today's young 'uns. Flynn will speak at the Marketing Institute's DMX Dublin conference in the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday, March 8. * Following confirmation that KBC Bank is to stay in Ireland, the Belgian group has appointed CKSK as its lead digital marketing agency. It is understood that In the Company of Huskies and Wondr also pitched. Publicis has won Today FM following a two-way contest with TBWA. DDFH&B was the incumbent. Dynamo has rolled out a new brand identity extending right across the national radio station's portfolio. The Today FM rebrand was unveiled at a party for advertisers in the Lemon & Duke bar and restaurant, just off Grafton Street. * BWG Foods is spending 900k on new Mace ads. Created by Ogilvy, the theme builds on the brand's 'Going the Extra Smile' proposition. Supported by in-store promotions, the TV ad urges consumers to embrace their 'Mace face' and smile as much as possible. Produced by Piranha Bar, the ad was shot in the Mace store in Blackrock, Co Louth, with choreography by dance and fitness instructor Jane Shorthall. * Guy Van Liemt from Rotterdam's Erasmus University is coming to Dublin next month to address Marketing Society members on the power of happiness, its economic and emotional impact and how it can be used and measured by Irish marketers. The breakfast event is in Chartered Accountants House on Pearse Street at 7.30am on Thursday, March 9. Michael Cullen is editor of Marketing.ie; cullen@marketing.ie Ireland's traditional retailers are facing increased pressure from giants such as Amazon Companies are ditching offline business as new research shows that online sales in Ireland doubled in the last two years, from 17pc to 33pc. This is expected to rise to 40pc this year, as Irish people gradually switch to online channels to shop and do business. A new report, by Amarach Research for Virgin Media, predicts half of Irish firms' online sales will soon be to customers outside Ireland. "We have seen large shifts in the percentage of sales generated online in recent years and it looks like that shift will accelerate in the year ahead," the report said. "The pace of change for Irish businesses is accelerating. Some of this is challenging, as old ways of working don't work anymore." There has also been a big jump in the number of companies which say that online reviews of their product or service are critical to their business prospects. The Virgin report claims that 67pc of Irish firms say online reviews are important - a jump from 53pc two years ago. And 80pc of companies say that they now change their business services or methods following customer reviews and feedback. The research comes as Ireland joins a wave of countries whose traditional retailers and businesses are facing increased pressure from giants such as Amazon and online payments companies. In the US, UK and other countries, Amazon is introducing same-day delivery as standard on some products, seven days a week. It is also buying up planes to guarantee that it doesn't have to rely on third-party delivery companies to deliver products on time. The effects of online business are being seen in traditional retail sales periods. In December, the January sales in major Irish retail outlets started on Christmas Eve to combat online sales starting on Christmas Day. A recent report from the European Commission indicated that Ireland ranked first of 28 EU countries at incorporating technology at work, a jump from third place last year. It said that Ireland scores especially well in ecommerce and online sales compared to EU rivals. A third (32pc) of Irish small-to-medium sized businesses sell products or services online, said the European Commission. This figure is twice the average among European small businesses, which stands at just 16pc. Similarly, Irish small and medium-sized businesses record 19pc of turnover from ecommerce activities, compared to an average of 9pc of turnover across the rest of the EU. Ireland also tops the European tables when it comes to selling online across borders, with 16pc of small and medium-sized firms trading on the internet with cross-border business partners. This compares to a European average of just 7.5pc. The Amarach report, commissioned by Virgin Media, was based on interviews with 200 Irish firms. It claims that 88pc of businesses say IT capability is an important precondition for considering potential staff candidates. This skills that are most prized include analytics (70pc), programming (60pc), digital marketing (51pc) and social media (49pc). The report says that the digital economy in Ireland is now worth 6pc of Ireland's GDP and that online consumer spending will grow from 7.5bn to 14.1bn by 2021. It says that 60pc (4.5bn) of Irish online shopping currently goes abroad. A rabbit who that was left abandoned in Dublin's Phoenix Park needs a new home. This is little John Paul the rabbit. Expand Close John Paul the rabbit. Pic: DSPCA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp John Paul the rabbit. Pic: DSPCA He was left to fend for himself in just by the Papal Cross in Dublin's Phoenix Park before being picked up by the DSPCA on Wednesday. Now the animal charity is hoping to find John Paul a new home where he will be loved and taken care of. The DSPCA will neuter the little rabbit before he moves in with his new family. They say he's really friendly and will make a great pet for those who have lots of love to give. The Dublin based charity posted photos of John Paul on their Facebook page but as you can see, he's still a little shy after everything he's been through. Expand Close John Paul the rabbit. Pic: DSPCA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp John Paul the rabbit. Pic: DSPCA "Today I was left abandoned to fend for myself in my hutch in a car park by the Papal Cross in the Phoenix Park Dublin. Clearly my owner doesn't want me anymore so I am looking for a new home," they captioned the photo. "I am a male rabbit, i am friendly and will be soon neutered." Modern Family's Ed O'Neill attempted a Kerry accent as he recalled his recent trip to Ireland. The actor was at the Global Green's Oscar's pre-party on Wednesday night, Leonardo DiCaprio's star-studded, eco-friendly bash. O'Neill, who's famous for playing Al Bundy in Married with Children and Jay Pritchett in Modern Family, took to the green carpet with his wife Catherine Rushoff and chatted to RTE's Stephen Byrne about his Irish connection. "My mother and father's family came over in the 1850's so they're 'famines' but the records were lost," he explained. The actor, who spent 12 days in Ireland last year on a family holiday, said he had been looking into purchasing a home in Cork. "We were looking at a house in Skibereen, beautiful house with ocean views," he said, as his wife explained the house was back up in case America "went to hell". The Modern Family star then turned into everyone's favourite uncle at a family wedding when he launched into an account of Kerry's political dynasty, the Healy-Raes - complete with an impression of the late Jackie Healy-Rae. Mandate and the supermarket chain will not attend the talks. Photo: Gareth Chaney Collins A fresh bid to end a bitter row that is set to lead to strikes at 21 Tesco stores failed before it even began last night. The Labour Court invited the main employer group Ibec and the union umbrella body Ictu to a meeting today as the supermarket chain and union Mandate remain at loggerheads over plans to roll out new contracts for long-serving staff. But Ibec said it is not going to attend the talks. It said the invitation was being "cited in some parts of the Tesco business" to encourage a vote for strike action in ballots last night. Ibec director Maeve McElwee said, as a result, the proposed talks today are not helpful to the situation and Ibec cannot therefore take part. Mandate members have rejected a Labour Court recommendation to resolve the row over contract changes that would have meant they had to work Saturdays and take a cut in overtime rates. Favourable So far, staff at 21 stores have balloted in favour of industrial action and 18 against. The row centres around company plans to move employees who were employed pre-1996 to less favourable contracts. Separately, striking staff at the Navan branch of Tesco were locked out of their car park yesterday, despite having paid a yearly subscription to use it. Workers arriving for duty on the picket line on the store based in Navan Shopping Centre found that the passes they use to get into the centre's multi-storey car park were not working. A spokesperson for Tesco said that it provides parking every day at a paid multi-storey car park at Tesco Navan, which is given as part of the terms of service to colleagues. "It is standard policy to temporarily withdraw concessions when colleagues are not at work, including during an unjustified strike," they said. Mr Bergin said he was not aware of any of these documents or financial transactions while in charge of the audits. Stock picture A former auditor of Anglo Irish Bank has said that he was not aware at the time of the audits of documents that suggested that multi-million euro loans linked to Sean FitzPatrick were temporarily refinanced. The trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court previously heard loans taken out by Mr FitzPatrick (68), his wife and family members increased from about 10m in 2002 to about 100m in 2007. It is the State's case that these loans were "artificially reduced" for a period of two weeks around the bank's financial end-of-year statement by short-term loans from other sources, including Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS). Dominic McGinn SC, prosecuting, previously said the prosecution was about the alleged failure by the bank's former chairman to disclose the extent of these loans to auditors in the years 2002 to 2007. Mr FitzPatrick has denied all charges. Vincent Bergin, partner with audit firm EY (previously Ernst & Young) and who led the audit of Anglo for the years 2005 to 2008, continued his evidence. Mr McGinn showed the witness documentation of deposit accounts, loan facilities and loan accounts in the name of the accused and his wife Triona FitzPatrick for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007. They included letters from INBS offering loans for cash amounts. These letters stated that the purpose of the loans was to refinance existing arrangements with Anglo. The jury saw that by September 2007 INBS was confirming short-term loans to Mr FitzPatrick and his wife involving tranches of more than 62m, $56m and UK14m. In Anglo's accounts in the same year the total amount of loans to all directors of the bank was noted as being almost 41m. Mr Bergin said he was not aware of any of these documents or financial transactions while in charge of the audits. Asked how the documentation would have affected the audit process, he said: "I think we would have asked follow-up questions as to what exactly was happening." The trial continues. A Dublin Bus driver, who claimed he was defamed by a very offending graffiti written on a toilet door at his workplace, has been awarded 12,500 damages in the Circuit Civil Court against his employer. Judge James ODonohoe said that although Dublin Bus, which had delivered a full defence to the claim, could not be held liable for the graffiti itself, it had been dilatory, or slow, in removing it. Paul Peppard told the court that on March 3, 2015, he noticed the graffiti, which was allegedly written by an employee on the door of the mens toilets and which cannot be repeated publicly, at Dublin Bus Donnybrook Garage, Donnybrook, Dublin. He said the words were written prominently and in a position to be seen by a significant number of persons using or having access to the toilets. He had been very much upset by the meaning of the words and had reported the matter to his supervisor. He told his barrister, Stephen J Byrne, that a notice warning against graffiti was sello-taped on the offending words, but it worn out and they had still been visible more than a month later. Peppard, of Shanganagh Grove, Shanganagh, Shankill, Co Dublin, said he then told a union representative that he wanted something done about the graffiti. It had been removed permanently later that day. Mr Byrne, who appeared with solicitors Sean Grennan & Co, said the offending words meant that Mr Peppard was untrustworthy and deserved to be shunned by all right thinking members of society. Counsel said the graffiti had been mentioned to Mr Peppard by colleagues and he had suffered humiliation, distress, hurt and embarrassment. Barrister Jeri Ward, for Dublin Bus, said Mr Peppard had not informed his supervisor of the graffiti which had been removed as soon as the company had become aware of it. It denied it had placed a warning notice over the written words or that the graffiti had been written by one of its employees. Ms Ward said Dublin Bus claimed it could not be held vicariously liable, a liability imposed on one person for torts committed by another, as, if the graffiti was written by an employee, that person had been acting outside the scope of his or her employment. Judge ODonohoe said the evidence given by Dublin Bus employees had been too vague in relation to dates and he therefore preferred the one of Mr Peppard. The judge said the very offending graffiti had remained on the door for some time. He accepted that Dublin Bus had done something about it but it had not been quick enough. Dublin Bus fell down as it failed to react as speedily as it could, the judge said, awarding Peppard 12,500 damages along with his legal costs. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 By Anvar Mammadov Trend: Turkey will open an agriculture development office in Azerbaijan, said Azerbaijani Agriculture Minister Heydar Asadov at a briefing in Baku Feb. 23. Asadov noted that the office will be opened in the Turkish Embassy in Azerbaijan. A special representative counselor of Turkeys minister of food, agriculture and livestock will be appointed to the embassy to supervise the further development of agriculture relations between the two countries, said the minister. The minister also said the sides have discussed mutual export and import of agricultural products. We need to develop mutual export and import of agricultural products, he noted, adding that Turkey may import products necessary for it from Azerbaijan, and vice versa, if there are all opportunities. Azerbaijan, for example, may export cotton, tobacco, as well as tanning products to Turkey, added Asadov. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Turkey amounted to $127.54 million in January 2017, $62.99 million out of which accounted for export of Azerbaijani goods to Turkey, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee. A potent designer drug which claimed the life of 18-year-old teen Alex Ryan was sourced from Thailand on the so-called 'DarkWeb' for sale throughout Cork, an inquest has heard. Speaking after the inquest, where a verdict of misadventure was returned, Alex's sister Nicole urged people to think about the consequences before taking drugs. "Young people need to realise that they are playing Russian roulette with their lives when they take drugs," she said. "Alex could have been anyone's brother, son or partner - it is not a question of 'if' someone else will die from drugs in Ireland, it is only a question of when." Nicole has now devoted herself to speaking in schools to warn youngsters about the dangers of drugs. Mr Ryan died after ingesting a lethal synthetic party drug on January 18 2016. Six people fell ill after the four-day Cork house party attended by Mr Ryan but only the teen died. Gardai revealed that when they attended the Cork house involved, some partygoers were dancing naked covered in their own blood. One naked partygoer was using their own blood to create images on the house walls. In a subsequent statement to Gardai, one partygoer described it was "the best trip" she had ever had. Nicole said she found such comments to be "absolutely shocking" given that her brother had lost his life. She said her family hadn't received any apology or direct expression of sympathy from those at the party. Almost a year after Mr Ryan's death in an unconnected tragedy, another Cork teen, Michael Cornacchia (16), died after the suspected ingestion of a different designer drug. His death last month prompted the HSE to issue a public warning over a synthetic opioid, U-47700, feared to be in circulation in Cork and south Munster. Mr Cornacchia's inquest has yet to be staged. Speaking during Alex's inquest coroner Philip Comyn demanded a radical overhaul of drug education in Irish schools after he revealed one-in-three inquests he held this year involved deaths connected to drugs or alcohol. In evidence at Alex Ryan's inquest, Gardai warned that youngsters have no idea of precisely what is contained in such drugs. Det Sgt Jason Lynch said that some synthetic drugs seized by Gardai over recent years have included such ingredients as Ajax scouring powder, rat poison, cement and even piano wire cleaner. "The drugs market has changed. The (drugs) market now changes on a weekly basis," he said, in terms of specific designer drug demand. Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster admitted that Irish doctors and lab technicians are battling to keep up with the changes in such synthetic drugs. "They are highly dangerous. Even a small amount of these drugs can kill you," she said. "People in the labs are working hard to keep up with the new types of drugs." "The problem is that the chemists are 'tweaking' the drugs all the time." The inquest heard that the NBomb which claimed Mr Ryan's life is a very rare but highly toxic synthetic drug which is a more powerful psychedelic substance than LSD. It was sourced via the 'DarkWeb' for distribution in Cork from a supplier in Thailand. Nicole Ryan urged youngsters to heed the stark warnings of her brother's tragic death. "A lot of our hopes and dreams died with Alex that day," she said. "There is not a day that we don't think about him and what a terrible loss we have suffered." Nicole said she will never forget the sight of her brother fighting in vain for his life in the intensive care unit of Cork University Hospital (CUH). "He was lying in the hospital bed. There were tubes everywhere - in his arms and from his mouth." "It was awful to see. We hoped and prayed that he would pull through but there was too much damage." "Alex was a wonderful person. He had a beautiful smile and he was as kind-hearted a soul as you could ever meet." "But he made one very bad decision. That mistake cost him his life. He paid the ultimate price. It changed our lives forever. We don't want any other Irish family to suffer our loss," she said. The inquest heard that Mr Ryan's organs were donated and four people had life-saving operations as a result. Last November, three people were sentenced before Cork Circuit Criminal Court on charges arising from the Mr Ryan's tragic death - with the sentences dismissed by Nicole as "an insult" to her brother's memory. Harry Clifton (29) of St Finbarr's Place, Cork was jailed for six months. Clifton has previous convictions for drug offences including possession and cultivation of cannabis. He pleaded guilty to four charges of having drugs in his possession for sale or supply on January 18 last including N Bomb, DMT, MDMA and cannabis. However, Jessica O'Connor (20) and Ruairi Maher (22) avoided jail and received two year suspended prison sentences. O'Connor of Rosebank House, Ballyhar, Killarney, Co Kerry pleaded guilty to a single charge of possession of a controlled drug, namely N Bomb, in Cork city on January 18 last. Maher of Ballycurrane, Thurles, Co Tipperary pleaded guilty to a single charge of conspiring with another to handle drugs, namely N Bomb. Judge Gerard O'Brien expressed concern at the revelations of drug use in the case. He slated as "insidious" the normalisation of so-called recreational drug use, particularly by middle-class youngsters. "This highlights the insidious normalisation of the consumption of illicit drugs," he said. "What is recreational drug use in the upper middle classes is scumbag drug use to people who live in less affluent areas," he warned. Judge O'Brien said it was "alarming" how young people were willing to risk their lives in pursuit of "a better, more extreme high." "The offences committed arise from a devil-may-care and reckless attitude towards the consumption of illicit drugs and in this case designer drugs." "The participants (in the fateful party) were middle-class college students whose sense of entitlement to access that better and greater high clouded their judgement." "When are young people going to understand there are no quality controls on illicit drugs manufactured by criminals? Many of them have rat poison in them." A garda charged with more than 200 counts of deception and receiving corrupt payments has been remanded for trial. Garda John O'Halloran appeared before Cork Circuit Criminal Court charged with a total of 212 counts. These ranged from allegedly receiving corrupt payments to deception and theft charges involving various locations around Cork city. Judge Sean O'Donnabhain was told that the case was a new return and he adjourned the matter for trial to the May sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Previously, Cork District Court was told that Gda O'Halloran (46) made no reply when he was arrested, cautioned and charged with the matters. A precise figure for the sums involved was not available but it could extend to tens of thousands of euro. The accused was charged after being arrested at his home on the South Douglas Road, Cork, last January and brought to Togher garda station. The charges involve dates between 2009 and 2014 and ranged from alleged acceptance of corrupt payments to deception and theft counts. Some of the theft charges involve sums of less than 100. The largest amount involved is 2,500. A number of charges were also brought under the Prevention of Corruption Act. These charges alleged that Gda O'Halloran obtained or accepted a payment or a gift for the provision of his services as a serving member of the Garda. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had instructed that the matter be dealt with before Cork Circuit Criminal Court and a judge and jury. Judge O'Donnabhain remanded the defendant on continuing bail with existing conditions until the May sessions. These included that he not have any contact with potential witnesses in the case, that he enters an independent surety, that he surrender his passport and undertake not to apply for a new one and that he reside at an address specified to gardai. The defendant has also provided an independent surety of 5,000 with a cash lodgement of 1,000. A woman has been spared a jail sentence for unlawfully getting almost 30,000 in disability allowance payments while she lived in Australia for two years. Marije Nika (49) a Kosovar refugee with an address at Cardy Rock Square, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin was prosecuted by the Department of Social Protection. Nika, who fled her war-torn country and came to Ireland in 2000, pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court to a charge under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act. Outlining the facts of the case, prosecution solicitor Joseph Maguire said the woman failed to notify the social welfare office that she was living in Australia from 2012 until 2014. During that time she continued to claim the disability allowance and obtained 29,996 but has repaid 6,800. She claimed that she went there to look after her sick adult daughter. She still gets the benefit but with a weekly deduction of 28 and at that rate it will take 16 years to pay back the money. It was her daughter that contacted Balbriggan social welfare office who then investigated the matter. Nika confirmed to them that she had been living in Australia. Defence counsel Genevieve Coonan told the court that Nika was originally from Kosovo and was forced to leave in 2000 with her vet husband. They came to Ireland that year and stayed at the Mosney centre for asylum seekers. The couple were in straitened circumstances and after leaving Mosney they settled in Balbriggan. Nika suffered from depression and has back problems and was entitled to the disability payment. Counsel said the woman moved to Australia in 2012 because her daughter had been sick. She is remorseful that during that time she took an allowance paid for by Irish tax-payers, the barrister said. She is still in receipt of disability allowance and her husband was her full-time carer on a social welfare allowance, the court was told. Judge John Brennan heard that she gets 300 a week but because she was living at the edge Nika was reluctant to talk about raising the repayments but later the court was told she was agreeable to an increase to 60 a week. The offence, on conviction at district court level, can also result in a fine of up to 2,500 and a possible six-month sentence in addition to having to repay the social welfare authorities. They can also continue to recoup money owed after criminal proceedings have concluded. Judge Brennan said it was clearly a very serious matter and for two years when she was in Australia money was being paid into her account and there was a level of awareness there. He noted she co-operated and had left the turmoil of Kosovo and came to Ireland with her husband who looks after her full-time. He also noted she had no prior criminal convictions and was apologetic and that she had been looking after her daughter who had been in ill health. He recorded a conviction but said he accepted there were extenuating circumstances and he did not proceed to impose a fine or a sentence. A WOMAN suing over injuries to her neck and back after a rear-ending incident has denied in the High Court that entries to her Facebook page meant she had done gym workouts since the accident despite testifying she had not. Lyndsey Gervin (33), a mother of two from Coalisland, Co Tyrone, is one of nine people who sued for soft tissue injuries arising out of the August 2008 accident when a car allegedly collided with the rear of the mini- bus the group were in on their way to a night out at the dogs in Dundalk. They claim the car left the scene immediately and no one got its registration. The nine, including the driver, brought a claim for injuries, they say, left them in pain for sometime after the accident against the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) which compensates victims of uninsured drivers. The MIBI denies their claims. After seven of them were awarded compensation of between 3,000 and 8,500 in the Circuit Court, the MIBI appealed to the High Court. The two who were not successful cross-appealed. A tenth man in the bus did not put in a claim. On the first day of the appeal hearing, Lyndsey Gervin told her own counsel, Patrick McCann, she had to "do away" with going to the gym after the accident. She had gone to regularly before it. When the case resumed today, Jonathan Kilfeather SC, for the MIBI, asked that Ms Gervin be recalled as certain information about her had been learned overnight from her Facebook page. Mr Kilfeather put it to her that an entry she made in January 2014 stating "am actually too excited about going back to workout Defo Gona b good an stick at it this time..." meant she had been at the gym since the accident. So did further entries referring to "another night of pain lol" and about it "being worth it", Mr Kilfeather suggested to her. Ms Gervin said it was part of her efforts to advertise her partner's gym among her friends. Those references were a joke among the Facebook friends to get one of the girls in the group "going" because that girl was doing stuff outside the group, she said. It did not mean she had gone back to the gym because she hadn't, she said. "That is girly stuff, it would not interest you", she told Mr Kilfeather Ms Gervin told her own counsel her Facebook page was supposed to be private. Mr Kilfeather said the material had been downloaded from a public page. In her evidence about the accident itself, Ms Gervin said all she remembered about the car which hit them was the sound of squealing of tyres as it sped off. She said she was completely shocked by the impact of the collision. Five of the others who have given evidence so far also said they either did not see the car or all they knew was it might have been green in colour and there might have been two people in it. The driver, David Morgan (40), also from Coalisland, said he could not remember anything about the accident other than he checked his mirrors and saw no cars. He had suffered from anxiety before the accident and, sometime after it, he had also been the victim of a terrorist incident in the North. He on a lot of medication as a result of his condition. Mr Morgan and Ms Gervin were among successful seven in the Circuit Court. The others were: Deirdre Campbell (40), Joanne McGirr (35), her sister Fiona McGirr (38), Lyndsey's sister Amanda Gervin (44), all from Coalisland, and Bernadette McBride (58), mother of Ms Campbell, from from Glasslough, Co Monaghan. Paul Campbell (39), Deirdre Campbell's husband, and Kevin Kernaghan (43), also from Coalisland, lost in the Circuit Court and cross-appealed to the High Court. The case resumes next week before Ms Justice Marie Baker. A teenager whose family were forced to leave the county during the recession to find work is now being hit with higher university fees if she wants to study in Ireland. Molly Boggan was nine when her family relocated from Rathcore, Co Meath to Perth in Western Australia in 2008. Her father James works in civil project engineering and he struggled to find work after the collapse in the building industry. Ms Boggan (17) went through the Australian school system but she always dreamed of returning to Ireland to study law at university. However, during a return visit last month, she was told that in order to enroll at an Irish university she must pay fees of 7,000. This is the rate for EU citizens looking to study in Ireland and is over twice the registration fee of 3,043 charged to students resident here. She has been told that in order to qualify for this lower rate her parents would need to have been living and paying taxes in the state for three of the last five years. "My family just cannot afford this," she said. "I think it's unfair, it's not my fault or my family's fault that we had to leave the country and now it feels like we are being punished because I want to return home." Expand Close Molly Boggan / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Molly Boggan Ms Boggan, who has three younger brothers, said she struggled to settle into the Australian education system and it has always been her dream to return to Ireland to study and live. She is hoping to study for a Bachelors in Law at Dublin City University (DCU). Read More: "I just don't understand how if I have an Irish passport, my parents own a property in Ireland and have always paid their taxes, that I have to deal with these crazy fees to study in my birth country. "The government is talking about bringing the young people of Ireland back to their native home. However, for me and I'm sure for many others in my situation who would love to return home, we just can't do so as we are faced with outrageous fees. "I want to return to my homeland to study, live among my extended family and hopefully in the future practice a legal career, but how can I being faced with this? It's just not possible and it honestly is heartbreaking." Ms Boggan's father James said the fees may simply be too high for the family to pay. "I have three other kids to support. It is going to work out very expensive. "7,000 would be AUS$10,000, that's AUS$30,000 over three years on fees alone. You also have the day-to-day surviving while she is there. We feel like we are being hit on both ends." Independent.ie has contacted the Department of Education and DCU for a comment. A manhunt is under way for a Pakistani national who the DPP says should be charged with coercion in relation to a human trafficking and sham marriage investigation. A probe began in 2015 when two Lithuanian women told gardai they had been forced into marriages. They were taken to Co Mayo and expected to marry Pakistani men. The manhunt for the suspect is continuing after a close associate of his, who is facing the same charge, was arrested in possession of a fake Spanish passport at Dublin Airport last week. He is now in custody. A nationwide Garda investigation called Operation Vantage revealed that Asian gangs who organise sham marriages have earned about 15m from desperate clients. Operation Vantage, which was set up in August 2015, has uncovered the massive profits and the methods of the Pakistani mob as well as other gangs from the Indian subcontinent who are involved in the sham marriage racket. On average, a man from this region who approaches one of the gangs so that he can marry an EU national to exploit Irelands asylum and immigration system has to pay at least 15,000 for the wedding to be facilitated. The mobsters then use their criminal contacts in continental Europe to send a bride to Ireland to marry the asylum-seeker in a registry office, with the women generally being paid about 3,000 and spending on average only three days in the country. Gardai believe around half of the marriages in Ireland between 2013 and 2015 were bogus and solely motivated by attaining immigration status. It is believed that more than 1,000 men arranged weddings in Ireland to European women they had never met. Many of the men made asylum claims on arrival and, once these were lodged, they sourced wives through the gangs. After paying the criminals, they would be trained on what they needed to say to the Irish authorities in order to convince them the marriage was genuine. The bride and groom would also be given assistance in completing the paperwork required for the man to be granted EU rights. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 By Orkhan Quluzade Trend: The $120-million agricultural trade between Azerbaijan and Turkey doesnt meet the existing potential, Turkeys Minister of Food, Agriculture and Livestock Faruk Celik told reporters in Baku. The minister visited Baku to participate in the Azerbaijan-Turkey Business Forum. We must raise this level and expand the range of exported products, Celik said. The minister further noted that development of relations between the two countries is possible in many areas. The business forum held today contributes to establishment of close ties between entrepreneurs from the two countries, he added. Celik also invited Azerbaijani Agriculture Minister Heydar Asadov to be the honorable guest in the meeting of agriculture ministers of African countries, planned to be held in Turkey. Transport Minister Shane Ross has been described as a "Pontius Pilate" character who is hiding from the looming chaos at Bus Eireann. Opposition leaders have hit out at the Government's response to a possible open-ended strike by workers at the company. Fianna Fail's Micheal Martin claimed that privately Mr Ross is "very comfortable" with what is happening at Bus Eireann. He argued that efforts were made to avert industrial unrest at Dublin Bus and the Luas, but Mr Ross had adopted an attitude of "to hell with rural Ireland". Bus Eireann has said it could be insolvent by May if it does not reduce its pay bill by 12m. Management want to make savings on overtime, spare driver arrangements, hiring buses, sick pay, bonuses, expenses and flexibility. Mr Martin said Bus Eireann had taken "a very aggressive approach" that is "conflict driven". "In one fell swoop we're taking a sledgehammer to workers' terms and conditions," he said. In response, Taoiseach Enda Kenny acknowledged that a potentially "catastrophic situation" is looming for passengers. But he defended Mr Ross, saying the minister is "anxious that the machinery of the State be used". The Taoiseach called for "direct engagement" between management and unions. A mother whose 7-year-old daughter had to share a room with a heroin addict in an A&E department says her daughter kept asking: "Why can she do her own injections, mammy?" The horrified mother, who asked to remain anonymous, visited the Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe with her daughter who had a suspected appendicitis. After arriving at the hospital shortly after 1pm, her daughter was admitted into a two-bed room around 4.30pm. She says the other person she had to share with was a HIV positive heroin addict who was openly injecting herself in the room. The woman claimed she was HIV positive and kept shouting abuse at staff and patients. "There was only a thin curtain dividing both of them and the woman was shouting at us, accusing us of discriminating against her because she had HIV," she told Independent.ie. "I was actually in tears. She keeps asking me questions about it. She absorbs everything she sees and hears, you see". The woman's daughter has significant health problems and is regularly in and out of hospital. She suffers from mild scoliosis and Goldenhar Syndrome. "This just isn't on. A little innocent girl should not have to go through that. How would this have been allowed to happen? "The woman was threatening the nurses and shouting on the phone about shooting up and buying more gear. My daughter was terrified," she added. While the woman accepted that overcrowding issues are affecting hospitals all over Ireland, she says there can be "no excuses" for what happened. In a statement to Independent.ie, Portiuncula University Hospital said: "There was a delay in transferring a child to the ward due to an emergency in the Paediatric Ward. The child was cared for in "minors area" in the Emergency Department, which is a two bedded area, as the paediatric room was occupied due to the volume of children attending the department. "The nurse in charge apologised on the day to the child and the child's family for the distress they suffered. We are working with the staff in both paediatrics and the Emergency Department to ensure this does not occur again. "Portiuncula University Hospital apologies for any distress caused." This week it was revealed how around 90 beds were lying idle in hospitals across the country yesterday as the trolley crisis forced hundreds of patients to endure more gruelling delays in emergency departments. Health Minister Simon Harris disclosed the number of closed beds - due to lack of staff - at the Oireachtas Health Committee, where he was tackled on the failures of the health service, including the suffering of patients on waiting lists. He was speaking as 516 patients were on trolleys, including 45 in Cork University Hospital. HSE chief Tony O'Brien said he acknowledged the "distress for patients and their families, and the impact on staff caused by overcrowded emergency departments". Mr O'Brien also said that the number of delayed discharges - patients who no longer need hospital care but need suitable step-down care - had reduced from 619 to 436 over the winter. The rescue off the South West Coast. Picture: Irish Defence Forces This is the dramatic moment a fisherman suffering from chest pains was rescued from a trawler by the Irish navy 417 kilometres off the coast. The LE Roisin responded to a request to provide medical assistance off Bantry Bay on Wednesday. Expand Close The rescue off the South West Coast. Picture: Irish Defence Forces / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The rescue off the South West Coast. Picture: Irish Defence Forces The operation began at approximately 6pm when the crew, who were on a Maritime Security and Defence patrol off the West coast, received a distress signal regarding a crew man who was suffering chest pains onboard a fishing vessel from the Faroe Islands. The Irish Air Corps CASA plane arrived on the scene at 8pm and provided top cover. Medical crew from the LE Roisin went on board the fishing vessel, who treated the patient and assisted in his transfer to the Coast Guard helicopter. According to the Irish Defence Forces weather conditions on-scene were difficult, in an Easterly Force 7. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 115 was on-scene at 8.30pm and by 9.20pm the patient departed for Shannon Hospital. In a statement the Defence Forces confirmed that the LE Roisin was back on general patrol at 9.35pm. Expand Close The rescue off the South West Coast. Picture: Irish Defence Forces / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The rescue off the South West Coast. Picture: Irish Defence Forces More than 800 new jobs in the Defence Forces have been announced this afternoon. A major recruitment drive is being launched with a special focus on increasing the number of women and "new Irish" into the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. Minister with responsibility for defence, Paul Kehoe said the campaign would target an intake of 860 personnel, including general service recruits, apprentices and cadets. "This recruitment campaign is extremely significant as it opens up opportunities across the three services for young people to serve their country as members of Oglaigh ha hEireann and also offers an unique career and first class training". Mr Kehoe said the campaign would build upon the successes of last year when recruitment reached a historic high, with an intake of 690 personnel, including the largest cadet class in the history of the State. The aim is to bring back up the strength of the Defence Forces to the sanctioned level of 9,500. Mr Kehoe said: "It is vital that we continue to recruit young men and women to maintain the strength level and military capability and to ensure fresh thinking." He encouraged young people to "join our team". He underlined the need for increased participation from women and the different ethnic groups and nationals now resident in the State and said the military must represent the richness and diversity of the community they served. Mr Kehoe said the Defence Forces welcomed and respected all, irrespective of gender, creed, ethnicity or sexual orientation. The military has been struggling to increase the number of women in the ranks, in line with a commitment given in the defence white paper in 2015 to reach a target of 10pc. A recent advertising campaign has been highlighting the attractions of a life in the Defence Forces for women. Megan (9) needs vital funds to help meet her basic needs The parents of a nine-year-old girl are pleading with the public to help raise vital funds for their seriously ill child. Megan Farrell (9) from Finglas, Co Dublin, is currently in Crumlin hospital for the fourth time since November 2016. Parents Ashling and Colm are pleading with the public to help raise vital funds for Megan who was born with a condition known as Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome (HRHS), which means the right side of her heart didn't develop properly. Megan also has a tracheostomy tube to help her breathe and a peg feeding tube to help her eat. She cant speak and was diagnosed with scoliosis meaning she is unable to walk. But her parents say she can still light up a room with her smile and brings lots of joy to her family and friends. The couple also have two younger girls, Emma (6) and Ellie May (11 months), making it very difficult to care for Megan 24-hours a day. "We found out she dislocated her hip but because she has heart problems doctors aren't sure if her heart could take a surgery to fix it. Expand Close Megan (9) with sister Emma (6) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Megan (9) with sister Emma (6) "She's on pain relief but anytime we move her she's crying in pain. If we take her home we'll have to move her from the car and from her bedroom downstairs to the bathroom upstairs. "It's so hard as a parent watching her scream in pain, especially when you're causing it by moving her," mum Ashling said. Before Megan dislocated her hip, Ashling says she was a "happy child who was always smiling" but now she's in constant pain. "She just wants to be left in bed and won't give us any smiles. It breaks my heart to see her like this." The family are pleading with the public to help raise funds to buy equipment for Megan to meet her basic needs. Currently, Megan's wheelchair doesn't fit in the car, so the family are trying to raise funds for a wheelchair accessible car. As Megan sleeps in the sitting room downstairs, the family also need to raise money to make their home more accesible. Dad Colm is Megan's main carer at home and he says it's getting more difficult to carry the nine-year-old up and down the stairs to use the bathroom. "It's getting near impossible. Her bones are so brittle that I'm terrified I'm going to hit any part of her off the stairs. She's getting heavy too, so soon we won't be able to lift her anymore. I don't know what we're going to do," Colm said. Megan needs 24-hour care, but often a nurse trained to care for Megan's requirements isn't available and the family spend most nights caring for Megan themselves. "There is a constant risk that her tube could block which would prevent her from breathing which is why only people that are trained in this can look after her. Her homecare package allocates a night nurses however due to a severe lack of tracheostomy trained nurses they are often unavailable or simply dont turn up leaving us to cover three or four nights a week. "One of us have to stay awake all night to make sure she's still breathing," said Ashling. One of Megan's favourite things is going to school but she often can't attend because a tracheostomy trained nurse isn't available at the school. "She cries when she can't go to school because she is very clever. She's a wizzard on the ipad and loves being around other people." The family said any donations would be extremely helpful as they say they can't go on living the way they are. "She desperately needs help as soon as possible. She can't go on like this anymore. We would be so grateful for any help," said Ashling. You can donate to help Ashling here Bus Eireann was expected to announce a date for the cuts, but sources said it is considering legal and other issues as it draws up a final survival plan. Stock Image The chief executive of the National Transport Authority (NTA) cannot guarantee that Bus Eireann passengers will get the same level of service when it attempts to replace routes that are being axed. Anne Graham was speaking as the company faces the threat of an all-out strike following the collapse of talks to end a dispute over its plan to impose 12m pay cuts on staff. Bus Eireann was expected to announce a date for the cuts yesterday, but sources said it is considering legal and other issues as it draws up a final survival plan. A spokesperson said staff will be informed of the measures in the coming days. Bus Eireann has confirmed it will get rid of routes between Dublin and Clonmel, Athlone and Westport, and Dublin and Derry to make immediate savings of 1.1m as it faces the threat of insolvency in May. Speaking at an Oireachtas committee yesterday, Ms Graham said the authority will provide replacement services on routes that face the chop, but said she could not promise they will be replicated. "I can't give an undertaking that the same level of service will be given on those routes," she told the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport. This means that the frequency of services and the number of stops along the way could be reduced, although she claimed they may also be increased. Read more: 'I need the bus to get to hospital' - Meet the people affected if Bus Eireann strike goes ahead Read more: State body claims there will be 'no gap in services' when Bus Eireann axes three routes She said the decision will follow an assessment of the routes and the current and potential demand locally. Tim Gaston, director of public transport services at the authority, said it will hold meetings with the company to discuss the routes as soon as possible. Speaking of contingency planning during the threatened strike, Ms Graham said private operators can apply for temporary licences to run extra services, or can offer ancillary services after notifying the authority. She said she was "very, very concerned" that the company could go bust. Ms Graham denied there is "saturation" on the inter-city corridors served by Expressway services, and that the authority grants licences to operators at the drop of a hat. Meanwhile, the assistant secretary at the Department of Social Protection, Tim Duggan, revealed that the Government refused to increase funding for the free travel scheme in the budget for this year. He said this was due to "competing demands". Mr Duggan said CIE submitted a request to the department in September last year for more funding and the department ensured the submission was part of budgetary considerations. He said Transport Minister Shane Ross has written to Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar to review funding, which was last set in 2010. The senior civil servant said talks were under way and further meetings were planned between the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Transport and the National Transport Authority to review the payment mechanisms underpinning the scheme. He said the final decision on funding is a matter for the Government. Mr Duggan said just under 875,000 customers are eligible for free travel and when passes for spouses and companions are included, 1.4 million people are eligible. He admitted there was no easy way to deal with the abuse of 'companion passes', which do not feature a photo ID of the person using them. Fine Gael has been accused of navel-gazing about its party leadership while no progress is being made on housing supply and the spiralling costs of the planned childrens hospital. Fianna Fails Barry Cowen said after the distraction of talks about the Taoiseachs leadership it was time to face the grim reality that very little progress was being made in implementing the plans to tackle housing and homelessness. Mr Cowen said that Focus Ireland had pointed out that last month a child became homeless every five hours. He disputed the Taosieachs assertion on Tuesday that 8,500 housing units were currently under construction. The Fianna Fail TD said in reality only 1,828 units were actually being built the rest were at various stages of planning and approval. He predicted that the housing plan targets would not be met. You are obsessed with announcements in the hope that you will bamboozle people, Mr Cowen said. Sinn Feins Mary Lou McDonald accused Fine Gael of navel-gazing about the party leadership. She said that in the meantime the planned childrens hospital costs had jumped from 404m in 2012 to over 1bn. As it stands Irelands National Childrens Hospital if it is ever built will be the most expensive hospital anywhere in the world, Ms McDonald said. Replying for the Government Tanaiste, Frances Fitzgerald, said the Government had managed to cut unemployment from a high of over 15.5pc to 6.8pc. She said the housing budget had been increased by more than any other budget sector and the plans would be implemented. On the National Childrens Hospital, Ms Fitzgerald said that the project had finally been agreed and would go ahead. Liam Cosgrave (1977) - The Fine Gael Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave surprised everyone by calling a snap election in May 1977, nine months ahead of the Dail's end. He and Labour Tanaiste Brendan Corish felt their coalition would win and journalists agreed. Ten days into the campaign, Mr Cosgrave was given an opinion poll result which showed rivals Fianna Fail on 59pc. Rising star Garret FitzGerald asked: "Can we undissolve the Dail?" Mr Cosgrave erred in the campaign message, stressing economic stability and law and order against IRA threats. Fianna Fail offered a series of big voter bribes which would eventually bring the country to the verge of bankruptcy. Jack Lynch's Fianna Fail gained 16 seats, taking them to a total of 84. It was the biggest win until Fine Gael under Enda Kenny in February 2011. Expand Close Jack Lynch returns his seal of office to president Patrick Hillery / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jack Lynch returns his seal of office to president Patrick Hillery Mr Cosgrave, aged 57, quit as Fine Gael and left politics in June 1981. JACK LYNCH (1979) His record 21-seat landslide general election win for Fianna Fail, in June 1977, seemed a lifetime away when he was forced into quitting earlier than planned in December 1979, aged 62. Like Enda Kenny, Mr Lynch had said he would not lead the party in the next general election. Disappointing local and European election results in June 1979 were compounded by the loss of two by-elections in his Cork city stronghold. Expand Close Charlie Haughey / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Charlie Haughey He was under severe pressure over security co-operation with the North, with some party TDs questioning his "republican credentials". The shadow of a conspiratorial Charlie Haughey, sacked in 1970 over an IRA arms importation controversy, but rehabilitated in 1975, hung over his latter years. Mr Lynch quit in the hope his supporter George Colley could defeat his rival Mr Haughey. Two days later, Mr Haughey was elected leader. Expand Close Albert Reynolds in 1994. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Albert Reynolds in 1994. CHARLIE HAUGHEY (1992) The great survivor across five decades came through the 1970 Arms Trial and a series of Fianna Fail leadership heaves against him in the early 1980s. But as the first Fianna Fail leader forced to form a coalition and lose a presidential election, the beginning of the end came in 1991 after big local election losses. There were a series of controversies about the links between business and politics. The first move came in autumn 1991, when four TDs issued a statement and Albert Reynolds led a failed heave. The end came in January 1992 when Mr Haughey's old ally Sean Doherty said Mr Haughey had known back in 1982 that journalists' phones were being tapped. Expand Close Bertie Ahern after his resignation in 2011. Photo: PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Bertie Ahern after his resignation in 2011. Photo: PA His coalition allies, the Progressive Democrats, said it was Mr Haughey or the coalition. In his Dail farewell, Mr Haughey quoted Shakespeare's 'Othello': "I have done the State some service; they know't. No more of that." ALBERT REYNOLDS (1994) "You cross the big hurdles and when you get to the small ones, you get tripped," Albert Reynolds famously said in November 1994 as his 33-month term as Taoiseach was drawing to an end. The hurdle was a bitter controversy about appointing former attorney general Harry Whelehan as High Court president, and the way Mr Whelehan's office had dealt with the case of paedophile priest Brendan Smyth. Labour, Fianna Fail's coalition partner, opposed the appointment. When Reynolds forced the issue, Labour withdrew from cabinet in protest. The coalition partners' breakdown in trust deepened further with more revelations about paedophile cases. The real break dated back to July 1994 and the handling of publication of the Beef Tribunal, which Mr Reynolds argued "exonerated" him. Expand Close Brian Cowen at Aras an Uachtarain to dissolve the Dail in 2011. Photo: David Conachy / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Brian Cowen at Aras an Uachtarain to dissolve the Dail in 2011. Photo: David Conachy Mr Reynolds resigned shortly afterwards, making his announcement in the middle of a no-confidence motion tabled by Fine Gael. "I'm straight up. I tell it as it is. That's me," he said. BERTIE AHERN (2008) The 'Teflon Taoiseach' had won a modern record of three consecutive government terms and seemed to have reunited a Fianna Fail party that was fractured for 30 years. He presided over full employment in the country's biggest ever economic boom and helped deliver peace in the North. Even startling revelations about financial "dig-outs" by the Mahon Tribunal in autumn 2006 could not stop him battling through to win his third general election in May 2007. A direct television appeal to the public about his broken marriage and family pressures succeeded and he got a "fool's pardon". But soon after his return to Government Buildings things started to go from bad to worse with Mahon Tribunal revelations soaking up increasing amounts of energy and media attention. His coalition partners, the Green Party, had to say it could not support him. In April 2008, he announced he was stepping down. BRIAN COWEN (2011) Brian Cowen's takeover from Mr Ahern on May 7, 2008, briefly got himself and his party record popular approval ratings in opinion polls. But things started to go badly wrong within a month with the loss of the EU Lisbon Treaty referendum in June. The bank guarantee, in a vain effort to stave off a banking collapse, in September 2008 presaged a total financial meltdown. The profligacy of the Ahern era, of boom-fuelled excessive spending, left Ireland most vulnerable to a fierce global recession. Mr Cowen was forced into savage spending cuts which became worse when his government was obliged to surrender economic sovereignty with the EU-IMF-ECB Troika bailout in November 2010. The final break came in a ham-fisted effort to bring in new ministers amid talk of stretching the government term into summer. The Green Party quit the coalition. Mr Cowen then stood down as Fianna Fail leader, but briefly stayed on as Taoiseach. He announced he was quitting politics and fixed an election for February 25, 2011. It all ended a most ill-starred term at Government Buildings. Around 90 beds were lying idle in hospitals across the country yesterday as the trolley crisis forced hundreds of patients to endure more gruelling delays in emergency departments. Health Minister Simon Harris disclosed the number of closed beds - due to lack of staff - at the Oireachtas Health Committee, where he was tackled on the failures of the health service, including the suffering of patients on waiting lists. He was speaking as 516 patients were on trolleys, including 45 in Cork University Hospital. Committee members described the testimony of public patients in need of surgery, as portrayed on the recent 'RTE Investigates' programme, as "shameful" and accused the minister and HSE chief Tony O'Brien of only responding with action plans on foot of the outcry which followed. Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South Kate O'Connell told Mr O'Brien, who was also before the committee, that the pain and suffering of young scoliosis patients, who featured on the programme, happened "under your watch." She said it put a question mark over his ability to do his job. Expand Close HSE chief Tony OBrien at Leinster House. Photo: Justin Farrelly / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp HSE chief Tony OBrien at Leinster House. Photo: Justin Farrelly The minister, who earlier this week had to deny he "wanted out of Health" following a remark by Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan on Fine Gael's WhatsApp group chat, repeated that this year each hospital group has to develop a strategic plan to improve efficiency. He said better co-operation could see patients, who are referred to a consultant in one hospital, transferred to another for surgery or appointment to make use of spare capacity. The HSE is working on a specific plan for scoliosis patients and this would be ready at the end of the month. He said he acknowledged the "distress for patients and their families, and the impact on staff caused by overcrowded emergency departments". Asked about the delayed opening of the new emergency department of University Hospital Limerick, one of the worst-hit hospitals, he was unable to give a commitment that it would be accepting patients by May as planned, but said he was working to have it operational when "it is ready". Mr O'Brien said that the number of delayed discharges - patients who no longer need hospital care but need suitable step-down care - had reduced from 619 to 436 over the winter. Read more: Cormac McQuinn: Ambitious Harris's hopes of winning FG leadership no laughing matter He said that it was "fully acknowledged" that waiting lists in certain specialities including ophthalmology, ENT, orthopaedics, urology and general surgery had seen significant increases in the number of patients waiting for treatment. "It must be noted that both the challenge of availability of consultants in these specialities as well as hospital capacity have contributed to this increase," he said. Asked about the progress in talks to make the drug Orkambi available to cystic fibrosis sufferers, the minister said he expected a decision would be made in the coming weeks. The matter has yet to go before the HSE executive committee and there is a likelihood that the ultimate decision on funding could be made at Government level. Promised legislation to reduce the prescription charge for medical card holders over 70 is imminent, Mr Harris told the committee. Details added (first version posted on 14:38) Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 By Anvar Mammadov Trend: Turkey will open an agriculture development office in Azerbaijan, said Azerbaijani Agriculture Minister Heydar Asadov at a briefing in Baku Feb. 23. Asadov noted that the office will be opened in the Turkish Embassy in Azerbaijan. A special representative counselor of Turkeys minister of food, agriculture and livestock will be appointed to the embassy to supervise the further development of agriculture relations between the two countries, said the minister. The minister also said the sides have discussed mutual export and import of agricultural products. We need to develop mutual export and import of agricultural products, he noted, adding that Turkey may import products necessary for it from Azerbaijan, and vice versa, if there are all opportunities. Azerbaijan, for example, may export cotton, tobacco, as well as tanning products to Turkey, added Asadov. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Turkey amounted to $127.54 million in January 2017, $62.99 million out of which accounted for export of Azerbaijani goods to Turkey, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee. The Taoiseach has insisted on a clause in the Brexit deal to allow Northern Ireland rejoin the European Union as part of a united Ireland. After a summit with European Commission President Jean Claude Juncker, the Taoiseach said the Good Friday Agreement must be stitched into the outcome of talks on Britain leaving the bloc. Referring to the fall of the Berlin Wall, he said the EU divorce deal must allow for Northern Ireland to "seamlessly" reunite with the Republic of Ireland if a majority votes for it. "We want that to remain in such a position that the language of what is contained in the Good Friday Agreement will also be contained in the negotiations outcome," he said at a press conference in Brussels. "In other words, if at some future time, whenever that might be if it were to occur, that Northern Ireland would have ease of access to join as a member of the European Union again. "We want that language inserted into the negotiated treaty or negotiated outcome whenever that might occur." Flanked by Mr Juncker, Mr Kenny said Europe supported the internationally recognised Good Friday Agreement peace deal, which allows for a united Ireland if democratically backed by Northern Ireland. The region voted to remain in the EU during last year's in/out referendum by 56% to 44%. However, the largest party, the Democratic Unionist Party, campaigned for a leave vote and has insisted the overall UK result must be respected. Mr Kenny said the language of the Good Friday Agreement speaks for itself. "It provides for that opportunity... in respect of that situation that arose arose when the Berlin Wall was taken down and East Germany was able to join West Germany in a seamless fashion," he said. "That is already inherent in the Good Friday Agreement, therefore in protecting that, we want that language incorporated into the (Brexit) agreement that will eventually emerge." The Taoiseach has also confirmed that he intends to represent Ireland at the initial Brexit negotiations after Article 50 is triggered in early April. "Our focus is on the discussions up ahead, and thats our only focus, Mr Kenny told reporters in Brussels on Thursday. Clearly the important meetings for setting up the negotiations are ones that I do hope to be in attendance at, and play our part in setting out again our priorities here, he said after a meeting at the European Commission. Once Brexit is triggered - which the UK has said it will do by the end of March - EU leaders will have to meet again to sign off on guidelines for the blocs lead negotiator, Michel Barnier, to use to hammer out a divorce settlement with the UK. The UK was expected to trigger Brexit in early March, but that will be delayed a little according to the Taoiseach. The main Brexit summit will most likely take place in Brussels in early April, following an informal summit in Rome to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the EU. Meanwhile, President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, said he would be very, very sad to see the Taoiseach go. "I will continue to work as closely as possible with Enda in the next coming weeks and months, and if something would happen which would lead me to be very, very sad, relations will nevertheless continue, Mr Juncker said. "Relations between persons are not linked to the functions these persons have." Mr Juncker also said we dont want to have hard borders between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and said the Good Friday Agreement should not be put at risk. Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has faced down critics to ensure he will cling to power until Easter. But it seems the end is nigh. Here are the five highs (and the five lows) of Taoiseach Enda Kenny's career. The Five Highs 1. Queen Elizabeth visits (May 2011) Of all the events that took place during Mr Kennys time as Taoiseach the first visit by a British monarch to the Republic was the most hyped and the most politically sensitive. It was viewed as a massive success and a landmark moment in Anglo-Irish relations. 2. Gay marriage referendum (May 2015) In 2012 Enda Kenny fell over a flower pot which trying to run away from reporters asking him whether he supported gay marriage but he then went on a personal journey that ended in Panti Bar. Mr Kennys change of attitude on the issue was symbolic on the way to Ireland becoming the first country to endorse same-sex marriage by popular vote. 3. Election 2011 After nearly 14 years on the Opposition benches Mr Kenny led Fine Gael to an historic election victory with over 800,000 first preference votes. It marked an 8.8pc swing that made Enda Kenny The Unlikely Taoiseach. He formed a government with the Labour Party. 4. World travel Enda Kenny has always looked at his most comfortable when outside of Ireland. He has formed solid relationship with European leaders like Angela Merkel and has made the most of his many trips to the United States. Last year he even travelled to Washington for 24 hours to plant a tree. 5. Dail speech on Cloyne (July 2011) His unprecedented Dail attack on the Catholic Church in the wake of the Cloyne report made global headlines and will probably go down as his most famous. In a direct challenge to the Vatican, Mr Kenny denounced what he called "the dysfunction, disconnection, elitism - and the narcissism - that dominate the culture of the Vatican to this day." ... and the Five Lows 1. 2001 Leadership battle The leadership battle Mr Kenny fought with Michael Noonan in 2001 was divisive and bitter. Losing the contest was bad but when Mr Noonan didn't offer him a frontbench position afterwards it led many to speculate that the Mayo TD might leave politics altogether. 2. The Heave (June 2010) It was pitched as the cappuccino generation versus the men who eat their dinner in the middle of the day. While Mr Kenny was victorious over Richard Bruton it still ranks as a low point because the events of recent days should the wounds within Fine Gael from the divisive vote are have never fully healed. 3. Vincent Brownes appalling attack Vincent Browne and the Taoiseach have had a long-standing feud, stretching back as far as 1982 when the broadcaster said on The Late Late Show that Mr Kenny purported to be a TD. In 2010 Mr Browne was forced to issue a public apology after joking about whether Fine Gael had told the party leader to go into a darkroom with a gun and a bottle of whiskey. 4. Political controversies and failures Mr Kenny will hope that his legacy focuses on the economic recovery but there will also be blotches that cannot be forgotten. Two notably ones would the tragic case of Savita Halappanavar which shook the Government to its core. Mr Kennys government will also be remembered for the failed attempt to introduce water charges. 5. Garda whistleblowers The Taoiseach has twice been burned by this issue. In 2014 he just about survived after a justice minister, garda commissioner and secretary general at the Department of Justice sacrificed themselves. His handling of the most recent revelations from Maurice McCabe have greatly hastened his departure. In politics at least, this week Enda Kenny is still the only show in town and in true Enda fashion, a decision to prepare for the decision is being prepared while he decides to make a decision about preparing to step down. Meanwhile, the front-runners, Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney, are holding their fire until the Taoiseach returns from the White House after St. Patrick's Day. So is this a typical Fine Gael fudge and faux pas, not even being able to hold a leadership succession properly? asked the Floating Voter political panel of Kevin Doyle, Philip Ryan and Nicola Anderson. Leo Varadkar said he wanted to avoid a Fine Gael family at war scenario but Philip Ryan compared it to the final crucifixion scene in the Life of Brian with nobody prepared to step up and speak out direct to Endas face. Are the rebels being cut down and muffled by Leos camp or is there something more concerted at play? Surely they should have said something, wondered Nicola Anderson, what was the point otherwise? Theres also the possibility, said Kevin Doyle, that by the time Article 50 is triggered for Brexit, Enda might find it in his heart to stay on for the good of the country. And, is Leo Varadkar the shoe-in to be the next leader of Fine Gael? Is Simon Coveneys problem the fact that he just doesnt have the x factor and is too earnest and conscientious? But can the city slicker Varadkar appeal to the conservative, rural electorate in the long run? And is there any truth in the rumour that Coveney was seen in the Dail bar twice in the last two months? Lets just hope, by next week, we wont be discussing the future of Enda for three weeks in-a-row.. Each week on the Floating Voter, INM's political team discuss the main issues affecting Irish politics, bursting the bubble around Leinster House. New episodes on Independent.ie every Thursday. iPhone users, click here subscribe to the Floating Voter on iTunes Android users can subscribe via SoundCloud or Stitcher A garda at the scene in Fermoy where the body of a man in his 30s, was discovered at truck stop. Photo: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision A Slovakian father-of-two died after being struck over the head with an iron bar after it is thought a dispute over cigarettes and alcohol escalated out of control. Two men, both Polish nationals, were being questioned by gardai last night over the circumstances in which the deceased, named locally as Ludovit Pastor (40), suffered fatal injuries. Mr Pastor was found unconscious near an articulated lorry at a popular truck stop off the Pike Road in Fermoy, Co Cork, near the Dublin-Cork motorway. He was discovered shortly after 10.30pm on Tuesday. A friend of Mr Pastor was found nearby with multiple non-life threatening injuries. The grim discovery was made by nearby garage staff who were alerted by drivers parked overnight complaining of hearing shouting. Despite desperate efforts to revive Mr Pastor, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr Pastor, a Slovakian national who was born in Hungary, had sustained serious head injuries. Detectives later found an iron bar, which they suspect may have been the weapon used, near a parked truck. Mr Pastor's friend was treated at the scene by paramedics and told gardai the duo were attacked by other men after a dispute erupted. Three of the four men involved were Polish nationals. One theory being examined by detectives is that a dispute over the cost of cigarettes and alcohol between the truck drivers and the other men escalated. The injured man was taken to Cork University Hospital (CUH) for treatment and remains in a stable condition. Fermoy gardai cordoned off the scene pending a full forensic and technical examination. More than a dozen trucks had to stay parked within the cordoned-off area throughout the day. One driver, who asked to remain unnamed, said he was told by another trucker that the first inkling of the tragedy was when shouts were heard around 10.30pm. "One of the lads said they were trying to sleep in their cab when they heard noises from the truck parking area," he said. "The noise got louder and he said it sounded like people shouting at each other. He didn't get out of his cab for safety reasons. "I think one of the other truckers rang the garage staff to say something was wrong." Another trucker said the first he heard of the tragedy was when gardai arrived. "A garda came knocking on the lorry door at around 11.30pm and asking if I'd seen or heard anything. "That was the first I knew of it," the man said. A garage manager came out to see what was happening and immediately spotted Mr Pastor lying motionless on the ground. Gardai and paramedics were at the scene within minutes. Door-to-door inquiries were conducted by gardai throughout the day, with several large housing estates located within 100 metres of the area. It is understood that CCTV security camera footage will play a key role in the investigation. Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster examined the body at the scene before Mr Pastor's remains were removed to CUH for a full post-mortem examination. Two men, in their early 40s and late 20s, were arrested by gardai under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 and taken to Fermoy and Mallow garda stations for questioning. They are Polish nationals working as truck drivers for a Cork-based firm. A file will be prepared for the DPP. Mr Pastor, based in Cork for several years, has two children, aged 15 and 11, who are enrolled in Fermoy schools. It's every parent's worst nightmare - the possibility of strangers harming or abducting your child. While these cases are very rare, when they happen it's the ultimate trauma for those directly affected and a source of fear and anxiety for parents everywhere. When controversial BBC TV mini-series The Moorside aired earlier this month, the issue of child abduction was back in the headlines, as it portrayed the real-life story of the hoax kidnapping of eight-year-old Sharon Matthews in 2008. The parents of Madeleine McCann hit out at the show as being in poor taste for referring to their missing daughter in the script and for its bad timing as they prepare to mark a decade without their daughter, who disappeared from their holiday apartment in Portugal in 2007. The spectre of the unseen stranger who takes a child from the safety of their family is the stuff of horrors, but the reality is this scenario is extremely rare. Many of us grew up hearing "don't talk to strangers" but how realistic is this when most of us engage with strangers on the bus, in the supermarket and on the street on a daily basis? Is it reasonable to warn children away from basic human interactions for fear a bogeyman is lying in wait? And in an age of helicopter parenting, how do parents broach the subject of staying safe with their children without putting them off interacting with people and making them anxious? Parenting expert Allen O'Donoghue, who runs helpme2parent.ie, says the first thing for parents to be aware of is the need to get the balance between having the conversation about stranger danger and scaring the living daylights out of your child. Using scare tactics can actually prevent your child from absorbing the important information you need them to take from these conversations, he warns. "Fear can be paralysing, so how you approach this discussion is so important. Speaking calmly, in a supportive way, will help your child take on board what you are saying," says O'Donoghue. He says parents should talk to their child about being vigilant. If they're going out walking to school or sports, parents should try to ensure their children travel with friends or in a group. If your child does come to you with a concern, he says, try not to over-react. Single mum Catherine McDonnell from Blackrock, Co Dublin, says she doesn't like to tell her 10-year-old son Rossa that he could be vulnerable. "Instead of telling him about the 'bad' people, I tell him about all the good people who are out there and willing to help him if he's worried or frightened," she says. "So if he's lost in a crowded park, he's to stop, think, and come up with a sensible plan as to what to do. I tell him to think about the last place he saw me and to ask for help from another parent with kids for example." She adds: "This way he feels like such a big clever boy when he goes to the first-aid crew or anyone who looks like they're organising something. I don't want him to just stand there, rooted to the spot, too terrified to move because I've filled him with horror stories about what can happen to kids if the baddie gets them." She says her son is naturally outgoing and friendly, and the last thing she wants is for him to lose that sense of himself because of fear. "I want him to be empowered, not fearful. I tell him always to listen to his gut instinct. If someone says something that's a little bit off or if he's uncomfortable with something they are saying, I tell him to listen to that and get away from that person immediately," she says. "We've developed our society in such a way that we are encouraged to be fearful of everything. Being frightened all the time, in order to feel safe, doesn't make sense to me. A bit of fear keeps us on our toes, but too much only stunts our development. I don't want this for my son." For mum-of-two Jo Cain from Inishowen, Co Donegal, communication is key to making sure her children Cora (10) and Liam (9) stay safe. "We have check-in times in our estate. They have to come back every 15 minutes or every half hour," she says. "Just because we live in a rural area doesn't mean we don't have to let them know about dangers." Jo has also introduced the concept of being aware of strangers in cyberspace with her children and has talked to them about being safe online. "It's not just the 'stranger' on the street," she says. "It's the way people can use technology to get into their lives that you also have to be conscious of." She adds that stories on the news have led to questions from her children on the issue. "I find that honesty and openness are best rather than have them worrying. I talk about things with them on their terms - it's the same with any life situation. Every day issues make them aware that life is not all rosy. But if you talk about it in an age-appropriate way, they won't be worrying," she says. Using age-appropriate language is really important, according to child psychologist Sarah O'Doherty. "For younger children, the advice needs to be concrete," she says. "Keep the information basic: reinforce that they never get into a car with someone no matter what that person says, even if they say they know your mum and dad. It's too confusing for a young child if you introduce scenarios. You just say you never, ever do that because it's dangerous. "With older children, you can focus on motivation and start to introduce some other information. You can talk to them about how people can approach them and tell them something plausible." O'Doherty found herself having to have a conversation along those very lines with her 12-year-old daughter recently after a spate of sexual assaults on young women in the Shankill and Killiney area of Dublin where they live. "I talked more about the motivations of the person and what they might be thinking," she says. As locals in the area gathered last weekend for a Take Back the Night march in response to the attacks, O'Doherty found the opportunity to discuss it with her daughter as they walked home. "I talked to her about thinking on her feet. You want to hand over the skills to your child for them to be able to protect themselves," she explains. "You can't be there all the time." Budget carrier Norwegian Air International (NAI) has vowed to revolutionise transatlantic travel with one-way flights from 69. The "groundbreaking" fares, which are inclusive of all taxes and charges, will be available on new NAI flights planned from Dublin, Cork and Shannon to non-hub airports in New York and Boston, starting from July 1. NAI will operate 12 flights weekly from Dublin to Boston/Providence and New York, four flights weekly from Shannon to Boston/Providence and New York as well as three departures weekly from Cork to Boston/Providence, airline boss Bjorn Kjos has confirmed to Independent.ie. The Dublin Airport routes include a daily departure to New York's Stewart Airport, located in Orange County, about 90 minutes of New York City, and a five-times weekly service to Providence, both commencing July 1. Flights from Belfast international Airport to Boston/Providence and New York's Stewart International will also take off from the same date. The announcements, which confirm the first-ever direct scheduled flights from Cork to the US, have been widely welcomed in tourism and business circles, by airport chiefs, and by Tourism Minister Shane Ross. The low lead-in rates are "some of the cheapest transatlantic fares ever seen," according to Cork Airport, and could herald a market shake-up. A return fare of 138 is roughly one-third of the existing average with airlines like Aer Lingus, United, Delta and American to the US. It does not include extras such as checked bags, meals and seat selection, however. Expand Close Cork Airport. Photo: Failte Ireland/Andrew Bradley / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Cork Airport. Photo: Failte Ireland/Andrew Bradley Transatlantic price war The NAI plan is to fly from Ireland to non-hub US airports - including Stewart Airport in Orange County, New York state and Green Airport in Rhode Island. In doing so, it aims to replicate the hugely successful Ryanair model, offering savings on landing fee charges (Aer Lingus, United, American and Delta operate from Dublin and Shannon to major hub airports in North America). Slashing fares could set off a transatlantic price war - along with a surge in tourism business that will be welcomed on both sides of the ocean. WOW air, the Icelandic low-cost carrier, is also set to begin flying direct from Cork to Reykjavik this May. It offers one-stop transatlantic services to a range of North American destinations, including New York from 159.99 each way. Norwegian says it will use a new generation of high-efficiency aircraft such as the Boeing 737-MAX to offer the exceptionally low fares. "This is a wonderful day for us and we are very happy with all the support that Ireland and the Irish people have given us in our bid to get these flights launched over the past three years," Mr Kjos said. "Some people do not like low fares for their own reasons. But we believe that the public like low air fares and will support these new routes." Tickets will go on sale shortly at norwegian.com/ie. Celebrations in Cork, Shannon & Dublin Cork Airport managing director, Niall MacCarthy, hailed NAI's route announcements decision as a great win for Open Skies. "It has been a long and challenging journey," he said. "Today's announcement is not just about a new route for Cork. It also heralds low-cost transatlantic access. Norwegian will do for low-cost transatlantic services what Ryanair and others have done for low-cost European services. " Shane Ross, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, added: This welcome announcement is an important development in the transatlantic aviation market and will contribute further to tourism growth and to the growth currently being experienced by all of our State Airports." Transatlantic traffic has tripled at Dublin Airport since 2016 and these two new routes from Norwegian mean that 19 new transatlantic services have been added to our route network since 2011, said its Managing Director, Vincent Harrison. Meanwhile, Housing Minister Simon Coveney described the Cork Airport route announcements as a landmark development for the region Matthew Tomas, CEO of the Shannon Group, which owns and operates Shannon Airport, said: "It not only brings another new carrier to Shannon, giving us our largest number of US services in over 17 years, but it introduces a new model of low cost flying for transatlantic aviation." Todays announcement is excellent news for tourism," said Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland. "As an island, the importance of convenient, direct, non-stop flights cannot be overstated they are absolutely critical to achieving growth in inbound tourism." The Trump Factor Today's announcement comes after years of speculation and stand-offs surrounding the Cork/US routes in particular. Last December, the US ended a year long stand-off with Ireland and the EU when the US Department of Transport confirmed the granting of an operating license for NAI to commence transatlantic services from Cork to Boston. NAI was originally granted a foreign carrier permit by the Department two years ago, but had been unable to commence operations from Cork due to fierce opposition from US trade unions and politicians on labour grounds - who claimed the service would undermine US crew and ground handler contracts. US Congressman Peter de Fazio had claimed it was attempting to use Ireland as a flag of convenience - a claim dismissed as totally incorrect by NAI. Since his inauguration, President Donald Trump has also been instrumental in clearing the way for NAI to begin operations on its Irish-US routes. The President's spokesman, Sean Spicer, recently confirmed that the White House sees major benefits in the NAI project, pointing to the fact that Norwegian flies Boeing aircraft as one reason for "a major economic interest" in the US. NAI official Stuart Buss said the new routes represent a win-win situation for Ireland, Europe and the US. He added that it currently has 500 US cabin crew, all of which are hired under local laws and regulations with competitive packages. Expand Close US President Donald Trump salutes before boarding Air Force One on February 6, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. Photo: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp US President Donald Trump salutes before boarding Air Force One on February 6, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. Photo: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images Norwegian is doing exactly what the US administration wants - we are creating hundreds of American jobs in the air and on the ground," he said. Cork Airport has been campaigning for more than 25 years for a direct US link, and NAI's will be its first-ever scheduled transatlantic services. Mr Kjos said a Cork-New York link was NAI's first option but, for operational reasons, the airline launched the Boston/Providence route instead with the New York route to follow from the airport in 2018. Norwegian is Europe's third-largest low-cost carrier, carrying 30 million passengers annually to more than 140 global destinations. Read more: More than a quarter of Ryanair passengers have cabin bags placed in the hold, a new survey claims. The research, a survey of 7,500 members by Which? - the UK product and service review site - found that 26pc of Ryanair customers are "forced to put hand luggage into the hold" because the airline says it doesn't have space in the cabin. The corresponding figure for easyJet was 15pc, while 11pc of Aer Lingus passengers are having to unexpectedly check in cabin bags at the gate. Being asked to surrender cabin baggage at short notice can lead to problems ranging from damaged bags to placing valuables at risk, Which? says. "While customers have for years been encouraged to travel with hand luggage only, most plane cabins simply dont have room for all that hand luggage, despite claims from airlines that passengers will only need to check in bags on exceptionally busy flights," Which? Travel states in a press release. "Ryanairs Boeing 737 planes, for example, have 189 seats, but its overhead bins fit just 90 cabin cases. So even if the plane is just over half full, some passengers could be left with no option but to hand over their cabin bag." Expand Close Frankfurt-Hahn Airport. Passengers board a Ryanair passenger plane. Photo by Ulrich Baumgarrten via Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Frankfurt-Hahn Airport. Passengers board a Ryanair passenger plane. Photo by Ulrich Baumgarrten via Getty Images "Some of these claims from Which? are untrue," Ryanair responds. "Ryanair aircraft can accommodate 190 (not 90) standard cabin bags. However, if each passenger brings up to two permitted carry on bags, then some of these 380 bags will be put in the hold free of charge." "Secondly," the airline told Independent.ie Travel, "Ryanair has never claimed that passengers will only need to check in bags on exceptionally busy flights, since all Ryanair flights are exceptionally busy." Ryanair's free second cabin bag has been one of the most popular changes introduced under its Always Getting Better programme, but the airline has made several threats to review it following its "abuse" by passengers. "Far too many passengers are turning up with half the contents of their homes," Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has said, and the airline has even produced a video (above) illustrating how to "use it, don't abuse it, or lose it". Ryanair currently permits one free cabin bag weighing up to 10kg and measuring a maximum of 55 x 40 x 20cm, along with a second "small" bag - such as a laptop or handbag - designed to fit under seats. Some passengers have been showing up with two wheelie cases, or oversized second bags like rucksacks, however - leading to boarding delays. "We don't want to [ban the bag]," as Robin Kiely, the airline's Head of Communications has said. "But if you abuse it, you lose it". Read more: Thalia Heffernan dancing with partner Curtis Pritchard, amid rumours she's dating dancer Ryan McShane, during the Second live show of RTEs Dancing with the Stars. Photo: Kyran O'Brien Thalia Heffernan dancing with partner Curtis Pritchard, amid rumours she's dating dancer Ryan McShane, during the Second live show of RTEs Dancing with the Stars. Photo: Kyran O'Brien Denise McCormack during the Dancing with the Stars live performance with partner Ryan McShane, who is reportedly dating Thalia Heffernan. Photo: Kobpix Thalia Heffernan has gone public on her new romance with professional dancer Ryan McShane Model Thalia Heffernan seen out walking her dog and new boyfriend professional dancer Ryan McShane,who she met on the show. Picture: John Dardis Their eyes met across the dancefloor and Dancing With The Stars couple Thalia Heffernan and Ryan McShane have never looked back. The loved-up pair were spotted walking hand-in-hand in Dublin city centre yesterday with Thalias new puppy, Lenny. The model (22) was the third celeb to be booted out of the hit show, but she has been spotted back at the Ardmore Studios to cheer on her new love. Ryan (32) is the dance partner of Red Rock actress Denise McCormack, who is one of the favourites to land the glitterball trophy. Expand Close Thalia Heffernan has gone public on her new romance with professional dancer Ryan McShane / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Thalia Heffernan has gone public on her new romance with professional dancer Ryan McShane Although Thalia was dancing with Curtis Pritchard, it seems she had eyes only for Ryan while she was in the competition. The couple first met up in November, but rumours of romance did not come to the fore until last month. However, the world of sequins and cha cha chas seemed to be farthest from their minds yesterday afternoon as they kept it casual when they took a stroll in the city centre. I think Denise and Ryan are going to win the show, though I am partially biased, Thalia has said. Expand Close Well thrown together: Thalia Heffernan / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Well thrown together: Thalia Heffernan Ill go to a few more of the shows and Ill be there for the final. Im obviously going to stay in the loop because were all like a family. Video of the Day Although the couple were keen to keep their relationship out of the spotlight, they appear resigned to the fact it was never going to stay that way. I guess its hard, but you just have to deal with it, said the Ranelagh woman. Expand Close Denise McCormack during the Dancing with the Stars live performance with partner Ryan McShane, who is reportedly dating Thalia Heffernan. Photo: Kobpix / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Denise McCormack during the Dancing with the Stars live performance with partner Ryan McShane, who is reportedly dating Thalia Heffernan. Photo: Kobpix This week sees Ryan reunited with his dance partner Denise after last weeks switch. Fans were left shocked after Ryan and Denise were in the bottom three two weeks ago despite scoring high among the judges. So they will be hoping to get the fans back behind them again. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: SOCAR Ukraine, a subsidiary of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR, has started gas trade in Ukrainian market. This is evidenced by a copy of the companys contracts with the gas transmission company Ukrtransgaz for gas transportation, as well as a contract on natural gas purchase/sale, the Ukrainian media outlets reported. In particular, SOCAR Ukraine signed a contract with Ukrtransgaz on Dec. 14, 2016, on transportation of 180 million cubic meters of gas from January to December 2017. The company signed another contract with ERU Trading on Dec. 30, 2016, on purchase of 131 million cubic meters of gas with the delivery throughout 2017. Moreover, on Dec. 19, SOCAR Ukraine signed a contract with EuroEnergoTrade LLC on the sale of 220 million cubic meters of natural gas with its delivery throughout 2017. According to tender documents of the Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) public joint stock company on purchase of natural gas, SOCAR Ukraine is also among bidders for supply of 36.6 million cubic meters of gas. SOCAR Ukraine was opened in 2008 and manages a network of 60 SOCAR filling stations in Ukraine. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov A host of rare species have been discovered after a survey of a conservation estate which environmentalists described as a "lost world". Researchers from environmental charity Trees for Life found 11 rare species at Dundreggan conservation estate near Loch Ness in the Highlands. They include a midge never recorded in the UK before, which environmentalists said underlines the site's reputation as a "lost world" for biodiversity. The non-biting insect (Chironomus vallenduuki) was discovered by entomologist Peter Chandler and adds to the number of finds at the Glenmoriston estate. Other findings during the charity's 2016 survey season included two rare gnats whose larvae feed on fungi. One of these (Sciophila varia) is only known from four other UK sites while the other (Mycomya nigricornis) is only known from a handful of Scottish sites and had not been seen since 1990. Alan Watson Featherstone, founder of Trees for Life, described the area as a "lost world" of biodiversity. He said: "Dundreggan is a special part of the Caledonian Forest that keeps on revealing beautiful, interesting and rare species. "The surprisingly rich wealth of life in this corner of the Highlands highlights the importance of concerted conservation action to protect and restore Scotland's wild places." Two parasitic wasps (Homotropus pallipes and Diphyus salicatorius) were also discovered and for the first time in Scotland a pseudoscorpion called the knotty shining claw (Lamprochernes nodosus). A micro-moth - the small barred longhorn (Adela croesella) - only documented at three other Scottish locations was found by volunteer Richard Davidson. He had been taking part in one of the charity's volunteer conservation weeks when he found the moth. More than 3,300 species have now been recorded at the forest restoration site. At least 68 of these are priority species for conservation. In recent years these have included three sawflies, an aphid, two aphid parasitoids, three fungus gnats and a rare mite. Mr Featherstone added: "Our latest discoveries add to an already-remarkable range of rare and endangered species found at Dundreggan - some of which were previously unknown in the UK or Scotland, or which were feared to be extinct." Germany is to increase the size of its armed forces amid growing concerns over the security of Europe. Troop numbers in the Bundeswehr will be raised to almost 200,000 over the next seven years, under new plans announced yesterday. The move comes days after Mike Pence, the US vice-president, called on Nato's European members to increase military spending. President Donald Trump has repeatedly demanded Europe pay more towards the cost of its own defence. The move also comes amid growing concern in European capitals over Mr Trump's commitment to Nato, after he described the alliance as "obsolete". Under the plans, Germany will recruit 20,000 more troops by 2025, bringing its total service personnel to 198,000. That is slightly more than the British armed forces' current strength of 196,410. In a statement announcing the plans, Ursula von der Leyen, the defence minister, said: "The Bundeswehr has rarely been as necessary as it is now. "Whether it is the fight against Isil terrorism, the stabilisation of Mali, continuing support of Afghanistan, operations against migrant smugglers in the Mediterranean or with our increased Nato presence in the Baltics." The announcement came as Germany deployed tanks and hundreds of troops to Lithuania as part of a Nato force to deter Russian aggression. During the Cold War, West Germany was considered the first line of defence against a Soviet invasion and at its height the Bundeswehr had 500,000 active service personnel. But in the years following the fall of the Berlin Wall and German reunification, defence spending dropped sharply. Germany ended conscription in 2011 and troop numbers fell to an all-time low of 166,500 in June last year. Cold War historians described West Germany's army as "perhaps the best in the world". But in more recent years it has been better known for embarrassing equipment shortages that saw soldiers forced to use broomsticks instead of guns on Nato exercises, and use ordinary Mercedes vans to stand in for armoured personnel carriers. The German air force was forced to ground half of its ageing Tornado fighters last year over maintenance issues, including six that are deployed on reconnaissance missions against Isil in Syria. There are growing calls for Europe to do more to secure its own defence after Mr Trump described Nato as "obsolete" in an interview in January, and earlier this month Angela Merkel's government was forced to take the unusual step of denying that it is interested in becoming a nuclear power. ( Daily Telegraph London) Emmanuel Macron's campaign for the French presidency received a boost yesterday when he agreed to forge an "alliance" with Francois Bayrou, the veteran centrist politician, against their conservative and far-right rivals. The offer from Mr Bayrou (65), who has run for president three times and came third in 2007 with 18.5pc of the vote, came as a surprise, as many observers thought he would announce his candidacy. But speaking at his Modem party headquarters in Paris, he said the hour in France was too grave to think of self-interest. "I have decided to offer Emmanuel Macron an alliance. The danger is too big, we must change things," he said, describing his decision as a "sacrifice". "We are in an extremely risky situation, and to tackle this exceptional situation, I think we need an exceptional response," he said. Cheers reportedly erupted from the headquarters of Mr Macron (39), an ex-investment banker and economy minister under President Francois Hollande. Shortly afterwards, Mr Macron confirmed that he had "accepted" the offer, describing it as a "turning point in the presidential campaign". Critics point out that voter intentions indicate that Mr Bayrou stands no chance of election. But if his followers were to heed his call, the extra votes could push Mr Macron ahead of Francois Fillon, the conservative candidate for Les Republicans party. Recent polls have placed the pair neck and neck in the first round on April 23, in which Front National candidate Marine Le Pen is expected to come first. Either candidate is expected to go on to win the May 7 run-off against Ms Le Pen, who is nevertheless closing the gap, despite a scandal over her party's alleged misuse of EU funds to pay parliamentary assistants. Ms Le Pen's bodyguard and chief of staff were held by police yesterday for questioning over the investigation. The anti-immigration, anti-EU leader dismissed the move as a "political manoeuvre". ( Daily Telegraph London) German artist Fritz Koenig stands next to his bronze sculpture The Sphere in New York (AP) Fritz Koenig, a German sculptor whose work The Sphere became a symbol of resilience after the 9/11 attacks in New York, has died aged 92. Koenig, a well-known artist thanks to his distinctive large statues and sculptures, created the ball-shaped bronze over a four-year period starting in 1967. Originally called Grosse Kugelkaryatide NY, the 25ft sculpture stood at the foot of the World Trade Centre from 1971 until September 11 2001, when al Qaida hijackers flew airliners into the twin towers. It was recovered from the rubble - heavily dented but structurally intact - and was moved to Battery Park, where it now stands alongside an eternal flame dedicated to the people who died. A plaque notes that the sculpture was conceived as a symbol of world peace. Koenig said it was a miracle that The Sphere had survived, noting at the time: "It was a sculpture, now it's a memorial." The artist was born in the Bavarian city of Wuerzburg in 1924. After serving in the German army during the Second World War, Koenig studied at the Munich Academy of Fine Art. He participated in the 1958 Venice Biennale and had his first show in the United States at New York's Staempfli Gallery in 1961. After the 1972 attack on the Munich Olympics, Koenig created a granite beam to commemorate the 11 Israeli team members and a German police officer who were killed. Another of his works stands prominently as a memorial to the people murdered by the Nazis at the former Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria. Many of his pieces can be found at the Sculpture Museum in Landsberg . The DPA news agency reported that Koenig died late on Wednesday at his home in Altdorf, about 31 miles north-east of Munich. His death was confirmed on Thursday by Bavaria state's Ministry of Culture. AP Iraqi forces have fought their way into a sprawling military base outside Mosul and onto the grounds of the city's airport, taking control of the runway amid fierce exchanges with Islamic State militants. The two-pronged advance, backed by the US-led international coalition, is part of a major assault that started earlier this week to drive the Islamic State group from the western half of Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city. The Iraqi federal police units, backed by regular army forces, entered the airport on Thursday morning, according to two police officials who said heavy clashes were under way hours later with IS militants holed up inside several airport buildings. The officials said troops from the US-led coalition were with the advancing forces, though they did not specify the nationalities of the foreign forces. Lebanon-based private broadcaster Al-Mayadeen aired live footage from the Mosul airport perimeter, showing a military helicopter flying overheard and firing at IS positions as gunfire rattled. By early afternoon, federal police commander Major General Raid Shakir Jawdat told the Iraqi state TV that his troops have control of "more than half" of the airport complex. Separately, Iraqi special forces entered the Ghazlani military base next to the airport on the southern edge of the city, the spokesman for the Joint Military Operation Command said. Brigadier General Yahya Rasool said heavy clashes were taking place inside the base. On Sunday, after weeks of preparations, Iraqi forces officially launched the operation to take Mosul's western half, with the Iraqi regular army and federal police forces taking part in the initial push. Since then, the military says they have retaken nearly 50 square miles south of the city. Thursday marked the first time the Iraqi special forces, which played a key role in securing the eastern half of the city, joined the fight for western Mosul. "The counter-terrorism forces will be an additional force, which will expedite the liberation of Mosul's western side," Brig Gen Rasool said. Also on Thursday, another counter-terrorism unit captured a key village south-west of Mosul from where Islamic State group's snipers and shelling had been slowing the government offensive, he added. In January, Iraqi authorities declared the eastern half of Mosul "fully liberated" from IS. The battle for western Mosul, the extremist group's last major urban bastion in Iraq, is expected to be the most daunting yet. The streets are older and narrower in the western section of the city, stretching west from the Tigris River that divides Mosul into the eastern and western half. The dense urban environment will likely force Iraqi soldiers to leave the relative safety of their armoured vehicles. The presence of up to 750,000 civilians will also pose a challenge. Mosul fell to IS in the summer of 2014, along with large areas of northern and western Iraq. But the Sunni militant group has since consistently lost territory as the US-led coalition proved to be critical for Iraqi government efforts to claw back territory lost to the extremists. Also part of the Mosul battle, but on its fringes, are government-sanctioned paramilitary forces, made up mainly of Shiite militiamen. The militias this week launched their own new push to capture IS-held villages west of Mosul. The efforts by the militias, an umbrella group known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces, are likely to have been coordinated with government efforts. The capture of Mosul International Airport and the adjacent Ghazlani base would be a major boost for the Iraqi forces in the fight for western Mosul. The Shiite militias already hold a small airport outside Tal Afar, a city located west of Mosul towards the Syrian border. AP Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 Trend: The Southern Gas Corridor is an issue of energy security and the energy security is national security of countries, said Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev addressing the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Councils Third Ministerial Meeting that kicked off in the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku Feb. 23. He added that the existing international cooperation in this sphere is an example of mutual trust. President Aliyev noted that the event is attended by important guests from various countries. Azerbaijan has established close cooperation with the European Commission for the implementation of SGC project, he said. We have been able to create a unique and exemplary format of international cooperation, noted the president emphasizing that the implementation of SGC project is a very important factor for future ties. Speaking about the energy policy of Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev noted that the Contract of the Century signed in 1994 has played a significant role in the implementation of future energy projects. He said that the achievements of modern Azerbaijan have become possible thanks to this contract. Emphasizing the importance of the Shah Deniz gas field in the implementation of SGC project, the president said that the capacities of this field play an important role in the popularization of Azerbaijan as a country with huge gas reserves. The head of the state noted the importance of regional cooperation under this project and gave examples of energy corridors implemented by Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey over the years. Stating the significance of an agreement signed several years ago between Azerbaijan and Turkey on the implementation of TANAP project, as well as the Trans Adriatic Pipeline project in effectuating the Southern Gas Corridor, President Aliyev noted that such meetings have a special role in the timely and qualitative implementation of the project. The president spoke about the advancements achieved since the last years meeting, noting that Shah Deniz-2 project has been implemented by 90 percent. Furthermore, important achievements have been observed with regard to TANAP and TAP projects. He added that the development of Azerbaijans Absheron gas field has commenced, which shows that the countrys gas potential is not limited to Shah Deniz. Emphasizing the activity of international financial institutions in the implementation of SGC project, the president said that active participation of Europes financial organizations in the projects implementation also would have been very important. The head of the state noted that the environmental issues, being envisaged as part of the project, are based on high standards, and wished success to the conference. Azerbaijans Energy Minister Natig Aliyev and European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic also delivered speeches at the meeting. An Iraqi sniper covers the street of the Isil-occupied village of Abu Saif, 6km from Mosul, yesterday in Nineveh, northern Iraq. Photo: Martyn Aim/Getty Images Akram Mahsen, a 25-year-old Iraqi federal police sniper, squinted through his scope at a black flag hanging limply a kilometre distant at the Mosul airport. Beyond that lay west Mosul, the last major urban stronghold in the country held by Isil. "This coming battle for Mosul will be between the snipers," Mr Mahsen predicted. "Snipers, plus car bombs," a comrade lounging on the rooftop next to him interjected. The final chapter of the battle for Mosul is expected to play out in the densely populated neighbourhoods west of the Tigris River, which currently demarcates the line of liberation in the city. A trapped civilian population and tight warrens of narrow streets are expected to make progress painstaking for the Iraqi Security Forces. First though they'll need to retake the airport. "The fight for the airport is likely to be tough," federal police commander Colonel Aiser Amer said from a vantage point overlooking an overgrown runway yesterday. "Isil have selected it as its defensive line between us and Mosul," he said. Fighting since October has freed the eastern districts of Mosul but the current phase of the operation launched on Monday, with federal police recapturing a number of lightly defended hamlets south of the city. They faced a by-now familiar combination of suicide truck bombs, mortars, rockets and sniping, with the addition of explosives dropped from Isil drones. While other federal police units awaited further reinforcements and orders to advance - expected imminently - the sniper battalion were active scoping the battlefield yesterday. Prone forms in ghillie suits, the sharpshooters peered through holes chipped in rooftop walls looking for two things: Isil fighters and fleeing civilians. Differentiating between the two often involved split-second decision-making Mr Mahsen said, and was likely to become even more difficult as they moved closer to the city. "Mostly what we've seen today though is Isil retreating," he said. "They're getting ready to fight for the airport." Isil, for its part, has notoriously accurate snipers, which its propaganda arm has shown off in slick showreels featuring compilations of their kills in Mosul and elsewhere in Iraq and Syria. The deadliest of its sharpshooters are said to be foreign fighters hailing from Chechnya and the Caususes. Mr Mahsen believed these elite snipers would be lying in wait inside the city. "The ones out here now are just shooting at the civilians as they flee," he said. The day before, around 100 families had managed to safely cross the frontlines from nearby villages. "We're waiting now for the last of the civilians to leave the area before we continue the advance," said Hassan Farhan Abbas, a federal police soldier looking out at the battlefield from atop a blue Humvee painted in digital camouflage. While over 160,000 civilians have been displaced during the Mosul offensive, comparatively few have managed to escape from west Mosul, where the UN warns that an estimated 750,000 residents face starvation in siege-like conditions. As many as 250,000 could flee in the coming fighting, the UN fears. Federal police units first entered Mosul late in December after the offensive stagnated into street-by-street fighting. Their call up was seen by some as a sign that the Iraqi Special Operations Forces (ISOF) carrying out the bulk of the fighting was suffering unsustainable casualties. After nearly a month off to rest and regroup though, ISOF troops were returning to duty yesterday. ISOF has spearheaded nearly every major victory against Isil in Iraq and its return to the battlefield is seen as a further sign that the offensive is about to regain major momentum. At a rear base several kilometres behind the frontlines at Albu Saif, a room full of ISOF commanders in a requisitioned home discussed the coming battle. While the federal police plan to attack the airport, ISOF troops are expected to advance on a nearby former military base. "The camp should be easy enough but beyond that we've heard they have a lot of fighters," said Major Diya Thaiya Omara. "Getting through to the edge of the city will get tough." "East Mosul was hard at the beginning," said Major Qosay Kanani. "We're expecting more of that." "I just want to finish this," said Maj Omara. "Let's retake this city and free these civilians." ( Daily Telegraph London) Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters gather for a meal in northern Deir al-Zor province, Syria, ahead of an offensive against Isil militants, Syria. Photos: Reuters/Rodi Said Playing down expectations, the UN envoy for Syria said yesterday he's not expecting a breakthrough in the first UN-mediated peace talks between government representatives and the opposition in 10 months, rather hoping to build momentum toward peace after nearly six years of war. Staffan de Mistura spoke a day before convening the two sides amid a recent cease-fire that he said has largely held, and recent battlefield gains by President Bashar Assad's forces. The envoy warned of unspecified "spoilers" who could try to scuttle his efforts to end a conflict that has left hundreds of thousands dead. "We want to give a chance to the Syrian people, to the Syrian parties, to try to have some type of dialogue" that can lead "beyond just a conflict," he told reporters in Geneva. Mr de Mistura said he was determined to keep "a very proactive momentum" in the talks, which will focus on new elections, a new constitution and governance. Mr de Mistura says he's hewing to goals outlined in a UN Security Council resolution from 2015 that call for a political transition process. But the two sides are still stuck on discussions about ways to consolidate the December 30 cease-fire - which is violated almost daily - and bring humanitarian relief to tens of thousands of people under siege. "I am not expecting a breakthrough," Mr de Mistura said. "I am convinced it will be worthwhile. We are going to give it a serious try." The opposition delegation was holding closed-door meetings into the evening at a Geneva hotel ahead of today's start. The talks follow recent diplomatic efforts by Russia, a key supporter of Mr Assad's government, and Turkey, which supports the opposition. Those joint efforts led to both the cease-fire and talks between the Syrian sides in Astana, Kazakhstan. Mr Assad's forces have the upper hand after recapturing full control of the city of Aleppo in December and making key advances around the capital, Damascus. Mr de Mistura said Russia had indicated earlier at a closed-door UN "cease-fire task force" meeting in Geneva yesterday that Russian authorities had asked Mr Assad's government to "silence their own skies in areas touched by the cease-fire" as the talks proceed. The envoy said bilateral talks would start this morning, and that it remained to be seen whether the two sides would sit down face-to-face - which didn't happen in the three previous rounds of failed talks under his guidance last year. He also did not indicate how long he expected the new round to continue. "I'm not expecting an immediate breakthrough from this negotiation, but the beginning of a series of rounds that will be able to go much more in depth into the substantive issues," he said. Mr de Mistura said he hoped to officially welcome the parties today in the presence of representatives of key world and regional powers, "to show that the international community is interested, supportive, united as much as we can hope in order to tell the Syrian sides it's time to talk and fight on the table, through the table, but not in the field." The United States, which has been consumed with political transition to the Trump administration, has been largely sidelined from diplomatic efforts - with Russia and Turkey now leading that initiative. But Michael Ratney, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Syria and the Levant, was in Geneva for the talks, officials said. "We do have US representatives here, and ... I am convinced that they will be very supportive of whatever we try to do," Mr de Mistura said, alluding to the Trump transition period. "You need a month for devising a new strategy, and we are waiting for that, like everyone else - we look forward to see what the strategy is," he said. A bid by US President Donald Trump to deport non-Mexican illegal migrants to Mexico that has enraged Mexicans will top the agenda when officials from both countries meet on Thursday amid a deepening rift between the two nations. The US government on Tuesday said it would seek to deport many illegal immigrants to Mexico if they entered the United States from there, regardless of their nationality, prompting a fiery response from Mexican officials. Calling the measure "unilateral" and "unprecedented," Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray said new immigration guidelines would top the agenda of meetings in Mexico City with US. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly. The stakes are high for the United States, since Mexico has warned that a breakdown in relations could affect its extensive cooperation on the fight against narcotics and on stemming the flow of Central American migrants that reach the US border Talking points from a senior official show Mexicans plan to seek more information on Trump's executive orders at the summit. Officials plan to say, "We are worried about the consequences that these can have for Mexican nationals," in the United States, the notes show. As part of its response, Videgaray said Mexico's foreign ministry would get involved in legal cases in the United States where it considered the rights of Mexicans had been violated. "The Mexican government will take all the measures legally possible to defend the human rights of Mexicans abroad, especially in the United States," Videgaray said. The visit, which will include meetings with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, as well as military, finance and interior officials, is supposed to focus on border security, law enforcement and trade, according to the state department. But hopes for a thawing in relations are low, after a series of botched meetings last month deepened tensions between the historic allies. "The relationship... is at such a historic low that it would be wishful thinking to assume that new concrete agenda items to advance will come at this point," Jason Marczak, director of the Atlantic Council's Latin America Economic Growth Initiative said. Pena Nieto abruptly canceled a planned January summit with Trump after the real estate mogul suggested the Mexican leader should not come if he refused to pay for a border wall. And Trump signed his first executive orders to punish sanctuary cities and build the wall, which could cost around $21.6 billion, the first time Videgaray traveled to Washington to negotiate with counterparts last month. Trump has also threatened to rip up a key trade deal between the United States and Mexico if he cannot renegotiate it to favor American interests. The Tuesday guidance also calls for the hiring of 15,000 more immigration agents, while subjecting immigrants who cannot show they have been in the country for more than two years to "expedited removal." In the past the United States has struggled to fill vacancies thanks to rigorous vetting requirements. First steps: Fashionistas were closely watching first family icons Melania (pictured) and Ivanka Trump this weekend Photo: Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend the 60th Annual Red Cross Gala at Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., February 4, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Barria U.S. President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (L) walk to pose for a photograph before attending dinner at Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., February 11, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Barria U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wave from Air Force One after a "Make America Great Again" rally at Orlando Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Florida, U.S. February 18, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque US First Lady Melania Trump listens as her husband, US President Donald Trump addresses a rally in Melbourne, Florida The first lady has refiled a lawsuit against the publishers of the Daily Mail, dropping the reference to a missed "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to profit from her brand. Melania Trump was the subject of scrutiny when the detail of her lawsuit emerged, with some questioning if she planned to profit from her time as first lady. The lawsuit centres on a story ran by the Daily Mail which reported allegations that Ms Trump once worked as an escort. The article was later retracted. She is seeking damages of 141m. The new lawsuit focuses on the emotional distress caused by the article. "[The] false and defamatory statements about [Mrs Trump] have caused tremendous harm to [her] personal and professional reputation and prospective economic opportunities, as well as causing her significant humiliation and emotional distress," the filing reads, according to the BBC. Initially it said that Mrs Trump had the "unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity... 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 [she] is one of the most photographed women in the world". Ms Trump denied, through her lawyers, that there was any plans to gain financially from her husband's term in the White House. New York City spent $308,000 (392,000) every day protecting Donald Trump's Trump Tower residence between his election and his inauguration. Police commissioner James O'Neill said the city spent $24m (19.3m) to provide security at the skyscraper over the three-month period, and he foresees spending up to $145,000 (137,000) a day when only First Lady Melania Trump and her son Barron are in town as the 10-year-old attends school. "We are seeking full federal reimbursement for all costs incurred related to security for President Trump and his family at Trump Tower," Freddi Goldstein, a spokeswoman for mayor Bill de Blasio, said. "Trump Tower itself now presents a target to those who wish to commit acts of terror against our country, further straining our limited counterterrorism resources," Mr O'Neill added. Mr Trump's spokespeople could not be reached immediately for comment. It comes after Mr Trumps familys trips were reported to have cost taxpayers nearly as much in a month as Barack Obamas cost in an entire year. The US Presidents three visits to his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida since his inauguration, combined with his sons business trips, were said to have cost $11.3m (10.7m). Conservative watchdog Judicial Watch estimated Mr Obamas travel expenses totalled an average of $12.1m (11.4m) in each of his eight years in the White House. Mr De Blasio asked the US government in December for up to $35m (33m) to cover security costs for protecting Mr Trump in his home atop the 58-story skyscraper, which is located on Fifth Avenue near Central Park, an area popular with tourists. At $24m (22m), the final cost was less than that. Mr Trump spent most of his time from Election Day on 8 November until his inauguration on 20 January at his penthouse apartment in Trump Tower. In addition to the police protection, the Fire Department incurred $1.7m (1.6m) in costs during the time period Mr Trump was in New York, according to Mr O'Neill. On days when first lady Melania Trump and the couple's son, Barron, are the only ones in the city, security going forward will cost between $127,000 (120,000) and $145,000 (137,000) per day, less than when the president is in residence, Mr O'Neill said. When Mr Trump is in town, the cost of police protection will go back up to $308,000 (292,000) daily on average, Mr O'Neill said. It will cost about another $4.5m (4.2m) per year for the New York City Fire Department to protect the building, he said. Trump administration 'had a secret plan to lift Russian sanctions' "We anticipate these costs will increase significantly whenever the president is in New York City," he said. Mr Trump has not been back to Manhattan since his inauguration. New York Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney said in a statement on Wednesday that the city's taxpayers should not be forced to pay for a "national security obligation" and that "Congress must provide city taxpayers a full reimbursement." After Mr Obama was elected, Chicago spent $2.2m (2.09m) to protect his home, according to reports. And when the 44th President visited New York four times during 2016, it cost the city $4.1m (3.8m) in overtime, the New York Daily News reported. The Royal Commonwealth Society is making plans to open a branch in the United States, with a view to one day bringing America into the fold as an "associate member". The project, which is said to be backed by the Queen, has come about in part as a result of Donald Trump's fondness for Britain and the Royal Family. It comes amid efforts to develop the Commonwealth as a tool for building relationships on everything from foreign policy to trade, following Britain's exit from the European Union. "The UK rather left this treasure in the attic, and forgot about it because people were so glued to Brussels," said Michael Lake, the director of the Royal Commonwealth Society. Opening a branch in the US, Mr Lake said, would further Britain's ties with America, developing new connections between two countries who already share a common language. Mr Lake said the plans had been hastened by the "opportunity of a new president, and the slightly dangerous but great fun opportunity that the 'Bad Boys of Brexit' offered". In December, Mr Lake wrote a letter to Mr Trump, which was hand carried by Andrew Wigmore, a close aide to Nigel Farage, and then delivered by the former UKIP leader. Mr Wigmore joined Mr Farage and Arron Banks, the millionaire businessman in visiting Mr Trump after the US election, and continues to have close ties with the administration. Mr Farage, who has emerged as a key ally of Mr Trump, promoted the idea with senior aides, reportedly presenting the letter to Steve Bannon, the president's chief strategist. He believes the Commonwealth alliance fits well with Mr Trump's foreign policy outlook. The president, for example, is said to have expressed his desire for India to be a "true friend and partner" in a phone call with Narendra Modi, the country's prime minister. Mr Lake wrote in his letter that opening a Commonwealth branch in America would help the UK and the US "find imaginative ways" in which they could work together. Mr Wigmore told the Telegraph the response from the White House was "very positive". Though Mr Lake has not yet received a formal confirmation, discussions are said to be already underway to establish the office in New York. It is part of an effort by Mr Lake to raise the profile and relevance of the modern Commonwealth, seeking to make it more of a factor in matters of foreign policy. "It has been very introspective, it needs to more extrovert," he said. "In that sense we have adopted a policy of getting branches of the Commonwealth in non-commonwealth countries." The idea, he said, is to promote "mutually advantageous" links with "reliable friends" around the world on everything from business to defence. The advantage of the Commonwealth, Mr Lake said, is that it operates less formally than governments, as a loose arrangement that is furthered by common values and culture. "It works because companies find it easier and more congenial to work in Commonwealth countries," he said. A new branch of the RCS has already opened in Helsinki, acting as a Baltic-Scandinavian hub, to help facilitate business ties with Commonwealth countries. Last year the RCS opened a chapter in Dublin, as part of a campaign to help persuade the Republic to rejoin the alliance of 52 member states. Mr Lake said it was "no secret" that the branch there was opened after the Queen undertook a state visit to the country. "The Queen is our patron and I see her from time to time, and she makes it clear to me that the Commonwealth is a priority to her," Mr Lake said. Mr Trump, whose mother is Scottish and a royalist, has also expressed his enthusiasm for building his connections with the Royal family. He is hoping to visit Her Majesty at Balmoral Castle during his first official state visit to the UK in June. Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] Members of the National Centre for Transgender Equality protest in front of the White House (AP) US Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has defended the Trump administration's decision to rescind public-school bathroom rules for transgender students. Transgender students have lost the government protection that allowed them to use school toilets and locker rooms matching their gender identities. The administration came down on the side of states' rights, lifting the Barack Obama-era national guidelines characterised by Republicans as an example of overreach. Without the Obama directive, it will be up to states and school districts to interpret anti-discrimination law and determine whether students should have access to bathrooms in accordance with their expressed gender identity and not just their biological sex. Speaking at a gathering of conservative activists near Washington, Ms DeVos said: " This was a huge example of the Obama administration's overreach." She said the guidance was "one-size fits all" and "top-down", adding her approach is to put as much control as possible into state, local and parental hands. Ms DeVos said she wants to provide more flexibility on how education is delivered and experienced. She also said that, with Mr Trump in the White House and Republicans controlling Congress, conservatives now have a "unique window of opportunity" to expand school choice programmes. The reversal is a setback for transgender rights groups, which had been urging Mr Trump to keep the guidelines in place. Advocates say federal law will still ban discrimination against students based on their gender or sexual orientation, but lifting the Obama directive still puts children in harm's way. "Reversing this guidance tells trans kids that it's OK with the Trump administration and the Department of Education for them to be abused and harassed at school for being trans," said American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten. Activists protested against the move on Wednesday outside the White House. AP Details added (first version posted on 10:04) Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 By Azad Hasanli Trend: Replanting of trees will begin in Italy Feb. 27, and this will make it possible to start laying the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), Italys Minister of Economic Development Carlo Calenda told reporters in Baku Feb. 23. He made the remarks on the sidelines of Azerbaijani-Italian business forum being held in Baku. Calenda said that negotiations on the issuance of licenses required for the TAPs construction continue. The TAP is a priority and the largest energy project for Italy, the minister noted. Of course, its necessary to negotiate with the local authorities while implementing such a major infrastructure project, he added. Earlier, Lisa Givert, head of communications at TAP, told Trend that that the projects implementation will have a minimal impact on Italys environment, moreover, planting of olive trees along the gas pipelines route will continue. TAP is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor which is one of the priority energy projects for the European Union. TAP project envisages transportation of gas from the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz gas and condensate field to the EU countries. The pipeline will be connected to the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italy's south. TAP will be 878 kilometers in length (Greece 550 km, Albania 215 km, Adriatic Sea 105 km, and Italy 8 km). Its highest point will be 1,800 meters in Albanias mountains, while its lowest point will be 820 meters beneath the sea. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has begun a three-day visit to Beirut, where he said Palestinian factions are committed to preserving security in refugee camps around Lebanon. Mr Abbas arrived in the afternoon in the first visit to Lebanon by a president since President Michel Aoun was elected in October. He will meet in the coming days with other top Lebanese officials, including the prime minister and parliament speaker. Lebanon is home to some 400,000 refugees, mainly in 12 crowded Palestinian refugee camps. Mr Abbas read a statement after his meeting with Mr Aoun, saying that Palestinians stand against terrorism in all its forms. "Our people in Lebanon have confirmed that they will preserve security and stability in the camps and here I assert that commitment of all Palestinian factions with this vision," he said. He added that the Palestinians, like the Lebanese, are opposed to all forms of terrorism. Over the past months, dozens of wanted people who were taking shelter in the refugee camp of Ein el-Hilweh in southern Lebanon have handed themselves over to Lebanese authorities. Ein el-Hilweh is notorious for its lawlessness and is home to some extremists who sympathise with the Islamic State group and al Qaida. Mr Abbas criticised Israel, blaming it for a lack of progress in peacemaking in the Middle East. He said: "The political process is still stagnating and despite that we are extending our hands for peace in accordance with international resolutions. "Israel is still insisting on occupying our land and keeping our people in a large prison and this is what we will not accept." In a striking departure from long-time US policy, President Donald Trump refrained earlier this month from supporting a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While this pleased Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hard-line coalition partners, Mr Trump said that whatever solution is reached would have to be acceptable to both sides. That has raised questions about what kind of agreement could be reached. The alternative, a single binational state, could require Israel to grant citizenship to millions of Palestinians under its control, threatening its status as a Jewish-majority democracy. On Saturday, Mr Abbas is scheduled to leave for Geneva where he will deliver a speech two days later at the Human Rights Council, according to Majdi Khaldi, Abbas' diplomatic adviser. AP Debris in front of a school in Paris after a protest against alleged police abuses (AP/Thibault Camus) Paris teenagers have blockaded schools with burning rubbish bins and clashed with riot officers at an unauthorised protest, amid anger over the alleged rape of a young black man with a police baton and other alleged police abuse. Police fired tear gas on small groups of protesters and detained 11 people after a crowd of about 1,000 youths marched on the Place de la Nation, according to a police spokesman. The plaza in eastern Paris is associated with the French revolution. Some protesters wore masks and lit flares. One group carried a banner reading Vengeance for Theo, the name of the alleged rape victim. Students blocked 16 of the region's 103 high schools with makeshift barricades and disrupted 12 others, a Paris school district spokesman said. Extra security measures were put in place at the affected schools. The alleged attack on Theo last month in the Paris suburb of Aulnay-sous-Bois also has prompted public rallies of support for the 22-year-old, as well as violent protests around the capital. Theo, who was in hospital for two weeks, has become a symbol for minorities standing up to alleged police violence. His last name has not been publicly released. One officer has been charged with rape in the case, and three others with aggravated assault. All deny intentional wrongdoing. AP US Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly has pledged that America will not enlist its military to enforce immigration laws and that there will be "no mass deportations". The declarations came as senior Trump administration officials sought to temper Latin American concerns about a new US immigration crackdown. Mr Kelly, speaking in Mexico City after he and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met with their Mexican counterparts, said all deportations will honour human rights and the US legal system. That includes multiple appeals offered to those facing deportation. Mr Kelly said the US approach will involve "close coordination" with Mexico's government. "There will be no use of military forces in immigration," Mr Kelly said. "There will be no - repeat, no - mass deportations." Only hours earlier, President Donald Trump suggested the opposite. He said the US is "getting really bad dudes out of this country at a rate nobody has ever seen before". "It's a military operation," Mr Trump said at the White House during a meeting with manufacturing CEOs. "Because what has been allowed to come into our country, when you see gang violence that you've read about like never before and all of the things, much of that is people who are here illegally. And they're rough and they're tough, but they're not tough like our people. So we're getting them out." Mexico and other Latin American nations have been on edge over Mr Trump's plan to target millions of people in the US illegally for potential deportation - including many Mexicans. Mr Trump spoke during the presidential campaign about using a "deportation force," and his Homeland Security Department at one point considered using the National Guard to help with deportations, although the White House has said that idea has been ruled out. Mr Kelly, Mr Tillerson and their Mexican counterparts spoke before the two Americans planned to meet with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, an outspoken opponent of Mr Trump's immigration plans, which include making Mexico pay for a wall along the border. Mr Tillerson acknowledged the disputes that have damaged US-Mexico relations in recent weeks. But he said the two countries were committed to working through their disagreements. "In a relationship filled with vibrant colours, two strong sovereign countries from time to time will have differences," Mr Tillerson said. "We listened closely and carefully to each other as we respectfully and patiently raised our respective concerns." AP KANNAPOLIS The next meeting of the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Board of Trustees is scheduled for Monday, February 27, 2017, at 4 p.m., at North Carolina Research Campus. North Carolina Research Campus is located at 399 Biotechnology Lane in Kannapolis. Prior to the board meeting at 3 p.m., the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Board of Trustees will host a strategic conversation with Mayor of Kannapolis Darrell Hinnant, where he will present an update on the revitalization of Kannapolis as we engage in a discussion regarding our continued partnership. Vice President of Operations, Castle & Cooke North Carolina Mark Spitzer also plans to join us for the Strategic Conversation. Media representatives are invited and encouraged to cover both meetings. SALISBURY -- The Rowan County Chamber of Commerces Power in Partnership (PIP) breakfast for March will host keynote speaker Dr. Richard Bonanno, state director for the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. The PIP will be held on Thursday, March 16, from 7:30 8:30 a.m. at St. Lukes Lutheran Church (11020 NC Highway 801, Mount Ulla). This event combines the chambers Salute to Agri-business and the Agricultural Extension Farmers Appreciation Breakfast for the second year in a row. The breakfast will feature Rowan-grown products with farm fresh eggs, Patterson Farm jams and jellies, liver mush and more. The breakfast is sponsored by First National Bank, Carolina Farm Credit and the Rowan County Farm Bureau. Bonanno was recently named state director for the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service and associate dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University. The extension service is an educational partnership of NC State and North Carolina A&T State universities, county governments and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The service addresses the areas of agriculture, nutrition and youth development in local communities. Before assuming his new position at the helm of the extension service, Bonanno worked for six years as an extension specialist at NC State in the 1980s. He left to manage his familys vegetable and flower farm near Boston, MA. While farming, Bonanno also served as a part-time extension specialist for the University of Massachusetts, volunteer president of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation and board member for the American Farm Bureau Federation. The dates for the remaining 2017 PIP series are: April 20 (Health Care) and May 18 (Leadership Rowan Graduation). The April and May PIPs will be held at Trinity Oaks (728 Klumac Rd). The chambers breakfast series averaged over 150 attendees each month during its last three seasons. The PIP series recruits speakers to the community and provides networking opportunities. Sponsors have exclusive marketing rights to the banquet room and share a five-minute sponsor profile on their company. Partner agencies communicate updates with local business leaders and address issues of concern for the entire region. The Leadership Rowan Class members start their day at the breakfast and then venture out for each days session focused on a different aspect of the community. Non-Power Card holders, may make individual reservations; however, the reservation deadline is Tuesday, March 14, by 5 p.m. The cost is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. The price includes the cost of breakfast and the program. Contact the chamber for information on reservations or sponsorship opportunities at 704-633-4221 or info@rowanchamber.com Gary Cohn, the former No. 2 at Goldman Sachs and President Donald Trump's top economic adviser, will remove himself from official matters involving his former employer. Cohn "will recuse himself from participating in any matter directly involving his former employer," said a White House official on condition of anonymity. The policy is consistent with ethics rules established by Trump, said the official, who noted that the recusal includes any matter or potential rulemaking before the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in which Goldman Sachs has participated. The statement was first reported by the Financial Times and then confirmed by Bloomberg News. Under the ethics rules that Trump issued for his appointees on Jan. 28, Cohn is required to recuse himself from any particular matters involving his former firm for two years, including regulatory actions. Cohn's financial disclosure and ethics agreement have yet to be publicly released. Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin had urged Cohn to go further, calling on him in a letter released Feb. 3 to stay out of decisions that would have an "indirect" impact on Goldman Sachs. As chair of the National Economic Council, Cohn has become the public face of Trump's plans to roll back parts of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act, put in place to prevent another financial crisis. Cohn appeared on television earlier this month explaining two directives that Trump signed that are aimed at starting the process of repealing the restrictions. Goldman Sachs would likely benefit from loosening those rules. Trump's orders on financial services regulation elicited a Feb. 9 letter from Warren and Baldwin to Goldman Sachs asking for any information about contacts between Cohn and his old firm, or the investment bank's involvement in writing the policies. In a letter dated Feb. 22, Goldman Sachs General Counsel Gregory Palm said the Wall Street firm "had no involvement in drafting any executive orders, nor did we receive any advance notice of their issuance." He added that the firm is aware of guidelines for interacting with government officials, and "we have no reason to believe that individuals from Goldman Sachs breached them." Goldman Sachs had no immediate comment on Cohn's recusal. Indias Digital Payments Future, the latest publication from Dezan Shira & Associates, is out now and available to subscribers as a complimentary download in the Asia Briefing Bookstore. In line with government reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pushed Indians to adopt cashless transactions, giving the digital payments sector a significant boost. The sector is currently experiencing an unprecedented jump in growth since early November 2016, with digital wallet companies showing a growth of 271 percent for a total value of US$2.8 billion (Rs 191 crore). This is because of the demonetization of the Rs 500 (US$7) and Rs 1000 (US$14) currency notes, which represented approximately 86 percent of Indias cash in circulation. Prior to the sudden developments in late 2016 enabling a massive disruption in Indias payments landscape, a Google-BCG Report estimated that Indias digital payments industry would grow to US$500 billion by 2020, contributing to 15 percent of the countrys GDP. An important driver of this growth is Indias smartphone user base, which is the second largest in the world. In addition to private actors, the Indian government has also pushed several payments apps, including the Aadhaar Payment App, the UPI app, and the Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) app developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Such apps make it easier to transfer funds in Indias rural community, and more importantly will facilitate a behavioral change towards greater adoption of cashless services. As such, the digital payments industry represents an attractive destination for foreign investors keen to establish a foothold in India. 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 2017 An Introduction to Doing Business in India 2017 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. Guwahati, Feb 23 (IBNS): A five-day Director General (DG)-level border conference between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) was held on Feb 18-22 in Bangladesh's capital city Dhaka. The BSF delegation lead by K K Sharma, Director General BSF, along with 18 delegation members and the BGB delegation lead by DG Major General Abul Hossain along with 25-member delegation from officials of the Prime Ministers Office, Ministry of Home and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Joint River Commission, Department of Narcotics Control, Survey of Bangladesh and the Department of Land Record and Surveys. BSF DG and P K Dubey, IG Meghalaya Frontier returned on Feb 22 after attending five days Border Coordination Conference. The BSF DG strongly conveyed the BSF agendas to the Border Guard Bangladesh. Especially, security related issues particularly about presence of cadres of Indian Insurgent Groups in Bangladesh territory were projected with documentary proofs. Commission of trans-border crimes like smuggling of FICN, forest produce and cattle theft, dacoities in Indian teritory etc. committed by Bangladeshi nationals, criminals inside Indian territory were also discussed. Issue of construction of Single Row Fence within 150 yards from IB at border was also deliberated upon for obtaining concurrence. Taking the positive note of the urgency of construction of Single Row Fence in the mutual interest of both the countries to check trans-border crimes, the BGB authorities convey their concurrence in almost all the patches where the work was pending. New patches in East Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills have also been given positive nod by BGB. BGB also conveyed their concerns upon Firing, Killing and Injuring of unarmed Bangladeshi nationals by Indian locals and smuggling of various types of Drugs, Narcotics including Phensedyle, liquor etc. However, BSF refuted the allegations of killing of Bangladeshi nationals by Indian villagers and intimated that when the Bangladeshi criminals had illegally entered into Indian territory that too during odd hours of the night and sometimes during broad day light for committing dacoity & theft on any other illegal activities then only they might have been confronted by local villagers in self-defense. BSF also conveyed BGB authorities to discourage Bangladeshi nationals to cross International Boundary in order to avoid any confrontation with peace loving Indian bordering population and maintain harmony and tranquility at the border. BSF also emphasized on the joint efforts by both the border guarding forces to curb all the illegal activities across the border. It is to mention that Directors General level border coordination conference between the two forces is held biannually. During the meeting both forces agreed for effective implementation of Coordinated Border Management Plan for better border management so as to prevent cross border criminal activities, cattle smuggling, fake currency and gold smuggling, illegal migration, human trafficking. Both sides also agreed for establishing a mechanism of sharing inputs regarding terrorists operating in border area of either country. Both Border Guarding Forces agreed to look into each others perspective on border problems with an open mind and shown belief that conference will bolster the ongoing good relations between the two Border Guarding Forces. P. K Dubey Inspector General, Meghalaya Frontier expressed his satisfaction over the decisions taken over the issues related to Meghalaya frontier like trans-border crimes, Single Row Fence, etc. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) New York, Feb 23 (Just Earth News): A new grant from the Government of Japan will allow the United Nations Childrenas Fund (UNICEF) to help reduce cholera-related morbidity and mortality in Haiti in 2017 and 2018, the UN agency said in a news release. With this gift from the Japanese people, we will strengthen the axes of the fight against cholera in the protection of the Haitian population, especially children, said Marc Vincent, UNICEF Representative in Haiti, welcoming the contribution. Japan is a key partner and we thank the Japanese people for their continued support, he added. Haiti has been dealing with a cholera outbreak since October 2010, some nine months after it suffered a devastating earthquake. The outbreak has affected an estimated 788,000 people and claimed the lives of more than 9,000. Concerted national and international efforts, backed by the United Nations, have resulted in a 90 per cent reduction in the number of suspected cases. The $2.6 million grant (nearly 300 million Japanese yen) will help strengthen the island nations epidemiological coordination and surveillance; and support conducting timely surveys, rapid response teams and case management, as well as improving and increasing awareness of cholera-related hygiene. According to UNICEF, the cholera epidemic in Haiti continues to be the largest in the western hemisphere. More than 41,000 suspected cases of cholera have been reported throughout Haiti in 2016. With the new funds, interventions will be implemented across the island nation with an emphasis on the cholera-prone departments of Center, North, West, Grand'Anse, Sud (South), and Artibonite. Two of these departments Grand'Anse and Sud were where Hurricane Matthew made landfall in early October, inflicting much devastation as it cut a path of destruction though country. In the news release, the Ambassador of Japan to Haiti, Yoshiaki Hatta, said that the grant had been decided upon a resurgence in suspected cholera cases resulting from the deterioration of the sanitary and hygiene situation caused by rainy seasons or natural disasters. Japan considers that this issue should be addressed in collaboration with the Government of Haiti and the international community, the Ambassador added, expressing appreciation for UNICEF, and calling on all stakeholders to strengthen their collaboration in the fight against cholera. Meanwhile, a Multi Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) for the UN Haiti Cholera Response has been set up to enable Member States, other partners and individuals (including UN staff) to contribute. To date, it has received funds from five Member States: Chile ($250,000); France ($638,000); India ($100,000); Republic of Korea ($1 million); and Liechtenstein ($50,000). As for other resources provided outside of the Trust Fund, Canada has made a $4,600,000 parallel contribution in support of the UN Haiti Cholera Response with some of the funds going to UNICEF & PAHO. Photo: MINUSTAH/Pierre Cote Source: www.justearthnews.com Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.23 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: The construction work under the Ionian-Adriatic Pipeline (IAP) could start in two or three years, Montenegros Minister of Economy Dragica Sekulic told reporters in Baku. She pointed out that a great development has been seen in the implementation of IAP in the last two years. The development of IAP is very advanced in Croatia, where it is already a mature project, said the minister, adding that in Montenegro and Albania, the preparatory phase is still underway. We are finishing planning and designing. We hope that in two or three years, we will be ready to start the construction work, added Sekulic. This is one of the highest priority energy projects for that part of Europe. We will do our best to have as fastest development as we can. The minister said that as Montenegro doesnt have natural gas, IAP is the only way for the country to get gas, therefore, this project is important for the country. On one hand, it is bringing Azerbaijani gas to Europe and from the other hand, it is bringing the European gas back, she added. Sekulic said that the main importance of the pipeline is to make better the security of supply and to have diversification of sources for all participants of the project. Further, the minister noted that Azerbaijan is a great friend of Montenegro. People in Montenegro realize that with various projects. Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR is assisting us, helping us, supporting from very beginning of projects. This cooperation can only be better than it is now, she added. IAP is a proposed natural gas pipeline in Southeastern Europe (SEE) that will stretch from Albania through Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, to Split in Croatia. It will be connected with the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). IAP will provide deliveries of Azerbaijani gas to several countries of South-Eastern Europe. The capacity of the pipeline will amount to five billion cubic meters of gas per year. TAP has already signed memorandums of understanding and cooperation with the developers of this project, in particular with companies of Plinacro (Croatia), BH-Gas (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Geoplin Plinovodi (Slovenia), as well as with the governments of Montenegro and Albania. There has been created a TAP-IAP joint working group that gathers regularly to synchronize the timing both pipeline projects and coordinate the technical issues of interconnection. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn Lahore, Feb 23 (IBNS): At least seven people were killed in an explosion in Pakistan's Lahore city on Thursday, media reports said. The explosion left 17 others injured. " Four cars and 12 motorcycles were also damaged as a result of the blast while the windows of nearby buildings were shattered," Geo News reported. Injured people were rushed to hospitals for treratment. The official Punjab government twitter account said a generator explosion had occurred. "Clarification on Lahore Y block blast: It's a generator blast and rescue team has reached the site. Please spread this," read the tweet. Details added (first version posted on 14:30) Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: The Southern Gas Corridor project has strategic importance for the energy security of Europe, said Maros Sefcovic, European Commission vice-president for Energy Union, Feb. 23. He was addressing the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council Third Ministerial Meeting in Baku. Sefcovic said the progress in the Southern Gas Corridors construction was achieved not only thanks to the enormous effort and work in all the countries through which this pipeline is routing, but also thanks to the good atmosphere created around the negotiating table regarding the project. He also underlined the strategic importance of the Southern Gas Corridor project for the EUs plans to diversify energy supplies and make sure that Europe will remain an open liquid market which welcomes competition and diversified supply of energy. The EU appreciates the opportunity to have new connection to the very important Caspian basin, to have such an important partner as Azerbaijan in this effort, he added. I would also encourage international financial institutions to look into the ways how we can include European financial institutions in financing of this very important project, he noted. I congratulate Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev on his very successful visit to Brussels, Sefcovic said. Because I believe it really opened a new chapter in our relationship. We launched negotiations on the new comprehensive framework agreement, which, I believe, will bring Azerbaijan and the EU closer to each other in many aspects and in many areas. 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. 23 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: Frances Total is to make its final investment decision (FID) on development of the Azerbaijani gas field Absheron by late 2017, Total Senior Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Michael Borrell said at the International Petroleum Week in London, the Natural Gas World reports. Borrell said the first development well will be drilled at the end of 2017. Production would be about 1.5 billion cubic meters of gas per year, for delivery to the local market, although the 350 billion cubic meters field is capable of producing more. There is also condensate. While Total has held discussions with the government about allowing exports, these have not produced a result, said Borrell, adding the company is focusing on the $1 billion first phase only. Reflecting the difficult geology of the Caspian basin, the first well drilled into the reservoir in the 1990s found nothing commercial and the operator Chevron relinquished it, noted Borrell. Under a new production sharing agreement in 2009, Total drilled a second well, 5 km away, and that was successful, he added. Subject to an FID this year on Absheron, first gas could be produced as early as 2019, said Borrell. Participants of the Absheron project are SOCAR (40 percent), Total (40 percent) and Engie (20 percent). A contract on Absheron was signed on Feb. 27, 2009 between SOCAR and Total. Later, Total sold 20 percent of its share to Engie. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov Headline changed, details added (first version posted on 10:41) Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 Trend: The Southern Gas Corridor is an issue of energy security and the energy security is national security of countries, said Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev addressing the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Councils Third Ministerial Meeting that kicked off in the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku Feb. 23. He added that the existing international cooperation in this sphere is an example of mutual trust. President Aliyev noted that the event is attended by important guests from various countries. Azerbaijan has established close cooperation with the European Commission for the implementation of SGC project, he said. We have been able to create a unique and exemplary format of international cooperation, noted the president emphasizing that the implementation of SGC project is a very important factor for future ties. Speaking about the energy policy of Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev noted that the Contract of the Century signed in 1994 has played a significant role in the implementation of future energy projects. He said that the achievements of modern Azerbaijan have become possible thanks to this contract. Emphasizing the importance of the Shah Deniz gas field in the implementation of SGC project, the president said that the capacities of this field play an important role in the popularization of Azerbaijan as a country with huge gas reserves. The head of the state noted the importance of regional cooperation under this project and gave examples of energy corridors implemented by Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey over the years. Stating the significance of an agreement signed several years ago between Azerbaijan and Turkey on the implementation of TANAP project, as well as the Trans Adriatic Pipeline project in effectuating the Southern Gas Corridor, President Aliyev noted that such meetings have a special role in the timely and qualitative implementation of the project. The president spoke about the advancements achieved since the last years meeting, noting that Shah Deniz-2 project has been implemented by 90 percent. Furthermore, important achievements have been observed with regard to TANAP and TAP projects. He added that the development of Azerbaijans Absheron gas field has commenced, which shows that the countrys gas potential is not limited to Shah Deniz. Emphasizing the activity of international financial institutions in the implementation of SGC project, the president said that active participation of Europes financial organizations in the projects implementation also would have been very important. The head of the state noted that the environmental issues, being envisaged as part of the project, are based on high standards, and wished success to the conference. Azerbaijans Energy Minister Natig Aliyev and European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic also delivered speeches at the meeting. In this interview, 'Winner' director Gopichand Malineni talks about the subject, working with Sai Dharam Tej, the horses seen in the movie, why it had to be shot in Turkey, and more. What is the story about? The story traces how the hero journeyes his way to victory. It narrates the obstacles he faces in his fight, how he limps back to victory after being grounded. That's why we have chosen 'Winner' as the title. The hero doesn't like horses, races and his father. But how such a guy puts up a thorough fight for the sake of his father and love is to be seen. Jagapathi Babu is playing Tej's father. The scenes between them come with a high emotional content. Is the film targeted mainly at youngsters? 'Winner' is a commercial entertainer. Along with commercial elements, it has action sequences, comedy and emotions. Importantly, the emotional scenes will be lapped up by the family audience. The film will be exciting right from the word go. The horse-racing scenes in the last twenty minutes will stand out as a highlight. Comedy episodes have come out very well. Prudhvi as Singam Sujatha, Ali as Peter Heins and Vennela Kishore as the hero's friend Padma have done their hilarious parts so well. How was it working with Teju? Sai Dharam Tej's energy levels are huge. He has done well in action sequences, dances and horse racing sequences. Teju's comedy timing is also very good. He has done the emotional scenes, in particular, amazingly well. 'Winner' will increase his range. Tell us about what went into making it authentic? Finding the locations to shoot the horse races was very difficult. We finally decided to shoot it in Turkey. The horses of Turkey are very powerful. We have used ten horses in total in the climax race. The sequences have come out very well. A stunt choreographer from Hollywood who has worked for films like 'Gladiator', 'Fast And Furious' and 'Troy', has worked on them. It was because of the stunt choreographer's experience that the horse used by Teju could be handled without hurting the rider. It comes with about 20 years of experience. It starts moving when you say 'Action' and halts when you say 'Cut'. It's a well-trained horse which has done a number of Hollywood movies. How was it working with Rakul? It was the second time that I have worked with Rakul Preet Singh after 'Pandaga Chesko'. She is as hard-working as Anushka. She is playing an athlete who wants to win a running race. Since she is a fitness freak, she got into the skin of the character quite fast. Why did you cast Anasuya for the special song? I wanted to rope in Anasuya because she is very familiar to the Telugu audience. She first rejected the offer, but when she heard the lyrics, she said 'Yes'. That the song should be crooned by Suma was Thaman's idea. As a director, what do you believe in? I don't like to announce my next film until I am done with my current project. The producers and distributors invest large sums and it's my duty to ensure that I make a film in such a way that my film makes profits. That's why I take my time to launch a movie. 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 Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic will visit Italy for talks on the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) project. Sefcovic made this announcement during a press conference held after the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council Third Ministerial Meeting in Baku Feb. 23. Sefcovic said he sent a letter to the governor of Italy's Puglia region and was invited to Italy to talk on the project. TAP is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor, which is one of the priority energy projects for the European Union. TAP project envisages transportation of gas from the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz gas and condensate field to the EU countries. TAP will be connected to the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italy's south. TAP will be 878 kilometers in length (Greece 550 km, Albania 215 km, Adriatic Sea 105 km, and Italy 8 km). Its highest point will be 1,800 meters in Albanias mountains, while its lowest point will be 820 meters beneath the sea. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn Headline changed, details added (first version posted on 17:11) Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: Total cost of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) project after its implementation will not exceed $40 billion, said Azerbaijans Energy Minister Natig Aliyev. He made the remarks at a press conference held after the SGC Advisory Councils Third Ministerial Meeting that kicked off in Baku Feb. 23. There are no problems with financing, noted the minister. Initially, the projects cost was estimated at $45 billion, but due to the current situation in the market, it will not exceed $40 billion, he said. This is related to the situation in global oil markets. Aliyev also said that all financial institutions taking part in the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Councils Third Ministerial Meeting once again expressed their commitment to the project. This meeting stands out among others by the fact that absolutely all the parties, who received invitations, have agreed to participate in it, noted the minister. This proves the importance of the Southern Gas Corridor. The attention of all Europe is focused on this project and Azerbaijan, said Aliyev. The minister also noted that the number of the SGC countries may increase. The Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) will be ready in late 2019. Bulgaria and Romania have already linked their gas networks. Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina are actively working on the Ionian-Adriatic Pipeline (IAP) project, said Natig Aliyev, adding that all this is creating new prospects for Azerbaijani gas. IAP is a proposed natural gas pipeline in Southeastern Europe that will stretch from Albania through Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, to Split in Croatia. It will be connected with the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). IAP will provide deliveries of Azerbaijani gas to several countries of Southeastern Europe. The capacity of the pipeline will amount to 5 billion cubic meters of gas per year. IGB is a gas pipeline, which will allow Bulgaria to receive Azerbaijani gas, in particular, the gas produced from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz 2 gas and condensate field. IGB is expected to be connected to the Trans Adriatic Pipeline via which gas from the Shah Deniz field will be delivered to the European markets. 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: @MaksimTsurkov When U.S. Army regiments sent African-American soldiers to France during WWI, Black soldiers shared their lively jazz music with the sleepy farm towns and villages they encountered overseas, while diversifying their music palates with the sounds of French composers. This melding of musical culture helped jazz grow into an international sensation, and Black musicians brought a French influence back to America. Two local musicians Jennifer Gallegos and Joshua Thompson are building on that history with their band Bon Temps (French for good time), which plays classical French music from the 1890s to 1930s. Our sound comes from conversations that were happening cross-continentally, Gallegos said. The French composers and jazz musicians are each others vertebrae. They work hand-in-hand. Its a very loving and attached relationship. We are continuing on that vein, but we just havent gone over and lived there yet. We have coined it as a turn-of-the-century band. We encompass all the big, heavy-hitting French composers. Before Bon Temps got its start during the summer of 2016, Gallegos and Thompson had been distant friends. When Thompson saw Gallegos playing Brazilian tango music, he reached out to her in hopes of collaborating. It was one of those things where I listened to her and was like, oh my gosh shes so awesome. We kept saying that we would get together, so I was like lets bite the bullet and make this happen, he said. We had no idea what the other person was bringing to the table, and it was literally both a physical and metaphorical table. We were just throwing out music and seeing what we had in common. Thompson says he is hesitant to explain their sound, because he fears people will assume the music is too highbrow. People look at classical music, or any genre that they dont understand, as being bigger or more mystical than it actually is. We want to keep the mystique, because thats cool, but allow us to musically explain how accessible this music is, Thompson said. We can give you images and time periods, but you have to see it and hear it. What we want to do is to transport you to another place and time. Music lovers who want to get a taste of Bon Temps distinctive sound should make their way to The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46220, on Sunday, March 19, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at thejazzkitchen.com. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 By Elena Kosolapova Trend: Kazakhstan revised up oil output forecast for 2017 to 81 million tons, National Economy Minister Timur Suleimenov said at a meeting on outcomes of 2016 and priorities for 2017, the Economy Ministry said Feb. 23. Earlier, Kazakhstan forecast the 2017 oil output at 79.5 million tons. In 2016, Kazakhstans oil and gas condensate production hit 78.04 million tons (down 1.8 percent compared to 2015). The forecast was improved thanks to start of oil production at the Kashagan oil field, launched in autumn 2016, according to the minister. Kashagan is a large oil and gas field in Kazakhstan, located in the north of the Caspian Sea. Its recoverable oil reserves amount to 9-13 billion barrels. In 2017, production at Kashagan is expected reach 8.9 million tons of oil and 5.6 billion cubic meters of gas. It is planned to increase the production in subsequent years to 13 million tons of oil and 9 billion cubic meters of gas per year, according to Kazakh Energy Ministry. Suleimenov noted that oil industry will be among the main drivers of the countrys economy in 2017 along with manufacturing industry and transportation sector. Kazakhstans GDP growth is expected at 2.5 percent in 2017, according to the minister. A bill that would deregulate natural hair braiding in Indiana has passed the House and moved to the Senate, but not without hesitation from Black lawmakers. House Bill 1243 was authored by Rep. Timothy Wesco (R-District 21) by request of the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, which thinks the states current licensing requirements 1,500 hours of education for a cosmetology license are excessive for natural hair braiding, which uses no heat or harsh chemicals. I feel as though we should allow those who have this craft to be able to practice it and lift themselves up without the added burden of having to go through a course of study which doesnt actually train them regarding their chosen skill and craft, Wesco said while introducing his bill to the House Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee, which ultimately approved the measure. Lee McGrath, legal counsel for the Institute of Justice a self-proclaimed libertarian law firm focused on limiting the size and scope of government regulation testified at the hearing. There are three reasons why you should pass this bill, McGrath told committee members. One, its a jobs bill. Two, the procedure is safe. Three, youll be joining a national trend. McGrath cited research from the Institute, which released a report last July titled Barriers to Braiding: How Job-Killing Licensing Laws Tangle Natural Hair Care in Needless Red Tape. Despite potential benefits for Black business and the national trend toward deregulating hair braiding business, members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) have mixed feelings. Most IBLC members in the House voted against the measure. Two members who voted for the bill Rep. Cherrish Pryor and Rep. Vanessa Summers were added as coauthors. Summers said Caucus members are between a rock and a hard place with the bill as its currently written. On the one hand, it could boost Black business. On the other hand, the Caucus has gotten feedback from constituents that says African hair braiding places are nasty and need to be regulated, Summers said. The IBLC reached out to professionals in the industry who also had some uncertainties about the proposed changes. The disagreement comes down to the bills all-or-nothing approach, aiming to scrap requirements entirely. Summers said she agrees the current licensing requirements for natural hair braiders could be improved, but many Caucus members and braiders disagree with trimming all licensing steps. I think we still need some type of education or certification, said IBLC member Rep. Robin Shackleford, who voted against the bill in the House. Id like to see some type of certification, licensing or registration program with continuing education to take place. In the meantime, shes withholding her support and hoping the measure will be tweaked. It still needs work, she said. Id rather not put my name on it until I knew that work could be done. Well have to rely on the Senate to make those changes. Barbara Cheatham, a cosmetology educator with more than 20 years of experience, shared a similar opinion. I understand braiding is a culture thing. Its something that arrived from Africa years ago. Its a tradition. That aspect of it, I do understand, she said. However, as a cosmetology educator who has been in the field and been in the cosmetology school Im a strong advocate for education. Cheatham said a certification program of at least 300 hours would make more sense for braiders than the current 1,500-hour regimen, which she said costs several thousands of dollars to complete. If all you want to do is braiding, I dont think you should have to go through the traditional program, because youre only (going to practice) one facet of cosmetology, she said. Cheatham said the topics natural hair braiders should learn about include shampooing and conditioning; properties of hair and the scalp; and conditions, diseases and disorders that could affect the hair and scalp. The state should offer some type of braiding certification, she said. A lot of the problem people are missing is, a lot of times there may be issues with braiding. Shackleford said Wesco, the bills author, made a commitment to working on the bill with Black Caucus members. As listed co-authors, Summers said she and Pryor would be more likely to have input on the measure if it gets passed on to conference committee. Summers noted the importance of having Black lawmakers involved in the crafting of the measure going forward, since the changes would have the biggest impact on the African-American community. As of press time, the bill had its first reading in the Senate and was referred to the Commerce and Technology Committee. One member of the IBLC, Senator Lonnie Randolph, sits on that panel. In a 1989 special edition of the Indianapolis Recorder, contributing writer and poet Beverly L. Park Watkins educated readers on unknown figures of American history. A few years prior to the publication of the following article, Chicago had become the first city in the nation to establish an entire month-long celebration of Black history. Black history has many unsung heroes By BEVERLY L. PARK WATKINS Our city has the grand distinction of being the first city in the nation, in 1978, to establish a month-long Black History celebration. We have heard much about Black people in history, for example Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, Madam C.J. Walker, Phyliss Wheatley, Mary McLeod Bethune, and many more. However, there are many lesser known Blacks who have contributed to the history of Black people. Among those not so well known are A.B. Blackburn, who invented the railroad signal, patenting it in 1888; J.A. Burr, who invented the lawn mower, patenting it in 1899. F. Fleming, Jr. patented his invention, the guitar, in 1886. J.L. Love patented his pencil sharpener in 1897, while W. Lavalette patented his printing press in 1878. Quite a list of accomplishments! These inventions are taken for granted, yet, because they are invaluable to us, it seems that they have always existed. There are other noteworthy Black people, however, whose existence we know nothing about. Gustavus Vassa was a man who rose from the rank of kidnapped slave to that of commissary of the government, and petitioned her Royal Highness Charlotte, Queen of England on March 21, 1788, to allow the wretched Africans that they be raised from the condition of brutes to which they are at present degraded to the rights and situation of free men In 1789, Vassa published his autobiography, the first and to us the fullest account of the life of a free Black during this period. (A black man) helped Chicago, that city with the broad shoulders, deep laugh and twinkle in its eye, grow from a small settlement. Born in St. Marc, Haiti, and educated in France, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable came to America, stopping first in New Orleans. Eventually he built a trading cabin on the Chicago River near Lake Michigan. He then brought his wife and a small band of Indians from Peoria to the settlement. Named Eschikagau, it later became Chicago. Paul Cuffe, early businessman and colonizer, was one of the most unusual men from New Bedford, Massachusetts, to go down to the sea in ships. Unlike most Blacks who sailed in 1806, Cuffe was no mere deckhand, but a ship owner and businessman. He started with a small boat built with his own hands and became the owner of sloops, schooners, brigs and several others. The largest was a 268-ton Alpha that Cuffe sailed from Wilmington, Delaware to Savannah, Georgia in 1806, then on to Gothenburg, Sweden with a crew of nine blacks. James Forton was a forgotten abolitionist. He was a vigorous opponent of colonization and slavery during the early years of the 19th century. He was one of the driving forces behind the Negro Convention Movement which gave voice to the opinions and ideas of free Negroes in the North, long before Frederick Douglass voiced his thoughts on this subject. The political arena was yet another showcase for blacks. There were many congressman and senators active in the early and middle 1800s. Our first diplomat was Ebenezer D. Bassett. His duties were to execute government policies, and to keep his homeland, Haiti, informed of their forthcoming developments. Evidence of Bassetts success is exemplified by the fact that, after completing his assignment in 1877, he was appointed a general consul from Haiti to the United States, a post he held for 10 years. The field of medicine was represented by Daniel Hale Williams, the first successful heart surgeon. He operated on a man named James Cornish in 1893, who suffered a knife wound in an artery a fraction of an inch from his heart. Williams was accompanied in surgery by six of his colleagues at the then-struggling Providence Hospital in Chicago. Chicago was also the home of Robert Sengstacke Abbott. Although friends made fun of him, thinking him foolish, Abbott recalled without bitterness his long battle to establish his newspaper, the Chicago Defender. His work paid off on May 3,1905. Robert L. Vann is yet another example of determination in the publishing world. He had no idea when he published the first edition of the Pittsburgh Courier on March 10, 1910 that his name would soon appear coast to coast each week. Blacks played an important part in founding church movements. Richard Allen founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church; James Augustine Healy was the first Negro Catholic bishop. The history of drama and art would not be complete without mention of black actors Eddie Rochester Anderson, Hattie McDonald, and Ethel Waters, and artists Edward Bannister, Hale Woodruff, and Augusta Savage. Some of us may not have even known that these artists were Black. Some Black authors we know little about, including Alexander Dumas, Zora Neale Hurston, and Jay Saunders Redding. Others, better known, have blessed us down through the years with their poetry Paul Dunbar, William Stanley Braithwaite, and Langston Hughes, whose words are as sweet as honey. We have watched dancers Katherine Dunham and Luther Robinson, and perhaps didnt know their names, while Josephine Baker and Sammy Davis, Jr. entertained us over and over. Lets never forget our musicians, without whom the blues and jazz may not have surfaced. The music of W.C. Handy, often called the father of the blues has brought tears to some and warmed the hearts of many throughout the years. The jazz scene was blessed with the musical genius of Randy Weston and Cecil Taylor, jazz pianists whose fingers glided over the keyboards magically. Unforgettable contributions were made by such artists as Albert Cootie Williams, Charlie Big Green. Joe Tricky Sam Nanton, Milfred Miff Male, Busier Bailey, Charlie Parker, Fats Waller, and Billie Holiday, whose music was like angels wings fluttering in the air. There are many who have helped build the history of Black people. As we observe this years Black History Month, and all future such observances, let us be proud to be members of the Black race, and let our lives be filled with contributions to our heritage. Poet and activist Melita Carter has been through some things. The writer, who as a child experienced neglect, abuse, fatherlessness and even battled suicidal thoughts, has found purpose in her pain. Carter, a 30-year-old Indianapolis native, was inspired to create a theatrical presentation based on her experience. I saw a one-woman show a few years ago and I thought that the story of my life could also be a show, she said. Being a professional spoken word artist since the age of 16, I wanted to do something different to support the endeavor that Im starting. Ive wanted to do this for several years so I took a leap. Carters show, Shipwrecked But Not Lost, will expose audience members to tough moments of her childhood, beginning with the moment her mother gave her up for adoption. She was 21 years old and already had two kids. She dropped me off but had a dream about me and went to get me and bring me back home, she said. Though Carter was only in the system for a brief time it was a struggle for her mother to regain custody. The writer continued, however to be the victim of other forms of abuse for several years through molestation, incest and other things at the hands of relatives and fellow church members. I started writing poetry and it was a liberation from the trauma of the past, she said. It gave me a voice. A lot of young people, through my experience in the African-American community, grow up with a code that kids should be seen and not heard. All these things, children face and take into adulthood. For over a decade, Carter has worked with youth through several different initiatives. She is the founder of the Annual Koinonia Clean Up project for the far east side of Indianapolis and a Youth Development Facilitator for the Peace Learning Center. Beyond its inspirational and artistic contributions, Shipwrecked, will serve as a fundraiser for Carters latest venture, Royal Sno. Royal Sno, a sno-cone franchise, will teach youth participants entrepreneurship skills as they will own and operate the business (housed in a mobile bus) during the summer and throughout the school year. Carter believes that art and entrepreneurship have both been instrumental forces in her life, positive forces that she wants to share with young people looking to overcome their own forms of adversity. (Entrepreneurship) is so important because you dont have to depend on anyone else. You can be the captain of your life, she said. As an artist it has been very important because not only are your words liberating others, they are sustaining you. Shipwrecked opens at the Theater on the Fort Feb. 24 at 7:00 pm and will show again on; February 25 at 12:00 pm (Youth Show), 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Joining Carter will be special guests Matthew Cooper (visual artist), Chantel Massey (Feb.24) and Keiana Whatley (Feb.25). Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased online at brownpapertickets.com For more information on Royal Sno, visit facebook.com/royalsno. The history of Prince Hall Masons, an African founded and influenced sect of freemasonry, has rich roots throughout the nation as well as the state of Indiana. In fact, the founders of the Recorder, George P. Stewart and Will Porter, were both members of a local Prince Hall organization. Since the associations creation in the, mid-late 1700s members have implemented initiatives geared toward improving the educational, economic and social status of African-Americans. Here in Indianapolis, many of the groups under this organizational umbrella held their meetings at the Senate YMCA, a place that was heavily frequented by most every African-American civic or social group in the city. In the 1980s, several of the masonic entities moved their operations to a temple on Central Avenue. The building, constructed in May of 1912 by Rubush & Hunter, the same firm responsible for the architecture of the Indianapolis Masonic Temple, located downtown was originally owned by the Oriental Lodge 500, a white masonic group. (Oriental Lodge) didnt want to remain in the building any longer, said Ronnell Griffie. Griffie is the second vice president of the Prince Hall Masonic Association. In the 1980s, the neighborhood became really bad back then thats how we ended up with it. They didnt want to be in a Black area. Today, the stately facility still boasts all of the original features including an antique pipe organ. In March of last year, it was added to the National Park Services register of historic places. The report states that the site is an excellent Indianapolis example of Exotic Revival, specifically, Islamic architectural ideas being worked into the decorative program for a modern building in the early 20th century. It has a high degree of integrity overall, with minor alterations. While 2201 Central Avenue may be a pristine relic of times past, the surrounding neighborhood has indeed experienced some changes. New homes have been added and development has taken place, raising the neighborhoods profile and property values. The buildings administrators, Griffie, president Herman Jiles and first vice president James William Moss, have been approached by developers looking to take advantage of the turning tides. The neighborhood is growing, you see how its developing over there? That 5 mile radius and theyre giving us hell on every point, shared Moss of the recent inquirers. Despite growing outside pressures, the residents of what is now known as the Prince Hall Masonic Temple, continue to uphold many of the old school traditions such as an annual Thanksgiving meal thats served by members and volunteers to the less fortunate and other charitable efforts. In the spring, Griffie and others plan to host an event to raise money for children who are patients at Riley Hospital. For more information, visit princehallmta.org. Throughout history, African-American women have participated in the defense of America. While all women in the armed forces have faced discrimination based on gender, Black women face a double burden because of their race. The following story, published in the Recorders Black History Month section in 1996, details some of the ways Black women have contributed to the countrys cause throughout history. A brief history of Black women in the military By KATHRYN SHELDON American women have participated in the defense of this nation in both war and peacetime. Their contributions, however, have gone largely unrecognized and unrewarded. In commemoration of Black History Month, the Women In Military Service Memorial Foundation calls attention to the important contributions made by Black women in military service. While all women in the armed forces share a history of discrimination based on gender, Black women have faced a double burden of race and gender in their pursuit of opportunity for service in the United States Armed Forces. Initially barred from official status in the military, Black women, through persistent efforts in demanding their right to serve, have seen their roles tremendously expanded, as well as their presence in todays military. Early patriots No documented records have been discovered of Black womens military service in the American Revolution, however, they may well have served along side Black men in the fight for freedom. During the Civil War, Black women performed many duties including nursing, domestic chores in medical settings, laundry and cooking for the soldiers. Indeed, as the Union Army marched through the South and large numbers of freed Black men enlisted, their wives served under the direction of Catholic nuns aboard the famous Navy hospital ship Red Dover. Four of their names Alice Kennedy, Sarah Kinno, Ellen Campbell and Betsy Young have been documented. Other Black nurses are in the record books of many Union hospitals. Susie King Taylor, Civil War nurse, cook, and laundress, was raised a slave on an island off the coast of Savannah, Georgia. In April of 1861, Major General David Hunter assaulted Fort Pulaski and freed all the slaves in the area. Mrs. King signed on as a laundress and nurse. Able to read and write, she also set up a school for Black children and soldiers. Mrs. Kings experiences as a Black employee of the Union Army are recounted in her diary. She wrote frequently of the unequal treatment. The first colored troops did not receive any pay for eighteen months and the men had to depend wholly on what they received from the commissary. A great many of these men had large families, and they had no money to give them, their wives were obliged to support themselves and children by washing for the officers and making cakes and pies which they sold to the boys in camp. Finally, in 1863, the government decided to give them half pay, but the men would accept none of this They preferred rather to give their services to the state, which they did until 1864, when the government granted them full pay, with all back due pay. Susie King was never paid for her service, I was very happy to know my efforts were successful in camp, and also felt grateful for the appreciation of my service. I gave my services willingly for four years and three months without receiving a dollar. I was glad, however, to be allowed to go with the regiment, to care for the sick and afflicted comrades. Immediately following the Civil War, a man called William Cathey enlisted in the United States Regular Army in St. Louis, Missouri. William Cathey, intending to serve three years with the 38th U.S. Infantry, was described by the recruiting officer as 59 with black eyes, black hair and black complexion. The cursory examination by an army physician missed the fact that William Cathey was actually Cathay Williams, a woman. William Cathey served from Nov. 15, 1866, until her discharge with a surgeons certificate of disability on Oct. 14, 1868. Despite numerous and often lengthy hospital stays during her service, her sex was not revealed until June 1891 when Cathay Williams applied for an invalid pension and disclosed her true identity. She did not receive the pension. Black women in modern military Black women served with distinction in recent deployments such as Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Restore Hope in Somalia and Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti. Black military women are overseas serving in Operation Joint Endeavor in Bosnia. On June 16, 1995, Brigadier General Marcelite Harris, USAF was promoted to major general, the first Black woman to attain this rank. Black people have, without a doubt, been instrumental in all facets of the foundational structure of this country. This involvement, of course, extends to military service. People have been excited to participate and be seen as patriots. Black folks, a lot of times, saw that as part of their responsibility in being good citizens, said Wilma Moore, senior archivist with the Indiana Historical Society. All military conflicts since the Revolutionary War Blacks have been there. Here in Indiana, people like Sgt. Irven Armstong, who passed away in 1996, were in that number. He fought during WWI and not only impacted the nation with his service, but also left impressions on several young students. Armstrong, a native of Westfield, Indiana, worked as a schoolteacher in his hometown before graduating from Indiana University in 1915. After college, he moved to Indianapolis, where he taught at IPS #17, a junior high school that was located near where Crispus Attucks High School would stand years later. He taught history at Attucks after the war and retired in 1959 as the head of the history department. He was also a decorated member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. When Armstrong headed off to Europe to fight, he was not alone, as his four brothers Isaac, Ezekial Zeek, Charles and Lindzey accompanied him, and a group of school #17 students sent him letters, as well. These letters are unique, said Moore. Within the letters, there are lots of different subjects, but many of them say the same thing thanks so much for making the world safe for democracy. They also share whats happening on the home front. One such letter, penned by a young Ms. Beatrice Williams, recounts the activities of local civilians in liberty bond drives and other things. We are bringing peach seeds to school to be used in the making of carbon for gas masks a Liberty Loan drive began here Oct. 28, and from the way the papers read, the colored people did their bit, she noted. Other students, like Velma Pritchett, talk about the Spanish Influenza epidemic of 1918. It is one of my favorite letters, Moore shared. She says some things that sound like they are straight out of an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. She says, I really didnt want to stay at home during this time but I thought it best I stay home instead of going to school while the flu is raging, and I just thought that was interesting the way she put that. Earlier this month, young actors delivered a program titled Sincerely, Sgt. Armstrong, during which these letters were brought to life, including two that have been a part of an ongoing WWI museum exhibit The Great War through Hoosier Eyes. The exhibit is located in the Rosemary McKee Lanham Gallery and includes numerous letters, diaries and postcards written by Hoosiers. It will remain open until Saturday, July 8. Visitors interested in viewing other WWI materials are encouraged to visit the Historical Societys William H. Smith Memorial Library, which is free and open to the public from 10 a.m.5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information on Indiana Historical Society events and exhibits, visit indianahistory.org. Indianapolis mayor Joe Hogsett and other community partners recently gathered to kick off Project Indy, the mayors annual summer jobs program designed to teach teens valuable skills they will need in the workforce. Hogsett introduced Project Indy in May of 2016 and says this years program will be both an expansion and an improvement over the previous year. Hogsett announced projectindy.net and an accompanying mobile app to assist teens as they search for employment. Rather than going from one employer to the next and filling out separate applications, teens will be able to fill out a brief online application that matches them with employers who are committed to hiring young people. The website and app also match teens with places of employment near their homes so that one of the biggest barriers to summer employment, finding transportation, is reduced. We cannot compartmentalize time by saying that the present is ours and the future belongs to our children. Now is their moment as much as it is our moment, Hogsett said. We owe it to them to invest in their future today, right now. We owe it to them to reduce barriers and increase accessibility to many different opportunities. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, the number of teens working summer jobs has dwindled since the early 1990s, and during the summer of 2014, less than a third of teens had a summer job. In addition, white teens were much more likely to find summer employment than teens of other races and ethnicities. While 34 percent of white teens between the ages of 16 and 19 worked a summer job, only 19.3 percent of Black teens did. Hogsett aims to double the number of young people Project Indy matches with employers this year by helping 2,000 teens find summer jobs. He has partnered with many local organizations to recruit employees and assist youth, including The Marion County Commission On Youth, EmployIndy and the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee. Angie Carr Klitzsch, president of EmployIndy, says her organization has been working hard to recruit new employers to the program. Many of the jobs we found for young people last year were with nonprofit organizations and government agencies. What we are seeing for the summer of 2017 is the private sector stepping up to offer employment opportunities and career pathways, she said. Besides just increasing the number, we are also looking at the quality of the jobs and we will continue to improve on that every year. Employers who have partnered with Project Indy include FedEx and Indy Parks, among many others. In addition to linking teens with summer jobs, Project Indy also plans to offer employability skills workshops to teens. We will offer these workshops in March or April, and we want to make them as open as we possibly can to young people. Even if they are 14 and not ready to get a job quite yet, if they want to improve personal skills its open to them as well, said John Brandon, president of the Marion County Commission On Youth. Brandon says the benefits associated with teens gaining work experience at a young age span beyond one particular summer. There is research that shows that young people who have experience working part time while in school develop skills like time management and prioritizing and it actually improves their academic performance. I think back to my first job and how good it made me feel. It gives you a sense of accomplishment and helps you build a resume, and you may learn that, long term, you dont want to be flipping hamburgers, said Brandon. Employ Indys youth director Erika Cheney agrees. A lot of times you cant get a job because you have no experience but cant get experience because no one will give you a job. I firmly believe that when you have an opportunity to work, you are building a resume and skills that will help you once you get into a more serious job, said Cheney. Many of Project Indys partners have separate programs that may be of interest to students, such as Teenworks and YouthBuild Indy. Teenworks is a six-week paid summer employment and college readiness program for students ages 15-18. Teenworks provides transportation and daily meals to students. The program currently has 480 positions available to students in Marion and Delaware counties. Applications are available online at teenworks.org. YouthBuild Indy, created by Employ Indy, is an education and work-readiness program targeted toward teens and young adults who are not employed or involved in high school or college-level education. Participants have the opportunity to earn a High School Equivalency Diploma and begin a path to a well-paying career. Mariah Sutton, a participant of YouthBuild Indy, wants to encourage other teens to make the first move on finding a job. I saw a paper about the program at an apartment. I wasnt so sure at first. I would say to other young people to give it a try. Just get up and see how it goes. Once you start you are going to want to do it, said Sutton. For more information on Project Indy or to apply for jobs visit projectindy.net. Youth resources Teens who want more information on summer employment and other opportunities can attend Congressman Andre Carsons Youth Opportunity Fair at the Central Library. The event will feature local service providers, businesses and groups that offer summer programs, internships, camps, volunteer opportunities and jobs. Organizations that will be in attendance include Starbucks, UPS and LGC Hospitality Staffing. This free event will take place on Monday, March 6, from 127 p.m. Students should dress in business professional attire and bring multiple copies of their resume. For more information, visit carson.house.gov/about/events. 1. CBFC Has Denied Certification To 'Lipstick Under My Burkha' For A Really Bizarre Reason Screengrab A Mumbai Mirror report claims that CBFC has refused to pass the film because the story is lady oriented, their fantasy above life, contanious [sic] sexual scenes, and audio pornography. 2. SOTY Cast To Reunite After Five Years For The Justin Bieber Concert, Claim Reports Twitter According to latest reports, the SOTY cast including Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra might come together for a final stage act after the concert and they might perform their famous song 'Disco Deewane'. 3. Doordarshan To Bring Back Their Iconic Shows & It's Getting Difficult To Contain Our Excitement YouTube Screengrab A Mid-Day report claims that shows like Malgudi Days, Hum Log, Buniyaad and Wagle Ki Duniya, will be aired again on Doordarshan after almost three decades. 4. After Priyanka Chopra, Looks Like Deepika Padukone Is All Set To Make Her Debut At Oscars 2017! AFP After her big Hollywood debut she has suddenly become the talk of the town. Not only that she is also being showered with praises all over. Now, the time has come for DP to take her success one notch higher. Rumour mills are churning out stories that she is prepping up to make her debut at the Oscars this year. 5. After Raman Raghav, Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Manto Biopic Will Make You Respect Him Even More Apart from staying away from all modes of communication, Nawazuddin revealed that he is dressing like Manto in real life too. Even when he is not on the sets, he dresses up like him to get into the skin of the character. Every week, Captain James T Kirk and the crew of the USS Enterprise travelled to distant planets, crossing paths with alien life forms, making new discoveries as they went. While that was a science fiction, the latest discovery by the Belgian telescope TRAPPIST and NASAs Spitzer and Hubble Space Telescopes is science fact. NASA A group of seven earth-size rocky planets, orbiting an ultra-cool dwarf star, named the TRAPPIST-1 system is probably the most important space find of recent times. In May 2016, TRAPPIST had discovered three planets in the system. Later, the Spitzer telescope discovered that the third planet was, in fact, three different planets and it also found two more in addition. What makes TRAPPIST-1 special? The TRAPPIST-1 system is of particular interest to scientists because this is the first time that Earth-size planets have been found orbiting this kind of a star. Observations made so far have confirmed that these are rocky in nature, just like the inner planets of our solar system. NASA The stars orbit is very near to their star, in fact all of them are closer to it than Mercury is to our very own sun. Interestingly, since the star is an ultra-cool dwarf, theres a good chance of liquid water existing on the surface of the planets, despite the close orbit. Even more important is the fact that three out of the seven are located in the habitable zone. This means three times the chances of alien life existing there. But does it? Nobody is certain about it. Not yet. Water is a pre-requisite for life to exist, so theres a good chance it might evolve in the future. The habitable zone is that region around a star, where temperatures arent really too high or too cold, but just right so liquid water can exist. The earth orbits in the habitable zone and here we are - all alone in the universe. NASA To be certain, however, NASA is going to utilise the James Webb Space Telescope to detect the chemicals that exist there, including water, oxygen, ozone, methane and others. So how earth-like are they? All the seven planets in the system are between 0.77 to 1.09 times the radius of the earth, so theyre pretty much as big as the earth. But since they are so close to their star, if you were there, youd be celebrating your birthday every 1.5 to 20 earth days! NASA But NASA says that the planets may be tidally locked to the star which means that one side of the planet is perpetually facing the star and the other has permanent night. So, there may be huge temperature extremes and weather patterns that are completely different from earth. What is the planet surface like? The TRAPPIST-1 system is a relatively close - 40 light years away from us - in the Aquarius constellation and since were still struggling to leave our home planet, we can only guess. NASA Visitors to the planet will see a dim red star on the horizon and the sister planets crossing the sky depending on the time of the year there. Also, interplanetary travel in the system will be measured in days and not months and years like it is in our solar system. Hopefully one day, well be able to visit the TRAPPIST-1 system and see it with our own eyes. If youre a fan of science fiction, you already know how all that galactic travel is taking place. Some unimaginably simple science (fiction!) that makes the spacecraft travel large distances at ultra high speeds, bending the fabric of space and time. Star Treks USS Enterprise could travel at Warp 9 when required, though used to cruise at Warp Factor 1. Thats faster than the speed of light. It works when matter and anti-matter meet in presence of some dilithium crystals and the result is ejected by the engines. Although Scotty had a lot to do with the thing working properly and those dilithium crystals were a rare commodity. kajsalisa Then there was the Sakharov Drive in Arthur C Clarkes 2010 Odyssey Two. It used pulsed thermonuclear reaction to heat and expel virtually any propellant material. Spaceship Cosmonaut Alexi Leonov was able to reach Jupiter and find Dave Bowman and Discovery. But in 2017, were still stuck with rockets that burn kerosene, hydrogen, hypergolic propellants etc. The fastest we have really ever gone is 58,000 km/h when the New Horizon probe was launched on top of the Atlas 5 rocket. Although most interplanetary probes have had to rely on gravity assist to gain speed! It requires the spacecraft to approach a planet at such an angle that it is pulled by the gravitational force. This leads to an increase in the speed of the spacecraft which then slingshots its way forward. In the process of spacecraft gaining speed, the planet loses an equal amount of energy! wikimedia commons But rocket fuels are not the only thing we have tried. Back in the 50s, NASA scientists looked to use the then new-fangled nuclear power to propel interplanetary rockets. But fear from the fallout of such a propulsion system and the following test ban treaties put rest to this. Thankfully. The next generation propulsion technique has been developed by NASA, called the ion-thrusters. Here, the thrust is created by accelerating ions with electricity. NASAs Deep Space 1 spacecraft used the NSTAR ion thruster that utilised xenon fuelled engine with high-voltage electrodes to accelerate the ions. Currently, there are satellites in space that use ion-drive to stay in their respective orbits. NASA Future plans include using the suns energy to push a spacecraft with a paper thin sail. Also on the drawing boards is the beamed propulsion tech that will supposedly let a spacecraft ride a laser. Then theres Mexican scientist Miguel Alcubierre whose Alcubbierre drive uses Einsteins theory of relativity to allow the spacecraft to travel faster than the speed of light. But all of this, at the current pace of development, may still be a few hundred years away. Till then, Warp factor one Mr Sulu. Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Feb. 23 By Demir Azizov Trend: Uzbekistans President Shavkat Mirziyoyev plans to pay the first state visit as head of state to Kazakhstan in March, said Uzbek First Deputy Prime Minister Achilbay Ramatov. He made the remarks at a meeting of the joint intergovernmental commission on the Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan cooperation, held in Tashkent Feb. 23. Ramatov said the intergovernmental commission meeting is being considered as an important preparatory event to elaborate joint practical measures to fill the agenda of forthcoming high-level meetings with specific and important mutually beneficial projects. At the meeting, the Kazakh delegation was headed by First Deputy Prime Minister Askar Mamin. The Kazakh diplomatic mission in Tashkent said it is planned to discuss the bilateral strategic partnership and its further activization, trade, economic, transportation and logistics cooperation, etc. as part of the visit. Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan amounted to more than $2 billion in 2016. Clean Ganga may not be the top political issue in Varanasi this election, but it surely is a promise strong enough to find resonance in conversations of a meditative city that suddenly has to cope with construction activity round every second bend. BCCL The dust of change that fills the air settle down in the openings to the 84-odd famed ghats of the city, which exemplify this change best. You can hope to walk seamlessly from one ghat to another without shrouding yourself in dust or other waste. Modern stainless steel dustbins dot these paths and garbage seems to be going right where it should. There are still some patches with standing urine or cattle dung, but mostly the ghats have been transformed into walkable public spaces with clean seating overlooking the holy river. ALSO READ: Just Spending Money Won't Clean Ganga, Experts Say No Major Improvement Has Come In Water Quality Not many would have believed this possible till May 2014, when Varanasi elected Narendra Modi as its Lok Sabha representative. In keeping with the prime ministers election promise, ghat cleanliness is clearly in mission mode, with the Varanasi municipal corporation and the Centres National Mission on Clean Ganga (NMCG) working in tandem. This change, however, stops short of the holy river. The Namami Gange project to cleanse the Ganga of severe pollution is yet to make an impact. Gangas toxicity levels remain hazardous said a senior official from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). We have real-time water testing in Varanasi and the pollution levels stay unchanged mainly because faecal coliform levels are still as high as ever. BCCL There is only one solution to address this problem intercept sewage and treat it. That is the domain of the civil works to be done by the NMCG. Sankat Mochan Foundation, a local nongovernmental organisation, conducted a laboratory test of Ganga water in January and found the faecal coliform level of 35,000 per 100 ml near Rajendra Prasad Ghat 70 times higher than CPCBs permissible outdoor bathing limit. At Varuna Confluence, the figure was a staggering 3,10,00,000 per 100 ml. There are 50,000-60,000 daily bathers in the Ganga in Varanasi, and many feel a stink that they ignore, hoping faith will give them protection. BCCL As per the NMCG website, the government has deployed trash skimmers machines that collect floating debris off the river surface in Varanasi. But you wont find one. Varanasis municipal commissioner Shrihari Pratap Shahi said trash skimmers were withdrawn within two months as the arrangement proved unsustainable. Now we ply eight boats which help clean water surface, he said. NMCG on its website also claims to have sanctioned three crematoria in the city, but they are yet to come up. The sole electric crematorium at Harishchandra Ghat operates if and when anyone does agree to choose it over the traditional pyre on the river banks. BCCL ET tried to get comments from NMCG through PIB spokesperson, but they did not respond as of press time on Tuesday. Most people ET spoke to are critical of Namami Gange. The focus in Namami Gange is more cosmetic, like dressing a sick person in good clothes and pretending all is well, said Prof Vishambhar Nath Mishra, a faculty member at IIT Banaras Hindu University and president of the Sankat Mochan Foundation, which has been dedicated to the cause of Ganga since the Indira Gandhi era and through two phases of the Ganga Action Plan. BCCL Mishra said his foundation has written several times to Uma Bharti, Union minister for Ganga rejuvenation, but never got a response. Members of the consortium of IITs brought in by the Modi government to adopt and clean stretches of the river also privately lament the lack of progress. The project is neither well conceived nor very scientifically planned, a senior IIT researcher involved in the exercise said on condition of anonymity. Prof Kavita Shah, coordinator for Banaras Hindu Universitys new Madan Mohan Malviya Research Centre for Ganga, blamed the lack of progress on frequent leadership changes at NMCG and poor coordination between authorities such as IIT Consortium, NMCG, IIT BHU and CPCB. BCCL Prof UK Choudhary, formerly with BHUs Ganga Research Centre, likened the current status of the programme to taking Ganga to the beauty parlour via ghats without treating her critical ailments. BJP leaders such as Varanasi mayor Ram Gopal Mohley and Shiv Sharan Pathak, who mans the PMs public relations office, blamed the state government for the lack of progress. ALSO READ: PM Modi To Get Cooking Gas Flowing Through Varanasi. Here Is All You Need To About The 'Urjaa Ganga' Project Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a rebuttal to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's 'donkey' remark. At a rally in Bahraich, Modi said he didn't understand why Akhilesh attacked donkeys and not BJP or Modi. BCCL He also said that Akhilesh 'discriminating' against donkeys shows his casteist mentality. Mai hairan hun ki aap ki jaati-wadi maansikta, ki pashu mei bhi unch-neech ka bhav dekhne lag gaye? gadha aapko itna bura lagne laga?: PM pic.twitter.com/lTf5w27MQE ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 23, 2017 "Gadha bhi humein prerna deta hai, woh humesha apne maalik ke prati wafadar hota hai aur zimmedariyon ko nibhata hai" (Even donkeys inspire us, they are loyal to their owner and fulfills their responsibilities) PTI Not stopping there, Modi reminded Akhilesh that, his coalition partners, the Congress in 2013, during the UPA-II had issued postage stamps on donkeys of Gujarat. Jinke galey lag kar aap vote maang rahe ho ussi UPA sarkar ne 2013 mein Gujarat ke gadhon ka postal stamp nikala tha: PM Modi #uppolls2017 pic.twitter.com/fkdLRjMn4a ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 23, 2017 The poor donkey was dragged into the heated election campaign in UP by Akhilesh when he requested Amitabh Bachchan to "advertising for donkeys of Gujarat". Every week, Captain James T Kirk and the crew of the USS Enterprise travelled to distant planets, crossing paths with alien life forms, making new discoveries as they went. While that was a science fiction, the latest discovery by the Belgian telescope TRAPPIST and NASAs Spitzer and Hubble Space Telescopes is science fact. NASA A group of seven earth-size rocky planets, orbiting an ultra-cool dwarf star, named the TRAPPIST-1 system is probably the most important space find of recent times. In May 2016, TRAPPIST had discovered three planets in the system. Later, the Spitzer telescope discovered that the third planet was, in fact, three different planets and it also found two more in addition. Read more 1. Donkeys Inspire Us, They Are Loyal And Responsible, Narendra Modi Responds To Akhilesh Yadav's Jibe Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a rebuttal to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's 'donkey' remark. At a rally in Bahraich, Modi said he didn't understand why Akhilesh attacked donkeys and not BJP or Modi. He also said that Akhilesh 'discriminating' against donkeys shows his casteist mentality. Read more 2. Here's The Story Of The Only Woman Ashok Chakra Awardee Who Sacrificed Her Life In Parliament Attack She didnt have a gun. Traditionally, woman constables arent given weapons inside the Parliament premises. But she managed with her wireless set and took on heavily armed terrorists who were there to attack the symbol of Indian democracy - Parliament House. Indiatimes This story is about the only woman Ashok Chakra awardee (Posthumously) Kamlesh Kumari, a CRPF soldier posted at Gate No. 1 of Parliament on December 13, 2001, when terrorists had attacked it. Read more 3. Haryana-Punjab Border Sealed Ahead Of Indian National Lok Dal's 'Water War' Thousands of people, especially motorists, faced inconvenience on Thursday morning after security forces sealed a busy portion of a national highway on the Haryana-Punjab border that links Delhi with Amritsar. Indiatimes A 24 km stretch of the NH-1 was sealed off on the Ambala (Haryana)-Rajpura (Punjab) section in wake of the Indian National Lok Dal's call of 'Water War'. Read more 4. Germany's Largest State To Ban Islamic Face Veil As Minister Thinks It Hinders Communication Germanys largest state, Bavaria, is going to ban the full-face Islamic veil in government offices, schools, universities and while driving because leaders believe it hinders with communication. Reuters State Interior Minister, Joachim Herrmann, said: Communication happens not only via language but also looks, facial expressions and gestures. Read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi has certainly struck a chord with a generation hooked on to social media. According to a study conducted by Burson-Marsteller, PM Modi is now, the most followed leader on Facebook in the world. Indiatimes With a whopping 40 million followers on his personal account, Modi is the reigning king of the virtual world. The study lists US President Donald Trump as second, with 20 million followers. The third spot belongs to the PMO's account on Facebook which has 13 million followers. Read more Cressida Dick was named the new commissioner of London's Metropolitan Police, the first woman to lead Scotland Yard in its 188-year history. Reuters Dick, a former assistant commissioner of the force, succeeds Bernard Hogan-Howe, who is stepping down next week. The Met is Britain's biggest and oldest police force, with 43,000 officers. AFP Home secretary Amber Rudd said that 56-year-old Dick "has a clear vision for the future of the Metropolitan Police and an understanding of the diverse range of communities it serves". Reuters Dick, who left the police force in 2015 to work at the foreign office, led the security operation for the 2012 London Olympics and was highly regarded by many Scotland Yard peers. The Iranian delegation plans to arrive in Russia on March 27 to present terms of oil and gas contracts for Russian companies, Russias Energy Minister Alexander Novak said after talks with Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zangeneh, SS reported. "We agreed that on March 27, the Iranian delegation will arrive to present the Iranian oil contract. This will speed things up significantly," he said. The minister said that it is planned to hold the presentation in Moscow but this is still under consideration. Novak marked good progress regarding involvement of Russian companies in oil and gas projects in Iran. "Specific fields have been selected, which are interesting for the companies, negotiations are being held. Some projects are on stage of agreement preparation, some are on the stage of data study. But we think that in the near future we will receive complete information from the Iranian partners on the basic conditions of Iranian oil contracts," Novak said. Were excited to announce that indmin.com is now part of fastmarkets.com. A new look and an improved experience means you can still stay ahead of this fast-moving market with price data, news and market intelligence right here on Fastmarkets. Discover more than 2000 prices, news and analysis in primary and secondary metals markets. We cover base metals, industrial minerals, ores and alloys, steel, scrap and steel raw materials. If you already have a Fastmarkets account, youll still have uninterrupted access to your markets by logging in with your current details. Another two Turkish servicemen are being held in the northeastern city of Alexandroupolis after crossing the border and requesting political asylum , with initial reports saying authorities are investigating whether the pair participated in the botched attempt to abduct Turkish Recep Tayyip Erdogan during last Julys failed coup. Fallacies of the Anti-Islam Crowd By Jacob G. Hornberger February 23, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Ever since the 9/11 attacks, there has been a fringe element in American society that has claimed that the attacks were part of a centuries-old religious war between Islam and Christianity. Theyve claimed that Muslims constitute a grave threat against everyone in the United States and the Western world because Muslims are supposedly determined to establish a world-wide caliphate, which would necessarily entail conquering the United States, taking over the federal government, and running the IRS, DEA, Federal Reserve, Social Security administration, CIA, NSA, Pentagon, and all the other parts of the federal government. This fringe element has now surged to national notoriety owing to the fact that there are now people within the Trump administration who appear to subscribe to that philosophy. However, there have always been big problems with the anti-Islam mindset. Lets review three of them. 1. During the entire Cold War, the people who subscribe to the anti-Islam paradigm never repeat never brought up anything about this so-called religious war between Islam and Christianity or anything about the purported quest by Muslims to establish a worldwide caliphate, one that would include the United States. Doesnt that seem rather odd? Here the Muslims have supposedly been coming to get us for centuries and not one single person in the anti-Islam crowd expressed even a tiny iota of concern during the entire 44-year history of the Cold War. Thats because during the Cold War, the official bugaboo for the American people, as set forth by the Cold War-era national security establishment, was not Islam or terrorism but rather communism (or as conservatives used to say, godless communism). Throughout those four decades, it wasnt the Muslims who were coming to get us, it was the communists. Or it was the Soviet Union, which was led by Russia (which has now been restored to semi-official bugaboo status, in conjunction with the Muslims) that was hell-bent on conquering the United States. It was in Moscow, Americans were told, that the international communist conspiracy to take over the world was based. From the first grade in the public (i.e., government) schools to which state law forced their parents to send them, American schoolchildren had their minds indoctrinated and molded about how the Russians were coming to get us and force America to become a communist state. And it worked. By the time American children reached 18 years of age, most of them were absolutely convinced that America was in grave danger of falling to the communists. Thats what propelled them to blindly support the Cold War, the conversion of the federal government to a national-security state, the Korean War and the Vietnam War (both of which were waged without the constitutionally required congressional declaration of war), ever-growing support of foreign dictators, ever-growing interventions in foreign countries, ever-growing assassinations, ever-growing expenditures for the Pentagon, CIA, and NSA, and ever-growing infringements on the rights, liberties, and privacy of the American people. Through it all, not a peep not a single peep about the supposed quest by the Muslims to establish a worldwide caliphate or about their supposed war to enslave Americans and force them to study the Koran and to establish Sharia law in the United States. In fact, it was the exact opposite. When it was the Soviet Union, rather than the United States, doing the invading and occupying of Afghanistan, U.S. officials actually partnered with and supported some of the most extreme and fanatical Muslims who were fighting to oust the Soviets from Afghanistan. When that happened, there wasnt a peep of protest from anyone who is a part of the anti-Muslim crowd today. On the contrary, they cheered the partnership with radical and fanatical Muslims because, again, communism, not Islam, and the Soviet Union (Russia) were the official bugaboos. Break Free From The Matrix Get Our Free Daily Newsletter 2. Those in the anti-Muslim crowd today were among the most ardent supporters of the U.S. invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, notwithstanding the fact that Bush had not secured the constitutionally required congressional declaration of war against either country. The anti-Muslim crowd cheered and celebrated the many years of deadly and destructive occupations that followed the invasions of both countries. By this time, their mindsets had shifted from communism as the official bugaboo to Islam as the official bugaboo. So, every time that U.S. soldiers bombed, shot, killed, maimed, or tortured people in Iraq or Afghanistan, the anti-Muslim crowd made it a point to thank the troops for their service in both countries, notwithstanding the fact that neither the Afghan government nor the Iraqi government had ever attacked the United States or even threatened to do so. To this day, the anti-Muslim crowd continues to support the U.S. interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. All that support for the Pentagons and CIAs interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, however, poses a big problem for the anti-Islam crowd, one that they have never addressed and maybe not even considered. That problem is this: The U.S. invasions and occupations succeeded in installing official Islamic regimes in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Dont believe me? Then take a look at the following two websites, which feature the official constitutions of Afghanistan and Iraq. You will immediately notice something important: Pursuant to the constitutions of both countries, the regimes are both official Islamic regimes. Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Iraqi Constitution Needless to say, this remarkable achievement by U.S. troops places the anti-Islam crowd in a very unenviable and quite awkward position. Do they renounce their longtime support for the invasions and occupations of Afghanistan and Iraq, given the fact that the interventions gave rise to two official Islamic regimes, ones that, according to the anti-Islam crowd, are coming to get us as part of the supposed quest by Muslims to establish a caliphate on the United States and the rest of the world? So far, there have been no renunciations or denunciations of the U.S. invasions and occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan on the part of the anti-Muslim crowd. In fact, they continue to thank the troops for their service in both countries. Indeed, its still not too late for the U.S. government to effect new regime-change operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq, where U.S. troops continue to intervene. Have any of the anti-Muslim crowd called on the Pentagon and the CIA to oust these two official Islamic regimes, either with bombs or assassination, and replace them with Christian or Jewish or pro-Western regimes? Nope. Not one call for a new regime-change operation. The anti-Muslim crowd continues to support the troops, who continue to fight to preserve the existence of these two official Islamic regimes. The anti-Muslim crowd continues to thank the troops for their service in Iraq and Afghanistan, which succeeded in bringing into existence two official Islamic regimes. 3. Very few in the anti-Muslim crowd are going out and killing Muslims here in the United States. They are wise not to do so, even if they are behaving contrary to their own we are at war with the Muslims paradigm. The reason is that if they were to start killing Muslims, they would be arrested, indicted, prosecuted, and punished for murder. During their trial, if they tried to tell the jury, But we are at war with the Muslims, who are coming to get us part of their centuries-old quest to establish a worldwide caliphate, the judge would silence them and refuse to permit that to be considered a legitimate defense to the murder charge. The killers would ultimately end up spending many years of their lives in the penitentiary as convicted murderers or even possibly be executed by the state under the death penalty. One thing is for sure: They would not be celebrated by the judicial system as courageous heroes who were defending their homeland from the billions of Muslims who were supposedly coming to get them, force them to study the Koran, and live according to Sharia law. So, whats really going on here? After the Cold War suddenly and unexpectedly ended, the U.S. national-security establishment lost its official bugaboos communism and the Soviet Union, which caused some Americans to question why it was necessary to continue devoting so much taxpayer money to fight a Cold War that was no longer in existence. To solve the problem, the Pentagon and the CIA intervened in the Middle East and began killing lots of people, many of whom were Muslims and many of whom were innocent children of Muslims (through the U.S.-enforced sanctions on Iraq). When the inevitable blowback came in the form of anti-American terrorist attacks, including, but certainly not limited to, the 9/11 attacks, those people whose minds had been indoctrinated and molded into looking at communism and the Soviet Union as official bugaboos could not bring themselves to even consider the possibility that the U.S. national-security establishment was the root cause of the anti-American terrorism. By this time, the Pentagon, the CIA, and the NSA were their gods their everything. At the same time, given that so many of them looked upon the federal government as their provider (e.g., Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other dole programs), the last thing they wanted to do is question or antagonize their welfare provider, their sustainer, their daddy, their god. So, while U.S. officials were claiming that the terrorists just hated America for its freedom and values, the mindsets of some the people who, as children, had been indoctrinated and molded into seeing communism and the Soviet Union as the official bugaboos simply replaced those official bugaboos with Islam and Muslims as new official bugaboos. (Of course, Russia has now returned as a semi-official bugaboo, along with communist China, Iran, and North Korea. Vietnam, Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua are probably not far behind.) The obvious contradiction between their new anti-Islam mindsets and the gratitude they express to the troops for establishing official Islamic regimes in Afghanistan and Iraq doesnt even occur to them or the fact that theyre obviously not out killing Muslims here in the United States who are supposedly waging a centuries-old war against them. Once a critical mass of Americans recognizes that these official bugaboos are nothing but bunk and just a way to keep the old Cold War apparatus known as the national-security establishment (or military industrial complex) in existence and in high cotton, that will bring us ever closer to the restoration of a constitutionally limited government republic, a free-market economy, and a free, peaceful, harmonious, and prosperous society. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 By Fatih Karimov Trend: Iran and Azerbaijan are determined to increase their non-oil trade in a bid to decrease dependence on oil, Iranian ICT Minister Mahmoud Vaezi said. Vaezi, who is also co-chairman of Iran-Azerbaijan Joint Economic Cooperation Commission, made the remarks on the sidelines of a meeting with the visiting minister of economy and industry of Azerbaijan, Shahin Mustafayev in Iran's northwestern Ardabil city on Feb. 22, IRNA news agency reported. Vaezi said that political and economic ties between the two countries have increased in recent three years and the two sides have made serious efforts to boost mutual ties. Grounds are prepared for private sector investors from the two countries to launch mutual cooperation, he added. Referring to his meeting with Azerbaijani minister Shahin Mustafayev, Vaezi said that Azerbaijani and Iranian economic delegations held constructive meeting and good decisions were made for cooperation of the two countries private sectors. The Azerbaijani minister, for his turn, said that economic and trade cooperation between the two countries is growing. Mustafayev added that Iranian and Azerbaijani investors have good cooperation in various fields such as trade, health tourism and agriculture. Referring to his talks with Vaezi, the Azerbaijani minister said that it was a constructive negotiation and that they discussed avenues for boosting Tehran-Baku relations. Mustafayev arrived in Ardabil on Feb. 22 for a two-day visit, heading an economic delegation. Portugal to Hand ex-CIA (?) Agent Convicted of Kidnapping Over to Italy By AP February 23, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - " AP " - LISBON, Portugal -- A former CIA agent will be handed over to Italy in the coming days to serve a four-year prison sentence after being convicted of involvement in a U.S. program that kidnapped suspects for interrogation, a lawyer said Tuesday. Sabrina de Sousa spent the night in a womens prison near Lisbon after a Portuguese court ordered police to extradite her, her Portuguese lawyer, Manuel Magalhaes Silva, told the Associated Press in an interview. He said she was detained Monday after a two-year fight against extradition and would be put on a plane once formalities between Portuguese and Italian police were concluded. De Sousa, 61, was among 26 Americans convicted of kidnapping suspect Osama Moustafa Hassan Nas, also known as Abu Omar, from a Milan street on Feb. 17, 2003. She denied involvement in the abduction. The U.S. rendition program, under which terror suspects were kidnapped and transferred to centers where they were interrogated and tortured , was part of the anti-terrorism strategy of the Bush administration following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Former President Barack Obama ended the program years later. The U.S. government expressed concern with De Sousas treatment. We are deeply disappointed in her conviction and sentence, acting State Department spokesman Mark Toner said in a statement. This is a matter that U.S. officials have been following closely. We have asked our European counterparts what their next steps may be, but we are not in a position to detail those discussions. De Sousa lost several appeals against extradition since her arrest at Lisbon Airport in October 2015 on a European warrant. She had argued she was never officially informed of the Italian court conviction and couldnt use confidential U.S. government information to defend herself. Once in Italy, De Sousa is expected to be taken to a womens prison in Milan, but her Italian lawyer Dario Bolognesi said he would immediately appeal to the Milan court to defer her imprisonment pending a decision on her years-long request for clemency. Other Americans convicted in the case have received clemency from the Italian president. Bolognesi met Tuesday with Justice Ministry officials who are reviewing the clemency request and emerged optimistic. Regardless, he said he would also request that De Sousa be granted semi-freedom and serve any sentence doing social work. Break Free From The Matrix Get Our Free Daily Newsletter He disputed the written ruling by the Lisbon judges that said that the verdict in Italy that provided the grounds for the European arrest warrant was not final. He said the Italian case went all the way to the highest court and is final. Magalhaes e Silva, de Sousas Lisbon lawyer and a human rights expert who said he took her case pro bono, said the European arrest warrant guaranteed de Sousa the possibility of a new trial or an appeal. Those assurances persuaded the Lisbon court to send her to Italy, he said. But last June the Italian authorities retracted that promise in a letter to the court, he said. It will be interesting to see what the Italian courts do when theres an extradition based on a European arrest warrant in which Italy guaranteed to Portugal that it would respect certain rights, then like a pariah state it turns around and says no, he said. Did Trumps New Anti-Drug Policy Prompt the CIA to Move Against Him? By Mark H. Gaffney February 23, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - I n recent days, we have witnessed the disturbing spectacle of open warfare between the newly elected president and the intelligence community. Former congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) described the situation as unprecedented. Whether you are for Trump or against Trump, Kucinich told FOX News, the White House is under attack from elements inside the intelligence community, which are trying to elevate tensions between Russia and the US. Kucinich continued: At the bottom of that is money, an agenda for someone to cash in on conflict between the US and Russia. Kucinich was spot on. The military industrial complex and their media pawns clearly do not want improved relations with Russia and are using their considerable power to prevent it, for the reason cited. Untold billions in military contracts are at stake. War and the preparations for war are extremely profitable; at any rate, for a privileged few. During the last few days, Trump and his inner circle made statements about Crimea indicating the immense pressure had the intended effect. Trump appears to have backed away from improved relations with Russia, at least for the present. Other writers have commented at length about this, so I wont discuss it further here, except to point out that the pressure shows no sign of relenting, and may even be increasing. A former NSA official, John Schindler, told Raw Story that Now we [the intelligence community] will go nuclear. He [Trump] will die in jail Its as if, having smelled blood in the water the intelligence community is circling for the kill. But given that Trump has been made to recant on Russia, the question is why? What is going on? The answer is that the sharp dispute over US policy vis a vis Russia is not the only point of contention. Other issues are also at play. A tell-tale clue in this regard was the timing of the felonious leak that led to the resignation of General Mike Flynn for misleading Vice President Pence about his conversations with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak. The leak reportedly occurred on the evening of Thursday February 9th, a few hours after Trump signed three new executive orders, which FOX News first reported at 4 p.m. Although the source of the leak has not been disclosed, I suspect the CIA for reasons that I will now explain. In my opinion, the timing was no coincidence. As we ought to know from long experience, there are few coincidences in the world of intelligence. Therefore, it behooves us to examine Trumps latest executive orders which so far have attracted scant attention. A new anti-drug policy The orders that Trump signed on February 9th, just before the leak occurred, are about reducing crime in America. The first would create a presidential task force to develop strategies toward this end. [1] A second more detailed order would strengthen enforcement of Federal law.to thwart transnational criminal organizations and subsidiary organizations, including criminal gangs, cartels, racketeering organizations and other groups engaged in.the illegal smuggling and trafficking of humans, drugs, or other substances [my italics]. [2] I was amazed when I first read this. Trumps executive orders would launch a new war on drugs! Evidently, president Trump idealistically (or naively) has decided to accomplish what no president before him was able (or willing) to do, namely, eradicate the double scourge of drug and human trafficking which have destroyed so many young lives. Certainly it is a goal worthy of our support. However, there is a hitch, namely, the collision of such a policy with the status quo. This needs clarification: If Trumps new anti-drug-trafficking policy is carried out it will place drug enforcement agencies in direct opposition to CIA officers who for many years have managed the flow of cocaine and heroin into the United States. In fact, dismantling the transnational criminal organizations responsible for the drug trade will ultimately require nothing less than the dismantling of the CIA itself. The wording of Trumps executive orders leaves no doubt about his intent. The president is not proposing half measures. Officials at the CIA no doubt grasped the significance of this at a glance, and concluded correctly that the president himself, every bit as much as his new executive orders, must henceforth be viewed as a threat to the Agencys power and covert prerogatives. The scary part, from the CIA standpoint, is that Trump really means it. This is in sharp contrast with Ronald Reagan, whose 1980s-era war on drugs was nothing but a charade. One can well imagine the brief but intense moment of panic at Langley when CIA officials first learned about the orders. Their signing by Trump created an immediate compelling reason for the CIA to move against the president, and to do so without delay. This, very likely, explains the classified leak on February 9th about Gen. Flynn. I do not mean to suggest that CIA officers themselves smuggle drugs into the US. The actual smuggling is almost always done by professional traffickers who are treated as national security assets because they also provide various kinds of support for covert CIA operations. In return, the blessed traffickers are allowed to ply their illicit trade without interference from US Customs, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), even local police. The CIA oversees the trade which is largely about market share, and also receives a cut of the action, which it uses to fund black-budget operations. Competitors who refuse to cooperate are fair game, and are periodically rounded up and prosecuted to show that the government is seriously waging the war on drugs. Of course, despite the occasional high profile arrests and convictions, somehow the drugs are always readily available on the street. The supply seldom fails, an inconvenient truth never mentioned by the media nor acknowledged by government officials. Abroad, the CIAs control system is more complex, as in the case of Mexico where the CIA often plays one cartel off against another to destabilize the country and prevent the emergence of a strong central government. Keeping Mexico perennially weak (and violent) evidently serves the foreign policy objectives of empire. [3] Despite the American publics sorry state of denial, complacency and/or apathy on the drug trade issue, the evidence for the US governments criminal involvement is voluminous and incontrovertible. [4] The sordid history is a long one, and dates back decades before the CIA was created to the 1920s, when the US supported Chinese nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek, who maintained his army with profits from the opium trade. I refer the reader to the notes. Trumps new policy of eradicating human and sex trafficking would likewise require US law enforcement to investigate shady contractors like Dyncorp, which, although a private company, is for all practical purposes a CIA subsidiary. Dyncorps longstanding involvement in human trafficking dates back at least to the 1990s war in Bosnia. [5] Obviously, a real investigation would be extremely embarrassing. Over the years, Dyncorp has received billions in Defense Department contracts, which is serious money but small potatoes compared with the hundreds of billions in laundered drug money that annually lubricates the bottom line of the too-big-to-fail US banks. No one knows the actual figure, but reputable sources estimate the total at between $300-500 billion. [6] At war with the CIA It would be hard to overestimate the present-day importance of this laundered drug money to the big banks, most of which are seriously over-leveraged. According to the UN Office of Drugs and Crime, the liquidity provided by an estimated $352 billion in laundered drug profits in 2008 saved a number of large banks from collapse as result of the 2007 financial meltdown. [7] Incidentally, this is also why, 16 years after the 9/11 attacks, the US military is still deployed in Afghanistan. Our troops are there because that is where the poppies are grown, the feedstock for the global heroin trade. This is the reason for the longest war in US history. The plain truth is that our troops are not defending freedom and democracy, but the bottom line of the too-big-to-fail banks. And all of this would be seriously disrupted if Trumps new anti-drug-trafficking policy is implemented. Needless to say, Wall Street and the US intelligence community (which are one and the same) will do everything in their power to prevent this from happening; and the CIA, which is the operational arm of the banksters who rule the United States, will undoubtedly serve as the enforcer. Not For Profit - For Global Justice - Since 2001 Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Donald Trumps strong position against drug and human trafficking has placed him in the cross-hairs. Is he aware of the powerful forces arrayed against him? It is by no means clear that he fully understands the CIAs role in the drug trade, or why his executive orders have stirred up such a hornets nest. For Trumps sake, I hope he understands; because, henceforth, his only chance to survive is to go on the offensive, and to actually become the unlikely American hero that he obviously aspires to be. How? By effecting a top-down revolution in the interests of the American people. But time is short and the critical path to success is extremely narrow, with little margin for error. Can Trump outmaneuver the CIA even as it plots his downfall? Can he rise above himself? A second American revolution Here are a few of the steps (in no particular order) that Trump should immediately take to regain the initiative, set his enemies back on their heels, and buy the time that is desperately needed to jump-start the second American revolution: Empower the FBI. Trump should instruct Attorney General Sessions to clear out the dead wood at the Department of Justice. FBI Director James Comey and his deputy Andrew McCabe have a history of blocking and/or slow-footing investigations. They must go. Their replacements should be drawn from within the agency, ambitious young men with hunger in their eyes and fire in the belly. Unleash the idealistic young investigators! Release the 650,000 emails. I am referring to the mother lode found on former congressman Anthony Weiners server. We are very lucky this electronic paper trail exists! Last November, NYPD chief detective Robert K. Boyce, who has seen the emails, told the press they contain evidence linking Hillary Clinton and her associates to money laundering, child exploitation, sex crimes with minors, perjury, pay to play, obstruction of justice and other crimes. [8] Apparently, the key piece of evidence is a list of secret donors to the Clinton Foundation. Everything we have learned to date indicates the foundation was a private investors club for the purpose of overthrowing and looting third world nations. All Trump needs to do is to let the sun shine in, then step aside and allow the system to serve up the impartial wrath of justice. And woe to the guilty! Audit the Fed. Trump supporters should move quickly to guide legislation through Congress requiring an audit of the Federal Reserve. Given a Republican majority in both houses, the bill should pass easily. If the Fed refuses to admit auditors (and it will), Trump should send in US marshals and nationalize the bank. A subsequent honest audit will expose the Feds many crimes against the American people. A reorganized and possibly renamed Fed should be made to serve Main Street, not Wall Street. Get control at the CIA and NSA. This is critical. Trumps newly appointed directors must take a firm hand in identifying and prosecuting leakers in both agencies while supporting whistleblowers who have exposed illegal activities. Trump should also give the order to fire all neoconservatives, and their ilk. Ultimately, Trump will need to dismantle the CIA and the most objectionable parts of the NSA surveillance regime. Break up the media conglomerates. Paul Craig Roberts has suggested that Trump use anti-trust law to accomplish this and I agree. The US corporate media has long since abandoned its original function, which is to inform the citizenry, and unfortunately has become an instrument for fake news and propaganda. Press diversity must be restored. The above short list is only a start, and is by no means complete. There are undoubtedly other steps that Trump should also take. Finally, I need to say that as a long-time radical Leftie I am very displeased that so many liberals and progressives have allied with the globalists and the Deep State to destroy what remains of our precious democracy. Liberals and progressives need to wake up. Trumps enemies are also our enemies. If the CIA succeeds in bringing him down, Trumps replacement will be much worse. I have always opposed US presidents when they were wrong and supported them when they were right. The same principle should hold with Trump. Oppose him when hes wrong, but support him when hes right. We can and must do both, at the same time. Many people have underestimated Donald Trump. Be assured, no one at CIA headquarters is underestimating him any longer. Although Trump has serious issues, he also has the potential to achieve great things, in part, because he thinks big and is capable of bold action. If Trump acts decisively in the coming days to restore our country, we should rally to his defense. If he falters, Trump will be remembered as just another failed wannabe. Mark H. Gaffneys latest book is Black 9/11 (2nd edition, 2016). His next, Never Summer, a novel, will be released in April 2017. A special thank you to George Webb, whose ongoing open sourced peoples investigation at Youtube has been a great help in connecting the dots! References [1] https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/02/09/presidential-executive-order-task-force-crime-reduction-and-public [2] https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/02/09/presidential-executive-order-enforcing-federal-law-respect-transnational [3] Chris Arsenault, Mexican official: CIA manages drug trade, Aljazeera, July 24, 2012, posted at http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2012/07/2012721152715628181.html [4] Alfred W. McCoy, The Politics of Heroin (Chicago: Lawrence Hill, 2003 revised edition); Doug Valentine, The CIA as Organized Crime (Atlanta: Clarity Press, 2017) see especially chapters 12-14; Peter Dale Scott, Cocaine Politics (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1991). [5] Kathryn Bolkovac, The Whistleblower (New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011). Also: dont miss the movie with the same name based on the book starring Rachel Weisz. [6] Raymond W. Baker, The Biggest Loophole in the Free Market System, Washington Quarterly, Autumn 1999, p. 29, posted at (see p. 1061) http://frwebgate.access . gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=106_senate_hearings&docid=f:61699.pdf. Also see The CIA as Organized Crime, p. 214. [7] Rajeev Syal, Drug money saved banks in global crisis, claims UN advisor, the Guardian, December 12, 2009. Home Sign up for our FREE Daily Email Newsletter Western Russophobia in Psychotic Phase By Finian Cunningham February 23, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - " Sputnik " - Western irrational fear of Russia Russophobia is no longer a random prejudice. It has become endemic pathological thinking among Western states. Divorced from reality this mindset has become psychotic. Western politicians, military leaders and corporate news media increasingly blame Russia for all manner of perceived transgressions. Whether it is alleged interference in national elections or alleged aggressive military maneuvers, the unremitting demonizing of Russia is astonishing. It is all the more astounding because the anti-Russia accusations are leveled with such high-handedness and yet with so little evidence to support. This week saw outlandish claims in British media of Russia sponsoring a coup in the Balkan state of Montenegro and of trying to assassinate the countrys prime minister. No evidence provided. Just sensational, irresponsible innuendo. The gravity of this slander is enough to start a war, and yet it is spouted with reckless abandon. Only a few weeks ago, US media were also calling Russian President Vladimir Putin a killer. Then we have American lawmakers intensifying investigations into unfounded allegations of Russian hacking of the US presidential election and of treasonous contacts with the new Trump administration. Rabid US politicians have even labelled the alleged Russian misconduct an act of war. That has in turn led to British, French and German claims that Russia is interfering in their elections. Similar fears of Russian hacking and influence campaigns have been issued for elections in the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Bulgaria and Estonia, among other places. Sometimes, reality intrudes on fantasy, when for example German state intelligence concluded recently that there was actually no evidence that Russia was involved in any kind of subversive hacking. Most of the time, however, the impetuous accusations and feverish speculation continue unbridled. Britains Independent this week ran the headline: Clear evidence Russia interfered in 2015 UK election, says former minister. But on reading the article, there is no clear evidence presented to back up the tendentious anti-Russian claims. Indeed, no evidence at all. The whole allegation was based on claims made by anonymous security sources and reference to other unproven stories, such as the alleged hacking of the US election. This kind of fake, unethical journalism that has become a staple in Western media with regard to Russia. Whether it is allegations of Russia probing electoral processes or probing territorial air space and waters, the entire thrust of the Western media relies on innuendo, prejudice and disinformation. All told in a relentless, unquestioning fashion by the gamut of Western mainstream media outlets. In plain language, this is nothing but anti-Russian propaganda disguised as public information. When such propaganda becomes a systematic form of public discourse then it can be said that the mindset has moved dangerously beyond a condition of reprehensible Russophobia, to one of collective psychosis. And this affliction among Western states seems to be worsening. The appointment by US President Donald Trump this week of Lt General HR McMaster as his National Security Adviser was greeted with applause among hawkish lawmakers in Congress. The cause for their celebration is because McMaster is seen as having staunch anti-Russian views unlike his ousted predecessor, Michael Flynn, who reportedly wanted to restore friendly relations with Moscow. McMasters appointment marks a 100 per cent threat to Russia, said Franz Klintsevich, the First Deputy Chairman of Russias Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security. Klintsevich added that Washingtons Russophobia is increasing, not weakening. Not surprisingly given the relentless anti-Russian news saturating Western media, a new Gallup poll found that favorability among ordinary Americans towards Russia has plummeted. Four years ago, some 50 per cent of Americans had a friendly view of Russia. Now, the figure is down to 28 per cent. This is a clear example of perception management, whereby a constant flow of negative, fear-mongering information results in a diminished view of Russia. This is exactly how a propaganda system is supposed to work. Again, all the allegations against Russia are either baseless or completely fabricated. For instance, Russia did not invade Ukraine, as claimed. It was the US-led NATO alliance that orchestrated the violent overthrow of an elected government in 2014. The Western-backed regime that seized power in Kiev has been waging a genocidal war of aggression on ethnic Russians in eastern Ukraine ever since. Yet Western media and governments upturn reality and accuse Russia of destabilizing Ukraine. When people are so prone to powers of persuasion against all reason and reality then that is proof of brainwashing. When a Russian communications naval vessel in international waters off Americas east coast is hysterically portrayed as sinister, yet US warships are daily patrolling Russias Black Sea without a hint of disquiet among Western media then, again, the dissonance should raise skepticism. Or when Russia is constantly accused of electoral interference in Western countries and of broadcasting fake news yet Western media themselves pump out fake news on Iraq, Syria, Libya, Iran and much more, and dont even ponder that the United States is documented to have illegally interfered in the elections of over 80 nations then we should at least suspect there is something wrong with this informational picture. Not For Profit - For Global Justice - Since 2001 Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Russophobia has become such a pathological condition in Western discourse its not even recognized. This week, the London-based rights group Amnesty International published its annual report. It deplored powerful narratives of blame, fear and scapegoating spreading across the globe. And it attributed rising political populism across the West as being responsible for all sorts of ills, mentioning Islamophobia, racism, sexism, xenophobia and misogyny. Amazingly, perhaps the single most dangerous powerful narrative of blame, fear and scapegoating operating in the world is Russophobia and it is not even mentioned by Amnesty. Of course, being a pro-Western lobby group no doubt conditions the rights organization to being blind to or indeed complicit in the mindset of Russophobia. That it could ignore such a destructive, insidious phobia shows how effective the Western propaganda system is. Contained in Russophobia is demonization and aggression towards the planets second-biggest nuclear power. Also contained is an induced acquiescence among Western public to accept this recklessly provocative mindset as somehow normal. Granted, there are many people within Western states who dissent from the systematic slander of Russia. Many of these people are no doubt switching off traditional Western news programming (sic) and turning on Russian alternatives despite Western disparagement of Russian outlets. Nevertheless, what we have are entire Western states, their governments and media ranting day in, day out about alleged Russian malfeasance around the globe. Defeating Western-backed terror groups in Syria is traduced to become supporting a tyrant dictator. Helping oppressed ethnic Russians in Donbas is twisted into destabilizing Ukraine. Protecting Russian sovereign territory against aggressive NATO escalation on its borders is inverted to become threatening Europe. Not even the most authoritarian regime imaginable could invent such an efficacious propaganda system, ironically managed by an information market that declares itself free and independent news. Western Russophobia has become psychotic because the fake news and lies are not even recognized as such. Indeed they are believed to be the truth. Instead of setting free, this truth is enslavement into accepting anything even a nuclear war. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Russia calls for 'post-West' world order: Lavrov : Lavrov said that the time when the West called the shots was over and, dismissing NATO as a relic of the Cold War, added: "I hope that (the world) will choose a democratic world order -- a post-West one -- in which each country is defined by its sovereignty." Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load. What's your response? - Scroll down to add / read comments Note to ICH community. We are testing this new comment section. We appreciate your sharing your experience regarding this new system. Please read our Comment Policy before posting - It is unacceptable to slander, smear or engage in personal attacks on authors of articles posted on ICH. Those engaging in that behavior will be banned from the comment section. Home Sign up for our FREE Daily Email Newsletter "A Deportation Force on Steroids" Millions of Immigrants Could Face Removal Under New Trump Rules By Margo Schlanger and Democracy Now! February 23, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - " Democracy Now! " - The White House is moving to greatly expand the Department of Homeland Securitys authority to deport millions of undocumented immigrants and to increase the number of immigration and Border Patrol agents by 15,000. Under rules issued on Tuesday, almost any undocumented person in the country could be detained and deported, even if they have never committed a crime. A traffic violation or mere suspicion of committing a crime could now be grounds for deportation. Any immigrant who cannot prove they have been in the United States for over two years could be deported without a hearing. Any migrant, regardless of their nationality, who crosses the southern border will be deported to Mexico while they await deportation hearings. The memos also call for the prosecution of parents who seek to reunite their family by using smugglers to bring their children into the country. We speak to University of Michigan Law School professor Margo Schlanger, who served as the head of civil rights and civil liberties at the Department of Homeland Security, and Cesar Vargas, co-director of DREAM Action Coalition. He is New York states first openly undocumented attorney. Transcript AMY GOODMAN : The White House is moving to greatly expand the Department of Homeland Securitys authority to deport millions of undocumented immigrants and to increase the number of immigration and Border Patrol agents by 15,000. Under rules issued on Tuesday, almost any undocumented person in the country could be detained and deported, even if theyve never committed a crime. A traffic violation or mere suspicion of committing a crime could now be grounds for deportation. Any immigrant who cannot prove theyve been in the United States for over two years could be deported without a hearing. Any migrant, regardless of their nationality, who crosses the southern border will be deported to Mexico while they await deportation hearings. The memos also call for the prosecution of parents who seek to reunite their family by using smugglers to bring their children into the United States. One of the memos states, quote, "With extremely limited exceptions, DHS will not exempt classes or categories of removal aliens from potential enforcement." One exception to that are the DREAMers. According to the White House, protections will remain in place, for now, for some immigrants who came to the United States as children without papers, as long as they dont commit any crimes. On Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said the president wanted to "take the shackles off" the nations immigration agents. PRESS SECRETARY SEAN SPICER: The president needed to give guidance, especially after what they went through in the last administration, where there were so many carve-outs that ICE agents and CBP members didnthad to figure out each individual, whether or not they fit in a particular category, and they could adjudicate that case. The president wanted to take the shackles off individuals in these agencies and say, "You have a mission. There are laws that need to be followed. You should do your mission and follow the law." AMY GOODMAN: Many immigrant rights activists fear the memos will lead to the creation of a deportation force that President Trump talked about while running for president. DONALD TRUMP: We are going to have a deportation force. ... MIKA BRZEZINSKI: How are you going to pay for this? DONALD TRUMP: Itsvery inexpensively. MIKA BRZEZINSKI: Are they going to be ripped out of their homes? How? DONALD TRUMP: Can I tell you? Theyre going back where they came. If they came from a certain country, theyre going to be brought back to that country. Thats the way its supposed to be. AMY GOODMAN: That was Donald Trump being questioned by MSNBCs Mika Brzezinski in 2015. Were joined now by two guests. In Ann Arbor, Michigan, at the University of Michigan, were joined by Margo Schlanger, professor of law at the University of Michigan Law School. She served in the Obama administration as the head of civil rights and civil liberties at the Department of Homeland Security. Here in New York, were joined by Cesar Vargas, who is co-director of DREAM Action Coalition. He is New York states first openly undocumented attorney. We welcome you both to Democracy Now! Cesar, your response first to what has been now presented by the Department of Homeland Security? CESAR VARGAS: Well, foremost, we are seeing now a deportation force on steroids, because the fact is that the deportation force was created back, you know, with George Bush, but also strengthened with President Obama, who deported more people than any president in American history. So, Donald Trump has really taken the keys of this deportation machine, and refueling it and really aggressively pursuing and targeting every immigrant. And when he talks about "Not all. Were just going to go after the bad ones, after the rapists, the criminals," well, hes not targeting just those violent criminals, but hes targeting potentially parents, hard-working children, students and veterans, who he claims to be a supporter of, champion of veterans. He is now about to deport veterans and the families of these veterans. So we are seeing Donald Trump taking the keys of an aggressive deportation machine, that President Obama created, and taking it over 100 miles per hour. AMY GOODMAN: Can you, Professor Margo Schlanger, talk about what you think are the critical guidelines here and what they mean for millions of immigrants in the United States? Not For Profit - For Global Justice - Since 2001 Get Our Free Daily Newsletter MARGO SCHLANGER: Well, the problem is, there really arent guidelines. What the president has done, and what DHS has now confirmed, is rendered basically every person whos here out of status a prospect for deportation. And so, its everyone. If you read through what are supposed to be the priorities, they reach pretty much everybody. So, what used to be the limits on deportation, which was a combination of prioritization and capacity, the capacity of the system to process people, hes gotten rid of the prioritization, and hes amping up capacity in a bunch of different ways. Hes speeding the kinds of deportations that happen, without any court process at all. And hes expanding detention massively to put people in detention while they wait for their court process. And hes talked about nowthe word that he uses is "surging" the judicial capacity in the immigration courts, which are these kind of administrative courts. So, pretty much we should expect to see anybody whos not a DREAMer is now subject to the possibility of deportation. And the deportation machinery, it hasnt ramped up yet, but its going to ramp up starting, you know, today. AMY GOODMAN: How does, Margo Schlanger, this differ from what happened under President Obama? You worked for, ultimately, President Obama. You worked at the Department of Homeland Security. MARGO SCHLANGER: Yeah. So, its true that President Obama inherited a kind of deportation capacity of about as many as 400,000 people a year and used that capacity for a number of years, although in the last two or two the numbers were down a lot. The difference was that the Obama administration set up specific priorities and tried to focus on people who had done something wrong in addition to being here out of status, as well as, I should say, very recent entrants, people who had only been here a few days. So, what this is doing is its describing as recent entrants people who have been here up to two years, which is a pretty long time, and getting rid of the focus on the people who have done something wrong. So, instead of focusing, if youre doing speeding enforcement on the people driving 95 miles an hour, now were going to go after people who are going 56. AMY GOODMAN: On Monday, we spoke with Franco Ordonez , the McClatchy reporter who first reported on the leaked DHS memos, asking him about the policies that were seeing now, may have been foreshadowed by a memo that the now sitting Attorney General Jeff Sessions sent to the Obama administration last year. FRANCO ORDONEZ: I got a hold of this letter that youre referring to that Jeff Sessions wrote in July of 2016. And it basically outlines two of those most controversial points that we were talking about earlier. Jeff Sessions, in his letter, talked about the 60 percent of parents thatpardon me, the 60 percent of unaccompanied minors who come to the United States who eventually end up meeting with their parents, who are here illegally, and he specifically questioned then-Secretary Jeh Johnson and then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch why they were not being, quote-unquote, according to them, "humanely" removed from the country. He also, in those letters, pointed out that their parents were subject to prosecution. AMY GOODMAN: Thats Franco Ordonez, the McClatchy reporter who first reported on the leaked memo last year of Sessions, who is now the attorney general. CESAR VARGAS: Yeah. AMY GOODMAN: Cesar? CESAR VARGAS: And see, that is the alarming part of what were seeing with this deportation force, is that Donald Trumps style of managing has been always about "Well, this is what I want. You execute it." And what were seeing now is many staffers that used to work for Senator Jeff Sessions, Representative Bob Goodlatte, who was the chair of the immigration Judiciary Committee, who, many of them, have been immigration hawks, anti-immigrant policies, are now leading a lot of this execution. And Donald Trump is just signing all these executive orders or is just signingthe DHS secretary of homeland security is just signing this, without really realizing whats in those things. All Donald Trump just cares about is the show. He cares about just the signing ceremony. But he doesnt really care whats in those memos, particularly because now weand specifically, we are seeing that Donald Trumps recent DHS memos take away a lot of protections that verythat families, American families, rely. For example, I have many clients who arethe sons or children are in the military, spouses, but now theyre not going to be able to be protected because of the possible elimination of these programs. So we are seeing now American families, military families, who are no longer going to be able to apply for this type of protection to change their immigration status. AMY GOODMAN: So explain what you mean by a military family. CESAR VARGAS: So, for example, theres a policy called parole in place thats discretionary, that allows the U.S. government to say, "OK, youre in this country without documentation. We are going to allow you to stay here, change your immigration to become a citizen, because you are the spouse or children of a U.S. servicemember." AMY GOODMAN: So the servicemember could be right now in Afghanistan, in Iraq? CESAR VARGAS: And now were seeing that many of these servicemembers, whether theyre Marines or Armymany of my clients tell me, "Im more afraid of my government tearing my family apart than the foreign enemy abroad." And now, see, thats exactly the alarming part that Donald Trump cannot see. And I dont think hes going to see, because hes going to allow many of the underlings that work for Senator Jeff Sessions and many of these immigrationanti-immigration groups really leading the policy, and Donald Trump is just signing without really looking at whats in the papers. AMY GOODMAN: Cesar Vargas, what about you? You, yourself? Youre a lawyer. Youre representing immigrants who are threatened. But you, yourself, are threatened. CESAR VARGAS: Yeah. And, you know, I do have DACA. And I am what people would consider a DREAMer. But I think, for me, its definitely living in a very different climate, because now my mom calls me, who is also undocumented, to make sure if Im OK. I call her to make sure shes OK. I give her a rundown of her rights. And it is definitely alarming. Its a much more different climate of fear. And for me, you know, we cannot let fear dictate what were going to do in the next four years. AMY GOODMAN: When you say you give her a rundown of her rights, what do you say if agents come knocking on your door? CESAR VARGAS: Well, just as Ive been doing Know Your Rights forums across the country, and particularly here in New York City on Staten Island, I give her a little card that says, "Mom, you have a right to remain silent. If an immigration agent comes to the door, do not open the door. Tell them to give you the warrant, and just sayyou know, give them my number." AMY GOODMAN: Will they have a warrant? CESAR VARGAS: If they have. Right? And I thinkshe doesnt know. She doesnt speak English. But I tell her, "Just give her my number." But she calls me all the time, making sure that Im OK. So this is the type of atmosphere that were living, where people without criminal records or people with minor criminal violations are really afraid and in panic, and because theres also the AMY GOODMAN: And what about this issue of suspected crimes? I mean, if youre charged with a crime, thats not convicted. Thats included. Of course, if youre convicted. Even if youre suspected of a crime. CESAR VARGAS: Yeah, and this is where were seeing an MARGO SCHLANGER: Yeah, its actually CESAR VARGAS: Go ahead. MARGO SCHLANGER: Yeah, its actually worse than that. AMY GOODMAN: Professor Schlanger? MARGO SCHLANGER: Its actually worse than that, because its not just suspected of a crime. Theres also a piece of the prioritization which says if youve misled any federal agency about anything, which means if youve been working and youve used a fake Social Security number or anything like that, youre probablyalmost certainly, youre within the prioritization. So, its pretty much everybody. I mean, you know, itsthis is the end of prioritization. Thats what were watching. The only priorities that are staying unthreatenedand even then, they are threatenedbut the only ones who are not explicitly threatened by the memo are the DREAMers. Everybody else is in the sights of deportation machine at this point. AMY GOODMAN: And yet, Daniel Ramirez, the DREAMer, the young man, 23 years old, who has DACA, in Washington state, he was imprisoned. MARGO SCHLANGER: Thats right. The administration says that if somebody does something bad, commits a crime or is a member of a gang, theyre retaining the right to pull DACA away. And they say thats true for Mr. Ramirez. His lawyers say that he wasthat thats completely false. And so theyre having that argument in front of a federal court right now. AMY GOODMAN: The new DHS memos explicitly state that immigrantsimmigrants protected under President Obamas program DACA, as you said, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, are exempt, but these new DHS documents come on the heels of this arrest of Daniel Ramirez. And I wanted to turn to a comment. We went to Washington state to talk to people there. His arrest alarmed immigrant communities, who still fear the Trump administration might target other DACA recipients. This is Paul Quinones of the Washington Dream Act Coalition. PAUL QUINONES: If any of us had any doubt that Trumps regime has declared an open war and open season on all immigrants in this country, that doubt should have evaporated by now. With Daniels arrest, we have seen the federal government breaking its promise and showing that it cannot be trusted. AMY GOODMAN: Cesar Vargas? CESAR VARGAS: We are seeing aagents enforcing a broken immigration system, that isdoes notis not able to differentiate between someone who has been living here for many years, contributing to the economy, paying taxes, and someone who is a murderer. And I think thats exactly the alarming part that were seeing in Daniels arrest, that its not just the violent criminals. Its this artificial creation of the good immigrant versus the bad immigrant, that is entangling everyone. AMY GOODMAN: You also have the situation where they say theyre going to take all of these immigrants and theyre going to deport them to Mexico, whether theyre from Guatemala or Honduras or El Salvador, to Mexico. Is this going to mean refugee camps, deportation camps in Mexico? Right now you have both Tillerson, the secretary of state, and Kelly, the head of the Department of Homeland Security, who is going to meet with Pena Nieto. I mean, clearly, President Trump couldnt meet with Pena Nieto, right? The Mexican president canceled his meeting with Trump. Margo Schlanger, if you could respond? MARGO SCHLANGER: Yeah, so, I mean, well see what happens with that plan. I mean, Mexico would have to agree to take all of these people, who arent from Mexico, who passed through Mexico to get to the United States. And I dont, my own self, understand why they would agree to that. But just suppose it did happen. Its an appalling idea. You know, the point of an immigration proceeding, the point of doing that in front of an immigration judge, is that some people have a claim to be here. And we have complicated laws where they are entitled to due process and to assert that claim and have it fairly adjudicated. If we first deport and then hold a hearing, its justits a farce. The idea that that hearing is actually going to be accurately able to adjudicate their status is justits laughable. And so, what were doing is were giving upwere substituting a pretense at due process for the real thing, even if Mexico agrees to take these people. And I dont see why Mexico would agree to that. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load. What's your response? - Scroll down to add / read comments Note to ICH community. We are testing this new comment section. We appreciate your sharing your experience regarding this new system. Please read our Comment Policy before posting - It is unacceptable to slander, smear or engage in personal attacks on authors of articles posted on ICH. Those engaging in that behavior will be banned from the comment section. Poll: Majority In U.S. Worried About War, Feel Favorably Toward NATO By Hannah Hartig, John Lapinski and Stephanie Perry February 23, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - " NBC" - Nearly two-thirds of Americans, divided sharply along party lines, are worried that the United States will become engaged in a major war in the next four years, according to results from the latest NBC News| SurveyMonkey poll. NBC News|SurveyMonkey Poll A plurality, 36 percent, are very worried about the United States' becoming engaged in a major war in the next four years, while 30 percent are somewhat worried. A quarter are not too worried, and just 8 percent are not at all worried. While the vast majority of Democrats and Democratic-leaning Americans say they are worried (88 percent), Republicans and Republican-leaners are much less worried. About 4 in 10 say they are worried about a major war, while 60 percent say they are not worried. During President Donald Trump's inaugural address, he promised an "America First" approach to policymaking that would prioritize national interest in foreign affairs. NBC News|SurveyMonkey Poll As the above chart shows, however, a majority of Americans (62 percent) think that U.S. should take into account the interests of its allies, even if it means making compromises with them. At the Munich Security Conference last week, Vice President Mike Pence and Defense Secretary James Mattis spent some time reassuring European allies of the United States' commitment to NATO and the European Union. An overwhelming majority of Americans agree that NATO is good for the United States, with strong majorities from both parties saying the alliance is beneficial. NBC News|SurveyMonkey Poll Since Trump assumed office, some foreign leaders, like German Chancellor Angela Merkel, have called for strengthening international cooperative bodies like the United Nations, as well as continued support for a multilateral approach in the global arena. A majority of Americans hold favorable views of the United Nations; 19 percent say they have a very favorable view of the international organization, and 42 percent say they have a somewhat favorable view. Not For Profit - For Global Justice - Since 2001 Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Russia has continued to be in the spotlight as former national security adviser Michael Flynn resigned last week after controversy over his contact with Russian diplomats. While Trump has argued that better relations with Russia would be positive for the United States, most Americans see Russia as adversarial. NBC News|SurveyMonkey Poll Overall, 61 percent of Americans consider Russia unfriendly or an enemy of the United States. Only 7 percent consider Russia to be an ally, and 28 percent consider the country friendly but not an ally. There are sharp partisan differences on Russia, however. NBC News|SurveyMonkey Poll Overall, Republicans and Republican-leaners are split on whether they think Russia is friendly or an ally (50 percent), while 49 percent think Russia is unfriendly or an enemy of the United States. Democrats and Democratic-leaners think the opposite 75 percent consider Russia to be unfriendly or an enemy. Taking a closer look at Republicans on this issue, there are divisions by age. NBC News|SurveyMonkey Poll While 73 percent of Republicans under 30 have a positive view of Russia's relationship with the United States, just 31 percent of Republicans 65 and older say Russia is friendly or an ally. Of course, the age divide could be due in part to older Americans' experience with the Cold War. The Chickens Have Come Home to Roost By Judge Andrew P. Napolitano February 23, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Last week, The Wall Street Journal revealed that members of the intelligence community part of the deep state, the unseen government within the government that does not change with elections now have acquired so much data on everyone in America that they can selectively reveal it to reward their friends and harm their foes. Their principal foe today is the president of the United States. Liberty is rarely lost overnight. The wall of tyranny often begins with benign building blocks of safety each one lying on top of a predecessor eventually collectively constituting an impediment to the exercise of free choices by free people, often not even recognized until it is too late. Here is the back story. In the pre-Revolutionary era, British courts in London secretly issued general warrants to British government agents in America. The warrants were not based on any probable cause of crime or individual articulable suspicion; they did not name the person or thing to be seized or identify the place to be searched. They authorized agents to search where they wished and seize what they found. The use of general warrants was so offensive to our Colonial ancestors that it whipped up more serious opposition to British rule and support for the revolutionaries than the "no taxation without representation" argument did. And when it came time for Americans to write the Constitution, they prohibited general warrants in the Fourth Amendment, the whole purpose of which was to guarantee the right to be left alone by forcing the government to focus on bad guys and prohibit it from engaging in fishing expeditions. But the fishing expeditions would come. In 1978, Congress passed the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which was intended to rein in the government spying on Americans that had been unleashed by the Nixon administration. FISA established a secret court and permitted it to issue warrants authorizing spying on agents of foreign governments when physically present in the United States. People born in foreign countries who are here for benevolent or benign or even evil purposes have the same constitutional protections as those of us born here. That's because the critical parts of the Constitution that insulate human freedom from the government's reach protect "persons," not just citizens. But FISA ignored that. And FISA was easy for the government to justify. It was a pullback from Richard Nixon's lawlessness. It required the feds to seek a warrant from federal judges. The targets were not Americans. Never mind, the argument went, that FISA has no requirement of showing any probable cause of crime or even articulable suspicion on the part of the foreign target; this will keep us safe. Besides, the government insisted, it can't be used against Americans. That argument was bought by presidents, members of Congress and nearly all federal courts that examined it. We don't know whether the authors of this scheme really wanted federal spies to be able to spy on anyone at will, but that is where we are today. Through secret courts whose judges cannot keep records of their own decisions and secret permissions by select committees of Congress whose members cannot tell their constituents or other members of Congress what they have learned in secret, FISA has morphed so as to authorize spying down a slippery slope of targets, from foreign agents to all foreigners to anyone who communicates with foreigners to anyone capable of communicating with them. The surveillance state regime today permits America's 60,000 military and civilian domestic spies to access in real time all the landline and mobile telephone calls and all the desktop and mobile device keystrokes and all the digital data created and used by anyone in the United States. The targets today are not just ordinary Americans; they are justices on the Supreme Court, military brass in the Pentagon, agents in the FBI, local police in cities and towns, and the man in the Oval Office. The British system that arguably impelled our secession in 1776 is now here on steroids. Enter the outsider as president. Donald Trump has condemned the spying and leaking, as he is a victim of it. While he was president-elect, the spies told him they knew of his alleged misbehaviors vehemently denied in a Moscow hotel room. Last week, his White House staff was shaken by what the spies did with what they learned from a former Trump aide. Trump's former national security adviser, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, himself a former military spy, spoke to the Russian ambassador to the United States in December via telephone in Trump Tower. It was a benign conversation. He knew it was being monitored, as he is a former monitor of such communications. But he mistakenly thought that those who were monitoring him were patriots as he is. They were not. They violated federal law by revealing in part what Flynn had said, and they did so in a manner to embarrass and infuriate Trump. Why would they do this? Perhaps because they feared Flynn's being in the White House, since he knows the power and depth of the deep state. Perhaps to send a message to Trump because he once compared American spies to Nazis. Perhaps because they believe that their judgment of the foreign dangers America faces is superior to the president's. Perhaps because they hate and fear the outsider in the White House. Not For Profit - For Global Justice - Since 2001 Get Our Free Daily Newsletter The chickens have come home to roost. In our misguided efforts to keep the country safe, we have neglected to keep it free. We have enabled a deep state to become powerful enough to control a powerful president. We have placed so much data and so much power in the hands of unelected, unaccountable, opaque spies that they can use it as they see fit even to the point of committing federal felonies. Now some have boasted that they can manipulate and thus control the president of the United States by selectively revealing and concealing what they know about anyone, including the president himself. Ten Examples of Resistance to Government Raids By Bill Quigley February 23, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Resistance to unjust government action is the duty of all people who care about human rights. As Dr. King reminded us in his letter from a Birmingham jail , Never forget that everything Hitler did in Germany was legal. It is now clear that Latinos and Muslims are Trumps first target for government actions. The orders just released put ICE ( Immigration and Customs Enforcement ) and US Customs and Border Protection on steroids. These new policies also will have a devastating impact on LGBTQ , as well as Black and Muslim communities . Here are ten recent examples of how people are directly resisting. One. Blocking vehicles of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A coalition of undocumented immigrants, faith leaders and other allies blocked a bus in San Francisco which was full of people scheduled for deportation. Other buses were blocked in Arizona and Texas . People blocked streets outside of ICE facilities in Los Angeles . Two. People have engaged in civil disobedience inside border highway checkpoints to deter immigration checks. People have called neighbors to warn them that ICE is in the neighborhood and held up signs on highways that ICE is checking cars ahead. Three. Cities refusing to cooperate with immigration enforcement and targeting. Hundreds of local governments have policies limiting cooperation with immigration enforcement. Four. Colleges and universities declining to cooperate with immigration authorities and declare themselves sanctuary campuses. Dozens of schools have declared themselves sanctuary campuses and over a hundred more are considering some form of resistance to immigration enforcement. Five. Churches sheltering and protecting immigrants scheduled for deportation in their sanctuary. Over a dozen churches are already doing this with hundreds more considering sanctuary. The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles declared itself a Sanctuary Diocese in December 2016 and pledged to defend immigrants, and others targeted for their status. Six. Detained people demanding investigation into illegal actions. Over 400 detained immigrants in Broward County Florida wrote and publicized a letter to government officials challenging the legality and conditions of their confinement. Seven. Divesting from stocks of private prisons. Private prison companies CCA and GEO have pushed for building more prisons for immigrants and have profited accordingly. Columbia University became the first university to divest from companies which operate private prisons. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Eight. Lawyers have volunteered to defend people facing deportation. People with lawyers are much less likely to be deported yet only 37 percent of people facing deportation have an attorney and of those already in jail the percentage drops to 14 percent. Los Angeles has created its own fund to provide legal aid to those facing deportations. Other groups like the American Bar Association recruit and train volunteer lawyers to help. Know Your Rights sessions are also very helpful. Here are CAIR Know Your Rights materials for Muslims . Here are Know Your Rights materials for immigrants from the National Immigration Law Center . Nine. Restaurants declaring themselves safe space sanctuaries for undocumented and LGBTQ workers. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 25 percent of workers in restaurants are Latino. Ten. Sit-ins at elected and appointed officials at government buildings. Bodegas have gone on strike . Eleven. Social self-defense. Jeremy Brecher pointed out that decades ago communities in Poland organized themselves into loose voluntary networks called Committees for Social Self-Defense to resist unjust government targeting. This opens resistance in many new forms in addition to the ones identified above including: setting up text networks for allies to come to the scene of ICE deportation raids, to document and hopefully stop the raids; identifying and picketing homes of particularly aggressive ICE leaders; providing medical, legal and financial assistance to help shelter people on the run from authorities; and boycotting businesses and politicians that cooperate with ICE. Resist! For more information on how, check out some of the many organizations already resisting targeting and deportations. Mijente offers creative ideas and examples for action to expand the idea of sanctuary to protect all residents from criminalization and deportation. National Day Laborer Network has many resources for communities seeking to stop deportations. Central to the campus sanctuary movement is MovementCosecha . The National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild provides resources for lawyers. Faith communities looking into this should connect with the Sanctuary Movement . Puente Arizona is a great example of grassroots organizing in local communities. Bill Quigley, Law Professor, Loyola University New Orleans Home Sign up for our FREE Daily Email Newsletter Liberals Beware: Lie Down With Dogs, Get Up With Fleas By Mike Whitney February 23, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - " Counterpunch " - The New York Times is currently engaged in one of its most ambitious projects: Removing a sitting president from office. In fact, Times columnist Nicolas Kristof even said as much in a recent article titled How Can We Get Rid of Trump Frankly, its an idea that I find attractive, mainly because I think Trumps views on immigration, the environment, human rights, civil liberties and deregulation are so uniformly horrible, they could destroy the country. But the Times objections are different from my own. The reason the Times wants Trump removed is because Trump wants to normalize relations with Russia which threatens to undermine Washingtons effort to project US power deeper into Central Asia. Trumps decision to normalize relations with Moscow poses a direct threat to Washingtons broader imperial strategy to control Chinas growth, topple Putin, spread military bases across Central Asia, implement trade agreements that maintain the dominant role of western-owned mega-corporations, and derail attempts by Russia and China to link the wealthy EU to Asia by expanding the web of pipeline corridors and high-speed rail that will draw the continents closer together creating the largest and most populous free trade zone the world has ever seen. This is what the US foreign policy establishment and, by inclusion, the Times are trying to avoid at all cost. The economic integration of Asia and Europe must be blocked to preserve Washingtons hegemonic grip on world power. Thats the whole deal in a nutshell. So dont be fooled, the Times doesnt care any more about the suffering of immigrant families who have been victimized by Trumps extremist policies than they do about the three million refugees that have fled Americas wars in Libya and Syria. The fact that the Times continues to mischaracterize this vast human exodus as some sort of natural disaster instead of the predictable spillover from persistent US aggression, just confirms the fact that the Times is not a reliable source of unbiased information at all. It is a political publication that crafts a political narrative reflecting the views of politically-minded elites whose strategic objectives cannot be achieved without more brainwashing, more coercion and more war. Lets consider, for a minute, the Times article that precipitated the current furor over Trumps alleged connection to Russian intelligence. This is the article thats been held up by numerous members of congress and the media as ironclad proof of Trumps collusion with Moscow. Heres an excerpt from the article: Phone records and intercepted calls show that members of Donald J. Trumps 2016 presidential campaign and other Trump associates had repeated contacts with senior Russian intelligence officials in the year before the election, according to four current and former American officials. American law enforcement and intelligence agencies intercepted the communications around the same time they were discovering evidence that Russia was trying to disrupt the presidential election by hacking into the Democratic National Committee, three of the officials said. The intelligence agencies then sought to learn whether the Trump campaign was colluding with the Russians on the hacking or other efforts to influence the election. (Trump Campaign Aides Had Repeated Contacts With Russian Intelligence, New York Times) Theres no reason to read any further, because the entire article follows this same basic pattern, that is, the article is shaped to create the impression that the Trump camp teamed up with the Russians to torpedo Hillarys campaign. Unfortunately, the Times presents no hard evidence that the call logs and intercepted communications (that) are part of a larger trove of information that the F.B.I. even exist. Nor have they proved that anyone in the Trump camp ever communicated with people in Russia (excluding Michael Flynn, of course) let alone, collaborated to undermine the presidential election. Its all 100% uncorroborated fluff. So whats going on here? Why would the Times run an article alleging impeachable offenses which has sharpened the attacks on Trump by his critics in the media, the congress and in foreign capitals without providing any evidence that their claims are true? None of the intelligence agents cited in the article have come forward and identified themselves (as one might expect when the charges are this serious), and as the Times admits, The F.B.I. declined to comment. So they have nothing, right? One can only conclude that the real intention of the article was to generate as much suspicion as possible in order to damage to Trump as much as possible without really saying much of anything, that is, to create the impression of wrongdoing without providing any proof of wrongdoing. And, in that regard, the Times certainly succeeded. It has been a very impressive smear campaign. (By the way, in a Sunday morning interview on Fox News White House chief of staff Reince Priebus said that top intelligence officials told him that their was no collusion between Trumps people and Russia. Priebus said that top-level people, in the intelligence community told him that that story in the New York Times is complete garbage. And quite frankly, they used different words than that. Not surprisingly, Fox News host Chris Wallace demanded that Priebus reveal his sources, a demand that Wallace never made of the Times.) Heres more from the Times piece: The intercepted calls are different from the wiretapped conversations last year between Michael T. Flynn, Mr. Trumps former national security adviser, and Sergey I. Kislyak, Russias ambassador to the United States. In those calls, which led to Mr. Flynns resignation on Monday night, the two men discussed sanctions that the Obama administration imposed on Russia in December. More disinformation. So far, all we know about Flynns conversations was that he said that the administration would review the newly-imposed sanctions when after Trump was sworn in as president. Theres no evidence at all that Flynn did something illegal or in violation of the Logan Act. None. The media has used the incident to suggest that illicit activities had taken place when in fact, there is no evidence of wrongdoing at all. As far as we know, Flynn was just doing his job. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Whats more interesting is the fact that Obama decided to impose the new sanctions on Russia in late December (after Trump had already been elected) knowing that Trump probably wouldnt support the sanctions. That seems strange, dont you think? Why would Obama do something so disrespectful at the eleventh hour unless he had something else up his sleeve? Was Obama setting a trap to get rid of the man who was the driving-force behind better relations with Russia? (Flynn) I dont know, but the facts are pretty suspicious. First, Obama imposed the sanctions in late December knowing that Trump would oppose them. Second, Obama knew that Russia would want to discuss the sanctions with Flynn, right? Right. So was it a trap set by Obama to trip-up Flynn? Maybe yes, maybe no. Its hard to say. But what we know is that 17 days before Obama left office, he issued an executive order expanding the powers of the NSA to share globally intercepted personal communications with the governments 16 other intelligence agencies before applying privacy protections. (NYT) Why does that matter? It matters because Flynn had already had his conversation with the Russian ambassador, so if the Intel agency that illegally gathered the information wanted to escape prosecution, the best way to do that would be to spread the information around to other agencies making it impossible to hold any one agency accountable. Simply put: They were taking the precautionary step of removing their bloody fingerprints from the murder weapon. Check this out from Zero Hedge: According to civil rights expert and prominent First Amendment Supreme Court lawyer, Jay Sekulow, what the agencies did by leaking the Trump Administration information was not only illegal but almost becomes a soft coup, one which was spurred by the last minute rule-change by Obama, who intentionally made it far easier for leaks to propagate, and next to impossible to catch those responsible for the leaks This is his explanation: There was a sea-change here at the NSA with an order that came from president Obama 17 days before he left office where he allowed the NSA who used to control the data, it now goes to 16 other agencies and that just festered this whole leaking situation, and that happened on the way out, as the president was leaving the office. Why did the Obama administration wait until it had 17 days left in their administration to put this order in place if they thought it was so important. They had 8 years, they didnt do it, number one. Number two, it changed the exiting rule which was an executive order dating back to Ronald Reagan, that has been in place until 17 days before the Obama administration was going to end, that said the NSA gets the raw data, and they determine dissemination. Instead, this change that the president put in place, signed off by the way by James Clapper on December 15, 2016, signed off by Loretta Lynch the Attorney General January 3, 2017, they decide that now 16 agencies can get the raw data and what that does is almost creates a shadow government. You have all these people who are not agreeing with President Trumps position, so it just festers more leaks. If they had a justification for this, wonderful, why didnt they do it 8 years ago, 4 years ago, 3 years ago. Yet they wait until 17 days left. One potential answer: They knew they had a smoking gun, and were working to make it easier to enable the information to be leaked despite the clearly criminal consequences of such dissemination. ( Jay Sekulow: Obama Should Be Held Accountable For The Soft Coup Against Trump , Zero Hedge) Its an intriguing twist to the larger story, but it is not one that I can independently verify. Besides, what really concerns me is the emerging alliance between the Dems, the agenda-driven media, the deep-state agencies, the all-powerful foreign policy establishment and the progressives that are desperate to get rid of Trump by hook or crook. Glenn Greenwald summed it up perfectly in a recent post at The Intercept. He said: I happen to think that the Trump presidency is extremely dangerous. They want to dismantle the environment. They want to eliminate the safety net. They want to empower billionaires. They want to enact bigoted policies against Muslims and immigrants and so many others. And it is important to resist them. (But) if youre somebody who believes that both the CIA and the deep state, on the one hand, and the Trump presidency, on the other, are extremely dangerous, as I do, theres a huge difference between the two, which is that Trump was democratically elected and is subject to democratic controls But on the other hand, the CIA was elected by nobody. Theyre barely subject to democratic controls at all. And so, to urge that the CIA and the intelligence community empower itself to undermine the elected branches of government is insanity. That is a prescription for destroying democracy overnight in the name of saving it. ( Greenwald: Empowering the Deep State to Undermine Trump is Prescription for Destroying Democracy , Democracy Now) In other words, if you lie down with dogs, youll get up with fleas. Leftists should avoid the temptation of aligning themselves with groups and agencies that might help them achieve their short-term goal of removing Trump, but ultimately move them closer to a de facto 1984 lock-down police state. Misplaced support for the deep state Russophobes will only strengthen the national security states stranglehold on power. Thats not a path to victory, its a path to annihilation. Mike Whitney lives in Washington state. He is a contributor to Hopeless: Barack Obama and the Politics of Illusion (AK Press). Hopeless is also available in a Kindle edition . He can be reached at fergiewhitney@msn.com . The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Are We Witnessing a Coup Operation Against the Trump White House?; Our intelligence apparatus is doing far more than stoking paranoia about the Russian bogeymanits threatening democracy. Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load. What's your response? - Scroll down to add / read comments Note to ICH community. We are testing this new comment section. We appreciate your sharing your experience regarding this new system. Please read our Comment Policy before posting - It is unacceptable to slander, smear or engage in personal attacks on authors of articles posted on ICH. Those engaging in that behavior will be banned from the comment section. Unknown gunmen on Wednesday kidnapped two German Archaeologists in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State According to reports, the foreigners were kidnapped while working inside a bush at Jenjela village. It was gathered that they also killed a local hunter who attempted to resist them from abducting the foreigners. Confirming the incident, The State Police Public Relations Officer, Aliyu Usman, said the two German nationals have been working with the Nok Archealogical Centre in Kargarko Local Government Area of Kaduna state for the past 10 years, where they have been conducting research on Nok Terracota and Artifacts. Aliyu added that the Germans were in company of the villagers while working inside the bush before the gunmen invaded the bush and took them away. He explained that adequate security had been provided for them since their arrival in the state, but in some cases, the foreigners would decide to move about freely with the villagers especially during their research work inside the bush. The Police Spokesperson said the Anti Kidnapping squad of the police and other special forces are already on the trail of the kidnappers with the hope of rescuing the victims. According to him, until the time of his report, no group had claim responsibility for the abduction of the German nationals. Work will soon begin on the Second Niger Bridge as the Federal Government has mobilized contractors to the site of the project. The cheering news was broken on Wednesday in Abuja by the Managing Director of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Mr. Uche Orji. At a press conference in Abuja, Orji said that the completion of the multi-billion naira Second Niger Bridge linking Asaba in Delta State and Onitsha in Anambra State would be done because the Federal Government was handling it with dispatch. He admitted that time had been lost in the execution of the project, but declared that with the mobilisation of contractors to the site, work would be accelerated on the project, adding that a new financing structure had been adopted. According to Orji, the Second Niger Bridge, I would say, went through a phase where there was a pause, as we went through a kind of transition from one government to another. We have reconciled most of the issues and we are working to get back on course with funding. I think the contractors have been mobilised once again and so they will get back to work. There is a new financing strategy which is being discussed, which we are driving along with the Federal Ministry of Works. Once that is agreed, you will see a significant progress on that bridge in the next couple of years. We did lose time, while we were trying to complete the transaction process and there are people who are working on this in the ministry. There was a bit of period of time loss but we are back on track. But the financing structure is changing and once this is approved, we will move faster, Orji said. Also yesterday, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved $38 million for the construction of the Nigeria-Cameroun border link bridge at Ekot-Ifiom in Cross River State. The consultancy services will cost additional $1.9 million. The project, which is supervised by the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, will be supported by the African Development Bank and is expected to improve relationship between Cameroun and Nigeria, especially in view of the International Court of Justice judgement over the Bakassi Peninsula. The Minister in charge, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), told journalists that it is part of the link road to Enugu-Abakiliki Highway which is already being completed and also part of the larger Lagos/Mombasa superhighway. He further explained that the Cameroun bridge is $38 million for the construction contract and $1.9 million for consultancy and supervision of the bridge under the African Development Bank procurement guidelines. Fashola said that another approval by FEC was the resuscitation and completion at a cost of N32 billion, of the Kaduna Eastern Bypass Highway which was started in 2002, and initially planned to have been completed in three years. The 50-kilometre dual carriage way with nine bridges over rivers and rail crossings, is yet to be complete 15 years after and the cost has escalated. When the project was first awarded in 2002 it was N16 billion. We have had to get approval for a N22 billion variation and that takes the total project cost now to N32 billion. Outgoing Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed, also announced FECs approval of the Revised National Policy on Environment which was first formulated in 1991 and last revised in 1999. The second revision is 2017. Mohammed explained that it has become imperative that we have this new policy framework because what we really wanted to do is to capture some of the emerging issues that have come since then as regards to environment. These concerns such as climate change, coastal erosion, desertification, erosion, pollution and insecurity which have been exacerbated by the struggles for environment resources, we see this in the country at all levels. She also disclosed that a team from her ministry had gone ahead to secure the site of a toxic dump in Delta State while relevant regulatory agencies are trying to fish out the culprits. Source: BreakingTimes Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.23 By Emil Ilgar Trend: During his visit to Iran's Khudafarin plants, Azerbaijans Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev said that the main agenda of his trip to Iran is to evaluate the investment opportunities in agriculture and tourism sector, Mehr news agency reported Feb. 23. Last December Irans parliament has ratified the agreement signed with Azerbaijan for cooperation in construction and operation of the Khudafarin and Giz Galasi hydro power plants on the Araz River and in using energy and water resources. The agreement was signed during Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevs visit to Tehran on Feb. 23. The Parliament of Azerbaijan ratified the agreement in June. The agreement proclaims the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and Iran, and equal rights for use of water and energy resources of Khudaferin and Giz Galasi hydro systems. Meanwhile, Iranian ICT Minister Mahmoud Vaezi had said that the statistics indicate 70 percent growth in Iran-Azerbaijan trade turnover. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Iran amounted to $15.77 million in January 2017, as compared to $9.56 million a year before, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee. Chinas 93-year-old Kung Fu Grandma has been practising martial arts for 89 years and says she has no plans to stop anytime soon. Zhejiang province resident Zhang Hexian, 93, dubbed the Kung Fu Grandma, said she started learning kung fu from her father when she was only a toddler. I started when I was four years old, Zhang told CNN. Its my family tradition that has lasted more than 300 years. I was born in 1924, at a time when China was at war with other countries, she said. So [kung fu] was also a good way to learn self defence. My dad took me to sleep at that time. When we woke up in the morning, we started practising kung fu in bed. I learned basic martial arts skills such as pushing palm and throwing a punch at an early age, Zhang told Chinese news agency CCTV. Zhang, whose hometown is known as the village of martial arts due to the popularity of kung fu, followed in her fathers footsteps by instructing her family. She said many of her family members have now moved away, so she teaches her neighbours. Zhang said she was amused to learn that she had become famous as the Kung Fu Grandma online. I never thought about being famous, she said. If people love kung fu, my family can teach them. We have been teaching people around here but I never imagined wed get the attention of others around the world. A lead investigator with the Department of State Service, DSS, Mr. Babatunde Adepoju, on Tuesday, revealed before an Abuja High Court at Maitama, that a lawyer that represented President Muhammadu Buhari during his certificate saga, offered N500, 000 to Justice Adeniyi Ademola who is facing corruption charges. President Muhammadu Buhari Adepoju testified as the sixteenth prosecution witness, PW- 16, in the ongoing trial of Justice Ademola, his wife, Olabowale, and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Joe Agi. The defendants are answering to an18-count corruption charge the Federal Government preferred against them. The embattled Judge who hitherto served at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court before he was asked to temporarily step down from the bench by the National Judicial Council, NJC, was among other allegations, accused of receiving gratifications from Agi to the tune of N38.5m, including a BMW Saloon 320i car gift valued at N8.5million. The Judge allegedly received the car which was purchased from Coscharis Motors Ltd on January 5, 2015, through his son, Ademide. At the resumed hearing of the case on Tuesday, the PW-16, told the trial court that investigation by the DSS showed that the N8.5m car was not the only gift the first defendant received from persons whose cases were pending before his court. While being cross-examined by Agis lawyer, Mr. Jeph Njikonye, the witness, told the court that the security agency uncovered that President Buharis lawyer, Mr. Kola Awodehin, SAN, also gave the accused Judge N500, 000 as gift. He told the court that the monetary gift was handed to Ademola during the wedding of his daughter. The DSS operative said the issue came to the limelight during interrogation of the 3rd defendant, Agi, SAN, which took place on two separate dates, December 13 and 23, 2016. He said Agi maintained that N30m gift, which was paid into Mrs. Ademolas account in three tranches of N10m, was based on instruction of his clients, adding that it was not the only wedding gift the judge received. The witness said that Agi told him that as at the time Awodehin, SAN, gave the gift to Justice Ademola, the suit seeking to sack President Buhari from office over his alleged none possession of requisite educational qualifications, was still pending before the judge. Adepoju said the DSS did not investigate Agis claim. Nevertheless, Agis lawyer, Mr. Njikonye, tendered the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the record of proceedings in the certificate saga suit between Chukwu Okafor vs General Muhammad Buhari. Trial Justice Jude Okeke admitted the document into evidence and marked it as Exhibit FFF. Going through the exhibit, the witness confirmed that the third counsel for Buhari in the suit was Mr. Awodehin, SAN, as well as the fact that it was handled by Justice Ademola. Asked if President Buhari was bribing the judge to win the case against him by presenting a wedding gift to the judge incharge of the case, Adepoju said: No my lord. In my opinion, it would be speculative to say the gift by President Buharis lawyer was a bribe to Justice Ademola. It is not a bribe. He further dismissed as speculative, any insinuation that gifts Justice Ademola got from friends through Mr. Agi, during the wedding, amounted to bribery. It will be recalled that over 10 different suits querying the educational qualification of President Buhari suffered natural deaths shortly after the All Progressives Congress, APC, took over power in May 29, 2015, including the one filed by Okafor. Justice Ademola had on June 30, 2016, struck out a similar suit by Mr. Nnamdi Nwokocha-Ahaaiwe after the defendant, without adducing any reason, filed a withdrawal notice. All the plaintiffs had applied for an order invalidating the Certificate of Return issued to President Buhari by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Nwokocha-Ahaaiwe specifically sought for an order directing INEC to issue a new Certificate of Return to the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, being the candidate who came second in the 2015 Presidential Elections. President Buhari had engaged a consortium of lawyers, comprising of 13 Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANS, to defend him. Buhari equally went before the Court of Appeal in Abuja to challenge a ruling Justice Ademola delivered on May 26, 2016, wherein he held that the suit was properly served on the defendant by the plaintiff. Meanwhile, FG, on Tuesday, closed its case against the defendants after it called a total of 19 witnesses. The defendants, through their respective lawyers, told the court that they are ready to make a no-case-to-answer-submission, regarding all the allegations against them. They are contending that FG failed to establish a prima-facie criminal case capable of warranting them to enter their defence to the 18-count charge. Justice Okeke adjourned the case till March 15 for adoption of written addresses on their no-case-submission. In the charge, FG alleged that Ademola had in the course of his official duty, collected bribe from the senior lawyer through a Guarantee Trust Bank, GTB, account number 201/110160/1/1/0, operated by his wife who as at then was the Head of Service in Lagos State. Trial Justice Jude Okeke had earlier admitted into evidence, bags of cash, both foreign and local currencies which were allegedly recovered from the official residence of the Judge. FG brought the cash totalling about N39.5m in three Ghana-Must-Go bags and tendered it in evidence through an exhibit keeper at the DSS, Mr. Umar Ahmed, who testified as the 11th prosecution witness. Source: Vanguard An Ikeja High Court on Thursday sentenced a businessman, Suleiman Olalekan, to death by hanging for killing his 22-year-old wife, Chika Egbo, by bathing her with acid. Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo sentenced Olalekan to death after finding him guilty of a two-count charge of murder and grievous bodily harm. Lawal-Akapo, while pronouncing the sentence, said: The defendant is found guilty of murder, the defendant, Suleiman Olalekan, will be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May the Lord have mercy on your soul. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olalekan, a graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ibadan, bowed his head and remained expressionless when the sentence was pronounced on him before a crowded courtroom. Olalekans trial started at the High Court on Dec. 9, 2014. During the trial, the prosecution led by Mr Adeniji Kazeem, the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, said Olalekan committed the offence on Nov. 5, 2012. The accused at 1.35 p.m. on the said day at Bakare Street, Ikotun, a Lagos suburb, allegedly caused the death of Chika Egbo by bathing her with acid. He also caused the grievous bodily harm of one Mr Sunny Daniel, a commercial motorcyclist, he said. According to the prosecution, the convict and the deceased got married and had a daughter, who is currently four years old. The accused and the deceased were having problems in their relationship; the accused lured the deceased who had moved to Enugu back to Lagos under the guise that he wanted her to visit his mother. When she came to Lagos, he and the deceased hailed a commercial motorcycle which was to convey them to his mothers house. While the motorcycle was on motion, the accused brought out a container of acid and poured it on Egbos head, he said. According to the prosecution, Suleiman was caught while trying to flee the crime scene by passers-by and sympathisers. The attack left Egbos head badly disfigured and unrecognisable as well as leaving severe burns on her shoulders, breasts and private parts. Daniel, the commercial motorcyclist, was also grievously injured during the attack and almost lost an eye. Egbo succumbed to her injuries at the Burns Unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) on Dec. 20, 2014, Kazeem said. The offence contravened Sections 221 and 243 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011. Suleiman, who pleaded not guilty during the trial on Nov. 24, 2016 and said that Egbo got doused in acid during a scuffle between him and her lover at a hotel room. On Nov. 5, 2012, a friend informed me that Chika was in a hotel room with a lover. I went to the hotel and knocked on the door and Chika opened the door and a man called Emeka was lying on the bed in the room. A scuffle broke out between me and Emeka; Chika and Emeka brought out acid to pour on me but Chika was injured in the acid attack. Daniel, the motorcyclist, was injured while conveying Chika to the hospital, he claimed. But Justice Lawal-Akapo, while pronouncing the verdict, debunked Suleimans claims. I closely watched the demeanour of the accused while he gave his evidence, he was panting and fidgeting. I believe his testimony was filled with falsehood. I believe he poured the acid on the deceased which led to her death and the three ingredients of murder have been established. The defendant put up the defence of provocation and strenuously admitted it in his defence. However, in his statement to the police when the incident was still fresh in his memory, he did not raise the issue of provocation. In his confessional statement, he admitted that a battery charger sold the acid to him for N1,500 after he told the battery charger that he needed the acid for an experiment. A scenario of provocation did not arise while they were in motion on the motorcycle. He also did not bring up the defence of provocation during his oral testimony, Lawal-Akapo said. Source: Leadership The gallant operatives of the Lagos State Task Force, on Wednesday, rescued a 4-months-old n*ked baby packed inside a bag and dumped by her mother under the popular bridge in Oshodi. The Lagos State Task Force says its men have rescued a four-month-old baby boy put in a bag and dumped under the bridge in Oshodi area of the state. The Chairman of the outfit, SP Olayinka Egbeyemi, told newsmen in Ikeja that the enforcement team of the Task Force rescued the baby while on duty in the area. Egbeyemi said that the 18-year-old mother of the baby was arrested by an official of the force when she was running away after dumping the baby. He said that during an investigation, the mother confessed that she dumped the baby because she could no longer take care of him. We have briefed the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, about the incident and he has directed that the baby and his mother be immediately transferred to Social Welfare Department of the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Egbeyemi said. The 18-year-old suspect, Timilehin Adeshina, said she was sent out with the baby by her mother to go and locate the man who impregnated her after she gave birth. My mother sent me out because I could not identify the man who impregnated me. I had s*x with different men, she said. According to her she dropped out of school because of poverty while in JSS II at Lovely School, Ejigbo, Lagos. She said her mother (Mrs. Zabela Adeshina from Delta State) who sent her out lives at No 26 Coker Street, Ejigbo, Lagos and that her father (Mr. Adeshina) who hailed from Abeokuta in Ogun State died 9 years ago. She however hinted that while sleeping outside with her baby several men paid to engaged her with s*x. The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested a student of a college of technology in the state, Yetunde Kayode, for allegedly tricking her friend into the hands of a 10-man gang of rapists. The culprits allegedly raped the victim as part of the ritual to initiate her into an occult group. Yetunde, who was arrested in Ijero Ekiti few days ago, was accused of specialising in recruiting vulnerable girls for the gang to rape, particularly members of Ave cult. Fake officer Also, a man, Olalekan Ezekiel was also apprehended for allegedly dressing like a police officer. The suspect, arrested Monday on Esure-Awo Road by a police patrol team, reportedly posed as a police inspector. On interrogation, he confessed that he was not a police officer. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wilson Inalegwu, who made the disclosure while parading 26 suspects at the state police headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, stated that the police recovered from Ezekiel one unregistered motorcycle, adding that he will be prosecuted soon. The CP said following the killing of OC MSS of the State Command, Mr. Idowu Taiwo, and one Engr. Kunle Enisan and the kidnap of a Sweden-based Nigerian, Emmanuel Adeleke, his men swiftly extended their tentacles of intelligence gathering to Kano and Kaduna states, where some arrests were made. He said: The operatives successfully recovered three phones belonging to the late OC MSS. Also, two phones belonging to the waitresses working at a joint where the late officer was abducted before being killed, were recovered. The suspects are helping my men and they will be charged to court soon. Source: Vanguard Nigerian newspaper headlines February 23, 2017. Punch The country is losing billions of naira in revenue annually as a result of the various tax and double taxation treaties it signed with advanced nations, multinational corporations and high net worth individuals, ActionAid Nigeria and labour unions have said. Guardian The Federal Government has approved $3.9 billion (N12. 280 billion), sourced from the African Development Bank (ADB) for the construction of the Nigeria/Cameroon border link bridge at Ikot-Efiom in Cross River State. Vanguard A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has restrained Senator Stella Oduah and Sea Petroleum and Gas Company Limited from making any withdrawals from their accounts and those of three other companies domiciled with 21 commercial banks. The Nation Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede yesterday said the much-awaited Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will hold in May as part of steps to check malpractices. The Sun The Nigerian Army has jailed one Pvt. Suleiman Olamilekan to 28 days, in prison, with hard labour for allegedly assaulting a Nollywood actress, Ebere Ohakwe. Thisday One of the lawyers who defended President Muhammadu Buhari in the suit challenging his qualification to seek election to the Office of the President, Mr. Kola Awodein (SAN), has described as ridiculous the allegation that the N500,000 he gave to Justice Adeniyi Ademola for his daughters wedding was a bribe from the president. Leadership Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has written to the National Assembly, seeking its approval to issue Eurobond debt instrument of $500 million to fund the implementation of the 2016 budget till May 2017. Premium Times The University of Ilorin is enmeshed in a controversy over the alleged improper promotion of a wife of the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Abdulganiyu Ambali. Rice sellers in Sango-Ota market in Ado Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State yesterday, alleged that men of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, broke into their shops and carted away 18,000 bags of rice in the wee hours of the day. The traders, alongside youth in the area because of that, blocked the Ota-end of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway for over 12 hours to protest what they called invasion of their shops. The traders who betrayed emotions said the men of the NCS damaged the padlocks and doors of over 60 shops located inside Sango-Ota motor park, and carted away 18,000 bags of rice and jerry cans of vegetable oil. The Customs operatives were said to have invaded the market around 1.00 am with about 15 trucks to cart away the bags of rice and jerry cans of vegetable oil. But, in a swift reaction, the NCS dismissed the figures being bandied by the traders. Both the Public Relations Officers, Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun Area Command Usman Abubakar and Federal Operating Unit, FOU, Ikeja, Lagos, Jerome Attah, who spoke with Vanguard on phone denied the allegation of seizure of 18,000 bags of rice, stating that the operatives only took away 1,870 bags of rice. They also said their operatives did not break into anyones shop in the market but only went into a warehouse where those contraband goods were kept. They said they only took away 1,870 bags of rice and not 18,000 bags as claimed. Vanguard learned that the incident led to a protest by some angry youths and rice sellers who barricaded both sides of the Lagos-Abeokuta Express way shortly before the overhead bridge at Ota with disused tyres and planks, and disrupted vehicular movement. Motorists were not allowed to move into or outside Sango-Ota, from Lagos-end, Abeokuta-end, and Iju-Winners-Oju Ore end. Motorists were forced to make use of alternative routes via Toll-gate and Joju area. Efforts by policemen from the Sango-Ota Division of the state police command to disperse the protesters were futile. An eyewitness told Vanguard at the scene yesterday that the operation lasted for about one hour, adding that the Customs operatives were joined by men of OP Mesa, a military security outfit. An eye witness told Vanguard that some of the security men wore hoods, to conceal their identities. Leader of the rice sellers in the market, Alhaja Wosilat Salako, put the value of the 18,000 bags of rice carted away at N378million. She lamented that many of them took loans to buy these goods and had run into debts with the seizure. She said in Yoruba, Around 1am on Wednesday, some operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service in company with some men from the OP Mesa invaded over 60 shops where we kept bags of rice and vegetable oil. They carted away no fewer than 18,000 bags of rice and jerry cans of vegetable oil worth N378million. They broke into these shops by destroying the padlocks, the burglary proofs and steel doors, before removing the bags of rice and vegetable oil. Some of our members who kept money inside lockers in their shops had the money stolen by the invaders. Salako appealed to the Comptroller- General of Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (retd) to intervene in their case and ensure that their goods were returned to them, because they bought the goods in the market and were not involved in smuggling. We bought these goods with our money, I believe if they have issues, it should be at the border and not coming inside the market to cart away our goods. One of the traders, Okunola Raufu while lamenting the losses, said her shop was broken into and 150 bags of rice taken away. I got to the vicinity of the market around 1am on Wednesday, I saw the NCS operatives and some soldiers supervising the loading of the bags of rice into waiting trucks which they brought. They left around 2am, with some of them wearing masks to conceal their identity. We are traders doing genuine business, we are not smugglers. This is where we get money to train our children. Another rice seller in the market Kudirat Fasinu, popularly known as Iya Okiki, who spoke with Vanguard, fighting back tears, said she just bought 125 jerry cans of vegetable oil, in both 10 and 25 litres worth N1.5million and all were carted away. She lamented, I borrowed the money to buy these goods, from this receipt you can see that I bought the goods inside this market, I dont engage in smuggling. I appeal to the state government to help me retrieve my goods, if they want me to survive. The Ado Odo/Ota Local Government Area Local Government chairman, Prince Oladele Adeniji, who also visited the scene, told Vanguard that he was told that operatives of the NCS came to the market inside the Sango-Ota motor park and took away bags of rice and jerrycans of vegetable oils. He said he had contacted the state Controller of NCS, and the state Police Commissioner over the matter. Adeniji said he had also contacted the state government. He said, I have appealed to the rice sellers to remain calm and that the matter will be resolved. I have contacted the state Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, state Commissioner of Police and the state government over the crisis. I believe everything will soon be resolved. When contacted , the Public Relations Officer, FOU, Ikeja, Lagos, Jerome Attah explained that the unit had been monitoring the activities of smugglers in that axis before they struck. He said suspected smugglers had been using motorcycles to ferry smuggled bags of rice into the market, and their operatives had traced them to the warehouse. He said, Our men have been monitoring the activities of the smugglers who smuggled bags of rice to the warehouse. They normally chained smuggled bags of rice to motorcycles and ferried them to the warehouse on top speed. We hired seven trucks to evacuate the smuggled bags of rice. Our men could have taken everything met at the warehouse, but the number of trucks hired could not contain the consignment met on ground. Our men did not break into any shop. What we have done is not contrary to the Constitution. Also speaking on the incident, the Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun Area Command, Usman Abubakar, said those who went to raid the Sango-Ota rice market were from the Federal Operations Unit, Lagos. He said their action was based on information they received that contraband goods had been smuggled into the market. He said, The operatives that went to raid the Sango-Ota rice market were not from Ogun State command. They were officials of Nigeria Customs Service attached to Federal Operations Unit, Lagos. They went on official patrol as enshrined in Section 158 of Customs and Excise management Act Cap 645 Laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004. They got information that some contraband were brought to the market, so they went there to evacuate 1,870 of 50Kg bags of rice and 43 kegs of vegetable oil from the warehouse. The value of the bags of rice taken away is N12,445,250. There was no casualty and no shop was broken into by Customs officials. If any shop was broken into, it must be by the miscreants who might have taken advantage of the incident. Abubakar said some miscreants waylaid them when the seven trucks in which the bags of rice and vegetable oil were loaded were being driven to their Ikeja, Lagos headquarters. Meanwhile, as at 3.30pm when this story was filed, the protesting market women were yet to vacate the highway. They said they were waiting for the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, to address them. Source: Vanguard Former Minister of Aviation, Sen Stella Adaeze Oduah has claimed that all the allegations stating she was indebted to Sterling Bank and other commercial banks are false. On Wednesday, a Lagos Federal High Court restrained Mrs. Oduah and Sea Petroleum from making withdrawals from 21 accounts in some commercial banks. However, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, the Senator representing Anambra North Federal Constituency said she had resigned from the company, Sea Petroleum, which was alleged to be indebted to banks. I resigned from the company since 2010. Sterling got injunction on earlier order. They gave sea shipping facility to buy vessel. They defaulted. But the order lapsed today. The lawyers appealed for a set-aside. That was what they argued and order was set aside, she said. The other companies barred from making withdrawals include Sea Shipping Agency Ltd, Rotary Engineering Services Ltd, and Tour Afrique Company Ltd. The court issued the orders over an alleged indebtedness of the defendants in the sum of about 16.4 million dollars and N100.5 million. Also, the court issued an order directing the said commercial banks harbouring the assets of Mrs. Oduah and the four companies to sequestrate their indebtedness as at November 2016. The court ordered that the money should be kept in an interest yielding account in the name of the chief Registrar of the Federal court, pending the determination of the suit filed before the court to recover the debt. The order of the court was sequeled to an affidavit deposed to by Business Manager of Sterling Bank Plc., Segun Akinsanya, filed and argued before the court by its Counsel, Kemi Balogun. In the affidavit, Mr. Akinsanya averred that on Oct. 8, 2012, the bank granted a lease /Cabotage Vessel Finance Facility (CVFF) to Sea Petroleum and Gas Company in the said sums to finance one unit 5,000 MT tanker vessel. He averred that the loan was secured by an unconditional personal guarantee of the companies director, Princess Stella Oduah. Mr. Akinsanya also averred that same was supported by a statement of her net worth, legal mortgage of two properties worth N135 billion, and a power of Attorney of the tanker vessel in favour of Sterling Bank. Also, in support was a fully executed standing payment order and tripartite remittance agreement between First Bank plc, Sterling Bank and Stella Oduah. It was further averred that in June 27, 2013, Sea Petroleum Company requested and was granted additional facilities in the sum of about 450,000 dollars for post-delivery expenses. He said that also granted was about 993, 000 dollars to meet the requisite conditions in securing the release of the tanker. Also, he averred that upon the persistent failure of the defendants to liquidate their indebtedness, Sterling Bank instructed its counsels to recover the debt. He said that in spite of several reminders, and demands, the defendants had failed and refused to liquidate their indebtedness which had culminated to 16.4 million dollars, and about N100.5 million as at November 2016. Mr. Akinsanya also averred that the defendants were also greatly indebted to a number of banks and had conceded a number of assets to AMCON who had stepped into the shoes of those banks. He averred that there was imminent risk of the defendants dissipating the assets of the companies. The plaintiff urged the court to grant the order restraining Stella Oduah and other directors of the companies from withdrawing money from the account of the companies domiciled with 21 banks pending the determination of the debt recovery suit. In an ex -parte application filed and argued before the court by Balogun, he stated that it had been difficult to serve court processes on the defendants. The judge, Abdulaziz Anka, consequently ordered that court processes be advertised in National Newspapers. Meanwhile, Mrs. Oduah and her companies urged the court to discharge the order made against them. They also filed a preliminary objection to the suit and urged the court to strike out the suit for lack of jurisdiction. However, Mr. Anka fixed March 20 to decide whether or not to vacate the order. Source: NAN A television personality in Europe has reportedly lost her job for being too good looking, according to her claims. A London TV worker claims she was dismissed from her job at a Soho production company for being too good looking. Emma Hulse says she was sent home from her freelancing shift at the central London TV company by a manager who told her: You should be on a catwalk. The 24-year-old, who lives in Mayfair, said she was only five minutes into her eight-hour shift when her boss told her to leave. Company UNIT TV, based on Great Marlborough Street, accepted the incident happened and have since dismissed the employee who was allegedly involved, who had only been working there for three months. Ms Hulse told the Standard: We were supposed to finish at 6pm and I got there for 9.30am and when I got there this other runner started explaining to me what I should do. Then they send me on a run. Then my agent text me that Im no longer required. I got there and spoke to the line manager and he asked me, are you a model? Are you not doing catwalks, why are you not at the front of house? I was wearing a lipstick but from my perspective I was not inappropriate. I was wearing a shirt and trousers. I really didnt think I looked inappropriate. Then he took my number, he suggested we go for a drink. She added: I was quite disappointed to be sent home. I didnt really know what to do. Maybe that company employs plain looking people and maybe if you dont look that way they dont take you, maybe I was a distraction. I do camera operating as well, I work for many different companies and no one has sent me home because of the way I look. Especially within a creative agency you should be free to wear what you want. Eleven persons have been arrested by police in Ekiti State in connection with the gruesome murder of the commands paymaster, Mr Idowu Taiwo . Also, a man, identified as Olalekan Ezekiel was arrested for allegedly posing as a police inspector. The Commissioner of Police, Mr Wilson Inalegwu, who stated this while parading 26 suspects to joyrnalists at the state police headquarters in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, said that his men swiftly swung into action by extending their intelligence gathering tentacles to Kano and Kaduna States, where some suspects were apprehended. Apart from Mr. Idowu, who was killed last December, the suspects were also said to be responsible for the death one Engineer Kunle Enisan and kidnap of a Turkey based Emmanuel Adeleke Inalegwu said, Ezekiel, was arrested on February 20 on Esure-Awo road when intercepted by a patrol team and later confessed that he was not a police officer after thorough investigation. He disclosed that one unregistered red colour Honda Motorcycle was recovered from him saying that the suspect will be prosecuted soon. A female student of the College of Science and Technology, Ijero Ekiti, Busayo Kayode, according to the Commissioner was arrested for allegedly tricking his bosom friends to the bush where they were gang-raped by ten men, with sinister intention to initiate them into an occult group. Busayo was accused of specializing in recruiting vulnerable girls for the gang to rape in turns, particularly members of Ave Cult Group. The Police Commissioner added that he had established a crime Hot Spot Policing Squad to smash criminals that have taken Atikankan, Adebayo , Ajilosun and Ojumose areas of Ado Ekiti, as safe havens. Inalegwu disclosed that the command is partnering with sister Commands in Ondo , Kwara, Kogi and Osun States to curtail activities of kidnappers in the zone. He said his men is also doing the mapping for strategic operation , the thick forests along Ikere-Igbara Odo-Ogotun and Ise-Emure axes where kidnap victims were being regularly kept in Ekiti to reduce this nefarious act . We are also enlisting the services of local hunters and vigilante groups for constant patrol of these deadly forests, so that when we occupy their hideouts, they will have no option than to run, he said. On the rampaging herdsmen killing the people, Inalegwu said: We have also made very landmark achievement in the area to ensuring peaceful co-existence among the herdsmen and farmers. We are forming various groups selected from all these stakeholders so that all of us can be on the same page to be able to checkmate incessant crisis among them and ensure that Ekiti is in peace. Inalegwu commended the state government over quick intervention in Ayede/Itaji Communal clash and for clearing the road necks in all the 16 local governments, saying the measures had helped his men in carrying out their statutory operational duties. Source: Leadership Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 By Orkhan Quluzade Trend: Turkey and Azerbaijan may jointly export agricultural products to third countries, Turkeys Minister of Food, Agriculture and Livestock Faruk Celik said in an exclusive interview with Trend. He added that Turkey is constantly looking for new export markets, regardless of their size and remoteness. "The recent crisis in Russian-Turkish relations has created problems in the agricultural export of Turkey," the minister said. "But it became a lesson for us to diversify our export markets. Nowadays, Turkeys agricultural sector is the largest one in Europe, and the Turkish agricultural productions value is $59.4 billion." "Turkey exports 1,680 names of agricultural products worth $17 billion to 192 countries," the minister said. "But these figures are not sufficient for us, and I think that a lot can be done together with Azerbaijan." Celik added that Turkey has access to Europe and the Middle East, and Azerbaijan - to Russia and Central Asia, so its possible to create effective cooperation between Ankara and Baku. "Given the fact that currently, more than 800 million people around the world are starving, and if one doesnt take the necessary steps, even more serious problems in food access may emerge, we need to increase food production not only for our citizens, but also for all the humanity," the minister said. "I am sure that Azerbaijan will take the necessary steps for the development of agricultural production." He stressed that the level of cooperation between Turkey and Azerbaijan makes it possible for them to work together in third markets. "Members of Azerbaijan-Turkey business forum dedicated to agriculture, which will be held Feb. 23 in Baku, will discuss not only the mutual trade, but also the issues of reaching different markets," Celik noted. Azerbaijani Agriculture Minister Heydar Asadov, Head of the Turkey-Azerbaijan Business Council of Turkeys Foreign Economic Relations Board Selcuk Akat and President of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of Azerbaijan Mammad Musayev will also take part in the event. It is expected that 150 entrepreneurs, operating in various sectors of agriculture, will take part in the event. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @o_quluzade Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev has appointed his wife as the countrys first vice president. Mehriban Aliyeva was appointed as Vice President on the 21st February, 2017 after a constitutional changes introduced the powerful position of first vice president, the second most senior official in the country. Aliyeva, 52, has been an MP for the ruling Yeni Azerbaijan party since 2005 and head of the influential Heydar Aliyev Foundation named after her father-in-law and former president. Born into the powerful Pashayev family, Aliyeva has sometimes been seen as a possible successor to her husband, who took over in 2003 after the death of his father Heydar, a former KGB officer and Communist-era boss. Mehriban Aliyeva (nee Pashayeva) was born into a family described in Wikileaks cables as the single most powerful family in Azerbaijan. Her grandfather was noted Azerbaijani writer Mir Jalal Pashayev. Her uncle Hafiz Pashayev was Azerbaijans first Ambassador to the United States. Aliyevas father Arif Pashayev is Rector of the National Aviation Academy in Baku, and her mother, Aida Imanguliyeva (19391992) was a prominent philologist and arabist. Mehriban Aliyeva finished secondary school in 1981 and married Ilham Aliyev, the son of Heydar Aliyev, in Baku on 22 December 1983.She continued her studies, in which she excelled, at the Azerbaijan Medical University and later at the Sechenov Moscow Medical Academy, from which she graduated in 1988. From 198892, Mehriban Aliyeva worked at the State Research Institute of Eye Diseases of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences in Moscow, which was led by Dr. Mikhail Krasnov. Two articles in The Times in 2005 described her as a qualified physicianand former eye doctor. The Aliyevs have two daughters, Leyla (born 3 July 1985) and Arzu (born 23 January 1987) and a son Heydar (born 2 August 1997). Leyla is the editor of Baku magazine, published by Azerbaijani Russian businessman Aras Agalarov, and is married to his son Emin Agalarov. Source: BreakingTimes An elementary school student in Ohio, USA reached out to local police for help with her math homework. Marion Police Department shared screen captures taken by mother Molly Draper after her 10-year-old daughter, Lena, asked the police to assist her with some difficult math problems. Im having trouble with my math homework, the young girl asked. Could you help me? After sending an automated message informing Draper the mage is not monitored 24/7 the police asked what she needed help with. Well I dont understand (8+29)x15, Draper responded. The police Facebook page obliged the young students request and attempted to solve the equation. Do the numbers in the parenthesis first so in essence it would be 37 x 15, the officer responded. Draper had the officer help her with at least one more question before logging off, but after the post was shared to Facebook some commenters noted the officer did not properly follow the order of operations. Maybe should have mentioned that History was my favorite subject before answering, the officer said. Well, we know now! Despite the mistake Drapers mother was thankful to the officer for helping her daughter get through her the assignment. Thank you, Marion, Ohio Police Department, for truly building relationships with the community, she said. Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, yesterday, begged governors elected on the platform of the party not to do anything that would further divide it. Sheriff spoke in Abuja when leaders of the party from the South-West paid him a solidarity visit. Sheriff and Fayose According to Senator Sheriff, as important as the governors are to the party, they must not do anything that will further divide the party. He particularly called on Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, who had been very vocal in criticising the leadership of Senator Sheriff to respect himself and respect the PDP. This came on a day members of the party in the House of Representatives threatened to drag Senator Ali Modu Sheriff to the Supreme Court in a bid to upturn the recent Appeal Court judgment that recognised him (Sheriff) as the authentic national chairman of the party. Addressing those who visited him, Sheriff said: Yes, our governors are very important people. They are leaders of the party in their own right. I beg them not to divide the party. Let everybody unite and build the party. Asks Fayose to respect himself For Governor Ayo Fayose, I have no issues to join with him because I cannot even comment on some of the things he says and does. Doing that would amount to coming back to his level. But I beg him to respect himself, to respect the PDP, respect Nigeria because whatever you say today, posterity will judge you. I beg him to control himself. He reiterated his earlier stand that the decision of the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt was a victory for every member of the PDP, adding that his desire was to work towards organising a credible convention that would produce a leadership to take PDP to higher height. As I said, this victory is for every member of PDP.; there is no loser. People can vent their anger but as a leader and father of everybody, I want to make sure that this party is united. Reps caucus plans to approach S-Court Meanwhile, members of the party in the House of Representatives, yesterday, threatened to drag Senator Ali Modu Sheriff to the Supreme Court in a bid to upturn the recent Appeal Court judgment that recognised him (Sheriff) as the authentic national chairman of the party. The PDP caucus also told Sheriff to hands off the party and declared their support for the Senator Ahmed Markarfi-led faction of the party. The lawmakers in a statement signed by its leader, Leo Ogor, expressed utter disappointment with the Appeal Court judgment that recognised Sheriff as national chairman of the party, saying the decision deserved to be challenged at the Supreme Court. The Caucus emphasized that while a political solution might be considered later, there was need to approach the Supreme Court with hope for a final interpretation of the law that would serve the interest of the people. The statement read: The PDP caucus of the House of Representative wishes to state categorically that it finds the Court of Appeal verdict that nullified the decision of the national convention of the PDP on May 21, 2016 and reinstated the Modu Sheriff leadership very discomforting, the Caucus supports the decision of the Ahmed Makarfi Caretaker Committee to seek redress at the Supreme Court. The Caucus appeals to all leaders and members of the Peoples Democratic Party to please remain calm and focused, standing firmly on the position that there is no way the party will accept the Ali Modu Sheriff contraption which is yet to demonstrate any genuine iota of love for the party. Their activities in Edo and Ondo states are very fresh in peoples minds and as such, no honest and sincere member of our party can trust them; with such fundamental flaws of character and gross disdain for peace, order and brotherly relations. Source: Vanguard The men of the Ondo State Police Command have nabbed a young man for plotting a robbery operation involving his family member. A 21-year-old armed robbery suspect, Dayo Adegbohun said Wednesday that he arranged the robbery of his blood brother because of his refusal to give him a reasonable part of the proceed of the family land disposed of by his brother, according to the New Telegraph. Adegbohun told reporters that his brother sold a family land at the sum of N1.4million and gave him a Nokia phone worth only N4.000. The suspect said he had learnt how to repair generator and needed money to establish a shop at Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State. According to him, his brother who had encouraged him to learn the trade promised to set him up after selling a family land in Ilaje area of the state. However, he said the brother rescinded the decision after he has sold the land. His words: My brother told me not to go back to Lagos that he will establish a shop for me. I followed him to sell a family land. Instead of giving me money to establish the shop, he took me to Okitipupa and bought Nokia touch phone for me. I told my friends that my brother has cheated me on our family land. I told them to get my own share of the money for me. The total amount of money with him was N1.4million. But I told them to collect only half of the money. I told them not to kill him because he is my blood brother. Adegbohun said his friends including Daisi Enetufo and Alaba Anifowose gave him only N100, 000.00 out of the N780, 000.00 taken from his brothers apartment. Corroborating his accomplice, Sola Ogunyemi said it was Adegbohun that came to him to help rob his brother because he was cheated after a parcel of family land was sold. A 22-year-old man from Philadelphia, USA was charged with making a false report after he allegedly lied to police that a 4-year-old boy was in the back seat of his stolen Ford Escort to make officers work harder to find the car. Marcus Fletcher, of the 5800 block of North Hope Street, told police that he was a pizza delivery driver and about 10:35 p.m. Monday his vehicle was stolen at gunpoint in the 4600 block of North Sydenham Street in the citys Logan section. His two assailants also took his wallet with ID and credit cards, a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, and $30 cash. Fletcher told police his 4-year-old nephew was in his green 1995 Ford Escort. Police conducted an intense search and soon found the car parked, locked, and unoccupied in the 4300 block of North 16th Street. Detectives then interviewed Fletcher, who gave conflicting accounts of the robbery and was unable to provide a detailed description of the child or his parents. Police said Fletcher finally admitted that he lied about the nephew. He told detectives he had been robbed before and was unsatisfied with the resulting investigation, according to a police statement, therefore he made up the aforementioned story to watch the police work harder. The robbery was still under investigation, police said. A lawmaker in Texas, US hopes to pass legislation to discourage people from using the Chilean flag emoji to represent the Texas flag. Republican State Representative Tom Oliverson authored House Concurrent Resolution 75 urging Texans not to use the flag emoji of the Republic of Chile when referring to the Texas flag. All too often, the Chilean flag emoji is used as a substitute for the Lone Star Flag in text messaging and on social media platforms; the Chilean flag proudly represents its country but, despite its similarity to the Texas flag, it does not represent the State of Texas, the resolution states. Oliverson pointed out that while most major electronic messaging applications include the flag of Chile in their standard flag packages the state flag of Texas is often not available. He went on to argue that while the two flags share an identical color scheme and a single star, each flag uses those colors and symbols to convey different ideals. The colors of the Chilean flag depict sky, snow, and blood spilled while fighting for freedom, but the blue, white, and red of the Lone Star Flag stand for the Texan values of loyalty, purity, and bravery, he said. The single star of the Chilean flag, positioned in a blue canton, has been seen by some as a guide to progress and honor. The independent Lone Star of Texas, situated in a blue left panel, represents all of Texas and stands for our unity as one for God, State, and Country. Oliverson said it was not his goal to lobby for the creation of a Texas flag emoji, but rather that he hopes to help people understand the difference between the two flags. I never thought in a million years it would get the kind of publicity it has gotten, he told KPRC. But its accomplished exactly what I set out for it to accomplish. Not less than 20 women from different walks of life were left stranded at the Haven Event Centre, GRA, Ikeja on Wednesday after the inauguration of a programme themed Nigerian Women Against Corruption. One of the women, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria under condition of anonymity, claimed that a woman who was given money meant for them ran away with it. Can you imagine, we are here to fight against corruption, but somebody went away with our money? As soon as the woman collected the money, she left without giving us our shares, she said. According to her, they are supposed to give each person N1, 000. Some of us have no money to go home. Someone has called the woman, but she refused to pick her calls, she said. NAN observed that the stranded women, who were hungry, opened the food packs they had planned to take home and began to eat. The programme was rounded up at about 1.30p.m, but the women as at 3.30pm were still waiting whether someone would bring their share of the money. The Nigerian Women against Corruption, South West Project Rollout was inaugurated on Wednesday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in collaboration with wives of state governors in the zone. Many women drawn from politics, business and religious organisations among others attended the inauguration. When NAN contacted the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Police Command, Mr Famous Cole, said they were yet to get a report on the incident, According to him, the women ought to have reported the incident to the nearest police station. Source: NAN By Bharath Vasudevan, Director of Product Management, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Software-defined and Cloud Group Welcome to the new normal of digital disruption. Like it or not, here you are. It can be a treacherous place for a business to thrive. Digital disruption requires your business to turn ideas into value quickly, and to adapt and work efficiently. The trouble is most businesses are being held back by an IT infrastructure that is not designed for the speed todays businesses demand. Complex manual processes and non-integrated tools fail to provide the simplicity, flexibility, and speed you need to support your current tasks, much less your new ideas and applications. The good news is that IT infrastructure is catching up with business needs. I recently wrote about the future of IT and how businesses can now operate with cloud-like efficiency, consume IT services with cloud-like flexibility, and deploy at cloud-like speed all in their own datacenters through hyperconvergence. Hyperconverged solutions are innovative, all-in-one virtualization solutions that integrate compute, software-defined storage and software-defined intelligence to allow IT to run at the speed of the business. How do they do that? One way is by helping businesses solve some of the most common datacenter challenges: simplicity, flexibility, and speed. You dont have to take my word for it either. Customers from a variety of industries all over the world are putting hyperconverged solutions to work in their datacenters and solving some of the toughest IT challenges out there. Businesses need to simplify operations One of Indias leading tile manufacturers, Simpolo Ceramics, was struggling to configure and manage their new virtual environment efficiently. After extensively researching solutions that would fit their growing business, Simpolo decided on a hyperconverged solution that offers a consumer-inspired user experience, making managing virtual machines (VMs) simple for IT generalists. The hyperconverged solution allows their users to deploy VMs in just five clicks, update hardware and firmware in just three clicks, and provide instant diagnostics and analytics to enable faster response to business needs. Compared to a traditional approach, the HPE Hyper Converged solution has been very easy to maintain, explains Niraj Pandit, head of IT for Simpolo Group. The ease with which we can transfer and manage virtual servers has been incredible. It has been straightforward to get the team up and running with the solution no glitches, no special training, and simple to operate. Businesses need to enable their workforce to work from anywhere FireWhat? is a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and technology company dedicated to helping firefighters perform their jobs more safely by equipping them with the most up-to-date information possible. They needed to upgrade their technology trailers to enable faster, more reliable delivery of information in the field. The FireWhat? team wanted an integrated server, storage, and networking system that could be deployed in any environment imaginable. (Think wild fires, hurricanes, even earthquakes!) FireWhat? chose hyperconvergence because it delivers a virtualized infrastructure platform that combines powerful compute resources, highly available storage, and networking connections in a single, rackmount form factor. Their hyperconverged solution turns their trailers into mobile, centralized data hubs for any disaster command center. Now were able to push the availability of our data by bringing more data in faster, explains Sam Lanier, CEO of FireWhat? With the reliability and power of the HPE Hyper Converged solution, were able to deliver new data to our responders in 15 minutes instead of 16 hours. Thats 64x faster! Businesses need work faster and smarter Canadian telecommunications and media company, Rogers Communications, needed a simple and easily scalable solution that would support dynamic and unpredictable business requirements. They were specifically looking for a solution that could decrease their time-to-market and shorten the time between receiving a request and delivering a VM to the business. After learning that their CPU-intensive applications would be more expensive running on a traditional or converged infrastructure, Rogers Communications decided on a hyperconverged solution. By implementing a hyperconverged solution, Rogers Communications was able to slash their time-to-market (from two weeks to deliver a new VM down to mere minutes) and have enough scalability to develop their applications. Their hyperconverged solution was quickly installed and easily deployed, and gave their users a drastically simplified user experience. I wanted a Virtual Machine vending machine and thats what the HPE Hyper Converged 380 is. We can now spin out a new virtual machine in just minutes when it used to take at least two weeks, explains Hani Mousa, Senior manager, IT Infrastructure Architecture, Rogers Communications. And the interface is easy, even for inexperienced users. Its as easy as using a smartphone! By allowing businesses to simplify operations, work anywhere (in any condition), and work faster, hyperconverged solutions from HPE help IT become an innovator for the business. To learn more about how hyperconverged solutions from HPE can help solve your businesses toughest challenges, check out the e-book How Hyperconvergence Can Help IT. The Federal Communications Commission today approved two cellular base stationsone each from Ericsson and Nokiato use LTE-U, marking the first official government thumbs-up for the controversial technology. FCC chairman Ajit Pai said in a statement that the unlicensed spectrumhistorically, the territory of Wi-Fican now be used to help ease the load on carrier mobile networks. It means they get to enjoy the best of both worlds: a more robust, seamless experience when their devices are using cellular networks and the continued enjoyment of Wi-Fi, one of the most creative uses of spectrum in history. [ Also on InfoWorld: How to roll your own VPN, the open source, low-cost way. | Get expert networking how-to advice from InfoWorld's Networking Deep Dive PDF special report. ] T-Mobile has already announced that it will be deploying LTE-U technology, having participated in testing last year, and other networks are likely to follow suit. Aside from equipment vendors like Ericsson and Nokia, the only companies likely to greet the news of LTE-Us approval with enthusiasm are the carriers themselves and Qualcomm, which essentially invented the technology. Other major tech sector players, including Google, Comcast, and Microsoft, have expressed serious concerns that LTE-U doesnt play as nicely with Wi-Fi as advertised, though collaborative testing has ratcheted tensions down of late. Pai is seen to be close with some of the industries the FCC is supposed to regulatemore so than outgoing chairman Tom Wheeler, who had urged the various parties in the LTE-U debate to work together, rather than risk government regulatory intervention. That possibility appears to have vanished, given the FCCs approval today, but proof of LTE-Us compatibility will comeor notwith large-scale deployment. This story, "Controversial LTE-U wireless tech OK'd by FCC" was originally published by Network World . 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! Power blackouts hit Ukraine amid heavy Russian shelling AP - Sat Nov 5, 3:57PM CDT Ukraines state electricity operator has announced regular scheduled blackouts in Kyiv and seven other regions of the country in the aftermath of Russias devastating strikes on energy infrastructure... $SPX : 3,770.55 (+1.36%) $DOWI : 32,403.22 (+1.26%) $IUXX : 10,857.03 (+1.56%) 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%) Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 23 By Orkhan Quluzade Trend: Turkish Army and Free Syrian Army (FSA) have taken full control of downtown al-Bab from the Islamic State (IS aka Daesh) terrorists, General Staff of Turkey said on Feb. 23. On Aug. 24, 2016, the Turkish Armed Force launched an operation to liberate the city of Jarabulus from the IS militants in northern Syria, near Aleppo. The operation was dubbed the Euphrates Shield. Syria has been suffering from an armed conflict since March 2011, which, according to the UN, has so far claimed over 500,000 lives. Militants from various armed groups are confronting the Syrian government troops. The IS, YPG and PYD are the most active terrorist groups in Syria. Self-storage properties are constantly changing hands, and Inside Self-Storage is regularly notified of these market transactions. Many are covered in detail on the ISS website and available for viewing on the Real Estate topics page. Following are additional acquisitions and sales that werent covered. AA Val U Stor in Yuma, Ariz., was sold for $6.3 million to a regional investment group in an exchange transaction. The property at 3090 S. Ave. 3E is near Interstate 8 and the main entry to the Marine Corps Air Station. The facility consists of 24 buildings comprising more than 144,000 square feet of rentable storage space. The seller was represented in the deal by Jeff Gorden, vice president of brokerage services for Eagle Commercial Realty Services, who is also an Arizona broker affiliate for the Argus Self Storage Sales Network. Advanced Highway 79 Storage in Taylor, Texas, was sold to a buyer based in Blue Island, Ill. The facility at 4105 W. 2nd St. comprises 71,325 net rentable square feet of storage space in 555 units. The 4.9-acre property was built in 2009. The buyer and the seller were represented in the transaction by John Arnold, Bill Bellomy and Michael Johnson of Bellomy & Co. Airport Road Self-Storage LLC purchased 34 acres of land for $1 million in Longmont, Colo., on which it plans to build a self-storage facility. The property is at Rogers and SEC Airport Roads. The operator plans to split the area into individual parcels, with the primary 17-acre site housing a 235,000-square-foot self-storage facility. Airport also plans to donate about 8 acres to the city for a dog park. The remaining acreage will be reserved for office and flex developments. The buyer was represented in the transaction by Ken Voss, an agent with Re/Max Traditions. Ken Kanemoto, also an agent with Re/Max, represented the seller. The deal took nearly three years, as the property was in the airport-influence area and Boulder County before being annexed by Longmont. All Around Storage in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., was sold to a private investor. The property at W12908 State Road 16, the major artery connecting the Wisconsin Dells and Portage communities, was constructed in 2013. Its seven, single-story buildings comprise 45,600 rentable square feet of storage space in 246 drive-up units. The 6-acre parcel also has room for expansion. The seller, a personal trust, was represented in the transaction by Michael A. Mele, senior managing director of investments, as well as Sean M. Delaney and Jon Ruzicka, investment specialists, for Marcus & Millichap. Greg Price and Jason Hornik, investment specialists in firms Denver office, represented the buyer. Allstate Self Storage in Glendale, Ariz., was sold for $3.3 million to a local investor. The property at 7048 N. 43rd Ave. was constructed in 1977 and consists of nine buildings, two of which are two-story, climate-controlled structures. The 3-acre facility comprises 52,000 square feet of storage space in 674 units. The seller, a Phoenix-based developer, was represented in the transaction by Bill Alter, a broker with Rein & Grossoehme. Balboa Drive Storage in Hot Springs Village, Ark., was sold. The property at 250 Balboa Drive comprises 119,178 net rentable square feet of storage in 445 units. The nearly 22-acre property also has room for expansion. The seller, a local investor, was represented in the transaction by Arnold, Bellomy and Johnson. Asbury Real Estate Services procured the Little Rock, Ark.-based buyer. Bargain Self Storage in Surprise, Ariz., was sold for $7.7 million to an unnamed self-storage real estate investment trust (REIT). The 5.2-acre property at 13331 W. Bell Road was constructed in 1986. Its seven buildings comprise 83,000 square feet of storage space in 740 units. The seller was represented in the transaction by Alter. Best Choice Storage in Flint, Texas, was sold to a limited-liability company (LLC). The property at 18949 State Highway 155 S. is three miles from Lake Palestine, a 40-square-mile recreational area. It comprises 38,526 rentable square feet of storage space. Built in 2008 on 6.5 acres, the site has an additional 4.3 acres for expansion. The buyer and the seller were represented in the deal by Jon Danklefs and Mark V. Diebold, investment specialists in the Marcus & Millichap San Antonio office. Bluebird Greenland LLC has purchased a single-story warehouse in Greenland, N.H., for $4.4 million, which it plans to convert to self-storage. The sellers were Ocean 125 Realty LLC and Harbour Links Estates LLC. The property at 125 Ocean Road comprises 46,720 square feet of air-conditioned office and warehouse space on 8.6 acres. The site has more than 1,000 feet of frontage on Interstate 95. Ocean 125 was represented in the transaction by Denis Dancoes and Thomas Farrelly, executive directors, and Sue Ann Johnson, director, for Cushman & Wakefield. Lawrence E. DuBois Associates was the broker for Harbour Links. An Extra Space Storage facility in Killeen, Texas, was sold to an unnamed REIT. The property at 3601 W. Stan Schlueter Loop comprises 43,650 rentable square feet of storage space in 318 units, 221 of which are climate-controlled. The facility was privately owned by a Florida investor and managed by industry REIT Extra Space Storage Inc. The buyer and the seller were represented in the transaction by Brandon Karr, first vice president of investments, and Danny Cunningham, senior associate, in the Fort Worth, Texas, office of Marcus & Millichap. Gaithersburg Storehouse in Gaithersburg, Md., was sold for $8.8 million, $429,000 over its original list price, according to a Marcus & Millichap press release. The property at 11 Metropolitan Grove Road comprises 55,002 square feet of storage space. The buyer, a privately held, West Coast storage operator, and the seller, an LLC, were represented in the deal by Mele and Robert Bloch, a senior associate in the Marcus & Millichap Washington, D.C., office. Lockaway Storage purchased Crestway Self Storage in San Antonio. The property 7095 Crestway Drive is 13 miles from the downtown area. Built in 2008, the 1.9-acre facility comprises 22,300 net rentable square feet of storage space in 161 units. The seller was represented in the transaction by Arnold, Bellomy and Johnson. The five-property R&R American ULock portfolio in Hebron, Ind., was sold. The properties comprise 164,640 net rentable square feet of storage space. Built between 1989 and 2007, the portfolio contains 916 units and 37 vehicle-parking spaces. The buyer and the seller were represented in the transaction by Ryan Clark, senior vice president, and Jay Crotty, president, of SkyView Advisors. Self Storage Capital Partners purchased Metuchen Self Storage in Metuchen, N.J. The property at 138 Liberty St. comprises 42,823 in three climate-controlled buildings. The owner has approval to expand the existing three-story building by 10,000 square feet, according to a press release from Argus, which brokered the deal. The seller was represented in the transaction by Linda Cinelli, the Argus broker affiliate for North New Jersey and New York City. Storage Choice plans to build a five-story facility in the Design District near downtown Dallas. The property on the corner of Slocum and Wichita Streets will comprise 121,000 square feet of storage in 1,084 climate-controlled units. The project, the companys 15th location, is scheduled to open in early 2018. Store It All Storage has acquired Your Storage Place in Houston. The 4.5-acre property at 11820 Airline Drive comprises 86,354 of net rentable space in 773 units. The buyer was represented in the transaction by Arnold, Bellomy and Johnson. Rick Yonis of Sentry Real Estate Group represented the San Antonio-based seller. Triple Nichol Storage Center in Miami, Ariz., was sold for $1 million to an out-of-state buyer. The property at 3586 E. U.S. Highway 60 contains 226 drive-up units. The seller was represented in the transaction by Gorden and Seth Hodges, an associate with Eagle Commercial and an Argus broker affiliate. A private investor has purchased the seven-property U-Store All portfolio in Oklahoma City. The acquisition includes 404,637 rentable square feet of storage space. The buyer and the seller, an LLC, were represented in the deal by Mele and Trey Hammond, an investment specialist in the Marcus & Millichap Tulsa, Okla., office. Westside Storage in Richmond, Ind., was sold to a partnership for $1.1 million. The 7.1-acre property at 401 Porterfield Ave. comprises 24,195 rentable square feet of storage space in 212 units. The buyer and the seller were represented in the deal by Mele, Delaney and Mickey Hurley, an investment specialist in Marcus & Millichap Indianapolis office. Argus is a Denver-based network of real estate brokers who specialize in storage properties. Formed in 1994, the company has 36 broker affiliates covering nearly 40 markets. Portland, Ore.-based Bargain Storage operates more than 30 facilities in Arizona, Colorado, Oregon and Texas. With offices in Atlanta, Houston, and Austin, Texas, Bellomy & Co. focuses on the sale of self-storage, industrial, office and retail properties nationwide. Founded in 1917, Cushman & Wakefield offers a complete range of services for all property types including consulting and appraisal, corporate services, debt and equity financing, investment banking, leasing, and sales and acquisitions. Its Self Storage Practice Group is dedicated to the self-storage asset class. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Extra Space owns or operates 1,427 self-storage properties in 38 states; Washington, D.C.; and Puerto Rico. The companys properties comprise approximately 960,000 units and 107 million square feet of rentable space. Lockaway Storage operates more than 50 facilities in California and Texas. Founded in 1971, Marcus & Millichap is a commercial-property investment firm with more than 1,500 investment professionals in offices throughout Canada and the United States. Founded in 1993, Rein & Grossoehme specializes in the sale of investment properties and industrial, office and retail leasing. Philadelphia-based Self Storage Capital Partners is focused exclusively on the self-storage market. Its executives have more than 20 years of collective experience in acquiring, operating, repositioning and underwriting self-storage properties, according to its website. SkyView is a boutique firm specializing in self-storage acquisition, development, facility expansion and renovation, refinancing, and sales. Based in Tampa, Fla., the firm also has offices in Cleveland and Milwaukee. Storage Choice is a family-owned company that was founded more than 20 years ago. It currently owns 14 properties comprising 1.2 million square feet of storage space in the Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, markets. For centuries churches across the West have celebrated the arrival of three wise men in Bethlehem to present the newborn Jesus with treasures from afar: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Though the Bible doesnt identify them by name, the Roman Catholic Church honored the Magi as saints: Balthasar of Arabia, Melchior of Persia, and Gaspar of India. Scholars note that the gifts brought by the Magi were part of a global trading network that existed centuries before the birth of Christ. Those goods may have moved roughly from Changan, the capital of the Chinese Empire, through the Middle East and finally to Rome along the caravan-packed routes known as the Silk Road. Gold was the currency of kings and Chinese silk the preferred fabric for aristocratic women, with spices, incense, and ceramics making up the bulk of merchandise flowing between the two empires that then controlled the Eurasian land mass. The Silk Road presented such a powerful narrative that 12 centuries after the biblical events in Bethlehem, Venetian merchant Marco Polo wrote about his journey across Central Asia and his life as an official in the capital of the Mongol Empire, Dadu (now Beijing). Polos tale inspired Christopher Columbus to seek a maritime shortcut to China and the kingdoms of India and the East Indies, as the spice islands of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines were once known. Columbus, of course, accidentally traveled to the Americas, which eventually eclipsed the Far East in importance in terms of global trade. Today the romance of the Silk Road is alive again, this time in modern China. The historical narrative remains so inspiring that China has advanced a plan to rebuild the ancient trade route in an era of air travel, container ships, and near-instantaneous communication. Though this may sound like a joke, it isnt: Chinese President Xi Jinping has staked his foreign policy legacy on a grand strategy known as One Belt, One Road, or, more simply, Belt and Road with road referring to an overland route across Central Asia and belt to maritime routes through Southeast Asia, South Asia, and East Africa. Rebuilding the Silk Road is a massive and transformative undertaking by China, the largest the world has seen since the postWorld War II Marshall Plan in Europe, says Patrick Mendis, a former American diplomat who is now a research associate at Harvard Universitys Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies. The Silk Road has both geoeconomic and geostrategic components to promote the new sphere of Beijing influence beyond the Chinese borders, adds Mendis, who was born in Sri Lanka (itself once an ancient island kingdom) and is a commissioner of the State Departments U.S. National Commission for UNESCO. Chinas New Silk Road strategy comes at a time when the West is flirting with retreating from the globalization it initiated and led for decades. At the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Xi announced that China is willing to take up leadership of the pro-globalization camp. His message is particularly significant given the antifree trade rhetoric of new U.S. President Donald Trump, who appears to be leading his nation toward a new isolationism. In fact, Chinas New Silk Road strategy is good for that countrys business and economics, extending connectivity to frontier markets throughout Central Asia and stimulating demand for trade at a time when commerce with the West may be in decline. Chinas economy still depends heavily on exports to propel its growth. Xis strategy is being implemented by three new multilateral institutions based in China: the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the Silk Road Fund, and the New Development Bank. Most of the $240 billion in committed capital is coming from China and the rest from dozens of trading nations. The big exceptions: Japan, which so far has refused to join, and the U.S. The three institutions will work together to finance infrastructure projects such as power stations, superhighways, ports, and bullet-train lines across Central Asia, the Middle East, the Caucasus, and the Balkans in an attempt to reunite Eurasia in a network of transport links. Chinas new multilateral lenders, along with their private sector partners, can mobilize as much as $1.5 trillion of new capital in the coming decade for Asia infrastructure, estimates Peter Burnett, Hong Kongbased regional head of corporate finance for Greater China and North Asia at Standard Chartered, which is partnering with Chinese lenders to cofinance frontier market deals. However, the funds, though substantial, are not enough to meet the regions infrastructure needs, which according to Burnett and others (including the Manila-based Asian Development Bank [ADB]) amount to $8 trillion just for 201020. China fueled much of its own explosive growth by investing in modern infrastructure, spending an average of more than 20 percent of gross domestic product annually over 25 years. Though that investment fell to 8 percent last year, the countrys infrastructure now is among the most modern in the emerging markets. For instance, China is investing $503 billion to build a national bullet-train network that spans almost 19,000 miles more than 15 times the length of Japans Shinkansen. The trains can reach top speeds of more than 180 miles per hour, and China has ambitions to extend its lines to Europe. The Chinese Academy of Engineering in Beijing has drawn up plans to build a nearly 5,000-mile network spanning 17 nations; it would take passengers from Beijing to London in only 40 hours. To facilitate these ambitions, China has begun to play a powerful role in the region as a financier, says Laurence Brahm, a Beijing-based American lawyer, entrepreneur, and adviser to the Chinese government. China, together with other key developing nations, is forging an alternative global financial and economic development architecture, different from that of the Washington Consensus and postBretton Woods order, he says. Brahm is working with John Naisbitt, author of the best-selling Megatrends, on a book examining Xis efforts to revive the Silk Road. According to Brahm, if Xis vision is carried out successfully, China will surpass the U.S. as the largest economy in the world. In 2001, I wrote that the 19th century was Britains, the 20th Americas, and the 21st Chinas, says Brahm. He was hardly alone in making that prediction, but the 2001 book he coauthored, Chinas Century, predicted that China, then the No. 6 economy, with a GDP of $1.3 trillion, would become No. 1 in the 21st century. China surpassed Japan as the worlds second-largest economy in 2010 and has since grown its GDP to $11.3 trillion more than twice Japans $4.7 trillion and behind only the U.S.s $18.5 trillion. Though Chinas growth rate has slowed from a remarkable average of 9.9 percent a year, the Middle Kingdom posted 6.7 percent growth in 2016 and according to many economists should be able to grow between 3 and 6 percent annually over the next few decades. Though only a year old, Beijing-based AIIB has already hit the road running. Since early last year the bank has lent more than $1.7 billion to nine transportation, energy, and urban development projects in seven nations: Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. We are off to a quick start people see it is a bank operating to the highest international standards, says AIIB vice president Danny Alexander. Not long ago Alexander was serving as chief secretary to the U.K. Treasury under thenchancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne; he lost reelection to his parliamentary seat in Scotland in September 2015. Alexander was a key player in the U.K.s decision to support Chinas formation of AIIB. In fact, prime minister David Camerons government persuaded three other European nations Germany, France, and Italy to become founding members of the bank, much to the chagrin of the Obama administration, which viewed AIIB as a threat to U.S. hegemony. After Alexanders parliamentary defeat, Beijing asked him to join AIIB. Today the 43-year-old is based in Beijing and secretary to the AIIB board; he helps broker financing for infrastructure projects across Eurasia. The Chinese maintain that the new multilaterals do not replace or compete with Washington-led institutions and in fact complement existing multilaterals. AIIB is analogous to the Japan- and U.S.-led Asian Development Bank but focuses only on infrastructure finance in Asia. A primary difference: Whereas ADBs goal is to alleviate poverty, AIIB focuses on deepening regional connectivity. The Silk Road Fund tends to take equity stakes in projects, while the New Development Bank finances and buys stakes across all emerging markets, including Africa and Latin America. Alexander notes that most of the nine projects AIIB financed in the past year were in conjunction with the World Bank and other multilaterals, including ADB, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the European Investment Bank. Of course, the Chinese government has taken the initiative to establish this institution, but we are not here to deliver Chinese government policy or British government policy or Indian government policy, he explains. AIIB is answerable to all 57 founding members. Still, Alexanders role at AIIB is a sign of the times as the world finds itself in an increasingly multipolar financial system. Clearly, the U.K. sees the picture of a bigger world that is multipolar and diverse in approaches to economic development, says Brahm, adding that London became a major yuan offshore clearing center in 2012, with many British banks offering yuan-denominated services; U.S. banks in New York only began offering yuan trading recently. And then there is Britains Brexit vote, another symptom of increasing fragmentation. The rise of a new financial architecture that will parallel the old Washington-dominated one is apparent, Brahm says. The British not only want to have a foot in the door but to actually be a key stakeholder in the evolution of that new system. They see Beijing as an alternative power center to Washington and are allying with both. Although Washington has not endorsed Beijings geopolitical strategy and may not under President Trump some major U.S. banks are participating. The Belt and Road initiative is without a doubt the most ambitious, strategic, interconnected infrastructure initiative devised in recent memory, says Mark Slaughter, Citigroups head of corporate and investment banking in the Asia-Pacific region. It presents a number of opportunities for a global bank like Citi that has a presence across the various trade routes. Global trade is part of Citis DNA, he explains, noting that the bank is now working with Chinese clients to find opportunities that fit with Beijings geopolitical strategy. Citigroup is the worlds No. 13 bank, as measured by assets, and its Asia operations of which China and Hong Kong account for a substantial portion are the companys second-largest single business unit. In the wake of the Wests drift toward populist isolationism, China is seeking stronger trade and investment links with its economic partners, says Peter Wong, Hong Kongbased chief executive for Asia at HSBC Holdings, the worlds 14th-biggest bank. Chinas One Belt, One Road is a prime example of this reaching-out policy, says Wong, adding that the country aims to spur demand for materials and goods at home by investing in strategic infrastructure projects abroad and developing economic ties along the way. The plan is to enhance global supply chains, primarily through debt-financed infrastructure projects across more than 60 countries, Wong says. China expects annual trade with these nations to be worth $2.5 trillion within a decade up from $1 trillion in 2015. The success of Chinas ambitions, however, is far from guaranteed. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on Chinese imports, disagrees with the One China policy on Taiwan, and may challenge Chinas geopolitical aims. Rising nationalism in many emerging markets also makes investment in massive infrastructure projects difficult. In many ways, Chinas rapid development and integration with the world economy has been very positive, says Guy de Jonquieres, a senior fellow at the Brussels-based European Center for International Political Economy. However, Chinas neighbors, notes de Jonquieres, a former Financial Times reporter, have grown increasingly wary of its aggressive island-building campaign in the South China Sea. Pessimism about the Silk Road project is rising even among some Chinese bankers, says Andrew Collier, a Hong Kongbased independent research analyst who from 2009 to 2011 was president of Bank of China International in the U.S. Some bankers are skeptical about One Belt, One Road because it is difficult to find profitable projects, he explains. The due diligence of investigating good companies in far-flung countries outside of their usual lending areas is too time-consuming, so they are generally looking for quick fixes. These may not produce good returns. There is a need for infrastructure in emerging markets throughout Asia, Collier notes, but he wonders if it makes sense for China to create it virtually on its own. No, unless you assume that President Xi Jinping is looking as much for security gains as he is for expanding Chinese trade routes, he says. The security goals may include excluding Russia and the United States from participating in the growth of One Belt, One Road countries, but my belief is China will make only modest progress. There is too much entrenched nationalism in these countries to allow for significant gains by China. Guan Anping, an adviser to the Chinese government, points out that Central Asia is mostly made up of former Soviet satellite states where the rule of law is lacking. Its much easier to do business with partners in the West or Japan, or elsewhere in developed markets, says Guan, a former legal counsel at Chinas Ministry of Commerce. The stans, as many nations in Central Asia are known, are troublesome places to do business. Many business people there dont honor their contracts. Still, Guan says most governments getting Chinese funds for infrastructure stand to benefit from the tax revenues the projects will generate. So in the end, most governments will welcome Chinese money and will do their best to make sure their companies honor their loans, he says. Official China remains upbeat. In the longer term the Silk Road strategy will succeed because the Chinese government designed it to benefit all participating nations, insists Zhu Lei, who oversees ties with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations at Guangxi provinces Department of Commerce, on the border with Vietnam. Many Southeast Asia nations have already benefited from the project, Zhu says: A rail link completed last year that runs through Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore means that products made in Southeast Asia can now be transported as far away as Germany in under 20 days. Goods shipped by sea from Asia to Europe take twice as long as much as 45 days, says Zhu, who is based in Guangxis capital, Nanning. At the end of the day, Chinas Silk Road strategy isnt about only benefiting China. Its about connecting all of Asia to Europe and the rest of the world through transport networks, bringing everyone closer together. At one Nanning company, organic-vegetable and free-range chicken producer Wanshougu Group, vice president Peng Changcai echoes Zhus point. Trade is about peaceful coexistence, says Peng, who until three years ago was a major general in the Peoples Liberation Army in Guangxi. Trade is good. War is not. Now retired from the PLA, Peng at age 17 was one of 10,000 Chinese troops who fought the Vietnamese in May 1981 at the battle of Fakashan, one of many border skirmishes that occurred between China and Vietnam from 1979 to 1990. We in China are now focused on promoting trade and foremost peace, Peng says. Yes, there are going to be political differences, and at times we rattle our sabers, but lets all focus on trade and rebuilding the Silk Road together. Peace and prosperity through interconnectivity and trade at the end of the day, that is what the China dream is all about. iSelect has announced that they have become members of the Insurance Brokers Network Australia (IBNA).The comparison service will join the largest network of independently-owned insurance brokers in the country. IBNA chairman, Gary Gribbin, welcomed the site to the fold.Although their business model is seen to be different to our other members, iSelect is equally as committed to the key principle of broking, which is to provide the very best solution for the customer, Gribbin said.As an industry we need to understand that a one size fits all approach is no longer appropriate and explore other ways of delivering our valued services to our customers.We hope our 93 members can learn a lot from iSelects experience and unique business model, Gribbin said.iSelect will look to utilise IBNAs partnerships, with major Australian insurers such as Allianz CGU and Vero , having announced a partnership with Zurich earlier this week.Managing director and CEO of iSelect, Scott Wilson, said that the firm is independently owned and is a strong supporter of the general insurance industry, which aligns well with IBNA.We understand the value of quality, independent financial advice but we also recognise that the industry must adapt to keep up with changing customer expectations, Wilson said.Like so many other industries, the general insurance industry is facing the challenges and opportunities that digitisation offers. As a digitally-enabled broker, we hope sharing our insights with IBNAs like-minded members will help us all to better serve our customers.iSelect holds an AFSL insurance broking licence and all brokers employed by the firm meet qualification standards under AFSL requirements set by ASIC , the business confirmed. ADS ADS Chanels Monsieur model, presented last year, was a double surprise: it was the brands first watch dedicated exclusively to gentlemen and it contained the brands first-ever in-house movement, the Calibre 1. One year later, as Chanel celebrates its 30th anniversary, we see the arrival of a second in-house calibre, this time dedicated exclusively to the houses core customer: ladies. The new movement, logically named the Calibre 2, is used in the octagonal case of the Premiere collection, which is no stranger to the brands fine watchmaking movements, since it already includes a flying tourbillon model in which the tourbillon cage takes the form of a camellia flower in latticework. In the new Premiere Camellia Skeleton, this design is extended to the entire skeletonized movement, which takes the shape of a three-dimensional camellia flower. In order to do this, the Premiere case had to be modified to accommodate the new movement, which is built up in layer and has petals that are partially hidden in the case middle. The movement bridges are in gold, in order to allow for a breathtaking version set with 246 brilliant-cut diamonds. With the stones measuring just 0.5 0.7mm in diameter, setting them on to the fine curves of these bridges is a true test of the setters skill. A non-set version of the movement is also available, with hand-bevelled mainplate edges that are subsequently coated with ADLC (amorphous diamond-like carbon) and rhodium plated to provide a deep black background. The Calibre 2 is manually wound, meaning that there is no movement from an oscillating mass to disturb the harmony of the watch. In keeping with the pared-down nature of this skeletonized timepiece, there is just one mainspring barrel, offering a total power reserve of 48 hours. It is stamped with Chanels Lion hallmark, which is only used for the brands high-end in-house movements. Its worth underscoring that this really is a completely new movement coming just one year after the Calibre 1. In fact, the only components that the two movements have in common are three in their escapements: the pallet fork, the escape wheel and the double roller. The Chanel Premiere Camellia Skeleton is available in different versions, with or without diamond setting on the movement and hands and with cases set with brilliant-cut diamonds (for a total of 5.54 carats) or fully paved with a baguette diamond set bezel, crown and strap for a total of 22.7 carats. Prices range from 130,000 euros up to 260,000 euros. See all Baselworld news >> A global loss adjusting, claims, management and risk solutions firm has announced the appointment of its new chief operating officer and head of its third party administration (TPA) subsidiary in Australia.Diego Ascani takes on the new role as Cunningham Lindseys new COO and head of inTrust. He will work closely with the Asia Pacific inTrust leadership team headed by Johanna Agar in Sydney and Nicki Dunn in Singapore.A qualified solicitor, Ascani was CEO of insurance services at Xchanging. He also worked at GAB Robins (SA), Gallagher Bassett, Deloitte , and PwC He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Law, and an MBA; and is also an associate of the Insurance Institute of South Africa and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.With Diegos experience and knowledge of the industry, he will further strengthen inTrusts positioning and service across Australia and beyond, said Damon Bennett, Cunningham Lindsey CEO in Asia PacificHe is widely known and respected in the industry and will be an asset to the team as we continue our long term commitment to expand Third Party Administration services across the region. In conjunction with its new staff volunteering policy, a specialist national insurance law firm has partnered up with an innovative online platform to help make a difference to those in need. Gilchrist Connell is the first law firm to join the ranks of Australian companies that are in business partnership with Goodcompany, a holistic charitable institution that empowers businesses and their staff to support over 1,500 charities. So far, Goodcompany has donated over 176,000 volunteer hours and raised almost $7.5 million for charity. The partnership will allow Gilchrist Connells staff across Australia to volunteer their time and skills to a charity close to their heart, and for the charities to gain access to professional skills that would otherwise be beyond their reach. Want the latest insurance industry news first? Sign up for our completely free newsletter service now. This is a very positive partnership, as it offers the opportunity for every one of our 100+ staff at Gilchrist Connell to be part of a fantastic giving program, said Richard Wood, the firms managing principal. Social awareness is an important part of our culture, and it was our staff who initiated this relationship, a progressive and practical way for us to offer time and skills where its needed and wouldnt otherwise be available. We look forward to sharing our skills and working hands-on to help make a difference, Wood added. Related stories: Gilchrist Connell makes two senior promotions Gilchrist Connells EPL/ML national head promoted to principal Not too long after insurance giants RSA and Aon announced their expansion moves in Africa, another industry heavyweight has increased its presence on the continent. Major insurer Allianz has officially entered the Moroccan market with the launch of a new company. Allianz Maroc began its operations on January 30, although it has been part of the German insurer since November following the acquisition of 98.9% of Zurich Assurances Maroc. Want the latest insurance industry news first? Sign up for our completely free newsletter service now. According to Allianz, its Moroccan business aims to double market share by 2021 and become the benchmark in the African countrys insurance market. Customer satisfaction will be the first priority for Allianz Maroc, which will orient its offerings around multiple customer segments to provide more targeted and personalised value propositions. Allianz Maroc will focus on digital channels to communicate with customers in real time and quickly handle claims. It will also develop synergies with other Allianz entities, including Euler Hermes, to better serve business customers interested in expanding or exporting to other African markets. The company is also launching a communication campaign to boost its brand reputation. We are confident that we have all the means necessary to claim a greater position in the Moroccan insurance market and will continue to grow faster and in a sustainable way, said Allianz Maroc CEO Dirk De Nil. Allianz said Morocco is an important growth market in its strategy in Africa as the country has positioned itself as a hub for the continent. Our investment in Morocco shows that we believe in the growth potential of the Moroccan insurance market, said Hicham Raissi, Head of Allianzs business divisions for Africa, MENA and India. We will accompany our retail and business clients in Morocco and all over the world, while providing superior quality service, Raissi added. Related stories: Thanks to a new agreement signed yesterday, fintech businesses in Ontario and the United Kingdom can now receive support from their respective financial regulators as they seek to open shop in the others market.The Co-Operation Agreement allows the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) to refer to one another any innovative businesses looking to do business in the others market.Both the FCA and the OSC had previously launched initiatives (in 2014 and 2016, respectively) that helped businesses understand their respective regulatory framework, supported them through authorisation, and facilitated engagement with their respective regulators. This new agreement was designed to complement those initiatives.Todays agreement with the OSC is a positive step towards promoting financial innovation in each of our respective markets, said FCA executive director of strategy and competition Christopher Woolard in a statement.It provides fintech businesses in Ontario and the UK with ready access to the regulatory support they need and we look forward to welcoming firms referred to us by the OSC to assist them in understanding the UK market and its financial regulation.Since unveiling OSC LaunchPad last year, we are hearing from many emerging businesses that offer innovative services, products and applications of benefit to investors, stated OSC chair and CEO Maureen Jensen. Many of these businesses are also seeking to expand globally, and this agreement reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing their regulatory experience.A release noted that once a business has been referred by the regulator and has successfully applied for authorisation to operate in the new market, they would then have access to dedicated staff to help the business understand the regulatory framework of the market it wishes to join as well as how the framework applies to them. It's critical to help clients make the most of the plans they have There is no doubt that Americas craft brewery industry is thriving in 2015, there were over 4,200 craft, large non-craft and other non-craft breweries scattered around the US, according to the Brewers Association. Although the art of brewing has been around for centuries, it was only in recent decades that the insurance space caught up with this booming industry.Malena Farrell heads CedarBrew Insurance, the all-women run agency that focuses solely on servicing the alcoholic beverage industry, and beer and insurance are a few of her greatest passions.In my opinion, this is the least boring industry ever. We can have two accounts that look and sound similar, but that end up being on completely opposite ends of the spectrum, she says. One day we can be placing insurance for a small, five-barrel system start-up brewery, and the next we could we working with a multi-national conglomerate. It is never the same.It all started when Farrell looked over the insurance policy placed for a friends small brewery, and what she found alarmed her.I found out that the agent rated his business as a restaurant. There was no coverage for the actual manufacturing process or the product itself. I started talking to different people within the industry and realized that there were few people who had any idea what to do with a brewery, Farrell says.Thats when she began working with different insurance companies to get appropriate programs in place that covered the unique exposures breweries face. Today, CedarBrew writes insurance coverage for local, regional and national craft breweries, microbreweries, brew pubs, nano-breweries and homebrew start-ups.As the brewing industry continues its boom, more and more insurance agents are eager to enter the space, capitalizing on the growing market. However, Farrell cautions against simply entering the business without putting in the efforts to learn the ins-and-outs of the brewing process and the risks involved.Unfortunately, some agents are not taking the time to learn the product and understand what brewers need, she explains. So we have done a lot of fixing of other peoples policies because we are running into the same problems.So, Farrell and her team remain involved with the industry, such as helping clients with picking yeast, or even brewing in their own office, to stay aware of the intricacies and risks faced during the entire brewing process.The biggest factor that sets up apart is that brewery owners can understand and see how genuine we are. We really love beer, and we really love the industry, she says. Insurance company First Trinity Financial and its CEO have been awarded $4.3 million in a defamation case against a former director of the company. Wayne Pettigrew, who is also a former Oklahoma state legislator, left First Trinity in 2013. Upon leaving the company, Pettigrew issued a press release calling for an investigation into First Trinity CEO Gregg Zahn over stock purchases, according to a report in the Oklahoman. Pettigrews press release and a letter he wrote to Oklahoma Securities Department Director Irving Faught intimated that Zahn may have violated the law by using his insider status to place 130,000 shares of stock with his family so he could buy them back at 10 cents a share after his divorce, the Oklahoman reported. The letter to Faught also said that Zahn was vice president of a Montana company that had been cited multiple times for securities fraud, and that criminal proceedings had been brought against him. Want the latest insurance industry news first? Sign up for our completely free newsletter service now. But a jury found that Pettigrew had defamed the company and Zahn and breached his fiduciary duties to the company, the Oklahoman reported. The jury awarded First Trinity $800,000 and Zahn $3.5 million. For both the company and Mr. Zahn, this is a vindication for what Mr. Pettigrew said in the press release, said Zahns attorney, Keith Ward. The jury and the trial court each did a good job. The last four years since Mr. Pettigrew's press release have been extremely difficult for me because of the misinformation that was communicated to my board of directors, the company's shareholders and the hundreds of people I deal with on a day-to-day basis, Zahn said in a statement. I am extremely happy that the jury understood the truth and firmly stated that Mr. Pettigrew's attempts to harm me and the company were unjustified and were defamatory. Pettigrew told the Oklahoman that he intended to appeal the decision, but Ward said he was confident that any appeal would fail. Floridas Senate gave its initial approval 8-1 to Senate Bill 420, which aims to provide private alternatives to the federal flood insurance program.The proposed law allows private companies to set rates without prior approval until 2025, which will open the door to surplus lines companies with very little regulation.Bill proponent Senator Jeff Brandes told the legislature that its purpose is to provide alternatives to costly federal insurance, a report by PalmBeachPost.com said.Currently, private agents and companies can act as middlemen for the National Flood Insurance Program and administer these policies under a write your own program the report added.However, Senator Gary Farmer said the proposed law represents unregulated insurance. The Delaware Department of Insurance has announced that it has begun the search for a new Director of the Bureau of Captive Insurance and Financial Products once current director Steve Kinions contract expires April 1, 2017. This is because the Department is transitioning the position from a contractual role to an exempt, appointed full-time state employee position. The Department has already begun a nationwide search for qualified candidates and is encouraging Kinion to apply, spokesman Vince Ryan told Insurance Journal. The Commissioner appreciates Mr. Kinions leadership, but would like to make this an exempt, appointed full-time state employee position for someone who resides in the state of Delaware. Mr. Kinion currently resides in Springfield, Illinois, he said. Since we are making an administrative change, we have to open it up for application. We are working with the Delaware Captive Insurance Association on this process, and they have worked with us to invite Steve to apply. Any candidate that were to apply and receive the position would be required to relocate to or currently reside in Delaware due to the transition, Ryan said. The new director of the Bureau of Captive Insurance and Financial Products will be appointed by Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro, who was elected in November to succeed former Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart, winning the race against his Republican counterpart, Jeff Cragg. Captive insurance is an important economic asset to our state, Navarro said in a statement. Delaware currently ranks as the third largest domicile in the United States and the fifth largest in the world. The new director will be responsible for working to build on these achievements as I remain committed to growing and strengthening Delawares bureau and the state as a leader in captive insurance. I am looking forward to the bureaus new direction. I will also work with legislators and the Delaware Captive Insurance Association to select the most qualified person for the job. The Department is seeking the most qualified candidates nationwide for the position. The new director will be responsible for regulating Delaware-domiciled captive insurance entities and will oversee the daily operations of the office, articulate the bureaus goals and objectives and ensure a stable and competitive environment for captive insurance, according to a press release issued by the Delaware Department of Insurance. The release added that Kinion has guided the Bureau for the last eight years as it has grown from less than 100 captive insurance entities to just more than 1,000. The Commissioner is aware that the Delaware Bureau has made strides and appreciates Mr. Kinions leadership, Ryan said. The Commissioner is committed to bolstering Delawares Bureau and this positions ranking in the captive world. He wants a welcoming captive environment for Delaware, so going forward, we are planning to go about this in a way that is mindful of all of those things. OTC Markets (Photo : OTCQX Video Series/YouTube) With the drug addiction treatment market being about $35 billion a year in the U.S. alone, it is easy to understand why the industry is rapidly becoming a popular space. Big pharmaceutical companies, like Insys Therapeutics Inc. (INSY), Pfizer Inc. (PFE), Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Inc. (AMPH), Mylan N.V. (MYL), Opiant Technologies Inc. (OPNT), Adapt Pharma Ltd., Kaleo Pharmaceuticals, Alkermes (ALKS), and newcomer BioCorRx, Inc. (BICX) are all jockeying for position to get a bigger slice of the market. Advertisement Brady Granier, president, CEO and director of BioCorRx, commented, This epidemic is showing no signs of slowing and more options are needed for treatment and prevention. It is a very large market that is showing some signs of consolidation within the treatment center space. We are seeing an increase in traditional programs making a shift towards medication-assisted treatment (MAT). One of the big three medications used in MAT is naltrexone. Many of these traditional programs are beginning to use or endorse the use of naltrexone because of its non-addictive nature. Its an effective medication that should be getting as much attention as that of naloxone. Anti-Drug Addiction Market is a Rapidly Growing Industry The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Adapt Pharma Ltd.s NARCAN Nasal Spray formulation in November 2015. Adapt Pharma has signed a licensing deal with Opiant Pharmaceuticals (formerly Lightlake Therapeutics) to use its intranasal opioid antagonist platform technology in the development of the NARCAN Nasal Spray. The deal could earn Opiant up to $55 million in milestone payments aside from double-digit percentage royalties from Adapt on NARCAN Nasal Spray sales. However, Adapt is not the only pharmaceutical company selling NARCAN as an anti-overdose medication. Pfizers subsidiary, Hospira, and Amphastar Pharmaceuticals are pioneers in injectable naloxone. These two companies are, in fact, being blamed for the sudden rise in the price of naloxone. In its latest filing, Amphastar said that naloxone accounted for $38.6 million of the firms $251.5 million revenue in 2015, and expects the numbers to rise further as the price of the medication increases. It added that it is currently working on the development of a naloxone nasal spray. For its part, Kaleo Pharmaceuticals is marketing a naloxone auto-injector under the Evzio brand name at about $700-$800 per dose. Biotech giant, Mylan, has started selling a naloxone injectable after receiving FDA approval in 2014. Troubled company INSYS Therapeutics is hoping to revive its stock price after getting a naloxone candidate assigned by the FDA as fast-track eligible. Alkermes, an $8.3-billion pharmaceutical company, is offering an injectable naltrexone which is used to block the effects of opioids, at a cost of $1,300 per shot under its Vivitrol brand name. Vivitrol sales reached $55.8 million in the first three quarters of 2016. Alkermes is projecting that the sales of Vivitrol could reach a billion-dollar status in the near future and is looking to reach between $700 million and $800 million sales by 2018. In January, BioCorRx announced it would be working with Innovative Science Solutions to assist the company with regulatory matters for the release of its naltrexone injectable product, BICX101, and one or more other naltrexone formularies. BICX101 is currently in preclinical development under BioCorRxs pharmaceutical subsidiary, in partnership with TheraKine. BioCorRxs partnership with Innovative Science Solutions makes its hope of an FDA approval for BICX101 more likely. Naloxone vs Naltrexone In the fight against drug addiction, what is the difference between naloxone and naltrexone? The FDA approved naloxone as a generic drug in 1971. It is often used by first responders and police officers to reverse opioid overdose in an acute situation. Naloxone is being sold as an over-the-counter drug and is sold without a prescription in some states. It can save lives once administered when someone is suspected of overdosing, but it only lasts a short time and the person then needs to be rushed to the hospital for observation. Its used for overdose and not for long-term addiction treatment. Its counterpart, naltrexone, is mainly used to reduce cravings and for relapse prevention. If one has therapeutic levels of naltrexone in their system, they can be protected from overdosing as the naltrexone blocks the opioids from binding with the receptors in the brain. BioCorRx is in early stages of development for a new injectable naltrexone called BICX101. Granier explained, We believe that any form of sustained release naltrexone is of great benefit in preventing relapse and overdose and the more options we have, the better. BICX101 is being developed with the goal of improving patient compliance by reducing dose volume, needle size, and many other factors which can make compliance with other products more challenging. Consolidated Edison has agreed to pay $153 million to settle charges over a 2014 gas explosion in East Harlem that killed eight people and injured about 50. The settlement was approved on Thursday by the states Public Service Commission. The commission had found that Con Ed violated state safety regulations. A gas leak has been reported before the blast. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said its the highest payment for a gas safety incident in New York State history. The settlement includes a $25 million fund to benefit Con Ed gas customers. The rest will go toward gas safety education, repairs of leak-prone gas pipes, and explosion-related costs incurred by residents and businesses. Con Ed spokesman Philip OBrien said the utility has launched or expanded many proactive safety measures since the explosion. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics New York Burlington, Vt., officials and community partners are teaming up to combat a spike in opioid-related deaths. Vermont saw a 38 percent increase in opioid-related deaths from 2015 to 2016. Mayor Miro Weinberger joined the citys police chief and other officials Thursday to announce plans to increase data collection and sharing among agencies in order fight the growing crisis. Police in Burlington are partnering with police in South Burlington and Winooski. Theyll meet biweekly to discuss cases and concerns and will identify individuals engaged in risky behavior, who could hurt themselves or others or who need treatment, housing or social services. Health officials will update county-level data on opioid-related deaths every month instead of every year. Chittenden County prosecutors will also begin tracking overdose deaths. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Vermont Canadian Broker Network (CBN), Canadas network of independent insurance brokers, has appointed Mike Robinson, president and CEO, PBL Insurance Ltd., as chairman. Robinson succeeds Tim Miller, president of Capri Insurance Services, who has been CBN chairman for the past three years. As chairman, Miller focused on fostering higher levels of collaboration between the members, growing the membership and laying the groundwork for CBNs strategic direction, said a statement issued by the network. On behalf of the CBN, Id like to personally thank Tim for his insights and support. His guidance has helped to set us on a successful course for the future, said Lorie Phair, CBN managing director. She welcomed Robinson whose industry experience, vision and leadership skills will be of great value to CBN as we continue to grow and execute on our strategy. About Canadian Broker Network The Canadian Broker Network comprises Capri Insurance Services, CMW Insurance Services, Lawrie Insurance Group, McLean Hallmark Insurance Group, PBL Insurance, Rogers Insurance, Smith, Petrie, Carr & Scott Insurance, South Western Group and Bullfrog Insurance, the industrys first digital commercial broker. The network has outperformed the market on organic growth, writing more than more than $1 billion in property/casualty premiums as well as employee benefits, life and financial services with over 50 offices across Canada and more than 1,500 employees, CBN said. Source: Canadian Broker Network Topics Agencies Canada Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has acquired Madison, Wisconsin-based Kelly Financial Inc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1957 by John M. Kelly and incorporated in 1994 by Scott Kelly, Kelly Financial offers retirement plan management, wealth management and life insurance coverages to businesses and individuals throughout the state of Wisconsin. Scott Kelly and his associates will continue to operate from their Madison location under the direction of John Neumaier, head of Gallaghers Great Lakes region employee benefits consulting and brokerage operations. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., an international insurance brokerage and risk management services firm, is headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, and has operations in 33 countries. Source: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Topics Mergers & Acquisitions A.J. Gallagher Wisconsin A medical services provider serving the Muskegon, Michigan, region will pay $21,500 and furnish other relief to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC announced it had charged that Muskegon Family Care violated federal law by firing an employee on the basis of her medical condition. According to the EEOCs lawsuit, Avis Lane worked for Muskegon Family Care as an outreach-enrollment coordinator. Before she began work, the company required that she submit to a post-offer, pre-employment physical. The medical specialist who conducted that physical recommended that Lane be put on a medical hold due to medications she was taking. Notwithstanding the recommended medical hold, the company allowed Lane to work for over a month. Eventually, Muskegon Family Care fired her based on the recommended medical hold, the EEOC said. Firing an employee on the basis of disability violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). And an employer is liable for the actions of its agent, such as a medical specialist who conducts pre-employment physicals. EEOC filed its lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan (EEOC v. M.G.H. Family Health Center d/b/a Muskegon Family Care, Civil Case No.: 15-952) after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process. In granting the EEOCs motion for partial summary judgment, the court found that this case presents a peculiar fact pattern that represents a textbook case for unlawful discrimination under the regarded-as-disabled prong of the ADA. In addition to providing monetary relief to Lane, the company entered into a three-year consent decree requiring it to develop and implement policies that comply with the ADA. The decree further requires the company to conduct annual training for employees and managers, to post an employee notice regarding federal anti-discrimination laws, and to provide periodic reports to the EEOC. Source: EEOC Topics Lawsuits Michigan Medical Professional Liability As more and more Americans hold nontraditional jobs that dont have benefits attached think freelance graphic designers or Uber drivers cities and states are exploring ways to ensure those workers still have access to workers compensation, unemployment insurance, and other support such as help paying for health insurance. Think tanks and some tech and labor leaders have called for truly portable accounts that travel with the worker no matter how he or she earns money. Washington state Rep. Jessyn Farrell, a Democrat, proposed a bill last week that takes a first step toward a more flexible, inclusive benefit system. Her bill would require companies and people that act as brokers for independent contractors to put money toward a contract workers benefits. She says the bill maintains the flexibility employees and employers like about contingent work. New York state legislators have considered allowing online platforms, such as home cleaning services, to pay into a benefit fund for workers who use their app or website. Members of the New York City Council have proposed charging riders a surcharge to fund benefits for taxi, livery cab, Uber and Lyft drivers. A number of factors make it tough to structure benefits so that workers without a traditional job can access them. Lawmakers say the world of work is changing and regulations need to keep up. Some 40 percent of American workers dont have a full-time job, meaning they may not have a full set of benefits, making it harder to weather lifes shocks, from a family illness to a layoff. People are yearning and in deep need of additional economic security, Farrell said. But a number of factors will make it tough to structure benefits so that workers without a traditional job can access them. Requiring benefit contributions imposes new costs on businesses, customers or both. While some companies that rely on nontraditional workers, such as Etsy and Lyft, say they support the idea of making benefits more portable and flexible, companies can be leery of forming something more like a traditional employer-employee relationship and taking on all the legal responsibilities and expense that entails. Some gig economy workers already have benefits through another employer or a family member. But David Rolf, an official with the Service Employees International Union in Seattle and a founder of the Fight for $15 movement to boost the minimum wage, says only systemic changes will make sure everyone has access to basic benefits such as workers compensation. Are we going to try to recreate the employment contract and the social contract of the mid-20th century, are we going to reinvent it for a new era, or are we going to lose it altogether? he said. The 21st Century Workforce Today about 16 percent of American workers work for a temporary help agency, on contract as independent contractors, or hold an on-call position, according to a study from Harvards Lawrence Katz and Princetons Alan Krueger. Thats up from just 10 percent a decade ago. So far, state portable benefits bills have focused on independent contractors, who comprise 8 percent of the workforce and are shut out of all kinds of benefit programs and worker protections. Their employers dont contribute to workers compensation, unemployment insurance or Social Security, and they arent covered by labor standards such as the minimum wage. About a year and a half ago, Rolf and venture capitalist Nick Hanauer published a manifesto in the journal Democracy that envisioned a new system. Labor standards and a basic set of benefits would apply to all work arrangements. Multiple employers would be able to pay into benefit accounts, which would follow workers from job to job. And workers wouldnt need to clock a certain number of hours each week to qualify. You should get an hours worth of benefits for an hours work, full stop, Hanauer says. The Washington bill, which was shaped by advice from Rolf and Hanauer, would require people or companies that find work for and transfer payments to independent contractors Uber, say, or a middleman who works with farm laborers to contribute to a pool of money managed by an independent nonprofit. The broker might do that by charging consumers extra or by taking the money out of workers pay. Contributions would be made at least monthly and would have to amount to either $6 per hour worked or 25 percent of the sum charged to the consumer, whichever is smaller. The money could be spent on paid time off, health insurance or other qualified benefits. The Misclassification Question Any proposal to create benefits for independent contractors has to contend with the legal tension over how they are classified. Many companies particularly online labor platforms operate in a murky area somewhere between being an employer and not being an employer. Courts have found that some companies are shirking their obligations to their workers by falsely calling them independent contractors. In recent years, a growing number of lawsuits have been filed against companies by independent contractors seeking back wages and benefits, says Gerald Maatman, a lawyer for Seyfarth Shaw LLP who specializes in defending employers from such lawsuits. These lawsuits can be extremely expensive. Last year, FedEx settled a misclassification lawsuit for $240 million, to be divided among 12,000 drivers who hadnt been paid overtime or been reimbursed for expenses. Some state attorneys general have also stepped up their efforts to go after companies suspected of misclassifying workers. Maatman says theyre motivated partly by their desire to capture payroll tax dollars. Companies have responded by lobbying state legislatures to give them legal cover. Many of the 28 states that have legalized ride-hailing services, such as Uber and Lyft, included little-noticed provisions that said drivers who provide such services are independent contractors. Arizona has gone further and passed a law that says all people who find work through online labor platforms are independent contractors. The state laws dont stop workers from suing over benefits and protections owed to employees under federal law. But they make it much harder for workers to claim a right to state-run benefit programs, such as unemployment insurance and workers compensation, and to state minimum wage standards. The Washington state bill tries to be neutral, saying that the proposed benefit scheme wouldnt factor into the states legal determination of employee status. Not so the portable benefits scheme recently floated in New York by tech industry lobbyists. The proposal would have allowed digital labor platforms to pay into benefit accounts for workers who use their platform and would have classified those workers as independent contractors under state law. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, put the proposal on ice last month when he announced he was convening a task force to consider portable benefits policy. State lawmakers are, however, still considering a bill that would legalize ride-hailing and allow drivers for ride-hailing companies to add a surcharge and remit it to an existing workers compensation fund for black car, or limousine, drivers. Cities have been mulling the portable benefits idea, too. Last fall, members of the New York City Council proposed adding a surcharge to taxi, livery cab, Uber and Lyft rides, and putting the money into a benefit fund that would be administered by a nonprofit. The proposal hasnt made much progress since then. But Brad Lander, a Democratic councilman, says the city is working to help nontraditional workers in other ways. Last year, the city passed a law that requires entities to draw up a written contract with freelancers on work valued at $800 or more, and establishes penalties for not paying freelancers on time or not paying them the agreed-on amount. In the future, the Council may consider expanding employment protections in city human rights law to cover independent contractors and freelancers, Lander said. Meaningful Benefits? The benefit funds lawmakers are considering may only have a small effect on workers financial stability. Many of the workers affected are drivers, housekeepers and handymen; theyre low-wage workers who dont tend to have great benefits even when employed full time. The Washington bill sets its contribution level to about what a non-union, low-wage employer in Seattle pays in benefits, said Rolf, the union official. Whether or not that adds up to a meaningful benefit depends in part on how much that person works, he said. He said the goal is to extend the benefits that low-wage employees typically have to their fellows who may be doing the same work but classified differently. Right now theres leakage going on because people who used to have jobs with health care and retirement plans and social insurance now are working as independent contractors, Rolf said. Care.com, a platform that helps families find housekeepers, nannies, tutors, and other caregivers, started setting aside 2 to 4 percent of each transaction fee into a benefit bucks fund for workers last fall. The money is converted into prepaid cards workers can use for a range of expenses, including transportation costs. The benefits workers accrue are modest. A housekeeper working 20 hours a week at the average hourly rate for the site would earn about $395 a year, said Nancy Bushkin, vice president for public relations. That might cover six months of copays or gas. Thats money she did not have, Bushkin said. Hanauer expects the Washington bill will face opposition from lawmakers on the left and right. But he thinks that regardless of whether it passes into law, the portable benefits concept is here to stay. I dont think this idea is going away, because I dont think theres any other way to fix the problems that ail the country, he said. Republished with permission from Stateline, an initiative of The Pew Charitable Trusts. Topics Legislation Workers' Compensation New York Washington Contractors A Tulsa, Okla., man who filed a bogus insurance claim and assaulted an insurance adjuster has been sentenced to life in prison, the state insurance department announced. Prentice E. Ponds II, 43, was on parole at the time of the crime. He has a long criminal history with multiple felony convictions, the department said. Oklahoma is a safer place with this man behind bars, said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak. While its common for insurance fraud to be committed in conjunction with other crimes, we dont typically see violence like this. But it does happen. I am extremely proud of the work done by our Anti-Fraud Unit to get this violent criminal off the streets. I also want to thank the Tulsa County District Attorneys Office for its excellent work on this case. Ponds was arrested in August 2015 after an investigation by the Oklahoma Insurance Departments Anti-Fraud Unit. Investigators found that Ponds filed a fraudulent insurance claim on a 2014 Chevy Camaro with preexisting damage hed purchased off eBay. When an insurance adjuster went to Ponds home to question him about the claim, Ponds became angry. He attacked the adjuster and took his file and audio recorder. The insurance adjuster was later treated for a head laceration and broken ribs. The insurance adjuster worked for Repwest Insurance Co. Robert Pirmann, vice president at Repwest Insurance, commended the Oklahoma Department of Insurance, the Tulsa County District Attorneys Office and local law enforcement for their diligent efforts in this case. The violence exhibited against our insurance investigator should never be tolerated. A Tulsa County jury recently convicted Ponds of robbery and insurance fraud. He was sentenced to life for the robbery conviction and 25 years for the insurance fraud conviction. Ponds prior felony convictions include assault and battery, robbery and burglary. Source: Oklahoma Insurance Department Topics Fraud Oklahoma A former south Louisiana sheriffs office employee says the sheriff wrongly fired her for cooperating with the FBI in an investigation against him. In a lawsuit filed earlier this month, Deborah Lourd said she was fired last year, shortly after a federal jury acquitted Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal on civil rights charges arising from the beatings of black inmates by deputies, The Advocate reported. Prior to the trial, Lourd had given investigators several secret recordings of Ackal, including one in which authorities said Ackal used an ethnic slur to refer to someone believed to be federal prosecutor Mark Blumberg. Lourd said in the lawsuit that she was demoted and stripped of her job duties when Ackal learned in July that she was cooperating with the FBI. She remained officially employed by the Sheriffs Office until receiving formal notice of her termination after a jury in Shreveport acquitted Ackal on Nov. 4. Louisianas whistleblower laws protect Lourd from any retaliation for cooperating with a criminal investigation, the lawsuit argues. Ackal declined to comment on the lawsuit through Sheriffs Office spokesman Captain Wendell Raborn. Last year, prosecutors had said Ackal condoned and encouraged excessive force and had no regard for the black community in Iberia Parish. Ten deputies pleaded guilty in the case, but Ackals defense lawyer argued that the abuses described were the work of members of a rogue narcotics unit who worked to conceal their actions from him. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Louisiana A federal judge on has refused to dismiss a lawsuit that accuses Louisiana state regulators of racially discriminating against a group of Vietnamese-American nail salon owners. U.S. District Judge Brian Jacksons ruling clears the way for a jury trial next month in Baton Rouge for the salon owners case against the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology and two agency inspectors. The four plaintiffs claim the board disproportionately targeted Asian-American salon owners for frequent inspections, fines and disciplinary hearings because of their race. The board argues there is no evidence of racial bias in its regulatory activities. It had urged Jackson to dismiss all of the plaintiffs claims before trial. Vietnamese-owned businesses account for just 9 percent of the roughly 7,500 salons regulated by the state agency, including hair salons, but paid at least 80 percent of all board-imposed fines in each year between 2011 and 2013, the plaintiffs allege. But the plaintiffs and defendants disagree on whether the rate of fines should be viewed through the prism of all types of regulated salons or just nail salons. Steven Young, the boards executive director, has estimated that 80 percent of all nail salons are owned by people of Vietnamese heritage. Jackson, however, decided its a dispute for jurors to resolve. And the judge noted that plaintiffs have presented other evidence that nail salons are subject to more scrutiny than other categories of salons. One plaintiff also claims an inspector, Sherrie Stockstill, unlawfully detained her and her employees for approximately two hours during a 2013 inspection. Jackson ruled that those detentions were objectively unreasonable. No reasonable inspector in Stockstills position could believe that a regulation permitting her to inspect business records and interview employees of a manicuring salon would justify or permit the detainment of all the employees of the salon for a two-hour period, the judge wrote in his 32-page order. Salons owned by two plaintiffs are located in Lafayette. The other two are in Prairieville and Gonzales. One of the plaintiffs attorneys is former U.S. Rep. Anh Joseph Cao, a New Orleans Republican who was the first Vietnamese-American to serve in Congress. The trial is scheduled to start March 13 and last about one week. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Legislation Claims Louisiana A federal appeals court has ruled that Florida doctors can talk to patients about gun safety, declaring a law aimed at restricting such discussions a violation of the First Amendments right to free speech. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found Feb. 16 that the law does not trespass on patients Second Amendment rights to own guns and noted a patient who doesnt want to be questioned about that can easily find another doctor. The Second Amendment right to own and possess firearms does not preclude questions about, commentary on, or criticism for the exercise of that right, wrote Circuit Judge Adalberto Jordan in one of two majority opinions covering 90 pages. There is no actual conflict between the First Amendment rights of doctors and medical professionals and the Second Amendment rights of patients. Circuit Judge William Pryor, who was a finalist in President Donald Trumps search for a Supreme Court nominee, said in a separate concurring opinion that the First Amendment must protect all points of view. The promise of free speech is that even when one holds an unpopular point of view, the state cannot stifle it, he wrote. The price Americans pay for this freedom is that the rule remains unchanged regardless of who is in the majority. The law was passed in 2011 and signed by Republican Gov. Rick Scott with strong support from the National Rifle Association. It was the only one of its kind in the nation, although similar laws have been considered in other states. Supporters in the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature insisted it was necessary because doctors were overstepping their bounds and pushing an anti-gun, anti-Second Amendment agenda. The law was challenged almost immediately by thousands of physicians, medical organizations and other groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union as a violation of free speech in what became known as the Docs v. Glocks case. A legal battle has raged in the courts since then, with several conflicting opinions issued. We are thrilled that the court has finally put to bed the nonsensical and dangerous idea that a doctor speaking with a patient about gun safety somehow threatens the right to own a gun, said Howard Simon, executive director of the ACLU of Florida. The 11th Circuit noted that Florida lawmakers appeared to base the law on six anecdotes about physicians discussions of guns in their examination rooms and little other concrete evidence that there is an actual problem. And doctors who violated the law could face professional discipline, a fine or possibly loss of their medical licenses. There was no evidence whatsoever before the Florida Legislature that any doctors or medical professionals have taken away patients firearms or otherwise infringed on patients Second Amendment rights, Jordan wrote for the court. The NRA and Florida attorneys had argued that under the law doctors could ask about firearms if the questions were relevant to a patients health or safety, or someone elses safety, and that the law was aimed at eliminating harassment of gun owners. But the 11th Circuit said there was no evidence of harassment or improper disclosure of gun ownership in health records, as law supporters also claimed. There is nothing in the record suggesting that patients who are bothered or offended by such questions are psychologically unable to choose another medical provider, just as they are permitted to do if their doctor asks too many questions about private matters like sexual activity, alcohol consumption, or drug use, the court ruled. The ruling did determine that some parts of the law could remain on the books, such as provisions allowing patients to decline to answer questions about guns and prohibiting health insurance companies from denying coverage or increasing premiums for people who lawfully own guns. The case will return to U.S. District Judge Marcia Cooke in Miami for a ruling that follows the 11th Circuits direction. The case could, however, also be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics USA Florida Legislation Gun Liability BTS has found itself wrapped up in another plagiarism controversy with BIGBANG. The Bangtan Boys are under fire from BIGBANG fans for ripping off T.O.P's performance while performing at the 6th GAON Chart Music Awards. On Feb. 22, Wednesday, several K-Pop groups performed at the awards show including BLACKPINK, MAMAMOO, GOT7, EXO and BTS among others. When BTS took the stage, they performed their hit songs, "Save Me" and "Blood, Sweat & Tears." However, BIGBANG fans are furious over some of the ideas BTS had 'stolen' for their performance. Advertisement Shortly after the performance aired, several BIGBANG fans complained that BTS had copied the 'no signal' intro from BIGBANG rapper T.O.P. As seen in the video below, BTS' kicks off their performance of "Save Me" with the 'no signal' screen, which is similar to the one used by T.O.P during his solo performances at BIGBANG concerts. BIGBANG loyalists, also known as VIPs, are now fuming over BTS' alleged plagiarism and are demanding an apology from the idol group using the hashtag #No_Signal_Please. "Big Bang was first to apply 'no signal' into their performance, All Kpop quoted a fan as saying. "YG need to take legal action." There were some BTS fans that rushed to defend their favorite idol group. "Big Bang didn't invent sh*t, the same publication quoted a netizen as saying. "Why should they apologize? Do a search for 'no signal' and you will get millions of results. Overreaction at its finest." This is not the first time BTS has been accused of copying ideas from BIGBANG. In May 2016, VIPs and ARMYs around the globe got into a heated debate after snapshots of the striking similarities between the concepts and outfits of both groups surfaced online, as the same publication previously reported. Check out the comparison between the opening 'No Signal' montage used by BTS and the one used by T.O.P in the video below: Beecher Carlson Insurance Services LLC is expanding its West Coast operations with the appointment of Keith Newell as its managing director. Newell will be primarily based in the firms Woodland Hills, Calif. office. Newells focus is on new business strategies for the West Coast and he reports directly to Scott Davis, Beecher Carlsons president of property/casualty. Newell has 29 years of experience in the insurance and surety industry. His previous positions include senior vice president at Hub International Ltd., senior vice president and Heffernan Insurance Brokers and president and managing director at Allied North America. Beecher Carlson Beecher Carlson is a risk management broker and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brown & Brown Inc. Topics California Talent Human Resources Panoramica privacy Questo sito web utilizza i cookies per fornire all'utente la miglior esperienza di navigazione possibile. L'informazione dei cookie e memorizzata nel browser dell' utente, svolge funzioni di riconoscimento quando l' utente ritorna nel sito e permette di sapere quali sezioni del sito sono ritenute piu interessanti e utili. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Top News - Investor Idea A Boat-full of Potential - Renewed Interest in the Cruise Industry Bolsters Luxury Markets (OTC: MASN) (NYSE: CCL) (NYSE: CUK) (NYSE: RCL) (NYSE: NCLH) Vancouver, Kelowna, Delta, BC - November 2, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Investorideas.com, a leading investor news resource covering luxury goods and cruise ship stocks releases a special report featuring Maison Luxe, Inc. (OTC: MASN), a company that offers luxury retail consumer items. Top AI Stock News - Investor Idea Breaking AI Stock News: GBT's (OTCPK: GTCH) AI Driven Financial Technology Patent Application Received a Notice of Publication San Diego, CA - November 3, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) GBT Technologies Inc. (OTC PINK: GTCH) received a notice of publication for its financial software patent application. Top AI Stock News - Investor Idea Breaking AI Stock News: Intellagents, a FatBrain AI (OTCQB: LZGI) Company, Announces Hiring of Insurtech Industry Veteran as Chief Revenue Officer NEW YORK, NY - November 2, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) FatBrain AI (LZG International, Inc.) (OTCQB: LZGI), the leader in powerful and easy-to-use artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for star enterprises of tomorrow, announces the hiring of Euan King, an experienced and respected Insurtech industry leader as Chief Revenue Officer for insurance technology-focused subsidiary Intellagents. Top Health and Wellness News - Investor Idea Health and Wellness Stock News - Endexx (OTCBB: EDXC) Secures $3.8M Order for Non-Nicotine Vape Product HYLA from Italy CAVE CREEK, Az. - November 2, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Endexx Corporation (OTCBB:EDXC), a provider of innovative, plant-based, and sustainable health and skincare products, today announces it has secured a new $3.8 million USD order for its newly acquired, non-nicotine based vape product, HYLA from customers in Italy. Check out our Podcasts for great investor ideas: Get new posts by email: Subscribe Powered by Investorideas.com Newswire: Subscribe to Investor Ideas Newswire Sophie Turner, Carice van Houten, Hannah Murray, Liam Cunningham, Gwendoline Christie, John Bradley, Alfie Allen, Conleth Hill, Maisie Williams and Natalie Dormer attend Comic-Con International 2015. (Photo : Getty Images/Albert L. Ortega) The past few weeks had been tough for "Game of Thrones" cast members who had to endure the cold weather in Iceland. They have been filming in negative 25 degrees Centigrade and 100 mph winds. Stars Kit Harington, Liam Cunningham, Joe Dempsie, Rory McCan and Kristofer Hivju who play Jon Snow, Davos Seaworth, Gendry, Sandor "The Hound" and Tormund Giantsbane, respectively have been working in the cold weather. There were rarely daylights which only lasted five to six hours daily. Advertisement Filming equipments were brought via super jeeps while the actors were dressed in hotels and arrived to filming locations 90 percent ready. Russian tents that could be heated and could withstand the 100 mph winds were installed on the set, Page Six reported. The cast and crew members usually lived in small hotels in the country's remote areas and they were the only guests. It was challenging to record the dialogue between characters because of the high winds so cast members needed to shout. Though it was cold, lowland sites lacked snow. Though the "Game of Thrones" Season 7 storyline is still under wraps, there are suggestions that the Night Watch members will go to the Wall's north on a mission. Rumors have it that there will be a fight between humans and the White Walkers. It is believed that the White Walkers will bring in winter and darkness. Furthermore, HBO's monster hit is said to air in the summer because the production needs arctic weather as winter is already in the story. "Game of Thrones" will leave the lives of its followers forever after Season 8 in 2018. While the fans are feeling more anxious, the cast members of the multi Emmy awarded fantasy series feel the same. "Because we know we're coming to an end, so not only do we feel the passage of time," Cunningham told Mashable. "Rhat's also been reflected in what we're shooting. I've never committed to a job like this before. I've got a family on this that I'm gonna miss hugely." Cunningham has been with the fantasy series since Season 2. It is likewise sad for the cast members as they will not be able to hang out as much, Alfie Allen told the online media company. Allen plays Theon Greyjoy, one of the surviving characters of the series. Here is a sneak peak of "Game of Thrones" Season 7: The iPhones Maps app has certainly had a long, bumpy ride up until now. Back when the iPhone first came out, it was powered exclusively by Google Maps. Alas, that meant it didnt even have turn-by-turn directions. That is until iOS 6 when Apple redesigned the Maps app from the ground up, but this caused significant problems. Fast forward to today. Despite a still damaged reputation, Maps in iOS 10 is vastly better than just a few years ago. It incorporates several powerful features that can help you browse the world, get important venue information, and travel efficiently. Illustrated in animated GIFs, here are our top ten tips and tricks for Maps on iPhone running iOS 10 or later. Show or hide traffic In the Maps app, tap the Info button on the top right to bring up settings. Here is where you can toggle Show Traffic on or off. If its on, Maps highlights roads currently plagued with too much traffic in yellow, orange or red depending on the severity. RELATED :Apple Could Show Search Ads in Apple Maps From Next Year Choose your own route Sometimes the fastest way isnt always the best way. For situations when you want to take a different route to get from point A to point B, Maps provides two alternatives. After youve requested directions somewhere, you should see three separate lines drawn out on the map, each with their estimated driving times. Tap to pick the route you want before starting. Avoid tolls and highways Maps has a nifty feature for avoiding tolls and/or highways. Tap a venue to get directions. Then right before tapping Go, scroll up to expand the card. At the bottom, tap Driving Options. You can choose to avoid tolls, highways or both by turning on the switches. If you do, tap Done, and Maps will automatically choose new routes based on your preferences. Share venue address At any venue or location, you can tap on the map to bring up information about it in a card. This includes photos and reviews from Yelp, a phone number, website and more, depending on what the venue provides. if you need to share the location with someone, you can tap the Share icon on this card to the right of the address. Then pick a medium for sharing in the Share Sheet. Get Wikipedia information This doesnt work for all locations, but more notable places and venues around the world also come with a brief Wikipedia excerpt. Tap the location on the map to bring up the info card, then scroll to find the Wikipedia section. You can tap Open Wikipedia to read the full article in Safari. Browse places by category Rather than searching for something specific, you can instead browse by category or subcategory. Tap the search bar to bring up categories for food, drink, shopping, travel, services, fun, health and transportation. Pick one to drill down even further. Then, once Maps searches around your location, you can even filter once more horizontally scrolling through types of venues at the very bottom. For instance, you can tap Food, then tap Restaurants to perform a search. At the bottom of the screen, you can filter once again by type: pizza, Italian, seafood, steakhouses, etc. Add to Favorites Choose any location to bring up the info card, then scroll all the way to the bottom. Tap Add to Favorites to save it in an easily accessible list for the future. View your Favorites You can view this Favorites list by tapping the search bar and scrolling all the way down under your recommendations. Tap Favorites to scroll through your saved locations. View area in 3D Certain areas around the world support 3D viewing. You can view lifelike 3D constructs of entire cities and major landmarks in places like New York City, Los Angeles, Rome, and Sydney. Even better, many of these cities feature Flyover, guided virtual tours of notable places in the area. Turn this on by tapping the Info button at the top right. Then switch to satellite mode. A 3D option should appear under the current location icon, and just tap it to switch. Any area that doesnt have true 3D will just display an illusion of 3D by tilting the angle of the map. Tell Siri where to take you Siri works beautifully with the Maps app. In fact, I almost never directly open Maps to get where I need to go. Instead, I just say Hey Siri, take me to this place. You can request that Siri take you to a friend, a specific address, or the name of a venue. You can even ask for vague recommendations like good bars around here. You may also want to check out: 15 Essential Safari Tips & Tricks for iPhone in GIFs Press Release IPU calls for urgent action to stave off spread of famine in Africa Geneva 23 February 2017 Famine is threatening millions of people in Africa. UNICEF/UNI201746/Rich The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is extremely concerned about the spreading famine in Africa. Famine has been declared in parts of South Sudan, affecting over 100,000 people. The United Nations has warned that it is likely to spread to Yemen, Somalia and Nigeria. The IPU is joining the international community in urging measures to ensure unimpeded access to humanitarian aid, especially for the most vulnerable. IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong called for the humanitarian aid to be allowed to reach the people. Once again, the international community has to come together to prevent the famine from spreading any further and avoid more deaths from what are essentially man-made catastrophes. Governments in the countries affected must resolve their conflicts and make it their priority to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who are most in need of it. Mr. Chungong is a member of the Lead Group of Scale Up Nutrition (SUN), set up to respond to the crisis of malnutrition. SUNs mission is to eliminate malnutrition by 2030. The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the global organization of national parliaments. It works to safeguard peace and drives positive democratic change through political dialogue and concrete action. A couple of new LeEco devices were revealed online through the Chinese telecommunication regulatory board TENAA. (Photo : LeEco/YouTube) A couple of new LeEco devices were revealed online through the Chinese telecommunication regulatory board TENAA. The latest information suggests that both smartphones will be unveiled at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2017 in Barcelona. In the TENAA database, image renders of the purported LeEco Le 2S and Le 2S Dual have revealed the key specs and physical design of the phones. Furthermore, the LeEco Le 2S and Le 2S Dual SIM will bear the model name "LEX656" and "LEX659," respectively Advertisement The listing suggests that both the smartphone will sport the same display sizes and resolutions, dimensions and battery capacity. Following the TENAA listing, the LeEco Le 2S and Le 2S Dual smartphone will feature a 5.5-inch 1080p displays, GizmoChina reported. It will both weigh 168g and will measure 152.4 x 75.1 x 7.5mm. On the battery information, the said smartphones will house the same 3900mAh battery. Under the hood, the Le 2S device "LEX656" will feature a 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage and a 2.3GHz deca-core processor. Based on reports, the "LEX659" device will be marketed as the higher-end variant as it features a Dual Sim support. In its optics department, the smartphones will feature a dual rear camera setup that includes a pair of 13-megapixel sensors with Dual LED flash. Up front, the devices will sport an 8-megapixel front-snapper for selfies and video conferencing. Right below the rear camera, a fingerprint scanner can be spotted. Both the LeEco Le 2S and Le 2S Dual will offer connectivity options such as 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, gravity sensor, distance sensor and light sensor. On the software front, the phones will ship the Android 6.0 Marshmallow with EUI layered on top of it. As per TENAA's listing, both smartphones will be available in gold, red, silver, white, gray, and five other colors. According to Mobile Indian, LeEco Le 2S Dual smartphone, carrying the model name "LEX659," was also spotted in a Chinese retailer pegged at a price tag of CNY 1,000, which is approximately Rs 9,729. The only difference with the TENAA listing is that the said smartphone features a 12-megapixel sensor. The Chinese company has not release the said phones' availability, although this information may be revealed at the MWC 2017 event. Update 4.10pm: Gardai investigating the death of a man in Fermoy, Co Cork in the early hours of Wednesday have released two men without charge. The investigation is ongoing and a file will be prepared for the DPP following the incident. Gardai are continuing to appeal for witnesses and in particular anyone who was in the vicinity of Pyke Road/Dublin Road between the hours of 8.30pm and 10.30pm on Tuesday February 21. 43-year-old Ludovit Pastor died after he was hit with a blunt object during a fight at a truck stop on the outskirts of Fermoy. Earlier: The escalation of what had been a minor spat, may have led to the death of a father- of-two, writes Sean ORiordan of the Irish Examiner. The man was struck with an iron bar during a row outside a busy service station in Co Cork yesterday. Paramedics were unable to save the Eastern European man Ludovil (Ludo) Pasztor, 40, after he sustained serious head injuries in a fight which broke out at a truck stop behind a service station in Fermoy. The victims friend, who is also non-Irish, was injured in the attack which took place at the Amber Service Station, Dublin Road, Fermoy, at around 10pm on Tuesday. Gardai were alerted by members of staff at the service station who found the mans body in the back parking lot. They subsequently arrested two other Eastern European men who are understood to have addresses in the mid-Cork area. Gardai have not commented on suggestions made locally that the fatal attack followed an earlier row involving a number of men. They are understood to have recovered an iron bar at the scene which is being examined by forensic experts. The injured man, who is in his 30s, and also understood to be from the Fermoy area, was taken to Cork University Hospital where he was being treated for injuries which are not life-threatening. The dead mans body remained at the scene overnight as gardai cordoned off the area. Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster visited the scene yesterday morning and carried out a preliminary examination. The dead mans body was later removed by hearse to Cork University Hospital for postmortem examination. Mr Pasztor is from Glencullen on the southside of the town. His family are originally from Hungary but he carried Slovakian passport. He was married with two daughters, aged 15 and 11. Around 20 truck drivers milled around yesterday morning while they waited for gardai to remove the cordon so they could drive their vehicles away. Gardai, meanwhile, started viewing CCTV footage taken in the area and were also speaking to locals. Pic: Denis Minhane The two men arrested, who are in their late 20s and early 40s, were held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. Gardai are appealing to anybody who was in the vicinity of the service station, or on a side road known locally as Pike Road, between 8.30pm and 10.30pm on Tuesday to come forward. A special incident room has been set up at Fermoy Garda Station and witnesses are asked to contact 025 82100. They can also contact the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666111, or any garda station. Local councillor Noel McCarthy said the victim and his brother Robert, who also lives in Cork, had only buried their father in Hungary three weeks ago. The whole of Fermoy is stunned, he added. Post mortem evidence suggests Daniel McAnaspies body was moved from the location where he was killed, the Central Criminal Court has heard. Richard Dekker, who is from Dublin 15, denies killing the Dublin teenager, who was in the care of the HSE when he went missing in February 2010. Daniel McAnaspies skeletal remains were found on a farm in Co. Meath on May 13 2010 - three months after he went missing. Dr. Khalid Jaber, a former Deputy State Pathologist, carried out a full post mortem the following day and his report was read out this afternoon. In it, Dr. Jaber concluded that Daniel died from penetrating sharp force trauma to internal organs including the heart, lungs and stomach. He said his death would have been painful and not necessarily instant. He said the evidence favours relocation from where he was killed and that he was either dragged along the ditch between two fields or adjusted after being dumped there. It is the prosecutions case that Richard Dekker aided and abetted his murder by going along with a ruse with another man to give him a hiding. The State claims he knew this man was armed with half a garden shears. The 30-year-old denies the charge. Update 5pm: The trial of a man accused of murdering Daniel McAnaspie has heard Gardai found surgical gloves on him two days after he went missing. Richard Decker denies murdering the Dublin teenager at Tolka Valley Park in Blanchardstown in 2010. The court heard that Denise Kelly was one of five people who spent the early hours of February 26 2010 drinking with Daniel McAnaspie at a cul-de-sac outside her home. Richard Dekker was also there. She told the jury that another man punched Daniel in the face after he said something to him about his dead uncle. It is the States case that Mr Dekker joined this man in a ruse to lure Daniel to an isolated area by the River Tolka and that he knew this man was armed with half a garden shears. Daniel, who was in State care at the time, was found in a drain on a farmers land in Co. Meath almost three months later. Garda Peter Bernard gave evidence of stopping Mr. Dekker two days after hes accused of murdering the 17-year-old and that when he asked him why he had some surgical gloves in his pocket, he told him they were to keep his hands warm. The trial resumes tomorrow. Speaking at the Irish Centre for European Law in Dublin yesterday, Sharon Donnery poured cold water on the idea of Dublin or any other EU city becoming a new London in terms of hoovering up the vast majority of financial services jobs from firms looking to leave the English capital in search of a new EU home. She, however, added any new business that does come in will provide pros and cons for the Irish economy. I do not believe a new London will, necessarily, emerge in Europe, but rather there may be a fragmentation of financial services across several European cities, she said. The establishment of new firms does, indeed, bring the prospect of potential upside in the form of new employment in the financial services sector. However, it is too early to say how material this will be. The potential establishment of new business lines in Ireland also presents a broad range of risks. For the Central Bank, from a financial stability perspective, a key consideration is under-standing the capacity of any potential firm to cause harm to the financial system, the economy and to citizens through its course of business particularly were it to fail, she added. Ms Donnery said new entrants should expect a rigorous assessment of regulatory standards and intrusive ongoing supervision of their activities. Brexit has the potential to significantly change the financial services landscape in some jurisdictions as certain activities, which have historically taken place in London, relocate to ensure access to the single market, she said. She also said that while the number of queries being made by London-based firms to the Central Bank about Dublin from banks and markets firms about payments, electronic money and insurance authorisations have continued to increase, these have largely been exploratory. Many firms will wait until Article 50 is triggered before taking concrete decisions on activity and location, she said. Ms Donnery also reiterated the Central Banks belief that given Irelands high level of exposure to the UK economy, the overall effect of Brexit to the Irish economy will likely be negative and material. In the transition period to establishing new arrangements between the UK and the EU, there is the potential for further bouts of heightened uncertainty and risk aversion, she said. In the deal, Glanbia co-op members will share a 100m spinout of Glanbia plc shares, while also creating a 40m member-support fund. Glanbia Ireland will be a 1.5bn diversified business 60% owned by farmers; it unites Glanbia Ingredients Ireland, Consumer Products and Glanbia Agribusiness. IFA president Joe Healy said the 40m fund would offer Glanbia farmers some protection from global market volatility, saying the fund would hopefully not be required for quite some time. He said it was crucial the new joint venture would pay a commercially competitive base price at all times. Mr Healy said the proposal had positive and some more challenging aspects, and he said all Glanbia Co-op shareholders should inform themselves fully at a series of information meetings before the required shareholder vote later this year. TJ Flanagan, CEO of the co-op umbrella body ICOS, said: This move is a strong endorsement of the co-op model as the most appropriate mechanism to strengthen the position of farmers, and a demonstration that, despite the complex evolution of the model in Ireland, the core principles of co-operation still stand strong. The release of the new joint venture proposal coincided with the company unveiling operating profits of almost 248m for 2016. Glanbia announced an 11.2% rise in earnings per share of 87.66c, higher than expected. Earnings from wholly-owned business of 305.1m were up 12.5% on the prior year. It was the seventh straight year of double-digit growth for the company. Siobhan Talbot, Glanbia group managing director, said: I am pleased Glanbia had a strong group-wide performance in 2016. It has been an exciting start to 2017 with a number of key strategic initiatives progressing which will shape the future direction of the group. In a commentary on Glanbias results, Merrion Capital stated: Glanbia recently announced the acquisition of Amazing Grass and Body & Fit which fits within their Glanbia Performance Nutrition division. Further to this, Glanbia also announced it was in talks with Michigan farmers about the 400m cheese and whey joint venture facility. Combined, this is expected to result in a cash outlay of c300m. Merrion has downgraded its buy recommendation to hold. Glanbias share price has risen 21% since January when Merrion issued its buy advisory at 15.70. The share price climbed c.7% on the London Stock Exchange yesterday to around 18.50. This will have a big effect on the 7,000 farmers who avail of the derogation. They will have to reduce stocking rates, requiring much higher output per animal, if reasonable output per hectare is to be achieved. However, the average stocking rate in Ireland is still very low, compared with Holland and Denmark and other countries where the EU has taken action on nitrates. The target set by most top farmers is to produce 80-90% of milk from grass (including about 20% from grass silage) at a stocking rate of about one cow per acre, producing 1,300-1,500 gallons of good quality milk each (6,000-6,750 litres). This is almost 50% higher than the average production level in Ireland. It can and is being achieved with well-bred, healthy cows, high-quality grass and top management. on reasonably good land with moderate concentrate feeding. The biggest barriers to extra production going forward are deficiency of soil nutrients, scarcity of finance, and milk price volatility. The basic essential for good early season grass are unchanged selecting pastures for closing up since October, and good ryegrass swards with adequate lime and fertiliser. The main problem is poor quality swards, generally due to lack of reseeding, fertiliser or lime. Research results indicate that early grazing will generate an extra profit of 2.75 per cow per day for each extra day at grass. This is mainly due to reduction in concentrate costs, and an increase of up to 0.3% in milk protein. While the target is to get cows to grass as early as possible after calving, be careful to monitor available grass so that the first rotation (including silage areas) will last 40 to 50 days. And take care not to damage pastures in bad weather. Grazing should start part-time when about one third of the cows diet, or about three hours of grazing, is available. If ground conditions allow, graze tightly to under two inches, for high sward quality and milk yields in subsequent rotations. Trials show that pastures grazed tightly early in the season produce two litres milk per cow per day more than pastures not grazed until later, during the period up to early July. The first few grazings should set the stubble height for the remainder of the year. Imports of organic products from animal feed to consumer goods is emerging as a major battle ground between the two sides. For its part, IFOAM EU wants the entire proposed regulation to be scrapped. The relationship between the EU Commission and the EU organic sectors representative body is fraught. During Green Week in January Germanys version of the Ploughing Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan was on the front page of one of Germanys top newspapers, reminding readers of 2011 when organic sprouts poisoned thousands and indeed killed dozens of Germans. This showed the need for better regulation, as the sprouted organic fenugreek beans had been imported from Egypt, he said. Spanish cucumbers had previously been wrongly blamed, which cost Spanish growers up to 200 million in lost sales). Needless to say, this infuriated the organic sector, but it was emblematic of the poor relationship between the Commission and the sector. Concerns with the standard and quality of imports into the EU from outside are compounded by a rapid growth of organic consumption, faster than growth in organically certified EU land. Simply put, as people eat more and more organic food, both feed for both animals and humans will have to come from elsewhere. A major supplier of organic feed into the EU from Ukraine was, in 2016, struck off the approved list because of suspicious pesticide residues in sunflower cake and other materials. Sunflower cake is used by the poultry sector in particular. Though long established as a grain exporter, the organic certification system in Ukraine is a very late developer, only really formalising in recent months. There are 16 certification bodies in Ukraine after one was struck off over the sunflower cake contamination. According to Beate Huber of FiBL (Research Institute of Organic Agriculture), who spoke at a dedicated event organised by the Anti Fraud Initiative (established by FiBL and others) in 2015: The sunflower cake was used for making animal feed compound and was already widely distributed in North-Western Europe. "The feed and in some instances the animals and eggs had to be withdrawn from the market. This caused an not only damage to the organic poultry, pork and beef industry but also to the image of Ukraine as a source of organic products. "Ukraine is the biggest supplier of sunflower worldwide. It was reported that one certifier has certified 120,000 ha of sunflower an area equalling the total organically certified area in Switzerland. Inevitably, reduced feed availability from Ukraine translates to higher prices for organic importers. IFOAM EU and the EU Commission differ on how to manage imports into the EU. Under proposals, the current import regime would be changed into an import system with two alternatives: Control bodies and authorities recognised for the purpose of compliance. Countries recognised as equivalent under a trade agreement. IFOAM EU disagree with both proposals preferring instead to maintain an import system based mainly on the equivalency concept but with added simplifications and transparency. Whatever about how the new regulation if it comes in deals with imports from outside the European Union, the Commission took action last November. Then, the EU Commission announced, following recommendations from the Court of Auditors, new EU rules introducing a system of electronic certification for imported organic product. These will be in effect from April of this year, following a six month introductory period. After that, the rules foresee a six-month transitional period during which both paper and e-certification will be used. From October 19, organic imports will be covered only by e-certification according to the Commission. In practical terms, will these challenges mean that organic farmers start to grow more of their own feed on farm, on a regional or national basis? And how would this be coordinated? Following a speech by Mr Kenny last night, backbenchers told the Irish Examiner: That is the end of it. The development comes after two weeks of chaos for the Government and threats to bring motions of no confidence in Mr Kenny after his mishandling of the Garda whistleblower controversy. A number of TDs and senators not considered Kenny loyalists said his defiant speech had kicked to touch any movement against the Taoiseach, given his commitment to deal conclusively with his leadership upon his return from the US after St Patricks Day. One TD said it would have been worse if Mr Kenny had said nothing or if a leadership contest was to begin immediately. Instead, Mr Kenny has effectively given himself an eight-week window in which to hand over his leadership of Fine Gael, with party sources agreeing last night that Mr Kennys speech suggested there could be a new leader in place by Easter. Responses to Mr Kennys speech from leadership contenders or backbenchers, though, were said to have been shut down during the meeting, when the agenda was swiftly moved on. Parliamentary party chairman Martin Heydon had also told members at the beginning that they were not to take out their phones, for fears comments would be leaked to the media. One outspoken rebel TD privately said: Its not that bad, as it [his resignation] is only weeks away. But I suppose this was done in an orchestrated way, debate was shut down. Mr Heydon said last night that the party was now united. ZE:A's Park Hyung-Sik, Park Bo-Young and Ji Soo star in the JTBC drama 'Strong Woman Do Bong Soon.' (Photo : YouTube/Soompi TV) After a supporting role in KBS 2TV's "Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth," Kpop group ZE:A member Park Hyung-Sik will be seen in a central role opposite Park Bo-Young in JTBC's "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon." In the show, he plays An Min-Hyuk, the CEO of a gaming company. On Feb. 22, Wednesday, "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon" held a press conference at the Imperial Palace Hotel in Seoul, South Korea. There, the ZE:A member delightedly shared his thoughts about his upcoming drama, saying he is both thrilled and nervous about playing a leading role. Advertisement "Since Park Bo-Young worked with such talented senior actors in her previous works, I was worried if I could be as good of a partner for her," Soompi quoted Hyung-Sik as saying before a predominantly Korean crowd. "However, I've fully immersed myself into making [my role] Min Hyuk into my own, and act with the responsibility that I have to make him into a character that doesn't lose to anyone else." While he was initially intimidated by his "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon" co-star, Hyung-Sik said Bo-Young is much lovelier in person. He admitted that he always wanted to work with the latter after watching her 2012 fantasy romance film "A Werewolf Boy." Even though it is the first time Hyung-Sik and Bo-Young worked on a drama together, their on-screen chemistry is undeniable. Further, director Lee Hyeong-Min, who is also the director behind the hit 2016 series "Ms. Temper & Nam Jung-Gi," promises the upcoming JTBC drama will bring laughter to Korean audiences. As if an entertaining plot is not enough to draw viewers in, the stars of the 16-episode drama also made bold ratings. Should the show surpasses the three percent viewership rating mark, each main actor will escort five viewers on their way home, according to Korean Bae. Also starring Ji Soo, An Woo-Yeon and Seol In-A, "Strong Woman Do Bong-Soon" premieres on Feb. 24 at 8:30 PM (KST). Check it out below: Yesterday, Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys, recognised nine projects under the Heritage Councils awards. The Cork LGBT Archive was a runner-up in the Hidden Heritage Award category for its Queer Republic of Cork exhibition last year. The exhibition showcased activism memorabilia from the 1970s through to the 90s, such as leaflets, badges and posters. A book by the same name, Queer Republic of Cork, was also published. It is a real and significant recognition of LGBT history as an important part of Irish heritage, Orla Egan of the archive told the Irish Examiner. It is also an important recognition of the significant role the Cork LGBT community played in bringing about social change in Ireland and respect and equality for the LGBT community in Ireland, Ms Egan added. She explained that the Cork community was responsible for several firsts when it came to LGBT activism in Ireland. A lot of the firsts in terms of LBGT activism in Ireland happened in Cork, such as the first ever gay conference being held here in 1981, the first Irish Aids leaflet was produced in Cork in 1985, and the first LGBT float in a St Patricks Day parade happened in Cork in 1992 and it won the prize for best new entry, Ms Egan said. The most interesting piece of memorabilia in the exhibition, which is currently looking for a home, is a roll of wallpaper. The night that the Gay Society (now the LGBT Society) was recognised by University College Cork a party was held at which activist Arthur Leahy passed around a roll of wallpaper for all guests to sign. Ms Egan said that yesterdays recognition by the Heritage Council acknowledges years of activism, and brings a movement and a community in from the margins and into the recognised heritage of our country. Also recognised yesterday was the work of the Castlemartyr-based John Saul Horticulture Appreciation Society, which was awarded a runner-up prize in the Reaching Out category. During Heritage Week last August, the society put on a history talk about John Sauls journey from Castlemartyr to the White House. The 19th century horticulturist, businessman, and author went to Washington in the mid-1800s. He was responsible for landscaping many of the citys public spaces including those associated with the White House such as the Mall, Smithsonian Grounds, the Square south of Presidents Park (now The Ellipse), and Lafayette Square. Matthew Farrell from Edgeworthstown, Co Longford, was named as Irelands Heritage Hero after a lifetimes involvement in community development work. Cork County Council executive said, as a result of the legal advice, they have stopped a public consultation process on the draft bylaws. It plans to employ a professional researcher to delve into market rights, some of which were bestowed on towns by English kings as far back as the 14th century. Three weeks ago, a council source informed the Irish Examiner that nearly a dozen submissions had been received from individuals and groups signalling that they would object in the district courts to the draft byelaws which essentially will designate specific areas for trading in a number of towns and villages. But a decision to go back to the drawing board came as a bombshell to councillors. This is devastating news, Cllr Kay Dawson said, but we dont want to end up in the High Court. Its hugely disappointing. Council officials estimated they would have to employ the professional researcher for six months, although some councillors have privately questioned if such a potentially huge archive-trawling exercise could be done in such a short time. Some casual traders have also expressed concern about charges, as yet to be defined, which the council intends to impose on using designated market spaces. Cllr June Murphy said she had spoken to very concerned market traders in Mitchelstown. They said it wouldnt be worth their while to trade if they [charges] were imposed, she said. The message from traders is that it would be the death of the market. Horse breeders also claimed many aspects of the byelaws governing horse fairs were unworkable. Implementing them would spell the death knell for famous horse fairs such as Cahirmee in Buttevant and Ballabuidhe in west Cork, breeders warned. The draft byelaws state horses must be corralled in certain area and cannot be trotted to be shown off to prospective buyers. They are also objecting to a ban on ponies being ridden by children under the age of 16, but some ponies are so small they can only be shown trotting by child riders. Younger members of horse breeding families have traditionally ridden small animals in front of prospective buyers. You need to parade animals to sell them. The horse traders are naturally upset by this, Cllr Frank OFlynn said. Cllr Noel McCarthy welcomed the fact that a researcher was to be employed because the council couldnt afford to make mistakes which could be legally challenged. A lot of people will question where their future lies, here or where, said executive director of the Aisling Irish Community Centre, Orla Kelleher. These are people who would have spent half their lives here and have children and homes and pay their taxes, she added. The Aisling Centre has been in operation in New York since 1996, with the principle aim of assisting Irish immigrants to transition into American life. Ms Kelleher said the centre supports both documented and undocumented Irish immigrants. There is an increasing anxiety now. Weve been fielding a lot of calls and messages from people who are understandably anxious, she told the Irish Examiner. Ms Kelleher said she spoke to one undocumented Irish immigrant who, after 21 years in the US, is genuinely nervous to travel on public transport in case she is approached by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. Its very difficult for us to find the words to reassure people but we must keep getting the facts out to people, she added. President Trump has expanded his immigration enforcement policies to track down undocumented immigrants with criminal convictions to include those with misdemeanours. This could be something as simple as driving with a broken back light. Ms Kelleher said her biggest message to people is to carry photo identification on their person at all times. New York State law requires everybody to carry a valid photo ID at all times. I am urging everyone to get photo ID, she said. If you are approached by an ICE agent you dont want to be breaking that law, you dont want to expose yourself to further questioning. Ms Kelleher said the centre is using its Facebook page to keep Irish immigrants informed, as opposed to holding assembled meetings. We dont want to expose anybody by organising a meeting in an assembly format, she said. Ciaran Staunton, an Irish immigrant living in the US for 30 years, is co-founder of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform. He said the Irish Government needs to get its own house in order in respect of returning citizens and advised people against speculating based on social media postings. There are 300m people in America, you cant go around door-to-door, he said. I dont think people should be responding to speculation especially on social media. Both complainants rejected the suggestion that they had asked their uncle for money, saying this never happened. The accused was arraigned at Cork Circuit Criminal Court yesterday on a total of 30 counts of sexually assaulting his nephews. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and a jury of seven women and five men was sworn in to hear the case before Judge Sean O Donnabhain. One of the complainants testified that he was sexually assaulted by his uncle first at the age of six and on the last occasion when he was about 14. He said it first happened following his circumcision at the age of six, that his uncle asked him to pull down his pants so that he (the defendant) could see it. The complainant said the defendant was in hospital for about two years following this and that the alleged sexual assaults resumed again afterwards. The complainant said that as a child he was interested in music and that his uncle had a DJ machine for the Xbox . He said his uncle showed him how to masturbate at the age of about 11 and that he (the defendant) would masturbate at the same time. The complainant said the defendant would get him to do this before being allowed to use the Xbox DJ equipment again. Asked by Pearse Sreenan, prosecuting, how he viewed this activity, the complainant, who is now in his mid-20s, said: I didnt think anything. I thought it was normal. He said it was normal, just dont tell anybody. Another nephew said that when he was aged around seven he was playing Play-Station in his uncles room when the defendant lunged at his crotch and felt his penis through his clothes. He said the last alleged sexual assault took the form of the accused putting his penis in the complainants mouth for about 10 seconds. Alice Fawsitt, defending, said in cross-examination of the complainants that the defendant denied the sexual assaults and claimed they were making them up because the accused refused their requests for money. Ms Fawsitt said the defendant had mental health problems and had been diagnosed with psychosis and schizophrenia. A memo of a Garda interview with the accused was put in evidence yesterday in which the accused said: I am innocent of this, I swear to God. The case continues. Low-fares giant Norwegian refused to comment ahead of todays announcement. However, in a historic day for Cork Airport, Bjorn Kjos, the chief executive officer of Norwegian, is due at the airport this morning to announce the launch by its Irish subsidiary, Norwegian Air International (NAI), of a year-round three-flights-a-week service from Cork to TF Green Airport in Providence, New England, south of Boston. Tickets for the service, due to launch in July, are expected to go on sale immediately. A limited number of the ultra-low fares will be released initially but regular fares are expected to be priced at a few hundred euro. Mr Kjoss announcement is expected to include details of new NAI routes to the US from Dublin and Shannon airports too, with Dublin expected to get up to 12 flights a week to airports in New England and New York. He is also expected to confirm NAIs intention to launch a Cork to New York service next year, flying into Stewart International Airport 100km north of Manhattan. Securing direct, scheduled transatlantic flights from Cork Airport has been a high-level strategic goal of airport management, as well as for business and tourism groups in the south, for decades. Despite intense political and union opposition in the US, the American authorities finally sanctioned NAIs foreign carrier permit late last year after a protracted two-and-a-half year process. The authorities signed off on NAIs final paperwork last Friday. The airline has always maintained that its plans to put on US flights from Ireland are in accordance with the EU-US Open Skies agreement. Wow Air is also due to launch flights this May from Cork, via Reykjavik, to eight major cities across the US and Canada. The combination of the arrival of two lost-cost operators flying from Cork to the US is expected to deliver huge benefits to business and tourism sectors in the region. Leo Hickey, aged 77, of Realt Na Mara, Skevanish, Innishannon, Co Cork, was arraigned yesterday at Cork Circuit Criminal Court where he pleaded not guilty to all eight charges of sexual assault. A jury of five men and seven women was sworn in to hear the case against him. Judge Sean O Donnabhain told them that because of other trials taking place at Cork Circuit Criminal Court it would not be possible to commence the trial until tomorrow and that they should return to the courthouse then. Judge O Donnabhain warned them not to discuss the case with anybody outside of the jury. The judge said, You are sworn as a jury. You dont know what the case is about, you have heard no evidence. You cannot speak to anyone about the case. You must decide the case on what you hear in the court. Ireland is full of people who have opinions. If you say what you are going to do they will give you their opinion and you risk being contaminated by their views. Leo Hickey pleaded not guilty to eight counts of sexual assault allegedly committed between November 1991 and June 1992 at Scoil Eoin Boys National School in Ballincollig, Co Cork. Paramedics were unable to save the Eastern European man Ludovil (Ludo) Pasztor, 40, after he sustained serious head injuries in a fight which broke out at a truck stop behind a service station in Fermoy. The victims friend, who is also non-Irish, was injured in the attack which took place at the Amber Service Station, Dublin Road, Fermoy, at around 10pm on Tuesday. Gardai were alerted by members of staff at the service station who found the mans body in the back parking lot. They subsequently arrested two other Eastern European men who are understood to have addresses in the mid-Cork area. Gardai have not commented on suggestions made locally that the fatal attack followed an earlier row involving a number of men. They are understood to have recovered an iron bar at the scene which is being examined by forensic experts. The injured man, who is in his 30s, and also understood to be from the Fermoy area, was taken to Cork University Hospital where he was being treated for injuries which are not life-threatening. The dead mans body remained at the scene overnight as gardai cordoned off the area. Some evidence being preserved on the ground at the scene. Picture: Denis Minihane Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster visited the scene yesterday morning and carried out a preliminary examination. The dead mans body was later removed by hearse to Cork University Hospital for postmortem examination. Mr Pasztor is from Glencullen on the southside of the town. His family are originally from Hungary but he carried Slovakian passport. He was married with two daughters, aged 15 and 11. Around 20 truck drivers milled around yesterday morning while they waited for gardai to remove the cordon so they could drive their vehicles away. Gardai, meanwhile, started viewing CCTV footage taken in the area and were also speaking to locals. The two men arrested, who are in their late 20s and early 40s, were held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. Gardai are appealing to anybody who was in the vicinity of the service station, or on a side road known locally as Pike Road, between 8.30pm and 10.30pm on Tuesday to come forward. A special incident room has been set up at Fermoy Garda Station and witnesses are asked to contact 025 82100. They can also contact the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666111, or any garda station. Local councillor Noel McCarthy said the victim and his brother Robert, who also lives in Cork, had only buried their father in Hungary three weeks ago. The whole of Fermoy is stunned, he added. Taoiseach Enda Kenny was forced to defend Mr Ross in the Dail after he was criticised for a lack of involvement in the escalating dispute. An all-out strike is looming after talks between Bus Eireann and unions collapsed, with both sides blaming one another. Bus Eireann management says the company is now carefully considering and finalising several options to address the financial solvency of the company. It warned it could be insolvent by May if it does not reduce its pay bill by 12m, and that it needs to save 30m in total. The company last night said staff will be informed of measures in the coming days. Unions representing bus workers say they will begin an indefinite strike, bringing a halt to the countrys bus service, if previously proposed cuts to pay are introduced. During Leaders Questions in the Dail, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin accused Mr Ross of refusing to engage in the crisis. He said: The minister is engaging in classic Pontius Pilate behaviour by hiding behind the industrial relations fig leaf and refusing to engage. He is privately comfortable with the undermining of this public transport company and the all-out assault on the terms and conditions of its workers. I accept that efficiencies and reforms are needed. I agree with that, but I do not agree with a race to the bottom, which is what is actually going on. I do not agree with the undermining of an important State bus company. Mr Martin accused the previous Fine Gael-Labour coalition of sitting on its hands over a two-year period, leaving the firm now facing insolvency. Even though various plans went to the Department of Transport, Tourism, and Sport and the National Transport Authority, nothing happened because nobody wanted to deal with these issues in the run-up to the 2016 general election, he said. Mr Kenny said the problem is on the Expressway service, which is a commercial service that is not subsidised. Mr Kenny said it was very disappointing that the talks had broken down and added that potentially, there is a catastrophic position for hundreds of thousands of passengers. Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams claimed there was no point in Mr Ross asking others to sit down when he refuses to sit down. This race to the bottom is completely unacceptable, said Mr Adams. You say rural Ireland is top priority for the Government but there is no evidence for that. Mr Martin also suggested the issue would have been given greater priority if it were a Dublin issue and pointed out that the Luas and Dublin Bus disputes had been resolved. Mr Kenny reminded him the Government recently published a co-ordinated approach to rural development. Part of it deals with rural transport and services for people, he said. A Government source told the Irish Examiner it was still looking at the first window of opportunity for an IPO. Finance Minister Michael Noonan last month said that May or June was the first date that it had in mind for selling shares in AIB, which was reissued at huge cost to taxpayers during the financial crisis. Engineers from Trinity College Dublin are using the technology to better understand how people interact with energy labels and how they absorb information about road safety and hazards. They found that people do consider eco-labels but spend less time viewing information that they are less familiar with. 'Grey's Anatomy' cast pose backstage the People's Choice Awards 2016 at Microsoft Theater on January 6, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo : Getty Images/ Frazer Harrison) "Grey's Anatomy" Season 13 episode 14 sees Alex return to Grey Sloan Memorial hospital. The upcoming segment is titled "Back Where You Belong" and it goes on air on Feb. 23. Here are a few spoilers for the next chapter of the series. Read on to find out what happens next. Also, find out where to watch episode 13X14 online via live stream. Scroll down for the link. Advertisement [Spoiler alert! This article contains spoilers for "Grey's Anatomy" Season 13 episode 14 "Back Where You Belong." Do not read further if you don't wish to know more about it.] In the previous episode, Dr. Minnick failed miserably in her second phase of teaching plan where she allowed two residents get a lead in surgery from start to finish. Unfortunately, the patient dies and Webber and Bailey end up having a heated argument. Meanwhile, April's first day as interim Head of Surgery doesn't go too well. Maggie and others attendings treat her badly accusing her of going against Webber. However, the show ends with a moment of celebration when Catherine and April bond together as they celebrate April's new job. Moving on to "Grey's Anatomy" Season 13 episode 14. According to the description of "Back Where You Belong" on the network's official website, Alex returns to his duty in Grey Sloan Memorial hospital after Bailey decided to re-hire him. He will be surprised at the changes in his workplace since he left. Meanwhile, Jo will find herself in a difficult situation. While working on a case she will have some tough decisions to make. Also, "Grey's Anatomy" Season 13 episode 14 will focus on Arizona and Eliza. Arizona struggles to distance herself from Eliza. Latest promo videos for "Grey's Anatomy" Season 13 teases the events of episode 14. One of the trailers teases "a struggle of power." Bailey and Meredith continue to clash. Scroll down to watch the promo video online. Bailey approaches Meredith trying to convince her to cooperate with her. However, Meredith seems stubborn. "Grey's Anatomy" Season 13 episode 14 airs Feb. 23 at 8:00 pm on ABC. Fans can also watch episode 13X14 online via live stream on abc.go.com after its television broadcast. More spoilers and updates are expected soon. CREDIT: YouTube.com/tvpromosdb I am the son of an Irish immigrant father from Co Limerick. He very much wanted to come to the US in 1924, but the country allowed no legal immigration at that time. Instead, he went to Canada. He worked in Ontario for five years and then immigrated lawfully to the US, as a Canadian resident, from Montreal. He obeyed the US immigration laws of that era. Understandably, I have been a keen observer of the US immigration policies for some time. In 1965, the US adopted a Kennedy proposed immigration law (the Hart-Cellar Bill). It replaced the 1949 McCarran-Walter Act. There is no question but that this latter law was discriminatory, particularly against Asian people. Then again, as the late US senator Sam Ervin remarked, any immigration law, by its very nature must be selective and hence discriminatory against someone. It replaced the 1949 McCarran-Walter Act. There is no question but that this latter law was discriminatory, particularly against Asian people. Then again, as the late US senator Sam Ervin remarked, any immigration law, by its very nature must be selective and hence discriminatory against someone. Then again, as the late US senator Sam Ervin remarked, any immigration law, by its very nature must be selective and hence discriminatory against someone. In the mid-1960s, I chaired the American Irish National Immigration Committee and testified three times before Congress. Our committee argued that, yes, the 1949 law discriminated, but now the 1965 law was discriminating against the Irish and other Europeans. True, before 1965, Ireland had a quota for entry of more than 30,000 a year but only used about 5,000. Now, under the new preference system, 5,000 still desired to come but only about 1,500 were able to obtain visas. Our committee argued that, yes, the 1949 law discriminated, but now the 1965 law was discriminating against the Irish and other Europeans. True, before 1965, Ireland had a quota for entry of more than 30,000 a year but only used about 5,000. Now, under the new preference system, 5,000 still desired to come but only about 1,500 were able to obtain visas. Now, under the new preference system, 5,000 still desired to come but only about 1,500 were able to obtain visas. Soon we were joined by complaining German groups and, still later, by the Italian committee. The Kennedy administration assured one and all that the new law would have no effect on the US pattern of immigration. Well, they were wrong. There has been a radical change in the composition of legal immigration to the US. That, of course, is quite apart from the illegal immigration to the US, which was formerly minimal in numbers, but no longer so. Our committee clearly recognised that no one nationality is superior to any other. Our committee never encouraged Irishmen and women to leave Ireland and immigrate to the US. We certainly did desire to preserve the right of the Irish to enter the US in fair numbers and we did assist in regularising and adjusting the status of individuals who illegally entered the US. More importantly, however, the committee argued that certain nationalities played key roles in the history of the US. While no nationality should be excluded from the country, due recognition should be taken of the former. While our committee succeeded in getting a bill passed in the House of Representatives, we were unsuccessful in getting a law passed in the Senate. Well, it is now 50 years on, and the truth is we really have no rule of law as far as immigration is concerned. Some do come through the legal process. Many do remain at home, on a long waiting list. For the most part, however, individuals just come across our southern border or just hop on a plane, enter as visitors, and remain. Some work here illegally (taking the jobs of American citizens), some do not. Some do come through the legal process. Many do remain at home, on a long waiting list. For the most part, however, individuals just come across our southern border or just hop on a plane, enter as visitors, and remain. Some work here illegally (taking the jobs of American citizens), some do not. Some come to become anchor parents illegal immigrants who go on to have a child in the US then some remain to raise families. Some pay taxes and some do not. All rely on municipal services, receive benefits, many on welfare or the dole. Some violate our criminal laws and are permitted to remain. No other country on earth permits such chaos and the US citizenry has finally begun to say enough already. Admittedly, the ultimate solution is not an easy one. Clearly, those illegal immigrants who have violated federal and state criminal laws must be deported forthwith. That leaves millions of others who are here illegally but have not violated any criminal law. In recent weeks both in Ireland and the US, there has been much discussion about American immigration policy now and what the future may hold. They have no right to be here but Im sure the US Congress and the new administration will ultimately work out a reasonable solution which will allow many to remain, but penalties will have to be paid. As of a certain date, there will have to be strict enforcement of the law, with swift deportation of anyone who enters after that date and remains here illegally. Until now, neither the US Republican or Democrat parties wished to solve the problem. The Republicans desired cheap labour and the Democrats wanted future voters. Beyond that, the US Congress will now have to consider possible revision of the 1965 law, determining who should be permitted to enter and why. Any new law must recognise that an immigration law must serve the interests of the US, with the exception of situations where asylum is granted. There must be protection for US workers. There should be no provision for so-called anchor babies. The current preference category of the 1965 law for sisters and brothers and mothers and fathers of US citizens must be eliminated. At present, there are individuals who, pursuant to this provision, legally bring 19 or more family members, most of whom go immediately on the welfare lists. The family preference came to be in the 1965 law by reason of pressure from the US Catholic Bishops Conference. The provision was opposed by the author of the 1965 Law, Congress Celler of New York. The bishops made an end run around the congressman, getting the late congressman Mike Feighan of Ohio to champion their cause. The provision was a detriment to most immigrants from Europe, as rarely did whole families immigrate here. One might also note that the same bishops conference refused to support the efforts of the American-Irish Immigration Committee in seeking extra visas for Ireland by means of the Ryan-Rodino Bill. Now where does all this immigration talk leave Ireland in the coming years? The Ireland of today, economically, is far different from the Ireland of the 1960s and, under current US law, Ireland suffers no more than France, Germany, or Spain and indeed degrades itself by sending representatives with the begging bowl seeking more visas. In the 1960s, neither Fianna Fail nor Fine Gael governments took a public position on the US immigration law. First, they had a belief that any emigration out of the country reflected poorly on their government, and second, they believed that it was improper for any Irish government to interfere in the internal policies of another nation. Ireland today is a reasonably prosperous nation composed of well-educated people who can compete with any other nationality assuming a fair playing field. There is, however, a distinct role for American Irish and their organisations, at this time. It is our duty to remind political leaders in the US of the part played by Irishmen and women in the development of the US and in the revolution, civil war and all succeeding wars. For that, Ireland does deserve some special recognition. John P Collins is a retired New York State Supreme Court Justice. He was originally appointed as a judge of the NY City Criminal Court by mayor Ed Koch and was reappointed by mayors Guiliani and Bloomberg. He was born in New York to parents from Limerick and has lectured at the Faculty of Law, University College, Dublin, and at University of Limerick He was born in New York to parents from Limerick and has lectured at the Faculty of Law, University College, Dublin, and at University of Limerick NEARLY 20 years ago, when I was a much younger journalist, five young Coveneys had my office in kinks as they sailed around the world for charity. It wasnt the sailing that was funny. It certainly wasnt the Chernobyl Childrens Project for which they were fund-raising. It was the notion of five little merchant princelings, sailing off from the Royal Cork Yacht Club as they were genetically programmed to do, to the wild applause of our more blueshirt editors. I thought the young Coveneys were upper-class twits. But right now Simon Coveney would be far and away my choice for Taoiseach among the Fine Gael hopefuls. I will never be a blueshirt, not only because of the social inequality and environmental degradation theyve allowed, but also because I cant get over my frustration with Fine Gaels culture of entitlement. But I hope the blueshirts elect Simon because he not only has a vision for this country, he is also prepared to risk his political life to achieve it. He set out his vision in an excellent interview with David Mc Williams broadcast on TV3 on February 5 as part of their Agenda series, which is still available online. Speaking as Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government, he voiced a determination that under the Ireland 2040 plan, housing policy would be used to engineer social equality. He told David McWilliams that hes damned if new developments are going to create ghettoes, as they did in the 1960s and 1970s. He said he is going to plan aggressively for mixed tenure developments so that there is no stigma in social housing. He spoke of our knowingly allowing for educational disadvantage; of really bright young children growing up labelled as disadvantaged. He said he wants no child growing up in Ireland in 2040 to suffer that disadvantage from birth. And he wants to use this policy to transform Fine Gael. This is where Gerard Howlins masterful analysis of Fine Gael in yesterdays Irish Examiner misses out. He writes that no-one speaks of where Fine Gael should be led but Mr Coveney confronted this issue head-on just this month and his answer was clear: Towards social justice. He is consciously channelling John A Costellos Just Society in his vision for Fine Gael. He also referenced Garret FitzGeralds socially liberal Fine Gael, but McWilliams pulled him up quickly on that: The social liberalism is the easy stuff; society was heading that way any way. Hes right. Social liberalism isnt the same as social justice and can co-exist perfectly easily with right-wing economic policies. By contrast, Leo Varadkar marks a clean break from Fine Gael history and, in many ways, thats no bad thing. Remember when he came out in the Dail and accused Brian Cowen of being no Jack Lynch but instead, a Garrett Fitzgerald? Id say you could hear the scrape of silver cutlery on plates that night in the Coveney headquarters. But I loved this desecration of so much that Fine Gael holds dear. There have been some glimmers of a social justice agenda in Fine Gaels history, however, and perhaps fanning that flame is better than lighting a new one. Im sure Mr Varadkar is a social liberal but Im not so sure he stands for social justice. He first came to my attention in the mid-2000s when he suggested incentivising new economic immigrants, who were mostly from Eastern Europe, to go home. It turned out there was a big incentive coming in the form of mass unemployment. But even now, Mr Varadkars utterances on immigration do not reassure me. Speaking last year in the wake of the rape of women by refugees in Cologne, he said: People who cant accept our culture and our standards and our freedoms well then they wouldnt be welcome here when surely it is obvious that few cultures legitimise rape and all you need demand of new-comers is that they be law-abiding. He has not articulated a new vision in Health or in Social Protection, whereas Mr Coveney has gone all-out when it comes to housing. While the number of homeless families has decreased there are still more than 2,000 homeless children in the State and his commitment that no family would be in B&B accommodation by July 1 looks doubtful of being met. But he is trying. Most of all, he has risked his political skin among entitled blueshirt landlords by capping rent increases at 4% in Dublin and Cork. It hardly makes him a Fidel Castro, but no-one else has ever capped rents in this country, including those in politics now shouting loudest that it is too little, too late. It was way back in 2010 that I woke up to the fact that Simon Princeling Coveney was prepared to risk his political neck to do the right thing. Fine Gael were in opposition. The most swingeing budget in the history of the State, amounting to 6bn in cuts, was about to be put to the Dail. On its passage depended our safe passage into the IMF deal which would save this country from disaster. Needless to say, every rat in the Dail could sniff the sinking ship, and the numbers were tight. That was when Mr Coveney came out and said he would vote with the Government if necessary to get us access to IMF funding. I love the Edwardian hero stuff. Mr Coveney came up with it. Whats more, he played a huge part in the safe passage of the State from one government to another at a time of extreme crisis. In January 2011, the ruling Coalition had two confidence motions down against it and would have fallen before the Finance Act could make the Budget legal. This State would have gone into limbo and the new Government would have had to pick up the pieces. It would probably not have survived bringing in the budget of 6bn cuts. The recovery we have had would have been at least delayed, if not derailed. Mr Coveney opened up a back channel of talks between the out-going and in-coming Government which resulted in the no confidence motions being dropped to facilitate the passing of the Finance Act. This was a big part of the political software which meant our social cohesion was safe-guarded to the extent it was during the financial crisis. The media never bothered to see the real story behind Election 2011. Enda Kenny was let ride in on a white horse, the lucky general as the writer Stephen Collins dubbed him. The truth is that he is not as responsible for the recovery as Mr Coveney and has nothing to offer on the international stage of which Coveney does not have more. As a Dub, I would find it scary if the two most politically powerful men in the State were thin, anguished Corkmen who look as if their dinner is going down the wrong way. Dont ask me to pick between them. But if I had a blueshirt and a vote for the Fine Gael leadership, Princeling Coveney would find safe harbour with me. As Amnesty International yesterday warned that the policies of President Donald Trump and other leaders which demonise entire groups of people pose a growing danger for the world, perhaps it is time to reflect on what Roosvelt meant. At the height of the Great Depression, he warned his fellow Americans that their fear, exhibited by a run on the banks, was making things worse. He characterised that fear as nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyses needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. He urged them to now realise as we have never realised before our interdependence on each other; that we can not merely take but we must give as well... Keanu Reeves and 'John Wick 2' director, Chad Stahelski, are comfortably sitting down as they answer questions regarding the movie. (Photo : YouTube/ BUILD Series) "John Wick 3" may have already been confirmed by Keanu Reeves. "John Wick 2" director Chad Stahelski likewise shared some insights on the possible Chapter 3 of the movie. After grossing more than $30 million last weekend, the next chapter for "John Wick" has been highly speculated online. Although lacking any direct confirmation from the director or even the leading actor, the incriminating statements they have shared are more than enough to convince their fans that a sequel will be arriving soon. Advertisement The excitement of Reeves to step back into the character of the reluctant assassin is difficult to hide. Reeves himself even shared the potential opening of the movie, according to Gentlemen's Quarterly. He believes that the opening should showcase Wick trying to escape from New York, suggesting a continued scene from the movie's chapter 2. Reeves further opined that for Wick to escape the confines of the Big Apple, he would have to ask once more the help of the newly introduced character of Laurence Fishburne, Bowery King. Moreover, Reeves also hinted of a potential war between the High Table and the Continental. The roots of which is his existence. Reeve's treasury of ideas for the Chapter 3 of his latest film, may be traced to his fondness for the charter of the underground assassin, Wick. Reeves himself expressed that he love both the character and the world depicted in the movie. On the other hand, Chapter 2 director Stahelski did not go into much details when he shared his view on the potential Chapter 3 of Wick's life. However, he did mention that he would like to expand the world of the assassins even further. However, despite the grand movie opening, plot twist, and the expansion of the storyline as mentioned by Stahelski, the realization still relies upon the audience. Even Reeves himself considers such fact as a turning point for the movie. "Whether or not I get the chance to do another chapter is really up to the audience," Screen Rant quoted Reeves as saying. Watch here below Chapter 2 of the assassin story: Samsung's reputation took a huge hit last year. It was so huge that the company dropped from being in the top ten to almost missing the top 50 of the U.S. Reputation Poll. Harris Poll released the results of its U.S. Reputation Quotient Report last Monday and clearly, Samsung was the biggest loser. The Korean conglomerate placed third in 2015 and seventh last year in the Harris Poll before plummeting to 49th place. Its sudden fall from grace is mainly attributed to the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco. It was not, however, the only controversy that the company was embroiled in last year. It's still fresh in the minds of many that the Korean tech giant was forced to recall and later completely cease production of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 due to the risk of explosion. After months of investigation, the company revealed that the exploding batteries were caused mainly by design flaws and manufacturing defects. Aside from that, Samsung also had to recall a number of its top-loading washing machines after a number of owners reported excessive vibrations leading to the top coming off. The proverbial nail in the coffin was the arrest of Samsung executive Lee Jae-Yong for accusations of bribery among other charges. The Harris Poll was conducted from Nov. 28 to Dec. 16, 2016, and involved 30,519 American adults. Among the factors considered for the poll were products and services, social responsibility, vision and leadership, emotional appeal, financial performance, and workplace environment. Amazon topped the list for the second year in a row. It has been in the top ten for nine straight years now. Samsung's bitter rival, Apple, fared a lot better by placing fifth. Engadget noted that the result of the Harris Poll is the complete opposite of a similar poll conducted by Reuters and Ipsos. In that poll, it was determined that the galaxy Note 7 debacle did not damage the brand's reputation. It must be noted, however, that the Reuters poll was completed before news of Lee's arrest started trickling in. Since Truvada's approval in 2012, the CDC has been proactively recommending pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for patients at high-risk of HIV infection. However, although PrEP is highly effective, current data shows that few appropriate patients currently use PrEP. In line with this, a significant number of experts have recently revealed that certain factors like cost, awareness, adverse effect concerns, stigma, lack of provider access, and poor patient-provider communication are some of the commonly known barriers to wider PrEP usage. Debunking PrEP According to reports revealed by Ending HIV, PrEP is the use of antiretroviral drugs, taken by HIV negative people to prevent HIV infection. Additionally, researchers have claimed that the pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP is an exciting new tool that will play a vital role in the continuous efforts to end HIV in NSW by 2020. Unlike post exposure prophylaxis or PEP which is allegedly taken after a potential exposure to HIV, experts say that PrEP is taken on an ongoing basis and it provides protection against HIV. Study On PrEP Meanwhile, as per Pharmacy Times, a new article published in Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, a team of researchers from the City University of New York has found that fewer than 1 in 10 suitable PrEP candidates are currently taking PrEP. It was found that the study allegedly proposes a 5-level model called the Motivational PrEP Cascade: awareness, willingness, access, ability to obtain, and maintaining adherence. However, researchers have highly emphasized that the study conducted has apparently excluded former PrEP users, participants lost to follow-up, as well as those infected with HIV in the study's first 12 months. Consequently, the study finds that some patients were willing to use PrEP, but lacked intention, which is a significant barrier to uptake and points to an area where counseling can make a difference. Furthermore, some patients who had access to a PrEP provider had not discussed the topic with their providers, and it turns out that half of eligible participants were still in the first "pre-contemplation" or unwilling phase of the motivational cascade. Ultimately, due to these known as well as other unprecedented factors, the experts have explained that public health measures should target both providers and patients to increase PrEP use. Sony has recently announced a nice deal for those who are looking to buy up a few digital games through Sonys online store. Those who will buy from the United States PlayStation Store in the next few days will get the chance to avail the promotion. For every $100 spent on anything on the online PS store, the purchaser will receive a $15 cashback in the form of a PSN Wallet voucher. All purchases must come out of the PSN Wallet balance and not through any credit card or by other means. This means that customers will have to precharge their PSN wallet either through credit cards or by getting codes from a retailer. The promotion only applies to all purchases made from Feb. 21 to Feb. 28. The event starts off at 12:01 a.m. PT, 3:01 a.m. ET on Feb. 21 until midnight PT, 3:00 a.m. ET on Feb. 28. Sony said that the $15 voucher code will be set on or before March 14. This will be either through email or as a direct message. All codes must be redeemed before midnight PT or 3:00 a.m. ET on March 31. Those who avail the promotion must keep in mind that they can use the codes on pre-orders and on items that are on sale. It should also be noted that purchasers will only get a single voucher. This means that even if you spend $300 on purchase, you will still only get $15 for the purchase, as reported by VG 24/7. Spending $100 on PSN will not be hard, the latest round of PSN deals are now live. There are the Titanfall 2 and Battlefield 1 bundles that can be bought for $50. The Witcher 3 complete edition and Metal Gear Solid V definitive edition are sold at $25 each. Again, only $15 will be credited to a single account no matter how much is spent and all purchases must be made out of the PSN Wallet, as published by GameSpot. Facebook has recently removed the user accounts of the scammers who stole photos of a child and posted it with misleading captions. The viral post shared pictures of a baby whose skin was invaded by spots. It was then implied that the little kid has cancer and needed surgery. Child-Cancer Post Is A Hoax As per Telegraph UK, the child actually has chickenpox and the cancer story is apparently not true. The post says that the baby needs surgery and Facebook has decided that in every like that the post gets, two dollars will be given to the child. Additionally, each comment will be equal to four dollars and each share will be equal to eight dollars. Child-Cancer Post, The Real Story The child in the fake story is Sarah Allen's three-year-old kid. Allen said that they were actually warned that people might steal their photos, because apparently, Googling the keyword "chickenpox" results to her uploaded images. As per BBC, the mother said that they were well aware that this [illegal sharing] might happen, but not to the extent that the posters will claim that the kid has cancer. Allen said that Facebook deleted the post after she filed a complained. However, she says that the account has reappeared a day later. Fortunately now, the photos are removed from the platform and the flagged accounts were also disabled. Facebook has the tools to allow people to report infringement issues but the company doesn't comment on individual cases. Security Risks Of Interacting With Fake Posts As per a security blogger, Allen's situation could be a case of link farming wherein scammers aim to make people react to Facebook posts so they can then direct further messages to the unknown people. Additionally, this also isn't a rare case. There are actually lots of scams that targets people's emotions via stolen photos. It's how cyber criminals make money. If scammers know that you're gullible enough to believe their made-up story, they can see you as an easy target for other scam forms. This goes without saying that people should always be aware of what they read and share on the web. Whatever you see online, do a quick assessment and a quick research to find out if the content is legit and share-worthy. Meitu, which means "pretty picture," has been gaining traction abroad with the use of its more advanced features to challenge apps like Instagram and Snapchat. Now, Meitu is reported to make the world more beautiful by promising to build an "ecosystem" of apps and devices focused on beautification. Meitu's Plans For The Future According to Phys, Meitu claimed that it had 430 million overseas users as of October last year, compared to Instagram that claimed to have around 500 million users. Jeffrey Towson, a professor of investment at Peking University, believes that though Meitu has been able to come up with a killer app, it never had a clear business model underneath. However, it seems that Meitu is changing that, because the company now promises to build an online "ecosystem" of apps and devices based on selfie-processing and plans to launch a fashion-focused e-commerce platform. How Popular Is The Meitu App? China is considered to be at the top on the list in regards to mobile-Internet users with 700 million. In that figure, around 450 million are said to be active Meitu users, making Meitu one of the most downloaded apps in China. As for the 430 million overseas users mentioned earlier, its half-dozen applications are regularly among the top photo-app downloads in countries such as Russia, Japan, India and Malaysia. Why Is It Popular In China? William Chow, an internet analyst for Deloitte China, says that Meitu has really appealed to the beauty concept of China's post 95s. A woman named Hu Dongyuan, a travel agency employee, was asked why millions of Chinese women such as herself uses the Meitu app. According to Hu, it is the same as clothing and makeup, and everyone uses it as a kind of personal advertisement. Hu also likens the said app to a cheap, non-permanent form of cosmetic surgery. The app itself caters to Chinese beauty preferences for lighter skin and rounder eyes. Meitu's Anime Makeover app Speaking of lighter skin and rounder eyes, Meitu has launched a new photo-editing feature just last month. The free photo-editing app, which is available for iOS and Android, lets its users take selfies or upload pictures from their camera roll and edit it as an adorable anime-like character. Regarding what editing tools that the app offers, it has tools to adjust skin tone, remove acne, make the face slimmer and taller and enlarge and brighten the eyes. The app also has special effects and brushes to edit the picture to an anime-like character. The OnePlus 5 and HTC One X10 are both high-end smartphones set to be released this year and are said to be simply amazing based on the recent rumors, leaks and reports. However, though both devices do carry some heavy powered specs and cool features, it's hard not to point out that the One Plus 5 offers way better than the HTC One X10. With that being said, let me try to convince you as to why the OnePlus 5 is the better phone. The Design Apparently, the OnePlus 5 is said to feature an aluminum-curved body with a unique design. Given that recent reports did say "with a unique design" instead of a design similar to the OnePlus 3T, one can't help to be excited if this rumor was true - not to mention that the OnePlus 3T itself didn't look bad either in my personal opinion. As for the HTC One X10 a supposedly "leaked image" of the HTC One X10 has been reported. The device is said to feature a metal unibody design, a fingerprint scanner below its rear camera and capacitive keys on the front for its home button, recent key and back key. The Display The OnePlus 5 features a 5.5-inch Quad HD AMOLED display with a 4k resolution, which is so far the highest in smartphones. Not only that, the said device is also reported to allow 3D streaming videos designed with the latest 3D technology. Meanwhile, the HTC One X10 is reported to have a Full-HD 5.5-inch display with a screen resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. Compare both of them; it is clear as day that the OnePlus 5 has the better rumored screen specifications. The Platform The OnePlus 5 is said to run on the latest Android and will be packed with a Snapdragon 835 chipset clocked at 3.2 GHz. On the other hand, the HTC One X10 is to be powered by an Octa-core MediaTek Mt6755/C processor clocked at 1.9 GHz and equipped with a Mali T860GPU. Again, when compared to each other, the OnePlus 5 is way more powerful. The Internal Memory The OnePlus 5 is rumored to have either 126 or 256 GB of internal memory storage with 8 GB of RAM. As for the HTC One X10, it is reported to only feature 32 GB with 3 GB of RAM. For this round, the OnePlus 5 is yet again more powerful. The Camera The OnePlus 5 is reported to have a 22 MP rear camera and an 8 MP front camera. Regarding its rumored features, the camera specs of the OnePlus 5 will have autofocus laser, camera sensor and retina eye scanner. Meanwhile, the HTC One X10 is said to come with a 16.3 MP rear camera and a 7.9 MP front camera. Speaking of cameras, HTC One X10 actually has the upperhand, at least for me. The thing with high MP cameras is that though they can deliver a better quality output, it suffers in low light conditions. This is because that smartphones don't have that large space to fit all those MPs into that tiny little space allocated for the rear and front camera lens. The Battery The OnePlus 5 is expected to house a battery capacity between 3,500 and 4,200 mAh, capable of charging from zero to 60 percent within an hour, and wireless charging. It is also rumored to have an operating time of more than 18 hours even with its 3G or 4G data connectivity is enabled. In the case of the HTC One X10, this device is said to be powered by a 3,000 mAh battery. A CCTV footage showcases a man lying on the ground after receiving a deadly one punch from an assailant. (Photo : YouTube/ SandboxTEN) The person who took the life Oliver Dearlove has been cleared of murder. Dubbed as UK's one punch man, Trevor Timon had already admitted manslaughter after delivering a left hook to victims head. The unemployed defendant, Timon, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter over the attack on May 16, 2010, according to The Sun. The court heard yesterday that a "powerful" single punch landed on Dearlove's head knocking him immediately unconscious, but he was not found guilty of the more serious murder charge. Advertisement According to reports, Timon, who already had a history of violence denied any intention of killing the 30-year-old banker manager. He stated that he was just "pissed off" at one of the banker's friends making some racist comments. The meeting of the two groups, one of Timon's and the other of Dearlove's happened at Tranquil Vale when the accused and his friends are waiting for a cab. Based on the statement of one of the witnesses, the altercation started after a "polite" chat over baby pictures. "I showed him a picture and he said, 'Oh wow, he's really beautiful.' To myself he was perfectly fine, just polite. Trevor was walking towards us then there was an exchange of words. Trevor said something like: 'What are you saying? What's going on?' to me or Oliver. It was not the friendliest but it was not overly horrible," The Guardian quoted one of the witnesses as saying. During the event, one of Dearlove's friend, Andrew Cook noticed that Timon was angry. He [Timon] came out of nowhere with bad intentions. Andrew stated that Timon was the looking for a fight, and described by him as "not a nice guy." After the incident the accused fled to Ireland to see his mother. Before he surrendered himself to the authorities, he sent a series of messages to a close friend asking sorry for what had happened. Watch here below other one punch death incidents: Virtual reality may still be considered an infant in the tech world, but it has already gone leaps and bounds from when it first became available to the general public. Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go and Google is aware of this. As such, the company is already putting plans in place to further the technology. As reported by Digital Trends, one of the limitations of virtual reality is that there is a hindrance to player and player interaction. Within the VR word, one player's genuine reactions to their virtual surroundings are not copied by their avatars. Likewise, VR headsets tend to obstruct the face of the wearer as well, thereby putting a limit on the social aspect of the technology. And this is what Google is trying to remedy with its new project, which will be worked on alongside Daydream Labs. The two companies will work with 3D computer vision, advanced rendering methods and machine learning. The result will theoretically be a more realistic solution that can convey a player's identify and face. The idea is to modify existing VR headsets by including SensoMotoric Instruments, which include a video camera and eye-tracking components. These will then show the facial changes made by the wearer, like when they are blinking or looking at certain directions. The corresponding information would then be overlaid inside the mixed reality environment using green screen technology. The modified user representation is then worked into VR. Android Headlines has noted, however, that the technology itself is far from perfect. Without a proper eye-tracking headset, for example, a player's direction of sight will not be obvious. Furthermore, these facial expressions are not provided in real time and the set up itself is rather complicated. As such, there has been no announcement about when these developments will be made available to the public. At this point, the publication claimed that the result is actually slightly fairy like. Changes will need to be made to hardware and software to truly set the idea rolling. Google's mere idea is commendable, however, and has the potential to take off given the right set of parameters. Arguably, the development does not help in making VR more realistic for anyone; there are no changes made to the hardware. What it does, however, is allow users to have better interactions with other players in the VR realm by including displaying facial reactions. Beyond gaming, it will also help in other aspects of VR, such as video conferencing and social VR applications. Virtual Reality started to make ground on the public last year when it was introduced and made available by HTC and Oculus. However, the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift required powerful computers to work and were likewise limited in terms of movement. Since then, several other companies have joined the trend and put their own spin on things, such as Samsung, who opted to play around with mobile VR instead. Google chose the same path and released the Google Daydream VR headset in the latter part of 2016. The issue on mental health has once again been put to spotlight as a certain study finding has revealed that as much as 500,000 Canadians will miss work due to mental illness. That being said, experts have claimed that the number poses a widespread challenge that must be met with a collaborative effort from government, organized labor, employers and individual Canadians. In line with the growing concern, an award-winning journalist John Scully has recently expressed his frustrating attempts to receive treatment for mental health issues in Canada. Mental Health Care On John Scully's Perspective Scully, 76, was said to have spent a number of years covering national events ranging from the rise of the Ayatollah Khomeini in Iran to the Vietnam War, and has even ended up in front of a firing squad in El Salvador after being mistaken for a CIA spy. Consequently, it was found that the adrenalin of going into dangerous scenarios such as in his experiences has apparently hidden his depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. In one of his statements reported by CTV News, Scully said that his career covered it up. Furthermore, Scully has allegedly spoken out about his experience on Facebook and says others who suffer depression have reached out to him by also sharing their own stories of frustrating waits for psychiatric care. The renowned journalist said that they are still at that stage in Canada, and around the world, that mental illness is still something to be shunned and hidden from, and kept secret. Hence, this of point-of-view made by Scully is being backed by mental health advocates who say Canada's spending falls short of other nations. Canada's Mental Health Care Meanwhile, according to reports revealed by Ottawa Citizen, the federal government takes a multi-pronged approach to addressing Canadians' mental health at work. It was found that for many Canadians, balancing the demands of professional life and personal and family responsibilities can be a real challenge. As of the press time, data shows that one in five Canadians experiences a mental health problem or mental illness each year. Ultimately, experts say that these types of issues are close to our hearts, and we believe we need to do more to bring workplace mental health issues out of the shadows. The fiasco on the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 places a very big pressure on the upcoming Galaxy Note 8 to earn back the trust of the customer on the Samsung brand. According to a new report, the Galaxy Note 8 may have a different name on its release. However, the Korean tech company has released just few information about this because they have been too occupied with their Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus. Galaxy Note 8 Will Have A Different Name On Its Release According to WCCFTech, the Chinese microblogging website Weibo claimed that the Galaxy Note 8 might feature a completely different name on its release. Its name will not be similar to the usual name of Samsung smartphones instead, it will focus on its S Pen feature. Even if Samsung Mobile chief has encouraged all the fans that a Galaxy Note 8 is going to be unveiled later this year, there is very limited information regarding it. Since the Galaxy Note 8 will no doubt be accompanied with its unique S Pen accessory, it looks like the Korean tech firm might name the flagship according to qualities and functionality. The rumor is extremely questionable as of now since this is their first time Samsung will use the S Pen feature on their phablet. According to a previous report, a codename "Baikal" is spotted for a specific Samsung smartphone. No one is so sure about what that name means, but fans, as well as me, will absolutely wait for more leaks to come through. As reported by Samsungs social media, the company is testing the new Exynos chipset. It is such a great hint that an even more powerful version of the Exynos 9 range will find itself in the upcoming Galaxy Note 8. Since both the Galaxy S8 and Note 8 will be almost similar when it comes to hardware, Samsung will surely need to come up with something to present a fair amount of differences between the two smartphones. Two Models Of Samsung Galaxy Note 8 There would be two Galaxy Note 8 models that will be launched. Both smartphones will feature dual-edged curved displays which are similar to the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. The codenames of the two upcoming phablets would be Dream, for the smaller size, and Dream 2 for the bigger one. The screens of the phablet could curve down the right and left sides of the handset. Aside from that, the two phablets would have a bezel-less design, meaning, there will be no space to even place the Samsung logo or even other brands on the front part of the gadget. Samsung promised to do a very elegant Note phablet and will highlight never before seen features which include the fingerprint scanner to the back of the Galaxy Note 8. Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Battery According to TechRadar, the battery of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is likely to be big and will support fast charging feature. The battery pack in the Note 7 is 3500mAh and fans can expect at least that much from Samsung as they release the phablet. As of now, Samsung revealed its findings regarding the Galaxy Note 7 battery fire investigation and already confirmed its plans to ensure future phones won't suffer from the same problem. Verizon was named the "undisputed leader" for U.S. wireless coverage and network reliability for the second half of 2016 at the city, state and national levels, based on millions of field tests conducted by RootMetrics. Verizon benefited from its LTE-Advanced service started in summer of 2016, which provided a significant boost to Verizon's download speeds, RootMetrics said in a report released Thursday. Separately, Verizon announced on Wednesday that it will deliver 5G wireless service to pilot customers in 11 cities by mid-2017. Those cities include Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami, Seattle and Washington. RootMetrics said Verizon won for the second consecutive testing period across all six testing categories nationally for overall performance, network reliability, network speed, data performance, call performance and text performance. AT&T finished second in five of the six categories, except for finishing third behind Sprint in call performance. National rankings by RootMetrics put Verizon at 93.9, AT&T at 90.5, Sprint at 84.7 and T-Mobile at 81.2. The company said Verizon could face stronger competition in coming months as AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile expand their LTE footprints beyond metro areas where they are strongest. RootMetrics performed nearly 3.7 million tests while driving nearly 250,000 miles or while walking at more than 4,200 indoor locations. RootMetrics uses off-the-shelf smartphones purchased at the stores of the U.S. operators. Test results are sorted by national standings as well as by all 50 states and in the 125 most populated metro areas. Verizon finished first or tied for overall performance in 116 of the 125 cities, while AT&T won or shared the lead in 55 cities, T-Mobile in 25 cities and Sprint in 9 cities. Get unlimited access to all content and features at ivpressonline.com with our Full Online Access Subscription. Read our E-Edition, the digital replica of the print newspaper online, access content in exclusive sections including Family, Teen, Business, Databases, Farm and more. This option does not include daily home delivery of the Imperial Valley Press newspaper. For home delivery service, please select Premium or Premium Plus. South Korean actor Lee Min-Ho plays the lead character of Heo Joon-Jae in SBS drama 'The Legend of the Blue Sea.' (Photo : YouTube/Mimie Ello ) Lee Min-Ho is indeed one of the kindest actors in the South Korea. Recently, it was revealed that the 29-year-old Hallyu star has donated 50 million won ($44,000) to a non-government organization that is providing a wide range of welfare services for victims of child abuse. Advertisement Earlier this week, it was revealed that PROMIZ and Good Neighbors launched a social media campaign called "Making a Warm Winter for Both Body and Heart" from Jan. 16 to Jan. 26. The Hallyu star's donation platform promised to make the donation once the campaign's post reached more than 1,000 likes. "The money will be used for children who have gone through domestic violence," a representative from Good Neighbors said in a press statement obtained by The Korea Herald. "It will help them receive psychological therapy and help them with their heating bills at home." Lee is known for his many charitable activities. Back in August 2016, he launched the "Transparent Umbrella Project" campaign that aims to distribute 2,500 transparent umbrellas to children. Within 10 hours, the project has earned more than 2 million hearts. Lee said it is his way of giving back the love that he has received from his fans all over the world. He then encouraged everyone to donate, saying that one's intention of giving is more important than the amount. This comes after Lee was awarded the grand prize at the 2017 National Brand Awards held at the National Assembly Hall in Seoul, Korean newsoutlet Naver TV reported. He won the prize in the cultural sector for boosting Korea and the Korean wave worldwide through his works. "I traveled around the globe so many times over the past few years," Lee said in his acceptance speech. "I was so touched to see people (overseas) trying to write or speak Korean to me." Lee then thanked everyone who has helped him become one of the most recognizable personalities in South Korea. He ended his speech by pledging he will further try to contribute to the country's brand image. For now, watch Lee as Heo Joon-Jae in SBS' "The Legend of the Blue Sea" here: Can you feel the love tonight? Fans of Disneys Oscar-winning animated movie The Lion King is getting the live-action treatment, to be helmed by Jon Favreau. (Photo : Getty Images/Jesse Grant / Stringer) Disney's live action remake of "The Lion King" just confirmed some major casting news. Director Jon Favreau announced on his Twitter that Donald Glover and James Earl Jones have been cast for the film. Glover will star as Simba while Jones will return as Mufasa, the role he voiced in the 1994 original animated film, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Favreau and Glover first met at The Hollywood Reporter's conversation on creativity in December, during which Favreau told Glover that his son is a fan of the actor's music. Advertisement In the original animated film, Jonathan Taylor Thomas voiced the young Simba, while Matthew Broderick voiced the adult Simba. Jeff Nathanson is writing the script for the live action remake of "The Lion King." According to Variety, production for "The Lion King" is being fast-tracked, even as Favreau starts development for the sequel to "The Jungle Book." "The Lion King" is one of Disney's many planned reimagining of animated classics. "Beauty of the Beast" is set to hit cinemas this year, while "Aladdin" and "Mulan" are in the works. Disney confirmed that "The Lion King" live action adaption will feature some of the songs from the original film, which means fans might be able to sing along to "Hakuna Matata" in the upcoming feature. "The Lion King" is one of Disney's most successful movies ever, and is considered as one of the biggest animated films of all time. When the movie came out in 1994, it earned a whopping $968 million worldwide despite running on a $45 million budget. It was also a critical darling, and earned positive reviews from fans then and now. The film's soundtrack also earned high prestige, with Elton John and Tim Rice's "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" receiving an Academy Award for original song. The film's score, which was composed by Hans Zimmer, also earned an Oscar. The soundtrack also took home two Grammy Awards. Meanwhile, Glover is currently filming the upcoming "Han Solo" movie in which he stars as the young Lando Calrissian. The actor recently won two Golden Globes for his FX TV series "Atlanta." This Week in Review A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. Feds laud $83M to better Pell Bridge The congressional delegation of Rhode Island was in Jamestown to celebrate an $82.5 million grant to upgrade the bridge that connects Conanicut Island to Newport. U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, a... Local author, illustrator collaborate on book A local woman has turned her digital cross-country teatimes with her granddaughter into a childrens book. Tuesday Tea, written by Debby Furness Saletin and illustrated by Maryann England, both of... Local group asks for rental rules changes A group of residents is expected to present its recommendations on how to improve the ordinance that governs short-term rentals. Member Ron Ratcliffe said the item is scheduled to be... Despite Israels 5th election in four years, it remains a beacon of democracy and freedom The Israeli elections are fast approaching. On November 1, Israelis go back to the polls for the fifth round of elections in less than four... What is a Jew? Israeli museum attempts an answer JERUSALEMI was on a short visit to Israel and spent time with a friend with whom I have been engaged in a 30-year argument. Elli... Nokia 8 (Photo : Twitter / NokiaFan2) As the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2017 is a week ahead, it looks like Nokia may launch of its new device the Nokia 8. The device is expected to come powered by Snapdragon 835 and run Android 7.0 Nougat. The Finland-based company is said to launch the Nokia 8 and other phones on Feb. 26. The flagship phone Nokia 8 will be running on the latest Snapdragon 835 SoC and is said to come pre-installed with Android Nougat. Advertisement The Nokia 8 is listed for pre-orders even before its official announcement on Jingdong, a Chinese e-commerce site with a pricing of Yuan 3,188 ($463). Jingdong listing of the Nokia 8 seems to match the concept renders that were leaked earlier. Nokia 8 Specifications, Features The Nokia 8 smartphone is said to sport a 5.7-inch AMOLED display with a quad HD resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and will feature a flat screen. The device is expected to come powered by Snapdragon 835 chipset. The smartphone is pegged to come packed in two storage variants of a 64 GB and a 128 GB. It will have support for external storage through microSD card for up to 256 GB .The device is rumored to run on Android 7.0 Nougat. It is likely to sport a 24-megapixel rear camera and a 12-megapixel selfie snapper, GizmoChina reported. HMD Global is rumored to unveil the Nokia 8 on Feb. 26, a day ahead of MWC 2017, in Barcelona, Spain. The concept images of the new phone indicates that the device will come with bezel-less display. It is noted that the listing shows the smartphone Nokia 8 will come in two color variants of black and gray, News18 reported. Since HMD Global has got the rights to use the name of Nokia brand, the company is said to introduce the Nokia 3310 Reboot at the MWC 2017. The phone is said to come loaded with basic multimedia features. The Nokia 3310 Reboot is rumored to cost 59 ($63). Here is a review of Nokia 6 midrange phone: Good morning, friends! Its hard to believe its Wednesday already. It feels good to get back to a normal routine after our nice, long weekend. Today Im excited to partner with kate spade new york to bring you the CUTEST little bag for spring. Meet the brand new cameron street little babe. I love the clean lines and ladylike silhouette of this purse. While I prefer to carry it as a satchel, it also comes with a removable shoulder strap for cross-body use. Like all of the cameron street styles, the babe comes in crosshatched leather so its lightweight and scratch-proof, and wipes clean. Gotta love that! Theres nothing worse than getting a permanent mark on a light colored bag. This bag holds more than it looks like it would, so its a great bag to transition from day to night. I love that its dressy enough for dinner out but still holds enough to carry all day long. It also comes in classic black and a vibrant pink punch, but I chose the more subdued pink sunset. Im all about shades of pink this spring, so when this bag arrived in the mail, I couldnt wait to style it. FYI, the scarf is not included with the bag. I discovered it when I was shopping at the mall a few days after my new bag arrived, and I thought it would be the perfect compliment. I actually intended to wear it around my neck, but it interfered with the pretty scalloped neckline on this sweater, so I decided to tie it on my bag instead. This scallop sweater is from the kate spade spring collection as well. I love the quality of the fabric and the feminine scalloped trim on the neckline and arms. Its made of cashmere, silk, and cotton, and it feels divine. Unfortunately, I misjudged the sizing and requested a small. It works, but it would fit more comfortably in the medium. Id recommend sizing up if youre in between sizes. While its a tad short with these jeans, I can totally see it with a skirt this spring. Im always lamenting how hard it is to find shirts the right length for wearing with skirts, and this one is perfect. No outfit is complete without a few well-placed accessories, and Im a longtime fan of kate spade jewelry and watches. To complete the outfit and dress it up a bit, I added these lantern gems chandelier earrings and the lantern gems ring. They also sent me this adorable smart watch. I didnt even realize it was a smart watch when I added it to my wish list; I was drawn to the pretty vachetta leather strap, gold-tone case, and classic white dial decorated with champagne glasses and crystal bubbles. Come to find out, it does so much more than tell time and look cute on my wrist. It can track my activities and sleep, take selfies, receive call and text notifications, and much more. Im still learning how to use it. Finally, these black suede stacked heels bookend the outfit, and they make the perfect transition shoe for spring. Suede is no longer just for fall and winter. This spring and summer, suede sandals are everywhere. I love the combination of the suede upper with the patent leather heel. In this outfit, I feel totally ready for whatever event spring throws at me. I can swap out the white jeans for a skirt if I need a dressier look, and then it would be perfect for spring graduation parties or bridal showers. Turn on your JavaScript to view content cameron street little babe c/o kate spade new york // christopher heels c/o // scallop sweater c/o // similar skinny scarf // paige verdugo ankle skinnies // vachetta and gold smart watch c/o // lantern gems chandelier earrings c/o // lantern gems ring c/o Did you like this post? Subscribe to get updates in your email inbox! I share a bit more of my daily life in my emails, and then I always link over to my most recent blog post(s). You can also connect with me on Instagram and Facebook, and Im occasionally on Snapchat. This post was brought to you by kate spade new york. All opinions, images, and selections are my own. Thank you for supporting the retailers that support this site. George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney attend the 'Money Monster' premiere during the 69th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals on May 12, 2016 in Cannes, France. (Photo : Getty Images/Clemens Bilan) George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney are expecting twins, and one of the actor's closest friends, Matt Damon, gave a bit of an inside scoop on what's up with the soon-to-be-parents. Appearing on "The Ellen Show," Damon talked about how Clooney is reacting to fatherhood. Advertisement "The Great Wall" star revealed that among their group of friends, Clooney is just starting his own Brady Bunch. Damon already has four children, one of whom is going to college soon. Clooney, on the other hand, is just getting started. "It's really funny. He's got this group of really wonderful friends. For 30 years they've been out here together and really great group of guys. And all of those guys, their kids are either in college or on their way and now George is getting started, so it's pretty funny. I think they're having a good time with him," Damon said. Damon added that he doesn't know how to handle twins so he doesn't have much to advice Clooney on that matter. However, he related to the fact that taking care of children can be a huge task. "We'll see what happens to him," Damon commented. Damon has openly expressed his support for George and Amal's pregnancy. In a previous interview, he stated that he "almost started crying" when George told him that Amal was already eight weeks pregnant. Meanwhile, the Clooneys are excitedly preparing to welcome their twins. Both George and Amal are planning to tone down their usually-packed schedules and avoid going to areas where there could be potential danger. "I will not go to South Sudan anymore and in the Congo, Amal will no longer go to Iraq and she will avoid places where she knows she is not welcome," Clooney said in Paris Match, as quoted by E! News. The actor said that he and Amal still do not know if they're having a boy or a girl, and would prefer not to know until the twins come out. The Clooneys are currently living in three countries: Italy, England and the US. When asked where they will raise their kids, George said they will likely make the decision to settle when they children are already of school-age. Email Links to our top local news stories of the day, Monday through Saturday. The Triads three largest health-care systems will begin at 7 a.m. Friday applying visitor restrictions on children ages 12 and under because of a late flu outbreak in the region. Cone Health, Novant Health Inc. and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center issued a joint statement Thursday with Carolinas Healthcare Systems in Charlotte. They said they have synchronized their restrictions because they share the same geographic area and have similar rates of influenza in the community. The restrictions have been put in place about five weeks before the typical March 31 ending of the flu season, which has lingered at times into mid-to-late April. The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported Thursday there have been 12 more flu-related deaths, 10 of which occurred during the week that ended Saturday and two from previous weeks. There were two pediatric deaths reported, including the first in the birth to 4 age group. There have been 44 flu-related deaths since Oct. 1, primarily among those age 65 and over. Marlon Hunter, Forsyth Countys health director, has confirmed four flu-related deaths in the county. Merle Green, Guilford County's health director, has confirmed two flu-related deaths occurred last week. One victim is Autumn Savannah Jessup, 12, a seventh-grade student at Jefferson Middle School who died Feb. 14 from a flu-related illness, said James Womack, a funeral attendant at Perry-Spencer Funeral Home Inc. in Madison. The funeral home is handling Savannahs funeral arrangements. Erica and Sandra Jessup, Savannahs mother and grandmother, couldnt be reached for comment. The visitor restrictions apply to all affiliated hospitals and will be reviewed on a weekly basis. Cone Health said that nearly 10 percent of recent visitors to its emergency departments have had the flu or flu-like symptoms. The systems said they are encouraging anyone age 13 and older experiencing runny nose, sore throat, fever or cough to not to visit patients. The restrictions do not apply to anyone seeking treatment at the hospitals. The temporary restrictions are in place because the number of influenza cases has significantly increased in our area, the systems said, Children may be allowed access to hospital areas in the event of special circumstances, such as visiting a dying family member. In these instances, parents and guardians should work with their nurse to make arrangements. The flu virus can be extremely dangerous to people who have compromised immune systems, cancer, kidney disease and other chronic conditions, said Dr. David Priest, medical director for infection prevention at Novant Health. In order to protect our patients, we are asking members of the public who are 12 years and under or who may be sick with the influenza virus to not visit these facilities at this time. The Forsyth health department at 799 Highland Ave. is offering free flu shots, Hunter said. The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot, he said. Flu can be a serious illness for the elderly, children under age 5, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease. Some county health directors do not publicly report flu deaths, citing patient privacy policies or state DHHS directives. In the latest statewide victim totals, there were six deaths reported in the 65 and older age group, three in the 50-to-64 age group and one each in the 25-to-49 age group, 5-to-17 age group and birth to 4 age group. Overall, there have been 28 reported deaths of individuals age 65 and older, eight in the 55-to-64 age group, three each in the 25-to-54 and the 5-to-17 age groups, and one in the 18-to-24 age group and birth to 4 age group. By comparison, 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. For Christmas, I received a gift of DVD copies of my familys old home movies and video recordings. Thus, I have recently indulged on half-forgotten family memories. Among them was my sons Wake Forest University graduation back on May 15, 2000. My video captured parts of the Charge to Graduates of 2000, given by the late president of Wake Forest, Thomas K. Hearn. His talk was titled Truth with a Capital T. Hearns words inspired me to find the full text on the internet. Hearn told of his life-long fascination with the ancient philosophical debate on relativism. Specifically, the debate was whether fundamental truth could ever be known (Socrates side), or whether the way things appear to each person, so they are (the relativists side). Hearn also noted more recent relativists, who argued that truth is culturally and historically conditioned. Hearn bravely took sides, critiquing relativism and affirming the human minds progressive grasp of truth. He professed unhappiness with contemporary academic relativism, such as Post-modernism, which holds that we cannot know what is, only what appears to be. Hearns words from years ago seemed to me a way to make sense of the 2016 presidential campaign. Like relativists, the major candidates reiterated only what appeared to be true to their core supporters. Our politics offered no agreed-upon truth, but only highly divergent and contradictory apparent truths, which appealed to different segments of voters. And this continues: the new president proclaims any reality he prefers, even when available evidence points the other way. Take a simple example, which does not have any policy implications: our new leader insists that his inauguration crowd was the largest ever, even if overhead photos show otherwise. Somewhere, he suggests, there must be evidence to validate his wish as truth. Such examples, including ones with ominous policy implications, could be multiplied, but thats not my purpose here. This new, political relativism differs from the old relativism that Hearn described. The old relativists at least were tolerant. After all, if we are aware that we merely choose our own truth (as were the relativists Hearn cited), then we should be tolerant if others invent their own preferred truths as well. In fact, Hearn faulted the old relativists for being too tolerant of some things. Unhappily, the new political relativism lacks any tolerance at all. Perhaps that is because our politicians are not like Hearns philosophers and so are unaware of their own relativism. Hearns old relativists admitted that their truth was simply what they preferred to believe. But, to the contrary, todays politicians confuse their preferred believes with objective truths. And the worst combination may be relativists who deny their relativism, fooling themselves they hold real truth but making no effort to discern real truth. To this end, weve seen political agents promise alternative facts to support what no known facts support. And weve learned (who knew?) of a fake news industry, tolerated or even quoted by politicians to boost their credibility. Meanwhile, opponents views are dismissed as political correctness, or comparable errors. In power, such leaders will surely misinterpret much of what happens in the real world. To counteract this troubling thought, let us give Thomas Hearn the final word he ended his talk with optimism. In his address, he recalled the then-recent campus uproar over a local outbreak of Holocaust Revisionism, the denial of the Nazis murderous treatment of Europes Jews. Hearn stated that the campus rose up to demand that truth be honored, and no one stood up for a revisionist rewrite of the Holocaust. In short, sometimes truth is too clear, or too important, to be dismissed or minimized as someones mere opinion. Hearn concluded that in the face of lived experience, no one is a relativist. He went on to speak of moral truth affirming that universal human rights are not social inventions, but are divinely given. The upshot of this is that true tolerance and more, positive goodwill toward others is a universal mandate. I hope that Hearn was correct. He wished that the lesson was learned not for this day only, back in May 2000, but also for other days. In December I attended a foreign policy conference on the Middle East sponsored by the Hoover Institution. The dinner speaker had to back out ... because he had just been nominated to be secretary of defense. In place of Jim Mattis (who was at Hoover prior to being named secretary), Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, a visiting fellow at Hoover, spoke. While the remarks were off the record, the audience of foreign policy gurus was treated to a big-picture view of American strengths and challenges. He was erudite and charismatic. He is obviously a student of history. Aside from being hoarse, a result of excessive shouting at the Army-Navy game, he explained, he was a splendid speaker. Hes now President Trumps pick for national security adviser. McMaster is highly respected in the conservative foreign policy community, and a man with little pretense and a great deal of battlefield experience. H.R. McMaster is widely respected as a terrific combat leader and also as a brilliant scholar and writer, says Tim Kane, a Hoover fellow. He is the whole package. McMaster will speak truth to power and, frankly, his selection reflects extremely well on President Trump. Unlike his predecessor, who many would say was wound too tight, McMaster is forceful but not tense, with a good sense of humor. He is, as one foreign policy academic put it, a straight arrow. This is not a man to promote coddling with Russia or to buy into the notion that NATO is a burden or to indict the entire Muslim world. Hes no Michael T. Flynn and thats a good thing. Thomas Donnelly of the American Enterprise Institute tells me, He may be the best possible outcome under the circumstances. McMaster is also an author of a book remarkably relevant to his challenges going into this administration, Dereliction of Duty: Johnson, McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies That Led to Vietnam. One reviewer, Ronald Spector, explained the value of the book: What gives Dereliction of Duty its special value, however, is McMasters comprehensive, balanced and relentless exploration of the specific role of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He has doggedly waded through the records of every meeting of the Joint Chiefs concerned with Vietnam, followed every memo and report to its final, usually inconclusive, end and read through dozens of memoirs and histories. As a result, he is able to explode some longstanding myths about the role of the Chiefs. According to the most popular of these, the Joint Chiefs always knew what was needed to win in Vietnam but were consistently ignored or circumvented by Johnson, Robert S. McNamara and their associates. McMaster shows that the President and his civilian advisers did indeed ignore the Joint Chiefs whenever it suited them, but he also demonstrates that the Chiefs were willing, or at least silent, accomplices in this process. Well, that sort of mess may provide guidance as to the dangers of dysfunction and distrust in warmaking. How will he fare in this administration, an organization lacking the discipline and clear lines of command in the military in which he served his entire life? In his role as national security adviser, he is supposed to be an honest broker, a presenter of information and formulator of choices for the president. Without his own axes to grind and with good working relations with Mattis, he has the opportunity to be an effective conduit between the president and the various foreign policy agencies and departments. If the strategy for surviving the Trump years and quarantining Stephen K. Bannon is to provide coherent, unified and persuasive advice without political interference, youd want someone like McMaster, a no-nonsense manager who can create whenever possible a united front with Mattis, Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson, director of national intelligence nominee Dan Coats, CIA director Mike Pompeo and others. That still leaves the problem of Trumps judgment, conflicts of interest, honesty and impulsivity, but at least the foreign policy apparatus wont be a cause of his failures. A speech to squadron and battalion commanders McMaster gave in March 2016 is instructive. You have enormous power as a commander. So do all leaders in your organization, he said. It is unnecessary to shout, threaten, or intimidate. Your words or at least your orders are literally the law. Enforce orders calmly and consistently. Well, that is how the military works, not civilian leadership, especially when so many of those with whom he will interact will report to others, not to him. His straightforward, non-bullying approach will be a welcome change at the National Security Council from Flynn, who lost the job before last, in part, due to management deficits and rotten treatment of his staff. Not all military men succeed, however, at being national security adviser (e.g., Gen. James Jones). His success will depend on the ability to make alliances, wield a stiletto in the bureaucracy, manage a paper process, prevent freelancing aides and officials from working around the policymaking process, and forge consensus among his peers. In this administration in particular, its no easy job. Warner Bros. courting Mel Gibson to direct Suicide Squad 2; Gibson more interested in the cast than in superhero story? Actor Mel Gibson attends the premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures' 'Mad Max: Fury Road' at TCL Chinese Theatre on May 7, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo : Getty Images/Kevin Winter) Mel Gibson is reportedly in talks to direct "Suicide Squad 2," potentially taking over David Ayer who directed the first movie. According to reports, Gibson is one of several filmmakers Warner Bros. is courting for the film. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gibson is familiarizing himself with the "Suicide Squad" material, which shows a band of anti-heroes taking down larger threats. No official offer has been made to Gibson, and the studio is reportedly looking at other directors including Daniel Espinosa. Advertisement When asked if they are getting close to a deal, Gibson negotiations are still "kind of a first date," Vanity Fair reported. Variety reporter Justin Kroll said that there are rumblings Gibson is more intrigued by the movie's cast than the material. In a previous interview, Gibson said that he is baffled by superhero movies. "I'm really baffled by it. I think there's a lot of waste, but maybe if I did one of those things with the green screens I'd find out different. I don't know. Maybe they do cost that much. I don't know. It seems to me that you could do it for less," Gibson commented. Ayer, on the other hand, will move to another DCEU feature "Gotham City Sirens," which will focus on female villains in the DC Comics stable. Margot Robbie will reprise his role as Harley Quinn. Geneve Robertson-Dworet is writing the screenplay for the movie. The all-star case of "Suicide Squad" included Robbie, Will Smith, Jared Leto, Jai Courtney, Cara Delevingne, Joel Kinnaman, Jay Hernandez and Viola Davis. The movie drew in polarizing feedback from critics and viewers, but nevertheless pocketed $745 million worldwide. Meanwhile, the 61-year-old actor is once again a hot name in Hollywood following the critical acclaim towards his film, "Hacksaw Ridge," which marks Gibson's remarkable comeback in the director's seat. The war movie, which revolves around the real-life story of Desmond Doss, is nominated for six Oscars, including best director for Gibson. To date, the film has scored $164 million worldwide. With "Hacksaw Ridge" being a major turning point for Gibson, he now finds himself receiving a number of offers from studios and indie productions. He is also in talks to join "Daddy's Home 2" with Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg. The people who met in Kernersville last week and entertained threats of violence against Muslims need to be thoroughly investigated by the authorities. And we should all condemn such talk. A group of about 20 people, including some from the far-right fringe, met in a restaurant on Feb. 16 . They discussed a supposed Muslim plot to conquer the United States, Triad City Beats Jordan Green reported last week. The recommendation of one person in the group was to start killing Muslims. Frank del Valle, a Winston-Salem resident, said he was ready to start taking people out and killing the hell out of Muslims, City Beat reported. This kind of threat cant be ignored. An unidentified man at the meeting said, I want to start doing something instead of talking about it all the time. Im in a group, he told City Beat Im not going to tell you what group Im in. The threats have been reported to state and federal authorities. The meetings moderator tried to talk del Valle down, but he and others present had their own problems. Their rhetoric consisted largely of paranoid misinformation. They talked about mosques and Islamic schools with suspicion and suggested that people should be more concerned about Muslims who appear to be moderate and integrated into American society. In other words, Americans who happen to be Muslims. Many of us know them as friends. And we should stand with them and their children against ignorant hatred and potential violence. Hamdy Radwan, the chairman of the Annoor Islamic Centers council in Clemmons, told the Journals Bertrand M. Gutierrez on Monday that his community had been disturbed by the story. On Sunday, children at the center were kept inside, rather than playing outside, as a precaution. Anybody can tell we are Muslims, Hanan Mohamed, a teacher at the center, told the Journal. It was a hard day for us. It made us very scared. Radwan rebutted a claim made at the meeting that the center had been bought under the radar. The property was sold after letting Radwans group try it out for three months, Radwan told the Journal. This kind of fear-driven ignorance needs to be dismissed from society. Muslims were not created on 9/11. Theyve been an integral part of our communities for centuries, without committing disproportionate amounts of crime and harm. Many claims about Islam echo the bigoted, unfounded claims made about Jews leading up to World War II. President Trump, in concentrating on radical Islamic extremists, should make clear that doesnt include the peaceful Muslims who have been living among us for years. He and other government leaders should condemn situations like the haters who met at the Kernersville restaurant. But we cant wait on the leaders. It falls on each of us individually to fight this toxic prejudice. We must educate ourselves, not from extremist sources, but from valid, reliable sources including Muslims themselves. ANTHONY COLBURN, Tobaccoville School responsibility Many people are upset about the three high-school students who beat Bill Bloxham. Your Correspondent of the week saw this and concluded that, its obvious that the schools werent helping them (Try something new, Feb. 19). He adds, maybe if they were taught to respect themselves and respect God, this would never have happened. School is in session 180 days a year for 7 hours each day, for a total of 1,260 hours per year. Students spend the rest of the time, 7,500 hours per year, away from school. While schools are supposed to be bringing up students scores in math and reading, as well as social studies, science, spelling and all the other mandated courses, they are also supposed to instill respect and responsibility in the students. I guess the letter writer believes that schools should shoulder all these responsibilities while having the student for just one-seventh of each year. He also seems to imply that if we just had more choice (read private Christian) schools that take money away from public schools, everything would be fine. Public schools must admit all students. Private schools do not and as a result, dont have the behavioral problems that public schools must contend with every day. I invite the letter writer to visit any public elementary or high school and notice how respect and responsibility are stressed in every classroom. Im sure he will see that public schools do their best with a very important and difficult situation. ****** REGGIE BRANSON, Winston-Salem Their legacy To some degree I sympathize with the florist who has to pay a $1,000 fine for refusing to serve a gay couple (Same-sex couple wins court case against florist, Feb. 17). But then I remember that there are people whose life choices I disapprove of, but because I work with the public, I have to serve them, anyway. Dealing with people you disapprove of is simply part of the cost of living in society. And I read the part in the story where the florist, Barronelle Stutzman, says she would have no problem providing flowers for a Muslim wedding or an atheist wedding. That wouldnt make her feel like she was endorsing their positions. Why would it be different with gay people? If the rumored religious freedom bill in Vice President Mike Pences back pocket is passed, well wind up living in a segregated society that is even more divided than it is now. Muslim taxi drivers will be allowed to deny service to customers who have been drinking alcohol. Restaurant owners will be allowed to deny service to black people and Jews because integration is against their sincerely held religious views. And dont think for a moment that some businesses wont begin turning away fundamentalist Christians. It will happen. The thing conservative Christians need to ask themselves now, before its too late, is what they want their legacy for the next 100 years to be: Service and acceptance or division and discrimination? ****** BILL BLANCATO, Winston-Salem A conservative solution Former Secretary of State James Baker, former Secretary of State George Shultz and other leading conservative statesmen recently said in a statement, there is mounting evidence of problems with the atmosphere that are growing too compelling to ignore. The problem is the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases, which is warming the planet. While Baker is skeptical about whether humans are causing climate change, he acknowledges the risk is too great to ignore and is backing a conservative, market-based solution for the problem that would put a price on fossil fuels and return the money to households. Their proposal would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create jobs. Their report is at https://www.clcouncil.org/ It is good to see conservatives willing to speak about and offer a solution for the problem. Sens. Richard Burr and Thom Tillis and Rep. Virginia Foxx say they are conservatives. Will they embrace the solution offered by Secretaries Baker and Shultz or offer an alternative conservative solution? Lets hope that instead of ignoring the problem they will tell us which conservative solution they support. ****** ELAINE CREEDON, Winston-Salem Im with Trump President Trump is not normal, they say. Hes not following the conventions of the office. Hes not doing this or that the way regular presidents do. They just dont get it. Thats why we voted for him! We didnt want more of the normal, the way President Obama, President George W. Bush, President Clinton (the other Clinton) did it. Were so sick of the way things have been done, with nothing getting done. We need a bull in the china shop! We need someone to confront the press, confront Islamic terrorism, confront our foreign competition, confront illegal immigration, confront political correctness and say, Enoughs enough! So go ahead and complain. Go ahead and protest. Thats fine. Im all for checks and balances. But when these four or eight years are over, America is going to be great again. MICHAEL C. SMITH, Winston-Salem Understanding HB2 Please help me to understand the resistance to the repeal of HB2. Our Republican legislature decided to produce a bill for which there was no need. I do not recollect ever hearing/reading about anyone attacking our children in the restroom, locker-room etc. But suddenly we have to watch out and protect our children from men in womens clothing lurking in the restroom. This part of the bill has no way to be enforced. Will we have someone checking body parts before allowing entry into specific restrooms? All of this is simply the boogeyman approach to feed on the pseudo-fears of our self-righteous conservatives. Our legislature created a law that was not needed and now refuses to repeal it. The fact that it is costing jobs and money to the state does not matter to the people they represent since, in their minds, none of this affects their scant revenue. The money and jobs being lost are those that affect urban centers, i.e. Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Greensboro. The Republicans gerrymandered our districts to put themselves into the majority. We, in urban areas, have suffered and will continue to do so. We will continue to have a dysfunctional legislature until we get representatives in office who will represent all people of this state. Before I could finish this letter, I learned the Republicans in Washington have repealed a gun law that prohibited individuals with mental problems from owning guns. That is for another letter to the Journal. ****** MACK FERGUSON, Winston-Salem Not being fair The problem with believing that youre a member of the one true church and one of Gods chosen few is that you then think the rules that apply to everyone else dont apply to you. Some Christians not all want to claim a favored status in America. They want to start government meetings with prayers to their god and they want to put monuments to their religion on government property and they want their religion taught in public schools so that everyone can see how special they are. Theyre also fine with limiting the ability of people of other religions to do the very same thing. In other words, theyre not interested in being fair; they want a special status; they want special rights; they want to be privileged. The least they could do then is have their churches pay taxes. In fact, if this is their country and theres no separation of church and state and they get to impose their religion on everyone else, they owe it to us to pay for their privilege with taxes. Or we could try honoring the separation of church and state that was designed into the U.S. Constitution. ****** RONDIE HICKMAN, Winston-Salem Fact and fiction During Defense Secretary Jim Mattis first trip to Iraq as Pentagon chief this week, he had to reassure our allies in Iraq that no, President Trump was not going to steal their oil. In the meantime, Vice President Mike Pence had to reassure our European allies that no, President Trump was not going to pull the rug out from under NATO. Everywhere our representatives go, they have to assure foreign leaders that no, the president didnt mean what he said. How, exactly, is this supposed to restore our standing in the world? And how is having a man who cant tell the truth between fact and fiction sitting in the Oval Office supposed to make America great again? ****** DEBBY EDWARDS, Sparta Shame Shame on state Rep. Jeffrey Elmore and others for trying to make an unnecessary change to the state constitution (Bill targets more powers, Feb. 17). Republicans constantly screams about going by the U.S. Constitution, saving the Constitution, abuses to the Constitution, and now they are trying to make a petty change just to shift powers in government. Shame, shame, shame on Jeffrey Elmore and the others. When You Write The Journal encourages readers comments. To participate in The Readers Forum, please submit letters online to Letters@wsjournal.com. Please write The Readers Forum in the subject line and include your full name, address and a daytime telephone number. Or you may mail letters to: The Readers Forum, P.O. Box 3159, Winston-Salem, NC 27102. Letters are subject to editing and may be published on journalnow.com. Letters are limited to 250 words. Letter writers are allowed one letter every 30 days. If you would like a photo of yourself included with your letter, send it to us as a .jpg file. For more guidelines and advice on writing letters, go to journalnow.com/opinion/submit_a_letter. The Journal welcomes original submissions for guest columns on local, regional and statewide topics. Essay length should not exceed 750 words. The writer should have some authority for writing about his or her subject. Our email address is: Letters@wsjournal.com. Essays may also be mailed to: The Readers Forum, P.O. Box 3159, Winston-Salem, NC 27102. Please include your name and address and a daytime telephone number. At nearly 2 hours long, A Cure for Wellness may qualify as the worlds longest, most agonizing teaser. For most of that duration, the gorgeously disturbing new film by Gore Verbinski adamantly refuses to spill its secrets, which continue to mount up behind a dam of mystery so maddeningly impenetrable that its a wonder people dont walk out before the climax. The fact that most of them will not is because, in all likelihood, of Verbinskis mastery of his medium: in this case, a hybrid stew of psychological thriller and body horror. When the dam finally does burst, in a final spurt of weirdness and transgression that happens so quickly its hard to process, its like a swollen boil suddenly disgorging its contents surprising, messy and painful, but also a huge relief. The fact that only some of it makes sense doesnt entirely negate what is, in the buildup at least, a beautiful film. Cinematographer Bojan Bazelli, who previously worked with Verbinski on The Ring (2002) and The Lone Ranger, uses a palette of porcelain whites and icy blues to help create the dreamlike sense of dread and unreality that pervades much of the gothic tale. Set in a remote Swiss sanitarium, where a high-powered American financier (Harry Groener) has inexplicably overstayed his two-week spa vacation prompting one of his underlings (Dane DeHaan, a graduate of the UNC School of the Arts) to be sent from New York to retrieve him the story (by Justin Haythe) does nothing but pose unanswerable riddlesfor the longest time. When that underling, named Lockhart, arrives, he discovers a facility staffed by Alpine automatons. (Zurich Central Casting must have sent Verbinski every extra it could find with ability to stare menacingly listed under special talent.) Lockharts plans to grab his boss and head home go awry when he breaks his leg, forcing him to convalesce in what looks like a cross between an early-20th-century nursing home and Draculas castle. All the patients are superannuated, wandering around lethargically in long white robes or occupying themselves with croquet and calisthenics, in between receiving unspecified treatments in a locked wing. The only one younger than Lockhart is Hannah (the appropriately named Mia Goth), an apparent teenager who is described by the clinics sinister-looking director (Jason Isaacs) as a special case. Hannah carries a vial of vitamin extract around with her that, when Lockhart samples it, he compares to sweaty fish. That description will come back to haunt him and you later. But until then, Lockhart is plagued by hallucinations(or are they?) involving Hannah, eels in the mountain aquifer, and steam rooms without doors. At one point, he and Hannah wander off campus for a beer in the neighboring village. Curiously, it seems to be largely uninhabited, except for a gang of menacing punks, a mysterious military official with a collection of World War I helmets and despite the apparent absence of any farmers a veterinarian. Lockharts encounter with the latter includes a gratuitous gross-out scene, one of several in the film. Despite treatment that appears to consist of nothing more than mineral water, Lockhart descends into a deep fog of befuddlement, even though he eventually, like all the other patients, starts to say that he never felt better. Way late in the movie, by the time most thrillers have already begun parceling out a morsel or two of resolution, you will still be scratching your headand wondering just what in Gods name is going on. Holding that tension for so long is a tall order. And Verbinski very nearly succeeds. The problem with Wellness is not the temptation to throw in the towel before the finale, or even the finale itself. When the climax does come, it arrives with a bracing blast of campy absurdity so flamboyantly deviant that it glows with a kind of perverse brilliance. But the setup to it is starved of logic, the films vital oxygen. Like Lockhart, you may stagger out of the theater feeling invigorated and slightly confused. Theres not much middle ground when it comes to clawhammer banjo, according to Adam Hurt. Pickers tend to have strong rhythm or melodies, but not both. It seems to me that a lot of clawhammer banjo players, both contemporary and historical, have skewed very much one way or the other on the melodic-to-rhythmic spectrum, he said by phone from his home in Danville, Va. I think both sides of that spectrum have a lot to offer, and I also dont think that they have to be mutually exclusive. Im trying to bridge the gap between them. Paul Brown, host of Across the Blue Ridge on public radio, will present Hurt at Muddy Creek Music Hall on Sunday as part of his monthly concert series. Hurt will be joined by Beth Williams Hartness on guitar, Carl Jones on guitar and mandolin and Stephanie Coleman on fiddle. Those musicians also contributed to Hurts latest album, Artifacts, a collection of old-time tunes. Brown has known Hurt for about a decade and first taught him a couple of the songs included on the album. Somehow, Adam has come up with a technique and married it to a musical sensibility that has the notes flowing off the banjo - and without sacrificing the banjos core characteristics as a melody, rhythm, bass and drone instrument rolled into one, Brown said. To me, it is amazing. The clawhammer style, usually played on an open-backed banjo, predates bluegrass. Pioneers of the style include Uncle Dave Macon, an early country music star, and Fred Cockerham, who lived near Mount Airy. Hurt, 33, moved to this region from his native St. Paul, Minn., to attend college and learn more about the music at its source. He lived in Kernersville for several years before moving to Danville. He performs regularly, but focuses more on teaching. His students are scattered around the world, including Pakistan and Australia, and he teaches them via Skype video sessions. Before Skype, Im not sure that any one local market could have provided me with 50 regular students interested in this very niche-market music, Hurt said. Its been an amazing thing. To share with friends and brethren The Gospel of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (the Everlasting Gospel), and to prepare a people to stand when He returns to redeem His remnant. Also, to share relevant information of current events, and to show how they relate to prophecy; By means of articles, editorials, opinions, scripture readings, and poetry. 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Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior general interest in receiving similar information for research and educational purposes. Reddit Email 0 Shares By Avi Shlaim | (Via OpenDemocracy.net ) | Trump is unencumbered by any knowledge of the Palestinians, their history, their politics, or their legitimate struggle for statehood. At the press conference after his meeting with Israels prime minister on 15 February, president Trump displayed ignorance and irresponsibility in roughly equal portions. In a single sentence, he blithely broke away from two decades of US commitment to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Trumps narrow focus on Israel sets him apart from postwar American presidents. Their stand on the Arab-Israeli conflict divides American presidents into two broad schools of thought: the even-handed and the Israel first. Jimmy Carter is the best example of the former, whereas George W Bush is the leading example of the second and much larger group. Trump does not fall neatly into either category because he is utterly one-sided in his identification with Israel. He is unencumbered by any knowledge of the Palestinians, their history, their politics, or their legitimate struggle for statehood. Ever since the Oslo Accord was concluded by the PLO and Israel in 1993, the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel has been the cornerstone of American diplomacy under both Democratic and Republican administrations. While this was the policy at the declaratory level, America failed to exert effective pressure on Israel to implement it. Indeed, the very existence of the so-called peace process provided Israel with a convenient cover for promoting the Zionist settler-colonial project. Trump did not rule out a two-state solution, but he implied that his administration has no preference regarding the shape of the final peace agreement. Standing alongside Mr Netanyahu, the neophyte president said: Im looking at two-state and one-state and I like the one that both parties like. Im very happy with the one that both parties like. Referring to the Israeli prime minister by his nickname, but no Palestinian leader by any name, he added: I can live with either one. I thought for a while it looked like the two-state, looked like it may be the easier of the two, but honestly if Bibi and the Palestinians, if Israel and the Palestinians are happy, Im happy with the one they like the best. This vague and incoherent kind of talk on a crucially important issue is typical of the Trump White House. Under his mercurial management, the White House team is chaotic and dysfunctional. There is no decision-making structure, no rules, and no coordination in the formulation of foreign policy. Nor is it clear who the key players are in each particular area of policy. Within Trumps inner circle there are advisers with wildly divergent views. Some of them are stone-cold racists and white supremacists. Hence the strange statement issued by the president on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which made no mention of either Jews or antisemitism. On the other hand, two of Trumps closest advisers on Israel-Palestine are not just Orthodox Jews but ardent Zionists. One is his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, a real estate investor with zero diplomatic experience whose family foundation financially supports the illegal settlements on the West Bank and the Israeli military. Trump appointed the 36-year-old Kushner as senior White House adviser and put him in charge of brokering a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians. The other influential adviser is David Friedman, Trumps real estate and bankruptcy lawyer for the last 15 years, who was picked to be Americas ambassador to Israel. Friedman is a controversial figure even among American Jews on account of his fervent pro-settlement views and firm opposition to a Palestinian state. Friedman does not consider the settlements as an impediment to peace and he does not think that annexing parts of the West Bank would compromise Israels Jewish or democratic character. He is the chairman of the American Friends of Beit El, one of the more hard-line ideological settlements on the West Bank. Friedman raises around $2 million of tax-free donations a year for the Beit El. One Donald J Trump contributed $10,000 to this charity. Friedman is also a strong supporter of moving the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, one of Trumps campaign promises. This move would ring the death knell of the two-state solution. It would mean American recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the whole of Jerusalem, including the Muslim holy places in the Old City. An editorial in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, titled David Friedman Is Unfit to Serve as U.S. Envoy to Israel, described him as a man with a simplistic, dangerous worldview, a member of the extreme right who supports annexing territory on the West Bank to Israel. On the Israeli political map, Friedman is well to the right of Benjamin Netanyahu. Odd as it may sound, Netanyahu is one of the more moderate politicians in the coalition government he heads. This is the most right-wing, racist, xenophobic, expansionist, and pro-settler government in Israels history. Despite the occasional rhetorical genuflection by Netanyahu in the direction of two states in the distant past, both he and his ministers are decidedly opposed to a Palestinian state. They have built a network of roads on the West Bank for the exclusive use of the settlers with the intention of making the status quo permanent. In the lead-up to the elections of 2015, Netanyahu stated categorically that there would be no Palestinian state on his watch. Avigdor Lieberman, the leader of the ultra-nationalist Yisrael Beiteinu party and the defence minister, is himself a settler who aggressively pushes the settlers agenda in the cabinet. Naftali Bennett, leader of the religious-nationalist Jewish Home party and minister of education, is vehemently opposed to a Palestinian state in any shape or form. He advocates the outright annexation of Area C which comprises 60% of the West Bank where the majority of the settlements are located. Ayelet Shaked, the minister of justice, is another member of the Jewish Home party with far-right, ethnocentric, and genocidal views. She is spearheading the attack on one of the last bastions of Israeli democracy and the rule of law the Supreme Court. Shaked was the driving force behind the law recently passed by the Knesset to legalise theft. Calling it the Regularization Bill could hardly conceal its highly irregular and crudely discriminatory nature. A more honest name would have been the Expropriation Bill. For what the bill did was to retroactively legalise 50 Jewish outposts, with around 4,000 homes, on the West Bank that had been built illegally on private Palestinian land. The bill is a naked land grab by the settlers and their sponsors whose purpose is to erase any prospect of a viable Palestinian state. Israels attorney general, Avichai Mendelblit, said he would not defend the law in the Supreme Court, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Netanyahu initially opposed the bill, warning his cabinet that it could land its backers at the International Criminal Court in the Hague, but he changed his mind for fear of losing votes to his militant political rivals. Both Netanyahu and the hawks in his cabinet were overjoyed by the election of Donald Trump. They expected him to give them a free hand to pursue their aggressive colonial project in what they call Judea and Samaria and they were not far wrong. Naftali Bennett tweeted: Trumps victory is an opportunity for Israel to retract the notion of a Palestinian state. Two days after Trumps inauguration, the cabinet announced two decisions: to issue permits for 5,500 new housing units, and to build an entirely new settlement on the West Bank. The second decision was a clear violation of an official pledge that Israel had given to the US at the time of the Oslo Accord not to build new settlements. The idea behind the pledge was to give peace a chance. The reaction of the White House to these provocative announcements could have hardly been more equivocal. The statement read: While we dont believe that 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 to achieving that goal. Muddled as it was, the statement signalled a clear reversal of American policy since 1967 which held that all settlements on occupied Arab territory are illegal and an impediment to peace. This permissive attitude towards Israels violations of both international law and its promises to its chief ally assured Netanyahu of an easy ride on his meeting with the new incumbent at the White House. The contrast with his first meeting with Barack Obama in 2009 could hardly have been greater. At that meeting Obama wanted to focus on solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict while Netanyahu tried to side-line this issue by focusing on the threat of the Iranian nuclear programme. Obama identified an Israeli settlement freeze as an indispensable condition for any progress in peace-making. Netanyahus persistent refusal to freeze settlement activity soured his relations with the Obama administration. Yet, despite his evident personal loathing of Netanyahu, Obama gave more money and arms to Israel than any of his predecessors. His parting gift was a $38 billion military aid package for the next decade. With this gift securely in his pocket, Netanyahu could look forward to a new era in Israel-US relations and to taking advantage of a new president whose ignorance and insecurity made him an easy target for manipulation. At the press conference with Trump, Netanyahu was evasive on the subject of a two-state solution. Rather than dealing with labels, he said he wanted to deal with substance. But his substantive position was completely uncompromising: There are two prerequisites for peace, he said. First, the Palestinians must recognise the Jewish statesecond, in any peace agreement, Israel must retain the overriding security control over the entire area west of the Jordan Riverotherwise well get another terrorist Islamic state in the Palestinian areas, exploding the peace, exploding the Middle East. Netanyahus insistence that the Palestinians recognise Israel as a Jewish state is a relatively recent condition that he himself invented in order to make it difficult for the Palestinians to engage in peace talks. His second condition leaves no room for Palestinian sovereignty or statehood in any meaningful sense of these words. Netanyahu routinely reiterates that he is ready to start peace talks with the Palestinians without any preconditions. This is a transparent propaganda ploy. The two prerequisites reflect his deep ideological commitment to hold on to, in perpetuity, what he calls the Land of Israel. Netanyahu grew up in a fanatical revisionist Zionist home. In a 2009 interview his octogenarian father, Benzion Netanyahu, asserted: The two-state solution doesnt existThere is no Palestinian people, so you dont create a state for an imaginary nation. This apple hasnt fallen far from the tree. At the press conference Trump said to his guest: Id like to see you hold back on settlements a little bit. This may sound like a mild rebuke, but it was not intended nor was it taken as such. On the contrary, this remark was actually helpful to Netanyahu, and he may have even solicited it himself. As prime minister, Netanyahu has to maintain a delicate balance between his right-wing coalition partners for whom any talk of peace is anathema and the pretence that his government is seeking a peaceful solution to the conflict. His partners-rivals are urging him to annex the strategic settlement blocs round Jerusalem, Maale Edumim and Gush Etzion. He, for his part, lectures them on the need to coordinate their moves with the new president. Trumps call for holding back a bit enables the embattled prime minister to protect his flank and to restrain the parties to his right. The friendship with Trump also helps him to bolster his position with the Israeli public at a time when he is being investigated by the police for receiving illicit gifts of champagne and cigars from a billionaire businessman. Netanyahus overriding goal is to maintain the status quo with only minor adjustments, and this he largely achieved at his meeting with the most powerful man in the world. The other major item on the two leaders agenda was Iran, and here too there was a convergence of Israeli and American positions. Netanyahu had been the most strident opponent of the nuclear agreement reached between the Obama administration and five other world powers with the Islamic Republic of Iran. He claimed that Iran could not be trusted and that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose an existential threat to Israel. The warning was coupled with threats of an Israeli military strike to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. These threats were not credible. At that time, none of Israels defence chiefs supported military action. Major-General Meir Dagan, soon after stepping down as director of the Mossad, said that this was the silliest idea he had ever heard. The considered opinion of Israels securocrats was that the landmark international agreement with Iran actually served to reduce the potential military threats to their country. The real concern which united the prime minister with his intelligence and defence chiefs was that the nuclear agreement would pave the way to a more general American-Iranian rapprochement and that this would downgrade Israels role as Americas primary strategic partner in the region. So while Netanyahus verbal assaults on Iran continued after the conclusion of the treaty, the threat of military action was quietly dropped. The election of Donald Trump went a long way to allay Israeli concerns. During the presidential campaign candidate Trump echoed Netanyahus rhetoric, promising to tear up the nuclear deal that Obama had signed with Iran in July 2015. Following his election, however, Trump moderated his position, if not his rhetoric. His administration imposed new sanctions on Iran for its ballistic missiles tests, but these were consistent with the American obligations under the nuclear deal. So by the time Netanyahu arrived in Washington, the threat of a US-Iranian detente had receded. At the 15 February press conference, Trump called the agreement with Iran one of the worst deals Ive ever seen, but he said nothing about abandoning or even renegotiating it. So once again America and Israel were singing from the same hymn sheet. What was absent from the press conference was any consideration for the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people. Their prerequisites for peace were not mentioned even once. Echoing one of Netanyahus regular talking points, Trump castigated the Palestinians for allegedly teaching their children to hate Israel. His indifference to a one-state or two-state solution betrayed a shocking ignorance of the implications of the former. A one-state solution can mean one of two things. It can mean a secular democratic state stretching from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea with equal rights for all its citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity. This kind of a unitary state is anathema to all but a tiny fringe of left-wing Israelis because sooner or later the Jews will become a minority. The alternative is one state with two systems, in other words, a state in which the Jews preserve all their powers and privileges and the Palestinians remain second-class citizens in perpetuity. There is only one word to describe this scenario apartheid. A solution along these lines, if it can be called one, is totally unacceptable to the Palestinians. The Palestinians, the real victims of this bitter and protracted conflict, will accept nothing less and they deserve nothing less than a fully independent state alongside Israel with a capital city in Jerusalem. Moreover, a genuine two-state solution commands the support of the broadest international consensus which included, until the bizarre press conference at the White House, the United States of America. All the international efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since the Gulf war of 1991 have been based on the premise of two states. The Arab states are part of this international consensus. In 2002 the Arab League put forward the Arab Peace Initiative. It was endorsed by all 22 members of the Arab League. It offered Israel not just peace but normalisation with all of them in return for the creation of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 lines with a capital in East Jerusalem and a just solution to the Palestinian refugee problem. There has been no official Israeli response to this offer. The truth of the matter is that Israel is addicted to occupation, and it will continue to resist with all its might any international efforts to end it. So the Palestinians are engaged in what is probably the last anti-colonial struggle of the postwar era. The asymmetry of power between Israel and the Palestinians is so great that a voluntary agreement between the two parties is inconceivable. A settlement of the conflict in line with the international consensus can only come about if America joins with the rest of the international community in pushing Israel into it. This has never happened in the past and there is even less of a chance that it will happen now under the one-sidedly pro-Israeli Republican administration. Donald Trump has simply abandoned the long-suffering Palestinians to the tender mercies of their Israeli oppressors. The notion that the Palestinians deserve justice does not appear to have crossed his mind. The most charitable explanation of his conduct is that he lives in a delusional bubble. Be that as it may, there isnt even the faintest prospect on the horizon that the self-proclaimed deal-maker will be able to broker a peace deal to end this tragic century-old conflict. Avi Shlaim is an emeritus professor of international relations at Oxford University and the author of The Iron Wall: Israel and the Arab World. Via OpenDemocracy.net Egypt's Free Egyptians Party (FEP) has decided to expel founder and business tycoon Naguib Sawiris from the party for not showing up to a meeting to internally investigate the party's latest internal strife. In statements to Al-Ahram Arabic news website on Wednesday, the party's media affairs chairman Nasr El-Qaffas said the discipline committee had made the decision to oust Sawiris after his absence. The conflict arose earlier this month when the party's general assembly decided, in Sawiris' absence, to eliminate the party's board of trustees. The move led the businessman to mount a legal challenge against the party's decision. Sawiris sat on the party's board of trustees. Shortly after the party's decision to eliminate the board, Sawiris held a press conference in solidarity with party members who had recently been expelled for disagreeing with the current leadership. Sawiris criticised the party's president Essam Khalil, saying that he has turned the party into a "private business that includes his friends and relatives." Sawiris also called for new elections inside the party, escalating his challenge to the party's leaders. According to El-Qaffas, the party informed Sawiris of the internal investigation meeting through phone calls, texts, emails, and other means of communication, but could not reach him. He added that Sawiris knew the date of the internal investigation and abstained on purpose, forcing the committee to sack him in accordance with the party's by-laws. The party's call for an internal investigation followed a press conference in February where the party accused Sawiris of aiming to "defame the party, its members and its leaders." Deputy of the board of trustees Ragui Soliman denounced Sawiris' sacking, describing the order as something that could be expected from "from people [party leaders] whose actions lack all rationality. " Soliman affirmed his support for Sawiris, saying that he was still a member of the party and that the board and other "noble members" whose memberships were frozen stood in solidarity with him. "We will retrieve our party through the judiciary. We are adamant on our legal position, and were sure the Egyptian judiciary would set the record straight. The upcoming days will prove the error of all those who thought the FEP was easy bait," Soliman said, referring to Sawiris' legal action against the party's decisions. Search Keywords: Short link: JURIST Guest Columnist Victor Williams discusses separation of powers between the Executive and Judicial branches, and how this relates to the travel restrictions imposed by Donald Trump Among President Donald Trumps fundamental constitutional duties are implementing war strategy as Commander-in-Chief and developing security-related foreign policy as Chief Executive. The president has inherent and exclusive Article II authorities in this area. The Ninth Circuit panels ruling in Washington v. Trump, affirming District Judge Robarts TRO suspension of the travel ban, was a shocking usurpation of those Executive powers. Or to make this argument re-tweetable: USA at war. Extreme vetting of aliens not on American soil, not the judiciarys &#$% business!!! SEE YOU COURT!! Other important court challenges against the January 27th executive order continue to develop in New York and Virginia. And new lawsuits should be expected after President Trump issues his streamlined Travel Ban 2.0. The month-old Trump administration is to be commended for its strategic defense against the multi-front legal assault. Donald Trump must fight and win these skirmishes for the sake of the war on terror, and for his broader disruptive agenda to put America first. Now that Attorney General Jeff Sessions is finally on the job, Trump can hope for much better representation than he received from DOJs publically-insubordinate Sally Yates or the sincere but less-than-zealous August Flentje. Trumps lawyers must destroy the challengers purported standing while demanding the federal judiciarys recognition of the presidents broad statutory authority under 8 USC 1182(f). (Neither the Ninth Circuit panel nor Judge Robart analyzed, or even so much as cited the controlling statute.) Congress has explicitly delegated its Article I authority over these immigration matters to the Executive. But it is not enough for DOJ to assert substantial statutory authority over immigration. Donald Trump must forcefully, if alternatively, argue that challenges to the travel restrictions present a nonjusticiable political question. Our judiciary is being drawn into the densest of modern political thickets. The courts must be persuaded to voluntarily withdraw from reviewing the challenges and immediately exit the escalating, post-election fight between ideological elites and Donald Trump. At issue is nothing less than the separation of powers and basic principles of government by consent. The judiciarys full accession to abstention in these matters is imperative for its own continued credibility. Consider a terrorist attack causally connected to the judicial interference. The Constitution textually grants the president the exclusive responsibility to implement war strategy and foreign policy to defeat Americas foreign enemies. Only the president has the institutional competence to know what specific actions are required to fulfill that responsibility. And foreign-soil aliens have no standing to raise constitutional liberties that allegedly might conflict. It is a classic political question. Throughout our Republics history, the Supreme Court has recognized that some issues are committed by the Constitutions text to the exclusive discretion of the elected political branches. When these political questions manifest, the judiciary must keep out of any dispute. Congressman John Marshall, in 1800, warned his US House colleagues that the political branches would be swallowed-up by the judiciary without such abstention. And as Chief Justice, Marshall provided early nonjusticiability guidance in Marbury v. Madison: By the constitution of the United States, the President is invested with certain important political powers, in the exercise of which he is to use his own discretion, and is accountable only to his country in his political character, and to his own conscience. Much later, Associate Justice Robert Jackson recognized that foreign policy decisions are delicate, complex, and involve large elements of prophecy. They are and should be undertaken only by those directly responsible to the people whose welfare they advance or imperil. In Chicago & Southern Airlines v. Waterman, Jackson further emphasized that such decisions are of a kind for which the Judiciary has neither aptitude, facilities nor responsibility and have long been held to belong in the domain of political power not subject to judicial intrusion or inquiry. More recently in her 2015 Zivotofsky v. Clinton [PDF] concurrence, Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor stressed the importance of abstention to honor the separation of powers. As she had done when Zivotofsky was first before the Court, Sotomayor reiterated the modern political question doctrine as developed in such cases as Baker v. Carr, Goldwater v. Carter, and Nixon v. US. And in Zivotofsky dissent that urged abstention, Associate Justice Steve Breyer detailed in full how judicial review in the foreign policy context can pose a serious risk of embarrassment, show lack of respect for the other branches, and potentially disrupt sound foreign policy decision making. Breyer particularly urged application of political question doctrine in matters involving a situs of global political chaos: [I]n the Middle East, administrative matters can have implications that extend far beyond the purely administrative. Political reactions in that region can prove uncertain. Perhaps the Courts earlier application of the doctrine in Goldwater v. Carter best informs. The Court rejected review of a congressional delegations challenge to President Jimmy Carters foreign policy decision to terminate a defense treaty with Taiwanwithout acquiescence of the House and/or the Senate. Then-Associate Justice William Rehnquist wrote: Here, while the Constitution is express as to the manner in which the Senate shall participate in the ratification of a treaty, it is silent as to that bodys participation in the abrogation of a treaty. The Constitution is dead silent as to any support for Washington States absurd standing claim of concrete injury when its businesses are denied tourism revenues, and its universities are denied faculty services and student tuition dollars of visiting aliens from terrorist-breeding nations. The Ninth Circuit panels promulgation of Washington States interest to assert the rights of alien students, faculty, and even their holidaying families to enter, leave, and re-enter America would be laughable if it were not so dangerous. And the implication of prospective due process rights for all such aliens is ludicrous. Beyond applying the Baker v. Carr enumerated formula, Trumps lawyers should also boldly raise the less domesticated judicial abstention promoted by the late Alexander Bickel. In this time of an unusual war with terrorists, prudence should compel courts to abstain where the strangeness, intractability, and/or momentous nature of an issue might tend to unbalance judicial judgment. Disturbingly prescient, Alexander Bickel addressed the anxiety, not so much that the judicial judgment will be ignored but that it should but will not be. Professor Bickel described the inner vulnerability, the self-doubt of an institution which is electorally irresponsible and has no earth to draw strength from. Today our unelected judiciary, which has no earth to draw strength from, should stay out of the worsening mud-fight between the ideological elites and Donald John Trump. Lastly, it should be noted that finality is one the political question doctrines greatest virtues. As Trump derangement syndrome appears virulently contagious among the elites particularly among lawyers who need only the federal court filing fee to make manifest their disorder finality is needed to retard future litigation against Donald Trumps governance. Victor Williams is a longtime Washington, D.C. attorney and law professor who has supported the constitutional discretion of the past four presidents. During the 2016 campaign Williams chaired Lawyers and Law Professors for Trump which is now being rebranded as an advocacy platform America First Lawyers Association. He recently lodged an amicus curiae brief in the Ninth Circuit case raising the political question nonjusticiability issue. Suggested citation: Victor Williams, Travel Ban Challenges Present a Non-Reviewable Political Question, JURIST Forum, Feb.15, 2017, http://jurist.org/forum/2017/02/Victor-Williams-travel-ban.php This article was prepared for publication by Yuxin Jiang, a Senior Editor for JURIST Commentary service. Please direct any questions or comments to her at commentary@jurist.org Amnesty International (AI) [advocacy website] on Tuesday released its Annual Report 2016/17 [report], a summary of an international human rights survey that discusses the role rhetoric of fear, blame and hate have played in rolling back human rights around the world. AI analyzed major political leaders that identify as anti-establishment, such as US President Donald Trump [official profile] and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan [CNN profile], arguing that their rhetoric has led to dangerous impacts on policy. AIs conclusion is for individuals to come together and push governments to respect human rights, stating, we cannot rely on governments to protect our freedoms, and so we have to stand up ourselves. AI saidthat inspiration should be found in the civil rights activists in the USA, anti-apartheid activists in South Africa, or things as recent as the International Womens March and pro-democracy protests in Gambia. Beyond localized efforts, AI said that global solidarity is crucial if we are to protect each other from those governments quick to portray dissent as a threat to national security and economic development. This report also touched on the focus on the 2015/16 Annual Report [JURIST report], which stated that short-term national self-interest and draconian security crackdowns have led to a wholesale assault on basic freedoms and rights. Looking into similar concerns, JURIST Guest Columnist David Crane [official profile] of the Syracuse University College of Law [official website] earlier this month discussed some alarming similarities [JURIST op-ed] between the early days of the Trump administration and the rise to power of Adolf Hitler. Last month the 2017 World Report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) [advocacy site] stated that a surge in populist leaders in Europe and the US threatens human rights [JURIST report] while inviting autocratic abuse in other nations. In September UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein unleashed a scathing criticism [JURIST report] of Western demagogues, accusing them of spreading populist xenophobia and racism. [JURIST] The German state of Bavaria [official website] on Tuesday approved a ban [video, in German] on full-face veils in certain public spaces, including universities, schools, government workplaces and while driving. Asserting that facial expressions are important to communication, Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann stated in support of the bill that [communication] forms the foundation of our interpersonal relationships and is the basis of our society and free and democratic order. Bavarian Justice Minister Winfried Bausback [official profiles, in German] also supported the law: [t]he burqa [face and body veil] and the niqab [face-covering veil] are not only diametrically opposed to our understanding of the equality of man and woman and open communication. In court, they complicate understanding of the truth and the enforcement of material justice. The Bundesrat [official website], a German legislative body composed of representatives of the 16 states, is set to vote on a nation-wide veil ban in German courtrooms on Friday. German chancellor Angela Merkel in December called for [JURIST report] a full-face veil ban nationwide, stating that [t]he full veil is not appropriate here, it should be forbidden wherever that is legally possible. It does not belong to us. Burqas have been banned in numerous countries [map], including Austria and the Netherlands [JURIST reports]. In 2015, after suicide bombings in Fotokol by two women wearing burkas, Northern Cameroon banned [JURIST report] women from wearing burkas and face-covering veils as the bombs had been smuggled into public under veils. The French National Assembly [official website] approved a law [text, in French] on Tuesday that would make French parent corporations liable for human rights violations committed by their subsidiary companies located anywhere in the world. Parent corporations subject to the law will be held to a higher standard of oversight for the actions taken by their subsidiaries. The law seeks to prevent violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, grave bodily or environmental harms, and sanitary risks. The law was previously rejected by the Senate but was given final approval by the National Assembly. Conservative lawmakers have referred the matter to the Constitutional Council. The French law was inspired [Le Monde report, in French] by the 2013 collapse of a factory in Bangladesh where it became known French clothing brands were being manufactured. An estimated 4,000 workers were buried under the rubble and more than 1,000 people were killed [JURIST report]. The French companies using the factory blamed their suppliers and were not liable for the safety violations under French law at the time. In April Bangladeshi workers gathered [JURIST report] on the third anniversary of the Rana Plaza garment factory disaster to demand justice for the incident. In July a Bangladesh court officially indicted [JURIST report] 41 people with murder stemming from the 2013 garment factory collapse after finding that the staff allegedly forced workers to stay in the unstable establishment despite concerns that the structure was visibly cracking. The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation [official website] annulled the 2.5 year prison sentence [RAPSI report] of Ildar Dadin, who was the first person to be convicted under a relatively new anti-protest law. Dadin was imprisoned in 2015 under a law that allows the Russian government to press criminal charges against anyone who was caught taking part in a series of unsanctioned protests. According to case files, Dadin was arrested five times during rallies held between August 2014 and January 2015. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe [official website] welcomed the news of the courts decision and urged the Russian government [official statement] to change their laws concerning freedom of assembly. Russias human rights record and the status of their prison system has been the subject of widespread international criticism. Earlier this month the European Court of Human Rights ordered Russia to pay more than 63,000 euros for arresting Alexander Navalny multiple times [JURIST report] between March 2012 and February 2014. The court held that Russia repeatedly and unjustifiably violated Navalnys right to freedom of peaceful assembly under the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. In January the US sanctioned [JURIST report] five Russian officials for human rights abuses in association with the death of a lawyer in prison. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced [JURIST report] in November that Russia would leave the International Criminal Court (ICC), expressing disdain over the ICCs investigation into potential human rights abuses by Russian forces in South Ossetia in 2008. In May 2015 Russian President Vladmir Putin signed a law [JURIST report] that allows for foreign undesirable NGOs or firms to be sanctioned and banned from operating in the country, drawing criticism from human rights groups. [JURIST] The US Supreme Court on Wednesday heard arguments [transcript] in Kindred Nursing Centers Limited Partnership v. Clark [SCOTUSblog backgrounder], wherein the court will once again be asked to decide whether binding arbitration agreements are permissible. The Kentucky Supreme Court ruled [opinion] that arbitration agreements signed by legal representatives of nursing home residents were invalid, unless the ability to so sign is specified as a power of the representative, as being against the right to have a jury trial. This ruling was counter to a series of US Supreme Court opinions in which the court held that such arbitration agreements valid. Although the Supreme Court currently consists of eight justices, a vote in favor of the nursing home, of arbitration agreements and ultimately of the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) is expected given the breadth of prior cases on the issue. The Supreme Court has decided multiple cases in favor of arbitration agreements and the FAA in the recent past. In DIRECTV, Inc. v. Imburgia [JURIST report], the court held 6-3 that the FAA preempts a California courts refusal to enforce an arbitration clause in a contract. In Nitro-Lift Technologies v. Howard [JURIST op-ed], the court unanimously concluded that the FAA preempted an Oklahoma state court from determining whether an employment contract violated an Oklahoma law that limited the enforceability of non-competition agreements. Holding that only an arbitrator could determine whether the contract violated state law, the Supreme Court simply cited its prior precedent, which purported to rely on congressional intent in passing the FAA in 1925. In Marmet Health Care v. Brown [JURIST op-ed], the court repudiated West Virginias categorical bar invalidating arbitration agreements that involve personal injury or wrongful death in nursing homes. The Supreme Court of Thailand on Thursday upheld the sentence of a former magazine editor who published stories criticizing the royal family. The court did curtail the sentence [AP report], so that Somyot Pruksakasemsuk would be released in 2018. The editor was convicted under Thailands controversial lese majeste [BBC report] legislation. The law makes it illegal to defame the royal family. Somyots original sentence was handed down in 2011 and was intended to stand for 11 years. Thailands policies on free speech have recently come under attention. Earlier this month human rights groups urged the Thai Army to drop defamation charges [JURIST report] against three activists. In December Thailands parliament passed [JURIST report] a controversial cyber-crimes bill that gave the government the right to obtain user data without court approval. In September Thailands Bangkok South Criminal Court found [JURIST report] British labor rights activist Andy Hall guilty of criminal defamation and violating cyber crime laws. About a week earlier the same month Thailands military government announced [JURIST report] that it will prosecute cases concerning national security and royal insult in civilian courts, as opposed to military courts where the cases have been tried since 2014. The Trump administration on Wednesday revoked [letter, PDF] the Obama-era guidelines [press release] regarding transgender students. The previous guidelines were a joint effort by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Education (DOE) [official websites] that required federally funded schools to treat gender identity as a students sex for purposes of Title IX [DOE materials]. A federal district court had granted an injunction against the guidelines, and the DOJ had filed but later withdrew an appeal [JURIST report]. Support came in from the parties seeking the injunction, and criticism has also followed the decision [Reuters report], with about 200 people protesting outside of the White House. The action was taken as the US Supreme Court [official website] is set to hear arguments [JURIST report] in March in Gloucester County School Board v. G.G. [SCOTUSblog materials]. The case involves a Virginia school boards decision requiring students to use the restroom according to their gender at birth. In a related matter, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper recently proposed a compromise [JURIST report] to repeal HB2, also known as the bathroom bill, which contains similar requirements for public restrooms. The Turkish Ministry of Defense [official website, in Turkish] announced Wednesday that female soldiers will be allowed to wear headscarves along with their uniforms. The regulation, a break in the nations attempt to protect its secularism [NYT report], is the latest institutional policy allowing head coverings in government settings. Coverings must be worn under a cap or beret and must coordinate with the officials regular uniform. The regulation will go into effect once it is published [Al Jazeera report] in the T.C. Resmi Gazete [official website, in Turkish]. The policy comes at a time when bans against head coverings have been sweeping across Europe. Last month Austrias ruling coalition announced a plan to ban full-face coverings [JURIST report] in public places, with a focus on Islamic veils. In December German Chancellor Angela Merkel on endorsed [JURIST report] a partial ban on burqas and niqabs, saying that the full facial veil is inappropriate and should be banned wherever is legally possible. Also in December the Netherlands legislature voted in favor [JURIST report] of a partial burka ban. However, in July the EUs highest court ruled in favor [JURIST report] of a French woman who was fired for wearing a head scarf. The UK Supreme Court [official website] on Wednesday upheld [judgment, PDF] immigration rules that require British citizens have a certain level of income to bring their foreign spouses into Britain. The Minimum Income Requirement [text] rule mandates that a British citizen must have a minimum annual income of at least 18,600 euros in order for their foreign spouse to live with them in Britain. The rules allow for a easy way for the government to assess that the couple can support themselves without the need for governmental assistance. The suit alleged that the rule violated to their human right to a family life as specified in Article 8 of the European Convention [text, PDF]. The court ruled that it does not violate human rights. However, it should be amended to consider children and alternative sources of income such as those of the foreign spouse. Various countries in the EU have had issues with controversial immigration laws over the past decade. In January the Slovenian parliament passed amendments [JURIST report] to the Aliens Act [text] to enact emergency measures to deny refugees entry into the country and to expel those whom did not have their asylum claims properly assessed. That same month Turkey threatened to scrap [JURIST report] an agreement with Greece on refugees and migrants. Also in January the European Court of Justice [official website] ruled [JURIST report] that those seeking asylum in the EU may be denied if they have any ties to terrorism. In June the European Court of Justice ruled [JURIST report] that non-EU immigrants who illegally enter the Schengen area across an internal border should not be jailed. In November 2015 the UK Supreme Court rejected a challenge [JURIST report] to an immigration rule requiring foreign spouses of UK citizens to speak English before relocating to the UK. US Representative for California and co-chair of the Congressional Egypt Caucus Dana Rohrabacher visited Egypt last week, heading a US delegation that met with President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. The parties discussed Egypt-US relations after the election of US President Donald Trump. In an exclusive interview with Al-Ahram daily, Rohrabacher revealed the details of the congressional delegation's second visit to Egypt and its meeting with El-Sisi. "Everyone in our delegation knows that Egypt and the US are on the edge of a whole new era of cooperation. President El-Sisi's strong leadership here gives him enormous credibility with the new administration in Washington," he said. "With a new administration and Mr. Sisi's accomplishments, we predict that there will be wide range of cooperation in the coming period between El-Sisi and Donald Trump." Rohrabacher said the delegation discussed with El-Sisi a variety of topics. "We went into some specifics about how we might work with him to promote an outstanding economy and more jobs etc. but also more national security issues and economic issues," he said. "We also spent considerable time talking about the spiritual values of Christians and Muslims and how we can try to work together to build a better world. [El-Sisi] has shown that Christians and Muslims here can demonstrate to the whole world, how people can have good will and work together even if they have religious differences, and have good relations with God by working with others." The delegation also focused on economic issues, how the US can help Egypt solve its economic problems, and the next phase of cooperation between the two countries. "You have strong leadership; this is pivotal to any type of economic cooperation because otherwise the money will be wasted and invested money will be wasted. We talked with El-Sisi about very strong and positive relations. "We can do certain things; for example, we talked about the new Suez Canal. We talked about a vision for the future that will be very positive; some of our delegation mentioned that Egypt and the US can go forward with a free trade agreement. "President Trump was very clear, unlike his predecessor Barak Obama, that he is supporting bilateral agreements rather than multilateral ones. We think that Egypt will be a perfect first example of bilateral free trade agreement in Middle East," the congressman said. Rohrabacher also talked to Ahram about the Friends of Egypt caucus in congress, saying "Egypt hasnt had the attention it deserves and the credit it deserves. I'm a Republican so I will say something that is so political, but I think the last administration had a different philosophical foundation and thus Egypt wasnt getting the type of cooperation that it should have." "We recognised that and now we have a new president," he added. "Our caucus in congress is working on specifics of new legislation. I'm working on the idea of various technologies, every time I met with El-Sisi, we spoke about how to make sure young people here are involved in the same sort of technological progress we've seen in other parts of the world, because Egyptian youth have a different mentality than young people in other Arab countries. "I think that the Egyptian personality and character would lend itself to the type of technology that will boost the economy and provide jobs." The delegation also discussed the possible listing of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation by the US congress. The Republican congressman said "The [Muslim Brotherhood] group led the foundation for all radicalism. We have a president now who is open to the concept of listing the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group." *The Arabic version of this interview was first published in Al-Ahram daily newspaper Search Keywords: Short link: The Islamic month of Ramadan is set to start on Saturday 27 May in Egypt, the country's National Astronomy and Geophysics Institute announced on Thursday. The head of the institute Hatem Aouda said on Thursday that the crescent of Ramadan, whose sighting commences the holy month, will not be seen on 25 May, making 26 May the day that coincides with the end of the eighth month of the Islamic calender Shaaban, according to the state-owned MENA news agency. If the crescent is visible on the 29th day of Shaaban, the following day marks the beginning of Ramadan; if not, then Ramadan will commence the day after. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslims abstain from drinking and eating from dawn until dusk. Eid Al-Fitr, or 'the feast to break the fast,' is a three-day religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Search Keywords: Short link: For the second time in days, Egyptian officials slam media reports that Cairo was part to any discussion on 'resettling Palestinians' on sovereign Egyptian land, insisting Egypt supports a two-state solution along 67 borders Egyptian presidency spokesman Alaa Youssef said on Thursday that the question of any 'resettling of Palestinians' in Egypt's Sinai has never been on the table in discussions between Egypt and any Arab or international officials. "It is unthinkable to believe that such an unrealistic and unacceptable notion was discussed, especially given that Sinai is an honorable part of the country, and continues to witness sacrifices by the sons of Egypt," Youssef said in a statement today. Last week, Israeli minister Ayoum Kara claimed one day before Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's meeting with US president Donald Trump that the two leaders would discuss a plan allegedly proposed by Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi in 2015 to establish a Palestinian state in Gaza and the Sinai Peninsula, excluding the West Bank. an idea rejected by the international community. This week, Netanyahu dismissed Kara's claims that he discussed the establishment a Palestinian state in Sinai during his meeting with Trump. Thursday's statement by Youssef is the second official Egyptian denial of reports coming out of Israel on a resettlement proposal. Last week, Egypt's foreign ministry dismissed Kara's allegations, stressing that Sinai is an Egyptian sovereign territory. Youssef stressed the importance of not giving credence to such "unfounded rumours," adding that those behind these rumours aim to sow dissent, create confusion and shake confidence in the state. Youssef's statement was made shortly following a meeting between El-Sisi and several senior government officials, including Defence Minister Sedki Sobhi and Interior Minister Magdy Abdel-Ghaffar, to discuss the security conditions and arrangements in the country. It is unclear whether the Palestinian issue was discussed during the meeting. Last week, a lawsuit was filed by Egyptian human rights lawyer Khaled Ali and others in front of an administrative court calling for the banning of any foreign settlements in Sinai. According to the lawyers, the lawsuit aims to preemptively block any potential attempt to settle Palestinians in Sinai. Egypt has consistently maintained its support for a two-state solution for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict along the 1967 borders. Search Keywords: Short link: The conference, held under the umbrella of Egypt's prime minister, debates efforts to improve public and private education services in Egypt Al-Ahram organisation's third Higher Education Fair sessions discussed Thursday the relationship between education and the labor market in Egypt, focusing on technology and the information field, with high participation of the country's schools and university students. The fair, held under the umbrella of Egypt's Prime Minister Sherif Ismail, was attended by Minister of Higher Education Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar and Ahmed Sayed El-Naggar, chairman of Al-Ahram organisation, in addition to education officials and presidents of private and public universities. The fair included a special seminar to discuss future plans and perspectives on developing educational services in the country, with the attendance of Hussein Eissa, head of the planning committee of the Egyptian parliament, highlighting plans to innovate private and public education in the country. The event also featured a seminar on the role of art in developing education, with renowned Egyptian actor Mohamed Sobhi as the main speaker. During the fair, head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Universities Ahraf Hatem underlined the importance of establishing a state run authority to finance higher education in Egypt. Search Keywords: Short link: Related Egypt denounces White House call for release of activist accused of exploiting street children An Egyptian criminal court has set 23 March to issue a verdict in the case of Egyptian-American activist Aya Hegazi and six other defendants who are accused of human trafficking, kidnapping, and the sexual exploitation and torture of children. Hegazi, 29, and her husband Mohamed Hassanein was detained in May 2014 over accusations that her NGO Belady Initiative a foundation which aim at helping street children in Cairo was involved in child abuse as well as operating an unlicensed organisation. Aya and her co-defendants were referred to court in May 2015. The case was postponed more than once. The case has been as source of tension between the Egyptian government and the former US administration, as Hegazi holds US citizenship. Last year, the White House called for the release of Hegazi from prison, describing the case against her as part of a campaign to suppress NGOs and human rights organisations by levelling false criminal charges against their employees. Cairo, however, denounced what it described as the "insistence of American official circles to undermine the rule of law and deal with it selectively, to the point where it is explicitly demanding the release of a defendant and the dropping of all charges merely because the defendant holds an American nationality." In September 2016, a US deputy national security advisor met with Hegazi's family, where he reiterated then-US President Barack Obama's "deep concern for the welfare of all American citizens held abroad, and assured Hegazi's family that the United States will continue to offer her all possible consular support." Hegazi's family described the charges against her as "absolutely absurd and unfounded." Search Keywords: Short link: Rocket fire by Yemeni rebels killed a policeman and wounded a civilian on the Saudi side of the border, the civil defence department said late on Wednesday. They were the latest casualties inside the kingdom since Saudi Arabia began leading an Arab military coalition that intervened in its southern neighbour to support President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi in March 2015. At least 128 people have died in southern Saudi Arabia since the intervention began -- some in border skirmishes, others in rocket fire. Video footage circulating on social media showed shattered glass and a trail of blood at the entrance to a court building in Dhahran South that its posters said was the aftermath of the Wednesday rocket strike. The building's front wall was pockmarked from shrapnel. A guard house appeared to have taken the brunt of the strike, and a policeman sat slumped and bloodied in his chair, apparently dead. The death toll has been far higher on the other side of the border. More than 7,400 people have been killed in Yemen since the Saudi-led intervention began, including around 1,400 children, according to World Health Organization figures. The UN humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, Jamie McGoldrick, said on Tuesday that the death toll was closer to 10,000. Search Keywords: Short link: The upcoming referendum could affect Turkeys constitution and governance for decades to come. Amid declining public support, Erdogans closest circles take radical steps to stay in power. On 16 April Turkey will hold a constitutional referendum on whether or not to significantly extend the executive powers of the presidency. The governing Justice and Development Party (AKP) has been mobilising all its resources to guarantee the passing of the momentous 18-clause constitutional reform. AKPs shrinking support and alliances with the far-right Despite several spikes in approval to an all-time high point of 49.5% following the destructive military campaign in southeastern Turkey that left dozens of cities almost razed and after the 15 July coup attempt both Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the AKP have seen an overall decline in public support since winning a disappointing 40% in June 2015 election. The politically motivated purge of over a hundred thousand people from their jobs, the hushed economic crisis and the extensive pressure on the political opposition have taken their toll. As a result, the AKP has responded by aligning with the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). Judging by the results of the latest general election, the two parties combined support would amount to 66%. This is barely below the 67% required to change the constitution without a public vote in the parliament, where parties need 60% of the quorum to bring any proposal to a referendum. Hence, amid the campaigns for the constitutional referendum, an open alliance has been declared between the ruling AKP and Turkeys fourth-largest parliamentary party, the MHP. Current polls suggest that the constitutional reform is unlikely to pass: the Yes vote has 42% support. A failure to win the referendum is expected to further shrink the AKPs support. The referendum atmosphere could hardly be seen to comply with democratic standards, with high level officials calling the No voters terrorists, separatists, and criminals. The image of the president Fearing popular protests similar to those in 2013, or another coup attempt, the AKP has been preparing local branches for an uncertain future. The media has reported that members of the AKP youth are being offered armed training, but most recently a new formation has made the headlines. Stay Brotherly Turkey, a group initiated by Orhan Uzuner, the father-in-law of President Erdogans son, has been preparing a so-called Communications Network, designed to be able to take millions of people to the streets swiftly to oppose any future uprising, revolt, or coup attempt. The Network has been preparing extensive WhatsApp messaging groups, all coordinated by Uzuner, yet independent of each other. Each group member is asked to start their own local group with their close contacts. According to Uzuner, the Networks main aim is to unify people around the image of President Erdogan. While the group-leaders share recent developments and information regarding the president, the content in the groups themselves is advised not to touch on political discussions and party politics, uniting primarily around Erdogans persona. The group also actively participates in the Yes campaign. Purchasing equipment and providing training According to the daily Cumhuriyet, the Network has purchased the necessary equipment to operate but needs to invest more to guarantee its operations. It has begun establishing radio stations, applying for nation-wide frequencies and naming local operators for wireless transmitters. The group also intends to establish a system of loud-speakers and sirens to be able to continue broadcasting during power cuts and Internet shut-downs. The systems are to be constructed in apartment buildings, shops and even cars. Moreover, each member is being encouraged to obtain hand-held megaphones to be used on streets. The group also trains its members in four different categories, all certified by official institutions and directorates: first-aid training certified by the Ministry of Health, drone aviation training by the General Directorate of Civilian Aviation, wireless transmission licensing courses and information and data security training. Stay Brotherly Turkey also invites members to use the walkie-talkie app Zello. The app currently has 300 members and the password for the group is 1071, which is the date the Turks defeated the Armenians and entered Anatolia from the city of Manzikert; an important reference for Turkish nationalists. Arming the members At its January meeting Stay Brotherly members were informed about the groups working strategy and communication methods. We are one Turkey. Whatever they do we will not be divided. We are united around the epitome of liberty and our leader President Erdogan. We do not want him to get harmed in any way. The smallest apparatus we have is a whistle. I have a megaphone in my car. There are also weapons to be used in times of necessity. We must be prepared, Uzuner stated at the meeting. The following day Uzuner made a statement saying he was misunderstood, that he had meant not weapons but sirens. Another group called Peoples Special Operations (Turkish: Halk Ozel Harekat), which emerged after the 15 July coup attempt, uses police-like emblems, posing with weapons and extensively sharing calls for the reinstatement of the death penalty, raises fears of a parallel militia force loyal to President Erdogan. While the No vote still seems to be in the lead, the delicate alliance of the far-right MHP and the AKP appears increasingly fragile and might opt to secure its accomplishments from 15 years in power at all costs. Combined with the sinister warnings of civil war by other AKP officials, the criminalisation of the opposition and the arrest of elected members of parliament, such groups, their statements and activities create a climate of fear that threatens to undermine the free nature of the upcoming referendum. Syrian warplanes carried out air strikes on rebel-held areas in Deraa, Hama and Aleppo provinces and insurgents fired rockets at government targets on Thursday, just as peace talks were set to resume in Geneva after a 10-month hiatus, a war monitoring group said. However, the overall level of violence in western Syria was somewhat lower than in previous days, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. In the southern province of Deraa, where clashes have intensified over the past week, Islamist insurgents detonated a car bomb and government helicopters dropped barrel bombs, the Observatory reported. Government forces meanwhile shelled areas in the northern city of Aleppo's western outskirts, and Syrian jets carried out air strikes around an area where the army and its allies had advanced on Wednesday, the Observatory said. The Geneva talks are taking place after nearly two months of an increasingly shaky ceasefire between the government and rebels, with each side accusing the other of violations. President Bashar al-Assad, who is backed by Russia and Iran, has gained the military advantage over the past year. Damascus says all insurgents fighting against it are terrorists. Hard-line jihadist groups such as Islamic State are excluded from the truce, which took effect on Dec. 30, brokered by Russia and Turkey, which supports the rebels. A military media unit run by Syria's Lebanese ally Hezbollah said on Thursday that Syrian and Russian warplanes carried out a number of air strikes against Islamic State in the eastern city of Deir al-Zor, most of which the group controls. Search Keywords: Short link: Authorities in control of eastern Libya on Thursday imposed foreign travel curbs on residents aged between 18 and 45, saying they would need security clearance. "Libyan men and women aged between 18 and 45 are forbidden from leaving the country without prior security clearance from the relevant authorities," said General Abdelrazek al-Nadhouri, military commander of forces loyal to authorities in the east of Libya. The aim was "to put in place the necessary regulations to confront dangers from abroad which threaten national security" and not to damage the rights of Libyans, he said. The permits are to be issued by the intelligence services. A decision announced Sunday by the same general banning women under 60 from travel abroad without a male guardian has already stirred outrage among ordinary Libyans. Libya has been wracked by chaos since the 2011 toppling of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with rival authorities and militias battling for control of the oil-rich country. The authorities in Libya's east have refused to recognise a UN-backed unity government in the capital Tripoli. Search Keywords: Short link: KEARNEY Kearneyites Brock Arehart and Andrew Brackett had an epiphany: Not all coffee beans are equal. Like wine, coffee beans when roasted unearth trace elements of flavor depending on the origin. This realization sparked the idea to opening Calico Coffee Co. at 110 E. North Railroad St. When the pair kicked around the idea of opening a cafe with a strong coffee element, they sought out advice of coffee-savvy entrepreneurs. We connected with Ron Cortez of Tempe, Ariz., whos grown up in the coffee world. His grandfather was a coffee farmer in Costa Rica. He visits farms all over the world and sees the beans from start to finish, Arehart said. Cortez gave the Kearney pair valuable insight to the rich history of the coffee bean, the business and the roasting process. We asked ourselves what our business needed to ensure the success of a small-town mom-and-pop cafe, which typically struggle and frequently fail. After doing a lot of research, we thought a strong coffee element would serve the community well, Arehart said. So we thought, Lets create a concept that incorporates coffee and a cafe. After learning the ins and outs of roasting coffee from Cortez, the business owners purchased a Probat coffee roaster the most robust machine in the business. They are said to be built to last for at least a century. The building Calico Coffee is in has a rich history. It was built in the 1920s, and J.O. Pierce used the building for a hide and fur business. Arehart and Brackett are working to undo 75 years of abuse. The building now proudly displays the coffee bar with their Probat coffee roaster in view. We couldnt put the roaster in the basement, but we thought it would be of better use to allow people to see the roasting process, Arehart said. Brackett said the search for a Probat proved to be tough until one was found in Kansas. Probat has been in business for over 140 years in Germany. Shortly after the Civil War ended, they were shipping these to the U.S. Theyre made to last forever. The parts are built to be interchangeable so it doesnt become obsolete, Brackett said. Because we thought the machine is a fantastic conversation starter, we thought it would be great to let people to watch how the machine works. It could be educational, Arehart said. Customers can sip a variety of coffees before purchasing a roasted bag of coffee of their choice. They also have the opportunity to come in for cupping to experience the trace elements of flavor. Calico offers coffee beans from Colombia, Cameroon Boyo, Peru and Papua New Guinea. The pair will also be opening Kitts Kitchen where customers will be able to enjoy a variety of menu options. Even though some Kearney cafes offer roasted beans, Arehart and Brackett thought there was a gap in the Kearney coffee scene and thought if other cities such as Chicago and Denver could have a coffeehouse that roasts beans, why not Kearney? We wanted to be involved as much as possible from the growing process to pouring a cup of coffee. How many coffee shops can say they know the farmers or have a rich knowledge of the beans from beginning to end? Arehart asked. Why not tell the entire story? If the story begins when the green beans get shipped to the U.S., why not let our story begin with the roasting process, so now when folks come in, they can see the products we are hand selecting from other countries being roasted and ground in front of them and then turned into brewed coffee, Brackett said. Most people assume coffee beans arrive dark and oily. However, a good coffee bean is green and dry. If the oil is on the outside, the coffee flavor would be weak, Arehart said. We get to debunk some of the myths about coffee beans, Brackett said. Related Dozens arrested in French clashes over alleged police rape Hundreds of French high-school students staged an unauthorised anti-police rally on Thursday, blocking the entrances to a dozen schools in Paris in the latest in a series of protests over the alleged rape of a young black man with a police baton. Police reported eight arrests after isolated skirmishes with youths who hurled objects and damaged property on the fringes of what otherwise appeared to have been a relatively peaceful demonstration. The protest comes two months before a presidential election where far-right leader Marine Le Pen, leader of the anti-immigrant National Front party, is tipped to win the first round but lose the runoff vote that takes place on May 7. The Paris school authority said more than 10 schools had been targeted by youths who piled up rubbish bins and other objects at the entrance gates. In one case, a deputy school director was injured when protesters hurled a fire extinguisher. The protesters are angry over the alleged rape of the 22-year-old man during a Feb. 2 arrest in an area north of Paris where large numbers of immigrants live. The man, identified only as Theo, remains in hospital with injuries to his anus and head. He has called for public calm and his family has said they have faith in the French justice system. One of the banners carried at Thursday's rally read "Revenge for Theo!" Social media networks showed signs of skirmishes on the fringes of the rally in the Place de la Nation square in the east of Paris, where riot police in protective gear advanced on groups of mostly-hooded youths in sidestreet confrontations. A helicopter flew overhead and tear gas clouds rose into the air above that square towards the end of the rally. The Paris police department had warned people to stay away from the protest, saying it was not authorised and that there was a risk of violent groups causing trouble, as happened over the last three weeks. Four police officers have been suspended pending an inquiry into the Feb. 2 incident. One has been placed under formal investigation for suspected rape and three others for unnecessary use of force. So far the protests have not snowballed to the extent of the unrest that 12 years ago drew global attention to the stark contrast between wealthy Paris and the suburbs that surround it. Search Keywords: Short link: KEARNEY The Chicago-based firm thats building a 58-megawatt solar energy array in Kearney, SoCore Energy, operates solar projects in 17 states, including Kansas, and is developing other projects in Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas and South Dakota. The Kearney project, at $11 million and 5.8 megawatts, will be the largest solar array in Nebraska when its solar panels spanning 53 acres go online in the fall. The Kearney project is among community solar projects that are flying off the drawing board as creative partnerships, technological advancements and other factors have turned solar into a cost-effective, long-term alternative among renewable energy sources. Solar energy generated by the Kearney array will be available to local consumers, including residential, commercial and institutional, and according to Kearney Mayor Stan Clouse, the cost will be only a few dollars more for an average house. Clouse said his all-electric home uses about 1,000-1,200 kilowatt hours per month. Consumers could buy up to 80 percent of their electricity from the solar array at 150 kilowatt hours per share at 86 cents per share per month. For Clouse, buying 900 kilowatt hours of solar energy per month will add about $5.15 to his monthly bill, which is $157. About 84,000 shares of capacity will be available from the SoCore project. Clouse said consumers would pay an upfront enrollment fee of $50, and each share would cost 86 cents per month. Because the solar rate isnt much more than NPPDs standard rate, he anticipates a lot of interest, so much so, he said, that the challenge could be deciding how to reserve some solar capacity for businesses that want to be in Tech oNE Crossing. Affordability, reliability and environmental concerns are among the top driving forces prompting utilities, industries and communities to evaluate solar installations, but in Nebraska, individual investors also are getting into the act. In some cases, the individual investors are able to leverage their own money with grants to reduce initial costs and make projects viable. Several Hub Territory projects got grants from USDAs Rural Energy for America Program, which gave $962,000 to 40 Nebraska projects. Among grant recipients were farming operations planning to put solar energy to work to dry grain, pump water for stock wells and power ag buildings. Lu Nelsen of the Lyons-based Center for Rural Affairs wrote recently that as renewable energy development continues to surge across the nation, states such as Nebraska are building more local renewable energy to meet consumer needs. Nebraska has significant renewable energy resources, ranking 13th for solar energy potential, but still relies heavily on fossil fuels like coal to generate our power, Nelsen said. Developing local renewable energy can help save consumers money and keep energy dollars in our state. Nelsen said investing in a 5-kilowatt rooftop solar system could save the average household $683 annually. As of 2015, Nebraskas solar industry has already supported 776 jobs, including installation, manufacturing, distribution and development of projects and parts, Nelsen said. She endorsed the trend that is leading to efforts such as the Kearney solar array shared community solar projects where consumers can invest in shares of the energy. Pat Pope, president of Nebraska Public Power District, said earlier in February that the Kearney project will deliver reliable and cost-effective energy because of its size and the quality of its design. NPPD, SoCore Energy and the city of Kearney are partners in the Kearney project after signing partnership agreements on Feb. 2. SoCore plans to begin construction of the Kearney project in March at the Tech oNE Crossing tech park in northeast Kearney. The solar panels will be near the $4 million Expanxion executive briefing center to be built this year at the tech park by the software development and testing firm. Xpanxion does business with major companies around the globe, and executives who visit the Kearney operation will get an eyeful when they see the 53-acre SoCore solar array, said Darren Robinson of The Economic Development Council of Buffalo County. Robinson spoke at the Feb. 2 signing ceremony in which the entities formally entered their partnership on the project. SoCore will build and own the solar array and sell power to NPPD. The utility will sell the solar energy to local consumers, and the city will lease SoCore the land in the tech park where the solar panels are built. Thanks to the commitments being announced at this press conference, he said, a prospect company will no longer see speculative (property at an empty tech park). They will see tech development and a major renewable energy opportunity that stretches over 50 acres. Robinson and other community leaders believe the Xpanxion building and solar array will jump-start development at Tech oNE Crossing. Kearney was a top bidder several years ago for a $1 billion Facebook data center project. Significantly reduced electrical rates were part of the Kearney bid. However, Facebook opted for an Iowa site because renewable wind energy was available. Im excited for the opportunity this site creates for Kearney. Robinson said. KEARNEY In a male-dominated industry, Linette Butler is sometimes called the glue of BD Construction. Everyone naturally goes to her because she is so well-rounded and versed in every part of BD, company President Brenda Benjamin said. Butler, recently named general manager at BD, said being in a field where she is in the minority has never hindered her leadership progression. I feel like Ive been accepted all the way around, Butler said. Her promotion was bittersweet for her as it came following the death of BD Construction President Mark Benjamin in 2015. I do take comfort in the fact that he was grooming me to take over this position someday. I was fortunate to be his right hand for many years, she said. Choosing Butler for the position was not a question for Brenda, Marks wife. Shes very level-headed and has good rapport with people, Brenda said. She tends to be who everyone goes to whenever theres a problem or someone doesnt know what to do. Shes a good problem solver. ... I trust her immensely. Butler started her career at BD in 1996 as an accounting assistant and gradually progressed into leadership. Before working at BD, she had never worked in the construction industry. She got the position after responding to a help wanted ad. Within several hours, she was offered the job. Im a farm girl, and I knew nothing about construction, Butler said. I remember after I started, driving home at night going, Oh my God, what did I do? However, after adjusting to the industry lingo and terminology, she began to feel right at home. It just really felt right. Apparently it was, because that was 20 years ago, Butler said. Today, Butlers leadership inspires confidence in those that work with her. Shes been wonderful to work with. Shes very knowledgeable with what she does, said Jennifer Murrish, executive director of the Buffalo County Historical Society. Shes easy to approach and very open and energetic. The society is working with BD Construction on expanding Trails & Rails Museum. The first phase of the one-story Family History Center is expected to be complete by spring. With the construction process being new to Murrish, she said Butlers expertise has been vital. Shes just so knowledgeable. You can ask her anything, and she knows the answer, Murrish said. BD Construction does projects across the Midwest and employs about 37 people. As general manager, Butler describes herself as the conduit between the company and the employees, clients and public. All of BDs projects give her a sense of pride, especially those they are able to work on in the area such as the new Kearney High School building, the Nebraska Firefighters Museum and Trails & Rails. Whats so unique about (construction) is when you get to build a building for someone, its somebodys dream coming true or they have achieved their goal, Butler said. It is all positive and progression. In 2007, Butler was asked to join the Association of General Contractors of America Nebraska Building Chapter Board of Directors. She was the first woman to sit on the board and, in 2011, the first woman to serve as president. Butler is also a chairperson of the Membership Development Committee and participated in the Construction Leadership Academy. She is a member of the Construction Financial Management Association, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and is a Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce Envoy. I cant imagine another industry that I want to be involved in today. I absolutely love construction, she said. KEARNEY Kearney High Schools new program Celebrate Today, Own Tomorrow is taking college and career readiness to the next level. The program, a one-day interactive career development program, launched at KHS for the first time last week and aims to give students a firsthand look at what life is like in different career fields and on different college campuses. Its a new take on the traditional career day but in this case, its more show, less tell. We created a tour for each career cluster, said KHS Principal Jay Dostal. We wanted the program to be geared toward all kids at KHS. As part of the program, freshmen were ferried to tours at Central Community College and the University of Nebraska at Kearney, while sophomores connected the dots to future employment with Nebraska Extensions Connect the Dots Career Exploration and College Readiness Program. Juniors got a peek at universities such as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Wayne State College, and seniors spent the day shadowing at local businesses in fields that fit well with their individual career assessments. A couple of students who are interested in education shadowed at local elementary schools, Dostal said. We also had a student who wants to be a homicide detective who went on a ride-along with law enforcement. Teachers also were invited to participate in the program, Dostal said. Many of them havent been on college campuses in several years. We had them attend with the students as professional development it gave them that experience, too, Dostal said. Dostal said the program fits with KHSs model of providing students with small learning communities and opportunities that may otherwise seem out of reach. We were able to get students on college campuses who wouldnt have had that opportunity otherwise, Dostal said. The hope is that showing students not just telling them will help spark an interest in their futures and help them iron out a path after high school. We wanted it to be eye-opening for them, Dostal said. For most students, it was. As with everything, the students get out what they put in, he said. For Hope Goodwin, the return on investment was a good one. A senior at KHS, Goodwin said she has always had an interest in elementary education and had planned to study education at UNK where shell be attending next year. She has already taken several human sciences and education courses at KHS and is working in an internship at Park Elementary School. Goodwin took the human sciences and education tour offered during Celebrate Today, Own Tomorrow expecting to confirm that interest, but ended up surprised at what she found. One of the speakers on Goodwins tour was Morgan Bailey, a social worker at Compass, a nonprofit organization that focuses on the needs of at-risk-youths in Nebraska, She said advocating for kids was the best part of her job, Goodwin said. Advocating for kids is a career choice Goodwin hadnt thought about before the tour. Baileys passion for her field sparked not only a newfound interest for Goodwin but a complete change of career path. She now plans to study social work at UNK, not education, and wants to work for CASA after graduation so she can advocate for kids in the courts. Going in, I thought this might be a waste of time, Goodwin said. If Id done this earlier in high school, I would have taken more classes that actually interested me. Its a sentiment echoed by junior McKayla Moore. She visited UNL. Moore said shed always leaned toward attending UNL, and the campus tour solidified that choice. The tour just made me want to go even more, she said. While on the UNL campus, Moores group got a peek at the academic buildings, library, and, of course, Memorial Stadium. It was her first time on UNLs campus, which Moore describes as very big. I really liked watching the students and how they interacted, she said. Moore is planning to study psychology at UNL and will be taking some psych classes at KHS during her senior year. Shes excited to go on the job-shadowing and industry part of the program next year. With the Celebrate Today, Own Tomorrow program in its infancy, Dostal knows there may be room for improvement next year. Its our first year, so we know there will be ways we can improve the program, he said. When asked by Dostal if there were one thing she could change about the career day, Moore said it would be to personalize the experience for students. I think it would be good to help students figure out what college to look at by their interests, Moore said. Personalize it by what they want to study in college. Goodwin said that there isnt much she would change. It gave me more to think about, she said. It was definitely beneficial. COZAD Chicken breast and veal cutlets sizzled as pans of homemade sauces simmered on the stove at a Cozad restaurant. Steaming hot pasta dishes, made-from-scratch Italian rolls freshly snatched out of the pizza oven and salads drizzled with homemade dressings were quickly carried from the kitchen to the dining room where patrons sipped wine and listened to jazz. Thirteen years after Italian- trained chef Mohamed Shadi Aboushady and wife, Becky, opened Bella Italia in Cozad, his tried and true dishes are still being prepared for customers to enjoy. As of Nov. 15, new Bella Italia owners Mark and Maria Diaz of Lexington have been carrying on the tradition of serving Italian cuisine in Cozad. Their intent is to keep it that way; though, some customers feared otherwise. Well, there was great fear that we were turning this into a Mexican restaurant, Marks brother Victor Diaz said. Victor is overseeing the front-end operations at the restaurant. Shadi, who announced his retirement last fall because of his health, trained Mark to cook all of the beloved dishes that he created and only knows by memory, Mark said. Mark said he has experience working in restaurants in Texas where he and Maria moved from 20 years ago. He said he has wanted to own a restaurant for more than a decade, but hadnt had the opportunity. Everything is new. ... Im very happy for this new chance in life, Maria said. She is learning the operations in the front of the restaurant. Mark said he has always loved to cook a variety of dishes. Ive always been about all kinds of food, Mark said. Not only Mexican food or Tex Mex food, just whatever you know. But never really Italian though, Victor added. My mom has always made the lasagna. So Shadi taught Mark his Italian recipes and the art of putting it all together, Victor said. Yeah, the techniques. I mean, you can have a lot of ingredients, but if you dont have the same technique its not going to taste the same and its not going to be the same, Mark said. Shadi cooks by feel, Mark said, which made learning the recipes a bit challenging. He doesnt measure anything out. Theres no tablespoon or cup of this, Mark said. Its all in his hand, so it did get kind of tricky, you know, because his hand isnt my hand, his feel isnt my feel. But for the most part I think were on the right track, Mark said. People are liking it. Larry and Jeanne Reynolds, longtime customers and friends of the Aboushadys, agree. Everything is good. I cant tell any difference, Jeanne said. We miss Shadi because hes our friend. But, she added, His influences are still in the food. Shadis culinary influences have delighted the taste buds of former New York City Mayor Rudy Guiliani, a fan of Shadis former New York City restaurant. The Cozad restaurant draws in fans from Colorado and eastern Nebraska, Victor said. Bella Italia has developed a cult following, if you will, Victor said. He added that when Shadi announced his retirement, people from Omaha were driving in to get what they thought would be their last dish at Bella Italia. People truly love the food. Like, theres a almost foodie mindset, if you will. They have their favorites, and then they will also explore some of the other plates, Victor said. A few of those favorite dishes include the penne al vodka, penne bergamesca, four-cheese risotto and shrimp scampi, Mark and Victor said. Within the penne al vodka dish is penne pasta imported from Italy, sauteed chicken, garlic, a spicy cream sauce and of course the good stuff vodka, Mark said. Large pieces of brightly colored shrimp are plated atop a heaping pile of linguine and white wine sauce in the popular shrimp scampi dish. Scampi? Its one of my favorite seafood dishes here. ... Linguine, sauce, its amazing. Jumbo shrimp, Shadis nephew and Bella Italia kitchen help Ahmed Aboushady said. Five or six types of fresh pizzas are also prepared and baked in Bella Italias pizza oven. These ovens have stone in them and so these are specially made for that, Mark said. Also prepared in house are Shadis Italian desserts, including towering layers of coffee, cream and cocoa flavors in the tiramisu. Mark continues to make his entrees and pasta dishes to order as Shadi did. Most dishes take about 10 minutes to prepare, Mark said, but as more orders come in it may take longer. They dont come here expecting to be out within the hour, Victor said. Its more of a three-course service. Mark also continues to cook Bella Italia dishes with fresh ingredients, including locally grown herbs. Shadi grew basil in the spring and summer right outside the front door of Bella Italia, Mark said, and Shadi grew fresh herbs at his greenhouse at home. The Diazes plan to continue growing herbs and said that a local 4-H group may grow some for them. After Mark masters Shadis recipes, he said he would like to expand the already expansive menu. Well, you know, that cant be all the Italian dishes in the world, right? So you seek out other good dishes and put them in the menu, Mark said. The Diazes are also considering expanding the current hours of 5-9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Victor said they have flirted with the idea of opening for Sunday brunch, but nothing has been set yet. Using data from a website that handles commercial sex advertising, Grand Island leads the state in the number of individuals sold for sex on a per-capita basis. A new report found that Grand Island has 200 individuals sold for sex per 100,000 people. Omaha was next with 182 people, followed by Scottsbluff with 146, Gretna with 143 and North Platte with 135. Next in line were Lincoln with 97, Council Bluffs, Iowa, with 95 and York with 75. Looking at the number of individuals sold for sex, rather than per capita, Grand Island ranked third among Nebraska cities in the report, which is called "Nebraskas Commercial Sex Market." Omaha led the state with an average of 675 individuals sold for sex per month, ahead of Lincoln with 200, Grand Island with 65, North Platte with 15 and Scottsbluff with 10. The report was issued last week by the Womens Fund of Omaha. The Human Trafficking Initiative conducted the research through the Heider College of Business at Creighton University. Funding for the project came from the Sherwood Foundation. Every month, the report says, 900 individuals are sold for sex, often multiple times, in Nebraska. "The state has an active online commercial sex market, where individuals are advertised a minimum of once a week," the report says. "While Omaha is the states hub, many other locations stand out for their high demand, including Grand Island, whose per-capita numbers exceed that of Omaha." Data used for the report came exclusively from Backpage.com, a website similar to Craigslist. Grand Island was one of five Nebraska cities that had its own Backpage listing. At the time the information was gathered, Backpage was the "hub of the commercial sex trade industry," said Meghan Malik, trafficking project manager at the Womens Fund of Omaha. The other Nebraska Backpage sites were Omaha, Lincoln, North Platte and Scottsbluff. "Demand is strong in each of the five Nebraska Backpage cities, but it spills over to nearly every town and city along I-80," the study says. In early January, Backpage.com shut down its escort section as a result of federal pressure. But the shutting down of Backpages escort section "doesnt stop the demand for commercial sex," Malik said. The business just "goes somewhere else." Malik said the data show that Nebraskas commercial sex trade is alive and well and that trafficking "is happening in our backyards." Its also very easy. "With the click of a smartphone, you can buy an individual for sex," she said. The Womens Fund of Omaha strongly supports LB289, sponsored by state Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln. That bill, which increases penalties for trafficking and solicitation, will have a hearing at 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the Legislatures Judiciary Committee. Its important to understand "that demand for commercial sex is really what drives this industry," Malik said. "There is a large and persistent demand for commercial sex across the state of Nebraska," the report says, adding that sex trafficking "is embedded in the states highly interconnected commercial sex market." In order to effectively address the problem, "we have to really take a comprehensive approach," said Malik, a Harvard native. In addition to increased penalties for buyers, the groups recommendations include more economic opportunities for people working in the commercial sex trade, so that its "not their only option of survival." Of the individuals sold for sex in the Grand Island area, 70 percent are transient. They travel to other cities in Nebraska and perhaps out of state, Malik said. In smaller markets, "buyers want new individuals, or fresh faces, making it important for individuals sold for sex to regularly travel out to new locations and into new markets," the study says. Moving individuals around is also a way to keep control over them, keep the transactions below the surface and maintain fear and coercion over them, Malik said. African-Americans comprise only 5 percent of Nebraskas population, yet they make up 50 percent of all individuals sold for sex in the state. Nationally, African-Americans represent 33 percent of individuals sold for sex. "In general, refugee, asylum-seeking and immigrant individuals are less likely to be advertised online," the report says. "The Hispanic community in particular is more likely to use word-of-mouth advertising. As a result, Backpage is likely to under-represent the real number of Hispanics sold for sex." Looking around the region, Nebraska trails Missouri, Colorado, Illinois and Minnesota in the number of individuals sold for sex. Adjusted for population, Nebraskas online commercial sex market is larger than Iowa and equal to Kansas. The report says the local markets in central and western Nebraska operate like a revolving door, facilitated by I-80. "Backpage advertisements rarely specify that they are looking for buyers by occupation," the report says. "However, in Nebraska, ads are posted seeking truck drivers as buyers, indicating the importance of the states highway system. In Grand Island, North Platte and Scottsbluff, anti-trafficking efforts should focus on truck stops, gas stations and hotels along major highways." The November election gave the congressional Republican majority an unexpected bonus: a president prepared to help enact its long-standing conservative agenda of lowering taxes and repealing Obamacare. Despite continued optimistic statements from top Republican congressional leaders, the turbulence surrounding the Trump administration has so far kept it from providing the guidance that would have enabled GOP lawmakers to make the quick start they pledged to enact the complex measures on their agenda. On both tax reform and health care, sharp divisions have arisen within the Republican majorities and between the House and the Senate that could complicate the effort to redeem those signature campaign promises. Some Republicans have expressed concern their constituents might suffer if the Affordable Care Act is repealed before lawmakers agree on a replacement. President Donald Trumps promise that any replacement will give more Americans better coverage at lower cost may prove as impossible to achieve as past pledges to simultaneously cut taxes, increase defense spending and balance the budget. The legislative outline House GOP leaders presented their members before this weeks recess could force states to cut Obamacares expanded Medicaid benefits for millions. One early GOP goal is repealing the taxes that financed the Affordable Care Act, but Republicans have not agreed on how to finance such provisions as benefits for the millions with pre-existing medical conditions. In addition, basic differences remain between the GOPs conservative House base, which wants to repeal the Obama health care plan immediately, and some Senate Republicans, who fear political problems in the 2018 mid-term elections unless repeal is accompanied by simultaneous replacement legislation. Sharp differences also exist on proposed tax reform legislation. House leaders favor Trumps proposal to tax imports. But GOP senators resisted House Speaker Paul Ryans effort to sell that concept. GOP leaders are pushing ahead with legislation in both areas, but they need help from the new administration. With key Cabinet members just getting confirmed and the president preoccupied by other issues, the White House is just starting to provide guidance on how it wants lawmakers to proceed. Lawmakers will presumably be watching closely next week, when Trump is scheduled to outline his legislative program before a joint session of Congress. But the GOPs minimal 52-48 Senate majority will require maximum cooperation between the two branches and the administration to ensure enactment of what will inevitably be complex legislation. In 2009, it took an all-out effort by the Obama administration and Democratic congressional unity to enact the economic stimulus bill, the Dodd-Frank securities regulation measure and Obamacare. Such unity has generally been necessary in those rare moments when political circumstances combined to give one of the two parties sufficient control of both the White House and Congress to enact major legislation: the Democrats Great Society era of 1965-66 and the Obama majorities of 2009, and the GOPs successes in the first year of the Reagan administration and the onset of George W. Bushs presidency. History also tells us such opportunities dont last long. Despite enormous Democratic majorities (295-140 in the House and 68-32 in the Senate) President Lyndon Johnsons ability to pass legislation began to erode even before the historic 89th Congress ended. And even after Bush won re-election in 2004 and Republicans retained the House and Senate, the GOP majorities resisted his appeal to enact a controversial Social Security privatization proposal. This time, Republicans may benefit from differences in the political terrain. Because most GOP House members represent such heavily Republican districts, they may be less susceptible to the pressure they are facing this week from groups warning against Obamacare repeal. In addition, most GOP senators facing re-election in 2018 come from states Trump carried. Still, members of Congress are notoriously jittery about the consequences of backing controversial legislation, so continuation of Trumps historically low approval numbers could make some less eager to cast potentially damaging votes. Trump and the GOP may still be able to enact a major tax cut bill and make significant changes in Obamacare, though perhaps something less than outright repeal. But the clock is ticking, and pressure on them is increasing. Carl P. Leubsdorf is a columnist for The Dallas Morning News. Egypts financial regulator confirmed Thursday that the finance ministry has consulted with the Egyptian Financial Supervisory Authority (EFSA), the Stock Exchange and the Egyptian Capital Market Association over a projected stamp duty on Egyptian bourse transactions. Im not aware of a date when the stamp duty would be implemented, as the parliament is entitled to vote on it first in any case, EFSA head Sherif Samy told Ahram Online. A senior anonymous official at the finance ministry told Reuters earlier Thursday that the ministry is recommending a stamp duty be introduced on stock exchange transactions, at a cost of 0.2 percent to both sellers and buyers. We [EFSA] have informed the ministry of our concerns regarding the new levy. [We are concerned about] the yield to be collected to reduce the budget deficit, and that the tax be set at a point that wouldn't affect the stocks trading value, Samy said. Reuters quoted the ministry official as saying "We will send the income tax law amendments in early March to parliament, and it will include imposing a stamp tax on bourse transactions of EGP 4 per 1,000, which will be EGP 2 per 1,000 on the seller and EGP 2 per 1,000 on the buyer." According to Samy, the expected tax is an attempt to fairly distribute financial burdens over the states different sectors. Amr Al-Munayer, the deputy finance minister for tax policies was not immediately available for comment. More than 270 companies are listed on the Egyptian stock exchange and more than 500,000 investors are registered to trade there. Search Keywords: Short link: Fresh ground beef is packed at a local butcher shop, October 1, 2012 in Levis, Que. The federal government has approved the sale of ground beef that has been treated with radiant energy similar to X-rays.Health Canada says irradiation can reduce levels of harmful bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella that could be in the meat. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot Despite official denials of tensions between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, several Egyptian companies have suspended joint projects reporting a lack of communication with Saudi counterparts Three Egyptian real estate executives said Thursday that their companies have suspended housing deals with the Saudi Arabian government amid political tensions between the two countries. Four Egyptian real estate companies had signed memorandums of understanding with the Saudi housing ministry during King Salman's visit to Cairo in April of last year. Since then, political differences have emerged as the two Arab powers have diverged on the conflict in Syria, and an Egyptian court blocked the transfer of two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia as agreed by Cairo during Salman's visit. Al-Ahly for Real Estate Development, Talaat Mostafa Group, Misr Italia, and Orbit Group were to build housing units in Saudi Arabia. Details of the deals were not clear, but local media said each firm would build between 10,000 to 15,000 units. "We suspended the agreement with the Saudi housing ministry, despite all project studies being concluded, because of worries over tensions between Egypt and Saudi Arabia," Al-Ahly for Real Estate Development chairman Hussein Sabour told Reuters. Misr Italia deputy chairman Mohamed Al-Assal said his company was no longer in contact with Saudi Arabia over the deal. "The agreement was canceled due to a lack of cooperation from the Saudi side and a breakdown in communications between both sides since last June," he told Reuters. Orbit Group also told Reuters its agreement with Saudi Arabia was suspended but declined to provide details. Talaat Mostafa Group has not said that it has suspended work, and did not respond to requests for comment. Officials from the Saudi foreign and housing ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Signs of political disagreements between Egypt and Saudi Arabia became apparent months after the two countries signed various agreements worth $22.6 billion during Salman's visit in April 2016. Saudi Arabia's state oil firm Aramco halted shipments of oil products to Egypt in October without providing reasons. Egypt voted in favor of a Russian-backed UN resolution on Syria in October that excluded calls to stop bombing Aleppo, strongly opposed by Saudi Arabia. An Egyptian court rejected last month a government plan to transfer two uninhabited Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia, a final ruling that deepened tensions between the Arab world's most populous state and its richest. Officials from both countries deny the existence of tensions or disagreements. Search Keywords: Short link: While most people born in rich countries will live longer by 2030 - with women in South Korea projected to reach nearly 91 - Americans will continue to have one of the lowest life expectancies of any developed country, a new study predicts. Scientists once thought an average life expectancy beyond 90 was impossible but medical advances combined with improved social programs are continuing to break barriers, including in countries where many people already live well into old age, according to the study's lead researcher, Majid Ezzati of Imperial College London. "I can imagine that there is a limit, but we are still very far from it," he said. Ezzati estimated that people would eventually survive on average to at least 110 or 120 years. The longevity of South Korean women estimated in 2030 is due largely to investments in universal health care, he said. South Korea also led the list for men. "It's basically the opposite of what we're doing in the West, where there's a lot of austerity and inequality," he said. Ezzati and his co-authors used death and longevity trends to estimate life expectancy in 35 developed countries. The calculation is for a baby born in 2030. The study was published online Tuesday in the journal Lancet. Women were ahead of men in all countries. Behind South Korea, women in France, Japan, Spain and Switzerland were projected to live until 88. For South Korea men, life expectancy is expected to reach 84. Next were Australia, Switzerland, Canada and the Netherlands at nearly 84. At the bottom of the list: Macedonia for women at nearly 78, and Serbia for men at about 73. While some genetic factors might explain the longevity in certain countries, social and environmental factors were probably more important, Ezzati said. The study estimated that the U.S., which already lags behind other developed countries, will fall even further behind by 2030, when men and women are projected to live to 80 and 83. American women will fall to 27th out of 35 countries, from their current ranking of 25, and men will fall from 23rd to 26th. The researchers note that among rich countries, the U.S. has the highest maternal and child death rates, homicide rate and is the only high-income country without comprehensive health care. The researchers also predicted how much longer 65 year olds in 2030 would live; they guessed that among men, those in Canada would live the longest, surviving another 23 years. Among 65-year-old women in 2030, they estimated that South Koreans would live the longest, another 28 years. In an accompanying commentary, Ailiana Santosa of Umea University in Sweden wrote that the projections raise "crucial issues" about which strategies are needed to tackle worsening inequality problems. "Achieving universal health coverage is worthy, plausible and needs to be continued," she said. The study was paid for by the U.K. Medical Research Council and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Search Keywords: Short link: A call about a burglary of a vehicle quickly escalates to a chase. Police say Osvaldo Pedroza allegedly took a vehicle from the 500 block of Norwich Loop. When police found the vehicle in the area, they tried to pull Pedroza over. He allegedly refused to stop and led them on a chase. When the vehicle came to a stop, he tried to flee on foot. Pedroza was eventually arrested and charged with Burglary of a Vehicle. Talks over the enhancement of Laredo Community College's campuses and dorm facilities are put on hold for the time being. LCC trustees were scheduled to talk about the school's Master Plan, but this item was tabled by the Board at Tuesday night's meeting. We spoke to LCC Board Member Mercurio Martinez, who said trustees will be discussing the item at a Board Retreat they will be having this weekend. Martinez says they want to look at ways to expand the college's offerings at both campuses, as well as update buildings - some of which are over 40 years old. Martinez says they hope to move on a plan in the near future. Wednesday was a day of remembrance for those who knew L.I.S.D. police lieutenant David Medina. Medina lost his life at the law enforcement shooting range on Highway 59 at around four Tuesday afternoon. According to the sheriff's department, Medina died from a single gunshot wound to the chest. Medina had been with the district for about 12 years. Many who knew Medina say he was beloved and will be greatly missed. Officials from L.I.S.D. say they are heartbroken by the loss of a member of their team. The district says they will continue working with the sheriff's department to see what exactly happened in the incident. School officials add they will be providing counseling as it is needed. The sheriff's department said they would be investigating but they are not looking for any suspects at this time. As an L.I.S.D. employee, Medina's family will receive some help with the funeral expenses. Different entities come together to sign an agreement to better the economic growth in South Texas. Stakeholders invested in the Tri-County Economic Development Coalition met on Wednesday to sign a Memorandum of Understanding. This memorandum will unify each stakeholder who wants to help develop the economy so it can continue to grow and prosper for years to come. According to TAMIU Small Business Director Michael Gonzalez, they are working on ideas for workshops and forums for later in the year: "We're also working with Jim Hogg County to potentially be holding a Career Fair on March 1 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, and we're working through all those plans now so that, again, we can move forward in growing our economy and helping South Texas prosper." Stakeholders in the coalition include Duval County, Jim Hogg County, Webb County, TAMIU, TAMIU's Small Business Development Center, Laredo Community College, LCC's Economic Development Center, the Laredo Development Foundation and Workforce Solutions. There is still time to vote for theJunk Kouture projects of students from three local schools, who are heading to Limerick next month for the competitions southern regional finals. Voting is open online until midnight tomorrow (Friday), accounting for up to 10% of the final judging. Visit the schools Facebook pages or the Junk Kouture/ BOI Students page. The regional final event, on March 10, will see the students go head to head against dozens of teams from other schools in front of a pack theatre, vying for catwalk supremacy. The Junk Kouture competition sees students challenged to create a wearable fashion design made from reworked rubbish or other used materials beyond their intended purpose. For the first time, a team from Kilkenny City Vocational School is in the regional final. Sharon McGorrian, Martha Barbera, and Leah Maher have created 'Hair dress her'. Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny has two teams going to Limerick. 'Sugar Fix' is model Rosin Banville, along with Lauren Delaney and Ella Dowling, while the other team, 'In-dust-trees', is made up of model Clodagh Henderson with Kayleigh Soden and Sarah Cody. Grennan College in Thomastown also has a team in the regional finals, comprising Transition Year students, Molly Kelly, Mary Dreelan and Eimear Fitzpatrick. The students must choreograph a performance to showcase their outfit on the catwalk in one of five regional semi-finals held in theatres across the country. The chosen model has 60 seconds to impress the judging panel on the catwalk and if successful he/ she will be one of the 20 designs progressing to the grand final in April, held in the 3Arena Dublin. There is still time to vote for any of the local schools' entries before midnight on Friday. Visit www.facebook.com/BOIstudents. The Japanese Association of Travel Agents (JATA) has voted Kilkenny the Most Beautiful Town in Europe. The travel agencies were asked to pick the 30 best by the travel association, which wants to promote tourists to the towns in Europe. The committee then came up with their top 30, after narrowing it down from the 28 countries nominated, the committee began looking at criteria that included, assessing which places had low media exposure within Japan and no package tours available. They wanted to ensure the list had a wide variety of destinations from the whole of Europe and tourist attractions the travel companies thought would appeal to Japanese travelers. The association chose Kilkenny as no.1 for "its wide range of heritage on display including Kilkenny Castle, St.Canice's Cathedral and its medieval walls" Whilst the award refers to towns, the association does note that Kilkenny is a city, they do state that is is the size "of a large town" This is the second title Kilkenny has been awarded within recent years including being named one of the top ten friendliest cities in Europe by Conde Nast Travel Magazine. CAIRO, Feb 22 (Reuters) - An energy agreement bringing Iraqi crude oil to Egypt is being finalised and a first shipment of 1 million barrels per month will arrive in the last 10 days of March, Iraq's ambassador in Cairo said late on Wednesday. Speaking to state-owned newspaper Al-Ahram, Habib Mohamed Hadi al-Sadr said that Iraq's State Oil Marketing Company (SOMO) had finalised signing an agreement to provide Egypt with crude and sent the documents to the Egyptian Petroleum Ministry for its signature. A schedule for deliveries has been agreed on. Cairo's search for additional crude comes after Saudi Arabia's state oil firm Saudi Aramco halted shipments of oil products to Egypt last year. The $23 billion Saudi aid deal had included 700,000 tonnes of refined oil products per month for five years. Aramco has not said why the deal was halted. Egypt has turned to the spot market in recent months to make up for the missing products. The state oil board EGPC last month announced it was seeking up to 1.012 million tonnes of gasoil for delivery in February and March compared to around 200,000 tonnes of gasoil per month before the Aramco cutoff. Egypt has turned to Iraq in search of a longer term solution to make up for the shortfall, and is set to import 1 million barrels per month of crude oil from Baghdad, which would then be refined into petroleum products in Egypt. (Reporting by Ahmed Tolba; Writing by Ahmed Aboulenein; Editing by Toby Chopra) KHOBAR, Saudi Arabia, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Saudi Aramco's initial public offering (IPO) could encourage other Gulf countries to list their oil assets, a leading regional economist said, but the oil giant must clear uncertainties over taxation, OPEC policy and ownership of crude. Nasser Saidi, a former economy minister of Lebanon, told Dubai Eye Radio in an interview broadcast on Wednesday that Aramco has to address how the company will separate its assets and liabilities from those of the state. "Many countries could follow in the region. (The) UAE I think could potentially be attracted to this," Saidi said. "We have long discussed the possibility that well-performing state enterprises could be listed, and potentially this could open the road for that," Saidi, also a former chief economist and head of external relations at the Dubai International Financial Centre, added. While Aramco is the world's largest oil firm, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar also hold major oil assets that are managed by state companies. The listing of Aramco , expected to be the world's biggest IPO and raise tens of billions of dollars, is a centrepiece of the Saudi government's ambitious "Vision 2030" plan to diversify the economy beyond oil. When the plan was announced in June last year, it pledged to "transform Aramco from an oil-producing company into a global industrial conglomerate", although Saudi officials still debate the shape the company should take. The Saudi government plans to list up to 5 percent of Aramco next year on the local bourse and international stock markets. The proceeds will be used to invest in other sectors likely to create jobs for young Saudis. But for the plan to succeed, Saidi said Aramco must address issues related to governance, transparency and "who owns the natural resource wealth of Saudi Arabia". "The big issue really is one of public finances and separating out private ownership from public and state ownership," he added. Saidi also pointed to questions concerning the 20 percent royalty and 85 percent tax that Aramco pays to the government, which many investors believe could lower its value in an IPO. "There is a lot of uncertainty as to what sort of taxation regime will be applied to Aramco, whether or not resources under the ground will be included and how do you separate out those from those above and other activities," he said. This could lead to other questions on Saudi Arabia's leading role in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, which sets production targets and allocates them among members. "What happens if you have a board? Are you going to separate out political decision-making ... from that which is in the best interest of Aramco?" he said. (Reporting by Reem Shamseddine and Katie Paul; Editing by Sami Aboudi and Dale Hudson) * Vietnam's discounts widen to $40-$100 a tonne to London's ICE May contract * Indonesia's stable at premium of $3-$20 per tonne By Mai Nguyen HANOI, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Coffee prices in Vietnam widened on Thursday, with bids and offers far apart, while Indonesia was stable despite Brazil's sudden reversal of a decree marking the first time the world's largest producer would buy green coffee abroad. Coffee prices in Daklak, Vietnam's largest growing province, widened to 45,200-46,600 dong ($1.98-$2.04) per kg , from 46,000-46,500 dong a week ago, but very few trades were made due to thin supply, traders said. Discounts on 5-pct black and broken grade 2 robusta in Vietnam also widened to $40-$100 a tonne below the London's ICE May contract , from a discount of $50-$70 a tonne a week earlier, traders said. "At the moment, farmers hold beans as there are not so many coffee left in house and they still expect prices to increase...(Overseas) roasters also turned down the exports quotation offers," said independent analyst Nguyen Quang Binh. Robusta coffee futures slipped on Wednesday, with the May contract down 1.28 percent at $2,161 a tonne, as Brazil's President Michel Temer ordered a suspension of the authorisation of robusta coffee imports. Brazil was set to allow imports of 1 million 60-kg bags of coffee from Vietnam, the world's top producer of robusta often used in instant coffee, at a 2 percent tariff for the first time under a decree outlined this week, but the plan was halted. "The Vietnamese market actually does not react to Brazil's swing; people don't really care as news like those are quite frequent, although the London market was affected a little, but mostly by speculators," said a Ho Chi Minh City-based trader. In Indonesia, Vietnam's major rival, prices were barely changed, with the robusta grade 4, 80 defects quoted at a premium of $3-$20 a tonne to the May contract, compared with $5-$20 a week earlier, traders said. "Coffee trading is still quiet and it will probably be like this until April or May approaching the harvest in June," one Lampung-based coffee trader said. ($1 = 22,830 dong) (Reporting by Mai Nguyen; Additional reporting by Mas Alina in BANDAR LAMPUNG, editing by David Evans) By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Warren Buffett, widely considered one of the world's best investors, is likely to tout the merits of passive investing this weekend to readers of his annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway Inc shareholders. The letter, slated for release around 8 a.m. EST on Saturday, will probably focus on familiar themes for the 86-year-old Buffett, with many single-spaced pages reviewing Berkshire's businesses and managers, Wall Street, the economy and perhaps even politics. "The letters are written as much for sophisticated financial people as for people in high school," said Andy Kilpatrick, author of "Of Permanent Value: The Story of Warren Buffett." "It's a fun read, and when you get through it, you think, 'Wow, I could be doing better with my life and my investing.'" Buffett believes most stock investors are better off with low-cost index funds than paying higher fees to managers who often underperform. He told Fortune magazine he expects to write "a lot" about passive investing. ( /) Berkshire itself might seem anomalous, with shares of the Omaha, Nebraska-based conglomerate having generated a roughly 2 million percent gain in Buffett's nearly 52 years at the helm. In 2016, Berkshire's stock price rose about 23.4 percent, easily outpacing the market, though most investors who bought its stock in recent years have achieved closer to market-average returns. Kilpatrick expects Buffett to discuss Precision Castparts, an aircraft parts maker that Berkshire bought last January for $32.1 billion, its biggest acquisition. Buffett is likely to discuss other Berkshire businesses, such as insurance and the BNSF railroad, and shower praise on Berkshire managers, perhaps including investing deputies Todd Combs and Ted Weschler. Combs alerted Buffett to Precision Castparts, and Buffett may discuss what drove Berkshire's unexpected, multi-billion-dollar investments in Apple Inc and the four biggest U.S. airlines. Buffett may also focus on his desire to spend Berkshire's huge cash pile after Kraft Heinz Co , which Berkshire partly owns, on Sunday scrapped a bid to buy food rival Unilever Plc that Berkshire might have helped finance. U.S. President Donald Trump may also be a focus for Buffett, who was a vocal supporter of Hillary Clinton. Buffett alluded elliptically to Trump in last year's letter, bemoaning the "negative drumbeat" from presidential candidates talking down U.S. economic prospects. Berkshire is also expected to report fourth-quarter results. Analysts expect operating profit of around $4.5 billion, or $2,717 per Class A share, down from $4.67 billion last year, Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S said. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Jennifer Ablan and Dan Grebler) By Rene Wagner and Michael Nienaber BERLIN, Feb 24 (Reuters) - China for the first time became Germany's most important trading partner in 2016, overtaking the United States, which fell back to third place behind France, data showed on Friday. German imports from and exports to China rose to 170 billion euros ($180 billion) last year, Federal Statistics Office figures reviewed by Reuters showed. The development is likely to be welcomed by the German government, which has made it a goal to safeguard global free trade after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on imports and his top adviser on trade accused Germany of exploiting a weak euro to boost exports. German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel has even suggested that the European Union should refocus its economic policy toward Asia, should the Trump administration pursue protectionism. "Given the protectionist plans of the new U.S. president one would expect that the trade ties between Germany and China will be further strengthened," Germany's BGA trade association said in response to the shift. Neighouring France remained the second-most important business partner with a combined trade volume of 167 billion euros. The United States came in third with 165 billion euros. In 2015, the United States became the top trading partner for Germany, overtaking France for the first time since 1961 thanks to an upturn in the U.S. economy and a weaker euro. Looking at exports alone, the United States remained the biggest client for products "Made in Germany" in 2016, importing goods from Europe's biggest economy worth some 107 billion euros. France remained the second-most important single export destination for German goods with a sum of 101 billion euros, the data showed. Britain came in third, importing German goods worth 86 billion euros. Britain accounted also for the biggest bi-lateral trade surplus: Exports surpassed imports from Britain by more than 50 billion euros, the figures showed. The United States came in second with a bi-lateral trade deficit: German exports to the U.S. surpassed imports from there by 49 billion euros. This means that Britain and the U.S. together accounted for roughly 40 percent of Germany's record trade surplus of 252.9 billion euros in 2016. The figures are likely to fuel the debate about Germany's export performance, its trade surplus and global economic imbalances ahead of a meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors in Baden-Baden mid-March. ($1 = 0.9483 euros) (Editing by Jeremy Gaunt) BRUSSELS, Feb 23 (Reuters) - The European Commission is in talks with the Italian government and the European Central Bank to finalise a rescue plan for Italy's oldest and most troubled lender Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena , a Commission spokesman said on Thursday. Asked whether there were clashes between the Commission and the ECB on the plan, the spokesman told a news conference: "We are working with the Italian authorities and the supervisory authorities to assess the compatibility of the plans by the Italian government with EU rules." Monte dei Paschi asked for state support last year after failing to raise 5 billion euros ($5.3 billion) on the market to shore up its capital. This will need to be approved by the European Commission and the ECB. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio; editing by Philip Blenkinsop) Forex held by Turkish locals rise to $148.8 bln in week to Feb 17 - cenbank ANKARA, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Foreign currency deposits held by local investors in Turkey rose to $148.8 billion in the week ending Feb. 17 from $147.09 billion a week earlier, central bank data showed on Thursday. In December, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan made a call for Turks to convert their foreign currency holdings to the local currency in a bid to support lira. The lira has this month rebounded from sharp losses at the start of 2017. (Reporting by Nevzat Devranoglu; Writing by Daren Butler) 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 By Dhara Ranasinghe LONDON, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Germany is not concerned by this week's slide in short-dated government bond yields to record lows but is monitoring the market, a spokeswoman for its debt management agency said. The two-year German Schatz yield fell as low as minus 0.92 percent on Wednesday and has fallen 18 basis points so far in February - more than in any single month for four years. When a bond's yield falls, its price rises. Unease about French presidential elections scheduled for April and May has stoked demand for safe-haven German debt, while bottlenecks caused by the European Central Bank's bond-buying programme and upcoming regulatory changes have helped accelerate the fall in yields. "We are monitoring the move but we are not concerned about it," Finanzagentur spokeswoman Alexandra Beust said late on Wednesday in Frankfurt. "The major explanation for this is that there is additional demand from the ECB's public sector purchase programme." In December, the ECB broadened its eligibility criteria for the scheme, adding paper with a maturity between one and two years and bonds yielding less than its minus 0.4 percent deposit rate, if necessary. Analysts say those rule tweaks suggest the ECB could buy more short-dated German bonds than in the past. Beust said the debt management agency would not increase issuance of short-dated bonds to address a scarcity of debt at the front end of the yield curve since issuance was determined by Germany's financing needs. Germany, the euro zone's biggest economy and its benchmark bond issuer, is borrowing less money on capital markets this year than last year because it is able to take advantage of a budget surplus to keep a lid on debt issuance. "What I would say is that the futures market on German government bonds is very important to us, so it's very important that this market is secured by a sufficient supply of bonds," Beust said. "If there was a danger of a squeeze in the futures contract, then we would be willing to interfere by providing more paper in that security." A futures contract allows investors to buy or sell an instrument at a predetermined price in the future. Germany's sizeable market for government bond futures, used by investors to hedge risk, is seen as one reason for the country's benchmark bond status. At present, the debt agency does not see signs of a squeeze in German futures contracts for short-dated bonds, Beust said. (editing by John Stonestreet) BUDAPEST, Feb 23 (Reuters) - The United States said on Thursday Hungary's central bank chief lacked credibility in accusing an unspecified "large NATO ally" of trying to topple the Hungarian government two years ago. Gyorgy Matolcsy, a close ally of authoritarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been involved in a series of diplomatic spats with Washington, told a Parliament committee hearing on Wednesday that a major NATO member had tried to topple the government and central bank in 2014-2015. He did not name the country, and the central bank declined to comment when asked repeatedly by Reuters. The Hungarian government also had no immediate comment. "Mr. Matolcsy's accusations are simply not credible," the newspaper Nepszava quoted U.S. press attache in Budapest Richard Damstra as saying. "Hungary and the United States are partners, and allies in NATO," he said. "The United States did not attempt to overthrow the Hungarian government in 2014 or at any other time, and we do not find it plausible that any NATO member would attempt to do so." Matolcsy - whose bank also serves as the financial market regulator - said the early 2015 collapse of brokerage Quaestor had been part of the plot he described. Quaestor collapsed after it was found to have issued bonds at least 150 billion forints ($500 million) in excess of its regulator-approved issuance programme. Two other brokerages faced regulatory action and the scandal weighed on the forint. "It fits into the activity conducted from the Budapest embassy of a large NATO ally country, that aimed to topple the government and the central bank and started in the autumn of 2014," Matolcsy told parliament. Matolcsy has been head of the National Bank of Hungary since 2013. Orban became prime minister in 2010. Orban's diplomatic clashes with the United States since he came to power in 2010 have included a travel ban on six Hungarian officials in 2014 over corruption allegations. The move was seen as another warning to Budapest to reverse policies Washington regarded as threatening democratic values. (Reporting by Marton Dunai) IMF participation on Greece contingent on reforms, debt relief -spokesman WASHINGTON, Feb 23 (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund will only consider a financial contribution to the bailout program for Greece after there has been full discussion on economic reforms and debt restructuring, IMF spokesman Gerry Rice said on Thursday. "Before the IMF would be able to make a commitment on our participation in the program, we would need to have the discussion of both policies and debt relief, and beyond the discussion credible commitments in which we have confidence," Rice said in response to a question at a regular news briefing. (Reporting by Lindsay Dunsmuir; Editing by Meredith Mazzilli) 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 By Olivia Oran and Nate Raymond Feb 23 (Reuters) - Royal Bank of Canada is in a court battle with a former executive it dismissed after moving him to the Bahamas, where it could continue a lucrative trading business hindered by U.S. regulations by using a little-known exception for foreign banks. The dispute, according to court documents, centers on whether the former executive, Tebogo Phiri, has the right to valuable intellectual property such as data and trading strategies underpinning the business he ran for RBC. But it also reveals ongoing fallout from a controversial financial reform measure known as the Volcker rule banning proprietary trading, which banks have tried to fight in sundry ways. Phiri first filed a lawsuit in New York State court in December against RBC's U.S. investment banking division, saying his former employer had agreed in writing to let him take certain intellectual property if the business did not survive offshore. The information and trading strategies involved generate tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue, according to court filings. Phiri's group engaged in proprietary trading, in which a bank's own capital is used to place speculative market bets. That type of trading was largely banned by the Volcker rule, which was part of a broad set of U.S. financial reforms after the 2008 crisis. Lawyers for RBC and Phiri did not respond to requests for comment. A spokeswoman for RBC declined to comment. Phiri could not be reached for comment. According to Phiri, RBC came up with a plan in 2015 to move him and other traders offshore to circumvent the Volcker rule. An exception to the rule allows non-U.S. banks to engage in proprietary trading activity as long as the trading is conducted outside the United States. But by mid-2016, the bank changed course and decided to shut down the Bahamas operation. RBC terminated Phiri's employment in October, but did not grant him the intellectual property rights he was expecting, according to court papers. Wall Street banks have fought hard against the Volcker rule on Capitol Hill and at regulatory agencies, and have recently been lobbying the new Congress to make changes that would soften its impact. They have also taken advantage of loopholes related to hedging and merchant banking. But moving proprietary trading offshore has not been a widely used strategy, because of compliance concerns. The Botswana-born trader launched an arbitration proceeding before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) seeking a decision that would allow him to use the intellectual property and award him more than $2 million, according to court records. He also filed the New York lawsuit, through which he obtained a court order in December preventing RBC from selling or transferring the intellectual property to third parties. On Feb. 15, the FINRA panel granted Phiri's request for an injunction. On Tuesday, RBC filed a new lawsuit seeking an order declaring FINRA's ruling unenforceable. The bank argues that FINRA's decision is too vague to implement, while Phiri argues it grants him rights to the intellectual property at issue. RBC said doing so would cause "immediate and irreparable harm." (Reporting by Olivia Oran and Nate Raymond in New York; Editing by Lauren Tara LaCapra and Dan Grebler) COLOMBO, Feb 23 (Reuters) - The Sri Lankan rupee traded steady on Thursday as exporter dollar sales offset demand for the greenback from importers, in the absence of central bank intervention, dealers said. Rupee forwards were active with two-week forwards trading at 153.40/50 per dollar at 0539 GMT, compared with Wednesday's close of 153.40/70. It hit a low of 153.70 in early trade. The two-week forwards had fallen 1 percent since Monday through Wednesday. The currency continued to be under pressure due to dollar demand from importers ahead of the traditional Sinhala-Tamil new year in mid-April, while foreign investors continue to exit government securities, dealers said. Foreign investors have net sold $325.70 million worth of securities in the seven weeks to Feb. 15, surpassing the total net foreign outflow of $324.3 million in the comparable period in 2016, according to the latest central bank and government data. The currency weakness comes at a time when a mission from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has asked the central bank to maintain a flexible exchange rate, is in Colombo for the second review of a $1.5 billion loan. Sri Lanka could face balance-of-payments pressure due to foreign outflows from government securities, a government document showed last week, even as the island-nation is in the process of raising up to $2.5 billion from foreign borrowing. The rupee has weakened 1.1 percent so far this year. It fell 3.9 percent last year, following a 10 percent drop in 2015. Sri Lankan shares were up 0.1 percent at 6,137.16 as of 0550 GMT. Turnover was 94.4 million rupees ($622,076). ($1 = 151.7500 Sri Lankan rupees) (Reporting by Ranga Sirilal and Shihar Aneez; Editing by Amrutha Gayathri) (Adds ECB comment) BRUSSELS\FRANKFURT, Feb 23 (Reuters) - The European Commission is working with the Italian government and the European Central Bank on a rescue plan for Italy's troubled Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena , spokesmen for the two European institutions said on Thursday, following press reports of an impasse. Monte dei Paschi asked for state support last year after failing to raise 5 billion euros ($5.3 billion) on the market to shore up its capital. But that has yet to be approved by the European Commission and the ECB. Asked whether the Commission and the ECB were clashing over the plan, a spokesman for the Commission told a news conference: "We are working with the Italian authorities and the supervisory authorities to assess the compatibility of the plans by the Italian government with EU rules." An ECB spokesman said Frankfurt was cooperating "fully" but finding an agreement was a task for the Commission and the Italian government. "Agreement on the precautionary recapitalisation is solely the responsibility of the Italian authorities and the EU Commission," the spokesman said. "We are fully cooperating with the Commission to support their assessment." (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio and Francesco Canepa; editing by Philip Blenkinsop, Larry King) (Adds futures, company news items) Feb 23 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 index is seen opening 4 points higher, or up 0.05 percent on Thursday, according to Financial spreadbetters, with futures up 0.08 percent ahead of the cash market open. * The blue-chip FTSE 100 index ended up 0.4 percent at 7302.25 points, as Lloyds reported its highest annual profit in a decade and Unilever promised a far-reaching review. * BARCLAYS: Barclays reported a surprise increase in its core capital ratio on Thursday, as the key measure of financial strength rose to 12.4 percent against analysts' expectations it would only climb to 11.8 percent. * BARCLAYS AFRICA: Barclays PLC has agreed to pay Barclays Africa 12.8 billion rand ($988 million) to fund investments required to separate it from its African unit, Barclays Africa said on Thursday. * LLOYDS: The British government said on Thursday it has further reduced its stake in Lloyds Banking Group , a day after the bank posted its highest profit since before the 2007-2009 global financial crisis. * GLENCORE: Miner and trader Glencore reported an 18 percent increase in core profits for 2016 on Thursday and said the company had never been so well positioned, although an ill-timed coal hedge had eaten into energy profits. * BAE: Britain's BAE Systems said it expected increased defence budgets to boost its earnings by 5-10 percent this year after it met market expectations with a 7 percent rise in 2016. * BAT: British American Tobacco , the second-largest international tobacco company, reported a slight increase in full-year cigarette and tobacco sales volumes on Thursday. * RELX: European information and analytics provider Relx raised its dividend by a more-than-expected 21 percent on Thursday after meeting 2016 results forecasts. * CENTRICA: Centrica , Britain's largest energy supplier, reported a 4 percent rise in annual adjusted profit on Thursday, slightly ahead of analyst estimates, and said debt levels could be low enough this year to allow an increase in its dividend. * RSA: Insurer RSA posted a 25 percent rise in 2016 operating profit to an above-forecast 655 million pounds ($814.49 million) due to strong performance in most of its core businesses, and raised its target for return on equity. * RATHBONE: British wealth manager Rathbone Brothers said funds under management rose 17.1 percent in 2016 to 34.2 billion pounds ($42.55 billion), boosted by gains in the British stock market in the second half of the year. * HOWDEN JOINERY: Modular kitchen maker Howden Joinery Group Plc reported a slower full-year revenue growth for its UK depots, dragged down by weaker consumer confidence following Britain's vote to leave the European Union. * PLAYTECH: Gambling technology company Playtech Plc said full-year revenue rose 12.5 percent, aided by strong performance in its gaming division. * BANK OF ENGLAND: Bank of England Deputy Governor Jon Cunliffe warned on Wednesday that requiring financial instruments to be cleared in a country that uses the currency in which they are denominated would bump up costs and splinter markets. * BANK OF ENGLAND/INSURERS: EU capital rules for insurers need some tweaks but are not a deterrent to investment in infrastructure as some insurers' claim, the Bank of England said on Wednesday. * PURPLEBRICKS: British online real estate agent Purplebricks Group Plc said it intended to raise funds through a share issue to expand into the United States. * AO WORLD: AO World , the British online electricals retailer, said on Wednesday its founder John Roberts had stepped down as chief executive but would remain on the board in a new executive role. * OIL: U.S. oil futures rose nearly 1 percent on Thursday after data released by an industry group showed a surprise decline in U.S. crude stocks as imports fell, lending support to the view that a global glut is ending. * BHP: The first attempt at an acquisition by Australia's South32 S32.AX following its spinoff from BHP Billiton , has raised competition concerns over control of the local coking coal market. * EX-DIVS: Carnival , Diageo , Easyjet GlaxoSmithKline , Rio Tinto and Lancashire to go ex-dividend. According to Reuters calculations at current market prices, the effect of the resulting adjustment to prices by market-makers would take 12.3 points off the index. * For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on: cpurl://apps.cp./cms/?pageId=livemarkets * UK CORPORATE DIARY: Morgan Advanced Materials PLC Full Year 2016 Morgan Advanced Materials PLC Earnings Release Croma Security Solutions Group Half Year 2017 Croma Security PLC Solutions Group PLC Earnings Release Mondi PLC Full Year 2016 Mondi Ltd Earnings Release Mondi Ltd Full Year 2016 Mondi Ltd Earnings Release Ibex Global Solutions PLC Half Year 2017 Ibex Global Solutions PLC Earnings Release Yorkshire Building Society Full Year 2016 Yorkshire Building Society Earnings Release Relx PLC Full Year 2016 Relx PLC Earnings Release RSA Insurance Group PLC Full Year 2016 RSA Insurance Group PLC Earnings Release Rentokil Initial PLC Full Year 2016 Rentokil Initial PLC Earnings Release National Express Group PLC Full Year 2016 National Express Group PLC Earnings Release Genus PLC Half Year 2016 Genus PLC Earnings Release Rathbone Brothers PLC Full Year 2016 Rathbone Brothers PLC Earnings Release Howden Joinery Group PLC Full Year 2016 Howden Joinery Group PLC Earnings Release Feedback PLC Half Year 2017 Feedback PLC Earnings Release Wilmington PLC Half Year 2017 Wilmington PLC Earnings Release Jpmorgan Global Growth & Half Year 2017 Jpmorgan Global Income PLC Growth & Income PLC Earnings Release Morgan Sindall Group PLC Full Year 2016 Morgan Sindall Group PLC Earnings Release Tristel PLC Half Year 2017 Tristel PLC Earnings Release Monitise PLC Half Year 2017 Monitise PLC Earnings Release Greencoat UK Wind PLC Full Year 2016 Greencoat UK Wind PLC Earnings Release Barclays PLC Full Year 2016 Barclays PLC Earnings Release Centrica PLC Preliminary 2016 Centrica PLC Earnings Release BAE Systems PLC Full Year 2016 BAE Systems PLC Earnings Release British American Tobacco PLC Full Year 2016 British American Tobacco PLC Earnings Release Kaz Minerals PLC Full Year 2016 Kaz Minerals PLC Earnings Release Intu Properties PLC Full Year 2016 Intu Properties PLC Earnings Release 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 Sanjeeban Sarkar in Bengaluru; Editing by Sunil Nair) A guest post by Sandra Grey, National President of the Tertiary Education Union: #LoveHumanities is a day of action here in New Zealand which responds to a worldwide and long running attack on the value of the arts, humanities, and social sciences in tertiary education. These attacks have been ramped up over the past two decades because of narrow government policy requiring tertiary education to meet the needs of the economy and labour market. Policies and funding mechanisms have been used repeatedly to tame public education institutions and make them behave like businesses. Similar approaches that threaten liberal arts teaching and research are seen in Great Britain , Australia , and many other places. But with the worlds attention fixed on the erratic US President, it seems timely to ask if attacks on the humanities are alive and well in the US? In January, The Independent reported that an unnamed member of Trumps transition team had said the Presidency would eliminate both the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and privatise the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Susan Nossel described it as an attack on reason itself. With the world facing a range of existential crises environmental degradation, rising inequality, violence in our homes and between nations now is the very time we need people undertaking studies that train them in critical thinking. In the post-truth world where lies are presented as alternative facts these skills help us filter out the bullshit from the reasonable, plausible, and logical. You dont need a BA to spot the latest falsehoods peddled by Trump to advance his anti-immigrant, racist and ethnic nationalist agenda. Realising there was no terror attack in Sweden is just common sense. However, not all issues are as easy to spot. Mounting a sound argument about why poor people vote for politicians who take away their access to healthcare, for example, needs evidence that isnt always easy to find. Similarly, understanding any parallels between the direction of geopolitical events today and other times in human history. Answering these sorts of questions requires training in selecting legitimate sources; examining narrative devices; and argumentation. The humanities and social sciences equip us with these skills and enable robust public debates about the kind of world we want to live in and how we make it happen. As Philosopher Martha Nussbaum said, we have to understand ourselves better, to see why we have arrived at this state of division, hostility and non-communication. Even engaging in debate about the purpose of universities, institutes of technology and polytechnics, and wananga, requires an argument. One that is not only thought out, reasonable, and backed with facts; but one that has stories that help to make sense of the world. Its not just the humanities and social sciences we must promote. The fine arts and music enable us to reflect more immediately global events than is possible in academic journal articles. I could spend hours researching and developing arguments opposing Trumps tyrannical administration, whereas a couple of clever artists can do it in three minutes and reach a much wider audience. So why #LoveHumanities? Well, alongside the engineers, mathematicians and scientists that help us understand how the world works; alongside advertisers and spin doctors that sell things, realities, and political ideologies; we need sceptical and curious minds that explore the human condition (their own and ours). It is these minds that will ensure we have a future worth living for. The Herald reports: Two men convicted of corruption in New Zealands largest bribery case have been sent to prison. Former Auckland Transport manager Murray Noone, and roading contractor Projenz managing director Stephen Borlase were investigated by the Serious Fraud Office and in December found guilty on six and eight charges, respectively, of taking and giving bribes involving more than $1 million. Justice Sally Fitzgerald this morning at the High Court at Auckland jailed Borlase for five years and six months, and Noone for five years. Those sentences sounds reasonable. It was a significant level of fraud, over many years and the criminals involved have shown no remorse for their stealing of ratepayer and taxpayer money. Justice Fitzgerald noted the sums involved exceeded any other domestic conviction for bribery or corruption and damaged New Zealands civic institutions and international reputation. Offending of this nature has a wider effect, harming New Zealands public reputation as a place where corruption is low or nonexistent, she said. Yep, which is why you need a deterrent. Auckland Transport chief infrastructure officer Greg Edmonds, who had overseen Noone, said: At the heart of this issue is a serious breach of trust by two individuals whose actions are in no way an indication of any sort of systemic failure. Oh bullshit. Good systems would catch this early on. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr About a dozen fire crews with North Platte Fire and Hershey Volunteer Fire Department were called to the scene on Miller School Road after another five acres reignited. "You're always concerned when you have a fire this size what's going to happen the next day or even that night," said Hershey Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Shaun Weekly. Landowners such as Lynn Frederick were patrolling the area with tractors and ATV's after Tuesday's fire. "A lot of times when the farmers bring out their tractors and discs that's the biggest help there is," Weekly said. "There were two to three farmers out here yesterday with their tractors and discs and it helped out immensely." Fire crews say the high winds and temperatures helped restart the fire which is why they are relying on Mother Nature from having a repeat of 2012. "It wears on pretty hard, you get a really busy year like we had in 2012 and it makes for a real busy year and makes people really tired going and chasing fires," Weekly said. "But we've got a lot of good dedicated members and that's what helps." Landowners say they will continue to monitor the are throughout the day. By Yoon Ja-young The National Pension Service (NPS) has recommended on upward adjustment of the pension eligibility age, stirring up controversy. While raising the age can delay the depletion of pension funds, experts point out that most Koreans don't have enough income to make it until they reach retirement age. Lee Yong-ha, a senior researcher at the National Pension Research Institute under the NPS, pointed out in a report that most developed countries have raised the state pension age to 67 from 65, due to deteriorating finances. "Of course, they aren't raising it abruptly. It is gradually being raised to 67, and by the 2020s, 67 will have become the norm," he said. "Moreover, some countries have decided or are considering raising the retirement age to around 70, due to rising life expectancy." In the United Kingdom, for instance, men start receiving their pensions at 65 and women at 60, but the ages are scheduled to be increased to 66 for both genders by 2020, and to 67 by 2026 or 2028. The pension age in France is also scheduled to be raised to 67 in 2023 from the current 65, following reforms in 2010 and 2013. Koreans, meanwhile, can start receiving their pensions when they reach 61. However, following the pension reform in 1998, the pension age is scheduled to be gradually raised to 65 by 2033. While Korea has been maintaining the pension age at 65, Lee said the country has room to further raise the age since actual retirement in Korea is much higher than the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) average. Korea's official retirement age is 60, but most Koreans continue working after their official retirement. "Korean males' real retirement age is 71.1 on average, around six to 11 years higher than OECD members such as Germany and France," Lee said. He also said the ceiling on the pension subscription age should be raised to around 65 from the present 60. Currently, those aged 60 or older can't contribute to the pension fund. Lee said it deprives subscribers of the opportunity to increase their pension. While raising the retirement age can be an option to delay the depletion of the pension fund, some experts say that this is neglecting reality. "The poverty ratio of Korea's senior citizens is the highest among OECD member countries. Up to 28.9 percent of senior citizens are engaged in economic activity, much higher than the OECD average of 13 percent," said Prof. Choi Hye-ji at Seoul Women's University. "Senior citizens in Korea can't get out of poverty even though they work hard. Behind their poverty is the weak state pension." She pointed out that Koreans retire from their regular jobs at 53 on average, despite the official retirement age of 60. After that, they seek new jobs, earning only one third of what they used to make. The NPS has been facing multiple problems recently, including the exodus of key asset managers and involvement in the political corruption scandal. After relocating to Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, around 40 employees of NPS Investment Management quit. Its involvement in the power-abuse scandal of President Park Geun-hye and her friend Choi Soon-sil has also angered pension subscribers. The pension fund, which is a large shareholder in many key conglomerates, voted for the merger between Samsung Group's two affiliates, allegedly to help Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong enhance his control over the group. By voting for the merger despite recommendations by global proxy advisors to oppose it, critics claim that it sustained hundreds of billions won in losses to national pension subscribers. A boatman stands with a pole at Yanagawa in Fukuoka. / Japan National Tourism Organization By Jung Min-ho YANAGAWA, Japan A boatman breaks out into a traditional Japanese song in his low-pitched voice as the boat passes under the boughs of beautiful willow trees on the banks of the canal. A pleasant breeze brushes past the faces of passengers, and the water laps against the boat to make faint sounds making background all the more beautiful. Peace and serenity are among the words that best describe Yanagawa, a lovely little city in the southwestern part of Fukuoka Prefecture. Yanagawa is famous for its hundreds of kilometers of canals all over the city. They were built for defensive purposes in the 16th century and have been maintained since then to be used as both transportation networks and recreational attractions. Riverboats, called "donkobune," are a unique means of transportation that tourists can use to see most parts of the city through the waterways. In this city of 70,000, there isn't anything super glamorous. But it's beautiful in many ways. From the boat, the passengers can see a grove of willow trees reflected in the water and birds flying above them. Spring is a great time of the year to enjoy the ride with flowers such as cherry blossoms and irises. Tourists can also see traditional Japanese-style storehouses as the boat slowly passes under bridges on the way. To avoid bumping into them, everyone should duck their heads down, which is all part of the fun. Passengers duck their heads down during their boat tour. Another interesting part of a boat ride is to observe the boatman who masterly uses his pole to address the passengers with wit and humor. From time to time, the boatman explains sightseeing spots they pass to the passengers. Then he may start singing a song, which would go perfectly with the surroundings. After a few songs, the boat may reach another part of the city, which takes about the same time to walk back to the starting point. For those who are too tired to walk, there is also a station for free shuttles nearby the drop-off point. But it is highly recommended to walk back to the starting point, which is next to Yanagawa Station. Many tourists would find it pleasant perhaps even more than boating to have another chance to look around the charming city in detail before going home. The boat ride takes about 70 minutes, and the services are available all year round. In winter, tourists can warm themselves with "hibachi" braziers on boats. Even when it rains, they can enjoy the ride while wearing a raincoat. A juicy well-done eel Yummy eels Another famous thing about Yanagawa is "unagi no seiro mushi," or steamed eel in a basket. The dish is one of the first things Japanese would think of when they hear the name of the city. This dish is made up of rice mixed with delicious sauce, topped with thinly-sliced egg. After placing everything necessary in the basket, the cook re-steams the dish for the container to be maintained at a hot temperature and for the rice to completely soak in the flavor until the very last bite. Taste? Not only does it have the soft texture of the eel but also the mellowness and sweetness from the special soy sauce. Many tourists say it's the best taste they experienced in Japan. The dish requires time and effort to cook. So expect to wait for a while after ordering. For the time being, you can have a unique local soup that features eel liver and a cup of tea, which often come before the main dish. There are so many restaurants specializing in eel dishes across Yanagawa, and each one has its own special recipe for sauce. So don't stick with the first restaurant where you found it great. The next one may be even better. Sagemons dangling from the ceiling Yanagawa Doll Festival Families in the Yanagawa area have a tradition of decorating the rooms of their daughters with "sagemon" to celebrate her first Doll Festival, which usually runs from March to April. Sagemon are mobile-like hanging ornaments that feature seven strings tied from a bamboo ring that has been decorated in beautiful colors mainly red and white. Each string has items such as Yanagawa-mari, a traditional type of handmade decorative ball. Along with canals and eel dishes, the display of hanging sagemons is one of the hallmarks of the city. During the festival, tourists can see sagemons everywhere: buildings, streets and waterways are beautifully decorated with them. They can also enjoy seeing special displays such as "Living Dolls on Water Parade" and "Floating Doll Festival" on the designated days. Emart's "premium salmon sushi pack" / Courtesy of Emart By Ko Dong-hwan People love to eat, and Koreans take every opportunity to enjoy their food. Beaches and mountain valleys are often bustling with food stalls that sometimes prompt visitors to complain that vendors disrupt the vistas. Nevertheless, people line up in front of the shacks to get ice-creams, coffees, hot dogs, waffles and whatever else looks worth a try. In this country of decadent desire for food satisfaction after a decades-long battle with hunger following the Korean War and the New Village Movement of the 1970s, a fad is emerging. Foodies, restaurants, manufacturers and farms are now hooked on salmon, which tastes good raw or cooked. People worldwide have been enjoying salmon for centuries. In Korea, where fads come and go at the speed of light, the craze mostly for sushi, sashimi and rolls surprisingly is lasting and expanding to broader markets. The craze is not because Koreans have never tasted salmon Norwegian salmon has been around since the early 2000s it is because of the increasing availability of high-quality, affordable salmon at several local shops. Emart, one of Korea's biggest supermarket franchises, used to sell salmon sushi by the piece from 500 won (44 cents) to 800 won each, plastic wrapped. The sushi was an affordable item, cheaply made using frozen salmon fillets. It was the chain's "core" item that drew consumers and accounted for over 35 percent of all sushi products sold. But in 2015, Emart made a risky decision gradually to replace it with the "premium salmon sushi pack," a lunchbox priced at over 10,000 won and containing 10 pieces that used unfrozen, oily, fresh-looking salmon fillets. It hit the jackpot, meeting skyrocketing demand. Salmon sushi sales last year increased 43 percent year-on-year, from 7.1 billion won to 10.2 billion won. The packs contributed to raising Emart's overall sushi sales by 24 percent in the period. Bloggers spread the word with photos of the premium pack, saying it is "one of the must-buy items when visiting Emart." Emart's Kim Young-pil, who came up with the premium pack idea, says he cannot fool Korea's increasing number of sushi lovers "who can tell which is good salmon sushi only by color," according to online news outlet MK. Malaysian police said they identified a North Korean embassy official and an airline employee in connection to the ongoing investigation without revealing details. / Yonhap Malaysian police said Wednesday they identified two additional North Koreans, including a diplomat, as being linked to the murder of North's leader Kim Jong-un's half brother. Malaysian police said they identified a North Korean embassy official and an airline employee in connection to the ongoing investigation without revealing details. The diplomat holds the rank of second secretary of the North's embassy in Malaysia, while the airline employee is with Air Koryo, the communist country's flag carrier. Kim Jong-nam was killed on Feb. 13 at an airport in Malaysia after being attacked by two Asian women with what appears to be poisonous substances. He was waiting for a flight to his home in Macau. Malaysian police arrested Ri Jong-chol, a 46-year-old North Korean man, on Friday night following the arrest of three people, including the two women. Law enforcement officials said at the time that they are looking for four more North Koreans who fled Malaysia on the day of Kim's death. Authorities here said the four are believed to have flown to Pyongyang. "We have written to the ambassador to allow us to interview both of the newly identified people," national police Chief Khalid Abu Bakar was quoted as saying by AFP. By Yi Whan-woo China is maintaining a dubious stance on the assassination of Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, in Malaysia last week while international criticism is mounting against Pyongyang. The Chinese government has only said that Beijing is "closely watching" the situation without commenting on a possible link between the murder and the North Korean leader. Beijing is keeping mum about allegations that Kim Jong-nam and his family had been under its protection in Macau. Its major state-run media outlets, such as China Central Television and Xinhua News Agency, have not reported in detail about the progress of an investigation by Malaysian police, including a North Korean diplomat who is being treated as a suspect. This is in contrast to the reactions seen from the Chinese social media and other online communities, where the users have been expressing anger toward the brutality of the North Korean leader and his tyranny. Analysts said Thursday that the Chinese government's stance is seen as a bid to not disrupt its ties with North Korea, and at the same maintain its leverage over the internationally-isolated state to better cope with the Beijing-Washington rivalry in the region. They claimed that China has been overlooking North Korea's military provocations and inhumane acts, such as nuclear and ballistic missile programs and the execution of Kim Jong-un's uncle Jang Song-thaek in December 2013. "Beijing finds it burdensome that admitting its protection of Kim Jong-nam will complicate its relations with Pyongyang although he was killed outside China," said Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies. "Beijing apparently does not want to find itself in the center of the dispute and thus gain international attention." By Kim Bo-eun Police caught 105 people involved in underage prostitution and apprehended 12 pimps, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family said Wednesday. The ministry and the National Police Agency conducted a crackdown on teenage prostitution using chatting applications from Nov. 28 to Jan. 26. The crackdown found 64 people who paid for sex, 33 who acted as brokers and eight who attempted to force teenage girls into prostitution. One broker approached a minor on one of the apps, luring her into prostitution with promises of earning large amounts of money. The broker suggested over 20 occasions she have sex with random men, and took a third of the payment. There were also swindlers who put up posts for teenage prostitution and collected fees from men seeking to buy sex but then did not introduce them to girls. In another case, a man was arrested for having sex with a teenager who ran away from home because of domestic violence, in exchange for housing, food and pocket money. The largest number of men buying sex were in their 30s (58 percent) followed by those in their 20s (20 percent), in their 40s (11 percent) and 50s (5 percent). Purchasing sex from minors can subject individuals to up to 10 years in prison or up to a 50 million won fine. The ministry is providing the minors with counseling and training to help them out of prostitution. Meanwhile, a separate crackdown by police on adult prostitution using chatting apps caught 846 individuals and apprehended 11 brokers. In an earlier crackdown from February to May last year on teenage prostitution using chatting apps, police caught 419 individuals and arrested 41 of them. "The risk of adolescents being lured into prostitution through chatting applications is growing," a ministry official said. "We will encourage reporting of these applications through rewards, and cooperate with the police to toughen crackdowns." Both sides ordered to submit final written argument By Lee Kyung-min The Constitutional Court asked both the National Assembly prosecutorial panel and President Park Geun-hye's defense attorneys, Thursday, to submit written arguments by the end of the day, virtually wrapping up the impeachment trial ahead of the final hearing scheduled for next Monday. As the last hearing ended Wednesday, key testimonies produced during court hearings are under review with the judges determining whether they help or hurt arguments of both sides, according to informed sources. While no conclusion has been reached as of yet, according to the sources, the judges are also preparing legal arguments for opinions by reviewing related laws and organizing facts to compare them with the impeachment charges. The prosecutorial panel plans to submit about a 250-page argument, while no information is available on that of Park's attorneys. Meanwhile, the court is likely to deliver the ruling on either March 10 or 13, after designating Feb. 27 as the final hearing date of the trial, after accepting Park's attorneys' request to allow them more time to prepare for their defense. Even if Park decides to appear at the final hearing next Monday, the court will still be able to make its ruling before March 13, when acting court President Justice Lee Jung-mi retires, as the previous impeachment ruling took no more than 14 days of deliberations. Despite the numerous stalling tactics employed by Park's attorneys in an apparent move to increase the chances of the impeachment being overturned, the court has managed to reject all such maneuverings. Their defense strategy included attempts to reduce the number of judges, call in as many witnesses as possible, ask for additional materials to be entered into evidence, most of which have been rejected repeatedly. While the attorneys said the court accepting their requests are crucial in uncovering the truth of the scandal, judges have largely denied their requests, as they are deemed irrelevant to proving the relationship between President Park and her confidant Choi-Soon-sil. While they aimed to delay the ruling until after the retirement of Lee, following which only two votes would be needed to have the impeachment overturned, the ruling is to be made by eight judges including Lee, which means Park needs at least three votes to stay in office. The court also dismissed the claim that it was acting hastily, mindful of the upcoming retirement of Lee and also of public sentiment, an accusation which analysts believe are merely a desperate attempt by cornered attorneys with weak arguments. Park is reluctant to appear before the court as it would certainly entail grueling questioning from both the judges and the prosecutorial panel. Both Cheong Wa Dae officials and defense attorneys are in agreement that she should do so to honestly express herself. A broken mirror reflects a prostitute across the street at Cheongnyangni 588. An urban redevelopment project will soon wipe out the red-light district despite protests from the remaining sex workers and other tenants. High-rise residential and commercial buildings will replace the red-light district which opened nearly 80 years ago. / Korea Times photos by Shim Hyun-chul Red-light district in Cheongnyangni fading away under redevelopment plan By Kim Se-jeong Cheongnyangni 588, a red-light district in Seoul, has had its heyday. At its peak in the 1980s, the district housed some 200 brothels with more than 500 sex workers, and was reputedly the biggest and busiest sex-for-sale area in the capital. Earlier this month, however, the place was desolate and barren. Most brothels were dark and empty. Big glass windows were painted with big red Xs and many were broken. Behind one such window were a broken hand mirror, a doll, mascara and an empty water bottle scattered across the floor and on stools once used by sex workers. Development project driving prostitutes out The brothel area has long been called just "588," although it is unclear where this name came from. Some historians say it was derived from one of the back alley's address, while others say the area used to have a bus service with that number. Now the district is counting down its final days. A redevelopment project will begin later this year tall luxury buildings will occupy the 41,586 square meters of land and developers are evicting the women. The demolition and eviction of the remaining 588 zone will begin next month. For the prostitutes and pimps but also for other residents there, the eviction, which began late last year, is tough. Kang Hyun-joon, a senior member of the HanTeo National Union, a sex workers' association, said many were threatened by hired thugs who showed up with iron bars to wreck their workplaces. Developers also installed surveillance cameras in the neighborhood, as a means of threatening their businesses prostitution is illegal in Korea and these women can be prosecuted. Some of the sex worker tenants filed a collective complaint with the National Human Rights Commission against the installment of the cameras, but dropped the case later. "The demolishers will be back in early March with iron bars to evict them completely," Kang said. Many sex workers have already left 588 only 40 work in the remaining eight brothels for now. It's unclear where the evicted sex workers have gone. "I heard some went to red-light districts in other parts of the country," Kang said. "Others probably went to find jobs at room salons, karaoke bars and massage parlors." Kang is a former pimp and said he has friends and former colleagues in the industry. There are officially 44 red-light districts in Korea, according to government statistics for 2016. A platform shoe is abandoned in an empty brothel. Resisting eviction notices The 40 remaining prostitutes carry out protests when they are not working. One place was decorated with a white banner hung from the ceiling, saying: "Developers are pimps and gangsters!" Some have been joining hands with tenants and small shop owners who don't wish to move out, to hold protest rallies against the redevelopment project in front of the Dongdaemun-gu Office. The remaining residents will resist the demolition and eviction. Kang said the sex workers need financial help. "They want support to continue their lives." He said they didn't receive a penny from the developers, although he acknowledged that because prostitution is illegal the construction firms don't have to give them any money. But "for these girls," he said, "Cheongnyangni is all they know and where they made a living. It's simply inhumane to evict them like this without any support." Officials from Dongdaemun-gu Office said the sex workers are eligible to join rehabilitation programs. And the developers say they have already done enough and will make no further concessions. "We've paid some money to them on humanitarian grounds," said Lim Byeong-euk, chairman of the group leading the development project. Asked how much compensation had been paid out, he refused to answer. Under the redevelopment project, they plan to build high-rise residential and commercial buildings by 2020. The developers received a court order allowing them to demolish and evict the remaining tenants and sex workers beginning next month. An excavator demolishes a building as part of the Cheongnyangni 588redevelopment project. Stigmatized but historic Cheongnyangni 588 has a long history. It started during the 1910-45 Japanese occupation after Cheongnyangni Station was built by the Japanese. The 1950-53 Korean War paved the way for its success as the station transported countless soldiers in and out of Seoul. During that time, soldiers were the main clients. Its peak was in the 1980s. The night-time curfew was lifted in 1982. Quality of life began improving during that time more people began to drive. In 1988, Seoul hosted the Summer Olympic Games. Cheongnyangni 588 used to have a reputation for the prettiest sex workers in Korea. Before the Olympics, brothels, with the help of the government, began to have glass windows, an idea borrowed from the red-light districts of the Netherlands. It was part of a beautification effort to make the neighborhood look clean and decent for foreign tourists visiting the city. Mattress springs are piled in a hole at a demolition site in Cheongnyangni 588. More areas falling to money The anti-prostitution law in 2004 made red-light districts illegal. Police crackdowns began, but some, including Cheongnyangni 588, managed to survive. However, property and land owners eventually succumbed to development money. "More and more are disappearing with urban development projects," a Seoul Metropolitan Government official surnamed Won said. It is a combination between business interest by private developers and the public interest to get rid of them by local governments. A brothel just east of Yongsan Station was wiped out in 2010 for a redevelopment project led by Samsung. Another at Miari in northern Seoul was turned into a residential area. Cheonho-dong in eastern Seoul and Youngdeungpo in southwestern Seoul, the remaining red-light districts, are also fading fast. A man walks by a brothel that is still open in Cheongnyangni 588. Painting on the wall condemns developers that evicted sex workers by force. By Kim Hyo-jin Ryu Woong-hwan Former Intel executive manager Ryu Woong-hwan has joined leading presidential contender Moon Jae-in's campaign, Moon said Thursday. A controversy is now brewing over the recruitment because Ryu gave up his South Korean citizenship and acquired U.S. citizenship to work in the U.S. The campaign team said Ryu plans to reclaim his Korean citizenship. Ryu is a veteran engineer who earned a doctorate at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in 2001. He worked at Intel for a decade as a designer of hardware platforms, becoming an executive manager of the company at the age of 35. After returning to Korea in 2011, he joined Samsung and participated in the project of developing a semi-conductor system for mobile phones. He was the youngest senior executive in the company. He moved to Hyundai Motor in 2015 and engaged in research and development for future automobiles. "He is a rare person who worked in Silicon Valley as well as for big companies in Korea," Moon told reporters. "I'd like to reiterate my intention to take the initiative in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and lay the groundwork for innovation." The move came as Moon eagerly recruits aides and advisers in an apparent bid to present the image of a well-prepared candidate to the public before the presidential race. He has stressed the need to prepare for possible challenges posed by an industrial revolution that entails the advancement of technologies. By Park Moo-jong To describe a certain situation, emotion or psychological condition in our daily lives, we used to quote traditional Chinese idiomatic expressions, most of which consist of four Chinese characters. The idioms numbering around 5,000 are mostly derived from ancient literature, called "saja-seongeo" () in Korean and in Chinese. One of them may come to mind for many people in the wake of the brutal assassination of Kim Jong-nam, the older half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, at Kuala Lumpur International Airport last week. The idiom in point is "jeok ban ha jang" (). "Jeok" means a thief, "ban" anti- or opposite, "ha" hold, and "jang" stick or club. Thus, it means, "A thief holds a stick (to hit the house owner as he or she is caught on the crime scene)." In other words, it can be translated as "carrying the war into the enemy's camp" or "the thief had the audacity to say that (the burglary) was the house owner's fault." Evidence the Malaysian police secured "definitely" points to North Korea, more precisely Kim Jong-un as being behind the heinous crime. Police in the Southeast Asian country, which has maintained a rather "closer" diplomatic relationship with North Korea over the past four decades, announced that they had confirmed it was the work of North Korea, based on facts and evidence collected so far. The media war, mainly led by Japanese news outlets (not by Koreans), proves one after another that North Korea orchestrated the felony, strongly supported by the airport's video footage. Never betraying the expectations of the rest of the world, North Korea, as expected, came up with an absurd and nonsensical claim that Malaysia and South Korea colluded out of political motives to fabricate the case to help South Korea distract attention from its ongoing political chaos following the parliamentary impeachment of the embattled President Park Geun-hye. The dumbfounded and illogical claim of North Korea, made by its Ambassador to Malaysia Kang Chol, only testifies to North Korea's audacity and Kim Jong-un's reckless dictatorship. How could North Korea have the gall to blame Malaysia and the Republic of Korea for the killing of the fugitive half-brother of its young leader Kim Jong-un in the face of clear evidence? Airport CCTV footage shows the scene of the two women's attack on Kim so clearly, and he died soon after. How could the diplomat claim that "Kim Jong-nam died of natural causes." Undisputedly, Ambassador Kang must be fully acting according to the order of Kim Jong-un. What a pity! However, that's not the supposed role for an ambassador in a country where he is stationed to "promote friendship and cooperation" with his nation. It is interesting that Kim Jong-un, Ambassador Kang and those in Pyongyang do not know that Kang's blaming of Malaysia and South Korea will only intensify the suspicion of them being behind the brutal murder. What's unbecoming further is their "idea" of linking Kim's death to the controversy over the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system against North Korea's missiles. It is no wonder at all that the angry Malaysian government recalled its envoy to North Korea and summoned Ambassador Kang for a dressing down. Why is China, the undisputed and probably sole ally of North Korea, taking immediate economic sanction of banning the import of North Korean coal following the incident? It is still vivid in our memory that North Korea killed 17 of our officials, including a deputy premier, in a terrorist attack at the Martyrs' Mausoleum in Rangoon (now Yangon) to commemorate Aung San, one of the founders of independent Burma (now Myanmar), on Oct. 9 1983 during President Chun Doo-hwan's state visit to the Southwestern Asian country. North Korea has never recognized the brutal provocation, even though two North Korean agents were captured and sentenced to death. The Myanmar government immediately cut its diplomatic relationship with North Korea. Japan, the United States and other Western countries took various political and economic sanctions against North Korea. At that time, it was proved that the North Korean Embassy orchestrated the terrorist attack to assassinate President Chun in vain. The Kuala Lumpur incident is a golden opportunity for the whole international community to understand the "true nature" of the North Korean regime. However, what is deplorable is the stark reality that there are still many people who follow North Korea's line, making false accusations similar to those claimed by Ambassador Kang. Many people may be frightened by an earlier remark by Moon Jae-in, now leading the public poll comfortably in the presidential race that "if (Kim Jong-chol) was assassinated by a North Korea's order....." He used the term, "if." On Tuesday, the opposition leader said, "From now on, I will not use (the expression) of 'if the North did.'" North Korea is intensifying its threats to the world with its nuclear weapons, making international advice and warning mere preaching to the wind. A Western proverb comes to my mind, "Spare the rod, and spoil the child." Park Moo-jong is the advisor of The Korea Times. He served as the president-publisher of the nation's oldest English newspaper founded in 1950 after he worked as a reporter for the daily since 1974. He can be reached at moojong@ktimes.com or emjei29@gmail.com. By Kwon I-yong One might argue that today's harsh realities do not allow us the luxury of talking about poetry. But I am writing to say that poetry can help individuals and the whole society overcome and survive adverse realities. Poetry can be conducive for healing. Poetry leads us, among other functions, to reflect on, and give new meanings to, various matters, phenomena or relations. Poetry can help you see one thing from many different angles. Through the process of reading or writing poems, illnesses or sufferings can be alleviated, even cured, or overcome otherwise, poetry therapists maintain. As in Western countries like the United States, the virtues of poetry therapy are gaining recognition in Korea and there are university courses, academic societies and research organizations for poetry therapy. I believe many Korean poems, like those by Kim Sowol among others, have contributed to healing the broken hearts of many Korean folks of certain generations one way or another. We are immeasurably indebted to poetry although most of us have not been aware of such indebtedness. If you happen to be a Christian suffering from insomnia and want to readily experience the healing power of poetry, I would like to suggest reciting Psalm 23 in the Old Testament when you try to sleep. Or, you could write a similar short poem yourself, praising God and expressing your beliefs and wishes. Anyone of any or no religion can write their New Year's pledges in the form of a poem. Personally, I was greatly pleased and honored to be invited to the annual National Assembly's Poetry Reading Evening a few years ago. During the event, I was very moved to see the speaker of the National Assembly recite a poem by heart which had been written by a poet friend of his while most of us poets read from prepared texts. As far as we have such high-spirited, warmhearted politicians, there must be hope in our future, I assured myself. I really believe in the healing power of poetry. The writer, a retiree from Habitat for Humanity Korea, is a poet living in Bundang. Write to kwoniyong@naver.com. By Donald Kirk The assassination of Kim Jong-nam promises to go down as one of those weird acts of terrorism that North Korea, in the face of all evidence to the contrary, will forever deny having perpetrated. The prevarication and obfuscation in this case would appear a little more ornate than North Korea's unending denials of having anything to do with anything. Forget about the sinking of the Cheonan in the Yellow Sea nearly seven years ago that killed 46 sailors, or the explosion over the Indian Ocean in 1987 of a Korean Air flight that sent 115 aboard to their deaths, or the bombing in the Burmese capital of Rangoon in 1983 that killed 21 but missed its target, Chun Doo-hwan, then South Korea's president. Don't blame us, the North Koreans have said every time. Blame those villains, American and South Korean agents. Denials are easy. Pro-Northers have stories to cover all the angles regardless of mountains of evidence to the contrary. Now they're coming out with the same type responses to the murder of Kim Jong-nam, the outcast, exiled member of North Korea's royal family, only this time it's a little more difficult to pass the buck. There are those video images of the Vietnamese woman smothering Jong-nam's face with a cloth smeared with poison as he was checking in at Kuala Lumpur Airport for the flight to Macau, his home base for years, and there's the body, in the hands of Malaysian authorities while North Korea's ambassador demands its return to the half-brother who hated him in Pyongyang. Not to worry. Would it not make sense for the South Koreans and Americans and Malaysians all to get together on a yarn about the North Koreans putting the woman up to the job? And wasn't she cruelly tortured to tell stories so Malaysian police would arrest a poor Indonesian woman for distracting the victim, thinking she was on reality TV? And where's the proof the lone North Korean whom they also arrested, no doubt on the Vietnamese woman's say-so, not to mention the four who returned to Pyongyang, via an elaborate route through the middle east and Vladivostok, were parties to the plot? Those are questions that advocates of North Korea are asking even as North Korean sponsorship of the deal becomes ever more obvious. Pro-Northers will go on zealously denying North Korean responsibility as if acknowledgement would be an act of betrayal of the king of the kingdom, "Respected leader Kim Jong-un." It's hard to deny, however, the absence of motive. For a time, Jong-nam was responsible for massive overseas bank accounts in Macau, a transshipment point for North Korean arms, drugs and counterfeit dollars, until Jong-un cut off the funding after the death of their father, "Dear Leader" Kim Jong-il, in December 2011. No doubt Jong-nam still had a pile in accounts here and there. Controversy over the money, of course, was far from the only motive for Kim Jong-un to do away with his half-brother, as he has hundreds of officials and their family members inside North Korea. What about those interviews Jong-nam had given doubting the kid would survive on the throne _ surely not nice to say about your brother even if you had different mothers. All that stuff, though, is irrelevant in the eyes of those who think Kim Jong-un would never have been so cruel. "Japanese media also tried to distract police investigation by releasing fake news saying the two North Korean women assassins were dead before police caught one of them identified as a Vietnamese national," said a pro-Norther on facebook. "The SK and Japan media are acting so proactively trying to lead the local police investigation and public opinion." Nor was the CIA exempt. Diehard apologists for Kim Jong-un are saying the shirt inscribed with the letters LOL the Vietnamese woman was wearing was part of the plot. "It's false flag ops, and we all know CIA is the world champion of false flag ops," said another facebook message. Why then had the woman returned to the airport? Was she really thinking of flying back to Vietnam, as reported by the silly media? Nope, she wanted "to get caught and give false testimony to distract the police investigation." Such are the tales the North Koreans are spinning. Amazingly, some people, looking for any reason to exonerate North Korea, profess to believe them. Donald Kirk, www.donaldkirk.com, has been covering crises in Korea and the region off-and-on for decades. He's at kirkdon4343@gmail.com. By Lee Min-hyung The government's decision to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system here is feared to hurt another Korean firm as SK Planet will apparently not receive a 1.3 trillion won ($1.14 billion) investment from a Chinese company it was negotiating. Analysts said Thursday that the delay is a possible retaliatory action by the Chinese government, as Beijing has stepped up its criticism of the THAAD deployment over concerns it could monitor airborne objects not only in North Korea but also in China. Early last year, the online-to-offline marketing platform operator affiliated with SK Group was in advanced talks with China Minsheng Investment (CMI), China's largest private investor, over the investment partnership. But with political relations between Seoul and Beijing turning icy after Seoul's decision to deploy THAAD in July, both companies are at a standstill over signing a contract. "Nothing has been confirmed over the deal yet," an SK Planet spokesman said. "If the deal is withdrawn, we are looking for other investors here and abroad." The Seoul-based company is also leaving open the possibility of using its own cash reserves, according to the official. The invested capital will be used to strengthen the infrastructure of the firm's various services including its Syrup mileage service and the 11st e-commerce site and expand overseas. To reduce its heavy reliance on the local market, the firm has in recent years exported its business to Asian markets, such as Turkey, Indonesia and Malaysia. Last week, the company also launched its 11st shopping platform in Thailand. The Tesla Model S sedan / Courtesy of Tesla Korea By Jhoo Dong-chan Tesla Korea is finalizing purchasing processes for its customers here who made preorders for its premium sedans of the Model S 90D. The U.S.-based electric vehicle (EV) maker's affiliate here opened a so-called "design studio website," where preorder customers can choose various options, including vehicle color and interior. Tesla Korea sent an email to preorder customers, informing them they can complete their purchases via the website, according to sources. Among the carmaker's lineup, the Ministry of Environment has so far certified the Tesla Model S 90D, which the ministry confirmed has a range of 378 kilometers when fully charged. The luxury EV's price starts at 121 million won ($106,937), and is expected to reach 161 million won for the full-option package. The environment ministry and provincial governments are offering 12 million won to 19 million won in subsidies for an EV, but Model S customers are not expected to benefit as the sedan failed to meet the requirements _ a vehicle should take less than 10 hours to charge on a 7 kilowatt-hour low-speed charger. It takes around 13 hours to fully charge the Model S 90D's high-capacity battery. The Tesla Model S 90D mounts a single-speed electric motor along with a 90kWh lithium-ion battery that produces maximum 417 horsepower. It takes 4.4 seconds to reach 100 kilometers per hour. Its top speed is 250 kilometers per hour. Preorder customers can choose their vehicle options, including the color, wheel size and interior design as well as Tesla's cutting-edge autopilot system, all through design studio website. The delivery is expected to take about three months. An industry insider said Tesla Korea will soon finalize their approval process for its other models like the Model X SUV and the Model 3 sedan. The first Tesla showroom in Korea, which was supposed to open last November at Hanam Starfield in Gyeonggi Province is widely expected to open by the end of next month. The SRT, a high-speed train that links southern Seoul with Busan and Mokpo, is about to depart from Suseo Station. The country's second bullet train, which went into operation last Dec. 9, has been running smoothly, providing a convenient travel option for residents of southern Seoul and its adjacent areas. / Courtesy of SRT By Lee Hyo-sik The SRT, a high-speed train connecting southern Seoul with Busan and Gwangju, has been running smoothly since its launch last December, company officials said Thursday. The trains, manufactured by Hyundai Rotem, have been running on the high-speed rail network without mishap for the past two months, with the number of people using Korea's second bullet train line having exceeded the previous estimate. The train starts at Suseo Station in southern Seoul, where Seoul Metro Line 3 and the Bundang Line intersect. The biggest beneficiaries of the new service have been residents of southern Seoul and southeastern parts of Gyeonggi Province such as Bundang. Previously, they had to go to either Seoul Station or Yongsan Station, both north of the Han River, to catch the KTX high-speed train, operated by Korail, the state-run railway operator. With the launch of the SRT, which runs at up to 300 kilometers per hour, they have only to go to nearby Suseo Station, saving both time and cost. SR, which operates the SRT, expects around 44,000 passengers to use Suseo Station daily by 2026. "The SRT has been running without mechanical malfunctions or safetyrelated accidents for the past two months," an SR official said. "We will continue to remain vigilant to operate the trains as safely as possible and improve customer satisfaction. We expect the number of passengers will continue to increase down the road." In January alone, a total of 1.47 million people rode the SRT. Of the 1.47 million, 77.1 percent took the trains running on the Gyeongbu Line between southern Seoul and Busan, while the remaining 22.9 percent headed to Mokpo on the Honam Line. The SRT train runs on a new train line mostly built underground between Suseo Station and Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, totaling 61.1 kilometers in length. After passing Pyeongtaek, the train will share the KTX rain network, which runs to Busan in the southeast and Mokpo in the southwest. Compared with the KTX route between Seoul Station and Busan Station, the SRT takes eight minutes less to reach Busan from Suseo. Compared with the KTX running from Yongsan Station to Mokpo Station, the SRT shortens travel time by seven minutes. On the SRT, it takes 133 minutes to Busan and 127 minutes to Mokpo. The fare is also around 10 percent cheaper than the KTX. The domination of Big Bang still goes on. They have proven to be the king of boy group in South Korea. The leader and fashion lover, G-Dragon, gives big influence for the popularity in Korea and around the world. Their latest MV, "FXXT IT" has reached million likes on YouTube. According to HelloKpop, Bigbang made a comeback to celebrate their 10th anniversary through album "MADE" on Dec. 12. The album got so much attention, especially to fans as they have waited for a long time. They released some songs for their latest album including "Last Dance" and "Girlfriend". For the MV "FXXT IT," they even reached 4.6 million views only for the half day of the release. Their new songs topped the major charts after the release. Recently, according to AllKpop, the song "FXXT IT" has reached a million likes on YouTube after two months of the release. This hit joins the song "Bang Bang Bang" and "Fantastic Baby" who has reached more than million likes on YouTube. The number of likes shows that Bigbang's song is still waited and they are satisfied with it. Bigbang has done a concert to celebrate their 10-year anniversary. But, fans were sad that T.O.P has left for army. Some fans even came to watch him leaving for army even though he already requested to have privacy on it. For GD and Taeyang, both will have their solo activities this year. It will be great to watch the two having great comebacks. For Seungri, he has to deal with the lawsuit given to him for the accusation of withholding the profits of real estate investment. The company tried to contact him but failed so they decided to file a lawsuit to solve the problem. For Daesung, he will continue his activity as a member of Bigbang. Even after T.O.P's leaving 4 members plan to have Japan Tour this year around May. Their performance will be waited by the fans in Japan. Another amazing K-POP artist is making their way to Australia! In particular, it is confirmed that Ailee will be performing in Melbourne next month! Melbourne will be hosting Asia Pop Fest, which is a concert that celebrates Asian Pop and its culture. It will be held at Sidney Myer Music Bowl on the 24th of March! There will be food, gaming areas, stalls and music! Big music acts will include performance from K-POP super star, Ailee, Sing! Chinese first runner up and Singaporean songwriter, Nathan Hartono and virtual Japanese pop star, IA. More international acts to be announced on a later date! So be sure to stay tuned for more updates! Anyone who wants to attend Asia Pop Fest next month, general admission will be $25 and it will be free for students, as long as they present their ID student cards! So be sure to get your tickets before it runs out! Head to HERE to get those tickets! Will you be heading to this event? Added to the Cosmopolitan Korea Facebook page on February 22nd, the popular fashion magazine gave fans a glimpse into the Gucci fashion show. SHINee's Minho is sporting a long embroidered velvet coat, with a shirt that shows the Gucci logo. He was also photographed and shown on the Gucci Facebook page as well, on a long list of mega Hollywood stars. He was featured with Tom Hiddleston, Jared Leto, and Florence Welch. He looks handsome, with his slicked back hair, showing off his chiseled features. The stars all gathered at the Gucci Hub in Milan for the show that debut the Fall Winter 2017 collection by Alessandro Michele. It is clearly a major accomplishment for Minho to attend such a lavish event. Check out the footage below! Are you excited to see Minho rubbing elbows with Hollywood's finest? Let us know in the comments below! U.S. Army Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, newly named as President Donald Trump's national security adviser, is now also a best-selling author, for a book he wrote two decades ago. McMaster's widely acclaimed 1997 book, "Dereliction of Duty," about the failure of U.S. military and political leadership in their conduct of the U.S. war against communist aggression in Vietnam in the 1960's, jumped Wednesday to the top of Amazon.com's list of best-selling books. The 54-year-old McMaster, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, was working on a doctoral degree in American history when he wrote the book, poring over voluminous military and national security documents from the Vietnam War era to reach his conclusions about the U.S. involvement in the war that ultimately ended with the North Vietnamese takeover of U.S.-supported South Vietnam in 1975. Ilham Aliyev, 55, has been accused by right groups and Western governments of persecuting opposition politicians, human rights defenders, and journalists, and of enhancing his power though elections and referendums that have not been deemed free or fair by international observers. He also faces allegations of nepotism and corruption within his family. Aliyeva, 52, is a deputy chairwoman of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party. She is also the head of the Heidar Aliyev Foundation -- a large nongovernmental organization named after her husband's father, who ruled newly independent Azerbaijan with an iron fist from 1993 until 2003. He died in December 2003, two months after steering his son into the presidency of the Caspian Sea country. Aliyev's order naming Mehriban Aliyeva to the newly created No. 2 post was published on the presidential website on Feb. 21. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has appointed his wife as first vice president, putting her first in line to take over if the president dies or is incapacitated. 'Illegal' Appointment The positions of first vice president and two lower-tier vice presidents were among the constitutional amendments approved in a referendum in tightly controlled Azerbaijan in September 2016. The referendum was challenged by opposition politicians and activists who argued that it tightened Aliyev's grip on power in the oil-rich former Soviet republic of 9.9 million. Government critics said Aliyeva's appointment was illegal. Several opposition activists have been detained in recent weeks, and in some cases sentenced to jail terms of up to a month, in what opponents of Aliyev said they believed was an effort to ensure there were no street protests over the move. Aliyev -- whose country is a source of energy supplies to Europe, which is seeking to decrease reliance on Russia -- has shrugged off the accusations of human rights abuses, corruption, and nepotism. "Aliyeva has been playing an important role in social, political, cultural and international activities for many years," the president said, presenting his wife and new appointee at a session of his Security Council on February 21. "In general, her multifaceted activities have been successful. I have taken into account exactly these factors when making the decision to appoint her to the post of the first vice president of Azerbaijan," Aliyev said. Age Requirement Scrapped The constitution now stipulates that if the president becomes incapable of discharging his duties, the first vice president takes over. Before the referendum, it was the prime minister. The referendum also extended the length of presidential terms from five years to seven years and scrapped an age requirement for candidates, sparking speculation that Aliyev was grooming his son, Heidar, who was 19 years old at the time, to eventually become president. Azerbaijani lawyer Akif Qurbanov said on Facebook that Aliyeva's appointment was not legal, citing what he said was existing anticorruption legislation barring an official's close relatives from holding office under his or her direct subordination. Two activists of the opposition Popular Front were detained on February 20 and sentenced to 30 days of administrative arrest, party official Gozal Bayramnli told RFE/RL, and a third activist received the same sentence on the same day. According to Mehman Aliyev, director of the Turan news agency, at least 10 people have been detained this month and sentenced to up to 30 days of administrative arrest. 'Thwarting' Government Opponents Khadija Ismayilova, an investigative journalist with RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service, said on February 21 that the arrests were carried out to thwart government opponents who might "dare to protest" Aliyeva's appointment. Ismayilova spent 17 months in prison in 2015-16 over financial-crimes charges that she and supporters say were government retaliation for her extensive reporting on alleged corruption involving Aliyev and his relatives. In 2002 and 2009, Azerbaijan also held much-criticized constitutional referendums that opposition activists and rights defenders said directly benefited the Aliyev family. After the 2002 referendum, future referendums required a turnout of just 50 percent to be valid. It also designated the prime minister, instead of the parliament speaker, as the presidential successor. The 2009 referendum removed the two-term limit of the president and introduced a clause on "the right of personal immunity," which activists and journalists interpreted as a move to prevent reporters from investigating corruption or covering public events. Germany's Cabinet approved a plan Wednesday that will make it easier to deport rejected asylum-seekers. Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said the measures mean that deportations of rejected asylum-seekers will be faster and more people will be sent back home. Germany was flooded with 890,000 asylum-seekers in 2015 and has been working to streamline how it deals with them, speeding up granting asylum to those who qualify for it and sending home those who don't. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who faces a general election in September, has called repeatedly for a "national effort" to make sure that people without the right to stay leave the country. Another suspect, Ri Jong-chol (47), was arrested at a home on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur last week and is thought to have helped with logistics. Abu Bakar expressed confidence that four of the five North Korean suspects who were identified earlier have already fled to Pyongyang, while a fifth suspect, identified as Ri Ji-woo, is still in Malaysia. Malaysian police chief Khalid Abu Bakar Wednesday told reporters the two "have been called in for assistance. We hope the embassy will cooperate with us and allow us to interview them quickly or else we will compel them to come to us." The suspected involvement of Hyon Kwang-song (44), a second secretary at the embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and Kim Uk-il (37) makes it ever more likely that the killing was a hit orchestrated by the North Korean regime. Malaysian police are looking for a senior North Korean diplomat and a staffer of the renegade country's flag carrier Air Koryo in connection with the murder of Kim Jong-nam. The Oriental Daily News reported that police found out from CCTV footage that Hyon and Kim were at the airport at the time of the murder but have not left the embassy since then. Asked if he thought North Korean operatives were behind the hit, Bakar said, "The investigation is still under way." Abu Bakar also dismissed the claims of two women who were arrested -- Doan Thi Huong from Vietnam and Siti Aisyah from Indonesia -- that they thought they were taking part in a reality TV prank. "Yes, the two female suspects knew that the substance they had was toxic. We don't know what kind of chemical was used," he said. "They used their bare hands." He denied Kim's son Han-sol had arrived in Malaysia to claim the body. "They are just rumors and none of the surviving family members have arrived here nor have they contacted us," he said. The Malaysian government has pledged to protect Kim's family should they choose to visit to identify his body. Malaysia's Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed said, "We will protect him as we don't want another death to happen here." Meanwhile, Abu Bakar said there has been an attempt to break into the morgue where Kim Jong-nam's body is kept. "We knew there were attempts by someone to break into the hospital mortuary. We had to take precautions. We will not allow anyone to tamper with the mortuary," the Malay Mail quoted him as saying. He added investigators know who had tried to break in but there was "no need for me to tell you." The North Korean embassy denied the findings and demanded the immediate release of Ri Jong-chol and the two women, saying they are innocent. It said the latest revelations constitute an "extreme insult" to the North's sovereignty and accused Malaysia of "siding with South Korea." Chung Yoo-ra will remain in jail in the Danish town of Aalborg until March 22 as prosecutors there determine whether to extradite her to Korea. The decision has greatly diminished chances of the independent counsel here questioning Chung before his mandate ends. A Danish court decided Wednesday to extend by a month the detention of the daughter of President Park Geun-hye's crony Choi Soon-sil. Chung is accused of being a chief beneficiary of Park's and Choi's extortion racket and of wrangling illicit admission to the prestigious Ewha Womans University despite missing almost her entire last year in high school. The court has extended Chung's detention twice already. Chung's lawyer Peter Martin Blinkenberg told reporters he is "disappointed" by the court's decision. He added that Danish prosecutors lacked evidence to extradite her and claimed she had no hand in her mother's shenanigans. Blinkenberg pledged to contest her extradition. He added Chung misses her mother and is willing to appear before the independent counsel as a witness, but "not as a suspect." 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... The North Korean regime is tightening controls in its border regions for fear that news of the murder of leader Kim Jong-un's half-brother Jong-nam will seep into the country. Authorities are stopping frequent travelers from visiting their relatives in China and dispatching security forces to the Chinese border regions, sources said Wednesday. "Some people in Pyongyang had permits from the State Security Ministry to visit relatives in China but the permits were abruptly canceled after the assassination," a source said. People are only allowed to meet relatives from China or receive packages in Sinuiju, North Pyongan Province, the source said. "I heard that some people from Nampo have been stranded in Sinuiju because they can't leave for China." Officials are allowed to carry on important business in China because they travel in groups and are easy to watch and control. Another source in North Pyongan Province said security forces dispatched to Sinuiju have paralyzed business by blocking traders' telephone calls with their Chinese partners. "There have been half a dozen house-to-house searches in Hoeryong this month alone," another source in North Hamgyong Province said. "People had to fill out their family certificates again, and new checkpoints have been added along the route between Chongjin and Hoeryong and in Musan." 1940s view of the Westwood Village building that has been home to the Regent Theatre. Courtesy: Steve Sann. Westwood Village, once the place where big films opened in Los Angeles, is about to be down to just two remaining movie houses. The owner of the Landmark Regent Theatre on Broxton Avenue has filed plans with the city to convert the auditorium space into two restaurants, Los Angeles Magazine reports. The Regent opened in 1966 as a Laemmle theatre, in a 1946 building that originally housed retail stores including the Oakley Barber Shop, a Westwood Village fixture now located on Gayley Avenue. Laemmle ran it until Mann Theaters took over in the 1970s. Landmark began operating the Regent in 2002. The Regent was where Woody Allen's popular films would run in the decades when Westwood Village was a destination district for nightlife. The Festival, Plaza, National, Mann 4, and UA Westwood have all disappeared from Westwood Village since the 1980s, when the crowds stopped going to Westwood due to competition from parking-rich malls like Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade, resistance from village merchants and fear of gang violence. The closure of the Regent will leave only Westwood's two original 1930s movie palaces, the Fox Village and the Bruin, at the corner of Broxton and Weyburn avenues. They are gorgeous theaters but, frankly, they don't do a lot of business. Both are Regency theatres these days. The only other nearby movie options are outside of Westwood Village proper. The iPic is in the former Avco Cinemas space on Wilshire Boulevard. The Crest (originally the Uclan) on Westwood Boulevard south of Wilshire no longer does new-release movie runs but schedules special events. The makeover of the Broxton Avenue space where the Regent is located will be guided by Nadel Architects. Repurposing of space and storefronts is a Westwood Village tradition. For instance, the Peet's Coffee and 800 Degrees Pizzeria at Westwood Boulevard and Lindbrook Avenue are located in a former Ralphs grocery that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been the home of a lot of different retail uses through the years. The former Ralphs space also includes the long-closed Festival cinema. Just last week, the Los Angeles Conservancy announced it will give a 2017 Preservation Award to the restoration of an original 1930 Westwood Village gem, the Kinross Cornerstone Building at Gayley and Kinross avenues. The Spanish Colonial Revival building with Churrigueresque ornamentation was designed by legendary Los Angeles architect Stiles O. Clements, but its original beauty had been hidden by awnings and other modifications. The rehab was led by Nadel Architects, the same firm that will be involved with the Regent. "The rehabilitation of the Kinross Cornerstone Building serves as an inspiration for other projects," the Conservancy says. "It proves that, with a bit of love and care, a building can survive to serve future generations. Also: Jurgensen's sign a Westwood history artifact Police in Malaysia on Wednesday said the two women accused of murdering Kim Jong-nam in Kuala Lumpur knowingly handled the poison with their bare hands. Malaysian police chief Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters that Doan Thi Huong and Siti Aisyah coated their hands with the toxic chemical and wiped them on Kim's face before running to wash them in the bathroom of Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Malaysian police chief Khalid Abu Bakar gestures at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. /Reuters-Yonhap "We strongly believe it is a planned thing and they have been trained to do that. It is not something like just shooting a movie or a play thing," Abu Bakar said. He added that the two women were given the liquid by one of four North Korean suspects who have since fled to Pyongyang. The police chief added that airport surveillance camera footage showed one of the women moving away after the attack, with her hands held up away from her body "towards the washroom." He added, "So she knew very well that it is toxic and she has to wash her hands." The women were also spotted on CCTV practicing the move at shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur. But experts raised questions about the police analysis. For instance, Kim Jong-nam is not seen in CCTV footage wiping his face or eyes after the attack. Japan's Fuji TV, which obtained the footage, quoted an expert as saying, "A person instinctively wipes his eyes or face even if only a small amount of water is sprayed on them, but Kim Jong-nam did not make such moves." One source said, "While the suspects drew Kim Jong-nam's attention by rubbing his face, a poisoned needle may have been used for the actual attack." Medical experts are also skeptical that a deadly toxin could enter the body only through someone's face but not the hands. Park Sung-hwan, a forensic specialist at Korea University, said, "I've never heard of a toxin that is rubbed on a person's face to make the victim inhale it." And Kim Yoo-hoon, a doctor who used to work for the National Forensic Service, said, "Judging by how the hands of the assailants and Kim Jong-nam's face are not damaged, the toxin does not appear to have been acidic or corrosive. I've never seen a toxin that is harmless to your hands but fatal when rubbed on the face." But others speculate that the poison may have been highly volatile and evaporated quickly after inhalation, leaving no traces on the skin. "If an entirely new chemical had been created or a compound of existing ones used to create a toxin, it may be difficult for police to discover traces," Kim said. Read this article in Korean PRESS RELEASE Defense Minister Hits Color Revolutions and NATO in Moscow Speech Feb. 22, 2017 (EIRNS)Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu delivered a wide ranging address to a meeting of the All-Russian Youth Forum in the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, titled "International military-political and military-economic cooperation: modern tendencies." "Relations between the states become more and more strained," Shoigu reported at the outset, according to the transcript posted on the Russian Defense Ministry website. "The attempts of the U.S.-led West to impede the establishment of a new fair world order are leading to growing chaos, anarchy and meet protests in many countries." International institutions are unstable and terrorism remains a worldwide threat, Shoigu said. "Under these conditions, it is necessary to unite efforts of public and social institutions to provide protection of national interests and strengthening of defence of this country," he continued. "Here, the development of the Strategic Nuclear Forces remains the absolute priority. Russian nuclear weapons guarantee deterrence of any aggression from any foreign country." Modernization of the nuclear forces, therefore, remains a high priority. However, the future role of nuclear weapons in deterring a potential aggressor will decrease. "Primarily, it will be decreased due to development of high-precision weapons," he said. "The impact potential of our high-precision weapons will increase by 4 times to 2021." Shoigu went on to describe the accomplishments of the Russian military in Syria, to include the provision of humanitarian aid and the spread of the reconciliation process. He said that, as a result of the Russian Aerospace Forces operations, "Chain of the colored revolutions replicated in the Middle Eastern and African countries has been interrupted." Shoigu then hit NATO very hard: "As for relations with NATO, the leadership of the Alliance continues rejecting all forms of practical cooperation with the Russian party," he said. "Instead of joining efforts to fight the common evilinternational terrorism, the NATO claimed Russia to be the main threat and continues building up its military potential near our borders. The NATO has significantly increased the number of military exercises held in Eastern Europe, Baltic Sea and Black Sea. Most of them have anti-Russia character." "Intelligence activity of the NATO countries has been intensified along the Russian borders. Within last 10 years, total number of reconnaissance aviation flights near the Russian borders has been increased by almost 3 times, in the south-west of Russia by 8 times. In comparison, 107 such flights were carried out in the 90s, in the 2000s 298, and in 2016 852 ones," Shoigu went on. "We have been registering NATOs ships armed with missiles in the Black Sea more and more frequently. The missile defense system of the United States in Europe has been put on a level of initial operational readiness." He noted that the combined military budgets of all of the NATO states are in the range of $900 billion, more than ten times Russias military spending. Despite all of this, however, "we are ready to establish equitable dialogue with Brussels about all topical issues of global and regional security," he said. PRESS RELEASE UN Ambassador Haley: U.S. Sanctions on Russia Will Remain in Place Until Russia Gives Crimea Back to Ukraine Feb. 22, 2017 (EIRNS)U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley delivered a speech to the UN Security Council, yesterday, that could have been written by her predecessor, or even in Kiev. During a discussion on security in Europe that was chaired by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin, Haley characterized the Maidan coup of three years ago as protestors demanding "freedom, democracy, and respect for the rule of law," who "succeeded in creating a new Ukraine." Ever since, she claimed, Russia has been intent on trying "to prevent the change that the Ukrainian people demanded." They did this by "occupying" Crimea and fomenting separatist conflict in the Donbass region. "The United States thinks its possible to have a better relationship with Russia. After all, we confront many of the same threats. But greater cooperation with Russia cannot come at the expense of the security of our European friends and allies. That is why the United States calls on Russia to respect Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity. That is why we continue to urge Russia to show a commitment to peace by fully implementing the commitments under the Minsk agreements and ending its occupation of Crimea," Haley said. PRESS RELEASE Planning Underway for March Meeting of North Korean Government Officials and Former U.S. Officials Feb. 22, 2017 (EIRNS)The Washington Post, New York Times, and other media have reported that a group of former U.S. officials with experience in Korean affairs are planning a "Track 1.5" meeting with North Korean government officials in New York City in March. The group, organized by Donald S. Zagoria of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, who was a consultant on Asia during the Carter administration, has organized previous rounds of such talks since 2003. But this would be the first in New York in five years, because Barack Obama refused to allow them, as part of his "strategic patience" policy toward the Northwhich was essentially to build up military forces and impose more and more sanctions until he could get a "regime change" war started. President Trump has refused to issue denunciations against the North, even after a recent missile test which provoked all the geopoliticians to scream for more hostile acts against Pyongyang. Trump famously said he would like to have a hamburger with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson discussed the North Korean issue in a discussion with leading Chinese official Yang Jiechi on Tuesday. The State Department has yet to issue visas to the North Korean officials, but The New York Times quoted Evans Revere, a former top East Asia hand at the State Department under several administrations, saying: "If the visas are issued, it will be a clear message that the Trump administration is prepared to go the extra mile and engage North Korea." Sputnik today quotes Alexander Vorontsov, head of the Korean department of the Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of Far Eastern Studies, who said that Lauren Elkins Flaneuse, part cultural history, part personal memoir, fervently celebrates women who have asserted their freedom and sharpened their identities by taking to urban streets whether on solitary, exploratory rambles or amid crowds of demonstrators. Although Elkins book went to press before the massive, global womens rights marches that followed President Trumps inauguration, she couldnt have invoked a more apt postscript. Elkin, like so many American college students, fell in love with Paris during a semester abroad from Barnard in the late 1990s. She returned a few years later for graduate studies and eventually decided to live there permanently. After growing up in the isolating, soul-sapping car culture of suburban Long Island, she was charmed by Paris sense of history and nostalgia. Exploring the city on foot through Montparnasse and beyond, Elkin fancied herself a flaneuse, a female version of that classic Parisian figure, the flaneur an aimless wanderer and observer, walking for no particular reason. Yet she was surprised to learn that scholars have mostly dismissed the idea of a female flaneur; flaneur-ing, as she somewhat awkwardly calls it, was traditionally the prerogative of well-to-do men. In the 19th century, women out walking were more likely servants headed to market, or streetwalkers. Advertisement Elkin is certainly not the first to rue these sexual divisions, or to rail against the implicit notion that a penis were a requisite walking appendage, like a cane. But by focusing on six writers and artists George Sand, Virginia Woolf, Jean Rhys, Agnes Varda, Sophie Calle and Martha Gellhorn whose life trajectories were deeply influenced by their soles-to-the-pavement, eyes-on-the-street engagement with cities, her book makes a forceful case for the genderless joy and vital importance of striking out for the territory on foot. Following a growing trend in intellectual history, Flaneuse interweaves the authors personal story with that of her subjects. Other recent examples of these personally inflected studies include Sarah Bakewells At the Existentialist Cafe, Katie Roiphes The Violet Hour, Elizabeth Hawes Camus, a Romance and John Kaags American Philosophy. Reminders of a writers personal stake in her subject along with the relative intimacy of first-person memoir help offset potential dryness. But integrating the personal and scholarly can be tricky, and Elkins book occasionally suffers from tonal inconsistencies between research-heavy passages that read almost as if they were repurposed academic papers or lectures, and doleful accounts of the authors soul-scarring love affairs. Which is not to say that Elkins odyssey lacks interest. For starters, her astute portrait of suburban Long Island and the relief she felt on leaving it provides an apposite segue into her studies of two women in particular, Jean Rhys and George Sand, who also felt liberated upon moving to Paris. Elkin identifies with aspects of each of her subjects, extracting examples from their life and work that relate to her own experiences and feelings. With Jean Rhys, nee Ella Gwendolen Rees Williams in the West Indies in 1890, the unhappy relationships that fueled her novels whose plots Elkin relays in excessive detail provoke thoughts about the addictive pleasure of despair and Elkins misguided, insulting relationship with a Jewish Patrick Dempsey, for whom she was not Jewish enough. George Sand was the pen name of Amandine Lucile Aurore Dupin, born in 1804. She was an everyday radical who challenged received notions of morality when she left her husband to live with a lover in Paris, where, cross-dressed, she was able to wander freely in disguise. Elkins fascination with Sand lies less in her sentimental novels and famous lovers (Alfred de Musset, Frederic Chopin) than in her role in the Paris uprisings of 1830 and 1848. For Elkin, public demonstrations are another salubrious aspect of urban living. She writes, We need the mass movements, we need people to get together and marchYou show yourself. You toss in your chips. You walk. A recurrent theme of Flaneuse is the pull between wandering and settling, illustrated most vividly with war journalist Martha Gellhorns story. Hemingways third wife, Elkin writes, turned flanerie into testimony, but she pinged between extremes of free-range activity and domesticity, often painfully. Elkin, too, does some pinging. She follows a boyfriend from Paris to Tokyo, which makes her feel powerless and lonely. A month in Venice to research a novel doesnt warrant the dull chapter she devotes to it. Time tracing Virginia Woolfs tracks in London is better spent. Flaneuse, in keeping with its peripatetic subject, jumps around, sometimes disorientingly: one paragraph, were deep in the filmography of nouvelle vague director Agnes Varda, the next were confronted with Elkins visa and job uncertainties. One moment, were in New York, the next, here is back in Paris, months (or is it years?) later, married and pregnant. Elkin demonstrates her academic chops with a rich mix of references to Baudelaire, Rebecca Solnit, Walter Benjamin, Joan Didion, Jean-Luc Godard. She also doesnt shy from bold, sometimes debatable pronouncements: There is no sharper truth than that of fiction, she claims. Back in New York, she sees only two speeds of life married or very, very young, which makes me want to urge her to look harder, and not just through the lens of her own preoccupations. But Flaneuse is a stimulating read whose itinerary ranges from wanderlust and space as a feminist issue to self-definition in connection with a specific place. For Elkin, her chosen home is Paris, yet New York is still part of her identity. Not everyone, alas, male or female, has such freedom to choose. In addition to the Los Angeles Times, Heller McAlpin reviews books regularly for NPR.org, the Washington Post and other publications. Flaneuse Lauren Elkin Farrar, Straus and Giroux: 336 pp., $27 If you want to understand the forces and more to the point, the grievances that gave rise to Measure S, the anti-development initiative that will appear on the March 7 ballot in Los Angeles, you have to go back to the 1980s. That was the decade Angelenos finally rebelled in significant numbers against the headlong growth that had defined the city since the tail end of the 19th century. That backlash began as early as the 1960s; Richard Lillards book Eden in Jeopardy, published in 1966, lamented a Los Angeles that in rushing from one brilliant improvisation to another, valuing means, neglecting ends had become a city that reflexively favored the politically expedient over the historic past. As a relentless pace of construction and expansion continued, with apartment buildings crowding out single-family houses on residential blocks and new office towers popping up on formerly low- or mid-rise boulevards, especially on the Westside, even some champions of growth decided theyd had enough. Advertisement Anti-development activists crowned their efforts with Proposition U, which appeared on the ballot in November 1986 and called for significantly reducing the size and height of new buildings across a wide swath of the city a process urban planners call down-zoning. The Times, in an editorial, came out against it; the same week the papers op-ed page published a defense of the measure by Barbara S. Blinderman, a land-use attorney, and Laura M. Lake, an adjunct professor at UCLA, founders of a slow-growth group called Not Yet New York. Prop. U passed by a wide margin. Its caps on development which were originally aimed at commercial projects but have over time restricted the production of housing as well remain in effect. Others have been added over the years in the form of historic preservation overlay zones HPOZs and other restrictions on what can be built where. According to one recent study, the housing stock in the L.A. metro area grew by only 20% between 1980 and 2010, compared with 54% in the typical U.S. metro area. To keep home prices from rising faster in L.A. than the rest of the country, the study concluded, we would have had to produce a million more residential units over that 30-year period than we actually did. Yet here we are on the eve of another vote on a slow-growth measure. Measure S calls for, among other changes, a two-year moratorium on developments requiring an amendment to the citys general plan, as well as a permanent ban on such projects on sites smaller than 15 acres. A Feb. 11 Times editorial recommended a no vote, concluding that Measure S would worsen the housing shortage. Meanwhile recent pieces on development battles by my colleague David Zahniser have quoted the same Laura Lake, now identified as a board member of a group called Fix the City. The appearance by Lake in those articles is one of many signs that the foes of development in Los Angeles are not just fighting a 30-year-old battle but a 30-year-old battle that they won and keep on winning. (What was it Donald Trump said? Were going to win so much you may even get tired of winning? Yeah, that.) Measure S makes the case that existing limits on development are too lenient, or have left too many loopholes, and that more are urgently needed. It is also an argument as its focus on protecting parking spaces makes clear for safeguarding a Los Angeles organized around the car and the single-family subdivision. It is no coincidence that the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the major financial backer of Measure S, also spent money opposing last falls countywide transit initiative, Measure M. Why the AIDS Healthcare Foundation is spending its time and money fighting battles over land-use and transportation policy is of course a separate, and excellent, question. The central complaint of Measure S backers is that L.A.s community plans, which guide development across the city, are out of date. Ostensibly the measure calls for a mere breather, a break in large-scale development while the city rewrites those plans. But when Hollywood tried to update its community plan in 2012, producing a document that called for taller buildings along commercial corridors and near Metro stations and in general was designed to reflect contemporary L.A., three groups including Fix the City sued successfully to stop it. This is the basic hypocrisy that the authors of Measure S and other slow-growth advocates cant argue away. (Lake, for her part, told me she hasnt publicly announced a position on Measure S.) Many say theyre in favor of updating the community plans but fought to block one that didnt match their vision of low-rise, essentially suburban Los Angeles. SIGN UP for the free Essential Arts & Culture newsletter The original name of Measure S, the Neighborhood Integrity Initiative, laid bare those priorities. (What, the Neighborhood Purity Initiative wasnt available?) So did the decision by its authors to move the measure from last falls ballot to March, an election-shopping move that will avoid the younger, more diverse electorate an electorate of renters as opposed to homeowners that goes to the polls in November. In my view what the chief Measure S backers seek is not so much to untangle the planning knot in Los Angeles as to maintain the scale and character of the postwar (as opposed to the 21st century) city. The unchanging nature of that blueprint has frustrated those of us who would like to see a Los Angeles where its easier to build new housing. But it has been an absolute boon to certain groups over the years: the small number of developers who know how to curry favor with the City Council, since whatever housing they manage to build instantly gains value in a landscape where supply is kept artificially low; councilmembers themselves (and their planning deputies); and the land-use attorneys with the expertise to navigate our planning maze. All hold exaggerated power in the current system, which lets be clear is profoundly broken. The blueprint has also been a boon surprise! to many of those continuing to lead the charge against denser development: homeowners who have seen the value of their properties jump 30, 40 or even 50 times since the 1970s as well as the professional NIMBYs who often demand and receive windfall payments from developers. There is of course more than a little overlap between those last two groups. A 2013 story on Curbed reported that the La Mirada Avenue Neighborhood Assn., which joined Fix the City in suing to block the Hollywood update, was paid $250,000 in a legal settlement with a developer over plans to build condos at the corner of Melrose Avenue and Larchmont Boulevard, with the money to be used as La Mirada sees fit. Developers and planners say such agreements are common, though their details are often kept secret by confidentiality agreements. Its enough to make you wonder: Is Measure S really about reform? I think its better understood as a sophisticated delay tactic, an attempt to throw one more wrench into an already jammed planning process in hopes of protecting a status quo thats been in place since 1986, if not longer. If youre interested in learning more about Measure S and housing policy in Los Angeles, please join me at 7:30 p.m. March 1 at the Architecture and Design Museum downtown for a free panel discussion featuring former L.A. planning director Gail Goldberg, USCs Manuel Pastor and others. Details and registration: www.oxy.edu/ThirdLA christopher.hawthorne@latimes.com Twitter: @HawthorneLAT ALSO Netflix bets on a new design series and architect Bjarke Ingels What does building George Lucas museum at Exposition Park say about L.A.? Vespertine, a new Culver City restaurant from chef Jordan Kahn, will combine food and architecture Mega-mansions in this L.A. suburb used to sell to Chinese buyers in days. Now theyre sitting empty for months The touring production of Finding Neverland, about how J.M. Barrie came to write Peter Pan in the early 1900s, may well inspire a new generation of young playwrights. The highly romanticized musical, directed by Tony winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, The Gershwins Porgy and Bess, Hair) and now at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, makes writing look like a nonstop thrill ride, not to mention a great workout and a probing form of therapy. Barrie (Billy Harrigan Tighe) is a successful playwright who never sits at a desk. Its not clear that he even carries a pen. One day, in a bit of a creative slump, he meets the four fatherless Llewelyn Davies boys and their lovely, widowed, coughing mother, Sylvia (Christine Dwyer) in Londons Kensington Park. Joining in their make-believe games reawakens Barries own imagination, which whisks him off to Neverland (courtesy of Scott Pasks pretty set and Jon Driscolls sumptuous projections). The next thing Barrie knows, hes got a sheaf of pages and a hit play. True, the process takes a bit longer than Barries producer, a font of one-liners named Charles Frohman (the charming Tom Hewitt, channeling Kelsey Grammer, who played the role on Broadway) would like. Frohman criticizes Barries drafts, at one point shaking his walking cane in the writers face and saying, You dont even have a villain! A spotlight casts the shadow of the canes handle, and soon Captain Hook (also played by Hewitt, with a generous helping of ham) bursts out of Barries subconscious, claiming to be his dark alter ego and growling insightful script notes in his pirates brogue: Children love to be scared. They just dont know it yet! Advertisement In this moment, the audience is invited to experience the transformation of life into art, that mysterious alchemy by which a fleeting impression can become an enduring myth. Finding Neverland, based on the 2004 Marc Foster film starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, is filled with clues, like a detective story, designed to resonate with Peter Pan lovers and make us feel complicit in dreaming up the story of the boy who refused to grow up. At a stuffy dinner party thrown by Barries shrill, child-hating wife, Mary (Crystal Kellogg), the irrepressible Peter Llewellyn Davies (Ben Krieger) reflects a dancing light onto the wall with his spoon: Theres Tinkerbell! Peter Pans prepubescent yearnings for Wendy are inspired by Barries feelings for Sylvia. The conceit that every fictional invention is a spin on a real-life event clearly appeals to Harvey Weinstein, producer of the film and the musical. (Finding Neverland was his first Broadway outing as lead producer.) And it certainly is appealing to think that any of us could write a great play if we just dressed up our autobiographies with buccaneer paraphernalia. The ability to do so is described by James Grahams book and Gary Barlow & Eliot Kennedys score as imagination, and Barrie spends much of his time onstage frantically urging everyone else to use it. After the show, I was surprised to see that only one musical number is actually titled My Imagination, as the word is sung throughout, often in strained rhyme with invitation. SIGN UP for the free Essential Arts & Culture newsletter The horror of passersby whenever Barrie invites them to his imagination shows us that he inhabits an imagination-hating age; without him, it seems, imagination might go extinct. Yet the more he sings about it, the more nebulous the term becomes. What is imagination? Not, evidently, a function of the human brain. It involves pirates beyond that, I couldnt tell you. In fact, the whole battle for imagination may be a red herring to distract us from the deeper flaw in Finding Neverland, which Frohman could have diagnosed: It doesnt have a villain. Yes, multiple would-be villains present themselves, but the story seems so afraid of bringing us down that it makes the villains reassuringly silly or converts them to friends often during the course of one song. Mary seems like a promising foil initially, resenting her husbands new friends and flirting with a fop, so he divorces her. The actors in Frohmans company are scandalized by the whimsy of Peter Pan. Plays shouldnt involve flying, or dogs, or crocodiles that swallow clocks, they protest. (Really? Theyre actors.) But as soon as Frohman, good at heart despite his profit motives, reminds them that a play is about playing, they get on board. Not even mortality has a chance against Barries imagination here. The boys have recently lost their father, and Sylvia coughs so much that she cant attend opening night of Peter Pan. So Barrie arranges for the play to be performed for her in the very nursery that inspired it, incorporating a breathtaking death scene just for her. Amid a cascade of glittering pixie dust, shes ushered out into the starry night by the laughing green-clad sprite, leaving only her lacy shawl twirling in the breeze. Nobody seems that broken up afterward, maybe because it was such a lovely way to go. Or maybe because the plays real love story is between Barrie and the troubled but sweet Peter Llewelyn Davies. This is an implication that Finding Neverland so scrupulously avoids, even when Barrie is climbing into the boys nursery window late at night, that it seems uncharitable to bring it up here. We can accept that the late-Victorian era had far more tolerance for middle-aged bachelors gamboling with children, but we cant entirely quash the uneasiness the phenomenon provokes. The bombastic cheerfulness of Finding Neverland does its best to distract us from the darkness at the heart of Peter Pan: Its a story about orphans and grieving mothers. If only the creative team were willing to let the secret sorrow and pain grab hold of us. Finding Neverland When: 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays, through March 12 at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. Also playing March 21 to April 2 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Cost: $35 and up at the Pantages; $29 and up at Segerstrom Info: www.HollywoodPantages.com, www.scfta.org Running time: 2 hours, 40 minutes Follow The Times arts team @culturemonster. ALSO Fun Home composer Jeanine Tesori hears the music in everyday life The Humans and David Henry Hwang musical lead Ahmansons 2017-18 season Geffen Playhouse announces 2017-18 season with Neil LaBute, Tyne Daly Come From Away, Amelie and the long road from West Coast to Broadway Balls, the opera about Billie Jean Kings Battle of the Sexes UPDATES: 11:30 a.m. Feb. 27: This article was updated with show dates and ticket information for Segerstrom Center for the Arts. When the LA Art Book Fair landed at the Museum of Contemporary Arts branch in Little Tokyo in 2013, staff at the museum told organizers to expect 5,000 people over the course of the three-day event. Well, we got 5,000 people on opening night, says curator Shannon Cane, who oversees the Los Angeles fair, along with its more established East Coast sibling, the New York Art Book Fair, which are organized by the arts nonprofit Printed Matter. It was a crazy thing we just didnt expect. Fast forward five years and the LA Art Book Fair is bigger than ever. The fair, which kicks off with a special preview bash on Thursday evening at MOCA s Geffen branch, is expected to draw anywhere from 35,000 to 40,000 attendees to peruse the offerings from 350 exhibitors from 30 countries, including Japan, Mexico and Spain. On display will be the wide range of books that make up art books: sleek monographs, weighty art historical tomes and handmade artist specials. In addition, AA Bronson, the artist who first kicked off the fair in New York more than a decade ago, will be in the house on Saturday evening at 5 to talk about his life in artists books. Its like a mini-homecoming, says Cane. A view of the LA Art Book Fair in 2016. (Casey Winkleman / LAABF) This year, as always, there will be oodles of books, as well as performances, music, readings and all manner of ancillary events. In fact, the fair has even attracted another fair: The alternative art book fair called Nah the sort of barnacle-style programming that is typical of art fairs, though less common in book circles. With so much happening over the course of a few days, it can be dizzying to sort through the options. Here are eight booths and events that will get the book party started: Special preview party Everything gets rolling on Thursday evening with a special event featuring musical performances by artist and musician Seth Bogart, as well as the inimitable Kembra Pfahler, the renowned frontwoman of the glam-punk band the Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black . The first 2,000 visitors (either prepaid or at the door) will get a special edition poster created by artist and filmmaker Mike Mills and the graphic design studio Experimental Jetset that features the tallies of the popular vote in the most recent U.S. presidential election. Because we could all use a reminder of that. Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission $10. LAABF, MOCA Geffen, 152 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles. A look back at Teen Angels The fair features 10 different exhibitions related to books, zines and artists books. Perhaps the most significant will be the show devoted to Teen Angels magazine, the 80s-era Chicano magazine produced and distributed by a reclusive artist who went only by the nickname Teen Angel. The magazine was known for featuring everything from barrio art to graffiti to photography to the fashions of the era and for only being available in mom-and-pop shops, since no chain store would carry it. An early edition of Teen Angels magazine created in memory of Chicano car customizer Memo Ortega. (Teen Angels and Kill Your Idols) David De Baca, a curator of the exhibition, which is being co-presented by LAABF, Teen Angels and the publishing company Kill Your Idols, says that for many years, no one knew what had become of Teen Angel. When I started looking around trying to find the guy, there were all of these urban legends, he recalls. Some people said he had moved to Mexico. Some said he was locked up. Someone said he was living in San Jose. De Baca finally found the man actually a white artist named David Holland living in San Bernardino. De Baca, with Bryan Ray Turcotte of Kill Your Idols, now manage aspects of Hollands archive (the artist died in 2015) and will be displaying original cover art, vintage magazines and other ephemera in a display area constructed to look like Hollands studio. On sale will be a new limited edition Teen Angels book, which gathers the cover art from the first 180 issues. On Friday at 5 p.m., De Baca and Turcotte will gather to discuss the magazines legacy. LAABF, MOCA Geffen, 152 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles, laartbookfair.net. Favorite things A decade ago, visual artists Jonn Herschend and Will Rogan launched an arts publication that consisted of publishing objects instead of books. For each edition, a guest artist creates something utilitarian perhaps a shower curtain or a pair of glasses which The Thing, as their imprint is known, releases to subscribers on a quarterly basis. Well, what once seemed like a curious lark is now marking 10 years of existence. At the fair they will be selling Issue 32 of The Thing, a poncho designed by Experimental Jetset that bears the word NO or ON depending on how you want to spin your current emotional or political state of being. On Saturday at 2 p.m., the publication will also present a discussion with writer Jonathan Lethem and L.A. artists Amanda Ross-Ho and Ricky Swallow about objects that carry significance for them. LAABF, MOCA Geffen, 152 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles, thethingquarterly.com and laartbookfair.net. The Thing Quarterly will feature this wearable protest piece designed by Experimental Jetset. (Anna-Alexia Basile / The Thing) (Anna-Alexia Basile / ) Separately, they will be celebrating their 10th anniversary with a bash at the Standard Hotel with music, ping pong and free beer (for the first hour). Saturday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., 550 S. Flower St., downtown Los Angeles, thethingquarterly.com. City of writers The L.A. Municipal Art Gallery in Hollywood has a show on view, Ours is a City of Writers, that explores the act of writing through objects and texts. To coincide with the art book fair, they are hosting a series of public events Saturday that explore writing in its myriad forms, including a discussion led by Kim Schoen and Ginny Cook, the artists behind the journal Material, and a wild performance by A.L. Steiner that will draw comparisons between academia and the president. In between, expect DJ sets. Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. at the L.A. Municipal Art Gallery, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, lamag.org. Cassettes and Instagram portraits New Portraits, a book by artist Richard Prince featuring appropriated images from Instagram. ( Richard Prince and Blum & Poe) Culver City gallerists Blum & Poe are unveiling a number of new goodies at their booth this year, including a specially commissioned artist audio series. The first volume consists of a pair of cassette tapes produced by painter Theodora Allen and collage artist Linder (the latter done in collaboration with the artists son, Max Sterling). Also on sale will be the new book Richard Prince: New Portraits, which is comprised of the artists controversial appropriations of Instagram images. The book is screw-bound and comes in a special bubble wrap case. Industrial chic! LAABF, MOCA Geffen, 152 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles. Alternative art book fair Because one art book fair isnt enough, the 2-year-old Nah Fair has set up just a block away from MOCA Geffen, with an anti-authoritarian selection of zines, performances and chats with a focus on queer projects and items produced by small presses and people of color. There will be talks, too, covering encrypted communications, feminism and gentrification in Boyle Heights. There are also performances organized by the Descontrol punk shop from downtown Los Angeles. The fair runs Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 9 p.m. 374 E. 2nd St., downtown Los Angeles, www.nah.world. A political zine Painters Raymond Pettibon and Marcel Dzama have teamed up on a limited edition zine that takes on the political situation and whose proceeds will go to the ACLU. The 36-page zine, available at the David Zwirner Books booth, features the detailed ink works for which both artists are known, riffing on Donald Trump et al. in ways that are both dark and humorous. Zwirner Books will also have copies of their recently published Donald Judd Writings. A talk about this new title, with Flavin Judd and artists Caitlin Murray and Matias Viegener, will take place on Friday at 1 p.m. at the fair. MOCA Geffen, 152 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles, davidzwirnerbooks.com. An image from a new zine collaboration between painters Marcel Dzama and Raymond Pettibon, for sale at the LA Art Book Fair (Marcel Dzama and Raymond Pettibon / David Zwirner Books) (Marcel Dzama and Raymond Pettibon / David Zwirner Books) Arty tattoo parlor Last year, Gagosian Gallery featured a conceptual record store that carried records about records. This year, the gallery is transforming its booth into a tattoo parlor, where artists from the popular Shamrock Social Club tattoo shop in Hollywood will provide real deal limited edition tats designed by a whos who of Southern California artistes. This includes designs by visual artists Henry Taylor and Analia Saban, musician Mark Mothersbaugh and filmmaker Kenneth Anger. A tattoo design by Mark Mothersbaugh, for Gagosian Gallery at the LA Art Book Fair. (Mark Mothersbaugh / Gagosian) Ben Lee Ritchie Handler, who devised the installation, says there will be plenty of art books on hand too including special booklets that gather all of the artist tattoo designs. But the tattoos will offer a new way to collect art. My body is my temple, he jokes. My body is my museum. My body is my collecting institution! Its an art purchase you hopefully wont regret. Appointments are walk-in or can be made in advance via the website. LAABF, MOCA Geffen, 152 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles, gagosian.com. + + + The L.A. Art Book Fair opens Friday at 1 p.m. and runs through Sunday at 6 p.m. Admission is free. MOCA Geffen, 152 N. Central Ave., downtown Los angeles, laartbookfair.net and moca.org. Sign up for our weekly Essential Arts & Culture newsletter carolina.miranda@latimes.com @cmonstah A young architecture student pulls up a rendering of a triangular city block on a projector in an unassuming office space at the edge of Mexico Citys Colonia Juarez district. The best corner is occupied by a McDonalds, he says, gesturing at the schematic on the screen. I would start by demolishing the McDonalds. The statement is greeted with a laugh by the two dozen architecture students from Mexico and the United States who are part of a bi-national initiative launched last year by the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) in Los Angeles. Theyre in Colonia Juarez on this sunny Friday in early February to present ideas for how the districts fallow structures and underused lots might be transformed into units of affordable housing. Advertisement For students who hail from the U.S. especially Southern California the sprawling urban context of Mexico City and its varied neighborhoods offers a familiar model to study. Like Los Angeles, Mexico City has a lot of infill, says architect Francisco Pardo, who is on the faculty at SCI-Arc as well as Mexicos Universidad Iberoamericana, and coordinates the SCI-Arc Mexico initiative. Its a lot of different little cities that form one big city. Even so, the cities are at different development stages. With 21 million people, [Mexico City] is much larger than Los Angeles, says architect and SCI-Arc Vice Director John Enright. But it has similar problems having to do with pollution, traffic, housing. At an urban level, it is the much more dense kind of city that maybe Los Angeles is starting to approach. If Mexico City is a middle aged city and L.A. is an adolescent city, there might be things that we learn. Architect Francisco Pardo (seated, with beard), of Mexico Citys Universidad Iberoamericana, listens to student presentations at a joint studio session with SCI-Arc. (Carolina A. Miranda / Los Angeles Times) To that end, Enright and Pardo have brought together their respective students from SCI-Arc and the Universidad Iberoamericana to study Colonia Juarez block-by-block as a group. As part of the assignment, they are tackling questions of urban renewal and affordable housing an issue that is as hot a button in Mexico City as it is in Los Angeles. SCI-Arc Mexico launched well before the U.S. presidential election and Donald Trumps assumption of power. But the current political climate, filled with news of border walls and travel bans, makes the exchange feel more vital. For this months gathering, U.S. students spent two weeks in Mexico City doing research. In the spring, the Mexican students will travel to SCI-Arc to meet with their U.S. colleagues and have their final projects reviewed by a jury of architects. This intensive time together will allow students from both nations to share knowledge and design approaches. Travel has always been an integral part of SCI-Arcs curriculum. But SCI-Arc Mexico represents a more profound commitment to engaging issues of design and urbanism in Latin America. For SCI-Arc, its not just about scheduling the occasional trip. Its about maintaining a regular presence in the city including an office where students and faculty can gather and work. Its three-fold, Enright says of the initiatives goals. Our students at SCI-Arc will have a place to visit when they are in Mexico City, a home base. Its a place to outreach to Mexican architects and potential students who might want to learn about SCI-Arc. And its a venue for exhibitions, symposia and other programming for SCI-Arc faculty and scholars. In conjunction with this exchange, the school has also developed a fellowship, geared at Mexican nationals, who want to complete their graduate studies at SCI-Arc in the U.S. The program occupies space in the same office building where the Mexico City-based Pardo, founder of Francisco Pardo Arquitectos, maintains his private studio. (The building, once a corporate headquarters, now functions as a design hub, with private architectural offices and high-end furniture design ateliers.) Its an interchange that provides a unique learning opportunity for students from all sides. For the Mexican students, its a huge learning curve, Pardo says. Theyre used to more classic training, a more 19th century style, where they present their work, the faculty grades it and then thats that. But in the U.S. system, they receive critiques from architects, they have to present to a jury, they have to defend their work. That matures them a lot. And for the U.S. students, its important seeing a city like Mexico City. They can see the social question. SCI-Arc is very experimental, but sometimes the social question gets left out. Here, that is very important. Not every building is a new museum in Los Angeles. There are a lot of other things that go on. Administrations come and go, but ideas have longer legs. John Enright, SCI-Arc A student takes notes at a design studio held jointly by SCI-Arc and the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City. (Carolina A. Miranda / Los Angeles Times) SCI-Arc Mexico which is not a full-fledged school, but more of a satellite programming hub is part of an ongoing series of such spaces being developed by SCI-Arc around the world. Already, the school has a similar initiative in Shanghai. And this fall, Enright expects to open the doors on SCI-Arc Bogota, in Colombia. Architecture is global, and SCI-Arc is global, Enright says. We have 56% international students from 40 different countries. And Mexico City offers some interesting architectural case studies from which to learn. The citys urban landscape includes everything from the remnants of pre-Columbian pyramids to the ground-breaking Modernist work of figures such as Luis Barragan. The history of Colonia Juarez, for instance, is written in its buildings: Beaux Arts structures and Empire-style manses that date back to the districts settlement in the late 19th century rub shoulders with modern office buildings that arrived after the area was engulfed by greater Mexico City in the 20th century. Once upon a time, Colonia Juarez was prestigious; then it was not as well-to-do residents fled to tonier developments in the late 20th century and earthquakes took their toll. There are layers of architecture literally, says Pardo. Los Angeles is younger, so there arent as many layers. The students are peeling back those layers to see how they might create a model that could better serve the citys pressing housing needs a model that might perhaps one day influence approaches to housing and urban infill in Southern California. Even as the political relationship between the U.S. and Mexico grows ever chillier, the program at SCI-Arc is solidifying connections between designers and thinkers on either side of the border. Our beliefs at SCI-Arc have always been one of openness and of open collegial debate, Enright says. Administrations come and go, but ideas have longer legs. Thats our attitude about it. Pardo concurs. Politics dont take into account that these connections, they already exist, he says. Theyve always existed. Sign up for our weekly Essential Arts & Culture newsletter carolina.miranda@latimes.com @cmonstah ALSO In Mexico City, a PST LA/LA presentation becomes a cultural salvo in favor of U.S.-Mexico exchange SCI-Arcs newly announced director sees growth and a global presence Where music meets art: Cafe Tacvba and Santa Cecilia join L.A. Phil to kick off PST LA/LA This week: A coming-of-age tale about a young Nigerian American woman, a Tony-winning musical comedy about murder most foul, and a physical-theater adaptation of a 17th century spiritual epic. The Piano Men: A Tribute to Sir Elton John and Billy Joel With tribute artists Jeffrey Allen and Matthew Banks. Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo. Sun., 3 p.m. $29-$49. (949) 480-4278. Four by Tenn New series of staged readings of classic Tennessee Williams plays launches with Night of the Iguana; with The Newsrooms Alison Pill and Thomas Sadoski. The Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Mon., 8 p.m. $15, $20. (626) 356-7529. Advertisement A Gentlemans Guide to Love & Murder National touring production of this Tony-winning musical about a distant relative who seeks to eliminate his competition for the family fortune. Segerstrom Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tue.-Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.; ends March 5. $29 and up. (714) 556-2787. Mardi Gras Grand Bal Masque Bootleg Theater celebrates its 10th anniversary with monologues, comedy, magic and more; Al Madrigal hosts. Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., L.A. Tue., 7 p.m. $75 (includes food and two drinks). (213) 389-3856. The Blameless Nick Gandiellos new drama about a close-knit family struggling to overcome a painful event in their past. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends March 26. $29 and up. (619) 234-5623. Open Stages Antaeus Theatre Company inaugurates its new venue with a weekend of free workshops, performances, family-friendly events, etc.; details at www.antaeus.org. Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center, 110 E. Broadway, Glendale. Thu.-next Sun., various times. Free. (818) 506-1983. Artificial Flowers Emily Charouhas new psychological drama about two young people exploring their dark sides together; for ages 14 and up. Zombie Joes Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8:30 p.m.; ends March 11. $15. (818) 202-4120 Chiflon, el Silencio del Carbon Puppetry troupe Silencio Blanco uses simple marionettes to tell the tale of a young Chilean miner and his family; presented by CAP UCLA. UCLA Freud Playhouse, 405 Hilgard Ave., Westwood. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m. $49. (310) 825-2101. Disinherit the Wind A present-day neurobiologist challenges Darwins theory of evolution in Matt Chaits courtroom drama. The Complex, Ruby Theatre, 6476 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends April 9. $15, $25. (323) 960-4420. The Highway Men Live Tribute artists salute Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m. $44, $49. (818) 508-4200. Laughter on the 23rd Floor Neil Simons behind-the-scenes comedy about a 1950s TV variety show. Little Fish Theatre, 777 Centre St., San Pedro. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends April 1. $23-$27. (310) 512-6030. Married People: A Comedy Two couples struggle with marriage, sex, parenthood, etc., in Steve Shaffer and Mark Schiffs new play. Zephyr Theatre, 7456 Melrose Ave., L.A. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 8:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends April 2. $35. (323) 451-2813. Paradise Lost: Reclaiming Destiny Not Man Apart presents this physical-theater adaptation of Miltons epic 17th century poem about the fall of Satan, the temptation of Adam and Eve, etc. Greenway Court Theatre, 544 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun. 7 p.m.; ends April 2. $15-$30. (323) 673-0544. Patti Issues & Bad With Money Ben Rimalower explores his obsession with Broadways Patti LuPone and his relationship with his troubled gay father, as well as his spending addiction, in these two separate solo shows. Casita Del Campos Cavern Club Celebrity Theater, 1920 Hyperion Ave., L.A. Patti, Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Money, Fri.-Sat., 9:30 p.m. $35 each; $47.50 for both. www.BenRimalower.com Revolutionary New acoustic rock/rap musical about a group of street musicians on a mission to save the world. Ya Mothas House, 660 N. Heliotrope Drive, L.A. Fri.-next Sun., 8 p.m. $25. www.plays411.com. Rumors A New York deputy mayor has a mishap right before an important dinner party in Neil Simons farce. Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends March 25. $14-$20. (562) 494-1014. Love Allways New series of comedic vignettes, written by Renee Taylor and Joseph Bologna, about romance and relationships. Gray Studios, 5250 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood. Sat., 8 pm.; next Sun., 7:30 p.m. $30, $40. (310) 366-5505. Matthew Morrison The star of Broadway and TVs Glee performs. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine. Sat., 8 p.m. $60-$200. (949) 854-4646. Mufaros Beautiful Daughters Family-friendly fable features African dance, drumming and song; recommended for ages 4 to 8. Samueli Theater, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Sat., 1 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 3:30 p.m.; ends March 5. $20. (714) 755-5799. Still Life West Coast premiere of Oscar winner Alexander Dinelaris drama about a famous photographer who finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads. Rogue Machine, MET Theatre, 1089 N. Oxford Ave, L.A. Sat., 8:30 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends April 23. $40. (855) 585-5185. Good Grief Ngozi Anyanwus new coming-of-age tale about a young Nigerian American woman living in suburban Pennsylvania. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Today, 6:30 p.m.; ends March 26. $25-$70. (213) 628-2772. Hershey Felder: Our Great Tchaikovsky Felder explores the life and work of the 19th century Russian composer in this new show. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Next Sun., 5:30 p.m.; ends March 26. $60-$75. (949) 497-2787. In the Shadow of None Staged readings of monologues in honor of International Womens Day. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, L.A. Next Sun., 6 p.m. Free. (323) 851-7977. Evidence suggests that the North Korean Embassy in Kuala Lumpur was the operational headquarters in the hit on Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Malaysian police on Wednesday said one suspect in the assassination, Hyon Kwang-song (44), is a second secretary at the embassy, while another, Kim Uk-iI (37), works for North Korean flag carrier Air Koryo. Both are apparently holed up at the mission. Malaysian police have told the embassy that the two are wanted for questioning, but chances that it will surrender them are slim. Pyongyang always resorts to grandstanding after its terrorist atrocities and has already blamed South Korea for the murder and accused Malaysia of covering it up, even as it demanded the body be cremated without an autopsy. The North Korean ambassador, probably under great pressure from the regime, is denying the charges, making wild accusations and demanding the release of suspects who have been arrested. It is a familiar pattern, though few previous attacks have been quite so inept. North Korea was behind the Rangoon bombing in 1983 that killed 17 South Koreans, including many government ministers, and the embassy there was the operational headquarters. One of the bombers was arrested and confessed to the crime, but North Korea vehemently denied any involvement. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has said he will take diplomatic measures "step-by-step" to deal with the North and has already recalled the envoy to Pyongyang, leaving open the possibility of severing ties completely. With the very public hit, the North has managed to ruin its relationship with one of the few countries in the world with which it has friendly diplomatic ties. It does not seem to care. Other Southeast Asian governments are apparently monitoring the latest developments because the region is a major playing field of North Korean diplomats-cum-criminals. A majority of ASEAN member nations are now focusing harder on the illegal acts of North Korean diplomats on their soil. The international community needs to teach the North an unforgettable lesson, otherwise the appalling crimes of its henchmen will never stop. After six months of campaigning and cajoling and trying to get City of Stars out of our heads, the Oscars are finally here. So its time for some final predictions for Sundays ceremony. Ready? Somebody will mention Donald Trump. Somebody will cry. Somebody will cry while mentioning Donald Trump. We good? No? OK. There will be exactly eight cuts to Meryl Streep reacting to someone either lavishing praise on her or criticizing Trump. There will be at least six worthy people left off this years in memoriam montage because, after this past year, how could there not? And that particular montage will end with a beautiful shot of Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, filling us with an aching sadness that will make the rest of the evening nay, the entirety of awards shows feel pointless and absurd. Advertisement Oscars 2017: Live updates | Ballots | Nominee portraits | Red carpet Wait what ? You just wanted predictions for your Oscars pool? Geez. Why didnt you say so? La La Land! Repeat it nine times. Add the dynamic duo from Fences and sprinkle in a little Moonlight. And then cut to Meryl, clapping and crying. So here we go, category by category. Lets get started before the orchestra plays us off ... Picture Winner: Weve pretty much covered this, right? A movie doesnt earn a record-tying 14 nominations and not win best picture. If you want to get hammered on Oscars night, choose the words La La Land for your drinking game. Director Winner: Damien Chazelle, La La Land. Voters will want to reward the creative force behind the best picture winner. Lead actor Winner: Denzel Washington, Fences Alternate: Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea This feels like one of those times when the critics favorite who steamrolled through the early part of the awards season gets usurped by a more obvious, broadly appealing choice. (Think Mystic Rivers Sean Penn besting Lost in Translations Bill Murray or Birdman prevailing over Boyhood.) Washingtons imposing work in Fences, acting with a capital A, is the kind of performance that usually prevails over inward turns like Afflecks in Manchester. (Though not always remember Mark Rylance won an Oscar last year for his lovely, understated performance in Bridge of Spies.) To put it another way, adding some historical context: Denzel is probably going to drink Caseys milkshake. Lead actress Winner: Emma Stone, La La Land. Yup. She passed the audition. Supporting actor Winner: Mahershala Ali, Moonlight. A few Oscar pundits are picking Dev Patel to pull off an upset here. While a lot of voters loved Lion, even the movies most die-hard fans have to admit that its first hour the one without Patel is its strongest. Ali, meanwhile, brought a profound tenderness to his Moonlight character, making us empathize with a complicated drug dealer and see such people from a different angle. Supporting actress Winner: Viola Davis, Fences. She pretty much won this from the moment she signed on to reprise her Broadway turn. Adapted screenplay Winner: Moonlight wins for the poetic way writer-director Barry Jenkins told a deeply personal story through the prism of harsh societal realities. Original screenplay Winner: If La La Land wins here, watch out. We could be looking at Oscar history. But more likely, Manchester by the Sea will win its one Oscar for Kenneth Lonergans nimble, nuanced writing. Animated feature Winner: Zootopia prevails for its funny and thought-provoking take on tolerance. Documentary feature Winner: The ambitious, essential O.J.: Made in America will likely take this, even though most academy members probably didnt make it through its entire 467-minute running time. Ava DuVernays shattering 13th remains a possibility here too. Foreign language film Winner: The Salesman. A vote for the latest film from Iranian director Asghar Farhadi has a dual purpose rewarding excellence and showing solidarity with immigrants. I cant see academy members passing up that opportunity. Cinematography Winner: La La Land for the way Linus Sandgren made Los Angeles look like a place where magic hour lasts the entire day. Costume design Winner: Madeline Fontaine, Jackie Alternate: Mary Zophres, La La Land My initial instinct was to go with La La Land, a movie that made canary-yellow dresses a thing. But this category rarely goes to movies that take place in the present day. And Jackie more than rose to the challenge of re-creating the wardrobe of a fashion icon. So go with the lady possessing the pillbox hat. Film editing Winner: Time was, this Oscar almost always lined up with the best picture winner. But that has happened just once so far this decade. Make it 2 for 7 with La La Land. Makeup and hairstyling Winner: Star Trek won in 2010 and, with the category absent of any work from best picture nominees, the franchise should return to the winners circle. Production design Winner: La La Lands blend of vintage and modern-day Hollywood should prove irresistible. Original score Winner: La La Land. Cmon. Dont make me have to explain jazz. Original song Winner: City of Stars. Fess up. Youre humming it right now, arent you? Sound editing Winner: Hacksaw Ridge. Heres the last four winners in this category: Mad Max: Fury Road, American Sniper, Gravity and, in a tie, Zero Dark Thirty and Skyfall. You see the pattern? Do you hear the pattern? Hacksaw will win for the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air ... Sound mixing Winner: Meanwhile, if a music-heavy movie is nominated here, it wins. You have to go back to 2001s Moulin Rouge! to find the last one that didnt, probably because of the academys long-standing bias against unnecessary punctuation marks. So La La Land prevails. Visual effects Winner: Robert Legato has won previously for Hugo and Titanic. Look for him to pull off the hat trick for the innovative Jungle Book. Animated short Winner: Its either Pixars sweet, rite-of-passage story Piper or Pearl, a beautifully told tale of a father and daughter bonding over music. Pixar hasnt won in 15 year, so Im leaning toward Piper. But then Pixar hasnt won in 15 years, so the Oscar could go to Pearl or perhaps the daring, haunting Borrowed Time. Documentary short Winner: Three of the five nominees address the Syrian civil war and refugee crisis, including Netflixs (relatively) high-profile White Helmets. Then theres Joes Violin, a heartwarming look at a Holocaust survivor who donated his violin to a Bronx public school. With Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert in its corner, Joes famous friends give it an edge. Live-action short Winner: This is the biggest guess of the lot. Im going with Ennemis Interieurs (Internal Enemies), the intense tale of a French-Algerian man being questioned about his past as he tries to become a French citizen. Its timeliness should help its cause. See the most-read stories this hour glenn.whipp@latimes.com Twitter: @glennwhipp ALSO Academy Awards 2017: Complete list of Oscar nominations Oscars fashion quiz: Can you guess the dress? From black socks to black tie, Jimmy Kimmel prepares to host Hollywoods most glamorous night Oscars 2017: Play-at-home ballot Ronja, the Robbers Daughter centers on the relationship between a father and his child, and his desire to keep her away from his successful, albeit illegal, business. The films director, Goro Miyazaki, knows a bit about having a father who is successful and choosing to follow in his line of work. Son of legendary animation director and producer Hayao Miyazaki, Goro is extending the anime practice of mining Scandinavian kids books to use as TV programs and movies. Ronja was written by Pippi Longstocking writer Astrid Lindgren, and Miyazaki has put his twist on the tale for the new series, which premiered Jan. 27 on Amazon Prime. We caught up with Miyazaki to ask him about his Studio Ghibli-produced Ronja, about bringing it to the States and, of course, about following in his fathers footsteps. Advertisement How did you come across the Astrid Lindgren story/book Ronja, the Robbers Daughter? When I was looking for a book suitable for a new film project, I read many books for children. I came across the book Ronja, the Robbers Daughter. Many Scandinavian books have been made into animated productions in Japan. For example, Vicke the Viking, The Wonderful Adventures of Nils and Moomin. Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki even once tried to create a film of Astrid Lindgrens Pippi Longstocking. Japanese viewers and creators, including me, are quite familiar with books for kids from overseas. The story of Ronja and Birk is very much like that of Romeo and Juliet, though they have much more of a brother-sister relationship than a romance. What was your inspiration when directing the series? More than romance, I first attached great importance to the relationship between a child and her father. I thought that the book emphasizes the relationship between Ronja and Mattis more than that of Ronja and Birk. Also, I was careful when depicting the difference between the affection of children for their parents and the affection of parents for their children. When directing the series, I referred to the cultures of medieval Europe, including central and Eastern Europe, and Russia, and I studied Scandinavian Vikings. Also, I was inspired by my journey to Romania, and my experience in forests when climbing mountains. What does Gillian Anderson bring to the series as a voice actor? Her gorgeous voice has brought a sense of stability and luxury to the series. The show has been very popular overseas. What do you hope the reaction will be in the U.S.? I hope that many people have a chance to watch it. Never have we needed mutual understanding more than in the antagonistic age we are experiencing now. What kind of influence has your father had on the show? And what kind of influence has he had on your professional path? He has influenced all of my productions, the backbone and spirit of which come from his works. In this regard, he has influenced the show in every way. As far as my professional path, unlike Ronja, Ive felt remorse for choosing to follow in my fathers footsteps. (laughs). Seems like with the kids growing up together and the Robber clans being mixed up, it could make for more seasons. Is that the plan? I dont have any plan to make more seasons. How Ronja and her clan develop and grow, and what kind of lives they lead, will be found in the hearts and imaginations of readers and viewers. See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour >> jevon.phillips@latimes.com Follow me on Twitter: @Storiz The opening scene of Get Out, a satirical horror-thriller perfectly tailored to our post-postracial moment, is so cleverly composed and effortlessly subversive that writer-director Jordan Peele never quite manages to top it. Filmed in a single take with an elegantly swiveling camera, it shows a young black man (Lakeith Stanfield) walking through an affluent neighborhood at night, nervously reassuring himself and trying not to freak out when he realizes hes being followed. The scene is a jolting piece of suspense craftsmanship and a clever dismantling of several decades worth of racist stereotypes: The black guy walking alone on a dark street, so routinely depicted as a figure of fear, menace and criminality, is here recast as a frightened, vulnerable innocent. Its not the first such inversion; its been almost half a century since George Romero cast Duane Jones as the hero in Night of the Living Dead, though few genre filmmakers have been quite as willing to throw down that particular gauntlet in the decades since. FULL COVERAGE: Golden Globes 2018 Advertisement Part of the thrill of Get Out a thrill that springs from a place of very real, entirely justified anger is that it feels like a long-overdue response to Hollywoods collective failure. This is surely the nerviest, most confrontational treatment of race in America to emerge from a major studio in years, and it brilliantly fulfills the duty of both its chosen genres the horror-thriller and the social satire to meaningfully reflect a cultures latent fears and anxieties. Not that Peele, making a knockout feature directing debut, has much interest in leaving anything to subtext. With the same bracing directness that informed his Comedy Central series with Keegan-Michael Key, Peele comes right out and asks: Is there anything scarier than being a black man in America today? Its a question that naturally invites a nervous chuckle. But it also comes spring-loaded with the kind of satirical payload certain to have many viewers particularly progressives inclined to congratulate themselves on their color-blindness choking on their own laughter. After that opening sequence, Get Out introduces us to its main character, a Brooklyn photographer named Chris (the excellent British actor Daniel Kaluuya), who has been dating his girlfriend, Rose (Girls Allison Williams), for almost five months. She decides its time for him to meet her parents, prompting his awkward but necessary next question: Do they know Im black? No, Rose says, but it wont be an issue: My dad wouldve voted for Obama a third time if he couldve. And then: They are not racist. We get to observe firsthand just how not racist they are when Chris and Rose drive upstate and, after a minor road mishap, arrive at her parents beautiful suburban manse. Roses gregarious father (Bradley Whitford) wastes little time pulling Chris in for a back-slapping my man hug, announcing his support for Obama, and chattering on and on about what a privilege it is to be able to experience other peoples culture. Her mother (Catherine Keener), a psychiatrist, is a bit more tactful, offering endless cups of tea while prattling on about the virtues of hypnosis therapy. Roses brother, Jeremy (Caleb Landry Jones), is an altogether nastier piece of work, with his crudely insinuating admiration of Chris beast-like physique. Most disquieting of all are the familys black housekeepers, Georgina (a superb Betty Gabriel) and Walter (Marcus Henderson), who perform their duties with creepily robotic efficiency, pausing at times to cast a meaningful stare is it a threat, or a warning? at the fellow outsider in their midst. Peele, making a knockout feature directing debut . . . comes right out and asks: Is there anything scarier than being a black man in America today? A few spooky shock cuts and grim orchestral surges aside, the horror in the first half of Get Out is less hair-raising than cringe-inducing. Roses parents throw a party for their wealthy white neighbors, who show up looking like Satanic extras from Rosemarys Baby, and who proceed to assail Chris with their country-club manners and moronic attempts at conversation. A deadpan compendium of racial microaggressions, this sequence brings Peeles script fully into its own without losing its peculiar cultural and narrative focus. The partygoers may make forced references to Tiger Woods and fondle Chris muscles with the sort of relish that brings Southern slave traders to mind, but no one threatens to lynch him or drops the N-word. One of the movies most persistent insights is that even politeness, from presumably enlightened individuals, can feel smothering and oppressive. The jabs here feel urgent but not overtly topical; theres a weirdly antiquated feel to some of the white characters more outrageous faux pas, with their crudely suggestive sexual undertones. But even that makes a strange kind of sense, given the thinly veiled threat that Chris and Roses relationship represents to the dominant social order, and that threat is directly linked to the deeper revelations in store. Its not terribly hard to guess what those revelations are, even if you havent seen the spoiler-heavy trailer; the plot owes something to The Stepford Wives, Invasion of the Body Snatchers (take your pick), the collected works of John Carpenter and other touchstones of the-worlds-gone-mad horror cinema. And as in those thrillers, uneasy paranoia soon gives way to full-throttle panic, sending Chris plunging down a rabbit hole and into a down-and-dirty B-movie funhouse, with only one predictable yet viscerally satisfying way out. Smoothly directed by Peele with a particularly fluid eye for camera movement, Get Out is ultimately stronger on conceptual audacity than on moment-to-moment delivery. I wanted one or two more comic fillips from the movies endgame, which is more inventive on a prosthetic level than a satiric one, and a buried trauma from Chris past isnt deployed effectively enough to justify the emotional manipulation. Still, theres so much here that Peele gets right, and he delights in turning familiar thriller tropes on their head: In this racially charged context, he knows exactly how to exploit the sight of an approaching police car for maximum stomach drop. One of his shrewdest inclusions is the character of Chris boisterous friend Rod (comedian Lil Rel Howery), whose running commentary on the nightmarish absurdity of the situation supplies Chris and the audience with some much-needed comic relief. Rod, as it happens, works for the Transportation Security Administration, an entirely germane plot point that offers its own chastening reminder. Not every employee of a government agency is a racial profiler, just as not every Hollywood movie is content to keep its head down any longer. ------------ Get Out MPAA rating: R, for violence, bloody images and language including sexual references Running time: 1 hour, 43 minutes Playing: In general release See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour The trailer for Get Out, written and directed by Jordan Peele. justin.chang@latimes.com @JustinCChang ALSO How Allison Williams mined the horrors of white privilege for Get Out Jordan Peele horror movie Get Out takes on Lego Batman at the box office Jordan Peeles post-racial horror Get Out, the scariest film at Sundance Meet Moonlights Joi McMillon, the first black woman editor to receive an Oscar nomination Samuel L. Jackson on Denzel, Viola, this years Oscar race and his own Pulp Fiction fight The Holodomor, the historic event at the center of Bitter Harvest, is a devastating chapter in the chronicles of a long-embattled Ukraine and now widely regarded as an act of genocide by the Soviet regime. Targeted by famine-inducing policies engineered in Stalins Kremlin, millions died of starvation. Given the scope of the early-1930s atrocity, the most shocking thing about director George Mendeluks new dramatization is how utterly devoid of emotional impact it is. Shooting in Ukraine, the filmmaker achieves a physical authenticity and offers intriguing glimpses of local customs, but the story that he and his ill-served cast enact is an unwieldy excess of incident and cliche. The screenplay, credited to Richard Bachynsky-Hoover and Mendeluk, hits nearly every note with such deadening lack of nuance that, with the exception of a few strong moments delivered by Barry Pepper and especially Terence Stamp, theres no room for audience involvement in the torments and travails of a village. The first signal of trouble is the lengthy, scene-setting voiceover an obvious attempt to fill in what the drama cant supply. But the narration proves preferable to the films awkward stops in Moscow for exposition. There, Stalin (Gary Oliver) plots his punishment on the independence-seeking region of Ukraine, whose rich natural resources the government needs, as we learn from lines of dialogue that sound like snippets from Wikipedia. Advertisement A bland Max Irons (son of Sinead Cusack and Jeremy Irons) stars as Yuri, who apparently hasnt inherited the fearless soldierly temperament of his father (Pepper) and legendary grandfather, played by Stamp (the actor suffered serious equestrian-related injuries during production). The film makes much of Yuris artistic talent, unconvincingly, as it stirs up the romance between him and his childhood sweetheart, Natalka (Samantha Barks), who stays behind when he follows his political activist friends to Kiev. Yuris art academy studies offer a heavy-handed but nonetheless instructive capsule depiction of some of the wide-ranging effects of Moscows tightening screws: The teacher whos an enthusiast of European modernism will be disappeared and replaced by one spouting an edict for socialist realism. While Yuri faces the government clampdown in the big city, his hometown is ravaged. In the name of collectivization, the state strips farmers of their land and other property and confiscates most of their harvest, forcing many to kill their horses for meat. The Bolshevik commissar (Tamer Hassan) whos stationed in the village might as well be named Boris Badenov; the less said about his psycho-sexual afflictions the better. Mendeluk, whose experience has been predominantly in television, drives home the horror with such hamfisted metaphors as a blood-spattered loaf of bread. He does better with straightforward sequences like a simply staged funeral scene, the unfamiliar ritual set against a traditional song by the folk group Rozhanitsa, providing a stirring break from the schmaltzy cues of the score. During the rare moments when the film escapes its melodramatic trappings, its specific horrors draw matter-of-fact connections to a wider sense of history, as when Yuri enters a boxcar filled with corpses, or when Natalka dabs her own blood on her lips. In the latter case, her peasant lipstick is part of a bid to prostitute herself for the sake of her starving family, and Stamps reaction as her concerned in-law puts more emotional power in a single, pained word her name than the rest of the movies dialogue combined. However ungainly it is, the story of Yuris redemption does, at least, shed light on the Holodomor. Whether more affecting accounts follow, time will tell. Whether we learn from historys brutal lessons remains an open, urgent question. ------------- Bitter Harvest Rating: R, for violence and disturbing images Running time: 1 hour, 43 minutes Playing: Ahrya Fine Arts Theater, Beverly Hills; AMC Burbank Town Center 8, Burbank; Laemmle Town Center 5, Encino; Laemmle Playhouse 7, Pasadena; Laemmle Monica Film Center, Santa Monica See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour Movie Trailers calendar@latimes.com Movie recommendations from critics Kenneth Turan, Justin Chang and other reviewers. Click title for full review. Arrival Amy Adams stars in this elegant, involving science-fiction drama that is simultaneously old and new, revisiting many alien-invasion conventions but with unexpected intelligence, visual style and heart. (Kenneth Turan) PG-13. Elle Paul Verhoevens brilliantly booby-trapped thriller starring Isabelle Huppert is a gripping whodunit, a tour de force of psychological suspense and a wickedly droll comedy of manners. (Justin Chang) R. Advertisement The Founder Michael Keaton gives a performance of ratty, reptilian brilliance as Ray Kroc, the American salesman who turned a California burger stand into the global fast-food behemoth that is McDonalds, in John Lee Hancocks shrewd and satisfyingly fat-free biopic. (Justin Chang) PG-13. I Am Not Your Negro As directed by the gifted Raoul Peck, this documentary on James Baldwin uses the entire spectrum of movie effects, not only spoken language but also sound, music, editing and all manner of visuals, to create a cinematic essay that is powerful and painfully relevant. (Kenneth Turan) NR. La La Land Starring a well-paired Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, writer-director Damien Chazelles tuneful tribute to classic movie musicals is often stronger in concept than execution, but its lovely and transporting all the same. (Justin Chang) PG-13. Land of Mine Explosive devices that can detonate at any moment are intrinsically dramatic, and this Danish World War II film makes good use of that plot mechanism, but it has a whole lot more going for it as well. (Kenneth Turan) R. Manchester by the Sea Powerful, emotional filmmaking that leaves a scar, Kenneth Lonergans drama starring Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams is both heartbreaking and heartening, a film that just wallops you with its honesty, its authenticity and its access to despair. (Kenneth Turan) R. Moonlight Superb filmmaking and an exceptional level of emotional honesty universalize a very specific coming-of-age experience, that of a gay black man growing from child to adult starting in 1980s Miamis crack cocaine epidemic years. (Kenneth Turan) R. My Life as a Zucchini As unexpectedly wonderful as its title is initially perplexing, this fine Swiss stop-motion animation feature is short, but oh so satisfyingly bittersweet, an example of pure movie magic on more than one level. (Kenneth Turan) PG-13. The Red Turtle A prize-winner at Cannes, this immersive, meditative, stunningly beautiful animated feature that is concerned with the rhythms of the natural world and the mysteries and wonders of ordinary life. (Kenneth Turan) PG. Toni Erdmann Sandra Huller and Peter Simonischek give splendid performances as a high-strung businesswoman and her screw-loose dad in this magnificently unpredictable comedy from German writer-director Maren Ade. (Justin Chang) R. 20th Century Women Mike Mills lovingly fictionalized snapshot of his late-1970s adolescence belongs to Annette Bening and her marvelously suggestive and layered performance. (Justin Chang) R. See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour Movie Trailers calendar@latimes.com Los Angeles-based PYT Paige Elkington is off to the races. The model-slash-actress who recently appeared in one of Playboy magazines new fashion-inclined photo shoots has launched a handbag line inspired by equestrian competition ribbons. The pin-tucked mementos provided strong visual reference to Elkington a former equestrian herself. I did [ride horses] but I also just love the ribbons so much. Its more about a love for those ribbons. Everyone has been doing a fun clutch, a fun bag [recently] and that kind of took over those bags really spoke to me, Ive never carried a normal purse. I wanted to make something that represented me and my style, she said. Advertisement The petite, vegan handbags are being sold direct-to-consumer through Elkingtons web site. The bags, which are made in New York of upcycled, dead-stock fabrics, are priced at $525. Each bag comes with a detachable strap, and is lined in contrast fabric. While the style is currently available in two colors red and blue Elkington has a bigger goal in mind. My ideal plan is to make them customizable, where you can choose your color and also get initials embroidered on the center and pick the thread color. I want to stick with these two styles for a while. But even for myself, I [have] a green one. People see them and want their own color, and to personalize it. ALSO 5 major fashion trends you should know about for fall and winter Dior Beautys creative director looked to L.A. to inspire the brands new, bold lip colors Move over, yoga pants. How Kit and Ace created clothes for work and meditation As the host of Vanity Fairs annual Young Hollywood party, Dakota Johnson stayed in sync with the sexy vibe of her film Fifty Shades Darker thanks to a Dior black lace see-through skirt and shorts combo. Im wearing it because it kind of looks like a sexual-like flamenco dancer, she giggled. Inside the LOreal Paris-sponsored bash at West Hollywood hotspot Delilah, Johnson joined cohost Krista Smith as the annual parade of industry up-and-comers including Victoria Justice, Shay Mitchell, Riz Ahmed, Nathalie Emmanuel, Patrick Schwarzenegger and sisters Rumer and Scout Willis crowded into booths and tables as dancers clad in S&M-style costumes bumped and grinded away. Black-ish star Yara Shahidi noted that her generation of Hollywood peers are not limited to your craft, but rather encouraged to be involved in society and encouraged to be an activist. Theres no longer this feeling as though you can get blackballed for being vocalIts a pretty amazing space to grow in. Advertisement The chatter at the party suggested that Sundays Oscar ceremony would likely be the scene of much pointed political commentary, following the example set by their acting idol Meryl Streep at the Golden Globe Awards. Streeps daughter Grace Gummer said she was super proud of her mothers stand against the current presidential administration. We all have to be fearless and put ourselves out there, and work a little harder and be a little bit more awake now, said Gummer. And I think people are. I think that was a rally and cry that hopefully a lot of people heard, and will be taken into action. I think more people need to do something like that. Johnson had an additional reason to have a prior Hollywood generation on her mind: the party benefited the Roar Foundation and its exotic big cat animal sanctuary Shambala Preserve, founded by her grandmother, The Birds star Tippi Hedren. Seeing someone who has a gift of her caliber, and also to put her whole lifes work into fighting and saving animals and fighting for animals rights and trying to pass bills and laws that is the true essence of being a good person and doing something worthwhile, Johnson explained. You can make a bunch of movies, but at the end of the day, if youre saving a bunch of lives, thats obviously a bit more important. ALSO Last chance to see Daft Punks West Hollywood pop-up shop Tom Ford, Jason Derulo, Isla Fisher, Chris Martin and others gather for An Unforgettable Evening Ayler Youngs dream turns into bomber jackets fit for Guns N Roses and Lady Gaga Fears about heightened enforcement of federal immigration laws combined with confusion and anti-immigrant rhetoric might be causing thousands of California students who came to the United States without legal papers to forgo valuable college aid. Far fewer students than last year have applied for financial aid through the California Dream Act so far this year, and advocates are trying to encourage them to do so before the March 2 deadline. On Tuesday, the California Department of Education published a letter urging students to apply, and promised to protect student information to the fullest extent of the law. Advertisement Several California Assembly members announced a resolution designed to get the word out and encourage applicants. Please fill out your forms, plan for college, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) said in a news conference Wednesday. State Sen. Ricardo Lara, a Democrat who represents Long Beach, has introduced a bill that would allow a broader pool of students to apply. The California Dream Act allows students who are in the U.S. illegally to apply for the same financial aid packages available to others. A detail of a poster on the wall as Alma Sanchez, Kid City program assistant, teaches an after-school college prep class at Kid City. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) These packages, known as Cal Grants, can give students up to $12,294 per year, depending on their grades and the colleges they wish to attend. The money can go toward tuition and other costs at state community colleges, California State University, the University of California and accredited private colleges. Officials believe that students are applying in lower numbers because theyre scared of being identified as lacking legal status in the current climate, when their news feeds are full of stories about Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. I believe that students are not filing because theyre afraid to file, said Lupita Cortez Alcala, executive director of the California Student Aid Commission, the organization that administers state financial aid. The drop in applications is even more striking considering that the commission recently made changes to give students more time to apply. Last year, students only had from January through March 2 to submit requests for college aid. During that period, 13,200 students filed for first-time Dream Act grants, and 20,962 asked to renew their funding. This year, officials opened up applications for Dream Act and other scholarships in October. But as of Feb. 17, only 8,668 students had applied for new grants, and 11,429 had applied for renewals. The Trump administration has yet to take action to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the protections instituted by President Obama that allow hundreds of thousands of immigrants who entered the country illegally as children to live and work openly in the U.S. But on Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security released new guidelines that empower immigration enforcement officers to target any of the 11 million people in the U.S. illegally. The memos called for hiring thousands more agents but did not say how officers should handle the so-called Dreamers. California officials have repeatedly assured students that the state would keep their personal information safe. But students might not draw a distinction between the state and federal governments, and even the staunchest of advocates dont know for certain how far federal enforcers might go to get their hands on state files. I hope were right in encouraging students to go to college, said Jane Slater, a college counselor at Sequoia High School in Redwood City, Calif., where she estimates 1 in 5 students are undocumented. Everyone at the school is saying you should apply, which hopefully doesnt come to bite us. Worries are equally intense elsewhere. Theres a big fear of the unknown and the worst of all possible actions: fear of families being torn apart and not being able to go to school, said Heather Hodgson, a counselor at Compton High School. Cortez Alcala said she has heard plenty of such concerns from students and families. On a recent afternoon, students from two public schools in downtown L.A. buzzed about Kid City, a brightly painted after-school space that helps immigrant students plan for college. The walls prominently displayed Know your rights bulletins. One high school senior who gave his name only as J out of fear of being identified said he wanted to be an engineer. I never thought Id have the opportunity to think about college, he said. There are statistics about minorities not going to school, and putting your name out there with the label of undocumented is risky. He said his mother brought him to the U.S. when he was a toddler, and he doesnt know his father. Kid City staff helped him fill out the Dream Act application, but he was nervous about it. A lot of kids think that their information would be disclosed to ICE, he said. If were deported, Id be back in Mexico, even though I have no memory of the place. Another senior who moved to the U.S. from Puebla, Mexico, when she was 6 said she at first struggled in school and worked to teach herself English from picture books she borrowed from the library. Her brother, who was born in the U.S., has spina bifida. She, too, filled out the Dream Act application, but she said she understood why others might not want to. If her parents got deported, she said, as she started to cry, her brother wouldnt have anyone to take him to his medical appointments. She wants to attend Cal State Long Beach or Cal State Fullerton and become a journalist one day. David Marks, a college counselor at Sacramento Charter High School, said the current climate is particularly rough on those young people who fully understand what they stand to lose: They feel like promises are being ripped out from under them. Staff writer Melanie Mason contributed reporting. To read the article in Spanish, click here Joy.Resmovits@LATimes.com @Joy_Resmovits ALSO Trump administration clears the way for far more deportations Will the U.S. punish Mexico on trade? A Trump supporter has doubts Trumps top deputies hope to shore up ties with a suspicious Mexico The Trump administration announced Wednesday that it is dropping federal protections for transgender students, causing concern among LGBT advocates and students throughout the country. Heres a Q&A on the consequences of the new White House policy for local schools. What does this mean for students in California? On paper, transgender students in California wont see any changes President Trumps stance is to leave transgender rights up to states, and Californias laws are some of the countrys strongest when it comes to protecting transgender students. Advertisement But losing federal protection could negatively affect transgender children in the state, particularly in conservative areas where students may be afraid to speak up. I do worry about kids in rural areas of California as well as kids in states that dont have as strong protection as California does, said Asaf Orr, an attorney for the National Center for Lesbian Rights who works on transgender youth rights. It is a school districts responsibility to recognize a students gender identity and protect them from discrimination or bullying, but its often up to the student or the students family to report these incidents or take legal action to remedy them. The real effect of this move on those kids is to make their schools more hostile, Orr said. And also the secondary effect on their peers as a license to discriminate. Los Angeles Unified schools havent seen a increase in bullying against transgender or gender nonconforming students recently, said Judy Chiasson, a coordinator in the districts office of human relations, diversity and equity. She sees the policy shift in Washington as an opportunity for local schools to publicly reinforce their support for transgender students and encourages families who feel they are being mistreated to talk to their school administrators or call her office. L.A. Unified Supt. Michelle King committed to continuing to protect transgender students in a statement Wednesday. Transgender students in L.A. Unified will remain protected regardless of the new directive by the Trump administration pertaining to access to restrooms and locker rooms, King said in her statement. The California Education Code and long-established district policies permit pupils to use facilities consistent with ones identity. L.A. Unified has had a policy to recognize students gender identity and protect them from discrimination for more than a decade. They strengthened the language in 2014, and embraced progressive moves including the construction of a multistall, gender-neutral bathroom at Santee Education Complex. The school board president, Steve Zimmer, also reiterated the districts commitment to transgender students in a statement Thursday. The board refuses to withdraw our commitment to the safety and dignity of our transgender students, Zimmer said. [E]very student in this nations second-largest school district will continue to use the facilities that match their identity. What can California students do if they believe their rights are being violated? For the last eight years lawyers and advocates often relied on the Obama administration, rather than on Californias state government, to enforce transgender student rights in a number of school districts, including Downey and Arcadia. In these federal cases, the Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights investigated student complaints and reached binding agreements with school districts that outlined the changes they needed to make to keep their federal funding. Students who feel their rights are being violated can also appeal to the state, but advocates and lawyers have often suggested going the national route instead, because California hasnt always done a good job of ensuring that school districts are keeping students safe. In 2013, the state auditor found that the state often took too long to resolve complaints. Orr filed a state complaint for a family in a Northern California school district in 2011. The district received the states response in 2015. The California Department of Education has since created a new office devoted to nondiscrimination efforts. Orr hasnt filed any complaints with California since that revamp, he said, so he doesnt know whether the situation has improved. The states superintendent, Tom Torlakson, reiterated Californias commitment to protecting transgender students in a statement Wednesday. California students will continue to have their civil rights protected, he said. California will continue to work to provide that environment for our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students regardless of any misguided directives by the federal government and the Trump administration. To read the article in Spanish, click here Reach Sonali Kohli at Sonali.Kohli@latimes.com or on Twitter @Sonali_Kohli. ALSO Trump administration rescinds guidelines on protections for transgender students DeVos reportedly disputed Trump plans to roll back transgender student protections The state plans to keep its promises to transgender students, says California schools chief A 22-year-old North Hollywood resident and beneficiary of the Obama administrations immigration relief program was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents near the Southern California border earlier this month on suspicion of attempting to smuggle someone into the country illegally. Border Patrol officials said Jesus Alonso Arreola Robles and a 17-year-old boy were stopped in a vehicle Feb. 12 on Highway 94 in Campo, Calif., about a mile from the border with Mexico. Arreola Robles was driving, they said. Officials said he was processed for removal proceedings and is being held in a detention facility in Folkston, Ga. They would not comment further about the teenager detained with Arreola Robles. Advertisement Arreola Robles attorney, mother and girlfriend spoke Thursday morning during a news conference at the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles office in central L.A. The attorney, Joseph Porta, said he had been unable to speak to Arreola Robles or an ICE representative and that Arreola Robles name was not showing up in the online detainee locator system. Porta said its worrisome that a detainee would not show up in the system 11 days after being detained. Thats something I havent seen in my entire career, he said. Many questions surrounding Arreola Robles apprehension and detention remained unanswered until after the news conference, when Border Patrol released a statement to reporters. ICE once again dragged its feet and kept Jesus from speaking with his attorney until pressured by the family and the media to do so, said CHIRLA Executive Director Angelica Salas. Porta said he had heard allegations that something happened leading to Arreola Robles detention but wouldnt comment further until he could clarify the circumstances with his client. Porta said Arreola Robles was transferred from a detention facility in San Diego to one in Arizona and then to the facility in Georgia. The Border Patrol said Arreola Robles was transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Feb. 15. Officials said ICE routinely transfers detainees to different detention facilities based on available resources and the needs of the agency. Porta said that Arreola Robles case was one of the first ones he processed in 2012 for President Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, better known as DACA, and that he has since renewed it twice. The executive action provides work permits and halts the deportation of people who were brought to the United States as children and remained illegally. Beneficiaries must meet certain requirements, including having never been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor or multiple misdemeanors, and not pose a threat to public safety or national security. More than 861,000 immigrants have received protection under the program. Roughly 1 in 4 lives in California. According to Border Patrol, about 1,500 DACA recipients have been terminated from the program because of a criminal conviction or gang affiliation. Porta said Arreola Robles has no criminal history and that the worst thing on his record was a speeding ticket. Rosa Robles said she brought her son into the country illegally from Mexico when he was a toddler. She and her husband have been legal residents for about three years, and his siblings are U.S. citizens. His mother described Arreola Robles as a good person who graduated from high school and spent some time in college. She said he has worked alongside his father as a cook in a hotel for the last five years. Robles said her son has called every day or two but that they can only speak for five minutes each time. She said he has told her when he has been moved to a new city, but never knows where he is exactly. She said she feels desperate to get him released from detention. Robles said she didnt know what he was doing at the border. Crystal Alvarado, Arreola Robles girlfriend of four years, said he has a big heart and lives for his family. She said the few times she has spoken with him, He tells me take care of his sisters and not to worry, but I know hes scared. Porta said he plans to file documents requesting that Arreola Robles be released on bond until his hearing before an immigration judge. The judge will decide whether he has a legal basis to remain in the U.S. At least two other DACA recipients around the country have recently been taken into custody by immigration officials. Daniel Ramirez Medina, a Mexico-born 23-year-old, was arrested in Seattle early this month by ICE agents looking for his father. ICE officials said he was a self-admitted gang member, which his attorneys vehemently denied, saying he was pressured to falsely admit affiliation. Last week, Josue Romero, a 19-year-old arts student in San Antonio, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a small amount of marijuana and detained by ICE agents. He was released two days later, the San Antonio Express-News reported. andrea.castillo@latimes.com @andreamcastillo ALSO As Trump immigration crackdown comes into focus, anxiety grows along with anger Homeland Security chief says there will be no mass deportations of people in U.S. illegally Federal agents in Texas move hospitalized Salvadoran woman awaiting emergency surgery to a detention facility UPDATES: 3:50 p.m.: This article has been updated with comments by Rosa Robles and Crystal Alvarado, as well as information about other DACA recipients who were taken into custody. This article was originally published at 2:05 p.m. A 28-year-old man pleaded no contest Wednesday in connection with an assault that left another fan critically injured after a 2015 playoff game at Dodger Stadium. Michael Rae Papayans of Palos Verdes Estates will serve 14 days in jail and pay more than $100,000 in restitution after pleading no contest to the assault charge, according to the Los Angeles County district attorneys office. He originally faced up to seven years in prison. The attack took place in the stadium parking lot around 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 9, shortly after the Dodgers lost the first game of the 2015 National League Divisional Series to the New York Mets, police said. Advertisement Papayans and his mother started screaming insults at a group that included a Mets fan and a fight broke out. Prosecutors said Papayans rushed toward a 50-year-old man and threw a punch, causing the victim to slam into the ground and lose consciousness. Papayans mother, Jennifer, then set upon the victim, kicking him while he was down, police said. The pair eventually ran off while others came to the victims aid. Witnesses reported that the victims skull hit the pavement with a sickening thud. He was knocked out almost immediately and was hospitalized with serious head injuries, authorities said. Papayans was charged last February. His mothers case was referred to the Los Angeles city attorneys office. She is scheduled to appear in court on misdemeanor assault charges Thursday, Rob Wilcox, a city attorneys office spokesman, said. The confrontation recalled the 2011 attack on Bryan Stow, a San Francisco Giants fan who suffered permanent brain damage after he was beaten at the stadium on opening day. Two men were sentenced to federal prison as a result of the attack on Stow, who later won an $18-million judgment against the Dodgers. james.queally@latimes.com Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California. A federal judge denied a request this week that would have allowed more people to join a lawsuit that accuses a group of surfers of harassing and assaulting outsiders to keep them away from Lunada Bay, a surf break in Palos Verdes Estates. U.S. District Judge James Otero on Tuesday rejected a motion for class-action status a designation that would have let anyone who alleged they were victims of localism by the so-called Bay Boys become part of the litigation. The ruling was a torpedo to the side of this lawsuit, said Robert Cooper, the attorney for Brant Blakeman, one of 10 defendants in the case. Despite all of the publicity this case has garnered, we felt all along that it was never a viable lawsuit as a class action. Advertisement The ruling was a torpedo to the side of this lawsuit. Robert Cooper, attorney for one of the defendants Attorney Vic Otten made the request on behalf of his clients, El Segundo Police Officer Cory Spencer, Diana Milena Reed and the Coastal Protection Rangers Inc., a small nonprofit organization. Their lawsuit claims the Bay Boys amount to a street gang that has for years harassed, assaulted and intimidated beachgoers from outside the area, including the organizer of Lunada Bay surfing events to honor the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The suit also challenges the commitment of Palos Verdes Estates officials to solve the problem and alleges that city efforts have been ineffective against the intense territoriality that has kept people away from the public beach. A similar case brought by Spencer, Reed and the coastal rangers is pending in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Defense attorneys assert that the situation at Lunada Bay has been greatly exaggerated, and they question whether the so-called Bay Boys amount to a street gang or even exist. One attorney has described the defendants as friends and members of a surf club. City officials say they have taken steps to deal with the situation, such as increasing the police presence around Lunada Bay. Those measures, they contend, have been effective as demonstrated by a lack of significant incidents. In a 23-page decision, Otero ruled that the plaintiffs failed to meet the legal requirements for class-action status. Potential members, for example, did not have enough in common with the experiences of Reed and Spencer, the decision stated. It is a procedural ruling.... We are dedicated to the case. Vic Otten, attorney for surfers who allege they were harassed Nor did the plaintiffs show there were enough alleged victims to justify the designation, Otero stated. His ruling mentioned that he only had declarations from nine people, two of whom were Reed and Spencer. Citing the statute of limitations, Otero also decided that any potential class member could not seek damages for incidents that occurred two years or more before March, 29, 2016, the date the lawsuit was filed. The judge noted that seven of the nine people who submitted declarations alleged they were harassed at Lunada Bay more than 10 years ago. We are disappointed by the ruling, but it is a procedural ruling and does not question the underlying facts of the case, Otten said. It does not affect whether we are going to go forward with the three plaintiffs. We are dedicated to the case. dan.weikel@latimes.com Follow me on Twitter @LADeadline16 ALSO A fort built by accused Lunada Bay surf bullies has been demolished will it end their localism? Bay Boys surfer gang cannot block access to upscale beach, Coastal Commission says Getting to the beach often comes down to one thing for people: Money When Kim Troughton found her diner under 2 feet of water this week, she figured that was the end of Kims Country Cafe the only restaurant in the tiny farming community of Maxwell, Calif. Putting my own money into it is not an option, because I dont have any, the 53-year-old said. She also lacked flood insurance. But after suffering through a flood that sent water into at least 50 homes, including the home of Troughtons daughter, residents of this Northern California community of just over 1,100 werent about to let her throw in the towel. Advertisement Everyone knows everyone here, and if they dont, they do after something like this, said Sarah Hendrix, Troughtons daughter. Even though her home was surrounded by water, firefighters used a truck to pick up Troughton and take her to her restaurant and then helped her salvage what food they could find. The building was a mess however, and the necessary repairs were overwhelming, Troughton said. But then an area contractor nicknamed Fuzzy reassured her. Kim, we got this, Troughton recalled him saying, her voice choked up with emotion. We got this. The community helped her launch a GoFundMe account to help with expenses. By Thursday, it was almost halfway toward its goal of $9,000. You always know theres a good feeling here, but when something like this happens and the people that stepped up to help me reopen because they wouldnt let it close its so humbling, Troughton said. When an eager television reporter visited the diner earlier this week to report on the floods, Troughton said she set ground rules. I said I dont want your cameras in here, I dont want your microphone in here. This is sanctuary for my guys, she said, referring to her regular customers. Troughton has lived in Maxwell for 23 years and has operated the brick-red building on Old Highway 99 as Kims Country Cafe for the last five. But like virtually everything else in this tiny agricultural community about an hours drive north of Sacramento, the location is steeped in history. I dont remember a day that went by that my grandpa didnt stop into the Cafe, Colleen Johnson wrote on the cafes donation page. It may have changed names over the years, but it is a part of my childhood and a part of Maxwell. Our prayers are with you. joseph.serna@latimes.com For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter. U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) will tour Lake Oroville on Thursday as crews continue to repair the reservoirs damaged spillways. While touring the dam, I will be briefed on how this happened and how we can prevent this from happening again from state officials and the National Guard, she wrote on Facebook. Crews have been working around the clock for almost two weeks, placing rock, aggregate and cement slurry into the eroded spillways. Advertisement In a tweet Thursday morning, Harris said she was taking an aerial tour to survey the damaged spillways and repair work. Harris visit comes a day after Gov. Jerry Brown met with workers at the dams incident command center and surveyed its flood control system. Brown declared a state of emergency on Feb. 13, a day after more than 100,000 people were ordered to temporarily evacuate from communities downstream of Lake Oroville. The emergency spillway at the dam, used for the first time when the lake topped its banks, had eroded dangerously, prompting fears it could collapse. In the days following the crisis, Harris and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) sent a letter to President Trump, calling on him to approve an emergency declaration for counties affected by the incident, which he later did. The declaration allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide disaster relief assistance. To help with debris removal, the California Department of Water Resources again reduced the rate of water release Thursday to 50,000 cubic feet per second from the dams main flood control spillway. The continued success of lowering reservoir levels has provided room to accommodate incoming water and lake levels will continue to fall, the department said in a statement. Water levels at the lake have decreased to 50 feet below maximum capacity after rising slightly a day before. Officials said Wednesday that water was flowing into the lake faster than it was being drained from the spillway after last weekends storms. By Thursday, however, water releases from the spillway once again were surpassing the inflows, state officials said. veronica.rocha@latimes.com Twitter: VeronicaRochaLA UPDATES: 12:45 p.m.: This article was updated with new outflow numbers from the California Department of Water Resources. This article was originally published at 10:40 a.m. Debbie Briano sat down in her restaurant, El Rancho Grande, on Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles. Despite its grandiose name and touristy location, most of the seats were empty on this weekday afternoon and the business future seemed hazy. Briano is worried about competition from online delivery services, rent hikes and the increasing cost of food. Some days she worries that she might lose the restaurant that has been passed down in her family for 87 years. Advertisement The city is raising the rent in July and I havent had enough business recently because of the rain. No one wants to come out, she said last week. Briano, whose family emigrated from Zacatecas, Mexico, to the United States in the early 20th century, said that more than any other issue, her primary concerns revolve around preserving her restaurant. Her worries about her economic livelihood are typical among Latinos, who cite economic stability and other issues as their top priorities despite the roiling, high-profile debates over illegal immigration and the Trump administrations talk about stepped-up deportations, according to a Pew Research Center survey released last week. The survey, which was conducted before President Trumps inauguration, explored how Latinos whether American-born or immigrants viewed their status in the U.S. and expectations they had about the Trump presidency. Despite the contentious debate over illegal immigration during and after the election, the Pew study found that improving the education system, defending the country from future terrorist attacks and strengthening the nations economy were the top issues for Latinos in the U.S. This pattern has been fairly consistent for a number of years in Pew Research Center surveys, the report said. As Carlos Mayoral ate lunch outside a downtown building during his break on Thursday, he recalled how little he cared about school when he was growing up. Now a construction worker in L.A. and a father of three, Mayoral said his priorities have shifted. I want my kids to do better than me. Im working hard so that they can go to college. A good education for them is whats on my mind, Mayoral said. His oldest child is 18 years old and will graduate from North Hollywood High School this year and plans to pursue computer science in college, Mayoral said. Although this and other findings in the survey correlate with what researchers have said in previous years, there was one finding that especially stood out: Latinos in the U.S. were split about what Trumps presidency meant for their place here. The survey found that 41% of Latinos worried about their future after Trumps election, and 54% felt confident about their situation; how they responded strongly correlated to their legal status in the U.S. Immigrants in the country illegally and legal residents who are not U.S. citizens expressed more pessimism about their situation. By contrast, 34% of Latinos who are U.S. citizens said they were concerned about their status in the country. The survey also found that a growing share of Latinos felt worse about how they stand now compared with a year earlier than in previous surveys. The share today that says the groups situation has worsened is about double the share that said the same in 2013, the report said. For some Latinos, immigration was very much a top concern. Alejandro Cazares worries that he will be torn away from his wife, Pestrella Cazares, and his five kids. Cazares has been living in the U.S. for 22 years after coming here illegally and said that he has had to adjust his lifestyle since Trump became president. I cant work and Im scared to go out alone these days. I only go out if my family is with me, Cazares said Thursday as he, his wife and children took a walk on Broadway near Grand Central Market. Pestrella Cazares, worried about how she would raise her five children if her husband were to be deported. Im scared. I could become a single mom any day now, she said. About half of Latinos surveyed said they worried about the possibility of increased deportations under Trump. The survey also found that 47% of Latinos worried to some extent that they or a family member or close friend could be deported. Briano employs five people at her restaurant and said that some of them worry that they will be deported under Trump. Will they take me? some ask. I tell them that I think theyll be OK, she said. Latinos held similar views regarding deportations in 2013, according to the Pew survey. But there was an easing of concerns after President Obama issued a series of executive orders that protected some immigrants from deportation. Immigration could rise as a priority for Latinos in future surveys conducted after Trumps ascension to the White House. Last month the Trump administration swept aside almost all restrictions for the removal of 11 million people in the U.S. illegally, opening the door to a major expansion of the federal governments deportation priorities. melissa.etehad@latimes.com Follow me on Twitter @melissaetehad ALSO The verdict after all that rain? Most of California is out of the drought 24 arrested after video of off-duty officer firing gun during dispute with teens sparks Anaheim protests As Trump immigration crackdown comes into focus, anxiety grows along with anger UPDATES: 11:25 a.m., March 3: This article was updated with comments from Los Angeles residents. This article was originally published at 11 a.m., Feb. 23. It has been exactly 20 years since the body of Sunny Adrienne Sudweeks, a 26-year-old photography student, was found on her bed inside her Costa Mesa apartment. She had been raped and strangled. Sudweeks family says the Orange Coast College students personality shone as brightly as her name. She was happy, artistic and made friends with ease. For decades, her family and Costa Mesa police detectives had been trying to comprehend who could carry out the brutal killing. On Thursday, Costa Mesa police identified Felipe Vianney Hernandez Tellez, 43, as a suspect in the case. He is believed to be living in Oaxaca, Mexico, possibly near the resort town of Puerto Escondido with his wife and children. Hernandez Tellez previously worked as a painter and currently delivers rotisserie chickens, police said. Advertisement Detectives identified Hernandez Tellez through DNA and face-simulation technology that was able to create a profile of a possible suspect for authorities. The profile, along with fingerprints from the crime scene, helped them link Hernandez Tellez to the crime. Detectives plan to work with the Orange County district attorneys office to file charges and pursue Hernandez Tellezs extradition. Its unclear how long it could take before he is taken into custody, Lt. Paul Beckman said. Sudweeks parents, Sandy and Alan, expressed their gratitude to the police department for their work and persistence on the case during Thursdays news conference. Alan Sudweeks wears a pin on his lapel with a picture of his ex-wife, Sandy, and their daughter, Sunny, who was raped and killed in 1997. (Scott Smeltzer / Daily Pilot) Sunny was a beautiful young woman. She was just beginning to start her career, Alan Sudweeks said. She had a bright future and that was all lost when she was attacked and killed by [Hernandez Tellez]. Im also angry that for 20 years he has been enjoying life, raising his own children, and yet he denied us the comfort and value of our daughter. Sandy Sudweeks appealed to the Mexican government to turn Hernandez Tellez over to American authorities. My only prayer over the years has been that the man who killed her could not hurt anyone else, she said. Hernandez Tellez was 23 and living in Santa Ana in 1997. Police do not believe he and Sudweeks knew each other. A motive for the killing isnt clear. On the night of Feb. 22, 1997, police said Sudweeks had been chatting on the phone in her upstairs apartment in the 1000 block of Mission Drive. She made her last call to a girlfriend around 11 p.m. and went to bed. The three-bedroom apartment, which she shared with her boyfriend and another roommate, was full of boxes. The group had planned to move three days later. The door was unlocked and her window left open, her family said. Police say that between midnight and 4 a.m. Feb. 23, a man entered Sudweeks apartment, raped and strangled her before fleeing the scene. Her boyfriend returned from his night shift as a cab driver early that morning and found her body in her bed. Detectives scoured the scene, collecting more than 130 DNA samples and 265 pieces of evidence. They canvassed the neighborhood, conducting interviews and passing out fliers, hoping to find anyone who witnessed something in those early-morning hours. Fingerprints from the crime scene that had been input in a database didnt return a match. With no leads to pursue, the case grew cold. But even years later, it weighed on the minds of authorities. Its one of those cases you just never forget, Beckman said. Detectives reviewed the case several times over the years. In November 2016, with the 20th anniversary of the killing approaching, detectives decided to reopen the case. They got their first break. Using DNA evidence collected from the crime scene, Parabon NanoLabs, a medical laboratory based in Virginia, provided police with a snapshot profile of a suspect. The process uses DNA to calculate a possible suspects facial composite, skin color, eye color, hair color, freckles, gender and ancestry. Shortly after, detectives ran fingerprints collected at the scene in the national database. The prints matched those collected from Hernandez Tellez from a prior arrest. The resemblance between the snapshot and Hernandez Tellezs booking photo from 2000 was uncanny, Beckman said. Over the past two months, detectives have interviewed his family members and tested DNA from one of his relatives against DNA collected from the crime scene. Police say the results show a high likelihood that the relative and the perpetrator who killed Sudweeks are related. The Sudweeks family has had to bear an enormous weight over the last 20 years, Costa Mesa Police Chief Rob Sharpnack said. We are pleased with where were at today, but thats nothing close to what were going to feel when this individual, this heinous criminal, is brought before justice. We will not stop, we will not rest, until this individual is in custody. Fry writes for Times Community News. hannah.fry@latimes.com Twitter: @HannahFryTCN A Newport Beach celebrity dentist who was barred from treating patients this month has relinquished her license to practice dentistry, state documents show. The Dental Board of California suspended Sherri Worths license Feb. 3, pending a disciplinary hearing. But Worth, whose work was featured on the former Fox reality TV makeover show The Swan, surrendered her license effective Friday, according to state documents. Advertisement The state dental board had filed a complaint against Worth on Feb. 1 based on allegations by six patients that she committed repeated acts of negligence, fraud, incompetence, overdiagnosis and excessive treatment. The patients were not identified by name in state documents. Winter Peterson, a former patient, and her husband, Greyson, filed a lawsuit Thursday in Orange County Superior Court against Worth alleging negligence and fraud. Worths attorney declined to comment Tuesday through a receptionist who answered the phone at his law office. Peterson was Worths patient from October 2016 to January 2017, during which time Worth replaced a bridge and veneers and added other veneers and crowns. The lawsuit alleges that the dental work was ill-fitting, and that Worth ground Petersons teeth with a dry drill, resulting in her needing root canals on otherwise healthy teeth. The dental work gave Peterson an improper bite that led to headaches and intense jaw pain, according to court papers. One of Petersons attorneys, Dr. Edwin Zinman, a San Francisco lawyer and dentist, said the 28-year-old paid Worth about $39,000 for dental work. Zinman estimates that Peterson will spend more than $32,000 to repair her teeth. Worth has been licensed as a dentist in California since May 1995. Her website, which has been taken down, previously featured testimonials from Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee, actress Anna Kendrick and other stars. On her website, she talked about how shes the doctor of the perfect smile, Zinman said. Shes told patients shes the greatest dentist in the world. Shes definitely self-praising. Zinman also represented another former patient of Worths, who successfully sued the dentist in 2010 for botching $46,000 worth of work, according to court documents. The woman, who saw Worth in 2009 in hopes of fixing a gummy smile, said she experienced intolerable pain after Worth put crowns or porcelain veneers on 22 of the patients teeth. According to a complaint the dental board filed in 2015, many of the fixtures were ill-fitted, and in some cases, Worth removed solid dental work to attach them. According to the complaint, Worth improperly shaved off portions of the womans gums with a laser, enabling food and bacteria to lodge around her teeth. "[Worth] observed the horrible gingivitis in the areas she treated with laser surgery, and the perfectly healthy gum tissue in the rest of the mouth, and inexplicably continued to insist the patients oral hygiene was the problem, the complaint states. Worths case caught the dental boards attention in 2012, when a malpractice insurer notified the agency that it had paid $641,441 in a judgment to the patient. According to the dental board complaint, Worth charged two patients more than $5,000 each for laser gum surgery she didnt perform, digitally altered X-rays to cover up problems she caused and performed expensive and unnecessary restorations on healthy teeth. The dental board also accused Worth of altering or hiding patient records. The complaint states that by improperly placing restorations on teeth, she demonstrated a gross lack of clinical skill and diagnostic ability. Worth could reapply for her license in three years, but would have to pay $93,600 to the dental board for the cost of the investigation. hannah.fry@latimes.com While Californias other major dam has been the focus of national attention, the Shasta Dam was making history itself this week. For the first time in almost two decades, water was released Wednesday from the topmost gates of the dam impounding Lake Shasta, Californias largest reservoir, marking another milestone in what is shaping up to be the states wettest year on record. The release lasted just 15 minutes and was only a test to confirm that the gates were functioning properly in case they need to be used at a later time, according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The gates operated as expected, bureau spokesman Louis Moore said. Advertisement With the reservoir at 135% of its historical average for this time of year and nearly 93% of its capacity, dam engineers were releasing billions of gallons of water to make room for incoming flows from the Cascade Range and distant Sierra Nevada foothills, according to the bureau. Water was flowing from the reservoir at up to 70,000 cubic feet per second into the Sacramento River, and communities downstream were preparing for a corresponding surge along its banks. Shasta Dam is the linchpin of Californias federal water project, which sends water down to cities and farms to the south. Oroville Dam is the heart of a separate state water project, which also moves water from the Sierra Nevada south. Oroville was at the center of a major crisis when an emergency spillway showed signs of failing, prompting the evacuation of more than 100,000 residents downstream. Since then, officials have lowered water levels at Lake Oroville and the concerns have eased. There have been no issues with the spillways at the Shasta Dam, though officials downstream have been talking about contingencies in the unlikely event that significantly more water needs to be released from it. This week marked the first time the agency has used the gates at the top of the 602-foot-tall dam about 120 miles from the Oregon border in far Northern California since the states last huge rainy season in 1997-98. A set of valves lower down on the dam were used for the first time in six years in January, which was a precursor to Wednesdays milestone. To illustrate just how much rain has fallen on Northern California this year, Moore said, the reservoir held only 2.67 million acre-feet of water at this point last year. As of midnight Wednesday, he said, the reservoir was holding 4.21 million acre-feet. An acre-foot of water is enough to supply the needs of a family of five for a year, Moore said. In February alone, the reservoir has added 669,000 acre-feet of water, or a years supply for more than 3.3 million people, he said. Its ridiculous, Moore said. Lake Shasta has risen 3 feet in just the last three days, he said. Think of the vast size of the reservoir, Moore said. Thats a tremendous amount of water. Even for locals, the dam has something new to offer. Daniel Botts, 21, from Redding, was in awe of just how much water the lake held after more than five years of drought. He pointed to where the lake meets the concrete dam. It used to be you could look over the edge and itd be a death drop, he said. Now its more of a high dive. Alice Hightower, 91, remembers the last time Redding, downriver from the lake, flooded. It was 1940 and there was no dam to prevent an onslaught from rain or snowmelt. We lost seven cows downriver, she said Thursday, during one of her routine visits to the site. Her husband, Thomas, helped build the enormous structure. Something with sledgehammers and concrete, she chuckled. Back then, residents moved out of Redding, fearing the dam wouldnt last. Now its a tourist attraction. For the first time in almost two decades, water was released in February 2017 from the topmost gates of the Shasta Dam. (Joseph Serna / Los Angeles Times) They say itll last thousands of years because its all cement, Hightowers daughter Darla Hoeft said. The two came to gawk at the waterfall gushing from the dam, which draws regular visitors on rare sunny days. Its an amazing dam, you got to admit! Redding resident Sally Batchelder said proudly. We havent had this much rain and snow since the 80s. The gates have been used only twice in more than a generation, in 1983 and 1997, bureau officials said. They might have to be used again later this year for snowmelt, Moore said. The snowpack in the Sierra Nevada is at levels never seen before, and when it melts in the spring and summer, it will likely send a massive flow of water into the lake. In Tehama, about 50 miles downstream from the dam, Mayor Robert Mitchell didnt sound too concerned about the releases from the reservoir flooding homes along the Sacramento River in his city. On Thursday morning, the river was full and moving fast, but well within its banks. In summertime its a beautiful river with clean water. Right now its kind of ugly, muddy and raging, the mayor said. The influx of water from the reservoir hasnt been a concern because it has been controlled, Mitchell said. But the reservoir being so full and the dam gates having to be used at all suggest bigger problems could be on the horizon. It hasnt flooded here since the 1997-98 El Nino, said Mitchell, a Tehama resident for the last 45 years. My biggest concern, and just about everyone agrees with it, is with all the snowpack in the Sierra. If we get a warm rain this spring were going to be flooded. Theres no getting around it, Mitchell said. Itll be ugly down here, but theres nothing you can do to stop it. Nature will play its role and whatever happens happens. joseph.serna@latimes.com For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter. ALSO Sen. Kamala Harris to visit Oroville Dam as work continues on damaged spillways Hit by worst floods in a century, San Jose got little warning of impending disaster 24 arrested after video of off-duty officer firing gun during dispute with teens sparks Anaheim protests UPDATES: 6:25 p.m.: This article was updated with more information on Oroville. 4:30 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from Santa County residents. This article was originally published at 1:25 p.m. Cristina Reyes eyed her daughter toddling about on a patch of grass while waiting for the trolley that would take them to their Lynwood home. The 33-year-old has stuck to public transportation ever since someone stole her car last year. She and her husband contemplated buying a new one, but worried it would go to waste. I told my husband, Lets be prepared. Lets just save our money in case they end up sending us back. We can at least have something to start with. The two have been in the United States illegally since leaving Puebla, Mexico, more than a decade ago. They raised three children in a predominantly Latino community and shared little anxiety about their legal status. Advertisement But they, along with millions of others now at risk of deportation, have had their sense of stability shaken by President Trumps executive orders on illegal immigration. Fueled by fear, they are a population afloat in precarious waters, forced to rethink their daily routines and rewrite their futures. Theres no salvation for anyone, said Juan Rosas of Huntington Park. The 62-year-old is in the country illegally but said he felt safe because he has no criminal history. And now Im being lumped in with them? he asked. I wanted to get my immigration documents in order, but now its not even worth it. Its too late for me. After Trump was elected in November, an unease settled into immigrant communities around California and the United States as those here illegally awaited word on the presidents promise of a deportation crackdown. This week, his administration offered the clearest road map yet. Officials on Tuesday swept aside nearly all restrictions on the removal of 11 million people in the U.S. illegally, a vast expansion of the federal governments deportation priorities. Trump supporters and others applaud his administrations measures, arguing that immigrants here illegally are a drain on the economy and take jobs away from citizens. But for immigrants across the nation, the fear of being arrested or deported at any moment has drawn up a new reality for how they go about their day-to-day lives. In Phoenix, families share advice with one another: Stay indoors. Dont look at a police officer for too long. Ask your legal children to do the grocery shopping. The undocumented are not venturing out as much, said James Garcia of Promise Arizona, a nonprofit that works directly with immigrants who are in the country illegally. They dont want a broken taillight to get them pulled over. Families made up of both legal and illegal residents have begun talking about having a plan of action if some members of the family are deported. Theyre obviously just frightened and scared of the unknowns, Garcia said. They know that people are being detained and picked up in different places in the country. New York officials complain that immigration agents are staking out the courts, looking for those who can be detained. One legal permanent resident who showed up in court Tuesday in a misdemeanor assault case was nabbed by four waiting agents, said Stan German, executive director of New York County Defender Service. The man had a prior 2006 felony conviction for a nonviolent offense, he said. This is reverberating in many different forms. People are afraid to go to parent-teacher meetings or to the emergency room, German said. And talk about national security. How are we going to get witnesses? Nobody is going to go near a police office or a courtroom where they have to give their name and identify themselves. Life goes on along Fourth Street in Santa Ana as details of President Trumps deportation plans emerge and anxiety and anger surface among some residents surface. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) The son of immigrants from the Dominican Republic, German said he advised his own 73-year-old mother, a naturalized U.S. citizen who lives in Florida, not to go out in public without her documents. My mother has been here 40 years paying taxes, and she is walking around with multiple forms of identification for the first time in her life, German said. Those who are in the country legally have found acquaintances relying on them. Michael Clara of Salt Lake City was walking to church Sunday morning when his neighbor flagged him down. He knew her well enough to know that hers was the house with the great-smelling food, but not well enough to have her phone number. Appearing troubled, she asked for a favor. She needed milk, produce, a few other staples. Would he mind going to the grocery store for her? She worried that the three-mile trip to the store could end in deportation. She started to cry. He did too. I knew I couldnt sit in church knowing she needed groceries, Clara said. So I just told her we could go then. Ricardo Cortez, who owns a travel agency and clothing store in Santa Ana, said he carries around a low-simmering anxiety inside. We all had this false notion that we would always be embraced by the United States, said Cortez, who left Mexico City three decades ago and does not have legal status. Most of us dont have a Plan B. We only thought of the American Dream. Last Wednesday, 57-year-old Margarita Xochitecatl was selling her usual fare of jewelry and crocheted hats on Alvarado Street, just as she had done in Mexico. She had arrived in Los Angeles two years ago when her daughter died and left behind a son. Her visa expired after six months, but Xochitecatl remained with the boy, who didnt want to move back with her to an unfamiliar country. When the grandmother heard that immigration agents were patrolling the area in Westlake where she was peddling her wares, Xochitecatl quickly packed up her merchandise. The need to stick around for her grandson outweighs that of income. Although not for long. I cant hide I have to eat, she said. Rent doesnt wait. Lately, she and other vendors have heard increasing reports of raids. Still, no one she knows has been deported. She recognizes that much of what goes around has been rumors. But she asks herself every time: What if one ends up being true? ruben.vives@latimes.com | Twitter: @LATvives andrea.castillo@latimes.com | Twitter: @andreamcastillo cindy.carcamo@latimes.com | Twitter: @thecindycarcamo corina.knoll@latimes.com | Twitter: @corinaknoll Staff Writers Nigel Duara, David Montero, Barbara Demick and Laura King contributed to this story. ALSO Trumps promise to ramp up deportations spreads fear among California businesses Fewer high school students are applying for college aid under the California Dream Act 300 protest in Anaheim after videos show off-duty LAPD officer firing gun in dispute with teens Kenneth Arrow, the Nobel Prize-winning Stanford economist whose groundbreaking work redefined the worlds understanding of the free marketplace, has died at his home in Palo Alto. Stanford University, where Arrow spent much of his career, reported that the economist died Tuesday at the age of 95. Arrow was the youngest person to win the Nobel Prize for economics, and through the decades he helped push and pull economics into unexpected arenas global warming, the electoral process, pay equity and healthcare. Advertisement His contributions to the so-called equilibrium theory helped him win the Nobel Prize in 1972, an honor he shared with British economist Sir John Hicks. Arrow was 51 at the time. The equilibrium theory established what have become the standards for supply and demand in a competitive marketplace. While once economics held a narrow understanding of the dynamics of a given marketplace cost to make vs. the cost to purchase Arrow was among a group that advanced a far more complex algorithm. The equilibrium theory suggested that to accurately understand demand, one had to measure all the other forces in the economy. Demand for a meal, for instance, would rest not just on a menu price but on a whole galaxy of other factors oil prices, wages, the cost of food, transportation. Equilibrium would only be achieved, he said, when the marketplace set a price where supply of a particular item was equal to its demand a promised land of sorts where shortages or surpluses would be nonexistent. Arrow also dove into healthcare, showing how it was a marketplace outlier. In a real estate deal, for instance, the buyer and seller would have access to the same set of facts. In healthcare, physicians and insurance companies know far more than the customer. The result, he said, was nearly a complete lack of competition. Arrow first made his mark in economics in 1951 when he expanded on his own doctoral thesis with the impossibility theorem, which broadly suggested that no reasonably consistent and fair voting system can result in logical results when there are three or more choices, or candidates. Born in New York City on Aug. 23, 1921, Arrows education was interrupted by World War II when he served as a weather officer in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1946. He returned to Columbia University after the war and earned his doctorate, then became an assistant professor at the University of Chicago before joining the Stanford faculty in 1949. He taught at Stanford until 1968 when he left to teach at Harvard University. He later returned to Stanford. An affinity for economics ran in the family. His sister was an economist, as were both of his brothers-in-law. His nephew was former Treasury Secretary and Harvard President Larry Summers. A prolific theorist throughout his life, Arrow was a believer in social justice, once writing to then-Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, pleading for an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He challenged Stanford to rethink its investments in apartheid South Africa and was one of the academics who signed a statement on climate change that detailed what they said were the disastrous consequences of global warming. In an interview with the Atlantic magazine in 2009, Arrow worried that time was running short on confronting climate change. Thats not a theory; its happening right now, he said. Thats not a prediction; its happening right now. Arrow is survived by two sons, David and Andrew; a sister, Anita Summers; and a grandson. His wife, Selma Schweitzer, died in 2015. steve.marble@latimes.com twitter.com/stephenmarble One of the countrys 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. It was the second time in a week that the organizers of the annual conference have awkwardly pushed out a far-right supporter of President Trump. Last week, CPAC organizers who had invited the British provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos to give a speech quickly disinvited him after footage emerged of Yiannopoulos appearing to promote pedophilia. The tentative purges are a sign of the challenges conservatives face in policing the outer boundaries of their movement as Trump takes the GOP in a more nationalist direction. The shift, while energizing many working-class voters, has also attracted the vocal support of white nationalists like Spencer, who coined the term alternative right to describe his far-right views on separating the races. Advertisement Attending CPAC requires registration and can cost up to $300, and Spencer came to CPAC to attend a speech that was critical of the alt-right. In 2015 and 2016, Spencers alt-right label became associated with a loose-knit movement of white nationalists, misogynists and anti-Semites who often harassed prominent liberals online and supported Trumps rhetoric about stopping Muslim immigration and deporting immigrants who had entered the U.S. illegally. For the most part, the term is now embraced mostly by white nationalists. After leaving the speech, Spencer was quickly surrounded by a crowd of journalists who quizzed him on his views as curious passersby craned their necks to see who was causing such a scene. Several asked, Who is that? A bearded Trump voter who was wearing a denim vest and a bandanna with an eagle on it and called himself Grizzly Joe confronted Spencer for attending the conference. Hes a white supremacist, the man said after walking away. He shouldnt be here jumping on the Republican bandwagon. Supremacists of any kind are no use to the Republican Party, the Democratic Party, anybody. Theyre savages. CPAC organizer Matt Schlapp at one point stood about a dozen feet from the crowd around Spencer and defended the conference for allowing Spencer in, while trying 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. Schlapp added, of Spencer, This is America, and we have to deal with the laws and, you know, all I can tell you is that if he had comments wed agree with, hed be on our stage, but hes not on our stage. When asked if Schlapp wanted Spencer to leave, Schlapp responded: Richard Spencer is not on our agenda, we did not invite him, theres all kinds of people I suppose who can buy tickets, we have a constitution, we have laws in this country, and I think it would be better if yall [journalists] didnt give him attention. Though, Schlapp added, Id rather he not be here. Twenty minutes later, a security guard asked Spencer to leave, and Spencer left but he first spoke with dozens of journalists who had come to cover CPAC. In an email, a spokesman for the conference told The Times, He is not welcome here. Spencer said CPAC had fired the first shot. The fact is, people want to talk to me, not these boring conservatives, Spencer said. He added, CPAC cant hold a speech denouncing the alt-right and expect me not to come. matt.pearce@latimes.com @mattdpearce A critically ill woman from El Salvador who was awaiting emergency surgery for a brain tumor was forcibly moved from a Texas hospital to a detention center by federal agents, raising concerns about President Trumps directive to more aggressively pursue people living in the country illegally. Sara Beltran-Hernandez, 26, a mother of two young children, was bound by her hands and feet and removed by wheelchair from Huguley Hospital in Fort Worth late Wednesday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who brought her to a detention facility in Alvarado, Texas. It is heartbreaking and inhumane, said Chris Hamilton, a Texas lawyer who tried to visit the woman Wednesday night at the detention center, where he was threatened with arrest for trespassing. Advertisement This is unacceptable under our Constitution, and unacceptable from a standpoint of basic human rights, Hamilton said. This woman is critically ill and in severe pain. Lawyers who have been representing Beltran-Hernandez in an asylum petition said they plan to file an emergency appeal in Texas to get their client returned to the hospital. The medical team and legal team are focused on getting Sara the medical treatment she desperately needs, said Lorena Massoni, a paralegal working on Beltran-Hernandezs case. Beltran-Hernandez was picked up by immigration agents in November 2015 while trying to get from El Salvador to New York to visit her mother and other relatives who live in Queens. She has been detained ever since at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, while her family petitioned for asylum, citing threats of violence against her, from a domestic partner, among others. Beltran-Hernandez was transferred from the detention center to the hospital in Fort Worth this month after complaining of headaches, nosebleeds and memory loss. Doctors diagnosed a brain tumor and put her on a waiting list for emergency surgery, which was supposed to take place this weekend, according to her legal team. They were stunned when the agents removed her from the hospital Wednesday. They had tied up her hands and ankles, Melissa Zuniga, another paralegal on the case, said in a text message. I dont understand why at all when shes extremely sick and being moved in a wheelchair. Beltran-Hernandezs relatives have not been allowed to visit her, although they have spoken to her on the telephone. Beltran-Hernandez is back at the Prairieland Detention Center, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The agency said in a statement Thursday, During her stay at the hospital, ICE ensured that she was able to speak to her family and to her attorney by phone. Like all detainees in our care, Ms. Beltran will continue to have access to 24 hour emergency medical care and to any required specialized treatment at an outside facility. The statement also said that a doctor had determined she was stable enough to be discharged and that she will be seen again by a medical specialist next week. The abrupt removal of the critically ill woman is a dramatic example of what many observers believe might become the new normal: immigration agents implementing the Trump administrations call to aggressively deport people in the country illegally regardless of whether they have committed serious crimes. The most pernicious thing is that immigration enforcement authorities are filtering through government at every level seeing who they can scoop up, said Rory Lancman, a councilman from Queens. Lancman is not involved with the Beltran-Hernandez case but is active on behalf of other immigrants in his district. If immigration agents are in our schools, our healthcare system, our courts, lives will be lost, he said. barbara.demick@latimes.com Twitter: @BarbaraDemick ALSO Did a Mexican migrant leap to his death at the border minutes after deportation? In Mexico, Homeland Security chief says there will be no mass deportations of people in U.S. illegally As Trump immigration crackdown comes into focus, anxiety grows along with anger President Trump has said he wants to reduce the number of immigrants in the country illegally, and his proposals this week for stepped-up deportations appear to target a broad range of the estimated 11 million people who are in the country illegally. For many, that means a lot of new worries. Some immigrants say they are staying home for fear of being seized by immigration agents. Attorneys are watchful of their clients at courthouses, wondering if they could get picked up and deported after conviction for minor infractions. With thousands more enforcement agents expected to be hired as part of the stepped-up enforcement plan, the idea of security for immigrants who are in the country illegally, many say, has gone out the window. Advertisement So far, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents say they have been enforcing deportation orders no more rigorously than did the Obama administration, which carried out 344,354 removals in the 2016 fiscal year. In some ways, the sense of alarm and preparation for what may be to come is more prospective than actual. But across the country, its already being felt. Utah Michael Clara was walking to church Sunday morning when his neighbor stepped outside her front door. He knew her well enough to know she was in the house with the great-smelling food, but not well enough to have her phone number. She looked troubled as she flagged him down. In Spanish, she asked Miguel as she always called him if he could do her a favor. When he got back from church, would he mind going to the grocery store for her to buy some milk, vegetables and other basic staples? Sure, Clara said. But why? The woman, in her 50s, said she was scared she might be deported. The news was full of news of la migra running raids and with President Trumps executive orders, she was especially fearful to make the three-mile trip to the store. She started to cry. He did too. I knew I couldnt sit in church knowing she needed groceries, Clara said. So I just told her we could go then. Arizona In Phoenix, advice is making the rounds in immigrant circles: Stay indoors. Dont look at a police officer for too long. Ask your legal children to do the grocery shopping. The undocumented are not venturing out as much, said James Garcia of Promise Arizona, a nonprofit that works directly with immigrants who are in the country illegally. Theyre just not going out on the street as much. They dont want a broken taillight to get them pulled over. Dozens of immigrants who are in the country illegally dropped by the offices of Promise Arizona to speak with staff about the risks of living under Trumps most recent executive orders, Garcia said. A southern Arizona nonprofit that returns the bodies of deceased migrants to their families has stopped sharing information with law enforcement. People are incredibly afraid after Trumps executive orders, said Robin Reineke, director of the Colibri Center in Tucson. Were continuing our strategy to help the families in their search for information without the use of law enforcement. What were afraid of is some of the processes we believed to be safe are no longer safe. New York New York officials complain that immigration agents are staking out the misdemeanor courts, looking for immigrants who can be detained. One legal permanent resident who showed up in court Tuesday morning on a misdemeanor assault case in New York was nabbed by four agents who had been waiting for him. The man had a prior 2006 felony conviction for a nonviolent offense. This is reverberating in many different forms, said Stan German, executive director of New York County Defender Services. People are afraid to go to parent-teacher meetings or to the emergency room. And talk about national security: How are we going to get witnesses? Nobody is going to go near a police office or a courtroom where they have to give their name and identify themselves. The son of Dominican Republican immigrants, German said he had advised his 73-year-old mother, a naturalized U.S. citizen who lives in Florida, not to go out in public without her documents. My mother has been here 40 years paying taxes and she is walking around with multiple forms of identification for the first time in her life, said German. New York City Councilman Rory Lancman, who represents a district of Queens with a large immigrant population, has called on the New York City police to stop arresting people on misdemeanors such as jumping subway turnstiles or public urination for fear that they could be subject to deportation if they end up in the court system. I guess the most pernicious thing is that the immigration enforcement authorities are filtering through government at every level. People dont know what are the safe zones in interacting with government, said Lancman. If people are afraid to call 911 to report a fire or report a crime, lives will be lost. Washington, D.C. One immigration advocate, Marshall Fitz, termed the Trump administrations orders a shock-and-awe campaign of really repressing rights. Our identity as a welcoming, open nation frankly hangs in the balance, said Fitz, a managing director of the Emerson Collective, a California-based philanthropy headed by Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Steve Jobs. Fitz expressed strong doubt that talks in Mexico by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly would be productive, coming on the heels of the doubling and tripling down on a very aggressive set of policies that will likely result in due process violations and incredible hardship for Mexican nationals living in the United States. Speaking on a conference call with reporters organized by immigration advocates, he predicted a public outcry as the scope of the new orders became clear, combined with a legal battle under the rubric of constitutional overreach. Duara reported from Arizona, Demick from New York, King from Washington and Montero from Utah. ALSO: Did a Mexican migrant leap to his death at the border minutes after deportation? What you need to know about the Trump administrations new immigration rules Fed up with honking and pooping, Denver gets a goosinator to help disrupt Canada goose population Law enforcement took control of the largest Dakota Access pipeline protest camp Thursday, arresting or moving the few dozen people who had remained in the mud and snow in one of the largest environmental protests in American history. At 2:09 p.m., Oceti Sakowin protest camp was completely cleared by law enforcement! the Morton County Sheriffs Office wrote on its Facebook page, referring to the name protesters gave the camp just north of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribes reservation in North Dakota. Later, law enforcement, with the aid of National Guard troops, also began clearing the smaller Rosebud camp, located across the Cannonball River. There were no reports of broad confrontations with law enforcement, though some people could be seen on live-stream videos being wrestled to the ground and handcuffed. Advertisement At least 30 people had been arrested by early afternoon, but many others fled toward a third camp, Sacred Stone, the original protest site established 10 months ago. The camp was set up on private land by a handful of people from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and others who have argued that the $3.8-billion, 1,170-mile pipeline threatens the tribes water supply and sacred cultural sites. The pipeline would carry oil from the Bakken shale fields in North Dakota to Illinois. The company building the pipeline, Energy Transfer Partners, says the pipeline will be a safer means of transporting oil than truck or rail. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which controls most of the land where the protest camps are located, have said the site must be cleared for safety and health reasons, including concerns that spring snow melt will flood the low-lying area where Oceti Sakowin and Rosebud are located. The Corps of Engineers has said it will take about a month and more than $1 million to clean debris from the area. The evacuation ended the most visible element of one of the highest-profile environmental protests in memory. Beginning in April of last year, tribal members set up teepees at a protest camp overlooking Lake Oahe, a dammed section of the Missouri River under which the pipeline was to travel. In time, the Sioux and other tribes filed legal challenges and welcomed thousands of Native American and others to join them in protest. At its peak, the Oceti Sakowin camp was home to thousands of people who called themselves water protectors. They ate communal dinners in makeshift mess halls, set up composting toilet operations, endured the brutal summer heat and the even more brutal winter, when temperatures often dropped below zero. Some clashed with law enforcement and about 700 people have been arrested, with many claiming police brutality. After construction was halted by the Obama administration, which initiated an expanded environmental review of the pipelines route in its final weeks, construction on the pipeline resumed Feb. 9, less than 24 hours after the Trump administration granted a final easement allowing for completion of the section beneath Lake Oahe. Hundreds of protesters remained even as construction resumed, though the Standing Rock Sioux encouraged them to leave and focus instead on political and legal efforts across the country. More recently, the Army Corps of Engineers imposed a Wednesday evacuation deadline. After it passed, law enforcement did not immediately enter the camp, though Burgum said that 10 people were arrested later Wednesday. Weve been very clear that we wanted them to leave, Burgum told reporters at a news conference Wednesday evening. To be arrested today, you had to be really trying to get it done. Law enforcement was followed into the camps on Thursday by heavy equipment that was used to quickly begin leveling several wooden structures. The familiar panorama of the camp became a sprawl of law enforcement and large vehicles navigating through campsites, vehicles and debris, much of which had been abandoned weeks ago by protesters. Some of the last remaining protesters walked across the frozen Cannonball River to the Rosebud camp before retreating further. All right, cops are coming in, Tim Schwartz, who live-streamed from his Facebook page, Inspire Bank Exits, said about 9 a.m. Thursday. Should we go? He asked a woman who had been working as a camp medic about her plans. Were going to stay here until we cant, she said. Until they get us or until were not needed. Later, a man with a bullhorn bellowed out to the encroaching officers, reminding them that the land the camps were on was originally granted to the Standing Rock Sioux in treaties with the federal government before the tribe was moved to its reservation. This is treaty land, he said. You are trespassing. Please go home. The world is watching. william.yardley@latimes.com @yardleyLAT ALSO Loud and angry, protesters turn congressional town halls into must-see political TV Trump administration rescinds guidelines on protections for transgender students One of two girls killed in Indiana captured cellphone audio of suspect, police say UPDATES: 2:55 p.m.: The story was updated with new details of the clearance operation, and with additional background. The story was originally published at 11:10 a.m. The Trump administration is about to learn the difference between rhetoric and reality, and could be setting itself up for a spectacular policy failure. SAD! Earlier this week, Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly released his new guidance for immigration enforcement, effectively dismantling years of federal policy and sending a shiver of fear through millions of people living in the U.S. without permission. Even before Kelleys official directives came out, undocumented immigrants had begun moving into the shadows, thanks to President Trumps mean-spirited and misguided campaign threats and executive orders. Some families were apparently keeping children out of school to avoid encountering immigration agents. Now that process will surely continue. White House officials tried to argue that there was nothing to panic about in the policies released this week because the administration has no plan for imminent mass deportations or detentions. Thats disingenuous, though. The directives are a blueprint for both; all Homeland Security lacks are the staffing and infrastructure to carry them out. The new rules narrowed the pool of immigrants protected (by the Obama administration) from deportation so that now, nearly everyone living in the country illegally is at risk unless they qualify for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The directives also say anyone deemed inadmissible at the border must be detained during deportation proceedings. Advertisement Its simply not believable that the government is going to round up and deport even a majority of the people living in the U.S. without permission. Actually ramping up apprehensions and deportations will take more government workers, more detention cells and a bigger immigration court system, as well as cooperation from local law-enforcement officials many of whom balk at the idea and the backing of a spending-averse Congress. Trump wants to hire 5,000 more border agents and 10,000 more ICE agents for enforcement in the interior of the country, and he expects to vastly increase the number of detainees from the current 41,000 people. The detention system particularly the part run under contract by private prison companies has been condemned by human rights groups over living conditions, detainees access to lawyers and lack of adequate healthcare. Even before Trumps proposed enforcement surge, agents apprehended 415,816 people at the border last year; the immigration courts have 542,000 pending cases. And that represents just a tiny fraction of the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the country. Surely they cant all be detained; even the entire federal prison system only holds 189,130 inmates. Trump might want to consider appointing a Secretary of Reality Check. Adding bodies to the border patrol carries its own risks. The number of agents nearly doubled from 2002 to 2009 and, according to former Customs and Border Patrol internal affairs chief James Tomsheck, new hires were not fully vetted, leading to problems with corruption (some new hires actually turned out to be moles working for the cartels). Independent reports found an internal Border Patrol culture that downplayed corruption and the use of excessive force. Conditions had been improving over the past year or so, and the Obama administration in October hired Mark Morgan, a former assistant director of the FBI, as the first Border Patrol director to come form outside the organization. But Morgan, unpopular with the border agents union (which had strongly endorsed Trump), was fired in January, raising doubts about whether the reforms will continue as the department seeks to increase staffing by 25%. Its simply not believable that the government is going to round up and deport even a majority of the people living in the U.S. without permission many of whom who are guilty of nothing more than violating the civil immigration laws. And beyond the inherent coldheartedness of uprooting and, in many cases, dividing families that have spent decades in this country, its manifestly bad policy. The center-right American Action Forum has estimated that deporting all undocumented immigrants would cost the government between $400 billion and $600 billion, shave $1 trillion from GDP, cause labor shortages and damage families including the 4.5 million American citizens under age 18 with at least one parent living in the country illegally. Even a lite version of Trumps deportation policy would deliver unjustifiable agony to an unacceptably large number of people. If the Republicans in Congress had any sense, theyd refuse to allocate money to pay for Trumps counterproductive proposals and instead insist the administration work with them on the only rational solution to this problem: A humane and comprehensive overhaul of the system that would create a path to citizenship for people who already have roots in the country while also setting reasonable immigration quotas and allowing the U.S. to regain control over its border. Otherwise, Congress will become complicit in Trumps odious, ill-conceived plan. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook As a candidate for president and since taking office, Donald Trump has portrayed himself as sympathetic to gay, lesbian and transgender Americans. In his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, he congratulated the delegates for cheering when he committed himself to protecting LGBTQ citizens from terrorism. Last month, the White House announced that he would keep in place an order issued by President Obama prohibiting federal contractors from discriminating in hiring on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. A lot of the goodwill Trump earned with those gestures was lost Wednesday when his administration announced that it was rescinding existing directives to protect perhaps the most vulnerable LGBTQ citizens transgender schoolchildren. Under the Obama administration, the departments of Education and Justice had informed schools receiving federal funds that they must allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms that match the gender with which they identify. These directives had been put on hold by a federal judge, but on Wednesday those departments canceled those directives altogether in a brief letter. Advertisement Although the letter is couched in terms of deference to the primary role of the states and local school districts in establishing educational policy, the political genesis of the change is obvious. Religious conservatives, who provided Trump with significant support, long have stirred up hysteria over the imaginary danger to children posed by policies that allow transgender children to use facilities of the gender they identify with, even if it doesnt match the one on their birth certificates. Its also true that many parents and school administrators, even if they dont subscribe to such propaganda, are uneasy and ill-informed about transgender children. They may not understand that being forced to use a bathroom or changing room of a gender with which you dont identify or even a special room set aside for you because youre different can reinforce a sense of marginalization. The directives withdrawn by the Trump administration were based on a legal interpretation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, a federal law that prohibits schools from denying benefits to students on the basis of sex. The Obama Education Department interpreted that persuasively to include discrimination on the basis of gender identity. A federal judge in Texas disagreed, and last year issued a nationwide injunction against enforcement of Obamas interpretation of the law. Because of that injunction, the immediate effect of the Trump administrations action is limited. Still, the administrations shameful shift of policy could have legal consequences. Next month the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments in the case of Gavin Grimm, a transgender boy who is seeking to use the boys restroom at his Virginia high school. In ruling for Grimm, a federal appeals court had relied on the Obama administrations interpretation of Title IX. With the Trump administrations change of policy, the justices might send the case back to the appeals court. The better course would be for the Supreme Court to squarely address the issue of whether the law against sex discrimination in education protects transgender students and allows them to fully express their gender identity. We think it does, regardless of what the Trump administration says. The overwhelming grief felt by Whittier Police Chief Jeff Piper following the brutal killing Monday of Officer Keith Boyer is understandable. But public officials need to be held accountable for false or misleading statements that are calculated to sway opinion on important policy matters, even if those comments come during times of great duress. And unfortunately, Piper misused the occasion of Boyers traumatic death to lash out at recent criminal justice reforms. We need to wake up, he said. Enough is enough. Youre passing these propositions, youre creating these laws.... Its not good for our community [and] its not good for our officers. The outburst against laws adopted by the Legislature and the voters might have been forgivable had alleged killer Michael C. Mejia been paroled under last Novembers Proposition 57, or released earlier than planned because his felony was changed to a misdemeanor under 2014s Proposition 47, or otherwise at large because of some supposed defect in AB 109, the 2011 realignment law that assigned more criminal justice responsibilities to counties. Advertisement But none of those things were true, nor was Mejia the beneficiary of early release. The parole process restored by Proposition 57 hasnt even kicked in yet, and Mejia had served his full time in prison for car theft, a crime unaffected by Proposition 47. AB 109 despite the assertions of law enforcement leaders, elected officials and far too many news outlets that ought to know better neither mandates nor permits early release from prison or jail. Were there shortcomings in his county supervision, as there so often are with state parole supervision? If so, thats what should be targeted. Californians have been hearing complaints about criminal justice reform for years from officials who are uncomfortable with changing their practices or taking on new responsibilities for dealing with dangerous offenders. Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell complained about reform measures in October, following the slaying of Sgt. Steve Owen in Lancaster and again on Monday after Boyers death. Earlier on, the once-viable Republican Abel Maldonado centered his abortive election challenge to Gov. Jerry Brown on the provably false assertion that a host of killers had been allowed to commit their crimes because of AB 109. More generally, police have offered the specious assertion that a shift in public opinion away from tough-on-crime measures and toward more thoughtful outcome-oriented public safety policies have contributed to attacks on police officers. Like Maldonados ill-chosen examples, Mejia had been not been released from prison any earlier than he would have been before any of the allegedly dangerous reforms. Under AB 109 he was supervised after prison not by state parole officers but by Los Angeles County probation officers. And when Mejia violated the terms of his probation repeatedly the county officers had several options for dealing with his violations, including sending him to jail for 10 days and seeking to revoke his supervised release. Certainly something went wrong. After repeated punishment he was still free to allegedly commit at least one murder. So were there shortcomings in his county supervision, as there so often are with state parole supervision? If so, thats what should be targeted, criticized and fixed, not the underlying reform that empowers counties to better manage their criminal populations. Although it wasnt the case with Mejia, AB 109 does mandate that some criminals convicted of less-serious crimes do their time in county jail instead of state prison and some county jails are at capacity, which requires sheriffs to make decisions about whom to release before their terms expire. So it is certainly possible that a sheriff could choose to release an AB 109 felon before his or her full term expires. Yet few counties do release felons from jail early, preferring instead to release misdemeanor inmates before their full six-month terms in order to provide enough space for felons. Most California sheriffs, including McDonnell, keep AB 109 inmates for their full felony terms. Criminal justice reform puts those sheriffs, along with chief probation officers, boards of supervisors and other county officials, in the drivers seat. They now have the ability to manage jail populations by assessing and comparing the risk of accused and convicted offenders to flee or commit new crimes. They have a range of options for overseeing them on parole-like community supervision. They can measure the impact of rehabilitation programs and respond accordingly. Results in some parts of California San Diego, for example, where crime is at the lowest rate in years and continues to drop are good. In Los Angeles County and its constituent cities, officials seem overwhelmed by the size of their caseload and the scope of their challenge. Their frustration is understandable. But that does not alter their duty to accurately and dispassionately lay out the facts. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Los Angeles voters head to the polls on March 7 for the citys last stand-alone local election. Starting in 2020, city and school board elections will be held in June and November during even-numbered years, together with gubernatorial and presidential elections. Here are The Times picks for March 7: Los Angeles County ballot measure Measure H. A quarter-cent sales tax to fund homeless services: Yes Los Angeles city ballot measures Measure M. A city-sponsored plan to tax and regulate marijuana: Yes Advertisement Measure N. An industry-sponsored plan to tax and regulate marijuana: No Measure P. Allow 66-year leases, instead of 50-year deals, at the Port of Los Angeles: Yes Measure S. Impose a two-year moratorium on developments that need exemptions from land-use rules: No Los Angeles city offices Mayor: Eric Garcetti City attorney: Mike Feuer City controller: Ron Galperin Council District 1: Joe Bray-Ali Council District 3: Bob Blumenfield Council District 5: Paul Koretz Council District 7: Monica Ratliff Council District 9: Jorge Nuno Council District 11: Mike Bonin Council District 13: Mitch OFarrell Council District 15: Joe Buscaino Los Angeles Unified School District District 2: Lisa Alva District 4: Nick Melvoin District 6: Kelly Gonez Los Angeles Community College District Seat 2: Steven Veres Seat 4: Ernest H. Moreno Seat 6: Gabriel Buelna Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook ALSO Your guide to the 2017 Los Angeles general election L.A. decides: What kind of city do you want to live in? What if you held an election and 80% of voters didnt care? Over the next two months, high school seniors will find out which colleges on their wish lists came through with acceptances. But the tensions wont end when the admission letters arrive. As paying the bill for a four-year degree becomes a reality, families will struggle to understand why higher education is so expensive and how they are going to afford it. Complaints that college fees are too high often reflect confusion over the difference between the cost of higher education and its price to students. Cost is a function of salaries for faculty and staff and the infrastructure expenses required to educate students. Price refers to tuition. Most people dont realize it, but the cost of educating a student has been restrained. According to the Higher Education Price Index between 2002 and 2014, college costs rose annually at a rate only about three-quarters of a percent higher than the consumer price index. Expenditure per student fell in many states. Overall at the University of California, expenditure per student has fallen by more than 20% since 1991 while tuition has risen (UC proposes to raise it again for the 2017-18 school year). Both actions are the consequence of decreasing state support for public higher education; since 2008, state support has fallen by more than 18% per student. The cost of college has been restrained but someone still has to pay. Advertisement According to the College Board, at four-year public universities, average annual in-state tuition in 2015 ranged from $4,890 to $15,160, with the national average at $9,410. Its not an unreasonable charge. Consider this comparison: According to the National Assn. of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, the average annual cost of day care in the U.S. is $11,410. The tuition at public universities is about the same as a low-priced day-care center. Whenever a state legislature decreases its support for higher education it is deciding that students should pay more. These figures are also the published tuition amount, which is akin to the sticker price on a car. Few pay the full freight. The real price is the published tuition minus financial aid. Nearly two-thirds of all college students receive financial aid. Average financial aid in 2015 was $5,430, which would make the average net tuition at public universities $3,980 per year, an even more reasonable price for a bachelors degree. So why all the controversy? First, room and board is expensive and can double the cost of attending college. But whether youre in college or not, you will have living expenses. There are choices; many communities have local universities and students can live at home. The high cost of living is outside a colleges control. Whats really at issue in the college-cost controversy isnt the price but who should pay for it: students, taxpayers or donors. The protests over tuition increases have come about because of a major shift that is occurring in who pays. Whenever a state legislature decreases its support for higher education it is deciding that students should pay more. But not all students pay more. Most public universities have a return to aid policy that sets aside a percentage of tuition for financial aid for students who have college potential but cant afford it. At UC, 33% of tuition dollars are used for aid. As state support has waned, universities including UC are redistributing tuition dollars from middle- and upper-income to low-income students. At UC, about 40% of undergraduates pay no tuition at all. Middle-income students are partially subsidized and most families with an annual income above $125,000 pay full tuition. A recent study shows the effects of this university-designed redistribution: As many as 78% of students who enrolled in the 1990s at major public universities have seen their status improve, moving from the bottom fifth of national income to the top three-fifths. Access to education does lead to low-income families finding a path out of poverty. Society, through significant cuts in public support, is decreasing its prioritization of higher education. Rather than every taxpayer bearing the cost of making public higher education widely available, wealthier families with college-age children are subsidizing less fortunate families. This scenario is neither equitable nor socially optimal. The benefits of access are shared by society as a whole; the costs should be shared as well. There is another problem with the way we are making higher education accessible. Tuition is not rising by a large enough amount to replace the significant decreases in state support. Faculty, program and infrastructure cuts are hurting the quality of education. Public higher education in the U.S is not too expensive, but the balance between cost, price and redistribution is tenuous. If legislatures and voters further lower their prioritization of higher education, the system itself will be at risk. Not only will fewer low-income students gain access to the advantages of a college education, the quality of public higher education in the U.S., which has long been recognized as the best such system in the world, will surely erode. Andrew J. Policano is a professor of economics and public policy and former dean at UC Irvines Paul Merage School of Business. He is author of From Ivory Tower to Glass House: Strategies for Academic Leaders During Turbulent Times. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook To the editor: Compromise as a means for pursuing our common interest is one thing; rotten compromise Israeli philosopher Avishai Margalits term for compromise that reinforces inhumanity and oppression is another. (Democrats are copying Republican obstruction tactics. This wont end well for the U.S., Feb. 16) In the 1850s, Abraham Lincolns opponent Stephen Douglas famously sought compromise with slavery, and it seems that Jon Huntsman and Joe Lieberman are determined to be the Stephen Douglases for our time. Particularly toxic is their falsely equating relentless Republican opposition to President Obama as a political tactic to prevent his reelection with the current resistance of Democrats and much of the public to an administration and a Congress that seem determined to negate every step of economic, social and environmental progress that are supported by strong majorities of the public. Advertisement Where compromise is toxic, saying no is the only realistic option. Michael Farquhar, Altadena .. To the editor: While I agree that rampant polarization and partisanship does not bode well for our democracy, Id be more inclined to tolerate a lecture by Lieberman on the essential role of compromise if he hadnt already compromised his soul away by introducing to the Senate, with lavish praise, the eminently unqualified Betsy DeVos for secretary of Education. Those of us taking to the streets are not motivated by ideological purity, as Huntsman and Lieberman claim. We march in opposition to Trumps systematic dismantling of our democracy and to the stunning silence and acquiescence from the vast majority of Republican lawmakers in the face of this tragedy. We will not get out of the way. Mary Rose OLeary, Los Angeles Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Former President George W. Bush says his recent remarks have been misconstrued as criticism of Trump (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) Former President George W. Bush on Wednesday pushed back at the notion that his recent remarks about the media were criticisms of President Trump. Im asked the question, Do I believe in free press? and the answer is absolutely, I believe in free press because the press holds people to account, he said. Power is very addictive and its corrosive if it becomes central to your life and therefore there needs to be an independent group of people who hold you to account. And so I answered that question and of course the headlines were, Bush criticizes Trump. And so therefore I needed to say, There should be a free and independent press, but it ought to be accurate. Bush made the remarks at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley during an hourlong question-and-answer session promoting Portraits of Courage, his new book that features his paintings of veterans. While doing media interviews about the book in recent days, he has raised eyebrows by making comments about the media, immigrants and allegations of Russian interference in the November presidential election that were widely viewed as criticisms of the new president. He said that he decided once he left the office not to second-guess his successor, former President Obama, and that the same holds true for Trump. Doing so would undermine the office, Bush said, adding that he wants all of his successors to succeed because it is good for the nation. I dont want to make the presidents job worse, no matter what political party it is. Its a hard job, Bush said. Sometimes my remarks can be construed as criticism. Theyre certainly not meant to be, and after I finish this book tour you probably wont hear from me for a while. But he was willing to offer advice to those who follow him. Know what you dont know and find people who do know what you dont know and listen to them, he said. My advice is that the job is different once you get in. It looks one way and then you get in the Oval Office and it looks different. Trust me. Bush also made an implicit criticism of Obamas foreign policy when asked whether the world is more dangerous than it was four years ago. This may be taken as criticism of one of my successors and I dont really mean it to be. There is a lesson however when the United States decides not to take the lead and withdraw, he said. Vacuums can be created when U.S. presence recedes and that vacuum is generally filed with people who dont share the ideology, the same sense of human rights and human dignity and freedom that we do. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) Aside from a handful of serious moments, Bush was jovial and self-effacing as he described how he became an oil painter after leaving the White House. Seeking ways to fill his time, he said he read an essay by Winston Churchill about painting. I basically said, What the hell, this guy can paint, I can paint, Bush said. He hired an instructor and started painting a cube and a watermelon before moving on to portraits. Former First Lady Laura Bush was not pleased with his depiction of her, so when he painted his mother, former First Lady Barbara Bush, he decided to depict her from behind. Barbara Bush and former President George H.W. Bush are doing well despite their recent hospitalizations, the younger Bush said. Theyre both great given their limitations. Dad cant walk, hes confined to a wheelchair and yet his spirit is joyful, Bush said. Moms doing fine. Shes shrinking, and as she does, her voice gets louder. But shes a, shes a piece of work is what she is. Bush has been reclusive since leaving office, but said he wrote the book and is publicizing it to raise money for veterans and to draw attention to the invisible wounds many of them suffer. I think when you read [their stories] youll be moved by stories of courage, injury, recovery willingness to help others, he said. Ive got a platform its not as big as it once was and I intend to use it to help our veterans for the rest of my life, and this is one way to do so. 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 exchanges 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. Advertisement So whats the real story? Are these things really kaput or can they be fixed? Heres a rundown of where things stand. How do marketplaces work? Buying health insurance on the marketplaces was set up to be like shopping online for a hotel room. The Obamacare marketplaces, such as HealthCare.gov, allow people who dont get health benefits at work to compare a variety of competing plans that all have to offer a basic set of benefits. Low- and moderate-income consumers currently about 80% of the 11 million Obamacare enrolees get federal subsidies to help pay their monthly premiums. And the plans are prohibited from turning away customers who are sick. This was a big deal. Before Obamacare, insurance companies were free to reject sick people. And even customers who could get a plan often found it didnt cover what they thought because health plans didnt have to meet the same standards they now must. What went wrong? Like all insurance markets, the Obamacare marketplaces rely on having a good mix of customers. Younger, healthier people, who typically have lower medical costs, offset the higher cost of older, sicker people. While Congress struggles to replace Obamacare, the Trump administration is moving to reshape health insurance on its own Unfortunately, many insurers discovered that the people who were signing up were sicker and more costly than they expected. That meant some insurers were losing money. Nobody likes that. Insurers basically had two ways to deal with this. They could raise premiums. Or they could bail on the marketplaces. Theres been a little of both over the past year. In some states, average 2017 premiums shot up more than 50%, though premium increases were more modest in other places. Some insurers like Humana, Aetna and UnitedHealthcare, all of whom are for-profit companies that have to answer to shareholders pulled out of marketplaces altogether. Thats created a lot of angry customers in some parts of the country. So are the marketplaces going to collapse? Probably not. In a traditional death spiral, younger, healthier customers flee as premiums rise. That leaves behind sicker people, who are willing to pay higher premiums to keep coverage they need. Because the remaining customers have high medical costs, premiums tend to rise further, pushing away even more customers until the cycle destroys the market. To date, there is little evidence this is happening. Enrollment on the marketplaces this year has remained relatively steady, even with the premium hikes. Nonetheless, the departure of insurers has left consumers in some parts of the country with few options to choose from. In a handful of places, there may be no insurer next year unless something changes. Many industry officials and independent experts believe that the marketplaces need some fixing. What would it take to fix the marketplaces? Everyone agrees that the key is attracting more young, healthy people into the market. Insurers say too many people are gaming the system by signing up only when they are sick. The industry wants tighter restrictions on when consumers can enroll in coverage on the marketplaces. The Trump administration just gave the industry some of what it wanted by limiting when people could sign up. Insurers also say they could make health plans cheaper and more attractive to younger people if they could charge those people less, though that might mean charging older customers more. That, of course, doesnt sit well with groups like AARP. Others say that offering consumers more financial assistance to pay their premiums would help, though that would naturally cost the government more money. What do Republicans want to do? We dont really know yet. Many GOP lawmakers are talking about completely overhauling the way Americans who use the marketplaces get coverage. Instead of making insurers all meet basic standards, for example, Republicans would let states set their own standards. That means that insurers in some places might no longer have to offer the same sets of benefits. As importantly, many GOP plans would also replace the way that marketplace consumers get financial assistance with their premiums. The Obamacare subsidies are linked both to consumers incomes and to how much health plans cost in their states. Republicans are talking about linking the value of the subsidy to age, with older consumers getting more financial assistance than younger consumers. Will that work? Its difficult to say since Republicans havent offered many details about their plans. Whats important to understand is that everything involves tradeoffs. Reducing requirements on which benefits insurers must offer, for example, might allow more plans with limited benefits. Those could be cheaper. But they might also leave consumers without vital protections they need. That was common before Obamacare, when insurers routinely sold policies that limited treatment of some conditions or excluded some benefits, such as prescription drugs. Similarly, a new system of financial aid that is based only on a consumers age would be much simpler than the current system. But it also would mean that young people with low incomes might have a hard time affording a health plan. That would deprive insurance markets of the healthy enrollees they most need. Editors Note: Obamacare 101 is a periodic primer on the debate over repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act noam.levey@latimes.com @noamlevey ALSO Molina Healthcare stock dives on clearly unacceptable earnings Hiltzik: An attack on abortion rights and a handout to the rich: The Republicans new plan for repealing Obamacare While Congress struggles to replace Obamacare, the Trump administration is moving to reshape health insurance on its own California lawmakers want to build a regulatory wall around the state, opening a new front in their brewing war with President Trump as they try to prevent any rollbacks in federal rules from weakening environmental protections here. The new legislation, announced Thursday by Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) and his colleagues, is an attempt to ensure federal rules on air quality, water protection, endangered species and worker safety would stay on the books in California even if theyre loosened in Washington. Federal standards in place before Trump took office would become enforceable by state officials in California. Senate leader Kevin de Leon, flanked by Democratic colleagues outside the Capitol, announces new environmental legislation on Thursday. (Chris Megerian / Los Angeles Times) Advertisement California cant afford to go back to the days of unregulated pollution, De Leon said at a news conference outside the Capitol. Were not going to let this administration or any other undermine our progress. Another measure would try to prevent Washington from selling federal land in California to private developers without first offering it to state officials. A third proposal would protect federal workers, such as engineers and lawyers, from losing state certifications and licenses if they blow the whistle on problems at their agencies. The sweeping package of legislation could be a prelude to drawn-out legal battles between California and Washington, and they arrive as Trump prepares to loosen federal environmental regulations. California will undoubtedly test the limits of what its possible for a state to do, said Cara Horowitz, co-director of UCLAs Environmental Law Clinic. The state, she said, has made very clear that it sees itself as the environmental resistance in the United States. Follow live coverage from the Capitol on Essential Politics Trump has already signaled his intention to slash regulations enacted under President Obama, including policies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and expanding protection of wetlands. Newly confirmed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt has been a dedicated opponent of expanded federal regulations. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) His choice to lead the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Scott Pruitt, fought such rules as Oklahomas attorney general. In a recent interview, he suggested the agency may not have the authority to regulate carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming. Although California has some of the strongest environmental policies in the country including an aggressive plan for fighting climate change it relies on an overlapping network of state and federal rules. Because of that, De Leon and his fellow Democrats other bill authors include Sens. Henry Stern (D-Canoga Park), Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) and Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) fear changes in Washington could derail Californias efforts. Their proposals would empower state regulators to enforce provisions in the federal Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act and other laws. If the legislators are successful, polluters hoping for more leeway from the Trump administration could find themselves stymied in California. And some sea otters, turtles and frogs that live in the state would remain protected under state law. This isnt the first time California has tried to play defense against a Republican administration in Washington. In 2003, when President George W. Bush was relaxing regulations, state lawmakers approved legislation to maintain higher standards for power plants and other facilities. But the new proposals are much broader, and insulating California from changes in federal regulations is not a simple task. In some areas, it can be very effective, said Rick Frank, director of the California Environmental Law and Policy Center at UC Davis. In other areas, depending on the federal laws, it might be more difficult. For example, the state needs waivers from the federal government when it wants to enact rules on vehicle emissions that are more stringent than national standards under the Clean Air Act. The new proposals announced Thursday seem unlikely to change that, and Pruitt has already hinted he may view waiver requests from California more skeptically than previous administrations did. Federal lands could be another difficult issue. Roughly half the land in California is owned by the federal government, including forests and mountains under the stewardship of the National Park Service. The federal government has far greater latitude with how it manages federal land, Frank said. But he said state officials may have a stronger hand in other areas, such as protecting wetlands and endangered species, where California already has an extensive set of rules in place. The new legislation is part of a wave of proposals from California lawmakers angling to throw roadblocks in the path of Trump, who remains highly unpopular in the predominantly Democratic state. Theyve proposed measures to provide legal assistance to immigrants in the country illegally and to prevent local law enforcement in the state from working with immigration authorities. Legislative leaders hired former U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr. as outside counsel to oversee a team of lawyers in potential legal battles with the Trump administration. Theres even talk of using the states strict environmental rules on new developments to block building a wall along the southern border with Mexico. However, legal experts dont expect that strategy to be effective if construction moves forward. chris.megerian@latimes.com Twitter: @chrismegerian ALSO Trumps EPA pick poised to survive Senate fight, but his brewing battle with California will be harder to win As the White House changes course on climate change, California stubbornly presses forward Updates on California politics A quarter of a century after a bitter political fight for control of Californias largest public employee pension fund, a new effort by Republicans in the state Capitol seeks to again dilute the influence of public employee unions by reshaping the agencys board of directors. The bill, introduced by Assemblyman Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach), would add two members to the board that oversees the California Public Employees Retirement System, CalPERS. It would also reshape the qualifications for three of the existing 13 positions on the board, either by requiring additional expertise or by limiting participation by those with a connection to public employee unions. I want to make sure that the future of Californias pensions is in the best hands possible, Allen said. I think it makes a ton of sense for the best practices of the private sector to come into the public sector. Advertisement The makeup of the CalPERS board membership was enshrined in the California Constitution in 1992 by voters. Of its 13 directors, six are chosen by employees who earn pension benefits. Two are directly appointed by the governor. Allens bill would give Gov. Jerry Brown and his successors the power to appoint two more CalPERS directors, for a total of four positions. That, plus two existing positions over which the governor has influence, could either match or surpass the power exerted by public employee unions. I think the unions absolutely belong at the table, Allen said. At the same time, the chief executive of California has to ensure that promises are not made that cannot be kept. The bill goes a step further in changing the CalPERS boards balance of power by also imposing new restrictions on how leaders of the Legislature choose their allotted appointment to the board. That single spot would be off-limits to any candidate with employee or public union connections, a challenge to the political alliances of most Democratic lawmakers. Though it was unveiled Friday, the final day for bills to be introduced this year, the idea of a pension board overhaul is not new in Sacramento. Brown himself pitched a similar idea in 2011, suggesting at the time in a written statement that the lack of independence and financial sophistication on public retirement boards has contributed to unaffordable pension benefit increases. A spokeswoman for Brown declined to comment on the new bill, citing the governors general policy of refraining from weighing in on pending legislation. A CalPERS spokesman said the agency hadnt yet reviewed the bill. Though the idea for the bill has been floated before, its fate in the statehouse could be rocky given it requires support not only from legislative Democrats but also from a majority of California voters in next Junes statewide primary. Nonetheless, the proposal is perhaps the clearest sign of the effort in recent months to forcefully push CalPERS to adopt a more fiscally conservative approach. That culminated in the boards decision last December to lower CalPERS official investment assumptions by a half-percentage point over a three-year period. That change means more long-term pension costs will be borne by taxpayers through government contributions and by employees, who must set aside additional dollars from their paychecks. The state budget will see a higher CalPERS contribution in the fiscal year that begins this summer, while local governments and school districts will get an extra year to prepare. Read more: Californias pension gap and how the costs keep climbing A CalPERS report released last month estimated the $302-billion fund, the nations largest, has only 69% of the assets it needs to pay existing retirement promises for government employees. It was concerns over that unfunded liability that sparked recent action to shift more of the burden away from investment profits. Dave Low, executive director of the California School Employees Assn. and a vocal critic of that action, said Wednesday that Allens legislation raises the same red flags as the 1991 effort by former Gov. Pete Wilson to wrest away control of CalPERS investment decisions. I think that this would give the governor outsized influence, Low said. The unions would prefer the board the way it exists now. Low said that the fight more than two decades ago laid bare the reality that any governor, if given the power, could twist arms on the CalPERS board to make long-term investment assumptions based on political goals. He said Browns recent efforts, including attempts to privately lobby individual CalPERS directors, make clear that a governor already has enormous power. The governors been able to flex a lot of muscle as it is, Low said. john.myers@latimes.com Follow @johnmyers on Twitter, sign up for our daily Essential Politics newsletter and listen to the weekly California Politics Podcast ALSO: How state and local governments will have to spend more in the wake of CalPERS trimmed investment expectations Political Road Map: The long, cold winter for Californias pension funds is coming Updates from Sacramento UPDATES: 5 p.m. This article was updated with comment from Assemblyman Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach). This article was originally published at 12:05 a.m. Trump promotes sons Justice with Judge Jeanine interview President Trump promoted via Twitter an interview with his son Eric Trump just before it aired Saturday night on Fox News Justice with Judge Jeanine. Eric Trump on @JudgeJeanine on @FoxNews now! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2018 Eric Trump called into the show to defend his father from criticism prompted by the first government shutdown in more than four years, as well as a series of Womens March events that saw protesters in dozens of cities take to the streets to oppose the presidents policies. .@EricTrump joined me over the phone from Mar-a-Lago ! pic.twitter.com/Hro3TzUW52 Jeanine Pirro (@JudgeJeanine) January 21, 2018 Speaking to host Jeannine Piro who is reportedly an old friend of the presidents Eric Trump offered effusive praise for his father, ticking off glowing statistics to illustrate the strength of the U.S. economy and gains against Islamic State fighters overseas. My fathers working like no ones ever worked before to bring back this country and to fulfill his promise to make America great again, said the executive vice president of the Trump Organization. He also repeated a sentiment recently expressed on Twitter by his father: That Democratic lawmakers forced a government shutdown on the anniversary of the presidents inauguration in a bid to distract from his achievements. You look at this whole government shutdown, and the only reason they want to shut down government is to distract and to stop his momentum, Eric Trump said. I mean, my father has had incredible momentum. Hes gotten more done in one year than arguably any president in history. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump tweets: a perfect day for all Women to March President Trump hailed the nationwide Womens March gatherings Saturday. On Twitter, the president called it a perfect day for all Women to March, seeming to imply that those taking part were celebrating his administrations accomplishments: Beautiful weather all over our great country, a perfect day for all Women to March. Get out there now to celebrate the historic milestones and unprecedented economic success and wealth creation that has taken place over the last 12 months. Lowest female unemployment in 18 years! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Participants in the marches across the United States were actually seeking to deliver a powerful rebuke to Trumps policies and mount a crucial mobilization for this years midterm elections. But Trump continued to tout his administrations unprecedented success in tweets sent later in the day: Unprecedented success for our Country, in so many ways, since the Election. Record Stock Market, Strong on Military, Crime, Borders, & ISIS, Judicial Strength & Numbers, Lowest Unemployment for Women & ALL, Massive Tax Cuts, end of Individual Mandate - and so much more. Big 2018! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 The Trump Administration has terminated more UNNECESSARY Regulation, in just twelve months, than any other Administration has terminated during their full term in office, no matter what the length. The good news is, THERE IS MUCH MORE TO COME! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2018 In addition to the roll call of major American cities where womens marches took place including New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Dallas, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta protesters also raised their voices in suburbs and small towns, reflecting the aim of coalescing a broad-based movement on the anniversary of Trumps inauguration to oppose the presidents stance on immigration, healthcare, racial divides and an array of other issues. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Laura King. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump calls shutdown a present from Democrats By Associated Press President Trump is blaming Democrats for the government shutdown tweeting that they wanted to give him a nice present to mark the one-year anniversary of his inauguration: This is the One Year Anniversary of my Presidency and the Democrats wanted to give me a nice present. #DemocratShutdown Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 That comes after Senate Democrats late Friday killed a GOP-written House-passed measure that would have kept agencies functioning for four weeks. Democrats were seeking a stopgap bill of just a few days in hopes that would build pressure on Republicans, and they were opposing a three-week alternative offered by GOP leaders. Democrats have insisted they would back legislation reopening the government once theres a bipartisan agreement to preserve protections against deporting about 700,000 immigrants known as Dreamers who arrived in the United States illegally as children. Trump on Saturday accused Democrats of holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration: Democrats are holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration. Cant let that happen! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Democrats are laying fault for the shutdown on Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress and the White House and have struggled with building internal consensus. In a series of tweets hours after the shutdown began, the president tried to make the case for Americans to elect more Republicans to Congress in November in order to power through this mess: Democrats are far more concerned with Illegal Immigrants than they are with our great Military or Safety at our dangerous Southern Border. They could have easily made a deal but decided to play Shutdown politics instead. #WeNeedMoreRepublicansIn18 in order to power through mess! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 He noted that there are 51 Republicans in the 100-member Senate, and it often takes 60 votes to advance legislation: For those asking, the Republicans only have 51 votes in the Senate, and they need 60. That is why we need to win more Republicans in 2018 Election! We can then be even tougher on Crime (and Border), and even better to our Military & Veterans! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 #AMERICA FIRST! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 The stopgap spending measure won 50 votes in the Senate, including five from Democrats. Although the House and Senate were in session Saturday, it was unclear whether lawmakers would take any votes of consequence. Trump had been set to leave Friday afternoon for a fundraiser at his estate in Palm Beach, Fla., where he intended to mark the inauguration anniversary. But he remained in Washington and ended up scrapping his plans to attend the Saturday fundraiser. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump tweet casts doubt on likelihood of averting shutdown President Trump appeared to cast doubt on the likelihood of reaching a deal to avert a government shutdown Friday night in a tweet. Trump also sought to blame Democrats for what would be the first shutdown since 2013. His message came just hours before the midnight deadline by which lawmakers must pass a measure to fund government agencies, or some operations will cease. Not looking good for our great Military or Safety & Security on the very dangerous Southern Border. Dems want a Shutdown in order to help diminish the great success of the Tax Cuts, and what they are doing for our booming economy. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Despite last-minute negotiations Friday between Trump and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, Congress remained deadlocked over a spending bill and the federal government was headed toward a shutdown at midnight. Senate Democrats joined by some GOP deficit hawks and immigration allies were set to filibuster a stopgap funding bill approved by the House on Thursday. A Senate vote was planned for 10 p.m. Eastern, and even White House officials predicted it would fail. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Lisa Mascaro. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump signs surveillance law after confusing tweets By Associated Press President Trump on Friday signed a bill into law to renew a foreign intelligence surveillance program, announcing his action in the latest in a series of confusing tweets about the spy program: Just signed 702 Bill to reauthorize foreign intelligence collection. This is NOT the same FISA law that was so wrongly abused during the election. I will always do the right thing for our country and put the safety of the American people first! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 19, 2018 Trumps tweet on Jan. 11 created chaos in the House just before it voted to reauthorize what is known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. He linked the intelligence program to a dossier that alleges his presidential campaign had ties to Russia. That caused people to wonder if he didnt support the program that allows U.S. spy agencies to collect intelligence on foreign targets abroad. Trump and other Republicans have alleged that Obama administration officials improperly shared the identities of Trump presidential transition team members mentioned in intelligence reports. Democrats say there is no evidence that happened. Shortly before the House vote, and after conferring with House Speaker Paul Ryan, Trump did an apparent about-face. This vote is about foreign surveillance of foreign bad guys on foreign land, he tweeted. We need it! Get smart! In his tweet announcing that he had just signed the bill, Trump wrote: This is NOT the same FISA law that was so wrongly abused during the election. I will always do the right thing for our country and put the safety of the American people first! There are no obvious links between the dossier Trump spoke of, which includes salacious but unsubstantiated allegations against him, and the reauthorization of the spying program, or between the program and Trumps oft-repeated claims that the Obama administration conducted surveillance on Trump Tower during the presidential campaign. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print In tweet, Trump suggests that Pennsylvania trip is a political one The White House press office was once again forced to walk back a tweet from President Trump on Thursday morning after he described a trip to Pennsylvania later in the day as a political one a statement that would force the Republican Party, not taxpayers, to pay for the journey. The White House had said Trump was going to an industrial equipment company outside of Pittsburgh to highlight the good economy and new tax cuts, making it an official, policy-oriented event. It was widely assumed that the trip had a political cast the area is holding a special election to fill a congressional seat vacated by a Republican who resigned. Trump, by his tweet, seemed to confirm that politics was the whole purpose: Will be going to Pennsylvania today in order to give my total support to RICK SACCONE, running for Congress in a Special Election (March 13). Rick is a great guy. We need more Republicans to continue our already successful agenda! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 Trump later shared via Twitter a pair of video clips of his speech at H&K Equipment, in which he touted the tax cuts he signed into law just before Christmas and tried to turn the conversation back to his accomplishments after weeks dominated by distractions, including questions about his mental health and comments about immigration that some considered racist: Departing Pittsburgh now, where it was my great honor to stand with our incredible workers, and to show the world that AMERICA is back - and we are coming back bigger and better and stronger than ever before! pic.twitter.com/kWPgylqFzj Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 AMERICA will once again be a NATION that thinks big, dreams bigger, and always reaches for the stars. YOU are the ones who will shape Americas destiny. YOU are the ones who will restore our prosperity. And YOU are the ones who are MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! #MAGA pic.twitter.com/f2abNK47II Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 The Republican National Committee, rather than the White House, is supposed to pay for political travel so that taxpayers are not financing party activities; for trips that combine policy and politics, parties have split the cost under past presidents. Neither the RNC nor the White House responded to emails sent Thursday asking who would pay. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement later Thursday suggesting that taxpayers would foot the bill. She insisted that Trump would be conducting government business while in Pennsylvania. Read More This post contains reporting from the Associated Press and Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump tweets praise of Bob Dole after awarding him Congressional Gold Medal By Associated Press Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole knew the art of the deal before President Trump published the 1987 book of the same name. The two shared a stage under the Capitol dome Wednesday as Dole, 94, accepted Congress highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, for his World War II service and decades of work in the House and Senate. Trump later praised Dole in a tweet, attaching to his message a video composed of clips from the ceremony: Today, we witnessed an incredible moment in history the presentation of Congress highest civilian honor to our friend, and true AMERICAN HERO, Bob Dole. #CongressionalGoldMedal pic.twitter.com/qNQqDLRmCk Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 17, 2018 At the ceremony, the president saluted Dole as a patriot and gave tribute to Doles struggle as a veteran who worked his way back from a grievous shoulder wound he suffered in Italy. He knows about grit, said Trump. But it was Doles penchant for working across the aisle that earned him his latest award, according to the legislation. Bob Dole was known for his ability to work across the aisle and embrace practical bipartisanship, reads the legislation Trump signed in September. Some of the awards 300 recipients include George Washington and Mother Teresa, according to the Congressional Research Service. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump touts report that seeks to link terrorism cases with immigration By Joseph Tanfani The Trump administration on Tuesday released a report attempting to link terrorism with migration, arguing that it was evidence of the need to dramatically reshape the nations immigration system. New report from DOJ & DHS shows that nearly 3 in 4 individuals convicted of terrorism-related charges are foreign-born. We have submitted to Congress a list of resources and reforms.... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 ....we need to keep America safe, including moving away from a random chain migration and lottery system, to one that is merit-based. https://t.co/7PtoSFK1n2 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The report, ordered by President Trump in an executive order last year, said that 75% of the 549 people convicted of terrorism charges since 9/11 were born outside the U.S. Administration officials called that a sign that the U.S. needs to scrap its policy of family preferences for visas, which they call chain migration, and a diversity visa lottery program. But the report did not specify how many if any of the convicted terrorists entered the country through those means. It also did not detail how many of the convictions were related to attacks or plans in the U.S. versus overseas and how many involved people who went to fight overseas for the Islamic State or another terrorist group. Those details were not available, officials said. The report, due last year, is being released in a highly charged moment in the immigration debate, as Trump and some Republicans in Congress seek tough new border and immigration measures in return for a deal protecting the 690,000 people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Trump also fired off a pair of tweets on the topic earlier Tuesday: We must have Security at our VERY DANGEROUS SOUTHERN BORDER, and we must have a great WALL to help protect us, and to help stop the massive inflow of drugs pouring into our country! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The Democrats want to shut down the Government over Amnesty for all and Border Security. The biggest loser will be our rapidly rebuilding Military, at a time we need it more than ever. We need a merit based system of immigration, and we need it now! No more dangerous Lottery. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The focus of our immigration system should be assimilation, a senior administration official said on Tuesday, speaking on condition that his name not be used. He said the nation should give priority to potential immigrants who speak English, who have an education and those who are committed to supporting our values not family members of people already here. The official said the timing of the report was coincidental. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump tweets welcome to president of Kazakhstan By Associated Press President Trump said Tuesday that he and the president of Kazakhstan are united in a shared determination to prevent North Korea from threatening the world with nuclear devastation. Trump and President Nursultan Nazarbayev discussed North Korea along with other issues during meetings at the White House. Today, it was my honor to welcome President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan to the @WhiteHouse! pic.twitter.com/TerYFZViax Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 Trump said Kazakhstan, once part of the Soviet Union, is a valued partner in our efforts to rid the Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons. Together we are determined to prevent the North Korean regime from threatening the world with nuclear devastation, he said, as both presidents addressed journalists between meetings. Nazarbayev noted that his country once had one of the worlds largest nuclear arsenals but voluntarily gave it up after the Soviet Union collapsed. He said his country is in talks with Iran, which was the focus of a global deal that lifted some economic sanctions in exchange for Irans curbing its nuclear program. Trump has sharply criticized the Iran nuclear deal and threatened last week to pull out soon unless other countries fix what he says are terrible flaws. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump falsely claims his approval rating among black Americans has doubled By Alex Wigglesworth President Trump lashed out at the news media Tuesday morning in a tweet denouncing the special counsel investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible collusion among members of his campaign team. Do you notice the Fake News Mainstream Media never likes covering the great and record setting economic news, but rather talks about anything negative or that can be turned into the negative. The Russian Collusion Hoax is dead, except as it pertains to the Dems. Public gets it! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 It wasnt immediately clear exactly what prompted the presidents tweet, but it appeared as though he was watching Fox & Friends. A short time later, Trump tweeted a headline from a report that aired during that mornings episode: 90% of Trump 2017 news coverage was negative -and much of it contrived!@foxandfriends Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The segment focused on the latest survey results from conservative watchdog Media Research Center, which purportedly analyzed the evening news broadcasts on ABC, CBS and NBC from Jan. 20 to Dec. 31 and found that 90% of the statements made about Trump were negative. Study: 90% of Trump media coverage in 2017 was negative pic.twitter.com/vbrwup4Drg FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 16, 2018 But believe it or not, through all this negative coverage, they did a survey of 600,000 people about how black America views this president, co-host Brian Kilmeade said. His numbers have actually doubled in approval. Trump highlighted the statement in another tweet: Unemployment for Black Americans is the lowest ever recorded. Trump approval ratings with Black Americans has doubled. Thank you, and it will get even (much) better! @FoxNews Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 But its not true. The claim appears to have originated from a misreading of data from the online polling firm SurveyMonkey, according to factcheck.org. The firm polled 600,000 Americans in 2017 and found that Trumps approval rating among blacks actually dropped from 23% early in his presidency to about 17%, as of the week ending Jan. 3. Some conservative outlets, including Breitbart, produced an average from those and other SurveyMonkey figures and compared them to the scores Trump received from black voters in the 2016 exit polls. That methodology is not sound. And since the statistics measure different things, the comparison is misleading. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump goes after senator who surfaced his immigration remark By Associated Press President Trump turned his Twitter torment Monday on the Democrat in the room where immigration talks with lawmakers took a famously coarse turn, saying Sen. Richard J. Durbin misrepresented what he had said about African nations and Haiti and, in the process, undermined the trust needed to make a deal. Senator Dicky Durbin totally misrepresented what was said at the DACA meeting, Trump tweeted, using a nickname to needle the Illinois senator. Deals cant get made when there is no trust! Durbin blew DACA and is hurting our Military. Senator Dicky Durbin totally misrepresented what was said at the DACA meeting. Deals cant get made when there is no trust! Durbin blew DACA and is hurting our Military. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 Trump was referring to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protects young people who came to the United States illegally as children. Members of Congress from both parties are trying to strike a deal that Trump would support to extend that protection. Trump also cast doubt on the likelihood of reaching an agreement in tweets sent earlier Monday: Statement by me last night in Florida: Honestly, I dont think the Democrats want to make a deal. They talk about DACA, but they dont want to help..We are ready, willing and able to make a deal but they dont want to. They dont want security at the border, they dont want..... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 ...to stop drugs, they want to take money away from our military which we cannot do. My standard is very simple, AMERICA FIRST & MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 On a day of remembrance for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Trump spent time at his golf course with no public events, bypassing the acts of service that his predecessors staged in honor of the civil rights leader. Instead, Trump dedicated his weekly address to Kings memory, saying Kings dream and Americas are the same: A world where people are judged by who they are, not how they look or where they come from. That message was a distinct counterpoint to words attributed to Trump by Durbin and others at a meeting last week, when the question of where immigrants come from seemed at the forefront of Trumps concerns. Some participants and others familiar with the conversation said Trump challenged immigration from shithole countries of Africa and disparaged Haiti as well. Without explicitly denying using that word, Trump lashed out at the Democratic senator, who said Trump uttered it on several occasions. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump thanks pundit for laudatory Fox & Friends spot By Alex Wigglesworth President Trump thanked Fox News personality Stuart Varney after Varney praised Trump during an appearance on Fox & Friends. In a pair of tweets early Sunday, Trump quoted from Varneys commentary, in which he argued that Trump deserves more credit for the booming economy. The pundit, who also hosts a show on Fox Business Network, cited moves by some corporations to raise workers minimum wage or pay out one-time bonuses in response to the GOP tax cuts. President Trump is not getting the credit he deserves for the economy. Tax Cut bonuses to more than 2,000,000 workers. Most explosive Stock Market rally that weve seen in modern times. 18,000 to 26,000 from Election, and grounded in profitability and growth. All Trump, not 0... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2018 ...big unnecessary regulation cuts made it all possible (among many other things). President Trump reversed the policies of President Obama, and reversed our economic decline. Thank you Stuart Varney. @foxandfriends Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2018 Varney was reacting to a quote from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), who on Thursday called the bonuses handed down to workers pathetic in comparison to the gains corporations are expected to see from the tax cuts. In terms of the bonus that corporate America received versus the crumbs that they are giving to workers to kind of put the schmooze on is so pathetic, Pelosi told reporters. Its pathetic. Varney shot back Sunday that the bonuses, along with explosive stock market growth, are enriching all Americans. This is a huge shot in the arm, its the result of this tax cut deal and I think President Trump should get the credit for it, he said. .@Varneyco Sets the economic record straight after Nancy Pelosi calls U.S. mass bonuses crumbs pic.twitter.com/BvjIHGm3HE FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 14, 2018 The sweeping tax plan passed last month lowers the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and cuts personal income taxes. Analysts say the benefits will largely flow to corporations and the wealthy, as theyre more likely to be in positions to share in corporate profits. For instance, Wells Fargo & Co., which responded to news of the tax overhaul by announcing it will raise workers pay to at least $15 an hour, also reported that it expects to pay an effective tax rate of 19% this year, down from about 31% in previous years. That should amount to tax savings of more than $3 billion annually. On average, middle-class Americans are expected to see a very small tax cut in the near term and a tax increase after 2025, when all of the tax cuts for individuals expire. The tax cuts for corporations, however, are permanent. This post contains reporting from Times staff writer James Rufus Koren. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump touts MLK proclamation in tweet, but ceremony is overshadowed by reports of racist remarks By Associated Press President Trump signed a proclamation Friday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, noting the contributions of a great American hero. Today, it was my great honor to proclaim January 15, 2018, as Martin Luther King Jr., Federal Holiday. I encourage all Americans to observe this day with appropriate civic, community, and service activities in honor of Dr. King's life and legacy. pic.twitter.com/samlJsz1Nt Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018 Overshadowing the event was mounting backlash from Trumps comments during a private meeting with lawmakers the day before. A short time after the meeting, which was called to discuss a possible immigration deal, reports emerged that Trump had asked participants why the United States should accept immigrants from shithole countries in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Illinois Sen. Richard Durbin, the Senates second-ranking Democrat, appeared to confirm those reports on Friday. Trump did not respond Friday to several questions about the incident, including whether he actually used vulgar language to describe African nations, or if he is racist. The president said at the White House that love was central to the slain civil rights leader. Trump said the nation celebrates King for standing up for the self-evident truth Americans hold so dear, that no matter what the color of our skin or place of our birth, we are all created equal by God. This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump criticizes Democrats in tweet calling for stricter immigration rules President Trump hit out at Democrats on Thursday night in a tweet calling for stricter immigration rules. Trump wrote that members of the party seem intent on having people and drugs pour into our country from the border with Mexico: The Democrats seem intent on having people and drugs pour into our country from the Southern Border, risking thousands of lives in the process. It is my duty to protect the lives and safety of all Americans. We must build a Great Wall, think Merit and end Lottery & Chain. USA! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018 It wasnt immediately clear exactly what prompted the tweet. Earlier Thursday, Trump rejected a bipartisan compromise to resolve the standoff over so-called Dreamers, young immigrants who were brought to the United States illegally as children but have temporary permits to work, attend school or serve in the military. The president drew widespread condemnation after reports emerged that he had asked participants in an Oval Office meeting about the proposal why the United States should accept immigrants from shithole countries in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump touts bill aimed at improving border screening for fentanyl By Associated Press President Trump signed legislation Wednesday aimed at giving Customs and Border Protection agents additional screening devices and other tools to stop the flow of illicit drugs. Speaking at a surprise bill-signing ceremony while flanked by members of Congress from both parties in the Oval Office, Trump described the bill as a significant step forward in the fight against powerful opioids such as fentanyl, which he called our new big scourge. He echoed that language Thursday in a tweet: Yesterday, I signed the #INTERDICTAct (H.R. 2142) with bipartisan members of Congress to help end the flow of drugs into our country. Together, we are committed to doing everything we can to combat the deadly scourge of drug addiction and overdose in the United States! pic.twitter.com/ELZvFol5Lo Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2018 The legislation will pay for new portable and fixed chemical screening devices to detect and intercept fentanyl at ports of entry and in the mail, along with other laboratory equipment and personnel, including scientists. Trump has made fighting the opioid epidemic a centerpiece of his administration, though critics say he hasnt dedicated nearly enough money or resources to make a difference. Trump suggested during his remarks on Wednesday that hed like to take a more aggressive approach to the drug crisis but the countrys not ready for what he has in mind. So were going to sign this. And its a step. And it feels like a very giant step, but unfortunately, its not going to be a giant step, because no matter what you do, this is something that keeps pouring in, he said. And were going to find the answer. There is an answer. I think I actually know the answer, but Im not sure the countrys ready for it yet, he added. Does anybody know what I mean? I think so. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump applauds news that Toyota-Mazda plant is slated for Alabama By Associated Press Japanese automakers Toyota and Mazda on Wednesday announced plans to build a mammoth, $1.6-billion joint-venture plant in Alabama that will eventually employ about 4,000 people. President Trump lauded the news in a tweet: Cutting taxes and simplifying regulations makes America the place to invest! Great news as Toyota and Mazda announce they are bringing 4,000 JOBS and investing $1.6 BILLION in Alabama, helping to further grow our economy! pic.twitter.com/Kcg8IVH6iA Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Good news: Toyota and Mazda announce giant new Huntsville, Alabama, plant which will produce over 300,000 cars and SUVs a year and employ 4000 people. Companies are coming back to the U.S. in a very big way. Congratulations Alabama! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2018 Several states had competed for the project, which will be able to turn out 300,000 vehicles per year and produce the Toyota Corolla compact car for North America and a new small SUV from Mazda. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and company executives held a news conference to announce that the facility is coming to the Huntsville area not far from the Tennessee line. Production is expected to begin by 2021. The decision to pick Alabama is another example of foreign-based automakers building U.S. factories in the South. To entice manufacturers, Southern states have used a combination of lucrative incentive packages, low-cost labor and a pro-business labor environment, because the United Auto Workers union is stronger in Northern states. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump highlights call for border wall in tweets on visit with Norways prime minister By Associated Press President Trump praised Norways prime minister in a tweet on Wednesday after Erna Solberg became the first foreign leader to visit with the president in 2018. Today, it was my great honor to welcome Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway to the @WhiteHouse - a great friend and ally of the United States! Joint press conference: https://t.co/qWR1BhfQZI pic.twitter.com/PJvwznjRCO Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Trump also shared via Twitter a video clip of a joint news conference he held with Solberg on Wednesday afternoon. In the clip, Trump responds to a question from a reporter by saying there can be no bipartisan immigration deal absent funding for his long-promised wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. Republican and Democratic lawmakers have been seeking a solution for hundreds of thousands of so-called Dreamers, young people who were brought to the United States as children and are living here illegally. The United States needs the security of the Wall on the Southern Border, which must be part of any DACA approval. The safety and security of our country is #1! pic.twitter.com/4CFzQXb5aS Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 We need the wall for security, we need the wall for safety, we need the wall for stopping the drugs from pouring in, Trump said Wednesday. Any solution has to include the wall because without the wall, it all doesnt work. On Tuesday, Trump drew widespread attention when he said during a meeting with a bipartisan group of lawmakers that he would be agreeable to signing a stand-alone bill to protect the Dreamers, before moving on to a more comprehensive immigration bill. That contradicted the Republican consensus that Dreamers fate needed to be part of a broader immigration bill that would include some version of Trumps promised border wall and other immigration reforms. Trump backed away from a stand-alone Dreamer bill in subsequent tweets and public comments. Read More This post contains reporting from Los Angeles Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump praises Cabinet in tweet touting meeting By Associated Press President Trump promoted a meeting of his Cabinet on Wednesday, sharing via Twitter a link to a video of the session posted on the White House YouTube account. In his tweet, Trump thanked his Cabinet for working tirelessly on behalf of our country and wrote that the last year has been one of monumental achievement. I want to thank my @Cabinet for working tirelessly on behalf of our country. 2017 was a year of monumental achievement and we look forward to the year ahead. Together, we are delivering results and MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! https://t.co/ptXa1hAPwW pic.twitter.com/yv6RALkQf3 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 The former reality television star continued to dispense accolades at the meeting Wednesday, greeting reporters in the Cabinet Room by saying: Welcome back to the studio. Then he proceeded to relive a Cabinet Room session from the prior day, when he had allowed reporters and TV cameras to stick around for much of his meeting with a bipartisan group of legislators on the thorny issue of immigration. It was a tremendous meeting. Actually, it was reported as incredibly good. And my performance you know, some of them called it a performance I consider it work, Trump said. Trump went on to say he had received letters from news anchors calling it one of the greatest meetings theyve ever witnessed. He added that the media will ultimately support Trump in the end, because theyre going to say, if Trump doesnt win in three years, theyre all out of business. Asked for examples of letters received from news anchors, the White House said it had received private communications. It also offered a series of positive on-air comments and tweets from journalists about the unusual access to the meeting. During his remarks, Trump swung from praising his own meeting coverage to telling journalists that they were dependent on his presidency for ratings to threatening a strong look at libel laws. Still, Trump thanked the journalists in front of him, joking: Youve gotten very familiar with this room. I appreciate your nice comments yesterday. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump blasts DACA ruling in tweet calling courts broken and unfair By Lisa Mascaro President Trump denounced the federal courts Wednesday as broken and unfair after a district judge in San Francisco issued a nationwide injunction keeping protections in place for so-called Dreamers. Trump tweeted: It just shows everyone how broken and unfair our Court System is when the opposing side in a case (such as DACA) always runs to the 9th Circuit and almost always wins before being reversed by higher courts. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 On Tuesday night, U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco temporarily blocked the Trump administrations decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, which has protected from deportation some 700,000 people who came to the country illegally as children. Alsup granted a request by the state of California, the University of California and other plaintiffs to stop Trump from ending DACA on March 5. The administrations decision to end DACA, which was announced in September, was based on a flawed legal analysis, Alsup wrote in his decision. Dreamers would be irreparably harmed if their DACA protections, which allow them to live and work legally in the U.S., were stripped away before the courts had a chance to fully consider their claims, he ruled. The action is the mirror image of a ruling in 2015 by a federal judge in Texas who ruled in favor of that state when it sought to block President Obama from expanding DACA to include the parents of Dreamers. Trump administration officials praised that judicial ruling. By contrast, they sharply criticized Alsups decision. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump thanks lawmakers for productive immigration meeting, says deal must include border wall President Trump thanked a bipartisan group of lawmakers for participating in a meeting on immigration legislation on Tuesday. Much of the discussion involved so-called Dreamers, an estimated 700,000 young people who were brought to the country illegally as children and are now facing deportation. In a tweet, Trump wrote that there was strong agreement to negotiate a bill to protect Dreamers, as well as put into place some of the reforms favored by Republicans. Thanks to all of the Republican and Democratic lawmakers for todays very productive meeting on immigration reform. There was strong agreement to negotiate a bill that deals with border security, chain migration, lottery and DACA. https://t.co/SdqAQ3aL3z pic.twitter.com/8DYHZHspAy Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 The most notable exchange of the meeting came when Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the San Francisco Democrat, asked Trump whether he would be agreeable to signing a stand-alone bill to protect the Dreamers, before moving on to a more comprehensive immigration bill. Yeah, I would like to do it, Trump responded. The statement drew widespread attention because it contradicted the Republican consensus that Dreamers fate needed to be part of a broader immigration bill that would include some version of Trumps promised border wall and other immigration reforms. Trump later backed away from a stand-alone Dreamer bill, tweeting that a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico must be part of any deal: As I made very clear today, our country needs the security of the Wall on the Southern Border, which must be part of any DACA approval. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Pressure has been mounting for Congress to broker an immigration deal by Jan. 19 as part of a must-pass budget package to fund the government. This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump thanks officers and veterans in tweets President Trump doled out a slew of accolades Tuesday via Twitter. He thanked the nations law enforcement officers, including in his message a hashtag denoting a day of appreciation organized by a national support group for law enforcement families. On behalf of the American people, THANK YOU to our incredible law enforcement officers. As President of the United States - I will fight for you, and I will never, ever let you down. Now, more than ever, we must support the men and women in blue! #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/Qb4uxB4JRm Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 Trump later expressed gratitude for federal immigration agents, in particular: .@ICEgov HSI agents and ERO officers, on behalf of an entire Nation, THANK YOU for what you are doing 24/7/365 to keep fellow Americans SAFE. Everyone is so grateful!#LawEnforcementAppreciationDay President @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/HXCpTlruVo Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 The president thanked veterans as he cited his administrations efforts to curb the number of veteran suicides by improving mental health treatment for the high-risk group: Today, it was my great honor to sign a new Executive Order to ensure Veterans have the resources they need as they transition back to civilian life. We must ensure that our HEROES are given the care and support they so richly deserve! https://t.co/0MdP9DDIAS pic.twitter.com/LP2a8KCBAp Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 Trumps tweet included photos of the president signing an executive order Tuesday directing the secretaries of Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs to develop a plan to provide seamless access to mental health and suicide prevention resources for 12 months for members leaving the armed forces. Also on Tuesday, Trump touted a law he signed the day before designating the birthplace of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. a national historic park: It was my great honor to sign H.R. 267, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park Act, which redesignates the Martin Luther King, Junior, National Historic Site in the State of Georgia as the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. https://t.co/Qe0b6HBFTY pic.twitter.com/QTgaqTawPT Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 And he thanked House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) for sharing a video compilation comprised of clips of politicians and commentators praising the GOPs tax cut bill: Thank you @GOPLeader Kevin McCarthy! Couldnt agree w/you more. TOGETHER, we are #MAGA https://t.co/QaxtqpyXTR Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 This post contains reporting from the Associated Press and Times staff writer Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump hails tax bill in tweets recapping speech to farmers By Associated Press Connecting with rural Americans, President Trump on Monday hailed his tax overhaul as a victory for family farmers. Farm country is Gods country, Trump told the annual convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Trump became the first president in a quarter-century to address the federations convention. His Southern swing also included a stop in Atlanta for the national college football championship game. Cant wait to be back in the amazing state of Tennessee to address the 99th American @FarmBureau Federations Annual Convention in Nashville! #AFBF18 On my way now - join me LIVE at 4:00pmE: https://t.co/QaljAqekdD. pic.twitter.com/Wm7Io0hYT8 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Joined by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and a group of Tennessee lawmakers, Trump said most of the benefits of the tax legislation are going to working families, small businesses, and who the family farmer. The package Trump signed into law last month provides generous tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans, and more modest reductions for middle- and low-income individuals and families. In every decision we make, we are honoring Americas PROUD FARMING LEGACY. Years of crushing taxes, crippling regs, & corrupt politics left our communities hurting, our economy stagnant, & millions of hardworking Americans COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN. But they are not forgotten ANYMORE! pic.twitter.com/MdYS7xnukQ Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 The president vastly inflated the value of the package in his speech, citing a total of $5.5 trillion in tax cuts, with most of those benefits going to working families, small businesses and who? The family farmer. The estimated value of the tax cuts is actually $1.5 trillion for families and businesses because of cuts in deductions and the use of other steps to generate offsetting tax revenue. We have been working every day to DELIVER for Americas Farmers just as they work every day to deliver FOR US. #AFBF18 pic.twitter.com/QDH7fvFkZ7 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 From Nashville, Trump traveled to Atlanta to watch Alabamas Crimson Tide and Georgias Bulldogs face off Monday night in the College Football Playoff National Championship. We are fighting for our farmers, for our country, and for our GREAT AMERICAN FLAG. We want our flag respected - and we want our NATIONAL ANTHEM respected also! pic.twitter.com/16eOLXg6Fi Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Before departing for the game, Trump referenced his ongoing defense of the American flag and the national anthem, saying there was enough space for people to express their views. We love our flag and we love our anthem, and we want to keep it that way, he said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump tweet hails drop in unemployment rate for African Americans By Associated Press President Trump touted a drop in the unemployment rate for African Americans on Monday in a tweet. African American unemployment is the lowest ever recorded in our country. The Hispanic unemployment rate dropped a full point in the last year and is close to the lowest in recorded history. Dems did nothing for you but get your vote! #NeverForget @foxandfriends Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 The rate fell to 6.8% in December, the lowest level since the government began tracking such data in 1972. The reasons range from a greater number of black Americans with college degrees to a growing need for employers in a tight job market to widen the pool of people they hire from. Trump also hailed the development via Twitter on Saturday. His latest tweet on the topic came about an hour after it was discussed during an episode of Fox & Friends, according to Mediaite. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump talks up the economy and dresses down the media in Sunday tweets With President Trump cheering from the sidelines, the White House on Sunday pressed its defense of the presidents fitness to govern, as fired former aide Stephen K. Bannon reversed course and apologized for his role in a new books explosive portrait of Trump. The presidents critics, meanwhile, said Trumps stream of taunts and insults in response to the book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, released last week served only to underscore the authors unsettling portrayal of Trumps year-old presidency, depicting a leader whose own aides consider him childish, ignorant and dangerously erratic. Trump provided more ammunition Sunday morning, as he continued to attack the book via Twitter while preparing to depart Camp David for the White House: Leaving Camp David for the White House. Great meetings with the Cabinet and Military on many very important subjects including Border Security & the desperately needed Wall, the ever increasing Drug and Opioid Problem, Infrastructure, Military, Budget, Trade and DACA. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Ive had to put up with the Fake News from the first day I announced that I would be running for President. Now I have to put up with a Fake Book, written by a totally discredited author. Ronald Reagan had the same problem and handled it well. So will I! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 The most vehement defense of Trump on Sunday came from senior advisor Stephen Miller, a onetime Bannon acolyte who distanced himself from his former mentor. In a combative appearance Sunday on CNNs State of the Union, Miller called the book grotesque and writer Michael Wolff the garbage author of a garbage book. Trump is known to closely monitor aides televised performances in putting forth his case, and he gleefully weighed in within moments of Millers televised clash with host Jake Tapper. CNN has long been a particular target of Trumps ire. Jake Tapper of Fake News CNN just got destroyed in his interview with Stephen Miller of the Trump Administration. Watch the hatred and unfairness of this CNN flunky! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Trumps reaction, however, seemed to bolster Tappers on-air depiction of Miller as using his appearance on the show to play to the president rather than addressing questions put to him. I get it theres one viewer that you care about, the host said exasperatedly after Miller turned the discussion repeatedly to negative news coverage of the president while deflecting specific queries. Later on Twitter, Trump took up two themes that have been prevalent on his social media feeds recently. The president again went after the news media, tweeting that the recipients of his self-proclaimed most dishonest & corrupt media awards of the year, which he promised earlier in the week to announce on Monday, would actually be revealed the following Wednesday: The Fake News Awards, those going to the most corrupt & biased of the Mainstream Media, will be presented to the losers on Wednesday, January 17th, rather than this coming Monday. The interest in, and importance of, these awards is far greater than anyone could have anticipated! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Trump later lauded a New York Post opinion piece that compared him favorably with his predecessor, President Obama, as well as Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. In quoting the op-ed, Trump initally misspelled consequential as consensual, but he deleted those tweets and re-sent the messages. His is turning out to be an enormously consequential presidency. So much so that, despite my own frustration over his missteps, there has never been a day when I wished Hillary Clinton were president. Not one. Indeed, as Trumps accomplishments accumulate, the mere thought of... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 ...Clinton in the WH, doubling down on Barack Obamas failed policies, washes away any doubts that America made the right choice. This was truly a change election and the changes Trump is bringing are far-reaching & necessary. Thank you Michael Goodwin! https://t.co/4fHNcx2Ydg Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Trump also continued talking up the economy, which has been enjoying a period of strong gains. The Stock Market has been creating tremendous benefits for our country in the form of not only Record Setting Stock Prices, but present and future Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. Seven TRILLION dollars of value created since our big election win! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 In addition to Miller, other senior administration officials made the rounds of Sunday news talk shows to decry the claims made in Wolffs book. CIA Director Mike Pompeo said Wolffs characterization of Trump as averse to digesting classified briefing material was ludicrous, and the ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, insisted that that those around Trump love their country and respect their president. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Laura King. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Responding to book that mocks his intelligence, Trump tweets hes like, really smart By Tracy Wilkinson President Trump declared himself a very stable genius on Twitter on Saturday and later in a televised news conference called the author of a book that questioned his mental fitness a fraud. His comments came on a bone-cold day at Camp David during a weekend retreat with top administration officials and Republican congressional leaders strategizing on the years legislative agenda, including matters such as infrastructure, immigration, welfare reform and national security. Now that Russian collusion, after one year of intense study, has proven to be a total hoax on the American public, the Democrats and their lapdogs, the Fake News Mainstream Media, are taking out the old Ronald Reagan playbook and screaming mental stability and intelligence..... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 ....Actually, throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart. Crooked Hillary Clinton also played these cards very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star..... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 ....to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 Still, Trumps explosive rebuttal to author Michael Wolffs claims not only opened the day, but it also ensured the presidents capability to fill the highest office in the land was a topic that would not go away. In his early-morning tweets, Trump said two of his greatest assets have been mental stability, and being, like, really smart. He noted that his former Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, played these cards [about competence] very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star to President of the United States (on my first try). Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement In morning tweets, Trump touts job numbers and takes digs at news media By Associated Press President Trump used Twitter on Saturday morning to tout a drop in the unemployment rate for African Americans. He also used the tweets as an opportunity to take digs at media outlets whose past coverage he has found to be critical. The African American unemployment rate fell to 6.8%, the lowest rate in 45 years. I am so happy about this News! And, in the Washington Post (of all places), headline states, Trumps first year jobs numbers were very, very good. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 The unemployment rate for African Americans fell to 6.8% in December, the lowest level since the government began tracking such data in 1972. The reasons range from a greater number of black Americans with college degrees to a growing need for employers in a tight job market to widen the pool of people they hire from. Still, the rate for black workers remains well above those for whites and some other groups, something experts attribute in large part to decades of discrimination and disadvantages. Robust job creation has lowered unemployment for all Americans. U.S. employers added nearly 2.1 million jobs in 2017 the seventh straight year that hiring has topped 2 million. In his tweet, Trump praised a report that noted the numbers, touting the fact that it appeared in the Washington Post (of all places). Minutes later, Trump renewed his attack on an ABC News reporter who was suspended last month after filing an erroneous report on Michael Flynn, Trumps former national security advisor. Brian Ross, the reporter who made a fraudulent live newscast about me that drove the Stock Market down 350 points (billions of dollars), was suspended for a month but is now back at ABC NEWS in a lower capacity. He is no longer allowed to report on Trump. Should have been fired! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 The reporter, Brian Ross, was reportedly reassigned within ABC News upon returning from his unpaid suspension. But on Saturday, Trump wrote that he should have been fired. Trumps tweets came hours before he was set to host congressional Republicans and administration officials at Camp David. The meeting scheduled to begin at midmorning Saturday was expected to touch on the budget, infrastructure, immigration, welfare reform and the shape of the midterm election this fall. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump commends Sen. Rand Paul after he proposes eliminating all U.S. aid to Pakistan President Trump commended Sen. Rand Paul after the Kentucky Republican announced plans to introduce legislation that would eliminate all U.S. aid to Pakistan. Trump tweeted Friday night: Good idea Rand! https://t.co/55sqUDiC0s Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 On Thursday, the Trump administration announced it was suspending security assistance to Islamabad until the country moves aggressively against local militants who have attacked U.S. troops in neighboring Afghanistan. Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration at the apparent inability of Pakistani authorities to rein in militants who cross out of the countrys rugged tribal areas to attack U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump continues to lash out at Sloppy Steve Bannon in tweets on tell-all book By Associated Press President Trump is praising a major Republican donor family for distancing themselves from his former advisor Steve Bannon. Trump tweeted Friday: The Mercer Family recently dumped the leaker known as Sloppy Steve Bannon. Smart! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Trump has continued to lash out at Bannon over an explosive new book that quoted his former aide as questioning Trumps competence and describing a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower among Donald Trump Jr., Trump campaign aides and a Russian lawyer as treasonous and unpatriotic. On Thursday, billionaire GOP donor Rebekah Mercer issued a statement distancing her family from Bannon. Mercer is a co-owner of Breitbart, the populist website Bannon helps run. I support President Trump and the platform upon which he was elected, Mercer said. My family and I have not communicated with Steve Bannon in many months and have provided no financial support to his political agenda, nor do we support his recent actions and statements. The book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, quickly shot atop Amazons best-seller list, and the publisher moved up its release date by four days, to Friday. Trump took up the topic again on Twitter on Friday night, denouncing both Bannon and the books author, Michael Wolff, in starkly personal terms: Michael Wolff is a total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book. He used Sloppy Steve Bannon, who cried when he got fired and begged for his job. Now Sloppy Steve has been dumped like a dog by almost everyone. Too bad! https://t.co/mEeUhk5ZV9 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 Trumps message linked to a meme depicting a parody book cover titled, Liar and Phony, that featured a photo of Wolff and disparaging quotes about the author. In a tweet sent earlier Friday morning, Trump suggested the book was intended to serve as a distraction from the FBIs investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, which Trump wrote is proving to be a total hoax. Well, now that collusion with Russia is proving to be a total hoax and the only collusion is with Hillary Clinton and the FBI/Russia, the Fake News Media (Mainstream) and this phony new book are hitting out at every new front imaginable. They should try winning an election. Sad! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 That came amid reports that Trump directed his White House counsel to tell Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions to not recuse himself from the Justice Departments Russia investigation. Trumps effort to keep Sessions, a vocal and loyal supporter of his election bid, in charge of an investigation into his campaign offers special counsel Robert Mueller yet another avenue to explore as his prosecutors work to untangle potential evidence of obstruction. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump praises the economy ahead of meetings at Camp David By Associated Press President Trump is praising the strength of the U.S. economy ahead of meetings at Camp David with congressional Republicans. Trump tweeted early Friday: Dow goes from 18,589 on November 9, 2016, to 25,075 today, for a new all-time Record. Jumped 1000 points in last 5 weeks, Record fastest 1000 point move in history. This is all about the Make America Great Again agenda! Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. Six trillion dollars in value created! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 The president also told reporters on the South Lawn that the tax cuts are really kicking in after Congress passed a package of tax cuts at the end of 2017. And the president praised the December jobs report, which found U.S. employers added 148,000 jobs in December and the unemployment rate stayed at 4.1%, the lowest level since 2000. The modest but steady pace of hiring is a reassuring sign for investors who have been buoyed by the just-passed Republican tax plan and have been sending stock market indexes roaring to uncharted heights. The president is meeting with Republican congressional leaders and members of his Cabinet on Friday and Saturday to discuss the 2018 agenda. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump tweets as Dow crashes through 25,000 By Associated Press President Trump dispatched a congratulatory tweet as the Dow Jones industrial average rose above the 25,000-point mark Thursday, just five weeks after its first close above 24,000. Dow just crashes through 25,000. Congrats! Big cuts in unnecessary regulations continuing. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 After the Dow closed above 25,000, Trump shared a graphic depicting the stock indexs record-setting rise. MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/iONbr1DkVk Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Later in the day, the president was back on Twitter, complaining that news outlets had barely covered the stock market milestone. He suggested that the strength of the economy would be the biggest story on earth, had it unfolded during the presidency of his predecessor. The Fake News Media barely mentions the fact that the Stock Market just hit another New Record and that business in the U.S. is booming...but the people know! Can you imagine if O was president and had these numbers - would be biggest story on earth! Dow now over 25,000. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 The Dow broke past 1,000-point barriers in 2017 on its way to a 25% gain for the year, as an eight-year rally since the Great Recession continued to confound skeptics. Strong global economic growth and good prospects for higher company earnings have analysts predicting more gains, although the market may not stay as calm as it has been recently. The Dow has made a rapid trip since it reached 24,000 points Nov. 30, partly on enthusiasm over passage of the Republican-backed tax package, which could boost company profits this year with across-the-board cuts to corporate taxes. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump reacts to Fire and Fury book in tweet lashing out at author and Sloppy Steve President Trump lashed out at the author of a soon-to-be-released book about the chaotic first year of his presidency Thursday night. In a tweet, Trump called Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, a phony book and claimed that hed never spoken to its author, Michael Wolff. Look at this guys past and watch what happens to him and Sloppy Steve! Trump wrote. He appeared to be referring to former White House chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon, whose stunning criticisms of Trump and his circle figure prominently in the title. I authorized Zero access to White House (actually turned him down many times) for author of phony book! I never spoke to him for book. Full of lies, misrepresentations and sources that dont exist. Look at this guys past and watch what happens to him and Sloppy Steve! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Trumps tweet came hours after he had his lawyer demand that Henry Holt & Co. and Wolff stop publication the book. Instead, the publisher expedited the books release to Friday, four days before it was slated to hit bookstore shelves, in response to unprecedented demand. Published excerpts on Wednesday and Thursday whetted that appetite and roiled Washington. Bannons comments, including that it was treasonous and unpatriotic for Trumps son Donald Trump Jr., son-in-law Jared Kushner and campaign manager Paul Manafort to have met in 2016 with Russians said to have dirt on Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, prompted Trump on Wednesday to rebuke his former advisor, saying Bannon had lost his mind. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writers Brian Bennett and Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump thanks senators who attended meeting on immigration President Trump tweeted thanks to Republican senators who attended a meeting about possible immigration legislation on Thursday. In his message, Trump also listed his top priorities when it comes to any type of overhaul of the nations immigration system. Thank you to the great Republican Senators who showed up to our mtg on immigration reform. We must BUILD THE WALL, stop illegal immigration, end chain migration & cancel the visa lottery. The current system is unsafe & unfair to the great people of our country - time for change! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Trumps tweet echoed his remarks at the beginning of Thursdays meeting, when he insisted again that constructing a border wall and overhauling two legal immigration programs must be part of any deal with Democrats to protect the so-called Dreamers from deportation. Two-year deportation protections and work permits given under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program begin to expire March 6 under an executive order. Trump announced in September that he was ending the Obama-era program, but told Congress to draft a law to continue protections for people brought to the country illegally as children a group that has widespread public support. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Brian Bennett. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump resumes Twitter war against kneeling NFL players President Trump has resumed his Twitter war against NFL players who kneel during the national anthem to protest social injustice and racial inequality. In a tweet early Thursday, Trump replied to a supporter who shared a meme that appears to depict family members lying on the grave of a fallen soldier with the caption: This is why we stand. Show this picture to the NFL players who still kneel! Trump wrote. So beautiful....Show this picture to the NFL players who still kneel! https://t.co/tJLM1tvbvb Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 The president has denounced players who kneel during the anthem in previous tweets. Hes also called for the firing of players who do so. His latest message came amid news that the NFL finished the regular season with TV ratings that fell nearly 10% below the previous season. Analysts attribute the drop to controversies facing the league, as well as changing viewing habits and a possible saturation point in the number of games available. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writers Stephen Battaglio and Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump credits himself with facilitating talks between North and South Korea By Associated Press President Trump says his tough stance on nuclear weapons on the Korean peninsula is helping push North Korea and South Korea to talk. Trump tweeted early Thursday: With all of the failed experts weighing in, does anybody really believe that talks and dialogue would be going on between North and South Korea right now if I wasnt firm, strong and willing to commit our total might against the North. Fools, but talks are a good thing! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 That assertion is in conflict with some of the presidents own statements. Last year, he ridiculed Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for talking about negotiations with the North. This week, Trump seemed open to the possibility of an inter-Korean dialogue after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a rare overture toward South Korea in a New Years Day address. But Trumps ambassador to the United Nations insisted that talks wont be meaningful unless the North is getting rid of its nuclear weapons. The overture about talks came after Trump and Kim traded more bellicose claims about their nuclear weapons. In his New Years Day address, Kim repeated fiery nuclear threats against the United States. Kim said he has a nuclear button on his office desk and warned that the whole territory of the U.S. is within the range of our nuclear strike. Trump mocked that assertion Tuesday evening in a tweet. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print After disbanding his vote fraud panel, Trump still says voting system is rigged By Brian Bennett One day after disbanding his troubled voter fraud commission without any findings of fraud, President Trump continued to call the U.S. voting system rigged and said states should require that Americans have voter-identification cards. In two tweets on Thursday morning, Trump blamed the commissions failure on the lack of cooperation from mostly Democrat States that refused to hand over voter rolls because they know that many people are voting illegally. However, voting supervisors in Republican-led states refused as well, objecting on privacy and other grounds. Many mostly Democrat States refused to hand over data from the 2016 Election to the Commission On Voter Fraud. They fought hard that the Commission not see their records or methods because they know that many people are voting illegally. System is rigged, must go to Voter I.D. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 As Americans, you need identification, sometimes in a very strong and accurate form, for almost everything you do.....except when it comes to the most important thing, VOTING for the people that run your country. Push hard for Voter Identification! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Despite Trumps assertions, analysts have not found evidence of widespread voter fraud. Trump created the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity in May after alleging, without proof, that millions of illegal votes were cast for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. Trump was elected after winning a majority in the electoral college, but the nationwide count showed Clinton received nearly 3 million more votes. The commission sought personal data on voters across the country and faced mounting lawsuits in recent months over privacy concerns. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump touts another good day for stocks, credits tax cut By Associated Press President Trump touted another good day for the stock market Wednesday in a tweet. Stock Market had another good day but, now that the Tax Cut Bill has passed, we have tremendous upward potential. Dow just short of 25,000, a number that few thought would be possible this soon into my administration. Also, unemployment went down to 4.1%. Only getting better! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Big gains for technology and healthcare stocks helped U.S. indexes set records again Wednesday. Some analysts attributed the surge to investor enthusiasm for Trumps $1.5-trillion tax cut. All told, Wall Street analysts estimate the tax package should boost earnings for companies in the Standard & Poors 500 index by roughly 8% this year. Thats much more generous than the average tax cut of 1.6% that middle-class families will receive, according to the Tax Policy Center. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 The public has been less enthusiastic about the tax law. A Monmouth University poll last month found that nearly half of Americans disapproved of it, with only 26% in support. Still, as Trump also noted on Twitter, some workers have seen a benefit: So far, dozens of companies have announced bonuses and higher minimum wages as a result of the tax cut. AT&T, Comcast, Bank of America, and American Airlines have all pledged to pay $1,000 bonuses to their employees. Some 40 U.S. companies have responded to President Trumps tax cut and reform victory in Congress last year by handing out bonuses up to $2,000, increases in 401k matches and spending on charity, a much higher number than previously known. https://t.co/bmWrwWzxMR Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Investors also appear less concerned than many politicians about how the additional profits will be used. The Trump administration says it expects companies will plow much of the extra profit back into their businesses, purchasing more software, machinery, and other equipment. Those investments will make workers more productive and provide a key boost to the economys long-run growth. They should also boost wages and salaries for employees. Opponents of the tax law respond that companies are more likely to pass the windfall on to shareholders in the form of higher dividend payments and share buybacks, which raise the price of those shares still in investors hands. Previous cuts in corporate tax rates, in the United States and overseas, havent always led to higher wages. For Wall Street, its all good, at least in the short run. Most analysts take the view that either way, companies and the economy will benefit. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump reacts to death of Mormon Church president By Associated Press President Trump mourned the death of Mormon Church leader Thomas S. Monson on Wednesday evening. Trump tweeted a link to a statement in which he said that Monson demonstrated wisdom, inspired leadership, and great compassion and delivered a message of optimism, forgiveness, and faith. Melania and I are deeply saddened by the death of Thomas S. Monson, a beloved President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...https://t.co/ETD3fWtfU3 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 A church bishop at the age of 22, Monson became the youngest church apostle ever in 1963 at the age of 36. He served as a counselor for three church presidents before assuming the role of the top leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February 2008. After a life of church service, Monson died Tuesday at his home in Salt Lake City, according to church spokesman Eric Hawkins. He was 90. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump tweets that Iranian protesters will see great U.S. support at the appropriate time By Associated Press President Trump continued to express support for Irans anti-government protesters on Wednesday. In a tweet, Trump commended the protesters and pledged that the United States will support them at the appropriate time. Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government. You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Trumps tweet Wednesday morning came as Iranian Ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo sent a letter to United Nations officials complaining that Washington was intervening in a grotesque way in Irans internal affairs. The President and Vice-President of the United States, in their numerous absurd tweets, incited Iranians to engage in disruptive acts, the ambassador wrote to the U.N. Security Council president and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The U.S. didnt immediately respond to the letter, which maintains that Washington has crossed every limit in flouting rules and principles of international law governing the civilized conduct of international relations. At least 21 people have been killed and hundreds arrested in Iran during a week of anti-government protests and unrest over economic woes and official corruption. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people took part in counter-demonstrations Wednesday backing the clerically overseen government, which has said enemies of Iran are fomenting the protests. Trump has unleashed a series of tweets in recent days backing the protesters, saying Iran is failing at every level and declaring that it is time for change in the Islamic Republic. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump congratulates Sen. Orrin Hatch upon news of his retirement By Associated Press President Trump congratulated Sen. Orrin Hatch for an absolutely incredible career upon news of Hatchs impending retirement. In a tweet Tuesday afternoon, Trump called Hatch a tremendous supporter and wrote that he will be greatly missed in the Senate. Congratulations to Senator Orrin Hatch on an absolutely incredible career. He has been a tremendous supporter, and I will never forget the (beyond kind) statements he has made about me as President. He is my friend and he will be greatly missed in the U.S. Senate! pic.twitter.com/0VjzLEeHTl Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Hatchs decision to retire from the Senate after four decades lets the Utah Republican walk away at the height of his power after helping to push through an overhaul of the tax code and persuading Trump to downsize two national monuments. Retirement also preserves the 83-year-olds legacy by allowing him to avoid a bruising reelection battle that would have broken his promise not to seek an eighth term. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump tweet exaggerates progress in improving veterans care By Associated Press President Trump played up tremendous progress in improving care for veterans in his first year on Tuesday in a tweet. His message linked to an Instagram video describing eight accomplishments that show Trump is fighting for our veterans. But it overstates the impact of these steps. We will not rest until all of Americas GREAT VETERANS can receive the care they so richly deserve. Tremendous progress has been made in a short period of time. Keep up the great work @SecShulkin @DeptVetAffairs! https://t.co/ir25vW15hx pic.twitter.com/OtuzIgxMn6 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Of the eight achievements cited, two are ceremonial proclamations recognizing National Veterans and Military Families Month and National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Two are pieces of legislation that extended the troubled Veterans Choice program on a temporary basis. This became necessary because the Trump administration repeatedly miscalculated the amount of taxpayer dollars available to pay for care from private doctors outside the Veterans Affairs system when veterans had to endure long waits for treatment at VA medical centers. The departments poor budget planning caught lawmakers off guard. A fifth claim involves telehealth, a step letting doctors practice medicine across state lines using digital technology. Announced in August, it has yet to take full effect because a proposed VA regulation hasnt been completed. The VA wants authority to practice across state lines to come from legislation, not a regulation. On Wednesday, the Senate approved a telehealth measure that now goes to the House. A sixth claim refers to legislation that streamlines the appeals process for disability compensation claims within the VA. This step has had limited effect so far because it applies to new disability claims, not the 470,000 pending claims. The last two initiatives make it easier for the VA to discipline employees. The department has pointed to more than 1,300 employees who have been fired under Trumps watch. Because their infractions are not detailed in public documents, the effect on veterans care is not fully known. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump unleashes his first tweetstorm of 2018 By Noah Bierman President Trump clearly didnt resolve to change his Twitter habits this year. With nine disparate tweets over three hours on Tuesday morning, the first working day of 2018, Trump continued to exploit social media to be the most aggressive commentator in chief in American history. For any other president, his posts would have made for a monumental day of (mis-)statements. Yet for Trump, the series attacks on political foes and media, provocations of foreign leaders and self-praise for events he had nothing to do with was all but unremarkable. His Twitter barrage sent between 7:09 a.m. and 10:16 a.m. reflected a familiar gamut after nearly a year in office: Attacks on political foes: Nearly 14 months after his election, Trump called for the jailing of Huma Abedin, Crooked Hillary Clintons top aid (his misspelling, another occasional feature of Trump tweets). Crooked Hillary Clintons top aid, Huma Abedin, has been accused of disregarding basic security protocols. She put Classified Passwords into the hands of foreign agents. Remember sailors pictures on submarine? Jail! Deep State Justice Dept must finally act? Also on Comey & others Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 In the same tweet, he disparaged the Deep State Justice Dept, headed of course by his appointees, calling on it to act against James B. Comey, the FBI director he fired for investigating the Russia thing. Diplomatic provocations: Trump again called North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Rocket man, ridiculed the volatile nuclear-armed foe for recent military defections and openly speculated about potential talks between North and South Korea. Sanctions and other pressures are beginning to have a big impact on North Korea. Soldiers are dangerously fleeing to South Korea. Rocket man now wants to talk to South Korea for first time. Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not - we will see! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not we will see! Trump wrote. Later Tuesday, Trump tweeted: North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times. Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Also later Tuesday, Trump tweeted an attack on Pakistan, his second in as many days, and added a new one against Palestinians: It's not only Pakistan that we pay billions of dollars to for nothing, but also many other countries, and others. As an example, we pay the Palestinians HUNDRED OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year and get no appreciation or respect. They dont even want to negotiate a long overdue... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 ...peace treaty with Israel. We have taken Jerusalem, the toughest part of the negotiation, off the table, but Israel, for that, would have had to pay more. But with the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Undermining media: Trump offered Congratulations! to A.G. Sulzberger, who took over as publisher of the New York Times this week. The Failing New York Times has a new publisher, A.G. Sulzberger. Congratulations! Here is a last chance for the Times to fulfill the vision of its Founder, Adolph Ochs, to give the news impartially, without fear or FAVOR, regardless of party, sect, or interests involved. Get... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 ....impartial journalists of a much higher standard, lose all of your phony and non-existent sources, and treat the President of the United States FAIRLY, so that the next time I (and the people) win, you wont have to write an apology to your readers for a job poorly done! GL Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 But the two-part post was really yet another slam against a perceived media foe: Trump said the paper had a last chance to fulfill its journalistic mission, and accused it of relying on phony sources and substandard reporters just days after he granted another exclusive interview to the paper. As a bonus, the tweet contained a recycled falsehood, that the paper apologized after the election for reporting on him unfairly. It didnt. Trump later said on Twitter that he would soon announce the most dishonest & corrupt media awards of the year. Stay tuned! I will be announcing THE MOST DISHONEST & CORRUPT MEDIA AWARDS OF THE YEAR on Monday at 5:00 oclock. Subjects will cover Dishonesty & Bad Reporting in various categories from the Fake News Media. Stay tuned! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 The president also tweeted a quote from Fox Business Networks Lou Dobbs Tonight, which aired a segment praising Trumps first-year accomplishments. Dobbs reportedly joined Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday for a gala to celebrate New Years Eve. President Trump has something now he didnt have a year ago, that is a set of accomplishments that nobody can deny. The accomplishments are there, look at his record, he has had a very significant first year. @LouDobbs Show,David Asman & Ed Rollins Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Taking credit: Trump congratulated himself for policing the border with Mexico, an area where his policies and anti-immigration rhetoric are believed to have had some effect on reducing illegal crossings. Thank you to Brandon Judd of the National Border Patrol Council for your kind words on how well we are doing at the Border. We will be bringing in more & more of your great folks and will build the desperately needed WALL! @foxandfriends Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 He took credit for employee bonuses by companies after he signed Republican tax cuts into law last month. Companies are giving big bonuses to their workers because of the Tax Cut Bill. Really great! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 But the jaw-dropper was Trump congratulating himself for planes not crashing. Since taking office I have been very strict on Commercial Aviation. Good news - it was just reported that there were Zero deaths in 2017, the best and safest year on record! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 It was the safest year on record worldwide, but the American streak without commercial jet passenger deaths goes back to 2009. Trump, who has promoted deregulation as one of his top accomplishments, has not signed off on any new airline safety regulations. The White House pointed to new security screening of passengers, to electronic devices to prevent terrorist attacks and to Trumps support for privatizing air traffic control a proposal that has gotten nowhere in Congress. Falsehoods: Trump said President Obama, in brokering the 2015 nuclear arms limitation deal with Iran, foolishly gave money to the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime. He didnt. The people of Iran are finally acting against the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime. All of the money that President Obama so foolishly gave them went into terrorism and into their pockets. The people have little food, big inflation and no human rights. The U.S. is watching! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 The nuclear deal, which included major U.S. allies as signators, released Irans own funds that had long been frozen. Trumps art of the deal: When Trump sees a big deal looming, he often blasts the other side to gain leverage, as hes written. This week he resumes a showdown with Democratic lawmakers over funding the government and immigration protections for so-called Dreamers, who were brought to the country illegally as children. Democrats are doing nothing for DACA - just interested in politics. DACA activists and Hispanics will go hard against Dems, will start falling in love with Republicans and their President! We are about RESULTS. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Trump, who in September ordered a gradual end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, sought to shift blame for the resulting controversy, saying Democrats are doing nothing for DACA and are just interested in politics. Trump has insisted that any help for Dreamers be paired with funding for a border wall and a crackdown on legal immigration. Democrats, and some Republicans, are opposed. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement In tweet, Trump suggests U.S. will withdraw financial assistance to Pakistan By Shashank Bengali Pakistan lashed out Monday after President Trump accused its leaders of lies & deceit and suggested the United States would withdraw financial assistance to the nuclear-armed nation it once saw as a key ally against terrorism. It was the presidents latest broadside against Pakistan after a speech in August in which he demanded its leaders crack down on the safe havens enjoyed by Taliban militants fighting U.S.-backed forces in neighboring Afghanistan. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 U.S. Ambassador David Hale was summoned to the Foreign Ministry to discuss the presidents statement, U.S. Embassy spokesman Richard Snelsire said. Pakistan lodged a strongly worded protest and asked for clarification about Trumps comments, according to two foreign office officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Pakistans prime minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, called a Cabinet meeting for Tuesday and a meeting of the National Security Committee on Wednesday to discuss Trumps New Years Day tweet. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump continues to tweet in support of Iranian protesters By Laura King President Trump expressed renewed support Sunday for protesters in Iran, declaring that people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism. In a tweet from his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, the president said the nationwide economic protests that began on Thursday and have taken on wider political overtones as they have grown in size were a signal that Iranians will not take it any longer. Big protests in Iran. The people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism. Looks like they will not take it any longer. The USA is watching very closely for human rights violations! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Trump has tweeted about the protests for three days straight as Iranians took to the streets despite a heavy police presence, tear gas and scores of arrests. The defiance gained urgency after two people were reported shot to death in the city of Dorud, about 200 miles southwest of Tehran. As the conflict escalated, Iranian authorities on Sunday slapped a temporary ban on Instagram and the messaging app Telegram, which were widely used to fan protest fervor. Iran, the Number One State of Sponsored Terror with numerous violations of Human Rights occurring on an hourly basis, has now closed down the Internet so that peaceful demonstrators cannot communicate. Not good! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Irans leaders already are casting Trumps increasingly effusive expressions of support for the demonstrators as opportunistic meddling and are painting the demonstrators as foreign pawns, adopting a strategy that some analysts say could jeopardize the legitimacy of the nascent antigovernment protests. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump tweets condolences after Colorado deputies are shot in ambush, one fatally By Associated Press A man fired more than 100 rounds at sheriffs deputies in Colorado early Sunday, killing one and injuring four others, before being fatally shot himself in what authorities called an ambush. Two civilians were also injured. President Trump expressed sorrow, writing on Twitter: My deepest condolences to the victims of the terrible shooting in Douglas County @DCSheriff, and their families. We love our police and law enforcement - God Bless them all! #LESM Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock said deputies came under fire almost 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Killing with kindness, GOPs McClintock faces down hostile questioners as town hall goes into overti The Huntington Beach City Council on Tuesday voted to launch a review of the Downtown Business Improvement Districts finances. The council also approved a contract for the widening of Edinger Avenue to improve traffic flow but made no decision about whether to open the Central Library on Sundays. The vote regarding the Downtown BID authorizes the city Finance Commission to investigate the organizations financial documents from the past three years. Councilman Erik Peterson proposed the move, citing concerns that its money is not being handled properly and that an investigation is needed to make sure everything is aboveboard. Steve Daniel, president of the Downtown BID, voiced his support at the meeting for the financial review. Daniel said an accusation had been made over the past few months that the BID has not been forthcoming about its spending and income, and he wants an investigation of the groups records so the allegation can be disproved. Susan Welfringer, the BID manager, said Wednesday that one resident in particular has launched a crusade against the group, claiming it has not been transparent about how much money it has. There is no hidden money, Daniel said at the meeting. A Business Improvement District is a public-private partnership that aims to revitalize a commercial neighborhood. Huntington Beach has three, including the Auto Dealers BID and the Hotel/Motel BID. The Downtown BID puts on popular events like the Miracle on Main Street holiday celebration and Halloween Fest. The group also regularly hosts Surf City Nights, a free street fair every Tuesday night. The BID has an annual operating budget of about $450,000, which is mostly funded by downtown businesses, according to Kellee Fritzal, the citys deputy director of economic development. Included in the budget is a $155,000 reimbursement from the city for maintenance costs. The Downtown BID takes the helm on maintenance projects, and city public works employees monitor the work, Fritzal said. Years ago, Peterson said, he and Councilman Mike Posey found that the Downtown BIDs financial reports lacked detail. He said the district seemed to have rectified the problem but that the latest report, submitted last year, needs clarification. The Finance Commission has been given 60 days to review the documents, after which the panel will present its findings and any recommendations to the council. Edinger Avenue widening project Also Tuesday, the council chose All American Asphalt, a Southern California trucking company, to lead the Edinger Avenue widening project. In a report, City Manager Fred Wilson said the business had done acceptable work on past city projects. The company submitted a bid of $399,928, the lowest among 10 contractors. The total project cost is estimated at $510,000, the report says. Currently the city has $423,484 available in the Edinger widening account, but the council previously approved the allocation of $104,000 from the traffic impact fee fund to help cover the rest of the expense. The project, approved in 2015, calls for widening the southbound side of the street, between Parkside Lane and Beach Boulevard, and lengthening the right-turn lane on Beach and Parkside. Expansion of library hours The council also discussed whether to open the Huntington Beach Central Library on Sundays but decided that the matter required further study and would be reconsidered in July. Stephanie Beverage, director of library services, said at the meeting that opening on Sundays would require the hiring of new staff, but some council members said that would strain city coffers. Council members Lyn Semeta and Billy OConnell asked Beverage to see if the library could minimize hours during the week to accommodate the Sunday hours. OConnell said working families might not be able to take their kids there during the week, so it would be desirable to scale down weekly hours so these families could enjoy the library on Sundays. Beverage said the idea wouldnt work because the staff is too small. It stretches our resources thin and makes it hard for us to provide the level of service people expect, Beverage said. The council agreed to bring the issue back in July to be considered for the 2018 budget after more research is conducted. The library had been open on Sundays from 1997 to 2010. The reduction to six days a week came during the Great Recession, when money was tight. benjamin.brazil@latimes.com Twitter: @benbrazilpilot Based on a discussion at Tuesdays City Council meeting, a proposed new contract with members of the Costa Mesa City Employees Assn. is a matter of pensions vs. retention. Those two issues were among the major topics during the first public hearing on the citys tentative agreement with the union that represents the citys nonpublic safety employees. If approved, the proposed pact would run through June 30, 2020. The unions 236 members would receive 2.5% pay increases in each of the first two years of the deal, with 2.75% raises in the third and fourth years. The contract also would decrease the amount those employees pay toward their pensions from the current 17.04% to 12% by the third year. A major motivation for the proposed changes is that Costa Mesa has run into difficulties competing with other cities to attract new employees and keep them around for the long haul, said Assistant City Manager Tammy Letourneau. Recruitment and retention in the city has been a challenge for the last few years, she said Tuesday. Generally speaking, Letourneau said, Costa Mesa employees have lower salaries compared with surrounding cities, and thats where our recruitment pool comes from. So weve experienced challenges in filling our vacancies. The city currently has 90 vacant positions, according to Letourneau. The CMCEAs previous contract expired in June. A provision in that contract required union members to pay 60% of any increases in the citys required contributions to the California Public Employees Retirement System. That has been significant, Letourneau said. I believe its been a huge contributor to employees leaving. Its also a big consideration for trying to get employees to come work here. That provision would be eliminated in the proposed deal. Some people at the council meeting, though, questioned the wisdom of lowering the employees retirement contributions given the extent of the citys pension debt, which totaled about $246 million in 2015. Councilman Allan Mansoor said the city needs to start looking at ways to decrease that liability. We can say, Yes, we need to offer good benefits to be competitive with other cities ... but it doesnt change the fact this is going to add to our pension burden considerably, he said. Its especially concerning, he added, since recent projections show the city could face growing annual budget deficits ranging from $2.5 million in fiscal 2018-19 to almost $7.8 million in 2021-22. The proposed CMCEA contract is expected to cost taxpayers $5.65 million more over the life of the agreement than the previous one. The reality is that we have pension plans in place that are absolutely unsustainable, Councilman Jim Righeimer said. Does that mean our employees are bad? No. Theyre good people. But nobody outside of government has anything close to this kind of pension plan. Mayor Pro Tem Sandy Genis said that although the city needs to deal with the pension issue, we also have to provide services for our residents, and that means having people in important positions throughout the city. The California Public Employees Pension Reform Act stipulates that starting in 2018, cities cant require nonpublic safety employees to contribute more than 8% of their pay toward their pensions though employee associations can agree to do so, according to Councilman John Stephens. Even with the decreases outlined in the proposed contract, CMCEA members would still be contributing at a higher rate than that, he noted. The contract is scheduled to return to the council for a second hearing and possible adoption March 7. Parking spaces For all the talk about pensions Tuesday, council members spent even more time parsing parking. After a hearing that lasted about an hour, the council voted 4-1 to approve a request from the owners of Watch Connection to reserve two parking spots in a commercial center at 3033 Bristol St. The two spots are right in front of Watch Connection and will be open only to its customers between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Finding spots in the areas shared parking can be a challenge because the center is home to several popular restaurants and other businesses. Though onsite valet parking is available, Watch Connection representatives said Tuesday that they requested reserved parking to ensure that vendors and customers purchasing high-end merchandise can park and walk safely to and from the store. The Costa Mesa Planning Commission denied the request in November, saying that allowing a single business to reserve parking could create a problematic precedent or lead to overflow parking in nearby neighborhoods. The councils vote Tuesday reversed that decision. Stephens said he supported granting the request because it sets aside only the two spots for a total of 15 hours a week. I dont think its a lot to ask, he said. I think its a pretty easy decision. Righeimer, who voted against the request, said he didnt think the city should get involved in the business of managing the center. luke.money@latimes.com Twitter: @LukeMMoney A man was seriously injured when he was stabbed Tuesday night in what police believe was a gang-related incident in Huntington Beach. Huntington Beach police officers responded around 10:40 p.m. to the 17400 block of Jacquelyn Lane after receiving a report of a possible stabbing, Officer Jennifer Marlatt said. Read the latest headlines from the Daily Pilot >> Officers found a man with a serious stab wound. Authorities suspect the stabbing occurred in an alley near where the man was found, Marlatt said. The man, whose name was not released, was taken to a trauma center in critical but stable condition, Marlatt said. He would not provide any information about the stabbing, she said. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Huntington Beach police at (714) 960-8811. hannah.fry@latimes.com Twitter: @HannahFryTCN Laguna Beach police will be on high alert this weekend for drug- and alcohol-impaired drivers. The department plans saturation patrols between 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 a.m. Sunday in areas with high frequencies of DUI crashes and arrests, according to a news release. Specific locations were not announced. Read the latest headlines from the Daily Pilot >> In California, intoxicated driving led to 1,155 deaths and nearly 24,000 injuries in 2014, according to statistics provided by the Laguna Beach Police Department. The patrol operation is funded through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety. hannah.fry@latimes.com Twitter: @HannahFryTCN In an ongoing battle against residential burglaries, La Canada public safety officials are now considering forming a partnership with a video doorbell company that would potentially put the power of prevention directly into homeowners hands. The idea of teaming up with Santa Monica-based company Ring to offer rebates toward the purchase of Wi-Fi-enabled video doorbell systems was put before the La Canada Public Safety Commission in a Feb. 13 meeting. Sgt. John Gaw of the Los Angeles Sheriffs Departments Advanced Surveillance and Protection Unit was asked to speak to commissioners about the effectiveness of using Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras which automatically track and store car license plate numbers to prevent home break-ins. Join the conversation on Facebook >> The city currently uses two such devices, installed on patrol cars used by the Crescenta Valley Sheriffs Station at about $21,150 apiece. While the technology is helpful to investigators looking to break crime rings and spot vehicle owners who may have open warrants, its not as effective at keeping burglars away. Weighing how much the cameras cost and what they can really do for you, its not necessarily the best way to prevent burglaries, Gaw said. There are a lot better options out there. A more cost-efficient way of chasing off would-be criminals, he suggested, is a video doorbell system that sends camera footage directly to homeowners cellphones whenever motion is detected in the area of installment. The technology lets users not only see a potential suspect, but allows them to verbally answer the door from wherever they are. Oftentimes, the sergeant told commissioners, that verbal cue is enough to prevent burglars from going any further. Its a cheap camera to put up there to potentially stop them from stealing your goods, Gaw said. Thats the goal. Founded in 2012 by inventor Jamie Siminoff, Ring describes its technology as caller ID for the front door. The company is currently beta-testing a neighborhood program that lets residents share footage they capture with others within a specified radius of their home. In one such test, burglaries in Los Angeles Wilshire Park neighborhood were reduced by 55% in six months, Gaw reported. The sergeant said the company also offers discounts to homeowner associations and neighborhood watch groups. Partnering with municipalities, Ring will offer $50 rebates if cities agree to match it with their own $50 rebates. A basic video doorbell system costs about $200, according to the companys website. Impressed by the units affordability, and their ability to involve homeowners more directly in crime prevention, commissioners asked city staff to look into partnering with Ring or a similar company in a pilot program. The panel also requested statistics on how Automatic License Plate Reader cameras have helped investigators solve La Canada crimes thus far, exploring the option of adding one more to the citys arsenal. What the residents have expressed is a frustration over burglaries and the rising number of larcenies, Commission Chair Marilyn Smith said. If the Ring is a way to address that and empower people to try and stop it, perfect. -- Sara Cardine, sara.cardine@latimes.com Twitter: @SaraCardine Just as we thought the fever had subsided for the stream that gurgles merrily all year long down the ineptly named Arroyo Seco, last weekends storm prodded it back into a rage. Wider and higher and faster than at any time in years it roared through its narrow gulch. Nothing could have stood up against its fury. Hiking alongside it from a mile or two upstream sorry, upriver from JPL, youd say it was sweeping everything before it except there was almost nothing left to sweep. Whatever even hefty tree limbs had been sleeping peacefully in the dry bed since the Great Fire, whatever tiny creatures had built homes there during the five years of drought, whatever plants had been lulled by the low water levels had already been swept away in previous floods following this years record rainfalls. Those victims forgot the basic rule of nature nothing stays the same and paid the price. The San Gabriel Mountains, through which our valley wends its way, are among the steepest in North America, which means the runoff is at breakneck speed. It also means that the catchment areas for virtually all streams are very small. So normally a few hours after even a heavy downpour the water level is back close to what it was. The only other place where Ive lived like this is in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., where the short streams tumble into the Potomac. I remember driving from work one summer evening and seeing the usual dried-up valley, only to learn when I got home that a child had been drowned there in a thunderstorm earlier that day. Its for that reason that they are called not streams but runs. The Arroyo Seco differs not only from them but from any miles around in having a much bigger catchment area: thats why it has the only flowing water all year. Every drop of rain on the huge bowl of mountains that surrounds the Arroyo that is not evaporated finds its way into this one outlet, just as all the water flowing from the rivers of Northern California has to find its way through the Golden Gate. I have to admit this is no San Francisco. But walking on the path through vegetation that ranges from big trees to giant cactus plants with the valley sides towering 1,000 feet above and the river wriggling its way so much that you dont know if you are going north or south is a thrill in any weather. Often, as I look at it, an imaginary phrase comes to mind. Are we in Los Angeles yet, Daddy? -- REG GREEN is a La Canada resident. Readers of his Valley Sun commentaries may be interested to know that he wrote a moving op-ed about the killing of his 7-year-old son, Nicholas, that was published in the Los Angeles Times on Feb. 13. It can be found here. New lay leadership has been named for the La Crescenta stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kirk Malmrose, a former bishop, is the new president of the stake, or diocese, which includes congregations in Sunland-Tujunga, Glendale, La Crescenta, La Canada and Los Angeles. Malmrose, a La Crescenta resident, will be assisted by Joe Grigg, of La Canada, who will serve as first counselor, and Brian Corrigan, of Los Angeles, who was named second counselor. Stake clerk Tom Corless and executive secretary Chris Hart will remain in their positions. Church leaders at the stake and ward (congregation) level serve voluntarily with no pay or other compensation, taking care of church responsibilities on weeknights and during weekends. Stake presidents typically serve for about 10 years. Join the conversation on Facebook >> Malmrose, who was also former president of the stake young mens organization, is a senior vice president at Mutual of Omaha Bank. A Salt Lake City native, he holds a bachelors degree in computer science from Brigham Young University and a masters degree in business administration from UCLA. Grigg, president of American Energy Operations Inc., also is a former bishop and past president of the stake young mens organization. A native of New Orleans, he has a degree in accounting from Brigham Young. -- Mark Kellam, mark.kellam@latimes.com Twitter: @LAMarkKellam When it comes to the star treatment, think resorts instead of the red carpet. Two hotels and two spas in California have received the luxury high mark of Five Stars from the Forbes Travel Guide for the first time this year. Thats out of just 174 hotels and 56 spas with the distinction worldwide. California has the highest number of Five-Star hotels (18) and spas (8) in the country, according to the guides 2017 list of hotels, spas and restaurants released Wednesday. The guide also lists Four-Star and Recommended sites too. Solage in wine countrys Calistoga and the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego are newcomers to the Five-Star club. (The former Grand Del Mar had received the top rating before it was sold to Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in 2015.) Advertisement Meadowood Napa Valley in St. Helena and the Spa at Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills also received their first Five-Star ratings. Las Vegas picked up three Five-Star restaurants: the French restaurant Le Cirque Las Vegas and Picasso, in the Bellagio; and the Chinese restaurant Wing Lei in Wynn Las Vegas. The Resort at Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas earned a Five-Star rating. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times) In Mexico, the Resort at Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas and Sense, A Rosewood Spa at Mayakoba in Riviera Maya received Five Stars for the first time. Worldwide, 11 sites have earned a triple-play, gaining Five Stars for their hotel, restaurant and spa. These include the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, the Montage Laguna Beach in Laguna Beach as well as the Mandarin Oriental and Wynn in Las Vegas. Want to know how Forbes does its ratings? Inspectors for the guide go to sites in 42 countries in the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific area to see whether they meet their selective standards. The guide plans to add the Middle East and Africa in 2018, according to a news release. Check out the criteria they look for in selecting sites here. Go to Forbes Travel Guide 2017 Star Award Winners for a complete list, by country, of all 2017 rated hotels, spas and restaurants. ALSO U.S. News & World Report picks top 15 U.S. hotels, including seven in the West Those hotel ratings dont always tell the whole story. In fact, sometimes you need to research the rest of the story Oh, how they glitter: 14 Southern California properties make AAAs Five Diamond List, but how much will a night cost you? travel@latimes.com @latimestravel The winter that just wont quit has graced the Eastern Sierra with more than 40 feet of snow, as some Mammoth Lakes workers shovel in as much as $100 an hour in the endless quest to keep shops open and houses accessible in the popular recreational retreat. Depending on whom you ask, Mammoths string of monster snows is either a blessing or a punishment. Mammoth is just gawd-awful, says resident Cynthia Hayes. It just never stops snowing. Advertisement It was great, said visitor Paul Geller, who skied at Mammoth Mountain with his family over the Presidents Day weekend. All in all, it was a blast. But the challenges and the snow continue. Restaurants have had trouble keeping staff, who flee for $100-an-hour snow removal jobs at peak times (the going rate now is about $40). The winds wont quit either. Gusty, theyve pushed icicles at some surreal angles, and the winds prevent homeowners from keeping snow off driveways and walks. Throughout the town of 8,234, roofs are loaded with 10 feet of water-laden snow, and a Red Cross shelter has been set up at the high school for those displaced by collapses or other storm-related issues. By and large, though, these are boom times for the Eastern Sierra., where the relentless snow has re-calibrated the local economy. Our wood guy is no longer delivering wood, Hayes said. He makes more money using his truck to haul snow for the town. Everyone has turned into entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, 20-foot piles of the stuff have turned the town into a fortress. France has Carcassonne; California has Mammoth Lakes, a walled-in city where its tough to see around intersections. There is a ton of snow in town, said L.A. resident Jason Northrop, who owns a condo in Mammoth. Most of the houses between the village and Canyon Lodge had their first floor buried, with some as high as the third floor. Even more snow is on the way this weekend, though Friday is expected to provide a sunny window for travelers. Frequent snow is expected Saturday through Monday, but accumulations are not expected to be heavy till Monday. The Weather Channels Mike Bettes told The Times that the spigot may be starting to twist off. In the short term, there looks to be one more significant rain and snowstorm for both Southern and Northern California, Bettes said by email Wednesday. That should happen Monday. ... After that, the storms appear to shut off, and mild and sunny weather persists through the first several weeks of March, leading up to the dry season. Even if the storms soon end, California resorts will have enjoyed a remarkable winter, with more than 40 feet of snow in many areas. In Tahoe, Northstar California, Kirkwood and Heavenly all announced on Wednesday that they would extend their seasons into late April. Farther south, at China Peak, near Fresno the snow has been a boost and a challenge. Weve had 31 feet so far, frankly too much for an older resort, said owner Tim Cohee. But weve been pretty lucky as the super-bad days have almost all fallen on midweek days, so were not far off of our plan, with strong weekend/holiday business. Closer to Los Angeles, resorts that have recently struggled with recent droughts have 100% coverage and generous bases. The sister resorts of Bear Mountain and Snow Summit has 3 feet of snow at the base and and 42 at the top. With bases from 36 to 48 inches, Snow Valley is enjoying the best season in seven years. Mountain High, the closest large resort in Greater Los Angeles, is coming off its snowiest January in 10 years, with a 1-foot base at the lodge and 3 feet at the summit. Travel@latimes.com Bidding to ease public anger over a mounting environmental crisis, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Thursday visited an oil-rich southwestern province that has been crippled by sandstorms and power blackouts. Residents of Khuzestan province have long struggled with high levels of dust because of desertification, but the problems worsened this month when severe rains washed the fine particles into power transmission equipment. That caused several days of electricity blackouts last week in Ahvaz, the provincial capital and home to more than 1 million people. Schools and government agencies in much of the province were closed temporarily, and water supplies were disrupted, forcing residents to buy jerrycans of water to drink. Many residents took to the streets of Ahvaz to protest until police issued a warning that anyone participating in illegal gatherings would be punished. Advertisement Authorities in Tehran, the capital, also prevented a demonstration planned last week to show solidarity with Khuzestan. Although power and water service has been restored to nearly all the affected areas, Iranian social networks continue to be filled with images of the suffering in the remote province along the Iraqi border. Bathroom sinks are shown lined with dust, which reportedly has seeped into the water supply. A thick brown sludge spills out of the kitchen taps in other photos. The widening outrage prompted Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to express his concern this week, saying, What has happened in Khuzestan province has caused heartache for any human being. Meteorological reports from the area said that a large dust cloud approximately 60 miles long blew in from the drought-hit marshlands of Iraq and sat over Ahvaz. Residents said the particles settled on electricity transmission lines and caused blackouts. Mansour Qasemi, a 52-year-old civil engineer in Ahvaz, said that whenever the city is lashed by such dust storms, life instantly goes back to the Stone Age. There is dust everywhere in your mouth, hands, stomach. There is no electricity, no landline phone, no Internet. You are desperate, Qasemi said by phone. You are excommunicated from the 21st century for a few days. The misery has become all the more sensitive because Khuzestan is the source of much of Irans oil production and hydroelectric power. Gas flared from oil facilities is blamed for high levels of pollution and respiratory problems that worsen during heavy rain and wind. In fall 2013, following a rainstorm in Ahvaz, 12,000 people were admitted to hospitals and 3,000 were diagnosed with shortness of breath over 10 days, according to researchers. The World Health Organization has ranked the city as having some of the worst ambient air quality in the world. Receiving reports that Dust and Sand storms (SDS) in #Ahvaz really bad. Midnight electricity was cut off due to SDS. Just saw these pix. pic.twitter.com/Ub6zAKM5tG Gary Lewis (@GaryLewisUN) February 19, 2017 The mainly ethnic Arab residents suffer from widespread unemployment and have long complained of ethnic discrimination and neglect by the central government in Tehran. You ask yourself: Am I not living in Iran, in oil-producing Khuzestan? Qasemi said. Is Tehran the center of the universe? On Thursday, Iranian state media reported that Rouhani visited a water-treatment plant and pledged to open a long-promised facility that would allow gas to be stored and generate electricity instead of being flared into the skies. Agriculture officials also announced plans to plant more than 115 square miles of trees and green cover in an effort to stem the churning of the dust storms. Unconvinced that the government will solve Khuzestans woes, many residents have moved. Tapereh Sikaroudi, a 50-year-old retired English teacher, said the dust particles in the air in Ahvaz caused her to develop a skin allergy. She moved to Tehran but had to leave behind her husband, who remains in Ahvaz for work. I think that in the years to come, we will witness the exodus of Ahvaz inhabitants to other towns and cities, she said. Special correspondent Mostaghim reported from Tehran, Iran, and Times staff writer Bengali from Mumbai, India. shashank.bengali@latimes.com Follow @SBengali on Twitter for more news from South Asia ALSO In Guatemala, Trumps Homeland Security chief contradicts new immigration directives Irans supreme leader rejects calls to release leaders of 2009 Green Movement protests Islamic State fires cluster bombs at Iraqi government forces Iraqi troops punched through the defenses of Islamic State extremists to recapture Mosuls airport on Thursday, establishing a foothold near the citys western bank. Units from the federal police and its special forces branch, the Emergency Response Division, executed a pincer attack and struck the airport from several fronts, Lt. Gen. Raed Shaker Jawdat said in a statement Thursday. Jawdat said more than half of the airport had been taken and that forces were continuing to deal with Islamic state pockets and ambushes. He also reportedly said about 200 families were moved to safe areas controlled by the government. Advertisement The counter-terrorism service, U.S.-trained elite troops, also joined the fray, sweeping into the village of Tal al-Rayan, on Mosuls southwestern flank, as well as the Ghazlani military camp. Mosul is bisected by the Tigris River. The advance, which was backed by a U.S.-led international coalition, was part of a months-long campaign to drive extremists out of Mosul, which has been in Islamic State hands since 2014. Security forces were poised to breach the citys western half. Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Abadi met with the head of U.S. Central Command, Gen. Joseph Votel, to discuss the ongoing battle and the victories of the heroic [Iraqi forces] in the first days of their mobilization and the international support for Iraq in fighting terror, according to a statement released by Abadis office Thursday. Smoke billows as Iraqi forces attack Mosul airport during an offensive to retake the area from Islamic State. (Ahmad al-Rubaye / AFP/Getty Images) Last month, the government declared it had taken back the eastern side of the city after 100 days of combat. Though smaller in size, the citys western half is thought to be an even more challenging task because of its narrower streets and more densely populated neighborhoods. A victory in Mosul would be a significant victory for the government. Once Iraqs second largest city, its takeover by Islamic State was a humiliating blow that security forces have long wanted to avenge. Mosul became the de-facto capital of the extremist group, with its leader, Abu Bakr Baghdadi, proclaiming the establishment of a caliphate from a mosque in west Mosuls Old City. The group took much of the oil-rich desert region between Iraq and Syria. On Thursday, the elite troops black Humvees rolled into Tal al-Rayan in the afternoon, a tank with sewage dripping from its tracks snagging a power line as it headed the column of armored vehicles deeper inside the village. Coalition aircraft roared overhead, leaving behind still-smoldering remains of buildings as an example of their handiwork, even as the sound of gunfire and the blast of Islamic State mortars echoed through the villages main thoroughfare. Nearby, two Humvees and a truck sat incapacitated, their wheels shredded by shrapnel from a car bomb that had slammed into a house and detonated an hour before. As troops passed, someone frantically waved a white rag knotted around a sapling from behind a metal gate of a house. Behind it were two women, their faces mostly obscured by colorful scarves. Were all right, but were afraid, said one of them nervously. The children got afraid when the glass broke from the planes, but its fine. She quickly closed the gate shut. Other residents, fearful of the impending carnage, had decided to flee. A few came in pickup trucks, while one rode his white horse out of the village. Most had to walk the 3-mile trek through rough hills to a makeshift outpost near the Baghdad-Mosul highway. Families roamed among the lines of Humvees stretching all the way to the highway. Some corralled herds of sheep, the source of income for many in the village, as soldiers handed out water bottles and juice boxes to dust-covered children. There was a steady stream of people seeking medical attention. An elderly couple laid down on the ground near a line of stretchers, eating bean stew out of a paper coffee cup with some rice. They both had what appeared to be superficial wounds. Others had sustained more serious injuries and were struggling to communicate with American medics via Iraqi translators. Families who arrived were given assistance, with the men, all of them sporting beards and many wearing traditional Afghan clothing, separated off to the side and squatting near a wall. A counter-terrorism service intelligence official, who declined to give his name for security reasons, said the mens names would be run through a computer to see if they had been listed as Islamic State members. Bahjat Hassan, a 38-year old construction worker who had left Tel al-Rayan, lauded security forces for treating people well. We could barely believe it when we saw the [security forces] Hummers, he said. Beside him, Ghazi Mkhahhal, who described himself as a caretaker for minors, warned that there were many people still trapped in the village. Bombings, he said, meant that some houses had collapsed over their occupants. The houses arent made out of concrete, he said. Many of the walls are of corrugated metal and sponge, so they couldnt take the blasts. Mohammad Meshaal, 23, walked up to the medical post with a fur-lined bundle in his arms. Sticking out of the side were two tiny feet covered in a pair of light-blue stocks. Red patches of blood seeped through. It was his 2-month old infant daughter, Hajar. As if in a daze, he explained she had been killed when an improvised explosive device had detonated as his family had fled. He walked away, burying her in a small makeshift berm, his face showing no emotion in the afternoon sun. Bulos and Ilah are special correspondents. ALSO Islamic State fires cluster bombs at Iraqi government forces Did a Mexican migrant leap to his death at the border minutes after deportation? Israeli soldier sentenced to 18 months for killing a wounded Palestinian in a case that roiled the nation UPDATES: 2:40 p.m.: This article has been updated throughout with Times reporting. This article was originally published at 6:40 a.m. Two of President Trumps Cabinet secretaries and their Mexican counterparts emphasized cooperation and friendship after two days of talks in Mexico but the meetings seemed unlikely to quell profound tension between the two countries or clear up confusion over the plans of the Trump administration. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security John F. Kelly said Thursday at a press briefing that there would be no large-scale deportations from the United States or use of military force along the border comments aimed at allaying Mexican fears about the Trump administrations ongoing immigration crackdown. There will be no repeat, no mass deportations, Kelly said at the Mexican Foreign Ministry. There will be no use of military force in immigration. Advertisement That appeared to put him at odds with Trump, who earlier in the day said recent immigration raids were unprecedented and called ongoing efforts along the border a military operation. Kelly appeared at the news briefing with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, along with Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray and Interior Secretary Miguel Angel Osorio Chong. The two U.S. officials were in Mexico on a two-day trip meant to repair relations with Mexico at a time when many Mexicans view the Trump administration as hostile to them. The White House and Mexican officials have clashed on a number of issues, including Trumps vow to build a wall along the border and his pledges to step up deportations and impose a new tax on goods imported from Mexico. In our meetings, we jointly acknowledged that, in a relationship filled with vibrant colors, two strong sovereign countries from time to time will have differences, Tillerson told reporters. We listened closely and carefully to each other as we respectfully and patiently raised our respective concerns. The U.S. Cabinet secretaries later met with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. Mexican officials were measured in their public comments, expressing a desire to find common ground but also skepticism about U.S. intentions. Mexico needs the United States, Osorio Chong said in a statement to the media. But the United States needs Mexico, For his part, Videgaray emphasized that it was a legal impossibility for Mexico to accept unilateral decisions imposed by another government. That was an apparent reference to a Trump administration proposal that Central Americans in the U.S. illegally who are detained along the southern border should be sent to Mexico even though they are not Mexican citizens. On Thursday, Kelly appeared to go back on that plan, saying in Guatemala that his agency would return deportees to their home country as quickly as possible. Videgaray also expressed worry for the rights of Mexican nationals in the United States as the Trump administration embarks on an a wide-ranging crackdown on immigrants in the United States illegally. He also referred directly to the negative feelings that without doubt are prevalent between the two neighbors with deep economic, social, political and cultural ties. It will be a long road to construct agreements with the United States, but today we have taken a step in the right direction, he said. The differences between Mexico and the United States remain and we will have to work to arrive at agreements that will be in the interest of Mexico and Mexicans. In private, Videgaray was less restrained, according to a report in the Mexican newspaper La Jornada, which published excerpts of what it described as a private conversation between the foreign secretary and Mexican lawmakers. Mexico is preparing for a long battle with the administration, Videgaray reportedly told the legislators Wednesday, suggesting that the country was prepared to enter a trade war with the United States if necessary. We are here preparing for a battle that is going to be long, the newspaper quoted him as saying. This is not going to be resolved in three days. He also said that Mexico was ready to place new tariffs on U.S.-made goods should the Trump administration follow up on its threats to slap a tax of 20% or more on goods imported from Mexico and other countries with which the United States has trade deficits. Videgaray said that time was on Mexicos side: Time has been wearing down President Donald Trump. He has had missteps that are placing him against the weight of reality. Trump is recognizing that the position of U.S. president is not omnipotent, he said. You know as well as I that we are not going to change Donald Trumps way of thinking, we are not going to convince him, and he is going to continue being president for a long time. But we have to recognize that, yes, we have strategic advantages and strengths in this process of dialogue and eventual negotiation. At the same time, the foreign secretary reportedly warned that Mexico could not allow the manufacturing sector to be frozen too long, amid the current uncertainly about U.S.-Mexico trade: There is a reality: We dont want to create a climate of dissuading investment in Mexico. Mexicos economy is heavily dependent on trade with the United States, the destination for about 80% of Mexicos exports. The possibility of new tariffs on Mexican exports has sent shock waves through Mexicos already shaky economy. There was no official response from the Mexican Foreign Ministry on Videgarays reported remarks. The trip to Mexico City marks the third fence-mending foray this month by Trumps top deputies as they seek to shore up relations with longtime allies alarmed by the presidents often confusing signals on foreign policy and by tumult in the White House. Last week, Vice President Mike Pence, Defense Secretary James N. Mattis, as well as Tillerson and Kelly, fanned out in Europe to reassure allies that the administration remains committed to the NATO military alliance and to maintaining sanctions on a resurgent Russia, issues where Trump had raised doubts. Mattis previously visited Japan and South Korea to reassure them that the White House does not plan to pull back from its security commitments in Northeast Asia, as candidate Trump had suggested. Europeans welcomed those efforts but remained skeptical. ALSO This is how Trumps expanded deportation policy is being felt across the U.S. Immigration not the top concern for Latinos, according to Pew survey taken before Trumps inauguration As Trump immigration crackdown comes into focus, anxiety grows along with anger During a visit to Guatemala, Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly contradicted deportation plans made public by the Trump administration just a day earlier. Speaking at a news conference Wednesday after meeting with Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales, Kelly said his agency would return deportees to their home country as quickly as possible, according to the Associated Press. A sweeping set of immigration directives signed by Kelly and made public Tuesday suggested the department would be doing otherwise. The directives outlined changes that would allow immigration agents to send some migrants detained at the border back to Mexico, whether theyre Mexican or not. Advertisement Under previous administrations, migrants from countries that do not border the U.S. such as Guatemala had to be detained until they could be flown back to their country of origin. The proposal to deport migrants from far-away countries into Mexico has rattled officials in the nation, including Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray, who in recent days has warned that Mexico will reject any unilateral policies imposed on the country by the Trump administration. I want to make clear, and in the most emphatic way, that the Mexican government and the Mexican people do not have to accept orders that a government seeks to impose unilaterally on another, Videgaray said. On Thursday, Kelly was in Mexico with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for high-stakes meetings with Videgaray and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. Along with immigration, trade, security and U.S. aid to Mexico were expected to be discussed. The new immigration enforcement memos also call for changes that would vastly widen the number of immigrants in the country illegally who are targeted for deportation. Under President Obama, federal agents were supposed to target for deportation only those immigrants who had been convicted of a crime; the new guidelines say anyone found to be in the U.S. unlawfully can be sent home. Guatemalas Foreign Secretary, Carlos Raul Morales, who also met with Kelly, suggested that the Homeland Security chief had contradicted his recent directives on that point. After their meeting, Morales said Kelly told him the focus will still be on deporting criminals. Kelly has expressed to us that there are not going to be massive deportations, Morales told reporters, according to the Associated Press. He has expressed to us that the interest of the U.S. government is to focus on those migrants who have a criminal record. There was one point where Kelly was firmly in line with the directives announced last week. Speaking at an Guatemalan air force base where he had just greeted a planeload of deportees from the U.S., Kelly had a warning for those thinking about migrating to the U.S. If youre a Guatemalan who is considering paying a great deal of money to a [smuggler] to bring you to the United States, youll be wasting your money, Kelly said, according to Reuters. You will be returned very quickly. kate.linthicum@latimes.com Twitter: @katelinthicum ALSO With Trumps envoys coming, Mexicans are hoping their government will take a harder line against the U.S. Did a Mexican migrant leap to his death at the border minutes after being deported? Islamic State fires cluster bombs at Iraqi government forces 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. Advertisement 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 were to meet 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. In public comments Wednesday, Videgaray said Mexico would reject any unilateral actions, and pushed back against a planned U.S. immigration crackdown. But the foreign secretarys public observations were generally in line with the restrained tone from officials in Mexico City to what many here view as a hostile administration in Washington. In the reported private comments, however, the foreign secretary revealed the extent to which the Trump presidency with its calls for a border wall has perturbed Mexicos leadership. But Videgaray also said that time was on Mexicos side. Time has been wearing down President Donald Trump, Videgaray reportedly said. He has had missteps that are placing him against the weight of reality. Time has been wearing down President Donald Trump. He has had missteps that are placing him against the weight of reality Luis Videgaray, Mexican foreign minister Trump is also recognizing that the position of U.S. president is not omnipotent, the Mexican foreign secretary reportedly said. On the question of tariffs, according to La Jornada, Videgaray said, If they place a tax on Mexican exports, we are going to put one on theirs. But better, because we are going to choose which ones hurt. Mexicos economy is heavily dependent on trade with the United States, source of about 80% of Mexicos exports. The possibility of new tariffs on Mexican exports has sent shock waves through Mexicos already shaky economy. The foreign minister warned that Mexico cold not allow the manufacturing sector to be frozen too long, amid the current uncertainly about U.S.-Mexico trade. There is a reality: We dont want to create a climate of dissuading investment in Mexico, Vigedaray reportedly said. In the reported comments, Videgaray stressed that Mexico did not seek a row with its powerful northern neighbor. To the whole world, it is clear that the Mexican government did not begin with a logic of confrontation, he said. Videgaray, who is close to Pena Nieto, also reportedly told the Mexican lawmakers: You know as well as I that we are not going to change Donald Trumps way of thinking, we are not going to convince him, and he is going to continue being president for a long time. But we have to recognize that, yes, we have strategic advantages and strengths in this process of dialogue and eventual negotiation. patrick.mcdonnell@latimes.com Cecilia Sanchez in The Times Mexico City bureau contributed to this report. Coffee butter is here to answer common complaints to coffee alone for busy people in Japan. Coffee butter is a combination of coffee and butter suitable for them who usually missed breakfast with only coffee at hand. Coffee often leaves a person satisfied after sipping a cup. But after an hour or two, hunger would be felt. And it would be a hard part to stop working just to take breakfast. Yet it is much difficult to endure hunger. According to Mashable, the coffee butter combination is not new, there was the best coffee alternative known as 'bulletproof coffee'. It is coffee but with a knob of butter and a dash of oil mixed in. It's ability to keep a person feeling full made it known to coffee drinkers. Some may be contented with it every morning but others really look for something that could really be a breakfast and a coffee at the same time. This time these two are combined. Caffeine and carbs are the combinations. Thanks to this new food product called coffee butter. According to Independent, this product will be available on supermarket shelves in Japan on March 1 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Megmilk Snow Brand company's coffee drink. It would be a good company beverage in the morning and even during breaks. The name of this exciting product is Snow Brand Coffee Soft. Soft because in Japan, butter-like spreads are often called 'soft'. How does it look? Coffee butter resembles a lot from a whipped spread. It could be eaten on toasts, bread, croissants, pancakes, waffles, and cakes. The Megmilk Snow Brand Company has been providing dairy products, beverages, and dessert in Japan since 2009. They have stated on their website that the new butter coffee has the same flavor and spread with their classic coffee drink which is one of the most known beverages in Japan. With some high-profile departures from the Chinese smartphone firm, things have started seeing a change in terms of global shipments and smartphone sales for Xiaomi. The Chinese manufacturer fell down the charts due to growing declines in unit sales in their local markets leading Apple by just a narrow margin. Hugo Barra, the ex-VP of Xiaomi recently departed the firm in order to take the helm as the Vice President of Virtual Reality at Oculus, currently managed by the social media giants Facebook. In a media post, Mr. Barra praised the developments throughout his term as the vice president of Xiaomi leading to some insane profits during the entire period. The departure of Barra saw the immediate emergence of a new Vice President for Xiaomi. A report from GSMArena reveals the official announce is due but however Xiaomi were quick to react on their Twitter feed congratulating Mr. Jain for his new position. Mr. Jain's continuous efforts in overseeing Xiaomi succeed in India highlights his success also resulting in Xiaomi's revenue increasing by 14.8 percent in the sub-continent. Other highlights include a massive revenue of $1 million in India itself in 2016 that was reported by BGR. With the new position that Mr. Jain occupies, Xiaomi plans to approach the Indian markets both offline and online and achieve target sales of 25% than the previous year. The move is finally done and a new Vice President is in place for both the firms. Manu Kumar Jain, who was previously looking after Xiaomi's affairs in the Indian consumer market will also continue his previous job alongside the new position handed over to him A new Sony Xperia smartphone is on its way to the markets thanks to a leaked set of images on a Chinese website which confirmed that new phone. With what it seems like presently, this new smartphone will reportedly replace a current selling Xperia smartphone. The leaked images match that of an FCC filing from Sony. Earlier, a leaked set of images surfaced online which looks to be similar to the Sony Xperia X-series of smartphones. Further details from an FCC filing filed by Sony revealed part of the details about the phone which was then rumored to be Xperia XA2, Sony's new smartphone that's rumored to be announced at the Mobile World Congress this month. The leaked set of images alongside a scanned FCC filing reported by GSMArena indicated that the report in no way revealed anything. However, the set of images hints that the following smartphone might be named 'Xperia XA2' or 'Xperia XA 2017'. The initial glance indicates that it's a slim device with just the flash ring below the camera. Additional details from The Leaker also reveal a USB Type-C reversible connector port alongside a 3.5mm audio jack to serve audio needs. The prototype unit seems to be working and will be running Android's latest operating system, Nougat v7.0. The XA2 or XA2017 will run with the help of a Helios P20 chipset and 4GB of RAM. A 23MP f/2.0 sensor will also come with a front-facing 16MP camera which sounds like the XA2 might be one of Sony's top-end smartphones for the year.As expected, the price range for the smartphone is set at US$300 with the phone costing $320 for the US market. With the MWC only days away, the Xperia XA2 makes it into the list of all smartphones announced during the event. While Samsung will be preparing for the MWC keynote, their latest and current generation flagship smartphones are receiving Nougat updates after a long time. Nobody's sure why Samsung takes a good lot of time to release updates for the latest operating systems for their flagship smartphones. A fair bit of reasoning points out at the amount of bloatware that lies in the custom UI that Samsung users on all their smartphones. Samsung has recently reduced all the massive bloatware that they're known for, in the recent smartphones beginning with the Galaxy S7 and the S7 edge. By letting users remove all unwanted proprietary Samsung apps, it's one of the first steps that the company has undertaken to slim down the custom UI for flagship smartphones. Those customers currently under contract with T-mobile will be receiving an OTA update that'll bring in all the latest features alongside the Nougat OS itself. A report from the GSMArena reveals further details highlighting that the update will initially roll out to only those customers part of their beta program. All other non-advanced users will have to wait for their phone to receive the update. The current upgrade is about 117MB in size with the primary feature being the Nougat update alongside minor improved features and the menu UI. The update will also likely ship out an improved multi-window feature which is now implemented directly into the operating system itself. Sam Mobile has detailed about the baseband version and other details which also mentions that the upgrade will include the latest monthly security patches. As of now, T-Mobile is the only carrier to roll out a Nougat update and there's no precise information on whether other carriers will begin the process anytime soon. It's unclear as of now whether the OTA follows a batch procedure of roll out but it's recommended to keep checking for updates, frequently. When it comes to graphics and applications in need of advanced and high-powered graphics, people only go two ways at the time of purchase. Often called the red team and the green team, both AMD and Nvidia have managed to retain their consumer base up to an extent at least in the last couple of years. While Nvidia's graphic chips are on the more expensive side, their price point has consistently managed to satisfy enthusiasts requiring high-end graphics. On the other side, there's AMD who've recently released the new 'Polaris' series of graphic cards with price factor in mind. AMD have two competitors to look out for simultaneously with Intel for the processors while Nvidia has been the primary competitor for AMD in the field of graphics. Nvidia, on the other hand, has one last product to release for 2017. Rumored to be the 1080Ti, the card is expected to be an intermediate between the 1080 and the Titan X Pascal which comes at a debatable price. In a report from the PC world, Nvidia will have something planned if there's no actual announcement for the 1080Ti that professional gamers and streamers have long been waiting for. Other rumors from Digital Trends also points out about a potential release of the now in-demand Ryzen chips from AMD which are expected to overtake their competitor Intel in terms of not just pricing but also performance. The reports also mentioned that San Francisco, CA will stay as the common destination for both the companies. Nvidia's current generation 'Pascal' graphic cards have successfully managed to fulfill its target audience. While AMD hasn't yet come out with their top of the line graphic chips yet, Feb. 28 might be one of the most important dates for both Nvidia and AMD. Consumers and enthusiasts for some time now have desperately waited for AMD to announce their 'VEGA' chips which might finally happen on the 28th this month. India's Central Government back in November last year announced a demonetisation move which led to a permanent ban of all old Rs.500 and Rs. 1000 notes that sent shock waves down the spines of all resident Indians. The news resulted in an instant stock market downfall and everyday life pretty much came to a standstill during the initial ban period.The move aimed to curb massive corruption and quick elimination of black money held in the Swiss Bank. This, in turn, affected all electronic and other types of sales that primarily relied on cash transactions. In turn, all major smartphone manufacturers have pretty much held up major product launches to their Indian customers since November last year. After three months, the regional smartphone market will finally witness some new product releases for which major participants include HTC and South Korean manufacturer LG. New reports from one of the daily journals, the Indian Express mentions about the possible new models arriving in the markets with both the aforementioned companies being the major participants. Among those included in the list will be the HTC 'U' ultra smartphone that was announced last month in London. The phone reportedly comes out with a Snapdragon 821 chipset bundled with 4GB of RAM and a 3000mAh battery capacity. Another unique feature is the addition of a dual-display, which their competitors LG implemented in their smartphones. Other product launches include the K-series from LG which will be released in the presence of a cabinet minister. An in-depth report from BGR discusses all the possible smartphones falling into the K-series line-up of upcoming smartphones with the LG K10 leading the new line-up. Other smartphones scheduled for release include the K3, K4, K8 alongside the K10 itself which are expected to include a rear-facing fingerprint sensor. The primary focus is on the LG K10 due to the octa-core processor from MediaTek alongside external storage capacity peaking at 2TB. The phone will also be equipped with an NFC chip. The K8 and the K10 both will be running on the latest Android Nougat OS v7.0 A CCM politician and member of the Parliament for Nzega threatened suspected homosexuals to publish a list of their names recently. The action was condemned and homosexuals were defended by the deputy health minister in Twitter. "I will publish a list of gay people selling their bodies online, "Hamisi Kigwangalla, 42, doctor and member of the Parliament for Nzega, posted these threats on Twitter. BBC reported that the deputy health minister defended the homosexuals in their argument posted on Twitter. Dr. Kigwangalla was accused of being homophobic and infringing on the right to freedom of expression online. He argued fiercely against the critics and further threatened that advertisements of homosexual activities would also be targeted. In his argument, Kigwangalla said that homosexuality did not scientifically exist and was a social construct. He claimed that it is usually associated with an urban lifestyle. He said also that in the small town where he came from there were no homosexuals. Comparing humans to animals, he argued that homosexuality is not biological and therefore unnatural. "There is no literature to suggest that homosexuality is partly a result of biogenetics. It has no scientific backing," he said in his response on the Twitter. Acts of homosexuality in Tanzania are illegal and carry a punishment if proven of up to 30 years imprisonment. Advertisement of homosexual materials online is also prohibited. Earlier this month, Dr. Kigwangalla accused three men of being homosexuals and spreading their prohibited acts through social media. He reported them to authorities yet no report was noted if they were charged formally. The health ministry's last week suspension of 40 drop-in HIV/AIDS clinics activity accusing non-governmental organizations of using them for promoting gay sex has been the reason for Dr. Kigwangalla's comments on Twitter. His strong criticism of homosexuality is similar to how Tanzanian people viewed about it. Most Tanzanians are strongly opposed to homosexuality, BBC's Sammy Awami in Dar es Salaam says. Homosexuality, along with illegal drugs use and poor education are the three major challenges the country is facing. This was the subject of the parliamentary debate about AIDS earlier this month. Feb 23, 2017, 5:39am ET Carlos Ghosn to step down as Nissan CEO Ghosn will remain CEO of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Carlos Ghosn has announced he will give up the top spot at Nissan on April 1st. Hiroto Saikawa will become the automaker's new chief executive officer (CEO) when Ghosn steps down. In a statement, Ghosn explained he has chosen to resign from his position at Nissan in order to focus on expanding the Renault-Nissan Alliance, which now includes Mitsubishi. He wants to ensure Mitsubishi is seamlessly integrated into the alliance, and that all three companies continue to benefit from economies of scale without overlapping or wasting resources. "Having recently taken on new responsibilities at Mitsubishi Motors, and taking into consideration the upcoming Nissan general shareholders meeting, I have decided that the time is right for Hiroto Saikawa to succeed me as Nissan's CEO," the executive explained in a statement. Ghosn will continue to supervise what happens at Nissan because he will remain the brand's Chairman. He will also remain CEO and Chairman of the Alliance, and he will continue to serve as the CEO of Renault. The statement stresses the change in management was carefully planned; Ghosn wasn't ousted. Hand-picked by Ghosn, Saikawa is an auto industry veteran who has been with Nissan since 1977, and who joined the company's team of senior managers in 1999. "I would like to thank Mr. Ghosn and the Nissan board for entrusting me with this new responsibility," said Saikawa. Feb 23, 2017, 3:02pm ET PSA could sell Opel cars outside of Europe PSA is already considering expanding Opel\'s footprint. PSA Group's plan for Opel could include selling the German brand's vehicles outside of the European market. PSA is currently holding negotiations to buy Opel from General Motors. Although the Opel brand in mainly sold in Europe, PSA sees an opportunity to sell the German brand outside of its home market. PSA CEO Carlos Tavares believes Opel's German roots could help supplement the company's Peugeot and Citroen brands in regions where the French carmaker isn't favorably viewed. "The business sense is to make sure that we can capture a wider consumer base," Tavares told Automotive News. "In some markets in the world we have customers who, despite all the progress that we've made, will not consider a French brand. Tavares declined to reveal what markets might be under consideration for the Opel brand. He was asked about the U.S. as a possible landing spot for the Opel brand, but did not answer the question directly. PSA is expected to make a decision whether or not to purchase Opel within the next few weeks. The woman stabbed repeatedly by her father-in-law Wednesday afternoon inside a vehicle in Allentown needed emergency surgery for her wounds and internal bleeding, according to city police. Melissa Mercardo-Santini suffered significant bodily injuries, a physician at Lehigh Valley Hospital told investigators. She suffered two stab wounds that punctured her neck, one to her chest, one to her abdomen and wounds to her arms and forearms, police said. She was taken by Allentown EMS to the hospital's Salisbury Township after the 3 p.m. attack, allegedly at the hands of 57-year-old Jose Santini Feliciano. A second victim, Santini Feliciano's wife Lucina Santini, told police there was no obvious reason for the stabbing, court records say. She was cut on her hand when she grabbed the knife from Santini Feliciano during the assault inside a car at a traffic signal at 24th and Hamilton streets, police said. Investigators had no further information on a possible motive to release Thursday afternoon, police Capt. Daniel Wiedemann said. Mercardo-Santini remained hospitalized. "But from the last update I got, she was doing better," Wiedemann said. "So that's a positive sign." Police credited two workers from a private ambulance company and an off-duty police officer, all of whom jumped in to help stop the attack, with helping to prevent more serious injuries. "(911) callers were reporting that several citizens, that came upon the incident, were both attending to the victims as well as attempting to hold the suspect down until police could arrive," police Detective Pedro Cruz wrote in court records. "Officers were informed by bystanders that they witnessed the defendant attacking Mercardo-Santini." Officers found a folding knife at the scene, according to court records. Santini Feliciano, of the 1100 block of West Walnut Street in Allentown, was arraigned early Thursday before District Judge Jacob Hammond on a charge of attempted homicide, three counts of aggravated assault and two counts of simple assault. He was sent to Lehigh County Jail in lieu of $750,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled March 1 before Hammond. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Bethlehem Township commissioners opened Wednesday night what promises to be a lengthy hearing over plans to develop an age-restricted community on Green Pond Country Club land. The issue before commissioners is the tentative plan for 229 homes on a vacant field along Farmersville Road. The developer, Traditions of America, is the equitable owner of the 106-acre land and is looking for approval to build a gated community of homes available for sale to people 55 and older. This hearing is not the final step toward construction, township Manager Melissa Shafer said. Following the conclusion of what is called a tentative plan hearing, commissioners would have 45 days to give their tentative OK. After that, a final plan would be submitted for township planning commission and board of commissioners' approval. "I think it's safe to say this year," Shafer said of timetable for final plan submission. Litigation is anticipated over the development, Shafer said. Toward that end, township solicitor James Broughal painstakingly led the certification as affected parties on Wednesday night of anyone interested in participating in the hearing. The record of the hearing would be critical to any litigation that may follow approval of the development plan, township officials said. Traditions of America, based in Radnor, Pennsylvania, proposes building 229 homes, 171 of which would be single family homes plus 58 semi-detached (duplex or twin) homes. The land is across the intersection of Farmersville and Green Pond roads from Green Pond itself, which is not owned by the country club. Traditions of America's Green Pond plan is contentious and opposed by some residents and naturalists because of the property's habitat for migratory birds. "The property is home to 182 different species of birds, as well as other flora, fauna" naturally seen in eastern Pennsylvania, said John "Jack" Glagola, founder of Save Green Pond Inc. and a resident of Farmersville Road. "I've seen terns, puffins, a whole range of birds: egrets, ospreys; 182 is a lot to remember, but I certainly see them constantly." Glagola noted the 182 count of birds spotted in the area is certified by the National Audubon Society. Commissioners certified several residents as parties affected by the development, meaning they will be able to question and cross-examine witnesses as the hearing continues at least for the next few weeks, on March 1 and 8, at the township municipal building. Anyone not certified as an affected party will still be able to comment on the proposal later on in the hearing, Broughal said. Those comments will also be added to the record of the hearing, he said. A notice previews the start of a hearing Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, by the Bethlehem Township Board of Commissioners on Traditions of America's proposal to build 229 homes on a vacant field at Farmersville and Green Pond roads, adjacent to Green Pond Country Club. The Radnor, Pennsylvania-based developer of age-restricted communities is equitable owner of the land, purchased from the country club. (Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com) Township Commissioners Malissa Davis, Thomas Nolan, Kim Jenkins and board President Michael Hudak attended Wednesday night's start to the hearing. Absent was Commissioner Pat Breslin. Opponents to Traditions of America's plan were represented by attorneys Thomas and Charles Elliott. Thomas Elliott led an effort to disqualify Breslin over statements he is said to have made to the manager of a nearby condominium owners' association. The manager, Anthony Orefice, said Breslin had spoken with him last August about the Penn's Farms Condo Association's refusal to permit stormwater from the Traditions development to pass through the condos' stormwater detention pond, as proposed. Breslin, then president of the commissioners' board, represented the development as a "done deal," Orefice said, in discussing the stormwater issue. Orefice testified he found the conversation odd. "Basically it was a very congenial conversation," Orefice said. "To this day I'm not sure of the purpose only because after the conversation it was made clear to me that obviously it wasn't a 'done deal' and there was still opposition out there for the project." Broughal said he was unsure the testimony shows Breslin should recuse himself and said a decision would be made later, after Breslin has an opportunity to respond at the next hearing date. Traditions of America proposes building 229 homes on this vacant field at Farmersville and Green Pond roads, adjacent to Green Pond Country Club. The Radnor, Pennsylvania-based developer of age-restricted communities is equitable owner of the land, purchased from the country club. (Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com) In another contentious exchange, Marc Kaplin, representing Traditions of America, sought to determine who's financially supporting the Save Green Pond organization. Co-founder Jeff Acopian testified creation of the group's website, savegreenpond.org, was done for free but that there was no bank account or accounting of finances for the organization, which he described as nonprofit. Acopian said he's paying for the attorneys; the Elliotts are based in Easton. Anyone else paying? Kaplin wanted to know. "I don't think that's any of your business," Acopian told him. The hearing continues 6 p.m. March 1. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Three Easton police officers were sworn in to new positions Wednesday night. Mayor Sal Panto Jr. swore in the officers before city council. The promotions took effect Wednesday. Lieutenant Matthew Lohenitz is now the captain of administrative services Sergeant Robert Weber is now lieutenant of auxiliary services Officer Ryan Celia is now a K-9 sergeant. "I can't say enough of how proud I am of our police," Panto said. "You're doing a great job keeping the city safe and that's important to us." More than a dozen police officers attended the ceremony. "It's a tremendous showing of support for the men and women in blue," Panto said. "We thank you for your service and we certainly commend all of you and hope that some day you can achieve those ranks as well." "I just want to thank you for your hard work and your dedication," said city councilman Peter Melan, who chairs the public safety committee. "I look forward to working with you guys." "Thank you so much. You are keeping us very safe," said city councilwoman Sandra Vulcano. "Thank you to the families and everybody for supporting us," city police Chief Carl Scalzo told those in attendance. Panto said he can't wait to complete the nine-year process of opening a new police station. He anticipates the station at 30 N. Fourth St. will be ready by June or July. "I think you'll be very proud of it," he said. "I look forward to cutting that ribbon." Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook. BRANCHBURG -- Even a hostile crowd that booed and heckled U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance found things to like when the Republican lawmaker made sure the audience at Raritan Valley Community College knew where he differed from President Donald Trump. Perhaps he was looking ahead to 2018. Lance (R-7th Dist.) represents one of only 23 congressional districts that supported Democrat Hillary Clinton while electing a Republican member of the U.S. House. He was one of four New Jersey GOP lawmakers placed on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's first target list for the midterm elections. "I think they put everybody on that list where Hillary Clinton carried the district," he said afterwards. Still, Lance made sure at his 41st town hall meeting to separate himself from Trump on a number of issues. His district covers northwest and north-central New Jersey. That includes all of Hunterdon County and parts of Warren County, including the Phillipsburg area and surrounding communities. Lance reminded the audience that he was the first New Jersey House Republican to criticize Trump's immigration executive order, calling it "rushed and poorly implemented." Here are the seven times he differed with the president Wednesday night. 1. "I do not believe there's a moral equivalency between the government of the United States and the government of Russia." In an interview with Fox News before the Super Bowl, Trump was asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I do respect him," Trump said. "He's a killer," questioner Bill O'Reilly said. "There are a lot of killers," Trump said. "You think our country's so innocent?" President Reagan certainly would agree: There is no moral equivalency between the United States and Russia. https://t.co/0LjL9WT4Yg Rep. Leonard Lance (@RepLanceNJ7) February 6, 2017 2. "I try to be factually accurate." For example, Lance said Trump was wrong when the president said he received more electoral votes than any president since Ronald Reagan. Actually, he received fewer than every president since Reagan except for George W. Bush. "I certainly try to speak the truth and when the president has not spoken the truth, I indicate my disagreement," Lance said. 3. "It is important we maintain a strong relationship with NATO." Trump has called on European allies to increase their funding for NATO lest the U.S. shrink its commitment. At one point during the campaign, he said he would tell them, "You will be defending yourself" if they don't pony up." 4. "I do not believe it is necessary to have a wall in all places." Lance said he wanted to see the proposal, but that Congress will not spend $20 billion to build a barrier along the entire U.S.-Mexico border. Trump made such a wall the centerpiece of his immigration plan. 5. "I hope we continue to have strong public schools." Trump's education secretary, Betsy DeVos, is a strong advocate of shifting taxpayer dollars away from public education into religious and other private schools. Lance, on the other hand, was endorsed by the state's largest teachers union, the New Jersey Education Association, in last year's election. The NJEA called DeVos "a disaster for public education." 6. "I hope the Russian regime will understand that the tradition of this country is trust but verify." Trump for weeks resisted the conclusion of U.S. intelligence agencies who said the Russian president directed efforts to intervene in the presidential election to help elect him. He has insisted he has no ties to Russia even as he refused to disclose his income tax returns that would show any financial dealings with Moscow. The Democrats had to come up with a story as to why they lost the election, and so badly (306), so they made up a story - RUSSIA. Fake news! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 16, 2017 Lance said he supported an investigation into possible connections between Trump and Russia, though said it should be done through the current congressional committees rather than setting up a special bipartisan panel. 7. "I favor a free and unfettered press." Lance disagreed with Trump, who called the independent U.S. news media "enemies of the American people." Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. 4 BRANCHBURG -- A big, boisterous, and combative crowd confronted Rep. Leonard Lance Wednesday, angrily demanding that Obamacare be saved and President Donald Trump be investigated. Lance was heckled when he talked about the need to make changes to the health care law, booed when he supported taking federal funding away from Planned Parenthood, and drowned out by catcalls when he refused to back Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr.'s effort to force Trump to release his income tax returns. "There was vigor tonight," Lance (R-7th Dist.) said after facing the largest crowd of his 41 town hall meetings, held at Raritan Valley Community College here. His district covers northwest and north-central New Jersey. That includes all of Hunterdon County and parts of Warren County, including the Phillipsburg area and surrounding communities. House and Senate Republicans holding town halls this week when Congress is out of session have been met with huge, angry crowds challenging their agenda, and Lance's event was no exception. Security was ubiquitous. The 900-seat theater at the college was filled and another 400 people sat in a nearby overflow room. It was the biggest crowd Lance has drawn. Besides those inside, hundreds of demonstrators equipped with signs and slogans gathered outside long before the town hall began. In addition to cheers and boos, audience members held up "like" and "dislike" symbols like those on Facebook. Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act have been the catalyst for angry hordes of constituents descending on town hall meetings. But the crowd in Branchburg, in one of just 23 congressional districts nationally that supported both a House Republican and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, reserved its loudest cheers and its standing ovations for speakers demanding that Lance challenge Trump. "How will you mobilize the other Republicans to push back against this man when he makes delusional statements?" asked Annette Cordasco, a Realtor from Bridgewater. The crowd stood and cheered. "I think I struck a chord," she said. Lance said he "always tries to lead by example" by trying "to be factually accurate." "The issue is the Republicans need to push back when he is not honest," Cordasco persisted, as the crowd erupted in chants of "Push back. Push back." "I certainly try to speak the truth and when the president has not spoken the truth, I indicate my disagreement," Lance said. Sustained applause also greeted Jim Girvan of Branchburg, who is retired, when he asked Lance to support efforts by Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-9th Dist.) to have the House Ways and Means Committee use its powers under a 1924 law and request Trump's tax returns. "I think the Ways and Means Committee shouldn't be investigating the returns of a private individual," Lance said. "He's the president," Girvan shot back. The ACA was the first question. Lance, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee that has jurisdiction over health issues, twice this year backed measures making it easier to repeal the measure. That led Caroline Scutt, a councilwoman from Frenchtown, to ask to loud applause, "Why repeal? Why not reform?" Lance said he leaned toward repair. "I do not favor repeal without there being a replacement in place." Outside, protestors demanded Lance support the health care law. "I think the solution is for people like Congressman Lance, who I'm sure has strong moral principles, to stand up and vote his conscience and principles and not follow the party line," said Marsha Goldstein of Flemington, carrying a sign reading, "Now you've pissed off Grandma." The line of demonstrators was so long that different sections engaged in different chants, unable to hear the others as they shouted, "We will remember next November," "Vote him out," and "All day, all night; health care is a human right." "I don't want to just sit around," said Kassy Llanos, 14, a freshman at Warren Hills Regional High School. "I want to stand up and make an impact on change." One of those speaking through a megaphone was Peter Jacob, a Democrat endorsed last year by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) as he ran against Lance, garnering 43 percent of the vote. He said he was "pretty positive" he would try again in 2018. "I wish all these people came out just a year ago," Jacob said afterwards. "They're seeing the gravity of the situation now. The town hall attracted national attention as supporters of the health care law have confronted Republican lawmakers over plans to repeal it, a mirror image of the Tea Party protests of eight years ago in which Democratic members of Congress were harangued by opponents of the proposal to expand health coverage. Those protests helped fuel a wave of support for Republicans that helped them win back control of the House. Democrats hope to catch a similar wave in 2018. "In 2009, advocacy on the Affordable Care Act was purely ideological," said Emily Tisch Sussman, campaign director for the Center for American Progress Action Fund, the advocacy arm of the research group founded by John Podesta, Clinton's campaign chairman. "Now, it's actually practical. People are relying on it for life-saving care." A Quinnipiac University poll released earlier this month said 50 percent of U.S. voters opposed repeal. while 46 percent supported it. "If the town hall fervor is just a group of Democrats who voted for Hillary Clinton and are just being more vocal in public, I'm not sure it changes the electoral equation," said Nathan Gonzales, editor and publisher of Inside Elections, a Washington-based publication that tracks congressional races. "If these are people who didn't vote in the 2016 elections, if there are people who voted for Donald Trump, that has the potential to change the math." The health care law has provided coverage under Medicaid to 194,000 New Jersey residents, tax subsidies to help buy insurance to 205,242 people in the state, and extra help to buy prescription drugs to 211,881 seniors, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook David Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook. A Walnutport-area man is jailed after authorities say he downloaded more than 30 images and 18 videos of child pornography. Sean Reichart (Courtesy photo) Charged is Sean Reichart, 32, of the 300 block of Long Lane Road in the Treichlers section of Lehigh Township. In May 2016, a special agent with the FBI's Salt Lake City office while working undercover took over user access to an online child pornography group previously used by a man arrested on federal child pornography charges. Based on the lead of that agent, another agent with the FBI's Philadelphia office identified Reichart as one of 60 users in a group allegedly sharing and trading child pornography. An instant messaging software application recorded Reichart's IP address and the agent obtained a warrant last June 16 to seize subscriber information. The IP address was tracked to RCN, which identified the owner of Reichart's home as the subscriber, court records say. A cooperating witness told the FBI on Nov. 30 the owner lived at the home, along with his brother and Reichart, who was renting a room. Lehigh Township police on Thursday then executed a search warrant on the home, seizing Reichart's cellphone and laptop computer. Reichart in an interview with township police Thursday allegedly admitted to using the instant messaging application, as well as downloading images of girls under age 18. Investigators later found more than 30 images and 18 videos of child pornography downloaded in a memory folder on Reichart's cellphone, police said. Other devices were sent to the Lehigh County Computer Crime Lab for further review. Reichart is charged with sex abuse of children. He was arraigned Thursday before District Judge Robert Hawke, who set bail at $250,000. In lieu of bail, Reichart was sent to Northampton County Prison. The judge ordered Reichart undergo a psychological evaluation, stay in the state and stay away from any minor. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. China and France should deal with the worlds political and economic uncertainties and send positive signals to the international community and market, Premier Li Keqiang said while meeting with French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve on Feb 21. As a permanent member of the UN security committee, China and France share many mutual benefits and responsibilities, and should continue strategic communication and cooperation to address risks and challenges, Premier Li said. Premier Li Keqiang (R) holds a welcome ceremony for French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Feb 21, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] China is willing to attract more French investors to China, expand imports from France and promote cultural exchanges, he said. Referring to globalization, the Premier said problems do exist, and improvement is needed. Globalization enables countries to nurture their comparative advantages. Most countries and people benefit from it. He also expressed support for European integration, saying that a united, stable and prosperous European Union will not only benefit Chinas relationship with France and Europe, but also benefit globalization. Cazeneuve said he agrees with what Premier Li said, adding that the two countries should defend free trade and say no to protectionism. During the talks, Premier Li also urged EU to fulfill its obligations under Article 15 of Chinas Protocol of Accession to the WTO. It is a sunset provision. The Surrogate Country approach in the anti-dumping cases against China should be abandoned under any occasion now. But it has been politicized, he said. If EU obeys the sealed protocol, it will benefit the Sino-European relationship and greatly promote free trade and investment. Cazeneuve said he believes both sides can find a balanced and proper solution to that issue. Im optimistic, he said. According to Article 15 of Chinas Protocol of Accession to the WTO, WTO members shall stop using surrogate or analogue country prices by Dec 11, 2016, to calculate the dumping margins in their anti-dumping measures against Chinese exports. When the Surrogate Country approach is in effect, a third country or regions prices can be used to assess whether a given country is exporting below market value or dumping. Premier Li Keqiang holds talks with French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve in Beijing, capital of China, Feb 21, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] Dumpers are being caught live in action on mobile cameras used by Laois County Council in the campaign to tackle illegal dumping. Laois County Council is also set to double the number of cameras used to catch fly tippers in the act after a successful pilot programme underway since last September. Senior council official Michael Rainey told county councillors that the council plans to ramp up the campaign against illegal dumping after a spike in the problem around the county in the past year. In a response to Cllr Paddy Bracken at the Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District meeting over problems on the Bay Road, Mountmellick, Mr Rainey told councillors that the use of mobile cameras will be expanded. "Our intention is to buy more cameras. What we did last year in a pilot phase last September is we bought two types of cameras. Based on (the success of) that we are going to buy two additional cameras. The advantage of these cameras is that they send live photos to the litter warden of dumping in a particular area," Mr Rainey told councillors. The cameras cost between 500 and 1,000 each but their success so far has proven their worth. There are currently 50 black spots for litter in Laois where CCTV is deployed but the council plans to up the number. However, under Data Protection rules governing CCTV, the council has to increase the number of CCTV in operation signs to warn the public that they are being filmed. Mr Rainey says footage gathered can be used in in court as part of prosecution of litter. He said the primary aim of the cameras is to deter people. The official also asked councillors to warn the public about unlicensed waste collectors. He said there are just four licensed collectors in Laois and their names are available on Laois County Council's website. Cllr Bracken said there was one farmer constantly cleaning up at the Bay Road / Portarlington Road junction in Mountmellick. It is forever being cleaned up...Its a disgrace, he said adding that massive money has been spent on clean ups. Id like to see the culprits caught, he said. Cllr Seamus McDonald said it was one of the worst hit areas of Mountmellick and whoever is responsible should be brought to justice. He said a lot of those caught are given an on the spot fine. He called for a change in policy so that dumpers are issued with a summons to appear in court where they could be named and shamed. The councillor said illegal dumping is rife around Laois with every side road hit. Cll Brendan Phelan said dumping is out of control. Ive never seen it as bad. Full black bags are being dumped, said the Independent councillor. Cllr Phelan said an example must be made of people when they are caught. He also said landowners would allow cameras on their land to catch dumpers. He said there had been a major problem in Borris-in-Ossory with people dumping van clothes in a car park. He said cameras stopped the problem completely. Cllr James Kelly urged the use of technology like cameras is an answer to the problem since no extra litter wardens are on the cards. Cllr John King said the council was restricted from naming and shaming people who are caught. He said local people do not dump in their own areas. He also highlighted the problem of bogus rubbish collectors. Victory in the border battle for Graiguecullen was savoured by councillors who represent the area last week one of home hit out at a Fianna Fail politician over her stance at a Municipal District meeting. Chairman Cllr Paschal McEvoy noted that Laois had successfully fought to retain an area around Graiguecullen - an area that it had been proposed to transfer to Carlow through the boundary commission that proposed part of Kilkenny goes under Waterford County Council's control. Cllr Ben Brennan launched a strong verbal attack on Fianna Fail's Senator Jennifer Murnane OConnor. He thundered: I do not like what she said in the paperthat shes living in no mans land. Shes living in Laois. She was born and reared in Laois. Cllr McEvoy, also of Fianna Fail, felt there may have been politics involved. I think it was a few votes she was after, he said. Cllr Brennan said he would have no problem moving the Laois border back to the Barrow. To say she (Senator) is living in no-mans land. I guarantee that Graiguecullen is being helped by Laois County Council, he said. Cllr Padraig Fleming appeared to come to the Senators defence. I think a lot of that was to do with local services. People have to go to Portlaoise for services, he said. Cllr McEvoy: Well done to everyone involved (in keeping Laois territory). Both Laois GAA and Graiguecullen GAA worked with here (Council). I do not think the Carlow people were upset about it. We have a good working relationship with them. Cllr Fleming: Its a great days work. Council officials took a very detailed and pro-active approach. He said the Carlow/Laois border issue had been coming up every five to six years. He added: I sincerely hope that its gone to bed now. I hope thats the end of it for ever. Cllr John Moran of Fine Gael welcomed the outcome. I am so glad this result has come after a long, drawn out length of time. I dont think anyone in Graiguecullen is living in no-mans land. I would say that of any part of Laois, that (Graigue) has gained the most over the last few years, he said. Cllr Tom Mulhall said it had been proposed to move nearly 5,000 people from Laois to Carlow. He asserted: It would have been a downright sin. This is a success story for Laois. Cllr Aidan Mullins also welcomed the outcome of the border battle. The challenge of finding a viable and sustainable solution that could keep Cistercian College Roscrea open was the gauntlet thrown down to a packed meeting in the County Arms Birr last night. The Save CCR campaign meeting heard that the College had a running cost shortfall of 200,000 per annum, which would be worse next year. The principal factors at play in the decision to close the college were its financial viability and the broader issues of the changing nature of Irish society and education. It is also taking place against the backdrop of the consistent and sustained pattern of boarding school closures around the country, with only five now left in existence. The number of first years enrolled at the College for next year is nine, whereas typically it would be 20. The College had capacity numbers for many years up to 2010. In 2009-10 the trustees of the school the monks of Mount St. Joseph Abbey had started to subsidise the financial shortfall at the college. They sold a farm and put the cash back into the school. The present day cost of running the College, excluding capital expenditure and investment, is 2.4m per annum. A number of initiatives such as marketing campaigns, information evenings and website and prospectus revamps did not arrest the decline. The expectation that numbers might increase as the country came out of recession did not materialise. The meeting was told that any solution would have to be self financing, as there was no more funding available from the monks. Significant funding would be required to meet shortfalls over the next few years. At a meeting between Abbot Dom Richard Purcell and the Parents Association on Tuesday, the Abbot undertook to give consideration to any proposal that was viable and would sustain the school. Ronnie Culliton, a past pupil who has sons in the school, challenged the attendance as to what kind of money would be available to any new project for the school. What you would be willing to contribute. Lets see what we can commit to, he said. He also asked who had the capacity and willingness to get involved in the battle to save the school. He also asked the attendance to maximise the sales force and provide live market information. Try and get one potential candidate for the school. We are not looking at a radical increase in numbers here. ESB crews are working in Portarlington to repair power lines in the wake of Storm Doris but there are few reports of extensive damage around Laois. ESB Networks says around 56,000 customers are without power as Storm Doris swept across Ireland. Most of the large faults have been reported in counties Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Dublin. However, Portarlington and Celbridge in Co Kilare were reported to have experienced large cuts. An important power line runs through Portarlington. Otherwise, the Laois Fire Service has had little impact so far. Crews from Portlaoise, Portarlington, Mountrath and Durrow were called out overnight but none attended scenes of major damage. Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland, ESB Corporate Communications Manager Bernardine Moloney said there are 100 separate outages. She said crews were out last night and early this morning restoring power but said it would be "well into the day" before everything was assessed and reconnected. Ms Moloney asked customers to check on the ESB's powercheck website to see if their outage is listed. If it is not, customers can contact EBS Networks on 1850-372-999. She urged everyone to be careful until power has been restored and to report any fallen lines to the ESB. Laois TD Sean Fleming has called for further Garda investigation into the death of a Durrow man in Kilkenny as a result of a stab wound to the chest. The Fianna Fail TD raised of the case of Kieran Monahan from Durrow who died as a result of a stabbing in Kilkenny city of 15 February 2012. Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley also called for the case to be brought to court. Kieran died after suffering a single stab wound at a St Valentine's night party. "I do not believe an adequate investigation was carried out by the Garda at the time of the murder. I want the Garda to carry out a further examination," said Deputy Fleming in the Dail. Deputy Stanley said the case was dealt with under a relatively new law which allows for some degree of self defence but he said this must be tested in court. "The murder was dealt with under the Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Act. This must be tested in court and the Monahan family is entitled to its day in court. Kieran Monahan deserves justice and so do Jim and Mary (his parents)," said Dep Stanley. However, a reply given on behalf of Minister of Justice Frances Fitzgerald said she had been advised by the Gardai that the incident in question was the subject of an investigation by An Garda Siochana in 2012 but the Director of Public Prosecutions decided not to prosecute. "Whereas the Tanaiste appreciates the ongoing distress of family and friends in the aftermath of this tragedy, it is not open to her to intervene in regard to the DPP's decisions in individual cases," Minister of State at the Department of Health Deputy Catherine Byrne told the TDs on behalf of the Minister. The following is the full text of the debate in the Dail on Wednesday, February 22. Deputy Sean Fleming: It is disappointing that the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality is not present in the Chamber to deal with this matter, which relates to the administration of justice by the Garda Siochana and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. I had hoped to raise directly with her the death by stabbing in Kilkenny city on 15 February 2012 of Kieran Monahan from Durrow, County Laois, and to ask her to make a statement on this case. Mono, as he was known to people who knew him well, was a young man in his early 20s. I wish to extend my sympathies to his father, James, his mother, Mary, his sister, Susan, and his brother, Ryan. The post mortem examination on Kieran showed that he was killed by a single stab wound to the chest. I would like to raise two issues regarding the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, not to prosecute this case, quoting the Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Act 2011 and on the basis of the evidence supplied by the Garda Siochana. I do not believe an adequate investigation was carried out by the Garda at the time of the murder. I want the Garda to carry out a further examination. Statements from those who were present at the scene were not taken sufficiently quickly. This might have allowed people to meet to agree their statements before those statements were made to the Garda. The DPP has confirmed that Kieran was killed by stabbing on the stairs in the dwelling but his body was found outside in an open area. Clearly, many of the events on the night have not been adequately explained and further examination is needed. That is why I am calling on the Minister to make a statement. The family and the public are entitled to know what happened to Kieran on the night in question. We all understand the boy is dead and cannot come back but his family must get some closure through the establishment of the facts of the events of that night. Deputy Brian Stanley: The case of Kieran Monahan is an extraordinary one by any standards. As Deputy Fleming has outlined, he was murdered on 15 February 2012. I knew Kieran and I know his family. I know his parents, Jim and Mary. According to the post mortem on Kieran, he died as a result of a single stab wound. He had been to the dwelling where he was stabbed earlier in the night. He knew the people who were present in the dwelling, including the person who allegedly inflicted the fatal stab wound. A number of men were present at this dwelling. No one has ever been convicted in this case. In fact, no one has ever been charged or brought before a court for this murder. It has been deemed that the case comes under the remit of the Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Act 2011, which had just been put on the Statute Book when Kieran died. We remember that legislation going through the House. Like the members of Kieran's family and their solicitor, as a local Deputy I am very concerned about this decision. The 2011 Act provides that someone can use force against another person if "he or she believes the other person has entered or is entering the dwelling as a trespasser for the purpose of committing a criminal act" and "the force used is only such as is reasonable in the circumstances" to protect himself or herself or his or her property or to prevent the commission of a crime. This defence was never tested in this case because it never reached court. This person had a single stab wound to the heart. By any standards, stabbing an acquaintance would seem excessive and extreme, but this must be tested in court. This is not a court so I will not get into the detail. The murder was dealt with under the Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Act. This must be tested in court and the Monahan family is entitled to its day in court. Kieran Monahan deserves justice and so do Jim and Mary. Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Catherine Byrne): On behalf of the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, who, unfortunately, cannot be here, I thank the Deputies for raising this important matter. The Tanaiste is aware of the reports surrounding this tragic case and sympathises greatly with the family and friends of Kieran Monahan. I am sure everyone in this House is conscious of the very serious impact of violent crime on victims and their families. The Tanaiste is advised by the Garda authorities that the incident in question was the subject of an investigation by An Garda Siochana in 2012. A file was then submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, who directed that there be no prosecution in this case. The Deputies will appreciate that criminal investigations are properly dealt with by An Garda Siochana in the first instance and that the Tanaiste has no role in particular investigations. It must be also stressed that the DPP is an independent body, which makes decisions as to whether a person should be prosecuted and for what offence. Whereas the Tanaiste appreciates the ongoing distress of family and friends in the aftermath of this tragedy, it is not open to her to intervene in regard to the DPP's decisions in individual cases. It is worth noting that there is provision to allow for certain people, including a victim's family, to seek reasons for a decision made by the DPP. I understand that details of the procedures in this regard are available from the office of the DPP. This tragic case highlights the trauma and damage that can occur where knives are used in dispute situations. There is a robust legal framework in place on the illegal use of knives. Under the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, the maximum penalty for possessing a knife in a public place without good reason or lawful authority was increased from one to five years. An Garda Siochana also has an extended power of search without warrant regarding knives and offensive weapons. It should be noted, however, that many incidents involving knives occur in domestic settings and on the spur of the moment, which increases the challenges for preventative policing and enforcement. At an operational level, An Garda Siochana proactively targets public disorder and anti-social behaviour, including knife-related crime, through the strategic deployment of Garda resources. In this regard, detective units and divisional crime task forces may be utilised to provide a high-visibility presence in areas such as late night bars to deter and detect possible altercations. Finally, the accelerated programme of Garda recruitment underlines the Government's commitment to tackling all forms of criminality and providing communities with visible and effective policing. Deputy Sean Fleming: I acknowledge the response from the Minister of State, which does not deal with the issue at all. I was very careful with my language when I spoke today in saying that the post-mortem examination indicated that this person was killed by a single stab wound to the chest. In view of the fact that the defence of the family dwelling legislation had never been used as a defence, the Oireachtas - which enacted the legislation and which serves the people of Ireland - and the DPP was entitled to see how the legislation worked in a court of law. It is not a matter for the DPP to interpret how the legislation would play in a court of law. We want to see the facts coming out in court to deal with this. I am extremely concerned by what I heard from my colleague a few moments ago. I wanted to come here to seek justice and a court case but the Deputy beside me used the word "murder" on several occasions. I never used that word. The several statements that this was "murder" have prejudiced the possibility of a trial ever taking place. I was very careful to say the man was killed by stabbing. I cannot prove murder and that is for a jury. A Deputy has referred to what occurred as murder on several occasions, which has jeopardised the possibility of the case ever progressing to trial. A conclusion has been reached in the House that should not have come about. Deputy Brian Stanley: I thank the Minister of State for her reply. I accept that the DPP is a separate entity but the question here regards the investigation and the contents of the file presented to the DPP. There are serious questions as to why An Garda Siochana and the DPP came to the conclusion that the Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Act should have been used in this way. I call on the Minister to have the Garda investigation reopened, with a senior officer from a separate Garda division taking charge. We need to have all aspects of the issue investigated and what happened, along with subsequent events, should be re-examined. I ask the Minister of State and the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Fitzgerald, to have the DPP re-examine the file and take account of new evidence. This needs a day in court and the family is entitled to justice. This was a serious incident and it was one of the first times this Act was used. When it was brought before the House, it was not envisaged it would lead to cases such as this. It was passed with a different intention. The Act is there but this a very extreme interpretation. Regarding the use of the word "murder", I am very concerned about the case and I apologise if I used strong language. The death of this young man is serious and the fact that it was never tested in court is the big issue. Deputy Catherine Byrne: I assure the Deputies I have taken notes on the remarks they have made and I will certainly bring them to the Tanaiste's notice. She apologises for not being here and would like to thank the Deputies for raising the issue. The Tanaiste is aware of the report to the effect that a decision not to prosecute in the case may have been taken in light of the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Defence and Dwelling) Act. This legislation clarifies the law concerning defence of the home and recognising the special constitutional status of an individual's dwelling. However, the Deputies will appreciate it would not be appropriate for the House to attempt to second-guess the independent assessment of this or in any case by the DPP. I again take this opportunity to sympathise with the family on the loss of their soon, which can be a tragedy for any family. It can be very hard for anybody to feel they have not found some kind of justice at the end of the day. I extend my sympathy and that of the Tanaiste. I assure the Deputies that I will make very clear to the Tanaiste the points that have been raised this afternoon. For Dail report click here A new report on health services at prisons in Portlaoise and other Irish jails has recommended that the HSE and Department of Health take over prison healthcare from the Irish Prison Services. The recommendation is contained in the new report of the late Inspector of Prisons Judge Michael O'Reilly. Judge O'Reilly who died in recent months said the need for change is urgent. He said finances should not be used as an excuse. "There may well be resource issues in transferring responsibility for prisoner healthcare from the IPS to the HSE and the Department of Health. However, this cannot be used as an excuse for delaying such transfer of responsibility. "In this regard it must be borne in mind that the State accepts a heavy responsibility when it detains a person to ensure the well-being of that person. It is internationally acknowledged that lack of financial means cannot reduce this responsibility. This has been made clear by the Council of Europe in numbers of its instruments," the judge found. Entitled Healthcare in Prisons it contains a number of key recommendations as follows: Responsibility for the provision of healthcare should be transferred from the IPS to the HSE. A health needs assessment of prisoners in all prisons should be undertaken immediately. The lead in the assessment referred to in paragraph 5.2 must be a clinician. A healthcare staffing needs analysis for each prison should be undertaken on the completion of the health needs assessment. This analysis should be clinically led. The healthcare staffing needs analysis must reflect the health needs assessment of prisoners in each particular prison. It is important that such an analysis should be clinically led and should not be influenced by operational or other non-healthcare considerations other than the obvious interdependence of healthcare staff and custody staff working together e.g. in ensuring prisoners are escorted to the nurse/doctor appointment or to outside hospitals etc. The health needs assessment of prisoners and the staffing needs analysis must be published for each prison. The health needs of prisoners and by extension the staffing needs of each prison must be kept under constant review as prison populations change as do the cohort of prisoners in all prisons. "As this is an urgent issue and as this report must be published pursuant to Part 5 of the Prisons Act 2007 it is not unreasonable that a public response be forthcoming either accepting the thrust of this report and giving time lines for implementing or rejecting this report. If the recommendations in this report are rejected it would be reasonable to expect that reasons for such rejection would be given," concluded the judge. Minster for Justice Frances Fitzgerald welcomed the report but gave no commitment on its implementation. I welcome the publication of the Inspector of Prisons Report on Healthcare in Irish Prisons. The report makes a number of timely recommendations regarding the provision of healthcare in prisons. I have recently been in discussions with my colleague the Minister for Health about a Review of Prison Healthcare. "Such a Review will address many of the issues raised by Judge Reilly. Terms of Reference are being finalised. Once these are agreed and the Review is undertaken, I will be better placed to decide on how to proceed in terms of the recommendations of this report, she said. A giant mechanical claw is to be brought in to Kildare next week to dismantle the iconic Curragh Racecourse grandstand. This is a significant step in the 65m redevelopment of the facility, as this local landmark enjoys the last of its days before it disappears from the plains. The machine will be positioned at the back of the stand, and its arm will reach up over the roof to pull it down like pincer. At a media briefing yesterday, CEO Derek McGrath, and Curragh Racecourse Ltd Chairman, Padraig McManus told reporters the project was on schedule to be completed by Christmas 2018 in time for racing in March 2019. Reduced to an attendance capacity of 6,000 per race meeting, during the two year project (due to council planning stipulations), Mr McGrath said this was an ambitious project. Questioned if that 6,000 capacity applied to Derby Day, Mr McGrath said it did, but the Dubai Duty Free marquee would be allowed to be located on the inside of the track in its usual location. Mr McManus acknowledged some people had questioned the decision to keep the track open during the build. He said everyone involved had debated the issue, and not everyone supported the stance taken. However, he said on balance, the Curragh managed to keep the big races, keep the project on track and hopefully cater for the racing fans. Project director, Matthew Lyons gave an overview of the layout, temporary facilities and construction schedule. The new drive started two years ago, now its getting to the stage where we see work being done and there is a great buzz, said Mr McManus. He said the racecourse staff feel they have a fantastic design to offer a new experience for racegoers at an iconic location in Kildare. The new museum, which will be part of a visitor centre, will host tours of the facility. The centre will be open during the week along with a neighbouring bistro and playground. It's hoped to link in with Kildare Village, Goffs, the Irish National Stud and Failte Ireland to offer equine themed tours. Work on the first stable yard area is expected to be finished by May, with the contractors then moving on to the remaining stable blocks. Four or five contractors will be working side by side on site including Purcell Construction and Murphy International bringing jobs for over 300 construction workers in total. A main contractor is due to be appointed by the summer. Temporary racing facilities will be put in place for the upcoming season. A new temporary covered grandstand (1,500 capacity) will be errected in front of the current grandstand, five metres from the track. Hoarding will screen the building site, and marquees will house betting, restaurant and hospitality facilities. By the start of the 2018 racing season, the new parade ring will come into use, as will the reconstructed Queen's Room. The public hall marquee will be able to hold 800 people. When asked if racegoers will feel like they are on a building site when they go racing at the Curragh, Mr McManus said he was very confident they would not. It will be a building site, but it will be fenced off. We are going to have all the facilities. We have put allot of work into the temporary facilities. We believe it will be a pleasant experience, we have a very high standard of temporary facilities, he said. Mr McGrath said tickets for the race meetings were available online and were already selling well. An artists impression of what the new facility will look like A man with 200 previous convictions has been jailed for 11 months after he was convicted for assaulting a female taxi driver and refusing to pay a fare. Simon McDonagh (33), with an address at 9 Doolargy Avenue, Muirhevnamor, Dundalk, assaulted the driver on November 12, 2014, at Nagle Court in Maynooth. Garda Inspector Oliver Henry said he struck the woman in the face. While the woman was not present during the hearing at Naas District Court on Tuesday last, Garda Dan Broderick said she had made a recovery. When told that Mr McDonagh had 200 convictions, Judge Desmond Zaidan asked rhetorically: Is that all? Asking why the case had taken so long to come to court, Garda Broderick said the defendant was out of the jurisdiction. The court heard that Mr McDonagh's first conviction was when he was a teenager and the most recent was a conviction earlier this month in Trim. He is currently serving a nine-month sentence which he received on February 9 for theft. Gardai Broderick said he understood Mr McDonagh had served a sentence abroad. There were convictions for assault, obstruction of Gardai, burglary (5), theft (13), robbery and trespassing (5). Judge Zaidan asked: Nothing for manslaughter or murder. Is there any offence in Irish criminal law he has not committed? Aine Hartigan BL, representing Mr McDonagh, said that he had a lack of education and serious difficulties with drugs... cocaine and heroin. She said Mr McDonagh had paid the Gardai for the taxi fare and apologised to the court. Give him some light at the end of the tunnel, she asked Judge Zaidan. Mr McDonagh was jailed for five months for not paying the fare and six months for assault on the taxi driver, to be served following the first five months, not at the same time. There were early morning traffic delays across parts of Naas today as Storm Doris blew damaging northwestern winds over Ireland. A tree fell across the Sallins road on the town side of the Applegreen service station. It came from the former De Burgh estate shortly before 6am and left the road virtuallly impassable except for heavy vehicles travelling towards the town. At Monread Road, near the Woodies store, a tree was uprooted and came to rest on a section of the road affecting motorists travelling towards Millennium Park from the Dublin Road. A small secton of a tree partially blocked footpaths and cycle lanes on the Kilcullen Road and a tree also fell near Watchhouse Cross on the Naas-Ballymore road. Elsehwere areas like Tipper Road and Craddockstown Road (the minor route to Punchestown Racecourse), where there are many old trees, were littered with tree branches. There were many overturned wheelie bins in the town and in residential areas on what is a bin collection day for many residents and businesses, leaving litter strewn across roads and pathways. Naas Fire Brigade staff attended a minor flooding incident on Fairgreen at 7.15 am. Although motorists will experience some inconvenience, the amount of disruption would have been greater but for the fact that some schools are closed for a mid-term break. Met Eireann expects the gales to moderate later today. Traffic concerns, habitat protection, and possible odours arising from a proposed new Kildare Bord na Mona horticultural facility, have prompted Kildare County Council to seek further information on the project. Yesterday, the local authority asked the company to supply more details on various aspects of its plans at Blacktrench. In a joint venture with Dutch company, Legro, Bord na Mona plans to make soil casings for mushroom cultivation and export them to the UK and mainland Europe on the 2.7 hectare site adjoining the existing peat loading facility. The Protect Caragh Group, which is made up of 58 residents living on the Thomastown to Caragh road, expressed fears about the increase in HGV traffic. Adding its voice of concern, the Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPPC) had called on the council to axe the plans due to peat extraction element of the project. An Taisce believes the environmental and social impacts of sourcing horticultural peat from the Bord na Mona owned Allen Bog complex for the casings, had not been assessed adequately. There are direct parallels between the High Court ruling on Bord na Monas Edenderry Power Plant, in October 2015, regarding An Bord Pleanala's failure to fully assess the environmental impacts of the peat extraction which fuels the plant, it said. Less than two years later the same issue has arisen regarding the current application. The reports provided by Bord na Mona are failing to adequately address the full direct and indirect impacts of this project. An Taisce pointed out the development would only create six new full time jobs. In a 186 page technical report, filed by Bord na Mona as part of the planning permission, it said the development was compatible with its Sustainability 2030 report. Yesterday, the council asked the company for a revised site layout, a road safety audit, and mitigation measures to prevent odour arising during the operation of the mushroom casing process. It also stressed the increased traffic would cause serious safety concerns at Victoria Bridge, the railway bridge at Thomastown and exacerbate congestion at the Newhall Roundabout. It asked the company to respond to the issues raised in the submissions. Bord na Mona has six months to respond. Ceann Comhairle, Kildares Sean O Fearghail, will escort a parliamentary delegation from Germany to Dundalk tomorrow for a meeting with Louth County Council and Newry/Mourne Town Councils to discuss the impact of Brexit. The meeting will deal with the knock on effect it will may have on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two Councils. The MOU aims to further cross-border cooperation between the Councils on issues like tourism and recreation programmes, sustainable economic growth and job creation; emergency planning and shared resources. The delegation is led by Professor Dr. Norbert Lammert, Speaker of the Bundestag, and also includes two members of the Bundestag, Michael Grosse-Broemer and Britta Habelmann. The Ceann Comhairle said, It was a great pleasure to welcome this delegation to Ireland and to Leinster House this week. Of particular significance is our trip to Dundalk tomorrow to meet with Council members to discuss Brexit and its impact on border communities. Trade between North and South and Britain and Ireland must be protected and our meeting with Council representatives tomorrow will be an informative one for our German colleagues. Louth County Council and Newry/Mourne Town Councils are a great example of the type of cooperation that must be encouraged and nurtured as we and our European colleagues deal with the changes Brexit will bring. Back in 2013 I wrote an article for Lib Dem Voice setting out the case for London and other cities to have more financial control. The vote to leave the EU makes the case for devolution and fiscal devolution more urgent. Whatever Leave voters felt they were voting for, it was not business as usual. It was not an endorsement of centralised power, simply removing it from Brussels to Whitehall and job done. The referendum result not only affects the country as a whole but also within our nations, regions and cities. The uncertainties from Brexit may well be better managed at a local level, with local and regional government able to respond more effectively. At present, virtually all taxation in the UK is determined by central government. Only council tax (and in England from April 2013, a proportion of business rates) can be seen as local taxation and even this is subject to cumbersome controls, including referendum rules set by central Government. When you compare this internationally you realise what control Whitehall holds. In the light of Brexit, the London Finance Commission has published a further report Devolution: a capital idea. This calls for a new devolution settlement for London, which could apply equally to other city regions. Professor Tony Travers, who chaired the Commission, correctly states it cannot be assumed that the current degree of fiscal centralisation within the UK is the only way of doing things. Giving London and other places greater power over their tax base and delivery of public services could be hugely beneficial all round allowing public services to be reformed and with everyone having an incentive to see their local economy develop and grow. The overall approach that the Commission recommends is to bring London in line with most other global cities by allowing the capitals government control over a much wider range of taxes crucially in exchange for lower levels of government grant. This would enable the city to operate more efficiently, effectively and integrate services, bringing forward infrastructure investment vital for growth at no additional cost to central government. Modest devolution of this nature would also enable Whitehall to concentrate on the biggest challenge facing the country, leaving the EU and building new global trading relationships. Key recommendations include: A modest tourism levy which is already operated in international cities such as New York, Paris and Berlin and would be used to promote tourism. A percentage of Londoners income tax yield broadly to match its overall expenditure, as and when further devolution occurs. Londons share of the soft drinks industry levy should be retained within the capital, with a longer-term view to devolving it fully, including the ability to set the rate. In the longer term (post 2020), London government should also consider other health-related taxes, including a sugar sales tax and a saturated fat tax, to be devised and fully managed by London government. The report also endorses recommendations from 2013 that the full suite of property taxes should be devolved to Londons government. This includes the operation and setting of council tax and business rates and the devolution of stamp duty. The centralised nature of UK government makes it incredibly hard for real innovation at the local level. In London, the Mayor and the boroughs need further powers to bring about the required structural change to address the types of inequalities Londoners face, from housing to household income. Moving to further fiscal and other service devolution would give local and regional government strong incentives to innovate and develop their areas. I can only hope that out of Brexit comes a move to support London and our other regions. However with Conservatives in charge, I wont hold my breath. * Caroline Pidgeon is a Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member and Deputy Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee Reforming local government finance a phrase that is enough to send many of us to sleep. But put a different way, devolving financial powers to our great cities, allowing local innovation and genuine localism, may keep your interest for longer! May saw the launch of an excellent policy report called Raising the capital. The report was produced by the London Finance Commission, an authoritative wide ranging group of experts from both inside and outside politics, but crucially including experts from Birmingham and Manchester. The commission was chaired by respected Professor Tony Travers of the London School of Economics. The report highlights that barely seven per cent of all the tax paid by London residents and businesses is directly retained by the Mayor and the boroughs. The equivalent figure in New York is over 50 per cent. Similar comparisons can be made between London and world cities such as Madrid, Paris and Berlin. The report specifically argues that funding arrangements in London should allow London government to make additional self-determined investments in its own infrastructure, both to cater for the growth already forecast for its population and economy, and to promote additional economic growth. It recommends devolving a range of tax raising powers to London which could easily apply to other great cities in England to bring greater control and democratic accountability to local elected politicians. There is evidence that people are happier with the outcome of decisions, or at least more content, if they are made locally. And we know from the devolution we have seen in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland that it does not lead to worse economic outcomes and there are different solutions for different areas. Given that London is expected to reach 10 million people by 2030, it is long overdue that we should have far more financial autonomy than is currently the case. However, there is no reason at all why these recommendations could not become a model for other large cities in England and start to answer the concerns in parts of England that we are being left behind, particularly as the Scottish Independence referendum comes over the horizon. Suggestions in the report include: Devolving the full range of property taxes including stamp duty land tax, capital gains property development tax, council tax and business rates. Relaxing the borrowing limits for housing purposes for local councils. Permissive legislation to allow smaller new taxes such as a tourism tax or environmental tax. Under the new proposals London would get the right to set, collect and spend certain taxes, and in the first year this would be cost neutral. Any grants London receives would be reduced on a pound for pound basis for whatever is raised. However in the longer term, there is the potential for increased income and setting Londoners free from the Whitehall knows best approach. This would allow the Mayor and the Boroughs to have far greater control over spending and investment decisions in the capital. I believe that the time has come for significant devolution to London and for many of Englands cities. Devolving power has long been a Liberal Democrat objective. It is time we allowed Londoners and people living in our great cities the same kind of decentralised power as enjoyed by millions of people living in large international cities. Indeed in the wise words of Professor Travers it is only in the UK that these recommendations would be considered even remotely radical. * Caroline Pidgeon is a Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member and Deputy Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee Tim Farron has thanked members and supporters for their hard work in the Stoke-on-Trent Central and Copeland by-elections. In an email tonight, he said: The polls are now closed for by-elections in both Stoke-on-Trent Central and Copeland. Members from all over Britain have volunteered, donated and cheered on these two upstart campaigns and Im so grateful for everything that youve done. We can be proud of the campaigns that Rebecca Hanson in Copeland and Dr Zulfiqar Ali in Stoke-on-Trent have fought right up to their work today getting our vote out in storm force wind and rain. In the face of strong opposition, they have stood up for our values and fought for every single vote; we couldnt have asked any more of them. We always knew that both of these by-elections would be tough; in Stoke we started from 5th place and in both Copeland and Stoke we lost our deposit in 2015. The Conservatives, Labour and UKIP have all thrown the kitchen sink at these by-elections. Whatever happens tonight, Im proud of the effort weve put in. We are still in prime position to become Britains largest progressive party and to lead the opposition to this Conservative Brexit Government. Thank you again for everything youve done. A FUNDRAISING drive is underway as plans to build an extension at Our Lady Queen of Peace National School are progressing. A planning application has been lodged with Limerick City and County Council and it is hoped permission will be granted in time to allow the works to take place over the summer. If the plans are approved, two new classrooms and two new resource rooms will be built on the existing school campus, which is home to almost 350 pupils. Essentially the school has grown over the years and we now have two pre-schools children begin here at two and-a-half so actually we have a ten year cycle of education in the school now, said Michael Ryan, principal of the school which is located in Janesboro. We actually have a class in our PE room and we have some temporary accommodation which we would like removed, he added. While the Department of Education and Skills is to fund construction of the new buildings, Mr Ryan says he hopes a further 10,000 can be raised by the school community to assist with the project. The Department allocate what they call a devolved grant and it is up to the school to use that in the wisest way possible to get value for money. We have also set an aim to raise 10,000 ourselves and we are having a race night on the last Friday in June in the Spotted Dog, he said. The Parents Association will also be carrying out local fundraising between now and the end of the school year. Once planning permission is approved, contractors will be appointed to carry out the works. All going according to plan, we would hope to have the new rooms open by September 1, said Michael Ryan. AN alcoholic who woke a woman by beating her and demanding she perform oral sex on him has been sentenced to four years imprisonment. The 28-year-old woman had been drinking with the man in his apartment when she fell asleep. She woke up to him standing over her and punching her in the face. The woman was naked but had no idea how she had got into the state of undress. The 42-year-old painter and decoration who is originally from County Limerick, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to sexually assaulting the woman in a town in County Kerry on May 27, 2013. Imposing sentence on Monday, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy noted the contents of a probation report which suggested the accused had showed some degree of empathy for the victim and may be a candidate for supervision in the community. He imposed a six-year prison sentence, suspending the final two years on condition that he abide by all directions of The Probation Service when released. Mr Justice McCarthy said the purpose of the supervision order was to protect the community and achieve reintegration of the accused into the community while recognising the gravity of the offence. During the original sentencing hearing in December a local garda told the court that she responded to an emergency call and found the victim sitting in the stairwell of an apartment building naked and hysterically screaming. The victim told the garda that the man had assaulted her and that she bit him when he he kept trying to put his penis in her mouth. The garda told Marjorie Farrelly SC, prosecuting, that the victim told gardai the man was still in the apartment and she was concerned that he was going to self harm. Officers then forced the door of the mans apartment and found him slumped on the floor with his wrists slashed. The victim was taken to the sexual assault treatment unit where she was treated for bruising and injuries to her face. The garda said the man was very aggressive. His hands were plastered to stem the bleeding. He was handcuffed and taken to hospital. During interview he inisted that nothing had happened and said the woman had left his apartment earlier. He was shown CCTV footage which showed she had remained there but he said he had no recollection of the incident. The garda said the woman, who didnt make a victim impact report, has since attended for alcohol counselling. Michael Bowman SC, said his client wanted to apologise profusely to the victim. He said the man was an alcoholic who was taken to a psychiatric hospital on his initial arrest as he was not in a fit state to be interviewed. A FISHERMAN was taken to University Hospital Limerick last night after he was airlifted from a vessel 300km off the West coast. It was the second such operation this week involving Rescue 115 the Shannon-based Coast Guard helicopter. The alarm was raised at around 6pm after the naval vessel, LE Roisin, responded to a request to provide medical assistance as a crew member was experiencing chest pains on board the Faroese fishing vessel. Rescue 115 was dispatched from Shannon and the Air Corps Maritime Patrol Aircraft (CASA) which had been conducting a maritime patrol in the area provided Top Cover during the operation. A medical crew from the LE Roisin boarded the fishing vessel and assisted in transferring the casualty to the Coast Guard helicopter. Weather conditions were said to be difficult in the area at the time. The man was was transferred by ambulance to UHL last night after Rescue 115 returned to Shannon. His condition is not known. AIRLINE Norwegian has this Thursday morning confirmed details of its new budget transatlantic flights from Shannon, with fares starting at 69. The budget carrier announced details of four services a week to two US airports from Shannon. The new services will give Shannon its biggest number of direct scheduled US flights and have been welcomed by the airport. Norwegian has outlined plans to revolutionise transatlantic travel to US airports, with fares as low as 69 promised. The services will start on July 1 between Shannon and Stewart International Airport, Orange County just 90 minutes from New York and from Providence Green Airport, Rhode Island, 90 minutes from Boston. Shannon hailed the new services by the budget carrier as a major opportunity for tourism and wider business sectors across the west and south of Ireland. The twice weekly flights from Shannon to Stewart International in New York state will operate on a Wednesday and Sunday with fares from 69 and connections from Shannon to Providence Airport will operate Monday and Friday. The flights means Shannon now has an unprecedented US line-up with five airlines, seven destinations and eight services to the US. This is a very significant announcement for Shannon, for the wider region we serve and for transatlantic aviation generally, said Shannon Group CEO Matthew Thomas. It not only brings another new carrier to Shannon, giving us our largest number of US services in over 17 years, but it introduces a new model of low cost flying for transatlantic aviation. Shannon has been at the forefront of so many major global breakthroughs in aviation and this is another. It supports the governments objectives on balanced regional development. We look forward to working closely with Norwegian Air International in making these services a success. Norwegian has also announced flights from Cork and Dublin. Shannon has long engaged with the airline, supporting its bid for a foreign air carrier permit from the US Department of Transport. Norwegian CEO Bjorn Kjos said: It has long been our ambition to grow our Irish operation with new transatlantic routes but these plans simply wouldnt have been possible without the significant support we have received throughout Ireland over the last three years. We are hugely grateful for this continued support and are delighted to finally unveil our plans to shake up transatlantic travel with ground-breaking fares and never before seen routes in Ireland. The cost of transatlantic travel has been too high for too long so by connecting Irish cities with smaller US airports, we can offer some truly affordable fares, allowing as many people as possible to fly. Andrew Murphy, managing director in Shannon, noted that the airport had ngaged first with Norwegian Air International on this as far back as 2014 so we are delighted it has finally come to fruition. It reaffirms yet again Shannon Airports status and contribution as the premier gateway between this side of the island and the US. We are particularly delighted to be welcoming the 737 MAX aircraft, the newest technology on the transatlantic, he added. NEXT week will provide a superb opportunity for the people of Limerick to engage in a series of events that are focused on how we as a community would like to see our city develop into the future. City Engage Limerick is a series of community engagement events aimed at gathering public opinion about the future the city. The events will provide a platform for Limerick people to share their views on the future direction of the city. The key themes will look at how can we best take advantage of Limericks medieval heritage. What about Georgian Limerick? How can the city best connect to its greatest asset, the River Shannon? Limerick City and County Council in conjunction with SAUL, School of Architecture University of Limerick will be posing these questions through a new consultation process to collect peoples thoughts, hopes and opinions about living in Limerick. Living Limerick is about developing a vision for living in the historic core of Limerick City. Through the process we will explore ways to make the city more liveable in the design of new public realm projects and initiatives. It will support volunteer groups to assist in transforming Limericks streets, parks and riverfront into more engaged public spaces. Through the Living Limerick process we will gather and share the hopes for Limericks historic city centre. By coordinating, analysing and representing the views of these communities the aim is to develop an inclusive vision for the city. As part of this, a series of events will take place throughout the year under the banner City Engage Limerick. The first week builds on the ongoing council supported-research on the city carried out by SAUL and includes community learning events curated and moderated by Professor Merritt Bucholz, head of SAUL and a Street Design Workshop co-ordinating by Rosie Webb, senior architect with Limerick City and County Council. This series is the first of its type to be undertaken in Ireland. Ms Webb is leading the project and said: City Engage Limerick is all about getting the views of the people and groups who call Limerick home. How can we make the city centre a more attractive place for people to live? How can we best use the River Shannon? "These will be some of the topics that will be discussed as part of this process. Its all about getting people and groups involved in the plans for Living Limerick, she adds. We hope that the range of events being held will allow people to choose a time that suits them to engage with Limerick City and County Council and to give their views about Limerick City. This first City Engage Limerick week of events will be the first of many throughout the year focusing on different themes, such as the riverbank, Georgian Limerick and the medieval quarter and how best these places can be improved. Prof Bucholz said: We want to help Limerick build an accessible vision of a great city. Using physical models and prototypes we will help people understand how they can help build a city they want in a way they understand. These events aim to provide an open door to the design of the city and a really new way to get great ideas for its future from the people who know it best! The first City Engage Limerick week begins on Tuesday February 28. All events are free and open to the public. The first session will be entitled Listen and Learn and will focus on three community learning lectures including presentations by Garry Miley from Waterford Institute of Technology who will discuss the origin and future of the grid. Irenee Scalbert from SAUL in Limerick will discuss Limerick- the Uninterrupted Monument and Mark Brearly will focus on industry in the city. Wednesday, March 1, will feature a series of street design workshops held at FAB Lab on Patrick Street and will include presentations by Tom Grey from Trinity Haus and Giulia Vallone from Cork City Council as well a Pecha Cucha evening where short presentation by citizens will focus on our aspirations for OConnell St. Thursday, March 2, will feature talks by Peter Carroll from A2 Architects, Elizabeth Hatz from KTH in Stockholm and Ger Carty from Grafton Architects all of these talks will be held at Limerick Chamber on OConnell St. Finally Friday, March 3, will see an open critique of our community street ideas. This event will be held at Narrative 4 on OConnell St at 5pm. The City Engage events will present the people of Limerick a great opportunity to commence an engagement process to guide the future direction of citys urban design. I would encourage you all to play your part. RTE has received 1,352 formal complaints after one of the Rubberbandits referred to the Eucharist as haunted bread during an episode of The Late Late Show. During the show on January 6 last, Blindboy Boatclub of the Limerick comic duo the Rubberbandits said that young people attending Midnight Mass at Christmas were not going there for haunted bread, adding that everyone at Midnight Mass is half-cut anyway. In addition, he said that the Church was asking us to eat the ghost of a 2,000-year-old carpenter. A spokesperson for RTE said that a number of those complaints had been referred to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) under the statutory complaints process. RTE will now respond as requested by the BAI and in that context it would not be appropriate to comment further, said the spokesperson. The majority of the complaints in relation to the show on January 6 last included bulk deliveries of individually signed copies of a form letter, an RTE spokesperson confirmed. The national broadcaster would not comment on whether the number of complaints in this case was the highest it had ever received. RTE also received close to 450 complaints after The Late Late Shows Valentines Day special, where audience members were given hampers full of condoms. A spokesperson for the BAI confirmed to the Limerick Leader that five complaint referrals regarding the haunted bread remarks had been registered with them. Fr Kevin McNamara, parish priest in Moyvane, north Kerry, was among those to file a complaint with the BAI in relation to the comments, which he described as blasphemous, and downright shameful and hurtful. He said that no standard letter was circulated in Moyvane for people to sign, saying he wouldn't want to coerce people into sending a complaint, but he was aware that tranches of letters had been sent from other parishes outside Kerry. The outspoken cleric said he was disappointed with the response he received from Larry Masterson, executive producer of The Late Late Show, which he circulated in the Moyvane parish newsletter at the weekend. Mr Masterson said that while the phrase was certainly provocative, he does not believe that it was sacrilegious, but a linguistic phrase. I accept that the phrase haunted bread has caused offence to some viewers and has been seen by some as disrespectful or mocking and for that I apologise, wrote Mr Masterson in an email to Fr McNamara, thanking him for sending his views. He said Blindboys concept was further supported by Stefanie Preissners assertion that growing up she was conflicted about eating the literal Body of Christ. In neither case did the guests deride or criticise the views of others, or their faith, but rather expressed their own difficulty with a core tenet of Roman Catholicism, said Mr Masterson. Fr McNamara said that he did not feel that the show had adequately dealt with his concerns, and he will now take his complaint to the BAI. In Mr Mastersons response, he clarified that as part of the conversation, Ryan Tubridy brought up a theory advanced on his radio show earlier that week that some people in their 30s are returning to the Catholic Church after a period of difficulty and scandal for the church. In attempting to hear new voices on the Late Late Show, it is inevitable that some will not like what they hear. Uncomfortable or unpopular opinions are part of debate as are views that clash or disagree with mainstream consensus, wrote Mr Masterson. Among those who support Fr McNamara is Fr Joe Young, formerly parish priest in Limerick's estate of Southill, who described the comments as totally offensive. Everybody should respect everybody's faith, regardless of what it is. When I give Communion to anyone who comes up in front of me, I believe I am giving the food of Christ, and that's what I have given my life to, said the chaplain with the Brothers of Charity in Bawnmore, Limerick. Fr McNamara said that while he is not a fan in general of the Rubberbandits' work, he believes them to be gifted and talented, and admired the song which shot them to stardom Horse Outside. I was annoyed and hurt. I have given 35 years to the priesthood that I firmly believe in. I don't think the national broadcasting station is the place to ridicule it and make little of it. He said Holy Communion is the bread of life, and a contact with Jesus Christ not haunted bread. We have feelings as well, and we're being continually beaten down due to past failings and faults. There isn't one organisation in the whole world that hasn't made mistakes, and we're trying to rectify them as best we can. WHILE Limerick faces the prospect of losing its only senior minister, Michael Noonan insists he has made no decision on whether he will contest the next general election, whenever it should be staged. Speaking exclusively to the Limerick Leader, the finance minister has firmly put to bed any rumours that he will retire shortly and force a by-election in Limerick, denouncing this as fake news with no truth in it. And he also denied reports in the Irish Independent that he had made a last ditch attempt this week to prolong his long term ally An Taoiseach Enda Kennys time in office. The report quoting me in the Independent is simply not true, he said. I had no meetings with anybody (on Tuesday) about the leadership. I was in Brussels on Monday and I came back (Tuesday) afternoon, and I had no meeting whatsoever, no meeting where the leadership was discussed. With the leadership of Fine Gael set to change some time after Mr Kenny's trip to the US on St Patrick's Day, it has been widely speculated that the veteran Limerick politician will return to the back benches. This move could leave Limerick without representation at the cabinet table, and has prompted fears the citys renaissance could be stalled as a result. Limerick Chamber chief executive Dr James Ring feels the local area will suffer greatly if Mr Noonan is not in the new leaders cabinet. Meanwhile, top businessman Denis Brosnan has said the most important thing is that there is a Limerick minister at the highest level of government. When asked by the Leader on his own future, Mr Noonan first elected to the Dail in 1981- remained tight-lipped. My own position doesnt arise because theres no vacancy yet. My own position will only arise if a new Taoiseach is selecting a cabinet, and then well deal with it at that stage, he said. Various well-placed sources, however, have indicated Mr Noonan, a former Health Minister, will return to the back benches at the same time as Mr Kenny. They cite his age, approaching 74, and recent health issues although in recent times the finance minister has insisted his health is fine. There are real fears on whether the recent flow of new jobs will continue to come to Limerick if Mr Noonan leaves the highest stage, however, with many seeing him as extremely influential in securing some of the thousands of IDA-backed jobs the city has enjoyed in recent years. And with the possibility of a new leader of Fine Gael being from one of Irelands other major cities Dublin and Cork there is a fear Limerick will be left behind. In terms of Michael Noonan, one word Id say is huge would be the loss. I think Michael has been a tremendous asset for the region. He has done a lot of work publicly and behind the scenes to ensure Limerick is well represented at the top table. We have seen the benefit of it, Dr Ring said. When Michael does move on from their being a minister and ultimately being a politiciian, Limerick is going to suffer, he added. The Chamber boss called on Irelands political parties to ensure the politicians being put forward in Limerick have the capacity to go to the very top level. On Mr Noonan, Mr Brosnan added: Would Limerick have seen the renaissance it has? It probably would, but it doesnt take away from the fact he has worked tirelessly for Limerick. The question is how far wed have come without him. Fianna Fails Mayor of Limerick Kieran OHanlon went against the grain somewhat in organising a mayoral reception for Fine Gaels Mr Noonan. But, he said this Wednesday, He is a minister who cared about Limerick. While he has been modest in what hes said in relation to the delivery of Limerick projects, I feel had he not been there, we would not have seen the progress we have. Meanwhile, should Mr Noonan retire at the next general election, there is likely to be a clamour to get one of what is likely to be two places on the Fine Gael ticket in the city. While Senators Maria Byrne and Kieran ODonnell would be well placed, sources close to Cllr Daniel Butler have indicated he may also put his name forward. A RAFT of new artists have been added to the Indiependence music and arts festival line-up, taking place in Mitchelstown in August. The 10,000 capacity Deer Farm held three day festival, which had previously unveiled Manic Street Preachers, The Coronas and Sigma as headliners, is headed for a sell-out, according to organises. BRIT Award winner and platinum-selling artist Tom Odell returns Indiependence along with the cream of the crop of Irish music in the form of All Tvvins, Frank Turner, The Riptide Movement, Hermitage Green, Brian Deady, We Cut Corners, The Minutes and Raglan. INDIE17 also plays host to acts such as Overhead the Albatross, Stephanie Rainey, Fang Club, Talos, Craig Gallagher, MindRiot, Eve Belle, Super Silly, Dagny, Brass Phantoms, Penrose, Beoga,Apella, August Walk, Josiah Stone, Mandeville Beat Critics, Subject to Change and Eamon Walsh. "We're delighted to be able to add these acts to what was already a massive announcement for us before Christmas with Manic Street Preachers and The Coronas," said Indiependence organiser, Shane Dunne, a graduate of UL. Tom Odell and Frank Turner are massive UK artists and the Irish acts we've added are some of the hottest ones at the moment like All Tvvins, Stephanie Rainey and Fang Club. We're really excited this year to have new sponsors on board in Heineken who we feel will add to the experience at INDIE17 and we're looking forward to seeing everyone back on the farm in August. Heineken has come on board this year as a sponsor for the Mitchelstown festival, set in the foothills of the the Galtee Mountains, just a 45 minute drive from Limerick. The Comedy, Spoken Word and Dance line-up will be revealed soon. Tickets are available online at www.tickets.ie. May 3, 2021, 5 AM This 1 postal card canceled in March 1895 in Little Falls, Wash., has on the back a notice requesting assistance, with a $125 reward, in finding a missing wife. U.S. Stamp Notes By John M. Hotchner Previously in this column, I have featured United States postal cards publicizing missing horses, stolen cars, and wanted notices for crooks of various descriptions, but something a bit more unusual recently crossed my desk. Shown nearby is an 1895 notice on an 1894 1 Thomas Jefferson postal card (Scott UX12) offering a reward for a missing wife. The card was postmarked March 19, 1895, in Little Falls, Wash. The text on the card from the Little Falls Lodge No. 113 of the I.O.O.F (Independent Order of Odd Fellows) is dated the previous day, March 18. It offers a $125 reward for information which will lead to the discovery of Mrs. Geo. A. Spencer. Connect with Linns Stamp News: Sign up for our newsletter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter The text continues: We, the members of the Little Falls Lodge No. 113, I.O.O.F., ask your assistance in the above search for the wife of one of our members, who disappeared March 4th. Mr. Spencer, Principal of our school, an Odd Fellow and responsible gentleman, has offered $100.00 reward, and we, as a lodge, have offered $25.00 additional. Mrs. Spencer was 25 years of age; about 5 feet high; medium brown hair, dark eyes; small features; slight scar in lower lip, drawing it a little; and should have become a mother in about ten weeks. She wore a dark [word undecipherable] polka dot dress, and black circular cape; small hat and light veil; also a pin with Hattie engraved on side. Spencer being a fairly common name I have not been able to find out the end of the story. The card is addressed to another Odd Fellows lodge in Washington. Presumably the state would have been blanketed. I expect that law enforcement would have gotten involved as well. I hope she was found safe and sound, if she wanted to be. Feb 22, 2017, 10 PM By Michael Baadke The famous Baroque-era composer George Frideric Handel was born in Halle-an-der-Saale, Saxony (now part of Germany) on Feb. 23, 1685. He studied keyboard performance and composition, and later worked as the organist for the Halle cathedral before moving to Hamburg, where he completed his first opera, Almira, in 1705. Further travels took him to Italy, where his reputation grew with the successful presentation of his opera Rodrigo in 1707. He was named musical director of the court at Hanover, but left for England soon after, where another triumphant opera, Rinaldo, brought even greater acclaim. Handel eventually became a British subject, with citizenship conferred by an Act of Parliament in 1727 and royal assent from King George I. Handel had composed his Water Music suites in 1717 in response to a request from the king, and his later Music for the Royal Fireworks in 1749 was created at the request of King George II. Both British monarchs, father and son, were originally from Hanover. Handel died April 14, 1759, and is buried at Westminster Abbey. He was widely admired throughout Great Britain and Europe during his lifetime, and that admiration today continues with his reputation as one of historys greatest composers. He has been honored on stamps from around the world, including his native Germany and his adopted homeland. Germany marked the 300th anniversary of Handel's birth with a 60-pfennig stamp issued May 7, 1985 (Scott 1440), and Great Britain paid tribute one week later with a 17-penny stamp featuring an artistic interpretation of Handels famous Water Music (1103). We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. How Indias first Marine National Park is faring India continues to grapple with marine conservation despite a global outcry to protect seas and oceans. A report from India's first Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch /news/talking-point/how-india-s-first-marine-national-park-is-faring-111646900184544.html 111646900184544 story As far as the eye could see in the faint light of daybreak, corals, big and small, were strewn amid puddles of seawater. At first glance, the beach near Narara Reef, in the Marine National Park (MNP) in the Gulf of Kutch (GoK), resembled a street after a riot. The sea seemed to have receded to the horizon, a result of the recurrent tidal ebb and flow. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs due to the gravitational pull between the moon, sun and earth, creating a unique intertidal ecosystem for coral reefs, seagrass and innumerable denizens of the sea to flourish. Wading through Narara Reef, close to the coast of Jamnagar, in ankle-deep seawater on a breezy January morning was like walking on a bed of eggshells, only these were corals, dead and alive. A forest department guide instructed us to wear canvas shoes to avoid nicks and cuts. I trod gingerly to avoid large formations of live corals. After walking for a few minutes, we found a pool filled with corals. There were two brain coralsso named because they resemble a human brainalmost a foot in diameter, one sandy and the other dark green in colour. There were many groups of corals lying like monks deep in meditation. Most of them are named after the things they resemble, like the moon or a finger or a plate or a bowl. In still waters, the moon coral seemed to resemble the surface of the moongrainy, grey and white. The plate and bowl corals were like a huge serving dish and bowl, pale chocolate brown and grey, respectively. There were also groups of starfish, snails, crabs, sponges and other invertebrates. An octopus scurried past our feet through a maze of algae, emitting dark ink, probably scared by our intrusion. A tiny starfish, a pale shade of pink, played hide and seek among bright orange-coloured sponges. The wide-eyed pufferfish tried to camouflage itself. Further down, we spotted a sea sluga jelly mass, which can easily fit into a human handand a loofah-like sea anemone. As the water returned, a large number of migratory waders flocked to the shoreline. Crab-plovers, sand plovers, ruddy turnstones, oystercatchers and various species of sandpipers hurried to finish off their morning meals before the surf rolled in to cover the reef bed. But as we watched nature up close, struck by wonder and excitement, a tinge of sadness washed over us. For the decay was unmistakable. Dead corals outnumbered the live ones; depleting mangrove cover, beach erosion and the intrusion of special economic zones (ports, oil pipelines, industries, etc.) were corroding the vast seabed, affecting the lives of millions of tiny creatures and microorganisms. ***** The Marine National Park and the Marine Sanctuary, Indias first marine reserve, are located in fragmented zones covering the districts of Jamnagar, Dwarka and Morbi along the southern part of the GoK. Gujarat has the longest coastline (approximately 1,915km) in India. It also has two gulfsthe Gulf of Kutch and the Gulf of Khambhat. The Marine National Park and the Marine Sanctuary, Indias first marine reserve, are located in fragmented zones covering the districts of Jamnagar, Dwarka and Morbi along the southern part of the GoK. The Marine Sanctuary, which was notified in 1980 to protect two major ecosystems, mangroves and corals, has a total designated area of 458 sq. km. An additional 162 sq. km was notified as a Marine National Park in 1982 in the intertidal region along the coast that has 42 islands scattered between Okha and Navlakhi. In all, the GoK is around 7,350 sq. km. According to estimates by researchers, the GoK is home to around 1,500 marine and coastal species. Within the MNP itself, the diversity is astonishingthere are 49 species of hard corals, 23 species of soft corals, 70 species of sponges, 421 species of fish, 27 species of prawns, 30 species of crabs, 199 species of molluscs, 16 species of echinoderms, 172 species of birds, three species of sea mammals, six species of mangroves, and three species of sea turtles, 108 species of brown, green and red algae. And these are just the recorded ones. Shyamal Tikadar, MNP director, explains that new research is throwing up new species, so further discoveries are possible in the coming years. There may be more species thriving in this ecosystem which havent got our attention yet," he says. Moon coral. Marine biologists often refer to coral reefs as marine oases or underwater rainforests. In the GoK, the coral reefs provide goods and services valued at approximately Rs220 crore per year says a 2010 study by the Gujarat Ecology Commission, Gandhinagar, done in collaboration with the Centre for Environment and Social Concerns, Ahmedabad, Cambridge University, UK, and Delhi university, among others. The study estimates the value of coral reefs in a 1 sq. km area in the GoK at about Rs79.5 lakh a year. When I was a child, there were many sandy beaches along this coast. Now its more of slippery mud than sand," says a local conservationist, who does not want to be identified. Beaches are disappearing from our coastline because excessive dredging by ports and other industries is changing the natural movement of sand along the coast." Moreover, untreated effluents from industries along the coast are polluting the water, straining the relationship between zooxanthellae, a photosynthetic algae, and what are known as reef-building corals. While the corals provide a safe environment and compounds to the algae for photosynthesis, the algae provides the products of photosynthesis, such as oxygen, that the corals use to create calcium carbonate for their own growth. My guide in Lakhu, a coral reef in the MNP near Positra village, an hours drive from Dwarka, pointed us to a sea anemone and explained that anemone shrimp reside in the tentacles of sea anemones and feed off leftover food from the host. He also told us about a species of sea anemone which attaches itself to the shell of a snail to travel under water. Scientists worry, though, that time may be running out. Coral reefs are suffering alarming erosion owing to rapid industrialization. Naturally, then, the reefs near areas with high population densities are worse off. ***** Crab Plovers at Marine National Park. As we continued our tour of the MNP and spoke to environmentalists from the state, two questions popped up: Why does marine life remain out of the conservation spotlight, even though India has a 7,000km-plus coastline? And why are marine reserves not as popular as tiger reserves? Marine conservation, in fact, seems to be neglected across the worldmarine scientists say we know more about the surface of Mars. Although 70% of our oxygen comes from the plants in oceans, we have still not mapped the ocean floor in detail. We do know, however, that our oceans and seas are choking with plastic and other man-made wastes. Last year, the UN Environment Programme estimated that 8 million tonnes of plastic trash are dumped into seas every year and marine scientists concur that every bit of it is still present on the ocean floor. We have a very fluid and dynamic ecosystem. Land-based conservation practices are irrelevant in this closed water-based ecosystem where erosion and accretion is a continuous process," says Tikadar. The national park and sanctuary area combined is less than 10% of the GoK, he points out; the forest departments jurisdiction and intervention is limited to this minuscule area. The gulf is strategic to a number of industries as well as defence forces. It is also an important export-import hub and, therefore, its a constant challenge to balance environmental and developmental priorities," says Tikadar. The threat to the area, he adds, is both natural and anthropogenic, so all agencies and stakeholders need to come together and chart out a road map for conservation. As Nilanjana Biswas, author of the 2009 report The Gulf Of Kutch Marine National Park And Sanctuary: A Case Study", puts it: Every protected area in the country has its own conservation management plan, and there is one each for the MNP and the Marine Sanctuary, but mere implementation does not protect the region from the depredations of industrialization. One of the main reasons for depredations of the environment is the overlapping jurisdiction of various government regulatory bodies and the absence of clear physical and legal boundaries." Anthropogenic threats like industrial development (including ports/harbours, ship-breaking yards, salt pans, thermal power stations, petro refineries, underwater oil pipelines, cement industries, soda- ash industries and fertilizer units) along the southern coast of GoK is a prime concern, followed by increasing human inhabitation and urbanization in vicinity of the coast," states a 2014 compendium by the Marine National Park titled Scientific Insight Into Ecosystems of Marine National Park And Sanctuary: A Research Compilation. The compendium adds: Increasing container traffic in the Gulf has raised concern for possible collision of vessels, oil spills and subsequent damage to coral reefs." In 2015, an Ecosystem Health Report Card for the MNP by the Gujarat Ecology Commission identified pollution, overfishing and erosion as leading factors in the degradation of the marine habitat. The policies of the state government, however, continue to be focused largely on industrialization. We sailed in the Gulf waters to Pirotan, Paga and Bhaidarsmall islets off the southern coast of GoK that are rich in coral reefs and migratory birds. When the tide was low, we could see heavy sediment deposits choking the coral reefs across the shoreline of all three islands. ***** A green sea turtle at Paga Island. We spotted green sea turtles at Paga Island. A long line of fishing nets seemed to have obstructed their return to the sea. Along with the turtles, stranded on the sediment-coated reef was a baby reef shark struggling to stay alive. Fishing is permitted within the sanctuarythere are about 50,000 private fishing boats in the area, apart from giant trawlers. The methods used remain questionable, says Biswas. Fishermen routinely dislodge rocks and dead coral boulders to find animals and to fix fishing nets under rocks." Surveillance is difficult. The forest department is understaffed and there are only four boats to keep watch. Anchoring fishing boats on the reef area is a common practice, and plays a role in increased sediment load. Rocks and dead coral boulders support fauna like sponges, mollusca, crustaceans, echinoderms and tunicates. Such practices have, in fact, also been blamed for the decline in the GoKs pearl oyster population. Thats not all. The increased sediment load also affects the growth of seagrass, which provides a grazing habitat to sea turtles and dugongsthese too are declining in number. Unfortunately, very little is known about the life span or growth of corals, which die when exposed to air. With each passing year, however, the threat of climate change becomes more obviously alarming. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) says ocean warming and acidification is the greatest hidden challenge of our generation. The crucial role that the ocean plays in climate regulation as the major heat, carbon and water reservoirs of the world is not generally recognized or appreciated by the public or policymakers," states an IUCN report, Explaining Ocean Warming: Causes, Scale, Effects And Consequences" (2016). So it is heartening to see that in the seabed at Lakhu in Positra, the forest department has been trying to protect vast coral beds by creating small pools of seawater and marking each coral to track its growth. Tikadar is also looking at other options for coral restoration like the Biorock technology, a patented method based on mineral accretion technology, invented by marine biologists Wolf Hilbertz and Tom Goreau. Researchers from the Zoological Society of India (ZSI) have conducted experiments in the area by mapping coral regrowth. In 2015, the ZSI successfully restored a coral reef measuring 1 sq. km in the MNP by transporting live corals from the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park in Tamil Nadu. Mangroves Small efforts have been made over the past few years, select species of corals and mangroves have been restored by the forest department and the National Coastal Zone Management Authority, in coordination with the State Coastal Zone Management Authority, in the districts of Kutch and Jamnagar, through the World Bank-funded Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP). According to World Bank data, 5,200 hectares of mangroves have been planted to strengthen the Kutch mangroves ecosystem. The ICZMP, scheduled to wind up by December, plans to set up a national centre for marine biodiversity in Dwarka to build baseline ecological information and carry out higher order research in marine and deep-sea biodiversity. At the Okha Madhi beach near Dwarka, the forest department is also running a turtle hatchery since nesting beaches face erosion. A marine aquarium aimed at raising awareness is also nearing completion. Much more needs to be plumbed, however. Shakti Maira: The antidote to discontent Shakti Maira's wide-ranging investigation into the ways in which we experience beauty offers an unusual key to our civilization's problems /news/talking-point/shakti-maira-the-antidote-to-discontent-111646900112395.html 111646900112395 story You know, saundarya drishtian eye, a sense, an instinct for beautyis a quality naturally available to every human being." The painter and sculptor Shakti Maira is reclining in an armchair at his family home on a quiet, tree-lined street in Delhis Greater Kailash-I. And the experience of beauty is such a vital part of the human sense of well-being. Sadly, we have become acculturated today to the idea that well-being is basically economic. And the idea of beauty has become mainly about looking good, or, at the most, about visual experience. Today we are constantly taking in-breaths in our livesand Im not sure that the experience of beauty is possible without the capacity to take out-breaths." Maira looks around the room, which is lined with beautiful objects, including many made with his own hands, such as his distinctive long human figurines in wood and metal. It is not difficult to see the beauty in him. In profile, his head and broad shoulders radiate the nobility of a Greek bust from antiquityan effect only accentuated when his serene gaze trains itself back on to you. Although his smile can be mischievous, underneath it there is something inscrutable that reminds one of the face of the Buddha. His use of a meditation metaphor to describe our falling away from beauty reveals the basic ground of his thought: His widely admired art is focused resolutely on ideas of inner harmony and balance. A bronze figure from the Sangha series. Beauty, clearly, has never been far from Mairas thoughts. At 70, he has lived many livesincluding two decades of a corporate life in the US before returning to Delhi at the turn of the centuryand has won accolades for his painting and sculpture, as also a book about aesthetic experience and spirituality called Towards Ananda: Rethinking Indian Art And Aesthetics (2006). His new book, The Promise Of Beauty & Why It Matterspublished by HarperCollins and launched at the Jaipur Literature Festival in Januaryis both, an emphatic act of assertion and a graceful gesture of self-effacement. Although it contains magisterial writing by Maira on the meaning, experience and history of beautyMaira belongs to that line of protean Indian artists who are as comfortable with words as with paint and woodthe bulk of the book is devoted to a set of 18 conversations with a world-spanning cast of scientists and philosophers, poets and painters, monks and ecologists, architects and politicians. In architecture, what we see is beauty in competition with itself. The division of the city into plots, where everyone takes on the task of defining their own sense of beauty, ultimately, only leads to a collective ugliness. - Gautam Bhatia, architect This must be one of the most subtle and wide-ranging investigations into the nature of beauty ever conducted by a single person, tramping far out into the fields of economics, public policy and neuroscience. If our instinct for beauty is innate, Maira asks, to what extent can it be further trained and developed? Are ideas of beauty cultural constructs, or are some things universally beautiful? Do the poor live distant from questions of beauty, or are they more deeply invested in their fewer resources of beauty than the better-off? When we experience something beautiful, what exactly is going on in the brain? Can there be an economics rooted in respect for beauty? Are beauty, truth and goodness inextricably linked, as in the Sanskrit phrase Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram", or can each of these exist without the other? The cover of his latest book. Mairas interlocutors are clearly provoked and delighted by these questions. Biologist Pushpa Mittra Bhargava wonders if we find forms in nature beautiful because we ourselves are part of the world of such forms (something we often forget in our sense of separateness produced by the alienating sophistication of our consciousness, itself an object of beauty in its own right). Scientist Rupert Sheldrake dwells on the beauty of flowers and fruits from an evolutionary perspectivethey are beautiful in order to attract pollinatorsand riffs on the idea of beauty as a web of interconnected relationships, an idea echoed by poet Ruth Padel in this book, when she speaks of humans as membraneous beings" who are constantly navigating between what is inside and outside them. Philosopher Roger Scruton compares the bliss of beauty to the experience of loveIt wells within us but is directed outwards and involves a self-giving of the person who feels it." Architect Gautam Bhatia ruminates on why modern Indian cities are so ugly when the older facades amid them are so much more harmonious, and what a new imagination of the beautiful Indian city might need. Beauty...seems to require time to contemplate it. The whole modern world is designed to take time away from people. - Rupert Sheldrake, biologist and parapsychologist Its like a one-book literary festival on one of the richest and deepest of human themes, with Maira playing the role of a shrewd and sagacious master of ceremonies. The conversation is not all amiable, however. Padel rejects his attempt to give beauty a transcendental, even salvific, status in human affairs, insisting on the most pragmatic of definitions: Beauty is a working okayness." Painter Anjolie Ela Menon finds Mairas benign vision of beauty as gladness, well-being and balance somewhat underwhelming, pointing out that at the pinnacle of beauty there is ecstasy"the ecstasy, for instance, of love-making, which has no connection with making the world a better place or the lovers more truthful people. There is much in his book about the beauty produced by meditation, entirely within ourselves without any external stimulus", but nothing about the analogous beauty conjured up by memory, with its leaps of association and time-jumps. The new approach to art often precludes beauty and it seems that beauty has no place any more in the definitions of great art.- Anjolie Ela Menon, artist The Promise Of Beauty is idiosyncratically written: After every two-three chapters, Maira pauses to draw together some of the strands of what has been said with his own thinking on beauty. Beauty is more than a concept," he writes, and is best taught through lived experiences of mind and body." To this end, he asks each of his respondents to describe a profound beauty experience" of their own. Bhatia memorably describes the experience of descending into a step well in Ahmedabad, dancer Geeta Chandran relates the bliss of darshan at a temple in Vrindavan, and Japanese anthropologist Keibo Oiwa chooses to speak about the experience of watching his mother deal with her impending death. Maira himself vividly describes the state of centredness that comes with the casting of a bowl in a pottery studio. Beauty, especially in Sufism, is a continuous battle between the visible and the invisible. - Muzaffar Ali, film-maker Mairas overall diagnosishis sense that there is something profoundly out of joint in our world and world view todayis, I think, correct. For all the freedoms and aspirations released by post-liberalization India, there is also a new crisis of beauty in our civilization. We are harrowed by the chaos, violence and pollution of the city while feeling helpless to change anything about it, out of touch with the challenges and consolation of traditional Indian forms in art, music and architecture, and diminished by our inability to pay close attention to things by the white noise of our smartphone lives. Even an accurate diagnosis of our discontents is a step forward. If we were then to pause mindfully and allow our instinct for beauty to become more manifest in our lives", Maira believes we might be able to make a new compact with ourselves, with each other, and with the world. To live in beauty might be a good working definition of a happy and healthy life at all levels of existence." Shakti Mairas exhibition, Formed Resonance: Sculpture And Drawings, will be on show from 4-12 March, 10am-5pm (Sundays closed), at the Art Gallery, Kamladevi Complex, India International Centre, New Delhi. Chandrahas Choudhury is the author of the novels Arzee The Dwarf (2009) and Clouds (forthcoming). Five smartphones to look out for at MWC 2017 Here are the top smartphones which are likely to be showcased at MWC next week and will be available in the market in the next few months /smart-living/innovation/five-smartphones-to-look-out-for-at-mwc-2017-111646900247220.html 111646900247220 story The worlds biggest smartphone show, Mobile World Congress, also known as MWC 2017, starts on 26 February in Barcelona, Spain. Organised by GSM Association, the five-day event provides a platform for big and small phonemakers to show off the phones which they intend to launch over the next few months. Like every year, the phonemakers have been dropping hints about their new phones through video teasers and photos. Here are some of the key smartphones which are expected to be showcased at this years MWC. Nokia 6 The Nokia brand will be making a comeback at this years MWC with the Nokia 6 and a couple of other phones. Though the phone will be bearing the Nokia name, it is designed, manufactured and sold by a Chinese company HMD Global. The Nokia 6 will run on Android 6.0 with a typical Chinese phone interface over it. It offers a 5.5-inch full HD display and runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor with 4GB RAM. Moto G5 Lenovo is reportedly going to unveil the fifth generation Moto G smartphones at the MWC. There will be two variants, but with different screen sizes. According to the images releases by Lenovo, the new Moto G phones are going to have a full metal finish with a unibody design. they will also have a fingerprint sensor on the front panel and a single camera with dual tone flash on the back panel. The small screen variant is likely to run on Snapdragon 430 and the bigger one in Snapdragon 625. Given Motos penchant for making new Android available to users at the earliest, we wont be surprised to see Android Nougat on the new phones. Honor 9 According to a TEEMA (Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers Association) report, Huawei is planning to unveil the successor of Honor 8 at this years MWC. It may be called the Honor 9 or the Honor 8 Pro. The phone is likely to have a bigger 5.7-inch quad HD screen and will be driven by Honors own Kirin chipset with at least 6GB RAM and 128GB internal storage. The phone will have a similar dual camera module with two 12-megapixel cameras as its predecessor. Blackberry Mercury Blackberry has been dropping hints and teasers about a new phone with a physical keyboard and metal chassis ever since CES (Consumer Electronics Show 2017) last month. Dubbed as Blackberry Mercury, the new smartphone will be made and distributed by Chinese company TCL. However, the phone is believed to have been designed in-house by Blackberry and not by TCL. The phone comes with a 4.5-inch display and will be running Android Nougat out of the box. Though Blackberry hasnt disclosed anything on the innards, a benchmark report suggests the Mercury will be driven by Qualcomm Snapdragon 625. LG G6 The South Korean company is likely to update its G series line-up this year. The next in line, the G6, can be the first smartphone to launch with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor. LG is also likely to give the modular design mechanism a miss. The photos released by the company suggest the new phone will have an edge-to-edge display with very thin bezels and the volume and power button will be on the side panel. Researchers from Japan's Kyoto University have documented just the second case in chimpanzees of a genetic disorder similar to Down syndrome in humans. The chimp, a captive-born 24-year-old female named Kanako, has a third copy of chromosome 22, in a condition called trisomy 22. (In humans, Down syndrome is known as trisomy 21, for a third copy of chromosome 21.) The only such prior case in the species was observed in 1969, in a chimp that did not live to be two years old. In humans, Down syndrome can be typified by slowed growth, intellectual challenges of varying degrees and features such as crossed eyes. Kanako, who lives at the university's Kumamoto Sanctuary, has been blind since the age of seven, following cataracts that first appeared when she was only one year old. She also has crossed eyes, thinning corneas, a congenital heart disease and underdeveloped teeth. Researchers only learned of Kanako's unusual condition when a routine exam three years ago showed she had a heart defect. When she was found to have a "hole" in the wall between the chambers of her heart, a chromosome analysis later revealed her trisomy 22. RELATED: 6 Shocking Things About Chimps While her blindness makes it tricky, and possibly unsafe, to socialize with other chimps, Kanako has made a female friend named Roman that she is allowed to see periodically. Thus far, the researchers say, the two animals get along great. One thing that is not clear to the Kyoto University scientists is the degree to which Kanako's behavioral development might have been slowed early on. "However, the lack of abnormalities noted in her daily caretaking before the age of one, except for neonatal inactivity and limp limbs, suggests that there was no severe retardation in her behavioral development," said (opens in new tab) Satoshi Hirata, lead scientist behind a new study on Kanako, in a statement. The scientists also cannot peg just how often trisomy 22 might occur in chimps, though they suggest it could be similar to the occurrence rate in people. "Given that around 500 chimpanzees have been born in captivity in Japan," offered Hirata, "the probability of this autosomal trisomy in chimpanzees may be comparable to that of trisomy 21 in humans, which occurs in up to 1 in 600 births." Detailed findings on Kanako's condition have just been published (opens in new tab) in the journal Primates. WATCH: Why Can't Chimpanzees Speak? Originally published on Seeker. This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Live Science's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights. The Trump administration has been using the phrase "radical Islam" when discussing the "war on terror." From his inauguration address to remarks to military leaders, President Trump has been warning against "Islamic terrorists." Many different kinds of individuals and movements get collapsed into this category of radical Islam. A common one that is increasingly being used by politicians and journalists both in Europe and the U.S. to equate with "radical Islam" is the Salafist tradition. For example, Michael Flynn, who recently resigned as national security advisor, was clear that what unites terrorists is their belief in the "ideology" of Salafism. Sebastian Gorka, deputy assistant to the president, also describes Salafism as a "fundamental understanding of Islam" that justifies terrorism. France and Germany are targeting this movement, vowing to "clean up" or shut down Salafist mosques, since several arrested and suspected terrorists had spent time in these communities. As a scholar of religion and politics, I have done research in Salafi communities, specifically in France and India, two countries where Muslims are the largest religious minorities. Salafists constitute a minority of the Muslim population. For example, in France, estimates range from 5,000 to 20,000 out of a Muslim population of over 4 million. Security experts estimate a worldwide number of 50 million out of 1.6 billion Muslims. But there's not much understanding of Salafism, its history and its diversity. In fact, Muslims themselves often have different definitions of what it means to be a Salafist. So, who are Salafists? Origins of Salafism The Arabic term salaf means "ancestors." It refers technically to the first three generations of Muslims who surrounded the Prophet Muhammad. Because they had direct experience with the original Islamic teachings and practices, they are generally respected across the Muslim world. Self-identified Salafists tend to believe they are simply trying to emulate the path of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions. This might include an array of practices from dress to culinary habits as well as ethical teachings and commitment to faith. Salafism as a movement is believed to have originated in the 19th and 20th centuries. Some historians claim it started as a theological reform movement within Sunni Islam. The impetus was to return to the original teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad and the Quran a consequence, in part, of social changes and Western colonialism. They specifically cite the works of Egyptian, Persian and Syrian intellectuals from the 19th century as shaping Salafist movements. One recent study, however, argues that these intellectuals from the past never even used the term Salafism. In other words, there is no authoritative account of how or when exactly this movement originated. Finally, it is also open to debate as to which Islamic groups, schools of thought and practices may be considered Salafist. This is because groups and individuals who are labeled Salafist do not always view themselves this way. And they disagree amongst each other over what defines authentic Salafist practice. Here's what my research shows The vast majority of people who loosely affiliate with Salafism, however, are either simply nonpolitical or actively reject politics as morally corrupt. From 2005-2014, I spent a total of two years as an ethnographic researcher in the cities of Lyon, in southeastern France, and in Hyderabad, in south India. I clearly observed this among these two communities. Every week I participated in mosque lessons and Islamic study circles among dozens of Salafist women. These communities maintain strict separation between men and women, but I was able to interact with and interview a few men as well. Based on conversations and observation, I learned that they actually avoided politics. They did not attend protests or do advocacy, and in Lyon many did not vote in elections. It is the case that there are Muslim women, including many converts, who actively embrace Salafism. They take up strict forms of veiling and work hard to practice their religion every day. Let's take Amal, a 22-year-old woman who grew up in a working-class neighborhood in southeastern France. I met her during my time as an ethnographic researcher on Muslim minorities in France. Amal identifies with the Salafist tradition in Islam. And if we go by the definitions being floated around, she would be considered a "radical Muslim": She prayed five times daily, fasted all 30 days of Ramadan, and wore the "jilbab," a loose, full-body garment that covers everything but the face. Steadfast in her religiosity, she also studied the Quran regularly and attended local mosques in the area. She worked hard to live her life in accordance with the ethical teachings of Islam. This included spending part of her week tutoring Muslim girls in the neighborhood who homeschooled. Amal worried a great deal about their futures in France, since anti-veiling legislation had constrained their opportunities. She also quietly worried about the future of Islam, believing it is under siege both by governments and by the ungodly and destructive work of the Islamic State. Religious does not mean radical As anthropologists of religion have shown, Salafi women are not passive adherents. Nor are they forced into strict practices by their husbands. Still, this doesn't mean they're all the same. Among the French Salafist women I knew, most were the daughters and granddaughters of immigrants from the former French North African colonies. Almost a third were converts to Islam that chose specifically the Salafist tradition as opposed to mainstream currents of Islam. They were drawn to the clear expectations, rigorous routines and teachings about trusting God (opens in new tab). While some of the women were raised in religious families, many broke away from their Muslim families or earned the wrath of their parents for turning to Salafism. Because the parents practiced a cultural form of Islam, or did not practice at all, they did not want their daughters to wear the jilbab. Despite this disapproval, the women focused a great deal on what it meant to have faith in God, and they emphasized that they had to continually struggle to strengthen that faith. These struggles included various ethical behaviors including not talking too much, suppressing one's ego and respecting people's privacy. Along the way, some committed "sins," like smoking or lying, and deviated from the teachings by not praying or fasting. Some even doubted their faith, which they considered normal and acceptable. In my research, non-Muslims as well as other Muslims claimed Salafists were judgmental of those who did not believe or practice like them. In my observation, the contrary was the case: Salafis emphasized that one's faith and piety were deeply private matters that no one but God had the right to judge. Diverse views However, like any movement or tradition, Salafism is profoundly diverse and encompasses a number of debates and struggles for legitimacy. So, there are those self-identified Salafists around the world who join political organizations or participate in political debates. These include, for example, several political parties in Egypt and the Ahl-i-Hadees in India. A small minority, estimated to be 250,000 in number by security experts, rejects nation-states and embraces political violence. They span continents but are centered in Iraq and Syria. Different from Wahhabism In today's climate, however, it has become a political term. This is partly because of its connection to Saudi Arabia. Salafism is sometimes referred to as Wahhabism, the Saudi Arabian variant of the movement that is intimately tied to the Saudi regime. They share some intellectual roots and theological emphases, but they also differ, especially in how they approach Islamic jurisprudence. While Wahhabis follow one of the main Sunni orthodox schools of law, Salafis tend to think through legal questions independently. So equating the two is a mistake. For some Salafists, labeling them as Wahhabi is a way to dismiss their faith or even insult them. Identifying with Salafism does not mean one supports the politics of the Saudi state. In my research, in both India and France, people sometimes noted concerns about the Saudi government's political corruption or human rights record. Yet outwardly, practices might overlap. For example, many Salafist women wear the niqab (that covers the face). Saudi intellectual centers and sheikhs provide literature and training in numerous countries. They circulate lectures as well as money for building mosques and schools. And of course, Mecca and Medina are the spiritual centers for Muslims more broadly. In this way there is a transfer of intellectual and spiritual resources from Saudi Arabia that supports Salafist communities around the globe. Avoiding stereotypes, assumptions Why is it important to recognize the complexity and diversity of the Salafist movement? It is true that as one part of the global Islamic revival, it appears to be growing (opens in new tab). And it likely will remain part of the social landscape in a number of cities for the foreseeable future. But, it is important not to assume that people's religious faith and practices are the same as terrorist violence. It fuels fear and hatred like the kind that inspired the recent shootings at the mosque in Quebec or the arson attack that burned down a mosque in Texas. So, from my perspective, when we hear politicians warn us of the "global Salafi threat," or if we see a woman like Amal walking down the street in her jilbab, it's vital to remember the dangers of simplistic (and mistaken) stereotypes of "radical Muslims." Z. Fareen Parvez, Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of Massachusetts Amherst This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. A man has been arrested by Laredo police in connection with a fatal shooting Wednesday night. Nelson Anthony Jasso, 29, was charged with murder. A stabbing was reported at 7:39 p.m. in the 3200 block of Cortez Street, located several blocks east of Arkansas Avenue, near the intersection of U.S. 83 and Texas 359. Paramedics found Juan Antonio Gutierrez, 38, with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said Jasso, who was detained at the scene, had superficial stab wounds. Laura P. De Los Santos was named the principal of Freedom Elementary School by the United Independent School District board of trustees and Superintendent Roberto J. Santos. The new elementary school is scheduled to open in August. De Los Santos has worked as the principal of Centeno Elementary School since 2012. She previously worked as an assistant principal at Juarez-Lincoln Elementary and the Juarez-Lincoln Early Childhood Center at United D.D. Hachar. Prior to that, De Los Santos was a special education teacher at Salvador Garcia Middle School and director of student activities at Lyndon B. Johnson High School. De Los Santos has also worked in the capacities of teacher aide, secretary, bilingual clerk and also taught at the elementary level in Monterrey, Mexico. Ms. De Los Santos has the expertise and dedication it takes to see that every child reaches their fullest potential, said UISD Superintendent Roberto J. Santos. As it is for all of our principals, her goal is to do more than just educate it is also to improve and enrich the lives and future of our students. De Los Santos obtained her associate degree from Laredo Community College and has her bachelors degree in special education and masters degree in educational administration from Texas A&M International University. Im very excited and humbled by this opportunity to lead the districts newest elementary school, said De Los Santos. I look forward to this new endeavor and would like to thank all those who have given me their vote of confidence. I look forward to working with all staff members, parents and business partners to encourage and promote student achievement. Freedom Elementary School is the districts 28th elementary school and is located in east Laredo at 415 E.G. Ranch Road. The school mascot will be a bee and its official colors will be yellow, black and silver. If you do not have a current print subscription to the Lodi News-Sentinel, but want to view unlimited articles for the month, please choose this option. Tech & Science, Local News, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: February 23 2017 Governors Traffic Safety Committee grant helps lab reduce pending cases by half in just two years. Albany, NY - February 21, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the State Police Forensic Investigation Center in Albany has made significant improvement in reducing the amount of time it takes to complete testing of evidence submitted in Driving While Intoxicated and Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs cases. The improvements helped reduce the number of pending cases by nearly half over the past two years. This reduction was made possible by $8.1 million in grants awarded by the Governors Traffic Safety Committee, which allowed State Police to purchase new equipment and hire 14 new analysts and support staff. These additions helped improve case processing time by 26 percent in two years. Cracking down on drunk and impaired driving is more than vigilance on our roadways it requires resources and technology to process the evidence and hold accountable those who get behind the wheel while under the influence, said Governor Cuomo. These investments have helped to reduce processing time, increase efficiency and create a safer, more secure New York for all. Traffic safety is a mission priority for the State Police, and the work performed each and every day by our Forensic Laboratory System plays a critical role in helping us fulfill that mission, State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said. We appreciate the support of Governor Cuomo and the Governors Traffic Safety Committee in helping us address a critical need, which ultimately helps improve safety on our roadways. State Police and local law enforcement agencies are on the front lines of law enforcement, combatting the scourge of impaired driving and keeping New Yorks roadways a nationwide leader in safety, said Acting GTSC Chair and DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan. GTSC is proud to provide funding that enables State Police to not only improve, but speed up testing of evidence in DWI cases, which in turn helps keep dangerous drivers off New Yorks roads. In 2013, State Police and GTSC committed to improving case processing time in the labs toxicology section, which is responsible for testing of blood and urine evidence in DWI cases. The $8.1 million in grant funds through GTSCs General Highway Safety Grants program were used to hire the new staff to deal with increasing caseload, replacing positions lost due to cutbacks following the economic recession, provide training, and to purchase new, state-of-the-art testing equipment to replace systems that were breaking down or reaching obsolescence. The purchased equipment replaces aging gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and drug screening instruments. It also added a new liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry instrument which will allow the lab to detect additional drugs at lower levels in evidence samples. With the newly trained staff members and equipment in place, the lab system has reduced turnaround time for cases by 26 percent over the past two years, from a median of 87 days to 64 days. That timeframe is critical for prosecutors to meet the 90-day requirement in state law to bring cases to trial. In addition, the number of pending cases over 90 days has been reduced by 87 percent and will be completely eliminated in the near future, and the number of all pending have been reduced by 44 percent, despite an increase in the number of DWI cases submitted to the lab system. The State Police Forensic Laboratory System provides support statewide to Troopers and all law enforcement agencies, utilizing state-of-the-art analytical and investigative capabilities. The system has four laboratories, including the Forensic Investigation Center in Albany, and three regional labs: The Mid-Hudson Regional Lab in Newburgh, the Southern Tier Regional Lab in Port Crane, and the Western Regional Lab in Olean. The system is fully accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Laboratory Accreditation Board. Local News, Crime, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: February 23 2017 New Yorkers who have experienced bias or discrimination are encouraged to call State Division of Human Right's toll-free hotline at (888) 392-3644. Albany, NY - February 22, 2017 - "The anonymous bomb threat to the Anti-Defamation League's national headquarters this morning is unacceptable, un-American and disturbingly increasingly common. This despicable act of anti-Semitism completely contradicts the values we hold dear as New Yorkers. This is now a national crisis as a troubling pattern of recent anti-Semitic threats have been directed at Jewish Community Centers on a regular basis, including Buffalo, New York City, Albany, and Syracuse. "We are treating these incidents for what they are as crimes and we will not allow them to go unpunished. Today I have directed the New York State Police to coordinate with federal and local law enforcement to launch a full investigation into this latest incident. Make no mistake, we will find these perpetrators and hold them fully accountable for their actions. My administration has also been in direct contact with the Anti-Defamation League to ensure that they have the necessary resources and personnel to guarantee the safety of their employees and location. "We as New Yorkers stand with the Anti-Defamation League, an organization for over a century whose mission has been to stand up for the Jewish people and fight back the ugly divisive forces of bigotry and defamation. We stand with all Jewish people here in New York and across the country to say loud and clear enough is enough." New Yorkers who have experienced bias or discrimination are encouraged to call the New York State Division of Human Rights toll-free hotline at (888) 392-3644 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. If you want to report a crime or fear for your safety, call 911 immediately. Tech & Science, School & Education, Local News, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: February 23 2017 Governor Cuomo announced that more than 370 students from SUNY and CUNY schools, competing in more than 70 teams, registered to take part in the Making College Possible Coding Challenge. Albany, NY - February 21, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that more than 370 students from SUNY and CUNY schools, competing in more than 70 teams, registered to take part in the Making College Possible Coding Challenge, the first-ever statewide coding competition for SUNY and CUNY students. The challenge invites students to create a digital prototype of a mobile app or website to share information about the Excelsior Scholarship and what making college possible means to them. The students, who represent a wide variety of two- and four-year SUNY and CUNY schools across the state, received an official prompt to begin creating their digital prototype on February 14. The first draft of their prototype is due February 27. "The impressive number of submissions displays the breadth of talent and spirit of innovation embodied by our SUNY and CUNY students," Governor Cuomo said. "By providing tuition-free college to SUNY and CUNY schools, the Excelsior Scholarship will help thousands of students pursue their dreams, and this challenge provides a unique opportunity to let students share what this pioneering proposal means to them, as well as show the world their creativity and ingenuity." The preliminary judging will take place in late February, and the top five entrants will move on to the final judging and pitch session, to take place in early March in New York City. The finalists will work with mentors from New Yorks technology community and pitch their final products to a judging panel that will select one winner. The winning submission will be used to promote the Excelsior Scholarship, and the finalists will receive $2,000 per team furnished by the SUNY and CUNY systems. SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said, SUNY students from throughout the state have seized on the opportunity of Governor Cuomos coding competition, and with good reason. The competition provides an opportunity for students to showcase their talent and creativity while also producing a new platform where the value of college affordability can be shared with their peers, in their own voice. I look forward to seeing what our students come up with. CUNY Chancellor James B. Milliken said, "CUNY has terrifically talented students who, like most college students, are concerned about the cost of education. This competition combines their passions for technology and access to education. Thanks to Governor Cuomo for launching the coding competition but especially for the ground-breaking Excelsior Scholarship Program." More than 70 teams of students from the following SUNY and CUNY schools across the state registered for the competition: Alfred State College Baruch College Borough of Manhattan Community College Broome Community College Buffalo State University City College Finger Lakes Community College Hunter College John Jay College LaGuardia Community College Lehman College New York City College of Technology Onondaga Community College Queens College Stony Brook University SUNY Albany SUNY Binghamton SUNY Fredonia SUNY Plattsburgh SUNY Sullivan Westchester Community College York College Know the Facts The Excelsior Scholarship The Excelsior Scholarship program requires participating students to be enrolled at a SUNY or CUNY two- or four-year college full-time. The initiative will cover middle class families and individuals making up to $125,000 through a supplemental aid program. Currently 80 percent of NY households statewide make $125,000 or less with an estimated 940,000 households having college-aged children that would be eligible for the program. The new initiative will be phased in over three years, beginning for New Yorkers making up to $100,000 annually in the fall of 2017, increasing to $110,000 in 2018, and reaching $125,000 in 2019. The Excelsior Scholarship program is designed to provide the most students with the greatest opportunity to attend college tuition free in New York and that goal is met most cost-effectively by partnering with SUNY and CUNY. The Governors program does not treat New Yorks private universities unfairly. The state has invested more than $2.4 billion in private schools since 2011, and currently provides grants to approximately 90,000 students to attend private schools. The state of New Yorks investment in private colleges is greater than that of any other state besides Texas. Moreover, tuition at New Yorks private colleges is much higher than at public institutions the average tuition for a private school in New York is $34,000 a year compared to roughly $6,400 at SUNY and CUNY four-year schools and $4,300 at our community colleges. Based on enrollment projections, the plan is expected to cost approximately $163 million per year once fully phased in. While the cost estimate of the program is low, that is because it works with already existing programs to close the last mile of tuition costs. It combines New Yorks already robust $1 billion Tuition Assistance Program with federal grant funding, and then fills in any remaining gaps. The Governors program also works by incentivizing students to graduate on-time, requiring students to attend college full-time and graduate with an Associates Degree in two years or a Bachelors Degree in four years. Graduation rates at New Yorks public colleges, while similar to other schools nationwide, are too low 61 percent of four-year students and 91 percent of our two-year community college students in New York dont complete their degrees on time. The Excelsior scholarship aims to change that, saving students time and money by reducing their overall debt burden. The plan also recognizes there may be circumstances outside students' control, which is why the proposal includes a stepping out provision so that students will be able to pause and restart the program if life gets in the way. By 2024, 3.5 million jobs in New York State will require an associates degree or higher roughly 420,000 more jobs than in 2014. But for too many families, the cost of college is currently out of reach. The Excelsior Scholarship will equip students with the skills they need to succeed by making an advanced degree tuition free, and ensure they are able to secure the high-tech, high-paying jobs of tomorrow. Nature & Weather, Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: February 23 2017 Call for strengthening of nations best regional climate and clean air program, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). New York, NY - February 22, 2017 - More than 500 organizations, businesses, health professionals, lawmakers, and community leaders from the Northeast, called on Governor Cuomo and other Northeast and Mid-Atlantic governors to strengthen the nations best regional climate and clean air program, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Members from the New York State Assembly and New York Senate; the New York League of Conservation Voters and Citizens for Local Power; New York Presbyterian and Physicians for Social Responsibility; and Columbia University as well as New York University, sent a letter to the governors asking them to deliver clean air and a safe, healthy climate for us all. Specifically, the letter calls for governors to double the strength of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to head off the worst effects of climate change. Were on the right track, but we need to do much more, said Melanie Perl, Campaign Organizer with Environment New York. From Maryland to Maine, we can make Americas best regional climate and clean air program twice as effective. Over the last decade, the program helped cut emissions from power plants in half. In addition to cutting climate pollution, the RGGI program has created significant benefits for the region, including: Cleaner air. In its first six years, the program prevented 600 premature deaths, 9,000 asthma attacks, and 43,000 lost work days in the region. More local clean energy. In the first decade, the program generated $2.5 billion for clean energy and energy efficiency. In 2015, solar energy in New York reduced carbon pollution equivalent to the emissions from 70,000 vehicles Stronger economy. In its first six years, the program boosted the regional economy by $3 billion while creating more than 30,000 job-years. In Buffalo, the GigaFactory will be home to the largest solar panel factory in the Western Hemisphere. The company expects to create 3,000 new jobs in the city. Theres never been a more urgent time to tackle the climate crisis. With no leadership coming from Washington D.C., its up to Governor Cuomo to lead the charge, said Melanie Perl. RGGI has proven that we can reduce pollution, create jobs, and increase economic prosperity. By doubling down on this program across the region, well continue to show the country how clean energy leadership builds a vibrant economy and healthy environment, said Ron Kamen, CEO of EarthKind Energy. "For decades, our power plants have contributed to increased asthma rates and increases in hospitalizations and ER visits that exceed the average. said Council Member Costa Constantinides, Chair of the Council's Environmental Protection Committee. Now more than ever, these plants must become better neighbors and reduce their emissions even more. That includes stopping the practice of burning dirty fuel oils while looking to repower older facilities. I join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative in calling for power plants throughout our region to take decisive action on climate." The way RGGI creates these benefits is ingenious: its a system that ratchets down emissions each year and makes polluters pay to pollute. That revenue$2.5 billion to dateis then invested in clean energy and energy efficiency, which has led to healthier communities and thriving economies. Over the next few months, officials from the nine participating states will evaluate options for improving the program as part of a review process established when the program was launched. Our region and state has seen significant health benefits from this program, and we should seize this opportunity to deliver additional benefits, said Dr. Larysa Dyrszka, Board Member of Physicians for Social Responsibility. The letter also notes that the need to reduce pollution to protect our climate is only growing more urgent. In January, NASA announced that 2016 was the hottest year on record for our planet, breaking records last set in 2015 and 2014. People across the region are feeling the impacts. Here in the New York, we have borne the brunt of serious heat waves and major hurricanes. On average, power plant pollution in the region have been falling by almost 5 percent per year since 2005. In 2016, pollution went down by 4.8 percent. The coalition is calling on the governors to keep up that pace by lowering the limit on pollution by 5 percent per year through 2030 and address loopholes that undermine the program. That would double the strength of the cap, which currently requires emissions cuts of 2.5 percent per year. The good news is that New York has been leading the charge to protect our health and environment and shift to clean energy. Now its time to build on that success and make Americas best regional climate program twice as good, said Melanie Perl. Environment New York Research & Policy Center is a 501(c)(3) organization. We are dedicated to protecting our air, water and open spaces. We investigate problems, craft solutions, educate the public and decision-makers, and help the public make their voices heard in local, state and national debates over the quality of our environment and our lives. For more information, visit www.environmentnewyorkcenter.org Local News, Business & Finance, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: February 23 2017 Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos and the MWBE Advisory Committee held their monthly meeting yesterday, February 21. Mineola, NY - February 22, 2017 - Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos and the MWBE Advisory Committee held their monthly meeting yesterday, February 21, at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building, 1550 Franklin Avenue, in Mineola. Over 20 representatives from minority and women organizations attended as well as many MWBE business owners who are interested in opportunities to contract with the County. Photo by the Office of the Nassau County Comptroller. The meetings Keynote Speaker, Kenneth Arnold, Nassau County Assistant to the Commissioner of Public Works, spoke about the Countys Request for Proposal process (the RFP), and provided many useful tips on preparing successful bids. Nineteen new upcoming County opportunities were presented to the Committee for dissemination to the MWBE community. Two issues were raised impeding greater MWBE participation; the high bonding requirements and the lengthy New York Certification process for new firms wanting minority certification. The Comptrollers Office will consider steps to help lessen these issues. The MWBE Advisory Committee is a dynamic open public forum with the single mission to help Minority, Women and Veteran firms in Nassau County find business opportunities, said Comptroller George Maragos. Nassau County is committed to double the contract opportunities towards MWBE firms. The next MWBE Advisory Meeting will be held in March. Local News, National & World News, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: February 23 2017 Acting Director of ICE is urged to issue guidance making it clear to ICE personnel that victims of crimes should never have reason to fear that seeking justice in the court system could lead to ... Victims of crimes should never have reason to fear that seeking justice in the court system could lead to detention or deportation. Washington, DC - February 22, 2017 - U.S. Representatives Kathleen Rice (NY-04) and Val Demings (FL-10) are circulating a letter to House colleagues urging the Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to issue guidance making it clear to ICE personnel that victims of crimes should never have reason to fear that seeking justice in the court system could lead to detention or deportation. The letter comes after reports last week that ICE agents detained a transgender woman in an El Paso, TX court while she was seeking a protective order for alleged domestic violence. The agents reportedly conducted surveillance at the courthouse based on information from an unidentified source who provided the time and place of the hearing, as well as the fact that the alleged victim was living in a domestic violence shelter. In the letter, Reps. Rice and Demings note that a 2011 ICE memorandum advised personnel to exercise all appropriate prosecutorial discretion for cases involving victims and witnesses of crime in order to avoid deterring individuals from reporting crimes and pursuing justice in the court system. Domestic violence survivors, victims advocates, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers agree that fear is both a tool for abusers and a barrier to victims seeking refuge and justice, write Reps. Rice and Demings. Unfortunately, these recent actions only encourage fear and run counter to decades of work to build relationships between law enforcement and victims of violent crime. We respectfully urge you to issue guidance making clear to ICE officers, special agents, and attorneys that victims of crimes should have no fear of seeking justice in our court systems. Rep. Kathleen Rice is a former state and federal prosecutor, and the former District Attorney of Nassau County, NY. Rep. Val Demings was a member of the Orlando Police Department for 27 years, and served as the Chief of Police from 2007-2011. The full text of the letter is copied below. A final copy with a full list of signatures will be released in the coming weeks. The Honorable Thomas D. Homan Acting Director U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Washington, D.C. 20536 Dear Acting Director Homan: We are writing to express our serious concerns regarding reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel detained an alleged victim of domestic violence while she was seeking a protective court order. We know you understand that the trust between victims and law enforcement officers is essential to ending domestic violence and bringing abusers to justice. Unfortunately, too often, many immigrant victims, particularly those with unauthorized status, do not report violence or exploitation because they fear detention or removal. Indeed, in a 2011 memorandum ICE Director John Morton advised officers, special agents, and attorneys to exercise all appropriate prosecutorial discretion for cases involving victims and witnesses of crime in order to avoid deterring individuals from reporting crimes and from pursuing actions to protect their civil rights. Additionally, DHS has encouraged victims to come forward through its U visa program, which provides lawful status to victims that assist in criminal investigations. With this understanding, reports of ICE personnel entering a courthouse in El Paso, Texasthe very courtroom where this alleged domestic violence victim was seeking refuge from her abuseris deeply disturbing. According to eyewitness accounts reported by the Associated Press on February 16, 2017 and video footage of the incident from the courthouse surveillance cameras, agents escorted the alleged victim from the courtroom to be detained outside the courthouse. The affidavit itself notes that agents conducted surveillance at the courthouse based on information provided by an unidentified source that included the exact time and place of the court hearing and that the alleged victim was living at a domestic violence shelter. Domestic violence survivors, victims advocates, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers agree that fear is both a tool for abusers and a barrier to victims seeking refuge and justice. Unfortunately, these recent actions only encourage fear and run counter to decades of work to build relationships between law enforcement and victims of violent crime. We respectfully urge you to issue guidance making clear to ICE officers, special agents, and attorneys that victims of crimes should have no fear of seeking justice in our court systems. Family & Parenting, School & Education, Local News, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: February 23 2017 New York LGBT Network CEO David Kilmnick, will join Long Island transgender parents and students in a major press conference today after President Donald Trump recinds use of public bathrooms by transgenders. Woodbury, NY - February 23, 2017 - New York LGBT Network CEO David Kilmnick, will join Long Island transgender parents and students in a major press conference today after President Donald Trump recinds use of public bathrooms by transgenders. The press conference will take place on Thursday, February 23, 2017, at 11:30 a.m. at 20 Crossways Park North (Suite 110), Woodbury LI. They will announce how this impacts the civil rights of transgender students and what actions will be taken by the LGBTQ community, both locally and nationally. Assistance for students will be also discussed. Remember how iOS versus Android was just like the Mac versus Windows? Well, if you loved that old hit youre probably reading the wrong column. But pundits have a new spin on it that still makes no sense: Apple is Microsoft! See, they were Apple and got trounced by Microsoft and they were going to be Apple again but this time get trounced by Google but instead theyre Microsoft. It all makes sense when you read this pamphlet and relinquish all your worldly possessions. Writing for the Forbes contributor network and incurable myopia clinic, Adam Hartung describes Tim Cooks Ballmer-ization Of Apple. (Tip o the antlers to @JonyIveParody.) Okay, the finger-touch thing with Bono was certainly awkward, but not this awkward. If Cook wants to Ballmer-ize Apple hes going to have to turn it up a notch. A little history: Back in 2013, Hartung was explaining Why Apple Investors Should Worry. Wait, is it explaining if youre wrong? Well, whatever, he wrote that. He wrote that when shares of AAPL were at $69 (nice). AAPL is currently trading at almost twice that today. So. Theres that. The Forbes contributor networks tagline should be caveat lector. Or You could do so much better, honey. todays Apple, and the Apple emerging for the future, is absolutely not the Apple which brought investors to this dance. That Apple was all about innovation. Translation: I do not have a pair of AirPods nor have I ever spoken with anyone who owns one. That Apple was built by Steve Jobs. Todays Apple has been remade by Tim Cook, and it is an entirely different company. They actually only make canned soup now. And no one has even noticed. Analysts further like Apples likely expansion into India Do you remember when, just before filing for bankruptcy, Krispy Kreme was going to keep up its valuation by expanding into China? Yes, indeed, Apple is just like a company that filed for bankruptcy. Nailed it. Overall, doesnt this sound a lot like Microsoft? Facile comparisons can be purchased in bulk at Neds Facile Comparison Shack off Route 66 in Springfield, IL. Bill Gates founded a company that revolutionized computing with low-cost software on low-cost hardware YES, THAT SOUNDS JUST LIKE APPLE. Once this market was created, and pretty much monopolized by Microsoft CEO Gates turned the reigns over to CEO Steve Ballmer. Just as Apple, er, monopolized uh um Hey, you know whats great? Elephant ears. Fried dough with powdered sugar? Yummy. Today all one hears about at Apple is growing the installed base. Maximizing sales of iPhones. And then selling everyone services. Oh yeah, the Apple Watch came out. Sort of flopped. Sort of in Hartungs use here is apparently some kind of shorthand for this next thing is wrong but I want to say it anyway so I have to qualify it. Because the Apple Watch sort of actually did not flop. It sort of actually has done better than the Amazon Echo which pundits are falling over themselves to declare a success that Apple must respond to. Hartung wants you to think Apple Pay is a failure, too. Its not. And the fact that Apple ships Apple Music for Android belies his contention that Apples solely milking its existing customer base. Genius bar experiences arent always great. How is this different from a Microsoft Store experience? Hard to tell because no one has had a Microsoft Store experience. And now, in accordance with FCC regulations, the Macalope must say Zing. Zing. In a telling AdAge column one long-time Apple user discusses how he had two iPhones fail Anecdotes that support a preconception are always extremely insightful and telling. (The Macalope tackled that AdAge piece here.) As opposed to data which is inconvenient in its willingness to submit to a decided-upon narrative and itchy like a burlap sack. Apple faces challenges like any company. But its challenges are its own, as tempting as easy comparisons to the past are. Apple upgraded Messages in iOS 10 to include a ton of new features, but that doesnt mean that Google is giving up on Gboard, its third-party iOS keyboard. On Thursday, Google updated Gboard to support new emoji, voice-typing, 15 additional languages, and Google Doodles. Google originally released Gboard in May 2016 to give iOS users features like Glide Typing and built-in GIF search. After the update, Gboard will now be able to search and send all the new emoji that debuted in iOS 10.2 late last year. In addition, Google has expanded support for 15 languages, including Greek, Swedish, and Latin American Spanish. To type in these languages, open the Gboard app, select Languages, and then Add Language. Gboard has also integrated a voice-typing feature for users who like to dictate their messageswhich is apparently a lot of iOS users, since Google claims the feature was added by popular demand. Just long-press the mic button on the space bar and start talking, and Gboard will automatically transcribe your spoken words into text. Lastly, Gboards built-in Google Search now features those popular Doodles, the animations that show up on Googles homepage to commemorate special holidays and celebrations. On days when Google has created a custom Doodle, the Gboards G button will be animated. To access all these features, make sure you have Gboards latest version 1.3 installed. Why this matters: Apples massive upgrade of Messages in iOS 10 prompted some third-party keyboards to switch and become better-integrated as iMessage apps. That transition seems apt for single-use keyboards like Bitmoji and Kimoji. But that doesnt mean that all iOS users prefer the native typing experienceall of the bells and whistles introduced in iOS 10 might be too much for some, and others have different typing styles. So, we dont expect third-party keyboards to disappear anytime soon, especially robust replacements like Gboard, Microsofts Word Flow, and SwiftKey. Malaria Consortium Mozambique wins award for highly effective net distribution pilot 23 February 2017 In February 2017, Malaria Consortium was invited to the Alliance for Malaria Preventions (AMP) annual partners meeting in Geneva to share lessons learnt from a net distribution pilot project in Mozambique. The pilot implemented a novel payment approach for a large group of community-level workers in 23 districts of Nampula Province, in the northern part of the country. At the meeting, the AMP acknowledged the efforts and resilience of Malaria Consortium and its partners, Mozambiques National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) and World Vision through a recognition award for the successful 2016 long lasting insecticide-treated net (LLIN) distribution. During the pilot, Malaria Consortium found that one of the main challenges was the development of a secure payment mechanism for over 9,000 community-level workers without a bank account. The option of transporting of large amounts of cash poses substantial risks and makes financial control and accountability challenging, so a workable alternative was needed. Malaria Consortium and partners decided to trial a well-known mobile-money payment platform with proven track records to transfer payments, otherwise done in cash. A third of the community workers provided a mobile phone number and agreed to be paid via mobile money instead of cash. Once they received a message about the money transfer, they could retrieve the amount in cash from the nearest agent, usually located in local tuck shops. Malaria Consortium managed to pay around 3,000 workers through this platform. This innovative approach generated rich learning and opened new prospects for the use of electronic payments in future LLIN distributions. The pilots findings are currently being fed into the NMCPs strategy. The mobile money payment is clearly paving a new way of managing funds for the NMCP in large campaigns, said Fernando Bambo, Malaria Consortiums Deputy Project Manager. Lessons learnt from the Nampula LLIN pilot as a whole are now informing the planning and operational model for the 2017 mass LLIN distribution campaign. Country: Mozambique Kochi: In a dramatic turn of events, the Kerala police on Thursday arrested Pulser Suni, the prime accused in the actress attack case. Police arrested Suni who reached Ernakulam ACJM to surrender before the court. Suni and his close aide has been absconding since the incident. The police also arrested Vigeesh, Suni's close aid along with him. Though the police tried to nab Suni and his close aide earlier, the duo managed to escape. Earlier, the police had extended search to the neighbouring state to find the suspect, who had already moved an anticipatory bail application. The Kerala High Court also deferred the hearing of Suni's bail application to March 2. The Thiruvananthapuram Mayor has also maintained that she does not suspect anyone in her office to be behind the 'fake letter'. MARTINSVILLE-When local World War II veterans die, Henry County loses not only a person, but all the history he or she witnessed in their lifetime. In many cases, those personal experiences were never written down or documented, at least until now. A joint operation between local government, historical groups and a museum plans to preserve those memories in a new film project. The project to capture oral histories is being done in collaboration between the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society and the City of Martinsville, with the Virginia Museum of Natural History providing in-kind technical support. It all started in the summer, with an email sent out to the mayor and city manager that the state of Virginia, General Assembly, had set up a standing committee to properly commemorate a number of anniversaries coming up, said Danny Turner, who was the Martinsville mayor at the time. That committee is the Virginia World War I and World War II Commemoration Committee, under the Division of Legislative Services and headed by Executive Director Cheryl Jackson. W.C. Fowlkes was appointed to that committee as a representative of Martinsville, and Dale Wagoner was appointed as a representative of Henry County. The whole thing is to reflect on the two wars and the historical significance there, but also to bolster some travel within the state to various historic venues, Fowlkes said. The committee would be in place for several years, Turner said, and they said there was grant money available for local projects which followed the mission. The first project the city took on was a commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, on Dec. 7, Turner said. It also started looking into the oral history project. The goal was to record a history of these guys while theyre still around to do it, Turner said. Just Wednesday, a local World War II veteran, Barney Reid of Kings Grant, died, Turner and Fowlkes said. He was one that was offshore with the naval ship at Iwo Jima. He was a very sharp individual. Im sorry to see him go, Fowlkes said. The aim is to make a video of each interview of each World War II veteran the coordinators can locate, Fowlkes said. There also would be one overall video to summarize the experiences of the local veterans. Other localities are trying to do this all around that state as well, he added. A goal of it would be that people could find individual interviews based on searches by name and by locality. However, the city did not receive any funding from the state committee, so it turned to Dr. Joe Keiper for help. He is a member of the board of directors of the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society and is the executive director of the Virginia Museum of Natural History. Joe was able to swing it because, he being (with) a state agency, thats how were using his resources for taping and that sort of things, Fowlkes said. The video collection would be shared with the Library of Congress and any local organization which wants a copy of it, Keiper said. When it is completed, the Historical Society would run it continuously as a looping video as part of its current exhibit. The first interview was made on Tuesday at the Virginia Veterans Care Center in Salem to interview Talmadge Seay of Oak Level. Keiper and Turner brought Zach Ryder, the museums marketing associate, to do the filming. Fowlkes and Seays son, David Seay, were already there when the group arrived. Fowlkes conducted the interview. Now the group are looking for other veterans to interview. They know of more than a dozen in Kings Grant and several others throughout the community, and they also welcome people to contact them. Anyone interested may call Fowlkes at 806-1010. Looking towards the future, Keiper said, whenever weve completed our work documenting World War II veterans, we need to start looking at our other conflicts (to document experiences) and not waiting until people are elderly. MARTINSVILLE It seems scam artists will do anything these days to get a buck or several thousand. This tax season, scams are making their rounds once again. A local man received a voicemail last week, stating that the IRS had reviewed his documents and discovered he owed a large sum of back taxes. While diligent in his paperwork, the man feared the call, which threatened arrest if he did not immediately pay what they said he owed. Threats are common scare tactics used by scam artists wholl stop at nothing to get what they want. While the idea of arrest frightened the older gentleman, he decided to investigate the call before wiring any funds. According to Lt. Tony Turner, who works in the Criminal Investigation Unit at the Martinsville Police Department, the mans instincts were spot on. First, the fact that the supposed-IRS employee conducted a telephone call sent up red flags to Turner, who is trained to recognize scams. The IRS will never call you, Turner said. They will always contact you through mail. If the phone call which the real IRS doesnt even conduct fails to raise concern, the fact that taxes were supposedly miscalculated by several hundreds or thousands of dollars should. If you know you dont have back taxes, its more than likely a scam, Turner said. This particular trick isnt new. Its a scam thats gone on every year for several years, Turner said. Its always around tax time. The scammers have a particular demographic they target each winter and early spring. They target senior citizens that will believe, Oh Lord, somethings wrong, Turner said. The idea that they could be sent to jail terrifies many elderly individuals, especially those experiencing medical issues. The thought of Martinsville law enforcement officers arresting a senior citizen over taxes didnt sit well with Turner, who said thats not the way it works. Were not involved in tax collection. Thats the IRS, Turner said. Police will not come to the door to arrest you for taxes. No matter the scare tactic, Turner urged the public to be vigilant and not give out information. Dont give out anything over the phone, Turner said. Among information to never exchange over the phone, Turner included ones social security number, date of birth, credit card number or any identifiable information. Even though someone might claim to be with the IRS, Treasury Department or other recognizable organization, theyre not always telling the truth. They might not even be stateside. Therere people are all over the world with computers, Turner said. While callers may claim to be from Washington, D.C., the call could originate from another country. No matter where the call comes from, if the person on the other end demands personal information, Turner said, People should recognize that its a red flag and its a scam. If the general public has questions or concerns about a suspicious call, Turner asked that they notify police. Its not something we can investigate, but we will be happy to listen and explain that its a scam, Turner said. Were always there to help them out. Above all, Turner asked that people keep their information private. Dont give it out to anybody for any reason, Turner said. Want to get similar material sent to your inbox? Click here RICHMOND Legislation that would allow anyone with a military ID to carry a concealed gun sparked an impassioned debate Wednesday in the Virginia House of Delegates between a former Army JAG officer and a former Green Beret. Senate Bill 1362, which the House passed on a 67-32 vote, would allow any off-duty member of the military, reserves or Virginia National Guard to carry a concealed weapon in Virginia without going through the standard process of applying for a permit. The Republican-backed bill, sponsored by Sen. Richard Black, R-Loudoun, one of many aimed at expanding gun rights for specific groups, is likely to be vetoed by Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat. But its arrival on the House floor led to a striking back-and-forth over societal attitudes toward combat veterans between Del. Marcus Simon, D-Fairfax and Del. Nick Freitas, R-Culpeper. Simon, a former U.S. Army prosecutor who handled misconduct cases, called the bill ill-conceived, saying he had seen veterans at their worst dealing with substance abuse, PTSD and domestic issues, often as a result of their military service. The military, like any other community, has its share of really great folks, said Simon, a frequent critic of Republican gun-rights bills. But not everybody is a hero all the time. Freitas, who served two tours in Iraq with the U.S. Army Special Forces, said he didnt appreciate the perception of veterans as ticking time bombs who have to be watched much closer than anybody else in society. Those who take up arms and risk their lives overseas, Freitas said, shouldnt be met with skepticism back home. We were going to trust em. And not just with the small weapons that we carry around back here, Freitas said. But with the big, scary weapons. The 50-caliber machine guns. The anti-tank weapons. Several Democrats loudly disputed parts of Freitas remarks, suggesting he was mischaracterizing what Simon had said. To suggest that it might not be a great idea to tell everyone ... that just because you carry this ID card youre fit to carry a concealed weapon is not at all demeaning or degrading to folks in the military, Simon said in his remarks. Its just reality. The bottom line is that while we have been at war for over 15 years now, veterans actually do an excellent job of getting out of the military and coming back into civilian life, Freitas said. This week, McAuliffe vetoed similar legislation that would have allowed active-duty or honorably discharged service members to obtain concealed handgun permits even if theyre under the age of 21, the legal cutoff. In his veto message, McAuliffe said the bill amounted to an unwarranted expansion in the number of people allowed to carry handguns. My concerns about this bill are in no way a reflection of my respect and support for the brave young men and women who serve our nation in uniform, McAuliffe said. TODAYS WORD is stoic (stoh-ik). Example: His features remained stoic, but inside, he was a roiling sea of emotion. WEDNESDAYS WORD was crepuscular. It means lively mainly at dusk or sunrise. Example: He had an irrational fear of bats, moths, and other crepuscular creatures. Health screenings today There will be free healthcare screenings going on today in the lobby of the Henry County Administration Building, 3300 Kings Mountain Road. Those screenings will run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for any seniors 50 or older. A representative from Martinsville Urgent Care will also be over to check blood pressure and blood sugar, while someone from Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care will run oxygen saturation tests. Free meal Pilgrim Baptist Church, at 601 Third Street in Martinsville, will be serving free meals Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. TODAY IS: National Chili Day The fourth Tuesday in February is set aside to honor one of Americas favorite winter dishes: Chili or, if meat is added, chili con carne. Chili is most commonly made from tomatoes, beans, chili peppers, meat, garlic, onions and cumin. American frontier settlers used a chili recipe of dried beef, suet, dried chili peppers and salt, which was pounded together, molded into bricks and dried. The bricks could be boiled for a meal on the trail. Just prior to World War II, hundreds of small family-run chili joints popped up across the American Southwest most of them boasting that they had the secret recipe for the best chili ever made. Breakfast Club The Henry County Parks and Recreation Breakfast Club will meet at Clarences Steak and Seafood on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 8:30 a.m. The restaurant is located at 6636 Greensboro Road in Ridgeway and all seniors 50 and older are welcome. TRIVIA QUESTION: In what year did the last known Civil War widow pass away? WEDNESDAYS TRIVIA ANSWER: What vice-presidential candidate famously introduced himself at a debate by asking Who am I? Why am I here? The answer is the late Vice Admiral James Stockdale, who was Ross Perots pick for vice president when Perot ran as an independent in 1992. On Oct. 13 of that year, Stockdale uttered his famous line at an Atlanta, Georgia vice-presidential debate with Al Gore and Dan Quayle. In a 1999 interview with Jim Lehrer, Stockdale explained that Who am I? Why am I here? was intended as a comedic way to lead into his personal history and explain his background and positions to the American people. Unfortunately, his unfocused debate style and his age not to mention an incident in the debate when he had to ask the moderator to repeat a question because his hearing aid was turned off made Stockdale seem disoriented. Nonetheless, Perot and Stockdale received 19 percent of the vote in the 1992 election, and while they didnt carry any states, they still had one of the best showings by an independent ticket in U.S. election history. A feature appeared recently in the London Evening Standard (10th February, 2017) by a certain Victor Sebestyen about the exhibition Russian Art 1917-1932 at the Royal Academy. The article starts pleasantly enough. This superb exhibition, he says, is a timely historical 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. We could not agree more, the October Revolution is hugely relevant, especially in this centenary year. All kinds of historians, as well as policy wonks, explains our author, 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. So far so good. But, of course, good things can come to an end, starting with the second paragraph. Bolshevism vs Stalinism Mr Sebestyen soon reveals his true colours, launching into a vitriolic attack on Lenin and the Revolution, a story of Russias tragic 20th century. He says the brave new world (i.e. the Revolution) turned into killing fields and gulag labour camps. Like all liberal historians, the whole thrust of his argument is to try to identify Lenin with Stalinism and its brutal dictatorship. Marxism was in essence a religious faith, states our cheek-of-the-devil historian. Such a comment reveals his complete ignorance. Marxism is not a religion, but a science, which, unlike our bourgeois friends who praise the market economy, has explained the inevitable crisis of the capitalist system. This has been graphically confirmed by the 2008 slump and todays ongoing crisis. Marxism is also a guide to action - namely changing society. The Russian Revolution, states Sebestyen, was not the first to be betrayed by its own leaders and probably will not be the last. But the Bolshevik leaders did not betray the revolution. It was the upstart Stalin, basing himself on the growing bureaucratic counter-revolution, that betrayed the revolution. All the old Bolsheviks were murdered in Stalins Purge Trials. This demonstrates in practice the river of blood between Stalinism and Bolshevism. Of course, our bourgeois historian surely knows all this, but he has become very accomplished at distorting history for his own ends. 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, says our straight-faced author. It was Lenin who built a system based on the idea that political terror against opponents was justified for the greater end. It was perfected by Stalin but the ideas were Lenins. The Red Terror This black propaganda fake news - against Lenin is nothing new. Sebestyen is simply churning out the garbage of the past against the October Revolution. It is blindingly obvious that responsibility for the terror during the civil war does not lie with the Bolsheviks, but with imperialist intervention. The Bolsheviks wanted to defend the gains of the Revolution, which had put power into the hands of the working class and swept away the rule of the landlords and capitalists, while the counter-revolution wanted to violently restore the power of the old ruling classes and their system of brutal exploitation. Twenty-one armies invaded Russia in order to destroy the rule of the workers and re-introduce a dictatorship. Why shouldnt the workers and peasants defend themselves? What else were they supposed to do? The Red Terror constituted measures of defence against the White Terror and the forces of the counter-revolution, as with the Jacobins in the French Revolution. The only reason why opposition parties were eventually banned in Russia was not about creating a one-party state, but because these parties openly supported the counter-revolution with arms in hand. Initially, all parties were legal, except for the fascist Black Hundreds. As soon as they began supporting the White Armies and the imperialist intervention, everything changed. They became a fifth column and the Bolsheviks had no alternative but to ban them, in the same way as the British government banned Oswald Mosleys British Union of Fascist during the Second World War. In 1921, factions were banned inside the Bolshevik Party as an emergency measure because of the dangers of a split. It was intended as a temporary measure until this danger had passed. Within a year, despite the ban, Lenin was proposing to organise a faction with Trotsky against Stalin and the growing bureaucracy. Unfortunately, Lenin was laid low with a series of strokes that ended his life. The worst of his [Lenins] evils was to have left a man such as Stalin in a position to lead Russia after him. That was a historic crime, says shallow Victor. But this is a blatant fabrication. The truth is that Lenin broke off all personal relations with Stalin in early 1923 and demanded his removal as general secretary. This advice was contained in his Testament, but this was suppressed by Stalin and his supporters. Of course, our author is completely silent about this crime. After Lenins death, Trotsky took up Lenins struggle against Stalinism and his anti-Marxist theory of socialism in one country. Unfortunately, the international defeats of the working class, largely the responsibility of Stalin and his allies, strengthened the grip of the bureaucracy. The weary Russian working class, exhausted by years of sacrifice, were elbowed aside. Stalin became the figurehead of a veracious bureaucracy. On the basis of this counter-revolution, Stalin manoeuvred to expel Trotsky, as head of the Left Opposition, then banish and murder him. This was part of a political counter-revolution against the October Revolution. On this basis, Stalin set up a monstrous bureaucratic dictatorship, which had nothing in common with the democratic regime of Lenin and Trotsky. Of course, the danger of telling the truth about the Bolshevik Revolution would simply serve to legitimise the ideas of Lenin and Trotsky. This, the apologists of capitalism cannot do. They have another job. For them, the real ideals of October must be slandered and buried, so as not to provide an example for todays workers and youth who are facing the brunt of capitalist crisis. Support for the Soviets The dreaded hand of the leader of the Russian Revolution, Vladimir Illyich Lenin, is ever-present in the exhibition, frets our learned sage. The description of Lenins influence as dreaded simply reveals our liberals dread of the Revolution, which he personifies in Lenin. Again, our liberal historian tries his best to picture Lenin as some kind of bloodthirsty fanatic, by falsely putting words in Lenins mouth to his fellow conspirators: Do you think we can do this without firing squads? This is simply a fairy tale, an invention, despite the assertions of our unbiased historian. There was repression from the start, a civil war that cost at least three million lives, he states, which again is a complete distortion. To begin with, from the start the Revolution was very peaceful because there was nobody prepared to stand up and support the unpopular Provisional Government. Only five people lost their lives in Petrograd during the insurrection, and a few hundred in Moscow, while, in contrast, millions perished in the imperialist world war. The Russian civil war led to the death of millions, but this was down to the imperialist intervention and blockade against Russia. The support for the Soviet government was admitted by General Gough, a leader of the interventionist forces, who recognised that, the Russians are determined to prevent the return to power of the old official classes, and if forced to a choice, which is what is actually happening at the moment, they prefer the Bolshevik government. Dangerous times Mr Sebestyen has a new book out, called Lenin the Dictator: An Intimate Portrait. Having read his rubbish in the Evening Standard, I wouldnt recommend anyone wasting their time on another poisonous fabrication of poor old Lenin. Nevertheless, it is worth quoting his articles penultimate paragraph. 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 Royal Academy show as a timely warning of dangerous times to come. This is meant as a serious warning to the powers that be. For us, however, it is recognition of our Marxist analysis that a new revolution is entirely possible and necessary. On 17 February the Progressive Youth Alliance organised its city convention of Multan at the Multan Tea House hall. More than 200 students from various colleges and universities of Multan participated in this meeting. Representatives from various educational institutes of other cities had also came to witness this important meeting. Just one day before the meeting a suicide bomb had exploded during a protest in front of Punjab Assembly in Lahore, killing more than a dozen people. Therefore, the mood in Punjab was tense. But the PYA students, were determined to carry out their planned activities and did not hesitate for a moment. A separate banner was placed in the hall to commemorate the centenary anniversary of the Russian revolution. The PYA will organise various activities during this year to celebrate this anniversary of one of the most important events in human history. The opening speech of the convention was made by Fazeel Asghar, who is a student of Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU) in Multan. He outlined the aims and objectives of the PYA and the tasks of revolutionary students today. After comrade Asghar, other speakers addressed the meeting to speak about the current situation of student politics in Pakistan and how to move forward. The speakers were Asif Lashari from D.G.Khan, Shakira a female student from BZU Multan, Atta ullah from the Federal Urdu University Karachi, Arbaz from Kashmir, Waqas and Rawal Asad from Emerson College Multan, Ameer-ullah from the FATA council of BZU Multan, Kareem Jamali from Dadu, Shay Razai from UET Lahore, Hidayat-ullah from South Waziristan, Ishfaq Gujjar from Islamia University Bahawalpur, Umar Riaz from the Islamic International University of Islamabad and Zareef Rind, the organiser of Baloch Students Organisation (Pajjar) and general secretary of PYA. Anjum Saeed a leader of the Railway workers union also spoke at the occasion and expressed his solidarity with PYA. The speakers explained the problems faced by the students in colleges and universities and how a ban on student unions is hurting them. They said that security has been used as an excuse to turn the educational institutes into prisons. Fee hikes are yearly and are not regulated in anyway. This means that millions of youth from working class families are being denied the right to receive an education. A large part of the population has no access to basic education and those who are lucky enough to achieve primary education are for the most part denied the right of higher education - even if they perform better than students from wealthy families. For the students of higher education problems keep mounting. There are no proper hostels or transport for students and even the quality of education is deteriorating every day. Students are forced to live in private hostels where huge sums are extorted from them. Co-curricular and extracurricular activities, which used to be a basic thing at campuses has been abolished a long time ago, their place taken by a flow of drugs which is easily available. Unemployment and lack of educational opportunities also means that many young people join criminal gangs. The ruling class is content with a situation where students take up crime and drugs instead of politics. History of the student movement This depression situation is the result of the policies of state for past four decades. During the brutal dictatorship of Zia ul-Haq, student unions were banned while religious fundamentalist organisations were encouraged to get a foothold on campuses. The fundamentalist organisations were backed by the US and the Pakistani state to fight against Soviet influence in Afghanistan. The authorities provided all kinds of support for these groups such as arms and organisational backing. The financial backbone of the organisation was the heroin trade. That was how heroine was first introduced on the campuses by the religious organisations. The US and Pakistani ruling classes also used the university campuses as recruiting grounds for their "dollar Jihad". After the collapse of Soviet Union left wing student organisations collapsed and left the vacuum to be filled by right wing organisations. Student leaders of these organisations were involved in all kind of criminal activities from land grabbing to extortion,. Hence, the name of student politics was blackened to a large degree. The ruling class used this as a pretext to keep the ban on student politics intact, saying that student unions lead to crime and nothing else. But student politics was the breeding ground of revolutionary politics in 50s, 60s and 70s. Many left wing leaders of Pakistan started their political life from campuses, attending study circles and discussing theoretical texts such as The Communist Manifesto and State and Revolution. The 1968 revolution against the Ayub Khan dictatorship was in fact sparked by the killing of a student in Rawalpindi after which student protests throughout the country took to the streets against the Field Marshal. Later on, the trade unions joined the movement. A new chapter The speakers at the PYA conference, said that this convention is the beginning of a new chapter of student politics in Multan. The students of this important city are now fed up with the reactionary gangs of Islami Jamiat Talba, an Islamic fundamentalist student organisation which is active in Multan. Despite the ban on student organisations this organisation has the full backing of the Pakistani State and the university managements. Whenever some students raise their voices against the cruel management or for in defence of student rights, the gangs of this reactionary outfit are used to beat them up and sometimes even to kill them. But now the real horrific face of this organisation has been completely exposed and all students hate it. The organisation is no loner able to recruit students from the campuses so it is resorting ot bringing criminals from other cities and to get them fake admissions in order to carry out their criminal activities. Other left wing student organisations have long ceased to exist. The student wing of the PPP called Peoples Students Federation, which had the largest mass base among students in Multan has already splintered in dozens of groups after having been entangled in all the corruption and the looting and plundering which took place during the five years of Zardari led PPP rule. There was a report of the conference in the Daily Jang newspaper.The task for the students of PYA, now is to utilise this vacuum which has developed in the student movement to spread the message of revolutionary socialism amongst a wider layer of students and organise them in the fight against the forces of black reaction and the rotten Pakistani capitalism. During the convention many young poets also took the stage to enthrall the audience with their revolutionary poetry. These poets include Akhtar Munir from the Agriculture University of Faisalabad, Abid Malik, Yasir Faree, Qamar Farooq and Karim Parhar from the Pashtoon Students Federation in Quetta. Rooman Malik and Red Beetles sang revolutionary songs which brought the audience to their feet. A drama club called Nautankar also performed a short play at the end of convention. In the play they highlighted the problems faced by students due to the poor standards of the education system. Comrade Mahbloos Asad was the stage secretary. A t the end of Convention a new executive body for PYA Multan city was also announced. Comrade Giand Baloch from BZU was elected president of PYA Multan, Tooba as Vice President, Ammar from Emerson College as General Secretary, Yunas as Joint Secretary, Fazeel Asghar as Information Secretary, Asad as cultural secretary, Ameer ullah and Umair as Study Circle officer, Shakira as Women secretary and Waqas was as Finance secretary. Comrade Zain ul Abideen, the national organiser of PYA took an oath from these newly elected executive members of PYA Multan. In the end comrade Zain made the closing speech of the convention. He said that the enthusiasm and passion which we have seen today has given us new energy to carry our work forward. Comrades of PYA in Multan have held many activities for the preparations of this convention. They have organised many registration camps outside important educational institutes and registered hundreds of students. They also organised meetings on various topics in universities and colleges in which a large number of students participated. They have also raised necessary funds for this meeting through appealing to their sympathisers in the city. This was a huge task which seemed almost impossible to begin with. But the success of this convention clearly shows that our message is getting an overwhelming response from the students. But this is just the beginning and we have to bring many more students to this platform and organise them on the basis of the ideas of revolutionary socialism. The PYA will organise more similar conventions in other cities and aims to spread the organisation to all corners of the country. We are already in contact with revolutionary students of other countries world and extend our solidarity with their movements and struggles against the evils of Capitalism. Our task is to overthrow capitalism through a socialist revolution and we will not pause for a moment until final victory! After the convention a rally was organised against the ban on student unions, for free education and against the state sponsored Islami Jamiat and the violence it spreads in the educational institutes. In Defence of Marxism is committed to safeguarding your privacy. At all times we aim to respect any personal data you share with us, or that we receive from other organisations, and keep it safe. This Privacy Policy (Policy) sets out our data collection and processing practices and your options regarding the ways in which your personal information is used. This Policy contains important information about your personal rights to privacy. Please read it carefully to understand how we use your personal data. We may update this Policy from time to time without notice to you, so please check it regularly. The provision of your personal data to us is voluntary. 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Please let us know if you have any queries or concerns whatsoever about the way in which your data is being processed by emailing the Data Protection Manager at webmaster@marxist.com NEWS EVENTS MEMBER INVESTOR SPOTLIGHT TAKE3 is Big Sky Economic Developments electronic newsletter designed specifically for our Member Investors, Board and Staff. Each Wednesday Take3 will arrive at your inbox, with the top three stories of the week, the next three events you need to know about and a Member Investor spotlight. Full Newsletter: http://send.boingomail.com/t/ViewEmail/r/4DDFFDF47C8B054B2540EF23F30FEDED/ECF8D414E8BE4206419C69E1CEBE89F9 Tesla offered assurances Wednesday that the launch of its first mass-market electric car, the Model 3 https://www.tesla.com/model3 , remains on track as it issued fourth-quarter results that cut its losses and beat revenue estimates. Chris Woodyard , USA TODAY Full Story: http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2017/02/22/tesla-start-making-mass-market-model-3-july/98268804/ Our range includes a flat range from 10-100 yards as well as a 20 target walking course for more realistic simulation of hunting scenarios. Back during the height of the recession, when the timber industry was weathering the same storm of tumbling revenues and pink slips that plagued so many other Montana industries, the states Department of Labor and Industry made a strange connection. Tasked with helping out-of-work timber workers, the department began to steer them toward one of Montanas fastest-growing occupations: nursing. It may sound odd, chief economist Barbara Wagner says, but the two occupations arent as different as you might think. By Alex Sakariassen Full Story: http://missoulanews.bigskypress.com/missoula/in-search-of-solutions-to-montanas-labor-shortage/Content?oid=3392854 The Golden Triangles wealth of high-quality crops and livestock can be leveraged to create a wealth of new industry and jobs, developers say. The Great Falls Development Authority http://www.gfdevelopment.org/ is helping existing agricultural processing plants expand and recruiting other companies to take advantage of the seven-county Golden Triangle Areas harvests. GFDA is concentrating on agricultural processing, said Jolene Schalper, vice president specializing in manufacturing expansion and start-ups, including ag processing. Timeless Seeds, a pulse crop marketing company, and Montana Eggs, a cooperative of 30 Hutterite colonies, expanded their businesses. Friesen Nutrition, a Canadian livestock nutrition company, will locate in Great Falls and broaden its Montana operations. Peter Johnson , [email protected] Full Story: http://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/money/2017/02/21/growing-jobs-golden-triangles-bountiful-harvests/98068350/ The president of the worlds leading professional accountancy body, ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is announced as Orla Collins. Orla, who lives and works in Dublin, takes on the role for 2021 / 22 assuming the chain of office from last years president Mark Millar. She is the first woman president from Ireland in ACCAs 118-year history and ACCAs fifth woman president. Orla joined ACCA in 1997 and has been a Council member since 2012. As president, Orla will be the figurehead and leader for ACCAs 233,000 members and 536,000 future members in 178 countries. Orla brings a wealth of experience to the role, which will run alongside her full-time job as deputy managing director of Aberdeen Standard Investments Ireland. Orla said: Im honoured to be ACCAs global president and want to thank Mark for his dedication over 2020 / 21. For my presidential term, Ill focus on opportunity and the value of the global accountancy profession. I want to celebrate all that ACCA offers as a professional body to its members, future members and its wider community. Orla holds an MSc in strategic management (first class honours), is a member of the Institute of Bankers, a licentiate of the Association of Compliance Officers in Ireland and a qualified financial advisor. Orla was confirmed in her new role at the annual Council meeting after ACCAs AGM on the 18 November. Joseph Owolabi, from Melbourne, Australia, was appointed deputy president and Ronnie Patton, a senior lecturer at Ulster University, became vice president. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires CHARLOTTE A former mail carrier faces up to five years in prison after federal authorities found enough undelivered mail on his property some of it dating back to 2000 to fill two full-sized dump trucks. Gary Wayne Collins, 53, of Forest, City, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dennis Howell on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to detaining and delaying U.S. mail in Cleveland and Rutherford counties, announced Jill Westmoreland Rose, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Paul L. Bowman, Area Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) joins U.S. Attorney Rose in making Wednesdays announcement. According to filed court documents and the plea hearing, on April 15, 2014, a witness observed Collins placing several tubs of mail behind a dumpster in Shelby. The witness notified the local postmaster and the tubs of mail were recovered. The postmaster determined that the recovered tubs contained deliverable mail for addresses on Collins delivery route, who at the time was a U.S. Postal Service Rural Carrier. Court records indicate that when postal agents interviewed Collins two days later, Collins told the agents that he had never intended to dump any mail and that he had left the tubs near the dumpster only temporarily, intending to return later to pick them up. Collins also told the agents that he had never thrown away any mail or stored it at his residence. The mail recovered on April 15, 2014, comprised 1,513 pieces, including 628 pieces of First-Class mail and three parcels. According to court documents, in May 2014, postal agents discovered more than 1,800 pieces of undelivered mail hidden in Collins residence and his vehicle. The undelivered mail included 134 pieces of First-Class mail dating as far back as April 2000. Court records indicate that postal agents also found additional pieces of undelivered mail inside a partially-collapsed outbuilding located on Collins property. According to court records, the Postal Service used a backhoe to remove two full-sized dump truck loads of mail from the outbuilding. That mail could not be salvaged due to extensive weather damage and had to be destroyed. Collins admitted in court yesterday that for approximately 10 years he had been bringing to his residence the mail that he had not delivered. Collins pleaded guilty to one count of unlawfully destroying, detaining and delaying U.S. mail, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Collins was released on bond following his plea hearing. A sentencing date has not been set yet. The investigation was led by USPS-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Edwards, of the U.S. Attorneys Office in Asheville, is prosecuting the case. The Marion City Council approved Tuesday the final design for the new events shelter/restroom structure in the downtown, which will serve as a stage for concerts and other outdoor gatherings and replace the gazebo on North Main Street. In a separate matter, city officials took action regarding a possible new hotel for Marion. At Tuesdays meeting, the City Council approved a design for the events shelter and public restrooms structure on North Main. It will be modeled after an amphitheater located at Citizens Park in Barrington, Ill. England Builders estimated the cost of this planned structure to be $75,563, according to city officials. In the fall of last year, Marion was awarded a $94,340 downtown revitalization grant from the N.C. Department of Commerce. As part of this grant award, the City Council authorized that $10,000 of this money be used for a downtown business exterior grants program. The rest of the grant money was designated for building new public restrooms at the Tailgate Market and a new events shelter and restrooms structure in the downtown. City officials talked last fall about building a permanent and more attractive stage along Main Street that could be used for concerts, festivals and other special events. It would also have restrooms. During Tuesdays meeting, council considered three options which were provided by England Builders. The first option resembles the amphitheater in Barrington, Ill. The other two options are less expensive. Robert Masiello, owner of Mr. Bobs Do-Nuts, told city officials they should go with the first option and make it something Marion could be proud of. He added other downtown business owners felt the same way. Under this design, the structure will comprise 23 feet by 30 feet. A major difference from the one in Barrington, Ill. is the rafters would not hang out from the canopy but would be flush instead. The shelter for Marion would not be raised above the ground. Something like this is something we should have on Main Street, said Councilman Everette Clark. Council picked out the type of stone that will be used in the event shelters construction. I think we are going in the right direction on this, said Mayor Pro Tem Billy Martin. The cost of all these projects comes to a total of $160,000. Council agreed to use $65,000 of city funds to pay for this, along with the $94,340 state grant. Without the grant, there is no way we could do this, said Councilman Lloyd Cuthbertson. In other business, council held a public hearing to annex the 30-acre property on N.C. 226 South and Interstate 40, which is across from McDowell Technical Community College. This property could become the location for a new hotel. After hearing no comments from the public, council closed the hearing and voted to annex the property, which is effective immediately. City Manager Bob Boyette said the site is now vacant but property owner Prakash Kadire of New Jersey asked for the annexation to get city services so it can be developed. The owner has identified as many as seven potential building sites on the property, said Boyette in a memo. The owner has informed the city that the first project will involve the construction of a hotel. In a related matter, city officials approved the submission of a $120,000 grant application to the N.C. Department of Commerces infrastructure program. If awarded, this grant would support the extension of sewer service to that site on N.C. 226 South and I-40. The $120,000 grant request is based on the owner committing to provide 24 full-time jobs, reads a memo from Boyette. The total anticipated cost of the sewer extension is $293,300, with the city and the county splitting the local match on the grant. Boyette told The McDowell News that Kadire has received confirmation of a franchise from a major hotel chain but he declined to name which one. Kadire was the owner of the Marion Travel Plaza, which he sold to Pilot Flying J, according to Boyette. In other business, the City Council approved extending Marions Downtown Municipal Service District (MSD) to include the former West Rock property along West Henderson and Burgin streets. This large commercial building, which was on the real estate market for a long time, is now owned by Gurley Storage, LLC. Earlier this month, council held a public hearing about extending this district. This action is a part of Marions effort to develop the downtown. Recently, local officials have looked at how to use the former West Rock building for downtown development, including a movie theater. Both Boyette and County Manager Ashley Wooten have talked with state experts on how to do this and that is how the Municipal Service District came into play. State officials are reportedly intrigued by the recent purchase of the former West Rock property by Gurley Storage and how it could be further developed. But for this to happen, the city needed to include it in the Municipal Service District. At Tuesdays meeting, Boyette said hes been informed by state officials that the trend lately is for movie theaters to leave small towns and rural areas. The city manager said the Carmike 7 movie theater in his hometown of Washington, N.C. shut down in December after being there for decades. Were not getting a lot of positive feedback on that, said Boyette on Wednesday. Boyette said he and Wooten will continue to pursue the movie theater for Marion and McDowell County. In other business, the Marion City Council: Agreed to endorse the formation of a non-profit community development corporation that would address the housing needs in the local community. This new organization would fill the gaps left behind because McDowell County no longer has an active Habitat for Humanity chapter. City officials said more information will be announced as this idea is researched further. Heard a report about the increase of retail sales in McDowell County. For 2016, retail sales in McDowell increased by almost $33 million, or 10.6 percent, to a total of more than $339 million. Through the first six months of fiscal year 2016-2017, retail sales in McDowell grew by 13 percent over the same time period in the previous year, outpacing the growth statewide, which is 8.2 percent. Naturally, most of these retail sales occurred in Marion. The increase in retail sales is a very positive trend that should continue, given the number of new businesses that have located in the city recently and that are looking to open in the next year, said Boyette. Approved the purchase of a budgeted utility maintenance truck from Everett Chevrolet. The cost of the truck is $39,587. An additional snow plow will cost $5,500. Morgan County Veterans Day Parade slated Nov. 11 Audio Article The Morgan County Veterans Day Parade will be held on Friday, Nov. 11. The parade will form at the Commons, in McConnelsville, at 9:30 a.m. and set out at 10 a.m. The American Legion Post 24 will render honors at the monuments at the Commons, Riecker Building, the Square, at... A concert with two purposes Audio Article Wednesday, Nov. 30, a concert with dual purposes is being held at the Twin City Opera House in McConnelsville, Ohio. Its a thank-you to healthcare workers, who can attend for free, and its a benefit for the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society. In September 2021, Rick Shriver contracted COVID-19. He collapsed... BOE reminder of early voting hours and polling location change Audio Article Remaining early voting hours at the Morgan County Board of Elections are as follows: from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov, 2 through Friday, Nov. 4; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5; from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6; and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.... Lions Club announces annual Wreaths Across America Audio Article On Saturday, Dec. 17, the Chesterhill Lions Club will be joining with National Wreaths Across America in the laying of wreaths at each of the seven cemeteries located in Marion Township. The mission is to honor the local veterans who have served our nation so their families can rest assured... Governor DeWine awards $6.7 million for domestic violence survivor programs Audio Article Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced that he is awarding $6.7 million to support the work of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN) to offer mobile and health advocacy services and temporary residential services for domestic violence survivors across the state. The announcement comes during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.... CDC committee vote wont change Ohio school vaccine requirement Audio Article Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA has released the following statement: The CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation for the COVID-19 vaccine to be added to the formulary or schedule of vaccines for children does not mandate this vaccine for school children. Ohio law determines... by Jess Nelson , February 22, 2017 Artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced machine learning were highlighted as the one of Gartners top ten strategic technology trends for 2017, and the industry is expected to experience high growth rates over the coming years. The AI market is expected to grow at a high compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 62.9% to be worth more than $16 billion in 2022 according to Research and Markets, while Tractica estimates AI revenue will grow from $643.7 million in 2016 to $36.8 billion by 2025. Artificial intelligence will also have implications for the email marketing industry, playing a role in the automation and personalization of cloud-based digital communication, according to email testing and marketing company Email on Acid. Justin Khoo, an email developer at Email on Acid, chatted about the different ways that artificial intelligence could potentially disrupt the email marketing industry in a conversation with Email Marketing Daily. Khoo is also the founder of Campaign Workhub, an email marketing review and editing service based in San Francisco. Although Khoo says artificial intelligence is still in its early stages, he asserts that marketers will gain deeper insights and enhance creativity by weaving AI into future marketing campaigns. Khoo says that a lot of vendors today throw the word AI out when they really mean machine-learning tools that are focused to learn specific results, like send-time optimization. Business intelligence has been around for awhile, but thats guided, says Khoo. You manually put in what youre looking for in a search box. Some of the bigger companies offer more high-level AI services, he says, like IBMs Watson and Salesforces Einstein. These companies offer what Khoo refers to as unguided AI, a system that doesnt require human input to categorize or find the correct insights. In the future, those types of technologies could really add to email, says Khoo, describing several examples of how AI could be integrated into email campaigns. Artificial intelligence could help automate customer service-oriented emails with AI bots responding to email questions, similar to Google Inboxs Smart Reply feature. Voice assistance services like Siri or Alexa could also be integrated into email applications to read aloud content or trigger responses. Khoo says that artificial intelligence has also begun to play a role in analytics, recognizing early warning signs that might have implications for email deliverability or revenue Artificial intelligence could pick up on the small nuances of online behavior that might signal intent to purchase, such as looking at reviews or downloading content, and then send different types of email messages when the AI feels customers might be ready to complete a sale. Artificial intelligence can help an email marketer optimize content and layout, but it still lacks the capabilities to develop and design emails. Right now AI cannot create a marketing campaign for you, says Khoo. It cannot design an email and it cannot make sure that email looks good. Email development cannot be automated by AI right now, but maybe in the future. Khoo says that testing becomes even more critical when you make the AI do more and more advanced things, like moving content around. While AI can offer predictive content, maximized subject lines, and generate compelling offers, it still cant guarantee the email in question looks perfect in every inbox. Its also critical to set boundaries on the sources the AI can learn from, so angry customers or Internet miscreants cant influence the tone of the bot. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, February 22, 2017 Facebook is asking a federal judge for permission to immediately appeal his refusal to dismiss a class-action lawsuit accusing the company of illegally sending people messages about their friends' birthdays. "Reversal on appeal would likely result in the immediate termination of the litigation, thus avoiding protracted class action litigation," Facebook argues in papers filed late last week with U.S. District Court Judge Thelton Henderson in San Francisco. The lawsuit dates to 2016, when Florida resident Colin Brickman alleged in a class-action complaint that Facebook's birthday texts violate the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits companies from robo-texting people without their permission. Facebook unsuccessfully asked Henderson to dismiss the case for several reasons, including that it has a free speech right to send the texts. Henderson rejected that argument, ruling that the Telephone Consumer Protection Act is constitutional because it serves a "compelling government interest in promoting residential privacy," and is neither too broad or too narrow to accomplish that goal. The social networking service also unsuccessfully argued that Brickman's complaint didn't contain enough facts to show that the company used an automated dialer to send the texts. Henderson sided against Facebook, ruling that Brickman's complaint "alleged exactly how Facebooks software determines who to text, how it gathers the contact information needed to send out texts, how it creates text messages, and how it sends them out, all without human intervention." Facebook argues in its most recent papers that it wants to appeal on both of those issues. "The appeal would resolve two major controlling questions that would otherwise hang over the case through trial," Facebook writes. "It could thereby give both sides more clarity about the likely outcome and promote the possibility of an earlier resolution." Alternatively, Facebook is asking Henderson to stay the lawsuit until another appellate court -- the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals -- has ruled on a separate dispute over robotexting. Henderson has directed Brickman's lawyers to respond to Facebook's motion by March 3. by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, February 23, 2017 New York-based ad agency Barker has been appointed Mieles Agency of Record for U.S. marketing, advertising and sales support, the agency confirmed today. The independent shop will handle traditional and digital advertising, social media marketing and promotional support for the high-end appliance company. There was no formal review and no incumbent AOR. The brand previously worked with U.S. agencies on a project basis. In the U.S. the brand's spending is on the rise. The firm spent $8.6 million on ads in 2015, according to Kantar Media. From January through November of last year spending totaled $11.3 million. Barker understands the Miele Brand, particularly for the American consumer, and they bring the optimal level of strategy and creativity toward boosting sales and supporting our dealers, stated Miele VP of marketing, Christian Schwarz. They are also highly collaborative in coordinating with our central brand team in Germany, as well as our other agency partners. advertisement advertisement Miele products include dishwashers, wall ovens, built-in espresso centers, ranges, washers and dryers, and vacuum cleaners. The company reported sales of 3.71 billion euros (about $3.92 billion at today's exchange rate) in its 2015-16 business year which ended June 30, 2016. For Barker, the appointment is the latest in a string of recent wins, including Bennigans, Steak & Ale, Petro Home Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, cult fitness studio Physique 57 and SlimFast. by Larissa Faw , February 23, 2017 Tufts Floating Hospital for Children is expanding its You Dont Have to Be Big to Be Strong campaign to focus on the patient experience. When the Tufts Medical Center engaged Nail Communications for a marketing campaign last year, the agency then recommended a makeover to elevate the experience for patients, their families and the staff of the Boston-based hospital. The agency worked with animation house Meomi and makeover features The Toughlings, a group of small, but tough, animal characters created to remind kids entering and exiting the hospital that they are brave, strong and tough. The Toughlings appear in colorful murals throughout the elevator banks in the hospital, on materials such as badge holders, stickers, backpacks, and on an interactive website, TheToughlings.org. advertisement advertisement They also appear via the main entrance and plaza level of the hospital thanks to funding from Ace Bailey Childrens Foundation and DCU Credit Union, benefactors of Floating Hospital. Our creative strategy centered on patient experience, and The Toughlings play a big part in how children and caregivers view the hospital, from the inside out, stated Jeanette Palmer, head of client service, Nail Communications. The You Dont Have to Be Big to Be Strong campaign was first launched in 2015 with a manifesto video narrated by Denis Leary, to reflect Bostons hometown pride and reputation as a resilient and strong city. Last year, Nail launched a TV, digital and out-of-home campaign that showed pediatric patients displaying their strength in and out of the hospital, from common childhood injuries to the more serious concerns. It also celebrates patients from newborns to teenagers who are living proof that you dont have to be big to be strong. @nailprovidence A new study suggests severe gum disease also known as periodontitis may be an early marker of type 2 diabetes. Share on Pinterest New research suggests there may be a link between gum disease and diabetes. According to the latest data, diabetes affects approximately 422 million people worldwide, and this number is expected to increase. In the United States, 29 million people live with the disease. Of these, over 8 million people have it but have not been diagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also estimate that 37 percent of American adults over the age of 20 have prediabetes. New research published in the journal BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care suggests severe gum disease, or periodontitis, might be an early sign of diabetes. The authors also suggest a simple finger stick diabetes screening procedure could be carried out in the dental office to avoid the adverse effects of leaving diabetes untreated. Studying the link between severe gum disease and diabetes Researchers from the University of Amsterdam in The Netherlands assessed a total of 313 participants from a dental clinic at the university. Of these, 126 patients had mild-to-moderate gum disease, 78 patients had severe periodontitis, and 198 individuals did not have signs of gum disease. Participants with periodontitis had a higher body mass index (BMI) than the rest, with an average BMI of 27. However, other diabetes risk factors such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol were similar across all three groups. The researchers analyzed higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values in dry blood spots, and evaluated the differences in mean HbA1c values, as well as the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes between the two groups. HbA1c values measure the average level of blood sugar in the last 2-3 months. The dry blood spots were obtained by sampling participants blood using a finger pin-prick test. Prediabetes is commonly considered to range between an HbA1C value of 39-47 millimoles per mol (mmol/mol). Scientists have discovered that in healthy skin, harmful Staphylococcus aureus is kept in check by its friendlier cousins, whose numbers are depleted in people with atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema. Share on Pinterest The researchers found the bacteria on the skin of people with atopic dermatitis were not doing the same thing as the bacteria on the skin of healthy people. In a paper published in Science Translational Medicine, a team from the University of California-San Diego (UCSD) and colleagues describe how they isolated and grew commensal or friendly bacteria that secrete antimicrobial peptides and transplanted them to treat patients with atopic dermatitis. Humans are alive with trillions of microorganisms that live in and on the body and outnumber human cells tenfold. Scientists are increasingly coming across examples of how these microbial cells and their genetic material known as the microbiome can promote or disrupt human health via their intimate relationship with the immune system. The researchers behind the new study screened 10,000 colonies of commensal bacteria found on human skin to determine how many had antimicrobial properties. They also investigated how common they were on healthy and non-healthy human skin. First author Dr. Teruaki Nakatsuji, a project scientist in the department of dermatology at UCSD School of Medicine, explains what they found: We discovered antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria commonly found on healthy human skin. These novel antimicrobials have selective activity against pathogenic bacteria, but do not harm other commensal bacteria that have a beneficial effect to us. The human whipworm, which infects 500 million people and can damage physical and mental growth, is killed at egg and adult stage by a new drug class developed at the Universities of Manchester and Oxford and University College London. Current treatments for human whipworm are based on 1960s drugs initially developed for livestock and have a low success rate in people. There are also no vaccines available. As a result there's a desperate need for new treatments. The team from the three UK universities, whose results have been published in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, studied a class of dihydrobenzoxazepinones, not previously associated with controlling whipworms. The researchers found that the compounds kill the adult stages of the whipworm much more effectively than existing drugs. Parasite immunologist, Professor Kathryn Else from The University of Manchester said: "Eradicating the whipworm requires more effective drugs, improving hygiene and vaccine development. The compounds we have discovered could address the first two of these." Whipworm eggs are also affected by the compounds. Whipworm eggs are passed from infected faeces into people by hand to mouth contact. This often happens in unsanitary toilets or areas where people live close together. The eggs are highly resistant to extreme temperature changes and ultraviolet radiation and can remain viable in the environment for many years. However the new compounds are effective against the eggs and could be developed into a spray which can stop infection at source. The researchers are now modifying their compounds to make them effective enough for a treatment in humans, and one that can be turned into a product used in the developing countries most affected. Professor Else said: "This team brought expertise from immunology, medicinal chemistry and neurobiology and really shows how combining across disciplines and institutions can lead to important new discoveries. "Although we rarely see whipworm infection in the UK, it is a serious and damaging problem in many parts of the world and if we can develop this treatment, the lives of many people could be improved." Funding was provided by the BBSRC. Article: Dihydrobenz[e][1,4]oxazepin-2(3H)-ones, a new anthelmintic chemotype immobilising whipworm and reducing infectivity in vivo, Frederick A. Partridge , Emma A. Murphy , Nicky J. Willis , Carole J. R. Bataille, Ruth Forman, Narinder Heyer-Chauhan, Bruno Marinic, Daniel J. C. Sowood, Graham M. Wynne, Kathryn J. Else , Angela J. Russell , David B. Sattelle, PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005359, published 9 February 2017. MRI screening improves early diagnosis of breast cancer in all women-not only those at high risk-according to a new study from Germany published online in the journal Radiology. MRI has long been known as an effective breast cancer screening modality that offers better sensitivity than mammography and ultrasound. Currently, guidelines reserve breast MRI screening for women who have a strong family history or other specific breast cancer risk factors. MRI screening has not been considered necessary for women at average risk, and there has been resistance to expansion of MRI into this population due, in part, to concern over higher costs. However, with breast cancer remaining a major cause of cancer death in women, there is good reason to pursue the search for improved screening methods, according to the study's lead author, Christiane Kuhl, M.D., chair of the Department of Radiology at RWTH Aachen University in Aachen, Germany. Between 2005 and 2013, Dr. Kuhl and colleagues studied breast MRI's impact on 2,120 women, ages 40 to 70, with less than a 15 percent lifetime risk of breast cancer. The women had normal screening mammograms and, in the case of those with dense breast tissue, normal screening ultrasound. Breast MRI detected 60 additional breast cancers, including 40 invasive cancers, for an overall supplemental cancer detection rate of 15.5 per 1,000 women. Of the 60 cancers detected in the study group over the observation period (7,007 screening rounds), 59 were found only using MRI, one was found also by mammography, and none by mammography or ultrasound alone. According to Dr. Kuhl, the results suggest that MRI can serve as a useful supplemental screening tool for women at average risk, especially those with dense mammographic tissue, and that MRI is superior to supplemental ultrasound for this purpose. The results also highlight the ability of MRI in the detection of more aggressive types of cancer. "The faster a cancer grows and the better it is in seeding metastases, the better will it be picked up early by MRI," Dr. Kuhl said. "In our cohort, cancers found by MRI alone exhibited features of rapid growth at pathology." This ability is especially important in women with dense breast tissue in which aggressive cancers may be missed on mammography. Left undetected, these cancers will grow to become clinically palpable cancers, also known as interval cancers. The new study showed that, consistent with previous research, breast MRI can depict these rapidly growing cancers with high reliability. According to Dr. Kuhl, interval cancers exhibit an adverse biologic profile and are the main driver of breast cancer mortality. Additional cancers detected by MRI screening in the study had a skewed distribution towards a higher-than-normal prevalence or incidence of rapidly growing (grade 3) cancers. "The interval cancer rate in our study was zero percent. Not a single cancer was undetected that became palpable," she said. "This suggests that MRI finds breast cancers that also mammography would find, but MRI detects them earlier, and it finds the cancers which, if MRI had not been done, would have progressed to interval cancers." Article: Supplemental Breast MR Imaging Screening of Women with Average Risk of Breast Cancer, Christiane K. Kuhl, MD, PhD, Kevin Strobel, MD, Heribert Bieling, MSc, Claudia Leutner, MD, Hans H. Schild, MD, PhD, Simone Schrading, MD, PhD, Radiology, doi: 10.1148/radiol.2016161444, published online 21 February 2017. Screening methods for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes could be improved by measuring different biological signposts to those currently being tested, a new study led by researchers from King's College London suggests. Published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the study could allow doctors to better predict the development of cardiovascular disease at an earlier stage. The research, which was supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, explored the role of a family of proteins called apolipoproteins. Currently, the main focus is on apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1), the main component of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or 'good' cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B (apoB), which is present on low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or 'bad' cholesterol. However, for the first time, researchers have used a technology called mass spectrometry to measure an unprecedented number of apolipoproteins in a population-based study and discovered that another group of apolipoproteins might complement the signposts of good and bad cholesterol: apoE, apoC2 and apoC3. These apolipoproteins are associated with very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and predominantly linked to another type of fat called triglycerides. ApoE, apoC2 and apoC3 have shown a stronger association with cardiovascular disease than apoA1 and apoB, suggesting that currently some of the most predictive apolipoproteins are not measured in patients who may be at risk of cardiovascular disease. The findings could lead to a change in the way patients all over the world are screened for cardiovascular disease, a condition which affects seven million people and causes more than 160,000 deaths in each year in the UK. It could also pave the way for more personalised treatments. Lead author of the study Professor Manuel Mayr from King's College London said: "We directly compared the association of a broad panel of apolipoproteins to new onset of cardiovascular disease over a 10-year observation period, and found that while apoB was predictive, other apolipoproteins, namely apoE, apoC2 and apoC3, were even better. "These unexpected strong associations of VLDL-associated apolipoproteins with cardiovascular disease provide support to expanding the current measurements of apolipoproteins and to the concept of targeting additional apolipoproteins to reduce risk." The study identified apoC3 as a prime therapeutic target for lowering VLDL, which might reduce excess cardiovascular risk related to high VLDL. The work was enabled by a long-standing collaboration between researchers from UK, Austria and US and funded by VASCage, an Austrian / UK Research Centre of Excellence in Vascular Ageing, as well as the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence at King's College London. Article: Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein-Associated Apolipoproteins Predict Cardiovascular Events and Are Lowered by Inhibition of APOC-III, Raimund Pechlaner, MD, PhD, Sotirios Tsimikas, MD, Xiaoke Yin, PhD, Peter Willeit, MD, PhD, Ferheen Baig, MSc, Peter Santer, MD, Friedrich Oberhollenzer, MD, Georg Egger, MD, Joseph L. Witztum, MD, Veronica J. Alexander, PhD, Johann Willeit, MD, Stefan Kiechl, MD, Manuel Mayr, MD, PhD, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2016.11.065, published online 13 February 2017. Japanese researchers have confirmed the second case known to science of a chimpanzee born with trisomy 22, a chromosomal defect similar to that of Down syndrome (or trisomy 21) in humans. The report on Kanako, a 24-year-old female chimp born into captivity, was led by Satoshi Hirata of Kyoto University in Japan, and appears in the journal Primates, published by Springer. The authors also describe their attempts to improve the quality of life of this chimpanzee, through providing and managing opportunities for normal social interaction. Such efforts are seen as key in caring for disabled chimpanzees in captivity. Human cells normally contain 23 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46. Down syndrome occurs when a person's cells contain a third copy of chromosome 21 (also known as trisomy 21). In turn, apes have 24 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 48. Trisomy 22 is diagnosed when the cells of apes such as chimpanzees, gorillas or orangutans contain a third copy of chromosome 22. The first confirmed case of a chimpanzee with trisomy 22 was documented in 1969. The chimpanzee described nearly five decades ago died before its second birthday. This means that Kanako is the longest living chimp with this chromosomal disorder that scientists are aware of. Kanako was born in captivity in 1992, at a facility which was transferred to Kyoto University in 2011 and renamed as Kumamoto Sanctuary, Wildlife Research Centre. She experienced stunted growth from an early age, suffers from a congenital heart disease and has underdeveloped teeth. Kanako developed cataracts before the age of one, and became blind by the age of seven. Having cross eyes and suffering from a disorder that causes the progressive thinning of her corneas count among her vision problems. These symptoms are also common in human Down syndrome. Kanako's heart condition was only picked up in 2014 during a routine physical examination. An echocardiogram showed that she has an atrial septal defect, or a so-called "hole" in the wall, that separates the top two chambers of the heart. These results then prompted the research team to conduct further chromosomal analysis, which confirmed that she had trisomy 22. Her blindness makes social interaction with other chimpanzees difficult, but not impossible. She lived separated from other chimps to avoid aggressive interactions, but was provided with the opportunity to interact with another female chimp named Roman once a month. Roman has been calm and friendly to Kanako from the start. Because Kanako's development was not systematically investigated over the years, it is difficult to speculate whether trisomy 22 has caused any specific retardation. "However, the lack of abnormalities noted in her daily care-taking before the age of one, except for neonatal inactivity and limp limbs, suggests that there was no severe retardation in her behavioral development," says Hirata. It is still unclear how common trisomy 22 is among chimpanzees. Last year, news reports from Tanzania for instance highlighted the case of a baby chimp suspected of having "Down syndrome," but chromosomal tests could not be conducted. "It is difficult to estimate the probability of a rare event using a small population, but given that around 500 chimpanzees have been born in captivity in Japan, the probability of this autosomal trisomy in chimpanzees may be comparable to that of trisomy 21 in humans, which occurs in up to 1 in 600 births," speculates Hirata. Article: Chimpanzee Down syndrome: a case study of trisomy 22 in a captive chimpanzee, Satoshi Hirata, Hirohisa Hirai, Etsuko Nogami, Naruki Morimura, Toshifumi Udono, Primates, doi: 10.1007/s10329-017-0597-8, published 21 February 2017. Advertisement Noise exposure Aging Antibiotics Chemotherapy drugs Easy to administer in human patients Drugs can be injected into the inner ear and are commonly used for the treatment of ear infections. Will J. McLean et al. Clonal Expansion of Lgr5-Positive Cells from Mammalian Cochlea and High-Purity Generation of Sensory Hair Cells. Cell Reports, February 2017; DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.01.066 Robert Langer, the David H. Koch Institute Professor at MIT, a member of the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, said, "Hearing loss is a real problem as people get older. It's very much of an unmet need, and this is an entirely new approach."The research paper is published in the journalAround 15,000 hair cells are present per ear during birth. These cells cannot regrow when they are damaged.Hair cell death can occur due toThese hair cells can only regenerate in animals and not in humans.The scientists tried to study the effects of regenerating the hair cells on the cells of the intestinal lining. According to a study published in 2013, Karp, Langer, Yin said that large quantity of immature intestinal cells could stimulate them to differentiate and to expose them to certain molecules.The cells that may provide support in the cochlea can show surface proteins as intestinal stem cells.They wanted to try whether the approach would work in supporting cells and stimulate the Wnt pathway.Yin, said, "We used small molecules to activate the supporting cells so they become proliferative and can generate hair cells."The research team also exposed molecules which can activate another signaling pathway called Notch.The research team was found to add another set of molecules into a large pool of supporting cells which have provoked cells that can differentiate into mature hair cells.The research team also found that the new approach in an intact mouse cochlea can be removed from the body. They also did not add a second set of drugs as they were naturally exposed to signals which can stimulate them to become mature cells.Karp, said, "We only need to promote the proliferation of these supporting cells, and then the natural signaling cascade that exists in the body will drive a portion of those cells to become hair cells."The research team has also started a company called Frequency Therapeutics, that has licensed the MIT/BWH technology which can test the drug in human patients within 18 months.Will McLean, said, "We hope that our work will allow other scientists to pursue studies of supporting cells and hair cells that have not been possible because such limited quantities of hair cells were available."Karp, said, "Researchers who have been eager to conduct experiments on inner ear hair cells will now be able to replicate our work and have huge numbers of them to do all kinds of experiments."The authors are also trying to use this approach in other types of cells which include intestinal cells that are involved in insulin regulation and control of gut microbiota.Source: Medindia Advertisement Simona Saluzzo et al. First-Breath-Induced Type 2 Pathways Shape the Lung Immune Environment. Cell Reports; (2017) doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2017.01.071 Along with each breath, numerous viruses, bacteria and pollutants also enter the lungs, which needs to be prevented from entering the body.To protect the body from infection and damage, the lungs uses its own collection highly specialized immune cells that are equipped to maintain the balance between host defense and tissue quiescence.But the formation of this balanced immune homeostasis in lungs emerged after birth, and this was largely unexplored.Now, for the first time, the group of Sylvia Knapp, Director of Medical Affairs at CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences and Professor of Infection Biology at the Medical University of Vienna showed with the help of mouse models that the very first breath of a newborn releases crucial signals that shape the lifelong immunological milieu of lungs.The mechanical forces of spontaneous ventilation at birth lead to the release of interleukin (IL)-33, a cytokine with a wide-range of effects.Interleukin (IL)-33 causes activation of ST2-expressing "type 2 innate lymphoid cells" (ILC2s) and its migration into the lung tissue.Here the ILC2 causes the release of IL-13, another cytokine. The ILC2 derived IL-13 causes the differentiation of the newborn's alveolar macrophages into anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. These M2 cells are specialized cells that maintain the health and immune environment of the lungs."ILC2-cells are crucial in defending the lungs against parasites or influenza viruses, but little was known about their role in lung homeostasis", first author Simona Saluzzo, PhD Student at CeMM and the Medical University of Vienna, explains. "Now we understand that right after birth, ILC2 are responsible for the differentiation of alveolar macrophages into specialized cells that keep the immune system in check and ensure that the lungs stay calm and healthy to ensure proper gas exchange."The type 2 innate lymphoid cells or ILC2-induced effects protect the lungs from excessive inflammation and the environmental triggers that are encountered daily.Senior author Sylvia Knapp emphasizes "We could show in our study that the described mechanisms are crucial in achieving lung quiescence after the first contact with the outside world. However, these processes at the same time increase the susceptibility to bacterial infections, such as caused by pneumococci. In other words: The mechanism that maintains the lung function of gas exchange at the same time explains why bacterial pneumonia is the primary cause of death by an infectious disease in Western countries."The study is published inSource: Medindia In last nights conference, NASA made a huge announcement. We already knew it was related to new exoplanets, but it was revealed that a whole new system of Earth-size exoplanets has been discovered. Just a refresher, exoplanets are planets that orbit stars other than our sun, and NASAs Spitzer Space Telescope has found not one or two, but seven new planets which could potentially hold life. Dubbed Trappist-1, could potentially contain more than a few Eart-like planets. An illustration by NASA, showing an artists concept of what the Trappist-1 system might look like: NASA This huge discovery has set a new record for highest number of habitable-zone planets found orbiting a single star outside of our solar system. The most important thing to support life is water, and all seven of these planets could have liquid water under the right atmospheric conditions. Take a 360 tour of TRAPPIST-1d, one of the Earth-sized plants in the newly discovered system ~40 light-years away: https://t.co/5mMKpRPcoc pic.twitter.com/RRuPiOleOe NASA (@NASA) February 22, 2017 This discovery could be a significant piece in the puzzle of finding habitable environments, places that are conducive to life, said Thomas Zurbuchen, Associate Administrator of the agencys Science Mission Directorate in Washington. Answering the question are we alone is a top science priority and finding so many planets like these for the first time in the habitable zone is a remarkable step forward toward that goal. This system of exoplanets is called TRAPPIST-1, , named for The Transiting Planets and Planetesimals Small Telescope (TRAPPIST) in Chile, and is about 40 light-years (235 trillion miles) from Earth. It was announced in May 2016 that researchers using TRAPPIST had discovered three planets in the system. Spitzer, along with several ground-based telescopes, including the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, confirmed two of those planets and discovered an additional five planets, making the number of known planets in the system to be seven. NASA The size of these seven planets was also precisely measured with the help of the Spitzer data, developing the first estimates of the masses of six of them, allowing their density to be estimated. According to their densities, all the TRAPPIST-1 planets are likely to be rocky, and further observations would make it clear if they are rich in water. The mass of the seventh and farthest exoplanet still has not been estimated but scientists believe it to be an icy, snowball-like planet. NASA "The seven wonders of TRAPPIST-1 are the first Earth-size planets that have been found orbiting this kind of star," said Michael Gillon, lead author of the paper and the principal investigator of the TRAPPIST exoplanet survey at the University of Liege, Belgium. "It is also the best target yet for studying the atmospheres of potentially habitable, Earth-size worlds." Need a recap of todays TRAPPIST-1 announcement? Learn about these 7 Earth-sized planets orbiting a single star here https://t.co/R9xd5Dytlp pic.twitter.com/qWrE4R3flv NASA (@NASA) February 22, 2017 NASA has classified the Trappist-1 star as an ultra cool dwarf, and is very cold and the planets orbiting very close to it could potentially hold liquid water. The seven planets in the Trappist-1 system are closer to their host star than Mercury is to our sun. Unlike the planets in our solar system, these new planets seem to be tidally locked to their star, which basically means that they dont rotate on their axis and the same side of the planet is always facing the star. Source NASA Apple is all set to open their brand new campus this coming April and has been dubbed as the Apple Park. The campus is 175-acres in size and will be ready for employees to move in this April. Over 12,000 employees will take over six months to move and construction at the Apple Park will continue through the summer for further expansion. Steve Jobs envisioned the park as a creative hub for Apple and the transformation of the Santa Clara Valley into a haven of green space is underway. The campus looks like a spaceship thanks to the rings around the building, where the 2.8 million-square-foot building is covered entirely by curved panels of glass. Apple The campus will also have a 1000-seater glass cylinder auditorium, which has been aptly named, the Steve Jobs Theater. The auditorium was made in honour of the late co-founder, who would have turned 62 this Friday, February 24. "Steve was exhilarated, and inspired, by the California landscape, by its light and its expansiveness. It was his favourite setting for thought. Apple Park captures his spirit uncannily well," said Jobs' widow Laurene Powell Jobs. "He would have flourished, as the people of Apple surely will, on this luminously designed campus." Apple Steve invested so much of his energy creating and supporting vital, creative environments. We have approached the design, engineering and making of our new campus with the same enthusiasm and design principles that characterise our products, said Jony Ive, Apples chief design officer. Connecting extraordinarily advanced buildings with rolling parkland creates a wonderfully open environment for people to create, collaborate and work together. We have been extremely fortunate to be able to work closely, over many years, with the remarkable architectural practice Foster + Partners. Apple Apple Park will also include a visitors centre with an Apple Store and cafe open to the public, a 100,000-square-foot fitness centre for Apple employees, secure research and development facilities and the Steve Jobs Theater. The parklands offer two miles of walking and running paths for employees, plus an orchard, meadow and pond within the rings interior grounds. The Apple Park is powered by 100% renewable energy i.e. it will be powered by solar panels, which will generate 17 megawatts of solar power, required by the campus. Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends, It is with a sense of great honour and pleasure that I am here today, at an important moment for the cultural activities of the Hellenic Communities of Alexandria and Cairo, which I myself have visited. In particular, I would like to thank the General Secretariat of Information and Communication, as well as the Hellenic Community of Alexandria for taking this initiative. It is well known that Egypt is a friendly neighbouring country, the birthplace of a very important culture in the history of humanity; a culture that interacted with Hellenic culture starting in ancient times. The ties between Greeks and Egyptians were forged through the passage of millennia. Of pivotal importance to the cultures of both countries, of course, was the cosmopolitan spirit of Alexander the Great, who set the relations between the two peoples on a new, closer foundation. Alexandria and its library are the first repository of Hellenic civilisation. Today, the ancient Patriarchate of Alexandria is keeping alive the sacred tradition of the Patriarchal Throne of the founder of the Alexandrian Church, Saint Mark, timelessly supporting the Greek Orthodox presence in Egypt. At the same time, the Greek communities of Alexandria and Cairo -- among the first and most dynamic organizational structures of Diaspora Hellenism in the world -- constitute, together with the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria, longstanding bridges of communication and friendship between the two countries. The Boards and members of the Hellenic Communities of Alexandria and Cairo are worthy of public praise for their passionate and tireless efforts to maintain the Greek language and Greek culture, through high cultural creation. The fertile interactions in the sector of culture, the work of Constantine Cavafy and Konstantinos Parthenis, the multitude of writers, artists, entrepreneurs, diplomats and politicians of international fame who were produced by the Greek community of Egypt mark the relationship of deep friendship that links our peoples and are auspices of the best possible outcome of the efforts being made jointly in our wider region, by the governments of Greece and Egypt, against intolerance and violent extremism. Dear Friends, The strengthening and enhancement of our relations with Egypt is a long-term choice of the Greek government in the sectors of energy, tourism and education, with the ultimate goal of the peaceful co-existence of our peoples in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region. The trilateral conference between Greece, Cyprus and Egypt is indisputable proof of our multidimensional foreign policy. In this direction, the exercising of educational and cultural diplomacy is opening up new roads in our bilateral relations. Greece recognises Egypt as a critical partner - within the framework of UNESCO and other international organizations -- for undertaking initiatives on issues of shared interest, with protection of cultural heritage topping the list. Greece has also contributed in many ways to the new Biliotheca Alexandrina. Specifically, the Foreign Ministry, through its competent E1 Directorate, funded the making of the statue of the Library's founder, Dimitrios Falirios. Also noteworthy are the years of activity on the part of the Association of Friends of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Today's signing ceremony for the memorandum of cooperation between the Hellenic Foundation for Culture and the Hellenic Communities of Alexandria and Cairo is yet another threshold in further strengthening the ties between the two countries, bolstering the relationship between the homeland and such a dynamic community of the Hellenic Diaspora. I wholeheartedly wish you every success and rich intellectual and artistic creation. Thank you. The US seeks to use the Iranian threat to milk the Gulf states coffers and get them to normalize with Israel By Abdel Bari Atwan Donald Trumps new US administration has adopted the idea of forming a new Arab-Israeli axis to fight Iran. The objective is not actually to declare war on the Islamic Republic, but to exploit the notion of a growing Iranian threat to get the Sunni Arabs to fully normalize with the Israeli occupation, and to milk the Gulf states depleting coffers to fund American infrastructure projects as promised during Trumps election campaign. The Obama administration also exploited the Iranian threat for the same purpose, selling $130 billion worth of sophisticated aircraft and weaponry to the Gulf states, even while planning to contain Iran by political means and engage it in secret negotiations. The right-wing Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that the Trump administration is in talks with Arab allies about having them form a military alliance that would share intelligence with Israel to help counter Iran. It would be based in Egypt, and would include that country along with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan. Neither the formation of such a coalition nor the inclusion of Israel as a security/intelligence partner comes as any surprise. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has said openly and on-the-record that his countrys ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states do not need developing as they are already developed. This alliance will be bankrolled by the Gulf states, and its victims will be Arabs and especially Yemenis. Given its relative military weakness, Yemen is likely to be the alliances first testing-ground given its military weakness, under the pretext of countering Irans influence and its armed proxies meaning the Houthi-Saleh alliance in the country. The payback to these Arab states, especially Saudi Arabia, for joining an unprecedented alliance with Israel is likely to be two-fold: amendment of the JASTA law which would allow victims of the 9/11 attacks, whose perpetrators were mostly Saudis, to sue for compensation; and US designation of the Muslim Brotherhood movement as a terrorist organization. Agreeing to this alliance would be an act of political and financial suicide by its four proposed Arab members. It is trap into which a US administration that is despised both at home and internationally is trying to drag them in order to drain their resources. Regrettably, they seem to be walking into it with their eyes wide open. The US is using the Iranian bogeyman to extort the Arab states and bog them down in sectarian wars. Sadly, they have been submitting to this extortion and raising white flags of surrender. They refuse to learn from previous experiences which affirm that while Iran is becoming stronger and more influential, they as moderate Arab friends of the US have become increasingly weak, ineffective and bankrupt in every sense. It is telling that Trump should be setting out to form this alliance at the same time as pronouncing the two-state solution in Palestine dead and buried and giving his ally Netanyahu the green light to hasten settlement expansion and swallow up whatever remains of the West Banks land. Nothing could better illustrate the new low to which the Arab decline has sunk. http://www.raialyoum.com/?p=623862 U.S. troop increases in Syria and Iraq could be part of the plan for speeding up the campaign against ISIS that Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will present to the White House next week, military officials said Wednesday. Army Gen. Joseph Votel, commander of U.S. Central Command, told reporters traveling with him in the Mideast, "It could be that we take on a larger burden ourselves" in supporting a combined Syrian Arab and Syrian Kurdish force closing on the ISIS stronghold of Raqqa, Syria. "That's an option." It was less clear whether Mattis would consider a U.S. troop increase in Iraq. Last week, during a visit by the new defense secretary to Iraq to assess the situation, Army Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, said, "I have all the authorities I need to prosecute our fight, and I am confident that if I were to need more that my leadership would provide those." However, Air Force Col. John Dorrian, a task force spokesman, said in a video briefing Wednesday to the Pentagon, "I don't want to speculate on what we're going to ask for" in presentations to Mattis. "We've provided our input to General Votel" and that input is working its way through the chain of command." He added, "We're awaiting decisions." In his Senate confirmation hearing, Mattis spoke to the possibility of "accelerating" the campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. On Jan. 27, President Donald Trump directed him to draw up a plan within 30 days. Trump has spoken favorably on the creation of safe zones for refugees in Syria, which would potentially require major increases in the U.S. troop presence to police and protect them. The president renewed his support for safe zones at what was billed as a campaign rally in Florida last week, and said that the Gulf states would pay for them. "We're going to have the Gulf states pay for those safe zones," Trump said. "They have nothing but money." Mattis is prepared to submit the ISIS plan to Trump next week, Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, said Tuesday. "It will address ISIS globally, and it is not just a DoD plan," he said. "We're charged with leading the development of the plan, but it absolutely calls upon the capabilities of other departments. "We have been working diligently with our interagency partners to develop it with the intelligence community, our military commanders on the ground, the Joint Staff and our policy team here, and it represents the input of a number of other departments," Davis said. On the ground in the Mideast, Votel told reporters, "I am very concerned about maintaining momentum" in the simultaneous campaigns to take Raqqa and liberate the western sector of Mosul in northwestern Iraq. Currently, the U.S. has about 500 troops, mostly Special Forces, in Syria and more than 5,000 in Iraq in train, assist and advisory roles. In the coming fight for Raqqa, Votel said, "We want to bring the right capabilities forward." "Not all of those are necessarily resident in the special operations community. If we need additional artillery or things like that, I want to be able to bring those forward to augment our operations," Votel said, according to The New York Times. "We might bring potentially more of our assets to bear if we need to, as opposed to relying on our partners" under the umbrella group called the Syrian Democratic Forces, he said. "That's an option." In his statements last week, Townsend said U.S. troops in advisory roles are moving closer to the front lines with the Iraqi Security Forces as the battle for Mosul intensifies. "It is true that we are operating closer and deeper into the Iraqi formation," he said. "We adjusted our posture during the east Mosul fight and embedded advisers a bit further down into the formation." The result has been that U.S. troops serving as Joint Terminal Attack Controllers to guide airstrikes and in other advisory capacities have increasingly come under fire, Dorrian said in his briefing from Baghdad to the Pentagon. "When someone is shooting at you, that is combat. Yes. That has happened," Dorrian said. "They have come under fire at different times, [and] they have returned fire at different times in and around Mosul." There have been no recent reports of U.S. combat deaths in Iraq, and Dorrian declined to say whether any U.S. troops had been wounded in the fighting in and around Mosul. He said the U.S. military in Iraq and Syria does not immediately report on the number of wounded troops, if any, to avoid giving intelligence to the enemy. Casualty figures would be compiled at a later date by the Defense Department, he said. -- 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... It was late afternoon on Feb. 26, 1991, during the Gulf War when then-Capt. H.R. McMaster ran into a superior Iraqi armored force lying in wait to halt the main U.S. advance into occupied Kuwait. McMaster commanded Eagle Troop of 2nd Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment. The 2nd ACR was providing an offensive covering force for the U.S. Army's VII Corps. Advancing through a heavy sandstorm, McMaster's nine M1 Abrams Tanks and 12 M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles made contact with the large Iraqi defensive belt in the featureless Iraqi desert. His troop destroyed approximately 50 T72 Tanks and about 25 other armored vehicles in 23 minutes in what would become known as the Battle of 73 Easting of Operation Desert Storm. McMaster was awarded a Silver Star, the nation's third-highest valor award, for his actions during that short-lived conflict. Twenty-six years later, Lt. Gen. McMaster has been selected to serve as national security adviser to the Trump administration. He's known as a strategic thinker within the U.S. military who most recently served as director of the Army Capabilities Integration Center and deputy commanding general at U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, based at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia. He's the first active-duty officer to serve in the role since Colin Powell, then a three-star general, assumed the job in President Ronald Reagan's final two years in office. Traditionally, the post doesn't require Senate confirmation, but it's still unclear whether that will change since McMaster is a three-star general taking on a new assignment, The Associated Press reported. Now 54, McMaster also gained a reputation for the success he had during another war in Iraq in the city of Tal Afar in 2005. Then a colonel commanding the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, McMaster stressed counterinsurgency rather than sledgehammer tactics to quell violence being carried out by Sunni militants against the city's Shiite minority. But as the U.S. military focuses on reclaiming its prowess for high-intensity combat with potential foes such as Russia, McMaster's personal experience with armored warfare may serve him well as the new NSA. "Although future battles will likely be fought against more capable enemies and under more challenging and complex conditions, there are lessons from battlefield victories twenty-five years ago that remain relevant to combat readiness today and in the future," McMaster wrote in an essay that ran on strategybridge.org for the 25th anniversary of Desert Storm. Battle of 73 Easting During the Battle of 73 Easting, McMaster faced a capable foe in the enemy commander, known as Major Mohammed, a graduate from the U.S. Army Infantry Officer Advanced Course at Fort Benning, Georgia. Mohammed and his men knew the ground well, but he was unaware of the U.S. military's brand-new global positioning system capabilities, so he assumed that American units would have to move along roads to avoid becoming lost in the featureless desert, McMaster wrote. He organized his defense along the road by fortifying the village with anti-aircraft guns to be used in the ground mode; machine guns; and infantry. "Mohammed's defense was fundamentally sound," McMaster wrote. He built two engagement areas or kill sacks on the eastern side of the ridge to the north and the south of the village, emplaced minefields to disrupt forward movement, and dug in approximately 40 tanks and 16 Soviet-era amphibious tracked vehicles known as BMPs about 1,000 meters from the ridge. Hundreds of infantry troops occupied bunkers and trenches between his armored vehicles. He positioned a reserve of 18 T72 Tanks and his command post along another subtle ridgeline approximately three thousand meters further east. It rained hard during the night of the Feb. 25, and there was heavy fog the next morning that limited visibility to 200 meters. The fog lifted late in the morning, but a blinding sandstorm came in behind it. The 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment's air cavalry squadron was grounded for more than half of the day. Eagle Troop advanced and made first contact with the enemy just after 4 p.m. when the unit began taking 23mm cannon and machine-gun fire. McMaster put his nine tanks at the head of the formation. "As our tank came over the crest of the imperceptible rise north of the village, Sergeant Craig Koch, the gunner, reported 'tanks direct front;' I counted eight [T-72s] in prepared positions," McMaster wrote. All nine of Eagle's tanks began engaging together as they advanced. In approximately one minute, everything in range was in flames. The burning tanks and personnel carriers of the enemy's first defensive line formed a curtain of smoke that concealed the enemy further to the east, McMaster wrote. McMaster's tanks assaulted through the smoke. Enemy armored vehicles and large numbers of infantry ran to get back to their trench lines and positions. "We destroyed the enemy armored vehicles quickly and shot the infantry with machine guns as we closed the distance with them," McMaster wrote. As Eagle Troop cleared the westernmost defensive positions, McMaster made the decision to move past his limit of advance of 70 Easting, a north-south grid line on the map. "We had surprised and shocked the enemy; stopping would have allowed them to recover," he wrote. McMaster's unit attacked toward a subtle ridgeline on which the enemy positioned his reserve, a coil of 18 T72 tanks. "Major Mohammed later told one of our troopers that he had not known he was under attack until a soldier ran into his elaborate command bunker yelling, 'tanks, tanks!' McMaster wrote. "By the time he got to his observation post, all the vehicles in defensive positions to the west were in flames. He ordered the reserve behind him to establish a second defensive line. It was too late. "Eagle Troop's tanks crested the rise and entered their assembly area. The tanks were starting to move out when we destroyed them at close range." -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. Officials at two Army bases still plan to temporarily suspend some day care programs despite permission from the Defense Department to hire workers because they cannot fill the positions fast enough to avoid the shutdowns, they said. "Hiring child care professionals is a multistep process to perform the necessary background, safety and health checks required for individuals taking care of our community's children," Jacob Corbin, a spokesman for U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, Germany, said in an email. "As soon as we have identified a timeline to bring our part-time care services back online, we will be letting our community know," he said. Similarly, officials at Fort Knox, Kentucky, said in a statement, "Selections to fill vacant positions have already been made in many cases, but background checks and pre-employment requirements must still be carried out prior to working at the Child Development Center." The statement continues, "It is therefore too early to know at this time when the full range of child care programs will resume, but it will be as soon as staffing levels allow for all associated services to be performed at the proper standards." Permission to hire child care workers at Wiesbaden and Fort Knox was granted Feb. 22 by Robert Speer, acting U.S. Army secretary, according to a document obtained by Military.com. About 60 Child and Youth Services hires were cleared for Fort Knox, while Wiesbaden requested and received permission to hire about 20 new workers. Officials at Fort Knox and Wiesbaden announced this month that some child care programs would be temporarily shuttered due to staffing shortages caused by a federal hiring freeze ordered by President Donald Trump on Jan. 23. Wiesbaden announced Feb. 21 it will temporarily cease operations of part-day programs at child development centers (CDCs) effective March 1. Fort Knox announced Feb. 17 it will temporarily end its hourly care program, part-day programs and new CDC enrollment effective Feb. 27. Although the Pentagon said Feb. 1 that child care workers are among 16 categories of employees exempt from the hiring freeze, base officials are still required to receive permission from the secretary of the Army to hire against those "critical to hire" positions, an Army Installation Management Command spokesman said. An Army spokesman at the Pentagon announced Feb. 22, "Corrective actions have been taken to ensure care continues without interruption," but hiring for child care positions is a long process. "Folks need to be CPR trained, have all of those correct medical certificates and vetted -- well-vetted -- before we let them take care of our kids," said Nate Allen, an IMCOM spokesman. "Not just anyone can step into a position like that. Allen said IMCOM officials expect all child care worker exemption requests for the Army's 230 child care locations worldwide to be submitted by Feb. 24. As of Jan. 17, the Army's Child and Youth Services program had 12,000 positions systemwide with 2,657 vacancies. Officials with the Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy said they do not anticipate interruptions to their child care programs due to the hiring freeze. "The Marine Corps is carefully monitoring the adverse effects of the civilian hiring freeze on operational and family readiness," Heather Hagan, a Marine Corps spokesperson said in a statement. "To date, we've been able to mitigate these effects by carefully prioritizing critical vacancies and requesting selective exemptions via the Secretary of the Navy. We'll continue to track the effects of the freeze and work to mitigate adverse impacts." -- Amy Bushatz can be reached at amy.bushatz@military.com. When the kids are out of school for the summer, theyre ready for fun. They want to hang out with their peers and experience cool adventures. That's what summer camp was made for. It may not feel like summer right now, but nows the time to start thinking about registering your kids for summer camp. Thankfully, there are camps that are free or available at a reduced price just for military kids. American Wanderer Summer Camp American Wanderer Summer Camp offers military discounts on their two-week sessions that explore Americas National Parks in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming for kids ages 11 to 17. Call them at 203-557-3339 for details on the discount. ASYMCA The Armed Services YMCA or ASYMCA offers junior enlisted families the chance to participate in family, youth, and teen camps year-round at our branches and affiliate locations. ASYMCA camps and retreats provide much needed recreational and bonding opportunities for military children and families who have experienced multiple deployments. These programs are free or offered at low-cost. Camps and other programs vary by location, so check with your local ASYMCA for more details. Camp Corral Camp Corral is a free one-week camp for military kids aged 8 to 15. Although it is open to all military children, priority is given to children of wounded, disabled or fallen service members. The week is filled with fun outdoor activities like canoeing, swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, ropes course challenge, archery, and horseback riding. The week also encourages campers to create friendships and bond with other kids who share similar family situations. Military Teen Adventure Camp Teen Adventure Camps are for military teens aged 14 to 18, and they take place throughout the country at little to no cost. They include fun outdoor activities whitewater rafting, hiking, rock climbing, winter camping, backpacking, mountain biking. Operation Purple Camp Thanks to the National Military Family Association, Operation Purple Camp supports military children by offering a free week of camp. These camps help military kids learn coping skills and connect them with other kids going through the same things. The camps are open to all military children of all ranks and services. Your Local Military Installation Dont forget about the youth programs offered at your local military installations. Many bases have summer camps for kids, as well as camps throughout the year during times like Spring Break when kids are out of school. Visit our Base Guide to contact your nearest installation for more information. Stay Up-to-Date With Military Discounts Want the scoop on military discounts? From travel to phones and everything in between, troops, military families and veterans can stay on top of military discounts. Become a Military.com subscriber and get full access through our newsletter. Post from MilitaryByOwner Imagine for a moment that youve just signed a residential lease on a cute little property at your new assignment. Suddenly, with one fell swoop of an email, youre notified that your orders have changed. You're now headed to a completely different assignment. This baffling situation may remind you of placing a take-out order from a favorite fast food joint, Ill have an order of stress with a side of frustration...and super-size it, please! Thankfully, there is hope. A federal law called the Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is a legal statement allowing an active duty member out of a lease with official military orders. Plain and simple. As outlined in the post, 3 Common Misconceptions About the Military Clause, there are rules to follow as this whole situation plays out. If breaking a lease and invoking the SCRA law, you must follow a specific procedure. This plan includes providing the landlord with: a written notice of your intent to vacate due to military orders a copy of your official military orders payment of rent for the month in which you give notice payment of rent for the following month. Remaining honest and straightforward as you interact with your landlord may help ease this spontaneous transition. Additionally, you may want to book an appointment with the legal assistance office of the closest military installation. A legal professional at that office can give you more details about the SCRA, as well as inform you of state and local landlord and tenant laws. For example, when moving to ye olde Virginia, the guidelines of a rental agreement may differ from what is stated in a current lease in sunny California. The legal virtuosos know the ins and outs of laws and bylaws and can guide you through this unexpected turn. When creating a letter of notice to your landlord with intent to vacate, consider the following suggestions. Make it short and sweet. There's no need for elaborate detail or lengthy paragraphs. Simply state, "This letter is my written notice of intent to vacate." There's no need for elaborate detail or lengthy paragraphs. Simply state, "This letter is my written notice of intent to vacate." Share accurate contact information. Although you may feel like a special snowflake, you may not be the only tenant on your landlord's radar. Clarify who you are, where you live, how to be in contact with you, and what your new address may be. Although you may feel like a special snowflake, you may not be the only tenant on your landlord's radar. Clarify who you are, where you live, how to be in contact with you, and what your new address may be. Highlight the timing. With military orders enclosed, define the exact date of when you will depart the residence. Explain that the next 30 days of rent will be paid and add the termination date--the last date of that month. With military orders enclosed, define the exact date of when you will depart the residence. Explain that the next 30 days of rent will be paid and add the termination date--the last date of that month. Request the return of your security deposit. For a full refund of the security deposit, two things must occur. This letter of notice must reach the landlord in a timely manner and the residence must be vacated in favorable condition. State that the residence has been left in good shape and confirm your new address for return of your deposit. Perhaps this letter could be sent to your landlord via certified mail, for security and tracking purposes. As you roll with this sudden change of assignment, another piece of the puzzle that may work in your favor is a military clause. This clause may allow a lease to be broken for additional reasons--most likely revolving around military life. As explained in What Exactly Is a Military Clause?, the terms of this clause may offer added tenant protection for a military member and their family. If a lease you're considering does not already have a military clause, discuss with the landlord the terms youd like to include, for their benefit and for your own. To find out what lingo is commonly used with a clause, consider a visit to the nearby military housing office. A representative at a military housing office should have samples of local leases and how they're laid out. Taking time to review these important details may help tailor a lease with the best fit for your military lifestyle. Just to review, if you find yourself needing to break your lease due to official military orders, under the SCRA your lease will terminate 30 days after the first date on which the next monthly rent payment is due. So, plan accordingly to cover rent for the following month even though you will not reside there. If you have been completely open and honest with the landlord and provided written notice and a copy of your orders in a timely fashion, the landlord cannot attempt to penalize you for breaking the lease by refusing to return your security deposit. However, if you leave the property damaged beyond normal wear and tear, it is within the rights of the landlord to withhold your security deposit. Is a move into military housing covered? While on the topic of spontaneous military orders, sometimes the assignment of military housing may also be a spontaneous moment. At certain assignments, the housing wait list is epic, leaving you and your family unsure of how long youll be without a place to live. While keeping your name on the housing list, its a good idea to alert the housing office of your plans to begin a lease off base. They can offer suggestions for working with a landlord and your current situation. For example, the terms of your lease could stipulate month-to-month renting guidelines. Or, you may come to an agreement with the landlord regarding the temporary nature of your housing needs. Ensure that the landlord understands your intent to live in military housing upon availability. Be aware of what the landlord may require from you upon discontinuing your lease, such as one or more months of rent or for you to find a new tenant to move in. Working with your landlord to agree upon fair terms may prevent frustration and unwelcome stress. As mentioned earlier, its a good idea to go over the terms and clauses of the lease with a legal professional before signing. Of course, the information included here is for discussion and informational purposes, and is not meant to be taken as legal advice. To delve into the specifics of the rights of a servicemember when breaking a lease, you'll need to consult the experts. To do so, it may be as simple as making an appointment at a military installation legal office. By meeting with a legal professional, you can confirm local and state laws, the guidelines of invoking the SCRA, and the terms you may need to include when adding a military clause to a lease. A Tip to Keep in Mind Whether you buy, lease, or rent your home, make sure your home and property are protected against damage and theft with insurance. You can compare insurance rates and coverage with our insurance quote comparison tool. National Conference asks Prime Minister to step down post-Panama leaks Pakistan Awami Tehreek arranged a national conference on the occasion of the 66th birthday of its Chairman Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri. The participating leaders adopted a resolution on this occasion and demanded that the Prime Minister who failed to provide money trail for his offshore properties in London should immediately separate himself from the public office. The resolution demanded that by refusing to take action against the ruling family, NAB, FBR and FIA have taken the law in their hands, therefore, its heads should be held answerable for the gross violation of the law. It further demanded that the Rangers Operation should be province-wide and result-oriented and should continue till the last of the terrorists and facilitators is nabbed. The release of the Model Town Commission and New Leak reports were also demanded. The participants strongly condemned terrorist incidents in Charsadda, Sehwan Sharif and Lahore. Dua was made for the departed souls and speedy recovery to the injured. Dr Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, senior leader of PAT and President of MQI, presided over the national conference. Those who spoke on the occasion included PPP leader Mian Manzoor Wattoo, PTI senior leader Ch. Muhammad Sarwar, JI leader Liaqat Baloch, senior politician Begum Abida Hussain, PML-Q Punjab General Secretary Ch. Zaheer-ud-Din Khan, Sunni Ittehad Council Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Riaz Fatyana, Hafiz Ghulam Mohyuddin, senior journalist Qayyum Nizami, MWM leader Asad Naqvi, APML leader Fatima Atif Mallahi, and Shaukat Qadri. PAT Secretary General Khurram Nawaz Gandapur and PAT Coordination Secretary Sajid Mahmood Bhatti conducted the proceedings of the conference. Addressing the national conference, PAT leader Dr Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri said that corruption has eaten into the vitals of every institution. He said that the government has failed on every front. He said that our foreign policy is such that three out of four neighboring countries are annoyed with us. He said that we have not got justice for the oppression unleased on the PAT workers in Model Town despite passage of 28 months. He said that it was because of injustice that Pakistan was broken with establishment of Bangladesh. He said that a river of blood and fire is being crossed to prove incidence of corruption in the Panamagate that already stands proved. He thanked the leaders of all political parties on behalf of Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri for attending the national conference. PPP leader Mian Maznoor Ahmad Wattoo said that the institutions have become handmaiden of the rulers. He said that the end of Mian brothers rule in Punjab is in the national interest. He said that barbarism in Model Town was committed under the very nose of the Punjab Chief Minister. He said that one of the judges that handed down capital punishment to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto dubbed it as judicial murder later. He said that doctrine of necessity has buried our morality. PTI leader Ch. Muhammad Sarwar said that the decision to carry out anti-terror operation in Punjab should have been taken a long time ago. He said that institutions have become politicized and it is for this reason that lawlessness and corruption have penetrated the body politic. He said that Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri played a key role in safeguarding Islam and Pakistan from the allegations of terrorism and militancy. Senior politician Begum Abida Hussain said that Prime Minister could not satisfactorily address questions on the Panama leaks and the money trail proving the legal purchase of offshore properties to this day. She said that the available evidence on record tells it all that not only was money laundering carried out but taxes were also evaded. She said that the apex court is up against a major test and expressed the hope that the SC would rise to the occasion. JI leader Liaqat Baloch urged the whole nation to fight a relentless war for elimination of terrorism and corruption. He said that terrorism and Pakistan cannot go together. He said that we are of the considered opinion that whosoever has looted the national exchequer should be held accountable. PML-Q leader Ch. Zaheer-ud-Din Khan said that Pakistan was created so that people could have the security of life, honour and property, adding that religious freedom was already there before partition. He said that it is high time that the masses thought for how long they will continue to be harmed by the same elite. He said that it is unfortunate that the MQI has not got justice. He said that as long as this system stays in vogue, the weaker sections of society will not be able to get justice till then. He said that the world has stopped extending invites to our prime minister after emergence of the Panama leaks. Senior columnist Qayyum Nizami said that he was pleased that the PAT organized a national conference on the issue of terrorism. He said that peoples rights are being violated with abandon. He said that youth will have to play its role in rebuilding Pakistan. He said that for terrorism to end, police will have to be de-politicized. Raiaz Fatyana said that a major political alliance is necessary to end nexus between corruption and terrorism. He said that the rulers are benefitting from division in the ranks of opposition. A birthday cake was cut at the conclusion of the conference and Dua was made for good health and long life of Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri. ANN ARBOR, MI - After more than 20 years in business in downtown Ann Arbor, Shalimar Restaurant is welcoming change and a new chef with his own unique take on northern Indian cuisine. Chef Pritan Zarapkar is bringing decades of restaurant experience and a master's degree in culinary arts and is soon unveiling a revamped Shalimar's menu, which he said will maintain customer favorites but add some new items to try. A native of Mumbai, Zarapkar was educated in Switzerland and spent years working at hotels and fine-dining establishments across Europe. He most recently worked in Arizona, before bringing his family to Michigan about six months ago and starting work at Shalimar, 307 S. Main St. "With that knowledge in mind and the Indian touch, I'm trying to give people something new," Zarapkar said. Something new is what he describes as a fusion of northern Indian with American touches. "Right now, people like fusion food. There is lots of exciting stuff on the menu," Zarapkar said. Some of those entrees are the Duck Gushtaba, ground duck dumplings stuffed with goat cheese and spices and then cooked in a yogurt-based sauce, and the Crab Makhni, crab claw meat in a tangy butter and tomato sauce. "These are completely different; no one can copy that. It's my own secret recipes," Zarapkar said. His wife is from Michigan originally, and he often used her as a guinea pig to taste-test the recipes and make sure the spice levels are appropriate for American taste buds. "I forced-fed my wife," Zarapkar joked. "So if she gives me a green signal, it can go on the menu." Customer favorites like the Chicken Tikka Masala have not changed, Zarapkar said, but he is making an effort to include more unique dishes and more seafood options. There are a few things he has tested that will not end up on the final menu. "Venison," Zarapkar said about what guests have not encouraged him to pursue. "And goat. They want to have goat as a pet, not on the plate." Nick Patel is in charge of operations for the restaurant, owned by Shailesh and Pankaj Patel, and said Zarapkar is a great fit for Shalimar because of his culinary skills and approachable personality. "He comes out to know the customers," Patel said. "He's always caring and looking for the customers who comes in, and considers negative and positive feedback to improve. He connects well with the customers." Zarapkar is currently training Shalimar staff on how to prepare and plate the new specials. The new menu is tentatively scheduled for a March 23 launch, said manager Shivi Raj, and will have labels for each menu item so guests can identify gluten-free and dairy-free options among others. In 2015, Shalimar brought back the lunch buffet due to customer demand. Rotating dishes are included on the lunch buffet, including some vegetarian dishes and salad and soup options. Some of Zarapkar's specials are going to be included in the lunch buffet, and he said he manages to sneak in some more classical French-style items on the weekend buffet, like green beans. There are also plans to renovate the restaurant, to adjust some of the decor and color scheme, but Raj said the restaurant will maintain the same atmosphere that has brought guests back year after year. "It's the ambiance," in addition to the food," Raj said. "The taste is so authentic, you taste it and it feels like home." American Apparel acquired by Gildan, future of storefronts uncertain American Apparel operates storefronts in Royal Oak and 619 E. Liberty in Ann Arbor, whose windows currently display large signs saying "Sale: 50 % Select Styles" and "Entire Store 40 % Off." The company was recently acquired by Gildan and has 100 days to operate its storefronts. (Jessica Haynes | jhaynes1@mlive.com) ANN ARBOR, MI - Clothing retailer American Apparel isn't saying what its acquisition by Gildan will mean for stores including those in downtown Ann Arbor and Royal Oak. But American Apparel has 100 days, starting from Jan. 10 when its acquisition by Canadian clothing manufacturer Gildan was finalized, to operate its stores and e-commerce site, according to Genevieve Gosselin, director of corporate communications and marketing for Gildan. American Apparel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2016. Retail stores owned and operated by American Apparel were not part of the acquisition, Gosselin said in an email to The Ann Arbor News. The company operates over 200 stores, including the two in Michigan. "I cannot confirm any information regarding the stores as they are being managed by the American Apparel organization through the bankruptcy process," Gosselin said. "The retail stores were never part of our agreement and have always been excluded from our focus. The specific decisions regarding the stores are therefore not being made by Gildan." Representatives of American Apparel could not be reached for comment. American Apparel management has less than three months left to operate its e-commerce site, which currently displays a message that states "American Apparel...coming back stronger than ever!" "We are working hard to ensure the transition of this business is as seamless as possible for you. Understanding that a bankruptcy process must be completed while we work on the integration, we unfortunately have to inform you that there will be a temporary interruption in service while we move the customer service, distribution and websites onto new platforms. We anticipate this to be completed late February. In the interim, you can fulfill orders by directly contacting one of our authorized wholesale distributors listed below." American Apparel operates stores at 405 S. Washington Ave. in Royal Oak and 619 E. Liberty in Ann Arbor. The Ann Arbor location has large signs saying, "Sale: 50 % Select Styles" and "Entire Store 40 % Off." American Apparel operates storefronts in Royal Oak and 619 E. Liberty in Ann Arbor, whose windows currently display large signs saying "Sale: 50 % Select Styles" and "Entire Store 40 % Off." The company was recently acquired by Gildan and has 100 days to operate its storefronts. The 4,000-square-foot Ann Arbor location opened in summer 2005, and was the clothing chain's first location in Michigan. The Ann Arbor News reported in 2010 the company was then at risk for bankruptcy or liquidation and there was "substantial doubt that the company will be able to continue as a going concern." ANN ARBOR, MI - There are a few days left to get your treats or stop in for brunch at Jefferson Market and Cakery, which will soon house a different Ann Arbor-based business. Owner Mary Rasmussen told The Ann Arbor News the property, 609 W. Jefferson, has been sold to Mighty Good Coffee and Jefferson Market's last day is Sunday, Feb. 26. She declined to name the purchase price. Mighty Good Coffee representatives could not be reached immediately for comment, but Rasmussen said the business plans to open in the space soon. Mighty Good Coffee currently has three locations in Ann Arbor: 217 N. Main; 1335 S. University and 3010 Washtenaw. A Facebook post on the company's page said the Jefferson Market name will remain. We look forward to being the next stewards of the iconic Jefferson Market, whose name shall remain. Posted by Mighty Good Coffee on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 Rasmussen purchased the property in April 2008, and had since expanded the business from a cakery to a lunch and brunch spot. The reason for the sale is a personal one. "It's really just time for me. I've been doing cakes for about 16 years, and I'm just tired and ready for something new," Rasmussen said. Jefferson Market posted the news on its Facebook page and garnered more than 50 comments from customers and patrons, some saying they will miss Jefferson Market and others wondering where they will now purchase their cakes and goodies. Time for some new faces at Jefferson Market! This Sunday is the last day for Mary and the Cakery at Jefferson Market... Posted by Jefferson Market and Cakery on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 Some of Rasmussen's favorite memories of Jefferson Market are the French Fry Fridays and special events like the Chocolate Festival and National Chocolate Cupcake Day. Customers have already been stopping in to pay one last visit to Jefferson Market and Cakery. "I think they're sad to see a local, community-based small business go, but the people who are moving in are also a local business," Rasmussen said. "They're really excited to be there and to be part of that community as well. I think people won't be disappointed with the new owners, they'll come to enjoy them as well." For those who have ordered cakes for 2017, Rasmussen said those orders are being fulfilled and to expect to hear from someone soon. "If they have a cake that's on order for anytime in 2017, we'll be completing that order the way that it was originally specified," Rasmussen said. "Somebody will be contacting them." Jefferson Market and Cakery is open through Sunday, and Rasmussen is throwing a party Friday, Feb. 24 as a way to say good-bye to the community that welcomed her and her business. The party will include slices of cake for $2, homemade chips and reduced prices on certain items in the store. The business is open while supplies last through the weekend, giving customers and fans an opportunity to good-bye to Jefferson Market and Cakery and Rasmussen herself. "Everybody's just been really sweet and sharing memories with us, and thanking us for being part of their community," Rasmussen said. "It's been nice and gratifying to be given to much love back by our community. I just want to thank everybody for their support over the years, and I really appreciate everybody who supported us and all the friends we've made and the people we've come to love." GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A set of three large paintings - known as a triptych in the art world - were hung on Wednesday, Feb. 22, in the newly renovated lobby of the Calder Plaza Building at 250 Monroe Avenue NW. Artist Roger Bruinekool watched as the three 7-foot-by 7-foot abstract paintings - titled Two Bits and a Bite -- were hung in the glass atrium being built inside the 10-story office building's southwest corner. "This is a whimsical piece. It's meant to make people happy," said Bruinekool, a 1957 graduate of Kendall School of Design whose installations can be found throughout the city. "You're either going to love it or hate it. I hope you don't hate it, but you never know," said Bruinekool, who has been an artist and publisher in West Michigan since 1982. "We want people to know we value art," said Sam Cummings, managing partner of CWD Real Estate Investment and a friend of Bruinekool who commissioned the triptych for the lobby of the 35-year-old office building. The remodeling project is designed to bring more natural light into the building and increase the retail space to the building's front, which faces DeVos Performance Hall and DeVos Place convention center on Monroe Avenue NW. CWD, the largest commercial property owner in West Michigan, acquired the red brick and glass building in 2014 after most of its major tenants had left or announced they were leaving. Since purchasing the Calder Plaza Building, CWD has purchased Fifth Third Center, a group of buildings and parking facilities next door that serve as the downtown campus and West Michigan headquarters for Fifth Third Bank. One block to the east, CWD also has updated the entrances and common areas for its office buildings 200 and 300 Ottawa Avenue. Last summer, CWD brought back a sculpture that had been moved to Woodland Mall more than 40 years ago. CWD, whose principals include Scott Wierda and Dan DeVos, chairman of DP Fox Ventures, owns all of the non-government structures on Vandenberg Center, the development created by the urban renewal movement in the 1960s. Vandenberg Center also includes Grand Rapids City Hall, the Kent County Administration building, the Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Calder Plaza, Kent County's courthouse and the State of Michigan office building. UPDATE: Family Christian Stores plans to complete layoffs, shut down in April GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Family Christian Stores, the nation's largest chain of Christian book and merchandise stores, announced it will close its doors after 85 years in business. The announcement on Thursday, Feb. 23, did not specify a timetable for the liquidation, which will affect more than 3,000 employees at more than 240 stores in 36 states. In 2015, Family Christian shed about $127 million worth of debt to its suppliers, creditors and consignment vendors when it went through Chapter 11 bankruptcy and was sold for about $55 million. "We had two very difficult years post-bankruptcy," said company president Chuck Bengochea in a news release, that blamed changing consumer habits and declining sales for the decision. "Despite improvements in product assortment and the store experience, sales continued to decline. In addition, we were not able to get the pricing and terms we needed from our vendors to successfully compete in the market. "We have prayerfully looked at all possible options, trusting God's plan for our organization, and the difficult decision to liquidate is our only recourse." Family Christian Stores converted from a for-profit business model to a non-profit company designed to send all of its profits to Family Christian Ministries in 2012 after a group headed by Richard Jackson, a wealthy Atlanta businessman, formed a group to buy the chain. "At its core, Family Christian is an organization with a heart for service," said Steve Biondo, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Development in a statement. "We are grateful for all of the millions of lives that have been impacted thanks to our guests and employees heart for bringing the light of Jesus to the darkest corners of our world. Through their efforts there is no question we have transformed lives now and for eternity," Biondo said. Family Christian's roots go back to 1931, when brothers Pat and Bernie Zondervan began a publishing house in their family's Grandville farmhouse. Zondervan Corp. grew to become the nation's largest Christian publishing house. Zondervan's bookstores were spun off in 1990s into Family Christian Stores after Harper Collins purchased the publishing house, which has since been merged with Nashville-based Thomas Nelson. "Family Christian has left a powerful legacy of helping people find, grow, share and celebrate their faith in Jesus Christ. Today and always, we are grateful to God for the privilege of serving Him and look forward to finishing strong for His name's sake," Bengochea said. DETROIT, MI - It's not yet official, but Mark Wahlberg has revealed the locations of two future Michigan Wahlburgers. The actor and co-owner of the burger franchise made a surprise appearance at Michigan's only Wahlburgers in Downtown Detroit's Greektown on Wednesday, February 22, 2017. He took pictures with fans and talked to WXYZ and WJBK. Wahlberg told FOX 2's Taryn Asher the plans are to open a restaurant somewhere in Taylor and one at 13 Mile and Woodward in Royal Oak. Asher says Wahlberg will be back in Detroit in a few weeks to make an official announcement. "I've had wonderful experiences working here," Wahlberg told Asher. "Such great hard working people. To be able to share my family experience with all of the people in Detroit and their families, it's a blessing." Wahlberg also praised his work with Dan Gilbert and Gilbert's commitment to the city. "I really have to give my friend Dan Gilbert, who's our landlord here, a lot of credit. He's been doing so much to develop the city of Detroit." The surprise appearance in Detroit on Wednesday comes one day after the actor was spotted all over Grand Rapids. He told WXYZ's Brad Galli he had a great meeting with Meijer. What that meeting was about has not yet been revealed. Meantime, Wahlberg also says he hopes to shoot more movies here. Wahlberg spent a lot of time in Michigan in 2016 filming "Transformers: The Last Knight," which is in theaters on June 23, 2017. "Yep, absolutely. Many more. Many more. Hopefully we'll be able to continue to bring more movies here." "There's so many talented people here. It's great to bring these jobs and opportunities here. You have so many locations and so many places. You have the city, the country ... you have a great mix." You can watch more of Wahlberg's interviews with Asher below. WICIR rally.JPG Mary Anne Perrone leads the way across the street during a march on May 5, 2016, to raise awareness of the pending deportation of an Ann Arbor man. (Lauren Slagter | The Ann Arbor News) ANN ARBOR, MI - City governments, law enforcement agencies, school districts and universities in Washtenaw County have recently reaffirmed a pledge to serve all people, regardless of immigration status. But will that be enough to protect those who may be affected by the expanded deportation efforts outlined this week by the Department of Homeland Security? Ann Arbor immigration attorney Michael Carlin thinks it can help, although he said there is a still concern among immigrants. "I think that will help provide some protection for some people," Carlin told The Ann Arbor News, referencing policies adopted by local government and other agencies that say their employees will not inquire about or share information on a person's immigration status unless compelled to by law. On Monday, Feb. 20, the Department of Homeland Security issued memos on the implementation of President Donald J. Trump's executive orders related to border security and immigration enforcement. The new approach to enforcement expands who is prioritized for deportation. Previously, undocumented immigrants who posed threats to national security, border security and public safety were the top priority for deportation, which included people suspected of terrorist activities or who had been convicted of a felony. The next priority level included undocumented immigrants who were convicted of a misdemeanor offense or who had recently entered the country illegally. All other undocumented immigrants were deemed the lowest priority for deportation. Now, an undocumented immigrant who has committed any type of infraction, is suspected of committing a crime, has "abused any program related to receipt of public benefits" or is otherwise deemed a threat to public safety or national security is considered a priority for deportation, according to DHS. "It basically says any crime of any sort, which could include jay walking or blocking a sidewalk," Carlin said. "We don't really know exactly how Homeland Security is going to interpret their own memo." Carlin pointed out the memos also bring a change in how expedited removal is enforced. Previously, expedited removal - which does not allow for the chance to appeal the deportation order in immigration court, Carlin said - was reserved for undocumented immigrants found close to a border within a couple weeks of entering the country illegally. The new memos say expedited removal now can be applied to undocumented immigrants found anywhere in the country who cannot prove they've been U.S. residents for at least two years. "I think it might be a good idea for people to carry with them some receipts or pay stubs to show they've been residents to avoid that," Carlin said, adding that his office has seen an increase in calls in the past month from immigrants worried about how Trump's new policies could affect them. "There's a huge amount of concern in immigrant communities around the country and in Ann Arbor," Carlin said, adding that he's noticed increased immigration enforcement recently more in Detroit than the Ann Arbor area. The memos do not call on the National Guard to assist with the deportation efforts - as was previously reported to be a possibility - and they do not change the legal protections offered for immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children. About 12 percent of Washtenaw County residents are immigrants, according to the Census Bureau's 2014 American Community Survey. Of the 43,838 local residents who are immigrants, approximately 41 percent are U.S. citizens and the other 59 percent includes legal residents and undocumented immigrants. William Lopez, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan who studies the health effects of immigration home raids, said expanded deportation efforts will jeopardize the health of immigrant families and create an environment where law enforcement could target Latino communities. "Frankly, this is going to be devastating for families. This is going to drive families underground to avoid all kinds of services, all kinds of public places," said Lopez, who also is involved in the Washtenaw Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights. Many families are "mixed status," Lopez said, meaning some family members are citizens or legal residents and some aren't. Those families will be hesitant to go to the emergency room, apply for government assistance programs or cooperate with the police, for example, for fear of exposing a relative's immigration status, Lopez said. "We're curbing their ability to live happy, healthy lives," he said. Like Carlin, Lopez also thinks local policies downplaying immigration status are helpful. He encouraged managers at all types of businesses to become familiar with what the law requires in terms of inquiring about someone's immigration status and then sharing that information with federal agencies. The City of Ann Arbor currently has a policy that prohibits public servants from seeking information about someone's immigration status, and the city council now is considering an ordinance to the same effect. There is some concern that the city could lose federal funding if it's deemed a "sanctuary city." The Ypsilanti City Council unanimously passed a similar ordinance on Jan. 24. The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office previously told The Ann Arbor News it does not enforce immigration law. UM President Mark Schlissel stated his support for international and undocumented students following Trump's executive order on immigration, and UM police do not inquire about or record people's immigration status when performing their duties. Eastern Michigan University police follow similar practices, President James Smith said in a statement. Ann Arbor Public Schools board of education passed a resolution on Feb. 8 saying all students, regardless of immigration status, have a right to a free and appropriate public education. The resolution also said Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officers and other law enforcement officers need the superintendent's permission to enter a school. When people across the country observed a "day without immigrants" on Feb. 16 in protest of Trump's immigration policy, about 300 AAPS students beyond the typical absentee rate missed school that day, said Superintendent Jeanice Swift. immigrant youth.jpg People gather at a rally to protest the deportation of an Ypsilanti woman and her teenage daughter on April 21, 2016. (Allison Farrand | The Ann Arbor News) YPSILANTI, MI - An immigrants rights group believes Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detained some people in Ypsilanti on Wednesday, Feb. 22. The Washtenaw Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights received calls reporting the detainment of at least four immigrants, possibly more, said Laura Sanders, co-founder of WICIR. "We know that a number of men were detained in Ypsilanti. Immigrant men from Central and South America were detained in Ypsilanti," Sanders said. Sanders' said her information comes from reports to WICIR's call line, where people can provide details on detainments. Information shared second or third-hand with WICIR also indicated ICE officers may be visiting restaurants and asking for documentation from people working in the kitchens, Sanders said. That information was not confirmed by ICE officials. "Definitely there has been ICE activity," Sanders said Thursday, Feb. 23. "I can't say that it's more or less than has happened in the past. It's almost like people are waking up and realizing ICE are coming into our community. ... This has been going on for a long time. It's very likely there is going to be an uptick with (President Donald) Trump's policies." In January, Trump signed executive orders related to border security and immigration enforcement, and earlier this week, the Department of Homeland Security issued memos on how those executive orders will be implemented. The memos expand the definitions of who is a priority for deportation, making undocumented immigrants convicted or suspected of any type of crime or infraction, who have abused a public benefits program or who are otherwise considered to be a threat to national security or public safety a target for deportation. WICIR alerted people to the presence of ICE officers in Ypsilanti on Wednesday on its Facebook page, and Ypsilanti Mayor Amanda Edmonds offered an update on the situation on social media. (Ingles abajo) Eso es una ALERTA IMPORTANTE! Hoy en la manana immigracion tomo gente en Ypsilanti! Se ha reportado... Posted by WICIR Washtenaw Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 "I am sick about it," Edmonds wrote on the WICIR Facebook page Wednesday evening. "Our Ypsilanti police chief knew nothing about it and the other local law enforcement was also not involved. That leads to the conclusion that it was likely ICE. Our chief says that ICE does not communicate with local police, unless they ask for support -- and in his time at chief that hasn't happened in the city. He only recalls one time it happened in Ypsi Township." Chris Savage, chair of the Washtenaw County Democratic Party, also shared a message from Edmonds on Facebook Thursday morning. Edmonds told Savage she has been in contact with the superintendent of Ypsilanti Community Schools, Eastern Michigan University administration, Washtenaw County commissioners, state representatives and U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell to make them aware of the situation. Edmonds wrote that she will continue making calls to see if "there's an opportunity for further public response to this issue." To report information to WICIR, call 734-355-2707. The organization has fielded about 600 calls since it was founded in 2008, Sanders said, and half those calls reported the detainment or deportation of at least one adult. ANN ARBOR, MI -- A man accused of spraying rat poison on food at several Michigan grocery stores has been found competent and ordered to trial. Kyle Bessemer, 30, was bound over to circuit count on four charges when he appeared in 14A-1 District Court Thursday, Feb. 23, in Washtenaw County. The prosecution and defense agreed to the competency report from the Center of Forensic Psychiatry and there was no argument in open court. Bessemer waived his right to a preliminary examination. His court appearance lasted less than five minutes. A pretrial hearing was set for March 8 before Judge Archie Brown in Washtenaw County Trial Court. Bessemer faces two counts of poisoning food, drink, medicine, or water supply causing property damage and two counts of poisoning drink, medicine, or water supply after authorities allege he sprayed a mixture of rat poison on food at two Ann Arbor grocery stores. Police believe Bessemer put a Tomcat rat poison mixture on lettuce at Meijer, 3145 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, and on avocados, the olive bar and other produce at Whole Foods Market, 990 W. Eisenhower Parkway, on April 24. Officials previously stated he may have sprayed the mixture on food at Plum Market, 375 North Maple Road, as well, but no additional charges have been filed. Bessemer has a history of mental illness and told police he thought someone was trying to poison him, according to officials. He was found incompetent to stand trial last July, but has since received treatment at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry that restored his competency, officials said. A criminal defendant is, by law, required to comprehend the court proceedings. If a defendant is found incompetent to stand trial, prosecutors have 15 months to try and restore their competency through treatment. Judge Karen Valvo ordered that Bessemer, who will now be held at the Washtenaw County Jail, be given the same dosage of medication he was receiving at the Forensic Center. It was not disclosed in open court what that medication was. Bessemer is being held under a $250,000 cash bond. BAY CITY, MI -- Looking to beat California's summer heat and have a nice place to stay when visiting family back home in Bay City, Scott Histed and Mark Anton stumbled across 2220 Center Ave., a grandiose Tudor revival in the city's Center Avenue Historic District. Histed, a Bay County native who sells real estate that frequently eclipses seven figures in Palm Springs, and his partner Anton, a Detroit native, wanted a unique house that wasn't necessarily large, but big enough to also accommodate Histed's mom and a caregiver. In November, before Thanksgiving, the couple closed on the highest sale in Bay City for 2016. At $505,000, the Center Avenue home is an outlier in Bay County's overall housing picture, where in 2016, the average home sold for about $91,000. "In the (Los Angeles) market, this house would, at minimum, sell for $10 million," Histed said. "The home prices here are really incredible." That's a blessing and a curse. For the past several years, Bay City has ranked as one of the most affordable housing markets in the country -- an accolade city officials want to market. But a 15-year housing plan, which was unveiled last month, aims to increase home values by taking out blight and increasing the aggressiveness of code enforcement. "It's absolutely wonderful that our housing prices are so low," City Manager Rick Finn said last month. "But when it starts to take down your entire market, that's not so good." Original blueprints detail the architecture of the 1932-built home at 2220 Center Ave. in Bay City. The home Built in 1930 and then occupied a year later by attorney J. Stanley See, the nearly 5,000-square-foot, 6-bedroom home is highlighted by an expansive backyard that features a salt water pool, outdoor kitchen, large patio area with a TV and a pergola. Inside, the home has been kept in pristine condition, although its new owners have big plans to invest up to $300,000 in upgrades and improvements, including new windows and several interior layout changes. "A lot of the features in the home today just aren't our taste," Anton said. The couple is also throwing around the idea of installing an elevator in the home to assist Histed's mother. The home features its original windows and roof. Entryway floors and stairs bear 85-year-old original ceramic tiles. Several of the rooms include built-in wood cabinets and closets. Copper gutters include an "S" specifically stamped for the See family. "My favorite thing about the house is the yellow brick on the outside," Anton said. "I also love the windows, the interior doors, the main staircase -- all of those architectural elements really resonate with me really well." The home's basement is believed to have served as a speakeasy during the prohibition era. A secret door built into a wall opens up to a hidden bar. The room next door to the bar features a card table today. The original plans called for it to be a game room that includes a fireplace, Anton said. Nearby is a custom Brunswick billiards table made specifically for the home. There is also a make-shift dark room and a wine cellar in the basement. Anton said it's going to take a few years to finish all of their desired renovations. This year, they hope to focus on updating the home's exterior, including putting in new windows and updating the trim. By October, the couple hopes to redo the bathrooms and restore its living room, which was converted into a mini movie theatre, back to its former glory. While the couple is going to split time between Palm Springs and Bay City -- specifically staying in Bay City during the summer when Palm Springs' high temperatures cool off its housing market -- Anton said he hopes to use the new Bay City home for charity events. In Palm Springs, they host parties for charities, where they provide the food and beverage. They hope to do something similar for Bay City charities. "It's one of our ways of giving back," Anton said. "And it's really important to us." The backyard of 2220 Center Ave. a Tudor Revival that sold for $505,000 in November. A record year Mike Dore and Matt Hechlik, a real estate team with Berkshire Hathaway, said the sale helped lead them to a personal record year in 2016. "To see a house like this, it takes a very special buyer, a little bit of luck and good timing," Dore said. "It wasn't the right time for a lot of the people who were looking for a house in that price range. The stars aligned for this sale." Dore said he has high hopes for 2017 for real estate within the city limits. "I think the publicity of the housing plan is going to help us promote the areas with great homes," he said. "I'm really encouraged this year." Histed and Anton said they've met many of their neighbors and are excited to be part of Bay City's historic neighborhood. "Everyone has been really great," Anton said. "We still have a lot of work to go into this house, but we're looking forward to it." State of the Community Address features Rick Finn, Jim Baria Bay City Manager Rick Finn speaks during the question and answer portion of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce's State of the Community Address at Bay Valley Resort and Conference Center, Thursday, Feb. 23. (Tori Schneider | MLive.com) BAY CITY, MI -- Members of the Bay City Commission have made it clear they want a fresh face in the manager's office at City Hall. But Bay City Manager Rick Finn told more than 300 business and government leaders this week he's leaving on his own accord. Speaking at the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce's State of the Community event Thursday, Feb. 23, Finn addressed the news of his upcoming departure from the city at the end of the budget year. "I came here with a three year contract and I have committed to that contract," he said. "I have other things I need to accomplish personally." After rejecting a six month contract extension in the fall, which would have kept Finn with the city through September, the City Commission voted to end his contract on June 30. Bay City Commission President Larry Elliott, 9th Ward, said he has concerns with Finn as manager and argued it was time for him to "move on." The commission could offer Finn a new contract, but it seems unlikely he would accept it. Finn told those in attendance Thursday that it is his decision to move on from Bay City, specifically to work in another community in order "to finish up some time." "It has been fantastic to work toward a better future in Bay City and it has been a positive experience that I've enjoyed," he said. In an interview with The Bay City Times/MLive following his speech, Finn said he doesn't have a specific job lined up at this point, but that it would either be in New York or Illinois -- two states he previously worked in. He declined to comment on why those two states specifically. He does have family in New York and eight years of work experience in Illinois. Finn began his municipal government career in the village of Elk Grove, Illinois, where he worked his way up to personnel director from 1976 to 1984. From there, he served as a city administrator and city manager in four cities, including Sun Prairie, Wisconsin (1984-1993); Sandusky, Ohio (1993-1998); Takoma Park, Maryland (1999-2005); and Peekskill, New York (2009-2011). Finn also made a point at Thursday's event to mention his son Brad, who's now living with him in his East Side apartment and attending Saginaw Valley State University. "I continually hear people saying that the city manager doesn't really live in Bay City," Finn said. "I spend 95 percent of my time here and now I have one of my family members living here -- I'm very proud of that." The City Commission postponed a discussion about launching a search for a new city manager at its last meeting. It's unclear when those discussions will take place. Finn, who earns a salary of $117,875, is the highest paid manager in the city's history. BAY CITY, MI -- A judge has ruled Bay City attorney Edward M. Czuprynski can use medical marijuana while on probation. Saginaw County District Judge M. Randall Jurrens, visiting a Bay County courtroom, presided over a hearing Wednesday, Feb. 22, to rule on motions filed by Czuprysnki. In his motions, Czuprynski sought to lift a condition of his probation which prohibited him from using medical marijuana, which Jurrens instituted when he sentenced Czuprysnki to 18 months' probation on Jan. 18. Czuprynski, a licensed medical marijuana patient who uses the cannabinoid to treat arthritis, argued he should not be prohibited from its use as such a ban would amount to an unlawful impingement on the privacy inherent in a physician-patient relationship. He also argued the crime he was convicted of had nothing to do with marijuana and, as such, keeping him from using the substance would not serve any rehabilitative purpose. "Personally, I think the law supports my motion," Czuprynski told the judge. Genesee County Assistant Prosecutor Chris Larobardiere, who prosecuted Czuprynski at trial, objected to Czuprynski's motions. Jurrens said that, in his opinion, there is too little oversight in the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act and people can obtain marijuana too easily. "My concern is people can literally go to a head shop, find a physician, pay $50 or more, and on the first occasion, get physician certification," he said. "That's not what any of us expected when we voted for medical marijuana." Jurrens had also prohibited Czuprynski from consuming alcohol or being in bars while on probation. Though he opposed that at the time of his sentencing, Czuprynski said he was no longer contesting that condition. "I can live without alcohol, no problem with that, but without medical marijuana...," he said. "My medical history shows that." Czuprynski said he doesn't care for pharmaceutical painkillers, as they don't work well for him. In his capacity as a lawyer, he's seen many people become addicted to opiates as well, he said. "I much prefer the organic solution that has proven most effective to me," he said. In issuing his ruling, the judge voiced misgivings and chastised Czuprynski, to the point it initially seemed he was going to rule against the motions. He referenced testimony taken during Czuprynski's trial that indicated he had drank a beer and taken a sleeping pill before driving. "To me, it's somewhat disconcerting that an individual would have a seemingly cavalier attitude of getting behind the wheel of car, be willing to consume alcohol, and take a sleeping pill before driving, even if neither had any impact on the offense for which he was convicted," Jurrens said. "I was similarly dismayed by attitude the defendant had at sentencing. The defendant was combative, asserted blame on the victim rather than asserting blame on himself, and it just disappointed me." The judge then addressed Czuprynski directly. "Mr. Czuprynski, I have a lot of respect for you, for the role you play in society as a criminal defense attorney," he said. "It would be helpful if during your probation you conveyed the appropriate remorse and acceptance of the jury's verdict." The judge then expressed confliction over how to rule. "I struggle with my good faith desire to create a set of circumstances where Mr. Czuprynski can learn and demonstrate to himself that he doesn't need alcohol and illicit drugs to navigate through life," he said. "Even though the condition may not have the direct logical relationship to the offense, I was actually hoping Mr. Czuprynski would submit to the condition, realizing life without alcohol and illicit drugs might be better. But I can't necessarily impose personality traits that aren't there and won't be accepted. What may be my belief system cannot be necessarily imposed on the defendant. I come back full circle to look at the law, which I'm obligated to follow." Jurrens then lifted the condition. Background Czuprynski's conviction stems from an incident that occurred the night of June 16, 2015. At about 10:30 p.m., police responded to a car-pedestrian collision at the intersection of Center Avenue and Scheurmann Road in Hampton Township. Trial testimony indicated Czuprynski had been driving his red 2003 Buick LeSabre east on Center from his Bay City law office to his Essexville home when he collided with 52-year-old James S. Stivenson, who was walking south across Center toward Rebel Food Store. Czuprynski had taken a sleeping aid shortly before the crash, but argued it had not entered his bloodstream when the crash occurred. Czuprynski was charged with a felony count of operating a motor vehicle while visibly impaired by a controlled substance causing serious bodily impairment, but the jury acquitted him of this offense. Czuprynski maintained, even at his sentencing, that he was railroaded by police. At his sentencing, Czuprynski said that while he feels bad for Stivenon's injuries, he did not cause it. Stivenson was wearing black clothing and had a blood alcohol level of 0.19 when the crash occurred. "I would submit, your honor, that's the cause of the accident," he said. "I feel bad about it, but I do not feel remorseful, if that's the proper word, as I did not cause it." Stivenson filed a lawsuit against Czuprynski. On Feb. 7, Czuprynski settled the suit for more than $1 million. BAY CITY, MI -- A 26-year-old woman is facing three felonies due to police alleging she stabbed a teen, apparently because she believed he tried robbing her dad. About 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, police responded to 1206 Sixth St. for a stabbing. Bay County Central Dispatch advised the teen had been stabbed five times and was on his way to McLaren Bay Region hospital. The homeowner driving the victim to the hospital gave police permission to search the residence for the assailant. The suspect, identified as Jennifer L. Horner, had fled the scene before police arrived. Interviewed in the hospital, the victim told police he had been attending a bonfire at the residence when Horner walked by, then without warning attacked him. He said he hit her back a couple of times after the assault commenced. He went on to say he and Horner had not been arguing about anything prior to the stabbing, court records show. The victim had a wound to the upper left side of his chest, court records show. Witnesses at the Sixth Street house told police they were having a cookout when the stabbing occurred. One witness gave officers a blood-covered paring knife. Horner's father-in-law told police Horner had introduced him to the victim four days prior. He said that earlier that day, the victim had stopped by his house, only to have a few gunmen follow him immediately after and try robbing him. Another resident chased the men away, Horner's father-in-law said. The next day, Horner surrendered to police. She declined to give her account of what happened, saying she wanted to speak with an attorney. Bay County District Judge Timothy J. Kelly on Tuesday, Feb. 21, arraigned Jennifer L. Horner on single counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, assault with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a weapon with unlawful intent. Horner was on probation at the time, having pleaded no contest to misdemeanor assault and battery in July. Kelly set Horner's bond at $25,000 cash-surety. Horner is to appear for a preliminary examination before Kelly at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8. [February 22, 2017] France - Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Digital Media - Statistics and Analyses LONDON, Feb. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- telecom sector shows strong return to investment France has the third largest telecoms market in Europe after Germany and the UK. The incumbent telco Orange Group is one of the world's major players with interests in markets across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The company recently embarked on its five-year 'Essentials 2020' program which is focussed on emerging markets as well as on investments in super-fast broadband and LTE infrastructure within its European footprint. Despite market liberalisation, the company still dominates all sectors though increasing competition from a number of major players (notably SFR Group and Iliad) has gradually eroded this lead, prompting it to respond with a range of innovative offers and wide-ranging strategies to meet future customer needs. It is also investing in a national fibre network, largely in response to the activities of smaller players. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/3623807/ In the broadband market subscriber growth has been bolstered by demand for high bandwidth applications, prompting considerable investment in fibre infrastructure among telcos and regional governments. The pro-competitive regulator has also promoted access to Orange's DSL network and fibre networks for new entrants. In early 2017 the regulator considered a range of measures to improve access to Orange's networks. DSL still dominates the broadband market in terms of access lines, though in 2016 the number of DSL lines began to fall for the first time as customers were migrated to fibre infrastructure. Fibre deployments have grown substantially in recent years, with all of the major ISPs concentrating their investments in fibre with a view to promoting 1Gb/s services. Although the cable footprint only reaches about 40% of the population, the dominant cableco SFR Group has upgraded its network to compete with DSL and has itself entered the DSL and fibre markets. By September 2016 SFR had 1.97 million customers served by fibre. The French mobile phone arket is also one of the largest in Europe. The network operators Orange, SFR Group, Bouygues Telecom and Free Mobile have invested in network infrastructure and technologies in recent years. LTE-A providing data at above 300Mb/s had extensive coverage by early 2017, while both Orange and Bouygues Telecom are involved in 5G trials. The regulator has also been supportive, having licensed spectrum in the 2.5GHz and 3.5GHz bands since mid-2016. In early 2017 it opened a consultation with a view to releasing spectrum in these bands for mobile broadband use while retaining a portion of the 3.5G band for 5G in anticipation of that technology coming into commercial use from about 2018. The mobile sector is dominated by four providers, complemented by an increasing number of MVNOs which together had a market share of around 11% of subscribers by early 2017. This report introduces the key aspects of France's telecom market, providing updated statistics on the country's fixed network, an analysis of operator strategies, and a review of the key regulatory issues including the status of number portability, wholesaling and carrier preselection. In addition the report assesses the fixed broadband market, focussing on cable, DSL and the fast-developing FttP/C sectors. It reviews the strategies of the principal providers such as Orange, Iliad and SFR Group, and considers the regulatory status of LLU and access to fibre infrastructure. The report also evaluates the mobile voice and data markets, assessing recent developments related to spectrum licensing and regulatory issues and providing profiles of the major players and MVNOs, including statistics on their operating and financial performance as well as their strategies in an increasingly fierce competitive market. Key developments: Bouygues Telecom sets up Objenious subsidiary dedicated to the Internet of Things; Ireland- France Cable -1 system set to begin construction; Orange's LoRa network available in 2,600 towns by February 2017 ; Orange sets up Orange Horizons subsidiary to exploit potential in new markets, sets out five-year Essentials 2020 strategy; Telecom sector investment recovers from 2009 downturn; SFR Group increases footprint of its 1Gb/s FttP service; DSL subscriber base begins to fall; Orange partners with Ericsson and Nokia to develop a path to 5G; MNOs make progress on mobile dead zones coverage; Regulator proposes mobile broadband use for 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz band spectrum; Bouygues Telecom completes sale of 500 towers on lease-back arrangement; MVNO market share approaches 11% of subscribers; Cdiscount launches videostreaming service; Orange launches OTT HDMI dongle for access to Orange streaming services; Report update includes the regulator's market data to September 2016 , telcos' financial and operating data to Q3 2016, recent market developments. Companies mentioned in this report: Orange, Iliad, SFR Group (SFR, Numericable), Orange, Iliad, Bouygues Telecom, Vivendi, TPS, AB Group, TNTSat, Canal+, Orange, Free Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Omea Telecom. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/3623807/ About Reportbuyer Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers http://www.reportbuyer.com For more information: Sarah Smith Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 208 816 85 48 Website: www.reportbuyer.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/france---telecoms-mobile-broadband-and-digital-media---statistics-and-analyses-300411988.html SOURCE ReportBuyer [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] you are here: business India submits TFA in services plan to WTO: Nirmala Sitharaman India has submitted a proposal at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to start discussions on trade facilitation agreement in services. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday that he wants to see "very significant" tax reform passed before Congress' August recess, in what could prove a tough task as lawmakers work through a complex agenda. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday that he wants to see "very significant" tax reform passed before Congress' August recess, in what could prove a tough task as lawmakers work through a complex agenda. "We want to get this done by the August recess. We've been working closely with the leadership in the House and the Senate and we're looking at a combined plan," he told CNBC in his first television interview since assuming office. President Donald Trump has repeatedly made pledges for tax reform and regulatory cuts since he took office, creating optimism among business executives and investors. So far, Trump's plan is unclear. He has promised to detail a tax plan in the coming weeks, without saying much about whether it is a version of his proposal outlined during the campaign or if it will resemble House Republicans' plan. The US Senate has presented no plan at all. Congress is expected to introduce legislation next month to at least partially repeal the Affordable Care Act Obamacare before it moves on to tax reform. Mnuchin said the White House and both chambers of Congress "are all working together" on the tax plan. The 'Mnuchin Rule' Mnuchin said the administration is "primarily focused on a middle income tax cut and a simplification for business." Most independent analyses have estimated that Trump's tax plan will benefit wealthy people much more than the middle class, and in November Mnuchin told CNBC that he wanted "no absolute tax cut for the upper class," something Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., dubbed the "Mnuchin rule." The new Treasury secretary indicated that should wealthy get a tax cut, such a break would go hand in hand with the closing of loopholes that currently benefit the rich. However, he did not state as firmly as he did before that the wealthy will not get an "absolute" tax cut. "Look, as I've said before, we're primarily focused on a middle-income tax cut and simplification for business. And what we are focused is that on the high end, if there are tax cuts, that they are offset with reduction of deductions and other things," Mnuchin said. "So it's something we're going to carefully look at." He also addressed so-called border adjustment, a key provision of the House Republican tax plan. It taxes imports, bringing in new revenue, but raising costs for companies that use components from abroad or retailers that sell products to Americans that are made in Asia and elsewhere. Border adjustment plans do not tax exports, and many US manufacturers strongly back the plan for that reason. Many retailers have slammed the potential provision, and several key senators have expressed their own doubts, putting border adjustment in doubt. Mnuchin said that "we're looking at" border adjustment, noting that the plan has "interesting aspects" but also said "there are some concerns." Mnuchin echoed other Trump administration officials by saying the tax plan should not be judged by how much it cuts US tax revenue without taking into account economic growth. Critics on both sides of the aisle have raised concerns that the plan would not be "revenue neutral," meaning they think it would increase America's budget deficits. White House may use its own numbers He said the Trump administration may judge the tax by its own dynamic scoring, which takes into account economic growth, rather than Congressional Budget Office estimates. "Well, I think one of the issues when you talk about revenue neutral, there's going to be the scoring the Joint Committee uses, and then there's going to be our own internal views at Treasury and the administration. And my guess is that our growth assumptions will be higher than what they use to score the plan. So, again, these are the types of things we're looking at," Mnuchin said. The chronicle of a life split between urban Manhattan and rural Montana. Education Montgomery County Community College will present the spring installment of the interview/talk show program Issues and Insights April 20 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Science Center room 214, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The programs will be simulcast to the Colleges West Campus in South Hall room 216, 101 College Drive, Pottstown. Dr. Kolsky will offer a humorous presentation, Carrots, Sticks and Politics: A State of the Nation and the World Message. In this speech, he will provide his interpretation of domestic and international politics and then welcome questions from the audience for discussion. Issues and Insights, is free and open to the public. For information, contact Dr. Thomas Kolsky, professor of political science, at 215-641-6380 or tkolsky@mc3.edu. Montgomery County Community Colleges STEM Scholars Program will host a STEM Jam! open house April 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Advanced Technology Center at the Colleges Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The drop-in event is designed for students interested in learning more about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Activities will include STEM program information and career advising, STEM speakers throughout the day from industry and academia, micro-helicopter and robotics competitive obstacle courses and demonstrations and static models of STEM student and faculty work. For more information about STEM Jam! or STEM programs at MCCC, contact William Brownlowe at wbrownlowe@mc3.edu or 215-641-6644, or Robin Zuhlke at 215-619-7440 or rzuhlke@mc3.edu. Temple Ambler, located at 580 Meetinghouse Road, presents the following events: International Club Global Bazaar April 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Ambler Campus International Club invites all students, faculty, staff and the community to celebrate a multitude of diverse cultures, which will be showcased at the organizations Global Bazaar. This family friendly event will highlight cultural traditions and celebrations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South American, North America and Africa through music, entertainment, food and informative displays developed and presented by students at the Ambler Campus. Young visitors will be provided with passports, which they may get stamped at each country they visit. Prizes will be awarded to world travelers who talk to cultural representatives, answer questions about the countries theyve visited and take part in fun-filled activities designed to help them learn about the rich diversity of cultures found throughout the world. Refreshments will be served. The event is free. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail tuc36466@temple.edu. EarthFest 2011 April 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 75 exhibitors, including the Philadelphia Zoo, The Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Elmwood Park Zoo and the Insectarium, will take part in EarthFest 2011. School students of all ages are invited to attend and develop displays of their own. EarthFest partner the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society also offers its Kids Grow Expo, featuring the Junior Flower Show, as part of the event. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail duffyj@temple.edu. Annual Spring Plant Sale May 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The plant sale an Ambler Campus tradition dating back to the early 1900s will feature woody plants and perennials in portable sizes, hardy trees, shrubs, and vines, native plants that are attractive to wildlife, herbs, and hanging baskets. There will also be numerous special plants for sale to highlight Amblers special anniversary year. Garden books and garden tools will also be available for sale. Students, staff, and volunteers from the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture and the Ambler Arboretum Advisory Committee will be available to answer questions. All proceeds from the Spring Plant Sale will support the Ambler Arboretum Fund and the Pi Alpha Xi National Honor Society. Information: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary. June Homecoming/Louise Bush-Brown Garden Dedication June 5 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. (June Homecoming), Bright Hall Lounge; 2 p.m. (Garden Dedication), Ambler Campus Formal Perennial Gardens. Tickets June Homecoming: Participant $18 per person; Sustainer $25 per person; Benefactor $40 per person. The 2011 June Homecoming, sponsored by the School of Environmental Design Alumni Association, will include the Alumni Association annual meeting and luncheon. June Homecoming will be followed by the formal dedication of Temple University Amblers Formal Perennial Gardens as the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Gardens. During this 100th anniversary of the campus, Temple University Ambler and the Ambler Arboretum of the Temple University is honoring Louise Bush-Browns many contributions to the history of the campus by formally dedicating the gardens in her honor. During the program, campus Executive William Parshall will welcome guests, Ambler Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey will speak about the Bush-Browns and the history of the garden, and an official ribbon cutting will be held for the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Garden. Following the ribbon cutting, guests are invited to take a tour of the gardens, which will wend their way to the Campus Greenhouse for the School of Environmental Designs annual Plant Auction. Information (Garden Dedication): 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Information (June Homecoming): 215-482-0722. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary. Northview Garden Tour and Fundraiser for the Ambler Arboretum June 12 from noon to 5 p.m. Call for reservations. Tickets: $15 per person or $20 at the door. In addition to the gardens of the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University, Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey has a garden oasis all her own right in Ambler Northview. Visitors will have the opportunity to take self-guided tours throughout the many gardens, where garden experts will be available to answer questions about the various designs. The Ambler Keystone Chapter of the Womans National Farm and Garden Association will also provide tea and refreshments. All proceeds from the tours will support the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University. Information or to register: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary. The Senior Adult Activities Center of Montgomery County, 536 George Street, Norristown, will hold the following events: SAAC Adult Day Care, an alternative to Nursing Home Care is available for information call 610-275-1960 Volunteers are needed for Meals on Wheels Program (call the number above) SAACs Fifth Avenue Boutique opens Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Exercise with Theresa will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m. Dance class is held every Monday at 10 a.m. Tai Chi is held every Monday at 10 a.m. Yoga is held every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Line Dancing is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Dancing with Joan is held every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Sculpture Class is held Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Why Should I Learn Spanish? will be held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Generations On-Line computer classes for seniors will be held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. 4 p.m. computers are available during those hours. Health Living will be held every Tuesday at 1 p.m. Boomer U will hold the following events. Boomer U is located at 45 Forest Avenue, Ambler. Registration & payment is required for all events: 215-619-8863. Pilates Class is held Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. First class is free; please bring a mat. For information call 610-291-5376. Blue Bell School of Dance, 921 Penllyn Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, hosts Argentine Tango Classes and a Milonga dance party every Friday evening. Lessons start at 8:30 p.m. followed by dancing at 9:30 p.m. Andrew Conway, master Argentine Tango dancer, instructor and performer and his partner Linda Chase will instruct. All levels welcome and no partner is needed. Refreshments will be served. Fee is $12 per person and includes lesson and dancing. Information: 215-634-1101 or www.amoretango.com. The Montgomery Hospital Medical Center will offer the following classes: Childbirth Education Class- all parents are invited to participate, including those who are delivering at other hospitals. For more information on maternity services or classes, call 610-270-2020. CPR and First Aid Courses are offered for beginners to experiences health care providers. Call 610-270-2313. The Ambler SAAC (Senior Adult Activities Center), located at 45 Forest Ave in Ambler will hold the following events: Tai Chi every Monday and Thursday at 11 a.m. Yoga is every Tuesday at 1 p.m. and Friday at 10:30 a.m. Strength and balance training every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Armchair Aerobics is held every Monday at 10 a.m. Gourmet Weight Wise every Thursday at 12:30. Fitness Center and Pool Room open daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The Diabetes Education Center will offer day and evening classes each month. Health insurance pays for diabetes education classes. Preregistration is required. Call 610-270-2301. For Kids & Families The Ambler Kiwanis Club will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt April 26 at 10 a.m. in Ambler Borough Park, located just off of the intersection of Hendricks Street and Valley Brook Road. Members of the Wissahickon Key Club will assist Kiwanians in hiding thousands of wrapped chocolate eggs in a designated area of the park. Also hidden will be plastic colored eggs, which are redeemed for prizes. Elementary school children are separated by age. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation will hold its 21st annual Storybook Egg-Stravaganza April 15 fom 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Upper Dublin Township Building. Toddlers and preschoolers love this annual event where photo opportunities with favorite friends abound! Treasures are collected from UDP&Rs assortment of lifesize cutouts of favorite cartoon characters from Disney, Sesame Street, Nickelodeon and other well-known animation. Children can have their picture taken with Bugsy OHare; bring your own camera. And dont forget a basket for goodies! $7 for UD residents; $12 for non-residents. Pre-register at 215-643-1600 ext. 3443. Splash Week is a free week-long program that teaches children and families basic swimming skills and water safety practices. All YMCA branches will host multiple classes each day from April 11 to 15. For more information, contact the Ambler Area YMCA at 215-628-9950. Healthy Kids Day is April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day is filled with fun, engaging and artistic activities that cultivate healthy living as part of the YMCAs larger efforts to help more kids and families become physically active. All activities are free and open to the community. For more information, contact the Ambler YMCA at 215-628-9950. No reservation is required. The Ambler Area YMCA has added several new programs for area youngsters. Classes are held late afternoons or evenings on various weekdays. For more information, visit philaymca.org or call 215-628-9950. Basic Beading: Ages: 10+. Wednesdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. This class will teach you the fundamentals of wiring and stringing along with how color can be used to create unique and vibrant beadwork design. You will create various jewelry including earrings, bracelets, charm pendants and much more! Supplies will be provided. Bringing your own jewelry pliers or tools would be a plus. Messin with the Masters: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. Learn about some of the worlds greatest artists. You will be inspired to create your own Starry Night with oil pastels and tempera paints, a tissue paper painted Monet garden, a Picasso head using scraps of paper, a Georgia OKeeffe clay flower bowl and a Rousseau jungle collage. Super Scientist: Ages: 5-7. Mondays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Well be concocting chemistry experiments such as making slime, mixing potions and having fun with magnet magic. Your budding little scientist will enhance his/her creative thinking and motor skills and to top it off will learn that science can be serious fun. Wacky Junk Art: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 6 to 6:45 p.m. Why throw it away! Instead join us to make household junk into aliens from outer space, wacky specs, crazy hats, body masks or a recycled train. Globe Trotters: Ages: 4-6. Tuesdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Youre never too young to start thinking globally. Each week, we explore a new country through crafts, games, music, stories and even some taste-testing. A perfect introduction to our great big world! Crazy about Crafts: Ages: 5-7, Thursdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Let your childs creative juices flow with our fun arts and crafts projects each week. Fine motor skills and creative thinking skills will be enhanced with this crafty class. Come out and join the Ambler Area YMCAs Teen and Junior Leaders Club. Participants are given the freedom to plan community service projects year round and truly make a difference in the lives of people in need. Those in Teen and Junior Leaders also attend leadership retreats all along the East Coast three times a year and meet other leaders who are doing the same great work in their respective areas. Dont miss out on this inspiring opportunity. Teen Leaders, ages 13-17, meet every Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Junior Leaders, ages 10-12, will begin in the spring and will meet every Monday. For more information, contact Mike Miles, Teen Director, 215- 628-9950 x 1540 or mmiles@philaymca.org. Did you know that the new Ambler Area YMCA holds childrens birthday parties at its site for members and non members as well. The Ambler Y does all the work from start to finish and birthday parties include a personalized cake, ice cream, beverage and paper products. Parties are held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and include two party hosts to lead activities, set-up, clean-up and assist with serving. You can have a Splash Party for children ages six to 12 in the new zero depth entry pool with water slide and spray fountains. Up to 25 children have exclusive use of the pool area with 30 minutes in the party room. Sports Parties are offered for kids ages four to 12 with age appropriate activities and games, and sports such as floor hockey, soccer, basketball or dodge ball. Children ages three to five years of age will enjoy parties in the Family Active Center with use of the Moon Bounce and organized activities, such as parachute play and songs. For information, 215-628-9950 ext. 1583. Community Events at the Ambler Y: -YAchievers YMCA Achievers is a developmentally based, extracurricular, educational and team mentoring program designed to help students in grades five through 12 prepare for fulfilled livelihoods in college and beyond. Participation is free and all students in this program receive a free YMCA membership. Registration for the 2009 program begins now. You do not need to be a YMCA member to utilize these special services. Call 215-628-9950 to register. Greater Norristown Art Leagues Childrens Weeklong Summer Art Camps will be held at 800 West Germantown Pike in East Norriton, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the summer. The cost per session is $125 per student for ages 6 and up. Jo Ann Cooksey Bono teaches an introduction to basic drawing skills and techniques from 10 a.m. until the lunch break each day. In the afternoon sessions, Mary Vogel Lozinak involves the students in hands on projects such as collage, papermaking, T-shirt printing, 3D design and sculpy clay. Fridays Graduation Day includes an art show, awards ceremony and reception for parents, siblings, grandparents and friends. All supplies are included. Students provide their own lunch. A refrigerator is available and the building is air-conditioned. This is the 15th year to run this successful program. Both instructors are professional artists with State Police and Child Abuse Clearances. To register, call Jo Ann at 610-279-1008, or register on-line at www.gnal.org. Health Dresher Physical Therapy is hosting an interactive seminar discussing its Golf Assessment Progam April 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at Dresher Physical Therapy, 1075 Virginia Drive, Suite 200, Fort Washington. Physical therapist Chris Miller, certified through the Titleist Performance Institute, will discuss why your body may be the most important piece of golf equipment you invest in and how this can drastically improve your game. $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Call 215-619-4545 to reserve your spot. The Chestnut Hill Center for Enrichment, Center on the Hill and Chestnut Hill Hospital will host a Senior Health and Resource Fair April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church, 8855 Germantown Ave. The event is free. For more information, call 215-248-0180 or e-mail chseniors@cavtel.net. The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is hosting Help Yourself to Health, a new six-week workshop for older adults with ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, heart disease and others. The free workshop will take place at the Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center, 45 Forest Ave. on six Thursdays, May 12 through June 16 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Although there is no charge to participate, registration is required. To register, call 215-619-8863. The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is sponsoring an eight-week program called A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls. Presented by the Montgomery County Health Department, this workshop will be held on Tuesdays, May 3 to June 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ambler Center, 45 Forest Ave. If you pre-register by April 27, the fee is only $5! Registration at the first class is $10. (Checks should be payable to SAAC and will benefit our Meals on Wheels program that serves homebound seniors.) A workbook will be provided and refreshments will be served. Call 215-619-8863 to register or for more information. Fort Washington Wellness Center classes are ongoing. There are several offered during lunch or right after work, for your convenience: Boot Camp from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday; Zumba is MWF from 11 a.m. to noon and Friday at 4 p.m.; there are 25 cycling classes; Ashtanga and Vinyasana Yoga and Pilates; and a group Womens Strength Training class M-F from 10 to 11 a.m. Questions, call Cathy DeMarco at 215-641-1245. Following the success of other local area programs, Impact Sports and Upper Dublin Parks and Recreation are delighted to team up again to offer a spring program for the 2011 season! Upper Dublin area children ages 3-5 years old can attend a Sports Program featuring their favorite sports games; soccer, rugby, hockey, track and field, basketball, and more. The program will start on April 27 and run through June 1. Cost for the program is $85 for the six weeks. The classes will be running 12- 1 p.m.; 1- 2 p.m.; 2- 3 p.m. For more info or to register, call Upper Dublin Township on 215 643 1600 or visit their website a http://www.upperdublin.net. Spring Aquatic Programs UDHS Pool: -Summer is just around the corner Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool can help get you into shape! Programs begin in March; preregistration is required. Shallow Water Aerobics Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 8-8:45 p.m., $40R/$50NR. Adult Swim Instructions Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 7-8 p.m., $50R/$60NR -Open Rec Swims are fun for the whole family! Come out on Fridays from 7-9 p.m. or Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. and enjoy use of the pool and diving area. Fridays are offered through June 17; Saturdays are offered March 12-May 21. -Join a growing group of adult lap swimmers and water walkers. Lanes are set aside evenings and weekends for use; lanes are shared. Monday Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Fridays from 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays (March 12-May 21) from 1-4 p.m. -Private Swimming & Diving Lessons for ages 3-adult are offered at the UDHS Pool through a partnership with the Upper Dublin Aquatic Club (UDAC). Visit the UDAC website for more information, www.udac.us, and click the link to UDHS Private Lessons. -Looking for local programs for US Masters Swimming (adults) or Water Polo (all ages)? UDAC and UDSD are working together to develop programs that will be offered at the UDHS Pool. Add your name to Interest Lists by emailing slohoefer@upperdublin.net. emails will be sent about clinics and program start dates. Questions about Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool, group use of the pool or pool rental? Contact Susan Lohoefer, Facility & Community Affairs Manager at slohoefer@upperdublin.net or call 215-643-8800 x8994. SilverSneakers Fitness Program. The Healthyways SilverSneakers Fitness Program is a result-oriented program that enables older adults to take charge of their health. The program is an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially oriented programing. Members of the program are eligible for a free YMCA membership, with use of the pool and exercise equipment, along with customized classes designed for older adults who want to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. If you are a subscriber to Independence Blue Cross (Personal Choice 65 PPO) or Keystone 65 HMO, Bravo Health, or Health Options Programs (HOP), call the Ambler Area YMCA, 215-628-9950 or Hatboro Area YMCA, 215-674-4545. You can also visit www.silversneakers.com. Zumba Fitness offers Zumba dance/fitness classes at Academy of Dance and Music/BBAD Studio located at 1524 DeKalb Pike in Blue Bell (behind Sherwin Williams). Classes are offered three times a week: Tuesdays at 6 p.m., Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. For a free trial pass for your first class, email us at info@danceandmusic.biz or call 610-277-2557. For more info, visit our site at www.academyofdanceandmusic.org. Chestnut Hill Health Systems presents the following Health Education Programs: FITNESS CLASSES Golden Yoga: A Breathing, Stretching and Relaxation Class. Fridays, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Lea Auditorium, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. Registration for four classes at a time required. Golden Yoga is Classical Yoga, adapted by the SKY Foundation, to accommodate those who have difficulty getting up and down from the floor. The program includes postures, breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques, all performed while sitting in a chair and standing. Registration required. Call 215-247-3029. Cost: $20 for 4 classes per month. Tai Chi: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30 9:30 a.m. Springfield Residence, 8601 Stenton Ave. Classes, for the novice or beginner/intermediate student, are designed to improve balance, power, posture, coordination, flexibility and mental focus. Slow, gentle movements are modified to most everyones abilities. For more information or to sign up for a free introductory class, call 215-882-2804. Cost: $8 per class/paid monthly. SUPPORT GROUPS Weight Loss Surgery Support Group: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-8 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. Join us for a monthly get-together where well share information for those interested in weight loss surgery, learn from guest speakers discussing current news on issues including lifestyle modification, nutrition and exercise and provide ongoing support for those who have completed surgery. Registration required. Call 215-753-2000. Breast Cancer Networking Group: Fourth Tuesday of the month 5:30 7 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. A free, confidential support group for women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer designed to provide a forum for sharing information, feelings and concerns associated with breast cancer. Facilitated by Tish Wakefield, LCSW, Oncology Social Worker. Registration required. To register or for more information, call 215-248-8047. New Moms Support Groups Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. 12 p.m.; contact Jeanine ORourke, MSW or 2:30 4 p.m.; contact Susan Schack, Ph.D Volunteer Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. The Center for Postpartum Depression at Chestnut Hill Hospital is pleased to offer two new support groups to support new moms. Both groups will be run by experienced mental health professionals who really get it when it comes to new motherhood and juggling relationships, extended family, work/family balance and self-care. If you are experiencing new mom challenges that often heighten anxiety and involve hormonally driven depression, join us for an informative and supportive forum to connect with other moms. Infants are welcome. $30 per session (flexible based on need). Registration is required. Call Dr. Schack, 646-265-2484, or Ms. ORourke, 215-206-2931. Man to Man Prostate Cancer Support Group Third Thursday of the month 8-9 a.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. A networking group for men diagnosed with prostate cancer designed to provide education, support and encouragement. Spouses and partners welcome. Harry M. Baer, MD, Chief, Urology Division, will host Ask the Doctor. Registration required. Call 215-248-8325. Contact the Senior Center by phone 215-248-0180 or email (chseniors@cavtel.net) with your questions about these programs or any of our on-going activities and classes. Holy Redeemer HomeCare and Hospice seeks compassionate and emotionally mature volunteers to provide support to local hospice patients and their families in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Volunteers may also assist with pet therapy and administrative work within the hospice department and are requested to have daytime availability. Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their homes or nursing facilities once a week for two to three hours. They provide emotional support and companionship to patients and family members, assist with errands or provide respite for caregivers. Bereavement volunteers support the families of hospice patients following the loss of a loved one, while administrative volunteers assist with typing, mailings and/or filing. Hospice care workers provide a great service to families and loved ones of hospice patients. Many volunteers also report a great deal of personal satisfaction as a result of their services. Patient care and bereavement volunteers complete an application and attend an 18-hour volunteer training program that covers the medical, psychological and spiritual aspects of hospice volunteering. Day and evening training programs are offered. To sign up for volunteer opportunities in Pennsylvania, contact Holy Redeemer Volunteer Coordinator Jean Francis at 215-698-3737 or email jfrancis@holyredeemer.com. Librarytalk Upper Dublin Public Library, 805 Loch Alsh Avenue, Ft. Washington, 215-628-8744 www.upperdublinlibrary.org APRIL CHILDRENS PROGRAMS: Storytimes: Please register in the library. o Wee Ones: 0 to 23 months Thursdays and Fridays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. o Tiny Tots: age 2. Wednesdays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. and Fridays 11 to 11:20 a.m. o Jr. Book Lovers: ages 3 to 6. Tuesdays 10:30 to 11 a.m. o Bedtime Storytimes: 7 to 7:30 p.m. April 20 and 27. Wear your jammies, bring your teddy & hear Miss Barbara read bedtime stories! For ages 3 to 6. APRIL TEEN PROGRAMS: North Hills Library Teens April 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. Movie Matinee APRIL UDPL ADULT PROGRAMS: NEW! ESL Conversation Group. Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Interested in practicing your English in a safe and caring environment? Come to our conversation group and improve your skills! Please register with Kay Klocko at 215-628-8744 or kklocko@mclinc.org. One-on-One Computer Mentoring. Get personalized assistance from experienced computer volunteers! Sign-up for a one-hour session. Limit one session per month. Please register contact info above. Book Groups Please register with Kay Klocko 215-628-8744. o Daytimers: April 21 at 1:30 p.m. Tired of book groups where you all read the same book? Read any fiction or non-fiction book on this months theme: Explorers. Please register. Meetings: Annual Meeting of the Friends of UDPL: April 14 at 1 p.m. Board of Directors: April 20 at 7 p.m. Blue Bell Library www.wvpl.org Upcoming Events: The Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 650 Skippack Pike (Route 73) in Blue Bell, is diagonally across from the Blue Bell Inn. Call 215-643-1320 or visit their website at www.wvpl.org. For children and teens at Blue Bell: * Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian. * Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages. * Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages. * Fridays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages. * Family Movies, new releases, second Saturdays of the month at 1:30 p.m. * May 14 Despicable Me * June 11 Alpha and Omega * Special Events * April watch for date of spring/Easter events * April 14 at 4:30 p.m. Junior Lego Club for children ages 3 through 5. Parents and caregivers need to stay with children. * April 14 at 7 p.m. Jeopardy for ages 11 to 18. Test your book and library knowledge for prizes. Sign up to be a contestant. No sign up to be in the audience. Snacks provided. * April 16 at 1 p.m. Adult Mystery Book Group discussing The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie King. * April 16 at 1:30 p.m. Childrens event for One Book, Every Young Child celebration. Story and craft for book Whose Shoes? * April 19 at 7 p.m. and April 26 at 1:30 p.m.- Adult book group discusses The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester. Group led by Adam Button. * April 30 through May 3 Friends book sale with about 10,000 items for sale for children, teens and adults. * May sign up for Science in the Summer * June sign up for Enrichment Programs for Elementary-Age children * June sign up for Summer Reading, all ages For adults at Blue Bell: * Daytime Book Discussion Group fourth Tuesday, Jan April at 1:30 p.m. * April 26 The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester * Night-time Book Discussion Group third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. o April 19 The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester * Art Series with Dr. Sheldon Weintraub, docent at The Barnes and speaker at local colleges o April 27 at 2 p.m. The Art of Looking at Art-Is She Nude or Is She Naked? *Mystery Book Discussion Group, third Saturday of the month at 1 p.m.; new mystery theme each month; www.wvpl.org/programs * Yoga on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop-in class. * Tai Chi on Mondays at 3 p.m. with Dr. Kurt Findeisen. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop in class. * Philadelphia Museum of Art presents class on their Marc Chagall exhibit, April 13 at 2 p.m. * Giant Book Sale, April 29 May 3 o Starts with almost 10,000 items for children and adults! o Held during library hours. o Preview for members of the Friends of the Library, April 28 at 7 p.m. o Join the Friends and attend the preview sale. Modest fee to join. * Blooms at Blue Bell Gardening Series o May 11 at 1 p.m. Summer Bulbs by PA Horticultural Society * Knitting group Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Work on your project or observe and learn. The groups continue year-round in the community room. * Socrates Cafe discussion group every Monday at 7 p.m. You pick the topic to discuss each week. No sign-up, nothing to read. * Bridge every Friday at 12:30 p.m. New players welcome. * Mah Jong every Wednesday at 1 p.m. New players welcome. *Chess every Wednesday at 7p.m. for adults and teens 14 and older. * Movie Matinee showing recent releases every Thursday at 2 p.m. April 14: Maos Last Dancer; April 21: Welcome to the Rileys; April 28: Conviction; May 5: Inception; May 12: Inside Job; May 19 The Kings Speech; May 26 The Fighter; June 2 Rabbit Hole; June 9 Black Swan; June 16 127 Hours * Ongoing like-new, year-round book sale for adults & children during library hours * Library opening at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday! Ambler Library, a branch of the Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 209 Race St., 215-646-1072. www.wvpl.org. All the following events occur at the Ambler Library. * Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian. * Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages. * Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages. * For adults: * Beading Group meets the first and third Monday of every month at 1 p.m. Work on your own projects or come to watch and learn. * Free Family History Lookup with Connie Briggs. Email Connie for an appointment at the Ambler Library. conniebriggs@comcast.net * Special Events: * April 14 at 1:30 p.m. Book Group discusses Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian. * April 19 at 7 p.m. Travel to Paris with world traveler Harry Balin. Tea and scones at 6:30 p.m. * April 21 at 7 p.m. Art with Sara for children in fourth through seventh grades. *May 2 at 6:30 p.m. Discuss the movie Lone Star with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time. *May 10 Robert Capucci discusses Art into Fashion. Tea and scones served at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m. *May 12 at 1:30p.m. Book Group discusses The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman. *May 17 Tour the gardens of Devon and Southwest England with Lois McMullen. Tea and Scones at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m. *June 13 at 6:30 p.m. Discuss the movie Blade Runner with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time. Meetings and Lectures The Unisys Blue Bell Retiree Group will meet in the Church on the Mall in the Plymouth Meeting Mall April 14 at 1:30 p.m. Kathy Sacket Young, director/trainer with the North Penn YMCA, will speak on Keeping Fit in Retirement. For more information, contact Membership Committee Chairperson Jerry Feldscher at 610-275-3538 or President Al Rollin at 215-368-4833. The next FWBA meeting will be April 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m.; meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Leon Singletary, Principal, First Contact HR and FWBA Executive Board, will present: Social Media: How to Use It To Get More Business. Lunch is provided courtesy of the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Members are welcome to bring a guest. An RSVP is requested by return email or 215-628-0313. Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA is hosting a information sessions over the next few weeks on how to become a Big Brother. The information sessions will take place: April 16 at noon, April 19 at 8 a.m. and April 28 at 6 p.m. All sessions will be held at the groups Norristown Office,t 530 DeKalb St., Norristown. For more information, call 610-277-2200. The North Penn Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month from now until May. Meetings are held at the William Penn Inn on Route 202 and Sumneytown Pike, Upper Gwynedd, PA. Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the technical program begins at 7 p.m. Cost with reservation is $28 for members. Members without reservations and guests pay $30. Students with reservations pay $15. Reservations may be made by noon on the Monday preceding the meeting by phoning 215-371-1854 or emailing the reservation to northpennima@yahoo.com northpennima@yahoo.com. Information about the North Penn Chapter is available at http://northpenn.imanet.org/. LeTip, a professional organization of men and women who are dedicated to the highest standards of competence and service meets every Tuesday at Cedar Brook Country Club, 180 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell at 7 a.m. -meeting officially starts at 7:16 a.m. and ends at 8:31 a.m. Our purpose is the exchange of business tips, leads, and referrals. Each business category is represented by one member and conflicts of interest are disallowed. Guests are welcome to visit any of our breakfast meetings. Every third Thursday of month, Sunrise Assisted Living of Blue Bell (795 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422, 215-619-2777) serves as a satellite site to 148th Legislative district PA congressman Mike Gerber from 10 a.m. to noon. Stop by for help needed with things such as disability placards and license plates, vehicle registration, utilities issues, birth/death certificates,property tax/rent rebates, etc. Notary services arranged by appointment. The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is an action-oriented organization dedicated to promoting its members and the economic health of eastern Montgomery county. The Chamber is committed to serving as a catalyst by uniting business, community agencies, government and education to make our county a great place to live and work. For information, call 215-887-5122 or visit www.emccc.org. Do you have a fear of public speaking? Blue Bell Toastmasters Club can help. We meet from 7 to 9 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday at the Marriott Courtyard, located on Route 202, directly across from the Montgomeryville Mall. Learn how to improve communication and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive environment. Guests are welcome. Admission fee: $5. For more info, visit www.bbtoast.org. The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will hold the following meetings (for reservations to any of the following, email info@PennSuburban.org) -Breakfast News Network, 7:30-8:45 a.m. at Normandy Farm Hotel (1401 Morris Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422) $15 members, includes full buffet breakfast. Join us for a networking program at Normandy Farm Hotel every Thursday morning for breakfast, business news, informative speakers, and plenty of networking. The cost includes a full breakfast buffet. Copies of the business cards will be made available to those who would like them. The BNI, Fort Washington Chapter meets every Monday at The Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Washington for a networking meeting. Meetings are from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Visitors are welcome. The only cost to attend is the cost of your meal. For information or a reservation to attend, please call Luanne Cram at 215-947-7784, or visit our Internet site at: http://www.BNIDVR.Com and click on the menu item Find a Chapter. For the past seven years, people have enjoyed participating in WVWAs Adopt-a-Tree program. Individuals can support the Association in its reforestation efforts by purchasing native trees to be planted. Supporters can plant their adopted tree or have WVWA volunteers will plant it. Trees cost $30 each. If you would like to volunteer or purchase a tree(s), please contact: Bob Adams at Bob@wvwa.org or call: 215-646-8866 for more information. Check www.WVWA.org for directions and maps. Sustainable Upper Dublin, http://sustainableupperdublin.org, meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at the Upper Dublin Township Building, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington, PA 19034. Please send any questions to suec@sustainableupperdublin.org or call 610-996-6316. To learn more about Sustainable Upper Dublin, view or join the discussion at http://googlegroups.com/group/sustainableupperdublin. Special Events The Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard will hold its first nutrition class April 19 at 10 a.m. at the Community Cupboard, 150 N. Main St., Ambler. Lynne Sinclair, a nutritionist from Abington Memorial Hospital specializing in diabetic nutrition, will conduct the class. Topics will include healthy eating, beneficial foods, recipes, making meals with every day foods, and how to use unfamiliar produce. A healthy snack will be provided.The class is is open to all residents in Montgomery County. The Historical Society of Fort Washington presents The History of Conshohocken April 19 at 8 p.m. at the Clifton House, 473 Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington. Jack Coll will present an illustrated program on the history of the Borough of Conshohocken. Coll is a longtime resident of Conshohocken and a member of the Conshohocken Historical Society. He is co-author with his son, Brian, of the Arcadia Then and Now Series book Conshohocken. He has also done books Conshohocken and West Conshohocken Sports and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Italian Feast. He has taken many photos for the Conshohocken Record and the Norristown Times Herald. This program is free. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call 215-646-6065. Taste of the White House Soiree featuring former White House Chef Walter Scheib will take place April 29 at 6 p.m. at Manufacturers Golf & Country Club in Fort Washington to celebrate HealthLinks 10th anniversary and honor its founders, the Eugene Jackson Family. The evening will heat up with a Chef Meet & Greet, followed by a specially selected presidential menu. Gala tickets are $150 per person. Proceeds benefit HealthLink, a free clinic providing compassionate, quality medical and dental care to uninsured, working adults in Bucks and Montgomery counties who fall in between the health care cracks. Go to http://tasteofthewhitehouse.charityhappenings.org to make reservations online or lend support through sponsorship. For event information, call 267-699-0124 or email jmarushak@healthlinkmedical.org. The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association will hold an open house at the Evans-Mumbower Mill April 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. The Mill is at the corner of Swedesford and Township Line Roads in Upper Gwynedd. The open house is free but donations are welcome. For more information, call 215-646-8866 o email info@wvwa.org. The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce will host Breakfast With Your County Commissioners and State Representatives April 21 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Fort Washington, 432 W. Pennasylvania Ave. Commissioners: James R. Matthews (Chairman), Joseph M. Hoeffel (Vice Chair), State Representatives: Todd Stephens (District 151) and Josh Shapiro (District 153). Register onlineat www.emccc.org. $10 for EMCCC member; $20 for non-members. Upper Dublins Districtwide Allied Art Show will be held April 27 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Upper Dublin High School Athletic Complex. The Rev. Alfred Muli, chaplain at Fort Washington Estates, will be the featured speaker at the Kiwanis sponsored breakfast observing the National Day of Prayer May 5 at 7 a.m. at the William Penn Inn. The breakfast is open to the public ($15). Reservations can be made by calling 215-646-4356 or by emailing georgesaurman@Juno.com. The Upper Dublin Shade Tree Commission invites people to participate in its spring bare root planting events, sponsored in part by Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Friends of Robbins Park. On April 9, zix trees will be planted at the Evelyn B. Wright Park & Community Pool, 401 Logan Ave., North Hills, at 9 a.m., followed by the planting of 10 trees at Sheeleigh Park, Loch Alsh Avenue and Douglas Street, Ambler, at 10:15 a.m. On April 29, students from Upper Dublin High School will join the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to plant 16 trees in Robbins Park, Butler Pike and Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, to help launch the societys Million Trees campaign. This event will occur in conjunction with Temple Amblers EarthFest. Experienced tree-tenders are sought to assist the students. For more information,contact Ron Ayres at 215-653-0421 or 215-483-4348. The Friends of the Wissahickon and the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association are teaming up once again to clean the Wissahickon Creek from top to bottom April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. This spring marks the 41st anniversary of Wissahickon Valley Watershed Associations annual Creek Clean Up, and the second year that FOW has teamed up with WVWA. Volunteers of all ages will clean the creek, the surrounding trails and the many tributaries of the Wissahickon Creek. Armed with bags, volunteers will be assigned to sections of the creek. Following the clean up, all volunteers are invited to WVWAs Talkin Trash picnic in Fort Washington State Park, with food provided by Whole Foods Market of North Wales. The pavilion is located on Mill Road in Flourtown. To help out in Montgomery County, all volunteers must be pre-assigned a section of the Wissahickon Creek to clean. Please contact Bob Adams, WVWA director of stewardship, at 215-646-8866 ext. 14 or bob@wvwa.org. To work with the Friends of the Wissahickon in Philadelphia, meet at the pavilion along Forbidden Drive, a short distance south of the intersection of Forbidden Drive and Northwestern Avenue. Limited parking is available along Northwestern Avenue and other nearby streets. Volunteers are encouraged to bike or carpool to the event. To participate, register at www.fow.org. Contact Kevin Groves with questions at 215-247-0417 ext. 105 or groves@fow.org. Montgomery County Community Colleges International Club invites the community to the second annual International Festival April 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The rain date is April 26. The International Club will transform the outside quad area into multicultural celebration with various performances by dancers, singers and musicians. Artists will share their artwork at various display tables. Activities include games, raffles, Easter egg decorating and henna tattoos. Students will have samples of international cuisine at tables representing different countries and will serve food from various local ethnic restaurants. Throughout the evening, volunteers will accept donations and will raffle gift baskets and prizes to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. Donations of food, international clothes and prizes are needed. Volunteers, including artists and performers, are welcome. For more information or to sponsor an activity, contact Gillian Nel, International Club president, at gnel9277@students.mc3.edu or 267-974-0163. The Arts and Humanities Division at Montgomery County Community College is partnering with the Philadelphia Writers Conference to host Memoirs Matter: How Life Stories (Including Yours) Can Transform Your Relationship to Literature April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Advanced Technology Center room 101, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The event is free and open to the public. In the first part of this two-hour seminar, professor and author Robert Waxler will explain how writing his two memoirs affected his life as well as his relationship to literature. In the second part, blogger and workshop leader Jerry Waxler will present a sequence of steps to help writers find their own story. For information, contact Dana Resente at dresente@mc3.edu. The Maple Glen Garden Club will hold its fourth annual Plant Sale on May 7 from 8 to 11 a.m. Perennials, shrubs, vegetables and native plants grown by the club members will be sold. The club uses the plant sale proceeds to fund community projects, a college scholarship and community plantings. The sale will be held in the 500 block of Coach Road, Horsham, as part of a neighborhood garage sale. Plants will be sold at bargain prices. For more information, email MapleGlenGardenClub@gmail.com. The Relay for Life Craft Show is looking for local crafters to participate in show, which will be May 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Wissahickon High School track, 521 Houston Road, Ambler. There is a $10 entry fee, and 20 percent of sales are donated to the American Cancer Society. Participants will receive a 6-foot table under a tent. For information, contact Joanne at joannescoles@comcast.net or Mindy at mcamsilver@comcast.net. Spring House Estates is hosting its annual book fair on April 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. and April 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Included will be hardback and paperback used books. Spring House Estates is located at 728 Norristown Road, Lower Gwynedd. The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will present the Penn Suburban/Hatfield Joint Business Card Exchange April 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Univest Bank Lansdale Area Financial Service Center, 120 Forty Foot Road, Hatfield. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. Join Univest National Bank and Trust Co. for a spring-inspired Business Card Exchange at its newest office in the Hatfield Pointe Shopping Center. Come out and meet members of Univests executive management team while enjoying fine food and beverages. 13th Annual Community Reading Day Kick-off Breakfast Get Together April 26 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the North Wales Area Library, 233 Swartley St., North Wales. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. For more information, contact the chamber office at 215-362-9200 or info@pennsuburban.org. Join presenting sponsor Verizon, chamber staff and fellow members for the Community Reading Day volunteer get together. The Community Reading Day program allows volunteers to read a designated book to second-grade students throughout 38 area public and private schools and present the book as a gift to each class. Even if you are not a volunteer, you are cordially invited to stop by to network, enjoy coffee and pastries. Ambler Mennonite Church is hosting a Spring Craft Show and Flea Market May 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain date will be May 28. The community is invited to shop the great craft booths, find some gifts and deals, as well as enjoy home baked goods and tasty lunch specials. Childrens activities are planned. All vendors are encouraged to contact the church at 215-643-4876 or AmblerMennonite@verizon.net. Advertising, signage, customer parking and a shuttle to auxiliary parking at nearby lots for vendors will be provided. 10 foot by 10 foot spaces can be rented for $5 each and tables for an additional $5 each. All proceeds from space and table rentals go toward school kits for children around the world. The church is located at the corner of East Mt. Pleasant Avenue and North Spring Garden Street, Ambler. The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association presents The Life & Times of Aquatic Insects in the Wissahickon Creek April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Join WVWA for a hands-on program. RSVP required: www.wvwa.org or 215-646-8866. WVWA member fee: $5 per person / $15 per family. Non-WVWA member fee: $10 per person / $20 per family. The photography exhibition Natures Palette by photo-artist Judy Miller will run March 18 to May 19 at the Art in the Storefront gallery, 41 E. Butler Pike, Ambler. JPRN Networking For People in Transition & People Who Can Help Them Unemployment remains high. JPRN, the Jarrettown Professional Relationship Network can help. Are you trying to network your way to a new job? Do you have expertise or contacts that can help people in transition? Is your company or organization looking for people in the area? This is a free outreach program to support those seeking work, involve people with contacts and networking know how, and involve local companies. Meetings held monthly at Jarrettown United Methodist Church, Limekiln Pike. Pennsylvanias Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) grant program is now open for the 2010-11 heating season. Grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. Additional information, such as specific income limits, and applications for LIHEAP grants are available online via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website at www.compass.state.pa.us. Applications are available at most public officals district offices, county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies. Begin your holiday shopping at Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation! Entertainment books for 2011, Philadelphia North, are now on sale at $30 each. Regal/United Artists movie tickets are on sale for just $7.50 each, and tickets to the Adventure Aquarium, Baltimore Aquarium, and the Philadelphia Zoo are also available. Discounted ski vouchers to area mountains will be arriving in December; call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. RSVP of Montgomery County and the Wissahickon Valley Public Library have partnered again to offer the public their popular free mock interview sessions. The mock interviews are conducted by RSVP volunteers who are retired professionals, some of whom were in hiring positions themselves. Packets of information which include a sample employment application and interviewing tips with mock interview questions are available at the library to pick up prior to a scheduled mock interview or will be sent via email once the interview is scheduled. To schedule your interview, please contact Janis Glusman at RSVP 610-834-1040, ext. 16. The library is also offering a free resume review service. Bring in your current resume and the professional reference staff will assist you with hints and tips on capturing your work history accurately. Registration for Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation summer playgrounds, Camp B.I.G. and Small Folks, X-Zone, and sports camps has began. Register online at www.upperdublin.net/store, or at the UDP&R office, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington. Call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Danielles Espresso Cafe presents Mornings at Mondaug Bark Park April 16 and May 21 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Meet fellow dog lovers. These events include complimentary coffee, treats for people and pups and raffles/giveaways. Upper Dublins Annual Spring Flea Market will be held June 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reserve a table, or come and shop. Tables are $15 for UD residents, $20 for non-residents. This successful event occurs rain or shine. Refreshments available. Call 215-643-1600 ext. 3443 to register for a table. Regal movie tickets available for purchase at Upper Dublin Township Parks & Recreation. Reduced rate: $7.50 per ticket. Some restrictions apply. Call 215-643-1600 x3443. Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation movie tickets $7.50 Regal Cinemas, United Artist & Edwards Cinemas on sale throughout the year Monday Friday from 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation Camp Sign-ups for Stony Creek Day Camp Stony Creek Tracers and Park n Tots. Register on-line at www.whitpaintownship.org OrCome to Township Building with check or Visa MasterCard Monday Friday from 9 a.m. 4 p.m. For additional information call 610.277-2400 ext. 374 Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation offers exciting new programs for the fall: -Returning favorites include UK Elite Petite Soccer, Tiny Dancers, Kiddie Tennis, Fun-nastics, Messy Playtime, Little Chefs, and more. Babysitters Training will be offered in November and December. Continuing Adult Fitness Classes include Cardio Circuit, Core & More, Yoga, Boxing, and Adult G.Y.M. For more information call 215-643-1600 x3443. Register for programs online at www.upperdublin.net/store. Music and Theater The community is invited to a Cantors Concert April 16 at 8 p.m. Congregation Beth Or, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen. Listen and hum-along to the Yiddish, pop tunes and classical music performed by Congregation Beth Ors own Cantor David Green and his special guest, Cantor Irvin Bell, from Temple Beth Israel in Deerfield Beach, Fla. The cantors will be accompanied by Mark Sobol and his Klezmer musicians. Tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the door. RSVP with payment to Barb Murtha, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen, PA 19002, or call 215-646-5806 ext. 220. Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse will host the Jameson Sisters May 14. Doors open at 7:30 pm, performance at 8:00 pm. Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse is located at the corner of Rte. 202 & Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd. $5 suggested donation. Light refreshment available at a modest cost. For further information, call 215-393-9576 or visit gwyneddmeeting.org/coffeehouse.html. Celebrate patriotism through song with Gwynedd-Mercy Colleges choir, the Voices of Gwynedd, as it presents Hear America Singing April 15 at 8 p.m. The choir will perform song selections from all over the country, including Georgia on My Mind, New York State of Mind, and a medley including Philadelphia Freedom and Allentown. The performance will end with When the Saints Go Marching In to acknowledge the choirs upcoming tour in New Orleans. Hear America Singing will take place in the Julia Ball Auditorium, located in St. Bernard Hall. Parking is available in lots A, C and D. Admission is free. The Choristers will present Anton Dvoraks Stabat Mater April 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church in Ambler. The choir will be accompanied by a 41-piece orchestra. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens, $10 for students and children are free. Tickets will be sold in advance or at the door. For more information, call 215-542-7871 or visit TheChoristers.org Religious News The Staircase Gallery at Or Hadash: A Reconstructionist Congregation in Fort Washington will feature the work of Emily Ennuat-Lustine. The artist will be showing paintings and graphics inspired by her own personal spiritual journey and quest for meaning. Some of the works to be shown have been inspired by Biblical Psalms and writings. Her work has been shown at Abington Art Center, Cheltenham Arts Center and Old City Gallery of Jewish Art among others. The exhibition is open Friday evenings starting Feb. 18 after Shabbat services. Gallery hours are: Mondays through Thursdays 10-4:30, Fridays 10-3 and following Shabbat Services and Sundays 10-1. The synagogue is located at 190 Camp Hill Road in Fort Washington. For additional information contact the synagogue office at 215-283-0276. Reunions St. Matthews High School Conshohocken Class of 1961 is looking for classmates. For details, contact Greg Marincola at 215-646-2239, 215-740-1296 or gregcola@comcast.net. Olney High School Class of 1971 is Lloking for classmates for a 40th reunion Oct. 28. For details, contact Judy at ohsclassof71@yahoo.com or 215-870-7572. Abington High School Class of 1961 is seeking classmates for a 50-year reunion to be held Oct. 14-15, 2011.Visit the website, www.abington61.com, for details or call 215-947-1779. Overbrook High School class of January 1956 is having a 55 year reunion on May 22, 2011 at the Bala Golf Club in Philadelphia. For information please contact overbrookreunion56@comcast.net Germantown High School Class Of January 1961 is looking for classmates for 50th year reunion to take place in May of 2011. Please contact: 215-362-9148, 856-577-0659 or samdelcomo@comcast.net The June 1961 class of Germantown High School is holding their 50th reunion on May 15, which will be a brunch. For further details please contact Linda Dorfman Alten at lindaalten@yahoo.com or call 215-441-8411. Support New Life Presbyterian Church in Dresher, will host GriefShare, a special seminar and support group which will run on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., from March 7 through June 6. At each meeting there will be a DVD about the grief process, discussion and reference to a grief workbook. Preregistration is required to secure a place in the group and to purchase a GriefShare notebook (for a one-time fee of $15). The notebook goes along with the 13-week schedule covering such topics as: living with grief, the effects of grief, and stuck in grief. For more information or to register, call: Sandy Elder at 215-884-5149. PUPS (People Understanding Parkinsons) A self-help group for those adjusting to a new diagnosis or dealing with the early stages of Parkinsons Disease. Meets fourth Tuesday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m., at Abington Health Center, Schilling Campus, Willowood Building, 2510 Maryland Road, Suite 251, Willow Grove. For more information or to RSVP, contact Lorna at 215-542-2931. The North Penn Visiting Nurse Associations Meals on Wheels program is looking for volunteers to pack or deliver meals to the elderly and infirmed. Meals are packed and delivered mornings, Monday through Friday. You can volunteer for as many days per week or month as you would like. Packaging meals requires approximately 2-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves making sandwiches, packaging food into individual serving containers and packing coolers with the meals. Delivering meals requires approximately 1-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves loading coolers into your car and delivering a route of approximately 10 to 15 stops. The Meals on Wheels program is also in need of emergency, winter-weather volunteers to pack and deliver meals in bad weather. North Penn VNA is located at 51 Medical Campus Drive in Lansdale and delivers meals in the Lansdale, North Wales and Blue Bell areas. For more information or to volunteer, please call Bridget, North Penn VNA Meals on Wheels coordinator at 215-855-8296. Elkins Park Area CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) meets the first Tuesday of every month, 7- 8:30 p.m., at Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital in Elkins Park. For information on CHADD or ADHD, please see our website www.chadd.net/249 or call Claire Noyes at: 215-779-6656. Center for Loss and Bereavement, 3847 Skippack Pike, Skippack (610-222-4110) www.bereavementcenter.org Offers professional counseling for individuals, couples, children and families dealing with issues of loss and bereavement. Six-week adult support groups: Newly forming young adult grief support group every other Wednesday, 7 8:15 p.m. (free of charge); Monthly loss of child support second Mondays, 7-8:15 p.m.; Six-week young loss of spouse/partner Thursdays, 10-11:15 a.m.; Other groups scheduled as interest is shown for suicide loss support, adult loss of parent, motherless daughters, adult loss of sibling, coping with chronic illness and disability and mens loss of spouse. Nellos Corner Family Bereavement program offers peer grief support groups for ages 4 through teen and their caregivers Every other Tuesday or Wednesday (free of charge) Local chapter of Parents of Murdered Children also meets at the Center. Registration required. Call for further information. CHADD is a national organization for children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, providing education, advocacy and support for individuals and their families with AD/HD. Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital, 60 Township Line Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, will host children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder on the First Tuesday of each month 7 8:30 p.m. Free, no childcare provided. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphias Kehillah of Old York Road is sponsoring a free Caregiver Support Group for individuals who care for an elderly person with cognitive and/or physical impairments. The group meets at SarahCare Adult Day Care Center, 101 Washington Lane, Suite G-6, Jenkintown, Pa., on the first Wednesday of each month. Patty Rich, Rabbis installation at Keneseth Israel will get a boost of student creativity More than 117,000 visit mourning altars set up across Seoul for Itaewon victims More than 117,000 people paid their respects at mourning altars set up across Seoul for the victims of the Halloween crowd crush that killed at least 156 people in the city's night... 1 rail worker killed, another injured while working One railway worker was killed and another injured after being struck by a cargo train in Uiwang, just southwest of Seoul, officials said Sunday. The accident occurred at 8:20 p.... February 23, 2017 Syria - A Confused Trump Strategy Lets Erdogan U-Turn Again There are two new developments on the Syrian front. The Islamic State suddenly changed its tactic and the Turkish President Erdogan again changed his policy course. In the last 24 hours news announcements about victories against the Islamic state (ISIS) rapidly followed each other: The Kurdish U.S. proxy forces in east Syria (SDF) announced that it had reached the northern bank of the Euphrates between Raqqa and Deir Ezzor. This cuts the ISIS communication line between the two cities. Turkish forces and their "Syrian rebel" mercenaries have been attacking Al-Bab east of Aleppo for nearly four month. They made little progress and incurred huge losses. Late yesterday they suddenly broke into the city and today took control of it. Various sources claim that a deal was made between the Turkish forces and ISIS for the later to evacuate Al-Bab unharmed and with its personal weapons. It is not yet known what price Turkey paid in that deal. South of Al-Bab the Syrian Army is moving further east towards the Euphrates and took several villages from ISIS. The Syrian move is largely designed to cut the roads between the Turkish forces around Al-Bab and the Islamic State forces in Raqqa. (This now might become a race.) Further south another Syrian Army group is moving east towards Palmyra. In the eastern city of Deir Ezzor the Syrian army garrison is under siege by Islamic State forces. A few weeks ago the situation there looked very dire. But with reinforcements coming in by helicopter and massive Russian air force interdiction the position held out quite well. In recent days the defenders took several hills from a retreating ISIS. In Iraq the army, police and the various government militia are pushing towards south Mosul. Today the airport south of the city fell into their hands with little fighting. Like everywhere else ISIS had stopped its resistance and pulled back. Only a few rearguards offered tepid resistance. While ISIS was under pressure everywhere the sudden retreat on all fronts during the last 24 hours is astonishing and suggest some synchronicity. A central order must have been given to pull back to the buildup areas of Raqqa in Syria and south Mosul in Iraq. But ISIS has nowhere to go from those areas. Mosul is completely surrounded and Raqqa is mostly cut off. After the massacres they committed everywhere ISIS fighters can not expect any mercy. They have made enemies everywhere and aside from a few (Saudi) radical clerics no friends are left to help them. The recent retreats are thereby likely not signs of surrender. ISIS will continue to fight until it is completely destroyed. But for now the ISIS leaders decided to preserve their forces. One wonders what they plan to stage as their last glorious show. A mass atrocity against the civilians in the cities it occupies? When in late 2016 the defeat of the "Syrian rebels" proxy forces in east-Aleppo city was foreseeable the Turkish President Erdogan switched from supporting the radicals in north-west Syria to a more lenient stand towards Syria and its allies Russia and Iran. The move followed month of on and off prodding from Russia and after several attempts by Erdogan to get more U.S. support had failed. In late December peace talks started between Syria, Russia, Turkey and Iran with the U.S. and the EU excluded. But after the Trump administration took over the Turkish position changed again. Erdogan is now back to betting on a stronger U.S. intervention in Syria that would favor his original plans of installing in Syria an Islamic government under Turkish control: Ankara understands today that Trump is aggressive toward Iran and gave his blessing to Saudi Arabia. Therefore Erdogan is taking a new position: hiding behind Saudi Arabia, mimicking the US hostility towards Iran and, in consequences, declaring himself once more against the Syrian President Bashar Assad. The new Turkish position was confirmed by Senator John McCain's visit to the Kurdish YPG and U.S. Special Forces in Kobani. McCain came via Turkey. An earlier visits to the YPK by U.S. special envoy Brett McGurk had been condemned by Ankara. Outside of a wider agreement such McCain's antics would not be allowed. The U.S. is allied with the Kurdish YPK in Syria who are blood-brothers of the Kurdish PKK group in Turkey which the Turkish government has been fighting for decades. The YPG fighters are good and reliable light infantry fighters. They work together with U.S. special forces and are well regarded. Turkey offers to send its own ground troops together with Saudi forces to liberate Raqqa from ISIS. The expertise the Saudi military shows in Yemen combined with the Turkish military prowess in its "Euphrates Shield" operation in Syria will surely will be welcome by the U.S. military. But there are bigger strategic issues at stake and some agreement between the U.S., Turkey and the Saudis has been found (adopted machine translation): [T]he sudden transformation of the Turkish position occurred after a lengthy conversation conducted with the US president, Donald Trump, and the visit by the head of the U.S. intelligence agency (CIA). A re-shuffling of the cards took place which induced another turn in Ankara on the Syrian file. ... The new U.S.-Turkish understandings that fixed the bridge between President Erdogan and the old U.S. ally is based on the escalation of hostility to Iran and the (re-)establishment of a "Sunni axis" led by the Turkish president. It includes the establishment of a buffer zone in Syria as a prelude to a partitioning [of Syria] scenario. This is essentially a fall back to the positions taken by the Obama administration in 2011/12. The lessons learned since will have to be relearned. The signals from the U.S. military now suggest the introduction of additional regular ground troops in support of a U.S. proxy force and an eventual U.S. protected enclave in east-Syria. The YPK is the only reliable proxy force available to the U.S. and it needs heavier weapon support to take on Raqqa. But U.S. boots on ground in the Middle East have never been a solution. They are a guarantee of extended fighting and eventual failure. The strategic view is contradictory. The U.S. wants to fight the Sunni radical forces that Saudi Arabia grows and pampers. Even while ISIS gets diminished new such forces are already growing in Iraq. Any anti-radical strategy that builds on cooperation with the Saudis will fail. It is impossible to get Turkey and the YPK/PKK to fight on one side - McCain visit or not. The U.S. would loose its only reliable proxy force in Syria should it make common cause with Erdogan in the fight about Raqqa. Any anti-Kurdish Turkish-U.S. controlled "safe zone" in north Syria will come under fire from all other sides on the ground. Any U.S. base in Syria will be the target of various regular and irregular forces. In the long term the new plans are doomed and Erdogan's latest u-turn is unlikely to be rewarded. But until then we can expect more bloodshed and more fighting in Syria. As Eljah Magnier comments: The US policy in Syria seems frantic and far-fetched without efficient powerful allies on the ground, and is unable to retake cities from ISIS with its Kurdish proxies alone. And the honeymoon between Washington and Riyadh will certainly have a substantial negative effect on the war in Syria. This will increase the closeness between Russia and Iran, but the tension between US and Russia is also expected to increase: one side (the US) wants partition and the other (Russia) wants a unified Syria without al-Qaida and ISIS, and without Turkey occupying the north of Syria and a Saudi Arabia return to the Bilad al-Sham. At this stage, it is difficult to speculate on what this clash of incompatible objectives will produce on the ground in Syria. Posted by b on February 23, 2017 at 15:42 UTC | Permalink Comments next page next page If youre interested in being an active participant in our democracy, you may want to try calling those who are our voice in Congress. The current Congressional recess is the perfect time for our representatives to make themselves available to meet with the folks at home. Members of Congress typically hold town hall meetings several times each year to listen to the concerns of constituents and give updates from Washington. This year, in N.C. and across the nation, many appear to have gone AWOL. I called the offices of Senators Burr and Tillis, and of Congressman Meadows this week to ask when they would be having town hall meetings. The answer from staff at each of the three offices was, There are none scheduled. Staff I spoke with professed not to know anything about their bosss plans other than to say the representatives were very busy. One said it was difficult to set up a time and place for such a meeting. When I said Id be happy to make the arrangements myself, my offer wasnt met with enthusiasm. It seems that Burr, Tillis and Meadows have forgotten that they work for the people of North Carolina. I suggest you call them on it. Many North Carolina residents are unhealthy. The facts have been documented extensively: Diabetes, stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and many other diseases take a heavy toll. Obesity and smoking are leading contributors. Poverty and lack of regular medical care for many let chronic ailments develop into disabling conditions. No wonder so many North Carolinians have signed up for Affordable Care Act programs since coverage became available in 2011. They had no alternative. Many more would enroll in Medicaid if the state had accepted the expansion offered by the federal government. North Carolinas 2017 ACA enrollment is 549,158, fourth-highest in the country, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Yet, theres just one insurer in the market: Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, and it expects to lose money despite hiking premiums by 24 percent. The reason for the losses is directly related to the poor general health of the North Carolina population. People who have high incidences of severe diseases or even chronic conditions consume a lot of costly medical care. Meanwhile, healthier younger people without other coverage still tend to avoid enrolling in ACA plans. Without their premiums coming in to help pay for their sicker elders, the insurance company cant make a profit. Worse, if the same healthy younger people come down with unexpected illnesses or experience catastrophic accidents, theyll be unable to pay medical providers leaving others to pick up the bills. The final burden is that so many ACA enrollees in North Carolina about 90 percent qualify for federal subsidies, according to a study by Wake Forest University researcher Mark Hall. Most of them pay less than $75 a month out of their own pockets. Taxpayers cover the rest. This adds up to an unsustainable system but also poses a difficult problem for policymakers in Washington who promise to repeal and replace Obamacare. They can repeal it, but President Donald Trump has set a high bar for a replacement. He says it should cover everyone, provide better care and cost less. No one should believe that will be the end result. And, despite Trumps vow to produce his plan immediately, it is yet to materialize and probably doesnt exist. Nevertheless, his administration is taking steps that could both help and hurt the ACA in the short run. Its moving to restrict open enrollment periods that have allowed consumers to sign up when theyre sick and drop coverage when theyre better. If the effort is successful, it could plug some losses. At the same time, its relaxing enforcement of the individual mandate requiring people to purchase insurance. That will rob the system of revenue. In the meantime, Republican representatives and senators around the country are hearing from constituents who demand health care coverage so many of them that the politicians are starting to worry about the political cost of casting millions of Americans off the insurance rolls. Some are avoiding town hall meetings and other forums where they might have to face angry voters. U.S. Rep. Ted Budd of North Carolinas 13th District has set up telephone town halls with constituents, which lets him address them in a tightly controlled environment. Years of promises to repeal Obamacare have yielded to a complex reality: Replacing it will be terribly difficult and potentially unpopular. People dont want to be excluded from coverage if they have pre-existing conditions. They dont want low ceilings on annual or lifetime benefits. They dont want to be forced to enroll in insurance if they dont think they need it. Employers dont want to be required to insure their employees. And, most vexing of all, no one wants to pay what good medical care really costs. The smartest way to address the root problem would be to provide preventive care and health maintenance for everyone. If Americans were healthier in the first place, insurance might be affordable. Getting there wont be accomplished simply by repealing Obamacare. As a new father, Solomon Nevins is rethinking his investment strategy. Being a parent is great, but you do realise how expensive it is, he admits. As well as the day to day costs of raising a child, Nevins is considering the more significant bills to come; moving to a larger home, and school or university fees on the not too distant horizon. Higher education may seem a long way off when you are holding a small baby, but Nevins says it has made him reassess his investment horizons: We may need to liquidate some investments within the next 10 to 15 years. Balancing these short and long term investment goals, he has chosen to invest some of his money in cash ISAs so it is accessible, for a future house move. He has also invested in a some funds he considers to be low risk. Most recently he invested in L&G UK Property fund. He says: I invested after the Brexit vote, when a number of property funds suspended trading. This L&G fund did not suspend trading but imposed a 15% discount on the underlying assets. Nevins explained: This was obviously to deter people selling, but also to encourage new investors. This looked like a good opportunity to buy a good defensive assets which would fit well into my portfolio. According to Morningstar figures this fund has outperformed the category average in recent years and pays a 2.93% yield. Although many commercial property funds put restrictions on those selling assets after the EU Referendum vote, these have largely been removed. Defensive Fund for Capital Preservation Nevins also invests in the CF Odey Opus fund through his ISA, a Bronze rated fund. He says this funds runs a very defensive portfolio. The fund, which is managed by Crispin Odey, seek to achieve long term capital growth primarily through investment in global equities and fixed interest stocks. The fund also uses shorts bets on the market to enhance returns. However, this more defensive approach can act as a brake on performance during periods of strong stock market growth. Morningstar awards the fund one star for its accumulation shares and two stars for its income-based shares - reflecting the fact that it has lagged behind peers in recent years. Nevins says: I see this fund as a hedge myself against more aggressive positions Ive taken elsewhere. Growth Funds for Long Term Goals Although Nevins says he is rebalancing his portfolio to prioritise capital preservation and stead growth, he has kept some higher-risk investments. I consider these more long-term investments. At 30 Im still relatively young so can afford to take a bit of risk particularly when it comes to longer-term ISA holdings and retirement savings, he said. To this end, he has a kept his investment in Aberdeen Latin America. This Bronze rated fund has a four star rating from Morningstar: reflecting its strong performance in recent years, and the analysts belief that it will continue to outperform peers. Lena Tsymbaluk, an analyst at Morningstar says: The fund remains a compelling choice within its sector, managed by a team we regard highly. One of this funds strengths lies in the team approach and the depth of the analytical resource of Aberdeens 18-strong global emerging-markets team, which is headed by seasoned investor Devan Kaloo. The team, she says, aims to invest in quality companies that have the potential for growth, adding: They look at companies that have sustainable, competitive business models; strong balance sheets; high returns on assets and capital; and good corporate governance. This quality focus is paired with a valuation discipline which ensures that they do not overpay for growth. Elsewhere he says he also has a holding in Carmignac Portfolio Commodities. This fund has a four star rating from Morningstar, reflecting its relatively strong performance against peers in recent years. Like all other commodity funds though performance can be volatile. There was strong growth last year, on the back of a commodity rally, but this has followed two years of lacklustre performance, compared to other asset classes. Eating His Investment Cooking Nevins, who lives in south London, says his SIPP is mainly invested in multi-asset funds, run by Architas, the multi-manager investment company where he works as a senior investment manager. He says: This is the core of my savings. The tax breaks on pensions are really much better than ISAs, so it makes sense to maximise these first. He adds: I spend my day researching investment ideas for clients. It seems to make sense to invest in the portfolios I know best. Im looking at the long-term with my SIPP so can afford to be a little more aggressive. I try not to meddle with these funds too much. I dont think it pays to be buying and selling different funds frequently. Timing the market is tricky. If you are out of the market even a short period of time this can have a big effect on your overall returns if youve missed some of the best days. As well as the multi-asset funds, he also invests in Architas Diversified Real Assets fund. Nevin says: This portfolio invests in a range of real assets that include infrastructure energy projects and student accommodation. These can offer predictable returns and a steady cash flow and are often less sensitive to economic changes. Fresh numbers on the Toronto real estate sector painted a picture of a market on overdrive, with the latest edition of the Teranet National Bank Composite House Price Index showing that home prices in the city increased by 20.9 per cent year-over-year in January, and the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) stating that average home resale prices in Toronto saw a 22.6 per cent annual increase last month.BMO Capital Markets chief economist Doug Porter issued a strong warning in the wake of these figures.Let's drop the pretense. The Toronto housing market - and the many cities surrounding it - are in a housing bubble, Porter wrote in a research note last week. Toronto and any city that is remotely within commuting distance are overheating, and perhaps dangerously so.A random sample of homes that sold this month alone shows a median selling price of 25 per cent over asking, with not one staying on the market longer than eight days. Even pigs are flying in this hurricane of a market, the economist added recently, as quoted by The Globe and Mail.Meanwhile, Capital Economics senior Canada economist David Madani noted that contrary to the assumptions underlying recent federal-level changes to mortgage rules, Toronto Real Estate Board numbers revealed that younger buyers arent to blame for Torontos consistent price growth.[First-time] home buyers arent the ones driving the biggest gains in Toronto house prices, based on the simple logic that they simply dont have high enough incomes to afford them, by any mortgage lenders' standard, Madani said.Existing homeowners, by leveraging their considerable housing equity to buy newer, bigger or more beautiful homes, are the primary driving force now boosting house prices in Toronto, he added. If thats the case, then it also stands to reason that there cannot be a major shortage of houses for people to live in. Related stories: 5 highlights from CREAs first release Blazing Toronto real estate market inflating national average home price Mount Pleasant, SC (29464) Today Clouds and some sun this morning with more clouds for this afternoon. High 81F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Producing basins such as the Marcellus or the Haynesville are less challenging than the Delaware, but the Delaware offers opportunities the other basins dont, according to the vice president, Integrated Reservoir Solutions division of Core Laboratories. Randy Miller was in Midland to address Wednesdays Delaware Basin Playmakers Forum presented by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. A number of producers have reported significantly productive completions in multiple benches of the Wolfcamp Shale formation as well as benches of the Bone Spring formation and the Avalon Shale formation. Theres still a lot more work to be done, he said. As youve heard (from other speakers), the reservoirs are complex. Among the challenges are optimizing the landing zone, where to put the lateral. There are multiple possibilities in stacked plays, Miller said. The biggest question in the industry, and one that keeps CEOs up at night, is well spacing and how far apart do you keep wells for the best efficiency, he said. There are a lot of pilot programs experimenting with spacing. To develop the reserves held in the Delaware subbasin, operators have turned to advances in technology from horizontal drilling to hydraulic fracturing, which is a trend Miller expects to continue. Horizontal laterals started at 3,000 to 5,000 feet; now theyre 7,500 to 10,000 feet, he said. Miller said he thinks laterals will continue to grow as operators experiment with ways to improve well performance. Another expectation is the expansion of the Wolfcamp. Miller raised the possibility of development of the Pennsylvanian Shale in the northern portion of the Delaware. He said Matador Resources has been doing development work on its acreage in that area. Miller also sees the possibility of expansion of the Woodford and Barnett formations. Noting that part of the Delaware is gassier, those expansions depend on what youre after. Right now the focus is on liquids. There may be areas where development of the Woodford and Barnett may be appropriate, Miller said. Last fall, Apache Corp. announced the Alpine High discovery located predominantly in southern Reeves County. The company said it held 3 billion barrels in the Woodford and Barnett formations alone. Some companies are skeptical of Apaches announcement, Miller said. (Apache) is reporting short laterals, so it will be interesting to see how they increase lengths. The announcement may have been greeted with skepticism, but its gotten everyone looking at it, Miller said. The closing presentation at the forum was from Trey Resources, detailing its work in exploring and characterizing the southern end of the new play. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Beyond Mardi Gras, this weekend is still jam-packed. Theater, comedy and art can still fill your calendar if youre not into the beads and crawfish. This is also a weekend to be proud of young talent. Area students take centerstage in three very different shows. On the Rise student art show at Museum of the Southwest Art by area students from elementary through high school will be on display at On the Rise: Student Artists of the Permian Basin, which opens Friday. The public is welcome to todays opening reception and teacher appreciation night. This year, students works reflect the theme of culture and heritage expressed in a variety of media. 5:30 p.m. at 1705 W. Missouri Ave. The show will continue through April 23. museumsw.org. The Boy Friend at the Yucca Theatre Much to her fathers dismay, Polly Browne, an English heiress, falls for a not-so-rich messenger boy. Watch how that plays out when Trinity Upper School presents Sandy Wilsons comedy The Boy Friend. Directed by Carl Beery Moore, the pastiche musical is set in the Roaring 20s on the French Riviera. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday at 208 N. Colorado St. $20 adults, $10 students. trinitymidland.org. Men are from Mars at the Rea-Greathouse Recital Hall Get all your relationship advice from Men are from Mars - Women are from Venus Live! Based on the best-selling book by author John Gray, this show is a mix of stand-up comedy and theater piece. Who says relationships cant be funny? 8 p.m. Friday, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday at 1310 N. Farm-to-Market Road 1788. $50. wagnernoel.com. 30th annual Midland Reporter-Telegram Regional Spelling Bee Think youre a good speller? You can find out by testing your spelling skills against that of fourth- through eighth-graders at the 30th annual Midland Reporter-Telegram Regional Spelling Bee at Midland College. Forty students from Midland County, Andrews and Monahans will be vying for a chance to represent Midland at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which is the week of May 28 in Washington, D.C. The event is co-sponsored by JumBurrito. 9:30 a.m. Saturday in the Allison Fine Arts Building auditorium at Midland College, 3600 N. Garfield St. Free. -- Mary Dearen Permian Basin String Quartets British Invasion at Rea-Greathouse You may think this is a show based entirely on British rock from the 60s, but think again. This chamber concert by the Permian Basin String Quartet gives focus to British composers Frank Bridge, Benjamin Britten and Edward Elgar. But they do pay tribute to those other English legends. The concert finishes off with an arrangement of Beatles music. 3 p.m. Sunday at Rea-Greathouse Recital Hall, 1310 N. FM 1788. $15. MOSC.org. 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 McClintock's Town Hall in Sonora View Photos Sonora, CA With the Sonora High School Auditorium filled to its 562 person capacity, the citys fire marshal was forced to tell the other nearly two-hundred waiting in line outside that they would not be allowed into the theater for Mother Lode Congressman Tom McClintocks Town Hall. Even before McClintock arrived, a large group of people chanted this is what democracy looks like. (Click here for video) Many waived signs. One stated Dump Tom McTrump, another No Ban No Wall, while others read We support Tom. Some signs that stood out called for Respect and another with a single word in red letters that stated lies. As McClintock entered the auditorium he was met with cheers and jeers. (Click here for video.) He started off praising the large crowd and called on people to talk to each other instead of shouting at each other, which did not last long. The first audience question came from a Vallecito woman. She wanted to know if he would support a bi-partisan investigation into the Trump Administrations dealings with Russia. It was a common question asked throughout the night. To that repeated question McClintock answered, I am not going to participate in an effort to delegitimize this election or delegitimize this president. [Cheering and booing] That is what elections are all about. I understand youre very upset that you lost the election that Donald Trump won, but I just ask you to consider the fact that there are many Americans that were just as concerned about Barack Obama. (Click here for video of their exchange.) The crowd erupted with clapping and booing, which prompted a Sonora woman to defend McClintock, I get were all here on different sides but be respectful. Let him finish when hes responding to questions. Be respectful to our congressman. (Click here for video of their exchange.) Another woman angrily defended McClintocks stance on Russia bringing up the Benghazi attack questioning, For all of you who are so concerned about Russia. Did you ever once ask what the President of the United States was doing for 13 hours when Chris Stevens and Shawn Smith and others were massacred? [Loud clapping, cheers and booing] (Click here for video of their exchange.) While the crowd got loud at times, and the congressman was heckled often with others yelling at them to shut up, it remained peaceful. The questions ranged from saving social security and Obamacare to immigration to managing federal lands. One woman asked if the congressman would allow fracking in Yosemite, which McClintock fired back hell no but stated that he approved of it in the Alaska tundra. (Click here for their exchange.)A woman from Groveland asked about stopping Governor Jerry Brown from signing sanctuary cities legislation. McClintock responded, There is a strong consensus in congress that any jurisdiction that refuses to enforce federal law should not be receiving federal law enforcement funds. (Click here for video of their exchange.) A comment that got the loudest cheers and brought many to their feet dealt with the defunding of Planned Parenthood. A Sonora woman defiantly stated, It looks like the first step in pushing women back. I want to tell you something, I am 82-years-old. I and millions of women in this country will not be pushed back sir. [Loud whistling and cheering] (Click here for video of their exchange.) In the end, McClintock got praise from some like Charlie Habekost of Sonora, stating, I think he did a stellar job. It was a tough audienceyouve got the loud mouths that wont let him speak but overall I think it was a positive experience. However, others were not impressed. Julie Orth of Sonora echoed others who accused McClintock of not representing all his constituents, criticizing, Hes just going right along with his party line supporting Trump. He doesnt want to investigate ties with Russia. There should be no reason for him to be opposed to find out if those allegations are true. There were several local political leaders in the audience including Tuolumne County Supervisors, Evan Royce, Sherri Brennan, Karl Rodefer and Randy Hanvelt. Hanvelt had this reaction, Im impressed with the turnout. Im impressed with how the congressman kept his cool. But Im a little embarrassedit was really quite disrespectful. If they had not been so disruptive, and by the way both sides were a little guilty, if they had asked a question and received an answer; we would have had a lot more information transferred and that would have been more healthy. You can hear more of Congressman McClintocks views when he joins us on Mother Lode Views this weekend. (Click here for a question on the immigration ban) (Click here for question regarding social security) (Click here for an additional Russian investigation) A man and a woman were arrested Wednesday after lodging themselves inside a pipe at the Sabal Trail Pipeline construction site. Protesters entered Sabal Trail Pipeline Wednesday Environmentalists fear a pipeline rupture could contaminate Florida water supply Protesters arrested on several charges The two people were protesting the construction of the pipeline, which will move natural gas through several Florida counties to Florida Power and Light's plant in Martin County. Duke Energy will also benefit. Protesters are upset that the pipeline is passing under the state's springs. If something happens to the line, they fear the water could be affected. Florida's springs are connected to the state's aquifer, which provides drinking water. The Marion County Sheriff's Office says Nicholas Segal-Wright, 25, and Karrie Kay Ford, 29, trespassed onto the construction site in the morning and entered the natural gas pipeline itself. They entered at an above-ground area of the pipeline along the 12500 block of SW Highway 200 in Dunnellon. Deputies and fire crews spent several hours trying to locate the protesters. They were forced to check all of the pipes, and even asked Citrus County crews to check the pipes on that side of Dunnellon. Crews discuss the difficulty in finding two protesters who entered the Sabal Trail Pipeline Wednesday. (Facebook video courtesy of Cody Suggs) Once they located them, deputies tried to convince them to come out voluntarily. They say Segal-Wright and Ford used a device to lock themselves together and make it more difficult to be individually removed. Segal-Wright was eventually removed around 1 p.m., and Ford was removed around 2 p.m. Both were checked out by paramedics before being taken to Marion County Jail. They both faces charges of grand theft, trespassing and criminal mischief. The grand theft charge stems from "temporarily depriving the construction company from the use of their pipeline." Protests against the Sabal Trail Pipeline have gone on for months. A protest was held in Orlando in December. The project is scheduled to be online by the end of June 2017. The Sabal Trail Pipeline runs through Alabama, Georgia and Florida to FPL's power plant in Martin County. Last Updated: Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, 5:50 p.m. A caretaker has been charged with aggravated child abuse, among other charges, after police say she shook a toddler so violently that the girl needed emergency brain surgery. Baby underwent emergency brain surgery Affidavit: Doctor said baby's injuries consistent with shaking Ameenah Taggart charged with child abuse, child neglect, battery Child in critical condition, has not been identified On Wednesday, Ameenah Taggart, 25, was arrested and charged with aggravated battery, neglect and child abuse. Orlando Police say Taggart, of Philadelphia, was caring for a one-year-old baby girl Monday. The child was later admitted to Arnold Palmer's Children Hospital and treated for a brain bleed and bleeding in her eye. Taggart was accused of shaking the child. According to the arrest affidavit, Dr. Greg Olavarria said he observed hemorrhaging inside the brain from a broken blood vessel and noticed bleeding behind the girl's eye. "Olavarria advised these types of injuries is consistent with a rapid back and forth motion to the head. (The child's) condition is still critical at this time based on the injuries she received," the affidavit states. Experts at Arnold Palmer Hospital explained it may have just taken seconds to hurt the baby irreparably. "It could be for five seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds," said Dr. Marius Kesler, Arnold Palmer's Child Protection Team leader. "It doesn't take very long to cause a brain injury, but it's got to be very violent. The baby's head will be shaking all over." Kessler says unfortunately he sees one or two cases like this every month in Orange and Osceola counties. Taggart has been charged with aggravated battery, neglect and child abuse. No bond amount was given to the charges listed. HART -- The Castro County Commissioners Court met in regular session Monday, Feb. 13, in Dimmitt at the courthouse and voted to issue certificates of obligation to fund the Castro County Jail Project. The decision was unanimous among the four commissioners. After three public meetings in January in Hart, Nazareth and Dimmitt, the commissioners vote to fund the project through the certificates allows the project to go forward without voter approval. State law, however, allows a petition with enough signatures to comprise 5 percent of registered voters (3,960) to be presented to the Commissioners Court within 30 days from the vote to call for an election on the project. Other than the current jail being outdated and not in compliance with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (six variances), the jail population has increased so that inmates are housed in Bailey and Parmer counties. The cost, according to the Castro County Sheriffs Office, in 2013-14 to farm out inmates was $48,746.45; 2014-15, $74,519.63; 2015-16, $114,296.43; and from, October through December 2016 and Jan. 1-23, 2017, $48,127.62. Present at the Hart meeting on Jan. 25 were County Judge Carroll Gerber and the four commissioners (Pct. 1, Paul Ramirez; Pct. 2, Tim Elliott; Pct. 3, Michael Goolsby; and Pct. 4, Ralph Brockman); Sheriff Sal Rivera and some of his staff; as well as Stanley Dyer of Hart and Jim Baker of Dimmitt, members of the committee formed in 2013 to study whether to build a new courthouse, renovate the present one and how to deal with the County Jail. It was, according to reports, the consensus of this committee to wait until some wind farms came to fruition so as to help finance the project. Gerber said at the Hart meeting that two wind farms are in production: Jumbo Road Wind Project (north of Dimmitt) and Bethel Wind Farm, west of Dimmitt. He said that abatement agreements with the wind farms are $800,000 a year for 10 years, which are payments in lieu of property taxes. Judge Gerber introduced Gary Adams and Wayne Gondeck with DRG Architects of San Antonio to the Hart audience. Gondeck said the current jail, which is inside the courthouse, was built in 1971. DRGs proposal is not a fancy building, but a utilitarian one. He pointed out there currently is no holding cell, and said it is important to have such a cell because of situations arising in which multiple persons may be present and the holding cell makes for easier processing of these arrested persons. Studies show that Castro Countys incarceration rate, Gondeck said, is 2.07 individuals per 1,000. He said Deaf Smiths rate is 3.55; Lamb, 3.08; Hale, 2.58; Parmer, 1.56; Swisher, 1.29; and Randall, 2.19. And, Gondeck said, that even though the countys population is not increasing much (8,062 in 2010 and 8,301 in 2013), the inmate population is. The average inmate population at the jail in 2012 was 17; in 2016, it had increased to 20. And, he said that a study by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards indicates that Castro Countys population will continue to increase, with a 9,650 population in 2030. The one-story building, which in essence will be the Castro County Law Enforcement Center, will be of concrete and metal, and will be located on the full city block northwest of the Castro County Exposition Building on the east edge of Dimmitt. Construction is expected to begin this fall. The first payment of $783,816 is due in 2018. Gerber said that the total amount of $7,825,000 has lots of contingencies, thus allowing for the possibility the cost could be lower. The county will pay $2 million toward the cost, it was noted at the meeting in Hart. The facility will house 48 inmates and have male and female sections. He adds there will be no bars to confine inmates in the new facility. The current two-story jail will be remodeled to have a holding cell for inmates to appear in court in the courthouse. And the sally port and exercise area will be removed. Sheriff Rivera said the current jail is operating with six variances allowed by the Jail Commission. There are to be 30 percent single cells to separate inmates by sex, and the current jail does not have this amount. Another variance is that multiple occupancy cells dont provide enough clear floor space, and day rooms arent provided. Female cells have a day room, which is also the laundry room. Male minimum and maximum cells have a day room, but minimum/medium security cells dont. And, there is no remote control of cells doors; instead, the doors are opened with a key. Exit doors are to swing in direction of exit travel, and the current jail does not have this. And, standpipe and hose system to ensure the system will work as intended to deliver adequate and reliable water supply in a fire emergency is not available. A bond election narrowly failed in the 1990s to fund a law enforcement center. Larry Perkins got started hunting for rocks when he was 10 or 11 and living on the family farm east of Plainview in the East Mound community. He also hunted further south along the draw. There wasnt a lot to pick up, except for some broken pieces of arrowheads and flint chips, and a few 50 cent meteorites, Perkins explains. The artifacts and meteorites were easy to spot on top of the ground, before pastures were broken out for farming. I found my first piece of broken flint (a chipped Indian arrowhead) out there, he explained. And Ive been hunting arrowheads, meteorites and rocks ever since. Perkins, along with his wife Sharon, are longtime members of the Hi-Plains Gem and Mineral Society, which will host its 54nd annual Hi-Plains Gem & Mineral Show at the Ollie Liner Center this weekend. The show is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children and Wayland students with ID. The public is invited to become a member of the club and experience the fun of rock hounding. Signups are available at the cost of $15 for families, $8.50 for individuals and $1 for students. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. each first Thursday at the Moody Science Building on the Wayland campus. The club has approximately 35 active members and most will have displays at this years rock show. There also will be a large number of collectors and dealers from throughout the region participating this year. In addition to displays of gems, rocks and minerals, there will be live demonstrations of rock cutting and polishing, wire wrapping, geo sawing, jewelry making, silversmithing and hourly door prizes and a grand prize awarded Sunday. Although Perkins started hunting rocks as a child, his hobby became a bigger passion after he began studying geology and biology as a student at West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M) in the early 1960s. After he and Sharon got married almost 48 years ago, she took up the hobby as well as they participated in weekend hunts off the Caprock and elsewhere. She used to take her book along and read while I went off hunting for rocks and now shes a bigger hound than I am, he says. Sharon adds that shes particularly interested in learning more about that makes up particular specimens, and enjoys seeking out fossils and gemstones. Her husband specializes more in artifacts such as arrows, scrapers and spear points. You cant image how old some of these fossils are, she said. One of the more interesting pieces in the Perkins collection isnt something they picked up from the ground. They bought a fairly large meteorite at a garage sale several years ago for $1. Weve gotten most of our collections by buying items at rock shows, or from individuals and relatives, Larry explains. We still hunt rocks, but its getting harder and harder to find artifacts in perfect shape, and more landowners are reluctant to let people look because some have abused their hospitality in the past. Larry has a large collection of arrowheads, most of which he has acquired from fellow rock hounds as well as family members. Ive inherited some from my friends, and others are on long-term loan from a cousin. While they have visited Palo Duro and Caprock Canyons State Parks along with the Alibates Flint Quarry near Lake Meredith, they said they dont hunt for rocks in those locations because it is prohibited. We dont go there very often because its too tempting to pick something up. The flint at Alibates is simply beautiful, but all you can do it walk on it. You cant pick up and take home any samples. They have been fossil hunting along the Sulphur River near Ladonia, in areas where that activity is permitted. We make sure we receive permission before we go rock hunting. Another regular spot for the Perkins to hunt is atop at the mesa in Brewster County. Larry Perkins inherited about 15 acres there and has since expanded their property to about 70 acres. They have a popup camper on the property. Its a great place to hunt rocks and stickers, he jokes. Sharon Perkins particularly likes to visit the Woodward Ranch south of Alpine where they were able to find rare pieces of red plume and black plume agate, which is polished into cabochon gemstones used for pendants and other jewelry. The club takes day trips whenever we can, Larry Perkins says. Sometimes we have to pay a fee, and agree to such conditions as not to pick up artifacts or arrowheads. It just depends on the property owner. Some of the trips are to Matador as well as a gravel pit east of Floydada. We are always looking for places to hunt. The club has guidelines on rules and manners that we all follow, and we all sign release forms for the property owners in case of accident. Anyone interested in joining the organization or providing a location for a club outing can contact 806-685-3748 for more information. As thousands of San Jose residents returned to their flood-ravaged homes Thursday, forecasters said an incoming weekend storm would keep temperatures frosty but would grant a reprieve to those whose lives have been upturned by a barrage of wet-weather systems. For people not used to the cold, we are going to get a little cold snap, said Matt Mehle, a forecaster with the National Weather Service. This system doesnt look like its going to be producing a ton of rainfall overall. The lack of rainfall is good news for San Jose as the city moved to lift evacuation orders for most areas flooded when Coyote Creek overflowed its banks. About 3,800 residents remained under evacuation orders, mostly in the hard-hit Rocksprings neighborhood and three nearby mobile home parks South Bay Mobile Home Park, Golden Wheel Mobile Home Park and River Bend Mobile Home Park. Mondays powerful rainstorm sent water gushing out of Anderson Lake in Morgan Hill and caused Coyote Creek to spill its banks, sending floodwaters into residential neighborhoods and across Highway 101 in two locations. By Tuesday, an estimated 14,000 households were under mandatory evacuation, at least 400 people had to be rescued by boat and a total of 36,000 households were affected by the flooding. The incoming storm will make its appearance late Friday with scattered showers throughout the weekend and less than half an inch of rain in San Francisco and the East Bay, Mehle said. San Jose will experience even less rain as most of the precipitation will hit elevated areas rather than making its way into the city, Mehle added. Scattered showers is good news, Dave Sykes, the assistant city manager in San Jose, said at a news conference Thursday. City officials will keep a close eye on the storm for any potential flooding, Sykes added. Despite the promise of a relatively dry weekend, Mehle said problems could arise if creeks and streams in the San Jose area receive a decent amount of rain in a short time. Creeks and streams could respond quickly, he warned. Floodwaters along Coyote Creek in San Jose were receding Thursday as city officials began cleanup efforts, including pumping water out of the streets. City inspectors worked in the flood zones to ensure that people would be able to go back into their homes, but Sykes said reoccupation would occur in phases. I would not expect it to be one fell swoop, Sykes said of people returning into their homes. Fundamentally, we are dealing with a 100-year storm. Extensive flooding remained in the Rocksprings area, and Sykes said inspectors dont have access to all the homes impacted by the water. Some homes, he said, may no longer be inhabitable. Sykes promised concerned residents that a local assistance center would be available to them over the weekend and that multiple agencies were working on responding to the damage. We will be exploring every avenue to get assistance on funding to support this effort, Sykes said, adding that relief costs would be in the multimillions. Nearly half of the evacuation centers in San Jose were closed Thursday morning, including the Mayfair Community Center and the Shirakawa Community Center. Evergreen Valley High School and James Lick High School were open for the remaining evacuees. Temperatures throughout the weekend will be in the low 40s for most of the Bay Area. The Santa Cruz Mountains and North Bay mountains will experience a wintry mix of precipitation as temperatures there drop even lower to the 30s, Mehle said. In the grand scheme of things, this system is going to be much weaker, Mehle said. Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani Union City Police Department A teenager was arrested at school on Wednesday in connection with the armed robbery this month of a 12-year-old Girl Scout and her mother who were selling cookies outside a Union City Safeway, police said. The 17-year-olds name is not being released by police because of his age. He was also linked to a robbery at James Logan High School in Union City, where he is a student, police said. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Wednesday sued a Houston oil field equipment manufacturing company for allegedly firing a black employee who complained of racial harassment after accusing his white co-workers of donning a white hood that resembled Ku Klux Klan regalia. Downhole Technology, which makes fracturing plugs for completion of oil and gas wells, was accused by the federal agency of failing to take prompt remedial action after Kenneth Echols, who is African-American, reported the incident to company officials and then retaliating against him for reporting the conduct. Duke VanLue, chief executive officer of Downhole Technology, said the company cannot comment on pending litigation. He added company officials will continue to examine the facts and if misconduct is detected, the company will take appropriate action. Downhole Technology was founded in Houston in 2010. Austrian-based Schoeller-Bleckmann Oilfield Equipment, which makes tools for drilling and completing directional and horizontal wells, gained control of the company on April 1, when it bought a 68 percent stake in the privately-held company, according to Schoeller-Bleckmann. According to the EEOC lawsuit, filed in federal court in Houston, Echols reported the April 15, 2015 workplace incident to a supervisor and the director of human resources. Echols was subsequently threatened by the same employees after filing his initial complaint and reported those threats too, according to the EEOC, which filed the case on behalf of Echols. Six days later, on April 21, 2015, the human resource director asked Echols to agree that his co-workers had not harassed him on the basis of race and to confirm that the company had adequately addressed his concerns, according to the EEOC's lawsuit. Echols refused to make the agreement. On the following day, Echols was reprimanded for failing to explain why he refused to sign the agreement, for not providing a statement explaining the incidents and for taking a sick day, according to the EEOC. When he refused to acknowledge the disciplinary write-up, Echols was fired. It was his first write-up since joining the company in late 2014. The EEOC is seeking an unspecified amount for back pay, reimbursement of loan default penalties and job search expenses and damages for emotional pain and humiliation. The agency is also asking the court to order Downhole to hold race discrimination training for all Downhole employees at least once a year, develop a better way for employees to report discrimination such as a toll-free telephone number and warn the employees who engaged in the harassment that they will face disciplinary action if it happens again. HomeGoods owner TJX is launching a second home concept chain this year, with the company providing few details during a Wednesday review of its annual results. HomeGoods has locations in Danbury, Norwalk, Stamford, Trumbull and Westport. Massachusetts-based TJX also operates apparel stores Marshalls and T.J.Maxx, which each have eight locations in southwestern Connecticut; as well as Sierra Trading Post, which recently opened its first local store in Danbury. On Wednesday, TJX CEO Ernie Herrman said TJX will open the first four stores later this year, and that the new chain would be differentiated from HomeGoods. HomeGoods led TJX brands in same-store sales gains in the companys fourth quarter of the 2017 fiscal year ending Jan. 28, registering a 5 percent gain. Weve been testing many of those home categories for the last year and year and a half you guys wouldnt realize it by the way weve been testing it, but thats allowing us to plant the seeds and feel a high degree of confidence on what the store can do for business when it starts up later on this year, Herrman said Wednesday. We think we are most under-penetrated ... in our home arena in the U.S. ... It just screams at us. The company added more than 50 new HomeGoods stores in the past year, versus 30 new T.J.Maxx stores and slightly fewer Marshalls. Herrman said Wednesday the company is eyeing a near doubling of its HomeGoods store base to 1,000 locations, not including stores under the new concept under development. In Canada and Europe, TJX has an off-price chain called HomeSense, selling bedding, kitchen, bath, storage and other household wares; Herrman gave no indication Wednesday whether the company is considering expanding on the HomeSense concept in the United States. In a bid to maintain or reestablish momentum, large numbers of retailers have been experimenting with new concept stores, including industry titan Wal-Mart, which this month unveiled its first convenience stores in Arkansas and Texas not dissimilar to pit stops like 7-Eleven and Cumberland Farms. Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-354-1047; www.twitter.com/casoulman This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Austin-based cooler company Yeti is opening a flagship retail store Thursday in its hometown. The 8,000-square-foot space at 220 South Congress Ave. will have a stage for live music, an indoor/outdoor bar, a product customization station and an array of Yeti's "historical" artifacts. It is the company's first stand-alone store. MORE: Rivals Yeti, RTIC put cold legal situation behind them "The Yeti Flagship store is a convergence of the lifestyle we stand for, the products we offer and the community we live in," Yeti CEO Matt Reintjes said in the news release. "It's a gathering spot for locals and out-of-towners to enjoy a cold beer, listen to music, watch a film or learn from a pro." Yeti's 30-ounce tumbler costs $39.99 on its website. Its hard-side coolers range from $249.99 for its Roadie, which holds 14 cans, to $1,299.99 for its Tundra 350, which is its largest cooler with 19,000 cubic inches of capacity that can hold multiple elk or several offshore fish. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate State Agriculture Commissioner Sid Millers call for a feral hog apocalypse has hunters across Texas up in arms about what they see as a poison being unleashed against a perfectly good source of barbecue meat. At issue is Millers approval of Kaput Feral Hog Lure to cut down on a hog population that has gotten out of control in Texas and other states. Miller touts the move as a major new weapon in the Lone Star States arsenal against the hogs. He also says it means the Texas Department of Agriculture no longer needs the $900,000 in state funding earmarked for feral hog control research. Wild hogs have caused extensive damage to Texas lands and loss of income for many, many years, Miller said. I am pleased to announce that the feral hog apocalypse may be within Texans reach. The pesticides key ingredient is warfarin, which depending on its concentration is used both as a human blood thinner and a poison for rats. Miller approved a rule change in the Texas Administrative Code allowing it to be classified as a state-limited use pesticide, which means it can be bought and applied by a licensed applicator or someone under that applicators watch. In an interview Wednesday in San Antonio, Miller described how the hogs would be lured to special feeders with 16-pound lids that deer and other wildlife wouldnt be able to open. The hogs come in and they eat the bait; and usually in one to three days, they will be eradicated, he said. He said Scimetrics, the Colorado-based manufacturer of Kaput, had asked him to help find manufacturers to make the feeders. But while Miller says the product is safe and unlikely to be accidentally ingested by people it turns the fat of the animal that consumes it blue those who hunt hogs for food and sport think the commissioner hasnt thought the move through. The stand that we take is we do not believe adding a poison into the environment is the correct answer to this, said Scott Dover of the Texas Hog Hunters Association, a statewide group that by Tuesday night, just hours after Millers announcement, had close to 2,500 signatures of people opposing the pesticide. For more on this article, check out Express-News.com or read Thursdays editions of the San Antonio Express-News. Two veteran Midland producers are joining forces to acquire and develop properties in the Midland subbasin. Henry Energy LP and Moriah Energy Investments LLC are forming Moriah Henry Energy Partners LLC, backed by a $200 million equity commitment from Post Oak Capital LP. Both Henry and Moriah will invest alongside Post Oak. The Permian Basin has been a core focus for Post Oak since it was founded 10 years ago, Frost Cochran, managing director, said in a phone interview from his Houston office. He said his background includes operating in the Permian and called the Permian the gift that keeps on giving since the beginning of my career. Danny Campbell, president of Henry Resources, said his company always takes partners share the risk. And partners make you smarter because they ask good questions. Acquiring acreage is expensive, especially for smaller independents like Henry, he said. You need to partner to get things done. You have to be collaborative, share the risks and figure out how to get things done, he said. More from Oil Report Speaker forecasts new zones, expansion as producers figure out Delaware Im excited about it, Cary Brown, founder and chairman of Moriah Energy, said. I really respect those guys at Henry. Campbell said that Henry has invested with Moriah in the past on the real estate side. In this case, its on the oil and gas side, he said. Brown praised the expertise of operating in the Midland Basin that Henry brings to the venture and said that Moriah can hopefully add deal-making and financial expertise. While Post Oak has invested with Moriah and the Brown family in the past, particularly as they formed Legacy Reserves, Cochran said this was the first opportunity to work with Jim Henry. Jim Henry is a legend and weve wanted to partner with him but hadnt had the opportunity. When Cary and Jim came to us with this proposed partnership, we were delighted to work with the Browns again and with Jim. Brown said plans are to consolidate acreage. We have two blocks and were looking for more blocks, he said. We plan to stand up a rig on the two blocks we have and begin drilling by mid-year on our acreage. He said he looks forward to hearing from operators with acreage to sell. There are deals still to be done. The big companies, the Pioneers, the Conchos, the Parsleys, the Diamondbacks, they can buy big, big blocks. Well take advantage of the smaller blocks, Brown said. Campbell agreed. Were trying to pick up things around the edge. The equity backing from Post Oak and the two companies gives them plenty of capital to go to work, Brown said. Were bullish on the Midland Basin. There are a lot of reserves to go get, Brown said. Henry will operate any wells drilled on the acreage, Campbell said. He said that all wells to be drilled are expected to be horizontal. Cochran estimates that Post Oak has between $350 million and $400 million in unfunded commitments to Permian Basin operators as well as actively acquiring mineral interests in both the Midland and Delaware subbasins. The company was also an investor in Double Eagle Energy Permian, which is being sold for $2.8 billion to Parsley Energy. --- mmcewen@mrt.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate It was time for Miss CAM Antonio to go. Participation in the competition to wear the Contemporary Art Month crown had waned the past couple of years, so we decided to retire it, said Chris Sauter, co-chair of the CAM board. Thats just one and with apologies to anyone who aspired to the artist-made crown probably the least important change to the month-long celebration of the citys thriving art scene. CAM, which includes exhibits, art-related events and a studio crawl, officially begins Thursday with a kickoff party at Blue Star Contemporary. The board organizes the CAM online calendar and puts on a handful of signature events, chiefly the CAM Perennial, an exhibit of works by San Antonio artists selected by curator brought in from a partnering city and CAMX, an exchange that pairs an artist-run space from the same city as the CAM Perennial curator with a local artist-run space. For Sauter, the best new feature is a revamped CAMMIE Awards. In the past, awards presented in various categories all were decided by popular vote. This year, the board has tapped seven arts institutions the San Antonio Museum of Art, the McNay Art Museum, the Southwest School of Art, Blue Star Contemporary, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, the Carver Community Cultural Center and Artpace to each present an award. Each organization is tasked with going to as many exhibitions as they can during Contemporary Art Month and choosing an artist or exhibition they would like to choose to be acknowledged for excellence, he said. It connects the art community with the art institutions in a direct way. And the award becomes more meaningful because its chosen by arts professionals who are not basing their award on who their friend is or who has the biggest network. The public, however, still will be able to weigh in on the Best of CAM award by voting online on the CAM website. More Information CAM highlights Contemporary Art Month officially opens with a kick-off party from 6-9 p.m. Thursday at Blue Star Contemporary in the Blue Star Arts Complex. Then it's off to the races for contemporary-art fans. For a full calendar of events go to contemporaryartmonth.com. Here are some highlights to put on your must-see list. "Pretty Hurts": Former San Antonio resident Wesley Harvey borrowed a title from Beyonce for his show of new ceramic sculpture and collage works. The exhibit examines ideas of deviance and the emphasis on physical perfection in the gay community. Works on view include a cup, saucer and spoon set dipped in gold glitter that pays homage to Meret Oppenheim's "Object." Reception 6-9 p.m. Thursday; through March 18. Hello Studio, 1420 S. Alamo St. 210-291-8640, hellostudiosa.com "SKINS": An exhibit of new works by Elizabeth Carrington, features frenetic pop-art flavored paintings, collage, textiles and furnishing. Reception 6-9 p.m. Thursday; through March 31 by appointment, Mercury Project, 538 Roosevelt Ave. 210-478-9133. "Magic Time Machine": A two-person show featuring work by Ana Fernandez and Hiromi Stringer explores how the city's landscape and cultural topography have been affected by the passage of time. Receptions 6:30 p.m. Thursday, 9:30 p.m. Friday. Through April 30. Cinnabar, 1420 S. Alamo St., Blue Star Arts Complex. 210-557-6073, cinnabarart.com "Pardon My Glitch": New works on wood panel by street artist Scotch! of images created with a technique that involves the precise layering of colors and patterns with hand cut stencils. Receptions 6-9 p.m. Thursday and 6-11 p.m. Friday; through March 26. Show Down Gallery, 1420 S. Alamo St., No. 103. sarah@showdowngallery.com "Reflections of Landscape and Memory": The CAM Perennial returns with a show curated by Chris Ingalls of Miami. The exhibit features work by more than a dozen artists including Jennifer Ling Datchuk, Ana Fernandez, Michele Monseau, Esteban Delgado and Ryan Takaba. Reception 6-8 p.m. March 10; through April 30. Southwest School of Art, Russell Hill Rogers Gallery I & II, Navarro Campus, 1201 Navarro St. 210-224-1848, swschool.org See More Collapse Another, perhaps inevitable, change is that the CAM Perennial exhibition has a new home. The Guadalupe hosted the show for five years, but last year the Latino arts organization withdrew as its venue. Jerry Ruiz, the director of the Guadalupe at the time, cited a lack of diversity among the artists selected for the 2016 show as the reason. Tensions erupted on social media, and ultimately the exhibition was canceled. This year, the Southwest School of Art is hosting the show. Titled Reflections of Landscape and Memory, it is curated by Chris Ingalls from Miami and features work by more than a dozen artists, including Jennifer Ling Datchuk, Ana Fernandez, Michele Monseau, Esteban Delgado and Ryan Takaba. The controversy surrounding last years exhibition also lead CAM to change the selection process for the Perennial. Previously, curators were given a list of artists compiled by prior Perennial curators and other arts professionals to work from. For the 2017 Perennial, the board instituted an open call. We didnt realize there was a perception that we play favorites or what have you, and so we thought maybe the system we are using is not transparent enough or its unwieldy or it might not be the fairest way of working, Sauter said. We just thought, There is a better system out there, so we decided to do the open call. It worked really well. Datchuk, who was selected for the scrapped 2016 Perennial and again for this years installment, is in favor of the new selection process. I think its great that theres transparency in the process and that theyve made it so it puts ownership on the individual to actually apply, she said. Datchuk, whose art deals with issues related to her Asian heritage, is contributing a pair of works to the Perennial, including Sampler of an American Born Chinese, a wall installation comprised of slip cast porcelain shower drains. Hair embroidered through the drains forms letters used to spell out derogatory terms such as chink and ching chong. To Datchuk, CAM is about community and a valuable opportunity to have her work seen by an outside curator. Those opportunities are priceless when youre just starting out or youre an established artist, she said. Its really great to be able to talk to someone outside of your local community. Wesley Harvey, a former San Antonio resident based in Flagstaff, Arizona, is returning to the city for CAM. Pretty Hurts, an exhibit of ceramic sculpture and collage works examining ideas of deviance and physical perfection associated with homosexuality, will be on view at Hello Studio. Now being outside of San Antonio, CAM is so important for the San Antonio art community and the Texas community in general, because its something that a lot of cities dont have, he said. I love when I lived in San Antonio that I knew in March every day of the month I could go and see a show and that there was just so much work to look at and get inspired by. I think its important for me to come back and show during CAM because San Antonio will always have a special place in my heart. Elizabeth Carrington, known for her frenetic pop-art paintings, collage and furnishings, will have an exhibit of new works at Mercury Project. She is showing her work during CAM for the first time. That inspired her to challenge herself. It was kind of a cool thing to maybe not just have a random show, but to be part of a bigger picture, she said. It was definitely an inspiration for the way I approached doing this. Youre celebrating contemporary art, so Im going to try to do something that pushes what I do, like the materials and the process and the subject matter (and) not worry so much about what its going to turn out to be. lsilva@express-news.net San Antonio fulfilled their civic duty to honor National Margarita Day with oodles of margs at Viva Tacoland, La Gloria and throughout the Pearl. Frozen or on the rocks, lemon-lime or strawberry, the signature drink of San Antonio pepped up the night as locals listened to live music and celebrated under the stars. George and Linda Reed will be honored with a reception for friends and associates from 1:30-4 p.m. Sunday, March 5, in the parlor at First United Methodist Church. The public is invited. The annual Knights of Columbus Fish Fry is 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, March 3, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cafeteria, 28th and Columbia. Phone 293-0555. Cost is $8 a plate which includes fish, fries, coleslaw and hushpuppies. Our Lady of Guadalupe's Outreach Ministry will be providing free food and fellowship for all who are hungry and in need of a hot meal from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, in the church cafeteria at 211 W. Seventh. For delivery, please call 806-293-3161 on Saturday, Feb. 25. Plainview Habitat for Humanity is a Christian, nonprofit housing organization that seeks to put God's love into action by building homes, communities and hope. It is currently accepting applications. Visit www.plainviewhabitat.org for application criteria and information. To contact its team, email plainview_habitat@yahoo.com or write Plainview Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 1125, Plainview, TX 79073. Covenant Health Plainview hosts the cancer survivors prayer support group "We Fight to Live" from 7-8 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month in Room B. The sessions will consist of a monthly topic and presenter, and a structured segment, allowing time for group sharing. The support group is open to those with a cancer diagnosis and anyone affected by their diagnosis. The group is led by Andrea Ingram, a cancer survivor, as well as Sherry Wall, hospital mission services. There is no charge for the group. For more information contact Andrea Ingram at 806-293-7614 or Sherry Wall at 806-291-3364. Alvin Petty will pick up garage sale-types of items, with proceeds going to the Ideal Village Chapel Scholarship Fund. Call 806-685-2604. The youth at First Presbyterian Church are collecting canned goods, monetary donations, toilet paper and soap for FISH. To help, drop off items at 2101 Utica from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday or Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Phone 296-2604. The Apostolic Lighthouse Church, 1504 Houston in Plainview, invites the public to pray at the church from 6-7 p.m. each Friday. You need not be a member of the church to come and pray. For those who are homebound or sick, the church ministry will come and pray for you at your home. Call Pastor Armando Cardenas at 806-729-4057 for information. Catholic Charities of Lubbock and the Youth and Family program provide youth skills-building counseling through the S.T.A.R. program. S.T.A.R. (Services to At Risk Youth) offers short-term services to youth ages 0-17 and their families who are dealing with conflict at home, school attendance issues, delinquency, or have a youth who runs away from home. S.T.A.R. services are not for families with an open CPS investigation or youth who have been adjudicated delinquent by a juvenile court. All services are without charge. Call 806-296-7044 and ask a youth case manager for more information. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate HARTFORD If another group besides the states two Indian tribes develops a third Connecticut casino, it would abruptly end the flow of slot-machine revenue from Foxwoods and the Mohegan Sun, lawmakers were told Thursday. Kevin Brown, the Mohegans tribal chairman, and Felix Rappaport, CEO of Foxwoods, said that if another entity were to build the next state casino, it would violate the compact between the tribes and the state, terminating the $7 billion in revenue that dates back to the opening of Foxwoods in 1992. We are part of Connecticut, Brown said. We will be perpetually businessmen in this state. While annual revenue representing 25 percent of the total slot-machine handle has fallen off sharply in recent years, it still amounts to $250 million annually at a time the state is facing a budget deficit of up to $1.7 billion. Rep. Joe Verrengia, D-West Hartford, co-chairman of the legislative Public Safety Committee, said after a four-hour informational meeting that he didnt feel threatened by the statement. I think the pressing issue going forward is do we open it up to a competitive process and gauge the interest, or do we exclusively deal with the tribes? Verrengia said in an interview, noting that it has been 15 months since the tribes were given the green light by the previous General Assembly to look at a third state location. But while the tribes expect within days to announce a potential site for a Hartford-area casino to stem the expected flow of state gambling dollars to a $950-million casino that MGM Resorts International has under construction in Springfield, Mass., other groups told lawmakers that Southwestern Connecticut is a more desirable location than Interstate-91 corridor north of Hartford. In fact, most speakers during the hearing of invited speakers, including Chief Richard Velky of the Kent-based Schaghticoke Tribe, Charlie Aspinwall of the Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe, a lawyer for MGM Resorts, and the president of the statewide parimutuel wagering system, agreed that the Southwestern Connecticut market makes more sense than a gambling outpost a dozen miles south of Springfield. Velky said his 300-member tribe is ready, willing and able to develop a commercial casino in Western or Southwestern Connecticut, to tap the estimated $4 billion gambling market. While Kent doesnt have the infrastructure needed for a destination casino, the Bridgeport area does, with a pool of employees who could fill the estimated 8,000 new jobs, he said. In November of 1995, a special session of the General Assembly failed to approve a Bridgeport casino. Bridgeport is an ideal location, said Aspinwall, who charged that while the Trumbull-based tribe had extensive background information for its bid for federal recognition, state officials joined the congressional delegation in 2010 to subvert them. Thats akin to the KKK having veto power over the Civil Rights Act, he said. Its time to end the discrimination, time to end the bigotry and time to adhere to the Constitution of the United States, he said. Ted Taylor, president of Sportech Ventures, which plans to open its 15th parimutuel facility in Stamford, a $7.5-million facility, in time for the Kentucky Derby in early May, said that building the satellite casino in East Windsor or Windsor Locks, as the tribes plan, would be devastating for its Teletrack at Bradley International Airport four miles away, even though the company recently invested $4 million in the site. You are considering a new gaming industry, Taylor said. This cannot be seen as an extension of what you already have. We want to be part of the discussion. Taylor said that the Shoreline Star in Bridgeport, the former jai alai fronton that was converted into a dog track, which is now a betting parlor, would be a perfect location for another casino. He described the current parimutuel market as just below flat. Also making his pitch was Anthony W. Ravosa Jr., managing member of a group that has proposed a long-shot independent casino in an old movie theater in East Hartford. The University of Texas at Tyler was on lockdown briefly on Thursday after an active shooter was reported on campus. After five minutes, the university gave the all-clear. Spokeswoman Beverley Golden said the reports were mistaken. The person who alerted police to an active shooter did not intend to send the alert, she said. After days of making progress in his medical recovery, it appears that Liberty County Pct. 1 Justin Johnston has had a bit of setback, according to sources in the Liberty County Sheriff's Office. Johnston suffered critical injuries Feb. 15 when he was hit by a vehicle while directing traffic on SH 146 south of Dayton. After the accident, he was airlifted to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston where he has undergone numerous life-saving medical surgeries and procedures. The alleged driver of the vehicle that hit Johnston, 39-year-old Samuel Leyva of Cleveland, and his 8-year-old daughter also suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Blood was drawn from Leyva at the hospital to determine if alcohol was a factor in the crash. As of Thursday, Feb. 23, officials with the Department of Public Safety said charges are still pending against Leyva and he has not been arrested. Johnston's aunt and friends shared information about the constable's condition Wednesday, Feb. 22, on Facebook. She said he had a seizure and has been mostly unresponsive, but family members are able to wake him for very brief moments. She expressed her gratitude for the men and women of the Liberty County Sheriff's Office and county constables who are taking part in an around-the-clock vigil at Johnston's bedside. She also asked that prayers continue to be offered for Johnston's recovery. While his family deals with Johnston's immediate needs, his friends and law enforcement colleagues are planning benefits to help with the financial burden. On March 4, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., at Los Compadres Restaurant in Hardin, 10 percent of all food purchased at the restaurant will go directly to Johnston's family to help alleviate the burden of medical bills. On March 11, a fundraiser will be held at the Jack Hartel Community Center, 318 San Jacinto Ave., Liberty. Chuckwagon Concessions will be selling barbecue brisket baskets for $10. The meal will include a chopped beef sandwich, french fries and a canned drink. Organizers of the barbecue sale are seeking donations of briskets, buns, potatoes and canned drinks. The office of Pct. 5 Constable David Hunter, 22350 SH 321, Tarkington, is the drop-off site for donations on the north end of the county during normal business hours. The phone number at the office is 281-593-3189 and Hunter's cell phone number is 281-761-5749. On the south end, the sheriff's office, 2400 Beaumont Ave., Liberty, is the drop-off site. The sheriff's office non-emergency phone number is 936-336-4500. A benefit fund also has been set up with Prosperity Bank. To make a donation to the Justin Johnston Benefit Fund, go to any Prosperity Bank. A young girl from Galveston and her friends have decided to help other children in need. Aleya Votaw, 9, who survived a blood infection at two-weeks old in 2007, is now working to support children in the community who need a helping hand from a helping heart. With the guidance of her mother, Votow has joined forces with her 8-year-old brother Clyde Jr., and friends Addie LeBouef, 9, and sisters Sarah Allen, 9, and Paelynne Allen, 8, to what they are now calling the Five Helping Hearts. "This is a passion for me because I was given a second chance in life when I survived the blood infection that could have easily taken my life," Votaw said. "I feel it is now my chance to give the same opportunity by making others smile and give these children a chance to be a child again." According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 10,380 children in the United States younger than 15 were diagnosed with cancer last year. Also, the society reports that childhood cancer rates have been rising slightly for the past few decades. The group of children are planning to hold a charity event for 11-year-old Eden Green, a Cypress-area child who has battled a rare aggressive bone cancer. The form of cancer has not been seen or treated by any other doctors across the country except for Eden. Eden is not in remission yet, but she has been declared cancer-free with no evidence of disease. Technically, according to doctors, she will not be in remission until she is 16 years of age. Now, Eden is on the path working to regain her strength and is receiving physical therapy. "It touches my heart that complete strangers are willing to give so much to help our family and support Eden. They heard about Eden's story and offered to do this craft fair to help," said Shannon Green, Eden's mother. "I feel loved by these sweet kids. I would like to thank the Five Helping Hearts for having an attitude of service and a willingness to give to others." The Eden Green Craft and Bake Sale is the next event for the organization's events and will take place on March 19 from noon until 6 p.m. at the Cypress VFW. The group plans to donate all of the proceeds to helping Green. At the event, the Five Helping Hearts will have a cake walk, bouncy house, food, face painting, and shopping at various booths. "I am hoping that the community enjoys the purpose of the craft show, which is to feel the joy of helping out a family in need," Kristen LeBouef said, mother to Addie. "I hope the community also feels the great feeling that the (event) will have with bringing a community together by helping a girl and her family to overcome the hard obstacles in front of them, so they can focus on her healing." In Votow's journey to help other children, she met Addie, Sarah, and Paelynne who joined her in helping others. Votow and her friends are aiming to help other children in Houston and surrounding areas. The group of helping hearts believe they can spread joy to any child in need. After Votow learned she survived a blood infection as a baby, she expressed to her mother that she wanted to give shoes to kids in Child Protective Services custody. For her birthday, Votow asked for new shoes and money and all donations were given to the Texas City CPS office. The following year, Votow collected backpacks and filled the backpacks with supplies for children at her school. Votow's helping heart did not stop there. Votow held a charity fashion show for her birthday where she donated more than $2,000 to the Ronald McDonald House of Galveston. "I think we should help the community because I want little girls and boys to live the rest of their life joyful," Paelynne said. Last year, the children held an auction fashion show for a four-year old child, Laekyen Etheridge, who was battling leukemia. Etheridge passed away, but the Five Helping Hearts plan to hold another show in Etheridge's memory this fall. "I hope that we can help more and more children each year," Votow said. "I hope that we can keep doing this for as many years as we need to until there is a cure for childhood cancer." The Five Helping Hearts currently await on gaining the official status of becoming a 5013c nonprofit organization. "My plans is to hopefully grow the organization and pass it down from generation to generation. My goal is to be able to help as many kids in the Houston and surrounding communities, as many as we can and as often as we can. I would love to have more events for kids to help them and take the financial stress off of the parents shoulders," Amy Votow said, Aleya and Clyde Jr.'s mother. "Parents should utilize the time with their child and spend precious moments with them making memories. If we can take a small amount of that financial burden off their shoulders, then we did our job." Eden Green's Craft and Bake Sale March 19 Noon-6 p.m. Cypress VFW 21902 Northwest Freeway Cypress, TX 77429 Email: fivehelpinghearts@gmail.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate For 17 years, Pearland residents Valle and Lori Kauniste have gradually, patiently worked toward a dream to own a brewery. That dream now has a name, Vallensons' Brewery Co., and a 2,000-square-foot building waiting at 4081 Rice Drier Road. They plan to open this spring. "We own the property and we built it from the ground up," Valle Kauniste said. In the finishing phases of construction, Vallensons' has a rustic-industrial look in the interior to provide an earthy backdrop for craft beer enthusiasts. ROAD TRIP: Best cities to drink beer Vallensons' will keep its five planned flagship beers on tap to complement a year-round and seasonal tap rotation. Offerings will include specialty beers, winter stouts and porters and lighter brews in the summer months. An avid home-brewer for years, Kauniste, 42, has been trial-testing his beers when entertaining friends. When they kept asking for more, he knew he could make it work. Kauniste and his wife took their time, making plans as patiently and carefully as they did their beers. It wasn't until the last three years that plans started to take shape. "We saved over many years and bought property and built it the way we wanted, put the design together on a piece of paper and it came to the realization it is today," Valle Kauniste said. "We were very methodical in how we did it." WHAT'S FOR DINNER? 21 must-try restaurants in Houston's Bay Area Owning a brewery wasn't always a lifelong goal for Kauniste, who served in the Air Force during Desert Storm and works in the aerospace industry. After experiencing the many varieties of beer while overseas, he developed a deeper appreciation for craft beers. "I've always had a very good taste for craft beer, and everywhere I went, there were certain beers I wanted," he said. "So, I started home brewing." Kauniste was excited by the challenge of crafting many different flavors from four simple ingredients - grain, hops, yeast and water. "There are so many beers out there that I haven't brewed that I want to brew," said Kauniste, a self- avowed 'hop head,' or hops enthusiast. "We will have five or six flagship beers and the rest of the time, it's going to be different kinds on tap according to what season it is," Kauniste said. Vallensons' includes a half-acre set aside for outdoor activities, like horseshoes, corn holes, washer tossing and other games as well as events. Kauniste is tentatively set to open in spring just as Bakfish Brewery, also in Pearland, celebrates its first year in business. The two companies are allies, not competitors, Kauniste said. Bakfish similarly began with a dream, with owners Brian Allen and Kris Szecsy leaving full-time jobs to follow their passion. Since opening in March 2016, the brewery has begun canning three of its flagship beers and credits the support of the community for its continuing success. " Pearland has really welcomed us and Bakfish has been very well-received," said Szecsy's wife, Darcy, who is Bakfish's spokeswoman. "We've been able to grow because of it." Vallensons' isn't modeled after anyone else's brewery, but Kauniste does find a kindred entrepreneur spirit in the Bakfish team, which has been supportive of Vallenson's. "Its not like other businesses where it can be very cut-throat," Kauniste said. "In the brewery world, one successful brewer is always going to make everybody successful, and that's our motto - the local guys are going to support each other and we're also going to support those that are not local. That's one of the things that made me want to get into the business even more. When I started reaching out to people, everybody was just so forthcoming with information." Originally from Long Island, New York, Kauniste came to Pearland over 20 years ago. The Vallensons' name takes Kauniste's first name and pays tribute to his two sons, a variation of the more traditional-sounding Valle and Sons. His sons, ages 12 and 15, even brew their own root beer. "This is the beginning of our brewery and its something we're growing to keep that family tradition going," Kauniste said. As the Vallensons' team completes details, orders its signature glassware - half-pints and growlers - and puts the finishing touches, the couple looks forward to sharing the dream with the community. "Its been a fun adventure so far and we can't wait to open," Valle Kauniste said. "I want to be that small, neighborhood brewery, and that's our model." For more information, visit www.vallensons.com or go to the Vallensons' Brewery Facebook page. Up to 5,000 more Spring ISD students will be eligible for bus services next academic year thanks to recent efforts by the district to attract more bus drivers in light of regional shortages for many metropolitan Houston school districts. On Thursday, in its latest effort, the district hosted a job fair to glean interest from candidates to fill the positions to accommodate new routes. "We made a commitment to our community that we would move quickly to implement the transportation piece of the bond referendum in time for the next school year. This means that we not only have to purchase the 60 new buses authorized by the bond, but we need to hire drivers for those buses as well," said Mark Miranda, Spring ISD chief operations officer. "It is imperative that we begin now recruiting and training bus drivers. This pay increase, making it one of the highest starting salaries in the area, will help us be competitive and ensure we have the best possible drivers transporting our students." Maurice Harrison was one of those who went to the fair to apply last week. Although district administrators frequently cite bus drivers' irregular hours as an obstacle in finding interested drivers, that's exactly what drew Harrison, 21, to the Spring ISD Transportation Center. "It seems like a good job, nice hours for me," he said. Harrison, like several other men and women at the fair, is unemployed, so those time constraints don't faze him. People like Harrison are important for the district because students may not be able to get to school without bus drivers. To lure the potential drivers, the district has progressively sweetened the deal to make the job at Spring ISD more appealing than what other districts might offer. Earlier this month, the school board approved increasing the hourly wage for licensed bus drivers to $16.50 starting in February along with additional benefits, in an effort to recruit bus drivers for next school year. In November, voters approved a bond referendum that will allow the district to purchase those 60 new buses needed to provide transportation services to more students who live within a one-mile radius. There are also incentives for perfect attendance for bus drivers and bus attendants as well as a 50-percent reduction in daycare fees at the transportation department's on-site daycare center according to Keith Kaup, Spring ISD's Director of Transportation. Current drivers, attendants, route managers and transportation mechanics will also receive a pay increase. "We're always looking for more drivers who really care about the kids," he said. "It was a priority to extend more transportation services to more students," Kaup said, noting his appreciation for the board's support on transportation. "It's amazing and essential," he said, "to have that support in meeting these needs." The fair brings these efforts full circle. COLLEGE STATION Cotton acres in Texas will likely increase as producers seek an alternative to grains this season, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. Dr. Mark Welch, AgriLife Extension grains marketing economist, College Station, said 4.5 million acres of planted wheat this crop season compared to the 6 million acres planted normally will mean Texas farmers will look for alternatives to plant. Nationally, Midwest corn acres will likely drop as farmers shift to soybeans due to favorable prices. Texas farmers will also likely shift from corn to alternatives, most likely cotton, due to better market conditions and lower production costs, Welch said. Cotton performed really well in Texas last year, he said. Conditions were perfect for most producers and with good yields and prices holding, it makes cotton a viable alternative to grains. Water availability could also be a consideration for corn producers who might view cotton as the biggest bang per gallon when it comes to irrigation, he said. Welch said there is also still concern about sugarcane aphids among many sorghum producers. The costs associated with managing the pest on those acres and sagging prices will likely deter some from planting sorghum. I think well see fewer grain acres planted and see those acres go to cotton, he said. AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries: SOUTH PLAINS: Temperatures reached a high of 91 degrees on Feb. 11, but a cold front brought near-freezing temperatures and widespread rain days later. Rainfall ranging from 0.5-1 inch was received. Water stood on the surface of many fields. The unusual winter rainfall should be beneficial for wheat and spring-planted crops. Subsoil has held moisture due to soil breaking well. Topsoil improved with recent moisture. Winter wheat continued to mature and responded positively to recent moisture. Pastures and rangeland were in fair condition. Near-freezing temperatures stressed livestock. PANHANDLE: Conditions were windy with up and down temperatures. Temperatures were cold with some wintery mix of precipitation before temperatures warmed to above normal. Precipitation amounts were 0.5-2 inches. Soil moisture was mostly adequate. Field preparations were on hold due to recent weather conditions. Deaf Smith County producers were starting to apply fertilizers and finished compost spreading. Dryland winter wheat fields started to green some after the recent moisture events. Stocker cattle operations were grazing as much irrigated wheat as possible and looking to stock more cattle in the near future. Land preparations continued for spring planting. Most cattle were being fed hay or cake. Field work has slowed, but as warmer weather returns field work will resume. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Beaumont's Ninth Court of Appeals this week affirmed a lower court judge's dismissal of indictments alleging two Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputies tampered with physical evidence and government records in 2013. The court unanimously ruled that Chief Deputy Timothy Smith's and Sgt. Chad Kolander's indictments were deficient and did not provide the two men with enough information to prepare their defense. Smith and Kolander were indicted in May 2016 for allegedly making and using a false probable cause affidavit for a search warrant in June 2013 after an incident involving a process server who tried to serve Judge Layne Walker with a lawsuit while he was presiding in court. The search warrant was for the contents of a pen recorder worn by the process server before he was arrested. Prosecutor Josh Schaffer alleged that Smith and Kolander did not include in the affidavit that another sheriff's office sergeant had already viewed the recordings and returned it to evidence, and that omitting that information amounted to falsifying the affidavit. In August, visiting District Judge Stephen Ables granted Kolander's and Smith's motions to quash the indictments on the grounds that they were too vague and did not specify what exactly was false in the affidavit. Ables gave the state 10 days to amend the indictments to include "a specific allegation of what the State will rely on to convict." The state instead filed an appeal of Ables' ruling. The Court of Appeals for the Ninth District of Texas in Beaumont affirmed Ables' ruling Wednesday, saying in the opinion that the indictments "do not include the false statement the State would rely upon for conviction." Schaffer said the state plans to appeal the dismissal. "I feel unimaginable relief after being put through more than six months of hell," Kolander said in a statement from his attorney. "I will be eternally grateful for the support of my family, the Sheriff's office, my attorneys, and the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas." Kolander and Smith were reinstated by Sheriff Mitch Woods in September. Both men had been out for four months on paid administrative leave. Deputy Marcus McLellan on Thursday said Smith retired at the end of 2016. Kolander works in the sheriff's office's training division. LTeitz@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/lizteitz The state Supreme Court rejected a conservative groups challenge Wednesday to laws that grant unauthorized immigrants who attend the University of California the same eligibility for financial benefits such as scholarships, loans and in-state tuition as other residents. California residents, regardless of immigration status, pay $12,294 a year in tuition and fees at UC campuses. Non-residents pay an additional $26,682. The courts action comes as political leaders in California prepare to contest President Trumps efforts to strip funding from cities and states that refuse to take part in stepped-up federal immigration enforcement and deportation efforts. In addition to the sanctuary city policies in San Francisco and elsewhere that limit cooperation with federal immigration agents, California has made unauthorized immigrants eligible for drivers licenses and membership in the State Bar. The court case stems from a 1996 federal law that made immigrants who lack legal status ineligible for state education benefits unless a state passed its own law that made them eligible. California lawmakers proceeded to pass statutes in 2001, 2011 and 2014 that declared unauthorized migrants eligible for in-state tuition and state-backed financial aid and loan programs. The states high court rejected a challenge to the in-state tuition law in 2010, but Judicial Watch, a conservative nonprofit, filed a new suit contesting any such benefits at the University of California. Because UC, under the state Constitution, is an independent entity governed by the Board of Regents, the suit argued, the legislative actions did not apply to UC students. And the regents later decisions to adopt policies consistent with the legislative actions did not make the students eligible for benefits, Judicial Watch contended, because the 1996 federal law exempted only states that passed their own eligibility laws. A state appeals court ruled in December, however, that the state laws, though not binding on UC, had authorized the regents to grant additional student benefits. The state Supreme Court unanimously denied review of the case Wednesday, making the appellate decision binding on trial courts statewide. In its ruling, the Second District Court of Appeal in Los Angeles said the state laws had removed the federal barrier for unauthorized immigrants by making them eligible for benefits. That was all the federal law required, and it enabled the regents to take the next step and approve the benefits, Justice John Segal said in the 3-0 ruling. A lawyer for Judicial Watch was not immediately available for comment. The case is De Vries vs. Regents, S239558. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko NORWALK The fourth and final suspect in two January robberies of delivery drivers was arrested on a warrant at state Superior Court in Norwalk Thursday and police say that investigators are looking at the men as possible suspects in other crimes. Jeremy Middleton, 18, of Perry Street, Stamford, was charged with second-degree larceny, first-degree assault, and two counts each of first-degree robbery and conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery. He was held on $500,000 bond. Middleton was being held at Bridgeport Correctional Center on prior charges and was brought to Norwalk Superior Court where he was arrested by Norwalk police. Middletons three alleged co-conspirators were taken into custody during the past week. On Feb. 16, Jaiden Parker, 20, of Montauk Drive, Stamford, was arrested on a warrant at state Superior Court in Norwalk. Parker was charged with first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, and second-degree larceny. His bond was set at $250,000. Three days later, Tyreik Gantt, was charged with first-degree assault, second-degree larceny, and two counts each of first-degree robbery and conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery. Gantt is being held on $500,000 bond. Onaje Smith, 18, of Bridgeport, was charged with first-degree assault, second-degree larceny, criminal use of a firearm, carrying a gun without a permit and two counts each of first-degree robbery and conspiracy to commit first degree robbery for his reported role in that robbery along with another January robbery of a delivery driver on Rolling Lane. Smith, who is currently incarcerated at Bridgeport Correctional Center, was brought to the Norwalk courthouse on the arrest warrant. His bond was set at $500,000. The cases for all four men was transferred to the Part A docket in Stamford, where more serious cases are adjudicated. On Jan. 9, a 39-year-old male was making a delivery of Chinese food to a Rolling Lane residence when police say he was approached by two masked men, one of whom was armed with a handgun. Police say the victim was robbed of cash, his cell phone, and the food that was being delivered. The two suspects then fled the scene in a vehicle. The delivery driver was not injured, police said. On Jan. 14, a driver from another Chinese restaurant was robbed at gunpoint, shot in the hand and leg, and his vehicle was taken. After being unable to locate the address, the delivery driver called the number the order was received from, and the person who answered said, Were here in the red car, at the intersection of Kent and Derby roads. The driver then apparently exited his car, at which point three people, described as males wearing ski masks, exited a red, four-door sedan, brandishing handguns. Smith allegedly shot the driver, then one of the men entered the victims car and drove off, police said. The others took cash and the food from the victim, then fled. Middleton was being held on $200,000 bond after his arrest by Stamford police on Jan. 27 when he was charged with stealing a firearm, attempt to commit first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, possession of a pistol without a permit, and interfering with an officer. He was also arrested by Stamford police on Feb. 21. on charges of second-degree arson, conspiracy to commit second-degree arson and third-degree larceny. His bond on those charges was set at $150,000. According to court records, an arrest warrant for Middleton stated that the red Subaru used in the Derby Road robbery was found engulfed in flames in Stamford. That vehicle had been stolen during a carjacking and robbery of a pizza delivery driver in Bridgeport on Jan. 8. The arrest of Middleton and the three other suspects was the culmination of an investigation among Norwalk, Stamford and Bridgeport police, according to Norwalk Police Detective Bureau Commander Lt. Thomas Mattera. With this arrest, we have charged all of the conspirators in the two Norwalk robberies, said Mattera. The investigation continues and we are looking at these men as possible suspects in various crimes in all three cities. Mattera commended detectives Daniel Fitzmaurice and Tomasz Podgorski for their work in the investigation. llake@hearstmediact.com Green Zone Housing Founders were overwhelmed with emotion as they dedicated a future home to a Desert Storm Veteran Wednesday in Montgomery. Louisiana native William Franks, 45, will be the first recipient of the shipping container that will be transformed into a home as part of Green Zone Housing's inaugural build. He will earn the 40-foot container by working with Green Zone Housing's team to convert it into a fully operational home. The project is part of Green Zone Housing Co-Founders Mark Cook and Dave Nash's greater mission to create a veteran community made out of the containers in Montgomery in an effort to combat veteran suicide and unemployment rates. "Thank you," Franks said during the ceremony held on the temporary build site next to Burger Fresh on Liberty Street. "This is mind blowing. I won't let you down. Let's build a house."Green Zone Housing plans to provide more of the transformed container homes to "deserving" veterans who contribute "sweat equity" and have graduated from programs like the PTSD Foundation's Camp Hope. Green Zone Housing also has teamed up with Coat of Many Colors Ministries, Lone Star College, Veterans Affairs, CS Ministries and a Plumbers Union, along with other professionals and organizations to offer training, educational services, and support to guide the veterans to success. Franks has been participating in Camp Hope's program since August. He served in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve and National Guard from 1989-99. After his service he found himself in a "downward spiral," which included his "first and last" DWI offense, a year without a job, and the choice to be homeless for 20 days in July in New Orleans, which he "survived" by sleeping in unlocked Uhaul trucks, on makeshift beds, and at the New Orleans Mission. While the New Orleans mission provided shelter, it did not serve as a solution for Franks' circumstances. "I was always in a catch-22 without a home to get a job or a job to get a home," said Franks, who wanted to work. "It was slim pickings with no license." A friend connected Franks to the faith-based Camp Hope, which he said helped him "shift gears." Camp Hope Founder Gene Birdwell announced a partnership with Green Zone Housing at the ceremony and said since Camp Hope opened in June 2012 and despite a suicide rate of 20 veterans per day, not a single one of the 400 veterans who have stayed and graduated from Camp Hope has been lost. Birdwell emphasized "a need for living facilities" and that post-traumatic stress disorder sufferers are not "crazy" but instead hurting, in need of help while having a normal reaction to an abnormal experience, and often self-medicating "an injury to the mind, soul and heart." Since August, Franks said he has made steady progress, including obtaining his drivers license, and continues to seek employment. He said the home "means the world to him" as he continues to move forward.Cook is confident Franks is the right man for Green Zone Housing's first build. "He knew he had a problem but he didn't know what it was until he got help," Cook said. "He is the perfect example that this is not a handout, it's a hand up. He continuously shines to better himself and to get set on the right course in his life. This young man will probably live a short time in Green Zone Housing and re-enter back into (the greater community) soon."The container, which costs about $15,000, was donated by Canons Park Equipment owner Chris Waller two weeks ago and delivered to the property free of charge by Jason Adamick's wrecker service. The temporary property was provided by the city of Montgomery in January to kick-start the project and raise awareness about the mission. "I'm amazed at what Mr. Cook and others have put together," Montgomery Mayor Kirk Jones said. "(The city) is honored to help in any way we can. The use of property is the least we can do right now. The more exposure, the better the program will be and it may help our little city get more exposure too, which is good."Once the container is transformed, it will be moved to Camp Hope until a permanent property is acquired. Army veteran and Montgomery resident Dustin Patton, who served two tours in Iraq, attended the ceremony. He is unemployed, 80 percent disabled and participates in ruck marches to prevent veteran suicide. "(The Green Zone Housing community) is going to be awesome due to the fact that they are going to put veterans with each other," Patton said. "That's going to be better in the long run."For more information, visit www.GreenZoneHousing.com, email mark@GreenZoneHousing.com, melanie@GreenZoneHousing.com or call 936-355-8771. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A small, normally quiet community south of Conroe is reeling from an early morning stabbing and officer-involved shooting Wednesday that left a couple dead and their 11-year-old son being commended for his heroism. The Conroe ISD student walked in on his father Medger Blake, 41, stabbing his mother Rose Blake, 38, around 5:30 a.m. in their home on Chestnut Meadow Court, Montgomery County Sheriff's officials said. The home sits north of FM 1488 in the Jacobs Reserve subdivision near the W.G. Jones State Forest. The boy called 911 and could be heard begging his father to stop, at which point he locked himself in a bathroom to wait for deputies to respond. The boy, reportedly covered in blood, met with deputies outside. A deputy in training sheltered the boy as two other deputies entered the home to confront the father. Deputies approached the home's master bedroom, which is where Medger Blake was waiting with a knife near his fatally injured wife. Although deputies asked the man to drop the knife, he lunged for the deputies, who both opened fire on him, according to MCSO Capt. Bryan Carlisle. The husband and wife were pronounced dead at the scene. A note found inside the home could provide detectives with further clues about the motive behind the stabbing, although investigators were relatively tight-lipped about its contents. The letter was addressed to an older family member and detailed issues occurring within the family along with instructions about what family members were to do in the event of a tragic situation. No other details were made available about the note. Neighbor Brian DeHaven was walking his dog as detectives investigated the scene. DeHaven, who met the family as they moved into the home in summer 2015, learned about the stabbing from his daughter. "They were really nice," DeHaven said of the Blakes. "But people get mad; you never know what comes out. You feel bad for the 11-year-old." The couple purchased the home in February 2015, records show. The two deputies who opened fire on Medger Blake were placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues. The MCSO along with the Texas Rangers and Montgomery County District Attorney's Office will investigate the officer-involved shooting aspect of the case, as they do in any similar case. MCSO's Major Crimes Division will investigate the stabbing. Carlisle said the crime scene was particularly gruesome, more so than many of the incidents he has witnessed over his 20-year career. The deputies have a long road ahead, not only legal proceedings regarding them opening fire on Medger Blake but also coping with the traumatizing situation. "They did what they had to do," Carlisle said. "Although we prepare ourselves every day to deal with tragedy, this is not something you wish for." Carlisle lauded the child, saying his actions of calling 911, remaining on the line and meeting with deputies outside were heroic. Family members met with the boy as he was being interviewed at Children's Safe Harbor. Most family members were from Louisiana, Carlisle said, although some came up from Houston. The investigation into the stabbing and shooting is ongoing. The names of the deputies involved were not released by press time. Meagan Ellsworth contributed to this story. NORWALK Mayor Harry W. Rilling has put forward a former Metro-North Railroad executive to head Norwalks Department of Personnel and Labor Relations. Raymond Burney, a Long Island resident who worked 28 years for the railroad, introduced himself to members of the Norwalk Common Councils Personnel and Labor Relations Committee at City Hall this week. For Burney, Norwalk is familiar territory. He told the committee that he lived on Bartlett Avenue. I drove past it, Burney said. The porch I built is still standing and so is the staircase so Im happy to see that. We lived there from 86 to 96, somewhere around there, and then moved to Long Island. The committee lent its support to Burney, whose appointment will go before the full council for consideration next Tuesday evening. Under the city charter, the mayor appoints the personnel director subject to council confirmation. Rilling said the city performed a nationwide search to fill the position of personnel director. The first round of resumes came up short, prompting a second search. We reissued the search, interviewed several others and this gentleman was the one that really had all the things we wanted, Rilling said Thursday. Hes got a law degree, hes got a lot of experience with contract negotiations, arbitration, grievance procedures. So it was really a good find. Burney, of Northport, N.Y., holds a law degree from St. Johns University in Jamaica, N.Y., and a bachelors degree in social studies education from SUNY College at Cortland, N.Y. He worked for Metro-North Railroad from 1989 until 2014, first as senior director of labor relations, then senior director and finally as senior vice president of administration, according to his online application submitted to the city. As senior director of labor relations, his duties included conducting collective bargaining negotiations under the Railway Labor Act, developing proposals and counter proposals, and analyzing the cost of such proposals, according to his application. Norwalk is currently in negotiations with its major municipal unions whose contracts expired last June. Emmet P. Hibson stepped down as director of Norwalks personnel department last June to head the Human Resources Department in the town of Fairfield, but he remains involved with the Norwalk talks, according to Rilling. The negotiations have been going on with a lot of progress, Rilling said. So whatever is left to be done, (Burney) will meet with Emmet and go over where they are, and Emmet will there to kind of assist him in getting through the rest of the process. If Burney receives the councils blessing next Tuesday evening, hell start his new job in Norwalk on April 1. Burney told the personnel committee that he and his wife, who works in Stamford, would be relocating to the area to reduce their commutes. A Big Sur bridge on Highway 1 is the latest victim of this season's brutal rainy season. The Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge has multiple cracks in one of its support columns and and has been closed to traffic since Feb. 15. Caltrans announced after a bridge inspection on Tuesday that the structure is beyond repair, and it will take six months or more to build a new one. "Due to extreme safety concerns and the bridge's dynamic instability, everyone needs to stay clear and not get within 100 feet of either side of the bridge," a statement from the government agency reads. The closure means travelers can no longer make the complete road-trip along California's scenic Highway 1. Motorists may now only travel south on State Route 1 from Carmel to just south of Palo Colorado in Monterey County and north from Cambria to Ragged Point in San Luis Obispo County. The problem began when heavy rains in the region caused landslides below the bridge; an entire hillside is slumping and sheared off where the support column on the north end of the bridge is anchored. "The soil and slide material coming away from the base of the column created this movement of the bridge," explained Caltrans spokesperson Jim Shivers. "The bridge moved something like six to seven inches over the past week or so. We can see some cracks on the structure itself. I can't really state in what direction it may be moving. We know the structure as a whole is moving and we know this has caused the bridge to become uneven in some places." Caltrans geotechnical and bridge experts from around the state are conducting drilling investigations in the soil and working on a plan to replace the bridge. It's unknown at this point how the existing structure will be demolished. Every film year acts as a mirror & reflects the tenor of the times. When the Oscars began in 1929 to celebrate the motion picture industry, the winner was William Wellmans anti-war Wings. The subsequent Depression years celebrated character studies like Grand Hotel, The Great Ziegfeld and Rebecca. After the turmoil of Kennedys assassination, the Academy chose light-hearted fare like Tom Jones, My Fair Lady, and Oliver! And in 2000, the last time a Republican won the White House, after losing the popular vote, Gladiator won the Oscar. Socio-politics inevitably influence the choices of the almost-7,000 Academy voters and, this year, the Academy inducted 683 new members. How theyll vote is an unknown factor. Back when studios had people under contract, they voted in blocs for the films of their home studio. As Joan Crawford once said, Youd have to be an idiot to vote against the studio that holds your contract and produces your pictures. But the studio system no longer exists. After last years #Oscarsowhite protest, there was jubilation that 20 people of color were nominated this year. Seven actors of color are vying for top honors - and in other categories as well. Bradford Young (Arrival) is the first African-American cinematographer to be nominated, and Joi McMillon (Moonlight) is the first African-American woman editor to be nominated. The impact of social media cannot be underestimated, since every casual remark and facial expression is open to interpretation. That puts added pressure, since voters are supposed to reward the best work, not to meet quotas. Yet, even scandal-tainted Mel Gibson (Hacksaw Ridge) seems to have been forgiven. Damien Chazelles La La Land seems to be the favorite but there are pitfalls - and Awards strategists are aware of them, knowing clients like Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling will double their fees if they pocket an Oscar. So theyre working to define the films basic message: this movie matters because it celebrates artists, their creativity, their hopes and dreams. But the fact remains: after Donald Trumps election, the atmosphere has grown more charged and partisan. So will voters choose a light, escapist romp in serious times? Alphabetically, the nine BEST PICTURE nominees: ARRIVAL: a sci-fi time-travel thriller about a linguist who communicates with aliens FENCES: the adaptation of August Wilsons Pulitzer Prize-winning play about race relations HACKSAW RIDGE: the story of a WW II pacifist who won the Congressional Medal of Honor HELL OR HIGH WATER: the saga of West Texas bank robbers that the question: when a bank steal from you, is it OK to rob them to save your family farm? HIDDEN FIGURES: celebrating the contribution of African-American women working at NASA LA LA LAND: a bittersweet nod to Hollywood musicals as star-crossed lovers follow their dreams LION: the true story of a displaced Indian lad who is adopted by Australians and traces his roots MANCHESTER BY THE SEA: a gut-wrenching drama about a family tragedy and its consequences MOONLIGHT: the three-part story of a young man exploring his racial and sexual identity MY PREDICTION: La La Land Nominated for BEST ACTRESS: Isabelle Huppert (Elle), Ruth Negga (Loving), Natalie Portman (Jackie), Emma Stone (La La Land) and Meryl Streep (Florence Foster Jenkins), garnering her 20th nomination. Natalie Portman was the presumptive favorite but Emma Stones Screen Actors Guild (SAG) award tips the scale toward victory, although Frances Isabelle Huppert remains a strong threat. MY PREDICTION: Emma Stone Nominated for BEST ACTOR: Casey Affleck (Manchester By the Sea), Andrew Garfield (Hacksaw Ridge), Ryan Gosling (La La Land), Viggo Mortensen (Captain Fantastic), Denzel Washington (Fences). While Casey Affleck copped critics kudos, Denzel Washington won the SAG award, making this category far more competitive, particularly since Viggo Mortensens characters motto - Power to the people, stick it to the man! - resonates. MY PREDICTION: Denzel Washington Nominated for BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Viola Davis (Fences), Naomie Harris (Moonlight), Nicole Kidman (Lion), Octavia Spencer (Hidden Figures), Michelle Williams (Manchester By the Sea). Its not really accurate to classify Viola Davis role as supporting since she co-starred but her placement in this category assures her a win. MY PREDICTION: Viola Davis Nominated for BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Mahershala Ali (Moonlight), Jeff Bridges (Hell or High Water), Lucas Hedges (Manchester By the Sea), Dev Patel (Lion), Michael Shannon (Nocturnal Animals). MY PREDICTION: Mahershala Ali, who eloquently spoke about being a Muslim and not persecuting those who are different - when he won the SAG Award. Nominees for BEST DIRECTOR: Denis Villenueve (Arrival), Mel Gibson (Hacksaw Ridge), Damien Chazelle (La La Land), Kenneth Lonergan (Manchester By the Sea), Barry Jenkins (Moonlight). MY PREDICTION: Damien Chazelle Nominees for BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: Arrival, Fences, Hidden Figures, Lion, Moonlight. MY PREDICTION: Moonlight Nominees for BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: Hell or High Water, La La Land, The Lobster, Manchester By the Sea, 20th Century Women. MY PREDICTION: Manchester By the Sea Nominees for BEST ANIMATED FEATURE: Finding Dory, Moana, My Life as a Zucchini, The Red Turtle, Zootopia. MY PREDICTION: Zootopia, examining implicit bias and discrimination in an animal kingdom. Nominees for BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: A Man Called Ove: (Sweden), Land of Mine (Denmark), The Salesman (Iran), Tanna (Australia), Toni Erdmann (Germany). While Toni Erdmann garnered praise, its 2 hours, 42 minutes long, and its first hour tests the viewers patience. What may tip the scale is that Oscar-winning Iranian director Ashgar Farhadi (A Separation) has declared that the uncertainty surrounding his ability to travel to the United States was in no way acceptable. A vote for Farhadi may show solidarity with all immigrants, and Academy voters could take that into consideration. MY PREDICTION: The Salesman Nominees for BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: Fire at Sea, I Am Not Your Negro, Life, Animated, OJ: Made in America, 13th. This is one of the most contentious categories. O.J.: Made in America originally screened, in its seven-hour, 47-minutes, entirety at Sundance and played one week in May at theaters in New York and Los Angeles. One of its five chapters then aired on ABC-TV, then all five ran on ESPN, before being released as a DVD. So, is it a TV documentary or a film? It was financed by a TV network and won many TV awards. MY PREDICTION: O.J.: Made in America Nominees for BEST ORIGINAL SONG: Audition (La La Land), City of Stars (La La Land), How Far Ill Go (Moana), Cant Stop the Feeling (Trolls), Empty Chair (Jim: The James Foley Story). MY PREDICTION: City of Stars Nominees for BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: Jackie, La La Land, Lion, Moonlight, Passengers - for which Thomas Newman nabbed his 14th nomination, bringing a record total of 90 for any family; the Newmans include Alfred, Lionel, Emil, Thomas, David and Randy. MY PREDICTION: La La Land Nominees for BEST FILM EDITING: Arrival, Hacksaw Ridge, Hell or High Water, La La Land, Moonlight. Both Arrival and La La Land won ACE Awards from their Guild. MY PREDICTION: La La Land Nominees for BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Arrival, La La Land, Lion, Moonlight, Silence. MY PREDICTION: La La Land Nominees for BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN: Arrival, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Hail, Caesar!, La La Land, Passengers. MY PREDICTION: La La Land Nominees for BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: Deepwater Horizon, Doctor Strange, The Jungle Book, Kubo and the Two Strings, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. MY PREDICTION: The Jungle Book Nominees for BEST COSTUME DESIGN: Allied, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Florence Foster Jenkins, Jackie, La La Land. MY PREDICTION: La La Land Nominees for BEST MAKEUP & HAIRSTYLING: A Man Called Ove, Star Trek Beyond, Suicide Squad. MY PREDICTION: Star Trek Beyond Nominees for BEST SOUND EDITING: Arrival, Deepwater Horizon, Hacksaw Ridge, La La Land, Sully. Remember, pictures frame the story but its the sound that makes it seem real. MY PREDICTION: Hacksaw Ridge Nominees for BEST SOUND MIXING: Arrival, Hacksaw Ridge, La La Land, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi. MY PREDICTION: La La Land Nominees for BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT: 4.1 Miles, Extremis, Joes Violin, Watani: My Homeland, The White Helmets. MY PREDICTION: Joes Violin Nominees for BEST ANIMATED SHORT: Blind Vaysha, Borrowed Time, Pear Cider and Cigarette, Pearl, Piper. MY PREDICTION: Piper Nominees for BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT: Ennemis Interierurs, La Femme et le TGV, Silent Nights, Sing, Timecode. MY PREDICTION: Ennemis Interierus A Midland County jury sentenced an admitted drunken driver two years in prison for crashing his car into a police officers vehicle, according to the press release from the Midland County District Attorneys Office. Jose Luis Garcia pleaded guilty to intoxication assault on a peace officer. Garcia was traveling at 93 mph just seconds before hitting the vehicle of a Midland Police Department officer at the intersection of Midland Drive and Anetta Drive, according to evidence presented to a jury, which was asked to assess the defendants punishment. The press release also states that Garcias blood alcohol content was 0.175 two hours after the incident, which occurred on April 23. The legal limit is 0.08. Courtesy, The University of Texas at San A This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Aesthetically speaking, Trinity University gets an A according to a new list. The campus recently landed at number 8 in the 30 "Most Beautiful Colleges" in Texas list by LenEDU, a hub for student loans and student loan refinance. RELATED: Go inside the luxury student apartments opending at Trinity University this fall To build their list of the best-looking schools in the state, LendEDU considered architecture and grounds, location and environment. Trinity earned their spot for its view of downtown, the Italian Village-style red brick, the iconic Murchison Tower and the "state-of-the-art" Ruth Tyler Fine Arts Center. The school is expected to have a more impressive appeal starting next semester when the luxurious City Vista student apartments become fully incorporated into the university. RELATED: San Antonio college student's 'Whataburger is way better than In-N-Out' rap goes viral Rooftop terraces, an infinity-edge pool with a sundeck and a spacious fitness center sound like amenities in a lux downtown loft, but they're actually just a taste of what a new student apartment complex will soon offer Trinity University Tigers. As the name implies, City Vista at 655 E. Hildebrand Ave, boasts panoramic sights of the San Antonio skyline in addition to other luxurious features. The property is currently operating as a public apartment complex, but will become exclusive to Trinity juniors, seniors and graduate students as early as the fall 2017 semester, University Spokeswoman Sharon Jones Schweitzer said. mmendoza@mysa.com Twitter: @MaddySkye This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A local chapter of a national activist group launched by ousted Democrats has invited Southeast Texas' two Republican U.S. Representatives to town halls this week, overtures they will likely ignore for fear of being "hijacked" by agitators. Golden Triangle Indivisible, an activist group formed last month, called Brian Babin and Randy Weber "missing in action" during a week they are back in their districts. The group, part of a national network launched in December by former Democratic congressional staffers in opposition to President Donald Trump, says that neither representative has scheduled public events with constituents. The group has invited both to the events but are expecting to "likely be speaking to an empty podium." Groups across the country have hosted similar events this week, including one that drew about 200 demonstrators to Ted Cruz's office on Tuesday, according to the Houston Chronicle. Nationwide, Republicans have seen backlash both in town halls and for refusing to hold them, in scenes reminiscent of 2010, when Tea Party voters and conservative activists, many opposed to the Affordable Care Act, packed town halls held by Democrats. Protesters "from Maine to Montana" have held demonstrations decrying the lack of town halls, The Associated Press reported. In Utah, House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. Jason Chaffetz faced a hostile crowd of protesters at a town hall last week. In Tennessee, constituents argued about health care with Rep. Diane Black, the AP said, leading Republican leaders to issue "best practices" advice for handling protesters. Mark Jones, a political scientist at Rice University, said that across Texas, Democratic and Republican members of Congress are holding fewer town halls, fearing being "hijacked" by activists. "Today, a representative holding a town hall runs the risk of being swamped by anti-Trump activists using it as a vehicle," he said, taking away from their opportunities to discuss their positions or hold a dialogue. While town hall meetings during the Obama administration gave Republican congressmen a vehicle to amplify and mobilize their constituents' opposition to his policies, the intense response to Trump's policies and rhetoric make town halls more of a public relations liability for them, he said. More than one-third of Texas' congressional representatives are Republicans, so "by definition, more Republicans are not holding them than Democrats," Jones said. The town hall for Weber, whose district includes Jefferson County, will be held at the Elmo Willard Library in Beaumont at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Babin, who represents parts of nine counties, including Hardin and Orange, was invited to the event at Lumberton's Pete Trest Community Center at 6:30 p.m Friday. Elizabeth-Burton Jones, Weber's Communications Director, said his offices "do not have town halls scheduled this week." "Like all district work periods, Congressman Weber will be engaging constituents during events throughout the district," she said but did not provide more information about those events. Babin held a telephone town hall last Thursday, for which constituents signed up online in advance to ask questions. His office could not be reached for comment. Rice's Jones said telephone town halls have become popular over the past decade, especially for representatives with far-flung districts, like Weber's and Babin's, which span several counties. In a statement, Golden Triangle Indivisible said the representatives should not be choosing which constituents they engage with. "Representatives Weber and Babin are in a 'district work period,' which means they need to be here working for all of us. Their offices made it clear that they will only be meeting with select constituents. We do not believe this is enough, so we will host a town hall with or without their presence," the group said. On the Facebook pages for the events, the group said they called, emailed and delivered invitations to the representatives' district offices. At the town halls, "we plan to read our questions, record the event on video, and encourage Representative Weber/Babin to respond to our concerns, now and in the future," the group wrote on Facebook. The group is encouraging attendees to focus on questions surrounding the Affordable Care Act, which Congressional Republicans have said they plan to repeal. Babin and Weber both supported a resolution last month instructing committees to work on legislation to dismantle the act. Indivisible of Smith County, a chapter in Tyler, held a public demonstration when Rep. Louie Gohmert, who represents 12 counties in northeast Texas, did not schedule any town halls during the recess. In a letter to the group released to the public, Gohmert defended his decision to hold telephone town halls instead of in-person events. "Unfortunately, at this time there are groups from the more violent strains of the leftist ideology, some even being paid, who are preying on public town halls to wreak havoc and threaten public safety," he said. The response was echoed in a tweet from Trump Tuesday, which said "The so-called angry crowds in home districts of some Republicans are actually, in numerous cases, planned out by liberal activists. Sad!" "When the threat of violence at town hall meetings recedes, we can go back to having the civil town hall meetings I've had in the past to supplement the masses reached in our telephone town halls," Gohmert said. He praised the utility of telephone town halls, saying they reach more voters than in-person events. "In the same amount of time it takes to have a town hall meeting, which usually has between 30 and 100 attendees in east Texas, I can communicate with thousands of my constituent bosses through a telephone town hall meeting," Gohmert wrote. "Every member of Congress has their own style," Rice's Jones said. Although it might seem in sharp contrast to Republicans' actions during the Obama administration, "I don't know that this is a trend," he said. LTeitz@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/LizTeitz This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Click through the gallery above to learn about the cities in Texas named after places abroad... If you have ever visited New Braunfels you may have wondered about where the old Braunfels is. Texas historians will know that the city between Austin and San Antonio was established in March 1845 by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels of Germany, who had read enough about the land up to that point to be sold on coming here. Entering through Galveston he made his way to the Comal and Guadalupe river areas. HAPPY, TEXAS: 21 awesomely weird Texas town names Originally he planned on building a castle in honor of a girl he was seeing in the old country, but she didnt want to leave Germany. The prince went back home to her and never returned to Texas after spending only a year in the area. The old Braunfels, over 760 years old, is a typical German town with Carls family castle, homes, and shops making up the landscape. It escaped World War II relatively unscathed, so it looks quite similar to how it did when Carl was alive. You can check out the towns official website here. Make sure your translator is working. CHEAPER THAN FRANCE: Texas towns make name for themselves New Braunfels of course is not the only Texas town that shares a name with an old world locale. In Texas you can visit Paris, Moscow, London and even Dublin, but you likely knew that. Rhett Rushing, a folklorist at the Institute of Texan Cultures, told the Houston Chronicle in 2011 that some upstart Texas towns snagged the names of well-known cities to catch peoples attention. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LISD Police Lt. David Medinas fatal gunshot wound was self-inflicted, Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar said Wednesday. The manner of death remains under investigation. At about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Medina was found unconscious by a U.S. Border Patrol agent at the shooting range used by law enforcement off U.S. 59. He had a gunshot wound to his chest and was pronounced dead at the scene. The injuries were not consistent with foul play, Cuellar said. Nobody shot him that we know of. He said the information is based on a preliminary report provided by the Webb County Medical Examiners Office. Laredo Independent School District Chief of Police Robert Villarreal said Medina went to the shooting range on his own. Other witnesses at the shooting range said Medina was alone, according to Cuellar. Cuellar said his office will conduct a thorough investigation to determine how the incident occurred. We will try to close all other theories of what could have happened, he said. Cuellar said during his 35 years of police work, he has seen individuals accidentally shoot themselves. Everything is a possibility, Cuellar said. Dedicated employee Villarreal described Medina as a dedicated law enforcement officer. He took his job seriously, he said. The Laredo ISD Police Department was a home to him. He put a lot of time and effort into his work. Villarreal said Medina was constantly looking for ways to move the police department forward. Medina had been working at LISD for 13 years. He served as second in command for the Police Department. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WESLACO The stark economic and immigration policies of the Trump administration have sent a chill across the U.S.-Mexico borderlands, with leaders across the business spectrum citing concerns from Mexican partners wary of investing in the region. The flow of commerce here which relies heavily on Mexican investment has slowed amid uncertainty surrounding President Donald Trumps plan to renegotiate NAFTA and finance a border wall with a 20 percent tax on Mexican goods. We hear this rhetoric thats frightening on so many different levels because it sends a message that Mexicans are not welcome, said Steve Ahlenius, president and CEP of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. Some retail businesses that cater to Mexican nationals will tell you quietly that their sales are off anywhere from 20 to 30 percent. Mexico is the United States second largest export market and third largest trading partner, supporting 5 million U.S. jobs and $583.6 billion in 2015, according to federal figures. In the Valley, the economic fortunes rise and fall together with their sister cities in Mexico. McAllen takes in about $3.6 billion in retail sales annually, with $1.2 billion coming from Mexican consumers. The city has positioned itself as a destination for visitors from its southern neighbor, yet a push in Mexico encouraging its citizens to buy in Mexico rather than the United States is now being felt by Valley retailers. Retailers are hardly alone. Speaking at the second Border Caucus hearing in the Border Business is Americas Business series at the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council in Weslaco on Wednesday, Ahlenius was joined by manufacturers and bankers, real estate brokers and the produce industry, all deeply worried by strained economic relations with Mexico. The brisk pace of business here can be seen at the international bridges, where trucks carry manufactured goods north and south. Last year, about 220,000 trucks loaded with fresh produce from Mexico brought fruits and vegetables to supermarket shelves across the nation. In addition to its wide footprint in Texas, H-E-B operates 58 stores in Mexico, and has been buying and selling products there for more than 100 years. Now facing the prospect of a renegotiated trade agreement, the supermarket chain says its consumers are fretting over access to their products. H-E-B supports free trade, said Jody Hall, director of global sourcing for HEB. NAFTA has created greater access to fruits and vegetables in groceries at lower prices. Meanwhile, U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, was busy touring the border near McAllen, meeting with local political and business leaders on issues of security and trade. Ryan didnt address the media in his first trip to the border, which was led by the Department of Homeland Security. Ryans visit comes at time when several Congressional delegations have visited the Valley in recent days, and as House Republicans push to fund the Trump administrations wall across the Southwest border. A majority of immigrants caught entering the country illegally in recent years have crossed the Rio Grande into deep South Texas. When you see with your own eyes the many challenges facing our law enforcement professionals along the border, it gives you even greater respect for the work that they do day in and day out, Ryan said in a prepared statement. But more tools and more support are needed for them to do their jobs effectively. Congress is committed to securing the border and enforcing our laws, and together with the Trump administration, we will get this done. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, was in Laredo on Tuesday and in Del Rio on Wednesday, receiving briefings from local law enforcement agencies about their approach to improving public safety. Cornyn and several congressmen who accompanied him also met with federal judges, immigration court judges and business leaders. Millions of jobs and billions of dollars are tied to our economic relationship with Mexico, and its important for my colleagues to see firsthand how what happens here impacts the rest of the country, Cornyn said. For his part, Congressman Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville, who along with Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen, hosted the business forum in Weslaco, has been busy soothing fears in communities about the Trump administrations sweeping crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Vela is an outspoken critic of Trump and the presidents promise to build a wall and fence along the U.S.-Mexico border. That promise was a lie to the American people, Vela said. The wall is a really bad idea. Moreover the message from the White House of a possible changed economic landscape has already caused business relationships to fray. Jason Wolfe, president and CEO of NovaLink, Inc., a manufacturer with plants in Matamoros and Reynosa, said manufacturing requests have dipped lately, which he believes is a direct response to the fiery political rhetoric from the Trump administration. Wolfe cautioned against pushing away investors, while Joe Quiroga, president of Texas National Bank, said unease among his Mexican clients, many of whom invest in local real estate, is growing daily. I have depositors with $2 million to $3 million calling me to ask what the hell is going on, Quiroga said. At the end of the weve got to have some support from (Washington) D.C. to acknowledge this area. If they dont, it could be catastrophic for us. What are Mexico's top imports to the U.S.? Find out on ExpressNews.com anelsen@express-news.net Twitter: @amnelsen This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A man arrested Tuesday allegedly planned an ambush shooting on the far East Side that left a man dead last year. Traeion Jack Stevenson, 19, was apprehended and charged with murder in the death of 24-year-old Anthony Harrison on Aug. 5 in the 4000 block of Sunrise Creek. Stevenson was reportedly among a large group of young adults who gathered on the block daily, according to his arrest warrant affidavit. On the day of the shooting, witnesses told police they overheard Stevenson talking loudly to set up Anthony, the warrant states. The plan was to order marijuana from Harrison and rob him when he arrived, investigators noted in the affidavit. Minutes later, witnesses said they saw Harrison walking on the sidewalk in front of his Crown Victoria. Harrison was only there for a few seconds when Stevenson met him and began shooting him for no apparent reason, the affidavit said. Harrison tried running but collapsed in the street, according to police. When officers arrived, he was unresponsive and taken to San Antonio Military Medical Center. He was pronounced dead the next day at 12:30 a.m., according to the warrant. Stevenson was still in jail Wednesday night with bail set at $100,000. jbeltran@express-news.net Twitter: @JBfromSA This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Police on Wednesday arrested a man who had allegedly sexually assaulted his 28-year-old family member since she was 9-years-old and fathered three of her children. Eusebio Castillo Jr., 46, currently faces charges of sexual assault and prohibited sexual contact. He remains in the Bexar County Jail on a $65,000 bail. VICTIM SPEAKS OUT: After adopted parents' arrest, S.A. woman shares horrific story of 15+ years of sexual abuse According to the affidavit, Castillo's relative told police on July 20, 2014, that she had been sexually assaulted by him since she was 9-years-old and had three children by him. The victim reportedly conceived her first child by Castillo at the age of 16. She told police she conceived one of her children in San Antonio in 2011, and that she had been sexually assaulted in other jurisdictions as well. RELATED: UTSA police warn students of suspected serial sexual attacker in area The victim told police that Castillo had threatened to kill their children if she told anyone what he had done to her. He also "poured gasoline around their house and on himself on multiple occasions telling her he was going to set fire to the house and burn himself if she told anyone," the affidavit says. Castillo had also tried to hang himself one time, but his wife found him and cut him down, according to the affidavit. At the time of the initial report, Castillo's whereabouts were unknown, but on Dec. 10, the victim contacted San Antonio police with new information. RELATED: Affidavit: Murder suspect was "talking loudly" about ambush She had seen a GoFundMe page Castillo created requesting funds for his wife. The page had a listed location of San Juan, Texas. San Juan police located Castillo and conducted a DNA sample of him and sent it to San Antonio police, who confirmed that he was the father of the victim's three children. cdowns@mysa.com Twitter: @calebjdowns SAN ANTONIO A fourth person has been taken into custody Thursday and will be charged with capital murder for his alleged role in the death of 23-year-old Martin Chubbs Gonzales, according to Universal City police. Universal City polices Det. Sgt. Tina Vitacco confirmed that 34-year-old Bryan Miller was arrested earlier Thursday after a widespread search for him in the area. His mugshot is not available at this time. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Travis County Sheriffs Office has identified the man who deputies witnessed shoot and kill a woman before turning the gun on himself last week in Del Valle, a news release said Wednesday. Charles Werchan, 26, of Elgin, abducted 26-year-old Ibeth Lopez from a hair salon in Bastrop on Feb. 15, 2017 before taking her to a church in Del Valle. There they exited his vehicle and Werchan walked her out to a field at gunpoint, according to the news release and a previous report. RELATED: Shootout ensues after Texas deputies spot man taking woman into field behind church Deputies already in the area saw the two in the field and approached the scene, prompting Werchan to shot and kill Lopez before engaging in a shootout with the deputies. He ultimately turned the gun on himself, according to previous reports. The news release said Werchan was transported to South Austin Hospital in critical condition on Feb. 15, and was pronounced brain-dead at 3:23 a.m. the next day. The Travis County Medical Examiners Office took custody of his body and are investigating his death, with final results pending toxicology results, the release said. RELATED: FBI, IRS raid state Sen. Carlos Uresti's San Antonio law office The investigation has not determined if any of the deputies bullets hit the suspect. The Austin American-Statesman reports the suspect was the victims ex-girlfriend. He reportedly continued to contact her following their breakup two years ago. A family member told the Austin newspaper the suspect would show up to her workplace unannounced. On the day of the shooting, Werchan posted a video to Facebook where hes seen holding a handgun in his car. He also shared a photo of himself with the caption, No more pain, the newspaper said. RELATED: Man hospitalized after East Side gas station shot up twice in same night Werchan was arrested for driving while intoxicated in Bastrop County in 2007 and for evading arrest in Travis County in 2009, according to the American-Statesman. Text "Breaking" to 48421 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com twhite@mysa.com Twitter: @tylerlwhite The United State's space endeavors have been slowly transitioning into the hands of the private sector, but it's not been without a few bumps along the way. SpaceX's Dragon cargo ship recently had to temporarily abort its mission en route to the International Space Station, according to a NASA update. William McRaven, a retired four-star admiral and former Navy SEAL, defended journalists this week, calling President Donald Trumps denunciation of the media as the enemy of the American people the greatest threat to democracy hes seen in his lifetime. Thats coming from a man whos seen major threats to democracy. McRaven, who was commander of the secretive Joint Special Operations before he retired from the military, is the man who organized and oversaw the highly risky operation that killed Osama bin Laden almost six years ago. The admiral from Texas had tapped a special unit of Navy SEALs to carry out the May 2011 raid of the elusive terrorists hideout, a high-walled compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, The Washington Post reported shortly after bin Ladens death. McRaven left the military in 2014 after nearly four decades and now is chancellor of the University of Texas System. The UT-Austin alumnus, who has a bachelors degree in journalism, addressed a crowd at the universitys college of communication on Tuesday. We must challenge this statement and this sentiment that the news media is the enemy of the American people, McRaven said, according to the Daily Texan. This sentiment may be the greatest threat to democracy in my lifetime. To be a good leader you have to be a good communicator, he said. As a leader you have to communicate your intent every chance you get, and if you fail to do that, you will pay the consequences. McRavens remarks come amid Twitter attacks on the media by the president, whos hollered FAKE NEWS at several negative stories about his administration. In a widely shared tweet Friday, Trump called the media, naming The New York Times, NBC, ABC, CBS and CNN, the enemy of the American People! In another tweet the same day, Trump quoted conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh, who praised the presidents news conference the day before during which he confronted the media. One of the most effective press conferences Ive ever seen! says Rush Limbaugh. Many agree. Yet FAKE MEDIA calls it differently! Dishonest, Trump tweeted. Trump repeatedly blasted the media in a combative, more-than-an-hour-long news conference last Thursday, repeating descriptions of the press as dishonest and fake. He berated a Jewish reporter for asking a question about bomb threats to dozens of Jewish community centers and for expressing concerns that Trump had yet to address anti-Semitic attacks. The president took the question as a personal affront, saying he was not anti-Semitic, even though the reporter never made such an accusation. At the news conference, the president also criticized the intelligence community, asserted that his young administration is running smoothly and said that hed inherited a mess. Trump has lashed out at the media a couple more times on Twitter over the past few days. McRaven is not the only retired military man who has criticized the presidents remarks. In an interview Saturday on NBC News, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., a vocal Trump critic, said such criticisms of the media is how dictators get started. In other words, a consolidation of power, McCain told Meet the Press host Chuck Todd from Munich. When you look at history, the first thing that dictators do is shut down the press. And Im not saying that President Trump is trying to be a dictator. Im just saying we need to learn the lessons of history. McCain was specifically responding to Trumps condemnation of the news media as the enemy of the people, a phrase typically used by leaders to refer to hostile foreign governments or subversive organization and echoed the language of autocrats who seek minimize dissent, the New York Times wrote. This is not the only time McRaven has spoken out since leaving the military. In a seething column published last year in the Tampa Tribune, he blasted Congress, specifically the Senate, for a disturbing trend in how politicians abuse and denigrate military leadership, particularly the officer corps, to advance their political agendas. McRaven was particularly angry at the Senates treatment of Rear Adm. Brian Losey, who was forced to retire after several Democratic and Republican senators pressured the Navy to hold him accountable for retaliating against multiple whistleblowers, The Posts Craig Whitlock wrote in 2016. A series of DOD inspector general investigations were reviewed by the Navy leadership and, once again, Adm. Losey was found not to have violated the law, rule or policy. In fact, it was clear to the Navy that the personnel action taken by Losey against the complainants was not reprisal, McRaven wrote, adding later: Despite the Navys multiple endorsements, certain members of Congress chose to use Loseys case to pursue their own political agenda. They held hostage other Navy nominations until Loseys promotion recommendation was rescinded. The ransom for their congressional support was Brian Loseys career and, more importantly, his stellar reputation. Losey, who was commander in charge of the Navys elite SEAL teams, served under McRaven. McRaven, one of the most experienced terrorist hunters in the U.S. government, had spent years tracking bin Laden and recruited the Navy SEALs who carried out the raid two months before the terrorist was killed, Whitlock wrote. The search for bin Laden was led by the CIA. Leon Panetta, the agencys director at the time, delegated the mission to McRaven after then-President Barack Obama gave the authorization. In his book titled Spec Ops, McRaven noted six key requirements for any successful mission: surprise, speed, security, simplicity, purpose and repetition. With a patient nature and a tendency to put others before herself, it was no surprise that Eloise Ellie Suskawicz became a nurse. After years of working as a beautician, Suskawicz enrolled at Molloy College, a Catholic womens college on Long Island, when she was 36. Married with two children, Suskawicz became a full-time student. She had a good time there, her husband Jack Suskawicz said. She loved what she was doing, loved going to school. Suskawicz, 73, died Feb. 4 of complications after surgery to replace her aortic valve. Raised in East Meadow, New York, Suskawicz was a senior in high school when she met her future husband at the local grocery store, at which they both worked. Marrying in 1963, Suskawicz attended beauty school and started her career while starting a family. Although she knew she wanted to be a nurse, Suskawicz was hesitant about going to college. She talked to me said she couldnt go back to school because we had a daughter to put through college, her husband said. But our daughter was only in high school at the time; I encouraged her to go back to school. It was while in nursing school that she fell in love with the idea of working in the operating room. She loved the insides of the human body, Jack Suskawicz said. How God put everything together, how it fit so beautifully. More Information Eloise "Ellie" Suskawicz Born: July 18, 1943, Brooklyn, New York Died: Feb. 4, 2017, San Antonio Preceded by: Parents Frank and Marie Bontempi. Survived by: Husband Jack Suskawicz; son Michael Suskawicz; daughter Lynda Su`esu`e and son-in-law Su`esu`e F. Su`esu`e; three grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; a brother. Services: Mass was Feb. 15. See More Collapse Working at what is now Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Suskawicz eventually developed an allergy to latex which forced her to stop working. Moving to Hawaii to be closer to their daughter, Suskawicz and her husband eventually moved to San Antonio, where they became involved in what is now St. Padre Pio Catholic Church. She was very involved with the church, her husband said. Did all the baptismal garments for the babies did the garments for the adults that were going to be baptized during Easter. Suskawicz also knitted sweater sets, hats, blankets and booties for the babies of single mothers. Ellie had lots of contacts with people who belonged to different organizations and they would distribute them, Jack Suskawicz said. She always wanted to give to people who had very little in their lives; some women had so little, this was the nicest thing that anybody could give to their baby. mheidbrink@express-news.net It is a small testament to his lasting brilliance that 14 years after his death, Fred Rogers captivates my daughter. When he speaks about feelings, she listens. When he takes us to factories to witness the manufacturing of crayons or bells, her eyes follow. When he sings, Its a beautiful day in the neighborhood, she happily makes it a duet. As so many American children and parents have done for generations. Pop star Justin Timberlake recently said being a parent makes you relearn who you are. And you realize who you thought you were is not who you are. But it breaks you open to this whole different level of empathy, compassion and patience and humility. Thats exactly how I have felt watching reruns of Mister Rogers Neighborhood with my daughter, age 2 and a very important . A show I loved as a child and mocked as a teenager now leaves me with a profound sense of joy, gratitude and loss. Joy in this man, who sometimes fumbled about on TV, and so honestly loved and valued children. Gratitude that he would live with such high purpose. And, yes, loss. Its hard to reconcile how a nation that entrusted Rogers, a Presbyterian minister, with our children could elect a president such as Donald J. Trump. Thats not to politicize Rogers, but as a viewer of both men this winter, the juxtaposition has been startling. In many ways, they inhabit the same geographic space during different times, and with strikingly divergent worldviews. Rogers filmed in Pittsburgh, and Trumpism caught fire in the Rust Belt, especially rural western Pennsylvania. Rogers frequently marveled at American manufacturing, taking viewers behind the scenes to see how goods were made or visiting a family-owned business such as Wagner Quality Shoes. Trumpism calls for the return of American manufacturing. But they split in substance and style. Rogers words, spoken so slowly, unify and soothe. Trumps words, scattered and chaotic, divide and denigrate. One welcomes neighbors, the other angrily shuts them out. One speaks with the steady grace of morality, and the other, well, we all know where he likes to grab women. I think one of the greatest gifts that we can give anybody is the gift of one more honest adult in that persons life whether (the recipient) be a child or an adult, Rogers once told Amy Hollingsworth, author of The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers. Fred Rogers lived with remarkable focus and discipline, waking up at 5 a.m. for prayer and reflection, swimming every morning, Hollingsworth wrote. He rarely put outward expressions of faith in his shows once he quoted Isaiah 2:4 to conclude a series on war and peace but it was infused in the neighborhood. In his book Peaceful Neighbor, Michael G. Long, a professor at Elizabethtown College, describes how Rogers spiritual center arrived in the belief, or at least wonder, that God is present in every one of us. Rogers dared not confine God to any particular group of people; God is within and between all of our neighbors, Long wrote. Perhaps, most important, later in life Rogers even dared to suggest God and neighbor are so closely aligned that they are indistinguishable. Despite this honest yearning for a better or lost world, arguably a world much like Rogers neighborhood, Trumpism is mangled because it lacks Rogers moral underpinnings. Trumpism lashes out at the outside world with fear and suspicion, dividing one from another. Mexicans are rapists, Trump declared. Muslims are terrorists. Trade deals only burn us. The media misinform us. The world is an angry place. Rogers embraced the outside world in unifying words and action. Prosperity is shared, neighbors are welcome reflections of God, diversity is celebrated. Consider: Months after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., a time of widespread race riots and police beatings, Rogers introduced Officer Clemmons, a black police officer, to keep the neighborhood safe. What would Fred Rogers do now? Somehow we have confused anger with strength, success with money, diversity with otherness, vitriol with clarity, social media with connection. Watching these reruns with my daughter, I have repeatedly thought we could use a Fred Rogers for this time. Many of them. Voices that break through the cacophony, with patience and grace, appealing to our higher moral selves. Fearless voices that remind us to see the best in our neighbors. As if on cue, riots broke out in a heavily immigrant suburb of Stockholm as soon as the media mocked President Donald Trump for a vague warning about immigration-related problems in Sweden. At a campaign rally over the weekend, Trump issued forth with a mystifyingly ominous statement. You look, he declared, at whats happening last night in Sweden. What? Had the president invented a nonexistent terror attack? As it turned out, the reference was to a segment on Sweden he had watched on the Fox News show Tucker Carlson Tonight the previous night rather than to any specific event in the Nordic country. The ensuing discussion quickly took on the character of much of the debate in the early Trump years a blunderbuss president matched against a snotty and hyperventilating press, with a legitimate issue lurking underneath. By welcoming a historic number of asylum-seekers proportionate to its population, Sweden has indeed embarked on a vast social experiment that wasnt well thought out and isnt going very well. The unrest in the Stockholm suburb of Rinkeby after police made an arrest the other night underscored the problems inherent in Swedens immigration surge. Swedens admirable humanitarianism is outstripping its capacity to absorb newcomers. Nothing if not an earnest and well-meaning society, Sweden has always accepted more than its share of refugees. Immigration was already at elevated levels before the latest influx into Europe from the Middle East, which prompted Sweden to try to see and raise the reckless open-borders policy of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Sweden welcomed more than 160,000 asylum-seekers in 2015, and nearly 40,000 in October of that year alone. For a country of fewer than 10 million, this was almost equal to 2 percent of the population in one year. The flow doubled the number of asylum-seekers at the height of the Balkans crisis in 1992. The foreign-born proportion of the Swedish population was 18 percent in 2016, double that of 1990. As of 2015, the most common county of origin for the foreign born was Finland, which makes sense as it is a neighboring Scandinavian country. Next are Iraq and Syria. Predictably, it isnt easy to integrate people who dont know the language, arent highly skilled and come from a foreign culture. Swedens economic polices dont help. As a report of the Migration Policy Institute put it politely, Sweden is an interesting case because the state is committed to fostering large-scale immigration despite huge integration challenges in the labor market. There is a stark gap in the labor-force-participation rate between the native born (82 percent) and the foreign born, (57 percent). As the Migration Policy Institute points out, Sweden is an advanced economy with relatively few low-skills jobs to begin with. On top of this, high minimum wages and stringent labor protections make it harder for marginal workers to find employment, while social assistance discourages the unemployed from getting work. None of this is a formula for assimilation or social tranquility. In a piece for The Spectator, Swedish journalist Tove Lifvendahl writes, A parallel society is emerging where the states monopoly on law and order is being challenged. And the fiscal cost is high. According to Swedish economist Tino Sanandaji, the country spends 1.5 percent of its GDP on the asylum-seekers, more than on its defense budget. Sweden is spending twice of the entire budget of the United Nations High Commissioner responsible for refugees worldwide. Pressed for housing, Sweden has spent as much on sheltering 3,000 people in tents as it would cost to care for 100,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan. It is little wonder that Sweden, where so recently it was forbidden to question the openhanded orthodoxy on immigration, has now clamped down on its borders. Sweden is a unique case, but clearly one of the lessons of its recent experience is, Dont try this at home. comments.lowry@nationalreview.com The White House has backed off an initial suggestion that the National Guard will be used as a deportation force. Good, but other deportation rules the administration is adopting point to an enforcement-only strategy for circumstances that require more nuance and humanity, more comprehensive reform of existing law, and much more pragmatism about the nations labor needs. The policies, written by the Department of Homeland Security to implement President Donald Trumps executive orders, will broaden the number of immigrants subject to deportation, expand the use of expedited removals to deport immigrants quickly, hire an additional 10,000 immigration and customs agents, and start recruiting more local police and sheriff departments to become de facto immigration agents. The department says these new guidelines do not spell the mass deportations feared by immigrants and their advocates, but the nation will simply have to wait and see. Whats clear is that the potential for record deportations exceeding even those by President Barack Obama, termed the deporter in chief by many lies in these new policies. The nation should be pleased that the administration backed off using National Guardsmen to enforce immigration laws, but recruiting more police officers and sheriffs deputies suffers from the same flaw. It increases the potential for racial profiling, poses a threat to illegal search and seizure laws as legal residents and citizens are caught up in enforcement activities and actually could cause crime to spike as undocumented immigrants grow fearful of reporting crimes or cooperating with law enforcement. About the only silver lining is the intention to shield so-called Dreamers, immigrants brought here as youngsters. The president is willing to let them stay. And, still, families will certainly be split apart. Moreover, these policies, along with more manpower for immigration and customs enforcement, bring into stark relief the redundancy of Texas border security efforts. The entire rationale for the state effort massing troopers in South Texas has been the alleged refusal of the federal government to enforce border security. But how does that argument have any credibility now? DHS says criminals will continue to be the priorities for removal, but under the Obama administration those convicted of serious crimes were targeted though the administration managed to deport a whole lot of people not fitting this category as well. Under the new DHS guidelines, anyone convicted of any criminal offense or simply accused of a crime, or someone an agent believes might commit a crime could be subject to removal. And this is scary because of the increasing criminalization of immigration laws. For instance, illegal reentry after deportation has been made a crime. Be very skeptical that noncriminals wont also be ensnared. Note the language in one of the memos leaked over the weekend that presaged these policies: The Department no longer will exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement. The basis for these policies is the stereotype, promoted by this president, that immigrants and criminals are the same. But this is what the pro-immigrant American Immigration Council correctly says about that: For more than a century, innumerable studies have confirmed two simple yet powerful truths about the relationship between immigration and crime: immigrants are less likely to commit serious crimes or be behind bars than the native-born, and high rates of immigration are associated with lower rates of violent crime and property crime. The nation needs to fix broken immigration laws to regularize the flows the economy needs and provide a path to legal residency for those immigrants already here. They are contributing to the nations economy. Moreover, these guidelines largely ignore the elephant in the room. Immigrants wouldnt be here if folks werent hiring them. But immigrants are the villains in these policies, not their employers. These guidelines will not make this nation any safer. They will, however, force a population already perpetually afraid and subject to exploitation to go deeper underground, where they will be even more vulnerable. One response from the immigrant community should be to become acquainted with its rights under the law. Contact legal counsel or attend a know-your-rights session by reputable organizations such as RAICES in San Antonio. These policies create fear, but so does misinformation. Across many fronts, the nations system of checks and balances will be getting a workout in this presidency. That system should carefully scrutinize these immigration enforcement policies as well. To the editor: The 2016 presidential election has been analyzed endlessly to explain why a stable, highly competent and experienced woman with a documentable lifetime Christian religious faith and social activism lost to a television show celebrity and failed businessman with a scandalous legal record, whose background and personal lifestyle betray his claim to be a Christian. Let us say it was a cluster of issues that have been examined endlessly, which may include, as is coming to light at the time of this writing, foreign intervention in the election itself, and let us move on from there. It is clear now that our So-Called President deceived enough people to believe that he would shake up things for their benefit. Although he lost the popular vote by roughly three million votes, he was declared the winner by the mechanism of the Electoral College and was inaugurated to the office. As the Nation Magazine has pointed out, we have witnessed him now move from fake populist ... to country club reactionary. He has displayed a right-wing populism that does not challenge the power of the billionaire class and return power and wealth to the middle and working classes. Instead it seduces the forgotten members of our society into supporting the billionaire class in further advancing their power and control over all aspects of our society. Despite his people-affirming pretensions, he is one of those ruling billionaires, and his perspective is laced with many layers of hypocrisy to his gullible supporters. Nowhere is Trumps hypocrisy more obvious than in his appointments to his cabinet of a host of billionaires, trickle-down economists, Goldman Sachs money-grabbers, civil-rights opponents and even a public education demolition advocate to the Department of Education. The latter is none other than Michigans own Betsy DeVos, who wants to do away with the public education monopoly and provide adequate education for those who can pay for it, while leaving blackboard jungles for the rest of our children. Her background suggests that she knows nothing about education and will impose her far-right religious beliefs into her decisions. It would appear that despite her ignorance and incompetence to oversee the nations education, it is her wealth that has bought her way with Republicans, who seem bent on educating the wealthy and keeping the majority of folk ignorant and submissive. Sen. Jeff Sessions, appointed to be our chief law enforcement officer, is a documented, long-standing, civil rights opponent. He cannot be expected to fight for the rights of blacks, gays, Hispanics or women. Nothing in his record supports hope for progress in just law enforcement. For Secretary of State, we have Rex Tillerson, who is a climate-crisis denier, ex-Exxon Mobil executive, Russian-friendly oilman. This fact and truth-challenged person champions fossil fuels and opposes a viable future for our planet using alternative, renewable energy. This Russian reward winner is likely to attempt clearing a path for development of trillions of dollars of Siberian oil that should never be taken out of the ground or burned. The Cabinet energy position goes to Texas ex-governor Rick Perry, who at one time opposed even having the department he will now head. This science-challenged politico replaces a nuclear physicist. As far as we know, Perry still wants to remove all governmental controls on the energy establishment with ignorance about the dangers and consequences of such free reign, lack of concern or both. As one pundit observes, Trump has appointed a fox to every henhouse. Such incompetence and poor choices would be bad enough. We are witnessing, however, a personality unable to receive advice or criticism, disregard for the Constitution of the United States with its mandated checks and balances, and a crass, self-obsessed ignorance of empathetic team building, goodwill generating diplomacy and focused attention to the details and demands of his office. There are many of us who will not tolerate his wrecking ball approach to governing the America that we cherish and love. We are fed up with any criticism of this presidency being met with blame pointed at either President Barack Obama or Secretary Hillary Clinton. We will not tolerate the fascist tactic of calling what we observe and know to be true to be dismissed by calling it fake news. Neither are we going to be quiet, despite the threats to our civil rights and well being. In times like these and with conditions like these resistance is required. THE REV. DR. HAROLD J. SLATER Midland IHC gives PMs advisor three weeks to submit report ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) Monday gave Shahzad Akbar, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Interior, three weeks time to submit a detailed report about increase in crime and law and order situation in the Capital. A single bench of Chief Justice Athar Minallah issued these directions, while hearing a case related to the poor law and order situation in Islamabad. The court also directed Akbar to prepare a report on the poor standard of the city polices investigation process, and deteriorating law and order situation and present the same to the prime minister. Shahzad Akbar, Chief Commissioner, Inspector General (IG) of Police Islamabad and other concerned officials were also present in the court during the hearing. Justice Minallah observed that the states writ was nowhere in the city. He asked from Akbar that whether he had any knowledge of why he had been summoned to the court. He said that Islamabad should have been a model city under the federal government but it did not even have a branch of the prosecution here. He added that even the investigation officers were not experts in their field and the standard of police investigation was extremely poor. The IHC chief justice said to Akbar that despite a court ruling, there was no prosecution branch in Islamabad. He asked the advisor to visit Islamabads district courts and see how courts were working and no one had paid any attention towards it. He stated that the courts were inside the shops and only the elite class was being served in Islamabad. Justice Minallah remarked that the courts announced verdicts on the basis of police investigation, and the standard of police investigation in the federal capital was extremely poor. He added that many suspects were acquitted due to poor investigation by the police and the courts were deemed responsible. The IHC bench directed Akbar to prepare a report based on his expertise and draw prime ministers attention towards the sufferings of common people being deprived of their basic rights. Then Akbar told the court that the matter of missing persons had been brought to the cabinets notice and a sub-committee had been formed, while the recommendations would be sent to the cabinet. He also informed the court that the prime minister took immediate notice as soon as the case of a missing person was brought to his attention. Justice Minallah said that constitution of committees would not be fruitful until elite culture was brought to an end. Then he directed Akbar to prepare the report about the law and order situation in Islamabad, and deferred hearing in the matter till October 19th.TERENCE J SIGAMONY I feel compelled, as a Catholic sister of St. Francis, to join other communities in objection to President Donald Trumps attempts to limit our ability to heed Gods call to welcome the stranger (Matthew 24:35) and care for those who are most in need (Matthew 25: 40). We are particularly concerned about the rules and regulations that deny access to refugees because of their religion, race or nationality. It is a violation of our faith, and every norm of humanity. Our Franciscan president from my Iowa congregation wrote: We as Catholic Sisters will continue our commitment to welcome refugees and minister to migrants, to work for restoration of refugee resettlements, relief for families, an end to needless deportations and the closure of family detention centers. With my sisters, I vow to continue to welcome and minister to the immigrants in any way I can. We invite you to join us. Jesus asks us to welcome the stranger/immigrant in our midst with compassion and love and solidarity. Sister Sally J. Mitchell Leave archives Re: Bring Bexar Archives home from UT, Editorial, Sunday: The editorial wants the Bexar County archives returned to the county primarily because the University of Texas did not rapidly translate these documents. Fair enough. The county now has appropriate facilities to house the collection. However, the editorial makes no recommendation of how the county will provide a team of full-time translators. The lack of such support argues for leaving the collection at UT, where at least a part-time translator is provided. Dave Searcey Truth and lies Re: Rep. Flat Earth, Your Turn, Saturday: The writer comments that in the 1400s, more than 90-plus percent of the people in Europe probably believed the world was flat. That didnt make it so. This administration continues to tell lies and many people are gullible enough to believe it. If we change the wording a bit, we have this: In the last eight years, more than 90-plus percent of the people in the world probably believed that mankind is responsible for global warming (aka climate change). That doesnt make it so. The Obama administration continued to tell lies and many people are gullible enough to believe it. Al Koppen, Fair Oaks Ranch This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate San Francisco supervisors are moving to create a new level of protection for residents if they end up on a federal registry of Muslims or any other database based on religion, national origin or ethnicity. Legislation sponsored by seven supervisors and Mayor Ed Lee invites residents and nonprofits to sue the city if San Francisco officials or agencies purposely or inadvertently give the federal government information that might be added to such a registry. We must hold ourselves accountable, Supervisor Hillary Ronen said at a hearing of the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee on Wednesday. We are sending an incredibly strong and clear message to the Trump administration that San Francisco is dead serious about doing whatever it takes to protect our communities from anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim federal policies. The committee unanimously passed the legislation, which heads to the full board on Tuesday. The members are Supervisors Ronen, Sandra Lee Fewer and Jeff Sheehy. While it is not surprising that lawmakers in a sanctuary city like San Francisco would refuse to cooperate with a federal effort to create a registry, which is still hypothetical, creating a new avenue for the city to be sued appears to be virtually unprecedented. We dont know of any similar San Francisco ordinance that gives members of the public the right to sue the city for damages, so theres no good model to copy, Deputy City Attorney Jon Givner wrote in a confidential memo to supervisors obtained by The Chronicle. Under the legislation, the city is liable for up to $5,000 for any time it reveals someones personal information and the individual subsequently appears on a discriminatory federal registry. If the information leads to the persons being deported or detained, there is no cap on how much the city might have to pay out if that person sued. Individuals or attorneys bringing lawsuits on their behalf would have three years to sue after the violation occurred. Even if the city inadvertently handed over information, it would still be held responsible under the legislation. John Cote, the city attorneys spokesman, declined to comment on the bill. Trump endorsed the idea of a Muslim registry during the campaign, and a member of Trumps transition team, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, said advisers were considering creating a registry for immigrants from Muslim countries. In January, however, Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, rejected the idea. (The Trump) administration and I dont think there should be any registry based on religion, she told U.S. senators during her confirmation hearing. That comment, however, hasnt assuaged the concerns of San Francisco lawmakers, Muslims living in the United States or legal groups that represent immigrants. Supervisor Malia Cohen, who co-sponsored the legislation with the mayor, said creating a new right for individuals to sue the city is an unprecedented step that I do not take lightly. But, she said: I believe it sends a strong message to would-be offenders as well as to those who might be targeted based on their religion, country of origin or ethnicity: San Francisco is united against bigotry and we will fight for the safety and liberty of our residents. While there appears to be no precedent for the law, in 1981 the city created a right for city employees to sue when supervisors passed a law prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of race, gender and sexual orientation. But that law was superseded by state and federal law. The city does not collect information about individuals religion, but the Department of Public Health and the Human Services Agency asks people about their ethnicity when they apply for some programs. Some public policy experts questioned the wisdom of the bill. If I were the city attorney, my head would be exploding right now, said John J. Pitney Jr., a political science professor at Claremont McKenna College. They need to think this through. ... Suppose there is a website that happens to list the names of citizens and many of those names are Arab names, Pitney said. There is no direct religious information, but presumably somebody putting together a Muslim registry could make some inferences from it. Nadia Rashed, who moved to San Francisco from Yemen 16 years ago and appeared before the committee hearing Wednesday to show her support for the bill, praised the supervisors for passing the bill. Many people say nothing is going to happen to you. But I feel scared and wait for something to happen to me, Rashed said. She said that en route to the hearing with some other Middle Eastern women, somebody yelled at them: We hate you guys. Rasheds sister-in-law, Bushra Alduais, who moved to San Francisco 10 years ago, said she was glad city officials would not help with the creation of any registry, but that promise alone wasnt enough. Its my right to defend myself, and that extra action is going to make it that much stronger to sue in the event that the ordinance is violated, she said. Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School and a member of the Los Angeles Ethics Commission, agreed: They are throwing the courthouse doors open. You are telling people that the city will defend against these suits and use taxpayer dollars to do it, she said. Having said that, its one of the most powerful ways San Francisco can say, We are putting our money where our mouth is. Emily Green is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: egreen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @emilytgreen advertising feature | SPOTLIGHT STORY March marks the launch of sales for The Austin, a 12-story building starring 100 luxury condominiums at the corner of Pine and Polk Streets. From San Francisco-based Pacific Eagle,The Austin features an array of studio, one- and two-bedrooms ranging from the mid-$600,000s to over $1,500,000. The homes feature clean lines, natural materials, and are bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows that capture some of the best views North and East over Angel Island, Russian and Nob Hills. Wide-plank white oak hardwood floors provide a sense of warmth. Energy-efficient touches such as Nest thermostats allow you to precisely control the central heat and air conditioning so you can stay comfortable whether you're working, sleeping, or relaxing. The residences are outfitted in high-end modern finishes. Kitchens feature Miele gas ovens and cooktops, quartz countertops, Hansgrohe fixtures, and built-in Bosch dishwashers. Open layouts with integrated storage and custom cabinetry by local cabinetmaker Sozo Studio, the kitchen was made for entertaining and is flexible to fade into the background when not in use. The Austin encourages you to make full use of the building and the neighborhood around it. Take your work to the lobby lounge or the landscaped courtyard. The front desk can alert you when your lunch date arrives. For business meetings or pre-dinner cocktails, head to the roof deck, where you'll find plenty of seating around the fireplaces. Take the dog for a walk up to Lafayette Park and then rinse them off in the onsite pet spa before heading home. When it's time to explore, grab your bike from the bicycle storage in the lobby or the basement. Before long, you can be in Golden Gate Park or powering through the trees into the Presidio. On foot, you have San Francisco's most vibrant neighborhoods right outside your front door. Sip a drink at Harper & Rye, try on some new duds at Marine Layer, or enjoy an exquisite meal at Lord Stanley. Between Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Belcampo Meat Co., and nearby Farmer's Markets, you will never go hungry. The Austin is being crafted and built by a talented and seasoned team of San Francisco artisans and experts. With architecture by BDE, interior design by Edmonds + Lee and construction by Swinerton Builders, The Austin is sure to join the other architectural landmarks in this storied neighborhood. 1 Massacre video: After initially ridiculing as fake a video that appears to show army soldiers massacring civilians, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kinshasa abruptly changed course and announced Wednesday that it was opening an investigation into the matter and that several soldiers had been arrested. The disturbing video surfaced last week showing what appeared to be Congolese government soldiers walking down a country road and then shooting at least a dozen people standing in front of them. Close-up images of the bodies revealed that most of the victims were unarmed and that a few had slingshots and wooden sticks. The footage showed soldiers finishing off wounded victims, including young women, with close-range rifle shots to the head and chest. Human rights activists said the video was taken this month during a counterinsurgency operation in the central Kasai province and that it was evidence of war crimes. 2 Border death: A Mexican man who had just been deported from the United States fell to his death Tuesday from a bridge near the Tijuana-San Diego border crossing. A Mexican official with knowledge of the case, but who was not authorized to speak to the media, said it was unclear whether the man accidentally fell or intentionally jumped, but Mexican media cited bystanders and a Tijuana prosecutor who said the death appeared to be a suicide. News of the death, which coincided with this weeks announcement that U.S. authorities are planning a major crackdown on immigrants living in the country without permission, sparked outrage in Mexico, with some tying the incident to President Trump. Guadalupe Olives Valencia, 44, tried to cross into the U.S. on Monday, the Mexican official said. Olives was detained by U.S. authorities, who deported him Tuesday morning. Shortly after, Olives body was found on the ground near the El Chaparral border crossing. MemeBox 3.8 overall rating 119 Ratings | 11 Reviews Memebox is a Korean beauty shop that curates themed boxes and sells beauty products from a variety of brands. Most of these boxes are limited time/stock only. This review is of the one-time Me To Me, $35 box. This box is currently sold out. For this particular box, the contents were revealed beforehand. My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.) The Subscription Box: Memebox The Cost: Each box varies in price. The Me To Me Box was $35 (Free shipping for orders $35+) ACTIVE DEAL: Save 10% off your first box! CODE: 101smiles The Products: Korean beauty products centered around a theme Ships to: U.S. only Check out all our Memebox reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box Directory! Keep Track of your subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist! This box includes an info card. The Me To Me Box is all about treating yourself with face masks and sweets! Hello Kitty 3D Character Sheet Mask in Anti Wrinkle x2 - Total Listed Value $6 This is apparently called a cellulose sheet mask but it feels like regular cotton fiber to me! The mask material is decent, not stiff unlike some masks with prints on them. It has a good fit too, and smells light and pleasant. My face feels soft, hydrated, and a little plump. Best of all, the essence absorbs quickly after use and leaves no sticky or heavy residue. There may be anti wrinkle effects, but I'm not the ideal person to test out those claims! Here it is on my face. Honestly the print looks a little odd since my mouth is awkwardly hanging at the bottom. That said, this is one of the less silly designs out there! Bonvivant Pure Mask Pack in #Sodium Hyaluronate + Lotus x2 - Total Listed Value $2 Bonvivant is an in-house brand from Memebox. The cotton mask contains lotus extract and sodium hyaluronate to restore tired and dry skin. The fit is nice and the material holds lots of watery essence. It has a generic floral fragrance. My face feels very hydrated after use, but I don't notice any other effects. The leftover essence is slightly sticky after drying down. Holika Holika Strawberry Pure Essence Mask x2 - Total Value $3.98 The next three cotton masks are all from Holika Holika's Pure Essence line. The Strawberry mask aims to moisturize dull skin and give you a glowing complexion. Holika Holika Damask Rose Pure Essence Mask x2 - Total Value $3.98 The Damask Rose mask aims to hydrate dry skin and leave the complexion silky and radiant. Holika Holika Pearl Pure Essence Mask x2 - Total Value $3.98 The Pearl mask aims to even out and brighten skin tone while revitalizing the complexion. Overall, the mask fit is average at best. Half of the masks look like they've been forcibly stretched out before being packaged, leaving large gaping eye and mouth holes. The other half look fine and have normal sized holes. It looks like Holika Holika does not have a good quality assurance department... All the masks hold runny gel-like essence and they have a pleasant fragrance that disappears after several minutes. After use, the essence absorbs quickly when patted into the skin. For me, the essence leaves a slightly tacky residue. However, according to my boyfriend, who participated in my mini masking party, the essence does not feel sticky at all. This just goes to show that a product won't always work the same way for everyone! 23 Years Old Rose Gold 24k Sheet Mask x2 - Total Listed Value $12 This is a very strange sheet mask. The cotton fiber material is very dense and thick, and the milky essence is pink. The fit is ok, but I personally prefer thinner masks. The strangest parts about this mask are that it has no mouth hole, a tiny nose hole, and extra material for the neck. After masking, the essence takes a while to absorb completely. It also leaves skin sticky. I slept with the essence on overnight and woke up with my face still sticky. This is unfortunately my least favorite mask of the box. Bonvivant Botanical Mask Pack Clarifying & Hydrating Rose x2 - Total Value $6 This mask contains damask rose water to hydrate, brighten, and clarify the complexion. The mask is just my style-- it is thin, soft, breathable, and holds watery essence. The fit is great and the floral fragrance disappears within a few minutes. There is a very strong cooling sensation that lasts for the duration of my masking-- this may be too intense for more sensitive skin. After use, the essence dries down quickly and leaves skin more moisturized and less red than before. Botanic Farm Rose Natural Energy Mask Sheet x2 - Total Value $4 This cotton mask aims to help prevent sun damage and tighten pores. The mask fit is nice and the holes are well aligned to my face shape. The rose fragrance is a little strong at first but dissipates quickly. Best of all, the runny essence dries down quickly, revealing plump, soft, and satiny (not sticky!) skin. MD's Pick Goji Water Rubber Mask - Value $9 This is a rubber or modeling mask. This package comes with everything you need to mix and apply the mask. The larger packet (Step 1) contains a clear, thick gel that acts as the mask base. The consistency is similar to aloe vera gel. The smaller packet (Step 2) contains grapefruit-colored powder that must be mixed into the base to create the paste that goes onto the face. After mixing everything thoroughly with the included spatula, generously slather the pudding onto the face. I'm usually very stingy with my mask applications, but modeling masks require a thick layer so that the mask stays moist the whole time. This way, when it's time to remove it, the rubbery mask falls off in one fell swoop. My skin felt hydrated and soothed after use. It even had that radiant and "juicy" look that many Korean beauty fans love. Overall, I love this modeling mask set and I would love to have more in my beauty arsenal. JAYJUN Rose Blossom Mask x2 - Total Value $6 This is a textured cotton mask with a slight yellow tinge. The mask fit is great! It has a pleasant rose fragrance that disappears minutes into masking. Although thick, the gel essence absorbs quickly and leaves minimal tackiness. My pores appear smaller and my skin looks more radiant immediately after use! Overall, this is a nice mask and I would use this again. Memebox Fever Frenzy Notebook - Value $5 This is a fun hardcover notebook with cute graphic prints on the front and back of the cover. I love the dopey looking corgi! It measures 7.5 by 5.25 inches and has a pink elastic band closure and dotted grid pages. The hard cover is stiff and sturdy, the pages are nice, and overall the journal is very well constructed! Lotte Ghana Milk Chocolate 2.47 oz - Listed Value $2 This chocolate bar is amazing! Lotte is a Korean conglomerate that is known for its candy and confectioneries. I see Lotte branded snacks at my local grocer but haven't come across Ghana Milk Chocolate before. This chocolate is rich, smooth, creamy, and the perfect amount of sweetness for my tastes. Lotte Double Dip Strawberry Pepero 1.76 oz - Value $3.60 Pepero is like the Korean version of Pocky. These Strawberry Pepero have double the amount of cream on each stick, hence the name Double Dip. All the sticks were broken when I opened my package, so I couldn't get a great photo, but they were still delicious. The strawberry cream melts in your mouth while the pretzel stick adds a delightful crunchy texture. I wouldn't mind having an endless supply of these. Verdict: This box was a total mask-ravaganza! The total retail value is around $68, which is close to twice the cost of the box. I had so much fun trying all the masks, but my favorite is actually the Memebox notebook. It's a little ironic considering this is primarily a mask box, but what can I say? That corgi warms my heart. Unfortunately, this box is sold out, but Memebox introduces new curated boxes often. They're also known to bring popular boxes back on occasion. What do you think of the Me To Me Box from Memebox? Foreign direct investment to China will be further optimized and diversified in the long run as the country's economy is transformed and upgraded, the top commerce official said on Tuesday. Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng said opinions on withdrawal of foreign direct investment in China are biased, since the market plays a key role in allocating global capital resources. His comments came after foreign media reported that foreign direct investment into the Chinese mainland dropped by 9.2 percent year-on-year to $12 billion in January, prompting speculation that the country's ability to attract FDI is declining. "We never use one month's figure to summarize a long-term trend, and an early Spring Festival last month was another factor to affect the country's monthly FDI volume," Gao said at a news conference in Beijing. Even though global FDI dropped by 13 percent year-on-year in 2016, the amount of utilized FDI in China grew by 4.1 percent to 813.2 billion yuan ($118.1 billion), indicating the confidence of global capital in the country's economy, data from the ministry show. "The FDI in any country will come and go with the development of the economy and changing industrial structure," Gao said. The minister said the Chinese government has noticed that some low-end companies left the country while high-end industries started to invest more in China, because the country is undergoing a boom of industrial and consumption upgrading. As foreign investment actively participated in China's economic transformation and upgrading, the utilized foreign investment in the service sector grew in 2016 by 8.3 percent year-on-year to 571.6 billion yuan, while FDI to the high-tech service sector jumped by 86.1 percent to 95.6 billion yuan. Absorbed foreign investment to the medical equipment industry surged by 95 percent, to high-tech services by 86.1 percent and to pharmaceutical manufacturing businesses by 55.8 percent year-on-year. Sun Jiwen, the ministry's spokesman, said the plan to add six provinces and one municipality to China's third group of free trade zones awaits the central government's approval, and foreign companies can ship products manufactured from their factories in China to countries and regions along the Belt and Road Initiative this year. Alexandra Voss, executive director of the German Chamber of Commerce-North China, said, "The Yangtze River Delta region, Shanghai, Chongqing and Chengdu, with strong consumption power, demand for industrial upgrading and infrastructure, will continue to remain attractive to German companies from the long-term perspective." Cheng Yu contributed to this story. Yves here. In fairness, the original title of this VoxEU post is European integration and populism: Addressing Dahrendorfs quandary, but I think youll find my relabeling it to be fair. Im posting it because I was struck by the way the authors mischaracterized the populist upsurge, and the worst is, my sense this reflects a lack of comprehension and/or a refusal to believe that the adherents are well-informed about their own circumstances. This appears to reflect the yawning gap between the members of the elite, their technocratic aides and administrators, and the large swathes of the public that have suffered as a result of neoliberalism. In particular, it treats the opposition to the TPP, TTIP, and TISA as being a revolt against trade. Huh? In Europe with the TTIP, even more so that in the US with the TPP, the objection to the TTIP was mainly about the investor-state dispute settlement process, which would gut environmental, product safety, and labor regulations, and on the EUs ability to maintain strict privacy regulations. And this is just dishonest: But populists do not talk in terms of disagreement over policy, which in a democracy is the very point of politics; rather they claim that they and they alone speak in the name of what they tend to call the real people as opposed to the establishment Sanders was and is all about policy. Mark Blyth pointed out that the reason Marine Le Pen might win despite the odds in the second round of the French presidential election is by virtue of her economic positions: if you actually go to their website and look at their economic policies, I find it much more progressive than anything else thats on offer and the mainstream French left have completely collapsedWhats meant to happen is that the entirety of the French left voting public is meant to get behind their equivalent of Mrs. Thatcher who thinks that what France needs is a healthy dose of more markets and austerity to get things going again. And to vote for that person to stop the Front. Now on every issue apart from immigration, you actually agree with the Fronts policies. And you disagree with everything this guys got except immigration. That has, Im not going to show up written all over it. And thats how the National Front gets in. Even Trump talked about policy. He just took so many and not always consistent policy positions it want clear what you were buying in voting for him. But Clinton made it very clear it was Not Her and not the status quo, and that turned out to be enough for a lot of people. And the big reason for the authors having troubling wrapping their minds about populism, in that they actually manage to acknowledge that the EU/Eurozone projects havent worked out to the advantage of many citizens, seems to be that they have deeply internalized neoliberal dogma: they believe that countries must stay competitive, even while admitting that that inflicts costs on their populations. Japan has effectively renounced that tradeoff, preferring social cohesion to groaf. Japan still leads the world in virtually every social indicator, such as longevity (still more than four years longer than the US), low crime rates, educational attainment, despite having to deal with a financial bust bigger that ours and stagnant GDP per capita, which means it has fallen in relative terms. Pray tell, who has really made the better choice? And let us not forget that Japan has been contending with a bona fide borderline depression for nearly 20 years longer than the US has been struggling with its new normal. (For a longer-form debunking, see How Pursuing Competitiveness Crushes Labor and Lowers Growth, The Notion of the Competitiveness of Countries is Nonsense, and How the Labor Cost Competitiveness Myth is Making the Eurozone Crisis Worse). Finally, notice how the article recommends coming up with a better narrative rather than policies that provide tangible material benefits to middle and lower middle class citizens. In fairness, if you read through their recommendations, some of their overly wonky suggestions are intended to address needs of EU citizens. But the weird combination of overly-abstract, alienating language and the emphasis on narrative. Even with presumably good intentions, this sounds far too much like Obamas approach of believing that every problem could be solved with better PR. Why should a failed strategy that helped usher in Trump be seen as a remedy? By Marco Buti, Director General, DG Economic and Financial Affairs, European Commission and Karl Pichelmann, Senior Adviser, Directorate General for Economic and Financial Affairs, European Commission. Cross posted from VoxEU EU institutions and policy settings are prone to populist attack from both the purely economic and the more cultural nativist identity angle. Current competences, mostly confined to organising markets and lacking the ability to address distribution effects, make the EU appear as the agent of globalisation within Europe, rather than a joint European response to globalisation. At the same time, it is charged with undermining national autonomy, identity, and control. Against that background, we set out five guiding principles for policy articulation at the EU level for a new positive EU narrative. The Tide Has Turned After a decades-long process where national economies became more and more entangled and interdependent at both the international and regional level, increasing strains to economic integration are evident both at the global and the European level. Examples abound even without mentioning Brexit or the 45th US president from rising stress in international capital and currency markets to protectionist pressures of all sorts on domestic markets coupled with a rising tide of nationalistic, actually often nativist, go-alone policy approaches. What is at stake is huge as the spectre of disintegration is raising its ugly head and, in fact, an integration process that has been the bedrock of a half-century of peace and economic development can no longer be taken for granted. The current rise in populist parties is a wake-up call resembling what the late Ralf Dahrendorf a major scholar of the 20th century and a former member of the European Commission summarised a little more than 20 years ago as a quandary between globalisation (as a means towards growth), social cohesion and political freedom: To stay competitive in a growing world economy [the OECD countries] are obliged to adopt measures which may inflict irreparable damage on the cohesion of the respective civil societies. If they are unprepared to take these measures, they must recur to restriction of civil liberties and of political participation bearing all the hallmarks of a new authoritarianism () The task for the first world in the next decade is to square the circle between growth, social cohesion and political freedom (Dahrendorf 1995). Indeed, the EU integration process has traditionally been conceived as a means to square the circle, allowing for catching-up economic growth and convergence (the EU as a great convergence machine; Indermit and Raiser 2012), while preserving Europes social model(s) as reflected in the EU social acquis. However, while the deepening globalisation and integration process has generated overall income gains via higher static and dynamic efficiency, in combination with skill-biased technical progress, it has almost certainly not been Pareto-optimal, creating winners (take-it all) and losers in an age of massive transformation. The financial crisis and its fall-out have only fuelled an already existing undercurrent of discontent and fading trust in democratic institutions and the so-called elites to deal with the (real or imagined) unfair distribution of gains and burdens in society. In this context, EU institutional settings and policies have been increasingly perceived as being pro-market biased, paying little attention (if any) to their social impact, and undermining cohesion, solidarity, autonomy, and governability at the national, regional, and local levels. Put succinctly, in Musgraves Three Functions of Government, the EU is seen as dealing with the allocative and, subordinately the stabilisation function, while not caring about the redistribution function which was largely left to member states.1 A Populist Backlash with Economic and Cultural Roots The backlash against globalisation and integration runs deeper than cheap populism, as it is nurtured by economic and cultural roots that should not too easily be dismissed. New trade agreements face fierce opposition almost everywhere. TTP, TTIP, CETA acronyms such as these, once only known by specialists in the field, have become household names and prominent issues in election campaigns. And unfettered market opening policies have lost a lot of their appeal with a growing recognition that the rising tide has not lifted all boats; on the contrary, in some cases perhaps even only a few super-yachts. Losers in the globalisation process have become clearly visible, while the middle classes have seen scant evidence of the gains once promised. Over the past decade, political scientists and economists have amassed a considerable body of survey evidence which shows that ordinary peoples attitudes towards globalisation and integration are exactly what Heckscher-Ohlin economics would predict (Figure 1). Thus, while globalisation may not actually be the main culprit, there is nothing populist about noticing that the past decades have seen the top 1% grab an ever-larger share of national income and wealth a trend particularly pronounced in the US while median incomes have stagnated.2 Protectionism, if not to say outright hostility, already rules the day when it comes to immigration. The arrival of migrants is perceived as threat that diminishes or dilutes the locational premium enjoyed by citizens of host countries, which includes not only possible direct economic impacts on jobs and wages, but also good health and education services, and public goods like the preservation of national culture and language. Arguably, the fears about native identity posed by immigrants from a different ethnic, cultural, and religious background largely dominate the public debate and are often ruthlessly exploited by populists; thus, pro-immigration arguments that it may have long-run positive economic effects tend to fall on deaf ears. Figure 1 Working class and low-skilled people tend to see globalisation as a threat Source: Bertelsmann Stiftung (2016) It has to be acknowledged that some of the attack lines by populists are derived from a response to real grievances; and not everyone who criticises elites is a populist, and not everyone who worries about immigration is a racist. But populists do not talk in terms of disagreement over policy, which in a democracy is the very point of politics; rather they claim that they and they alone speak in the name of what they tend to call the real people as opposed to the establishment (Muller 2016). This is coupled with assurances to restore autonomy, identity, and control, which were taken away from citizens by hostile forces. The identity offer of the us, the honest (native) ordinary people, versus them, the corrupt elites is very powerful and tempting in an era of massive transformation where, to use a term coined by Zygmunt Bauman, many people are left to lead a liquid modern life amidst multiple insecurities threatening the social fabric.3 The populist promise to restore autonomy, identity, and control typically comes with disrespect for rules and procedures, disparaging the in-built checks and balances of representative democracy while propagating referenda and other elements of direct democracy to implement the true will of the people. In this context, ridiculing expert opinion (admittedly sometimes made all too easy) and denouncing statistical evidence as abstract and not in line with the experience of ordinary people (numbers are liberal) belongs to the standard repertoire. Populists have also been quick to realise the potential of social media given their (partly real, partly imaginary) offer to create a space of common identity and understanding and to establish a direct link of identification between the individual and its alleged true authentic representative. The EU and European Integration as an Easy Target for Populist Onslaught The EU has become a popular punch bag, an easy target and prey. It is of little comfort that the EU is often not really the main concern of many of its critics. They use opposition to European integration as a vehicle for their ultimate objective: to strengthen their influence and power at home. But we need to acknowledge that EU institutions and policy settings are prone to populist attack from both the purely economic and the more cultural nativist identity angle (Muller 2016). From an economic perspective, the established policy allocation and the distribution of responsibilities between the EU institutions and the member states (Padoa Schioppa 1987) with the central level being predominantly focused on growth and efficiency (free trade, open markets, the four freedoms, competition, etc.), while the social dimension was largely left to member states have made Brussels an easy scapegoat, accused of ignoring the social consequences of its policies and, even worse, undermining the capacity of the nation state to deal with them. The EU and populist forces collide as they operate in the same sphere, namely, the market, with the EU aiming at opening and integrating markets internally (Schengen, the single market, labour mobility, competition policy) and externally (trade policies), and populists aiming at closing them. In consequence, the EU is seen as the agent of globalisation, rather than the response to it. The distributional fault lines are easily identifiable, impacting upon all three dimensions: the pre-market distribution of endowments, the distribution of gross market incomes, and the post-market distribution of net disposable incomes. Integration and open market policies affect the relative scarcities of production factors, with free (embedded) factor flows in integrated markets favouring mobile factors; they propagate (skill-biased) technical progress associated with a globalisation/digital divide, favouring capital and high-skilled labour; and they may enhance dynamic agglomeration effects, thereby increasing high/persistent regional disparities. EU policies and deeper economic and monetary integration increase competitive pressures and enforce higher market flexibility which, if left unattended, may negatively affect working conditions and protection in the market and undermine established rent-seeking and rent-sharing practices. At the same time, the room for re-distributional manoeuvre at the national and local level becomes more limited due to a reduction of discriminatory and enforcement power, enhanced system competition effects, and, last but not least, the perception of fiscal rules as a straight-jacket rather than as a safety vest. Identifying the EU exclusively with the market dimension and disregarding its potential role in the pre-market and post-market field would accentuate the distance with citizens and open the way for the populist attack. Similarly, a number of elements fuel anti-EU sentiments from a nativist-identity perspective. Charges of homogenisation undermining, or even erasing, national specifics and identity are commonly brought up by populists mainly on the right side of the political spectrum. At the same time, the transfer of national autonomy and decision rights to EU institutions and bodies evidently shifts democratic control further away from national electorates. This is associated with a significantly higher complexity of mediation and, thus, intransparency of decision-making at the EU level, thereby increasing the distance to the ordinary citizen. A rules-based and institutions-based system, instead of being perceived as a guarantee for equal treatment and protection of minorities, is seen as an additional layer between ruler and the people. The inevitable loss of input-legitimacy[iv] from a national perspective can easily be transformed into allegations of eroding the sovereignty of the member state and the will of its citizens, eventually leading to the populist call to take back control. Moreover, the often highly technical issues to be resolved at the central level make it easy to depict EU policies as designed by soulless technocrats detached from the life of ordinary people and accused of fake policy-based, pre-determined evidence-making. It is of little consolidation in this context that trust in the EU has actually held up better than trust in national institutions. Figure 2 Trust in the EU versus national institutions Source: Eurobarometer December 2016 Output legitimacy has clearly suffered as well, given the hesitant and still incomplete reaction to the financial crisis and its fallout, or the difficult handling of the migration/refugee issue. Protection of minorities and upholding the rights of citizens such as free movement of people a stronghold of EU policies can without much difficulty be construed as running against the will of the no longer silent majority. Enhanced by national politicians tendency to blame Brussels for some of their own failings and their reluctance to give the EU credit for its successes, we witness widespread frustration with the EUs ability to tackle the poly-crises we are confronted with. Conclusions: Some Guiding Principles for a New Positive EU Narrative Unfortunately, there is no quick fix. A sustained period of growth and rising incomes would help. So, too, would proactive policies to cushion the impact of liberalisation on the losers. But the present politics of middle class discontent demands a broader response to restore the trust in the European project. As long as EU integration is seen as a project of the political elites and the rich, it will carry the seeds of its own destruction. The growing polarisation in our societies needs to be addressed by finding better ways to combine the benefits of open markets and integration with democratic inclusion, social protection and fairness. Rebalancing is even more complicated in the EU integration context, where the divide between winners and losers does not merely follow the traditional fault lines along the functional and the personal distribution of income and wealth, but often also carries strong nationalistic connotations of north-south and east-west conflict. Todays reality calls for a rethink of the requirements of the subsidiarity principle in the EU, aiming to ensure that decisions are taken as closely as possible to the citizen and correctly identifying and redefining the areas where action at EU level is justified and needed in light of the possibilities available at the national, regional, or local level. Against that background, we set out five guiding principles for policy articulation at the EU level to foster political stability, social cohesion and integration. 1. Focus on delivering the common public goods in need of well-defined EU value added This involves strengthening security both at Europes external borders and internally, including a shared migration, asylum, and refugee policy worthy of the name. Tackling the environmental challenge is another area where go-alone policies are obviously bound to fail. International cooperation will also be required to fend off protectionist tendencies, wherever they originate, and to defend European interests in the global economy. And obviously, economic security starts at home with safeguarding and extending the Single Market achievements, completing the Banking Union, and taking the necessary steps to ensure the sustainability of EMU. 2. Re-establish the core values of the European social model as a joint response to globalisation The EUs social acquis already provides a floor of social rights, protecting workers health and safety, equal treatment and job security. However, in response to remaining gaps, allegations of social dumping, and the many new demands in a rapidly changing world of work, a critical reflection is needed; and, consequently, work on establishing a European Pillar of Social Rights is under way. 3. Mainstream distributional considerations into EU policy designs While acknowledging that social fairness is primarily a domestic challenge, in the EUs monitoring and surveillance processes more focus needs to be given to distributional issues. Stronger emphasis on the quality of public finances also contributes to higher intergenerational fairness and more tangible and intangible investments. The EU has become a strong actor in common strives for fairer taxation systems, as evidenced, for example, by current efforts to tackle profit shifting, tax evasion and the erosion of tax bases, and the use of competition policy instruments to address tax benefits granted selectively to companies. 4. Embody the new requirements derived from the subsidiarity principle in the EU budget The EU budget, albeit limited in size, is one of the main tools for the EU to achieve its objectives. Thus, it is vital to ensure vertical consistency between European and national actions budgets (Buti and Nava 2003). The recent crises have put extra pressure on the EU budget; they have also pointed to areas where EU action and delivery of common public goods is the most pertinent (see principle (i)). A dedicated fiscal capacity for the Eurozone could not only add to the macroeconomic stability properties of EMU, it could at the same time serve distributional functions, be it in support of social investment or in the form of unemployment benefit funds. 5. Ensure transparency and democratic accountability over the course of decision-making The EUs activities today affect millions of European citizens lives. The decisions having an effect on them must be taken as openly as possible. Admittedly, this is easier said than done, and despite many efforts to increase transparency, the perception of EU decisions as being driven by lobbying activities and backroom deals is widespread. There are many ways to streamline decision-making processes, making them more easily comprehensible. It is also essential that responsibilities of Brussels and the national legislators are clearly identified, so that accountability ultimately, the decision of citizens to re-elect officials can be exercised at the right levels. Implementing these principles will not silence the populists, but it will hopefully take the wind out of their sails to some extent. Such an effort also requires that mainstream political parties across Europe do not give in to the populist version of blaming Brussels for difficult decisions to be taken domestically. Embracing the European project for what it is, namely a democratic endeavour to preserve and strengthen values shared by all European traditions, is even more essential in a time when international cooperation seems to be fading away. Editors note: This column is a shortened and slightly revised version of a Policy Brief, LUISS School of European Economy, January 30, 2017. The views expressed in this article are personal and should not be attributed to the European Commission or its services. Endnotes [1] Obviously, the EU budget and its associated net cross-country transfers also perform some redistribution function, but it is very limited and mainly geared at the regional, rather than the interpersonal level. [2] The elephant chart of income distribution has become a reference point for the debate on the global inequality (Milanovic 2016). [3] In the 1990s, Bauman coined the term liquid modernity to describe a contemporary world in such flux that individuals are left rootless and bereft of any predictable frames of reference. In books including Liquid Times and Liquid Modernity, he explored the frailty of human connection in such times and the insecurity that a constantly changing world creates where traditional institutions no longer fill the wells of common understanding and experience. [4] The term goes back to Fritz Scharpf (1999) who introduced the distinction between input legitimacy of governance, i.e. the responsiveness to citizen concerns as a result of participation by the people; and output legitimacy, i.e. the effectiveness of policy outcomes for people. Vivien Schmidt (2013) later added the concept of throughput legitimacy, i.e. the governance processes that happen in between input and output. Please see original post for references Yves here. For readers who (sensibly) have managed to avoid orthodox economics, Kenneth Arrow wasnt merely a (Swedish Central Bank-so-called) Nobel Prize winner and Larry Summers uncle, but is most celebrated at the co-author of the Arrow-Debreu theorem. As we wrote in ECONNED: The scientific pretenses of economics got a considerable boost in 1953, with the publication of what is arguably the most influential work in the economics literature, a paper by Kenneth Arrow and Gerard Debreu (both later Nobel Prize winners), the so-called Arrow-Debreu theorem. Many see this proof as confirmation of Adam Smiths invisible hand. It demonstrates what Walras sought through his successive auction process of tatonnement,that there is a set of prices at which all goods can be bought and sold at a particular point in time. Recall that the short-hand for this outcome is that markets clear, or that there is a market clearing price, leaving no buyers with unfilled orders or vendors with unsold goods. However, the conditions of the Arrow-Debreu theorem are highly restrictive. For instance, Arrow and Debreu assume perfectly competitive markets (all buyers and sellers have perfect information, no buyer or seller is big enough to influence prices), and separate markets for different locations (butter in Chicago is a different market than butter in Sydney). So far, this isnt all that unusual a set of requirements in econ-land. But then we get to the doozies. The authors further assume forward markets (meaning you can not only buy butter now, but contract to buy or sell butter in Singapore for two and a half years from now) for every commodity and every contingent market for every time period in all places, meaning till the end of time! In other words, you could hedge anything, such as the odds you will be ten minutes late to your 4:00 P.M. meeting three weeks from Tuesday. And every- one has perfect foreknowledge of all future periods. In other words, you know everything your unborn descendants six generations from now will be up to. In other words, the model bears perilous little resemblance to any world of commerce we will ever see. What follows from Arrow-Debreu is absolutely nothing: Arrow-Debreu leaves you just as in the dark about whether markets clear in real life as you were before reading Arrow-Debreu. And remember, this paper is celebrated as one of the crowning achievements of economics. By Bill Black, the author of The Best Way to Rob a Bank is to Own One and an associate professor of economics and law at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Jointly published with New Economic Perspectives Kenneth Arrow, one of the giants of economics, has died at the age of 95. He became a Nobel Laureate in 1972. As a young lawyer in 1977, I saw him in action as an expert witness on the subject of risk. The context was setting the rates for shipping oil through the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPs). Arrow testified about the risks of oil prices falling. The FERC administrative law judge thought such a scenario was ridiculous. Within four years, oil prices fell sharply. Arrows experience was a common one for economists dealing with lawyers the ALJ ignored him. The New York Times obituary for Arrow is revealing about how the conventional wisdom distorts economic theory in a predictably skewed fashion. It begins by discussing Arrows impossibility theorem, which states that where there are more than two choices it is impossible to construct perfect majority choice systems. The author of the obit stressed the impossibility of such systems being optimal. Contrast that emphasis with the authors treatment of Arrows work on general equilibrium. Professor Arrow proved that their system of equations mathematically cohere: Prices exist that bring all markets into simultaneous equilibrium (whereby every item produced at the equilibrium price would be voluntarily purchased). And market competition puts societys resources to good use: Competitive markets are efficient, in the language of economists. Professor Arrows theorems set out the precise conditions under which Adam Smiths famous conjecture in The Wealth of Nations holds true: that the invisible hand of market competition among self-serving individuals serves society well. That is one way to phrase it, but a more accurate, parallel way to phrase Arrows work on general equilibrium would be as an impossibility theorem. Arrow actually proved that it was impossible for general equilibrium to occur. The precise conditions in which economists can guarantee that a market transaction serves society well is the null set. There is no market that meets those precise conditions because they are impossible to meet. Market competition does not inherently put societys resources to good use and competitive markets can be enormously inefficient. In a Greshams dynamic, for example, the more competitive the market the more CEOs put societys resources to bad uses and the more inefficient the results. When hit men compete to murder spouses, the price of hiring hit men declines, but this does not serve society well and it is not efficient. (The same is true for competition by cigarette company CEOs. When companies prosper by increasing greenhouse gas emissions it, eventually, does not serve society well and it is not efficient. The author of the obit accurately reflects the conventional economic wisdom in the two paragraphs that I quoted. The conventional economic wisdom is flat out wrong. As I have emphasized in prior posts, a prominent economist (who loves general equilibrium) admits that the conventional wisdom would only be true under the silent assumption that God mystically ensures that buyers and sellers do not act in a self-serving manner that harms society and reduces efficiency (Athreya 2013: 104). We should call it the Arrow-Debreu-McKenzie (ADM) impossibility theorem, but instead orthodox economists make the hilarious (implicit) assumption that God loves laissez faire so much that he prevents all predation. As Dr. Athreya phrases it, the ADM God prevents CEOs from even considering the possibility of predating on customers. The author of the obit understands most of these points. [Arrow] made clear, his powerful conclusions about the workings of competitive markets held true only under ideal that is to say, unrealistic assumptions. His assumptions, for example, ruled out the existence of third-party effects: The sale of a product by Harry to Joe was assumed not to affect the well-being of Sally an assumption routinely violated in the real world by, for example, the sale of products that harm the environment. Note, however, that the author does not go back and correct his earlier errors and he never states that the ADM general equilibrium model shows that it is impossible for laissez faire to produce general equilibrium. He also fails to inform readers that orthodox economists twin dystopian assumptions (Athreya 2013) make it impossible for laissez faire to guarantee either efficiency or socially desirable outcomes. The twin dystopian assumptions are self-interested behavior and rationality. Orthodox economists such as N. Gregory Mankiw define actions by CEO, such as the refusal to loot the firm, as irrational rather than moral because it would harm the CEOs self-interest (Akerlof & Romer 1993: 65). The punch line to the defining economist joke is assume a can opener. To silently assume an ADM God, however, takes that joke to an unprecedented level worthy of a superlative humorist. Modern macro economists have surpassed micro economists supreme act of humor. Modern macro silently assumes an ADM God and invariably describes its use of general equilibrium models as rigorous. One imagines the rigor of modern macro proponents as they begin their incantations, using an analog to a pilots pre-flight checklist. Step one: silently assume an ADM God. Step two: silently assume that the ADM God is the patron of laissez faire and acts rigorously to prevent any predation by CEOs (even though the express dystopian assumptions would produce widespread CEO predation). Step three: Define steps 1 and 2 as the rigorous treatment of micro foundations. Step four: chant the mantra endlessly and with a straight face. Step five: do not fly on the ADM plane and blame the crashes on governmental interference with the otherwise inerrant ADM checklist. A last nerdy note. The author of the obit stresses repeatedly how impressed he is by Arrows general equilibrium math. The math only general equilibrium, however, because the model assumes away reality. If the model attempted to deal with reality, without the ADM Gods aid, the math would produce indeterminacy or spiral away from equilibrium into bubbles and market breakdowns. The math would also show that laissez faire is frequently criminogenic and would produce epidemics of elite fraud and other predatory abuse. Arrow made his absurd assumptions in his model not because they reflected reality, or proved reliable in prediction, but to make the system of equations mathematically cohere. When the math fails to explain reality and predict events it is a grave error (rather than a cause for celebration) when economists assume out of existence reality and torture the model until the math coheres. The ultimate failure of economics as a field is to: worship an economic model that is criminogenic, hide that disaster from the public by assuming silently an ADM God that contradicts the models express assumption, continue to worship and proselytize that model when its silent assumption of an ADM God repeatedly produces criminogenic policies and epic predictive failures, and praise your models as rigorous, scientific, and transparent, and define critics as anti-scientific and demand that their critiques be excluded as heresy. Arrow was brilliant and well meaning. We celebrate his life and mourn his passing. The opportunity cost to our field is how much he could have accomplished had his research not been so distorted by neoclassical dogma. Tributes have been paid to the Tipperary-born author and broadcaster Frank Delaney who has died. Mr Delaney, who was 74, passed away on Wednesday evening. President Michael D. Higgins led the tributes, and said that Frank Delaney was recognised as an important scholar on the work of James Joyce and an influential Irish voice in the UK and further afield. Tipperary towns Martin Quinn said he was deeply saddened at the death of a very good friend. The author and broadcaster was a native of Thomastown, near Tipperary Town. Mr Quinn said Frank was assisting me with a book that I am currently writing, with the help of students from St. Ailbe's School in Tipperary Town. I am truly heartbroken to hear of his passing. Frank was also the man (at my invitation) that gave many Tipp Mid-West Radio presenters their first grounding in radio. I also invited him to Tipperary in 2010 to speak at the Tipperary Peace Conference and to attend the Peace Award presentation to Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith and Mrs. Vicki Kennedy (wife of the late Senator Edward Kennedy). At the Peace Award presentation that day Frank was seated beside the late famous actress Maureen O'Hara. Frank Delaney was a newscaster for RTE in the early 1970s and then worked as a news reporter for the BBC in Dublin. He made acclaimed TV documentaries on a number of subjects, including Joyce, Shaw, Oscar Wilde and the evolution of the English language. He is survived by his wife Diane, and sons Francis, Bryan and Owen. The challenge of finding a viable and sustainable solution that could keep Cistercian College Roscrea open was the gauntlet thrown down to a packed meeting in the County Arms Birr last night. The Save CCR campaign meeting heard that the College had a running cost shortfall of 200,000 per annum, which would be worse next year. The principal factors at play in the decision to close the college were its financial viability and the broader issues of the changing nature of Irish society and education. It is also taking place against the backdrop of the consistent and sustained pattern of boarding school closures around the country, with only five now left in existence. The number of first years enrolled at the College for next year is nine, whereas typically it would be 20. The College had capacity numbers for many years up to 2010. In 2009-10 the trustees of the school the monks of Mount St. Joseph Abbey had started to subsidise the financial shortfall at the college. They sold a farm and put the cash back into the school. The present day cost of running the College, excluding capital expenditure and investment, is 2.4m per annum. A number of initiatives such as marketing campaigns, information evenings and website and prospectus revamps did not arrest the decline. The expectation that numbers might increase as the country came out of recession did not materialise. The meeting was told that any solution would have to be self financing, as there was no more funding available from the monks. Significant funding would be required to meet shortfalls over the next few years. At a meeting between Abbot Dom Richard Purcell and the Parents Association on Tuesday, the Abbot undertook to give consideration to any proposal that was viable and would sustain the school. Ronnie Culliton, a past pupil who has sons in the school, challenged the attendance as to what kind of money would be available to any new project for the school. What you would be willing to contribute. Lets see what we can commit to, he said. He also asked who had the capacity and willingness to get involved in the battle to save the school. He also asked the attendance to maximise the sales force and provide live market information. Try and get one potential for the school. We are not looking at a radical increase in numbers here. Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune has said the next two months are crucial in Brexit negotiations and it was important for Ireland that Enda Kenny remain on as taoiseach during that time. She was speaking this Thursday after attending the Fine Gael party meeting in Dublin on Wednesday night when Mr Kenny's future as party leader was discussed. "It is very important that he is there when the British Prime Minister Theresa May triggers Article 50 to leave the EU and when the Council and Commission form their guidelines for the negotiations. "That time will be crucial for us. It is vital that we continue to get the message across on how Brexit will impact on Ireland. The taoiseach has done a lot of work on this and he is very popular in Europe", she said. The Ireland South MEP was speaking in Clonmel this Thursday during a visit to Tipperary where she held a series of planned meetings on the impact of Brexit. From Clonmel she travelled to Cahir for a meeting at the ABP food plant which is a significant employer in the area. Brexit will have huge implications for food producers and she wanted to hear the concerns of those involved in the trade. "ABP's impact on rural Ireland is so encouraging, with the major employment figures and the spin-off for the community. But their markets are across Europe so they have think about Brexit means for them", said the Fine Gael MEP. She said she has also been in talks with the freight industry that faces very significant difficulties after Brexit. She said there will be major problems for Irish lorries heading back and forth to mainland Europe via the UK landbridge. They will be going from the EU into the UK and then back into the EU and there will be customs and tariffs to consider as well as extra time and costs involved. Republicans and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are playing a game of chicken over a proposal that would restrict banks, credit unions and other lenders from using mandatory arbitration clauses. Republicans stand ready to deploy a rarely used legislative process called the Congressional Review Act if the CFPB finalizes the arbitration plan, which would ban clauses that prevent consumers from filing class action lawsuits against financial services companies. The law is a powerful tool that allows Congress to overturn agency rules promulgated within the previous 60 legislative days. Because it requires only a simple majority to pass, it allows Republicans to avoid a potential filibuster from Democrats, making it far easier to enact. "Any rule coming out of the CPFB would be subject to" the Congressional Review Act, said Richard Hunt, president and CEO of the Consumer Bankers Association. It's CFPB Director "Richard Cordray's decision to make, if he wishes to release [the arbitration rule] or not." Some suspect the CFPB might be holding off on finalizing the rule for fear of congressional intervention. That's because the Congressional Review Act prevents a rule that is "substantially the same" from being written. As a result, if Congress did vote to reject the rule, it could scuttle years of CFPB work and limit future efforts to regulate arbitration agreements. "The reason, at least so far Director Cordray has been reluctant to issue a final [arbitration] rule, is because I think he realizes that there is a very high likelihood of it being overridden," said Alan Kaplinsky, a partner at the law firm Ballard Spahr. Cordray could shelve the rule until the climate in Washington is more accommodating for consumer-friendly regulations, but he may also view releasing the rule as a now or never proposition with Republicans doing their level best to defang the bureau or get rid of it altogether. "I don't think anybody is arguing to halt the rulemaking," said Lauren Saunders, associate director at the National Consumer Law Center. "Congress can hold the rule in other ways as well, and holding off all that does is lose all the good work that has gone forward." There is also speculation that the Trump administration may try to replace Cordray before his term expires in 2018 with someone who would be hostile to the agency and the rulemaking. Cordray has said he remains committed to the bureau's mission, and some observers believe he will move forward with the rule regardless of the political dynamic. "Cordray is not someone who will sit on the sidelines and kowtows to political pressure," said Rohit Chopra, a senior fellow at the Consumer Federation of America and a former CFPB official. It's also not a guarantee that the arbitration rule would be rolled back if it is released. "The agency has published hundreds of pages of research and data showing that it's time to make some fixes," Chopra said. Lawmakers may simply not have enough time to roll it back. The Senate has been busy trying to get President Trump's cabinet confirmed as Democrats have slowed the process, making floor time to pass CRA resolutions and tackle other legislative business difficult to find. It is "a very slow process," Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo said last week, while pointing to the 30 hours of debate time that Democrats can demand for Trump nominations. "There are a lot of more recent rulemakings that the Republicans disagree with that they are now bringing forward under congressional review resolutions, and those take about five to eight hours each in the Senate. So we are trying to fit them in between nominations. But we can't use that 30 hours; we have to stay on the nomination for the 30 hours." Lawmakers have also targeted other CFPB rules. Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., is attempting to use the review act strategy to repeal a CFPB rule regulating prepaid cards. So far, however, Perdue has found little support for his efforts. "We are not convinced anybody is really going to try and move that prepaid card CRA," Saunders at the National Consumer Law Center said. "Most of the prepaid card industry is just fine with the rule and getting ready to comply with it, and only one fringe issuer wants to save $80 million in overdraft fees. So I am not sure it is even going to come up for a vote, and we think we can get the votes to defeat it." Consumer groups have pointed to Total System Services, which is headquartered in Georgia and owns one of the few prepaid card companies to offer overdraft services that were restricted by the CFPB rule, as the driving force behind the resolution. However, technology companies have also expressed concern about the rule. "Some of the more high-tech firms were frustrated that they got roped into the rule," said Jason Oxman, CEO of the Electronic Transactions Association. "These products are still really new." But the tech companies don't appear to have thrown their full heft behind the resolution yet, and the House likely will not bring a companion resolution to a vote until it gets a signal that there is an appetite for it in the Senate. "I don't detect a lot of industry pressure to override that rule," Kaplinsky said. Brian Knight, a senior research fellow for the financial markets working group at the Mercatus Center, said using the Congressional Review Act for the "prepaid rule would be consistent with the general Republican frustration with the CFPBand a way for them to start unwinding at least as much as possible some of the regulations they viewed as being unduly onerous or philosophically inappropriate." That frustration would likely build if the CFPB were to release a final arbitration rule, which the financial services industry would almost unanimously oppose. "If the CFPB were to finalize an arbitration rule I would think we will witness a huge amount of industry pressure" to use the Congressional Review Act to repeal it, Kaplinsky said. "It is going to be nothing like whatever forces are being brought to bear to override the prepaid rule." Saunders said "there is no question" there would be a battle over the rule in Congress if it goes forward. However, she held out hope that consumer groups can get the votes to stop a resolution. "We expect a vote on the arbitration rule, but even there I think we can defeat it," Saunders said. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's seriousness about overhauling the nation's $10 trillion mortgage market will soon be tested. A federal appeals court dealt a major blow to hedge funds that own Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac shares Tuesday, ruling that investors weren't entitled to billions of dollars of profits. The decision clears an obstacle to addressing an issue that has vexed policy makers for almost a decade: What to do with the government-controlled companies that guarantee 43% of U.S. mortgages. Yet some housing industry groups and analysts said they're skeptical anything will happen quickly because Republican lawmakers have bigger priorities, such as repealing Obamacare and overhauling the tax code. And while most everyone agrees something must be done about Fannie and Freddie, there isn't much consensus over how to proceed. "The court decision will force Mnuchin to show just how high a priority housing-finance reform is for the Trump administration," said Brandon Barford, a partner at Beacon Policy Advisors, a Washington-based policy research firm, and former staff member for the Senate Banking Committee. Mnuchin, in interviews Thursday on CNBC and Fox Business Network, said taxes are Treasury's first priority. Mnuchin said he hopes to get an overhaul of Fannie and Freddie done in "this administration." In an interview with Bloomberg News, he said Treasury is working on a housing-finance plan, while decisions on the legal claims of Fannie and Freddie shareholders' would be made by the Justice Department. Appeal Likely While shareholders are likely to appeal the court ruling, the decision makes it less likely private investors will have sway in forcing action on the fates of Fannie and Freddie. That puts more onus on Congress and Mnuchin, who has said that figuring out a solution is a priority and would play a leading role in coaxing lawmakers to act. Fannie and Freddie buy mortgages from lenders, put them in securities and make guarantees to investors in case of default. The government took over the companies during the 2008 financial crisis, eventually injecting them with $187.5 billion in bailout money. In return, the government received warrants to acquire nearly 80% of the companies' common stock along with a new class of "senior" preferred shares that originally paid a 10% dividend. In 2012, the government changed the terms, requiring the companies to send nearly all of their profits to the U.S. Treasury and make no payment in times of losses. Bailout Money Former President Barack Obama's administration said the decision was an effort to wind down the companies and would prevent the companies from needing more bailout money to pay the 10% dividend. Shareholders say the change in terms was illegal. Those arguments have carried little weight with the courts as judges around the country dismissed shareholders' complaints. Many investors expected the appellate court on Tuesday to give them another chance to fight for most of the claims in a lower court. That could have given them more leverage to push for a settlement. A full reversal could have even put Fannie and Freddie on the path of being recapitalized and released from conservatorship, an outcome that could have made the shareholders billions of dollars. "This is one less thing hanging over everyone's heads," said Michael Bright, a former staff member for Tennessee Republican Senator Bob Corker and author of a plan to turn Fannie and Freddie into lender-owned insurers. "If a court decides down the road that the legacy shareholders deserve money, that is now a separate issue from debate over the enterprises' future." A ruling against the government may have caused lawmakers to act quickly and given shareholders negotiating leverage over the companies' future, some analysts said. Without that urgency, it could take time. 'Toxic Climate' Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho, the Republican chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, last week said it could take two years before housing-finance legislation advances. "The climate right now in the Senate is as toxic as I've ever seen it," Crapo said at a Washington conference. That leaves Mnuchin in the driver's seat. Mnuchin said at his confirmation hearing last month that he will pursue a bipartisan approach that doesn't put taxpayers at risk and that doesn't eliminate capital for the housing market. He hasn't laid out more specific plans since then. 'Solution Needed' "What I am focused on is we need housing reform and a solution," Mnuchin told the Senate Finance Committee. "The status quo is not acceptable." In the past year, former policy makers and trade groups have proposed turning the companies into utilities, converting them into lender-owned insurers or merging them into a new government-owned corporation. Democratic lawmakers, including Representative Michael Capuano of Massachusetts, along with some lenders and affordable housing advocates, have said the companies should be allowed to retain funds to protect against the need for future bailouts. Some shareholders have argued that the Treasury Department, along with the Federal Housing Finance Agency, could decide to allow Fannie and Freddie to rebuild capital and possibly release them back into the private market without Congress passing a bill. Lawmakers have objected to that path, and legislation approved in 2015 forbids the Treasury Department from selling the government's stake in the companies until next year. A NATO expert team visited the National Staff College (Ecole nationale detat-major de la Mauritanie - ENEM) in Nouakchott, in February 2017, to chart progress and plans for the Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP) in Mauritania. The occasion marked four years of cooperation through DEEP between NATO and Mauritania, where particularly France has performed a leading academic role with the support of the United States. Since 2015, ENEM educators have received support to develop an operational planning and design course in accordance with NATO planning standards. DEEP has substantially increased the impulse for reform and self-renewal within the Mauritanian professional military education system. Through continuous multi-year engagement with NATO experts, ENEM has adapted exercises to the regional context and revised its course programme to emulate the structure of the NATO Generic Officer Reference Curriculum. The Mauritanian faculty has developed course modules in multiple languages of instruction on crisis management, counterterrorism and counterinsurgency. In 2011, Mauritania was the first member of NATOs Mediterranean Dialogue partnership to refer to modernisation and transformation within the armed forces in its Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme with NATO. The Chief of General Army Staff of Mauritania formally requested DEEP in 2012, in support of the transformation of Mauritanias professional military education. After the first three-year phase was completed in 2015, Nouakchott requested the continuation of the programme for an additional three years. As a result of these efforts, Mauritania has become a member of international educator networks coordinated by NATO institutions. The NATO Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP) expert team visited Armenias Ministry of Defence in February 2017 to bring forward consultations on defence education. The team included leading experts from Canada, the Czech Republic and Lithuania. Representatives from the leadership of the National Defence Research University, the Vazgen Sargsyan Military University, the Marshall A. Khanperyanc Military Aviation University and the Warrant Officers School of Armenias Ministry of Defence participated in the consultations. The aim of the visit was to outline major features of activities and cooperation between NATO and the Department of Personnel and Military Education of Armenia Ministry of Defence in 2016 and to define a roadmap of cooperation for 2017. This was an opportunity to present results of the reform process taking place in both military education and military educational institutions in Armenia. It also offered incentives to discuss the review of educational programmes, efforts to raise the bar of academic staff excellence, and compliance with the Bologna standards in higher military education. A lecture entitled "Western Operational Arts: Comparative Analysis of Western and Soviet Models" was presented to the Command and Staff College of Armenias Ministry of Defence. The Head of Armenias National Defence Research University presented a substantial report on the main areas of work carried out in 2016; highlighted the benefits of being able to educate students in Armenia instead of sending them abroad; and also mentioned the Universitys increased focus on cyber security. (Natural News) We warned you it would happen, and now it has: The anti-Trump, pro-globalist Left is moving quickly to punish independent media outlets who support the 45th president and treat him fairly with honest coverage of him and his administration. Earlier this week Alex Jones Infowars lost a $3 million-a-year ad content deal when the company, AdRoll, decided to suddenly drop them, despite the high volume of traffic his web properties receive, over charges that the site publishes fake news. It doesnt; in fact, if anyone publishes fake news, its the many other web properties the company is continuing to do business with. If this angers you as a liberty-minded person who believes in the constitutional principle of free speech, let AdRoll know youre angry. Then there was the takedown this week of conservative provocateur and enthusiastic Trump supporter Milo Yiannopoulos by an alleged conservative group called the Reagan Battalion, whom virtually no one had heard of before. The group published a selectively-edited video of Yiannopoulos appearing to condone homosexual sex between adults and 13-year-old boys; the takedown cost him a $250,000 book deal, his job at Breitbart, and an invitation to the Conservative Political Action Committee meeting, which began Wednesday evening. Come to find out, Reagan Battalion actually has ties to the far-Left group Indivisible, as the Gateway Pundit reported. This group is one of those behind the staged protests at GOP lawmakers town hall meetings. Board members to the group have indirect links to Alt-Left George Soros groups. (RELATED: Pay attention to these three financial experts if you want to survive the coming financial superstorm) Shopify, an e-commerce platform, was threatened by organized Left-wing groups to drop Breitbart as a content provider, but the CEO graciously defended his decision not to do so, despite coming under intense pressure from the real purveyors of censorship. He may not like Breitbarts political slant, but as a true believer in free speech, he refused to cave to the demands of would-be authoritarians. And now, Natural News is under assault by Google, a multi-billion dollar company that built everything that it has become on the premise that the World Wide Web ought to be a place where censorship went to die and freedom of speech and expression flourished for all. We were notified early Wednesday that some 140,000 previously indexed pages our catalog of stories has been removed from the search engine giant, almost as if wed never existed. The reason? Were not sure yet, but as our founder/editor, Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, has observed, its very likely an arbitrary decision directly tied to our commitment to the truth, to fair, unbiased coverage of President Donald Trump, and our penchant for taking on the medical, social and political establishments with hard-core vigilance and take-no-prisoners style. Facts are inconvenient things, we are told, and no one epitomizes that more than those on the insane Left. When they encounter people who simply disagree with them, they always defer to the solutions of banishing them, taking away their ability to express themselves, or shouting them into silence. Never have they resorted to open and honest debate, allowing two separate voices to be heard on the issues so as to allow all of us the opportunity to make informed decisions based on all the evidence and all the facts. In the past, voices of conservative dissent were rarely heard because the Left owned the press; today, however, that ownership has been subjugated by the flourishing of the independent, online media. In cyberspace, the competition of ideals is fully achievable, but thats a problem for the Left because when shown the light of day, they lose the debates. Barack Obama and Democrats could have never told Americans that Obamacare would result in the loss of personal insurance plans, that deductibles would skyrocket, that out-of-pocket expenses would rise dramatically, and that you couldnt keep your doctor. So they lied about the law in order to get it passed. George W. Bush and Republicans could not reveal that provisions of the USA Patriot Act would grant presidents carte blanche authority to order American spy agencies to vacuum up all of our personal data, or they would have never been able to pass it. And so on. (RELATED: All you need to know about the discredited mainstream media, in one Mika Brzezinski quote) The Internet was supposed to be the final answer to free and open debate, real representative democracy and the free-flowing exchange of ideas but we allowed it to be hijacked by the same anti-choice, anti-free speech forces the Net was supposed to thwart. Thats the Google faction, by the way. Well, at least there are ways around this abject censorship. Heres what we need our wonderful Natural News readers and supporters to do: Stop using mainstream search engines like Google and Yahoo, as well as social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. They are limiting your information. Use GoodGopher.com for searching, and become a social media warrior at Share.NaturalNews.com, where there is NO censorship, just liberty. Sign up for the Natural News daily newsletter (below) and get our content sent straight to you. Bookmark our site, NaturalNews.com, and check in regularly throughout the day, as we update the site regularly with fresh, informative, truthful content. Same with Censored.news. Thanks for your continued support. We really do appreciate it. J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel. Sources: NaturalNews.com TheGatewayPundit.com InfoWars.com Soros.news (Natural News) Uncharacteristically higher levels of radiation have been registering all over western Europe since January, leaving many to suspect that Russian President Vladimir Putin has conducted a secret nuclear weapons test, which would be a violation of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty the Russian Federation ratified in 2000. As reported by The Sun, a British tabloid, the spike in radiation levels has been detected in several countries, including Finland, Norway, Poland, Germany, France, Spain and parts of Italy. The spikes are significant enough that the Pentagon dispatched a special nuke sniffer aircraft, a WC-135 Constant Phoenix bristling with electronic monitoring equipment designed to detect and locate nuclear radiation, to the United Kingdom. WC-135s have also been used to monitor North Korean nuclear tests in recent years, as well as to monitor the spread of radiation from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident in the former Soviet Union in 1996. One of the planes was also used to monitor nuclear fallout from the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster in northern Japan in 2011. (RELATED: Russia Is In The Process Of Building A Global Nuclear Empire And No One Seems To Be Taking Notice) The planes do occasionally cross into European airspace, but The Sun reported that the deployment of one aircraft to the UK is rare. The publication said the U.S. military had not given a specific reason as to why the aircraft was flown to RAF Mildenhall, a British air force base The Aviationist, in its own report regarding the spike in radiation levels across Europe and the deployment of the nuke sniffer aircraft to Britain, said two WC-135s, military versions of Boeings C-135 transport and support plane, are in operation today. At one point in the 1960s, at the height of the Cold War, 10 such aircraft were in operation. The site reported further that the EC-135 in Britain is attached to the U.S Air Forces 45th Reconnaissance Squadron located at Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha, Nebraska. Critics of the nuclear weapons test theory by Russia claim that there are other means of detecting such tests, via satellite and seismic detectors. And there have been no reports claiming that U.S. or European seismologists have detected any atomic detonations in recent weeks. (RELATED: Russia completes dry run of nuclear bombing attack on America) But that doesnt clear up the mystery of why there is a definite spike in radiation, nor does it fully explain the rare deployment to Britain of an American radiation detection aircraft. Iodine-131 (131I), a radionuclide of anthropogenic origin, has recently been detected in tiny amounts in the ground-level atmosphere in Europe, The Aviationist reported. However, no one seems to know the reason behind the released Iodine-131. Along with nuclear power plants, the isotope is also widely used in medicine and its presence in the air could be the effect of several different incidents. Russia has reportedly been upgrading its nuclear arsenal, which includes improving its ballistic missile force and developing drone mini-submarines that can penetrate undersea detection and defensive systems to deliver large nuclear warheads to major port cities. In addition, the Russian military is also developing a hypersonic missile that can travel at seven to 12 times the speed of sound and is fast enough to evade current missile defense systems. While the U.S. and China are also racing to develop hypersonic missiles, NationalSecurity.news reported in August that Moscow hoped to have its systems fielded by 2020. (RELATED: Russia wont import GMOs, prime minister says) According to the Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization, the treaty bans any nuclear weapon test explosion or any other nuclear explosion anywhere in the world. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in September 1996. However, if Russia did violate the ban, its unclear what the ramifications would be from a Europe largely dependent upon Russian energy oil and natural gas. Its also unclear how a banned nuclear test would affect President Donald J. Trumps efforts to build better relations with Moscow. J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel. Sources: TheSun.co.uk TheAviationist.com NationalSecurity.news Evil.news NationalSecurity.news NationalSecurity.news Wednesday, February 22, 2017 by: Ethan Huff Tags: Europe , nuclear , radiation This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author (Natural News) Mysterious plumes of radioactive iodine-131, the same nuclear isotope seen during the Fukushima disaster, have suddenly started appearing all over Europe. And according to reports, nobody seems to know where theyre coming from that, or authorities are choosing to deliberately keep the undisclosed source(s) out of public view. Trace amounts of the highly damaging form of radiation, which is known to destroy the thyroid gland, have been found in at least seven European countries, including in Norway, Finland, the Czech Republic, Germany, France, and Spain. Such radiation typically comes from either nuclear energy plants or atomic bombs and the latter presumably havent been set off anywhere recently. According to The Sun, the source of the toxic particles appears to be somewhere in Eastern Europe, despite the majority of them having been identified in countries to the West and North. The only other source from which such particles could be emerging are certain medical devices, though for their spread to be so wide across so many different regions is highly unlikely. Finlands Radiation Safety Authority (STUK) says it also identified trace amounts of the radioactive isotopes cobalt-60, niobium-95, and cesium-134, all of which are also directly associated with nuclear processes. Investigations into the source of these particles are ongoing, and experts are insistent that the levels are so low that they do not pose a significant health risk to the public. The preliminary report states it (iodine-131) was first found during the week 2 of January 2017 in northern Norway, reads a press release issued by the France-based Institute de Radioprotection et de Surete Nucleaire (IRSN). Norwegian nuclear officials claim informing public right away about radiation wasnt necessary because levels were low Whats strange about this radioactive presence throughout Europe is that its levels are seemingly so low as to be almost impossibly dispersed. One would think that having the same type of radiation detected in so many places at once would indicate much higher amounts of it, but experts insist that the levels are low enough as to be harmless. The world heard plenty of this same narrative during and after the Fukushima disaster and it is still the official story today, despite ongoing problems at the stricken plant that continue to harm Japan, the worlds oceans, and possibly even the West Coast of the U.S. a majority of the world, essentially. According to officials in Finland, the levels of radiation detected there were less than one-millionth of a Becquerel per cubic meter of air not very much in terms of serious safety concerns. But as many Natural News readers are well aware, any amount of radiation is a health threat, and its source a pertinent area of concern. We do measure small amounts of radioactivity in air from time to time because we have very sensitive measuring equipment, the head of Norways Radiation Protection Authority, Astrid Liland, told reporters when asked why it took so long to inform the public about the potential looming threat. The measurements at Svanhovd in January were very, very low. So were the measurements made in neighboring countries, like Finland. The levels raise no concern for humans or the environment. Therefore, we believe this had no news value. Ironically, Norways radiation levels were higher than in Finland, and yet Finnish nuclear officials were quick to issue a public statement out of precaution. Like Norway and France, however, Finland insists that radiation levels are far lower than what can have any effect on human health. There are nuclear plants located in Finland, Sweden, and Russia where the nuclear particles in question could have emerged. Investigators are working to trace where they came from as quickly as possible. Sources: TheSun.co.uk YLE.fi TheBarentsObserver.com Public support for China's nuclear-energy programme plummeted after Japan's Fukushima disaster in 2011. So far, however, there have been no reported protests against a proposed nuclear power plant in Zhangzhou in southeast China. Other nations could learn from the strategy used by the authorities to make this project acceptable to the public. After announcing the proposal in October last year, China's National Nuclear Corporation and the regional government engaged with local communities to communicate the planning issues and improve transparency. They also offered support for potential job seekers and for local enterprises. These efforts were spurred by the suspension two months earlier of a proposed nuclear plant in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, in response to public outcry. Support for the Zhangzhou project has been boosted by the prospect of better infrastructure and more employment, and because no resettlements are necessary. Residents were invited to visit the Daya Bay nuclear plant to allay their fears. Although Zhangzhou is in a coastal seismic fault zone, engineering can help to safeguard the plant against earthquakes. The risk of tsunami damage is reduced because the site will be 13.5 metres above sea level. Exoplanets are not the only objects in the universe where building blocks of life could potentially be discovered. Some interesting satellites such as the moon Titan is also believed to possess the right chemistry to cater to life. And now, even asteroids are targets in the search for organic molecules. Recent studies show that asteroid Ceres potentially holds organic molecules believed to be building blocks of life. Ceres, being the largest object in the asteroid belt is considered a dwarf planet. Ceres is believed to hold massive underground ice sheets and frozen oceans. The Italian National Institute for Astrophysics conducted a study using Visible and InfraRed Mapping Spectrometer aboard NASA's Dawn spacecraft to analyze Ceres. Researchers checked Ernutet, a crater on the dwarf planet. The researchers claimed that organic compounds believed to be a building block for life were discovered. "This is the first time this signature has been seen so clearly on an asteroid," lead scientist Maria Cristina De Sanctis said in a statement. Another surprising part of the study is that researchers believe that the organic compound formed in Ceres itself and not likely transported from other objects and impact like comets. However, the study needs further evidence and deeper investigations to determine the exact description of the molecule compound on Ceres. Initial data show that they organic compound could be a member of the methylene family. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory also confirmed that the Dawn Mission also found organic materials on Ceres. "This is the first clear detection of organic molecules from orbit on a main belt body," said Maria Cristina De Sanctis, lead author of the study, based at the National Institute of Astrophysics, Rome, said in a press release. This is not the first time organic molecules were discovered. According to NASA some meteorites also possess organic compounds. Telescopic observations helped scientists and astronomers in studying asteroids and meteorites. Ceres, being a huge asteroid shares some characteristics as meteorites. The preparation of a legislation that will let private companies launch their satellites and rockets into space from spaceports across the U.K. was unveiled this week. It will be directed by the Department for Transport (DfT) as part of its duty for the Modern Transport Bill. Daily Mail notes that at present, satellites can only be launched into orbit from space stations in the U.S. and India. The Spaceflight Bill was filed in line with U.K.'s goal to be the frontier in the emerging commercial space market. "We have never launched a spaceflight before from this country. Our ambition is to allow for safe and competitive access to space from the UK, so we remain at the forefront of a new commercial space age, for the next 40 years," Aviation Minister Lord Ahmad said in a press release. As mentioned by News Sky, the Spaceflight Bill would not only cement U.K.'s position in the space sector, but would also catapult their economy into new heights as the proposal would allow scientists to conduct experiments in zero gravity. The experiments would include the development of revolutionary vaccines and antibiotics, among other vital things. According to the draft presented by the DfT, U.K.'s space industry is currently worth more than 13.7 billion, employing more than 38,500 people directly, and supporting more than 110,000 jobs across the wider economy. Companies who want to be a part of the plan have until April 15 to submit proposals to the U.K. government. The proposals must consist of at least one potential U.K. spaceport and one small-satellite launch or sub-orbital flight operator. Those who would submit the best proposals that range from space tourism operations, microgravity flights to spaceplanes, would have a $12.5 million subsidies from the government, Inverse reported. UK is targeting to operationalize the commercial spaceflight market by 2020. Global market for commercial space flights is forecasted to be worth 25 billion over the next 20 years. A new study has revealed that the Aztec civilization was ravaged by a salmonella outbreak. History notes that the Aztec community was reduced from 25 million to 1 million a century after the arrival of Spaniards in Mexico in 1519. The population devastation was blamed in an outbreak of disease, which they call cocoliztli for the word "pestilence." One of the most devastating outbreaks which wiped out more than 80 percent of their population occurred between 1545 and 1550, History.com reported. Until now, there has been no solid evidence that could prove what caused the epidemic. The team of researchers lead by Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History in Germany presented the first DNA evidence of bacteria found in the teeth of victims killed by the 1545-1550 outbreak, in a paper pre-printed on server bioRxiv. The bodies were dug in the Oaxacan highlands of Mexico, where they were buried after an outbreak around 1550. Comparing the bacterial DNA to more than 2,700 modern bacterial genomes, they have found out that some of the bacterial DNA matches the bacteria genus Salmonella. Sequencing these samples showed they were Paratyphi C. As noted by Science Alert, Paratyphi C. is rare, but is still present today. In worst cases, it could kill up to 15 percent of those who are infected. It is spread through faecal matter and causes a typhus-like illness. Paratyhpi C was found to have descended from swine pathogens, and has been infecting humans for at least 1,000 years, IB Times notes. Centers for Disease Control reported that at present, Salmonella is estimated to cause one million foodborne illnesses in the U.S. every year, with 19,000 hospitalizations and 380 deaths. Children under the age of five are more at risk of contamination. Safe food handling and constantly hand washing may reduce the likelihood of spreading the infection. Meanwhile, the paper is still waiting to be peer-reviewed. With NASA's discovery of a solar system nearby consisting of seven Earth-like planets, the hunt for extraterrestrial life begins. Just 39 light-years away from our solar system, seven exoplanets circles around an ultracool dwarf star called TRAPPIST-1. Live Science reported that the six inner planets reportedly have masses similar to Earth and are made of rock with a surface temperature ranging from 0 to 100 degrees Celcius. Liquid water is a possibility in at least three of the planets, and with it, life. "Looking for life elsewhere, this system is probably our best bet as of today," Brice-Olivier Demory, a professor at the University of Bern's Center for Space and Habitability and one of the authors of the paper published in Nature, said in an official report from the University of Bern. First, scientists need the proper equipment to detect life -- or even signs of it in oxygen or methane -- dozens of light-years away. According to a report from Space, devices to assist astronomers are nearly available. NASA is planning to launch the $8.8 billion James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) by the latter part of 2018. "The James Webb Space Telescope, Hubble's successor, will have the possibility to detect the signature of ozone if this molecule is present in the atmosphere of one of these planets," Demory continued. The signature of ozone is a prime indicator for any biological activity on the planet. Three additional ground-based telescopes are also in the works: the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT), the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) and the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). All three are expected to be completed in the 2020s. All of these instruments will be capable of detecting "biosignature" gases, but scientists are quick to explain that the presence of either oxygen or methane isn't proof of life as these gases could be created through abiotic and biotic processes. However, finding both gases would be very convincing. In those conditions, life is bringing methane in an oxygen-rich atmosphere, according to NASA's Shawn Domagal-Goldman. TRAPPIST-1 and its planets would likely be some of the first targets of the JWST once its operational. Nikole Lewis, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, revealed that scientists could get a good idea of the exoplanets' atmospheric conditions as soon as the early 2020s. The Takagoyama Nature Zoo in Chiba prefecture, Japan, has culled 57 snow monkeys under their care after discovering that these animals are carrying genes of "invasive alien species." A city official said Tuesday that the animals were killed via lethal injection. The execution lasted over a month and ended in early February, Phys Org reports. Previous DNA testing revealed that the 57 monkeys were a crossbreed between two primates: the rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) and the Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata). The former is widely distributed in Asia and is currently banned in Japan while the latter is an endemic species that lives in Japan's northern, snowy mountains -- thus, its local name "snow monkey." Crossbreed species, such as the snow-rhesus macaque crossbreed, is illegal in Japan after a revision of the country's environmental law in 2013. Execution of the said animal is permitted by law. Read Also: Monkeys Join List of Animals Who Can Recognize Themselves in the Mirror An official from the Chiba Prefectural Government told Japan Times that killing of invasive species is done to "protect the indigenous environment." The revised environmental law aims to protect endemic animals from crossbreeding to keep the balance between native and foreign species. Even though killing monkeys may seem cruel, Junkichi Mima, spokesman for WWF Japan, said it's vital as these animals "get mixed in with indigenous animals and threaten the natural environment and ecosystem. Zoos can apply for an exemption to keep crossbreeds, given that they are not classified as invasive species. In the case of Chiba prefecture, however, local government has started to prevent the growing number of rhesus macaque monkeys since 2005. To appease the souls of the 57 killed monkeys, the Takagoyama Nature Zoo officials held a memorial service at a local Buddhist temple. Read Also: This Funny Thing Happens in Monkeys and Humans as They Age Video surfaced Wednesday of a fight in Anaheim between at least two teenage boys and an off-duty Los Angeles police officer who fired a gun during the scuffle. Meanwhile, hundreds of people protested outside the officer's home before taking to streets of Anaheim. As of early Thursday, 24 people were arrested, six of them juveniles, on suspicion of misdemeanor charges for failing to disperse, resisting arrest and battery on a peace officer, according to Anaheim police. The officer is on administrative leave, according to the Los Angeles Police Department, whose Force Investigation Division is investigating the shooting and will review all video of the incident. Two of the boys were arrested and released to their parents, according to Anaheim police. Officers responded about 2:40 p.m. Tuesday to a report of a fight between a man and several boys and learned en route that the man was an off-duty LAPD officer who had "discharged his firearm and was detaining at least one of the juveniles," said Anaheim police Sgt. Daron Wyatt of the Anaheim Police Department, which is also investigating. The video of the conflict has generated a great deal of interest. Wyatt said it "picks up several houses down from where the initial contact was made." For several months, the officer has been dealing with local teens walking across his lawn, Wyatt said. "Yesterday, he sees the kids walking on the lawn and he says, 'Hey, guys, please walk on the sidewalk,'" Wyatt said. That prompted a chorus of epithets from some of the juveniles, Wyatt said. What's in dispute is what a 13-year-old said to the officer. The officer said he moved to detain the teen because he allegedly said he would shoot the officer, Wyatt said. The boy's mother, however, has told reporters her son told the officer he intended to "sue you," Wyatt said. On the video, the boy is heard insisting he said "sue you," not "shoot you." At some point, another boy, a 15-year-old, barreled into the two over some bushes, knocking the officer down. The officer held on to the 13-year-old and as he was getting up other onlookers appear to converge on the officer in a menacing fashion but then they scamper away in fear when a shot rings out. The 15-year-old told reporters, "I just saw a guy just holding a little kid, so I just wanted to help the kid out. So I tried to help him, move them apart." The LAPD officer has been reassigned to a desk job, which is routine in an officer-involved shooting. The 15-year-old was arrested Tuesday night on suspicion of misdemeanor battery and assault and then released to his parents, Wyatt said. The 13-year-old was arrested on suspicion of making criminal threats and was released to his parents Wednesday, Wyatt said. Anaheim police are planning a news conference for Thursday to provide an update on the investigation, Wyatt said. Once the investigation is completed the results will be forwarded to the Orange County District Attorney's Office for review, Wyatt said. "The complete investigation will be reviewed by the chief of police and the Board of Police Commissioners to determine whether the use of deadly force complied with LAPD's policies and procedures," according to a department statement. Jennifer Rojas, community engagement and policy advocate at the ACLU of Southern California, said the organization is "deeply disturbed" by reports and video of what occurred. "The ACLU calls on the LAPD to investigate the matter fully and take appropriate action in regard to the officer," she said. "It also calls on the Anaheim Police Department to provide a full explanation of why, in an altercation between the police officer and youths, the youths were arrested but not the officer who fired his gun. "An officer, even off duty, has an obligation to follow the law and protect public safety, rather than threaten it. The LAPD officer's actions on the video are grossly irresponsible." A Facebook event titled "END POLICE TERROR IN ANAHEIM" was scheduled for 7 p.m. where the original incident occurred. It was not immediately clear who was hosting the event. Aerial footage from NewsChopper 4 showed protesters blocking Anaheim streets and holding banners. Demonstrators were seen surrounding traffic and jumping onto vehicles. Police were seen forming a skirmish line, facing off with the protesters. The Anaheim Police Department called a tactical alert around 8:40 p.m. for the large protest in the area of Euclid Street and Palais Road in Anaheim. The department tweeted it is prepared to make arrests and that "acts of violence and destruction of property will NOT be tolerated." Demonstrators swarmed and Anaheim neighborhood and mistakenly vandalized a couple's home two doors down for the officer's house. A hateful message was spray-painted on the garage. For months, the officer has been dealing with teenagers in the neighborhood walking on his lawn, police said. Edith and Joe Gulrich said it's an ongoing problem. "They kick stuff when they're going across, they don't care and they've also tagged his wall repeatedly," Edith Gulrich said. A special telephone number was created by the Anaheim Police Department for those who wish to comment about the incident. The number is 714-765-7990. NBC4's Whitney Irick and Hetty Chang contributed to this report. San Jose leaders have fielded a slew of questions about the historic floods that have displaced thousands since Tuesday and why people were not given a heads-up about the danger they faced. Mayor Sam Liccardo on Wednesday admitted that the warning systems in place are unacceptable. If a resident hears for the first time from a firefighter on a boat that they need to get out, then clearly theres been a failure, he said. The overflowing Anderson Reservoir in Morgan Hill triggered a mandatory evacuation of roughly 14,000 residents, forcing firefighters to rescue more than 400 people over the last two days alone. [[414502333, C]] At a command center on William Street, officials on Wednesday determined what homes are safe to return to. They said the actual evacuations ran smoothly. Everything before that not so much. San Joses Rock Springs and Nordale neighborhood experienced floods in 1997. But in the 20 years since, the Santa Clara Valley Water District said Coyote Creek has not undergone any flood control projects. There have been no federal funds, said Rachel Gibson with the water district. There has been no federal project along Coyote Creek since 1997. City leaders also say they didnt order evacuations sooner in the water-logged neighborhood because their data showed it was not supposed to flood when it did. Specifically, they say the water was flowing below the creeks capacity. Water Inundates San Jose Streets, Homes and Cars We did not anticipate flow to come out of the channel at that time, said Dave Sykes, director of the Emergency Operations Center. So we need to identify: Were there blockages? What were the causes contributing to the flow channel coming out at that time? Meanwhile, Liccardo has teamed up with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation to create a San Jose Flood Victims Relief Fund to help the thousands of people whose lives have been upended by the severe flooding. A Hayward teacher is under investigation for allegedly chastising students who participated in the nationwide "A Day Without Immigrants" strike. Parents at Cesar Chavez Middle School said they allowed their children to stay home when the boycott was held last week. "We will not be silent," 13-year-old Franco Tonatiuh said. The student, classmates and parents decided to speak outside Hayward's City Hall late Wednesday to discuss the incident. Students said they were humiliated when they came back to class after missing one day of school while participating in the national boycott "A Day Without Immigrants." "She started pointing to everyone telling the same exact question: 'Why weren't you here?'" Franco said. "Everyone had the same exact answer -- the boycott." Franco said the English teacher kept pressing the issue. "She was trying to say we're very dumb, our parents are for letting us come to school," Franco said. The teacher also told students to grab their work and go to a different class, according to a parent. Lisa Davies, director of academics at Hayward Unified School District, said the district's human resources department is conducting a full investigation. The district will take action on the results from the investigation, Davies said. The interim superintendent at Wednesday night's school board meeting apologized on behalf of the board, adding the incident is under investigation. Trustees went on record reminding the audience Hayward Unified is an official safe haven for all immigrants. Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston will be meeting with immigration advocates on Thursday to discuss mounting fears about the countys collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and its perceived adherence to President Donald Trump's immigration agenda. Members of the Racial Justice Coalition, including immigration attorneys, SEIU members and two DREAMers, are slated to attend the meeting. They will hold a press conference at 3 p.m. in Martinez, according to a statement from the political advocacy group. Immigrant advocates last attempted to talk with Livingston back in January after it was revealed that the sheriff had gone to Washington D.C. for a meeting with U.S. Attorney Jeff Sessions, a vociferous opponent of sanctuary cities and a leading voice against illegal immigration. At the time, Livingston maintained that the meeting was not a political endorsement but his statement did little to ease the growing anxieties of those who would like to see Contra Costa County adopt sanctuary policies. Also at issue is the hotly contested expansion of the West County Detention Facility in Richmond, a massive project that faces fierce opposition from those who believe the expansion is a poor use of county dollars and contributes to a culture of mass incarceration of minorities. Advocates are hopeful that discussing their fears with Livingston will be a first step toward repairing the deeply fractured relationship between the immigrant community and local law enforcement officials. Many would like to see an end to a lucrative contract the department has with ICE in which the county holds people at the behest of federal officials though Livingston indicated in a recent editorial that he would not sever ties with immigration officers. For any elected official to simply walk away from that revenue would be irresponsible, even if it were the politically expedient thing to do, he wrote in the East Bay Times. Immigration attorney Ali Saidi, who will be at the Thursday meeting, previously spoke about the need for clarity and transparency at a time when immigrant communities are under threat from a presidential administration that has vowed to punish sanctuary cities and ramp up deportations. Here in California, were supposed to be the leaders in justice, in community, in diversity, Saidi said at the January protest. But here in Contra Costa County, thats not the reality. ... We need to know: Do they stand with us or do they stand with Donald Trump? Check back for updates. Dozens of political action groups have popped up around the South Bay as residents are joining factions of a national group called Indivisible, an anti-Trump resistance group which organizes individuals to be politically engaged at local and regional levels. More than 4,500 small political groups have popped up around the nation following the Inauguration of President Donald Trump. While each group exists to resist the Trump agenda, members in various cities have designated focus areas organic to their area. Below is a snapshot of the top agendas of three South Bay Indivisible groups. South Bay Indivisible Groups Milpitas Indivisible Milpitas is focused on connected with as many members of congress as possible. In an email, administrators said the group will participate in Rep. Ro Khannas (D-17) upcoming town hall and any other events where they can show support to the good work they are doing, make issues that are important known to them, and maybe ask specific items that we would like more checks/balances on. While the group does meet in person, much of the interaction is online between its dozen Facebook group members. Campbell The Orchard City Indivisible group includes members of Campbell and surrounding communities. Over 700 people have joined the Facebook group, and dozens have been attending meetings since January. Administrator Celeste Walker said the group started with 12 individuals back in January. Their latest meeting had 130 people. Walker says the group is now simply stopping the bleeding because topics vary week to week depending on actions being taken federally. A top priority is encouraging the Campbell City Council to become a sanctuary city, as members are urging local government to draft a city proclamation. Most recently, members attended the groups first Orchard City Indivisible event on Presidents Day called Not My Presidents Day. Protesters rallied in front of San Jose city hall against President Trump and recent actions taken by his administration. The next meeting will focus on action items including refocusing the Democratic National Committee and bridging the divide within the party. Members are also forming subgroups around topics including divestment. Orchard City Indivisible meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. Stanford The Indivisible Stanford group includes members of both the University and larger Palo Alto community. More than 460 people have joined the groups Facebook page. The main focus of the group, according to administrator Meghan Koushik, has been applying pressure on Representative Anna Eshoo (D-18). Members have organized stand-ins at her Palo Alto office, called for meetings and urged the congresswoman to advocate for bills that push their anti-Trump agenda. By having a direct relationship we can push her to do a lot more on issues she has a say in, Koushik said. Members have a meeting with Rep. Eshoo and her office staff March 6th. In addition the groups congressional focus, members are also cultivating relationships with Stanford law professors and other campus faculty to become educated on who they as citizens can be more active in state education, immigration and health care policy. Many displaced by San Joses historic flood spent Wednesday nervous and frustrated about not knowing when they will be able to return home. Despite the uncertainty, evacuees at James Lick High School admitted that they are grateful for the support they're getting from the community. Marnie Scharmer and her family saw the crowds growing at evacuation centers and decided to pitch in. My heart just goes out to the victims of the flooding, so last night my son and I went through our closets and grabbed what we could to help out, Scharmer said. A steady of stream of people stopped by the centers dropping off blankets and other donations, hoping to try and calm the evacuees. [[414502333, C]] I mean it's a little overwhelming to think we don't know when we'll be able to go home, Daniel Martinez said. Hopefully, it'll be soon." Another evacuee, identified only as Erin, agreed. People pretty much lost everything, she said. But what hurt her most is the loss of her car and the ability to get to work and elsewhere. It's hard, she said. For their part, the San Jose Earthquakes say they will match the first $10,000 donated to help flood victims. The San Francisco 49ers, meanwhile, have pledged $20,000 to a relief fund set up by San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. Water Inundates San Jose Streets, Homes and Cars Richmonds fight to prevent a $95 million jail expansion at the West County Detention Facility continued on Tuesday, with the City Council authorizing an opposition letter to be sent to the state board that has the power to approve funding for the project. Richmond City Manager Bill Lindsay will now draft the letter and send it to the California Board of State and Community Corrections, which must grant $70 million in order for the expansion to move forward. The letter could hurt Contra Costa County's chances at securing funding by making its application less competitive. At a meeting earlier this month, the county's Board of Supervisors approved Sheriff Dave Livingston's proposal asking the state for the funds, despite fierce opposition from Richmond residents who said the expansion is a poor use of more than $25 million in county resources and will add to a culture of mass incarceration. Its kind of like a slap in the face to us, said councilmember Melvin Willis, who put the item on Tuesdays agenda. "So I wanted to make sure that the city makes the opposition to this jail expansion known to the people who are supposed to be granting out these funds, to give us an opportunity to stop it in its tracks. The expansion plan proposes adding close to 120,000 square feet to the Richmond jail, including space for 400 beds and child visitation, re-entry and rehabilitation centers. If funding is granted, the Richmond facility will be able to house high-risk inmates currently incarcerated at the overcrowded Martinez jail. Those who oppose the expansion have poined to other ways to reduce overcrowding, such as severing the sheriff's lucrative contract with Immigrations Customs Enforcement. Livingston is slated to meet with immigrant advocates on Thursday to discuss fears and concerns about the collaboration, and a press conference will be held afterwards. Richmond leaders have successfully lobbied against the jail expansion in the past and seem committed to repeating those efforts this time around. In 2015, the city filed a court petition to contest the expansions Environmental Impact Report, a move Livingston has credited with torpedoing the deal. Legal challenges can detract from a point score the state uses evaluate each application. A lot of our people out here in the community are suffering, Willis said, when explaining why he opposes the project. "For me, saying 'Yes' to this jail expansion is saying that its okay to mass incarcerate our community members when a lot of people there have probably served their time and do not need to be in jail to begin with. Despite an overwhelming number of Richmond residents voicing opposition to the expansion at past meetings, several others spoke in support of the project. Many cited deteriorating conditions in the Martinez jail, particularly for inmates who suffer from mental health conditions. Do you really know what its like for a (person with mental health conditions) in jail? Duane Chapman, who serves on the countys Mental Health Commission, asked the board. If youve never been to jail you dont know whats going on. If you dont have any relatives there, you dont know whats going on. Chapman said hes going to keep pushing for better services within the jail, and noted that he would be writing a letter to the board in support of the sheriffs proposal. Over a dozen San Francisco firefighters on Wednesday rushed to save a dog that plunged over a cliff at Fort Funston. It took a crew of 16 people roughly one hour to pull the dog to safety. But it remains unclear what led to the fall. San Francisco fire Capt. Jonathan Baxter said that it is important that a dog respond to verbal commands when in a park that doesn't require the canines stay on a leash. Fort Funston is dotted with cliffs, which can be very dangerous for animals that get too close to the edge, he said. On Wednesday, the dog's caretaker acted appropriately by reaching out to the San Francisco Fire Department, instead of trying to save the animal himself, according to Baxter. A Union City teenager was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of robbing a 12-year-old's Girl Scout cookie stand at gunpoint. The 17-year-old accused in the Feb. 8 crime was taken into custody at James Logan High School. He confessed to the theft, police said. Detectives also connected the boy with a separate robbery at his high school. The suspect, whose name will not be released due to his age, has been booked into juvenile hall on two counts of robbery, according to police. The theft occurred outside a Safeway store at 1790 Decato Road, where a mother and her daughter were selling cookies at a booth, according to police. "This is very, very scary. I never thought this would actually happen to me," said Rosa Bennett, the child's mother. The suspect first approached the pair and asked about buying cookies, but returned soon thereafter angry. He jumped behind the table, holding a gun, said Bennett, who froze. Her daughter had stepped away to the car to replenish her cookies. Union City police officers reached for their own wallets after a teenager, whose picture was released Friday, allegedly robbed a 12-year-old's Girl Scout cookie stand at gunpoint. The teen stole an unknown amount of money from the mother and fled, police said. Police say many officers involved in the investigation have children involved in scouting, so they donated to cover the cost of the robbery. In two hours, they had raised almost $600. Then, the Union City Police Officers Association purchased all of the girl's remaining boxes of cookies. In all, the officers and the union donated more than $1,100 to the girl. Sgt. Steve Mendez says officers are glad neither the girl nor her mother was injured in the robbery. He says he's glad officers were able to donate and turn the robbery into a happy story. But for Bennett, the robbery was a frightening lesson. "Were probably going to be way more cautious next time," she admitted. "You never know whats going to happen." Two former employees of the agency responsible for protecting the Bay Area from air pollution say they were improperly fired for trying to prevent the illegal destruction of important records. Michael Bachmann was an IT manager in the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's Information System Services Division and Sarah Steele was an analyst in his office when they say they brought the illegal document destruction to the attention of their superiors. The pair spoke out during a news conference Wednesday at their lawyers' Oakland office, saying that instead of working with them to protect the documents, air district executives thwarted their efforts and ultimately drummed them out of the agency under false pretenses. "It's really hard to think that this type of stuff is happening," a visibly upset Bachmann said today. "I felt I was retaliated against for doing my job." In a whistleblower claim filed Tuesday with the state and the air district -- the first step to filing a lawsuit -- Bachmann and Steele allege that the district's lawyers Brian Bunger and Bill Guy, and Director of Enforcement Wayne Kino worked to prevent the documents from being preserved. In one instance in January 2016, Bunger, Guy and Kino told Steele to take boxes of microfilm containing notices of violations, settlements with polluters, asbestos records and thousands of pollution complaints from citizen about different companies and place them in an unsecured storage room, according to the claim. After inventorying as many as the records as possible, Steele discovered a few days later that the boxes were gone. "My assumption is that they have disappeared," Steele said Wednesday. That same month, Steele said she discovered that flare reports for Chevron, Tesoro, Shell and other East Bay refineries were being tossed into a dumpster. She informed air district staff that she intended to inventory those documents but was told by Kino that she was not to collect or inventory any documents from the Enforcement Division. At the time, Steele and Bachmann were tasked with collecting, inventorying and digitizing 60 years of physical documents in preparation of the air district moving its headquarters from one San Francisco building to another. The district is required by law and its own guidelines to preserve the documents, in part, to create the historic context of what has happened at a particular refinery or at other companies that are monitored by the air district, according to Steele and Bachmann's lawyers. The district is also required to keep records of what documents it does destroy, according to the claim. Bachmann was eventually fired in August 2016 for alleged violations of the district's vehicle use policy, insubordination, assigning overtime to Steele and dishonesty on his employment application, which he filled out in 16 years ago when he was hired by the district, according to the claim. Steele, who the air district calls a temporary employee, was let go after being told her project was complete. Both dispute the district's characterization of their terminations, saying they were simply punished for trying to stop the destruction of the district's documents. "It's about our health. It's about our kids. It's about our air," Steele said. The air district said in a statement that the pair's allegations "were thoroughly investigated by an outside law firm" and found "to be false and without merit." "The data that former employees of the Air District have accused the agency of destroying are in fact, all available in electronic format and available for public review," according to the district statement. "For nearly 30 years, the air district has retained information in an electronic database for all notices of violation, facility complaints, investigation documents and correspondence." Attorney General Jeff Sessions signaled Thursday his strong support for the federal government's continued use of private prisons, reversing an Obama administration directive to phase out their use. Stock prices of major private prison companies rose at the news. Sessions issued a memo replacing one issued last August by Sally Yates, the deputy attorney general at the time. That memo, which followed a harshly critical government audit of privately run prisons, directed the federal Bureau of Prisons to begin reducing and ultimately end its reliance on contract facilities. Yates, in her announcement, said private facilities have more safety and security problems than government-run ones and were less necessary given declines in the overall federal prison population. But Sessions, in his memo, said Yates' directive went against longstanding Justice Department policy and practice and "impaired the Bureau's ability to meet the future needs of the federal correctional system." He said he was directing the BOP to "return to its previous approach." The federal prison population now just under 190,000 has been dropping due in part to changes in federal sentencing policies over the last few years. Private prisons now hold about 21,000 inmates in 12 facilities, a fraction of the total BOP population, the Justice Department said Thursday. Yet the federal prison population may increase again given Sessions' commitment to aggressive enforcement of drug and immigration laws, and his focus on combating violent crime. The latest memo issued just two weeks after Sessions was sworn in as attorney general could be part of a more expansive rollback of criminal justice policies enacted by the Obama administration Justice Department, including directives against seeking mandatory minimum punishments for nonviolent drug offenders. The private prison industry has been a major contributor to Republican political campaigns, particularly in recent years. As a candidate, President Donald Trump said he supported the use of private prisons, and the shares of the major companies including Geo Group and CoreCivic Co., formerly Corrections Corporation of America jumped after the election amid anticipation that the incoming administration would again turn to them. "I do think we can do a lot of privatizations and private prisons. It seems to work a lot better," Trump told MSNBC in March. The federal government started to rely on private prisons in the late 1990s because of overcrowding. Many of the federal prison inmates in private facilities are foreign nationals who are being held on immigration offenses. The Yates policy did not extend to prisons used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which hold tens of thousands of immigrants awaiting deportation. Immigration and human rights advocates have long complained about conditions in privately run prisons. An inspector general audit from last August said problems at private prisons in recent years included property damage, injuries and the death of a corrections officer. Authorities say a second suspect in a gruesome double murder in Peabody, Massachusetts last weekend is believed to have committed a carjacking on Wednesday night and is still on the loose. Police say 39-year-old Wes Doughty, who is considered armed and dangerous, carjacked a gray 2006 Honda Accord 4-door with Massachusetts license plate 7KLY80 outside of Hailey's Restaurant in Middleton, Massachusetts. The victim, Ken Metz, was threatened with a knife and tied up with a seatbelt while Doughty drove. Doughty took the car to Boston, where the Metz was released unharmed. Metz told us Doughty allegedly said he killed the couple because they gave heroin to his godfather. "He did tell me he wasnt going to harm me after I told him I was going to cooperate with him and told him about my wifes situation and that I had four kids and eight grandkids. And he said 'I cant kill you,'" said Metz. Getty Images "It came up about where he may go, but by then I knew this guy didnt know his way around Boston, so I dont think hes going to get very far," he added. Metz's ordeal ended on Tremont Street, where Doughty allegedly stopped to buy booze. Nichols Anastasiadis was working at his son's restaurant Good Eats on Tremont Street when a man, later identified as Metz, came in, saying he had been carjacked. Authorities say the suspect in a gruesome double murder in Peabody, Massachusetts has been spotted after a carjacking on Wednesday night. The man told him he had been tied up and driven around for three hours until the suspect pulled into a parking lot behind Hollywood Liquors, which is when he was able to untie himself and ran into Good Eats for help. "He came inside, he was shaking, he was cut here on his hand, there were bruises here," Anastasiadis said, gesturing to the side of his neck. Police say Doughty is still at large. The witnesses who saw the the end of a carjacking by an alleged double murder suspect discuss how they helped the victim. Doughty is the second suspect in the double murder of 37-year-old Mark Greenlaw and 39-year-old Jennifer O'Connor at 19 Farm Ave. in Peabody on Saturday. Michael Hebb, 45, of Peabody, was arraigned on Tuesday after being taken into custody without incident. Police said Doughty should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees him should not approach but immediately call 911 or the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section at 1-800-KAPTURE (1-800-527-8873). Peabody Double Murder Investigation Chicago's City Council approved a budget amendment Wednesday to use $14.7 million in unspent property tax rebate funding to invest in the citys public safety and economic development. Investing in public safety is a top priority, and that is why this package supports police work, expands youth services, creates jobs and invests in our neighborhoods, all of which are vital to improving public safety, Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a statement. The City Council unanimously approved the $21 million property tax rebate program last June, offering homeowners some relief in the wake of a record property tax hike. Despite extending the program to the end of 2016 last November, a great deal of the rebate money was left unclaimed. The city is now using the remaining $14.7 million to create an estimated 1,000 jobs over the next few years. The budget amendment includes $2.8 million to support the Chicago Police Departments plan to equip all district police officers with body cameras by the end of 2017. Another $1.6 million will go to crime fighting intel centers, which provide tools to facilitate quicker response times and aid crime reduction. The plan also includes $2 million toward a capital fund for neighborhood contractors, investors and developers to rehab vacant homes in certain communities and provide job training for young adults. $1 million will fund a pilot program that will train Chicago City Colleges students in cybersecurity practices. An additional $1.8 million will support after-school programs for Chicago Public Schools students, while $3.5 million will fund infrastructure improvements at Chicago parks. $1 million will be used to create a new small business incubator on the West Side and another $1 million will go towards a South Side call center. These investments build on the substantial 2017 budget investments in public safety and economic development - including out plan to hire nearly 1,000 officers over the next two years, to make youth mentoring universal, and to drive economic growth in our neighborhoods, Emanuel said. All told, 25,300 Chicagoans have taken part in the program, receiving an average rebate check of $108. The program cost the city an estimated $3.8 million. The City Council was expected to vote Tuesday on an ordinance that would restrict Downtown street performers, but pulled back after the American Civil Liberties Union warned that the measure could lead to legal action, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The street performer ordinance already has serious First Amendment problems, ACLU senior staff counsel Rebecca K. Glenberg wrote in a letter to aldermen obtained by the Sun-Times. "The proposed amendments to the ordinance would add new restrictions that cannot satisfy constitutional standards, leaving the city open to a strong likelihood of litigation. Glenberg also urged the city to abandon the new restrictions and called on the City Council to eliminate the current permit requirement and the prohibition on performances in Millennium Park." Ald. Brendan Reilly ultimately agreed to push the vote for at least one meeting as the City Council identifies places for street musicians to perform, according to the report. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel responded Wednesday night to the Trump administrations rolling back of transgender students federal protections that allowed them to use school bathrooms and locker rooms that match the gender they identify as. "While tonight federal protections for transgender students have been rolled back, I want to be clear that the City of Chicago's and Chicago Public Schools policies providing equal rights to transgender residents and students will remain unchanged, the mayor said in a statement. Chicago will stay steadfast in our commitment to fight for equality and against discrimination in all its forms." The mayors office said Chicago Public Schools in May 2016 announced guidelines to support transgender students, employees and adults to ensure their safety. In June, the city passed an ordinance to prohibit public accommodations like hotels or restaurants from requiring patrons to show a government issue ID upon request to use the bathroom. The Trump administration came down on the side of states' rights, the Associated Press reported, lifting Obama-era federal guidelines that had been characterized by Republicans as an example of overreach. Without the Obama directive, it will be up to states and school districts to interpret federal anti-discrimination law and determine whether students should have access to restrooms in accordance with their expressed gender identity and not just their biological sex. It begins like many relationshipson dating websites and apps. There is a connection, online conversation and then perhaps a visit. But for Staysha Hackmann thats where the similarities end. Hackmann says she was manipulated into working for a sex trafficker she met online. She made as much as $1,700 a night over several months, before leaving in the middle of the night while he was in jail. NBC 5 is not naming the alleged trafficker because he has not been charged with a crime. He will take care of you, take you out, make you feel special, Hackmann said. And [he will] just completely make you fall in love with him. Hackmann details an elaborate, seemingly painstaking process of being coerced into the life she eventually ran away from. He makes them feel like he cares enough to let them test the waters as much as they need before they commit, Hackmann says. But once they commitit is straight to work, according to Hackmann. And work is a nine hour day at a strip club, six days a week. And all of your proceeds go to him. You count your money and write your total and your number on the top dollar bill and you hand it to his number one. His number one hands it to him, she says. Last monthNBC 5 reported on a Plainfield mother, Danyell, whose 20-year-old daughter dealt with the same man. Danyell requested only her first name be used for this story. He had been in my home via FaceTime, so she had been face to face with him and hed groomed her quite well, Danyell said of the man she says manipulated her daughter. Hackmann says that is part of the plan. First there is initial contact, then eventually a visit. Once he has the information he needs to get you to fall in love with him, he will bring you out for a visit, Hackmann says. According to Hackmann, that visit would include a weekend of dinners, movies, Broadway shows, whatever it took. Danyell says thats exactly what happened to her daughter. He was wining and dining her all weekend, you know, the glamorous life, she said. The alleged traffickers next step, according to Hackmann, was to send the girls back home. Hes had girls come multiple times for multiple visits in order to really sink his claws in and make them feel he cares, Hackmann says. Many come back, according to Hackmann, and when they do, he puts them right to work in strip clubs in the Philadelphia area. You work until the club closes, Hackmann said. In 2008 federal prosecutors convicted the man of running a prostitution ring that spanned the east coast states of Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and New York. The federal charge says he ran at least five prostitutes at a time who he required to work six days a week for 10 hours a day. He served four and a half years for that crime, according to court records. Hackmann also says this alleged trafficker went to extreme lengths to avoid prosecution, stressing the women were with him of their own free will. She said he even had them sign notarized statements to that effect. Its very clever, Hackmann says. Hackmann is back at home in Oregon and says sharing her story is part of her healing process. She also wants to take a stand and help others. For me, people need to know, I have a name, I have wishes, hopes, dreams, desires just like everyone else, she said. Im not an object. Chicago Public Schools reminded principals in an email Tuesday to not allow immigration agents in school facilities without a verified, criminal warrant. CPS said the list of guidelines had been in the works for some time because of questions from families who say they are living in fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids and deportation. I have a message for families that have fear when it comes to keeping children safe and protecting their privacy: we will take a fierce stand, said CPS CEO Forrest Claypool. CPS also encouraged parents to update emergency contact forms in case students are left stranded at school should the parent be detained by ICE. The concerns come amid President Donald Trumps vows to crack down on people living in United States illegally. The Department of Homeland Security announced a broad expansion of immigration enforcement priorities with a focus on immigrants who have been convicted of any criminal offenses or have criminal charges pending. A CPS spokesperson told NBC 5 they were not aware of any recent efforts by immigration agents to access schools. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee launched Twitter ads Wednesday targeting Rep. Peter Roskam, a suburban Republican who backs the GOPs plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The ads feature a photo of an empty chair on a stage in front of a crowd, with the headline "Where's Roskam?" as part of a larger DCCC campaign targeting vulnerable House Republicans in 23 GOP-held districts over the proposed repeal. "@PeterRoskam voted to repeal the ACA with no plan to replace it. Now he won't hold a town hall with constituents." the ad reads. "These digital ads expose Roskam for being shameless enough to take peoples healthcare away and then run scared from his constituents when they demand answers," DCCC spokesperson Tyler Law said in a statement. Earlier this month, hundreds gathered at an event in Palatine to protest Roskam, who was attending a monthly meeting of local Republicans. Initially open to the public, the meeting was later closed due to high demand. That incident came days after members of Roskams staff cancelled a meeting with constituents because a reporter was in attendance. [[414428603, C]] At the time, Roskams office said the congressman "is no stranger to the DCCC," noting that hes focused on serving his district in Washington, "not the other way around." Though voters continued to call for an in-person forum, Roskam made it clear that he prefers talking to large groups on the phone. He hosted a telephone town hall last week that drew 18,000 callers, many of whom wanted to talk about the proposed Obamacare repeal. Echoing Roskams past statements, spokesperson David Pasch claimed that "large, unstructured events tend to devolve into shouting matches." "Both sides compete with each other over who can scream the loudest, while the people who are interested in an actual productive dialogue are denied the opportunity to hear and be heard," Pasch said in an email. "Peter has hosted 130 tele-town halls during his time in Congress (thats more than once per month, on average) and he typically has at least 10,000 people participate live," he added. "We find this is a much more effective way to engage a larger number of people, including those who arent able to make it to an in-person event." As far as the planned repeal of Obamacare, Pasch said the program has failed the American people. Premiums have gone up and many of us have lost access to our health plans and doctors, he said. Peter is committed to developing a patient centered alternative to increase access to care by bringing down costs." During this week's congressional recess, Roskam is leading the House Democratic Partnership's bipartisan trip to Eastern Europe and Central Asia alongside New Hampshire Sen. David Price. The trip will address recent Russian aggression in the region. Meanwhile, a group of constituents from Roskam's district has scheduled more than 60 small group meetings this week with members of the congressman's senior staff to discuss the GOP's repeal plan. The group originally intended to meet with Roskam, but decided to proceed with thieir visits after learning that he'd be out of the country. Wednesday's attack ads against Roskam are part of the DCCCs March Into 18 program, which launched earlier this month and focuses on hiring staffers and laying the groundwork for the 2018 midterms. Despite gaining six seats in November, Democrats remain the minority party in the House. Republicans also hold a majority in the Senate, as well as the White House. The GOP continues to move forward with their plan to repeal Obamacare, much to the chagrin of Democratic lawmakers and the millions of Americans who rely on the program for healthcare coverage. The Chicago Cubs surprised fans with the chance to win free tickets Thursday. To win the tickets, fans had to visit the teams pop-up mobile ballpark set up from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the south promenade in Millennium Park. Fans who hit a home run at the event were given a free pair of 2017 Cubs tickets. Game tickets may include opening night and opening week, key match-ups, promo item games and more, the team said in an announcement on the event. [[414604523, C]] To bring a taste of the Friendly Confines to Millennium Park, the Cubs Mobile Ballpark Wiffle Ball Home Run Derby also had food and drinks from Giordanos, Vienna Beef, Fannie May and Red Bull. Updates were posted to the team's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts throughout the morning. The Cubs mascot, Clark was at the event as well as Cubs Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Colin Faulkner, who served as spokesperson. A 37-year-old man has been charged with impersonating a police officer after a SWAT team responded to a domestic disturbance that left another man dead Monday morning in the Little Village neighborhood on the Southwest Side. Emergency crews were called about 7:45 a.m. to a disturbance involving a 68-year-old man and a 37-year-old man at a home in the 3400 block of West 23rd Street, according to Chicago Police. The situation was resolved at 12:24 p.m. The older man was found dead inside the home with a gunshot wound to the head, authorities said. An autopsy Tuesday ruled his death a suicide. The younger man, 37-year-old Michael Estrada, told officers he worked for a local law enforcement agency, police said. He was charged with one felony count of impersonating a police officer. His bond was set at $50,000 on Wednesday. He was expected to appear in court again on Monday. University Park Police Chief John Pate said in an email that despite reports, the suspect was never affiliated with the police department. He worked as security guard for AASI Security Services at a University Park apartment complex, but was fired two years ago and currently worked for another security company, Pate said. Ninety-two employees are looking for new jobs after a manufacturing company is closing down its Old Saybrook location. Fortune Plastics, a trash can liner and bag manufacturer, has been a staple in the Old Saybrook community. But its parent company, Novolex, said on April 23 its shutting the location down. Mark Daniels, a senior vice president for sustainability & environmental policy at Novolex told NBC Connecticut in an email that it was a difficult decision, but theyre consolidating facilities. He writes, in part: In this case, we have existing floor space, capacity at several other (U.S.) locations that make the similar products. Consolidating production is a very hard decision, but its about doing what makes sense to stay competitive and protect as many USA jobs as we can. In a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification submitted to the Connecticut Department of Labor, Novolex breaks down the positions affected, including a plant manager, 39 bag machine operators, and 18 extrusion operators. Several of Fortune Plastics 92 employees live, shop and dine in Old Saybrook. Which now has area businesses concerned the shutdown could hurt their businesses, too. Customers that come after work once a week to get flowers for their wives and girlfriends. And now its like, oh shoot, Im losing customers of mine, said Marlee Santoro, who owns MAR. Floral and Botanicals on Main Street. Santoro said the loss is hard, considering recent economic trends statewide. Its hard to hear that another business thats employing many local residents is leaving, she said. I hope that theyll still shop here even (if its) not for the company that they used to work for, said Emma Loso of Saybrook Hardware. Loso said Fortune Plastics employees would pick up materials on behalf of the company. Which makes the loss tough, especially since she knows people involved. Paul Kozey of Walts Market remembers the hit the town took when R.R. Donnelley closed its Old Saybrook printing plant in the early 2000s. You know the economy and the way things have been rolling, we have to fight to keep every business rolling, Kozey said. Daniels said Novolex is offering employees positions at other locations nationwide. The company will also help them find other employment in tandem with local government and employment agencies, and the Connecticut Department of Labor. If Connecticut is going to raise the minimum wage for the second time in four years, then the effort would have to start in the House. Two proposals to raise the minimum wage were proposed in a committee, but only the House version, sponsored by Democrats, achieved enough votes to go to the House Floor. The Senate version was successfully blocked by Republicans. "I voted for the minimum wage a few years back because it made sense and it could be absorbed in the economy without much of a bump, said Sen. Len Fasano, the Republican President Pro Tem of the Senate. This can't be absorbed, not at this time. Connecticuts minimum wage officially reached $10.10 in January, after it was approved to go up in stages in March, 2014. Now, other states have raised the minimum wage in similar ways, and California, Washington D.C. and New York have approved plans for their wages to reach $15 per hour within the next several years. Sen. Bob Duff the Majority Leader in the Senate, said he would be willing to attempt to force a vote on the issue to get the bill to Gov. Dannel Malloys desk, so long as they have a passed version from the Connecticut House of Representatives. "Whatever fight we have to do, I think it's worth the fight to make sure that we are standing up for the families all across the state of Connecticut. We're not siding with the lobbyists here in the state capitol," Sen. Duff said. Beatrice Drayton is a home health worker who earns $13 an hour. Shes worked with one client for the past six years. "We can't do without each other. You know, I'm there to give her her meals, take her to her errands, appointments, things like that. Without me, she don't have no way of getting around." Drayton said just a couple of extra dollars could change her financial situation for the better. "That $15 would be very crucial because I can pay my medical bills, Obamacare, I'm one of them out of $20 million people. I can pay that $146 a month without sacrificing something else." Fasano said the state needs to rebuild its economy, rather than just raise the minimum wage again. Competition and a healthy economy will get us where we want to go, instead of arbitrarily setting a line and saying everyone's happy, here we go." After a series of crashes with disabled vehicles, including Connecticut State Police Cruisers on the side of the road, theres a new effort in the Connecticut Capitol to expand and strengthen penalties for moving over on major roads. The proposals range from extending protections to volunteer first responders, increasing penalties like fines, and expanding the existing statute to stranded drivers on the side of the road. People really need to start using some common sense, said Rep. Tony Guerrera, the Chairman of the Transportation Committee. Its almost like we need a new educational piece to get the word out. Currently, all drivers have to move over and slow down for construction workers and emergency responders assisting motorists on the side of the road. Rep. Kevin Ryan has proposed extending those protections to stranded drivers who havent yet been responded to by police or other emergency personnel. He recognizes it would be a major adjustment, and even difficult to enforce on some of the states older, more narrow highways. I know its sort of a difficult thing for us to do in this state with some of our two lane highways but thats probably even more of a reason for the law because of some of these areas that are very narrow and you dont want people to get hurt when theyre on the side of the road, Rep. Ryan said. Rep. Ryan said he would open to some kind of compromise, perhaps limiting the new law to major highways where it could be enforced. I think its something we could look at for some of the major highways that are two or three lanes like 84, where it might not be an issue to pull over safely and be able to do that and still leave the people on the right hand side of the road in a safe position. Its been more than two years since Hartford Firefighter Kevin Bell was killed while battling a massive blaze in the city's North End and a final report reveals what factors contributed to his death. The National Institute for Occupation Safety and Health (NIOSH) report reveals how the firefighter died and lists several recommendations for the fire department. During the October 2014 fire at Blue Hills, Bell died after he was separated from his lieutenant and his tank ran out of air. The report details contributing factors including fireground tactics, crew integrity, personnel accountability, air management, may day procedures and personal protective equipment use. NIOSH recommends the department ensure risk assessments are done prior to initial operations and throughout the incident. In addition, the agency also recommends the Hartford Fire Department use personnel accountability system and make sure firefighters are properly trained in mayday procedures. When Bell became separated after his low-air alarmt went off, the lieutenant sent out a mayday signal that wen unacknowledged. Multiple firefighters also had their helmets knocked off during the fire after being hit by a hose stream. Hartford firefighters are not required to wear protective hoods to prevent helmets from being hit off again. NBC Connecticut reached out to the Hartford Fire Department, a Bell family attorney and a Bell family spokesperson. As the president continues to attack the media, FactCheck.org and a Quinnipiac University poll shows where the peoples' trust lies. People - I mean, you have a lower approval rating than Congress. I think that's right. I don't know," President Donald Trump said at a news conference after he was questioned by reporters. But, FactCheck.org's Rob Farley said this isn't right. Farley notes that recent polls show trust ratings for the media are extremely low,"the lowest they've been since Gallup starting keeping them in 1972, it's at 32 percent. However, this figure is higher than the approval ratings for Congress, which most recently were at 19 percent." The president would have been correct to say that trust in the media is lower than approval of himself; the most recent Gallup poll show's Trump's approval rating at 41 percent, according to FactCheck.org. On Wednesday, Quinnipiac University also reported Trump's worst net score since he took office in January: a negative 38-55 percent job approval rating. "This is a terrible survey one month in," said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll. "He gets slammed on honesty, empathy, level-headedness and the ability to unite. And two of his strong points, leadership and intelligence, are sinking to new lows." A total of 38 percent of voters think they can trust Trump to do what is right, "almost all of the time" or "most of the time," and 61 percent think they can trust Trump to do what is right "some of the time" or "hardly ever," the Quinnipiac poll revealed. According to the university report, 50-45 percent of voters disapprove on the way the media covers Trump, while 61-35 percent disapprove of the way Trump talks about the media. However, 90 percent of American voters say itis "very important" or "somewhat important" "that the news media hold public officials accountable." Plus, voters trust the media more than Trump 52 - 37 percent "to tell you the truth about important issues." Wethersfield Police are conducting a criminal investigation into two off-duty state troopers. Little information has been released, but the investigation surrounds a reported assault on Saturday that involved troopers Rupert Laird and Xavier Cruz. Wethersfield police released a redacted log entry showing they received a call about the alleged assault from a nurse at St. Francis Hospital on Monday. The nurse told police that a patient came into the emergency room and said he had been assaulted on Saturday. The log entry was given to NBC Connecticut after a Freedom of Information request for details on the investigation involving the two off-duty troopers. State police said the two troopers, Laird from Troop C-Tolland and Cruz from Troop K-Colchester, have been reassigned to non-police duties as the investigation continues. NBC Connecticut went to an address listed for Cruz, but no one answered the door. The police union did release a statement late Thursday night. "We have heard the reports of that the Wethersfield Police Department is conducting an investigation into an incident involving two off-duty State Troopers. As with any investigation, we caution against reaching any conclusions until all of the facts have been gathered. Out of respect for the Wethersfield Police Department, we will not be commenting further until their investigation is concluded," the statement says. Wethersfield police said they are investigating in coordination with the State's Attorney office and State Police. The matter had been referred to the Connecticut State Police Professional Standards for review. A suburban St. Louis Jewish cemetery badly damaged by vandals is getting a show of support from cleanup volunteers, well-wishers and financial contributors from across many faiths. Muslim groups have launched a crowdfunding campaign for the Chesed Shel Emeth Society cemetery in University City, Missouri, with a goal of $20,000. It has raised nearly $75,000. The cemetery posted on Facebook that 154 headstones were vandalized in the damage discovered Monday. Many were tipped over. Gov. Eric Greitens, who is Jewish, organized a volunteer effort to help in the cleanup Wednesday, and an interfaith service was planned for the afternoon. A large crowd attended a candlelight vigil at the cemetery Tuesday night. Investigators have been reviewing surveillance video to determine who was responsible. The Anti-Defamation League offered a $10,000 reward for the vandals' arrest and conviction. Police said there is no evidence of a hate crime, but haven't ruled out the possibility. Vice President Mike Pence, speaking to small business owners at a business Wednesday in the St. Louis suburb of Fenton, Missouri, condemned "this vile act of vandalism and those who perpetrate it in the strongest possible terms." But he lauded people from across Missouri who have "rallied with compassion and support." "You have inspired this nation," Pence said, not long before making unannounced visit to the cemetery. With Greitens by his side, Pence told volunteers, many of them clutching yard rakes they used to beautify the graveyard, that "there's no place in America for hatred or acts of prejudice or violence or anti-Semitism." "I must tell you the people in Missouri are inspiring the nation by your love and care for this place, for the Jewish community in Missouri," he told the crowd, using a bullhorn. "And I want to thank you for that inspiration, for showing the world what America is all about." Greitens later told reporters at the cemetery that President Donald Trump had called him Wednesday morning and wanted to thank the volunteers. Karen Aroesty, St. Louis regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, said the show of support from Christians, Muslims and other religions has been "extraordinary" but not surprising. "That's always been true in this region," Aroesty said. "When things happen, the interfaith community comes together." Aroesty said the Jewish community was reeling. "The emotional impact on this community is something different than I've seen before, and it's really striking," she said. "It's especially hard for those folks who have several generations at the cemetery." Rosenbloom Monument Co. workers volunteered to put the toppled headstones back in place and by late Wednesday morning all but a few were restored. Rosenbloom Monument owner Phil Weiss said eight to 10 headstones were broken, all of them made of marble. Most of the others were made of granite and sustained little or no damage, he said. "Granite is pretty tough," Weiss said. The University City Council released a statement saying the city "is and always has been a community of inclusion the people of University City will not tolerate hateful and hurtful acts." Medicine made from cannabis could soon be within reach in North Texas. The Texas Department of Public Safety will begin accepting applications Thursday for companies that want to produce cannabis oil. The Compassionate Care Act, now the Compassionate Care Program, was signed by Gov. Greg Abbott and became effective June 1, 2015. The bill requires the DPS to create a secure registry of physicians who treat epilepsy for the purpose of prescribing low-THC cannabis to patients who have been diagnosed with intractable epilepsy. The license will authorize the organizations to cultivate, process and dispense low-THC cannabis to prescribed patients. At least three licenses will be issued statewide. A McKinney-based company called Acquiflow could be one of them. Acquiflow is planning to convert an old cotton gin in Gunter into a cannabis oil dispensary. Despite some controversy early on, Gunter Mayor Pro-Tem Larry Peters said he's always welcomed the business. "I'm glad to see it coming. If it's going to come some place, I'm glad it's coming to Gunter, because the revenue and the sales tax of it is really going to help us out," Peters said. Peters was there last March for a heated town hall meeting when dozens turned out to oppose and support the business. Jeff Davis, of Haslet, spoke at the meeting. He led the fight to legalize cannabis oil in 2015. It could help his daughter, Karley, who sometimes suffers from 100 seizures per day. "Of all the places in Texas, I wouldn't have picked Gunter to be the first location, but that's OK," Davis said in March. The inside of cotton gin is in the process of being converted. The plan is to build a store and cultivate cannabis strictly for the oil. Patients will have to go through a strict prescription process before they can buy cannabis oil. By law, the state must license at least three dispensaries by Sept. 1. MORE: Texas DPS Compassionate Use Program Brian Williams, MD, is a trauma surgeon at Parkland Memorial Hospital and an Associate Professor at UT Southwestern. Williams essentially has three major roles overseeing surgeries, has a clinical role in the ICU and trains residents. I love to mentor, said Williams. Born in Massachusetts on an Air Force base, Williams would eventually follow in his father's footsteps and join the Air Force. He spent six years as an aeronautical engineer. For me, it was all about the planes," said Williams. "I wanted to be a pilot, so I went into the Air Force Academy for undergrad. I graduated there and spent six years active duty in the Air Force then transitioned to medical school. I did medical school in Tampa Florida, my residency in Boston. I did seven years there and a fellowship in Atlanta, before coming to Dallas, he said. He did face challenges after going back to medical school. He found that there was a lack of African American male leadership in the medical profession. There was a dearth of African American role models that I could talk to about their careers in medicine. Every step of the way, from medical school to residency, to being a faculty, there was and is a shortage. That did not dissuade me from wanting to do the best I could, and to get the best training, he said. Williams decided to actively seek out ways to help other young aspiring students interested in medicine. I want them to understand that it is possible, with appropriate dedication, with some sacrifices. This profession is so gratifying, he said. According to the most recent reports, African Americans make up roughly 13 percent of the American population, but only roughly two percent are in the field of medicine. Back in 1977, there were 525 black men that entered medical school. In 2014 there were 515. So, in 40 years, despite the explosion of medical schools and the number of positions, black men (as a demographic), have been decreasing. We need to ask ourselves why is that happening, he said. In regards to history, his roles and stature at both UT Southwestern Medical Center and Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas are significant. In 2008, the American Medical Association publicly apologized for aiding institutional racism, by omitting African American doctors, and for keeping silent during Civil Rights. In 1868, African American doctors applied for membership with AMA and were denied. The medical association left, whether doctors would receive hospital privileges up to the state. Under slave codes, and then Jim Crow, the state of Texas was adamant about maintaining segregation. White hospitals had segregated spaces for African Americans in the basement or attic. There were separate patient rooms, and the blood collected for the blood bank was separated as well. St. Paul Hospital was replaced with Clements University Hospital at UT Southwestern Medical Center and was the first hospital to allow men of color to practice medicine inside of their facility. Five black doctors made history in Dallas. It took 11 years for the rest of Dallas to follow suit. We are still seeing the impact of countrys segregated past," Williams said. "People want a very simple answer as to why there are not more African Americans, particularly men, in the medical field, but there is so much involved. There are social economic issues, there are academic disparities. There is explicit and implicit bias. We have to target the problem at different levels. This is something that we as a culture need to honestly walk towards and address, as uncomfortable as that is and difficult, it will help us move forward, he said. Williams confronted his own feelings about race relations in our country on the night of July 7, 2016. He was working the night several Dallas Police officers were shot during a protest in downtown Dallas. That was a significant even in my life, and I still think about that every single day and I wonder how the families are doing, he said. Williams was forced to examine his identity as a person. I really looked at my identity as a black man in society. I looked at my identity as a trauma surgeon that deals with violence frequently. I served my country and I believe in ideals that encompass equality, justice, and opportunity, but I also recognize that it is not always deferred upon me, simply because of my skin color." "When I look in the mirror Im discorded with how others view me. So I have to reconcile those issues and move forward with my life. An undocumented woman in need of surgery to remove a brain tumor is being held at a North Texas Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center, Attorney Chris Hamilton said. Sara Beltran Hernandez has been held at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado since November 2015. She collapsed at the detention center this month after complaining of headaches, nosebleeds and memory loss, according to Hamilton. He went on to say she was then transported to Texas Health Huguley Hospital in Burleson, where she was diagnosed with a brain tumor that requires surgery. Hamilton claims his client was denied access to her other attorney and to vital medical attention while in ICE custody. Paralegal Melissa Zuniga says Beltran Hernandez has waited 13 days to have surgery and the lawyers in her asylum case are asking for a humane release to receive that care, The Associated Press reported. According to AP, Zuniga says the woman's condition is worsening with nosebleeds, loss of memory and other symptoms increasing. The 26-year-old fled her native El Salvador because of the violence there, Hamilton said. She came to the United States illegally but immediately sought asylum and surrendered to authorities. Hamilton believes Beltran Hernandez was detained for not having proper documentation when she tried to go to New York City to be with family. Family members have also reportedly been trying to petition for her asylum. A spokesperson for ICE said Beltran Hernandez was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday and was returned to the detention center. In a statement to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth the agency said: "ICE takes very seriously the health, safety and welfare of those in our care ... During [Beltran Hernandez's] stay at the hospital, ICE ensured that she was able to speak to her family and to her attorney by phone. Like all detainees in our care, Ms. Beltran will continue to have access to 24-hour emergency medical care and to any required specialized treatment at an outside facility." Hamilton claims Beltran Hernandez was forcibly removed from the hospital and that she was bound somehow. "She's in a lot of pain," Hamilton told NBCDFW. He also said a brain surgeon offered Wednesday night to help care for the woman. Check back and refresh this page for the latest update. As this story is developing, elements may change. President Donald Trump's vice president and top aides delivered one overriding message Thursday to the thousands of conservative activists gathered for their annual conference outside of Washington: Don't blow it. Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference, Vice President Mike Pence said Trump's victory provided the nation with what could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to install conservative solutions to the nation's problems. "This is the chance we've worked so hard, for so long, to see. This is the time to prove again that our answers are the right answers for America," Pence said. "President Trump will fight for you every single day," Pence added before thanking the president for selecting him as the vice president. Pence said the Trump administration would soon take aim at the sweeping health care law approved under former President Barack Obama, saying the nation's "Obamacare nightmare is about to end." He said Republicans would implement a new plan and would have "an orderly transition to a better health care system." Earlier, White House chief of staff Reince Priebus pleaded for patience and unity, urging activists not to squander the Republican Party's control of both chambers of Congress and the White House. Trump adviser Steve Bannon made his case for a governing strategy based on aggressive deregulation and an "economic nationalism" in negotiating new free trade deals. "What you've got is an incredible opportunity to use this victory," Priebus said. Some of Trump's plans for creating jobs and putting more money in people's pockets will take time, he said. "We've got to stick together and make sure we have President Trump for eight years." Priebus' pleas acknowledged conservatives' underlying skepticism about the new president, a former Democrat who in the past has elicited boos at the conference. Trump has often suggested he doesn't prioritize the social issues many conservatives elevate, and his proposal for a massive infrastructure bill has cast doubts about his commitment to curb government spending. But with a Republican in the White House for the first time in eight years, many activists say they feel energized and more than willing to give him a chance. The decades-old CPAC, as the event is known, is now really more like "TPAC," White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said. She and other Trump administration speakers thanked conservatives for voting for Trump last fall. Bannon said appreciation would largely be the theme of the president's remarks Friday to the group. Many in the audience chanted "Trump! Trump! Trump!" as Bannon, a provocateur and outsider, and Priebus, a GOP party insider, made a joint appearance onstage. The duo's chummy joint interview seemed designed to refute media reports that the two are working at cross-purposes in a factionalized White House. Priebus presented their partnership as evidence that conservatives and Trump supporters can work together. "The truth of the matter is Donald Trump, President Trump, brought together the party and the conservative movement," he said. "If the party and the conservative movement are together, similar to Steve and I, it can't be stopped." In his remarks, Bannon emphasized Trump's plans to deregulate businesses or what he described as "deconstruction of the administrative state." "Every business leader we've had in is saying not just taxes, but it is also the regulation. I think the consistent, if you look at these Cabinet appointees, they were selected for a reason and that is the deconstruction," he said. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos urged the activists to "engage" and "be loud" in the face of politicians who stand in the way of changing the education system. "We have a unique window of opportunity to make school choice a reality" for millions for families, she said. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said last fall's election results provide "an assignment for change and real reform." "So we need to see a repeal and replacement of Obamacare, we need to see real tax reform," he said. "We need to see a federal government that gets its spending under control." "As governors, as activists, engaged citizens, we need to hold all elected leaders accountable for results in this cycle right now. We may not get this same opportunity again. We can't squander it." Although Republicans have long vowed to overturn Obama's health care law, the election of Trump and majorities in Congress now have a chance to do it. Former Sen. Jim DeMint, president of the conservative Heritage Foundation, said activists must maintain pressure on the people they've elected. "Fellow conservatives, this is our time," he said. "We must and we can repeal Obamacare now." When Todd Gullion of Orange County was suffering with back pain last year, he decided to try medical marijuana, thinking it was a safer alternative than prescription drugs. But Gullion says after using the pot, he ended up in the emergency room with serious neurological symptoms. "My hands go numb, my arms go numb, my feet go numb," Gullion told NBC4. "I feel like I was poisoned." Gullion was worried that the pot had poisoned him. So he had the product tested at a nationally-known lab. The lab found high levels of toxic pesticides in it--chemicals that scientists say could cause serious health problems. An NBC4 I-Team investigation found evidence suggesting that pesticides could be present in a lot of the marijuana legally sold in California. And, some scientists are especially concerned about those pesticides being inhaled when people smoke or vape marijuana. "It's really like injecting that pesticide right into your bloodstream," said former USC Chemistry professor Dr. Jeff Raber, who now runs another prestigious cannabis testing lab. Dr. Raber co-authored a peer-reviewed study in The Journal of Toxicology about the dangers of smoking marijuana with pesticides on it. "It could cause damage to your kidneys, to your liver, or other organs," Dr. Raber told the I-Team. That's because the body doesn't filter the pesticides when inhaled like it does when you eat something with the same chemicals on it. "You are running a great risk by introducing some of these things which we know have known toxicity with them," said Dr. Raber. To get a better sense of how widespread pesticide use on California's marijuana products may be, the I-Team obtained 44 samples of marijuana products from 15 dispensaries in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. At each dispensary, we bought flower marijuana often used for smoking and cannabis cartridges used for vaping. Cartridges are now one of the most popular forms of marijuana consumption. The cartridges contain concentrated cannabis oil and they slip into a "pen" that heats up the marijuana. The marijuana vapors can then be inhaled. Almost every salesperson at the dispensaries we visited told us their products were pesticide-free. So the I-Team had the 44 marijuana products tested for 16 pesticides at Steep Hill Labs in Berkeley, one of the nations largest cannabis testing labs. Steep Hill Labs found 41 out of 44 samples, 93 percent, tested positive for pesticides, at levels high enough that those products would've been banned for sale in some other states that currently regulate the use of pesticides in marijuana products. "It appears pesticides are very widely used" on California's marijuana crops, said Dr. Don Land, a UC Davis chemistry professor who is Steep Hills chief scientist. "It was surprising that so many (samples) had so much contamination." Dr. Land said one possible reason is that California has no laws or regulations banning use of pesticides on marijuana crops, unlike many other states and there are no federally approved pesticides for cannabis Twenty-six states have laws allowing the sale of marijuana for medical or recreational use. States like Massachusetts ban use of non-organic pesticides on pot altogether. Other states, like Nevada, Oregon, and Washington have strict limits on how much pesticide residue is allowed on marijuana that's sold. Those states require testing pot products before they go on sale. But California does not. Dr. Land said some pesticides become more dangerous when they're heated up or burned, like Myclobutanil, a fungicide Steep Hill Labs found in 23 of the samples we sent. According to the manufacturer, Myclobutanil can turn into hydrogen cyanide when it's heated up. Hydrogen cyanide has been used in gas chambers to kill people. Even at low doses, Dr. Land said "hydrogen cyanide is very toxic." And someone smoking or vaping pot with Myclobutanil in it "could become ill immediately," Land said. Although Todd Gullion's doctors have not linked his pot use to his symptoms, Gullion believes pesticides are causing his symptoms. "It's affecting my balance a bit, my vision, my hearing literally shuts off," said Gullion. He said he began experiencing those symptoms for the first time after inhaling marijuana from cartridges from a well-known company called Bhang. Bhang says on its website that its products are lab tested for the absence of pesticides. But Gullion said when he sent one of his partially-used Bhang cartridges to Steep Hills Labs, they found 355 times the amount of myclobutanil allowed on pot in some other states. He said he's stopped using marijuana. The I-Team bought two other Bhang cartridges and had them tested by Steep Hill. They also tested positive for multiple pesticides including myclobutanil. "This is terrible for us," said Marco Rullo, a Bhang executive. He said because of the I-Team's findings, the company is recalling all cartridges from stores that match the lot numbers of those purchased by NBC4. Rullo said Bhang has all its products tested for pesticides by another lab, which found them to be clean of pesticides. Rullo and others said it's not unusual for different labs to come up with different results when testing cannabis products, because California still has no regulations for testing marijuana. Rullo told the I-Team that Bhang is going to "take a closer look at the testing we've done and see if theres a better way to guarantee a pure product." People who work in the legal marijuana industry say California needs regulations severely limiting and prohibiting use of pesticides on pot and ensure a safe legal marijuana supply. "I'm seriously concerned about the potential problems of pesticides," said Dr. Jeff Raber. "You're more susceptible when you're doing things by inhalation." Regulations might not be far off. Proposition 64, passed by voters last November, legalizes recreational marijuana in California in 2018. Prop 64 also requires the state to "establish standards for marijuana products." The Chief of California's Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation, Lori Ajax, told NBC4 they are currently drawing up regulations for pesticide use on pot crops and they should be in effect in 2018. "All cannabis will need to be tested before it is passed on to the dispensary to be sold," Ajax said. Click here for company statements provided to NBC4. More than 80 percent of California is no longer in drought after a series of winter storms, including last week's hourslong soaker in Southern California. About 17 percent of the state remains in drought, according to this week's U.S. Drought Monitor report, the first since last Friday's powerful storm. That's a dramatic turnaround from one year ago when 94 percent of the state was in drought during an historic five-year dry spell. This week's report even showed improvement for parts of Southern California that have been struggling to escape severe drought. "Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, which have been the epicenter of drought in California in recent weeks, received much-needed rainfall," according to the Drought Monitor report. More than 8 inches of rain was reported at two stations near Santa Barbara, one of several Southern California communities that were hammered Friday by one of the state's strongest storms in years. This week's report shows only 4 percent of the state in severe drought, affecting areas in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, and extreme southeastern California. Last week, 7 percent of California was in severe drought. At this time last year, 82 percent of California was in severe drought. The Monitor features four drought categories -- moderate, severe, extreme and exceptional. No part of the state is in extreme drought for the first time since August 2013. "Generally a one-category improvement to drought conditions was made from central California to the Los Angeles basin," according to the Monitor report. Santa Barbara County's Cachuma Lake serves as a bellwether for just how dramatic the turnaround has been over the last year. The reservoir rose 24 feet in just one day, bringing the lake to 42 percent of capacity. Early this month, Cachuma Lake, which has not reached 50 percent capacity since 2014, was at 15 percent of capacity. The storms, produced by atmospheric rivers that pull streams of moisture up from the tropics, have boosted the state's critical Sierra snowpack and reservoir levels. The Sierra Nevada snowpack is 186 of average, a good sign for spring when that snow melts and runs into the state's water reservoirs ahead of the dry summer months. In a dramatic turnaround for California from last winter, when reservoir levels were significantly lower and the site of the Sierra snowpack survey was a dry patch of grass, the storms have produced flooding in Nothern California. Some residents returned home Wednesday in San Jose after being evacuated when a bloated creek carrying engine fuel and sewage water flooded thousands of homes. With water levels from Coyote Creek receding late Wednesday, officials said some of the 14,000 evacuated residents would be allowed to return home, although an evacuation order remained for parts of the city. Authorities warned residents to be careful about hygiene and handling food that may have come into contact with flood water. Flood warnings were in place until Saturday because waterways were overtaxed, and another storm was forecast Sunday. Authorities also reopened two lanes of U.S. 101 south of San Francisco after it was closed because of flooding. The California Highway Patrol closed all lanes in both directions at 4:40 a.m. Wednesday when water spilled into a low point on the freeway. There is no estimate when the key commuter artery will fully reopen. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A cab driver was arrested Wednesday in San Diego after he allegedly assaulted a transit officer with his taxi, hitting the victim and dragging him down the street in downtowns Marina area. He dragged the officer, with his feet dangling, all the way to the corner, witness Jorge Soto told NBC 7. Soto was walking to work when he noticed a San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) security officer trying to stop the driver of a taxi near Kettner Boulevard and Harbor Drive. He didnt want to stop, Soto recounted. Soto said it appeared as if the MTS officer asked the taxi driver for his identification. The driver refused and began to drive away. Soto said the MTS officer tried to stop the driver by taking a hold of the cab's steering wheel through the drivers open window. As the taxi driver took off, the officer kept hanging on to the wheel and was dragged for a short distance. Eventually, Soto said the taxi driver maneuvered the cab and was able to knock the MTS officer off of the wheel. The San Diego Harbor Police Department said officers were called to the scene just before 11:30 a.m. They confirmed the MTS officer was dragged after attempting to stop the taxi driver and said he suffered minor injuries mostly scrapes and bruises. Officers began searching for the driver of the cab and dispatched a description of the vehicle to other officers in the area. Just after 12:05 p.m., officers with the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) located the taxi in the East Village, near 19th Street and Island. The driver was arrested on suspicion of assault with a vehicle. No one else was hurt. No further details, including the suspect's name, were immediately released. School districts across the County are requesting water testing after dangerous levels of lead were discovered at a San Ysidro elementary school. Health experts say the schools most likely to have unsafe levels of lead in drinking water are those built before 1986. NBC 7 mapped out where schools in the county built before 1986 are located, and found they are spread out throughout the region. Clusters of schools built before 1986 are located not just in the South Bay, but also in San Diego neighborhoods like Clairemont, Scripps Ranch and Tierrasanta, the map shows. Dina MacDonald has a family member that goes to Tierrasanta Elementary. It's one of the approximately 447 schools across the county built before 1986. "I think the more years that go by and we see these facilities that were built more than fifty years ago, a lot of them," MacDonald said. "I'm sure there's a lot of other things going on in those schools that probably need to be addressed but like everything you kinda put it off and don't think about it until there becomes a problem." A Beverly Hills auctioneer was indicted Wednesday in Manhattan, New York with conspiracy to smuggle 15 rhinoceros horns valued at more than $2 million, prosecutors said. Jacob Chait, the head of acquisitions at I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers, appeared in court on Tuesday to face the charge in violation of the Lacey Act, a 1900 law that bans trafficking in illegal wildlife. Prosecutors say the scheme was part of a years-long trafficking conspiracy between 2009 and 2012 to buy rhinoceros horns and taxidermy mount and sell them to foreign buyers. In one incident, Chait allegedly smuggled two endangered black rhino horns to China in his luggage. Rhinoceros horns are worth more per pound than gold due to the increasing scarcity in supply and the elevated demand in Asia, prosecutors said. The trade in rhino horns and elephant ivory has been restricted since 1976 under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a treaty signed by over 180 countries around the world. Chait's indictment is connected to a nationwide crackdown by the Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Justice on illegal trafficking in rhinoceros horns and other wildlife crimes. The charge the 34-year-old faces carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail. Funeral arrangements were announced Thursday for Whittier police Officer Keith Wayne Boyer, who was killed in a shootout that also left a second officer wounded. Funeral services for Boyer, 53, will be held at 10 a.m. March 3 at Calvary Chapel Downey, 12808 Woodruff Ave., according to Whittier police. Following the service, a procession will carry Boyer's body to Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, for a graveside service. A public memorial viewing will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 2 at Whittier Area Community Church, 8100 Colima Road. Boyer was killed shortly after 8 a.m. Monday. He had responded to a report of a traffic collision near Colima Road and Mar Vista Street, where one of the people involved in the crash pulled out a gun and opened fire. Officer Patrick Hazell, a three-year veteran of the Whittier Police Department, was shot in the abdomen but survived. He is recovering at home. Boyer, a grandfather, musician and school resource officer, had been with the department for 27 years. The suspect, Michael Christopher Mejia, 26, was shot in the back and remained hospitalized with injuries that are not considered to be life-threatening. The Whittier Police Officers Association has created a fund for people to make donations on behalf of Boyer and his family. Information for those who want to donate can be found on the Whittier Police Department's Facebook page. U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) crews in San Diego ended the search for a missing boater after he was found at a local hospital when a nurse recognized him from news reports as one of the hospital's patients. Officials with the USCG 11th District PA Detachment San Diego said lifeguards discovered a 6-foot dingy about one mile west of Mission Bay on Tuesday at 11:50 a.m. The boat appeared to have been abandoned. Inside, officials found identification belonging to Garrett Ferguson, 36, a former U.S. Army service member, who lives in Huntington Beach, California. Ferguson, however, was nowhere to be found. Lifeguards called officials at Coast Guard Sector San Diego's Joint Harbor Operations Center (JHOC) to report the empty boat. On Wednesday, USCG officials announced a search has been launched for Ferguson. Multiple crews scoured the waters including USCG rescue helicopters, the Navys Search and Rescue Helicopter, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter and San Diego Lifeguards. The USCG said the search spanned from Torrey Pines to the Maritime Border Line. A photo of Ferguson in military uniform was released by the Coast Guard Wednesday, as well as a photo of his abandoned dingy. The photo of the boat shows what appears to be other personal belongings left on board, including swimming fins, a bag and other gear. A nurse at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego saw the news reports about the search for Ferguson and recognized him. After his identity was confirmed, USCG ended its search efforts. At this point, it is unknown why Ferguson was in the hospital or why he abandoned his boat. No further details were released. Republicans who benefited from rowdy town halls six years ago and harnessed a wave of discontent with Democrats to win seats in Congress are learning a hard lesson this week as they return home: The left is happy to return the favor. Across the U.S., Democrats and their allies are spending this short congressional recess protesting elected Republican politicians who are avoiding the events that often turn into shouting matches. Just like the tea party sympathizers who vented against Democrats and President Barack Obama, the new left and left-leaning protesters are taking out their ire on Republicans and their links to President Donald Trump. In Denver this week, the activists targeted Republican Sen. Cory Gardner denouncing him as inaccessible and beaming a picture of him fashioned into a "Missing" poster to a wall of the Denver Art Museum while protesting Trump's plans to boost energy production on public lands. Gardner "is supposed to represent us, but where is he?" said Emma Spett, a 22-year-old environmental activist from Denver who says she's "terrified" of environmental policy changes backed by Trump. Gardner defeated a Democrat in 2010, and used impromptu town hall meetings heavily attended by tea party members in his campaign to rail against Obama's Affordable Health Care Act and incumbent congressional representatives he labeled as out of touch with voters. Now an incumbent who doesn't face re-election until 2020, Gardner has no town halls scheduled and was met Wednesday at an agricultural forum in Denver by protesters yelling "We want a town hall!" He dodged questions from reporters about why he did not plan any, saying that he supports "people who are expressing differing points of views" but leaves it to his staff to meet with protesters. Experts say that avoiding town halls is a tactic that constituents detest but a way for incumbents to dodge being berated in widely publicized local events. "If you're there at a town hall meeting and there's hundreds of people there yelling at you, it's going to be a media event," said Seth Masket, a political scientist at the University of Denver "They're calculating that the bad press they're going to get from not having a town hall is not going to be as bad as that." In Montana this week, Republican Sen. Steve Daines got waylaid with boos and jeers from hundreds of protesters just for rescheduling an appearance before state lawmakers Helena from Tuesday to Wednesday. "What a coward!" said Katherine Haque-Hausrath, a protest organizer who demanded he meet with constituents. "If he doesn't listen to us now, he can listen to us in 2020 in the election." Asked why he rescheduled, Daines said he decided to hold multiple events Wednesday and nothing on Tuesday. He also reminded reporters about the result of last November's election: "While every voice must be heard in Montana, the reality is the people of Montana rejected Hillary Clinton and voted for Donald Trump." Suburban Chicago Republican Rep. Peter Roskam decided to interact Monday with voters in a conference call with 18,000 callers, saying town halls are not productive. "People come in, and they get angry and they hold placards and they shout at one another and they feel bad and they escalate and they end up being a disaster," Roskam told The Chicago Tribune. And Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert announced he decided to hold telephone town halls only because groups from what he called "violent strains of the leftist ideology...are preying on public town halls to wreak havoc and threaten public safety." In Arizona this week, Democrats organized what they billed as a "search party" to look for Republican Sen. Jeff Flake, taking their protest to the front yard of his house in suburban Phoenix. He was meeting with patients at Phoenix Children's Hospital at the time and had no town hall meetings scheduled this week. Back in Colorado, a Republican elected during the tea-party wave of 2010 traveled to Germany this week as part of a congressional delegation instead of returning home to his sprawling district about the size of Arkansas. Some constituents of Rep. Scott Tipton were outraged. "If he's going to do that, he needs to tell us why and listen to our concerns," said Dylan Thomas, a Democrat from the small town of Eagle. Tipton spokeswoman Liz Payne said he usually does not hold town hall meetings during the snowy winters in his district and he will resume meeting with constituents in the spring. An increase in demand for face time with members of congress in their districts is normal, she said, because issues under consideration "are big policy shifts. It's totally expected that people are reacting." Republicans accused of going into hiding are getting some sympathy from Democrats they defeated, including former Colorado Rep. Betsy Markey. Back in 2010, she held town hall meetings focusing on health care only to be greeted by a deluge of conservative protesters who showed up waving yellow "Don't Tread on Me" flags. "They were pretty rowdy," Markey recalled with a chuckle. Republicans who played their campaigns to take advantage of the tea party movement's populist appeal now need to learn to take what was dished out to the Democrats, she said. "That's why you were elected, to represent the people. You come back on weekends, you come back on breaks, and you talk to people even if they don't like what you're doing," Markey said. Prosecutors have dropped attempted murder charges against one of the teens arrested in last month's shooting at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park in Miami-Dade that left eight people injured after they say some of their witnesses are unreliable. Gerrell Brownlee, 19, was facing multiple attempted second-degree murder charges in the Jan. 16 shooting, as well as charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. But at a hearing Thursday, prosecutors dropped those attempted murder charges. They said they will continue to review the case. Brownlee still faces a trial Monday on a grand theft auto case from 2016. A second suspect, a 17-year-old is also facing charges in the shooting. Prosecutors haven't determined if he'll be charged as a juvenile or an adult. Police said Brownlee and the other teen are members of rival neighborhood gangs and that the shooting began with a fight that started when someone flashed a gang sign. The people shot were innocent bystanders. Of the eight people who were shot, five are juveniles, with one as young as 11. The ages range from 11 to 30, and all survived the shooting. A couple state senators are holding a discussion in Tallahassee Thursday to spread the word about kids and an idea for mandatory recess at schools. Among the senators involved in the event at the State Capitol is Anitere Flores, who represents parts of southern and western Miami Dade as well as Monroe County. She'll join a group called Florida Recess Moms and some PTA members pushing for minimum amount of time per day and week for "free play recess." A Senate panel approved a bill (SB 78) Tuesday that would require elementary schools to set aside 20 minutes each day. For the past two years, mothers of school children have lobbied for the change. They say children need recess to expend energy and give them a break from schoolwork. Last year a similar bill was approved by the House but the Senate never considered it because a top senator opposed it. A Senate analysis of the bill found 11 out of the state's 67 school districts had an approved recess policy. But those districts varied in how much time was set aside for recess. A South Florida neighborhood is on edge after a resident captured footage of a crocodile floating in a Coral Gables marina with a dog in its mouth. Christopher Carey recorded cell phone video of the crocodile just moments after it snatched the puppy and dragged it under water in Gables by the Sea, a gated community south of Miami. Carey posted the video on Facebook and said he wants others in the community to be aware of the crocs prowling the area. "It's super, super dangerous," Carey said, noting the dog was "full-grown," and not a small pup. "The people who don't have seawalls, the [crocodile] can come right up the yard, and it could easily be a child." Neighbors say it's the second dog in recent weeks that has been attacked by a croc. Resident Keisha Eberwein says she usually spots the crocs sunbathing in the area. But few years ago Eberwein had a close encounter with one reptile going for a few laps in her pool an incident she says she captured on video. Eberwein said she's lucky that no one from her family, including her young children, were swimming at the time. She has since emplaced a seawall andis trying to encourage others in the area to do the same. "I'd like to see the city, the county, somebody forced to, people who don't have seawalls, to maybe put one up to make this not as inviting for crocs to breed here," Eberwein said. Caution signs warning residents to watch out for the crocodiles, which are federally protected, are posted throughout the neighborhood. Nonetheless, residents like Eberwein are concerned the threat will continue if something more drastic isn't implemented. "It's only a matter of time before they take a kid," Eberwein said. Wildlife officials issued these tips for residents: A group of Cuban dissidents on Wednesday recognized the secretary-general of the Organization of American States for defending human rights in their country even though the government denied him entry to attend the ceremony. About a dozen dissidents and diplomats from the U.S., Czech Republic and Sweden honored Almagro at the home of the late democracy activist Oswaldo Paya, who died in a 2012 car accident. Paya's daughter Rosa Maria invited Almagro to receive the prize from her group in Havana. She has accused the Cuban government of causing the wreck, a charge the government denies. Almagro sent dissidents a letter saying that the OAS's only interest is to help move Cuba closer to the values and principles upheld by the organization in relation to democracy and human rights. He also said his intention is not to evaluate Cuba's internal politics. In his letter, Almagro said the Cuban government told him it was astonished he was involved in what it called "anti-Cuban" activities. He also said he hoped the government would not retaliate against the group. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio's office condemned Cuba for blocking Almagro. Rubio's team tweeted "Castro regime has blocked investigations into its 2012 murder of Oswaldo Paya. Now it's blocking OAS head from receiving Paya award in Cuba." The communist-run government also denied entry to Mexican ex-President Felipe Calderon and former Chilean Education Minister Maria Aylwin, both of whom were invited to attend the ceremony. Cuba has not belonged to the OAS since 1962. It considers the organization an instrument the U.S. government uses to pressure countries that do not follow its policies. A Miami-Dade man was sentenced to 100 years in prison after he was convicted of distributing and possessing child pornography, officials said. Manuel Perez Gonzalez, 39, was sentenced in federal court Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Ursula Ungaro, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida said. He was also sentenced to 25 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. Officers had executed a search warrant at Gonzalez's home on Oct. 22, 2015 after receiving information that a computer user was downloading child pornography. Numerous videos and images of child pornography were found on Gonzalez's laptop, authorities said. Transgender students lost federal protections that allowed them to use school bathrooms matching their gender identities under new guidelines from the Trump administration, but South Florida officials said they don't expect any changes in local policy. The Trump administration came down on the side of states' rights, lifting Obama-era federal guidelines Wednesday. Without the Obama directive, it will be up to states and school districts to interpret federal anti-discrimination law and determine whether students should have access to restrooms in accordance with their expressed gender identity and not just their biological sex. Shortly after the announcement, Miami-Dade County Public Schools released a statement saying nothing will change for them. "Miami-Dade has an anti-discrimination policy that is firmly in place, and our schools have been working with students on a case-by-case basis for many years, so it is unlikely that any type of impact would be experienced from any changes announced at the federal level," the statement said. Schools superintendent Alberto Carvalho followed up with a series of tweets addressing the issue. Human rights are not compromisable! At @MDCPS we have a legal, moral, and ethical duty to protect the dignity of all students. #AllMeansAll Alberto M. Carvalho (@MiamiSup) February 23, 2017 We will not allow any of our students to be pushed back into the dark corner of fear, intimidation, or discrimination. #AllMeansAll @MDCPS Alberto M. Carvalho (@MiamiSup) February 23, 2017 Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez on Thursday released a statement saying the county will continue to stand for LGBT rights in the community. "We are an inclusive community, and have policies in place to protect our LGBT residents. Despite changes at the federal level, we are confident that transgender-protection policies passed by the Board of County Commissioners in 2014 will remain in place in Miami-Dade County," his statement read. Broward County School officials said the announcement will have no impact on the operation of their schools. "There is nothing in what the feds did that precludes us from doing what we know are the right things to do for our students in Broward County," superintendent Robert Runcie said. South Florida LGBT activist and YouTube personality Jazz Jennings said the decision is a step back for equality. "I know that growing up I had it really hard because I wasn't allowed to use the girl's restroom," she said. "I faced discrimination at such an early age and I didn't understand why I was being treated differently." South Florida Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who is the mother of a transgender child, spoke out against the changes. "This lamentable decision can lead to hostile treatment of transgender students and studies have shown that bullying and harassment can be detrimental to the emotional and physical well-being of teenagers," she said in a statement. Her son, Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, told NBC 6 he worries the move discourages those struggling with gender identity. "[It] really sends a message from the White House that the federal government doesn't have your back if you happen to be transgender," Heng-Lehtinen said. Rep. Carlos Curbelo also criticized the guidelines. "This is a disappointing choice for the Administration to make. We should be working toward ensuring all American children feel safe and accepted in their schools, regardless of where they live, their race, creed, gender identity or sexual orientation," he said. At a time when some say the United States is looking inward, middle school students in Broward are looking outward. Kids in the Global Scholars program are learning how common issues link them to students around the world. It is very, very important in this time in our history for us to be global citizens, said Camille Edwards, who coordinates the program for the Broward County school district. As part of the Global Scholars program, seventh and eighth graders make videos addressing an issue or a problem and share them with their peers in Spain, India, Poland, Colombia, and with schools in the United States, including some in Miami-Dade County. It allows the students to discuss, in a safe environment, things that they see and hear and for them to gain their own opinions, Edwards said. We watched a Global Scholars class at Pioneer Middle School in Cooper City. Its an elective program, and kids who choose to take it get a real feeling for what school and life is like in other countries, without paying airfare. For example, at the beginning of the school year, students send each other videos describing their schools and their cities. Im learning about their culture and how theyre different from us and like their country and how they live compared to how we live, said Ashley Ferrelli, a seventh grader. Ive learned about how to communicate using technology and how technology helps connect different parts of the world and allows for easier communication, added Tyler Flowers, an eighth grader. For the assignment on fighting cyber bullying, the kids at Pioneer Middle made a rap video. Thats how this generation communicates, peer to peer across boundaries. I think it opens their eyes and i think thats one of benefits of the program is that it increases their perspective, broadens their perspective on todays problems all around the world, said Michael Consaul, principal of Pioneer Middle. The Global Scholars program started last year with four schools, now 16 Broward middle schools are participating, with more to come. A worker was taken to the hospital after an incident at Port Miami Wednesday evening. Port officials confirmed an employee was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital via air rescue. The victim is in stable condition, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said. Officials said it's possible the worker was inside a truck when a container fell on the vehicle. No other details were immediately released. Stay with NBC 6 for updates on this developing story. A health care firm that treats sick inmates at the Westchester County jail is under fire after a doctor accused the company of terminating him because he gave his honest medical opinion in court. Dr. James Brill, a former physician at Colorado's Jefferson County Detention Center, says in December of 2014 he was called to testify in the case of an inmate who suffered a stroke behind bars. Brill testified he would have sent the inmate to the hospital hours earlier than medical staff actually did. Shortly after his testimony, Brill was fired. "I got a phone call from somebody in the corporate office saying, 'You're terminated,'" said Brill. "Two hours following that testimony, my job was done." Brill is now suing Correct Care Solutions, the jail medical firm in charge of both the Colorado detention center and the Westchester County Correctional Facility. He said firing him after he gave his honest medical opinion sends a chilling message to other health professionals working behind bars. "If a company can do this to me it can do it to you. So it's totally unethical." said Brill. Jim Cheney, a spokesman for CCS, declined to say why Brill was terminated, but pointed out that the physician was a subcontracted employee, inherited by CCS when the company acquired a previous medical provider called Correctional Healthcare Companies (CHC). "Dr. Brill's contract to provide medical services at the Jefferson County, Colorado jail was concluded by its terms when responsible CHC personnel provided him with notice that the contract would conclude," Cheney wrote in an email to the I-Team. "That decision was not related in any manner to any testimony provided by Dr. Brill in an unrelated civil action." Despite stressing that Brill worked as a subcontractor and not directly on CCS payroll, Cheney confirmed CCS took control of CHC before Brill was terminated. "We were obviously a part of the process when he was let go," Cheney said in a phone call with the I-Team. Brill's attorney, Mari Newman, says her client's experience -- getting dismissed after giving his honest medical opinion -- is reason for Westchester County to reconsider its relationship with CCS. "It would be a profound mistake for New York to allow Correct Care Solutions to be in charge of the medical care at its detention facilities." Newman said. But Cheney said the termination of a jail doctor in Colorado has nothing to do with inmate care in New York. "The past relationship between Dr. Brill and CHC lacks any connection to the performance of medical services for the Westchester County Department," Cheney wrote. Before the lawsuit in Colorado, Correct Care Solutions was already under fire for allegations of deficient care in Westchester County. In 2013, Rashad McNulty, a prisoner awaiting sentencing on a federal drug charge, died of a heart attack behind bars despite complaining of chest and stomach pains for 4 hours. The New York Commission of Correction concluded the death might have been prevented if CCS staff had simply sent McNulty to the hospital in a timely fashion. Despite McNulty's death, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino has stood by CCS, renewing the company's deal to provide jail healthcare in 2015. Astorino did not respond to the I-Team's request for comment. Though they declined to comment on the McNulty case, both CCS and Westchester County, in their court filings, have denied McNulty was given deficient medical care. What to Know The Pennsylvania State Militia granted NBC 4 New York's I-Team exclusive access after months of organizations Its founder says the group isn't anti-government or political, and that it's goal is to supplement law enforcement You need the militia around to make sure that the local area ... is protected from the marauders and wolves of society, a member said A few hours away from New York City, weekend warriors are involved in what they call Patriot games. Members of the Pennsylvania State Militia (PSM) drill once a month in military-style maneuvers and weapons training. They are not members of the National Guard, which is a reserve military force of the U.S. Armed Forces. The PSM is a private militia group. Private militia training is legal in most states as long as members dont incite violence or civil unrest and follow local gun laws. New York state has an old law that puts restrictions on private militias operating in public. The PSM, which trains on various private compounds in northern Pennsylvania near the New York border, granted NBC 4 New York's I-Team rare access after months of negotiations. The founder of the militia group, Staff Sgt. Michael Grove, said members were concerned about how they might be portrayed in the media. Some did not want to show their faces or give their real names. Grove said the group is preparing to be deployed to respond to any type of threat, whether it be a natural disaster or terrorism. Whether its a hurricane or say its a riot. It only takes one storeowner to contact us and say, 'I dont want my place burned down,'" he said. Grove said the group is not anti-government or political and that its goal is to supplement law enforcement. "I wouldnt say we are right wing. I wouldnt say were left wing. Were just the guys in the middle," he said. The Southern Poverty Law Center tracks anti-government militia groups, identifying 165 in 2016. The PSM is not on their list. There are a lot of militias we dont list because theyre not governed by conspiracy theories," Ryan Lenz of the Southern Poverty Law Center said. "Theyre not out there thinking the United Nations is going to jackboot its way into their backyards. Many in the PSM have law enforcement or military backgrounds. Others are average Joes who fancy themselves as GI Joe. The two dozen members include a retail salesman, a welder, a college student and a professor. The professor told the I-Team he moved to Pennsylvania from New York City, where gun laws are much stricter. In New York its almost a crime to do everything, its a crime to sit on a milk crate, he said. You need the militia around to make sure that the local area where we reside is being protected from the marauders and wolves of society. A man who identified himself as Colonel Rokk said he taught martial arts in Brooklyn for most of his life and also recently moved to Pennsylvania. Im a martial arts teacher so Im part of the 3 percent of the people who actually know how to defend themselves and other people with my hands or a weapon if necessary," he said. "We have like minds and skill sets." Grove said all members are required to have legal gun permits and attend monthly training drills. He also said they're all vetted carefully. "We dont want extremists in the PSM, he said. Extremists are the guys who give the militia a bad name. The PSM is now actively recruiting new members. Police are looking for a man who tried to rob a Connecticut bank Wednesday afternoon, but ran off when he realized it was closed. Employees were still inside the closed-up People's Bank in Fairfield when the man, wearing a mask and carrying a duffel bag, walked up to the front door shortly after 4 p.m., authorities say. He tried to open it, but it was locked. The employees who were still inside saw him and he ran back to his car, fleeing toward I-95 southbound, according to police. There is no surveillance footage of the suspect at this time. Anyone with information about the attempted robbery is asked to call the Fairfield Police Department at (203) 254-4840. The message from constituents and protesters to Republican Rep. Leonard Lance on Wednesday during a town hall meeting frequently interrupted by boos and jeers came through loud: "Push back." Lance's 90-minute town hall at Raritan Valley Community College, where organizers said the mostly filled auditorium had a capacity of 950, erupted in shouts of "push back, push back" when a questioner implored the five-term congressman to oppose President Donald Trump. New Jersey is a Democratic-leaning state that Hillary Clinton carried in November's presidential race and where Democrats outnumber Republicans by about 800,000 registered voters. "I totally reject Trump's agenda," said Barbara Colucci, 79, of Watchung who carried a sign outside the meeting saying "Fake Prez. He's ruining this country." Colucci pointed to Trump's policies aimed at cracking down on illegal immigrants and refugees in particular. Lance is one of five Republicans representing New Jersey in Congress and is the only one to hold an in-person town hall session. Rep. Tom MacArthur recently held a telephone town hall and this week met with Democrats in his district. Lance's meeting came as Republican lawmakers across the country hear from Democrats and their allies over the short congressional recess. Lance didn't deliver the anti-Trump red meat that some in the audience were looking for, but he did point out where he's gone against the Republican president, including protesting the immigration executive order and saying that he supports the press. Lance took questions from about a dozen people and kept his cool despite frequent jeers and boos. Several times some in the audience called for calm to let Lance respond. After the meeting, he said he plans to hold another on Saturday because the demand was so great. Some of the loudest jeers came when Jim Girvan, 64, of Branchburg, called on Lance to support legislation requiring Trump to release his taxes. Lance said he didn't think private individuals should be required to do so. "Do your job," the audience shouted. Girvan, who said he is a registered independent, said he wasn't satisfied with the answer and that Lance was "hedging around." Lance said he favored "repairing" the Affordable Care Act rather than repealing it outright. He was also booed when he said he supported prohibiting federal funding for abortions. One questioner who called for Lance to put country over party got a loud standing ovation. Pickets carrying signs reading "Resist Trump" and other slogans staged a rally outside the town hall. Lance was first elected in 2008. He represents the 7th District, which includes parts of Essex, Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Union and Warren counties. Protesters calling for Lance and other New Jersey Republicans to preserve the Affordable Care Act have been organized by left-leaning nonprofit New Jersey Citizen Action. The group has been organizing what it bills as "vigils to save our health care." Republican U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen has not held a town hall meeting during the recess but said in a statement he's aware of the groups calling on him to hold town halls and plans to visit the 54 towns in his district. Republican U.S. Rep. Chris Smith told the Asbury Park Press (http://on.app.com/2l0MAm3 ) he does not hold town halls as a result of previous threats his office received. As the tea party vented against Democrats and President Barack Obama, the new left and left-leaning protesters are taking out their anger on Republicans and their links to Trump. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer on Wednesday said some people clearly are upset. But some, he added, are "manufactured" protesters, echoing Trump, who tweeted recently that the "so-called angry crowds" have been planned by liberal activists. "It is a loud group small group of people disrupting something in many cases for media attention," Spicer said. A New York City landlord was charged with murder after police say he stabbed a tenant to death over unpaid rent. Family friends say the tenant was killed in front of his 12-year-old son in the Bronx Wednesday night. A bloody kitchen knife in a sewer near the crime scene, according to police. Officers found 44-year-old Zakir Khan with multiple wounds to the torso in front of 1001 Logan Ave. in Throgs Neck at about 6:30 p.m., police said. He was taken to Jacobi Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Law enforcement sources say Khan was a tenant who had been living in an apartment inside the landlord's home for the last nine months, promising to buy the place but not paying the rent. When the landlord, identified by police as 51-year-old Taha Mahran, confronted him about it, the two got into an argument, and Mahran allegedly began stabbing Khan in front of his 12-year-old son, according to a family friend of the victim. The friend, who declined to give his name, was in disbelief as he left the house where Khan was stabbed. "The landlord just came out, and from the car he pulled the gentleman who got killed, and he stabbed him multiple times," he said. "And within two hours, he was gone. It's shocking." Police arrested Mahran on charges of murder, manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon. In court Thursday, prosecutors said Mahran surrendered to police and confessed to the crime. Bronx Assistant District Attorney Leah Takantzas said Mahran told officers: "I just stabbed someone up the block. I told you many times about this and you did nothing about it. I couldn't get help. I had to take matters into my own hands, so I stabbed him." Mahran has another court date next week. What to Know Norwegian transatlantic flights with service to Ireland and Scotland start from the airport this summer Stewart, about 50 miles from Manhattan and less than an hour from northern New Jersey, becomes the fourth regional airport to offer service Cuomo says the partnership is expected to create more than 200 new jobs and generate $36 million in economic activity Stewart International Airport in Orange County will begin offering transatlantic flights in June, the fourth regional airport to do so, under a new partnership with Norwegian Gov. Cuomo announced Thursday. Norwegian transatlantic flights with service to Ireland and Scotland start from the airport this summer under the following schedule: Edinburgh, Scotland: Daily flights begin June 15 for the summer season and operate through Oct. 28, then three times per week during the winter season beginning Oct. 29 Belfast, Northern Ireland: Flights three times per week during summer season from July 1 through Oct. 28, then twice weekly for the winter season beginning Oct. 29 Dublin, Ireland: Daily service begins July 1 and transitions to three times per week during the winter season on Oct. 29 Shannon, Ireland: Twice-weekly service begins on July 2. In addition to launching new international flights, Norwegian will open a base of operations at Stewart for its pilots and cabin crew, and will station Boeing 737-MAX aircraft at the airport. Cuomo said the partnership will create an estimated 230 jobs and generate $36 million in economy activity. Stewart, about 50 miles from Manhattan and less than an hour from northern New Jersey, served more than 275,000 passengers in 2016, but projections for 2017 are about 400,000 passengers with as many as 700,000 in 2018. The airport also will increase connectivity to Manhattan with additional buses offering direct service from the airport to the Port Authority Bus Terminal for just $18 each way, Cuomo said. "This exciting partnership will create new economic opportunities for Stewart Airport and the surrounding region and demonstrates the success of our efforts to transform airports across New York into 21st century hubs of commercial activity," the governor said in a statement. "With strategic investments in New York airports, we attract new jobs, businesses and opportunities and help grow local economies for generations to come." A New Jersey police officer and his sister pleaded guilty in connection to a health insurance fraud scheme in which they said they were married, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's office said Wednesday. Alix Antoine, 38, and his biological half-sister, Patricia Louis, 44, pleaded guilty to charges of third-degree insurance fraud Tuesday, officials said. Antoine, a 12-year veteran of the Asbury Park Police Department, and Louis, are due back in court for sentencing June 9. Authorities said they will both apply for admission to the pre-trial intervention program. Top Tri-State News Photos An investigation by the prosecutor's office revealed that while employed by the Asbury Park Police Department, Antoine filed fake documents allowing his sister and his nephew to get medical benefits provided by the department that Louis wasn't entitled to, officials said. The suspended officer claimed Louis was his lawful spouse from 2009 to 2013, officials said. Louis' attorney, Mitchell Ignatoff, believes that the decision was an issue of marriage validity, not insurance fraud. Antoine and his half-sister filed for marriage in Haiti, but the union wasn't legally recognized by the state because of the nature of their relationship. "If they were considered properly married, I don't think it would be an issue at all," he said. "It's perfectly legal for people to get married to get health insurance. Prosecutors can't be in the business of questioning a marriage under state law if it's legal." Antoine was indicted on charges of official misconduct, insurance fraud and tampering with public records Jun. 27, 2016. His sister was also indicted on conspiracy to commit official misconduct and insurance fraud. The siblings agreed to pay $189,645.84 in restitution to the Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield. A Monmouth County judge ordered Antoine to forfeit his job at the police department Tuesday. Officials said he's indefinitely disqualified from holding public office or employment statewide. Antoine's attorney, Richard Incremona of Freehold, says his client opted to plea to a lesser crime in order to avoid jailtime. He was indicted on three second-degree crimes, one of which carried a minimum of 5 years in jail without parole if convicted. "This was a resolution by way of plea into pre-trial intervention," Incremona said. "[Antoine] can now start planning his future. He doesn't have to worry about jail hanging over his head." As part of the plea deal, the charges against Antoine will be dismissed upon his completion of the pre-trial intervention program. [NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More What to Know Animal lovers held a vigil to honor a bull who escaped a slaughterhouse in Queens this week and later died The elusive bovine was on the run for at least two and a half hours Tuesday before officers finally brought it into custody The runaway bull prompted a huge law enforcement response, with dozens of emergency vehicles and officers responding A group of vegan activists and animal lovers wanted to make sure the bull who died after leading NYPD officers on a wild chase Tuesday in Queens was memorialized. A vigil was held in front of Aziz Slaughterhouse, the butchery where the bull was supposed to be killed, in Jamaica Wednesday evening. "This brave boy's life and bravery deserve to be honored, and the slaughter house and neighbor need to know that this is not ok," the event's Facebook page read. "Let's show them that his life mattered." A wild chase took place in Queens for a bull that got loose. Roseanne Colletti reports. The vigil was arranged by three vegans to honor the "hero" bull who "fought for freedom." It appeared that a few dozen people showed up outside the slaughterhouse. Among them was Jill Carnegie from Vegans of New York. She said she was inspired by the turnout. "By seeing that these people would give up their time this evening, it shows that they see that he has the will to live just like you do," Carnegie said. Residents were shocked to see a bull running through their street in Jamaica, Queens Tuesday. The organizers invited attendees to get creative by making their own signs and bringing candles to light. "If you wished for his freedom, you already believe in veganism," one sign read. Bobby McCullough held a sign with a drawing of a bull that read, "I fought for my life. Will you fight for me?" "We'd like to bring attention to the disgusting industry that takes place at the slaughterhouses," McCullough said. "To bring attention to the fact that this bull has feelings like the rest of us, can love like the rest of us, and wants to live like the rest of us and ultimately did not want to die." This was the moment a rogue bull stuck between two houses in Queens escaped, dashing down the road, sending one officer leaping to the roof of his car and breaching a police cordon. The bull later died, NYPD officials confirmed, though authorities have not released a cause of death for the animal. The bull was seen with at least a dozen tranquilizer darts in its side over the course of the miles-long chase through Queens. He died at some point before 2:30 p.m., nearly three hours after it escaped a Beaver Road slaughterhouse and went on a free-for-all, dodging police in Jamaica and South Ozone Park before it was captured in someone's backyard. A cause of death for the animal wasn't immediately clear, but a spokeswoman for Animal Care Centers of NYC said it died during transport. It wasn't clear where the animal was being taken at the time and city officials had no further comment. The remains were taken to a crematorium, officials said. Bull at Center of Queens Chase Dies After Making Mad Dash for Freedom The animal's demise culminates a wild chase that featured daring efforts by police and passersby to bring the bull into custody. Live video from Chopper 4 showed the bull penned between two houses at one point Tuesday as authorities attempted to wrangle it. Chopper footage then captured the animal outmaneuvering law enforcement, dodging an officer who had jumped atop an emergency response vehicle, and ducking under yellow caution tape as it galloped down the middle of a street and onto a sidewalk. [NATL] Unbelievable Animal Stories: Dog Befriends Abandoned Baby Giraffe Cows escaped slaughterhouses at least twice last year, in January and April. In the second case, comedian Jon Stewart took possession of the bull and transferred it to an animal sanctuary he owns. In Memoriam: Famous Animals We Lost in 2016 What to Know The threat comes amid a rash of bomb threats targeting Jewish community centers across the country; 10 were evacuated Monday alone The ADL says it's working with authorities to determine if the threat it received Wednesday was connected to the others Officials say there's nothing to indicate it was any more than a threat The Anti-Defamation League's national headquarters in New York received a bomb threat Wednesday, and the group says it is working with authorities to determine if it is connected to the rash of threats targeting Jewish community centers across the country in recent months. The bomb threat to the Third Avenue office was anonymous, according to ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. Greenblatt said while there is nothing to indicate the threat is anything more than that, the group is taking it "very seriously." The specific nature of the threat wasn't immediately clear. Police say they got a call about it shortly before noon. An investigation found it not credible. "It's a frightening moment and it reminds us that the haters and the bigots, they hide in the shadows like cowards and they seek to terrorize us because of our faith," Greenblatt said on MSNBC Wednesday. "We will not be deterred and we will not be daunted." The threat comes two days after 10 Jewish community centers across the country were evacuated in response to bomb threats. In January, another round of bomb threats targeted 53 Jewish community centers across 26 U.S. states and one Canadian province over a period of three days. The FBI is involved in the investigation, and the ADL has called on U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to launch a coordinated multi-agency probe. In the wake of the threat to the ADL, Gov. Cuomo called the pattern a "national crisis" and directed the New York State Police to coordinate with federal and local law enforcement in the investigation. "We are treating these incidents for what they are -- as crimes -- and we will not allow them to go unpunished," Cuomo said in a statement. "Make no mistake, we will find these perpetrators and hold them fully accountable." President Donald Trump addressed the series of JCC bomb threats for the first time Tuesday, calling them "horrible and painful." The remarks came amid mounting criticism about his silence. Earlier Tuesday, Hillary Clinton called the series of threats and attacks against Jews and Jewish groups "so troubling" in a tweet that urged Trump to speak out against them. Trump added that the threats were a "very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil." Transgender students in Philadelphias public schools will continue to be able to use bathrooms based on their gender identity, despite the Trump administrations decision to lift the transgender bathroom guidance. "The School District of Philadelphia remains a safe and welcoming place of inclusion for all our students, School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Dr. William Hite wrote in a statement. Every student deserves to know their rights will be recognized and upheld at school. This announcement will not change any school district policy or city law that protects our students." On Wednesday the Trump administration ended federal protections for transgender students that instructed schools to allow them to use bathrooms and locker rooms matching their gender identities. The administration came down on the side of states' rights, lifting federal guidelines that had been issued by the Obama administration and characterized by Republicans as a legal overreach. The Obama administration implemented the policy in an effort to prevent discrimination, citing federal Title IX laws. While not bound by law, the Obama administration said that schools that didnt comply could lose federal funding. Without the Obama directive, it will be up to states and school districts to interpret federal anti-discrimination law and determine whether students should have access to restrooms in accordance with their expressed gender identity and not just their biological sex. Last June the Philadelphia School Reform Commission aligned with Obamas directive and guidance to districts and established a policy allowing students to use bathrooms based on their gender identity. Pennsylvania is an inclusive commonwealth, said Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf. I want Pennsylvania to be a place where everyone feels welcome. Pennsylvania's top prosecutor estimates that legal bills stemming from his convicted predecessor's actions cost about $3.6 million. Attorney General Josh Shapiro told a state Senate Appropriations Committee hearing Wednesday that his staff had tallied the costs related to former Attorney General Kathleen Kane. Kane resigned last year after being convicted of leaking secret grand jury information and lying about it. She's been sentenced to 10 to 23 months, but is free on bail while she appeals. Shapiro says the biggest cost was $1.8 million for a law firm's review of the use of the office's computers to swap lewd jokes, pornographic images and similar material. The agency also spent $790,000 on civil settlements, $877,000 to fight employee lawsuits and $191,000 on legal representation for the office's employees at Kane's trial. [[238427591, C]] For the second time in less than a month, a Main Line school is dealing with a sexual investigation on campus. This time, Radnor Township Police allege Presbyterian Children's Village direct care staff member Maya Johnson showed sexually provocative content to minors and showed her bare buttocks to students at the school on Roberts Road in Rosemont, Pennsylvania. Radnor investigators began looking into the allegations on Feb. 9 after being alerted by The Villages human resources department the school had fired Johnson. Police interviewed two minors and one 18-year-old victim, according to a criminal complaint obtained by NBC10. One juvenile told investigators that Johnson, 35, showed her a photo on Johnsons cellphone in January that showed the employee dressed in lingerie her breasts partially exposed. The child didnt feel comfortable having an adult show her the photo so she told a counselor who notified Child Line, police said. The 18-year-old told investigators Johnson showed her the same photo last month. The 18-year-old also claimed Johnson flashed her buttocks to a group of students, police said. Further investigation revealed Johnson also showed a cellphone video of herself masturbating to the two minors, police said. Johnson told the girls she had sent the video to her boyfriend, police said. The girls and the 18-year-old all said they felt uncomfortable being shown the sexual images and the flashing. [[238427591, C]] Police charged Johnson with corruption of minors and disorderly conduct. As of Wednesday afternoon, the case wasn't listed on online court records. This incident came just weeks after The Village teacher Nina Scott was charged with repeatedly sexually assaulting a former student on and off campus. The Village released a statement Thursday stating gratitude for residents coming forward in the Johnson case. "For 140 years, The Village has provided care for children and families in our community," the school said. "We are grateful that our residents immediately alerted us to the behavior of this former employee. Their actions enabled us to act swiftly in terminating her and immediately reporting their allegations to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services ChildLine. The Radnor Police then began an investigation with the assistance of the involved residents and our staff. We have fully cooperated with the investigation and have reaffirmed to the Radnor Police that they have our full support as they proceed with this case." When it comes time to leave public life, some politicians disappear gently into that dark night. Others burn out fantastically, whether through indictment or embarrassment. And then there are those politicians who linger, like the garlic taste from last nights marinara, unable to depart from the public eye. For this last category, every place has one: If Pennsylvania has Ed Rendell, then Montgomery County has Bruce Castor Jr. The former district attorney and county commissioner from Lower Salford Township has popped up everywhere in the last year: the Cosby case, Attorney General Josh Shapiros last meeting as commissioner, the Kathleen Kane fiasco, and as a Centre County special prosecutor of all places. The man has been prodigious in his ability to remain in the limelight -- all despite the fact he retired from public service last January. This week, he reappeared again on a midday television series called "Crime Watch Daily." The syndicated show hosted by Chris Hansen of NBC's "To Catch a Predator" notoriety featured a long segment on the case of Rafael Robb, the murderer released from prison in January for beating his wife to death in their Upper Merion home in 2006. Robbs case captivated Montgomery County and southeastern Pennsylvania for its brutality and for Robb's high-profile position as an economist at the University of Pennsylvania. He was a nationally-renowned expert in game theory. Castor often alluded to Robbs intelligence throughout the investigation and trial, with a catchphrase that he again utilized in the Crime Watch report: They are still amateur killers, and were professional catchers of killers. At the heart of the Robb case, however, remains the suffering that Ellen Gregory Robbs family has endured since her death. Their pain centers on the fact that Rafael Robb pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter instead of facing first-degree murder at trial. The manslaughter plea came with a sentence of three-and-a-half to 20 years, whereas the murder charge would have meant life in prison. Castor says in the crime show that he believed Robb killed his wife in a crime of passion and that the act was not premediated. He also says he didnt think the judge would sentence Robb to only five to 10 years. I argued that the facts and circumstances warranted the maximum sentence of 20 years, Castor says on the show. The judge didnt agree and imposed a 10-year term. I didnt expect him to do that. Attorneys who subsequently sued Rafael Robb on behalf of his daughter, Olivia, won the now 22-year-old woman a massive $124 million judgment, though they admitted on the show that Rafael Robb is believed to have assets of about $3-4 million. Still, the attorneys, renowned Philadelphia litigants Robert Mongeluzzi and Andrew Duffy, continue to argue that the murder was premeditated. Despite their arguments, Robb is free after 10 years. His future is up in the air, with court filings suggesting he wants to relocate to Pittsburgh -- or perhaps stay in Montgomery County. As for Castor, his future would seem to be more set in stone. He practices law with an Ardmore firm that now includes his name in its title, Rogers Castor, and he still works as a special prosecutor for the Centre County District Attorney's Office. But the future can be a hard thing to predict. Several months after his Montgomery County "retirement" last January, Castor popped up rather spectacularly in Kanes controversy-riddled Attorney Generals Office. And he then surprisingly slid into the top job for a few months when Kane resigned. Reached by phone Thursday, the talkative lawyer said he is done with elected office. But... "There's always the chance somebody, sometime will ask if I can serve on a commission here or an appointment there. Ill do it if i think its helpful," he said. "But those are temporary gigs, designed to produce one product or one result. I dont want to get stuck in any elected office." Unprompted, he even suggested an intriguing short-term gig -- which doesn't actually exist...yet. "For example, if the (state) Supreme Court said go down to the Philadelphia DAs office and clean it up pending the election" later this year, he said. So it is for some longtime politicians like Castor: Burning out or fading away arent the only options. Sticking around, always looming just off center stage, is an ambition unto itself, whether or not the audience wants to hear any more lines from your character. Brian X. McCrones columns will appear each Thursday in NBC10.coms Montgomery County News section. In addition to the columns, McCrone and his colleagues at NBC10.com and NBC10 provide daily news and feature stories on Montco. Reach out to him at brian.mccrone@nbcuni.com or (610)668-5540. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook. A former police officer in Montgomery County allegedly shot a 15-year-old during what police are calling a road rage encounter. Owen Farmer III allegedly shot the girl Saturday outside his home after the car she was a passenger in ran over his foot, police in Upper Gwynedd Township said Thursday. Farmer is charged with two counts of aggravated assault and other charges. The incident allegedly began during an encounter between Farmers 20-year-old stepdaughter, driving a 2014 Ford Escape, on North Wales Road in Montgomeryville and the driver of a BMW X5, Upper Gwynedd police said in a criminal complaint obtained by NBC10. On the night of the encounter, the stepdaughter told investigators she passed the BMW after its driver appeared to be turning off the roadway. The BMW driver allegedly then honked the horn and flashed the headlights, to which Farmer's stepdaughter responded giving the BMW driver the middle finger, the stepdaughter told police. The BMW driver then allegedly chased Farmer's stepdaughter through North Wales Borough. While driving toward her home on Second Street in the West Point section of Upper Gwynedd, the woman called Farmer, told him she was being followed and said he needed to come outside with his gun, she told police. As the 20-year-old pulled into the driveway, Farmer ran out toward the BMW in the street, asking the driver what the f*@k? the stepdaughter told police. Farmer moved toward the back of the BMW, as the driver began to drive away, the stepdaughter told police. Farmer said she ran over my foot, according to the criminal complaint. As the BMW driver fled the scene, Farmer fired three shots, striking the back of the car, police said. When officers arrived just before 10 p.m., they found Farmer hold his Glock model 23, .40 caliber pistol seated outside the home, police said. Medics transported Farmer, 45, to Lansdale Hospital where doctors treated him for a broken foot. The next day, detectives interviewed a woman who claimed to be the driver of the BMW. She told investigators that she was driving her husband and 15-year-old daughter toward their Lansdale home when a driver began tailgating her and then flipped her off. She told police she followed the car into a neighborhood, investigators said. The driver said that as she began to drive away from the area, she saw a man holding a gun then heard the rear glass of her car shatter. She then drove her daughter to Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia since the girl complained of pain. Doctors at Einstein treated the girl for a gunshot wound to her back, police said. The bullet went through the car window and through a headrest and a seat before striking the girl, police said. Police interviewed Farmer Sunday and he told them he received a call from his stepdaughter that she was being followed so he grabbed his gun and went outside, the police complaint said. Farmer admitted to confronting the driver and firing three times at her vehicle. NBC10's Randy Gyllenhaal reached Farmer's family and attorney for comment. Farmer's family confirmed that Farmer is a retired member of the Upper Gwynedd Township Police Department. According to his Linkedin profile, Farmer is also a former Pennsylvania Army National Guard sergeant. He served nine years (2001-2010) as a patrolman/traffic safety officer for the Upper Gwynedd Police Department. A judge arraigned Farmer Tuesday on two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of simple assault and three counts of reckless endangerment and set bail at $50,000, court records said. A search of online court records didn't list any charges for either driver involved in the alleged road rage incident. [[238427591, C]] Police are trying to find a man who vandalized an ice sculpture during a Winterfest celebration in eastern Pennsylvania. Surveillance video posted on Facebook by Dreher Insurance in Stroudsburg shows a man walking past a sculpture about 7:40 p.m. Saturday, then toppling it to the ground and running off screen. Businesses along Stroudsburg's Main Street paid $260 each for some 30 sculptures displayed along the sidewalks. Stroud Area Regional Police say they've received no other reports about ice sculpture vandalism. But they say whoever damaged the Dreher-sponsored statue could be charged with criminal mischief. Ted Butz, the insurance agent at Dreher, tells WNEP-TV it's not nice to victimize businesses who pay the money to bring people downtown for Winterfest. [[414500383, c]] A womans car went flying 50 feet down a ravine in San Diegos College Area Wednesday after she reportedly hit a pothole. The crash was reported just after 10:45 a.m. at 54th Street and Montezuma Road. The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) sent officers to the scene; the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) helped rescue the woman from the car. She is expected to survive, authorities said. It is believe the woman struck a pothole, which caused her to lose control of her car and veer off the roadway. [[414520603,C]] Resident Armand Cantarini, who has lived in the area for 42 years, heard the commotion in his neighborhood and rushed outside to see what was happening. I heard all the sirens going off and a helicopter, he told NBC 7. Soon, he realized there had been a bad accident in the ravine. Cantarini said drivers frequently speed in that area, and more enforcement is needed. Just goes to show, they need to look for more of these potholes in the city, he added, saying he has never seen a crash quite like this in his neighborhood. No one else was hurt. A Southern California airplane broker has pleaded guilty in a scheme to launder money and buy airplanes that would be used by Mexican cartels to ferry drugs. Hector Hernandez of Wilmington entered pleas Tuesday in San Diego to federal conspiracy charges. He could face up to 30 years in prison. Hernandez owned Pacific Coast Aero, located at the Torrance airport. In a plea agreement, Hernandez acknowledged helping arrange the purchase of seven small planes for export to Mexico, along with parts such as extra fuel tanks and heavy-duty tires. Hernandez believed the money came from drug trafficking and the planes were intended for smuggling. A co-defendant, Vicente Contreras-Amezquita, faces trial for allegedly stashing $3 million in dozens of U.S. bank accounts in order to buy some 35 planes. Police on campuses in the California State University system will not help federal officials enforce immigration law, the chancellor reminded students in a memo Wednesday. Chancellor Timothy White emailed students, staff and alumni of the CSU system including those at San Diego State University to say the systems policy regarding immigration enforcement has not changed regardless of a recent directive from Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly. Millions of people living in the United States illegally could be targeted for deportation including people simply arrested for traffic violations under a sweeping rewrite of immigration enforcement policies the Trump administration announced Tuesday. Our university police departments will not honor immigration hold requests, White said. [Campus police] will not contact, detain, question or arrest individuals solely on the basis of being - or suspected of being a person who lacks documentation." While calling the new federal directive complex and informing CSU staff and students that he is reviewing the potential impact, White also said the university system will not partner with law enforcement agencies to enforce federal immigration law. We do advise any member of our CSU community students, faculty and staff who is approached while on campus by federal, state or local officials asking for information or documentation regarding immigration status, to immediately contact the University Police Department, his memo states. Campus police will then serve as a liaison, White said. White also assured students under the existing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) that the new DHS direction does not affect them. Read the entire email here. San Diego State University's Vice President for Student Affairs Eric Rivera also issued a statement offering information for undocumented immigrants who may have concerns. A students immigration status is considered part of the educational records and is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), he writes said. "All members of the campus community should respect the privacy and sensitivity of these matters," Rivera said. He offered services of SDSU's Office of Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) as well as Counseling and Psychological Services to those concerned about themselves or their families. Read Rivera's entire email here. According to Homeland Security Department memos signed by Kelly, any immigrant who is in the country illegally and is charged or convicted of any offense, or even suspected of a crime, will now be an enforcement priority. That could include people arrested for shoplifting or minor offenses or simply having crossed the border illegally. Under the Obama administration guidance, immigrants whose only violation was being in the country illegally were generally left alone. Those immigrants fall into two categories: those who crossed the border without permission and those who overstayed their visas. Crossing the border illegally is a criminal offense, and the new memos make clear that those who have done so are included in the broad list of enforcement priorities. Overstaying a visa is a civil, not criminal, offense. Those who do so are not specifically included in the priority list but, under the memos, they are still more likely to face deportation than they had been before. Family members of a 23-year-old woman who's body was found dumped in unincorporated Escondido said they are relieved an arrest has been made, but are still struggling with why her life was taken in the first place. Dian Cruz, cousin of the victim, Antonia Herrera told NBC 7, the two shared a very special bond. "We were two weeks apart so we were very close. We had the same friends," Cruz said. The victim's family and friends knew her simply as "Toni." Toni was raised by her grandmother but most recently lived in a transitional group foster home in the San Marcos area. She also spent time in Las Vegas. Authorities said it was when Toni was driving back from Las Vegas with a group of people on Jan. 11, that she was shot inside the car. Her body was dumped along Champagne Boulevard, just off Interstate 15. Her body were found the next day. Paul Castro, 27, is suspected of pulling the trigger and arrested on Tuesday. "During that trip back to San Diego, very near the area where her body was found, Mr. Castro shot and killed Antonia," said Lt. Kenn Nelson with the San Diego County Sheriffs Department. Authorities said Castro a known gang member and an acquaintance of Toni's, acted alone. Meanwhile, Toni's family is still in a state of shock. "She was just such a lovable person. I don't know what she could have said or have done to deserve this, nobody does. It's just so unreal to us still," Cruz said. Detectives don't have a motive for Toni's murder at this time. Castro is currently in police custody in Las Vegas. He most likely will soon be extradited back to San Diego in the coming weeks to face the murder charge. San Diego Democrats are clamoring for answers from local representatives about what they can do to preserve their voice on Capitol Hill. Congressmembers Susan Davis (D-53rd Dist.) and Scott Peters (D-52nd Dist.) held a workshop Wednesday night to address constituents questions at Liberty Station. Approximately 700 people attended the Town Hall at Corky McMillin Companies Event Center to have their voices heard. Local democrats said they feared their voices are falling on deaf ears in Washington. "I want my elected officials to feel enraged and I want to see it in your actions, attendee Madeleine Falco said. Peters and Davis invited constituents to a workshop with the objective of politically empowering them. My style is not to yell. That doesn't mean I am any less passionate about fixing this country. I dedicated my life to it, Congressman Peters said. The town hall, dubbed "Don't Agonize, Galvanize", offered voters a tutorial on sharing their thoughts on social media, participating in demonstrations and other grassroots opportunities to influence Washington leadership. Top of mind issues at the town hall was immigration and the Affordable Care Act. "Healthcare is a fundamental human right, one participant proclaimed. "What we can do to is give opportunities to people to get jobs that pay well to get an education so they can compete in this economy. Give everybody the same shot that I got no matter race, color, or creed," Congressman Peters said. With Congress in recess and San Diego representatives back in their respective districts for the first time since President Donald Trump's inauguration, it has proved to be a politically charged week. Not all San Diego representatives are holding town Hall meetings, but this was Congressman Peters' second. The streetlights in San Diego are about to get a high-tech makeover, with the deployment of 3,200 smart sensors, announced Mayor Kevin Faulconer. At a conference held in East Village at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Mayor Faulconer explained the city is partnering with GE to work on a project unique to San Diego. It will be one of the largest 'Internet of Things' platforms in the world, according to the city. "This technology is powerful. Downtown visitors will be able to find parking easily and in real time using a smart phone, and the environmental and transportation data will help Downtown to meet the goals of the Climate Action Plan. This is a huge win for San Diego," said Kris Michell, the President and CEO of the Downtown San Diego Partnership, in a statement. The smart streetlights will reduce energy costs by 60 percent in the city. With the sensors, the streetlights will transform into a connected digital network that can maximize efficiency for parking and traffic, as well as support public safety and track air quality. City officials say the sensors can use real-time anonymous sensor data to direct drivers to open parking spaces, help first responders in emergencies, track carbon emissions and identify intersections that can be made safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Moreover, the City will replace 14,000 streetlights with more energy efficient versions, according to the city. The improved version allows for dimming and brightening in public venues manually or automatically, with regards to natural light conditions. It will also reduce energy costs by $2.4 million annually. "We're honored to be part of this historic transformation," said Maryrose Sylvester, President and CEO of Current, powered by GE, in a statement. "We have a proud history of helping San Diego proactively save energy through efficient lighting, and now we're expanding that same infrastructure beyond energy into a new realm of intelligence." The project is expected to be completed by fall 2018, but installation of the new lights will begin this summer across the city. Although the city will start with 3,200 sensor nodes, there is potential to expand to another 3,000 points later. MiraCosta College introduced a free tuition program on Wednesday which includes providing money for instructional supplies for students. MiraCosta Promise will provide full tuition for a year and money for textbooks and other school supplies for eligible students who commit to the program's requirements. To be eligible, students must fulfill the following requirements: Graduate from an accredited high school near the MiraCosta Community College District in spring 2017 Apply to attend MiraCosta College for fal of 2017 and 2018 semesters and enroll in 12 units or more California resident Fill out FAFSA or Dream Act application by May 11, 2017 Recipients of the program will be notified by May 19. A 30-year-old woman from out of town went missing near the Sunset Cliffs area of San Diego on Sunday morning, San Diego Police (SDPD) said. Amanda Cruse had arrived in San Diego on Saturday, Feb. 18 and visited Sunset Cliffs. Police said the next morning, she may have gone back to the area of Sunset Cliffs and Monaco Street to take photographs of the sunset. She is described to be 5-foot-3, 115 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Cruse was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, blue jeans and black, white converse shoes. Anyone with information is asked to call SDPD at (619)531-2000. Vandals are targeting cars in two different neighborhoods, after reports of 22 cars that had tires slashed in La Mesa. Several cars in the Kensington and Talmadge neighborhoods of San Diego were vandalized. NBC 7 spoke to some victims, who voiced their frustration and anger over a possible serial slasher targeting their vehicles and costing them hundreds of dollars. "People had to go to work. People had to take their children someplace. People take their family members to doctor appointments," said Kensington resident Jocelyn Hough. "No one could do anything." Hough said one of the tires on her car was slashed and two on her neighbor's car. She added that she doesn't understand what the vandals are gaining from slashing tires--saying that it's not as if they are stealing anything. Residents told NBC 7, at least six cars were targeted overnight Monday on three different streets in Kensington. Ray Keyes, a Talmadge resident, said he came outside his home to find that his truck had a flat tire. "My belief is what goes around comes around. If they do those kinds of things as way of life they don't do well in life," Keyes said. In La Mesa, at least 22 cars were vandalized Tuesday morning along four streets, the La Mesa Police Department (LMPD) confirmed. They began receiving several phone calls around 6:30 a.m. reporting vandalism to vehicles parked on Harbison, Stanford, Cornell and Harvard avenues. According to investigators, the suspects used an unknown sharp object to puncture or slash the tires of cars parked in the area. La Mesa Police said the vandalism appears to be a random act; no arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing and police are looking into whether the crimes in La Mesa, Kensington and Talmadge are related. Seeking to tamp down growing unease in Latin America, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly pledged Thursday that America won't enlist its military to enforce immigration laws and that there will be "no mass deportations." Only hours earlier, President Donald Trump suggested the opposite. He told CEOs at the White House the deportation push was a "military operation." Kelly, speaking in Mexico's capital, said all deportations will honor human rights and follow the U.S. legal system. He said that includes multiple appeals offered to those facing deportation. Kelly said the U.S. approach will involve "close coordination" with Mexico's government. "There will be no use of military forces in immigration," Kelly said. "There will be no repeat, no mass deportations." Yet while Kelly and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson tried to alleviate Mexico's concerns, Trump was fanning them further with tough talk about "getting really bad dudes out of this country at a rate nobody has ever seen before." "It's a military operation," Trump said Thursday while his envoys were in Mexico City. "Because what has been allowed to come into our country, when you see gang violence that you've read about like never before and all of the things, much of that is people who are here illegally." It was an altogether different message and tone from Kelly and Tillerson, who traveled here to meet with top Mexican officials at a time of intense turbulence for U.S.-Mexico relations. Indeed, Trump acknowledged he had sent his top diplomat south of the border on a "tough trip." In contrast to Trump, Tillerson and Kelly focused on what they described as a solid U.S. commitment to work closely with Mexico on border security, illegal immigration and trafficking of drugs and weapons issues Trump has made a central focus of his young presidency, much to Mexico's dismay. Both Tillerson and Kelly appeared to downplay any major rift between the U.S. and Mexico. "In a relationship filled with vibrant colors, two strong sovereign countries from time to time will have differences," Tillerson said. "We listened closely and carefully to each other as we respectfully and patiently raised our respective concerns." For Mexico, that patience appeared to be running short. Foreign Relations Secretary Luis Videgaray noted the "public and notorious differences" between the countries and said the Mexicans had raised the "legal impossibility" of a government making "unilateral" decisions affecting another country. Videgaray has previously raised the prospect Mexico could seek recourse at the United Nations or elsewhere for U.S. moves violating international law. "It is an evident fact that Mexicans feel concern and irritation over what are perceived as policies that may hurt Mexicans and the national interest of Mexicans here and abroad," Videgaray said. Mexico has been incensed that the U.S. announced without Mexico's sign-off that people caught crossing the border illegally will be sent back to Mexico even those from third countries who have no connection to Mexico. Interior Secretary Miguel Angel Osorio Chong, Kelly's Mexican counterpart, said that concern had come up, too. Both countries said it was positive that the neighbors remained committed to working through the disputes diplomatically, though there were no indications they were any closer to a resolution. As the Americans wrapped up their Mexico visit, they remained at odds with their hosts over the deportations and over the massive border wall Trump has vowed to construct at Mexico's expense. Trump spoke during the presidential campaign about using a "deportation force," and his Homeland Security Department at one point considered using the National Guard to help with deportations, although the White House has said that idea has been ruled out. The Homeland Security Department didn't immediately respond to requests to clarify why Trump's remark about "a military operation" had conflicted with that of Kelly, who blamed the media for "misreporting." At the White House, spokesman Sean Spicer said Trump hadn't been speaking literally. He said Trump used the "military operation" phrase "as an adjective" to describe the precision with which immigration enforcement was being carried out. Tillerson and Kelly were meeting behind closed doors with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto before returning to Washington. Pena Nieto recently canceled a trip to Washington over Trump's insistence that Mexico pay for the wall. It has not been rescheduled. In addition to sending border-crossers from third countries into Mexico, new memos signed by Kelly this week prioritize deportation for anyone charged or convicted of any crime, rather than just serious crimes. That potentially subjects millions in the U.S. illegally to deportation, including many Mexicans. Those policies have raised fears in Mexico about the possibility of deportee and refugee camps emerging along Mexico's northern border. Mexican officials were also apprehensive that a forthcoming report ordered by Trump's administration listing all current U.S. aid to Mexico is intended to threaten Mexico into compliance over immigration or the wall. Mexico has also raised concerns about Trump's pledge to overhaul the trade relationship and possibly apply steep taxes to Mexican products, a move with profound impacts for Mexico's export-heavy economy. Tillerson said the leaders had agreed the trade relationship needed to be modernized and strengthened. As many as 130,000 D.C.-area students are in schools that don't have clear guidelines for how officers should interact with kids and teens on school grounds, according to a News4 I-Team and NBC News analysis of policing and arrests in school districts in the DMV and nationwide. The most recent numbers available from the U.S. Department of Education showed 65,000 arrests in schools across the country during the 2013-2014 academic year, and a disproportionate amount of those arrests happened in Maryland. Even though the state ranked 19th in school enrollment size compared to all other states, Maryland was 10th in the nation for the number of students arrested. Nationwide, the numbers also showed black students and students with disabilities were almost three times as likely to be arrested compared to their peers. '311, Not 911' Don Bridges heads the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), which trains law enforcement officers to work in schools, and also serves as a school resource officer in Baltimore County. He told the I-Team escalating too many on-campus incidents to an arrest level is a problem. "Most issues within the school are not 911, they're 311," Bridges said. "If there is something that is of a criminal nature that occurs within the school, we handle it, but that does not mean that has to lead to criminal charges." Education and justice activists have pointed to in-school arrests, expulsions, suspensions and other punitive actions in meting out school discipline as contributors to the "school-to-prison pipeline." "We have to make sure that our officers understand that the way our schoolhouse is policed is far different from the strategies that you use on the street," Bridges said, adding that training police to serve as mentors and educators in schools is paramount to everyone's success. Lack of Guidelines Can Be 'a Disaster' School Resource Officer Steve Radtke said he received special training to work with students in Frederick County Public Schools. "A majority of the time when there's an issue going on, you walk in, you deescalate the situation, and it goes through pretty easily," he said as the I-Team shadowed him on duty in February. The district also has an agreement with the police department, known as a memorandum of understanding, or MOU. That document specifies when and how officers should respond to incidents on school grounds and makes clear school staff should always respond first to any violations of school policy. "I've never had to put handcuffs on a student in a school setting," Radtke said, in between greeting students and teachers in the hallways of West Frederick Middle School. "There's so much intervention before that would even take place." An MOU is key for any successful school resource officer program, Bridges said. "That becomes your playbook that lays out specifically what the roles are," he said. "If you don't have that done appropriately, it is a disaster, and that is what you don't want." Last fall, President Barack Obama's administration issued a memo to all school districts urging them to get those guidelines in place if they didn't already exist for their school resource officers. The I-Team asked a dozen of the area's largest public school districts if they have MOU agreements in place with their local police departments. D.C., Montgomery County, Frederick County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Calvert County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Arlintgon County and Alexandria City all provided their MOUs. Prince George's County Public Schools, which has a current enrollment of more than 130,000 students, did not provide an MOU. A PGCPS spokesperson told the I-Team: "PGCPS security staff is currently working with our PGPD partners to draft a formal Memorandum of Understanding to guide efforts moving forward, as is currently practiced with other school district partners. The MOU is expected to be complete this spring." Focusing on Relationships While Bridges and NASRO promote training and MOUs as crucial components of any school resource officer program, Bridges also stressed the importance of an officer's personal investment in getting to know students. "Our title is 'school resource officer,' but it could very easily be 'school relationships officer,'" Bridges said. "Without a relationship [with students and staff], none of this works." Officer Radtke agrees and said he's gotten to know a lot of students well during his five years with the force. "When I'm mad or something and I go to the office, he's there to calm me down and everything," one eighth-grader at West Frederick Middle School said about her interactions with Radtke. "Seeing him, you feel protected." "The kids don't see you as just an enforcer," Radtke said. "You're almost putting a hat on as a counselor, as a friend." More Analysis The News4 I-Team worked with NBC News and NBC-owned stations in crunching the numbers from the U.S. Department of Education on school discipline and arrests. You can see more about how your state and district compare to others here. If you have a school discipline issue you want the I-Team to look into, contact us by filling out this form. Reported by Scott MacFarlane; produced by Ashley Brown, Ron Campbell and Rick Yarborough; shot and edited by Jeff Piper, with additional shooting by Steve Jones. Data visualization designed and developed by Nelson Hsu, Vaughn Hagerty, Nina Lin and Jessica Glazer. What to Know Six suspects have been arrested in the death of Christian Sosa Rivas, whose body was found Jan. 12. Warrants revealed that he'd styled himself as a leader of a local gang clique, a claim that didn't sit well with other gang leaders. Documents show a teen girl -- who was slain weeks after Sosa Rivas was killed -- was one of the last people to see him alive. Six people have been arrested in connection with the Prince William County gang murder of a 21-year-old man, whose death investigation also led police to uncover the murder of a 15-year-old girl. Search warrant documents show the girl -- who was slain less than a month after Christian Sosa Rivas was killed -- was one of the last people to see him alive. Sosa Rivas' body was found Jan. 12 along the Potomac River near Dumfries, Virginia. Four men were arrested Thursday in Pennsylvania and are charged with murder. Three were identified: Edgar Oswaldo Blanco Torres, Jose Martir Larios Espenal and Samuel Enrique Villalobos Sanchez. Police did not release the name of the fourth, who is a minor. Also, two female suspects, Angelica Maria Blanco and Keyri Sujey Portillo Gonzalez, were arrested Feb. 12 near Baltimore. They face charges of conspiracy to commit a felony. Search warrant documents reveal police are investigating the possibility that Sosa Rivas was killed in early January by MS-13 gang members. Police have connected his death to the slaying of a Gaithersburg teen, 15-year-old Damaris Alexandra Reyes Rivas, whose body was found Feb. 11 in a Fairfax County park. Police say she had been kidnapped and killed. Police said Sosa Rivas also had a relationship with 17-year-old Venus Iraheta, who had been missing for a month before she returned to her family's Fairfax County home last week and was taken into custody in connection with Reyes Rivas' death. A search warrant filed in court revealed that Sosa Rivas' was claiming to be a leader of a local clique of the gang MS-13 -- which didn't sit well with other gang leaders. "Local MS13 clique leaders began contacting the victim and questioning his rank," a search warrant read. Police believe those leaders then used the social media accounts "of female associates in an effort to lure out unsuspecting victims." According to the search warrant, police believe Sosa Rivas was lured away from his normal surroundings and murdered. The investigation into Sosa Rivas' death led police to uncover the slaying of the 15-year-old Reyes Rivas, who had been missing from her home in Gaithersburg since December. Detectives began to uncover the murder of the girl while attending a multi-jurisdiction briefing Jan. 25 led by Prince George's County Police, said Fairfax Police Chief Edwin Roessler during a press conference last week. During the January event, authorities determined that two missing juveniles from Fairfax County were "indirectly linked by association" to Sosa Rivas, whose body had been found just two weeks before. A total of 10 suspects were arrested last week in connection with the girl's abduction and death. Among them, five -- an 18-year-old, a 21-year-old and three juveniles -- are facing charges of murder, abduction and gang participation. Five more suspects -- two 18-year-olds and three juveniles -- have been charged with abduction and gang participation in that case. Bao Bao and her panda team arrived safely in China. Aboard the FedEx Panda Express, Bao Bao, her keeper Marty Dearie and Dr. Katharine Hope arrived at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport around 5:59 a.m. EST. After a 16-hour direct flight aboard the custom-decaled 777F aircraft, Bao Bao ate, drank and slept normally during the flight, according to a statement made by the Smithsonians National Zoo. Bao Bao was a real champion during the flight, Dearie said in a statement. All the weeks of training and preparation served her really well. Shes in excellent hands now and Im glad I get to transition with our Chinese partners and have my goodbye in a couple days. Once she arrived in Chengdu, Bao Baos new keepers from the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda drove her to Dujiangyan Panda Base, a temporary home where she will stay in quarantine for about 30 days. It has not yet been confirmed whether she will stay there after the quarantine period ends. Dearie will stay with Bao Bao for three days while she gets used to her new surroundings. Bao Bao will enter the giant panda breeding program once she reaches sexual maturity, which is between 5 and 6 years old. The National Zoo is helping Bei Bei make the transition into moving into Bao Baos old yard. At 18 months old, Bei Bei will begin to separate from his mother Mei Xiang, as is customary for giant panda cubs at this age. Mei Xiang and Bei Bei had their first opportunity to spend time together in Bao Baos old yard Wednesday. If Bei Bei becomes familiar with this yard while he is still living with his mother, the transition to living on his own will run much smoother, the zoo said. Everything went well Wednesday morning. Police say a man fatally shot another man in Frederick, Maryland, during an altercation and then barricaded himself in a nearby garage for more than two hours before surrendering. Frederick Police responded to the report of a shooting in the 400 block of W. South Street about 10 p.m. Wednesday. They said an altercation appeared to have begun inside an apartment and then continued outside. The suspect, 62-year-old Richard Jerome Harriday, pulled out a handgun and shot the victim once in the upper body, police said. The victim has been identified as Zachary Winters, 28, of the 400 block of W. South Street. Police said Harriday fled the scene and went to a garage located off Hoffman's Alley, where he locked himself inside for about two hours. Harriday spoke with Frederick Police Department negotiators during the barricade incident and surrendered to authories, authorities said. Harriday was taken into custody and is awaiting a court appearance. He is facing charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, using a handgun in the commission of a violent crime, and having a handgun on his person. An advocacy group for civil aviation is spreading its wings to welcome drone pilots. The Frederick-based Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association said in a statement Tuesday it's creating new membership options for what it calls "remote pilots" of unmanned aircraft. President Mark Baker says drone pilots are looking for a trusted source to help them learn about regulations and issues, protect their licenses and get the most out of flying. The Federal Aviation Administration created a drone registration system this year, and began issuing commercial drone pilot licenses in August. Activists opposed to President Donald Trump interrupted a public meeting Wednesday and called on Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan to take a stand against his policies. Three women interrupted the Board of Public Works meeting to ask why the Republican governor wasn't speaking out against Trump. Samantha Easton of Easton, Maryland, rose from her seat during the meeting and expressed concerns about repeal of the Affordable Care Act. "We are asking you to speak up against the current administration's agenda," Easton said in a video recorded by a Baltimore Sun reporter at the meeting. Hogan, who did not support Trump's candidacy and didn't vote for him, said he has met with the state's congressional delegation to talk about priorities in Washington, and health care was at the top of the list. "Actually, I've been providing tremendous leadership on this issue," Hogan said, noting that the meeting with the delegation took place in the same room where the board was meeting. Easton said: "We are not Washington. We are your constituents. We are you're people. Washington isn't concerned about us." Three women who interrupted the meeting and two others were escorted out, The Sun reported. They were not arrested. Doug Mayer, a spokesman for Hogan, noted that Comptroller Peter Franchot, who is a board member along with Hogan and Treasurer Nancy Kopp, began the meeting calling for a return to courteous discussion. "Comptroller Franchot began today's meeting calling for a return to civil political discourse and an end to the partisan rancor occurring on both sides _ and the governor couldn't agree more," Mayer said. "That said, the governor always appreciates hearing from his constituents, even when they disrupt state meetings and yell out their concerns." Wanted: 60 people willing to be bitten by mosquitoes to test a new kind of vaccine one that acts against the bugs' saliva. Rather than separate vaccines against Zika or other mosquito-borne diseases, the new approach aims to protect against multiple infections by triggering the immune system to rev up in response to the bite itself. The National Institutes of Health is recruiting volunteers for a safety study of the experimental vaccine, being developed by two London companies. Researchers at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases will give volunteers either vaccine or dummy shots. The volunteers must return later to NIH's Bethesda, Maryland, hospital to be bitten by mosquitoes through a special netted device. The mosquitoes are infection-free; researchers will track the volunteers' immune responses. A drug bust Friday in Attleboro, Massachusetts, netted more than 50 grams of cocaine, dozens of Xanax pills, marijuana and hundreds of dollars in cash. But it's who is accused of trafficking the drugs that has raised some eyebrows. Eighteen-year-old Georgia Stinchfield and her 16-year-old sister were arrested, along with 18-year-old Kyle Caldwell of Attleboro. Caldwell is quite literally a card-carrying member of the Boy Scouts of America. Police found that card in his wallet when they arrested him. "I find it very surprising that he would be involved in drug dealing," said Attleboro Police Captain James MacDonald. But according to court paperwork, this isn't Caldwell's first brush with the law. Attleboro police responded to his home on Wright Circle a dozen times since July 2016 for reports of drug dealing and other disturbances, including for allegedly assaulting his own mother just two weeks ago. Police want to warn other teens it's not worth it to get into a life of crime. "It's a very dangerous profession to be in. Drug dealing is very unsafe," MacDonald said. "Anything could happen and the risk and reward just doesnt add up." Caldwell had been released on personal recognizance for the assault charge, but he's now being held on $1,000 cash bail on the drug trafficking charges, which could mean up to 20 years in prison if convicted. A former Massachusetts man and former owner of a Boston-area jewelry chain who had been living in India for nearly 10 years has been arrested on charges that he tried to defraud the companys former lenders of more than $7 million. According to acting-U.S. Attorney William Weinreb, Raman Handa, 67, formerly of Lexington, was arrested Tuesday at the Los Angeles International Airport as he returned from India. A 2011 indictment unsealed Wednesday charges Handa with 12 counts of wire fraud. The indictment says Handa formerly owned Alpha Omega Jewelers. From May 2007 to December 2007, the chain went through financial troubles. Handa allegedly fabricated inventory reports for lenders in order to obtain larger loans. Handa fled the country with his family on Dec. 15, 2007. His lender took control of the company and discovered more than $7 million missing or unaccounted for inventory. Handa is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, California, on Friday. His first court date in the U.S. District Court in Boston, where charges were filed, has not yet been scheduled. During day two of a former New Hampshire student's hearing for a new trial, former attorneys delivered some powerful testimony. The high profile rape case against St. Paul's School graduate Owen Labrie made national headlines. In 2015, Labrie was charged with misdemeanor sex assault, but was acquitted on those felony forcible rape charges. Labrie was also charged with a felony for using a computer to lure an underage girl for sex. Wednesday's testimony started with his local counsel, Jaye Rancourt, on the stand, admitting her own failures during his trial. "No question, I should've come in the courtroom and told your honor there is a huge problem and trial shouldn't go on," she said. Rancourt was hired as co-counsel in 2015 by Owen Labrie's lead attorney, JW Carney, but was excused right before the trial started. On the stand Wednesday, she claimed Carney and his team were often unprepared for trial. "The way I describe it as, the train was off the tracks," she said. Labrie's new attorney, Robin Melone, is seeking a new trial using Rancourt to try and prove ineffective counsel. The prosecution asked Rancourt why she never spoke up. "I didn't want to scare him," she said. "Honest answer, I didn't want to freak him out." Prosecutor Katherine Ruffle called her first witness Wednesday afternoon. Carney's co-counsel, Sam Zaganjori, took the stand. He says the defense team did everything it could, making sure other, possibly damning, evidence was never admitted at trial. "There had been reports of potentially arguably inappropriate conduct with at least two other females, and we didn't want to open the door to that," he explained. "That was the main concern." During cross examination late Wednesday, Zaganjori was asked about his experience with New Hampshire law. He said this was the first time he had ever tried a case in the Granite State. When NBC Boston asked Ruffle whether she plans to put Carney on the stand, she said her team hadn't yet decided. When a loved one with dementia wanders away from home, families can become flustered as they try to find current pictures so that police can issue a Silver Alerts. Now some Massachusetts communities are turning to dementia registries, where families can register loved ones with the disease. The first thing a person will do is panic, said Hudson Police Officer Wendy LaFlamme. The registry will help police officers like LaFlamme have instant information like current photos if someone wanders off. If somebodys registered it can be a lot quicker for us to respond as police officers, said LaFlamme. A registry saves time because all of the information is at the ready if the missing person is registered. Hudson just started a registry weeks ago. Sixteen families have already signed up. You could call it an epidemic, said Kelli Calo of the Hudson Health Department. Were seeing it more and more often, especially with the baby boomers coming up. In Marlborough, applications for the citys registry just went live on Wednesday. In three years well have more people over 60 than under 18 in this community so its very, very important to us, said Trish Pope, executive director of the Marlborough Council on Aging. Louis Bibi, Jr. said his father lived with dementia for years. It got to the point where he needed someone with him 24 hours a day, said Bibi. He said he knows families will benefit from the registry because every minute counts when a loved one goes missing. Itll make it safer not only for the people with the dementia, but itll give the families a piece of mind, said Bibi. Some cities and town already have grants to become dementia-friendly communities. In Marlborough, theres a community wide meeting on the issue set for March 4. A Pittsfield, Massachusetts woman has been charged with driving drunk with a 4-year-old child in her car. The Berkshire Eagle reports that Tarisha Johnson was released on personal recognizance after pleading not guilty this week to operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor, child endangerment while operating under the influence, failure to stop and a lights violation. Police say the 37-year-old Johnson had a blood alcohol content of .18, more than twice the legal limit to drive. Johnson was arrested last week after police say she went through a blinking red light and crashed into another vehicle. Two people in the other car were hospitalized. The child in Johnson's car was not hurt. Johnson told police she had one drink hours before. A former special and auxiliary police officer is facing charges after police in Milford say he stalked at least three women and vandalized their homes and cars. Authorities say Domingo Spinney, of Milford, used a bogus profile on a dating website to arrange meetings with the women at restaurants in December. They say he hit on them when they thought they were being stood up, but was rejected each time. Police say he retaliated, slashing tires and throwing a brick through a window of a woman's home. Spinney pleaded not guilty on Tuesday. His lawyer, Philip Brown, tells The Sun Chronicle he can't comment on the allegations. Milford police Chief Thomas O' Laughlin tells WJAR-TV Spinney was a former auxiliary officer in his department and special police officer in Boston. Residents in Lowell, Massachusetts, are now taking precautions to protect their vehicles after several acts of vandalism were reported on Tuesday night. Police said eight vehicles had their windows smashed in an area off Nesmith Street. Resident John Gajda said a piece of concrete went through the window of his SUV. "It went through the window on one side and then went through the car and hit the door on the other side," Gajda explained. "I see a bunch of people out there, I run out and they said somebody was going around the neighborhood breaking the windows on the cars." In addition to the vehicle vandalism, police said a brick was thrown through a window at the Washington and Savings Bank on Middlesex Street not once, but twice. Police arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with the bank incident and believe he may be connected to the vehicle vandalism. The incidents however, are all under investigation. The man's identity has not been released. Many residents who had their vehicles damaged say they will now put surveillance cameras outside to monitor potential crime activity. "You could see if it was one person it's a vendetta but when there are so many cars it's like, are they having fun," said Gajda. Angry voters across the country have been packing town halls, turning up the heat on members of Congress. But in Maine, Sen. Susan Collins has declined to host such a meeting, and constituents are having trouble reaching her on the phone. The Republican says she prefers small groups and one-on-one meetings with constituents. Everybody gets a chance to speak, said Collins. Its not the loudest voice who dominates the meeting. Constituents have complained that her phone lines are jammed and emails go unreturned so theyve asked multiple times to have a town hall with Collins instead. Its about responsibility to constituents. Theres an access issue, said Marie Follayttar Smith, from the group Mainers for Accountable Leadership. Follayttar Smith said voters will still attend town halls, even if Collins wont. She helped organize Open Air Town Halls in Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland Wednesday afternoon. Hundreds attended the event at Portland City Hall, bringing signs, concerns and questions theyd like to pose to their senator. Our health care is being taken away, said Judy Bullard. I feel she needs to be showing up for the people. Scott Murray said he wants Collins to answer for her cabinet votes. He called her lack of town halls cowardly. Collins is encouraging anyone with questions or concerns to contact her through her website. Many hospitals in Massachusetts are now feeling the pressure of the travel ban imposed by President Donald Trump. With match day around the corner, some of the best and brightest medical students from around the world could be missing out on the opportunity to go to Boston to do their residencies. Trump's revised travel ban is expected to come out this week, but he hasnt said if there would be a waiver for medical students. That is leaving leaders like Dr. Theodore Sectish at Boston Children's Hospital with some tough decisions to make. "Were continuing to keep this person on our list," said Sectish, pointing to a picture of one potential candidate, "Because we want to get the best people here." At other teaching hospitals in Massachusetts and across the country, leaders are feeling pressure to say no to highly qualified candidates over concerns they might not be able to get into the United States. "Were definitely limiting the field of progress, were definitely limiting the field of the availability of health care," said Dr. Kelly Thibert, president of the American Medical Student Association. Thibert said the reality is that hospitals dont want to waste precious time and energy vetting a candidate when they can later be told they cant be brought in. "We have people who are fearing what is going to happen with their careers," Thibert said. Nearly one in five physicians in the U.S. are foreign born, and theres even a federal program that allows them to remain in the country if they serve in poor and rural areas. Dr. Alhasan Sedeeq at Childrens is a third year resident from Iraq, and said those communities could be harmed the most by Trumps executive order. "So thats one area that I think will be effected by the travel ban," said Sedeeq. "The health system here need a lot of people willing to work in underserved areas that maybe the American graduates won't be interested in going." It still remains unclear what will be in Trump's revised travel ban, so hospital leaders are taking a "wait and see" approach in their response for now. One of my main roles is improving the security of the software produced by my employer, and it was in that role that I attended the annual gathering of the security industry in San Francisco last week. The RSA Conference is one of the two global security conferences I attend, the other being Blackhat. While Blackhat has become more corporate, its still dominated by hackers and focuses more on vulnerabilities, whereas RSA is very much a corporate event focused on enterprise security and security policy. Several of the tracks at RSA this year covered the area of security in the development process. I was most interested in the Advanced Security & DevOps track. DevOps is a hot topic in the industry, and now we have SecDevOps, or perhaps DevSecOps as the new security buzzword spinoff. Behind the buzzwords, however, I learned some useful lessons, a few of which Id like to discuss here. Two of the learnings I mulled over on the long flight back to Europe seem initially to be mutually exclusive: Security is a process, not a product. Security is about behavior, not process. However, when viewed in the context of security in the development process, they do start to make sense. Its perhaps best to view them when placed end to end rather than side by side, and reversing the order, so: Security is about behavior, not process. Security is a process, not a product. Now, they start to make more sense (at least to me). You have to start with behavior. One of the fascinating stats I learned last week was that most organizations have 1.6 folks dedicated to security for every 100 developers (anecdotally this holds up when I look at my own experience). Based on this axiom, it becomes clear that the only way the security team can make an impact is not by imposing processes, but by changing the security culture to create a security mindset in the development team. There are many ways to go about this; training in foundational security concepts is a good place to start. Once the developers understand why they should care about security, then you can start to think about the how. Establishing a security process and finding the right tools Having established a security culture, the work begins to establish a security process (this is the how). I wont list all the components of such a process, although you could do a lot worse than the security process described by Microsoft. Once you have a process (and its best to start simple and build from there), you can think about tooling. I have seen a lot of companies jump straight to the tooling, i.e. We must have X product from Y vendor. While tools are important (especially when integrated into continuous integrations (CI) and build processes), they should have a way to improve your process, not be a replacement for it. And they will fail completely unless you have developer support for the process in the first place. A good example I saw was at a previous employer. We deployed a static analysis tool whose output of thousands of issues was completely ignored by the developers even while management was very happy with the pretty graphs it generated. It was the classic case of too much effort to fix, not enough time to build the process. One of the added complexities I face is trying to coordinate a security process for an open-source software company, where contributions come not just from the employees, but from a community of contributors from all over the world. However, the fundamentals are precisely the same, and again, start with getting buy-in from the community about the importance of embedding security into every aspect of the software development lifecycle. So, now that Im back home and (mostly) recovered from jet lag, I need to start practicing what I preach. I'll look at where I could be helping the engineering team with its security culture and subsequent security processes. I hope this blog encourages you to do the same at your organization. The seemingly harmless blinking lights on servers and desktop PCs may give away secrets if a hacker can hijack them with malware. Researchers in Israel have come up with an innovative hack that turns a computer's LED light into a signaling system that shows passwords and other sensitive data. The researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev demonstrated the hack in a YouTube video posted Wednesday. It shows a hacked computer broadcasting the data through a computers LED light, with a drone flying nearby reading the pattern. The researchers designed the scheme to underscore vulnerabilities of air-gapped systems, or computers that have been intentionally disconnected from the internet. Air-gapped systems generally carry highly confidential information or operate critical infrastructure. But the researchers have been coming up with sneaky ways to extract data from these computers, like using the noise from the PCs fan or hard drive to secretly broadcast the information to a nearby smartphone. Their latest hack leverages the LED activity light for the hard disk drive, which can be found on many servers and desktop PCs and is used to indicate when memory is read or written. The researchers found that with malware, they could control the LED light to emit binary signals by flashing on and off. That flickering could send out a maximum of 4,000 bits per second or enough to leak out passwords, encryption keys and files, according to their paper. It's likely no one would notice anything wrong. "The hard drive LED flickers frequently, and therefore the user won't be suspicious about changes in its activity, said Mordechai Guri, who led the research, in a statement. To read the signals from the LED light, all thats needed is a camera or an optical sensor to record the patterns. The researchers found they could read the signal from 20 meters away from outside a building. With an optical zoom lens, that range could be even longer. It wouldnt be easy for hackers to pull off this trick. Theyd have to design malware to control the LED light and then somehow place it on an air-gapped system, which typically is heavily protected. Theyd also need to find a way to read the signals from the LED light. To do so, a bad actor might hijack a security camera inside the building or fly a drone to spy through a window at night. However, the danger of an LED light being hijacked can be easy to solve. The researchers recommend placing a piece of tape over the light, or disconnecting it from the computer. Volunteer spending three months in African country to raise awareness of HIV A NEWBURY woman is dedicating three months of her life to help raise awareness of HIV and other sexually-transmitted diseases in Zambia. Anna Rabinowitz is working alongside young Zambian and British volunteers in the African country to help deliver sex education classes at local schools and youth groups. The 18-year-old is living with a local family and travelled to Zambia as part of the International Citizen Service (ICS) programme, funded by UK Aid. She is currently four weeks into the VSO project to improve knowledge and understanding of good sexual health and help combat the spread of infections. Coming to Zambia and seeing the challenges young people face here has made me realise how important it is that countries like the UK contribute to projects that fight poverty in developing countries, she said. There are so many issues that affect people around the world whether its sexual health, girls education or access to safe drinking water and its great that ICS offers young people the chance to help solve these. More than 60 per cent of the population of Zambia live below the poverty line and the average life expectancy is just 62, nearly 20 years below the UK. A total of 1.2m Zambians currently live with HIV, and there were 20,000 AIDS-related deaths in the country last year. During our training we heard a lot about the challenges facing the communities in the form of figures and case studies, but to see it first hand is another thing, she said. The information were providing is pretty basic, but simply by combating the misinformation that already circulates this information can improve the lives of so many. What has particularly stood out for me has been the effect lack of reproductive knowledge has on the lives of adolescent girls. Simple messages such as how to use a condom, how HIV is transmitted and how to get safe abortions can prevent life-altering mistakes for these girls. ICS volunteers work alongside young local volunteers in some of the poorest communities in Africa, Asia and Latin America on issues like sexual health, education, womens rights and economic empowerment. The teenager applied to ICS because she wanted some experience in international development before going to university. Before she left for Zambia, she raised 1,500 for VSO, which will go towards ensuring communities in developing countries benefit from the work of future volunteers. As well as making a difference in some of the worlds poorest communities, ICS volunteers gain valuable skills and experience. After returning to the UK on April 8, Anna will also take on an Action at Home project, ensuring that her new skills also benefit her local community. Felicity Morgan, director of ICS at VSO, said: ICS volunteers like Anna are doing amazing work around the world, every day. Our volunteers have helped promote childrens rights in Nigeria, campaigned against child marriage in Bangladesh and brought safe drinking water to communities in Nepal. Were incredibly proud that UK Aid is supporting young Brits bring about positive change in some of the worlds poorest communities. By Express News Service BENGALURU/CHENNAI: SoftBank-backed e-commerce firm Snapdeal confirmed to Express on Wednesday that it was planning to trim its workforce. The company currently has around 8,000 people across verticals and it wants to cut down on employee costs which, according to some estimates, stand at around Rs 900 crore a year. While Snapdeal did not divulge the number of employees it would lay off, sources say at least 600 people would lose their jobs. The firm said it was rationalising part of the workforce to become Indias first profitable e-commerce company. According to reports, the firm has already begun downsizing, including in its digital payments and logistics arms FreeCharge and Vulcan Express. In related incidents, Snapdeal co-founders Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal said on Wednesday they would take a 100 per cent pay cut while Freecharge CEO Govind Rajan resigned from his post. Last year, Bahl and Bansals total earnings from the company stood at about Rs 40 crore each, according to some estimates. We are combining teams, reducing layers, eliminating non-core projects and strengthening the focus on profitable growth. Sadly, we will also be saying really painful goodbye to some of our colleagues in this process, said Bahl in a letter to employees. He added that many other senior-level executives have also voluntarily offered reduction in their compensation. The move to downsize comes in the wake of the company having made substantial investments for building its e-commerce infrastructure marketplace, payments and logistics platforms. The company said it would further leverage these technology assets and realign its resources to become a leaner and more efficient business. Snapdeal, which competes with Amazon and Flipkart, has already taken measures to increase its efficiency leading to an uptick in its operating profit. Vulcan is expected to turn profitable by the middle of this year. On our journey towards becoming Indias first profitable e-commerce company in two years, it is important that we continue to drive efficiency across all parts of our business, which enables us to pass on the value to our consumers and sellers. We have realigned our resources and teams to further these goals and drive high-quality business growth, said a Snapdeal spokesperson. BENGALURU/CHENNAI: SoftBank-backed e-commerce firm Snapdeal confirmed to Express on Wednesday that it was planning to trim its workforce. The company currently has around 8,000 people across verticals and it wants to cut down on employee costs which, according to some estimates, stand at around Rs 900 crore a year. While Snapdeal did not divulge the number of employees it would lay off, sources say at least 600 people would lose their jobs. The firm said it was rationalising part of the workforce to become Indias first profitable e-commerce company. According to reports, the firm has already begun downsizing, including in its digital payments and logistics arms FreeCharge and Vulcan Express. In related incidents, Snapdeal co-founders Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal said on Wednesday they would take a 100 per cent pay cut while Freecharge CEO Govind Rajan resigned from his post. Last year, Bahl and Bansals total earnings from the company stood at about Rs 40 crore each, according to some estimates. We are combining teams, reducing layers, eliminating non-core projects and strengthening the focus on profitable growth. Sadly, we will also be saying really painful goodbye to some of our colleagues in this process, said Bahl in a letter to employees. He added that many other senior-level executives have also voluntarily offered reduction in their compensation. The move to downsize comes in the wake of the company having made substantial investments for building its e-commerce infrastructure marketplace, payments and logistics platforms. The company said it would further leverage these technology assets and realign its resources to become a leaner and more efficient business. Snapdeal, which competes with Amazon and Flipkart, has already taken measures to increase its efficiency leading to an uptick in its operating profit. Vulcan is expected to turn profitable by the middle of this year. On our journey towards becoming Indias first profitable e-commerce company in two years, it is important that we continue to drive efficiency across all parts of our business, which enables us to pass on the value to our consumers and sellers. We have realigned our resources and teams to further these goals and drive high-quality business growth, said a Snapdeal spokesperson. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Taking forward the Reserve Bank of Indias suggestion for a state-owned asset reconstruction company, or bad bank, to address the stressed exposures of the banking sector, Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian said such an institution should be set up quickly. Essentially, there seems like a growing convergence towards the idea. The broad idea that we should do like this is gaining traction, he said, adding that delaying a cleanup would further reduce private-sector investment and make the problem worse for India. Terming mounting non-performing assets a challenge to the economy, he said, There is no one thing that you can do immediately. Its a very complicated problem. On Tuesday, RBIs new deputy governor Viral Acharya had said that Indias failure to tackle bad loans was the result of a piecemeal approach that had given all discretion to lenders. Subramanian said, The government is looking at it very closely the more you delay the problem, the more private investment will remain weak. According to some estimates, banks in India had record stressed loans of $133 billion, or 12.34 percent of their total loans, as of last September. About two dozen state-owned lenders have an even higher stressed-loan ratio of 15.88 per cent, according to data compiled by Indias central bank. Meanwhile, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has reportedly asked four banks Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Allahabad Bank and UCO Bank about their major defaulters and the action being taken to recover the money. NEW DELHI: Taking forward the Reserve Bank of Indias suggestion for a state-owned asset reconstruction company, or bad bank, to address the stressed exposures of the banking sector, Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian said such an institution should be set up quickly. Essentially, there seems like a growing convergence towards the idea. The broad idea that we should do like this is gaining traction, he said, adding that delaying a cleanup would further reduce private-sector investment and make the problem worse for India. Terming mounting non-performing assets a challenge to the economy, he said, There is no one thing that you can do immediately. Its a very complicated problem. On Tuesday, RBIs new deputy governor Viral Acharya had said that Indias failure to tackle bad loans was the result of a piecemeal approach that had given all discretion to lenders. Subramanian said, The government is looking at it very closely the more you delay the problem, the more private investment will remain weak. According to some estimates, banks in India had record stressed loans of $133 billion, or 12.34 percent of their total loans, as of last September. About two dozen state-owned lenders have an even higher stressed-loan ratio of 15.88 per cent, according to data compiled by Indias central bank. Meanwhile, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has reportedly asked four banks Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Allahabad Bank and UCO Bank about their major defaulters and the action being taken to recover the money. By PTI AHMEDABAD: Gujarat Police today foiled a bid to lockdown Tata Nano plant near here by detaining OBC leader Alpesh Thakor and his supporters, who were demanding jobs for local youths in industries in the State. Thakor had yesterday given a call to lockdown the plant at Sanand GIDC area as part of his agitation against industries which he claimed are not employing local youths. "Thakor and his around 450 supporters were detained 3km away from the Sanand GIDC," Ahmedabad Rural SP R V Asari said. "We also detained around 250 people from different parts of the district who were headed to join a rally organised by Thakor. Around 700 people were detained and later let off," he said. The State Government had deployed a large police force in Sanand and surrounding areas following the threat given by Thakor, Convener of OBC, SC-ST Ekta Manch. "Industries coming to Gujarat have to give 85 per cent employment in their plants to local youths as per a Government rule. However, this rule is not being followed despite lakhs of Gujarat youths being unemployed," Thakor had said. "We demand the State Government put pressure on these industries to give 85 per cent jobs to local youths. We will lockdown industries which don't follow this rule, he had said. Tata's Nano plant was shifted here from Singur in West Bengal after it faced protests over land acquisition in the eastern state. The plant was established here when Narendra Modi was Chief Minister of Gujarat. The facility produces only a limited number of the small car and Tata Motors manufactures other models at the plant AHMEDABAD: Gujarat Police today foiled a bid to lockdown Tata Nano plant near here by detaining OBC leader Alpesh Thakor and his supporters, who were demanding jobs for local youths in industries in the State. Thakor had yesterday given a call to lockdown the plant at Sanand GIDC area as part of his agitation against industries which he claimed are not employing local youths. "Thakor and his around 450 supporters were detained 3km away from the Sanand GIDC," Ahmedabad Rural SP R V Asari said. "We also detained around 250 people from different parts of the district who were headed to join a rally organised by Thakor. Around 700 people were detained and later let off," he said. The State Government had deployed a large police force in Sanand and surrounding areas following the threat given by Thakor, Convener of OBC, SC-ST Ekta Manch. "Industries coming to Gujarat have to give 85 per cent employment in their plants to local youths as per a Government rule. However, this rule is not being followed despite lakhs of Gujarat youths being unemployed," Thakor had said. "We demand the State Government put pressure on these industries to give 85 per cent jobs to local youths. We will lockdown industries which don't follow this rule, he had said. Tata's Nano plant was shifted here from Singur in West Bengal after it faced protests over land acquisition in the eastern state. The plant was established here when Narendra Modi was Chief Minister of Gujarat. The facility produces only a limited number of the small car and Tata Motors manufactures other models at the plant Rashmi Belur By Express News Service BENGALURU: Undergraduate engineering and medical seat aspirants might have to shell out more for government quota seats at private medical or engineering colleges for the academic year 2017-18. Managements of both medical and engineering colleges in the state have demanded a fee hike of up to 30 per cent. Following the communication from the Karnataka Unaided Private Engineering Colleges Association (KUPECA), Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi and Medical Education Minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil met college representatives on Wednesday. Speaking after the meeting, KUPECA secretary M K Panduranga Setty said, We have submitted our request seeking 30 per cent hike for undergraduate engineering courses. We also gave reasons for the hike. Instead of doing the exercise every year, we have asked the government to fix the percentage of hike which should be done every year, Setty said. However, Rayareddi said he need to discuss the hike with the chief minister. As far as the medical and dental courses are concerned, the managements are demanding a steep hike. Minister Patil said, The hike demanded by some of them is very high while some are saying that a nominal hike is enough. We have not yet discussed their demand to hike the medical and dental fee. BENGALURU: Undergraduate engineering and medical seat aspirants might have to shell out more for government quota seats at private medical or engineering colleges for the academic year 2017-18. Managements of both medical and engineering colleges in the state have demanded a fee hike of up to 30 per cent. Following the communication from the Karnataka Unaided Private Engineering Colleges Association (KUPECA), Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi and Medical Education Minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil met college representatives on Wednesday. Speaking after the meeting, KUPECA secretary M K Panduranga Setty said, We have submitted our request seeking 30 per cent hike for undergraduate engineering courses. We also gave reasons for the hike. Instead of doing the exercise every year, we have asked the government to fix the percentage of hike which should be done every year, Setty said. However, Rayareddi said he need to discuss the hike with the chief minister. As far as the medical and dental courses are concerned, the managements are demanding a steep hike. Minister Patil said, The hike demanded by some of them is very high while some are saying that a nominal hike is enough. We have not yet discussed their demand to hike the medical and dental fee. SV Krishna Chaitanya By Express News Service CHENNAI: Just when one got to believe that worst was over, tonnes of thick tar-like oil slick has started to deposit on the shores of Ernavoor Kuppam, which is located north of Bharathiyar Nagar, where the official machinery is battling to suck out the pollutant for the past one month. This has raised doubts over the actual quantum of leak and also claims made by the Coast Guard and other government agencies that things had been brought under control and 95 per cent of the leaked oil has been safely removed. Also Read: Chennai Oil spill: Environment Ministry to issue show cause notice to Kamarajar port All these days, the Heavy Furnace Oil (HFO) or the bunker oil that was drifting south, gave the impression that it got disintegrated into tar balls and beached all along the east coast till Puducherry. However, in last 48 hours, there was a sudden change in pattern. A reality check by The New Indian Express on Wednesday found the oil slick on the shores of Ernavoor Kuppam, Chinna Kuppam, Periya Kuppam and Thalankuppam, which is about 8 km north of Bharatiyar Nagar. Even though these kuppams are closer to the ship collision site, which resulted in the oil leak, they were largely unaffected since the currents had dragged the heavy oil down south. Now, fishermen of these kuppams are in a fix and the fishing activity there has almost come to standstill. (Clockwise from top) A worker clad in protective gear shows thick tar-like oil slick collected from Ernavur Kuppam on Wednesday; dark splash of the toxic bunker oil near the beach; men toiling to remove pollutants from the Bharathi Nagar beach; clean-up drive in progress as more oil slick washes ashore | Ashwin Prasath A bigger danger is lurking since the oil slick could pollute the eco-sensitive Pulicat lagoon. Going by what local fishermen of Nettukuppam - the tail-end fishing village - say, the oil slick has entered the Ennore creek, threatening the entire estuary, which consists of mangrove vegetation, salt marshes, mud flats and sea grass beds that are classified as CRZ-1 area. These near-shore ecosystems are critical for sustainability for several fish species and microorganisms. When contacted, Commandant V N Singh, Coast Guard spokesperson, told Express that the situation will be reviewed and acted upon. The clean-up is ongoing. Prima facie the new oil slick deposit in Ernavur Kuppam was caused due to change in ocean currents and wind pattern. The portion of oil slick from Bharatiyar Nagar must have broken off and drifted north, he said. But how did it break off since booms were deployed in Bharatiyar Nagar to restrict the movement of the oil slick? There are no clear answers. Also Read: Chennai oil spill is a cover-up, not a clean-up Besides, they were not tar balls. Its thick tar-like substance that was seen in the initial clean-up phase that is being deposited in Ernavoor, which means several tonnes of oil slick could be still floating in the open sea contrary to what was claimed. A battery of contract workers with limited protective gear was seen in action clearing the slick when Express visited Ernavoor on Wednesday morning. By evening at least 20 tonnes of oil sludge mixed with sand has been loaded into vehicle and taken away for bioremediation. Since it was difficult to move one tonne drums in the deep sand, the workers were seen filling the sludge into 25-kg plastic bags and then unloading it into drums kept in the carrier. Ernavoor Kuppam houses about 200 fishermen and their livelihood is crippled by the new development. Bobalan along with Venugopal and Desamuthu were weaving their fishing net sitting under the makeshift tent on the shore. They showed this correspondent how their boats and fishing nets were soaked in thick oil. I lost Rs 25,000 worth of fishing net as it came in contact with the oil. It started depositing since the last four days and intensified since Monday evening. To escape the oil, we are placing our nets 25 km inside the sea, but due to strong undercurrents the gear got damaged. We did not net even a single fish today, Bobalan said pouring out his agony. Meanwhile, information came in about more and more oil getting deposited. Within two hours, the entire shoreline got filled with thick oil slick forcing clean-up teams to restart the whole exercise. The waves changed colour and the entire shallow waters turned dark brown, underlining the fact that the trouble was not over. Explaining the cause of the new oil pollution hot spots, M V Ramana Murthy, Head of Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM) said, it was because of northerly currents that came into play from February 15. This slick may not be as viscous. If we see the orientation of Ennore port and the surrounding area, its a trap due to the presence of groynes fields. Oil will get trapped in these rocks and drift along the currents and winds. Our preliminary analysis shows that there is oil still within the intertidal zone that is within four km from the shore, he said. Murthy said if the oil slick is not completely removed before April, there would be more damage. From April till September, wind and ocean currents would be towards the north, which could take pollutant into Pulicat and even into neighbouring Andhra Pradesh coast. Satheesh C Shenoy, director, National Institute of Ocean Technology, told Express that it was unfortunate that there is still no clarity on the extent of oil spill. CHENNAI: Just when one got to believe that worst was over, tonnes of thick tar-like oil slick has started to deposit on the shores of Ernavoor Kuppam, which is located north of Bharathiyar Nagar, where the official machinery is battling to suck out the pollutant for the past one month. This has raised doubts over the actual quantum of leak and also claims made by the Coast Guard and other government agencies that things had been brought under control and 95 per cent of the leaked oil has been safely removed. Also Read: Chennai Oil spill: Environment Ministry to issue show cause notice to Kamarajar port All these days, the Heavy Furnace Oil (HFO) or the bunker oil that was drifting south, gave the impression that it got disintegrated into tar balls and beached all along the east coast till Puducherry. However, in last 48 hours, there was a sudden change in pattern. A reality check by The New Indian Express on Wednesday found the oil slick on the shores of Ernavoor Kuppam, Chinna Kuppam, Periya Kuppam and Thalankuppam, which is about 8 km north of Bharatiyar Nagar. Even though these kuppams are closer to the ship collision site, which resulted in the oil leak, they were largely unaffected since the currents had dragged the heavy oil down south. Now, fishermen of these kuppams are in a fix and the fishing activity there has almost come to standstill. (Clockwise from top) A worker clad in protective gear shows thick tar-like oil slick collected from Ernavur Kuppam on Wednesday; dark splash of the toxic bunker oil near the beach; men toiling to remove pollutants from the Bharathi Nagar beach; clean-up drive in progress as more oil slick washes ashore | Ashwin PrasathA bigger danger is lurking since the oil slick could pollute the eco-sensitive Pulicat lagoon. Going by what local fishermen of Nettukuppam - the tail-end fishing village - say, the oil slick has entered the Ennore creek, threatening the entire estuary, which consists of mangrove vegetation, salt marshes, mud flats and sea grass beds that are classified as CRZ-1 area. These near-shore ecosystems are critical for sustainability for several fish species and microorganisms. When contacted, Commandant V N Singh, Coast Guard spokesperson, told Express that the situation will be reviewed and acted upon. The clean-up is ongoing. Prima facie the new oil slick deposit in Ernavur Kuppam was caused due to change in ocean currents and wind pattern. The portion of oil slick from Bharatiyar Nagar must have broken off and drifted north, he said. But how did it break off since booms were deployed in Bharatiyar Nagar to restrict the movement of the oil slick? There are no clear answers. Also Read: Chennai oil spill is a cover-up, not a clean-up Besides, they were not tar balls. Its thick tar-like substance that was seen in the initial clean-up phase that is being deposited in Ernavoor, which means several tonnes of oil slick could be still floating in the open sea contrary to what was claimed. A battery of contract workers with limited protective gear was seen in action clearing the slick when Express visited Ernavoor on Wednesday morning. By evening at least 20 tonnes of oil sludge mixed with sand has been loaded into vehicle and taken away for bioremediation. Since it was difficult to move one tonne drums in the deep sand, the workers were seen filling the sludge into 25-kg plastic bags and then unloading it into drums kept in the carrier. Ernavoor Kuppam houses about 200 fishermen and their livelihood is crippled by the new development. Bobalan along with Venugopal and Desamuthu were weaving their fishing net sitting under the makeshift tent on the shore. They showed this correspondent how their boats and fishing nets were soaked in thick oil. I lost Rs 25,000 worth of fishing net as it came in contact with the oil. It started depositing since the last four days and intensified since Monday evening. To escape the oil, we are placing our nets 25 km inside the sea, but due to strong undercurrents the gear got damaged. We did not net even a single fish today, Bobalan said pouring out his agony. Meanwhile, information came in about more and more oil getting deposited. Within two hours, the entire shoreline got filled with thick oil slick forcing clean-up teams to restart the whole exercise. The waves changed colour and the entire shallow waters turned dark brown, underlining the fact that the trouble was not over. Explaining the cause of the new oil pollution hot spots, M V Ramana Murthy, Head of Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM) said, it was because of northerly currents that came into play from February 15. This slick may not be as viscous. If we see the orientation of Ennore port and the surrounding area, its a trap due to the presence of groynes fields. Oil will get trapped in these rocks and drift along the currents and winds. Our preliminary analysis shows that there is oil still within the intertidal zone that is within four km from the shore, he said. Murthy said if the oil slick is not completely removed before April, there would be more damage. From April till September, wind and ocean currents would be towards the north, which could take pollutant into Pulicat and even into neighbouring Andhra Pradesh coast. Satheesh C Shenoy, director, National Institute of Ocean Technology, told Express that it was unfortunate that there is still no clarity on the extent of oil spill. By Express News Service CHENNAI: Chennai stands second after Mumbai in terms of generating visitors to Singapore. Chennaiites are also interested in long weekend trips to the destination, said G B Srithar, Regional Director, South Asia, Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board (STB). The board is planning to focus more on tier-two cities like Tiruchy, Kochi, Amritsar, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Pune to increase tourist arrivals from these cities this year. This is because there are more visitors from these cities, he said. Chennai is number two after Mumbai in terms of generating visitors to Singapore. Many from Chennai are interested in long weekend trips. Of the total visitors from across the world, 60 per cent visited Singapore last year, Srithar said. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday Adrian Kong, Area Director of the board, said India stands number four in generating visitors. Of the 16.4 million tourist arrival, 1.1 million were Indians, this was an eight per cent increase over 2015 figures . India is number one on cruise market and over one lakh people went on cruise tourism last year, a 29 per cent increase. This is 7.7 per cent increase in total cruise tourists arrival to Singapore. Singapore tourism also targets business tourists. It set a target of 16.4 million in 2016 and 16.7 million this year. Since there are 230 plus flights in a week to Singapore from India and direct flights from tier two cities, Tiruchy, Kochi, Amritsar, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Pune, there is scope for increasing tourists flow further. Also, more leisure tourists are from Tiruchy, Srithar said. The board also organised road shows in Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kolkata, which concluded in Chennai. India is the fourth largest market after Indonesia, China and Malaysia. More and more visitors are from South-East-Asia and more are expected from here, said Adrian Kong. The board is also in talks with Kollywood producers to shoot in Singapore which will help in branding, Srithar said. CHENNAI: Chennai stands second after Mumbai in terms of generating visitors to Singapore. Chennaiites are also interested in long weekend trips to the destination, said G B Srithar, Regional Director, South Asia, Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board (STB). The board is planning to focus more on tier-two cities like Tiruchy, Kochi, Amritsar, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Pune to increase tourist arrivals from these cities this year. This is because there are more visitors from these cities, he said. Chennai is number two after Mumbai in terms of generating visitors to Singapore. Many from Chennai are interested in long weekend trips. Of the total visitors from across the world, 60 per cent visited Singapore last year, Srithar said. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday Adrian Kong, Area Director of the board, said India stands number four in generating visitors. Of the 16.4 million tourist arrival, 1.1 million were Indians, this was an eight per cent increase over 2015 figures . India is number one on cruise market and over one lakh people went on cruise tourism last year, a 29 per cent increase. This is 7.7 per cent increase in total cruise tourists arrival to Singapore. Singapore tourism also targets business tourists. It set a target of 16.4 million in 2016 and 16.7 million this year. Since there are 230 plus flights in a week to Singapore from India and direct flights from tier two cities, Tiruchy, Kochi, Amritsar, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Pune, there is scope for increasing tourists flow further. Also, more leisure tourists are from Tiruchy, Srithar said. The board also organised road shows in Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kolkata, which concluded in Chennai. India is the fourth largest market after Indonesia, China and Malaysia. More and more visitors are from South-East-Asia and more are expected from here, said Adrian Kong. The board is also in talks with Kollywood producers to shoot in Singapore which will help in branding, Srithar said. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: The fact that India and Israel have renewed the double taxation avoidance pact is proof that Israeli investors are willing to invest in India, said Daniel Carmon, Israel ambassador to India. He was speaking on the Indian governments decision to add provisions to the protocols of the amended double taxation avoidance pact between India and Israel. The central government notified the protocol on Tuesday, the decision is a part of the governments effort to curb the flow of black money. The move will allow exchange of information on tax related details between the two countries. The protocol was signed in October 2015, and took legal effect on December 19, 2016. Daniel Carmon, Israel ambassador to India | Vinay madapu We appreciate the efforts taken by the Indian government to make doing business easy in India, said the ambassador who was speaking on India and Israel Bilateral Trade & Relations at Federation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Chamber of Commerce (FAPTCCI) on Wednesday. Trade between both the countries over the period of 25 years has gone from $200 million to $6 billion in the financial year 2014-15. More needs to be done and can be done to improve trade relations, said Carmon. Both countries are members of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and now there have been rumours in the press that there are issues with FTA. If you agree that FTA is important then it could strengthen our relations better, he added. Speaking on the contribution of Israel for Indian educational sector, he said, At present 10 percent of foreign students studying at Israeli universities are Indian. For a small country like Israel this is a remarkable achievement. There are no universities in Israel that are not associated with a private company to promote research and development. This is an idea being shared here, the private firms act at bridges between academia and industry, he added. On cooperation between the two countries in the field of agriculture, the ambassador said that, there are many Israeli firms that are already present in the Indian agricultural space. We should establish something very sound, profound and stable in the field of agriculture, he added. Israeli firms in India has been assisting India through technology transfer like the drip irrigation system and has helped set up eight water desalination plants. We do have plans for working with Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states with help from the Indian government. We are currently in the second stage of our planning. As of now there are no plans to set up a consulate in Hyderabad but we do have one close to Bengaluru. Our main operations are from New Delhi, he added. The 25 years of diplomatic relations marks an important function for all those who have witnessed the progress of both countries coming together, said Carmon. HYDERABAD: The fact that India and Israel have renewed the double taxation avoidance pact is proof that Israeli investors are willing to invest in India, said Daniel Carmon, Israel ambassador to India. He was speaking on the Indian governments decision to add provisions to the protocols of the amended double taxation avoidance pact between India and Israel. The central government notified the protocol on Tuesday, the decision is a part of the governments effort to curb the flow of black money. The move will allow exchange of information on tax related details between the two countries. The protocol was signed in October 2015, and took legal effect on December 19, 2016. Daniel Carmon, Israel ambassador to India | Vinay madapuWe appreciate the efforts taken by the Indian government to make doing business easy in India, said the ambassador who was speaking on India and Israel Bilateral Trade & Relations at Federation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Chamber of Commerce (FAPTCCI) on Wednesday. Trade between both the countries over the period of 25 years has gone from $200 million to $6 billion in the financial year 2014-15. More needs to be done and can be done to improve trade relations, said Carmon. Both countries are members of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and now there have been rumours in the press that there are issues with FTA. If you agree that FTA is important then it could strengthen our relations better, he added. Speaking on the contribution of Israel for Indian educational sector, he said, At present 10 percent of foreign students studying at Israeli universities are Indian. For a small country like Israel this is a remarkable achievement. There are no universities in Israel that are not associated with a private company to promote research and development. This is an idea being shared here, the private firms act at bridges between academia and industry, he added. On cooperation between the two countries in the field of agriculture, the ambassador said that, there are many Israeli firms that are already present in the Indian agricultural space. We should establish something very sound, profound and stable in the field of agriculture, he added. Israeli firms in India has been assisting India through technology transfer like the drip irrigation system and has helped set up eight water desalination plants. We do have plans for working with Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states with help from the Indian government. We are currently in the second stage of our planning. As of now there are no plans to set up a consulate in Hyderabad but we do have one close to Bengaluru. Our main operations are from New Delhi, he added. The 25 years of diplomatic relations marks an important function for all those who have witnessed the progress of both countries coming together, said Carmon. By AFP PARIS: Hollywood star George Clooney said Thursday that he will be stopping his visits to the world's troublespots now that his wife is pregnant with twins. The actor -- who campaigns against war and famine in Africa -- told the French magazine Paris Match that he would "no longer go" to conflict-torn South Sudan nor the Congo. He said he and his Lebanese-born lawyer wife Amal Clooney -- who has been involved in a string of high-profile human rights cases -- had "decided to be a lot more responsible and avoid danger". He said she would no longer be working in Iraq "or places where she is not welcome", he was quoted as saying by the magazine, which translated his comments from English. Asked about the immense responsibility of bringing a child into the world, the actor -- who will be 56 when he becomes a father -- said "how could you not be anxious?" He had earlier told French television the couple were "really happy and really excited. It's going to be an adventure. We've sort of embraced it all with arms wide open." The Clooneys announced this week that they were expecting twins this summer and the actor said Thursday that they didn't want to know their sex. Clooney joked that the press had been saying for three years that Amal was pregnant "but this time it is true". He also waded into the row over Roman Polanski being forced to drop out of Friday's "French Oscars", the Cesars, saying it was alarming that the controversial director was still being pursued over a 40-year-old statutory rape case. Clooney, who will be awarded an honorary Cesar at the ceremony in Paris, said it was also the time that 83-year-old Polanski "put an end" to the saga. Earlier this month Polanski's lawyers began a legal bid for him to be allowed to return to the United States. The maker of "Chinatown" and "Rosemary's Baby" fled the country in 1978 after fearing that a judge was about to go back on a plea bargain deal that saw him serve 42 days in jail. His victim Samantha Geimer, who was 13 when the rape took place at the Hollywood home of actor Jack Nicholson, has previously appealed to US authorities for the case to be dropped saying she wanted to move on with her life. PARIS: Hollywood star George Clooney said Thursday that he will be stopping his visits to the world's troublespots now that his wife is pregnant with twins. The actor -- who campaigns against war and famine in Africa -- told the French magazine Paris Match that he would "no longer go" to conflict-torn South Sudan nor the Congo. He said he and his Lebanese-born lawyer wife Amal Clooney -- who has been involved in a string of high-profile human rights cases -- had "decided to be a lot more responsible and avoid danger". He said she would no longer be working in Iraq "or places where she is not welcome", he was quoted as saying by the magazine, which translated his comments from English. Asked about the immense responsibility of bringing a child into the world, the actor -- who will be 56 when he becomes a father -- said "how could you not be anxious?" He had earlier told French television the couple were "really happy and really excited. It's going to be an adventure. We've sort of embraced it all with arms wide open." The Clooneys announced this week that they were expecting twins this summer and the actor said Thursday that they didn't want to know their sex. Clooney joked that the press had been saying for three years that Amal was pregnant "but this time it is true". He also waded into the row over Roman Polanski being forced to drop out of Friday's "French Oscars", the Cesars, saying it was alarming that the controversial director was still being pursued over a 40-year-old statutory rape case. Clooney, who will be awarded an honorary Cesar at the ceremony in Paris, said it was also the time that 83-year-old Polanski "put an end" to the saga. Earlier this month Polanski's lawyers began a legal bid for him to be allowed to return to the United States. The maker of "Chinatown" and "Rosemary's Baby" fled the country in 1978 after fearing that a judge was about to go back on a plea bargain deal that saw him serve 42 days in jail. His victim Samantha Geimer, who was 13 when the rape took place at the Hollywood home of actor Jack Nicholson, has previously appealed to US authorities for the case to be dropped saying she wanted to move on with her life. By ANI NEW DELHI: Google is making sure to celebrate every special affair around the globe. Likewise, it has dedicated its doodle today to NASAs discovery of seven earth sized exoplanets. In a short, comical animation, the doodle shows NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, which revealed the first known system of seven Earth-size planets around a single star. The discovery sets a new record for greatest number of habitable-zone planets found around a single star outside our solar system. All of these seven planets could have liquid water - key to life as we know it - under the right atmospheric conditions, but the chances are highest with the three in the habitable zone. According to NASA, "This discovery could be a significant piece in the puzzle of finding habitable environments, places that are conducive to life.Answering the question 'are we alone' is a top science priority and finding so many planets like these for the first time in the habitable zone is a remarkable step forward toward that goal. At about 40 light-years (235 trillion miles) from Earth, the system of planets is relatively close to us, in the constellation Aquarius. Because they are located outside of our solar system, these planets are scientifically known as exoplanets. NEW DELHI: Google is making sure to celebrate every special affair around the globe. Likewise, it has dedicated its doodle today to NASAs discovery of seven earth sized exoplanets. In a short, comical animation, the doodle shows NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, which revealed the first known system of seven Earth-size planets around a single star. The discovery sets a new record for greatest number of habitable-zone planets found around a single star outside our solar system. All of these seven planets could have liquid water - key to life as we know it - under the right atmospheric conditions, but the chances are highest with the three in the habitable zone. According to NASA, "This discovery could be a significant piece in the puzzle of finding habitable environments, places that are conducive to life.Answering the question 'are we alone' is a top science priority and finding so many planets like these for the first time in the habitable zone is a remarkable step forward toward that goal. At about 40 light-years (235 trillion miles) from Earth, the system of planets is relatively close to us, in the constellation Aquarius. Because they are located outside of our solar system, these planets are scientifically known as exoplanets. By PTI NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha MP K T S Tulsi, BJP leader Subramaniam Swamy and AAP today joined Union minister Venkaiah Naidu in demanding a thorough probe into allegations that former CBI chief Amar Pratap Singh favoured controversial meat exporter Moin Qureshi. "The allegations have to be thoroughly enquired into. It is a real shame for all of us that director of a premier investigative agency has now been charged," Naidu said earlier. "This shows the level of corruption that has crept into the system. It should be taken to its logical conclusion and whatever links are there should be thoroughly investigated," he said. BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said the development has sent a message that anybody, irrespective of his position, could be brought to book. "In the first time in history, a CBI director has been brought to book," he said. Senior lawyer and Rajya Sabha MP K T S Tulsi, who was nominated to the Upper House during the UPA regime, said it was a serious blow to the reputation of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). "One after the other the directors seem to be compromising the integrity of law and an institution which is the premier investigating agency in the country. If people lose faith in the institution, how are we going to have inquires against terrorists and those committing most heinous crimes? "It is very important to have faith in the impartiality of the institution. It is a sad state of affairs," he said. Demanding unearthing of the conspiracy in the case, senior AAP leader Ashutosh said the incident reflected the corruption in India's premier investigating agency and the way appointment of its directors was done. The CBI had named Singh along with Qureshi and others in an FIR registered last week for allegedly favouring the meat exporter after receiving a complaint from the Enforcement Directorate. The agency had carried out searches at the residence of Singh yesterday. NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha MP K T S Tulsi, BJP leader Subramaniam Swamy and AAP today joined Union minister Venkaiah Naidu in demanding a thorough probe into allegations that former CBI chief Amar Pratap Singh favoured controversial meat exporter Moin Qureshi. "The allegations have to be thoroughly enquired into. It is a real shame for all of us that director of a premier investigative agency has now been charged," Naidu said earlier. "This shows the level of corruption that has crept into the system. It should be taken to its logical conclusion and whatever links are there should be thoroughly investigated," he said. BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said the development has sent a message that anybody, irrespective of his position, could be brought to book. "In the first time in history, a CBI director has been brought to book," he said. Senior lawyer and Rajya Sabha MP K T S Tulsi, who was nominated to the Upper House during the UPA regime, said it was a serious blow to the reputation of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). "One after the other the directors seem to be compromising the integrity of law and an institution which is the premier investigating agency in the country. If people lose faith in the institution, how are we going to have inquires against terrorists and those committing most heinous crimes? "It is very important to have faith in the impartiality of the institution. It is a sad state of affairs," he said. Demanding unearthing of the conspiracy in the case, senior AAP leader Ashutosh said the incident reflected the corruption in India's premier investigating agency and the way appointment of its directors was done. The CBI had named Singh along with Qureshi and others in an FIR registered last week for allegedly favouring the meat exporter after receiving a complaint from the Enforcement Directorate. The agency had carried out searches at the residence of Singh yesterday. Abhijit Mulye By Express News Service MUMBAI: Mumbai appears to be giving a fractured mandate split primarily between the BJP and the Shiv Sena even as both parties claim they are gaining record polling in the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation polls on Tuesday. According to the State Election Commission, the interim figures of voting percentage in Mumbai stand at 55 percent. In the previous two elections, the voting percentage had remained confined to around 45 percent. The 10 percent increase in voting is likely to alter the political equations largely. Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar pointed out that while in 2014 assembly polls the voting percentage was 54% his party had gained 15 out of 36 seats and had emerged the single largest party. The same pattern appears to have been followed by voters today, he added. Traditionally, there has been a chunk of around 140 to 160 seats in Mumbai that was ruled by the Shiv Sena-BJP combine and then MNS in past few years. The fact that all these parties are contesting separately may increase this chunk, political analysts believe. According to the final tally, the average voting percentage for the 10 Municipal corporations remained 56.30 percent, while that for the 11 Zilla Parishad and 118 Panchayat Samities stood at 69.43 percent. The voting percentage for various Municipal Corporations was as follows Mumbai - 55, Thane - 58. Ulhasnagar - 45, Pune - 54, Pimpri-Chinchwad - 67, Solapur - 60, Nashik - 60 and Nagpur - 53. Meanwhile, Axis-India Today exit poll too has said there would be a tough fight between the Shiv Sena and the BJP for the top slot. While Sena is likely to get 86 to 92 seats, the BJP is likely to get between 80 and 88 seats in Mumbai, the survey said. It has given 30-34 seats for the Congress, 5-7 for the MNS and 3-6 for the NCP. The exit poll also said the BJP would be the largest party in Nagpur and Pune Municipal Corporations, while the Sena would retain the Thane Municipal Corporation. MUMBAI: Mumbai appears to be giving a fractured mandate split primarily between the BJP and the Shiv Sena even as both parties claim they are gaining record polling in the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation polls on Tuesday. According to the State Election Commission, the interim figures of voting percentage in Mumbai stand at 55 percent. In the previous two elections, the voting percentage had remained confined to around 45 percent. The 10 percent increase in voting is likely to alter the political equations largely. Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar pointed out that while in 2014 assembly polls the voting percentage was 54% his party had gained 15 out of 36 seats and had emerged the single largest party. The same pattern appears to have been followed by voters today, he added. Traditionally, there has been a chunk of around 140 to 160 seats in Mumbai that was ruled by the Shiv Sena-BJP combine and then MNS in past few years. The fact that all these parties are contesting separately may increase this chunk, political analysts believe. According to the final tally, the average voting percentage for the 10 Municipal corporations remained 56.30 percent, while that for the 11 Zilla Parishad and 118 Panchayat Samities stood at 69.43 percent. The voting percentage for various Municipal Corporations was as follows Mumbai - 55, Thane - 58. Ulhasnagar - 45, Pune - 54, Pimpri-Chinchwad - 67, Solapur - 60, Nashik - 60 and Nagpur - 53. Meanwhile, Axis-India Today exit poll too has said there would be a tough fight between the Shiv Sena and the BJP for the top slot. While Sena is likely to get 86 to 92 seats, the BJP is likely to get between 80 and 88 seats in Mumbai, the survey said. It has given 30-34 seats for the Congress, 5-7 for the MNS and 3-6 for the NCP. The exit poll also said the BJP would be the largest party in Nagpur and Pune Municipal Corporations, while the Sena would retain the Thane Municipal Corporation. By IANS NEW DELHI: The BJP-led government is planning nationwide functions on the completion of its three years in power in May, projecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "messiah of the poor". The main focus of the celebrations will be the government's welfare work for the poor. This will be highlighted through various communication modes including a video dubbed "Achhe din aa gaye" (Good days have arrived). Opposition parties have consistently accused the government of failing to deliver on its promise of bringing in "achhe din". Informed sources said the government was likely to give a major thrust to take its achievements to the rural areas. Press conferences by Union Ministers may go beyond the urban centres unlike the last anniversary celebrations when most events were held in cities. Union Ministers may also be asked to stay in villages to highlight the government's work. Prime Minister Modi may address a press conference at the end of month-long celebrations. If he does that, it will be his first presser after becoming the Prime Minister in May 2014. Bharatiya Janata Party leaders said the Modi government had taken several initiatives for the poor and rural areas and the need was to put across the message effectively. "The Prime Minister has been reaching out to the poor. The demonetisaiton was aimed at targeting the rich with illegal hordes of cash. The effort is to send a message that Modi has done maximum for the poor and he is their messiah," said a BJP leader who did not want to be named. The sources said preparations had begun for the third anniversary celebrations. The BJP has high stakes in the outcome of the ongoing state elections. A favourable outcome, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, is expected to bring cheer and add to its political momentum. However, an adverse outcome can take some zing out of its anniversary plans. The sources said ministries had been asked to prepare reports on implementation of promises made by the government with particular focus on the poor. "The ministries have been told to ready booklets, pamphlets and other publicity material on their achievements, including the work done for the poor," an official told IANS on the condition of anonymity. The video of major government achievements is expected to include moves towards rolling out Goods and Services Tax (GST), demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, steps taken to root out corruption and distribution of gas cylinders to the poor. The Modi government is also expected to detail its efforts to check terrorism emanating from Pakistan, where it carried out surgical strikes terrorist launch pads in September last year. The proposals for the anniversary celebrations were still being discussed and will be given a final shape after the outcome of the ongoing assembly polls. The government celebrated its second anniversary as a "Vikas Parv". It began with a Modi rally in Uttar Pradesh and included a gala event "Ek Nai Subah" at India Gate, also attended by some Bollywood celebrities. NEW DELHI: The BJP-led government is planning nationwide functions on the completion of its three years in power in May, projecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "messiah of the poor". The main focus of the celebrations will be the government's welfare work for the poor. This will be highlighted through various communication modes including a video dubbed "Achhe din aa gaye" (Good days have arrived). Opposition parties have consistently accused the government of failing to deliver on its promise of bringing in "achhe din". Informed sources said the government was likely to give a major thrust to take its achievements to the rural areas. Press conferences by Union Ministers may go beyond the urban centres unlike the last anniversary celebrations when most events were held in cities. Union Ministers may also be asked to stay in villages to highlight the government's work. Prime Minister Modi may address a press conference at the end of month-long celebrations. If he does that, it will be his first presser after becoming the Prime Minister in May 2014. Bharatiya Janata Party leaders said the Modi government had taken several initiatives for the poor and rural areas and the need was to put across the message effectively. "The Prime Minister has been reaching out to the poor. The demonetisaiton was aimed at targeting the rich with illegal hordes of cash. The effort is to send a message that Modi has done maximum for the poor and he is their messiah," said a BJP leader who did not want to be named. The sources said preparations had begun for the third anniversary celebrations. The BJP has high stakes in the outcome of the ongoing state elections. A favourable outcome, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, is expected to bring cheer and add to its political momentum. However, an adverse outcome can take some zing out of its anniversary plans. The sources said ministries had been asked to prepare reports on implementation of promises made by the government with particular focus on the poor. "The ministries have been told to ready booklets, pamphlets and other publicity material on their achievements, including the work done for the poor," an official told IANS on the condition of anonymity. The video of major government achievements is expected to include moves towards rolling out Goods and Services Tax (GST), demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, steps taken to root out corruption and distribution of gas cylinders to the poor. The Modi government is also expected to detail its efforts to check terrorism emanating from Pakistan, where it carried out surgical strikes terrorist launch pads in September last year. The proposals for the anniversary celebrations were still being discussed and will be given a final shape after the outcome of the ongoing assembly polls. The government celebrated its second anniversary as a "Vikas Parv". It began with a Modi rally in Uttar Pradesh and included a gala event "Ek Nai Subah" at India Gate, also attended by some Bollywood celebrities. By Express News Service RAIPUR: At least 13 people were injured after a three-storey under-construction structure collapsed in the civil lines area of Chhattisgarh capital Raipur on Thursday. Labourers trapped in the building following the incident were rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital where the condition of seven was said to be critical. The collapsed building belongs to the State Public Works Department (PWD) and was an extension of the new circuit house, close to the residence of PWD minister Rajesh Munat. "Stringent action will be taken against those found responsible," the minister said. Officials of the district administration and State disaster response force reached the spot to supervise the rescue operation. Workers at the construction site said all those trapped in the collapsed building have been taken to safety. However, a search is still on," said Raipur collector O P Choudhary and added that there was no report of any casualty. Chief Minister Raman Singh visited the hospital to meet the injured people. After the building collapsed, contractor Sohan Tamrakar along with the supervisor fled the spot. Raipur mayor Pramod Dubey said there will be an inquiry into the incident. RAIPUR: At least 13 people were injured after a three-storey under-construction structure collapsed in the civil lines area of Chhattisgarh capital Raipur on Thursday. Labourers trapped in the building following the incident were rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital where the condition of seven was said to be critical. The collapsed building belongs to the State Public Works Department (PWD) and was an extension of the new circuit house, close to the residence of PWD minister Rajesh Munat. "Stringent action will be taken against those found responsible," the minister said. Officials of the district administration and State disaster response force reached the spot to supervise the rescue operation. Workers at the construction site said all those trapped in the collapsed building have been taken to safety. However, a search is still on," said Raipur collector O P Choudhary and added that there was no report of any casualty. Chief Minister Raman Singh visited the hospital to meet the injured people. After the building collapsed, contractor Sohan Tamrakar along with the supervisor fled the spot. Raipur mayor Pramod Dubey said there will be an inquiry into the incident. Abhijit Mulye By Express News Service MUMBAI: As Mumbai readies for the counting of votes in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election, there are signals that estranged allies, BJP and Shiv Sena, are likely to cosy up back together should the need arise in the post-election scenario. Get the LIVE updates of the Maharashtra civic poll results HERE After weeks of rancor between the two parties, Maharashtra BJP president Raosaheb Danve-Patil decided to visit Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackerays residence Matoshree on the eve of the counting, yesterday. He, however, said the visit was personal. I went to invite him (Uddhav Thackeray) to my sons marriage next week, Danve-Patil said. As expected that triggered speculation about a kiss-and-make-up between the two parties. However, in further remarks, Danve-Patil said the BJP expected the Shiv Sena to take the lead in restoring the alliance in the post-poll scenario. The Maharashtra BJP president said the BJP is confident it will capture at least six of the 10 municipal corporations that have had elections in Maharashtra and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said BJP would comfortably take BMC. But Danve-Patil added that his party would wait for the Shiv Sena to approach them for a post-poll alliance in the Mumbai municipality. It was the Shiv Sena which opted out of the alliance. Hence, we shall wait for them to come forward if a need for post-poll alliance arises, Danve-Patil said. The BJP would seize power in Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Amravati, Nagpur and Solapur Municipal corporations and would play the role of kingmaker in four other municipal Corporations, he added. BJP does not have ideological differences with Shiv Sena and hence we have absolutely no problem in going along with them in the local bodies once the results are out. But, as said earlier, we shall expect them to make the move first, Danve said. Shiv Sena too has said it is confident of coming back to power in the BMC on its own. We conducted our own exit-poll on Tuesday and we feel that higher voting will help us win around 110 out of the 227 seats in the BMC, Shiv Sena spokesperson Arvind Bhosle told New Indian Express. Counting of votes for the 10 municipal corporations, 25 zilla parishads and 189 panchayat samitis in Maharashtra is scheduled begin at 10 am on Thursday. Major trends are expected to be out in about a couple of hours, while the majority of results are expected to be out by 2pm. MUMBAI: As Mumbai readies for the counting of votes in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election, there are signals that estranged allies, BJP and Shiv Sena, are likely to cosy up back together should the need arise in the post-election scenario. Get the LIVE updates of the Maharashtra civic poll results HERE After weeks of rancor between the two parties, Maharashtra BJP president Raosaheb Danve-Patil decided to visit Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackerays residence Matoshree on the eve of the counting, yesterday. He, however, said the visit was personal. I went to invite him (Uddhav Thackeray) to my sons marriage next week, Danve-Patil said. As expected that triggered speculation about a kiss-and-make-up between the two parties. However, in further remarks, Danve-Patil said the BJP expected the Shiv Sena to take the lead in restoring the alliance in the post-poll scenario. The Maharashtra BJP president said the BJP is confident it will capture at least six of the 10 municipal corporations that have had elections in Maharashtra and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said BJP would comfortably take BMC. But Danve-Patil added that his party would wait for the Shiv Sena to approach them for a post-poll alliance in the Mumbai municipality. It was the Shiv Sena which opted out of the alliance. Hence, we shall wait for them to come forward if a need for post-poll alliance arises, Danve-Patil said. The BJP would seize power in Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Amravati, Nagpur and Solapur Municipal corporations and would play the role of kingmaker in four other municipal Corporations, he added. BJP does not have ideological differences with Shiv Sena and hence we have absolutely no problem in going along with them in the local bodies once the results are out. But, as said earlier, we shall expect them to make the move first, Danve said. Shiv Sena too has said it is confident of coming back to power in the BMC on its own. We conducted our own exit-poll on Tuesday and we feel that higher voting will help us win around 110 out of the 227 seats in the BMC, Shiv Sena spokesperson Arvind Bhosle told New Indian Express. Counting of votes for the 10 municipal corporations, 25 zilla parishads and 189 panchayat samitis in Maharashtra is scheduled begin at 10 am on Thursday. Major trends are expected to be out in about a couple of hours, while the majority of results are expected to be out by 2pm. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Air travellers from now on will not be required to stamp their handbags at security checks at seven major airports namely Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi and Ahmedabad. The order was put into immediate effect. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on Thursday issued an order in this regard. "The present system of stamping hand baggage tags at pre-embarkation security checkpoints for seven airports, shall be dispensed with immediate effect," BCAS, aviation safety regulator said in an order. Late last year, the BCAS and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) had conducted a drive for non-stamping at many airports for domestic passengers. That trial was conducted successfully. A senior official with the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said that it is keen on extending non-stamping to more airports. The officials said this would further help in introducing biometric identification at boarding points at airports across the country. Besides, it would also stop stamping boarding passes and upgrade to introducing biometric boarding. NEW DELHI: Air travellers from now on will not be required to stamp their handbags at security checks at seven major airports namely Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi and Ahmedabad. The order was put into immediate effect. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on Thursday issued an order in this regard. "The present system of stamping hand baggage tags at pre-embarkation security checkpoints for seven airports, shall be dispensed with immediate effect," BCAS, aviation safety regulator said in an order. Late last year, the BCAS and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) had conducted a drive for non-stamping at many airports for domestic passengers. That trial was conducted successfully. A senior official with the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said that it is keen on extending non-stamping to more airports. The officials said this would further help in introducing biometric identification at boarding points at airports across the country. Besides, it would also stop stamping boarding passes and upgrade to introducing biometric boarding. Abhijit Mulye By Express News Service MUMBAI: The BJP on Thursday registered a stunning performance in municipal elections across Maharashtra which gave it majorities -- or very close to it -- in eight of the 10 municipalities across the state. The party also registered impressive wins in seven Zilla Parishads apart from snatching two strongholds -- Latur and Sangli -- from the Congress. Given these results, Devendra Fadnavis has emerged as the new star of the party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Maharashtra chief minister on Twitter, while BJP president Amit Shah exulted that the BJP won over 470 seats compared to the 205 it had in the lame-duck municipalities. The BJP's massive victory answered speculation that demonetisation would adversely affect the electoral fortunes of the BJP. The NCP tally has come down to 108 from 265, and the Congress fell from 264 to 99. The Shiv Sena's bag of seats too dipped from 227 to 215 although it held its own in the all-important BrihanMumbai municipal Corporation (BMC). The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has almost been wiped out as a viable alternative to the Shiv Sena, winning only 16 seats in place of its previous tally of 112. Except Thane, the BJP has already grabbed power or is close to it in the Ulhasnagar, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, Nashik, Solapur, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur municipal corporations, while it is neck-and-neck with the Shiv Sena in Mumbai. In the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation, 40 is the magic figure in the house of 78, and the BJP has gained 32. There are 16 Independents and other smaller parties, whose support the BJP is likely to seek. The Shiv Sena has 25 corporators here. In the Pune Municipal Corporation where the magic figure is 81, the BJP has won 92. The five Independents in the corporation too are likely to help the BJP. The BJP's breakthough is significant in Pune. The corporation used to be ruled by the NCP with the help of the Congress and the Shiv Sena. In the 178-member Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, which was considered to be a NCP stronghold, the BJP won 78 seats, snatching the corporation from the NCP which got only 35. Defeat here is being looked at as a big blow to former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. In the 123-member Nashik Municipal Corporation, the BJP won 67 seats. The Shiv Sena was considered to be the favourite this time round after a five-year reign by the MNS. But due to a lack of strong local leadership, the party could not convert the favorable situation into seats. They could get only 34. The BJP won Municipal Corporation of Nagpur, the home turf of chief ministerFadnavis, almost single handed. In the 151-member house, the party won 91 out of the 119 seats where results were declared when reports last came in. This is the partys best performance in the city, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said. The Shiv Sena couldnt open its account here. The BJP also gained a clear majority in Akola, where it bagged 48 out of the 80 seats. The party snatched the 87-member Amravati Municipal Corporation from the Congress while winning 40 seats. Solapur too favored the BJP for the first time ever. The BJP has won 47 seats in the 102-member Municipal Corporation. With 17 Independents and members of smaller local parties available, the BJP is eyeing power here. The Shiv Sena could win only 21 here. The Shiv Sena retained the Thane Municipal Corporation where it won 67 out of the 131 seats. The BJP bettered its tally in the city to 23 from previous 7. MUMBAI: The BJP on Thursday registered a stunning performance in municipal elections across Maharashtra which gave it majorities -- or very close to it -- in eight of the 10 municipalities across the state. The party also registered impressive wins in seven Zilla Parishads apart from snatching two strongholds -- Latur and Sangli -- from the Congress. Given these results, Devendra Fadnavis has emerged as the new star of the party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Maharashtra chief minister on Twitter, while BJP president Amit Shah exulted that the BJP won over 470 seats compared to the 205 it had in the lame-duck municipalities. The BJP's massive victory answered speculation that demonetisation would adversely affect the electoral fortunes of the BJP. The NCP tally has come down to 108 from 265, and the Congress fell from 264 to 99. The Shiv Sena's bag of seats too dipped from 227 to 215 although it held its own in the all-important BrihanMumbai municipal Corporation (BMC). The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has almost been wiped out as a viable alternative to the Shiv Sena, winning only 16 seats in place of its previous tally of 112. Except Thane, the BJP has already grabbed power or is close to it in the Ulhasnagar, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, Nashik, Solapur, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur municipal corporations, while it is neck-and-neck with the Shiv Sena in Mumbai. In the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation, 40 is the magic figure in the house of 78, and the BJP has gained 32. There are 16 Independents and other smaller parties, whose support the BJP is likely to seek. The Shiv Sena has 25 corporators here. In the Pune Municipal Corporation where the magic figure is 81, the BJP has won 92. The five Independents in the corporation too are likely to help the BJP. The BJP's breakthough is significant in Pune. The corporation used to be ruled by the NCP with the help of the Congress and the Shiv Sena. In the 178-member Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, which was considered to be a NCP stronghold, the BJP won 78 seats, snatching the corporation from the NCP which got only 35. Defeat here is being looked at as a big blow to former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. In the 123-member Nashik Municipal Corporation, the BJP won 67 seats. The Shiv Sena was considered to be the favourite this time round after a five-year reign by the MNS. But due to a lack of strong local leadership, the party could not convert the favorable situation into seats. They could get only 34. The BJP won Municipal Corporation of Nagpur, the home turf of chief ministerFadnavis, almost single handed. In the 151-member house, the party won 91 out of the 119 seats where results were declared when reports last came in. This is the partys best performance in the city, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said. The Shiv Sena couldnt open its account here. The BJP also gained a clear majority in Akola, where it bagged 48 out of the 80 seats. The party snatched the 87-member Amravati Municipal Corporation from the Congress while winning 40 seats. Solapur too favored the BJP for the first time ever. The BJP has won 47 seats in the 102-member Municipal Corporation. With 17 Independents and members of smaller local parties available, the BJP is eyeing power here. The Shiv Sena could win only 21 here. The Shiv Sena retained the Thane Municipal Corporation where it won 67 out of the 131 seats. The BJP bettered its tally in the city to 23 from previous 7. Anand ST Das By Express News Service PATNA: Bihars ruling JD(U) on Thursday placed under suspension for six years one of its MLAs who was booked for alleged irregularities in the appointment of staff at an agriculture university of which he was the vice-chancellor. An FIR was lodged against MLA Mewalal Chaudhary, who represents Tarapur constituency in Munger district, after a probe found that he was involved in severe irregularities in the appointment of assistant professors and junior scientists at Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) at Sabaur in Bhagalpur district. The party (JD-U) has placed Mewalal Chaudhary under suspension for six years. He has been booked in a case of irregularities in appointments at BAU. JD (U) follows a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, said Sanjay Singh, JD (U) spokesperson. Chaudhary retired as vice-chancellor of Bihar Agricultural University in 2015 and joined the JD (U). he was fielded as a candidate from Tarapur, which was previously represented by hiw wife Neeta Chaudhary. Following the FIR lodged against Choudhury, Bihars main Opposition BJP targeted Nitish Kumar and demanded the MLAs arrest. Allegations of massive corruption in the appointment of assistant professors and junior scientists at BAU surfaced in 2012. Bihar Governor Ramnath Kovind, who is the chancellor of the states universities. ordered a probe by a committee headed by retired Patna High Court judge Mehfooz Alam. With the probe panel finding the charges against Chaudhary true and recommending legal action against him, an FIR was lodged against him on Tuesday. Chaudhary allegedly took bribes to facilitate the appointment of 161 assistant professors and junior scientists. Several suitable candidates were bypassed, including some who had PhD degrees and those who qualified NET. Choudhuray said he was surprised by the FIR and vowed to contest it in the high court. I am a victim of a political conspiracy, said Chaudhary to journalists on Thursday. Senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi criticised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for taking so long to act on the charges faced by Mewalal Chaudhary. This case dragged on for so many years because the Chief Minister was protecting the main accused, said Modi. PATNA: Bihars ruling JD(U) on Thursday placed under suspension for six years one of its MLAs who was booked for alleged irregularities in the appointment of staff at an agriculture university of which he was the vice-chancellor. An FIR was lodged against MLA Mewalal Chaudhary, who represents Tarapur constituency in Munger district, after a probe found that he was involved in severe irregularities in the appointment of assistant professors and junior scientists at Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) at Sabaur in Bhagalpur district. The party (JD-U) has placed Mewalal Chaudhary under suspension for six years. He has been booked in a case of irregularities in appointments at BAU. JD (U) follows a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, said Sanjay Singh, JD (U) spokesperson. Chaudhary retired as vice-chancellor of Bihar Agricultural University in 2015 and joined the JD (U). he was fielded as a candidate from Tarapur, which was previously represented by hiw wife Neeta Chaudhary. Following the FIR lodged against Choudhury, Bihars main Opposition BJP targeted Nitish Kumar and demanded the MLAs arrest. Allegations of massive corruption in the appointment of assistant professors and junior scientists at BAU surfaced in 2012. Bihar Governor Ramnath Kovind, who is the chancellor of the states universities. ordered a probe by a committee headed by retired Patna High Court judge Mehfooz Alam. With the probe panel finding the charges against Chaudhary true and recommending legal action against him, an FIR was lodged against him on Tuesday. Chaudhary allegedly took bribes to facilitate the appointment of 161 assistant professors and junior scientists. Several suitable candidates were bypassed, including some who had PhD degrees and those who qualified NET. Choudhuray said he was surprised by the FIR and vowed to contest it in the high court. I am a victim of a political conspiracy, said Chaudhary to journalists on Thursday. Senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi criticised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for taking so long to act on the charges faced by Mewalal Chaudhary. This case dragged on for so many years because the Chief Minister was protecting the main accused, said Modi. Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service IMPHAL: The Peoples Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA), the political front which iconic activist Irom Sharmila launched last year, is hoping to do well in next months Assembly elections by whistling the conscience of Manipur. Whistle means many things. We are trying to become whistleblowers. We go around places whistling to try and awaken the conscience of Manipur, particularly its youth. By whistling, we try to wake up people, PRJA convenor Erendro Leichombam told reporters at the release of its four-point poll manifesto in Imphal on Thursday. Whistle is the PRJAs election symbol. Ironically, the party is contesting in just three seats. Its candidates include Sharmila, Leichombam and Najima Bibi, who is Manipurs first Muslim woman candidate. The party pledged to work towards repealing the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), weeding out corruption, introducing the system of inner line permit, which will make it mandatory for outsiders to carry the document while visiting the state, and developing a self-sustainable economy. All military and paramilitary forces will either leave Manipur or they will relocate their camps to at least 10km radius away from all residential areas, marketplaces, educational institutes and cultural heritage sites, the PRJA promised. Leichombam said the manifesto was a vision of the party. According to a survey, he said 99 per cent of the people in Manipur wanted the draconian AFSPA to go. The Manipur government has withdrawn it from seven Assembly segments in urban Imphal. Asked why the PRJA fielded just three candidates, Leichombam said, We wanted to make sure we field the right candidates. There were a lot of ticket-seekers. But as ours is a very new party, we wanted to ensure the foundation is strong. Describing herself as an ordinary citizen, Sharmila said her dream was to bring real democracy in Manipur by connecting with people. She said she was contesting from the Thoubal seat to see the real feelings of voters. Three-time incumbent chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh of the Congress is among her rivals in Thoubal. He had won the last two elections from here with huge margins. IMPHAL: The Peoples Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA), the political front which iconic activist Irom Sharmila launched last year, is hoping to do well in next months Assembly elections by whistling the conscience of Manipur. Whistle means many things. We are trying to become whistleblowers. We go around places whistling to try and awaken the conscience of Manipur, particularly its youth. By whistling, we try to wake up people, PRJA convenor Erendro Leichombam told reporters at the release of its four-point poll manifesto in Imphal on Thursday. Whistle is the PRJAs election symbol. Ironically, the party is contesting in just three seats. Its candidates include Sharmila, Leichombam and Najima Bibi, who is Manipurs first Muslim woman candidate. The party pledged to work towards repealing the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), weeding out corruption, introducing the system of inner line permit, which will make it mandatory for outsiders to carry the document while visiting the state, and developing a self-sustainable economy. All military and paramilitary forces will either leave Manipur or they will relocate their camps to at least 10km radius away from all residential areas, marketplaces, educational institutes and cultural heritage sites, the PRJA promised. Leichombam said the manifesto was a vision of the party. According to a survey, he said 99 per cent of the people in Manipur wanted the draconian AFSPA to go. The Manipur government has withdrawn it from seven Assembly segments in urban Imphal. Asked why the PRJA fielded just three candidates, Leichombam said, We wanted to make sure we field the right candidates. There were a lot of ticket-seekers. But as ours is a very new party, we wanted to ensure the foundation is strong. Describing herself as an ordinary citizen, Sharmila said her dream was to bring real democracy in Manipur by connecting with people. She said she was contesting from the Thoubal seat to see the real feelings of voters. Three-time incumbent chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh of the Congress is among her rivals in Thoubal. He had won the last two elections from here with huge margins. Kanu Sarda By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed withdrawal of the plea the wife of former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, who had committed suicide last year, seeking a CBI probe into his death. Senior advocate Dushyant Dave appearing on behalf of Puls wife and raised objections as to why the case was taken up on the judicial side when the order was passed on the administrative side. Dave also questioned as to how the plea was listed before a bench of Justices A K Goel and U U Lalit and said, We had filed the plea on the administrative side and not on judicial side and we do not want to participate in hearing it and want to withdraw the same. The court then allowed the plea. Dave also stated that the bench cannot hear the case at hand as Justice Goel had worked with Chief Justice of India J S Khehar in Chandigarh High Court. The 60-page suicide note had allegedly mentioned various politicians and few sitting judges. There are lot of allegations against judges and reputation of the institution will be affected if we dont act in impartial manner, Dave said adding that they are soon going to approach the Vice-President seeking prosecution of the judges involved. Last week, Dangwimsai in a press conference held in Delhi made public the letter written to the Chief Justice of India and said, It is essential that an FIR be registered on the basis of the allegations contained in it (suicide note) and the case be investigated by the CBI since the primary allegations are of corruption of judges at the highest level. CJI J S Khehar took note of the letter and forwarded the same to registry for listing of the case for hearing. She had also alleged that her family was getting threats and she was advised not to hold the press conference in which she made the late chief minister's suicide note public. Pul had committed suicide on August 9 last year and his body was found hanging in the official residence of the Chief Minister at Itanagar weeks after being unseated as the Chief Minister by a ruling of the Supreme Court. She blamed the state government for its nonchalance in conducting a proper investigation into the former chief minister's death, despite an FIR by the family. NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed withdrawal of the plea the wife of former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, who had committed suicide last year, seeking a CBI probe into his death. Senior advocate Dushyant Dave appearing on behalf of Puls wife and raised objections as to why the case was taken up on the judicial side when the order was passed on the administrative side. Dave also questioned as to how the plea was listed before a bench of Justices A K Goel and U U Lalit and said, We had filed the plea on the administrative side and not on judicial side and we do not want to participate in hearing it and want to withdraw the same. The court then allowed the plea. Dave also stated that the bench cannot hear the case at hand as Justice Goel had worked with Chief Justice of India J S Khehar in Chandigarh High Court. The 60-page suicide note had allegedly mentioned various politicians and few sitting judges. There are lot of allegations against judges and reputation of the institution will be affected if we dont act in impartial manner, Dave said adding that they are soon going to approach the Vice-President seeking prosecution of the judges involved. Last week, Dangwimsai in a press conference held in Delhi made public the letter written to the Chief Justice of India and said, It is essential that an FIR be registered on the basis of the allegations contained in it (suicide note) and the case be investigated by the CBI since the primary allegations are of corruption of judges at the highest level. CJI J S Khehar took note of the letter and forwarded the same to registry for listing of the case for hearing. She had also alleged that her family was getting threats and she was advised not to hold the press conference in which she made the late chief minister's suicide note public. Pul had committed suicide on August 9 last year and his body was found hanging in the official residence of the Chief Minister at Itanagar weeks after being unseated as the Chief Minister by a ruling of the Supreme Court. She blamed the state government for its nonchalance in conducting a proper investigation into the former chief minister's death, despite an FIR by the family. Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service The 100-plus days old economic blockade in poll-bound Manipur, enforced by the United Naga Council (UNC), was triggered by the state governments decision to create seven districts. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh of the Congress tells The New Indian Express Prasanta Mazumdar that the decision was taken in the larger interests of different sections of the society. Excerpts: Why did your government decide on the creation of seven districts when the polls were just round the corner? The question should be why so much delay! It was a long pending issue. Previous governments couldnt take concrete decision in this regard though they had agreed to do so in principle. We knew that some people with vested interests would stand against the decision and we had been waiting for the perfect timing for the declaration. In a democratic setup, we have to work in the larger interest of the state and not at the whims and fancies of a few with vested interests. You can gauge the mood of common people, both in the hills and valleys, from the fact that every community celebrated it with traditional dances and cultural events. The celebrations ended only when the frustrated NSCN-IMs (Naga insurgent group) issued a diktat. Was the decision aimed at gaining mileage in the polls? No, never. We knew that we will be losing some of our members (some Congress MLAs had defected to other parties including BJP in the wake of the blockade). See the case of Kamjong which was earlier a part of Ukhrul district. One had to first go to Imphal to reach Ukhrul district headquarters. It would take at least two to three days just to get a signature of the district magistrate. It is the same with Jiribam. People have to come crossing hilly terrains of 122 kms to reach the district headquarters which would take two to three days. We created the seven districts to ease out such problems and help the public. Why did the government not consult all stakeholders, including Nagas? You are wrong in asking that. We tried to consult, but they were not ready. The UNC had already declared they had severed all ties with the Manipur government. And we cant sacrifice the welfare of the state in the interest of a desperate few. Will Congress take the blame for people's sufferings due to the blockade? Let the people of Manipur decide it. But remember, the rest of Manipur is ready to bear the sufferings of the blockade instead of any rollback in our decision. See, who are against the decision and who are in favour of it! By not using paramilitary forces to clear the highways, did the Congress want to prolong the blockade to build an anti-Naga sentiment in Imphal Valley for political gains in polls? We exercised maximum restraint to avoid any collateral damage. We have been waiting for better sense to prevail. We know their plan and their intentions. We will not fall into their trap. How do you weigh your rival Irom Sharmila? Will she be able to put up a decent fight to you? Sharmila is a much-hyped candidate in my constituency. Please wait for the election results and you will see. Can the BJP end your 15-year regime? If not, why? The BJP is fighting this election with all their might and resources of the Central government. The central ministries come here almost every day trying their best to win the elections. The people of Manipur would have been very grateful to them if they had come with some new projects or special packages for the state. They come here only to spread hatred, to preach false propaganda, to make empty promises and to divide us. Whenever there is a BJP government at the Centre, Manipur burns. Remember the first NDA government which extended the NSCN-IM ceasefire beyond Nagaland and which led to the loss of 18 innocent lives. The angry people of Manipur burnt down the state Assembly hall because the BJP government didnt honour the resolutions passed by the Assembly to safeguard the territorial integrity of the state. And as soon as the Modi government came, they signed the Framework Agreement to settle the Naga issue. The contents of the agreement are still kept in the dark while the BJP and the NSCN-IM know it. It shows their arrogance and utter disrespect of the sentiment of the people of Manipur and the economic blockade which they have jointly imposed upon the state. The people of the state will give them a befitting reply. Your reaction on BJP's charge that you are trying to widen the divide between Meiteis and Nagas... No one can weaken the centuries-old relations among the different ethnic communities of the state. The only problem is that the BJP is trying to play a dirty game to divide the state on ethnic and communal lines. They are playing with fire and they will realise their mistake only after the election results are out. History will never forgive this party for the blunder it committed. My government is bridging the gaps while the BJP is harping on communal lines. What about the chances of your son Surajkumar? You better wait for the election results. (The London-educated Surajkumar, 28, is contesting from Khangabok. His mother, Landhoni, who won from here in the past two elections, made way for her son). Is Congress on course for a fourth term? Definitely. The 100-plus days old economic blockade in poll-bound Manipur, enforced by the United Naga Council (UNC), was triggered by the state governments decision to create seven districts. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh of the Congress tells The New Indian Express Prasanta Mazumdar that the decision was taken in the larger interests of different sections of the society. Excerpts: Why did your government decide on the creation of seven districts when the polls were just round the corner? The question should be why so much delay! It was a long pending issue. Previous governments couldnt take concrete decision in this regard though they had agreed to do so in principle. We knew that some people with vested interests would stand against the decision and we had been waiting for the perfect timing for the declaration. In a democratic setup, we have to work in the larger interest of the state and not at the whims and fancies of a few with vested interests. You can gauge the mood of common people, both in the hills and valleys, from the fact that every community celebrated it with traditional dances and cultural events. The celebrations ended only when the frustrated NSCN-IMs (Naga insurgent group) issued a diktat. Was the decision aimed at gaining mileage in the polls? No, never. We knew that we will be losing some of our members (some Congress MLAs had defected to other parties including BJP in the wake of the blockade). See the case of Kamjong which was earlier a part of Ukhrul district. One had to first go to Imphal to reach Ukhrul district headquarters. It would take at least two to three days just to get a signature of the district magistrate. It is the same with Jiribam. People have to come crossing hilly terrains of 122 kms to reach the district headquarters which would take two to three days. We created the seven districts to ease out such problems and help the public. Why did the government not consult all stakeholders, including Nagas? You are wrong in asking that. We tried to consult, but they were not ready. The UNC had already declared they had severed all ties with the Manipur government. And we cant sacrifice the welfare of the state in the interest of a desperate few. Will Congress take the blame for people's sufferings due to the blockade? Let the people of Manipur decide it. But remember, the rest of Manipur is ready to bear the sufferings of the blockade instead of any rollback in our decision. See, who are against the decision and who are in favour of it! By not using paramilitary forces to clear the highways, did the Congress want to prolong the blockade to build an anti-Naga sentiment in Imphal Valley for political gains in polls? We exercised maximum restraint to avoid any collateral damage. We have been waiting for better sense to prevail. We know their plan and their intentions. We will not fall into their trap. How do you weigh your rival Irom Sharmila? Will she be able to put up a decent fight to you? Sharmila is a much-hyped candidate in my constituency. Please wait for the election results and you will see. Can the BJP end your 15-year regime? If not, why? The BJP is fighting this election with all their might and resources of the Central government. The central ministries come here almost every day trying their best to win the elections. The people of Manipur would have been very grateful to them if they had come with some new projects or special packages for the state. They come here only to spread hatred, to preach false propaganda, to make empty promises and to divide us. Whenever there is a BJP government at the Centre, Manipur burns. Remember the first NDA government which extended the NSCN-IM ceasefire beyond Nagaland and which led to the loss of 18 innocent lives. The angry people of Manipur burnt down the state Assembly hall because the BJP government didnt honour the resolutions passed by the Assembly to safeguard the territorial integrity of the state. And as soon as the Modi government came, they signed the Framework Agreement to settle the Naga issue. The contents of the agreement are still kept in the dark while the BJP and the NSCN-IM know it. It shows their arrogance and utter disrespect of the sentiment of the people of Manipur and the economic blockade which they have jointly imposed upon the state. The people of the state will give them a befitting reply. Your reaction on BJP's charge that you are trying to widen the divide between Meiteis and Nagas... No one can weaken the centuries-old relations among the different ethnic communities of the state. The only problem is that the BJP is trying to play a dirty game to divide the state on ethnic and communal lines. They are playing with fire and they will realise their mistake only after the election results are out. History will never forgive this party for the blunder it committed. My government is bridging the gaps while the BJP is harping on communal lines. What about the chances of your son Surajkumar? You better wait for the election results. (The London-educated Surajkumar, 28, is contesting from Khangabok. His mother, Landhoni, who won from here in the past two elections, made way for her son). Is Congress on course for a fourth term? Definitely. Sajjan Kumar By Express News Service At a time when leaders are making aggressive remarks against rivals, one finds an element of defensiveness in Mayawatis speeches when she constantly repeats that there will be no more statues and parks if she comes to power. This betrays her acceptance of the opposition propaganda that she wasted money on such things when she was in power At a time when political actors are employing consultants to give them an image makeover so that they can gain a perception advantage, Mayawati is still cast in the old mould. Her political strategizing lacks innovation. Take some simple facts. Mayawati does not release an election manifesto as no one reads it. Her party doesnt contest local elections as a policy as it does not want to waste its energy before the final battle, ie, the Assembly and Lok Sabha election. It doesnt have a spokesperson because it sees the media is Brahmanical. Maywati refuses to come to terms with a political context that requires parties and their leaderships to be constantly visible on the ground and in the media. She relies instead on caste- and community-based quasi-secretive Bhaichara Sammelans. This in fact signifies her assumption that a consolidated Dalit base would convince voters in other sections of society the BSP is a winnabile party, an impression that might aid her effort to forge a successful electoral equation. Such an assumption might have been plausible when the Samajwadi Party was led by Mulayam Singh and his likes who shared the assumption that adding a layer to their core voter base was a sufficient electoral strategy. Thus were leaders like Amar Singh (a Rajput), Beni Prasad Verma (a Kurmi), Ateek Ahmad and Mukhtar Ansari (Muslims) sought to be brought into the SP fold. Had Mulayam Singh Yadav succeeded in having his way in the SP, Mayawatis strategy would have made sense for the BSP. But with a rival like Akhilesh Yadav who has successfully reinvented his and his partys image, the old assumptions have become quite inadequate. Of late, elections in UP are being won by attracting swing voters. This requires constant innovation and creativity. On this parameter, Maywati lags behind. Her speeches lack a dialogic mode and lack the quality of extempore speeches. At a time when leaders are making aggressive remarks against rivals, one finds an element of defensiveness in Mayawatis speeches as when she constantly repeats that there will be no more statues and parks if she comes to power this time. This betrays her acceptance of the opposition propaganda that she wasted money on such things when she was in power. Nowhere does she mention her achievement of building decent houses -- Kanshiram Awasiya Colonies -- for poor people in general and Dalits and lower OBCs in particular. Also absent is any reference to her unique experiment of developing the poorest villages through her Ambedkar Gram programme. Her concept was copied by the Akhilesh Yadav government with a name change as Adarsh Lohiya Gram. And he is marketing it with vigour. Except asserting her credentials as a tough administrator, Mayawati doesnt have much to offer to the middle class and floating voters. Her preference for big rallies - in contrast to Akhilesh Yadav who addresses small but more rallies and establishes a connect with voters -- is not only making her relatively invisible and risks losing the battle of perception, especially among the floating voters who are accustomed to going with the wind. This war of perception is fought in the realm of media and therefore requires constant engagement. However, Mayawatis disdain for the middle class gets extrapolated to a disdain for the media and by extension for the floating voters. Mayawatis exclusive reliance on cementing the Dalit-Muslim alliance has made her blind to the importance of the crucial role played by floating voters in tilting the electoral outcome, and she has taken no measures to correct this. Its her rivals who are setting the agenda and dominating the war of perception. The majority of floating voters hail from non-Yadav OBC castes, a significant section of whom used to be quasi-loyal voters of the BSP. These voters are being approached by the BJP and SP and a majority of them are not taking her Muslim-centric approach in good humour. Affected by a sense of relative deprivation, these lower OBCs desire pampering. Ironically, Mayawati is not only lagging behind in capturing the aspirations of lower OBCs but also of Muslims who are still swayed by the overtures of Akhilesh Yadavs SP. Wherever Muslims are voting for a BSP candidate, they are found to be voting for the instrumental reason of backing a winnable candidate rather than out of enthusiasm to see Mayawati as the CM. Rather, its Akhilesh who a majority of Muslims desire to see as the CM of the state. (Sajjan Kumar is a Ph.D from Centre for Political Studies, JNU. He is associated with Peoples Pulse, a Hyderabad-based research organization specializing in fieldwork-based political and electoral studies.) At a time when leaders are making aggressive remarks against rivals, one finds an element of defensiveness in Mayawatis speeches when she constantly repeats that there will be no more statues and parks if she comes to power. This betrays her acceptance of the opposition propaganda that she wasted money on such things when she was in power At a time when political actors are employing consultants to give them an image makeover so that they can gain a perception advantage, Mayawati is still cast in the old mould. Her political strategizing lacks innovation. Take some simple facts. Mayawati does not release an election manifesto as no one reads it. Her party doesnt contest local elections as a policy as it does not want to waste its energy before the final battle, ie, the Assembly and Lok Sabha election. It doesnt have a spokesperson because it sees the media is Brahmanical. Maywati refuses to come to terms with a political context that requires parties and their leaderships to be constantly visible on the ground and in the media. She relies instead on caste- and community-based quasi-secretive Bhaichara Sammelans. This in fact signifies her assumption that a consolidated Dalit base would convince voters in other sections of society the BSP is a winnabile party, an impression that might aid her effort to forge a successful electoral equation. Such an assumption might have been plausible when the Samajwadi Party was led by Mulayam Singh and his likes who shared the assumption that adding a layer to their core voter base was a sufficient electoral strategy. Thus were leaders like Amar Singh (a Rajput), Beni Prasad Verma (a Kurmi), Ateek Ahmad and Mukhtar Ansari (Muslims) sought to be brought into the SP fold. Had Mulayam Singh Yadav succeeded in having his way in the SP, Mayawatis strategy would have made sense for the BSP. But with a rival like Akhilesh Yadav who has successfully reinvented his and his partys image, the old assumptions have become quite inadequate. Of late, elections in UP are being won by attracting swing voters. This requires constant innovation and creativity. On this parameter, Maywati lags behind. Her speeches lack a dialogic mode and lack the quality of extempore speeches. At a time when leaders are making aggressive remarks against rivals, one finds an element of defensiveness in Mayawatis speeches as when she constantly repeats that there will be no more statues and parks if she comes to power this time. This betrays her acceptance of the opposition propaganda that she wasted money on such things when she was in power. Nowhere does she mention her achievement of building decent houses -- Kanshiram Awasiya Colonies -- for poor people in general and Dalits and lower OBCs in particular. Also absent is any reference to her unique experiment of developing the poorest villages through her Ambedkar Gram programme. Her concept was copied by the Akhilesh Yadav government with a name change as Adarsh Lohiya Gram. And he is marketing it with vigour. Except asserting her credentials as a tough administrator, Mayawati doesnt have much to offer to the middle class and floating voters. Her preference for big rallies - in contrast to Akhilesh Yadav who addresses small but more rallies and establishes a connect with voters -- is not only making her relatively invisible and risks losing the battle of perception, especially among the floating voters who are accustomed to going with the wind. This war of perception is fought in the realm of media and therefore requires constant engagement. However, Mayawatis disdain for the middle class gets extrapolated to a disdain for the media and by extension for the floating voters. Mayawatis exclusive reliance on cementing the Dalit-Muslim alliance has made her blind to the importance of the crucial role played by floating voters in tilting the electoral outcome, and she has taken no measures to correct this. Its her rivals who are setting the agenda and dominating the war of perception. The majority of floating voters hail from non-Yadav OBC castes, a significant section of whom used to be quasi-loyal voters of the BSP. These voters are being approached by the BJP and SP and a majority of them are not taking her Muslim-centric approach in good humour. Affected by a sense of relative deprivation, these lower OBCs desire pampering. Ironically, Mayawati is not only lagging behind in capturing the aspirations of lower OBCs but also of Muslims who are still swayed by the overtures of Akhilesh Yadavs SP. Wherever Muslims are voting for a BSP candidate, they are found to be voting for the instrumental reason of backing a winnable candidate rather than out of enthusiasm to see Mayawati as the CM. Rather, its Akhilesh who a majority of Muslims desire to see as the CM of the state. (Sajjan Kumar is a Ph.D from Centre for Political Studies, JNU. He is associated with Peoples Pulse, a Hyderabad-based research organization specializing in fieldwork-based political and electoral studies.) By ANI NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to hear the plea filed by the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) seeking inclusion of the Urdu language in the National Entrance cum Eligibility Test (NEET). Urdu should be added as a language or as a medium in the NEET, SIO lawyer Ravindra S. Garia told ANI. As per the official notification, the NEET will be held in 10 languages- Hindi, English, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Oriya and Kannada. NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to hear the plea filed by the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) seeking inclusion of the Urdu language in the National Entrance cum Eligibility Test (NEET). Urdu should be added as a language or as a medium in the NEET, SIO lawyer Ravindra S. Garia told ANI. As per the official notification, the NEET will be held in 10 languages- Hindi, English, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Oriya and Kannada. Harpreet Bajwa By Express News Service SHAMBHU: Several leaders of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) of Haryana, including the leader of Opposition, Abhay Chautala, were arrested while marching into Punjab to undertake the digging of the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, on Thursday. Before their arrest, some INLD workers, in a symbolic gesture of their proposed digging of the SYL canal in Punjab, dug up land near the Haryana-Punjab border on the Haryana side as part of the Jal Yudh Sammelan, while trying to enter the Punjab side of the Ghaggar Bridge near the Shambhu barrier. According to sources, the police arrested a total of 73 party leaders, including INLDs Haryana unit president Ashok Arora, Rajya Sabha MP Ramkumar Kashyap, Lok Sabha MP Charanjeet Singh Rohi, 13 MLAs and six ex-MLAs for violating prohibitory orders imposed in the region. We have arrested them for violating Section 144. They have been booked under Section 188 of IPC (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), said Punjab Police (Patiala Range) deputy inspector general Ashish Chaudhary. The arrested INLD leaders were taken away in private buses and will be presented in the SDM court at Rajpura, where the police are likely to seek their 14-day judicial remand. The Patiala Central Jail has been put on alert as the arrested leaders are likely to be lodged there. Meanwhile, the Punjab Police also denied entry to workers of the All-India Sikh Students Federation, which announced that it would stop INLD workers from entering Punjab, from reaching Kapuri or the Shambu border. Amid fears of a showdown between the INLD workers and security forces, a huge posse of personnel was deployed and 10-feet high barricades were erected at the main entry points in Haryana from where they had planned to enter Punjab. Ten companies of paramilitary forces and nearly 5,000 policemen were also deployed by the Punjab government near villages along the border with Haryana, officials said. With the police of the two states working in tandem to tackle the situation, the roads have been barricaded and walls raised at the Shambhu border. Section 144 of the CrPC, prohibiting the assembly of five or more persons, has also been imposed and five duty magistrates have been stationed in the area. SHAMBHU: Several leaders of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) of Haryana, including the leader of Opposition, Abhay Chautala, were arrested while marching into Punjab to undertake the digging of the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, on Thursday. Before their arrest, some INLD workers, in a symbolic gesture of their proposed digging of the SYL canal in Punjab, dug up land near the Haryana-Punjab border on the Haryana side as part of the Jal Yudh Sammelan, while trying to enter the Punjab side of the Ghaggar Bridge near the Shambhu barrier. According to sources, the police arrested a total of 73 party leaders, including INLDs Haryana unit president Ashok Arora, Rajya Sabha MP Ramkumar Kashyap, Lok Sabha MP Charanjeet Singh Rohi, 13 MLAs and six ex-MLAs for violating prohibitory orders imposed in the region. We have arrested them for violating Section 144. They have been booked under Section 188 of IPC (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), said Punjab Police (Patiala Range) deputy inspector general Ashish Chaudhary. The arrested INLD leaders were taken away in private buses and will be presented in the SDM court at Rajpura, where the police are likely to seek their 14-day judicial remand. The Patiala Central Jail has been put on alert as the arrested leaders are likely to be lodged there. Meanwhile, the Punjab Police also denied entry to workers of the All-India Sikh Students Federation, which announced that it would stop INLD workers from entering Punjab, from reaching Kapuri or the Shambu border. Amid fears of a showdown between the INLD workers and security forces, a huge posse of personnel was deployed and 10-feet high barricades were erected at the main entry points in Haryana from where they had planned to enter Punjab. Ten companies of paramilitary forces and nearly 5,000 policemen were also deployed by the Punjab government near villages along the border with Haryana, officials said. With the police of the two states working in tandem to tackle the situation, the roads have been barricaded and walls raised at the Shambhu border. Section 144 of the CrPC, prohibiting the assembly of five or more persons, has also been imposed and five duty magistrates have been stationed in the area. By ANI MAHOBA: At least four people including Samajwadi Party candidate Siddhgopal Sahu's son were injured after a clash between SP and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supporters broke out in Mahoba. Meanwhile, voting for the fourth phase on 53 constituencies is underway in Uttar Pradesh. Other than Bundelkhand and Rae Bareli districts going to polls in this phase are Allahabad, Chitrakoot, Banda, Fatehpur, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Jhansi, Kaushambi, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Pratapgarh. The voting started at 7 a.m., and will end at 5 p.m. Elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure free and fair polling. Inter-district and inter-state borders have been sealed. Patrolling by security forces has been intensified in poll-bound areas. Most of the polling centres are manned by Central Para Military Forces. BJP is contesting 48 seats out of 53. It has left 6 seats for its ally Apana Dal. BSP has fielded its nominees in all segments, while SP is contesting 30 seats and its ally Congress 25. MAHOBA: At least four people including Samajwadi Party candidate Siddhgopal Sahu's son were injured after a clash between SP and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supporters broke out in Mahoba. Meanwhile, voting for the fourth phase on 53 constituencies is underway in Uttar Pradesh. Other than Bundelkhand and Rae Bareli districts going to polls in this phase are Allahabad, Chitrakoot, Banda, Fatehpur, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Jhansi, Kaushambi, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Pratapgarh. The voting started at 7 a.m., and will end at 5 p.m. Elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure free and fair polling. Inter-district and inter-state borders have been sealed. Patrolling by security forces has been intensified in poll-bound areas. Most of the polling centres are manned by Central Para Military Forces. BJP is contesting 48 seats out of 53. It has left 6 seats for its ally Apana Dal. BSP has fielded its nominees in all segments, while SP is contesting 30 seats and its ally Congress 25. By Express News Service SRINAGAR: In a major attack, a heavily armed group of Hizbul Mujahideen militants ambushed an Army patrol in a village in South Kashmirs Shopian district early on Thursday, and escaped after killing three soldiers and injuring five others, including a Lt Colonel and a Major. A woman hit by a stray bullet inside her house during the gunfight also died. Defence spokesperson in Srinagar, Colonel Rajesh Kalia, told New Indian Express that the militants, armed with automatic weapons and grenades, ambushed a 44 Rashtriya Rifles patrol at Mulu Chitragam village as they were returning after a combing operation in a nearby village at 2 am. Eight soldiers, including a Lt Colonel and a Major, were injured in the incident and were evacuated to a military hospital in Srinagar, where three soldiers succumbed. A woman identified as Taja Begum was hit by a stray bullet inside her house during the crossfire, and succumbed on her way to hospital, the police said. The slain soldiers were identified as Lance Naik Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Rather of Bijbehara, Anantnag in J&K; sapper Sreejith M J of Paruthipully, Palakkad in Kerala, and sepoy Vikas Singh Gurjar of Karouli, Rajasthan. The Army, police and paramilitary personnel launched a joint search operation in the village to nab the attackers. Villagers alleged that the troops damaged parked cars and window panes of residential houses during the operation. Pro-Pakistani militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen claimed responsibility for the attack, and a Hizbul spokesperson said five Army men were killed and seven injured in the ambush. This was the first major attack on security forces this year. Earlier, the militants were engaging security personnel during search and combing operations after being trapped. Security agencies suspect the attack may have been carried out jointly by Hizbul and Lashkar-e-Toiba militants. Both Hizbul and Lashkar-e-Toiba are active in South Kashmir, which was the epicentre of the unrest triggered by the killing of 21-year-old Hizb commander Burhan Wani in July last year. Conveying her sympathies to the bereaved families, CM Mehbooba Mufti said violence could never be a means to address issues and a collective effort was needed to get the State out of the morass of death and destruction. SRINAGAR: In a major attack, a heavily armed group of Hizbul Mujahideen militants ambushed an Army patrol in a village in South Kashmirs Shopian district early on Thursday, and escaped after killing three soldiers and injuring five others, including a Lt Colonel and a Major. A woman hit by a stray bullet inside her house during the gunfight also died. Defence spokesperson in Srinagar, Colonel Rajesh Kalia, told New Indian Express that the militants, armed with automatic weapons and grenades, ambushed a 44 Rashtriya Rifles patrol at Mulu Chitragam village as they were returning after a combing operation in a nearby village at 2 am. Eight soldiers, including a Lt Colonel and a Major, were injured in the incident and were evacuated to a military hospital in Srinagar, where three soldiers succumbed. A woman identified as Taja Begum was hit by a stray bullet inside her house during the crossfire, and succumbed on her way to hospital, the police said. The slain soldiers were identified as Lance Naik Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Rather of Bijbehara, Anantnag in J&K; sapper Sreejith M J of Paruthipully, Palakkad in Kerala, and sepoy Vikas Singh Gurjar of Karouli, Rajasthan. The Army, police and paramilitary personnel launched a joint search operation in the village to nab the attackers. Villagers alleged that the troops damaged parked cars and window panes of residential houses during the operation. Pro-Pakistani militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen claimed responsibility for the attack, and a Hizbul spokesperson said five Army men were killed and seven injured in the ambush. This was the first major attack on security forces this year. Earlier, the militants were engaging security personnel during search and combing operations after being trapped. Security agencies suspect the attack may have been carried out jointly by Hizbul and Lashkar-e-Toiba militants. Both Hizbul and Lashkar-e-Toiba are active in South Kashmir, which was the epicentre of the unrest triggered by the killing of 21-year-old Hizb commander Burhan Wani in July last year. Conveying her sympathies to the bereaved families, CM Mehbooba Mufti said violence could never be a means to address issues and a collective effort was needed to get the State out of the morass of death and destruction. Karamatullah K Ghori By Scandals are a commodity the Land of the Pure (Pakistan) is never short of. At any given time the national scene is usually lit up by at least one. But most other times, as of now, theres vicariously a scandals-galore. Last week for instance in the thick of the ongoing Panama Gate scandal that has Nawaz Sharif and his progeny up to their eye-balls into the muck, the PM found himself smack into the jaws of another quagmire.It was, interestingly, a horse that kicked up so much dust as to put an already embattled PM even more on the back-foot. A snooping, hyper-vigilante, mediaon the prowl for months for juicy morsels of Nawaz familys unbridled appetite for power and pelfsuddenly hit the deck running with news that PM was gifting a precious, thorough-bred, Arabian horse to Qatars ruler, who, together with his coterie of power has mentored three generations of the Sharifs. Nawazs defence lawyers have been beseeching the apex court to accept their plea that much of his familys fabulous wealth is owed to smart business deals his late father cut with the Qatari royals. Exchanging expensive gifts with Arab potentates isnt outrageous at all in Pakistans arcane culture of power. They are brethren-in-faith and enjoy a unique privilege in the Pakistani mind. So gifting a horse to a brotherly Arab prince couldnt have spawned embarrassment for Nawaz of the kind it eventually did. What got the medias goat, however, was an insider leak that the horse was being sent to the Qatari royal by a special flight of an Air Force cargo plane. To the uninformed that may have smelled of unwarranted drain of the countrys limited resources. But not so to jaded pundits who have stories, by scores, to tell how national assets have been squandered at will. There was, for one, this former air force chief whod his freshly-groomed son-in-laws sherwani (long coat) ferried across the country on an aircraft, not once but twice; or this army chief who commissioned more than one military plane to fly family and friends, from one end of Pakistan to another, for his daughters wedding. These perks of power are seen as given in Pakistans well-entrenched feudal culture. Perks of power also dragged the recently retired Army Chief, General Raheel Sharif, into media headlines on the heels of the royal horses scandal. The general, when in harness, was taken as nemesis to his namesake Nawaz and looks determined to give the PM a run for his money in scandals, even in retirement. The media scoop on the ex-soldier hit the headlines like a ton of bricks. Media gurus went to town with news the general had been given a parcel of 90 acres of agricultural land near Lahore as a parting gift. The icing on the media-baked cake was the money worth of the gifted parcel of land: A mere 4 billion Rupees. But like all military-related scandals and media scoops this one too had a shelf life. First, a GHQ spokesman clarified that there was nothing out-of-the-ordinary in the retiring chief getting a sliver of agricultural land. It was his right. Military rules dating back to the Raj allow every retiring soldier a parcel of land for his and his familys upkeep in retirement. Its interesting that the Pakistan army is still judiciously following the 19th century British military tradition in India that rewarded loyal soldiers of the Raj from whats today Pakistans Punjab for service rendered in putting down the Mutiny of 1857. The Raj may be dead and buried but its culture of privilege is still alive and kicking. The media was educated by the army spokesman that the land given to the general was worthless and had no commercial value; which had the tongues wagging, but only briefly, why was it given to the retiring hero if it was worthless? But life out of the scandal was snuffed out with an unequivocal reminder that defaming the military was a cognisable offence in Pakistan. The reminder was good in pouring cold water on media hacks bubbling ambition to let the people of Pakistan know how their privileged elites have been serving their pompous interests with impunity. Impunity there is none, however, for those social activists in Pakistan who might have had this fancy notion that their social media blogging was beyond the long, and wrenching, reach of the law as enforced by the powerful in the land. The scandal of disappearances of five prominent social media bloggers in Pakistan, in January, may have run out of fire but is still smoking an acrid stench. Their disappearance, in quick succession, mostly from Punjab, hit the social media firmament literally like a bolt from the blue. At least one of these bloggers lived abroad, in Europe, and had returned to Pakistan on a family visit not too long ago. For well over a fortnight no agency of the government was prepared to answer anxious enquiries of family and friends whod picked the bloggers up and why, although every one reading and following their blogs knew the answers to these questions. Theyd been critical of jackboots presence in strife-plagued Baluchistan; and theyd temerity to questions CPECChina-Pakistan Economic Corridor which has Baluchistan as its hub. The Pakistan army is the pivot in CPEC and, to say the least, it isnt kosher for anyone to raise a question on CPEC. The disappeared bloggers have since been released, one by one but their lips have been sealed. They arent prepared to speak. Families and friends say they arent the same person they were before their disappearance. Whats more precious: Life or free speech? Take your pick. The author is a former Pakistani diplomat Email: K_K_ghori@yahoo.com Scandals are a commodity the Land of the Pure (Pakistan) is never short of. At any given time the national scene is usually lit up by at least one. But most other times, as of now, theres vicariously a scandals-galore. Last week for instance in the thick of the ongoing Panama Gate scandal that has Nawaz Sharif and his progeny up to their eye-balls into the muck, the PM found himself smack into the jaws of another quagmire.It was, interestingly, a horse that kicked up so much dust as to put an already embattled PM even more on the back-foot. A snooping, hyper-vigilante, mediaon the prowl for months for juicy morsels of Nawaz familys unbridled appetite for power and pelfsuddenly hit the deck running with news that PM was gifting a precious, thorough-bred, Arabian horse to Qatars ruler, who, together with his coterie of power has mentored three generations of the Sharifs. Nawazs defence lawyers have been beseeching the apex court to accept their plea that much of his familys fabulous wealth is owed to smart business deals his late father cut with the Qatari royals. Exchanging expensive gifts with Arab potentates isnt outrageous at all in Pakistans arcane culture of power. They are brethren-in-faith and enjoy a unique privilege in the Pakistani mind. So gifting a horse to a brotherly Arab prince couldnt have spawned embarrassment for Nawaz of the kind it eventually did. What got the medias goat, however, was an insider leak that the horse was being sent to the Qatari royal by a special flight of an Air Force cargo plane. To the uninformed that may have smelled of unwarranted drain of the countrys limited resources. But not so to jaded pundits who have stories, by scores, to tell how national assets have been squandered at will. There was, for one, this former air force chief whod his freshly-groomed son-in-laws sherwani (long coat) ferried across the country on an aircraft, not once but twice; or this army chief who commissioned more than one military plane to fly family and friends, from one end of Pakistan to another, for his daughters wedding. These perks of power are seen as given in Pakistans well-entrenched feudal culture. Perks of power also dragged the recently retired Army Chief, General Raheel Sharif, into media headlines on the heels of the royal horses scandal. The general, when in harness, was taken as nemesis to his namesake Nawaz and looks determined to give the PM a run for his money in scandals, even in retirement. The media scoop on the ex-soldier hit the headlines like a ton of bricks. Media gurus went to town with news the general had been given a parcel of 90 acres of agricultural land near Lahore as a parting gift. The icing on the media-baked cake was the money worth of the gifted parcel of land: A mere 4 billion Rupees. But like all military-related scandals and media scoops this one too had a shelf life. First, a GHQ spokesman clarified that there was nothing out-of-the-ordinary in the retiring chief getting a sliver of agricultural land. It was his right. Military rules dating back to the Raj allow every retiring soldier a parcel of land for his and his familys upkeep in retirement. Its interesting that the Pakistan army is still judiciously following the 19th century British military tradition in India that rewarded loyal soldiers of the Raj from whats today Pakistans Punjab for service rendered in putting down the Mutiny of 1857. The Raj may be dead and buried but its culture of privilege is still alive and kicking. The media was educated by the army spokesman that the land given to the general was worthless and had no commercial value; which had the tongues wagging, but only briefly, why was it given to the retiring hero if it was worthless? But life out of the scandal was snuffed out with an unequivocal reminder that defaming the military was a cognisable offence in Pakistan. The reminder was good in pouring cold water on media hacks bubbling ambition to let the people of Pakistan know how their privileged elites have been serving their pompous interests with impunity. Impunity there is none, however, for those social activists in Pakistan who might have had this fancy notion that their social media blogging was beyond the long, and wrenching, reach of the law as enforced by the powerful in the land. The scandal of disappearances of five prominent social media bloggers in Pakistan, in January, may have run out of fire but is still smoking an acrid stench. Their disappearance, in quick succession, mostly from Punjab, hit the social media firmament literally like a bolt from the blue. At least one of these bloggers lived abroad, in Europe, and had returned to Pakistan on a family visit not too long ago. For well over a fortnight no agency of the government was prepared to answer anxious enquiries of family and friends whod picked the bloggers up and why, although every one reading and following their blogs knew the answers to these questions. Theyd been critical of jackboots presence in strife-plagued Baluchistan; and theyd temerity to questions CPECChina-Pakistan Economic Corridor which has Baluchistan as its hub. The Pakistan army is the pivot in CPEC and, to say the least, it isnt kosher for anyone to raise a question on CPEC. The disappeared bloggers have since been released, one by one but their lips have been sealed. They arent prepared to speak. Families and friends say they arent the same person they were before their disappearance. Whats more precious: Life or free speech? Take your pick. The author is a former Pakistani diplomat Email: K_K_ghori@yahoo.com By Express News Service VIJAYAWADA: In a ghastly road accident, JNTU Anantapur vice chancellor MMM Sarcar and two others, including his driver, died on Wednesday evening. The incident happened near Gajarampalle of Pamidi Mandal in Anantapur district, around 35 km from the district headquarters. Sarcar (64) and his personal assistant K Baba Fakruddin (42) were on their way to Kurnool to participate in a programme at the G Pulla Reddy College of Engineering, when a tyre of the vehicle burst and the driver lost control, ramming into a lorry coming from the opposite direction. The impact of the collision was such that the front portion of the car got fully mangled. The trio died on the spot. The driver had got married just a week ago. On being alerted police along with medical emergency teams rushed to the spot. District Collector Kona Sasidhar, SP V Rajasekhara Babu along with JNTU-A officials also rushed to the spot Crane and earth movers were employed to separate the wreckage and remove the bodies from it. The incident led to traffic jam for couple of hours on the highway. Within a couple of hours of the incident, students and teachers flocked the area and police had tough time controlling them. A native of Visakhapatnam, Sarcar is survived by his wife Sultana, son and two daughters. The bodies were handed over to relatives after autopsy. Governor ESL Narasimhan, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, I&PR Minister Palle Raghunath Reddy and several others condoled the deaths. VIJAYAWADA: In a ghastly road accident, JNTU Anantapur vice chancellor MMM Sarcar and two others, including his driver, died on Wednesday evening. The incident happened near Gajarampalle of Pamidi Mandal in Anantapur district, around 35 km from the district headquarters. Sarcar (64) and his personal assistant K Baba Fakruddin (42) were on their way to Kurnool to participate in a programme at the G Pulla Reddy College of Engineering, when a tyre of the vehicle burst and the driver lost control, ramming into a lorry coming from the opposite direction. The impact of the collision was such that the front portion of the car got fully mangled. The trio died on the spot. The driver had got married just a week ago. On being alerted police along with medical emergency teams rushed to the spot. District Collector Kona Sasidhar, SP V Rajasekhara Babu along with JNTU-A officials also rushed to the spot Crane and earth movers were employed to separate the wreckage and remove the bodies from it. The incident led to traffic jam for couple of hours on the highway. Within a couple of hours of the incident, students and teachers flocked the area and police had tough time controlling them. A native of Visakhapatnam, Sarcar is survived by his wife Sultana, son and two daughters. The bodies were handed over to relatives after autopsy. Governor ESL Narasimhan, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, I&PR Minister Palle Raghunath Reddy and several others condoled the deaths. By Express News Service MANGALURU: Amid opposition to the scheduled communal harmony rally organised by Communist Party of India (Marxist) at Nehru Maidan on February 25, miscreants set fire to the office of CPI(M) located at Thokkottu Olapete, on Wednesday night. Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan is scheduled to participate in the event, which has been opposed by the BJP. Though the incident occurred late at night, it came to light only when the the leaders of CPI(M) visited the office on Thursday morning. Several documents related to beedi workers, construction labourers and others were gutted in the fire, according to a complaint. Police suspect that the incident must be the handiwork of those who have opposed the visit of Pinarayi Vijayan to the scheduled rally and programme. It can be noted that BJP district unit has called for 'hartal' on Feb 25, opposing the presence and speech of Vijayan, claiming that hundreds of Hindu activists have been murdered and assaulted in Kerala, after he came to power. Speaking to Express, CPI(M) leader Muneer Katipalla said that the loss was estimated at around Rs 1 lakh. "Though this incident might be orchestrated by those who are opposing the visit of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, we will go ahead with the scheduled rally. The programme will be held on the same day without any obstacle," he said. A complaint has been registered at Ullal Police Station. MANGALURU: Amid opposition to the scheduled communal harmony rally organised by Communist Party of India (Marxist) at Nehru Maidan on February 25, miscreants set fire to the office of CPI(M) located at Thokkottu Olapete, on Wednesday night. Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan is scheduled to participate in the event, which has been opposed by the BJP. Though the incident occurred late at night, it came to light only when the the leaders of CPI(M) visited the office on Thursday morning. Several documents related to beedi workers, construction labourers and others were gutted in the fire, according to a complaint. Police suspect that the incident must be the handiwork of those who have opposed the visit of Pinarayi Vijayan to the scheduled rally and programme. It can be noted that BJP district unit has called for 'hartal' on Feb 25, opposing the presence and speech of Vijayan, claiming that hundreds of Hindu activists have been murdered and assaulted in Kerala, after he came to power. Speaking to Express, CPI(M) leader Muneer Katipalla said that the loss was estimated at around Rs 1 lakh. "Though this incident might be orchestrated by those who are opposing the visit of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, we will go ahead with the scheduled rally. The programme will be held on the same day without any obstacle," he said. A complaint has been registered at Ullal Police Station. Suraksha P By Express News Service BENGALURU: Swine flu cases have been on the rise in the state compared to last year when 110 cases were reported with no deaths. This year, in less than two months, 344 cases have been reported in Karnataka with three deaths, according to latest health department report. Among districts, BBMP reported the maximum with 153 cases and two deaths, Bengaluru Urban with 55 cases, Udupi with 30, Mysuru with 27 and Shivamoga with 23 cases and one death. Dr Sheela Chakravarthy, Director, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, said, We get 56-6 H1N1 cases per day. Out of 25 beds in ICU, 15 are occupied by H1N1 patients currently. The disease is quite rampant. However, Tamiflu should be given to only those patients who have tested positive for H1N1 or relatives of H1N1 patients. Our doctors and nurses have been vaccinated for H1N1, Influenza A and B. One can differentiate between common flu and H1N1 patients. If the patient has fever and pneumonia, mostly he turns positive for H1N1. This is a droplet infection spreading through patients who sneeze or touch furniture with contaminated hands. Thats why patients have to be isolated. It is also important for the public to be vaccinated. People cannot get Tamiflu with regular prescriptions. The reason for prescribing the tablets has to be mentioned in the prescription. Three copies are made, one each for the hospital, patient and government. Two tablets a day are given. If the patient is infected, it is 150 mg, if the person has a history of close contact with H1N1 patients we give 75 mg, she added. Dr Vivek Anand Padegal, director of Pulmonology from the same hospital, said, The anti-influenza medication is available only in some pharmacies. If someone is at low risk and has symptoms, we give antiviral for 5 days and treat empirically. Test result takes around 1-3 days, depending on the lab. Apollo Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, has had 40 cases this year. Rajeeva Mogar, a doctor in the hospital said, High risk individuals are diabetics, asthma patients, smokers, pregnant women, elderly and bronchitis patients. BENGALURU: Swine flu cases have been on the rise in the state compared to last year when 110 cases were reported with no deaths. This year, in less than two months, 344 cases have been reported in Karnataka with three deaths, according to latest health department report. Among districts, BBMP reported the maximum with 153 cases and two deaths, Bengaluru Urban with 55 cases, Udupi with 30, Mysuru with 27 and Shivamoga with 23 cases and one death. Dr Sheela Chakravarthy, Director, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, said, We get 56-6 H1N1 cases per day. Out of 25 beds in ICU, 15 are occupied by H1N1 patients currently. The disease is quite rampant. However, Tamiflu should be given to only those patients who have tested positive for H1N1 or relatives of H1N1 patients. Our doctors and nurses have been vaccinated for H1N1, Influenza A and B. One can differentiate between common flu and H1N1 patients. If the patient has fever and pneumonia, mostly he turns positive for H1N1. This is a droplet infection spreading through patients who sneeze or touch furniture with contaminated hands. Thats why patients have to be isolated. It is also important for the public to be vaccinated. People cannot get Tamiflu with regular prescriptions. The reason for prescribing the tablets has to be mentioned in the prescription. Three copies are made, one each for the hospital, patient and government. Two tablets a day are given. If the patient is infected, it is 150 mg, if the person has a history of close contact with H1N1 patients we give 75 mg, she added. Dr Vivek Anand Padegal, director of Pulmonology from the same hospital, said, The anti-influenza medication is available only in some pharmacies. If someone is at low risk and has symptoms, we give antiviral for 5 days and treat empirically. Test result takes around 1-3 days, depending on the lab. Apollo Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, has had 40 cases this year. Rajeeva Mogar, a doctor in the hospital said, High risk individuals are diabetics, asthma patients, smokers, pregnant women, elderly and bronchitis patients. Arun M and Anilkumar T By Express News Service KOCHI: Dramatic scenes unfolded at the District Court Complex here on Thursday when Pulsar Suni alias Sunil Kumar, the key accused in the sexual assault of a prominent Malayalam actor, arrived before the ACJM court to surrender along with Vigeesh, another accused. The police forcibly picked him up from the accused box of the ACJM ( Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate) court, leading to protests by lawyers present there. The arrest was made when the magistrate had gone for lunch and was not in his seat. Pulsar Suni and Vigeesh had reached the ACJM court in Ernakulam at 1.10 pm. With the magistrate's chair empty, police grabbed the opportunity to catch hold of Suni who was in the accused box at the court room. He resisted, but it was in vain. This led to an altercation between lawyers and the police. In the melee, Sunil fell down on the floor and the police dragged him to a van parked in front of the court and whisked him away. "Pulsar Suni along with Vigeesh had come to surrender before the Magistrate, but when they came to the court hall, the police rushed to the accused box and took him to custody", an advocate who present at the court, said. The police's overreach inside the court irritated the advocates. "He may be a murderer or rapist, that's not the point. For the court, he is just an accused until the verdict is pronounced. The police have no right to nab the accused from the court. Its against the law. We will protest against this move," said an advocate, passing this information to a higher official. According to the advocates, the duo reached the court covering their faces using a jacket. Pulsar Suni and Vigeesh had been evading the police net for the past six days while four others were arrested earlier, including Martin, the driver of the actor. Though the arrest will save the face of Kerala police, which was groping in the dark since the incident on February 17, questions are being asked whether this was an acceptable practice. "This is not acceptable. Arresting a person from the accused box of the courtroom is not done," Sunil's counsel told the media. The arrest was made on the sixth day after the noted south Indian actor was allegedly kidnapped by a seven- member gang. Pulsar Suni and Vigeesh are now being questioned at the Police Club in Aluva, a satellite town close to Kochi city in Ernakulam district. DramaticScenes. Police arrests #PulsarSuni just before surrendering at ACJM court Ernakulam, report via @arun_TNIE @NewIndianXpress Pramod Thomas (@pramod_TNIE) February 23, 2017 KOCHI: Dramatic scenes unfolded at the District Court Complex here on Thursday when Pulsar Suni alias Sunil Kumar, the key accused in the sexual assault of a prominent Malayalam actor, arrived before the ACJM court to surrender along with Vigeesh, another accused. The police forcibly picked him up from the accused box of the ACJM ( Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate) court, leading to protests by lawyers present there. The arrest was made when the magistrate had gone for lunch and was not in his seat. Pulsar Suni and Vigeesh had reached the ACJM court in Ernakulam at 1.10 pm. With the magistrate's chair empty, police grabbed the opportunity to catch hold of Suni who was in the accused box at the court room. He resisted, but it was in vain. This led to an altercation between lawyers and the police. In the melee, Sunil fell down on the floor and the police dragged him to a van parked in front of the court and whisked him away. "Pulsar Suni along with Vigeesh had come to surrender before the Magistrate, but when they came to the court hall, the police rushed to the accused box and took him to custody", an advocate who present at the court, said. The police's overreach inside the court irritated the advocates. "He may be a murderer or rapist, that's not the point. For the court, he is just an accused until the verdict is pronounced. The police have no right to nab the accused from the court. Its against the law. We will protest against this move," said an advocate, passing this information to a higher official. According to the advocates, the duo reached the court covering their faces using a jacket. Pulsar Suni and Vigeesh had been evading the police net for the past six days while four others were arrested earlier, including Martin, the driver of the actor. Though the arrest will save the face of Kerala police, which was groping in the dark since the incident on February 17, questions are being asked whether this was an acceptable practice. "This is not acceptable. Arresting a person from the accused box of the courtroom is not done," Sunil's counsel told the media. The arrest was made on the sixth day after the noted south Indian actor was allegedly kidnapped by a seven- member gang. Pulsar Suni and Vigeesh are now being questioned at the Police Club in Aluva, a satellite town close to Kochi city in Ernakulam district. DramaticScenes. Police arrests #PulsarSuni just before surrendering at ACJM court Ernakulam, report via @arun_TNIE @NewIndianXpress Pramod Thomas (@pramod_TNIE) February 23, 2017 By Express News Service CHENNAI, MADURAI: The arrest of a driver who was found ferrying gold smuggled from Sri Lanka led DRI sleuths to his boss, who turned out to be the Ramanathapuram district president of the Congress. Following a tip-off, a team of officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence stopped a Nissan Micra car that was heading towards Tiruchy on the Pudukkottai-Tiruchy highway on Wednesday morning. After a thorough search, they found 119 gold bars with foreign markings, weighing 11.9 kg in all, cleverly concealed in the air bag compartment. The vehicle and the gold bars estimated to be worth about Rs 3.58 crore were seized, and the driver, K Gandhi, was taken into custody. During questioning, Gandhi admitted that the gold was smuggled from Sri Lanka and brought to India near Thondi. From there, it was being taken to Chennai by road, to his employer Goodluck S Rajendran. Hundred and nineteen gold bars weighing 11.9 kg were concealed in this cars air bag compartment (Photo | Express) Local sources told Express that Rajendran, hailing from Palaiyanakottai village in Thiruvadanai taluk, ran a travel agency named called Goodluck Travels, which earned him the nickname. The firm used to assist those wanting to go abroad for work, helping them get passport and visa for a fee. DRI officials added that he has several business interests, including prawn farming, mineral water and bottling plant. He was earlier arrested under FERA, the agency added. Sources said Rajendran is a staunch supporter of TNCC president S Thirunavukkarasar right from the AIADMK days, moving over to the Congress when the latter did. After the then district president A Ravichandra Ramavanni and his supporters joined the splinter Tamil Maanila Congress, Rajendran was made the Ramanathapuram district president of the party. Based on the information from Gandhi, who has reportedly been working with Rajendran for over two decades, a team of officials raided his residence in Chennai. Rajendrans mobile phones, and documents, which the agency claimed were incriminating, were seized from his home. Both have been arrested and remanded in judicial custody, Rajendran to Puzhal Central Prison near Chennai and Gandhi to Tiruchy Central Prison. Further investigations were on. CHENNAI, MADURAI: The arrest of a driver who was found ferrying gold smuggled from Sri Lanka led DRI sleuths to his boss, who turned out to be the Ramanathapuram district president of the Congress. Following a tip-off, a team of officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence stopped a Nissan Micra car that was heading towards Tiruchy on the Pudukkottai-Tiruchy highway on Wednesday morning. After a thorough search, they found 119 gold bars with foreign markings, weighing 11.9 kg in all, cleverly concealed in the air bag compartment. The vehicle and the gold bars estimated to be worth about Rs 3.58 crore were seized, and the driver, K Gandhi, was taken into custody. During questioning, Gandhi admitted that the gold was smuggled from Sri Lanka and brought to India near Thondi. From there, it was being taken to Chennai by road, to his employer Goodluck S Rajendran. Hundred and nineteen gold bars weighing 11.9 kg were concealed in this cars air bag compartment (Photo | Express)Local sources told Express that Rajendran, hailing from Palaiyanakottai village in Thiruvadanai taluk, ran a travel agency named called Goodluck Travels, which earned him the nickname. The firm used to assist those wanting to go abroad for work, helping them get passport and visa for a fee. DRI officials added that he has several business interests, including prawn farming, mineral water and bottling plant. He was earlier arrested under FERA, the agency added. Sources said Rajendran is a staunch supporter of TNCC president S Thirunavukkarasar right from the AIADMK days, moving over to the Congress when the latter did. After the then district president A Ravichandra Ramavanni and his supporters joined the splinter Tamil Maanila Congress, Rajendran was made the Ramanathapuram district president of the party. Based on the information from Gandhi, who has reportedly been working with Rajendran for over two decades, a team of officials raided his residence in Chennai. Rajendrans mobile phones, and documents, which the agency claimed were incriminating, were seized from his home. Both have been arrested and remanded in judicial custody, Rajendran to Puzhal Central Prison near Chennai and Gandhi to Tiruchy Central Prison. Further investigations were on. By Express News Service CHENNAI:After women and farmers, it is the turn of government employees to get the new governments largesse. Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy on Wednesday formed a five-member committee of secretaries to revise the pay scales of State government employees in accordance with the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations. The committee has been directed to submit its report by June 30. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Palanisamy to give effect to the poll promise of the late chief minister J Jayalalithaa. The committee would have Finance secretary K Shanmugam, Home secretary Apurva Varma, School Education secretary D Sabitha and Personnel and Aadministrative Reforms secretary S Swarna with P Umanath as member-secretary. It would go into the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission regarding the revised pay scales, pension, family pension and retirement benefit for the Central government employees and give necessary recommendations for extending these benefits to State government employees, teachers and employees of local bodies. Recognised unions for employees and other associations could send their demands to this committee for its consideration. This committee would also study the report of the high-level committee set up by the Central government for revising other allowances and make necessary recommendations. Wednesday was the third day in office for the new CM. On the first day, orders were issued to implement five electoral promises including Amma Two-Wheeler Scheme, hiking maternity assistance and closing down 500 more Tasmac shops. CHENNAI:After women and farmers, it is the turn of government employees to get the new governments largesse. Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy on Wednesday formed a five-member committee of secretaries to revise the pay scales of State government employees in accordance with the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations. The committee has been directed to submit its report by June 30. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Palanisamy to give effect to the poll promise of the late chief minister J Jayalalithaa. The committee would have Finance secretary K Shanmugam, Home secretary Apurva Varma, School Education secretary D Sabitha and Personnel and Aadministrative Reforms secretary S Swarna with P Umanath as member-secretary. It would go into the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission regarding the revised pay scales, pension, family pension and retirement benefit for the Central government employees and give necessary recommendations for extending these benefits to State government employees, teachers and employees of local bodies. Recognised unions for employees and other associations could send their demands to this committee for its consideration. This committee would also study the report of the high-level committee set up by the Central government for revising other allowances and make necessary recommendations. Wednesday was the third day in office for the new CM. On the first day, orders were issued to implement five electoral promises including Amma Two-Wheeler Scheme, hiking maternity assistance and closing down 500 more Tasmac shops. K Ezhilarasan By Express News Service CUDDALORE: It was a normal Thursday afternoon. Out of nowhere, a police team zeroes in on two cars parked near Cuddalore head post office. And, the cops seize a panchaloha idol and arrest five persons after a brief chase. This is no gist of an action-packed thriller, but a real incident that happened in the heart of the city. The entire episode took place in the midst of scores of surprised onlookers. On seeing the police team headed by Idol Wing IG Pon Manickavel, two persons in a car tried to run away, but the policemen managed to catch them after a brief chase. As many as five persons in the two cars were arrested by the police at gunpoint. Sources said, when the police searched inside the car, they found a panchaloha Vinayaga idol measuring 1.5 feet in length. The arrested persons have been identified as N Gnanasekaran (44) of Ariyankuppam in Puducherry, V Mugundhan (30) of Manjakuppam in Cuddalore, N Vinoth (31) of Mayiladuthurai, S Senthil (29) of Mayiladuthurai and A Raja (23) of Mangainallur near Mayiladuthurai. Sources at the police department said, the raid follows a tip-off received by Cuddalore SP C Vijayakumar and Idol wing IG Pon Manickavel that an idol was being smuggled through Cuddalore. The police beefed up security and intensified vehicle checks. The team cornered the cars as it was moving suspiciously. After the preliminary inquiry, sources said, it had come to light that three persons had smuggled the idol from Mayiladuthurai and was about to hand it over to other two persons who had arrived at the spot in another car. Manickavel said the idol was probably stolen from Mayiladuthurai area. It could be approximately 1600 years old and might belong to Pallavas period. Only experts can give precise details about it. Worth of the idol will not be less than Rs 4 crore. So far, stolen idols worth Rs 150 crore had been recovered from foreign countries. Moreover, idols worth Rs 1,000 crore are yet to be recovered from countries such as US, Australia and Singapore. We have identified the locations and the process to recover the idols is in progress. Importantly, no idol has been taken to foreign countries in the past four years, since we had broken the idol smuggling network and arrested the key persons. CUDDALORE: It was a normal Thursday afternoon. Out of nowhere, a police team zeroes in on two cars parked near Cuddalore head post office. And, the cops seize a panchaloha idol and arrest five persons after a brief chase. This is no gist of an action-packed thriller, but a real incident that happened in the heart of the city. The entire episode took place in the midst of scores of surprised onlookers. On seeing the police team headed by Idol Wing IG Pon Manickavel, two persons in a car tried to run away, but the policemen managed to catch them after a brief chase. As many as five persons in the two cars were arrested by the police at gunpoint. Sources said, when the police searched inside the car, they found a panchaloha Vinayaga idol measuring 1.5 feet in length. The arrested persons have been identified as N Gnanasekaran (44) of Ariyankuppam in Puducherry, V Mugundhan (30) of Manjakuppam in Cuddalore, N Vinoth (31) of Mayiladuthurai, S Senthil (29) of Mayiladuthurai and A Raja (23) of Mangainallur near Mayiladuthurai. Sources at the police department said, the raid follows a tip-off received by Cuddalore SP C Vijayakumar and Idol wing IG Pon Manickavel that an idol was being smuggled through Cuddalore. The police beefed up security and intensified vehicle checks. The team cornered the cars as it was moving suspiciously. After the preliminary inquiry, sources said, it had come to light that three persons had smuggled the idol from Mayiladuthurai and was about to hand it over to other two persons who had arrived at the spot in another car. Manickavel said the idol was probably stolen from Mayiladuthurai area. It could be approximately 1600 years old and might belong to Pallavas period. Only experts can give precise details about it. Worth of the idol will not be less than Rs 4 crore. So far, stolen idols worth Rs 150 crore had been recovered from foreign countries. Moreover, idols worth Rs 1,000 crore are yet to be recovered from countries such as US, Australia and Singapore. We have identified the locations and the process to recover the idols is in progress. Importantly, no idol has been taken to foreign countries in the past four years, since we had broken the idol smuggling network and arrested the key persons. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: On a day when his one-time friend and TJAC chairman Prof M Kodandaram was forcibly arrested by the police in a pre-dawn swoop in Hyderabad as part of their efforts to foil a rally by unemployed youth, chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Wednesday successfully completed his thanksgiving trip to Tirupati by fulfilling his vow made to Lord Venkateswara during the separate Telangana movement. Rao presented Saligrama Haram to the deity and Aidu Petala Kante to Goddess Padmavathi at Tiruchanur. TTD officials compared Ro to Sri Krishnadevaraya, the iconic emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire, and also Maharaja of then Mysore province for presenting gifts worth Rs 5.4 crore to Lord Balaji. But, back in Hyderabad, Raos act of offering Rs 5.4 crore worth of ornaments to Lord Venkateswara with public money attracted wide criticism from opposition parties. CM made these offerings in Tirupati to fulfill his vow, when unemployed youth were on streets in Hyderabad seeking jobs. KCR should stop wasting public money on his religious beliefs, Telangana Congress senior leader Marri Sashidhar Reddy commented. TTDP unit working president A Revanth Reddy said it was not proper for him to make such an offering with public money, ignoring promises made to people during 2014 polls. KCR had earlier vowed to present gold ornaments to five temples if separate Telangana was formed. The first Cabinet meeting of the state resolved to present the gifts as per the vows of the CM. Thus, the funds required for the gifts were met from the Common Good Fund, available with the endowments department. In March 2015, the state government issued orders releasing funds. On Sivaratri, the CM will present gold mustaches to Lord Veerabhadra Swamy in Kuravi in Mahbubabad district. He will soon visit Vijayawada to present a gold nose stud to goddess Kanaka Durga. Presentation of valuable gifts by TRS government started with the presentation of silk Chadar to Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty Dargah of Sufi saint at Ajmer. HYDERABAD: On a day when his one-time friend and TJAC chairman Prof M Kodandaram was forcibly arrested by the police in a pre-dawn swoop in Hyderabad as part of their efforts to foil a rally by unemployed youth, chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Wednesday successfully completed his thanksgiving trip to Tirupati by fulfilling his vow made to Lord Venkateswara during the separate Telangana movement. Rao presented Saligrama Haram to the deity and Aidu Petala Kante to Goddess Padmavathi at Tiruchanur. TTD officials compared Ro to Sri Krishnadevaraya, the iconic emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire, and also Maharaja of then Mysore province for presenting gifts worth Rs 5.4 crore to Lord Balaji. But, back in Hyderabad, Raos act of offering Rs 5.4 crore worth of ornaments to Lord Venkateswara with public money attracted wide criticism from opposition parties. CM made these offerings in Tirupati to fulfill his vow, when unemployed youth were on streets in Hyderabad seeking jobs. KCR should stop wasting public money on his religious beliefs, Telangana Congress senior leader Marri Sashidhar Reddy commented. TTDP unit working president A Revanth Reddy said it was not proper for him to make such an offering with public money, ignoring promises made to people during 2014 polls. KCR had earlier vowed to present gold ornaments to five temples if separate Telangana was formed. The first Cabinet meeting of the state resolved to present the gifts as per the vows of the CM. Thus, the funds required for the gifts were met from the Common Good Fund, available with the endowments department. In March 2015, the state government issued orders releasing funds. On Sivaratri, the CM will present gold mustaches to Lord Veerabhadra Swamy in Kuravi in Mahbubabad district. He will soon visit Vijayawada to present a gold nose stud to goddess Kanaka Durga. Presentation of valuable gifts by TRS government started with the presentation of silk Chadar to Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty Dargah of Sufi saint at Ajmer. By AFP JERUSALEM: Israeli warplanes today shot down over the Mediterranean a drone controlled by the Gaza Strip's Islamist rulers Hamas, the army said. "An (Israeli) fighter aircraft shot down a Hamas-owned unmanned aircraft flown from the Gaza Strip to the Mediterranean," an army spokeswoman said. The drone fell into the sea without entering Israeli territory, she added. "The Israeli army will not allow any violation of our airspace and will act firmly against any attempt of this kind," she added. Hamas, with which Israel has fought three wars since 2008, did not immediately comment. In December, Hamas accused Israel of the murder Mohamed Zaouari in Tunisia. He was an aeronautical engineer described as a specialist in the development of drones who Hamas said had been working for them for 10 years. JERUSALEM: Israeli warplanes today shot down over the Mediterranean a drone controlled by the Gaza Strip's Islamist rulers Hamas, the army said. "An (Israeli) fighter aircraft shot down a Hamas-owned unmanned aircraft flown from the Gaza Strip to the Mediterranean," an army spokeswoman said. The drone fell into the sea without entering Israeli territory, she added. "The Israeli army will not allow any violation of our airspace and will act firmly against any attempt of this kind," she added. Hamas, with which Israel has fought three wars since 2008, did not immediately comment. In December, Hamas accused Israel of the murder Mohamed Zaouari in Tunisia. He was an aeronautical engineer described as a specialist in the development of drones who Hamas said had been working for them for 10 years. By PTI LAHORE: At least eight persons were killed and 35 others injured today in a powerful bomb blast in a posh defence locality here, the second such incident in the city this month as Pakistan witnesses a surge in terror attacks. Panic gripped the Defence Housing Authority a little before noon when the loud explosion resonated across Z-Block. "Eight persons have been killed and 35 suffered injuries," officials said. The nature of the blast is yet to be determined and bomb disposal squad and forensic expert are collecting evidence from the spot. "It appears to be a planted device," Punjab police spokesman Niyab Haider told. Police officials said 8-10 kilogrammes of explosives were used. The area has been cordoned off and a search operation is underway. Several vehicles were also damaged in the blast. The injured are being shifted to different city hospitals. TV footage shows windows of several offices and eateries in the commercial area shattered by shrapnel. Windscreens of cars parked over 100 feet away from the building were shattered and there was considerable damage to the cars' bodies. Residents were evacuated from buildings. The Z-block market houses restaurants frequented by young couples. The latest blast came as security has been tightened across Pakistan after a recent wave of terrorist strikes killed more than 100 people. On February 16, a suicide bomber killed 88 people at a famed Sufi shrine in Sindh province. Following the attack, the army launched an offensive against militants and claimed to have killed more than 130 terrorists across the country. Earlier on 13 February, at least 14 people were killed in a suicide bombing near the Punjab Assembly. LAHORE: At least eight persons were killed and 35 others injured today in a powerful bomb blast in a posh defence locality here, the second such incident in the city this month as Pakistan witnesses a surge in terror attacks. Panic gripped the Defence Housing Authority a little before noon when the loud explosion resonated across Z-Block. "Eight persons have been killed and 35 suffered injuries," officials said. The nature of the blast is yet to be determined and bomb disposal squad and forensic expert are collecting evidence from the spot. "It appears to be a planted device," Punjab police spokesman Niyab Haider told. Police officials said 8-10 kilogrammes of explosives were used. The area has been cordoned off and a search operation is underway. Several vehicles were also damaged in the blast. The injured are being shifted to different city hospitals. TV footage shows windows of several offices and eateries in the commercial area shattered by shrapnel. Windscreens of cars parked over 100 feet away from the building were shattered and there was considerable damage to the cars' bodies. Residents were evacuated from buildings. The Z-block market houses restaurants frequented by young couples. The latest blast came as security has been tightened across Pakistan after a recent wave of terrorist strikes killed more than 100 people. On February 16, a suicide bomber killed 88 people at a famed Sufi shrine in Sindh province. Following the attack, the army launched an offensive against militants and claimed to have killed more than 130 terrorists across the country. Earlier on 13 February, at least 14 people were killed in a suicide bombing near the Punjab Assembly. By Associated Press TOKYO: North Korea's state-run news agency issued a tough critique of China on Thursday, suggesting Beijing's criticism of the North's recent missile test and suspension of imports of North Korean coal are tantamount to the actions of an enemy state "dancing to the tune of the U.S." The article took a tone normally reserved for North Korea's overt enemies Washington, Tokyo and Seoul. Without directly using China's name, but referring to it as "a neighboring country, which often claims itself to be a 'friendly neighbor,'" the Korean Central News Agency report accused Beijing of essentially abandoning North Korea in favor of the United States by cutting off imports of coal in compliance with United Nations sanctions. "This country, styling itself a big power, is dancing to the tune of the U.S. while defending its mean behavior with such excuses that it (the suspension of coal imports) was meant not to have a negative impact on the living of the people in the DPRK but to check its nuclear program," it said. DPRK is short for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. It added that China has "unhesitatingly taken inhumane steps" to comply with U.N. sanctions. The article, uncharacteristically for the news agency, carried a byline, Jong Phil. China on Sunday began a suspension of all coal imports from North Korea for the rest of the year as it increases pressure on it in line with U.N. Security Council sanctions imposed in November in response to the North's fifth nuclear test two months earlier. China had already banned coal imports from North Korea in April last year, but those restrictions allowed some imports for civilian use. China is North Korea's largest source of trade and aid and the suspension will deprive the North of an important source of foreign currency. North Korean coal exports to China totalled $1.2 billion last year, according to Chinese customs statistics. U.S. officials say that represents about one-third of North Korea's total export income. Beijing has come under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to lean harder on North Korea but says its influence is limited. It has, however, also grown increasingly frustrated with North Korea's defiance of U.N. demands it end missile tests and development of nuclear weapons. TOKYO: North Korea's state-run news agency issued a tough critique of China on Thursday, suggesting Beijing's criticism of the North's recent missile test and suspension of imports of North Korean coal are tantamount to the actions of an enemy state "dancing to the tune of the U.S." The article took a tone normally reserved for North Korea's overt enemies Washington, Tokyo and Seoul. Without directly using China's name, but referring to it as "a neighboring country, which often claims itself to be a 'friendly neighbor,'" the Korean Central News Agency report accused Beijing of essentially abandoning North Korea in favor of the United States by cutting off imports of coal in compliance with United Nations sanctions. "This country, styling itself a big power, is dancing to the tune of the U.S. while defending its mean behavior with such excuses that it (the suspension of coal imports) was meant not to have a negative impact on the living of the people in the DPRK but to check its nuclear program," it said. DPRK is short for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. It added that China has "unhesitatingly taken inhumane steps" to comply with U.N. sanctions. The article, uncharacteristically for the news agency, carried a byline, Jong Phil. China on Sunday began a suspension of all coal imports from North Korea for the rest of the year as it increases pressure on it in line with U.N. Security Council sanctions imposed in November in response to the North's fifth nuclear test two months earlier. China had already banned coal imports from North Korea in April last year, but those restrictions allowed some imports for civilian use. China is North Korea's largest source of trade and aid and the suspension will deprive the North of an important source of foreign currency. North Korean coal exports to China totalled $1.2 billion last year, according to Chinese customs statistics. U.S. officials say that represents about one-third of North Korea's total export income. Beijing has come under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to lean harder on North Korea but says its influence is limited. It has, however, also grown increasingly frustrated with North Korea's defiance of U.N. demands it end missile tests and development of nuclear weapons. By Associated Press MANILA: A Philippine court has issued an arrest warrant on drug charges for a senator and former top human rights official who is one of the most vocal critics of President Rodrigo Duterte and his deadly crackdown on illegal drugs. The Regional Trial Court issued the warrant Thursday for the arrest of Sen. Leila de Lima and other officials who have been charged by Department of Justice prosecutors with receiving bribes from detained drug lords. De Lima has vehemently denied the charges, which she says are part of Duterte's attempt to intimidate critics of his crackdown, which has left more than 7,000 drug suspects dead. It was not immediately clear when de Lima would be arrested or how her followers would react. MANILA: A Philippine court has issued an arrest warrant on drug charges for a senator and former top human rights official who is one of the most vocal critics of President Rodrigo Duterte and his deadly crackdown on illegal drugs. The Regional Trial Court issued the warrant Thursday for the arrest of Sen. Leila de Lima and other officials who have been charged by Department of Justice prosecutors with receiving bribes from detained drug lords. De Lima has vehemently denied the charges, which she says are part of Duterte's attempt to intimidate critics of his crackdown, which has left more than 7,000 drug suspects dead. It was not immediately clear when de Lima would be arrested or how her followers would react. By Associated Press WASHINGTON: Transgender students on Wednesday lost federal protections that allowed them to use school bathrooms and locker rooms matching their gender identities, as the Trump administration stepped into a long-simmering national debate. The administration came down on the side of states' rights, lifting Obama-era federal guidelines that had been characterised by Republicans as an example of overreach. Without the Obama directive, it will be up to states and school districts to interpret federal anti-discrimination law and determine whether students should have access to restrooms in accordance with their expressed gender identity and not just their biological sex. "This is an issue best solved at the state and local level," Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said. "Schools, communities and families can find and in many cases have found solutions that protect all students." In a letter to the nation's schools, the Justice and Education departments said the earlier guidance "has given rise to significant litigation regarding school restrooms and locker rooms." The agencies withdrew the guidance to "in order to further and more completely consider the legal issues involved." Anti-bullying safeguards would not be affected by the change, according to the letter. "All schools must ensure that all students, including LGBT students, are able to learn and thrive in a safe environment," it said. It was not clear what immediate impact the change would have on schools, as a federal judge in Texas put a temporary hold on the Obama guidance soon after it was issued after 13 states sued. Even without that hold, the guidance carried no force of law. But transgender rights advocates say it was useful and necessary to protect students from discrimination. Opponents argued it was federal overreach and violated the safety and privacy of other students. The White House said "returning power to the states paves the way for an open and inclusive process to take place at the local level with input from parents, students, teachers and administrators." The reversal is a setback for transgender rights groups, which had been urging Trump to keep the guidelines in place. Advocates say federal law will still prohibit discrimination against students based on their gender or sexual orientation. Still, they say lifting the Obama directive puts children in harm's way. "Reversing this guidance tells trans kids that it's OK with the Trump administration and the Department of Education for them to be abused and harassed at school for being trans," said American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten. Activists protested the move Wednesday outside the White House. "Respect existence or expect resistance," read one placard. Conservatives hailed the change, saying the Obama directives were illegal and violated the rights of fixed-gender students, especially girls who did not feel safe changing clothes or using restrooms next to anatomical males. "Our daughters should never be forced to share private, intimate spaces with male classmates, even if those young men are struggling with these issues," said Vicki Wilson, a member of Students and Parents for Privacy. "It violates their right to privacy and harms their dignity." White House spokesman Sean Spicer denied media reports that DeVos, who has been criticised for her stance on LGBT issues, had opposed the change but was overruled by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Spicer said any disagreement was merely over wording and timing. "There is no daylight between anybody," Spicer said, adding that DeVos was "100 percent" on board with the decision. The Obama administration's guidance was based on its determination that Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in education, also applies to gender identity. The guidance did not sufficiently explain its interpretation of that law, Sessions said in a statement. "Congress, state legislatures and local governments are in a position to adopt appropriate policies or laws addressing this issue," he said. Legal experts said the change in position could impact pending court cases involving the federal sex discrimination law, including a case to be heard by the Supreme Court in March involving Gavin Grimm, a transgender teen who was denied bathroom access in Virginia. The justices could decide not to hear the case and direct lower courts to decide that issue. In a phone interview with the AP, Grimm said of the Trump action: "It's not positive. It has the possibility of hurting transgender students and transgender people. We're going to keep fighting like we have been and keep fighting for the right thing." A patchwork of state laws could continue to emerge as a result of the change. Fifteen states have explicit protections for transgender students in their state laws, and many individual school districts in other states have adopted policies that cover such students on the basis of their gender identity, said Sarah Warbelow, legal director of the Human Rights Campaign. Just one state, North Carolina, has enacted a law restricting access to bathrooms in government-owned buildings to the sex that appears on a person's birth certificate. Lawmakers in more than 10 states are considering similar legislation, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. WASHINGTON: Transgender students on Wednesday lost federal protections that allowed them to use school bathrooms and locker rooms matching their gender identities, as the Trump administration stepped into a long-simmering national debate. The administration came down on the side of states' rights, lifting Obama-era federal guidelines that had been characterised by Republicans as an example of overreach. Without the Obama directive, it will be up to states and school districts to interpret federal anti-discrimination law and determine whether students should have access to restrooms in accordance with their expressed gender identity and not just their biological sex. "This is an issue best solved at the state and local level," Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said. "Schools, communities and families can find and in many cases have found solutions that protect all students." In a letter to the nation's schools, the Justice and Education departments said the earlier guidance "has given rise to significant litigation regarding school restrooms and locker rooms." The agencies withdrew the guidance to "in order to further and more completely consider the legal issues involved." Anti-bullying safeguards would not be affected by the change, according to the letter. "All schools must ensure that all students, including LGBT students, are able to learn and thrive in a safe environment," it said. It was not clear what immediate impact the change would have on schools, as a federal judge in Texas put a temporary hold on the Obama guidance soon after it was issued after 13 states sued. Even without that hold, the guidance carried no force of law. But transgender rights advocates say it was useful and necessary to protect students from discrimination. Opponents argued it was federal overreach and violated the safety and privacy of other students. The White House said "returning power to the states paves the way for an open and inclusive process to take place at the local level with input from parents, students, teachers and administrators." The reversal is a setback for transgender rights groups, which had been urging Trump to keep the guidelines in place. Advocates say federal law will still prohibit discrimination against students based on their gender or sexual orientation. Still, they say lifting the Obama directive puts children in harm's way. "Reversing this guidance tells trans kids that it's OK with the Trump administration and the Department of Education for them to be abused and harassed at school for being trans," said American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten. Activists protested the move Wednesday outside the White House. "Respect existence or expect resistance," read one placard. Conservatives hailed the change, saying the Obama directives were illegal and violated the rights of fixed-gender students, especially girls who did not feel safe changing clothes or using restrooms next to anatomical males. "Our daughters should never be forced to share private, intimate spaces with male classmates, even if those young men are struggling with these issues," said Vicki Wilson, a member of Students and Parents for Privacy. "It violates their right to privacy and harms their dignity." White House spokesman Sean Spicer denied media reports that DeVos, who has been criticised for her stance on LGBT issues, had opposed the change but was overruled by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Spicer said any disagreement was merely over wording and timing. "There is no daylight between anybody," Spicer said, adding that DeVos was "100 percent" on board with the decision. The Obama administration's guidance was based on its determination that Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in education, also applies to gender identity. The guidance did not sufficiently explain its interpretation of that law, Sessions said in a statement. "Congress, state legislatures and local governments are in a position to adopt appropriate policies or laws addressing this issue," he said. Legal experts said the change in position could impact pending court cases involving the federal sex discrimination law, including a case to be heard by the Supreme Court in March involving Gavin Grimm, a transgender teen who was denied bathroom access in Virginia. The justices could decide not to hear the case and direct lower courts to decide that issue. In a phone interview with the AP, Grimm said of the Trump action: "It's not positive. It has the possibility of hurting transgender students and transgender people. We're going to keep fighting like we have been and keep fighting for the right thing." A patchwork of state laws could continue to emerge as a result of the change. Fifteen states have explicit protections for transgender students in their state laws, and many individual school districts in other states have adopted policies that cover such students on the basis of their gender identity, said Sarah Warbelow, legal director of the Human Rights Campaign. Just one state, North Carolina, has enacted a law restricting access to bathrooms in government-owned buildings to the sex that appears on a person's birth certificate. Lawmakers in more than 10 states are considering similar legislation, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. By AFP MEXICO: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson meets with Mexican leaders on Thursday to try to calm a row over President Donald Trump's trade and immigration policies. Trump has outraged Mexico by vowing to build a wall along the border to keep out migrants, whom he branded rapists and criminals during his presidential campaign. His government on Tuesday issued new orders to the authorities to begin arresting and deporting illegal immigrants, many of them Mexicans. Trump has also threatened to put up barriers to Mexican exports, shift jobs from that country back to the United States and even halt remittances by US-based Mexicans back to their families. Now he has sent Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to Mexico City to smooth over tensions -- and discuss with Mexican Enrique Pena Nieto how to curb cross-border migration and drug-trafficking. "It's significant that the president is sending the secretaries to Mexico so early in the administration. It's symbolic of the meaningful relationship that our two nations have," White House spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters on Wednesday. "These are important meetings regarding the president's agenda to improve the quality of lives for both people of Mexico and the United States by combating drug traffickers and finding ways to bolster both our economies through a broader relationship that promotes commerce and legal immigration." Tillerson and Kelly were scheduled to meet with Pena Nieto at 1900 GMT after talks with Mexico's ministers of foreign affairs, finance and government. - Respect - Trump's stance on Mexico has driven the countries' relations to their lowest point in years. Pena Nieto cancelled a planned meeting with Trump in Washington last month over the US leader's vow to make Mexico pay for the wall. US government officials said Tillerson and Kelly will aim to convince Mexico that it values their bilateral ties. Spicer insisted Mexico and Washington have "a very healthy and robust relationship with the Mexican government." But Maureen Meyer, an expert at the Washington Office on Latin America, a US human rights advocacy organization, said "relations have been severely strained by the Trump administration's rhetoric and actions." "Secretary Tillerson has an opportunity to set relations on a more sound footing based on mutual respect," she said in a statement. - Security - The US immigration authorities have arrested hundreds of people across the country as part of Trump's pledge to crack down on illegal immigrants. Kelly on Tuesday issued new orders to step up the detentions. Speaking in Guatemala on Wednesday before traveling to Mexico, Kelly said "my sincere advice to any citizen considering moving to the United States in crossing our boundaries irregularly -- migration -- my best advice is to not do it." Mexico has hinted it could use border cooperation as a bargaining chip. "We have been a great ally to fight problems with migration, narcotics," Mexico's Economy Secretary Ildefonso Guajardo told the Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail. "If at some point in time things become so badly managed in the relationship, the incentives for the Mexican people to keep on cooperating in things that are at the heart of (US) national security issues will be diminished." But Mexico has a lot to lose: it relies on the United States as a trading partner, sending 80 percent of its exports to its northern neighbor. The United States has meanwhile allocated $2.6 billion worth of aid to Mexico for fighting crime under the 2008 "Merida initiative," US officials say. - Trade - Vowing to protect US industry, Trump has called for a renegotiation of the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada. Pena Nieto has promised to defend Mexico's interests and called for respect from the United States. "Neither confrontation nor submission: the solution is dialogue and negotiation," he said last month. "Mexico does not believe in walls. Our country believes in bridges." MEXICO: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson meets with Mexican leaders on Thursday to try to calm a row over President Donald Trump's trade and immigration policies. Trump has outraged Mexico by vowing to build a wall along the border to keep out migrants, whom he branded rapists and criminals during his presidential campaign. His government on Tuesday issued new orders to the authorities to begin arresting and deporting illegal immigrants, many of them Mexicans. Trump has also threatened to put up barriers to Mexican exports, shift jobs from that country back to the United States and even halt remittances by US-based Mexicans back to their families. Now he has sent Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to Mexico City to smooth over tensions -- and discuss with Mexican Enrique Pena Nieto how to curb cross-border migration and drug-trafficking. "It's significant that the president is sending the secretaries to Mexico so early in the administration. It's symbolic of the meaningful relationship that our two nations have," White House spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters on Wednesday. "These are important meetings regarding the president's agenda to improve the quality of lives for both people of Mexico and the United States by combating drug traffickers and finding ways to bolster both our economies through a broader relationship that promotes commerce and legal immigration." Tillerson and Kelly were scheduled to meet with Pena Nieto at 1900 GMT after talks with Mexico's ministers of foreign affairs, finance and government. - Respect - Trump's stance on Mexico has driven the countries' relations to their lowest point in years. Pena Nieto cancelled a planned meeting with Trump in Washington last month over the US leader's vow to make Mexico pay for the wall. US government officials said Tillerson and Kelly will aim to convince Mexico that it values their bilateral ties. Spicer insisted Mexico and Washington have "a very healthy and robust relationship with the Mexican government." But Maureen Meyer, an expert at the Washington Office on Latin America, a US human rights advocacy organization, said "relations have been severely strained by the Trump administration's rhetoric and actions." "Secretary Tillerson has an opportunity to set relations on a more sound footing based on mutual respect," she said in a statement. - Security - The US immigration authorities have arrested hundreds of people across the country as part of Trump's pledge to crack down on illegal immigrants. Kelly on Tuesday issued new orders to step up the detentions. Speaking in Guatemala on Wednesday before traveling to Mexico, Kelly said "my sincere advice to any citizen considering moving to the United States in crossing our boundaries irregularly -- migration -- my best advice is to not do it." Mexico has hinted it could use border cooperation as a bargaining chip. "We have been a great ally to fight problems with migration, narcotics," Mexico's Economy Secretary Ildefonso Guajardo told the Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail. "If at some point in time things become so badly managed in the relationship, the incentives for the Mexican people to keep on cooperating in things that are at the heart of (US) national security issues will be diminished." But Mexico has a lot to lose: it relies on the United States as a trading partner, sending 80 percent of its exports to its northern neighbor. The United States has meanwhile allocated $2.6 billion worth of aid to Mexico for fighting crime under the 2008 "Merida initiative," US officials say. - Trade - Vowing to protect US industry, Trump has called for a renegotiation of the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada. Pena Nieto has promised to defend Mexico's interests and called for respect from the United States. "Neither confrontation nor submission: the solution is dialogue and negotiation," he said last month. "Mexico does not believe in walls. Our country believes in bridges." By PTI PESHAWAR: Two militants, including the mastermind of a suicide attack on Punjab Assembly building that claimed 10 lives, were killed today after Pakistani army heavily shelled their hideouts near Afghan border. According to security sources, Wajihullah alias Ahrar, who belonged to the banned Jamaatul Ahrar, was killed in artillery shelling on Pak-Afghan border. The other militant, Hikmat alias Qari Zubair, was in charge of a terrorist transit camp in Afghanistan. Both the terrorists were supported by a hostile intelligence agency. Hikmat was the mastermind of the attack on Punjab Assembly in which at least 10 people were killed and dozens injured in the attack near Punjab Assembly on February 13. The militants were killed a day after military operation 'Radd-ul-Fasaad' was launched. The operation was launched to eliminate terrorists and consolidate gains of counter-terrorism operations made so far, days after a suicide bomber killed 88 people at the Sufi shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sindh. PESHAWAR: Two militants, including the mastermind of a suicide attack on Punjab Assembly building that claimed 10 lives, were killed today after Pakistani army heavily shelled their hideouts near Afghan border. According to security sources, Wajihullah alias Ahrar, who belonged to the banned Jamaatul Ahrar, was killed in artillery shelling on Pak-Afghan border. The other militant, Hikmat alias Qari Zubair, was in charge of a terrorist transit camp in Afghanistan. Both the terrorists were supported by a hostile intelligence agency. Hikmat was the mastermind of the attack on Punjab Assembly in which at least 10 people were killed and dozens injured in the attack near Punjab Assembly on February 13. The militants were killed a day after military operation 'Radd-ul-Fasaad' was launched. The operation was launched to eliminate terrorists and consolidate gains of counter-terrorism operations made so far, days after a suicide bomber killed 88 people at the Sufi shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sindh. By PTI UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council is likely to vote next week on a draft resolution that would slap sanctions on Syria over the use of chemical weapons but Russia is almost certain to veto the measure, a senior diplomat said today. Britain, France and the United States are pushing for a ban on the sale of helicopters to Syria and sanctions on 11 Syrians and 10 entities linked to chemical attacks in the nearly six-year war. A joint investigation by the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has concluded that the Syrian military carried out chemical attacks against three villages in 2014 and 2015. "This is the significant response that the Security Council committed to do in the event of proven use of CW in Syria," said the diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "The US, UK and France are very clear that this is an issue of principle," he said, adding that Russia's ambassador said at a meeting last week that Moscow would block the measure. Russia has used its veto six times to shield its Damascus ally from any punitive action. China, another veto-wielding Security Council member, is expected to abstain in the vote. France and Britain presented drafts on imposing sanctions on Syria in December, but held off on action to give the new US administration time to study it. The latest draft, seen by AFP, would impose a global travel ban and assets freeze on 11 Syrians, mostly military officials including the head of Syrian air force intelligence and the commander of air operations in areas where attacks occurred. These commanders are said to have been involved in attacks by helicopters that dropped chlorine barrel-bombs on the villages of Qmenas, Talmenes and Sarmin. Syria has denied using chemical weapons while Russia has dismissed the panel's findings as "inconclusive." The Security Council is due to discuss chemical weapons use in Syria during a meeting on Friday. UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council is likely to vote next week on a draft resolution that would slap sanctions on Syria over the use of chemical weapons but Russia is almost certain to veto the measure, a senior diplomat said today. Britain, France and the United States are pushing for a ban on the sale of helicopters to Syria and sanctions on 11 Syrians and 10 entities linked to chemical attacks in the nearly six-year war. A joint investigation by the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has concluded that the Syrian military carried out chemical attacks against three villages in 2014 and 2015. "This is the significant response that the Security Council committed to do in the event of proven use of CW in Syria," said the diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "The US, UK and France are very clear that this is an issue of principle," he said, adding that Russia's ambassador said at a meeting last week that Moscow would block the measure. Russia has used its veto six times to shield its Damascus ally from any punitive action. China, another veto-wielding Security Council member, is expected to abstain in the vote. France and Britain presented drafts on imposing sanctions on Syria in December, but held off on action to give the new US administration time to study it. The latest draft, seen by AFP, would impose a global travel ban and assets freeze on 11 Syrians, mostly military officials including the head of Syrian air force intelligence and the commander of air operations in areas where attacks occurred. These commanders are said to have been involved in attacks by helicopters that dropped chlorine barrel-bombs on the villages of Qmenas, Talmenes and Sarmin. Syria has denied using chemical weapons while Russia has dismissed the panel's findings as "inconclusive." The Security Council is due to discuss chemical weapons use in Syria during a meeting on Friday. 'Historic' day as last FARC-EP members gather to turn in arms - UN mission in Colombia New York, Feb 21 : About 300 members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP) on Monday arrived in central Colombia's Agua Bonita zone, bringing the number to close to 6,900, to lay down their arms under United Nations verification, and to begin a transition to social, economic and political life, the UN Mission in the country said on Monday. (Posted on 21 February 2017, 1667747313 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/world-news.php (Posted on 21 February 2017, 1667747313 173O212O198O32) In the past 19 days they rode cars, buses, boats or walked some 8,700 kilometres [] across the country, accompanied by over 860 [members] of the tripartite Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (MVM), read a news release from the UN Mission in Colombia.The Missions Chief Observer and MVM coordinator, Major General Javier Prez Aquino, called the day historic.The UN Mission in Colombia and the MVM consider that the FARC-EPs decision to move into the zones in spite of the limited logistics in the majority of them very positive, he said.This decision considerably reduces the possibility of armed contact [] and we also hope that their presence will accelerate the construction works in these camps, creating the appropriate conditions to continue with the process that will lead to their reinsertion into the social, economic and political life, he added.The Chief Observer also noted that despite limited logistics, the deadline for the completion of the laying down of arms 180 days after the Final Agreement, which came into force on 1 December stands.Working hand-in-hand so that our children and grandchildren live in a conflict-free countryIn Colombias capital, Bogot, as well as at eight regional and 26 local sites, FARC-EP and Government members, along with 350 UN observers, are working together to verify the parties commitments towards the ceasefire and cessation of hostilities.We work together to implement the Final Agreement and I feel hopeful that this process will lead to a country with more social justice, said 45-year-old Esperanza Fajardo, who jointed FARC-EP in the 1990s, now working with Government and UN Mission counterparts.Mayor Alejandro Cruz, from the Government, echoed: I feel very committed to this process because I want our children and grandchildren to live in a conflict-free country.Cruz was twice injured in combat with the FARC-EP and bears a large scar on his chest while Fajardo joined the rebel group to escape the killings of left-wing Unin Patriotica political affiliates.In early October 2016, Colombian voters narrowly rejected the historic peace accord between the Government and the FARC-EP. That deal led to a cessation of hostilities and agreements on key issues such as political participation, land rights, illicit drugs and victims rights and transitional justice. The two sides signed a new agreement in late November.Photo: UN Mission in ColombiaSource: www.justearthnews.com Sorry, that page not found! Please visit our Home Page for latest updates India-UK holds dialogue on extradition, mutual legal assistance New Delhi, , Feb. 21 : A new round of dialogue on matters related to extradition and mutual legal assistance was held between the officials of India and the UK in New Delhi on February 20 and 21. (Posted on 21 February 2017, 1667747314 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 21 February 2017, 1667747314 173O212O198O32) In the meeting, both sides held detailed and fruitful deliberations on the legal processes and procedures in either country and reviewed the requests for extradition and mutual legal assistance pending on either side.The countries also reiterated their determination to strengthen legal cooperation and expedite the pending requests.The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary, Consular, Passport and Visa, Ministry of External Affairs and had representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice and investigating agencies, including CBI, Enforcement Directorate, and the state authorities concerned.The UK delegation was led by the Head of the UK Central Authority for Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance, the UK Home Office and representatives from the Crown Prosecution Service, and the UK High Commission in New Delhi.The meeting was held pursuant to the decision taken during the visit of the UK Prime Minister to India in November 2016 wherein the two leaders had directed that the officials dealing with extradition matters from both sides should meet at the earliest to develop better understanding of each countries' legal processes and requirements; share best practices, and identify the causes of delays and expedite pending requests so that fugitives and criminals should not be allowed to escape the law.It was agreed that the Central Authorities of both the countries would review further progress in these cases every six month through Video Conference. Indian doctor abducted in Libya has been rescued New Delhi , Feb 22 : Dr Ramamurthy Kosanam, an Indian doctor who was kidnapped in Libya 18 months ago, has been rescued announced External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, on Tuesday night. (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747316 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747316 173O212O198O32) Swaraj further said that Dr Kosanam, who has suffered a bullet injury, will be brought back to India shortly."We have rescued Dr Ramamurthy Kosanam in Libya. Dr Kosanam has suffered a bullet injury and we are bringing him back to India shortly," she said.Lauding the mission, Swaraj took to her Twitter handle to share that with the rescue of Dr Kosanam, they have found out all the six Indian abducted."With this, we have rescued all the six Indians abducted there. I appreciate the good work done by our mission there," she wrote.For the unversed, Dr Ramamurthy Kosanam was abducted by Islamic State militants in Libya, 18 months back.The doctor hails from a village of Krishna District, in Andhra Pradesh.He was working as a physician in the Lbn-e-Sina Hospital, at Sirte, Libya. VP Hamid Ansari arrives in Uganda for three-day visit Kampala [Uganda], Feb 22 : Vice President Hamid Ansari arrived here on Tuesday after concluding a three-day visit to Rwanda. (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747317 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/more-news.php (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747317 173O212O198O32) Vice President Ansari was welcomed by Minister of State for Regional Affairs Philemon Mateke and was also given a guard of honour at the VIP reception area.During the visit, the Vice President will address the India-Uganda Business Forum and will also pay a floral tribute to the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Jinja.Uganda is the last leg of his five-day two-nation visit to East African countries.The Vice President will be meeting his counterpart Edward Ssekandi and President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni.The bilateral relations between India and Uganda are characterised by historical cultural linkages, extensive economic and trade interests, and a convergence on major bilateral and international issues. 'Scared' Lindsay Lohan had to meditate with Oprah Winfrey, before interview with Piers Morgan New Delhi , Feb. 22 : Looks like Lindsay Lohan's jittery before appearing on the talk show 'Good Morning Britain,' has grabbed host Piers Morgan's attention. (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747318 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/hollywood-news.php (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747318 173O212O198O32) Morgan retweeted a report by a U.S. based website Heat Street, which said the 30-year-old actress meditated on the phone with Oprah Winfrey, before her interview with the former.The report read that the 'Mean Girls' star said she was so "scared" to talk to the journalist that she had to contact her "second mother" Oprah for help.On the show, while talking about Lohan's love for meditation, the host asked her whether she meditated before appearing on the show, to which, she smiled and said, "I did with Oprah on the phone last night."A shocked Morgan asked, "Did you? What before coming to see me? I love Oprah, what did she say to you?""I had a call with her last night. Mum was like, 'Oprah's calling'. We were just talking about what I'm doing now," she replied, adding, "She was really proud of me, which was really wonderful because I think she's such a guiding light and she's like a second mother to me so I feel really blessed to have her on my speed dial.""So you just call her?" the host asked and she said, "Yeah, I was nervous to talk to you," which prompted all to burst out laughing. India, China should make special efforts for counter-terrorism: Jaishankar Beijing [China], Feb. 22 : Talking to the Chinese media here on Tuesday, Indian Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said that counter-terrorism is one area in which China and India should make special efforts together. (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747319 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/world-news.php (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747319 173O212O198O32) "China has a very strong, principled position on counter-terrorism. We hope the position China already has will be further implemented," Jaishankar told Global Times, saying that discussions with China over the matter are still going on.On the issue of India's absences from the One Belt and One Road initiative that includes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through Kashmir, a region claimed by both Islamabad and New Delhi, Jaishankar said, "For us, there are questions of sovereignty which need to be addressed first."Indian officials from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Finance unanimously stressed the importance of bilateral relations and expressed their willingness to boost ties with China, according to the Global Times.Bilateral ties have been highlighted in recent months after India criticized China for blocking the United Nations from listing Pakistani national Masood Azhar as a terrorist and obstructing India from becoming a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.Jaishankar also stressed that India is a founding member of the China-initiated Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank and is the second largest shareholder after China, and said India advocates connecting closely with China.Jaishankar will co-chair the China-India Strategic Dialogue in Beijing starting today, at which bilateral ties and disputes are expected to be discussed. Kutchina associates with Freedomscape New Delhi, , Feb. 22 : Kutchina, one of the leading manufacturers and retailers of kitchen appliances and modular kitchen in the country, associated itself with Freedomscape, presented by Indian Museum, a cultural program which witnessed participation of differently abled children, in Kolkata. (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747320 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/business-india-news.php (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747320 173O212O198O32) Present on the occasion was Namit Bajoria, Director, Kutchina, and Honorary Consul of The Republic of Macedonia who took active part in cheering the children at the event. The moderator for the evening was Oindrilla Dutta.The children who participated and performed that evening belonged to various schools across Kolkata. Some of the participating schools were Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy, All Bengal Women's Union, Anjika, Loreto House Rainbow Home and Anwesha the Quest."It is so overwhelming to see these children perform. These children await opportunities to express themselves through their performances. I am glad at this initiative of the Indian Museum and look forward to many more such events," said Bajoria.Dutt also shared that such platforms give these children a window to express themselves to the world and showcase their talents.It was an evening to cherish for the children who participated in various forms of cultural activities. "It is a form of freedom for us, which we witnessed today through dance and music", said one of the children. (ANI-NewsVoir) Kim Jong-un's half-brother had 'rejected' offer to lead Pyongyang government-in-exile Seoul [South Korea], Feb. 22 : North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's half-brother Kim Jong-nam had reportedly rejected the offer by the North Korean defector in Europe and the United States, to serve as head of a government-in-exile, if one had been established, The Korean Times reported citing a source. (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747323 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/world-news.php (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747323 173O212O198O32) According to the source, Jong-nam was concerned that accepting such a proposal may not assist in ending hereditary succession of power in the repressive regime.The source further informed that Kim Jong-un might be behind Jong-nam's death as he might have doubts about his half-brother joining the government-in-exile that might lead to overthrowing his regime.International North Korean Association for Human Rights and Democracy in London was one of the defectors' group that made the proposals to Jong-nam.Jong-nam had earlier expressed his hopes on reforming North Korea as well as the activities of the defectors.He had even said that he had no interest in politics.Jong-nam, who was assassinated at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 on February 13, was the eldest son of Kim Jong-il, former leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. In a first, DMK to move no-trust vote against TN speaker Chennai, Feb 22 : In a first in the history of Tamil Nadu politics, opposition DMK is set to move no-trust vote against state speaker P Dhanapal, reports said. (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747325 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/tamil-nadu-news.php (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747325 173O212O198O32) A copy of the notice was submitted to the speaker himself by MK Stalin, the leader of the opposition.Speaking about the norms in such a case, former Lok Sabha secretary general Subhash Kashyap told the Times of India, The speaker cannot be in his seat while the motion is carried out.His deputy will have to lead the House. If the motion is passed, the speaker immediately loses his job and the assembly will have to find a new speaker. As such the government does not fall as the motion is only against the speaker, Kashyap added.Speaking about their decision to move a no-confidence motion, Stalin told reporters, In the special session on February 18 for the trust vote, the speaker acted with ulterior motives. On that basis, given that there is no confidence in him, we have submitted the letter seeking a no-confidence motion against him.When we see that the speaker is deliberately harping on his community to malign us, it is very regrettable. It is a matter of shame, according to us, for Tamil Nadu, the opposition leader added. No plans to reintroduce 1,000-rupee notes : Government New Delhi, Feb 22 : : The 1,000-rupee notes, scrapped by the Government in November, 2016 as part of its demonetisation drive, have no immediate future for making a comeback, though the supply of 500-rupee currencies are being ramped up, the Government says. (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747326 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/business-india-news.php (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747326 173O212O198O32) Scotching rumours that a new version of the Rs. 1,000-rupee notes are being printed, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das said on Wednesday that the Government has no such plans right now, media reports said.However, supply of the new Rs. 500-rupee notes are being increased, he said.The Government had banned all Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes on November 8, 2016, wiping out about 86 per cent of the total currency in circulation in the country.Later, the Reserve Bank of India had introduced 2,000-rupee notes followed by a new version of 500-rupee notes to make up for the deficits in the currencies.Das reportedly promised that the Government was addressing complaints of cash out in ATMs and asked the people to cooperate.Request everyone to draw the cash they actually require. Overdrawal by some deprives others, he tweeted. President of India's message on Guyana's Republic Day New Delhi, Feb 22 : President of India Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on the eve of their Republic Day (February 23, 2017). (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747327 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747327 173O212O198O32) In a message to the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Brig. (Retd) David Arthur Granger, the Indian President said, On behalf of the Government and the people of India and on my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure to felicitate you on the occasion of the Republic Day of Guyana.Relations between Indian and Guyana are based on the solid foundations of shared values and convergence of views. The recent visits of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo to India and the meeting between the Honble Foreign Minister of Guyana with Honble Minister of State for External Affairs of India on the sidelines of UNGA in New York in September, 2016 have added further impetus to our bilateral ties. I am confident that our cooperation will be further enhanced in the years to come.I take this opportunity to convey to Your Excellency my best wishes for your well being and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Guyana. Things born out of compulsion do not bear fruit: BSP on Cong-SP alliance New Delhi Feb. 22 : Confident of Mayawati winning the hearts of Uttar Pradesh in the Assembly Elections in Uttar Pradesh, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Wednesday asserted that the Congress-Samajwadi Party was already doomed as it was forged out of 'compulsion'. (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747327 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747327 173O212O198O32) Speaking to ANI here, BSP leader Sudhindra Bhadauria asserted that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and Prime Minister Modi, have failed the people, one in Uttar Pradesh while the other in the country."People of Uttar Pradesh are going to reject both of them. For the past five years nothing has been done for the security of women here," he added.He further said "As far as Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is concerned Akhilesh Yadav himself has said that this alliance is not a genuine alliance, it is out of compulsion. Things born out of compulsion do not bear any fruit."He added that the Prime Minister is completely neglecting Uttar Pradesh and that is the reason when BSP supremo Mayawati said that the people of the state should stand by her."They will see that Mayawati is elected with a thumping majority in Uttar Pradesh elections this time. For the fifth time she will be the Chief Minister of this state," Bhadauria said.In Uttar Pradesh, where minority vote plays a key role in deciding its political fate, Mayawati, while addressing a rally in Gonda, on Tuesday said that if a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government is formed in the state it will remove the provision of reservation for dalits."If in these elections, by any chance, a BJP-led government comes to power, it will, by following its Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) agenda, either remove reservation for the backward classes or make it ineffective," said she.Expressing remorse over the treatment extended to dalits, tribals and other backward classes, the BSP supremo said that they have been exploited by the divisive ideology of BJP.Similar statements were made by the politician earlier in the day when she lashed out on Prime Minister Modi for comparing the number of cremation grounds with that of graveyards in Uttar Pradesh.Mayawati had also dubbed the Prime Minister as a 'negative dalit man' while speaking to ANI.Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for calling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) as 'Behenji Sampatti Party', party supremo Mayawati launched a blistering counter-attack and said that the real meaning of Narendra Damodardas Modi was 'Negative Dalit Man'."Do you know the full name of Modi? It's 'Narendra Damodardas Modi'. Narendra means negative, Damodardas means Dalit and Modi means Man - he is 'Negative Dalit Man', which implies that he is a 'Dalit Virodhi'," Mayawati said, while addressing a rally in Sultanpur.She added that unlike Prime Minister Modi, who married and abandoned his wife, she never married and devoted her whole life for the development of the state. Home Credit to target five million customers by 2018 New Delhi, Feb 22 : Home Credit, one of India's fastest growing NBFCs completes a successful five years in India, emerging as a leading player in consumer durable loans with ticket size up to Rs. 10,000 with 87.2 percent market share PAN India for July- Sept 2016, according to CRIF. (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747328 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/business-india-news.php (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747328 173O212O198O32) Home Credit has served over two million customers in the country and plans to offer online loans April 2017 onwards to maximize customer reach and targets to expand customer base to five million by the end of 2018."In the last five years, Home Credit's growth in India has been phenomenal both in terms of a robust expansion plan and building the brand. With our extensive reach, we have serviced over two million customers till now and are aiming to grow this number by five million in the next two years. Our aim is to help a large majority of our customers who are the first time loaners in realizing their dreams and leading a happy family life by building their credit history," said CEO Home Credit India, Pavel Maco."Our growth has been encouraging and inspires us to serve our customers better. India is also one of the most challenging markets with its diversified population that aspires to dream of a better life. India has great potential and with the number of timely Government initiatives, India has emerged as one of the biggest and most important markets in our global expansion plans," added Pavel Maco.For the global financial lender, currently present in 11 countries across the globe, these last five years in India have been remarkable and have witnessed a steady growth through aggressive expansion.Currently in the next big phase of consolidating its leadership position in theIndian market, Home Credit India will move to being completely digital shifting on line from offline.The company grew from a low key presence in five cities in 2012-13, to a now established name in the NBFC market with an impressive and strong footprint across over 60 cities in 15 Indian states in 2017 in just five years. Droom ties-up with multiple service provides to ensure Road Side Assistance to buyers New Delhi , Feb 22 : India's pioneering online automobile transactional marketplace Droom has given a boost to its allied services segment by signing up with some of the biggest service providers in the Road Side Assistance category, including Allianz Worldwide Partners. The move is expected to garner more traction and better customer experience for the online marketplace in this category. (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747328 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/business-india-news.php (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747328 173O212O198O32) This latest agreement assumes all the more importance as it was achieved after several meetings and intense negotiations. Along with this partnership, Droom has also signed up a number of regional sellers such as Road India (RSA-500 locations), Zaiuto and Gomgarage.The partnerships have enabled Droom to cover 477 locations across the country where it can provide Road Side Assistance to its consumers, including the metropolitan cities of Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Pune."This is a major development that will impact the current fabric of the online automotive industry. With RSA being provided by brands such as Allianz Worldwide and other regional providers, confidence of car buyers from Droom will definitely enhance, leading to greater brand support," said co-founder and VP Business Development Droom, Rishab Malik."This agreement justifies and fulfills the brand valuation of all the service providers to the hilt. We are looking forward to earning huge success with this collaboration and further provide confidence in the buyers regarding the vehicles transacted by Droom," added Malik.Droom currently has 12 partners in its RSA services provider channels and 10 partners providing Eco-inspector services. Droom's RSA services will be available in cities including Vijayawada, Varanasi, Warangal, West Sikkim, Iruvannamalai, Trivandrum, Tiruchy, Srinagar, Rohtak, Rewari, Nagaon, Meerut, Guwahati, Ferozepur, Coimbatore, Bellary and Amravati.To avoid confusion due to the presence of multiple RSA service providers in a particular city, Droom, like a perfect marketplace, has given the customers complete freedom to choose a partner service provider without any bias or preference, thus empowering their buyers and bringing transparency in operations. Low penetration and regulatory push augur well for India's debt capital markets: ICRA New Delhi , Feb 22 : India's debt capital markets have grown significantly during the last few years as reflected in the increase in total debt outstanding (sovereign + private sector) to Rs. 106.88 lakh crore as on December 31, 2016 from Rs 45.31 lakh crore as on March 31, 2011 (CAGR of 15 percent during the period). (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747329 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/business-india-news.php (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747329 173O212O198O32) The amount of corporate debt (including financial sector) has also increased at a steady rate, at a CAGR of 12 percent during the above period growing from Rs 14.2 lakh crore as on March 31, 2011 to Rs 27.9 lakh crore as on December 31, 2016."Though the quantum of corporate debt outstanding has doubled, the penetration of the corporate debt market remains low in relation to GDP growth. The corporate debt/GDP has increased by only two percent during these six years; that is, from 17.5 percent of GDP in FY 2011 to 19.5 percent in 9MFY2017." This ratio is significantly lower than in other countries, like China (48 percent) or other smaller economies like Brazil (39 percent), Thailand (48 percent), Malaysia (46 percent) and Singapore (48 percent), reflecting the scope for considerable improvement of issuer and investor participation in the debt markets," said MD and Group CEO ICRA, Naresh Takkar.The share of capital market borrowings in relation to total bank borrowings has improved from 19 percent in FY 2011 to 27 percent in 9MFY2017.Notwithstanding, the increased participation from issuers, the broader participation remains subdued with high concentration of debt issuances from few top issuers. The top-10 issuers have consistently accounted for ~50 percent of the total value of issuances, as investors remained inclined towards higher rated borrowers. Of the total value of debt issuances, ~90 percent are from issuers with credit rating of AA- or higher. Similarly, almost 99 percent of the value of commercial paper issuances is from issuers rated A1+; reflecting limited investor's appetite for lower rated papers.During September 2015, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had allowed banks to offer partial credit enhancement to corporate bonds and project SPVs.Subsequently, in August 2016, RBI has issued guidelines on "Enhancing Credit Supply to Large Borrowers through Market Mechanism" and "Large Exposure Framework."As per ICRA's estimates, taking into account a 10 percent annual credit growth in borrowings of these large issuers, it can result in potential additional debt issuances of Rs. 70,000 crore per annum. "The above regulatory developments are significantly positive for growth of debt capital markets, however with many large issuers, especially in the infrastructure and other capital intensive sectors rated in the lower rating categories; the initial capital market issuances will mainly be for refinancing of operational projects as the investors' appetite for project level entities is expected to remain limited. At the same time, measures towards strengthening the market infrastructure, improving the liquidity in secondary markets and introduction of new products will help make the Indian debt capital market more vibrant," added Takkar. After Mulayam now Shivpal rejects SP-Cong alliance, says wont campaign for Congress candidates Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) , Feb 22 : Treading similar paths as Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh over the idea of SP- Congress alliance, his brother Shivpal Singh Yadav has now come forth with a shocker that he will not campaign for any grand old party candidate. (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747329 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747329 173O212O198O32) Shivpal while speaking to ANI said, "I will not campaign for any Congress candidate. Rest if Neta ji (Mulayam Singh) asks me to extend my support to Samajwadi candidate fighting against Congress leaders, then I will follow his orders."Further commenting on the incident of stones being pelted on his car in Jaswantnagar, Shivpal said that chaos was created by Opposition parties to destabilise the tranquillity and affect the poll process."In Jaswantnagar the performance of the party is good and I am sure that I will win from my constituency. Last time also I won from my constituency. The percentage of votes by which I won in my constituency has always increased every election. All this has happened in the wake of me stopping and raising voice against illegal activities during election times by the rival parties," said Shivpal."Few people with BJP candidate carry out illegal activities and to defeat me they plotted against me. The DM SSP under influence of some political leaders conducted baton charge to disrupt the polling, he added.Mulayam Singh had on January 29 voiced his displeasure over the alliance, and said he would not campaign for it."I am against the alliance formed between the Samajwadi Party and the Congress. I will never acknowledge this alliance. The Congress was in power for so long, but it did not do anything for the development of the country. I will not campaign in this election," Mulayam told ANI.The SP founder said that the alliance was unnecessary as the party has the capability to win the elections without any support."Our party has the capability to contest this election without any support. I am confident that it would have marked victory had it contested alone," he added.The Samajwadi Party and Congress have forged a pre-poll alliance in Uttar Pradesh contesting 298 and 105 seats respectively.Shivpal in the past has also showed discontent over his supporters being denied party ticket for the high-voltage election. With Congress by our side, bicycle will charge ahead with full speed: Akhilesh Yadav Bahraich (Uttar Pradesh) , Feb. 22 : Expressing complete confidence in the Samajwadi Party (SP)-Congress alliance, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said that the party with 'pedal ahead' with full speed now that it had the support of the grand old party. (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747331 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747331 173O212O198O32) "When Samajwadi Party shows enthusiasm, it can ride the bicycle with only one hand. With Congress' support we will increase the speed even further,"Akhilesh Yadav said while addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich."We did not say 'acche din ayenge', we perform our duty and it is reflected in our work," Akhilesh said.Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he noted that people could not understand 'Mann Ki Baat' of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)."'Mann ki Baat' is telecasted on radio as well as on TV but nobody could understand their "Mann ki Baat". The BJP should show the reports what all they have done for the people," he added.He asserted that the BJP haven't worked for any sections of the society instead they are making fools out of people."They (BJP) said that every poor family will be credited with Rs. 15 lakh in their accounts, but tell me did you get any money?" he questioned while addressing the people.Condemning the demonetisation move, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said that honest people stood in queues for long hours and lost their lives. "Nobody helped them but SP took a step forward and helped them," he added.Continuing his tirade against the BJP, he said that the party blames the Samajwadi Party for discriminating on the basis of caste and religion.53 constituencies, spread over 12 districts, including the Bundelkhand region, will go to polls in this phase on the February 23. The districts include Raebareilly, Allahabad, Pratapgarh, Kaushambi, Jhansi, Chitrakoot and Fatehpur.A total of 630 candidates, including 50 women, are in the fray.The third phase of polling recorded 61.16 percent turnout and as the lengthy and staggered assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh crossed the halfway mark; the main parties are upbeat about forming the next government. Will the new Nagaland CM ease tensions in Manipur? By Onkareshwar Pandey, New Delhi , Feb.22 : By handing over the reins of government in Nagaland to Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu, replacing incumbent T.R. Zeliang, the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) has tried to kill two birds with one stone. The 81-year-old Liezietsu is very popular Naga leader not only in his own state Nagaland, but the hilly areas of neighbouring Manipur also, which is called South Nagalim by Naga people, where elections are being held on 4th and 8th of March. (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747332 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747332 173O212O198O32) The BJP, which has four MLAs in the state, and is the part of new ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), will also get benefits in Manipur elections, it is presumed, But whether the new Chief Minister of Nagaland Dr. Liezietsu, will also be playing a role in easing out the tension in Manipur, which is facing an acute crisis due to the economic blockade imposed by UNC (United Naga Council) is being asked by observers. One of the MLAs of BJP, Paiwang Konyak, a leader of Konyak Naga Tribe, has taken oath as a cabinet minister in the Liezietsu-led government. The other eight independent MLAs are also in the alliance.The Naga People's Front (NPF) president and chief minister designate Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu along with 11 ministers were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor P B Acharya at a swearing in ceremony held at the Raj Bhavan in Kohima today. The NPF is the major constituent of the DAN with 48 legislators in the 60-member Nagaland assembly that has no opposition.Naga People's Front, the major partner of the Northeast Democratic Alliance, a grouping of non-Congress parties floated by the BJP, is contesting 15 assembly seats in Manipur polls in March. The party, which has a support base in the Naga dominated areas of Manipur, and had made its electoral debut in Manipur by winning four out of 12 seats it contested in 2012 polls, has decided to go it alone in the state despite an alliance with BJP in Nagaland. If NPF wins in Manipur, it will certainly dampen the prospects of Congress Party, which was expecting to gain some seats in the hill areas after creation of seven new districts. The creation of new districts by ruling Congress led to economic blockade on two highways by the United Naga Council since November 1 last year. A number of Congress leaders in the Naga dominated areas have already switched their loyalty to BJP, boosting the party's prospect in the upcoming election.The 81-year-old, one of the founding members of first regional party in Nagaland, and having a political career spanning over four decades since he was first elected to the state assembly in 1969 from northern Angami-I under Kohima district, is regarded as a most decorated educationists and eminent scholar in the Angami literature (the native language of the Angami tribe).An eight time MLA, Liezitsu has experience of holding different portfolios, including education and planning, will have to seek re-election within six months of taking charge as Nagaland's 11th chief minister because he had refused to contest the last Assembly elections held in 2013, allowing his son Khriehu Liezietsu to contest the polls successfully. Khriehu, 51, might give up the Northern Angami-I to let his father be re-elected.Neiphiu Rio, a former chief minister and Nagaland's sole Lok Sabha member, was said to be a front-runner for the CM's post. His camp had allegedly herded more than 40 MLAs to a couple of resorts in Kaziranga, but his name was not considered citing a technical reason, that he was ousted from the party a year ago when he had tried to topple the Zeliang government in 2015. The MLAs made their way back to Kohima only when it became clear that Zeliang was resigning in the "bigger interest of the state". The Central leaders wanted former CM and Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio as the alternative candidate for chief minister, according to BJP sources.With the taking over of Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu as the new chief minister of Nagaland, the NPF is confident of improving its tally in the Manipur elections and may play crucial role in the next government formation in Manipur. Dr. Liezietsu, the President of the Naga People's Front (NPF), had created history when he along with the then Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio had formally launched the NPF Manipur State Unit on 28th May, 2011 at Senapati district in Manipur. It was considered a significant political move, because firstly, the arrival of Neiphiu Rio and Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu at Senapati was a diplomatic victory of the NPF over the then Congress-led Manipur Government and secondly, it fulfilled the long cherished dream of the Southern Nagas.The Manipur state unit of the Naga People's Front (NPF) has fielded 15 candidates for Hilly areas of state, which accounts for 20 of the 60 seats in the assembly. NPF President Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu NPF Manipur State Unit in-charge and Nagaland Minister Yitachu and NPF Secretary General and Rajya Sabha MP KG Kenye were present during the ticket distribution cum oath taking ceremony.The Manipur assembly elections are scheduled to be held in two phases on March 4 and 8. In the first phase, 38 assembly constituencies will vote while in the second phase, the rest 22 will.The outgoing Chief Minister T R Zeliang, has been elected chairman of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) - a coalition of the Naga People's Front (NPF), BJP and Independents - which has been in power for the third consecutive term in the state, replacing the new CM Shurhozelie Liezietsu.Zeliang had to resign from the post of Chief Minister after the anti-reservation violence in the state. in the wake of rioting, arson and large-scale intimidation of women candidates by male-dominated "civil society groups" and traditional institutions, It was alleged that the Zeliang government had walked away from upholding its position as a government of all the people of the state.As DAN chairman, Zeliang will enjoy the status of a cabinet minister and will be in an equally important position in the ruling coalition as he was earlier as chief minister. Zeliang's name for the post of DAN's chairman was proposed by the CM-elect Shurhozelie Liezietsu himself on Monday. The proposal was "unanimously" accepted by the legislators.Even before taking oath of office, CM-designate Shurhozelie had lauded outgoing chief minister Zeliang's "supreme sacrifice" of vacating his chair "to save Naga people from going into further turmoil", an official press release quoting him as saying. "He has done this with a big heart and I want all to recognise this sacrifice." NDMA starts advance preparations for tackling heat wave this year Hyderabad, Feb 22 : The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) rolled out its plans for tackling heat wave this year with a national workshop on Preparation of Heat Wave Action Plan in Hyderabad on Wednesday. (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747333 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747333 173O212O198O32) The two-day workshop organised in collaboration with the Government of Telangana plans to devise effective measures to tackle the onslaught of heat wave.The workshop sensitised states to the need of preparing and implementing their Heat Wave Action Plans in line with NDMAs Guidelines for Preparation of Action Plan Prevention and Management of Heat-Wave formulated and circulated last year.R.K. Jain, Member, NDMA, said, In 2015, the number of deaths recorded due to heat wave was higher than deaths caused by any other disaster. In this background, NDMA came up with a set of guidelines for managing heat waves in 2016. We closely reviewed and monitored the preparedness and actions taken by heat wave prone States and with the combined efforts of all stakeholders, especially the state governments, were able to bring down the number of deaths drastically.Last year, the effective implementation of Heat Action Plans by some of worst affected states brought down the number of heat wave-induced deaths in the country by about 50 per cent, the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a release.Dr. D.N. Sharma, Member, NDMA, said that with advance planning and preparedness, and active participation of all stakeholders, not only deaths but also illnesses induced by heat waves could be brought down.Giving a presentation on prevention and management of heat waves, Dr. V. Thiruppugazh, Joint Secretary, NDMA, emphasised on the importance of Heat Action Plans and a robust database. He added that awareness campaigns were needed to sensitise communities to take measures to reduce the impact of heat waves.Dr. K. Tirupataiah, ADG, Dr. MCR-HRD Institute, Hyderabad, spoke about the importance of reviving indigenous traditions and knowledge to mitigate the impact of heat waves. He also talked about the need to involve children and Panchayati Raj Institutions in spreading the message of awareness.The first technical session on Heat Wave Action Plan and Risk Reduction focused on the development of Heat Action Plans for prevention and management of heat waves. It discussed the nuances of fine-tuning Action Plans to cater to localized needs and solutions.During the second session, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana, Odisha and Maharashtra shared their experiences and best practices to help other states prepare their Heat Wave Action Plans. These states, which are among the most vulnerable, have been able to largely mitigate the impact of heat waves with better preparedness and timely intervention.The session on Early Warning and Forecasting of Heat Wave was chaired by Dr. D.N. Sharma, Member, NDMA.It focused on the importance of area-specific short-range forecasting along with extended forecasting to help authorities to understand the immediate requirements of a region as well the most suited mitigation measures for the entire heat wave season.Image: PIB Hindustan Power conferred with the 'Best Employer Branding Empowered Company' award New Delhi, Feb 22 : Hindustan Power - India's leading integrated power player - has been bestowed with the 'Best Employer Branding Empowered Company' by the Indian Brand Conventions and BAM (Branding, Advertising and Marketing) Awards 2017. (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747333 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/business-india-news.php (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747333 173O212O198O32) The award comes in recognition of the excellent employee engagement policy of the company which has been instrumental in increasing employee productivity and ensuring higher retention especially at a time when the power sector is faced with multiple challenges due to the upward revision of the renewable target for the country.The award winning campaign enabled the company to draw upon experience and expertise from one business to solve the challenges of other business. This cross vertical approach has brought upon a culture of innovative solutions which are cost effect and time beneficial to the company.Aman Attree, HR Head, Hindustan Powerprojects said, It gives us immense pride to be honoured with the prestigious award, since it recognizes Hindustan Powers dedication to our most valuable resource, our employees.The power sector requires holistic approach for the employees to feel engaged and motivated from being posted to remote locations to having to move from one location to another, the challenges are many for the employees but Hindustan Power has implemented a robust developmental plan ensuing in higher retention and innovative approach to solve business challenges.We were able to address the same through effective employee engagement with focus on lateral thinking resulting in growth and development. This recognition is a testimony to efforts of our great team of employees, support staff and leaders that are supporting us in realizing our vision. Mamata announces regulatory body to curb anti-patient private hospital malpractices Kolkata, Feb 22 : Following a meeting with the authorities of privately-run hospitals over the allegations of patients' harassment and mindless billing, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday announced to form a health regulatory committee to monitor private nursing homes' activities. (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747334 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/west-bengal-news.php (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747334 173O212O198O32) We will be setting up a health regulatory commission, led by a former judge, to monitor the nursing homes and the commission will submit report in every month, Mamata Banerjee said.Our government will bring in an amendment to the West Bengal Clinical Act in the upcoming session of the Assembly, Banerjee added.During the meeting in Kolkatas Town Hall, Chief Minister said that Bengal government had already taken actions against few private hospitals, based on patients allegations.There are 2088 registered nursing homes in West Bengal, 370 out of which are in Kolkata. Basing on allegations, we carried out surveys in 942 nursing homes and after receiving the survey report, we served show cause notices to 70 hospitals and dismissed the licenses of 33 private nursing homes, Mamata Banerjee said.There is a lack of transparency in billing and treatment bills are not fair, those are overdrawn, she added.She also slammed the authorities of Kolkata nursing homes for allegations of unfair billing, negligence in treatment and running kidney-racket against their hospitals.The Chief Minister said even patients from Bangladesh are overcharged while patients are forced to be on ICU or on ventilation. She said even for a stomach upset now doctors prescribe several expensive tests and this must end.She said several hospitals benefited from government and were given land for their construction while they have not kept their commitment to treat some poor free.She said a patient when admitted in a hospital further suffers knowing that an inflated bill would be given while with patients the family also suffer heavily.The patient dies and the family dies too. Even an MP who was admitted was given a bill of Rs 35 lakh I am told, she said.She said a patient who is brought to a hospital or nursing home from an accident spot should be given treatment first.She said the commission formed would give her report every month.(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha) 'Kasab' remark shows communal mindset of BJP: Congress New Delhi Feb. 22 : Hours after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah devised the 'Kasab' remark for representing Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Bahujan Samaj Party, Congress on Wednesday said the former's statement shows the saffron party's communal mindset. (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747336 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747336 173O212O198O32) "We need to end acronyms. Through Amit Shah's statement BJP's repulsive thinking is brought out. It shows party's communal mindset which is reprehensible," Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi told ANI.Criticising Shah's statement, Singhvi further said it was violation of the model code of conduct, while adding that the BJP does not deserve to rule the nation."It was a clear violation of the model code of conduct. It was a violation of rule and law. But more importantly, it discloses the mindset of a party, which does not deserve to rule this country," he added.The BJP president, earlier in the day, gave yet another acronym to describing his opponents in the ongoing Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls."In the last fifteen years, the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) governments have ruined Uttar Pradesh. The two were enough for destruction, however, a third one has also arrived. The population of UP must get rid of this KASAB, and by this I mean - 'Ka' for Congress, 'S' for SP and 'B' for...," Shah said while addressing a rally in Chauri Chaura .While he didn't clearly mention the BSP, there was no denial from his side when the audience shouted 'BSP'. China open to India joining NSG, says Foreign Secretary Jaishankar Beijing [China], Feb.22 : China is open to India joining the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar told media here on Wednesday after holding strategic dialogue discussions with his counterpart. (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747336 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/world-news.php (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747336 173O212O198O32) Jaishankar said, "China said it had an open approach on India's membership, but that there were issues of procedures and processes, which they felt needed further clarification and discussions. So, they were not in a position to bring it to a finite conclusion. At the same time, they maintained in terms of India's application, they had an open mind about it."He said that discussions on NSG membership was one of the key aspects of the dialogue with Executive Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Zhang Yesui and State Counsellor Yang Jiechi.Last month, New Delhi had taken umbrage over Beijing suggesting that an attempt was being made by outgoing U.S. President Barack Obama to give membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group to India as a "parting gift" because of its outstanding non-proliferation record.The spokesman of the Indian External Affairs Ministry, Vikas Swarup, had then said, "India is not seeking NSG membership as a gift. India is seeking it on its non-proliferation record."In an obvious to Pakistan, which is also seeking NSG membership with China's backing, Swarup said, "I, of course, cannot speak for other applicants," raising concerns over Islamabad's questionable non-proliferation record.China has repeatedly blocked India's MSG membership bid despite support from the majority of NSG members, on the grounds that New Delhi hasn't signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NNPT).Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a group of nuclear supplier countries that seek to prevent nuclear proliferation by controlling the export of materials, equipment and technology that can be used to manufacture nuclear weapons. PLA delegation from China visits India New Delhi , Feb. 22 : A 15-member delegation from Western Theatre Command of People's Liberation Army (PLA), China led by Major General Zhao Jin Song is on a five-day visit to India from February 21 to 26. (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747340 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 22 February 2017, 1667747340 173O212O198O32) Song is the Vice Chief of Staff of Headquarter Western Theatre Command, Chengdu, China.The Chinese delegation met the senior Indian Army officers dealing with border issues at Army Headquarters on Tuesday.The two sides exchanged views on wide ranging issues and agreed that peace and tranquility on the border is an important guarantor for development and continued growth of bilateral relations.They also discussed the importance of having regular bilateral exchanges and additional Border Personnel Meeting points.The delegation from China will also visit Agra and Kolkata in the upcoming days. Vice President Ansari's visit will pave way for business opportunity: Honorary consul to Uganda Kampala [Uganda], Feb. 22 : Honorary Consul Consulate of the republic of Uganda Madhusudan Agrawal on Wednesday hailed the visit of Vice President Hamid Ansari to the African nation, saying his visit would pave way for more business opportunities for the Indian community. (Posted on 23 February 2017, 1667747341 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/world-news.php (Posted on 23 February 2017, 1667747341 173O212O198O32) "This is very good and will open a lot of opportunity for the Indian business community. It is going to pave way for a lot of business opportunities here," Consul Agrawal told ANI in an exclusive interview.Talking about the cooperation between India and Uganda in pharmaceutical sector, Consul Agrawal, who is also a vice-chairman of Ajanta Pharma Limited, said the pharmaceutical sector is majorly controlled by the Indian companies in Uganda."The Pharmaceutical sector in Uganda is controlled by Indian companies because we produce quality products. All the top India Pharma companies are present here, including my company Ajanta Pharma Limited. They need products for treating tuberculosis, malaria which are rampant here and the third is the anti-retroviral, which is an anti AIDS-product," he added.Asserting that Ajanta Pharma Limited has leadership in almost 30 countries in Africa in malaria, tuberculosis and anti-retroviral products, Agrawal further said all the medicines supplied in Uganda are funded by global funds as poor people cannot afford to buy even the medicines which are supplied by the Indian companies."Global fund is funding particularly malaria, tuberculosis and anti-retroviral products which are being supplied by the Indian companies," he added.Commenting on the contribution of the Indian companies to the economy of Uganda, Consul Agrawal said that government is getting 65 percent of the income tax revenue from the Indian community here."The Indian community is practically controlling the economy here, not only in Uganda but many countries in Africa like Kenya, Rwanda," he commented.Highlighting the trade imbalance in Uganda, Agrawal said that a lot of things have to be imported from India."If you see the trade imbalance, everything is imported here. I am promoting steel manufacturing. I am promoting dairy products to be processed. We are promoting hydroelectric power station here. Education is another biggest opportunity here. More than 10,000 students from Uganda are studying in India. There is huge potential for the raw material here," he said. Iceland's President remark on pineapple pizza sparks international stir New York [USA], Feb. 23: Iceland's President Gudni Johannesson's strong views on pizza have caused an international stir as he disclosed his opposition to pineapple on pizza to Icelandic high school students last week. (Posted on 23 February 2017, 1667747342 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/world-news.php (Posted on 23 February 2017, 1667747342 173O212O198O32) Local media reported that he said he'd ban the fruity topping if he could.Amid a social-media storm, Johannesson released a statement on Facebook, stressing that he does not have the power to ban pizza toppings, and is "glad that I do not hold such power.""I like pineapples, just not on pizza. I do not have the power to make laws which forbid people to put pineapples on their pizza. I am glad that I do not hold such power. Presidents should not have unlimited power. I would not want to hold this position if I could pass laws forbidding that which I don't like. I would not want to live in such a country. For pizzas, I recommend seafood," New York Times quoted Johannesson as saying.A former history professor at the University of Iceland with a laid-back style, he has turned down a 20 percent pay hike, donated 10 percent of his pretax salary to charity, and holds the distinction of being the first president to march in a gay pride parade. Google dedicates its doodle to NASA's seven earth sized exoplanets discovery! New Delhi , Feb. 23 : Google has always made sure to celebrate every special affair around the globe. (Posted on 23 February 2017, 1667747343 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/world-news.php (Posted on 23 February 2017, 1667747343 173O212O198O32) Likewise, it has dedicated its doodle today to NASA's discovery of seven earth sized exoplanets.In a short, comical animation, the doodle shows NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, which revealed the first known system of seven Earth-size planets around a single star.The discovery sets a new record for greatest number of habitable-zone planets found around a single star outside our solar system. All of these seven planets could have liquid water - key to life as we know it - under the right atmospheric conditions, but the chances are highest with the three in the habitable zone.According to NASA, "This discovery could be a significant piece in the puzzle of finding habitable environments, places that are conducive to life.Answering the question 'are we alone' is a top science priority and finding so many planets like these for the first time in the habitable zone is a remarkable step forward toward that goal."At about 40 light-years (235 trillion miles) from Earth, the system of planets is relatively close to us, in the constellation Aquarius. Because they are located outside of our solar system, these planets are scientifically known as exoplanets. Akhilesh Govt. has done nothing than advertisement: Keshav Prasad Maurya Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh), Feb.23 : In a scathing attack at Samajwadi Party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday alleged that the Uttar Pradesh government has done nothing but only involved in advertisement. (Posted on 23 February 2017, 1667747344 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 23 February 2017, 1667747344 173O212O198O32) "Akhilesh Yadav government has only done advertisement and did not do any development work in the state", BJP U.P. state unit Chief Keshav Prasad Maurya told media after casting his vote here.Expressing his confidence over making victory in the UP assembly elections, he said, "In 2017 assembly elections, our party will surely achieve more than 300 seats. Farmers, youth and poor people are the reason of success."As voting for the fourth phase of the UP elections is underway, Keshav Prasad Maurya casts his vote today in Allahabad.As the polling for the fourth phase of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections began today, 10.23 percent voter turnout was recorded till 9 a.m.With Banda recording a voting of 12.2 percent, Rae Bareli saw a percent of 9.5 voting while Fatehpur and Jalaun recording a percent of 9.8 and 8.66 respectively.In this phase, over 12 districts spread over 53 constituencies, are going for polling including Bundelkhand, and the Congress-dominant Rae Bareli region.Other districts going to polls in this phase are Pratapgarh, Kaushambi, Allahabad, Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Banda, Hamirpur, Chitrakoot and Fatehpur.More than 680 candidates will be contesting the elections, and around 1.84 crore people are expected to vote in this phase. Uttar Pradesh fourth phase polling : SP candidate's son shot at, 12-15 per cent polling till 10 am Raebareli, Feb 23 : : A Samajwadi Party candidate's son was shot at during clashes with rival BSP workers in Uttar Pradesh's Mahoba on Wednesday night only hours before voting started in the fourth phase of elections in the state, NDTV reported. (Posted on 23 February 2017, 1667747345 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/more-news.php (Posted on 23 February 2017, 1667747345 173O212O198O32) The report, however, did not give the name of the victim and details of the incident.Five seats in Congress President Sonia Gandhis parliamentary constituency Raebareli are among the 53 voting on Thursday.Polling is also being held for the seats in Bundelkhand and Allahabad.According to reports, 12 to 15 per cent polling was recorded till 10 am. Maharashtra :BMC polls counting underway, Shiv Sena maintains steady lead ahead of BJP Mumbai, Feb 23 : : The Shiv Sena continued maintain its lead ahead of the main rival BJP as counting of votes for Mumbai's Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) were underway on Thursday. (Posted on 23 February 2017, 1667747345 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/maharashtra-news.php (Posted on 23 February 2017, 1667747345 173O212O198O32) According to the latest reports, the Sena is leading in 77 seats, with the BJP ahead in 45, while the Congress trailing at third position is leading in 13 seats.The trend of counting still leaves it unclear as to whether the Sena, which has been in control of the countrys richest civic body for 20 years, will be able to attain absolute majority by captruing 114 of BMCs 227 seats.. Votes are also being counted in nine other major municipalities in Maharashtra.Though the Sena and BJP were allies since 1992 they are fought as main rivals in the civic polls. 'India, being democratic, poised to overtake China', says senior bureaucrat Noida (Uttar Pradesh) , Feb.23 : Inaugurating the second Global Leadership Research Conference (GLRC-2017) on the theme 'Innovation, Sustainability and Change: Emerging Challenges and Solutions at Amity University here, Dr. Thomas Mathew, Additional Secretary to the President of India, stressed optimistically that today's youth is living in a great era with lot of opportunities and they need not to be threatened by China. He said India is poised to overtake China in the future as it is a democracy and the greatest impulse of democracy is freedom of choice. (Posted on 23 February 2017, 1667747349 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 23 February 2017, 1667747349 173O212O198O32) Elaborating on the theme of the workshop, Dr. Mathew stated that no research is useless and it all depends upon how it is being applied. He remarked that innovation brings about change and the end product of the change has to be sustainable."The sustainability of any innovation needs to have a benchmark and that benchmark should be that an innovation should always make the society of today better for tomorrow," he opined.He remarked that innovation is just not about science, but it could be virtually in any field of life such as social innovation, scientific innovation, economic innovation and others."In life there are no limits or boundaries, there are just self-imposed restrictions that hold back an individual. Impossible is most often not tried and the seemingly impossible things bear the best fruits in life," averred Dr. Mathew.Motivating the students, he stressed that only change is constant in the world and called upon them to think out of the box and become change agents in the society.This conference aims to provide broad coverage and dissemination of foundation research and to bring together researchers from academia, industry and practitioners to share ideas, problems and solutions relating to the multifaceted aspect of "Innovation, Sustainability and Change: Emerging Challenges and Solutions".Welcoming the distinguished gathering, Dr. Sanjeev Bansal- Director, Amity Business School and Dean, Faculty of Management Studies shared that during the two day Conference, over 248 Research Papers will be presented in five domains - Finance, HR, Entrepreneurship, IT and Travel and Tourism. He stressed that research needs no basic qualification and the two requisites for pursuing research are curiosity and passion. He remarked that change is inevitable and continuous and it is only through innovation in systems, processes, production and management that long term sustainability could be achieved.Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kaushik, Honorary Director, ICSSR - NWRC, Panjab University appreciated the relevantly themed Conference and stated that Innovation, Change and Sustainability are inter- related and one is not possible without other. He stated that employees lack enthusiasm and encouragement from within and outside in the organization to innovate and remarked that companies need to change with time and build a culture of Innovation otherwise they would have to languish in anonymity. He shared that India has climbed 15 spots, from 81 to 66 in the Global Innovation Index (GII) in 2016 but countries like Japan, Germany, China, South Korea and even Syria are ahead of us because they spend more percentage of their GDP on research and Innovation. Giving solution, he opined that educational Institutions need to collaborate with Government and Industry to motivate the youth of the country to pick up career in research.Rajesh Yadav, Additional District Magistrate (Finance and Revenue), Ghaziabad, outlined the innovative ways through which various ponds, which were encroached upon by builders and farmers during last 30 years in Gautam Buddh Nagar were revived by District Administration. He called upon the students to use their research for the betterment of human beings and society.Rahul Chakravarty- Director, FICCI stressed that Innovation is a special instrument of entrepreneurship with a capacity to create wealth. He opined that "Innovate in India" should go along with "Make in India" and to facilitate the same Government needs to create specific innovation infrastructure, promote a culture of entrepreneurship in the country and holistically strengthen the education system in the country with more vocational centres aiming at skill development in the youth. He averred that India is at the threshold of startup boom and is the third fastest growing start up ecosystem in the world and with its abundant talent and resources; India is bound to become next Google.Capt. Pavan Kumar Kaul, Director, Container Corporation India Ltd., stressed that youth are the leaders of tomorrow and will herald the much needed innovation, aiming at rapid and inclusive development. He stressed that innovation is needed in the area of food security and to enhance the output of resources and achieve the productivity of scale without hurting the environment. Need of the hour is change in thought and action and encouraged students to go out, empowering others to innovate and spearhead the growth of Indian economy.Also present during the inauguration were Mr. Indranil Roy- eminent Journalist and Dr. B Shukla- Vice Chancellor, Amity University.During the inauguration, International Journal of Control Theory and Application, International Journal of Applied Business & Economic Research and an Abstract Book of the Conference were released by the distinguished luminaries.During the day, over 85 research papers were presented in the domain of "Entrepreneurship and General Management", "Marketing and Retail", "Human Resource", "Finance" and "Computer Science and Information Technology".Ms. Priya R Desai- Management Scholar, L.N Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Mumbai while presenting her paper on "The Next Financial Crisis- Made in China", highlighted that China has been flaunting growth rate many nations would envy, despite of the debt crisis of Europe and the Credit Crisis of the US. China has been aggressively pushing to achieve its growth targets by over borrowing both internally and externally as a result; it has accumulated too much debt in a short time and is facing a financial crisis like situation. She shared that China has estimated 281% debt to its GDP with a total of 28 Trillion dollars of debt, leading to problem of deflation and falling stock prices. Adding to the grim situation is aged population of China and shrinking of world trade. She suggested initiating organic growth driven by consumption and not artificially spiked investments in order to reduce overall national debt of China.The research papers presented during the day included "Significance of Creativity and Innovation for the development of Entrepreneurship" by Dr. Sandeep Kumar Institute of Science and Management, Ranchi, "Roles of Entrepreneurs in Economic Growth and Development in India" by Dr. Falguni Satsangi DEI, Agra, "Crowd funding: An Answer to Entrepreneurial Dilemma for Capital" by Mr. Amandeep Dhaliwal and Dr. Arunaditya Sahay Birla Institute of Technology Management, G. Noida, "Transforming Adversities into an Opportunity - An Entrepreneurial SME Sector Case Study of Psychotropic India Ltd." by Prof. Amit Seth, Manav Rachna University, Faridabad and others. Who are Newport's top taxpayers? Take a look at the top 50. Reporter Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021 Phyllodes tumors are unusual tumors that begin their growth in the connective tissue of the breast. These tumors occur most often in females who are 30 to 40 years of age, although they might be found in women who are older or younger. This form of tumor accounts for less than 1% of all breast tumors. In about 10% of cases, these tumors can be cancerous. There is also an approximate 25% chance that phyllodes tumors of the breast, when cancerous, will be metastatic. In these instances, a patient essentially has a fatal diagnosis. Long-term survival is rare, and the growth of this tumor cannot always be predicted. Recent Research A 2014 study from University of Michigan scientists at the universitys Comprehensive Cancer Center analyzed the genetics of phyllodes tumors. The research was among the first to characterize the molecular state of these tumors. Next generation sequencing (NGS) was applied by investigators to facilitate the identification of any gene alterations that may have occurred. These unusual fibroepithelial tumors do not exhibit specific, predictable behavior in fact, researchers have little information on how they begin growth and progress. Many are not cancerous, but can become cancerous over time. It is difficult to determine the type of tumor that may spread or reoccur after an initial treatment has been administered. Moreover, the success of treatment is rare once these tumors have become cancerous. The University of Michigan effort highlights the genomics involved, and, the role of genomic evolution in how these tumors grow and proceed. The study suggests there are potential molecular correlates to histological grade. The study also led to the expansion of the number of human tumors with frequent recurrent MED12 mutations identified. It also identified the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor and the epidermal growth factor receptor as possible therapeutic targets in cancerous cases. Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today In the University of Michigan study, scientists examined 15 phyllodes tumors specimens, pulled from archived samples, which had been equally divided based on their categorization. Five tumors were benign, five were borderline, and five were cancerous. Even such a small sampling allows scientists to obtain genetic biological information. NGS was applied to find cellular changes in formalin fixed paraffin embedded samples from the patients. The scientists found mutations across more than two-thirds of cases involving the three histological grades. Additionally, certain loss-of-function and deleterious mutations appeared exclusively in cancerous tumors. Therapies have already been developed and tested in other cancers. Data from this research support evaluating the efficacy of treatments that have been developed against the epidermal growth factor receptor and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor proteins in phyllodes tumors. Meanwhile, in the UK, a study is underway in which investigators are gathering tumor and blood specimens from those who have a phyllodes tumor. These specimens will help the scientists: Find genes that are strategic to tumor development. Determine why some tumors reoccur. The trial has recruited about 500 people who have phyllodes tumor in the breast. The researchers are asking some to have an operation to remove their tumor. They also are writing to those who have had treatments in the past, asking them to partake in the study. Investigators are looking for DNA, RNA, and information regarding any genetic changes that might be present. They plan on growing tumor cells in the laboratory from the participants to examine cellular behavior. In one unusual instance, a phyllodes tumor of the breast converted to fibrosarcoma of the breast, which are tumors that may reoccur after they are surgically removed. Unusually, they may become a breast fibrosarcoma. A woman in her mid-30s was examined a month-and-a-half after a third surgery for recurrent left breast tumors over six years. The histopathological diagnosis revealed fibrosarcoma of the breast, but the histopathological examination of earlier operative specimens favored a phyllodes tumor. Fortunately, a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy brought a successful health outcome. It is possible that such an approach might be a successful treatment regimen even though fibrosarcoma of the breast currently has poor health outcomes. Further Reading Monash University (Australia) and Cardiff University (UK) researchers have come a step further in understanding how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) evades the immune system. Declared a pandemic in 1987 by the World Health Organization, HIV infection has been responsible for 39 million deaths over the last 30 years. It remains one of the world's most significant public health challenges and thus a greater understanding of how HIV functions is urgently needed so that researchers can design better therapies to target this devastating pathogen. Published today in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology, the Monash-Cardiff team has made an important finding in understanding how HIV-I can evade the immune system. They demonstrated, in molecular detail, how mutations within HIV can lead to differing ways in which key immune molecules, termed the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), display fragments of the virus and how this results in the HIV remaining "hidden" from the immune system. Principal author of the study, Dr Julian Vivian, said the team was yet to develop a complete understanding of how HIV outmanoeuvred our immune system. "This work uncovers a novel mechanism for HIV immune escape, which will be important to incorporate into future vaccine development and may have broader implications for immune recognition of MHC molecules," he said. The recent finding is part of a much larger international alliance between the two Universities, with the Systems Immunity Research Institute (SIURI) at Cardiff University and Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), having signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The five year mutual agreement recognises a number of highly productive joint projects already being conducted around inflammation and immunity, and provides a mechanism for enabling additional innovative projects and student exchange in the areas of protective immunity, metabolism, autoimmunity and cancer. A chief Investigator on the ARC CoE for Advanced Molecular Imaging, based at Monash BDI, Professor Jamie Rossjohn, said the find was exciting and unexpected. "These result were only possible because of the close collaborative ties between Monash and Cardiff researchers." Cardiff University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan, said the signing of the MoU called for a celebration. "Formalising this collaboration is another step forward in what will continue to be a highly successful exchange program and transfer of knowledge between the two countries for the benefit of all." Monash BDI Director, Professor John Carroll, said the research demonstrated the power of international collaboration. "We are bringing together excellence in molecular and systems level immunity in this partnership, and I know it will lead to many more great discoveries." The fluid, which resembles brain tissue, makes ultrasound images easier to interpret during an operation. This will make it easier for surgeons to remove brain tumours more accurately. According to the Cancer Registry of Norway, around 1,000 people in Norway are diagnosed with brain tumours every year. When a tumour needs to be removed, ultrasound is used both to locate it and to see how much of it is left during the operation. "As a rule, the images are extremely high quality at the start of surgery, but as it goes on, the operation itself creates a lot of noise in the images. This noise makes it more difficult for the surgeon to tell from the ultrasound images how much of the tumour tissue is left and needs to be removed", explains SINTEF researcher Tormod Selbekk. Aided by a research team from the National Centre of Expertise for Ultrasound and Image-Guided Treatment, which is a partnership between St. Olav's Hospital, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and SINTEF, Selbekk has spent many years trying to find a solution to this problem. Now he and his team have finally succeeded. Solving the 'noise' problem The problem is due to the fact that to obtain good ultrasound images, no air must be present between the ultrasound probe and the tissue. "There needs to be a good connection between the probe and the brain tissue, but as the surgeon gradually removes the tumour, he or she creates cavities that must then be filled with a fluid. The fluid helps to maintain the connection, which makes it possible to obtain an ultrasound image. At the moment, hospitals use a saline solution, but unfortunately this is not the best means of maintaining image quality", explains Selbekk. So he and his research team began to look for substances that had the desired acoustic qualities, and that could also be used on human patients without causing harm. Now they have developed a new ultrasound solution using substances that are found in common medicines. "We have seen that the new fluid makes it possible to maintain a high image quality throughout an operation. This makes it easier for the surgeons to interpret the ultrasound images and more clearly differentiate between brain tissue and tumour tissue. That then makes it easier to surgically remove as much of the brain tumour as possible, without damaging healthy brain tissue", relates Selbekk. According to the SINTEF researcher, this will result in longer survival rates for patients, less damage to healthy tissue, and a better quality of life after the operation. Works even for the most difficult tumours "We have always believed that ultrasound is a good instrument for use in brain tumour operations, but a great deal of training was needed to interpret the images when saline solution was used. Noise is a particular problem towards the end of an operation, in the critical phase, which is when the surgeon really needs the best images in order to remove the last remnants of the tumour", explains Selbekk. Studies have shown that patients with less aggressive brain tumours have a greater chance of living longer than patients with tumours requiring early and radical removal. The problem with these 'low-grade' tumours is that it is difficult to differentiate between tumour tissue and normal brain tissue when looking through a microscope, which is what surgeons in many hospitals do, in the absence of good ultrasound images. "If you want to remove as much of a low-grade tumour as possible, good quality ultrasound images are an extremely useful tool. Better image quality results in better decision-making than any other method known to us today", explains professor and neurosurgeon Geirmund Unsgard, one of the researchers working on the project. No side-effects The solution has now been rigorously tested in the laboratory. There have been two cycles of animal testing, followed by a clinical study (first phase) on humans, during which three different concentrations of the solution were tested. "The study showed clear improvements, with virtually noise-free images. The first clinical study also demonstrated no side-effects that could be ascribed to the use of the fluid. Now we need to perform another clinical study, in which we will more thoroughly evaluate the effects and safety of the fluid", relates Selbekk. Commercialisation in 2020 Phase two of the study has recently begun. During this phase, the research team will test the fluid using the substance concentration which they believe will achieve the best results. The study will involve a total of 82 patients, and the researchers will use the fluid on one group and the saline on a control group. They hope to have the final results sometime during 2019. The aim is to launch a commercial product in 2020. "Doctors will be able to use the fluid with every kind of ultrasound machine. This will mean that hospitals all over the world will be able to benefit from the technology, and we believe that this will result in better and safer brain tumour operations in the future", says Selbekk. The photos show two different ultrasound images, one of which was obtained using saline solution to fill the operating channel (left), while the other was obtained using the new ultrasound fluid (right). The images were obtained at the end of the operation, when most of the tumour had been removed. At the lower edge of the operating channel, there is a lot of noise in the ultrasound image on the left. In the image on the right, the noise is gone, and you can see a light area at the bottom of the operating channel, which represents the remnants of the brain tumour that must be removed. Source: http://geminiresearchnews.com/2017/02/norwegian-superfluid-now-helping-brain-surgeons/ About the size of a tablet, a portable device that could be used in a host of environments like a busy airport or even a remote location in South America, may hold the key to detecting the dreaded Zika virus accurately, rapidly and inexpensively using just a saliva sample. While scientists across the world are scrambling to find some sort of immunization, researchers from Florida Atlantic University are working to develop a diagnostic tool to reduce the impact of the outbreak until a vaccine is identified. "Most of the Zika cases in the United States and especially in Florida are travel related," said Waseem Asghar, Ph.D., lead investigator and assistant professor at the Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in FAU's College of Engineering and Computer Science and in the Department of Biological Sciences in FAU's Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. "We are working to develop a tool that can be used without expensive laboratory equipment and skilled technicians in various settings like an airport or a community health center to provide reassurance to expectant families and those concerned because of recent travel. For about $2 and within 15 minutes, we hope to accurately determine whether or not an individual has an active infection." Currently, patients are diagnosed by testing whether they have antibodies against the Zika virus in their bloodstream, however, the antibody test cannot discriminate accurately between the Zika virus and other flaviviruses such as Dengue, West Nile virus and Chikungunya. The more accurate method for detecting the virus is by looking for pieces of the viral genome in a patient's blood sample using a test known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR is costly ($20,000+), bulky and requires highly skilled laboratory personnel to operate. Furthermore, results for PCR testing can take hours to yield results. "Flaviviruses are found in mosquitoes and ticks that may infect people and cause a range of mild-to-fatal diseases," said Asghar. "Because flavivirus antibodies cross-react with one another current tests cannot distinguish between them." This new device is based on technology that Asghar and colleagues developed to detect HIV. It uses inexpensive paper- or plastic-based materials, a cassette-sized container holding up to 12 samples at a time and a receptacle about the size of a tablet. These materials are easy to make, easy to use, and can easily and safely be disposed of by burning, providing an appealing strategy for developing an affordable tool for diagnosing the Zika virus in developing countries as well as low- and middle-income countries where there is limited laboratory infrastructure. Neuroscience eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today They are working to adapt their device to diagnose the Zika virus, and recently received a $199,280 one-year grant from the Florida Department of Health to establish proof-of-principle and then further test and commercialize this device. "We would also like to thank FAU's Institute for Sensing and Embedded Network Systems Engineering (I-SENSE) for providing seed grant support to develop a Zika test, which significantly contributed to the development of our current device prototype," said Asghar. Asghar's collaborators on the grant are Massimo Caputi, Ph.D., co-principal investigator and associate professor of biomedical science in FAU's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, whose research is focused on identifying novel therapeutics for HIV; and Mariano Garcia-Blanco, M.D., Ph.D., professor and chair of biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, whose research is focused on infection of human and insect cells with flaviviruses and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. The Zika virus, transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, is especially dangerous for pregnant women, and is linked to several severe birth defects transferred to the fetus - including microcephaly - a condition in which a baby is born with a small head or the head stops growing after birth. From Jan. 1, 2015 to Feb. 15, 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has listed 5,040 Zika virus cases reported in the U.S. with 4,748 cases in travelers returning from affected areas. Florida has the highest cases of the Zika virus at 1,069 reported cases with 214 cases acquired through presumed local mosquito-borne transmission and the majority from travelers returning from affected areas. Rush University Medical Center has launched a unique, cohort study called Latino Core to learn about the aging process and risk factors for Alzheimer's disease in older Latino adults. "This study looks at cognitive and motor function, dementia and Alzheimer's disease risks in the Latino population in the Chicago area," said Dr. David X. Marquez, lead investigator of the study at the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center. "Past studies suggest that Latinos may have a higher risk of developing dementia compared to other groups and a significant number appear to be getting Alzheimer's disease at a younger age," says Marquez. "Also, past surveys indicate that Latinos are less likely to see doctors because of financial and language barriers, often mistaking dementia symptoms for normal aging, thus delaying diagnosis." "However, there has not been much research to understand why it is that Latinos are developing these conditions much earlier," said Marquez. "Further, while we talk about Latinos as a group, they are a very heterogeneous group. Many prior studies are Latinos from the Caribbean islands. The Chicago area is comprised primarily of Latinos of Mexican heritage." The Latino Core study at Rush is part of the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Core Center, which was refunded in July 2016 for $14.3 million grant by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health. The Rush Alzheimer's Disease Core Center is a long-term, 30-year program. A unique aspect of the Latino Core is that the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Core Center includes the African American Core and the Religious Orders Study Core. The greater Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center also includes the Rush Memory and Aging Project and the Minority Aging Research Study, which annually recruit and collect data from black and Latino participants without dementia, some of whom also agree to donate their brains upon death. All five cohort studies are conducted by the same investigative team with the same data allowing comparison across race and ethnicity among more than 4,500 persons. "We know so much about white people and we don't know much about pathology in Latinos and African Americans, and it may be different," said Dr. David Bennett, director of the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center. The Latino Core study will enroll more than 300 older Latinos without dementia. Participants will receive yearly visits at their home at no cost which are conducted in Spanish or English. This will include taking memory exams, a blood draw and answering questions about health and lifestyle. They will be asked to consider brain donation at the time of death as brain autopsy allows researchers to correlate physical changes in the brain with observed and reported memory and related problems while living. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, a condition that degrades cognitive functions such as reasoning, memory and judgment. The disease affects about 5.4 million people in the United States, according to the Alzheimer's Association, which estimates that Alzheimer's and other dementias will cost the U.S. $236 billion this year. "Alzheimer's disease is a major cause of death, it's a major cause of disability, it's a major cause of economic hardship, family hardship," Bennett says. "For most people, their thinking and their memories are among the most precious things they have." The Alzheimer's Association says that about 200,000 Latinos in the United States have Alzheimer's, but the number could reach 1.3 million by 2050 based on Census Bureau figures and a study of Alzheimer's prevalence. The Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center research focuses on disease prevention, hoping someday to spare the living from Alzheimer's disease. Without such advances, the number of people with Alzheimer's in the U.S. is expected to increase to 13.8 million by 2050, the Alzheimer's Association estimates. "Individuals who join the Latino Core study will be making an important contribution to our knowledge about Alzheimer's disease and the aging process of older Latino adults," said Marquez. "Further, brain donation is a gift for our children and grandchildren who we hope will live full and long lives without Alzheimer's disease," added Dr. Marquez. Sleep remains an enduring biological mystery with major clinical relevance, according to a review by clinician-researcher Thomas Scammell, MD, of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and colleagues. In recent decades, new technologies have allowed neuroscientists to identify multiple brain circuits that govern the sleep/wake cycle, as well as the factors that can influence it, such as caffeine and light. But the brain's complexity is still a stumbling block in understanding this ubiquitous and necessary animal behavior, the researchers wrote. Their review appeared today in the journal Neuron. "In the last ten years, neuroscientists have had access to new tools with which we can test the roles of very specific neurons in the brain," said lead author Scammell, a professor in the department of neurology at BIDMC. "When we know the specific relevant players in the brain, it allows us to develop therapies to help people get to sleep or help sleepy people be more alert during the day." Specifically, two technologies developed since 2000 allow neurologists to switch specific neurons on or off. In a process called chemogenetics, researchers use drugs that have an effect only in a genetically-defined group of cells to determine the neurons' role. Optogenetics uses laser light to turn on or turn off targeted brain cells. These techniques have revealed which neuronal circuits promote wakefulness and sleep throughout the brain, especially in the brain stem and the hypothalamus. "We can now interrogate neurons in a more precise way," said Scammell. "The techniques are very similar, but optogenetics works over a short time scale, on the order of seconds. With chemogenetics, we can watch over several hours what happens when we turn certain neurons on or off." Sleep researchers have also made important discoveries about the fundamental chemistry of sleepiness in recent years. In a major breakthrough in the late 1990s, scientists discovered a previously unknown chemical, a neurotransmitter called orexin, required for maintaining long periods of wakefulness. The loss of orexin production causes the common sleep disorder narcolepsy, which is characterized by chronic sleepiness and irregular REM sleep. Today, pharmaceutical companies make drugs that intentionally block the orexin system to treat insomnia. Researchers are also trying to develop drugs that mimic orexin to wake people up. Neuroscience eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today "A drug that acts like orexin could be as great for patients with narcolepsy as insulin is for people with diabetes," said Scammell. Neuroscience research has also revealed the brain circuity governing circadian rhythms, the biological clock that synchronizes sleepiness and wakefulness with night and day. Located deep in the hypothalamus, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) regulates circadian rhythms and is capable of maintaining them for some time even in total darkness. However, the SCN is no match for the social norms surrounding people's sleep habits. "People increasingly use their electronic devices in bed, which tricks the brain into thinking it's being exposed to daylight," said Scammell. "The internal clock gets reset, making it much harder to wake up in the morning." Phones and tablets are just one of the reasons about a third of all American adults are sleep deprived, getting much less than the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep per night. That raises more questions about why some people need more or less than that, and why some people can tolerate a sleep deficit so much better than others. The links among lack of sleep or poor sleep and metabolic disease, cancer risk and mood disorders also require further study. With each of the brain's hundreds of thousands of neurons networked to each other, scientists will need a deeper knowledge of the brain's inner workings to understand how the circuits that regulate sleep interact. "There's tremendous dialog back and forth among these circuits," said Scammell, who notes today's technology allows scientists to monitor dozens of neurons at a time within one region of the brain. "Our ability to record activity in just a handful of neurons simultaneously is still not anything close to understanding the whole brain, but at least it's a step in the right direction." An equation that combines multiple subtest scores into one could make fooling a concussion protocol nothing more than a fool's errand, says a recent study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The study details a promising approach for pinpointing more athletes who play "impaired" on the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing, or ImPACT, a computerized tool consisting of eight subtests that gauge neurocognitive performance. Administering ImPACT in the preseason helps establish a cognitive baseline that can be compared against the results of a post-concussion test, informing decisions about whether and when an athlete returns to action. Concussions result from the brain slamming against the skull, usually causing short-term issues that some research suggests may evolve into long-term problems such as memory loss and depression when the brain is subjected to repeated trauma. To mitigate the risk of reinjury, athletes diagnosed with concussions take the ImPACT or a similar test to help determine when they have fully recovered. But some athletes have undertaken the practice of sandbagging: giving lackadaisical effort on the baseline test to record a lower score in the hope of playing sooner after a concussion. Sandbagging can ruin the validity of the test and, because a recovering brain is more susceptible to further trauma, ultimately increase the likelihood of another concussion."At this point, people (administering) ImPACT may not have very much training in neuropsychological testing or standardized test administration or data interpretation," said lead author Kathryn Higgins, a postdoctoral researcher with the Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior at Nebraska. "If the baseline is the standard for when an athlete is recovered, there are all sorts of issues with returning someone to play based on poor baseline data." So Higgins conducted an experiment to determine whether a statistical approach could identify more of the athletes who sandbagged on the baseline test. The experiment asked 54 athletes from rural Midwestern high schools to take the test twice, once while giving their best effort and once while subtly sandbagging. After analyzing the results, Higgins identified four subtests that created the largest disparity in scores. She then developed an equation that yielded a composite score from those subtests. Establishing a threshold for the composite score allowed her to correctly find 100 percent of sandbagging cases while identifying the best-effort cases more than 90 percent of the time. Prior research suggests that ImPACT's existing system of validity checks, which flag suspicious scores on five individual subtests, detect just 65 to 70 percent of sandbaggers. "Obviously, my flags are going to be better (in this case) because I built them and tested them on the same sample," said Higgins, who conducted the study as part of her dissertation. "But I thought it was worth pointing out that this equation has strong potential as another way to detect poor effort on baseline testing." Higgins said she hopes further research will independently evaluate her approach and others that might improve the assessment of high school athletes, who suffer an estimated 300,000 sports-related concussions per year in the United States alone. "There's so much room for work to be done," Higgins said. "We've come so far in the last 10 years -- we know so much more than we did -- but there are still a lot of things that we don't know." Source: http://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/today/article/new-equation-makes-it-harder-to-outsmart-concussion-tests/ The delivery of chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) receptors to the junctions between nerve cells (synapses) is crucial to cognitive processes such as memory. One way of understanding the function of these receptors is to inactivate them and observe the outcome. However, this is only informative if the inactivation is precise with respect to space and time. Many techniques used to block receptor functions affect both cell surface and internal forms of the proteins, yet neurotransmitter receptors typically work at the cell surface. Work at Japanese institutions, including Yokohama City University, Osaka University and the University of Tokyo, modified a light-induced means of producing a burst of destructive oxygen (CALI: chromophore-assisted light inactivation) by incorporating an antibody to achieve specificity in protein inactivation. The study was reported in Nature Biotechnology. The technique known as CALI has previously been applied to investigate protein functions. It uses light irradiation to generate a temporary toxic form of oxygen that causes an area of damage shorter than a typical protein-protein interaction distance. In the present work, researchers made an antibody against the outer part of the neurotransmitter receptor GluA1 that they labeled with a light-sensitive molecule (a photosensitizer). The antibody provided the necessary specificity to inactivate GluA1 receptor synapse responses both in cultured cells and in vivo in mice. The team injected the labeled antibody into the hippocampus, a region of the brain involved in memory and navigation, of mice. They then assessed its effect on memory formation by using a fear-learning task in which mice move between light and dark boxes, receiving an electric foot shock in the dark boxes only so they learn to favor the light boxes. This task was shown by the team to require the delivery of GluA1 to synapses in the rat hippocampus in an earlier study. "In response to illumination of the mouse hippocampus with green light, we found that mice returned to the dark boxes more quickly than control animals," study first author Kiwamu Takemoto says. "This showed that the fear memory had been erased by the inactivation of synaptic GluA1." The specificity of the process for the GluA1 type of receptor was shown by varying the time at which CALI was performed after the mice first experienced the fear-learning task. Administering CALI up to 2 hours after the first task resulted in electrical activity representative of the delivery of GluA1 receptors to synapses. However, this activity was undetectable 24 hours after the first task. The researchers interpret this as evidence for the replacement of GluA1 receptors by receptors containing the related protein GluA2, which is consistent with the fact that mice treated with CALI at the 24-hour time point do not lose their fear memory. In the Biological Psychiatry special issue "Neuroimmune Mechanisms in Autism Spectrum Disorder", guest editor Professor Kimberley McAllister of the University of California, Davis, presents five reviews and three original research articles highlighting advances that are transforming the field of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research. "ASD is the most rapidly increasing neurodevelopmental disorder and current estimates are alarming," said Dr. McAllister. One in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys in the US are estimated to be on the spectrum. Few treatment options exist, and the search for effective new therapies has been hindered by a struggle to understand what causes ASD. Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today "One of the most exciting recent hypotheses in the field is that immune dysregulation contributes to, and may cause, ASD," Dr. McAllister added. The special issue reports on both environmental factors and genetic mutations that converge on immune dysfunction. To better understand the neurodevelopmental trajectory and role of immune function in ASD, new clinical studies detail the timing of immunologic disturbances in children with ASD and the relationship between immune system activation and severity of impairments. Inflammation may also help explain why ASD affects boys 4 to 5 times more than girls. A review highlighting the importance of the immune system in the normal development of males proposes how the process of masculinization makes boys more vulnerable to the effects of inflammation. Children with ASD often suffer from gastrointestinal issues, and two reviews highlight recent research on the environmental and genetic links that may bridge immune dysfunction, the gut microbiome, and impairments in brain development associated with ASD. Recent research has also implicated the maternal immune system during pregnancy on risk of ASD in children. Two new reviews in the issue collate research in humans and animal models that link alterations in the maternal immune system, whether through genetic autoimmune disorders or through immune system activation in response to infection, with impaired brain development observed in ASD. "Research in this new area of neuroimmunology provides real hope that new therapies directed at preventing and/or correcting immune dysregulation in ASD could improve the lives of millions of Americans," Dr. McAllister concluded. Therapies targeting the immune system may also have benefits beyond ASD, as indicated by a new study linking maternal immune dysfunction with an increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The findings suggest that correcting immune dysfunction may have potential for preventing a range of psychiatric diseases. The 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa has cost more than 11.000 lives and the health systems in the most affected countries, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, are still struggling. Researchers from the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium and partners of the University of Conakry and the Centre National de Formation et Recherche de Maferinyah, in Guinea, as well as the University of California, San Francisco, USA, write in the Lancet Global Health that the use of maternal and child health services have not yet recovered to their pre-outbreak levels. The researchers sought to quantify the consequences of the Ebola outbreak on maternal and child health services in the highly-affected region Forested Guinea. They did a retrospective study on women and children attending public health facilities for antenatal care, institutional delivery, and immunisation services in six of seven health districts in Forested Guinea (Beyla, Gueckedou, Kissidougou, Lola, Macenta, and N'Zerekore). Dr. Alexandre Delamou is completing a PhD at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp. Together with his colleagues he observed a strong negative trend in maternal and child care during the outbreak, with for example fewer deliveries and antenatal care visits in health structures during the outbreak in comparison to the period after the outbreak. The use of services was not completely re-established after the end of the outbreak in 2016. The same trend was observed for most vaccinations. The researchers say targeted interventions are needed to get maternal and child health services back on track. Since 2017, Guinea-Conakry is a new partner country in the capacity building programme of the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, funded by the Belgian Development Cooperation. Experts from Antwerp will work with the Centre National de Formation et Recherche de Maferinyah and its local partners in Guinea to build local research and institutional capacity as part of the strengthening of the national health system in the post-Ebola era. Activities include the training of health care professionals, who were particularly affected by Ebola. Pot brownies may be a thing of the past as there are new edible marijuana products, or edibles, on the market, including chocolates, candies, and cookies. These products are legally sold in Colorado and Washington, and according to a new study conducted by RTI International, changes to their labels are needed to ensure people know what they are consuming and that they are safely consuming the products. The new study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy, found that many of the adults who participated in the study are not reading labels, and if they are, information is often hard to decipher. "We discovered that people think there is too much information listed on the labels of edibles, thus potentially overlooking important information on consumption advice" said Sheryl C. Cates, corresponding author of the study and senior research policy analyst at RTI. "Our study also determined that labels often do not make it clear that the product contains marijuana, which can lead to accidental ingestion." Researchers conducted four focus groups in Denver and Seattle with 94 adult consumers and nonconsumers. Participants revealed concerns with edible labels, and suggested that more needs to be done to inform and educate consumers and nonconsumers about the possible risks of edibles. In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first two states in the United States to legalize marijuana for recreational use with retail sales starting in 2014. According to the Colorado Department of Revenue, edibles accounted for nearly half of total marijuana sales in the state for 2014. In Washington, edibles accounted for about 40 percent of marijuana sales according to Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (reported in 2016). "As the popularity of edibles grow, it is important that labels clearly and concisely provide consumers important information," Cates said. "Web- and video-based education and using graphics on labels may be easy, cost-effective ways to inform buyers and the public." Since conducting this research, the states of Colorado and Washington have changed some of the requirements for labeling of edibles based on increasing public concern. Lessons learned from Colorado and Washington, can help inform the labeling of edibles as additional states allow the sale of edibles for recreational use. Iceland has officially landed on the international culinary map, unlocking its first-ever Michelin star in the latest edition of the Michelin Nordic guide. It's been a big week for the country's food scene. First, the country's president made international headlines when he expressed an unusually strong disdain for pineapple pizza -- a declaration that revealed people's true pizza allegiances and divided the internet. Not a few days later, Michelin inaugurated Iceland into the bible of world gastronomy, giving Dill restaurant in Reykjavik the country's first star. It's the latest recognition to legitimize Icelandic cuisine, which has long existed in the shadow of its Nordic neighbors Denmark and Norway and the New Nordic movement. The award also builds on chef Gunnar Gislason's unstoppable momentum: The chef of Dill was appointed to helm Agern restaurant in New York's Grand Central Terminal, which was one of the hottest openings of 2016. Gislason's culinary philosophy centers on local, Icelandic ingredients and traditions. For foodspotters and travel trendspotters, the award comes as little surprise, given Iceland's meteoric tourism rise. Icelandair reports having flown 3.7 million passengers in 2016 -- a staggering 20 percent rise from 2015. It's estimated that the country received 1.6 million tourists in 2016, marking a 29 percent increase from the year before. For perspective, the country's population is 332,000. Meanwhile, in other Michelin news, it wasn't just Iceland that made its inaugural debut in the red guide: The Faroe Islands make their first appearance thanks to KOKS restaurant. The 2017 edition of the Nordic guide also features a pair of new restaurants in the 2-star club, with the promotion of Vollmers in Malmo, Sweden and Henne Kirkeby Kro in Henne, Denmark. Overall, the guide lists 274 restaurants in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. The Michelin guide Nordic Countries 2017 hits shelves February 24. As many as 20,000 full body protectors, 3,000 polycarbonate shields, improved helmets, tear-smoke protectors, as many pellet guns as 2016 this is what the CRPF's shopping list comprises to take on what agencies believe will be a 'bloody summer' in the Kashmir Valley this year.In a controversial move, the CRPF is sticking to pellet gun use this year.Pawa shells were introduced as an alternative to pellet guns last year after close to 7,000 civilians suffered pellet injuries. Until we find a solution which is equally effective or more effective, we cant say no to pellet guns. For this summer, we will use both pellet guns and alternatives like the Pawa shells, said K Durga Prasad, DG CRPF.Speaking to CNN-News18, an officer in the procurement division of the CRPF said: "We cant reveal the exact numbers, but as many pellet guns as last year have been sent."The decision to use pellet guns and full-body protectors stems from the current situation in the Valley and the assessment of intelligence agencies of more unrest in store.Winters are considered a period of lull in Kashmir. But in the first two months of this year, the Army has lost 12 men, including one officer, while para military has one commandant battling for life. Two dozen other men in uniform have been injured in various encounters across the Valley.The assessment of the intelligence agencies is that summers will not just see an increase in cross-LoC infiltration, but also a spike in law and order situations in the Valley."Hundred local Kashmiri boys had joined Lashkar and Hizbul ranks after Burhan Wani's death. This year the number is about 70 odd. Summers are expected to be unstable,"a source in the Intelligence Bureau told CNN-News18.The increase in number of local militants who know the topography better than forces is posing a fresh challenge to the forces. The NIA investigation has revealed that alleged terrorists like Bahadur Ali mixed freely with stone-pelters during the Burhan Wani agitation.Around 2,400 CRPF men were injured in stone pelting incidents last year and the force is going all out to protect its men this summer. Most of the CRPF men got head injuries in stone pelting incidents last year. This year the force has introduced improved helmets to protect the men. The full body protector ordered will include a chest protector, elbow pad, shin guard, upper arm protector, shoulder pad to secure both shoulder and neck, groin protector, forearm guard and thigh guard.The CRPF floated global tenders to procure these and is also in talks with Israel to get the best anti-insurgency protection equipment."We feel that this year we will be better prepared because last year there was emergency, last moment purchase of protective gear. We were not prepared for the kind of law and order situation that we faced. This year, we know what to expect," a CRPF officer in Kashmir told CNN-News18.The CRPF has also procured deflectors to prevent pellets from hitting upper part of the body. More than 7,000 civilians were injured by pellets last year and many had eye and upper body injuries."Alternatives like tear gas shells and tear gas grenades as well as Pawa shells are also available, but only the force on the ground will decide what to use when," a CRPF officer said on condition of anonymity.But while the force is doing the best it can to protect its men, recent comments from the Army chief about taking action against those opposing Army action during an encounter, and the CRPF's decision to continue using pellet guns, may raise tempers further in Jammu and Kashmir. Children Bank of India pic.twitter.com/9b0iYkknEl SRK_ameesha (@lovelygirl7_1) 22 February 2017 Two weeks after counterfeit notes were dispensed from an SBI ATM in Sangam Vihar, Delhi Police have arrested a man for the same.The man has been identified as Mohd Isha. The 27-year-old Isha has done his graduation from Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh.According to police, he was the custodian of cash at the time it was being placed in the ATM.The accused was working with Brinks Arya Pvt Ltd and was responsible for placing the cash in ATMs.Though police suspect indulgence of more than one person in it, the accused, during his interrogation, hasn't named anyone. But senior policemen have assured that any conclusion could be drawn only after a detailed interrogation.According to Romil Baanya, DCP (South East), this was Isha's first brush with crime; he wanted to make quick money and hence got into such a thing.Investigation has revealed that the counterfeit notes, used by accused, are easily available in the market - they are part of the board game called Business/monopoly.Baaniya also told CNN-News18 that they have requested people to come forward if they have also received counterfeit notes from ATMs. New Delhi: A group of six Delhi University students, mostly first year undergraduates, have come to their friends house in South Delhis Panchsheel Enclave. Staying on campus right now is not safe, says one, visibly shaken after the events of the day. We have been hearing a lot of rumours right now, one of which is that the ABVP guys are going around campus on motorcycles, raiding hostels and PG accommodations. Maybe none of this is true but we couldnt take any chances after what happened today. Delhi Universitys prestigious North Campus witnessed bloody scenes on Wednesday after a protest march against the RSS-linked Akhil Bhartiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP) turned ugly. The unrest on campus began the previous day. On Tuesday, Ramjas College cancelled a seminar titled Culture of protest. This was done after ABVP activists protested against the participation of JNU research scholar Umar Khalid and former JNUSU vice-president Shehla Rashid. Khalid was scheduled to speak in the afternoon on the topic The War in Adivasi Areas at the event was organised by the colleges Literary Society. However, the protests began even before he could arrive. Khalid made the news last year when he was booked on charges of sedition alongside fellow research scholar Anirban Bhattacharya and then JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar. The trio was accused of shouting anti-India slogans on the JNU campus. A video of Tuesdays events, that has gone viral on social media, shows stones being pelted at the event allegedly by ABVP activists. Professors in Ramjas College had claimed that Khalid was invited due to his academic credentials. Police had to cordon off the College. On Wednesday, a protest march was organized at 1 pm from Ramjas College to Maurice Nagar police station to protest against the ABVPs actions. The protests were met with violent resistence as the ABVP clashed with agitating students. Journalists covering the event were also manhandled during the chaos. A student, who does not wish to be identified for fear of being persecuted by the ABVP, recalls how the violence started on Tuesday, At first, the organizers decided to go ahead with the seminar despite ABVPs protests. We all went in to attend the seminar and suddenly, we heard windows all around us shatter. Massive rocks were being thrown at us. We all ducked for cover and the seminar room was filled with screams. Somehow, we managed to escape. We came to Ramjas again the next day to protest against ABVP but even before the march began, they got violent. He adds, It was not a case of two student unions clashing. This was an assault. We were not even inside Ramjas when suddenly we saw stones flying towards us from beyond the gate. They even made rape threats against girls. One was telling girls that he has taken their picture and he would come for them at night. The situation, says another student, was much worse inside the College. We were near the Ramjas canteen when we saw ABVP guys come in from all sides. They started flooding the college premises and we were forced to run for our lives. We found a corner with the police and our professors standing in front of us to protect us. Every now and then, the police blockade would loosen and one of them would break through. They couldnt tolerate it even if when we were singing songs! For over four hours, students inside Ramjas could not move out. The ABVP, some say, surrounded the college. It was only around 5 pm that the students were evacuated and the action moved to Maurice Nagar Police Station. Despite these protests, the police failed to register an FIR on Wednesday. They were beating us up outside the police station in front of the cops. What I found most ironical is that they were beating people with the tricolor! That is, perhaps, the most apt metaphor for this situation. They are using national symbols to silence us. Even professors say they were not spared. Ish Mishra, a 62-year-old in the department of Political Science at Hindu College, says, Umar aur aude ka bhi lihaaz nahi kiya (They considered neither age nor position of the person they were assaulting). I saw a goon brutally assaulting a girl. When I saw what was happening, I tried to stop it. That is when he turned on me. Instead of stopping him, the police constable at the site was trying to help him. Many of my colleagues have been injured very badly. On Thursday morning, the protesters marched to the Delhi Police headquarters demanding that an FIR be filed. After nearly four hours of protest, the FIR was finally filed. The FIR named both the ABVP and the left-leaning All India Students Association (AISA). The protesters say they are not satisfied. Ironically, the incident took place in Ramjas College, which has produced one of the finest debating societies in the country. Pradyumna Jairam, who was president of the Ramjas Debating Society in 2009, joined the protest in his alma mater. The FIR is unfair because it names ABVP and AISA as equal parties in the case. First of all, it was not an AISA protest. It was a protest of common students and teachers. Secondly, the assault by the ABVP was unprovoked. I was hit on the back of the head with a stone. Luckily, I was wearing a muffler which softened the blow. An ABVP man hit me in the back with a lathi on Wednesday. A little while later, another man threw his shoes at me because I smiled at him! The police did nothing. A Clash is defined as a violent confrontation. The student and faculty protesters were non-violent, carrying no stones, bricks, sticks, lathis etc. The lynch mob hurled stones, kicked, shoved, assaulted, beat up with impunity. The ABVP, however, has stood its ground and rubbished these allegations. Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) president Amit Tanwar told News 18, The ABVP did not tell any of its cadre to indulge in any violence. We are a non-violent student outfit. Some girls from their side were abusing us and they were insulting Bharat Mata. We did not start the violence. We do not have any problems with the FIR and we will wait for the police to do its job. The situation on campus, however, continues to be tense. Several students have moved out of their respective accommodations to seek safe space elsewhere in the city. The police have even assured that students safety would continue to be a priority. Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik tweeted on Thursday, Assure all students & their parents that Delhi Police will keep 24x7 arrangements in & around North Campus for normal university functioning. Meanwhile, back in Panchsheel Enclave, the students discuss whether they want to join Thursdays protests when one of them says, Lets go. Hum nahi jayenge toh kaun jayega? (If we dont go, then who will?) Washington: Senior Congress leader Manish Tewari has termed as an "eyewash" the detention of Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan and asked it to hand over the JuD chief to India. "It (Pakistan's action) is a mere eye wash. If Pakistanis are really serious, they need to hand Hafiz Saeed to India," Tewari told a group of reporters at the Atlantic Council on Sunda. Responding to a question, he said there is enough strong evidence against Saeed both in public domain and those provided by India to Pakistan through official channels. "It is essentially an eye wash," he said citing similar experiences of the previous UPA government with other terrorists based in Pakistan who were temporarily detained, but were released later on. Tewari said that the US needs to pressurise Pakistan in order to solve the problem of terrorism. "Either the US comes down heavily on Pakistan for not taking action against terrorist groups or being selective in its approach, or the democratic dispensation in Pakistan reigning in ISI and its elements." he said. "The third way is that India starts playing the Pakistani game (proxy war). But for any democratic country like India, the moral question is whether responsible and mature democracies should use non-state actors each to meet its national security objectives," he added. According to him, the successive Indian governments have given a thought about it but concluded that "responsible government should not use non-state actors to serve its national goals". On US President Donald Trump's comments that America would be willing to help India and Pakistan resolve its disputes, he said: "It is a no-go area". The Congress leader also termed this as a "red line" which no Indian government will ever contemplate. Maintaining that it is too early to comment on the Indo-US relationship under the Trump administration, Tewari said the seriousness of the White House on having strong ties would be evident through five indicators. "First being the US position on Afghanistan. Second what is their attitude on Pakistan," he said adding the optimal outcome from India's standpoint would be Trump Administration getting hard on Pakistan to dismantle terror camps there. The other three indicators are the US policies towards China, engagement in the Asia-Pacific region and the attitude towards global trading regimes, he added. "Policy makers in Delhi would be looking at these four-five things," Tewari said, adding that developments on these fronts are being carefully watched in New Delhi. He believed that there is a "fundamental incompatibility" between Modi's Make in India, and Trump's America First policy. New Delhi: Former Arunachal Pradesh CM Kalikho Pul's suicide case became a matter of embarrassment for supreme court judges on Tuesday as senior advocate Dushyant Dave questioned the top court judges for converting a complaint into a petition on its own motion and also hearing it. Dangwimsai Pul, Kalikho Pul's widow, withdrew her letter to CJI demanding a CBI probe into the allegations made in the suicide note of her late husband. Puls wife has now written to the Vice-President demanding a sanction for the prosecution of the judges mentioned in the note. The 60-page suicide note contains serious allegations of corruption especially in the highest judiciary of India. Though the content of a suicide note is not always presumed to be true, but it serves as a dying declaration. Even the former Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Raj Khowa, has said that a thorough investigation by the CBI is needed in the case'. Chief Justice of India, JS Khehar, upon receiving the letter from Puls wife demanding a CBI investigation into the case, converted the letter into a criminal writ petition and slotted it for a open court hearing before a bench of Justice UU Lalit and Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel on Thursday. But senior lawyer Dushyant Dave, who appeared as the counsel for Puls wife, informed the bench that the late CMs wife opposed the conversion of her letter into a petition and stated that the party intends to withdraw the letter from hearing as they dont want a judicial order'. Dave submitted that the bench constituted to hear the matter was not appropriate to deal with the case". Dangwimsai Puls counsel said that when CJI is accused in the matter then the court should have dealt with this on the administrative side". Dave expressing surprise as to how this matter was listed in an open court submitted that the judges should recuse from hearing the case. Dave even said that a former judge of the apex court approached Dave to influence him in this matter". After continuous submission, asking for the letter to be withdrawn, the bench allowed the plea and dismissed the case as withdrawn. Kalikho Pul was the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh who was unseated on account of a judgment of the Supreme Court, which quashed the imposition of Presidents Rule in Arunachal Pradesh and restored status quo ante. He committed suicide on 9th August 2016. Following his suicide, a 60 page suicide note/diary was discovered. This note was signed on every page by Kalikho Pul. Very unfortunate that Indian media do not share pride that an Indian entry into Formula 1 is so successful. Only focussed on blasting me. Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) February 23, 2017 Three army jawans were killed and 7 others injured in a militant ambush on an army convoy in Mulu Chitragam of Shopian district in Jammu And Kashmir early on Thursday morning.A woman, who was hit by a stray bullet inside her house during the cross fire, has also succumbed to her injuries.The attack happened when an army patrol of 44 Rashtriya Rifles was returning from cordon operation in Kungoo village.Two officers including a lieutenant colonel and a major have also been injured.The injured jawans have been shifted to 92 Base Hospital for treatment.Sources said that the militants managed to escape after carrying out the attack.A reinforcement was rushed to the area to take out the insurgents in the area. "Dial me the number. I can't handle these touch-screen phones. Twelve years is a long time. So much has changed," said Fazili. "Even my one and half year niece Marrayum can play games on the cell phone. I am shocked," said Fazili. "Kids, I held in my arms, have become adults with moustache. Relatives, who were old, have passed away. There is a guessing game going on the house. The younger people come in front of me and ask if I could recognise them," added Fazili. Fazili alleges he was beaten in some police station here in Srinagar, and then in Delhi interrogated with third degree torture. Lets not talk more about that torture please. My father cant bear this, he said, while a tear trickles down the old fathers face. "It was Allahs will. I pray to him this injustice should not happen to anyone," says Shah. "Inshallah, the dark chapter is over. Now it is the duty of the system to rehabilitate him and set the wrong right. He has been proved innocent but it took a long time," says Sajjad Parvez, his relative. Mohammad Hussain Fazili wipes the small display of the cellphone and hands it towards his young nephew sitting in the far corner of the room.Forty three-year-old Fazili and his prison-mate Rafiq Ahmad Shah, 34, are home after spending 12 long and traumatic years in Tihar.The two were recently acquitted in the 2005 Delhi serial blasts, days before the Diwali festival, that killed 67."My nephew was three when I was forcibly picked up by police. He is writing his 10th grade exam this year. While time had stopped for me, life was moving at a rapid pace outside the walls of Tihar," said Fazili.When Fazili was away, many of his relatives died, his siblings got married and the neighbourhood grew rich. His immediate family had four new members added to it; now aged between 2 to 9, and all are 'good' with the touch screen.That isn't the only shock though. Back home after 12 years, he was startled to see an old woman, supported by three ladies, shouting loudly: My son has come."I could not recognise my mother. She was so healthy when I was picked up by the police on that fateful night. She has suffered four massive paralytic attacks. She needs help to move around. My father's beard has grown white and his walk is slower. It makes me cry," said Fazili.Fazili says the lane to the house is more congested and the neighbours have grown rich, except, of course, his own house."Ours is the smallest house in the locality," said Fazili.Ghulam Rasool, Fazili's father, says he could not visit him in Tihar because the family had no resources to travel and go for litigation initially."I could not spare money," the retired handicraft artisan told CNN-News18.A small-time shawl weaver from Srinagars Soura locality, Fazili says he was arrested from Soura on November 21, 2005. Next day, he was blindfolded and flown to union capital by Delhi police without informing his family.The family was later informed by a Kashmiri convicts kin that Fazili was languishing in Tihar. Over the years, the family could do little to get him out.When Fazili was produced before a Delhi court in November, 2005, he says he was asked to follow the directions that the police had given him. So I had to follow their directions and be quiet in court and pretend as if I was involved in the blasts. My father is a heart patient and my mother suffered brain haemorrhage while I was in prison. It is very painful to know that they suffered so much, he rues."Thank God he is with us, sighs the senior Fazili, breaking the silence in the room.Along with Fazili two other Kashmri Mohammed Rafiq Shah and Tariq Ahmed Dar were also picked up within hours by the police from different localities of Srinagar.While Shah was released along with Fazili, Dar is expected to walk free soon.Rafiq Shah lives in Alasteng, a relatively obscure suburban locality, 18 km from Srinagar. He reached home on Tuesday night travelling in a bus to Jammu from Delhi and then boarding another vehicle to Srinagar "to get a taste of what his family had endured all these years"."My parents insisted I board a flight to Srinagar but I chose to travel by road. I wanted to feel the pain of my parents who have scuttled between Srinagar to Delhi on many occasions to visit me in Tihar, says Shah, stroking his long beard.Shahs father Mohammad Yasin, a retired government employee, revealed he could not afford to fly to Delhi every time they met their son."My wife and I have visited Delhi about 40 times. All along, we have travelled by road," he says."We had to suffer a lot. We struggled to spare money for litigation and travel but people would lend us money to carry on, says Yasin Shah, defying emotion.Despite years of incarceration that would have make many bitter, wounded and vengeful, Shah exhibits a calm exterior.Shah says he had no idea why he was picked up for the blasts: I didnt even know when the Delhi blasts had happened as those days I was busy in preparing for my university exams.In fact when his case was being heard in the court, the vice chancellor of the university and five professors deposed before the judge, travelling all the way to Delhi."Professor Wahid Qureshi, VC sahib, and others professors carried the attendance register with them and deposed before the judge. That was a huge gesture and I remain grateful, he recalls.While Shah was in jail, life moved on for his family even though they were in perpetual grief. His two younger sisters were married off and the parents waged a relentless legal battle to secure the release of their only son.Fazili and Shahs past has been in dark, their future looks bleak. Will they get succour now? Italian hairdresser Rossano Ferretti, who has celebrity clients like Jennifer Lawrence, Reese Witherspoon, Uma Thurman and Kylie Minogue, finds Indian women to be quite experimental with their looks. "I have amazing Indian women coming to my salon from all over the world. I don't agree with this sentence at all that Indian women are hestitant of experimenting with their looks," Ferretti, whose salons are spread across places like New York, London, Paris and Milan, told IANS in an interaction here on Wednesday. He feels the hairdressing industry at large needs to be educated and made aware about new trends, and not so much about the "Indian girl" being experimental or not. He says his aim is not to make business out of his profession, but to educate people about hairdressing. "The mission is to educate people and not just inform them. What we do is, we train our hairdresser and then they teach people. But if someone wants to know about it on a bigger scale, I wish to open a school one day for the people to become better hairdressers." "But it won't be a business school or profitable centre. I will do it if the government will help me or people will help me," added Ferretti, who was here to launch Rossano Ferreti Spa at The Zehen at the Manor here, in association with Sanghvi Brands. Ferretti has founded more than 20 salons around the globe, experiencing vigorous expansion and growth. He brings his customized vision to hairdressing, and considers that his salon is a sensory experience for his clients. Commenting on the launch, Darpan Sandhvi, Managing director, Sanghvi Brands, said: "As one of the world's most exclusive and expensive hairdressers, the launch of Rossano Ferretti Hairspa truly brings the best of international hairdressing for the discerning residents of New Delhi." Los Angeles: Martin Scorsese's The Irishman may be heading towards Netflix, which apparently offered USD 105 million for a full buyout of the film. The news comes in as a development after the movie's Mexican financier, Gaston Pavlovich of Fabrica de Cine fell out, two sources involved with the project told Deadline. It is out in the open STX, which tied to Fabrica de Cine, had already signed agreements with all output partners to the tune of USD 50 mn, with about USD 40 million more accumulated in tax credits and incentives. The mediation went on late and later in the evening, it was at Paramount Pictures, which still has its USD 15 million deal from domestic rights. To be able to move the venture to the popular online-streaming portal, many deals would have to be brought under the light legally, which has not happened yet, but it would be easier for domestic to move over to Netflix. The film is based on the deathbed story of mob hitman Frank Sheeran (DeNiro), who claims to have had insider information about the disappearance and death of American labor union leader, Jimmy Hoffa, played by Al Pacino. The film is slated for release in 2018. Mumbai: Actress-turned-director Pooja Bhatt has revealed that a man has been posing as her agent and taking funds from event companies on her behalf. The 44-year-old Jism filmmaker says she is "horrified" by this incident and plans to take police action against the man named Prashant Malgewar from Solitude Lifestyle Inc. "Horrified that a man called Prashant Malgewar-Solitude Lifestyle Inc is masquerading as my agent and taking funds from event co's on my behalf," Pooja tweeted. "This is a very DANGEROUS trend. Strict action needs to be taken against Prashant Malgewar(Soulitude Lifestyle Inc) as this amounts to FRAUD. Prashant Malgewar is NOT my agent or representative. He is a fraudster who needs to be booked for claiming he does," she further wrote. Pooja wondered how reputed companies could not call the man's bluff and gave him money without even asking for a signed invoice from her. "A man walks into a reputed event co's office, claims money on my behalf & no-one there asks for authentication or a signed invoice from me? "Have to file a complaint against Prashant Malgewar (Soulitude Lifestyle Inc) New Delhi with both Mumbai Police and Delhi Police for fraud." New Delhi: Delighted by BJP's impressive show in civic polls in Odisha and Maharashtra, Finance Minister Arun Jatiley took to Facebook to write a scathing critique of the Congress, saying it has become "a crowd around a fading dynasty". The Congress party's stiff opposition to demonetisation has cost the party dear as the government's decision got overwhelming support from the poor, the Finance Minister said in a Facebook post. The BJP registered an unprecedented win in municipal elections in Maharashtra and made significant gains in eastern state of Odisha. Taking a dig at the current Congress leadership, Jaitley said that if the current representative of the "dynasty lacks the ability to lead the party or the country, the party suffers. It becomes a crowd around a fading dynasty. This now seems obvious in the case of the Congress". The Congress, he said, has "lost its image as a responsible political organisation". "From a natural party of governance, it has moved to the fringe. Its policies have alienated its constituency of the poor aam aadmi," he added. "The first message of these elections is that BJP has become a pan-India party which is now fast spreading its roots even in the eastern and southern States" said Jaitley. Jaitley further said parties which adopt dynastic succession as an alternative to merit-based leadership creation suffer from a natural disadvantage. "Tall leaders do not grow in such parties. The strength of the party overlaps with the charisma of the current generation of the dynasty," he said. Referring to note ban decision, the minister said the Congress' stand on demonetisation of high value currency "is costing it dearly". "The poor have overwhelmingly supported demonetisation. The Congress party has lost its traditional constituency of the poor electorate to the BJP," the minister said. He said the disruptive role played by the Congress in Parliament has projected it "more as a fringe rather than a mainstream political party". (With PTI inputs) With these elections, the metamorphosis of BJP, from the junior partner of the SS in Maharashtra to the senior one is almost complete. The party would certainly want its effect- especially in terms of optics it has generated- to spill-over outside Maharashtra, especially in poll bound UP. In Maharashtra urban body polls, BJP and Shiv Sena have appropriated between themselves both treasury and opposition space leaving very little for the others.The main opposition, Congress has incurred losses across the state. NCP has even lost in its strongholds in Western Maharashtra including Pune, Nashik and Pimpri-Chinchwad.As for MNS, the joke in Mumbai is that people seems to have misunderstood the party anthem which sought support or santh for Raj Thackreray. the Party throughout the counting led in saat or seven seats.The current elections would have had an impact on the Devendra Fadnavis led government had Shiv Sena won more than ninety seats in the BMC. Having shared the spoils, the two allies- in the state as well as the centre- could may well reconcile to work out a rapprochement at the local bodies as well.As in Orissa recently, where BJP emerged as the main opposition to the ruling BJD in local body elections, electoral outcome in Maharashtra may well be attributed to the success saga emanating out of note-bandi. As all roads these days lead to UP, BJP may want to use this outcome to bolster its campaign in the high stake battle in the Hindi heartland.A quarter of the Mumbais population comprises of migrants from North India. Traditionally, minorities and migrants- especially from UP and Bihar- have been Congress main votebank in Mumbai against BJP-SS combine.A senior BJP in his assessment leader feels that youth amongst the migrants shifted to BJP this elections to give the necessary impetus to the party surge in the city.Obviously, BJP would want the message to travel far and wide. Atleast as far as UP.The older generation among the migrants however may have have stuck to the Congress. Which is why Congress has been able to win more than 30 seats.; says the leader BJP leader closely associated with the elections.Sachin Parabh, former Editor of Mumbai Times feels Congress was able to hold on to some of its pockets in Mumbai because it could retain its minority votes. This despite a huge challenge by the MIM and in absence of any top leader campaigning is a consolation prize for the party; he says. In electoral politics where winner takes all, the bigger story at times is lost in the jubilation and euphoria of the victory parades. The real shift in the polity at time is reflected in the decimation of the losing side.Congresss pulverization in Maharashtra local body polls in many ways reflects steady erosion in the Grand Old Partys political capital.Relegated to a poor number three in BMC which it ruled till 1995, BMC polls in itself is a microcosm of what is wrong with the Congress party as a whole. Any attempts to arrest the free fall in the last three years have borne limited success.Halfway through the counting for BMC polls, Congress Mumbai Chief Sanjay Nirupam offered to quit. The party which won more than 50 seats in 2012 had conceded its political space to the BJP. Which includes a large chunk of the north-Indian votes which constitutes almost a quarter of the total Mumbai electorate.Infact, Nirupams entry into Congress a decade back unto itself was a matter of great controversy within the party. The former Shiv Sainik who also edited a party mouth-piece faced stiff resistance from Sunil Dutt camp. Considered close to CongressVP Rahul Gandhi, he later contested and won LS elections on party ticket from Mumbai in 2009.However, his elevation as Mumbai Congress Committee President two and a half years back ruffled many feathers. Nirupam could never get along well with former CM and another import from Shiv Sena Narayan Rane. Hes had a running feud with his predecessor Gurdas Kamath who had even quit Congress a few months back citing differences within.For a rank outsider to be inducted into the party and win election is another thing. To lead the organization, is far too complex.Congress performance in BMC polls perhaps makes that apparent.Also Read | Uddhav Thackeray: The Tiger Cub Grows His stripes BJP was quick to realize that there was a political void being left behind by the Congress and its former ally the NCP. Especially in urban Maharashtra. The party, after a quick risk assessment dared to break ties with Shiv Sena to contest elections on its own strength. It went for the kill, and reaped rich dividends.IT is not just the Congress, but its old ally NCP which has suffered at the hands of BJP in these elections. In two of its strongholds in Western Maharashtra Pune and Nashik, BJP seems to have emerged as the key and dominant player.Both Congress and NCP leadership since forfeiting power after fifteen years of un-stinted rule in the state. Nashik strongman and NCP leader Chagan Bhujbal is behind bars. Ashok Chavhan has had to contend with his own cases.Also Read: The Richest Candidate Wins in Richest Civic Body of India Adding to the woes of the Cong-NCP alliance is Asadudding Owasi of AIMIM. Owaisi made inroads into minority votes in the last assembly polls and has followed it up by fielding candidates in local body elections. It area of influence remains Mumbai and parts of Nizams state in pre-independence India.The only silver lining for the alliance remains zila-parishad results where they seems to have levelled scores with BJP and SS. New Delhi: The Shiv Sena has won Ward No. 96 (Behrampada), which was vilified by its mouthpiece Saamna in 1992, thus throwing a light on how this Muslim majority wards trajectory has changed in the past two and a half decades. The Shiv Senas Mohammad Khan romped home and will be representing the residents of Ward No. 96 (Behrampada) in the Municipal Corporation. He defeated candidates from the Congress, BJP and AIMIM. To understand how a Muslim majority ward voted for the Shiv Sena it is vital to understand how the area has changed. During the 1992 communal riots that shook Bombay Behrampada shot into prominence when Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamna alleged that the area was a haven for anti social activities. Behrampada is a cluster of slums just outside Bandra(E) station that borders the railway tracks. In 1992 the area was in the centre of a storm as the communal frenzy raging in the megapolis left a mark here. It was declared unsafe and soon this 5 acre area acquired a reputation as a communal hotspot. However, over the years, many multi story hutments have come up in this locality, making it even more crowded than it was. Many of the 70,000 residents of Behrampada live in abysmal urban conditions and are vulnerable to accidents. The multistory hutments are unsafe and there have been building collapses and fires. Last year a fire gutted 60 homes while a building collapse killed 6 children. Strangely, it is the Shiv Sena that has been opposing slum demolitions ordered by the BMC Commissioner Ajoy Mehta. The BMC has been demolishing multistory hutments on the grounds that they are unsafe and endanger the lives of residents. However, the Shiv Sena appears to be reaping the benefits of its political stand to oppose demolitions. Conclusion one can draw from BMC election results is that Mumbaikars seem content living with potholes, flooding, malaria & water tankers Milind Deora (@milinddeora) February 23, 2017 Congrats Shiv Sena & BJP for retaining BMC. For Mumbai's sake, earnestly hope the next 5 years are better than the last 2 decades Milind Deora (@milinddeora) February 23, 2017 The Shiv Sena is maintaining its hold on Mumbai, leading on 90 seats followed by BJP on 78 seats as trends of counting of votes in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, where the saffron allies are locked in a battle, poured in.The Congress is more or less wiped out, it's a spent force in Maharashtra's urban civic bodies.There are no takers for Raj Thackeray's MNS even in Nasik where they had a mayor the last time.BJP is romping home in all places, except in Mumbai and Thane. The next half an hour will reveal whether Sena crosses the half-way mark on its own.Shiv Sena has drawn a blank in a Nagpur. That says something.The NCP is too irrelevant, except in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad where it is still breathing.As per trends coming in from the other city corporations, zilla parishads and panchayat samitis, the BJP is ahead of its rivals on 32 seats and Shiv Sena on 18 seats in the Nashik civic body.- With a lead in 54 seats, BJP has headed towards its best ever performance.- Congress struggling at 22 seats, is heading for its lowest total in the last 20 years.- Shiv Sena is leading in 90 seats has bettered its record over 2007 polls when it won 84 seats.- No taker for MNS brand of aggressive Marathi brand politics with the party struggling at 10 seats, less than half of 27 seats it won in 2012.Reacting to the latest trends Congress leader Milind Deora said that the results clearly show that Mumbaikars chose potholes, flooding, malaria & water tankers over effective administration. Sources privy to the aborted seat-sharing talks recall how the non-abrasive Fadnavis pushed for an alliance with the Shiv Sena till the last minute. But when word came from New Delhi PM Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and state pointsperson Nitin Gadkari that the BJP wanted to go it alone, Fadnavis took up the challenge. Maharashtra has also become the first state where the Opposition and the ruling space both is completely saffronised. An only parallel is in Tamil Nadu where the two Dravidian parties, DMK and the AIADMK, have carved up the entire political space. Fadnavis today has contributed to his partys agenda of a Congress-mukt Bharat and ensured that the contest will be between him and Uddhav in 2019. How the chief minister managed to convert the anti-incumbency of the Shiv Sena in the BMC to his advantage despite being in government with the party is a master class in political craft. Vilasrao Deshmukh was a Marathwada leader, Ashok Chavan is a Nanded chieftan, Sushil Kumar Shinde is a Sholapur satrap and Pawars rule western Maharashtra. But this civic poll makes Devendra Fadnavis a pan-Maharashtra leader: thats how a state BJP leader summed up his partys performance in the civic body elections.Over 100 hoardings dot the skyline of Mumbai all with one single message Ha Majha Shabda Ahe which means This Is My word.Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had made these civic body polls a referendum on himself and his government of one-and-a-half years. A popular joke in Mumbai over the last few months was its not a bird, its not a plane, its just Fadnavis.Members of Fadnaviss team tell News18 of how the 44-year-old captain steered the campaign, leading from the front. During the selection of candidates, he merely played the coordinator giving full autonomy to city leaders, says Mumbai BJP leader Hitesh Jain. In the Sanghs spiritual heartland of Nagpur, he let senior colleague Nitin Gadkari pick the candidates. Fadnavis gave Gadkari Nagpur but took Maharashtra for himself, quips a party leader who was in the know.The Shiv Sena was taunting the BJP, a national party, and giving us just 60 seats. Lets show them, he would often tell his BJP colleagues who were used to playing second fiddle to Thackerays party for over two decades. He would often quote a survey to convince them that the BJP was winning how, where and when this survey happened, nobody ever knew.For six months, Fadnavis extensively researched on every city and every ward, coming up with a new plan for every corporation. His post-graduation in business management often comes in handy in political management and this time too he ensured that the issues in each corporation were specific. For Mumbai, for instance, it was about transparency, road, waste disposal and water management.What also made a huge difference was his ability to take Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray head on, says a team member, adding that through this election, the BJP has found a toe hold among all communities Marathas, Gujaratis, Jains, North Indians, Christians and not identify itself with just one community.From a relative lightweight in Vidarbha who was picked by Modi-Shah to lead Maharashtra after the state polls in 2014, its been a quick journey to the stratosphere for Fadnavis. There were snide remarks that he was picked for his RSS pedigree and Brahmin lineage, and not for his political skill. There was scepticism on how a clean, non-abrasive politician would last the rough and tumble of Maharashtra politics. When he retires to his iPhone and books to wear off the poll fatigue, Fadnavis can feel assured that he has laid all that to rest. A state satrap has been born today. 61% voter turnout recorded in the 4th phase of #UPPolls2017 till 5 PM, expect to cross 63% says Election Commission pic.twitter.com/aqac0wr9w1 ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 23, 2017 The fourth phase of polling for 53 assembly constituencies of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday passed off amid stray incidents of violence, with an estimated over 61 per cent voter turnout.This phase of voting was crucial for the state's ruling Samajwadi Party and main opposition BSP, both major contenders for power this time too, as they had won nearly 40 of these seats in the previous polls."Polling was held in 53 assembly constituencies spread over 12 districts, including the backward Bundelkhand region," the office of UP Chief Electoral Officer said.The turnout was 61 per cent till 5 PM and since many voters stood in queue inside the polling stations at the appointed hour for conclusion of the exercise, the final figure was set to go up to 63 per cent, sources said.Violence was reported in Mahoba where two rival groups clashed leading to firing in which three persons were injured.The clash took place when vehicles of SP candidate Siddhgopal Sahu's son Saket Sahu and BSP candidate Arimardan Singh's son Himanchal Singh collided, leading to firing allegedly by Singh and his supporters.Two of the injured--Lala Bhaiya and Tariq-- were rushed to a hospital, where their condition was stated to be stable, police said.An FIR has been lodged in this connection and two persons have been arrested, they said.The pace of voting was slow in the first few hours but picked up as the day advanced.The constituencies where polling was held on Thursday included those in the backward Bundelkhand region and the Nehru-Gandhi pocket borough of Rae Bareli, represented in the Lok Sabha by Congress President Sonia Gandhi.For the first time since 1998, Gandhi gave campaigning a miss in her constituency. Other districts where polling was held amid tight security were Pratapgarh, Kaushambi, Allahabad, Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Banda, Hamirpur, Chitrakoot and Fatehpur.Backward and parched Bundelkhand region also figured in this phase.Inter-district and inter-state borders were sealed to facilitate peaceful voting and most polling centres were manned by the central paramilitary forces.680 candidates, including 61 women, were in the fray for 53 seats.In the 2012 Assebmly polls, Samajwadi Party had won 24, BSP 15, Congress six, BJP five and others three seats. The maximum number of 26 candidates were from Allahabad North, while only six candidates were in fray in Khaga (Fatehpur), Manjhanpur (Kaushambi) and Kunda (Pratapgarh).BSP fielded its nominees in all 53 seats, while BJP's candidate were in 48 constituencies, as the saffron party left six seats for its ally Apana Dal.The SP nominees contested on 30 seats and its ally Congress was in fray in 25 constituencies. The two allies are locked in a friendly contest in two seats.Prominent contestants include sitting Congress MLA Aradhana Mishra from Rampur Khas (Pratapgarh), the daughter of party veteran and MP Pramod Tiwari, and independent MLA Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya. Raja Bhaiya, known for his muscle power, is a minister in the Akhilesh Yadav cabinet and is again contesting from his traditional Kunda (Pratapgarh) seat.In Rae Bareli, Aditi Singh is contesting on Congress ticket, BSP turncoat Swami Prasad Maurya's son Utkarsh Maurya is in fray from Unchahar seat, while the Leader of Opposition Gaya Charan Dinkar is contesting from Naraini (Banda) seat.Senior SP leader Reoti Raman Singh's son Ujjwal Raman Singh is in the race from Karchana (Allahabad) seat.Elections for UP legislative assembly are being held in seven phases with three more to follow on February 27, March 4 and 8. The results will be out on March 11. The man facing severe heat in Mumbai, both from within and outside Congress, at the moment is Sanjay Nirupam. Many have believed the Congress's Mumbai chief to have caused not just one, but several splits in the party, which has resulted in the partys abysmal performance in the BMC polls.Just a day before the polls, Nirupam had predicted a drubbing for his party and blamed senior leader of his own party for it. Nirupams steep rise in the party and his proximity to Rahul Gandhi had caused severe heartburn in the Congress, causing a clear split between him and another faction led by senior leader and former Union minister Gurdudas Kamat.The Congress wouldve hoped to make a dent in seats and votes of the Shiv Sena and the BJP to boost its cadre at a time when the Uttar Pradesh election campaign is at dead heat. But its repeated flops in recent municipal and panchayat polls held since last one year show that the Congress high command has lacked, most of all, able ground leaders Sanjay Nirupam being only the most recent example of this kind.But the person facing extreme political heat is also the person with an extremely diverse, interesting and controversial background. Among other things, hes been an editor, an MP, a reality show star and a member of two different parties.Nirupam wasnt always associated with the Congress or with active politics for that matter. Born in a relatively backward district of Rohtas in Bihar, Nirupam graduated in Political Science and went on to join RSS0-affiliated magazine Panchjanya as a sub-editor. He would go on to work with two other publications after this. Jansatta, a sister publication of the Indian Express, and later Shiv Senas mouthpiece, then called Dopahar ka Saamna.He is said to have been handpicked by party supremo Bal Thackeray himself and remained Thackerays blue-eyed-boy till the end. Nirupam went on to become the partys nominated member in the Rajya Sabha. We won Shiv Senas praise and the wrath of the Parliament members when he called Dilip Kumar a Pakistani for supporting Deepa Mehtas controversial film Fire. He went on to be an MP thrice.He then quit the party in 2005 owing to his tiff with BJPs Pramod Majahan, who was also considered close to the Shiv Sena.Three years later, he appeared in the reality show Bigg Boss only to be voted out on day 6 of the show.He then joined the Congress and created another controversy by calling Smriti Irani someone who used to charge money to perform dance shows on TV who had later on pretended to become an election analyst. That was not it.Then he earned the ire of his own party by calling Jawaharlal Nehru a fascist soldier in the party mouthpiece Congress Darshan.Nirupam, who is credited with creating a generational split within the party, offered to resign on Thursday. But whether it will mean a pause in his political innings and a halt to controversies surrounding him, well have to wait and see. Mumbai: The Shiv Sena is ahead in Mumbai with more than 90 seats. But with trends from only around 15 places to come in it may land short of the halfway mark of 114. Here are the likely scenarios emerging. SCENARIO 1: If Uddhav decides to dump BJP and go with smaller parties - Uddhav will come under pressure from Sena rank and file to walk out of the Fadnavis government - BJP has 122 seats and Shiv Sena 63 in the house of 288 members. And this will leave the Fadnavis government in minority. - Given the pathetic state of the Congress and the NCP, it is highly unlikely that theyll be eager to go into poll right now. - In such situation, the opposition will ask for Presidents rule or tolerate a minority government like the one Narsimha Rao ran at the centre. - It will be massive loss for the Congress, as it will have to cede the oppositions space in the BMC to the BJP. -The new dispensation will also have a conflict of interest with the BJP is the leader of the house in the Assembly and leader of opposition in BMC. SCENARIO 2: If Shiv Sena fails to reach 100 mark and join hands with the BJP - Therell be a massive moral issue as the campaign saw Sena and BJP leaders indulging in a high-decibel attacks at each-other. - Uddhav may find it hard to pacify Sainiks and convince them on the need to go back to BJP. - Sena will have to cede to BJPs demand for more transparency in the working of the BMC. Uttar Pradesh has witnessed over 61 percent polling in the fourth phase of assembly elections on Thursday. 61 percent voter turnout recorded in the fourth phase of Uttar Pradesh elections 2017 till 5 PM, expect to cross 63 percent says Election Commission. Voting in 53 assembly constituencies in the fourth phase of Uttar Pradesh elections began at 7 a.m on Thursday amid tight security. Stay tuned for Live updates Read all the Latest News , Breaking News , watch Top Videos and Live TV here. Lucknow: Not many of us in the 21st century believe in superstition, but with politicians it is a different ballgame. Talking in particular of Uttar Pradesh politics, it is believed that if a sitting CM goes to Noida, then he/she will not win the next elections. Even Akhilesh Yadav did not go to Noida due to this superstition and inaugurated all the development schemes of Noida from his Lucknow office. The superstition is so strong that no sitting chief minister of the state has been to Noida in the last 28 years and if someone has dared then he/she has lost the power game. In the year 2001 when Rajnath Singh was the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, he inaugurated Noida DND flyover from the place where it was ending on Delhi side. Then in the year 2006 when Mulayam Singh Yadav, the sitting CM then, didnt go to Noida even after the famous Nithari incident. BSP supremo tried to break the jinx in the year 2011 but she lost 2012 elections. Now the buzz is of the new metro superstition, in political lanes it is believed that if government of a particular state starts a metro rail project, then that party loses elections. The phenomenon is strongly believed by the examples of five Metro Rail projects in Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Jaipur where Governments have laid foundation of the Metro Rail Projects and lost the next elections badly. Kolkata Metro Project was prepared on 1st June 1972, that time it was a Congress government in the state. The then CM of the state Siddharth Shankar laid the foundation of Kolkata Metro in the presence of then PM of India, Indira Gandhi on 29th December 1972. Post which President Rule came into play on 30th April 1977 and finally the Metro Rail was completed and flagged off by new CM Jyoti Basu on 24th October 1984. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Board was constituted in May 1995 and work commenced from 1st October 1998, at that time BJP was ruling Delhi. But on 3rd December 1998 Sheila Dixit became the CM from Congress party and finally the first Metro Rail was flagged off on 25th December 2002. Talking about Jaipur Metro, the first phase of work started on 13th Nov 2010 and the then CM Ashok Gehlot flagged off the Metro on 18th Sep 2013. In the next elections Gehlot lost the elections and BJP came in power. In the state of Maharashtra, Vilasrao Deshmukh, who was the chief minister at that time, laid the foundation of Mumbai Metro in the presence of the then PM of India, Manmohan Singh. Though the work was completed under the party, Congress lost to BJP in the next elections. Finally the Lucknow Metro, which Akhilesh Yadav claims is the fastest built Metro in the country. After laying the foundation in the year 2013, Akhilesh even did a trial run on 1st December 2016. The commercial run is proposed on 26th March 2017 by the Lucknow Metro authorities. But going by the above examples it is a bit difficult to say who will be the witness to the commercial run of Lucknow Metro as a chief minister of the state. In a move towards developing the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem in India, IT industry's representative organisation Nasscom on Wednesday signed an MoU with the IoT Acceleration Consortium (ITAC)-Japan.Under the MoU, Nasscom and ITAC-Japan will collaborate to address digital technology shifts and accelerate IoT adoption at a global level across the industry."It is imperative that there is a global effort towards accelerating IoT in every sector, this partnership will be another key milestone in building this robust ecosystem of collaboration and open new avenues," said K.S. Viswanathan, Vice President (Industry Initiatives), Nasscom.Both Nasscom and ITAC-Japan will share information on the ecosystem, new practices and technological developments.The IoT market in India is expected to reach $15 billion by 2020 accounting for nearly five percent of the total global market and the worldwide IoT market is poised to be a $328 billion market by 2020. Samsung will reportedly introduce a plus version of its next flagship Galaxy S8. To be called Galaxy S8+ , the device might come with 6.2-inch display, according to noted tipster Evan Blass, commonly known by his Twitter handle-- @evleaks.The Samsung Galaxy S8+ is expected to feature a 6.2-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display with a 12MP dual pixel rear camera along with an 8MP front camera.The Galaxy S8+ will be IP68 dust and water-resistant and will also come with a iris scanner. While there is not much reliable information on the processor of the smartphone, it is expected to come with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage with support for microSD cards.The 4G LTE compatible Galaxy S8+ will comes with support for wireless charging and Samsung Pay.On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S8 is expected to come with a 5.8-inch super AMOLED dislay and Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 processor. It might have an internal storage of 64GB/ 128GB with a 4GB RAM.The smartphone could sport a 12-megapixel primary camera along with an 8-megapixel secondary one.Samsung will most likely limit the battery power for Samsung Galaxy S8 to 3,000 mAh to avoid any possibilities of Note 7 fiasco being repeated.With all these features, the phones launch price is expected to be somewhere between Rs 60,000 and Rs 65,000 in India. Mexico City: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson meets with Mexican leaders on Thursday to try to calm a row over President Donald Trump's trade and immigration policies. Trump has outraged Mexico by vowing to build a wall along the border to keep out migrants, whom he branded rapists and criminals during his presidential campaign. His government on Tuesday issued new orders to the authorities to begin arresting and deporting illegal immigrants, many of them Mexicans. Trump has also threatened to put up barriers to Mexican exports, shift jobs from that country back to the United States and even halt remittances by US-based Mexicans back to their families. Now he has sent Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to Mexico City to smooth over tensions -- and discuss with Mexican Enrique Pena Nieto how to curb cross-border migration and drug-trafficking. "It's significant that the president is sending the secretaries to Mexico so early in the administration. It's symbolic of the meaningful relationship that our two nations have," White House spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters on Wednesday. "These are important meetings regarding the president's agenda to improve the quality of lives for both people of Mexico and the United States by combating drug traffickers and finding ways to bolster both our economies through a broader relationship that promotes commerce and legal immigration." Tillerson and Kelly were scheduled to meet with Pena Nieto at 1900 GMT after talks with Mexico's ministers of foreign affairs, finance and government. Trump's stance on Mexico has driven the countries' relations to their lowest point in years. Pena Nieto canceled a planned meeting with Trump in Washington last month over the US leader's vow to make Mexico pay for the wall. US government officials said Tillerson and Kelly will aim to convince Mexico that it values their bilateral ties. Spicer insisted Mexico and Washington have "a very healthy and robust relationship with the Mexican government." But Maureen Meyer, an expert at the Washington Office on Latin America, a US human rights advocacy organization, said "relations have been severely strained by the Trump administration's rhetoric and actions." "Secretary Tillerson has an opportunity to set relations on a more sound footing based on mutual respect," she said in a statement. The US immigration authorities have arrested hundreds of people across the country as part of Trump's pledge to crack down on illegal immigrants. Kelly on Tuesday issued new orders to step up the detentions. Speaking in Guatemala on Wednesday before traveling to Mexico, Kelly said "my sincere advice to any citizen considering moving to the United States in crossing our boundaries irregularly -- migration -- my best advice is to not do it." Istanbul/Beirut: Turkish-backed rebels have seized the centre of al-Bab town from Islamic State, Turkish state media and rebels said on Thursday, in a boost to Ankara's drive to defeat the militant group in northern Syria. Turkey launched its "Operation Euphrates Shield" in August in an effort to push Islamic State from its border and stop the advance of a Syrian Kurdish militia. Taking control of al-Bab, an Islamic State stronghold 30 km (20 miles) from the Turkish border, would deepen Turkish influence in an area of Syria where it has effectively created a buffer zone and would allow the Ankara-backed forces to press on towards Raqqa, Islamic State's de facto capital in Syria. The Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters, a loose coalition of Syrian Arabs and Turkmen, have been attacking al-Bab since December, aided by Turkish warplanes, tanks and special forces. Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency, citing its correspondent in al-Bab, said the rebels had seized control of the town centre and were now clearing mines and explosive devices laid by the jihadists. Some 1,900 square kilometres (734 square miles) in northern Syria has now been cleared of militant groups, it said. A war monitor, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said later on Thursday that Euphrates Shield forces had taken full control of al-Bab and of two neighbouring towns, Qabasin and al-Bezah. "We had reached the city centre yesterday but there was a suicide attack so we had to withdraw a little bit. And today we attacked again. I can say that 85-90 percent of the city is under control," a fighter from the Sultan Murad Brigade who is in al-Bab told Reuters by telephone. "They have dug tunnels all under Bab and those who have remained are all suicide bombers. The whole of the city is mined. I can say that every metre is mined." Another fighter with an FSA group contacted via a social networking site said there was "complete calm" in al-Bab. The fighter said he was speaking from the city centre. Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Isik told Anadolu the rebels had entered the town centre and that most of the town itself was now under their control. However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said that more than half of al-Bab was still under IS control, and that battles continued. There was no immediate comment from the Turkish military. STILL FIGHTING Earlier, a Turkey-based rebel official from a group previously involved in fighting in Aleppo province said the rebels had taken control of al-Bab, although pockets of IS militants were still fighting. "There has been cleaning up of the last remaining areas of (IS) control, and there were street battles," Zakaria Malahifji of the Fastaqim faction told Reuters, adding that all the strategic areas of the city had been captured. Turkish officials have repeatedly said that the al-Bab operation was taking longer than anticipated because of numbers of civilians still in the town and the care being taken not to harm them. It dropped leaflets on the town as long ago as December urging civilians to seek shelter While Euphrates Shield has been largely focused so far on combating Islamic State, Ankara is also determined to prevent the Kurdish YPG militia, which it considers a terrorist group, from linking the cantons it controls along the Turkish border. Turkey fears that advances by the YPG could enflame a Kurdish insurgency at home. President Tayyip Erdogan has said the next target for the Turkish offensive should be Raqqa but that the YPG should not be involved. Washington: The US has a healthy and robust relationship with Mexico, the White House on Wednesday said as two top Cabinet ministers landed in Mexico for talks with their Mexican counterparts. The visit by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly comes at a time of simmering tension between the two countries on the issue of wall along the international border and immigration issues. "I would argue that we have a very healthy and robust relationship with the Mexican government and Mexican officials. I think they would echo that same sentiment. (The Mexican) President Pena Nieto has echoed that at well," White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters at his daily news conference. "I think the relationship with Mexico is phenomenal right now, and I think there's an unbelievable and robust dialogue between the two nations," Spicer said in response to a question as he strongly refuted reports that there is some kind of tension between the two countries. Spicer said it is significant that the President is sending the Secretaries to Mexico so early in the administration. "It's symbolic of the meaningful relationship that our two nations have," he said. These are important meetings regarding the President's agenda to improve the quality of lives for both people of Mexico and the United States by combating drug traffickers and finding ways to bolster both the economies through a broader relationship that promotes commerce and legal immigration. This is a very encouraging start to a working relationship with an incredible neighbour to the south, he added. "Secretary Tillerson and Secretary Kelly are going to have a great discussion down there, and to talk through the implementation of the executive order. I feel very confident that any country who has a citizen that comes into this country and that we send back, will make sure that they comply with this," Spicer said. A missing Prince William County teenager may be traveling with a man from Eastern Europe whom she met online, the FBI says. Makayla Mattei, 15, walked away from her Prince William County home shortly before 7 a.m. Feb. 17. She may be with Meiti Metsla, an Estonian national, the FBI said. Metsla's age is not known. Makalyla is black, 5-foot-4, weighs about 180 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing dark-colored leggings, a pink zip-up Georgia State hoodie and a black Georgia State backpack. Makayla has diabetes and may be in need of insulin, according to a report in The Washington Post. Metsla flew to the United States after developing an online relationship with the teen, the Post reported. Anyone with information on Makayla's whereabouts is asked to call Prince William County police at (703) 792-6500 or the FBI's Washington field office at (202) 278-2000. Tips also can be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov. During the opening monologue in These Shining Lives, a group of 12 women trade off lines while standing on the multi-tiered stage. Their story isnt a fairy tale, they say, even though it starts like one. Nor is it a tragedy, though it ends like one. Its something else. Were something else. They were, one declares, just girls who wanted to work. The 1920s-set play, which will open at Lynchburg College Thursday, dramatizes the true story of these women, who were exposed to deadly levels of radium while working in a watch factory, and what happened when they took their company to court. The fairy tale was the gig itself, which one character describes as a dream job. This was considered a pinnacle job for women, says director Loretta Wittman. It was considered artistic. They were making a lot of money. The opening monologue is traditionally given by the plays main character, Catherine Donohue, but Wittman decided to divide it up among the cast. I wanted to make sure people saw this wasnt just a couple women this happened to, she says. These Shining Lives is set at a watch factory in Ottawa, Illinois, but there were others across the country where women used luminous radium paint to paint numbers on watches and alarm clocks that would glow in the dark. They were all taught the same technique: Lip, dip, paint. They were instructed to suck their paintbrushes, to make a fine point for the precise handiwork, author Kate Moore wrote in the U.K.s Telegraph in 2016 about her book, The Radium Girls, the name by which the women eventually became known. Moore writes that an entire industry was built around the claim that small amounts of radium were beneficial to health. Everything from milk, butter and chocolate to make-up and soaps all laced with radium were sold by retailers touting its wonders. Manufacturers funded research that supported their claims and ignored independent studies that proved the opposite, Moore writes. So when the dial-painters asked their bosses if it was safe to lip-point, they said yes. They told the girls that radium would make them good-looking. So the women picked up their brushes and placed them in their mouths over and over again. The dangers of the radium exposure first came to light at a factory in New Jersey. But even as a doctor, in 1925, proved the connection between the womens work and their illnesses the radium, Moore writes, had deposited into their bones companies denied the link and work continued in other parts of the country. People like Catherine Donohue and her coworkers in Illinois, Wittman says, didnt know of the dangers. These Shining Lives focuses mainly on Catherine, a married mother of two, and the core group of friends she makes after starting her job: the brassy, bold Charlotte, the prudish Frances and flighty, sweet Pearl. Ominous warnings are sprinkled throughout the script. Before Catherine heads off to her first day, her husband Tom warns her that work that pays well costs something. And as her new coworkers show her the lip, dip, paint technique, Catherine asks their boss if its OK to put the paint in their mouths. He assures her that it is. From there, the play skates through time, zeroing in on key moments of bonding among the women and scenes from Catherines home life. Before you know it, its been six years, and the foursome are enjoying a beach picnic, toasting their friendship and their work. Soon, Catherine notices her health declining, telling Tom that she aches all over. His response? Thats why people like them pay people like us: So that we ache. But its more than that, and after seeing the company doctor, Catherine begins comparing notes symptoms with the other women. They eventually take their case to court, but thats a small part of the overall narrative. Sami Topping, the Lynchburg College sophomore who plays Catherine, says the entire play spans 21 scenes but the courtroom proceedings dont begin until scene 17. Topping hadnt heard of the Radium Girls before reading the play but has found their story to be inspirational. At the time, she says, it was unheard of for women to cause such a stir. Wittman says the reaction in their communities made it even harder on the women, who were already sick. The teeth of one woman, Katherine Schaub, started falling out and looked moth-eaten, according to Moores writings, while others suffered spontaneous fractures. The radium they swallowed was eating their bones from the inside, according to a 2014 NPR story about the death of one of the last Radium Girls. People were awful to them, Wittman says. Everybody turned their backs on them. For women to even go to court like this at this time period took bravery and was just not the norm the fact that they were willing to stand up and be counted. Its an historic message, Wittman says, thats still relevant today. There are actually old newspaper photos of Catherine Donohue; as her trial neared its end, she became too weak to go to court, so the judge, lawyers and officials came to her home. At the time, the Chicago Herald Examiner printed a photo of her lying in bed, demonstrating how she put the paintbrush into her mouth while working. Above the photo, in bright red lettering, is the headline: Ghost Women Await Courts Decision on Radium Poisoning. It was one of several names given to the women in stories from the time period, ghost women or ghost girls. Another story, about Donohue collapsing during a hearing, refers to her as one of Ottawas living dead. According to the 2014 NPR story, many of the women who won their cases used the money to pay for their own funerals. Their fates were sealed but they continued fighting so their deaths wouldnt be in vain, Wittman says. To be in the public eye while youre dying [and] to make it count is phenomenal, Topping says. To bring to light a story [where] women are standing up for themselves and are empowering themselves, to bring that to light is amazing. GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Heres why you can trust us. Revisit the founding of the JSA and foreshadow its future in The New Golden Age #1 preview And see what lies ahead in the future of the DC Universe Success Stars to host Cuban arts group Since that visit, a warm relationship has evolved between the school, where Hamida Baksh is the principal, and Guillermo Vasquez Moreno, Cubas Ambassador to TT . So moved was the ambassador by Success Pan Sounds playing his countrys national anthem at an evening of appreciation after their return from Cuba that he praised a disciplined and organised school, a model school where teachers get full support from parents. This support now extends to a well organised steering committee and several subcommittees, under project manager Nicholas Cumberbatch. Their members have accepted the huge challenge of mounting an exchange cultural visit right after Carnival, from March 4 to 14, by El Conjunto Folkl?rico Nacional de Cuba, a premier internationally- acclaimed Cuban arts company which will perform and educate during the visit. Many workshops are planned for performing arts teachers and students, community groups, dancers, and choreographers. Additionally, a forum on Arts in Education the Cuban Model will be offered for people involved in developing, administrating and receiving arts education. A component of this forum will focus on advancing the business and career opportunities to be derived from education in the visual and performing arts. There will also be concerts in Port-of- Spain, San Fernando and Tobago, on dates and times to be published. Success Laventille Secondary School, under the guidance of its principal, is organising the exchanges. As a result of the knowledge gained, the school will be taking steps to advance its performing-arts curriculum, which includes the opening of a new dance studio during the Cuban groups visit on March 13. This is all part of the Schools Improvement Project launched by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley recently. The Cuban National Folkloric Dance Ensemble was founded at the beginning of 1962 by Cuban folklorist Rogelio Mart?nez Fur? and the Mexican choreographer Rodolfo Reyes Cort?s. From the very beginning the aim of this ensemble has been to contribute to the preservation and revitalisation of the dance and musical traditions of the island, while selecting the most valuable traditions and combining them with current theatre requirements, without neglecting their folk nature. Today, 55 years after its founding, the ensemble has developed a distinctive type of theatre folklore art with great performing results and aesthetics, reflecting the different Cuban cultural traditions from Europe (Spain or France), and Africa (Yoruba, Congo, Carabal?, Arar?, etc), and other traditions coming from the Caribbean islands to Cuba. During more than 80 international tours throughout 45 countries in Europe, America, Africa and Asia, its performances have been welcomed by audiences on some of the most outstanding stages of the world. Likewise, various audiences have applauded the intensely national art genre of this prestigious dance company, whose artistic and general director and principal choreographer is Manolo Micler. Folklore advisor and scriptwriter, winner of the National Dance Award, National Research Award, poet and writer and founder Dr Rogelio Mart?nez Fure stated: The Cuban National Folkloric Dance Ensemble is a river of always-renewed water, faithful to its ancient roots, but at the same time receptive to the frenzy of life. The goal of the Cuban National Folkloric Dance Ensemble will not be limited to performance only, but it will also include research carried out in all parts of Cuba, revitalising and bringing back old genres. They mix the traditional with the new trends created by the people, they delve into the past and synthesise the present. When compared, the fledging Success Pan Sounds involvement in competitions date back just 30 years to 1987, a mere four years after the school was established on the hills of Laventille can boast of achievements which include first place in the Steelband Music Festival 1987 and international cultural visits in 1988, 1991 and 1992 to Toronto Canada; to Aberdeen Scotlands International Youth Festival in 1996. The band was the first steel orchestra to participate and perform at the Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, Georgia, USA in 2012 and in 2014 was selected by the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism to represent TT in the XI International Festival in Cedros, Mexico. The dedicated school principal reflected on the trip From Laventille to Cuba which started with an idle thought: Why cant our students go there? If you think it and you dream it, it will happen, Baksh mused. Already through the Schools Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Department there had been aggressive approaches to increase the capabilities of students in computer literacy and technology to prepare them for the world of tomorrow. Out of two projects, Pan In Education and Pan Online, there has been much success in correlating the schools academic programmes and the arts. Baksh said: Emanating from this fusion is the production of Legacy of Excellence, a music CD, which captures the musical journey of our student musicians who comprise the Success Stars Pan Sounds Steel Orchestra. A band which, during the past three decades, has grown to comprise two orchestras, a smaller stage performance orchestra and a larger competitive orchestra and earning a reputation for excellence nationally. WELL TAKE JUSTICE On Tuesday evening at a police town meeting at the Spree Simon Centre, a female Laventillian warned Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams that justice must be served in Small Bucks death or else, we will give justice for our own self and allyuh dont want that! We love the war...(but) we could calm it down and we could start it up, declared the angry woman identified only as Dixie-Ann. We want justice for Mickel. Give us justice otherwise we will give justice for our own self and allyuh dont want that, she warned. Her statement came during an emotional and at times combative three-hour long meeting between residents, Ag Commissioner Williams and other top brass in the Police Service. On Saturday last, Small Buck was shot dead in what police claimed was a shootout. Incensed residents blocked the Eastern Main Road at the John John traffic lights with burning debris, causing a traffic jam that lasted for several hours. The Police Complaints Authority (PCA) is conducting its own investigation into the incident. Atiba Sergeant, who identified himself as the Imam of a mosque in the area, said residents want accountability for Lancasters death. After Ag Commissioner Williams promise of a timely and professional investigation, Sergeant said if this investigation takes too long, residents will take action again to get the attention of the authorities. The meeting was hosted by Laventille West Member of Parliament Fitzgerald Hinds. Williams promised to remove the officers named as being involved in Lancasters killing from the community, during the course of the investigation, but resisted calls from residents to have the officers immediately suspended from duty or jailed. Williams said due process must be followed. Told at the meeting that despite claims of an investigation being launched, no police investigator had visited the house in which Lancaster was killed. Williams promised that a team of investigators would be there by 10 am yesterday. Lancasters father Victor, said his son was never locked up and had no cases pending. He could not understand why the police shot him and why in the head. He said the voice of the people is the voice of God and appealed for justice for his son. Similar appeals came from Lancasters sister and other relatives, including a woman who said she was his cousin and who told Ag Commissioner Williams that the youths father had signed for his clothing (to be returned) but so far had not received it from police. She wondered why the authorities were holding on to the clothes Lancaster was wearing at the time he was shot. Other residents said that after the shooting police officers returned to the scene to collect bullet casings. The residents asked if the police had nothing to hide, why was it so important to collect these spent shells? Police, NCC: All systems in place for Carnival At a press briefing held by Carnival stakeholders at the National Carnival Commission (NCC) VIP Room at the Queens Park Savannah on Tuesday, Richardson said the system was developed in partnership with their stakeholders. These include the NCC and the special interest groups (TUCO, NCBA and Pan Trinbago), fete promoters, the TTDF, Fusion Service, TT Prison Service, traffic wardens, the ODPM and municipal police. He said whether it is Carnival or not, they will be looking beyond that period, hence the reason they made a special effort to meet as many different stakeholders as possible, with focus on land, sea and air. Richardson said the system created is expected to minimise opportunities to commit crime and obstructive behaviour, minimise traffic congestion, provide high visibility in both Carnival and non Carnival areas, including residences and businesses and to provide responsive service to the public. NCC chairman Kenny De Silva chairman said one cannot over emphasise the issue of security in Carnival since it is not only limited to the capital city of Port-of-Spain, but consideration also has to be given to the fact that there are 58 regional carnivals happening at the same time and have to be taken care of as well. He appealed to bandleaders to ensure that their masqueraders do not deface other peoples property and warned that things will be in place for it to be monitored. De Silva said they have told residents to send, to the NCC, pictures of anyone violating their property. The NCC will then give the evidence to the police after which the band leader will be charged a fine of $2,000. He said he hoped it would have been more but that is the existing law. De Silva also announced that this year has seen an increase of junior bands from 80 to 100 and also the seniors from 45 to 62. He added: We are coming out to ensure Carnival 2017 will be one of the better carnivals. Carnival is necessary in 2017 for people to breathe. Avion Mills of the Tourism Development Company said since the launch of the Go Trinbago app earlier this month, there have been 3,500 downloads thus far, with the waterfalls, doubles and Lara Fete among the most searched. The Ministry of Tourism will have branded kiosks at all ports of entry and on social media, and for visitors who just want to relax, security will be beefed up at the Las Cuevas and Maracas beaches, as well as the Pitch Lake. Mills stated that there are 35,000 bookings for Carnival and a cruise ship bringing 2,900 passengers and just under 1,000 crew members is also expected for Carnival. Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, said Carnival is very special this year given the achievement of Calypso Rose who won the prestigious French music award so close to Carnival. It is a wonderful foreboder of what will happen in Carnival 2017, she said. However, she too pleaded with masqueraders: Do not let your enjoyment be to the detriment of others. Fishermens relatives go to Venezuela to identify bodies Reports said that the bodies believed to be that of fishermen Arnold Beharry, 53, and Steven Beharry, 21, of Icacos Village surfaced in the waters off Venezuela three days ago. The bodies, Newsday learnt, were in an advanced state of decomposition and relatives would rely on the clothing of the men and scars on their bodies to confirm their identities. According to police, the men, who are not related, were out at sea when their pirogue capsized in rough waters. Reports are that boat captain Arnold and Ricky boarded the vessel one week ago. Relatives of the missing men said that they left their homes to retrieve their drift nets in the sea off Icacos. Members of the Air Guard and the Coast Guard also conducted intense aerial and sea searches in the areas but were unsuccessful in locating them. Coast Guard officials confirmed that based on the drift pattern of the sea, the men were carried into the Venezuelan waters. Members of the Coast Guard have since been in contact with their counterparts in Venezuela. Speaking to Newsday yesterday, Arnolds wife said both families left Trinidad yesterday morning. We have heard that the bodies were found but we need to confirm that it is really my husband and his friend, said Arnolds wife Sharda Beharry. She said since her husband disappeared, she has not been able to sleep peacefully. I have been getting these nightmares and I always jump up in the night thinking of him. I miss him so much. The mother of four said that when the identities of the bodies are confirmed, her mind would be at ease. I just want some closure and the family wants to perform the final rites and say goodbye to him. It would not be easy to say goodbye, the tearful woman said. Arnold and Steven are friends who would often fish together. Sharda said that her husband had years of experience in the sea. Cedros police officers are investigating. It May Not Be the Time You Think It Is Tarek El-Messidi tells a story about the prophet Muhammad standing in observance of a Jewish funeral procession because, as he said, "Is it not a human soul?" To show that kind of respect to their "Jewish cousins" is one of the reasons El-Messidi and fellow Muslim-American activist Linda Sarsour started an online fundraiser after they saw the news about destruction at a Jewish cemetery in Missouri over the weekend, the Washington Post reports. According to CNN, vandals defaced and knocked over more than 170 headstones at Chesed Shel Emeth Society cemetery. "Muslim-Americans stand in solidarity with the Jewish-American community to condemn this horrific act of desecration," the fundraising page states. El-Messidi and Sarsour started the fundraiser Tuesday with the goal of raising $20,000 by late-March. They reached that goal in three hours. By Wednesday afternoon, the fundraiser had exceeded $90,000. Sarsour and El-Messidi say the extra funds will go to the dozens of Jewish community centers that have faced anti-Semitic attacks and bomb threats this year. "Through this campaign, we hope to send a united message from the Jewish and Muslim communities that there is no place for this type of hate, desecration, and violence in America," the pair state on the fundraising page. Since the election, both Muslim and Jewish communities have been increasingly targeted in hate crimes. (Read more uplifting news stories.) Thousands of mourners gathered Wednesday in Egypt for the funeral of the man convicted of conspiracy in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center that left six people dead, Reuters reports. Omar Abdel-Rahman, also known as the "blind sheikh," died Saturday in a US prison at the age of 78. According to the AP, Rahman's body was flown back to Egypt, arriving Wednesday. One of Rahman's sons says his father wanted to be buried in his hometown of Al-Gamaliya. The Muslim cleric's body was taken to his brother's house to be washed before burial. Rahman, blind since childhood, led an Egyptian extremist group until fleeing to the US in 1990. He was convicted in the World Trade Center bombingas well as plotting a wider "war of urban terrorism"in 1995. His death was met with statements of mourning from al Qaeda and the Muslim Brotherhood. Meanwhile, his hometown was filled with chants of "we will defend you with blood and soul, Islam" for his funeral. "If he were a bad man, people from all over the country wouldn't have came to attend his funeral," said a lawyer who traveled more than 100 miles to be there. (Read more Omar Abdel Rahman stories.) Eight years after little Ehlena Fry was told she couldn't bring her dog Wonder to school with her, the Supreme Court has given her family some measure of vindication. In an 8-0 ruling Wednesday, the Supreme Court instructed a lower court to reconsider its ruling against Ehlena and Wonder, the Detroit Free Press reports. According to Reuters, Ehlena, now 13, was born with cerebral palsy. Her pediatrician had said to keep Wonder with her at all times. The goldendoodle helped her turn on lights, open doors, go to the bathroom, and more. But her Michigan school said Ehlena couldn't bring Wonder to class, arguing that a human aide could help her with those tasks. The family moved Ehlena to a new school district and sued the old district in 2012. Ehlena's old school district arguedand an appeals court agreed in 2015that her family needed to go through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act administrative process before it sued under the Americans With Disabilities Act. The Supreme Court ruled that may not be the case, as Ehlena's family appears to be taking issue with access to the school, not her education, USA Today reports. The appeals court has now been instructed to look at whether Ehlena and her family could make the same complaints if the school was some other kind of public facility and if Ehlena was an adult instead of a student. As for Wonder, he's now 10 years old and retired as a service dog. (Read more service dog stories.) Tulsa's Black Wall Street, an Oklahoma Harlem of sorts, was home to a middle and upper class of 9,000 African-Americans. They were shop owners, doctors and entrepreneurssome of them were freed slavesand they thrived in those 35-square blocks. Then in 1921, over the course of roughly 16 hours, a race riot decimated the economic and cultural mecca. The tally of casualties seemed more in line with the aftermath of a military battle300 dead, 800 wounded, more than 8,000 left homeless. Blacks rebuilt the area in the decades that followed, only to see their work wiped out during the so-called urban progress of the 1960s. Now, attempting to make good on failed hopes of an eventual renaissance, black leaders want to bring 100 businesses here by 2021, marking the race riot's 100th anniversary, the AP reports. Those leading the NorthTulsa100 initiative acknowledge it's an ambitious, perhaps audacious, endeavor. Leaders here are seeking manufacturers, grocery store owners, and housing developers to, in the words of Sen. James Lankford, " re-engage a community that is still scarred years later." Counting existing businesses that have recently opened or are under construction and commitments secured to relocate here, the initiative's director estimates she's 20% of the way to the goal. A retired airline mechanic whose mother was 6 when the rioting began, said a turnaround in could remedy some of the blight that now pocks the community and give a younger generation reason to hopeand stayin north Tulsa. "It's going to do something to help the black community; it's going to be something to help the kids," he said. (Read more Tulsa stories.) President Trump's reversal of former President Obama's directive on bathroom use for transgender students caused a clash inside his administration, sources say. GOP insiders tell the New York Times that Education Secretary Betsy DeVos clashed with Attorney General Jeff Sessions over the issue and told Trump she opposed the move because of potential harm to transgender students. Trump sided with Sessions, and DeVos eventually signed off on the issue rather than resign or publicly defy Trump, the sources say. In a tweet Wednesday evening, DeVos said she considers "protecting all students, including LGBTQ students, not only a key priority for the Department, but for every school in America." In other developments: Jackie Evancho, the teenager who sang at Trump's inauguration, says she is disappointed by the move and would like Trump to meet with her and her transgender sister, the Washington Post reports. Sean Spicer denied Wednesday that DeVos had opposed the policy, saying she was "100%" on board and there was "no daylight between anybody" in the administration, the AP reports. Civil rights groups protested outside the White House Wednesday evening, warning that the decision to send the issue back to the states could increase bullying and violence against the estimated 150,000 young Americans who identify as transgender, NPR reports. Openly gay Democratic National Committee leadership candidate Pete Buttigieg attacked the move during a debate Wednesday, the Hill reports. "What kind of a bully looks for the most vulnerable person they can find to attack?" he wondered, saying the decision would make life harder for "one of the most vulnerable parts of Americas population." Vox takes a look at the background to what it calls "a fight about the next phase of the LGBTQ movement," noting that there is no evidence that allowing people to use the bathroom of the gender they identify with has led to any rise in sexual assaults. CNET reports that Apple added its voice to those criticizing the decision Wednesday. "We support efforts toward greater acceptance, not less, and we strongly believe that transgender students should be treated as equals. We disagree with any effort to limit or rescind their rights and protection," the company said in a statement. Conservative groups praised the move as an end to federal meddling in an issue they believe should be decided locally, the AP reports. "No longer will federal officials distort federal law that is meant to equalize educational opportunities for women, and no longer will they force local officials to intermingle boys and girls within private areas like locker rooms, showers, hotel rooms on school trips and restrooms," said a spokesman for the conservative legal group Alliance Defending Freedom. The Charlotte Observer reports that the decision will make the fight to repeal North Carolina's controversial HB2 "bathroom bill" a lot tougher. Opponents no longer have the Justice Department as a partner, and a federal lawsuit against the bill is expected to be dismissed. The White House says it made the decision now because of the pending Supreme Court case of Gavin Grimm, a transgender teen who wants to use the boys' bathroom at his Virginia high school. He was at the protest outside the White House Wednesday night, where he vowed, "We will not be beaten down by this administration," Reuters reports. ACLU spokesman James Esseks issued a statement saying that the move does not undo legal protections for trans students, ABC reports. "School districts that recognize that should continue doing the right thing; for the rest, well see them in court," he said. (Read more transgender stories.) Secretary of State Rex Tillerson feels that he has been sidelinedalong with the entire State Departmentand is looking for ways to boost his profile, insiders say. A State source tells Politico that Tillerson has privately asked aides for advice on boosting his profile and engaging with the media more often. The Washington Post reports that President Trump has relegated the former Exxon CEO to a "mostly offstage role," with Tillerson usually absent from high-profile meetings with foreign leaders. The State Department's traditional daily press briefings ceased when Trump took office and there has been no word on when they might resume. Insiders say one reason Tillerson hasn't become the face of US foreign policy the way his predecessors were is the fact that his views aren't always in line with Trump's. He is "clearly a very talented and able guy, former State official Eliot Cohen tells Politico. "The problem is that this is the Trump administration, and one has to surmise that he is not where the president is on some of his zanier days." Trump rejected Elliot Abrams, Tillerson's choice of deputy, for having criticized him. The president has also delegated elements of foreign policy to advisers instead of State, including Israeli-Palestinian talks, where son-in-law Jared Kushner is playing a leading role. (Read more Rex Tillerson stories.) As educators around the US wonder whether a crackdown on immigrants will reach their schoolhouse doors, principals in Chicago have been given a simple order: Do not let federal immigration agents in without a criminal warrant. The stand taken by Chicago Public Schools, the country's third-largest school system, is among the boldest of the districts that have announced measures to protect those who may be living in the country illegally, the AP reports. In a note to principals, Public Schools Chief Education Officer Janice Jackson urged them to keep immigration agents outside and to avoid sharing any student records with the agents. "To be very clear, CPS does not provide assistance to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the enforcement of federal civil immigration law," Jackson wrote. She also urged principals to put plans in place for the possibility of parents being detained while their children are in school. It remains unknown how much interest ICE will show in schools under President Trump, but they are acting at least in part to ease concerns of immigrant communities who worry that immigration authorities could grab parents outside the schools and their children inside. (Earlier this month, ICE agents arrested a woman in domestic violence court.) A man who reportedly harangued a Pakistani couple was escorted off a United flight Saturday evening, drawing cheers from passengers. "Goodbye racist!" a woman hollered as the man and his companion were escorted off the plane, the Washington Post reports. The incident aboard Flight 1113 from Chicago to Houston began after a Pakistani couple in traditional dress boarded the plane. "That's not a bomb in your bag, is it?" a man asked them twice, a passenger sitting with her Indian-American boyfriend told KHOU. "The person ahead of us turned around and asked where my boyfriend was from; my boyfriend said its none of your business, she says. At that point he said all illegals and all foreigners need to leave the country. Passengers complained, and cellphone video captured a flight attendant approaching the man and asking him to gather his belongings. "I didn't do nothing," he protests. As he gets up to leave, the unidentified man says, "Happy flight home. I hope you stay there." A woman traveling with him flashes her middle finger. "Racists aren't welcome in America. This is not Trump's America!" says the woman filming. "Goodbye racist!" She tells KHOU that passengers cheered as the couple were led away. But in a parting shot, the man says, "Hey, Ill come back, but youll be gone." A United rep tells the Post that removing passengers is rare but "most customers appreciate a place where they feel safe and where theyre not going to be attacked and we want to provide that." (A prankster claims Delta kicked him off a flight for speaking Arabic.) Wildlife activists are lashing out at a zoo in northern Japan that ordered the deaths of 57 snow monkeys carrying the genes of an "invasive alien species." Officials at Takagoyama Nature Zoo in Chiba ordered the culling after finding that the sweet-faced monkeys had been crossbred with the rhesus macaque, which is banned in Japan, reports AFP via the BBC. Although the hugely popular snow monkeys are also macaques, it is illegal to breed the native monkeys with their non-indigenous cousins. When it was discovered that about one-third of the zoo's 164 monkeys contained the errant genes, their death sentence was ordered by lethal injection. It was unclear when the crossbreeding occurred. An environmental ministry official says the radical action was necessary so the crossbred monkeys wouldn't reproduce in the wild and "threaten the natural environment and ecosystem." A Buddhist memorial service organized by the zoo for the monkeys' souls did little to mollify critics. The zoo didn't do enough to "explore humane alternatives," a World Animal Protection rep tells the Huffington Post. A Born Free rep adds that the monkey episode has "all the echoes of Marius the giraffe," referring to the outrage heaped upon the Copenhagen Zoo when it euthanized Marius in 2014 and fed its meat to lions. (Zoos take a lot of flak, but there's a moral case for their existence, argues this essayist.) It's not just North Korea's relationship with Malaysia that may be splintering. In a rare move Thursday, the country appeared to accuse ally China of working with North Korea's enemies to "bring down its social system," reports Reuters. An editorial published by the state-controlled KCNAwith the byline "Jong Phil"explained a country that "often claims itself to be a 'friendly neighbor'" has "unhesitatingly taken inhumane steps such as totally blocking foreign trade" under UN sanctions, reports the Wall Street Journal. This is "mean behavior," the editorial said. "This country, styling itself a big power, is dancing to the tune of the US." Despite the fact that the editorial didn't name China, an expert on China-North Korea relations says it's a rare "frontal assault" on its ally. The AP notes it "took a tone normally reserved for North Korea's overt enemies." The editorial has been widely viewed as a response to China's announcement Saturday that it would block all coal imports from North Korea according to tightened UN sanctions, which the editorial claimed are "devoid of legal ground" and will "have a negative impact on the living of the people in the DPRK." US officials say coal exports to China earned North Korea $1.2 billion last year, roughly one third of its total export income, the AP reports. (Read more North Korea stories.) Rihanna is more than just a musician: She's Harvard University's Humanitarian of the Year for 2017. In announcing the honor, the university noted Rihanna's charitable projects, including a breast cancer screening and treatment center she helped build in Barbados and a scholarship program she created for students from Caribbean countries who are attending US colleges. She also supports the Global Partnership for Education and Global Citizen Project, which works to give kids in developing countries access to education, and she recently took an HIV test in Barbados on World AIDS Day in an effort to raise awareness. She will travel to Harvard on Tuesday to accept the award, USA Today reports. (Read more Rihanna stories.) "I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation," the National Archives quote George Washington in a letter to his brother following the French and Indian War. He wasn't kidding. In a piece written for Washington's birthday this week, the Washington Post reveals America's first president was nigh indestructible. In his lifetime, Washington bested smallpox, malaria, infections, abscesses, tuberculosis, dysentery, and a boil "the size of two fists." And that's not even mentioning the battles he survived. Washington claimed that during the French and Indian War, four bullets ripped through his coat and two horses were shot while he rode them. He apparently had so many close calls he was rumored to be dead. Yet somehow he managed to live to 67. Washington's resilience was all the more impressive as he was living at time with, as the New England Journal of Medicine puts it, "no well-defined concept of infection...no vaccines, almost no specific or effective treatments for infections diseases." As an illustration of this point, Washington finally died in 1799 when he came down with a sore throat and chills after riding around his property in the snow, according to the Washington Papers. Doctors tried everything to cure himfrom molasses mixed with butter, to vinegar mixed with sage tea, to removing five pints of blood from the former president. None of it worked. A friend described Washington's "dignified" final words, which werefranklya long time coming: "I am just going...Tis well." (Thomas Jefferson's home is getting a renovation with slave Sally Hemings in mind.) "How many times have we all heard people say 'if that person is a Catholic, it is better to be an atheist,'" Pope Francis said Thursday while speaking of hypocritical Christians. Reuters reports the pope made the remarks while delivering an off-the-cuff homily during his private morning Mass. "It is a scandal to say one thing and do another," Pope Francis said. "That is a double life." The pope gave the example of a head of a failing company vacationing on the beach while his workers didn't receive their paychecks, according to USA Today. Pope Francis said Catholics can go to Mass and join Catholic organizations but are hypocrites if they don't pay their employees well, exploit people, or run their businesses dishonestly. Pope Francis said these scandal-causing Catholics shouldn't have "excessive confidence" that God will forgive them. "On this the lord is very severe," he said. "Scandal destroys. On the other hand, the pope has said even atheists can go to heaven, the Washington Post reports. He says atheists are good as long as they do good, and Christians should consider them as such. He says efforts to convert atheists are "nonsense." (Read more Pope Francis stories.) Steve Bannon made his first public appearance since Donald Trump became president Thursday at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, the Washington Post reports. The president's chief strategist said Trump's goal is the "deconstruction of the administrative state," meaning dismantling systems of taxation, regulation, and trade. Bannon said Trump picked his Cabinet nominees with that deconstruction in mind. Here's what else is making headlines at CPAC: Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, who spoke alongside Bannon, says they aren't rivals, as characterized by the media. Instead he says they work alongside each other and share a connection through Trump, Politico reports. White nationalist Richard Spencer was kicked out of CPAC after being spotted in the lobby of the hotel where it's taking place. "His views are repugnant and have absolutely nothing to do with conservatism," a CPAC spokesperson tells NPR. The Hill reports Bannon also reserved some of his time to bash reporters and the media, who he repeatedly called the "opposition party." He warned that every day will be a fight against the "corporatist, globalist media." Meanwhile, Sen. Ted Cruz predictedwithout explanationthat Trump will have a second Supreme Court seat to fill by the summer, Time reports. He also called the Democratic base "bat crap crazy." Speaking of Cruz, a lot has changed since last year's CPAC, where he was the headliner and Trump canceled his speech, according to US News. Kellyanne Conway, who was working for Cruz this time last year, says CPAC is now "TPAC," in reference to Trump. Despite earlier reports that she clashed with the attorney general and Trump on protecting the bathroom rights of transgender students, at CPAC Betsy DeVos said she supported the removal of Obama's guidelines, calling them "overreach," the Huffington Post reports. Finally, Yahoo News has a photo gallery from CPAC. (Read more Conservative Political Action Conference stories.) North Korea calls for release of Kim Jong-nam murder suspects Bangkok : The North Korean Embassy in Malaysia called for the immediate release of the suspects detained in relation to the alleged murder in Kuala Lumpur of Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Malaysian police have not found any evidence implicating the three detained -- one Indonesian, one Malaysian and a North Korean -- in the nine days that have passed since the incident, Efe news cited a statement by the Embassy. "They (the police) should immediately release the innocent females from Vietnam and Indonesia as well as a DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Ri Jong-chol who was arrested unreasonably," the statement read. The Embassy argued that the police investigation was based on CCTV footage from the Kuala Lumpur airport in which one of the women appeared to apply poison on the victim's face with her hands, and questioned how it was possible for the suspects to still be alive after the incident. "This means that the liquid they daubed for a joke is not a poison and that there is another cause of death for the deceased," the statement added. According to Malaysian police, the two women at the airport knew they were dealing with a toxic product and they had earlier visited commercial centers in the city to practice how they would apply poison on the victim. On February 13, Kim Jong-nam, who was travelling on a diplomatic passport under the name of Kim Chol, was apparently attacked by two women at Kuala Lumpur airport, later dying on his way to the hospital. The South Korean government has maintained that Kim Jong-nam was assassinated by the communist regime in Pyongyang. The petition from the North Korean embassy comes on the same day that Malaysian police requested to interview two North Koreans, including an official at the embassy in Kuala Lumpur, in connection with the suspected murder. Malaysian authorities, who are yet to formally identify the victim, have not yet clarified the cause of death but are expected to release the autopsy results Wednesday. Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 4F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Mostly cloudy. Low -4F. Winds light and variable. Islamabad: Pakistans former dictator General Pervez Musharraf has said his administration managed freedom fighters in Kashmir but later realised a political process was needed to negotiate the issue with India, a media report said on Monday. Musharraf, who served as Pakistans president from 2001 to 2008 after he threw out the elected government in a coup in 1999, said his government was able to force India to discuss issues that New Delhi was unwilling to negotiate. In my tenure as a military chief and president of the country, we were succeeding. We were able to bring India to the negotiating table and to sort out issues that India was not ready to discuss, he told Dunya News in an interview. He said his government was managing freedom fighters in Kashmir, and later they realised that a political process was required to negotiate further with India, the report said. Musharraf left Pakistan for Dubai in March last year, after his name was removed from the Exit Control List. The 73-year-old said Afghanistans intelligence agency, the National Directorate of Security, was playing into Indias hands and was being used as a tool to facilitate terror groups in Pakistan. He claimed operation Zarb-e-Azb - during which the Pakistan Army claimed it killed thousands of militants - had no shortcomings as it was specifically for North Waziristan. This operation cleaned up all the camps and launching pads of terrorist, who were supported by the Indian spy agency with the collaboration of NDS, to destabilise the tribal areas. Musharraf said a holistic approach and planning was crucial at the moment to curb terrorism in the country. His possible reference was to a series of deadly terrorist attack in Pakistan this year, particularly the suicide bombing at a famed Sufi shrine in Sindh in which at least 88 people died. Pakistan has blamed Afghanistan for allowing sanctuaries to terrorist groups targeting Pakistan on their soil. The former military chief questioned the steps being taken by Pakistan to eliminate the sleeper cells active in the country, including the previously peaceful Punjab province. What steps are being taken to eliminate these sleeper cells? Punjab has become the stronghold of militancy, he said, refuting a question that terrorist attacks and terror outfits like the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi existed during his tenure. This all started after I stepped down, we had carved out an effective strategy vis--vis Kashmir, we were near resolving Kashmir issue with India on a four-point agenda, our policies were successful; America and China were aligning with us. On Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeeds house arrest, Musharraf said the Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief is not a terrorist. He claimed India is after Saeed because his supporters go voluntarily to Kashmir to fight the Indian Army. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Away from the campaign trail this poll season, Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday made an emotional appeal to the voters in Uttar Pradesh asking them to defeat the forces that deprived them of the benefits of welfare schemes and snatched away everything from them. In a letter to the voters of Rae Bareli and Amethi, the Nehru-Gandhi family pocket boroughs, ahead of fourth phase polling on Thursday, Gandhi appealed to them to vote for the Congress and strengthen her hands to initiate development in the area. She, however, did not talk of the Congress- Samajwadi Party alliance and sought support for only her partys candidates. Gandhi said that for some reasons, she could not canvass for Congress candidates in the area and asked the people to treat her letter as her personal message to them. Noting that this election is very significant, the Congress President took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modis achche din promise, saying the Modi government has instead snatched everything that the people had and accused Modi of doing so to save his own chair. She said the eyes of the entire country were on the electorate of Rae Bareli and Amethi, represented in the Lok Sabha by her and her son Rahul, and that they should vote for Congress candidates and help give support to her resolve and sentiment. For the first time I feel pained to learn that this present central government is deliberately trying to deprive people of the benefits of welfare programme. Have you seen a government that works against and weaken its own people? Unfortunately, the Modi government is doing this only. These people are working only for a handful of people and benefit a select few industrialists, the cost of which every poor is giving, she said in her letter. Questioning the Prime Minister claim of Achhe Din (good days), Gandhi attacked his governments demonetisation decision that affected traders, youths, women, the middle class and minorities. These elections are very significant. In 2014, people of the country along with Uttar Pradesh gave a lot to these people. But, instead of bringing in achche din (good days), the Modi government snatched all that you people had. They also snatched your land, your jobs and your hard-earned money. They can go to any extent to save their chair, she said. It has been a matter of pride for me and my family to represent you. Rae Bareli and Amethi are a part of our life and existence. The credit goes to you for whatever we are today. I share a special bonding with you which is the asset of my life, she said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Indian auto major Tata Motors on Thursday said its Board will hold a meeting next week to consider raising Rs 500 crore through private placement of non-convertible debentures (NCDs). "The company is desirous of offering the sixth series of its rated, listed, unsecured, redeemable, NCDs aggregating to Rs 500 crore and in this regard is holding a meeting of its duly constituted Committee of the Board on March 2, 2017," Tata Motors Ltd said in a BSE filing. "The above issuance is pursuant to the approval of the shareholders passed vide special resolution at the 71th Annual General Meeting of the company held on August 9, 2016 and the Board of Directors' resolution passed at its meeting held on February 14, 2017," it added. Tata Motors shares were trading 0.20 per cent lower at Rs 459.25 on the BSE. New Delhi: Former Delhi BJP MLA Vijay Jolly has been booked in a case of rape after a woman alleged that he drugged and assaulted her, police said on Thursday. The former Saket legislator was booked under sections 376 (Rape), 328 (Causing hurt by means of poison, etc) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC after the woman filed a complaint at a women's police station here on February 21. The woman has alleged in her complaint that Jolly spiked her drink before sexually assaulting her at Gurgaon's Aapno Ghar Resort on February 10. Jolly, an MLA from 2003 to 2008, said he filed a police complaint against the woman, who he alleged was blackmailing and extorting him, on February 17. He told PTI that the allegations were fabricated, meant to defame him and tarnish his political image. Jolly said the woman was a member of the BJP's women's wing and had met him alone at the resort on February 10. There she tried to extort a sum of Rs 5 lakh from him and threatened to file a rape case if he did not comply, he said. An FIR under IPC sections 384 (extortion), 120 B (criminal conspiracy) and other relevant sections had been lodged against the woman at Khidki Daula Police Station on the basis of Jolly's complaint, a senior police officer said. "When the woman and her husband came to know that I had filed a complaint against her for threatening and extorting me, she to divert police investigation and action against her, filed fabricated allegations against me," he alleged. Gurugram Police Commissioner, Sandeep Khirwar told PTI: "We are investigating the cases and are thoroughly examining the FIRs and allegations made by Vijay Jolly and the woman." New Delhi: Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone today refuted reports that she would be attending this year gala Oscar ceremony. There were reports that the actress, high on the success of her debut Hollywood venture "xXx: The Return of Xander Cage", will be walking the red carpet of Oscar's this year. When asked about the same, the actress told reporters, "That's an interesting question.... But no, no." Deepika was speaking at the launch of Gillette Venus Breeze. Even though the actress hinted that this year she will not attend the Academy Awards, she is glad her Hollywood project was well received. "For me, what was really heartening was the way India embraced the film. I think just the way everyone embraced my performance, even the way I spoke in the film, that makes me really happy. "To step out of your comfort zone and work in a territory that you're absolutely unfamiliar with and not knowing what the end result might be, then to see that translate into this kind of love and appreciation, it makes me feel like it's worth taking all of those risks," she said. At the event, Deepika was joined by Soha Ali Khan and Neha Dhupia. When asked if there is a pressure on celebrities to always look good, Deepika said it's actually about the expectation people have from them. "I think it depends from individual to individual. A lot of people have a different way of handling it. I wouldn't say there is pressure, but expectations, yes. There is a lot of expectation from everyone to look a certain way," Deepika said. "For me it doesn't really matter. If I've had a long flight and I look great, then good, if I don't that's also ok. It's totally ok to not have great days, to not feel your best or have low days. You've to allow yourself that much and not be hard on yourself," she added. Neha, who was also asked the same, quipped, "Everyday (I feel the pressure). Specially when I scroll my Instagram feed and suddenly Deepika's picture pops out. It's the worst feeling in the world. And Soha's too." For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Mumbai: Actress-turned-director Pooja Bhatt has revealed that a man has been posing as her agent and taking funds from event companies on her behalf. The 44-year-old "Jism" filmmaker says she is "horrified" by this incident and plans to take police action against the man named Prashant Malge war from Solitude Lifestyle Inc. "Horrified that a man called Prashant Malgewar-Solitude Lifestyle Inc is masquerading as my agent and taking funds from event co's on my behalf," Pooja tweeted. "This is a very DANGEROUS trend. Strict action needs to betaken against Prashant Malgewar (Soulitude Lifestyle Inc) as this amounts to FRAUD. Prashant Malge war is NOT my agent or representative. He is a fraudster who needs to be booked for claiming he does," she further wrote. Pooja wondered how reputed companies could not call the man's bluff and gave him money without even asking for a signed invoice from her. "A man walks into a reputed event co's office, claims money on my behalf & no-one there asks for authentication or a signed invoice from me? "Have to file a complaint against Prashant Malgewar(Soulitude Lifestyle Inc) New Delhi with both Mumbai Police andDelhi Police for fraud." For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Veteran Marathi theatre artist Arun Kakade, fondly known as 'Kakade Kaka', has been chosen for Lifetime Achievement honour for 2017 at the upcoming Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META). The 85-year-old theatre producer, who has been the man behind the success of the Marathi theatre group 'Aavishkaar', will be conferred upon the honour at the week-long META Festival that is scheduled to begin in New delhi from March 4. The festival will also be honouring the best of Indian theatre across 13 award categories. "Kakade's contribution to Indian theatre has been immense and META is privileged to confer him with the Lifetime Achievement Award," organisers said at an event on Thursday. In the past, this award has been given to theatre great ssuch as Zohra Sehgal, Badal Sarkar, Khaled Chowdhury, Ebrahim Alkazi, Girish Karnad and Heisnam Kanhai lal. The Jury members for META 2017 which were also announced at the event, will include distinguished thespians including actors Dolly Thakore, Seema Biswas and Sachin Khedekar, play wright and actor Mahesh Dattani, along with theatre and film actor Avijit Dutt and performer and drama educator Maya K Rao. A discussion on 'The Politics of Theatre' today saw popular theatre artists and play wrights like Arvind Gaur, M K Raina, Bishnupriya Dutt and V K Sharma deliberate on how theatre can be a reflection of the times as well as a catalyst for social change. "In keeping with increasing focus on the digital medium, we began accepting online entries for the very first time for this edition of META. This has further strengthened our commitment to reflect the artistic diversity of our country and provide opportunity and access to the finest talent out there," Sanjoy Roy, who moderated the session, said. Earlier this month, META announced the 10 shortlisted plays which will be showcased during the festival and judged across various award categories by the jury. The event that will showcase a diversity of cultural identities and languages represented in Indian theatre, will feature plays in Bengali, Malayalam, Rajasthani and Kannada along with Hindi and English. "META remains India's most definitive platform to recognise theatrical talent. There is a multitude of talent in this art form which is the source code of all performing arts," Jay Shah, Head, Cultural Outreach, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd, said. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Greater Noida: The body of an one-year-old girl was found from the railway tracks in Dadri area and a man has been arrested in this matter, with police suspecting that she was also raped. The accused, Vijay, a construction worker, had allegedly lured the girl on the pretext of giving her food and murdered her, DSP Rakesh Kumar said, adding it is suspected that she was also raped. The police have arrested the accused who is also suspected to be mentaly disturbed and a medical examination of him will be conducted. He has been charged under sections of rape, murder and POCSO Act. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Mumbai: With the trends indicating early lead for Shiv Sena in the BMC polls, a senior party leader exuded confidence on Thursday that there will be no need for them to forge an alliance with BJP in the Mumbai civic body. "The response of the people has been very good. There are several places where the Sena is leading. This is all due to the faith of people in the leadership of (late Sena supremo) Balasaheb (Thackeray) and Uddhav ji," Sena MP Anil Desai told reporters at the Sena Bhavan here. "People of Mumbai, with their wisdom, are ready to bring the Sena to power on its own. There will be no alliance needed (with the BJP)," he said. Read | Maharashtra civic elections: Parties crossed fingers as BMC polls counting begins To a query on Maharashtra BJP president Raosaheb Danve's visit to 'Matoshree' (Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's residence) on Wednesday, Desai said it was a personal visit. "He had only come to invite Uddhav ji to his son's wedding. It was a personal visit and no hidden political meaning should be seen behind it," he said. Read | BMC polls: Newspaper advertisement sparks fresh controversy For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Delhi Police on Thursday detained Mohit Goel, the director of Noida- based company Ringing Bells which had announced Freedom 251 smartphones at an astonishingly low price of Rs 251 apiece on allegations of fraud. Ghaziabad-based Ayam Enterprises filed an FIR on Wednesday alleging that Ringing Bells defrauded it of Rs 16 lakh.In the FIR, Ayam Enterprises alleged Goel persuaded them to take up the distributorship of the Freedom 251 smartphones. In November 2015, Noida-based Ringing Bells had promised to sell the smartphones at Rs 251 apiece. The sale had started in February last year. Hundreds of thousands of people had pre-ordered the phone, but so far, it has failed to deliver the smartphones to most of those who ordered them. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Puls wife, Dangwimsai Pul, on Thursday withdrew her letter to Chief Justice of India JS Khekar seeking CBI probe into her husbands death. On the judicial side, the Supreme Court has no business to deal with her letter, she said. She also said that her letter should have been dealt with on the administrative side. Representing Dangwimsai, senior counsel Dushyant Dave indicated that she may reach out to Vice President Hamid Ansari to look into the matter as the suicide note left by her husband finds a mention of President Pranab Mukherjee. In her letter to Chief Justice Khehar, Dangwimsai had alleged that politicians and a few higher judiciary functionaries were involved in corruption. Dangwimsai was allowed to withdraw her letter by a bench of Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and Justice Uday Umesh Lalit. They should recuse from hearing the matter as the same cannot be heard on the judicial side, her counsel Dushyant Dave said. Kalikho Pul was found dead on August 9 last year and an alleged suicide note was recovered from his official residence in Itanagar. Dangwimsai had approached Chief Justice of India to seek permission to lodge an FIR on the basis of the suicide note. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Mumbai: Making giant strides in the Shiv Sena citadel of Mumbai, BJP on Thursday won 82 seats in the fiercely fought BMC polls, just two seats behind the estranged saffron ally, but both were well short of the magic figure of 114 needed to control the civic body. The hung verdict will reset the political calculations as no party is in the position to rule the countrys richest civic body on its own and alliance seems inevitable. However, it is not yet clear whether the saffron allies, who share power both in Maharashtra and at the Centre, will get back together or new combinations will emerge. In the counting of votes held on Thursday, the Congress was relegated to the third position with 31 seats, whereas the NCP and the Raj Thackerays MNS were reduced to 9 and 7 seats, respectively. AIMIM, which had made its maiden entry into the Maharashtra Assembly with two seats in the last polls, won three seats on debut in the BMC elections, Samajwadi Party six, Akhil Bhartiya Sena one and Independents four. Also read: BMC election results: Shiv Sena emerges as largest party with 84 seats, BJP gains with 82 wins The results came as a shot in the arm for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who spearheaded the BJPs campaign with focus on transparency. The BJP also came out with flying colours in other municipal corporations and local bodies. Ten municipal corporations, 25 Zilla Parishads and 283 Panchayat Samitis went to polls on February 16 and 21. The BJPs victory came as a major morale-booster for the party which is in the midst of gruelling assembly polls in five states, including key battleground state of Uttar Pradesh, where it is pitted against strong opponents. The calumny-filled campaign for control of BMC had even cast a shadow on the stability of the state government, with the Sena threatening to walk out and putting the government on notice. In the outgoing civic body, Sena had 89 seats, BJP 32, Congress 51, NCP 14, SP 8, MNS 28, PWP 1, and Independents 4. The Sena has controlled the BMC for the last two decades with the BJP remaining a junior partner. Senas gamble to go alone in its bastion appeared to have failed to pay off. Thanking the voters, an elated Fadnavis said, Our victory is the result of peoples acceptance of our agenda of transparency, and indicated that his partys core committee would explore the options before it. Meanwhile, when asked about the future course of action, Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray said, What is the hurry? Wait for some time. We have not yet decided if an alliance has to be made or not. We will do so soon. Earlier, on a day of fluctuating fortunes, the initial trends put the Sena ahead in close to 100 seats, prompting the analysts to predict that it would a smooth road to power for the Uddhav Thackerays party with the support of a few independents or smaller entities. As the counting progressed, the BJP surged ahead to notch up its highest-ever tally in the municipal body, whose annual budget surpasses even those of some smaller states. Last years budget of BMC stood at Rs 37,052 crore. With the Congress getting reduced to 31 seats, its city unit president Sanjay Nirupam, who had crossed swords with senior leader Gurdas Kamat ahead of the polls, offered to quit, owning responsibility for the rout. The voters dealt a heavy blow to Raj Thackerays MNS whose tally fell to mere 7 from 28 in 2012, primarily due to a huge consolidation of Marathi votes in favour of Shiv Sena. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP had during the campaign itself admitted that the party did not have much at stake in the megalopolis. As the BJP put up a sterling performance in civic polls across state including the BMC, Fadnavis said the victory was a vote for transparency and demonetisation. As no party is in the position to rule the BMC on its own and the saffron allies are looking in opposite directions, it now remains to be seen how the major players cobble together an alliance which has enough numbers to control the civic body. When asked about this, Fadnavis said the partys core committee will decide the future course of action. All decisions for the party are taken by its core committee. Whether or not to go for an alliance will be decided when I, (Maharashtra BJP President) Raosaheb Danve, (Mumbai BJP chief) Ashish Shelar sit and look at the prevailing situation, he told reporters in Mumbai. Since the last two days, the BJP has been trying to send the signal that it did not want the bitterness of the campaign to continue. In his interview to a newspaper, Fadnavis recently said the post-poll alliance will be on transparency alone. State BJP president Raosaheb Danve told reporters, Everybody needs to forgive and forget the allegations as well as the strong language used during the campaign. Now, the mandate is out and we respect it. He also said the BJP could be able to rule the cash-rich body with the support of some independents, which appears unlikely. Two big parties will have to forge an alliance to be able to rule the BMC as independents and smaller parties do not have the numbers. Congress, Samajwadi Party and AIMIM are unlikely to support a BJP-led dispensation. Thackeray, on his part, asserted that the city Mayor would be from the Sena, an indication that he could go for a hard bargain if the two saffron parties were to come together again. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Washington: Senior Congress leader Manish Tewari has termed 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's detention as "mere eye wash' and asked Pakistan to hand over the terrorist to India. "It (Pakistan's action) is a mere eye wash. If Pakistanis are really serious, they need to hand Hafiz Saeed to India," Tewari told a group of reporters at the Atlantic Council on Wednesday. Responding to a question, he said there are enough strong evidence against Saeed both in public domain and those provided by India to Pakistan through official channels. "It is essentially an eye wash," he said citing similar experiences of the previous UPA government with other terrorists based in Pakistan who were temporarily detained, but were released later on. Tewari said that the US needs to pressurise Pakistan in order to solve the problem of terrorism. "Either the US comes down heavily on Pakistan for not taking action against terrorist groups or being selective in its approach, or the democratic dispensation in Pakistan reigning in ISI and its elements." he said. "The third way is that India starts playing the Pakistani game (proxy war). But for any democratic country like India, the moral question is whether responsible and mature democracies should use non-state actors each to meet its national security objectives," he added. According to him, the successive Indian governments have given a thought about it but concluded that "responsible government should not use non-state actors to serve its national goals". On US President Donald Trump's comments that America would be willing to help India and Pakistan resolve its disputes, he said "It is a no go area". The Congress leader also termed this as a "red line" which no Indian government will ever contemplate. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Krishnagar : In a gruesome incident, a pregnant woman lost her baby after being kicked in the stomach during a scuffle over playing microphone in high volume in Nadia district, police said on Thursday. Five persons including a local BJP panchayat pradhan of Dhubulia area was arrested in this connection. The incident occurred after a man identified as Shambhu Chandra Das of Tantla village under Dhubulia police station protested against playing microphone in high volume in a kirtan programme last night. Das was then allegedly assaulted by several people and some others went to stop them. Mayarani Santra, the pregnant woman, reached there as her brother-in-law was being beaten up. Police said she was kicked in the stomach during the scuffle. She was first taken to Dhubulia Rural hospital and then to Krishnagar Sadar Hospital where her unborn baby died this afternoon, police said. Das lodged a police complaint against five persons including the BJP pradhan Palash Kumar Biswas and they were arrested today. Biswas said he was not involved in the incident and Trinamool Congress framed him. Mayarani's husband Sanjay Santra claimed his wife was kicked in front of Biswas. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Three army jawans were killed and six other personnel were injured on late Wednesday night when militants opened fire at a patrolling team in Mulu Chitragam area of Shopian district in south Kashmir. As per media reports, a total of six army personnel sustained bullet injuries in the attack. Reports said a cordon and search operation was carried out at Kungnoo in Shopian district by 44 RR and police. The team concluded the search operation without any arrest. The attack happened when the patrol party was returning from Kungnoo, the patrol party was attacked by militants at Mulu Chitragam at about 2 am resulting in injuries to six army personnel including two officers of whom three succumbed to injuries. The deceased woman has been identified as Mst Taja, wife of Ghulam Mohammed Mir of Mulu. Taja was hit by a stray bullet inside her house during the crossfiring. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: With Haryana's opposition party INLD sticking to its plan to undertake digging of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal in Punjab from Thursday, the police of the two states have beefed up security arrangements to maintain law and order situation at the border. Owing to the possible showdown between Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) workers and the forces, the security forces have also sealed a busy section of the national highway along the Haryana-Punjab border that links Delhi with Amritsar. The Shambhu barrier on NH1 on Punjab and Haryana border has also been fortified to avoid any eventualities. Punjab DGP Suresh Arora and his Haryana counterpart KP Singh visited the Shambu village on Wednesday and took stock of the situation arising out of INLD's plan. Read | SYL row: Heavy police deployment at Haryana-Punjab border after INLD threat to dig canal Amid the escalating tension over the sensitive SYL issue, Punjab has deployed 10 companies of paramilitary forces and nearly 5,000 policemen near villages located on its border with Haryana, officials said. Haryana too has deployed five companies of paramilitary forces, besides police in adequate strength to ensure that the law and order is not disturbed. With the police of the two states working in tandem to tackle the situation, the roads have been barricaded and walls raised at Shambhu border. Section 144 of CrPC, prohibiting the assembly of five or more persons, too has been imposed and five duty magistrates have been stationed in the area. With INLD threatening to march to Punjab tomorrow, there is heavy security at the Kapuri-Shambu border which falls in Patiala district. INLD activists are scheduled to assemble tomorrow at the Ambala grain market, 2 km from the Shambu border. Read | Punjab Polls: Hooda won't campaign for Cong in Punjab unless SYL canal built For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Bahraich (UP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday responded to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadavs donkey remark while addressing a rally in Bahraich. He was he was amused that Akhilesh was afraid of the donkeys of Gujarat but said he takes inspiration from the loyal and hard working animal. PM Modi went on to add that by criticising donkeys, AKhilesh has shown his casteist mentality and the feeling of hatred does not suit him. In elections, opponents criticise each other... Akhileshji I can understand if you attack Modi and BJP but I am amused that you have attacked donkeys...are you afraid of donkeys, that too these are thousands of kilometres away? Modi said. Addressing BJPs Vijay Shanknaad rally here, he said, The people of this country are my master, I take inspiration from the donkey because I work for people day and night...donkeys are loyal to their master, said. ALSO READ | PM Modi in Basti: 'Women in UP do not feel safe stepping out of houses after dusk' I am amused that your casteist mentality is also having a reflection on animals too...you found donkeys so bad...it is natural as your govenment is so efficient that the entire government goes about looking for buffaloes when they go missing, he said. His reference was to the buffaloes of SP minister Azam Khan which had gone missing in Rampur and police tracked them down. This is the pehchaan (identity) of your government but you are not aware that donkeys too give us inspiration if heart and mind is clear...we can also take that inspiration, it is loyal to the master and works as much as the master asks for and is very economical, he said. It works even if it is ill, hungry or tired and completes the work...Akhileshji these 125 crore countrymen are my masters...I do all the work they ask me to do as I take inspiration from donkeys and take it with full pride, Modi said. ALSO READ | Akhilesh Yadav should learn from donkeys to stay loyal to his father, says Gujarat BJP At a rally in Raebareli, Akhilesh had said, TV pe ekvigyapan aata hai jisme ek gadha aata hai. Hum sadi ke mahanayak se kahenge ki Gujarat ke gadhon ka prachar band kariye. (There comes an advertisement on Television which features a donkey. I will ask the megastar of this century to stop campaigning for donkeys), he said. Gujarat ke gadhon ka prachar karate hain. Shamshan aur kabristan ki baat karte hain, na jaane kaun unko ye sab btata hai. Ab ad gadhe ke bhi hone lage, desh kahan jaata hai, he had said. Video | Akhilesh Yadav takes controversial jibe at BJP: 'Don't promote donkeys of Gujarat' His comments were on a tourism advertisement for Gujarat featuring Amitabh Bachchan which promoted wild ass. (With inputs from PTI) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Mizo National Front (MNF) MLA Dr K Beichhua won praises from all quarters on Thursday after he successfully operated upon a pregnant woman at Siaha Civil Hospital in absence of its medical in-charge. According to reports, Dr Beichhua was in his constituency when he learnt about the plight of woman's family and decided to help them. He immediately rushed to the hospital and performed the surgery. Beichhua was told that the in-charge of the hospital was on leave and there were no medical assistants to provide relief to the patients. Both woman and her child are in good health and will be discharged from the hospital soon. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Dhaka: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to travel to India on an official visit in the first half of April, her close aide said on Thursday. This was disclosed by Hasinas Deputy Press Secretary M Nazrul Islam after Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar called on the Prime Minister at her parliament office in Dhaka. The prime minister will go to India in the first half of April, Islam told the media after the meeting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited Hasina during his Dhaka visit in 2015. Hasina was expected to travel to India in December 2016 but her visit was postponed amid speculation that it was not a suitable time to discuss Teesta water sharing issue given the preoccupation of the Indian government post-demonetisation and the unease in relations between the Centre and West Bengal, a key stakeholder in the issue. Jaishankar, who came to Dhaka on a two-day trip after wrapping up his China visit, called on Hasina and discussed on the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation that has been inoperative for long, local media reports said. They opined that though the activities of SAARC has been stagnant due to Pakistan, the organisation should be kept functioning, The Daily Star reported, citing its sources. Jaishankar said the government and the people of India were looking forward to Hasinas visit and her trip will strengthen the friendly ties between the two nations. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, PMs Principal Secretary Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque and Indian High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan Shringla were also present at the meeting. Development projects will be taken on the basis of Bangladeshs demand, Nazrul quoted Jaishankar as saying. Hasina said the two countries have settled land border dispute and observed that all issues can be solved if there is good intention, her deputy press secretary said. She also sought more discussions on the implementation of the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal) motor vehicle agreement. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Beijing: China is all set to host the ninth BRICS Summit in Xiamen city from September 3-5, State Councilor Yang Jiechi said on Thursday. The theme of this years event is BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future, he said while addressing the First Sherpa Meeting of the summit in Nanjing. China expects the Xiamen BRICS summit will promote members strengthening solidarity and collaboration, and improving global governance, deepening pragmatic cooperation to achieve mutual benefit, increasing people-to-people exchanges, and enhancing public support, and strengthening institutional mechanism and improving cooperation platform, which are the four objectives, Yang said. President Xi Jinping hopes to work with other BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) leaders to ensure the meeting is a success, Yang was quoted as saying by the state-run Xinhua news agency. Yang said China is confident that the BRICS cooperation will progress to a new level and become a globally influential platform for South-South cooperation. Cooperation among the emerging-market bloc will push forward the establishment of a more fair and rational international order, he said. Yang said BRICS has become a driving force, promoting global economic growth, improving global governance, and pushing forward democracy in international relations. Facing a complicated and volatile international situation, BRICS nations should remain confident and work together to cope with challenges and seize the opportunities for common development, he said. Yang expressed confidence that the Xiamen BRICS Summit would result in positive outcomes and create a brighter future for BRICS nations. The First BRICS Sherpa Meeting will run till Friday and it aims to lay the groundwork for the BRICS leaders summit in September. The meeting attracted more than 100 participants, including coordinators from all sides, foreign diplomats, and representatives from the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB). For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: At least eight persons were killed and 35 others injured on Thursday in a powerful bomb blast in a posh defence locality in Lahore, the second such incident in the city this month as Pakistan witnesses a surge in terror attacks. Panic gripped the Defence Housing Authority a little before noon when the loud explosion resonated across Z-Block. Eight persons have been killed and 35 suffered injuries, officials said. The nature of the blast is yet to be determined and bomb disposal squad and forensic expert are collecting evidences from the spot. It appears to be a planted device, Punjab police spokesman Niyab Haider told PTI. Police officials said 8-10 kilogrammes of explosives were used. The area has been cordoned off and a search operation is underway. Several vehicles were also damaged in the blast. The injured are being shifted to different city hospitals. TV footage shows windows of several offices and eateries in the commercial area shattered by shrapnel. Windscreens of cars parked over 100 feet away from the building were shattered and there was considerable damage to the cars bodies. Residents were evacuated from buildings. The Z-block market houses restaurants frequented by young couples. The latest blast came as security has been tightened across Pakistan after a recent wave of terrorist strikes killed more than 100 people. On February 16, a suicide bomber killed 88 people at a famed Sufi shrine in Sindh province. Following the attack, the army launched an offensive against militants and claimed to have killed more than 130 terrorists across the country. Earlier on 13 February, at least 14 people were killed in a suicide bombing near the Punjab Assembly. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would soon get know his political fate with the countrys Supreme Court saying on Thursday that it would provide a detailed judgement in the high-profile Panama Leaks case.The apex court, which completed hearing the case on Thursday, reserved its verdict to a later date. The case pertains to investments allegedly made by Prime Minister Sharif and members of his family in Mossack Fonseca, an offshore investment company. The investment came to light as part of a massive leak of secret files from a Panamanian law firm that is a specialised consultant dealing in the setting up of offshore companies in tax havens. Prime Minister Sharif, 67, has denied any wrongdoing. Heading a five-judge bench hearing a slew of petitions against Sharif family, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa observed that 26,000 pages were submitted in the case and the judges will read each word of it. He observed that it was not a case wherein a short order could be passed. The court will decide the case only after considering the material submitted in the court and will announce its verdict in accordance with the law and Constitution, Justice Khosa was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune. We will decide this case only by the law; such that people will say, 20 years down the line, that this judgement was made by the book, Justice Khosa said. Data from the Panama Papers, available on the website of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) had revealed the offshore holdings of members of Prime Minister Sharifs family. According to documents available on the ICIJ website, Sharifs children - Mariam, Hasan and Hussain - were owners or had the right to authorise transactions for several companies, Dawn newspaper said. All eyes are on the verdict of the case which took 26 days of the Supreme Court. The Panama case changed the political landscape of the country, which was torn between two groups; the first comprising of all of the political opposition including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and the second belonging to supporters of the ruling party Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Geo TV reported on its website. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan was present in the court. Also in attendance were Jamat-e-Islami (JI) chief Siraj-ul-Haq and Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed. Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would respect whatever decision would be given by the Supreme Court in the case. He said the courts decision was about to come and all the parties in the case should get ready to accept it.You may have your own reservations and feelings but you have to respect the courts decision, he said. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The deportation force is being mustered. President Donald Trump is making good on his campaign promise to round up and deport undocumented immigrants more aggressively than prior presidents. He recently told business leaders at the White House that a military operation is underway to roust people who are in the country illegally, and John Kelly, the Director of Homeland Security, recently outlined plans to hire 15,000 new immigration agents to help with the work. That will take timeand require Congressional fundingbut the Trump administration already seems to be ramping up enforcement of existing immigration laws. Trump has blamed undocumented immigrants for taking American jobs, committing violent crimes and milking US taxpayers. There are certainly anecdotal examples of each, but Trump also applies his usual hyperbole to the issue, while overlooking the important role undocumented workers play in the US economy. They account for about 4.5% of the American workforce and are crucial workers in industries such as agriculture, construction and hospitality. If Trump intends to kick an estimated 11 million undocumented people out of the country, it could upend many businesses and harm the economy more than it helps. [Related: Trump wants to block immigrant workers companies need.] Will US workers come in and ask for those jobs? Im guessing not without a big pay raise, says Jennifer Van Hook, a demographer at Penn State University who has studied illegal immigration in depth. Theres going to be a labor shortage in certain industries, especially if these people really do leave. Many people conflate legal and illegal immigration, which are actually quite different. The majority of people in the country illegally arrived with legal visas, and simply stayed once the visa expired. A smaller portion snuck in without any paperwork at all. Some of those are the really bad dudes Trump rails against, but most arent. Here are 5 myths about illegal immigration that are obscuring the economic importance of such people: Story continues Illegal immigration is getting worse. Trump has talked about Americas open borders as if foreigners are suddenly flooding into America. Thats not what is happening. Illegal immigration peaked in 2007, and has since drifted down, according to the Pew Research Center. Fewer people have been coming from Mexico, while more have been coming from Central America. Heres the overall trend: Undocumented immigrants dont have jobs. Trump frequently cites a controversial study saying 62% of the unauthorized population collects some kind of welfare, as if people sneak into the United States just for taxpayer-funded benefits. (More on that dubious claim below.) In reality, about 60% of undocumented immigrantsroughly 6.4 million of the 11 millionhave jobs. The portion of undocumented, working-age men with a job is 87%, according to research by Harvard University economist George Borjas. The employment rate for American men is much lower74%. A frequent conjecture is made about undocumented immigrationthat undocumented immigrant men come to the United States to work, Borjas wrote in a 2016 study. The data strongly support this conjecture. Undocumented women are less likely than American women to work, probably because they are more likely to have children. [Related: Trump now owns Obamacare.] Those who do work take American jobs. Trump rightly asserts that most undocumented workers are lower-skilled, undereducated people. But its unlikely they take many jobs Americans would otherwise have. Borjass research, for instance, found that undocumented immigrants are far less responsive to wage changes than the labor supply of natives. That means theyll work even if pay drops or low-paying jobs are replaced by even lower-paying ones probably because they have no other choice. Americans, by contrast, have resources such as unemployment insurance and other types of programs to palliate the sting of economic hardship. The data suggests American workers simply dont want or need the low-paying jobs often done by foreigners. Plus, of the 10 states with the highest percentage of undocumented immigrantsNevada, Texas, California, New Jersey, Arizona, Florida, Maryland, New Mexico, New York and Colorado7 have an unemployment rate equal to or lower than the national average of 4.9%. If undocumented immigrants were putting Americans out of work, unemployment ought to be higher than average in those states, not lower. Undocumented immigrants suck up taxpayer money. People in the country illegally are not entitled to any federal welfare benefits at all. None. And theres no evidence of meaningful fraud that puts taxpayer money in their pockets. What undocumented immigrants can claim is federal food assistance if there are children in the household who were born in the United States, which would make them US citizens. Undocumented children are also allowed to attend public schools, and their families do consume public services such as fire protection and garbage pickup. Theres some cost to that. But they also contribute to the economy by paying sales taxes (and income taxes in some cases), and helping companies turn a profit. Trump frequently cites a study claiming illegal immigration costs US taxpayers $113 billion per year, which Politifact deemed mostly false. Other studies have found that the cost of undocumented workers to the US economy is much lower, and some economists think their net contribution to the US economy might be positive. [Related: Lets give Trump credit for this.] They commit an inordinate amount of crime. Violent crimes committed by unauthorized immigrants probably get more attention than similar crimes committed by Americans, but theres no evidence immigrants commit crimes at a higher rate than anybody else. In fact, crime rates in immigrant communities tend to be lower than elsewhere in the United States. On this issue, the data doesnt separate legal immigrants from those here illegally. So its hard to know precisely about crime rates among the unauthorized population. But we do know that the typical unauthorized immigrant has been in the United States for nearly 14 years, according to Pew. Many have settled into law-abiding communities rather than joining gangs or going on violent rampages. Theres nothing especially newsworthy about that, however. Confidential tip line: rickjnewman@yahoo.com Rick Newman is the author of four books, including Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman ISIS is already in the United States, ready to attack Im sure most have not forgotten about the terrible terrorist attacks that were carried out by the Islamic State in Paris just over a year ago. ISIS was responsible for taking the lives of 129 innocent people, and injuring 352 others. Just days later, Barack Obama delivered a press conference addressing the attack, where he made some of the most anti-American comments of his entire presidency. What Im not interested in doing is posing or pursuing some notion of American leadership or America winning or whatever other slogans they come up with that has no relationship to what is actually going to work to protect the American people, Obama declared. Im too busy for that. Too busy to demonstrate American leadership to the rest of the world? Too busy to do what nearly every other American president has done for almost two and a half centuries? Really? I dont believe its a stretch to say that Barack Obama was a rather weak and timid commander-in-chief, who time and time again failed to do what needed to be done. For example, he was consistently against putting American boots on the ground, even though I believe, as many others do, that it was and still is necessary. Barack Obama was vehemently opposed to the use of enhanced interrogation, even though its an effective tool that is used to extract vital information from terrorists. U.S. military pilots who spent time fighting ISIS in Iraq have said that Barack Obama denied them permission to engage terror targets 75% of the time. But a weak foreign policy was only half of Obamas problem. The other half was rooted in his anti-American, anti-leadership mentality. If you are the leader of the free world, and you believe strongly that Americas role is not to stand up strong but rather to sit down, then of course your foreign policy decisions are going to effect that. History has shown that when America leads, the world is a much safer, brighter place. Unfortunately, Barack Obamas disastrous presidency and failure as commander-in-chief has dragged our world deeper into the darkness. After years of attacks both overseas and on our own soil, the United States military and law enforcement organizations say that they dont expect these attacks to let up. One U.S. defense official said, We think that transnational terrorist attacks, in the near term, will probably remain steady. The group has been able to build a robust and redundant apparatus for conducting transnational terrorist attacks. The defense official went on to say that militant Islamists most likely have radicalized fighters dug in all over the world, waiting to carry out attacks. They have a lot of people in place already that are sympathizers around the world, he explained. We think they will be able to continue to be able to produce at least a constant level of propaganda, which underpins a lot of the ideology in Europe and elsewhere. (RELATED: Read about how ISIS is now at war with America, and how our politically correct culture led us to this point.) In Europe, the threat of radical Islam is no less significant. Kristian Bartholin, who is the head of counterterrorism at the Council of Europe, noted that due to the current high alert levels, it is difficult for terrorists to operate in traditional cell structures; hence, we see more lone wolf attacks. To a large extent, all of this is the result of eight years of America sitting on the bench under the leadership of Barack Obama. America leading is not just something that sounds like it would make a good bumper sticker; this is reality. We are an extremely powerful country, but to quote the uncle of a famous superhero, with great power comes great responsibility. The world needs us. Its time to stand and fight. Sources: WTOP.com TheFederalist.com NYTimes.com FreeBeacon.com Submit a correction >> Reporter fired for questioning vaccines and climate change Fascism is alive and well in the U.S., where a news reporter and meteorologist was recently fired from her job not for poor performance or because she committed some type of crime, but simply because she supports the freedom of parents not to have to vaccinate their children, and because she questions the legitimacy of some of the science that backs the theory of man-made global warming. Misha Michaels from WGBH in Boston was told by her bosses at the station that she is not a good fit after it was revealed that she had supported a legislative bill allowing parents to forego vaccinating their children. Michaels also posted information on her website contradicting the official narrative on man-made global warming, writing that she believes strongly that politics has warped the scientific process and natural variation has a much stronger hand than humans do. These are quite reasonable positions for a person to take and more importantly, theyre personal ones that every American is afforded under the First Amendment. But Michaels colleagues werent too happy once they found out that she held these views, and quickly ratted Michaels out to her bosses. Not long after, Michaels was told she was no longer employed as a science reporter for the Greater Boston show. Even after deleting the inflammatory comments from her website, Michaels remained blacklisted from the station, bearing the scarlet letter of a politically-incorrect skeptic in a world that requires 100 percent compliance with the official government narrative. Even though WGBH hired Michaels knowing full well what she believed, that decision was ultimately overruled by the scientific oligarchs who refuse to have their dogmas questioned. I am saddened by the sudden end of my position as science reporter at WGBH, reads a statement issued by Michaels after her firing. I worked tirelessly for more than two decades as a broadcast meteorologist, storm chaser, and science reporter. Scientific consensus does not equal complacency. It is a challenge to scientists to verify the science or push it forward. French reporter also fired for questioning global warming in 2015 A similar browbeating took place in France back in 2015 when top weatherman Philippe Verdier was fired from his position after questioning the politicization of science by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which had been exposed for publishing false data and fake science. Verdier was later hired by Russias RT newspaper to cover the United Nations climate summit in Paris that same year. In 2007, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Al Gore and the IPCC climate change experts, Verdier said on RT. They told us if we dont deal with climate change, there will be more risks to have wars. But for 20 years, we are experiencing the warmest years and we have a parallel decline in wars and declining numbers of victims from conflicts. Commenting on these types of situations, Dr. Pat Michaels, a climatologist at the Cato Institute, used the word shameful to describe them. Rather than allowing freedom of thought and expression, allowing the public to decide on their own whats true and what isnt as it relates to climate science, the pseudo-science mafia would rather control the narrative at all costs, even when it means firing good people for doing absolutely nothing wrong. the folks at WGBH could actually really do their listeners a service, Michaels is quoted as saying by One News Now. And they would discover its not very much like its supposed to be. Its supposed to be warming up much faster than it is. (RELATED: More on the developments of climate change science is available at ClimateScienceNews.com) Sources: DailyCaller.com OneNewsNow.com Submit a correction >> Concern about unregulated sober homes has reached Washington, D.C., where lawmakers want a federal review of the drug recovery homes. The move comes after two young adults from Danbury and Ridgefield died of heroin overdoses in sober homes earlier this year. There have been several recent overdoses that have occurred in Connecticut sober houses, Sen. Chris Murphy wrote to the federal Government Accountability Office. These deaths have raised questions about these facilities and the GAO review will be helpful in determining whether state and federal policymakers should consider additional oversight. Meanwhile, in Hartford, the state legislature completed hearings this week on a bill that would require sober homes to register as a business, among other measures. There seems to be about 240 of these sober homes in Connecticut, and they can run the gamut from 24/7 staffing and support services to glorified boarding houses, said state Rep. Bob Godfrey of Danbury, who sponsored the bill with state Rep. Michelle Cook of Torrington. Torrington is the location of separate sober homes where Kaitlyn Knapp, 21, of Danbury, died of a heroin overdose in late December, and where 29-year-old David Anderson of Ridgefield died a week later. Sober homes are often the final supportive living environment for people recovering from drug abuse before they make the transition back into society. Unlike residential treatment homes and halfway houses that are licensed by the state, sober houses are not regulated. Michelle and my concern is those people who are running these more like a boarding house are using up their tenants social security disability payments without providing anything outside of a roof, Godfrey said. We want sober homes to register with municipalities and the state so we can start collecting data and make policy decisions. Murphy and colleagues in Washington, D.C., have the same idea. Murphy on Wednesday joined fellow Democrat Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Republican Sens. Orrin Hatch and Marco Rubio in calling on the GAO to investigate: How many sober living homes exist in the United States. How sober homes are regulated. What services are covered and how effective they are. How sober homes relate to Medicaid and other federally funded health programs. At a public hearing Wednesday in Hartford, the states top mental health official said Connecticut had serious concerns about regulating sober homes. The reason: people who live in sober homes are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act, and a law targeting people because of their disability would be discriminatory, said Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, commissioner of the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. We are concerned that requiring sober houses to self-identify and register with the state as a business entity and notice municipalities that people recovery are living together in sobriety would limit the ability to live in residential areas, the commissioner told the legislatures Public Health Committee. We are concerned that it will provide increased opportunity for discriminatory or stigmatizing behavior towards people with a substance abuse disorder. A statewide group that represents Connecticuts cities and towns disagreed that the bill would subject sober homes to unequal treatment. Local officials believe this will serve tremendous value because, as stated, one of the difficulties with sober homes is not knowing where they exist, the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities wrote. Godfrey said he was hopeful the bill would make it out of the committee and be passed by the legislature. Enough people have testified in favor of this, Godfrey said. So we know there is support for this at the basic neighborhood level. rryser@newstimes.com; 203-731-3342 BROOKFIELD - Residents will discuss several potential changes to the town charter at a public hearing next week, including a recommendation to increase the membership of the Board of Selectmen from three to five. The Charter Revision Commission will hold the hearing at 7 p.m. March 2 on recommended updates to the town charter, which was last revised in 2014. After reviewing public comments, the commission will make final recommendations to the selectmen, who would decide which items to put to a public vote. Among the commissions other suggestions is a proposal to separate the voting for first selectman from voting for other open seats, so that a losing candidate for first selectman cannot fill one of the open slots. Town Attorney Tom Beecher said the changes, if approved, likely would not go into effect before the November election. The Board of Selectmen formed the seven-member charter commission in July, asking them to consider 10 charges. After a September meeting, residents added nine more requests for consideration. Of the 19 charges, the commission recommended no action on about half. The biggest change would be the addition of two members to the Board of Selectmen. Joni Park, chairman of the charter commission, said the majority of Connecticut towns of Brookfields size have five to seven selectmen, which allows for broader discussion. It gives more representation to the people of Brookfield, Park said. We are no longer just a small town. Were a varying population in the 16,000 to 17,000 range. and many towns have larger Board of Selectmen than we do. But the selectmen said they are skeptical of the recommendation. First Selectman Steve Dunn agreed that more selectmen would allow for a variety of opinions, but said the town is not ready for the change, especially since voters have repeatedly shot down the idea by wide margins. Its a huge change, and right now I think we should go for smaller changes that help the town, he said. A revision of that size is massive and would require a lot of discussion before we put it before the voters. Selectman Marty Flynn said, with five selectmen, three members of the same party could meet in secret in a caucus and overturn everything the first selectman of an opposing party had done. Three Board of Selectmen ensures all business is done out in the open, Flynn said. Dunn said a five-member board works better with a town manager form of government. Under that arrangement, where the board sets policy and the town manager implements it, a variety of voices in setting policy is beneficial. But town managers are more expensive than first selectman, Dunn said, and the commission did not recommend Brookfield consider changing the form of government. Park said she and the rest of the commission thought a town manager would be a good idea, but that residents would need to be better-educated on the issue before bringing it to a vote. We felt the change was so large that it should in the future be put to the town as one item, rather than as part of a few items, she said. Flynn opposed the proposal to separate voting for selectmen and first selectman, saying that if the current first selectman lost, the board would miss his or her expertise. You would be stifling the strongest voice with the most experience, he said. The commission recommended no action on some of the boards other charges, such as correcting grammar and conflicting items. In many of those instances we chose to say we didnt feel like those were as important, Park said. But Flynn said the commission should focus on housekeeping changes such as eliminating offices that no longer exist. I cant see how anyone would vote in opposition to that, he said. Those are the kind of things they should be concentrating on. Flynn said he was against the charter revision to begin with, as the town has had two in the last five years. All these things have been settled in the past, he said. Residents are encouraged to share their input on the recommendations, either by speaking at the hearing, filling out an online survey or emailing CharterRevision@brookfieldct.gov. How many times do we hear the millions of excuses for why we, or the people around us, are incapable of realizing our dreams? An Indian start-up decided to trade in those millions of excuses for a design platform now worth millions of dollars. If you think that funding is the only reason you cant get from A to B, then you need to pay attention to the takeaways in this article. Youll see that with some grit, determination and networking, anything is possible. Related: 3 Questions That You Should Regularly Ask Yourself That Can Transform Your Life The true value of a cup of coffee. Its not every day that a cup of coffee does more than just fuel my morning. Okay, and afternoon, and sometimes evening. Hey, caffeine-inspired entrepreneurship is what built this country. And yes, I do complain to my doctor that I have trouble falling asleep. Why do you ask? But seriously, my coffee break last week was eye-opening. I had the chance to meet with Rahul Aggarwal, the founder of Designhill, over a cup of joe. I learned to jump at opportunities to expand my network and learn from the successes -- and more importantly, the failures -- of others. A twenty-minute conversation with a knowledgeable person can provide insights that impact the rest of your life. VC capital is still a difficult proposition for most Indian start-ups. Aggarwal shared with me that one of their biggest challenges as an Indian start-up was securing venture funding. After our conversation, I did a little digging to better understand why. While the availability of VC funding in India has experienced mind-blowing growth in recent years, funding is still highly concentrated to the upper-rungs of Indian society. Nearly $4 billion may sound like a lot of funding available for a single country, but consider that India has a population of more than 1.2 billion people. Some back of the napkin calculations would reveal that there is approximately $3.30 of VC funding available per capita. This figure pales in comparison to the United States. We have more than $58 billion of VC funding available to a population of 318.9 million people. Flip the napkin over, and youll find thats roughly $181 per U.S. citizen, or 54 times more VC funding than India. First off, holy figures batman. I know, that was a lot of math. And I am not claiming that this is an apple to apple comparison. There are a huge number of variables involved in a start-up receiving a capital injection. But, for the sake of fairness, I think the point needed to be made clear. Indian startups are at a disadvantage. India is a brutal tech start-up environment. Successful Indian tech ventures produce comparatively meager returns for their investors. With a lack of funding, how did Aggarwal's team manage to overcome the odds? A grassroots network of talented people. In the early years, Aggarwal's team primarily traded their talent and time for equity in Designhill. He never asked his partners to shoulder a workload that he wouldnt do himself. In fact, during our conversation, Aggarwal spent more time talking about his incredible team than himself. An effective leader finds ways to inspire talented people to achieve amazing things together. In the early days, he realized that this philosophy goes well beyond the boardroom. Designhills entire platform brings graphic designers together with companies that need their services. His hope is that their system will eliminate the need for small and medium-sized firms to hire expensive, in-house graphic designers. Related: How to Build a Great Startup Culture Apply a fresh perspective to empower the disenfranchised. There are many platforms or companies that claim to provide quality freelance graphic design. The unique strategy that allowed Designhill to stand out from the pack was its bidding process. Companies post a request for a design, along with a cash deposit. Instead of proposals, designers send in completed work. The client and the designers competing for the cash prize communicate on the platform. Most designs go through a few revisions. Then, a final winner is selected by the client, and that designer receives the bounty. The client only pays for the designs that they love and want to use. Designers from around the world gain the opportunity to showcase their work to real clients in more lucrative markets. Instead of prestige and reputation, the only thing that matters is the final product. This is a huge win for struggling designers in emerging economies. The average graphic designer in Afghanistan, Kenya or India would likely not have access to the same opportunities as a designer in San Francisco. For Aggarwal, crowdsourcing talent allowed him to solve an economic challenge and improve opportunities for struggling designers around the globe. By coupling his business venture with a humanitarian goal, he could more easily generate outside support. Develop industry partnerships and support non-profit initiatives. Human capital and the relationships that can be produced can outweigh financial shortcomings. Find opportunities to grow quality relationships built on trust and mutual interest. Related: Why Some Startups Succeed (and Why Most Fail) Aggarwal developed partnerships with many companies such as 1&1, MOO, Shopify, Kabbage, My Corporation, Tax Jar, Startup Nation, Capital Factory, Name.com and Host Papa. He found ways to affiliate with other successful ventures, generating new revenue for both parties without additional expense. He also looked to non-profit initiatives, which are always looking for free help from the private sector. Find a cause you believe in, and donate your skills in return for some free visibility. Aggarwal's team currently partners with the ERezeki initiative of the Malaysian Government, a crowdsourcing initiative to assist low-income households to connect with digital initiatives. Their goals are perfectly in-sync with what his platform has managed to do. From zero to $1 million in 14 months I first learned about Designhill from a magazine article. When I learned that Aggarwal and I had a mutual friend, I couldnt pass up the opportunity to glean knowledge from his teams unique experiences. Through tenacious, low-cost marketing, Designhill is experiencing real success. Or, as Aggarwal put it, The only way to describe our start-up budget was bootstrap, but 14 months later we have 36,805 designers from 52 countries using our platform to generate a living. As we scaled, we put everything back into the business. Our current net-burn is $0, operationally breaking even. ...We directed our early marketing efforts at the U.S., Australia, UK, and Canada. India may be a very tough start-up climate, but Aggarwal turned his geographic location into a competitive advantage. He digitally courted first-world customers while operating in a very low-cost environment. Profits went into the infrastructure, marketing and operating expenses of his fledgling start-up. Every entrepreneur, regardless of start-up capital, can learn something from Aggarwal's journey. Work hard, avoid taking money out of the start-up, and leverage every opportunity to help others and gain visibility. With enough time and concentrated effort, your probability of success will greatly improve. Related: Two Women Launch School to Teach People How to Be Adults Infografia: 8 niveles de las startups exitosas From Bootstrapped Startup to More than $1 Million in Annual Revenue Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NEW MILFORD Mayor David Gronbach has withdrawn plans to turn the John Pettibone School into a community center from Zoning Commission consideration. The board was set to hold a public hearing on the use change proposal next Tuesday. It is unclear if the withdrawal kills the project, and Gronbach declined to say when and why the project was withdrawn. The Pettibone plan has been mired in controversy for months, but Gronbach, a Democrat, continued to work on plans and said opposition was Republican obstructionism. Opponents have said that the project will cost more than $225,000, which the town has allotted for it; theyve sued the town over that money, saying it was misappropriated; theyve complained that the Department of Health was not properly involved in asbestos-related renovations, and work was halted until the DPH cleared the site. But, throughout, the mayor said the community center plan was still feasible. But last week the Board of Education, which was slated to move 30 school administrators into Pettibone, rejected changes made to a memorandum of understanding with the town. The school board approved the original memorandum, which was prepared based on conversations with Gronbach, by a 7-2 vote in December. But after Gronbach told school officials he had revised the document to have the school system front money for renovations, the board reversed itself and rejected the agreement 5-0. A lawsuit over the projects funding is due to begin March 9, after it was postponed twice. In the suit, Republican Town Committee Chair Michael Barnes accuses Gronbach and his administration of misappropriating money from the Landfill Settlement (Waste Management) fund. Barnes, reached by phone Wednesday night, said he hadnt heard that the mayor withdrew the project from the zoning board. But, citing the mayors proposed budget which includes Pettibone renovation, he thinks Gronbach is still planning to do something with the old school. In a Facebook post after school officials balked at the move-in agreement, Gronbach lamented the boards decision, but did not say he was withdrawing his plans from zoning. It becomes another what could have been, he wrote. Although I am disappointed, I will explore other opportunities to occupy the Pettibone space. blytton@hearstmediact.com; 203-731-3411; @bglytton Boeing 737Max Norwegian The era of cheap flights to Europe is officially upon us. On Thursday, Norwegian Air announced that it will launch flights from the US Northeast to Europe for as low as $65. Norwegian's announcement comes a month after the Icelandic low-cost airline WOW Air launched a sale with $70 fares from the US West Coast to Europe with a stopover in Reykjavik, Iceland. Starting in June, the Norwegian low-cost carrier will operate flights using its new Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplanes to destinations in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland from its bases in Orange County, New York; Hartford, Connecticut; and Providence, Rhode Island. "We are pleased to announce our new highly anticipated transatlantic routes. Our new, nonstop service will enable tens of thousands of new travelers to fly between the continents much more comfortably and affordably," Norwegian Air CEO Bjrn Kjos said in a statement. "Norwegian's latest transatlantic offering is not only great news for the traveling public, but also for the local US economies, as we will bring more tourists that will increase spending, consequently creating thousands of new local jobs." Boeing 737 Norwegian Interior According to Norwegian, the $65 tickets are part of an introductory sale. However, if you aren't one of the several thousand travelers lucky enough to get their hands on these tickets, you'll be glad to know that the normal starting price is $99, Norwegian Air's senior vice president of sales, Lars Sande, told Business Insider in an interview. The newly announced flights to Ireland will be operated by Norwegian Air International, Norwegian's Irish subsidiary, which after two years of delays finally gained approval in December from the US Department of Transportation to fly into the US. The airline's Norway-registered operation has been flying into the US since 2013 using its fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliner wide-body jets and will operate the new routes to Scotland. Story continues NAI has been a point of controversy over the past few years. NAI is one of several subsidiaries operating under the Norwegian banner, but unlike the rest of Norwegian, NAI is based in Dublin instead of in Norway. Critics, led by US airlines and their unions, say this allows NAI to take advantage of Ireland's employment laws, which are significantly less stringent than Norway's. As a result, they say, NAI could hire pilots and cabin crew members from Asia at lower wages to fly transatlantic routes. Norwegian Air flight attendant cabin crew "What the other airlines and unions are saying are alternative facts and fake news," Sande said. "We are doing exactly what Trump wants to do. We are flying American aircraft, hiring American employees, and we are paying local salaries while following local regulations." In a press conference earlier this month, White House press secretary Sean Spicer seemingly agreed with Norwegian's stance, saying the airline's agreement to hire US crew members and place orders for Boeing jets represents "huge economic interests" for America. According to Sande, the new US bases will start with 150 crew members; the airline has another 500 crew members based in New York and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to operate its Dreamliners. Norwegian currently operates an all-Boeing fleet consisting of more than 110 Dreamliners and 737s, and it has more than 100 Boeing jets on order. NOW WATCH: This one room in Atlanta acts as a mission control for all of Delta's planes More From Business Insider MONTREAL, Feb. 23, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - EquiSoft proudly announces that it has recently entered into a multi-year service agreement with Family Guardian Insurance Company to implement the Oracle Insurance Policy Administration system, a state-of-the-art system that will support their future product developments and sustained efforts in providing first-class services to their customers. One of the major life and health insurance companies in The Bahamas, Family Guardian offers a broad range of insurance and investment products through three sales divisions: Home Service, Financial Services, and Group Life and Health. This integration and migration project, which will span over a 2-3-year period, will initially focus on the Home Service products, and will eventually extend to other individual and group insurance products. Oracle Insurance Policy Administration (OIPA) is a rules-based solution for individual and group business that supports policy issuance, billing, collections, policy processing, and claims. This investment in technology is of strategic importance for Family Guardian as it will strengthen their competitive positioning and enable them to rapidly adapt to evolving regulatory requirements and market demand for new and improved products. "Oracle is a trusted brand around the world, and Equisoft has a proven track-record as OIPA integrator, extensive knowledge of the insurance business and a deep expertise in data conversion.", said Family Guardian President Lyrone Burrows. "We trust that we have selected the most appropriate solution to secure our growth, and the best partner to implement that solution effectively and safely." "OIPA has been tested with over 100 million policies and it's the only system that supports multiple lines of business on the same platform: life, annuities, property and casualty, health and investment-linked products.", stated EquiSoft's Founder and CEO Luis Romero. "We pride ourselves on having the largest and most experienced OIPA integration team globally, but being trusted by Family Guardian for this important project makes us even prouder since it's the first project where we act both as integrator and reseller of the OIPA solution. This project will also help us to strengthen our presence in the Caribbean where we already have a solid client base." About Family Guardian Insurance Company Family Guardian was founded in 1965 and for more than 50 years, has helped Bahamians plan for their future with a broad range of life insurance and investment products offered through its three sales divisions: Home Service, Financial Services and Group Life and Health. With nine sales offices in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Exuma and Eleuthera, Family Guardian also has resident sales representatives in Andros, Long Island, Cat Island, San Salvador and Acklins. Family Guardian is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FamGuard Corporation Limited, a publicly traded company listed with the Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX). Website: www.familyguardian.com. About EquiSoft Inc. Founded in 1994, EquiSoft offers innovative business solutions to its clients in the insurance and wealth management industries to support their growth by taking advantage of new technologies. The firm develops and markets innovative front-end applications (InsuranceElements and WealthElements) recognized as having industry-leading user interface and state-of-the-art technology, in addition to being an Oracle OIPA integration partner for more than 15 carriers globally. To complete this unique offering, EquiSoft also brings extensive experience in data migration through its subsidiary, Universal Conversion Technologies (UCT). Recipient of the 2016 Outstanding Service Provider Award by Wealth Professionals and finalist for the 2016 Outstanding Service Provider Award by Insurance Business, EquiSoft has a growing team of nearly 250 specialized resources based in Canada, the US, Latin America, South Africa and India. The firm is currently implementing life insurance systems in multiple countries. Website: www.equisoft.com/insurance SOURCE EquiSoft For further information: Jose Quiroz, Marketing Advisor, EquiSoft, 1-888-989-3141, ext. 273, mailto:[email protected] Related Links http://www.equisoft.com/ VANCOUVER, Feb. 23, 2017 /CNW/ - Euromax Resources Ltd ("Euromax" or the "Company") (TSX:EOX) (OTCQX:EOXFF) is pleased to provide an update with respect to its wholly owned Ilovica-Shtuka copper gold project in Macedonia, (the "Project"). Permitting Two key milestones have been achieved towards the granting of the exploitation permit. The first is the merger of the Company's two exploitation concessions, Ilovica 6 and Ilovica 11 (over which the Ilovica-Shtuka Project footprint extends), that has been approved by the Macedonian Ministry of Economy and submitted to the Government for ratification. The second milestone is the approval of the Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment by the Macedonian Ministry of Environment within the process of the urbanization of the mine footprint. An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) produced by Golder Associates to international standards and requirements has also been prepared. This follows the Macedonian Environmental Impact Assessment published last year and will facilitate project financing and requirements of various project stakeholders. The ESIA will be published on the Company's website during March 2017. Capital Expenditure Mine Planning and Contract Mining Following additional mine plan work completed during 2016 aimed at achieving a mine schedule with the required detail to start planning of operations, the Company initiated a Contract Mining tender process in November 2016. The tender was aimed at covering the first 7 years of mine life (i.e. the 2-year construction and pre-strip period plus 5 years of operation). As a result of this tender process, the Company has received indicative offers from three international companies for the provision of Contract Mining Services. The Company is currently evaluating these bids, seeking clarifications and assessing the economic impact. However, the average cost per tonne mined of material during production from the bids received is US$ 1.79/t of material moved with capex of approximately US$ 58.5m (including prestrip costs), compared to the Company's Feasibility Study Technical Report (February 2016), which indicated US$ 1.62/t and capex of US$ 100.7m (including prestrip costs) over the same period. Engineering, Procurement and Construction Contract ("EPC") The Company has agreed to a binding Memorandum of Understanding (the "MoU") with Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc. ("Ausenco") for further initial detailed engineering and design and a framework to allow Ausenco to proceed through a two-step process to ultimately provide the Company with a Lump Sum Turnkey Price for the construction of the process plant and related infrastructure for the Project. The first step is for Ausenco, on an open book basis, to provide the Company with a Guaranteed Maximum Price ("GMP") based on an agreed scope of work within 90 days of commencing the work to do so. Following the delivery of the GMP, provided only that the GMP is at or below the Project capital expenditure as per the Company's Feasibility Study Technical Report, Ausenco would proceed with the second step in preparing and negotiating with the Company a Lump Sum Turnkey EPC contract for the development of the Ilovica-Shtuka Project, the substantial terms of which are included in the MOU. As per the MOU, the cost of Ausenco's work to deliver the GMP will be settled through the issuance of Euromax shares to Ausenco, at a premium to the share price immediately prior to delivery and announcement of the GMP. Based on the current market price, the amount of common shares to be issued to Ausenco in connection with the MoU would be less than 5% of those currently issued and outstanding. The commencement of Ausenco's work towards the GMP is contingent upon Euromax independently funding an agreed amount. The proposed issuance of common shares to Ausenco is subject to the final approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange. Commenting on the announcement, Steve Sharpe, President & CEO stated: "The strong support of the Macedonian authorities has yet again been shown by the approval of the merger of Concessions and Strategic EIA. The achievement of these Key Milestones, sets a very clear path to the timely development of the Ilovica-Shtuka Project. The offers for Contract Mining have come in at rates far lower than we had anticipated. With the potential for a US$40 million capex reduction, they seem a very compelling alternative to the owner operated mining plan presented in the Feasibility study. Finally, the faith in the project shown by Ausenco's willingness to not only guarantee a maximum price for the Project at or below the Feasibility Study Price, but further, to undertake the detailed engineering and design work required to deliver this price commitment in exchange for equity, issued at a premium, is not only a resounding endorsement of the technical and economic viability of the project, but also a definitive indicator of their confidence and ability to optimize and deliver value for the Euromax shareholders. In addition to a fixed price, Ausenco's ability to provide schedule and plant performance certainty will significantly enhance our ability to optimize and deliver the financing plan for the Project". About Ausenco Ausenco is a private, diversified, engineering, construction and project management company, majority owned by Resource Capital Funds ("RCF"), providing services to the global resource and energy sectors. Ausenco's experience in precious and base metal projects ranges from conceptual studies for new project developments to execution with EPC or EPCM delivery. Ausenco has delivered a number of projects under Lump Sum Turnkey contracts which provide cost, schedule and performance certainty often required by financiers and investors. Ausenco is currently completing the process plant and other support infrastructure for a gold project in Nova Scotia under a Lump Sum Turnkey contract and is often pioneering the entry into new jurisdictions and/or innovative technologies focused on the delivery of superior shareholder returns. About Euromax Resources Ltd. Euromax has a major development project in Macedonia and an exploration services company in Bulgaria. We are focused on building and operating the Ilovica-Shtuka copper/gold project in Macedonia, as well profitably deploying the wealth of exploration experience within our Bulgarian Exploration Services subsidiary. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information, such as statements relating to the development of the Project. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Euromax to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. There are no assurances that the Project will be placed into production. Factors that could affect the outcome include, among others: the inability to raise the funds necessary to achieve the milestones or complete development of the Project and inability to raise the funds necessary to advance exploration activities; the actual results of development activities at the Project ; project delays; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; future prices of metals; actual metal recovery; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; political instability, terrorism, insurrection or war; delays in obtaining governmental approvals, necessary permitting or in the completion of development or construction activities. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to Euromax's filings with Canadian securities regulators available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although Euromax has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and Euromax disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. For more information, please visit www.euromaxresources.com or contact: SOURCE EurOmax Resources Ltd. For further information: Steve Sharpe, President & CEO, +44 (0) 20 3667 2970, [email protected] Related Links http://www.euromaxresources.com TORONTO, Feb. 23, 2017 /CNW/ - Iron Ore Company of Canada ("IOC") issued a media statement today stating that it will proceed with the development of the Wabush 3 pit at its mine near Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador. Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation (LIORC") is fully supportive of the IOC decision to develop Wabush 3 due to the favourable project economics. The LIORC royalty applies to the Wabush 3 deposit. The IOC media statement follows. Media Statement IOC will proceed with the Wabush 3 project following the approval of a CAD$79 million investment. Wabush 3 is a new pit that will be developed within IOC's existing mine operations to extend the life of the mine, reduce operating costs and increase production of quality grade iron ore concentrate and pellets. IOC Chief Executive Officer and President Clayton Walker said "This value-driven investment will deliver significant benefits for our business, employees and surrounding communities in Labrador West and Sept Iles for many years to come, by increasing the life of the mine and allowing us to offer continued employment opportunities. "The Wabush 3 pit is IOC's best option to access low-cost, quality ore and provides a compelling opportunity to make our business more competitive by reducing operating costs during a period of increasing iron ore price volatility. "I would like to thank IOC employees, Unions, Union leadership and members of the community for the ongoing support they have demonstrated, which helps to build trust in our ability to create a viable business for future generations." The Wabush 3 pit will be developed adjacent to Luce pit. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has released the Wabush 3 Open Pit Mine Project from the Environmental Assessment process and construction is expected to start in the second quarter of 2017. First ore from production mining is expected in the second half of 2018, helping IOC ramp up annual capacity from 18 million tonnes towards 23 million tonnes. Wabush 3 will be fully integrated into IOC's overall Labrador City Operations, and will utilize its existing maintenance, ore delivery, processing and tailings management facilities as well as other aspects of IOC's current infrastructure and activities in the region. IOC is committed to modernizing its assets and operating model to achieve safer and more stable production, with the objective of being a lower cost producer of quality grade iron ore concentrate and pellets for the steel industry, and make IOC the premier mining organization in North America. SOURCE Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation For further information: William H. McNeil, President & Chief Executive Officer, (416) 863-7133 Related Links http://www.scotiamanagedcompanies.com OTTAWA, Feb. 22, 2017 /CNW/ - Members of the media are invited to attend two events in Ottawa on February 23 to mark National Aviation Day. 8:30 a.m. - Minister Garneau will participate in a news conference related to aviation safety. Minister Garneau will be joined by Karen McCrimmon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Mario Harel, Gatineau Police Chief and President of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, Ontario Provincial Police Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair and Captain Dan Adamus, President, Air Line Pilots Association Canada, who will deliver short remarks and answer questions from the media. Location: National Press Theatre 150 Wellington Street, Ottawa 10:00 a.m. - Karen McCrimmon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, will deliver a keynote speech related to aviation safety at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum on behalf of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, and will participate in the Canada 150 celebration of flight on National Aviation Day. Location: Canada Aviation and Space Museum, 11 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa Canada 150 celebration of flight Transport Canada and the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum invite students and the general public to take part in a special Canada 150 celebration of flight, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Flight experts will be on site to talk about their role in the aviation field. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit two aircraft. Transport Canada will have several displays set up, each one focusing on keeping our skies safe. Canadians will have the opportunity to learn about UAVs, laser strikes, cabin and passenger safety, electronic safety and lithium ion batteries, and dangerous goods. SOURCE Transport Canada For further information: Delphine Denis, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, [email protected], 613-991-0700; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055 LABRADOR CITY, NL, Feb. 23, 2017 /CNW/ - United Steelworkers (USW) representatives welcome today's announcement that the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) will proceed with its Wabush 3 mine expansion project. "Our members, our families and our community are encouraged this project will proceed and that it will support good, local jobs for generations to come," said Ron Thomas, President of USW Local 5795, which represents employees at IOC's Labrador City operations. "Our members have worked very hard to contribute to the company's success and to build a strong future for our community and we're committed to building a relationship with IOC's new management," Thomas said. "We believe the relationship with IOC going forward must be much different than the situation that existed under the previous management," he added. "We need a relationship based on trust, integrity and respect for our legally binding collective agreement. This approach to labour relations is needed to ensure this new project succeeds and benefits our members, their families and our community." Marty Warren, USW Director for Ontario and Atlantic Canada, hailed the announcement that the Wabush 3 project is going forward. "This project has been years in the planning and it's good news for this region that it will now become reality," Warren said. "We welcome the new IOC management's willingness to engage with our union to address issues and concerns. There is still much more to do and we are ready to work together to make this project a success and build a prosperous future for the company, our members and for Labrador West," Warren added. "We are delighted that IOC is making this significant investment and to finally see that the Wabush 3 project is proceeding," said USW International President Leo W. Gerard. "This is long-awaited, positive news that creates optimism and promises real benefits for working families and the community. We are encouraged that there is a commitment to seize on this optimism to develop a new, productive labour-management environment," Gerard said. IOC today announced a $79-million investment for the Wabush 3 project, which will include a new pit developed within existing mine operations, extending the life of these operations and increasing production of quality grade iron concentrates and pellets. The company said construction will begin within the next few months, with initial ore production expected in the second half of 2018. SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW) For further information: Marty Warren, USW District 6 Director, 416-243-8792, [email protected]; Ron Thomas, USW Local 5795 President, 709-280-0068, [email protected]; Bob Gallagher, USW Communications, 416-544-5966, 416-434-2221, [email protected] Related Links http://www.usw.ca The Pentagons Missile Defense Agency has launched a study of innovative ways to counter advanced missile threats such as ultra-high-speed maneuvering hypersonic missiles. The agency recently released a request for information that will seek to identify weapon concepts for defense against future advanced threats such as hypersonics, he said. The responses are due Friday and will be used to develop an analysis of alternatives planned for 2017. Hypersonic missiles are under rapid development in China and Russia as a way to penetrate advanced air and missile defenses such as those developed by the Army and Navy. A major problem for current U.S. missile defenses is that all were designed from the ground up to target missiles with predictable and unchanging trajectories. Chinas DF-ZF hypersonic glide vehicle has been tested at least seven times, and Russias Yu-71 hypersonic strike weapon also has been tested several times. The gliders are launched atop ballistic missiles and travel along the edge of the atmosphere at speeds from Mach 5 to Mach 10 3,800 to 7,600 miles per hour. The maneuvering strike vehicles can defeat all current U.S. missile defenses, including ground-based interceptors in California and Alaska, sea-based Aegis anti-missile systems and the land-based Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD. A proposed planet definition a planet is a sub-stellar mass body that has never undergone nuclear fusion and that has sufficient self-gravitation to assume a spheroidal shape adequately described by a triaxial ellipsoid regardless of its orbital parameters. A simple paraphrase of our planet definition especially suitable for elementary school students could be, round objects in space that are smaller than stars. The definition clearly excludes stars or stellar objects such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. We leave for the future the issue of brown dwarfs stellar versus planetary status so as to not force a premature definition on the larger end of planetary scales. In keeping with emphasizing intrinsic properties, our geophysical definition is directly based on the physics of the world itself rather than the physics of its interactions with external objects. The planet definition adopted by the IAU in 2006 is technically flawed, for several reasons. First, it recognizes as planets only those objects orbiting our Sun, not those orbiting other stars or orbiting freely in the galaxy as rogue planets. Second, it requires zone clearing, which no planet in our solar system can satisfy since new small bodies are constantly injected into planet-crossing orbits, like NEOs near Earth. Finally, and most severely, by requiring zone clearing the mathematics of the definition are distance-dependent, requiring progressively larger objects in each successive zone. For example, even an Earth sized object in the Kuiper Belt would not clear its zone. Do not judge them by their size The eight planets recognized by the IAU are often modified by the adjectives terrestrial, giant, and ice giant, yet no one would state that a giant planet is not a planet. Yet, the IAU does not consider dwarf planets to be planets. We eschew this inconsistency. Thus, dwarf planets and moon planets such as Ceres, Pluto, Charon, and Earths Moon are fullfledged planets. This seems especially true in light of these planets complex geology and geophysics Audio recordings of a UK Reaction engines presentation are in the NASA Spaceflight forum. Reaction Engines is making hypersonic planes and spaceplanes. Their key technology is a precooler. Reaction Engines is looking for an engine partner now. They have some good contacts with Safran through Airbus Safran Launchers. A large amount of money is being made available by the US DoD for testing the precooler in a hypersonic wind tunnel. US Air Force research lab investigations examined the thermodynamic cycle of the SABRE concept and found no significant barrier to its theoretical viability provided the engine component and integration challenges are met. In late 2015 / early 2016, BAE Systems invested 20.6 million in Reaction Engines to acquire 20 per cent of its share capital and also enter into a working partner relationship. BAE Systems will collaborate to accelerate Reaction Engines development of SABRE a new aerospace engine class that combines both jet and rocket technologies with the potential to revolutionize hypersonic flight and the economics of space access. SABRE is an advanced combined cycle air-breathing rocket engine. This new class of aerospace engine is designed to enable aircraft to operate from standstill on the runway to speeds of over five times the speed of sound in the atmosphere. SABRE can then transition to a rocket mode of operation, allowing spaceflight at speeds up to orbital velocity, equivalent to twenty five times the speed of sound. The USA AFRL is bullish on the technology. The lab will reveal two-stage-to-orbit SABRE-based concepts either this September, at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) SPACE 2016 conference in Long Beach, California, or in March 2017, at the 21st AIAA International Space Planes and Hypersonic Systems and Technologies Conference in China, said AFRL Aerospace Systems Directorate Aerospace Engineer Barry Hellman. The key SABRE technologies that AFRL, based in Ohio, will start work on later this year, and possibly fly in the future, are related to the engines precooler. This device precools the air entering the engine at speeds greater than four times the speed of sound (Mach 4). SABREs precooler will cool such air from more than 1,832 degrees Fahrenheit (1,000 degrees Celsius) down to minus 238 F (minus 150 C) in one one-hundredth of a second. The oxygen in the chilled air will become liquid in the process. Heat Exchanger Updates from Presentation Reaction Engines is looking for an engine partner now they needed BAE at the time and now they are at the point where they need Rolls or someone else. They have some good contacts with Safran through Airbus Safran Launchers. A large amount of money is being made available by the US DoD for testing the precooler in a hypersonic wind tunnel. Apparently sealing the helium loop is hard. They dont know whether to work with an industrial partner to make their seals lighter or an aerospace partner to make their seals better. They have new management with people from Safran Leonardo Helicopters. New management is much more focused on stepping stones rather than hoping to somehow get 10 billion dollars to do single stage to orbit. The heat in the helium loop can be used to generate a lot of electrical power potentially. Military people like this a lot why? Maybe lasers? Skylon spaceplane is definitely on the back-burner until the 2030s. Hypersonic military hardware and perhaps hypersonic business jets are of interest. There was mention of two stage to orbit designs and pictures of Orbital Access designs. Main work is on engine ground test. There were many engine-specific questions from about 500 knowledgeable people in a technical audience. NASA NEXTSTep program awarded Ad Astra Vasimr plasma propulsion a three-year, $9 million contract in 2015. Ad Astra must fire its plasma rocket for 100 hours, at a power level of 100 kilowatts in 2018. This February, the company has worked about halfway through that contract. Ars Technica reports that the VASIMR engine has been fired at 100kW for 10 seconds and 50kW for one minute. The goal of this work is to demonstrate a VASIMR engine in thermal steady-state by operating it continuously for 100 hours at a power level of 100 kW Objectives Achieve the goal over the course of 3 years in 3 phases Phase a: Shake-out basic systems, pulses of minutes, uncooled booster section, accumulate 1 hour, inspect Phase b: Add cooling to booster section, accumulate 100 hours, inspect Phase c: Upgrade rocket core cooling for heat rejection at 200 C, shake out high temperature cooling systems, install PPUs in vacuum, execute a 100 hour continuous test, inspect They are successfully hitting plan milestones Rocket core integration with magnet (Aug 2016) Field line mapping and rocket core alignment Instrumentation and electrical testing * Integration of VX-200SSa test article in chamber (Sept 2016) Cooling line hookups and leak checking RF matching circuit connections and tuning Command, control and data acquisition verification * Initial high-power firing with plasma in Phase-a (Oct 2016) Phase-a will have pulse lengths on the order of minutes Measure rocket performance Evaluate aspects of the chamber and plasma dump * Install final components for VX-200SSb (May 2017) Fully cooled with operation times on the order of hours * Hot steady-state operation with VX-200SS (Feb 2018) Ready for 100 hours of continuous operation at 100 kW New PPUs installed inside the vacuum chamber Value investing is easily one of the most popular ways to find great stocks in any market environment. After all, who wouldnt want to find stocks that are either flying under the radar and are compelling buys, or offer up tantalizing discounts when compared to fair value? One way to find these companies is by looking at several key metrics and financial ratios, many of which are crucial in the value stock selection process. Lets put Alaska Air Group, Inc. ALK stock into this equation and find out if it is a good choice for value-oriented investors right now, or if investors subscribing to this methodology should look elsewhere for top picks: PE Ratio A key metric that value investors always look at is the Price to Earnings Ratio, or PE for short. This shows us how much investors are willing to pay for each dollar of earnings in a given stock, and is easily one of the most popular financial ratios in the world. The best use of the PE ratio is to compare the stocks current PE ratio with: a) where this ratio has been in the past; b) how it compares to the average for the industry/sector; and c) how it compares to the market as a whole. On this front, Alaska Air Group has a trailing twelve months PE ratio of 13.27, as you can see in the chart below: This level is significantly favorable with the market at large, as the PE for the S&P 500 compares in at about 20.19. If we focus on the stocks long-term PE trend, the current level puts Alaska Air Groups current PE ratio above its midpoint over the past five years, with the number gradually rising over the past few months. Further, the stocks PE also compares favorably with the Zacks classified Transportation sectors trailing twelve months PE ratio, which stands at 15.10. At the very least, this indicates that the stock is relatively undervalued right now, compared to its peers. We should also point out that Alaska Air Group has a forward PE ratio (price relative to this years earnings) of 12.04, so it is fair to say that a slightly more value-oriented path may be ahead for Alaska Air Group stock in the near term too. P/S Ratio Another key metric to note is the Price/Sales ratio. This approach compares a given stocks price to its total sales, where a lower reading is generally considered better. Some people like this metric more than other value-focused ones because it looks at sales, something that is far harder to manipulate with accounting tricks than earnings. Right now, Alaska Air Group has a P/S ratio of about 2.04. This is somewhat lower than the S&P 500 average, which comes in at 3.18 right now. Also, as we can see in the chart below, this is below the highs for this stock in particular over the past few years. Story continues If anything, Alaska Air Group is towards the higher end of its range in the time period from a P/S metric, which suggests that the companys stock price has already appreciated to some degree, relative to its sales. Broad Value Outlook In aggregate, Alaska Air Group currently has a Zacks Value Style Score of A, putting it into the top 20% of all stocks we cover from this look. This makes Alaska Air Group a solid choice for value investors, and some of its other key metrics make this pretty clear too. For example, the PEG ratio for Alaska Air Group is just 1.01, a level that is slightly lower than the industry average of 1.32. The PEG ratio is a modified PE ratio that takes into account the stocks earnings growth rate. Clearly, Alaska Air Group is a solid choice on the value front from multiple angles. What About the Stock Overall? Though Alaska Air Group might be a good choice for value investors, there are plenty of other factors to consider before investing in this name. In particular, it is worth noting that the company has a Growth grade of B and a Momentum score of A. This gives Alaska Air Group a Zacks VGM scoreor its overarching fundamental gradeof A. (You can read more about the Zacks Style Scores here >> ) Meanwhile, the companys recent earnings estimates have been encouraging. The current quarter has seen four estimates go higher in the past sixty days, compared to none lower, while the full year estimate has seen five upward revisions and no downward revision in the same time period. This has had a positive impact on the consensus estimate, as the current quarter consensus estimate has risen by 6.2% in the past two months, while the full year estimate has climbed 20.2%. You can see the consensus estimate trend and recent price action for the stock in the chart below: Alaska Air Group, Inc. Price and Consensus Alaska Air Group, Inc. Price and Consensus | Alaska Air Group, Inc. Quote This positive trend signifies bullish analyst sentiment, and its Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) indicates robust fundamentals and expectations of outperformance in the near term. Bottom Line Alaska Air Group is an inspired choice for value investors, as it is hard to beat its incredible lineup of statistics on this front. With a decent industry rank (Top 22% out of more than 250 industries) and strong Zacks Rank, Alaska Air Group looks like a strong value contender. In fact, over the past one year, the Zacks Transportation-Airline sector has clearly outperformed the broader market, as you can see below: So, it might pay for value investors to delve deeper into the companys prospects, as fundamentals indicate that this stock could be a compelling pick. Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2017 In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-hold tickers for the entirety of 2017? Who wouldn't? Last year's market-beating Top 10 portfolio produced 5 double-digit winners. For example, oil and natural gas giant Pioneer Natural Resources and First Republic Bank racked up stellar gains of +44.9% and +44.3% respectively. Now a brand-new list for 2017 has been hand-picked from 4,400 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. See the 2017 Top 10 right now>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Alaska Air Group, Inc. (ALK): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, Mr Ayodele Fayose has slammed the Independent N... Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, Mr Ayodele Fayose has slammed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, especially the police on their roles in subverting the rights of Nigerians to choose their leaders in free, fair and credible elections.He said; While we continue to watch with keen interest, revelations coming from the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal, the open display of partisanship in the Rivers State rerun elections has made it so obvious that INEC and police have become so shameless in their open display of support for the All Progressives Congress (APC).Governor Fayoses Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, quoted the governor as saying in a release issued in Ado Ekiti on Thursday that it was worrisome that INEC and the Police are no longer hiding their alliance with the APC against Nigerians.He said; We have seen the police and INEC going back and forth on Rivers State rerun elections and I wish to ask the police; what happened to that suspect, Christian Chukwuemela Ekikeme, who reportedly confessed to the complicity of some APC top-shots in the murder of DSP Mohammed Alkali? Shouldnt the police be more interested in bringing those who allegedly killed its officer to justice? Also, what has happened to that Yobe State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) established to have received N15 million bribe to rig the Yobe State election? The governor warned that any attempt to rig the 2018 governorship election in Ekiti State will be resisted by the people, saying; Here in Ekiti, we are waiting for them.If INEC and its ally, APC like, they can print as many Form EC8A as it can, they will fail. He said; It is sad that snatching of ballot boxes, hijacking of voting materials, electoral violence and most importantly, falsification of election results, which had become a thing of the past have returned to our electoral process. INEC and security agencies, especially the police have merged with the APC and the way they are going, results of elections will one day be announced in Abuja in favour of APC without casting a single ballot.Governor Fayose, who called on the international community, especially election observers to pay more attention to the conduct of elections in Nigeria under the APC government, said; Democracy is in danger in Nigeria! God forbid, if Nigeria is allowed to sink beyond the level that it is now, the entire continent of Africa will not be able to control the consequences. The Nigerian Army has jailed one Pvt. Suleiman Olamilekan to 28 days with hard labour for allegedly assaulting a Nollywood actress, Ebere ... The Nigerian Army has jailed one Pvt. Suleiman Olamilekan to 28 days with hard labour for allegedly assaulting a Nollywood actress, Ebere Ohakwe. Col. Aminu Iliyasu, the Armys spokesman, 6 Division in Port Harcourt said on Thursday that the soldier would also forfeit his one month salary to the Federal Government.He said the unprofessional conduct of the soldier contravened the armys uncompromising stance to indiscipline and disobedience to both civilian and military laws.The 6 Division Nigerian Army has charged, tried and found Private Suleiman Olamilekan of 6 Division Garrison, Port Harcourt guilty of the maltreatment of Miss Ebere Ohakwe.Olamilekan was accordingly sentenced to 28 days imprisonment with hard labour and the forfeiture of his salary for the same number of days to the Federal Government.Investigation commenced after the General Office Commanding 6 Division, Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh ordered the immediate arrest of the soldier and his Guard Commander for investigation and disciplinary action.We wish to assure the general public that proactive measure have been put in place to forestall a reoccurrence of such misconduct in the future, he assured.Iliyasu urged residents of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states to report any such misconduct from its personnel to the 6 Division headquarters in Port Harcourt. Iliyasu urged members of the public to report to the Division of any such misconduct from its personnel in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Olamilekan on Jan. 30 allegedly assaulted Ohakwe at Omagwa checkpoint along Port Harcourt-Owerri road in Rivers.Ohakwe, who was on transit from Port Harcourt to Onitsha, claimed that she was beaten with wooden object by Olamilekan, after he accused her of insulting him while inspecting the vehicle.The victim, who reportedly sustained bruises and admitted to a hospital after the assault, accused the soldier of infringing on her fundamental human rights. Nigeria's fast emerging charity foundation and Non- Governmental Organisation. Big Church Foundation yesterday, 21st February unveiled popular music artist Praiz Adejo as one of its Ambassadors for the 2017 project year.The signing and papers works was done at the Ikoyi office of the foundation's boardroom.Addressing the board members of Lagos office, the Chairman, Dr. Olakunle Churchill said they needed a new Ambassador for the Big Church Foundation to spearhead the Agriculture and Miningproject which is targeting the Nigerian youths.He further buttressed on the choice of Praiz as worthy one, who has also worked with the Big Church Foundation during charity campaigns in the past. " We congratulate you and we know with your presence we can achieve a lot in the area of charity empowerment and project executions nationally and internationally"Big Church Foundation which has offered university scholarship, made donations to the less privileged, Visited crisis ravaged areas, supported hospital patients, partnered with charity events and hosted empowerment campaigns unveiled Praiz to pilot the empowerment of 36,000 youths in Nigeria through the 36 states. 1,000 youths from each state are to be empowered through talent hunts, skill acquisition, loans, small business starts and job creation.Also at the unveiling board conference was the current Ambassador for Women and Child, Actress Rosaline Meurer her key charity portfolio is the Orphanages, Girl Child and nursing mothers. Signed since 2015, with Television Personality Amb. Rachel Bakam signed in 2016 for Media & Charity Awareness Campaign, they are now joined by Praiz who heads the Project Empowerment Portfolio. Mr Paul the personal Assistant to the Chaiman, Project Manager and Business Analyst expressed optimism over the signing and role the artist will play in the Agric/ Mining Summit of Big Church Foundation flagging off in a couple of weeks. Other members present were the Foundation Executive Manager of Abuja branch - Tomiwa, Yebo -Foundation coordinator/ PRMr. Raphael Cudjoe - Head of IT, Clay - Multi-Media Department, Maureen Cyril of GoodGirl Foundation, Ivy Cypriel of Crown & Glamour TV and others. The Federal Government, on Thursday, re-arraigned the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, in Ab... The Federal Government, on Thursday, re-arraigned the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, in Abuja, on an amended 18-count corruption charge.Saraki pleaded not guilty to the fresh charge, even as the tribunal headed by Justice Danladi Umar, gave the third prosecution witness, PW-3, Mr. Samuel Madujemu the nod to narrate how FG uncovered discrepancies in assets he declared to the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB.The witness is the Chief Admin Officer at the CCB. He was the head of investigation Division under the Department of Intelligence, Investigation and Monitoring, that joined the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to probe Sarakis assets. It will be recalled that the Senate President was initially docked before the tribunal on September 22, 2015, on a 13-count charge.He was later re-arraigned on April 28, 2016 after FG increased allegations against him to 16 counts.FG had alleged that the defendant made false/anticipatory declaration of assets, operated foreign accounts while in office as Kwara State governor between 2003 and 2011, as well as collected governorship salary four years after his tenure had elapsed.In the amended charge that was read to the defendant on Thursday, FG, alleged that he had while in office as governor of Kwara state in 2007, failed to declare his interest in No. 15 Mc Donald, Ikoyi, Lagos, a property he acquired in 2006 through a company, Tiny Tee Limited for the sum of N165million.It said the defendant, on or about the September 16, 2003, while in office as a governor, made false declaration by claiming ownership of No 15A & 15B Mc Donald, Ikoyi, Lagos through Carlisle Properties Ltd in the year 2000, when the said properties was in actual fact sold by the Federal Government to G & C Real Estate Properties and Investment Company Limited in 1997 for the sum of N12million.In count four and five of the fresh charge, FG, alleged that Saraki, whilst being a public officer, on or about June 3 2011, falsely declared his assets at the end of his tenure as a governor and on his assumption of office as Senator in the same year, when he declared that he acquired No 17A and 17B Mc Donald, Ikoyi, Lagos on September 6, 2006, from the proceeds of sale of Rice and Sugar commodities, whereas he acquired the said properties with aggregate sum of N497.2million, through a loan he obtained from Guaranty Trust Bank Plc.FG alleged that contrary to section 15(1) & (2) of the CCB and Tribunal Act, Cap C15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, Saraki, at the end of his tenure as governor in 2007, failed to declare his outstanding loan liability of N315, 054, 355. 92 out of N380million loan he obtained from GTB on February 5, 2007.The defendant was also accused of failing to declare his ownership of Plot 2A Glover Road, Ikoyi Lagos, which he acquired between 2007 and 2008 through Carlisle Properties Ltd from the Central Bank of Nigeria for the sum of N325million, as well as not declaring that No 1 and 3 Tagus Street Maitama, Abuja belongs to him.The prosecution told the tribunal that as a governor, Saraki, in 2008, transferred the sum of $73, 223. 28 to a bank account he operated outside Nigeria.Saraki allegedly failed in his second tenure as Kwara State governor to declare his interest in an American Express Bank, New York card No. 374588216836009 through which he transferred $3.4million between August 2009 and October 2012 from his GTB domiciliary account No 441441953210 to the American Express Services Europe Ltd No. 730580 for onward credit to the said card account.Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, the witness told the tribunal that Saraki had in his capacity as a governor, made several cash lodgements running into billions of Naira into his personal accounts.He said the cash lodgements were in excess of Sarakis salary as a governor. Asked if public officers are permitted by the law to operate private business ventures, the witness said: My lord, public officers are only entitled to engage in farming. Governors are not permitted to engage in sales of Rice and Sugar. The federal high court Abuja has refused Olisa Metuhs application to compel Sambo Dasuki, a former National Security Adviser (NSA), to te... The federal high court Abuja has refused Olisa Metuhs application to compel Sambo Dasuki, a former National Security Adviser (NSA), to testify in his matter.The court also declined Metuhs request to allow him travel to the United Kingdom (UK) for treatment within the period of eight weeks.Metuh is accused of receiving N400 million from Dasuki.The said funds were meant to be used in tackling the Boko Haram insurgency in the north-east.Okon Abang, the judge, said his application lacked merit and that Dasuki was not a compellable witness.More to follow There was a palpable tension in Ipao-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, as some irate youth refused to allow Fulani herd... There was a palpable tension in Ipao-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, as some irate youth refused to allow Fulani herdsmen from grazing in the community.A source in the Community revealed to newsmen that the situation has been like this for the past two weeks and it got worse on Tuesday when the angry youths went into the bush and started firing gunshots to scare away the herdsmen and their cattle.A resident in the town, who spoke under anonymity said the youths had insisted on the herdsmen leaving the town. Another resident said the herdsmen also returned the fire with a superior fire power to push the hunters back while fleeing to safety.To prevent the matter from escalating into full scale war, the Local Government Chairman on Wednesday quickly summoned an emergency meeting between the elders and youths in the town. When contacted on Wednesday, the Councillor for Oke-Ako/Ipao/Irele, Mr. Olusegun Kehinde, confirmed that an expanded meeting had been called for Friday. The situation is under control. We have summoned a meeting among all the stakeholders including the herdsmen for Friday.We have appealed to our people to maintain peace and thank God, so far, there is no lost of lives of human and cows. Our people are suspicious of the herdsmen because of the kind of arms some of them are carrying: that is why they are resisting them. We are ensuring that the farmers, hunters and the herdsmen live together in peace because we are all one. But we must live and operate within the law of the land.The Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti state Command, Alberto Adeyemi, said he was to receive such briefing from the Area Commander and the Divisional Police Officer. He said officers of the command our on ground to handle any emergencies adding that police hot lines had been circulated among residents in the town. Adeyemi added that there was nothing to indicate tension in the town as the Police were alive to their responsibilities. An explosion on Wednesday rocked a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG). An explosion on Wednesday rocked a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG).The affected pipeline is located in Rivers state, said a statement released by the company.The NLNG says it is investigating the cause of the explosion and also noted that theres been no report of injuries and casualties thus far.An explosion occurred in the afternoon of Wednesday, 22nd February 2017 on a section of the Right of Way housing two gas transmission pipelines, one of which belongs to Nigeria LNG, about 3 kilometres from Rumuji in Rivers State, the statement said.The underlying cause of the incident is still to be determined. No injuries or fatalities have been reported.Emergency response procedures were immediately activated and the relevant authorities notified. Communities closest to the area of the incident have been advised not to approach the site in the interest of safety.Other measures and engagements have also been initiated to ensure that the situation does not escalate. In the meantime, investigation into the incident is ongoing.The NLNG has said it will make available further updates in due course. The Nigerian community says it is prepared to legally defend any Nigerian traveller coming to the US if targeted by immigration officials ... The Nigerian community says it is prepared to legally defend any Nigerian traveller coming to the US if targeted by immigration officials hiding under the aegis of President Donald Trumps new travel ban on Friday.Already, the Nigerian Lawyers Association (NLA) and the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigeria (OAN), two influential Nigerian community associations in the US, have embarked on sensitisation programmes for Nigerians who have relatives travelling to the US.Francis James, a member, board of directors of OAN, accused US enforcement officials of being overzealous in the execution of the order by Trump and were sometimes going beyond their constitutional bound.James while admitting that the US President had the right to dish out executive orders, also stated that the constitution of the US forbids discrimination.We are prepared to protect the rights of all Nigerian travellers to the United States to ensure that they are not detained or denied entry at the airports, James said.We know the US President has constitutional rights and thats what is driving the overzealous security officers but we are saying that US Constitution also forbids discrimination on the basis of race, religion or colour.On Monday, the groups reportedly organised two sessions of teleconferences, in which many Nigerians called in to seek further clarifications on the travel ban.The organisers said the two sessions of the teleconferences, which would continue on Saturday, had about 600 Nigerians who called in.The Presidents immigration order has now given muscles to security officials at airports and borders and they are asking unnecessary questions about you, where you have travelled to or your security codes, he said.They are going beyond the executive order. So to reach out to our community, what were doing is to go to the airports to provide services to Nigerians who may be affected.While the ban did not target Nigeria, James said they had received few reports of Nigerians who were denied entry at the airports after what he termed inappropriate questioning and advised Nigerians that they had the rights to protest against unnecessary questioning.This particular order does not target the country but there could be unintended consequences over where they have travelled to within the country, he said.And so they may be asked some inappropriate questions like visits to some parts of Nigeria. Somebody said a cousin was asked some questions and afterwards refused entry into the United States.What we are doing is sharing information that Nigerians should have handy; that the security officers dont have the right to ask you unnecessary questions.He said there were Nigerian attorneys volunteering to be at the airports as part of the legal aid society including organisations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), who can easily come to the aid of any Nigerian stranded at the airports.Basically, what you need to do is to keep them informed that a relative is coming to the United States and to know when he or she has arrived or will arrive, he said.The law prescribes that you cannot be delayed more than six hours. So if after six hours of arrival you have not seen your relative, then the immigration attorneys will file for relief and they will have to release him or her.So it is to be aware and inform your relatives, and also the immigration lawyers that your relative is being detained or asked questions that were inappropriate and they will come to their aid.James further advised Nigerians or their relatives who have difficulties at the airports to contact the legal aid society on: 844-955-9428 for immediate assistance, while urging the public to help spread the information.Please call in to this important information session to learn your rights on how your travelling relatives and friends can ensure they are not unlawfully denied entry into the United States, he advised.Since time is of the essence, please start sharing with all your contacts and channels aggressively. Your effort may save you or someone from serious legal issues.The US government plans to consider almost all illegal immigrants subject to deportation but will leave protections in place for immigrants known as dreamers who entered the country illegally as children, according to official guidelines released on Tuesday.The revised order, which Trump said would be out this week, is reported to target only the same seven Muslim-majority countries Iran, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, Sudan and Libya.According to NAN, one of OANs major accomplishments occurred in 1990, when it successfully stopped major US banks from denying Nigerians, banking services because of their assumed conception of Nigerian customers as potential fraudsters. Gunmen have abducted Peter Breunij, a German professor of archaeology, and Johannes Buringer, his colleague, at Jenjela village in Kagarko... Gunmen have abducted Peter Breunij, a German professor of archaeology, and Johannes Buringer, his colleague, at Jenjela village in Kagarko local government area of Kaduna state.Kagarko, which shares a boundary with federal capital territory (FCT), has recorded different cases of kidnapping along the area in recent times.Breunij is said to be the leader of a four-man team from the University of Frankfurt, Germany, working in collaboration with the National Commission for Museum and Monuments and other institutions on the relics of Nok culture in Nigeria.A witness said the kidnappers left two ladies who were with the victims during the time of their abduction.A witness, who was part of the team working with Germans, narrated how the incident happened.They started coming one by one, the first two came with machetes, then others came with heavy guns, he said.There were many people at the site who were working at the time, so they ordered us to lay face down and started shooting into the air in order to scare people.It was at that point that they asked the professor and his associate to follow them and they led them to the other side of the road.They made them to cross the road to the other side from where we were and began to lead them further into the bush.The witness said moments after the abductors crossed to the other side of the road with their victims, members of the community regrouped to chase them, but that a hunter was killed in the process.One of us who is a hunter suggested that we go after them, but only one of us agreed and the two of them crossed the road, chasing the gunmen, he said.When the kidnappers realised that the two men were following them, they turned and opened fire, killing the hunter and the other man.Aliyu Usman, spokesman of the Kaduna state police command, could not be immediately confirm the incident when contacted, saying he would get back.He did not call back at the time of filing this report. Mr Ademola Odunade, the President of a Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan, has dissolved an 11-year-old marriage between Emmanuel Oyebadejo ... Mr Ademola Odunade, the President of a Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan, has dissolved an 11-year-old marriage between Emmanuel Oyebadejo and his wife Bukola over adultery and trouble making.Odunade remarked on Thursday that there was no more need for any settlement since both Emmanuel and Bukola have remarried. Therefore, in the interest of peaceful coexistence, the union between Emmanuel and Bukola has ceased to be, henceforth.Bukola shall take custody of the 10-year-old child produced by the union and Emmanuel shall provide N5,000 as monthly feeding allowance for the upkeep of the child. In addition, Emmanuel shall be responsible for the childs welfare and education, the Arbitrator said. Earlier in his explanation before the court, Emmanuel said that his wife, Bukola was fornicating with his long-time friend who stood as his best man on their wedding day. My lord, soon after Bukola moved into my home, she stopped obeying my instructions and often took me through series of insult, abuses and disrespect.She started engaging in adultery with my long-time friend who stood as best man on our wedding day, an act which I consider as horrible. When Bukola became an unrepentant trouble maker, I reported her on a number of occasions to her parents and Bukolas father did a lot in changing her positively, but her mother was a very bad influence on her.Then, I handed her over to my best man who I felt could talk to her on my behalf. love making I noticed that they were frequently having meetings, but their meetings were adulterous ones, my people told me and I caught them myself. During that period, I got a job in Lagos and I sometimes travel to Abuja for purpose of business. That friend of mine was still having sexual affairs with her.I had stopped having any sexual relationship with Bukola since I got to know that she has become adulterous. She told me that she was pregnant and I said that I was not responsible for it. My lord, we have stopped leaving together for the past six years, but I have been sending N2,500 every two weeks to her for the upkeep of the child. I will like to have custody of the child, Emmanuel prayed the court. However, Bukola who did not oppose the divorce suit was also silent on the allegation that she was adulterous. My lord, Emmanuel is in no way a responsible husband and father.He had abandoned the child and I for more than nine years and the child cant even recognise him. He has sent no money to us for care, Bukola stated.However, there were contradictory evidences from the witnesses supporting both Emmanuel and Bukola as to whether Emmanuel was responsible or not. Emmanuel resides at Sango-Ota, Ogun State, while Bukola resides at Odo-Oba area of Ibadan. Kashim Shettima, Borno state governor, has said it is only insanity that can motivate anyone to be talking about succeeding President Muha... Kashim Shettima, Borno state governor, has said it is only insanity that can motivate anyone to be talking about succeeding President Muhammadu Buhari at a time when he is addressing his health issues.Reacting to a purported call made to this effect by Danlami Kubo, the deputy speaker of the Borno house of assembly, Shettima said, It would amount to moral insanity for anyone to be discussing succession of President Buhari at this time.Isa Gusau, his spokesperson, in a statement said, I received a Google alert of the story credited to a lawmaker in Borno State over issue of succession. Governor Kashim Shettima was deeply angered by that report and he has tried reaching the lawmaker to clarify if he granted that interview or he was misrepresented.In the meantime, Governor Shettima feels it would amount to moral insanity for any Nigerian to be discussing issues of succession at a time a very popular, highly experienced and capable sitting president is managing his health.We have a sitting President, a popular one that we are all proud of for working more than anyone would have done in fighting the Boko Haram insurgency which is our number one problem in our state, the north-east and the Northern region.How can anyone in his right thinking be talking about succession when a cherished President is dealing with his health? What has gone wrong with our moral values?Has politics taken over our sanity? What is most precious to me is to have Boko Haram brought to an end and I dont think anyone would have done better than what President Buhari is doing for us. This call does not represent the slightest of my thoughts.The Borno governor further noted that nobody in Nigerias history nobody had successfully aspired to be the countrys president.He said most Presidents were invited to contest without actually nursing any aspiration.Only a mad man blindly aspires to be Nigerias President if history is anything to go by. From 1979 to date, nobody with aspiration for the presidency has achieved it, Shettima said.President Shagari was invited to contest without aspiration in 1979; President Obasanjo was invited to contest without aspiration in 1999; President Umaru Musa YarAdua was invited to contest without aspiration in 2007; President Jonathan who eventually succeededYarAdua was also invited to become Vice President without aspiration. Even President Buhari with his electrifying popularity didnt win the presidency in his 2003, 2007 and 2011 aspirations until in 2015 when he was invited to contest.This is the complexity of Nigerias politics and any person with the slightest wisdom must learn from history and face his business of the day.The Borno governor added that President Buhari will be fine and successfully re-elected, noting that his greatest wish is that the person succeeding me as the next governor of Borno State doesnt inherit the Boko Haram crisis like I inherited the crisis in 2011 and my other wish is that Borno is rebuilt before whoever is taking over from me at Allahs appointed time.I am not the ungrateful and not the blindly ambitious type and I thank Allah for his grace and pray that I succeed in positively reversing the Borno story, he said. Following a renewed attack on Nigerian nationals in South Africa, popular US trained journalist, Kemi Olunloyo, has called on Nigerians to take a stand.Ms. Olunloyo fumed at the persistent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in the country where their businesses were burnt and their goods looted.The daughter of Victor Omololu Olunloyo, a former governor of Oyo State, said the first way to fight back was for Nigerians to boycott all South African businesses in Nigeria.The outspoken activist made this known on her Instagram account @hnnafrica.She wrote: #HNNImpact We have to send a message to South Africa. End the #Xenophobia or we will boycott your businesses in #Nigeria.Nigerians are being attacked and killed in a country where we were instrumental to ending apartheid. Pls google apartheid if you werent born.The discrimination that led to #nelsonmandela locked up 27yrs! South Africa has a weakened economy. We as Nigerians can collapse it.There are good Nigerians contributing to that country while living there. I did that in North America.Sadly the so call Nigerian activists are QUIET, President Zuma cares less, Aso Rock is slow, our people are dying and being attacked needlessly and our President is not available.Im a true community activist and a globally recognized one at that in US and Canada. I was even deported by the conservative government in Canada for doing the right thing.These are not North American people Im protecting now. These are Nigerians! MY PEOPLE.I have never been to South Africa. I may never. I urge every Nigerian to boycott all #SouthAfrican business begining 2/23/17.Do not renew your DSTV/GoTV.Close your account at Stanbic IBTC.Do not purchase food at Shoprite.Do not recharge phone or data with MTN.SAY NO TO #Xenophobia and anti-foreigner protests.It is all HATE. Homophobia, Xenophobia, Islamophobia, Christianphobia, Ive always been against all forms of discrimination channelling HATE!If you dont boycott them, you are SUPPORTING THEM!Meanwhile, this is coming at a time when the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, called on the South African government to take decisive and definitive measures to protect Nigerian citizens and other Africans within South African borders. Following the attack on Nigerian businesses in South Africa, the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has given South African... Following the attack on Nigerian businesses in South Africa, the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has given South African firms in the country to leave in 48 hours or face the music. The students held a protest in Abuja on Thursday. The President of NANS, Mr. Kadiri Aruna, in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at DSTV office in Abuja, condemned attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. We are saying that enough is enough as South Africans have openly attacked and bullied Nigerians. The protest would also serve as a warning to other countries trying to underrate Nigerians, hee said, adding that if nothing was done after 48 hours, messages would be sent to students in all university campuses to bring down MTN masts all over the country. Aruna said that DSTV and Shoprite would also be affected as the union had put adequate strategies in place to make the action effective. Nigeria on Thursday said it had summoned South Africas top diplomat to register its fears about a fresh wave of violence against immigr... Nigeria on Thursday said it had summoned South Africas top diplomat to register its fears about a fresh wave of violence against immigrants near Johannesburg and Pretoria.Junior foreign minister Bukar Ibrahim said the high commissioner would be informed of (the) governments concerns on the situation and asked to ensure action was taken.The Federal Government of Nigeria strongly urges the South African Government to take all necessary measures to protect the lives and property of foreigners living and working in South Africa, he added in a statement.In the last week, more than 20 shops have been targeted in Atteridgeville, outside Pretoria, and at least 12 houses have been attacked in Rosettenville, south of Johannesburg.Ibrahim said reports from South Africa that Nigerians had been killed were unsubstantiated.The attacks, however, have exacerbated tensions between the two leading African countries and South African-owned businesses in Abuja were vandalised in response.The president of the National Association of Nigerian students, Aruna Kadiri, said about 100 people had registered (their) displeasure at the offices of mobile phone giant MTN.We want them to leave our country. We went to MultiChoice (satellite television provide DSTV). We also delivered that message.We also went to the South African High Commission (embassy) where we burned their flag to pass on a message to them that we dont have a relationship any longer.Kadiri added: All the South Africans in Nigeria should leave Nigeria within 48 hours or else we wont be able to guarantee their security.AFP A member of the Osun House of Assembly, Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, (APC-Obokun constituency) has condemned the alleged importation of In... A member of the Osun House of Assembly, Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, (APC-Obokun constituency) has condemned the alleged importation of Indian Garri into the country.Oyintiloye, in an interview with journalists in Osogbo, the Osun state capital on Thursday, said the situation was unacceptable.According to him, if the garri importation is allowed to continue unchecked, it will cause further damage to the economy.He added that it would permanently destroy the development of the value chain in the agriculture sub-sector and cassava production in the country.The lawmaker said it was worrisome how such staple food commodity in which Nigeria has comparative advantage could penetrate the nations border.Oyintiloye urged the security agencies in the nations borders to be on top of their game.The legislator, representing APC-Obokun constituency, said such development should not be tolerated at a time the nation was striving to get out of recession and strengthen her naira.Majority of the small-scale farmers, marketers depend on the cultivation, production and sales of gari in the local market to survive.The importation of garri into Nigeria is absurd and not acceptable.We must protect the economy especially, staple foods that we produce in this country, he said.Oyintiloye called on all stakeholders to speak with one voice against reckless importation of goods to the country.The lawmaker, who is the House Committee Chairman on Information and Strategy, challenged farmers, who are into production of garri and such other staple food commodities, to buckle up and repackage their product to make it more acceptable.Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development said it would liaise with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to investigate the alleged importation of garri from India.Chief Audu Ogbeh, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said in Abuja that it is strange and ridiculous that garri would be imported when there is enough supply of cassava and garri in the country.He said that the country produces more cassava that India, adding that Nigerians must change their attitude towards imported goods.NAFDAC had also denied the certification of such imported agricultural produce. Nigerian protesters on Thursday attacked and vandalised the head office of Africa's biggest mobile firm in Abuja in apparent retaliati... Nigerian protesters on Thursday attacked and vandalised the head office of Africa's biggest mobile firm in Abuja in apparent retaliation for anti-Nigerian violence in South Africa.South Africa's mobile operator MTN Group, who visited Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo said they are concerned over the violence against its property in Nigeria, where protesters attacked and vandalised its head office.Reacting to recent events that appear to be directed against non-nationals both in South Africa and Nigeria, MTN Group expresses concern over the violence," the group said in a statement made available to Reuters. Acting President Yemi Osinbajo inspected toilets and carousel during a surprise visit to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in L... Acting President Yemi Osinbajo inspected toilets and carousel during a surprise visit to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, on Thursday.Laolu Akande, spokesman of the acting president, said his principal visited the place to see things for himself.Ag President Osinbajo now on a surprise visit to Murtala Intl Airport days after approving 60-day reform plan to ease biz in the country, Akande tweeted.Osinbajo visited the state for a capital market and investment conference Osinbajo at Lagos Intl airport checking out toilets, carousels, immigration, toilets in the airport- to see things for himself.On Tuesday, Osinbajo chaired the expanded meeting of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBC) attended by Senate President Bukola Sakari and Speaker Yakubu Dogara.He had told the media after the four-hour meeting that two bills targeted at making doing business in Nigeria easier will be passed by the national assembly within 60 days.We have looked at three broad areas that we are trying to improve ease of doing business. There are: entry and exit of goods, entry and exit of persons into Nigeria and the whole general transparency and efficiency in government agencies and parastatals. Of course, the whole idea is to provide an environment for those who want to do business (both local and foreign) in Nigeria, he had said.A lot of work has already been done, there are pieces of legislation that we are also looking forward to seeing and we have been working with the National Assembly to ensure that these pieces of legislation are passed. Of course there are some improvements which we expect to see at our ports, airports, seaports, immigration, granting of visas and those kinds of things. The Senate has said it will consult with its legal team for advice on the decision of the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to withho... The Senate has said it will consult with its legal team for advice on the decision of the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to withhold assent to four bills passed by the National Assembly.The bills are Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2016, National Lottery (Amendment) Bill 2016, Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (Amendment) Bill 2016, and the Currency Conversion (Freezing Orders) (Amendment) Bill 2016.In the four letters sent to the Senate, dated February 7, 2017, the Acting President gave various reasons for his decision Pursuant to Section 58(4) of the Constitution.On the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (Amendment) Bill 2016, Osinbajo said, The reasons for withholding assent to the bill are the concerns surrounding board composition, funding arrangements, limitation of liability of funds, and proposals to increase levels of un-collaterised loans from N5,000 to N250,000.For withholding asset to the Currency Conversion (Freezing Orders) (Amendment) Bill 2016, the Acting President said, The rationale for withholding assent to the bill is the concern regarding modalities for the communication of asset forfeiture orders.Osinbajo also said the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2016 could not be assented to, saying, The rationale for withholding assent to the bill are the concerns regarding certain words and phrases utilised in the draft bill that may be inconsistent with the Principal Act (for example, Section 6 of the bill with Section 21 of the Principal Act) and the spirit behind the proposed amendments.Also, the Acting President said he withheld assent to the National Lottery (Amendment) Bill 2016 due to the existence of pending legal challenge to the competence of the National Assembly to legislate on the subject matter.After the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, read Osinbajos letters to senators at plenary on Wednesday, Senator Dino Melaye, who sponsored the National Lottery (Amendment) Bill, raised a point of order and dismissed the Acting Presidents reason for not assenting to it.Citing Section 4 of the constitution, the senator described the court process and the decision by Osinbajo as against the principle of separation of powers.Melaye said, Mr. President, the explanation for withholding the assent as stipulated in the letter by the Acting President is because there is a pending litigation on this matter. Mr. President, democracy is standing on the basic principles of separation of powers and it has divided this into three; the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.Mr. President, the role of the executive is to carry out its fundamental objective by signing anything that has been passed by this House and anyone who has a problem with it can go to court in compliance with the provisions of Section 6 of the constitution. May it not be a bad day for democracy if we keep quiet and allow the powers of the legislature to be usurped by the non-compliance to the provisions of the constitution.Saraki, in his response, said the chamber would seek legal advice on the matter as it had to do with separation of powers.He said, I think the procedure is that we will refer this (issue) to our legal department to give us advice on interpretation on some of the things that you have said, for us to be properly guided. But, I agree with you that it is a matter that we must take seriously because it goes down to the issue of separation of powers. We would get the opinion of the legal department.But Senator George Sekibo, rose up to say that the National Assembly had the powers to override the veto of the President.He said, The way the constitution is framed, they have their own roles to play and we have our own role to play. We check each other. I know that the matter is in court and based on our rules, we cannot discuss it; it is a different thing. But if it is just that the President did not give assent, we have to look at the merit of the particular bill if it meets the standards and if the court matter is not going to impede what we are going to do. Then, we can override the veto of the President.Again, Saraki stated that the issue should be referred to the legal department for interpretation and counsel.Osinbajo had last week assented to seven bills passed by the legislature. Emotion ran high on Wednesday as the Federal Executive Council held a valedictory session in honour of the Minister of Environment, Mrs. A... Emotion ran high on Wednesday as the Federal Executive Council held a valedictory session in honour of the Minister of Environment, Mrs. Amina Mohammed, who is leaving the cabinet to take up an appointment at the United Nations.She has been appointed as the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.Mohammed, who is billed to resume at the UN headquarters in New York, in March, attended her last council meeting on Wednesday.The session, which was presided over by the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, saw the minister as well as the Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Jibril, shedding tears.Ministers took turns to eulogise Mohammed before Osinbajo rounded the emotion-laden session off with his remarks.The ministers described her as a role model, a goal-getter and a source of pride to Nigeria.Osinbajo lauded the contributions of Mohammed to the present administrations achievements.He said the minister seemed to be knowledgeable in practically all fields, including law.Mohammed later thanked her colleagues for the honour.She promised to keep Nigerias flag flying at the world stage when she resumes at the UN headquarters soon.At the end of the session, the cabinet members took pictures with the outgoing minister.She later told State House correspondents that Nigeria stood to gain a lot from her appointment.She said, Being there, you are closer to some of the decision-making. We do have some major challenges that are of concern to the global village.In the next two weeks or so, the UN Security Council should be visiting Nigeria and when it does, we will be showing them exactly what the President has been highlighting and that nexus between poverty, conflict and climate change.They will visit the North-East and they will see some of the root causes of our young people being dragged to terrorism. Despite the challenges arising from the N330b fine imposed on it by the telecommunication regulator, Nigerian Communications Commission,... Despite the challenges arising from the N330b fine imposed on it by the telecommunication regulator, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, last year, MTN Group while expressing implicit confidence in its Nigerian operations, has disclosed that the mobile operator has injected over $16 billion into the Nigerian operations.This was the remarks of MTN Group Chairman/Chief Executive, Mr. Phuthuma Freedom Nhleko when he led a high level delegation to the NCC headquarters in Abuja. Nhleko, who was received by the Executive Vice Chairman, EVC, of the Commission, Prof Umar Danbatta and top management of the Commission said the Group has faith in Nigeria and will be willing to invest more in the sector in the years to come.We had challenges in the past, during the period of the fine, and we are grateful for the role, the Commission played towards an amicable resolution, he said. Nhleko whose visit to the NCC management is a valedictory one as he steps down as Group Chairman in March, 2017 said that, we have a very long way to go and so ask for spectrum which is the oxygen and life blood to navigate this long and tedious investment journey, without spectrum, the sector will suffocate. Nhleko specifically solicited for more spectrum allocation and a release of the one that belonged to Visafone, whose equity shares MTN acquired in 2015.While canvassing for a more level playing field despite being dominant player, he said that MTN has made its mark in voice and data services and that more services like mobile financial services are underway. Meanwhile, reacting to recent events that appear to be directed against non-nationals both in South Africa and Nigeria, MTN Group has expressed concern over the violence. MTN requests people to exercise restraint and remain calm, the mobile phone operator said in a statement.In his response, Prof. Danbatta welcomed the delegation and assured them that the Commission will always play by the rules and support every operator within the ambits of the law. According to the NCC EVC, I like to state that our word is our covenant. When we take decisions, we are concerned about the stability of the industry and there is no way we can guarantee it without considering the dominant status of MTN and its obligations and if the dominant status is becoming stringent, we are open to engagement, we will be guided by what is happening in the market, to ensure the growth and development of the sector, adding that, the sector has contributed very well to the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and has shown remarkable resilience in this recession Danbatta said the NCC made a case for relaxing fiscal policies towards the sector to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the CBN Governor is favorably disposed to our request and further engagement especially towards major players who desire to import equipment to aid deployment of broadband infrastructure services and others.The Commission, he explained, will always carry out interventions to cushion the operators request to provide necessary services. On spectrum assignment, Danbatta, said MTN got six slots in the 2.6 GHz auction and full utilization of that spectrum is envisaged. We are open to further discussion on the areas of spectrum assignment. , he said, even as he advised MTN to put across request for spectrum of interest and we will check its availability. The Commission is here to protect the interests of the operators as well as consumers, consistent with our mandate, the trust reposed on us by the government and people of Nigeria; protecting their interests and ensuring a level playing field and respect for our laws, he said.The EVC said the Commission only resorted to sanctions as a regulatory action of last resort after allowing time for checking compliance. The MTN delegation included Mr. Pascal Dozie Chairman, MTN (Nigeria), Col. Sani Bello (Vice Chairman), Board members: Chief Victor Odili, Chief Gbenga Oyebode, Mr. Ferdi Moolman (CEO) and others. Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has stated reasons why he declined the assent to four bills amended by the National Assembly. Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has stated reasons why he declined the assent to four bills amended by the National Assembly.The lawmaker on Wednesday threatened to override Osinbajos veto on the four bills.Osinbajos four letters to the National Assembly were read at both chambers by the Senate President Bukola Saraki and House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara.The bills rejected are Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (Amendment) Bill 2016, Currency Conversion (Freezing orders) amendment bill, 2016, Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill, 2016 and National Lottery (Amendment), Bill 2016.Osinbajo said he withheld assent to Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme fund because, of the concerns surrounding board composition, funding arrangements, limitation of liability of funds, and proposals to increase levels of uncollateralized loans from N5,000 to N250,000.The acting President said he rejected the Currency conversion bill in view of the concern regarding the modalities for the communication of asset forfeiture orders.On the dangerous drugs bill, Osinbajo said certain words and phrases utilised in the draft bill may be inconsistent with the Principal Act.He said he withheld assent to the National Lottery amendment bill, following the existence of pending legal challenge to the competence of the National Assembly to legislate on the subject matter. OAKLAND -- Bergen County's director of safety and security was suspended without pay after he was charged Tuesday with driving drunk. Michael Bradley, 48 of Wayne, was arrested by Oakland police after they responded at 4:15 p.m. to a report of an erratic driver near Franklin Avenue and Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland Lt. Chris Eldridge said. Bradley, who was driving a black Ford Explorer, had damage to his passenger side mirror after hitting a mailbox on Franklin. Bradley was arrested on a number of charges including driving while drunk and having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle, Eldridge said. Bergen County Executive James Tedesco said in a statement that he suspended Bradley immediately without pay after learning of the pending charges late Tuesday. "I have also ordered the Bergen County Inspector General to fully investigate his actions," Tedesco said in the statement. "I expect all county employees to obey the law and exhibit responsible conduct. Anyone who fails to do so will be held accountable." A spokeswoman for the County Executive's office wouldn't say whether Bradley was at work that day or whether he was driving a county vehicle. Bradley has had a long career in the Bergen County Sheriff's Office, including serving as chief, according to his LinkedIn profile. Bradley also serves as director of the Passaic County Consumer Affairs, according to his profile. Bradley was taken to police headquarters and was later released after post-arrest testing and processing. A court date has been scheduled for March 2 in Oakland Municipal Court. Sara Jerde may be reached at sjerde@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SaraJerde. RAMSEY -- Cops have been posted at a rail crossing where a man died last year in order to deter people who routinely walk across tracks when gates are down. New Jersey Transit Police have been posted at the Main Street station after they received reports of people ignoring the gates and going under them, Jim Smith, a spokesman for NJ Transit, confirmed to NJ Advance Media. Despite a large sign that warns people "not to cross tracks when gates are down," photos sent anonymously to borough officials and NJ Transit show people doing just that. In one photo, two men can be seen crossing just inches from a stopped train. The station was deemed as the second-most dangerous rail crossing in the state in 2015 by the Federal Railroad Administration. Three pedestrians have been killed at the crossing since 2006, according to the FRA. Tommy Ryan, a Ramsey resident, died on June 9 after he ducked under a gate to catch a train but didn't see another train coming in the other direction. Since then, Jamie Ryan, the man's uncle, has been lobbying NJ Transit to improve safety at the station. Ryan wants trains to go slower through the borough or a pedestrian bridge over the tracks built, he told NJ Advance Media in October. "I think it's become normal to them," Ryan said of residents crossing tracks. "And they don't realize that outside, this is not normal." In November, the state Department of Transportation listed 40 recommendations for safety upgrades at the crossing in a letter to the borough. One of the ideas included installing a "gate skirt," to prevent people from running under gates while down. NJ Transit has been keeping an officer at the scene during the morning and evening rush for the past few weeks to reinforce that people not cross the tracks while gates are down. "People are not practicing proper train safety," said Mayor Deirdre Dillon, who received the photos. Dillion said borough police don't have jurisdiction over the crossing. It is illegal to enter the track area when crossing gates are down. Pedestrians caught crossing the gates can face a fine of up to $54. Smith said only two people were issued summonses last month and that the effort is more about educating people. "The New Jersey Transit Police Department effort in Ramsey is not about fines and penalties, it is about reminding and educating the public of the serious dangers of ignoring a downed crossing gate," Smith said. "Failure to abide by the safety devices at a crossing can be fatal." NJ Transit said they have placed police at other crossings where the problem has also arisen. "The New Jersey Transit Police Department routinely deploys personnel to similar type crossings throughout the system to proactively remind pedestrians and drivers of railroad crossing safety," said Smith. Fausto Giovanny Pinto may be reached at fpinto@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @FGPreporting. Find NJ.com on Facebook. DuBoix 5.jpg When someone dies, who will take care of the paperwork? (DuBoix/morguefile.com) Q. My father died suddenly of a heart attack. He left no will as far as my brothers and I can tell. He had a condo with a second mortgage, a car and a lot of credit card debt. We think we found his safe deposit box key. A friend said if we file the paperwork just to open the safe deposit box, we will be liable in New Jersey for settling his entire estate. We fear that there may be no money left in the condo once the debts are paid. What do we do? -- Responsible or not? A. We're sorry to hear about your dad. When someone dies without a will and leaves nothing to guide their heirs, well, it can be complicated. The process of being appointed as executor if there is a will, or administrator if there is no will, is not that difficult or expensive in New Jersey, said Catherine Romania, an estate planning attorney with Witman Stadtmauer in Florham Park. Bonds are generally waived for executors, but administrators do have to post a bond, she said. The bond is based upon the value of the estate, which in this case does not appear to be significant. Being appointed as an executor or administrator does not make you personally responsible for any of the decedent's unpaid debts or obligations, Romania said. "Because there is real estate involved and you are an heir of the estate, once foreclosure of a mortgage is begun, you will likely be named in the proceedings whether or not you are an administrator or executor, although you do not necessarily have to respond to any pleadings you receive," Romania said. She said you cannot be forced to take on the burdens of administration of an estate merely because you are an heir. But, she said, once you agree to serve and you are appointed as an executor or an administrator, you cannot just quit. You would need permission from the court to resign and a successor fiduciary would need to be appointed. If there is no family member willing to serve as a fiduciary to administer your father's estate and because there are assets in your father's estate to be administered and debts to be paid, then the court would probably appoint an attorney to serve in such capacity, although by statute even creditors can apply for the job, Romania said. The administrator will be paid from the sale of the assets, meaning it is less likely there will be anything left to pass to the heirs. Romania said assuming your father was not married at the time of his death and you and your brothers are his only children and he left no will, then you would each be entitled to a one-third share of his estate based on the laws of intestacy. You would also each be entitled to be appointed and to act jointly as administrators of his estate, but any one or two of you could renounce in favor of the other(s), Romania said. For example, you could renounce so that your two brothers could serve without you, although you would remain a one-third heir. If you think you found your father's safe deposit box key and think you know which bank holds the box, you should contact the bank to determine the bank's policy with respect to opening a decedent's safe deposit box solely for the purpose of obtaining the decedent's original will and/or life insurance policies and other important documents, if any. This is generally best done in person with an original death certificate and proof of your identification and relationship to the decedent, Romania said. "Unfortunately, although proposed bills have been presented in the New Jersey legislature to require bank officials to open safe deposit boxes in the sole name of a decedent for family members to search for wills and other necessary documents, these bills have not become law in New Jersey," Romania said. "If the bank does not have a policy which permits the bank officer to open the box, then you will need to go to the surrogate and get appointed as an administrator of the estate and return to the bank with Letters of Administration which will then allow you access to the box." Alternatively, you will need to go to court and obtain a court order requiring the opening of the box, which is a more expensive option, she said. Good luck to you and your family. Email your questions to Ask@NJMoneyHelp.com. Karin Price Mueller writes the Bamboozled column for NJ Advance Media and is the founder of NJMoneyHelp.com. Follow NJMoneyHelp on Twitter @NJMoneyHelp. Find NJMoneyHelp on Facebook. Sign up for NJMoneyHelp.com's weekly e-newsletter. The Tick Tock Diner in Clifton is the country's second-best 24-hour diner, according to The Daily Meal. "Literally everyone from North Jersey has heard of the Tick Tock Diner, and just about all of them have dined there as well,'' says the foodie web site. "It's really, really good. . . this diner is a quintessential New Jersey hangout, with a menu about as long as War and Peace.'' The must-try dish there: the disco fries, "New Jersey's answer to poutine: fries topped with melted mozzarella and brown gravy.'' Diners, according to The Daily Meal, "were once America's most widespread 24-hour establishments,'' but "sadly more and more classic diners are closing yearly, especially in cities like New York.'' Most of those New York City diners and many of the eateries on The Daily Meal's list are not classic diners but coffee shops, luncheonettes and cafes. Which are not diners in the sense they are regarded in New Jersey, the diner capital of the world. The top 24-hour diner on The Daily Meal's list is The Red Arrow Diner in Manchester, N.H., a "certified institution and not just for the food; it's a must-visit for every Presidential candidate on the campaign trail.'' Number three on the list is Veselka in Manhattan, which has been serving "traditional diner fare and Eastern European specialties to NYU kids and graveyard-shift workers'' since 1954,'' says The Daily Meal. In 2015, we undertook our own search for New Jersey's best diner, ultimately settling upon the Broad Street Diner in Keyport as the winner. Peter Genovese may be reached at pgenovese@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @PeteGenovese or via The Munchmobile @NJ_Munchmobile. Find the Munchmobile on Facebook and Instagram. seasideheightspolarbearplunge.JPG The Seaside Heights Polar Plunge takes place this Saturday at the Casino Pier Beach. The entire boardwalk will be open for food, fun, and games. (Patti Sapone) SEASIDE HEIGHTS POLAR BEAR PLUNGE: Seaside Heights bursts back to life Saturday for its annual Polar Bear Plunge. The plunge, which benefits the Special Olympics, is one of the biggest charity and party days in the famed beach town. Last year the plunge raised over $1.6 million for Special Olympics, and they are looking to top that number this year. If you have not registered to take part in the plunge, you need to be in Seaside between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to sign up. Cost for 'day of' sign-ups is $125 per person and will take place at 62 Grant Avenue. The plunge itself will commence at 1 p.m. This has always been one of the most popular plunges of the year, so we recommend you get there early in order to get a prime plunging spot. $125. Saturday, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (sign-up/check-in), 1 p.m. (plunge). MARDI GRAS AT LAURITA WINERY: Get a little taste (and sip) of N'Awlins at The Laurita Winery this weekend. The two-day Mardi Gras celebration features their award-winning wines, and Cajun-inspired dishes at their "Marketplace" eatery. Food items include: Emeril Lagasse's country file gumbo ($11), cajun chicken wrap ($10), andouille sausage platters ($11), and bread pudding ($6). On Saturday music will be provided by the Blue Jersey Band, and Freedom Brass Dixie. On Sunday JazzFunktion performs. There will be plenty of beads thrown around as well. Free. Saturday, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. 85 Archertown Road, New Egypt. 1-800-LAURITA. DAVID DUCHOVNY IN CONCERT AT THE STONE PONY: No, the actor will not be sitting on stage at The Stone Pony regaling audiences with on-set stories from his time as Agent Fox Mulder on "The X-Files." Duchovny will instead be performing tracks off his 2015 album "Hell or Highwater" as well as some newly penned songs. The record is a blend of alternative, folk, and country and was produced by Colin Lee of the band Weather. Lee will open for Duchovny as will Jackson Pines. There is a special VIP soundcheck experience where fans can take part in a special 30 minute soundcheck party, and take a group photo with the actor (which will be posted on his social media). Tickets are $150, and can be found on the link for purchasing show tickets. $34.50-$37. Friday, 7pm. 913 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park. 732-502-0600. FOLLOW THE GIN BLOSSOMS DOWN TO MONTCLAIR: The Gin Blossoms makes their return to the Garden State on Saturday. The foursome which spawned major hits like "Found Out About You," "Hey Jealously," and "Allison Road" will take the stage for their signature high energy, fan friendly shows. Opening for the Gin Blossoms will be New Jersey rock outft Thing-One, and Marlowe Grey. $26-$90. Saturday, 8:00 p.m. 5 Seymour Street, Montclair. 973-783-9500. BRAIN CANDY LIVE WITH ADAM SAVAGE OF "MYTHBUSTERS": Michael Stevens of YouTube's "Vsauce" and Adam Savage of "Mythbusters" team up on Sunday for "Brain Candy Live!" The show is a mind-bending theatrical experience using technology to create visually amazing feats of science. Want an example? How about 3D printing a human being? The duo will also be taking on various scientific questions, and proving whether or not they are realistic or not. $39-$119. Sunday, 3 p.m. 1 Center Street, Newark. 1-888-GO-NJPAC. OSCAR PARTY AT THE ASBURY HOTEL: The Oscars are this Sunday, and if you love film this is basically Christmas for you. The Asbury Hotel, which was named one of the best new hotels in the country, will host a special Oscar Party. The free event features a full bar with an Oscar-themed drink menu, a pasta station ($10), Oscar bingo, and a "pick the winner" game (with a $15 gift certificate prize). The show will be shown on the hotel's massive 20' x 30' movie screen. Free. Sunday, 8 p.m. 210 5th Avenue, Asbury Park 732-774-7100. LEWIS BRINGS ACERBIC HUMOR TO STATE THEATRE: The fire-breathing comic returns to New Jersey Saturday to New Brunswick's State Theatre. The comedian is currently touring the country on his "Rant, White and Blue Tour." With a tour name like that one has to wonder if/how much the former "Daily Show" correspondent will talk about the country's current state. The show has very limited seats available.$35-$75. Sunday, 8 p.m. 15 Livingston Street, New Brunswick. 732-24607469. JERSEY SHORE WINE FESTIVAL AT THE TROPICANA: Wine enthusiasts should be amped for the Tropicana's Jersey Shore Wine Festival on Saturday and Sunday. The festival features 150 wines from the following New Jersey wineries and vineyards: Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery (Pilesgrove), Bellview Winery (Landsville), Chestnut Run Farms (Pilesgrove), DiMatteo Vineyard (Hammonton), Old York Cellars (Ringoes), Plagido's Winery (Hammonton), Sharrott Winery (Hammonton), Southwind Vineyard & Winery (Millville), Tomasello Winery (Hammonton), Valenzano Winery (Shamong), Villari Vineyards (South Jersey), and Wagonhouse Winery (Swedesboro). $25. Saturday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 2381 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. 1-800-843-8767. Bill Bodkin can be reached at bodkinwrites@gmail.com. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook. NEWARK -- Two suspects were arrested Wednesday in connection with a shooting and a separate robbery last month, Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said. The police department's Fugitive Apprehension Team and the FBI's Fugitive Task Force arrested city resident Dujuan R. Curry, 28. Curry allegedly robbed his cousin at Martin Luther King Boulevard and Clinton Avenue Jan. 23. City detectives also arrested Anthony Mollison, 22, of East Orange, on charges of aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Police say Mollison shot a 22-year-old man at the Bradley Court housing complex on Jan. 15. The victim was treated at University Hospital and released. Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook. IMG_1098.JPG Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop urged a bipartisan Senate committee to more thoughtfully forge ahead with changing how public schools are funded, arguing current proposals are vague and threaten to help affluent areas "at the expense of the most needy children." (Karen Yi| NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) NEWARK ---The ongoing debate over how to fairly -- and equitably -- fund New Jersey's public schools prompted disagreements Wednesday between two Democrats who once were considered contenders for the gubernatorial race. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop urged a bipartisan state Senate committee to more thoughtfully forge ahead with changing how public schools are funded, arguing current proposals are vague and threaten to help affluent areas "at the expense of the most needy children." State Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester), who co-chaired the committee, said Fulop's remarks were "1000 percent wrong." "It's actually insulting in some ways for him to say that we're trying to divert money from urban districts," he told reporters. "The governor's plan does that, it creates an 'us versus them.'" New Jersey spends more than $9 billion a year on public schools using a formula that considers each community's ability to raise revenue through property taxes. It expects wealthier communities to pay a higher percentage of school costs with their own tax dollars and gives school districts extra money for students from low-income families. Last year, Gov. Chris Christie proposed a dramatic change which would give districts $6,599 per student regardless of income or other needs. Sweeney's plan would include fully funding the state's 2008 formula that determines how much state aid each school district receives according to school enrollment and student need. The state has been unable to fully fund its formula for years as it grapples with rising pensions costs and a dwindling transportation fund. Part of Sweeney's plan also includes reallocating hundreds of millions in adjustment aid, money currently doled out to the districts like Jersey City and Hoboken solely so they don't lose state aid from previous years. Fulop said though he supported fully funding the state formula, eliminating the adjustment aid would hurt urban districts like Camden, Asbury Park and Newark. Jersey City received $114 million in adjustment aid this year. "It is clearly an attack on poorer, predominantly African-American, Latino and minority communities," Fulop told the eight-member Senate committee during its fourth hearing on the issue at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. But Sweeney said urban districts like Newark and Paterson would see a net gain under his proposal because they receive less funding than they should from the state. Newark is underfunded by more than $100 million, his staff said. "Newark has cut bare bones and it hurts," Antoinette Baskerville Richardson, chair of Newark's School Advisory Board, told the committee. "Without full funding we don't know what the future will be for Newark public schools." "We don't want to come up with a new formula, the formula works," Sweeney said. "We need to fund it." He said some municipalities which are overfunded by the state need to step up local contributions to prepare for a decrease in aid. Jersey City, he said, pays 36 percent of what the state believes is their local fair share in taxes. "Where they can afford to start paying, they need to start adjusting," Sweeney said. Fulop said lawmakers needed to understand Jersey City was not just affluent development. He said there are still pockets of poverty and 70 percent of students receive free and reduced lunch. "Pointing to a waterfront and classifying an entire city being indicative of a waterfront is unfair," Fulop said. He added that municipalities shouldn't be penalized for using tools given to them by the Legislature, such as tax abatements for new developers; school districts receive no money from abatement revenues. During the nearly four-hour hearing, other school districts such as Bayonne testified about looming teacher layoffs because of severe underfunding. "Bayonne is in a serious structural budget crisis, it has caught up to us," said Schools Superintendent Patricia L. McGeehan. She pointed to their other Hudson County neighbors who were receiving more than enough state money. "So one more time: why not Bayonne?" Charter school advocates also argued in favor of fully funding the formula. "What's good for districts is good for charter schools," said Rick Pressler, of the New Jersey Charter Schools Association. State Sen. Joseph Pennacchio (R-Morris) who also co-chaired the committee said not everyone agreed with the formula. "The formula itself is skewed, gamed and it's political," he said. Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook. It's located in Montclair, but this restaurant's soul is in Memphis. Bluff City BBQ, named after the Tennessee town famous for its 'cue, serves not only the deliciously smoky ribs ($16/$28) and pulled pork ($15) you'd expect, but also a variety of southern selections, such as shrimp and grits, sparked by Andouille sausage, peppers, tomato and onion ($11/$18). The kitchen involves a collaboration between owner Scott Hermo, a retired Wall Street bond trader with a passion for barbecue, and Patrick Yves Pierre-Jerome, a chef whose resume includes stops at New Brunswick's Stage Left and his own Yves in Montclair, which sadly closed more than two decades ago. Pierre-Jerome is nothing if not eclectic, so those looking for something off the main track of the establishment's cuisine can always go with the likes of the lush crabmeat salad and cucumber Charlotte ($10) or roasted beets with baby kale and goat cheese ($10). Innovation is part of the fun. Buttermilk fried chicken ($16) takes on a different personality with the addition of black pepper garlic honey that gives new meaning to finger lickin'. The chef's talents fit into Hermo's concept of something that was more upscale than the usual BBQ place, with offerings outside the predictable items so vegetarians feel welcome, too There are several fish dishes with nice touches. The blackened salmon ($21) gets its personality from an intriguing brown sugar mustard sauce, while the oven-fried catfish ($16) is dressed up by smoked tomatoes and a jazzy fennel relish. Everything meshes beautifully with moist cornbread, which comes with entrees and also is available as a side ($3). The main draw, obviously, is the barbecue, amid the aura of fragrant smoke that beckons and beguiles at Bluff City. Hermo visits Memphis annually to enjoy barbecue and learn more about it. As he began thinking about starting his own restaurant, Hermo took entrepreneurial classes at the International Culinary Center, In 2015, he began working at Giotto, which was in the space where Bluff City is now located. He also got involved with barbecue restaurants in New York City and Cambridge, Mass., before taking the leap to open his place at the end of December. The owner put not only his heart, soul and money into the project, but also his handiwork, sanding and refinishing as the chic rustic interior with its distressed wood tables took shape. Hermo would like to spend more time out on the floor and working with such aspects as catering and takeout, but he has been busy in the kitchen, handling the smoking and barbecue work as well as pitching in on the line when necessary. The rub is his own recipe, made for him in Arkansas from 10 different spices, and used on a variety of items, though the tender brisket is "just straight up salt and pepper." The vinegary yet sweet barbecue sauce is also his creation. Without giving away the whole recipe, it's sufficient to say it includes ketchup (the only item not made in-house), tomato sauce, cider vinegar and brown sugar, among other ingredients. The barbecue sampler of ribs, brisket and pulled pork ($22) and of course, sliced pickles, is served on a tray covered in brown paper, no plate. For those wanting to get an overview of Bluff City, this does the trick. While the Memphis style of ribs is usually dry, Hermo gives the meat a quick light brush of sauce to glaze them, imparting a more alluring look and color. Shrimp and grits cakes offers an alternative fo meat at Bluff City BBQ. I expected desserts to be an afterthought, as they often are at various barbecue places I've frequented elsewhere in the country. At Bluff City, happily, they're a main attraction. Forget the ribs, the brisket, the chicken--I'd go back just for the raggedy pecan cornmeal cookies ($6) with dulce de leche on the side for dipping. They have a welcome crunch and are comfortingly tasty even without the dip. Red velvet cake ($7) is an on-the-mark rendition of a classic, while pecan pie ($7) is not too sweet, which can often be the downfall of this dessert. We were waited on by a young person who was trying hard but lacked training, resulting in a service glitch. I was impressed that manager Nelson Rangel was on it immediately and took a percentage off our bill to make things right. Other employees were warm and welcoming, sharing their enthusiasm about their workplace. Hermo acknowledged staffing has been an issue as he wends his way through the trials of starting his first restaurant, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. He is pleased with improvements at the front of the house where his wife, Heather, pitches in as a receptionist. The restaurant seats 76 and will serve more outside once warm weather returns. Reservations are taken during the week for anyone, but on the weekends, only for groups of six or more. That can mean a wait for couples or small families on weekends, but for barbecue lovers, it's worth it and the price is right. Bluff City BBQ 21 Midland Ave. Montclair. 973-744-4657. bluffcitybbqnj.com. Hours: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-9 Mondays and Wednesdays; 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.Thursdays-Fridays; 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 5-8 p.m.Sundays. Closed Tuesdays. BYOW. 2 1/2 stars. Cody Kendall may be reached at CodyDine@aim.com. Follow Cody on Twitter@CodyDine. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 23, 2017 / Asiamet Resources Limited ("ARS" or the "Company") (TSX-V and AIM: ARS) is pleased to announce the results of a comprehensive review of all historical exploration data collected within a 3 kilometer radius of the BKM deposit in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia where the Company is currently advancing feasibility studies for the development of a 25,000 tpa SX-EW copper mine. The review assessed the base and precious metal potential at each of the Beruang Kanan West (BKW), Beruang Kanan South (BKS), and BKZ Polymetallic Prospects (BKZ). Significant copper, zinc, and associated base and precious metal mineralization warranting near term drill testing is present on each of the key prospect areas. These prospects are shown on the project location map in Figure 1 and historic results for each prospect area are summarized below. BKS Copper Prospect - A well-defined high tenor copper in soil anomaly measuring 800m x 600m is located less than 1km south of BKM and is coincident with copper mineralized sheeted veins and a strong near surface IP geophysical anomaly of similar intensity to the near surface signature at BKM. - Historic rock chip sampling reported highly anomalous gold, silver, and copper values, including a rock chip outcrop sample assaying 12.3% Cu, 18.2g/t Au and 41g/t Ag Scout hole KBK-028 (151.3m EOH) drilled in 2007 reported: - 26.5m @ 0.43% Cu from 2.5m, (including 10.5m @ 0.88% Cu from 14.5m) This hole also intersected near surface high grade gold mineralization as follows: - 3m @ 11.5g/t Au from 11.5m, (including 1.5m @ 21.8g/t Au from 11.5m) Three scout holes were drilled in 2015, totaling 194.8 meters. The first drill hole BKM30350-01 intersected a barren dyke and was not assayed. Drill holes BKM30500-01 and BKM30625-01 locally intersected moderate to strong copper mineralization, including: - BKM30500-01 - 10.0m @ 2.52% Cu from 19.5m depth - Includes 2m @ 7.45% Cu from 19.5m depth - 3.0m @ 1.45% Cu from 43.5m depth - 3.5m @ 1.04% Cu from 58.5m depth Story continues - BKM30625-01 - 1.0m @ 3.83% Cu from 7.5m depth - 2.0m @ 0.67% Cu from 12.5m depth BKW Copper Prospect - Multiple copper mineralized sheeted vein zones with wide spread alteration similar to BKM are observed within a 2.5 sqkm area, including exposures along the BKM access road. Three well defined copper in soil anomalies occur coincident with these sheeted vein zones, the largest measuring 1.7km x 1km. - Copper in soil anomalies are coincident with chargeability anomalies identified in IP geophysical surveys. The most prominent chargeability anomaly which replicates the BKM signature is greater than 1 km in strike length. - Historic rock chip sampling of these sheeted vein zones yielded highly anomalous copper values, with individual rock chip samples assaying up to 7.1% Cu. - No previous drilling on two anomalies noted above, and only one hole drilled off the margin of a third extensive (1.7km by 1km) copper in soil anomaly. BKZ Polymetallic Prospect - Located less than 800m north of BKM a well-defined zinc-lead-copper in soil anomaly measuring 400m by 200m occurs coincident with massive sulphide-bearing outcrops. - Massive base metal sulphide-bearing outcrops are exposed along the main creek with rock channel sampling returning exceptional high grade polymetallic results, including 11.5 meters @ 16.50% Zn, 6.16% Pb, 0.48% Cu, 0.55g/t Au, and 106g/t Ag. - A total of 12 line kilometers of IP and ground magnetic geophysical surveys were completed and six scout holes were drilled in 1999 totaling 871 meters. Three holes (BKZ-1,2, and 3) tested the coincident soil/rock geochemistry and IP chargeability anomaly. - Mineralization occurs within a zone of pervasive alteration, containing barite, carbonate, and gypsum after anhydrite. True thickness is estimated at 50 meters, and mineralized outcrops indicate at least 100m of strike extent. Significant drill intercepts are summarized in Table 1. Table 1: Historic significant drill intercepts at BKZ Prospect Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Zinc (%) Lead (%) Copper (%) Silver (g/t) Gold (g/t) BKZ-1 6.00 56.00 50.0 2.91 1.01 0.12 25.2 0.52 Including 6.00 14.00 8.0 9.47 4.87 0.26 96.5 0.56 BKZ-2 8.20 15.50 7.3 3.65 1.31 0.09 38.5 0.53 Including 8.20 10.20 2.0 8.75 3.29 0.12 56.0 0.80 BKZ-2 17.60 49.60 32.0 2.19 0.91 0.10 12.1 0.26 Including 19.60 21.60 2.0 9.20 3.39 0.19 41.0 0.65 Including 33.60 35.60 2.0 6.75 1.74 0.38 22.0 0.26 Including 39.60 41.60 2.0 2.93 5.34 0.05 18.0 0.24 BKZ-3 14.60 19.10 4.5 8.33 4.26 0.08 79.6 0.54 BKZ-3 20.95 58.95 38.0 3.13 1.02 NSA 12.7 0.26 Including 20.95 46.95 26.0 4.00 1.39 0.07 17.0 0.31 Notes: Grade intercepts are calculated as a weighted average grade (uncut). NSA-No Significant Assay True widths are interpreted to be between 80-100% of the reported lengths, unless otherwise stated. The BKW and BKS prospects display similar characteristics to the BKM deposit and represent potentially highly attractive resource expansion targets immediately adjacent to the proposed BKM mine. The BKZ prospect represents a potential stand-alone high value polymetallic target. An initial scout drill program is proposed for each area in Q2-Q3, 2017 to confirm the width and continuity of the mineralization. Any potentially economic areas will be fast tracked to resource delineation drilling, as this may have a material impact on mine life and development planning for the BKM project. Stephen Hughes, Asiamet's Vice President - Exploration, commented: "Asiamet has always been very excited by the substantial exploration potential in the wider BK area, however, it has been critical for the Company to focus its efforts on progressing the development of the BKM deposit over the past two years. As the feasibility study on BKM is now in full swing and advancing to plan, we have taken the opportunity to re-assess and prioritize those targets, with the potential to materially impact the BKM mine life and development schedule. With elevated base and precious metals extending over more than five square kilometers in the soils, and high grade mineralization reporting from a number of discrete zones associated with favorable geology, we are looking forward to more fully testing these targets and demonstrating the wider Resource potential of the BK area." Qualified Person Data disclosed in this press release have been reviewed and verified by ARS's qualified person, Stephen Hughes, P. Geo, Vice President Exploration of the Company and a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101 and for the purposes of the AIM Rules. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Peter Bird, Deputy Chairman and CEO For further information, please contact: Peter Bird Deputy Chairman and CEO, Asiamet Resources Limited Telephone: +61 3 8644 1300 Email: peter.bird@asiametresources.com Tony Manini Executive Chairman, Asiamet Resources Limited Telephone: +61 3 8644 1300 Email: tony.manini@asiametresources.com FlowComms Limited Sasha Sethi Telephone: +44 (0) 7891 677 441 Email: Sasha@flowcomms.com Asiamet Resources Nominated Adviser RFC Ambrian Limited Andrew Thomson / Oliver Morse Telephone: +61 8 9480 2500 Email: Andrew.Thomson@rfcambrian.com / Oliver.Morse@rfcambrian.com VSA Capital Limited Andrew Raca / Justin McKeegan Telephone: +44 20 3005 5004 / +44 20 3005 5009 Email: araca@vsacapital.com Optiva Securities Limited Christian Dennis Telephone: +44 20 3137 1903 Email: Christian.Dennis@optivasecurities.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Company's current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan," "expect," "project," "intend," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "suggest," "indicate," and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: the actual results of current exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; and fluctuations in metal prices. There may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. To view the graphic, please click here. Figure 1: Location map showing Beruang Kanan project area, and the four main prospects BKM, BKW, BKS and BKZ To view the graphic, please click here. Figure 2: (Left) Massive sulphide Galena-Sphalerite mineralization. To view the graphic, please click here. (Right) Galena-Sphalerite mineralization in quartz. SOURCE: Asiamet Resources Limited kohls.jpg Three people, including a 17-year-old girl, were charged with shoplifting at a department store in Secaucus on Feb. 15, 2017, police said. (Google Maps image) SECAUCUS --When it comes to shoplifting, a trio must have thought that three sets of hands and eyes were better than one. But employees at a Secaucus department store proved them wrong. Michelle Avila-Diaz, 26, of North Bergen, Silvana Arcos, 53, of Guttenberg, a Guttenberg 17-year-old girl were arrested on Feb. 15 after they shoplifted jewelry worth $568 from Kohl's, Secaucus police Capt. Dennis Miller said. Arcos and Avila-Diaz were charged shoplifting, conspiracy to commit shoplifting, possession of burglary tools and the use of a juvenile to commit a crime, Miller said, noting that the teen was charged with shoplifting and conspiracy to commit shoplifting. Police responded to the Mill Creek Mall store at 6:24 p.m. that day and found that the three had worked together to shoplift, Miller said. Police also found that Arcos had an outstanding warrant out of Elizabeth for $250. A week earlier, four people, including a woman and her son, were charged in a shoplifting incident at the same store. tom cotton town hall Republican lawmakers faced another onslaught of tough questions on Wednesday as constituents in their home states are becoming increasingly restless at town-hall events. At a public forum in Springdale, Arkansas, residents peppered Sen. Tom Cotton with demands to maintain the Affordable Care Act, the healthcare law better known as Obamacare, a recurring theme at similar events across the US this week. "There are three members of my family, including me, that would be dead dead and homeless if it was not for ACA. I am an angry constituent. You work for us," one audience member told Cotton, prompting loud applause from the crowd of about 2,000. Another attendee asked audience members to stand up if they were "affected by the Affordable Care Act and affected by healthcare." Much of the crowd rose to its feet. Woman at Tom Cotton's town hall just asked anyone affected by Obamacare to stand up. Basically the whole crowd got up. pic.twitter.com/gL4p7DH9Qf Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) February 22, 2017 Several constituents vented to Cotton about the nearly universal approval of President Donald Trump's Cabinet appointees among Senate Republicans. Cotton is among 46 Republican senators (out of 51) who have voted to approve all 14 of Trump's nominees to date. "Everything has looked like a rubber stamp," an audience member told Cotton. "And while 60% of Arkansas voters did vote for Donald Trump, I don't believe that is going to be 60% of the people who vote in the next election." "Where is the rubber stamp going to stop?" tom cotton town hall Cotton was frequently interrupted by boos and jeers from crowd members when his answers left them unsatisfied. When fielding a question about why he wasn't demanding that Trump release his tax returns, Cotton answered: "The way we determine our commander in chief in our country is through elections, and we just had an election, and this was a hotly contested issue during the election. Donald Trump still won." Story continues In Metairie, Louisiana, Sen. Bill Cassidy endured chants of "do your job" from the audience that at times drowned him out entirely. Some attendees turned their backs on Cassidy as he explained his plan for repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, and one attendee was ejected for shouting over the senator as he tried to answer a question about the healthcare plan. "If all you want to do is vent, this will not be profitable," Cassidy said at one point, according to The New Orleans Times-Picayune. "But if we can get through this, we will start answering questions." The hostile environments at Wednesday's events mirrored those at town halls across the US during the break in Congress' schedule. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Sen. Chuck Grassley, and Rep. Jason Chaffetz all got an earful from constituents recently, as did other Republican leaders. NOW WATCH: Here's how Attorney General Sessions could shut down the legal marijuana industry overnight More From Business Insider Source: Reuters When you swipe a debit card at a store, the bank or card issuer charges the retailer a fee, which is capped by the Federal Reserve. But it wasnt always. Before the Dodd-Frank Act was passed in 2010, companies like Visa (V) and Mastercard (MA) could set those fees, which critics alleged were anticompetitive and could be price-fixed. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), a chief critic, added the regulation, now known as the Durbin Amendment. For the banks, the Durbin Amendment meant fees collected from retailers have fallen from around 44 cents to 24 cents per transaction, according to the Federal Reserve. (Under the new system, fees were capped at 21 cents plus 0.05% of the amount.) That decline costs the bank billions of dollars each year. Retailers on, on the other hand, benefited from lower costs. With Dodd-Frank firmly in the crosshairs of the Republican-controlled government, the Durbin Amendment is thrust back into the picture as House Financial Services Committee Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) prepares a Dodd-Frank replacement bill, the Financial Choice Act. In a version of the regulation-crippling legislation proposed last year, the Financial Choice Act repealed the Durbin Amendment, and a Financial Services Committee memo detailing updates for the 116th Congress did not highlight any change. All this points to a rehashing of the lobbying and legislative battle between two corporate groups. In this situation, however, its hard to tell which side will benefit consumers more. Banks have been passing the fees back to the consumer The Durbin Amendment was implemented to help keep prices down for consumers and prevent banks and card issuers from charging merchants exorbitant fees when consumers shop with debit cards. When the amendment passed, Frank Keating, the head of the American Bankers Association, expressed dismay that the fee restrictions meant banks wouldnt have enough revenue to provide low-cost checking and savings accounts to customers and fight fraud. Story continues At the same time, a George Mason University study showed that retailers havent passed savings on to consumers by lowering prices. Instead, retailers have simply increased their margin. However, in a November Medium post, Sen. Durbin, the author of this legislation, pointed to the extremely thin net profit margins for retail in general, around 2% compared to big banks margins of 24% and Visa and MasterCards margins of 40%. Profits in retail, he says, have not soared. For consumers, however, bank fees have ramped up. The George Mason study found that banks offering free checking fell 50% between 2009 and 2013. Balance requirements to qualify for free checking shot up by $500, and the unbanked population, which often relies on prepaid cards, increased by about a million people. As Dodd-Frank was signed, JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon mused, If youre a restaurant and you cant charge for the soda, youre going to charge more for the burger. As the New York Times noted, Chase began charging for paper statements, scrapped its debit card rewards program, and discontinued free checking to some of its customers. Still, this causality is tough to pin down to this issue alone. Visa and MasterCard were jacking up merchant fees for years prior to reform, Durbin wrote in the November Medium post. [And] they continue to try to increase merchant fees and create new fees whenever they are not restrained by market competition or regulation. To Durbin, the rule is still a success A spokesperson for the senator told Yahoo Finance: The years since its enactment have only reaffirmed the need to increase competition, transparency, and choice in the electronic payments system. For Durbin, the amendment has been a success that has prevented price-fixing and anti-competitive behavior. Not only should the rule not be scrapped, Durbin has written, there should be even more limits on price-fixing and enabling of competition. Only in bank lobbyists minds is a system of price-fixed fees an example of a free marketplace. Furthermore, Durbin and Vermont Rep. Peter Welch say that rehashing the law is misdirection from a greater issue they think Congress needs to look at: Dealing with the rapidly changing electronic payments space. In another Medium post from last year, the two lawmakers outlined three major changes: tokenized transactions for security, mobile devices replacing plastic cards, and biometric authentication. Visa, MasterCard and the big banks know that if they can shape the rules and technology standards for these transitions, they can rig the system to entrench their own market dominance and generate untold billions for themselves in new fees, they write. As an example, they point to the rollout of EMV, noting that the U.S. version of EMV deviates from Europe by requiring a signature instead of a PIN, which takes longer and is less secure. [The] EMV transition in the US was designed to stifle chip-and-PIN technology because Visa, MasterCard and their big bank issuers make more money when PINs are not used. All this makes it very hard to know who to root for. Its possible that the answer is unsatisfying: Durbin is right on principle, but that the consumers will ultimately benefit from letting banks and card issuers have their way, because they may not settle for lower marginseven if those margins are much higher than those of retailers. In either situation, the bill will likely always come to the consumer. The only question may be who sends it. Ethan Wolff-Mann is a writer at Yahoo Finance focusing on consumer issues, tech, and personal finance. Follow him on Twitter @ewolffmann. If you have a tip, please send to tips [at] yahoo-inc.com. Read more: The CFPB has returned $12B to consumers. Republicans want to kill it Chases Sapphire Reserve is very worth it, even with its slashed bonus Veterans group uses Trumps well-known habits to target him with an ad President Trumps predecessors learned about tariffs the hard way 51% of all job tasks could be automated by todays technology Johnny Depp proves why we need a fiduciary rule New Orleans teens accused of killing Domino's driver to be tried together, judge rules Passengers purchasing a basic economy fare board last and can only bring one small carry-on. (Getty) The battle for your travel dollars is heating up, as American Airlines (AAL) and United Airlines (UAL) each launch new fare classes to compete with low-cost carriers. This week, American and United both unveiled their basic economy class fares. This option will allow customers to choose perk-less travel to get the cheapest possible ticket. Passengers choosing a basic economy fare on both airlines will not have access to overhead bins and are only allowed to board with a small bag that can fit under the seat. If you want to bring on a larger bag, youll have to pay the fee ($25 on both airlines) to check it. These tickets are not eligible for upgrades, flight changes or refunds, and travelers must board in the last group. When it comes to comfort, basic economy fares come with automatically assigned seats on both airlines. However, American will allow travelers to select a specific seat for a fee. This stripped-down fare class sounds kind of bleak, but its not that much different than tickets offered by low-cost carriers like Spirit (SAVE) or Frontier, who already charge passengers for flight changes, carry-on bags and seat selection. By unbundling services, the legacy carriers are seeking to attract the budget-conscious traveler who doesnt mind sacrificing comfort for savings. Delta (DAL) was an early adopter of this theory, launching its own basic economy class back in 2012. With this fare class, flyers dont receive their seat assignment until after check-in, families are not seated together, travelers have to board in the last zone, and tickets are not eligible for same-day changes or refunds. One major difference, however, is that a free carry-on bag is still allowed in the overhead bin with Deltas basic economy fare. The price of comfort The basic economy fare tickets are no doubt cheaper than regular fares, but theyll almost certainly make travelers question how much comfort theyre willing to give up for the savings. Story continues A sample basic economy fare from American Airlines. On United we found a round-trip basic economy fare from Minneapolis to Denver for $181, this was about $81 cheaper than the regular economy ticket costing $262. Over on American Airlines we found a roundtrip basic economy ticket available from Orlando to Charlotte, N.C. for $197. A standard main cabin ticket costs $237. So yes, youll save $40, but you cant bring a carry-on. If you need to check a bag, it will cost $25 which means your total savings comes to just $15. Factor in all the other restrictions, like the inability to select your seat or rebook the ticket, and the cheaper fare seems even less enticing. Basic economy fares are also only available on limited routes. On United, only customers purchasing tickets from Minneapolis to seven other major US hubs like New York, Denver and Los Angeles will have the option to choose basic economy fares for travel starting after April 18. On American, basic economy fares are available on 10 select routes in the US for travel starting on March 1. Still, these cheaper tickets were sometimes limited (perhaps because they sold out first) and were only offered for certain times of the day. In many cases, the basic economy tickets were only available for the first or second flight of the day, which could be good if youre a morning person, and bad if you prefer to travel in the afternoon. Silver linings First, cheaper is cheaper no matter how you look at it. On American, the basic economy flights we found will save you $30 to $40 which is nothing to scoff at, especially when youre budgeting for a family trip. Heck, even if you decide to check a bag and only save $15, thats enough to buy your lunch from most airport restaurants. Another perk of basic economy fares is that theyre typically on shorter routes. On American, travelers can select this cheaper option from Miami to Tampa, Charlotte to Philadelphia or Miami to New Orleans all of which are all non-stop flights lasting 2-3 hours. On United, basic economy fares can be found on short flights from Minneapolis to Chicago and Denver. This fact makes this class particularly enticing for a budget-conscious traveler looking for a cheap ticket and doesnt need to check a bag. United Airlines and the other carriers warn customers before they purchase a basic economy fare. Its also hard to accidentally book a basic economy fare if you book directly on the airlines website. American, United and even Delta will alert customers of the restrictions if they select a basic economy ticket. This gives users the option to accept the terms, or decline and select another option. You have a choice, which is a beautiful thing. Important note: if you book travel on a third-party site like Orbitz or Priceline, it might be harder to decipher if your ticket is basic economy ticket. To help with this issue, Hopper has released a new feature called Fair Bear to help users find the true cost of their flight. Verdict The basic economy fares give passengers more options. If someone is looking for the cheapest possible ticket and can pack incredibly light, this fare class gives you the opportunity to save some money. But really, it all comes down to luggage. Its pretty evident that basic economy class fares are a thinly veiled attempt by airlines to get passengers to check their bags. We all know how in-demand the overhead bins are, with many airlines running out of space by the time the last boarding group gets on the plane. Now, instead of asking for volunteers to check their bags at the gate, American and United have created a new fare class with built-in volunteers. In the grand scheme of things, this could help with overhead-bin crowding, but we suspect it will also increase the money airlines bring in for baggage fees. Bottom line: if youre a solo traveler who can pack light, then basic economy could help you save a few bucks. But if youre traveling with your family, and have more stuff than what will fit in a backpack, youll have to check a bag, which can lead to a lost suitcase and getting stuck at baggage claim. We will gladly pay the full fare to avoid both of these scenarios. Brittany is a writer at Yahoo Finance More: Sign up for these credit cards now to help fund your summer vacation The little-known airline making travel to Mexico cheaper Heres where to find the cheapest flights 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. bill gates africa Public-health phenomena aren't typically classified as "beautiful," but Bill Gates knows when he sees a good thing. On February 16, the billionaire philanthropist tweeted a chart describing the decline of child-mortality figures between 1990 and 2015. Among children 5 years and younger, advances and investments in medical science have led to 6 million fewer deaths around the world. Gates captioned the tweet simply, "This is the most beautiful chart in the world." This is the most beautiful chart in the world: https://t.co/4R24thLJCS pic.twitter.com/LT5BSnzAri Bill Gates (@BillGates) February 16, 2017 The tweet coincided with the February 14 release of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's annual Gates Letter, a forward-looking post on the Gates Notes blog that highlights how far the world has come in eradicating disease and where the greatest challenges still lie. This year's letter was a tribute to fellow entrepreneur and philanthropist Warren Buffett, a longtime friend and mentor to the Gateses. The letter, entitled "Dear Warren," celebrated Buffett's enormous contributions to the Gates Foundation over the years. In 2006, the Berkshire Hathaway founder gave away the bulk of his multi-billion-dollar fortune in the pursuit of curing deadly diseases and eliminating chronic poverty. Part of that mission and its resultant success was highlighted in Gates' recent tweet. With more than 50% declines in child mortality over the past 25 years, Gates estimates that some 122 million kids' lives were saved during that time. Many of the greatest threats to children are preventable with access to simple, affordable interventions, according to the World Health Organization. Kids in developing countries die all too frequently from preterm-birth complications, pneumonia, chronic diarrhea, and malaria. The WHO also estimates that 45% of early deaths are due to malnutrition. Story continues "Kids in rich countries don't die from these things," Gates wrote in the letter. He said he saw the poverty firsthand when he and Melinda visited Africa in the 1990s. "The children in Africa were dying because they were poor. To us, it was the most unjust thing in the world." (emphasis his) "Saving children's lives is the goal that launched our global work," Melinda added. "It's an end in itself." NOW WATCH: BILL GATES: A deadly epidemic is a real possibility and we are not prepared More From Business Insider In the 1970s, John Paul sported a then-popular Afro, complete with the neatly trimmed beard and mustache of those who hoped to be seen as hip. But, over the years, popular notions about appropriate business appearance and the combined efforts of Father Time and his barber moved Paul toward a more traditional, business-like cut. Now Paul, president and treasurer of Western Iowa Mutual Insurance in Council Bluffs, has agreed to a next step, to go bald well, at least temporarily to help fund juvenile cancer research. Paul, with the blessing of his wife, Cathy, has volunteered to have his head shaved at the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies CEO Roundtable on April 4. His goal is to raised $20,000 or more for a relatively new organization, the St. Baldricks Foundation, focused on raising money for juvenile cancer research. Without my NAMIC family, I would not have been educated about St. Baldricks, Paul said. Our CEO, Chuck Chamness, has openly shared the story about his son, Joey, and his battle with cancer 12 years ago, and this is the cause I will support for the rest of my life. Chamness, reached at his office in Indianapolis, said his son, now 20 and a sophomore at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, was diagnosed at the age of 8 with bone cancer. Some of the children Chamness met while Joey was being treated were not as fortunate in finding a cure as his son. The first St. Baldricks event took place at a bar in New York City on March 17, 2000, the result of a challenge between three friends, all insurance industry executives, looking for a way to give back for their own good fortune in business. One of the three, Enda McDonnell, sported a thick head of hair. His friend John Bender saw that hair as an opportunity and suggested they shave their heads for donations to raise funds for kids with cancer. That initial event, with a goal of shaving 17 heads and raising $17,000, raised $104,000; a second event in 2001 upped the collection to $140,000. By 2002, the ongoing effort had raised more than $1 million. This is an effort that has deep roots in the insurance industry, said Chamness, who will also go under the clipper at an event in Indianapolis next month. People like John Paul are what makes this effort so successful. Those early efforts grew into the founding, in 2004, of the St. Baldricks Foundation, a combination of the words bald and St. Patricks, since the first event was held in 2000 on St. Patricks Day. Now, a little more than a decade later, the St. Baldricks Foundation funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government. According to the foundations website, St. Baldricks awarded more than $22 million in 2016 to fund pediatric oncology researchers for a variety of grant categories. Since 2005, St. Baldricks has awarded more than $200 million to support lifesaving research, making the St. Baldricks Foundation the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants. In the last 20 years, only three new drugs were approved to specifically target cancer in children, Paul said. Keep in mind, over a dozen types of childhood cancer exist, each requiring unique research for development to maximize the best treatment for each child. Referring to his wife and children, Paul said, Weve been so blessed as a family. Weve had no immediate family members with cancer. This is not about me but about research toward a cure for childhood cancer through St. Baldricks, he said of his goal to raise $20,000 for the foundation. Lets work together to ensure that no child will ever be defeated by cancer. Any donations to this worthy cause are very much appreciated. Those wishing to make a donation can go to stbaldricks.org/donate/event/12855/2017. Those wishing to make a donation by check can pick up a donation form at Western Iowa Mutual Insurance, 127 Pearl St., in Council Bluffs and mail the completed form with their check to St. Baldricks Foundation, 1333 S. Mayflower Avenue, Suite 400, Monrovia, CA 91016. The vandalism of a Jewish cemetery in suburban St. Louis has become a rallying point for tolerance and acceptance at a time when racial and ethnic animosity has become all too high. Support has poured in nationwide, and the response to the despicable acts that affected 154 headstones at the cemetery has rightly earned national attention. Muslims from a local mosque were among those who volunteered alongside the states governor with the cleanup, and an online fundraiser to help with the costs of repairs nearly quadrupled its goal in less than two days. Vice President Mike Pence visited the site Wednesday, condemning the criminal acts and saying that Missouris swift actions to rectify the situation has inspired people for showing the world what Americas really all about. Lets not stop there, though this country needs more understanding and unity, particularly in light of the growing numbers of hateful threats made to minority organizations. The Atlantic magazine reported that Jews have been the victim of more reported hate crimes than any other group in the United States every year since 1995, the first year the FBI compiled such statistics. That disparity unlikely to change in 2017. Jewish community centers in 27 states and a Canadian province have received a combined 69 bomb threats in the first two months of the year, National Public Radio reported Tuesday. This is not about one particular group, either. Muslims, Latinos, Republican and Democratic organizations alike theyve all been threatened with or struck by violence in recent months. America, were better than that. As Martin Luther King Jr. is credited with saying first in a sermon, then a book: Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that. Were seeing the real-world effects of this right now outside St. Louis. A Republican vice president made an appearance, while people of all faiths not only stood behind but volunteered their efforts to help those affected by the vandalism. Its not yet clear if this particular vandalism was a hate crime. Cemeteries are too frequently damaged and disrespected by small-time criminals, but the timing has made that a very real possibility. Still, were encouraged to see a growing coalition, one that crosses seemingly all demographics, thats sprung up organically in response. Americans must be stronger than those who hate to retain our place as one indivisible nation whose light shines for the world to see. At a time when President Donald Trump is signaling an American withdrawal from a leadership role in global affairs, Chinese President XI Jinping is increasingly willing to pick up the slack. The Chinese state media, in recent days, has been stressing what it characterizes as a major shift in Beijings posture toward the rest of the world. Last month, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Xi mounted a strong defense of global trade at the same time that the Trump administration was promising to withdraw from a major trade deal among Pacific nations that notably excluded China. Related: Trump Scores a Bipartisan Win With His Pick for National Security Adviser The Davos speech was one of a number of times when Xi has asserted the desire for China to play a part in shaping the order of world where economic and other ties between nations are less regional and more global. But in recent remarks delivered at a national security seminar in Beijing, he went further, telling attendees that China needs to step in to guide the development of a new world order, taking the place of the US. The United States may no longer want to be a provider of global security and public goods, instead, pursuing unilateralism and even nationalist foreign policy, he said, according to a state-run news website. The Xinhua state news organization quoted Xi saying, The overall direction of multi-polarization of the world, the globalization of the economy and the democratization of international relations has not changed...No matter how the international situation changes, we must maintain our strategic steadiness, strategic confidence, and strategic patience. Further paraphrasing the presidents remarks, Xinhua wrote, He called for global vision in national security work, coordinating development and security, combining principles with tactics, and taking the strategic initiative in China's own hand. Related: In the Age of Trump, Who Can US Allies Believe? Story continues The new posture of the Chinese government, which state media refers to as a Two Guides policy stressing international security as well as a restructuring of the world order, appears to be something that Beijing wants to broadcast widely, as it has appeared in various state-controlled forums. The speech came a week after Xi spoke with President Trump on the telephone. In the conversation, Trump seemed to reverse course on a break with the standard US one China policy -- Washington does not formally recognize the government of Taiwan, which China views as a breakaway republic. Trump had appeared to signal a change in stance by taking a phone call from Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in December while he was still president-elect. According to a White House readout of Trumps call with Xi, The two leaders discussed numerous topics and President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our one China policy. Related: The Army Is Developing Its Most Lethal Gun Yet At the same time that Xi is calling for a greater Chinese role in global security matters, Beijing is ramping up its militarization of the South China Sea with the construction of what appear to be long-range missile launch facilities on artificial islands it has created. The move will undoubtedly be seen as yet another test by global adversaries of the new president. The US this week sent an aircraft carrier strike group to begin patrols in the South China Sea. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: China's President Xi Jinping waves as he arrives at a news conference after the closing of G20 Summit in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, September 5, 2016. Chinese president Xi Jinping has vowed for the first time that China should take the lead in shaping the new world order and safeguarding international security, one of the latest moves putting him in stark contrast to Donald Trump and the US presidents America First policy. Xi had on numerous occasions called for China to play an important part in building the new world order. But during a Feb. 17 national security seminar in Beijing, he indicated China should guide the international community in the effort. A Feb. 20 commentary (link in Chinese) by the Chinese Communist Partys central party school, which trains officials, noted the distinction. It has since been widely shared by state-controlled media. News outlets dubbed Xis new approach the Two Guides () policy, with the two referring to the new world order and international security. (China has an obsession with silly-sounding numbered policies.) The overall trend of world multi-polarization, economic globalization, and democratization of international relations remains unchanged. We should guide the international community to jointly build a more just and reasonable new world order, Xi was paraphrased by Xinhua (link in Chinese) as saying during last weeks seminar. In another paragraph, the state newswire paraphrased Xi as saying We should guide the international community to jointly maintain international security. Xis new proposal has profound meaning, as his speech coincided with the annual Munich Security Conference and the G20 finance ministerial meeting, noted the commentary. It added that the Western-dominated world order is near its end as Western countries are showing less willingness and ability to interfere in global affairsas evidenced by Trumps isolationist foreign policy. Story continues Xi attended the seminar as head of the National Security Commission, a secretive party organ set up in 2014. Until last week, the body had held just one publicly reported meeting since its establishment. The latest seminar came ahead of the partys 19th congress, a major leadership reshuffle event slated for this fall. Since Trumps election China has emerged as the worlds strongest proponent of globalization. In the past few months, Xi has been busy sending the world messages that are the exact opposite of Trumps. As Trump promised to tear up the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Xi touted his alternative Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, including at last Novembers APEC summit, right in the USs backyard. As Trump threatened to close the borders and back away from global affairs, Xi rebuked Trumpwithout mentioning his namein his keynote speech at the 2017 World Economic Forum in January. As Trump pressed to curb immigration, Xi called to make it easier for foreigners to get Chinese green cards. Xi and Trump appear aligned on one issue: the press. As Trump denounced the media as the enemy of the American people, Chinas state-controlled media marked the first anniversary (link in Chinese) of Xis talk demanding absolute loyalty from the pressan idea that Trump, it would seem, could get behind. Sign up for the Quartz Daily Brief, our free daily newsletter with the worlds most important and interesting news. More stories from Quartz: By Caroline Humer NEW YORK (Reuters) - Health insurer Anthem's planned $47 billion (30.32 billion pounds) takeover of rival Cigna will not hurt consumers but increase choice and affordability, Cigna CEO David Cordani said, defending the merger against widespread criticism that it will harm competition. The Anthem-Cigna deal and a plan by Aetna Inc to buy Humana have come in the wake of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and amid pressure on insurers to keep healthcare spending down for their biggest customers - employers and the U.S. government. "It's going to increase choice, not decrease choice. It's going to increase affordability, not decrease affordability," Cordani told Reuters in an interview, saying results-oriented contracts with doctors and hospitals would help consumers be healthier and trim medical spending. Cordani said the biggest overlap in a combination of their $115 billion businesses is their large employer-based divisions and asset sales may be necessary to win regulatory approval, though he expects that would only be on a limited basis. "Divestitures through the DOJ process should be modest and manageable. And we've leaned on the conservative side of the business case that supports this," he said, but added it was too early to say what might be offered up. About 150 million Americans get their health insurance through their employers, many of which are large companies. In the past few weeks, both the American Medical Association and the American Hospital Association have issued written criticisms of the deal. Congress held a hearing on insurer competition last week and another hearing is scheduled in the Senate next week in which Anthem CEO Joseph Swedish and Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini are scheduled to appear. The company expects the Department of Justice review to take 12 to 18 months during which it will look at the extent of their overlap in market share for Medicaid for the poor, Medicare Advantage for seniors, individual insurance, small employers and large employers. Story continues Cordani said the detailed nature of the review would show few competitive issues. There was little geographical overlap in their Medicaid and Medicare businesses and he is also not anticipating issues with the individual business, where Cigna is a new player, nor with small employer-based plans. He added that insurers would not see outsized benefits from cutting costs through their combinations because customers typically demand that spending savings be passed onto them. So far, Cordani said, employers have been optimistic that the combination will enable them to combine the results-oriented care management programs for diseases like diabetes that Cigna has used to cut healthcare spending in Medicare and commercial plans, and combine them with the Anthem's strong Blue Cross Blue Shield networks. "Within that, there may be deemed by the DOJ some overlap that is not acceptable and we'll deal with that," he said. On branding, he said that in a state like Georgia, where Cigna and Anthem both operate, the companies can continue with their Cigna and Anthem branded plans and designs. (Reporting by Caroline Humer; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) Railroad may appeal OSHAs ruling for two of its employees The U.S. Labor Departments Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued a ruling against Union Pacific Railroad and fined the company $20,000 in punitive damages, as well as $5,000 in compensatory damages. The investigation found reasonable cause that UP violated the Federal Railroad Safety Act in a case that occurred on Nov. 20, 2015. Locomotive engineer Mike Fletcher, of Maxwell, and conductor Todd Krekovich, of North Platte, were taken out of service and escorted from the office of Jeff Everett, UPs director of transportation services. Fletcher then filed a complaint with the Secretary of Labor alleging [UP] had retaliated against him in violation of FRSA, according to the OSHA report. Fletcher and Krekovich each were awarded $10,000 in punitive damages and $2,500 each for compensatory damages. UP also must pay their legal costs. Union Pacific is considering an appeal, a company spokewoman said. Krekovich and Fletcher had been assigned on a freight train from North Platte to Cheyenne, Wyoming, on Nov. 20, 2015. During their pre-departure inspection, the crew members realized the engine cab seats were loose and unstable, according to OSHA documents. They immediately notified UP management. The manager discussed the situation with the crew and agreed the seats were loose. After calling his superiors in the superintendents office, he returned to the engine cab and ordered the crew to take the train as is. Fletcher asked if the defective seats could be switched with two other seats in the second engine unit. The supervisor denied that request. Fletcher then asked if they could switch the engine itself with the second engine and again was told it could not be switched. Krekovich, having been a rules training instructor for the UP, realized the situation could cost him his job, according to a press release from Lou Jungbauer, attorney for the two employees. Not knowing the managers name, Krekovich asked him to identify himself. The official instead called his supervisors and was instructed to immediately remove the train crew from service and bring them back to Everetts office. Union representatives were contacted, but by the time they arrived both men had been questioned by Everett. Neither worker responded to the questions, opting to wait for the union representative to arrive. Everett then ordered Fletcher and Krekovich to be removed from the property. Another crew was ordered to take the train to Cheyenne. Later the seats were replaced. Fletcher and Krekovich were reinstated and continue to work at Union Pacific. Im glad its over, although I understand the railroad may choose to appeal, Krekovich said. I never wanted this to happen, but at some point, when were pushed too far, we have to stand up for whats right. He added, I hope no else has to choose between using equipment thats clearly defective or face termination for insubordination. Fletcher also said he wishes the incident had never occurred. I always try to get along with the managers, Fletcher said. Most of them are pretty decent. In this instance, however, we ran into a bully, who apparently has gotten away with that behavior for too long. Jungbauer, of the Minnesota-based Yaeger and Jungbauer law firm, has represented dozens of railroad workers around the country with FRSA and railroad whistleblower claims. When I was first contacted by the two crew members, I informed them it appeared they have a valid claim, but since there was little or no wage loss, any recovery would be minimal, Jungbauer said. Both workers responded that it isnt about the money. Someone needs to stop the harassment, he said. Union Pacific emailed a statement to the Telegraph on the ruling. Union Pacifics No. 1 priority is the safety of its employees and communities, including an unwavering commitment to employee reporting of safety concerns, said Callie B. Hite, director of corporate communications. Commercial sex industry touches all parts of Neb. Each month in Nebraska, on just one website, about 900 people are advertised for commercial sex. Thats according to a new report by the Human Trafficking Initiative, which shows that the commercial sex industry touches all parts of the state, from Scottsbluff to neighborhoods in west Omaha. The research, conducted through the Heider College of Business at Creighton University, looked at Backpage.com, a classified advertising website that features ads for escorts. According to the report, Backpage.com accounts for 80 percent of online commercial sex advertising. The reports findings come from nearly a year of examining data from Backpage advertisements across the state. Findings of the Nebraskas Commercial Sex Market report will be presented at a hearing Thursday on Legislative Bill 289, a measure introduced by Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln that would raise penalties for sex trafficking. Terry Clark, co-director of the Human Trafficking Initiative, said the report is just a start. Theres a continued need for new, smart policies that are informed by research, he said. Reports like this can start to create a clearer and clearer picture of what this looks like in our state. Michelle Zych, executive director of the Womens Fund of Omaha, said she hopes the data dispels some misconceptions about the industry and about human trafficking. I think theres still an idea that this happens but not here, not in our own backyards, she said. Theres kind of a shock factor to shining the light on whats happening in our own state. Nebraska has Backpage sites for Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, North Platte and Scottsbluff, though the ads also reach smaller communities, particularly along Interstate 80. The site eliminated its escort section in January, but its only a matter of time before the ads move to different sections of Backpage or to different sites, said Crysta Price, a researcher at Creighton University and co-director of the Human Trafficking Initiative. Shutting it down wont change the demand and therefore wont change the supply, she said. Ads in Omaha often mentioned that escorts were willing to travel to specific parts of the city, Clark said. The top mention: west Omaha. Price said the narrative of a chained up and physically abused trafficking victim is also a misleading one. Theres a lot of gray area here between (free) agency and exploitation, she said. We would all like to think that if we saw a trafficking victim, wed recognize it in two seconds. But its not always obvious. Using computer programs, the researchers pulled data on Backpage ads and identified indicators of coercion and trafficking, including signs that the individual was underage or a part of a larger group of people. More than 70 percent of ads showed at least one indicator of human trafficking, the report says. Fifteen percent showed multiple indicators. More than one in 10 commercial sex ads on Nebraska Backpage sites advertised someone under 21 years old, and one of every five ads emphasized that the individual was very young. It appears that the people who are purchasing sex know that these individuals are often underaged, Zych said. Thats definitely a red flag for exploitation. The Human Trafficking Initiative report also found: On average, 675 people are advertised on Backpage per month in Omaha. In Lincoln, the average is 200, with 65 in Grand Island, 15 in North Platte and 10 in Scottsbluff. One-fifth of individuals in the commercial sex industry in Nebraska advertise in multiple markets in the state. African-Americans represent half of all individuals in the commercial sex industry on Backpage in Nebraska, despite making up only 5 percent of the states population. The reports recommendations for ongoing anti-human trafficking work include increased collaboration between agencies and across state lines, stronger policies to promote alternative employment opportunities and greater penalties for commercial sex buyers. Theres certainly a lot more work to be done, but now we have a better sense of what the scope is, Clark said. The Human Trafficking Initiative is supported by the Womens Fund of Omaha and funded by the Sherwood Foundation. Bill supported by farmers whose values have soared while commodity prices have dropped LINCOLN (AP) Lawmakers are questioning a proposal that would raise Nebraskas state sales tax and steer the extra revenue into tax credits for low-income residents and property owners. The bill drew support from farmers on Wednesday during a Revenue Committee hearing but criticism from some senators who say it wont address the underlying problem. Sen. Tom Briese of Albion said he introduced the measure in response to continued pressure from farm and ranch landowners whose property values have soared while commodity prices have slumped. Briese said spending cuts alone wont contain the rapid growth. Realistically, we arent going to be able to slash and burn our way to deliver the property tax relief Nebraskans are demanding, he said. The bill would increase Nebraskas state sales tax rate from 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent. The extra revenue would first be used to raise the states earned income tax credit from 10 percent of the current federal credit to 17 percent. Once that threshold is reached, the rest would go into a tax credit for all property owners. Briese said increasing the earned income tax credit would address concerns that the poor spend a larger share of their income on sales taxes than the wealthy. Committee members acknowledged that farm and ranch landowners are facing hardship but argued that the bill could shift the tax burden onto middle-income residents. Its that working-class guy, that blue-collar guy, picking up the tab for this, said Sen. Burke Harr of Omaha. Sen. Lydia Brasch of Bancroft took issue with the idea of raising one tax to ease pressure on another instead of focusing on local government spending. To increase the sales tax, it seems like were moving backward, she said. Some leading farm groups have endorsed the proposal as a way to lower their tax bills without disrupting state aid for local K-12 public schools. Farm and educational groups have formed a new coalition, Nebraskans United for Property Tax Reform and Education, to urge lawmakers to act this year. Jerrine Racek Harris, a fifth-generation family farmer, said property valuations have more than tripled between 2007 and 2016 on three land parcels she owns in Saunders County. Racek Harris said her property tax bills have risen from $6,000 to $17,500 during that period. Farmers are drowning in property taxes, she said. Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson said public schools have come to rely too heavily on property taxes to finance their operations. Roughly two-thirds of Nebraskas public school districts dont qualify for state equalization aid because their surrounding property values have risen too high, even though farm incomes have declined. The Nebraska State Patrol is cautioning citizens about the incoming winter storm. In a statement issued this morning, the NSP told citizens to be prepared and keep up-to-date on the latest weather and road conditions. A winter weather advisory went into effect at noon and will continue until 6 p.m. tomorrow, due to a pacific storm system moving across Wyoming into the plains. The National Weather Service in North Platte states that the heaviest snowfall is set to occur this evening, with a total of 2-5 inches of accumulation possible for the North Platte area. Winds will blow out of the north at 15-25 miles per hour with higher gusts causing blowing and drifting snow. Visibility is expected to be about 1/2 mile in snow and 1/4 mile during periods of blowing snow. Can't see the video? Click here. Up north, communities may see snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour, leading to total accumulations of 8-18 inches. The National Weather Service predicts that the heaviest amounts of snowfall will occur along the Highway 20 corridor, west of Ainsworth. Visibility in these areas will likely be about 1/4 mile, although blizzard conditions could develop in open areas tonight and tomorrow. In a winter weather message issued early this morning, the National Weather Service said travel will be very difficult to impossible in these areas, especially this evening and ranchers should take precautions to protect young livestock. Dont be complacent because of the recent nice weather weve experienced - this storm has the potential to make travel extremely difficult, dangerous, and even impossible in many areas, said Colonel Brad Rice, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. If you have travel plans, please stay up-to-date and monitor weather and road conditions closely. The Nebraska State Patrol wants to remind motorists of the following: Travel only when absolutely necessary. Blowing and drifting snow can reduce visibility. Always wear your seat belt and never drive faster than conditions allow. If you must travel, use well-traveled routes and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Let others know when you are going, when you will arrive, and what route you are taking. If you do become stranded while traveling, stay with your vehicle until help arrives. Wind chill and freezing temperatures can be life threatening. If your vehicle does become stuck, run your motor sparingly and keep a window cracked to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide. Carry a red flag or bandana in your car and attach it to the outside to signal you are in trouble. Be sure to keep a winter weather survival kit in vehicles. For current weather conditions and the latest road conditions, download the North Platte Telegraph app here, visit Nebraska511.org or dial 5-1-1. Motorists in need of emergency roadside assistance can call the Nebraska State Patrol Highway Helpline when safe to do so by dialing *55 from any cell phone or 1-800-525-5555 from any landline. Report emergencies to 911. Did you know? You can get the latest weather updates, road conditions and breaking news from our free mobile app. Is state Sen. Mike Groene, along with his fellow Republicans, an opponent of democracy? For over a month, the Nebraska Legislature has been deadlocked over rules changes, most importantly the filibuster. Some, but not all, Republicans want to weaken the filibuster, thus weakening the voice of the minority. Then they can ram through bills like the proposed LB 644 that take away Nebraskans rights. A partisan power grab, LB 644 would strike out statutes that give Nebraska citizens and lawyers a voice in choosing our judges. Instead, it would give those rights to Gov. Pete Ricketts. Heres how: Nebraska governors appoint Nebraska judges from a list of candidates selected by bipartisan commissions. Each commission has four lawyers elected by members of the bar where the judge will serve and four citizen members appointed by the governor. Our current statute reads, The Governor shall appoint two alternate citizen members, not of the same political party. But LB 644 would strike out not of the same political party and insert All citizen members shall be affiliated with the political party with which the Governor is affiliated. Really? And the lawyers? LB 644 also would strike out our bipartisan Not more than two member lawyers of each commission shall be registered members of the same political party or category, and not more than two alternate lawyers shall be registered members of the same political party or category. And how about this? The Governor Executive Council of the Nebraska State Bar shall appoint now would read The Governor shall appoint Taking away the rights of Nebraska citizens and lawyers and giving them to Ricketts is not democracy. LB 644 is a shameful betrayal of 80 years of bipartisan tradition and of all Nebraskans. Will Groene and his fellow Republicans vote for Ricketts, or for their fellow Nebraskans? We will be watching. Roy and Linda Deeds North Platte Towering winger Edrick Lee has joined the Sharks effective immediately after being released from his current contract by the Canberra Raiders. Lee will begin training with the Sharks as early as Friday after signing a two-year deal with the club. The 24-year-old has played 67 NRL games since making his debut as a teenager in 2012, scoring 33 tries. "I'm really excited to be joining the club, I can't wait for this year and I'm grateful for the opportunity," Lee said. "I'm looking forward to meeting all the players and staff (but) I know there's a lot of hard work that has to be done between now and Round 1." Read more at sharks.com.au The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission will host a public workshop on its U.S. 30/I-65 Safety Planning Project from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday in the Center Court of Southlake Mall. Participants will have the opportunity to provide input on safety improvements and design and planning elements along U.S. 30 from Merrillville Road to Clay Street. The goal of the project is to create a safe and accessible walking and bicycle transportation network that connects major destinations in the project area. The I-65 and U.S. 30 Safety Planning Project is being managed by the firm Ratio Architects. NIRPC's contract with the firm will pay an amount not to exceed $248,161. Southlake Mall is at the southeast corner of U.S. 30 and Mississippi Street in Hobart. Members of the public can participate any time between 1 and 3 p.m. For more information on the project, visit www.ratiodesign.com/US30SafetyStudy. ST. JOHN U.S. Sen. Todd Young on Thursday visited Lake County, meeting with city mayors to the north and then heading south to congratulate a Lake Central High School freshman for winning a national art contest. Some residents expressed disappointment that he didn't use part of the day to meet with them, and they set up their own town hall meeting later in the day in Griffith in protest. The Republican senator was chided by Democrats for failing to meet with constituents angry over President Donald Trump and congressional Republican moves to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. Earlier in the day, Young visited with Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson and took "a blue ribbon tour" of Gary, and then met with East Chicago Mayor Anthony Copeland to discuss economic and environmental issues. Both meetings were closed to media. Young later told reporters at Lake Central High, "I aim to be a constructive voice and legislator helping both of the cities through their challenges going forward." He expressed his support for expansion of the South Shore commuter train service. "I've been familiarized with the economic development advantages to be realized by double-tracking, by coming up with a tax increment financing area around each of the different stations, so that whatever additional property tax revenues might be realized can be plowed back into the community," he said. "Expanding this railroad and upgrading it could be a means to make sure that our labor market is more flexible so people from northwestern Indiana can go to work in the greater Chicagoland region," Young said, "making Northwest Indiana a more attractive place to live, work, eat, play and raise a family." At the school, Veronica Gonzalez, a 15-year-old freshman at Lake Central High School, was announced as Indiana's winner of the Doodle4Google contest. Gonzalez, of Schererville, who submitted a drawing of spaceships and futuristic community designs incorporated into the familiar Google logo, said Thursday, "I'm so excited and shocked at the same time." Gonzalez said the contest's goal, "What I see for the future," inspired her. "I was thinking of the whole universe, and I wanted to mix technology and artificial intelligence and human exploration to other planets," she said. Google users are now invited to vote online for their favorite design from among the 53 states and territories for which five state and territory winners will go on to become national finalists. Sue Eleuterio, a member of MoveOn.org and an advocate for women's rights and Planned Parenthood, said of the planned "virtual town-hall meeting" that she expected dozens to take part. Eleuterio and others were going to call Young's congressional office and drum up interest among those in attendance to work to increase voter registration. The meeting is 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Space Revival, 132 N. Broad St., in Griffith. GARY Nearly two weeks after a Gary police officer fatally shot a pet dog during a domestic disturbance call, the dog owner is calling for the officers resignation and the release of her husband from custody after he allegedly threatened to shoot law enforcement. I want his badge removed, Faith Diggs, 19, of Gary, said as she stood outside the Gary Police Department on Wednesday with the support of the Black Lives Matters Northwest Indiana chapter. An outraged Diggs said she largely disputes law enforcements account of what happened Feb. 9. In a statement, Gary police said they received a call for service at about 4:49 a.m. to the 200 block of Central Drive after a woman called 911 to report her boyfriend had battered her. Officers approaching the home encountered a large dog, which aggressively charged at them, officials said. The officers backed away and yelled at the dog, but it continued to charge at them. At that point, one of the officers shot the dog, officials said. Believing the danger too immediate and imminent, one officer discharged his weapon, shooting the animal to avoid injury or serious harm to himself or other officers, the police statement said. Diggs said Wednesday her dog Simba, a 6-year-old English Mastiff is not aggressive and was on a leash outside when officers arrived. Police also noted how shortly after the dog was shot, a man allegedly threatened to retaliate by shooting the officers. The man continued to threaten officers and went to the extent of calling into 911 dispatch to state his intention of shooting officers, police said. Gary police Lt. Dawn Westerfield said Maurice Diggs, 21, of Gary, faces two counts of felony intimidation in regards to the matter and actions thereafter. Court records show Diggs has been charged with intimidation/threaten with intent to engage in conduct the other persons will and intimidation/a threat to commit a forcible felony. Faith Diggs said Wednesday her husband was only arrested after arriving at the police station hours after the incident to speak with police. She denied Diggs threatened to hurt anyone. According to a Gary police statement, there is evidence that the dog was not restrained by any means when the incident occurred. The dog had a history of aggressive behavior in the past when police arrived, police said. Video posted by the family on social media captures events immediately after the shooting, and shows a lifeless Simba laying in Diggs snow-covered yard. Police advised in the statement that the narratives and opinion circulating (in the video) are largely speculation and conjecture, if not, purposefully false. Rory Turner, Faith Diggs sister, who was present at the time of the incident, said she and others present inside the house at the time were not aware of officers arrival because squad car lights and sirens were not activated. We didnt even know they were outside and then we hear Pow, pow, pow, pow, Turner said. Gary police said they have received a rash of threats since the incident all of which have been recorded and have the possibility to be subject to prosecution. Kim McGee, with the local Black Lives Matter chapter, said Wednesday the arrest of Maurice Diggs is a way to "deflect attention" from the departments wrongdoing in shooting the family's dog. Why was the dog shot (multiple times)? There are a lot of questions," McGee. Police power is an amazing thing. They get to push their narrative. McGee is among those in talks with the Gary city administration about the creation of a civilian review board to serve as an independent watchdog to evaluate the actions of police in the city. Discussions are ongoing, she said. "This is another reason why (Gary) needs a police civilian review board, McGee said. Gary police in a statement said "unrestrained dogs, even if not known to be aggressive, may pose a danger to the community as well as public safety officials." "Even restrained dogs may pose a threat if not adequately restrained. As such, please always keep your pets adequately restrained on leashes, in crates or within fences while outside," police said in the release. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy CROWN POINT The murder trial of Thomas R. Smith accused in the killing of 48-year-old David Krawczenia in November 2014 ended in a mistrial Wednesday afternoon. Judge Diane Boswell declared the mistrial after state's witness Theresa Lee Jacobs, Krawczenia's girlfriend, testified under cross-examination that Special Prosecutor Stanley Levco had not shown her a state exhibit before she took the stand. The attorneys approached the bench and, after a short recess, Boswell declared the mistrial. Defense attorney Ralph Staples Jr. said afterward that Jacobs' statement was demonstrably false the prosecutor said at the bench he had, in fact, shown Jacobs the exhibit at lunch. However, the defense could not rebut Jacobs' claim unless it called Levco to the stand to testify against the state's own witness, which would not be allowed. Since Jacobs' credibility was an important factor for the jury to weigh, Staples said his client could not get a fair trial. Levco said outside the courtroom the mistrial was declared on the defense's motion. He referred questions to defense attorneys Staples and Paul Stracci. A new court date has been scheduled for April 3. The prosecutor alleged in opening statements that Smith, 65, shot Krawczenia on Nov. 1, 2014, at an automotive wholesale business at 2600 Colorado St. in Gary. Krawczenia's dismembered corpse was found Nov. 14 in the trunk of his vehicle at an apartment complex in Griffith, according to a probable cause affidavit. Jacobs testified Smith owed Krawczenia $16,000, which Krawczenia expected to collect from Smith on the day of his disappearance. Boswell granted Smith almost $20,000 in public funds on Feb. 10 so that he could prepare for this week's trial. Smith told the judge he was indigent in part because one of his former attorneys had his law license suspended in August, and the attorney never refunded him the money he paid for his counsel. VALPARAISO Given the opportunity to reduce the federal deficit Wednesday night, local citizens did a better job than Congress. More than 100 local residents, divided into 10 teams, prioritized federal spending at a program sponsored by U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Ind., in conjunction with the Concord Coalition, a nation-wide, nonpartisan advocacy group for responsible fiscal policy. At Valparaiso Universitys Harre Union building, citizens focused on four areas of spending: general government, military and homeland security, health care and Social Security, and revenue and taxes. Each of the 36 line items included a deficit increase or decrease, and participants voted within their groups to either approve or disapprove a particular area. Were very eager to hear about your perspectives and priorities, as they relate to the federal budget, said Phillip R. Smith, national political director for the Concord Coalition at the event. The evening concluded with representatives from each of the 10 teams reporting how much they saved the government. At some tables, those savings exceeded $2 trillion. There were some close votes, but you made a decision, said Visclosky, who spent the evening moving from table to table. This is a very good experience, as people can come together and have a table discussion about these important issues. As Smith explained, the congressman will take this input back to Washington next week. "The listening and give-and-take are remarkably similar to what we have on Capitol Hill, including time constraints, Smith said. According to Smith, the Concord Coalition does 70 to 90 of these exercises nationwide annually. The last one in Northwest Indiana was held four years ago in Merrillville. In a typical group at the Valparaiso session, one member offered an opinion, after which another member offered another perspective on the issue, after which their table voted to support or deny funding. The intent, Smith said, is for participants to slow down the annual budget deficit, which is projected to total $9.4 trillion over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office. That deficit feeds into the national debt, which, Concord was reporting stood at $19.939 trillion earlier that day. Afterward, Jake Powers, of Hobart, described his group as pretty harmonious. We had some controversial topics," he said, "but we got through them. We were hard on the rich. David Phelps, of Beverly Shores, reported his group helped social issues while cutting military and other large-ticket items. Some groups looked to save money on the Affordable Care Act, while others trimmed spending but left Medicare and Social Security alone. Deacon Mark Kurowski, of Munster, cited a lot of consensus building within his group. He also noted minds changing, especially in such areas as Social Security spending and increased taxes for those at the higher income levels. It was interesting to see what other peoples priorities were and their reasons for those priorities, Valparaiso resident Alisa Cohen noted. It was encouraging to see that people were willing to listen. - By Mark Yu Recent failed acquisition attempt of Kraft Heinz (KHC) fueled speculations about possible M&A in personal care products. Meanwhile, the $65 billion Colgate-Palmolive (CL) toothpaste maker delivered its fourth-quarter and full-year 2016 results on late January. Colgate-Palmolive reported a 5.2% decline in its sales for 2016 fiscal year, down to $15.2 billion from $16 billion in 2015. Despite the weak sales growth, the household and personal products delivered an outstanding 76.4% profit growth to $2.44 billion - compared to a three-year average of $2 billion. As observed, marked profit growth was made possible secondary to absence of the $1.08 billion charge the company took in last year on its Venezuela operations. Operating profit would be flat excluding this charge in 2015. "In the face of continued challenging macroeconomic conditions worldwide, foreign currency headwinds accelerating versus expectations, slowing category growth in several key markets and India's demonetization, we achieved another quarter of organic sales growth. While net sales declined 4.5%, worldwide organic sales grew 1.5% led by emerging markets where organic sales grew 4.5%. "Colgate's leadership of the global toothpaste market continued during the quarter with its global market share now at 44.0% year to date. Our global leadership in manual toothbrushes also continued with Colgate's global market share in that category now at 33.1% year to date. "Pleasingly, gross profit margin, operating profit margin and net income as a percent to sales all increased versus the year ago period." - Ian Cook, chairman, president and CEO Shares of Colgate-Palmolive fell by 5.2% on heavy volume compared to the Standard & Poor's 500 index's -0.09% change. Valuations Colgate-Palmolive trades at a premium compared to its peers. According to GuruFocus data, the toothpaste maker had a trailing price-earnings (P/E) ratio of 27 times (industry median 20) and price-sales (P/S) ratio of 4.4 times (industry median 1). Story continues The P/B value multiple may not be a reliable valuation for Colgate-Palmolive as it had a book value of $17 million contrary to its market value of $65 billion - a 3,823 times multiple compared to its industry of 2.41 times, according to Reuters data. Colgate-Palmolive also had a trailing dividend yield of 2.12% with a 100% payout ratio, 6.6% five-year growth rate and 1.10% share buyback ratio. Total return Colgate-Palmolive underperformed the broader S&P 500 index in both short and long term. According to Morningstar data, Colgate-Palmolive had one- and five-year total returns of 11% and 11.6%. In comparison, the broader index returned 26% and 14.1%. (10-K) Colgate-Palmolive Colgate-Palmolive was founded in 1806 - about 210 years ago - and is a leading consumer products company whose products are marketed in over 200 countries and territories throughout the world. In 2015, Colgate-Palmolive derived 27% or $4.3 billion of its revenue, excluding its Pet Nutrition business, from Latin America followed by 20% from North America, 18% from Europe and South Pacific, 15% from Asia and 6% from Africa and Eurasia. Colgate is a global leader in Oral Care with the leading toothpaste and manual toothbrush brands throughout many parts of the world according to market share data (1). The company is also a leader in many product categories of the Personal Care market with global leadership in liquid hand soap, which it sells under the Palmolive, Protex and Softsoap brands (2). As mentioned earlier, Colgate-Palmolive had a 44% market share in the global toothpaste market as of December. The company also had a 33.1% market share in manual toothbrushes globally. Colgate-Palmolive operates in two product segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care and Pet Nutrition. The company provided further revenue information regarding its Oral, Personal and Home Care business performance per country and their corresponding operating profitability. (10-K and Press Release, Colgate-Palmolive) Oral, Personal and Home Care business In 2016, the Oral, Personal and Home Care business experienced a 6.4% decline in overall sales while having generated 85% or $12.9 billion in total Colgate-Palmolive sales. The group also delivered an operating margin of 29% compared to 28% in 2015.** (**Operating profit margin excluded corporate-related deductions) Oral, Personal and Home Care business sales and operating margin per country North America: Sales grew 1% year on year on 2016 and delivered a 32% operating margin compared to 31% in 2015. The segment contributed 21% or $3.18 billion in total company sales. Latin America: Sales dropped 16% while having delivered a 31% operating margin compared to 28% the year prior. The marked dropped was secondary to Colgate-Palmolive's deconsolidation of its Venezuelan operations. Latin America contributed 24% - largest among different country segments - to total company sales. Europe: Sales fell 3% and had a 25% operating margin compared to 26% in 2015. Colgate-Palmolive derived 15% of its sales from Europe. Asia Pacific: Sales fell 5% and generated 32% operating margin compared to 30% in 2015. Asia Pacific sales contributed 18% to total company sales. Africa/Eurasia: Sales fell 5% and had a 19% operating margin versus 18% in 2015. Sales in the segment contributed 18% to total company sales. Pet Nutrition The Pet Nutrition business contributed the remaining 15% or $2.26 billion compared to $2.21 billion in 2015. The segment had 29% operating margin compared to 28% in 2015. Including its fiscal 2016 operations, Colgate-Palmolive exhibited three-year sales and profit growth (or losses) and margin averages of -4%, 12%, and 12%. Cash, debt and book value As of December, Colgate-Palmolive had $1.32 billion in cash with $6.53 billion in debt with total equity of $17 million - 384 times. In contrary, the household products maker had negative 44 million in total equity in 2015. Goodwill and intangibles, excluding marketable securities, were 32% of its $12.12 billion assets. The company had a book value of $17 million compared to negative $44 million in 2015. Cash flow (Release, Colgate-Palmolive) For 2016, Colgate-Palmolive grew its cash flow from operations by 6.5% to $3.14 billion. Growth on cash flow recognized came from the marked profit growth the company had in recent year operations. The company allocated $336 million in marketable securities and investment purchases and had $378 million in proceeds received from such investments. (Company Filings, Colgate-Palmolive) Capital expenditures were $593 million leaving Colgate-Palmolive with $2.55 billion in free cash flow compared to $2.26 billion in 2015. The company allocated 112% of its free cash flow in dividends and share buybacks. On average, Colgate-Palmolive allocated 121% of its free cash flow in shareholder payouts in the past three fiscal years. Also, Colgate-Palmolive pulled in $164 million in debt proceed, net repayments, in 2015. Conclusion Colgate-Palmolive has been reliable as growing its dividend payouts over time. The household giant is included in the list of S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats - known for including S&P 500 companies that have increased dividends every year for the last 25 consecutive years. Together with above free cash flow payout levels and consistent declining sales in recent years could easily deter any conservative investors. Colgate-Palmolive also did not feature an attractive book value multiple in its current valuation. (Colgate-Palmolive Share Price and P/S ratio, GuruFocus) Despite the weakness in sales, analysts at Exane BNP Paribas raised their outlook on Colgate-Palmolive shares to outperform from neutral. Stifel, meanwhile, reiterated its hold recommendation and lowered its share price target to $70 a share from $75. The company had an average share price target of $72.63 a share among the 16 analysts that cover the stock. In comparison to its current share price, Colgate-Palmolive is unappealing and therefore a hold. Notes 10-K Filing: Colgate's Oral Care products include Colgate Total, Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, Colgate Max Fresh, Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection with Sugar Acid Neutralizer, Colgate Optic White and Colgate Luminous White toothpaste, Colgate 360? and Colgate Slim Soft manual toothbrushes and Colgate Optic White, Colgate Total and Colgate Plax mouthwashes. Colgate's Oral Care business also includes pharmaceutical products for dentists and other oral health professionals. 10-K Filing: Colgate's Personal Care products also include Palmolive, Sanex, and Softsoap brand shower gels, Palmolive, Irish Spring and Protex bar soaps and Speed Stick, Lady Speed Stick and Sanex deodorants and antiperspirants. Colgate is the market leader in liquid hand soap in the U.S. with its line of Softsoap brand products according to market share data. Colgate's Personal Care business outside the U.S. also includes Palmolive and Caprice shampoos and conditioners. Colgate manufactures and markets a wide array of products for the Home Care market, including Palmolive and Ajax dishwashing liquids, Fabuloso and Ajax household cleaners and Murphy's Oil Soap. Colgate is a market leader in fabric softeners with leading brands including Suavitel in Latin America, Soupline in Europe and Cuddly in the South Pacific according to market share data. Disclosure: I do not have shares in any of the companies mentioned. Start a free seven-day trial of Premium Membership to GuruFocus. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. INDIANAPOLIS An attempt to reduce the number of Lake County voting precincts possibly subject to forced consolidation was rejected Thursday by the Republican-controlled Indiana Senate. State Sen. Eddie Melton, D-Merrillville, proposed amending Senate Bill 220 so only precincts with fewer than 500 active voters would be eligible for consolidation, instead of precincts with up to 600 active voters. Melton said his goal was to minimize how many voters would be impacted if the measure becomes law and the county election board is required to merge many small precincts. "A lot of elderly and senior citizen folks have been voting at their polls for 30 and 40 years," Melton said. "How do you communicate that to them that their poll is closed? Many of them are not on social media; many of them may or may not read the daily paper and won't be informed of this." State Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell, the sponsor of the measure, said reducing the number to 500 wouldn't go far enough toward taking away Lake County's dubious distinction as the county with the most small precincts in the state. His argument carried the day in the Senate, which rejected Melton's proposed change, 40-9, on a party-line vote. The chamber is expected to decide next week whether to advance the precinct consolidation requirement to the Republican-controlled House. Earlier this week, the Lake election board agreed even without a state mandate to merge precincts with less than 500 active voters. Should Niemeyer's proposal become law without changes, it's likely county officials will have to redo that work to include precincts with 500-600 active voters. MUNSTER It was standing-room-only Wednesday at Town Hall when the Town Council held a special work session to discuss a resident-generated resolution on the proposed West Lake Corridor extension. The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District wants to extend the South Shore Line south from Hammond through Munster into Dyer. Town Council President Joseph Simonetto clarified that council discussion would center on the resolution only. Still, residents who packed the meeting room frequently expressed their frustrations in general terms. No one spoke out in support of the train and those who opposed it had detailed suggestions for how Munster could best serve residents most impacted. I think you all know we dont want the train, Julie OConnor said. I think you also know we dont want a station at Ridge and Manor. But we know how things work. Earlier in the week, at the regular Town Council meeting, Councilman John Reed explained the train project appears to be coming through whether or not Munster wants it, and the town has gotten involved in station planning so we can have a seat at the table. The plans at present call for two stops in Munster, one to the south and one to the north at the Ridge and Manor location. The latter has caused the most consternation because as resident Pam Eanes put it, of the four locations proposed for the West Lake Corridor train extension, it is the only one which would directly impact a neighborhood and homes. The resolution articulates residents' concerns but is nonbinding and offers a set of points which residents endorse. They ask that council members endorse them as well. The points cover everything from restricted parking on streets to barriers between homes and the tracks and compensation for residents who live within a quarter mile of the track and station. I believe that homes within a quarter mile of the track will lose value, said Eanes and those homeowners should be compensated. NICTDs plans call for a 3-foot barrier along the track, which residents say is unacceptable. Nor are the maximum train speeds of 79 miles per hour, described by NICTD officials at an earlier meeting, acceptable. Sandra Lyons appeared to speak for many when she said she wishes NICTD would come up with another plan for the corridor. There must be a lot of alternatives to putting a train through a residential area, she said. After public comment, council officials were left to discuss comments as well as the resolution. Work sessions are for informational and discussion purposes only so no vote was taken. Councilwoman Lee Ann Mellon, who communicated with NICTD prior to the meeting, provided information which she said might clarify the timetable. The train could be operational in 2022, but only if federal funding is ultimately put in place. Some parts of the resolution could be handled at the local level: restricted parking, for example. Munster has the authority to issue resident-only parking restrictions on affected streets, Town Attorney David Westland said. Mellon concurred that a higher barrier is preferable and that it be more substantial than a fence, as well as aesthetically pleasing. GARY A Valparaiso University nursing student was killed and three others were injured in a crash early Thursday on southbound Interstate 65 near U.S. 20, police said. Samantha Sable-Salvador, 20, of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, died at Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus after the crash at about 6:11 a.m., officials said. Fog may have played a role. "Valparaiso University lost a valued member of its community, Samantha Salvador, a sophomore nursing student who touched the lives of many. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Samanthas family and friends, and we ask for the public and media to respect their privacy during this time of mourning," said VU spokesperson Nichole Niemi in an email statement. Niemi confirmed that the four people in the car were College of Nursing and Health Professions' students on their way to a clinical Thursday morning. Sable-Salvador was a passenger in a green 2001 Honda Civic driven by a 19-year-old Hebron woman, according to Indiana State Police. The woman was attempting to make a left turn from I-65 to U.S. 20 when she mistakenly drove into a turn lane and the Honda went airborne after hitting a raised median divider, police said. The Honda hit a beige 2013 Chevrolet Malibu driven by a 26-year-old Chicago Heights man, police said. Besides Sable-Salvador, two other passengers in the Honda were seriously injured, police said. One of them was flown to Loyola Medical Center and another was flown to an Indianapolis hospital for treatment. The drivers of both vehicles had non-life-threatening injuries, police said. Police said drivers should use extra caution when driving in foggy conditions. Police shut down the southbound lanes of I-65 for more than an hour for an investigation. BURNS HARBOR A semitrailer driver was shot in the leg Wednesday during a road rage episode on westbound Interstate 94, police said. The semi driver was one mile east of the Burns Harbor exit when he drove from the right lane to the center lane to pass a second semi traveling at a slower rate in the right lane, police said. At the same time, the driver of a gray SUV approached from behind at a high rate of speed and attempted to pass on the right, Indiana State Police said. The SUV driver was unable to pass, and the drivers of the SUV and semi in the center lane had an altercation, police said. As the SUV attempted to pass, the semi driver heard a gunshot and felt something strike his leg. The SUV completed the pass and continued west, police said. Anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or observed a gray SUV with an Indiana license plate driving erratically during this time is asked to call 219-696-6242. The board of directors of Shirley Heinze Land Trust announced the election of new board members to three-year terms. James B. Dworkin is chancellor emeritus at Purdue University North Central (now Purdue Northwest). Mike Keen is principal of Thrive Michiana, a sustainability consulting and services firm. Larry Stanton is an independent consultant helping clients in education development and implementation strategies for change. Therese Vande Hey is associate general counsel with ArcelorMittal USA, LLC. Matt Vessely is regional president for 1st Source Bank in Porter and LaPorte Counties. Returning to the board after a one-year hiatus is Beverly Shores resident Margaret A. Williford. She previously served on the board as president from 2013-2015. An attorney at Burke, Costanza & Cuppy, her areas of practice concentration include business, corporate, real estate, transactional and intellectual property. Williford also volunteers her time for a number of other local organizations. VALPARAISO 1st Source Bank and the American Heart Association have joined forces to present CPR kits to eight communities across Northwest Indiana. The self-directed training kits are simple and easy to use and make it possible for someone to learn CPR in 20 minutes in the comfort of their own home. The CPR kits will be available in March for check-out from local libraries in Chesterton, Hebron, Kouts, LaPorte, Michigan City, Portage, Westville and Valparaiso. The kits provide CPR training for both infants and adults. At 1st Source Bank were really excited about our partnership with the American Heart Association, said Regional President Matt Vessely. Our $7,500 contribution will help get these kits out into the community so that people can learn CPR and have the skills needed to save lives. Approximately 7 percent of the general public knows how to perform CPR, according to Executive Director Diane Kemp of Northwest Indianas branch of the American Heart Association. Unfortunately, people needlessly die every year because not enough of us have taken the time to learn these basic lifesaving skills. Luanda, Angola PRESIDENT Jose Eduardo dos Santos, whose party will no doubt win Fridays election, has ruled Angola for 33 years. He once declared that democracy and human rights do not fill up bellies. But he has not even given ordinary Angolans bread as a substitute for freedom. In 2002, after emerging from nearly three decades of civil war, Angolas government began an ambitious national reconstruction program carried out and financed by China. As the states coffers filled with oil wealth, there was general optimism that millions of impoverished Angolans would share in the peace dividends. But hope was short-lived. Mr. dos Santos hasnt relied on Angolan workers for national reconstruction, which would create jobs and spur the economy. Instead, his regime has admitted more than 250,000 Chinese laborers on work visas. Angolans who initially complained about not getting jobs were led to believe that the Chinese would produce a miracle by building new infrastructure in record time. But the Chinese-built roads, hospitals and schools began to crack as fast as they were being built. Luandas General Hospital had to be shut down in June 2010, when bricks started to fall from the walls, threatening it with imminent collapse. Newly tarred roads were washed away after one rainy season. Amid the many unknowns about the future of health care, coordinated health care programs that show they improve care, lower costs and enhance the patient experience are worth further exploration and development. Gov. Jerry Browns proposed state budget for Fiscal Year 201718 reinforced this by extending the coordinated care pilot program known as Cal MediConnect. Cal MediConnect plans, including CalOptimas OneCare Connect in Orange County, have demonstrated positive results based on independent research from groups such as The Scan Foundation. For public health plans like CalOptima, this extension is a welcome move. Why? At its core, coordinated care streamlines patient care to provide appropriate services in an effective manner. This is particularly important for health plans that serve low-income seniors and people with disabilities. These vulnerable community members often face health care systems that are disjointed, confusing and expensive. For instance, processes vary among doctors, pharmacists, specialists and other care providers. Even straightforward information-sharing about diagnoses, tests, conditions, referrals and medications can easily get miscommunicated or lost. However, smart, coordinated care programs can make a difference. As part of the states Cal MediConnect program, OneCare Connect is a prime example. This program serves people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medi-Cal. Before this program, these Medicare and Medi-Cal dual eligibles had to access services through disconnected programs funded by different government entities. This fragmentation often led to patient stress, delayed care, inappropriate utilization or unnecessary costs. The Cal MediConnect concept changes this. The program creates an all-in-one health plan that covers medical services, prescription drugs, behavioral health, long-term care services and more benefits in a single delivery system. This coordination can improve beneficiary health (and satisfaction) while also whittling down costs. So is it working? The latest available data is promising. One key example of success is a reduction in emergency room visits. The California Association of Health Plans recently reported that emergency room visits across more than 113,000 Cal MediConnect enrollees have decreased by 11 percent in the past two years. ERs are an expensive option people use when they dont know where to go or have limited access to primary care. A double-digit drop in enrollees ER visits saves money and reduces the burden on our emergency care system. A similar decline is happening right here in Orange County. Among OneCare Connect members, there has been a 9 percent drop in ER visits in the past year alone. There are other positive indicators as well. Since 2014, inpatient days at hospitals declined by 24 percent for Cal MediConnect enrollees, according to health plan reports. In Orange County, its a solid 15 percent decline. There has also been a significant reduction in the number of days spent in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes. The data show 28 percent and 24 percent decreases in California and Orange County, respectively. While questions loom regarding the future of the U.S. health system, the hope is that state and federal administrations continue to recognize the value of health plans pursuing care coordination. This is especially true for programs like OneCare Connect that show strong promise for driving higher quality, more cost-efficient care that provides our most vulnerable community members with care in the right way and at the right time and place. Michael Schrader is the CEO of CalOptima, a county organized health system that provides publicly funded health care coverage for low-income children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities in Orange County. In total, CalOptima serves more than 800,000 members via a private-sector network of contracted primary care doctors, specialists and hospitals. For additional information, visit www.caloptima.org. Sometimes the best social commentary movies are genre films. More often than not, those are the cleverest at it. Get Out fills that task to a T. Jordan Peeles directing debut is a cunningly worked-out racial satire in the form of a truly unnerving horror movie. Also written by the Key & Peele comedian, its a well-controlled work that builds dread through subtle strains of absurdity before turning into a full-blown, jump-scary nailbiter. Additionally, its nuanced critique of embedded racism in the Obama-voting, white upper class can be unpacked for days, as can the films take on justified-or-not black paranoia. While Hidden Figures and Loving offer more inspirational looks at race relations, Get Out is the movie that delivers hard truths that we all need to hear, in a manner that makes us squirm in more ways than one. Theres also a master class in comic relief going on here, but back to that in a bit. First, the setup. Arty New York photographer Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya, from British TVs Skins) is about to accompany girlfriend Rose (Girls Allison Williams) upstate to meet her parents when he discovers that she hasnt let them know hes African-American. A bit concerned but cool about it, Chris takes the trip to their semirural property, where mom Missy (Catherine Keener), a psychiatrist, and dad Dean (Bradley Whitford), a surgeon, greet him with open arms, if a tad awkwardly. Chris quickly realizes that Rose was right about her folks being open-minded sorts, but its their servants (Betty Gabriel, Marcus Henderson) who act weird and standoffish. Matters grow more alarming after Missy insists on hypnotizing Chris to help him quit smoking. Then a call to his pal in the city, Rod (The Carmichael Shows Milton Lil Rel Howery), informs Chris that a number of young black men have gone missing in the vicinity. While Kaluuya does an impressive job of balancing the easygoing face Chris shows to the world with the characters inner conflicts, Howery is this movies secret weapon. Introduced as a bumbling, excitable TSA agent, Rod later emerges as an obsessive amateur detective. Hes outraged but so, so wants it to be true that the missing men are being held as sex slaves; nevertheless, Rods the first to have a clue about whats really going on. Its hilarious, and it pays off beautifully in terms of plot. Theres some kind of genius in how Peele mixes terror, laughs and addressing prejudice like weve never seen it done before. Certain bits, whether funny or frightening, are staged and paced with skill rarely displayed by a first-time director, too. Peele obviously put a lot into Get Out, and hes proven with it that hes got a lot more than comic expertise to offer. In a speech delivered at the Miami Heralds Company of the Year Awards luncheon, Donald Trump condemned the war on drugs as a joke and called for the legalization of drugs. Were losing badly the war on drugs, he said. You have to legalize drugs to win that war. You have to take the profit away from these drug czars. So reported the Sarasota Herald-Tribune on April 14, 1990. Times change, but, to his credit, Trump was absolutely correct 27 years ago. Since President Nixon declared a war on drugs in 1971, the United States has criminalized millions of Americans, spent well over $1 trillion and enriched street gangs in inner cities across the country, violent drug cartels throughout Latin America and terrorist organizations worldwide. To date, it appears that people are still buying and using drugs, indicating that Trumps idea of taxing drugs and using the proceeds to prevent abuse mightve been a better idea. Yet, 27 years later, Trump seems to have abandoned the realization that criminalization and aggressive law enforcement isnt necessary to relieve social ills and may, in fact, do more harm than good. He has, instead, adopted rhetoric of law and order, pandering to the interests of some in law enforcement willing to disregard constitutional principles in pursuit of dually quixotic and draconian responses to crime and drug use. Were becoming a drug-infested nation, he said Thursday during a press conference. Drugs are becoming cheaper than candy bars. Were not going to let it happen any longer. Setting aside the candy bar claim, if the country is, indeed, becoming drug-infested, that is a sign that prohibition doesnt work. Any hope that Trump is secretly still harboring this understanding is dashed, however, when one hears his recent remarks. Were going to stop those drugs from poisoning our youth, from poisoning our people, he said in a speech Feb. 8 before the Major Cities Chiefs Association. Were going to be ruthless in that fight. We have no choice. Its difficult to tell what exactly Trump means when he says ruthless. President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines has, to put it modestly, been ruthless with his war on drugs, going so far as to support an aggressive drug enforcement policy of killing thousands of people. Trump is probably not that ruthless, though it is worth noting that Duterte has yet to eradicate drugs from his society. Just across the border, the drug war waged between the Mexican government and drug cartels since 2006 has potentially seen more than 100,000 deaths. Perhaps wed have a better handle on drugs and illegal immigration if Latin American countries werent so destabilized by our prohibition. Unfortunately, Trump has touted his border wall as the true solution to both of these problems. Prisons cant keep drugs out; his wall wont, either. Trumps commitment to failed ideas also extends to one of the other unfortunate products of the war on drugs: civil asset forfeiture, a practice by which law enforcement agencies seize peoples property without obtaining a criminal conviction. During a roundtable with county sheriffs on Feb. 7, Trump joked about ruining the career of a state senator in Texas who dared suggest law enforcement get a criminal conviction before engaging in forfeitures. According to the Institute for Justice, annual deposits to the Department of Justices Assets Forfeiture Fund hit $4.5 billion in 2014. Though some forfeitures follow a criminal conviction, between 1997 and 2013, this was true in only 13 percent of cases. Taken together with Trumps false claims about the homicide rate being the highest its been in 47 years (its near historic lows) and the bleak picture of America he pitched during his inaugural address, he has, unfortunately, committed himself to demonstrably bad crime and drug policy ideas based on false premises. Sal Rodriguez is a staff columnist. He may be reached at: salrodriguez@scng.com. ANAHEIM More than 40,000 people are expected to congregate at the Anaheim Convention Center Thursday through Sunday for the Religious Education Conference, the largest annual gathering of Catholics in the United States. The event, in its 61st year, is organized by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and is geared specifically for teachers of the faith, said Father Chris Bazyouros, the archdioceses director of the Office of Religious Education. Our theme this year is Embrace Trust, he said. All our speakers and events will focus on how we embrace trust in God and with each other. The conference, which will kick off Thursday with Youth Day, will include Masses, prayers and more than 300 workshops on a variety of topics from immigration and climate change to the death penalty. Our big issue, particularly this year in Southern California, is immigration and refugees, Bazyouros said. A number of workshops will also focus on inner healing, forming connections and building community. More than 15,000 youths from all over California and surrounding states will participate in workshops and liturgies today. Conference participants are from 20 countries in Latin America, Europe and Asia and include Catholic school teachers, principals, campus ministers, chaplains and members of youth and young adult ministries. For the first time, this year, the conference will include an interactive, multimedia prayer experience on Pope Francis encyclical on climate change, Bazyouros said. People will have a chance to walk through the exhibit, reflect and pray on what the pope is asking of us, he said. Contact the writer: 714-796-7909 or dbharath@scng.com COSTA MESA The newly appointed Planning Commission will remain in tact after a councilwomans request to remove one of the commissioners was denied. Councilwoman Sandra Genis asked the council to dismiss commission Chairman Stephan Andranian, saying she made a mistake during the nomination process that led to his reappointment earlier this month. The move would have led to Andranians second dismissal in as many months, after the City Councils removal of city commissioners in January. On Tuesday, the council voted 5-0 to leave the commission as is and not redo the selection process, as some in the public have called for. I am glad that the City Council upheld their previous appointments on the Planning Commission, Andranian said Tuesday. I am looking forward to working with my fellow commissioners and the City Council to serve the people of Costa Mesa. Some residents at the meeting said the mistake needed to be corrected while others argued that Andranians previous experience on the commission was needed. Genis said she decided to ask for his removal after realizing she had marked her nomination forms incorrectly during the councils Feb. 7 meeting. Had the form been correct, Teresa Callo Drain would have been appointed instead, according to a city staff report. This is something that everyone will live with and so I wanted to lay it before the council, Genis said. This was the only avenue of correction. Andranian, who was ranked last in the council vote tally with 16 points, was the only planning commissioner reappointed. His term is set to expire in 2019. The other planning commissioners appointed were Byron de Arakal, Jeff Harlan, Isabell Mayer Kerins and Carla Navarro Woods. Councilman Allan Mansoor, who along with Councilman Jim Righeimer was against removing the citys commissioners, said dismissing Andranian would lead to more problems for the city. Firing everyone it left us with a big mess, but I think a redo would be an even a bigger mess, he said. Some residents took issue with the appointment of Navarro Woods, who had only applied for the Parks & Recreation Commission. She emailed the city after the application deadline and asked to be considered for the Planning Commission and was never interviewed. I believe shes going to be a great representative for our community, Mayor Katrina Foley said. I feel bad that this has turned out like this because the intention truly was to try be extremely fair and to do something different than what had been done for a decade where two council members were being left (behind) just because they were in the minority. City Clerk Brenda Green told the council the Navarro Woods appointment was legal. Andranian and 16 others who were appointed to the Planning, Parks & Recreation and Senior commissions were sworn in Feb. 7. The newly assembled Planning Commission had its first meeting Feb. 13 where the five-member body elected him chairman. Contact the writer: 714-796-2478 or lcasiano@scng.com LAKE FOREST John Pherrin approached the western bank of Aliso Creek near his home in the Woodside neighborhood and noted the changes. Trees and pieces of concrete had piled into the creek and slopes on both sides had eroded over the past two months, as storm after storm battered the region. Pherrin is concerned about the environmental integrity of the creek, but said Orange County Public Works, the agency responsible for its upkeep, doesnt seem to share his views. The attitude is that this is minor compared to what else (theyre) dealing with, Pherrin, president of the Woodside Homeowners Association, said last week. O.C. Public Works resurfaced the slopes along the creek about two years ago, officials said. But now the slopes near Pherrins neighborhood and along the Creekside neighborhood just north have eroded, in some cases leaving a straight drop. In addition, because of trees and the cement pieces that have fallen into the creek, the water has been redirected directly under those drops which Pherrin says could make the erosion worse. On Feb. 16, Public Works installed mesh fencing along the west bank of the creek to keep residents out. No Trespassing signs also were added for residents coming into the area from Little Drive. Since the creek area is not intended as a public area, we are looking into installing a chain-link fence around the perimeter of the channel, which will also assist with illegal dumping, trespassing and providing an additional layer of safety for the public, said Shannon Widor, spokesman for Public Works, in an email. But Pherrin said the housing tracts were built in 1978 with public access to the creek in mind. He said he doesnt think the chain link fence will keep people away from the creek. Staircases lead up to the creek bank from Pherrins neighborhood. Residents in the Creekside neighborhood, along Aliso Park Drive, have gates on their brick backyard walls that open to the creek bank. The west bank of the creek opens up to Trabuco Road, allowing residents to cross the bridge to the bike trail on the eastern side. People walk their dogs from the entrances down to the greenbelt, Pherrin said. Just short of 40 years that has always been an open area for people to enjoy the environment. It was never dangerous because they maintained it. In some cases, the erosion of the west bank is hitting closer to the Creekside homes. Unlike the Woodside neighborhood, the Creekside homes do not have a street separating them from the creek bank. Pherrin said he would like to see the county resurface the slopes again and reinforce them with rip-rap rock, or large rocks from the base of the slope to the top to keep more dirt and trees from falling into the creek. A Feb. 16 meeting with representatives from the Public Works department left Pherrin more frustrated. He said department officials told him the area was low-level in terms of urgency, that it was a natural creek and trees get lost all the time. In 2014, Public Works removed trees it said were impacting the slope, Widor said. The following year, the agency backfilled various slope areas and installed the No Trespassing signs. Last year, the agency placed rows of sandbags on top of the slope to divert water away from eroded areas. He added that the agency is looking into conducting an engineering evalutaion on the current slope erosion and will recommend slope repairs, if required. We continue to monitor the creeks condition and assess any potential items that need to be addressed, Widor said. He said the creek is a natural channel with various regulatory agencies governing it. We are limited in the types of maintenance or repair, Widor said. But Pherrin characterizes the creek differently. With the development in the northern area of Lake Forest into Portola Hills, the amount of groundwater has turned this portion of the creek into a flood control channel, much like it is miles south of the Trabuco Road bridge, he said. Were not protecting the creek, were neglecting it, he said. Were just asking for protection. Contact the writer: npercy@scng.com Former assemblywoman Young Kim has announced that she intends to run for Orange Countys 4th Supervisorial District seat in 2018, vying to replace Supervisor Shawn Nelson when he is termed out. Kim, a Republican who lost her 65th Assembly District seat to Democratic challenger Quirk-Silva in November, sent an email to her supporters on Wednesday afternoon, asking them to attend a kickoff fundraiser for her candidacy. I have decided to run for Orange County Supervisor 4th District, wrote Kim, a Fullerton resident. Since this is a nonpartisan office, any candidate who receives over 50 percent of the vote can win and avoid the run-off November election. This is why I am starting early to show my strong base of support and financial strength. The 4th District includes the cities of Fullerton, Placentia, La Habra, Brea and portions of Anaheim and Buena Park. Kim has shown the ability raise large sums. In the last election cycle, she raised nearly $2.9 million and was backed by an additional $539,000 in independent expenditures from the California Republican Party and special-interest groups. Kim also has prominent political allies and said she has already received endorsements from U.S. Rep Ed Royce, U.S. Rep. Mimi Walters, Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas, Board Chairwoman Michelle Steel and Supervisor Andrew Do, among others. During Kims time in the state assembly, she worked to extend tuition freezes at Californias public universities and secured an additional $10 million in grant funding to help the states homeless youths. Nelson has indicated his desire to run for a judgeship in 2018. HUNTINGTON BEACH Police Chief Robert Handy met Tuesday night with residents of the predominantly Latino Oak View neighborhood to assuage their fears in the wake of executive orders from President Donald Trump and increased rhetoric about cracking down on immigration enforcement. Handy told more than 100 who attended a town hall meeting at the Oak View family resource center, said his department does not conduct routine immigration enforcement and is committed to keeping the community safe. There has been a lot of talk that has caused a lot of fear and thats understandable, he said.I dont see anything that will change our policy. In fact, Handy said, when Immigrations and Customs Enforcement has asked the police department to assist in routine neighborhood sweeps in the past, we have declined. However, Handy added that his department has worked with federal authorities in criminal investigations. That will continue, he said. Were here to keep the community safe. I hope fears are alleviated, particularly among the children said Janice Ugland, a local activist. Ugland said the last time Handy held a town hall, he offered assurances. Thats what Im hoping to hear again, she said. Several residents were happy with Handys message. I feel more re-assured, said Oak View resident Jorge Lopez, 45, through translation. He was also relieved that federal and local law enforcement were separate. Handys policy hasnt always kept him in the good graces of those who favor immigration enforcement and deportations. Raymond Herrera, a proponent of immigration enforcement, incarceration and deportation and who has attended a number of protests and counterprotests in Huntington Beach, is among those who have accused Huntington Beach police of making the city a sanctuary city in violation of the American people and creed. I dont believe at all that we are a sanctuary city, Handy said, but our priorities do not include routine immigration enforcement. The focus on criminal behavior versus status has been an important part of building trust in the Oak View neighborhood, a square-mile, economically challenged and predominantly Latino enclave. The relationships we have are built on trust and I dont want to lose that, Handy said. Herrera and Wes Parker both challenged Handy at the town hall, suggesting he was putting himself and his department above the president and federal law. I dont work for the president, Handy said. I work for the mayor, the city council and the people of Huntington Beach. Handy said he appreciated the opportunity to debate Herrera and Parker in the public setting, because it allowed residents of Oak View to hear firsthand the arguments of immigration enforcement and deportation advocates. Handy said police efforts to engage with residents have been rewarded, he said, by falling crime. In 2016, when crime was up throughout Huntington Beach, it fell in Oak View. Overall, crime is down 20 percent from 2014, 40 percent in three yearsand is at its lowest rates in more than a decade, Handy said. The Huntington Beach police have a detail of mostly Latino officers assigned to Oak View. It has engaged in a variety of outreach programs, including a Spanish-language Citizens Academy, that teach police department policies and procedures to the public. However, after Tuesdays national announcement of broader and more aggressive immigration enforcement, fear is creeping into Oak View. Those fears were heightened two weeks ago, after it was announced that federal immigration officials had arrested 600-700 people across at least 11 states, according to varying accounts. In Georgia and the Carolinas, a sweep of 170 undocumented immigrants included about 20 suspects with no record of crimes, according to USA Today. Handy says he hopes police can continue to hold Oak View residents trust. All we can do is keep the community interests first, he said. I have been involved in policing in immigrant communities for 26 years, Handy said. I have come to realize that federal immigration priorities have changed many times over the years. But if we are doing our job, it has little effect on what we do. SANTA ANA More than 150 Obamacare supporters gathered Wednesday night to discuss the future of the law and share stories of how access to health insurance has brought security to their lives. The forum at the Delhi Center in Santa Ana was organized by nonprofit health groups and labor unions in response to President Trumps pledge to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Critics of the law say that premiums are too expensive and that health insurance should be a choice, not a requirement. In recent weeks, town hall meetings hosted by Republican lawmakers across the U.S. have drawn crowds voicing opposition to doing away with the health reform law. Organizers said they invited Republican members of Orange Countys Congressional delegation, but none showed up. Angela Eilers of Yorba Linda said her 7-year-old daughter was born with a congenital heart defect and by age 1, had accrued $500,000 in medical expenses. She will eventually need a third surgery. She said the ACAs prohibition of lifetime caps on health insurance benefits eased her familys worries, but those have been revived by talk of repeal. The ACA is an insurance safety net for her and for us, Eilers said. Every day since the election weve sat and worried. No one should have to sell their home just to afford a surgery. Aaron Reyes, director of programs and policy for Community Health Initiative of Orange County, said a repeal would result in millions of Americans losing insurance. Roughly 142,000 Orange County residents are enrolled in Obamacare health plans sold by Covered California, with 88 percent receiving a subsidy, according to the state exchange. Additionally, about 232,000 low-income residents here have coverage through the laws expansion of Medi-Cal. We have made a lot of gains, Reyes said. The uninsured rate in the United States is at the lowest its ever been. Dr. Jennefer Russo, medical director of Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties, described patients whose lives were transformed by the ACA. In one case, she said a single mom got enrolled in Covered California and received care for her unmanaged Crohns disease that allowed her to keep working. They are too often invisible; too busy caring for their families to be politically active, Russo said. I believe it is up to us to help defend them. Dr. Marco Angulo, who practices at Serve the People Community Health Clinic in Santa Ana, said with Obamacare his sickest patients have been able to gain coverage and see specialists, instead of waiting to become ill enough to go to the emergency room. We cant go back, he said. We need to fight for our health. SANTA ANA A driver who was under the influence of drugs when he hit and killed a 24-year-old Santa Ana man and then left the scene was sentenced to 15 years in prison, authorities said Wednesday. Marcello Bisarello was sitting on the sidewalk at McFadden Avenue and Cedar Street in Santa Ana around 1 p.m. in November 2015 when Ramon Horta, 56, slowly veered his van onto the sidewalk and ran over Bisarello, the Orange County District Attorneys Office said. Prosecutors said Horta tapped his brakes and looked out his rear window before continuing along McFadden at the same speed. A good Samaritan called 911 and then followed Horta and forced him to pull over about a half-mile from the scene. On Tuesday, Horta pleaded guilty to one felony count of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, prosecutors said. At the time of the crash, he was driving on a suspended license for a previous DUI conviction, according to court records. Horta was initially charged with second-degree murder but the count was dismissed as part of a plea agreement. In 2001, Horta pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell and driving on a suspended license and was sentenced to nine months in jail, according to court records. In 2005, he was convicted of felony possession of a controlled substance and was sentenced to 16 months in prison. He was again convicted and sentenced to two years in prison in 2008 for possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. Lori Haley, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, said Horta had been deported from the U.S. multiple times, most recently in 2012. Contact the writer: kpuente@ocregister.com IRVINE About 120 people packed the University Hills community center to voice their opposition to President Donald Trump and his policies Wednesday night. But what was clearly missing from the town hall meeting was their invited guest: Rep. Mimi Walters. Organizer Deborah Newquist said one of the purposes of the meeting was to ask the Republican congresswoman where she stood on various issues and what she thought about Trumps policies. People are getting upset that shes not making herself available, Newquist said. Abigail Sigler, Walters spokeswoman, said the congresswoman is in Orange County this week to have private meetings with her constituents, though theres no plan for a town hall meeting. She firmly believes that meeting and listening to her constituents is the best way to represent them and advocate for them in Washington, Sigler stated in an emailed statement. She will not allow a small, vocal group of paid activists distract her from this fundamental responsibility. As she always has, she welcomes anyone with comments or concerns to contact her office. Newquist, a 66-year-old gerontologist who used to run an elder care consulting firm, said she wasnt paid to organize the meeting. She decided to host the event after being alarmed by Trumps presidency and encouraged by her son, Newquist said. She invited her fellow residents in University Hills, a housing development for UC Irvine employees, and people she met through participating in the Womens March on Washington in January, Newquist said. In front of the gathered crowed, Newquist took straw polls on issues such as health care, Planned Parenthood and gun control. They were all unanimous in their liberal votes. Then they discussed how to convince Walters to change her positions and possibly remove her and rallying other voters in her district, which extends from Anaheim Hills to Rancho Santa Margarita and includes Irvine. Orange County has become a key battleground of a national resistance movement against the Trump administration. Dozens of grassroots activists are parading to GOP congressional offices each week demanding town hall meetings to address their Congress members. So far, none of the four Walters, Reps. Ed Royce, Dana Rohrabacher and Darrell Issa has consented to a town hall. All four were reelected in November, but their districts all favored Hillary Clinton for president. Delta Natural Gas Company Inc. DGAS has signed a deal to be acquired by a subsidiary of Pittsburgh-based gas distribution firm Peoples Natural Gas. The deal has an estimated valuation of $270 million. Per the deal, shareholders of Delta Natural Gas will receive $30.50 in cash per share. This figure reflects a premium of around 17% to Deltas closing price of $26.15 on Feb, 17, the last trading day before the declaration of the deal. The agreement is scheduled to close by the end of 2017, subject to federal and regulatory approvals. The deal would not affect the dividend distribution as shareholders of Delta will continue to receive dividend at the rate of 83 cents per share annually. On the conclusion of the deal, Delta Natural Gas will become the wholly owned affiliate of PNG Companies LLC, which is the parent company of Peoples. It is to be noted that Delta will be regulated by Kentucky Public Service Commission even after the transaction. Peoples Natural Gas, a former subsidiary of Dominion Resources, Inc. D is currently owned by Steel River Infrastructure Partners, a private equity firm. Peoples is a natural gas distribution company which will acquire Delta Natural Gas to expand its footprint in Kentucky which is evolving as a bigger natural gas hub. Peoples started its acquisition program in Kentucky by acquiring Equitable Gas in 2013. Peoples presently serve around 700,000 customers and will increase its customer base by around 36,000 after the acquisition of Delta. Peoples aims to upgrade its infrastructure which in turn will increase Delta Natural Gas investments in such improvement projects. Headquartered in Kentucky, Delta Natural Gas provides retail gas distribution and transportation service in central and south-eastern Kentucky. The company presently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Over the last three months, the Zacks categorized Utility-Gas Distribution industry has recorded growth of 4%. However, shares of Delta Natural Gas have significantly outperformed the industry by registering growth of around 19%. Story continues Some favorably placed players in the industry include ONE Gas, Inc. OGS and Vectren Corporation VVC. Both the companies sport a Zacks Rank #1(Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. ONE Gas has posted a positive earnings surprise in each of the last four quarters, the average being 12.46%. Vectren Corporation is expected to deliver year-over-year growth of 6.77% and 6.72% in its revenues and earnings in 2017. 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Zacks Investment Research BEIJING For years, the United States and others have pressed Chinas leaders to suspend imports of coal from North Korea to push the reclusive state to abandon its nuclear weapons program. For years, the Chinese leadership resisted until Saturday, when it suddenly announced in a terse statement that it would do just that. But if Beijing was sending a message to North Korea, it was also directing one at President Donald Trump, who has complained that China was not putting enough pressure on North Korea. Now President Xi Jinping of China has essentially said: We have done our part in enforcing sanctions. Over to you, Mr. Trump. The challenge comes at a tantalizing moment. For weeks now, plans have been afoot for a North Korean government delegation to meet in New York in early March with a group of former U.S. officials who have long been involved in North Korea policy. Will the Trump administration issue visas to the North Koreans, a move that would suggest the new president is interested at least in hearing from Pyongyang through informal channels? There have been indications that Trump was willing to take a quite different tack from President Barack Obama. During his campaign, Trump said he was interested in sharing a hamburger with the 33-year-old leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un. He seemed to suggest he had a smidgen of respect for, or at least curiosity about, the maverick leader, the most recent incarnation of a longstanding dynasty. Trumps response to the recent North Korean missile test was restrained, perhaps the result of Obamas warning after the November election that North Korea would be the incoming presidents most dangerous foreign policy challenge. If the visas are issued, it will be a clear message that the Trump administration is prepared to go the extra mile and engage North Korea, said Evans J.R. Revere, a former principal deputy assistant secretary of state. There should be little expectation, he warned, of any policy shift by the North, which has shown every indication of wanting to continue building its nuclear program. The planned meeting, sponsored by the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, headed by Donald S. Zagoria, falls far short of talks between the two governments and has been designed as an initial sounding board. I have been organizing such meetings with the North Koreans since 2003, and our goal is to increase mutual understanding as well as to encourage the kind of frank dialogue that may not be possible in official talks, Zagoria said. The gathering would be the first of its type in New York in five years because the Obama administration opposed holding even informal talks on U.S. soil given North Koreas expansion of its nuclear weapons program. That North Korea is holding two Americans hostage was another impediment. Meetings with North Korean officials arranged by Zagoria and other groups were held in world capitals during the Obama era, including Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Berlin last year. The decision whether to allow the meeting to proceed in New York is now freighted with more than the usual complications. Over the last 10 days, North Korea has shown its full colors. First, the regime flaunted its expanding nuclear capabilities with the test of an intermediate-range ballistic missile that uses a solid-fuel technology that will make it easier for the country to hide its arsenal. Then, last week, Kim Jong Nam, the half brother of the North Korean leader, was assassinated in Malaysia in a crowded passenger terminal at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The South Korean government has publicly accused North Korea of the killing, and six North Koreans have been linked to the plot. Without these two incidents, the Trump administration could have won praise for breaking the logjam with North Korea by allowing the New York meeting to go ahead, said a former participant in such meetings who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the topic. But the assassination of Kim Jong Nam would allow opponents of North Korean engagement to charge that granting visas only rewarded bad behavior, the person said. Soon after the killing, Republican and Democratic members of Congress called for the United States to return North Korea to its blacklist of states that sponsor terrorism, from which it was removed nine years ago. The Trump administration faces another, perhaps more profound, decision on how to handle North Korea. Annual joint military exercises, set for March between South Korea and the United States, are expected to involve a U.S. aircraft carrier, advanced stealth fighters, B-52 and B-1B bombers and a nuclear submarine, according to South Korean news reports. This annual show of force, not far from the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea and off the Korean coast, has traditionally been viewed by North Korea as U.S. preparation for an attack against its forces. With the heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, and Chinese-North Korean relations at a low point, the risk of a strong response by the North to the exercises through the launch of missiles or a nuclear test is higher than usual, said Peter Hayes, the executive director of the Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainability in Berkeley, California. Last year, for example, the North conducted its fifth nuclear test during joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises. We are likely entering a new and extremely dangerous phase of the Korean conflict, Hayes said. He suggested ramping down the exercises to avoid inadvertent clashes and escalation to nuclear war, and to probe North Korean intentions. China would like the Trump administration to deal directly with North Korea. Beijings suspension of coal imports from North Korea was a signal that China was being tougher than usual, offering Trump a concession to bring Washington to the table with the North. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has stepped up his contacts with Chinese officials in recent days. On Tuesday he spoke by telephone with Yang Jiechi, Chinas top diplomat, and among the topics they discussed was how to handle North Korea. But how much impact a suspension of coal imports would have on the rudimentary and seemingly resilient North Korean economy was far from clear. The Foreign Ministry insisted Tuesday that the suspension of coal imports was a bureaucratic procedure. In the first six weeks of 2017 China had already imported almost all its annual quota of coal allowed under the U.N. sanctions, the ministry said. Whether China had actually paid for those imports was not addressed. It wont be as huge as many expected, said Zhang Liangui, an expert on North Korea at the Central Party School of the Communist Party. Outsiders have underestimated the Norths capability to cope with sanctions. Nor is Zhang optimistic that any talks with North Korea, formal or informal, will result in a diminishing of the Norths nuclear capabilities. North Korea has said more than 50 times that it will not participate in any talks that have denuclearization on the agenda, he said. I dont think President Trump could pull this off and talk the Koreans out of it. When I was an undergraduate student studying political science at Cal State Fullerton, I once had a professor declare in front of the entire class that I would end up in prison, because Jesus gave her the power of prophecy. And unless she was genuinely clairvoyant (and since I have not yet been incarcerated, Im guessing not) she made this prediction knowing only that I was a student in her American Political Behavior class, a Republican, and lived in Orange County. From that point on she used her professorial platform to spread left-wing conspiracy theories, which included blaming the Los Angeles riots on the Jews, and punished her political enemies by giving them bad grades. Unfortunately all this happened in the days before smart phones, or it would have been Tucker Carlsons A-block on his Fox News show. Now it happily turns out that learning American politics from a crazy person was an excellent primer for my career as a cable news pundit; but thanks to technology, screeching professorial meltdowns of this kind no longer happen in a vacuum they occur on camera. Thats exactly what happened at Orange Coast Community College, when human sexuality professor Olga Perez Stable Cox decided to ditch her post-election psychology lecture in favor of a full-on diatribe directed at President Donald Trump and any students who might support him. Cox called the election an act of terrorism, said Trump was a white supremacist, and insisted that those leading the assault are among us. Additionally, the professor asked all of the Trump supporters in the room to stand up and be accounted for. In response, OCC announced that its suspending the student who recorded the tirade, Caleb ONeil, and wont say if theyre reprimanding Cox, because they consider employment matters to be private. How convenient. In addition to the suspension, OCC has required ONeil to write a letter of apology and a three-page essay explaining his decision to record Cox, share it publicly and discuss the impact of the video going viral and the ensuing damage to Orange Coast College students, faculty and staff. On the subject of whether or not ONeil was right to bring a recording device to class, the school is self-serving and hypocritical. As far back as 2009 OCC has issued recording devices to school police deputies so they could tape their interactions with students and faculty. OCC spokesman Sean Bennett said the school wanted them because, If theres concern over an incident, then we have video to verify what happened. Its a tool you can use to get unbiased video and decide where to go from there. In other words, they want the evidence, but only if it backs up their story line. Plus, if you want to get super technical about who violated the rules, Cox was hired to teach psychology not drama. Make no mistake, the college, its president Dennis Harkins and the entire Board of Trustees are placing the interests of an out-of-control professor above the well being of their students. The OCC brain trust has proven that theyre better equipped to run a Soviet style re-education camp than a community college funded by the taxpayers. Heres what should happen: OCC should immediately rescind its suspension of ONeil and write him a letter of apology. Professor Cox should be fired for being a bully, thug and just bad at her job. President Harkins should be fired for serving as Coxs enabler and signing off on ONeils outrageous punishment. And if they dont overrule Harkins and demonstrate that they provide a safe and open learning environment for students with all points of view, the Board of Trustees should be recalled. A lot has changed since I was a student at CSUF, but the nutty professors are still the same. John Phillips is a CNN political commentator and can be heard weekdays at 3 p.m. on The Drive Home with Jillian Barberie and John Phillips on KABC/AM 790. WHITTIER A gang member accused of killing a Whittier police officer and another man on Monday, as well as wounding another police officer, remained hospitalized in an intensive care unit Wednesday as detectives continued gathering evidence and the community continued mourning and seeking answers. Investigators were yet to interview Michael Christopher Mejia, 26, of Los Angeles, as he continued receiving treatment for a gunshot wound to the back sustained in Monday mornings gunfight with the Whittier, Lt. John Corina of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department Homicide Bureau said. His injuries were not considered life-threatening. The tight-knit Whittier community has rallied around the family of Officer Keith Boyer, a 53-year-old Whittier resident, 28-year lawman, father, grandfather and classic rock drummer. Services for Boyer have not yet been announced. The Whittier Police Department is accepting donations to benefit Boyers family. Hes survived by a fiancee, four children and two grandchildren. Checks can be made out to WPOA Benevolent Fund, and reference account No. 488879. Contributions can be dropped off in person at the Whittier Police Department, 13200 Penn Street, in person at the Credit Union of Southern California at 8028 Greenleaf Ave. or mailed to the Credit Union of Southern California, WPOA Benevolent Fund, attention David Valencia, PO Box 200, Whittier, CA 90608. Officer Patrick Hazell, who was wounded in the abdomen in the shootout, was released from the hospital and continuing his recovery at home, Corina said. His father said the wounded officer did not wish to comment at this time. Mejia, a documented gang member who was on felony probation, or Post-Release Community Supervision, under the terms of AB 109, is also accused of gunning down his cousin about 5:30 a.m. in the 1400 block of Volney Drive in East Los Angeles, less than three hours before the violent encounter with police in Whittier. Further details of the East Los Angeles slaying, including a motive, have not been released. Mejia was driving a stolen car when he was in a minor crash with two other vehicles at Colima Road and Mar Vista Avenue about 8 a.m., Corina said. Police arrived at the scene after the other drivers had helped Mejia push the car he was driving to the side of the road. They asked him to get out of the car. Thats when the shooting occurred, Corina said. Mejia suddenly drew a semi-automatic handgun and opened fire, striking both officers. One of the officers managed to return fire and wound Mejia, who was taken into custody at the scene by fellow officers, officials said. It was unclear which of the officers wounded the suspect. Corina declined to discuss whether one, or both, of the officers fired their weapons. Mejias gun was recovered at the scene, Corina said. The involved officers were not wearing body cameras, and Corina said he was not aware of any video recordings of the deadly encounter between Mejia and Whittier police. Mejia was expected to be charged in connection with the case once hes out of the hospital, the lieutenant said. Mejia had prior convictions for robbery, and most recently, auto theft, officials said. He has been re-arrested for probation violations five times since being released from prison for the auto theft conviction, each time resulting in 9- or 10-day flash incarcerations, under the terms of AB 109, also known as the California Public Safety Realignment of 2011, records show. Details regarding the circumstances of each arrest were not available, however, none resulted in the filing of a new criminal case. At least one of the arrests was for possession of methamphetamine, Corina said. Possession of methamphetamine had traditionally been a felony in California, punishable by a year or more in prison, but was reduced to a misdemeanor by Proposition 47, passed by California voters in 2014. Mejias criminal record has raised concerns of law enforcement officers, politicians and others, who are questioning whether Mejia should have been behind bars, rather than out on the street. A documented gang member, and an apparently proud one, Mejia bears the letters W and G tattooed prominently across his face in capital letters. The same abbreviation, which stands for an East Los Angeles street gang, is also tattooed on Mejias neck in lower-case letters. Any witnesses, or anyone with information, regarding Mondays incident is encouraged to contact the sheriffs Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. The first month of the Trump presidency has left me more frightened for the country than I ever have been before. But recent studies about waning support for democracy within the United States cause me to worry that the election of Donald Trump may be a symptom of even greater problems in our nation. To be clear, what scares me most about Trump are not his policies that I dislike an environmental team that is filled with individuals who deny that greenhouse gas emissions are linked to climate change, an immigration team dominated by those who adopted a cruel and unconstitutional travel ban, a health care team that wants to eliminate not just the Affordable Care Act, but also Medicare and Medicaid. I am most frightened by his authoritarianism and his rejection of any checks on his power. There are really just three checks on a presidents authority: Congress, the courts and the press. To this point, the Republican-controlled Congress has refused to impose any type of a check on the Republican president. Even Trumps most controversial cabinet picks, such as Betsy DeVos, Jeff Sessions and Scott Pruitt, were confirmed with almost unanimous Republican support. Only Andrew Puzder was rejected actually forced to withdraw but that was because of allegations of domestic abuse and failure to pay taxes for household workers. In his first month in office, Trump has tried mightily to undermine the other checks: the judiciary and the press. After federal district court Judge James L. Robart issued a temporary restraining order against the travel ban, President Trump tweeted, The opinion of this so-called judge, which essentially takes law-enforcement away from our country, is ridiculous and will be overturned! President Trump then expressed contempt for the deliberations of the three-member appellate court convened to review Robarts order, calling the legal argument disgraceful, and remarking that a bad high school student would understand this. Presidents, of course, can disagree with court rulings and have done so before. Courts enjoined many of President Obamas executive orders, but he never said that the decisions were by so-called judges or were ridiculous or disgraceful. No president ever has used language like this before. This seems a clear attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the courts. At the same time, President Trump has said that he is in a running war with the media, and Trumps senior adviser, Stephen Bannon, has instructed the press to keep its mouth shut. At a press conference on Feb. 16, President Trump said that the greatest problem facing the country is that the media is out of control. He said journalism is plagued by false, horrible, fake reporting. This, of course, is the same press conference where he declared that he had won more electoral votes than anyone since Ronald Reagan, a totally false statement. The next day, President Trump tweeted: The FAKE NEWS media (failing @nytimes, @CNN, @NBCNews and many more) is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American people. SICK! My hope is that the Constitution, including its assurance of judicial review and its protection for freedom of the press, will function as checks and that the Trump presidency will be an aberration in its desire for authoritarian control. But recent studies cause me to worry. On Feb. 12, Trump adviser Stephen Miller said that the president did not have to follow judicial orders and rejected what he called judicial supremacy. The power of the courts to invalidate presidential actions as unconstitutional was established in 1803. Last week, Public Policy polling released the results of a national survey. Respondents were asked whether they thought that President Trump should be able to overturn decisions by judges when he disagrees with those decisions. Only 25 percent agreed, with 11 percent saying they were unsure. But among those who identified themselves as Trump supporters, 51 percent agreed that Trump should be able to overturn court decisions, 33 percent disagreed, and 16 percent were not sure. A study recently published in the Journal of Democracy asked respondents to rate on a scale of 1 to 10 how essential it is for them to live in a democracy. Seventy-two percent of Americans born before World War II check 10, the highest value. But among those born since 1980, the millennial generation, less than 1 in 3 hold a similar belief about the importance of democracy. The study also found that 43 percent of older Americans believed it was illegitimate for the military to take over if the government were incompetent or failing to do its job, but only 19 percent of millennials agreed. Although I am afraid for the next four years, I believe our constitutional democracy will survive the challenges of a Trump presidency. But I worry greatly for its long-term future without greater understanding and support for our constitutional system. Erwin Chemerinsky is dean of the UC Irvine School of Law. Americans can expect to see greater enforcement of federal laws banning recreational marijuana use, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Thursday signaling the Trump Administration might be considering a crackdown on legalization drives spreading state to state. At a press briefing, Spicer said President Donald Trump was supportive of a federal rule that gave states leeway to allow medical marijuana use. Ive said before that the President understands the pain and suffering that many people go through who are facing, especially, terminal diseases and the comfort that some of these drugs, including medical marijuana, can bring to them, Spicer said in response to a reporters question. But, he added, theres a big difference between that and recreational marijuana. I think that when you see something like the opioid addiction crisis blossoming in so many states around this country, the last thing we should be doing is encouraging people. Spicer didnt indicate how the president intended to enforce federal laws in states that had approved recreational marijuana consumption. Twenty-eight states have medical marijuana laws on the books, while eight states including California permit recreational cannabis. When a reporter pressed him for clarity, he said it was a question for the Department of Justice. A spokesman for the justice department declined to comment on the matter. Aaron Herzberg, a cannabis real estate investor based in Costa Mesa, said it would be unrealistic and political suicide for Trump to wage an all-out war against recreational marijuana, pointing to millions of dollars in tax revenue flowing to states with legal cannabis laws. He said he suspects Spicers comments are saber rattling more than a viable threat. Marijuana remains illegal under federal law, but the Obama Administration largely let states carry out their own legalization schemes, as long as they enforced regulations aimed at preventing sales to minors, money laundering and other criminal offenses. Thursdays comments from Spicer were perhaps the clearest indication yet that the Trump Administration may not go so easy on legal weed states. Californias new Attorney General Xavier Becerra noted he took an oath to enforce the states laws. If there is action from the federal government on this subject, I will respond in an appropriate way to protect the interests of California, Becerra said via email. Smart Approaches to Marijuana, which funded opposition to Californias marijuana legalization measure Proposition 64, applauded Spicers comments. This isnt an issue about states rights, its an issue of public health and safety for communities, SAM President Kevin Sabet said. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions made statements similar to Spicers when he was being vetted by Congress. As a result, Paul Armentano, deputy director of the marijuana rights organization NORML, said Spicers comments werent surprising. But he pointed to the irony of Quinnipiac polling out just hours earlier that found 71 percent of voters oppose enforcing federal laws against marijuana in states that have already legalized pot. The press secretarys statement linking legal marijuana to the opioid epidemic drew immediate criticism from cannabis rights advocates, who cited research indicating the opposite is true. Spicer has it exactly backwards, said Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of Drug Policy Alliance. Greater access to marijuana has actually led to declines in opioid use, overdoses and other problems. Thursdays controversy came days after Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Costa Mesa, and three other congressional representatives from states that have legalized marijuana officially formed a Cannabis Caucus to advance federal laws allowing cannabis cultivation, sale and use. A group of Democratic legislators in California is floating a bill that would make it illegal for state or local authorities to assist federal agents in investigations and enforcement actions involving Californians who are complying with state marijuana laws. We have hoped and still hope that the federal government will respect states rights in the same manner they have on several other issues, said Derek Peterson, CEO of Irvine-based cannabis firm Terra Tech. We also hope that the states make a point of defending their independence in regards to this and protect their constituents. Staff Writer Daniel Jimenez contributed to this story. MANAUS, Brazil Shortly after midnight on New Years Eve, hundreds of inmates watched from a Manaus prison yard as the sky lit up with fireworks, paid for by the gangs that dominate the jail system. The revelry continued well into the next afternoon, and inmates celebrated with their wives and girlfriends. But then the guards noticed something strange: The prisoners were asking their guests to go. The last family member left at 4:09 p.m. on New Years Day. What happened next would go beyond any worst-case scenario imagined by guards or authorities, unleashing a brutality that would lay bare a failed prison system and a gruesome battle between gangs for influence in Latin Americas largest nation. The bloodshed would be the worst at any Brazilian prison in the past 25 years. The Associated Press gained exclusive access to the Complexo Penitenciario Anisio Jobim. What follows is based on the facility visit, footage from inmates on their mobile phones, forensics reports obtained by the AP, and more than a dozen interviews with families of victims, authorities, lawyers, prison guards, judges, the warden and investigators. This was unprecedented, said Carlos Procopio dos Reis, in charge of the medical forensics unit in Manaus. I still dream that I am in a truck throwing heads for people to catch. Known by its Portuguese acronym of Compaj, the Manaus prison compound sprawls into the Amazon jungle. Families spend at least an hour on a prison bus line to get to the isolated penitentiary. Designed for 592 inmates, it held 1,224 on New Years Day. Manaus, a violent and gritty northern city of 2 million people, is the jumping-off point to the Amazon and central to Northern Brazils growing drug trade. For years, Brazils two most powerful gangs had a non-aggression pact. But that truce ruptured in October, for reasons experts say are still unclear, leading to riots in several prisons. At least 130 inmates have been killed in lockups nationwide since Jan. 1. Instead of going back to their cells after the New Years party, inmates from the Family of the North gang surrounded a prison guard and took him hostage, with a blade to his neck. Then they announced their larger intention: To get rid of all members of the rival First Command gang, also known as PCC. We will kick out of this prison every single PCC brain! a prisoner from Family of the North yelled to the Compaj cameras. The Family of the North moved quickly. Carrying knives, homemade shivs and even several pistols, prisoners led the first hostage into the atrium. There, they took another 14 guards and other staff hostage, including a cook and a nurse. At 4:30 p.m., Family of the North prisoners began entering an area where many members of First Command were housed. The wing was known as the safe. Family of the North local leaders nicknamed Maraba, Caroco, Demetrio, Garrote, Rivellino and Maguila headed the charge. Crammed into their cells, many First Command prisoners had little room to run or means to fight back. Over the next 15 minutes, several were shot, stabbed or both. The screams of horror and pain filled the lockup. No guards tried to intervene, as several had been taken hostage. In the next 30 minutes, prisoners dragged dozens of bodies into the area dubbed Pavilion 3. Then Family of the North members began cutting. In total, 39 heads were lined up on the floor. They also lopped off and piled up limbs and cut out 13 eyes and two hearts. One guard was forced to eat an eyeball. A transvestite prisoner was made to take bites of a heart, throwing up as she did so. The first negotiations started at 6:30 p.m., when a human rights activist and lawyer who knew many prisoners spoke with them through a radio device. At 6:45 p.m., the first hostage was released for medical attention. By 9 p.m., a full battalion of riot police was firing on about 225 prisoners trying to escape, some by climbing the walls. Its unclear how many died. Families and prison guards believe there are still bodies in the surrounding woods. At 3 a.m., an agreement was reached. The prisoners bargained for regular visitation of family, time outside the cell and the collection of bodies by medical forensics. In exchange, they would release the remaining hostages and hand over weapons and phones. At about 7 a.m., the first of 39 heads arrived at the coroners office in downtown Manaus. In total, 57 prisoners were killed. The massacre has left devastated families in its wake. Maria Angelina Muniz had two sons, ages 20 and 27, killed. One was in jail for theft and the other trafficking. Neither had been convicted. We knew they had a debt to society, they were paying, Muniz said. But now my life is destroyed because of this war. Seventeen inmates have been prosecuted and sent to tight-security federal prisons. The prison director, suspected of allowing weapons and mobiles into Compaj in exchange for money, has been fired. Former Amazonas Prison Secretary Pedro Florencio, a respected retired policeman, was also sacked because the massacre happened on his watch. To this day, I close my eyes and see parts of bodies of inmates everywhere, Florencio said. For me that New Years Day will never end. Rock Dog benefits from the central rule of kid-friendly filmmaking: If you have a child under the age of 9, the best movie theyve ever seen is almost always the most recent one. Too lackluster to be praised highly, yet too benign to be excoriated, Rock Dog is the perfect family film for a rainy day with no other options. It does not deserve mention in any animation history book; and yet its completely satisfactory in the moment. This is the answer to the question, Weve seen Lego Batman three times already. Is there anything else in theaters? If all of the above sounds like faint praise, then I have succeeded in my goal. But Hollywood has proved that this genre is surprisingly difficult even for the lukewarm success benchmark. Some films Rock Dog is better than: All of the Ice Age sequels, both The Smurfs movies and three out of four entries in the Alvin and the Chipmunks franchise. Based on a Chinese graphic novel, Rock Dog borrows from Kung Fu Panda and Ratatouille so heavily and equally that it feels like those movies gave birth to a slightly underachieving cinematic child. Bodi (voiced by Luke Wilson) is a sheep dog living on a mountain, where his kind defend their flock with mystical powers. But his true love is music to his fathers shame; and he heads for the city to seek tutelage from aging rock star Angus Scattergood (Eddie Izzard) who is in need of his own creative jumpstart. Rock Dog is a low-wattage production, just 80 minutes long, and distributed in the U.S. by Lionsgate a year after it bombed in China. But it has an established writer/director in Ash Brannon, who once worked on several Pixar classics, and co-directed the excellent Surfs Up. Rock Dog has some of the quirky touches of that film, including enjoyable early scenes in the mountains, where the sheep dress up like dogs to fool coyotes, and Bodi gets a rock education from a radio that falls from the sky. Sam Elliott, as a wise yak named Fleetwood, proves once again that he should contribute a voice-over to every movie, regardless of genre, until the end of time. Theres less success once Bodi arrives in the city, and the TV commercial-quality visuals and character design start to show their seams. (A leopard voiced by Matt Dillon never escapes the prison of his resemblance to Chester Cheetah from the Cheetos advertisements.) The last act forces together a moral about artistic expression and a save-the-village battle, as if the filmmakers couldnt decide whether to crib the resolution of Kung-Fu Panda or Ratatouille, so they just tried to do both at the same time. Its a mess, but a pleasant one. This will be some childs favorite animated comedy at least until the next one comes along. Peter Hartlaub is The San Francisco Chronicles pop culture critic. Rock Dog 2 STARS OUT OF 4 STARS Animated comedy. Starring the voices of Luke Wilson, Sam Elliott and Eddie Izzard. Directed by Ash Brannon. (PG. 80 minutes.) Matt Moore wants to make one thing clear: hes not an alarmist. In his 22 years of surfing, hes had 13 shark encounters thankfully none too close and personal. But hes seen enough great whites over the years to make it a no-brainer to spend several hundred bucks on the latest shark-repellent technology. And after an 8-foot great white was caught offshore in Sunset Beach, Tuesday, he might not be the only one looking to safe-guard a surf session. Hes simply a realist, he says, who doesnt want to take chances. Im just aware of my surroundings. The mass majority of surfers that are out recreating, and theres a lot of them, they are kind of clueless. They may have never had an encounter, he said. Ive just reached my limit. The Long Beach resident spent years surfing colder, sharkier waters in Northern California, but he now paddles out each morning in Orange County on his way to work in Irvine. He ticks off a list of times hes seen sharks while surfing. There was the time he was surfing in Humboldt, in Northern California, and just as he got out of the water he saw a great white eating a seal. He also saw two sharks while out surfing in Marin County, north of San Francisco one of the reasons he packed his bags and moved to Southern California. But even here, Moore cant seem to shake them. Three weeks ago, he saw a shark fin pop out of the water at Bolsa Chica hes seen enough to recognize the notch on the sharks fin. He thinks it was a 7- to 8-footer, similar in size to the one caught and released off Sunset Beach earlier this week. Last summer, when Shark Shield introduced its latest shark deterrent technology a decal sticker with an antenna to place on the bottom of the surfboard, teamed with a traction pad that holds the battery Moore didnt hesitate to spend the $599 for the product. The technology, from an engineering standpoint, its light and theres no drag, he said. You never really notice its there. The Shark Shield Moore has on his board is made in Western Australia, where great white sharks have killed 10 people since 2010. The technology preys on the sharks heightened sensitivity to close-range, low-frequency electrical fields. Shark Shield has two electrodes that emit an electrical field that surrounds the user. When a shark comes within a few meters of the shield, the strong electronic pulses emitted by the device cause the shark to experience muscle spasms. There are a few other products on the market that similarly tout the ability to keep sharks at bay. One, Shark Spray ($29.99), extracts putrefied shark tissues, emitting a chemical signal. When released, the cloud of repellent sends a danger signal to sharks in the vicinity, indicating that a predator could be nearby, creating a temporary safety zone for the user. Another product, Sharkbanz, was created by surfers Nathan Garrison and David Garrison who wanted a simple, stylish product for ocean-users who have surfed in murky waters, wondering what lurked below. The technology comes in a wristband (from $55 to $65), or on a leash ($180). The company teamed with shark experts and scientists at SharkDefense Technologies to create a magnetic technology to deter sharks from attacking people. Sharks rely on their electro-receptors instead of their eyes to see whats around them, the companys website explains. As the shark approaches a person wearing Sharkbanz, magnetic waves coming from the band disrupt its electro-receptors and it turns away. Of course, theres a disclaimer. While the product reduces the risk of shark interactions, theres no 100 percent guarantee the interaction will be avoided. While it could deter an investigating great white, they are the only shark species that acts as an ambush predator, attacking from a long distance at high speed. There is no effective way to prevent this type of ambush attack, according to the Sharkbanz website. For Moore, knowing he has shark-deterring technology on his board allows him to enjoy his surf session without the worry, he said. Its relativity inexpensive for the technology. Its a no-brainer, he said. Just for peace of mind. Contact the writer: lconnelly@scng.com COSTA MESA Police investigators announced on Thursday they have a suspect in the rape and murder of 26-year-old Sunny Adrienne Sudweeks, found dead in her home two decades ago. Now, the process begins to get the man, believed to be in Mexico, into custody. The case of the February 1997 death ran cold, but investigators began to re-examine it in November and have identified Felipe Vianney Hernandez Tellez as the prime suspect. He was 23 at the time and a Santa Ana resident. http://launch.newsinc.com/js/embed.js _informq.push([embed]); This was truly a horrific, tragic crime that weighed heavy on our shoulders and organization, not to mention the Sudweeks family, said Robert Sharpnack, Costa Mesas police chief, at a Thursday press conference. Sunny Sudweeks was a photography student at Orange Coast College and lived with her boyfriend and another roommate on the 1000 block of Mission Drive. On the night of Feb. 22, someone broke into her home while she was in bed and raped and strangled her. The two roommates were working graveyard shifts. Her roommates found her early the next morning. Over the years, authorities collected about 130 DNA samples and processed 265 pieces of physical and trace evidence. At the press conference, Sudweeks parents and brother, each wearing buttons with her photo, stood alongside the chief. She was described as happy, bright, and rowdy. I feel a great gratitude, said Alan Sudweeks, Sunnys father. He thanked the department and assisting agencies, including the Orange County Cold Case Task Force. I feel angry, still, he said. She was just beginning to start her career. She had a bright future. Im also angry that for 20 years (Hernandez Tellez) has been enjoying life. The victims parents appealed to the Mexican authorities for help extraditing Hernandez Tellez. He is believed to be near the resort town of Puerto Escondio, Oaxaca with his wife and three children. Investigators said they were going to work with the Orange County District Attorneys Office Thursday to begin the process of extradition. The suspect was ultimately linked to the crime through investigations, mainly fingerprints from the crime scene that were later matched to his May 2000 Santa Ana conviction of domestic violence. Sandy Sudweeks, Sunnys mother, said she was ready to move forward even if it meant reliving the details. Im doing it, she said. Im going to do whatever necessary. My main goal is that there arent other victims. Contact the writer: afausto@scng.com They say love knows no boundaries, and the touching story of how a 28-year-old man in Indonesia fell in love with a woman 54 years his senior over the phone and ended up marrying her despite objections from both their families seems to confirm the old saying. About a year ago, Sofian Loho Dandel, a 28-year-old warehouse worker from the Indonesian island of Mantehage, received a call from an unknown number. Upon answering, he learned that the women on the other end of the line had dialed his number by mistake, while trying to call someone else. Only instead of hanging up and moving on with their lives, the two started making conversation and getting to know each other. Little did either of them know that they were talking to their future spouse. A year ago, I received a phone call from an unknown caller, I answered and we came to know each other, Sofian recently told Indonesian reporters. Since then, we have constantly kept in contact without knowing her age. I had never dated before, I felt in love. Photo: Kompas.com/Ronny Adolof Buol So, after months of conversations over the phone, Dandel decided it was time to finally meet the love of his life in person. So he traveled 120 km to Lelema Village, in South Minahasa, to see Martha Potu, the woman who had turned his life upside down. He had never bothered to ask how old his lady friend was, so Sofian admits that he was more than just a bit shocked when he was greeted by an 82-year-old grandmother. I did not expect Martha to be as old as this, the 28-year-old told Tribunnews. However, we are truly in love and we have both decided to continue with this relationship. Photo: Facebook A few month later after their first face-to-face meeting, Sofian and Martha decided it was time to take their relationship to the next level. They got engaged to be married, and met each others families to deliver the big news. Sofian invited his parents to meet his bride to be, but didnt tell them she was old enough to be their mother. We didnt know his fiance was a grandmother. We are very surprised but what else can we say, the mans mother, Magdalena, 60, said. We saw them so in love with each other so we agreed with his choice. If its meant to be, it is meant to be. Photo: Facebook Sofian and Marthas wedding took place on February 18, and news of their unusual relationship spread on Indonesian social media like wildfire. They have been visited by media publications from all over the country, and have happily shared their love story, hoping to convince people that love cares little for numbers. 82-year-old Martha told reporters that she lost her first husband 10 years ago, and she had been praying to meet another men to spend her old age with ever since. Her kids had long settled in Germany and Saudi Arabia. I prayed to God to grant me a another chance, and asked for a husband who can take care of me at this old age, she said. I did not expect God would choose Sofian. Despite the big age difference between them, Sofian believes that they will be together for as long as they live. Just as the preacher said, til death do us part. We will be loyal to each other as long as God allows us to live, he told Kompas. By Alexandra Alper MEXICO CITY, Feb 23 (Reuters) - A bid by U.S. President Donald Trump to deport non-Mexican illegal migrants to Mexico that has enraged Mexicans will top the agenda when officials from both countries meet on Thursday amid a deepening rift between the two nations. The U.S. government on Tuesday said it would seek to deport many illegal immigrants to Mexico if they entered the United States from there, regardless of their nationality, prompting a fiery response from Mexican officials. Calling the measure "unilateral" and "unprecedented," Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray said new immigration guidelines would top the agenda of meetings in Mexico City with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly. The stakes are high for the United States, since Mexico has warned that a breakdown in relations could affect its extensive cooperation on the fight against narcotics and on stemming the flow of Central American migrants that reach the U.S. border Talking points from a senior official show Mexicans plan to seek more information on Trump's executive orders at the summit. Officials plan to say, "We are worried about the consequences that these can have for Mexican nationals," in the United States, the notes show. As part of its response, Videgaray said Mexico's foreign ministry would get involved in legal cases in the United States where it considered the rights of Mexicans had been violated. "The Mexican government will take all the measures legally possible to defend the human rights of Mexicans abroad, especially in the United States," Videgaray said. The visit, which will include meetings with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, as well as military, finance and interior officials, is supposed to focus on border security, law enforcement and trade, according to the state department. But hopes for a thawing in relations are low, after a series of botched meetings last month deepened tensions between the historic allies. Story continues "The relationship... is at such a historic low that it would be wishful thinking to assume that new concrete agenda items to advance will come at this point," Jason Marczak, director of the Atlantic Council's Latin America Economic Growth Initiative said. Pena Nieto abruptly canceled a planned January summit with Trump after the real estate mogul suggested the Mexican leader should not come if he refused to pay for a border wall. And Trump signed his first executive orders to punish sanctuary cities and build the wall, which could cost around $21.6 billion, the first time Videgaray traveled to Washington to negotiate with counterparts last month. Trump has also threatened to rip up a key trade deal between the United States and Mexico if he cannot renegotiate it to favor American interests. The Tuesday guidance also calls for the hiring of 15,000 more immigration agents, while subjecting immigrants who cannot show they have been in the country for more than two years to "expedited removal." In the past the United States has struggled to fill vacancies thanks to rigorous vetting requirements. (Reporting by Gabriel Stargardter, Alexandra Alper, Christine Murray and Adriana Barrera; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel, Bernard Orr) Crisis management firm Dezenhall Resouces has added three new members to its team. Tana Giraldo comes on as counselor, Reilly McDonnell takes an associate position and Elizabeth Guillot will serve as a staff assistant. (L to R) Tana Giraldo, Reilly McDonnell & Elizabeth Guillot Giraldo most recently served as executive assistant to Samantha Power for the United States Mission to the United Nations in New York City. Shell be tasked with bolstering the firms traditional media outreach. McDonnell comes over from Ketchum, where she specialized in earned media and managed third party influencers. Her focus will be on supporting client teams and media engagement. Recent Clemson University graduate Elizabeth Guillot brings experience garnered interning for both the U.S. Senate and U.S. Air Forces Pacific Region. Tana, Reilly and Elizabeth are impressive additions, and Im excited for the unique perspectives and capabilities they bring to the table on behalf of our clients, said Eric Dezenhall, CEO of Dezenhall Resources. The challenge of finding a viable and sustainable solution that could keep Cistercian College Roscrea open was the gauntlet thrown down to a packed meeting in the County Arms Birr last night. The Save CCR campaign meeting heard that the College had a running cost shortfall of 200,000 per annum, which would be worse next year. The principal factors at play in the decision to close the college were its financial viability and the broader issues of the changing nature of Irish society and education. It is also taking place against the backdrop of the consistent and sustained pattern of boarding school closures around the country, with only five now left in existence. SEE ALSO: Trustees of Cistercian College Roscrea announce decision to permanently close school The number of first years enrolled at the College for next year is nine, whereas typically it would be 20. The College had capacity numbers for many years up to 2010. In 2009-10 the trustees of the school the monks of Mount St. Joseph Abbey had started to subsidise the financial shortfall at the college. They sold a farm and put the cash back into the school. The present day cost of running the College, excluding capital expenditure and investment, is 2.4m per annum. SEE ALSO: Locals and past pupils reflect fondly following Cistercian College closure announcement A number of initiatives such as marketing campaigns, information evenings and website and prospectus revamps did not arrest the decline. The expectation that numbers might increase as the country came out of recession did not materialise. The meeting was told that any solution would have to be self financing, as there was no more funding available from the monks. Significant funding would be required to meet shortfalls over the next few years. At a meeting between Abbot Dom Richard Purcell and the Parents Association on Tuesday, the Abbot undertook to give consideration to any proposal that was viable and would sustain the school. Ronnie Culliton, a past pupil who has sons in the school, challenged the attendance as to what kind of money would be available to any new project for the school. What you would be willing to contribute. Lets see what we can commit to, he said. He also asked who had the capacity and willingness to get involved in the battle to save the school. He also asked the attendance to maximise the sales force and provide live market information. Try and get one potential for the school. We are not looking at a radical increase in numbers here. If you have a story for us, an event happening in your area, or if you want to submit pictures or videos, contact the Offaly Express team via e-mail to damian@offalyexpress.ie or justin.kelly@offalyexpress.ie Watch Jordan Peele Put A Post-POTUS Spin On His Obama Impersonation Elijah C. Watson Elijah Watson serves as Okayplayer's News & Culture Editor. When Jordan Peele brought his Barack Obama impersonation back to life recently, but took a post-presidency spin on it. During an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Peele (who is currently promoting his forthcoming new film Get Out) took the time to do a post-White House Barack impression, portraying the 44th POTUS as a weary, whiskey-drinking man who is watching Americas demise. This is some messed up stuff here, begins Peele in his impersonation of Barack. You done did it now America. Peele then references the birther controversy Barack endured from Donald Trump, as he imitates Barack asking Michelle where he was born. Where am I from, because Im confused at a certain point. Where am I from? Hawaii? Well mele kalikimaka. Peeles impersonation of Barack was a staple part of Key & Peele, his comedy sketch series alongside Keegan-Michael Key. While the former portrayed the former POTUS, the latter portrayed Luther, Baracks anger translator. The two reprised their respective roles together when Key made an appearance on The Daily Show. Currently, Peele is getting ready for the release of his horror film Get Out. Several months back came the release of a trailer for the movie, in which we see leading stars Daniel Kaluuya (Chris) and Allison Williams (Rose) portray an interracial couple, where the former is meeting the latters parents. However, there is something sinister underneath the community that Roses parents live in, which is where the horror element of the film comes into play. Following Get Outs surprise premiere at this years Sundance Film Festival, Peele elaborated on the premise of the movie, and how Baracks presidency played a part in its creation. When the movie was beginning to ruminate we had a black president, and we were living in this post racial lie, Peele said. This whole idea that were past it, were past it allthis movie was meant to reveal this monster of racism lurking underneath these seemingly innocent situations and conversations. Check out video of Peeles Barack impersonation below. Agricultural News Kansas Farmer Heinen Puts Soybean Farm Bill Roadmap on the Record at Senate Ag Field Hearing The American Soybean Association (ASA) laid out its initial approach to the upcoming farm bill negotiations in a hearing today before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry in Manhattan, Kan. Testifying on behalf of ASA, Lucas Heinen, who farms in Everest, Kan., and serves as the president of the Kansas Soybean Association, pointed to the state of the farm economy as the most compelling signal of the need for a robust risk management framework in the farm bill. Citing falling prices for soybeans and the reduced cost of the 2014 Farm Bill as compared to original estimates, Heinen noted that ASA will push to fund farm bill programs to the level needed to adequately address each program's needs, even if that means increasing funding. "I understand that the conventional view in Washington is that the cost of farm programs and other parts of the farm bill will need to be reduced again, just as they were in the 2014 farm bill. This is not acceptable to producers," said Heinen. Heinen continued by detailing four key areas in which soybean growers will seek to make headway in the farm bill negotiations, including a strengthening of crop insurance and a continuation of the Agriculture Revenue Coverage option decoupled from planted acreage and with a shift to the use of yield data from USDA's Risk Management Agency, as well as support for current conservation programs, including EQIP and the Conservation Stewardship Program, agricultural research, and Energy Title programs focused on biodiesel and biobased products. Heinen also underscored ASA's commitment to increased funding for the development of export markets in the bill. "We strongly support doubling mandatory funding for the Foreign Market Development program and the Market Access Program to spur promotion of U.S. agricultural exports," he said. "Funding for these programs has been frozen for over ten years while our foreign competitors are massively outspending us on market promotion." Closing his testimony, Heinen repeated ASA's call to maintain the traditional relationship between producer- and consumer-focused programs in the next bill. "There is a relationship between the need to provide assistance to those who produce food and those who consume it, when either needs that assistance," he said. "This bond explains how Congress has been able to come together and enact farm bills for over 40 years." For a full copy of Heinen's testimony, please click here. Source - American Soybean Association WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady NSI Top Agricultural News Jehmu Greene democratic national committee Candidates vying to lead the Democratic National Committee argued a number of issues during a CNN debate on Wednesday night. The subject of President Donald Trump came up several times as the candidates discussed what the Democratic Party needs to do to turn things around. Candidate Jehmu Greene addressed the issue of voter fraud, alluding to Trump's unfounded claims that the election was rigged. Greene also implied that Russia's attempts to influence the US election are not lost on some Americans: "Every Democrat and most Americans ... know which election was rigged. Period." Greene blasted Trump's "cheerleading" of Russia and its president Vladimir Putin and called out what she described as "sexism amd misogyny" that Democrat Hillary Clinton faced during the election. In the time since the election, Trump has continued to claim, without evidence, that as many as five million people voted illegally in the election.Trump's own attorneys have disputed his claims. The states in which Trump claims serious voter fraud took place denied the unfounded allegations. Hillary Clinton won the US popular vote by nearly 3 million votes. Recently, lawmakers have ripped Trump and his inner circle over allegations of deep ties to the Kremlin. Watch Greene's statement in the video below: NOW WATCH: Mexican architects visualized Trump's proposed $25 billion wall to show how unrealistic it would be More From Business Insider When Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate bought land west of Village Pointe shopping center, there were few neighbors within its immediate sphere. But as the firms 105,000-square-foot headquarters rose in 2015, so did Pitch Pizzeria, a restaurant next door with an inviting rooftop bar. Soon came shopping strips and an office building. Another nearby parcel recently sold for future office use, and crews are working across 180th Street on yet another office structure to open next year. The activity has stirred excitement around the still-developing pocket south of West Dodge Road near 180th Street an area targeted earlier for stores and restaurants but turning out now to be a magnet for office users. Growth, meanwhile, continues within BHHS Ambassadors home, as the firm transforms the rest of its third floor into more agent offices. Theyll add to a creative assortment that includes Brian Thomas spot, where stylish mannequins and eclectic lamps lure passers-by. The all-around fervor contributes to a climate that landed Ambassador on Entrepreneur magazines just-released 2017 list of top U.S. company cultures. Ambassador, 331 Village Pointe Plaza, was ranked 12th among large companies (more than 100 workers), for creating an exceptional culture that drives employee engagement and profit. It was the only Nebraska firm in the top 50 of the large company category. (Omahas Fusion Medical Staffing ranked No. 1 among medium-sized firms; Ervin & Smith was 18th among small firms.) Judges based scores on employee surveys and metrics such as innovation, communication, wellness, performance focus and work environment. Ambassador President Vince Leisey said he strives for a workplace full of passion and positive attitudes. We want our people to want to come to work because they feel energized, encouraged and productive, he said. On Tuesday, the day Leisey announced the Entrepreneur recognition to his staff, he peppered a sales meeting with a motivational video and information about agent-led workshops aimed at revving business in this housing-supply starved market. Leisey said he pushes agents to share their secrets to success, something he called unconventional in an industry where, as independent contractors, the agents compete against one another for buyers and sellers. He believes the philosophy benefits everyone in the long run. Culture is great, but if you cant help your people grow their business, theyre going to leave you no matter how much fun theyre having, said Leisey, who speaks nationally on company culture. Key to the growth of his firm, Leisey said, was constructing a headquarters big and alluring enough that agents want to be there and learn from one another. Amenities include a fitness area, several lounge areas and outdoor decks. Leisey wants agents to feel daring and at home. He likes that offices reflect various personalities. Take the Ambassador Briley Team suite, which has a pingpong table for a centerpiece. Or the Omaha Real Estate Group, whose digs sport edgy sliding barn doors, or the Elliott Team corner filled with sunlight and white furniture. Brian Thomas said the sign on his office (the one with the mannequins and family heirlooms) reads cruise director rather than managing broker to put people at ease. Leisey initially set out to build a 60,000-square-foot structure to replace the firms previous home half that size. Thank God I didnt, he said. Excluding underground parking, the building Ambassador moved into last year has about 80,000 square feet. Its base for about 550 agents, a count up from about 350 five years ago. Two unrelated tenants have spots, as do Ambassadors mortgage and title insurance companies. Leisey said he lucked out in securing the land from the Lerner Co., seemingly just before sales activity around it heated up. Jay Lerner said his company bought roughly 145 acres south of West Dodge between Village Pointe and 180th Street in 2003 from the Catholic Archdiocese. Newcomers to that area include: the Advent multitenant office building at 17838 Burke St.; Shoppes at West Village Pointe (a pair of retail-office strips developed by Quantum real estate) at 180th and Burke; and the $93 million Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital that opened last year east of Ambassador. West of 180th near Burke, developer Ron Cizeks 150,000-square-foot speculative office building is to be completed in 2018. His 14-acre site east of the sprawling Broadmoor Hills apartments has room for a second building. Boh Kurylo of the Lerner Co. said a five-acre parcel south of Ambassador recently sold to a developer aiming for a multistory office building. About 20 acres of the Lerner land remain for sale, and Kurylo expects hotels or offices in those areas. Thats a different mix than the retail-heavy use Lerner had envisioned before that retail market went soft. Said Kurylo: The next thing we knew, the office thing just exploded. It became a bit of a feeding frenzy out there for a while, with everybody trying to get a spot. For workers like Christina Reinig, at Ambassador for 11 years, being in an up and coming development area improves the work day. Businesses trade discounts with one another, she said. Theres easy access to major roads. Im running to Best Buy now, Reinig said. So convenient it doesnt get any better than this. A courtroom, especially a sentencing hearing over a death, is often a place of unrelenting grief, unyielding prosecutors and unforgiving victims. Wednesday, it was quite the opposite. In effect, it was the first bit of healing for an Omaha family as a daughter was sentenced to minimal prison time for stabbing her mother to death during a dinner dispute fueled by the mothers volatile alcoholism. The daughter, 26-year-old Carletta Wells-Harris, wept and wiped away tears throughout the hearing. Her uncle stood beside her figuratively and literally, six feet from the table where she sat in an orange jumpsuit and begged the judge for leniency. The defendants brother later joined in that chorus, saying he hoped his sister could move on from the awful encounter with their mother. Judge Leigh Ann Retelsdorf could have sentenced the daughter to up to 20 years in prison after her guilty plea to manslaughter. The judge instead chose two to three years in prison a term that will allow Wells-Harris, with credit for time served, to get out later this year, and return to raising her three young kids. The motivation for this offense is probably more difficult than Im qualified to (discern), Retelsdorf said. It stems from a very long relationship between you and your mom where she has been on a roller coaster, and you never knew who you were going to get. I also can tell from this that you cared a lot about your mom. ... Its clear that you have suffered the most of anyone in your family. I think if you could change the moment you decided to pick up a knife, you would every time. Indeed. Family members, including the victims son and brother, said the July 5, 2016, death of 43-year-old Meredith Mary Wells was tragic and perhaps tragically inevitable. Mary Wells was a sweet woman, with a sweet spirit, when she wasnt drinking. The problem? She was drunk or high 90 percent of the time, said her son, Cornell Wells-Harris. Take the night in question. Prosecutors say Carletta had told her mother that she had fed her 2-year-old and 3-year-old children leftovers she found in the refrigerator of the home at 4509 N. 63rd St. A drunken Mary Wells yelled at her daughter upset because she had wanted those leftovers. Curse words were exchanged. Mary Wells threw a half a watermelon at her daughter. Wells-Harris threw it back at her mother. Wells then backed her daughter into a corner, fists raised. Wells-Harris grabbed a knife and began swinging it. She later told police she was trying to scare her mother. She stabbed her in the heart. Wells also had cut marks on her left biceps, upper lip and upper chest. Some have concluded that Wells-Harris was out of control. Indeed, the judge said Wells-Harris wishes she had never grabbed a knife. But Cornell Wells-Harris said he suspected that his moms alcoholism would one day kill her. Toxicology reports showed alcohol and cocaine in Mary Wells system. Dont get me wrong I love my mom to death, he said. But I know what type of person she was when she was drunk. She would square up (to fight) anybody. I didnt think it would be (by) my sister, but I kind of knew my moms life was coming to an end. Levelle Wells recounted his reaction to the news that his sister had been stabbed to death. Just unbelievable but, at the same time, believable, he said. She had drug and alcohol problems most of her adult life. When she was on drugs and alcohol, she was a violent person. When she was off of it, she was a beautiful person. She was just dealing with so much pain in her life. She had turned to alcohol and drugs sometimes cocaine, sometimes painkillers after Cornell and Carlettas father, Carl Harris, died in 1999 in another bizarre incident. Authorities said he was a passenger in a van on Interstate 80 in the early-morning hours when he jumped out near the 42nd Street exit. He then was hit by a pickup truck and killed. Authorities didnt suspect foul play. But Levelle Wells said the family, including his sister, never believed that Harris, then 26, jumped from a moving van on his own. Mary Wells life went straight downhill from there, Cornell Wells-Harris said. She would disappear for weeks, even months, on drinking binges. Cornell remembers being as young as 8 and riding with his grandmother searching 24th Street in northeast Omaha, desperate to find Mom. We missed her so much, Cornell said. Even when she went to jail, Cornell said, his mom would get out and only stay sober for a day or two. Levelle Wells said his sister attempted to get drug and alcohol treatment. Its one of the reasons that Levelle has now become a co-chairman of the Big Elk Native American Center in the hopes that he can set up drug and rehabilitation services that address the spiritual needs of American Indians such as members of the Omaha Tribe. This is desperate were in a crisis, Levelle Wells said. Mary needed some spiritual help in addition to her alcohol and drug treatment. When she turned to that stuff, she turned into somebody that wasnt her spirit. Now, Cornell says, his sister is the one who needs help. Her attorney, Assistant Public Defender Leanne Srb, noted that Carletta had no criminal record and abundant remorse. With credit for time already spent behind bars, Carletta will be eligible for parole this spring; absent parole, shell be released in about 10 months. She once asked me if I was mad at her, Cornell said. Nah, thats my sister. She never wanted this to happen. Levelle Wells said hes glad the judge didnt send Carletta away for years. She needs to raise her three children, ages 6 and under. Were definitely going to need some family therapy, he said. Its not over. This is only the beginning. A judge set bail at $1 million Thursday for a 17-year-old Omahan who has been charged in connection with an incident in which a Nebraska State Patrol trooper was shot at as he pursued a car. Shane Kildow has been charged with attempted assault on an officer, unlawful discharge of a firearm, use of a firearm to commit a felony and theft by receiving stolen property over $5,000. Kildow was arrested early Tuesday after the patrol said he fled from troopers in a stolen car. At 12:05 a.m. a 2015 Toyota Camry was going 93 mph in a 65 mph zone west on U.S. Highway 275, the patrol said. A trooper checked the license plate and found the car had been reported stolen in Omaha. The trooper attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled, firing several times at the trooper, the patrol said. The trooper heard three or four shots and saw a muzzle flash from the drivers side, prosecutor Jay Klimes said in court Tuesday. Neither the trooper nor his patrol car was hit. The Camry left Highway 275 at East Meigs Street near Valley, drove through a field and returned to the road, eventually crashing near Reichmuth and Fort Circles, the patrol said. The driver ran toward the Menards Distribution Center, 4801 N. 264th St. The Omaha Police Departments helicopter, Able 1, located him in a nearby field, where he was arrested with the aid of a stun gun and an Omaha police dog, the patrol said. His public defender, Alyssa Jelinske, said Kildow was a wrestler who went to the state tournament this year. He is a junior at Ralston High School. Kildows parents declined to comment after the hearing. If you havent been able to buy enough boxes of your favorite Girl Scout cookies this year, Girl Scouts in Nebraska are extending cookie sales a week to make sure everybodys orders are filled. Denise Moore, who oversees Girl Scouts cookie sales in Nebraska, said she has never seen sale numbers higher than this seasons. And she has been at it 20 years. Some Girl Scout troops in the state have sold out of their supplies. Demand for cookies since sales began Feb. 3 has surged so much that delivery delays have been reported across Nebraska. The supply-demand issue has led the Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska council to extend cookie sales until March 12, said spokeswoman Theresa Cassaday. The council covers all counties in Nebraska but Dakota County plus Carter Lake, Iowa. ABC Bakers, which bakes the Girl Scout cookies sold in Nebraska, is baking cookies 24/7 all three shifts to fill orders, Cassaday said. In addition to this year marking 100 years of cookie sales, the Girl Scouts are selling a new smores cookie that Cassaday said has been extremely popular. Troop leader Maria Reiter said recent warm weather also has brought more people to cookie booths, which often are set up at grocery stores. Reiter leads Girl Scout Troop 45483 in Bellevue, which has had to make adjustments to meet customer demands. The key to dealing with the increased demand, Reiter said, has been flexibility, adaptability and keeping customers informed. Cassaday and Moore said more cookies should arrive within the week. There are 11,000 girls in more than 1,200 Girl Scout troops selling cookies in the state this year. There are more than 16,000 Girl Scouts in Nebraska. Last year, Nebraska scouts sold 1.8 million boxes of cookies. According to the Girl Scouts website, the cookie sales program strives to teach scouts five skills: goal-setting, decision-making, money management, people skills and business ethics. The girls get cash for each $4 box they sell, Cassaday said. Individual troops decide what they will do with the money, she said, be it having a party, going camping or taking a trip. To find a spot where Girl Scouts have set up a booth, go to the cookie booth locator at girlscoutsnebraska.org. LINCOLN Nebraskas most overburdened juvenile court would get a pair of new judges under legislation that won preliminary approval Thursday from state lawmakers. The Nebraska Legislature voted 33-10 to advance a bill that would create two juvenile court judgeships in Douglas County, where the five existing judges carry hundreds more cases than their colleagues in other juvenile courts. As a result, children sometimes wait in custody for weeks or months to get hearings or judicial decisions. Douglas County is not capable of putting our children through the juvenile court system in a timely manner, said State Sen. Bob Krist of Omaha, sponsor of Legislative Bill 10. Something must be done and it must be done this year. But juvenile justice doesnt come cheap. Lawmakers adopted an amendment that added a second judge to the bill, which was written to create one new seat on the juvenile court bench. That decision added heft to the measures price tag, both for the state and the county. Douglas County officials expect to spend $1.4 million to build new courtroom and chamber space and to cover the costs of additional support staff, prosecutors and public defenders. The countys fiscal analysis was based on the addition of one judge. The Legislatures fiscal staff estimated that it would cost the state about $580,000 annually to cover salaries for two judges and two court reporters. The bill must pass two more rounds of debate before heading to the governor for his consideration. Supporters of the measure pointed to the high caseload in Douglas County. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, the countys juvenile court judges handled 473 cases each, compared to 405 per judge in Lancaster County and 311 in Sarpy County, according to the Nebraska Supreme Courts annual caseload report. A state commission that recommends how to allocate judicial resources has long made it a priority to create a new juvenile judgeship in Douglas County. For just as long, Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha has said he would block efforts to expand the court until Juvenile Court Judge Elizabeth Crnkovich was removed. Some parents, children and lawyers who have appeared before Crnkovich have complained to Chambers, calling her behavior on the bench demeaning, dictatorial and erratic. Crnkovich, in turn, has said Chambers and others have pursued a vendetta against her. During her recent retention vote, 63 percent of voters said she should remain on the bench. The judge has declined to comment on the current bill. Chambers said Thursday that he could no longer allow his desire to see Crnkovich removed to stand in the way of improving justice for the countys juvenile defendants. He offered the amendment to add the second judge to the bill. Sen. Mike Groene of North Platte, who voted against a companion appropriations bill, reminded his colleagues that they must try to close a roughly $760 million budget gap this session. The countys estimate for one new judge included $850,000 for courthouse remodeling, $315,000 in additional security staff and $240,000 in salaries for new lawyers and support staff. Its unclear what the cost would be for two new judges. Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha said he could support adding one judge, but not two. As a lawyer who represents clients in juvenile court, Wayne said adding more judges does not address the underlying flaws in juvenile justice. The state allows too many children to be sent to court in the first place, especially minority children, he argued. Supporters of the measure said the fiscal analysis does not reflect what money the state and county would save with a more efficient juvenile court system. Such savings could be derived by keeping more minors in their homes and reducing time juveniles spend in detention awaiting hearings. LINCOLN Requiring all Nebraska employers to check the immigration status of new hires would turn off the jobs magnet that lures illegal immigrants to the state, a state senator said Wednesday. Thats the message State Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon delivered in introducing Legislative Bill 165 before the Judiciary Committee. His bill would expand on a 2009 state law, which requires public employers and businesses that contract with state government to check new employees against the federal E-Verify database. The system shows whether an immigrant has legal authorization to work in the United States. Brewers proposal represents the latest of several attempts to broaden the reach of the state law. Previous efforts have fallen short, including a bill offered two years ago by then-Sen. Bill Kintner of Papillion. Even the 2009 law was a compromise reached after lawmakers balked at the original bill, which would have applied to all employers. Testimony on Brewers bill showed that the idea can still generate heat. Ten people waited through six hours of hearings on other bills for their chance to speak about LB 165. Business groups and advocacy organizations opposed the new proposal, saying it would add to the regulatory burden and cost for small businesses. But supporters argued that it is needed to protect American jobs. Brewer said his proposal would protect employers from legal liability and help young, low-skilled American workers compete for work. He blamed the open borders lobby, including chambers of commerce, for blocking previous E-Verify bills because, he claimed, they profit from using illegal labor. Doug Kagan of Nebraska Taxpayers for Freedom said the proposal would help level the playing field for Nebraska companies. He said that failing to pass the bill would only help underhanded businesses that hire illegal immigrants, pay them low wages under the table and provide no benefits. Fred Nowak of Omaha said the bill could save lives by discouraging illegal immigrants from coming to Nebraska. He listed some people killed by illegal immigrants, mentioning Sarah Root, the young woman killed in a car crash one year ago. The Honduran man who authorities say was responsible for the crash was in the country illegally and remains at large after disappearing while on bail. Roots parents, Scott and Michelle, offered written testimony in support of LB 165. But Jim Partington of the Nebraska Restaurant Association urged lawmakers to hold off on taking action. He said E-Verify requirements should be addressed at the federal level, as part of a comprehensive immigration bill, rather than have a variety of state laws. Partington said many small businesses, especially those in rural areas, do not have the broadband capability needed to use the federal system. Alexis Steele of Justice for Our Neighbors Nebraska called the proposed mandate ineffective, error-prone and expensive. She said states that have passed similar requirements have low compliance rates from businesses. In Arizona, she said, only 58 percent of business comply, while the rate is 54 percent in South Carolina. Steele noted that the database incorrectly flags some people as not having work authorization. The rate of errors would affect some 1,000 to 2,000 job seekers in Nebraska, she said. Among groups submitting opposition testimony were the Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Retail Federation, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska Cooperative Council and Nebraska Bankers Association. LINCOLN The first time Lucas Peterson was fired for being gay, his employer said he didnt condone Petersons immoral behavior. Peterson told a panel of lawmakers on Wednesday that he cant forget those words 13 years later. Every time this bill gets knocked down, it makes it so much harder for me to justify living here, the Lincolnite said. Its a very, very clear picture. If youre not heterosexual, Caucasian, religious or even conservative, youre not welcome in this state. Peterson was among dozens of people who testified both in favor of and against a bill that would ban employment discrimination against people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Its sponsor, State Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln, said Legislative Bill 173 would ban employers with 15 or more employees from discriminating against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Nebraskans in the workplace. During a hearing at the State Capitol that lasted more than three hours, a number of those who testified raised concerns that the bill would compromise an employers religious beliefs and infringe on the freedom of small-business owners. The state already bans workplace bias against people on the basis of race and sex, among other categories. Morfelds bill is similar to legislation introduced the past two years. Last year, it was killed after an emotional debate on the floor of the Nebraska Legislature. No one should be fired for who they are or who the love, but rather based and judged on the quality of their work, Morfeld said Wednesday. That is fairness, and that is the Nebraska way. He added that employers could still fire an employee or not hire somebody if theyre incompetent. But opponents worried that the legislation stretched beyond employment to require religious business owners to provide services to same-sex couples and to include public accommodations such as restroom access for transgender people. Morfeld said while he believes accommodations should be protected, LB 173 relates only to employment. He said hes willing to amend the bill to make his intent clear. The bill has the support of both Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler, as well as the Chambers of Commerce from the states two largest cities. Its also supported by the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission, a state agency charged with eliminating discrimination in the state. In a letter to the Legislatures Judiciary Committee, Stothert called the addition of sexual orientation and gender identity to protected categories under state law important and necessary. I support LB 173 and the fair, uniform application of civil rights to all persons who live and work in the State of Nebraska, she said. Omaha five years ago passed a similar ordinance to protect gay and transgender people from discrimination. But Stothert, then a member of the City Council, voted against it. Former State Sen. Heath Mello, who is challenging Stothert in this years race for Omaha mayor, issued a statement Wednesday hailing the bill and saying he doesnt wait until election years to support anti-discrimination measures. Mello voted in favor of the similar LGBT workplace protection bill before lawmakers last year. Opponents of the measure included the Nebraska Catholic Conference, which represents the states three Catholic bishops on policy, and the Lincoln-based Nebraska Family Alliance. Karen Bowling, executive director of Nebraska Family Alliance, said the bill would allow the government to pick winners and losers. She asked lawmakers to not punish people of faith. It is core to them, she said. Jonathan Alexandre, director of public policy for the Washington, D.C.-based religious freedom organization Liberty Counsel, said he strenuously objected to equating gender identity and sexual orientation to race as a protected class. He called comparisons of civil rights for LGBT people to those of people of color both offensive and intellectually dishonest. No man who expresses himself as a female has ever been forced to drink out of a transgender water fountain, said Alexandre, who is black. No woman who believes she is a man has ever been forced to sit at the back of a bus in a transgender section. The committee took no action on the measure. Clearing snow from Omaha metro streets today expected to be difficult because of the timing of the storm and strong winds was made easier after metro-area schools canceled classes. Tens of thousands of Omaha-area youths learned Thursday night that today would be a snow day. Also, the University of Nebraska at Omaha announced a delayed start: Classes will begin at 10 a.m. Rain was forecast to change to snow by the morning commute, and conditions were expected to deteriorate throughout the day. The decision by area school districts keeps parents and an armada of buses off roads. The storm moving across the central U.S. today was forecast to bring blizzard conditions to northern Nebraska and Iowa and significant snow as far south as Omaha and Lincoln. Omaha could receive 4 to 6 inches of snow and Lincoln 2 to 3 inches. Farther north, a foot or more of snow is possible. No matter how much or how little snow falls, stiff winds are expected to cause blowing and drifting snow that makes driving difficult. Given that snow was expected to intensify during the morning commute and continue through a blustery day, traveling to work was expected to be a challenge. Mayor Jean Stothert asked for drivers patience and caution. When snow occurs during rush hour it is an especially tough time to plow, said street maintenance engineer Austin Rowser. Its just a different situation because of the volume of drivers, he said. The city was unable to pre-treat the streets with brine in advance of todays snow because overnight rain would have washed it off. However, the pavement in Omaha is warm enough that the snow likely wont stick, Rowser said. Once the rain shifts to snow the city will spread rock salt and send plows to major streets. Contractors will be dispatched to neighborhoods once the accumulation reaches 2 inches. In all, about 300 trucks will be plowing the streets. Rowser said high winds could mean that plowing takes longer, because plows have to go over the same area multiple times when wind blows snow back into the streets. After today, the forecast is in the regions favor. The good news is this system moves out pretty quickly, said Van DeWald, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Sunshine and highs in the mid-30s to mid-40s return Saturday through Monday in the Omaha area. Late Monday brings a slight chance of rain or snow. Tuesday is the deadline President Donald Trump has set for the Pentagon to present him with its plan for defeating the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. At the moment the biggest issue to decide is the best way to assemble the upcoming campaign to capture Raqqa, the Islamic States self-declared capital in northern Syria. Between 8,000 and 10,000 Islamic State fighters are defending the city, which has a civilian population of about 220,000. Putting together that campaign isnt a matter of military planning only. The effort involves complex diplomacy with Turkey (the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the new CIA director visited Turkey on Feb. 17 for high-level discussions) and possibly Russia. U.S. military planners will need to decide on the specific array of forces to put together for an effective assault on Raqqa. Islamic State fighters are expected to defend the city with measures including anti-tank missiles, drones, tunnel-aided tactics and suicide attacks with armored vehicles. That is why a Raqqa operation will need tanks, armored vehicles, indirect artillery and rocket support as much as infantry, writes Turkish military analyst Metin Gurcan. The many weeks of fighting to retake Mosul, Iraqs second-largest city, show the challenge in such a situation, and the assault to liberate Raqqa isnt expected to be any less difficult. One option for the Raqqa campaign is put U.S. troops on the ground in significant numbers; a brigade of about 4,700 U.S. soldiers has been mentioned as a possibility. Currently the United States has about 5,000 troops in Iraq and about 500 in Syria. If the administration does decide on such a course, Trump will need to prepare the American people for the difficulty of the fight. Its appropriate that Pentagon planners are looking to include Apache attack helicopters to provide close support for ground troops, plus a much-praised artillery rocket system known as HIMARS. Appropriate, too, are indications that the Trump administration will give U.S. commanders in the field greater discretion to make combat decisions than occurred during the Obama years. One decision for the Pentagon may be to choose between the Kurds or the Turks as our central allies. The Kurds have proved impressively effective on the battlefield, so its logical that giving them heavy weaponry is under discussion. But an alternative being explored is major Turkish help, possibly including armored and mechanized infantry brigades and artillery. Raqqa has a Sunni Muslim majority (though there are significant Kurdish and Christian minorities), and having Turks join the fight would provide the benefit of Sunni Arabs playing a significant role in Raqqas liberation. Even after Mosul and Raqqa are freed from radical control, major challenges will remain. Rebuilding is an enormous need, but so is providing security. Violent insurgents are already carrying out terrorist attacks in Sunni-majority areas of western Iraq recovered by the countrys military. Our leaders, as well as the public, need to have a realistic appreciation for the magnitude of the challenge now and even after the fighting is over. A Spanish court sentenced former IMF chief Rodrigo Rato to four years and six months in jail (AFP Photo/JAVIER SORIANO) Madrid (AFP) - Former IMF chief Rodrigo Rato, who was convicted Thursday of embezzlement, was once a leading light in Spain's ruling conservatives, hailed for kicking off a decade of economic growth. Now the reputation of the former Spanish finance minister is in tatters over his chairmanship of finance group Bankia, whose near-collapse sparked an EU bailout of Spain's financial sector in 2012. A Spanish court handed the 67-year-old a jail sentence of four years and six months after finding him and other ex-managers of Bankia guilty of going on spending sprees on company credit cards. He faces another probe into Bankia's failed stock market launch which left hundreds of thousands of retail investors nursing heavy losses. Rato has denied wrongdoing in both cases but for many he is the face of Spain's financial crisis and the alleged rule-bending that preceded the 2012 collapse of large parts of the Spanish banking market. In 2010, former prime minister Jose Maria Aznar called Rato the "best economy minister" in Spain's modern history. - Alarm and outrage - Under Rato many Spanish public sector companies were privatised, and the telecoms and energy sectors were deregulated. But when asked by reporters about him after the credit cards revelations first broke in 2014, acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy would not even pronounce Rato's name. The allegations that Rato and dozens of others spent a total of 12 million euros, reportedly on luxuries such as nightclubs and safaris, have embarrassed Rajoy's conservative Popular Party (PP) and sparked a string of resignations. "It alarms and outrages us," said the current party leader, Maria Dolores de Cospedal, who in 2014 had called Rato "the author of Spain's economic miracle". Rato was thought a natural successor to Aznar and was expected to run for prime minister in 2004, but mistimed his bid. Rajoy beat him to the candidacy but later lost the election. Story continues Rato promptly left Spain to become managing director of the International Monetary Fund, the global emergency lender that later played a key role in tackling the eurozone debt crisis. He left the IMF in 2007 for "personal reasons" and was later handed the job of managing Caja Madrid, one of the regional savings banks that fused to form Bankia in 2010. Rato oversaw the stock market listing of Bankia in 2011, seen as a triumph after the previous three years of financial turbulence. But the euphoria did not last. In May 2012 the government had to nationalise Bankia to save it from ruin. Spain then had to turn to the eurozone for a 41-billion-euro bailout to save its whole banking sector. - 'No political future' - Seven months after Bankia was rescued, Rato found himself walking into court for questioning. Furious customers who said the bank had lost their savings yelled at him: "Thief! Go to jail!". Rato at the end of 2014 suspended his membership of the PP, a previously "unthinkable" move, according to political consultant Antoni Gutierrez Rubi. "He has no political future," said Rubi. "There is a feeling that Rato has destroyed his shining reputation. He had a halo of superiority and triumph everywhere he went. Now he has fallen." Rato was born in Madrid in 1949 to a wealthy family - his father owned a radio network and his mother came from a long line of mining magnates. He earned a law degree in Spain and then a master's in business administration from the University of California at Berkeley in the 1970s. Rato married Spanish economic journalist Alicia Gonzalez Vicente in 2015 at a discreet ceremony held at a farm his family owns near Madrid. The couple have a shared interest in cooking and dogs. He has three children from his marriage to his first wife, Angeles Alarco. They broke up in 2002. Even in these politically turbulent and divisive times, certain core beliefs should unite us as Americans. One of these is an embrace of religious freedom and tolerance and a rejection of anti-Semitism. Jews have been victims of too much hate and prejudice over the centuries to ignore the rise of a familiar pattern of Nazi-like language, vandalism and threats when such behavior rears its ugly head. Its been more than a little troubling to watch President Donald Trump struggle over a simple question: Would he condemn the recent spate of anti-Semitic actions in this country? Finally, on Tuesday during a tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the president found his voice on the issue, calling these incidents, including a wave of bomb threats against Jewish community centers across the country and a weekend desecration of 170 Jewish grave sites in Missouri, horrible and painful. Why did that take so long? For most politicians, speaking out against anti-Semitism is whats known as a softball question from the press: an easy home run, a chance to condemn bigotry and hate against a group that has suffered more than its share. Yet when given that very opportunity last week, the president brushed it off as a partisan attack, berating an Orthodox Jewish reporter from a Brooklyn-based magazine, for posing not a fair question when he asked during a news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the recent rise of anti-Semitism. Trump then defended himself as the least anti-Semitic person that youve seen in your entire life. What kind of leader reacts to an open-ended question about anti-Semitism as some kind of a personal affront? Perhaps the kind who feels a tinge of guilt. This is a man who rode a nationalistic and xenophobic fear of foreigners, Muslims and Latinos especially, to the nations highest office and to whom a direct connection to the alt-right movement, the far-right extremists who proudly wear of the mantle of white supremacy (if often couched in more polite terms), causes no particular discomfort. If the presence in the White House of Steve Bannon, the former Breitbart News chair who described the outlet as a platform for the alt-right, as Trumps top political adviser wasnt troubling enough, President Trump continues to show a certain reluctance might be the most polite way of describing it to address various minority concerns. In his official statement regarding Holocaust Remembrance Day last month, for example, Trump failed to mention the Jews or anti-Semitism. This isnt nitpicking, as Sean Spicer might describe it, but further evidence of the presidents reluctance to criticize the white supremacist wing of the coalition of voters who got him elected. That reluctance doesnt go unnoticed; its likely helping fuel the very anti-Semitic actions that have frightened 54 community centers in 69 separate incidents during the last two months. When Trump inveighed against the evils of political correctness on the campaign trail, he appears to have sent the message that its acceptable again to openly despise people who arent like you. Lok Sabha polls: Kumar Vishwas may campaign for BJP in Delhi Former AAP leader Kumar Vishwas's security to be reviewed after 'Khalistan' claim against Kejriwal AAP holds Modi, Rajnath responsible for DU violence India ians-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, Feb 23: Urging the students to shun violence, the AAP on Thursday held Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh responsible for violence at Delhi University's Ramjas College on Wednesday. Aam Aadmi Party leader Kumar Vishwas appealed to students not to indulge in violence but instead debate in a democratic way in case of divergence of views. "If anti-national slogans are raised inside campuses of universities and colleges, which churn out talented personalities, it is the failure of the prime minister and the home minister," Vishwas said. Referring to the Jawaharlal Nehru University incident where anti-national slogans were raised in February last year, the AAP leader said Modi should take responsibility since the real culprits have still not been identified and arrested. "Keeping the Uttar Pradesh elections in view, now the same tactics are being used in Ramjas College to vitiate the atmosphere," Vishwas said. He urged the Uttar Pradesh voters not to get swayed by divisive tactics and vote on the basis of merit of candidates. Vishwas also targeted the Delhi Police for failing to bring the situation under control and said it was shameful that it was being used as a tool by the Centre. Hundreds of students on Thursday protested outside the Delhi Police headquarters, a day after clashes between student groups left several injured at the Ramjas College. The clashes were triggered over an invitation to JNU student Umar Khalid, who was jailed last year over sedition charges, for a literary seminar titled 'Cultures of Protest' at Ramjas College. The two-day event from Tuesday was cancelled after Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad activists forced the organisers to withdraw the invite to Khalid, who they called 'anti-national'. IANS Anand Mahindra's tweet about UPI at country's 'last tea shop' is every Indian's emotion Lunar eclipse 2022: Temples to be closed on Nov 8; Are you allowed to worship? After Maharashtra thrashing, Congress now hoping for better results in MCD polls India oi-Vikas By Vikas After a disastrous performance in Maharashtra civic body polls, the Congress is now hoping to do well in Delhi's MCD elections, expected to be held in April. Delhi Pradesh Congress president Ajay Maken told ANI that they do not make false promises to people. Maken said the Congress would soon come up with a plan to beat the AAP and the BJP in the national capital. The Congress is holding a conference of Delhi leaders on March 6, ahead of the MCD elections. The Congress faced yet another humiliating defeat in the civic elections in Maharashtra. The party put up a dismal performance in all five local bodies. The BJP won 470 seats, the Shiv Sena, 215, the Congress 99, the MNS, 16 and others won 61 in all the five local bodies put together. In Mumbai, the Shiv Sena won 84 seats, while the BJP bagged 81. The Congress put up a disastrous show winning just 31 seats. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, February 23, 2017, 18:34 [IST] Army chief visits Southern Command office India oi-PTI Pune, Feb 22: Army chief General Bipin Rawat today visited the headquarters of Southern Command where he was briefed on operational readiness and other administrative aspects of the key defence establishment. This was General Rawat's first visit to the city-based HQ of Southern Command, the largest geographical formation of the Indian Army, after taking charge in December-end. During the visit, the Chief of the Army Staff was briefed on operational readiness and other administrative aspects by Lt General P M Hariz, General Officer Commanding-in Chief of the Southern Command, a defence release said. He also updated General Rawat on the current security situation in the Southern Command area of responsibility and proactive measures adopted by the Army to prevent any untoward incident. General Rawat earlier served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Command. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, February 23, 2017, 16:15 [IST] Comedian Atul Khatri's joke on seatbelt becomes one on him as Mumbai Police responds BJP will rule BMC with support of independents: State party chief India oi-Vicky By Vicky "The BJP is likely to rule the BMC with the support of some independents," said Maharashtra BJP president, Raosaheb Danve Patil on Thursday. He told mediapersons that some independents are on their side and the final figures would be made known once formalities are finalised, he said. The BJP won 82 seats in the 227 member BMC. The magic number is 114. The Shiv Sena won 84 seats while the Congress won 31, MNS, 7 and others 14. Danve said that the figures showed that his party was gaining in the BMC. "We may rule the civil body and some independents have extended support to us," he said. Parties BMC election result 2017 2012 Shiv Sena 84 75 Bharatiya Janata Party 82 31 Congress 31 52 NCP 09 13 MNS 07 28 Others 14 28 Total won 227/227 227/227 The mandate across the ten municipal corporations and 25 zilla parishads are an indication that the people are happy with the party's governance both in New Delhi and Maharashtra. Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde offered to resign after the BJP put up a poor show in the local body polls in her constituency in Beed district. She said that she had already sent in her resignation as woman and child welfare minister. Danve, however downplayed the issue. "I had a word with her. Victory never went to our heads, and we do not get depressed when we lose," he said. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis however said that winning and losing are part of elections. OneIndia News Blame the accumulated impairment losses. Rig and offshore logistics support service provider Ezion has sunk into the red for the past year, recording a US$33.6m ($47.6m) loss for the period. This came as the group's revenue decreased by US9.4% to US$318.2m due to the absence of contribution from the projects in Queensland, Australia and the lower contribution from the Group's marine services. Reduction in charter rates as well as the delay in the completion of the modifications and upgrade of the Group's Service Rigs also resulted in a lower revenue. The cost of sales and servicing for the year increased by US$23.9m (10.3%) to US$257.0m as compared in 2015. The increase was due to the deployment of additional Service Rigs. This resulted in a 48.1% decline in gross profit to US$61.2m. The group noted that the operating expenses in 2016, included impairment losses on plant and equipment and provision for trade receivables amounting to US$70.9m, in addition to the losses made in the past year. Accumulated impairment losses for the past two years reached US$152m. With this, the beleaguered group will cancel taking delivery of four service rigs and cut its capital expenditure by US$270m as it completes talks with bankers. "the Group has completed discussions with all its bankers to reduce its net annual principal repayment to match the Groups operating cash flows upon the completion of the legal documentation of the loan extension. In addition, the Group has also successfully renewed its working capital facilities with all its principal bankers," the group said. Ezion noted that this will l improve the overall liquidity of the Group and its financing cash flows in the near to medium term. More From Singapore Business Review SC orders status quo for 5 weeks on BMC elections in Maharashtra Mumbai Ganeshotsav: BMC cautions against the use of 13 bridges Explain the provisions under which masks made mandatory during pandemic: Bombay HC to BMC BMC election results 2017 LIVE: Shiv Sena wins 84 seats; BJP wins 82 India oi-Vikas By Vikas The counting of votes for Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and nine other municipal corporation elections began at 10 am on Thursday. On February 21, nearly 56 percent voters had exercised franchise across 10 municipal corporations in Maharashtra. Here are the live updates: BMC results (114 seats are needed to rule BMC) Parties BMC election result 2017 2012 Shiv Sena 84 75 Bharatiya Janata Party 82 31 Congress 31 52 NCP 09 13 MNS 07 28 Others 14 28 Total won 227/227 227/227 5:00 pm: Shiv Sena supporters celebrate outside Uddhav Thackeray's residence 'Matoshree' 4:00 pm: Pankaja Munde offers to step down from minister's post after BJP fares badly in Parli 3:50 pm: Sanjay Nirupam resigns as Mumbai Congress chairman 3:45 pm: Results of 225 out of 227 wards - Shiv Sena wins 84; BJP wins 80 3:30 pm: Nagpur Municipal Corporation results of 72 wards out of 151: BJP - 54, Congress-14, BSP - 4 3:20 pm: Results of 199 wards: Shiv Sena wins 77; BJP wins 69;Congress wins 27 and NCP wins 8 wards 3.00 pm: Maharashtra Civic Polls - Thane: Shiv Sena leading in 34 seats; BJP in 12 2:35 pm: Maharashtra Civic Polls - Solapur: BJP leading in 24 seats; Shiv Sena in 15; Congress in 3 2:30 pm: Maharashtra Civic Polls - Nashik: BJP leading in 28 seats, Shiv Sena in 13 and Congress in 4 seats (Total seats - 28) 2:15 pm: Maharashtra Civic Polls- Nagpur: BJP leading in 70 out of 151 seats 2:00 pm: Maharashtra Civic Polls-Pune: BJP leading in 65 seats; Shiv Sena in 8 1:45 pm: Shiv Sena's Haji Mohammed Halim Khan wins from ward number 96 1:15 pm: Sanjay Nirupam offers resignation as Mumbai Regional Congress Committee's chairman 1.00 pm: BMC elections 2017: Shiv Sena: 91, BJP: 56, Congress: 20, NCP: 6, MNS: 10, Others: 7 12:50 pm: BMC elections 2017 trends: Shiv Sena: 89, BJP: 54, Congress: 20, NCP: 6, MNS: 10, Others: 7 12:45 pm: Maharashtra Civic Polls- AIMIM wins 5 seats in Solapur Municipal Corporation 12:40 pm: BJP MP Kirit Somaiya's son Neil wins from ward number 108 12: 30 pm: BMC elections 2017: Shiv Sena: 85, BJP: 53, Congress: 19, NCP: 5, MNS: 10, Others: 7 12:20 pm: BMC polls: Ex-Shiv Sena Mayor Shraddha Jadhav wins from ward no. 202. 12:15 pm: Maharashtra Civic Polls -Pune: BJP leading in 15 wards, BSP in 2, NCP in 9,MNS in 2, Congress in 3 and Shiv Sena in 2 #BMCPolls2017 : Shiv Sena party workers celebrate outside party office as initial trends indicate their lead. pic.twitter.com/x9u3AiovOk ANI (@ANI_news) February 23, 2017 12:05 pm: Celebrations outside Shiv Sena office after inititial trends show it leading in BMC polls Shiv Sena on 1 12:00 : BMC elections 2017: Shiv Sena: 76, BJP: 45, Congress: 17, NCP: 5, MNS: 9, Others: 6 11:45 am: Maharashtra Civic Polls - Pune: BJP leading on 9 wards, BSP on 4, NCP on 3, MNS on 2, Congress and Shiv Sena on 1 11:40 am: Out of 151 wards in Nagpur; BJP leading on 16 wards and Congress on 4 wards. 11:25 am: Out of 132 wards of Thane Municipal Corporation, Shiv Sena leading in 10 and NCP on 1 #MaharashtraCivicpolls 2017: Counting begins in Akola pic.twitter.com/q8mcHz49N8 ANI (@ANI_news) February 23, 2017 BJP leading in Nagpur 11:20 am: Maharashtra Civic Polls - Nagpur: BJP leading in 9 wards and Congress in 1 11:15 am: BMC results: Shiv Sena leading on 36 wards, BJP on 24 wards, Congress on 6 wards, MNS on 4 wards and NCP on 2 wards. 11:05 am: BMC elections 2017: Shiv Sena: 32, BJP: 23, Congress: 6, NCP: 2, Others: 2 10:55 am: BMC elections 2017: Shiv Sena: 23, BJP: 13, Congress: 5, NCP: 2, Others: 2 BMC poll counting 10:45 am: BMC polls: Shiv Sena is leading in 10 wards, BJP in 9 wards, Congress in 3 wards 10:40 am: Mumbai civic polls: Shiv Sena - 7, BJP - 5, Congress - 2 10:30 am: BMC polls: Shiv Sena wins 4 seats, BJP languishing at 2 seats and Congress at 1 seat 10:14 am: Counting begins in Akola Larger than all the other three metro 10:00 am: Counting of votes for 227 wards of BMC beginsThe BMC's annual budget of Rs 37,052-crore (2016-17) is larger than all the other three metro cities - Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata. 91.8 lakh registered voters Out of 91.8 lakh registered voters, 50 lakh are male, 49 lakh female and 381 transgenders. BJP, which ruled six of the municipal corporations in alliance with Shiv Sena, decided to go alone in upcoming elections. Apart from Mumbai, the municipal corporations which went to the polls were Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur. The voting percentage in the BMC polls held in 2007 and 2012 stood at 42% and 45% respectively. OneIndia News (with inputs from agencies) BMC elections: BJP gains big, Congress puts up disastrous show India oi-Vicky By Vicky The Congress faced yet another humiliating defeat in the civic elections in Maharashtra. The Congress put up a dismal performance in all five local bodies. The BJP had won 470 seats, Shiv Sena, 215, Congress 99, MNS, 16 and others 61 in all the five local bodies put together. In Mumbai the Shiv Sena won 84 seats while the BJP bagged 82. The BJP has called it a wonderful day following its performance in the Brihanmumbai Muncipal Corporation. However both parties will fall short of the magic number of 114 seats in the 224 member BMC. The BJP's Ashish Shelar claimed the support of 4 more corporators. Parties BMC election result 2017 2012 Shiv Sena 84 75 Bharatiya Janata Party 82 31 Congress 31 52 NCP 09 13 MNS 07 28 Others 14 28 Total won 227/227 227/227 The Congress put up a disastrous show winning just 31 seats. This led to the resignation of the party's regional chief Sanjay Nirupam. The MNS was completely out of contention winning just 7 seats. The NCP too put up a disastrous show winning only 9 while the others bagged 14. The BJP however made major gains across Maharashtra. The BJP won the Pune Municipal Corporation while the NCP was pushed to the second spot. The Shiv Sena and MNS put out a poor performance in Pune. In the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation near Pune, the ruling NCP was leading while the BJP was in second place with 21 seats. The Shiv Sena however retained control over the Thane Municipal Corporation. Nagpur appeared to be going the BJP way, with the party leading in 70 of the civic body's 151 seats, the Congress in 20 and the NCP and Shiv Sena in one seat each. In Nashik, the BJP is set to bag the 112-member civic body. The BJP was faring well in Amravati too. OneIndia News Municipality alone knows why bridge work handed to firm repairing watches, says former dy CM Gujarat HC refuses to modify Hardik Patel's bail conditions India pti-PTI Ahmedabad, Feb 24: The Gujarat High Court on Thursday rejected quota agitation leader Hardik Patel's plea that his bail conditions be relaxed. Justice A J Desai rejected the petition. Hardik had said as per the conditions laid down by the high court while granting him bail in two sedition cases in July 2016, he has to appear before crime branch offices in Ahmedabad and Surat once a week. Visiting two cities every week was inconvenient, said his lawyer I H Syed, who urged the court to relax the condition and require Hardik to appear only before Ahmedabad crime branch every week. However, public prosecutor Mitesh Amin opposed the plea, saying it would be too early to modify the conditions. The court then rejected the petition. As a part of the bail conditions, Hardik stayed outside Gujarat for six months after his release in July last year. He returned to his home state last month. PTI Hizbul Mujahideen carried out attack at J&K's Shopian India oi-Vicky By Vicky The militants who carried out the Shopian attack in which three army personnel were martyred were from the Hizbul Mujahideen, investigations have revealed. Terrorists launched an attack on an army patrol party in the wee hours of Thursday. One woman was killed in the cross-firing. [Three soldiers, 1 civilian killed in terror attack in JK's Shopian] Investigations have revealed that the terrorists attacked the patrolling party of the 44-RR at Mulu Chitragam area with grenades. The army personnel immediately fired back, but the terrorists managed to escape. The terrorists have been identified as Tariq Ahmed Bhat, Zeenatul Islam, Abid Manzoor, Aasif Ahmed and Showkat Peer. While Manzoor is a resident of Pulwama, the rest are from Shopian. The Hizbul Mujahideen has stepped up its activities in Jammu and Kashmir since the past year. The group has carried out several attacks on the highways where army patrol parties have been targeted. The army has been complaining that several locals have been helping the militants flee. Statistics would reveal that at least 25 militants had fled after locals came out in their support and pelted stones at the army personnel involved in an encounter. The army has warned of stringent action against the locals who aide terrorists. OneIndia News Kanhaiya Lals killing only shows the deep, dangerous pattern by Islamists to target Hindus Udaipur killing: He had refused to open his shop for days, says wife of murdered Udaipur killing: Accused went to Dawat-e-Islami in Karachi in 2014, says Top cop Is Pak using new names to play old games in J&K? UP CM Yogi announces Rs 5 lakh to kin of migrant workers killed in J&K terror attack Three soldiers, 1 civilian killed in terror attack in JK's Shopian India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Srinagar, Feb 23:Four people--three soldiers and one civilian, a woman--were killed in a terror attack in Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir, late on Wednesday night. Reports add that a total of seven soldiers were injured in the incident, most of them are in critical state."The victims included a lieutenant colonel and the civilian, a woman, was inside her house when a bullet hit her during the firing," the police said. Seven soldiers were also injured in the attack. #UPDATE: Three Army personnel and a civilian have lost their lives in the terror attack in Shopian(J&K) ANI (@ANI_news) February 23, 2017 Three Army personnel and a civilian have lost their lives in the terror attack in Shopian(J&K) (earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/iF8GRcJUcx ANI (@ANI_news) February 23, 2017 A woman was killed in cross firing, army officials told reporters. "Reinforcements were immediately rushed to surround the area and track the militants," the police added. The incident comes a week after three soldiers were killed in an encounter with terrorists at the Bandipora district in North Kashmir. Terrorists had opened fire on the security forces which was conducting searches at Parray Mohalla in the Hajin area. With inputs from agencies OneIndia News Kalhiko Pul's wife withdraws letter to CJI seeking CBI probe into suicide note India oi-Vicky By Vicky Former Arunachal Chief Minister Kalhiko Pul's wife has withdrawn her letter written to the Chief Justice of India seeking a CBI probe into the suicide note of her husband. Dangwimsai Pul in a letter to the CJI had sought for a CBI probe into the suicide note written by her husband. Her counsel Dushyanth Dave while withdrawing the note said that the matter cannot be heard judicially as allegations against the son of the Chief Justice of India were also made in the suicide note. Dave said that Pul's 60-page suicide note had several names including that of Justice J S Khehar's son. The court has dismissed the matter as withdrawn. Dave also told the court that allegations were also made against the son of the President of India. Hence they have now decided to seek remedy before the vice President. The Supreme Court had on Wednesday decided to hear a petition that sought a CBI probe into the matter. Pul's wife has demanded that the CBI probe into the suicide note of her husband must be monitored by the CBI. On Tuesday Chief Justice of India, J S Khehar had passed an order based on a letter addressed by the wife of former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Kalhiko Pul. The former CM had allegedly committed suicide on August 19, 2016. Dangwimsai Pul wrote to the Chief Justice of India seeking an FIR into the allegations made by her late husband. She had also sought an independent probe. In her letter she said prior permission from the CJI or a senior judge of the Supreme Court was needed before an FIR was registered. She said that for a probe to be conducted, permission was required. Pul, in a 60-page note written in Hindi made several allegations of corruption and named public figures. He had even named former and serving judges of the Supreme Court, apart from politicians and law officers. One of the allegations made by him was that two judges had demanded money through a middleman from Pul to ensure that President's Rule would not be declared illegal in Arunachal Pradesh. In 2016, the SC had quashed the imposition of President's Rule in the state which resulted in Pul's ouster and restoration of a Congress government. On August 19, Pul was found hanging at his official residence. A note titled mere vichar (My views) was also found at his home. His note said that he was under extreme pressure to pay bribes to judges and influential politicians. Oneindia News Malayalam actress molestation: Main accused arrested India oi-Anusha The prime accused in the Malayalam actres molestation case, Sunil, surrendered on Thursday along with another accused Vijesh. The accused who surrendered in the Ernakulam ACJM court was arrested. Sunil, otherwise known as pulsar Suni within the Malayalam film industry is accused of engineering the attack on the actress. Dramatic scenes were witnessed outside the court as the duo appeared to surrender even as the court was adjourned for lunch. Police took the duo into custody immediately. The case took a sensational turn when one of the accused was arrested from the flat belonging to an actor-director. The Malayalam film industry had rallied behind the actress demanding swift action in the horrific case of kidnap and molestation. Industry giants joined protests while the police questioned many including actors and directors. OneIndia News Sept 10 (Reuters) - A panel of outside advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration voted against approving Purdue Pharma's experimental fast-acting oxycodone painkiller. The panel voted 23 to 1 against the approval. The recommendation was in-line with comments from the health regulator's staff who expressed concerns over likely errors in administering the drug to be called Avridi. (Reporting by Vidya L Nathan in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila) Man who deposited fake notes in SBI ATM arrested India oi-Vicky By Vicky The police have arrested one Mohammad Isha after he put fake notes in an SBI ATM in Delhi. He was arrested from Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh. He is an employee of a company that is responsible for putting cash in ATMs, police said. [Bizzare! ATM dispenses Rs 2,000 notes with 'CHURAN LABEL' in place of Ashok emblem] On Wednesday, a State Bank of India ATM in South Delhi dispensed fake Rs 2,000 notes with 'Children Bank of India' written on them instead of Reserve Bank of India. The notes, which were replete with errors, had serial number of '000000'. Other glaring deviations from the original note include P.K. logo instead of RBI seal and missing Rupee symbol. On the leaf markings on the lower left side of the original notes, the text was replaced by the Churan Label. Even the GOI's Ashok emblem was replaced by 'CHURAN LABEL'. The RBI Governor's signature was also missing and the text above it said, "I promise to pay the bearer two thousands coupens." Sangam Vihar police station had booked case under IPC sections 489-b, 489-e and 420. SBI too had constituted a team to investigate the matter. Manish Tewari calls Pak action on Hafiz Saeed 'eye wash' India pti-PTI Washington, Feb 23: Senior Congress leader Manish Tewari has termed as an "eye wash" the detention of Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan and asked it to hand over the JuD chief to India. "It (Pakistan's action) is a mere eye wash. If Pakistanis are really serious, they need to hand Hafiz Saeed to India," Tewari told a group of reporters. Responding to a question, he said there are enough strong evidence against Saeed both in public domain and those provided by India to Pakistan through official channels. "It is essentially an eye wash," he said citing similar experiences of the previous UPA government with other terrorists based in Pakistan who were temporarily detained, but were released later on. Tewari said that the US needs to pressurise Pakistan in order to solve the problem of terrorism. "Either the US comes down heavily on Pakistan for not taking action against terrorist groups or being selective in its approach, or the democratic dispensation in Pakistan reigning in ISI and its elements." he said. "The third way is that India starts playing the Pakistani game (proxy war). But for any democratic country like India, the moral question is whether responsible and mature democracies should use non-state actors each to meet its national security objectives," he added. According to him, the successive Indian governments have given a thought about it but concluded that "responsible government should not use non-state actors to serve its national goals". On US President Donald Trump's comments that America would be willing to help India and Pakistan resolve its disputes, he said "It is a no go area". The Congress leader also termed this as a "red line" which no Indian government will ever contemplate. Maintaining that it is too early to comment on the Indo-US relationship under the Trump administration, Tewari said the seriousness of the White House on having strong ties would be evident through five indicators. "First being the US position on Afghanistan. Second what is their attitude on Pakistan," he said adding the optimal outcome from India's standpoint would be Trump Administration getting hard on Pakistan to dismantle terror camps there. The other three indicators are the US policies towards China, engagement in the Asia Pacific region and the attitude towards global trading regimes, he added. "Policy makers in Delhi would be looking at these four-five things," Tewari said, adding that developments on these fronts are being carefully watched in New Delhi. He believed that there is a "fundamental incompatibility" between Modi's Make in India, and Trump's America First policy. PTI How the numbers add up in UP: This is what BJP's win percentage was Rajnath takes a dig at SP, BSP, says 'Bicycle is now obsolete and elephant is old' India pti-PTI Azamgarh (UP), Feb 23: Union Home minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday blamed SP and BSP for the dismal states of affairs of Uttar Pradesh and said the 'bicycle' has become obsolete, while the 'elephant' has grown old. "SP, BSP and Congress have pushed UP into a pool of mud, and it is out of this pool of mud that the lotus will eventually bloom," he said at an election rally here. He said several allegations of corruption have been levelled against ministers in SP and BSP governments, but not a single charge was ever made against any BJP minister or chief minister or even a leader. Questioning UP CM Akhilesh Yadav's 'Kaam Bolta Hai' (performance speaks aloud), Rajnath, referring to the election symbols of the SP and BSP, said, "The 'bicycle' has become defunct, while the 'elephant' has grown old." "Akhilesh's logic is that he has not been able to perform because of his father and uncle. Despite this, he says, 'Kaam Bolta Hai.' In other words, it means 'chit bhi meri, patt bhi meri' (heads I win, tails you lose)." Rajnath also attacked Congress for first holding khaat sabha to raise voice against the state government, but later embracing the SP and "sharing the cot." "They have failed to understand that khaats (cots) are meant for sleeping, and not for holding any sabha (meeting)," he said. Enumerating Modi government's achievements, Singh said surgical strikes were an important milestone. "We always wanted to have good relationship with our neighbours, and hence during the oath taking ceremony of PM Modi, the Heads of States of neighbouring countries including Nawaz Sharif were invited." He said Sharif was invited not for a symbolic hand-shake, but to forge a strong bond between the two neighbours. "The Centre has told the Army not to violate the ceasefire, but if even a single bullet comes from the other side (Pakistan), we will not hesitate in giving a befitting reply," Singh said. Rajnath also mentioned that BJP never indulges in dividing the society, but is working to build the society. PTI LeT terrorist Mohammad Arif to hang after SC confirms death in 2000 Red Fort attack case SC refuses to hear matter filed by students over exclusion of Urdu in NEET India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer New Delhi, Feb 23: The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to hear the matter filed by Students Islamic Oraganisation of India to add Urdu as a language to National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for the academic year 2017-18. On Friday, the SIO filed a petition in Supreme Court against the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's decision to not conduct NEET in Urdu. The organisation has claimed that leaving Urdu as a medium not only deprives a large number of students studying science in Urdu medium of equal opportunity, but is also a violation of right to life. Earlier, the Union health ministry had announced that the NEET exam will be conducted in eight languages from the academic year 2017-18 academic. The languages include Hindi, English, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Telugu and Tamil. The NEET 2017 is an entrance exam conducted for candidates who desire to study any graduate medical course (MBBS), dental courses (BDS) or postgraduate course (MD/MS) in private or government medical colleges in India. OneIndia News (with inputs from agencies) For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, February 23, 2017, 12:22 [IST] SC to hear plea seeking CBI probe into Kalhiko Pul's suicide note India oi-Vicky By Vicky The Supreme Court will hear a petition filed by Kalikho Pul's wife seeking a CBI probe. Dangwimsai Pul, wife of the former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister had sought a CBI probe into the suicide note left behind by her husband. The matter will be take up by the SC on Thursday. Pul's wife has demanded that the CBI probe into the suicide note of her husband must be monitored by the CBI. On Tuesday Chief Justice of India, J S Khehar had passed an order based on a letter addressed by Pul's wife of. The former CM had allegedly committed suicide on August 19, 2016. Dangwimsai Pul wrote to the Chief Justice of India seeking an FIR into the allegations made by her late husband. She had also sought an independent probe. In her letter she said prior permission from the CJI or a senior judge of the Supreme Court was needed before an FIR was registered. She also said for a probe to be conducted permission was required. Pul, in a 60-page note written in Hindi made several allegations of corruption and named public figures. He had even named former and serving judges of the Supreme Court apart from politicians and law officers. One of the allegations made by him was that two judges had through a middleman demanded money from Pul to ensure that President's rule would not be declared illegal in Arunachal Pradesh. In 2016, the SC had quashed the imposition of President's rule in the state which resulted in the ouster of Pul and restoration of a Congress government. On August 19, Pul was found at his official residence. A note titled mere vichar or My Views was also found at his home. In the note he wrote that he was under extreme pressure to pay bribes to judges and influential politicians. OneIndia News Comedian Atul Khatri's joke on seatbelt becomes one on him as Mumbai Police responds 'Two-finger test' should be banned in matrimonial dispute cases too, says Maharashtra doctor Shiv Sena, BJP supporters clash in Mumbai India pti-PTI Mumbai, Feb 23: The supporters of Shiv Sena and BJP on Thursday clashed after some Sena activists burst firecrackers outside the BJP office at Dadar in Central Mumbai as trends for the BMC polls started pouring-in, police said. Some Shiv Sena workers, who were celebrating the party's lead in the BMC polls, burst firecrackers outside the BJP's office on Dadasaheb Phalke Marg in Dadar at around 1 pm, leading to a clash between supporters of the two parties, a police official said. Parties BMC election result 2017 2012 Shiv Sena 84 75 Bharatiya Janata Party 82 31 Congress 31 52 NCP 09 13 MNS 07 28 Others 14 28 Total won 227/227 227/227 The incident led to chaos in the area for some time as both the sides raised slogans against each other, he said. The Bhoiwada police personnel, who were on bandobast duty, intervened and asked the Sena workers to vacate the area in front of the BJP office, he said. Later, the situation in the area became normal, he added. Elections to 10 municipal corporations across Maharashtra were held on Tuesday and witnessed a turnout of 56 percent. Voter turnout for the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation was 55 percent. Apart from Mumbai, the municipal corporations which went to the polls were Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur. PTI Siachen Braveheart: More support pours in for Hanumanthappa's wife amid criticism India oi-Anusha Two days after OneIndia reported on the unfulfilled promises to Siachen braveheart Hanumanthappa Koppad's family, support continues to flow in for his wife Mahadevi Koppad. Union Ministers such as Smriti Irani, Maneka Gandhi and prominent leaders like Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Meenakshi Lekhi through their offices are in constant touch with the 27-year-old wife of a martyr. [Siachen braveheart: We reminded, you responded, Hanumanthappa's wife assured of job] Mahadevi says she is grateful to all efforts of all those who have extended help. "When my husband's body was brought to Hubballi, I was overwhelmed to see many from the government contribute money from their pockets towards the expenses of transportation and final rites. Despite the sorrow we were in, we saw how much those in authority did for us. We are grateful but only in the matter of the job, there was a delay. I do not know why there was a delay in this one aspect but I am happy to see so much being done," she said confidently. She is sure of getting a job soon looking at the impact her story has created. [Siachen braveheart: 'Army was his life and she silently stood as the military wife'] While Union ministers offered to help Mahadevi find a job, many criticised her plea as 'greed' despite being given a compensation. While she has not denied receiving compensation, rather is grateful to the army as well as the government for its support, a job, she feels is a security beyond monetary concerns. We asked Bengaluru MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar if compensation was any excuse for denying her a job and this is what he had to say, "No, the compensation is hardly an excuse for a wife to be denied opportunity to stand up and be financially independent and care for herself and her family. We must never forget that these are women who married bravehearts and in many ways, reflect the same values of bravery, stoicism. They do not deserve pity or charity but are owed respect and all support to stand up on their own." [Is asking for a job too much? We say no, Hanumanthappa's wife deserves independent, dignified life] A tweet from Chandrasekhar elicited a response from Union Minister Smriti Irani who assured of helping Mahadevi find a job the Central Silk Board. @rajeev_mp reaching out to her through our institution in Karnataka Rajeev, hope to give you good news soon. Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) February 23, 2017 On Wednesday, we reported on Union Minister Maneka Gandhi reaching out to Mahadevi (/india/siachen-braveheart-maneka-gandhi-reaches-out-to-hanumanthappas-wife-2355476.html) to offer a job in an Anganwadi in Hubballi. It was also reported that the district administration office has conveyed to Mahadevi that an appointment letter would be doled out in less than a month. Are promises to martyrs mere photo-ops? This is a phenomenon we have seen take place time and again. Tall promises are made every time a soldier is martyred but many are forgotten or caught up in red-tapism. "I have said repeatedly that most politicians disappear after the initial photo-ops and platitudes and promises. I have seen this for several decades and that is why I started flags of honour, to ensure that the family gets what it needs long after the crowds and media leave. In this case, too there was the usual rush for politicians to go there and preen before cameras but important promises made remained unfulfilled," said Chandrasekhar. Attempts were also made to rubbish the report simply because the family had already received a compensation. A job is more than a mere financial concern for Mahadevi, it is a sense of security and independence. The attempt is to remind the government of its forgotten promises to a martyr's wife. "As your article did, I would like stories and spotlight on these brave women long after crowds have gone. Articles like this also alert our citizens on how the widows and the families of our bravehearts, live their lives after their loved ones have laid down their lives for the country," Chandrasekhar said. While appreciating the support and efforts of those reaching out to Mahadevi and irrespective of the criticism, we at OneIndia will report on the issue until the government fulfils its promises made to the Siachen martyr's wife. OneIndia News Stone pelters have helped 25 terrorists escape in J&K India oi-Vicky By Vicky Srinagar, Feb 23: The Indian Army has faced a difficult situation while battling militants in Jammu and Kashmir. Almost every third encounter that takes place in the valley has been disrupted by stone pelters and in many cases, the terrorists engaged by the armed forces have fled. Abu Dujana one of the most dangerous militants in the Valley too has been helped by locals pelting stones. Recently the security forces had managed to corner him, but protests and stone pelting helped him flee. Statistics would reveal that as a result of stone pelting at least 25 militants have escaped. The rise of Abu Dujana, Lashkar-e-Tayiba's face in Kashmir It may be recalled that Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had said that civil interference had helped several militants escape. He warned of harsh action if protestors continued to disturb operations. Earlier this month, three militants had escaped at Prisal when several protestors including women and children had surrounded the encounter site. During an operation in Balapur, 500 civilians had gathered at the encounter site. During the encounter, the civilians pelted stones at the security forces as a result of which four militants managed to escape. Officials say that the trend is a disturbing one. It has become worse after the killing of Burhan Wani, the commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen. Officials say that the state is to be blamed too for it. It has allowed militants funerals to take place in full public glare. Operation against Burhan Wani lasted for 4 minutes Moreover the state has also been soft on the stone pelters and this has only encouraged the youth to come out in large numbers against the security forces. The state police has now invited the stone pelters to come forward so that they could be counseled. While this may work to a certain extent, the bigger problem lies with those who are paid by terrorists and separatists to stage such incidents against the security forces, officials also point out. OneIndia News How the numbers add up in UP: This is what BJP's win percentage was UP election: Offensive acronyms used freely India oi-PTI Lucknow, Feb 23: Campaigning for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections will go down in the pages of electoral history for the offensive acronyms being used freely to attack political opponents. The long haul electioneering took off on a healthy note with leaders of major parties raising issues like development, corruption, note ban and law and order. But, the serious poll plank soon gave way to personal jibes almost to the extent of calling names, giving new definitions and abbreviations to tar the image of opponents. In this quest for scoring a brownie point in the eyes of the electorate, the national leaders took lead in making headlines by hook or by crook. Taking the lead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his rallies repeatedly said 'SCAM' stood for SP, Congress, Akhilesh and Mayawati and dubbed Mayawati's BSP as 'Bahujan Sampatti Party'. Not to lag far behind, Akhilesh came out with his own take on SCAM, saying it stood for 'Save Country from Amit (Shah) and Modi'. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, however, said SCAM meant 'seva, courage, ability, modesty' attracting more criticism than making headlines. Not in the habit of taking things lying down, the BSP supremo had no qualms in giving a personal retort naming PM as "Mr Negative Dalit Man" for Narendra Damodardas Modi to brand him anti-Dalit. Akhilesh Yadav's remark on the donkeys of Gujarat asking 'Main sadi ke mahanayak se appeal karta hoon ke Gujarat ke gadhon ka prachar mat karein (I appeal to the superstar of the century to not campaign for the donkeys of Gujarat)' was taken as more loaded than witty. "Ek gadhe ka vigyapan aata hai, main iss sadi ke sabse bade mahanayak se kahunga ke ab aap Gujarat ke gadhon ka prachar mat kariye (There's an ad on TV which shows donkeys. I appeal to century's biggest star...please stop endorsing donkeys of Gujarat)," Akhilesh had said. "What will happen if the donkeys also start getting advertised?" the UP CM had asked the audience. SP's popular 'kaam bolta hai' campaign has been facing all round flak with the Prime Minister asserting that it is "not kaam (work) but karname (misdeeds)" which do all the talking for the UP government. Rahul drawing on the strength of the alliance with the SP gave a filmy twist to Prime Minister's 'achhe din' saying "people thought he was Shahrukh Khan of DDLJ and after three years he turns out as Gabbar Singh of Sholay". PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, February 23, 2017, 13:15 [IST] Power equation changes gears in UP P Chidambaram accuses BJP of using 7 phase poll in UP to polarise voters Highest number of women MLAs in UP since Independence How the numbers add up in UP: This is what BJP's win percentage was Raj Babbar offers to resign as UP Congress president Samajwadi Party, allies may cross 400 mark in UP election 2022: Akhilesh Yadav UP election: SP candidate's son shot in Mahoba India ians-IANS By Ians English Lucknow, Feb 23: The son of a Samajwadi Party candidate was shot and seriously injured in Uttar Pradesh's Mahoba district on Thursday morning, police said. The attack was made on SP candidate Siddha Gopal Sahu's son. He has been rushed to Kanpur for treatment. The victim's family has accused Bahujan Samaj Party candidate Aridarman Singh's son of carrying out the attack. IANS tom perez jaime harrison Democrats vying to become the next chair of the Democratic National Committee faced off for the final time before the organization's election on Saturday. CNN broadcast a debate Wednesday with the eight candidates for the position. It's the last of a number of lower-profile debates and forums during which candidates have attempted to make their case to the 447 voting DNC members about how to bring the Democratic party out of the electoral wilderness. The next chair needs a majority of the 447 votes to win. Though the candidates themselves went to lengths to maintain civility in the months since President Donald Trump's victory a pact was created not to campaign negatively the race has been viewed as a battle between the embattled establishment wing of the party and the emboldened progressive left. While almost every candidate has emphasized strengthening state parties and broadening the vision beyond winning the presidency, former Labor Secretary Tom Perez has garnered praise and support from some former establishment-type figures, including his former colleagues serving under President Barack Obama. Meanwhile, Rep. Keith Ellison's longtime leftist activism and vocal support during the 2016 Democratic primary for Sen. Bernie Sanders has helped the Minnesota congressman rally grassroots support. The race appears fluid, as the campaigns have not released public lists of supporters and multiple media outlets have reported wildly different vote counts. The Hill interviewed dozens of voting members and reported Wednesday morning that Ellison had 105 supporters to Perez's 57, while The Associated Press spoke to an independent third-party strategist who reported that Perez had 205 committed voters to Ellison's 153. The AP reported that South Carolina Democratic party chair Jaime Harrison had 27 committed supporters, while South Bend Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg had eight, and Idaho Democratic Party chair Sally Boynton Brown had 10. The remaining candidates had no support in the AP's report. Story continues Staffers from multiple campaigns acknowledged it's unclear whether a candidate will have enough votes to win on the first ballot. DNC rules stipulate that after the second round of voting, the candidate with the fewest number of votes in each proceeding round is automatically eliminated, consolidating the field. Here are the main contenders for the chair. keith ellison Rep. Keith Ellison Even before Hillary Clinton's upset loss in the 2016 presidential election, the Minnesota congressman was eyeing the chair post, formally announcing his bid in mid-November with the backing of major party figures. Ellison scooped up endorsements from some high-profile labor groups, as well as progressive leaders including Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren. He also locked down vocal Clinton-backers like Sens. Chuck Schumer, Amy Klobuchar, and Chris Murphy, as well as former Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid. Ellison has continued to shore up his progressive bona fides throughout the race, pledging to reinstate a ban on lobbyist contributions to the DNC. But his bid has faced some roadblocks. Critics assailed the congressman over his previous statements supporting the Nation of Islam and its anti-Semitic leader. Ellison previously renounced his ties, but nonetheless drew harsh condemnation from prominent Jewish Democrats. An aide told Business Insider on Thursday that Ellison feels "incredibly confident" about his chances, given a slew of new notable endorsements, including New Hampshire Democratic Party chair Raymond Buckley, who dropped out of the chair race himself and backed Ellison. tom perez Former Labor Secretary Tom Perez A former labor secretary and deputy attorney general for civil rights, Perez is hoping his executive experience, connection with left-leaning labor and civil-rights groups, and commitment to "making house calls" and fighting voter suppression laws can woo DNC voters. But Perez has been cast as the establishment pick, partially because of his support from high profile former administration officials, including former Vice President Joe Biden and former Attorney General Eric Holder. Such support has proved to be a double-edged sword, as he's also been forced to explain his previous support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the controversial multinational trade pact that drew strong opposition from some labor communities. Though Ellison's high-profile endorsements gave the appearance of early momentum, Perez also appears to have strong support. Perez announced last week that he had 180 DNC members supporting his bid, and a campaign staffer told Business Insider on Thursday that he's gained additional supporters in the past week. "Going into Atlanta, I'm proud of the broad support we've received from every corner of the country. I have spent this past week in one-on-one conversations with DNC members and in larger meetings with state parties discussing how we bring Democrats together, turn our party around, and work together to defeat Donald Trump's dangerous agenda," Perez said in a statement Thursday. pete buttigieg South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg Buttigieg has perhaps the most interesting resume of any candidate seeking the chair's position. A 35-year-old, Harvard-educated, gay Naval reserve officer who can claim the title Afghanistan veteran and Rhodes Scholar, Buttigieg announced his candidacy in January, casting himself as a third option for Democrats hoping to move past the fight between the left and the establishment. "The proxy characterization I think its a little unfair to some of the candidates, but I do think that its there, and I think its bad for business. We cant be seen as trapped in that kind of fight," Buttigieg told Business Insider in January. He added: "Everyone in this race is progressive, everyone wants to be chair, and wants to be chair in order to defend progressive values. And so weve got a way to transcend that divide. Were always going to be a party just like the other side with people with some diversity of opinion. But weve got to keep it together." Beyond his appeals to empowering local parties, Buttigieg also highlighted his success at winning elections in the Rust Belt among voters who abandoned the Democratic party for Trump. The former mayor has racked up a few prominent endorsements, including former chairs Howard Dean and Steve Grossman and former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley. He has also announced support from a host of mayors. jaime harrison South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Jaime Harrison A longtime Democratic staffer in the House of Representatives, Harrison is also hoping to emerge as an option in later rounds of voting if Perez and Ellison do not consolidate their leads early on. The former lobbyist has touted experience as a state party leader, saying he understands how state organizations were neglected in the 2016 race. He told NPR that the Democratic Party became complacent during Obama's administration and forgot to compete in states like his own. Harrison has a handful of prominent public supporters, including Rep. Tim Ryan and Rep. James Clyburn, Harrison's former boss on Capitol Hill. Idaho Democratic Party Chair Sally Boynton Brown sally boyton brown A long-shot candidate, Boynton Brown has similarly highlighted the loss of connection between the national organization and state parties. "I really think that we have lost focus as a party. I don't think we have any overarching identity message. We've let the Republicans frame the debate and frame our party for a really long time. And, frankly, I will say that in losing the amount of statehouses that we've lost, we've also allowed them to legislate," she told NPR in January. Brown raised eyebrows in conservative media outlets when she said that her "job is to tell white people when to shut their mouths" when speaking insensitively about race. NOW WATCH: Mexican architects visualized Trump's proposed $25 billion wall to show how unrealistic it would be More From Business Insider UP elections 2017: Why BJP will score big in the fourth phase India oi-Vicky By Vicky Uttar Pradesh votes in the fourth phase of the Assembly elections on Thursday. There are 53 constituencies spanning across 7 districts that include the Bundelkhand region and Rae Bareli. Pollsters feel that the BJP is likely to dominate in this phase. In 2012, the SP had won 24 seats while its alliance partner the Congress bagged 6. The BJP had won just 5 out of the 53 seats. However in the 2014 Parliamentary elections, the tables completely turned over and the BJP was ahead in 37 assembly segments while the SP and Congress won just 5 and 7 respectively. One of the primary reasons for the BJP to surge ahead in 2014 was thanks to a united Hindu vote. Experts feel that this phase is likely to belong to the BJP. The party has raised several issues which include appeasement and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured to change Bundelkhand's fate like Kutch. The opposition has accused the BJP of making statements to polarise the voters to ensure a repeat of 2014. Bundelkhand is a mineral rich belt, but the region has hardly seen any improvement. Water scarcity and poor conditions of farmers have been the major talking points during the election campaign. Successive governments too have failed to address these issues which prompted Modi to assure a major change in this region. There is also the issue of anti-incumbency that that BJP is likely to capitalise on. Key facts: Constituencies: 53 Total voters: 1,84,82,166 Male: 1,00,31,093 Female: 84,50,039 EVMs: 23,924 Polling stations: 19,487 Districts: Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh, Kaushambi, Allahabad, Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Banda, Hamirpur, Chitrakoot and Fatehpur. OneIndia News No Hindutva or RSS extremism involved in Leicester violence; influencers spread false narrative: UK think tank Violence mars fourth phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Lucknow, Feb 23: An incident of clash between the supporters of two prominent political parties in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh took place on Thursday. The incident happened while voting for the fourth phase of polling is underway in the state. "In Mahoba, UP, clashes broke out between the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party supporters," reported ANI. A total of four people, including SP candidate Siddhgopal Sahu's son, were reportedly injured in the incident. Mahoba(UP): Clash between SP and BSP supporters,4 including Samajwadi Party candidate Siddhgopal Sahu's son injured pic.twitter.com/0h1UosLVy5 ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 23, 2017 The polling process in the last three phases had been peaceful in the northern state. However, Thursday's incident proved the volatile situation in the ground. The incident happened in spite of tight security measures in place in the state. Voting in 53 assembly constituencies in the fourth phase of UP elections began at 7 am on Thursday amid tight security, officials said. Three more phases of polling in the state will take place in the coming days. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, February 23, 2017, 8:51 [IST] Why did Zakir Naik meet Dawood's hawala dealer India oi-Vicky By Vicky A 2012 meeting between Zakir Naik and a man identified as Sultan Ahmed from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has come under the scanner of the Intelligence Bureau. According to IB sources, Ahmed is a hawala dealer and he had met with Naik in Dubai. ED rejects Zakir Naik's plea to depose through Skype IB officials say that Ahmed is connected to the Dawood gang and he may have been routing in money for him. Money into Naik's banned NGO, Islamic Research Foundation has come in from several countries which include the UK, Saudi Arabia and several African countries. If one takes into account these countries from where the money was routed in, it is would be pertinent to note that Dawood has strong connections and interests there. The Enforcement Directorate which is probing the money laundering cases against Naik is now finding out if some members of the D-gang had routed funds into the IRF. "We are looking into emerging details," said an ED officer. The questioning of Aamir Gazdar, a realtor and the chief financial officer of the IRF will also help throw more light on the funding of the non-governmental organisation. During his questioning it was revealed that several dummy companies had been created to conceal the source of funds accessed by the IRF and that he was a director in some of them. One of these firms was involved in editing and airing Naik's speeches, which had become a matter of debate after one of the Dhaka attackers had claimed he was inspired by them. OneIndia News 130 killed in three days of Syria clashes: monitor International pti-PTI Beirut, Feb 22: More than 130 people, mostly combatants, have been killed in three days fighting between jihadists close to the Islamic State group and rebels in southern Syria, a monitor said on Thursday. The clashes pit the Khaled Ben al-Walid Army -- which pledged allegiance to IS last year -- against Islamist rebel groups including the influential Ahrar al-Sham faction, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. At least 132 people had been killed in the fighting that raged in Daraa province near the border with Jordan and the buffer zone before the Israel-occupied Golan Heights. The Khaled Ben al-Walid Army sparked the clashes with an attack on rebels in the west of the southern province. The pro-IS group has since seized three areas including Sahem al-Jolan near the border and a hill overlooking the rebel-held town of Nawa. T he Khaled Ben al-Walid Army "wants to extend its influence in the strategic triangle between Daraa (city), Jordan and the Golan," Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said. Daraa province, the cradle of the 2011 uprising against President Bashar al-Assad's regime, is mostly held by the rebels but pro-government forces and IS are also present. The provincial capital of the same name is divided between army and rebel control. Syria's war has killed more than 310,000 people since it started nearly six years ago with the brutal repression of anti-regime protests. It has since spiralled into a complex war involving international players and jihadists. PTI In Pics: 14,000 evacuated in California city due to flooding International ians-IANS By Ians English Los Angeles, Feb 23: Flooding in the California city of San Jose forced authorities to order the evacuation of 14,000 people due to the rising waters of Coyote Creek, media reports said. According to information provided on the San Jose City Hall Web site, the evacuation was ordered late Tuesday evening and is still in effect on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported. Last Friday, a powerful storm lashed the state causing at least five deaths, authorities said. In addition, the historic rains caused damage to spillways at the Oroville Dam, located some 250 kmnortheast of San Francisco, leading authorities on February 12 to order the evacuation of some 200,000 people from the zone below the dam given the risk that it might overflow. Here are some pics of the California flooding: Water level rising The National Weather Service said on Wednesday that the water level in Coyote Creek will continue to rise on Wednesday morning, but it is expected to begin subsiding in the afternoon. Image courtesy: Twitter. Such flooding occurs once in a century In remarks to the daily Los Angeles Times, NWS meteorologist Roger Gass emphasised the magnitude of the flooding by saying that estimates are that such an event occurs only once every century. Image courtesy: Twitter. Streets with danger signs Local media showed images of emergency services personnel using boats to rescue local residents endangered by flooding along streets in the area. Image courtesy: Twitter. Exceptionally heavy and continuous rainfall After years of serious drought, California is experiencing a very wet winter with exceptionally heavy and continuous rainfall all over the state. Image courtesy: PTI. IANS 8 dead and more than 15 injured in a blast in Lahore International oi-Madhuri By Madhuri Lahore, Feb 23: At least eight people were killed and fifteen others were injured as a blast rocked Lahore's Defence area. According to the initial reports it suggested that it was caused by a generator blast and rescue team has reached the site. Even the government of Punjab tweeted that the blast had been caused as a result of a generator. Clarification on Lahore Y block blast: It's a generator blast and rescue team has reached the site. Please spread this. Govt Of The Punjab (@GovtOfPunjab) February 23, 2017 The injured have been shifted to a nearby hospital and police have cordoned off the area. Meanwhile, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said that a bomb had been placed inside an under construction building which had caused the blast. He further said that the area has been encircled and nothing can be said about the nature of blast yet. OneIndia News Ansari gets festive reception with Ugandan food, music International pti-PTI Kampala, Feb 22: Vice President Hamid Ansari on Thursday received a resounding welcome at the iconic State House of Uganda, as this East African country rolled out a red carpet for him with traditional tribal dance, choir music and a lavish banquet that had a dash of Indian cuisine. The Vice President was received at the State House in Entebbe on Wednesday afternoon by President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni. Ansari arrived at the porch of the iconic white-pillared government mansion to tribal drumbeats and dance performed by artists dressed in traditional Ugandan dress. The two leaders then held bilateral talks and held a joint press conference there, following which he joined a select group of guests for the state banquet. In the banquet room he was welcomed by a musical choir that first played the Ugandan National Anthem and followed it with East African Community Anthem. "In the menu served to His Excellency (Ansari) was Ugandana chappatim made specially for him, jeera rice, curry and other traditional African cuisine," a staff at the State House told. Ansari arrived in the Ugandan capital last evening and met Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi at the Vice President Office here today and held bilateral talks to boost ties between the two countries. Later in the evening, he attended a business forum of Indian and Ugandan industry captains and a banquet hosted by the Ugandan Vice President at Hotel Serena where he is staying during his visit. This is the first bilateral visit to Uganda from India since 1997 and Ansari described his meeting with business leaders as "very fruitful" and said the two sides need to engage further to boost cooperation. The Vice President along with wife Salma, is travelling with Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Vijay Sampla, four MPs -- Kanimozhi, Ranvijay Singh Judev, Ranee Narah and P K Biju, and senior officials. The Vice President had said that this visit is part of a "conscious effort" by the Indian government to "intensify interactions" with Africa. PTI Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina to visit India in April International pti-PTI Dhaka, Feb 23: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will visit India in the first half of April, her close aide said on Thursday after Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar called on the Bangladeshi leader here. "This will be a reciprocal visit of our Prime Minister which will take place in the first half of April," Hasina's Deputy Press Secretary M Nazrul Islam told PTI. Jaishankar, who arrived here on a two-day trip after wrapping up his China visit, called on Hasina at her office and the meeting lasted for nearly 30 minutes during which the Foreign Secretary briefed her on recent developments in India-Bangladesh relations and the region. He also discussed preparatory aspects of Hasina's proposed visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had invited her during his Dhaka visit in 2015. Hasina was expected to travel to India in December 2016 but her visit was postponed amid speculation that it was not a suitable time to discuss Teesta water sharing issue given the preoccupation of the Indian government post-demonetisation and the unease in relations between the Centre and West Bengal, a key stakeholder in the issue. During the talks, Jaishankar raised the issue of SAARC and drew her attention to its current deadlock when the premier said "we should not let it die". Hasina told Jaishankar that the two neighbours so far settled different outstanding issues like Land Boundary and enclave problems and "we could solve any problem through discussion if we have good intention", the spokesman said. Officials earlier said the long pending issue of the Teesta water sharing and the proposed Ganges Barrage were the major yet to be settled concerns of Dhaka. "Jaishankar told the Prime Minister that Dhaka-Delhi ties would be strengthened further through her visit," Islam said. Hasina, he said, also sought more discussions on the implementation of the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal) motor vehicle agreement alongside enhanced cooperation in other sectors for peoples' welfare. "The BBIN initiative should be effective and we should solve any problem regarding the initiative through discussion," the spokesman quoted the premier as saying. He said Jaishankar conveyed India's willingness to take more development projects in Bangladesh as per its need. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, PM's Principal Secretary Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque and Indian High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan Shringla were also present at the meeting. Jaishankar also met his Bangladeshi counterpart Shahidul Haque and reviewed the areas of bilateral cooperation. "Both sides noted with appreciation that there has been excellent implementation of decisions taken during the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Bangladesh," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said in New Delhi. He said both sides took stock of decisions taken during the recent meetings of various bilateral mechanisms in the areas of Security & Border Management, Trade and Commerce, Power, Energy, Shipping, Railways etc.. PTI Did Trump admin ask CIA to stop support to rebels in Syria? International oi-Lisa Washington, Feb 23: In what is believed as shift in the policy of US under Donald Trump, the White House has instructed the Central Intelligence Agency to stop military support to armed rebels who are associated with the Free Syrian Army, a group opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Commanders of rebel groups in Syria however believe that the move is temporary and that they will start getting aid from US again. US has been supplying light and heavy ammunition, to the armed rebels who operate under the umbrella of the FSA. CIA has been supplying rebels with antitank missiles, mines and grenades. Reporters of Reuters spoke to senior rebel leaders from five-armed rebel groups which work under the FSA to confirm the news that CIA has been instructed a month back by the White House to stop all assistance to the rebel groups. The rebel leaders informed Reuters that no official reason was given for sudden freeze in all assistance from CIA. As Donald Trump during his election campaign had said that he will stop all support to the FSA and focus on defeating the Islamic State, the rebel leaders believe that this change in CIA's attitude can be result of change in broader policy shift in White House. Some rebel commanders in Syria believe that the freeze in the assistance by CIA was due to attacks against them by Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, a Sunni militant group. The group was earlier allied to al-Qaeda. The rebels believe that CIA has stopped aid fearing the weapons supplied to them will end up in hands of Sunni terrorists. The rebels believe that support will be stopped till the time FSA pushes back the jihadis. Reuters had in its report put comments of two anonymous CIA officials who are familiar with its operations in Syria. One official had said that CIA freezing assistance to FSA rebels had no link with the change in guard in the US. Second official had told Reuters that Trump's Syria policy was not known. Meanwhile, CIA refused to comment on the issue when contacted by various newspapers and news agencies. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, February 23, 2017, 15:58 [IST] Hamid Ansari concludes 5-day Rwanda, Uganda visit International pti-PTI Kamapala, Feb 24: Vice President Hamid Ansari on Thursday left for home after concluding his five-day visit of Rwanda and Uganda during which India signed three major bilateral agreements in Kigali and decided to boost cooperation with the two East African countries. The Vice President left the Ugandan capital tonight at the end of his three-day visit of the country. Ansari held bilateral talks with the top leadership here, including President Yoweri Museveni, Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi. India and Uganda have decided to expand cooperation in the field of energy sector and training of personnel for space programme and peaceful use of atomic energy, even as the resource-rich East African country pitched for Indian companies to manufacture automobiles locally to discourage import of cars. On the last day of his Uganda leg of the two-nation visit, the Vice President also paid floral tribute to the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Jinja, a town about 80 km from here, which is also the source of River Nile. Ansari had arrived in Kampala on February 21, after winding up his three-day Rwanda visit during which he held bilateral talks with President Paul Kagame, President of the Senate Bernard Makuza and attended India-Rwanda Business Forum. At the forum, India and Rwanda signed three MoUs to boost bilateral cooperation in areas of innovation, aviation and visa regime, which includes setting up of an entrepreneurship development centre in that country and starting of a direct flight to Mumbai. In Kigali, Ansari also paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 massacre at the Kigali Genocide Museum and hailed the "resilience and courage" demonstrated by Rwandans in putting behind the hatred and moving ahead on the path of "reconciliation and inclusion". This was the first high-level bilateral visit to Uganda from India since 1997 and first high-level visit to Rwanda. The Vice President along with wife Salma was traveling with Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Vijay Sampla, four MPs -- Kanimozhi, Ranvijay Singh Judev, Ranee Narah and P K Biju, and senior officials. The Vice President had said that this visit was part of a "conscious effort" by the Indian government to "intensify interactions" with Africa. PTI Letters by females in concentration camp handed over to museum International oi-IANS By Ians English Warsaw, Feb 23: Some letters that Polish women prisoners in Germany's Ravensbruck concentration camp during World War II, wrote using urine as 'invisible ink' to their families, have recently been handed over to Lublin Museum, local media reports said. According to Polish TVN 24 portal, the women prisoners were abjected to many inhuman experiments and had full consciousness that they would most probably die. Due to the fact that their correspondence was censored, they used their urine as invisible ink to let their families know the secret information about their fate and the situation within the camp. They used thin wooden sticks to write on the internal side of envelopes or between the lines of 'regular' letter, written with a pencil. The families would iron the letters which made the secret texts visible, Xinhua news agency reported. It all began with two Lublin girls, Nina Iwanska and Krystyna Czyz. Krystyna hinted about using the method to write letters to her family members in a letter to her brother. According to the report, it was also her family who gave 27 letters written between years 1943-1944 to the Lublin Museum. The women in Ravensbruck were victims of inhuman medical experiments. The letters also include information about the camp's functioning, labour and death sentences. Ravensbruck was a German concentration camp for women located in northern Germany. It was opened in May 1939. Between 1939 and 1945, some 130,000 to 132,000 female prisoners passed through the camp, including around 40,000 Polish and 26,000 Jewish. IANS For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, February 23, 2017, 15:53 [IST] My policies will return significant manufacturing jobs to US, says Donald Trump International pti-PTI Washington, Feb 23: US President Donald Trump on Thursday said his policies will return significant amount of manufacturing jobs to the country. "My administration's policies and regulatory reform, tax reform, trade policies, will return significant manufacturing jobs to our country," Trump told a group of top American CEO representing manufacturing sector, which is part of his series of interactions with the business community. "Everything's going to be based on bringing our jobs back, the good jobs, the real jobs. They've left and they're coming back. They have to come back," Trump said. Addressing the CEOs, Trump said several of the US companies have already started bringing jobs back to the US. "You have already seen companies such as Intel, Ford GM, Walmart, Amazon, Fiat -- they came the other day, they're going to make a tremendous investment in the country -- Carrier and many others announce significant new investments in the United States," he said. Ford is doing USD 700 million in Michigan, creating 700 new jobs as a vote of confidence. "We have many other companies doing the same thing. Carrier, as you know. And I got involved very late, almost like by two years late. But many of the jobs that were leaving for Mexico they're bringing back. At least 800 jobs," said the US President. "They are bringing it back. And they actually never got to leave. I have no idea what they did with the plant in Mexico, but we'll have to ask them, because it was largely built," he said, adding that General Motors is investing USD 1 billion in US plants, adding or keeping 7,000 jobs. It is going to be investing a lot more than that over the next fairly short period. Lockheed Martin he said has just announced 1,800 new jobs. Walmart announced plans to create 10,000 jobs, and all of those jobs are going to be in the United States, he said adding that Sprint-SoftBank is putting in USD50 billion because of our election, in the United States over the next four years, to create 50,000 jobs. The 24 CEOs in the room represented nearly USD 1 trillion of sales and 2 million employees. "They share our commitment to bring manufacturing back and to create jobs in this country, which has been the biggest part of my campaign. I would say the border, a big part; military strength, big part; and jobs, big part. I don't want to say which is most important. I guess we always have to say defense is maybe the most important," Trump said. CEOs participating in the interactions included Michael Dell from Dell Technologies, Andrew Liveris from Dow Chemical, Mark Sutton from International Paper, Gregory Hayes from United Technologies, Alex Gorsky from Johnson & Johnson, Keith Leimbach from LiveOps, Wendell Weeks from Corning, Jeff Fettig from Whirlpool, David Farr from Emerson Electric and James Kamsickas from Dana. PTI Trump expected to submit budget blueprint on March 13 International pti-PTI Washington, Feb 22: Capitol Hill Republicans say the White House is planning to submit President Donald Trump's budget plan to Congress in mid-March. GOP aides say the plan is due on March 14. They're expecting Trump's blueprint to contain fewer details than is typical since it's a new administration and Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney was only confirmed last week. The budget submission would include Trump's recommendations on reforming the tax code, cutting agency budgets, and is likely to set off a lengthy and difficult debate, in part because it's sure to project sizable deficits inherited from former President Barack Obama. The GOP aides spoke on condition of anonymity because the White House hasn't made the date public. Calls to the White House budget office were unanswered. PTI 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) did something extremely cruel to their rank-and-file Republican members last week: They sent them home for a week-long recess defenseless in addressing constituents growing fears about losing their Obamacare and Medicaid coverage. Ryan, the GOP leaderships top policy guru, and McConnell, the wily strategist, sought to rally their members late last week on the need to save Americans from the collapse of the Affordable Care Act including rising premiums and declining policy choices as Humana and other major insurers announce their intentions to drop out of the market in the coming year because of huge financial losses. Related: Republicans Eye Medicaid Cuts to Help Finance Their New Health Plan Ryan told his members that he and other GOP leaders were closing in on a plan to repeal much of the Affordable Care Act and replace it with a series of dramatic changes, including a refundable tax credit to help consumers cover premium costs, increased availability of tax-exempt health savings accounts, and a revamping of the Medicaid program for low-income Americans. The House GOP approach loosely spelled out in a thin booklet of talking points -- would preserve a number of features of the existing Obamacare law, including preventing insurers from discriminating against applicants with pre-existing medical problems and allowing children to remain on their parents private health care plans until they turn 26. And the Republicans would experiment with federally financed, state-run high-risk pools to provide coverage to older and sicker Americans who cant find affordable health insurance in the private market. But the disparate talking points lack a coherent framework. And critics say they raise more questions than they answer. Without the benefit of a hard-boiled analysis and scoring by the Congressional Budget Office and the Joint Committee on Taxation that probably wont be available until members return from recess -- there is virtually no way to know what the unfolding GOP Obamacare replacement plan adds up to. Story continues Whats more, the House GOP plan is just one of a handful of plans making the rounds on Capitol Hill. And President Trump has promised to unveil the details of a plan of his own next month. Related: Why Health Care Spending Could Rise Even Faster in the Next 10 Years That may help to explain why many GOP lawmakers have been set back on their heels by probing questions now being posed by Republican and Democratic constituents alike about the future of the health care system if Trump and GOP leaders make good on their campaign pledge to repeal and replace Obamacare. MoveOn.org and other liberal groups are mobilizing members to attend town-hall meetings across the country, The New York Times reported, and MoveOn has created a website, ResistanceRecess.com, to help people find the meetings. The site also includes a guide to health care messaging. Not all of these attendees benefit from Obamacare if any. Their goal is to disrupt the meetings and leave the impression that most of their constituents want the government to continue funding Obamacare. In recent days, Reps. Jason Chaffetz of Utah, Mark Sanford of South Carolina and Tom McClintock of California have been swamped by irate constituents voicing fear and outrage over the possibility they may lose their health insurance, while other Republicans have ducked scheduled town hall meetings, fearing violent confrontations. Just yesterday, Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa was swamped with questions as well at two town hall meetings in Iowa. During one of those meetings at the Iowa Falls community center, Chris Petersen, 62, a pig farmer and self-described progressive Democrat who suffers from diabetes, told Grassley he frets about losing his health insurance, according to Politico. Related: The New Obamacare Rules Help Insurers But Not Consumers If it wasnt for Obamacare, we wouldnt be able to afford insurance, Petersen said. Over 20 million will lose coverage, and with all due respect, sir, youre the man who talked about the death panels [in opposing enactment of Obamacare in 2009]. Youre going to create one great big death panel in this country for people who cant afford to get insurance. Grassley sought to reassure the crowd by saying that there were three or four main GOP health care plans being circulated in Congress that would preserve the most popular features of Obamacare. He ventured to speculate that under any of those alternative GOP plans, the 20 million people currently covered by Obamacare wont lose their coverage. But without the CBO and Joint Committee on Taxation scoring any of those plans, its virtually impossible to assess their impact. Whats more, theres no way of knowing for sure how much of their replacement plan Republicans will be able to enact under the expedited budget reconciliation budget rules they intend to employ this spring or summer to repeal the heart of Obamacares mandates and regulations. Related: The IRS Has Just Made Obamacares Individual Mandate Optional The House Republican talking points begin by indicting the ACAs health insurance marketplaces and Medicaid in an attempt to justify rushing to repeal the former and radically overhaul the latter, the liberal-leaning Center for Budget and Policy Priorities said in a report last week. But in fact, these programs are providing affordable, quality health insurance for tens of millions of Americans, and the ACA has improved coverage for tens of millions more. Dismantling the ACA and restructuring and cutting Medicaid will only worsen health care access, quality, and affordability, the standards by which any health care legislation should be judged. Here are five questions the Republicans cant currently answer: Will the more than 8 million Americans currently holding Obamacare health care coverage and an additional 10 million who qualify for expanded Medicaid still have coverage a year from now when the new Republican plan is phased in? If not, how many will be dropped from the rolls? If someone is currently on either the traditional or expanded Medicaid program for low-income or disabled people, will he or she still have coverage once the Republicans cut and overhaul the programs and turn them into per capita payments or block grants to the states? Will consumers currently using Obamacare have to pay more in premiums and out-of-pocket costs their health care under the new system? What about sick and elderly people who currently are guaranteed health care coverage under Obamacare? What happens if they get shunted into federally funded, state-operated high risk pools as envisioned by the Republicans? If Congress subsequently cuts back funding for the risk pool, will the elderly be out of luck? Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: Brisbane Times 22 Jul 2022 At least 50 protesters were injured, the organisers said, including some journalists who were beaten by security forces. North America Oral Contraceptive Pills Market grows with encouraging women to opt for modern and more effective contraceptive options http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/oral-contraceptive-pills-market.htm http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=8323 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=8323 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ The opportunity in the global oral contraceptive pills market was reported to be US$13.1 bn in 2014 and is anticipated to be worth US$22.9 bn by 2023, registering a steady CAGR of 6.6% therein.Oral Contraceptive Pills Market: SnapshotThe highly competitive oral contraceptive pills market is marked by the presence of several generic product manufacturers, most of which resort to price reduction and free samples to sustain in the market. Oral contraceptive pills are the most common form of reversible contraception in most developed economies of the world, such as Western Europe, the U.S., Canada, and Australia. The adoption and prescription pattern for oral contraceptive pills varies by region, price, and level of awareness and companies have been taking these factors into consideration to up their share in the market.Read Full Press Release:Generic Oral Contraceptive Pills Enjoy Larger Share in Global MarketBy type of product, the oral contraceptive pills market has been segmented into progestin-only, combination, and others. The combination oral contraceptive pills segment led the overall market in 2014 and is projected to register the highest growth rate over the course of the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to their higher efficiency in preventing pregnancies, their easy availability, and their rising preference among consumers.On the basis of category, the market is bifurcated into generic oral contraceptive pills and branded pills. In 2014, generic oral contraceptive pills led the overall market and this segment is projected to record the fastest growth rate by 2023. The growth of this segment can be attributed to the widespread adoption of generic contraceptives facilitated by their low prices and ease of use.Download exclusive Sample of this Report:Favorable Reimbursement Policies in U.S. Spur Adoption of Oral Contraceptive Pills in North AmericaThe global contraceptive pills market is geographically segmented into North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa. North America led the global contraceptive pills market in 2014 primarily owing to a greater incidence of unintended pregnancies in the region. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states in a study that between 2006 and 2010, a 37% of the total pregnancies in the U.S were unintended. A significant proportion of these pregnancies led to abortions, which resulted in a massive yet preventable healthcare expenditure. In a bid to curb this avoidable healthcare expense, the governments of North American countries are encouraging women to opt for modern and more effective contraceptive options. The enforcement of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, in the U.S. and various awareness programs by non-profit organizations have led to the availability of favorable reimbursement policies and the increased sale of emergency oral contraceptive pills in the region.Asia Pacific is viewed as one of the most attractive market for oral contraceptive pills in the course of the forecast period thanks to the steady economic development in countries such as Singapore, India, China, Australia, and Philippines. This economic growth has resulted in the increasing disposable income of the people, surging awareness about family planning and contraceptives, and the desire for healthier living. This, in turn, has led to the rising adoption rate of oral contraceptive pills in the region.Brochure Download:The leading players competing in the global oral contraceptive pills market include Bayer AG, Janssen Global Services, LLC, Allergan,plc (Actavis), Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Piramal Enterprises Ltd., Pfizer, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., and Mankind Pharma Ltd.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: Asia Pacific High Potency Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (HPAPI) Market driven by soaring contract manufacturing activities in the region http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/high-potency-active-pharmaceutical-Ingredients-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=748 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Development of Targeted Therapeutic Drugs Drives Global HPAPI MarketThe booming oncology research and rising cases of cancer, diabetes, and other cardiovascular diseases have created a sizeable demand for dedicated treatments, thereby driving the high potency active pharmaceutical ingredient (HPAPI) market. The HPAPI market stood at a valuation of US$2.64 bn in 2014. The cost containment strategies adopted by companies through outsourcing are favoring market growth. This has brought down the cost of drugs drastically, making them affordable to a larger audience. The positive result of this trend is seen on the increased focus of companies on drug development and commercialization. As a result of these favorable trends, the HPAPI market is projected to be worth US$25.11 bn by 2023. Between 2015 and 2023, the market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.3%.A promising pipeline of targeted therapeutic drugs will also help the market progress in the coming years. These drugs have minimal side effects and impact targeted areas, thereby helping the patient to recover faster with no lingering after effects. These positive perceptions surrounding HPAPIs combined with the near-expiration dates of blockbuster drugs, which will offer several generic drug manufacturers a chance to offer affordable drugs, will further the markets growth. Consistent research and development to mimic branded drugs will create alternative and cost-effective treatments for patients across the globe, thereby augmenting the growth rate of the market.Read Full Report:Emerging Nations in Asia Pacific Becoming Hubs of Generic Drug Manufacturing, to Aid HPAPI Market GrowthAsia Pacific is the expected to be the most lucrative market for high potency active pharmaceutical ingredients due to the soaring contract manufacturing activities in the region. Analysts predict that China will surpass Japans current share of 40% in the Asia Pacific market by the end of 2025. This change will be a result of low labor costs in China, well-equipped manufacturing plants, and supportive foreign exchange policies.India will also be an upcoming high potency active pharmaceutical ingredients market due to the growing concentration of pharmaceutical manufacturing activities in the country. In the forecast period, the country is expected to be the hub for generic drug manufacturing. The growing investments by key players in India are also anticipated to boost this market in the near future. During the forecast period of 2015 to 2023, the Asia Pacific HPAPI market is expected to rise at a CAGR of 10.1%.View exclusive Global strategic Business report :Oncology Drugs Show Maximum DemandThe oncology drugs segment has been the leading segment of the global high potency active pharmaceutical ingredient market. This segment is expected to expand at CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period. The introduction of innovative drugs is the primary growth driver for the oncology segment. Analysts predict that the patent expiry of blockbuster drugs such as Herceptin, Rituxan, and Humira will pave the way for generic drug manufacturers, thereby making these drugs affordable to a wide number of patients.Some of the leading players operating in the global high potency active pharmaceutical ingredient market are WuXi AppTec, Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC, Pfizer, Inc., Sandoz International GmbH, Novasep, Lonza Group, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Cambrex Corporation, and Alkermes plc. The fragmented nature of this market will result in strategies to acquire and merge with regional players to gain the first-mover advantage.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: U.S. Diabetes Injection Pens Market driven by growing healthcare awareness about the treatment and management of glucose levels http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/diabetes-injection-pens-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=8806 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ According to the research report, the opportunity in the global diabetes injection pens market is expected to be worth US$9.7 bn by the end of 2024 as compared to US$4.9 bn in 2015. Between the forecast years of 2016 and 2024, the global market is projected to rise at a CAGR of 7.9%.The leading players operating in the global diabetes injection pens market are Novo Nordisk A/S, Eli Lilly and Company, AstraZaneca plc., Biocon Ltd., and Sanofi S.A. Transparency Market Research reports that the competitive landscape in the global market is consolidated due to dominance of a few large players. Incorporating latest technological innovations to manufacture state-of-art diabetes injection pens will remain the focus of these companies, states the lead author of this research report.Read Full Report:Insulin Pens Show Continued Growth as Users Prefer it Over Pen NeedlesOn the basis of product, the global market is segmented into insulin pens and pen needles. Of these, the insulin pens are anticipated to assume the lead in the global market during the forecast period. By the end of 2024, the insulin pens segment is expected to acquire a share of 64.8%. The convenience of using insulin pens as compared to syringes and pumps is expected to drive their demand in the coming years. In terms geography, the global diabetes injection pens market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Rest of the World. Currently, North America holds a dominating share in the global market due to a high degree of awareness about diabetes and its management. Asia Pacific is projected to grow at a steady rate during the forecast period due to a vast pool of patients that are expected to present a score of opportunities.High Prevalence of Diabetes Creates Ample Opportunities for Diabetes Injection PensPoor lifestyle choices and lack of time to exercise are precursors to the life-altering disease known as diabetes. Genetic predisposition and side-effect of other ailments are also to cause diabetes. Statistics presented by the American Diabetes Association state that about 71,000 die each year due to diabetic complications across the U.S. On a similar note, the International Diabetes Federation stated that there were 415 million diabetics across the world in 2015 and the number is estimated to rise by 10% by 2040. These unfortunate figure indicate a high prevalence of diabetes across the world, which is expected to be the primary growth driver for the growth of the global diabetes injection pens market.Download exclusive Sample of this report:The demand for diabetes injection pens is also expected to be fueled by the increasing cases of needle stick injuries. Usage of needles can lead to percutaneous piercing wounds due to incorrect handling, disassembling, or disposing. Owing to this, several healthcare professionals are promoting the usage of injection pens for administering insulin. Design and development of diabetes injection pens that are safe, easy to use, cost-effective, and relatively pain-free are also likely to encourage type 1 diabetics to use them.Availability of Substitutes Restricts Market GrowthThe steady market growth will waver due to the growing number of substitutes in the market. The introduction of a wide range of technologies are offer substitute products are likely to hamper market growth. Furthermore, the possibility of artificial pancreas and disposable insulin patches are also projected to have a negative impact on the global market in the coming years. Poor reimbursement policies for diabetes injection pens is also restraining the growth rate of the global market.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: Ultra-mobile Devices Market Deep Research Study with Forecast by 2025 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=1103 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=1103 https://www.tmrresearch.com/ultra-mobile-devices-market Global Ultra-mobile Devices (UMD) Market: OverviewUltra-mobile devices (UMD), also referred to as ultra-mobile personal computers (UMPC), the notebook computers with physical features such as screen and overall size scaled down to bring about a reduction in weight make the devise more compact, have emerged as one of the largest selling computing devices in the past few years. These portable and easy to carry computing devices, which majorly pack capabilities and functionalities similar to those of a traditional personal computer, are steadily outpacing the conventional personal computer models.The market for ultra-mobile computing devices is expected to expand at a promising pace in the next few years as the trend of mobility gathers further pace. This report on the global ultra-mobile devices market provides a thorough analytical overview of the market in the present times and several forward-looking statements predicting the growth prospects of the market and its segments for the period 20172025, wherein 2016 is considered the base year.Request a Brochure of the Report @The report covers a detailed analytical overview of all the key trends expected to play a key role in the overall development of the market over the said period. The study highlights factors such as drivers, restraints, regulations, and opportunities expected to impact the growth prospects of the market during the forecast period.Global Ultra-mobile Devices (UMD) Market: Trends and OpportunitiesThe report states that of the key varieties of ultra-mobile devices available in the market, including basic UMD, utility UMD, and premium UMD, the segment of premium UMD accounted for the leading share in revenues in the global market. Operational capabilities equal or enhanced as compared to conventional personal computers, compact size, and high cost have made premium UMDs one of the most profitable UMD segments in the global market in the past few years.Request for TOC of the Report @On the basis of operating system, the global UMD market can be segmented into Windows, Mac, Android, and open source. Presently, the Windows category accounts for the dominant share in the global market and is expected to retain dominance over the next few years as well.Global Ultra-mobile Devices (UMD) Market: Geographical and Competitive DynamicsFrom a geographical perspective, the report analyzes the UMD market across regions such as Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. Of these, the North America market contributed to the leading share in the global markets revenue. The presence of an affluent consumer base and some of the worlds leading UMD manufacturers have helped the region take the top spot in the UMD market.Emerging economies across regions such as Asia Pacific and Latin America have become some of the worlds profitable destinations for the personal computers market owing to the rising population of affluent and digitally aware consumers and the burgeoning enterprise and education sectors. However, the high prices of UMDs could crop up as one of the key challenges for markets expansion in these regions, making people favor budget computing devices over UMDs. The consumer perception that UMDs lack in data processing or operating functionalities as compared to conventional personal computers could also be a factor limiting the overall demand for ultra-mobile devices to mostly business professionals and enterprise circles in these regions.Read Complete Report @The study also includes business profiles of some of the leading players operating in the global immersive simulator market with details such as recent developments, growth strategies, market share, market positioning, finances, and product portfolio. Some of the leading companies operating in the global UMD market are HTC Corporation, Google, Dell, Microsoft Corporation, Lenovo, ASUSTeK Computer Inc., Apple Inc., Sony, HP Development Company L.P., and Samsung.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact :Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-518-618-1030Email: sales@tmrresearch.com Global Solar PV Back Sheet Consumption, Industry Analysis, Trends, Growth, Forecast 2016 Market Research Report http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/720318 The Global Solar PV Back Sheet Consumption 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Solar PV Back Sheet market.First, the report provides a basic overview of the Solar PV Back Sheet industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. And development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures.Secondly, the report states the global Solar PV Back Sheet market size (volume and value), and the segment markets by regions, types, applications and companies are also discussed.Third, the Solar PV Back Sheet market analysis is provided for major regions including USA, Europe, China and Japan, and other regions can be added. For each region, market size and end users are analyzed as well as segment markets by types, applications and companies.Then, the report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specifications, sales, market share and contact information. Whats more, the Solar PV Back Sheet industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered.Get Sample Copy Of This Report: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.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. We have built a veritable reputation for our commitment to fulfilling our clients' exacting market research solutions.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Magnesium Sulphate Market Dynamics, Comprehensive Analysis, Business Growth, Prospects and Opportunities 2016-2027 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/ask-sample-request/magnesium-sulphate-market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/articles/magnesium-sulphate-market Article BriefThis article provides an overview about the Global Magnesium Sulphate Market Industry Analysis & Forecast to 2027, there by offering insights on key present growth indicators and forecast indicators such as drivers, restrains, opportunities and trends that are involved in shaping the market.IntroductionMagnesium Sulphate is a chemical compound which is a mix of magnesium, sulphur & oxygen. Its formula is MgSO4. Magnesium sulphate frequently faced as sulphate mineral & epsomite are also knows as Epsom Salt. It is used in many sectors including Healthcare & Agriculture. In medical, it is used both i.e. internally & externally. It is also a main preparation of intravenous magnesium. Use of internal includes- replacements therapy hypomagnesaemia, exacerbations of asthma, eclampsia & cerebral palsy. External use include in pregnancy. In agriculture, magnesium sulphate is kind of fertilizer used in especially promoting healthier growth of plants such as tomatoes among others.Market Growth InfluencerGlobal Magnesium Sulphate has very broad market in 21st century and it has been evaluated as $XX Billion. Counties located in APAC region like India, China and Japan where healthcare and agriculture sector together contributes more than 40% of total GDP.MRFR analyst has predicted that healthcare sector in India is about to grow near $285 billion by the year 2020 which means more demand for medicine. Another driver for magnesium sulphate market is revolution in agriculture. As new technologies are coming in field of farming, demand for magnesium sulphate is increasing. As new processes are coming out from R&D department of companies about the use of magnesium sulphate demand for magnesium sulphate market is increasing and will keep increasing. On the contrary, allergic reactions such as skin infection, diarrhoea or upset stomach could hamper the growth of the market.Request a Sample Report @Market SegmentationFor the purpose of study, Market Research Future segmented the Magnesium Sulphate Market into product type, product applications. Product type includes- powder, solid crystal & liquid. On the basis of grade, the global magnesium sulphate market can be further segmented into: Kieserite (magnesium sulphate monohydrate), Magnesium sulphate anhydrous (calcined kieserite), and Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate heptahydrate). These forms of Magnesium sulphate are used in different industry for various works. By distribution channel it is available online as well as offline. The applications for Magnesium Sulphate are in the sector of healthcare sector, R&D, Chemical industry, Food sector, Agriculture and others.Regional Analysiso APAC Magnesium Sulphate MarketGlobal Magnesium sulphate market has very strong hold on APACregion. As health care & agriculture sector are going in this region demand for Magnesium sulphate are shooting high resulting new companies to enter into the market and meet the and supply. India and China together holds about 36% of population and 40% of Indias population is dependent on agriculture. In China, near 33% of total population are employed in agriculture which means magnesium sulphate which helps in preserving the plants has huge opportunities in these countries including other counties of APAC regiono Europe Magnesium Sulphate MarketThis region is more into technology and most of demand for magnesium sulphate comes from the healthcare sector. Counties like Germany, Italy, and France who receive near 7% of total GDP from healthcare. This states that these countries have high demand from healthcare and healthcare product resulting demand for Magnesium Sulphate.Prominent Market PlayersThe prominent players present in the Global Magnesium Sulphate Market are: COMPO GmbH & Co. KG U.S. Chemicals LLC Baymag QingHai Salt Lake Industry SDIC Xinjiang Luobupo Potash Geermuzige Potash Qinghai Hanhai Group Rech Chemical Yash Chemicals Hengyang Jumbo Feed Additives Jinxing Chemical K+S Group KOLOD Mani Agro Chem HebeiRongkemeiye and othersAccess Report Details @Market Research Future introduces about the global Magnesium Sulphate market during the forecast period to 2027 which mainly includes the growth drivers, trends and restrains and how the market will grow in the future across the globe. In this report Market Research Future has focused on the current market scenario which includes market segmentation, market dynamics, and competitive landscape along with company profiles.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 Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.comOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Centrify Analytics Service Stops Breaches in Real-time Based on User Behavior Bill Mann, Cheif Product Officer, Centrify www.centrify.com February 22, 2017, Dubai, UAE - Centrify, the leader in securing hybrid enterprises through the power of identity services, announced the release of its new Analytics Service. This new service uses machine learning to assess risk based on constantly-evolving user behavior patterns. It then assigns a risk score, and enforces an appropriate decision determining whether the users access is granted, requires step-up authentication, or is blocked entirely.According to a new Forrester study, commissioned by Centrify, an astonishing two-thirds of organizations experienced an average of five security breaches in the past two years. And billions of usernames and passwords have been stolen and made available for these types of attacks, increasing risk of further breaches. The power of these attacks is in their perfect camouflage. Attackers look just like legitimate users, raising no suspicion, since all IT sees is regular user activity.Breaking the cycle of breachCentrify gives IT the power to break the cycle of account exploitation and impersonation, to stop attacks that lead to data breaches. Not only are anomalous access requests stopped in real time, but potentially compromised accounts are flagged and elevated to ITs attention speeding analysis and greatly minimizing the effort required to assess risk across todays hybrid IT environment. And, arming IT with machine learning frees them from manually creating policy across all their endpoints, apps, sites, services and resources.Balancing security and optimal end-user experienceBuilding security policy for employees, contractors, partners and privileged IT users has typically favored security over user experience. Behavior-based scoring means users get a frictionless experience when they present low risk, easing access and improving productivity while maintaining high security.By tailoring security policy to each individuals behavior and automatically flagging risky behavior, were helping IT professionals minimize the risk of being breached with immediate visibility into account risk, without poring over millions of log files and massive amounts of historical data, said Bill Mann, chief product officer at Centrify. And thanks to our broad set of enforcement points that include endpoints, applications and IT infrastructure, we can enforce risk-based policy in real time, at the point of access. This means high-risk threats can be blocked, while low-risk users get authorized access to apps, privileged credentials, or privileged sessions.Risk-based access gives IT new insights through risk scoring for end and privileged users to control policy and what action should be taken for a given risk level. Examples of risk-based access include: Single sign-on (SSO) to applications: As long as end-users behavior is in keeping with typical access, it presents low risk, and IT can provide easy one-click access to their apps. Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) for password checkout: When an IT admin checks out a privileged credential or initiates a privileged session to a server or other resource from a location thats not typical, the risk level is elevated, and the admin is prompted for further authentication. MFA for outsourced IT: If an attacker attempts to leverage an outsourced IT credential from an unknown or previously unseen device, access can be blocked entirely, stopping the attack before it can gain traction.Since this new service is part of the Centrify Identity Services Platform, customers can implement risk-based policy across their boundaryless hybrid enterprise of endpoints, cloud applications, IaaS, and IT servers and resources for more detailed heuristics and more effective policy. Available as an add-on to Centrify Identity Service and Centrify Privilege Service, the service is a natural extension of Centrifys adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication, adding machine learning that both eases configuration for IT and eliminates constant MFA challenges to simplify end user access.About CentrifyCentrify redefines security from a legacy static perimeter-based approach to protecting millions of scattered connections in a boundaryless hybrid enterprise. As the only industry recognized leader in both Privileged Identity Management and Identity-as-a-Service, Centrify provides a single platform to secure each users access to apps and infrastructure through the power of identity services. This is Next Dimension Security in the Age of Access. Centrify is enabling over 5,000 customers, including over half the Fortune 50, to defend their organizations. To learn more visitThe Breach Stops Here.CentrifyDubai Internet CityBuilding 5 G12Dubai, UAE+971 4 557 6113 Making a Millionaire: How a one-year startup is enabling people to quit their full-time jobs www.moteefe.com As the rise of millennials becoming entrepreneurs hits an all-time high, social commerce platform Moteefe has enabled hundreds of self-starters to create significant revenue streams through their own online businesses.Social commerce is the usage of social media to drive online sales and is the fastest growing area of e-commerce. Sellers on the Moteefe platform can create custom products based on users hobbies, passions, political views and locations; all before selling to specific target audiences via social networking platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.With millions of sales through the site in 2016 - its first full year in the market - and with a month on month overall growth of 35%, the social commerce platform is seeing a large portion of sellers quit the daily 9-5 in favour of growing their own online businesses. The first sellers to quit their jobs to work full-time on their Moteefe campaigns earned, on average, their annual salary in just 6 months, with one seller making over 200,000 in just one month in 2016.Between 2011 and 2015, social commerce experienced significant growth - leaping from $5 billion in sales annually to $30 billion in just four years - and one in seven of the UK workforce were classed as freelancers in 2016 according to the Office for National Statistics. With advances in technology and cloud-based software driving this trend, many entrepreneurs are waving goodbye to the rigid four walls of the office in favour of the laptop lifestyle.Moteefes CEO Mathijs Eefting said: Todays technology-driven culture is enabling young entrepreneurs the opportunities to work on what theyre passionate about, become their own boss and make a considerable amount of money. Many millennials simply want the freedom to work hard and become their own boss, and Moteefe provides a risk-free opportunity to do just that.Its much more than designing and selling t-shirts. We knew our main aim was to help people build their own businesses but seeing the increasing numbers of people working with us full-time only 18 months after the platform launched is mind-blowing.With Moteefe currently completing its second round of funding in the coming weeks, the platform will be further expanding its opportunities in the ever-increasing social media-led industry in 2017. By 2020, the company aims to provide full-time income streams to thousands of young entrepreneurs around the world.Notes to Editors:Moteefe is a social commerce platform providing a solution for users to sell customised products through social media. The solution enables social commerce entrepreneurs to monetise their online communities.Moteefe provides an end-to-end solution and eliminates the need for their entrepreneurs to source a supply chain, manage production, distribute a product on time, deal with a constant supply of customer queries, run a dedicated website Moteefe takes care of it all. The platform provides all the heavy lifting and expertise to help entrepreneurs create and market successful products, ensuring that nothing stands in the way of their great idea.Founded in 2015 by Mathijs Eefting, Lev Kundin and Olivier Stapylton-Smith who met while completing their MBA at INSEAD in 2014, the company is backed by Ascension Ventures and Fuel Ventures and is currently based in West London.Contact:Rebecca Crutchleypr@moteefe.com / rebecca@moteefe.com1 Derry StreetKensingtonLondonW8 5HY 19 years and still taken mazing images. beautiful, unobtrusive, creative Images Philip Sturdevant who owns Iris Photography & Design has a new website with some of his best work to showcase to the General public, showing his new product like 'Word Art' and, the beautiful wedding box albums which contains DVD, USB Key and, photographs for your keepsakes.Phil Sturdevant has been a professional photographer for over 19 years, in that time he has taken photographs of the Princess Royal, won a princes trust award, taken weddings in Florence in Italy and, I was voted the top 150 photographers worldwide, 2 years running 2012 & 1213. 'The Photographers Forum' which I have this accolades, 72,000 photographs took part. Iris Photography & Design has only taken part twice and won on both occasions. . Have I got your attention now?Studying photography in the evening after work, he was rewarded with N.C.F 1&2, City & Guild in fine art and design, A level in 'Fine art and Design and, HND, HNC in Graphics Communication. Working with film developing and print photographs, and now digital photography has crafted his skills to make the best possible understanding of any job you wish Iris Photography & Design to undertake.Not only does Phil love the work of the late Bob Carlos Clarke, which Phil has written a brief history about him, he also likes graphic designers Ruth Ansel, Alexey Brodovitch and Jamie Read and others Again, something to read about their history, and how they changed their respective industries.Iris Photography & Designs can now be contracted out too clients for their job needs to design & print, even website design. Word Art has proven popular at very reasonable prices, to clients wish.If you are looking for unobtrusive, creative, beautiful images to tell the story of one of the most amazing days of your life, get in touch and tell me all about your wedding plans. I cannot wait to hear about your wedding. Photography has taken me around the world and, I am offering my skills to you. I can even offer my amazing Maserati Quattroporte for wedding car hire.History of Iris Photography & Design work experience in all areas of photography and Design. Now with car hire and now word art products.BlossomsStanden AveNewportIsle of WightPO30 5PQ44+7977884443 New Powertron PCS Series from VPG Foil Resistors Offers Industry-Exclusive Reliability and Long-Term Stability New Vishay Foil Resistors Powertron PCS Series www.vpgfoilresistors.com www.powertron.de http://www.vpgsensors.com/ www.vpgfoilresistors.com; www.powertron.de The VPG Foil Resistors product group of Vishay Precision Group (NYSE: VPG) (), manufacturers of the industrys most precise and stable Bulk Metal Foil resistors, today announced the global market launch of the Powertron PCS Series, a high-reliability power current sensor family, offering exceptional long-term stability, reliability and performance.Design of the Powertron PCS Series incorporates VPGs own proprietary Bulk Metal Foil technology, combining high-precision resistors with both high power and a low temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). The result is a power current sensor which offers truly industry-exclusive, high-precision measurements, without the need for compensation for external temperature effects. Units are offered in 73 unique standard packages, with resistance ranges from 1 mOhm to 10 Ohms, a TCR down to 3 ppm, and load stability and resistance tolerances to 0.01%. They are lead free and RoHS compliant. To meet 30 Watt power requirements, the PCS Series may be further mounted to an external heat sink. This allows them to provide three times more rated power than any other comparable industry model.The Powertron brand of VPG Foil Resistors specializes in the design and manufacture of reliable high-precision resistors and power current sensors. Hundreds of standard model configurations are derived from one of the industrys most extensive portfolios of customer-selectable housings, materials, substrates, and metal foil grade combinations. Depending upon selected model, individual resistor networks may be reconfigured prior to shipment, at customer request. High-precision Powertron resistors feature multiple metal foil grade options, including CuMnSN, CuNiMn and NiCr, which are integrated along with VPGs own patented Bulk Metal Foil technology to create high-reliability finished product designs. For high-power applications, VPG designs and manufactures its own Powertron thick-film chips, featuring less demanding load stability, TCR and resistance tolerances. Custom packages, configurations, parameters, and specifications may be further produced in OEM volumes with competitive lead times. Please consult the factory for details.For added customer convenience, all Powertron standard products are accompanied by full 3D support of individual part designs for the BOM, including PCB libraries for layout support. Typical applications for the Powertron PCS Series include medical instrumentation, high-end measuring equipment, high-precision power supplies, battery management, and power converters. They may also be used as effective drop-in replacements for legacy competitive models, in applications where extended performance and a low TCR are required. For more information about the PCS Series, or other Powertron offerings from the VPG Foil Resistors product group, visitBulk Metal is a registered trademark of Vishay Precision Group, Inc. (VPG).-###-About VPGVishay Precision Group, Inc. is an internationally recognized designer, manufacturer and marketer of: components based on its resistive foil technology; sensors; and sensor-based systems specializing in the growing markets of stress, force, weight, pressure, and current measurements. VPG is a market leader of foil technology products, providing ongoing technology innovations in precision foil resistors and foil strain gages, which are the foundation of the companys force sensors products and its weighing and control systems. The product portfolio consists of a variety of well-established brand names recognized for precision and quality in the marketplace. To learn more, visit VPG atAbout VPG Foil ResistorsVPG Foil Resistors produces the most precise and stable resistors available. Distinguished by the premier brands Vishay Foil Resistors, Powertron, and Alpha Electronics, the VPG Foil Resistors portfolio includes discrete resistors and resistor networks in surface mount and through-hole (fixed-lead) configurations; customized chip resistor networks; precision trimming potentiometers; and discrete chips for use in hybrid circuits. These devices are used in applications requiring a high degree of precision and stability, such as in medical testing equipment, semiconductor equipment, precision measuring instruments, aerospace, and military applications. To learn more about VPG Foil Resistors, visitPowertron can be reached atVishay Precision Group, Inc.(Vishay Foil Resistors Product Group)3 Great Valley Pkwy # 150Malvern, PA 19355 USAPR Contact:Molly Bakewell ChamberlinPresident/Sensors Industry Subject Matter ExpertEmbassy Global, LLCinquiries@embassyglobalpr.com VPG Transducers Introduces High-Reliability Load Pins with Best-in-Class Safe Overload Capacity VPG Transducers Introduces High-Reliability Load Pins with Best-in-Class Safe Overload Capacity www.vpgtransducers.com www.vpgtransducers.com www.vpgsensors.com The VPG Transducers business unit of Vishay Precision Group, Inc. (NYSE:VPG), global designers and manufacturers of standard and custom force, pressure, torque, load, tension and weight sensors, today announced the global market introduction of its Model 5113 and Model 5117 load pins.Model 5113 and Model 5117 load pins provide reliable and repeatable measurements of force, tension, load, and overload parameters, with an industry best-in-class safe overload capacity of up to 250 kN. Their robust design incorporates VPGs own proprietary foil strain gage sensing technology, bonded onto a zinc-plated hardened alloy steel body. Units are highly compact, with the Model 5113 measuring 38 millimeters, and the Model 5117 measuring just 25 millimeters, facilitating their ease of installation within space constrained environments.The load pins are offered in choices of three unique rated capacities from 25 to 60 kN. They further incorporate an embedded ratiometric voltage output converter and IP66 environmental protection. Alternate connector types, cable lengths and other customization options are available upon request. Please consult VPG Transducers for details.The long-term stability and reliability of Models 5113 and 5117 make them an ideal choice for the support of virtually any control or safety system, including those operating under severe load and environmental conditions. Both models may be used as direct drop-in replacements for legacy load pin solutions, including those installed within typical off-highway and agricultural vehicle trailer hitch systems. In this instance, the Model 5117 is typically mounted onto the top arm, while the Model 5113 is installed onto the bottom arm. Other applications include off-road vehicles, plowing vehicles, cranes, hoisting gear, pulley shafts, winches, chain and brake anchors, bearing blocks, tensioning systems, elevators, floor conveyors, commercial and civil aircraft, chemical processing and R&D. For detailed product specifications, pricing, applications engineering support, or additional information, visitFor further information, please contact:Technical:Stephane SangouardOEM/Custom Solutions TeamVPG TransducersStephane.sangouard@vpgsensors.comEditorial:Molly Bakewell ChamberlinPresident/Sensors Industry Subject Matter ExpertEmbassy Global, LLCinquiries@embassyglobalpr.comAbout VPG TransducersVPG Transducers is comprised of the Tedea-Huntleigh, Sensortronics, Revere, and Celtron brands of Vishay Precision Group (VPG). Our transducers use advanced strain gage technology, enabling VPG to offer a wide range of standard and custom-tailored sensors and solutions for measuring force (weight, torque, pressure, etc.).About VPGVishay Precision Group, Inc. is an internationally recognized designer, manufacturer and marketer of: components based on its resistive foil technology; sensors; and sensor-based systems specializing in the growing markets of stress, force, weight, pressure, and current measurements. VPG is a market leader of foil technology products, providing ongoing technology innovations in precision foil resistors and foil strain gages, which are the foundation of the companys force sensors products and its weighing and control systems. The product portfolio consists of a variety of well-established brand names recognized for precision and quality in the marketplace. To learn more, visit VPG atVishay Precision Group, Inc.(VPG Transducers business unit)3 Great Valley Pkwy #150Malvern, PA 19355 USA New Partners, a new location, and Cutting-edge technology Propel Lewis Builders to reshape the Local Home Building and Remodeling industry for Monterey County Residents www.lewisbuilder.com http://www.lewisbuilder.com L to R: Scott Julian, Chief Operations Officer, Kenny Boyd, Chief Financial Officer and John Lewis, Chief Executive OfficerCarmel, California, February 22, 2017 - John Lewis, founder of Lewis Builders, has wasted no time starting the new year off with positive change for Monterey County residents. Along with an office move into retail space in The Barnyard of Carmel, he recently announced the addition of two key business partners, Kenny Boyd and Scott Julian. This means the local home building industry will not only be adding resources, but will also see a fresh approach integrating technology into the project management and design process.As industry professionals, Boyd and Julian bring their expertise, diverse background and enthusiasm to the vision of growing the company to meet the extreme demand for local remodeling, home building, and Aging-in-Place needs.Following a passionate career in real estate investing and being a client of Lewis Builders for years, Kenny Boyd has officially become a partner of Lewis Builders. Boyd says, Lewis Builders made themselves indispensable to my business so it only made sense to invest into the company and help John, not only grow the business, but more importantly take care of the financial side of the business so he can spend more time doing what he is good at - designing and building homes.Boyd is passionate about leveraging his intelligence and knowledge in real estate and business management to keep the talent in the field doing what they love and enabling them to create a bigger impact on our community.Kenny is the guy that will keep your project on budget and make sure money is being spent efficiently. He takes pride in being a steward of your funds and creating financial clarity for your project, says Lewis.Scott Julian also joined Lewis to continue the customer centric vision while leading the implementation of a custom client-focused software and mobile app solution, giving clients day-to-day transparency to the project progress, material selections and financials.Scott brings unique experience and credentials to the Aging-in-Place focus of our business, lending additional insight and expertise to help our clients build the home of their dreams with the comfort of knowing it is built to be aging friendly, without compromising beauty or design, says Lewis.About Lewis BuildersSince 1999, Lewis Builders has brought clients dream homes and visions to life by delivering exceptional quality and maximizing value. John Lewis niche is bringing together a clients style, preferences and dreams into a concept and then a reality.Newly redesigned website at:New address: 3706 The Barnyard, Suite G-11, Carmel, CA 93923Contact: Lewis Builders (831) 758-6391 | Email: john@johnlewisgroup.comFor Media Interviews Contact: Marci Bracco Cain (831) 747-7455 or marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.comContact:Marci Bracco CainChatterbox PRSalinas, CA 93901(831) 747-7455marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com Asia Pacific Homeopathy Product Market driven by increasing population and demand for alternative low cost medicines http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/homeopathy-product-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=16460 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Global Homeopathy Product Market: SnapshotThe global market for homeopathy products has skyrocketed in the past few years, with sales of amounting to billions of dollars in key regions such as Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Middle East and Africa. Aversion to allopathic medicines, a constant rise in demand for convenient dosages of a variety of medicines, and an increase in consumer confidence about alternate treatment methodologies are all significantly fueling the market growth.Furthermore, with the growing amount of disposable income available with individuals, especially from developing regions, the expenditure on the global homeopathy products market has substantially increased over the past few years. This factor is expected to continue benefitting the market due to a lot of homeopathy medicines being reasonably priced but often not being covered by insurance.Transparency Market Research estimates that the global homeopathy product market will exhibit a promising 18.2% CAGR over the period between 2016 and 2024. If the number holds true, the market, which valued at US$3,867.7 mn in 2015, is expected to reach US$17,486.2 mn by 2024.Read Full Report:Demand for Convenient Dosages to Bolster Demand for Homeopathic Products in Dilution FormOn the basis of product type, the study examines homeopathy medicine varieties in forms such as as tablet, tincture, biochemics, dilutions, and ointments. Of these, the dilutions segment is anticipated to account for US$6,253.9 mn by 2024, registering a substantially high CAGR of 17.8% over the forecast period. The high demand for homeopathy products in dilutions form can be attributed to the increasing demand for convenient dosage forms. The segment is estimated to account for the dominant share of 36.8% in the global homeopathy product market by 2016 end but is expected to decrease to 35.8% by 2024.The tincture segment is expected to follow closely with a value share of 19.5% by 2024 and a CAGR of 17.8% over the period between 2016 and 2024. The segment of ointments is expected to be the most promising in terms of future growth prospects. The study states that the market for homeopathy ointments will exhibit a CAGR of 19.8% from 2016 through 2024, accounting for nearly 12% of the overall market by 2024.Market in Middle East and Africa to Witness Most Promising GrowthOn the basis of geography, the market for homeopathy products in Europe is projected to remain dominant in the global market throughout the forecast period. Homeopathic product in Europe region is estimated to account for the most significant share of 37.9% in 2016, which is expected to decrease to 36.4% by 2024.Download exclusive Sample of this report:The market for homeopathic products is expected to witness a robust growth in the Asia Pacific region owing to increasing population and demand for alternative low cost medicines. The regional market is expected to exhibit a strong CAGR of 18.9% over the forecast period. It is also expected to benefit from rising online sales of homeopathic products and intense competition among homeopathic product manufacturers across key developing and developed countries in the region.The homeopathy products market in Middle East and Africa projected to be the one with the most promising growth rate in the near future, an estimated 21.1% CAGR from 2016 through 2024. The MEA region has witnessed rapid increase in disposable income over the last few years and this has subsequently led to an increase in the number of consumers able to pay for homeopathy product.The report also profiles some of the leading homeopathic products manufacturers operating in the global homeopathic products market. Key market players featured in the report include Boiron Group, Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH, A Nelson & Co Ltd, GMP Laboratories of America, Inc., Standard Homeopathic Company (Hyland's, Inc.), Washington Homeopathic Products, Inc., Homeocan inc., Hahnemann Laboratories, Inc., Mediral International Inc., and Ainsworths Ltd.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: North America Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market drives with maximum cases of COPD and asthma http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/respiratory-monitoring-devices.htm http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=1415 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ According to a new market report published by Transparency Market Research Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market (By Product Spirometers, Peak Flow Meters, Pulse Oximeters, and Capnographs; By End-user Hospitals, Laboratories, Home Use) Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 20152023, the global respiratory monitoring devices market was valued at US$1.4 bn in 2014 and is estimated to reach US$2.8 bn by 2023 at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2015 to 2023.Respiratory disease is a medical condition that affects the structure and organs (respiratory system) associated with respiration or breathing. Equipment used to detect pulmonary abnormalities hold immense potential due to increasing prevalence of various respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, and pneumonia. Moreover, rising geriatric population and technological advancements would increase demand for respiratory disease testing products globally. However, low adoption rate of advanced equipment due to high cost and limited applications are the factors that restrict demand.Read Full Press Release :North America accounted for the largest share of the global respiratory monitoring devices market in 2014. North America dominated the market due to increasing prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases, implementation of technological platforms, and intense governmental regulations relating to public health issues. Major types of respiratory monitoring devices that contribute to the growth of the market in North America include spirometers and pulse oximeters. Pulse oximeters was the largest segment of the respiratory monitoring devices market in North America in 2014.Europe was the second largest market for respiratory monitoring devices in 2014 due to factors such as significant use of respiratory tests by hospitals and laboratories. Germany held the largest share of the respiratory monitoring devices market in Europe due to large patient population base and sophisticated health care infrastructure. Factors attributed to the rapid growth of the respiratory monitoring devices market in Europe are increasing geriatric population and rising incidence of respiratory disorders. According to the European Commission (EC), population aged 65 years and above is anticipated to increase from 17% to 30% by 2060. Such rise in geriatric population would boost the uptake of respiratory monitoring devices.Download exclusive Sample of this Report:Asia Pacific was the third largest market for respiratory monitoring devices in 2014 and is likely to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period from 2015 to 2023. Larger population base leading to high patient enrollment rate and implementation of government initiatives aimed at improving health care access are anticipated to propel the market in Asia Pacific. In addition, increase in the prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases in developing regions in Asia Pacific contribute to the growth of the respiratory monitoring devices market in the region.CareFusion Corporation, Smiths Medical, ResMed, Inc., Masimo Corporation. COSMED, GE Healthcare, MGC Diagnostic Corporation, ndd Medical Technologies, Inc., and others are the major players operating in the global respiratory monitoring devices market. CareFusion Corporation and Smiths Medical were the market leaders in 2014.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: Swine Feed Market 2016-2026 Shares, Trend and Growth Report http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1163 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1163 www.futuremarketinsights.com Market OverviewThe demand for food additives to enhance the food quality of animal nutrition products is witnessing an upsurge globally. As a result, the adoption of enhanced fodder has increased in several animal husbandry branches, especially pig farming. Swine feed production is expected to register a significant boost, owing to the rise in the global consumption of pork. In order to avoid spread epizootic diseases caused due to improper nutrition, the global swine husbandry sector is anticipated to increase the demand for healthy and functional swine feed.Additionally, the increasing awareness about the health of a pig has resulted in consumers compelling the pig farmers to use swine feed products that keep the pigs immune from enzootic disorders. Also, the use of enhanced swine feed is expected to lower the incidence rate of animal epidemics, thereby fuelling the demand in the global swine feed market.Request Report Sample@Global Swine Feed Market: Growth DriversThe global market for swine feed will continue to grow, owing to the global trend of maintaining the optimum health of domesticated meat animals such as pigs. Providing better swine feed for pig husbandry ensures the health of the consumer eating the pork meat, creating an indirect impact of the health of the global pork-eating human population. Besides this, the other key factors driving the growth of the global swine feed market include,Growing demand for quality porkPork is one of the most-consumed meat in the world, and its culinary experimentations have resulted in the rise in demand for quality pork, which can be harvested only through the feeding quality swine food to the pigs.Escalating pork pricesThe growing consumption of pork is inflating the prices of pork. This has benefitted the pig farmers in earning more income, which has supplemented the adoption of quality swine feed.Increasing instances of disease outbreakThe rising incidences of disease outbreak due to consumption of infected pork meat has influenced the demand for enhanced swine feed that optimises the health of pigs.Request For TOC@Asia Pacific: A Leading Key Region for Swine FeedThe global market for swine feed is geographically segmented into seven key regions of the world. Among them, China will continue to have the highest concentration of pig population. The demand for swine feed is anticipated to be relatively high in Vietnam, Philippines and Thailand, among other Asia Pacific countries. Europe and North America are expected to continue being the leading regions in terms of pork consumption. The US is expected to be one of the key regions favouring the growth in the number of swine feed producers and manufacturers.Global Swine Feed Market: SegmentationApart from the geographical classification, the global swine feed market is further segmented on the basis of fodder classifications, the types of feed additives and the elemental essence of the swine feed.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.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Social Media Analytics Market to Garner $9,383 Million, Globally, by 2022 Social Media Analytics https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/social-media-analytics-market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-free-sample/1929 The market in North America is more productive as compared to others with diverse end-users implementing social media analytics at a greater extent. Furthermore, it is projected to generate the highest market revenue during the forecast period with predominant deployments in the retail sector.Social Media Analytics Market Report, published by Allied Market Research, forecasts that the global market was valued at $1,269 million in 2014 and is projected to reach $9,383 million by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 29.2% from 2016 to 2022. The retail sector segment dominated the total end-user market in 2014.View full summary at:Social media analytics is used to evaluate data traces, which enables insights for social and business uses. It also helps the business to execute any brand campaign. Many enterprises are yet to discover its true potential. With a huge chunk of social media content exploding every second, social media analytics may become one of the most important tools for companies to make strategies and implement short-term plans.Increase in number of social media users, rise in expenditure on analytics, and growth in market strategies & competitive intelligence are expected to drive the growth of the global social media analytics market. In addition, factors such as increase in cloud adoption and high rate of deployment in SMEs are expected to provide lucrative opportunity for the market growth. However, lack of skilled expertise and complexities in analytical workflow hamper the growth of the social media analytics market.In 2014, customer behavioral analysis segment accounted for the maximum revenue share in the overall applications of social media analytics market. This is due to the increase in rivalry paired with the need for effective brand promotion, which drives the requirement of customer behavioral analysis. In addition, marketing management segment is expected to witness the fastest growth at CAGR of 30.9% during the forecast period.Enquire more about report at:The retail sector dominated the global social media analytics market in 2014 due to various advantages of social media analytics such as increase in brand awareness, better connection with audiences, creating hype around products, reduced gaps in the sales cycle. Furthermore, other end user segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 30.1% during the forecast period (2016-2022).Asia-Pacific is estimated to grow at the fastest rate due to increase in the adoption of social media analytics industry and extensive growth rate in China, Japan, Philippines, and India pertaining to the increase in number of social media users and flourishing retail sector.Key Findings of the Social Media Analytics Market: Travel & hospitality, and other end-user sectors are expected to exhibit a significant increase in the social media analytics market growth. Customer behavioral analysis generated the highest revenue among other applications. Asia-Pacific is projected to exhibit a substantial growth during the forecast period.The key players profiled in the report include Oracle Corporation, Adobe Systems, Inc., IBM Corporation, SAP SE, Netbase Solutions, Inc., Hootsuite Media, Inc., Tableau Software, Crimson Hexagon, SAS Institute, and Salesforce.com Inc.About Us:Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions". AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.Contact Us:5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220,United States.Int'l: +1-503-894-6022Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285Fax: +1-800-792-5285help@alliedmarketresearch.com Global Foot & Ankle Braces Market- Bauerfeind AG, DJO Global, Ossur, Ottobock, BSN Medical and Breg Foot & Ankle Braces http://bit.ly/2ls1CVr http://bit.ly/2ma6j7N The market research report by QY Research provides detailed study on the overall Foot & Ankle Braces market size, its financial positions, its unique selling points, key products, and key developments. This research report has segmented the Foot & Ankle Braces market based on the segments covering all the domains in terms of type, country, region, forecasting revenues, and market share, along with analysis of latest trends in every sub-segment.Browse Complete Report with TOC @The qualitative segmentation of Foot & Ankle Braces market covered in the report gives in-depth information of the overall market. Furthermore, the market size, share, forecast trends, analysis, sales, supply, production, demand, major manufacturers, end-users, and many other vital factors are comprised in the Market Research Foot & Ankle Braces report by QY Research. By these comprehensive data, it is simple to take and make precise and accurate decisions taking into consideration the present market situation and the forecasts of the global market, which in turn may result into profitable step for our clients.A competitive landscape that identifies the major competitors of the global market and their market share are further highlighted in the research report. A deliberate profiling of major competitors of the Foot & Ankle Braces market as well as a inclusive analysis of their current developments, core competencies, and investments in each segment are also elaborated in the research report.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The overall information of the Foot & Ankle Braces market provided in the report helps our client to make precise and accurate decisions in order to gain maximum profit in this cutthroat competition in the global market. The report comprises various elements such as table, figure, charts, TOCs, chapters, and so on so as to provide a crystal clear data to the client giving a brief of the market and its trends. Thus, the report provides in-depth information of the Foot & Ankle Braces market in terms of revenue, value, volume, region, and many more.About Us:QYResearch Group is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. QYResearch Group also carries the capability to assist you with your customized market research requirements including in-depth market surveys, primary interviews, competitive landscaping, and company profiles. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics. QYResearch Group is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651 Specialty Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Market to expand at a CAGR of 8.8% through 2016-2024 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1719 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-1719 www.futuremarketinsights.com The global specialty active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) market is anticipated to record a year-over-year growth rate of 7.9% and reach a market value of US$ 119,513.1 Mn in 2016. Small molecules will continue to account for the leading market revenue share by product type, accounting for over two-thirds share in 2016.Staggering increase in the manufacturing of HPAPI (high potency API) will continue to influence the adoption of API positively. Popularity of peptide-based drugs and the patent expiry of blockbuster branded drugs in the near future is also expected to boost the growth of the market. However, complex manufacturing guidelines and stringent regulatory processes will continue to pose challenges to widespread adoption.By product type, growth of the small molecules segment will be positively impacted by increasing outsourcing of active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing from European to Asian countries. In addition, rising preference for HPAPI to treat cancer will play a crucial role in the growth of small molecule segment of the global specialty API market.Based on the consumption pattern, the outsourced segment will continue to dominate market revenues, accounting for nearly 65% share in 2016. New pharmaceutical companies are increasingly entering the market with authorized and approved HPAPI, but lack of manufacturing facility infrastructure is providing an impetus to the outsourcing trend in terms of manufacturing. This factor is currently more pronounced in U.S.-based companies. Furthermore, the tendency of established pharmaceutical companies to curtail the operational and financial load of HPAPI manufacturing is anticipated to play a key role in elevating the outsourcing segment, boosting the growth of SMEs in the market.Request For Sample@FMIs report has segmented the global specialty active pharmaceutical ingredient market on the basis of region into North America, Europe, and Rest of the World (ROW). The ROW is the leading region in terms of global revenue share, closely followed by Europe and North America. European API manufacturers are competing on the basis of high quality standards, advanced manufacturing installations, and high purity of intermediates (API), whereas ROW CMOs are focusing on bulk API manufacturing.The key players in the small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients segment include Johnson Matthey, Almac, and Siegfried Holding AG, which follow advanced manufacturing technology, premium promotion strategies, and provide a range of development and diagnostic services.Notable companies in the peptide API segment are PolyPeptide Laboratories, Corden Pharma International GmbH (International Chemical Investors Group), Pepscan Holding, Provence Technologies Group, BCN Peptides S.A., and Senn Chemicals AG. They are characterized on the basis of expertise in development and manufacturing, strong client base, and activity in a wide range of industries.Major HPAPI players in the market are Ash Stevens, Inc., Orion Corporation, Farmhispania Group, S.L., Olon S.p.A., and AmbioPharm, Inc., based on widespread market presence, government approvals, and strong distribution channels.Long-term Outlook: The global specialty API market is expected to witness a CAGR of 8.8% during the forecast period 2016-2024. ROW will continue to be the leading region in terms of revenues during the forecast period.Send An Enquiry@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.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Global Dental Needle Market Industries Industry Segments Based on Geography, Key Players, Driver, Market Challenge, Market Trend 2027 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/890 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/dental-needle-market Market Highlights:Globally the market for Dental Needle Market is increasing rapidly the main reason for this is the growth is the increase in population. The factors that influence the growth of Dental Needle are the increasing unhealthy eating routines and digital dentistry manifesting in overall trends to a more global approach with group practices and consolidations throughout dental markets. Globally the market for urinalysis is expected to grow at the rate of X.X% CAGR from 2016 to 2027.Request a Sample Report @Key Players Septodont Dentsply Shinhung Nirpo Terumo Corporation Acteo Morita Eight Excel InternationaSegmentsThe market for Dental Needle is segmented in mainly two parts i.e. by type, by end users and its various sub-segments; by type include 25g, 27g, 30g and 31g. Whereas by end users include Hospitals, clinics and others.Regional Analysis of Dental Needle Market:North America dominated the Global Dental Needle Market with the largest market share, accounting for $XX million and is expected to grow over $XX billion by 2027. The European market for Dental Needle is expected to grow at XX% GAGR (2016-2027). Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at CAGR of XX% from $ XX million in 2016 to $XX million by 2027.Table of Content1. Report Prologue2. Introduction3. Research Methodology3.1 Research Process3.2 Primary Research4. Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.2 Restraints4.3 Opportunities5. Market Factor Analysis6. Commercial Refrigeration Equipment: By Product Types6.1 Introduction6.2 Historic Market Growth6.3 Market Size (Sub Segments)7. Global Commercial Refrigeration Equipment: By End Users7.1 Introduction7.2 Historic Market Growth7.3 Market Size (Sub Segments)8. Laboratory Information Systems,9. Company Profile9.1 Septodont9.2 DENTSPLY9.3 Shinhung9.4 Nirpo9.5 Terumo Corporation9Continued.Browse full TOC, Tables, Figures and Companies mentioned @Study Objectives of Dental Needle 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 Dental Needle market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To Analyze the Dental Needle market based on various factorsprice 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 countriesNorth America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (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 segment by End Users, Type and its sub-segments.Test the market data and market information presented through more than 50 market data tables and figures spread over 115 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Global Dental Needle Market Research Report - Forecast to 2027About 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 Uruguay Non-Life Insurance Industry Trends and Opportunities to 2020 Market Research Hub http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=984806 http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=enquiry&repid=984806 http://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/non-life-insurance-in-uruguay-key-trends-and-opportunities-to-2020-report.html http://www.marketresearchhub.com/ https://twitter.com/MktResearchHub https://www.linkedin.com/company/market-research-hub https://www.facebook.com/MarketResearchHub/ Albany, New York, February 23, 2017: Market Research Hub has recently announced the addition of a new report to it broad database titled as Non-Life Insurance in Uruguay, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020. This report provides a detailed outlook by product category for the Uruguayan non-life insurance segment, and a comparison of the Uruguayan insurance industry with its regional counterparts.Request for Sample Report:It provides values for key performance indicators such as written premium, incurred loss, loss ratio, commissions and expenses, combined ratio, total assets, total investment income and retentions during the review period (20112015) and forecast period (20152020).The report also analyzes distribution channels operating in the segment, gives a comprehensive overview of the Uruguayan economy and demographics, explains the various types of natural and man-made hazards and their impact on the Uruguayan insurance industry, and provides detailed information on the competitive landscape in the country.The report brings together Timetrics research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on segment dynamics and competitive advantages, and profiles of insurers operating in the country. The report also includes details of insurance regulations, and recent changes in the regulatory structure.SummaryTimetrics 'Non-Life Insurance in Uruguay Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides in-depth market analysis, information and insights into the Uruguayan non-life insurance segment, including:The Uruguayan non-life segments detailed outlook by product categoryA comprehensive overview of the Uruguayan economy and demographicsA comparison of the Uruguayan non-life insurance segment with its regional counterpartsThe various distribution channels in the Uruguayan non-life insurance segmentDetailed analysis of natural and man-made hazards and their impact on the Uruguayan insurance industryDetails of the competitive landscape in the non-life insurance segment in UruguayDetails of regulatory policy applicable to the Uruguayan insurance industryMake an Enquiry:ScopeThis report provides a comprehensive analysis of the non-life insurance segment in Uruguay:It provides historical values for the Uruguayan non-life insurance segment for the reports 20112015 review period, and projected figures for the 20152020 forecast period.It offers a detailed analysis of the key categories in the Uruguayan non-life insurance segment, and market forecasts to 2020.It provides a comparison of the Uruguayan non-life insurance segment with its regional counterpartsIt analyzes the various distribution channels for non-life insurance products in Uruguay.It analyzes various natural and man-made hazards and their impact on the Uruguayan insurance industryIt profiles the top non-life insurance companies in Uruguay, and outlines the key regulations affecting them.Reasons To BuyMake strategic business decisions using in-depth historic and forecast market data related to the Uruguayan non-life insurance segment, and each category within it.Understand the demand-side dynamics, key market trends and growth opportunities in the Uruguayan non-life insurance segment.Assess the competitive dynamics in the non-life insurance segment.Identify growth opportunities and market dynamics in key product categories.Gain insights into key regulations governing the Uruguayan insurance industry, and their impact on companies and the industry's future.Get Full Details With TOC:Key HighlightsThe non-life segment is concentrated with the five leading insurers accounting for 92.5% of the segments gross written premium in 2015.Uruguay permits 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance industry.The introduction of new regulations to provide affordable auto insurance to low-income motorists, effective from January 1, 2015.In July 2015, through its subsidiary Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana, Sura Group acquired Royal & Sun Alliance Seguros (Uruguay) SA for UYU22.3 billion (US$614.0 million).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.Contact Details:90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite:Follow Us on:Twitter:LinkedIn:Facebook: Global IoT Cloud Platform Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis and Forecast to 2025 |The Insight Partners http://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/iot-cloud-platform-market http://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPTE100000224 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/discount/TIPTE100000224 Latest market study on IoT Cloud Platform Market to 2025 - Global Analysis and Forecasts by Deployment Model, Platform and Application, the report include key understanding on the driving factors of this growth and also highlights the prominent players in the market and their developments.Browse market data tables and in-depth TOC of the IoT Cloud Platform Market to 2025 @The global network connectivity, affordable compute power combined with ironic insights make IoT valuable for enterprises and consumers. The conjunction of devices, cloud, and analytics is creating an opportunity for independent software vendors and system integrators. The Cloud Service in IoT is a safe and scalable platform that help organizations build and deploy IoT applications and abundantly capture and analyze their IoT data.The report aims to provide an overview of global IoT cloud platform market with detailed market segmentation by Deployment Models, platform, application and geography. The global IoT cloud platform market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period.Request Sample Copy @The objectives of IoT Cloud Platform Market Report is as follows: To provide overview of the global IoT cloud platform market To analyze and forecast the global IoT cloud platform market on the basis of Deployment Models, platform and application To provide market size and forecast till 2025 for overall IoT cloud platform market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM), which is later sub-segmented by respective countries To evaluate market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend To provide exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions To profiles key IoT cloud platform players influencing the market along with their SWOT analysis and market strategiesSome of the leading players in IoT cloud platform market are Amazon Web Services, Inc., General Electric, Google Inc., iControl Network, IBM Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, PubNub, Inc., Salesforce, Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd and SAP SE.Inquire about discount on this report @The report segments the global IoT Cloud Platform Market as follows:IoT Cloud Platform Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 - Deployment Models Private Market Public Market Hybrid MarketIoT Cloud Platform Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 - Platform Device Management Platform Market Application Management Platform Market Network Management Platform MarketIoT Cloud Platform Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 Application North America Europe Asia Pacific (APAC) Middle East & Africa (MEA) South America (SAM)About The Insight Partners:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comThe Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Global Commercial Dishwasher Market- Miele, Meiko, Jackson, Winterhalter, SJM and Fagor Commercial Dishwasher http://bit.ly/2m9Wnej http://bit.ly/2laLKUA This report studies Commercial Dishwasher in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India, focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringITW(Hobart)MieleMeikoJacksonCMA DishmachineWinterhalterMVP GroupSJMElectrolux ProfessionalFagorThe market research report by QY Research provides detailed study on the overall Commercial Dishwasher market size, its financial positions, its unique selling points, key products, and key developments. This research report has segmented the Commercial Dishwasher market based on the segments covering all the domains in terms of type, country, region, forecasting revenues, and market share, along with analysis of latest trends in every sub-segment.Browse Complete Report with TOC @The qualitative segmentation of Commercial Dishwasher market covered in the report gives in-depth information of the overall market. Furthermore, the market size, share, forecast trends, analysis, sales, supply, production, demand, major manufacturers, end-users, and many other vital factors are comprised in the Market Research Commercial Dishwasher report by QY Research. By these comprehensive data, it is simple to take and make precise and accurate decisions taking into consideration the present market situation and the forecasts of the global market, which in turn may result into profitable step for our clients.A competitive landscape that identifies the major competitors of the global market and their market share are further highlighted in the research report. A deliberate profiling of major competitors of the Commercial Dishwasher market as well as a inclusive analysis of their current developments, core competencies, and investments in each segment are also elaborated in the research report.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The overall information of the Commercial Dishwasher market provided in the report helps our client to make precise and accurate decisions in order to gain maximum profit in this cutthroat competition in the global market. The report comprises various elements such as table, figure, charts, TOCs, chapters, and so on so as to provide a crystal clear data to the client giving a brief of the market and its trends. Thus, the report provides in-depth information of the Commercial Dishwasher market in terms of revenue, value, volume, region, and many more.About Us:QYResearch Group is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. QYResearch Group also carries the capability to assist you with your customized market research requirements including in-depth market surveys, primary interviews, competitive landscaping, and company profiles. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics. QYResearch Group is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651 Technource Started AngularJS and Laravel Web App Development Services Worldwide https://www.technource.com/ Technource unveils modern technologies to build web applications and websites on the basis of AngularJS and LavarelTechnource embraces certain updated techniques to make the best use of PHP framework. It encompasses the powerful strategies of AngularJS and Lavarel in order to bring a change in the world of technology.We build innovative mobile apps that can connect with your customers and help you resonate the brand image of your business. Technource aims for the high end applications and websites with the advanced techniques. So we possess some of the enriching and dedicated wed designers and developers. They put in all their effort to provide our clients a high end result. No wonder our clients love maintaining a long term relationship with us , remarks the Chairman of Technource.AngularJS is an open source framework that builds web and mobile applications. It extends the syntax of HTML to a great extent. That helps in the creation of clear and perfect components of your applications.This software demands the use of less code. But that will not interfere with the functionalities of your applications. Moreover, it provides components that you can reuse anytime you want to. The views are pure HTML pages. On the other hand, the controller comprises of the strong JavaScript framework.Laravel is an open source PHP web framework. It helps in the development of web applications. This technology makes use of the MVC architectural pattern.According to Technource, one has to step out of the old techniques and embrace the new ones. They think the digital transformation can only happen if the businessmen are ready to change the existing systems on the web and integrate the new strategies.One of the team members was heard saying,We maintain a client centric approach. So, we make sure that our clients are satisfied completely. We understand the mission and vision of your company to bring the best results.We are absolutely satisfied with the top notch service provided by the team at Technource. Their PHP developers are incredible and they knew exactly what we want. They have always exceeded our expectations. We would highly recommend them to anyone looking for the high end customer serviceTechnource is a pioneer when it comes to mobile applications, e-commerce development, SEO or any other form of web development. Our services are of premium quality, performance and appeal to a great extent. We cater all types of web projects, including personal websites and huge entrepreneurs.TechnourceAddress: B - 401, Siddhivinayak Towers, Nr. D.A.V. School, Next to Kataria House, Off. S.G. Road, Makarba, Ahmedabad, India - 380051.Phone No: +91 079 4037 0882Email Address: info@technource.comWebsite: Bismuth Oxide Market Value Share, Analysis and Segments 2015-2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-356 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-356 www.futuremarketinsights.com Bismuth is a chemical element that is represented using symbol Bi. Bismuth is a pentavalent chemical that resembles chemically with antimony and arsenic. In the earths crust bismuth is twice as abundant as gold. Elemental bismuth occurs naturally and is a free element that is 86% as dense as lead. Bismuth is brittle metal that is silvery white in color when produced freshly. However, bismuth turns into pink tinge mainly after its surface oxidation. Bismuth is one of the most abundantly available diamagnetic elements and thus, has one of the lowest thermal conductivity among other metals. Bismuth metal has its physical property similar to that of tin and lead. Bismuth oxide is the most important industrial compound manufactured from bismuth. Bismuth oxide has a common starting point as that of similar to the bismuth chemistry. Bismuth oxide is naturally found as the mineral bismite, however, it is also obtained as a by-product from the smelting of lead ores and copper ores. Bismuth trioxide is widely used to manufacture the dragon eggs effects in fireworks as it is a major alternative for lead. Bismuth trioxide is commercially manufactured using from bismuth subnitrate. Bismuth subnitrate is manufactured by dissolving bismuth in hot nitric acid. Bismuth oxide is mainly found as a heavy yellow powder. Thus, bismuth is an essential raw material used to manufacture bismuth oxide.Bismuth oxide has few commercial applicationshowever; none of applications use bismuth oxide on a large scale. Bismuthoxide is used as an ingredient in the pharmaceutical industries. However, the use of bismuth oxide in dental materials is slowly declining. Compounds such as bismuth oxychloride have a wide range of applications in the cosmetic industry. Bismuth oxide is used as a pigment in manufacturing paints for eye shadows, nail polishes and hair sprays. Growing cosmetic industry is expected to boost the overall demand for bismuth market. Bismuth oxide are widely used in manufacturing of several machineries such as automatic sprinkler systems for fires. Bismuth oxide is used as an alternative to lead and hence, has been used in range of applications where previously lead was used. Bismuth oxide is mainly used as an alternative for lead especially in the manufacturing of bullets, shots and other ammunition. Currently, bismuth oxide is being evaluated as a lead replacement in manufacturing free machining brasses especially for plumbing applications. Owing to its low toxicity bismuth oxide is used in the manufacturing of food processing equipments and other copper processing pipes. Growing food industry is expected to drive the overall growth in the demand for bismuth market. Bismuth oxide is also used in automobile industry.Request For Report Sample@Asia Pacific is expected to be the leading manufacturer of bismuth oxide. Presence of large scale bismuth manufacturers in China is expected to further boost the growth of the market. North America and Europe are expected to be the major consumers of bismuth oxide. The growing awareness about the hazardous effect of lead is further expected to augment the overall growth of the market.Visit For TOC@Hunan Jinwang Bismuth Industrial Co., Ltd, The Shepherd Chemical Company and The Kurt J. Lesker Company are among the major participants of the bismuth oxide market. The companys are mainly focused towards increasing their production capacity in order to reduce the overall demand supply gap.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: Neurostimulation Market To Make Great Impact In Near Future by 2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-400 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-400 www.futuremarketinsights.com Neurostimulation is used for the treatment of various debilitating conditions such as gastroparesis, incontinence, Parkinsons disease, epilepsy, depression and essential tremors. Neurostimulation is a highly potential treatment option for patients who do not obtain relief from medications and surgical therapies. It improves the quality of life of patients who are severely paralyzed or suffering from intense loss of various sense organs. Therefore, neurostimulation is highly instrumental in artificial vision, hearing aids, artificial limbs and other prosthetics.The global neurostimulation market is analyzed based on the therapies in which neurostimulation systems are utilized. This includes the following segments:Deep brain stimulation (DBS)Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS)Request For Report Sample@Spinal cord stimulation therapy accounts for the largest share in the global neurostimulation market owing to the presence of a large number of SNS neurostimulators in treating diabetic neuropathy, pain, postherpetic neuralgia, ischemic limb pain and acute herpes zoster pain. Deep brain stimulators are currently approved for the treatment of neurological disorders such as Parkinsons disease, epilepsy, dystonia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), essential tremors and depression. However, extensive research and advancement in technology leading to new, exciting applications such as stroke, obesity, autism, sleep disorders and many others will expand the deep brain stimulator market at a faster pace.There is a rising need for devices with improved outcome, ability to pre-sense a neurological episode on-set, optimize the inter-device communication and better user interface. Developing technologies sufficing the treatment objective and market demand will lead to an increase in the demand for neurostimulation therapy and devices. Moreover, aging population driving rise in the incidence of neurological disorders such as Parkinsons disease, epilepsy, essential tremors and depression related disorders will lead to an increase in demand for neurostimulation. In addition, neurostimulation devices and systems are gaining acceptance for the treatment of chronic pain especially in the developing economies such as India, China, Brazil, Mexico and Russia. Furthermore, increase in FDA approvals for novel neurostimulators with new applications, will expedite the growth of the global neurostimulation market in the near future. However, lack of a reliable measuring systems which can provide the expected outcome of neurostimulation therapies is a major challenge for manufacturers. High cost of the therapy is a deterring factor for the neurostimulation market, which can be subsided by gaining reimbursement for such devices.The neurostimulation market, currently, is strong in North America and Europe, but is experiencing faster growth in Asia-Pacific region, mainly across China, Brazil and India. Growth in the Asia-Pacific region will be mainly driven by increase in patient awareness and acceptance of neurostimulation as an alternative treatment for chronic pain and neurological disorders. Neurostimulation device manufacturing companies and their research affiliates are continuously working on developing novel devices and technologies which can enhance the therapeutic outcome of existing devices and simultaneously gain market advantage. The strategic approaches followed by these companies are focusing on creating new markets and increasing their existing market share.Visit For TOC@The global neurological market is characterized by few dominating players which pose a challenge for the new entrants in the global neurostimulation market. The major players in the neurostimulation market include Boston Scientific Corporation, Cyberonics Inc., St. Jude Medical Inc., Medtronic Inc., NeuroPace Inc., and NeuroSigma, Inc.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: Tissue Engineering Market is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of 22.2% by 2022 Tissue Engineering Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2134 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/tissue-engineering-market Market Research Future has a half cooked research report (HCRR) on global Tissue Engineering market which is expected to reach USD 12.6 billion from USD 5.2 billion from 2016 to 2022.Test the market data and market information presented in more than 50 market data tables and figures spread over 80 pages of the project report. Go through the in-depth table of content (TOC) & market synopsis on Tissue Engineering Market Research Report- Global Forecast to 2022.Market Highlights:It has been noted that global Tissue Engineering market is growing at rapid pace and is expected to grow tremendously at the CAGR of 22.2%. Globally there is huge demand for Tissue Engineering in various regions. Factors that influence the Tissue Engineering market are increasing technology advancement in healthcare which gives desired results, research area that aims at regenerative alternatives to harvested tissues for transplantation. Moreover increasing development in biological substitutes is influencing the global market for tissue engineering.Tissue engineering is a stimulating research area that aims at regenerative alternatives to collected tissues for transplantation. Biomaterials play a vital role as scaffolds to provide three-dimensional 3D templates and synthetic extracellular-matrix environments for tissue regeneration. It is often beneficial for the scaffolds to mimic certain advantageous characteristics of the natural extracellular matrix, or developmental or would healing programs.Request a Sample Copy @Some of the Major players of this market are those that holds the largest market share: Sanofi (France) BioMimetic Therapeutics (United States) StemCellsInc (United States) Zimmer Biomet (Indiana) Medtronic (United States) LifeCell Kinetic Concepts (United States)Other prominent vendors in the market are: Cook Biotech (United States) Arteriocyte (United States) Acelity, Organogenesis (United States) Athersys (United States) RTI surgical (United States) Integra LifeSciences (United States) Advanced Cell Technology (United States) CryoLife, (United States)Regional Analysis:Globally North America has the largest share in the tissue engineering market. North America holds about 47% market share for the global tissue engineering market. The share of this nation in this market is mainly due to increasing research and development in tissue engineering.Europe is the second-largest market for Tissue Engineering. Asia Pacific is expected to be fastest growing market for Tissue Engineering. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing market at a CAGR of 25.5% for the forecasted year from 2016 to 2022.Segmentation:Global Tissue Engineering market has been segmented on the basis of material which includes biomimetic materials synthesis, nano-fibrous materials, composite materials, nano-composite materials and others.Nano-fibrous materials has the largest market share in global Tissue Engineering by material and will be constant in future starting from 2016 lasting till 2022. The main reason for the growth of nano-fibrous material is many extracellular proteins have a fibrous structure with diameters on the nano-meter or sub-micrometer scales.Furthermore on the basis of end-user the market is segmented into Cord Blood & Cell Banking, Cancer, GI & Gynecology, Dental, Skin/Integumentary, Urology, Orthopedics, musculoskeletal and spine, Neurology and Cardiology & Vascular.Orthopedics contribute maximum to the growth of global Tissue Engineering by application due to increased incidence of sports-related injuries, musculoskeletal syndromes have become one of the major health concerns all around the globe. Moreover tissue engineering uses principles of engineering, biology, and chemistry, it provides a more operative approach to the treatment the musculoskeletal disorders than traditional methods.Brief TOC for Tissue Engineering Market:1 Introduction1.1 Definition1.2 Scope of Study1.3 Research Objective1.4 Assumptions & Limitations1.5 Market Structure2 Research Methodology2.1 Research Process2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research3 Market Dynamics3.1 Drivers3.2 Restraints3.3 Opportunities3.4 Challenges3.5 Macroeconomic Indicators4 Market Factor Analysis4.1 Porters five forces model4.1.1 Bargaining Power of suppliers4.1.2 Bargaining Power of Customer4.1.3 Intensity of Competitors4.1.4 Threat of New Entrants5 Global Tissue Engineering Market, by Device material5.1 Introduction5.1.1 Biomimetic Materials Synthesis5.1.2 Nano-Fibrous Materials5.1.3 Composite Materials5.1.4 Nano-Composite MaterialsContinue...Access Report Details @Intended Audience: Tissue Engineering Manufacturers and Suppliers Biotechnology Companies Hospitals Clinics Academic Research Institutes Government InstitutesAbout 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 prime objective to provide top 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 enables our clients to know more consequently do more, which help them in answering all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meeting with industry experts and does industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Akash AnandMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com Europe Baby Monitor Market to Grow at a CAGR of 9% during 2016-2022 Allied Market Research https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/europe-baby-monitor-market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-free-sample/1537 Europe Baby Monitor Market report, published by Allied Market Research, forecasts that the Europe market is expected to garner CAGR of 9% during the forecast period 2016 - 2022. France was the largest market, accounting for around 26% of the market value in 2015, owing to the large infant population and high spending on baby care in the country.Full Summary of the Report:The market is classified by product type into audio and video baby monitors. Video baby monitors accounted for a larger market share of around 88% in terms of value and 70% in terms of volume, in 2015. Widespread adoption of video baby monitors is primarily attributed to advanced features such as HD video transmission and recording, smartphone connectivity and others offered by them. The segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% in value terms, during the forecast period.Wireless baby monitor segment accounted for over 90% of the market in terms of value, in 2015. Furthermore, the segment is expected to grow at an attractive pace during 2016-2022, owing to increasing safety concerns among parents; and innovative product launches by the players operating in this segment. Demand for wired baby monitors would continue to decline in coming years as they are being increasingly perceived to be unsafe by parents.France, UK and Germany, together accounted for 71.0% of the overall market revenue in 2015. Ireland is forecast to emerge as one of the fastest growing markets for baby monitors owing to increasing population of working mothers in the country. Rest-of-Europe is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 11.1% during the forecast period due to increasing consciousness and rising spending towards baby care in countries such as Russia. Eastern Europe is characterized by higher adoption of relatively lower priced products.In terms of volume, the market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 8.3% during 2016 - 2022. Market would grow faster in terms of value, during the forecast period, due to increasing demand for higher-end products. In terms of volume, France and the UK, together accounted for around 48% of the overall market in 2015. Rest-of-Europe, comprising Russia and other Eastern European countries, is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% during 2016 - 2022.Download Free Sample Report:Increase in the number of employed parents in the European countries is one of the major factors driving the baby monitor market. Over the past few years, there has been a shift in trend from audio baby monitors to video baby monitors. These baby monitors enable employed parents to monitor their baby or track babys movements, even from their workplace. Some models are also equipped with advanced features such as movement and breathing sensors and are also capable of sending warning signal in case of any adverse situation.Product launch is one of the prominent growth strategies adopted by the players operating in the market. For instance, in 2015, VTech Communication, Inc. (Hong Kong), a subsidiary of VTech Holdings Ltd. announced the addition of four new baby monitors to its Safe & Sound baby monitor product line. Similarly, Luvion Premium Baby products (Netherlands), a leading player in the Europe baby monitor market, introduced a compact size video baby monitor with advanced features such as room temperature display, digital full HD sound, and high image quality camera with 5m of night vision.Key Findings of Europe Baby Monitor Market: France is the largest European market of baby monitor in terms of value as well as volume. Rest-of-Europe accounted for around 21% of the market in terms of volume, in 2015. In terms of value, video baby monitor segment occupied a market share of 88% in 2015. Wireless baby monitor segment would account for around 96% of the market revenue by 2022.The prominent companies profiled in the report include Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Motorola Mobility LLC., Angelcare Monitors Inc., Tomy Company Ltd., Vtech Holdings Ltd., ShenZhen Foscam Intelligent Technology Company Ltd., Summer Infant Inc., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Luvion Premium Babyproducts, and Withings Inc.Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions". AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.Allied Market Research5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesDirect: +1-503-894-6022Toll Free: +1 (800) 792-5285 (U.S. & Canada)Fax: +1 (855) 550-5975E-mail: sales@alliedmarketresearch.com Sugata Mitra , eminent educationist, shares his vision of the Future of Learning with Students and Faculty of Mahindra Ecole Centrale Sugata Mitra , eminent educationist, shares his vision of the Future of Learning with Students and Faculty of MEC http://www.mahindraecolecentrale.edu.in/ Sugata Mitra , eminent educationist, shares his vision of the Future of Learning with Students and Faculty of Mahindra Ecole CentraleThe talk, organized by MECs thought leadership series, focused on education which is cloud based and self organizedMahindra Ecole Centrale(MEC), an Indo-French engineering college, hosted Sugata Mitra, an eminent educationist, on the campus for a talk on the Future of Learning.This talk, a part of the Thought Leadership Series at MEC, showcased to the students a paradigm shift in education with the focus shifting from formal schooling to Self organized learning Environments and Cloud Learning.Mahindra Ecole Centrales Thought Leadership Series is a series of talks and events focused on exposing the students to the thinking of the leaders in different categories, be it in Engineering, Business, Social Service or Education. MEC has been fortunate to have on campus leading luminaries like the Late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Sir David Payne(the Father of Internet telephony), Nobel Laureate Prof Serge Haroche(Nobel Prize in Physics 2012), among others, who have spent time with the students and shared their works with them.We firmly believe that a students holistic development will happen only with them engaging with the leading lights in the world. It is our endeavor to expose our students to different aspects of life, Engineering and Business, so that their holistic development becomes a well established process, says Dr. R. Shrivastava, Director, Mahindra Ecole Centrale. "It was a privilege to have a leader such as Dr. Mitra in our midst. We are sure that our students were impressed by the sheer brilliance of such a versatile intellect and his thought process", he adds.Prof. Sugata Mitra is a well known educationist and a Professor of Educational Technology at the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences at Newcastle University, UK. He conducted the Hole in the Wall (HIW) experiment, where in the year 1999 a computer was embedded within a wall in an Indian slum at Kalkaji, Delhi and children were allowed to freely use it. The experiment aimed at proving that kids could be taught computers very easily without any formal training. Sugata termed this as Minimally Invasive Education (MIE). He is the recipient of many awards from India, the UK, USA and many other countries in the world. He won the TED Prize of US $1 Million in 2013 for his work. His interests include Childrens Education, Remote Presence, Self-organising systems, Cognitive Systems, Physics and Consciousness. and educational technology.In his talk, Prof. Sugata Mitra took the students through the origins of, to the dematerialisation of institutions. From over 17 years of experiments with children's education, Prof. Mitra has reached a series of startling results children, in groups, can form self organising systems that results in emergent learning, they can achieve educational objectives on their own and read on their own. Finally, the most startling of them all: Groups of children with access to the Internet can learn anything by themselves.The mechanism of this kind of learning seems similar to the appearance of spontaneous order, or emergent phenomena in chaotic systems. From the slums of India, to the villages of India and Cambodia, to poor schools in Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, the USA and Italy, to the schools of Gateshead and the rich international schools of Washington and Hong Kong, Prof. Mitras experimental results show a strange new future for learning.Prof. Mitra, used the 2013 TED Prize, to build seven Schools in the Cloud, where Self Organised Learning Environments (SOLEs) and a Granny Cloud of mediators over the Internet, interact with unsupervised children. The results of thisthree-year study are not yet fully analysed, but Prof. Mitra presented some of the preliminary findings.He showed the students some glimpses of what schools should be for and what curricular, pedagogic and assessment changes will be required in the future. The talk was well received by the students community and the post talk engagement with a man as learned as Prof. Sugata Mitra left the students spellbound and completely enthralled. He opened up a completely new dimension of the learning system for all those present.About Mahindra Ecole Centrale:Mahindra Ecole Centrale(MEC) college of engineering is an international technology school, that marks the foray of the USD 17.8 billion Mahindra Group into the higher education sector. Mahindra Educational Institutions, the wholly owned subsidiary of Mahindra Groups IT venture, Tech Mahindra, collaborated with Ecole Centrale Paris - now Centrale Supelec in 2014 to establish MEC in India. Ecole Centrale Paris (now Centrale Supelec) is one of the oldest and most prestigious engineering institutions in France with a heritage that goes back to nearly 200 years. MEC is approved by AICTE and Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) Hyderabad, a premier institution with academic and research-oriented courses.MEC offers a truly international programme with an inclusive focus on the Engineering, Social and Creative sciences, Liberal Arts, Philosophy and Humanities. It offers an environment of unique cultural immersion of participants, faculty and staff. MEC offers international exchange study opportunities with mandatory global internships. The B.Tech degree at MEC is a research-driven program with close links to industry. A world class faculty, with a mix of industry-academic background, global exposure and research focus ensures that the content remains contemporary, aligned to the global business requirements.Based in Bahadurpally, Hyderabad, MEC is situated in a sprawling green campus of 130acres flanked by the Tech Mahindra Technology Centre and Tech Mahindra SEZ. MEC has an intake of 240 for its 4 year B.Tech Program(60 seats for each of the four coursesComputer Science & Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering). For more information, please visit:FINESE PR , 181, Anand Vihar, Pitampura, New Delhi-34 Online Travel Market by Mode of Booking, Types of platform(Mobile and Desktop) and Age Group Allied Market Research https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/online-travel-market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-free-sample/1743 Online Travel Market Report, published by Allied Market Research, forecasts that the global market is expected to garner $1,091 billion by 2022, registering a CAGR of 11.1% during the period 2016-2022. Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. Direct travel suppliers, such as hotels, airlines and car rental companies, which offer booking facilities on their websites, dominate the market, whereas Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) would witness higher growth over the next 5 - 6 years.Full Summary of the Report:Growth of the online travel market is driven by the increase in internet penetration, rise in disposable income of people in emerging markets, and ease of comparing a variety of travel options online. Market players are introducing innovative travel and vacation package deals to assist travelers in making sound travel decisions as per their spending capability, such as affordable packages for international destination, discounts on car rentals and cash back on international flights.Direct travel suppliers segment accounted for approximately 57% of the overall online travel market revenue in 2015.Though, the segment would continue to dominate the market over the analysis period, a gradual reduction in its market share is expected, owing to the growing popularity of online travel agencies (OTAs). OTAs are expanding their offerings at a rapid rate to attract travelers and increase their customer base.Based on booking platforms, the market is segmented into mobile and desktop. Mobile platform attributes to two-sevenths of the market revenue and is anticipated to witnesshighest growth in coming years. This is attributed to increased penetration of smartphones and growing confidence of people in safety of mobile payments.Transportation segment is projected to maintain its lead in the overall online travel services market, owing to rise in online flight bookings. Expansion in the number of low-cost carriers and growth in the number of connecting flights for tier I and II cities across the globe, drive the growth of flight bookings. In addition, online rail bookings witnessed a significant growth in the past few years. Expedia, a leading online travel agency, has announced its plans to launch a rail ticketing service in Europe by end of 2016, to mark its presence in the rail services within the transportation segment.The online travel market is segmented on the basis of age group, wherein the travelers in the age group of 32 - 43 years, occupy a major portion of the market. However, from a growth perspective, the young travelers within the age group of 2231 years, would witness the highest CAGR, due to extensive use of social media and smartphones for travel planning and bookings.Download Free Sample Report:North America accounted for the majority revenue in 2015; however, Asia-Pacific is estimated to overtake North America in coming years to become the leading revenue-generating region. This is attributed to growing disposable income, growth inmiddle-class segment, increased penetration of Internet facilities, and increase in the number of youth population in emerging markets of Asia-Pacific.Key Findings Growing exposure to multimedia phones and increased penetration of online services would accelerate the growth of the overall online travel market. India is estimated to be the fastest growing country in Asia-Pacific, growing at a CAGR of 18.5% during the forecast period. Travelers within the age group of 22 and 31 years are more inclined towards online travel services, as they are more tech savvy and are constantly connected to social media. Flights and hotel bookings are anticipated to grow at an unprecedented rate.Key players profiled in this report are Expedia, Inc., Priceline Group Inc., TripAdvisor Inc., Ctrip.com International, Ltd., Hostelworld Group, Hotel Urbano Travel and Tourism SA, Fareportal, Inc., Trivago GmbH, ThomasCook Group, and MakeMyTrip Limited.About Us:Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions". AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.Allied Market Research5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesDirect: +1-503-894-6022Toll Free: +1 (800) 792-5285 (U.S. & Canada)Fax: +1 (855) 550-5975E-mail: sales@alliedmarketresearch.com Learn details of the Advances in Embedded System Market Forecast and Segments, 2016-2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1510 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1510 www.futuremarketinsights.com An embedded system consists of embedded software into computer-hardware that makes the system devoted for an application or specific portion of an application or part of a larger system. An embedded system is not a microchip deployed in a traditional computing application, but a microprocessor used as a module in another piece of technology. These systems are used to control, assist or monitor the operation of machinery, equipment or plant. The term embedded reflects the fact that they are an integral part of the system, and they offer significant characteristics such as speed, accuracy, size, reliability and adaptability. Automation in processing & manufacturing sectors, and energy metering is seen as a major propeller for embedded system industry growth.Embedded System Market: SegmentationEmbedded system market is segmented on the basis of type, microcontroller performance, functionality, end-use industry and region. By type, embedded system market can be segmented into embedded hardware and embedded software. Embedded system market can be segmented according to microcontroller performance which includes small scale embedded system, medium scale embedded system and large scale embedded system. On the basis of functionality, embedded system market can be segmented into stand-alone embedded system, real time embedded system, mobile embedded system and networked embedded system. Regionally, embedded system market can be segmented into North America, Western Europe, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa (MEA), Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) and Japan.Request For Report Sample@Embedded System Market: Regional OutlookEmbedded systems came into existence with the invention of microcontrollers and since then it is being actively used in machine control applications as well as various new verticals. These systems are now equipped with customizable rich features and are thus gaining popularity globally. North America is estimated to be the leading contributor to the regional market share with large deployments of smart meters and smart grids positively impacting the market. Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) is anticipated to show highest growth potential in the forecast period.Embedded System Market: DriversThe global embedded system market is primarily driven by factors such as increasing demand for embedded systems with multi-core technologies and embedded graphics and escalating demand for embedded systems in the automobile industry. Moreover, persistent research & development to introduce smarter and energy efficient electronic devices is expected to positively impact the growth of global embedded systems market. Also, widespread application of these systems in application areas such as automotive, aeronautics, space, rail, mobile communication, and electronic payment solutions is set to bolster the growth of the global embedded system market during the forecast period. However, security and smaller lifespan concerns associated with usage of embedded systems in various process-related applications is restraining the growth of this market. Also, design constraints pertaining to real time embedded system are also hindering the progression of embedded system market.Request For TOC@Embedded System Market: Key PlayersThe key vendors in the embedded system market include Atmel Corporation, Intel Corporation, Texas Instruments, Freescale Semiconductor, Infineon Technologies, NXP Semiconductors N.V., Microsoft Corporation, Samsung Electronics Corporation, Renesas Electronics Corporation, and others. Major players in the embedded system market have invested significantly in developing systems that offer latest technology-based advanced functionality. To expand market presence across the globe, strategic partnership and collaborations with regional vendors is major strategy adopted by the leading vendors of the embedded system 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: Now Available Global Life Science Multichannel Campaign Management Market Forecast And Growth 2016-2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1639 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1639 www.futuremarketinsights.com Life science multichannel campaign management system helps companies to orchestrate, define and communicate their product offers to customers through social, mobile, call centres, direct mails and websites. Digital marketing is an integral part of multichannel campaign management that includes addressable advertising/branding, transactional marketing and contextual marketing. In short multichannel campaign management is a marketing process that extends through channels like video, web, mobile, kiosks, terminals of point of sales, digital signage and social applications. Global companies have urged for advanced version multichannel campaign management solutions to get the valuable information from the customers and plan for new ways for customer retention and acquisition of new customers. The traditional marketing practices have reformed due to the implementation of such kind of multichannel campaign management solutions implementations. The global life science multichannel campaign management market is expected to expand at a modest CAGR in the forecast period.Global Life Science Multichannel Campaign Management Market: Drivers and RestrainsThe major drivers for global multichannel campaign management market are trending digital marketing, technological advancements, advanced mobility solutions such as tablets, smartphones, and other kind of hand held devices. Also the ease of marketing through these multichannel campaign management solution and better service to the customer through these solutions are propelling the growth of this market.Request For Report Sample@However, the restrains for this market can be the factors like rapid technological advancements, due to which the companies needs to keep pace with the upcoming technology and their costly implementation can hamper the global life science multichannel campaign management market. Also most of the customers are still not accessible to the technologies needed to avail the benefits of these kind of multichannel campaign management solutions, this can again act as a barrier in the growth of global life science multichannel campaign management market.Global Life Science Multichannel Campaign Management Market: SegmentationOn the basis of Services, the global life science multichannel campaign management market can be segmented as follows:System implementationSystem integrationTraining & supportConsultingOn the basis of applications, the global life science multichannel campaign management market can be segmented as follows:AdvertisingBrandingPromotionSellingOn the basis of end-use industry, the global life science multichannel campaign management market can be segmented as follows:PharmaceuticalsRetailHealthcareTransportationTelecommunicationsInformation technologyTourismGlobal Life Science Multichannel Campaign Management Market: Region Wise OutlookThe global life science multichannel campaign management market can be divided into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan and Middle East and Africa. Asia Pacific is the leader in the global life science multichannel campaign management market due to the upcoming retail, transportation and tourism industry in this region. China and India are the major contributors in this region for the growth of the market. North America is following Asia Pacific in term of the market share in global life science multichannel campaign management market owing to its ever increasing pharmaceuticals industry and the existing information technology sector. Europe is the next major contributor in the market due to its significant automobile sector and the other retail industry flourishing in this region due to the automobile sector. Latin America and Middle East and Africa are at a nascent stage in global life science multichannel campaign management market but are expected to expand at a significant growth in the forecast period.Request For TOC@Global Life Science Multichannel Campaign Management Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the global life science multichannel campaign management market are:TeradataAdobe Systems IncorporatedMarketo, Inc.IBM CorporationSAP AGInforSalesforce.comSAS Institute Inc.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: Duodenoscope Market Revenue, Opportunity, Forecast and Value Chain 2016-2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1667 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1667 www.futuremarketinsights.com Duodenoscope is a side viewing endoscope primarily designed for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to diagnose diseases associated with pancreas and bile ducts with the help of fluoroscopic imaging procedure. Duodenoscopes are flexible, light weighted tubes that are relieved through the mouth, throat, and stomach till the duodenum portion. Duodenoscopes are being used in more than 500,000 gastrointestinal procedures in the U.S each year as a minimally invasive way than traditional surgery to drain fluids from biliary and pancreatic ducts which are blocked by cancerous tumors, gallstones or other gastrointestinal conditions.The Duodenoscope is a more complex device than other endoscopes and more tough to clean and disinfect. While these devices play an essential role in the treatment of patients, there is an evidence that some patients have been transmitted with hospital born and other infectious agents, including antibiotic drug-resistant infections. In 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerted the FDA regarding possible association of multidrug resistant bacterial infections and duodenoscopes. Even before FDA was reported of the infections by the CDC, FDA was working to reinforce cleaning and disinfection protocols of complex duodenoscopes devices to maximize patient benefit and reduce safety risks. Recently American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) brought together experts in epidemiology, infection control and endoscopy, FDA and CDC representatives, hospitals that practiced epidemics, and device manufacturers. The purposes of these organizations to confirm current FDA and industry guidelines for cleaning duodenoscopes and identify gaps in knowledge and issues to address going onward.Request Report Sample@Based on product type, global duodenoscopes market is classified as follows:Flexible Video DueodenoscopesFlexible Non- Video DueodenoscopesBased on End User type, global duodenoscopes market is classified as follows:HospitalsPediatric CentersClinicsAmbulatory Surgical CentersCurrently, owing to extremely spread of infection of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) bacteria, through duodenoscopes, the procedure is probably not performing in an outpatient facility such as clinics and ambulatory surgical centers.Increasing incidences of pancreatic, bile duct cancer tumors and various gastrointestinal conditions are the major origins contributing to the growth of the global duodenoscopes market. In addition, increasing FDA activities and CDC and manufactures collaboration is in identifying the causes and risk factors for transmission of infectious agents with duodenoscopes and developing new solutions to minimize patient exposure is another major driver, fueling the global duodenoscopes market growth over the forecast period. However, increasing FDA recalls for duodenoscopes owing to challenging cleaning and high-level disinfection procedures associated with complex designed duodenoscopes and rising multidrug-resistant bacterial infections caused by Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) such as Klebsiella species and Escherichia coli are major factors are expected to hamper the growth of global duodenoscopes market over the forecast period.Request For TOC@Geographically global duodenoscopes market has been segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific & Japan, Middle East Africa regions. North America region has been estimated as most dominant region in the global duodenoscopes market owing highly developed healthcare infrastructure and high rates of awareness regarding duodenoscopes and its associated infections among physicians. Asia-Pacific & Japan is a lucrative market for global duodenoscopes. Countries in the Asia Pacific regions include, greater China and India together account for largest population pool in the world and thereby have large pool of geriatric population are expected to fuel the growth of duodenoscopes market in the region.Some of the key companies contributing to global duodenoscopes market are Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, KARL STORZ GmbH & Co. KG., Olympus Corporation, PENTAX Medical Company, and Hoya Corporation.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 trends616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.compress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Fungicide Active Ingredients Market Value Share, Supply Demand, share and Value Chain 2016-2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1687 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1687 www.futuremarketinsights.com Fungicides are first found chemical compounds utilized by people to preserve the plants from infections and pollutions. This chemical compound reduces the fungal growth in crops and thus plays a significant role in protection of crops. It has been observed that, diseases are the key source for damage of crop and plant that can be caused by number of organisms. Fungi is the topmost cause for infection of plants all across the globe. Apart from this, other diseases that hamper the growth of crops include nematodes, bacteria and viruses. Fungicides have become a significant component for the management of plant diseases for agrarian crops. Fungicides are utilized both in agriculture as well as to kill fungal infections in animals. Fungicides are utilized as a formulated product comprising of an active ingredient and as well as inert ingredients that enhance the functioning of the product. The global fungicide active ingredients market has grown at a rapid pace over the past few years and is anticipated to expand at a significant CAGR over the forecast period.Global Fungicide Active Ingredients: Market SegmentationGlobal Fungicide Active Ingredients market is segmented on the basis of type of active ingredients such as azoxystrobin, boscalid, chlorothalonil, cyazofamid, etridiazole (ethazole), fenarimol, fludioxonil, fluoxastrobin, flutolanil, fosetyl-Al, iprodione, mancozeb, mefenoxam, metconazole, myclobutanil, PCNB (quintozene), phosphites, polyoxin D zinc, propamocarb, propiconazole, pyraclostrobin, tebuconazole, thiophanate-methyl, triadimefon, trifloxystrobin, triticonazole and vinclozolin. The global fungicide active ingredients can also be bifurcated on the basis of application in crops such as cereals, grains, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits and others.Request Report Sample@Global Fungicide Active Ingredients Market: Growth DriversRising population leading to increase in food production which encourages the farmers to adopt optimum type fungicide for protection of crop in order to maximize the production and to minimize the risk related to crop infections. This is anticipated to expand the growth of global fungicide active ingredients market over the forecast period. Apart from this, robust demand for fungicides in major applications such as vegetable and fruit crops and in ornamental and turf grass is also likely to foster the growth of worldwide fungicide active ingredients market from 2016-2026. Expansion in population especially in developing countries such as India and China is expected to impel food related security concerns in the region which is likely to fuel the growth of global fungicide active ingredients market during the forecast period.Global Fungicide Active Ingredients Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the Global Fungicide Active Ingredients industry can be divided by major regions which include North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific region, Japan, Middle East and Africa. Europe captured the maximum market share in the total revenue of global fungicide active ingredients market in 2015. Rising population along with increasing the education level in developing countries is anticipated to bolster the growth of Asia Pacific fungicide active ingredients market over the forecast period. Besides this, Latin American fungicide active ingredients market is also expected to observe robust growth during the next few years.Request For TOC@Global Fungicide Active Ingredients Market: PlayersSome of the leading players identified across the value chain of the global Fungicide Active Ingredients market include BASF, Bayer Cropscience, DuPont, Dow AgroSciences, Syngenta and Monsanto. In 2015, BASF marked the highest market share in terms of revenue in global fungicide active ingredients market. Most of players also function regional research and testing centers across all the geographic locations in order to keep the product market oriented as per the need. The companies are entering into widening their product portfolio and focusing on merger and acquisition in order to gain the competitive edge in global fungicide active ingredients market. Significant investment in research and development activities is expected by the companies over the coming few years in order to maintain the dominance in global fungicide active ingredients market in future.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 trends616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.compress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Spinal Implants and Devices Market Expected to Reach $13,384 Million, Globally, by 2022 Spinal Implants and Devices Market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/spinal-implants-and-spinal-devices-market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-free-sample/1620 Spinal Implants and Devices Market Report, published by Allied Market Research, forecasts that the global market is expected to reach $13,384 million by 2022 from $9,741 million in 2015 with a CAGR of 4.6% from 2016 to 2022. Spinal fusion devices segment held nearly three-fifths of the total market share in 2015.Access Full Summary at:Spine implants and devices are used to treat deformities and disorders related to the spine. The market has witnessed significant grown in the recent past due to the increase in government funding to support R&D for innovative spine treatment.Advent of minimally invasive spine surgery techniques and rising incidence of spinal disorders drive the market growth. In addition, rise in geriatric population and technological developments in bone grafting products are anticipated to further drive the demand for spinal implants and devices globally. However, the unfavorable reimbursement scenario and stringent regulatory approval process are limitations that restrict the market growth.Spinal fusion implants are expected to dominate the market throughout the analysis period, owing to various advancements such as the advent of hook, rod and screw systems, which allow surgeons to correct spinal deformities in a three-dimensional way, and the development of special plates and cages that promote spinal fusion.Based on surgery, open spine surgery generated maximum revenue, accounting for almost two-third of the global spinal implants and devices market in 2015. However, the minimally invasive surgery market is estimated to exhibit the highest growth rate of 14.7% during the forecast period.Do Inquire here about the sample @Spinal Implants and Devices Market Key Findings:In 2015, fusion implants led the overall spinal implants and devices market, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.4% during the forecast period.Non-fusion/motion preservation segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.9% during the forecast period.Dynamic stabilization devices segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of 10.9%, owing to the use of flexible materials during dynamic stabilization procedure that helps to retain mobility in the spine.Balloon kyphoplasty occupied nearly four-fifth of the global vertebral compression fracture devices market in 2015.Japan is the major shareholder, accounting for almost one-third of the Asia-Pacific spinal implants and devices market in 2015.Asia-Pacific is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period owing to improvement in healthcare infrastructures and rise in expenditures in emerging markets (India and China) to overcome the unmet medical needs. Technological advancements to develop cost-effective devices in these nations offer a lucrative opportunity for market growth.The major companies profiled in the report include Alphatec Holdings, Inc., B. Braun Melsungen AG, Depuy Synthes (Johnson & Johnson), Exactech, Inc., Globus Medical, Inc., Medtronic plc, NuVasive, Inc., Orthofix International N.V., Stryker Corporation, and Zimmer Biomet Holdings, 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.5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220,United States.Int'l: +1-503-894-6022Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285Fax: +1-800-792-5285help@alliedmarketresearch.com Epicor Reveals Technology Investment Provides Significant Boost to Grow Getter Businesses in Fast-Growth Countries www.epicor.com Dubai, United Arab Emirates February 23, 2017 - Businesses in Mexico, China and India are increasingly turning to technology to power successful growth, reveals new global research from Epicor Software Corporation, a global provider of industry-specific enterprise software to promote business growth. Around three quarters of Chinese and Indian firms (74% and 73% respectively) and 63% of Mexican firms cited IT investment as important, compared to a global figure of 54%.Overall, the research figures indicate that many of the worlds businesses, particularly those in established economies, do not get growth in the same way as their emerging market peers and risk falling behind grow getter businesses in emerging markets. These businesses demonstrate a strong motivation to invest in technology to empower their organization.Grow getter businesses are those that take advantage of macro-economic factors, such as low cost skilled labor and a healthy GDP. They use technology to expand into new markets and locations swiftly, without having to invest in high labor costs, and they have the processes in place to adapt their product ranges to match consumer demand.Businesses in Mexico, India and China are the most likely to be growing in terms of geographic reach and overseas sales. India takes the lead, with 75% of businesses reporting overseas growth (63% in Mexico and 63% in China), compared to the US where 59% of businesses reported no further growth or a decline in growth overseas (47% of UK businesses reported the same).India and Mexico are also the most likely to have grown their product ranges in the last 12 months with more than three quarters (82% and 76% respectively) of all businesses reporting growth here, compared to the global average of 61%. Hong Kong and Singapore were among the least likely to achieve this, with only 45-46% of businesses in both countries reporting any product range growth.India, again, leads the global charge in profit growth with 80% of businesses reporting growth, compared to just 34% in Singapore.Despite sales and turnover generally increasing across the globe (65% of businesses grew their sales/turnover in the last 12 months), only around half (48%) of the businesses around the globe are meeting this increase in productivity with a larger workforce.With technology making it easier than ever before to communicate there are more opportunities to expand into new regions and markets rapidly. However, the survey shows that high growth businesses tend to be the only ones that are significantly expanding operations overseas. Of the businesses questioned, 65% of those experiencing very high growth were also experiencing significant growth overseas (compared to an average 14% overall).Kathy Crusco, chief operating and financial officer at Epicor commented, Business leaders around the world can learn from the experience of grow getter businesses in emerging economies such as India and Mexico. These grow getter companies have invested in technology to empower their workforces, drive efficiencies, increase agility, and increase their profit margins, as a result. They use technology to adapt quickly to change and demand, allowing them to drive expansion into new markets, and establish processes to adapt their product ranges to match consumer demand.Crusco continued, While macro-economic factors can often not be avoided, getting bogged down in legacy systems can. This study builds a resounding business case for investment in IT systems that support and enable business growth and help businesses navigate economic and political challenges as they arise. Given our history in enterprise resource planning (ERP) software this is something that Epicor has been passionate about for a long time. With intelligent, next-generation enterprise solutions in place, it becomes possible for businesses to be more confident in delivering their growth strategies.The research, conducted by Morar Consulting on behalf of Epicor, questioned 2,450 business decision makers and employees in businesses in 12 countries across the globe, about their growth performance in the last 12 months.Epicor Software Corporation drives business growth. We provide flexible, industry-specific software designed around the needs of our manufacturing, distribution, retail, and service industry customers. More than 40 years of experience with our customers unique business processes and operational requirements are built into every solutionin the cloud, hosted, or on premises. With this deep understanding of your industry, Epicor solutions manage complexity, increase efficiency, and free up resources so you can focus on growth. For more information, connect with Epicor or visitVernon SaldanhaProcre8Villa 41, 81D StreetUptown Mirdif, Dubai, UAEPO Box 78835 Global Burglar Alarms Market 2017 - Chubb, ABB, Ave, Honeywell, ELTAKO, KBLUE, SOMFY, Urmet, Digital Security Controls Burglar Alarms Market https://goo.gl/2ozybK https://goo.gl/MJRlpC http://www.apexresearch.biz The Apex research study, titled Worldwide Burglar Alarms Market 2016, presents critical information and factual data about the Burglar Alarms market globally, providing an overall statistical study of the Burglar Alarms market on the basis of market drivers, Burglar Alarms Market limitations, and its future prospects. The prevalent global Burglar Alarms trends and opportunities are also taken into consideration in Burglar Alarms industry study.This report studies Burglar Alarms 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 manufacturer, coveringDigital Security ControlsChubbABBAveHoneywellELTAKOKBLUESOMFYUrmetGet Report Sample Here :Global Burglar Alarms Market 2016 report has Forecasted Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) in % value for particular period for Burglar Alarms market, that will help user to take decision based on futuristic chart. Report also includes key players in global Burglar Alarms market. The Burglar Alarms market size is estimated in terms of revenue (US$) and production volume in this report. Whereas the Burglar Alarms market key segments and the geographical distribution across the globe is also deeply analyzed.The research report gives an overview of global Burglar Alarms industry on by analyzing various key segments of this Burglar Alarms market based on the product types, application, and end-use industries, Burglar Alarms market scenario. The regional distribution of the Burglar Alarms market is across the globe are considered for this Burglar Alarms industry analysis, the result of which is utilized to estimate the performance of the global Burglar Alarms market over the period from 2015 to foretasted year.Enquiry Here @All aspects of the Burglar Alarms industry are quantitatively as well as qualitatively assessed to study the global as well as regional Burglar Alarms market comparatively. The basic information such as the definition of the Burglar Alarms market, prevalent Burglar Alarms industry chain, and the government regulations pertaining to the Burglar Alarms market are also discussed in the report.The product range of the Burglar Alarms market is examined on the basis of their production chain, Burglar Alarms pricing of products, and the profit generated by them. Various regional markets for Burglar Alarms are analyzed in this report and the production volume and efficacy of the Burglar Alarms industry across the world is also discussed.About UsApexResearch offer reports from top publishers and update to serve you with immediate on-line access to professional insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank ValadezBusiness Development Executive| sales@apexresearch.biz Denmark Personal Accident and Health Insurance Report Opportunities to 2020 Market Research Hub http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=984801 http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=enquiry&repid=984801 http://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/personal-accident-and-health-insurance-in-denmark-key-trends-and-opportunities-to-2020-report.html http://www.marketresearchhub.com/ https://twitter.com/MktResearchHub https://www.linkedin.com/company/market-research-hub https://www.facebook.com/MarketResearchHub/ Albany, New York, February 23, 2017: Market Research Hub has recently announced the addition of a new report to it broad database titled as Personal Accident and Health Insurance in Denmark, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020. This report provides a detailed outlook by product category for the Danish personal accident and health insurance segment, and a comparison of the Danish insurance industry with its regional counterparts.Request for Sample Report:It provides key performance indicators such as written premium, incurred loss, loss ratio, commissions and expenses, combined ratio, total assets, total investment income and retentions during the review period (20112015) and forecast period (20152020).The report also analyzes distribution channels operating in the segment, gives a comprehensive overview of the Danish economy and demographics, and provides detailed information on the competitive landscape in the country.The report brings together Timetrics research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on segment dynamics and competitive advantages, and profiles of insurers operating in the country. The report also includes details of insurance regulations, and recent changes in the regulatory structure.SummaryTimetrics 'Personal Accident and Health Insurance in Denmark Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides in-depth market analysis, information and insights into the Danish personal accident and health insurance segment, including:An overview of the Danish personal accident and health insurance segmentThe Danish personal accident and health insurance segments growth prospects by categoryA comprehensive overview of the Danish economy and demographicsA comparison of the Danish personal accident and health insurance segment with its regional counterpartsThe various distribution channels in the Danish personal accident and health insurance segmentDetails of the competitive landscape in the personal accident and health insurance segment in DenmarkDetails of regulatory policy applicable to the Danish insurance industryMake an Enquiry:ScopeThis report provides a comprehensive analysis of the personal accident and health insurance segment in Denmark:It provides historical values for the Danish personal accident and health insurance segment for the reports 20112015 review period, and projected figures for the 20152020 forecast period.It offers a detailed analysis of the key categories in the Danish personal accident and health insurance segment, and market forecasts to 2020.It provides a comparison of the Danish personal accident and health insurance segment with its regional counterpartsIt provides an overview of the various distribution channels for personal accident and health insurance products in Denmark.It profiles the top personal accident and health insurance companies in Denmark, and outlines the key regulations affecting them.Reasons To BuyMake strategic business decisions using in-depth historic and forecast market data related to the Danish personal accident and health insurance segment, and each category within it.Understand the demand-side dynamics, key market trends and growth opportunities in the Danish personal accident and health insurance segment.Assess the competitive dynamics in the personal accident and health insurance segment.Identify growth opportunities and market dynamics in key product categories.Gain insights into key regulations governing the Danish insurance industry, and their impact on companies and the industry's future.Browse Full Info. With TOC:Key HighlightsDenmarks health insurance is delivered in two forms: public and private.People typically opt for private health insurance to cover treatments not provided by social benefits.The personal accident and health segments penetration in Denmark was the highest in Northern Europe, at 0.9% in 2015.Bancassurance is an integral part of insurance distribution in Denmark, as many insurers are owned by banks or belong to the same groups.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.Contact Details:90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite:Follow Us on: Twitter, LinkedIn, FacebookTwitter:LinkedIn:Facebook: Global Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels Market 2017 - Organoid Technologies, WALLART, Kirei, DEKODUR, FIB ANDCO Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels Market https://goo.gl/zJ8Rca https://goo.gl/9poZnT http://www.apexresearch.biz The Apex research study, titled Worldwide Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels Market 2016, presents critical information and factual data about the Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels market globally, providing an overall statistical study of the Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels market on the basis of market drivers, Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels Market limitations, and its future prospects. The prevalent global Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels trends and opportunities are also taken into consideration in Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels industry study.This report studies Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels 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 manufacturer, coveringOrganoid TechnologiesWALLARTKireiDEKODURFIB ANDCOGet Report Sample Here :Global Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels Market 2016 report has Forecasted Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) in % value for particular period for Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels market, that will help user to take decision based on futuristic chart. Report also includes key players in global Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels market. The Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels market size is estimated in terms of revenue (US$) and production volume in this report. Whereas the Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels market key segments and the geographical distribution across the globe is also deeply analyzed.The research report gives an overview of global Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels industry on by analyzing various key segments of this Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels market based on the product types, application, and end-use industries, Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels market scenario. The regional distribution of the Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels market is across the globe are considered for this Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels industry analysis, the result of which is utilized to estimate the performance of the global Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels market over the period from 2015 to foretasted year.Enquiry Here @All aspects of the Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels industry are quantitatively as well as qualitatively assessed to study the global as well as regional Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels market comparatively. The basic information such as the definition of the Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels market, prevalent Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels industry chain, and the government regulations pertaining to the Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels market are also discussed in the report.The product range of the Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels market is examined on the basis of their production chain, Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels pricing of products, and the profit generated by them. Various regional markets for Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels are analyzed in this report and the production volume and efficacy of the Energy-Efficient Decorative Panels industry across the world is also discussed.About UsApexResearch offer reports from top publishers and update to serve you with immediate on-line access to professional insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank ValadezBusiness Development Executive| sales@apexresearch.biz Acrylic Fiber Market Industry Challenges, Key Vendors, Drivers, Trends and Forecast to 2022 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2125 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/acrylic-fiber-market Market HighlightsGlobal Acrylic Fiber Market has been evaluated to be rapidly growing and is expected to grow tremendously. Utilization of acrylic fiber is increasing as it is mixed with various materials to provide enhanced quality to the final product. Along with supply of its substitute products like wool and cotton although in less quantity is affecting the global acrylic fiber market noticeably. These factors will increase the Global Acrylic Fiber Market over the forecasted period. However, the demand for acrylic fibers are facing sluggish demand for acrylic fiber in developed countries and are facing significant challenge in coping with the growth of the market as there is limited application of the Acrylic Fiber.The demand of acrylic staple fiber is declining consistently since 2003. In 2006 and 2007, its utilization declined approximately by 8.5%. In the following five years the demand for acrylic fiber was stagnant. Keeping in view the present economic situation, the utilization of acrylic staple fiber is expected to grow by 2.3 % which has started in 2016 and is expected to continue till 2022.Request a Sample Report @Key Players: Jilin Chemical Fiber Group Company, Aditya Birla Group, Dralon, Aksa Akrilik Kimya Sanayii A.S. (Aksa), Taekwang Industrial co. Ltd., Exlan Japan Co. Ltd., Kaneka Corporation, Indian Acrylics Limited, Pasupati Acrylon Ltd., Vardhman Acrylics Ltd.Segmentation: On the basis of form the market is classified namely into Staple and Filament. On the basis of blending the market is classified into Cotton, Wool, and others. On the basis of end-use the market is segmented into Wardrobe, Furnishing, Industrial and othersTaste the market data and market information presented in more than 50 market data tables and figures spread over 140 pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content (TOC) & market synopsis on Global Acrylic Fiber Market Research Report Forecast to 2022Regional Analysis Asia-Pacific region is expected to maintain its dominance in the Global Acrylic Fiber Market. Emerging markets of China, South Korea, Taiwan and India are expected to boost the Asia Pacific acrylic fiber market. Other emerging markets are Middle East and Africa countries. The largest market of Acrylic Fiber is in Asia-Pacific as it has highest consumer of acrylic fiber. China is the leading producer of acrylic fiber followed by South Korea and Taiwan. Middle East and Africa are second largest market of acrylic fiber. North America is facing a sluggish growth since 2006 followed by Europe. European manufactures have stopped producing acrylic fiber as there is limited application of the same here.Access Report Details @About Market Research FutureAt 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 camera gimbal stablizer Market- 2016 Analysis, Cost, Consumption, segment, Sales Revenue 2021 camera gimbal stablizer http://bit.ly/2kOQAuJ http://bit.ly/2lNwFvN The market research report by QY Research provides detailed study on the overall camera gimbal stablizer market size, its financial positions, its unique selling points, key products, and key developments. This research report has segmented the camera gimbal stablizer market based on the segments covering all the domains in terms of type, country, region, forecasting revenues, and market share, along with analysis of latest trends in every sub-segment.Browse Complete Report with TOC @The qualitative segmentation of camera gimbal stablizer market covered in the report gives in-depth information of the overall market. Furthermore, the market size, share, forecast trends, analysis, sales, supply, production, demand, major manufacturers, end-users, and many other vital factors are comprised in the Market Research camera gimbal stablizer report by QY Research. By these comprehensive data, it is simple to take and make precise and accurate decisions taking into consideration the present market situation and the forecasts of the global market, which in turn may result into profitable step for our clients.A competitive landscape that identifies the major competitors of the global market and their market share are further highlighted in the research report. A deliberate profiling of major competitors of the camera gimbal stablizer market as well as a inclusive analysis of their current developments, core competencies, and investments in each segment are also elaborated in the research report.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The overall information of the camera gimbal stablizer market provided in the report helps our client to make precise and accurate decisions in order to gain maximum profit in this cutthroat competition in the global market. The report comprises various elements such as table, figure, charts, TOCs, chapters, and so on so as to provide a crystal clear data to the client giving a brief of the market and its trends. Thus, the report provides in-depth information of the camera gimbal stablizer market in terms of revenue, value, volume, region, and many more.About Us:QYResearch Group is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. QYResearch Group also carries the capability to assist you with your customized market research requirements including in-depth market surveys, primary interviews, competitive landscaping, and company profiles. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics. QYResearch Group is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651 Multiple dose container Market - Opportunities, Regional Outlook, Competitive Insight And Market Overview http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=19310 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Growth of pharmaceutical industry stimulated several allied industries like packaging. On the backdrop of increasing as well as diversified demand of healthcare industry, packaging manufacturing companies are coming up with new and attractive packaging solutions according to the requirement of the drug manufacturing companies. A multiple dose container is a bottle of liquid medication that comprises more than one dose of medication and is accepted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for usage on multiple persons. Manufacturers of multiple dose container use antimicrobial preservative to avert the growth of bacteria. The demand of multiple dose container is gaining traction among the pharmaceutical manufacturing companies to minimize the cost.Get Sample Report Copy:Multiple dose container Market: Market DynamicsGrowth in demand for multiple dose container is expected to be stable over the upcoming years, on the backdrop of pharmaceutical manufacturers inclination to adopt convenience packaging solutions to enhance the shelf life of drugs. Increasing prices of medicines is expected to enforce the hospitals and nursing home to use multiple dose container packaging solutions for minimizing the cost which in turn drives the multiple dose container market during the forecast period. The transportation cost through cold chain is increasing significantly, which in turn increases the preference towards the multiple dose container owing to its important properties such as single dose can be administered to the single patient and the multiple dose container can be used for the multiple patient. Multiple dose container requires economical storage cost that is expected to accelerate the overall demand of multiple dose container market during the forecast period. Multiple dose container can be used up to twenty eight days after administrating it to one patient which can positively influence the global multiple dose container market during the forecast period.Multiple dose container: Market SegmentationThe global single dose container market is segmented on the basis of material type, product type and applicationBased on the material type the global multiple dose container market is segmented into:GlassPlasticPVCPolyethylenePolypropylenePETEVABased on the product type the global multiple dose container market is segmented into:BottlesSyringesAmpoulesOthersBased on the application the global single dose container market is segmented into:AntibioticsChemotherapyAutonomicCardiovascularHormoneCNSOthersMultiple dose container Market: Regional outlookIn terms of geography, the global multiple dose container market has been divided in to five key regions including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to account maximum market proportion throughout the forecast period. Growing pharmaceutical sector in US is expected to be one of the prominent reason of the massive growth of multiple dose container in the North America. Europe is expected to be one of the lucrative region among the multiple dose container manufacturers. This is attributed by the massive investment in research & development by the drug manufacturers which in turn accelerates the sales of multiple dose container in the upcoming decade. Asia Pacific region is anticipated to register maximum CAGR during the forecast period. India and China are the beneficial country among the manufacturers of multiple dose container. China is anticipated to be the attractive country in the Asia Pacific region owing to the rising old age population. However, the Middle East & Africa region is expected to be sluggish throughout the forecast period.Multiple dose container Market: Key playersSome of the key players in the global multiple dose container market are Schott AG, Gerresheimer AG, Becton Dickinson B.V., West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc., Nipro Corporation, Ypsomed Holding AG, SiO2 Medical Products, United Drug Plc., Catalent Inc. etc.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: Automatic Fare Collection System Market Global Analysis & 2017-2021 Forecast Report http://www.orbisresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/212376 http://www.orbisresearch.com/reports/index/global-automatic-fare-collection-system-market-research-report-and-forecast-to-2017-2021 http://www.orbisresearch.com/contacts/discount/212376 https://entcmarketreports.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/orbis-research https://twitter.com/orbisresearch https://plus.google.com/+Orbisresearch/posts This market analysis includes a detailed segmentation of the Global Automatic Fare Collection System Market by development trend and by application.The report covers the present year 2017 scenario and the growth prospects of the Global Automatic Fare Collection System Market for 2017-2021.The report Global Automatic Fare Collection System Market 2017-2021 has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market. The report also covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years.The Automatic Fare Collection System Market By Geography North America Asia-Pacific EuropeRequest a sample of Global Automatic Fare Collection System Market Research Report @The Global Automatic Fare Collection System Market research 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. 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.Global Automatic Fare Collection System Market key players are: Company A Company B Company C Company DBrowse the full Global Automatic Fare Collection System Market Research Report @The report provides an extensive analysis of current and future market status of the world Automatic Fare Collection System Market.Some of the points from table of content:Industry Overview Definition Classification Share Analysis Application AnalysisMarket Analysis Product Development History Process Development History Competitive Landscape AnalysisIndustry Development Trend Capacity Production Overview Production Market Share Analysis Demand OverviewMarket Status and Forecast Supply Demand and Shortage Import Export Consumption Cost Price Production Value Gross MarginReasons for Buying this Global Automatic Fare Collection System Market Research Report This report helps to analyzed the world's main region market conditions It provides product manufacturing processes It provides industry policies and plans It provides overview of product specification It provides cost structures & so on.The Report Contains: 167 Pages.Price of the report: 2850$ (single user license)Check discount @Find related press releases @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 Us:Hector CostelloSenior Manager Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Follow Us on LinkedIn:Follow us on Twitter:Follow us on G+ : PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) Market Application Analysis, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Forecasts, 2016 To 2022 Drivers of PTFE market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1740 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/polytetrafluoroethylene-market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/tile-adhesive-market PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) Market. The global PTFE market is expected to grow over the CAGR of 12.1% during the period 2016 to 2022.Market HighlightsThe global PTFE market has witnessed a remarkable growth over the past decade due to its increasing demand from the application segment such as industrial, electronics, electrical, transportation, petrochemical & chemical processing, food & beverage, medical & pharmaceutical and others. It has been projected that the Global PTFE Market will cross USD 7.1 billion by 2022 growing at a CAGR of approximately 12.1%. The rising demand of PTFE in electrical industry for hookup wire, coaxial cables and other applications are driving this industry. Geographically, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to be the leading market followed by North America and Europe. APAC is considered as the fastest growing region where the market would be having ample of opportunities due to existing emerging economies such as China, India, Japan and Indonesia.Key Players for PTFE Market Solvay Arkema DuPont 3M Daikin America Dyneon Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation W. L. Gore & Associates Shamrock Technologies AGC ChemicalsRequest a Sample Report @List of FiguresFIGURE 1 Global PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) market segmentationFIGURE 2 Forecast MethodologyFIGURE 3 Five Forces Analysis of Global PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) MarketFIGURE 4 Value Chain of Global PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) MarketFIGURE 5 Share of Global PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) Market in 2014, by country (in %)FIGURE 6 Global PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) Market, 2015-2022, (USD billion)FIGURE 7 Sub-segments of ApplicationsFIGURE 8 Global PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) Market size by Application, 2015FIGURE 9 Share of Global PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) Market by Application, 2012 to 2022FIGURE 10 Global PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) Market size by Product Type, 2015FIGURE 11 Share of Global PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) Market by Product Type, 2012 to 2022Scope of the studyBy Product Typeo Micro-powdero Fine-powdero GranularBy Applicationo Industrialo Electronicso Electricalo Transportationo Petrochemical & Chemical Processingo Food & Beverageo Medical & PharmaceuticalBrowse Report @List of TablesTable 1 World Population by Major Regions (2015 To 2030) (Million)Table 2 Global PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) Market: By Region, 2014-2022 (USD Million)Table 3 North America PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) Market: By Country, 2014-2022 (USD Million)Table 4 Europe PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) Market: By Country, 2014-2022 (USD Million)Table 5 Asia-Pacific PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) Market: By Country, 2014-2022 (USD Million)Table 6 RoW PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) Market: By Country, 2014-2022 (USD Million)Table 7 Global PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) for Product Type Market: By Regions, 2014-2022 (USD Million)Table 8 North America PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) for Product Type Market: By Country, 2014-2022 (USD Million)Table 9 Europe PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) for Product Type Market: By Country, 2014-2022 (USD Million)Table 10 Asia-Pacific PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) for Product Type Market: By Country, 2014-2022 (USD Million)Table 11 RoW PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) for Product Type Market: By Country, 2014-2022 (USD Million)Table 12 North America PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) for Application Market: By Country, 2014-2022 (USD Million)Table 13 Europe PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) for Application Market: By Country, 2014-2022 (USD Million)Table 14 Asia-Pacific PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) for Application Market: By Country, 2014-2022 (USD Million)Table 15 RoW PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) for Application Market: By Country, 2014-2022 (USD Million)Table 16 Global PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) for Application Market: By Region, 2014-2022 (USD Million)Table 17 North America PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) for Application Market: By Country, 2014-2022 (USD Million)Table 18 Europe PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) for Application Market: By Country, 2014-2022 (USD Million)Table 19 Asia-Pacific PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) for Application Market: By Country, 2014-2022 (USD Million)Table 20 RoW PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) for Application Market: By Country, 2014-2022 (USD Million)ContinueTarget Audienceo Manufactures of end-use industryo Raw material Supplierso Aftermarket supplierso Research Institute / Education Instituteo Potential Investorso Key executive (CEO and COO) and strategy growth managerThe report for Global Polytetrafluoroethylene Market of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.Related ReportTile Adhesives Market Research Report, By Product type (Latex mortar,acrylic-mixed mortar, Epoxy mortar) and By Application (Residential and non-residential) - Forecast To 2022About 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 Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com Waterborne Coatings Market Estimated to Experience a Hike in Growth by 2020 www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3460 www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3460 Waterborne coatings are green substrates using water as solvent to dissolve a resin, making them environment friendly and easy to apply. These coatings usually contain approximately 80% of water with minimum quantities of other solvents such as glycol ethers. As per the U.S. and European regulations of waterborne coatings to have a VOC content less than 3.5 gallons of water, these are considered eco-friendly in nature. Various types of coatings such as water-soluble paints, water-dispersible paints, latex paints and water-based alkyds are used for a variety of applications including automotive, industrial, architectural, wood, and packaging.A sample of this report is available upon request @Significant investments from certain large scale companies such as BASF SE, AkzoNobel, and Valspar among others to expand in quite a few countries of Asia Pacific and Latin America have been witnessed. Demand for green coatings in these regions have still been in the development and are anticipated to have a huge potential in the near future. Moreover, focus on R&D activities in the green coatings industry coupled with product innovation has also contributed to the growth of the market.Growing demand for non-hazardous, eco-friendly, low VOC green coatings from the end-user industry are expected to boost the demand for waterborne coating over the next few years. In addition, growth of the automotive and construction industry has also been the current growth factors for waterborne coatings. However, increasing use of other better performing green substrates such as powder coatings is expected to hamper the growth of the waterborne coatings market.North America was the largest consumer for waterborne coatings. However, future market growth is expected to be from Asia Pacific. Green coatings are expected todominate the market over the next few years due to the expansions by the major manufacturers in emerging economies such as China and India in the region.Request to view Table of content @AkzoNobel, Asian Paints Limited, BASF SE, Hempel A/S, Jotun A/S, Masco Corporation, PPG Industries Inc., Rpm International Inc., The Valspar Corporation, and Tikkurila OYJ among others are some of the key players involved in the waterborne coatings industry.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Persistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd.305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Research report covers the Low-Calorie Chocolate Market share and Growth, 2015-2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-831 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-831 www.futuremarketinsights.com Low-calorie chocolates contain less sugar and fat and does not provide adverse health benefits. Cocoa is the main raw material for its production. Low-calorie chocolates has a variety of applications like in cookies, desserts, candies, bars etc. Due to rise in consumer expenditure and increase consumer health awareness, low-calorie chocolate market is growing.Kraft Foods found a new process to make low calorie chocolates and has filed an international patent for that. It can increase the shelf life of the product and also maintain the quality and texture. The invention was done by the scientist from Kraft Foods called Ulrich Loeser and his team. The patent was filed under the Patent Corporation Treaty, which allows a uniform patent to be considered by regional authorities.Low-calorie Chocolate Market: Drivers & RestraintsFestive and seasonal sales, increase consumer awareness about low calorie chocolates, a variety of applications, sugar free chocolates, increase demand of cocoa, innovative chocolate products, increase in disposable income are important driving factors that are driving the low-calorie chocolate market. Also, sophisticated packaging, urbanization, and change in lifestyle are driving factors too. Since low-calorie chocolate market provides health benefits and consumers have become experimented in terms of taste and flavor, demand for low-calorie chocolate market has increased.Request Report Sample@Low-calorie chocolates products are not considered a necessity or must buy. Low calorie chocolate is preferred by mostly health conscious people. Its raw materials prices and changing consumer preferences, are acting as a barrier for low-calorie chocolate market.Low-calorie Chocolate Market: SegmentationLow-calorie chocolate market is broadly classified on the basis of the following segments By Product:Dark ChocolateMilk ChocolateWhite ChocolateBy Applications:Desserts and cookiesBars and CandiesShakes and Ice CreamsLow-calorie Chocolate Market: OverviewThe in low-calorie chocolate market has grown substantially at a healthy CAGR due to the health benefits offered by low-calorie products and variety of application by itself. With rising disposable income and increasing demand for in low-calorie chocolates, which are has less fat and calorie, low-calorie chocolate market is expected to grow globally. Asia Pacific will emerge as the fastest growing region in low-calorie chocolate market in the forecast period.Low-calorie Chocolate Market: Region-wise OutlookThe in low-calorie chocolate market is expected to register a double-digit CAGR for the forecast period. Depending on geographic regions, the low-calorie chocolate market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Presently, North America dominates the low-calorie chocolate market due to its consumer demand or high consumption. According to US Economic Census Data, about 13% percent of cocoas annual production, almost 500,000 is used for US chocolate candy.Visit For TOC@Low-calorie Chocolate Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market players in low-calorie chocolate market are Nestle S.A., Hersheys, Kraft Foods, Dreyer, Breyers, Ben & Jerrys, Haagen Daaz.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: Self-Service Technologies Market: Industry Analysis, Trend, Demand and Global Forecast to 2027 Self-Service Technologies Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/927 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/self-service-technologies-market Market Scenario:The major growth driver of Self-Service Technologies Market includes growing technical advancement of remote and wireless communications, growing awareness about biometric securities such as fingerprint recognition, increasing demand for self-service machines and automated devices among others.Hence the market for Self-Service Technologies is expected to grow at XX% CAGR (2016-2027).However, imposed government regulations over energy and power sectors are one of the factors which are hindering the growth of Self-Service Technologies Market.Segments:Global Self-Service Technologies Market can be segmented as follows:Segmentation by Machine Type: ATM, vending machines, and kiosks among others.Segmentation by Application: Retail, Banking, Healthcare, Food & Beverage, and Security & Surveillance among others.Request a Sample Copy @Key Players of Self-Service Technologies Market: Kiosk Information Systems Inc. (US) NCR Corporation (US) HESS Cash Systems GmbH & Co. (Germany) Fujitsu Glory Ltd. Azkoyen Group Crane Co. (USA) Mass International Europe B.V. (Netherlands) Vend-Rite and IBM Corporation (US)Objective of Self-Service Technologies Market Study: 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 Self-Service Technologies Market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To Analyze the Self-Service Technologies 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- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (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 segment by type, applications and 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, new product developments, and research and developments in the global Self-Service Technologies Market.Browse Full 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.Contact:Akash AnandMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com Edible Films and Coating Market, 2015-2025 by Segmentation: Based on Product, Application and Region http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-907 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-907 www.futuremarketinsights.com Edible films and coating are thin layer of material which provides a barrier to moisture for the various food application. Generally edible films and coating thickness is approximately 0.3 mm. It also helps in extending the shelf life of the final product. Edible films and coating are prepared from proteins, polysaccharides and/or lipids to alter the surface characteristics of a food. It possess a wide application in various food industry which is expected to drive edible film market during the forecast period.Edible Films and Coating Market SegmentationEdible films and coating is segmented on the basis of ingredient types which includes protein base, polysaccharides base and lipids base. Among all these segments protein base edible films is expected to be the major segment in terms of revenue generation as compared to others. Protein base edible films comprises high advantages such as it can be used for the individual packaging of small portions of food, can be applied inside heterogeneous foods at the interfaces between different layers of components, can function as carriers for antimicrobial and antioxidant agents and many others is predicted to support its growth during the forecast period. Moreover, polysaccharides base is expected to show a substantial growth in the near future. On the basis of type protein base edible films is sub segmented as collagen films, gelatin films, wheat gluten films, soy protein films and others (corn zein films and casein films). Among all these sub segment soy protein is expected to contribute major share in edible protein edible films market. Polysaccharides edible films is also sub segmented as pectin chitosan, alginate, starch, cellulose and dextrin. In addition lipids for use in films include fatty acids, acylglycerol and waxes.Request Report Sample@Edible films and coating is further segmented on the basis of application which includes meat and poultry products, bakery products, confectionery products, fruits and vegetables, flavor encapsulation and nutraceutical products. Among all these segment bakery product is expected to contribute major share in edible films market followed by confectionery products. Moreover, nutraceutical industry is predicted to show a healthy growth during the forecast period. Edible films are ultra-portable and convenient, especially for children and the elderly who may have difficulty swallowing pills, which is expected to support the growth of edible films market in nutraceutical products.Geographically North America edible film and coating market is well established. The region is expected to contribute highest in terms of revenue. In North America Us is expected to account for major market share followed by Canada. Europe is expected to be emerging market for edible films and coating during the forecast period. Growing nutraceutical industry in the European countries is expected to be the driving factor for edible films and coating market in the future. In developing region such as Asia Pacific is predicted to show a healthy growth during the forecast period. China is expected to be the major contributor in terms of revenue in edible films and coating market followed by Japan.Edible Films and Coating Market DriversHigh advantages of edible films and coating material such as it act as masking agent, it is ultra-portable convenient and others is expected to fuel the growth of edible films and coating material market during the forecast period. Moreover, increased demand for those edible products with long shelf life is also predicted to fuel the growth of edible films and coating market during the forecast period.Visit For TOC@Edible Films and Coating Market Key PlayersSome of the major players operating in edible film and coating material market includes Tate and Lyle Plc, WATSON-INC, Tsukioka Film Pharma Co., Ltd, JRF Technology, LLC, MonoSol, LLC among others.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: Versatile Accelerometer from STMicroelectronics Delivers Class-Leading Resolution and Low Power in Tiny Footprint www.st.com/lis2dw12-pr www.st.com New Delhi, February 23, 2017 - Taking context sensing in Internet-of-Things (IoT) and wearable devices to the next level, STMicroelectronics LIS2DW12 3-axis accelerometer delivers superior accuracy, flexibility, and energy savings by supporting multiple low-power and low-noise settings in a 2mm x 2mm x 0.7mm package.A new member of STs low-power, high-performance MEMS product family (alongside devices like LSM6DSM, LSM6DSL, and LSM303AH), the LIS2DW12 has 16-bit output and can be set to prioritize low power consumption or low-noise performance, with five settings in either mode. A specific feature coupled with four settings in each mode save waking the system to check for data, and allow efficient single-byte transfers thereby further minimizing system power consumption and helping extend battery life. Noise density down to 90g/Hz is at least 25% lower than similar devices in the marketplace, which improves the measurement accuracy in next-gen applications from healthcare, fitness, and gaming to industrial sensing and environmental monitoring.Drawing as little as 50nA in standby, or 380nA in low-power mode at 1.6Hz Output Data Rate, the LIS2DW12 adds negligible load on the battery. The supply-voltage range of 1.62-3.6V allows extended operation from small coin or button cells. Features that support system-level power savings include a 32-level FIFO, a built-in temperature sensor, and a programmable interrupt for freefall, wake up, activity/inactivity, 6D/4D orientation detection, and tap/double-tap detection.The LIS2DW12 offers high resolution and flexibility to optimize noise performance and power consumption in a small 2mm x 2mm x 0.7mm package.Engineering samples of the LIS2DW12 are available now, and volume production will begin in Q1 2017. Budgetary pricing is from $0.75 for orders of 1000 pieces.For further information please visitAbout STMicroelectronicsST is a global semiconductor leader delivering intelligent and energy-efficient products and solutions that power the electronics at the heart of everyday life. STs products are found everywhere today, and together with our customers, we are enabling smarter driving and smarter factories, cities and homes, along with the next generation of mobile and Internet of Things devices.By getting more from technology to get more from life, ST stands for life.augmented.In 2015, the Companys net revenues were $6.90 billion, serving more than 100,000 customers worldwide. Further information can be found at806, Vijaya Building,Barakhamba Road,New Delhi- 110001 Global Drug Discovery Outsourcing Industry Analysis And Forecast 2013 - 2019 | New Study http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=191320 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=191320 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Drug Discovery Outsourcing Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends And Forecast, 2013 - 2019" to its huge collection of research reports.Drug discovery is a process of inventing a new medication in the field of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and pharmacology. Drug discovery is a complex, lengthycomplicated and expensive process. This process is carried out in four stages namely, target identification, target validation, high-speed screening and lead optimization. Though advanced technologies are available, success rate of drug discovery is very low and the time involved is relatively high.The final stage of drug discovery involves obtaining a patent and running clinical trials. Most of the drugs entering into clinical trials fail and obsolete from the trials thus leading to waste of time, cost and efforts. Generally, small pharmaceutical companies develop new drug molecules and sell patent rights to big companies that can afford to conduct clinical trials. In order to focus on core competencies such as manufacturing, marketing and product labeling many companies outsource their drug discovery processes.Outsourcing of drug discovery saves time, cost and efforts of the pharmaceutical and biological companies. On the other hand companies providing outsourced services for drug discovery are equipped with developed infrastructure, highly developed technological front and skilled expertise. Rapidly progressing technologies, reduced turn-around time, increasing strategic partnerships and development of biosimilars, biologics and orphan drugs are some of the driving forces for the growth of the global drug discovery outsourcing market.Though the market scope for drug discovery outsourcing market is vast, increase in clinical research organizations (CROs), regional expansion, niche CROs and public-private partnerships is leading to increased competition that is restraining growth of this market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The market of drug discovery outsourcing is segmented depending on various types of services offered such as:Biological servicesChemical servicesLead Identification and screeningLead optimizationGeographically, the global drug discovery outsourcing market can be categorized into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and rest of the world regions.North America currently leads this market and is followed by Europe due to existence and early adoption of highly developed technologies and supportive economy. Asia-Pacific is a promising market for drug discovery outsourcing and is expected to undergo rapid market growth. Especially countries like China and India are promising regions, reason being many small biopharmaceutical companies prefer outsourcing their drug discovery activities to CROs in China and India. Apart from nations in Asia-Pacific, countries such as Russia and Ukraine will also show growth progress in the future.Some of the market players in this industry segment are Galapagos NV, WIL Research Laboratories LLC, Albany Molecular Research, Inc. and Domainex, Ltd.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 Luxury Hotels Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2021 | New Survey http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=190532 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=190532 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Luxury Hotels Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2015 - 2021" to its huge collection of research reports.Increasing consumer awareness and changing lifestyle are the major factors contributing to the growing popularity of luxury hotels globally. With the increasing standard of living, consumers are opting for luxury hotels for better services. Furthermore, the booming travel and tourism industry is one of the key factors fueling the demand for luxury hotels globally. In addition, rise in branding and promotional activities are one of the prime factors responsible for the increasing awareness about luxury hotels. Hoteliers are focusing on branding and promotions for better market penetration. Online booking, advance services, and easy check-in and check-out processes are the major driving factors responsible for the success of the luxury hotel industry. Moreover, in order to meet the consumer demands, hoteliers are focusing on upgrading their services. As service is a crucial part of the hospitality industry, hoteliers are concentrating on providing excellent services to retain customers.Rise in the number of international events is fueling the market growth of luxury hotels globally. Consumers are opting for luxury hotels to spend their leisure time, with a view to experience the luxurious living offered in such hotels. Furthermore, the services, which include spa treatments, beauty services, and various other amenities offer relaxation and rejuvenate the customers. Moreover, hectic daily lifestyle and demand for luxurious living are some of the key reasons behind the growing popularity of luxury hotels globally.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The global luxury hotels market by geography has been categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW). The scope of the report offers an insight into luxury hotel preferences in these regions, based on revenue (USD billion). In addition, the current and future trends in the luxury hotels market are also covered in the report.Currently, the U.S. is dominating the market for luxury hotels in North America. Germany is dominating the market for luxury hotels in Europe, followed by the U.K. The growing tourism industry is stimulating the demand for luxury hotels across the various regions globally. China dominates the luxury hotels market in Asia Pacific currently, followed by India and Singapore. Increasing brand awareness among consumers is driving the demand for luxury hotels in Brazil and Saudi Arabia.The business hotels segment accounts for the largest share in the luxury hotels market. Business travelers, tour groups, small conference groups, and individual tourists are the target customers of business hotels. Moreover, suite hotels are one of the major segments in the luxury hotels market. These hotel rooms have bedrooms and a separate living room area. Professionals such as lawyers, businessmen and accountants usually tend to prefer such hotels. In addition, currently, the airport hotels segment is showcasing a promising growth in the luxury hotels market globally. The target customers of airport hotels include airline passengers, especially those whose flight is cancelled or overnight layovers, business clientele and airline crew and staff, among others.The global luxury hotels market report provides an insight into the regional as well as country-wise preferences of luxury hotels. North America dominated the global luxury hotels market in 2014, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. Increasing standard of living coupled with the booming travel and tourism industry are having a positive impact on the growing market for luxury hotels globally. The shift in consumer preferences toward living a luxurious lifestyle, along with the rise in the number of international events, is propelling the demand for luxury hotels in the Rest of the World (RoW).Some of the major luxury hotels in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and RoW include Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Four Seasons Holdings Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, ITC Hotels Limited, The Indian Hotels Company Limited, Mandarin Oriental International Limited, Jumeirah International LLC, Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd., Kerzner International Resorts, Inc., and Marriott International, Inc.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 Acute Lymphocytic/Lymphoblastic leukemia Market 2015-2019 - Analyzing top companies operating in the market, including Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Novartis http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=459061 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=459061 http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Albany, NY, Feb 23, 2017: An in-depth study of the acute lymphocytic leukemia market and segmentation by route of administration (oral and parenteral), by type of molecules (biologics and small molecules), and by geography (the Americas, EMEA, and APAC). The report also presents a detailed analysis of the top companies operating in the market, including Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Novartis.Market landscape of acute lymphocytic leukemiaAcute lymphocytic leukemia or acute lymphoblastic leukemia, is a malignancy of the blood cells that affects the lymphoblasts or leukemic blasts, which witnesses an uncontrolled cell division. The main symptoms a patient exhibits are weakness, tiredness, dizziness, fever, shortness of breath, frequent infections, bruising, and bleeding.Currently, the disease cannot be cured completely but the risk can be reduced by administering medication.Technavios market research analysts expect the global acute lymphocytic leukemia market to grow at a steady rate and post a CAGR of over 4% during the forecast period. One of the major factors contributing to the growth of the market is the provision for orphan drugs. For instance, in the US, orphan designation for a drug means incentives like tax credits for qualified clinical testing, exemption from prescription drug user fees unless indicated for additional non-orphan indications, and market exclusivity for seven years.Get a Sample Research PDF with TOC:Many medications are administered through the oral route to guarantee a systemic effect. The oral route is a sub-division of enteral administration and is considered to be one of the safest and most preferred routes of drug administration.Geographical segmentation of the acute lymphocytic leukemia market- Americas- APAC- EMEAWith a share of over 49%, the Americas dominated the acute lymphocytic leukemia market, with the US being the major revenue contributor. The Americas is closely followed by the EMEA and the APAC region and the market is expected to follow a similar trend during the forecast period.Competitive landscape and key vendorsThe acute lymphocytic leukemia market is marked by the presence of both global and local drug manufacturers with varied product portfolios containing generic and off- label drugs as well as branded therapies. Besides, the high level of unmet medical need is expected to give a platform to the vendors to develop products to cater to relevant areas and enhance their market shares.Primary vendors in this market are -- Amgen- Bristol-Myers Squibb- NovartisOther prominent vendors included in this report are Ariad, Arno Therapeutics, Baxter, Boehringer Ingelheim, ERYTECH Pharma, Fate Therapeutics, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Orphan Europe, Otsuka, Ono Pharmaceuticals, Onconova Therapeutics, Pfizer, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi, and Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals.Enquiry at:Key questions answered in the report include- What will the market size and the growth rate be in 2019?- What are the key factors driving the global acute lymphocytic leukemia market?- What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the global acute lymphocytic leukemia market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in the global acute lymphocytic leukemia market?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global acute lymphocytic leukemia market?- What are the trending factors influencing the market shares of the Americas, EMEA, and APAC?- What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the global acute lymphocytic leukemia market?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at: High-End Humidity and Temperature Transmitter with Multi-Functional Display EE310 Humidity and temperature transmitter from E+E Elektronik. www.ee310-humidity-transmitter.com www.epluse.com The highly accurate EE310 humidity and temperature transmitter from E+E Elektronik is dedicated for demanding process control. The modern multi-functional display with data logging function enables intuitive operation and offers an optimum overview of the measuring task. Extensive settings and diagnostics can thus be performed directly on the device.The EE310 measures relative humidity and temperature, and calculates dew point temperature, frost point temperature, wet-bulb temperature, water vapour partial pressure, mixing ratio, absolute humidity and specific enthalpy.The 3.5 TFT colour display shows simultaneously up to four measured or calculated values. All settings and even error diagnosis are easily performed with push buttons. The integrated data logger stores up to 20,000 values per measurand. The recorded data can be shown on the display, or downloaded via the USB interface for further processing.The EE310 transmitter is available for wall or duct mount, as well as with remote probe. Various remote probes can be employed up to 180 C (356 F) and 20 bar (290 psi). The probes are also available as pluggable versions for quick and easy replacement.The E+E proprietary sensor coating brings relevant advantages when it comes to use in harsh industrial environment. It protects the sensing elements from corrosive and electrically conductive contamination, which leads to reliable and long-term stable measurements.The modular enclosure simplifies installation and maintenance of the EE310. The upper part of the transmitter, which accommodates the electronics and the probe, can be easily plugged off for service or adjustment, while the wiring remains untouched.The measured values are available on two analogue outputs and the Modbus RTU interface. Two freely configurable relay outputs can be used for control or alarm purposes. Configuration and adjustment of the transmitter can be performed via display or with the free EE-PCS software using the USB interface.More information about the EE310:E+E Elektronik develops and manufactures sensors and transmitters for humidity, temperature, dewpoint, moisture in oil, air velocity, flow and CO2. Data loggers, hand-held measuring devices and calibration systems complete the comprehensive product portfolio of the Austrian sensor specialist. The main applications for E+E products lie in HVAC, building automation, industrial process control and the automotive industry. A certified quality management system according to ISO 9001 and ISO/TS 16949 ensures the highest quality standards. E+E Elektronik has a worldwide dealership network and representative offices in Germany, France, Italy, Korea, China and the United States. The accredited E+E calibration laboratory (OEKD) has been commissioned by the Austrian Federal Office for Metrology (BEV) to provide the national standards for humidity and air velocity.Mr. Johannes FraundorferE+E Elektronik Ges.m.b.HLangwiesen 74209 EngerwitzdorfAustriaT: +43 (0) 7235 605-0pr@epluse.at Computer Assisted Coding Market - Trends, Growth Propellers, Segmentation And Top Players http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=16412 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Hospitals need to manage and store a large quantity of patients medical record in its system. These medical records contain patients personal data and treatment history which is documented in a proper manner. The document is used by administrative staff for billing purpose during patients discharge from hospital. Thus, the handling and preservation of records is a tedious work for administrative person in hospital. However, with the introduction of information technology, these medical records are now being recorded in digital form and are stored in a computer. However, the time taken by an administrative person to extract appropriate information from the document is more as the person needs to read the whole document carefully. Computer assisted coding software aims to resolve this issue by analyzing the medical record or document for specific keywords. The keywords are analyzed by comparing the document data with available database. Thus, computer assisted coding software provides appropriate keyword to the administrative person or coder who can use it for billing purpose.Computer assisted coding software uses structured input or natural language processing (NLP) technology for document processing. This helps to increase productivity and reducing process time of the administrative person or coder. Computer assisted coding software also helps in reducing errors and improving efficiency of healthcare facility. It can be used by billing personnel, compliance officers and auditors to verify document in healthcare industry. Today, computer assisted coding software is available in cloud-based and on-premise types depending upon the hospital requirement.View Business Strategic Report :The rapid adoption of electronic health record (EHR) in many healthcare facilities is creating demand for computer assisted coding market. Computer assisted coding software can be used for insurance claim reimbursement in healthcare sector. Computer assisted coding software will see more adoption in healthcare facilities due to the adaptation of ICD-10 coding in coming years. ICD-10 is the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) list which is promoted by World Health Organization (WHO). ICD-10 contains codes for diseases, abnormal findings, symptoms, complaints, social circumstances and causes of injury or diseases. This is used by computer assisted coding software as a coding database.The major challenge for computer assisted coding software is its high initial cost and the problem of adaptation by the hospital management. Hospitals consider it as an unnecessary investment and focus on improving other facilities. Computer assisted coding software also have problem in processing handwritten notes for coding processes. This limits use of computer assisted coding software in traditional healthcare facilities were information technology is not yet implemented.Developed economies such as North America and Europe will see a good demand for Computer Assisted Coding market in coming years. This is due to strict regulation norms adopted by the governments in developed economies. The demand for computer assisted coding software in developing countries such as China, India and Brazil is going to increase in coming years due to the increase in healthcare infrastructure. Some of the key Computer Assisted Coding software providers are Cerner Corporation, MModal IP LLC, Optum Inc, PlatoCode LLC, QuadraMed Affinity Corporation, 3M Company, Artificial Medical Intelligence Inc, Craneware PLC, Mckesson Corporation, Dolbey Systems Inc, Optum Inc, Precyse Solutions, Nuance Communications Inc, and Trucode.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: Planting and Fertilizing Machinery Market - Emerging Economies to Present Vast Untapped Growth Opportunities http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=1857 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com According to the market report, the rising automation across the agriculture sector, together with technological innovations, has augmented the usage of planting and fertilizing machinery significantly. Apart from this, the lack of skilled workforce and the rise in labor overheads has also compelled farmers and agriculturists to deploy machinery for planting and fertilizing.In addition, various government initiatives, such as subsidies on the purchase of planting and fertilizing equipment, and the availability of these machines on easy credit are likely to encourage farmers to increase their deployment instead of manpower in the coming years, notes the research study.The resort report states that the worldwide market for planting and fertilizing machinery is spread across Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and the Rest of the World. Asia Pacific, being a foremost agrarian region, has emerged as the leading market for planting and fertilizing machinery in the world. India and China have been driving the demand for these machines in Asia Pacific. Analysts predict the trend to continue in the forthcoming years.PDF Sample For Complete Analysis @North America and Europe are also expected to witness a robust rise in the utilization of machinery instead of manpower for planting and fertilizing in the near future due to advancements in technology, states the research report.The research study also examines the profiles of the key companies in the global market for planting and fertilizing machinery in order to understand the main trends in its competitive landscape. The Kverneland Group, Buhler Industries Inc., CNH Global N.V., Deere & Co., Kubota Corp., AGCO Corp., Kasco Manufacturing, Kuhn Group, and Great Plains AG are the leading participants operating in this market, states the research report.The key objective of this study is to provide a clear understanding of the global planting and fertilizing machinery market to participants and help them in making crucial strategies for business expansion.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: Hosted Test Environment Management Market - Segmentation, Drivers and Restraints, Regional Outlook, Global Research Report http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=13790 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Test Environment Management (TEM) has evolved as an efficient capability to provide software developers and organizations with test-environment to aid their software testing cycle to execute test scenarios and identify bugs. Hosted TEM facilitates an organization to speed up their software testing process and enable faster release of their software to the market, as the setup time for creating a traditional test environment is reduced to great extent. This provides organizations with lead time in the market due to the faster release of their software and gain a competitive advantage in the market. On-demand access to varying needs of test tools on the hosted test environment serves as an important factor to attract software organizations to hosted TEM management services. Furthermore, it reduces the cost attached with allocating a dedicated teams for critical software testing and also enhance the quality of software testing procedures. The hosted TEM eliminates the need for the setup of complex infrastructure within an organization. Hosted TEM service provider offers comprehensive solutions that include technology and infrastructure, resources, and security and standard compliance.Hosted TEM services market is anticipated to observe continuous increase in demand in the coming years.View Business Strategic Report :This is attributed to the rise in the IT industry sector in recent past. The rise in IT industry sector has intensified the competition among the software organizations, thus encouraging them to adopt hosted TEM services and increase the testing process time. Moreover, increasing demand for cloud services due to its cost benefits over on-premise deployment has attracted many organizations towards the deployment of Hosted TEM services. Pay-as-you-use model is another factor to add to the growth of hosted TEM among the small and medium-sized businesses. Increasing complexity of web and mobile applications, and its requirements to test for multiple operating systems is another major factor to support the TEM management services market. However, hosted TEM faces certain challenges such as security and environment availability might affect its widespread adoption in the market.Hosted TEM services market is segmented depending on the enterprise size that include small and medium-sized enterprises and large enterprises. Small companies with lack of resources for testing are more likely to prefer hosted test environment management services. Hosted TEM services witnessed huge demand in the North America region. The concentration of established software organizations have largely contributed to the hosted TEM services market growth in the U.S. Furthermore, established infrastructure and fast adoption of new technologies have aided the TEM services market across the region. However, Asia Pacific region is likely to be a potential market for the hosted TEM services in coming years due to the growing IT industry sector in countries such as India and Philippines. Moreover, China and Japan are expected to contribute largely to the growth of Hosted TEM market in the Asia Pacific region.Considering the high potential market and growing opportunities for the hosted TEM services market, large number of software organizations are focused on providing these services across the world. The key players offering the hosted TEM services include Capgemini Group, Infosys Limited, and Plutora, Inc., and Computer Sciences Corporation.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: Expiration of holiday entitlements: BAG appeals to European Court of Justice https://www.grprainer.com/en/legal-advice/employment-law.html www.grprainer.com/en/ www.grprainer.com/en It is common for disputes to arise under employment law concerning compensation in lieu of holiday entitlements. According to German law, holidays that have not been taken expire at the end of the reference period.GRP Rainer Lawyers and Tax Advisors in Cologne, Berlin, Bonn, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart and London conclude: In principle, employees are entitled to a certain number of holidays per year. The issue of whether employees are entitled to compensation of lieu of this if they do not take full advantage of their right to apply for leave of absence is contentious.According to German law, employees need to request leave of absence for holidays if this entitlement is not to expire without being replaced at the end of the reference period. The employer, on the other hand, is not obligated to set holidays for the employee of its own accord. Having said that, the Bundesarbeitsgericht (BAG), Germanys Federal Labour Court, has raised the issue of whether European regulations preclude the application of this national rule and appealed to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) to clarify the matter.The case in question concerns a worker who was employed for more than 12 years in total as a researcher on the basis of several fixed-term employment contracts. A few weeks before the employment relationship finally came to an end, the employer prompted the researcher to make use of his outstanding holiday entitlement. However, the latter only spent two days on vacation and asked his employer to cash out or compensate him for the remaining 51 holidays.The courts of lower instance granted his claim for payment in lieu of holidays. The Bundesarbeitsgericht, on the other hand, expressed doubts, stating that according to German case law holiday entitlements expire at the end of the leave year. It went on to say that holiday entitlements generally lapse in the absence of grounds justifying their transfer pursuant to sec. 7 para. 3 sent. 2 of the Bundesurlaubsgesetz (BurlG), Germanys Federal Holiday Act. Moreover, the employer is not obliged to grant leave of absence if no request for leave is made, or force the employee to go on holiday. The Court held that whether European law precludes the application of these rules under German law has yet to be clarified by the CJEU. The CJEU has since been called on to provide definitive clarity in relation to this issue.When it comes to legal disputes relating to the workplace or drafting detailed employment contracts, lawyers who are experienced in the field of employment law can offer advice.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 Report Discusses Trends in Global Eye Care Surgical Market Share of Key Manufacturers 2016 http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=888251&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-eye-care-surgical-market-research-report-2016.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com/reports.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com Global Eye Care Surgical 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 Eye Care Surgical 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 Eye Care Surgical. 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).To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @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 Eye Care Surgical 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 Eye Care Surgical 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 Eye Care Surgical Market Research Report 20161 Eye Care Surgical Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Eye Care Surgical1.2 Eye Care Surgical Segment by Type1.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Eye Care Surgical by Type in 20151.2.2 Type I1.2.3 Type II1.2.4 Type III1.3 Eye Care Surgical Segment by Application1.3.1 Eye Care Surgical Consumption Market Share by Application in 20151.3.2 Application 11.3.3 Application 21.3.4 Application 31.4 Eye Care Surgical 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 Eye Care Surgical (2011-2021)2 Global Eye Care Surgical Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Eye Care Surgical Production and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 Global Eye Care Surgical Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.3 Global Eye Care Surgical Average Price by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.4 Manufacturers Eye Care Surgical Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Eye Care Surgical Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Eye Care Surgical Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Eye Care Surgical Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Eye Care Surgical Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2011-2016)3.1 Global Eye Care Surgical Production and Market Share by Region (2011-2016)3.2 Global Eye Care Surgical Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2011-2016)3.3 Global Eye Care Surgical Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.4 North America Eye Care Surgical Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.5 Europe Eye Care Surgical Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.6 China Eye Care Surgical Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.7 Japan Eye Care Surgical Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.8 Southeast Asia Eye Care Surgical Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.9 India Eye Care Surgical Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)4 Global Eye Care Surgical Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.1 Global Eye Care Surgical Consumption by Regions (2011-2016)4.2 North America Eye Care Surgical Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.3 Europe Eye Care Surgical Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.4 China Eye Care Surgical Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.5 Japan Eye Care Surgical Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.6 Southeast Asia Eye Care Surgical Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.7 India Eye Care Surgical Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)5 Global Eye Care Surgical Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Eye Care Surgical Production and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)5.2 Global Eye Care Surgical Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)5.3 Global Eye Care Surgical Price by Type (2011-2016)5.4 Global Eye Care Surgical Production Growth by Type (2011-2016)6 Global Eye Care Surgical Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global Eye Care Surgical Consumption and Market Share by Application (2011-2016)6.2 Global Eye Care Surgical Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2011-2016)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/CountriesFor 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 Optoelectronics Market - Rising Competition Pushes Players to Focus on New Product Development http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=1417 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Global Optoelectronics Market: OverviewOptoelectronics currently dominate the global semiconductor industry as the fastest growing segment. As the global optoelectronics market exhibit multi-fold growth every year, the hold in the semiconductor industry is likely to strengthen further. The robust segments within the industry, particularly those catering to the cause of energy-efficiency have led to innovations in image sensors, LEDs, and other optoelectronics. With several other developments underway, Transparency Market Research pegs a high CAGR for the global optoelectronics market between 2016 and 2024.The report presents a broad evaluation of the global optoelectronics market on the basis of various segments. Based on in-depth research it determines the potential threats and opportunities for the market. Besides this, a detailed assessment of the growth drivers and restraints is also included in the report. In order to determine the scope for the entry of new players, the report also conducts an investment feasibility analysis. It also gauges the effect of Porters five forces on the overall market operations.Global Optoelectronics Market: Trends and OpportunitiesExperts connote the optoelectronics market as self-driven by its segments, which are distributed in terms of type and application such as LEDs, the Internet and compact disks (CDs), OLEDs, Blue Ray, and DVDs among others. The exponentially increasing demand for these products and their easy availability are the chief factors translating into opportunities for the optoelectronics industry. In addition, the ever increasing spending incurred on power by consumers in Asia Pacific has been contributing immensely to the high revenue generated by the industry in the last couple of years.View Sample Business Strategic Report @On the downside, optoelectronics has higher cost compared to their conventional counterparts. This could hinder the markets expansion to an extent. In terms of application, the demand for liquid crystal displays (LCDs), which is key substitute for LEDs and a more economical solution despite difference in terms of quality, will continue rising through the forecast period. Besides this, the high replacement cost of spare parts will also emerge as a major restraint for the sales of LEDs, which occupy a major revenue share in the global optoelectronics market.Global Optoelectronics Market: Regional OutlookAsia Pacific, among the key regional segments, is foretold to exhibit lucrative market opportunities. The surge in the China optoelectronics market, coupled with the rising demand from other nations such as India, Japan, and South Korea, will enable the Asia Pacific market gain significant momentum over the course of the reports forecast period. Furthermore, the report forecasts the market to witness attractive prospects in Rest of the World.In developed markets such as North America, the rising demand from nations such as Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. will keep the demand for optoelectronics high. In Europe, the market is expected to witness attractive opportunities in countries such as Germany, France, U.K., and others.Global Optoelectronics Market: Vendor LandscapeThe report provides an in-depth overview of the global optoelectronics market complete with a detailed assessment of the prevailing vendor landscape. Some of the leading companies operating in the market are Toshiba Corp., Sony Corp., ROHM, Sharp Corp., BetaLED, Avago Technologies, Panasonic, Philips and others. The report conducts SWOT analysis on the most prominent companies to gauge their strengths and weaknesses. The analysis also helps provide insights into the opportunities and threats that these companies are projected to witness over the course of 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: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection are Expected to Increase at a CAGR of 0.047% in 2023 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/938618 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ "The Report Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection- Epidemiology Insights-2023 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"DelveInsights Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection- Epidemiology Insights-2023-Global Report provides an overview of the disease and the historical and forecasted epidemiological data for the Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection for Global, United States, EU5 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and United Kingdom) and Japan for the time period 2013-2023.The report considers the transplant patients, HIV patients and Infants under high risk for CMV infections and epidemiology forecast for these high risk categories have also been taken into consideration. Of The 7 Major Markets, U.S. has the highest number of CMV Prevalent cases and Spain has the least number of CMV Prevalent cases. According to DelveInsight, the Global Diagnosed cases for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection are expected to increase at a CAGR of 0.047% to 172,864 cases in 2023.The report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research and in-house Forecast model analysis by Publisher team of industry experts.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @ScopeReport covers the disease overview including etiology, pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis and disease management.Identifying patient populations in the global Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection marketThe Report covers the detailed historical and forecasted epidemiological data covering global from 2013-2023Table of Content :Cytomegalovirus InfectionsDisease OverviewSymptoms of cytomegalovirus (CMV) InfectionEtiologyRisk FactorsPathogenesis of human cytomegalovirusPathophysiology of cytomegalovirus infectionDiagnosisEpidemiology and Patient PopulationGLOBALGlobal CMV Prevalent, Diagnosed and Treatable Cases: Historical Data (2013-2015)Global CMV Prevalent, Diagnosed and Treatable Cases: Forecasted Data (2016-2023)United StatesTotal CMV Prevalent, Diagnosed and Treatable Cases: Historical Data (2013-2015)Total CMV Prevalent, Diagnosed and Treatable Cases: Forecasted Data (2016-2023)CMV Patients among Transplants: Historical Data (2013-2015)CMV Patients among Transplants: Forecasted Data (2016-2023)Infants Patients at High Risk of CMV: Historical Data (2013-2015)Infants Patients at High Risk of CMV: Forecasted Data (2016-2023)HIV Patients at High Risk of CMV: Historical Data (2013-2015)HIV Patients at High Risk of CMV: Forecasted Data (2016-2023)EuropeItalyTotal CMV Prevalent, Diagnosed and Treatable Cases: Historical Data (2013-2015)Total CMV Prevalent, Diagnosed and Treatable Cases: Forecasted Data (2016-2023)CMV Patients among Transplants: Historical Data (2013-2015)CMV Patients among Transplants: Forecasted Data (2016-2023)Infants Patients at High Risk of CMV: Historical Data (2013-2015)Infants Patients at High Risk of CMV: Forecasted Data (2016-2023)HIV Patients at High Risk of CMV: Historical Data (2013-2015)HIV Patients at High Risk of CMV: Forecasted Data (2016-2023)SpainTotal CMV Prevalent, Diagnosed and Treatable Cases: Historical Data (2013-2015)Total CMV Prevalent, Diagnosed and Treatable Cases: Forecasted Data (2016-2023)CMV Patients among Transplants: Historical Data (2013-2015)CMV Patients among Transplants: Forecasted Data (2016-2023)Infants Patients at High Risk of CMV: Historical Data (2013-2015)Infants Patients at High Risk of CMV: Forecasted Data (2016-2023)HIV Patients at High Risk of CMV: Historical Data (2013-2015)MarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Mr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Colorectal Cancer (CRC) EpiCast Report Provides an Overview of the Risk Factors and Global Trends http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis/915867 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/915867 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ "The Report EpiCast Report: Colorectal Cancer - Epidemiology Forecast to 2025 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum (ACS, 2016). CRC is one of the most common types of cancers diagnosed. For this analysis, GlobalData epidemiologists defined CRC as a cancer in all sub-sites of the colon and rectum, using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes for CRC (C18-C20). To build the forecast, GlobalData epidemiologists sourced international and national cancer databases such as the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents (CI5) CI5plus data analysis tool; the EUROCARE-5 survival database; Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER); the German Centre for Cancer Registry (ZfKD); peer-reviewed research articles; and government publications. The forecast methodology is consistent across each of the eight markets, thereby allowing for a meaningful comparison among them.In 2015, there were 746,590 diagnosed incident cases of CRC in the 8MM. GlobalData epidemiologists forecast that the diagnosed incident cases in the 8MM will increase to 913,832 by 2025 at an Annual Growth Rate (AGR) of 2.24%. With the exception of the US and Germany, all markets will see an increase in the number of cases, at varying AGRs. The 8MM combined had an estimated 2,582,288 five-year diagnosed prevalent cases of CRC in 2015. The number of five-year diagnosed prevalent cases will increase by 22.06% over the next 10 years to 3,151,930 by 2025. Urban China will have the highest number of diagnosed incident and five-year diagnosed prevalent cases among the 8MM, as well as the highest AGR for both data types. The US and Germany are the only markets that will see a decrease in incidence rate during the forecast period.View Report @Scope- The Colorectal Cancer (CRC) EpiCast Report provides an overview of the risk factors and global trends of CRC in the eight major markets (8MM) (US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Japan, and China [urban]). It includes a 10-year epidemiological forecast of the diagnosed incident cases and the five-year diagnosed prevalent cases of CRC in these markets from 2015-2025. The diagnosed incident cases of CRC are further segmented by age, sex, stage at diagnosis, and genetic mutations.- The CRC epidemiology report is written and developed by Masters- and PhD-level epidemiologists.- The EpiCast Report is in-depth, high quality, transparent and market-driven, providing expert analysis of disease trends in the 8MM.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @Reasons to buyThe CRC EpiCast report will allow you to -- Develop business strategies by understanding the trends shaping and driving the global CRC market.- Quantify patient populations in the global CRC market to improve product design, pricing, and launch plans.- Organize sales and marketing efforts by identifying the age groups and sex that present the best opportunities for CRC therapeutics in each of the markets covered.- Compare patient population potentials by genetic mutation and stage at diagnosis.Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 51.1 List of Tables 61.2 List of Figures 72 Epidemiology 82.1 Disease Background 82.2 Risk Factors and Comorbidities 92.3 Global Trends 112.3.1 8MM Incidence Trends 112.3.2 8MM, Trends in Five-Year Relative Survival 142.4 Forecast Methodology 152.4.1 Sources Used Tables 162.4.2 Forecast Assumptions and Methods 202.4.3 Sources Not Used 282.5 Epidemiological Forecast for CRC (2015-2025) 292.5.1 Diagnosed Incident Cases of CRC 292.5.2 Age-Specific Diagnosed Incident Cases of CRC 312.5.3 Sex-Specific Diagnosed Incident Cases of CRC 332.5.4 Age-Standardized Diagnosed Incidence of CRC 352.5.5 Diagnosed Incident Cases of CRC by Stage at Diagnosis 362.5.6 Type of Genetic Mutation among Diagnosed Incident Cases of CRC 372.5.7 Five-Year Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of CRC 382.6 Discussion 402.6.1 Epidemiological Forecast Insight 402.6.2 Limitations of the Analysis 422.6.3 Strengths of the Analysis 433 Appendix 443.1 Bibliography 443.2 About the Authors 513.2.1 Epidemiologists 513.2.2 Reviewers 513.2.3 Global Director of Therapy Analysis and Epidemiology 523.3 About GlobalData 533.4 About EpiCast 533.5 Disclaimer 54MarketResearchReports.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.Mr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz The internet can be a harsh place. It seems like for every feel-good story or picture of a puppy playing with a kitten, there are 1,000 trolls rummaging through the depths of their minds to post the most vile comments they can imagine. And if youre a woman or person of color, well, multiply that troll army by 10. But hey, thats the internet, right? Except it doesnt have to be that way. And it might not be for much longer if the folks at Google (GOOG, GOOGL) subsidiary Jigsaw have their way. A kind of high-powered startup inside Googles parent company Alphabet, Jigsaw focuses on how technology can defend international human rights. The toxicity of trolls The companys latest effort is called the Perspective API. Available Thursday, Feb. 23, Perspective is the result of Jigsaws Conversation AI project and uses Googles machine learning technologies to provide online publishers with a tool that can automatically rank comments in their forums and comments sections based on the likelihood that they will cause someone to leave a conversation. Jigsaw refers to this as a toxicity ranking. At its core, Perspective is a tool that simply takes a comment and returns back this score from 0 to 100 based on how similar it is to things that other people have said that are toxic, explained product manager CJ Adams. Jigsaw doesnt become the arbiter of what commenters can and cant say in a publishers comment section, though. Perspective is only a tool that publishers use as they see fit. For example, they can give their readers the ability to filter comments based on their toxicity level, so theyll only see non-toxic posts. Or the publisher could provide a kind of feedback mechanism that tells you if your comments are toxic. The tool wont stop you from submitting toxic comments, but it will provide you with the nudge to rethink what youre writing. Perspective isnt just a bad word filter, though. Googles machine learning actually gives the tool the ability to understand context. So it will eventually be able to tell the difference between telling someone a vacuum cleaner can really suck and that they suck at life. Story continues Perspective still makes mistakes, as I witnessed during a brief demo. But the more comments and information its fed, the more it can learn about how to better understand the nuances of human communication. Jigsaws global efforts In its little over a year of existence, Jigsaw has implemented a series of projects designed to improve the lives of internet users around the world. Project Shield, for example, is a free service that protects news sites from distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. Redirect Method uses Adwords targeting tools to help refute ISIS online recruitment messages, while Montage helps researchers sort through thousands of hours of YouTube videos to find evidence of potential war crimes. We wake up and come to work everyday to try to find ways to use technology to make people around the world safer, Jigsaw President Jared Cohen said. We are at this nexus between international security and business. Cohen said Jigsaws engineers travel around the world to meet with internet users vulnerable to harassment and other online-based rights abuses, such as individuals promoting free speech or opposing authoritarian regimes, to understand their unique challenges. And one of the biggest problems, Cohen explained, has been online harassment. Trolls arent always just cruel Dealing with trolls is par for the course in the US. But in other countries, harassment in comment sections and forums can have political implications. In lots of parts of the world where we spend time [harassment] takes on a political motivation, sectarian motivation, ethnic motivation and its all sort kind of heightened and exacerbated, Cohen explained. But with Perspective, Jigsaw can start to cut down on those forms of harassing comments, and bring more people into online conversations. Our goal is to get as many people to rejoin conversations as possible and also to get people who everyday are sort of entering the gauntlet of toxicity to have an opportunity to see that environment improve, said Cohen. The path to a better internet? Jigsaw is already working with The New York Times and Wikipedia to improve their commenting systems. At The New York Times, the Perspective API is being used to let The Gray Lady enable more commenting sections on its articles. Prior to using Perspective, The Times relied on employees to manually read and filter comments from the papers online articles. As a result, just 10% of stories could have comments activated. The Times is using Perspective to create an open source tool that will help reviewers run through comments more quickly and open up a larger number of stories to comments. Wikipedia, meanwhile, has been using Perspective to detect personal attacks on its volunteer editors, something Jigsaw and the online encyclopedia recently published a paper on. With the release of Perspective, publishers and developers around the world can take advantage of Google technologies to improve their users experiences. And the conversation filtering wont just stop hateful comments. Cohen said the company is also working to provide publishers and their readers with the ability to filter out comments that are off-topic or generally dont contribute to conversations. If Perspective takes off, and a number of publications end up using the technology, the internet could one day have far fewer trolls lurking in its midst. More from Dan: Email Daniel at dhowley@yahoo-inc.com; follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley. Market Study: Elevator And Escalator Market in the BRIC countries to grow at a CAGR of 13% over 2015-2019 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=459055 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=459055 http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Albany, NY, Feb 23, 2017: This market research report segments the elevator and escalator market in BRIC countries by product (elevators and escalators) and by geography (Brazil, Russia, India, and China). Key leading vendors analyzed in this market study are Hitachi, KONE, Mitsubishi, Otis, Schindler, and ThyssenKrupp.Market outlook of the elevator and escalator market in the BRIC countriesElevators and escalators are installed in public places and mixed-used buildings like IT parks, hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets. The market for escalators and elevators in the BRIC countries is estimated to post a modest growth rate of more than 13% by 2019. The unparalleled growth witnessed in the construction market in BRIC countries is expected to account for this markets steady growth rate during the forecast period.Among all the BRIC countries, China is expected to dominate the market for elevators and escalators during the forecast period. In China, the elevators segment is envisaged to account for more than 88% of the total new unit installations, while the escalators segment is expected to account for a mere 11% of the total new unit installations.Product-based segmentation of the elevator and escalator market in the BRIC countries- Elevators- EscalatorsGet a Sample Research PDF with TOC:In this market study, Technavios market research analyst has estimated the escalator segment to show a higher market growth rate than the elevator segment. Since most infrastructure projects employ more number of escalators than elevators, developments in the construction market will result in this segments rapid growth during the forecast period.Competitive landscape and key vendorsThe elevator and escalator market in BRIC countries is dominated by a few leading vendors like Hitachi, KONE, and Mitsubishi. Despite the dominance of the leading vendors, many small domestic vendors take part in country-specific construction activities and offer services like elevator and escalator installation, maintenance, and modernization services.Leading vendors in this market are -- Hitachi- KONE- Mitsubishi- Otis- Schindler- ThyssenKruppOther prominent vendors are Canny Elevator, Express Lifts, Express Lifts, Fujitec, Hyundai Elevator, Johnson Lifts, Kleemann Group, and Shenyang Brilliant Elevator.Technavios market research analysts estimate upcoming trends, such as the advent of smart elevators, to foster market growth during the forecast period. Smart elevators are rapidly gaining popularity as they have an integrated safety and control system and offer features like high operation speed and high-energy efficiency. The augmented implementation of these elevators in high-rise buildings and IT parks is expected to boost the prospects for growth in the elevator and escalator market in the BRIC countries.Enquiry at:Key questions answered in the report include- What will the market size and the growth rate be in 2019?- What are the key factors driving the elevator and escalator market in the BRIC countries?- What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the elevator and escalator market in the BRIC countries?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in the elevator and escalator market in the BRIC countries?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the elevator and escalator market in the BRIC countries- What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the elevator and escalator market in the BRIC countries?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at: 2024 Surface Acoustic Wave Devices Market Prediction http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=816 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Global Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Devices Market: OverviewSurface acoustic wave devices find a wide range of application in the healthcare and medicine industry. Surface acoustic wave devices are widely used for monitoring strain and pressure. Furthermore, surface acoustic wave devices are used for taking measurement of pressure fluctuation in different industrial applications.Rise in demand for small sensors in the field of healthcare and medicine due to low cost and reliability are some of the factors which are driving the demand for surface acoustic wave devices. Acoustic wave biosensor which uses surface acoustic wave device is used in biochemical and biophysics related information. Moreover, growth in usage of surface acoustic wave devices in the chemical industry is expected to drive the market further. The surface acoustic wave devices are used for taking reading of the pH viscosity of various chemical substances.Get More Information:Furthermore, surface acoustic wave devices are used to check the viscosity and density influence of any kind of chemical. In aerospace and defense sector, surface acoustic wave sensors are used to measure pressure, temperature or strain fluctuations. Lack of scope for technology up gradation, lack of compatibility of SAW devices and region specific demand have negatively affected growth potential of surface acoustic wave devices market. Application of SAW devices in environment monitoring program is identified as future growth opportunity for the market.Global Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Devices Market: Segmentation AnalysisThe surface acoustic wave devices market on the basis of devices has been segmented into filters, oscillators, resonators, transducers and others. The surface acoustic wave device on the basis of end use industry has been segmented into aerospace and defense, telecommunication, environmental and industrial, automotive, consumer electronics, healthcare & medical and others.The global surface acoustic wave devices market by geography has been broadly segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and South America. The market report deals in the forecast of the surface acoustic wave devices market in terms of revenue (USD million) in terms of revenue as well as the CAGR for the forecast period of 2016 to 2024.Global Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Devices Market: Research MethodologyThe competitive profiling of the key players in the global surface acoustic wave devices market has been comprehensively covered under the scope of the report. The key players in the SAW devices market have been competitively profiled across the five broad geographic regions. This competitive landscape is inclusive of the various business strategies adopted by these major players and their recent developments in the field of SAW devices.In order to provide a detailed insight into the market dynamics of global surface acoustic devices market, the drivers and restraints affecting the industry are included in the study. Market dynamics include market opportunity, drivers and restraints and an extensive analysis of these factors are included in the report. Furthermore, market attractiveness breakdown has also been provided in the report. Therefore, the report provides a comprehensive study of the global surface acoustic wave devices market and also offers the forecast of the market for the period from 2016-2024.Global Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Devices Market: Competitive AnalysisSome of the key players operating in the surface acoustic wave devices include Taiyo Yuden (Japan), Tai Saw Technology Co. Ltd. (China), Skyworks Solutions (The U.S.), Infineon Technologies AG (Germany), TDK Corporation (Japan), Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd (Japan), API Technologies (The U.S.), Osilent Corporation (The U.S.), Kyocera Corporation (Japan ) and ITF Co., Ltd. (South Korea) among others. Growth through merger and acquisition is a key strategy adopted by the players.Skyworks Solutions has acquired PMC-Sierra to strengthen its business of data storage. This acquisition has also improved research and development facilities for the company. The company has strong stock of patents across different verticals and also maintains strong product portfolio to customer requirements.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: Elevator and Escalator Market in Spain 2015-2019 - Featuring Key Vendors (KONE, Otis, Schindler & ThyssenKrupp) http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=459052 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=459052 http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Albany, NY, Feb 23, 2017: Elevators and escalators help move people and goods easily and efficiently within a building's premises. They are installed in commercial buildings, residential buildings, mixed-used buildings, IT parks, hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets. They are also installed in parking areas to help in optimum utilization of space.The elevators and escalators market in Spain to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% in terms of revenue and 3.83% in terms of newly installed units over the period 2014-2019. In this report, Technavio includes the present scenario and growth prospects of the elevators and escalators market in Spain for the period 2015-2019. To calculate the market size, we consider the number of newly installed units and the revenue generated from the installation of these units in the country during the forecast period.The report also presents the vendor landscape and a corresponding detailed analysis of the four key vendors in the market, and a brief description of the other prominent vendors. In addition, the report discusses the major drivers that influence the growth of the market, outlines the challenges faced by the vendors and the market at large, and highlights the key trends visible in the market.Get a Sample Research PDF with TOC:Key vendors- KONE- Otis- Schindler- ThyssenKruppOther prominent vendors- Carlos Silva- GMV Euro lifts- Hidral- Mac Puarsa- Omega Elevators- Orona Group- Wittur GroupMarket driver- Replacement and modernization of existing elevators and escalators- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Stagnation in transportation sector- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend- Government initiatives promoting construction market- For a full, detailed list, view our reportEnquiry at:Key questions answered in the report include- What will the market size be in 2019 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?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at: Global Technical Textile Market Size, Forecast 2014-2022 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/technical-textile-market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/connect-to-analyst/1841 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com Technical Textile Market Report, published by Allied Market Research, forecasts that the global market is expected to reach $244,032 million by 2022 from $158,429 million in 2015 with a CAGR of 6.4% from 2016 to 2022. In 2015, the mobiletech segment accounted for approximately one-fifth of the total share of the end user industry in terms of revenue.Access Full summary at:The robust growth in the production of automobiles and increase in construction activities has led to increased demand for mobiltech textile and hometech textile respectively. Technical textile is applicable in various automotive parts such as airbags, seatbelt, carpets, filters, hood liners, battery separators, and belt reinforcement as it reduces the overall weight of the vehicle. The growing construction and housing activities in emerging economies such as India and China has fueled the growth of hometech textiles in household application.However, high production cost of finished goods and high toxic waste production are some factors that hamper the growth of market, while recyclability of nonwoven textiles is expected to open new avenues for the technical textile market during the forecast period.Technical Textile Market Key Findings:Asia-Pacific is expected to continue to lead the market during the forecast period followed by Europe.Mobiltech end user segment generated the highest revenue and is projected to grow with a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period.Geotech is the fastest growing end user segment in the technical textile market registering a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period.The technical textile market in LAMEA region is expanding at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2016 to 2022.Nonwoven type technical textile accounted for more than half of the share in the global technical textile market, registering a CAGR of 6.7% from 2016 to 2022.Asia-Pacific and Europe collectively contributed more than half of the share in the global technical textile market by revenue in 2015. The major players that operates in the market are DuPont de Nemours & co., Ahlstrom corporation, Johns Manville, GSE Environmental Inc., Royal Ten Cate, Freudenberg & Co., Proctor and Gamble, 3M, Huesker Synthetic GmbH, and Hindustan Technical Fabrics Limited.Connect to analyst at:About Us:Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions". AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.Contact:5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesDirect: +1-503-894-6022Toll Free: +1 (800) 792-5285 (U.S. & Canada)Fax: +1 (855) 550-5975E-mail: sales@alliedmarketresearch.comWebsite: US Data Center Fabric Market 2016-2020 - Featuring Alcatel-Lucent, Brocade Communications, Cisco Systems, Dell & HP http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=459040 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=459040 http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Albany, NY, Feb 23, 2017: This market research report presents a comprehensive segmentation of the data center fabric market in the US based on solutions (fabric Switch, fabric Routers, SAN fabric, and management software), and end-users (cloud service providers (CSPs), enterprises, and telecommunication service providers). The report provides a market share analysis of key vendors in the market such as Alcatel-Lucent, Brocade Communications, Cisco Systems, Dell, HP, and Juniper Networks.Market outlook of the data center fabric market in the USTechnavios market analyst predicts that the data center fabric market in US to grow at a CAGR of approximately 7% during the forecast period. The report highlights that data center fabric reduces the IT budget of organizations. Key vendors in the market are offering solutions by integrating both fabric and software-defined networking (SDN). Data center FABRIC is popular among cloud-based organizations as it improves flexibility, agility, and efficiency of IT-related operations.Solutions segmentation and analysis of data center fabric market in the US- Fabric Switch- Fabric Routers- SAN Fabric- Management softwareGet a Sample Research PDF with TOC:Increased deployment of multi-core processor-based servers and virtualized servers that aid in running multiple application on a single server, infrastructure convergence, and rise in mission-critical and high-traffic applications is increasing the need for high-bandwidth networking infrastructure, namely 10/40Gb Ethernet switch fabrics. The market for data center fabric switches in the US is likely to account for a CAGR of around 4% during the forecast period.End-user segmentation and analysis of data center fabric market in the US- Cloud service providers (CSPs)- Enterprise- Telecommunication service providersCloud service providers (CSPs) are the major adopters of fabric switches and routers. The demand for cloud-based services is growing among enterprises in the US, with CSPs involved in the construction of data centers across the country to support a strong customer base. The data center fabric market in the US by CSPs is likely to record a revenue of over $1.5 billion by 2020.Competitive landscape and key vendorsThe data center fabric market in the US is highly fragmented, with the presence of medium and large vendors that include many global players. The vendors compete on the basis of product differentiation, portfolio, and pricing. The intense competition among the vendors has resulted in an increased number of M&A between small entities and major players.The top vendors in the market are- Alcatel-Lucent- Brocade Communications- Cisco Systems- Dell- HP- Juniper Networks.Other prominent vendors in the market include Arista Networks, Avaya Networks, Extreme Networks, Huawei Technologies, Oracle, and Unisys.Enquiry at:Key questions answered in the report include- What will the market size be in 2019 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?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at: Microbrewery Equipment Market 2015-2022 Growth Trends and Forecasts http://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-15448 http://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/15448-microbrewery-equipment-market-report http://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-15448 https://www.linkedin.com/company/decisiondatabases-com www.decisiondatabases.com The new research report on Microbrewery Equipment Market offered by DecisionDatabases.com provides Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast Till 2022.The report on global microbrewery equipment market evaluates the growth trends of the industry through historical study and estimates future prospects based on comprehensive research. The report extensively provides the market share, growth, trends and forecasts for the period 2015-2022. The market size in terms of revenue (USD MN) is calculated for the study period along with the details of the factors affecting the market growth (drivers and restraints).Get FREE Report Sample @Highlighted below are some prominent market drivers and restraints:A. Market Drivers> Increasing number of product innovationsB. Market Restraints> Presence of substitutesThe comprehensive value chain analysis of the market will assist in attaining better product differentiation, along with detailed understanding of the core competency of each activity involved. The market attractiveness analysis provided in the report aptly measures the potential value of the market providing business strategists with the latest growth opportunities.The report classifies the market into different segments based on equipment type and craft beer type. These segments are studied in detail incorporating the market estimates and forecasts at regional and country level. The segment analysis is useful in understanding the growth areas and probable opportunities of the market.The report covers following company profiles (can be customized as per requirement):> American Beer Equipment> BrauKon> Portland Kettle Works> Specific Mechanical Systems> John M. Ellsworth> JV Northwest> Malt Handling> McKenna Boiler Works> Meura, Pro Engineering & Manufacturing> Pro Refrigeration> PTG Water & Energy> Quality by Vision> Rite Boilers> Root Shoot Malting> SysTech Stainless Works> Union Jack Brewing> Ziemann USA.See the complete TOC and segmentations @Table Of Contents - Overview1. Introduction2. Executive Summary3. Market Analysis4. Microbrewery Equipment Market Analysis By Equipment Type5. Microbrewery Equipment Market Analysis By Craft Beer Type6. Microbrewery Equipment Market Analysis By Geography7. Competitive Landscape Of The Microbrewery Equipment Companies8. Company Profiles Of The Microbrewery Equipment IndustryPurchase Complete Global Microbrewery Equipment Market Research Report @About Us:DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research reports provider, enriching decision makers and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research report, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.Follow us on LinkedIn for our latest upcoming reports -3rd Floor,Fountain chambers,Nanabhai Lane,Fort, Mumbai - 1E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.comPhone: +91 99 28 237112Web: Alfalfa Hay Market - What's New For 2016-2026? http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=19997 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Alfalfa Hay Market: OverviewAlfalfa hay is considered as an important feed for cattle, horses, dairy cows, goats and sheep. Canada, Spain, the U.S., Italy, and France are some of the prime countries accounting for alfalfa hey production. Some of the top companies from these countries are actively partaking in the entire supply chain network from sourcing, logistics applications, shipping to distribution and marketing, at the same time placing vital importance on the quality of alfalfa.View exclusive Global strategic Business report:Alfalfa Hay Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe increasing demand for dairy and animal products, shrinking of the land for grazing of animals, and growth in high yielding cattle, bred cattle demand for feed is driving the alfalfa hay market globally. The demand from commercial dairy operators for alfalfa hay is expected to increase due to the increase in investment in huge scale dairy operations during the forecast period. However, the decreasing land acreage due to drastically growing urbanization, competition regarding high crop value crops, and water restrictions are some of the important factors hindering the growth of alfalfa hay market. The exceptional demand seen in the previous years from several regions have resulted in the price upsurge of alfalfa hay. This has caused the dairy producers to consider the replacement, thus lowering the rates for alfalfa hay again this year. The increasing demand for animal and dairy products across the whole world is likely to increase the demand for alfalfa hay during the forecast period. The alfalfa hay is primarily used for animal rearing and it delivers high feed value. The cost of the alfalfa hay is generally dependent upon the quality of hay produced, the type of harvesting, and the bale size. The high domestic prices of hay in some regions can cause a dampening effect on exports for some markets. On the basis of product type the alfalfa hay market is segmented into bales, pellets, and cubes. The bale segment is expected to account for maximum share in alfalfa hay market.Alfalfa Hay Market: SegmentationOn the basis of Applications,Meat/dairy animal feedHorse feedPoultryOthersOn the basis of Product Type,BalesPelletsCubesAlfalfa Hay Market: Region Wise OutlookThe global Alfalfa Hay Market is segmented into the seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Western Europe, and Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and Middle East and Africa (MEA). Western Europe has accounted as the largest market for alfalfa hay. Spain is the leading country with the maximum market share in this region followed by France and Italy. Trade value of alfalfa is higher in North America region as compared to Western Europe. Unfavorable government policies in countries like China and India for alfalfa hay, insufficient processing capacity for large-scale commercial farms, and rising grain prices are expected to act as restraints on the alfalfa hay market. The alfalfa market in MEA region is also projected to show significant growth rate during the forecast period followed by Japan.Alfalfa Hay Market: Key PlayersAlfalfa Monegros, S.L.CoabaLos Venteros S.C.Grupo OsesSL Follen CompanyAl Dahra ACX Global, Inc.Anderson Hay & Grain Inc.Border ValleyKnight Ag SourcingHay USABailey FarmsHaykingdom Inc.Standlee Hay CompanyGreen Prairie InternationalCubeit Hay CompanyM&C HayGlenvar HayMcCracken Hay CompanyRiverina (Australia) PtyAbout 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: Organic Oilseeds Market Estimated to Flourish by 2026 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/11257 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/11257 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com The key drivers of organic oilseed market are the demand of organic food products in food industry where consumers are preferring healthy snacks, food and healthy lifestyle due to increase in health problems. This driver has thrust the companies to offer organic product which satisfies the needs and preferences of consumers in best possible manner. On the other side the key trend which is influencing the demand of organic oilseeds in market is increase in consumption of ethnic cuisines as consumers always seeks for cuisines which have new flavor, natural quality or have some different taste. Another trend which is stimulating the growth of organic oil seed market is technology and innovation which are used by the manufacturers to extract oil from seeds. Companies implementing advanced technological equipment and methods to extract the large quantity of oil in quicker manner. There is also one of the factor which may restraint the organic oilseed market in future and it is due to uncertain changes in global climatic conditions which make direct impact on agriculture business.On the other side in terms of market share in perspective to market segment as organic oilseeds has primary demand in terms of food consumption where extracted oil is used for cooking in household and in preparing dishes by restaurants and hotels. Organic oil is used for cooking varieties of dishes, food recipes and also helps to enhance the taste, color, flavor and natural quality of food. In addition to this the demand of organic oilseeds will also be from the side of health care sector followed by food consumption. Organic oilseeds such as sunflower, sesame, soybean etc. helps in healthy digestion, control of blood level, cholesterol and for many other problems related to health.Organic oilseeds are grown by following the standards of organic farming and ensures that its natural quality remains same. These oilseeds are rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals such as calcium, fiber, iron, magnesium and folate and in many other nutrients. Sunflower seeds, soybeans, palm kernel, sesame, rapeseeds etc. are some organic oilseeds which are used to extract edible oil which is used for cooking and for industrial usage. In last few decades, it was observed that food market has become highly dynamic as it has influenced from many factors such as continuous development in food products, ethnic food, taste, content of oil etc. Increasing awareness among the consumers towards health and wellness has leads to increase in demand of organic edible oil. These factors have made positive impact on demand of organic food in market.Market of organic oilseeds is segmented on three different aspects, first is on the basis of types ,second segment is in context to application of organic oilseeds and thirdly on the basis of product type. As per the market segment of organic oilseeds it is categorized into different types such as sunflower seeds, rapeseeds, soybean, copra, sesame, cottonseed and palm kernel are among the different types of oilseeds available in market. Similarly in context to market segment of organic oilseeds by application, it is divided into two parts as a food products and biofuel products. Further the market segment of food products in context to application insight, it is sub-segmented into further part. It is segmented as per the use of organic oilseeds in food consumption, animal feed and health care. From the above segment, majority of the market share in terms of market segment will be occupied in terms of application insight as mainly these seeds are used for consumption purpose only. On the basis of product type, the organic oilseeds market is segmented as oil, meal, hulls and other products. Out of these segments oil sub-segment I accounted for a major revenue contributor over the other segments. The meal sub-segment includes protein rich meal, defatted meal/oil pressed meal. Meal is majorly used as animal feed and other industrial applications.In most of the developing regions, it is observed that there is increase in disposal income of consumers and which has ultimately leads to increase in spending power of customers. Owing to this the results of forecasted period has estimated higher growth in demand of organic oilseeds market. Moreover, it will also develop its market from the side of health care sector as organic oilseeds are rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals which mainly attract the consumers suffering health problems related to digestion, cholesterol and blood pressure.In terms of regional market segment, it will be divided into seven different regions of the world. These are North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Asia-Pacific region, Japan, Middle East and Africa. In terms of production of organic oilseeds, United States and Brazil acquires majority of proportion in terms of production. On the other side countries such as Japan, China, Russia and countries of European Union are some of the major importers of organic oilseeds.Request to view table of content @There are some of the key market players which are offering organic oilseeds in market. These are Oilseeds International Ltd., Cargill Incorporated, Bungee, Hattifood, Cootamundra Oilseeds, Burrus Seed, JDG Seed Company, Fediol, Archer Daniels Midland and Louis Dreyfus is some of the key market players which operate in the business of organic oilseeds.Buy Now: You can now buy a single user license of the report @The final report customized as per your specific requirement will be sent to your e-mail id within 7-20 days, depending on the scope of the report.For more information, please e-mail us at sales@persistencemarketresearch.comAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Global Butter Market is Projected to Grow at a Healthy CAGR During 2017 http://www.orbisresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/210728 http://www.orbisresearch.com/reports/index/global-butter-industry-in-depth-investigation-and-analysis-report-2017 http://www.orbisresearch.com/contacts/enquiry-before-buying/210728 https://www.linkedin.com/company/orbis-research This report studies Butter in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2011 to 2016, and forecast to 2020.Request a sample copy of Report @The GAGR of Butter industry is 3.1% for five years. Butter industry of the United States, Europe, Japan, and China accounts for 63% of the global consumer market share. Meanwhile, as the market of Butter industry tends to be saturated in economic developed regions and the consumer market in the region of emerging economies such as China, India, Brazil, etc is on the rise, the demand for Butter industry will increase unceasingly. Among them, the average output growth rate of Butter industry in China is 3.2%. Besides, our analysts believe that it will increase rapidly with an average growth rate of 2.8% (5 years) in the next 5 years.Browse Full Report with TOC@By Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeJapanOther 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.Enquiry Before buying Report@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 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.Contact Us: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.comFollow Us on Linkedin: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Devices Market: Thrust on Product Development to Drive Up Competition http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=806 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/hbo-therapy-devices.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ HBOT is a technique of delivering pure oxygen (100%) to the tissues under higher atmospheric pressures. Due to its ability to enhance the activities of the white blood cells at the wound site and block the cytotoxic effects of cyanide and carbon monoxide, HBOT is gaining wide acceptance across the globe. It has been studied that HBOT saturates the circulatory system of a patient with oxygen, which results in augmented oxygen delivery to the tissues that produce therapeutic effect in a patients body. HBOT is used for various medical indications such as necrotizing soft tissue infections, thermal burn injury, decompression sickness, etc. for which they have an FDA approval, however it has been observed that apart from the approved medical conditions HBOT is also used as a viable treatment for many off-label indications such as brain injuries and cancer. Thus, due to the high preference of hyperbaric oxygen therapy among physicians and patients the market of HBOT devices is expected to grow significantly in the near future, across the regions.Obtain the Sample Containing Upcoming Market Trends of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Devices at:Within product segment that includes monoplace hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices, multiplace hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices and topical HBOT devices; monoplace devices emerged as the market leader in terms of revenue in 2013. The substantiating factors behind such strong growth of the monoplace chambers market are wide commercial availability, low-space requirement and easy installation procedures. Moreover, the monoplace HBOT devices market is expected to exhibit highest growth rate due to the rapid growth in demand owing to their portable design, easy operability of these chambers and low maintenance cost. The trend is expected to continue due to the increasing incidence of chronic wounds across the world.Within the application segment, wound healing accounted for the largest market share of over 60% of the total hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices market. Moreover, due to the positive outcomes of clinical studies that were investigating the effects of HBOT in patients with diabetic foot ulcers coupled with high incidence rate of acute and chronic wounds are expected to substantiate the leading growth of wound healing segment in the overall hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices market.North America was the largest market for hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices in terms of revenue in 2013, followed by Europe. The contributing factor behind the dominance of North America are existence of large number of hyperbaric oxygen therapy providers, high preference for portable hyperbaric chambers among physicians, coupled with growing prevalence of chronic wounds in the general population. Moreover, perpetual product innovation policies and custom-made devices procurement procedures have driven the practice of hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices in the U.S., thereby making North America the market leader for hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices. Alternatively, in terms of growth rate, Asia Pacific is expected to witness the highest growth due to the alarmingly rising incidence of diabetes and diabetes associated chronic wounds among population coupled with exponentially growing healthcare facilities in nations such as China, Malaysia, India and Singapore; that would contribute to the high growth of hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices market in the region.Read the Current Market Status of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Devices at:The global hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices market is highly competitive and oligopolistic at nature. Sechrist Industries, Inc., OxyHeal Health Group, ETC Biomedical System, IHC Hytech B.V. and SOS Medical Group Ltd. exhibit the widest geographical reach coupled with a wide range of hyperbaric oxygen devices and addressing to a large base of consumers across the globe. Their existence in developed and emerging nations along with vivid product offerings has made them successful providers of hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices or chambers in the global market. Other companies considered for this study are Fink Engineering Pty Ltd., Haux-Life-Support GmbH, Gulf Coast Hyperbaric, Inc., Hearmec Co., Ltd. and Hyperbaric SAC, etc.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: Global Roofing Market is Expected to Reach $101,483 Million by 2022 Orbis Research http://www.orbisresearch.com/reports/index/roofing-market-by-product-type-bituminous-roofing-metal-roofing-tile-roofing-and-others-application-and-geography-global-opportunity-analysis-and-industry-forecast-2014-2022 http://www.orbisresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/212487 http://www.orbisresearch.com/contact/purchase/212487 Roofing market size was valued at $67,218 million in 2015, and is expected to reach $101,483 million by 2022 at a CAGR of 6.2%. The roofing market includes bituminous roofing, metal roofing, tile roofing and others (Plastic and RCC roofing). The roof is the covering on the uppermost part of a building, which protect the building from heat, rain, and other atmospheric conditions.Browse the report:Factors such as rise in construction industry, rapid urbanization, and technological innovations drive the growth of the market. According to the reports from the World Urbanization Prospect, about 54% of population belonged to urban areas in 2014, and is projected to rise to 66% by 2050, thereby fueling the roofing market growth. Furthermore, rise in standard of living, particularly in the developing countries empowers re-roofing construction projects.Rise in air pollution and loss of biodiversity and urban heat island are the factors that make way for green roof technology to decrease environmental degradation.Roofing market analysis has been done in the report on the basis of various segmentations which includes various segments such as product type, application and geography. By product type, the market is segmented into bituminous roofing, metal roofing, tile roofing, and others. By application, the market is segmented into residential, commercial, and other buildings. Bituminous roofing accounted for the maximum share of the global roofing market in 2015 and is anticipated to consolidate its position during the forecast period, owing to easy installation, higher durability, longer life span, and technological innovations. In addition, government of countries such as India, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and others have invested heavily in infrastructure development, which also fuels the demand for bituminous roofing in the global roofing market. Based on applications, residential buildings is expected to witness the highest growth due to popularity of eco-friendly roofing technologies, and increased investments in the real-estate sector.Request a sample of the report:Furthermore, the roofing market is analyzed based on four geographical regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the global market during the analysis period due to growth in urbanization and increase in infrastructure investments. China leads the Asia-Pacific roofing market constituting nearly 44.6% of the global roofing market in 2015. This growth is attributed to rise in income levels, rapid urbanization & industrialization, and increase in government initiative to invest in infrastructure development.Key players operating in the roofing industry include Owens Corning, Brass Monier Building Group, Etex, Saint-Gobain, Wienerberger AG, Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc., Atlas Roofing Corporation, Duro-Last, Inc., and Carlisle.Buy the report@ROOFING MARKET KEY BENEFITSThis report provides an in-depth analysis of the global roofing market with current trends and future estimations to elucidate the potential investment pockets in the market.The report provides a quantitative analysis from 2014 to 2022 to enable the stake holders to capitalize on prevailing market opportunities.The current trends and future forecasts aid to determine the overall market potential and single out profitable trends.Recent developments, key market players, and market shares are listed in the report to study the competitive scenario of the market.Porters Five Forces model of the industry illustrates the potency of the buyers and suppliers.ROOFING MARKET SEGMENTATIONBy Product TypeBituminous roofingMetal roofingTile roofingOthers (RCC & Plastics)By ApplicationResidentialCommercialOthersBy RegionNorth AmericaU.S.MexicoCanadaEuropeGermanyUKFranceItalyRest of EuropeAsia-PacificChinaIndiaJapanRest of Asia-PacificLAMEALatin AmericaMiddle EastAfricaKey PlayersOwens CorningBrass Monier Building GroupEtexSaint-GobainWienerberger AGBeacon Roofing Supply, Inc.Atlas Roofing CorporationDuro-Last, Inc.Other companies mentioned in the report:IKO Industries Ltd.Firestone Building Products CompanyTAMKO Building Products, Inc.Royal Building ProductsSika AGGarland Industries, Inc.ROCKWOOL International A/SAmerican Hydrotech, Inc.Knauf InsulationAbout 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 North America Intracranial Pressure Monitors Market driven by Growing Prevalence of Traumatic Injuries http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/intracranial-pressure-monitors-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=6445 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ As the global intracranial pressure monitors market undergoes a paradigm shift from invasive to non-invasive devices, manufacturers are facing intense competition, prompting them to focus on technological advancements. Leading players such as Integra LifeSciences Corp., Medtronic Inc., and Codman & Shurtleff Inc. are aggressively integrating advanced technologies in their products. In line with this trend, companies are now racing to introduce next-generation products in the market.Looking forward, untapped markets in emerging economies are likely to offer lucrative opportunities to participants. Entering into strategic partnerships with local players will help major companies to seize better shares in the market.Read Full Report:Intracranial Pressure Monitors Gain Impetus from Rising Incidence of Traumatic InjuriesThe frenzied lifestyle of people across the world has increased the frequency of traumatic injuries and augmented the prevalence of strokes, thereby escalating the demand for intracranial pressure monitors, says an analyst at TMR. Cranial injuries and head trauma are mostly caused by road and industrial accidents, which lead to death or permanent disability for hundreds of individuals every year. Elevated intracranial pressure causes around 2 casualties in every 10 cases of head injuries across the world. The increasing reports of brain injuries in adults as well as pediatric patients have also fueled the demand for intracranial pressure monitoring significantly.Strokes are another prominent factor that has escalated the application of these pressure monitors. Large hemispheric strokes increase the cerebral perfusion pressure and enhance the mean flow velocity of the middle cerebral arteries in the patient, raising the intracranial pressure. The growing prevalence of high blood pressure among people across the world has augmented the frequency of strokes, thereby boosting the demand for intracranial pressure monitors substantially.Hitherto, the risk associated with the invasive nature of intracranial pressure monitors, such as bacterial infections, hampered their adoption across the world. The reports about cerebrospinal fluid infection, which sometimes leads to fatal consequences, have limited the application of intracranial pressure monitors significantly.Despite North Americas Claim on Leadership, Asia Pacific to Emerge ProminentlyDespite of being hindered by these factors, the global market for intracranial pressure monitors has a bright future ahead of it. TMR expects this market to expand at a CAGR of 6.30% during the period from 2015 to 2023, with market opportunity swelling from US$0.94 bn in 2014 to US$1.63 bn by the end of the forecast period.Download exclusive Sample of this report:Currently, North America holds the largest share in this market and will continue to lead over the next few years. However, the future of this market lies in Asia Pacific. The rapid increase in geriatric population, rising prevalence of cerebrovascular disorders, and escalating healthcare expenditure in this region together are likely to offer rewarding opportunities to participants in the coming years.This study is based on the findings of a TMR report titled Intracranial Pressure Monitors Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023.The global intracranial pressure monitors market has been segmented as follows:Intracranial Pressure Monitors Market, by TypeExternal Ventricular Drainage SystemLumbar Drainage SystemMicrotransducer ICP Monitoring DevicesFiber Optic DevicesStrain Gauge DevicesPneumatic SensorsNon-invasive ICP Monitoring SystemIntracranial Pressure Monitors Market, by ApplicationTraumatic Brain InjuryIntracerebral HemorrhageMeningitisSubarachnoid HemorrhageOthersGlobal Intracranial Pressure Monitors Market, by End-userTrauma CentersHospitalsGlobal Intracranial Pressure Monitors Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaEuropeAsia PacificRest of the World (RoW)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: Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market Forecast Research Reports Offers Key Insights http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=401 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/remote-patient-monitoring-devices-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Remote patient monitoring is an emerging healthcare solution that enables monitoring of patients who are away from hospital settings. Remote patient monitoring offers several advantages such as reduction in hospital visits, data recording for prolong period, quick and accurate results, reduced cost for patients and assistance to medical practitioner with historic patient data. In addition, remote patient monitoring also reduces the waiting time in hospitals and enables medical practitioners to access the patient records from multiple places. Furthermore, growing demand for electronic health record (EHR) is fueling the demand for remote patient monitoring devices since these devices offer integration with cloud data bases for data storage and access. Growing patient population, rising awareness of lifestyle disorders and technological developments in medical devices have accentuated the growth of remote patient monitoring devices market.Get PDF containing the Forthcoming Market Trends of Remote Patient Monitoring Devices at:Heart monitors, breath monitors, physical activity monitors, hematology monitors, body temperature monitors, multi-sign monitors and others are some of the remote monitoring devices that are widely used. Rising incidences of chronic diseases that require continuous monitoring such as diabetes, blood pressure and cardiovascular conditions, propels the demand for medical devices. In 2013, heart rate monitors segment dominated the global remote patient monitoring devices owing to high demand for these devices mainly due to rising prevalence of cardiac diseases. Furthermore, rising geriatric population propels the prevalence of cardiac diseases globally. Thus, owing to increasing number of patients diagnosed with cardiac diseases accentuates the uptake the heart rate monitors.In 2013, ambulatory care centers segment accounted for the largest share in the global remote patient monitoring devices market. Growing geriatric population is primarily driving the demand for ambulatory care centers, as elderly people are at a higher risk of acquiring diseases and infections. However, rise in demand for home-based treatment as more number of patients opts for diagnosis and treatment of diseases at home boosts the home healthcare segment during the forecast period from 2014 to 2020.Geographically, North America contributed the largest share in the global remote patient monitoring devices market. Increasing incidences of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases coupled with rising preference to reduce hospital readmissions. Under the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, government of the U.S. has imposed penalty to hospitals. As a penalty government has announced reduction up to 1% in the Medicare payment per patient for hospital readmission within 30 days in 2013. Thus, to reduce the hospital readmissions, medical professionals are promoting remote patient monitoring in the region.Read the Current Market Status of Remote Patient Monitoring Devices at:The global remote patient monitoring devices market is a fragmented market with many local players competing with global players. In addition, presence of all the necessary resources is enabling easy entry of medical device manufacturers into the remote patient monitoring devices market. Thus, major players in the market are strategically collaborating with local players to offer innovative technologies and thereby sustain in the competition. In November 2014, LifeWatch AG partnered with Vital Connect, Inc., a health care company based in Silicon Valley. This collaboration enables LifeWatch to utilize Vital Connects HealthPatch MD as 1-lead ECG device in LifeWatchs cardiac monitoring business. LifeWatch aims to expand its cardiac monitoring devices business by adding patch technology to its product offerings. Similarly, in December 2014, Omron Healthcare Inc. collaborated with AliveCor, Inc., a California-based company that provides mobile technology for heart health. The two companies aim to improve access to remote patient monitoring products through retail and online channels, especially for heart patients.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: Life Science Microscopy Devices Market Research Report: Strategies Challenges and Forecast 2020 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=4017 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/life-science-microscopy-devices.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Microscopy devices have paved the way for innovation in life science through their most potential feature imaging minute details of any matter. Researchers are able to obtain images of neurons, synapses, cell structure and its processes of high quality using advanced microscopes. Microscopes are also used extensively in academic institutes for primary research. However, the demand for different types of microscopes varies based on the sample type and objective of study. For instance, optical microscopes are used for basic life science research in academic institutes, and private and public research laboratories. Additionally, price of a microscope plays an important role in determining demand, as emerging economies face funding issues. With improving technology, optical microscopes are being increasingly used for advanced life science research. Fluorescence and phase contrast microscopes are realizing their potential extensively in cell biology, pathology and toxicology studies. On the other hand, the use of electron and scanning probe microscopes is rapidly growing with the advancement in the research objectives.Obtain the Sample Containing Upcoming Market Trends of Life Science Microscopy Devices at:The global life science microscopy devices market has been analyzed based on product type and geography. Three major types of microcopy devices are used in life science research: optical microscope, electron microscope and scanning probe microscope. Optical microscopes are extensively used in life science research because they cost less and address the primary objectives of researchers in academic institutes, and private and public research laboratories. The optical microscopes segment has been sub-segmented based on geography, applications and product type. Cell biology dominated the optical microscopes segment because of their light microscopy features that support cell biology research at minimal cost and effort over other life science applications. Stereo microscopes are the most commonly used optical microscopes in life science research across the world due to their low cost and the ability to generate three-dimensional perspective of the sample under study. However, demand for fluorescence microscopes is increasing rapidly, as staining techniques are being widely used in life science research. On the other hand, phase contrast microscopes are expected to replace fluorescence microscopes in the near future due to their ease of sample preparation and better image capturing features.Electron microscopes offer high-resolution and magnification power up to 10 million times, which makes them appropriate for the visualization of three-dimensional structures of cells and tissues, determining the spatial arrangement of protein structures and the pathology of disease conditions. The electron microscopes segment has been sub-segmented into transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The scanning electron microscope segment held the largest share of the global life science electron microscopy devices segment due to low cost and the capability to provide data on taxonomic and systemic parasite studies. However, the demand for transmission electron microscopes, which is an established technique used in cell biology applications, is increasing. Moreover, their use in neuroscience and biomedical engineering is growing rapidly, as researchers gain more interest in the study of brain activity.The scanning electron microscopes segment has been sub-segmented into atomic force microscope and scanning tunneling microscope. Ease in sample preparation and better imaging is driving the demand for atomic force microscopes. Microscope manufacturers and researchers find these microscopes more useful in neuroscience, biomedical engineering and toxicology studies, as they can be used in vacuum, air, and water. Moreover, electron and scanning probe microscopes find wide applications in neuroscience, as these advanced microscopes offer atomic level imaging of brain sections.Geographically, North America accounted for the largest share of the global life science microscopy devices market in 2013. However, demand for microscopy devices in Asia Pacific and Latin America is expected to be high during the forecast period due to the growing contract research organization (CRO) market in these regions.Read the Current Market Status of Life Science Microscopy Devices at:The global life science microscopy devices market is characterized by the presence of few prominent players such as Nikon Corporation, FEI, JEOL Ltd., Leica Microsystems, Hitachi High-technology Corporation, Olympus Corporation, and Carl Zeiss AG.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: ATM Machine Market in Brazil 2015-2019: Competitive analysis of key vendors, including Itautec S/A, NCR Brazil, Diebold Brazil and Wincor Nixdorf Brazil http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=459028 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=459028 http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Albany, NY, Feb 23, 2017: This report segments the ATM machine market in Brazil by revenue generated and the unit shipment. It also includes the competitive analysis of key vendors, including Itautec S/A, NCR Brazil, Diebold Brazil and Wincor Nixdorf Brazil.Market scope of the ATM machine market in BrazilTechnavios market research analyst predict that the ATM machine market in Brazil will continue to grow at CAGR of 18.72%. The key growth drivers in this market are the participation of government in new sharing deals. Brazilian government is strongly committed to strengthening the transparency of government actions, by fostering the democratic ideals with the participation of the citizens in decision making and improving public services and use of upgraded technology for more openness. Brazilian banks are very efficient due to the use of SISBACEN (Information Database System) and Brazilian Payments System and on the other hand it is supported by the Central Bank of Brazil which is equivalent of the US Federal Reserve Bank. This has brought about technological advancements, supervision and reliability to the interbank operations.Over the last decade, ATMs were considered to be a source of the cash dispenser. But with lot of technological advancements of the banking and financial institutions, it has become a definite advantage for the customers which has made convenient way to handle huge number of transaction including withdrawal of funds and deposits to be made in the accounts, and enquiring the balance updates. Countries like India, China and Brazil, are witnessing tremendous growth opportunity in the ATM market.Get a Sample Research PDF with TOC:The recent technological advancements are bill payment, travel booking, and mobile ATMs. There has been an increase in the automation and security standards which will boost the growth of ATM market. ATM industry will bring in new avenues for the customers that can be continuously explored for revenue opportunities and customer relationship services. Key vendors are targeting Convenience stores, gas stations and even fast-food chains for installing the ATMs on their premises. Many nonbank ATMs that are located at different places are typically lacking in depositories and this in turn is saturating the landscape with cash dispensing machines in this region.Key highlightsMany investments in real estate are aimed at diversifying one's portfolio which is forcing investors to think of an alternate diversification option. If we take an example of any Commercial real estate business which is considered to have a very lucrative investment pattern as it has higher rate of return.The leading companies in the ATM machine market in Brazil are -- Itautec S/A- NCR Brazil- Diebold Brazil- Wincor Nixdorf Brazil.Many Financial institutions have introduced innovative functionality and revenue-generating services via the ATM channel. This has led to the change in the competitive growth of ATM machines. Customers always focus on three things which includes convenience, efficient services and availability of cost saving measures. This would provide a better customer experience such as the Transaction personalization, Envelope-less deposits etc. The key vendor in the Brazilian markets are focusing more on technological knowhow which will offer new features to support customers over the forecast period. Many customers also are cutting down the use of cash therefore bankers and manufacturers are focusing more to enhance the use of more cash dispensers over the forecast period.Enquiry at:Key questions answered in the report include- What will the market size be in 2019 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?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at: Blood Pressure Monitoring Devices Market: Business Planning Research and Resources, Revenue, and Forecasts 2013 2023 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/blood-pressure-monitoring-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=1630 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Global Blood Pressure Monitoring Devices Market: SnapshotThe demand for blood pressure monitoring devices has taken off with the emergence of home care. Blood pressure monitoring can usually be carried out in a competent manner by the patient or their relatives, removing the need for hospitalization and constant monitoring. This has led to a growing demand for blood pressure monitoring devices for use in cases where the patient has a low risk of complications and is thus not hospitalized.The global blood pressure monitoring devices market was valued at more than US$2 bn in 2014. Exhibiting a robust 7.30% CAGR from 2015 to 2023, the market is expected to almost double in valuation, with a valuation of US$3.8 bn expected by 2023.Read Full Report:One of the key drivers for the global blood pressure monitoring devices are the consistent product advancement efforts made by key companies in the market. The strong R&D avenues of the blood pressure monitoring devices industry have resulted in widespread adoption of the devices due to increased patient confidence. The growing geriatric population across the world has also boosted the demand for home care involving blood pressure monitoring devices, since the elderly are more likely to suffer from long-term cardiovascular conditions requiring constant monitoring.Rising Demand from APAC Threatens Dominance of North America Blood Pressure Monitoring Devices MarketNorth America is the leading contributor to the global blood pressure monitoring devices market, with the regions share calculated at close to 33% in 2014. While North America is likely to retain its dominant position in the global scenario in the coming years, the emergence of Asia Pacific as a lucrative investment destination is likely to lead to many Western medical devices manufacturers making significant inroads into the APAC market in the coming years. Asia Pacific is thus expected to become a close contender to the North America market for blood pressure monitoring devices in the coming years, with the two expected to hold near-equal market shares by 2023.Rising Utilization of Blood Pressure Monitoring Kiosks Favors Global MarketBy end use, the home care segment accounted for the leading share in the global blood pressure monitoring devices market in 2014. The US$911.8-mn valuation of the home-based blood pressure monitoring devices market in 2014 was twice that of the other key contributor to the market hospitals. While home care is likely to exhibit a strong CAGR in the 2015-2023 forecast period and remain the leading contributor to the blood pressure monitoring devices market, the growing popularity of blood pressure monitoring kiosks in developed nations presents significant promise for the global blood pressure monitoring devices market.Download exclusive Sample of this report:Blood pressure monitoring kiosks have become common in developed countries, notwithstanding the concerns raised about the use of a standard-sized cuff, which can alter the blood pressure readings for patients whose arms dont fit the cuff. The demand for blood pressure monitoring devices in kiosks is expected to exhibit a formidable growth rate in the coming years, and is likely to benefit from the steady expansion of blood pressure monitoring kiosk infrastructure in developed countries. The kiosks segment of the blood pressure monitoring devices market is expected to exhibit a robust 10.30% CAGR from 2015 to 2023.In terms of competitive dynamics, the global blood pressure monitoring devices market is reasonably consolidated, with the top five companies likely to account for more than 50% of the market through the forecast period. Omron Healthcare, Welch Allyn, and Panasonic Corporation are among the key players in the global blood pressure monitoring devices market.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: Customized Premixes Market Estimated to Flourish by 2024 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/12058 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/12058 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com The global customized premixes market has expected to register the significant growth over the forecast period as the demand of the customized premixes has increased due to the availability of various nutrients in a single product form. The customized premixes are also available in different blends, tests, flavors, and colors and as per the required proportion of nutrients which boost the demand of the customized premixes and drive the growth of the global customized premixes market. The operational efficiency in the manufacturing of customized premixes such as reduced ingredients inventory, reduced quality control costs, reduced supply chain complexity and shorter lead time leads to the cost cutting and moreover to the decrease in the price of the customized premixes, which drives the growth of the global customized premixes market.The insufficient nutrient supply from the food source and the changing lifestyle leads to the deficiency of basic nutrients to the body and increase the prevalence of the various chronic diseases, to which the customized premixes has become the best alternative to supply the required nutrients. The customized premixes are the blend of desired functional ingredients. The customized premixes contain the ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, minerals, neutraceuticals, nucleotides, and herbs. In customized premixes, many numbers of ingredients are combined to increase the nutritional value of the product as per the demand of the user. The customized premixes deliver all the desired macro and micro nutrients in single blend and enhance the nutritional value of the product.However, the controversies in the market regarding the actual benefits of the customized premixes may hamper the demand of the customized premixes and restrain the growth of the global customized premixes market. The false claims by the few of the manufacturers about the product ingredients and its applications may distract the consumers which could restrain the growth of the global customized premixes market.The global customized premixes market has segmented on the basis of ingredients, applications, form of the premixes and the geographical region.In terms of geography, the global customized premixes market has been divided into five key regions, including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Middle East & Africa (MEA). The North America has contributed the leading shares to the global customized premixes market in terms of revenue. The Asia Pacific has also registered the highest shares in the global customized premixes market in terms of volume due to the increasing awareness about the health benefits of the customized premixes and increasing demand of premixes. Europe has contributed the descent shares to the global customized premixes market. The Latin America and MEA regions are at a nascent stage and contributed lowest shares to the global customized premixes market in terms of revenue and volume due to the less demand from the non-developed countries from the Middle East and Africa region.Request to view table of content @Some of the key players of the global customized premixes market are Glanbia plc., Vitablend, Corbion, DSM, Stern Vitamins GmbH, Arla, Cargill, Watson, The Wright Group and Farbest Brands. Various global companies are contributed the descent growth to the global customized premixes market in terms of volume and revenue. The key players from North America and Europe contributed leading shares to the global customized premixes market.Buy Now: You can now buy a single user license of the report @The final report customized as per your specific requirement will be sent to your e-mail id within 7-20 days, depending on the scope of the report.For more information, please e-mail us at sales@persistencemarketresearch.comAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: United States ERP Software Market Size, SHares, Technology Advancement, Forecast Report 2017: Manufacture, Logistics Industry, Financial, Telecommunications http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/983318 Sales, means the sales volume of ERP SoftwareRevenue, means the sales value of ERP SoftwareThis report studies sales (consumption) of ERP Software in United States market, focuses on the top players, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player, coveringSAPOracleSageInforMicrosoftEpicorKronosConcur(SAP)IbmTotvsUnit4YonyouNetsuiteKingdeeWorkdayCornerstoneDigiwinMarket Segment by States, coveringCaliforniaTexasNew YorkFloridaIllinoisSplit by product types, with sales, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoOn-Premise ERPCloud ERPSplit by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of ERP Software in each application, can be divided intoManufactureLogistics IndustryFinancialTelecommunicationsOthersGet Sample Copy of this Report:Table of ContentsUnited States ERP Software Market Report 20171 ERP Software Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of ERP Software1.2 Classification of ERP Software1.2.1 On-Premise ERP1.2.2 Cloud ERP1.3 Application of ERP Software1.3.1 Manufacture1.3.2 Logistics Industry1.3.3 Financial1.3.4 Telecommunications1.3.5 Others1.4 United States Market Size Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) of ERP Software (2012-2022)1.4.1 United States ERP Software Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States ERP Software Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 United States ERP Software Competition by Manufacturers2.1 United States ERP Software Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 United States ERP Software Revenue and Share by Manufactures (2015 and 2016)2.3 United States ERP Software Average Price by Manufactures (2015 and 2016)2.4 ERP Software Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.4.1 ERP Software Market Concentration Rate2.4.2 ERP Software Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.4.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 United States ERP Software Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by States (2012-2017)3.1 United States ERP Software Sales and Market Share by States (2012-2017)3.2 United States ERP Software Revenue and Market Share by States (2012-2017)3.3 United States ERP Software Price by States (2012-2017)4 United States ERP Software Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Type (2012-2017)4.1 United States ERP Software Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)4.2 United States ERP Software Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)4.3 United States ERP Software Price by Type (2012-2017)4.4 United States ERP Software Sales Growth Rate by Type (2012-2017)5 United States ERP Software Sales (Volume) by Application (2012-2017)5.1 United States ERP Software Sales and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)5.2 United States ERP Software Sales Growth Rate by Application (2012-2017)5.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6 United States ERP Software Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis6.1 SAP6.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors6.1.2 ERP Software Product Type, Application and Specification6.1.2.1 Product A6.1.2.2 Product B6.1.3 SAP ERP Software Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.2 Oracle6.2.2 ERP Software Product Type, Application and Specification6.2.2.1 Product A6.2.2.2 Product B6.2.3 Oracle ERP Software Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.3 Sage6.3.2 ERP Software Product Type, Application and Specification6.3.2.1 Product A6.3.2.2 Product B6.3.3 Sage ERP Software Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.4 Infor6.4.2 ERP Software Product Type, Application and Specification6.4.2.1 Product A6.4.2.2 Product B6.4.3 Infor ERP Software Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.5 Microsoft6.5.2 ERP Software Product Type, Application and Specification6.5.2.1 Product A6.5.2.2 Product B6.5.3 Microsoft ERP Software Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.6 Epicor6.6.2 ERP Software Product Type, Application and Specification6.6.2.1 Product A6.6.2.2 Product B6.6.3 Epicor ERP Software Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.7 Kronos6.7.2 ERP Software Product Type, Application and Specification6.7.2.1 Product A6.7.2.2 Product B6.7.3 Kronos ERP Software Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.8 Concur(SAP)6.8.2 ERP Software Product Type, Application and Specification6.8.2.1 Product A6.8.2.2 Product B6.8.3 Concur(SAP) ERP Software Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.9 Ibm6.9.2 ERP Software Product Type, Application and Specification6.9.2.1 Product A6.9.2.2 Product B6.9.3 Ibm ERP Software Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.10 Totvs6.10.2 ERP Software Product Type, Application and Specification6.10.2.1 Product A6.10.2.2 Product B6.10.3 Totvs ERP Software Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.10.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.11 Unit46.12 Yonyou6.13 Netsuite6.14 Kingdee6.15 Workday6.16 Cornerstone6.17 Digiwin7 ERP Software Manufacturing Cost Analysis7.1 ERP Software Key Raw Materials Analysis7.1.1 Key Raw Materials7.1.2 Price Trend of Key Raw Materials7.1.3 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials7.1.4 Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials7.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure7.2.1 Raw Materials7.2.2 Labor Cost7.2.3 Manufacturing Expenses7.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of ERP Software8 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers8.1 ERP Software Industrial Chain Analysis8.2 Upstream Raw Materials Sourcing8.3 Raw Materials Sources of ERP Software Major Manufacturers in 20158.4 Downstream BuyersMarketResearchReports.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 Key Trends That Will Drive Sales in The Operating Room Equipment in 2015 - 2023 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/operating-room-equipment-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=1674 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Global Operating Room Equipment Market: SnapshotOperating rooms usually form the bulk of a hospitals expenses. As such, the companies that provide operating room equipment can gain major revenues by providing for leading names in the healthcare industry. The operating room equipment companies are also becoming rapidly aware of the current market need for reducing costs of equipment to make the market more approachable, while consumers are showing a decline in healthcare expenditure, owing to rising costs and unfavorable healthcare policies and reimbursement schemes.The advent of hybrid operating rooms is also beneficial to the providers of operating room equipment. Hybrid operating rooms can lend more flexibility to the doctor and the patient as well. They also impart a better level of health safety to the patient and maintaining a high level of operational efficiency. As a result, the global operating room equipment market is progressing at a CAGR of 6.68% from 2015 to 2023. This market was valued at US$23 bn in 2014 and is expected to reach around US$42 bn before the end of 2023.Read Full Report:Medical Tourism Creates High Demand for Operating Room Equipment in APACThe Asia Pacific sales of operating room equipment have been relatively lower than those in North America and Europe, but this is expected to change over the coming years. This regions is showing a high and optimistic scope for players to expand their portfolio, and one of the key reasons for this is the growth of medical tourism. Patients from developed economies preferring the cheaper medical practices in Asia Pacific have significantly improved the revenue stream of this region, providing a highly attractive market space for global and regional operating room equipment players alike.The current scope of providing operating room equipment lies in healthcare organizations in the Asia Pacific that offer surgical practices for joint replacement, cosmetics, dental procedures, and cardiac issues. The influx of revenue through medical tourism has also prompted the national governments to invest in this sector, improving the chances of operating room equipment players gaining a solid revenue stream.North America was the dominant region for operating room equipment revenue generation in 2014, followed by Europe. Both regions have consistently been at the top in terms of using modern medical concepts in advanced healthcare infrastructures. This has allowed key players from the region to put a greater focus on innovation and product improvements, further expanding the scope of revenue generation in these regions.Download exclusive Sample of this report:Movable Imaging Systems to Remain Top Operating Room Equipment Product SegmentIn 2014, movable imaging systems as a market segment had garnered over US$6 bn or around 28% of the total revenue. This segment is currently expected to be the fastest growing in terms of revenue. A major reason for this segments rapid growth is the high amount of funding provided by government bodies to promote the use of movable imaging systems, especially in North America. Even on a regional level, there are major efforts being taken to modernize hospitals that are supported by state or local organizations.The segment of operating room integration systems, however, is expected to be the fastest growing segment between 2015 and 2023, owing to a high demand for smart infrastructure and improved connectivity within hospital and medical devices. Key providers of operating room equipment in the world include Stryker Corporation, Steris Corporation, Olympus Corporation, GE Healthcare and Allen Medical.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: Sam Altman Sam Altman runs a prestigious Silicon Valley startup incubator, Y Combinator. He did not vote for Donald Trump. But he wanted to learn about how the rest of America thinks and feels. So he spent months traveling the country, interviewing Trump supporters. He published his findings on his personal blog and has allowed Business Insider to publish them here as well. After the election, I decided to talk to 100 Trump voters from around the country. I went to the middle of the country, the middle of the state, and talked to many online. This was a surprisingly interesting and helpful experience I highly recommend it. With three exceptions, I found something to like about everyone I talked to (though I strongly disagreed with many of the things they said). Although it shouldn't have surprised me given the voting data, I was definitely surprised by the diversity of the people I spoke to I did not expect to talk to so many Muslims, Mexicans, Black people, and women in the course of this project. Almost everyone I asked was willing to talk to me, but almost none of them wanted me to use their names even people from very red states were worried about getting "targeted by those people in Silicon Valley if they knew I voted for him." One person in Silicon Valley even asked me to sign a confidentiality agreement before she would talk to me, as she worried she'd lose her job if people at her company knew she was a strong Trump supporter. I wanted to understand what Trump voters liked and didn't like about the president, what they were nervous about, what they thought about the left's response so far, and most importantly, what would convince them not to vote for him in the future. Obviously, this is not a poll and not "data." But I think narratives are really important. Here's what I heard. The TL;DR quote is this: "You all can defeat Trump next time, but not if you keep mocking us, refusing to listen to us, and cutting us out. It's Republicans, not Democrats, who will take Trump down." Story continues trump supporters What do you like about Trump? "He is not politically correct." Note: This sentiment came up a lot, probably in at least a third of the conversations I had. "He says true but unpopular things. If you can't talk about problems, you can't fix them." "I'm a Jewish libertarian who's [sic] grandparents were Holocaust survivors. Over the last few years, the mainstream left has resorted to name-calling and character assassination, instead of debate, any time their positions are questioned. This atmosphere became extremely oppressive and threatening to people, like myself, who disagreed with many of Obama's policies over the past several years. Intelligent debate has become rare." "It's a lot like political discussion was in Soviet Union, actually. I think the inability to acknowledge obvious truths, and the ever-increasing scope of these restrictions, makes it particularly frustrating. And personally, for whatever reason, I find inability to have more subtle discussion very frustrating things are not white or black, but you can't talk about grays since the politically correct answer is white." Donald Trump "He is anti-abortion." Note: This sentiment came up a lot. A number of people I spoke to said they didn't care about anything else he did and would always vote for whichever candidate was more anti-abortion. "I like that he puts the interests of Americans first. American policy needs to be made from a position of how Americans benefit from it, as that is the role of government." "He is anti-immigration." Note: This sentiment came up a lot. The most surprising takeaway for me how little it seemed to be driven by economic concerns, and how much it was driven by fears about "losing our culture," "safety," "community," and a general Us-vs.-Them mentality. "He will preserve our culture. Preservation of culture is considered good in most cases. What's wrong with preserving the good parts of American culture?" "He's not Hillary Clinton." "I'm Mexican. I support the wall. The people who have stayed have destroyed Mexico, and now they want to get out and cause damage here. We need to protect our borders, but now any policy is like that is called racist. Trump was the first person willing to say that out loud." "I am socially very liberal. I am fiscally very conservative. I don't feel I have a party never have. I grew up in a more socially conservative time and picked the "lesser of two evils" during elections. Now, the more socially liberal side supports bigger governments, more aid and support, and that money has to come from somewhere. I see what's deducted from my check each week. I'm OK with never being rich, but I'd like more security, and that doesn't come from more government spending." "We need borders at every level of our society." "I'm willing to postpone some further social justice progress, which doesn't really result in loss of life, in favor of less foreign policy involvement, the opposite of which does." "Brown people are always the out-crowd. I think subconsciously, part of the reason I supported him was a way to be in the in-crowd for once." trump rally fayetteville What don't you like about him? "The way he talks about women is despicable." "Everything about his style. We only voted for him because this election was too important to worry about style." "I don't like most things about him. The way it worked is we got to choose one of two terrible options." "I think our nation needs Trumpism to survive long-term, and to me, that supersedes almost every other reservation I have. My issue is with Trump himself I think he's the wrong vessel for his movement, but he's all we've got, so I'm behind him." "I think the rollout of the immigration executive order is emblematic of a clusterf---, to be completely frank." "I now believe the Muslim ban actually makes us less safe." "Isolationism and protectionism at this point is insane. We've done that before." "I, too, worry about the dishonesty. His relationship with Russia, his relationship with women. His relationship with questionable financial matters. These all worry me, and were they to continue, I would lose all respect." "He continually plays into a character that he has created to rile his fan base. Accepting anti-Semitism, white nationalism, or hate emanating unnecessarily creates a vacuum of fear on social media, on television, and around the dinner table. Even though the policies may be similar to that of any recent Republican president, the behavior to act so immaturely sets a bad example for children and undercuts many cultural norms, which more than anything causes disruption to our sociological foundations." "I hate that he discredits the press all the time. That seems to forebode great evil." Trump supporters celebrate What are you nervous about with Trump as president? "The thing I'm most worried about is war and that he could destroy the whole world. I think I may have underestimated that risk because he is more of an alpha strongman that I realized when I voted for him. Otherwise, I still like him." Note: Most people weren't that worried about war. More frequent comments were along these lines: "I know he's taking strong positions on certain foreign issues, but I feel in negotiations you need to do things to move the needle, and when a whole country is watching, it's hard to keep a poker face, but at least his business track record overall gives us reason to believe ultimately stability will prevail." And: "He's crazy, but it's a tactic to get other nations not to mess with us." "I worry he will drive us apart as a nation. I believed him when he said that would stop with the campaign, but I haven't seen signs of it so far." "I am nervous that his mental health is actually bad." "I worry he is actually going to roll back social change we've fought so hard for. But I hope not." What do you think about the left's response so far? "You need to give us an opportunity to admit we may have been wrong without saying we're bad people. I am already thinking I made a mistake, but I feel ostracized from my community." "The left is more intolerant than the right." Note: This concept came up a lot, with real animosity in otherwise pleasant conversations. "Stop calling us racists. Stop calling us idiots. We aren't. Listen to us when we try to tell you why we aren't. Oh, and stop making fun of us." "I'd love to see one-tenth of the outrage about the state of our lives out here that you have for Muslims from another country. You have no idea what our lives are like." "I'm so tired of hearing about white privilege. I'm white but way less privileged than a black person from your world. I have no hope my life will ever get any better." "I am tired of feeling silenced and demonized. We have mostly the same goals and different opinions about how to get there. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe you're wrong. But enough with calling all of us the devil for wanting to try Trump. I hate Hillary and think she wants to destroy the country of us, but I don't demonize her supporters." "I'm angry that they're so outraged now but were never outraged over an existing terrible system." trump "The attacks against Trump have taught me something about myself. I have defended him and said things I really didn't believe or support because I was put in a defensive position. Protesters may have pushed many people in this direction, BUT it is ultimately our responsibility and must stop." "I'd like to also add that the demonization of Trump by calling him and his supporters Nazis, KKK, white supremacists, fascists, etc., works very well in entrenching Trump supporters on his side. These attacks are counter-factual, and, in my opinion, very helpful to Trump." "So far, his election has driven our nation apart. So far, I see most of the divisiveness coming from the left. Shame on them. I don't see it quite as bad as during Nixon's era, but we are truly headed in that direction. I could not speak with my parents during that time because political division would intrude. This Thanksgiving and holiday season were as close as I've felt to that in 40 years. We are increasingly polarized. It doesn't seem to be strictly generational, though that exists. There is an East Coast-West Coast, rural vs. urban, racial, and gender division forming now. It has the potential to be devastating." "The amount of violent attacks and economic attacks perpetrated by the left are troublesome. My wife and I recently moved to the Bay Area. I was expecting a place which was a welcoming meritocracy of ideas. Instead, I found a place where everyone constantly watches everyone else for any thoughtcrime." "Silicon Valley is incredibly unwelcoming to alternative points of view. Your curiosity, if it is sincere, is the very rare exception to the rule." "There is something hypocritical about the left saying they are uniters, not dividers, they are inclusive, and then excluding half the population with comments on intelligence and irrelevance in the modern world." Donald Trump rally What would convince you not to vote for him again? "War would be unforgivable." "If the Russia thing were true, I'd turn against him. Why don't y'all focus on that instead of his tweets?" "Give us a better option, and we'll be happy. But it needs to be a moderate Sanders won't win." "I'll happily vote for someone else. There's a lot I hate about Trump. But our lives are basically destroyed, and he was the first person to talk about fixing that." "Generally hard to say. Extreme corruption would do it." Second person in the same conversation: "I don't care if he's corrupt. Y'all voted for Hillary, and she was the most corrupt candidate of all time." "Another worry is an escalation of overreaches between him and the left that culminates in the breakdown of our system of law. I'd hold him responsible for that." "If he were to get the US involved in a major military conflict. (I think the odds of this have actually decreased versus Hillary, but I'm willing to be proven wrong). If he were to substantially increase the cost of doing business (by increasing regulation or taxes, for instance)." "I'm socially very liberal. If he were to do something like restart a war on drugs, try to restrict rights of LGBT, or make first-trimester abortions difficult or dangerous, I'd rethink my position. I think these type of things are extremely unlikely, though, especially with an election a few years away, the country as a whole becoming more socially liberal." "I think if 2008 happened again (further into Trump's tenure, so that causation can be shown, hypothetically), the base would evaporate." "Based on Trump's history before politics I don't believe he is racist, sexist, homophobic, or bigoted. If that were true, it would supersede everything else, since it would be even worse for individual liberty and freedom than any freedom-of-speech restrictions or increases in government size proposed by the Democratic Party." Sam Altman is the president of Y Combinator, Silicon Valley's largest startup accelerator. This post originally appeared on his blog. NOW WATCH: 'Hollywood is known for being far to the left': Sean Spicer talks about Trump's plans during the Oscars More From Business Insider Dental Laboratories Market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% between 2015 and 2023 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/dental-laboratories-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=2320 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ According to the World Health Organization, in 2012, dental caries was reported to be a major public health problem in most high-income countries such as the U.S. The disease affected 60% to 90% of school-age children and majority of adults in the country. Several high-income countries with established preventive programs demonstrate a systematic decline in dental caries in children and improved status in the adult population.Dentistry in the U.S. is in a state of transformation, with increasing baby boomer generation having periodontal diseases. The health care delivery system is changing rapidly with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons found that 69% adults aged between 35 years and 44 years have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, gum disease, failed root canal, or tooth decay. Three out of four persons in Canada visit a dental clinic; one of the highest rates among OECD countries. A study by the Montreal Economic Institute in 2013 indicated that private dental clinics are preferred to public clinics in Canada. Demand for private dental clinics is primarily driven by easy access, less waiting period, and better treatment offered to patients.Read full Report:Europe is likely to be the largest market for dental laboratories in terms of revenue during the forecast period. However, Asia Pacific is anticipated to outperform Europe from 2015 to 2023. A report titled The State of Oral Health in Europe published in 2012 indicated that over 50% of the population of Europe was suffering from some form of periodontal diseases, which were relatively higher among people aged 60 years and above. The British dental technician trade has declined sharply in the past few years as many practices outsource their lab work to overseas laboratories. Over 12,000 qualified dental technicians operated in the U.K. a decade ago. Currently, this figure is approximately 5,000 and is decreasing by 200 qualified technicians every year. Despite favorable government regulations, increasing geriatric population, and adequate reimbursement provisions, the number of dental laboratories has fallen due to high cost of dental products and demand fulfillment from Asia. According to Odontotecnici.net, a dental laboratory technician group in Italy illustrated that in 2013, there were about 12,800 dental laboratories in Italy. From a legislative point of view, the work performed by dental laboratory technicians has undergone important changes primarily due to the emanation of several European Directives such as 93/42 (relative to medical devices), 85/374 (relative to the reasonability for damage by defective products), and 2001/95 (relative to general product safety), which enhanced and boosted dental laboratory based services in Italy.Growth of the dental laboratories market in Asia Pacific is driven by emergence of dental tourism, and high number of laboratories established in the past five years. Moreover, advances in dental health care, increase in geriatric population, and rise in oral health awareness have increased demand for dental restoration. This has driven demand for dental implants in the past few years. Additionally, rise in disposable income is attributed to the total share of spending in health care services. People willingly spend a significant proportion of their income on dental hygiene in emerging countries. Asia Pacific has been assessed to be the fastest growing market for dental products in the next few years. This will drive performance and revenue outcome from laboratories. According to the Third National Oral Health Epidemic Investigation Report published in 2008, tooth loss in China affected every third person aged between 35 years and 44 years and around one in ten people aged between 65 years and 74 years. The number of people wearing partial and full denture is increasing at a substantial rate every year, depicting growing need of dental laboratories in the near future.Download exclusive Sample of this report:Rest of the World (RoW) comprises Latin America and Middle East & Africa. Health care provision in Africa is challenged by the burden of poverty and underdevelopment, with 80% of the population falling into the lowest socioeconomic category. Lack of financial and technical resources, shortage of health personnel, and insufficient primary health care delivery make it hard for most of the population of Africa to access basic health service.Key players operating and profiled in this market include 3M Health Care, Danaher Corporation, Dentcare Dental Lab, Henry Schein, Inc., Institut Straumann AG, Keating Dental Arts, Modern Dental Laboratory Co., Ltd., National Dentex Corporation, Patterson Companies, Inc., Shofu, Inc., Sirona Dental Systems, and Yenadent Ltd. Sti.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: Travel Vaccines Market: Global Industry Key Manufacturers Analysis and Forecasts to 2021 Travel Vaccines Market http://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/6770-travel-vaccines-industry-market-report http://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-6770 http://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-6770 http://www.decisiondatabases.com/search-results?q=Vaccines www.decisiondatabases.com The report on Travel Vaccines Market is the latest addition to the huge database of DecisionDatabases.com. This research study is segmented on the basis of applications, technology, geography, and types. The Report provides a detailed Travel Vaccines Industry overview along with the analysis of industrys gross margin, cost structure, consumption value, and sale price. The leading companies of the Travel Vaccines Market, manufacturers, and distributors are profiled in the report along with the latest Industry development current and future trends.Access the Report and full TOC @This report studies Travel Vaccines 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 manufacturer, covering* GlaxoSmithKline* Merck* Pfizer* Sanofi* AstraZeneca* Abbott* Pfizer* Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma* LG Life Sciences* Janssen Pharmaceuticals* Roche* Takeda Pharmaceutical* Valeant Pharmaceuticals* Beijing Minhai Biotechnology* Hualan Biological Engineering* Indian Immunologicals* GlycoVaxynMarket Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue, market share, and growth rate of Travel Vaccines in these regions, from 2011 to 2021 (forecast), like* North America* Europe* China* Japan* Southeast Asia* IndiaDownload Free sample Report @Split by product type, with production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided into* Mono Vaccines* Combination VaccinesSplit by application, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Travel Vaccines in each application can be divided into ApplicationsTable of Contents-Snapshot1 Market Overview2 Global Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2011-2016)4 Global Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)5 Global Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Market Analysis by Application7 Global Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis8 Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Market Forecast (2016-2021)13 Research Findings and Conclusion14 AppendixPurchase a copy of Report @View Related Reports @About Us:DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research reports provider, enriching decision makers and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research Report, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.3rd Floor, Fountain chambers,Nanabhai Lane, Fort, Mumbai - 1E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.comPhone: +91 99 28 237112Web: Latin America Minimally Invasive Surgery Market Key Trends, Industry Opportunities And Projections for Upcoming Years http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=3842 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/latin-america-minimally-invasive-surgery-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Minimally invasive surgeries (MIS) ensure that the patients have a reduced duration of hospital stay, minimal trauma and short recovery time as they are performed with minimal incision in the patients body. These above mentioned benefits associated with MIS along with reduced cost have increased its popularity among the healthcare professionals and patients in the Latin American region. MIS surgeries are performed for instances such as removal of plaque in the arteries of the heart or other vessels of peripheral organs such as kidneys, neck, lower extremities and brain. Minimal threat of infection and shorter length of scars are the major benefits associated with these surgeries over conventional surgery. Thus, owing to these advantages, Latin America MIS industry is witnessing significant transformation in the recent years and is expected to show rapid adoption by the physicians in the future. The MIS industry is majorly driven by innovation, aging population and rising demand for reduction in healthcare expenditure. Similarly, rapidly expanding population base and demand for cost effective products are some others reasons due to which the MIS industry is witnessing lucrative growth in the Latin American region.Get PDF containing the Forthcoming Market Trends of Latin America Minimally Invasive Surgery at:Minimally invasive surgeries are performed with the help of host of surgical instruments which comprises endoscopy devices, surgical devices and monitoring & visualization systems. Surgical devices accounted for the largest share of the MIS products followed by monitoring & visualization systems and endoscopy devices. The market for surgical devices comprises ablation devices, medical robotic systems and endoscopy devices. Ablation devices recorded the largest share in terms of revenue in 2013 due to the fact that ablation devices are used on a large scale for the treatment of various types of cancer. Medical robotic systems are anticipated to witness fastest growth rate during the forecast period. Surgical robot enhances the rate of accuracy and thus reduces the complication rate in surgeries. Furthermore, technological advancements which have expanded the usage of medical robots in wide range of applications and introduction of robots coupled with imaging systems would propel the growth of this market.Furthermore, the market for Latin America minimally invasive surgery market is segmented on the basis of different types of surgeries which includes orthopedic, breast, cosmetic, cardiac, thoracic, urological, bariatric, gastrointestinal and others. The market for cosmetic surgeries and orthopedic surgeries are expected to register highest and second highest growth rate respectively during the forecast period from 2014 to 2020. Increasing incidences of patients diagnosed with various orthopedic conditions such as arthritis and reduced bone density are likely to propel the demand for minimally invasive surgeries.In the geographic arena, Brazil and Mexico in terms of revenue accounted for more than 50% of the total market share in 2013. Furthermore, during the forecast period the fastest growth rate of minimally invasive surgeries is expected to be centered in Mexico. This can be attributed to various factors such as increased patient awareness, geographic proximity, no language barrier, rise in geriatric population and increasing healthcare reforms. Other key reasons such as rising incidences of various diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, arthritis, cancer, kidney stone and others have expanded the target population base seeking MIS procedures.Read the Current Market Status of Latin America Minimally Invasive Surgery at:Siemens Healthcare, GE Healthcare, Medtronic, Inc., Teleflex, Stryker Corporation and others are some of the major players operating in this market. These companies have captured the market owing to their extensive technologically advanced product portfolio.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: Military Aircraft Engines Market 2017: Global Industry Size, Share, Applications, Segmentation, Company Profiles Military Aircraft Engines Market http://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/5362-military-aircraft-engines-industry-market-report http://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-5362 http://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-5362 http://www.decisiondatabases.com/search-results?q=Engines www.decisiondatabases.com The report on Military Aircraft Engines Market is the latest addition to the huge database of DecisionDatabases.com. This research study is segmented on the basis of applications, technology, geography, and types. The Report provides a detailed Military Aircraft Engines Industry overview along with the analysis of industrys gross margin, cost structure, consumption value, and sale price. The leading companies of the Military Aircraft Engines Market, manufacturers, and distributors are profiled in the report along with the latest Industry development current and future trends.Access the Report and full TOC @This report studies Military Aircraft Engines 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 manufacturer, covering* GE Aviation* Pratt & Whitney* Rolls Royce* Safran Aircraft Engines* Klimov* MTU Aero Engines* ITPMarket Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate of Military Aircraft Engines in these regions, from 2011 to 2021 (forecast), like* North America* Europe* China* Japan* Southeast Asia* IndiaDownload Free sample Report @Split by product type, with production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided into* Jet Engines* Turbine Engines* OthersSplit by application, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Military Aircraft Engines in each application can be divided into* Fighter Aircraft* Transport Aircraft* HelicoptersTable of Contents-Snapshot1 Market Overview2 Global Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2011-2016)4 Global Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)5 Global Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Market Analysis by Application7 Global Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis8 Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Market Forecast (2016-2021)13 Research Findings and Conclusion14 AppendixPurchase a copy of Report @View Related Reports @About Us:DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research reports provider, enriching decision makers and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research Report, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.3rd Floor, Fountain chambers,Nanabhai Lane, Fort, Mumbai - 1E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.comPhone: +91 99 28 237112Web: Global Cabin-Cruisers Market: Latest Industry Trends and Forecast Analysis Cabin Cruisers Market http://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/1544-cabin-cruisers-industry-market-report http://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-1544 http://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-1544 http://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/1811-china-day-cruisers-industry-market-report www.decisiondatabases.com The report on Cabin-Cruisers Market is the latest addition to the huge database of DecisionDatabases.com. This research study is segmented on the basis of applications, technology, geography, and types. The Report provides a detailed Cabin-Cruisers Industry overview along with the analysis of industrys gross margin, cost structure, consumption value, and sale price. The leading companies of the Cabin-Cruisers Market, manufacturers, and distributors are profiled in the report along with the latest Industry development current and future trends.Access the Report and full TOC @This report studies Cabin-cruisers 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 manufacturer, covering* Formula* Campion* Chaparral* Yamarin* Crownline* Drago Boats* FIBRAFORT BOATS BRAZIL* Monterey* Bayliner* Rinker* DELPHIA Yachts* Four Winns* Regal* Sea Ray* PetticrowsMarket Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue, market share, and growth rate of Cabin-cruisers in these regions, from 2011 to 2021 (forecast), like* North America* Europe* China* Japan* Southeast Asia* IndiaDownload Free sample Report @Split by product type, with production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided into TypesSplit by application, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Cabin-cruisers in each application can be divided into ApplicationsTable of Contents-Snapshot1 Market Overview2 Global Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2011-2016)4 Global Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)5 Global Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Market Analysis by Application7 Global Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis8 Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Market Forecast (2016-2021)13 Research Findings and Conclusion14 AppendixPurchase a copy of Report @View Related Reports @China Day-cruisers Industry 2016 Market Research ReportAbout Us:DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research reports provider, enriching decision makers and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research Report, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.3rd Floor, Fountain chambers,Nanabhai Lane, Fort, Mumbai - 1E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.comPhone: +91 99 28 237112Web: Acidity Regulators Market - The Biggest Trends to Watch out for 2015-2021 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=4690 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Acidity regulators are added to food and beverages to enhance flavor and provide an acidic base. Food acidity regulators also help in controlling the acidity of the beverage and food, thus increasing their shelf life. They also play an integral part in preserving food materials by preventing microbial activity in them. The acidity regulators that are eminent for increasing the shelf life of food and beverage products and have pH regulating properties are phosphoric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, and acetic acid. Acidity regulators can further be used as buffering agents, bases, neutralizing agents, or mineral or organic acids.Request a Brochure of this Report at:According to a study published by Transparency Market Research, the global acidity regulators market is likely to witness a promising 7.3% CAGR from 2015 and 2021. The market is likely to rise to US$6.34 bn by the end of 2021 from a valuation of US$3.93 bn in 2014.How will the growing food and beverage industry aid in the expansion of acidity regulators market?The primary use of acidity regulators is in the food and beverage industry as it is employed on a large scale in confectioneries, bakery items, processed food products, condiments, sauces, dressings, and beverages. As acidity regulators are used in bulk in the food and beverages industry, they are poised to experience a rise in demand over the forthcoming years. Consumers who spend a sizeable amount on food and beverage items are increasing significantly. The demand for innovation in food items supporting good health is also expected to give a shot in the arm to the global market for acidity regulators.The growth of the market is also expected to be accentuated with companies striving to innovate acidity regulating products or add acidity regulators to their existing products to expand their consumer base. For instance, Coca Cola innovated its conventional Coke by adding ginger flavoring agent along with food acids. It has been anticipated that as consumers gain awareness regarding the regulated acid amount in the famous drink, its consumption will take a leap.What are the shortcomings that the acidity regulators market are likely to face?It has been reported that excess consumption of acidity regulators possibly causes diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea among humans. It also one of the key reasons behind tooth decay. Moreover, the availability of cheap products manufactured by regional companies is a key hindrance to the growth of the market.What should manufacturers turn to to benefit in future?Among all the products present in the acidity regulators market, citric acid accounts for the leading share as it is employed extensively in processed food products, soft drinks, non-alcoholic beverages, and bakery foods. Manufacturers can shift their focus to the Asia Pacific market as well owing to the mounting consumption of processed food and beverages in the region. The increasing use of acidity regulators in condiments, dressings, sauces, confectionary, bakery goods, and beverages is further expected to support the progress of the market.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Cultured Sugar/Vinegar Market Insights by 2026 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/12229 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/12229 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Cultured sugar/ Vinegar is a food additives used in variety of food products, from meat, poultry products to salad dressing, and it is used to extend shelf life. Vinegar is often used as a natural preservative in poultry items and processed meat. Processing of different types of meats for feeding the global population has paced up speedily because of the rapid increase in globalization.Demand for high protein food and trend for ready to eat meat products are driving the global cultured sugar/vinegar market.in developing countries rise in the income of middle class consumers is growing the demand for convenience foods and ultimately driving the cultured sugar/vinegar market. To increase the consumer appeal many food producers are preferring the use of cultured sugar/ vinegar for obtaining food safety and prolonged shelf life. This application of cultured sugar/vinegar is good for consumers and extended shelf life in such products will optimize the supply chain efficiency and costs too. Increase in beverage industry across the globe is also anticipated to drive the cultured sugar/vinegar market as it prevents microbial spoilage in beverages.Rising popularity of bakery products due to changing food consumption trends will benefit the cultured sugar/vinegar market as cultured sugar is used for a function of mold inhabitation in baked goods. Also growth in market for culinary such as dressing and dips, sauces, salad and sandwich spreads etc. is likely to drive the cultured sugar/ vinegar market in near future. Cultured sugar/vinegar is used as agent which helps in suppressing bacteria and pathogens in food. However lack of awareness about the processing technology and modern methods in developing countries are the main hindrances in the growth of global cultured sugar/ vinegar market. in addition to this economic crises faced by many countries of the world and health risk associated with the processed foodstuffs are the factors which act a restraints for cultured sugar/vinegar market.Based on the end use industry type the global cultured sugar/vinegar market is segmented into: Meat and poultry products Baked goods Beverage OthersIn terms of geography, the global cultured sugar/vinegar market has been divided in to five key regions including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa. The global cultured sugar/vinegar market is expected to register healthy CAGR during the forecast period. North America is anticipated to be the dominant market for global cultured sugar/vinegar market followed by Asia Pacific and Europe. The market in Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at highest CAGR over the forecast period.Some of the key players in the global cultured sugar/vinegar market are Corbion, PROTERIA etc.Request to view table of content @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 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.Buy Now: You can now buy a single user license of the report @The final report customized as per your specific requirement will be sent to your e-mail id within 7-20 days, depending on the scope of the report.For more information, please e-mail us at sales@persistencemarketresearch.comAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Beer Market in Latin America & Middle-East : 2017 review: A Look at What's New & Improved http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=4539 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Beer is produced by the saccharification of starch and fermentation of sugar, and is rated among the top three most consumed drinks worldwide along with water and tea. While hops add the characteristic bitter flavor to most beer varieties, others are flavored using herbs or fruits. The main ingredients of beer are water, brewers yeasts, malted barley, and wheat and hops. Beer is categorized into four segments: dark, lager, non-alcoholic, and stout beer.Request a Brochure of this Report:According to a report by Transparency Market Research, the market for beer in Latin America and Middle East was valued at US$57.1 bn in 2014 and is estimated to reach US$77.1 bn by the end of 2021, rising at a healthy CAGR of 4.40% during the forecast period. Competition in the market is now stiffer than ever before as SABMiller Plc. recently merged with Anheuser-Busch InBev in a billion-dollar deal to dominate the Latin America market.What factors are driving and restraining the growth of the beer market in Latin America and Middle East?According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 64.9% of the people in Latin America were obese as of 2013. WHO also stated in 2010 that the risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases in the Middle East is very high with 55.6% of population in the region suffering from excessive fat around the organs and under the skin.Beer presents an ideal alternative to other alcoholic drinks to these large populations in Latin America and the Middle East as it has proven to be beneficial in preventing coronary diseases. Beer is low in fat content, which aids in preventing high-cholesterol-related diseases. Growing awareness among the end-users, increasing disposable incomes of the urban population, changing lifestyle especially among the youth, and rapid industrialization are some of the key factors that are driving the Latin America and Middle East beer market. Additionally, the introduction of organic beer is also expected to significantly increase the demand for beer in these regions in the near future.Conversely, strict regulations against alcoholic drinks and sensorial profile of beer such as dizziness and vomiting are the major factors that are retaining the growth beer market. In the Middle East, particularly, the presence of religious restrictions on the consumption of alcohol have led to rigid views against alcoholic beer. Also, the bitter taste of beer is also seen as a significant roadblock in the growth of beer market. This, as a result, has given rise to the production of lager which is less bitter as compared to dark and stout beer.Who are the most prominent companies in the beer market in Middle East and Latin America and what are their strategies?Some of the key players in the beer market in Latin America are SABMiller Plc., Heineken N.V., Anheuser-Busch InBev, Ambev S.A., and Carlsberg Group. To keep a stronghold over the market, Anheuser-Busch InBev recently finalized their takeover of 120-year-old SABMiller Plc., a company that was investing heavily into efforts to increase their beer sales in Latin America. The deal is estimated to be worth over US$1.0 bn. The new company will operate under the name of Newbelco.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: Cananga Odorata Flower oil Market Insights by 2024 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/12718 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/12718 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com The market of Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) flower oil is expected to be driven by its high perfumery and medicinal values. Owing to its gentle fragrance, it has found wide application in the perfumes and aromatherapy treatments. It provides various health benefits such as relief from anxiety, stress, blood pressure and depression. The flower oil can also heal the wounds, and treated as a remedy in hair fall. Some of the macro-economic factors such as population growth, recovered GDP, and increased disposable income are fueling the growth of Cananga Odorata (ylang ylang) flower oil market during the reviewed period. Apart from this, rising demand of aromatic flavors in perfumes, shift from synthetic to natural products, and growing emphasis of preventive health care practices among health conscious consumers also propels the growth of Cananga Odorata (ylang ylang) flower oil.Cananga odorata is also known as the cananga tree, is a large evergreen tropical tree originated in the rain forest of various Asian and South Pacific Islands such as Indonesia, Philippines, Polynesia, Sumatra, Java, and Comoro. The essential oil of Cananga odorata can be extracted by the steam distillation of its fresh flowers called ylang ylang. The essential flower oil has found wide usage in aromatherapy owing to its pleasing fragrance. Cananga odorata (ylang ylang) flower oil has emerged as an essential perfumery ingredient with strong demand in floral and oriental compositions. Ylang ylang flower oil is of high medicinal value due to its properties such as an antidepressant, antiseptic, antiseborrhoeic, hypotensive, aphrodisiac, nervine, and sedative substance. The high growth of cananga odorata (ylang ylang) flower oil is attributable to its perfumery and medicinal applications.The segmentation of Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) flower oil market is based upon application, and geography. On the basis of application, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower oil market is segmented into food & beverages, medical, personal care, and others. Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower oil is used as a preservative and flavoring agent in the food and beverages application. The increasing health consciousness of consumers has escalated the demand of Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower oil in the medical segment. The personal care segment is expected to grow at a rapid pace in the Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) flower oil market owing to the rising demand of aromatic flavors as well as fragrances in personal care products such as perfumes and cosmetic products. Additionally, the increased demand of spa and relaxation applications due to the change in life-style is anticipated to fuel the market growth in upcoming years.On the basis of geography, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) flower oil market is segmented into five different regions namely North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East and Africa. The market size of Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) flower oil is expected to be prominent in the European region owing to the rising awareness and increasing demand of cosmetics and beauty products, medicines, and nutraceuticals. Europe was followed by North America to emerge as the second major region in the Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower oil market. Factors such as highly developed industries, increasing per capita income, subsidies and tax benefits from the government, contribute vitally to growth of the market in the North America region. Asia Pacific region is projected to be the fastest growing market owing to the change in life style and increased awareness about health benefits of the products derived from natural sources.Request to view table of content @The players in the Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower oil market focuses upon the integration across the value chain to attain cost-benefit ratio in the longer run. Some of the key players in the Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower oil market include Biolandes SAS, doTerra International, Sydney Essential Oils Co., The Lebermuth Co., Inc., Young Living Essential Oils, Farotti Essenze, and Essential Oils of New Zealand, among others.Buy Now: You can now buy a single user license of the report @The final report customized as per your specific requirement will be sent to your e-mail id within 7-20 days, depending on the scope of the report.For more information, please e-mail us at sales@persistencemarketresearch.comAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Medical Holography Market Report by Global Industry & Key Players Analysis Forecast 2026 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=19295 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/microbiology-testing-technologies-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/medical-nonwoven-disposables.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Major key players engaged in medical holography market are Dongguan Linbiao hologram manufacturer, Eon Reality Inc., EchoPixel, Inc., Zebra Imaging, General Electric Company, Microsoft Inc, Provision Holdings Inc., RealView Imaging Ltd., Holographic 3d solutions, Holography Industry JV, Ne&Ro Invest SRL., Arnold Herzig GmbH, DPL Industri A/S Denmark and Olomagic.The medical holography market can be segmented on the basis of medical hologram types and the technology adopted in medical holography. Volumetric displays, planar/HUD interactive display, segmented displays, static digital holograms are a few of the types of medical holograms. Some of the common technologies viewed in medical holography market are plasma, touchable, electro holographic, semi-transparency, and laser technology.Download PDF Brochure of Report -There is a high demand for advanced medical imaging from the healthcare sector. As the innovations in medical education are growing, medical holography market is expected to benefit from these innovations due to increased technology integration. Increased awareness among the consumers related to advanced medical technologies is expected to have a positive influence on medical holography market. Medical holography facilitates the real-time viewing of the diagnosed body, further improving the analysis process. The medical holography system provides an advanced diagnostic methodology to the doctors. These systems offer doctors a better understanding about the anatomy of the patients body, driving the demand for medical holography market. Medical holography helps the doctors to view complex displacement of bones or tissues that had occurred. The medical holography system is also expected to help the doctors to understand the medical complications more easily and quickly. Hologram guided heart surgeries are expected to gain more importance during the forecast period. With the help of holograms doctors can easily examine patients heart conditions or detect a colon cancer without breaking the skin. It will result in the quick diagnosis of any disease and the doctor can start with his treatment. Furthermore, there are numerous companies across the world investing in medical holography technologies. Introduction of augmented reality in the field of medical holography could be one of the greatest opportunities to the producers of medical holograms. Limited adoption of medical holograms despite its numerous advantages could prove to be a restraining factor for the market. The pricing of such medical holography technology is also higher which could affect its adoption among customers. However, with increasing technology adoption in medical and healthcare sectors this hurdle is expected to be tackled.The medical holography market can be segmented on the basis of medical hologram types and the technology adopted in medical holography. Volumetric displays, planar/HUD interactive display, segmented displays, static digital holograms are a few of the types of medical holograms. Some of the common technologies viewed in medical holography market are plasma, touchable, electro holographic, semi-transparency, and laser technology.Read Related Reports:Medical Microbiology Testing Technologies Market (Indication - Respiratory Diseases, Neurological Diseases, and Infectious Diseases; Technology - Cell Culture, Microscopy, and Serology; Application - Diagnostic and Treatment Monitoring; End User - Hospital Labs, Pathology Labs, and Research Institutes) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024Medical Nonwoven Disposables Market (Product - Surgical Products (Drapes, Gowns, Caps, and Masks), Wound Dressings (Bandages, Tapes, Post-operative Wound Dressings, Dressing Pads, and Operative Wound Dressings), and Incontinence Products (Under Pad Diapers and Diapers); Material - Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Acetate, Rayon, Polyamides & Polyesters, and Acrylic; End Users - Hospitals, Nursing homes, Consumer & Home Healthcare, Clinics, and Ambulatory Surgical Centers) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024Transparency 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: MUMBAI, Feb 23 (Reuters) - India's natural rubber imports in January fell 39 percent to 24,093 tonnes from a year ago, the state-run Rubber Board said on Thursday, as tyre makers trimmed overseas purchases due to a rally in global prices. The country's production in the month jumped 27 percent to 66,000 tonnes from a year ago as farmers increased tapping to cash in on the price rally, the board said in a statement. Consumption in January remained largely unchanged at 84,000 tonnes, compared with 84,875 tonnes a year ago, it said. Natural rubber prices in India have jumped to their highest levels in three years following a surge in overseas prices due to supply disruptions in Thailand. India imports natural rubber mainly from Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia. (Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier) Global Retail Ready Packaging (RRP) Market to generate huge revenue during 2016-2024 https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/sample/retail-ready-packaging-rrp-market https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/toc/retail-ready-packaging-rrp-market https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/retail-ready-packaging-rrp-market https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/custom/434 http://www.zionmarketresearch.com Zion Market Research published new report on 'Retail Ready Packaging (RRP) Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecasts 20162024' in it's databaseGlobal Retail Ready Packaging (RRP) Market: OverviewRRP stands for retail ready packaging usually used to pack foodstuff and beverages. RRP is associated with "Five Easies, that is, to identify, open, replenish, shop, and dispose of. It packs the products in the ready-to-sell form in order to provide convenient transport of products to customers. It is a complete approach to reloading stocks efficiently and improve supply chain efficiency. It is designed to reduce the cost of the retailer and increase brand awareness. RRP ensures visibility of products and effective handling. For instance, Great Northern Corporation has created a Retail-Ready Packaging for Reichel Foods.Request Free Sample Report @Global Retail Ready Packaging (RRP) Market: Growth FactorsEscalating demand for RRP in supermarkets is expected to boost the market in the coming years. Developing connectivity in the supply chain is anticipated to boost the global market in future. Increasing preference of the people towards easy and effective handling products is also anticipated to foster the growth of the global market. Adoption of new shopping trend for RRP products entices potential customers to purchase these products; this, in turn, is expected to fuel the demand in the near future. The global RRP market uses eco-friendly packaging which has less impact on the environment and is easily degraded; this factor is also anticipated to augment the global market growth. Conversely, strict government regulations and incomprehensible supply chain in some countries may restrain the market growth in future.Global Retail Ready Packaging (RRP) Market: SegmentationThe global RRP market is segmented on the basis type as modified cases, plastic RRP, die-cut display boxes, shrink-wrapped trays, and others. Of which, plastic RRP segment dominates the global market. On the basis of end-user, the global market is further categorized as beverage industry, food industry, and non-food industry. Of which, the food industry is the dominating segment and accounts for the largest market share in the global market.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Global Retail Ready Packaging (RRP) Market: Regional AnalysisThe global RRP market in Europe is anticipated to witness high growth in the global market growth. Early adoption of RRP in North America is expected to increase the demand in future. Improved economy and rising population in Asia Pacific contribute to the overall market growth. Escalating demand from supermarkets for RRP in developing economies is expected to foster the market demand in future. Moreover, formalized supply chain in China, Brazil, and Africa is also anticipated to enhance the market in future.Global Retail Ready Packaging (RRP) Market: Competitive PlayersSome of the major players dominating the global retail ready packaging (RRP) market include Mayr-Melnhof Karton, Polymer Logistics, Smurfit Kappa Group, Industrial Packaging, Creative Corrugated Designs, Robert Bosch, and ETT Verpackungstechnik. Other key players influencing the global market are RFC Container Company, DS Smith, Linpac Packaging, Amcor, Model Management, Caps Cases, Mondi Group, and i2i Europe.Browse detail report @Global Retail Ready Packaging (RRP) Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilThe Middle East and AfricaAsk for a customized report @What Reports ProvidesFull in-depth analysis of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsSegmentation details of the marketFormer, on-going, and projected market analysis in terms of volume and valueAssessment of niche industry developmentsMarket share analysisKey strategies of major playersEmerging segments and regional marketsTestimonials to companies in order to fortify their foothold in the market.For more inquiry contact our sales team @ sales@zionmarketresearch.comAbout Us:Zion 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: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 Ginseng Market Forecast to 2021 with Share & Growth Projections in Key Product Segments Market Research Reports http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=888300&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-ginseng-sales-market-report-2016.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com/reports.htm Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global ginseng sales market report 2016" to its huge collection of research reports.This market intelligence report examines extensively the trends in the global Ginseng 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 Ginseng market. The global Ginseng 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 Ginseng market. The estimated revenue and volume valuation of the global market for Ginseng 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 Ginseng 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 ContentsGlobal Ginseng Sales Market Report 20161 Ginseng Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Ginseng1.2 Classification of Ginseng1.2.1 Red Ginseng1.2.2 American Ginseng1.2.3 Brazilian Ginseng1.2.4 Siberian Ginseng1.2.5 Indian Ginseng1.3 Application of Ginseng1.3.1 Applications of Ginseng by Dosage Forms: Suppository, Lotion, Injection, Tablet, Capsule, Others1.3.2 Applications of Ginseng by Industry: Pharma & Healthcare, Cosmetic & Skin Care, Food & Feed Additives1.3.3 Application 31.4 Ginseng Market by Regions1.4.1 USA 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)1.4.5 India Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Ginseng (2011-2021)1.5.1 Global Ginseng Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2021)1.5.2 Global Ginseng Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2021)2 Global Ginseng Competition by Manufacturers, Type and Application2.1 Global Ginseng Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1.1 Global Ginseng Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2011-2016)2.1.2 Global Ginseng Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2011-2016)2.2 Global Ginseng (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Ginseng Sales and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)2.2.2 Global Ginseng Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)2.3 Global Ginseng (Volume and Value) by Regions2.3.1 Global Ginseng Sales and Market Share by Regions (2011-2016)2.3.2 Global Ginseng Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2011-2016)2.4 Global Ginseng (Volume) by Application3 USA Ginseng (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 USA Ginseng Sales and Value (2011-2016)3.1.1 USA Ginseng Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2016)3.1.2 USA Ginseng Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2016)3.1.3 USA Ginseng Sales Price Trend (2011-2016)3.2 USA Ginseng Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers3.3 USA Ginseng Sales and Market Share by Type3.4 USA Ginseng Sales and Market Share by ApplicationFor Market Research Latest Reports 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 Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) Systems Market anticipated to reach $53.7 billion by 2020 Shares, Strategies, And Forecasts, Worldwide http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/192939 Research announces that it has published a new study Concentrated Solar Power (CSP): Market Shares, Strategy, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2014 to 2020. The 2014 study has 436 pages, 190 tables and figures. Worldwide markets are poised to achieve significant growth as the Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) integrates molten salt storage technologies and leverages the existing steam electrical power generating capacity.The concentrated solar power market is set to explode despite environmental objections to the technology. The latest CSP launch, Ivanpah solar electric generating system is an engineering marvel that delivers on the full promise of solar energy. Ivanpah has 347,000 garage door-sized mirrors distributed across 173,500 heliostats. The heliostats track with the sun so that the mirrors can efficiently reflect its rays up to boilers that sit on top of the facility's three towers. The system uses solar field integration software and a solar receiver steam generator.Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) solar energy is the most promising and sustainable renewable energy; rolling out CSP systems offers both performance and competitive energy prices. CSP Solar provides a crucial energy solution that is utility scale and works 24 x 7 in combination with back-up stationary fuel cells.Download Sample Copy Of This Report:Concentrating solar power is one of several preferred methods of solar electricity production. In most places it has achieved 'grid-parity' when considering ROI over 35 years. The mainstream cost of electricity from the grid can be complemented by solar systems. The solar industry in China is funded by the government. This unrelenting investment in energy efficiency has thrust the Chinese companies into the forefront of the industry.Other countries rely on tax incentives and special tariffs to sustain further investment in solar electricity generation. This has enabled the industry to develop and provides very attractive investment opportunities, and is expected to do so for some time to come.There is a move in the solar industry to achieve grid-parity. Once this is secure, the solar market can expand very rapidly achieving penetration growth calculations that exceed any growth rate per se. A step-change in system costs is being achieved, putting the industry on the cusp of a major growth spurt.Concentrating solar technology uses traditional electricity steam generators to make power fueled by solar heat.The decrease in the costs of implementing CSP solar energy will continue. The competitiveness of concentrated solar power (CSP) will increase. Ultimately the ability to run a utility scale system that provides 24 x 7 electricity, is able to store energy and use it during the night when the sum is down provides competitive advantage to the CSP.Concentrated Solar power markets at $1.3 billion in 2013 are anticipated to reach $53.7 billion by 2020 because the systems are able to be built at utility scale and to provide 24 x 7 solar renewable energy power. Campus stationary fuel cell power is mature and available to act as a backup power source for CSP, creating greater capabilities and a better story for justifying the build out of CSP.Companies ProfiledMarket LeadersAbengoaAccionaBrightSource EnergySolar Millennium AGSolFocusUnited Technologies / SolarReserveMarket ParticipantsAmonixAORAAreva / AusraEntech SolareSolarNextEra EnergySoitecSolarReserveTooele Army DepotUS SilicaCheck Out These Key TopicsHeliostatsConcentrating Solar PowerSolar Utility PowerUtility Peak PowerResidential SolarConsumer SolarConcentrated SolarSmart GridSolar Panel TechnologiesConversion Efficiency Confirmation From NRELNanosolarHelioVoltSolar ApplicationsSunlight IntensityMicromorph ModulesSolar Regional MarketConcentrated Solar ThermalConcentrated Solar Power CSPPhotovoltaic Conversion Of Sun LightMarketResearchReports.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 Food Preservatives Market - What's Next in 2014-2020? http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=125 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Food preservatives are a wide range of food additives added to food to keep it fresh and avoid spoilage. Since packaged food is often water-rich organic material, the natural processes within it can themselves lead to spoilage of the food. Microbes can also readily fester in food, thanks to the ready supply of nutrients. This calls for the use of food preservatives, which block antimicrobial action and delay the natural conditions leading to spoilage.Food preservatives can be natural or synthetic, depending upon the duration for which the food needs to be kept fresh and the precise nature of the threats to be countered by the additive. According to Transparency Market Research, the global market for food preservatives was valued at US$2 bn in 2013. Exhibiting a steady 3.50% CAGR from 2014 to 2020, the markets valuation is expected to rise to US$2.5 bn.View exclusive Global strategic Business report:How will the increasing demand for organic food affect the food preservatives market?One of the key drivers for the global food preservatives market is the increasing demand for organic food, which cant be preserved with the same formulations used for conventionally farmed food. This has led to the generation of a new product category in the food preservatives market dealing specifically with the preservation of organic food. The widespread public perception of organic food as being healthier than conventionally farmed food is likely to aid the global food preservatives market massively in the coming years.The rapid rate of urbanization around the world has also led to a growing demand for packaged food, which is a leading application segment of the global food preservatives market. Food preservatives are particularly important in packaged food, since packaged food is bought expressly to be eaten a significant time after its purchase.What is the most important challenge for the food preservatives industry?Food preservatives have a direct effect on the health of the consumer, leading to governments across the world setting firm regulations to control and monitor their use. However, illegal use of more effective but more dangerous food preservatives is common across the world and particularly prevalent in developing countries. Earlier this month, Burmese officials discovered widespread use of formalin, a chemical more commonly used to preserve human carcasses and prevent them from rotting, for the preservation of tofu and noodles. The rising prevalence of such instances is a key restraint on the global food preservatives market, and requires more comprehensive and coordinated efforts from global healthcare bodies.The rapidly increasing demand for food preservatives from Asia Pacific makes coordination between the regions food and beverage monitoring agencies particularly important. While North America led the global food preservatives market in 2013, Asia Pacific was not far behind and is likely to remain a key contributor to the global food preservatives market in the coming years. Australia, South Korea, India, China, Thailand are among the key markets for food preservatives, as the steady urbanization in these countries has led to the generation of a significant and expanding consumer pool.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 Linerless Labels Market continuous to increase by 2024 https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/sample/linerless-labels-market https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/toc/linerless-labels-market https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/linerless-labels-market https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/custom/883 http://www.zionmarketresearch.com Zion Market Research published new report on 'Linerless Labels Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecasts 20162024' in it's databaseGlobal Linerless Labels Market: OverviewEver-evolving features in packaging not only reflect the brand name but also differentiate product packaging from competitors. These packaging and labels comprise right information about the product. In addition, they also include anti-counterfeiting properties accompanied with tracing & tracking technologies, which helps the vendor to keep a track of incoming ingredients, internal processing and packaging, and outgoing shipments to traders. Linerless labels are hassle less, liner, and free of waste and are available in a variety of adhesives, which fits the exact need of the application.Request Free Sample Report @Global Linerless Labels Market: Growth FactorsMajor factors responsible for the global linerless labels market growth are the preservation of natural resources, prevention of waste, and energy efficiency. Escalating demand for consumer goods coupled with flexible packaging industry may offer numerous growth opportunities to the market to grow in the near future. Additionally, the remarkable growth of food and beverage packaging products along with rising demand for logistics and consumer durables has encouraged vendors to increase the demand of the global linerless labels market. However, growing raw material cost and lack of awareness about types of labeling technologies, and environmental concerns in terms of printing on labels are some factors restraining the growth of the global market.Global Linerless Labels Market: SegmentationThe global linerless labels market is classified based on applications, printing ink, composition, and printing technology. The application segment includes consumer products, food & beverage, personal care, pharmaceuticals, retail, and others. The printing ink segment consists of holt melt-based ink, water-based ink, UV curable ink, and solvent-based ink. Further, the composition segment comprises face stock, adhesives, composition, and others. Moreover, the global linerless labels market is divided based on printing technology as lithography printing, digital printing, letterpress printing, flexographic printing, screen printing, and gravure printing.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Global Linerless Labels Market: Regional AnalysisThe geography segment of the global linerless labels market includes North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness high growth mainly due to consistent economic growth and increasing population. This region accompanied by numerous opportunities to expand and gain market footprint. The major companies operating in this region focus on grabbing largest market share. Europe and North America are anticipated to show steady growth in the next few years. Rising market consolidation along with the presence of a huge number of players is trying to tap the linerless labels market in North America and Europe. Latin America and the Middle East are anticipated to witness substantial growth in the coming years.Global Linerless Labels Market: Competitive PlayersThe major industries operating in the global linerless labels market are R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company, 3M Company, Innovia films, CCL Industries Inc., and RR Donnelley & Sons Company. Other players influencing the global market are Coveris Holdings S.A., Reflex Labels limited, and Constantia Flexible Group GmbH.Browse detail report @Global Linerless Labels Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeGermanyFranceUKAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilThe Middle East & AfricaAsk for a customized report @What Report ProvidesFull in-depth analysis of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsSegmentation details of the marketFormer, on-going, and projected market analysis in terms of volume and valueAssessment of niche industry developmentsMarket share analysisKey strategies of major playersEmerging segments and regional marketsTestimonials to companies in order to fortify their foothold in the market.For more inquiry contact our sales team @ sales@zionmarketresearch.comAbout Us:Zion 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: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 Internet Security Market is anticipated to reach $46.5 Bn, by 2021 Internet Security Market Research Report https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/world-internet-security-market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-free-sample/836 Global Internet security market report, published by Allied Market Research, forecasts that the global market is expected to garner $46.5 billion by 2021, registering a CAGR of 8.4% during the period 2016-2021. The market is driven by the huge demand for Internet security software solutions due to the increasing number of cyber-attacks and the adoption of cloud-based Internet security systems.View full summary at:The global Internet security market is segmented into product & services, technology, application, and geography. Based on product & services, the market is segmented into software, hardware, and services. In 2015, the software security solutions segment accounted for around 74.8% of the overall revenue, owing to the widespread adoption of these software solutions among individual & corporate users. However, industry leaders, such as Intel, HP, and Symantec, have heavily invested to develop cloud-based security solutions. Therefore, services segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 23.6% during the forecast period.Based on technology, the report segments the market into authentication, access control technology, content filtering technology, and cryptography (encryption) technology. Authentication technology segment dominated the market in 2015, accounting for more than 40% market share. Authentication technologies are used in single sign-on like password-based logins as well as complex systems, such as tokens, public-key certificates, and even biometrics.Request for sample report:Based on applications, the market is segmented into BFSI, retail, IT & telecommunications, government, manufacturing, education, aerospace, defense & intelligence, and others. In 2015, BFSI was the highest revenue-generating segment in terms of revenue. The education sector is expected to grow rapidly, registering a CAGR of 14.3% during the forecast period.Key findings of Internet Security Market: Among the key application sectors, Education is expected to exhibit highest growth over the forecast period The Asia-Pacific region is forecast to be the most lucrative market, both in terms of size and growth Internet security services would witness the fastest growth over the forecast periodFavorable regulations & policies along with proactive e-commerce & e-governance initiatives have fostered the growth of theInternet security market. Market players have adopted product launch, partnership, and acquisitions as their key strategies to improve their market foothold and enhance their product portfolio. The prominent companies profiled in this report include Symantec Corporation, Intel Corporation, Hewlett Packard (HP) Company, Cisco Systems Inc., IBM Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Kaspersky Labs, and Dell Inc.About Allied Market Research :Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions. AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesToll Free : +1-800-792-5285UK : + 44-845-528-1300Hong Kong : + 852-301-84916India (Pune) : +91-20-66346060Fax : +1-855-550-5975help@alliedmarketresearch.com Solid State Thin Film Battery Markets At $9 Million In 2014 Are Forecast To Reach $1.3 Billion By 2021 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=259920 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=259920 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Solid State Thin Film Batteries:Market Shares, Strategy, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2015 to 2021" to its huge collection of research reports.The quality of energy storage is better with solid state thin film batteries. Solid State Thin Film Batteries A comparison of battery performance for various rechargeable batteries is a compelling illustration of the value of thin film batteries. Data for thin film batteries using very thin substrates illustrate the longer cycle life that can be achieved. Applications include power bridging, permanent power, and wireless sensor networks.Thin film battery market driving forces include creating business inflection by delivering technology that supports entirely new capabilities. Sensor networks are creating demand for thin film solid state devices. Vendors doubled revenue and almost tripled production volume from first quarter. Multiple customers are moving into production with innovative products after successful trials.A strong business pipeline has emerged with customer activity in all target markets.- The market focus is shifting from ramping capacity to driving manufacturing efficiencies and achieving margin improvement, indicating increasing market maturity.Smarter computing is part of an IT opportunity, brought by the availability of many, many devices that measure what is going on in the world. These devices are made possible by the availability of small, inexpensive, reliable batteries that provide battery backup on the printed circuit board. Smarter computing is related to achieving a more instrumented, interconnected and intelligent infrastructure.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Software and onboard storage are significant aspects of making the networks more intelligent. The need to capture and analyze increasing amounts of data, deliver results to more users, and respond faster across all devices, without a corresponding increase in budget is a function of better management and better systems. Back up power is part of the picture.Key application areas for solid stare batteries are:- Power bridging- Permanent power- Wireless sensorsAs energy harvesting and wireless sensor networks evolve, the solid state batteries provide an uninterruptable, stable power source that lasts as long as the electronics with which it is packaged. In some cases, changing batteries is not feasible, ant these applications are illustrative of those kinds of instances.According to Susan Eustis, the lead author of the team that created the study, Solid state electronics brings the same advantages to batteries as it has brought to all other industry segments it touches. Printed circuit board manufacturers are finding that they can achieve a rapid return on investment from substantially decreasing the energy costs associated with using storage by wave soldering the storage onto the boards during the manufacturing process.Solid state thin film battery markets at $9 million in 2014 are forecast to reach $1.3 billion by 2021. Rapid growth toward the end of the forecast period is anticipated as technology improves the cost structure of the manufacturing.WinterGreen Research is positioned to help customers face challenges that define the modern enterprises. The increasingly global nature of science, technology and engineering is a reflection of the implementation of the globally integrated enterprise. Customers trust WinterGreen Research to work alongside them to ensure the success of the participation in a particular market segment.WinterGreen Research supports various market segment programs; provides trusted technical services to the marketing departments. It carries out accurate market share and forecast analysis services for a range of commercial and government customers globally. These are all vital market research support solutions requiring trust and integrity.WinterGreen Research is an independent research organization funded by the sale of market research studies all over the world and by the implementation of ROI models that are used to calculate the total cost of ownership of equipment, services, and software. The company has 35 distributors worldwide, including Global Information Info Shop, Market Research.com, Research and Markets, Bloomberg, electronics.ca, and Thompson Financial.Companies ProfiledMarket Leaders- CymbetMarket Participants- Apple- Applied Materials- Blue Spark- Citic Guoan- Cymbet- Enfucell- FlexEl- Front Edge Technology- GS Nanotech- GS Caltex / GS Yuasa- Guangzhou Markyn Battery Co. Polymer Lithium Ion Battery- Imprint Energy- ITN Lithium Technology- Johnson Research Product Development- Kunshan Printed Electronics Ltd.- KSW Microtec- Matsushita / Panasonic / Sanyo / Sanyo Solar- NEC Corporation- Oak Ridge National Laboratory- Oak Ridge Micro-Energy- Paper Battery Company- Leonhard Kurz / PolyIC- PolyPlus- Prelonic Technologies- Prelonic Technology- Prieto Battery- ProLogium- ProtoFlex Thin Film Batteries- PS- Saft- Samsung- Solicore- Sony Corporation- STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM)- Tesla- Texas Instruments (TXN:NYSE)- Umicore Thin Film Products- VTT- Zibo DisonKey Topics- Thin Film Battery- Thin Film Solid State- Solid State Battery- Printed Battery- Sensor Battery- Smarter Computing- Cloud Computing- Security- Integrated Supply Chain- Smart SOA- Polymer Film Substrate- Flexible Thin Battery- Smarter Computing- Intelligent Systems- Power bridging- Permanent power- Wireless sensors- Cloud- Virtualization- Nanotechnology- Polymer Film Substrate- Printed Electronics- Remote Sensors- Smart Card Battery- RFID and Small Thin Film- Battery-Assisted Passive and Active RFID- Medical Batteries- Nanoparticles- Electrochromics- Solid State Energy Storage- Energy Harvesting- Rechargeable EnerChips- SRAM Backup- Manganese Dioxide Nanotechnology- Radio Tags- Organic Radical Battery (ORB)- Polymer Film Substrate- Lithium Air Battery- Battery Anode- Battery Cathode- Thin Film Battery TimescalesMake 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 @ Robot Car And Truck Commercial Autonomous Car Market Will Rise To $868 Million By 2021 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=256485 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=256485 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Robot Cars and Trucks: Market Shares, Strategy, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2015 to 2021" to its huge collection of research reports.The 2015 study has 413 pages, 156 tables and figures. Worldwide markets are poised to achieve significant growth as robot cars and trucks permit users to implement automated driving. Fleet vehicles from Uber, Google and similar users are likely to be the early adopter groups.IBM and Google are sure to be a significant software vendors for all the robot car and truck market participants. IBM has a huge head start with its excellent middleware branded integrated solutions that are hardened and reliable. Google has mindshare and early market success with its early market trials.As automated process hits the auto industry as a disruptive force, it parallels the automated piloting of the airline industry that saw significant labor savings implementation. Automated vehicle driving can be done anywhere just by connecting the car to integrated adaptive cruise control, adaptive steering and braking, and lane assist systems all working off one central processor.Robot cars and trucks incrementally add automated process to driving. As software is added to cars and trucks it is done in concert with modification to the steering, breaking, and other automotive systems. Autonomous functions for vehicles are increasingly adopted.Change is incremental, we do not have fully functioning robot cars immediately, rather, steering, collision avoidance, parking, test driving, series of camera and radar based monitoring systems, lane assist, and adaptive cruise control are being implemented, presaging rapid adoption of robot cars and trucks as the various functions mature and work in the real world.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @According to Susan Eustis, team leader for the preparation of the study, The market for robot car and truck vehicles is anticipated to expand in parallel with the deployment of appropriate roadway controls funded by government programs. The large public investments for robot vehicles so far has been for development of technology that works for military purposes. The extension of this type of automated system to commercial fleet vehicles will be rapid after 2020The robot car designs amalgamate a group of features to represent an automated process solution. These include the hardware, the software middleware, the steering system, adaptive cruise control, numerous software applications, an integrated systems approach, and related services. Significant investments in research and development are necessary as the emerging robot cars and trucks industry builds on incremental technology roll outs.Robot car and truck commercial autonomous car market shipments forecasts indicate that markets beginning to develop in 2015 will rise to $868 million by 2021. Growth is a result of various moves toward autonomous vehicles that park themselves, provide automated steering, are used as test vehicles, are used as mapping vehicles, and that provide driver alerts but fall sort of complete robotically operated car vehicles.Market driving forces relate primarily to the need for increased safety and personalization for autos. Car manufacturers are positioning with robot car models to meet demand at the high end. Many robot vehicle car vendors are making automation for personal vehicles and trucks a reality.WinterGreen Research is an independent research organization funded by the sale of market research studies all over the world and by the implementation of ROI models that are used to calculate the total cost of ownership of equipment, services, and software. The company has 35 distributors worldwide, including Global Information Info Shop, Market Research.com, Research and Markets, electronics.ca, Bloomberg, and Thompson Financial.WinterGreen Research is positioned to help customers face challenges that define the modern enterprises. The increasingly global nature of science, technology and engineering is a reflection of the implementation of the globally integrated enterprise. Customers trust WinterGreen Research to work alongside them to ensure the success of the participation in a particular market segment.WinterGreen Research supports various market segment programs; provides trusted technical services to the marketing departments. It carries out accurate market share and forecast analysis services for a range of commercial and government customers globally. These are all vital market research support solutions requiring trust and integrity.This robot car and truck shipment analysis is based on consideration of the metrics for the number of cars shipped, percent of cars outfitted with automated cruise control, and probable market penetrations of robot cars. Experience using the robot cars and trucks is another factor that contributes to development of triangulation regarding market forecasts for the sector.Companies ProfiledMarket Leaders- Google- Ford- BMW- Tesla- Daimler AG / Mercedes-Benz- Fuji- GM- Kairos- Nissan- Toyota- Volkswagen / AudiMarket Participants- Allen Vanguard- Audi- BAE Systems- Boston Dynamics- Bosch Group- Evatran Group- BMW- Buick Group- Chrysler / Dodge- Daimler AG/Mercedes-Benz- ECA Robotics- Elbit Systems- Evatran Group- Ford / Lincoln- Fuji Heavy Industries / Subaru- General Dynamics- Google Self-Driving Car- GM / Cadillac- iRobot Revenue- Kairos Autonomi- Kongsberg- Jaguar Land Rover- Lockheed Martin- Mesa Robotics- Mitsubishi- Nissan- Qualcomm- Thales Group- Toyota / Lexus- Vecna Technologies- Volkswagen / Porsche- Volvo- Visteon- WiTricityKey Topics- Robot Cars and Trucks- Robot steering- Robot breaking- Robot automotive systems- Autonomous functions for vehicles- Collision avoidance- Automated parking- Robot Parking- Robot test driving- Car cameras- Truck follow me systems- Radar based monitoring systems- Lane assist- Adaptive cruise controlMake 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 @ Solar Panels Markets At $24.2 Billion In 2014 Are Expected To Reach $180.7 Billion By 2021 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=245659 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=245659 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Solar Panels: Market Shares, Strategy, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2015 to 2021" to its huge collection of research reports.The 2015 study has 537 pages, 212 tables and figures. Worldwide markets for solar panels are growing as units become more efficient and less costly for generating electricity. Rapid adoption of solar panels worldwide is occurring as systems provide peak power efficiently.The ability to remain competitive depends upon the ability to develop technologically advanced products and processes. What better investment in infrastructure on the part of a government than solar power? Cheap energy promises to provide water, cheap manufacturing, electric vehicles, all sorts of things more useful than a war that the government might alternatively spend its money on.Main areas of solar panels is for: large scale utility systems connected to the electrical grid. Residential and commercial markets are evolving further.Solar panel market driving forces relate primarily to the prospect of inexpensive, lasting energy from the sun. In 2015, analysts agree, a tipping point has been reached, solar panel markets are at the critical point in the market development, where an inevitability of adoption is certain. Solar panels markets have been an up and down evolving situation that was completely dependent on government subsidies.Now the government subsidies seem certain. Market development without government subsidies seems certain. Utilities have to have solar energy. Governments have to have solar energy. People have to have solar energy. The stability of the solar panel market leads to a new and irreversible positive thrust for the market. Market development is certain to occur, the question is simply how fast.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Solar panel markets have crossed a threshold and gains will possibly have significant momentum, triggered by the technology. Solar panel adoption is now a dynamic process of innovation, insight, and influence through advocacy. The critical point in solar panel adoption is a process that is now unstoppable.The growth of solar has been driven by a single paradigm at the federal and state levels worldwide. Now, with China so entirely dedicated to making solar less expensive than coal electrical generation, solar energy will take hold worldwide. Almost all solar has taken advantage of -- and needed to take advantage of -- state-level incentives.China has had government subsidies for a long time. This continues to be the case, but in China now, grid parity is a result of taxing coal electrical generation, making solar panels attractive. The US is poised to see rapid adoption of solar panels in various regions.According to Susan Eustis, the lead author of the team that created the study, Solar panel market driving forces relate primarily to the prospect of inexpensive, lasting energy from the sun. In 2015, analysts agree, a tipping point has been reached, solar panel markets are at the critical point in the market development, where an inevitability of adoption is certain. Utilities have to have solar energy to meet the regulatory requirements. Governments have to have solar energy to achieve clean air standards. People have to have solar energy to charge electric cars. The stability of the solar panel market leads to a new and irreversible positive thrust for the market. Market development is certain to occur, the question is simply how fast.Solar panels have moved from the trial stage to the early adopter stage. Markets at $24.2 billion in 2014 are expected to reach $180.7 billion by 2021. Growth is expected to achieve rapid adoption of renewable energy.WinterGreen Research is positioned to help customers face challenges that define the modern enterprises. The increasingly global nature of science, technology and engineering is a reflection of the implementation of the globally integrated enterprise. Customers trust WinterGreen Research to work alongside them to ensure the success of the participation in a particular market segment.WinterGreen Research supports various market segment programs; provides trusted technical services to the marketing departments. It carries out accurate market share and forecast analysis services for a range of commercial and government customers globally. These are all vital market research support solutions requiring trust and integrity.WinterGreen Research is an independent research organization funded by the sale of market research studies all over the world and by the implementation of ROI models that are used to calculate the total cost of ownership of equipment, services, and software. The company has 35 distributors worldwide, including Global Information Info Shop, Market Research.com, Research and Markets, Bloomberg, electronics.ca, and Thompson Financial. WinterGreen Research is positioned to help customers facing challenges that define the modern enterprises.The increasingly global nature of science, technology and engineering is a reflection of the implementation of the globally integrated enterprise. Customers trust wintergreen research to work alongside them to ensure the success of the participation in a particular market segment.WinterGreen Research supports various market segment programs; provides trusted technical services to the marketing departments. It carries out accurate market share and forecast analysis services for a range of commercial and government customers globally. These are all vital market research support solutions requiring trust and integrity.Companies ProfiledMarket Leaders- First Solar- Shunfeng Wuxi Suntech- SunPower- Trina Solar- Sharp- Canadian Solar- JA Solar- Yingli Green Energy- Panasonic / Sanyo- Hanwha QCells- Solar World- Motech- Market Participants- SunTech- Ascent Solar Technologies- SolarWorld- Trina Solar- Canadian Solar- Solarfun-Power- Sunpower- Evergreen- ET Solar- China Sunergy- Shenzhen Sunshine Electronics- Kyocera- Sanyo- MitsubishiKey Topics- Solar Panels- Inexpensive, Lasting Energy- Energy From The Sun- Grid Parity- China Achieves Grid Parity- For Solar- PV- Photo Voltaic- Solar- Distributed Generation (DG)- Project- European Utilities Struggle- with Solar- Solar Power Plants- PV Photovoltaic- Technologies- Solar Panel Technological- Innovation- Solar Market Driving Forces- Drop In Solar Installation- Costs- Solar Panel Pricing- Solar Panel Regional Market- Nano Silver Coating- Solar Glass- Solar Panel Economies of- Scale- Powering Current SensorsMake 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 @ 2017 - 2020, Pipeline Analysis of Global Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Drugs Market: Tedizolid Phosphate, Ceftolozane/Tazobactam, Ceftazidime/Avibactam, Amikacin Inhale, Plazomicin, and Synflorix Market Research Report http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=194543 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=194543 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG ResearchMoz presents this most up-to-date research on "2017 - 2020, Pipeline Analysis of Global Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Drugs Market: Tedizolid Phosphate, Ceftolozane/Tazobactam, Ceftazidime/Avibactam, Amikacin Inhale, Plazomicin, and Synflorix".Hospital-acquired pneumonia also called as healthcare associated pneumonia or nosocomial pneumonia is acquired in hospital premises. Unlike community acquired pneumonia hospital acquired pneumonia is mainly caused due to multidrug resistant microorganisms. The report analyzes the market for late stage candidates for treatment of nosocomial pneumonia, and also provides a detailed review of drugs in early stages of clinical trials. The report studies and estimates market for six late stage along with an elucidation of ten early stage candidates for nosocomial pneumonia treatment.Phase III candidates include tedizolid phosphate, ceftolozane/tazobactam, ceftazidime/avibactam, amikacin inhale, plazomicin and synflorix vaccine. Market for each of the investigational drugs is estimated based on current anti-microbial efficiency, historic market trend and patents of drugs from similar class, manufacturing and marketing licenses, along with competition from commercialized and pipeline drugs. Hospital acquired pneumonia drugs market for phase III candidates has been estimated from the expected year of launch till 2020. The hospital acquired pneumonia drugs market report also gives a brief review of the various drugs commercially available for treating hospital acquired pneumonia. Historic market revenue of these drugs from 2011 to 2013 has also been included. Market forecast mainly rests on a detailed event impact analysis, which considers historic as well as anticipated events which impact the market in varying degrees.Global market for hospital acquired pneumonia drugs is mainly driven by the increasing prevalence of nosocomial infections across the globe. To illustrate this fact, the report includes a statistical comparison of the prevalence of nosocomial infections in various developed and developing countries. Geographical trend of hospital acquired pneumonia drugs market, is explains with a brief regulatory approval process, along with expected time frame for drug launch in various countries. These trends have been explained for geographical regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World.To gain a complete market understanding, Porters Five Forces analysis, and value chain analysis has also been included in the hospital acquired pneumonia drugs market report. The report also explains key market drivers, restraints, opportunities in the hospital acquired pneumonia drugs market. Diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiology of hospital acquired pneumonia gives a clinical overview of the disease and current modes of disease management. Relevant recommendations have been suggested for designing successful market strategies for competing in the market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Hospital acquired pneumonia drugs market report also includes company profiles of key market players. These include Achaogen, Inc., Aridis Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca plc, Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Meiji Seika Pharma Co. Ltd., Merck & Co. Ltd., Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline, Inc., and Valneva SE. All of these players are profiled considering company overview, financial overview, product portfolio, business strategies, and recent developments.The research methodology was based on primary as well as secondary research. Interviews and discussions with a wide range of key industry participants and opinion leaders revealed real time market scenario. This primary research represented the bulk of the research efforts, which was further supplemented by extensive secondary research. A review of key players product literature, annual reports, and press releases supports the market forecast analysis. The 74 page report explains various market dynamics in 4 tables and 17 figures and charts.Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction1.1 Report Description1.2 Market Segmentation1.3 Research Methodology1.3.1 Secondary Research1.3.2 Primary Research1.4 List of Abbreviations1.5 AssumptionsChapter 2 Executive Summary2.1.1 Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Phase III Candidates, Market Share, 2020 (Value %)Chapter 3 Market overview3.1 Introduction3.1.1 Types of Nosocomial Pneumonia3.1.1.1 Bacterial pneumonia3.1.1.2 Viral pneumoniaMake 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 @ VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Feb 23, 2017) - Tom Peregoodoff, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kaizen Discovery Inc. (TSX VENTURE:KZD) is pleased to provide an update on the company's planned exploration program at the Pinaya Copper-Gold Project in Peru, as well as an update on its exploration projects in Canada. Pinaya Copper-Gold Project Highlights The Declaration for Environmental Impact (DIA) for the Pinaya Project was approved by the Peruvian government on February 14, 2017. The DIA is a key permit required to commence the company's drilling program. Drilling program of approximately 4,000 metres is expected to commence in May or June, 2017, upon receipt of final permits and after the Peruvian rainy season ends. The 2017 drilling program is aimed at resource expansion and drill testing numerous targets of interest in the project area. Kaizen received ITOCHU Corporation's second-stage investment in the Pinaya Project of C$625,000 on February 10, 2017. ITOCHU's interest in Kaizen Peru Holdings - the indirect holder of the Pinaya Project - has now increased from 5% to 10%. Kaizen's ownership in Kaizen Peru Holdings is now 90%. ITOCHU's third and final tranche of C$1.25 million to increase its ownership to 20% is scheduled to be paid on the receipt by Kaizen of all permits necessary to commence exploration drilling activities. The Declaration for Environmental Impact for the Pinaya Project, which was approved in mid-February, is a significant step towards the final authorization to commence drilling activities at the Pinaya Project. The DIA allows Kaizen to use up to 20 drilling platforms and to drill as many as 55 holes totalling up to 17,200 metres. Kaizen plans to drill approximately 4,000 metres at the Pinaya Project in 2017. The DIA also enables Kaizen to excavate 95 trenches. In addition, the Certificate of Non-Existence of Archaeological Remains has been received which is also a precondition to commencing drilling. The remaining requirements needed to commence drilling activities include receipt of a permission to initiate activities and a water-use permit, both of which are expected to be received well before the planned start of the drilling program in May or June. Story continues Approximately 3,000 metres of Kaizen's planned 2017 drilling program will be focused on the expansion of the Pinaya Mineral Resource area, where recent re-logging of core drilled by previous operators has identified compelling resource expansion opportunities along strike to the north and south of the defined Mineral Resource area, and in the Antana target area. In addition, the Mineral Resource remains open to depth and Kaizen's program also will include some deeper drilling to test the depth potential of the current resource. An additional 1,000 metres of drilling is planned to test new targets within the license area covered by the DIA. Final drill target selection will be made following the conclusion of an extensive geological mapping and prospecting program expected to commence by the end of April. The planned mapping and prospecting program will include the Jayulaque and Chanka target area and follow up of the target areas in the north of the property, recently identified using geochemical data generated by previous operators. In late 2016, Kaizen engaged consulting geologist Nadia Caira, P.Geo., to conduct an extensive review of the core drilled at the project by previous operators. This review has provided Kaizen with new and valuable insights into the distribution of the mineralization within the different deposit types in the resource area and their relation to the regional structural setting. Further work, including preliminary prospect mapping and resource drilling review, was recently completed by consulting geologist Gustavo Zulliger, whose insights have been critical to finalizing the 2017 resource expansion and target testing drilling. The planned budget for the 2017 exploration program at Pinaya is C$5 million, which includes permitting and preparatory work conducted in 2016 and target generation and drilling planned for the 2017 program. As detailed below, the program is being co-funded 50% by Kaizen's joint-venture partner, ITOCHU. "We are pleased to now be in a position to soon begin drilling on the Pinaya Project," said Mr. Peregoodoff. "It has taken us considerable time to receive the necessary land-access agreements and exploration permits and to validate our social licence to operate at Pinaya. Our review of data acquired with the project suggests that the high-grade copper and gold mineralization at Pinaya continues along strike from the currently defined resource area, and we will pursue that drilling in our initial program. Additionally, the current resource area covers only a small portion of the total potential exploration area of the Pinaya Project, and we anticipate a busy 2017 field season as we explore other targets along the trend." Under the terms of the strategic financing agreement between Kaizen and ITOCHU for the Pinaya Project, outlined in Kaizen's April 1, 2016 news release, ITOCHU's third and final payment of C$1.25 million, which will bring its aggregate interest in Kaizen Peru Holdings to 20%, is conditional on Kaizen obtaining the necessary environmental, archaeological and water authorizations required to conduct exploration drilling on the Pinaya Project. Upon receipt of all permits and authorization to commence these activities, Kaizen will have met the requirements for the third installment of the ITOCHU investment. Kaizen has agreed to match ITOCHU's exploration funding for the Pinaya Project, bringing the total funding to C$5 million for the planned first phase of exploration at Pinaya. The initial C$1.25 million of Kaizen's C$2.5 million funding commitment is due on or before the earlier of (i) April 18, 2017, one year after the date of ITOCHU's initial C$625,000 investment; or (ii) completion of ITOCHU's third-tranche payment. Kaizen's second funding commitment of C$1.25 million is due on or before April 18, 2018, two years after the date of completion of ITOCHU's initial C$625,000 investment. BC projects update On February 6, 2017, Kaizen entered into a purchase agreement with Colorado Resources Ltd. (CXO.V) whereby Colorado acquired a 100% interest in Kaizen's Castle gold-silver-copper property in northern British Columbia, subject to a 2% percent net smelter royalty payable to the underlying original vendor. In exchange for the sale of the Castle Project, Kaizen received 1,000,000 units of Colorado, with each unit consisting of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles Kaizen to purchase a further common share in Colorado at a purchase price of $0.60 per share for a period of 24 months. Further to Kaizen's December 21, 2016, news release, Kaizen (60%) and ITOCHU Corporation (40%), are assessing various options for the Aspen Grove Copper-Gold exploration project in southern British Columbia, including a possible sale to, or joint venture with, a third party. "As we have stated before, our current focus to grow the company is on advancing the Pinaya Project and assessing other similar gold and copper-gold porphyry projects in South America," said Mr. Peregoodoff. "We will continue to look for ways to consolidate our current project portfolio to allow our team to pursue near-term opportunities which we believe have the best potential to have a meaningful impact on shareholder value." Nunavut project update On April 29, 2016, Kaizen submitted a Section 51 application for its Coppermine Project under the Mining Regulations to the Mining Recorder for the Territory of Nunavut. Under Section 51 of the Regulations, if a claim holder is unable to do the required assessment work because the holder is, for reasons beyond the claim holder's control, waiting for a public authority to give an authorization or decision without which the work cannot proceed, the claim holder may request a one-year suspension of the work requirements. The company's Section 51 application pertains to the draft Nunavut Land Use Plan (DNLUP). In the DNLUP, the Kaizen mineral claims and prospecting permits are overlain by areas with proposed prohibitions and/or limitations on mining and exploration. Uncertainty regarding these designations will impact Kaizen's ability to continue its exploration activities at the Coppermine Project until the DNLUP is finalized. The company will continue to monitor the land-use issues affecting the Coppermine Project and will take the appropriate steps to protect its interests. About the Pinaya Copper-Gold Project The Pinaya Project covers 192 square kilometres and includes more than 25 kilometres of strike length within the Andahuaylas-Yauri Porphyry Belt in southeastern Peru. This belt hosts numerous productive and world-class porphyry and skarn systems, including Las Bambas, Tintaya, Constancia and Haquira. The Pinaya Project contains Mineral Resources within three contiguous zones over a 1.7-kilometre strike in the central part of the property. The project's estimated Measured resource totals 8.2 million tonnes grading 0.33% copper and 0.60 grams per tonne (g/t) of gold, for contained metal of 27,000 tonnes of copper and 158,000 ounces of gold. The project's estimated Indicated resource totals 33.5 million tonnes grading 0.32% copper and 0.46 g/t gold, for contained metal of 108,000 tonnes of copper and 497,000 ounces of gold. The project also has an Inferred resource of 40.2 million tonnes grading 0.36% copper and 0.30 g/t gold, containing 145,000 tonnes of copper and 388,000 ounces of gold. An independent NI 43-101 technical report for the Pinaya Project titled "Pinaya Gold-Copper Project Caylloma and Lampa Provinces, Peru" is available under the company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com and on the company's website at www.kaizendiscovery.com. The technical report, dated April 26, 2016, includes relevant information regarding the effective dates and the assumptions, parameters and methods of the Mineral Resource estimates on the Pinaya Project cited in this release, as well as information regarding data verification, exploration procedures and other matters relevant to the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this release in respect of the Pinaya Project. More information on the Pinaya Project is available at www.kaizendiscovery.com. Qualified Person Kaizen's Vice President, Exploration, Charles Forster, P. Geo., is the Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101 who has reviewed, approved and is responsible for the scientific and technical information presented in this news release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including without limitation (i) statements regarding the expected receipt of permits and authorizations to initiate the 2017 drilling program in May or June, 2017; (ii) statements regarding the size of the 2017 drilling program, and (iii) statements regarding the timing and receipt of the third payment from ITOCHU. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Kaizen Discovery, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this news release. Although Kaizen has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there can be other factors that cause results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. This news release also contains references to estimates of Mineral Resources. The estimation of Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain and involves subjective judgments about many relevant factors. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The accuracy of any such estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, the anticipated tonnages and grades that will be mined and the estimated level of recovery that will be realized, which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource estimates may have to be re-estimated based on: (i) fluctuations in gold price; (ii) results of drilling, (iii) metallurgical testing and other studies; (iv) proposed mining operations, including dilution; and (vi) the possible failure to receive required permits, approvals and licenses. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed here, as well as unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts to perform as agreed; social, political or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; limitations and availability of capital; and the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results (including the actual results of drilling and exploration activities), or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and Kaizen disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law, and Kaizen does not assume any liability for disclosure relating to any other company herein. 2017 - 2020: Antifungal Global Market With Focus on Invasive Fungal Infections Market Research Report http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=841066 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=841066 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "2017 - 2020: Antifungal Global Market With Focus on Invasive Fungal Infections" to its huge collection of research reports.The report titled Global Antifungal Market With Focus on Invasive Fungal Infections: 2016-2020 provides an in-depth analysis of the global antifungal market with detailed analysis of market size on the basis of value along with the comprehensive examination of each of the segments of the market, namely, Azole, Echinocandins and Polyene.The report analysis the invasive fungal infection market extensively with the market size, in terms of value along with the market segments and the major products in the market. This section also provides information about the regional market share of the global invasive fungal infection market. The report provides detailed regional analysis of the United States, Europe and Latin America. The regional analysis of the antifungal market includes market size by value along with the geographic overview of the market in the concerned region.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 global antifungal 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 global antifungal market is stiff and dominated by the big players like Pfizer. Further, key players of the market, Merck and Scynexis are also profiled with their financial information and respective business strategies.Regional CoverageUnited StatesEuropeLatin AmericaCompany CoveragePfizer, Inc.Merck Co., Inc.Scynexis, Inc.Make an Enquiry of this report @Executive SummaryThe global antifungal market witnessed an upsurge at a significant CAGR during 2012-2015 and projections are made that the market would rise in the next five years i.e. 2016-2020 tremendously. The market is spread across the globe with the United States and Europe dominating the market, while Asia-Pacific and Latin America market are the fastest growing markets.The antifungal market can be segmented on the basis of types of drugs into Polyene, Azole and Echinocandins. The Azole class of antifungals dominates the market followed, by Echinocandins and Polyene. Azoles are broadly categorized as Voricanazole, Imidazole, Triazole and Thiazoles. Of which, Voricanazole govern the market. Echinocandins antifungal class is subjugated by Caspofungin, while other antifungals include Micafungin, and Anidulafungin. The Polyene antifungal agents include Amphotericin B, Nystatin, and Natamycin. Though, Amphotericin B is the only widely used agent in the market.The fungal infections do not usually result in severe ailment, but in people with weak immune system, minor fungal infections can move in the bloodstreams and conquer critical organs leading to the damage, called as invasive fungal infection. The global market for the invasive fungal infection increased significantly during 2010-2015 and is expected to upsurge further.The major growth drivers for the global antifungal market are: the rise in the incidences of fungal infection, aging population and unhygienic conditions all over the world. Despite the market is governed by various growth drivers, there are certain challenges faced by the market such as: antifungal resistance, traditional treatments for fungal infection, side-effects of antifungal medication and antifungal development failures Some of the recent trends in the market include technological advancement, growth in resistant strains and generic competition.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @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 @ Digital Music In Global Market with Focus on Live Streaming: Size, Trends and Forecasts, 2017 - 2022 Market Research Report http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=810263 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=810263 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Digital Music In Global Market with Focus on Live Streaming: Size, Trends and Forecasts, 2017 - 2022" to its huge collection of research reports.The report entitled Global Digital Music Market with Focus on Live Streaming: Size, Trends and Forecasts (2016-2020) analyzes the global digital music market with detailed analysis of market sizing and growth. It analyzes market by value and market share by sources with focus on streaming music.A detailed overview of streaming music market is also discussed in the report. Streaming music market analysis has been done on the basis of value, volume and market segment. The report also provides an analysis of consumer behavior on the basis of consumer preference, spending nature of consumer, consumer interest in streaming services, consumer listening hours and consumers respond towards top streaming music players.A brief regional analysis of the US and Germany digital music market is also being done in the report. The US is the largest market for digital music globally with the highest revenue. Germany is the largest digital music market within the European region and third largest in the world. The report provides detailed description of the US and Germany on the basis of value, volume and market share by segment.The report also assesses the key opportunities available and summarizes the driving forces that are and will be accountable for growth of the industry. Growth of digital music market has also been forecasted for the period 2016-2020, taking into consideration previous growth outlines, growth drivers and the existing and forthcoming trends.Furthermore, the report portrayed a competitive landscape of the digital music market with detailed comparison of top market players. Apple music is the market leader with highest revenue and number of paid subscribers in 2015.A brief company profiling of major market players namely Apple Inc., Spotify Limited, Deezer and Pandora Media Inc. has provided in the report on the basis of aspects like business overview, financial overview and business strategies adopted by these companies.Make an Enquiry of this report @Country CoverageThe USGermanyCompany CoverageApple Inc.Spotify LimitedDeezerPandora Media Inc.Executive SummaryMusic market has two major segments: Physical and digital. Physical music market comprises of music in the form of CD or vinyl whereas digital music market composed of audio content that is distributed to the music lovers through internet. Digital sector includes downloads as well as on demand digital streaming. Digital streaming is either subscription based or ad-supported which is free of charge. In ad-supported music, advertiser is liable to pay for the music streaming on behalf of customers. Current music marketplace offers a wide variety of digital options like download, streaming, cloud, music videos and ringtones.The global digital music market is growing tremendously with astonishing growth rates over the past few years and is anticipated to grow further over the forecasted period (2016-2020). Major factors contributing in the growth of the market are rising smartphone penetration globally specially in developing economies, availability of cheap internet services, expansion of streaming format, technological advancements, change in consumer behavior and consumer desire to access latest music etc.In the forecasted period, market will be pushed by increasing number of on- demand consumers, collaboration between music providers with social media platform, rising number of catalog software and blending of streaming music with wearable technology. In spite of high growth, market is still facing certain challenges that are hampering the growth of the market. Challenges encountered by the market are lack of unique services, rampant piracy, legal complexity and intense competition.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @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 @ Atomic Layer Deposition Market Outlook 2016: Global Industry Reviews, Demand, Analysis and Performance 2024 Atomic Layer Deposition Market http://www.syndicatemarketresearch.com/request-for-sample.html?flag=S&repid=61512 https://goo.gl/8fKGPm http://www.syndicatemarketresearch.com/market-analysis/atomic-layer-deposition-market-global-industry-perspective-comprehensive.html http://www.syndicatemarketresearch.com Atomic Layer Deposition Market: OverviewAtomic layer deposition (ALD) is a thin layer deposition process that is based on the chronological exploitation of a gas phase chemical course. ALD is considered a subclass of chemical vapor deposition. The majority of ALD reactions use two chemicals, usually called precursors. ALD is mostly used to produce competent semiconductors. Nanotechnology, microelectronics, electronic displays, optical data storage devices, electronic components, and the bio-medical field are the key applications of atomic layer disposition market.Get a copy of free Sample Report @ALD market is primarily driven by increasing demand from electronics industry especially in the emerging economies of Asia Pacific and Latin America. Improvement in nanotechnology is likely to propel the demand for atomic layer deposition over the years to come. However, substrates employed in atomic layer deposition instruments compared to conventional methods is expected to hold back the growth of the market. Investment for advance manufacturing equipment is expected offer new opportunities for this emerging market.The report forecasts value of the global atomic layer deposition market and its various applications with respect to main regions namely, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa with its further bifurcation into major countries including U.S., Germany, France, UK, China, Japan, India, and Brazil. This segmentation includes demand for atomic layer deposition market based on individual products in all the regions and countries.Request for TOC@The report provides a comprehensive view on the atomic layer deposition 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 atomic layer deposition market has also been included. The study encompasses a market attractiveness analysis, wherein application segments are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate and general attractiveness.The global atomic layer deposition market is segmented on the basis of applications and regions. Based on different application, market is segmented as IC applications and non-IC applications. IC applications include gate oxide, barrier layers, primer layers and gate electrode. Non-IC applications include sensors, flat panel displays, solar panels, magnetic heads, memories and fuel cells.Europe is a leading region among all regions for atomic layer deposition market. In addition, North America and Asia Pacific are the mature market and further estimated to have significant growth during the forecast period. From Asia Pacific region, India and China are likely to be the major markets for atomic layer deposition owing to the existence of reputable end-user industries.Browse detail report with in-depth TOC @Atomic Layer Deposition Market: Competitive PlayersSome of the key participants of the global atomic layer deposition market includes Tokyo Electron Ltd., Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc., Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Ultratech, Inc., Air Liquide S.A., Centrotherm Photovoltaics AG, Tosoh Corporation, Applied Materials, Inc., and ASM International N.V. amongst others.Key segments of the Global Atomic Layer Deposition MarketAtomic Layer Deposition Market: Application Segment AnalysisIC ApplicationsGate oxideBarrier layersPrimer layersGate electrodeNon-IC ApplicationsSensorsFlat Panel DisplaysSolar panelsMagnetic headsMemoriesFuel cellsAtomic Layer Deposition Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East & AfricaAbout UsSyndicate 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 includsing energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with one-stop solution for all the research requirements.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@syndicatemarketresearch.comWebsite: Harrows Market to Register Substantial Expansion by 2024 www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/10379 www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/10379 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/10379 Harrows are basically the agricultural tools which are used for smoothing out and breaking up the surface of soil. Harrowing is always carried out on the agricultural field to track the rough finish left by ploughing operations. The purpose of harrowing is generally to breakup lumps of soil, thereby providing a good tilth, finer finish soil structure that are suitable for seedbed use. Harrowing are also used to remove cover seed and weeds after sowing.A sample of this report is available upon request @The rising demand for agricultural farm machinery is one of the prominent factors which is driving the harrows market demand worldwide. This is majorly supported by the growing demand for food which is expected to rise substantially owing to the significant increase in global population during the forecast period. Rising food demand has encouraged the adoption of advanced farming practices to increase crop yields which is further resulting in the demand for agricultural machinery globally. The global harrows market is driven by increasing adoption of farm machinery for mechanization of farming operations which resulted in increased production and profitability by achieving timeliness in farming operations. This in turn helps farmers in optimum utilization of costly inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, and irrigation among others. Farm mechanization also helps in the preservation of the farm produce, which further improves profitability and cost effectiveness by reducing post-harvest losses. Similarly, increasing awareness about the importance of technology in agriculture is also an important factor which is fueling the growth of the harrows market globally. This increasing awareness can be attributed to rising adoption of farm tractors and other agricultural machinery which yields high productivity gains. Moreover, Low purchasing power and high cost with low technology adoption is currently challenging the wide-scale adoption of farm machinery tools including harrows. The market growth is also inhibited by growing urbanization and decreasing farmlands. In order to counter this restraint, governments worldwide are promoting and encouraging the adoption of farm machinery tools by providing subsidies on this equipment, thereby allowing manufacturers to offer the equipment at lower rates.Harrows Market can be segmented on the basis of type as follows:Disk HarrowTine HarrowThe global harrows market can be segmented on the basis of types, and various geographical regions. Based on different harrows types, the market has been segmented into disc harrow, chain harrow, tine harrow, and chain disk harrows. Based on various geographical regions, the market is classified into North America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. In Asia Pacific, countries such as India and China are witnessing the shift in overall population. Growing population is responsible for increasing food demand in Asia Pacific, which in turn will fuel the demand for harrows for effective farm production in this region. In North America, rising need for enhanced productivity is also one of the major factors that are triggering the market growth. Likewise, in European countries such as Germany, governments are offering subsidies on agriculture and farm machinery, to promote the use of technology in farm production. This is further reinforced by increasing technical expertise, intense competition, and the presence of a large domestic market is expected to boost the harrows sales in Europe.A TOC of this report is available upon request @Some of the key players in the global harrows market include S.P. Industries, Deere & Company, AGCO Corporation, Iseki & Co., Ltd., HARROWS DARTS, Kelly Engineering, and Agroking Implements Industries, among others.Buy Now: You can now buy a single user license of the report atThe final report customized as per your specific requirement will be sent to your e-mail id within 7-20 days, depending on the scope of the report.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.For more information, please e-mail us at sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Precise Analysis of Global Water Meter Market Represents a CAGR of 4.5% During 2016-2024 Market Research Hub http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=981975 http://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/water-meter-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2016-2024-report.html http://www.marketresearchhub.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/market-research-hub Albany, New York, February 23, 2017: At present, several consumers across the globe are opting for water meters as they help in optimizing the bill, thus saving energy and resources. Due to this, several types of water meters have expanded a market share in the global market owing to their importance in conserving water, energy and falling the expenditure on water bills. To explore the global market current status and growth prospects in coming years, a new study has been recently placed in the vast repository of Market Research Hub (MRH) entitled as Water Meter Market - Global Industry Analysis Forecast 2016-2024. The key findings of the study reveal that by the end of 2024 global water meter market revenue will be worth US$5.2 billion. Also, the CAGR % of the global market is all set to expand at 4.5% between 2016 and 2024.Request for Sample Request:Regionally, this report analyzes the global market into some of the major regions including Asia Pacific, South America, North America, Europe and Middle East & Africa (MEA) together with the focus on some major countries. Through this regional outlook, the report provides key insights related to the policies & regulations, market attractiveness and the list of upcoming trade shows and events. Further, the report explains that, of these, Asia Pacific is projected to lead the global market throughout the 2016-2024 period, due to the enlightening infrastructure in the region and a strong presence of several water meter manufacturers.Furthermore, the report studies the scope, key trends and market dynamics which provides the most important details to the readers about factors influencing the market positively and negatively as well. Water meters measure the amount of water which household or business uses. This measurement is used to accurately charge for the water that people use. The best part about these meter designs is that they help the user to find out the leakages in the system, if any. By installing a water meter in a home, it could significantly reduce the water bill, which is one of the most important factors fuelling the demand of water meters globally.In the next section, the report has presented a detailed market segmentation of the global water meter market. It has been segmented on the basis of type and application. By types, it covers:Rotary pistonMulti jetSingle jetElectromagneticWoltmanCombinationUltrasonicBrowse Full Report with TOC:Additionally, the applications of water meter include residential, commercial and industrial segment. In the next section, some of the major players operating within the global water meter market profiled in this study, such asPlata Meter Co. Ltd.Kamstrup A/SNINGBO WATER METER CO. LTD.Fedrel MeterB MeterZENNER International GmbH & Co. KGAichi Tokei Denki Co.Master Meter, Inc.Diehl Stiftung & Co. KGJiaxing Eastron Electronic Instruments Co. Ltd.Azbil Kimmon Co. Ltd.Badger Meter, Inc.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.Contact Us90 State StreetAlbany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel : +1-518-621-2074Email : press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite :Follow us on LinkedIn: NEW: quadruple protection and maximum impermeability New at OPTIMAL: Wheel bearing with 4 point seal www.optimal-germany.com OPTIMAL launches double-row ball bearings with improved 4 point sealsDepending on the region, method of use and season, wheel bearings are exposed to particularly strong environmental influences. In particular, large quantities of dust, sand, salt, water and mud permeate the seals, shortening the lifespan of the wheel bearings. The solution is to use cassette seals with four sealing lips to boost the level of impermeability.Benefits:4 point seal. Four innovatively arranged lips now provide better retention of bearing grease on the inside and give added protection against water, sand and other dirt penetrating particles from the outside.Additional protective metal. Besides the greater impermeability provided by the additional lips, an extra metal plate protects the sealing lips against weather conditions.NBR rubber. The rubber seal used in the bearings is made from acrylic nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and provides optimum resistance to oil, grease and other hydrocarbon compounds. This type of rubber remains elastic for longer and suffers less abrasive wear.Market coverage:At the time of their launch, the new double-row ball bearings from OPTIMAL are already available for 32 percent of all vehicle models. The range will be continuously updated and extended.About OPTIMAL AG & Co. KG:OPTIMAL AG & Co. KG has been producing and selling high-quality spare car parts for a quarter of a century. The companys products range from wheel bearing kits, steering and suspension parts, shock absorbers, and brake systems to rubber-metal parts, water pumps, and belt tensioner kits. Driven by passion and enthusiasm, the company, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2016, has always regarded its employees as its main assets. At OPTIMAL, cooperating fairly with business partners and using resources carefully are equally as important as providing high-quality products and an outstanding service.With the widest range of wheel bearing kits, TUV-certified steering and suspension parts, and completely pre-assembled suspension struts, OPTIMAL AG & Co. KG is the number one provider of these products. OPTIMALs parts are sourced from international production partners, original equipment manufacturers, and quality suppliers. The companys fully automated warehouse enables parts to be delivered quickly and on time.All products comply with European and international standards for the aftermarket, such as the manufacturing and quality standards TS 16949, QS 9000, and ISO 9001:2008.OPTIMAL AG & Co. KGSocial Media-Manager / Marketing ManagerRainer KoehlerAlfred-Kuehne-Str. 385416 LangenbachGERMANYphone: +49 (0) 8761-7206-192fax: +49 (0) 8761-7206-492mail: r.koehler@optimal-germany.comweb: fluidOps Prepares Companies for Take Off to the Hybrid Cloud www.fluidops.com www.fluidops.com 23 February 2017, Walldorf fluid Operations AG (fluidOps), a leader in semantic technologies, has launched the latest release of its product portfolio. This new version aligns with the vendors hybrid cloud strategy to enable fast, agile, individual implementations of private, public and hybrid cloud models. eDataCenterAnalyzer, the app for data center transparency, offers new and improved functionality. eHybridCloudAnalyzer, a new module that builds on eDataCenterAnalyzer, is an app for transparency in the hybrid cloud.All apps are based on Information Workbench, the Smart Data platform, which now has a completely redesigned user interface. The menu is dynamic and extensible. The modern tile design with vast filter options fulfills the highest demands on information. Powerful functions with easy-to-use structures enable intuitive handling. The formulation of queries is now very easy with the visual query editor.New in eDataCenterAnalyzereDataCenterAnalyzer allows to keep track of all Data Center activities and delivers cost and resource transparency. The app now offers consumption and Data Center dashboards with the following capabilities: Filters to select providers, regions, Data Centers and time periods Information to maximize utilization of every Data Center and each cloud model Overview of virtual machines with the number of VMs, vCPUs, vCores, VRAM, vDisk, storage and power state Detailed information on each resource (e.g. a VMs usage of vCores, vRAM, vDisk and storage) Current and historical development of CPU count, CPU usage, core count, core usage, RAM amount, RAM usage and storage High-level view on resource usage and available capacities Cockpit with drill-down functions for in-depth informationNew module eHybridCloudAnalyzereHybridCloudAnalyzer creates an overview of all cloud resources both in the Data Center and public cloud. With the help of wizards, users link up different public cloud offerings for fast, easy operations. The app supports Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Tested with Microsoft Cloud Germany, eHybridCloudAnalyzer, offers the following capabilities through its hybrid cloud and cost dashboards: Current and historical development of costs, capacities and service usage in the hybrid cloud Filters to show the status of providers, regions, Data Centers and time periods Aggregated cost development and total costs for each Data Center and cloud model Aggregated cost trend Cost overview per provider Top 5 lists to quickly identify cost driversNew in eCloudManagereCloudManager enables users to build and operate large and complex cloud scenarios. The app delivers any service, any time, fully automated. eCloudManager now supports: User authorization and administration across several organizations By providing a fast, secure way to manage external employees or support personnel and their granted permissions, multiple user names are obsolete Increased user comfort, optimized overall maintenance and higher security of the cloud environment Redesigned end-user portal with single sign on to give users intuitive, efficient access to cloud services Easily customizable end-user portal to fulfill individual corporate identity requirements End-user portal is highly scalable and designed for millions of usersAbout fluid Operations Semantifying Businessfluid Operations AG (fluidOps) is a leader in semantic technologies. Its product portfolio includes: Information Workbench - the Smart Data platform eDataCenterAnalyzer - the app for data center transparency eHybridCloudAnalyzer the app for hybrid cloud transparency eCloudManager - the cloud management app IoT Manager the solution for IoT use cases.Users implement pioneering business models based on Smart Data and innovative use cases in data centers and IoT environments. The company and its employees have been honored with multiple awards for outstanding innovations. Its clients are renowned companies in the automobile, telecommunications, IT, media, healthcare and life sciences industries as well as public organizations. Founded in 2008, fluid Operations AG is based in Walldorf, Germany. Learn more atSimona Macikowski, Tel: +(49) 6227 3580 87-30, Email: press@fluidops.comfluid Operations AG, Altrottstr. 31, 69190 Walldorf, Germany Future and Current Trends of Fragrances Market 2018 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=317 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Fragrances, once regarded as frivolous and non-essential commodities, have seamlessly transformed themselves into essential day-to-day products that form a significant part of personal grooming. Fragrances are today a vital and mainstream element of the cosmetics industry and have gained much attention from consumers across the globe.Fragrances are a way of expressing personal style and individuality, thereby making it a consumer-driven industry. The fragrances market is also dictated by fickle and ever-changing fashion trends. This means that manufacturers in the industry are on a constant lookout for exciting, unique, and new fragrances to attract different consumer segments worldwide.Get PDF Brochure for more Professional and Technical industry insights atThe research report is an attempt to understand the fragrances market and provide clients with an unmatched and invaluable evaluation of the overall industry. Delving deeper into the fragrances market and its various nuances, this comprehensive publication discusses the factors governing the global and regional industrial landscape. The report, with the help of accurate and insightful statistics, throws light on the size, volume, and share of the global fragrances market and also provides strategic recommendations to help improve businesses.Overview of the global fragrances marketAs mentioned earlier, fragrances have achieved much importance among personal care and grooming products. As might be expected, the womens fragrances segment dominates the overall market and as a result, a majority of the innovations and product differentiations are targeted at this segment. However, even though fragrances for the fairer sex have long since captured the market, perfumes and fragrances for men have, of late, grabbed the attention of industry players. This has had a transformational impact on the global market and has set the pace for rapid expansion in the coming years.Another factor that governs the fragrances market is the trend of celebrity-inspired perfumes. These include fragrances endorsed by leading personalities in various walks of life as well as signature scents used by celebrities as a self-promotion campaign. Fragrances such as these garner much hype among certain sections of the consumer base. This trend has been observed across regions such as North America, Europe, and some countries in the Asia-Pacific region. However, market analysts state that this fad was met with negative response in the United Arab Emirates owing to vast diversity in population. People living in the UAE may or may not associate with celebrities from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Spain, and Italy, which leaves the fragrances market relatively unchanged when it comes to celebrity-inspired scents.Premium brands account for a major share of the fragrances market in UAE owing to exceptional per capita incomes. In other parts of the world, this segment has gained demand in recent years thanks to rising disposable incomes and improving economies. Chanel, Gucci, Calvin Klein, Christian Dior, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, and Louis Vuitton are some of the premium companies that have established themselves in the fragrances market.Companies mentioned in the research reportThe leading players in the global fragrances market include Waitrose, Savers Health & Beauty, The LOreal Group, Clarins Group, Superdrug Stores PLC, Co-Operative Food/Somerfield, The Estee Lauder Companies Inc., LLOYD Shoes GmbH, Sainsburys, Boots UK Limited, MAC Cosmetics, Tesco PLC, The Body Shop International PLC, Givaudan, Vantage, Morrisons, and Asda Stores 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.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Industry Conclusions upto 2025, Company Profiles Included are Medtronic Inc., Dexcom Inc., Novo Nordisk, Spring Health Solution Ltd, Roche, Animas Corporation, Ypsomed AG, Insulet Corporation https://www.progressivemarkets.com/enquiry-about-report/continuous-glucose-monitoring-cgm-market https://www.progressivemarkets.com/get-discount/continuous-glucose-monitoring-cgm-market https://www.progressivemarkets.com/request-sample/continuous-glucose-monitoring-cgm-market Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) System chiefly consists of three major components, namely sensors, transmitters & receivers and Insulin Pumps. However, in conventional CGM systems, insulin pumps were optional, whereas they are an integral part of modern CGMs.CGMs are more expensive than the conventional glucose monitoring systems. Technological innovation such as launch of artificial pancreas has taken diabetic care management to a next level. Recently, artificial pancrea got FDA approval. Thus, advancement in CGM systems makes possible early detection of hypoglycemia in an easy manner in comparison to infrequent point-of-care glucose meter measurements.Table of Content includeCHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION1.1 Objectives and Scope1.2 Report Description1.3 Key Benefits of the Report1.4 Research MethodologyCHAPTER 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARYCHAPTER 3 GLOBAL CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORS MARKET OVERVIEW3.1 Healthcare Expenditure on Diabetes Worldwide3.2 Type-1 Diabetics to Remain Key Target for CGM Market3.2.1 Type-1 Diabetes3.2.1.1 Type-1 Diabetes in Young People3.2.2 Type-2 Diabetes3.2.2.1 Type-2 Diabetes in Young People3.2.3 Gestational Diabetes3.2.4 Other Types of Diabetes3.3 Market IntelligenceContinued...The global continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) market is projected to reach $16,574 million by 2025 from 2016 value of $830 million growing at a CAGR of 33.5% during 2017 - 2025.Enquire About Report:Currently CGMs are chiefly used in home settings, diagnosed centers and hospitals. Main use of CGMs are for continuously monitoring the glucose level irrespective of the location and its usage is almost hassle free and hence is comfortably used in home settings.Diagnostics center is another application area which is also gaining popularity due to increase in use in case studies so as to allow effective reporting methods of glucose levels. Currently, adoption of CGMs in the hospitals settings currently is not overwhelming however it is expected to gain a boost in next three to four years as it offers benefits in ICU medication such as: Detection of hypo-hyperglycemia Prediction of future glucose levels Instant feedback regarding treatment Improved patient comfort Assistance with insulin dose Less timeTo manage diabetes effectively, real-time continuous glucose monitoring is of utmost importance across all age groups. Continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) enables effective managing blood glucose levels by providing trend data as well as alarms for the fluctuations in glucose levels. Adult population (>14years) segment was the highest contributor to the global continuous glucose monitoring systems market.Incidences of diabetes in children are increasing every year. Europe has highest prevalence of diabetes with type-1 diabetes around 129,000 with 20,000 new cases per year. Approximately half of the patients diagnosed with type-1 diabetes are children every year. Countries such as the U.K., the Russian Federation and France have highest number of Type-1 diabetic children patients.In low income regions such as Africa and some of the Asian countries children diagnosed with type-1 diabetes often goes undiagnosed. Even if they are diagnosed in time they lack means to obtain insulin, syringes and monitoring devices and as a result they die. This is the main reason why we get to see lesser number of children patients with diabetes in such regions.Key Market Segments By Devices By Application By Age By Geography Key AudiencesGet Discount On Purchasing of Report:Company Profiles Included areMedtronic Inc.Dexcom Inc.Novo NordiskSpring Health Solution LtdRocheAnimas CorporationYpsomed AGInsulet CorporationRequest Sample:About UsProgressive Markets is the answer to every possible business query. It is a market research and business consulting firm, headquartered in U.S. that aims to deliver conversant executive support to foster overall growth of an organization in its domain.Progressive Markets5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220,United States.Int'l: +1-971-202-1575Toll Free: ++ 1-800-910-6452Fax: +1-800-792-5285help@progressivemarkets.com Global Enterprise VSAT Market 2015-2019: Leading Vendors include Gilat Satellite, Hughes, SageNet, ViaSat and VT iDirect http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=459103 http://www.researchmoz.us/machines-market-reports-120.html http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG http://deep-research-report.blogspot.com/ ResearchMoz added Latest Research Report titled " Global Enterprise VSAT Market 2015-2019 " to it's Large Report database.Global Enterprise VSAT Market 2015-2019Covering: Market forecast and growth prospects for enterprise VSAT until 2019. Market segmentation by hardware and services include ASP VSAT terminals and ARUP VSAT terminals. Market shares for APAC, Americas, and EMEA. The leading vendors analyzed by this report include Gilat Satellite, Hughes, SageNet, ViaSat, and VT iDirect.Market outlook of VSAT for enterprisesThe VSAT market has experienced strong growth in the last five years. Initially, the demand for VSAT was only restricted to government organizations, oil and gas companies, and commercial vessel providers. But in the recent years, many enterprises have started using both terrestrial and satellite communication to connect to remotely located offices across the globe. Technavios market research analysts predict the global enterprise VSAT market to reach close to USD 4.23 billion by 2019.Request for Sample PDF of Premium Research Report with TOC:In enterprises, it is mostly used by industries such as telecom, healthcare, education, and retail. In the telecom sector backhaul networks require high-speed data transfer for connections between network operations centers (NOCs) or switching centers spread over a large area. Backhaul networks also require dedicated resources for data transfer. Since enterprise VSAT provides these facilities at a lower cost, telecom operators and internet service providers (ISPs) have shown a growing preference to deploy enterprise VSAT networks instead of terrestrial networks.Market segmentation by hardware and servicesASP VSAT terminalsARUP VSAT terminalsThe number of enterprise VSATs in service is expected to increase to around 3,870,000 units by 2019. However, the market growth will witness a fluctuation during the forecast period because of emerging high throughput satellite (HTS) technologies. Service providers are likely to focus on the integration of their current operations with this new technology.Read All Machines Market Research Reports @Table of ContentPART 01: Executive summaryHighlightsPART 02: Scope of the reportMarket overviewTop-vendor offeringsPART 03: Market research methodologyResearch methodologyEconomic indicatorsPART 04: IntroductionKey market highlightsPART 05: Market landscapeMarket overviewMarket size and forecastFive forces analysisPART 06: Market segmentation by hardware and servicesGlobal enterprise VSAT market by hardware and servicesPART 07: Enterprise VSAT shipment and demandPART 08: Geographical segmentationGlobal enterprise VSAT market by geographical segmentationPART 09: Market driversPART 10: Impact of driversPART 11: Market challengesPART 12: Impact of drivers and challengesAbout ResearchMozResearchMoz is the world's fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMoz's service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Contact Us:Mr. Nachiket Ghumare90 State Street, Albany NY, United States - 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074 / Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:Follow me on Blogger at: Automotive Glass Market to Cross US$ 25.50 Billion Globally by 2022 https://www.marketresearchengine.com/reportdetails/automotive-glass-market https://www.marketresearchengine.com/requestsample/automotive-glass-market https://www.marketresearchengine.com/ New York, February 23: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Automotive Glass Market by Type (Laminated, Tempered, Others), Application (Side & Rearview Mirror, Windscreen, Sidelite, Backlite), Smart Glass by Application (Side/Rearview mirrors, Sidelite / Backlite, Windscreen, Sunroof), Application, & Region - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast 2016 - 2022How Big is the Automotive Glass Market?The automotive glass market is expected to grow more than US$ 25.50 Billion by 2022; Growing at a CAGR of around 5.5% in the given forecast period.Browse Full Report:Automobile glass may look and sense similar to the ordinary glass that is used on your home windows at home or any other type of glass, but it is significantly distinct. Car glass is designed and manufactured with safety in mind, it really works with your cars shape as well as different protection features to hold occupants of the automobile as secure as possible. Mainly two types of auto glass are present such as laminated glass and tempered glass. Laminated glass is used for wind screen of the vehicles and tempered glass is used for the vehicles rear and side windows. Suspended particle tool (spd) is the quickest developing generation inside the automobile clever glass market. SPD generation offers the person giant manipulate over the natural mild, warmness, and temperature in automobile.The major driving factors of automotive glass market are as follows:Expanding vehicle sales and productionRising application of glass in passenger carsThe restraining factors of automotive glass market are as follows:Incapability to maintain the balance among strength and thicknessHigh price of smart glassThe automotive Glass market is segmented on the lines of its type, vehicle type, automotive glass market by application, technology, smart glass market by application and regional. Under type segmentation it covers laminated and tampered. Based on vehicle type segmentation it covers bus, truck, light commercial vehicle and passenger car. Automotive glass market by application segmentation covers side view and rearview mirror, backlite, sidelite and windscreen. Based on technology segmentation it covers active and passive glass. Active glass technology is further segmented into liquid crystal/polymer dispersed liquid crystal, electrochronic and suspended particle device. Under passive segmentation it covers photochromic and thermochronic. The automotive Glass market is segmented on the lines of its application of smart glass into side/ rearview mirrors, sidelite / backlite, windscreen and sunroof. The automotive glass marketon geographic segmentation covers various regions such as North America,Middle East and Africa, Europe, Asia Pacific& Latin America. Each geographic market is further segmented to provide market revenue for countries such as the U.S., Canada, U.K. Germany, China, Japan, India, Brazil, and GCC countries.Download Free Sample Report:This report provides:1) An overview of the global market for automotive glass 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 2022.3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for automotive glass.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 Automotive glass with the reasons given for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.The report mentions the 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 Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd. (Japan), Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. (Japan), Saint-Gobain S.A. (France), Fuyao Glass Industry Group Ltd. (China), and Magna International Inc. (Canada). Company profile includes assign such as business strategy and planning,company summary, financial summary, SWOT analysis and current developments.The Top Companies Report is intended to provide the buyers with a snapshot of the industrys most influential players.The automotive glass Market has been segmented as below:By Type Segment AnalysisLaminatedTamperedOthersBy Vehicle type AnalysisBusTruckLight commercial vehiclePassenger carBy Application AnalysisSide view and rearview mirrorBackliteSideliteWindscreenBy Technology AnalysisActive glassLiquid crystal/polymer dispersed liquid crystalElectro chronicSuspended particle devicePassive glassPhoto chromicThermo chronicSmart Glass Market by Application AnalysisSide/Rearview mirrorsSidelite / BackliteWindscreenSunroofBy 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 Residential Generators Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size & Share :2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=2595 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ http://cmfeglobalreports.blogspot.in/ Global Residential Generators Market: OverviewAt present, there is an ever-increasing demand for electricity among residential consumers for running electrical and electronic products. Several players in the residential generators market are focused on developing advanced generators to stay competitive in this market. This includes the development of eco-friendly generators to reduce carbon footprint.Downlad the Exclusive Report Sample Here :The report analyzes the global residential generator market in a ground-up manner including market drivers, restraints, and opportunities that will impact the markets growth between 2016 and 2024. The report also overviews the regulatory policies that are in the purview of the global residential generators market.The report presents facts and figures pertaining to the development of the global residential generator market in a chronological order. The analysis of past data and current market trends allow analysts to present a satisfactory opinion of the markets future. The users of the report therefore receive an analytical view of the global residential generator market that can be used to formulate successful business strategies. Using validated analytical tools such as SWOT analysis and Porters Five Forces, the report presents useful insights on the markets competitive landscape.Global Residential Generators Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe booming construction industry in the emerging economies of Asia Pacific due to economic development is favoring the growth of the residential generators market in this region. New residential buildings are equipped with 100% power back-up for the uninterrupted running of elevators and for residential electrification. The rising disposable income in emerging economies such as India, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia are also anticipated to extend lucrative opportunities for the growth of this marketThe development of next-generation generation is a distinguishing trend coming to the fore in the residential generator market. Smart generators are equipped with additional features that are connected to smart devices through the Internet. The other features of smart devices include clean power output, fuel efficiency, longer running times, and quiet operation.Dynamo, homopolar generator, MHD generator, alternator, induction generator, and other rotating electromagnetic generators are some of the types of electric generators.In residential applications, automatic home standby generator is used for monitoring utility power supply. Generators turn itself on in the event of an electricity outage and supply power to all the areas in the house that are connected to the equipment. The generator switches off itself when utility power is restored. A home standby generator is equipped with an automatic transfer switch; the switch switches between utility power and generator power depending on if there is a power outage or if it is restored.Global Residential Generator Market: Regional OverviewThe global residential generator market is broadly segmented into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as a significant regional market for residential generators due to rapid urbanization in the emerging economies of China and India.Major Companies Mentioned in ReportSome of the leading companies in the global residential generators market include Generic Holdings Inc., Kohler Company, Multiquip Inc., Generac Power Systems, Yamaha Motor Corp., Cummins Inc., Mi-T-M Corp., Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd., Eaton Corp., Pramac S.p.A., Generac Power Systems, Honda Motor Co. Ltd., TECO-Westinghouse Motor Company, FK Generators and Equipment Ltd., and Stratton Corp. among others.The global residential generator market can be segmented as follows:Global Residential Generator Market, by RegionNorth AmericaAsia PacificEuropeRest 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.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 : Global Almond Market Share, Size, Growth, Trends & Forecast 2017-2025 http://www.indexbox.co.uk/store/world-almonds-market-report-analysis-and-forecast-to-2020/ http://www.indexbox.co.uk/store/world-almonds-market-report-analysis-and-forecast-to-2020/ https://www.slideshare.net/IndexBox_Marketing/ib-sample-world-almonds-market-report www.indexbox.co.uk IndexBox has just published a new report "World: Almonds - Market Report. Analysis And Forecast To 2025" ().This report provides an in-depth analysis of the global almond market. Within it, you will find the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption and production, food balance and price developments, as well as global trade (imports and exports). The forecast reveals market prospects to 2025.Countries coverage: WorldwideProduct coverage:AlmondsData coverage: Almond market size and value; Per Capita consumption; Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term; Global almond production, split by region and country; Global almond trade (exports and imports); Producer, export and import prices for almond; Almond market trends, drivers and restraints; Key market players and their profiles.Reasons to buy this report: Take advantage of the latest data; Find deeper insights into current market developments; Discover vital success factors affecting the market.TABLE OF CONTENTS1. INTRODUCTION1.1 REPORT DESCRIPTION1.2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY2.1 KEY FINDINGS2.2 MARKET TRENDS3. MARKET OVERVIEW3.1 MARKET VOLUME AND VALUE3.2 CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY3.3 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES BY COUNTRY3.4 MARKET FORECAST TO 20254. PRODUCTION4.1 PRODUCTION, HARVESTED AREA AND YIELD IN 2007-20154.2 PRODUCTION BY COUNTRY4.3 HARVESTED AREA AND YIELD BY COUNTRY5. IMPORTS5.1 IMPORTS IN 2007-20155.2 IMPORTS BY COUNTRY5.3 IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY6. EXPORTS6.1 EXPORTS IN 2007-20156.2 EXPORTS BY COUNTRY6.3 EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY7. PRICES AND PRICE DEVELOPMENT7.1 PRODUCER PRICES7.2 PRODUCER PRICES INDEX8. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERSDownload a free sample of the report now!You can also find a template on SlideShareIndexBox is a leading market research publisher in the world. We conduct market research and publish reports.You can find more than 25,000 research reports in our web store, which cover global industries and regional markets. All the worldwide marketing data you need is at your fingertips.We collect this data from hundreds of highly reliable sources, verify it and carry out market analysis, uncovering new business opportunities and empowering you with actionable insights.The structure of our reports is intuitive and clear. We do our best to allow you to make strategic decisions and take immediate action. If you want to go further and be a step ahead of the market, just tell us your goals and we will tailor a report to your needs.Company Name: IndexBoxContact Person: Kirill BezverhiEmail: kirill.bezverhi@indexbox.co.ukPhone: +44 20 3239 3063Adress: United Kingdom, 44 Main Street, Douglas, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, ML11 0QWWebsite: Dental Practice Management Software 2017 Global Key Players - Henry Schein Inc., Patterson Companies Inc., Carestream Dental, Curve Dental Inc. Market Analysis and Forecast to 2022 Dental Practice Management Software https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/990754-global-dental-practice-management-software-sales-market-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/990754-global-dental-practice-management-software-sales-market-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=990754 www.wiseguyreports.com Dental Practice Management Software Materials ReportThis report studies sales (consumption) of Dental Practice Management Software 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, coveringHenry Schein, Inc.Patterson Companies, Inc.Carestream DentalCurve Dental, Inc.DentiMax, LLCPractice Web, Inc.NextGen Healthcare Information Systems, LLCACE Dental SoftwareAthenahealth, Inc.Datacon Dental Systems, Inc.Click here for sample report @Market Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with sales (consumption), revenue, market share and growth rate of Dental Practice Management Software 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 intoWeb-BasedCloud-BasedOn-PremisesSplit by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Dental Practice Management Software in each application, can be divided intoHospitalClinicOthers......Some of the Major Point in Table of ContentsGlobal Dental Practice Management Software Sales Market Report 20171 Dental Practice Management Software Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Dental Practice Management Software1.2 Classification of Dental Practice Management Software1.2.1 Web-Based1.2.2 Cloud-Based1.2.3 On-Premises1.3 Application of Dental Practice Management Software1.3.1 Hospital1.3.2 Clinic1.3.3 Others1.4 Dental Practice Management Software 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 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Dental Practice Management Software (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Dental Practice Management Software Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Dental Practice Management Software Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)For Detailed Reading Please visit @9 Global Dental Practice Management Software Manufacturers Analysis9.1 Henry Schein, Inc.9.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.1.2 Dental Practice Management Software Product Type, Application and Specification9.1.2.1 Product A9.1.2.2 Product B9.1.3 Henry Schein, Inc. Dental Practice Management Software Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.2 Patterson Companies, Inc.9.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.2.2 Dental Practice Management Software Product Type, Application and Specification9.2.2.1 Product A9.2.2.2 Product B9.2.3 Patterson Companies, Inc. Dental Practice Management Software Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.3 Carestream Dental9.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.3.2 Dental Practice Management Software Product Type, Application and Specification9.3.2.1 Product A9.3.2.2 Product B9.3.3 Carestream Dental Dental Practice Management Software Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.4 Curve Dental, Inc.9.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.4.2 Dental Practice Management Software Product Type, Application and Specification9.4.2.1 Product A9.4.2.2 Product B9.4.3 Curve Dental, Inc. Dental Practice Management Software Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.5 DentiMax, LLC9.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.5.2 Dental Practice Management Software Product Type, Application and Specification9.5.2.1 Product A9.5.2.2 Product B9.5.3 DentiMax, LLC Dental Practice Management Software Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview..ContinuedBuy now @Contact Us:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)About UsWise 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 understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available.WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPh: +91 841 198 5042info@wiseguyreports.com Drug Delivery Technology Market Worth US$ 1600 Billion Globally by 2021 https://www.marketresearchengine.com/reportdetails/drug-delivery-technology-market https://www.marketresearchengine.com/requestsample/drug-delivery-technology-market https://www.marketresearchengine.com/ New York, February 23: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Drug Delivery Technology Market by Route of Administration (Pulmonary (Nebulizer), Injectable (Device), Ocular (Liquid), Oral (Solid), Nasal (Drop), Topical (Solid), Implantable (Active), Transmucosal (Oral)) and by End Users (Hospital, ASC, Home Care) Global Industry Analysis and Forecast 2016 - 2021How Big is the Drug Delivery Technology Market?The Drug Delivery Technology Market is expected to exceed more than US$ 1600 Billion by 2021; Growing at a CAGR of 7.5% in the given forecast period.Browse Full Report:Drug delivery systems are engineered technologies for the targeted shipping and managed launch of healing dealers. Drug delivery is the strategy or procedure of administering a pharmaceutical compound to accomplish a remedial impact in people or animals. For the treatment of human infections, nasal and aspiratory courses of medication conveyance are increasing expanding significance. These courses give promising other options to parenteral medication conveyance especially for peptide and protein therapeutics. For this reason, a few medication conveyance frameworks have been detailed and are being examined for nasal and aspiratory conveyance. These incorporate cyclodextrins, prodrugs, gels, microspheres, proliposomes and liposomes.The major driving factors of drug delivery technology market are as follows:Technological advancements and drug innovationLaunching of the new productsIncrease in the biologics marketExpanding prevalence of chronic diseaseThe drug delivery technology market is segmented on the lines of its route of administration, end user and regional. Based on route of administration segmentation it covers pulmonary drug delivery,ocular drug delivery,topical drug delivery,transmucosal drug delivery, oral drug delivery, injectable drug delivery,nasal drug delivery andimplantable drug delivery. Pulmonary drug delivery is further segmented into nebulizers, dry powder inhaler and metered dose inhaler. Ocular drug delivery segmentation contains ocular devices, semi solid and liquid. Under tropical drug delivery it covers transdermal, solid, semi solid and liquid. Transmucosal drug delivery segmentation covers oral and other. Based on oral drug delivery segmentation it covers liquid, solid and semi solid. Under injectable drug delivery segmentation it contains devices and formulations.The drug delivery technology market is segmented on the lines of its nasal drug delivery like nasal gels, nasal powder, nasal spray and nasal drops. Under implantable drug delivery segmentation it covers passive implantable drug delivery and active implantable drug delivery. Based on end user segmentation it covers diagnostic centers, home care settings, ASCs/ clinics, hospitals and other end users.The drug delivery technology marketis geographic segmentation covers various regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. Each geographic 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.Download Free Sample Report:This report provides:1) An overview of the global market for drug delivery technology and related technologies.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 drug delivery technology.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 Drug Delivery Technology with the reasons given for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.The report mentions the 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 Roche (Switzerland),Pfizer, Inc. (U.S.), Johnson & Johnson Services Inc. (U.S.), Novartis AG (Switzerland), and Bayer AG (Germany). Company profile includes details 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 Drug delivery technology Market has been segmented as below:By Route of Administration AnalysisPulmonary drug deliveryNebulizersDry powder inhalerMetered dose inhalerOcular drug deliveryOcular devicesSemi solidLiquidTopical drug deliveryTransdermalSolidSemi solidLiquidTransmucosal drug deliveryOralOtherOral drug deliveryLiquidSolidSemi solidInjectable drug deliveryDevicesFormulationsNasal drug deliveryNasal gelsNasal powderNasal sprayNasal dropsImplantable drug deliveryPassive implantable drug deliveryActive implantable drug deliveryBy End-user AnalysisDiagnostic centersHome care settingsASCs/ ClinicsHospitalsOther end usersBy 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 Further Growth in Imanovas Preclinical Biology Offering Imanova is pleased to announce further expansion of its preclinical team, with the addition of new roles in both Chemistry and Biology. These new roles bring additional capacity and a broadening of capabilities to Imanovas leading preclinical imaging offering.Imanova provides preclinical services, both in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo, to support early stage drug development through the examination of the three pillars of drug development:- Does the drug candidate reach the target tissue?- Does it bind to the target of interest?- Does it have desired downstream biological effect?With a strong heritage in Pharma drug development, Imanova brings a breadth of techniques to bear in the preclinical evaluation of drug candidates. These techniques include radioligand binding, autoradiography, pre-clinical PET imaging, novel PET ligand discovery and development. Imanova provides access to one of the largest toolboxes of preclinical PET ligands available on any single site.Imanova is a specialist imaging sciences provider, with a long history of supporting drug development through both preclinical and clinical services. Preclinically, the offering is focussed on providing the optimal techniques and tools to investigate the potential for a drug candidate by assessing target occupancy, biodistribution and downstream effects.For further information please contact Julian Westerman, Pre-Clinical Business Development Manager.Email: Julian.westerman@imanova.co.ukTel. +44(0)208 008 6019Mob: +44 (0)79 0900 2292Imanova is an expert within imaging sciences and their application to the drug development process.Burlington Danes Building, Imperial College LondonHammersmith HospitalDu Cane Road, London, W12 0NN ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Market - North America to Dominate the Market by 2020 https://www.marketresearchengine.com/reportdetails/erp-enterprise-resource-planning-software-market https://www.marketresearchengine.com/requestsample/erp-enterprise-resource-planning-software-market https://www.marketresearchengine.com/ New York, February 23: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Software Market by Verticals (Manufacturing & Services, BFSI, Healthcare, Aerospace & Defense and Telecom), by Deployment and by Function (Human Resource, Finance and Supply Chain) Global Industry Analysis and Forecast 2015 - 2021The enterprise resource planning market is expected to exceed more than USD 49.50 billion by 2020.Browse Full Report:ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is business procedure managing software that allows business to use integrated application for a system to run business. It also computerized various back office tasks associated to technology, HR and services, such as project planning, manage HR, accounting and financial applications, reduce redundant task, distribution process management, improve accuracy of financial data and more. Enterprise resource planning software combines all feature of a business such as planning, manufacturing, retailing and selling. This software consider applications used in large business ERP to study, modify and deployment data. Small business enterprise resource planning applications are lightweight industry organization software solutions, modified for the industry. Enterprise resource planning software contains different modules such as planning, distribution, marketing, accounting, inventory control and human resource. Mobile, cloud and social ERP are new and long term trend which change the enterprise resource market software.The major driving factors of enterprise resource planning market are as follows:o Need for intelligibility in business processes.o Requirement of operational efficiency in industry developmento Growing demand of enterprise resource planning in medium and small enterprises.o Acceptance of mobile and cloud base applicationsThe restraining factors of enterprise resource planning market are as follows:o High rateo Open source applicationThe enterprise resource planning market is segmented on the lines of its deployment, function, verticals and end user. The enterprise resource planning market is segmented on the lines of its deployment like on-premise deployment and cloud deployment. Under function segmentation it covered finance, human resource (HR) and supply chain. The enterprise resource planning market is segmented on the lines of its verticals like manufacturing & services, BFSI, healthcare, retail, government utilities, aerospace and defense and telecom. The enterprise resource planning market is segmented on the lines of its end user like large enterprises, medium enterprises and small enterprises. The enterprise resource planning 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.Download Free Sample Report:This report provides:1) An overview of the global market for enterprise resource planning 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 2021.3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for enterprise resource planning.4) Discussions 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 enterprise resource planning 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 Oracle, IBM Corp., Microsoft Corp., SAP, Infor, Sage, Netsuite Inc., Totvs, Unit4 and Syspro 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 Enterprise resource planning Market has been segmented as below:by Deployment Analysis On-premise deployment Cloud deploymentby Function Analysis Finance Human resource (HR) Supply chain Othersby Verticals Analysis Manufacturing & Services BFSI Healthcare Retail Government Utilities Aerospace and defense Telecom Others by End User Analysis Large enterprises Medium enterprises Small enterprisesby 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 Excipients Market in Latin America Worth US$ 626 Million Globally by 2023 https://www.marketresearchengine.com/reportdetails/excipients-market-latin-america https://www.marketresearchengine.com/requestsample/excipients-market-latin-america https://www.marketresearchengine.com/ New York, February 23: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Excipients Market By Product Segment Analysis, By Route of Administration Analysis and By Function Analysis - Latin America Industry Analysis and Forecast 2016 - 2023How Big is the Latin America Excipients Market?The Latin America excipients market is expected to exceed more than US$ 626 million by 2023; Growing at a CAGR of more than 6% in the given forecast period.Browse Full Report:The flourishing pharmaceutical trade in geographical area has been driving the excipients market within the region due its growing usage in producing medicines. Excipients area unit more and more are getting used by pharmaceutical corporations for coating, binding as diluents and filters, solvents and as colorants for creating tablets, capsules and alternative varieties of medication. Therefore the progress of the pharmaceutical trade is directly proportional to the success of the excipients market in geographical area The increasing expenditure on attention and also the up disposable incomes that enable customers to pay on medicines in geographical area is additionally chargeable for the increase of excipients within the region.The major driving factors of Latin America excipients market are as follows:Growing consumption of oral solid dosage drugsDevelopment in pharmaceutical market in Latin AmericaThe restraining factors of Latin America excipients market are as follows:Use of excipients in other end user industriesHigh manufacturing priceThe Latin America excipients market is segmented on the lines of its product, route of administration, function and country. Based on product segmentation the market covers gelatin, sugar and other, minerals, polymers and alcohols. Sugar and other is further divided into lactose, sucrose, maltitol, glucose and others. Under minerals segmentation it covers calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, clay, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide and others. Based on polymers segmentation it covers MCC, HPMC, ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, CMC, croscarmellose sodium, povidone(binders), crosspovidone(disintegrants), pregelatinized starch, sodium starch glycolate, polyethylene glycol, acrylic polymers and others. Under alcohol segmentation it covers glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, mannitol and others.The Latin America excipients market is based on route of administration segmentation covers tropical, parenteraloral and others. Under oral segmentation is further segmented into tablets, capsules (Hard & Soft) and liquids and semisolids. Based on function segmentation flavors & sweeteners, viscosity agents, film coating, controlled release, fillers & diluents, disintegrants, binders & adhesives, lubricants & glidants and others. Under country segmentation the Latin America covers Caribbean, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Central America, Brazil, Argentina and rest of South America.Download Free Sample Report:This report provides:1) An overview of the global market for Latin America excipients 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 Latin America excipients.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 Latin America excipients market 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 Ashland Inc., BASF SE, FMC Corporation, The Dow Chemical Company, Merck KGaA, Evonik Industries AG, and Croda International Plc, CP Kelco, JRS Pharma, Roquette Pharma, Avantor Performance Materials Inc., Colorcon Inc., Innophos Holdings Inc., Cargill Inc., The Lubrizol Corporation, Eastman Chemical Company, Asahi-Kasei Corporation, Cabot Corporation, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Company. 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 Latin America Excipients Market has been segmented as below:By Product Segment Analysis Gelatin Sugar & Othero Lactoseo Sucroseo Maltitolo Glucoseo Others Mineralso Calcium phosphateo Calcium carbonateo Clayo Silicon dioxideo Titanium dioxideo Others Polymerso MCCo HPMCo Ethyl celluloseo Methyl celluloseo CMCo CroscarmelloseSodiumo Povidone(binders)o Crosspovidone(disintegrants)o Pregelatinized starcho Sodium starch glycolateo Polyethylene glycolo Acrylic polymerso Others Alcoholo Glycerino Propylene glycolo Sorbitolo Mannitolo OthersBy Route of Administration Analysis Tropical Parenteral Oralo Tabletso Capsules (Hard & Soft)o Liquids and Semisolids OthersBy Function Analysis Flavors & Sweeteners Viscosity Agents Film Coating Controlled Release Fillers & Diluents Disintegrants Binders & Adhesives Lubricants & Glidants OthersBy Country Analysis Latin Americao Caribbeano Colombiao Chileo Mexicoo Central Americao Brazilo Argentinao Rest of South AmericaAbout 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 Global Medical Aesthetic Devices Market: Low-cost Products and Services could Hamper Growth across Emerging Economies, observes TMR http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/medical-aesthetics.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=1039 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The global market for medical aesthetic devices is characterized by a highly consolidated competitive landscape, wherein the top two vendors, Mentor Worldwide LLC and Allergan Plc., collectively held a nearly 60% of the market in 2015, observes a recent report by Transparency Market Research. Mentor Worldwide LLC, the market leader with a 32% share in the global market, stayed ahead of the competition with the help of strategic collaborations and a strong emphasis on aesthetic products such as breast implants and body contouring.In September 2016, the company announced its plans for a new collaboration with Galderma, a medical solutions firm with strong operations in skin health. Under the collaboration, the companies plan to partner with Canadian surgeons to improve patient experience across innovative aesthetic procedures and solutions, broadening consumers' access to and awareness of aesthetic treatment options.Browse Global Strategic Business Report:Transparency Market Research estimates that the global medical aesthetic devices market will rise from a valuation of US$6.5 bn in 2015 to US$15.1 bn in 2024. This reflects a 9.0% CAGR from 2016 through 2024. In terms of product types, the segment of laser and energy devices presently leads. The segment held a nearly 30% share in the global market in 2015 and is expected to remain one of the most promising product segments over the forecast period as well. From a geographic perspective, the market earns a significant share of its revenues from sales across developed regions such as North America and Europe. North America dominated in 2015, accounting for a 43% of the global market.Increased Usage of Lasers for Medical Aesthetic Procedures to Stimulate Market GrowthIn the past few years, the global consumer has become more open to aesthetic procedures owing to a vast reduction in cultural prohibitions and social taboos. The resultant rise in surgical procedures for enhancing personal appearance is the key driver of the global medical aesthetic devices market.Other key trends positively influencing the overall development of the market include the increased adoption of laser-based devices, heightened demand for minimally invasive and non-invasive equipment, and the high demand for augmentation and reconstructive surgeries. The global adoption of laser-based devices has increased owing to the widening utility of laser devices.Cost-effectiveness and versatility of laser devices are also the key factors increasing adoption and usage of laser procedures in the aesthetics market.Increased adoption of minimally invasive surgeries, owing to the fewer post-surgery complications and side effects, and shorter recovery spans, have driven innovations and technological developments, bringing about a huge change in the quality and effectiveness of surgeries. As a result, the number of minimally invasive procedures in dermatological applications has significantly increased lately. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimated that the number of minimally invasive aesthetic procedures performed in the U.S. increased to 15.9 mn 2015, a rise of 2% over 2014.Competitively Priced Equipment and Services from Domestic Vendors to Limit Market GrowthThe global medical aesthetic devices market is characterized by intense competition wherein local manufacturers and service providers offer devices/services at affordable costs. The resultant need to reduce costs of equipment to stay ahead of competition can severely hamper the overall profitability of international vendors, especially across cost-sensitive emerging economies.Continuous technological developments in the aesthetic devices market with respect to product design and efficiency require manufacturers to provide up-to-date solutions to the customers. Such upgrades could be highly cost-intensive and lead to erosion of investment and not many service providers may be open to adopting them on a regular basis. The scenario is expected to have a negative impact on the overall development of the market in the long run.Download Exclusive 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: Array Instruments Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2014 - 2020 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/global-array-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=495 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Microarray is a collection of microscopic spots of DNA, RNA, oligonucleotides, proteins, peptides, cells, tissues and other compounds which are attached to a solid substrate. Other microarray platforms include use of microscopic beads. With the help of array instruments, these microarrays are used to measure gene expression levels simultaneously in a single reaction and also genotype multiple regions of genome. The global array instruments market is driven by the large number of patients awaiting diagnosis of the exact type of cancer, metabolic diseases, and post natal diseases along with the research on the causes and treatment for such diseases. Disease diagnosis and detection has been the most critical and beneficial microarray application for the diagnosis and prognosis of different types of diseases, majorly cancer.Browse Global Strategic Business Report:At present, a broad range of microarray technologies are available in the market for research purpose. DNA microarray is the most traditional and widely accepted technology in the microarray field. Thus, it accounts for the largest share, in the total market, owing to improved accuracy and precision and wide acceptance by the end users. The advent of DNA microarray has accelerated the process of gene expression, disease diagnosis, drug discovery and SNP analysis. Protein microarray which is the second largest and the fastest growing technology is very effective in identifying protein-protein interactions, substrates of protein kinases and activities of proteins. Due to high throughput, high resolution and sensitivity, protein microarray is extensively used in proteomics for protein expression profiling. Gene expression is the largest application market followed by the drug discovery and diagnosis market. High cost associated with the instruments and need for expertise leads to decreased adoption of microarray technology, particularly in developing countries. Moreover, increase in awareness for disease diagnosis and introduction of cheaper instruments and reagents will together aid in maintaining the growing of microarray technologies.Cellular microarray and tissue microarray technologies are currently in nascent stage and have their own limitations. The major factors that limit the use of tissue microarray are tissue heterogeneity and high cost. Expensive nature of array instruments limits the use in general practice in several countries. Hence, researchers are working on constructing cost effective tissue microarrays. Certain drawbacks with the use of cellular microarray are related to sensitivity. Moreover, there is further need for development of automated image analysis and data acquisition.Geographically, North America dominates the global microarray instruments market. Large proportion of technological advancement first is introduced in the U.S. since majority of the prime market players are domiciled in North America. Europe accounts for second position in the total market. Rising incidences of cancers and autoimmune diseases drive the demand for diagnosis and treatment of such diseases in the region. Simplification of analysis process, increased market consolidation, and cost containment of instruments and reagents will result in rapid adoption of research in microarrays field in the emerging markets. Developing countries in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Latin America and Africa would contribute to the growth of the global array instruments market. Advancement in technology leading to better specificity and sensitivity coupled with low cost and robustness would increase the demand for research using microarrays, which would boost the market growth.The leading players in the market for microarray instruments are Affymetrix, Inc., Illumina, Inc., Agilent Technologies, Molecular Devices, ArrayIt Corporation, ThermoFischer Scientific and others which include Bio-Rad Laboratories, ArrayJet, and Sigma Aldrich. Greater benefits are expected to be achieved by various companies with huge investments in automation of systems with improved analysis in the near future.Download Exclusive 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: Hiroto Saikawa nissan ceo Nissan Motors has a new CEO. On February 22, the Japanese automaker announced that Hiroto Saikawa will become its new CEO on April 1, 2017. Saikawa, who currently serves as the company's co-CEO, will take over for Nissan's long-time chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn. "I am confident that the management team I have developed at Nissan over the past 18 years has the talent and experience to meet the company's operational and strategic goals," Ghosn said in a statement. "Having recently taken on new responsibilities at Mitsubishi Motors, and taking into consideration the upcoming Nissan general shareholders meeting, I have decided that the time is right for Hiroto Saikawa to succeed me as Nissan's CEO." Even though Ghosn will relinquish his spot as the CEO, he will retain his position as the company's chairman. In addition, Ghosn will remain the CEO of Renault Group, chairman of Mitsubishi Motors, as well as chairman and CEO of the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi Alliance. According to a Nissan spokesperson, the announcement was pre-planned and will free up time for Ghosn to concentrate his work on the three-company alliance. "Mr. Ghosn proposed the move to Nissan's board," the same spokesperson told Business Insider. In October 2016, Nissan took a 34% controlling stake in Mitsubishi Motors valued at $2.3 billion. With Nissan and Renault surging forward, Ghosn is likely to spend of much his energy turning around the struggling Japanese automaker. carlos ghosn NOW WATCH: Nissan has created an impossibly thin sports car design More From Business Insider Magneto Resistive RAM Market Predicted Demand in Aerospace & Military Applications http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=15059 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com MRAM or Magneto-resistive random-access memory technology has been under development since the 1990s. MRAM is a non-volatile random access memory technology that utilizes magnetic charges for storing data instead of electric charges as in the case of DRAM (dynamic random access memory) and SRAM (static random access memory) technologies.Unlike DRAM and SRAM technologies, that requires constant flow of electricity to maintain data integrity, MRAM retains data even if power is turned off and requires very less amount of electricity in order to store data bits in it.MRAM, by combining the inherent advantages of both DRAM in terms of density and SRAM in term of read and write speed has the potential of becoming a universal memory in the coming years.The global MRAM market is predicted to have tremendous growth opportunity in the coming years as a nonvolatile solid state memory in order to replace other electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) and flash memory where high write endurance is required.Surge in the demand of flexible and wearable electronics market is the primary factor predicted to boost the demand of MRAM during the forecast period from 2016 to 2024.Currently rapid technological advancements is taking place in the field to flexible and wearable consumer electronics. Flexible magnetic memories forms an integral part of the flexile and wearable consumer electronic devices for storing and processing data.Moreover, the major challenge of fabricating high performing memory chips on soft flexible substrates without reducing the performance is also eliminated by technologically advanced MRAM technology.Request A Sample Of This Report:MRAM outperforms the traditional NAND memory used in wearable and flexible electronics in terms of data retention capacity after power cut off, low power consumption along with increased processing speed.In addition, MRAM has the capability of operating in extreme temperature condition and can resist very high radiation. Thus, MRAM is also predicted to witness huge demand from various aerospace and military applications in the coming years.Global Magneto Resistive RAM (MRAM) Market: SegmentationFor the purpose of providing detailed study of the market, the global MRAM market has been segmented on the basis of product type, application and geography. MRAM is available in two different product types including toggle MRAM and second generation MRAM (STT-MRAM).In order to track the market accurately, the third generation MRAM that is predicted to get commercialized by the beginning of 2019, has also been considered within the scope of research.MRAM also finds its application across different product segments such as consumer electronics, robotics, automotive, enterprise storage, aerospace and defense and others. The others segment includes application of MRAM in sensing devices, medical devices and smart meters.Geographically, the market has been segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America and Middle-East and Africa (MEA). In terms of revenue and growth, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to drive the market of MRAM in the coming years due to rapid growth in computationally intensive applications and rising demand for highly scalable memory solutions.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: Roadblocks In Drug Development Could Turn into Opportunity for Computational Biology Market, Says TMR http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/computational-biology.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=1120 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The global computational biology market is oligopolistic, led by major players who represented almost 80% of the market in 2011. Key players operating in the market include Simulation plus, Schrodinger, Certara, Compugen, Accelrys, and Entelos. Leading players are acquiring or merging with other companies to enhance their business and grow in the market, states a new report by Transparency Market Research (TMR). Case in point. Schrodinger acquired Synaptic Science and adopted the Seurat platform. This has helped Schrodinger to enhance its share in the market. Accelrys merged with Symyx technologies, allowing it to improve the companys scientific data management, decision support, and analytics.Although the global computational biology market is in its nascent stage, there exists high rivalry among existing players. The threat of new entrants is expected to be low as there is a need for capital-intensive infrastructure. Moreover, the lack of validation compels buyers to opt for branded software products, rather than the ones offered by new players.Browse Global Strategic Business Report:Significant Funding By Governments Aids Advances in Computational BiologyGovernment initiatives across Europe, Asia Pacific, and America for the development of genomics and proteomics are expected to drive the global computational biology market. Investments by major IT players such as Infosys and TCS are expected to boost the growth of the computational biology market.Significant funding by governments is accelerating the growth of the market. For instance, considerable funding has been done by Max-Planck Institute in collaboration with Federal Government of Germany. Similarly, The European Molecular Biology Laboratorys European Institute (EMBL-EBI) with support by the U.K. government has funded a huge amount for research infrastructure.There has been extensive research for the storage, retrieval, and integration of the data generated through virtual screening and sequencing. Innovations in the aforementioned areas will enable research on larger sets in much lesser time, and boost the computational biology markets growth.Market Players Need to Worry about Lack of Standardization in Computational Biology ToolsA huge amount of data is generated lacking any standardization, which is inhibiting the growth of the computational biology market. It is essential that tools be compatible with each other, enabling them to use the same data effectively. Moreover, the data storage in itself is acting as a major challenge for market players, states TMR. Statistical challenges resulting from the integrated analysis of high through-put biomedical research and genomic data need to be addressed. Mis-annotations owing to constant additions of new genomes into databases are also leading to problems, thus hampering the demand for computational biology tools and services. Shortage of skilled scientists who are well-trained in computers and biology sectors is also acting as a market challenge.Cloud Computing to Offer Solutions to Data Storage IssuesThe data storage issue is posing a huge challenge for the computational biology market. Cloud computing has solutions for this problem by offering scalability and flexibility to match the volume of data generated. Thus, cloud computing will open several opportunities of growth in the market.Problems such as the invasive nature of procedures for assessments and risks of futility in drug developments are being perceived as opportunities for the use of modeling and simulation.By application, the drug discovery segment is expected to grow at a significant pace. North America is the leading segment in the computational biology market. However, countries such as China and India in Asia Pacific are expected to develop a massive opportunity for growth in the computational biology market. According to the report, the global computational biology market will be worth US$2.9 bn 2018.Download Exclusive 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: Pressure Sensors Market Utilize Digital Technology for Providing better Sensing Performance & Efficiency http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=2094 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Pressure sensors are typically used for measuring pressure of gas or liquids. These sensors usually act as a transducer and generate electrical signals as a function of the pressure imposed on them. Pressure sensors are also indirectly used for measuring other variables such as gas/fluid flow, water level, speed and altitude.With technological advancements in several industry verticals such as automotive, healthcare, and oil and gas, the applications and functionalities of pressure sensors is evolving continuously. Modern day pressure sensors utilize digital technology for providing better sensing performance and efficiency.The global pressure sensors market is expected to witness a substantial growth during the forecast period. This is due to its increasing demand across various application sectors such as automotive, industrial and medical sector.The increase in automobile production worldwide is stimulating the growth in demand for pressure sensors and associated components. In addition, government regulations around the world related to motor vehicle safety are also influencing the growth of this market.Automotive is the largest revenue generating application segment in this market. Consumer electronics segment is analyzed to be the fastest growing application segment in the pressure sensor market.Adoption of new technologies such as MEMS and NEMS is also contributing to the growth in demand for pressure sensors globally. However, maturity of end user segment is acting as a restraining factor for the growth of pressure sensors market, especially in North America and Europe.The development of smart city infrastructures in the Middle East and Asia Pacific is also influencing the growth of overall pressure sensors market. Asia Pacific is analyzed to dominate the global pressure sensors market throughout the forecast period.Request A Sample Of This Report:The regions dominance is attributed to increasing production of motor vehicles in countries such as Japan, South Korea, China, and India. Moreover, rapid level of industrialization in this region is also contributing to growth of pressure sensors market.This market research study analyzes the pressure sensors market on a global level, and provides estimates in terms of revenue (USD billion) from 2014 to 2020.It recognizes the drivers and restraints affecting the industry and analyzes their impact over the forecast period. Moreover, it identifies the significant opportunities for market growth in the coming years.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: Large Power Transformers Market Enhancement of Technology & Progressive Research & Development http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=1501 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Power transformers connect electrical networks or systems of different voltages to allow power exchange between them. Power transformers are used for power generation, power transmission, electro-intensive industrial applications, and consumer applications.The demand for power transformers is expected to continually increase due to increasing electrification ratio in emerging as well as mature economies.The continual enhancement of technology and progressive research and development initiatives are driving the market for large power transformers with improved features and specifications considering the regional and global environmental regulations.Favorable government regulations for production of green energy and power are also expected to fuel the growth of the power transformers market over the forecast period. Global environmental concerns highlight the need for lower emissions and water conservation in both existing and new power plants.As a result, leading companies such as Alstom have developed and introduced green transformers for environmentally delicate zones. Similarly, Crompton Greaves Ltd. designed, produced, and installed extremely low noise power transformers for environmentally critical regions.Such innovative and environmentally friendly products are expected to witness strong demand in the future due to rising environmental concerns. Therefore, the degree of competition is analyzed to grow from medium to high over the forecast period.Request A Sample Of This Report:Based on the geographical segmentation of the global large power transformers market, Asia Pacific region occupied the largest market share in 2013, which can be attributed to rising energy demands coupled with technological advancements in this region.The Asia Pacific region is expected to account for majority of the global growth over the forecast period. However, this region has a large unorganised sector and the market in this region is highly fragmented with the presence of many local players.Rest of the World economies such as the Middle East and Africa are expected to steadily expand their power infrastructures, attracting intense competition from global as well as regional market players.Mature economies in North America and Europe regions are expected to observe steady growth owing to the various modernization and upgradation initiatives. The countries in these regions are undertaking such initiatives to boost the power generation in order to meet rising demands.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: Artificial Intelligence Market Extensive use of AI across various Sectors http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=4674 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Artificial intelligence is a fast emerging technology, dealing with development and study of intelligent machines and software. This software is being used across various applications such as manufacturing (assembly line robots), medical research, and speech recognition systems.It also enables in-build software or machines to operate like human beings, thereby allowing devices to collect, analyze data, reason, talk, make decisions and act The global artificial intelligence market was valued at US$ 126.24 Bn in 2015 and is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 36.1% from 2016 to 2024 to reach a value of US$ 3,061.35 Bn in 2024.The global artificial intelligence market is currently witnessing healthy growth as companies have started leveraging the benefits of such disruptive technologies for effective customer reach and positioning of their services/solutions. Market growth is also supported by an expanding application base of artificial intelligence solutions across various industries.However, factors such as low funding access or high upfront investment, and demand for skilled resources (workforce) are presently acting as major deterrents to market growth.On the basis of types of artificial intelligence systems, the market is segmented into artificial neural network, digital assistance system, embedded system, expert system, and automated robotic system.Request A Sample Of This Report:Expert system was the most adopted or revenue generating segment in 2015. This was mainly due to the extensive use of artificial intelligence across various sectors including diagnosis, process control, design, monitoring, scheduling and planning.Based on various applications of artificial intelligence systems, the market has been classified into deep learning, smart robots, image recognition, digital personal assistant, querying method, language processing, gesture control, video analysis, speech recognition, context aware processing, and cyber security. Image recognition is projected to be the fastest growing segment by application in the global artificial intelligence market.This is due to the growing demand for affective computing technology across various end-use sectors for better study of systems that can recognize, analyze, process, and simulate human effects.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: Superdisintegrants Market Research Report by Regional Analysis - North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa : forecast 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/superdisintegrants-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=12131 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Global Superdisintegrants Market: OverviewSuperdisintegrants are one among the different kinds of excipients used in the pharmaceutical industry for tablet-based drug delivery. Superdisintegrants are added to solid dosage forms such as pills or tablets to help them disintegrate when submerged in a liquid. The creation of a greater surface area of the tablet as it breaks into smaller fragments aids speedy drug substance release.Despite the growing interest in different kinds of drug delivery mechanisms, the popularity of orally delivered medicaments hasnt entirely died yet. There is still a massive market for medicines delivered in the form of pills, tablets, and capsules and this is where the demand for superdisintegrants continues to stem from. While the dominance of synthetic superdisintegrants has shaped the market thus far, the rise of a new class of natural superdisintegrants will have a long-term impact on the growth of this market, states TMR in this report. The demand for superdisintegrants is directly proportional to the demand for solid dosage forms in the medical industry.Among some of the most desirable properties of superdisintegrants are: Good compressibility, poor solubility, a good mouth feel, and compatibility with other excipients used in drug formulation.This report explores the current trends that are bringing about a change in the way the market for superdisintegrants functions. The key raw materials, manufacturing processes, and new ingredients making their way into the global superdisintegrants market have been assessed in detail in the report. This helps companies in this space obtain a clear view of emergent trends and threats helping them form strategies around anticipated changes.Browse full report on Superdisintegrants Market -Global Superdisintegrants Market: Trends, Drivers, and OpportunitiesAccording to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), pharmaceutical consumption in general is on a rise across the world. The organization estimates that one in every five dollars spent on healthcare is for pharmaceutical products. Given the sizeable share that solid dosage forms still hold in the overall pharma industry, it is expected that the demand for superdisintegrants will continue to remain steady.Although synthetic superdisintegrants have been the standard for many decades now, greater research into natural superdisintegrants will provide a stimulus for the future growth of the market. Already, research has been conducted on using substances such as karaya gum, soy polysaccharide, Isapghula husk mucilage, gellan gum, and locust bean gum as natural substances that can function as superdisintegrants in solid dosage forms. With the findings of such studies yielding positive results, it is expected that many of these natural superdisintegrants will gradually find their way into the commercial space.Moreover, regulations urging the use of safer alternatives to conventionally used synthetic substances in the pharmaceutical industry will aid the wider acceptance of natural superdisintegrants in the pharmaceutical industry worldwide.Global Superdisintegrants Market: Segmentation and Region-wise OutlookThe global market for superdisintegrants can be segmented on the basis of the following criteria: Application, therapeutic area, product type, and geography. By therapeutic area, the superdisintegrants market can be segmented into: Cardiovascular, oncology, neurological, inflammatory, hematological, and infectious diseases. Likewise, by product type, the market is composed of: Synthetic, natural, and other superdisintegrants.Based on geography, the market can be segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and Rest of the World. The market for pharmaceutical production is stillto a great extentcontrolled by industrialized countries. Japan, the U.S., France, Germany, and the U.K. collectively account for the majority of the value of all medicinal drugs produced worldwide. However, in the intensely competitive mass markets of India and China, there is a massive market for affordably priced medicinal drugs. Companies in the global superdisintegrants market need to consider these dynamics before they can set out to implement new growth strategies.Among the key players in the global superdisintegrants market are: BASF SE, The DOW Chemical Company, Ashland Inc., Asahi Kasei Corporation, FMC Corporation, and Huber Corporation.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: Analgesics Market Research Report by Regional Analysis - North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa : forecast 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/analgesics-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=12113 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Global Analgesics Market: OverviewAnalgesics, or painkillers, are used to reduce and treat aches and pains. Internal and external analgesics are used to combat pain resulting from inflammation, cancer treatments, physiological injury, neuropathic conditions, surgeries, wounds, and phantom aches. The most prominent therapeutic classes of analgesics are local anesthesia, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and opioids. The growing incidence of cancer worldwide and the rise in chronic diseases are mainly responsible for the consistent growth of the global analgesics market.The research publication offers clients a comprehensive summary of the global analgesics market and elucidates the various factors driving and hampering its growth during the forecast period. The report also evaluates the chief players competing in the global market for analgesics and profiles them on the basis of a number of key attributes, such as company and business overview, recent developments, product portfolio, business strategies, and financial strength.Global Analgesics Market: Key Trends and Competitive LandscapeThe increasing therapeutic benefits offered by analgesics, in addition to effective and fast relief from pain, have significantly driven the demand for analgesics over the years. The development of innovative drugs and rising awareness about these treatment options have also supported the analgesics market. Moreover, the rise in recurring aches and pains owing to an increase in the prevalence of cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and other chronic and acute diseases has propelled the demand for analgesics. Other key factors positively impacting the global analgesics market include the growing prevalence of pain worldwide, the rise in effective treatment options, a surge in the aging population, and the growing acceptance of analgesics by a wider target audience.Eli Lilly and Company, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Bayer AG, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Pfizer Inc., Endo Pharmaceuticals, Reckitt Benckiser plc, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Sanofi, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis AG, and GlaxoSmithKline PLC are some of the major companies actively participating in the global analgesics market. In the quest of increasing their share in the analgesics market, an increasing number of firms have been adopting acquisitions as their main development strategy.Browse full report on Analgesics Market -Global Analgesics Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global analgesics market has been categorized into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World based on geography. North America is presently the leading market for analgesics and is projected to retain its dominant position through 2024. Recent regulatory changes in the U.S., accompanied by new marketing strategies by analgesics companies, have greatly benefited this regional market. After declining sales owing to frequent recalls, the analgesics market in the U.S., in particular, has been stabilizing on account of the return of prominent brands, the rising occurrence of aches and pains, the rise in the average age of the population, and an alarming rate of obesity. These demographic and lifestyle developments have significantly propelled the North America analgesics market.The Europe analgesics market is also anticipated to expand in the coming years owing to the rapid commercialization of new drugs and an increasing geriatric population. Although analgesics form one of the largest product areas in over-the-counter drugs, this segment has been negatively affected by the growing trend of improving health instead of merely treating symptoms. An increasing number of consumers in the U.K., for instance, have restricted their consumption of analgesics with this trend in mind, thereby negatively impacting the sales of analgesics.In contrast, consumers in several Asia Pacific countries seem relatively less concerned over the possible side-effects of analgesics. A higher willingness to self-medicate instead of visiting a trained physician for mild pain and fever is a trend that is common in a number of countries, more prominently in India. Moreover, the immensely stressful lifestyles in most urban parts of the region have resulted in consumers looking for quick and easy solutions to combat pain. This, combined with the surge in purchasing power, has enabled the demand for as well as sales of analgesics to remain steady over the years.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: Bills release multiple artist renderings of new stadium The morning of Oct. 27 was a day Buffalo Bills fans have been patiently waiting for a reveal of what the new stadium will potentially look like. The team... County officials, law firm representatives host public hearing on new stadium SEQR Erie County officials, representatives from Phillips Lytle LLP, power players for a new stadium and interested Buffalo Bills fans packed into one of the community rooms of the Brush Mountain... Gary Cohn, Trumps Director of the National Economic Council, speaks at Davos. Source: Reuters After a meeting with prominent manufacturing CEOs in the White House, President Donald Trump lavished praise on his director of the National Economic Council, former Goldman Sachs President and COO Gary Cohn. Gary Cohn just paid $200 million in tax in order to take this job, by the way, Trump said. Which is very much unlike Gary. Based on the amount and value of shares divested by Cohn, this number is almost certainly incorrect. To alleviate potential conflicts of interest upon taking the position, the 56-year-old Cohn decided to liquidate his Goldman Sachs stock, which was valued at more than $220 million. Additionally, the bank gave him $65 million in payment that was tied to future performance, according to Bloomberg. It appears that Trump mixed up the sum divested with the taxes owed. It is obvious that Cohn will not pay $200 million in taxes against a $285 million liquidation. The capital gains tax rate maxes out at 20%. In fact, Cohns tax situation may actually be advantageous thanks to a special Certificate of Divestiture issued by the Office of Government Ethics. Like other executive branch appointees who must divest to avoid ethical conflicts, Cohn is eligible to skirt higher taxes by deferring capital gains taxes if the proceeds from the sale go toward buying approved securities like Treasury bonds and diversified index funds. From the date of the sale, Cohn has 60 days to reinvest without paying capital gains. For the reinvested money, Cohn will still be on the hook to pay taxes on future gains. This scenario worked very well for former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulsonformer Goldman CEOwho avoided a $200 million tax bill. Meanwhile, Trump has not released his tax returns, making it unclear how much tax he pays and from where he receives income. Ethan Wolff-Mann is a writer at Yahoo Finance focusing on consumer issues, tech, and personal finance. Follow him on Twitter @ewolffmann. Read more: The CFPB has returned $12B to consumers. Republicans want to kill it Story continues Chases Sapphire Reserve is very worth it, even with its slashed bonus Veterans group uses Trumps well-known habits to target him with an ad President Trumps predecessors learned about tariffs the hard way 51% of all job tasks could be automated by todays technology Johnny Depp proves why we need a fiduciary rule Keith Rosson.The Mercy of the Tide.jpg Keith Rosson's debut novel, "The Mercy of the Tide," weaves together horror, alternate history, police procedural, family drama and coming-of-age. (Courtesy of Meerkat Press) The first hint that things are about to go terribly wrong in the fictional town of Riptide, Oregon, is when the evangelical innkeeper Joe Lyley walks into the sheriff's office and shows him a mutilated seagull. The bird has been torn into pieces, a shocking sight. Still, to the sheriff, it's just a seagull. "Some fool's dog gets too exuberant with the corpse of a bird and zealots like Lyley see an apocalypse in it," the sheriff thinks in the opening chapter of Keith Rosson's debut novel, "The Mercy of the Tide" (Meerkat Press, 293 pages, $16.95). Of course, what happened to the seagull is much more monstrous than the sheriff thinks. And over the next few months, the intertwined lives of several Riptide residents will similarly come apart at the seams while the Cold War - and something else much more malicious and much closer to home - stalks all of them. Rosson's novel defies easy classification: Think Stephen King, with echoes of the unhappier parts of Brian Doyle's "Mink River," within a framework of grim alternative history - oh, and it's also a police procedural with a misery-filled conclusion. But Rosson's voice is sure; his characters are vividly, heartbreakingly human in their flaws and foibles and relationships; and his plot rolls relentlessly along, growing ever more nerve-wracking until the final, completely unsettling chapter. (Pro tip: Try not to finish the book late at night, just before you go to sleep.) Rosson, a freelance illustrator and designer who initially wrote punk zines and then short stories, will launch "The Mercy of the Tide" at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at Mother Foucault's Bookshop, 523 S.E. Morrison St. (Update: Rosson will hold another book reading at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, at Broadway Books, 1714 N.E. Broadway.) He talked Wednesday about the book; here are eight takeaways from the conversation. 1. Rosson grew up on the Oregon coast; his novel is "a really dark, gloomy love letter" to his hometown, Newport. "There's a real allure to the cruddy weather for me and I find myself still drawn to it, even though I haven't lived there in 20 years," he said. The book includes a map of Riptide: "You will look at it for one second and be like, wait a minute, that's Newport." 2. The story is set in the latter part of 1983, shortly after a nuclear false alarm between the U.S. and Soviet Union, because "that was kind of the nexus, the focal point of the Cold War for me," Rosson said. (For those who remember that time, he nails the constant vague panic that edged those days.) 3. Rosson classifies the novel primarily as alternate history. One of the key plot points is a made-up book he titled "The Looming Error," by a made-up general who warns about the inevitability of nuclear holocaust. The attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan also plays an important role and gets a crucial twist. 4. The book feels like it's channeling Stephen King because Rosson read a lot of King growing up. "If you read genre fiction he is the dude," Rosson said, adding, "I don't know a way to write something about a monster without a heavy nod and high five to Stephen King." 5. Rosson also tips his writer's hat to another author he admires: Judy Blume. One of his characters, a 9-year-old girl, gets excited over a Blume book titled "The Wolf in the Basement" that doesn't exist. That raised his publisher's lawyers' eyebrows. So Rosson and his publisher wrote to Blume, "and she was totally like, go for it." 6. The plot picks up significant speed in the final chapters, driving toward an ending that has upset some readers, "which I think is terrific," Rosson said. "It is kind of a rug pull at the very end." 7. Amid a bevy of unnerving scenes, the most difficult one for Rosson to write was one in which a sheriff's deputy essentially assaults a woman he picked up at a bar the night before. "But it was integral to his slow decline," Rosson said. 8. Despite his novel's dark subject matter, Rosson hopes readers enjoy it. "I think that the simple joy of reading in and of itself is something that we shouldn't shake our heads at, ever," he said. Boeing said Thursday that its Gresham factory will start making additional parts for three of its flagship jets, bringing work in house that had previously been done by a supplier in another country. The Gresham facility will start making a component known as a flap actuation system, used to extend and retract wing flaps during flight. Boeing says the parts add lift for take-off or increase drag when an aircraft needs to slow down. Boeing employs more than 1,600 at its 87-acre site along Northeast Sandy Boulevard. The new work won't bring additional jobs, according to the company, but enables the site to maintain its current size. "As we gain in productivity each year, if you don't bring new work in then your size shrinks," said Don Hendrickson, a Boeing finance manager in Gresham. The decision to stop outsourcing the work reflects improved manufacturing technology within Boeing, according to Hendrickson. He said the company is continually adding capabilities to its equipment, and so it's now more efficient to do some work internally than to hire contractors. Boeing declined to say where the flap actuation system had been made previously. Boeing operates in Gresham under three separate packages of local property tax exemptions, including one that took effect last year valued at more than $10 million. The company, like other manufacturers, has been eager to tout domestic production since the election of President Donald Trump last fall. Last week, Boeing hosted the new president at a factory in South Carolina. Historically, workers at the Gresham factory have engineered and machined parts from a variety of metals for Boeing's 737, 767 and 787 jets. Boeing said it will use the flap actuation systems on its 737, 737 MAX and 777 aircraft. -- Mike Rogoway; twitter: @rogoway; 503-294-7699 IMG_2617.JPG The University of Oregon's campus in Eugene. (Andrew Theen/The Oregonian) The University of Oregon is one of the worst colleges in the country for free speech, according to a list released Wednesday by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education. The Philadelphia-based nonprofit tracks free speech and academic issues on campuses across the country and released its picks for the 10 worst campuses for free speech. Founded in 1999, the organization described itself as nonpartisan with a mission to "defend and sustain individual rights at America's colleges and universities." The UO declined to comment on its inclusion on the list, which came more than three months after the school suspended a professor for wearing blackface to an off-campus party.The list also includes Georgetown and Harvard University and other public and private higher education institutions. The list comes as free speech on college campuses continues to be a nationwide talking point, weeks after alt-right firebrand and former Breitbart columnist Milo Yiannopoulos scheduled speech at UC-Berkley was canceled and prompted some violent protests. "Colleges continue to find excuses for censoring speech on campus," Greg Lukianoff, foundation president and CEO, said in a statement. "This list shows that any expression--even expression as innocuous as a chalk message for a political candidate or a discussion of one's own health--is seen by some colleges as fair game for suppression. This type of censorship is not only unhealthy for institutions where debate and discussion should be paramount, but also dangerous for a free society." UO made the cut in part for its response School of Law Professor Nancy Shurtz's blackface Halloween costume last year. Shurtz, a tenured law professor of 30 years, wore blackface as part of a costume at a party she hosted at her Eugene home. Following the costume, UO suspended Shurtz and conducted an investigation that found she violated the school's discrimination policy. Shurtz said she had intended to start a conversation about the lack of diversity in American medicine with her costume, which she said was meant to recognize Damon Tweedy's memoir "Black Man in a White Coat." The UO's investigation released in December prompted several editorials in national media outlets slamming the university for overstepping its bounds in publicly disciplining a faculty member on a free speech issue. In a story on the Huffington Post describing each of the 10 schools' free speech failures, Lukianoff said Shurtz's costume did lead to a campus debate. "The costume did, in fact, spark discussion--much of it criticizing the professor's judgment," he wrote. "That's the proper response to offensive speech: more speech." He continued, "UO's move puts the cart before the horse and risks justifying punishment whenever expression motivates rigorous debate on campus." Bill Harbaugh, a UO economics professor and president of the faculty senate who has been a frequent critic of his employer in the past, said the school likely isn't one of the 10 worst in the nation on free speech, but perhaps in the bottom 20. But Harbaugh said the foundation's ranking doesn't account for what he called one big free speech overreach from recent weeks. UO's in-house attorney, Kevin Reed, filed a record request this month for Harbaugh's emails over the past year relating to "freedom of speech or academic freedom," a move Harbaugh described as unprecedented. Harbaugh did credit UO President Michael Schill for one recent policy move that is a win for free speech on campus: stepping away from a controversial proposal to restrict speech under certain time, place and manner restrictions. Last month, the nonprofit made some waves during Betsy Devos' confirmation hearings for Secretary of Education. DeVos donations to the organization were cited in a Politico story. The nonprofit has sued the federal government to challenge the burden of proof victims of sexual assault face in university administrative hearings. The foundation, which also focuses on due process issues, has argued the standards are unfair to students accused of sexual assault, sparking backlash from Democrats and women's groups. -- Andrew Theen atheen@oregonian.com 503-294-4026 @andrewtheen Feb 23 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on the business pages of British newspapers. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. The Times Unilever Plc has begun a strategic review of its business five days after it rejected a 115 billion pound ($143.09 billion) takeover approach from Kraft Heinz Co. http://bit.ly/2mdTnup Sir Jon Cunliffe, deputy governor of the Bank of England, warned Brussels yesterday that any attempt to seize euro clearing from the City would unravel global capital markets and drive up the cost of finance. http://bit.ly/2me12Zo The Guardian Whirlpool Corp, the maker of Hotpoint and Indesit tumble dryers, has changed its advice to the owners of millions of potentially dangerous machines, telling customers to unplug the appliances and stop using them until they are repaired. http://bit.ly/2me027X The business secretary, Greg Clark, has pledged to outline how the government should respond to foreign takeovers of crucial UK firms in the wake of Kraft Heinz Co's failed 115 billion pound ($143.09 billion) bid for Unilever Plc. The Telegraph The chief executive of Lloyds Banking Group Plc insisted he is committed to the lender as the company posted its biggest profits since the financial crisis, marking the culmination of his dramatic turnaround of the business. http://bit.ly/2me0umF Theresa May has spoken with the motor industry boss expected to acquire Vauxhall about the government's continued commitment to supporting the car industry in UK. http://bit.ly/2me0QJN Sky News A group of financial institutions has lodged a surprise takeover bid for Fox's Biscuits, even as the industry faces pressure from rising commodity prices and growing consumer preference for healthier snacks. http://bit.ly/2me4d3s Volkswagen AG's top executives from Germany may be summoned to give evidence to British politicians under a plan being discussed by MPs. http://bit.ly/2me9GHB The Independent The study from consultancy firm KPMG found that China and India - two countries Prime Minister Theresa May is desperate to secure greater trade with - are set to be the main beneficiaries from the potential exodus. ($1 = 0.8037 pounds) (Compiled by Subrat Patnaik in Bengaluru; Editing by Sandra Maler) This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Show More Show Less 3 of 3 More than 1,000 people gathered at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort recently to attend the 2017 Great Lakes Crop Summit. The event featured expert speakers from universities and industry on a wide range of topics, including agronomy, new technology, marketing and communication. Speakers at the conference focused on actions that farmers can take that will ultimately help make their businesses more profitable. The speakers included Chad Colby with Colby Ag TECH, who discussed how drones and remote sensing equipment are changing the future of farming. Mike Mock, with Mock Consulting LLC, gave farmers tips for managing financial risk and developing marketing plans. Two farmer panels closed out the event, giving real-world advice about using manure as fertilizer and variable seeding rates for corn and soybeans. Feb 23 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories in the Financial Times. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. Headlines AO World founder John Roberts steps down as CEO http://on.ft.com/2me5LdV Unilever to review business following Kraft Heinz bid http://on.ft.com/2me2hb1 Ireland's Enda Kenny defers detailing future plans until after White House visit http://on.ft.com/2me7OyC MPs criticise government over Heathrow air quality http://on.ft.com/2mechkP Overview AO World Plc's founder and largest shareholder John Roberts has stepped down as chief executive of the British online electricals retailer but remain on the board in a new executive role, the company said on Wednesday. Unilever Plc sought to show shareholders it can go it alone on Wednesday just days after rejecting Kraft Heinz Co's $143 billion bid, with the promise of a swift, far-reaching review. Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny told unsettled members of his ruling Fine Gael party that he would conclusively deal with the issue of his leadership after meeting the U.S. president next month, the party's chairman said on Wednesday. UK ministers have not done enough to prove that Heathrow airport's planned expansion will not breach air quality standards or exceed caps on greenhouse gas emissions, according to a report by MPs on the environmental audit committee, published on Thursday. (Compiled by Ismail Shakil in Bengaluru; Editing by Sandra Maler) Michigan Technological University in Houghton has released the deans list for the 2016 fall semester. More than 1,600 students were named to the deans list this fall. To be included, students must achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Asterisks indicate those earning straight-A averages of 4.0. A Rotary District 6310 (Northeastern Michigan) sponsored group, in close collaboration with ACT Uganda, recently returned from two weeks in Uganda as part of a vocational training team. VTTs are a new Rotary initiative to assist people in developing nations with vocational training specific to their needs. The Uganda VTT group consisted of the following individuals and their affiliations that provided training principally in the indicated areas: Richard Dolinski (Midland Noon Rotary Club and The Legacy Center for Community Success)early childhood and youth development Tim Dyste (Midland Noon Rotary Club)agriculture Suzanne Greenberg (Great Lakes Bay Region Child Abuse and Neglect Network)child abuse and neglect prevention and childhood development Dr. Vanessa Brooks Herd (Saginaw Valley State University)community health Diana Stubig (ACT Uganda U.S. Board of Directors)handcraft marketing Sue Waechter (ACT Uganda U.S. director)leadership, partnering, and project management The training was made available to over 200 ACT Uganda staff, village leaders, and parents/guardians from Muko sub-county in southwestern Uganda, approximately 150 miles from the capital of Kampala. Groups as small as a dozen and as large as 80 or so individuals participated in both classroom as well as hands-on and in the fields training. In addition to the subject matter areas noted, several one-on-one and small group sessions were held on computer utilization, records management, effective board practices, grant writing, and sewing techniques. The cost of the VTT initiative was underwritten by grants from Rotary District 6310, the Midland Noon and Morning Rotary Clubs, the Bay City Rotary Club, and U.S. ACT Uganda. Tawny Nelb, president of the Midland Rotary Club indicated that we are delighted to help sponsor the VTT initiative. We appreciate all the time and effort that went into the planning and implementation of the program and are optimistic that its training objectives have been achieved. We are especially grateful for the very close collaboration with the ACT Uganda organization both in the U.S. and Uganda to make this effort possible. The training provided was very well received and appreciated by the ACT Uganda staff and Muko sub-county residents. Generous Turinawe, the ACT Uganda director, stated that we genuinely value the training that the VTT has brought to us. The learning will greatly improve our agricultural practices, community health and education outcomes, and improve the quality of life, especially for our young people. The training in the handcrafts area will increase our ability to sustain our work, and the management training will make us both more effective and efficient. We are very grateful for this initiative. Waechter noted that we commend Rotary for launching this training initiative. The learning imparted in Uganda will significantly contribute to the quality of life there for all of the people touched by this effort and beyond. Midland Noon Rotary Club is part of Rotary International, which includes more than 34,000 clubs around the globe devoted to Service Above Self. Rotarians are business and community leaders who participate in projects locally and worldwide designed to support and improve communities. To learn more about Midland Noon Rotary, please visit the website at www.midlandrotaryclub.org, or attend one of the weekly meetings, held Thursdays at noon at the Midland Country Club. ACT Uganda is a registered non-governmental organization (NGO) in Uganda and ACT US is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit in the U.S. bearing the same name. It is an ecumenical Christian partnership of the two organizations. There is a board of directors for each organization and nine teams in Uganda working on various programs and projects aligned with corresponding teams in the U.S. Hundreds of volunteers support all the work being done in both countries to enhance the spiritual, physical, economic, and societal conditions in Uganda. To learn more about ACT Uganda and to access a blog about the VTT, visit the website at www.ACTUganda.org Is Rep. John Moolenaar missing in action? A group of more than 50 people gathered to make that claim today in downtown Midland. Sponsored by Woman of Michigan Action Network (W.O.M.A.N.), the group gathered in Moolenaars Midland office to request a town hall, open forum-style meeting with the representative. I feel our request was heard. Whether or not we will get the response were hoping for, well see, said Sarah Schulz, a member of the W.O.M.A.N. leadership team. Weve made many requests over email, over phone. It seems like doing this event was enough media attention to really get some attention from the representative. The group gathered in the Ann Street parking lot by the Farmers Market, as Kathy Curell, W.O.M.A.N. action captain, stood next to activist Rev. Jeff Liebmann and implored the crowd to be respectful. Holding placards that stated: Dear John: We need to talk. You work for us. Its your job, and Avoiding woman is not an option, the group proceeded to walk up the hill to Moolenaars office on Main Street. The first thing we said at the Farmers Market was that we are going to walk over there and be respectful. That is our value and were just active citizens wanting to engage in a respectful dialogue with the folks whose job it is to represent us, Schulz said. As the group squeezed into the Congressmans office, they hand-delivered their request and met with Ashton Bortz, Moolenaars district director for about 15 minutes. Were just really anxious to hear our representatives thoughts on a lot of the issues that are coming out of this presidents administration. It seems to us there are a lot of congressmen and senators who are just going along and not speaking out. Obviously, the country is alarmed over a lot of these issues: the Muslim ban, financial interests, said Curell, who helped organized the rally. The group requested that the town hall meeting occur before the next congressional recess in April. Were sincere about our desire to have an open forum and to have that conversation with him, Schulz said after the meeting. Were going to keep on him to make sure it happens. Just before the group gathered at the Farmers Market, they received an email from Moolenaars office stating that he would be willing to sit down Friday with the group at noon. We got an email 40 minutes before this event saying that he would be willing to meet with up to 10 of us. We have to decide if we can mobilize that quickly. Also, it is not what we asked for. What we want is the open forum, not 10 select people, Schulz said. With a nationwide movement to disrupt town hall style meetings of congressmen and senators, Moolenaar doesnt see the value in those type meetings. As he sat down with the Daily News on Thursday morning, Moolenaar stated that he believes there is much more value in meeting with people one-on-one or in small groups. There is a sense that (the movement) is a strategy to just disrupt, protest and you have seen this in town halls where it is a matter of creating news and conflict, Moolenaar said. Earlier in the week, the representative met with about eight people from Indivisible, a nationwide group formed to resist the Trump agenda. We had a very good discussion, Moolenaar said. I cant say there was agreement on all the issues. I had a chance to really hear them. They had a chance to hear from me and my perspective. It was one of those opportunities to shed some light on subjects rather than to just create heat. W.O.M.A.N.s website states that it is a local progressive action group dedicated to positive change and resistance with more than 800 members. The group formed in response to the election of Donald Trump to resist the misogynistic, xenophobic, and racist rhetoric and policy direction. They are committed to forward progress in human and civil rights with equal economic opportunity and compassionate policy. For more information on W.O.M.A.N. visit: woman-midland.org To contact Moolenaar, phone his Midland office at (989) 631-2552, or visit moolenaar.house.gov/contact/email To contact his Washington, D.C. office call (202) 225-3561. BLOOMINGTON A 16-year-old boy was sentenced in adult court Wednesday to seven years in prison for a 2016 armed robbery in which he allegedly threatened to shoot two men if they did not hand over their iPhones near an east Bloomington intersecton. Keon Spiller of Normal pleaded guilty to a single count of armed robbery in exchange for dismissal of six other felony charges and an agreement from the state not to request an additional 15-year sentence for the use of a handgun in the crime. Dressed in a gray sweatsuit, Spiller was escorted to court from the county juvenile detention center in Normal. He surveyed the courtroom several times, looking at family members and friends who attended the hearing. Spiller's case was moved to adult court in November at the request of the state. A prosecutor cited Spiller's criminal record of more than 10 charges three involving weapons since his first appearance in juvenile court at age 11. The transfer of minors to adult court, where their identities and records are public and the potential consequences of their actions are more severe, is becoming more common in McLean County. This was the second such transfer this month of a case alleging weapons use by a teenager. At Wednesday's plea hearing, Judge Scott Drazewski asked Assistant State's Attorney Mary Lawson why the state waived the request for a 15-year weapons enhancement to the sentence. "I think a portion of negotiations took into account the age of the defendant," said Lawson, adding that the state opted not to seek a longer sentence despite the young suspect's extensive prior record. Lawson said the two victims approved of the state's offer. Spiller admitted in his plea to getting out of a sport utility vehicle on Oct. 20 and approaching two men near Clearwater Avenue and Royal Pointe Drive on Bloomington's east side. Spiller demanded the victims hand over their cellphones, and when one refused, Spiller displayed a handgun and threatened to shoot the men, according to Lawson. While counting down from 20, Spiller ordered the men to reset their cellphones before taking the devices and fleeing in the SUV with several other people, said Lawson. The victims identified Spiller from school and social media postings. Spiller will be housed in the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice until his transfer to an adult facility where he will complete his sentence. Armed robbery is a Class X felony and carries a possible sentence of six to 30 years. A transfer to adult court earlier in February involved Channing Biles, now 18, who faces charges related to a November 2015 drive-by gunfire incident in Bloomington and unlawful possession of a weapon in another incident. BLOOMINGTON Rivian Automotive may play a role in teaching science, technology, engineering and math to Bloomington schoolchildren. Bloomington District 87 Superintendent Barry Reilly told the school board Wednesday he will meet Thursday with representatives of the electric-vehicle company that bought the former Mitsubishi Motors North America auto assembly plant in Normal. They're interested in working with schools across the area, Reilly said. The board also saw an example of student interest in STEM subjects through a presentation from three Sheridan Elementary School boys about a robotics project they did for the Students Involved with Technology Conference on Saturday at Heartland Community College, Normal. Reilly said after the board meeting he is hoping to start forming a partnership with them, but does not have any particular proposal. I'm going into it with an open mind, he said. Reilly said Rivian has generated excitement in the community and the partnership could mean STEM opportunities for kids. He is looking for more than just inspiring student interest in STEM careers. Riley said he is hoping for real world opportunities for students that will make them more employable down the road. At a meeting with the Heartland board in December, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said he anticipated creating a mutually beneficial relationship with education facilities, such as Heartland, that likely would include internships. Reilly said Wednesday he was glad Rivian is reaching out to K-12 districts in addition to higher education institutions in the area. In their presentation, the Sheridan students told the board how they used 3-D printers in their school to create parts for their robots, combining them with gears, motors, wires and a small computer. They are part of a SIT Club for third- through fifth-graders at Sheridan. Kristi Sutter of the school's media center said the club lets the students follow their interests. In other matters at the meeting, the board reviewed a few policy revisions to be acted on at a later date involving such topics as board member professional development, school accountability and curriculum content mandates. David Wood, the district's chief financial and legal officer, said, Most of these are not significant policy changes. Rather, they are changes in language in response to legislative changes such as the replacement of the No Child Left Behind Act or to bring them more in line with wording recommended by Illinois Association of School Boards, he explained. Are you are a humanitarian? Am I a humanitarian? Are any of us humanitarians? Probably not, but Rihanna is. Harvard said so and that means it's true. In what might be the most elaborate of methods to get Rihanna to appear on campus, Harvard has named Rihanna its "humanitarian of the year", which has previously been received by the likes of Malala Yousafzai and James Earl Jones. Harvard lists the reasons for selecting Rihanna for the award in its Harvard Gazette: "Rihanna has charitably built a state-of- the-art center for oncology and nuclear medicine to diagnose and treat breast cancer at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bridgetown, Barbados," said S. Allen Counter, the Harvard Foundation's director. "She has also created the Clara and Lionel Foundation Scholarship Program [named for her grandmother and grandfather] for students attending college in the U.S. from Caribbean countries, and supports the Global Partnership for Education and Global Citizen Project, a multiyear campaign that will provide children with access to education in over 60 developing countries, giving priority to girls and those affected by lack of access to education in the world today." Rihanna is scheduled to show at Harvard University on February 28th, which will likely be titillating for pretty much everyone in the vicinity with a pulse. Also students attend free! So enroll to Harvard now, kids! What like it's hard? Congratulations, Queen. [h/t The Cut] Image via Owen Kolasinski/BFA.com The Trump administration announced that they are revoking guidelines issued by the Obama administration, which explicitly protected the rights of transgender students to use the bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identities under Title IX federal law. The Justice and Education departments declared yesterday that Obama's guidelines were inadequately justified and devised "without due regard for the primary role of the states and local school districts in establishing educational policy." According to the New York Times, this move represents cursed antebellum ventriloquist doll Jeff Sessions' attempt to delegitimize Title IX before two court cases that could make its protections permanent are heard by the Supreme Court. Even Betsy DeVos' incompetent ass fought Sessions on revoking the guidelines over fear of the harm it would to to transgender students, but he went over her head and Trump pressured her to drop her opposition. We all know what this means for the vulnerable young trans men and women trying to get an education in America. Without this federal protection, their right to use the damn bathroom without fear of bullying or violence will be left to the (predominantly conservative) state legislatures. HOW YOU CAN HELP Donate to the Trans Lifeline here. Donate to your girl, the ACLU, right here. The ACLU is currently representing Gavin Grimm, a transgender teen whose fight to use the school bathroom that corresponds with his gender identity will be heard by the Supreme Court on March 28th. Learn more about his case, here. You can track the "Bathroom Bill" legislation being proposed on a state-by-state level here. If you are a constituent in Alabama, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, or Wyoming, your voice and your presence at protest activities and town hall meetings counts twice as much. By now, you know what to do call your representative. Leave a message. Repeat. If you're in NYC, you can attend a protest against Transgender discrimination tonight at 5:30pm at the Stonewall Inn. Details here. Show your anger at @usedgov abandoning vulnerable #Trans kids. Protest rally tonight 5:30p at Stonewall. Spread the word. #ProtectTransKids pic.twitter.com/x5v7rXkqNe PFLAG NYC (@pflagnyc) February 23, 2017 If you're in Austin, Texas tonight, you can shake your groove thing with a legion of allies in a "Queer Dance Freakout" planned on the governors lawn to protest the trans- and homophobic laws they've got in the pipeline. There's also a rally planned in Austin today, as well as in Houston and Dallas. If there's no protest planned near you yet, A New Year's Revolution urges you to raise awareness by writing #ProtectTransKids on a piece of paper and taping it under the MENS and WOMENS signs of your local gendered public restroom. Show your love and support for trans kids--and all LGBTQ identifying youth--by going over to Beyonce's outlet of choice, GLSEN. You can tag messages of support on social media with #KindnessInAction, where they will appear on the organization's 100 Days of Kindness action page--faves Sia and Debra Messing and more are already on it. Then, because we all know social media activism also requires real-world support, put your money where your tweets are and donate. Right now #LGBTQ students need to know we support them. Share a message of support and put #KindnessInAction: https://t.co/xtLrOpPfUB @GLSEN sia (@Sia) February 23, 2017 This list will be updated through the day. Indiana's lawmakers have passed a bill proposing to bring back the practice of reciting school prayers. By a vote of 10-2, the bill authored by Democratic Rep. John Bartlett allowing students to say prayers out loud if they want to, but it should not be treated as a strict mandate in schools. As stated in the provisions in HB 1024, schools must be open to religious expression among students. If the kids prefer to pray before, during and after classes, then the school must be accommodating of this gesture. Indiana schools must also provide the same privilege and access to facilities for religious groups as secular groups. Indiana schools must also allow students to display their religious inclinations without prejudice. Bartlett said he decided to sponsor the bill to restore values that have been forgotten due to various social ills, according to Indy Star. Proponents of the bill believe that not praying or outwardly expressing religion have contributed to the rise in suicide, substance abuse and family problems among student, especially since school-led prayers have been deemed unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court since 1962. Even as the bill has been passed, some still questioned the rationale behind it. Indiana's existing state laws do not have any opposition when it comes to voluntary prayers in schools. Proposing and passing the school prayer bill could be seen as useless as the kids can freely do this anyway. "Many of these things are already available under the First Amendment," Republican Rep. Robert Behning said, according to another Indy Star report. "A lot of it has been created by case law - there's no law that defines it in a succinct way." The more vocal critics of the bill cited that it could bring more issues for schools who are pressed to accommodate all religions, which could entail more work and effort to control. Following the passing of the bill, the House will deliberate over it on the floor in the next few weeks. A team of special needs kids is defying the stereotype and breaking misconceptions. Perceived to have limited physical and cognitive abilities, these children are in fact preparing for a dance competition. Dance teacher Kim Smith, whose youngest child has autism, is training the team in a studio in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are composed of 10 children, including Smith's 7-year-old daughter Ragan. "Our front row consists a child with autism, another with two prosthetic legs and another with dwarfism," the teacher proudly told People about the special needs kids dance team. The kids practice their routines every Sunday to prepare them for a traditional dance competition. Parents of the special needs kids have set up a crowdfunding page on You Caring to help the children with the dance entry fees, costumes and other logistics. "These parents spend so much money on therapy, there really is no extra," Smith told the news outlet. Mom Lee Adams enrolled her 5-year-old daughter Maelee in Smith's class because her daughter wanted to "do the things the other kids do." Maelee has cerebral palsy and autism but she's enjoying the classes and treats her other dance team members as good friends. Meanwhile, special needs dance classes are popping up in other states. In Pennsylvania, high school student and ballet teacher Emmah Bowers trains 29 special needs kids in the classic dance, according to Fox 43. In Texas, the Turn Center and Lone Star Dance Academy offer a free dance class for special needs kids once a week. The program started this month and has so far 10 to 12 students in the class, according to News Channel 10. In Baltimore, dance teacher Mattie Fenton has special needs kids training under him along with regular kids. They have even participated in dance recitals. "Our students with special needs, they're up on stage, they're performing next to their peers and the audience is supporting them," Fenton said, according to ABC 2 News. "It's a big thing at this school." First Daughter Ivanka Trump brought her 5-year-old girl Arabella on a special kind of field trip Wednesday. The 35-year-old mom took her daughter to the Supreme Court and witnessed how the America's Justice Department performed its duties. Chief Justice John Roberts, who sworn in President Donald Trump in January, welcomed Ivanka and Arabella. They witnessed the judge announcing three decisions. One of the cases involved the overturning of a death sentence on an African-American in Texas, according to the New York Post. CNN reported it's not uncommon for Supreme Court justices to have visitors who observe the judicial branch. Ivanka and Arabella were apparently seated in the VIP section and across them was the press section. Ivanka later wrote on Instagram the visit was a teaching moment for her young daughter. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach her about the judicial system in our country firsthand," the mom wrote and posted a photo of the two of them on the steps of the Supreme Court. Arabella and I visited the Supreme Court this morning and attended a hearing. I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach her about the judicial system in our country firsthand. #SCOTUS #SupremeCourt #ImportantLessons #MotherDaughter A post shared by Ivanka Trump (@ivankatrump) on Feb 22, 2017 at 8:48am PST Arabella, Ivanka's eldest child with husband Jared Kushner, is currently in kindergarten. She attends the Jewish Primary Day School in Washington as her parents are orthodox Jews. Daily Mail reported the mom and daughter might have taken advantage of the school break in Washington this week. Hence, the 5-year-old was able to join Ivanka on a mid-week in the middle of the day. Last weekend, Arabella was seen with younger brother Joseph as they joined their grandfather, the president, on his trip to South Carolina for a meeting with Boeing businessmen. Arabella and her parents do not live in the White House but they are frequent visitors. The Trump-Kushners moved from New York to the capital last January as Ivanka's husband serves the president as his senior adviser. There's already plenty for travelers to consider when flying: strategies for packing light, tricks for dealing with long security lines and sanity savers when seated next to obnoxious passengers. The reality is you must take plenty of precautions for smooth, hassle-free travel, beyond picking the right seat or securing affordable plane tickets. And in case you haven't heard (or noticed the signage at select U.S. airports), there's a big new rule coming down the pike on Jan. 22, 2018, when the the REAL ID Act will be enforced and driver's licenses in nine states will no longer be a valid form of identification at TSA checkpoints. If you live in Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Washington, you'll need to pack another accepted form of identification to travel domestically. [See: 10 Frequent Flier Secrets Every Traveler Should Know.] Traveling is already challenging enough, so why is the federal government mandating the new ID restriction? In 2005, the REAL ID Act legislation passed through Congress in an effort to make security requirements more stringent in response to the 9/11 attacks and the "global war on terror," explains Brenda Sprague, deputy assistant secretary for passport services at the Bureau of Consular Affairs. While many state and federal officials have opposed the new requirements based on privacy concerns that user information could be easily stored in a national database in the future, supporters of the new federal standards say they're critical for mitigating fraud and identify theft, and heightening national security. The objective is to make fraudulent IDs difficult to obtain and the process for issuing IDs stricter. The key differentiator between standard state driver's licenses and those that comply with the REAL ID Act is the "level of rigor" required to obtain an ID, Sprague says. Applications for REAL ID-compliant licenses require a full legal name, date of birth, social security number and a higher standard for showing proof of identity. What's more, all states must become REAL ID-compliant by 2020. "If you're planning travel for 2018, make checking your ID a top item on your to-do list this year," advises Christine Sarkis, senior editor of SmarterTravel. "The REAL ID Act deadline isn't straightforward, but it is real, so it's worth spending the five minutes it will take to familiarize yourself with the specifics," she says. To help you dodge unnecessary hurdles in 2018 and beyond, U.S. News gathered tips from experts as you prepare for the new domestic air travel rules. You Must Carry a REAL ID-Compliant Form of Identification Currently, only 25 states and the District of Columbia issue licenses that adhere to these new REAL ID standards, with more stringent proof-of-identity and legal residency requirements (think: documentation like a Social Security number). As for the noncompliant states, the government has granted extensions until Oct.10, 2017, to change their practices. Don't have a REAL ID-compliant license? Accepted alternate forms of identification (listed on the TSA website) include an enhanced driver's license, a U.S. passport or passport card, a U.S. military ID, a trusted traveler card (think Global Entry or NEXUS), a permanent resident card and a foreign, government-recognized passport, among other options. "The Department of Homeland Security has a REAL ID FAQ that's an easy and up-to-date way to figure out whether you'll be able to use your existing driver license, upgrade to an enhanced license or start planning to travel with a second form of identification -- most likely a passport," Sarkis says. Aside from reviewing the FAQ and taking necessary steps ahead of your flight, note additional measures if you'll be traveling with children. While minors under 18 will not need to provide a REAL ID-compliant form of identification for domestic travel, their adult companions will be required to supply an approved form of identification in 2018. [See: 9 Ways to Travel Better.] How to Get Through TSA Security Screenings If your state is not currently REAL ID-compliant, there's no better time to renew or apply for a passport, Sarkis explains. "A decade ago, there was a huge surge in passport demand because of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative," she says. As a result, 10-year passports are set to expire in the near future, "and the wave of renewals is pairing with an increase in demand as travelers prepare for upcoming REAL ID Act regulations," she adds. Plus, you'll need to account for slower processing times given the spike in renewals, she adds. Aside from ensuring your passport is up-to-date, it's wise to consider TSA PreCheck or Global Entry for an expedited security clearance, Sprague says. "In two trips, you have paid it," she says, highlighting that the $100 Global Entry fee (or $75 PreCheck cost) and rigorous enrollment in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler program allows you to breeze through security lines for a nominal fee, considering members are granted a five-year enrollment period. Tom Spagnola, senior vice president, supplier relations at CheapOair, also advises applying for the Global Entry card. "It has so many advantages," he explains, pointing out that Global Entry not only affords an efficient process for getting through customs checkpoints, but it also automatically enrolls you in TSA PreCheck, granting you speedy clearance at airports across the country. [See: 8 Airports With Amenities That Will Make You Look Forward to Flying.] Review Upcoming State Deadlines to Stay Prepared While the REAL ID Act will shift security measures and impact domestic travel, compliance is not expected to slow down TSA screenings, Sprague says. It's easy to stay informed on the latest developments with the comprehensive information available on the Department of Homeland Security's website, she adds. Beyond consulting the DHS website and renewing your passport, look out for signage at your closest airport to stay abreast of any changes in statewide policies and extensions underway. "[The REAL ID Act] truly is, based on the world in which we live now, a great thing to have," Spagnola says. And though the implementation will be gradual, he adds, it's best to take the new rules seriously and stay proactive, as the restrictions are going to be enforced and federally mandated in the coming years. More From US News & World Report As expected, Apple spoke out Wednesday night, criticizing the Trump Administration for pulling back on Obama-era guidance to schools on transgender rights. "Apple believes everyone deserves a chance to thrive in an environment free from stigma and discrimination," the company said in a statement to Axios. "We support efforts toward greater acceptance, not less, and we strongly believe that transgender students should be treated as equals. We disagree with any effort to limit or rescind their rights and protections." Even though it's under "Apple," this is a Tim Cook issue and should remain a private matter for Cook. Not every Apple fan agrees with Cook on the transgender issue and it's too bad that his personal agenda has to be an "Apple" issue. Apple or Tim Cook, chose to use Axios, a complete unknown news site to most, because they hold Cook's views of Fake News as noted in the site's Manifesto. A site politically aligned with Cook's views. This craze of "Fake News" used to simply be called 'Yellow Journalism,' a term coined in the mid-1890's. So this has been around forever and a day. Yet the Democrat party leadership decided to re-brand this form of news as "Fake News" so that it could be used as an excuse for losing the last election. Apple's Tim Cook wants a younger generation to believe that this is a new phenomena so as to justify their future app that will only allow the news they choose to reach Apple fans. A slippery road indeed. A Gallup poll in September 2016 showed that only 32% of Americans trusted mainstream news. About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Those using abusive language or behavior will result in being blacklisted on Disqus. Notice Today a few Patently Apple fans have respectfully requested that we clearly mark reports containing political statements from Apple or its CEO Tim Cook so that they could be easily identified so as to avoid any disagreeable commentary. This afternoon I've taken the time to design a new Content Bar in Bright Red with a complementary photo of Apple's CEO at his desk. This will be presented on all future political reports stemming from statements made by Apple or its CEO on issues not related to Apple products, services or normal business matters. Before Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube made their entry in the media market, the PatnaDaily had already registered its presence in... Ahmad Montazeri, Son Of Top Iranian Dissident Cleric, Taken Into Custody 02/22/17 Source: RFE/RL The son of one of the founding fathers of Iran's Islamic republic has been arrested to serve a six-year prison sentence for releasing a decades-old audio tape in which his father denounced the mass executions of political prisoners in 1988. Ahmad Montazeri, the son of prominent Iranian theologian Hossein Ali Montazeri Ahmad Montazeri was summoned to the special clerical court on February 22 and later announced that he would remain in custody, according to a statement on Montazeri's website and Telegram feed. Montazeri, a 60-year-old Islamic cleric, is the son of Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri, who was once the designated successor to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of Iran's 1979 revolution. In August, Ahmad Montazeri released a 40-minute recording of his father from 1988, arguing with leading members of the judiciary about the executions. According to Amnesty International, Iranian officials executed some 5,000 political dissidents at the end of the country's 1988 war with Iraq. Hossein Montazeri was one of the few Iranian leaders to speak out against Khomeini's order to execute the prisoners. Last November the special court for clergy sentenced Ahmad Montazeri to 10 years in prison on charges of "acting against national security" and "releasing a classified audio file." But the court reduced the term to six years in view of his lack of previous convictions and the fact that his brother was killed in an attack by a Marxist group that Tehran views as a terrorist organization. Montazeri, who was put on house arrest for several years, became the spiritual father of Iran's opposition movement. He died in 2009. Ahmad Montazeri has been outspoken in his criticism of the Iranian establishment. Iran Sends Military Students to Syrian Front 02/23/17 By Sirwan Kajjo and Mehdi Jedinia, VOA WASHINGTON - Iran is increasingly using Syrian battlefields as a proving ground for fresh military officers in training, according to Iranian media reports and Syrian opposition figures. Funeral in Qom in February 2017 for 6 Iranian soldiers who died fighting in Syria (photo by Islamic Republic News Agency) Tehran-based Imam Hossein University, a school affiliated with The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said it recently deployed military leadership students to fight in Syria as part of an educational program designed for future officers, according to state-run media. Tehran says its forces are in Syria to protect the Zeinab Shrine in Damascus, a Shi'ite holy site. But since 2011, Iran has been a major backer of the Syrian regime in its war with rebel groups across the country, at first sending advisers, then forces from the IRGC expanding far beyond the shrine area. Students dispatched to Syria Morteza Saffari, a senior IRGC commander who heads "the brass hat division" at Imam Hossein University, said at least 100 students from the school have been dispatched to Syria for training in combat situations. "Some of the students sent for two-month training sessions got martyred (killed), many were injured and some have been deployed in Syria for a longer period," he told Iran's Danshjoo news agency in a recent interview. The Syrian conflict is the first one since the Iran-Iraq war in the late 1980s where Tehran has committed combat troops and suffered casualties. The state-controlled Tasnim News Agency said that about 1,000 Iranian soldiers have been killed in Syrian fighting in support of the Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad. A vital training ground for battle Syria has become a vital battlefield training ground for the IRGC, analysts say. "The handling of the Syrian crisis presented the first example of real life training opportunity for Iran's military," said Hooshang Aryanpour, a Washington-based retired Iranian general. Funeral in Qom in February 2017 for 6 Iranian soldiers who died fighting in Syria (photo by Islamic Republic News Agency) And Iranian officials say that despite growing causalities in their ranks in Syria, the country's military continues to benefit from engaging in battles there. "We have gained technical and tactical advancements, militarily and in terms of intelligence collection," Brigadier General Hossein Salami, deputy commander of the IRGC, said in a television interview late last year. Iranian forces helped take Aleppo Rebel leaders say Iran's role was evident in decisive battles in Aleppo where Syrian troops and their Iranian allies including the Lebanese Hezbollah ousted rebel forces in December of last year. "The IRGC and Hezbollah militiamen were the ones who retook eastern Aleppo from us," said Riad al-Asaad, a commander with the rebel group, the Free Syrian Army. "IRGC had brought many reinforcements to Aleppo, mainly new officers and students from its military academy." Iran also has relied on military students to help lead battles around Homs and Damascus where the IRGC is believed to have conducted full-scaled operations with foreign militias against rebels. "The use of Shiite Afghans and Pakistanis, as well as Hezbollah and Iraqi Shiite militias in this conflict, was an unprecedented military experience for Iranian military units," Daryoush Bourbour, a retired Iranian special forces commander told VOA. Iran testing military equipment Besides training its military forces, Iran has used the Syrian conflict to test its military equipment, according to analysts. "Iran has tested many of its novice and newly-designed military equipment in Syria, and has tested them on a large scale," said Bourbour. Iran's arms industry is the largest and most sophisticated among its neighboring countries, analysts say. Tehran has been increasing its military expenditures in recent years. Iranian lawmakers last month approved plans to expand military spending to five percent of the country's annual budget. The plans include developing the country's long-range missile program. Beaten and Harassed, Dual National Serving 18-Year Prison Sentence in Iran on Hunger Strike 02/23/17 Source: International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran Iranian-American dual citizen Reza (Robin) Shahini, currently serving an 18-year prison sentence in Gorgan Prison (about 190 miles east of Tehran), has gone on hunger strike to protest his unjust sentence. Reza (Robin) Shahini An informed source also told the Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that Shahini, who is currently being held in solitary confinement, has been beaten and repeatedly harassed by prison staff and inmates. "Reza (Robin) Shahini has been on a wet hunger strike since Wednesday (February 15, 2017) to protest his conditions in prison," said the source. "He's protesting the lack of basic rights, the insulting treatment from prison guards, and his unfair sentence." "He had no other choice," added the source. "Maybe now his voice will be heard and something will be done, but the authorities have responded by moving him to solitary confinement." The source continued: "On February 14 the prison staff came inside the ward to carry out an inspection. When they saw Reza's diary, they beat him up and insulted him. They told him, 'Do you think this is America? You think you can do whatever you like?' and took his diary away." "But the diary is just one incident... Reza also gets insulted by Gorgan Prison staff because he lived in America," said the source. "They call him names like 'foreigner' and 'spy.' He's completely isolated and has become psychologically weak." "Five days after he started his hunger strike on February 15, Reza fell ill and was taken to the prison clinic where he had a short phone conversation with his family," the source told the Campaign. "But since then we have had no news of him and the family is very worried because he suffers from asthma." Born in Iran, Shahini, 48, had been living in the US since 2000, settling in San Diego, California. He travelled to Iran in May 2016 to see his family, and was arrested on July 11, just days before he was scheduled to return home. Sources close to Shahini believe he was picked up because of his social media and blog postings on Iranian politics, and because of comments he had previously made to Western media, including in interviews with Voice of America, which is banned in Iran. On October 15, 2016, Shahini was sentenced to 18 years in prison for "acting against national security," "participating in protest gatherings in 2009," "collaborating with Voice of America (VOA) television" and "insulting the sacred on Facebook" by the Revolutionary Court in Gorgan. Based on Article 134 of Iran's Islamic Penal Code, he would become eligible for parole after serving at least nine years. "Reza objects to the harsh 18-year sentence issued against him," said the source. "All the charges against him are based on his writings on Facebook or his blog." "Why should he be punished for 18 years for his personal views?" added the source. "Why did the judge ignore him and his lawyer's explanations? And why hasn't his appeal hearing been held yet?" In October 2016, an informed source told the Campaign that Shahini had not engaged in any political activism since 2011 and that he had travelled to Iran in May 2016 to visit his family believing he had no reason to fear for his safety. "All the accusations against Reza were based on his writings and photos posted on his Facebook page, as well as his interviews with Voice of America several years ago, and a couple of other articles in the IranGlobal and Khodnevis websites," said the source. "For instance, he posted photos on Facebook showing people celebrating and protesting before and after the (contested) 2009 presidential election," added the source. "He also posted photos of people like [former Crown Prince] Reza Pahlavi, [former President] Abolhassan Banisadr and [political commentator in exile] Akbar Ganji..." "But after 2011, he had no [political] activities and after hearing (President Hassan) Rouhani's speeches, he thought he could return to Iran and visit his family without any problems," said the source. The Judiciary's ongoing imprisonment of dual nationals contradicts Rouhani's repeated calls for expatriates to return to Iran. The growing number of arrests also reflects hardliners' efforts to prevent the engagement with the West that the Rouhani administration has sought to encourage. Iranian-British dual citizen Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, sentenced to five years in prison in September 2016, has been held since April 2016; Iranian-American businessman Siamak Namazi, held since October 15, 2015 and his father, 80-year-old Bagher Namazi, held since February 2016, have both been sentenced to ten years in prison; British-Iranian Roya Saberi Nobakht, held since October 2013, has been sentenced to seven years; and Iranian-Austrian dual citizen Kamran Ghaderi, held since January 2016, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Iranian-American Karan Vafadari, held since July 2016, and Iranian-born Swedish resident Ahmadreza Jalili, held since April 2016, have not been sentenced yet. Tension Rising Between Regional Rivals Turkey and Iran 02/23/17 By Dorian Jones, VOA Iranian President (L) with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara (April 2016 file photo by Islamic Republic News Agency) ISTANBUL - Tensions are on the rise between Turkey and Iran. A growing war of words between the countries' diplomats has brought to the surface simmering competition for influence in the region. "Iran is an important neighbor to us. We have always been in dialogue with Iran. But it does not mean we will ignore Iran's efforts in penetrating the region," said Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin in the latest thinly veiled threat between the countries during his weekly news conference. Kalin was responding to comments by Ali Akbar Velayati, a key adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who told Turkish soldiers to leave Iraq and Syria, or the people would "kick them out." "They are very serious, I mean the competition between Iran and Turkey, everyone knows it, it's like two elephants in a small room," warns political consultant Atilla Yesilada of Global Source Partners. "Iran is clearly an expansionist country, their goal of building a Shia circle all the way from Tehran to Lebanon is no secret, at least from the Turkish perspective." Experts say religious sectarianism underscores the tensions between predominantly Shia Iran and mostly Sunni Turkey. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan likes to present himself as a protector of Sunni Muslim rights and has accused Iran of pursuing a policy of religious sectarianism, a charge Tehran denies. Earlier this month, Erdogan accused the Tehran-backed Hezbollah movement of being a terrorist organization. Danger of overreach But there are voices in Turkey questioning whether Ankara is in danger of overreach. "What is our military strength, what is our foreign policy strength, what is our intelligence strength," asks former senior Turkish diplomat Aydin Selcen, suggesting Ankara should consider tempering its confrontational stance. "Are we a regional power? Yes. Are we a global power? No. Are we a regional power which can have its way in all issues? No, we have to work with other regional powers like Iran." Erdogan has been turning to other Sunni countries in the region for support. "Saudi's behind Turkey's talk against Iran" cartoon by Massoud Mahini, Iranian daily Ghanoon This month, he visited Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States for talks observers say focused on curtailing Iran's influence. Analysts suggest Ankara's assertive stance could be influenced by U.S. President Donald Trump. "With Trump, flexing his muscles against Tehran, Ankara may have sensed an opportunity to bring this antagonism into the open and to finally resolve this longstanding low level conflict in Syria and Iraq space," suggests consultant Yesilada. Proxy wars But he warns Ankara could pay a heavy price. "That of course is also very costly, for one thing we have a gas deal with Iran, we have great hopes of economic cooperation. And finally of course Iran is not a country that easily gives up on its strategic advantages and currently it holds the upper hand in Iraq and Syria," said Yesilada. The repercussions for Ankara are not likely to be confined to trade, with Tehran being an expert in fighting proxy wars. Regional reports say Tehran is seeking to court Kurdish insurgent group the PKK and its affiliates across the region. "Iran may use the Kurdish card. Turkey has been accusing Iran in the past of somehow harboring and assisting the PKK," claims political columnist Semih Idiz of the Al Monitor website. "But there is a dilemma. Iran has its own problem with its own restive Kurdish minority, is it could get its own hands burned." Turkey, the United States and the European Union consider the PKK a terrorist organization. Iran unshackled Despite the dangers of confronting Tehran, analyst Yesilada suggests Ankara believes it has little choice. "Iran, unshackled from international sanctions from its nuclear expansion, will hem Turkey in and we will be unable to trade with our Arab partners, once it completes its Syria and Iraq project," predicts Yesilada. Analysts suggest Iranian-Turkish tensions are set to continue to rise as they jockey for influence. Both countries, historic regional powers, have a long history of managing their conflicting interests and balancing rivalry, and cooperation is often how bilateral relations are characterized. Idiz predicts the latest bout of tensions will test that balancing act. "We are coming to a very decisive moment in Syria and Iraq and these [Iranian-Turkish] tensions are a product of that. But the two countries have a tradition of trying not to allow differences to boil over. But what this latest diplomatic exchange has done has shown everybody that the two countries are very much on different sides in the Middle East. The danger is if some kind of accident, if there is a clash between Iranian and Turkish-supported forces, then things could get out of hand given both countries have very nationalistic populations," said Idiz. President Rouhani visits Iran's Khuzestan Province to address environmental crisis 02/23/17 Source: Press TV Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has paid a visit to the southwestern province of Khuzestan, which is reeling from heavy floods and dust storms, a situation which has led to disruptions in the distribution of water and electricity there. Iran's President Hassan Rouhani (C) visits a power plant in Ahvaz (photo by Islamic Republic News Agency) Rouhani arrived in the provincial capital city of Ahvaz on Thursday on top of a delegation of several cabinet ministers and vice-presidents to closely examine the environmental crisis in the oil-rich province. Upon his arrival, Rouhani pointed to power outrages and the problems facing water supplies and said "the government paid attention [to the issue] from the very first day and we examined the issue and outlined plans." The government immediately formed a crisis management committee which provided a report about the measures adopted to tackle the problem, he said. Crisis Management Committee (cartoon by Mohammad Reza Saghafi, Shahrvand daily) Rouhani pointed to an upcoming special meeting in Ahvaz with regard to the dust storms and noted, "I will announce the results of the meeting to the people." He added that based on a report submitted by the energy minister, water distribution issues will be resolved in the coming days. Iran is currently implementing plans to resolve the root causes of dust storms inside the country, but there is a need for regional and international cooperation to eliminate the other origins of such storms in Iraq, Syria and Saudi Arabia, Rouhani pointed out. Khuzestan (cartoon by Taravat Niki, Ghanoon daily) Iran's oil-rich Khuzestan province is struggling to emerge from back-to-back power outages which have severely disrupted life and led to expressions of discontent with local authorities and the government. Since 2002, the province has been reeling from sandstorms, 75 percent of which are said to originate from Iraq, Syria and Saudi Arabia, but a combination of events recently have brought Khuzestan to the brink of virtual collapse. We are worried about Khuzestan (cartoon by Nazanin Jamshidi, Shahrvand daily) Heavy rains have washed filaments of dust and sand into power transmission equipment, leading to long outages. Water supplies are not unscathed, crippling life in the provincial capital Ahvaz and other cities. On Monday, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei called on Iranian officials to immediately address the problems facing residents of the southern Khuzestan Province. Related Articles: PHOTOS: Dust storm, public utility outage spark protests in Ahwaz, Iran Recurrent periods of suffocating dust storms, lately accompanied by crippling power and water supply cuts, have provoked public protests in the city of Ahvaz, southwestern province of Khuzestan. 02/17/17 PHOTOS: Iranians Protest Air Pollution, Water Cuts In Ahvaz Demonstrators took the streets of the western Iranian city of Ahvaz on February 13 to protest against air pollution, water shortages, and power cuts. Amateur video obtained by RFE/RL's Radio Farda showed crowds chanting against what they called "injustice." They also condemned state television for its apparent lack of reporting on the condition of public utilities in city. 02/15/17 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. Handset maker Fairphone is teaming up with the community project UBports, which seeks to get Ubuntu Touch on mobile devices. They will be showing off Ubuntu Touch running on the Fairphone 2 during Mobile World Congress, which starts February 27 in Barcelona. While Ubuntu is probably not the first name that comes to mind when you think of mobile devices, the phone in question offers some compelling features. UBports Foundation will be showcasing its work at the Canonical booth, the company behind Ubuntu. Canonical is planning to tell about the latest developments around the convergence of its devices and UBports Foundation will share its mission Ubuntu On Every Device with the visitors, UBports said in a February 8 press release. Currently, UBports website lists three devices as fully working as daily drivers: The OnePlus One, Nexus 5, and the Fairphone 2, with the latter showing all parts as functioning with Ubuntu Touch, save the GPS radio. (Interestingly, the UBports project website for the Fairphone 2 still lists the GSM radio [in addition to the GPS] as a work in progress. However there is a video of two people talking with the handset, so its likely the Fairphone 2 project website is out of date.) The website also has instructions for flashing Ubuntu to the Fairphone 2. There are 10 other phones on UBports website listed as in progress, including the Nexus 5X, 6, 7 (2013), 9, and 10. The Fairphone 2 boasts more than just the ability to run Ubuntu in the palm of your hand. The company says the phone will be modular in design, allowing users to replace worn-out parts, which extends the devices lifespan and reduces e-waste. I still mourn the loss of removable batteries and storage, which used to be the norm in Android handsets. By making the phones guts replaceable by the user, Fairphone is taking DIY maintenance a step further. The company also focuses on reducing the amount of negative environmental and social imapcts through recycled and conflict-free supply chains. (Fairphone notes that some 40 elements go into the making of a smartphone, but the company is primarily focused on tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold, cobalt, copper, gallium, indium, nickel, and rare earth metals.) Challenges ahead While making Ubuntu a reliable OS for various mobile devices is tough enough, the bigger battle will undoubtedly be adoption. The desktop Linux market share is still quite low compared to Windows and MacOS. And Mozillas decision to abandon its Firefox OS last year is a testament to the challenges of building an alternative mobile OS in the shadow of iOS and Android. The stated goal of the UBports community is to have the open-source software Ubuntu on every device, starting with smartphones. Thats going to require a lot of work, especially since porting Android ROMs to the wide array of mobile hardware available is itself tricky. With all of this in mind, its encouraging to see an alternative mobile OS try to gain a foothold. For people who arent so comfortable surrendering their data and privacy to the likes of Google or Apple, this may be a welcome development. You can preorder the Android Fairphone 2 for 529.38 (about $564) right now at Fairphones website. You know when AMDs Ryzen is launching, how much itll cost, and you even have a pretty good idea of its performance. But you might not know why AMD dropped the original Zen name for Ryzen, so we asked. And it all begins with what AMD couldnt do with the brand. As John Taylor, corporate vice president of marketing for AMD, describes it, AMD was between a rock and a hard place. Mike Clark, an engineering fellow at AMD who led the Zen architecture development, had dubbed the architecture Zen for the balance it struck between various aspects of the design. Fans who had followed Zens development would buttonhole AMD execs and rave about the Zen name: I love Zentheres something about it Im just connecting with, theyd say, Taylor said. The problem was that AMD simply couldnt trademark Zen. Under U.S. law, trademarks need to be strong and unique, and there was already a wealth of Zen-named products out there, even among AMDs own customers (like Asus and its ZenFone). So AMD had to look elsewhere for inspiration. Ryzen: Tapping into AMDs inner space geek Like most major companies, AMD works with specialized naming agenciesyes, they existspecifically to build a roster of future, trademarkable brand names. And so they had some things in the bucket, I guess, one of which was to take the word horizon and remove the ho from horizon and spell it rizon, Taylor said. For some reason, that just stuck with people a little bit, but never quite felt right. But we really liked the concept of this as a platform that was designed to take you to the next horizon of computing. NASA An artists rendition of the New Horizons probe as it moves through space. At the same time, a cadre of in-house space fans began thinking in another directionspecifically the New Horizons probe that had flown by Pluto in mid-2015. That inspired AMD to give the slightly different name of New Horizon to the December, 2016 webcast where AMD formally unveiled the Zen architecture. Thats got kind of a cool quality about it, too, Taylor said of the Pluto link. And so one day, we said, okay, weve got this Zen equity, weve got this word rizon that we kind of like, and we started playing with the spelling. One snag: if AMD stuck with Rizen, there would be a chance that customers would pronounce it risen, invalidating Zen and horizon in one fell swoop. So executives tried swapping the i for the y, mocked it up on packaging, then on a processor lid. And every time we looked at it, we said that word looks fast and it looks like it could be on the side of a spaceship going to Mars, Taylor said. AMD had a winner. A symbol of perfection: Ryzens enso Theres more behind Ryzens name, thoughliterally. The brushed circle behind the logo is an enso, either a closed or partially open circle in Japanese calligraphy. Naturally, theres a Zen connection: A closed circle represents perfection, while an open circle symbolizes further development and growth. Art Gallery ErgsArt An enso from an unknown artist. AMD sees the enso, a single unbroken creative stroke, as representative of the human creative spirit, Taylor said. There really are tons of people doing amazing things on the Internet every day, he said. The final element is the font, which you might have thought was simply added to express the brand name. Nope. Even that has a significance, Taylor said. The font adheres to Zen principles, Taylor said. Theres utter symmetry throughout this. Our team created this in house. Theyve done all the mapping to how all the letters follow Zen principles and balance. Just one more thing Whether it be Zens success, its cachet, or just the relief of finally getting some revenge against rival Intel, AMD engineers have latched onto Ryzen like nothing before, Taylor said. Thats made Ryzen merchandise a hot ticket even within the company. The day after we did the New Horizon event in December, they [the engineers] took the event banner and put it on the top of the parking garage, almost like a protest thing from [the IFC show] Portlandia, Taylor said. And now that huge banner hangs in the engineering building. Theyve never been into the marketing like that before. They have to put the posters up, but theyre grabbing everything they can thats Ryzen. Updated the headline at 9:39 AM to clarify that the Ryzen brand is under discussion, not the Zen chip architecture. What is Androids next destination? Thanks to Qualcomm, its going to be used in untethered VR headsets. Googles plan for VR headsets currently revolves around Daydream, in which smartphones are slotted into headsets like DayDream View. But VRs future appears to be in untethered head-mounted displays, which are self-contained computers. These headsets dont need to be hooked up to smartphones or computers to roam VR worlds. Google hasnt talked about a plan for self-contained VR headsets yet, but a Qualcomm effort may accelerate efforts to release Android-based head-mounted displays. Qualcomm is pushing for the development of a new generation of such VR headset with its Snapdragon 835 chipset as part of a new development kit. The chipmaker will ship VR headsets as part of a program for partners and content developers around the second quarter. The VR headsets and development kit will become widely available thereafter. These headsets will be based on Android OS but will have their own VR software overlay. The underlying OS is Android, but the user experience with the OS wont be anything like you see in a smartphone. The headsets could also provide a sneak peek into Googles plans to create a version of Android for untethered headsets. Beyond Daydream, Google also offers Tango, its AR platform, but it doesnt need a VR headset. Qualcomm plans to show some VR headsets at the upcoming Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. This isnt the first wearable with Snapdragon 835: Osterhout Design Group at CES showed a mixed-reality see-through smartglasses that can be used for AR and VR. GDC is turning out to be a battleground for VR headsetstethered and untetheredbased on Android and Windows. At the show, Microsoft will start shipping its VR developer kit, which will include headsets that are tethered to Windows 10 PCs. Microsofts VR strategy currently revolves around Intel chips. Qualcomm already has Intel in a bind with a plan to puts its speedy Snapdragon 835 chip in Windows 10 PCs, but it is now also targeting the chip at VR headsets. Intel is aggressively chasing the VR market to remain relevant in PCs. The goal for Qualcomm is to bring some consistency to VR headset development, said Hiren Bhinde, senior manager at the company. The chipmaker has set key performance indicators for headset makers to create high-quality headsets, Bhinde said. Mobile head-mounted displays have to designed within power and performance constraints to balance the user experience and battery life, Bhinde said. Qualcomm will work with headset makers on the schematics and help them make decisions related to technologies like batteries and throttling. The headsets also have to be designed so the experience isnt nauseating, Bhinde said. There are many possibilities with Snapdragon 835, a superfast chip that will also go into mobile devices, tablets, and PCs. It has 4K capabilities, so it can handle high-resolution graphics and displays. It also has technologies like integrated Wi-Fi and WiGig for high-speed communication with PCs. But VR headsets open up a new form of computing and have different requirements. Tracking technology is important to prevent users from bumping into walls when roaming VR worlds. Microsoft is requiring VR users to establish a safety zone within which people can move. Because theres no keyboard or mouse, voice commands will gain more importance in VR tasks. Microsoft is relying on Cortana for this, and Qualcomm will need to advise headset developers to load up microphone arrays and voice recognition technology. Qualcomms VR headset development kit will also come with software tools to write programs. The global partnership announced Wednesday between Telefonica and IoT specialist Sigfox could ensure the latters long-term success while accelerating the overall growth of LPWANs (low-power, wide-area networks). Telefonica said it will integrate Sigfoxs energy-sipping, low-data-rate radios into millions of devices used for things like smart metering and asset tracking. The Spain-based mobile carrier operates in 21 countries across Europe and Latin America, so the deal should significantly expand Sigfoxs footprint. Its talking with customers about possible large-scale rollouts across both regions, including Spain, Germany, Colombia, Argentina, and Brazil. Wins like this one, announced a week before the wireless industry gathers at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, are important for emerging LPWANs that come from outside the traditional cellular industry built around 2G, 3G, and LTE. While there are now many low-power network choices for companies exploring IoT, not all will survive for the decade or more that IoT deployments are expected to last, Tolaga Research analyst Phil Marshall says. International or global reach is a key factor for the viability of these fledgling networks. In recent weeks, Nokia, Inmarsat, and others have announced platforms to tie together LPWANs in different countries. But rather than an exclusive win for Sigfox, this partnership is part of a broader LPWAN (low-power, wide-area network) initiative by Telefonica. The carrier plans to also deploy LTE-M and NB-IoT, two emerging networks based on LTE, and even integrate Sigfox with those other LPWANs in some devices. Telefonica expects the technologies to complement one another for security, backup, troubleshooting, and prevention of jamming. It will be able to build its own services for Sigfox networks by integrating the Sigfox cloud into its managed connectivity platform. Other carriers also are taking multipronged approaches to low-power networks. South Koreas SK Telecom plans to offer both LoRaWAN and LTE-M. Just as theres a universe of different IoT devices, there is a range of LPWANs to serve different applications. Sigfox offers some of the lowest data rates, measured in hundreds of bits per second, but promises a longer life for tiny batteries. It usually sends occasional, brief messages that dont need to be acknowledged. By contrast, LTE-M and NB-IoT have higher data rates and run over licensed spectrum, which can offer more protection from interference. A man and woman from Riverside died in a crash early Saturday, Feb. 18, near the Nevada-California border. Leslie Gilmore, 29, died at the scene of the crash, on northbound Interstate 15 two miles north of the state border, said Nevada Highway Patrol spokeswoman Trooper Chelsea Struenkel. Andrew Dorado, 23, was taken to a hospital and died the next day, according to a Nevada Highway Patrol news release. Struenkel did not know what the two were doing in Nevada. Gilmore was driving a Toyota Tacoma with Dorado and another passenger when she rear-ended a Nissan Altima that was driving at a slower speed, the news release said. The collision caused the Tacoma to spin out. When Gilmore over-corrected the steering wheel, the Tacoma struck a hazard sign and rolled over off the road, the release said. Gilmore, Dorado and the other Tacoma passenger, none of whom were wearing seat belts, were ejected, the news release said. The three occupants of the other car were not injured. On Feb. 1, the first day of Black History Month, hundreds of African American students and parents rallied outside the Capitol in Sacramento to encourage lawmakers to support charter schools in order to help improve student achievement. We all know the system is failing black kids, said Margaret Fortune, president and CEO of Fortune School, which operates several Sacramento-area charters and Hardy Brown College Prep in San Bernardino. As the popularity of charter schools has soared, including among more traditionally Democratic-dominated constituencies, a fracture has appeared in the historic Democratic-labor union alliance, with a growing segment of the Democratic Party joining with Republicans in calling for greater school choice. There is a reason for that increased support for charters: results. Of 13 predominantly African American and low-income California schools deemed high achieving on state assessments, 12 are charters, Fortune noted. When the NAACP considered an ill-conceived resolution calling for a nationwide moratorium on new charter schools last fall, the California Legislative Black Caucus sent a letter opposing the idea. African American students in charter schools gained the equivalent of 14 extra days of learning in reading and 14 extra days of learning in math per year, compared with their African American peers in traditional public schools, the letter noted. Those benefits rise to 29 and 36 extra learning days, respectively, for low-income African American charter students. Additionally, African American and Latino students in California charter schools are accepted into the University of California at much higher rates than students in traditional public high schools (19 percent versus 11 percent, respectively). An outright moratorium, the Black Caucus added, would put minority students and students in low-income neighborhoods and underperforming districts at a significant disadvantage by eliminating a critical educational option. These benefits are not limited to African American students, of course. Greater choice, greater flexibility and greater competition in education should be embraced because they will lead to more innovation and better educational outcomes for students of all racial and economic backgrounds. A security guard at Sevilla Nightclub in Riverside was assaulted while trying to break up a fight early Wednesday, Feb. 22, leading to three arrests, police say. Police were called out to the club in the 3200 block of Mission Inn Avenue about 12:30 a.m. to respond to a fight, according to a Riverside Police Department news release. Officers learned that a guard had been knocked to the ground and kicked, the release said. Giovanni McCullogh, 21, of Moreno Valley; Kevin Deandre McWilliams, 29, of Las Vegas; and Steven Singhal, 36, of Huntington Beach were arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of felony assault with a deadly weapon; McCullogh was also suspected of being under the influence of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor, jail records show. Bail for all three was set at $25,000. By Wednesday afternoon, McWilliams and Singhal had posted bond and been released, but McCullogh remained in custody, jail records show. Last fall, Sevilla boosted its security staff after a spate of violent crimes two robberies, two shootings and a brawl in and around the nightclub in September. Veronica Barragan-OBrien did not hold anything back, admitting that she was an undocumented immigrant and had illegally entered the United States more than once. It was out of necessity, she said. She wanted to get an education. I knew what I had to do. I could not survive in Mexico, so I came back and decided to pursue my education, she told about 30 people during the More than a Dreamer discussion at Cal State San Bernardino on Tuesday, Feb. 21. The event was organized by the DREAMers Resource and Success Center on campus to provide a space for undocumented students to share their immigration stories, to show that not all undocumented students are the same. Student speakers also shared their concerns about President Donald Trumps administration, which is taking a strong stance against immigrants without proper documentation. Trumps election, said Barragan-OBrien, was a great impact for me because I started to feel different. For the first time, I was afraid. For the first time, everything would scare me. She said she suffered anxiety and sought help from a counselor. The event featured immigrant students from Mexico, Argentina, and Indonesia. Some were protected from deportation under the Obama-era program, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. Marcos Guevara, a featured speaker, immigrated to the United States from Argentina as a 2-year-old. A DACA-beneficiary, he didnt find out he was undocumented until he was about 15 years old. He is now attending graduate school and runs a podcast called, Documenting the Undocumented. Yulianne Rombot, 23, spoke about fleeing Indonesia with her family due to religious persecution. She said its important for the Asian immigrant community to share their stories. The goal of the discussion was to show the younger incoming undocumented students that achieving an education is doable. Many incoming students fear what will happen to them if the DACA program is disbanded, said Maria Barragan, a coordinator with the center, and sister of Barragan-OBrien. While campaigning to be president, Trump said he would do away with the program. However, his recent immigration directives, which expand the number of unauthorized immigrants who can be deported, have not yet impacted DACA, which has protected more than 750,000 young immigrants from deportation. DACA allows people who arrived in the United States before age 16, and who meet certain other criteria, to defer deportation. Barragan said the speakers served as an example of overcoming adversity. Despite the emotional distress that comes with being undocumented, especially during this White House administration, They were able to do it, Barragan said. Theyve come this far, said Barragan.You can do it, too. Deputies arrested a 40-year-old Temecula man Tuesday, Feb. 21, on suspicion that he stole patio furniture from a De Luz home and later tried to return it. Scott Spencer was arrested on suspicion of grand theft and booked into the Southwest Detention Center in French Valley, according to a Riverside County sheriffs news release. On Feb. 15, officials say, a resident at a home on Via Tornado reported that someone had come onto his property and stolen about $5,000-worth of high-end patio furniture. The man was caught on surveillance video and that video was later shared on social media in hopes of identifying the thief, according to the release. On Tuesday, the homeowner reported that a U-Haul truck had returned to his home and unloaded the previously stolen furniture. Deputies stopped the truck, interviewed the driver and were told that he had been hired by Spencer to return the stolen furniture, according to officials. Spencer was then found and arrested. Sheriffs officials are asking anyone with information about this investigation to call the Temecula station at 951-696-3000. Contact the writer: 951-368-9693, agroves@scng.com or @AlexDGroves on Twitter. A man was shot as he sat in his vehicle near a local high school late Wednesday night, and police are still searching for his attacker, officials said. The wounded man is expected to survive, San Bernardino police officials said Thursday morning, but few details were available surrounding the shooting. The man was sitting in his vehicle at 764 W. Trenton St. less than a block from San Bernardino High School around midnight when he was shot, according to police. Paramedics took the wounded man to the hospital. More to come. Moreno Valleys mayor will have increased authority to choose members of the citys Planning Commission. The ordinance, approved Tuesday night, Feb. 21, allows the mayor to name the seven-member land-use bodys members. The City Council can only approve or deny the mayors nominations. Previously, the full council interviewed and selected planning commissioners. The change comes as the council prepares to fill four seats in June and would give Mayor Yxstian Gutierrez the ability to determine the commissions majority. The council voted 3-0 in favor, with City Councilman Jeffrey Giba abstaining. Giba had sought a delay to consider a process that he said would give the council more input. Thats a very powerful place to be for one person to choose, he said. City Attorney Martin Koczanowicz said the change was needed to ensure the citys law complied with state law, which gives mayors directly elected by voters the ability to choose board, committee and commission members, subject to council approval. That provision applying to the planning commission was left out of the city ordinance approved in 2014 when Moreno Valley voters approved a measure that made the mayor a separately elected position. Previously, council members chose the mayor. Residents Kathleen Dale and Roy Bleckert suggested that the council create a process that would allow the full council to continue to interview applicants, a suggestion that Giba endorsed. But the rest of the council rejected Gibas request for a delay. City Councilwoman Victoria Baca said voters had already made their decision when they voted for the measure. All were doing is fixing our ordinance, she said. Reach the reporter: 951-368-9558, ighori@scng.com or @ImranGhori1 on Twitter Small businesses feel good about how they will do in 2017 but not so good about the Inland Empire or the nation, according to a new study. In Union Banks annual Small Business Economic Survey, 92 percent of Inland participants said their businesses are headed in the right direction. Only 38 percent believed the national economy is headed in the right direction. Thirty-three percent were confident in the direction of the local economy, a 12 percent drop from the 2016 survey. Union Bank surveyed 591 small businesses in California and 102 businesses in Oregon and Washington state during a three week period in December and January. Fifty-seven percent of total West Coast participants said their local economies were on the right track, and 53 percent said the national economy is on the right track. Among other Inland findings: Affordable Care Act: 57 percent said health care changes drove up costs, but 83 percent said the law has not impacted employment. Minimum wage increases: More than 25 percent expressed a high level of concern. Federal support: 38 percent said that keeping jobs in the United States was the best way to encourage small business. Thirty-two percent preferred government programs. Policy analysts and energy experts have expressed divergent views on governments plans to list the Volta River Authority (VRA) and Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCO) on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE). Some experts, who kicked against the move, have argued that GRIDCO is not performing badly. However, others support the listing of the two entities on the stock exchange, explaining that that would make the companies more efficient and help address the reoccurring power crisis. Government is considering listing GRIDCo and VRA on the stock exchange to make the energy sector more efficient and resolve the funding challenges facing power companies. Speaking on Citi Breakfast Show in Accra yesterday, the former Minister for Power, Dr. Kwabena Donkor, said governments plan to list the GRIDCo on the Stock Exchange would be an unnecessary misstep for the country. GRIDCo has recorded profits in the last couple of years, and so why would you put your brain on the stock exchange. Whoever is advising the government will be doing the country a disservice, he said. Security Implications According to him, there are also security implications in listing the company on the Stock Exchange, stating that GRIDCo is the nerve centre of the power system. In fact, in some countries and in some jurisdictions, you dont even have the grid company on GPS or on the map, because it is considered a major security installation, he explained. The former Power Minister disclosed that if the enlisting on the stock exchange is to ensure value and revenue, government can continue to rely on the energy sector levy. The levies are enabling us to pay off the debt. ISODEC Supports Listing However, a policy analyst at the Integrated Social Development Center (ISODEC), Dr. Steve Manteaw, has backed governments plans to list VRA and GRIDCO on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Speaking on the Morning Starr on Wednesday, Dr. Manteaw said the move would ensure corporate transparency and accountability. I agree with government to dilute the ownership of GRIDCO and VRA. You dont go on the stock market only when you are doing well. You can go when you have a challenge. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video President Akufo-Addo has revealed that he had no difficulty whatsoever in supporting the candidature of Thomas Kwesi Quartey for the position of Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission. According to President Akufo-Addo when his predecessor, former President Mahama, told him about presenting Thomas Kwesi Quartey as Ghanas candidate for the position, it was a very easy matter for me, because he was a Ghanaian who had the spirit and competence for the job. President Akufo-Addo made this known on Thursday, February 16, 2017, when Thomas Kwesi Quartey, now Deputy AU Commission Chairperson, and Ambassador Victor Gbeho called on the President to thank him for the support offered to the candidature of Kwesi Quartey by the government. It will be recalled that Thomas Kwesi Quartey served as deputy Foreign Affairs Minister under the Mahama government, and was until recently Secretary to former President, John Dramani Mahama. Nonetheless, Thomas Quartey received the strongest support and backing from the government of President Akufo-Addo, resulting in him receiving 44 out of 54 votes cast, representing some 82% of votes from the Heads of State gathered. President Akufo-Addo noted that it was with a clean and sincere heart that I threw my support and I am happy that we were successful. I got all the credit for it by my fellow Heads of State, but I believe it was a good day for Ghana. The President urged the new Deputy AU Commission Chairperson to help effect the vision of continental integration, and ensure that the proposals adopted at the 28th AU Summit, which include the proposals on continental free trade, and finding sustainable ways of financing the AU, are fully implemented. He was confident that Kwesi Quartey would do a good job and hold high the flag of Ghana. Ambassador Victor Gbeho, on his part, thanked the President for the immense support given to Thomas Kwesi Quarteys candidature and assured him that the latter will work diligently to justify the confidence reposed in him, as well as enhance Ghanas image in the comity of nations. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Gender Minister, Otiko Afisa Djaba says she is appalled by the acts of violence meted out against a 27-year-old lady for allegedly stealing in Kumasi. The lady, accused of allegedly stealing unspecified amount of money, is captured in a video being stripped naked, beaten and having some men insert their feet and fingers in her genitals. Speaking in an exclusive interview with 3FMs Mercy A. Catherine Adjabeng, the Gender Minister said the act is dehumanizing and doesnt reflect the ideals of the Ghanaian society. Im appalled at the video that I saw; to think that Ghana is going to be 60years in a matter of days and a woman has been treated with such contempt and indignity in this day and age really beats my understanding. I really want to condemn this barbaric and cruel act that took away the dignity and self-esteem of this young lady. In this country we live by the rule of law. If anyone commits a crime, its not for any vigilante to decide how theyll judge; we believe per the law that you are innocent until proven guilty. Can you imagine everybody had to take matters into their own hands, she asked. Calling the situation as worrying, the Gender Minister, noted that the incident showed the Ghanaian society was gradually becoming intolerant. According to the narration she is alleged to have stolen some amount of money, but thats an allegation. Even if it were true, its not up to anybody to pronounce judgment in the dehumanizing way she was treated. The beating, prodding and humiliation she suffered is not like the Ghanaian society that I know. Ghanaians are loving and respectful to our mothers and sisters and women are the most vulnerable so this is an atrocity against womankind. And all these men kicking her private parts with their shoes and hands and all the things that were done to her is degrading to say the least. Its unacceptable and wrong that society is gradually becoming intolerant and thats a worrying trend. Madam Otiko Djaba indicated the Ministry was liaising with the Police to ensure justice was served. The ministry is working with the police to investigate and ensure justice because apart from the psychological impact the incident can have on the victim, it is a complete violation of her right and an act of criminal and social injustice. Asked if the incident could be blamed on the failure of institutions and established systems to enforce law and order, Otiko Djaba indicated it was a wakeup call for the Gender Ministry to ensure aggressive advocacy and concerted efforts towards the protection of rights as well as the maintenance of law and order in the Ghanaian society. As a Ministry, we cant do it alone; we need to work together with other sectors and agencies to education the citizenry about the effect of these vigilante acts. Ghana is part of the global community and weve signed onto several Protocols, Conventions and Treaties like the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women, (CEDAW) so its not in our interest to be seen to be treating our citizens particularly women in such undignified manner. It boils down to attitudinal change; we must therefore embark on aggressive advocacy and adapt different forms of communication strategies and platforms from the community through to the national level. We must also engage various stakeholders including Traditional authorities, Civil Society and Community Based Organizations and other Actors towards attitudinal change. People must understand and live by the principle that you follow due process when you feel aggrieved or are unhappy about issues. The Minister urged all and sundry to be more patient, tolerant and use use laid down procedures to address grievances in order to progress together, respecting and protecting the rights of both men and women. The video has since gone viral on social media. Meanwhile gender activists and human rights advocates have also demanded that the perpetrators be brought to book swiftly. Source: 3news.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection Nana Oye Lithur has asked President Nana Akufo-Addo to acknowledge that Ghanaians have been split right in the middle by the actions of the notorious invincible forces he has refused to bring to book. The invincible forces are a security group made up of ex-military and police officials, working under the umbrella of the New Patriotic Party and have been identified as the force behind recent acts of thuggery carried out on persons and institutions that are associated with the past NDC administration. The president in the State of the Nation Address he delivered on Tuesday, February 21, 2017, told parliament he did not condone the activities of this group during the nations transition period. Mr Speaker, certain instances occurred during the transition period which are matters of concern to me and should be to every Ghanaian. Wrongdoing has no political colour and I do not subscribe to the lawlessness of political party supporters simply because their party has been elected into office, he stated. Mr Speaker, when those incidences began, I instructed the then Inspector General of Police, John Kudalor, to apply the law irrespective of political affiliation to all law breakers. This instruction was also carried on to his successor David Asante-Apeatu to act upon it to bring such situation under control, he said. But Mrs Oye Lithur is of the opinion the president can do more than just express concern. He is singularly a human rights activistwe expect more from him now that he is president. We need to see him do more than talk. Its been three weeks and weve not seen anyone actually prosecuted, she expressed in a panel discussion on GHOne TV after the president address the nation. Source: ghonetv.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Pressure Group, Critical Thinkers International (CTI), has asked President Akufo-Addo to sack all heads of security agencies over the scuffle that ensued between a camera man and security officer on Tuesday in Accra when the President was singing the national anthem prior to delivering his maiden State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament. It would be recalled that a cameraman, believed to be working for the state broadcaster, Ghana Television (GTV) was heckled by a security man when he tried to capture President Akufo-Addo singing the national anthem. This, according to media reports, led to a scuffle between the security officer and the said camera man, who was asked to leave the place. CTI, in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Nana Kwadwo Akwaa, said the struggle which occurred between the security and a cameraman during the parade before the presentation of the State of the Nation in Parliament by the President on 21st February was not only condemnable but also posed a serious threat to the security of the President of Ghana. CTI explained that the actions of the security men did not only show how badly trained they are but also showed how they cared more about the avoidance of a perceived disgrace of the nation than the safety of the most important person of the land. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Cameroon has expelled 517 Nigerians, including 313 asylum seekers, who fled the insurgency by militant Islamist group Boko Haram, the UN High Commission for Refugees has said, AFP news agency reports. UNHCR said it was "very concerned" about the expulsions and it urged Cameroon to offer asylum and respect international conventions against the forced repatriation of asylum seekers, AFP adds. The UN body said it planned to sign an agreement with Cameroon and Nigeria on 2 March for the voluntary return of 85,000 Nigerian refugees. Correspondents say a similar crisis has developed in East Africa, where Kenya's government has been trying to close down the Dadaab refugee camp and forcibly repatriate Somalis who fled the insurgency by militant Islamist group al-Shabab. On 9 February, a Kenyan court blocked the plan to close the camp, saying it amounted to "group persecution". Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Audio Attachment: Listen to the hot exchanges between Moses Foh-Amoaning and Mr. George Aggrey on Neat FM. Host of NEAT FMs morning show, Kwesi Aboagye had the toughest time controlling Law lecturer, Moses Foh-Amoaning and Mr. George Aggrey, Board Chairman of Amnesty International Ghana during a telephone interview on whether Ghana should or should not accept homophile practice. Both resource persons held different views on the subject however, their heated argument led to some personal attacks during the live interview on NEAT FMs morning show 'Ghana Montie'. Mr. George Aggrey who failed to openly dismiss claims regarding his alleged status as a homosexual, was described by the renowned lawyer as a disgrace to his entire family a comment the Human Rights Group, Amnesty board chairman did not take lightly. You are a grown up person, were you taught by your parents to have sex through your anus? Are you gay? Do you have sex through your anus? Why are you lying to Ghanaians that homosexuality is good? Moses Foh-Amoaning quizzed but was not answered. Genesis of the gay issue The Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Oquaye when addressing some members of the Royal House Chapel on Monday, February 20, 2017, called for the amendment of the countrys laws to completely ban homosexuality and make it illegal. He described homosexuality as despicable and against the countrys culture which cannot be accepted. He said: It is unfortunate that people have become so liberal that they will want to liberalise Christianityeven priests are approving of homosexuality and allowing a man and a man [to] marry, a woman and a woman [to] marry and these are manifest abominations. I trust that with your kind of insistence, the Parliament of Ghanawill find its way clear in strengthening the laws to ban homosexuality as they exist. As for this, may God forbid that it becomes a Ghanaian culture, he added. Amnesty stance on gay issues The Human Rights Group, upon the Speakers call, launched a strong resistance against the amendment of the countrys laws to completely ban homosexuality and make it illegal. According to the groups board chairman, Mr. George Aggrey, it will be dangerous and tendency of infringing the fundamental and universal rights of those engaged in homosexuality. Everyone has their freedom and rights and must not be shattered by any law. Our position is that, it is a right for every individual to practice what they want. If the person think homosexuality is good, allow the person to practice it. That is their right, he said. If our culture is against gayism, then we must educate our children when they are young to abstain. If the person is above 18, then you cant force the person to stop that in any way. Theres no law in Ghana that is against homosexuality, there is no law, he noted. Lawyer Foh-Amoanings position The law lecturer however schooled Mr. Aggrey that There are laws in Ghana and homosexuality is not accepted in our culture. In as much as we have our rights, we dont have the right to do everything. Can I have sex with my mother because I have my right? Mr Aggrey, you are disgrace to your own family. Mr. Aggrey is a homosexual and lying to Ghanaians. I am putting it to you [Aggrey] that you are practicing gayism. You are a disgrace to your family. How can you admit anal sex is a right, he charged. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Washman007 Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video GLICO LIFE, a leading name and brand of choice in Ghanas life insurance market, has presented one thousand (1,000) reflective jackets to the Ghana Police Service. This donation is in line with fulfilling its corporate Social responsibility in the area of social protection and community involvement. Presenting the reflective jackets, the Group Head, Corporate Affairs and Marketing, Nana Efua Rockson, stated that GLICO LIFE is committed to Security and protection and thus, all its insurance policies are to provide peace of mind and security for an uncertain future. It is in promoting this that GLICO LIFE found it laudable to support the Ghana Police to also carry out their duty of ensuring peace, security and protection for the citizenry. Nana Efua indicated that peace of mind is an important prerequisite for any individual and that if GLICO LIFE can support to ensure its sustainability, it will inure to its business growth. Customers can operate in an environment of peace and have the freewill to buy GLICO LIFE insurance policies Receiving the items on behalf of the IGP, the Director General of Services, Mr. Frank Adu Poku was full of praise and admiration for GLICO LIFE. He intimated that the gesture would help immensely in creating visibility of the Patrol team as they go about their duties. He further stated that GLICO LIFE has always shown leadership and support to the Ghana Police and entreated like-minded corporate institutions to imitate GLICO LIFEs gesture as policing is a shared responsibility. Present at the ceremony were other GLICO LIFE management members in the persons of Mr. John Bucknor Smart - Sales Consultant, Mr. Benjamin Avickson - South East Sector Manager, Nana Oware - Business Development Coordinator for Burma Camp Office, Mr. Joseph Abalo - Business Development Coordinator for Kasoa Office and Mr. Vincent Ofori Sottie - Business Development Coordinator for Accra Main Office. Additionally, there were key top officers of the Ghana Police Service who joined Mr. Frank Adu Poku - Director General (Services) to receive the items. They are in the persons of COP Ransford Nission - Director General (Welfare), Superintendent Cephas Arthur - Director Public Affairs and Chief Superintendent Obed Dzikunu - Director of National Patrols/Visibility Commendably, GLICO LIFE is one insurance company that focuses on leaving positive footprints in the lives of its policyholders, stakeholders and the general Ghanaian community. To this end, It takes appropriate actions that are over and above industry standard to give back, whenever it can, to support the very people and institutions that have made GLICO what it is today. GLICO LIFE is currently the only life insurance company in Ghana rated "B" by Standards & Poor's Rating Agency. It is the parent company of GLICO GROUP; a Group of six companies, namely GLICO FINANCIAL, GLICO HEALTHCARE, GLICO HEALTHCARE, GLICO GENERAL and GLICO PENSIONS, altogether providing insurance and financial security and protection for the Ghanaian populace Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, has expressed worry about the safety of most mosquito coils used in homes in the country. He said most of the mosquito coils which have been banned in other parts of the world have found their way into the country and were being used in homes with disregard to safety instructions. Pesticides are a big problem, and I have personally seen some mosquito coils and sprays that are banned everywhere else in the world on the Ghanaian market. We know that some of the pesticides contain substances that are dangerous and toxic to marine cognisance ... and we are burning these things and inhaling them, Prof Frimpong-Boateng said during a meeting with officials of the Environmental Protection Agency in Accra. The meeting was part of a working visit to the EPA to fraternise with staff and management. He said the instructions that went with the mosquito coils required that when it was lighted in a room, the doors and windows should be closed for some time after which they were opened to allow air into the room before one could sleep in it. However, the adverts say different things; sometimes urging people to sleep with the coils because they smell nice and one could inhale the smoke. He said: Our fight against the mosquito should start from the environment - we should get rid of the breeding sites so the mosquito will not get a chance even to multiply. Clean environment is very important. Prof. Frimpong-Boateng said it was only a clean environment that would help clear mosquitoes and not pesticides which also had their negative effects on peoples health. We have the obligation to change this country and if we are not able to do it I dont think we can expect any other generation to do it EPA has a strong hand in this exercise in helping keep a clean environment, the Minister said. If we have the discipline to clean the environment we will have the discipline to improve our industry, improve agriculture and everything else, he said, and called on the public to also separate waste in the homes. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, His Holiness Pope Francis, has sent a congratulatory message to the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on his assumption of the high office of the land, after his victory in the 2016 elections. The message, which was delivered on behalf of the Pope by Archbishop Jean-Marie Speich, Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, also indicated to President Akufo-Addo that Pope Francis had decided to send an envoy from The Vatican for Ghanas 60th Independence celebration. This decision by Pope Francis, according to Archbishop Jean-Marie Speich, was the first time in 40 years that a delegation had been sent by the Pope to witness Ghanas Independence Day celebration. This, according to the Papal Nuncio, was indicative of the high regard Pope Francis has for President Akufo-Addo, Ghana and her democratic credentials. Archbishop Jean-Marie Speich made this known on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, when he paid a courtesy call on the President. He also urged President Akufo-Addo to announce the name of a new Ambassador from Ghana to The Vatican, as there isnt one at the moment. In his brief response, President Akufo-Addo, through the Archbishop, thanked Pope Francis for his message, and expressed his deepest respects and appreciation for the immense work being done by Pope Francis, especially for the year. He also commended the Catholic Church for the invaluable support given to Ghana, in the areas of education, health and the provision of social services to the citizenry, over the years, particularly through the Catholic Relief Services. President Akufo-Addo assured Archbishop Jean-Marie Speich that, in the tenure of his Presidency, he will deepen further the relations between Ghana and The Vatican, to the mutual benefit of its citizens. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video MoveHub, an international relocation company has rated Ghana as the most expensive country to live in on the African continent. MoveHub based its assessment on a range of costs, such as the price of groceries, transport, bills, restaurants and rents. These figures are then compiled into an index, using the notoriously expensive city of New York as a benchmark. According to the report published by the Independent.co.uk website, Ghana is ranked among 20 other nations that are deemed expensive to reside in world over. It said: Ghana is one of Africas more prosperous nations, and this is reflected in the cost of living, which is higher than any other African nation. New York was given an index score of 100, and countries were then ranked based on this. So a country with a score higher than 100 is more expensive than New York, while below signals that it is cheaper. Below is the list of the 21 most expensive countries in the world 21. Ghana 53.89: Ghana is one of Africas more prosperous nations, and this is reflected in the cost of living, which is higher than any other African nation, according to MoveHub. 20. Italy 53.89: The cost of living in Italy is higher than in the eurozones two largest economies, Germany and France. 19. Israel 54.11: Israel is, comparatively speaking, pretty inexpensive compared to other states in the region like Kuwait and the UAE. 18. Kuwait 57.31: Kuwaits currency, the Kuwaiti dinar, is one of the strongest currency units in the world, with a single dinar worth 2.63. 17. Japan 57.62: Japans economy may have stagnated somewhat in recent years, but it still remains one of the worlds powerhouses, and that is reflected in the cost of living. 7. Bahamas 73.63: The Caribbean state of the Bahamas faces the same problem as many island nations, that imports far outstrip exports, pushing up the price of goods. 6. Norway 74.47: Scandinavian countries are notoriously expensive, and Norway is no exception. According to Numbeo, the average 1 bedroom apartment in the country costs around 925 per month to rent. 5. Singapore 76.57: According to the blog Singapore Life News, the average cost of a pint of beer in the city-state is around 8.50. 4. Iceland 80.47: Cut off from the rest of Europe and with very little fertile ground, Iceland is forced to import much of its food, pushing up costs. 3. Hong Kong 81.93: Hong Kong is notoriously expensive, and with space at a premium in the incredibly crowded city, apartments are usually both tiny and pricey. 2. Switzerland 90.68: Switzerland frequently tops lists of the best places on earth to live thanks to great infrastructure, healthcare and a clean environment. However, all this comes at a price and it is the most expensive place in Europe to live. 1. Bermuda 126.34: The Atlantic Ocean tax haven of Bermuda is officially the most expensive nation on earth, with the countrys capital Hamilton also the most expensive individual city on the planet. Source: starrfmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A Vice Chairperson of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Anita Desoso has urged the spokesperson of the Minority Chief Whip in Parliament, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka to cease commenting on the bribery allegation that has hit Parliament. According to him, the manner in which Farouk Muniru, Muntakas aide is talking will further anger the teeming members of the NDC party who are already incensed over the alleged involvement of Hon. Muntaka in the shameful bribery saga. An NDC MP for Bawku, Mahama Ayariga accused his colleague MP, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, of being a conduit through which the Minister-designate for Energy, Boakye Agyarko, attempted bribing members on the Appointment Committee to ensure his approval after his vetting. Hon. Ayariga allegedly that the Minority Chief Whip gave him and other members GH?3,000.00 thinking it was their sitting allowance which had earlier been promised them, but returned the money after they found out that the money was a bribe from the Minister-designate for Energy. Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak has since then denied ever giving any money to Mahama Ayariga. Others such as the NDC Eastern Regional Chairman, Bismark Tawiah Boateng has urged Hon. Muntaka to resign his position as a leader in Parliament since his alleged involvement in a bribery scandal has brought huge shame to the party and the high office that he occupies. But Farouk Muniru has mounted a strong defence of his boss, insisting that his hands are clean and will not resign his position any day. However, Anita Desoso in an interview with Kasapa News stated that Farouk Muniru will do himself and his boss a lot of good if keeps mute on the matter. At the moment a lot of party members are very angry, so the spokesperson must not aggravate the situation, I wish he was quiet. Just as Muntaka is quiet on the matter, he should also do same so that the anger level of party members will reduce. We beg party supportersthough the bribery scandal is a disgrace and very painful they should keep their cool as the party awaits the Committees report, following which the party will also take its decision. Source: kasapafmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Deputy General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) says he will tame the vociferous General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, popularly known as General Mosquito. Nana Obiri Boahen said he has the right antidote to repel the poisonous Mosquito infesting political opponents with malaria. If Asiedu Nketia says he is Mosquito, I will prove to him that Im also mosquito coil to repel him he stated on Asempa FMs Ekosii Sen programme Wednesday. Lawyer Obiri Boahen made the comment after Asiedu Nketia accused him of inciting NPP hoodlums to seize vehicles belonging to appointee in the erstwhile Mahama government. He also indicated that the condemnation of the act by President Akufo-Addo came very late when the harm had already been done. General Mosquito, therefore, claims the loud silence of the President and the NPP is enough attestation that they were behind the action of the NPP thugs. In a quick rebuttal, Nana Obiri Boahen said the claims by Asiedu Nketia is much ado about nothing. He explained that the party boys who led the operation has so far retrieved over 25 state vehicles taken unlawfully from NDC functionaries thus cannot be condemned. The NPP deputy General Secretary said they will not kowtow to the whims and caprices of the NDC because they have sworn to protect public property. I have served the party loyally while in opposition and Im prepared to go all out to defend NPP in power he fumed. Obiri Boahen said they will not allow NDCs vile propaganda to fester to ensure President Akufo-Addo is focused on fulfilling all his promises to Ghanaians. Source: adomonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A former Chief Executive of the Volta River Authority, Dr. Charles Wereko-Brobby has called on Ghanaians to weep for the nation because after 60 years of Independence, Ghana has failed. According to the businessman, politician and former diplomat, Ghana has failed to achieve anything relevant with the West African nation still struggling to survive without the help of its donor partners. We should all go to the black star square and mourn and weep because Ghana at 60, we have failed, Dr. Wereko-Brobby said. Ghana is set to mark its 60 years anniversary after it gained independence from the United Kingdom on 6th March 1957. The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has revealed it will cost the country GHC20 million to organize the impending [email protected] celebrations. Government is, however, relying on corporate bodies and philanthropists to raise the amount. But speaking on Starr Chat Wednesday, Dr. Wereko-Brobby stated that there is a certain unwillingness about the committee set up to oversee the celebrations to be bold. I think there is a certain unwillingness to be bold about Ghaan at 60, I think that for a nation that set to look over its own if at 60 you are going to donors thenyou have failed. Profile of Dr. Wereko-Brobby Dr. Charles Wereko-Brobby was born on 27 March 1953, in Kumasi. He is an engineer, politician, diplomat and businessman in Ghana. He was once the Chief Executive of Ghanas Volta River Authority, then the countrys major power generator and distributor. In the mid-1990s, he established Radio Eye, which was Ghanas first independent radio station after the government took the station off the air, he was approached by David Ampofo for an interview on the talkshow Time With David, which he agreed to.[1] He was the chief executive of the [email protected] secretariat, responsible for planning Ghanas 50th Jubilee in 2007. After President John Evans Atta Mills, Tarzan, as Wereko-Brobby is popularly known had to appear before numerous commission of inquiries and courts to answer for his stewardship of the Commission. Wereko-Brobby ran for President of Ghana in 2000 as leader of the United Ghana Movement (UGM). He formed the UGM in 1996 after leaving the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He is also the nephew of Victor Owusu a founding father of the [NPP]. After the NPP lost power to the NDC in 2012, Wereko-Brobby came out strongly to advise the party to abandon its legal fight to overturn the Electoral Commissions verdict in the courts and rather concentrate on winning the 2016 elections. Wereko-Brobby attended Achimota School. He was then educated at the University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom where he was awarded a BSc in Fuel and Combustion Engineering and a PhD in Solar Energy Engineering. He was President of Leeds University Union from 1978 to 1979. Source: starrfmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Information Minister Mustapha Hamid has dismissed assertions by the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was selective and divisive with his maiden State of the Nation Address (SoNA) which he delivered to parliament on Tuesday. Reacting to Mr Akufo-Addos address, the opposition party accused Nana Akufo-Addo of neglecting vital sectors of the economy while painting a gloomy image of the economy to win the sympathy of Ghanaians. Being the first SoNA to be delivered by him, there was huge expectation that he would use the occasion to offer a broad overview of his vision and plan for Ghana especially in the light of the extravagant promises he made on the campaign trail in the 2016 elections and as contained in the NPPs manifesto for the same election Minority leader Haruna Iddrisu, who addressed the press on Wednesday said adding that this expectation to the contrary however revealed that the Presidents bark doesnt match his bite. He hid behind brevity in order to avoid touching on many critical sectors that are vital and of importance to the generality of our people. But Mr Hamid speaking to Class91.3FMs 505 News programme said the president could not have touched on all sectors in his message but painted the true picture of the state. Everything rises and falls on the economy, so, once the president talks excessively on the economy and how the economy is challenged and if we were to fix the economy and get a very stable macroeconomic environment, it affects everything. So, I dont know what the Minority is talking about that he [Nana Akufo-Addo] is being selective and that he should have talked about tourism, sports, housing. There is no single aspect of our national life which is not important, so, if the president was to go on and on, he would go on interminably and that is not the business of a state of the nation. That is why the constitution says the president shall give a message on the state of the nation. A message is not necessarily laborious. They are entitled to what they say and like the president said facts are facts. The president wouldnt come before parliament and lie and just say things that are not correct, he stated. Source: classfmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video According to the deputy Chief Scribe of the opposition National Democratic Congress [NDC], his phones have been buzzing with calls from thousands of Ghanaians who want the NDC back in government. Koku Anyidoho in an interview with NEAT FMs morning show 'Ghana Montie' claimed that majority of Ghanaians have regretted their decision to secure Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo the presidency in the 2016 December elections. He told host Kwesi Aboagye that We are very hungry for power; we will be back in 2020. People are crying for us [NDC] to comeback but God knows best. We wish the NPP well. Let them do their best but their best must be good enough to retain them in 2020. There are so many broken promises, so it may be difficult for them, he added. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Washman007 Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Enoch Teye Mensah says he supports the initiative of government to make Senior High School education free for all Ghanaians. Speaking on 3FMs morning show, Sunrise, the veteran politician said that, I will go for Free SHS. We have oil etc. We must find the money, we can find When Nkrumah didnt have oil, he gave us Free SHS. So, for that one, I support it 100 percent. He told the host of Sunrise, Winston Amoah that Ghana owes its greatness among the global community to the Free Education policy initiated by the countrys first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He added that Nkrumah didnt care about ones political colour or background in the implementation of his free education program, for which reason Ghana could readily find skilled workmen from all walks of life. Source: 3news Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video 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. The ruling on the field is a touchdown. What youre seeing in the video above is a 40 meter tall SpaceX rocket booster, weighing more than 20 tons, fly itself back to Earth from space and land precisely on a target at Cape Canaveral. What you may be wondering is, how did it do that? The first thing to know is that a rocket booster is in fact a large robot, steering itself back to earth without help from anyone else but its internal computers. The challenge SpaceX CEO Elon Musk set for his reusable rocket team, led by MIT-trained aerospace engineer Lars Blackmore, was to teach the rocket how to fly itself back to earth. Landing spacecraft is fundamental to exploring our solar system, as its the only effective way to bring heavy scientific equipment or people to a planetary surface. Scientists have been thinking about this since NASA began planning the moon landing in the 1960s. In 2007, Blackmore started working on similar problems at Caltechs Jet Propulsion Laboratory, thinking about how to improve the landing ability of spacecraft being sent to explore the surface of Mars. In 2009, Blackmore and two colleagues observed in a paper (pdf) that the inability to land precisely on Mars meant that scientific exploration was taking a backseat to the realities of getting a spacecraft to land at a specific location. When planning these trips, engineers visualize landing precision as an imaginary ellipse on the surface of the planet, where the spacecraft has a 99% chance of landing. Dialing in: The landing ellipses for various Martian probes. Dialing in: The landing ellipses for various Martian probes. In 1997, when NASA sent a rover called Mars Pathfinder to the red planet, it was expected to land within an ellipse 150 kilometers across its major axis, which is not exactly what you want to hear if youre scientist with a specific destination in mind. By the time the Mars Curiosity rover landed in 2012, JPLs engineers had the landing ellipse shrunk to 20 kilometers across. Thats still a lot of uncertaintyimagine if you were taking a plane somewhere and you were told youd land within 20 kilometers of your destination. Story continues But SpaceX has its rockets landing within ellipses of 60- and 20-meters across, on a Cape Canaveral landing pad and on sea-going landing barges, respectivelyan improvement by several orders of magnitude. A big reason for the uncertainty in most Mars rovers is the use of parachutes to land, because engineers are still learning how to use rockets to slow a spacecrafts descent through a planets atmosphere at hypersonic speeds. SpaceX, in developing its reusable rocket, is the only organization to have brought a rocket back from space by actually flying it to Earth at that velocity, and it has shared its groundbreaking work on this aerodynamics problem with NASA to help scientists there plan future Martian missions. But once the physics are mastered of maneuvering a rocket-powered spacecraft in for landing, the rocket still needs to be taught to fly itself down. Using rocket thrust to control descent allows companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, whose smaller suborbital rocket has successfully landed and been reused several times, to hit their landing targets precisely by eliminating the parachute drift normally associated with spacecraft falling to earth. There arent human pilots on most spacecraft these days, and it can be difficult to communicate with spacecraft as they land, either because of the distances involved with planetary exploration, or on Earth, because friction with the atmosphere as a rocket flies back down can create an ionization field (a static shock on a grand scale) capable of blocking radio signals. The computing challenge is simple to describe and hard to execute: Plot the optimal path down to the target without running out of fuel. Thats complicated enough, but also consider the time constraint: The rockets computers need to solve this problem before they run out of fuel or crash into earthin a fraction of a second, according to Blackmore. He and his colleagues developed one of the first algorithms to do this in three dimensions in that 2009 paper on Mars landings, receiving a patent on their ideas in 2013. The solution involves solving a convex optimization problem, a common challenge in modern machine learning. In wildly reductive laymans terms, it involves considering all the possible answers to the question of whats the best way to get from here to the landing pad without running out of fuel as a geometric shape, and uses mathematical tools developed first by John non Neumann, the father of game theory, and refined by Indian mathematician Narendra Karmarkar in the 1980s, to quickly choose the best way down from that set. A visualization of the rocket booster's path back to earth. A visualization of the rocket boosters path back to earth. At SpaceX, Blackmore and his team have updated the landing algorithms (PDF, p. 15), using software developed by Stanford computer scientists to generate customized flight code, which enables very high speed onboard convex optimization.As the rocket reacts to changes in the environment that alter its courseknown as dispersionsthe on-board computers recalculate its trajectory to ensure that it will still be 99% sure to land within its target. So far, it has: SpaceX has landed eight boosters since its first successful attempt in December 2015, including its last four flights. The three failures to land in that time period were caused by hardware issues, not a failure to navigate successfully to the landing area. SpaceX executives are reluctant to say they now expect landings to succeed, preferring to keep their focus on the primary mission of launching cargo for clients, but its clear that reliability is improving. The company plans to fly the first of its flight-proven stages in a March mission for the European satellite operator SES. Should they succeed and be able to regularly fly previously-used rockets, CEO Musk has said the cost of launch could drop by 30%. Sign up for the Quartz Daily Brief, our free daily newsletter with the worlds most important and interesting news. More stories from Quartz: Actress Eva Adonoo is one of the busiest actresses in the movie industry and now, the actress is eagerly looking forward to the release of her upcoming film Diaboress, where she stars opposite ace actor Kofi Adjorlolo. I had fun playing the role seeing men crawling at my foot like that felt normal but funny and emotional at some point considering the fact that I'm a soft person and don't like to see others suffer . But in this instance I had to punish all the men one by one. It made it a bit challenging but hey then again fun. Having being the boss and in charge as well" says Eva while adding, My character was about a lady who tricks men who are womanizers and have played other innocent girls. I deceive the men into falling in love with me and then I deal with them". Eva is no stranger on the lists of celebrity actresses in the country. After practically growing up on the incredibly successful Ghanaian movie Cheaters book 2 by Venus films production, the young actress has been placed into the limelight for quite some time. But with one look at Evas upcoming projects, its easy to see that the starlet will be gaining even more attention in the year to come. The beautiful actress has masters in business administration from the university of Northampton UK and currently works with one of the financial institute in Ghana. "I am enjoying both career and haven't faced any challenges. I schedule my time well for work" she newsybase.com in an interview. She's best known for movies like Cheaters book 2 by Venus films production, Eclipse of Maame Serwaa by Neat films production, Casper's energy produced by Cine-god studios, Five brides also by Venus films production and the yet to be release Diaboress by Lion Scope films. As to whether she expects some recognition in the various movie awards both at home and international, she responded: Awards make actors feel appreciated for their works and also motivates us to do more so it's one hell of a great move. Aside the passion for doing movies getting an award for my work will make me feel so good. Success is like an iceberg you know? So yes I'll keep working hard for an award" The actress believes acting has really paid off for her. According to her, she had the opportunity meeting and dinning with a few well connected individuals in the country and in the UK and also featured in a short film in the UK last year. She said the reception from people was flattering. She also revealed she will be giving others the opportunity to also showcase their God given talents by producing her own movie later in the year collaborating with cine-god studios. Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Remember the lyrics of that old cowboy song, Dont Fence Me In? Oh give me land lots of land under starry skies above dont fence me in Let me ride through the wide open spaces that I love dont fence me in. I found those wide open spacestheyre between Wyoming legislators ears. A bill has been introduced into the Wyoming state legislature aimed at legalizing discrimination against the gay communitybut only if the discriminatory behavior is motivated by religion. House Bill 135, also called the Government Nondiscrimination Act, would legalize discrimination against the LGBTQ community, so long as the discrimination is done for religious or moral reasons. According to Second Nexus (a publication with which I am unfamiliar), Specifically, the bill would forbid the government from taking action against any person, including public and private corporations and entities, if that person acts on a religious belief or moral conviction that marriage is the union of one man and woman, or that man and woman mean an individuals biological sex as objectively determined by anatomy genetics at the time of birth. The bill is remarkable for the breadth of organizations it allows to discriminate on the basis of religious freedom. If passed, HB 135 would allow government employees, licensed professionals (like teachers or counselors) and private businesses to discriminate, said Sabrina King, Policy Director at the ACLU of Wyoming. Under the bill, even hospitals and doctors would be allowed to deny routine health care services. (The bill does not exempt the provision of emergency medical treatment necessary for treatment of an illness or injury.) The bill does not define moral conviction or religious belief, nor does it specify what would constitute evidence of the genuine existence of such a belief. Think of all the other possible applications of this approach: all those libertarians who have a moral conviction that taxes are theft could assert that conviction as a defense to nonpayment. Mormon men who still believe in plural marriage could cite their religious beliefs when marrying several underage girls. I understand that the Santeria religion requires ritual, public animal sacrificesEvidently, however, the only religious and moral beliefs that deserve legal protection in Wyoming are those that require marginalizing and diminishing LGBTQ people. Even Justice Scalia, a notoriously anti-gay, pro-religion jurist, understood that allowing religious exemptions from laws of general application would constitute a direct assault on the rule of law. I actually have a strong moral objection to seeing my tax dollars used to pay lawmakers who introduce measures that are patently unconstitutionalnot to mention hateful and counterproductivewhether those public officials are in Wyoming, Indiana or the White House. [Originally published at SheilaKennedy.net on February 23, 2017] Peacock Panache readers: Sheila Kennedy is a former high school English teacher, former lawyer, former Republican, former Executive Director of Indianas ACLU, former columnist for the Indianapolis Star, and former young person. She is currently an (increasingly cranky) old person, a Professor of Law and Public Policy at Indiana University Purdue University in Indianapolis, and Director of IUPUIs Center for Civic Literacy. She writes for the Indianapolis Business Journal, PA Times, and the Indiana Word, and blogs at www.sheilakennedy.net. For those who are interested in more detail, links to an abbreviated CV and academic publications can be found on her blog, along with links to her books.. Like this: Like Loading... Related We hope you enjoyed reading this article! If you would like to support our ongoing work, please consider buying us a cup of coffee. It's not much, but we don't do this for the money. We do, however, need caffeine to keep going some days!If you do donate, send us a message through our Contact Us page or via social media so we can thank you! After teasing a huge discovery over the past few days, the boffins at NASA have dropped their big news: theyve discovered a system of seven Earth-size orbiting a nearby star, three of which are located in the so-called habitable zone which may support liquid water. Liquid water is generally considered key for a planet to be considered capable of supporting life. life like this??? Theyre called exoplanets, which is just the scientific designation for planets that are located outside of our own solar system, even though the name seems like a cool term for ALIEN PLANET. This is news for a few reasons. Firstly, its a record number of habitable-zone planets found orbiting a star outside our solar system. Secondly, though the system named TRAPPIST-1 is a casual 235 trillion miles away from us, thats considered relatively close in stellar terms. The planets are also quite close to each other, meaning someone standing on one would see its neighbour as appearing larger than our moon does to us. When NASA teased the news, as always the general assumption was that the agency had finally discovered aliens. Not quite but identifying planets which could possibly support liquid water is the first step towards identifying a planet that might support life. The seven wonders of TRAPPIST-1 are the first Earth-size planets that have been found orbiting this kind of star, said Michael Gillon, lead author of the paper and the principal investigator of the TRAPPIST exoplanet survey. It is also the best target yet for studying the atmospheres of potentially habitable, Earth-size worlds. NASA did a nifty little rendering of what it might look like on the surface of one of these planets: Look, if you were hoping that NASA were going to announce they had captured an alien and were currently dissecting it to unlock its terrible power, then youll probably walk away disappointed. But its still pretty cool. Source: NASA. Photo: Aliens. Welp. Thats it then the Fair Work Commission has determined that Sunday and public holiday penalty rates will be reduced for hospitality, retail and fast food workers, in a move that the commission acknowledged would likely cause hardship to some workers. The rate has not been cut to the extent demanded by business and their lobbyists, who wanted Sunday and public holiday rates reduced to Saturday levels. As per the report, these are the changes: Full-time and part-time hospitality workers will have their Sunday penalty rate cut from 175 per cent to 150 per cent. Full-time and part-time retail workers will have their Sunday penalty rate cut from 200 to 150 per cent Full-time and part-time fast food workers will have their rate cut from 150 per cent to 125 per cent. Fair Work Commission president Iain Ross acknowledged that Sundays were still more inconvenient or unsociable to work than Saturdays for many workers, but also argued that lower penalty rates will encourage extended trading hours and an increase in the level and range of services offered. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, who has opposed the changes over the past few years of the debate, tweeted his disappointment at the decision. He previously said Labor would legislate to protect workers whose income would be reduced by the change, but he has not outlined specific mechanisms here. Turnbull and his MPs have been pushing to cut penalty rates for years and now its happened. #auspol Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) February 23, 2017 Australian Coucil of Trade Unions president Ged Kearney slammed the decision, saying it will assist in creating a class of working poor people such as in the United States. This is a bad day for working Australians. [Struggling workers wont be able to survive on a 25 or 30 per cent pay cut. We are on the way to seeing a whole class of working poor in this country. We are talking about people who do not earn a fortune. The retail industry made a very healthy operating profit last year. They can afford to pay people decently. Well keep you posted on the specifics of whats happened and the reactions. Source: ABC. Photo: Black Books. Well, the enormous and well-connected Australian spivocracy certainly got what it was gunning for. After years and years of whining about how paying employees a fair wage for working unsociable hours on public holidays and weekends is antithetical to operating a business, the business lobbys wish was granted. The Fair Work Commission determined that penalty rates for hospitality and retail workers should be cut. People who work in the industries affected by this cut tend to be younger and poorer than the general population. It also includes many people of colour, and a number of older, low-income workers. The Australian Council of Trade Unions argues that this could hit many workers for up to $6,000 a year as compared to their current earnings. Even the Fair Work Commission acknowledged that many people in retail and hospitality find it difficult to survive even under the current penalty rate regime. Many of these employees earn just enough to cover weekly living expenses, said Fair Work Commission president Iain Ross. Evelyn, who works at Spotlight in Campbelltown, says she will lose $80 a week. Who gets picked on every time? she asks. Lane Sainty (@lanesainty) February 23, 2017 Of course and its important to remember this the Fair Work Commissions decision isnt the only thing that has contributed to this constant whittling down of the material conditions of low income earners and young people. The softie deals cut by the consistently pro-business industry union, the Shop Distributive & Allied Employees Association the largest union in Australia by membership have also played a role. The Retail and Fast Food Workers Union is trying to create a grassroots alternative to the SDA. Its hard not to read this is as just another assault on the conditions of young working people in this country, who find themselves at the bottom of a system with the ladder kicked out in front of them. Theyre told constantly that best way to enter the property market is through hard work, while they also experience the shredding of the living wage and material protections for workers. Sure, buying a house was always expensive. Try doing it as housing prices grossly inflate, real wages stagnate, and the people up the top do everything they can to carve out the laughably shithouse protections we have for working people and their money. Its obvious that the Liberal Party arent really on the side of workers young or otherwise with many MPs defending business push to gut the penalty rate system. But even Labor hasnt presented the kind of iron defence that should be at the baseline of any kind of progressive economic policy. As many have pointed out, Bill Shorten said last year that hed accept the results of the review, and that he didnt expect they would. Despite the fact this is pitched as a measure intended to help the small business battler, its not the small business owners who benefit most from this. The strongest lobbyists for change were the big retailers like JB Hi-Fi and Myer. You may remember the Fairfax article where captains of industry were polled on their penalty rate opinions while literally on a goddamn yacht. For young workers struggling to pay rent in a grossly inflated housing market, the loss of up to $6,000 a year in income due to a penalty rate reduction is not a small problem. Blame for reductions in retail profits gets laid on worker wages, despite the fact so many employees still live on a knife edge. Adam Bandt, the Greens MP for Melbourne, spoke on his partys intention to address the rate reduction through legislation, pointing to its impact on young workers. This cut in penalty rates is a cut in peoples wages and it will hit young people especially hard Coffees wont get any cheaper on Sundays but young people will find it harder to pay the rent, he said. And if you think this is a reasonable reduction, and it ends there, you couldnt be more wrong. This is just one battle in a much longer war a lopsided economy which favours the few and relies on prioritising profit over meeting basic human needs. Lobbyists within the industries not covered by todays decision are working just as hard to screw young workers out of their hard-earned. Photo: The Simpsons. As were all likely aware of right now (it wouldve been near impossible to miss), the musical icon and complete legend that is David Bowie tragically passed away in 2016. The BRIT Awards are on as we speak, and Bowie is absolutely cleaning up with posthumous awards for Blackstar. His son Duncan Jones, who is a well-known film director in his own right, attended the ceremony to receive the awards on behalf of his dad, and delivered a succinct, gorgeous, wonderful, heartbreaking speech. It was legitimately beautiful, and so apt. When accepting his dads award for Best British Album, Jones told the crowd this: I lost my dad last year, but I also became a dad, and I was spending a lot of time after getting over the shock of trying to work out what would I want my son to know about his granddad. And I think, it would be the same thing that most of my dads fans have taken over the last 50 years: hes always been there supporting people who think theyre a little bit weird, or a little bit strange, a little bit different. And hes always been there for them. This award is for all the kooks and all the people who make the kooks. @ManMadeMoon well done Duncan for the lovely speech, your dad will be proud of his grandson. Sending love to your family pic.twitter.com/lYGs1JnRKt Christine McQueen (@ChristineMcQue1) February 22, 2017 And hey, just in case you hadnt gotten teary enough: Kooks is the name of a song that Bowie wrote for his son when Duncan was born. Our hearts are both broken, and also completely full of love at the same time? Its a strange feeling. Source: Telegraph.co.uk. Photo: BRIT Awards Live Feed. After a seemingly endless avalanche of noise complaints levelled against concerts held in the Sydney Opera House forecourt, residents of nearby Bennelong Apartments aka The Toaster have been vindicated. Thanks to residents opposition to a string of live gigs in 2015, the Opera House has been fined a cool $15,000 for breaching the decibel limit prescribed by a development approval. Oh, for the record, the concert was a Florence & The Machine gig. The fine was handed down after it was ruled the third of F&TMs four forecourt shows exceeded the noise guidelines. You gotta make sure the harp aint too harsh, man. A post shared by Wows Sangkola Magno (@wowsangkolamagno) on Nov 13, 2015 at 3:02am PST This marks the first real victory that residents of the prestigious digs have had over their iconic neighbour, after a fair few years of concerted attempts to quell the damned racket. Notably, Toaster inhabitor Alan Jones stumped up some opposition to last years (thoroughly life-affirming) Crowded House gig, only to be called out personally by frontman Neil Finn. Those complaints came after NSW Planning and Environment gave the thumbs-up to a provisional change to the development approval, granting a bump in the decibel threshold. Residents have indicated theyre opposing that allowance, too. Watch this space to see if any other large-scale events get canned due to noise concerns. The Opera House says the right balance was not achieved at the F&TM gig, but if they can learn anything from the British gun, itd be to shake this one the hell out. Source: The Australian. Photo: @sarasaure / Instagram. Theres been mounting evidence of a Chance the Rapper x Childish Gambino collaboration for a while now (see HERE), and we are pleased to report that this evidence is only growing and growing. Donald Glover (AKA Childish Gambino), who was recently cast in the new Star Wars Han Solo spin-off as a young Lando Calrissian, has spoken to a radio show about the pair potentially working together and if the rumours are real. He phoned into Big Boys Neighborhood on LAs Real 92.3 to discuss the new movie, his newest album Awaken, My Love!, and whether him and Chance would ever fulfil all of our dreams and release music together. The rapper/actor told the show, We definitely met up. I dont know if Ill see him again now that hes won a Grammy. Well see what happens. We actually sat down in the studio and were talking for a little bit. I mean were both busy but when he has like a moment weve just been sitting down and just working together. I think its about catching a vibe. Considering that the pair have featured on each others music for a while now, we cant see how a Grammy would stand in the way so this is giving us all kinds of hope and nice feelings. You can hear Real 92.3s interview with Glover here the part where he speaks about Chance is at 15:30: Back in June, Chance answered this during a Reddit AMA: Everythings coming together, people. They just gotta find the time to sit down together. Fingers tightly crossed pls everyone. Source: Real 92.3. Photo: Instagram / @chancetherapper. Bob Casey,Neil Gorsuch They may have shared laughs, but Sen. Bob Casey, Jr., D-Pa., has concerns about Supreme Court Justice nominee Neil Gorsuch. Confirmation hearings for Gorsuch have been set for late March. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) (Susan Walsh) Good Thursday Morning, Fellow Seekers. When it comes to most things President Donald Trump, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., is one thing and one thing only: A solid "No." But when it comes to Trump's pick for the U.S. Supreme Court, Neil Gorsuch, the scion of Scranton is being a tad more circumspect, our pal Jonathan Tamari of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Right now, Casey is keeping his powder dry when it comes to Gorsuch, a federal appeals court judge who's won plaudits from both the left and the right. Casey recently met with Gorsuch, but declined to comment publicly on him. Instead, as Tamari notes, Casey's office issued a statement saying the Democrat would continue to review Gorsuch's record and would keep tabs on the confirmation process, now set to begin March 20. Speaking to Tamari earlier this month, Casey said he takes "a good bit of time to review [the] record," of high court nominees, since the lifetime appointments can shape the law for generations to come. And anyone with that kind of influence should be able to win more than a simple majority of Senate votes, he told Tamari. "You're going to have decades of impact on hundreds and hundreds of millions of people's lives, and you can't get 60 votes?" he mused. In Harrisburg on Wednesday, conservative activists urged Casey to become one of those 60 votes, Tamari reported. "The American people elected Donald Trump with this being one of the main issues that they were concerned with," U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11th, one of the White House's closest Congressional allies, said during a news conference. "There couldn't be an easier play to begin working together than confirming Judge Gorsuch." The national GOP is also upping the pressure: "The National Republican Senatorial Committee, which hopes to help defeat Casey next year, ran a radio ad in the Harrisburg area saying Gorsuch would protect the Second Amendment, and urging listeners to call Casey 'to protect your rights,'" Tamari wrote. Conversely, liberal action groups are also trying to build opposition to Gorsuch's nomination. Last year's fight over Judge Merrick Garland could play a role in Casey's decision. As Tamari notes: "In an interview this month, [Casey] said he told Vice President Mike Pence personally that the Garland fight would be a weight on this decision, and that he doubted there would be bipartisan cooperation on judges any time soon. 'It's going to be difficult,'" he said. The rest of the day's news starts now. In a new F&M poll, voters trust Trump to improve the economy, PennLive's Candy Woodall reports. And Bob Casey and Gov. Tom Wolf net high favorables in the new poll, PennLive's Wallace McKelvey reports. 'Permanent' changes are needed to close the state's widening budget gap, The Tribune-Review reports. Penn State's graduate assistants are unionizing, The Post-Gazette reports. PhillyMag profiles DA candidate Larry Krasner. Philly's soda tax took in $5.7 million in its first month - twice what the city expected, BillyPenn's Anna Orso reports. Here's your #Harrisburg Instagram of the Day: Obamacare defenders are targeting U.S. Rep. Pat Meehan with a 'citizens town hall,' NewsWorks/WHYY-FM reports. Keystone Crossroads catches up with Pennsylvanians who are backing the White House on its immigration policies. The Morning Call brings you the 20 most expensive homes for sale in the Lehigh Valley. As the White House eyes infrastructure, states are defending tax-free 'muni-bonds,' Stateline.org reports. The D-Trip is going after a trio of suburban Philly Republicans with a new Twitter ad campaign, PoliticsPA reports. The White House will look for a reset with its Tuesday night speech to Congress, Politico reports. In the absence of Congressional action, the White House is forging its own path on healthcare reform, Roll Call reports. What Goes On. Budget hearings roll on in the House (140 MC) and the Senate (Hearing Room 1, North Office Bldg) today. Here's the day's schedule: Senate: 10 a.m.: PA State System of Higher Education 1 p.m.: State Police/Homeland Security House: 10 a.m.: Treasury Department 11 a.m.: Auditor General 1:30 p.m.: Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education 3:30 p.m.: Attorney General WolfWatch. Gov. Tom Wolf heads to Swarthmore College today for a 2 p.m. roundtable with state Rep. Leanne Krueger-Braneky, where they'll discuss women's healthcare issues and that abortion bill that came out of the Senate earlier this month. What Goes On (Nakedly Political Edition). Rep. Jim Roebuck, D-Philadelphia, holds a 5:30 p.m. reception at Warmdaddy's on South Columbus Blvd. Admission runs $150 to $500. Heavy Rotation. If the beat doesn't grab you on this right away, check to make sure you're awake: And now you're up to date. See you all back here in a bit. International mining giant Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) is up 104 percent in the past year, but some analysts say it's still a buy after its substantial run. The stock sunk more than 5 percent Tuesday following a downgrade from Deutsche Bank citing "increasing uncertainty" surrounding ongoing disruptions at one of the company's major copper mines. But the recent weakness could present a prime buying opportunity, according to Craig Johnson, managing director and technical market strategist at Piper Jaffray. "I think the world has forgotten that this is a new secular bull market, and cyclical growth stocks are back in. When I look at a chart of Freeport-McMoRan here, what a great bottoming setup here. It's your classic inverted head and shoulders bottom," Johnson said Tuesday on CNBC's "Power Lunch." Let us translate: A "head and shoulders" technical pattern typically points to a bullish-to-bearish reversal in a chart, and thus an inverted pattern would suggest Freeport-McMoRan could take a leg higher, on this technical basis. Examining a two-year chart of the stock, Johnson contended, "All we're doing is pulling back and retesting where we broke out from," adding that he would buy this pullback as it's a "great opportunity." Johnson also noted that he thinks the basic materials sector will prove to be a market leader throughout 2017. Freeport-McMoRan, based in Arizona but with international copper, gold and silver mining operations, is up more than 7 percent year to date. The company saw significant upside, along with the price of copper, after the U.S. election in November as investors anticipated an increase in federal infrastructure spending. Production halted Tuesday at the giant Grasberg mine in Indonesia, where Freeport-McMoRan mines copper, after a failed deal between mine workers and the Indonesian government. The recent developments at the mine come as no surprise to Chris LaFemina, equity research analyst at Jefferies. But he said he is concerned about the ongoing dispute and expects shares to see volatility due to the recent reports. "[Grasberg mine] is critically important to Freeport, and a resolution to the ongoing issues is an important component of the Freeport investment case in the near term," LaFemina told CNBC in an email Tuesday. Looking further out, "assuming there is some resolution (even if as a result of international arbitration), the Freeport investment case is more dependent on the copper price," LaFemina wrote. He is bullish on the price of copper, and therefore holds a positive view on Freeport-McMoRan while acknowledging such volatility. China is one of the world's largest copper consumers, and its demand for the industrial metal is high. But Chad Morganlander, portfolio manager at Washington Crossing Advisors, is staying away from Freeport-McMoRan at this juncture as he sees growth in China as ready to "decelerate." "We think China's going to roll over, hence that's the reason we'd be more cautious," he said Tuesday on CNBC's "Power Lunch." "It's had a huge run in the last 12 months, and that's on the back of copper prices surging over 30 percent year over year," he said Tuesday. Morganlander also noted that Freeport-McMoRan has about $19 billion in debt, and has a "highly volatile revenue line" with little consistency on its free cash flow side. Analysts currently give Freeport-McMoRan an average rating of hold, per FactSet data, with a slightly bullish average target price of $14.56. Freeport shares slipped another 1 percent lower in early Wednesday trading. The latest exhibition at the Barnes Foundation, set to open Feb. 25, is one that takes place both within and outside of the confines of the museum's walls. "Person of the Crowd: The Contemporary Art of Flanerie" showcases the works of artists who take their art to the street, whether that's through photographing a journey of stalking a man in Venice to delve deeper into act of voyeurism or doing jumping jacks in the middle of traffic while wearing a zebra-patterned bodysuit to make a statement on feminism. It will run until May 22. The exhibition showcases work from 1959 to modern day, with new pieces being performed during its run at the Barnes. "It really traces the post-war history of artists around the world who have adopted a strategy to make their work that involves them going out onto the streets of cities where they live or streets in cities they're visiting and sort of wandering without a plan, letting the city wash over them and making work in that way," said Thomas Collins, executive director of the Barnes. "It's a strategy that traces directly to French impressionism," he continued. "The critic Charles Baudelaire actually described flaneur, which is strolling, as the engine of impressionism." For Ayana Evans, whose work "Throwing Hexes" will be happening May 6, 7 and 10 throughout Philadelphia, flanerie brings art to the people in a way that demands a visceral response. "I have a piece where I do jumping jacks in heels...for two hours and I wear a gown and that's the piece, it's called 'Stay With Me,'" she said. "You just watch me break down. And some people do stay, which is amazing. There's a lot of layers to that, but I feel like no painting can get you to that -- that feeling of two hours in heels jumping." "In a way I feel like it breaks a barrier that I can't do with painting," she continued. Evans is one of five artists who will be performing their art outside in the city. "Throwing Hexes" will have her doing physical exercises, including jumping jacks, ground rolling and chair dips, in various locations in the city -- including Pat's and Geno's. All the while, she'll be dressed in a neon, zebra-patterned bodysuit. Most of her work will be performed from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on May 6. She hopes "Throwing Hexes" inspires others and emboldens them to wear whatever they want and to do something interesting -- regardless of what others may think. "I hope that it cracks perception or shifts it," she said. Other performance acts include Wilmer Wilson IV's "Channel," which is based on a 1968 news story about a young man with a knack for repairing TVs who was dumped in a rough neighborhood by police where he was ultimately killed. Wilson will be walking through the city, picking up discarded televisions to bring back to the Barnes. They will ultimately display X-rays of human ribs. Wilson will also be carrying working televisions throughout the streets. The outside the museum portions of the exhibit include more than just performances. There's also a digital site that explores the theme of cyberflanerie. Man Bartlett will be documenting street performances and will be collecting bystander perceptions on everyday life using social media and the hashtag #personofthecrowd. Virgil Marti's "Doppelganger" is two seating poufs. One will be on display at the Barnes, the other will move throughout the city from Smith Playground in Fairmount Park to Laurel Hill Cemetery in East Falls. The Guerrilla Girls will have their billboards "Dear Art Museum," "Dear Art Collector" and "Dear Art Gallery" on display as well. You will be able to see them at US 1 Roosevelt Expressway just south of Clarissa St., I-76 Schuykill Expressway just east of New Hope and I-96 just south of Pattison Ave. While flanerie by nature is a completely different medium than painting, the exhibition is a natural fit for the Barnes, according to Collins. "The Barnes has one of the world's great collections of impressionist and post-impressionist painting from France," he said. "We try to create exhibitions here in our temporary exhibition space that resonate with our collections, the collections that Dr. Albert Barnes built. "This is a particularly good example of the way in which we can demonstrate some important continuity between the ideas that one finds in the collection and the ideas that have been embraced by the post-war and contemporary makers of art." Tickets to the exhibit are included with your admission to the Barnes, which is $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and $10 for students and youths. Can't wait until Feb. 25 to see the exhibit? The Barnes will be hosting a preview party at 6 p.m. Feb. 24. Tickets are $25 and free for college students with a valid school ID. For more information visit barnesfoundation.org. To see a full list of the exhibition's outdoor projects, visit personofthecrowd.org. DETAILS: Feb. 25-May 22 at the Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. Cost: Included with general admission ($25 adults, $23 seniors, $10 students/youths). barnesfoundation.org; 215-278-7000. Want more Philadelphia stories? Click here for all our coverage on the City of Brotherly Love. This story has been updated. Oil Pipeline Dakota Access pipeline opponents burn structures in their main protest camp in southern North Dakota near Cannon Ball, N.D., on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, as authorities prepare to shut down the camp in advance of spring flooding season. (AP Photo/James MacPherson) (James MacPherson) BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- Police are arresting Dakota Access pipeline protesters who've failed to meet a deadline to clear a camp on federal land in North Dakota. The Army Corps of Engineers ordered all protesters to leave by 2 p.m. Wednesday, citing concerns about potential spring flooding. About 150 people met that demand about 1 p.m. when they marched out of the camp. Hundreds of law enforcement officers from several states were on hand to handle any arrests. Some protesters set fire to wooden structures Wednesday morning as a part of a ceremony of leaving. The pipeline will carry North Dakota oil through the Dakotas and Iowa to a shipping point in Illinois. Opponents say it threatens the environment and Native American sacred sites. Dallas-based developer Energy Transfer Partners disputes those claims. The Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II started Feb. 19, 1945. It lasted until March 26, 1945. Iwo Jima is an island south of Tokyo. The United States launched an amphibious invasion on the island that was defended by about 23,000 Japanese army and navy troops. After more than a month of fighting, the United States was victorious - giving rise to well-known photo by photographer Joe Rosenthal of U.S. Marines raising the United States flag over Mount Suribachi. It was taken on Feb. 23, 1945. The United States had been clearing land for air bases for the new B-29 Superfortress bombers. Japanese fighters taking off from Iwo Jima were intercepting the bombing runs. For that reason, the United States decided to take Iwo Jima. According to the National World War II Museum, "The Japanese defenders of the island were dug into bunkers deep within the volcanic rocks. Approximately 70,000 U.S. Marines and 18,000 Japanese soldiers took part in the battle. In 36 days of fighting on the island, nearly 7,000 U.S. Marines were killed. Another 20,000 were wounded. Marines captured 216 Japanese soldiers; the rest were killed in action. The island was finally declared secured on March 16, 1945. It had been one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history. After the battle, Iwo Jima served as an emergency landing site for more than 2,200 B-29 bombers, saving the lives of 24,000 U.S. airmen. Securing Iwo Jima prepared the way for the last and largest battle in the Pacific: the invasion of Okinawa." According to the museum, 27 Medals of Honor were awarded for action on Iwo Jima - more than any other battle in U.S. history. capitol-domejpg-06aedb6419e01a65.jpg A U.S. judge is weighing a challenge to a state House policy that bars nonbelievers from giving invocations to that legislative body. (File photo/PennLive.com) A federal judge is wrestling with some weighty theological and philosophical issues as he mulls whether to allow an alliance of "nonbelievers" to keep suing the state House of Representatives over its invocation policy. The questions before U.S. Middle District Chief Judge Christopher C. Conner begin with, "What is a prayer?" From there, they segue into "Can an atheist deliver a prayer?" and "Would a prayer delivered by an atheist meet the standards of the House, which demands that its invocations include an appeal to a divine power?" At stake is the fate, or at least the function, of a state government tradition that dates back three centuries. So perhaps it's not surprising that an attorney for the House and lawyers for members of the Dillsburg Area Free Thinkers, Lancaster Freethought Society and Pennsylvania Nonbelievers Inc. who are suing the House spent more than 90 minutes arguing the issue before Conner on Wednesday afternoon. Mark E. Chopko, the attorney representing the House, urged Conner to dismiss the suit, arguing that the House is well within the law in requiring the prayers delivered to it be of a theistic nature. In other words, to meet the House's standards, a higher power must be invoked, whether that power comes from one god or several, Chopko said. Yet Alex J. Luchenitser, the lawyer for the free thinkers and nonbelievers, contended the issue is about inclusion, or rather, illegal exclusion. Some of his clients have been turned away when they sought to volunteer to give invocations in the House, he said. The House's rigidity on the theism issue amounts to "religious discrimination and religious coercion," Luchenitser said. "Is that really the issue I have to decide here, whether prayer must involve some divine entreaty?" Conner asked. "The ultimate question is, Can a government body discriminate based on who can give an invocation?" Luchenitser replied. Much of the hearing was taken up with debate over the definition of prayer, or at least how the House regards it under its Rule 17. Chopko said Rule 17 is intended to help legislators seek unity and divine guidance as they prepare to do the government's business. "It's not an opportunity to proselytize. It's not an opportunity to degrade" other beliefs, he said. "It allows the legislators to hear words of prayer, something the (U.S.) Constitution allows." Rule 17 specifies that those who want to give invocations must belong to recognized and established religious organizations, he noted. That doesn't limit participants to the Judeo-Christian-Muslim fold, but allows participation by Buddhists, Hindus and followers of other religions, Chopko said. He noted that Native American prayer has been delivered in the House chamber. Conner asked if he must take into account the pluralism of American society today, as opposed to the lack of same when the House prayer tradition began amid an overwhelmingly Christian atmosphere some 300 years ago. "The short answer is, no," Chopko replied. When Conner noted the state Senate has allowed a presentation by one of the plaintiffs who are suing the House, Chopko countered, "We have different rules than the Senate." The judge then asked how the House determines who will be allowed to present its prayers. That depends, Chopko said, on "whether they have a legal existence in the community." The determination of whether the proposed presenter belongs to a bona fide religious organization is decided by the House member who is approached by the volunteer in consultation with the House speaker, he said. So that, Conner observed, opens the question of what does the House consider to be a religion. He noted that, in the legal sense, atheism is recognized as a religion and there are ministers of secularism. "We would say the humanists, free thinkers, atheists are religions," Luchenitser insisted. "There is nothing that requires a prayer... to include requests to a higher spiritual authority," The problem, he said, is that the House is interpreting Rule 17 in a way that unfairly denies his clients the inclusion they deserve. They want to be added to the invocation list alongside the theists, he said. "We're not trying to stop theistic prayers," Luchenitser said. "We're not trying to displace or prohibit theistic prayer in any way." The cause of the fire that claimed a woman's life in Lancaster County Tuesday may not be able to be determined, said the fire marshal investigating the case. Trooper Jerry Harper said his investigation "didn't reveal any ignition source" in the fire in the 900 block of Mary Street in West Hempfield Township, which was not suspicious in nature. "Due to the severity of the damage involved I don't think we will ever be able to determine what caused this fire," Harper said. Debra Durant, 56, formerly of New York, died in a first floor apartment. She was staying with relatives and had medical issues, but was mobile, Harper said. There could have been several different causes, but he said he won't speculate on them. While Durant used oxygen, and an oxygen tank exploded during the fire, Harper said reports that smoking started the fire are unconfirmed. Private investigators for insurance companies are continuing the investigation, Harper said. Harper said between 13 and 15 people are displaced from the three apartments in the building. The Red Cross is assisting them. The building is a total loss, with structure and contents estimated at $200,000, Harper said. Tenants of one of the units said there were two smoke detectors in the building, but they said they did not hear them going off, Harper said. A tenant in the basement apartment tried to open the door to Durant's apartment, but was overcome by fire and could not rescue her. West Hempfield Township police said Officer Karl Hartranft was first on scene and found the front of the building fully involved in fire. He assisted West Hempfield Fire and Rescue with evacuating residents from the apartments. Harper said Durant was living with family members temporarily until other living arrangements could be found for her. The investigation continues, and anyone with information related to the fire is asked to contact West Hempfield Township police at 717-285-5191. 19780331-large.jpg William Murry (Colin Deppen ) Calling reports "fake news" driven by a "clicks for cash" revenue model, a Manheim Township school board member has sued Lancaster Newspapers for libel, accusing the media outlet of false claims in its coverage of the board in 2016. William Murry, former president of the Manheim Township school board, filed the suit Tuesday accusing the media outlet of defamation, invasion of privacy and violating Pennsylvania Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act. The suit against LNP Media Group also includes Barbara Hough Roda, LNP executive editor, and staff writers Susan Baldrige and Kara Newhouse. A John Doe or Does are also named in the suit for illegally recording the Jan. 28, 2016, school board meeting in question as a result of the wiretapping allegations. In the suit, Murry called the newspapers' reporting baseless, referring to several stories and an editorial examining closed-door meetings where the board discussed the resignation of John Nodecker, former school district superintendent. Murry accuses the newspaper of willful wrongdoing by accusing the board of intentionally violating state law by meeting 11 times in private sessions, contrary to terms of the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act. In December the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office said no illegal intent was found and declined to prosecute the board. "This is a cautionary story of what happens when a newspaper irresponsibly fictionalizes "news" to generate readership, and how easy it is for the press to abuse its power pursuing a commercial agenda, and in the process ruin a person's name and reputation," the lawsuit states. "This 'clicks for cash' revenue model has incentivized newspapers to adopt a strong social media presence to drive readers to their stories and has resulted in the perpetuation of inaccurate reporting and the phenomenon now known as 'fake news' - that is, sensational, eye-attracting content long on salacity but often short on accuracy or objectivity." Murry said he has received written and verbal personal attacks, and has suffered irreparable harm to his business, Murry Management Commercial. A petition was circulated calling for his resignation in February 2016. Murry was replaced by Mark Anderson as school board president in December. He remains on the school board. LNP could not be reached for comment at the time of this post. Addressing the suit to an LNP reporter, Robert Krasne, publisher of LNP, said the newspaper will defend itself and its reporters against Murry's baseless claims. The stories Murry cited in the suit sourced a Jan. 28 meeting that was secretly recorded. LNP has maintained that the audio recording was given to the media outlet unsolicited and the identity of the person who recorded it is unknown. Melissa Melewsky, media law counsel for the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, said it is disappointing when public officials go after the media for doing its job. She said LNP did its job in reporting the information obtained my an anonymous source, adding that the press has the right to publish that information even if recorded illegally. "The law is clear, it's First Amendment protected," Melewsky said of LNP using the recording. Melewsky noted that the attorney general declining to file criminal charges against the school board didn't absolve the officials of wrongdoing, but rather held that the office couldn't prove intentional misdeeds. She reiterated that it is the job of the press to bring information to light and that a lack of charges doesn't diminish LNP's reporting. "That doesn't make the reporting fake," Melewsky said. "I don't think that term (fake news) applies here at all. The newspaper was doing its job, reporting on newsworthy conduct by public officials." This post was updated with comment from Melewsky. TaipeiEats.com Features Expert Guides Leading People on Delicious Gastronomical Adventures TAIPEI, TAIWAN / ACCESSWIRE / February 23, 2017 / The founders of Taipei Eats, a company that offers tasty and fun food tours in Taipei, are pleased to announce that they are now featuring new experiences on the Taipei tours. To learn more about Taipei Eats and their duo of popular food tours, the Xinyi and YanSan Night Market tours, please check out http://taipeieats.com/tours/ at any time. As a spokesperson for TaipeiEats.com noted, while many visitors to the region want to give authentic Taipei food a try, they may be intimidated by the city's maze of narrow alleys and Chinese signage. Even people who have visited Taipei on numerous occasions can feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle, lack of English-language food guides and large selection of choices. This knowledge inspired the founders to launch Taipei Eats, and give foodies the opportunity to go on a gastronomic adventure they will always remember. Expert and friendly guides take people on an afternoon of "gluttony and indulgence" that includes plenty of stops at some of the city's most tasty food offerings. As the spokesperson noted, the newly-enhanced tours take about four hours and move along at a relaxed place, so everyone will have the chance to enjoy the culture and history of the tour, as well as the amazing flavors and foods. People who take part in the tours will visit restaurants that the locals frequent. To be sure that the tours feature only the best and most delicious stops, the founders of Taipei Eats spent a whopping 3-plus months working their way through the city eating food and deciding what they should include on the tour. This native knowledge along with intense gastronomic research means that people who sign up for a tour from TaipeiEats.com can rest assured that their experience will be uniquely authentic and will feature only the most appetizing local foods Taipei has to offer. Story continues Everyone is welcome to register for a food tour through Taipei Eats; as the spokesperson noted, vegetarians are definitely welcome, as are parents and their kids. All that people need to bring is a hearty appetite, and a desire to go on a culinary adventure. About Taipei Eats: Taipei Eats offers fun and exciting food tours and night market tours in Taipei. Find out more about their Taipei tours at http://taipeieats.com. Taipei Eats No. 369, Section 5, Zhongxiao East Road Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110 Contact: Mike Lee info@taipeieats.com +886 920 997 781 SOURCE: Taipei Eats Signage that reads Time Warner is seen at the Time Warner Center in New York City, U.S. on October 23, 2016. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith/File Photo By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Time Warner Inc (TWX.N) said on Thursday it plans to sell a broadcast station in Atlanta to Meredith Corp (MDP.N) for $70 million, which could help speed the company's planned merger with AT&T Inc (T.N). In January, AT&T said it expected to be able to bypass the Federal Communications Commission in its planned $85.4 billion acquisition of Time Warner because it would not seek to transfer any Time Warner licenses. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai declined to say on Thursday if he would seek to use the proposed TV station license transfer as a way to examine the AT&T/Time Warner merger. About a dozen senators have urged him to review the deal. The station that Time Warner is selling, WPCH-TV in Atlanta, is its only FCC-regulated broadcast station. It has other, more minor FCC licenses. Meredith has operated WPCH-TV for Time Warner since 2011. It was previously know as WTBS. Time Warner said last month that since it did not plan to transfer any FCC licenses to AT&T, it would likely not need FCC approval and would only need the consent of the U.S. Justice Department. The Justice Department has to prove a proposed deal harms competition in order to block it. The FCC has broad leeway to block a merger it deems is not in the "public interest" and can impose additional conditions. Meredith said in a statement it expected to close on the sale by June 30 and that the deal would not have a material impact on its results. AT&T Chief Executive Randall Stephenson told CNBC earlier this month the Justice Department review was ongoing and he thought the deal would close by the end of the year. "It's a clean transaction," he said. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Peter Cooney) Thank you! You've reported this item as a violation of our terms of use. This content was contributed by a user of the site. If you believe this content may be in violation of the terms of use, you may report it. Harbor Springs women reflect on Ukraine war after time with refugees Julie Bacon and Sujo Offield of Harbor Springs went to Poland in March to help refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. OPEC needs cuts `extended beyond may' to end glut-Total CEO Pouyanne is convinced OPEC will extend deal beyond six months LONDON/PARIS Petroleumworld.com 02 23 2017 OPEC and Russia will need to prolong their six-month deal to cut oil output if they plan to trim the global inventory glut that has kept a lid on prices, said Total SA Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pouyanne. If they want really to have an impact on the market, which means to have the inventories going down because inventories are quite high, it will have to be extended beyond May when OPEC has its next scheduled meeting, Pouyanne said Tuesday in a Bloomberg television interview in New York. I'm convinced that they will do it. The CEO of the French oil and gas company added that he plans to keep lowering its so-called break-even point -- the oil price at which cash flow covers spending and dividends -- because he's not fully convinced that tough times for the industry are over. Factors including rising U.S. shale oil production and increasing output from Libya may continue to have a negative impact on prices, Pouyanne said. Oil has held above $50 a barrel since the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and 11 other nations started trimming output from Jan. 1. The exporters group implemented about 90 percent of the pledged cuts last month and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. predicts the market will shift into supply deficit in the first half. At the same time, U.S. crude stockpiles have kept increasing to the highest level in more than three decades and oil drillers are deploying the most rigs since October 2015. Trade Warning Pouyanne also warned against mounting economic protectionism, especially in developed countries, saying it may lead to disaster. Free trade has helped reduce poverty in emerging markets, he said. This trend to have countries around the world thinking that it's better to be inside their borders than open to the world will lead to catastrophe, Pouyanne said. Total is in favor of open trade and fair trade. His remarks come as the French presidential candidate for the National Front party, Marine Le Pen, is calling for France to increase trade barriers, abandon the common European currency and exit the European Union. She is rising in opinion polls ahead of elections in April and May. The euro is a powerful currency which needs to be kept, the CEO of France's largest company by market capitalization said. Voters' support for Le Pen and the U.K.'s decision to leave the European Union are a question mark for ourselves, the global leaders. Trump Policies Rather than set up their own trade barriers, Pouyanne urged the U.S. and Europe to limit themselves to fighting against unfair Chinese solar industry subsidies through the World Trade Organization. Total has a controlling stake in U.S. solar-panel maker SunPower Inc. He expressed hope that U.S. President Donald Trump will maintain policies in favor of renewable energy. He also reiterated that Total will soon announce its decision on whether to develop a new petrochemical unit in Texas that will create jobs, and expand in liquefied natural gas to take advantage of cheap U.S. shale production. Total said on Feb. 9 that it will increase its dividend by 1.6 percent and give the go-ahead for almost a dozen new projects in the next 18 months in countries including the U.S., Brazil and Iran, as it benefits from cost cuts and higher oil prices. Regarding Iran, where Total has signed a pre-agreement to develop a gas field, Pouyanne said he was encouraged by recent comments from U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis. The French company will sign the contract if Iran respects the international nuclear treaty and if the U.S. sticks to it, he said. Pouyanne also called for the U.S. and Europe to improve their dialog with Russia and work together in the fight against terrorism in the Middle East. Relationships have been strained after Western powers imposed sanctions against the Kremlin when it annexed Ukraine's Crimea region and backed pro-Russian rebels in the eastern part of the country. Total would prefer fewer sanctions against Russia, where the company is poised to complete a giant gas project with partners in the Yamal Peninsula, Pouyanne said. Donald Trump Donald Trump has already set a record for being the most unpopular new president since the invention of telephone polling. But I don't think job approval is the poll number Trump should be most worried about. If I were him, I'd be worrying about the question the Quinnipiac University poll was asking about my leadership skills. In a new Quinnipiac survey, out on Wednesday, only 42% of voters said they think Trump is a good leader, and 55% said he's not. Trump's big thing is supposed to be leadership he's the business guy, he hires the best people, and he knows how to shake things up in Washington and make America great again. Right? In November, shortly after the election, 56% of respondents told Quinnipiac they thought Trump was a good leader, and only 38% said he wasn't. That's not too shabby for a guy who didn't even get the most votes. But as Trump started actually doing stuff running a transition, hiring people, issuing half-baked executive orders, firing his national security adviser after less than a month the share of Americans willing to call him a good leader has steadily declined. From 56% in November, it went to 49% in January, 47% earlier this month and now 42%, or about 4 points less than his share of the popular vote. In polling, you often analyze a question by measuring the difference between the share of respondents that gives the positive answer and the share that gives the negative one. By this measure, Trump was at plus-18 on the "good leader" question in November, and now he's at minus-13, a decline of 31 points in three months. His term lasts another 47 months. (Quinnipiac surveyed 1,323 adults in English or Spanish from February 16 to 21, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.7 percentage points.) An earlier version of this post incorrectly said Trump had 51 months left in his term. We regret the error. Related: For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. NOW WATCH: 'Sit down! Quiet!': Watch Trump's heated exchanges with reporters in his longest press conference as president More From Business Insider Three years after it rejected South Jersey Gas' controversial application to build part of a 22-mile-long gas pipeline through protected Pinelands forest, the New Jersey Pinelands Commission is scheduled to vote Friday on whether to permit a nearly identical project. To accommodate what is expected to be a large crowd, the 15-member commission has relocated its monthly meeting from its offices in Pemberton to the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Route 70 in Cherry Hill. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m., with no public comment period scheduled before the vote. There is a chance, however, that the commission will delay its vote to another day. The Pinelands Preservation Alliance, a conservation group opposed to the pipeline, has petitioned the Appellate Division of Superior Court for a stay of Friday's vote. It alleges that the commission in December created new rules for reviewing such projects without proper notice or public comment. Such a stay likely would come no later than Thursday, Carleton Montgomery, the alliance's executive director, said Wednesday. Barbara Ann Del Duke, spokesperson for South Jersey Gas, said the company is "hopeful for approval" of the project, which would "deliver a balanced energy reliability solution to customers in southern New Jersey." While the pipeline is intended primarily to serve the power plant, the company says it will also serve as a backup supply to 142,000 customers in the event that the sole transmission pipeline serving the region becomes incapacitated. Contrary to a popular perception, Upper Township will continue receiving $6.3 million in energy receipts taxes regardless of whether the power plant stays in operation, according to Jon Moran, senior legislative analyst for the New Jersey League of Munipalities. "The annual distribution has been based on what each muncipality received in 1997," when the state changed its energy receipts tax revenue formula, Moran said in an email. Current and prospective revenues are "based on the proportion of energy infrastructure they hosted" two decades ago. A vote on the pipeline likely would be close, since a majority of eight votes is all that is needed to approve or reject the application, and six members who voted in favor of the route in January 2014 will vote again this time. Four members who voted against it last time, and one declared opponent who recused himself in 2014, also would vote Friday. With those votes seemingly predictable, Friday's outcome will likely hinge on the board's four newcomers. These include Frank Hays, the sole member appointed by the U.S. secretary of the interior, who was named last month. Hays' predecessor voted nay in 2014. Bob Barr, appointed by Gov. Christie in 2015, is generally thought to favor the application because he was endorsed for the position by State Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D., Cape May), who strongly supports it, as does the Republican Christie. At the time of his appointment Barr said he would "keep an open mind." If Barr votes yea and either Giuseppe "Joe" Chila, the Gloucester County appointee, or Jane Jannarone, Cumberland County's appointee, joins him and six others, the application would have the eight votes it needs. The 2014 vote was a 7-7 tie, insufficient for approval. Opponents of the project say they will immediately appeal an approval. Montgomery said the alliance has also raised objections to Chila's right to vote on the project since he belongs to International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 351, whose members would likely see employment if the project goes through. As such, the alliance contends, Chila has a possible conflict of interest. A public comment session on the project, held last month at a church hall in Browns Mills, drew a crowd of about 250, with dozens left standing, and chanting, outside. Advocates for the pipeline, which would supply gas to an electrical-generation plant on the Great Egg Harbor River in Upper Township, say its approval would create and save jobs in South Jersey and keep a major source of tax revenue in place. They also argue that converting the coal-fired B.L. England generating plant to natural gas would greatly reduce the emissions of particulates, nitrogen oxide, and sodium dioxide that pour from the 40-year-old "peak" plant on the few days each year it is in operation. Peak power plants go online only when demand for electricity is very high, and prices for power are running high as well. The plant's owner, Rockland Capital of Houston, sells electricity to the 13-state PJM grid. Opponents of the project insist the Pinelands Commission must reject the application because 10 miles of the pipeline would pass through protected forest in Cumberland County where such infrastructure is barred. South Jersey Gas says it would bury the pipeline four feet below the shoulder of Route 49 and similar roadways, and that the route is less costly and environmentally damaging than several alternatives. Several environmental groups, including the preservation alliance, the Sierra Club, and Environment New Jersey, contend that a gas-fired power plant operating nearly every day would be a major source of the greenhouse gases that promote climate change. They say it would provide no significant improvement over a part-time coal-fired plant. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with manufacturing CEOs at the White House in Washington, DC, U.S. February 23, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque By David Shepardson and Ginger Gibson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump told chief executives of major U.S. companies on Thursday he plans to bring millions of jobs back to the United States, but offered no specific plan on how to reverse a decades-long decline in factory jobs. In his first month in office, Trump has pressured a number of U.S. companies to hire in the United States but he has yet to publicly propose legislation tackling the big economic issues he campaigned on in 2016, including a job-boosting tax or infrastructure program. He will address a joint session of Congress on Feb. 28. In a meeting with some two dozen CEOs at the White House, Trump said the United States had lost about one-third of manufacturing jobs since it joined the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994 and asserted about 70,000 factories have closed since China joined the World Trade Organization 16 years ago. But the Bureau of Labor Statistics says the number of private sector manufacturing facilities in the United States has fallen less than that, from nearly 400,000 in 2001 to 344,000 last year. Lower wages, automation, foreign competition and other factors account for the steep decline in manufacturing jobs, experts say. Trump has promised to roll out proposals that he says could have favorable ramifications for companies, including a plan to overhaul the tax code and an infrastructure package that was part of his presidential campaign promises to create millions of jobs. He has declined to specify what he had in mind. "Were going to find out how we bring more jobs back," he told the CEOs. General Electric Co (GE.N) chief executive Jeff Immelt said after the meeting in a Twitter post that "tax reform a high priority for job creation. Business community will come together to help find a workable solution." Ken Frazier, CEO of Merck & Co (MRK.N), told reporters "it is very clear the president is interested in lessening the tax burden." Story continues Several of the CEOs who met Trump are part of a coalition that supports a so-called border adjustment tax, which would impose a 20 percent tax on goods that are imported into the country while providing write-offs for goods that are exported. In an interview with Reuters, Trump spoke favorably about the border adjustment tax proposal being pushed by Republicans in the U.S. Congress, but did not specifically endorse it. Trump is scheduled to dine at a Washington hotel on Thursday evening with members of The Business Council, a group of major U.S. company CEOs, including Immelt, Goldman Sachs' Lloyd Blankfein and JP Morgan Chase's Jamie Dimon. (Reporting by David Shepardson and Ginger Gibson; Editing by Howard Goller and Alistair Bell) FILE - In this Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017, file photo, people wave U.S. flags during a naturalization ceremony at the Los Angeles Convention Center, in Los Angeles. Since Trumps immigration enforcement order and travel ban, immigrants have been rushing to prepare applications to become Americans. Advocates in Los Angeles, Maryland and New York catering to diverse immigrant communities from Latin America, Asia and the Middle East all said theyve been fielding a rising number of questions about how to become a U.S. citizen. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File) LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Andres Dorantes has long been content with the green card that lets him live in the U.S. and work as a tattoo artist in Los Angeles. That changed when Donald Trump became president and swiftly made executive orders to crack down on immigrants and ban travel from certain countries. Dorantes, a Mexican immigrant, made an appointment at a naturalization workshop to start the process of becoming an American citizen. "I wanted to do it for a long time but I was always busy," said the 33-year-old Dorantes, who came to the U.S. a decade ago after his father sponsored him for a green card. "Now, I see what is happening everything is crazy." Since last month, immigrants have been rushing to prepare applications to become U.S. citizens. Legal service organizations in Los Angeles, Maryland and New York catering to diverse immigrant communities from Latin America, Asia and the Middle East all said they've been fielding a rising number of calls and questions about how to become a citizen. The wait time has doubled for a spot at a monthly naturalization clinic focused on Asian immigrants in Los Angeles. Since Trump's executive orders on immigration, the number of immigrants inquiring about citizenship has also doubled at a Muslim organization in Southern California and at Latin American-focused groups in Maryland and New York, advocates said. The growing interest in citizenship follows a surge in naturalization applications last year amid Trump's anti-immigrant campaign rhetoric and ahead of a December increase in filing fees. Nearly 1 million people applied to naturalize during the 2016 fiscal year, the largest number in nine years, government data shows. At naturalization ceremonies in Los Angeles last week, many of the 6,000 newly sworn citizens proudly waved flags and shed tears at the culmination of a lengthy journey to become Americans. A ceremony in Chicago a week earlier took an emotional turn when a Syrian immigrant recited the Pledge of Allegiance amid a rancorous court fight over the new president's travel ban affecting his native country. Story continues Immigrants historically have sought citizenship for the many new opportunities it brings: the ability to vote, better job prospects, an American passport for travel, bringing relatives here from overseas. This year, it's more about fear in a Trump administration. "After the election, the desire to naturalize shifted. It wasn't more about opportunity and bringing more family, it was more about, 'there is a new president who is anti-immigrant and we need to do what we can to protect ourselves," said Nasim Khansari, citizenship project director at Asian Americans Advancing Justice in Los Angeles. For years, immigrant advocates have urged lawful permanent residents, also known as green card holders, to naturalize, which would protect them from deportation were they ever convicted of a crime. Still, millions of eligible immigrants refrain from doing so, citing fear of passing English language and citizenship tests and hundreds of dollars in filing fees. Most immigrants need to live in the country and have a green card for at least five years before they can file a citizenship application. More than 8 million people were eligible to naturalize in 2013, according to the Department of Homeland Security. For many of those now coming forward, the big change came when Trump issued a travel ban against citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries. Even immigrants not affected by the ban which has since been blocked by the courts were jolted, advocates said, especially when green card holders were initially held for questioning at U.S. airports along with visitors. Alexia Schapira, staff attorney at Make the Road New York, said the ban worried the Colombian, Ecuadorean and Dominican immigrants her organization assists, creating "a ton of insecurity." The number of people seeking to naturalize typically swells ahead of planned increases in application fees and presidential elections as immigrants seek to get the paperwork done in time to vote. Both happened last year. In 2007, naturalizations soared after massive immigrant rights marches and ahead of a similar fee spike. Other world events can lead to surges, including a 40 percent boost in applications in the year after the Sept. 11 attacks. Trump's calls for a border wall and more deportations were inspiration for some. Los Angeles-area inkmaker Gustavo Zavala, who has lived in the U.S. for nearly four decades, said he naturalized in December after his now-grown daughters urged him to do so in response to Trump's anti-immigrant campaign rhetoric. But many immigrants still didn't take that final step toward citizenship, doubting Trump would win or carry through on his promises or that his policies could somehow affect lawful permanent residents who have lived and worked in this country for years and have no other home. At last week's ceremonies in Los Angeles, new citizens many who began the application process long before Trump was elected said they were relieved they will not have to deal with stepped-up enforcement measures. "At the end of the day, I was still a citizen from Iran. Now, I kind of feel safer," 21-year-old Erik Danialian said. ___ Associated Press Writer Amanda Lee Myers contributed to this report. Concept might be a more fitting title for this than prototype... Surely SRAM still have the blueprints to this somewhere in Schweinfurt? If we are to nit-pick, it's not clear whether an internally-geared hub and an external electronic controller would help to reduce the unsprung mass at the rear wheel. Sachs (now SRAM, since their merger) have been making internally geared hubs for decadesbut the technology has never really gained widespread acceptance in mountain biking for one reason or another. They were keen on the idea of disc brakes, at least at the front, although these Sachs brakes never really caught on. This was also a time before standardised brake mountsso check out the custom mounting solution. These brake boosters were one of ADP Engineering's original products. For those too young to have ridden with Magura rims brakes, at the time the brakes were too strong for the frames, so the stays would flex outwards as you braked. To counter this, you could mount a brake booster to reinforce your frame. This carbon fork never got beyond this concept stage, but this was a fully working fork, although these days it is pretty much solid, it hasn't stood the test of time too well. It is worth noting that, despite massive advances in carbon since this was conceived, fork manufacturers have not found a better material than magnesium for the task and carbon has never really caught on. Miniaturization of electronics was still in its infancy in 1996you just need to compare a computer of the time to an iPhone to understand the advances. With a modern full suspension bike this placement would be problematic, but with a URT the rear triangle is static, so this layout would be fine. Another advance since this bike was conceived is the carbon belt drive. These are standard timing belts from a car, which would work OK for a little while, but out in the real world, they simply wouldn't have been durable enough. They constructed a special chainring to accommodate the belt and mounted it to a standard Race Face crank. Even today that shifter does look pretty cool. A very clean, minimal design. One finger braking? Forget it. You'd need your whole hand with these brakes. One of the few standard components on the bike was Rockshox's Super Deluxe shock. While this may look normal now, internal cable routing was virtually unheard of in 1996. Also, this angle should give those too young to remember URTs a better idea of how they worked - the rear triangle was a solid piece that pivoted just ahead of the chainring. The problem with these is that the drivetrain was constantly moving under the rider, which made for a horrific pedaling experience. Also, the unsprung mass was incredible - you also have the cranks included in that weight with this design. Rotwild is the epitome of the niche, German mountain bike company, in many ways. They have always plowed their own furrow. Back in 1996 when they were little more than two automotive engineering students with heads full of ideas, they set their stall out with this bikethe RDH1 concept bike. Sadly, this bike never made it to production for a whole host of reasons, but as a view of what they thought a mountain bike could be, it will surely still resonate with many people today, 20 years later Just coming out of the city and arriving at basecamp was pretty rad. This is the real Costa Rica - out of the urban jungle and into the real jungle. - Chris Johnston From what I'm looking at we've got some big descents coming up. - Dylan Wolsky Racers departed from San Jose on early morning shuttles heading to the mountains of Providencia de Dota and their basecamp for the next four days. The five shuttle buses were loaded down with luggage secured on top as the drivers expertly navigated the chaotic city streets, the windy highway, and the bumpy rural roads. We passed by roadside grazing goats and long-body-short-legged stray dogs. We pointed out stands that sold everything from brightly painted ceramic pigs to giant watermelons or maybe it was squash. As our convoy turned onto the dirt road and kicked up billows of dust slowly navigating the narrow path we resembled a herd of laden down dromedaries plodding through the desert.As we got deeper and deeper into the mountains we were enveloped by green lush vegetation that rose up on one side of us and steeply dropped off on the other. The racers pointed out what they thought may be the trails they will be riding and allowed their imaginations to run wild. After all, the course accesses trails that are not otherwise available to the public for riding. The longer we drove, the more three point turns our bus had to make, and the more running starts at steep hills our driver took, the more we left civilization behind us.Elladee Raelynn Brown, who is visiting Costa Rica for her second time, listed the bus ride to basecamp as one her highlights for the first day. I loved the bus ride in here! I was glad the trees were so dense on the way in so we didnt have to look over the bank and see that it was a thousand foot drop to the right. Everyone was leaning to the left as it was!Arriving at basecamp was like watching kids in a candy store. Racers rushed off their buses (some straight to el bano), and took in the beauty of our basecamp and valley below. If you look for Providencia on Google Maps you will see a dot with no roads accessing it, this area is so remote and so unknown that the racers had no idea what to expect. Ben Pye commented that when he arrived at the airport and told the customs agent where he was going, the agent replied, where the hell is that?After a long morning of bonding on buses, everyone was happily embraced a warm and quiet couple of hours to build bikes, eat lunch, and lounge before racing. Racers had one stage today, the Prologue. The prologue set seeding times for the rest of the week and will also count in the overall times. Racers climbed 250 meters out of basecamp to the start. From there they descended 200 meters for Stage One. The course was short and punchy, starting in an open meadow with some funky rock features, followed by some steeps about halfway down before ending just about basecamp. Designed to be a nice and easy introduction to race week, the Prologue gave racers the opportunity to get their legs going and have some familiarity with the terrain.Marty Lazarski, one of the on-course medics for the event, was blown away by his first day, It was wild, it was fun, and there was amazing scenery! Good vibes, good people, and wicked organization. The hospitality has been amazing, the food has been great, the locals are fantastic, and all the logistics have been smooth and easy so far! I didnt really have any expectations coming into it as far as trails go but its mountain biking for sure. Its rooty, its rocky, its loose, its steep, and theres a bit of everything. Its shaping up to be a technical full-on week.More than a few racers struggled with the second corner out of the start; a quick and technical right-hander after a sweeping left. Aaron Bradford managed to rotate his bars as he bailed and hit the ground running, its a brand new bike, so I got that out of the way. Chris Johnston had even less luck when his blew his tire off the rim on the same corner. I scratched my head for a bit and wondered if I should change it, he says, and decided to just carry on down and run the rest of the track. Pretty crappy start to a race for sure! Im just going to hang in there and have fun and still go hard!Most racers were early to bed after the first day with jet lag, altitude, and heat all to adjust to not to mention that even though its blind racing, you just have to look around at the valleys and mountains here to know that they have some big days coming up! @parisgore / @dbaker CHP Trooper Lucas F. Chellew died Wednesday after crashing his motorcycle during a pursuit. (Photo: CHP) A California Highway Patrol officer died from injuries he suffered Wednesday when he was involved in a crash during a high-speed chase in south Sacramento and thrown from his motorcycle. Lucas F. Chellew, 31, an 8-year veteran of the CHP died at 6:11 p.m. at UC Davis Medical Center, the Sacramento Bee reports. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) has vowed to fight back against Trumps rolling back of protections for transgender students. After the Trump administration had removed protections that were put in place by President Obama for transgender students, Sen. Franken said in a statement provided to PoliticusUSA: I strongly believe that it is our responsibilitynot just as elected officials, but as adultsto protect our children and young people, and to help them flourish. Last year, the Obama administration issued guidelines that explained what Title IX means for transgender studentsand what the law requires of schools. Todays decision by the Trump administration to rescind those guidelines is callous and mean-spirited, and it sends a terrible message to LGBT children and their parents. But lets be clear, rescinding the guidelines doesnt change the law, nor does it take away students rights. Both Title IX and the Constitution continue to protect transgender students from discrimination and unequal treatment in our schools, and I will continue to fight for policies that help schools understand their obligation to treat transgender students with dignity and respect. The Trump administration appears to be on a mission to roll back protections for minority students of all kinds. The administration has also removed a website that informed disabled students and their parents of their educational rights. Although Trumps behavior during the campaign made it clear that he was going to be hostile towards the differently abled community, the signals towards the LGBT community were more smoke screened. It is now obvious that LGBT rights and protections will also be under attack during the Trump presidency. Democrats like Al Franken will stand up and take the fight to Trump, but if any voter needed a reason why a Democratic majority Congress is needed, one just needs to look to the civil rights rollback being undertaken by the Trump administration for their answer. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print At a boisterous and jam-packed town hall event on Wednesday, Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana faced a fuming crowd of constituents expressing outrage over the senators decision to support Betsy DeVos confirmation as education secretary. It was clear that Cassidy wasnt prepared to field questions on this topic because his reason for supporting the unqualified DeVos was stunningly bad. The Louisiana senator said, I asked Mrs. DeVos, Will you enforce the law? Absolutely Do you support public education? She goes Absolutely.' The crowds response to Cassidys non-answer was simple: DeVos lied. Cassidy: I asked DeVos do you support public education, she said absolutely Audience: She Lied Jeff Adelson (@jadelson) February 22, 2017 During one moment of the proceedings, Cassidy made a shocking though unsurprising admission to the crowd that he wasnt even present for the entirety of DeVos confirmation hearing. Crowd at Sen. Bill Cassidy R-La. town hall not happy he admitted didnt stay for 2-hour Q&A of Betsy DeVos. Claire Taylor (@ClaireTaylorTDA) February 22, 2017 The GOP senator also came under fire for tens of thousands in donations that his campaign received from DeVos and her family during the 2014 campaign, with many people holding up signs reading bought and paid for and senator for sale 70k. Crowd Chants $70k, the amount new Sec of Ed Devos contributed to Cassidys campaigns Cassidy starts to say The Devos family supported me Jeff Adelson (@jadelson) February 22, 2017 If Sen. Cassidy expected his constituents to forget about his support of Betsy DeVos, he was sorely mistaken. They came armed with tough questions, ready to hold his feet to the fire. In Arkansas on Wednesday, Sen. Tom Cotton received a similar reaction from his town hall crowd when he tried to justify his support for DeVos. Voters across the country are visibly angry and arent letting up, and Republicans are learning that they cant defend the indefensible. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print At the Democratic Leadership Debate, Rep. Keith Ellison argued that Donald Trump committed impeachable offenses on day one of his presidency, which is why investigations must be held, and impeachment is on the table. Video: Rep. Ellison said, I think that Donald Trump has already done a number of things that legitimately raise the question of impeachment. On day one he was in violation of the Emoluments Clause. This is a part of the Constitution that says a president cant take payments from a foreign power. The day people checked into his hotel and started paying him, who were foreign dignitaries, he was in violation of that law. Theres already a lawsuit filed against him, and right now, its not only about Donald Trump. Its about the integrity of the presidency. So yeah, I think we need to begin investigations to not go after Donald Trump but to protect our Constitution, and the presidency of the United States, to make sure that nobody can monetize the presidency and make profit off of it for personal gain. Ellisons argument went beyond going after Trump. The question of impeachment relates back to the Presidents behavior and how it damages the presidency and our democracy. If Democrats want to expand the case for impeachment so that it appeals to Americans of all political stripes, the argument that Trump is corrupt and is damaging the country is critical. It is heartening to watch so many passionate candidates debate the future of the Democratic Party. Rep. Ellison and former Obama Labor Secretary Tom Perez are locked in a tight contest to be the next DNC Chair. From listening to the candidates on stage at the Democratic Leadership forum, its clear that no matter who is elected chair, the party will be heading in a new direction. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Donald Trump has officially rescinded an Obama-era protection for transgender students on Wednesday, less than a year after former President Barack Obama introduced it. According to Reuters, the Trump administration has told the U.S. Supreme Court that they are abandoning the previous administrations directive that allows public school students to use bathrooms that align with their gender identity. Tweet: BREAKING: Trump administration notifies Supreme Court it is rescinding transgender student guidelines https://t.co/JZUjkQPLE0 Reuters Politics (@ReutersPolitics) February 23, 2017 Officials in Betsy DeVos Department of Education and Jeff Sessions Department of Justice notified the nations highest court that, going forward, they would ignore the Obama administrations guidelines and leave the issue up to individual states. If your state wants to discriminate against LGBT Americans, have at it, the Trump administration says. While this is obviously a devastating blow for advocates of LGBTQ rights in this country, its also unsurprising. Remember, two days after Sessions was confirmed as the U.S. Attorney General, the Department of Justice announced that they would no longer defend these protections in court. Wednesdays move is just the latest step in Donald Trumps quest to turn back the clock on civil rights in America. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Voters have repeatedly rejected the theocratic agenda of the Religious Right. Each of their candidates went down to resounding defeat in the 2016 elections. In the end, they placed their hopes on Donald Trump, even anointing him as their messiah. And yet thanks to Trumps rejection of judicial review as so forcefully expressed by Stephen Miller and by Trump himself, they may win in the end. A new report by People for the American Way (PFAW), Trump Attacks on Judiciary Could Be Religious Rights Biggest Payoff, warns that Christian conservatives have long viewed federal courts as obstacles to their Christian-nation goals. The reports author, Peter Montgomery, explains that, When Donald Trump sent White House adviser Stephen Miller onto the Sunday morning talk shows, Millers most chilling comments were his repeated attacks on the federal judiciary and his assertion that the powers of the president to protect our country are very substantial and will not be questioned. [Stephen] Millers language about judicial supremacy comes straight from the mouths of Religious Right leaders who have long viewed the federal courts as obstacles to the creationor in their minds, restorationof America as a Christian nation whose laws reflect their interpretation of the Bible. Of course, it would be no restoration. America was not established as a Christian nation but a secular one where people were free to worship whatever god they wished, or no god at all. The Constitution did not establish the theocracy that Religious Right leaders want for America, and the judiciary stands in their way of its implementation. And so The 2016 Republican platform calls the Supreme Courts 2015 marriage equality decision a lawless ruling and rulings they disagree with, like this one, become judicial usurpation. We hear people like Liberty Counsels Matt Staver proclaim, No civil authority, including the U.S. Supreme Court, has the authority to define marriage as anything but the union of one man and one woman! Unfortunately for Staver, neither does he. Neither do the leaders of his religion and because the Bible is excluded from the Constitution, neither does his Bible, despite his fanatical desire in violation of the First Amendment establish his religious beliefs as law. It is an article of faith among many Religious Right activists that what they see as Americas moral decline began with Supreme Court rulings in the 1960s that upheld the separation of church and state by prohibiting school officials from leading students in a government-approved prayer or Bible readings. At the time, many evangelicals, including the Southern Baptist Convention, supported those rulings. But in recent decades they have been repeatedly cited as the beginning of Americas downfall. Christian-nation activist and conservative political operative David Lane says those rulings created a false god of secularism and a spiritually decadent, godless society. Pat Buchanan recently fumed, Secularist justices de-Christianized our country. It is easy to see, as the report explains, why Some Religious Right leaders might welcome a constitutional crisis that would weaken the ability of the federal judiciary to check their designs. Conservatives have talked themselves into a frenzy, as you can see from the rhetoric of both the election and post-election periods. They anointed Trump their messiah and now they want the president to deliver. And while Trump may or may not share their beliefs, there are reasons they might get their wish. As Montgomery tells us, With Trump increasingly agitated about any court ruling that doesnt go his way, it is likely that we will see further attacks on the judiciary coming from the White House. Montgomery finishes with a solemn note of warning: Trump and his conservative allies, however, may want to heed Chief Justice John Marshalls observation that If the legislatures of the several states may at will annul the judgments of the courts of the United States, and destroy the rights acquired under those judgments, the Constitution itself becomes a solemn mockery. In a sense, it is already. Trump seems to sincerely believe he should be able to do whatever he wants and that checks and balances are a thing of myth. The real myth is the idea of a Christian nation established by the Constitution. Trumps avowed motivation of revenge means the PFAW report must be taken to heart. Paradoxically, the Religious Right lost every primary but now it is the most powerful it has ever been with a profane autocrat like Donald Trump in the Oval Office. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Partly cloudy this morning, then becoming cloudy during the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 82F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. With fall in the air, cyclamen start peeking through the leaf litter, giving the woodland garden a splash of color when most plants have finished blooming. As those pink, white or magenta blooms unfurl and appear, it is a memorable sight to see. Read moreFall charmers and winter wonders South Carolina voters head to the polls Nov. 8, casting ballots in midterm elections that will not only determine the state's next governor but will also act as the first major referendum on the Biden era. Read moreYour voter guide to top races, key issues in South Carolina's 2022 midterm elections Charleston police officers and College of Charleston public safety officers were on hand Wednesday night to monitor opposing demonstrations separated across George Street near the Sottile Theater, where Bree Newsome was scheduled to speak. She was arrested in June 2015 after she climbed a flagpole to remove a Confederate battle flag from a monument outside the Statehouse in Columbia. Wade Spees/Staff Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations. Two Rochester men were arrested outside of a Rochester hotel Tuesday morning. Authorities were waiting to arrest Sara Heng, 32, outside of Red Carpet Inn on South Broadway for an outstanding warrant after failing to show up in court at 11 a.m., according to Capt. John Sherwin of the Rochester Police Department. Heng was previously involved in a car jacking in July 2016 that resulted in the stabbing of an 18-year-old Houston man at the Extended Stay America hotel parking lot in southeast Rochester. He was one of several suspects arrested in relation to the incident. The Criminal Interdiction Unit located Heng at the hotel, and set up surveillance. Authorities waited outside of the building near the car that they knew to be associated with Heng. When Heng and his companion Phearom Hoes, 28, came outside and got into the vehicle, law enforcement surrounded the car. While being apprehended, authorities found a replica handgun in Heng's waistband. Between him and Hoes, officers also found around 10 grams of methamphetamine. ADVERTISEMENT Heng and Hoes both face third-degree possession of a controlled substance charges. A federal discrimination lawsuit brought forward against Rochester Public Schools and former Assistant Superintendent Brenda Lewis by a former employee was dismissed this week. U.S. District Court Judge David S. Doty issued a decision to dismiss the case Tuesday, after the school district filed a motion to dismiss the case. Doty said even if many of the claims in the suit were true, they didn't rise to the level of unlawful harassment, retaliation or discrimination based on race or sex. "The allegations, taken as true, do not support her claim that she was mistreated and fired because of her race or sex," Doty wrote in the dismissal. Regina Seabrook, a former RPS employee, filed the suit in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis June 29 after her job was cut from the budget last year. Seabrook ran the Student and Family Engagement program, or SAFE, which focused on helping at-risk students prepare for life after high school. Seabrook, who's African-American, alleged seven counts of discrimination based on race and sex, a hostile and abusive working environment, sexual harassment, retaliation by the district and a civil rights violation. ADVERTISEMENT "The district's legal counsel is very pleased with the decision because in reinforces the district and Dr. Lewis's position that the lawsuit was frivolous," Superintendent Michael Munoz said during Tuesday's school board meeting. Seabrook still has the right to appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, according to her lawyer, Wiliam French. "Naturally, we're very disappointed, but discrimination cases are the most difficult to prove both in state and federal court," French said Wednesday. The district's legal counsel believes Judge Doty's decision is written in a way that would withstand the scrutiny of an appeal, Munoz said Tuesday. The suit was filed after a number of incidents Seabrook alleged happened between her, and her supervisor, Lewis. On Oct. 5, 2015, Seabrook was placed on paid administrative leave for "insubordination to a principal," according to her complaint. The school district confirmed that, in its response, but noted she was "placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations that had been made against (Seabrook)." In March 2016, Seabrook filed a complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging racial and sexual discrimination in employment. It was dismissed in April without investigation. Seabrook was discharged in May 2016 as part of what the district called "budget cuts." In its answer to the complaint, the district acknowledged that that it ended the SAFE program and placed Seabrook on paid administrative leave for the remainder of the school year, "based, in part, on concerns about (Seabrook's) behavior in the workplace." ADVERTISEMENT But Judge Doty said because Seabrook was terminated before the district got rid of the SAFE program, even if some of Seabrook's claims constitute adverse employment actions, the complaint is "devoid" of any facts that tie the district to discrimination. Judge Doty also referenced the school's disproportionate discipline for students of color, which French thought would have had a bigger impact on the case. "We've got a case that is about systemic racism, and the law is not really fully adjusted to getting at systemic racism, it kind of requires traditional proof of racism," French said, noting direct evidence like someone dropping a racial slur, or admitting to being motivated by racism just don't generally happen. Seabrook was seeking more than $75,000 in compensatory damages, in addition to pay through the age of 70 from the district, fees associated with the lawsuit and other damages the "court may deem equitable." Lewis, who had worked for the district since 2011, resigned two weeks ago , citing "personal reasons." Lewis, according to Munoz, said in her letter of resignation that "in the short-term, her time and attention is needed to assist her parents with their business and to care for family members." In a statement issued Wednesday, Munoz said the district was "pleased" with the outcome and "is hopeful the parties will be able to move on from this dispute." Agreement Grants Vessel Life Science LLC Exclusive Distribution Rights to Company's Prana Bio Nutrient Medicinals in the State of Pennsylvania DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / February 23, 2017 /United Cannabis Corporation (CNAB) (the "Company" or "United Cannabis") today announced that it has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Vessel Life Sciences ("VLS") to produce and distribute its products, including the award-winning Prana Bio Nutrient Medicinals, throughout Pennsylvania. Established in 2016, Vessel Life Science LLC is dedicated to advancing the use of cannabinoids in medicine, with a focus on the refinement of genetics for medical grade strains of CBD-rich cannabis plants for the commonwealth of Pennsylvania's patient base. Founded on the principles of patient-driven results, VLS' mission is to offer the highest quality of products that indisputably prove and reinforce the use of medical marijuana for patient benefits and health advances. United Cannabis' Prana line offers a wide selections of raw and active cannabinoid supplements with multiple delivery methods that have accurately dosed medicine from 1mg to 100mg. These products and patient-driven programs are designed to help regulate the body's endogenous endocannabinoid system, perhaps the most important physiological system in maintaining human health. Prana products are most effective when used in conjunction with the extended services provided by the A.C.T. Now Program. Collin Palmer, CEO of Vessel Life Science, commented on the agreement, "There is a strong demand for medical cannabis in Pennsylvania, and we are looking to become a leader in this market. Our exclusive partnership with United Cannabis and their Prana Bio Nutrient products will enable us to deliver clean and effective medicine to thousands of patients in need as soon as Act 16 is fully implemented." Tony Verzura, United Cannabis' Chief Technology Officer, went on to say, "Vessel Life Sciences is ideally suited to bring our products to Pennsylvania. Their team has over 30 years' combined experience across the spectrum of the cannabis industry, including engineered facilities, regulatory compliance, genetics, cultivation, good manufacturing practices, proprietary extraction methods, branding, marketing, and wholesale distribution. Their expertise gives us a distinct competitive advantage as we work to execute a fast and efficient launch of our Prana products and ACT Program throughout the state." Story continues About United Cannabis Corporation The Company's Prana Bio Medicinal products provide patients a simple, safe, accurate, and easy way to mix match cannabinoids for therapeutic purpose. These products are broken into 5 easy to use categories that are available in capsules, sublinguals, and topical delivery methods. The company uses a patent-pending infusion process utilizing select fatty acids, lipids, and specific combination of cannabis derived terpenes to increase bioavailability. Prana Bio Medicinal products are NON-GMO, ethanol free, alcohol free, glycerin free, gluten free, 100% naturally derived, chemical-free, solventless, and hypoallergenic. For further information, please visit www.unitedcannabis.us. About Vessel Life Science: Vessel Life Science's Strategic Pennsylvania MMJ Partners have been involved with medical cannabis since it was permissible in California in 1999, turning their focus to Colorado during the infancy stage of legalized medical cannabis in 2009. With the benefit of more than 30 years' combined experience, Vessel Life's partners have accumulated an extensive knowledge base across the spectrum of the cannabis industry, including engineered facilities, security, regulatory compliance, genetics, cultivation, good manufacturing practices (GMP), proprietary extraction methods, branding, retail operations (SOP), marketing, and wholesale distribution. For further information, please visit www.vessellifescience.com. Contact: Staff@UnitedCannabis.us Phone: 303-386-7321 Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933, and are subject to Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential future plans and objectives of the company, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and other results and further events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. SOURCE: United Cannabis Corporation LAKE CITY Nurses picketed in front of the Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Lake City hospital early Wednesday to spread the news about what they see as a potentially dangerous situation for patients. As part of its new contract with nurses, the hospital will not guarantee staffing of two emergency department-trained nurses in the facility at all times, said Rick Fuentes, a spokesman for the Minnesota Nurses Association. Fuentes said the previous nurses contract, which expired in January, contained an addendum that the hospital would staff two two ED nurses at all times. However, the new contract that is being negotiated only guarantees two ED nurses 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., but only one ED nurse from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. Instead, the hospital asked nurses to trust that it will staff two ED nurses for both shifts, even if it is not in the contract. "Mayo refuses to put it in writing," Fuentes said. "Mayo just wants nurses to trust that they'll do it." ADVERTISEMENT The picket line Wednesday morning was designed simply to inform people of the change, Fuentes said. There was no work stoppage. "Nurses are very alarmed at the potential risks to patients if there are not enough trained nurses to care for each patient in the ED that sees life-threatening cases come in at any time," MNA said in a statement. If Mayo should reduce the number of ED nurses during any shift, it could harm patient care, Fuentes said. "Do you want to be that one patient to come to the ED after 9 p.m.?" he asked. "Emergencies happen 24/7. they don't stop just because you don't have staff to help people." While there could be other nurses on staff in case of emergency, ED nurses are specially trained for emergencies. "There's thinking out there that a nurse is a nurse is a nurse, and that's not true," he said. "Each has different jobs that are defined in statute. Ensuring you have enough nurses trained is vital." With a separate building being added to the Lake City hospital, having only one ED-trained nurse could be even more problematic. "If there is only one ED nurse on duty, he or she could literally be a building away," Fuentes said. Small facts can make a big difference to a community or a country, according to Stephen Kurkjian. Kurkjian, a three-time Pulitzer Prize winner and a founding member of the Boston Globe's famous Spotlight team, spoke to a full auditorium at Rochester Community and Technical College on Wednesday about the value of investigative journalism. "When President Donald Trump said the media is 'the enemy of the people,' it froze me," he said. In stark contrast, Kurkjian pointed out that another president, Thomas Jefferson, famously said if given a choice between a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, that he would choose the later. "I worry I'm a soldier. I'm a warrior in defense of this work," said Kurkjian. ADVERTISEMENT The 2015 movie "Spotlight" told the story of how a team of investigative reporters at The Boston Globe uncovered a massive conspiracy within the Catholic Church to protect pedophile priests and hide the evidence of their crimes. While not one of the main members profiled in the award-winning movie, Kurkjian worked on series of articles and helped get a priest The Rev. Ronald Paquin to confess his crimes on the record. He recalled waiting outside the priest's home as the sun was setting and then following the man up his front steps. Kurkjian convinced Paquin, who had been molested by a priest as a child, to tell his secrets on the record. That interview, which was shown in the movie being done by actress Rachel McAdams, proved to be a crucial piece of evidence in proving the Catholic Church's wrongdoing. Knocking on doors, asking questions and convincing people to talk are critical to journalism, he explained. "It's the process that makes it work This is the tradition of journalism," Kurkjian said, "The process is to assure the reader with on the record interviews, documentation and what you can see with you own eyes." As a cub reporter in the summer of 1969, he found out how documentation and eye-witness reporting can make a big difference to a story. A call from his city editor found him spending his weekend at his parents' house in July. He told Kurkjian to get to Martha's Vineyard as fast as he could, because Sen. Edward Kennedy had been in an accident on Chappaquiddick Island and a woman had died. He visited the medical examiner and was told that the woman's blood had alcohol content of .08 percent, which proved she had drank a significant amount at the party before getting into the car with Kennedy. That conflicted with the story being told by the senator and his friends at the party, who all claimed there was very little drinking at the party. ADVERTISEMENT "It stopped the spinning coming out of the senator's office, for better or worse," said Kurkjian of how that one fact changed that story. In August of that same year, he took a vacation and decided to go to a music festival - Woodstock. Arriving on Friday to see crowds of 400,000 people where only 80,000 had been expected, he quickly realized that it was a story that needed to be told. A call to his editors told him that the governor was calling in the National Guard, because they feared Woodstock would become a violent anti-Vietnam War protest. "'I know Vietnam protesters. These are their younger brothers and sisters. They're here to smoke weed and listen to rock and roll,'" he remembered telling his editors. He wrote an article about the nonviolent chaos of the festival that was very different from ones written by other newspapers who were not in the middle of Woodstock. "It showed me the importance being up front, asking questions of those who matter making a difference," he told the audience. "That stuck with me." In 1970, he was asked to join the Boston Globe's new investigative team, Spotlight. Kurkjian reminded everyone that the freedom of the press in the First Amendment comes before gun rights in the Second Amendment of the Constitution. "The Second Amendment says you can rule by the gun, but the First Amendment has a more peaceful approach It is a check on tyranny," he said. Without a free press, Kurkjian said Robber Barons in early U.S. history would never have been stopped, child labor abuses would never have been revealed, food safety problems in Chicago's meat packing industry would have continued unchecked and the Pentagon Papers would never have been printed to reveal the truth behind the Vietnam War. ADVERTISEMENT Journalism is important for democracy to flourish, he said. But it takes much more than the work of reporters and photographers to make that happen on a daily basis. "You have to get to know your newspaper. Do not think that the newspaper is on a higher level than you. It needs that phone call," said Kurkjian. "We (journalists) don't know nothing unless you're making the phone calls." Kelly Corbin can't wait to give a Rochester visitor a lift. With today's Lyft launch in Rochester, Corbin is set to be among the first drivers eligible to pick up ride-share passengers. She said she knows from experience the impact a driver can have on how a visitor views the city. A Minnesota Department of Health employee, she routinely uses ride-share services and noted drivers can offer personal connections to a city. She wants to provide the same experience for Rochester, which is why she applied to drive for Lyft and Uber before the city even had an ordinance allowing transportation networking companies to operate locally. "I wanted to see it be successful, and I knew getting drivers would be an issue," she said, noting the service opens new transportation opportunities for Rochester residents, as well as visitors. ADVERTISEMENT In November, a contracted representative of Uber, Joel Carlson, told the Rochester City Council ride-share networks will need a robust network of drivers to succeed, which can lead to delays in starting service. "It does take a certain amount of time to build a driver base," he said. Lyft's service will launch at noon today, with potential passengers being matched with drivers through a smartphone app, which is also used to pay for the ride. Rochester one of 54 cities being added to the Lyft roster today. The company, which was founded in 2012, has drivers in nearly 300 cities. "At Lyft, we are committed to offering our communities the best possible transportation," said Jaime Raczka, head of Lyft's early stage markets and expansion effort, noting the growth means more options in more communities. Uber followed Lyft as a potential ride-share provider on Tuesday, applying for a city license. The second company can start operating locally when it is ready, but Uber reports it has not set a launch date. "Our team is in crunch mode working through all the operational details to get Uber up and running in Rochester," the spokeswoman said. "We were pleased to file a formal application with the city this week to bring ride-sharing to the Med City, and hope to have more to share soon." Getting started ADVERTISEMENT Corbin, who received her Lyft decals earlier this month, said the process for applying couldn't have been easier. "It was way too easy," she said, recalling filling out the online application and providing photos of herself, her vehicle and her driver's license, as well as insurance information. Once everything was submitted, she waited for news that she cleared the required background check, and then she waited some more until her welcome envelop arrived. She's still waiting for Uber approval. Derrick Chapman, another driver in waiting, tells a similar story, noting the process for both companies was simple, but detailed to ensure drivers met requirements outlined by the companies and the city. Unlike Corbin, Chapman has never used a ride-share service but said he likes the idea for several reasons, including the ability to earn money throughout the year. The owner of Twisted Barrel Wood Fired Pizza noted his business is seasonal and being a ride-share driver will fill income gaps throughout the year. Meeting requirements Driver requirements for the two services are similar. Both require drivers to be 21 and smartphone access to receive driver requests, as well as rating feedback and payment information. A driver must use a four-door vehicle and have a valid driver's license for at least a year. While Uber states a U.S. license is required, Lyft specifically calls for an in-state license. ADVERTISEMENT Under Rochester's ordinance, drivers cannot have more than four moving violations on their records within the last three years and no more than two in the last year. Drivers must also maintain personal insurance, though the companies are also required to supply additional insurance for when drivers are working. Company coverage varies based on whether a driver has a passenger in the car, but Carlson noted coverage can begin once the driver's app is turned on. Corbin and Chapman said the process has been smooth so far. "Through the whole process, I've never actually talked to anybody through the company," she said, noting much of the information provided is through online training videos. The training offers insights on using the drivers app, providing customer service and the Lyft point system, which requires drivers to maintain positive reviews. Corbin said the process has reaffirmed her confidence in the system. She said safety concerns voiced during the months of city council discussion, especially those regarding women drivers, are unwarranted. She considers being a Lyft driver as safe as being a customer. "I've been an Uber and Lyft rider and felt comfortable," she said. "I'm not seeing a difference from the front seat." You may have missed CNNs forum last night hosting the gang of eight candidates to lead the Democratic National Committee. The election will take place in Atlanta this Saturday. The members of the DNC will pick their chairman on Saturday and then they will rest. The race has been of interest to us because of the candidacy of Minnesota Fifth District Rep. Keith Ellison. Ellison has the support of Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. If Ellison were to prevail in the race, he would step down from resign from his seat in Congress. Thats the up side for those of us in Minnesota. On the down side for the rest of the country, the DNC would be led by a former member of the Nation of Islam who abandoned the hate cult only when it became an inconvenience to him after his first (unsuccessful) run for public office among other notable items on his resume. Ellison represents the rising forces in the Democratic Party. Ellison takes the bait on CNN correspondent Dana Bashs question regarding impeachment: I think that Donald Trump has already done a number of things which legitimately raise the question of impeachment. On day one, he was in violation of the emoluments clause.So yeah, I think we need to begin investigations to not go after Donald Trump, but to protect our Constitution and the presidency of the United States to make sure that nobody can monetize the presidency and make profit off it for their own gain. Ellisons most formidable opponent is former Obama Labor Secretary Tom Perez. Perezs candidacy represents the Obama administration and the Democratic status quo. Vice President Biden has endorsed Perez. So have Eric Holder and other former administration officials. I think Perez must have been recruited to run in response to Ellisons candidacy by Obama himself. Ellison has an outre background that is problematic. In substance, however, theres not a dimes worth of difference between them. It is difficult to assess the state of the race. The Hills Ben Kamisar and Owen Eagan have identified the stances of 240 DNC members, either through their private responses to a survey circulated over the past week or from public endorsements. They report that of those who responded, Ellison leads with 105 supporters to Perezs 57. The remaining major candidates have less than a dozen supporters each, while more than 50 DNC members remain undecided. By contrast, the APs Lisa Lerer and Bill Barrow find the race to be tight. In their assessment, Perez has a slight lead. Politico provides yet another assessment here this morning. Having conducted an email survey of the 447 DNC voting members and follow-up interviews with close to a dozen national and state Democratic leaders, Politico also finds a tight race, but with Ellison holding a narrow advantage. Their prediction that the contest is likely to last through several rounds looks like the only sure bet. Here is the CNN promo for last nights forum. It seems odd to me that CNN gave up two hours of its air time to the forum. The DNC includes a total of 447 voting members. That is the effective audience for the candidates in the debate. Does public interest really warrant the air time, or is CNN working to become the home of opposition to the Trump administration? CNN reports on last nights debate here. Liz Goodwin of Yahoo News reports on it here. Video of the debate is posted below. Quotable quote from candidate Pete Buttigieg (mayor of South Bend, Indiana): Donald Trump has gotten to be like a computer virus in the American political system. He ties up our minds and processing power with these equations that dont have solutions and brain overheats and breaks down. Yes, we have to take the fight to him, but we cant let him dominate our imagination. No, I dont think it is. To me, this is another instance of President Trump overstating his case, and rather recklessly. But Trumps claim cant be dismissed simply by jeering at it. Nor can it be countered, as Dana Milbank tries to do, by citing the sympathetic backgrounds of various Washington Post writers. Trump never said that everyone who works in the news media is an enemy of the people. In any event, the fact that, for example, a newsman was raised by a single mother and worked his way through college doesnt mean he cant be an enemy of the American people. The best test of whether the new media fits Trumps description occurs when an outlet has to decide whether to publish information the widespread knowledge of which threatens to harm members of the American public. Does it put the interest of public safety first? Or is its decision driven by other interests such as the desire for recognition or to harm an administration it doesnt care for? In my view, the New York Times behaved like an enemy of the American people when it published a story disclosing our governments highly classified anti-terrorist-financing program. I agree with Scott that the story wantonly undermined an important national security program for no arguable public purpose. I agree with Tom Cotton that the Times endangered the lives of U.S. soldiers, again, for no arguable public purpose. This isnt the only instance in which the news media has put its interests ahead of the interest of Americans. However, I dont know how widespread the practice is. When the media decides not to publish information because of its potential harm to America, we dont know about it. Thus, I think it would be unfair to conclude that the news media is an enemy of the American people based on a handful of instances in which it acts as such. As Tom Cotton once told the New York Times, we should not paint with such a broad brush. It would, though, be fair to observe that many in the news media view a large portion of the American people contemptuously. My impression is that many look down on Trump supporters, and before that Tea Party sympathizers, viewing them as bitter, racist, and incapable of understanding that their interests are best served by left-liberalism (whats wrong with Kansas and all that). This doesnt make media members enemies of the American people. However, its easy to understand why many Americans would have that sense. Trump probably based his characterization of news media on his view that many of its members indulge in highly biased reporting in particular biased reporting about him and his policies. I agree that the mainstream media has a strong pro-liberal bias. Power Line points to what we consider examples almost daily. A media that slants its news coverage strongly in favor of one political/ideological side, while purporting to be objective, does the American people a disservice. However, I dont think this makes it an enemy of the American people. That characterization seems too sinister. Trump is on firmer ground when he calls the news media dishonest. But then, Trump is no paragon of honesty either. In that sense, it can be argued that President Trump and the mainstream media deserve each other. But lets remember that we were saddled with the liberal mainstream media long before Donald Trump emerged as a political force. The New York Times notes one thing that the generals President Trump has appointed to top administration positions have in common. Gen. Jim Mattis, Gen, John Kelly, and Gen. H.R. McMaster each, at one point or another, strode the sands of Iraq, fighting on the unforgiving battlefield of Americas costliest war since Vietnam. Now all three will sit around the table in the White House Situation Room, steering a new president through the treacherous crosscurrents of a stormy world. The Times Peter Baker and Eric Schmitt quote Sen. Tom Cotton, who also served in Iraq though not as a general, as to what this means: This generation of generals lived through some of the struggles, especially in the 04, 05, 06 time frame in Iraq when we werent doing things right. They understand that security and military force are the pre-eminent requirement, but its not sufficient. This generation of generals who grew up in the Iraq war probably understands that more than any previous generation. I think they understand something else that goes unmentioned by Baker and Schmitt. They fully understand the Iranian threat. All three, I believe, suffered the death of troops under their command as the result of Iranian military involvement in the Iraq war. This experience isnt required to recognize how evil and how dangerous the mullahs regime is. However, its unlikely to be lost on a commander. Mattis has said that the three gravest threats facing the U.S. were Iran, Iran, Iran. He has called Iran the single most enduring threat to stability and peace in the Middle East, which seems undeniable, and said that Iran is not really a nation-state at all but a revolutionary cause devoted to mayhem, a more controversial proposition. President Obama replaced Mattis as Centcom commander reportedly because of the intensity of his animosity towards Iran. (I wonder whether Iran even made Obamas top three list of greatest threats facing the U.S.). Gen. McMaster is said to be quite wary of Iran too. However, he seems to view the threat in more traditional, nation state terms than Mattis does. In a Wall Street Journal article, he said that Russian, Chinese and Iranian actions have become part of a geopolitical realignment that cuts against US interests. Like Gen. Mattis, Gen. Kelly clashed with the Obama White House over Iran policy. He has warned about growing Iranian influence in Latin American. In my view, the three generals realism when it comes to Iran constitutes a huge asset. It should ensure that the Trump administration resets our Middle East policy. This likely will mean, first, a refusal in principle to accept Iranian regional hegemony as Obama seemed to; and, second, a more effective cultivation of Irans Sunni enemies in the region (along, of course, with Israel). That reset is long overdue TOKYO Japans Defense Ministry has doubled the number of fighter jets scrambled in each response to foreign airplanes approaching its airspace on the back of Chinas intensifying military activities around the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, government sources say.Japans Air Self-Defense Force began scrambling four fighter jets since last year in each case of potential airspace violation by foreign aircraft, they said. The ASDF previously sent two jets in each scramble since it began such missions in 1958.The number of scrambles by Japan and China has been surging in areas near the Japan-controlled, China-claimed Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture where the two countries air defense identification zones overlap. The two countries have yet to establish a communication mechanism to avoid any accidental aerial or maritime clash.Between April last year and January, the number of scrambles Japan engaged in already eclipsed the annual record of 944 in fiscal 1984 when Soviet airplanes were active in the Cold War period. According to the sources, an increasing number of Chinese aircraft have been flying past the northern latitude of 27 degrees, which Japan sees as a defense line to keep Chinese planes out of the area between the latitude 25 and 26 degrees north where the Senkakus are located.Of the four F-15 jets scrambled each time, two in the rear will be on alert to deal with approaches of additional aircraft. The ASDF has also extended the duration of a mission called combat air patrol and begun sending more E-2C early warning aircraft and a surveillance plane known as airborne early warning and control system, or AWACS, during a scramble.In January last year, the Defense Ministry doubled the number of F-15s stationed at its base in Naha, Okinawa, to about 40, but more frequent scrambles and the increased number of fighter jets flown in each mission led to a shortage of jets on standby. To more flexibly operate aircraft, the air defense command in Tokyo has started controlling fighter jets across different regions, reviewing such rules as the minimum number of aircraft needed for standby at each composite air division. PR-Inside.com: 2017-02-23 07:03:01 PRESS RELEASE: REGULATED INFORMATION 23 February 2017, 07:00 CET BioCARTIS to Host Webcast FOR ANNOUNCEMENT 2016 Financial Results on 2 March 2017 Mechelen, Belgium, 23 February 2017 - Biocartis Group NV (the 'Company' or 'Biocartis'), an innovative molecular diagnostics company, today announces that it will host a live webcast on Thursday, 2 March 2017 at 14:00 CET / 13:00 BST (UK) / 08:00 EDT (US) to announce its 2016 results and 2017 outlook. The live webcast may be accessed on the Biocartis website or by clicking here. To participate in the questions and answers session, please dial in 5-10 minutes prior to the start time using the numbers below, followed by the confirmation code 9539312. The webcast and conference call will be conducted in English. A replay of the webcast will be available on the Biocartis website ('investors') shortly after. Conference call dial-ins: London, United Kingdom (standard international): +44 (0)20 34 27 19 01 Brussels, Belgium: +32 (0)2 402 30 92 Amsterdam, Netherlands: +31 (0)20 721 91 58 New York, USA: +1 646 254 33 61 Paris, France: +33 (0)1 76 77 22 25 Confirmation code: 9539312 ----- END ---- More information: Renate Degrave Manager Corporate Communications & Investor Relations e-mail rdegrave@biocartis.com tel +32 15 631 729 mobile +32 471 53 60 64 About Biocartis Biocartis (Euronext Brussels: BCART) is an innovative molecular diagnostics (MDx) company providing next generation diagnostic solutions aimed at improving clinical practice for the benefit of patients, clinicians, payers and industry. Biocartis' proprietary MDx Idylla(TM) platform is a fully automated sample-to-result, real-time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) system that offers accurate, highly reliable molecular information from virtually any biological sample in virtually any setting. Biocartis launched the Idylla(TM) platform in 2014. Biocartis is developing and marketing a rapidly expanding test menu addressing key unmet clinical needs in oncology and infectious diseases. These areas represent respectively the fastest growing and largest segments of the MDx market worldwide. Today, Biocartis offers seven oncology tests and two infectious disease tests. More information: www.biocartis.com. Press Photo Library available here. Follow us on Twitter: @Biocartis_. Certain statements, beliefs and opinions in this press release are forward-looking, which reflect the Company or, as appropriate, the Company directors' current expectations and projections concerning future events such as the Company's results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, performance, prospects, growth, strategies and the industry in which the Company operates. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, assumptions and factors could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. A multitude of factors including, but not limited to, changes in demand, competition and technology, can cause actual events, performance or results to differ significantly from any anticipated development. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release regarding past trends or activities are not guarantees of future performance and should not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. In addition, even if actual results or developments are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in future periods. As a result, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any update or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this press release as a result of any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions, assumptions or circumstances on which these forward-looking statements are based. Neither the Company nor its advisers or representatives nor any of its subsidiary undertakings or any such person's officers or employees guarantees that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are free from errors nor does either accept any responsibility for the future accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or the actual occurrence of the forecasted developments. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Biocartis Group NV via Globenewswire Helen Oyeyemi, the author of the globally acclaimed novel, The Icarus Girl, has been declared winner of the PEN America OPEN BOOK Award 2017. She won the prize for the category of the Exceptional Book-Length Work of Literature By An Author of Color Published In 2016. This announcement followed the news of the finalists for 2017 America Literary Awards in various categories published a few weeks ago. Helen Oyeyemis latest triumph is seen as a remarkable feat considering the impressive names on the shortlist of finalists that included Petina Gappa (Zimbabwe), Teju Cole (Nigeria),Yaa Gyasi (Ghana) and Abdellatif Laabi. Ms. Oyeyemi won OPEN BOOK award for her 2016 book What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours with a cash prize of $5,000. The judges for the category were Ishmael Beah, Major Jackson and Bich Minh Nguyen. Helen Oyeyemi, who had received the Somerset Maughan Award in 2010, was in 2013 named as one of Grantas Best of Young British Novelists. Ms. Oyeyemi who moved to the UK at the age of four from Nigeria where she was born, now lives in Prague. The impressive productions from her literary career include: What Is Not Yours is Not Yours (2016); Boy, Snow, Bird (2014); Mr. Fox (2011); White For Witching (2009); The Opposite House (2007); The Icarus Girl (2005), and Junipers Whitening and Victimese (2005). Nigerians across the world have been applauding the latest feat scored by Ms. Oyeyemi. I read her first major work The Icarus Girl, since then she has been off my radar! Ayodele Oso stated. Another writer, Chinwe Madubuike, also an early admirer of Ms. Oyeyemis work ,said I was just wondering about her the other day. Happy for her and looking forward to reading her latest. Teju Cole, who is Helen Oyeyemis compatriot, is still in the running for the PEN /Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay. This category is for a book of essays published in 2016 that exemplifies the dignity and esteem that the essay form imparts to literature worth. It is worth $10,000 to the winner. The winner of this category will be announced live at the 2017 PEN Literary Awards Ceremony hosted by Aasif Mandvi on March 27 at The New Schools John L. Tishman Auditorium in New York. Share this: Twitter Facebook The former Head of the Gambian National Intelligence Agency was on Thursday charged before a Banjul court for the murder of an opposition youth leader who died in detention in 2016. Yankuba Badjie and the Director of Operations, Sheikh Jeng, along with eight other officers, were charged. The charges were part of attempts by President Adama Barrow to re-establish democracy in the small West African nation. Mr. Barrow had released dozens of opposition activists from prison since he took office on January 19, replacing Yahya Jammeh, who ruled the Islamic republic for the last 22 years with an iron fist. Mr. Jammeh caused weeks of political impasse by refusing to accept the result of the December presidential election before going into exile in Equatorial Guinea. Mr. Badjie took over at the intelligence agency in 2013, with Mr. Jeng as his deputy. During their tenure, the intelligence agency carried out kidnappings, arbitrary arrests, torture, killings and rape, according to international human rights activists. (dpa/NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook A Swedish court on Thursday sentenced a man to a six-month prison term for encouraging fund-raising for groups labelled as terrorist organisations, using social networking site Facebook. The 34-year-old, who was not named, denied the charges during the trial at the district court in Malmo, Southern Sweden. One posting made in August 2013 said help us provide our brothers in the front line with weapons so that they can avenge our siblings. The court said the posting also listed telephone numbers to two individuals. The UN and the EU had previously listed one of the numbers in use by a terrorist financier. Both individuals have openly supported Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra, which have been labelled as terrorist groups by the UN and EU, the court said. It was the first time a Swedish court applied a 2010 law outlawing people from encouraging terrorism financing. The prison sentence was motivated by the very serious consequences the act of encouraging fund-raising could have led to, Judge Lennart Strinas said. The mans attorney said they would study the ruling before considering an appeal, Swedish Radio reported. (dpa/NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook The University of Ilorin is enmeshed in a controversy over the alleged improper promotion of a wife of the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Abdulganiyu Ambali. The lecturer, Taiwo Ambali, was among 112 academic staff whose promotion was recently announced by the university with effect from October 1, last year. Mrs. Ambali was promoted from the position of Lecturer 1 to Senior Lecturer. But some of her colleagues protested that the promotion was in breach of the regulations guiding staff promotion at the university. Under the regulations, they said, a staff cannot be promoted to Senior Lecturer until after three years of service as Lecturer 1. Mrs. Ambali was a lecturer at the University of Maduguri when the University of Ilorin where her husband is the Vice-Chancellor offered her appointment as Lecturer 1 through a letter of May 30, 2015. Following the release of the list of the 112 newly promoted academic staff, Kayode Afolayan and Solomon Oyelekan, in their capacities as the Chairman and Secretary respectively of a faction of the local chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, wrote a letter of protest on February 6 to the vice-chancellor in which they accused him of nepotism over the inclusion of his wife in the list. ASUU has two factions in the university, dating back to the crisis of 2001 when the university expelled 49 lecturers. The lecturers were reinstated in 2009 on the order of the Supreme Court. In their letter of protest, Messrs. Afolayan and Oyelekan insisted that Mrs. Ambalis initial appointment by the university should have been to the position of Lecturer 2 instead of Lecturer 1, and that she was not in any event due for promotion until after three years of her previous appointment or promotion. In a prompt response to the letter in which the lecturers had raised other issues, the university management on the same February 6 issued queries to Messrs. Afolayan and Oyelekan, accusing them of malicious allegations and publications. The university directed the officials to explain within 48 hours why disciplinary actions should not be taken against them for the alleged infractions. A day later on February 7, the university followed up with letters to the two officials suspending them from their duties as lecturers. Reacting to the development, the Zonal Coordinator of the Ibadan Zone of ASUU, Ade Adejumo, condemned the suspension of the officials as an act of illegality and cowardice. This latest act of illegality and cowardice by the Vice Chancellor of University of Ilorin is a classic case of corruption fighting back when you fight corruption, Mr. Adejumo said in a statement. ASUU accused the Vice-Chancellor of indecency in the appointment of his wife, Mrs. Ambali, as a senior lecturer in the university. By appointing his wife on temporary appointment basis(without prior advertisement or interview), by placing her on Lecturer 1 after a fresh Ph.D. (while many staff Ph.D. who had put in years of service in the University are still on Lecturer 2 even after Ph.D.), and by promoting her after only one year (when all other staff have to wait for three years), Professor Ambali certainly breaks new grounds in corruption and indecency in the so-called ivory tower, the union stated through Mr. Adejumo. The Union warns that the actions by the University of Ilorin pose a great danger to democracy, to decency, and to the anti-corruption efforts of the present government. How can the government proudly claim that it is encouraging citizens to blow the whistle against corrupt officials while allowing its agencies to openly victimise whistle blowers? If University officials can be so openly corrupt under the glare of anti-corruption agencies, then what is the future of the fight against corruption? And how can democracy and justice thrive when a University, an institution that is supposed to nurture leaders and democrats, openly practise dictatorship and illegality while suppressing debate or dissent?, the union further queried. The Vice-Chancellor has, however, faulted ASUUs stance on the promotion of his wife and denied the charge of nepotism. Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr. Ambali pointed out that the promotion of any academic staff is the sole responsibility of the Appointment and Promotion Committee, (AP&C), stressing that Mrs. Ambali was duly promoted following legal procedures. My wife commenced her career at the University of Maiduguri as a Lecturer II Officer in 2006 and was promoted to Lecturer I in 2009. She later transferred her service to the University of llorin and was recently promoted to the rank of Senior Lecturer by the AP&C. This act was sequel to the approval of both the department and faculty management team. Mr. Ambali stated. Mr. Afolayan however faulted the Vice-Chancellors position. He disputed Mr. Ambalis claim that his wife, having been a lecturer at the University of Maiduguri, was entitled to the position of Lecturer 1 offered her by the University of Ilorin. If you look at the promotion letter, when she got to University of Ilorin, she was promoted to lecturer 1 on temporary basis, Mr. Afolayan argued in a conversation with PREMIUM TIMES. Even then, she ought to spend three years in University of Ilorin before she can be promoted to Senior Lecturer. She was also promoted to Lecturer 1 on Level 7, which would mean that she had spent seven years as Lecturer 1, which is another wrong information, he stated. When the AP and C was to meet, her own (Mrs. Ambalis) case was treated specially. The Vice-Chancellor had said he did not know about the promotion, how come he is now saying it is legal? He formed a special panel for his wife and promoted her to Senior Lecturer. The promotion ought to have come in 2018. Even if she were to be promoted on accelerated basis, there should have been a newspaper advert stating that there is vacancy in the position of Senior Lecturer in her department. But none was done. They promoted her on special recognition without following due process, which is totally wrong. Those are the issues. The Vice- Chancellor cannot feign ignorance in the case and cannot defend it. You dont transfer years of service from Maiduguri to Ilorin. When PREMIUM TIMES spoke earlier with the spokesperson of the university, Kunle Akogun, on the controversy, he had said the suspension of the two lecturers had nothing to do with the promotion of anyone in the university. Why will anyone be suspended based on an allegation? It is not true, he stressed. Mr. Akogun explained that the two lecturers were suspended for acts of insubordination, not attending classes, indiscipline and gross misconduct. He added further that The two lecturers are not our ASUU Executive Council members. Our own ASUU Chairman, Dr. Abdulrahim, has not been suspended by the university, he is the only one we know, Mr. Akogun stated. The academic staff union has had two factions in the university since the protracted crisis at the university that led to the expulsion of 49 lecturers in 2001 for participating in a national strike called by ASUU over a dispute with the Nigerian government. After eight years of litigation, the Supreme Court in 2009 directed that the lecturers be reinstated and all their salaries and other entitlements from the day of their suspension paid to them. Although the university complied with the court judgement, it has remained at odd with the national body of ASUU which had backed the expelled lecturers throughout the protracted crisis. As a fallout of the crisis, the university management does not recognise or relate with the local faction of ASUU which is recognised by the national body of the union, while the local faction that the university recognises does not participate in the activities of the national body, especially in union strikes over industrial dispute. This has ensured that the University of Ilorin for close to two decades now has been able to protect its academic calendar from disruption by teachers strike. Messrs. Afolayan and Oyelekan are officials of the faction recognised by the national body but which is ignored by the university management. Share this: Twitter Facebook Amnesty International, AI, in its annual State of the Worlds Human Rights report, which analyses the states of human rights in 159 countries, has expressed worry over Nigerian governments brutal response to security fears. In Nigeria specifically, we witnessed government responding to legitimate dissent with extreme measures that had devasting impacts on civic space, said AIs Nigeria media manager, Isa Sanusi. The report highlighted cases of heavy-handedness by agents of the Nigerian government especially the military and its response to Boko Haram insurgency in the north-east and pro-Biafra agitation in the south-east. AI noted that the six-year-old Boko Haram insurgency has claimed thousands of lives and directly affected 14.8 million others. Boko Haram continued to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity in the northeast, affecting 14.8 million people. The group continued to carry out attacks and small-scale raids throughout the year, the report stated. It however frowned at the brutal response of the government to security breaches like the Boko Haram insurgency. AI said the military carried out mass arrest of men, women and children, detained and tortured them in a dehumanising detention centre inside Giwa Barracks in Borno, where many died of diseases and starvation. The military arbitrarily arrested thousands of young men, women and children who fled to the safety of recaptured towns, including Banki and Bama, Borno state. These arrests were largely based on random profiling of men, especially young men, rather than on reasonable suspicion of having committed a recognizably criminal offence. In most cases, the arrests were made without adequate investigation. Other people were arbitrarily arrested as they attempted to flee from Boko Haram. Those detained by the military had no access to their families or lawyers and were not brought before a court. More than 1,500 detainees were released throughout the year. The mass arrests by the military of people fleeing Boko Haram led to overcrowding in military detention facilities. At the military detention facility at Giwa barracks, Maiduguri, cells were overcrowded. Diseases, dehydration and starvation was rife. At least 240 detainees died during the year. Bodies were secretly buried in Maiduguris cemetery by the Borno State environmental protection agency staff. Among the dead were at least 29 children and babies, aged between newborn and five years. At Giwa barracks, children under five were detained in three overcrowded and insanitary womens cells, alongside at least 250 women and teenage girls per cell. Some children were born in detention. Unlawful killings The report also frowned at the deployment of soldiers in situations that require the presence of the police. For instance, it berated the military and the State Security Service, SSS (also called DSS), for their treatment of pro-Biafran agitators, which reportedly left 117 people dead. The military deployment to police public gatherings contributed to the number of extrajudicial executions and unlawful killings. Since January, in response to the continued agitation by pro-Biafra campaigners, security forces arbitrarily arrested and killed at least 100 members and supporters of the group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Some of those arrested were subjected to enforced disappearance. On 9 February, soldiers and police officers shot at about 200 IPOB members who had gathered for a prayer meeting in Aba, in Abia State. Video footage showed soldiers shooting at peaceful and unarmed IPOB members; at least 17 people were killed and scores injured. On 29 and 30 May, at least 60 people were killed in a joint security operation carried out by the army, police, Department of State Security (DSS) and navy. Pro-Biafra campaigners had gathered to celebrate Biafra Remembrance Day in Onitsha. No investigation into these killings had been initiated by the end of the year. Torture The report also frowned at police torture and extrajudicial killings. AI specifically memntioned the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), of the police which it blamed for frequently committed torture and other ill-treatment during interrogation. In September, the Inspector General of the police warned SARS against committing torture and encouraged them to follow due process of law. On 18 May, Chibuike Edu died in police custody after he was arrested for burglary and detained for two weeks by the SARS in Enugu. The police authorities were investigating the incident; no one had been held accountable for his death at the end of the year. The National Assembly was yet to pass into law the anti-torture bill which seeks to further prohibit and criminalize torture. In June, it passed its first reading in the Senate. It had earlier been passed by the House of Representatives and was revised by the Nigeria Law Reform Commission. The revised version was to be debated at the Senate. Freedom of Association It berated the government over the killings of hundreds of members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria and the continued detention of several others members and the leader of the Shiite sect, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky. Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), remained in incommunicado detention without trial since his arrest in December 2015. Between 12 and 14 December 2015, soldiers killed more than 350 protesters and supporters of IMN at two sites in Zaria, Kaduna state. Hundreds of IMN members were arrested and continued to be held in detention facilities in Kaduna, Bauchi, Plateau and Kano states. On 11 April, the Kaduna State authorities admitted to a Judicial Commission of Inquiry that they had secretly buried 347 bodies in a mass grave two days after the December 2015 massacre. On 15 July, the Commission presented its report to the state government indicting the Nigerian military for unlawful killings. In December, the Kaduna state government published its white paper on the report, Amnesty International Report 2016/17 281 which rejected most of the Commissions recommendations. Clampdown on freedom of expression The report also pointed out at the increasing clamp down on freedom of speech such as the increasing arrest of bloggers and journalists. In August, Abubakar Usman, a prominent blogger, was arrested in Abuja, the capital, by the anti-corruption agency Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and accused of contravening the Cyber Crimes Act. The Commission did not point out the specific provisions the blogger had contravened; he was released without being charged. In September, Jamil Mabai, was arrested and detained by the police for posting comments on Facebook and Twitter that were critical of the Katsina state government. In early September, the publisher Emenike Iroegbu was arrested in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, over alleged defamation. On 5 September, Ahmed Salkida, a Nigerian journalist based in the United Arab Emirates, was declared wanted by the military and later arrested by the state security services on arrival in Nigeria. He was among three people arrested and briefly detained for alleged links to Boko Haram and for facilitating the release of a Boko Haram video on the abducted Chibok girls. He was later released; his passport remained confiscated. The Nigerian military has condemned the AI report describing it as fabricated. Share this: Twitter Facebook The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has refused Olisah Metuhs application to compel Sambo Dasuki, a former National Security Adviser, NSA, to testify in his matter. The court also declined Mr. Metuhs request to allow him go to the United Kingdom for eight weeks of medical treatment. Mr. Metuh, a former spokesperson of Nigerians former ruling PDP, is facing trial for alleged diversion of N400 million he allegedly received from the office of the former NSA. The trial judge, Okon Abang, said his application lacked merit and that Mr. Dasuki was not a compelable witness. Mr. Metuh sought to get the court to compel the State Security Service, SSS, to present Mr. Dasuki as a witness in court. Mr. Dasuki has been in SSS custody despite being granted bail by various courts. Details later.. Share this: Twitter Facebook The New York Times, through a Freedom of Information Act request, has obtained documents containing detailed accounts of how slain Al Qaeda leader, Anwar al-Awlaki, mentored a Nigerian, Farouk Abdulmutallab, who tried to explode a bomb hidden in his underpants, on a flight from Amsterdam in the Netherlands to Detroit, United States, on Christmas Day in 2009. Mr. Abdulmutallab, commonly referred to as the underwear bomber by United States media, is the son of former chairman of First Bank Plc, Umaru Abdulmutallab. In 2012, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after a defiant guilty plea. The 200-page redacted documents, which contained information obtained from Mr Abdulmutallab through extensive interviews, was released to the newspaper after two years of legal struggle. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, had kept the account a secret and rejected a request made by an author of a 2015 book on the life of Mr. al-Awlaki, an American-born islamic cleric, forcing the New York Times to sue to obtain the documents. Last December a federal judge, Ronnie Abrams, ordered the FBI to release the document to the newspaper. Mr. al-Awlaki was killed by a drone strike ordered by former President Barack Obama in 2011. He was the first American to be killed by the deliberate order of a U.S. president since the Civil War. In a series of interviews with the FBI, Mr. Abdulmutallab, a wealthy 23-year-old studying engineering at the University College, London, revealed his journey towards radicalisation and how he sought out Mr al-Awlaki, who mentored him into becoming a suicide bomber. Mr. Abdulmutallab told FBI agent about how he first encountered the Al-Qaeda leader through a recorded lecture he bought from an Islamic store in the United Kingdom in 2005. He became enamored by his teachings. After a trip to the United Arab Emirates in 2009, he said he felt God was guiding him to jihad. He travelled to Yemen to meet the Mr. al-Awkali, who then had fully embraced violence and was a rising Al Qaeda leader. From then Mr. al-Awkali transcended from being his religious hero into his tutor on how to become a jihadist. Mr. Abdulmutallab told agents that the cleric did not only oversee his training in Yemen, but also conceived the plot leading to the failed bomb attack. According to the report, Mr. Abdulmutallab in series of interviews described every person he remembered meeting from Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsul, as the Yemen branch of the terrorist group is known. He also provided agents with vivid description of the layout of training camps, Mr. al-Awlakis house and many other Qaeda buildings. According to the New York Times, his descriptions were so precise that they may have aided the U.S.in its drone campaign in Yemen. He said Mr. al-Awlaki, who was called sheikh out of respect, introduced him to other Al Qaeda trainers and bomb makers. The American, Mr. Abdulmutallab told the FBI, taught him how to prepare a martydom video, advising him to keep it short and reference the Quran. Mr. al-Awkali told Mr. Abdulmutallab to hide his trail by first traveling from Yemen to an African country before booking a flight on which he planned to detonate the bomb. Mr. Abdulmutallab flew from Ghana to Amsterdam before joining Northwest Airlines Flight 253 to Detroit. He said the choice of the date for the attack had no special significance and was mainly dictated by ticket prices and flight schedules. Before he departed, Mr. al-Awlaki sent him a final reminder: Wait until you are in the U.S., then bring the plane down. He said he followed the progress of the flight on the seat-back screen. He waited until he approached the US border and went to the planes bathroom to make final preparations for the attack. He thought of detonating the bomb in the bathroom but wanted to be certain that he was doing so over US soil, so he returned to his seat to check the map for a final time before igniting the explosives. Maybe due to excess moisture, the bomb did not explode but let out a flame. As he tried to get his burning pants off, passengers pounced on him. One passenger punched him and a crew member threatened to throw him out of the plane. He began confessing to the terror act even before leaving the plane. He said he was a member of Al Qaeda and that he had tried to set off a bomb. He later stopped talking and needed the presence of his relatives who were flown by U.S. authorities from Nigeria to persuade him to become cooperative again. Share this: Twitter Facebook Locals in Kaduna staged a formidable attempt to rescue two German nationals abducted on Wednesday, but their efforts ended on a deadly note as two residents were shot dead, witnesses have told PREMIUM TIMES. Peter Breunig, a professor of archaeology, and his colleague, Johannes Buringer, were seized while excavating a site in Jenjela village of Kagargo Local Government Area. Their kidnappers shot and killed two men who made efforts to foil the abduction. Usman Kagarko, a witness who joined many others in going after the assailants, said their effort ended when the kidnappers turned back and opened fire. We had to scamper for our safety when they opened fire, shooting sporadically at us, killing two local hunters who were in our lead as we chased them on our motorcycles and on foot, , he told PREMIUM TIMES. If only we are armed or in company of armed security, we would have stopped them because they are on foot. He gave the names of the two victims as Anas Ibrahim and Adamu Abdulrahim. He said many locals were familiar with the Germans who for many years frequently travelled from Abuja to Kaduna for their work. So we felt personally concerned that this very friendly foreigners are innocently abducted by criminals under our nose, he said. The incident occurred after police deployed special units to Southern Kaduna to prevent the incessant violence there. The Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Aghole Abeh, said the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, also ordered the police air wing to commence aerial surveillance of the area. Mr. Breunig is the leader of a team from the University of Frankfurt, Germany, working in Nigeria in collaboration with the National Commission for Museum and Monuments and other institutions on the relics of Nok culture in Nigeria. Kagarko palace sources said two other German women who are members of the team were spared by the gunmen. They were later escorted by security back to Abuja after a brief meeting with Emir of Kagarko. Another witness, Sani Aliyu, from Jenjela village, who was part of the team working in collaboration with Germans, said the incident happened after they resumed work at the site at the village. He said they had started working when five gunmen appeared from the bush and ordered them to lie down. They started coming one after the other, the first two with machetes then others with heavy guns, Mr. Aliyu said. There were many people at the site who were working so they ordered us to lie facing down and shot into the air in order to scare us. It was at that point that they asked the professor and his associate to follow them and they led them to the other side of the road; made them cross the road to the other side from where we were and began to lead them further into the bush, he said. Mr. Aliyu said at that point they were able to get up and witness what was going on. He said a member of the team, a hunter, whose phone had been snatched by the kidnappers, asked others to go after the attackers. But only one of us followed him and the two men crossed the road chasing after the kidnappers, he said. When they realised that the two men and many other locals joined in their pursuit, they turned and opened fire killing the hunter and the other man. Kaduna police spokesperson, Aliyu Usman, told PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday said special operatives had been deployed to rescue them. So far, there has been no ransom demand or contact from the abductors, Mr Usman, an assistant superintendent of police, said. Unfortunately the victims did not go to site with the policemen attached to them for security, he added. Share this: Twitter Facebook The Federal Government filed one more charge against the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who is standing trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal. Mr. Saraki was initially facing a 16-count charge of fraud levelled against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau. The bureau had on September 16, 2015 filed a 13-count charge against him for alleged false and anticipatory declaration of assets, but increased the number to 15 on April 18 and added one more charge on April 27 2016. The government later increased the charges to 17 on January 11, 2017. On Thursday, a government lawyer told the tribunal a new amendment had been filed, bringing the charges to 18. The Senate President pleaded not guilty to all the charges. In the new charge, Mr. Saraki is accused of making false declaration, when he declared that he purchased a property at number 15A Macdonald Street Ikoyi, Lagos through his company Carlisle Properties Limited in 2003, but the said property was actually sold to G and C Real Estates Properties and Investment Company limited for 12million Naira. He is also accused of making false declaration that he acquired the properties through sales of agricultural commodities, when it was purchased using a loan from a commercial bank. Meanwhile, the prosecution witness, Samuel Madojemu, admitted making a contradictory claim. Mr. Madojemu had earlier testified that Mr. Saraki in one of his asset forms claimed to have acquired properties at No. 15a and 17 a Macdonald Street Ikoyi Lagos from proceeds of rice and sugar commodities. According to him, engaging personally in rice and sugar business is unlawful for any public officer. However, under cross examination by Paul Erokoro, Mr. Sarakis lawyer, the witness admitted that public officers are allowed to own shares in companies in addition to owning farms for agricultural purposes. The witness informed the Danladi Umar led tribunal that there is no law in the country at the moment that forbids public officers from having even majority or controlling shares in any company. Under further cross examination, Mr. Madojemu said that he never asked the Senate President during investigation on whether he had shares in any company trading in rice and sugar or nut. The witness also admitted that he never seen any audited account of any company linked to Mr. Saraki who was accused of false asset declaration by the Federal Government. The witness also said that contrary to his averment in his asset declaration form, the Senate President did not acquire the said properties from the presidential committee on sales of federal government properties, but from another company G & C real estate property and investment company. The trial was adjourned to continue on March 2. Share this: Twitter Facebook Ahead of his inauguration on Friday, outgoing governor Olusegun Mimiko, on Thursday formerly handed over the instrument of authority to the incoming governor, Rotimi Akeredolu. The exchange of baton, which occurred at about 7 p.m. at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governors office, Alagbaka, saw Mr. Mimiko handing over to Mr. Akeredolu, bound documents relating to the government of Ondo State. Mr. Mimiko, in his valedictory speech, described himself as an embodiment of Gods grace. He said he was leaving the state better than he met it and charged Mr. Akeredolu to do all within his ability to develop the state. The state is in good hands with a man like Akeredolu taking over from me, he said. I have no doubt that Akeredolu will serve the state well. I will continue to pray for the state and offer myself for its development when necessary. In his remarks, Mr. Akeredolu said Mr. Mimiko had done his best for the state and urged him to rest and be at peace, having served the state meritoriously. He urged the former commissioners in the state to support his government, saying their services will be needed from time to time. Mr. Akeredolu emerged governor of the state on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, during the governorship which held in November last year. Although the election came with controversies, contested by candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alliance for Democracy, Social Democratic Party and 21 other parties, none of those who lost went to court to challenge the election. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria will be inaugurated as the sixth democratically elected governor of the state. Share this: Twitter Facebook Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday summoned the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, over the kidnap of two German archaeologists, Peter Breunig and Johannes Behringer, in Kadarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. A source told the News Agency of Nigeria that the police chief briefed the Acting President on efforts so far made by police to rescue the victims unhurt and apprehend the kidnappers. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the Germans were kidnapped and how two Nigerians who tried to rescue them were killed in the process. Usman Kagarko, a witness who joined many others in going after the assailants, said their effort ended when the kidnappers turned back and opened fire. We had to scamper for our safety when they opened fire, shooting sporadically at us, killing two local hunters who were in our lead as we chased them on our motorcycles and on foot, , he told PREMIUM TIMES. If only we are armed or in company of armed security, we would have stopped them because they are on foot. He gave the names of the two victims as Anas Ibrahim and Adamu Abdulrahim. He said many locals were familiar with the Germans who for many years frequently travelled from Abuja to Kaduna for their work. So we felt personally concerned that this very friendly foreigners are innocently abducted by criminals under our nose, he said. The police have since dispatched a team of special forces and to work in synergy with the police command in Kaduna State and indigenes of towns and surrounding villages where the archaeologists were kidnapped. The special force deployed comprise the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), the Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU), the Anti Kidnapping Unit, the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), the Police Mobile Force and Police Surveillance Helicopters. The Special Investigation Team on Kidnapping and Terrorism Cases under the Command of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Department of Operations, is also participating in the rescue operation. The kidnapped archaeologists, working in collaboration with National Commission for Museum and Monument on the relics of NOK Culture in Nigeria, were kidnapped on Wednesday morning at an excavation site in Kadarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Share this: Twitter Facebook The technology, called Perspective, will review comments and score them based on how similar they are to comments people said were toxic or likely to make them leave a conversation. It has been tested on the New York Times and the companies hope to extend it to other news organisations such as The Guardian and The Economist as well as websites. News organisations want to encourage engagement and discussion around their content, but find that sorting through millions of comments to find those that are trolling or abusive takes a lot of money, labour, and time. As a result, many sites have shut down comments altogether, Jared Cohen, President of Jigsaw, which is part of Alphabet, wrote in a blog post. But they tell us that isnt the solution they want. We think technology can help. Perspective examined hundreds of thousands of comments that had been labelled as offensive by human reviewers to learn how to spot potentially abusive language. CJ Adams, Jigsaw Product Manager, said the company was open to rolling out the technology to all platforms, including larger ones such as Facebook and Twitter where trolling can be a major headache. The technology could in the future be expanded to trying to identify personal attacks or off-topic comments too, Cohen said. Perspective will not decide what to do with comments it finds are potentially abusive; rather publishers will be able to flag them to their moderators or develop tools to help comment understand the impact of what they are writing. Mr. Cohen said a significant portion of abusive comments came from people who were just having a bad day. The initiative against trolls follows efforts by Google and Facebook to combat fake news stories in France, Germany and the U. S. after they came under fire during the presidential vote when it became clear they had inadvertently fanned false news reports. The debate surrounding fake news has led to calls from politicians for social networks to be held more liable for the content posted on their platforms. The Perspective technology is still in its early stages and far from perfect, Mr. Cohen said, adding he hoped it could be rolled out for languages other than English too. (Reuters/NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook An Ogudu Magistrates Court in Lagos has fixed March 2., to deliver judgement in a case of incest involving a 20-year-old factory worker, Friday Solomon. The Magistrate, O. Sule-Amzat fixed the date after the accused pleaded guilty to the two count charge of defilement and sexual assault against his 10-year-old Cousins daughter on February 18. The prosecution said the accused was apprehended by a neighbour after the girl, who was bleeding from her private part, reported the incident. The case was subsequently reported at Ketu Police Station by the mother of the girl. Police Prosecutor, Ihiehie Lucky, told the court that the victims mother received a phone call on that day at about 4.30 p.m., asking her to rush home quickly as someone had raped her daughter. When the complainant got there she started crying as she saw her daughter bleeding from her private part and then a church member came around and used hot water to clean and press the victims vagina. The little girl told her mother that Solomon, a cousin to her deceased father, came to the house when she was doing her homework with her siblings and defiled her. She said that while she was shouting the accused covered her mouth with his hands and when he was done she started seeing blood and went to report to their neighbour. Mr. Ihiehie said that the neighbour locked the accused inside the complainants house so as not to escape and with the help of other people dragged him to the police station He said that the offences contravened Sections 137 and 260 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. When his plea was taken, Solomon pleaded guilty, and the Magistrate fixed March 2, for sentencing. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook The federal government has told pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Nigeria that it is ready to support them in ensuring that 70 per cent of the drugs Nigerians need are produced in the country, in line with the National Drug Policy. The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, disclosed this at a meeting with members of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN), in Abuja, according to a statement by his office. The Association is the umbrella organisation for manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and allied products in Nigeria Mr. Adewole said the support is also to ensure access to quality medicines by Nigerians at affordable cost. The National Drug Policy stipulates that Nigeria should aim at producing 70 per cent of its medicines needs. Mr. Adewole said the Health Ministry was ready to support willing and capable groups to expedite action towards the achievement of that goal. The minister also inaugurated a committee of experts, headed by the Director, Food and Drugs Services, Modupe Chukuma, to develop a list of drugs that Nigeria does not yet have the capacity to produce so that the ministry can seek waiver on tariffs on their importation from the Finance Ministry. He urged manufacturers to strive to reduce the cost of locally manufactured drugs by as much as 30 per cent and create efficient systems to ensure that drugs get to the last person in need of them. In another development, the minister said the ministrys proposed 2017 Budget has projects and programmes for Nigerians in the Diaspora. According to a press statement from the ministry, Mr. Adewole disclosed this at a budget defence session held at the instance of the House of Representatives Committee on the Diaspora in Abuja. The exercise was to ascertain the commitment of the health sector to the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad. In a chat with journalists afterwards, Mr. Adewole said the budget defence would enable the ministry re-prioritise its needs and focus for the benefit of Nigerians in the diaspora. In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Committee, Rita Oji, urged the health ministry to make maximum use of the instrumentality of the National Assembly which is invested with the power of appropriation during budget planning for the benefit of Nigerians. Proposed budgetary allocation to health for 2017 is 4.15 per cent of the national budget, a marginal improvement on the 3.73 per cent figure of 2016. Share this: Twitter Facebook The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court will on Thursday rule on an application for the appearance of former National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dasuki, in the trial of embattled former publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Olisa Metuh. Mr. Metuh is facing trial for alleged diversion of N400 million meant for the purchase of arms from the office of the former NSA. Mr. Metuh, whose trial has since reached the defence stage, had submitted an application for the court to order the appearance of Mr. Dasuki, who is being detained by the State Security Service. The counsel to Mr. Metuh, Onyeachi Ikpeazu, asked the court to order Mr. Dasukis appearance, stressing that his client needs the testimony of the former NSA who could not be reached by the defence. We cannot reach Colonel Sambo Dasuki. He is in the custody of the government who is also the complainant in this case. We cannot go to the DSS or EFCC or the Federal Government and ask them to give him to us. This is a man who has been granted bail by the court, but he is still being detained by the government. That is why we have, since December last year, applied to the court to issue a subpoena on him to appear. We are now compelled to come by way of motion for your Lordship to use your powers under the law to compel him to appear before you to give evidence, said Mr. Ikpeazu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Mr. Ikpeazu further said Mr. Dasuki was required to ascertain the justice of the matter, since he is the one through whom the money was said to have been given to Mr. Metuh. He added that Mr. Dasukis portfolio appeared in five of the seven counts against Mr. Metuh, hence the need to have him (Dasuki) testify. The judge will also rule on a request for the temporary release of Mr. Metuhs international passport to enable him travel for treatment in a London hospital. Mr. Ikpeazu made the application, stressing that his client has suffered major spinal cord injuries requiring treatment. Opposing the motion, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Sylvanus Tahir, asked the court to rather accelerate the matter and reach a conclusion, before allowing the accused to get medical attention. Responding, however, Mr. Ikpeazu said other defendants with similar charges before the same court had at different times been granted leave to travel. He argued that the application bothered on Mr. Metuhs right to life and asked the court to grant the application. After listening to the counsel, the trial judge, Okon Abang, fixed Thursday for ruling on both applications. Share this: Twitter Facebook A Nigerian soldier has been jailed for molesting a civilian, the army has said. Suleiman Olamilekan, a private with 6 Division Garrison, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, is to spend 28 days in prison with hard labour for beating up a woman, one Ebere Ohakwe. The convicted soldier, Mr. Olamilekan, is also to forfeit his salary to the federal government for the 28 days he would be spending behind bars. The incident, which has caused outrage on the social media, occurred at Omagwa Checkpoint along Port Harcourt Onitsha Road on January 30. Aminu Iliyasu, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, said in a statement released on Wednesday that Mr. Olamilekan was tried and found guilty by the 6 Division, Port Harcourt. Mr. Iliyasu, a colonel, said the armys response to the case was in accordance with its policy of zero tolerance to unprofessional conduct as well as its uncompromising stance on discipline and commitment to the rule of law. Mr. Iliyasu said the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 6 Division Nigerian Army, Enobong Udoh, a major general, had ordered the immediate arrest of the soldier and his guard commander for investigation and disciplinary action, immediately the army got wind of the incident. The GOC had also invited the victim to his office and assured her that justice would be done in the matter, the statement said. We wish to assure the general public that proactive measures have been put in place to forestall a reoccurrence of such misconduct in the future, the statement said. We will equally welcome prompt and accurate reports of any such misconduct within Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Delta States to appropriate superior authority. The army a few days ago carried out similar punitive measures against two corporals who molested a physically challenged person in Onitsha, Anambra State, for wearing a camouflage shirt. The two soldiers were demoted to privates and imprisoned for 21 days. Share this: Twitter Facebook The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, on Wednesday said he would work to ensure corrupt people never lead Nigeria again. Speaking at the inauguration of the Nigerian Women Against Corruption initiative in Lagos, Mr. Akiolu said he would work against any corrupt individual becoming Nigerias president again. I insist that this is not era for somebody who spent the first three years under the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo making money and turning public corporations to his own, Thisday newspaper quoted Mr. Akiolu as saying at the event. He is planning to come back to be the President of this country again. Ill work against his ambition. I mean it and I mean it, by Gods grace, it shall not be so. Although he didnt mention his name, Mr. Akiolu is believed to have been referring to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for whom he has never hidden his disdain. Mr. Abubakar served as vice president under ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2003. Mr. Abubakar also presided over the National Council on Privatization, supervising the sale of dozens of government-owned enterprises to private individuals. Last month, the Lagos monarch had accused Mr. Abubakar of being behind his forced exit from the Nigeria Police Force where he was retired as an Assistant Inspector General. At an event organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice on January 30, Mr. Akiolu said Mr. Abubakar played a prominent role in convincing then president, Mr. Obasanjo, to retire him from service. The former vice president denied the claims. The monarch commended the government of Akinwunmi Ambode, the Lagos State governor, saying he had achieved a lot in less than two years If a man can achieve that much in office in under two years, it shows clearly that there is still hope for this country and whether we like it or not, we should thank God and commend Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. If I did not put down my foot from 1999 to 2003 to ensure that nobody pushed the government of Lagos State aside, they would have taken government from us that time. We will not be saying what we are saying today. That is why I am praying that God will let President Muhmmadu Buhari complete his tenure. Share this: Twitter Facebook Anambra senator, Stella Oduah, has described as untrue allegations that she was indebted to Sterling Bank and other commercial banks. On Wednesday, a Lagos Federal High Court restrained Mrs. Oduah and Sea Petroleum from making withdrawals from 21 accounts in some commercial banks. However, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Oduah said she had resigned from the company, Sea Petroleum, which was alleged to be indebted to banks. I resigned from the company since 2010. Sterling got injunction on earlier order. They gave sea shipping facility to buy vessel. They defaulted. But the order lapsed today. The lawyers appealed for a set-aside. That was what they argued and order was set aside, she said. The other companies barred from making withdrawals include Sea Shipping Agency Ltd, Rotary Engineering Services Ltd, and Tour Afrique Company Ltd. The court issued the orders over an alleged indebtedness of the defendants in the sum of about 16.4 million dollars and N100.5 million. Also, the court issued an order directing the said commercial banks harbouring the assets of Mrs. Oduah and the four companies to sequestrate their indebtedness as at November 2016. The court ordered that the money should be kept in an interest yielding account in the name of the chief Registrar of the Federal court, pending the determination of the suit filed before the court to recover the debt. The order of the court was sequeled to an affidavit deposed to by Business Manager of Sterling Bank Plc., Segun Akinsanya, filed and argued before the court by its Counsel, Kemi Balogun. In the affidavit, Mr. Akinsanya averred that on Oct. 8, 2012, the bank granted a lease /Cabotage Vessel Finance Facility (CVFF) to Sea Petroleum and Gas Company in the said sums to finance one unit 5,000 MT tanker vessel. He averred that the loan was secured by an unconditional personal guarantee of the companies director, Princess Stella Oduah. Mr. Akinsanya also averred that same was supported by a statement of her net worth, legal mortgage of two properties worth N135 billion, and a power of Attorney of the tanker vessel in favour of Sterling Bank. Also, in support was a fully executed standing payment order and tripartite remittance agreement between First Bank plc, Sterling Bank and Stella Oduah. It was further averred that in June 27, 2013, Sea Petroleum Company requested and was granted additional facilities in the sum of about 450,000 dollars for post-delivery expenses. He said that also granted was about 993, 000 dollars to meet the requisite conditions in securing the release of the tanker. Also, he averred that upon the persistent failure of the defendants to liquidate their indebtedness, Sterling Bank instructed its counsels to recover the debt. He said that in spite of several reminders, and demands, the defendants had failed and refused to liquidate their indebtedness which had culminated to 16.4 million dollars, and about N100.5 million as at November 2016. Mr. Akinsanya also averred that the defendants were also greatly indebted to a number of banks and had conceded a number of assets to AMCON who had stepped into the shoes of those banks. He averred that there was imminent risk of the defendants dissipating the assets of the companies. The plaintiff urged the court to grant the order restraining Stella Oduah and other directors of the companies from withdrawing money from the account of the companies domiciled with 21 banks pending the determination of the debt recovery suit. In an ex -parte application filed and argued before the court by Balogun, he stated that it had been difficult to serve court processes on the defendants. The judge, Abdulaziz Anka, consequently ordered that court processes be advertised in National Newspapers. Meanwhile, Mrs. Oduah and her companies urged the court to discharge the order made against them. They also filed a preliminary objection to the suit and urged the court to strike out the suit for lack of jurisdiction. However, Mr. Anka fixed March 20 to decide whether or not to vacate the order. Share this: Twitter Facebook The Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, Ben Akabueze, says there is no padding in the 2017 Budget as being alleged in some quarters. He said this at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday while clarifying issues raised concerning the budget. Mr. Akabueze said that padding was a term used to describe unauthorised or undisclosed insertions into the budget. I can say without equivocation that there is no padding in the 2017 budget proposal. The process of preparing the 2017 budget required MDAs to upload their budgets online by their accredited officers, who were issued access codes to ensure an audit trail of all entries. The Chief Executive/Chief Accounting Officers of all MDAs were required to certify their final budget inputs. The budget presented to the National Assembly by Mr President was exactly what the MDAs certified, he said. He also said that there was a valid concern about difference in prices for the same items, adding that the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) was updating its price list. He said that the price list when updated would be structured into the budget preparation application to make it impossible for various agencies to use the different prices for the same items in the budget. He added that going forward, the Budget Office and the BPP would work collaboratively to ensure timely review of price lists. Mr. Akabueze said that various commentaries had termed some expenditure as frivolous, suspicious or wasteful, but that no item should be regarded as such. He said that for welfare packages set aside to cater for support for funerals of deceased staff and so on, it was impossible to accurately project them and so MDAs used their best judgement. For security and cleaning services, he said that the Federal Government had outsourced them and that there must be provisions to pay the companies that provided those services. As for electricity and utility costs, he said that because the power sector was beset with unpaid bills by MDAs, the Federal Government had directed them to make adequate provisions to enable them to pay their bills when due. He said that the 2017 budget was prepared, using the Zero-Based Budget (ZBB) system which required that every project/programme must be justified each year for inclusion in the budget. This does not imply that projects captured in the previous years budget will not feature in the current proposal, especially if the project was not implemented due to funding challenges or is still an ongoing project. Mr. Akabueze said that some people had queried the description of some projects as repetition of those projects, adding that it was not a defect. He explained that the departure from incremental budgeting system to ZBB required that projects were costed at activity level. He also said that there were reports in the budget which were non-existent such as the N250 million for the construction of gate house in the Vice Presidents quarters. These items and provisions are not in the 2017 budget proposal, he said. He said that there was a claim that the provision for annual budget expenses and administration appeared multiple times in the budget of different MDAs. He, however, said that there were over 800 MDAs all of which must make provisions for expenses related to the budget exercise. Someone simply aggregated the budgets of the Budget Office, the Ministry of Budget and National Planning and the provisions made by receptive MDAs for budget preparation and administration. They described the total of N5.41 billion as cost of preparing the budget. This is not correct and reflects a lack of appreciation of the full scope of responsibilities of the budget office and its parent Ministry of Budget and National Planning. Mr. Akabueze said that the proposed budget was a quantitative expression of governments financial plans with a focus to systematically achieve rapid economic recovery and sustained inclusive growth. He added that the budget summarised key ingredients of the Nigeria Economic Recovery and growth Plan (NERGP) 2017-2019 which built on the strategic implementation plan of the 2016 budget. The director-general assured that the Budget Office was committed to ensuring involvement of Nigerians in the budget process, adding that the National Assembly was also committed to passing the budget in March. President Muhammadu Buhari presented the 2017 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly on Dec. 14, 2016 with projected oil revenue at N1.99 trillion, on price benchmark of 42.5 dollars per barrel. He also presented the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) for 2017-2019 with the same price. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook The former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisah Metuh, on Thursday asked Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to disqualify himself from continuing with his case. Mr. Metuh, who made an oral application through his counsel, Onyeachi Ikpeazu, said he no longer had confidence in the court presided by Mr. Abang. The application followed the courts refusal to grant two applications filed by Mr. Metuh. One application prayed the court to summon the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, by way of a subpoena to testify as witness. The other application prayed for to release Mr. Metuhs international passport to enable him travel abroad for medical treatment. Mr. Abang said the court had in May 2016 refused Mr. Metuhs application for the release of his passport and wondered why a similar application was brought before the court. The defendant ought to have appealed the earlier ruling. This is not a sentimental or sympathetic issue. It is purely an issue of law. The applicant should not create problems for the court, Mr. Abang said. While refusing the application to summon Mr. Dasuki for lacking in merit and substance, the court held that Mr. Dasuki was not a compellable witness in the trial. According to Mr. Abang, there is no record before the court to prove that the defendant has made any effort to approach the authority holding Mr. Dasuki to ask for his release. It is not the duty of the court to compel anyone to come and give evidence in court when that person is not a compellable witness. The name of Dasuki was not included in the list of witnesses filed by the defendants. The question is, at what stage did the defendant make up his mind to include Dasukis name in its lists of witnesses? The application is made in bad faith and with the intention to delay the trial. The defendants have exhausted all the adjournment they are entitled to. The first defendant is no longer entitled to any adjournment in this matter having been granted eight adjournments since the commencement of the trial. Therefore, the application to issue a subpoena will not serve any purpose. The law is no respecter of persons. This application is lacking in merit and is hereby dismissed. However, a drama ensued between the judge and Mr. Ikpeazu when the court asked him to call his next witness. Mr. Ikpeazu said the court had shown clear bias against Mr. Metuh and added that the ruling was against the interest of justice. I pray the court to recuse itself from going on with the trial since we lack confidence in it. This application is made in the interest of justice. Every reasonable person in this country knows that we lack the capacity to meet the DSS and request them to release Dasuki to come and testify, Mr. Ikpeazu said. He urged the court for more time to approach the SSS to release Mr. Dasuki in the view of the refusal of the court to issue a subpoena. On his part, prosecuting counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, held that the insistence of the defendant that he could not proceed with the matter without the presence of Mr. Dasuki was misconceived and had no accommodation in law. He urged the court to order the defendants to proceed with their defence, pending when they put their house in order to produce an appropriate witness. Mr. Tahir urged the court to ignore the application to recuse itself from the trial and proceed with the matter. The judge told Mr. Ikpeazu that his statement was contemptuous, but Mr. Ikpeazu insisted that his statement was backed by facts. Mr. Abang, in a short ruling described the statement made by Mr. Ikpeazu as contemptuous of the court. According to him, in contempt of the court, the judge is the complainant as well as the prosecutor and the judge, adding that he would however, not take action against Mr. Ikpeazu. He said his action against the contemptuous remarks was not out of fear or cowardice, but because the court was trained to develop thick skin against such statements and not to pick offence when offended. The judge further dismissed the application for the court to rescue itself for lacking in merit, saying, there was nothing before the court to show that it was biased. He adjourned the matter till March 20, 21,22,23 and 24 for Mr. Metuh to close his case, and second defendant, Dextra to open its defence. Mr. Metuh is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly receiving N400million from Dasuki, knowing fully that it was proceeds of an unlawful act.(NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, has told a Federal High Court in Lagos that he received N75 million from the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, as legal fees. Mr. Ozekhome stated this in a suit filed before the court seeking to unfreeze his account, that was frozen by the anti-graft EFCC based on a court order. The Federal High Court on Thursday fixed March 2 for the hearing of the lawyers suit. Mr. Ozekhome said the N75 million contained in the account is the legal fees he received from the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose. Justice Abdulazeez Anka ordered that a hearing notice be issued on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The court had on February 7 ordered a temporary forfeiture of N75 million found in the applicants Guaranty Trust Bank account following an application by the EFCC. When the case was called on Thursday, the EFCC was not represented in court. Addressing the court, Mr. Ozekhome said his suit was filed on February 14 and that EFCC was served on February 20 according to a proof of service. Justice Anka noted that the commission was still within time to respond. He said the commission was entitled to seven days which, he said, had not lapsed, adding that the commission should be allowed their clear seven days. In his response, Mr. Ozekhome asked for the earliest possible date for hearing of his application, insisting that the suit was urgent. Mr. Ozekhome, who is seeking the immediate vacation of the interim forfeiture order, argued that the EFCCs application for the interim order was done in bad faith. The commission, he said, did not comply with the statutory and judicial authorities in obtaining an interim order through a motion ex-parte. According to him, the respondent suppressed material facts in obtaining the order and as such, the action is unconstitutional as same offends constitutional provisions. He said the EFCC did not disclose to the court that Justice Taiwo O. Taiwo of the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti, had unfrozen Governor Ayodele Fayoses accounts forthwith. Mr. Fayoses account was initially frozen by the EFCC for his alleged role in the misappropriation of billions of Naira from the office of the National Security Adviser. Mr. Ozekhome said the unfreezing order allowed the governor to operate his account before transferring the sum of N75 million to his chambers account. He further argued that the EFCCs application and the subsequent order were based on non-compliance with court rules and judicial authorities regulating the granting of ex-parte application. The entire gamut of the application leading to the granting of the interim order ex-parte amounts to forum shopping and a calculated attempt to over-reach me. He submitted that the issue, whether the said sum formed proceeds of a crime, was currently on appeal. Justice Anka adjourned the suit to March 2. Share this: Twitter Facebook Some suspected kidnappers have abducted two sand dredgers at Eleko village in the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State. Dependable sources told the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday that the victims were kidnapped on Tuesday. NAN gathered that the gunmen, who came through the lagoon around 9:00 a.m., were shooting sporadically before they took the two dredgers away in their speed boat. It was gathered that those abducted were the dredging companys manager and the machine operator. According to a source, the stray bullets from the gunmen hit one of the workers on the arm, while trying to escape. We were in our various houses when we heard the gunshots. After the dust had settled, we went to the scene of the incident. Unfortunately, we found one of the workers in a pool of his own blood. We rescued the victim and took him to a private clinic in the community for treatment, after which we then reported the matter at the Akodo Police Division. It was when we got to the clinic we knew it was kidnappers who invaded the dredging site. We call on government and the security agencies to come to our aid, a source said. It was further gathered that the dredging company was said to have started operations in the community in January. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police was called upon to deploy marine police personnel to the riverine areas of the state. On that fateful day, had it been that some marine police personnel were stationed in the coastal area, the gunmen would probably have been arrested, another source said. Meanwhile, some of the soldiers and police officers deployed to Igbodu in Epe were said to be escorting farm owners and workers to their various farms. One of the farm managers, who spoke with NAN on phone said, they were only going to the farm to wet some of their perishable farm produce. There are some of our crops if we do not wet them in a day, they would perish and some of our livestock would also die. The army and police were assisting us by giving us cover to wet our farms and livestock. Some of the farm workers who escaped the gunmen with injuries are now in the hospital receiving treatment, the farmer said. It will be recalled that on February 16, five farm workers were abducted by unknown gunmen in their farms located in the Epe area of the state. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook The Federal Government has invited foreign airline operators to inspect the Kaduna International Airport ahead of the March 8 closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe international airport, Abuja. The Minister of State, Aviation, Hadi Sirika, extended the invitation during a meeting in Abuja with the representatives of the foreign airlines operating in Abuja on Thursday Mr. Sirika said that the Kaduna airport was fully ready to accommodate traffic diversion from Abuja between March 8 and April 9, when Abuja runway would undergo repair. The minister explained that the meeting was aimed at discussing how movement into Kaduna would look like and to also know if there were further requirements to be met before the closure date. He added that most of the concerns raised by some foreign airlines had been addressed, urging them to go to Kaduna and see things for themselves. According to him, as you are all aware, the Abuja airport will be closed on March 8 and the traffic will be moved to Kaduna. We also planned to invite you to visit Kaduna probably in the next few days which we will be showing you the level of preparedness for the movement into Kaduna. I thought it wise that at this point in time, having made Kaduna very ready for the operation, there is need to discuss certain things with you. I have called this meeting to discuss how movement into Kaduna would look like and to know if there are further requirements, he said. However, the representatives of the airlines declined comment to journalists after the meeting. An official of the ministry, who pleaded anonymity, told the News Agency of Nigeria that Ethiopian Airlines had expressed its readiness to operate Kaduna route during the period. The federal government in January announced the temporary closure of Abuja airport from March 8 for the repair of its runway. Mr. Sirika also announced the decision to use Kaduna airport as an alternative during the period. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook The federal government and the six North Eastern States have set aside about N792.7 billion in the proposed 2017 budget for the rebuilding of infrastructure destroyed by Boko Haram crisis in the region. Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, who disclosed this on Wednesday said the provision was for the reconstruction of health and nutrition, education and security infrastructure destroyed during the crisis. Mrs. Ahmed said although budgetary resources worth $2.77 billion (about N846.2 billion) were earmarked in the 2016 budget for the same purpose, the needs to end the crisis still remained high. The total amount required to fund the 2017 Humanitarian Response Plan is $1.054 billion. Currently, less than 10 per cent of the plan has been funded, thus highlighting the need for rigorous fund-raising in order to meet targets, the minister. She said the Nigerian government would seek global support for its effort to end the humanitarian challenges in the region and the surrounding Lake Chad area. The minister was speaking at the opening of a two-day international conference in Oslo, Norway organized jointly with by Norway, Nigeria and Germany, in collaboration with the United Nations. Foreign ministers of countries in the affected regions, representatives of the African and European Unions, and their counterparts in donor countries, as well as heads of United Nations bodies are also attending the conference. Mrs. Ahmed explained that in recent years, violent conflicts and human suffering have left a devastating mark on the north eastern part of Nigeria and parts of Niger, Chad and Cameroon. Most of the affected areas have been left with degraded infrastructure and serious humanitarian challenges. The need for all of us to work together to assist the governments of the region salvage the situation cannot be over-emphasized. The Government of Nigeria and the rest of the International community need to pull resources to assuage the situation, to bring to an end this humanitarian crisis, she stressed. The festering humanitarian challenges, the Minister noted, had resulted from a lack-lustre approach to the developments in the region over a long period. However, she said in the last quarter of 2016, the Nigerian government, together with partners, came up with the Humanitarian Needs Overview for Nigeria, which led to the development of the 2017 Humanitarian Response Plan. Subsequently, she said the Nigeria needed to mobilize domestic resources from budgetary allocations from various government to remedy the situation. Given the debilitating nature of the crisis, the Minister said $1.054 billion would be required to fund the 2017 Humanitarian Response Plan, indicating however that less than 10 per cent of the amount was currently being funded, signaling a need for concerted fund-raising to meet targets. What we need to succeed in 2017 is sustained engagement and support from all humanitarian actors, improved communication at all levels, access facilitation, human resources and sufficient funding to cover the cost of implementing the HRP, she said The Joint Humanitarian Response Plan for Nigeria 2017 partners have resolved to work to alleviate the most life-threatening needs of 6.9 million people located in the three most affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. Share this: Twitter Facebook Less than 10 students apply to study history at the Kaduna State University, KASU, every year, according to Jatau Gaius, the immediate past head of the department. Students are not interested in history; we receive less than 10 applications every year, Mr. Gaius said on Thursday, in Kaduna. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mr. Gaius was speaking with a group of post-graduate students on how history had lost its prestigious place in the society. While blaming poor government policies for the situation, he said that the decision to replace History with Social Studies and Government in primary and secondary schools curriculum, created a gap between secondary and tertiary institutions. Students do not develop interest in studying History because they do not offer it as a subject in secondary school; they study Government instead. While less than 10 students apply to study History in this institution, more than 800 apply to study Political Science, while an average of 1,000 apply to study Sociology every academic session. We have to force most of the students that you see in the department to study History; surprisingly, after the first year, they all developed interest and passion for the course, Mr. Gaius said. He, however, noted that the number of students that applied for Masters in History was quite impressive. Mr. Gaius said that more than 30 students apply for Master of Arts degree in History every year, more than the number the school could accommodate. This is largely due to the interest and passion the students were able to develop during their undergraduate studies, he said. The university don regretted that Nigeria was still battling with the issues of nationalism, patriotism and nation building, 57 years after independence, and blamed that on a loss of touch with their history. He opined that historical consciousness held the key to solving the countrys socio-economic, cultural, religious and political problems. According to Mr. Gaius, knowledge of history promotes national consciousness, patriotism and moral leadership, which ensure overall national development. In a related development, Barry Lee of Morehouse College, Georgia, U.S.A has said that it took concerted efforts by institutions to give meaning and value to history. Mr. Lee said that the family, the school and as well as the government must accord some level of value for history, for it to be relevant. When institutions make history a priority, it becomes the peoples priority, because it becomes an important part of their culture. If the country can figure out how to make history part of the peoples cultural upbringing, then history will have a chance of creating the desired impact in nation building. The responsibility is in the hands of the government to make the necessary policies; government must beef up the academic institutions to train and produce the needed materials, while the family must make history part of the childs cultural upbringing, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook The Katsina State Government has ordered the unconditional reinstatement of 2,175 disengaged local government workers in the state in fullfilment of its campaign promise. Usman Ingawa, the permanent commissioner in the Katsina State Local Government Service Commission, made this known in Daura on Thursday while addressing some of the disengaged staff members. Mr. Ingawa said the commission was in Daura emirate to conduct physical screening of the affected workers to determine those that were still alive and those who have secured another job within the period of the disengagement. He said the committee was also mandated to re-engage and upgrade those who initially joined the service with higher educational qualifications like University degree, NCE or diploma. We will place an individual staff on the appropriate entry point into the service, the commissioner said. He said in the five Local Government Areas of Daura, Sandamu, Maiadua, Baure and Zango, no fewer than 447 staff were affected and would be screened and reengaged. According to him, 159 staff members were affected in Sandamu, 53 in Daura, Maiadua 57, Baure 50 and Zango 128. He said the screening would be conducted in the presence of labour unions like the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and other relevant bodies. In his remarks, the interim administrator of Daura Local Government, Lawal Kado, commended the state government for the initiative. He said reengaging the staff members would go a long way in providing means of livelihood to them and their families. Mr. Kado urged the affected staff to be orderly during and after the exercise. NAN recalls that the immediate past administration of Gov. Ibrahim Shema had disengaged 3,500 Local Government workers in 2010 as part of its reorganisation of the system in the state. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook Four persons were feared killed on Wednesday during a robbery at a Zenith Bank branch in Owerri, Imo State. The robbers, who had trailed a customer with a huge sum of money to the bank, located along Wetheral Road, opposite Dan Anyiam Stadium in the city, also suffered casualty as one of them was shot dead as security officers at the bank engaged them in a shot out. According to a witness, the other casualties were three bank security guards and the customer who the robbers had trailed to the bank. About seven other persons were reportedly injured in the incident. The bandits on getting to the bank premises opened fire at the man as he was bringing out his money. As soon as that happened, security men at the bank responded by shooting down one of the robbers. On killing of the bandit, his gang members rained bullets on the security men, killing three of them on the spot, the witness narrated. The source said that the robbers later fled with their heist in a Ghana-must-go bag. The state Police Commissioner, Taiwo Lakanu, after the incident led officers to the scene in a convoy of three Toyota Hilux vans. The police spokesperson, Andrew Enwere, confirmed the incident. He said a police officer gunned down one of the suspected armed robbers, while another police officer sustained injuries in the exchange of fire with the hoodlums. Mr. Enwere, who condemned the act, advised the public to provide useful information to the police regarding the whereabout of the fleeing criminals who according to the police spokesperson fled with gun shot injuries. The police headquarters and the Imo Government House are just about three minutes drive from the bank. Share this: Twitter Facebook A Lagos hospital, whose staff have suffered harassment and theft from unidentified persons, has started putting security measures in place. Staff and patients at Randle General Hospital on Randle Avenue, Surulere, Lagos, have suffered cases of theft of property and physical assault, the News Agency of Nigeria reports. A correspondent of the Agency who visited the hospital reported that the Emergency Unit was more vulnerable to such incidents as patients, relations and others could easily walk into the premises, without being questioned. NAN also reports that the entrance to the hospitals Emergency Unit had no security personnel, hence anybody could freely walk in. A member of staff said cases of theft and attacks on members of staff, including doctors and nurses on duty, had been ongoing at the unit for some weeks. The staff, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that only patients with critical emergencies were usually allowed to go into the emergency room. We expect relations and patients with emergencies to come in and such people will be attended to. Many people come into the room and we assume that they either come in as patients that need emergency care or relations accompanying them. But some outsiders do find their way in and steal; a patients bag was once stolen when she and her relation went to the bathroom. Also, the mobile phones of some patients and members of staff have been stolen; there have also been instances of doctors and nurses being beaten up by people who have lost their loved ones, the staff recalled. NAN, however, reports that the hospital management had started to put in place measures, including the deployment of security agents and the installation of CCTV cameras. Police personnel are now being deployed at night to parade the hospital compound. An official, who also spoke on anonymity for the hospital management, said that the management would soon introduce new measures to ensure that the emergency room was better secured. Only those with emergencies would now be allowed to go in, the official said. A patient, Esiri Umukoro, who spoke to NAN, said that the hospital environment should be a safe place to receive treatment. She said that the management had the responsibility to ensure that patients at the hospital were safe at all times. The hospital is open as can be seen from the entrance and anybody can walk in; there should be more security men placed at every entrance, to prevent theft. Anybody can come in the name of coming to receive treatment, but the hospital management should be more security conscious, she added. Share this: Twitter Facebook Some commuters in Lagos State have appealed to the state government to reconsider its plan to increase the bus fares of Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) and Lagos Buses known as LAGBUS with effect from March 1. They said that the increment when implemented would bring more hardships to them especially during this recession. They added that it would further expand the gulf between the rich and the masses which BRT and LAGBUS buses had tried to bridge. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State had approved between 20 per cent and 50 per cent fare increase for BRT, LAGBUS and other franchise buses, with effect from March 1, 2017. The governor said that the increase was necessitated by the economic downturn in the country which had affected the transport sector drastically. NAN also reports that the fare increase differs in various routes. For a ride on BRT bus from Ikorodu to CMS, where a passenger currently pays N200, the passenger will pay N300 as fare from March 1. A trip from Ikorodu to Mile 12, with a fare of N70 at present will become N100 also. Fare from Ikotun to Iyana Ipaja, now N50 will move up to N100 while Ikotun to Ikeja would be N200 from the present N100 per passenger. Also, from Igando to Maryland would be N150 from its present N100, while every passenger travelling from Dopemu to Ikeja/Maryland would pay N200 as against the present N150 fare. Wale Adegboyega, a civil servant, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday that the proposed increase would further add to the existing sufferings of the commuters. Mr. Adegboyega said that majority of commuters boarding those buses would face a lot of financial challenges as a result of the increments. We appeal to the government to reconsider its plan to increase the fares as it will bring more hardship to the residents. Currently, the country is in recession when many citizens are only leaving from hand to mouth, it will be unfair if the government should embark on such policy. For the past three years, there has not been an increment in salaries paid to workers whereas schools fees, house rents and prices of food stuffs have increased significantly. Boarding BRT and LAGBUS buses have been the only avenue where we enjoy the dividends of democracy, he said. Also, Esther Jemilehin, a trader who resides in Ikorodu, also told NAN that the planned increment would bring more hardship to the residents. Mrs. Jemilehin said that she spent over N10,000 on monthly basis on transportation. We are just coming to market for the sake of coming; the sales nowadays have reduced compared to what they used to be before. There is recession everywhere and because of that I had not sold goods worth N20,000 in the last two weeks despite spending N10,000 for transport monthly. We are appealing to the state government to continue retain the present fare so as to make life conducive for Lagos residents, she said. Richard Ekene, a teacher residing in Abule Egba area, also said that the proposed increments if implemented would affect him domestically. Mr. Ekene said that his monthly income as a teacher in a private school, is N35,000, and N9,000 out of it goes for transportation. He appealed to the government to drop the planned increase for the sake of the common people. BRT and LAGBUS buses are the avenues where the rich and masses meet on daily basis in Lagos State because it brings equality. But with the planned increment, the masses will be separated from the rich totally because majority of the masses may not be able to afford the proposed fares, Mr. Ekene said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook The Ibadan City master plan is 75 per cent completed, Isaac Ishola, Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, has announced. Mr. Ishola made the announcement on Thursday in Ibadan at the 2016 Annual Luncheon of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, NIS. The master plan is all-involving. It is a document that takes care of the city and all human components; what they want and where they want it. When we talk of master plan, we are talking of the types of infrastructure we need, where we need them and how much do we need, he said. The commissioner said the government had taken steps to ensure prompt issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) to land owners, adding that the certificate would now be issued not more than 60 days. The government has relaxed many rules to fast track the process of acquiring the certificate, he said. He said that the state government had developed free trade zone on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and would require the services of surveyors. Speaking earlier, the state chairman of NIS Ola Shiyanbola, pledged the institutions readiness to partner with government and traditional rulers to ensure that lands are protected from land speculators and grabbers. There is no gain saying that we have not effectively managed our environment nowadays as it used to be in the olden days. Deforestation, indiscriminate construction, mining, agriculture, urbanisation and industrialisation have led to erosion, flooding and improper waste management. This has caused loss of life and properties, r. Shiyanbola said, and stressed the need for strict enforcement of environmental laws to prevent further calamities. The chairman commended Governor Abiola Ajimobi for signing the Real Properties Protection Law 2016. In his remarks, Samuel Adegbola, the Eleruwa of Eruwa, urged members of NIS to work closely with traditional rulers in the area of land management. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook Several recent open carry demonstrations, along with threats made to a local mosque, have some Dearborn residents on edge, and police are working to keep the community safe. That was the message delivered by Police Chief Ronald Haddad during a press conference Thursday morning at the Dearborn Police Department. In one of the latest incidents, a group of five people four armed with guns marched down Schaefer Avenue on Feb. 19 as part of an open carry demonstration. The men walked along Schaefer from Blesser to Warren during peak business hours in the mid-morning. We were very much in tune to what was happening and we monitored it very closely, Haddad said. Police received 911 calls about the situation, but no police response for required. Haddad added that the men were not from Dearborn and none were arrested. A lot of fear was generated, Haddad said about the incidents. I for one dont think that for a group of relatively strange people to get all armed up and walk down the street is a projection of your Second Amendment rights; rather I think its an intrusion on the safety of a good community. Haddad said the men staged the demonstration in the city in support of a Feb. 5 incident in which two masked men armed with semiautomatic weapons recorded themselves walking into the Dearborn Police Department. The men were visiting the police station to file a complaint about a traffic stop, and decided to walk in with guns and their faces covered with ski masks. As soon as they entered the building, the men were met by two officers with weapons drawn, ordering them to put the guns on the floor. They eventually complied with police orders to put down their weapons and put their hands over their heads. Officers seized a loaded AP-14 firearm, a rifle magazine containing 47 rounds; a loaded Glock 19 handgun with four additional magazines containing 66 rounds; body armor and ballistic vests; a mask, a gun belt and several pieces of camera equipment; an AR-15 rifle; and an AK-47-style rifle. The two men were later identified as James Baker, a 24-year-old from Leonard and Brandon Vreeland, 40, of Jackson, two open carry activists who were protesting what they said was an illegal stop by Dearborn police earlier in the day. Both men were charged with several misdemeanors and posted $1,500 bonds. They were released pending arraignment on the charges. Haddad said he will be talking to state legislators about possibly amending the open carry law to set controlled conditions for open carry demonstrations. The issue is keeping our community safe, he said. Ive spent 44 years ensuring that peoples constitutional rights are upheld and defended, but I still have a problem with people coming into a business sector walking into a bank, walking into a mall just for the purpose of trying to get a reaction. Another incident on Feb. 19 involved an unknown man who left a threatening voicemail on an answering machine at the American Moslem Society, 9445 Vernor Highway, calling all Muslims agents of Satan and threatening them with eradication. During the press conference, Haddad played the message, which also said, All the Muslim children that you have now you should be worried for their future. He said the department will use every resource it has to identify the caller. I find this threat made against the mosque to be totally unacceptable and totally malicious, he said. Police also recently became aware of a social media post detailing false claims of home invasions in which victims were tricked into allowing women dressed in traditional Arab clothing into their houses. That report is completely false, Haddad said, adding that such false reports instill unreal fears in people. The post also falsely claims that Haddad discussed the incident with the poster, which is untrue. Haddad said police havent received any reports about such crimes. There is no one knocking on doors in the city of Dearborn threatening our citizens and trying to line them up with some type of scam, he said. Were in a real angry time in our history. There is a lot of fear and a lot of race-baiting and its all counterproductive. Imad Hamad, executive director of the American Human Rights Council in Dearborn, agreed that the incidents have caused anxiety and fear. Adding to the tensions is that these incidents are occurring in the midst of a toxic political environment with controversial policies harshly impacting immigrant and Muslim American communities, Hamad said. While the armed individuals were carrying their weapons openly under the authority of Michigans open carry law, Hamad said the law is being misused to violate human rights and threaten law and order. A fundamental human right is the right to live in safety without fear of harm, he said. The law is being misused to endanger the police and to instill fear in women and children. Hamad said he agrees with the police chief that the Michigan legislative branch should consider revising the law. GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP Stockton University will pay more than $130,000 to hold its graduation at Boardwalk Hall in May. University trustees approved a $132,000 contract with Global Spectrum LP Wednesday to provide the venue, stagehands, electricians, lighting, sound, video and other services for graduation rehearsal and ceremonies May 11 and 12. State Sen. Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic, will receive a distinguished service award and be the keynote speaker at Stocktons first commencement ceremony at Boardwalk Hall. Trustees approved a resolution for the award that cited Whelans long service to the city and region as an Atlantic City teacher, city councilman, mayor and state representative. The university is moving its graduation from the main campus to the city, where a new campus is under construction, so it can provide a large enough venue for one graduation ceremony. Two ceremonies have to be held at the Galloway Township campus to accommodate the growing student body. In other business, trustee Chairwoman Madeleine Deininger said the board also supports the Stockton Safe proposal developed by representatives of student groups and the administration to protect immigrant students. This is a solution that protects our students within the confines of the law, she said. President Harvey Kesselman said the university will post a formal statement Friday outlining the universitys position. He praised student leaders for their passion and interest in the issue and their professionalism in working with the administration. I could not be more proud of them, he said. Student trustee Christian Moreno, of Atlantic City, got a standing ovation when he thanked Stockton for its support and said his parents are undocumented and afraid. I can tell you the fear is real, he said of concerns about deportation. I have never been more proud of my university and fellow students. I got messages from people telling me that what we did mattered. Stockton Federation of Teachers President Anne Pomeroy and union members came to remind the board that the faculty has been without a contract since July 1, 2015. Pomeroy encouraged them and the president to put pressure on state officials to negotiate. The contract of faculty at nine state colleges is negotiated with the Governors Office of Employee Relations and representatives of the colleges. We are Stockton, she said to a crowd that included more than 50 faculty members, many wearing union T-shirts. Will you fight for those who carry out the mission of the university? Stockton professor Tim Haresign, president of the Council of New Jersey State College Locals, said the presidents have to get more directly involved and work out their issues so the process can proceed. He said public events are planned at other campuses. VENTNOR Brenda Toulson was all smiles Wednesday as she waited in line at the far end of the Ventnor Plaza shopping center parking lot. She stood shoulder to shoulder with casino workers and others who had lost their jobs, who were on disability, young and old, and who were struggling to feed themselves and their families. But it was about to get a little easier. A Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Southern Branch, truck pulled in about 10 a.m. Volunteers quickly assembled tables and unloaded boxes of frozen chicken, tomatoes, cans of beans and other food. It was a sight that Toulson and other Ventnor and Margate residents havent seen in nearly eight months. For the first time since the old property hosts banned the food banks mobile food pantry, Downbeach residents needing assistance could get food from the mobile program in their own backyard. When the mobile went away, I had to buy all my groceries, left with no money in my pockets for anything else, said Toulson, 64, of Ventnor. This really helps. Its always helped. Nearly 70 people on state and federal assistance programs showed up to the newly located mobile pantry. About 22 new people signed up for the mobile program, which food bank officials considered a lot. The food bank, headquartered in Egg Harbor Township, established the mobile pantry program in Ventnor in 2011. Officials said they identified a population of people lacking access to healthy and affordable food. More than 14 percent of Ventnor residents live in poverty, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That rate is higher than in Egg Harbor Township, Galloway Township, Somers Point and Middle Township, some of which host a food bank mobile pantry one day per month. Ventnor officials said the Veterans of Foreign Wars building on Dorset Avenue terminated its contract with the mobile pantry in July after receiving complaints from residents that clients of the mobile pantry were loitering on public property near the area. Since then, city and food bank officials, as well as Ventnor residents, struggled to agree on a location for the mobile pantry. Meanwhile, Downbeach residents were re-assigned to attend the Somers Point mobile food pantry. But that became an issue for people such as Toulson, who does not own a car and would have difficulty lifting and traveling on a long bus ride with heavy bags and carts of food. Tonya Smith, mobile pantry coordinator, picked out some faces in line that she hadnt seen since the previous Ventnor mobile site closed. Among them were people who needed food assistance to help feed themselves and their families after losing jobs in Atlantic City casinos. Tracy Feigan, 45, of Ventnor, used the mobile pantry at its original location on Dorset Avenue after she lost her job when Trump Taj Mahal closed last year. She had to rely on others for rides to Somers Point, but more often than not, she wasnt able to make it happen. While negotiations about the mobile pantrys relocation were ongoing, Mayor Beth Holtzman told The Press of Atlantic City that she understood the need for the mobile food pantry, but wanted to find a way to balance it with residents concerns. Some Ventnor residents expressed their opposition at a January town hall meeting to several proposed locations for the mobile pantry to return to, including a location at Ski Beach near the NJ Transit bus stop. But community food bank volunteers such as Diane Birkbeck pushed back and said the mobile pantry deserved an accessible public area in the community. She and about 15 others stood at the Ventnor site Wednesday and helped people load food into their boxes, bags and carts. Unequivocally, hunger lives in your community, said Richard Uniacke, Southern Branch vice president. There are families who are struggling and you cant tell by looking at them. VENTNOR Tonya Smith found herself helping an elderly woman in her early 90s from Ventnor who had shown up to a recent mobile food pantry in Somers Point. Smith, mobile pantry coordinator for the Community FoodBank of New Jerseys Southern Branch, said the woman needed proper hearing aids but couldnt afford them. She shouldnt have been driving that day, but she had no choice, Smith said. A fight over the relocation and re-establishment of the Ventnor mobile pantry will make more needy residents travel farther, food bank advocates said. Ventnor officials shut down the mobile food pantry in July because its spot at the Veterans of Foreign Wars building on Dorset Avenue had become overcrowded. Meet the woman helping to keep South Jersey fed in tough times On a Wednesday, a line of people with shopping carts and boxes makes its way around a makesh City Commissioners proposed moving the mobile pantry to Ski Beach near the NJ Transit bus stop and ample parking spaces, but nearby residents said they dont want it there. Were not against the mobile pantry or helping anyone in need, said city resident Susan Blitzstein. We just dont think this is the right spot for it. Food bank officials said they established the mobile pantry in Ventnor in 2011 because they identified a population of people lacking access to healthy food. More than 14 percent of Ventnor residents live in poverty, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That rate is higher than those in Egg Harbor Township, Galloway Township, Somers Point and Middle Township, all of which host a food bank mobile pantry one day per month for two to three hours. Food bank officials said they have a list of 107 families, including 72 children, in Ventnor who visit mobile and regular food pantries. Ventnor and Margate residents enrolled in state assistance programs must now travel to Somers Point to attend a mobile pantry. Im confident that we can work with the neighbors and the mobile pantry to get this done, whether its at Ski Beach or another location in the city, Commissioner Lance Landgraf said. I think at Ski Beach it can work if its done correctly. Food bank in Ventnor lacks site Each year the Community FoodBank of New Jerseys mobile food pantries deliver more than 1 mi City officials said residents around the VFW previously complained that pantry clients were knocking on their doors, asking to use their bathrooms or sitting on their steps. Food bank officials said they did not receive those complaints while the mobile pantry stopped in Ventnor. Mayor Beth Holtzman told The Press of Atlantic City in December she understood the need for the mobile food pantry but wanted to find a way to balance it with residents concerns. Several people speaking during a commission meeting Friday suggested a better spot for the mobile pantry would be at the Ventnor Public Library, but city officials said the parking lot at the library is too small for the truck that distributes the food. The Ventnor mobile pantry will be canceled for an eighth consecutive month if the commission does not pass a resolution to allow the pantry to set up at Ski Beach. Peter Kleiner, former president of the Crown Key Condominium Association, said during Fridays meeting that condo owners at Crown Key were against the move. Diane Birkbeck, a food bank mobile pantry volunteer who attended the commissioner meeting, said the mobile pantry would be set up on Ski Beach for three hours a month. We are talking about a public park, and it is for the use of anyone in our community, she said. Food bank and city officials have been discussing the relocation and reinstatement of the mobile pantry for months. Now it seems almost like everyone is asking that question of what do I pay or how do we eat this week or how do I make this stretch, Smith said in December at a Somers Point mobile pantry. Its something very prominent, and were trying to help as much as possible. ATLANTIC CITY Applause doesnt break out in church very often. Father Jon Thomas, pastor of the Parish of Saint Monica, accomplished what he wanted with his Mass to pray for the success of the business community. More than 100 people showed up for the service Wednesday evening inside Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Church, and those gathered in the pews applauded the business community at the end of the service. God has given us the gifts we need to till the Earth and build our business, Thomas said from the altar. Last February, a Mass and a procession was held to support union members living through tough times at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. This year, Thomas decided a Mass was needed for the business community as it tries to thrive after the recession, Hurricane Sandy and casino closings. Mark Giannatonio, president of Resorts Casino Hotel, and Steve Callender, general manager of Tropicana Casino and Resort, were in attendance, as was Christopher Simonetti, a Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa executive casino host, John Raymond Gormley, one of the directors of the Gormley Funeral Home here, and Cathy Burke, the co-owner of the Irish Pub, among others. During Thomas sermon, he made reference to the seldom mentioned second verse in the Bible after God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. The second verse is fill the earth, and subdue it from Genesis 1:28. The business person has a vocation in a religious sense of the word, a calling, Thomas said. We are co-responsible with God to build up the Earth. Thomas said the best thing he can do for people seeking financial assistance is to help them land a job. Burke found something titled, A Prayer for Our Business and Retailer Leaders on the Internet that Thomas read from the altar. As our business and retail leaders walk uprightly and do what is right, no good thing will be withheld from them, Thomas said. ATLANTIC CITY Bessy Blanco, 54, was beautiful inside and out, said friend and former co-worker Liz Fuls, of Galloway Township. "I could see anyone falling in love with her," and perhaps becoming obsessed, said Fuls. "Her personality glows." Blanco's niece Rebecca Blanco, 17, of Galloway Township, said the man arrested in her death was known to the family. "He was an ex-boyfriend. It was jealousy and obsession," said Rebecca Blanco. Blanco and 52-year-old Mark Richart, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, were stabbed in Blancos home Saturday night. Richart remains in AtlantiCare Regional Medical Centers City Campus, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office. Jose B. Lopez, 51, of North Oakland Avenue in Ventnor, was arrested Sunday in Galloway Township and charged with murder, attempted murder and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes after a Galloway police officer recognized the car Lopez was driving as belonging to Richart. Lopez is scheduled for a detention hearing today at 1:30 p.m. in the County Courthouse in Mays Landing. Rebecca Blanco said the family is still struggling to accept the extreme violence of the end of her aunt's life. The funeral will be Tuesday at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Atlantic City, and burial will be in the Atlantic City Cemetery in Pleasantville, her niece said. Blanco had experienced a string of tragedies earlier in her life. She was in her 30s when she stepped in to raise two of her sisters children after their parents and a sibling were killed in a horrific car crash on Route 30 in Egg Harbor City a week before Christmas 2000, according to Press of Atlantic City accounts at the time. Then, just weeks from buying a home in 2001 with the help of people who rallied around her family, her husband, Arnoldo, died, and the real estate closing could not go forward. But with continued support from the community, the Unite Here Local 54 union and four casinos that had employed Blanco, her husband, her sister and her brother-in-law, she eventually was able to buy a home on North Harrisburg Avenue, said state Sen. Jim Whelan, who was involved in helping the family years ago. "She never remarried," said Rebecca Blanco, and financial challenges were constant. "It was definitely rough on her, she tried her best and was always pushing to do better," she said. "I never heard her say anything negative." Rebecca Blanco said Bessy's adult daughter Ana, who could not be reached for comment, helped Bessy as much as she could. Fuls said Blanco had accepted an invitation to her birthday party next Friday, where she was looking forward to catching up with her. "I'm still very much in shock and very much upset about it," said Fuls. The two became close in the last few years working at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City. Fuls worked in communications and dispatch, and Blanco was an assistant manager in housekeeping, Fuls said. But Fuls left her job a while back, and missed seeing her regularly, she said. "My mom had a heart attack and Bessy went to the hospital with flowers and a card," said Fuls. "Some of my family didn't even do that." While she is devastated, "I'm glad they got the man," she said. "It's never going to bring back her life, but I'm glad they got him, that's all." Rebecca Blanco has set up a fundraising page to help the family with Bessy Blanco's funeral costs. To donate, visit youcaring.com/anitablancofuneralcost-760636/. FINEST KIND CLINIC AND FISHMARKET.... Discussing medicine, culture, and the joys of cooking Pansit. Atlantic City police are asking for help finding a man wanted in connection with a shooting last month. At 4:15 p.m. on Jan. 25, officers were called to the Venice Park section for reports of shots fired and a ShotSpotter alert. No one was injured but officers found evidence of shooting, according to a news release. A Violent Crimes Unit investigation led to charges against Sharod Taylor, 29, of Atlantic City. Police are not identifying the man Taylor allegedly tried to shoot. Taylor is charged with aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of weapon for an unlawful purpose, and certain person not to possess a weapon. Taylor was shot in the hand in 2011 while riding his bicycle near Stanley Holmes Village. In 2013 he was charged as part of a crackdown on a gang that allegedly controlled the drug trade along the beach block of Tennessee, Ocean and North Carolina avenues, and St. James Place, according to Press archives. It's not clear what the outcome of that case was. Anyone with information about this incident or Taylor is asked to contact the Atlantic City Police Department Violent Crimes Unit at 609-347-5788. Information can be text to TIP411 (847411). Begin the text with ACPD. All texts are anonymous. PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account. MAYS LANDING People affected by addiction often seek help from a religious or faith-based leader. So the Join Together Atlantic County coalition co-hosted a Do No Harm drug-prevention training Thursday to offer resources, education tools and strategies to help religious leaders better support and help individuals and families who struggle with addiction. We know youre among the first ones people go to for help, and we can help provide the tools you need to understand what addiction is, said Kathy McFadden, JTACs program director. The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrations state division and the Atlantic County Opiate Task Force held the event. Heroin and opioid use in New Jersey counties is an epidemic, experts say. Nicholas Kolen, assistant special agent in charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrations state division, has experience tracking and shutting down drug trafficking operations in Mexico and South America. Its worse than he ever has seen, he said. The problem is actually worse than you even realize, he said. New Jerseys death rate from drug misuse is triple the U.S. rate, Kolen said. He said he believes the number of people addicted to heroin is underreported. More than 80 percent of New Jersey adults affiliate themselves with a religious faith, according to the Pew Research Center. Substance misuse prevention and treatment advocates say leaders of congregations and community groups often serve on the front lines of the issue. Filling tool chest Christina Chillem, assistant of community support for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Camden, said she sees many pastors refer people to addiction programs and services at her organization. She wanted more tools to help pastors continue that and better address issues from parents of children with addictions. Leaders from the Hammonton Family Success Center, the SOAR Church in Woodbine, Praise Tabernacle Church in Egg Harbor Township, Northfield Baptist Church and others took down tips and ideas. Bob Zlotnick, president and executive director of Atlantic Prevention Resources, pointed out scripture from the Old Testament that identified issues with alcoholism thousands of years ago. He suggested leaders could use a tool called CAGE to open conversation with congregatants. The CAGE tools instruct leaders to ask questions about control and cutting down on substance use, emotions and feelings of guilt, anger or annoyance over usage and the need for eye-opening discussion with congregants. Rebecca Alfaro, deputy director of the Governors Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, suggested including church bulletins about addiction prevention education and recovery, possibly holding town meetings and other ideas. Paying forward Mariel Hufnagel is 10 years sober and clean from her addiction to opiates and other drugs. She joined the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence New Jersey organization as a field advocate three years ago. She travels to events to talk about how people can help support friends, family and neighbors suffering in the current epidemic. A lot of times, families dont know where to go for help and often go to the people they already trust, she said. Many of those people have a connection with faith. The fight over reductions to this years summer flounder catch will be coming to the U.S. House of Representatives, thanks to two New Jersey congressmen. On Thursday, U.S. Reps. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, and Frank Pallone, D-6th, announced plans to introduce a bill that would stop the cuts and maintain the status quo, according to a news release. Earlier this month, a federal regulatory commission approved an option to cut fluke limits for recreational and commercial fishermen by between 28 percent and 32 percent for 2017. Example measures presented in the approved document suggest recreational limits for keepers could be set to three fish at 19 inches in the Atlantic Ocean and three at 18 inches in the Delaware Bay for a 128-day season. Last year, recreational anglers could keep five fish at 18 inches in the ocean and four at 17 inches in the bay. The move was widely condemned by New Jerseys federal delegation, state leaders and recreational fishing advocates many of whom say it will cripple the Jersey Shores economy. Federal experts have said the reductions are necessary to preserve the stock. At a public hearing last month in Galloway Township, Kirby Rootes-Murdy, a senior fishery management plan coordinator at Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, said the flounder stock is in an overfishing situation. The legislation set to be introduced by LoBiondo and Pallone would keep 2016 limits until the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration can conduct a new flounder stock assessment. Bills calling on NOAA to do the same thing passed in the state Assembly and state Senate in recent weeks. Fishing advocates and some lawmakers and state leaders have said NOAAs methods of measuring the flounder stock are flawed. The use of questionable methodologies and outdated science by NOAA bureaucrats will cut our fishing industry off at the knees, LoBiondo said in a statement. This bipartisan legislation is the next effort in our fight against these severely flawed quotas. Pallone said the recreational fishing industry contributes $1 billion to the state economy and employs 20,000 people and called the approved reductions a body blow. GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP Emergency personnel on Thursday practiced their response to threats similar to shootings that have occurred across the United States. Students from Absegami High Schools homeland security magnet program acted as victims, using realistic props including broken prosthetic limbs and fake blood packs. You want to make it as realistic as possible. That way when they actually have something happen, they will be ready for it, said Brad Parker, regional training manager for the National Center for Biomedical Research at Louisiana State University. Instructors from LSU and the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University led the drills and evaluated response times. The drills took place at the former Oceanville School building. They included officers from Galloway and Hamilton townships, State Police, Customs and Border Protection, state Park Police, and Galloway firefighters and EMTs. Galloway Township Ambulance Squad Chief Chuck Uhl said the program was funded through a grant from the Department of Homeland Security. Our main goal is to teach police, fire and EMS to integrate response to a situation, Uhl said. Kevin Nichols, an adjunct instructor with the ALERRT Center, said its research shows that during an active-shooter situation, victims with survivable injuries are at high risk and need to be moved to secure areas. Thursdays drills focused on law enforcement and getting volunteer victims to secure locations and awaiting ambulances.